Strange Visitors from Another Century

Isilarma

Chapter Ten: Erklings, and Centaurs, and Trolls, Oh My!

Apologies if I haven't answered your review or PM; we lost our internet for about a week. On the plus side, I was able to finish this so much quicker without any distractions. Anyway, thank you so much for all the reviews, favourites, and alerts everyone, I really appreciate the support. I hope you all enjoy this chapter.

All credit to my brother for the erkling idea. Thanks, Andy!

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, and am not affiliated with Bloomsbury or Scholastic Inc.

"Are you sure you're all right?"

"I'm fine, Ron," said Harry in exasperation. "I told you that."

"But are you really?" asked Hermione. "I mean, after yesterday no one would blame you."

Harry suppressed a sigh. He appreciated the concern, but their fretting was beginning to get on his nerves. Ron folded his arms.

"Come on mate, you can't expect us to us believe you're happy about it."

Harry snorted. "No, I'm delighted that I'm prophesied to kill Voldemort. The only thing that could make me feel any better would be finding out that I've got a random bit of soul stuck in my head. O wait..." His friends exchanged looks and he relented. "Look, I hate all of this, but what good is obsessing over it going to do?"

Hermione looked relieved. "I'm so glad, Harry. Prophecies are tricky things, even when they are true."

Ron glanced at her. "You're saying that you believe this one?"

"Well, it did sound authentic," Hermione admitted. "And there was some information that not even Trelawney could have made up."

"And the fact that Professor Ravenclaw and the others accepted it has nothing to do with it?" Harry asked with a grin.

Hermione ignored him. "Anyway, now that we know Voldemort's going to come after you-"

"We already knew that," Ron interrupted. "Harry's beaten him too many times for You-Know-Who to afford to leave him in peace."

"Thanks Ron," said Harry dryly.

"Anyway," said Hermione loudly, "it means that we really need to make the most of our time here. We can get training from the Order back home, but the Founders have much more experience with fighting powerful Dark wizards."

Harry nodded. "Professor Slytherin said the same thing."

"Good." She fixed the pair of them with a sharp look. "You know this means we have to start taking this seriously."

"We have been," said Ron indignantly. "I swear I've learned more in the past week than I have in months."

"I'm not sure that that's a good thing, but it's going to get even harder now. I read a bit about non-verbal magic before our O.W.L.s, and it really doesn't look easy."

"Yeah, but it's going to be brilliant! I can't wait to learn to Apparate."

"That will be useful," Harry agreed. "Being able to use magic at home is going to make things easier too."

"I just hope that no one finds out about that," Hermione muttered.

"It'll be fine," Harry assured her. "We'll just have to be careful."

There was a brief silence, then Ron asked, "Can we at least tell the twins?"

Harry grinned, and Hermione rolled her eyes heavenward as they entered the Great Hall.

The three of them were just finishing their breakfast when Gryffindor and Hufflepuff arrived. They started to rise, only for Gryffindor to wave them back down.

"How are the three of you this morning?"

"We're all well, sir," Harry answered.

Gryffindor held his gaze for a long moment before nodding. "I am glad to hear it." He made no mention of the previous day's events, for which Harry was grateful.

"Where are Professors Ravenclaw and Slytherin?" asked Hermione.

"They are occupied with research," Hufflepuff told her.

"Already?" Ron exclaimed.

Gryffindor grinned. "They were both intrigued by the possibilities. Frankly, I am amazed that they waited this long."

Hufflepuff nodded in agreement. "I expect we will have to remind them to eat when we return."

Harry smiled at the thought, but Hermione tilted her head to one side. "When you return? Where are you going?"

Gryffindor looked round at them, and Harry felt a sudden surge of apprehension at the gleam in his green eyes. "It occurred to us that we have not yet determined the extent of your knowledge concerning magical creatures."

"We all took Care of Magical Creatures," said Harry. "We learned," visions of Skrewts and flobberworms swam before his eyes, "some things."

"Hagrid's an interesting teacher," said Hermione wryly.

"Putting it mildly," Ron muttered. "We do know a lot about dragons though."

"You don't want to know," said Harry quickly. "No one got hurt." Not seriously at any rate. Gryffindor looked tempted, but Hufflepuff touched his arm.

"Have you had any other experience with magical creatures?" she asked.

Harry nodded. "Professor Lupin, our third year Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher, covered quite a lot of Dark creatures."

"Boggarts, hinkypunks, Red Caps, grindylows, and kappas," Hermione recited. "Oh, and werewolves."

Harry grimaced. "Lots about werewolves." And they definitely wouldn't want to know about that.

Gryffindor raised an eyebrow. "You actually had a competent teacher?"

"Lupin was brilliant," said Harry. "He had to leave at the end of the year, but he's part of the Order, so we still see him."

"Good," said Hufflepuff. "Do you think he would he be willing to teach you when you return?"

"Probably. He was good friends with my parents."

Ron nodded. "He and Sirius will definitely be happy to help. Moody and Tonks too, I reckon."

Gryffindor smiled. "Excellent. Make sure you ask them. In the meantime, we will do what we can to remedy this situation."

"What exactly are we going to be doing?" asked Hermione. She sounded somewhat wary, and Harry found that he couldn't blame her in the slightest. Gryffindor's grin widened.

