It was a week later when the trio and Colin were passing the notice board. There was a small gathering of people standing near it, Dean and Seamus being two of them. The two beckoned them over excitedly. "Look! They're starting a dueling club!" Seamus said. "They start tonight after dinner. I'm going."
"Me too," Dean agreed. "Sounds useful. Are you guys going?" he addressed them.
"I'm all for it," Harry said. It might help him against Voldemort. Hermione and Ron agreed with him. "You up for it, Colin?"
The mousy boy thought for a moment. "Sure, why not?"
It was eight o'clock when they hurried back to the Great Hall. The long tables had vanished and instead stood a small stage. Most of the school seemed to be there, even those from Slytherin, Colin noted.
"I wonder who's teaching us?" Hermione said as they squeezed to the front. "I heard Professor Flitwick was a dueling champion when he was young, maybe it will be him."
"As long as it's not-" Harry all but groaned when Professor Lockhart's form, clothed in plum robes, strutted to the stage with Snape following him in a more dignified manner. He looked less than pleased to be there.
"I'd rather have Snape than that dolt," Ron grumbled.
Colin, being much smaller than everyone else, struggled to see the stage. Harry scooted over and let Colin stand in front of him. The small boy smiled in thanks.
"Gather around everyone, gather around," Lockhart waved his arms around, motioning for everyone to come forward. "Professor Dumbledore was kind enough to allow us the privilege of starting the Dueling Club!" Whispers began among the students. Some ooed and ahhed while others looked unimpressed, namely the Slytherin's.
"Allow me to introduce my assistant," Lockhart continued. "Professor Snape!" Snape merely stood at the other end of the stage, not bothering to smile or acknowledge that Lockhart said anything. "He tells me he knows a bit about dueling. I shall see if he's a suitable match for yours truly," he winked at a group of girls, whom nearly fainted when he did so. "But alas! Don't worry. You'll still have your potions master when I'm through." He gave a deep laugh, seemingly oblivious to Snape's curled lip and raised eyebrows.
"You've got to be kidding me," Seamus muttered, scaring Colin. He didn't notice the Irishman squeeze in beside him. "Everyone knows Snape studied dueling excessively back in his day. Could beat Lockhart six times over, I imagine."
"Wouldn't it be grand if they finished each other off?" Ron snickered to Harry. The Boy-Who-Lived snorted in response.
"We're not that lucky."
Colin stealthily held up his camera and quickly snapped a few pictures before Snape even noticed. Even though it was only Snape and Lockhart, to think, a real duel! Dennis would love to see this!
Snape and Lockhart faced each other and bowed, well, Lockhart bowed. Snape just jerked his head forward. The men raised their wands in front of them as if they held swords. "Pay close attention as to how we are holding our wands," Lockhart said loudly. And every girl did. The boys rolled their eyes. "On the count of three we will be casting our first spells. We won't be aiming to kill, of course."
"Shame," Seamus muttered, earning a punch from Hermione on the shoulder.
"One-two-three-!"
Coolly and swiftly, as if he did this on a daily bases, Snape pointed his wand straight at Lockhart and cried, "Expelliarmus!" Lockhart went flying off his feet and hit the wall, sliding into a heap on the floor.
The Slytherin's cheered loudly. The other houses wanted to cheer, too, but they would rather be caught dead than cheer with Slytherin's. Many of the girls, Hermione included, squealed in surprise and worry for the professor. "Do you suppose he's alright?" Hermione said anxiously.
"Who cares?" Harry and Ron said together. Colin couldn't conceal the grin that forced its way on his face. He wasn't the type of person to laugh at someone else's pain but Lockhart was an exception.
"Come on Hermione," Harry said. "You've got to admit that was funny."
"Yeah," Seamus said. "Snape just took him out like it was nothing!"
"He should have been more careful," Hermione said in disapproval. "He could've really hurt Professor Lockhart."
"Good!" Seamus, Harry and Ron exclaimed. Colin wisely chose that moment to stay quiet. If it's one thing he's learned, it was that Hermione's anger was not something to mess with.
