In no way am I connected to Harry Potter

Harry had a little more than a fortnight to prepare for this Wizengamot meeting. He would need to be prepared. All of the first weekend was spent in the library, researching all the law books he could get his hands on.

Most of the news around the school passed him by, but the biggest rumours still reached his ears. After all, everyone had homework and Madam Pince wasn't too bad if they were only whispers.

Harry knew whispers carried, so he picked his table carefully.

But he didn't hear anything interesting and the only thing that was proven not to be baseless gossip was that no one could attend their detention with Mr Filch, no matter where he picked. The staircase would keep moving so the student couldn't get on the right floor and, if they did take a passage, the door wouldn't open.

Harry didn't hear what the professors were doing about it. He assumed nothing.

It was only Sunday evening that someone approached him. To Harry's surprise, it was Percy. "Curfew in an hour Harry."

Harry glanced at the pile he had yet to go through. He wasn't going to get through that in an hour. "Thanks Percy."

Percy nodded and had turned slightly to walk away. He stopped when he saw what Harry was reading. "Law books Harry? May I ask why?"

Harry thought it over, but didn't see the harm. "I recently learned I'm going to be Lord Potter one day. I want to know about what I will soon be involved in." He put the book he was reading back on the table and began to pick through the pile. "Which of these could I get through before curfew?"

Percy scanned the titles, making sure to pile them back up in the same order. They weren't in any particular order, but Harry saw the gesture for what it was. "I would say this one," he pointed to a green back one, "and this one." The finger went to the top book. "Have you read 'Chains of Command'?"

Harry didn't remember the titles of books as he had read loads recently, but he was quite sure. "No."

"That would be useful to you. It breaks down the entire Ministry of Magic and would be suitable for Second Years, so you should be fine."

"Thanks Percy." He might be the most stuck up of the Weasleys, but never let it be said Percy couldn't be helpful. Harry did feel a bit bad for his response to his help when choosing his electives.

Percy nodded and left the library.

When Harry returned to the Common Room with Percy's recommendations, he saw Hermione at a table with a lot of books on the table she was studying at. This wasn't unusual, but she was looking like she was in the lead up to their exams.

With a frown, Harry headed over to her. "This seat taken?"

Hermione almost jolted up, obviously not seeing him coming. "Harry. It's empty."

Most of the books looked like course books. He was a little surprised. With how tired Hermione was, he thought she had another project going. "About the other day…I'm sorry I snapped at you." He had been angry at Snape. He had been out of line with Hermione.

To his surprise, Hermione changed the subject. "It's okay Harry, but I've got a lot of work to do. Do you mind?"

Harry cast his gaze over the books. "Hermione, this is the end of the first week. I don't know how you're doing it, but this is too much. You need to drop something."

"I'm fine." When it came to studies, Hermione could be as stubborn as Harry.

More than me in this case.

When Harry opened his mouth to argue, he heard shouts from behind him. In a second, Ron was by them and Harry had never seen him so furious.

"I TOLD YOU! SCABBERS! LOOK!"

In his hand were several strands of ginger cat hair.

…Pettigrew's gone. Dammit!

Not for a second did Harry think Scabbers had been eaten.

Pettigrew had run.

Pettigrew. Had. Run.

"Ronald, Crookshanks cannot open a cage. If you had just taken better care of your rat-"

Harry grabbed Ron and dragged him out of the Common Room into the corridor. He did not think that he would have an incident of accidental magic, but he knew his old friend didn't think before he spoke.

Ron didn't stop fighting him until Harry's wand was in his hand.

"If you go back in there to continue fighting, I'm going to put you in a Body Bind and drag you to bed."

Ron glared at him. "Take her side why don't you! I told you her cat was mad! I said it from the beginning!"

"First," Harry cut in. "Just because Crookshanks has been in the dorm doesn't mean he was the one that ate Scabbers. There are loads of cats in Gryffindor Tower."

"The beast always had it in for Scabbers!"

