Welcome all to the second chapter of Year 3 of Battle Mage of Hogwarts!
I'm really surprised how many people actually liked that I had the Dementor talk. Rest assured, you'll all be finding out why the Dementor suddenly concentrated so heavily on Harry there. However, I can't guarantee you'll get the whole story this chapter. I might keep a secret or two for later in the story. *Mysterious grin*
For now, let's get what everyone wants to see! Which is the next chapter.
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter. It is the property of J. K. Rowling. If I did own Harry Potter, it probably would look something like what I'm writing here on fanfiction.
Chapter 2
An Ancient Gift
Harry Potter groaned, as he felt vibrations underneath him. He slowly opened his eyes, blinking as he saw the illuminated compartment. He also saw the worried expressions of his friends Hermione and Neville.
"Harry, you're awake!" Hermione said, hugging him. She and Neville helped him to sit up, as Harry slowly held his head.
"What…what happened?" Harry groaned, before his eyes widened as he remembered the tall dark figure and the sinister voice in his head. And he remembered hearing a woman scream. He immediately looked around frantically. "Is everyone okay? Who screamed?" He said.
"No one screamed Harry," Neville said. "Though Ginny came close. She was shaking like a leaf the whole time that thing was in here," he said.
Harry glanced at Ginny, who was huddled in her seat still. The poor girl was trembling fearfully, though she looked relieved that Harry was alright.
They were all startled by a snapping noise, as Professor Lupin was breaking a large chocolate bar apart. He began handing pieces to each of them. "Here, eat this," he told them. "It helps relieve the effects of a Dementor."
They all did so immediately, though Harry decided to ask a question first. "You said that thing was a Dementor? What's a Dementor?" he asked the only adult in the compartment.
Remus Lupin sighed as he looked at Harry. "A very dark, soulless creature. They are employed by the Ministry of Magic to act as guards for the Wizarding Prison of Azkaban. That Dementor was searching the train for Sirius Black. Though why it seemed to focus on you I don't know. I've never heard of one doing that before. Not on someone who is innocent."
Harry's eyes widened as a thought came to him. "My brother! They might have done the same to him! I need to go check on him!" He said, as he struggled to get up, only to be stopped by Neville.
"You're in no condition Harry. I'll go check on Travis," he said, as he got up.
"I'll accompany you. I need to go talk to the conductor anyways," Lupin said, as he followed Neville out of the room. Harry slumped into one of the seats. The chocolate had warmed him up and left him feeling better. But he was worried about Travis. He looked at the two girls. "What happened? After I fainted? Did anyone else faint?" He asked.
Ginny shook her head. "N-No…I came close though. I kept seeing flashes of…The Chamber," she said.
Hermione nodded. "I kept experiencing all my worst memories. Though it lessened when it focused on you. After you fainted, Professor Lupin uttered a spell I couldn't hear, and shot a silvery cloud of magic. The Dementor retreated instantly."
Harry nodded quietly, looking down a bit. He was concerned about why the Dementor had targeted him in particular. He remembered hearing that sinister voice in his head, almost spitting out the word Battle Mage. Was that the reason why? Would that mean Travis would be targeted too?
His thoughts turned towards why he had fainted. Was the Dementor that powerful? Or was it for some other reason? He just quietly looked down.
Neville soon arrived. "Travis is alright. He was a little shaken, but it seems that the Dementor didn't bother him."
Harry just nodded numbly. He was glad his little brother was okay. It seemed that either he in particular had drawn the attention of the Dementor, or the Dementor hadn't realized Travis was a battle mage. Either way, that was good news.
A few minutes later Professor Lupin arrived and smiled at them. "The conductor says we're almost to Hogwarts. You should all get ready," he said, as he stepped out to give them some privacy. Harry and Neville stepped out too, letting Hermione and Ginny change. After they were done, the boys did as well.
A few minutes later, the train came to a second stop, this time at the Hogsmeade station. The students onboard began to pile out onto the platform, where they found themselves being pelted by sheets of freezing rain. Harry shivered at the feeling as it felt all too similar to what he had experienced at the hands of the Dementor.
His spirits were lifted a bit when he heard a familiar deep and gruff voice calling out. "First years this way! C'mon first years! This way!" Harry grinned as he saw his giant of a friend, Rubeus Hagrid. Hagrid was the groundskeeper at Hogwarts. Standing impressively at probably twelve or more feet tall, the massive man and Harry had become good friends.