Hermione scowled. She turned to Colin, deciding to ignore the boys. "If we're allowed, want to be partners?"
"Sure," he agreed, smiling. "I'd love to."
Satisfied, she turned her attention back onto the stage where Lockhart was limping back on.
"Don't worry, I'm alright," he reassured the worried females. "But ah yes, that was a perfect demonstration of what not to do, Professor Snape."
The potions professor growled in response.
"And now I will pair you off into partners! Let's see who will win tonight's challenge," Lockhart said in a mysterious voice. "Let's see now; Mr. Creevey you can go with Miss Granger." Hermione and Colin grinned at each other. "Miss Brown and Mr. Finnigan..."
"May I make a suggestion?" Snape's silky voice echoed.
"Yes, of course," Lockhart, instead of paying attention to them, tried to flatten down his wavy hair, unsuccessfully.
"I believe Mr. Malfoy and Mr. Potter will make an excellent match," he smirked nastily.
Colin noticed Malfoy was smiling smugly and Harry's happiness about the club diminished.
"But Professor S-" Harry started.
"No buts," Snape said softly, "Surely this isn't a problem. Or, are you...afraid of Mr. Malfoy?"
The Slytherin's laughed obnoxiously; even some from other houses joined in, though their laughter was much more subdued. Harry's cheeks went red, though, from anger or embarrassment, Colin didn't know.
"No, sir," Harry said through grit teeth. "That's fine."
"Good," Snape smirked.
Lockhart must have given up on his hair, for he straightened up and announced, "Before Mr. Malfoy and Mr. Potter go, would anyone else like to go first?"
Hermione's hand was up before he even finished his sentence. Colin shot her a wary look. "Mione, no. I'm not ready," he hastily whispered in her ear, "Please! I'll look like a fool."
"No you won't," she said quickly. "Just do what Professor Snape did."
Colin's nervousness did not dissipate; especially when Lockhart beamed and told them to come on up. He and Hermione maneuvered through the crowd to the stage steps, painfully aware that everyone was watching him.
"On my count," Lockhart said. Colin forced himself to look out into the crowd: Harry, Ron, Neville (who was standing by Dean, how did he not notice him?) Seamus and even Ron gave him a thumbs up. Feeling much more confident, Colin took a deep breath and faced Hermione.
"One-two-three!"
"Ex-ex-expelliarmus!" he yelled. Unfortunately, nothing happened. He tried it again but still nothing. He could hear snickering that was probably from the Slytherin's. The other houses, for the most part, frowned sympathetically.
Hermione, he realized, had tried to stall as long as she could. Given no other option when his spell didn't work, she bit her lip and shouted, "Expelliarmus!" In mere seconds, Colin's wand blasted from his hand and flew in the opposite direction onto the floor. He noticed Harry immediately made a go for his wand before any sneaky Slytherin could.
"Sorry," she mouthed apologetically.
"Fantastic, Miss Granger!" Lockhart praised. Hermione's cheeks reddened.
"Thank you, sir," she murmured. She and Colin hopped off the stage and back to where they stood with their friends. Harry handed back Colin his wand.
"Thanks."
Lockhart began a speech about the importance of speaking clearly and correctly when casting spells, a speech that Colin did not listen to. He noticed a small group of Hufflepuffs coming toward them. The Puffs had been extremely quiet since Hannah Abbott's petrification. A tall boy with black hair extended his hand to Harry who shook it cautiously.
"Name's Justin Finch Fletchley," the boy introduced himself. "Hufflepuff, in your year."
"Harry Potter," Harry said, shaking his hand.
"I know," Justin's voice held displeasure. For a moment, Harry looked confused and a bit hurt.
"Right," Harry said awkwardly. "Er, how are you? This is Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley, Seamus Finnigan, Neville Longbottom, Colin Creevey and Dean Thomas."
Justin nodded curtly to each of them. "This is Susan Bones and Ernie MacMillian. We're Hannah's friends," his lips were in a thin line.