"Second," Harry continued as if Ron hadn't spoken, "Hermione has an excuse for not watching her cat. She's taking all the electives and is overwhelmed. All this could have been avoided if you put Scabbers in a cage or even kept him in sight."

"Oh, and it's now my fault the beast ate Scabbers! So much for being my best mate-"

Harry wasn't going to stand for that. "Hermione is my friend too. I'm not saying she's not responsible, but if you let your rat loose in a castle full of cats, I'm amazed he wasn't eaten earlier." That was a sign that something was up with that rat. "But, answer me this: when was the rat eaten? It could have been hours ago and you never noticed."

"Harry-"

Harry waved a hand. "I don't want to hear it Ron. I've got enough on my mind without two idiots not taking responsibility for their pets. Just don't talk to each other, but if you start arguing, I'm going to make good on my threat. I'm not going to put up with you two wrecking what I'm working on."

He didn't mean to say that.

But Ron didn't catch it.

"You think I'm going to get away with that monster killing Scabbers?"

Harry had enough. He looked Ron in the eye. That seemed to unnerve him. "Ronald, I don't care. A cat is a cat. Cats eat rats. End of story." Harry wished Crookshanks did eat Scabbers. One day, he would tell Ron the truth. But not at the risk of Sirius' freedom. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to bed. I've had a long day."

"Like…bookworm….library-"

Harry didn't catch the whole sentence, but he heard enough.

"Petrificus Totalus."

Ron froze.

"Wingardium Leviosa."

Harry Levitated Ron into the Common Room. He ignored the stares, but stopped at Hermione's table. She was just staring with wide eyes.

"Hermione, I'm not going to tolerate the loud arguments you and Ron probably going to have. I have enough headaches without you two becoming one of them. Bury the hatchet or stay away from each other."

Without another word, he headed up to the dorm, dropped Ron on his bed and readied for bed himself.

The Body Bind faded after Harry had pulled his curtains across. Ron didn't disturb him.

The next morning, Harry made sure he was gone before Ron got up.

The second week of school was far more relaxing than the first.

First thing on a Monday was Potions. Normally, this would be a cause of despair for Harry. However, all the Potions lessons throughout the week consisted of 'instructions on the board, begin' and then Snape would sit silently at the front of the class, not responding to questions.

It was an improvement, so Harry was going to let it slide. Maybe if he realised the students did better when they weren't bullied, Snape would be an even better teacher. It wasn't likely (Harry thought there was a better chance of Dumbledore giving up sweets), but it was all Harry could do for now. Without knowing anyone to replace Snape, merely being able to brew a potion was a good experience for the students.

Harry greatly enjoyed DADA. Lupin certainly knew his stuff and he was great at passing it on to the students. He preferred live creatures if he could, such as a Grindylow, but the following class had had Red Caps and he used moving models for that.

Lupin had been ignoring Harry, save for treating him as a student, and that made it easier for Harry to do the same. He wasn't sure he wanted to get to know Lupin better.

Amazingly, Hagrid had taken Harry's advice and refused to allow Malfoy back to his class. He even stood up to the threat of 'wait until my father hears about this' and considering Lucius had been there when Hagrid was sent to Azkaban, that took some guts. He did use flobberworms for the first class of the week, but after a pep talk from Harry, he returned to hippogriffs, again with Buckbeak. The hippogriff returned Harry's bow, but took a moment to allow Harry to approach.

While Harry was improving in Herbology, Neville was slowly improving more. It would seem that the boggart Snape was a good push for him, but he was still struggling with performing magic. Harry honestly couldn't see the reason, other than Neville having to push almost too much magic through his wand to manage it.

Arithmancy and Ancient Runes were going well also, although it was a little disappointing that they wouldn't be experimenting with their gained knowledge until at least OWL year. A small part of Harry agreed; it was easy enough for fatal accidents to occur with known spells, never mind ones that had never been tested. Neville was greatly enjoying Ancient Runes and had since dropped Divination. A second subject he was doing well in was boosting his confidence.

