Chapter 4- The Midnight Duel
Disclaimer: the awesome world of Harry Potter belongs to JK Rowling and not me
Author's note: Hello everyone! I'd like to thank everyone who reviewed, favorited or followed my story. I'd especially like to thank Procrastinator12 for their very thoughtful review of last chapter! And this chapter is another long one- so strap in and enjoy the ride!
LAST TIME: Harry had never felt more confused, frustrated or lost in his life. Why had the hat put him in Slytherin?
Harry kept walking, not paying attention to where he was headed. Eventually, he ended up in an empty classroom on one of the upper floors; Harry wasn't even sure which one. Looking out the window, he could see that it was getting late, past the time when students were allowed out of bed.
Harry felt frustrated. The idea of returning to Slytherin was not at all appealing but neither was getting caught out of bed by the unpleasant caretaker, Argus Filch.
"Harry Potter, you shouldn't be wandering the halls this late," the gravelly voice of the Bloody Baron came suddenly from behind Harry, causing him to flinch.
"Well, I seem to end up doing a lot of things I shouldn't be lately," Harry muttered irritably.
The Bloody Baron just stared at Harry intently, as if he were a puzzle the ghost was trying to figure out.
"I just don't want to go back to my dormitory right now, ok? I need to sort out some things, alone," Harry said, not sure why he was bothering to explain himself to the creepy Slytherin ghost.
"If you wish to stay here tonight, I will have Peeves keep the caretaker occupied at the other end of the castle," the ghost stated seriously.
Harry blinked, surprised and confused by the Baron's strange offer.
"Erm— thanks, that'd be great. But why would you do that?" Harry questioned.
"I do not envy the trials of the living. Your path will be especially challenging, Harry Potter," the Bloody Baron intoned. Before Harry could react, the ghost had turned and glided out of the classroom.
"He's really into the abrupt exits," Harry muttered under his breath.
Deciding to take advantage of the Baron's offer, Harry looked around the classroom for something to use for a makeshift bed. Harry figured he could spend this one night to himself, away from the drama that seemed to surround him in his dormitory. He found some cushions in a cupboard towards the front of the classroom. Placing them in a pile underneath the windows, Harry laid down on top of them.
At least the Slytherin ghost seemed to like him, Harry thought. Terence and Theo were two more Slytherins whom seemed to like Harry. If Harry was honest with himself, the behavior of the other Slytherin first years wasn't that terrible, at least compared to what he had dealt with from Dudley and his gang. Harry was being ignored, laughed at and occasionally pranked, but at least he wasn't being shoved into lockers, thrown into dumpsters, or punched in the face. However, Harry had thought Hogwarts would be different. Harry had hoped he would finally find a place where he wasn't mocked or bullied. Maybe he had been naive.
Not to mention, the situation with his parents, Voldemort and Slytherin really bugged him. Harry just didn't know what he was supposed to feel.
Unsurprisingly, Harry did not sleep well that night. It took him forever to fall asleep; he couldn't get his mind to turn off. When he finally did begin to drift off, the sun had already begun to peak over the horizon. When Harry woke up, the sun was high in the sky and he realized it must be past midday.
Stretching and rubbing his neck, which was a bit stiff, Harry got up and left the classroom. He assumed the Bloody Baron had kept good on his promise to keep Filch away, as Harry had not been disturbed. Sighing, Harry realized he had avoided the other Slytherins as long as possible, Theo was probably worried, so he headed off towards the Great Hall. Besides, Harry was hungry.
"Harry! Hey . . . wait up!" Neville gasped as he scrambled to catch up to Harry. "I've been looking for you all morning. I checked for you at breakfast but Theo said you never came back last night."
"Oh, hi Neville," Harry greeted the Gryffindor. "I just needed a night alone."
"I'm really sorry if I upset you Harry, I didn't mean too," Neville stated apologetically, seeming heartbroken that Harry might be angry with him.
"It's fine, Neville. I would have found out eventually. Better you than someone like Draco."
"Great! I mean, not great that you had to find out, but great that you're not mad? Um . . . Hermione's been in the library all morning," Neville randomly switched topics.