"Have any of you ever been in the forest?"

"It's forbidden," said Hermione automatically. Gryffindor just raised an eyebrow. Harry rubbed the back of his neck.

"Maybe a few times."

Gryffindor and Hufflepuff exchanged amused looks.

"Why am I not surprised?" Hufflepuff murmured.

"Because you've taught students?" Ron suggested with a grin.

"Indeed."

Hermione's eyes had widened. "We're going into the forest?"

"Precisely."

Harry's stomach twisted. His trips into the forest had all been memorable, but for all the wrong reasons. Ron's grin disappeared, and Hermione paled. Heedless of their dismay, Gryffindor continued.

"The forest is inhabited by a number of dangerous creatures," he said. "And it is this that makes it such a valuable training opportunity."

"We will also be taking the opportunity to investigate some of the more interesting flora," said Hufflepuff. "We are extremely fortunate to have access to such an environment, for many of these plants are very rare."

Harry took a deep breath. "Fortunate. Right." Hermione was staring fixedly at the floor, and Ron had gone an interesting shade of green. Gryffindor looked round at them.

"No harm will come to you while we are there. Of that I give you my word."

Harry could remember Hagrid saying something very similar, but Gryffindor was not Hagrid. He took a deep breath.

"So, what are we going to be doing?"

Gryffindor nodded approvingly. "Helga will showing you some of the more...interesting plantlife. If we happen across any potential threats, I will show you how to manage them. We will not be staying long."

Hermione managed a smile. "That doesn't sound too bad." She glanced at Harry. "At least we're not teaching giants to talk."

"Or following spiders," Ron added with a shudder. "Acromantulas aren't around yet, right?"

"They won't be discovered for several centuries," Hermione assured him. "There definitely aren't any here."

Harry glanced at Gryffindor and Hufflepuff. "In our time, there's a colony in the forest," he explained. "They're horrible."

"Putting it mildly," Ron mumbled.

Hufflepuff shot him a sympathetic look. "I have never heard of any such creatures," she agreed.

Gryffindor nodded. "I doubt we will have any problems. Are the three of you ready?" he asked, glancing at the empty plates. The trio exchanged a quick look, and Harry nodded.

"We're ready." As much as they were ever going to be anyway.

"Then let us be on our way."

Harry took a deep breath. At the very least, this was going to be interesting.

Ten minutes later, as he stood staring into the depths of the forest, Harry reflected that interesting might not have been quite the best way of describing the situation. Ron's expression was equally wary.

"Are you sure we can't find these plants anywhere else?"

Gryffindor laughed and clapped him on the shoulder. "We could, but this is considerably more convenient." Gently, but firmly, he guided the redhead onto the path. Harry and Hermione exchanged resigned looks ad followed, with Hufflepuff bringing up the rear.

At first, it was not too bad. It was a sunny day, and the trees were not thick enough to seem too threatening. The presence of the Founders certainly helped.

"Helga, look at that."

"Leave it alone, Godric."

"But is that not the one that you use in Burn-Soothing Paste?"

"I use the one with red petals. That one would kill you faster than the burn."

Gryffindor pulled a face at the trio. "Herbology has never been my speciality."

Hufflepuff patted him on the arm. "We cannot be good at everything. And Salazar will be glad of these."

Hermione wrinkled her nose. "He makes poisons?"

"When he has to," said Gryffindor. "Something we have had cause to be very grateful for." Harry shot him a questioning look, and he grimaced. "Some threats cannot be fought on the battlefield."

Harry nodded slowly. He didn't like it, but he could imagine there were times when a more subtle approach was necessary. Ron looked less convinced, but he knew the Founders well enough by now to keep his concerns to himself.

"In any case," said Hufflepuff, as she straightened up, "these particular plants can be used for more than just poisons. We have been meaning to collect more for some time."

Gryffindor grinned at the trio. "So any explosions you hear in the next few days are nothing to be concerned about."

"Explosions?" Hermione exclaimed.

Gryffindor and Hufflepuff exchanged looks.

"Salazar does like to experiment."

Gryffindor chuckled. "Indeed he does, and not always with the best results."

Harry frowned. "Is that safe?"

"He will be fine," Gryffindor assured him. "He knows to be careful, especially since Helga does not appreciate having to heal such injuries."

"Certainly not," Hufflepuff muttered. "Fortunately, his Shield Charms have improved considerably."

Gryffindor smiled, but did not comment. Somewhat reassured, Harry let the matter drop. He did make a mental note to keep an ear out for any unusual noises though.

Harry was broken from his thoughts by Hermione's startled gasp.

"What are those?"

Harry whirled round, and his mouth fell open. Approaching from the nearby bushes were half a dozen...somethings. They were about three feet tall, with narrow, wicked looking eyes and pointed teeth. Their fingers ended in long claws, and Harry found himself reaching instinctively for his wand.

Ron's face, however, had split into a broad grin.

"Oh, we know how to deal with these."

Harry stared at him. "We do?"

But Ron had already stepped forwards and, heedless of the ferocious snarls, grabbed the closest creature by the ankles. Before anyone could protest, he had whirled the thing round his head, and hurled it a good thirty feet into the surrounding forest. He glanced back at them and pulled a face.