There had been no more mention of extra studying from McGonagall and she had yet to call him back after class. However, Harry was doing well in his studies and had, so far, been among the first to complete the Transfiguration.

Charms was the same, but Harry wanted to spend all his time working on the Wizengamot meeting. He would approach Flitwick for private tutoring afterwards (including the anti-dementor charm), but so far, he hadn't had another outburst since the previous week and he had been really angry at both Ron and Hermione. He promised himself he would reconsider if something else happened.

The weekend again found Harry in the library.

Harry had been careful to do his homework during the week; to make sure he had time. The week had gone by a lot faster than Harry anticipated and now he was running out of studying and planning time.

Law.

Politics.

Media.

Harry had sent letters to Mr Tonks throughout the week.

Mr Tonks was able to confirm that no laws had been passed to prevent Harry from sitting in his seat and that he was allowed to present evidence concerning 'ongoing cases' or 'family business'. He had reassurances from Madam Bones that she would support justice.

Harry hadn't told Mr Tonks exactly what he was planning, but he was sure Mr Tonks had figured it out. He had told Harry that Madam Rosmerta would allow him to visit Diagon Alley if he paid for the floo powder and Harry had again snuck into Hogsmeade.

His only regret about that was that he didn't visit Sirius. He hoped the man would understand.

There was still no security around the exits. Harry needed to look up monitoring charms.

But later.

Besides, what little security measures there were around Hogwarts would be lifted when Sirius was exonerated.

Maybe then my professors would be willing to actually talk to me.

Harry had been avoiding Ron and Hermione. He had heard rumours they still yelled at each other in the Common Room, but they never did when he was there. Either they weren't willing to argue with him around or they thought his threat would be carried out.

Or Hermione has too much to do and Ron had too little to do.

Looking back, Harry was quite embarrassed by his approach to his education. His parents didn't die for him to waste their sacrifice.

That was the reason he refused to let Snape walk all over him anymore.

He wasn't going to let anyone walk all over him in the Wizengamot either. He just needed to be sure of what he was and wasn't allowed to do.

Harry did have allies. He just didn't trust them when Sirius Black was the topic.

After all, they all failed him twelve years ago.

The Sunday before, Harry was in an abandoned classroom. Tonight, he was back looking over Daily Prophet articles. These had been sent to him by Mr Tonks, all concerning Sirius Black. The articles before and after his incarceration were very different.

There was no evidence stated for anything.

Harry knew the previous Lord Black had been Sirius' grandfather. Why did he not step forward and request a trial? Why had none of the people that had allied with House Black complained? Why had no one complained when an Heir had been imprisoned without trial?

The last one could be explained by most thinking he did have a trial, though they didn't attend. The second part…Maybe because most were Death Eaters or thought to be? If most walked on the Imperius Curse, they wouldn't want to stir up trouble. But why did no one confront Sirius if he was this huge traitor? If it were me, I would want to know everything.

He was drifting.

He was searching for Sirius' achievements.

After all, there had to be a way to handle the media.

And if Skeeter wants to ruin it, I'll find a way to ruin her.

"Harry?"

Harry glanced up. "Neville." He swallowed. It was too late to put away his stuff now.

How did he find me?

Neville grabbed one of the papers off the table. Then he looked at another. "Sirius Black?"

Harry groaned. "He's my godfather Neville. Sworn godfather."

That stopped whatever Neville was about to say. His mouth kept opening and closing with nothing coming out. He picked up a third newspaper. Then a fourth. A fifth.

"Neville?"

Neville glanced up. He dropped the newspaper back on the table. "What happened?"

Harry took a deep breath. Neville was not to blame, so he didn't deserve Harry's anger. "No questioning. No trial. The media ruined his reputation based on his surname. No one asked. And I have evidence he didn't kill Pettigrew or the muggles."

Neville's eyes went to Harry. Then to the newspapers. Then to Harry.

