Chapter 11

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Aftermath

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"Just what do you think you were doing?"

"Winning the game…" replied Xander, simply.

"That's what you told Madam Hooch, but personally I disagree, I think you were showing off, something that could very well nearly have killed the other team's Seeker."

He was in the office with Professor McGonagall who was giving him an angry telling off. He sat back and sighed.

"I thought I saw the Snitch, in all the chaos I guess I was confused…"

McGonagall didn't buy it, naturally, she saw right through his lie.

"So you are telling me, honestly, that you weren't trying to pull of a very dangerous move known as the Wronski Feint?"

"Nope…"

McGonagall scowled at the double meaning of his answer.

"Very well, I'm not going to issue detention, but I will deduct ten points from Gryffindor to keep Professor Snape at bay. You may go."

Xander got up and got as far as the door before she called after him.

"Oh and Potter…"

"Yes Professor?"

"Good game," she said, a tiny glint appearing in her eyes.

He flashed a smile at her, closed the door behind him, and made his way back up to the Gryffindor Common Room. When he opened the door, the people all stood up and everyone cheered and clapped loudly.

"Bloody -"

"- hell," Fred finished for George. Xander shook both their hands, and those of many other players and students that were in there; even Percy was impressed. What he had actually hoped to do, pulling the stunt that he'd denied to everyone, was prevent Professor Quirrell from trying to curse his broom, and it had apparently worked.

Xander had a grin plastered on his face, and even Hermione was smiling. He could see the reprimand in her eyes, but for the moment, she was holding back, no doubt letting them revel in the glorious win.

People congratulated him, slapped him on the back, and welcomed him as part of the Gryffindor House. He had proven himself as one of them, a true Gryffindor. Cunning and strong, a fine mix, perhaps the Sorting Hat was right.

Finally, when the celebrations wound down, Ron and Hermione sat next to him. He sighed as he stared into the fire.

"That was really dangerous…"

"But bloody brilliant," Ron countered Hermione's comment. It was like having an angel and a demon on his shoulders, Hermione being the angel and Ron being the devil, obviously…

"Yes, it was dangerous, and no, I won't try it again, but I'm certain I saw the Snitch." He glanced at Ron and winked.

"Of course, mate," Ron had a huge grin on him.

For the rest of the term, snow started settling quite nicely on the ground. He'd owled Madam Malkin with regards to getting some new warm clothes. Naturally, she'd been quick and questioning, but they'd arrived just in time. He'd put on warmer jogging clothes and continued with his runs, Hermione following suit as well and now even Ron was starting to meet up with them, although the cold mornings meant he was grumbling a lot more.

Xander had said that the stronger you were, the better at Quidditch you would be; it would strengthen your reflexes and would help one's reaction time. This had been more than enough to convince the youngest redhead.

Naturally, Draco had made several snotty comments during the Potions class about Xander not being wanted at home, at which, Xander had sighed and ignored him; it wasn't worth being baited while Snape was watching. The greasy-haired Potions master had calmed down a lot since they'd started the after-lessons DADA classes together, even to the point of being somewhat civilized. Xander wasn't expecting miracles after all.

Hagrid had managed to get massive firs from the forest and had lumbered through the castle with them. Fortunately, this time, there was no detention for Ron, or even a telling off as Malfoy had stayed clear of the two of them, remembering Xander's little lesson on insulting one's friends.

They took the time to study some defensive spells and practiced with a few of the students in the Room of Requirement. Even a couple of the Slytherins had decided to join them. Xander was slowly starting to get Hermione onto the broomstick. It took a lot of effort, but when she would finally be able to fly, she would be, to quote Ron 'Brilliant'.

The trio was sat with the twins in the Common Room discussing this and that, when a sudden thought struck Xander.

"Have either of you two heard of Star Wars?"

"What?" both of them chorused with confused looks.

"It's a Muggle film brought out in the 1980's."

'Andrew would have had a field day' he chuckled to himself as both of them shook their heads. Xander grinned.

