Chapter 11: Snippets of a Sidereal Day
In the brisk morning of the Scottish highlands a young man exited with a clack as canvass struck itself. The expanded tent had done exceptionally well considering the overgrown puppy that nudged it's head out of the flap. "Aww morning, the best time of the day to start working on those dreams of becoming a luminary recluse." If dragons could look perplexed at hearing someone having a little slide off their cracker, she would have been displaying it now. Harry took no notice, as he turned to her "Okay, within the context of either making it right, making it better or protecting and defending what you cherish, you have free reign today, since you definitely cannot go with me today."
The dragon pouted, Harry shook his head "I'm serious, I have a date with some cantankerous goblins and there is just too much of you for them to welcome or even get accustomed." Bessie huffed, Harry brightened "There's a whole big forest out there to explore. Why don't you give that a shot for the day?" He added as an afterthought as he saw a particular gleam flash across her eyes "Do please try to keep the rampaging down to a bare minimum, oh and protect the innocents you big lug!" He finished with a solid pat as he made his way towards the castle. If he would of turned back he would of seen a dragon sporting a particularly nasty grin and a certain glint hanging in its' eye.
In the great hall whispers reverberated from every table, as he took a seat. A very flustered and fuming young lady sat beside him "That reprehensible, conniving, deceitful," She searched for the right word "Bitch!"
Harry tried to help as he took her hand in his, running soothing fingers over flexing fingers, the thrumming pulse coming from her skin a beacon banner of warning. Harry tried "It's okay, they're just words."
Hermione looked at him, the incredulity of the look spoke volumes. "No Harry! Look!"
As looks bounced around, a look at the fumbling Morning Daily Prophet told Harry the story. With a brazen flashing banner in off acid colors:
'HOGWARTS DARKEST SECRETS REVEALED!' [1]
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, a name synonymous with excellence in years gone back or so it would seem. It has come to this reporter's attention, that not all is as it seems. As teachers and champions are supposed to be impartial to the Quadwizard Tournament, the nefarious deeds of some are now exclusively here for you to judge.
A caretaker confessed to this reporter that he caught one certain Headmistress of Beauxbatons Academy of Magic and an employee to teach Care of Magical Creatures in a locked darkened classroom on three separate occasions. In one altercation her stocking appeared ripped and another the Headmistress said she was helping the Gamekeeper with extra planning.
What two adults do in the privacy of their own homes is their own decision, but as representatives of their individual schools certain proprietaries and decorum must be maintained. As one student blatantly clarified that they were intimidate by the sheer size of the individuals in question, which led this reporter to an interesting fact finding mission to discover that both are descendents of giants. That's right dear readers, giant blood runs through their veins, and as we all know giants are notoriously unpredictable.
When asked to comment, the Gamekeeper only had this to say "Her spellwork is brilliant." The Headmistress was unavailable for comment as were many others in the oversight of this investigation
Rubeus Hagrid, an expelled third year student in '43 due to his ties with dark creatures which unexpectedly led to the death of Ravenclaw student Myrtle Elizabeth Warren, has enjoyed the position of resident Gamekeeper at the school ever since. A job offered initially from Headmaster Dippet, but then secured for him by his long time mentor Headmaster Dumbledore. Last year, however, Hagrid used his mysterious dark influence over the headmaster to procure the additional post and responsibilities of Care of Magical Creatures teacher, over the heads of many better-qualified and pristine candidates. An alarming large and ferocious-looking man, the employee has been using his new-found authority to terrify the students in his care with a succession of horrific and dangerous creatures. While Dumbledore turns a blind eye, Hagrid has maimed several pupils during a series of lessons that many admit to being 'very frightening.' "I witnessed Draco Malfoy being attack by a hippogriff, and Vincent Crabbe got a bad bite off a flobberworm," says an anonymous source, a fourth year student. "We all hate Hagrid, but we're just too scared to say anything." Hagrid has no intention of ceasing his campaign of intimidation, and we all clearly remember how Draco Malfoy was silenced from pressing charges.