"Righting a wrong on the Wizengamot this month?"

May as well admit it. "Yes."

"Right." Neville sat down next to him and pointed to a pile. "Gone through these yet?"

"…No."

Neville pulled the one on top in front of him. "Go through your plan. My Gran's told me a bit about the people on the Wizengamot and I have a better knowledge of the politics." A flicker of red came across his face. "No offence."

A happy smile stretched across Harry's face. "None taken."

The tension within faded as Neville began to work beside him. His shoulders relaxed and his heart slowed. In fact, there was a part of him that was enjoying it. Not necessarily the studying part, but the not having to do it alone part.

It felt…less desperate.

It was like when Ron and Hermione had refused to allow Harry to go down the trapdoor alone.

How exactly had they ended up at odds with each other?

Harry shook himself.

Now wasn't the time to be bothering about that.

But when the pair returned to the dorm to sleep, Harry's heart felt lighter. His rest that night was far more peaceful than it had been over the past few days.

"Hey Hagrid."

"Harry! Good to see you. Come in, come in."

For the first time this year, Harry entered Hagrid's Hut. He glanced around with a fond smile. Just as he remembered; too big for him and yet still very homely. Fang was lying on the guest seat, but seeing Harry, he came over for a pet before lying in the middle of the floor.

"Cup of tea?"

"Thanks Hagrid." Harry hopped onto the seat. He was now able to see properly over the top. He was growing recently. Good. "You're a good teacher Hagrid. I think Buckbeak's starting to like me again."

"Yeah, he wasn't happy that you interfered. Still, he let you approach again so you're all right. Shame the only other ones he's taken to that fast were Neville and Theo."

Neville had been bizarre. Harry frowned. The other name was vaguely familiar. "Theo?"

"Lad from Slytherin. Certainly understood hippogriffs, that one." Hagrid poured the tea.

Harry remembered. He couldn't place Theodore Nott in his mind, but he knew his father was on the Wizengamot and was neutral according to Neville. Harry intended to meet him at some point this year, but not this soon.

"Any more trouble with Malfoy?"

"Nah. He can't complain as he wasn't the one hurt. Sorry Harry."

Harry waved his apology. He had done every twenty times Hagrid had apologised. "Hagrid, forget about it. You did nothing wrong. Buckbeak didn't either." He had read stories about hippogriffs that killed people who insulted them. That Buckbeak stopped at a scratch was impressive. "Any problems with the Forbidden Forest? Kids that are where they shouldn't be?"

"Only a matter of times. Not even the Weasley Twins yet." Hagrid sat opposite Harry. "So how's your year Harry?"

Harry shrugged. "Pretty good."

"How's things with Ron and Hermione? Only had Hermione down here last week and she was upset. Something happen?"

Harry groaned. "She and Ron have been arguing. She got a cat over the summer and Ron wasn't happy." Hagrid nodded in understanding. "Not to mention Hermione's getting a little crushed under her coursework and is a little…stretched."

"People get possessive of their pets. What about you? Hermione says you've been quiet and withdrawn."

The problem here was that, as much as a good part of Harry wanted to blame Hagrid for what he did that night, he had been following orders from Dumbledore and his word was law in Hagrid's eyes. He would jump in the lake in Dumbledore told him too. He could have really hurt Sirius if he tried. He had also bought Harry Hedwig and had been a good friend to Harry since he was re-introduced to the Wizarding World. He cared about Harry, not the Boy-Who-Lived.

Harry was a bit on the fence on what he felt about Hagrid.

"I'm working on something, so I'm spending a lot of time in the library. People only go there for homework, except for Hermione and she has enough on her plate."

"Doesn't sound healthy Harry."

It probably wasn't, but Harry didn't care. "I'll be fine. Neville's been helping me lately." He was very driven at this, actually. He hadn't been able to get a good answer to why.

But maybe he likes seeing his parents' names in the newspapers just as much as I like seeing my parents.