"Oh," Harry's eyes widened. He quickly composed himself. "I'm sorry about Hannah," he said sincerely. His friends said similar words.
"Thank you," Susan smiled weakly.
Ernie came closer to Harry. He leaned in and said, "You must know what happened, right? You were with Filch's cat. I won't tell anyone." Colin doubted that he was telling the truth.
"I-I," Harry stuttered. "I don't know. Honest." Ernie looked disappointed and a bit suspicious.
"Nothing?" he pressed on.
"He said he doesn't know anything," Colin said quietly, avoiding his eyes. "So leave him alone."
Ernie made to reply but Susan pulled on his arm. "Come on, Ernie," she said. "Let's go back to our spot." She dragged both Justin and Ernie back to where they originally stood.
"Thanks," Harry said in relief. "I owe you one."
"No you don't," Colin argued.
"Yes-"
"Shhh," Hermione said impatiently. "He's almost finished." Both boys shut up.
"...and that is why you must speak clearly," Lockhart finished. He glanced around the hall. "Now, let's bring up Mr. Malfoy and Mr. Potter!" he clapped obnoxiously as the two boys came up.
Harry's face was contorted with determination. He clutched his wand and took long strides until he was face to face with Malfoy. "Bow!" Lockhart instructed. They barely did so. "Wands at the ready!"
"Scared Potter?" Malfoy whispered with a nasty smile.
"You wish," Harry whispered back fiercely.
"One-two-" But Lockhart didn't even finish his sentence when Malfoy began. Colin watched Harry stumble back a but quickly composed himself. Harry shouted, "Rictomshapra!" Colin wondered what that would do. He was pleasantly surprised to see Malfoy doubled over, wheezing and giggling like a schoolgirl.
"He hit him with a tickling charm," Seamus snickered at the blonde's misfortune.
"I said disarm only!" Lockhart shouted, trying to be heard over the crowd's laughter.
Malfoy pointed his wand at Harry. "Tarantallergra!" Harry's knees began jerking unconftrobably, as if he were dancing.
"Stop that!" Lockhart screamed. Colin worried that they might've pushed him to his brink. Hermione seemed to be thinking the same thing.
"They might get detention for this," she bit her lip.
Snape rolled his eyes and said smoothly, "Finite Incantatem." Harry stopped dancing at once.
Lockhart was a bit flustered at how his club was starting out. "Thank you for that marvelous demonstration, Mr. Potter, Mr. Malfoy. Now, let's partner up and try casting some unfriendly spells at each other!"
The student body gawked at him, even Snape had a brief expression of surprise; that quickly faded as he returned to his normal scowl.
"Are you certain that's wise, Gildroy," he sneered. The defense professor, however, was adamant.
"Severus, my good man," Lockhart winked, ignoring Snape's growl. "In dark times such as these it's good for the students to practice." Snape pursed his lips but said no more.
"Partner up everybody!" Lockhart repeated as the students scrambled to do what was told.
In the end, Harry was with Colin, Hermione with Neville, Ron with Seamus (after he begging Hermione to be his partner) and Dean with Lavender Brown.
"Wands at the ready!"
Everyone moved to their own area. Colin and Harry were in the far back near the entrance. Harry really didn't want to hurt the smaller boy so he just casted the tickling charm again. Just like Malfoy, it hit Colin in the stomach. The brunette giggled madly, squirming and hopping on each foot. Colin playfully glared at Harry, who was chuckling in amusement, but his glare was lost its effect from all his laughing.
"Harry!" Colin shrieked in laughter. The older boy had mercy on him and lifted the spell, much to his relief. This left him panting heavily.
"That-pant-was-pant-not-pant-funny!"
"You seemed to think it was," Harry replied cheekily.
"Alright everyone," Lockhart called. "Bring it in!"
"Oh, Merlin, what now?" Harry groaned.
"It appears to me that we need to learn how to block unfriendly spells. Let's have a pair come up and demonstrate for us," he scanned the hall. "Ah, Mr. Potter, come up please."