"Well, let me tell you a story sat in a galaxy far, far away, and a long time ago…"

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Xander had no need nor any desire to look in the Restricted Section, seeing as he already knew who was what and what was going to happen, more or less, he simply decided to spend the time sitting back and relaxing.

During this period, Ron and Xander had sat down and started playing Wizards Chess, for hours on end the two of them would battle it out. Ron would use his tactics and strategy, while Xander would use his superior knowledge, both past, present and future to try to beat the younger one. They would, on some of their games, get quite a large audience, as people watched to see who would win in the battles.

Xander had quoted Luke in one of the battles, "Your arrogance is your weakness, my emperor."

Ron had smirked and responded in kind, "And yours is your faith in your friends." This was said right before he smashed Xanders king. Xander thought of the two scientists who would sit in the Atlantis Cafeteria for hours on end and simply stare at each other before either made a move; he would've liked to introduce Ron to the two, now that would've made for a good game.

He'd sent off for his presents: a collection of books for Mrs. Weasley, knowing that she was a fan of Gilderoy Lockhart; a couple of muggle books on 'How Things Work' for Mr. Weasley; a few books for Ron on Quidditch and he was trying to get a signed photo of the Chudley Canons, Ron's favorite Quidditch team. The team had yet to reply but he was certain they would. For Hermione he'd gotten books also, but he'd made sure that it was on some very advanced Magics that he knew would keep her quiet for hours on end.

Christmas Eve had been as boring and as tense as he remembered it to be in the Slayers house. Lots of girls running around and screaming 'oh my god it's Christmas!'

The next morning, Xander woke to find a small pile of presents sitting at the bottom of his bed. He grinned as he swung his legs over; he lifted his nose up and sniffed the air, nothing dangerous or different. He shrugged and picked up the first one.

It was two presents stuck together, he looked at the note.

"Compliments of Wolfram and Hart.

Happy Christmas Mr Potter."

He chuckled. Sniffing the packages, he ran his hands over them and let his mind and senses open up. He blinked and looked up and saw Ron looking at him strangely. He tore opened the package and found a pair of fighting sticks and a book.

'Oh dear,' he thought.

It appeared Wolfram and Hart knew who he was…

"You alright, mate?"

He jerked and looked at Ron; the youngest male of the Weasley clan stopped what he was doing and stared at Harry, as something within the young boy's eyes almost seemed to flash. For a moment he was certain he was staring at a dog, or perhaps a wolf of some kind that looked ready to pounce on him. Harry blinked and the image was gone.

Ron breathed a sigh of relief.

"So what are they?"

"Fighting sticks," Xander replied, standing up and flicking one into the air, before whirling around and catching it.

"Wow…"

"If you want, I'll teach you how to fight?"

"Sure…" Ron replied, smiling.

The wood was a nice oak, they were carved ornately, and they were expensive, no doubt. The book turned out to be fighting techniques.

Ron tore open his gifted and boggled at it. "A signed photo from the Chudley Canons!"

Xander chuckled and nodded.

"Happy Christmas mate…"

"Thanks!"

He didn't even bother opening the Dursleys' present and threw it on the rubbish pile. Xander opened up the present from Mrs. Weasley and read the thank you note; she had received the signed books from Gilderoy Lockhart and had made him a sweater in return.

"Oh, no," Ron groaned, "She's made you a Weasley sweater."

Xander chuckled and put it on with a large grin.

His next present also contained candy - a large box of Chocolate Frogs from Hermione. This only left one parcel. Xander picked it up and instantly knew what it was, the invisibility cloak… One of the Deathly Hallows.

He opened it with a sense of anticipation, as always, reading it and seeing it for one's self was never the same thing. He held it up and watched as it shimmered in the light. Ron gasped and looked at him with awe.

"I've heard of those," Ron said quietly as he put down the box of Every Flavour Beans he'd gotten from Hermione. "If that's what I think it is, they're really rare, and really valuable."

"What is it?" Xander asked; he needed to play the game naturally.

"It's an invisibility cloak," said Ron, "I'm sure it is - try it on."

