Halloween. Something bad always happened to Harry on this day. Harry was waiting in the common room for Hermione with a sense of foreboding. They had stayed awake past midnight and he was concerned. She arrived emotionally drained and physically tired. She hadn't told him what she had seen in her memories but Harry had to guess it was about Ron. They ate breakfast in relative silence, Harry tried to cheer her up but she did not respond. Luna, Ginny and Neville ate with them and this seemed to help a bit.
Harry, Hermione and Neville rode to Hogsmeade and talked about the places they haven't been yet. Neville had to mail his gift so they stopped by the post office first. Neville departed to take care of something, leaving them alone. They went into a few different shops to browse but found nothing of interest. They found a second hand shop with a small selection of books and both teens bought a few fiction books for light reading. They stopped for tea and sat in a corner booth. While they were savoring their tea, Hermione spoke.
"I'm sorry. I'm not very good company today."
"Don't be sorry. I know what you were doing last night. It had to be really bad. You don't have to talk about it, if you don't want to." He said.
"I need to talk about it. I looked through my memories and found that Ron was just using me. I really liked him at one time. I'm not sure why now. I understand now why you apologized to me in the alley but you were never as bad as he."
"When you were helping him with his homework, I looked at him and it sickened me that I acted the same way. I wanted to say something but I didn't want to start a fight."
"You shouldn't be afraid to say something just to avoid an argument. Holding things in can cause problems later." She said.
"I guess you're right. I didn't want to lose Ron's friendship, but it happened anyway. May I ask, What did you two fight about? I heard it was about me."
"Indirectly, it was about you. I told him to start taking classes more seriously because he was affecting MY grades. He said that not everyone could be like Perfect Potter. He accused you of being a playboy and I defended you. He said, the only reason I defended you was because we were intimate with each other but he was rather vulgar about it. I slapped him. He was about to retaliate when Professor Sprout arrived." She said.
"What do you mean retaliate?" He said in a dangerous tone.
"Please don't go after him; he isn't worth it. I thought he was going to hit me, but it never happened. I see him for what he is now. A petty, jealousy little boy. A lazy, good-for-nothing prick." She said.
"Language Hermione. I promise I won't do anything, but if he starts something with ME, I will finish it." He stated sternly.
"Thank you. Please don't provoke him either."
"I'm not Malfoy. If he does try anything, I'll set Luna on him." He said with a grin.
The two teens burst into laughter. Hermione felt better and the rest of the day was much more enjoyable. They met up with Neville and had lunch at The Three Broomsticks. Harry remarked that Hogsmeade was similar to Diagon Alley. Everything was established for the 'older' crowd. There was no where for younger people to hang out. The joke shop was about the best but nothing else. Neville admitted to his friends that he left to give them time to talk; he knew Hermione was upset about something. Harry had to be back at the castle before the feast so the three friends called it a day. On the ride back, Harry asked Neville about the park in Diagon Alley. He told him that it was set up ages ago but no one knew who did it or why. He did say it had the largest collection of wild flowers in England.
Harry entered Master Filius' office at 4:00. He bowed to his Master and was immediately struck with a paralysis jinx in his right arm. He couldn't even get his wand out to defend himself. Harry was upset but asked respectfully.
"Did I do something wrong? Why did you attack me?"
"Calm down Mr. Potter and allow me to explain. If you are in a fight and you lose the ability to use your right arm, what would you do? If you lost your wand, what would you do?"
Harry had to admit he hadn't thought of situations like these. Either would be bad; both would be disastrous. He was embarrassed that he couldn't answer his Master and held his head in shame.
"Don't be so hard on yourself. If you lost your wand, you would need a replacement. In combat you cannot go to Ollivander's to buy a replacement. You take one from someone else and keep going. If you lose your right arm, you cast with your left. I have something that will help with both problems." Filius said.