"Er—ok? That seems like something she does a lot," Harry pointed out, not sure why Neville was sharing this information with him.
"Oh, it is! But, I meant that she's in the library now and you need to go see her."
"I think I should probably find Theo first and let him know I'm still alive," Harry blandly stated.
"This won't take long and it's really important. Come on Harry," Neville grabbed Harry's arm and began to drag him towards the library.
Confused, but curious to see what had Neville so determined to take Harry to the library, Harry followed the other boy.
"And I brought you a muffin! My Great-Aunt Enid always bakes me these amazing muffins whenever I'm upset and they really help. This one I just grabbed from breakfast but I thought it might help?" Neville finished, offering Harry a muffin with a hopeful smile.
"Thanks, Neville. This is perfect, I'm actually starving," Harry said, taking the muffin.
When they got to the library, Neville led Harry to a table in the back corner, where Hermione was already set up. She was surrounded by a large stack of books and several pieces of parchment, which she had written on. Neville cleared his throat.
"Oh, Harry! I'm very glad Neville found you, I was getting worried. Please, sit down," Hermione gestured towards one of the seats at the table.
"Listen, it's great to see you Hermione, but I should probably—"
Hermione cut Harry off, "You'll want to hear this Harry, I've spent all morning researching Slytherin and I think you'll really like what I found."
"You really didn't have to—"
"Yes I did. It's what friends do for each other," Hermione answered firmly, cutting Harry off a second time. "Besides, there isn't a problem some research in the library can't solve."
Privately, Harry disagreed with Hermione but he was smart enough to keep his opinion to himself. Besides, he was curious to hear what Hermione had discovered and he gave her a nod to continue.
Gathering her pieces of parchment together and rearranging her books, Hermione cleared her throat and began.
"Slytherin isn't a house of just dark wizards, Harry. Because of You-Know-Who and the Death Eaters, most people associate only Slytherin with dark magic, but there have been many famous historical Slytherins who did good things. I've spent all morning reading about them.
There have been several Slytherin Ministers of Magic. One of the more famous ones, Septimus Black, was known for defeating the dark wizard Magnato in the early 13th century. Sir Killian Carrow was a famous knight who saved many lives during the Giant Wars. Regina Raskt was a Slytherin witch who saved the unicorns from extinction, they were being hunted without restrictions for their many valuable potions substances, by getting the Ministerial Decree for the Protection of Unicorns passed. Abbadon Malfoy, I think she might be an ancestor of Draco's, was famous for saving a group of wizarding children from religious extremists in 1534.
Two very famous wizards that everyone has heard of are from Slytherin, although I don't think most people are aware of this. St Mungo Bonham who founded St Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries was actually a Slytherin. Merlin, who many people say is the greatest wizard of all time, was in Slytherin. He even founded the Order of Merlin, an organization that promoted Muggle rights!
The sorting hat places people in houses based on traits they have that the founders valued. Salazar Slytherin, he valued ambition, cunning and resourcefulness. Ambition doesn't make people evil, Harry. If your ambition is to help people, it can be a powerful tool for positive change. Therefore, you should be proud to be in Slytherin. If the sorting hat put you there, it probably thinks you're going to do great, good, things," Hermione finished, looking very pleased with herself.
"Wow, Hermione. You really found all that out this morning, to help me?" Harry asked, feeling flattered that Hermione would put in so much effort on his behalf.
Hermione nodded, giving Harry a warm smile.
"I think it's good you're in Slytherin Harry," Neville interrupted, a contemplative look on his face. "When you hear Slytherin, most people think about dark wizards and You-Know-Who, because it's what we all grew up hearing about. But you're not like that Harry, so maybe you'll grow up and do something really good and everyone will realize Slytherins aren't all bad, like those people Hermione read about . . ." Neville trailed off, still looking deep in thought.