Hagrid grinned and waved at them, before escorting the first year students away. It was his job to escort the first years down to the lake, where they would ride a series of boats across the great lake that was on the grounds of Hogwarts. The rest of the students would ride up to the castle in carriages there were either pulled by some type of invisible horse, or were propelled entirely by magic. Harry wasn't sure which honestly.
Harry grunted as he pulled himself up into one of the carriages, then helped Ginny and Hermione in. Neville climbed in last, and shut the door. And with that, the carriage began to trundle forward through the forest.
As they approached the gates of Hogwarts though, Harry was in for a rather nasty surprise. Flanking either side of the large metal gate was a pair of Dementors. He shuddered, as he felt the icy feeling seize him again. It soon passed as they left the Dementors behind, but it still left Harry feeling cold and weak.
His friends glanced at him, worried. Harry had always been the strong one of the group. He was the one who fought an animated sand statue warrior, and battled Quirrell in their first year to protect the Philosopher's Stone. And it was he who had charged headlong into a battle against a giant basilisk and a teenage Voldemort just their previous year. To see him so weak and shaken was disconcerting to say the least. Ginny, having the seat next to Harry, gently touched his shoulder. He glanced at her and smiled, grateful for the concern and comfort.
Soon the carriage pulled to a stop in front of the castle, and the quartet piled out, joining the throng of students heading up into the castle. Harry had barely set foot in the Entrance Hall though when he heard a stern female voice call out his name.
Professor Minerva McGonagall swept over to the group. "Mr. Potter, I need you to follow me please," she said somewhat stiffly, though one could see the hint of concern in her eyes. Harry blinked but nodded, turning to his friends.
"Save me a seat. I'll be back in a bit." His friends nodded as he turned and followed the Professor, while some of the students began talking.
McGonagall led him to her office, and opened the door. "Please sit down Mr. Potter," she said.
As Harry did so, McGonagall moved over to her desk. But before she could sit down, Madame Pomfrey, the school's nurse walked in. "I came as soon as I could Minerva. Who was affected?" She asked, only to stop when she saw Harry. "Mr. Potter, why am I not surprised. What was it this time?" she asked, heading to check on him.
Harry blinked. "W-What?" he asked, confused.
McGonagall sighed quietly. "Professor Lupin sent a message ahead, about what happened on the train," she explained to Harry, before turning to Pomfrey. "It was a Dementor. Remus said it focused on Harry for some reason, made him faint. Can you check him for any side effects?"
Pomfrey nodded. "Of course. Tell me Mr. Potter, did you have any chocolate?" she asked as she pulled out her wand and began to use some spells to check up on him.
Harry nodded. "Yes I did, Madame Pomfrey. Professor Lupin gave me some, as well as the others who were in my compartment."
She seemed impressed at that. "Finally, a DA teacher who knows his remedies," she said, before finishing up. "Everything seems fine. I would suggest you take it easy for a day or two, alright?"
Harry nodded quietly as McGonagall smiled. "Thank you Poppy. You may go now."
Madame Pomfrey gave a nod of understanding a left, as McGonagall sighed. "Well it's good to know you're alright Harry. However, I think that for safeties sake, you might need to cancel your morning training session. Or at least stay closer to the castle when you do it. Perhaps I should talk Professor Dumbledore into making some type of training area for you."
Harry nodded quietly. "Of course Professor….ummm….may I ask a question?" When the Transfiguration Professor nodded, Harry continued. "Hermione…mentioned something about a Hogsmeade permission slip. And I didn't get one," he said. "Was it a mistake?"
Professor McGonagall looked uneasily. "Ahhh. That. Well, in truth Harry, we felt it wasn't prudent to let you go to Hogsmeade. At least…not while Sirius Black is on the loose," she said.
Harry's eyes widened. "I see," he said. "Do you think he would sneak into Hogsmeade?"
"It is possible Harry. We are just taking precautions, all things considered. However, if he's captured, or if he's sighted outside of England, then perhaps we can reconsider allowing you to go to Hogsmeade."
Harry nodded. "I understand. Thank you Professor, for clearing that up," he said as he stood up. "Besides, after what happened on the train, I am a little concerned about those…Dementors," he said.
McGonagall nodded. "As would I, if what happened to you had happened to me. We've never seen a Dementor act that way before. I would suggest sending a letter to your parents, seeing if they might have any idea."
Harry nodded. "I will. Thank you Professor."
McGonagall gave a small smile. "Now, I think I've kept you here long enough. Let us go and join the others for the Feast."
Harry grinned as they headed off. They arrived in the Great Hall in time to see Professor Sprout take away the Sorting Hat. Harry felt a little disappointed at missing the Sorting, but he just smiled as he joined his friends. Instantly Hermione leaned over.