Frank Longbottom had been a fantastic Auror. There was little mention of his wife, but Harry had read somewhere she was called Alice.

All he knew about them was that they had been attacked by Death Eaters merely days after James and Lily Potter had been murdered. There had been no mention of them after that, so Harry was sure they died. He had never asked Neville and had no intention to.

"Speaking of pets Hagrid, what about Aragog?" He had promised the Basilisk he would try to get them moved before she ate them.

Hagrid frowned. "What about Aragog?"

"Well, when we went to see him last year, he was going to let his offspring eat us." Hagrid was stunned, but Harry continued before he could argue. "Students get into the Forest all the time. Is there somewhere else we can move him to?"

"That's not fair Harry. Aragog has been there years and never done any harm. It's not fair to force him to leave his home."

Harry closed his eyes and counted to five before he opened them. He did see Hagrid's point, but those spiders were too close to the school. "But what if Aragog dies Hagrid? Why would the children not attack Hogwarts? Wouldn't it be better to move them all somewhere where they won't be bothered? Besides, if the School Board learnt about them," which, considering their job, was a huge oversight, "then they would eradicate them."

Maybe this conversation would go better if Harry had already found a place to move them to.

"He's been there fifty years Harry. It's his home."

It was almost ironic that Hagrid had a lot of better reasons for leaving Aragog be than raising Norbert in his Hut. This was going to be even more difficult; Hagrid had always wanted a dragon, but Aragog had been his friend for all these years.

Harry knew exactly what he would say to someone who told him to move Hedwig.

But this isn't an owl. This is a colony of huge, flesh eating spiders.

To Hagrid, there was little difference.

Harry would never see those things as anything other than monsters, but he had been able to talk to Aragog, so he could explain to the spider itself. But in a choice between the Basilisk and Aragog, Harry was going to choose the Basilisk.

How ridiculous is that?

Harry also couldn't tell Hagrid he was responsible for a Basilisk in the castle. He didn't think even Hagrid would understand. A few months ago and Harry wouldn't have either.

But this was what he chose.

And he was sticking with it.

"Hagrid, believe me, I understand what it is like to be friends with something everyone else would see as a monster. That is why it is safer for Aragog if he was away from here. I mean, you've been lucky all this time that no one has stumbled across them and I think the centaurs helped with that. That's probably why they're annoyed with you." Harry knew that as fact. "But there's a good chance they're going to be found soon."

To be fair, and a slight surprise to Harry, Hagrid actually seemed to think it over for a moment. "I can't Harry. I've got nowhere to send him and nothing's happened yet-"

"Me and Ron were nearly eaten last year," was Harry's clip response. "We were saved by a car Hagrid. A few more seconds and we would be dead. Aragog knew we were your friends and that we were trying to help you and he still tried to get us eaten. All of them need to be away from here Hagrid, before a student is eaten."

Hagrid wasn't angry, but he was insistent. "There's no harm Harry and he's got nowhere to go."

Apparently, making Hagrid a professor wasn't enough for him to realise how dangerous the colony was to the students.

He did have a fair point on what to do with an Acromantula colony.

"If I find a place for them, would you agree to it?" Something else he needed to research, but even Harry would admit he needed help with this problem. What did you do with a group of Acromantulas?

Where did you even get Acromantulas?

"I-I'll think about it Harry."

That was better than nothing, Harry mused. It had taken weeks to convince Hagrid that keeping a fire breathing dragon in a wooden hut was dangerous. It was also a fair point that he had no idea what to do with the colony after it was removed.

Harry briefly considered telling the Basilisk to remove them, but banished the thought from his mind. After all, it had been fifty years and no accidents. He would send the Basilisk to scare them, but then they probably already knew she was there. Maybe Aragog would listen to reason if he learned the Basilisk was there to stay.

"Okay Hagrid." Harry glanced at his watch. "I should probably get back to the school. Still have your homework to finish." It was an interesting assignment. It was essentially a lot of possible scenarios in which someone could encounter hippogriffs and what they should do in each.