"Nooo," Harry groaned. Please don't be Malfoy.
"And Mr. Malfoy, you too!" Lockhart didn't notice the death glares from both boys.
"But Professor-" Harry started. Lockhart held up a hand to silence him but Harry wasn't listening. "Please professor! Not Malfoy! Can't Colin be my partner?" Colin smiled widely at his suggestion, his heart warming that Harry wanted him.
"I'm afraid not." Colin frowned unhappily. "Now, wands at the ready."
"Professor-"
"One-two-three!"
Malfoy bellowed, "Serpensortia!" A long, slimy looking snake shot out his wand, landing in a heap on the stage. Colin bit back a gasp. The thing was huge! Okay, so it wasn't humongous but it wasn't a typical small cornsnake either. The snake peered at Harry with its eyes, mouth wide open ready to devour him for a meal.
Shockingly, Harry just stood there, motionless. The Slytherins sniggered while the other houses watched in worry and confusion at the sight heir hero frozen. Colin moaned. Do something! Don't just stand there!
"Don't move Potter," Snape sighed. "I'll handle it."
"Oh, but allow me, Professor Snape," Lockhart said, looking almost giddy at being able to show off once again.
"I don't believe that's a wise-" Snape began but Lockhart was already on it. He waved his wand and the snake flew up in the air. It fell back down, hissing with rage. It stood up and bared its fangs toward Justin Finch Fletchley. The Hufflepuff squeaked, pale with fright.
Harry did something next that would forever change his life. Colin sucked in a breath as he advanced toward the snake, and stupidly shouted at it. Only...
Only Colin didn't understand him. It was like he spoke a different language. He'd sounded as if he were hissing. Apparently he wasn't the only one. Glancing at back at Seamus, he noticed his Irish friend was staring at Harry with a mixture of horror and shock.
"What are you playing at?" Justin the Hufflepuff shouted angrily before storming out of the hall with MacMillan and Susan Bones following him.
"What was that about?" Colin wondered aloud.
No one answered him though. Ron grabbed Harry by the back of his robe, dragging him out of the hall with Hermione, Colin and Seamus following. Those who saw Harry in the hallway backed away, looking frightened or angry. Colin wondered what in Merlin's name was going on. So, Harry hissed, what was the big deal?
They found an abandoned classroom. Ron pushed Harry into one of the chairs, his face was a pale, sickly white.
"How come you didn't tell us you're a parselmouth?" the redhead demanded to know.
Harry stared at him. "A what?"
"Parselmouth," Ron said tersely. "You can talk to snakes."
"Cool!" Colin exclaimed. He shrunk when Ron glowered at him. Seamus sighed, shaking his head. "Or maybe it's not cool..."
"It's not," Ron said, annoyed.
"But why?" Colin wanted to know. "Speaking to snakes can't be that bad, can it?"
Hermione glared warningly at the redhead, who looked like he was about to explode. "It's not a common ability," Ron said with forced calmness.
"Why?" Colin asked curiously. Seamus intervened before Ron said anything that would cause him to be hexed into the next century.
"It's misunderstood. There are very few people who have it or had it, rather. All of those have been for the dark side."
"So everyone thinks Harry's going dark?" Colin said as he understood.
"Exactly," Seamus nodded. "Salazar Slytherin himself was famous for it. That's why the serpent is Slytherin's symbol." Harry stared at him horrified.
I can't be going dark...I'm not!"
"We know that," Seamus said with everyone agreeing. "Have you done this before? Maybe in the muggle world?"
Harry thought for a moment. "Well, I did set a boa constructor free at the zoo. He said he'd never seen Brazil and-"
"You talk to a snake and act like it's normal," Ron mused.
"Harry," Hermione spoke up for the first time. "You really ought to do something about this. Did you see the way Justin reacted? He was very angry."
"How did he know what parselmouth was anyway?" Ron said grumpily. "Thought he was a muggleborn."