"What was that about Harry?" She asked worriedly.
"She was just checking on me, to make sure I was alright. After the incident on the train," he said. "I also found out why I didn't get a Hogsmeade slip. They didn't think it was safe for me to leave the castle walls, with Sirius Black on the loose."
Hermione, Neville, and Ginny nodded at that, as Dumbledore stood, drawing everyone's attention.
"Welcome, everyone, to another year here at Hogwarts!" He said with a smile. "Before we become befuddled with the excellent food of the Welcoming Feast, a few important announcements. First off, as I'm sure you are all aware, our school is currently playing host to a number of the ministry's Dementors from Azkaban." Dumbeldore's smile tightened a bit as his voice hardened, making Harry blink. He had seen Dumbledore angry only twice in his life. Apparently the Dementor's had led to Harry seeing Dumbledore's anger and frustration a third time.
"They have been posted at all the entrances to the school, and will be patrolling the outer grounds of the school. They will not be fooled by disguises, tricks, or even Invisibility Cloaks, and they will not be merciful to those who they capture out of bounds. So please, do not give them a reason to harm you. I look to our prefects, and the new Head Boy and Girl to keep everyone safe."
Several seats away from Harry, Percy puffed his chest out, his Head Boy badge gleaming in the candle light. Dumbledore's twinkling smile soon returned.
"On a much happier note, I am pleased to welcome two new staff members! First off, please welcome our new defense Against Dark Arts teacher, Professor Remus J. Lupin!" He said, as he began to clap. There was a polite amount of applause, as Lupin nodded his head. The strongest though came from Harry and his friends, who had seen their new teacher in action. Harry grinned as he looked at the Professor, before blinking as he caught sight of another Professor at the table; Professor Severus Snape, the Potions Teacher and head of the Slytherin House.
The man had sallow skin and greasy black hair, and had been one of the banes of the students outside Slytherin House. He had been favoring his house ever since he had become the head of it. That is until last year, when two of his House had publically humiliated and traumatized Travis. Shaken to his core due to his own past in bullying, Snape had made a change for the better. Now though, the man was uneasily looking at Lupin, making Harry blink in confusion. Was there some type of past there?
His attention was drawn back to Dumbledore, who was speaking again. "Our second new Professor will be replacing our own Professor Kettleburn, who decided to retire to enjoy his time with his remaining limbs. So please give a warm welcome to our new Care for magical Creatures, Professor Rubeus Hagrid!"
It was silent for a second, before the Gryffindor table exploded into cheers, while the Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw houses clapped enthusiastically. Hagrid grinned while his eyes watered at that. Hagrid had been wrongfully accused of opening Slytherin's Chamber of Secrets in his Third Year, and unleashing a monster that had petrified several students and killed one of them. However, his name had been cleared last year by Harry. Being allowed to teach the students of Hogwarts, especially on a subject he was very familiar with and greatly enjoyed, was something Hagrid truly deserved.
Dumbledore smiled, as the cheering and clapping eventually died down. "Now, I think it is time we enjoyed this magnificent feast!"
With that, the food appeared. Harry smiled as he began to dig in, his good mood returning. Even with the Dementors and the psycho killer on the loose, it was good to be back.
Nearby, Travis was eating and talking quietly with Colin. The young battle mage had to admit, he was still nervous about being here. It didn't help that some people had been whispering and pointing at him on the train and here in the school. But so far, it hadn't been that bad. As he fed a piece of turkey to Ghrian, who was on his lap, he happened to glance up in time to see a pair of brown eyes watching him from the Slytherin table. He stiffened as he recognized the owner of said eyes, who hurriedly looked away. His gaze narrowed as he glared at them for a bit, before going back to eating.
At the Slytherin table, Astoria Greengrass looked down, feeling sad and guilty. She had seen the boy who she had inadvertently caused such utter humiliation and torment last year. And she had felt his glare when she looked away. It hurt a bit, especially since she remembered that he had come to her, offering friendship. And in return, she had pretty much screwed him over. She quietly looked down at her plate, picking at her food, until her sister nudged her gently with an elbow.
"What's wrong sis?" Daphne Greengrass asked. Astoria shook her head.
"It's nothing Daphne. Don't worry," she said, as she started to eat.
Daphne sighed as she looked at her little sister. "You know…you could always try apologizing to him," she said quietly. "It would at least help get rid of your guilt."
Astoria chuckled sadly. "Yeah, I can see it now. 'I'm sorry for basically handing you over to be utterly humiliated. Please forgive me'." She looked down at her food. "It would just be better if I stay away from him. He would never accept my apology."