Harry blinked, at bit surprised at Neville's deep comment. It's not that Harry thought Neville was an idiot. It was more like Neville had never struck Harry as the philosophical type. As Harry reflected on Hermione and Neville's words, he felt a great weight lift off his shoulders. They were right; he did belong in Slytherin. He shouldn't judge his House on the actions of one mad man, Harry knew how wrong first impressions could be. The sorting hat had put him in Slytherin so Harry must belong there. Maybe he could even help change how the world currently viewed Slytherin. This might seem like a big goal for an eleven year old, but Harry found he liked the idea of having a larger than life dream. He had never really had any goals—besides avoiding his Aunt, Uncle and cousin as much as possible—before. It was like having a secret mission, Harry decided. Draco Malfoy was still a prat and Harry still had other problems with some of his housemates, but Harry could deal with that. The sorting hat had put Harry in Slytherin because he belonged their and nobody, not Draco Malfoy or even his own self-doubts, was going to take that away from him.
After his revelation, Harry looked up to find the two Gryffindors looking at him expectantly. Harry grinned in response.
"You know what? You two are amazing. This is just what I needed. I really do feel loads better. Thanks," Harry said sincerely.
Neville and Hermione beamed back at Harry.
"I should really go find Theo now. I'll see you around," Harry said as he gave his two friends a cheery wave.
"I'm glad you're feeling better Harry. And tell Theo we said hello," Hermione called as Harry began to walk back to the dungeons.
When Harry finally returned to the Slytherin common room, he was unsurprised to find a clearly distressed Theo pacing back and forth in front of the fire, waving his hands about and muttering to himself. A group of fifth years who were seated nearby and clearly trying to study kept shooting glares at the younger boy, but Theo didn't seem to care. Harry walked over to greet his friend.
"Hey Theo—"
"Salazar's sweaty underpants, Harry! I thought you were dead—like Draco finally snapped and totally murdered you. I was going to go to Professor Snape and everything! Where on Earth have you been?" Theo practically shouted at him, waving his arms around for emphasis.
"I just had some stuff I had to sort out and didn't feel like dealing with Draco last night. The Bloody Baron offered to get Peeves to distract Filch so I could spend the night out," Harry explained.
"You got the Bloody freaking Baron to distract Filch for you? That's fantastic! And what kind of stuff? Is this about the whole my parents were in Gryffindor thing that Hagrid mentioned? Cause I think you really need to chill—"
"Yes, it was sort of about that, but I also found out that Voldemort," Theo hissed when Harry said Voldemort's name," and the people who helped him were all from Slytherin. I was just confused, I guess. But Hermione looked up all these other famous Slytherins who did good things and I'm fine now."
"Oh. Er—I keep forgetting you don't know stuff that like everyone else knows. Because you were raised by Muggles. But I wouldn't worry about the Dark Lord and his followers and stuff because that's all over now so why should it matter . . ." Theo trailed off, looking extremely uncomfortable.
"Would you two please take your ridiculous therapy session somewhere else? We are trying to study," one of the fifth years sitting by the fire interrupted them, clearly annoyed.
Harry and Theo left to go get some lunch in the Great Hall, letting the subject of past Slytherins drop and instead happily chatted about other wizarding world facts that Theo felt Harry really ought to know.
The rest of the weekend pasted in a cheerful blur. Harry and Theo spent most of their weekend in the library with Hermione and Neville. The boys were all very appreciative of Hermione's expertise when working on their homework assignments. They had managed to find a table in an out of the way corner of the library that Madam Pince rarely passed by so that they didn't have to worry about their inability to study quietly.
Their second week passed much the same as the first, although everyone was very excited for their first flying lesson on Thursday. The lesson would be with Gryffindor, and Harry was happy to have another class with Hermione and Neville. As excited as Harry was by the prospect of flying, he was also nervous that he would make a fool of himself. All of the other Slytherin first years had flown before. Harry overheard many conversations about childhood adventures involving racing across the countryside or narrowly avoiding Muggles while flying on broomsticks. At least it sounded like some of the Gryffindors were in the same boat as Harry. Hermione tried to cheer Harry up by reading him flying tips from a large book she had found in the library, but Harry thought that flying might be one area reading really couldn't prepare you for. Although Neville had grown up in the wizarding world, he had never flown before—his grandmother had never allowed him to. Harry thought she might have had a point. Neville managed to get into enough trouble with both feet on the ground.
