Quick thing about reviews. I love them, really I do, but if you are expecting me to reply to them then you have to sign in and enable Private Messaging, I will not reply to anonymous reviews, because I don't have a mechanism to do so other than writing them here, and I'm not going to do that.
My plans for this stage in the story have gone through a blender so I'm not entirely sure what the next chapter will be called. The name for this one has change three times now.
Anyhow enjoy, and please review.
Expulso!
"Harry?" asked Emma when he got back from his first Patronus lesson.
"Yeah?" replied Harry taking a seat by the Gryffindor Common Room fire.
"I've been thinking about the Birthday party." Answered Emma. "I was wondering if maybe we could invite people outside our little group."
"Well I don't consider our group little, but who were you thinking of?" Remarked Harry
"Well Ron's brothers for one thing." Replied Emma thoughtfully. "Fred and George already know about the Room and I'm sure Percy would keep it a secret if I asked nicely."
"I don't know, Percy is really a sucker for the rules." Said Harry.
"So is Hermione." Argued Emma. "I'm sure if I ask nicely I can swear him to secrecy."
"I'll think about it." Said Harry. "Anyone else?"
"Well since it's also going to be Luna's party I think we should invite that Ravenclaw she's friendly with, Ruth, and since Ruth's sister is dating Percy…"
"I'll think about it, but I can't see a problem with Ruth." said Harry. "I suppose we should add Lee to the guest list, he rarely goes anywhere without the twins."
"Probably and I think we can trust him to keep quiet about the room." Agreed Emma.
"Yeah." agreed Harry "I'll think about Percy and Penelope?"
"Uh huh." Answered Emma.
"I'll think about them, but I doubt Percy would mind keeping this a secret."
ORACLE2PHOENIX
The party however was not going to be for a while. After her private moment with Harry, Hermione had calmed down quite a bit. She was still overworked but she was finding the strain far more manageable. In other developments Wood had Quidditch practices resume. Harry assured him that he was doing all he could to better his ability to counter the Dementors should they reinvade the pitch. He had not yet told anyone outside his group of friends about the Firebolt, in case it really did turn out to be dangerous and unsafe. Besides which his Nimbus 2000 was still one of the best brooms out there and more than capable of being used against Ravenclaw.
Unlike Hufflepuff, who'd got a new captain, or Slytherin, who'd managed to acquire some of the fastest brooms of the market, Ravenclaw had not significantly changed their style of practice at any time since Harry first came to Hogwarts. Unfortunately this didn't help him much as he had never actually had a chance to play them before. Fred and George joked that Ravenclaw would be easy to beat, but Oliver gave no quarter in the training sessions. It wasn't as bad as the sessions they had when training to play the Slytherins but it was still pretty intense.
"Look at it this way." Angelina summed up as the six members of the Quidditch team who weren't named Oliver walked back to the Common Room. "At least we didn't lose any skin from our knees."
"You didn't." grumbled Harry as he limped alongside everyone.
The girls all looked at him apologetically, while Fred tried not to look at him, it was his Bludger that caused Harry to skim the grass.
Nevertheless, Emma managed to heal the minor cut with her salve and life in general went on.
ORACLE2PHOENIX
Since becoming aware of Emma and Harry's home life, Madam Pomfrey had been having regular meetings with both of them to make sure they were doing alright. When he spoke to Hermione, Harry was right in many ways, no one, not even the Hogwarts Matron, could fully stand in place of the Potters' parents. But Emma definitely felt that she had a lot to get out of her.
"You know this is the fifth time you've mentioned swimming at Hogwarts." commented Madam Pomfrey. "Might I ask where you found a swimming pool?"
Emma looked awkward.
"I should remind you that under the Hippocratic Oath I can repeat nothing you tell me without your permission." She added.
"Harry found this room that can morph into anything…" said Emma.
"Ah… that room." Said Madam Pomfrey. "I'm impressed not many people have learnt of that room."
"You've come across it before?" said Emma.
"I've looked in once or twice out of curiosity. But it was another patient who told me of its existence. I of course cannot tell you who but…" The Matron trailed off.
"Fair enough." replied Emma.
"In regards to your question, what are your feelings for him?" asked Madam Pomfrey, bring the topic to what it originally had been. Boys.