"It would have gone further if the trees hadn't gotten in the way."

"What do you think you're doing?" Hermione demanded.

Ron blinked. "What I always do with gnomes. These are a bit different to the ones back home, but it still works."

"Are you blind?" Hermione shrieked. "That's not a gnome!"

Ron stared from her to the growling creatures. "Er..."

"These are erklings," said Hufflepuff. Her voice was level, but her lips were twitching suspiciously. "The typical method of dealing with them is to use a Stunning Spell."

Ron's ears blazed red. "Oh."

"I have to say though," said Gryffindor. "This technique also seems to be fairly effective." He was watching the erkling stagger away; evidently Ron's assault had been as much as it was willing to take. "I wonder..."

"Godric," Hufflepuff began, but Gryffindor had already moved in the direction of the group. A moment later, a startled looking erkling went flying through the air, and collided with a tree. Gryffindor nodded to an open-mouthed Ron.

"I agree. It does work."

A slow smile spread across Ron's face. "Thanks." A gleam entered his eyes. "I bet I can get the next one further."

"Ron," Hermione groaned, but Harry nudged her.

"It's not doing any harm," he murmured. "And Gryffindor doesn't mind."

Hermione's lips pursed, but Ron and Gryffindor's open laughter as they competed, and Hufflepuff's fond smile as she watched made her pause. Harry smiled at her.

"Let them have some fun. Good throw!" he called, as one of Ron's erklings went flying past his head.

Hermione hesitated a moment, then she relaxed. "Well done, Ron."

Ron glanced at her and grinned. "Thanks."

Harry looked away, and caught the small smile playing on Hufflepuff's lips as she looked between the pair of them.

"Intriguing."

Harry grinned. "Obvious."

"Just a little."

Gryffindor strolled over to them, his green eyes sparkling. "That was interesting."

Hufflepuff rolled her eyes, but before she could comment, a voice sounded from behind them.

"Are you enjoying yourself, Godric Gryffindor?"

Harry spun round, wand in hand, but Gryffindor caught his shoulder and pulled him back. "Very much so, Dorian."

Harry could only stare in open-mouthed astonishment. How the hell had a centaur managed to get that close without him noticing? Judging from Gryffindor and Hufflepuff's complete lack of surprise, its approach had not gone completely undetected, but Ron and Hermione looked about as startled as he felt.

The centaur had a glossy chestnut coat, and his eyes were a deep grey. Harry shivered; the piercing gaze seemed to see right through him, and he was reminded of the futility of trying to keep secrets from Slytherin. Gryffindor turned to them.

"Harry, Ron, Hermione, this is Elder Dorian. Dorian, these are guests of ours."

Dorian's eyes narrowed. "Guests. I see." Harry tensed, but the centaur's gaze passed over them and returned to the Founders. "I bring a warning."

Gryffindor's smile disappeared immediately. "Speak."

"Mars rises. The demons are running. There is only one conclusion."

"War," said Hufflepuff. Her usually gentle expression was steely. Dorian nodded.

"It is coming, and the cost will be great."

"Can anything be done?" asked Gryffindor.

Dorian was silent for a moment. "Guard yourselves. Loose tongues will cost lives."

Gryffindor's lips twisted. "As clear as ever, Dorian."

"I shall inform the heavens of your displeasure," said Dorian dryly.

Gryffindor rolled his eyes. "My apologies." He ran a hand through his hair and took a deep breath. "We thank you for the warning."

Dorian nodded, but he did not move. His attention was once again on Harry and his friends.

"Is something wrong?" asked Hufflepuff.

Dorian's eyes did not move from Harry's. "Some time ago, we saw something change. At the time, we could not agree about whether or not it was for the better."

Harry swallowed. "And now?"

"We do not know," said Dorian quietly. "Your actions, and those of you companions, are hidden from us. But know this," his gaze rested on each of them in turn, "you have set things in motion that cannot be undone. Your presence will have consequences, both in this time, and your own."

Hermione started. "You know?"

"Certainly." He turned back to the Founders. "We will inform you, should anything be revealed to us."

"We appreciate it," said Gryffindor. "Thank you."

Dorian inclined his head. "War affects us all." He turned to leave.

"Wait," Harry called. "What about us?" He couldn't just leave it at that, could he?

Dorian paused, and glanced back over his shoulder. "I have told you what I can. Your fate is yours to decide." His gaze flickered to Ron and Hermione. "You three stand apart. And you alone can decide your destinies." He dipped his head, then there was a pounding of hooves and he was gone, leaving three very confused time-travellers staring after him.

It was Hufflepuff who broke the silence.

"We should return. Rowena and Salazar will wish to know of this."

Gryffindor shook himself and nodded. "Agreed." He glanced at the trio. "I am afraid we will have to cut your lesson a little short."

At that moment, their interrupted trip was the last thing on Harry's mind. "What the hell was all that about?"

Gryffindor ran a hand through his hair. "We met with the centaurs when we first chose this site," he said. "In exchange for leaving them in peace and protecting their territory, they promised to inform us of anything that might threaten the safety of Hogwarts."

"I guess war qualifies," said Ron. "But was all that about us?"

Gryffindor and Hufflepuff glanced at each other.