When Thursday afternoon finally rolled around, Harry accompanied a very excited Theo to their first flying lesson. Unfortunately, they ran into some of their housemates on the way.
"Well, look who it is— Potty and Notty," Draco sneered while Pansy, Daphne, Crabbe and Goyle snickered.
"Really Draco? Notty- like Naughty? That's the best you can do? That's just pathetic," Theo sneered right back at the blond. Harry just glared.
"No need to be hostile, boys," Draco continued with an unfriendly smirk. "I just wanted to wish you some luck for today's flying lesson. After all, it is Potter's first time. I'd hate to see him make a fool of himself."
"Oh, I wouldn't worry too much, Draco," Pansy cooed. "Harry's friends will surely be there to fail right alongside him. I hear he spends all his time with that Longbottom idiot and that Granger Mudblood."
"Don't talk about Hermione and Neville like that! They're loads better than any of you," Harry said angrily.
"Sticking up for Gryffindorks Potter? And here I thought you couldn't sink any lower," Draco leered as he and the other Slytherins walked away.
"Don't let them get to you Harry, Draco's just jealous because even with all his money and prestige he'll never have a real friend. No one could really like that spoilt slime bucket," Theo said as he and Harry resumed their walk to class.
They arrived at a large grassy field opposite the Forbidden Forest. Harry and Theo were the last to arrive but Neville and Hermione had saved them spots. Their teacher, Madam Hooch, was a middle aged witch with spikey gray hair and bright, almost gold eyes.
"Well, what are you waiting for? Everyone go stand beside a broomstick, hurry up!" she barked.
Harry looked down at his broomstick. The handle was old and worn and several twigs pocked out at odd angles. It was nowhere near as nice as the broomsticks Harry remembered seeing while shopping in Diagon Alley.
"Now, place your right hand over the broom and say UP!" she commanded.
Harry was pleasantly surprised when his broom jumped into his hand on the first try. He was one of the few. Theo managed to get his on the second try but neither Hermione nor Neville seemed to be having much luck. Much to Harry's displeasure, Draco had managed to get his broom up on the first try as well. However, Harry and Theo shared an amused look as Crabbe and Goyle tried and failed repeatedly to get their brooms.
Eventually, everyone had their broomsticks in hand, Neville having been the last one to do so. Madam Hooch came around to show them how to grip their brooms correctly. Harry grinned when she corrected Draco; apparently, he had been doing it wrong for years.
"Listen up! When I blow my whistle, you will kick off the ground, hard," Madam Hooch instructed them. "You will give you brooms a steady rise of no more than five feet and then come straight back down. On my whistle, three—two—"
But Madam Hooch never got to one. Neville, who was clearly nervous and afraid of being left behind, had kicked off the ground early. His broom then began to rise quickly. Madam Hooch shouted for Neville to come back down, but Neville didn't appear to have any control, his broom now over thirty feet high. Harry got one glimpse of Neville's round face filled with terror when the other boy lost his grip and slid off the broomstick.
A huge thud and a nasty sounding crack echoed across the field as Neville landed in a heap, his broom floating lazily towards the Forbidden Forest. Madam Hooch rushed over to Neville's side, followed by Harry, Theo, Hermione and the rest of the Gryffindors.
"A broken wrist," Harry heard Madam Hooch mutter as she helped a white-faced Neville to his feet.
"I am going to escort Mr. Longbottom to the hospital wing. You will all keep your feet planted firmly on the ground. If I see a student in the air, that student will be expelled before you could say Quidditch," Madam Hooch stated, fixing everyone with a stern glare.
After she left with Neville, Harry, Theo and Hermione exchanged worried glances. As Draco and the other Slytherins burst into laughter, making rude comments, Harry felt his blood begin to boil.
"Look!" Draco cried suddenly, pointing to a small clear sphere on the ground, "Looks like Longbottom forgot something. What's the saying? Finders, keepers, losers, weepers. And Longbottom already is a crybaby so it's just perfect."
"That's Neville's Remembrall. His Gran sent it to him this morning," Hermione whispered to Harry.