Daphne shook her head. "Your choice," she said, as she went back to eating.
The feast continued for some time, as everyone enjoyed the food. When the last of the desserts faded away, Dumbledore stood.
"Now that we've all been fed and watered, it's time to head to bed. Prefects, would you lead your first years to your Common Rooms please!"
As the students began to get up, Dumbledore raised a hand. "Mr. Potter, Mr. Wallace. May I speak to the two of you please?"
Harry and Travis blinked at each other before heading up to the Head table. There, Dumbledore smiled. "Do not worry; you're not in any trouble. I just wanted to welcome you back, Mr. Wallace. And I wanted to apologize again for what happened to you last year, Mr. Wallace."
Travis just nodded quietly. "Thank you, Professor. I'll try to have a better year this time." As if to agree with him, Ghrian let out a yip.
Dumbledore smiled. "As for you, Mr. Potter, I wanted to ask that you come by my office tomorrow after your classes were done. There is something important we need to talk about."
Harry nodded. "I understand Professor. I'll see you tomorrow after class."
"Very good. By the way, I enjoy Mars Bars," he said. Harry blinked, before remembering the gargoyle in front of the stairs to the Headmaster's office. He nodded in understanding, as the two left, giving Hagrid thumbs up as they did. Hagrid just grinned at them as they left.
They joined back up with their friends, and headed up towards the Gryffindor Common Room. As they neared the portrait, Ginny spoke up. "So Harry, did you find out why you didn't have a Hogsmeade slip?"
Harry nodded. "Yeah. The teacher's are worried that Sirius Black might attack me when I'm there. So….they decided it would be safer if I stayed in Hogwarts."
Neville blinked. "But wouldn't Sirius be less likely to attack you on the very doorstep of Hogwarts, especially with Dementors all over the place?"
Hermione shook her head. "He killed thirteen people in broad daylight and laughed about it. I don't think he would care about attacking Harry in the middle of Hogsmeade."
Harry nodded. "I agree with Hermione on this one. It would probably be better if I stayed here. Though admittedly….I wouldn't mind visiting once," he said quietly.
Ginny smiled. "I'm sure you'll be able to next year."
Harry gave her a small smile and nodded, causing her to blush lightly. They soon arrived at the portrait leading into the Gryffindor Common Room. The portrait was of a large woman wearing a pink dress, who like all magical paintings, was moving. She looked at them as they arrived. "Password?" She asked them.
Hermione nodded. "I heard it from a prefect downstairs. Fortuna Major!" The Pink Lady, as she was known, smiled and her portrait swung open, letting them in to the circular common room. The walls and floor were colored crimson and gold, the colors of Gryffindor. Several cushy chairs and couches were scattered around, and a fire roared in the large fireplace.
Seeing as it was late, they all said good night before retiring to their dorm rooms. Neville and Harry entered the Third Year boy's dorm, where their trunks had already been brought up, probably by House Elves. Harry sighed happily as he changed into his pajamas and slumped on the bed. It was good to be back.
Next morning
Harry sighed as he folded up a letter he had written for Blaze to take home. He wanted to ask his dad and mom about the Dementor's, see if there was a connection between them and Battle Mages. For now, he had breakfast to look forward to.
He arrived in the Great Hall and saw his friends already there. Grinning he joined. "Starting without me? This going to be a trend?" he asked as he sat down.
They all just grinned, as Hermione handed him a schedule. "McGonagall already passed them around. You and I have Ancient Runes first thing today. Poor Neville has Divination. I've heard that the professor is some type of fraud."
Neville smiled. "Guess I'll find out," he said with a grin.
Ginny pouted. 'It sucks that I have to wait a year still. I want to try Ancient runes," she said.
Harry chuckled. "We'll tell you all about after class," he said. Ginny just smiled happily at that and nodded.
As they finished breakfast, they all said their goodbyes as they split up for their various classes. Ginny headed out onto the grounds for Herbology, while Neville went to look for the Divination Classroom in the North Tower. Harry and Hermione meanwhile made a stop in the Owlery so Harry could send the letter home with Blaze, before heading towards the sixth floor west wing, where the Ancient Runes classroom was at. They both entered and choice seats towards the middle of the class.
As the students slowly entered the classroom, Hermione pulled out the textbook for the class, Ancient Runes Made Easy. She began reading it, as they waited for their teacher.
When the bell finally rang, the last student entered, followed by their teacher, a rather nice looking witch in her thirties with dirty blonde hair in a ponytail, glasses, and dark blue robes. "Hello everyone. I'm Professor Bathsheda Babbling, and I'll be your teacher on the subject of Ancient Runes," she said, adjusting the glasses on her face. "Now first off, who can tell me the importance of Ancient Runes?"