"It is difficult to be sure," Gryffindor admitted. "Everything we said about prophecies being ambiguous applies doubly so when it comes to the centaurs."

Hufflepuff nodded. "Rowena is of the opinion that they are doing it deliberately." She sighed. "Whether or not that is so, it does appear that the three of you have a larger role to play here than we originally believed."

"Good."

Everyone turned to stare at Harry.

"Good," Ron repeated warily. "Really?"

"Yes," said Harry. "We told you we wanted to help. Now it looks like we're supposed to."

"The danger," Hufflepuff began, but Harry shook his head.

"We're going to be in just as much danger when we get back," he pointed out. "Probably more considering that stupid prophecy. If we don't learn how to fight in proper battles then we're not going to stand a chance."

"He's right," said Hermione. She was pale, but her voice was strong as she faced the Founders. "Training in a controlled environment will only take us so far; we learned that this year. We need to fight people who are actual threats."

Gryffindor and Hufflepuff both tensed.

"We understand," said Gryffindor, "and were these typical problems, then we might agree, but there is more to this particular threat than you realise."

"Then explain it to us," said Hermione.

Hufflepuff shook her head. "This is not the time," she said, and the steel in her voice halted any thought of argument. "We will discuss it with the others, but you will not engage anyone without our express permission. Is that understood?"

Reluctantly, Harry nodded. "You will think about it though?"

Gryffindor nodded. "You are not ready for some of the things that we will face, but there may be some ways you can help."

Ron stared at him. "Really?"

The ghost of a smile touched Gryffindor's lips. "You are not incompetent; indeed, your skills are improving rapidly. And we cannot deny that you need the experience."

Harry allowed himself to relax a little. It wasn't everything he wanted, but it was a start. For now, it would do. Ron glanced at him, and then at Gryffindor.

"And if we keep improving?"

"We will see." But Harry caught the pride that flickered in his eyes. He glanced at Ron and Hermione, and saw his own resolve mirrored in their faces. They would improve, and then they would show everyone just how much of a threat they could be.

Over the next few days though, Harry came to the realisation that becoming strong enough to threaten Voldemort was not going to be as easy as he had hoped. The Founders continued to train them, but it seemed that they had not been exaggerating the difficulty of their newest lessons.

"Apparition is one of the most useful skills a wizard can learn," Slytherin had said, at the start of their first lesson. "It makes travel easier, and is by far the fastest method of getting yourself out of trouble, but it is not perfect. Can any of you tell me when Apparition may not be possible?"

Predictably, Hermione's hand shot into the air. "There are spells that can stop you from Apparating."

Slytherin nodded. "And very frustrating they are too. There are wards that can serve the same purpose."

"What's the difference between them?" asked Harry. Hermione sighed, but Slytherin barely batted an eyelid at the question.

"A spell will only last a few hours, depending on the strength of the caster, but a ward will prevent Apparition until it decays, or is actually dispelled, potentially centuries in the future. There are Anti-Apparition wards surrounding Hogwarts, for example, and many other important buildings have taken to applying them as well. Now, are there any other disadvantages to Apparition?"

"Don't you have to know where you're going?" asked Ron.

"Indeed. You must be able to precisely visualise your destination. The consequences of failing to do so are not pleasant."

Ron's face went slightly green. "Splinching?"

Slytherin grimaced. "Precisely."

"Has it ever happened to you?" asked Harry.

Slytherin's gaze became haunted. "Once. The first time I Apparated." Hermione drew in a sharp breath, and he gave a bitter smile. "It was an excellent incentive to do better."

Harry swallowed. "Right."

Slytherin glanced at him. "I had had no prior instruction, and was not in the best physical or mental condition at the time. You will not have such problems. Although if you do, Helga has had plenty of experience with such injuries."

Harry was tempted to ask more, but the look in Slytherin's eyes was achingly familiar. Instead, he took a deep breath. "All right, what do we do?"

The rest of the lesson had not improved. No matter how hard Harry concentrated on the interior of the circle Slytherin had traced on the floor, he simply could not will his body to move. Ron and Hermione had met with an equal lack of success, but Slytherin had not been discouraged.

"This is not an easy branch of magic to master," he had told them. "Every witch and wizard I have ever taught has struggled with it."

Harry was not convinced. "You did it when you were younger than us."

Slytherin's face darkened. "And you all of people should know that the risk of imminent death provides an excellent incentive." Harry shivered, and his eyes softened. "Keep practicing, and you will succeed. I have no doubt about that."

Healing had been slightly better, though they had gotten quite a shock when they arrived in the hospital wing to find a leg of raw meat lying on the table.

"I have found this to be the best method of modelling a typical laceration," Hufflepuff had explained.

Harry was carefully not looking at the bleeding meat. "Er, good." Ron seemed equal parts intrigued and horrified, but Hermione looked like she was about to be sick. Hufflepuff laid a hand on her back.

"Healing is never a pleasant business," she said quietly. "There is nothing that can really prepare you for it. I will understand if you do not wish to participate."

Hermione shook her head, her eyes hardening with resolve. "No. I need to learn this."

Hufflepuff smiled at her. "I am glad to hear it. Now, once you have mastered this, we will begin on sprains and dislocations, before moving on to the correct treatment for broken bones and internal injuries..."