"Ernie and Susan could have told him," Hermione pointed out.
"Oh, right."
"Still," Seamus spoke up, his voice grave. "People'll think you're his descendant pretty soon." Harry nearly choked. "What?"
The Irishman shifie his weight on his other foot. "Er, well, I mean he did live thousands of years ago. You could be."
"I can't be," Harry said desperately. "I can't be..."
It was a blistery, cold day. A blizzard had happened some time during the night. Colin thought the snow covered castle grounds looked absolutely beautiful. He could see why Harry loved it there so much. During the late morning classes had been canceled due to the snow so the students got some free time. Colin wanted to spend it in the library searching for a book on photography for wizards. He hoped it would teach him how to develop pictures at Hogwarts and make them move. Harry was to accompany him. The older boy told him it was risky to go by himself not only because of what was petrifying people, but also because some people (Malfoy) would bully those closest to Harry. And he didn't want anything to happen to anyone, especially Colin who was much smaller than most.
Before they headed down, Hedwig came swooping in with a letter. It was from Dennis! Colin opened it eagerly.
Dear Colin
Sorry I haven't written back, been right busy with homework and chores and such. Mum and Dad miss you still. They're a bit sad you aren't coming home for Christmas. Why aren't you? You can't possibly be expect me to believe that you want to get some extra credit. So what's really going on? I won't tell, I promise!
Do you have any idea who wrote the words on the wall yet? That sure is creepy. It could just be a prank. Alfie Davis pulled the fire alarm this year because he wanted to scare this kid who was threatening to beat him up. Maybe it's like that.
Have you taken any pictures? I haven't seen any. I understand if you haven't had the time. Just send them when you can.
How's Hary doing? I miss him a lot. Mum wants him to come round for summer. She's not taking no for an option. Tell him I expect a letter from him soon. I'm a bit hurt he hadn't written.
Love,
Your baby brother
Dennis
"That's what I forgot to do!" Harry exclaimed from behind him, scaring the first year.
"What?" Colin asked after his heart stopped racing. "What did you forget to do?"
Harry hung his head down sheepishly. "Write to Dennis. I'd been so distracted...I'm sorry I read your letter," his cheeks turned red.
Colin shrugged it off. "It's no problem. And I know Dennis isn't angry. He just likes to wind people up."
At this, Harry was relieved. "Oh good."
They walked side by side down to the library. Harry was lost in thought about from what he read in Colin's letter. Mrs. Creevy really wanted him there. It was hard to believe, after all, he'd only known the Dursleys and they hated him. Mr. and Mrs. Creevey treated him like he was one of their kids. It felt nice.
"Harry," Colin waved his hand in front of his face. "You okay?"
"Huh? Oh, yeah!" Harry felt himself blush again. He began walking again. "What were you saying?"
Colin looked amused. "I said did you want to come over this summer?"
"I'd love to," Harry smiled warmly.
Colin grinned. "Fantastic! Mum adores you. Dad thinks of you as another son. Of course, you know Dennis loves you. He told me he loves having two big brothers." He knew that meant more to Harry than he let on. He honestly couldn't imagine having no family and being forced to live with relatives that hated his guts. Colin admired ho Harry never let it get to him, at least on the outside.
Harry grinned the whole walk until they reached the library. Everyone inside glared at him or huddled close together to avoid him. Colin dragged him to the back where the muggle books were. They searched for about ten minutes when Harry excused himself; saying he had to go check up on something on the other side of the library. Colin nodded, his eyes skimming across the titles.
This is impossible.
Toward the end of the long shelf, there was a section that wasn't filled with many books. He noticed that on the other side of the book case was Ginny Weasley writing furiously in that diary of hers. She was looking quite upset, he noted. Her cheeks were that famous Weasley red and her hair was all over the place, as if she hadn't brushed it that morning.
He came around the corner and sat down next to her. She about jumped a foot.
"What are you doing here?" she asked, wide eyed.
Raising his eyebrows, he said, "I wanted to see if they had a book on photography."