Not surprisingly, Hermione's hand went up, and Professor babbling pointed to her. "Ancient Runes was the primary form of writing for many of the older tribes and cultures of the Wizarding World. The study of Ancient Runes allows us to translate documents and other written words used by the ancient magical users. Runes also are used today to encode certain messages of importance, as well as other features in various parts of society."
Professor Babbling smiled. "Excellent work Miss…Granger, yes?" Hermione nodded eagerly, as the Professor smiled. "Ten points to Gryffindor. However, as we have recently discovered, runes can hold other importance as well. Can anyone guess what I am referring to?"
This time Harry's hand went up. When Professor babbling pointed to him, he answered. "Runes have been and continued to be used by Goblins to enchant weapons, armor, and vaults. When the right combination of runes are added to an object and magic is channeled through it, the rune can empower the object with abilities based on the translation of a rune. For example, Goblins often carve runes into the Vaults at Gringotts that create shields and barriers to prevent someone from entering or leaving without the use of the correct key or magical aura. Other cultures and groups have used these practices, though not to the extent of the dwarves."
Professor Babbling smiled. "Very well done, Mr. Potter," she said, reading of his name before doing a double-take. "Harry Potter?" She whispered.
Harry just nodded, trying not to roll his eyes. Hermione stifled a giggle, as Bathsheda proceeded onwards. "W-Well, yes, good work Mr. Potter. Not too many people know that about Ancient Runes. As such, the study of Ancient Runes is critical for those who wish to go into a career involving the study of Magical History, or into a career as a Curse Breaker. Now, please open your text books to chapter one," she said with a smile.
The class was largely spent on going over the basics of Ancient Runes. Professor Babbling introduced them to the basic list of runes they would probably most run into, and thus would need to know by heart. She discussed each one's meaning, before taking students questions on each rune.
By the end of the class, Hermione and Harry were grinning. The class had been a lot of fun, and informative. They grinned, deciding to bug Neville about it, and see if he wouldn't try to transfer.
They headed to Transfiguration class, where they met up with Neville and the other Gryffindor's of their year group. Harry and Hermione grinned at Neville. "So, how was Divination?" Hermione asked.
Neville sighed. "Complete rubbish," he said. "Professor Trelawney predicted I would break one of her tea cups, and I didn't. Then she said Ron was going to die in three days from an explosion. If I didn't know better, I'd say she's just all smoke and mirrors. Or in this case, heavy perfume and gaudy jewelry."
They both chuckled. "You should switch to Ancient Runes. It was absolutely fascinating," Harry said.
Neville grumbled. "Don't remind me," he said.
Their Transfiguration class was very interesting. They were beginning to learn about Animagus, wizards and witches who could shape shift into animals. Professor McGonagall demonstrated by turning into a tabby cat with square markings around her eyes that resembled her glasses. Most of the class cheered, except for Ron, who was uneasy about Trelawney's prediction of his death.
After her demonstration, she began to explain it to them. In order to become an Animagus, one had to first find out what their animal form was. Generally this was done by means of a potion. Once it was brewed the user would drink it, and would be given a vision, in which they would be greeted by their Animagus form.
Afterwards, the Animagus would undergo extensive training to achieve the ability to transform. However, this training was dangerous, and could easily backfire on the trainee. It also required incredible power and focus to achieve.
If someone succeeded in becoming an Animagus, they had to register with the Ministry, so that they would be unable to misuse this power.
McGonagall then produced a clipboard. "If there is anyone who is interested in seeing if they could become an Animagus, please sign up here after class. I'll be conducting special lessons for those who are interested," she said. "However, more than likely if any of you are capable of becoming Animagus, it won't be until at least your sixth or seventh year."
There were excited murmurs through the class, as Harry grinned. "I definitely am going for it," he said. "Who knows what awesome thing we can maybe turn into?" He asked.
Hermione and Neville nodded as well, eager to see if they could become Animagus as well.
At the end of class, the three of them signed up, before heading off to lunch. "So all we've got left is Care for Magical Creatures?" Neville asked.
Hermione nodded. "Yep. I can't wait to see what Hagrid has planned. Though I hope it's not too much."
Harry chuckled. "Sadly, Hagrid's definition of too much is different from ours. But I'm sure we'll be fine," he said, as they sat down to eat.