"Colin's my best friend." Emma answered simply. "I don't know if I want to try anything, what if I've misread the signs and he doesn't fancy me?"
"Some would say that it is better to be friends with a boy for a long time before you start a relationship." Said Madam Pomfrey. "But at the same time I would remind you that you are twelve and so is Colin. Also, while you have known him for a year and a half, 6 months of that time he spent petrified."
"So I should do nothing?" said Emma.
"I think you should stop and think carefully about all the boys you may or may not fancy, even the ones you just fancy a little. I would also stop and think about your other immediate male friends."
"All of them?" said Emma.
"Yes. I'm not talking about having a discussion with your Dorm mates about each and every boy you know, but I would advise you to stop and think carefully about how you feel about each boy and I would advise you to do this alone. You are still twelve and that's probably the youngest a parent would normally allow their child to date. If your feelings for someone are strong enough, I would advise you to build on your friendship with them and see how things go in 6 months to a year."
"And if a boy asks me out?" asked Emma.
"Consider your feelings for him, by all means give him a chance but bear in mind there is a difference between going on a date and dedicating yourself to a committed relationship. You shouldn't be thinking about marriage yet."
"I'm not." Insisted Emma "It's just… Vicky… and Geoffrey… it's gotten me thinking."
"Thinking is okay." Madam Pomfrey reassured her. "But if you think you are at this stage, or are approaching it, then it's time we have the talk."
What followed over the next half an hour or so was another rather uncomfortable talk, about the opposite gender and… related things.
"Now then is there anything else or do you want to discuss potions."
"Potions please…" Emma almost begged. She was not thinking all that highly of Fred or Percy or Colin right now… or any other boy.
Madam Pomfrey chuckled. "What we just talked about is a concept that takes a little getting used to. As you grow up you will more than likely come to accept it easier."
"I'm not sure I have your confidence." Emma commented.
"Be that as it may, you are only twelve and you have quite some time before you should concern yourself with such things. Please just remember that. Now, what do you want to me to look at, I see you have a phial."
Emma, glad that they were finally moving away from Sex Education, extracted the phial from her bag. She had not been expecting to receive a long and personal lecture from Madam Pomfrey. Although Emma had agreed at the beginning of her First Year to have regular meetings with the Matron to deal with all the conversational needs a growing girl normally has with her mother, lately she had been showing Madam Pomfrey her Potions concoctions and discussing her favourite and best subject with her in the same way Harry discussed his with Professor Lupin.
Madam Pomfrey took the phial, uncorked it and sniffed it. "Ms Potter have you been trying to make Wolfsbane again?"
"Yes Mam." answered Emma, attempting to sound neutral and failing miserably.
"I thought I told you not to."
"You asked me not to, there's a difference." Protested Emma. "I took the appropriate safety measures and made sure I had plenty of ventilation in my lab before I set the cauldron going."
"All the same…"
"Point is I think I've done it. Can you?" Emma trailed off.
Madam Pomfrey looked the substance over. "It does look real… and it certainly smells real… But I'm afraid assessing this potion is beyond my expertise. However, if you'll let me take this to a friend of mine at St Mungos, they will be able to do it for you."
"Really?" asked Emma excitedly.
"Yes." replied Madam Pomfrey. "But I have one condition. Let me see this lab of yours."
Seeing as Madam Pomfrey already knew of the Rooms existence, Emma so no reason not to show her.
ORACLE2PHOENIX
"I'm not entirely sure where this all goes." Commented Emma indicating a huge vent underneath a set of cauldrons. "But it seems to extract all the fumes that come out of my Potions."
Emma's Potions Lab was about twice the size of Snape's classroom. There were rows of tables each with up to four cauldrons on them and ventilators above them magically forcing fumes to be ejected.
"Given what little I know about the Room of Requirement, probably into nothingness." Reasoned the Matron. "I see the glass as well."
"It's not glass." stated Emma, realising that the Matron was looking at the barriers around the vents that were ready, at a moment's notice, to drop and contain the workstations. "It's a special material that looks like glass but is so much stronger. There are several potions that can burn through glass, even magically reinforced glass. This is magically reinforced Plexiglas."