"Is Ron here?" she bit her lip worryingly.
No," her behavior was starting to concern him. "Why?"
"No reason," she slammed the diary shut. She stared straight into his eyes. "Don't you dare tell him I was here either." Her tone was harsh. He'd never seen her so angry.
"Ginny," he grabbed her arm when she made a go to leave. "Is everything alright? You've been very distant lately-"
"No, I haven't," she insisted, glaring at him as if daring for him to disagree.
"Ginny, please-" she tried to escape and he tried to grab her arm again, only he ended up grabbed her diary from her instead.
"Give me that!" she screamed, yanking from his grip. Colin was so shocked that he didn't do anything but stand there with his jaw dropped. Madam Price shushed Ginny as she was running out of the library.
"What was that about?" Harry appeared at his side.
"I-I don't know," Colin admitted, feeling hurt and slightly embarrassed at the looks he was given by fellow students. "I accidentally touched her diary and she freaked on me."
"She's just protective of it, that's all." Colin frowned at his aggravated tone.
"Are you alright Harry? I'm sorry if I upset you..."
The second year immediately reassured him that wasn't the case. "It's that group of Hufflepuffs," he explained sourly. "Ernie MacMillan and Susan Bones. Ernie's accusing me of being the heir. He says Justin's keeping a low profile because he told me he was a muggleborn. Can you believe that?"
"I'm sure everything will be alright. They'll see that you aren't the heir soon."
"I hope so."
The boys gave up on searching for a book soon after. Harry was much too furious and Colin was still uneasy after Ginny's outburst. They trailed along in the corridor, passing Hagrid who was holding up a dead rooster. Normally they'd stop and have a chat with the half-giant, but not this time.
They rounded the corner, which was dark due to the extinguished torches. They both gasped loudly when they tripped over something, landing face first on the floor. "What was that-Oh Merlin," Harry breathed.
Nearly Headless Nick and Justin Finch Fletchley were both frozen, it seemed, with shocked expressions on their faces. Nick was floating up by one of the walls and Justin was on the floor, hence why they tripped.
"Harry," Colin's voice trembled. "We've got to tell someone. Perhaps Professor McGonagall."
"You're right," Harry said, panicking a bit. "We'll just tell Professor McGonagall...she'd understand."
At that moment, Peeves chose to make himself known. The poltergeist came floating out of the wall, tap dancing. He cackled at them. "Potty and Creevey in trouble. Peevsy must tell!"
"No, Peeves!" Harry pleaded. "Don't, please!"
"ANOTHER ATTACK! RUN FOR LIVES!" Peeves bellowed.
"No!" the two boys stared at him horrified. Colin was inwardly panicking. He couldn't get in trouble, not now. What if they go expelled for this?
The doors to classrooms opened and people ran about. They yelled and cried and the two boys protectively covered Justin so he wouldn't be trampled on. Some students wised up and focused their attention on the scene in front of them. Colin blushed in shame at having so many people staring. Alicia and Katie pushed their way to the front.
"Colin, sweetie, are you alright?" Alicia asked worriedly. Katie asked the same for Harry.
"Why are you asking if they're alright?" someone in the crowd yelled astounded. "Look at Finch Fletchley and Nick!"
"Shut up," she snapped before turning her attention back to Colin. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine," he said tearfully. "Licia I don't wanna get in trouble."
"I know you don't," she felt so bad for him. "I'm sure you won't" she assured him, though she was uncertain.
"How about you, Harry?" Katie asked with concern. "Are you okay?"
Harry gave her a weak smile. "Yeah. Don't worry Katie."
"What is all this?" Professor McGonagall appeared with Ernie by her side.
"Caught in the act!" he yelled, pointing his finger dramatically at them.
"That will do MacMillian," Professor McGonagall said sternly. Before she could talk any further Harry spoke up.
"Professor, please, we just came across this. We didn't-"
"This is out of my hands, Potter," she shook her head. "You and Mr. Creevey will have to go see Professor Dumbledore."