In a conversation with this Daily Prophet reporter last month, he admitted to breeding creatures he has dubbed "Blast-Ended Skrewts," a highly dangerous cross between manticores and fire crabs. The creation of new breeds of magical creature is, of course, an activity usually closely observed by the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures. The half-giant, however, considers himself to be above such petty restrictions, as his blood plays a larger part to his decision making. "I was just having a bit of fun," he says, before hastily changing the subject. The headmistress had no comment on the matter, maybe in silent support of her nefarious companion.
What has been revealed is his mother is none other than the giantess Fridwulfa, whose whereabouts are currently unknown. Bloodthirsty, benighted and brutal, the giants brought themselves to the point of extinction by simply warring amongst themselves during the last century. The obsolescent handful that remained joined the ranks of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, and were responsible for some of the worst mass killings in his reign of terror. While many of the giants who served He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named were killed by Aurors, Fridwulfa was not among them. It is possible she escaped to one of the giant communities still existing in foreign mountain ranges. If his antics during Care of Magical Creatures lessons are any guide, however, Fridwulfa's son appears to have inherited her inhumane nature. In a bizarre twist, Hagrid is reputed to have developed a very close friendship with the boy who brought around You-Know-Whose fall from power - thereby driving Hagrid's own mother, like the rest of You-Know-Who's dark supporters, into hiding. One can only speculate that Madam Maxime own sordid history mirrors the portrayed ominous backdrop on Rubeus Hagrid. Perhaps Harry Potter, recently named Quadwizard Champion, is unaware of this unpleasant truth about his sizable friend or his diabolical cohort. But surely, Albus Dumbledore has a duty to ensure that Harry Potter, along with the students and faculty are warned about the dangers of associating with half-giants and other dark creatures, but only time will tell.
As a side note, good news may be in the air, Harry Potter may at last found true love at Hogwarts. His close friend, Colin Creevey, says that Harry is rarely seen out of the company of one Hermione Granger or Fleur Delacour. Ms Granger a stunningly plain but brilliant Muggle-born girl who, like Harry, is one of the top students in the school. Ms Delacour another half-breed dark creature that has used her unnatural influence to worm her way into the Quadwizard Tournament and to some, it may seem, Harry's fragile heart. Harry and Hermione, though many witches around the country may contest and condemn the flowering liaison, we here at the Prophet wish only best towards their budding relationship in such an oppressive and dangerous environment. For if Ms Granger should fail, her dark bird-brained half-breed nemeses may sweep in and corrupt our own Harry's fragile soul.- Story continued on page 3
In every life and little rain must fall, poor Hagrid and Maxime were in a downpour, the great hall it's causeway. Harry saw a very sad and angry Fleur bolting from the hall, he snatched her as she passed, sweeping her up as he did so. The oddness of it reached many, the smaller teen comforting the larger one, cradling her as her knees rested on his lap. He whispered soft encouragements "I'm sorry, I'm sorry. And you know why?" Her head hung as she shook a silvery-blonde hair curtain in the negative motion. Harry lifted her chin with his free hand, bringing their eyes to meet "You're brilliantly intelligent, stunningly beautiful, an adventurous personality with a sense of humor. In short, amazing. I don't believe in leagues, but truthfully you're out of all of them. So how can any deny themselves the pleasure of your company? It's totally beyond me." He pulled a grin and then quoted "Let's treat this like nature." Having her interest with his usual rambling, he explained "We'll let weather be our teacher, it pays no attention to criticism. Let wind be our judge, it touches everyone and everything in equal measure. And rain, rain is our friend, it washes the landscape clean, but also makes those irritating bugs run for cover." He said with a sneer "Let's make it rain. You with me?" The gloom parted a bit, as a mischievous smile crept forward "There's my girl, let's go find a bug." He turned his head "Mione, you with us?"
