This is a work of fan fiction using characters from the Harry Potter universe, which are trademarked by J.K. Rowling. I do not claim ownership of these characters nor the locations such as Hogwarts, Hogsmeade, etc. that are Rowling's creations. This work also includes Pokémon, which belong to the Pokémon Company, and I again claim no ownership of these characters.

I thank both Rowling and the Pokémon Company for the universes they have created that allows me to do something like this for my own entertainment and, hopefully, the entertainment of the readers.


The new Pokémon Battling Professor was always a hot topic of discussion at the start of every new year, and it was more so for Snape. It had been well known that he had wanted the job, some even speculating that he'd threatened to resign if Dumbledore didn't give him the position, but Harry doubted that to be the case.

But why had Dumbledore given him the job? It wasn't like they'd ever had an excess of qualified candidates for the position in the past few years. That's how they ended up saddled with Umbridge, after all.

There was also the matter of the fact that Harry had been certain Slughorn was due to take up the battling post.

"I suppose he never specifically said what he'd be teaching," Ron reasoned over breakfast the next morning. "Pity that. The whole reason I dropped Potions was so I wouldn't have to see Snape's slimy face."

Harry supposed he really should have seen this coming, at least to some degree. After all, Slughorn didn't exactly look the battling type. Meanwhile Snape was one of the few people Harry would never be confident battling against.

It was a shame, like Ron said, that it meant he hadn't seen the back of Snape yet. Still, he couldn't be worse than Umbridge.

Harry was distracted by someone sitting down across from him and he looked up to find Katie Bell, seventh year Gryffindor Chaser and the last surviving member of the Quidditch team Harry had joined in his first year at Hogwarts.

"Harry, I'm glad I caught you," Katie said. "I was hoping we could talk Quidditch." Of course.

"I've been made captain," Harry told her, bracing for her response. "I know it should've gone to you but…" Katie waved him away.

"McGonagall picks captains," she said. "And given her track record in doing so I'm not going to argue." The last two captains, Angelina Johnson and Oliver Wood, had been cut from the same cloth, and both of them had won Gryffindor the championship.

"Anyway, it makes sense," Katie continued. "After the DA and everything last year. No, I just wanted to pass on some tips Angelina gave me over the summer." Harry leaned in, interested. However Katie was soon interrupted.

"Good morning, Harry. Bell." Cormac McLaggen had arrived at the Gryffindor House table and, without invitation, he sat himself down next to Katie. She ignored him.

"Angelina told me that we need to book the pitch for tryouts as soon as possible," she told Harry. "She said Slytherin like to book up all the slots early doors to try and force the other teams to have to wait before they can start practicing together."

"Cheating snakes," McLaggen added helpfully. "We'll see who's laughing when we knock the crap out of them on the pitch this year." Again, Katie ignored him.

"McGonagall's in charge of pitch bookings, apparently," she told Harry. "You should talk to her."

"Whoa there, Bell. Steady on," said McLaggen, giving Katie a look. "Let up a bit on the back seat captaincy. McGonagall chose Harry, not you." He glanced up at that moment, something catching his eye from down the table, before he turned back to Harry.

"I've got to head off," he announced, jerking his thumb down the table to where the seventh year Gryffindor boys were sitting. "This was fun. See you around, Harry." And he left, leaving silence behind him.

Harry sighed. "It's only the first day back and I already know he's going to be a problem." He looked up at Katie. "Thanks for the advice. I'll speak to McGonagall, maybe have tryouts this weekend if we can get the pitch. We need all the time we can get to bed in all the new players."

"McGonagall will be handing out our timetables soon," Hermione pointed out. Indeed, Professor McGonagall was visible down at the far end of the Gryffindor table. "You can talk to her when she gets here."

Harry agreed that sounded like a good plan and he contented himself with digging into his breakfast. Yet, glancing up at Katie brought a question to mind.

"Is McLaggen always like this?" He asked. "You're in his classes, aren't you." He really didn't know McLaggen outside their interactions the last two days.

Katie responded with a dull look.

"The sucking up is new," she said darkly. "But other than that it's classic Cormac. I swear the Sorting Xatu would have put him in Slytherin if it wasn't for the fact he doesn't have an ounce of cunning in him. Or subtlety."

"Sounds like a difficult person to get along with," Hermione said, looking anxious. "I would think you wouldn't want him anywhere near the team."

"We wouldn't," Katie agreed. "But he'd cause such a stink if he wasn't allowed to try out. He's such a diva." She sighed. "It'd make things a lot easier if you could just demolish him at tryouts, Ron."

"I'll try," Ron said, slightly pale. Harry was reminded of Ron's nervousness about trying out last year. It seemed a year in the team had failed to infuse him with confidence.