"What?" Colin choked out. "No, please professor!"
"Is the little baby gonna cry?" someone mocked.
"Ten gallons says he wets himself," someone else snickered.
"Twenty!"
"Thirty!"
"Enough!" Professor McGonagall bellowed. The crowd quieted down almost instantly. Her stern eyes swept through the crowd, shaking her head in disgust. "I have never been so disappointed in all my years of teaching. Your behavior in most unacceptable. Mr. Lewis?"
"Yes, professor?" the boy who had first mocked him said.
"Your remark cost Gryffindor fifty points and you have detention with Filch for a month. Mr. Davis, you lost Ravenclaw fifty points as well and you also have detention for a month but with Professor Snape."
The boys groaned, protesting.
"I don't want to hear your excuses," she held a hand up for silence. "Now, Mr. Potter, mr. Creevey, let's go. Everyone else, back to your houses. If I catch anymore disgusting behavior there will be severe consequences."
Professor McGonagall lead the boys to a nasty looking gargoyle. "Lemon drop," she said to it. The gargoyle hopped aside, allowing them entrance. Colin bit back a sob. This was it. He would be expelled and lose his magic and have to go back to that cruel muggle school where he had no friends. He felt a squeeze to his shoulder. It was Harry. He was trying to be comforting.
"It'll be okay," he whispered.
"I hope so," Colin whispered back.
Professor McGonagall was about to leave but she said Dumbledore would be with them soon. She left the two boys standing around idly in his office, unsure of what to do.
"Harry," Colin bit his lip. "Are we getting expelled?"
Harry closed his eyes. He didn't want to worry Colin but he also didn't want to give him false hope. "I don't know, Col."
Colin sighed miserably. They stood in silence for a few minutes. Harry was eying a brightly colored bird in the corner.
"What kind of bird is that?" Colin asked curiously.
"I dunno. It looks sick though."
Indeed, the bird was drooping, its face plump as if it were going to be sick. WIthout warning, it burst into flames.
Colin and Harry yelled out in shock. Harry was frozen on the spot but Colin was searching for something to put out the flames. "Don't they have a fire extinguisher?" he asked frantically. He did not find the extinguisher nor did he find any water. The bird didn't even scream in pain. It did, however, shriek once and fell into a heap of ashes.
"NO!" Colin's stomach dropped. First the attacks, now they'd be accused of letting Dumbledore's bird die on them.
"Ah, I see it's finally happened." They whirled around to find Dumbledore coming in.
"Professor Dumbledore-" Harry started. "We didn't do it."
"He just burst into flames!" Colin added.
"That's very good to hear," Dumbledore smiled. "I've been urging him to get done with it already."
"What?" the boys felt a bit light headed.
"Phoenixes burst into flames to die and become reborn by the ashes. They're very faithful pets. They have healing powers in their tears, you know."
"So he's going to be alright then? We aren't in trouble?" Harry inquired.
"Dear, heavens, no," Dumbledore chuckled. His face sobered up and he became serious. "Professor McGonagall informed there me there was another attack and you two were right at the scene."
"We didn't do anything," Harry proclaimed their innocence. "Honest! We were coming back from the library when we tripped over Justin. We would never do anything."
"Mr. Potter-"
"Please professor," Colin was tearful again, fear surging through his veins. "You've gotta believe us! Please!"
"Mr. Creevey, if you will-"
"We would never-"
"Boys," Dumbledore said loudly. "I don't think it was you." This relaxed them.
"You don't?" Colin said hopefully.
"No. But do you boys want to tell me anything?"
Colin thought Harry should tell him about the voices but when the older boy didn't say anything, he didn't either. They bid the headmaster a good day and left hastily to get back to Gryffindor Tower. They had to tell Hermione and Ron about this.
I hope you enjoyed the chapter! I'm sorry about using a few more of the quotes from the book than I expected to use. It just seemed to fit but there will be less I promise. Reviews are appreciated. Are you enjoying it or is it boring? I'll be including chapters that won't go along with every chapter of the book