"Sure Harry..." She had an afterthought "We'll need the map and a place to watch it."
"I know the perfect place." He grabbed their hands into his as he rose, hoping for the best.
It was not to be, for as they were making their way out of the great hall, a startling voice made it's presence known "Potter what are you doing?" An angry red head shouted.
Harry tossed his head, and responded as the attentive hall watched "Heading for some mischief, why, what's up Ron?"
"Look!" He started and then fumbled, only to begin anew with a fierce determination as he strode closer to the trio until stopping in front of them "Look after the dragons, I realized how silly I was – I mean who in their right mind would want to fight a dragon."
"After everything, if that's an apology I accept." He looked to the two expectant girls "But we are in a bit of a rush."
"Yeah – well – that's the thing." He swallowed hard, then lost himself at a look at Fleur "I asked it first."
"What are you on about Ron?" Harry asked perplexed.
Ron looked between the two girls before fortifying his resolve "Well Hermione understands me –I'll call her up when I'm bored with Fleur." He jabbed a thumb at the mentioned lady "But she's gorgeous! But I'm first, you have to give me that, you know how I feel about them. You get everything! When do I get my turn?!"
"Are you fucking kidding me? Steve, I'll take sentences that should never be said again, for £50." Harry looked at the two fuming ladies before turning back to the clueless boy "Ron! Better run for it!"
Ron wasn't quick enough as the two girls proceeded to pounce "We are NOT PROPERTY RONALD BILIUS WEASLEY!" As Fleur ranted with Hermione "It? - IT!" was the causeway scream, curse words soon followed thereafter, with a few slaps for good measure.
Ron yelled back "Look Hermione, you're pretty cute, but you probably shouldn't talk so much. You'll learn that when you grow up?"
Harry did the smart thing, giving them a wide berth and staying the hell out of the way. Some students were stupid enough to try and interfere, Harry made sure to prop them into or by seats until the Headmaster broke it up.
"What is the meaning of this?" Albus surveyed the slumped bodies of four students resting on or near the Gryffindor bench and the whimpering boy at his feet.
Fleur was still in a rage, pointing a clawed finger at the purpling boy, her look quite avian "He called me an it, like I was 'is thing, 'is property... son salope!"
A man didn't reach a certain age by balls alone, the Headmaster threaded lightly "Be that as... " He avoided a very certain word "I'm quite sure Mister Weasley has learned his lesson."
Apparently the quivering mass hadn't as it mumbled "Hermione would forgive me, a meaningless tussle, a little minge play, wouldn't up the spout. Bet she has a cracking pair of thrupney bits..." Screeching was the signal that the ladies were about to resume their onslaught.
Now the Headmaster was the one brow-palmed as he stilled them and then took a look at the now unconscious twit "Or not." Harry was chuckling, which garnered the Headmaster's attention "And what do you find so entertaining Mr Potter?"
"It is our choices that define us and show what we truly are, far more than our abilities." Harry smiled rhetorically "Karma sure is a mean bitch."
Trying to take measure and seeing two huddled reds "Mr and Mr Weasley could you please take your brother to the infirmary."
One looked over the shoulder of some bystanders and peered down at the young man "Nope, never seen him before in my life."
The other chimed "I believe unknown student welfare is the work of a prefect."
"Too right Fred, school regulations and all that." Was the finish as two mirrored lads looked to see the approving appraised looks of two quidditch girls and another red headed lass in particular.
"Too right, Mr Grimmett, Mr Spiers, if you please." Albus called out as he noticed the two prefects, ignoring their expressions as they were assigned the task. With the stabilized lad now onto the infirmary and with four others in mock tow, the headmaster stated "If you two ladies would be so kind to accompany me?" Two nods greeted him as he left no other option.