"Plexiglas?" Queried Madam Pomfrey.
"It was Harry's idea." Replied Emma. "Well sort of. He initially suggested double-glazing, then I remembered astronauts and thought why not use Plexiglas."
"Astronauts?" said Madam Pomfrey in confusion. "What are you…"
"Oh sorry." Blushed Emma. "Astronauts are people the Muggles send into space and to the Moon. Plexiglas is not made of the same materials as glass but it does look the same and it's also see-through, but it's far stronger. Even more so now that Harry magically reinforced them."
"Harry did?" Questioned Madam Pomfrey again.
"Yeah, Hardening Charm." Replied Emma. "He's very good with these sort of things. Asides from him, you're the only one to see my entire lab. I did show the Weasley twins part of it, but I didn't want them to find out about some of these items, because quite frankly they can't be trusted with them."
"Such as what?" asked Madam Pomfrey.
"This." Said Emma indicating a cauldron. "It's an Amortentia, at least from what I can tell it should be."
Madam Pomfrey looked over it. "Yes this looks expertly done." She gave it a sniff. "Out of interest have you tried smelling this?"
"No." said Emma. "I've read that Love Potions can be… deceptive…"
"Ordinarily they are, but when one smells this particular one, the scents they pick up are the ones they find most appealing." Said Madam Pomfrey. "It is generally said that the scents of the Potion will match the person you are destined to fall in love with."
"Maybe later." remarked Emma evasively. "I really don't think I want to concern myself with… that… just yet."
"Very well Miss Potter." Said Madam Pomfrey. "I must say you have been busy."
"Most of Harry's practical work involves warding objects and throwing spells at walls. This is what mine involves."
"Harry's started warding?" said Madam Pomfrey.
"Uh huh." Nodded Emma. "Since we learnt about Sirius Black and since we both received Christmas presents that might be cursed by him, my brother has been researching a lot on warding and counter warding."
"I see." Said Madam Pomfrey sounding interested.
ORACLE2PHOENIX
Madam Pomfrey gave Emma's phial to her friend. But like their Muggle counterparts, Healers can be notoriously busy, so it was a few weeks before the Phial came back with a letter.
"It seems that my friend is very impressed with your efforts. He says that he couldn't do any better himself." The Matron stated happily passing on the praise.
Emma took that compliment well, but was rather surprised when a few days later Madam Pomfrey came to her with a request.
"Do you think you could brew a Hiccoughing Solution?" She asked.
"Um…" Emma hesitated. "I suppose, but you'll need to give me a few days to order some Salamander Blood, I used up the last of it on the Amortentia."
"No matter." Said Madam Pomfrey. She reached into a cabinet in her office and pulled out a carton. "You may keep the rest of this for future exploits, I have plenty."
"Uh… thanks?" replied Emma unsurely.
She went away a brewed the Potion, but when she came back with the finished result. Madam Pomfrey had another request.
"Could you brew me some Skele-Gro for next Monday by any chance?" she asked.
"Skele-Gro?" questioned Emma.
Next thing she knew, Madam Pomfrey handed her a bag full of ingredients.
"What's going on, have you run out?" asked Emma.
"No, no. I have an associate who is very interested in testing your capabilities as a potioner. This isn't going to make much sense right now, but there are those in this school who would like to see if you have certain skills."
ORACLE2PHOENIX
At the same time, Harry found that he too was getting odd assignments. But his came from Professor Lupin plus, obviously, they were about Defence Against the Dark Arts.
"For next week I want you all to read and summarise the chapter on Graphorns, one roll of Parchment." Said Professor Lupin to Harry's class. "That's all for today. Mr Potter could I have a few words with you before you go?"
Harry assumed this was either about the Dementor Lessons or his Firebolt. It wasn't.
"Now Harry, are you aware of a Dark Magic Creature called an Inferius?" asked the Professor.
Harry blinked, that was unexpected. "Yes, Inferi are enchanted corpses. They tend to be used by the most evil of Dark Wizards during Wizarding Conflicts. None have been seen since Voldemort fell at the end of the last war."
"Correct." replied Professor Lupin. "Instead of doing the chapter summary on the Graphorns, I want you to write an essay on Inferi. Two rolls of Parchment. Do you think you can do that?"