"I'm not worried," Harry said, and he meant it. "After the way you played last year there's no doubt you're the best keeper in the school. If it hadn't been for you Talonflame would never have caught the snitch against Ravenclaw in last year's final. If we want to hold onto the cup we need you in the team." Ron blushed at the praise.

"I'm glad to hear you're already planning ahead, Mr Potter." Professor McGonagall had reached them, her sudden presence causing them to jump. "For three years now you have kept the Quidditch Cup in my office, I trust you won't fail me now."

"No, Professor," said Harry. McGonagall nodded.

"Your timetable, Ms Bell," she handed Katie her timetable before turning her attention to the sixth years. "And you, Mr Potter? I have you down for Herbology, Physiology, Statistics, Battling, and Care, is that correct?" Harry nodded. "You wouldn't like to change, in light of recent events?"

It was a good question, Harry really not wanting to take a class with Snape, but at the end of the day Pokémon Battling was the one class Harry couldn't afford to drop. He shook his head.

"I'm with Harry," Ron announced and McGonagall nodded, pulling out two timetables and handing them to the boys before moving on to Hermione.

Harry and Ron examined their schedules.

"Pokémon Care first thing," Ron noted as McGonagall moved on, though not before instructing Harry to visit her office to sort out Quidditch schedules. "What a way to start."

Hermione bit her lip anxiously.

"I'm not taking Care this year," she admitted, though both boys already knew. "Do you think Hagrid will be angry?" Hermione was taking Potions and Ancient Runes in place of Pokémon Care and Herbology.

Harry and Ron were quick to assure Hermione that Hagrid wouldn't be angry, Harry certain that Hagrid would understand, especially with how well he knew Hermione. But still Hermione insisted on accompanying them down to Hagrid's hut to apologise in person, having a free period before their roles were reversed with the boys being free while Hermione went off to Potions.

Speaking of Potions.

"Harry, my boy," Slughorn boomed as they met in the Entrance Hall. "Ready for the day? And where are you off to?"

"Pokémon Care, sir," Harry answered.

"Of course, with Professor Hagrid," Slughorn said genially. "Well, don't take too long getting back, we have Potions just before lunch. Until then, Harry."

"But…" Harry tried to say but Slughorn was already gone, swept up in the wave of students heading off to class and disappearing into the dungeons.

"Wow," Ron muttered. "He did a whole little thing right there. Just wait until he sees you're not there in his class." Harry winced.

"I'll explain it to him," Hermione assured him. "He never told you he was Potions Professor. It would be unreasonable of him to be mad."

It was funny how Hermione was so ready to admit that when she was one hundred percent certain that Hagrid would be furious with her for not taking Pokémon Care. As it was she was wrong, as Harry and Ron had both assured her at least a dozen times on the walk down to Hagrid's hut, as Hagrid was not in the least bit surprised.

"I'm so sorry, Hagrid," Hermione repeated as she garbled her apology. "If I could have taken your subject as well as the others I would have but I really wanted to do Ancient Runes and I just couldn't drop anything else."

"Relax, 'Ermione. I understand," Hagrid told her soothingly, cutting off her ramblings. "Ter be perfectly honest I almost expected it. Yeh're a real smart girl, Hermione, yeh're perfectly suited to the tough subjects like Ancient Runes and Physiology. Yeh don't have ter apologise fer bein' smart." Hermione blushed.

"Still, I had to tell you in person," Hermione said. "I didn't want you to think I don't like your classes. You're a great teacher."

"Yeah," Ron agreed. "That's why me and Harry are here, isn't it. Though no idea where everyone else is." For some reason it was only Harry, Ron and Hermione that were gathered round the front of Hagrid's cabin, not a single one of their classmates in sight.

"I suppose not many people wanted ter take me class," Hagrid said, trying to sound unconcerned but looking very disappointed. "It's a pity, I have so much good stuff planned… Oh, hang on, who've we got here. Looks like we've got another one on the way." From up at the castle they could just make out a figure rushing out the great oak front doors, moving hurriedly across the lawn to Hagrid's cabin.

Encouraged, Hagrid turned to Hermione.

"Yeh know," he said. "You have a free period now, don't yeh, Hermione. Why don't yeh join us fer the first lesson? I promise, yeh won't want ter miss this."

"I'd love to Hagrid," Hermione promised fervently. Hagrid beamed.

A moment later they were finally joined by the final member of the class.

"Cuttin' it a bit fine, aren't yeh, Mr Finnegan," Hagrid commented with a crinkled brow. Seamus bent over, hands on knees and out of breath, unable to answer. "Well, now yeh're here we can crack on. Follow me."

Hagrid had a paddock round the back of his hut where the majority of his classes were held but instead today Hagrid led the small group of students in a different direction, out towards the lake.

"Where are you taking us, Hagrid?" Harry asked curiously. Hagrid gave him a mysterious grin.