As Fleur was about to follow she found Harry in front of her, his eyes cast downward, before looking up and taking a step forward, he softly said "Hey, I know this is a bit random, but there's this Yule Ball on December 23rd. Would you do me the honor of going with me?"
Every eye in the hall was on them, Fleur fidgeted as she asked "Why ask me now?" she stressed the last word almost to a hiss.
"Before some other genius gets the bright idea to ask you, because personally I think we would have a wonderful time if we went together." He added with a smirk "How else could we meet some new people, I think it would be brilliant."
"Like a date?" She asked hesitantly.
Body language withstanding, Harry went brass for balls "Yes."
Her lip seemed to twitch, like a subdermal smile, before she put a gentle hand on his arm "I'll think about it."
Harry immediately realized the immensity of his mistake. On that day, dreams he never knew he had were shattered. Any complacency he had built up around himself came crashing down with the feeling in the pit of his stomach. The feeling one gets when a fuck-up is so massive it can no longer be scaled by size but by hours spent laying awake at night. Harry grabbed her hand, before she pulled away "I'm serious, can we please talk about it?"
The smile returned "I think I would like that."
"I believe we are waiting Ms Delacour." Reminded a sterner Headmaster.
As they left, Harry watched them leave, especially a certain someone who now had an exaggerated sway to her hips. "Minx." he softly sighed. When they were out of sight, he did a quick 'Tempus' and muttered "Shit." he was dead late and bolted from the great hall in a sprint.
In the Headmaster's office two young ladies were nervously waiting, as a door swung from behind them, the Headmaster called out "Thank you for coming Madame Maxime, I think now we may proceed."
"What is this about Monsieur Dumbledore?" She asked stately with a no nonsense undercurrent.
The Headmaster brought her up to speed and after describing what transpired in the great hall he finished "So you see Madame under the rules we must agree to the punishment."
"Punishment?" Hermione asked "What punishment? He was acting like a spoiled git!"
The Headmaster put out his hands up in supplication "But he did not attack you."
"Not physically, but verbally most assuredly." Hermione flatly defended.
"Be that as it may, the facts are conclusive. Both of you attacked a fellow student and incapacitated four others who were merely trying to help. Magic is not supposed to be performed outside the classroom." The Headmaster calmly relayed.
"That is a falsehood, an utter sham." Fleur spit "Everyone does so or eez this an 'English custom' when the mood suits you?"
"This is not a debate, this is a preliminary tribunal to see if any other infractions should be noted." He looked sternly "Haughtiness is punishable under these circumstances."
Olympe asked "What are you thinking Monsieur Dumbledore?"
"House points and detentions won't apply equally to both of them, I believe a two week suspension is in order."
"What!?" Came the chorused cry.
"Expulsion is warranted, but then Ms Delacour could be faced with the real possibility of losing her magic by being unable to compete in the competition and you Ms Granger could look forward to the snapping of your wand and trying to complete your studies once you reach majority." The Headmaster finished harshly "Do we have your attention now?" Two nods answered his call "I believe a two week suspension and a mandatory probation for the rest of the school year is in order. What do you say Madame?"
She only had one thing to say "I concur."
Clapping his hands, the Headmaster smiled "Well with that out of the way... Great show you two, spot on." Two girls looked dumbfounded and in desperate need of answers, Albus complied "If I let you get away without any punishments, then I in good conscious, could not punish Mister Weasley in all fairness. Now that you have accepted your punishment, we can have house-elves help pack your things, transport you home and of course bring you back after your strict punishment is observed and completed." He looked like an accomplice, and evil grandfather one at that "Everyone is descended from somewhere, especially in the case where magic is involved, I believe an early Christmas break is just the ticket to lift your spirits. Mister Weasley will only hope to be so lucky."
Hermione had to ask "But why Headmaster?"