None of them had performed brilliantly in that either, but Harry would have taken both Apparition and Healing over the fiasco that had been their non-verbal session. Try as he might, he simply couldn't perform even the simplest spells without saying the incantation. Hermione was not helping matters.

"Excellent, Hermione," Ravenclaw exclaimed, as Hermione succeeded in levitating her feather at the end of their third lesson. "I do believe you have got it."

Hermione practically glowed with pride. "It's all to do with intent, isn't it? The incantation just helps you to concentrate on what you want to do."

"Precisely, and it will only become easier with practice. I am sure you have noticed how we rarely need to verbalise our intent."

Harry and Ron exchanged dismayed looks. As happy as they were for Hermione, it was more than a little discouraging. Ravenclaw caught the expressions on their faces.

"Do not be disheartened. It does take time to learn to cast like this."

"Not for Hermione," Ron mumbled.

"That is because Hermione is naturally more focused," said Ravenclaw.

"Huh?"

Ravenclaw smiled. "Both you and Harry are very similar to Godric in that you rely more on your emotions and instincts than logic. This is no bad thing, but it does mean that you have to concentrate harder on the effect you wish to cause when channelling your magic silently."

"So you found that easier than Professor Gryffindor?" Harry asked.

"Yes, as did Salazar," said Ravenclaw. "It is simply due to differences in how we think. In contrast, both Godric and Helga found it considerably easier to learn wandless magic than either Salazar or I did."

Ron brightened. "Do you think we could try that?"

Hermione rolled her eyes, but Ravenclaw just smiled. "One must learn to ride a horse, before one can fly a Pegasus. Let us try this again."

She had been patient, and Hermione had tried to help, but the lesson had ended without any further progress being made. Harry tried not to feel too despondent; non-verbal magic was difficult, everyone had told him so, but it was hard to ignore such persistent failure.

Even Duelling had taken a turn for the worse.

"Harry, behind you!"

"Protego!"

The shield held, but Gryffindor raised an eyebrow.

"Harry..."

"I know," Harry mumbled. "Non-verbally." He knew what he was supposed to do, but when he saw the spell coming, his instincts just took over. Gryffindor sighed.

"I know your first instinct is to verbalise the incantation, but you cannot afford to reveal your intentions so easily in an actual duel."

"But it doesn't work otherwise!"

"It will. Harry, you have been learning for less than a week. It usually takes students at least a couple of months to be able to cast silently and without hesitation."

Ron glanced at him. "How long did it take you?"

"Just over two weeks," Gryffindor admitted. "But it was that, or risk getting myself killed, so..."

Ron swallowed. "Yeah, that would do it."

Gryffindor gave a small smile. "Indeed, but that will not be relevant here. You will succeed in time."

Harry sighed, but before they could continue, there was a knock at the door, and Slytherin entered. Behind him trailed a young man. Both wore grim expressions, and Gryffindor's eyes narrowed.

"What has happened?"

Slytherin nodded to the other man, who stepped forwards. "Ingrid saw something sirs. Hengist sent me up here immediately."

"What is it?"

The man swallowed. "Trolls, sir. Three of them." Gryffindor and Slytherin exchanged a long look as he continued. "She thought they would come to the village, but they just walked straight past. I passed them on the way up." He shivered. "Never thought I'd ever be grateful for that broom."

"Did they see you?" asked Slytherin.

"I don't think so. I stayed above them and kept quiet."

Gryffindor nodded. "You did well." He glanced at Slytherin. "The wards should stop them, but we cannot let them be."

"Not this close to Hogsmeade," Slytherin agreed. He turned to the messenger. "Return to the village and tell Hengist that we will manage the situation."

"Yes sirs." He bowed to the two of them and slipped from the room. Gryffindor sighed and turned back to the trio.

"I apologise, but we must attend to this. We will resume this when I return."

"Wait," Harry called.

"Yes?"

"Let us help."

"Harry," Gryffindor began, but Harry didn't give him a chance to argue.

"Look, we might not be good enough to fight actual Dark wizards, but we beat a troll in our first year. We can do this."

"You were lucky," said Slytherin sharply.

"Yeah, but that was years ago. Now we know what we're doing."

"There's three of them, and only two of you," Ron added. "We can stop the last one from getting in the way."

They still did not look convinced, but Harry had no intention of backing down. He had had quite enough of watching other people go into danger, and this was something they could do.

"Professors," Hermione began quietly. "Voldemort used trolls in the last war. It's only a matter of time before he uses them again. We need to know how to fight them properly."

Harry could have hugged her. The Founders exchanged another long look, then Gryffindor turned to them.

"Do you promise to obey our instructions?" he asked.

"Yes sir," said Harry quickly, but Gryffindor wasn't finished.

"Do you promise to listen if we tell you to fall back and leave it to us?"

Harry hesitated, but Gryffindor's gaze was implacable. "Yes."

"And do you promise to obey us if we tell you to flee and leave us behind?" asked Slytherin.

"What?"

"We'd never do that," said Ron hotly.

"You will if we tell you to," said Slytherin, "or you will not come at all."

Harry looked at Ron and Hermione. He hated the thought of abandoning anyone, but it did not look like they had any choice in the matter.

"Fine."

"You promise?"

"We promise."

Slytherin met each of their gazes in turn before nodding. "Very well then."