Battle Mage Sanctuary
Gareth hummed quietly as he walked back towards his home within the Sanctuary. It was quiet without the boys home. Admittedly, it had been quiet at the beginning of the previous school year, but it hadn't been that long before Travis had returned home. Gareth quietly clenched his fist as he remembered why, before loosening it. Travis was much stronger this time. And he knew Dumbledore wouldn't allow such a thing to happen again.
He entered the apartment his family had, grinning. "Honey, I'm home!" he called out jokingly.
Marian grinned as she hugged him and kissed his cheek. "You're just in time. Blaze came in with a letter," she said.
Gareth raised an eyebrow. "Already? Should I be worried?" he asked, half joking.
Marian smiled. "I'm sure it's nothing to worry about. I waited till you got back to open it," she said as she began serving up lunch.
Gareth chuckled as he found the letter and opened it. He began to read it as he sat down. However, part way through he froze, his eyes wide and his posture rigid. Marian blinked as she saw her husband react this way. "Gareth, what is it?" She asked.
Gareth trembled, before dropping the letter. "I need to talk to the Elders. We have a very serious problem," he said, shooting up and rushing out of the apartment.
Marian picked the letter up and began reading it, only for her face to go pale. She dropped the letter, trembling. "Elements protect us," she whispered in fear.
Hogwarts Grounds
Harry breathed in the fresh air as they headed down towards Hagrid hut, where they would be taking the Care for Magical Creature's class. The rain from the previous night had ended early in the morning, leaving behind the fresh smell of wet grass and woodland. Harry grinned as they neared the hut, only for the grin to fade. Gathered near the hut were the unmistakable forms of Draco Malfoy and the other Third Year Slytherins. Harry groaned seeing them.
"Why do they have to be here? This was supposed to be a fun class," he said. Neville just patted him on the shoulder as they arrived.
Hagrid soon emerged from his hut once they all arrived. "Yeh all here? Good! Got a real treat for yer all. Follow me now!" he said, as he began to lead them along the edge of the forest, eventually reaching a fenced paddock. Currently though, it was empty.
Hagrid grinned as he turned to them. "Now, if yeh could open yer books we'll get started," he said, watching them.
Harry pulled out his book, and began to untie it, when he heard Draco's drawling voice. "How are we supposed to open them?" he snapped, holding up his book. It was being held closed by a belt. Many of the other students had done something similar, in securing their book.
Hagrid blinked. "None of yeh was able to open yer books?" He asked.
Harry raised his hand. "I was. You stroke the spine, and it opens," he said. "However it came back to life after I closed it. Is there any way to…well tame the book?" He asked.
Hagrid came over. "Well there is actually. While the book is open, yeh got to tickle the inside of the covers. It makes the book hibernate, though if yeh jostle it too much it will wake up. Let me show yeh," he said, as he took Harry's book and removed the belt around it. Before it could snap at him, he stroked its spine, causing it to flop open. Then he flipped to the cover, and tickled it. The book shuddered, before settling down again. Hagrid proceeded to open and close it several times. "Yeh see? Couldn't be simpler," he said with a grin.
Draco sneered. "What is even the point of a book that can rip our arms off? Is it supposed to be a joke?" He snapped.
Hagrid seemed a bit flustered. "W-Well now…it was the book I learned from when I went to school here. So I thought it best to use it," he said, losing some of his energy. "I…I'll go get the beasts now, since yeh all have your books open," he said, as he moved into the woods.
Draco just scoffed as Hagrid left. "Honestly, this place is going to the dogs, if they're letting oafs like him teach. When I tell my father about this, he'll-."
"Oh stuff a toadstool in it Malfoy," Harry said. "I swear, were you born to complain or do you just feel the need to hear your own voice?"
Draco growled, and was about to retort when Lavender Brown, one of the Gryffindor girls, squealed. "Look!" She yelled, pointing.
Hagrid was coming out of the woods, leading a small herd of creatures. They were quite shocking to see, as they had the rear legs and body of a horse, but the front legs, upper body, and head of an eagle, as well as wings like an eagle. Each was its own unique color, and after getting over the shock of seeing them, Harry had to admit they were rather majestic looking.
Each was wearing a large leather collar, which had a chain attached to it. Hagrid held all these chains, as he led them to the edge of the paddock and tied them to it. "Hippogriffs! Beautiful, aren't they?"
Harry just nodded quietly, as Hagrid continued. "Now first thing yeh all should know is Hippogriffs be proud creatures. Easily offended, they are. So you don't ever want to insult one, as it could be the last thing yeh do."