"When any person starts thinking of another as his possession and more appropriately beneath them in so many ways, and then to verbally assault them at a low moment in their lives, it always best to nip it prudently and concisely. Unlike you Mr Weasley is about to have a meeting with both of his parents in attendance, his actions verbally explained and then answered by a replay in a very rare and expensive pensieve, I believe both parents will be very disappointed in the viewing."
Hermione honestly thanked him and then turned to Olympe "Thank you so much Madame Maxime."
"You are very welcomed child and this Mister Weasley is very lucky."
"Why do you say that?"
"Forgive my boldness, but I too was young once, I too once had friends..." She looked kindly to the duo and moved to seriousness "Keep an eye on your friends, this Mr Weasley has crossed an invisible line which requires an implied retribution on your behalf from your friends." She took a breath "Especially for your friends Arielle Brunet and Harry Potter, closet betrayal cuts the deepest, I always remembered that look."
~x~x~x~
It was while she was on her to collect her things, in the Gryffindor common room that everything turned wrong.
"If I said I was sorry, and meant every word." He swallowed deeply "Could you. Would you accept it?"
"You ruined everything I used to admire about you. So in response, many thoughts come to mind when trying to sum up your token magnificence, Mum would say I.D.-ten-T, Dad would say One Delta Ten Tango, but my personal favorite is PEBBAM." Hermione calmly explained.
"And what does that mean?"
"Problem exists between brain and mouth." Hermione smiled sweetly.
"Are you calling me dumb?" replied a bewildered Ron.
Hermione started talking like she was talking to a toddler "No of course not, you're the type of person that makes simple people appear radiant. You're so dense you couldn't hit the broad side of gravity, it's simply amazing your unconscious can pull triple duty." She finished smugly.
"If you're done talking I think we're through here."
"You think? What was your first clue?" Hermione held a tear in her eye "Harry was right, everything is about timing. I can't do this anymore."
"You're right, you know. You seem to have an issue, with always having to be right. But that's not my problem. So I'll say it, I always fancied you alright! Fine! You're right! Somewhat left, but hardly ever correct. But with saying that, we're done."
"Ron, what are you talking about?"
"You should of stood up for me. But from here on out, our friendship, it starts and ends at Harry. But us." He motioned with his fingers pointing back and forth "Are DONE!" He stormed off, mumbling, she caught many of the words, none of them were flattering.
If he would of looked back, he would of seen Hermione Jean Granger sporting a gobsmacked expression with twin tear tracks leaking from both eyes. It would be the last thing the room saw her do before darting up the girl stairs and completing her packing
~x~x~x~
Harry was on task, Little Hangleton didn't have any snake problems, unfortunately this was due to Nagini's absence. There was no trace of the foul snake. The three section platoon of goblin warriors as ample evidence to the seriousness of the situation. Twenty-seven battle hardened souls were ready to defend their Legatus Legionis, Harry's newest title bestowed to him by the Nobel Gringott, to prevent attack in any form. Each section was led by a Octanus a battle warrior with the prestige to wear the mantle of command over the eight Praetoriani Herculiani who varied in skills depending on what they carried. Of each section four usually seemed to carry hand carved iron bows, javelins and short swords. While the other four carried long golden shields with double edged curved swords to match.
They were parading down in a protective formation to the edge of Little Hangleton, to a building half-hidden amongst the tangle of trunks. The Gaunt Shack was small, dilapidated, and still covered thick with filth from the outside, the nearby trees blocking all light and the dusky view of the valley below. Harry stopped the advancing group with a hand, something was off. "Octanus Bogrott if you please."
Within seconds, three members burst forward and started waving their arms in complex motions towards the winding path. Seconds ticked before they stopped and then huddled amongst themselves. The stout goblin came forward with a steady clack from the armor slapping together in calculated steps, he bowed briefly "Legatus Harry, organ withering wards with hidden triggers ahead."
"Advise Octanus Bogrott." He simply stated.
"Circumvent Legatus Harry." Bogrott formally presented.
"Concur Octanus Bogrott." Harry officially stated, making sure he followed the goblin custom of short implied statements.