He handed Harry a box filled with wands. There were many different lengths and woods to chose from. Some were plain and others were very ornate. Filius explained that these were 'trophies' from his dueling victories. All of the previous owners no longer needed them and there were many.. Harry was instructed to find a wand acceptable to him. During combat, he would not have a choice. Harry found one that was okay. He attempted to remove the jinx from his arm but was having problems. He corrected his wand movements, he was trying to use right-handed movements left-handed, after about 15 minutes, he removed the jinx.
Master Filius gave his pupil a wand holster as well. He instructed Harry to practice with both wands in both hands. He would be judged on his progress during the Christmas holidays. He also told Harry to keep this secret, even from Hermione. Harry thanked him and left for the feast.
Filius sat in his office and sighed. He did not like teaching combat skills to young people. He still could not understand why Albus wasn't helping him. There were always options, if you looked hard enough. He knew in his heart that Harry would not turn evil nor arrogant with his skills. He was learning because he needed to survive. He pushed Harry hard and was not disappointed. The surveillance charm in the training room showed that he was intelligent, helpful, and self motivated. Miss Granger seems to be keeping him quite motivated, he chuckled to himself. The best part of the exercise tonight was that Harry never asked what jinx he used or the counter. It was in one of the books he was assigned to read. He also knew that his pupil would figure out what to do with two wands on his own. Filius Flitwick added twenty points to Gryffindor for Harry's efforts.
The Halloween feast was fun for all, except Harry. He had a feeling something was going to happen. Hermione and Neville knew he didn't like this holiday and tried to make it bearable. Malfoy was in rare form tonight, but Harry still ignored his taunts. This angered Malfoy to no end. He knew deep down that this would eventually come to a head, but the young Gryffindor kept his cool.
He teased Hermione about getting a new catalog tomorrow and asked her what size she wore. This earned him a playful slap and giggles from the girls nearby. They were looking forward to the catalog as well. Ron tried to ignore this but wasn't mature enough to hide it. He knew that Harry would mop the floor with him in a wizard's fight and wouldn't provoke him. Ron thought that when it did happen, his boys and brothers would back him up. I've got my boys and the twins who does he have. A squib and his whore. Potter doesn't stand a chance, he thought evilly to himself. He didn't know about Luna 'The Pruner' Lovegood.
The feast ended and everyone returned to their common rooms. The Fat Lady was not in her portrait and it was torn to shreds. She was found in another portrait and told the Headmaster that Sirius Black was in the castle. The castle was locked down and all students were told to return to the Great Hall. Sleeping bags were issued to all students and were told to remain while the castle was searched. The duo plus Neville found a spot. Ginny and Luna came to join them. They chatted about the situation wondering how Black entered the castle. Neville spoke.
"I guess it's a good thing we weren't in the common room. Black didn't know about the feast."
"He used to go to Hogwarts. The whole castle is decorated for Halloween, one way or another. Hogsmeade is decorated as well. How could he not know?" Harry said.
"You're right. But how did he get in? What or who was he after?" Ginny said.
Everyone sat in silence thinking about what was said. Hermione suspected that Harry knew something about Black. She hadn't asked but she would at the first opportunity. Everybody entered their sleeping bags and tried to sleep. Harry pondered the situation and the answer hit him like a bludger. He was a map maker. He would know ways in and out of the castle. How could I forget about the map? He mentally berated himself. He was pulled from his musings by Dumbledore and Snape talking.
The Headmaster looked at Harry and sighed. Ron Weasley seemed to not be part of his group anymore. Ron was a good source of information, even if he wasn't aware. Albus did not like the fact that Harry's mind was not as accessible to him as it once had been. He was becoming popular in most of the houses, especially with the females. Luna Lovegood was a testament to that fact. He was friendly and outgoing. Minerva had protected him and he questioned the headmaster's wisdom. He was not falling for the usual taunts and was very calm. He is not the brash, Gryffindor he once had been. He is becoming a cold and calculating Slytherin. The magical world needs a Gryffindor hero to do what he must in the end. A Slytherin Harry would only do what is best for himself, he thought to himself. Albus did not like the new Harry and he started to make plans.