Xander did with a grin; he covered his head with the cloak. "How do I look?"

Ron laughed, "You don't, mate."

Chuckling, Xander took the cloak off and folded it up; he then opened his trunk up and put it into one of the drawers.

"Nice trunk…"

As he came up and out of the trunk, Ron said, "There's a note, it must've fallen out."

Xander nodded; the note from Dumbledore.

'Your father left this in my possession before he died. It is time it was returned to you. Use it well. A very Merry Christmas to you.'

Oh, he intended to…

"I'd give anything for one of these,"

Xander nodded, he'd get Willow to look at it and study it and hopefully she'd be able to find some way to replicate it. However, if it had been given to Ignotus Peverell by Death itself then it might not be able to be replicated, but time and Willow's genius would tell.

Xander discreetly disappeared for a moment and had a quiet discussion with Percy; he explained that it was almost time and that he would need to be ready for "Operation Dragon's Egg". Percy had smirked and nodded and had come down with him to meet the twins, also wearing a new jumper. They all sat down and looked at each other's presents.

Breakfast was also an interesting event; even Xander gawked at the amount of food that was supplied after Dumbledore's Christmas speech. He sat there and helped himself to a large amount of food, and downed nearly as much as Ron did. He pulled crackers with everyone and swapped jokes, and he saw Dumbledore wearing a bonnet on his head. He shook his head in amusement and cleared away the smoke.

They all left laden with presents, proceeded outside shortly afterwards, and participated in a snowball fight. Xander managed to get the twins by throwing with both hands, twatting the two squarely in their respective faces.

He'd received an onslaught from them in retaliation for that little manoeuvre.

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It was time; he'd called Percy aside and had given him the details on the when and the where. Percy had agreed and had discreetly made contact with Charlie. Xander received a note from Hagrid giving a date and a time to meet him at the hut, and Xander had then passed this information onto the Prefect who was preparing transportation.

Now that Hermione had studying partners who were actually interested in their schoolwork - well, Ron maybe not so much, but at Xander's gentle prompting he did his course work, she was not as stressed over it. It made things easier and it meant that he had less work to do towards the end, for which Xander was grateful.

They bumped into Hagrid at the library and Xander made enquired about the health of the egg. Hagrid shushed them, looking around to ensure they weren't being overheard and promised that if they kept quiet they would be allowed to see the egg hatch.

Phase one of the plan was in operation.

Phase two started when he went to Percy. "Malfoy will follow us down to the cabin, you'll be doing patrols around eight, and you'll spot him."

"Should I send him to bed?"

"No," Xander shook his head. "Let him see us, this will prompt Hagrid to remove the dragon, but you'll catch him coming up. Deduct twenty points from Slytherin."

Percy grinned. "I'm sure Professor Snape will appreciate that."

"Exactly…"

The trio made their way down to the hut in the freezing snow, wrapped up warm using the spell Hermione had taught them. Once there, Xander reached up and knocked. Hagrid opened the door and light spilled out onto the white snow. He let them in and closed it.

"Where did you get it, Hagrid?" said Ron, crouching over the fire to get a closer look at the egg. "It must've cost you a fortune."

The egg was sitting underneath the kettle in the heart of the fire. Naturally, Hagrid was set up…

"Won it," said Hagrid. "Las' night. I was down in the village havin' a few drinks an' got into a game o' cards with a stranger. Think he was quite glad ter get rid of it, ter be honest."

"But what are you going to do with it when it's hatched?" said Hermione, pointing out one of the most obvious mistakes.

"Well, I've bin doin' some readin' , said Hagrid, pulling a large book from under his pillow. "Got this outta the library - Dragon Breeding for Pleasure and Profit - it's a bit outta date, o' course, but it's all in here. Keep the egg in the fire, 'cause their mothers breathe on 'em, see, an' when it hatches, feed it on a bucket o' brandy mixed with chicken blood every half-hour. An' see here - how ter recognise diff'rent eggs - what I got there's a Norwegian Ridgeback. They're rare, them."