In quick order a path was cut through the existing trees to the side, to the back of the house. Harry had prepared for this moment as he shouted the following command "Fire!"
Three potion bombs were launched in quick succession, knocking down most of the existing crumbling roof and two molded support walls, again Harry ordered "Fire!"
This time the salvo didn't stop until shattered timber littered the landscape and "Hold!" came the chorused cry from the commanding Octani.
Harry made his way forward with practiced ease, looking for the spot "Here!" he pointed to a section of battered littered ground. In moments it was cleared with a tarnished box lingering in the strewn about dirt. "Success!" was the cry as Harry raised the box above his head followed by "Loot!" Anything of value was quickly absconded by the remaining numbers. When everything was done, "Dismissed!" was the final call.
The members broke down into their own independent familiar groups, the first stage had been a complete success, the second couldn't occur until nightfall. Bogrott, Hammertonne, Fistgleaner made their way over, plopping on the ground, all etiquette abandoned, the heavy voice of Bogrott started it "So Harry when shall we proceed."
"Always hammering at the details, Bogrott why not just tell me what you have planned?"
He grumbled, Hammertonne earned his moniker "Someone must of pissed in his apple juice or did you get your hair pulled last night?" Bawdy laughter erupted from the two of the three goblins as Harry stayed silent to the joke.
Bogrott complained "I've heard Hammertonne's sisters prefer the piss in their asses, care for an introduction Fistgleaner?"
Now Hammertonne was the one grumbling as the other two laughed "I think Aisha has troll in her blood somehow, hear she likes humans." He turned to Harry "No offense."
Harry responded "None taken, I know all wizards are descendants of magicals, though I swear Fistgleaner must be part centaur with that long bow he keeps in his trousers ."
Said goblin merrily slapped him on the shoulder, and boasting "Been having nightmares about me again?"
Harry asked on the twist "Never too old to have nightmares. You're old aren't you? But don't you worry about old age, it doesn't last that long."
Bogrott the instigator chirped up "Sounds like a challenge to me. Fistgleaner you going to take that from a human just out of nappies?"
"Done!" He bellowed "Arm yourself boy!"
Harry smiled as he played odds on a friendly goblin contest, 'friendly' by goblin standards meant harmless battle, and 'harmless' meaning not to the death. Harry smiled "1/10th of my spoils and a platina on me! What say you?"
Fistgleaner chuckled darkly "Done on the spoils but I wager a pallas on my noble win!"
Harry smiled "Done and done, mark the corners!" Then Harry bellowed "Seconds!"
Bogrott jumped into action over to Harry's corner, while one of the Praetoriani Herculiani from Fistgleaner's section jumped to his. Honor was about to be won, including money, and anyway it kept the troops entertained. Fistgleaner surveyed the situation and called out "Twelve to one on my victory against my opponent, Thirty-one to one on my second being called out, two to one on my opponent's second being called out..." the list continued until he finished. The betting was furious on anything and everything about the match.
Bogrott and Harry used his numbers, since Harry was the unknown, but tweaked them even more in their favor, another rounds of bets were taken and slips produced and procured.
Hammertonne became the impartial ruler, which saddened him greatly since he couldn't bet on the outcome, he'd only get a tithe of till as the sponsor. When the betting on the first round was finished he called the four over "Know your rules of the old way, protect yourselves at all times, unconscious loses, obey my commands, back to your corners."
Fistgleaner was grumbling about the 'old ways', craving a club or sword, anything but hand to hand. He turned to his opponent, a scrawny human and showed his battle face with a mighty roar. He was not expecting the human's reaction, Harry growled back, gnashing his teeth and then spitting clear over to his side and landing on his second.
Laughter erupted around, even Fistgleaner had to admit it was a good shot, Poisonlance was not pleased, which only increased the laughter with his guttural swearing.
Hammertonne yelled "Silence!... Begin!"