"You'll see, Harry," He promised. "It's a bit of a trip but you'll see. But first off, the lake. We need some transportation."

It was only a few moments later that the group finally came across Hogwarts' great lake and Harry saw what Hagrid meant. Floating on the water, just off shore, were at least a dozen Lapras. Waiting for them, apparently.

"I had expected more people," Hagrid admitted, stroking his beard as he surveyed the many Lapras. "For the five of us we'll just need a couple."

But Harry wasn't listening. While Hagrid was talking he'd approached the bank of the lake and one of the Lapras extracted itself from the pack to join him.

"Hey, Lapras," Harry said softly, running his hand across the Pokémon's smooth neck. "It's been awhile." Lapras crooned.

It had indeed been awhile. It had been over a year ago since Harry had last seen the water and ice type, the Pokémon he'd caught specifically to help him with the second task of the Tri-Pokémon Tournament. He'd said goodbye under somewhat false pretences, claiming he needed to stay with the school to help ferry the first years over at the start of every year, but really letting him go because of his firm belief that he was not cut out for the upcoming war. And he hadn't seen him since.

Lapras had changed since then. He'd been young when Harry'd caught him, not yet fully grown, but now he was near indistinguishable from the other Lapras floating out on the lake. Yet Harry had still recognised him, and Lapras had not forgotten Harry.

"I call shotgun," Seamus called, climbing upon Lapras's back, surprising both human and Pokémon. Harry blinked, looking around to find Ron and Hermione climbing onto a second Lapras's back, Hagrid coaxing a reluctant third to shore.

"We're headin' across the lake," Hagrid called over. "Get on, Harry. Yeh don't want ter be left behind."

Harry hurried to climb aboard Lapras's back, finding himself slipping comfortably into place like he did this all the time, his hand resting gently on Lapras's neck as he remembered fondly the last time they'd rode together.

"Everyone ready?" Hagrid called, now sat astride a Lapras of his own, making the Pokémon look comically small. "Then follow me." And they set off.

The journey across the lake went at a casual speed, the Lapras seeming to glide across the water as they headed towards the yet unknown location. Out on the calm water, not a human nor Pokémon in sight, the scene was peaceful.

Harry felt a nudge in his side. "Psst, Harry," Seamus whispered, his voice low as he clearly tried to avoid being overheard. "You know how to stop this thing?"

Harry frowned. Leaning forward he patted Lapras's neck, Lapras looking up at him in surprise before he started to slow. Up ahead Ron, Hermione and Hagrid continued onwards, unaware of their defection.

Harry turned to Seamus. "What's up?"

Seamus looked distinctly awkward, which immediately told Harry that this was important. He waited patiently for him to speak.

"Look, it's probably nothing," Seamus began. "I know I'm barking up the wrong tree but I've got to ask… I heard something, at breakfast, and I wanted you… wanted to hear your take on it, what you have to say… about it." Harry waited.

"Is there something going on with you and Daphne, I mean, Greengrass?" Seamus said, his words coming out in a rush. Harry froze.

"Where did you hear that?" He asked. If people knew Daphne was helping him…

Seamus fidgeted. "It was that McLaggen bloke," he admitted. "I heard him at breakfast. He was saying something about you and Daphne…"

"It was nothing," Harry said quickly. He knew what was bothering him now. "Daphne was just wanting to know how she could help, nothing like that happened." Of course, that wasn't strictly true, but that was besides the point.

Seamus looked relieved. "I thought it would be something like that," he admitted. "It's just the way McLaggen was talking about it… messed me up a little." Seamus fixed Harry with a sideways look. "I was just wondering if Daphne might, you know, be wanting to spend more time with you." Harry shook his head.

"Daphne doesn't like me like that," he assured Seamus with one hundred percent certainty. "Sometimes I wonder if we are even friends. Still, I'm worried. It won't be good for people to get word she's been hanging around with me. Hopefully, since it's McLaggen, they won't believe it."

Harry glanced ahead. Hermione, Ron and Hagrid were way off in the distance. "Come on, let's catch up. We don't want them asking questions."

Lapras put in the work to make up the ground on their companions, allowing them to catch up with nothing more than a few strange looks as they finally dismounted and landed on a rocky shore, seemingly cut off from all surrounding land but for a treacherous looking trail that disappeared towards the boundary wall.

"All here?" Hagrid asked as he took them in, dropping his enormous rucksack from his shoulder. "Good, then we don't need ter go askin' the Giant Tentacruel for any favours."

"Thank god," Ron muttered. "So what's in the bag, Hagrid? And why are we here?"

"That's a good question, Ron," Hagrid said, rummaging in the bag. "Here." And he threw Ron a puffy winter jacket.

"What's this for?" Ron asked, incredulous. It was September.

