Harry Potter Crosses the Pond
Harry Potter sat alone in a compartment aboard the Hogwarts Express watching as the students said goodbye to their loved ones and marveling at how young the first years appeared. He could not imagine that he, Ron and Hermione had ever been that little.
Unlike the rest of the young witches and wizards boarding the train, Harry was not returning as a student. Professor McGonagall had asked Harry to come to Hogwarts, she had a favor to ask of him.
Harry had no idea what that favor could be, but he had a great deal of respect for Professor McGonagall and if it were in his power, he would do anything she asked of him.
The door of the compartment slid open to admit Ron, Ginny and Hermione, followed closely by Neville and Luna.
"Hi Harry."
"Hello Luna, how are you?"
Luna launched into a tale of speckled whozywhatsit's and her fathers preparations to capture them alive. "They have wonderful healing properties and their saliva is a powerful aphrodisiac" Harry grinned at Ron and Hermione and lost himself in Luna's story. The conclusion being that Luna's father was sure to capture at least one and prove to the world that they do exist after all.
Harry had mixed feelings about returning to Hogwarts. For the longest time it had been the only place Harry felt he belonged. But with the death of Professor Dumbeldore, Harry was sure Hogwarts would never be the same. Harry had no doubts that Professor McGonagall would be a great headmistress, but walking those halls, knowing Professor Dumbeldore would not be returning was almost too much for Harry to comprehend.
On the other hand Harry had such great memories of his time at Hogwarts, when his life wasn't in danger. Meeting Ron and Hermione. Learning to ride a broom. Quidditch. Yes, Harry decided, returning to Hogwarts would be bittersweet.
"You with us mate?" Ron asked.
"Yes." Harry replied. He turned to face Ron and caught sight of Neville and Luna, heads close together, whispering about something or the other. Neville took Luna's hand in his and began an earnest conversation about mandrake root. "When did that come about?" Harry indicated the pair with his head.
"Neville and Luna? They've been going out since Christmas, didn't I tell you?" Hermione asked.
Harry shook his head no and returned his gaze to the window. He felt disconnected somehow. He was enjoying his time and the fact that he did not have to look over his shoulder anymore - but he had lost touch with his friends and their everyday lives. He did not realize how isolated he'd become at Grimauld Place. Now that Rus was away at University the only conversation Harry had on a daily basis were with Kreacher and Tilly.
Harry chuckled to himself at his memory of Kreacher this morning at breakfast. The little house elf was wearing a pair of green britches and a blue and green striped shirt. He looked very dapper and Harry told him as much. Kreacher's reply was, "They itch and bind, I can't breath." Tilly laughed and told him he would grow accustomed to clothes in time.
Tilly was a blessing, in more ways than one. She had made such a change in Kreacher, he was actually happy. Harry never thought he would see Kreacher smile, much less laugh. But Tilly had a way of making everyone's day seem brighter. And the food. Well between the two of them, Harry had gained a stone.
The train's whistle blew, signifying that Hogwarts was in sight. "We need to get our robes Harry." Ron said, pulling them from the overhead compartment and passing them around. Harry watched as his friends donned their robes, surprised at the tiny twinge of envy that shot through him.
They regained their seats and Neville asked if Harry had any idea what Professor McGonagall wanted. Harry replied that he did not and that set off a round of 'what if's'.
"Well I think she wants you to return to school Harry. What else could it be?" Hermione looked at Harry in that way she had, it was almost a reproachful look, like Harry had done something wrong. "I think you should return anyway."
"Hermione, we've been over this, I'm not going back."
"But why Harry? Things have settled down. Draco's not here. What's stopping you?" Hermione continued. "Besides aren't you tired of rattling around in that old house with no one to talk with except Kreacher and Tilly?"
What? So Hermione was a mind reader now?
"Leave him alone Hermione. You know how he gets once he's made up his mind." Ron said.
The train pulled to a stop and Harry said goodbye as his friends made their way off the train. Harry could hear Hagrid calling for the first years to keep up. Once the train was empty Harry made his way to the exit and stepped off the train into the bright light of mid-day. He spotted Ron in the middle of the group heading to the coaches. Sadly enough, Harry was sure each of them could see the Thestral's now.
Harry made his way to Hagrid and waited as he made sure all of the students were off the train. "Ride up with me Harry?"
"Sure, Hagrid." The climbed aboard a coach and Harry listened as Hagrid told him about Madame Maxine. "She's thinking about retiring Harry. She might want to move here."
"Move here? With you? Hagrid are you and Madame Maxine dating?" Harry inquired.
"Well now, dating? I don't know Harry. She's a fine lady, is Madame Maxine. A fine lady."
Hagrid quieted, lost in his own thoughts.
The coach stopped in the line at the door and Harry climbed down. "I'll see you later Harry, need to get the Thestral's unhitched and back in the woods."
"See you later Hagrid." Harry wondered where he should go, then his stomach growled, making the decision for him. He followed the students into the Great Hall and made his way to the Gryffindor table and took a seat beside Ron and Hermione. He waved as people called out greetings.
Finally Professor McGonagall stood to address the students. "I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas break. Classes will resume in the morning and I want you all on your best behavior, no one should be tardy. Now, let's eat."
As usual the food appeared on the table and Harry tucked in with the student's. He spared a glance at Professor McGonagall and she inclined her head in Harry's direction. Harry nodded back and continued to eat.
Once everyone had eaten their fill and then some in Ron's case, dessert arrived. "I can't eat another bite." Ron said, while shoving a pumpkin pastie in his mouth. "Honestly Ron, where do you put all of it?" Hermione asked with a look of disgust on her face.
"What?" Ron kept eating to the amusement of those around him.
Finally the feast was over and the students made their way to the Common Rooms. "We'll talk with you later Harry." Ron and Hermione followed the rest of Gryffindor House upstairs.
Harry looked around and spotted Professor McGonagall. "Come with me Potter, if you please."
Harry followed Professor McGonagall to the statue leading to the Head Mistress' office. "Crackpot Quidditch." McGonagall said and the statue moved aside, revealing the staircase to the upper office.
Once inside Harry noticed the subtle changes Professor McGonagall had made to the room. Most notably was the absence of Fawkes. "Take a seat."
Professor McGonagall sat down and let out a breath. "How have you been?"
"Good. I'm good. How about you Professor?"
"Honestly, I'm overcome. I haven't found a replacement Transfiguration teacher. I'm still giving classes during the day and working on the other responsibilities in the evenings. But that is not why I've asked you here."
Harry waited.
"Albus was in contact with most of the other wizarding schools. You know, after the TriWizard Cup, there are at least two more - but all together we have about ten scattered throughout the world. The smallest is in America. We had a great many witches and wizards to make the move to America, but during the Salem Witch Trials, many of them were killed. The survivors moved on and most went underground for fear of their lives."
Harry had no idea what this history of America could have to do with him.
"This small school has a student who is more than proficient in Transfiguration, but the teacher has taken the lessons as far as she is able. In short the student has surpassed the teacher. This teacher contacted Albus and asked if the student could be sent here, to Hogwarts for their last year."
Professor McGonagall paused and sat back in her chair.
"The only thing I have is an address in America and a name. Jackson Holt in PeachGrove, Georgia. I have no way of contacting this school or the teacher. And Harry I have no time. I'm stretched to the breaking point as it is."
"Professor what do you need me to do?" Harry asked, confusion evident in his voice.
"Well I should think that is obvious, Potter. I need you to go to America and bring this student back."