"Give it back, Malfoy" Ron Weasley angrily confronted the blond Slytherin.
"Oh, no," Draco drawled sarcastically. "It's a big scary Gryffindor lion. But, oh wait, my mistake, it's just a silly weasel."
As Ron's face turned an unpleasant maroon color, Harry stepped around him to face Draco.
"Oh, just shut up, would you?" Harry spat angrily, Ron glancing at him in surprise. "Just give it back."
"No, I don't think I will," Draco answered. "I'll leave it somewhere for Longbottom to find. How about up a tree?" Draco grabbed his broom and took off. "What's the matter Potter, a bit out of your reach?"
Harry swung his leg over his broom, intent on getting Neville's Remembrall from Draco.
"Harry, you mustn't," Hermione muttered worriedly. "You'll be expelled! Besides, you don't even know how to fly—"
Harry ignored her, kicking off the ground. He was flying! The wind whipped past him, blowing through his hair. He leaned forward a bit, casing the broom to smoothly glide forward. This was amazing, Harry thought with glee. Finally, Harry had found something he naturally excelled at! He easily turned around, floating smoothly over to where Draco was hovering with a shocked look on his face.
"Give it here, Draco, or I'll knock you off you broom," Harry called out loudly.
"Oh, really?" Draco sneered at him, but he looked a bit nervous.
Somehow, Harry knew exactly what to do. He leaned forward slightly, shooting like a javelin towards Draco, who barely moved out of the way in time. Harry calmly turned around and faced Draco again.
"No Crabbe and Goyle to protect you up here," Harry taunted Draco.
Draco paled, coming to the same realization as Harry.
"Fine, catch it if you can Potter," Draco called as he tossed the Remembrall over his shoulder and then streaked towards the safety of the ground.
Harry watched the small, clear sphere almost as if it was in slow motion. He leaned down, gathering speed as he went into a steep dive, chasing the ball. He finally caught up with it and managed to catch it, pulling up only a foot from the ground. As Harry dismounted the broom, Theo let out an appreciative cheer while everyone else stared at Harry in shock.
"He's amazing," Harry heard Daphne murmur quietly, Draco scowling nearby.
"POTTER!"
Snape's roar interrupted Harry's moment of triumph. Stomach sinking, Harry turned to face his irate Head of House.
"Hold up there, Professor Snape. This is not what it looks like. Well, it is but it's not Harry's fault, its—"
"Be quiet, Mr. Nott."
"It's true, Professor Snape. It was actually Malfoy—"
"That's enough, Miss Granger. Mr. Potter, follow me," Professor Snape commanded Harry.
Harry had no choice but follow the Potions Master, casting one last glance at the stricken faces of Hermione and Theo. Harry spitefully ignored the gleeful face of Draco as he passed.
"Listen, Professor Sn—"
"Silence, Potter," Snape spat icily, striding towards the castle.
Harry was panicking; he was going to be expelled! They would send him back to the Dursleys, Harry realized, suddenly feeling very ill.
"Wait here," Snape's cool voice interrupted Harry's panic.
Harry looked around, he was outside Professor Flitwick 's classroom. Why would Professor Snape bring him here, Harry wondered.
Suddenly, Professor Snape returned from the classroom, followed by a rather confused Marcus Flint.
"What's going on Professor?" Marcus asked Snape, ignoring Harry completely.
"Harry Potter is going to be your Seeker this year," Snape stated almost reluctantly.
"What?" Marcus said blankly.
"Mr. Potter somehow managed to catch that"—Snape pointed to Neville's Remembrall, which Harry was still holding—"out of a fifty foot dive during his first time on a broomstick. It appears," Snape had to pause for a second, a pained expression on his face," that Mr. Potter has considerable talent. It would be foolish to not put it to use, for the benefit of our House."
Marcus eyed Harry intently.
"I trust your judgement, Professor. I will begin Harry's training immediately."