"Wearin', o' course," Hagrid told him, throwing three more jackets to Harry, Hermione and Seamus before swinging the bag back over his shoulder. "Now get those on an' follow me."

Hagrid didn't lead them far. Just a few feet along the rocky shore stood a small hole in the rock face, concealed from view, and Hagrid squeezed inside, Harry, Ron, Hermione and Seamus, now clad in their new winter coats, following behind him.

It was freezing inside. Though Harry had somewhat predicted it might be he was not prepared for the temperature to drop quite so drastically. The tunnel they were in was glistening in ice, the ground slippery underfoot, and immediately Harry's breath started to form before his face.

"H-hagrid?" Harry said, his teeth chattering. "What is this?"

"You'll find out soon enough," Hagrid murmured in response. "And don't touch anything. Got it?" Harry nodded, wondering what it was that was making Hagrid so cautious. And how he was coping without a jacket.

Hagrid led them down the tunnel, none of them speaking a word to each other as they followed, too focused on trying to stay warm as the tunnel got progressively colder with each passing step.

Hermione gasped. "Bergmite," she exclaimed and pointed. The tiny ice type Pokémon had appeared as if from nowhere, though they didn't appear to be paying them any mind as they wandered in amongst their feet, walking on ahead as the tunnel opened up into a massive cavern.

Harry's mouth fell open. From behind him he heard Hermione gasp, and Ron and Seamus swore. Hagrid beamed.

"Welcome, to the Ice Cave."

The cave was enormous. Despite the narrow and cramped tunnel that led to it the cave itself was large enough to house perhaps the whole of Hogwarts, with the ceiling a distant glistening rock face some way over their heads. Ice layered the whole cave, from the ground to the walls to the ceiling to the little outcroppings of rock that jutted out to form ledges along the walls.

But what truly made it incredible were the Pokémon. They were everywhere, filling ever nook and cranny of the great cave. Nearby a Cloyster sat by the wall, a family of Delibird nested up above it. A Dewgong poked its head out from a large pool of water and the Bergmite from earlier scuttled over to the hulking form of an enormous Avalugg.

Hagrid beckoned them onwards.

"Hagrid… how?" Hermione wondered, looking around the cave in shock. "How is this possible?"

"Marvellous, isn't it," Hagrid murmured. "An' I'll tell you how. Just remember, don't touch anything." And he led them forwards.

Sitting in the middle of the cave was a stone plinth, completely iced over and stuck fast to the cave floor. Hagrid gathered them round it, rubbing his hands together as it grew still colder, and they all looked down to where sat a stone of the purest snow white.

"This," Hagrid said reverently. "Is the Icicle Plate." His words reverberated in the silence.

"The what?" Seamus asked. Harry didn't know either, and looking round he saw that both Ron and Hermione were looking confused. But to Hagrid this was clearly something extraordinary.

"The Icicle Plate, Seamus," Hagrid repeated. "One of the seventeen plates held by the legendary Pokémon Arceus."

Hermione gasped. "Arceus?" She repeated. Hagrid nodded.

"Arceus is a Pokémon more powerful than any other," Hagrid told them. "Legend has it he created the world, all life a construct of his immense power. Whether it is true or not that Arceus is a god among Pokémon, among people, there is no denying its power."

Hagrid spread his arms wide, gesturing throughout the cave, and Harry looked around with newfound wonder.

"See that? Everythin' around us is the way it is because of this plate," Hagrid told them. "This plate has made this the Ice Cave, is the reason it's so cold. If it wasn't here this cave would be dull and grey, just like any other."

"Is it dangerous?" Hermione asked. Hagrid turned to her. "The plate… you said not to touch it." Hagrid shook his head.

"Nah, the plate won't harm yeh. It'd be a bit cold, that's fer sure, but that's not the reason I didn't want yeh to touch it."

"Why then?" Ron asked.

"Look around, Ron, and tell me what you see." Ron did, looking non-plussed, and even after a scan around the whole cave he had nothing. He frowned up at Hagrid.

"Pokémon," Hagrid said and instinctively Harry looked around at them. They didn't look very menacing, though there were a lot of them, and now that Harry was looking he noticed that they seemed to be watching them very carefully.

"The Icicle Plate makes this cave what it is, a nirvana for ice type Pokémon," Hagrid told them. "If the plate were to be removed the ice would melt, the temperature rise, and their home would never be the same again." Hagrid looked around sadly. "They would fight, fight to the death ter defend their home, and who could blame 'em. In a world conquered by man, where Hogwarts remains one of the few truly safe havens, let's give them this."


A/N: Thank you for reading. I hope you enjoyed this chapter.

There's no question of the day for this chapter so all I can say is please feel free to ask any question you want and I will endeavour to answer it.

Until next time.