"Uh… sure." answered Harry in surprise. "What do you want me to cover?"
"I want you to argue methods of combatting them, using at least four known historical examples." Stated Professor Lupin. "I realise that this is a rather trying task I am setting you but…"
"No it's no problem." Said Harry. "I have a lot of Defence books. Even if I can't find everything, I can make a good start and check the library for more sources."
ORACLE2PHOENIX
Researching Inferi, and attending several Quidditch Practices, and keeping his Duelling Club going, and attending Patronus lessons and Diagnostic lessons, and spending several hours a week trying in vain to determine the contents of Winston Lawrence's Paper and doing all the usual school work that he already had to do left Harry very, very busy. But he took it in stride. Not only did he manage to write Professor Lupin's essay, he managed to do the same homework the rest of his year was assigned on the Graphorn.
"I must say you have made your Defence Professor very happy." Joked Lupin at their next Patronus Lesson. It was now early February and the Ravenclaw vs. Gryffindor Quidditch Match was just over a week away. Harry had handed in both assignments during class earlier on.
"Hey it was fun." Said Harry. "Besides which I'd already read a ton on Inferi and Graphorns before so that distinctly cut down the research. Now if only I can get this Patronus Corporeal. Give me a Boggart please."
Lupin smiled. Then he released the Boggart-Dementor.
Practically on instinct, Harry focused on the high he was on from having achieved so much good work in such a short space of time.
"Expecto Patronum!" He incanted. "WHOA!"
"Oh… my… James…"
A Silver coloured stag emerged proudly from Harry's wand and the aura was so strong that Harry felt his entire being elate beyond any comprehension he had previously experienced.
The Boggart-Dementor screamed and then vanished under the silver light.
"I… I think I just killed our Dementor." Remarked Harry in partial shock. But his shock was nothing compared to that of his teachers.
"J… James." Remus stuttered."
"Professor is something wrong?" asked Harry in concern.
Lupin snapped out of his trance and looked at his pupil. "I'm sorry Harry. But that Patronus… it was identical to your fathers."
"Dad's Patronus?" Harry asked in complete surprise.
"Yes." Said Professor Lupin. "Your father was a stag and your mother's Patronus was a doe."
"Wow." Said Harry in awe as his Patronus faded. "I think we're going to need another Boggart."
"I wouldn't bother." Said Lupin. "A Boggart won't last long as a Dementor up against a Corporeal Patronus. There is nothing more that you or I can do to improve your technique. While it has been fun I guess this extracurricular activity ends now."
"Thanks for everything Professor." Grinned Harry, he was absolutely thrilled that he'd managed to achieve this.
"Before you go Harry." Said Professor Lupin. "May I see your Patronus again?"
"Expecto Patronum!" incanted Harry happily. His head was filled with the knowledge that he had this connection to his father. Nothing could ever take that away from him.
"Expecto Patronum!" incanted Lupin. His silver coloured owl shot out of his wand and landed on the antler of Harry's stag. "It has been so long since I tried that. All that's missing is…" Lupin was still smiling but he stopped himself at the reminder of his dead and former friends.
The owl disappeared and Harry dismissed his own Patronus, his control over the spectral being was surprisingly easy.
ORACLE2PHOENIX
Professor Lupin and Madam Pomfrey gave Harry and Emma, respectively, new assignments every time they completed the previous ones. Neither of the Potter siblings understood why, and their assigners were tight-lipped, but they relished the new challenges. Both of them noticed quite quickly that the assignments they were being given were all N.E.W.T level. Reasoning that they would find out soon enough Harry and Emma kept up their work.
"I wonder if they're doing it to distract you." pondered Hermione when they were all in the practice room. "From Sirius Black I mean."
"Maybe." Conceded Harry. "I have found myself thinking less and less about him with all the extra stuff I've been doing with Lupin and Flitwick. Patronus Lessons are now finished and they can only keep my Firebolt so much longer."
"By the way, are you ever going to show us your Patronus?" asked Vicky.
"Uh… alright." Said Harry. He took out his wand and focused on his times with Emma, Colin, Dennis and Demelza in Yorkshire the previous summer and all the fun they'd had. "Expecto Patronum!"