The next morning the all clear was given and classes were canceled for the day. Hermione went to each of her professors to get the days assignments. Harry was embarrassed that he did not think of this. Everyone returned to their dorms to freshen up before breakfast. Harry and Hermione worked out then came down later. The duo completed their assignments in record time. Some of the other Gryffindors started calling them Mr. and Mrs. Bookworm, at Ron's insistence; the girls did not because Hermione had The Catalog. Ron was annoying Harry, hoping he would try something, but was quickly stopped by the entire Quidditch Team. The first game of the season was this weekend and they were not about to lose their star Seeker for fighting. Ginny threatened to write their mother if he didn't quit. This stopped him cold and his boys laughed.
The rest of the week was interesting. The teachers were keeping an eye on Harry. Percy had been following him as well. McGonagall and Flitwick were aware of what Harry was capable of and didn't press the matter. It wasn't too bad until Snape substituted for Lupin in DADA. The lecture was on werewolves. Harry thought to himself. Lupin's boggart was the moon.
Harry had to cancel his training session with Master Filius on Friday because he was summoned to Professor McGonagall's office. He was met by Amelia Bones. He showed her the ledger and she was pleased. She explained that his parent's will and his Child Service's file had been sealed by Dumbledore. Minerva was outraged at this. She explained that using the evidence against Dumbledore would unseal those documents. She told him what to write in response to the goblins and he complied. It was doubtful that the Headmaster would go to jail but he would lose influence. She asked Harry if he would give an official statement of his home life to use against the old man as well but she warned him that it may become public knowledge.
Harry was frightened. He wanted to tell his story but was afraid of the fallout. He asked Minerva for advice and she told him that she was there the night he was left with the Dursleys. She also said that she warned Albus about the kind of people they were, but her words were ignored. He asked for Professor Flitwick and Hermione to be there and Madam Bones complied. The two entered and Hermione took a seat next to Harry. The room was sealed and a privacy charm cast. Amelia explained what was about to happen. She explained to Harry about the Dicta-Quill and that his statement would need to be signed. Harry couldn't think of any questions and asked for advice; none was given other than tell the truth.
Harry took a deep breath and calmed himself then began to tell his tale. He spoke of the cupboard under the stairs and how his first Hogwarts letter was addressed to it. He told them about being treated like a slave while they sat around. He was never hit by the adults but he spoke of Harry Hunting by his cousin and crew. He told them about the ridicule and punishments for asking questions or for performing better in school than Dudley. He spoke of Vernon's sister Marge and her dogs attacking him. He was punished for needing glasses by less food and more work. The Dursleys said he was a burden financially but could always take trips without him. He told them everything about Vernon preventing his letter from being delivered, locking him in his room and being fed through a cat flap. He let ten years and two summers of pain and anguish out and wondered why no one would help.
When he was finished with his tale; he was exhausted. Hermione was in tears and Minerva was having difficulty controlling her own. Filius wanted to go Dursley Hunting. Amelia tried to be professional but was enraged. Harry signed the document and just sat quietly. He would not give his relatives the satisfaction of his tears.
Amelia looked at Harry and couldn't believe this fine young man came from that environment. She told him that everything would be investigated and would be kept informed. He would not be going back to his relatives no matter what the old man had to say.
The duo walked to their training room, Harry needed to vent. Hermione couldn't believe what she just heard. She would never pity him; he didn't need pity. She would just be his best friend. Her respect for him grew to new heights, however her disgust for the Headmaster grew even more.
They reached the training room and Harry let go. He threw every spell he knew at the dummies. He knew many. She watched in awe of his raw power. He was angry and hurt but in complete control of what he was doing. Every spell was performed with only a whisper. She wasn't the only person watching. His teachers kept an eye on him and were proud that he could use this experience constructively. They could not believe the power this young man had at his disposal and the skills to match and he was still growing. They felt sorry for anyone who pissed him off.
Some time later, Harry was spent. He sat on the floor to catch his breath. Hermione handed him a water bottle and sat in front of him, taking his hand in hers. He said.