"Good. Potter," Snape turned his gaze onto Harry, who was staring back at his Professor in utter confusion. "I want to make myself clear. I do not tolerate rule breaking. Your appointment as Seeker is not a reward for your appalling behavior. You will serve a week's detention with me and you will not bandy about bragging about your new position. If you ever do something so foolhardy and illegal again, I will have you expelled."
Harry just stared at Snape mutely.
"Nod if you understand, Mr. Potter," Snape growled at Harry.
Harry nodded, a slow sense of relief taking over as he realized he wasn't being sent back to the Dursleys. Snape then bid farewell to Marcus and swept down the hallway, leaving Harry alone with the older Slytherin.
"First we need to get you a broomstick. I will not have one of my players on those pathetic school brooms. Technically, first years aren't allowed to have broomsticks but I'm sure Professor Snape will sort it out. Do you have money, Harry?" Marcus interrupted Harry's relieved thoughts.
"Er— yeah," Harry answered. He thought it was a bit rude of Marcus to so blandly ask about Harry's financials but Harry certainly wasn't going to share his thoughts with the intimidating Slytherin.
"Good. Here," Marcus said, thrusting a magazine he had pulled from his bag at Harry. "This is a catalog of broomsticks. Look it over and pick one out. We'll send in the order tomorrow so you can have your broom by next week. As soon as you get it, we'll start your training with the rest of the team."
"Ok, sounds good," Harry replied, excited at the prospect of more flying.
"Make sure to make a decision by tonight. And be ready to work hard, there are no slackers on my team," Marcus growled a final warning and went back inside the classroom.
Still reeling a bit from the day's strange turn of events, Harry put the Remembrall in his pocket and went to look at the magazine of broomsticks.
Harry spent the rest of the class period looking through the magazine, Quidditch Supplies, and eventually decided on the Nimbus 2000, the broomstick he saw in the window at Diagon Alley. He then headed towards the main doors, hoping to catch Theo as he returned from class. He spotted Theo walking dejectedly a ways behind their year mates. Harry hurried to catch up to him.
"Merlin, Harry! Please tell me you're not expelled, you cannot leave me alone with these people. I'll die. I mean, I'll literally drop dead and it will be all you fault!" Theo anxiously exclaimed.
Harry chuckled, "Don't worry, I'm not expelled. I just have a week's detention."
Draco spotted Harry and sauntered over, an ugly smirk on his face.
"Making plans to enjoy your last night at Hogwarts," Draco jeered at Harry.
"You're a lot braver when you're back on the ground, surrounded by your little cronies," Harry said coolly, glaring at the other boy.
Draco flushed, glancing at the other Slytherin first years who were watching them intently.
"Actually, Potter, I'd take you on anytime," Draco declared grandly. "How about tonight at midnight? We'll meet in the trophy room and have ourselves a proper wizard's duel, if you can manage."
"Harry can more than manage it, you prick," Theo spat irritably back at Draco. "I'll be his second, who's yours?"
Draco glanced back at Crabbe and Goyle, sizing them up.
"Crabbe," Draco decided. "I'll see you there, Potty."
Draco left, the other Slytherins following him.
"What do you mean you're my second? And what's a wizard's duel?" Harry asked Theo.
"Me being your second means I'll take over for you if you die. But don't worry, there's no way that will happen. You and Draco barley know any magic yet so I doubt you'll be in any real danger," Theo assured Harry.
"What if I wave my wand and nothing happens?" Harry asked worriedly.
"I dunno, just punch him in the face? I mean, if anyone needs to be punched in the face, it would definitely be Draco," Theo mused.
Harry nodded, putting his hands in his pockets when he felt his fingers brush against Neville's Remembrall.
"Hey, do you know how to get to the hospital wing?" Harry questioned Theo. "I want to give Neville his Remembrall back and make sure he's alright. And I have something I want to tell all of you."
"Sure, I'll lead but I'm terrible at waiting so why don't you just tell me now?" Theo looked at Harry hopefully.
"Nope," Harry shook his head. "I don't want to repeat myself so you'll just have to wait until we find Neville."
"But, Harry!"
Theo led Harry through the castle, pestering him the entire way. Finally, they found themselves outside the hospital wing. They pushed the door open and walked inside, finding a long room filled with beds. Neville, with his wrist in a sling, was located at the bed nearest the entrance. Hermione was sitting in a chair beside him.