It was much like their DADA homework in that aspect. He normally did them both on the same day.

Hagrid chuckled. "Don't be a stranger Harry. And stick close to your friends."

"See you later Hagrid."

As Harry headed back to the castle, he checked the Map. With the Wizengamot meeting tomorrow, Harry wanted to spend these last few hours just relaxing in peace. For that, there was only one place to go.

Something on the Map caught his eye.

There was a name in one of the passageways that led to an empty room. He had seen that name quite a few times, but he hadn't thought much of it. Now though, he realised he had seen it a few times after curfew and always alone.

Well, it's on the way and won't bother me again.

Sometimes, being curious wasn't a good thing.

Harry just hoped he was seeing things or was watching to Map too little.

The name was Luna Lovegood. Harry had never heard of it. When he saw the girl, he saw the Ravenclaw robes, but couldn't place her. She was smaller than him and most others in his year, so she must be younger.

And, in his experience, younger years stuck together.

Still, I'm quite sure she wasn't Sorted this year, so must have been Sorted last year. I didn't see that. So she's Second Year.

"Hey."

She didn't turn around. She was looking at a wall. "Hello Harry Potter."

Harry didn't want to just come out and ask, so he racked his brain for something to say. "What are you doing?"

"There's an odd number of rats in the castle. It's interesting."

Harry blinked. "Rats?" He knelt down next to her. He did see three rats, but none of them were missing a toe. But he did notice something. "Where are your shoes?"

"I suspect the Nargles took them."

"Nargles." Harry had never heard of them. "How'd they get in the school?"

"Oh, most can't see them. They're harmless, but can be mischievous."

Sounded like pixies. Still, it was odd the girl was walking around on what were probably freezing cold tiles barefoot. She didn't sound bothered about it. She was just…unusual.

"Well, if they become too much of a bother, let me know okay?" She might not be in either of the Houses he was Heir to, but something wasn't right here.

"Certainly. Good luck tomorrow Harry."

Having never met this girl, Harry could only guess Neville told her. So he would ask Neville about her. "Thanks. What's your name?" He already knew, but she hadn't told him so he shouldn't know.

"Luna Harry, but you already knew that. You know a lot of things people don't want you to know or want to even remember themselves."

This girl was odd. But Harry didn't think it was a bad odd. Just odd. "I'll keep that in mind." Then he had an idea. "See you around Luna."

"Bye Harry."

Harry headed back down the passage and slipped down another. He was now getting around Hogwarts more instinctively and he had only just noticed that the staircases were always where he needed them to be.

But Peeves wasn't on the Map, so Harry couldn't ask him about Luna. He put that out of his mind for now.

I need to focus on tomorrow. I can't let anything go wrong.

Something must have gone wrong last month or Madam Bones hadn't brought up the fact that there was no trial at the last Wizengamot setting. Mr Tonks said that they were convinced that a trial must have been held, but irregularities and chaos at the time meant that the documentation must have been misplaced.

Without the documents from Gringotts Harry had and could only access because he was the Black Heir, there was nothing Madam Bones could do to push the matter.

Harry wasn't sure he believed that.

However, he was supposed to meet Madam Bones before the meeting for her to confirm that the documents he had were valid. He had agreed to the meeting suggested by Mr Tonks merely so the power hungry bastards couldn't use a technicality to avoid their responsibility.

The Basilisk rose up a little when Harry sat down. "You are troubled Heir."

"Very. I'm going to get on a lot of people's bad sides tomorrow." He wasn't looking forward to that.

Harry was looking forward to wiping the smile off Malfoy Snr's face tomorrow.

The Basilisk considered this. "Are you in danger?"

"Not yet. Then again, I will come to arguments with the guy who helped release Regina into the school last year."

This Basilisk hisses in fury. "Scum. Be careful. Show no mercy Heir. He will exploit any weakness."

"I know. I've removed most of his fangs. He just doesn't know it yet. Or more likely, know that I've got those same fangs."