Draco's eyes narrowed a bit at that, as Hagrid went on with his lesson. "Now when yer greeting a Hippogriff, yeh want to let them make the first move. Yeh bow to them, and if they're feeling good about yeh, they'll bow back, and you can get close to them. If they don't bow, yeh want to back away quick like. Anyone fancy a go?"
The entire class seemed hesitant. Each hippogriff had a powerful beak that could probably tear through them, and the talons on their front legs seemed very nasty and sharp. But Harry finally mustered his courage and moved forward.
"Good man there!" Hagrid said, as he led a storm grey hippogriff away from the others. "Let's see how yeh handle Buckbeak here. Now yeh gonna want to make eye contact with him, and try not to blink too much. They don't trust yeh if yeh blink too much."
Harry nodded to Hagrid before slowly approaching, his green eyes making contact with the amber like eyes of Buckbeak. The Hippogriff watched him almost imperiously, as Harry stopped and slowly bowed. He looked back up at Buckbeak as he rose from his bow.
For several seconds, nothing happened. Hagrid went to move forward. "Alright, yeh may want to back up Harry," he said; only to stop as Buckbeak bent his scaly eagle like legs in an unmistakable bow. "Well look at that!" Hagrid said, as Harry slowly moved forward and gently touched Buckbeak's beak, slowly petting it. The hippogriff closed his eyes, leaning in a bit. "Well done Harry! I reckon he would let yeh ride him now."
Harry blinked. "What?" He asked.
He grinned. "Sure! Give it a try!" he said, as he helped Harry to climb onto Buckbeak's back. "Now don't grab any of his feathers, alright? He'll hate that."
Harry blinked and shifted, getting more comfortable, before nodding. "Alright."
Hagrid grinned and smacked Buckbeak on the rump, causing the massive wings to unfold, and Buckbeak to launch himself into the air. Harry's eyes widened as he wrapped his arms around Buckbeak's neck as the hippogriff rose into the air.
Eventually though, as the mighty creature leveled off, Harry slowly loosened his grip and began to look around. He had ridden on a broom, but this….it felt different. Maybe because he wasn't in control, but somehow it felt more….free. He grinned, as Buckbeak began to circle the school grounds. Everything seemed so beautiful.
He grinned, raising his arms up and whooping, as Buckbeak let out a joyful cry.
As they neared the rest of the class, Buckbeak began to dive again. Harry gripped with his legs while holding onto Buckbeak's neck, until they landed. Almost as soon as he did Harry was hopping off, grinning. "That was amazing!" He said, amidst cheers from the Gryffindors and even a few of the Slytherin's. Draco though seemed disappointed.
"Good man there!" Hagrid said, before grinning to the rest of the class. "Who else fancies a try?" He asked.
The rest of the class began to hesitantly enter the paddock, as Hagrid unchained the other Hippogriffs. Soon all the other students were bowing nervously to their Hippogriffs. Some were having success, others not so much.
Draco and his cronies Crabbe and Goyle had taken over Buckbeak now. Draco was petting Buckbeak's beak, while sneering. "This isn't hard at all, is it? After all, if Potter can do it, anyone can. You're not dangerous at all, are you? You big dumb ugly brute."
Harry's eyes widened and he immediately whispered something under his breath while slamming one hand into the ground, as Buckbeak roared while rearing back. The ground beneath Draco shifted, knocking him sideways, as Buckbeak's talons slashed downwards. This resulted in said talons slashing Draco's arm open, instead of them gutting him where he stood.
Draco screamed in pain as he lay there, his arm bleeding. Hagrid was there in a flash, wrestling Buckbeak into his collar and tying him back up. "I'm dying! That monster killed me!" Draco screamed in pain.
Hagrid growled. "Yeh not dying!" he shouted as he grabbed Draco up. "The rest of yeh, get inside! I'm taking him to the Infirmary," he said as he rushed towards the school.
Harry was trembling, one fist clenched in anger. That anger worsened when he heard Pansy Parkinson, a female Slytherin Third Year shout something out. "It was all Hagrid's fault! He should be fired right away!" She said.
Harry whirled, his eyes almost glowing. "Shut your mouth you dumb cow!" He roared. Pansy was struck dumb as Harry advanced on her. "If Malfoy had actually decided to pay attention to Hagrid instead of being the spoiled little brat he is, he would have known not to insult Buckbeak! So you want to blame anyone, blame Draco!" He turned and stormed away, leaving stunned Gryffindor and Slytherin's in his wake.
Harry had reached the entranceway when Neville and Hermione caught up. "Harry, where are you going?" Hermione asked, panting.