Fistgleaner had taken a poor position, he had underestimated an unknown opponent. As he rushed towards the human to get him locked into close combat, he wasn't expecting the leap or the inner knee that connected with his chin at the last second. Stars danced around his orbs as he felt two ribs being cracked with steady strikes. Fistgleaner thought 'Quick little bastard must be made of iron.' as he stumbled away to clear his eyes and find a bearing.
The goblin crowd watched in awe as the human struck with pinpoint precision with his legs, knee strike to the face, two quick legs jabs to the sternum, the resounding crack as Harry performed a spinning back fist straight into Fistgleaner's temple.
Harry was more of the thought 'Hit hard, hit fast and damn he's a tough bastard'. After the last hit Fistgleaner was still standing, Harry moved in, judging the distance and executed a spinning hook kick. Fistgleaner hit the ground hard as dust kicked up in a hanging cloud.
Hammertonne ran over to rule on Fistgleaner's fitness, seeing that he was currently visiting rose lipped nymphs he called "Out! Second?"
Poisonlance had no choice, honor demanded that he raise his fallen comrades gauntlet, and money to be won. "YES!" he bravely bellowed.
Once Fistgleaner was carried off and the new round of betting was completed, Hammertonne yelled "Begin!"
Poisonlance didn't make the same mistake as his Octanus, he made his own as he inched in and didn't count on Harry's reach. The spinning foot sweep confirmed it, the shin strike added, the inside scissor kick left little to doubt, but the last kick he never saw coming, as he awoke to the smell of milk, "Yuck!" he exclaimed.
Harry had woken him up, as his right, with the foul smelling concoction, well foul smelling to a goblin.
The Goblin peered at the pink human hand "I don't need your pity!"
Harry smiled his own toothy grin "Just helping up a worthy adversary, you could refuse..."
In every opportunity there was a way to save face, to make inroads or most importantly gains, he took the hand. Poisonlance spouted the takeaway compliment "You fight well for a human."
Harry smiled that smile again "Well enough to kick your skinny green goblin ass." The ensuing laughter was well received.
As night approached, the spoils of Riddle's house were much better than that of Gaunt's Shack, as was the devastation. The last tangible remnant destroyed, a bare footnote in the annals of the once wealthy and renowned family. As they marched towards the portkey point, Bogrott told him "No wenches for you tonight, for tomorrow we build!"
"Who has the mind or the time for it, a warm shower is about all I can afford or get up for." Harry grinned.
Bogrott cuffed him on the shoulder "Forget the shower, for the sea will cleanse you completely before the day is out of the morrow."
"But the sea, has like salt." Harry grimaced "I've done a lot of things to my body, intentionally or not, I'm not fond of salt, especially in my clothes."
Bogrott laughed, slapping him once more "You are very weird Legatus Harry, even for a wizard."
"Weird is goblin twins fighting in the womb, absurd is one eating the other, I heard tale of goblins sharpening their teeth on umbilical cords or anything that will stay still long enough and you call me weird?"
"Goblin youths would rather sharpen their teeth on the bones of the elderly." Bogrott flatly stated "Most of the rest is pure conjecture."
"Which part?"
Grumbling "I'd rather not say."
The night stayed silent, even as Harry made his way onto the grounds and inside his tent, a softly snoring dragon resided at the foot of his bed. The little bit of grime and gore on the dragons chops, almost escaped notice. Harry quietly sighed as he noticed "Tomorrow should be nothing short of an absolute disaster, like a fun filled joyous broom ride, inserted sideways." The lone dragon's one lid lifted almost confirmed it in mock condolence.
~x~x~x~
[A/N] Front page of the Prophet, though the gifs aren't working. Blast!
[1] facebook[]com/photo[]php?fbid=666120973534543
[A/N] 06/01/2017 Hello readers if there are still any reading this. Updated, grammar fixed, plot wholes hopefully paved.