"Wow Harry." said Hermione, obviously impressed. "You've managed to learn that quickly."
"Not that quickly." replied Harry modestly. "It's taken me six months almost to get this."
"Five months." Corrected Luna.
"Whatever." Said Harry dismissively. "It's been too long. It's almost a shame I won't get to try it out properly. You know unless the Dementors try attacking the Quidditch pitch again."
"Still not going to Hogsmeade?" Asked Ron.
"Not while Black is still out there." Replied Harry.
"I'm sure you could kick his butt." Said Geoffrey suppotively.
"So am I." conceded Harry. "But… I don't want to have to face him… this isn't a film or a story written by some sad guy in his bedroom somewhere. I doubt I'll ever even meet Black."
"But if he gets caught. Would you ever want to visit him in prison?" said Ron. "You know, face up the man who betrayed your parents? When you're older of course."
"I might not get the chance." Stated Harry. "The Ministry's under a lot of criticism right now because of their handling of his escape. Lupin reckons that if Black isn't caught by the end of next week, then he'll be condemned to a Dementor's Kiss and as much as I hate him for everything he's done…"
Harry looked down sadly. Emma got up and sat next to her brother then embraced him in one of her hugs.
The group had discussed Dementors and Sirius Black a number of times, so they were all aware of what a Dementor's Kiss was like. Even Ron, the least sensitive of the group, was not in favour of giving Black's soul to such horrible creatures.
"Would the Ministry be allowed to just give an order like that though?" asked Demelza.
"They would probably have to bend more than a few rules, but they could do it." Said Luna sullenly. "Laws only work if there are those who are willing to enforce them."
"They do it all the time." Said Harry in resigned disapproval. "That's why so many of Voldemort's supporters aren't incarcerated or anything. Convicting some of them would be inconvenient so ministry simply overlooks some of the evidence and plays ignorant. It works in reverse as well. Did you know Sirius Black never got a trial?"
Everyone, Emma included, gasped at that declaration.
"What?" said Emma. "But that's barbaric. Everyone has the right to a trial."
"I agree." Said Harry. "I owe Barty Crouch a lot for everything he did for you Em' but I've read a lot about what he did during the war. Most people actually supported his policies, even though suspects were sent straight to Azkaban without trial, even killed by Aurors, and I'm not talking about resisting arrest, some Aurors were sent to assassinate Death Eaters."
"But some of those people could be innocent." Said Hermione in horror.
"Maybe." Conceded Harry. "But I can't find any examples of that, not that most cases would have been thoroughly checked. From what I can tell, it tended to be the worst case Death Eaters who were extrajudicially sent to prison or assassinated. In those instances their tended to be a lot of evidence against them anyway."
"Then why not try them, I don't understand." Said Vicky.
"There were no guarantees." Said Neville. "The Ministry was compromised by spies and corruption, a few faults here and there and a lawyer could argue misconduct and get their Death Eater client released. Even with the Lestrange trial, the whole thing was kind of a farce according to what I read about it, the defendants weren't granted access to lawyers or allowed to speak in their defence. Of course Bellatrix…" Neville trailed off.
"Bellatrix?" said Demelza.
"Bellatrix Lestrange publically declared her and her comrades supporters of Voldemort. They got life in prison, the three Lestranges are still their but Crouch's son died." Commented Neville morosely.
"Crouch's son was on trial?" said Hermione shocked.
"Yeah." Said Harry. "Hagrid told me a bit about him last year. I looked him up, Crouch's son was a Death Eater and was caught with the Lestranges after they had tortured two Aurors, who were husband and wife, into insanity. His discovery pretty much destroyed his father's reputation and any chances he had of becoming Minister."
"You read about… them…" said Neville.
"Who?" said Harry.
"The… Aurors?" said Neville.
"Well yeah?" said Harry in confusion. "Actually I just read up on the Death Eaters, the Aurors names weren't mentioned."
"They weren't?" Neville checked, sounding relieved.
"No. The book I read was only published a year after trial, it still lists Crouch Junior as alive but incarcerated, but he's dead now. Apparently there is a clause in the Auror contract allowing their families, in the event of death or sever injury, to impose anonymity for five years in order to allow time to grieve in private. I can only guess whoever the family of the two were, wanted to be left alone."