"Harry, I'm so s-sorry! Hermione told me what h-happened. You didn't need to do that! Now you'll be expelled and it's all m-my fault—"
"Neville, its fine," Harry interrupted the stuttering boy. "I'm not being expelled."
"Oh, good!" Neville replied while Hermione let out a relieved sigh.
"Yeah, Professor Snape only gave Harry a week's detention. See, Snape doesn't hate you Harry. You just got a bad first impression," Theo said.
"Actually, it gets even better," Harry said with a small grin. "Professor Snape made me Seeker for Slytherin."
"He—what? – Seeker—but, that's—" Theo spluttered, unable to form actual sentences.
"First years never get to play for the House team, Harry! That's amazing," Neville looked at Harry in awe.
Hermione didn't seem to share the others' excitement.
"I hope you don't see this as a reward for rule breaking, Harry. You could have been seriously hurt, you know," Hermione stated with a small frown.
"Don't worry Hermione, Snape made it perfectly clear I would be expelled if I ever got into that kind of trouble again. I also did get detention," Harry grumbled, a bit peeved Hermione was bringing down the group's excitement.
"Don't be such a stick in the mud, Hermione. This is AMAZING! Draco's going to be sooooo pissed. Maybe we should tell him at the duel tonight . . ." Theo trailed off with an evil grin on his face.
"At the what?! You're going to duel someone Harry? That's totally against the rules!" Hermione scoffed.
"It's not a big deal. We're just going to meet in the Trophy Room at midnight, I don't think it will last long," Harry replied, getting a bit annoyed with the overzealous Gryffindor.
Neville looked worried, "Harry, maybe Hermione has a point—"
"Well, of course I have a point! Didn't you just say Professor Snape would expel you if you got in trouble again," Hermione implored Harry.
"For Merlin's sake Hermione, take a chill pill. It's not like your House would be in the one in trouble anyways so why don't you—"
"What is going on here?" the stern voice of the school's mediwitch, Madam Pomfrey, interrupted Theo.
"They're my friends, Madam Pomfrey. They just came to check up on me," Neville hesitantly explained.
"Well, that's very kind of you boys but now I need to finish repairing Mr. Longbottom's wrist so you'd best be off. Miss Granger, you can stay to escort Mr. Longbottom to your dormitory after I finish," the mediwitch commanded.
Harry and Theo left with a quick goodbye wave to Neville, avoiding Hermione's disapproving gaze. Harry could feel her eyes on the back of his head as he left. The two Slytherins went to dinner, discussing possible strategies for the duel and how exciting it was that Harry was on the Quidditch team. After dinner, they had considered going to the library to look up spells but realized they might run into Hermione there, so they instead spent the remainder of the evening seated in the common room. At ten till midnight, the two boys set off for the trophy room.
They arrived before Draco. Theo paced the length of the room while Harry nervously fiddled with his wand. Suddenly, they heard footsteps. Theo and Harry exchanged a look, preparing themselves for the upcoming duel.
"Neville! Hermione!" Theo gaped at the two Gryffindors. "What in the name of Merlin's pointy hat are you two doing here?"
"We just really didn't want you to get expelled," Neville replied, looking around nervously.
Harry took a deep breathe, trying to stay calm.
"You need to stop this Harry, just go back to your dormitory before it's too late," Hermione hissed.
"Oh, for the love of –"
"Shut up!" Harry whispered, sure he had heard something. Mrs. Norris, Filch's cat, walked into the trophy room.
"That's right, sniff them out, they are lurking about somewhere," Filch's wheezy voice reached their ears. The four students shared a panicked look and quickly backed away quietly towards the other door. Then made it into the hallway and Harry let out the breath he had been holding. Suddenly, there was a loud crash as Neville accidentally knocked over the statue of armor standing by the door.
"RUN!" Harry shouted.
They sprinted away, dashing down the corridor and through one of the passageways hidden behind a tapestry. They were going as fast as they possibly could and Harry wasn't paying any attention to where they were going. They eventually came to a door, but it was locked. Harry spotted Mrs. Norris.