"Yes!"

"Ron!"

"Sorry."

Harry just grinned. "Thanks."

Slytherin sighed. "You do need the practice. That is the only reason." He glanced at Gryffindor. "Helga and Rowena will not be best pleased."

Gryffindor grimaced. "We will deal with that later. For now, we must be on our way. I will take Ron and Hermione if you take Harry." He glanced at the trio. "Have any of you travelled by Side-Along Apparition before?"

All three shook their heads, but Ron's expression turned wary.

"My brothers have said that it's worse than normal Apparition."

"They are correct," said Slytherin with a grimace. "Unfortunately, it is the fastest method available to us."

Harry took a deep breath and took his proffered arm. "All right."

Slytherin shot him a small smile, then the world disappeared.

The journey could not have lasted more than a second or two, but Harry had never been so glad to once again feel solid ground beneath his feet. He staggered forwards, trying desperately not to lose his dinner, and only Slytherin's iron grip on his arm kept him upright.

"Are you all right, Harry?"

"Fine," harry choked. Why had he ever wanted to learn this again? Slytherin gave him a sympathetic look, just as a soft crack sounded, and Gryffindor appeared with Ron and Hermione. Harry was slightly relieved to see that both looked as ill as he felt.

"Bloody hell," Ron mumbled. "I am never doing that again."

"It gets easier after the first few times," Gryffindor assured him.

"It couldn't get much worse," Hermione gasped.

Slytherin's eyes narrowed as he looked at the three of them. "Are you certain that you wish to do this? You would be safe here until we are done."

If anything could overcome Harry's nausea, that was it. "No! We're coming with you."

"Trolls cannot be underestimated," said Gryffindor grimly. "If you do not feel well enough-"

"We're fine," Harry insisted. His stomach twisted, but he forced the discomfort aside.

"He's right," said Hermione. Her voice shook slightly, but she met Gryffindor's gaze steadily. "We can do this."

Gryffindor grimaced, and Slytherin pinched the bridge of his nose, but Ron's face suddenly went white.

"What the hell?"

Harry spun round, and his nausea suddenly returned in full force.

The troll they had fought in their first year had been about twelve feet tall. Each of the three shapes staggering towards them had to be at least twice that. Two were armed with clubs, the third seemed content to swing at anything in its path with its enormous fists.

"All right," Harry whispered. "We can still do this."

Slytherin glanced at him. "Are you absolutely sure?"

Harry looked at Ron and Hermione. He could see his own fear reflected in their eyes, but beneath that fear was something else. Not for nothing had they all been sorted into Gryffindor. He turned back to the Founders.

"We're ready."

The pride in their eyes made it all seem worth it.

"All right," said Gryffindor quietly. "Now listen to me. Trolls have poor eyesight, but they have extremely sensitive hearing to compensate for it. Take advantage of that; use the Sonorus charm to confuse them. Their skin is extremely resilient; you will have to cast in unison for your spells to take effect."

Harry took a deep breath. "Loud noises, attack together. Got it."

"We will take the two that are armed," Slytherin continued. "You concentrate on the third. Make the most of your size and speed, but do not underestimate how dangerous these creatures are."

"We won't," Hermione promised. "I don't think we could."

Gryffindor's face was very grave. "We will be keeping an ear out. If you do get into difficulties, call and one of us will assist you."

"Thanks," Ron mumbled.

Gryffindor smiled at him. "You will be fine."

Hermione swallowed. "Are you sure?"

"We will not let any harm come to you. I promise you that."

Harry closed his eyes. He knew that the Founders would keep their words, but the size of that creature... A hand rested on his shoulder, and he looked up to meet Slytherin's silver eyes.

"You will overcome this obstacle as you have every other," he said quietly. "I have complete confidence in that."

Harry finally managed a small smile. "Thanks."

Slytherin's grip tightened for a moment. "Be careful." For once, his mask slipped, and the open concern in his face meant almost as much as his pride had earlier.

"I'll do my best if you will."

A smirk touched Slytherin's lips. "Always." He nodded to Ron and Hermione, then turned to Gryffindor. "Ready."

Gryffindor held his gaze for a long moment, then nodded. "All right."

Slytherin dipped his head, and Disapparated. Gryffindor turned to the trio. "We will draw ours a little apart to keep them from interfering. Remember, do not hesitate to call for assistance, should you require it." His eyes darkened. "And do not hesitate to fall back. This is not worth losing your lives over." He gave them a small smile. "Good luck."

With that he Disapparated, and the three of them were alone.

Harry took a deep breath, and turned to face the enemy. It did not take long to notice a change.

"There's Slytherin!"

Ron's jaw dropped. "Wow."

His astonishment was justified. Gryffindor had mentioned that Apparition could be used in battle, but Harry had never imagined anything like this. Slytherin never remained in place longer than the time necessary to fire off a spell before disappearing again, and the poor troll simply did not know which way to turn. Harry grinned as roars of frustration echoed across to them.

"I think it's working."

"Look at Professor Gryffindor," Hermione gasped.

Harry spun and his eyes widened. Gryffindor did not Apparate, but like Slytherin, he never stayed still long enough to present a viable target. He ducked and dodged around his exasperated opponent, a constant stream of spells of all kinds flying from his wand. It was a dazzling display; already the troll was staggering under the neverending assault.