She laughed in response. "You learn fast Heir. But always remain cautious. Cornered animals are often the most dangerous."

"I'll keep that in mind." Harry took a few deep breaths, trying to calm himself. He was relaxed, but there was a curl in his gut he was sure was fear. He hated politics and hated being the centre of attention (unless it was immediately after a Quidditch game). Tomorrow wasn't going to be fun, but it should be the start of a new day.

He should be looking forward to tomorrow.

Harry wouldn't leave the Wizengamot until Sirius' freedom was assured and if they refused to abide by their own laws, he was going to use the press. No doubt Skeeter would see his side of things before turning on him.

After all, it would be a screw-up of epic proportions and that was her favourite kind of story to report. That was what sold papers, no stretch of the truth needed.

"I was thinking about a name for you. It took me a while, but I had found one last year." The snake was interested. "What about Medusa?"

"Medusa? That is not a name I have heard while wandering the pipes. What does it mean?"

Harry licked his dry lips. "Well, it's not really a name for humans. What most people know is that Medusa is a creature that can turn people to stone. I know that's not what you're supposed to do, but her story interested me. I thought…"

The Basilisk curled her body around a little. "I do not know this story Heir. Will you tell me?"

"It's mythology, so there are different versions. Most agree that Medusa was once a very beautiful woman. After she loved or married Poseidon, she was cursed and became a monster. She didn't look human at all afterwards. I was thinking that, rumour wise anyway, was what happened to you and Salazar. Salazar was a man that cared for the students and people now believe he was willing to kill a very select group of them."

"My duty is to guard the school, yet my predecessor was responsible for a death and I am now feared. A good comparison Heir. I like Medusa."

Harry smiled. He had feared she wouldn't like it. She wouldn't hurt him, but he would feel as if he failed. "Medusa then." He paused. "I spoke to Hagrid. I agreed the Acromantulas could stay until I found somewhere to put them. I should have thought of that."

The Basili-Medusa-hissed angrily again. "Your concern is the students, not the threats."

"I know. But I couldn't really argue that they had been there for fifty years and nothing had happened. It's just…I need time."

The tip of the tail slid across the floor a few centimetres. "They know I am here. They sensed me in the Forest a few days ago. I will feed on any that drift too far from their den. They will learn. One that is fifty years old is coming near to the end of its life. If that one is the only one to save, I will eliminate them after it is dead and will contain it until it is."

Harry let out a long breath. "Thank you." Hagrid would be pleased to hear that…or maybe not if it meant Aragog would die soon. Ron would be happy to hear that.

"But students still go into the Forest. One younger than you was wandering there three nights ago. The centaurs and Thestrals say she visited often last year, far too deep in."

"A-Alone?"

"Yes. She may come across them. So far, she is heeding the centaurs' advice to stay away."

"R-Right." What was he supposed to do about that? "Well, the children didn't come up in our discussion, so I don't think he's going to complain too much about them." Harry hoped. Just because Aragog never ordered an attack on Hogwarts didn't mean the others wouldn't. They weren't kept in the castle at any point in their lives.

"Then I will remove them once the eldest is gone or any that are too bold."

"Thank you." That was one huge worry gone. If Medusa was agreeing without too much trouble, then she obviously didn't think there was much time left for Aragog. Harry couldn't say he would miss the spider, but Hagrid would. "Is there anything else in the Forest that shouldn't be?"

"No. The soul suckers remain at the outskirts, but they are getting restless. They may attack soon if they are tempted."

That had to be dementors.

All the more reason why I need to learn this anti-dementor spell. I'll ask Flitwick after the Wizengamot session tomorrow. Or maybe the day after. I don't think a dementor will be bothering me tomorrow.

Tomorrow was going to be impossible.

But every day had to end.

Harry just had to hold onto that.

AN: I'm not going to try to write Hagrid's accent. It just makes the story easier to write and read.

Thanks for reading.