"We need to move!" Harry muttered.
"Oh, move over," Hermione shoved her way to the front, drawing her wand. "Alohamora."
The door unlocked with a loud click, and they scrambled inside. Harry pressed his ear to the door, listening for Filch.
"I don't see them, my sweet. They must have doubled back," Harry heard Filch mutter. He felt Neville tugging on his sleeve.
"What?" Harry turned around and froze.
They weren't in an empty classroom as Harry had suspected. They were in a long corridor, the forbidden corridor on the third floor. Harry now understood why it was forbidden, because they were face to face with a giant, three headed dog. The only reason they were still alive was that they appeared to have taken the great beast completely by surprise. It turned its three heads towards them, a low growl beginning as it barred three huge sets of fangs.
Harry groped for the doorknob, between Filch and death he would definitely pick Filch.
They burst out of the room and took off again; Harry's only thought to get as far away from the three-headed dog as possible. Hermione, Neville and Theo scrambled to keep up with him. Instinctually, Harry headed back towards the Slytherin common room, stopping suddenly in front of the secret door to his dormitory.
"Viper," Harry panted, causing the hidden door to slide open.
"Harry, we're not supposed to go in each other's common r—"
"Oh, come on!" Theo cut Hermione off. "No one is up at this point so unless you want to trek all the way back to wherever you live, and risk running into Filch, just get in here."
Hermione and Neville reluctantly followed the two Slytherins inside. They took seats in the couch by the fire, fear and shock apparent on all of their faces.
"What the bloody hell was that?! Why would anyone put that thing in the school? That's just insane! Totally and completely and utterly mad!" Theo exclaimed wildly.
Harry just shrugged, still trying to calm his racing heart. Neville's face was as white as a sheet and it looked as if he might never speak again.
"Well, weren't you paying attention? Didn't you notice what it was standing on?" Hermione demanded a bit huffily.
"Notice what it was standing on? Are you mad?! I was a bit preoccupied with its THREE heads, all those razor sharp fangs, evil, blood thirsty eyes . . ." Theo trailed off, shivering slightly.
"It was standing on a trap door. Obviously, it's guarding something," Hermione informed them.
Suddenly, Harry remembered what Hagrid had said to him that day in Diagon Alley. Hagrid had said that Gringotts was the safest place to hide something—except for Hogwarts. Harry gasped.
"What?" Hermione snapped at him, obviously still rattled from her close encounter with death.
"I just realized, I think I know what it's guarding. Hagrid took this small package from Gringotts, the day we were there. He said it was Hogwarts business and then that same vault was robbed later. I bet that package, that's what the dog is guarding," Harry mused.
"Well, it hardly matters what it's guarding, it's none of our business. We weren't supposed to be there and I, for one, am not planning on ever returning," Hermione stated firmly, Theo and Neville nodding in fervent agreement.
Harry frowned, he didn't want to let the matter drop but it was late, and everyone else seemed more than happy to forget the giant dog.
"I guess you're right. We can all just sleep out here tonight and we'll get you two out of here before anyone else gets up in the morning. If you leave now, Filch will probably find you," Harry pointed out.
"Thanks, Harry," Neville mumbled, curling up on the couch and staring into the fire. Theo, Hermione and Harry each claimed their own couches. As usual, Theo appeared to fall asleep almost immediately, but Hermione took longer. Harry could hear her fidgeting; clearly having trouble falling asleep in the unfamiliar place. As Harry listened to Neville's loud snores and tried to drift off to sleep, he couldn't help but think of that small, grubby package that he now knew was guarded by a giant three-headed dog. What could be so important that it required such extreme measures to protect it?
***Author's note: Just FYI most of the "famous Slytherins" Hermione mentions are people I made up but Merlin really was in Slytherin and they never mention (that I could find) which house St. Mungo was in so I say Slytherin. I mean you would have to be pretty ambitious and resourceful to found the main wizarding hospital in England. THANKS FOR READING!
Next chapter- Halloween! T is for troll and major trouble!