He looked very pleased with himself, but Hermione didn't. "Hagrid, you live in a wooden house," she said. However, Hagrid wasn't listening. He was humming merrily as he stoked the fire.

The third and final phase of the plan happened four mornings later when Xander received a letter at breakfast from Hagrid, telling him that the egg was due to hatch and they should come down tonight to watch. He had a conversation with Hermione about whether or not they should go, both finally deciding that they should, and ended the conversation when Xander spotted Malfoy listening.

That night, they left quietly, once again underneath Xander's Invisibility Cloak; he let his senses out and could hear Malfoy not far behind them. Once at the hut, he knocked on the door and they were admitted.

"It's nearly out," Hagrid said as they moved into the nice warm hut.

They all drew their chairs up to the table and watched anxiously. All at once, there was a scraping noise and the egg split open. The baby dragon flopped onto the table. It wasn't exactly pretty; Xander thought it looked like a crumpled, black umbrella. Its spiny wings were huge compared to its skinny body; it had a long snout with wide nostrils, the stubs of horns, and bulging, orange eyes.

It sneezed. A couple of sparks flew out of its snout.

"Isn't he beautiful?" Hagrid murmured. He reached out a hand to stroke the dragon's head. It snapped at his fingers, showing pointed fangs.

"Bless him, look, he knows his mummy!" said Hagrid.

"Hagrid," said Hermione, "how fast do Norwegian Ridgebacks grow, exactly?"

Hagrid was about to answer when the colour suddenly drained from his face - he leapt to his feet and ran to the window.

"What's the matter?"

"Someone was lookin' through the gap in the curtains - it's a kid - he's runnin' back up ter the school."

Malfoy had seen the dragon.

Phase five of the plan was completed; Percy would catch him inside and detain him long enough for them to get the creature out.

"Just let him go," Xander urged. "Set him free."

"I can't," said Hagrid. "He's too little. He'd die."

"Hagrid what if I could get him away somewhere safely?" He began disusing options with Hagrid.

"What are we going to do about Norbert?" Ron said quietly, out of Hagrid's earshot, rolling his eyes. Xander filled him in on the plan.

A moment later, there was a loud knocking on the door, Hagrid rushed to hide the dragon but it was too late, the Headmaster opened the door up and stepped in. His twinkling blue eyes cast over the scene.

"Rubeus?" said the Headmaster slowly. Hagrid sagged. "Is there something you need to tell me?"

Phase six was now complete, and with the Headmaster's help they were able to move the dragon quickly and quietly. Dumbledore promised Hagrid that he would arrange for him to see the dragon whenever he wanted and that the creature would be more than safe with Charlie.

Xander flopped onto his bed that night with a wry grin… whoever said things weren't interesting in the wizarding world didn't know what they were talking about.

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Professor Albus Dumbledore, the Headmaster of Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry was having something of a dilemma. Well he didn't know if he should consider it a dilemma, perhaps gratuitous luck.

He had hoped, not willingly perhaps, that Harry Potter would eventually face off against Voldemort who was stuck on the side of Quirrell's head, but alas, it had not happened. Albus was absolutely certain that the boy would figure out that something was going on, after all he'd laid down all sorts of clues, even going to the point of sending Hagrid, the one person in the whole of the school who couldn't keep a secret, to get the Philosophers Stone from Gringotts.

The boy had almost seemed to go out of his way to avoid a confrontation with Voldemort; it seemed as though he knew that there was trouble brewing and went out of his way to avoid it.

However, that was impossible; no one had that sort of uncanny luck. Not even Albus was that lucky. He sighed and rubbed his tired eyes. At this rate, the young boy would never be ready for the battle to come.

The year had gone well for the kids, they had passed all of their exams, Harry was practically on par with Hermione Granger, and was even managing to bring young Mister Weasley out of his shell. He'd spied the three of them on the odd occasion, jogging outside on the grounds. Albus noted that it wouldn't be long with the way they were acting, before Neville Longbottom joined them. He liked Neville, the young boy was so innocent, so scared all the time.

'Well,' Albus thought, 'hopefully things will be better next year.'