"Thanks for being there."
"What are friends for?" she replied squeezing his hand gently.
They sat in silence, holding hands in comfort. Hermione thought to herself. Ron and Malfoy had better watch themselves.
They returned to the common room and he bid her a good night. It was fairly early but Harry wanted to be alone. He changed for bed and entered his trunk, closing the lid behind him. He laid on the sofa and covered himself with a quilt. He cleared his mind of all bad thoughts and gave the command to turn off the lights. He fell asleep quickly holding Annie dreaming of bubble baths, lace and Quidditch.
He awoke the next morning feeling refreshed. He had a good night sleep and wasn't bothered by nightmares. He went to the common room, snatching Crookshanks along the way. He held him close to calm him down. He couldn't understand why the cat hated Scabbers so much. Hermione entered seeing Harry and Crookshanks together and smiled. She took her familiar back to the girl's dorm then returned.
They ate breakfast and Harry was concerned. The weather had been bad all week but it was horrid now. Quidditch matches were never canceled due to weather. The rest of the team arrived and was informed that they were playing Hufflepuff not Slytherin. Malfoy left the castle for family reasons; Harry said he missed his mummy. This caused everyone to laugh but it did change things. Cedric Diggory was a fifth year with more experience. He was larger than Harry but he wasn't a scrawny boy anymore. The size difference would help in this monsoon.
The weather was torrential. The game began and Harry was fighting to maintain control, but he managed. His larger size helped but not wearing glasses helped more. It was difficult to see, but wearing glasses he would be flying blind. He couldn't hear what was going on he just concentrated on finding the Snitch. Wood called a time out and he was informed that Gryffindor was up by fifty and was ordered to find the Snitch fast. The game resumed and Harry spotted the Snitch. Cedric was closer so he leaned forward and pushed his Nimbus 2000 to it's max. He felt a cold wash over him. He remembered this feeling from the train. He looked down and spotted a hundred Dementors. He concentrated on the Snitch, like finding his center. His mental shields were failing fast; there were too many of them. He moved closer to his goal and grabbed the Snitch ending the game. In his moment of victory, he lost concentration. Harry was quickly overwhelmed and blacked out.
Meanwhile, Sirius Black had snuck onto the Quidditch Pitch. He knew his godson was playing and wanted to see. In his animagus form he could go unnoticed; dogs had better night vision as well. He watched and was impressed at his godson's skills. He felt a familiar feeling wash over him but stayed in place. He barked for joy at the victory, then watched in horror as Harry fell. Dumbledore chased the Dementors away and Harry was taken to the hospital wing. He wanted to be there but he would have been captured and Kissed before he even got close to Harry.
Harry awoke in the hospital wing and was surrounded. Both teams were there with Hermione by his side. He was congratulated for his victory, then told the fate of his broom. Luna and Ginny were there and offered support. Ron felt sorry for the broom. Madam Pomfrey ordered everyone out. Wood promised Harry the victory party would be postponed until he could attend.
Madam Pomfrey instructed Harry to stay in bed all weekend. She explained her actions to him but he told her it wasn't her fault. She gave him an exam and was pleased with her findings. She gave him a large piece of chocolate, which he devoured. Hermione came by later that evening. She brought him his school books and a few others; Wood gave her a Broom Catalog as well. They ate dinner in the hospital wing together, with Madam Pomfrey's approval.
Harry was released the next day. He decided to order another Nimbus 2000 and a training broom. He wanted to help his best friend to fly. He checked the balance of all his vaults and the interest combined would cover the cost. He wrote a letter to Sara, telling her what happened. He also wrote a letter to Mrs. Weasley telling her not to worry. He sent the Molly letter with Hedwig and the others with the Mail Elf. The rest of the day was spent relaxing and reading about the Patronus Charm. He discovered Malfoy returned just after the match, if he even left at all.
Happy Holidays everyone.
Disclaimer: I don't own anything about Harry Potter.