"Harry," Ron exclaimed. Harry turned, and bit back a curse.

The third troll was apparently completely unconcerned by the fate of its companions. It continued to lumber towards them, and Harry really did not like the look on its face. He drew his wand, and concentrated on keeping his voice from shaking.

"Spread out. Cast the charm, and keep shouting. Stunners when I give the signal."

"Right," Hermione murmured. Ron's grip tightened on his wand as he nodded.

"Go!"

The three of them scattered. Harry sprinted to the left, all the time keeping his gaze locked on his opponent. It paused, its tiny head moving stupidly as it tried to track them, but Harry did not give it a chance to make its mind up.

"Sonorus." His throat became suddenly warm, but he ignored it. "Hey, ugly!"

Harry was slightly startled by the speed at which the troll's head whipped round. It let out a low growl.

"Over here, idiot!"

Ron's magically amplified voice echoed round them, and the troll spun again. Harry grinned.

"Are you blind as well as stupid?"

He wasn't sure whether it was the volume or the insults, but Gryffindor's tactic appeared to be working. The troll was frozen in place by its own decision as it tried to choose between the different targets.

"What do you think you're doing?"
Hermione had evidently chosen that moment to join in, but the troll had had enough. It roared again, and slammed its fist down. The shock sent Harry staggering, and he heard Hermione scream.

"Hermione!" Rage and terror blinded him. "Stupefy!"

His aim was true, but the spell bounced harmlessly off its thick skin. Harry swore; all he had succeeded in doing was attracting its attention, but a moment later another spell, courtesy of Ron, bounced off its head, and it whirled round with a bellow.

"No! We need to attack together!"

Harry had never been so glad to hear Hermione's voice. A burst of energy filled him, and he pushed himself to his feet.

"Harry, when?" Ron called.

"On three," Harry yelled. "One...two...three!"

"Stupefy!"

Three spells did what one could not. The troll staggered, shaking its head dully.

"Again!"

"Stupefy!"

That trick did the trick. Slowly, the giant creature toppled forwards and landed facefirst with a deafening crash.

For a long moment, there was complete silence. Harry stared at their fallen opponent, unable to quite believe what had happened. Had they just...

"Excellent."

Harry almost jumped out of his skin. "Professors!"

Slytherin winced. "Harry, the charm..."

"Quietus. Sorry."

"Quite understandable," Gryffindor assured him. His expression tuned serious. "Ron and Hermione?"

Harry's heart leapt into his mouth, but his fears were assuaged a moment later as a voice drifted over to them.

"We're fine."

Harry's shoulders slumped with relief as Ron and Hermione appeared from round the other side of the troll. They, well probably Hermione, had already thought to cancel their charms.

"Are you all right?" Slytherin demanded.

"We're not hurt," said Hermione. "Somehow."

Open relief showed on the Founders' faces.

"Good," said Gryffindor. "When we heard your shouts, we wondered if you were having difficulties."

Ron grimaced. "It was a lot harder than the last one."

"At least this one didn't have a club," Harry muttered.

"Yeah, shame about that." There was a certain lack of sincerity in Ron's voice.

Slytherin's lips twitched. "You all did well."

Harry managed a small smile. "Thanks." He paused to look at them properly. "Did you-"

"We are both unharmed," Gryffindor assured him.

Indeed, although both were breathing hard, neither Founder looked like they had done anything especially out of the ordinary. Slytherin caught their looks, and gave a slight shrug.

"We have encountered far worse."

Harry opened his mouth, then decided he didn't really want to know and closed it again. He'd ask when they hadn't just defeated a troll. Gryffindor looked round at the three unconscious trolls, and sighed.

"We should return to the school. Helga and Rowena will be concerned."

Ron glanced at him slightly warily. "Are they going to be cross?"

"Probably. They worry about us enough as it is without bringing students into it." Fondness was mingled with the exasperation in his voice. Slytherin shook his head.

"Well, there is nothing to be done about it now. And they will understand, even if they do not like it." He held out his arm to Harry, who took it with some resignation. Slytherin's lips twitched into a slight smirk before they Disapparated.

The next thing Harry knew, he was in the hospital wing. The sensation wasn't quite as disorientating as the last time, but he was still grateful for Slytherin's presence. He heard the others appear next to them, but his attention was abruptly diverted by the stony faces of the waiting witches. Gryffindor rubbed the back of his neck.

"Good afternoon-"

"Explain."

Harry made a mental note to never anger Rowena Ravenclaw. The look she was currently directing at Gryffindor was surprisingly reminiscent of Slytherin's Basilisk, and Harry knew exactly which one he would rather face. Harry's respect for Gryffindor doubled when he met that stare without batting an eyelid.

"Trolls are not a threat only in this time," he said quietly. "If Voldemort should follow his previous strategy, and there is every chance that he will, they will need to learn how to combat them."

"But you have not taught them how," Ravenclaw protested.

"They have experience with fighting trolls," Slytherin reminded her. Seeing her open mouth, he continued without giving her a chance to speak. "We made sure that they knew what they were doing, and we were close enough to offer assistance." His eyes darkened. "Better that they practice now, than be confronted with one in the future and be forced to rely solely on themselves."