"I'm going to Dumbledore to make sure that he knows the truth of what happened before Draco has his daddy spin things out of control," he said, as he stormed inside and was heading straight towards the Headmaster's office.
Dumbledore was currently sitting at his desk, quietly reading a book while sucking on a lemon drop, when there was some rather agitated knocking at his door. The Headmaster looked up, blinking. "Come in please," he said.
The door opened and a rather agitated Harry entered, followed by his friends Neville and Hermione. "Ahhhh, Harry. May I ask what you and your friends are doing here?" He asked. "If I'm not mistaken, you should be in Care for Magical Creature, yes?"
Harry took a deep breath. "The class was cut short, Professor. Mr. Malfoy caused a disturbance in class. A very serious one."
Dumbledore sighed as he sat back. "I see. Continue please?"
So Harry explained how Hagrid had been teaching them about hippogriffs, and how he had specifically told them it was dangerous and even fatal to insult one. And then he told him about how Draco had purposefully insulted the hippogriff Buckbeak, resulting in the class having to be ended.
"I wanted to make sure you knew the truth before hand, before Draco or his father tried to turn things in their favor," he said.
Dumbledore sighed. "I see. Well while I admit, Hagrid should have perhaps started with something…perhaps less dangerous, I agree that he took the necessary precautions ahead of time. I will do my best to see that no charges are made against Hagrid or the hippogriff Buckbeak. However, Lucius Malfoy still has much influence, so there may be a trial," he said.
Harry nodded. "Then I'll be a witness as to what truly happened." His two friends agreed with him.
Dumbledore smiled. "It's good to see that Hagrid has such loyal friends and students. Thank you," he said. "Incidentally, since you're here Harry, perhaps we could have that meeting I wished to have later today? Mr. Longbottom, Miss Granger, if you two would mind giving us privacy?"
The two nodded at that. "We'll see you at the Common Room Harry," Hermione said, as the two left.
After they were gone, Dumbledore stood up and moved to the fireplace. Grabbing some Floo powder from a pot next to the fireplace, he threw it in and called out "Nicolas Flamel". Harry's eyes went wide at that, and went wider when the fireplace seemed to intensify, before a figure stepped out.
The man was wearing a bright emerald robe with golden embroidery, and had shoulder length white hair with matching beard and burnsides. He shook himself a bit, as if ridding himself of dust and soot, before smiling at Dumbledore. "This was a little earlier than expected, Albus."
"Indeed Nicolas, but young Harry came earlier than expected. I thought now was as good a time as any," he said with a smile.
Nicolas nodded. "Very well then. First off Mr. Potter, it is an honor to meet you. I want to thank you for saving my Philosopher's Stone in your first year," he said, shaking Harry's hand.
Harry just stared in awe and shock. "You…..you…..you…..you're…..you're…."
"Yes, I am Nicolas Flamel," he said with a chuckle. "It's amazing how many people are speechless and tongue tied when they meet me. Though it's something you get use to."
Harry just stared, his mouth opened, before blinking and shaking his head. "F-Forgive me….it's just….to meet someone like you is….it's an honor."
Nicolas smiled at him. "Then we're both honored to meet each other, aren't we?" He asked with a chuckle. "Now Harry, I'm not just here to thank you for saving the Philosopher's Stone. I actually have something for you," he said, as he pulled out a wrapped package from his robes. "I have been saving this for close to four hundred years now Harry, ever since I discovered it quite back accident. I've been waiting for the one who I was supposed to give it to. And at long last, that time has come."
He handed the book to Harry, who blinked as he took it, and then slowly began to unwrap it. What he found was a rather large tome, wrapped in leather with Celtic symbols etched on the front. And I the center of it all was an emblem that made Harry stare, before looking up at Flamel and Dumbledore. "This is…it can't be," he said.
Flamel nodded. "It is Harry Potter. You hold in your hands, the Grimoire of Merlin himself."
And scene!
Okay. Well this ran longer than I anticipated. And I still didn't cover everything I wanted to cover. I had intended to reveal the history of Battle Mages and Dementor's in this chapter, but covering the first day of Hogwarts, and Harry getting Merlin's spell book at the end just went too long. So you'll have to wait till next chapter.
So, I hope you all enjoyed this, and that you'll stick around for the next chapter! And before anyone asks or freaks out, no harry isn't going to automatically be learning Merlin's spells left and right. If anything, he'd probably need at least a couple hundred years or so to learn everything in that spell book. But trust me when I say that Harry needs the spell book to counter what I have planned in this year and in the later years.
Anyways, please review and let me know what you think! Till next time!
Also Happy New Year! Or post Happy New Year, depending on when I post this chapter.