Harry nodded. "We wanted to help, and we had to learn. It was fine in the end."

Ravenclaw let out a long breath. "I know, but it is not easy to let our students go into danger."

Harry felt a flush of warmth at her concern. Gryffindor laid a hand on her arm.

"We would not let any harm come to them. You know that."

She sighed. "I do, but we have never stopped worrying about you either."

Gryffindor's gaze softened, and he reached up to brush her cheek.

Harry had to look away from the intimacy of the moment. Hufflepuff caught his eye.

"Are the three of you all right?"

"We're all fine," Hermione assured her. "It was a bit of a shock, but none of us were hurt."

"Good." Her gaze switched to Slytherin and he shook his head.

"We are unharmed."

"Are you sure?"

"Why do you never believe me?"

"Maybe because I know you," she retorted, and Harry had to fight back a grin at the injured look Slytherin shot her. After the events of the past hour, the banter was just what he needed, and he could see Ron and Hermione visibly relax too.

"What will happen to the trolls?" asked Ron. "Ours was only knocked out."

"We will deal with it," said Slytherin. Harry took one look at his face and decided he didn't want to know, but Hermione was frowning.

"Doesn't it seem a bit odd to you?"

"What?" asked Harry.

"The trolls."

"What about them?"

"Well from what I've read, trolls like easy targets."

"That is true," said Gryffindor. "Their intelligence is somewhat limited."

"Then why would they ignore Hogsmeade like that? Surely it would be an easier target than Hogwarts, yet they walked straight past it."

Harry frowned. "That doesn't make any sense." The Founders exchanged a look, and his eyes narrowed. "You know something."

Gryffindor gave a smile that did not reach his eyes. "Voldemort is not the only Dark wizard to use trolls."

"Your enemies," said Harry. It was becoming clear now. "They sent it to attack you."

"It certainly appears that way."

"But why?" Hermione asked. "If they've fought you before, they must know that a few trolls wouldn't be enough."

Ron blinked. "They weren't trying to break in."

Harry frowned at him. "What?"

"Go on, Ron," said Slytherin quietly.

Ron coloured, but he continued. "They would know that an attack like that wouldn't be enough; they're not stupid. It's like they were just trying to get your attention."

Slytherin glanced at Gryffindor. "Your lessons are bearing fruit, it seems."

Gryffindor smiled. "Indeed." He turned to Ron. "In a way, you are correct. This was not intended as a serious assault."

"Then what was it?" Harry demanded. Whatever Ron saw was still a mystery to him. Ravenclaw turned to him.

"They do not have the strength to challenge us directly, and they know that," she said. "But that does not mean they are helpless."

Gryffindor nodded. "Each encounter, as insignificant as they may be, bears a threat. And constantly being prepared can be more draining than a full scale assault."

Finally, Harry understood. "So they're trying to wear you down."

"Yes," said Hufflepuff. "Even if a final assault never comes, a continuation of the current state of affairs could cause very nearly as much damage."

Hermione bit her lip. "So if they've done small attacks, and less threatening creatures so far, what have they got planned next?"

There was silence. Harry shivered; the trolls had been bad enough, yet the Founders had barely broken a sweat. What could these enemies bring that was powerful enough to challenge them? Harry wasn't sure he wanted to find out. Gryffindor gave a long sigh.

"We do not know," he said quietly. "But we will meet it, and we will not be defeated. Not by them."

And there was no doubting the conviction in his voice. Slytherin nodded, his eyes cold as ice.

"They did their worst last time, and it was not enough. There is nothing they can do that can match that."

Ravenclaw looked away. "But that will not stop them from trying."

Hufflepuff took her hand. "No. But that does not mean that they will succeed." Her face was pale, but there was not a hint of doubt in her voice. "Have faith. They did not win before. They will not win now."

Harry looked at Ron and Hermione. He would be the first to admit that he didn't understand what was going on, that there was a history here that the Founders had yet to share. But that did not matter. He read agreement in his friends' faces, and turned back to them.

"We will help. I know we're not good enough to fight them," he said quickly, when Gryffindor made as if to protest. "We need to train a lot more before we can do that. But we can help with things like today."

"We cannot ask that of you," said Slytherin quietly.

Harry met his gaze steadily. "We want to. This is our home too. We will do whatever we can to help."

For the first time since their return, a genuine smile touched Ravenclaw's lips. "Truly, you were sorted into the correct house."

Gryffindor nodded. "Indeed they were." His gaze turned serious as he looked round at them all. "We will not promise anything. We do not yet know what we will be confronted with. But we will bear your offer in mind."

That was about as much as Harry had been expecting, so he just nodded. "Thank you."

What he was not expecting was Hufflepuff's warm smile. "And we very much appreciate your help. We are very proud to call you our students."

Pride surged up, as the others nodded their agreement, and Harry felt his resolve harden. He had always known he would do whatever it took to protect his home and loved ones. Being a thousand years in the past had done nothing to alter that.

Dorian had said that they could make a difference. Harry had every intention of doing so.

I hope you all enjoyed that. By the way, I've been planning ideas for a couple of multichapters, such as how Helga met the other Founders, and their first encounter with the enemies featured in this story. Would anyone be interested in reading those?

Thanks for reading!