"Yeah I suppose." Agreed Neville sounding sad.
"I can find out for you if you want." Harry offered. "I've become quite good at researching Auror stuff."
"No that's fine." said Neville. "Why are you researching Auror stuff?"
"Part of me is still considering a career as an Auror." Said Harry. "But as long as Fudge is in charge that's never going to happen."
"You shouldn't let that stop you." Said Hermione critically.
"I don't have much of a choice." Justified Harry. "Given my opinions of the man, it's likely I'll get sacked before my first Lunch Break. Still you never know, he might have resigned by then."
"Maybe." Conceded Hermione, there was no point in trying to get Harry to work for Fudge.
"We should head to back to the Common Room now." Said Ron checking the time. "It's nearly curfew."
"Capital idea." Geoffrey voiced in mock pomposity. He stood up, then, in an imitation of a gentleman, he held out his hand for Vicky who giggled, took hold and lifted herself off the chair.
"Thank you Mr Hooper, you are such a gentleman… sometimes." Remarked Vicky.
"Why thank you my dear lady." Said Geoffrey. "Please know that while I may allow my more boisterous nature to get the better of me sometimes, know that it shall rarely come up ugly towards yourself."
Everyone snickered at that interaction then made their way back to their Common Rooms after bidding Luna good night.
ORACLE2PHOENIX
The Gryffindors had barely arrived back at the Common Room and opened their books when the Portrait Hole opened and Professor McGonagall came in bearing gifts.
"Ah good you're both here." Said Professor McGonagall sighting Harry and Emma.
They looked up and noticed the items she was carrying, the Perfume and the Firebolt.
"They're safe?" queried Harry excitement filling him.
"Yes. As you know, both Professors Lupin and Flitwick have conducted invasive and thorough tests."
By this stage everyone in the Common Room was beginning to listen in.
"Our associate also conducted chemical tests on your perfume Miss Potter. All these tests indicate that neither of you have anything to fear from their use. We can only assume that you both have a very good friend out there. I must say Mr Potter I do look forward to the rest of the Quidditch season."
The brother and sister carefully took their assigned items from their Head of House, then sat down to admire them, Emma opening her box to examine her chemical beauties. As McGonagall left, Gryffindor of all ages began to converge on the Potters.
"Is that really a Firebolt?" asked Fred in disbelief.
"Never mind the Firebolt." Said Fay Dunbar in obvious jealousy. "Is that box what I think it is?"
"OOH!" squealed Lavender, causing Emma to cringe slightly. "That's a Nicolai de Kerléo Deluxe Collection. That holds the top thirty perfumes in the world."
At Lavender's declaration, the girls in the Common Room went wild and began pushing past each other and the boys in order to get a look. Lavender herself made it to within grabbing distance of the box. She reached in with one hand and extracted two phials between her fingers.
"Hey!" protested Emma.
"You simply must share these." Lavender stated in crazed excitement.
A few other girls began edging closer to the box and the younger Potter, apparently sharing similar opinions.
"Lavender, put those back." Ordered Harry.
His year mate pouted and looked at him in an apparent attempt to appear cute. She stopped immediately when Harry drew his wand and everyone who had desires for Emma's Christmas present suddenly stopped where they were, reconsidering the risks.
"I told you to put those back." Said Harry, his raised voice sounding much more dangerous.
Lavender hesitated for a moment before reaching back into the box.
When her hand retreated back, Harry lost his patience. "Expelliamus!" he incanted. The phial that Lavender had not returned to the box shot out of her hand. With the expertise of a Seeker, Harry caught it then handed it back to his sister.
"Thank you brother of mine." Said Emma protectively shutting the lid on her collection, now that all thirty perfumes were back inside.
"If you, or anyone else tries that again, you'll learn just how good I am at Defence." threatened Harry angrily.
"Harry, please calm yourself." Said Percy diplomatically. "Miss Brown isn't it? I will be informing Professor McGonagall of what you just attempted in the morning. Harry, Emma might I suggest placing those items in your rooms?"
"What a good idea." Agreed Emma.
She and Harry took their belated Christmas presents upstairs, but before Emma could enter the Girl's Dormitory, Harry discretely steered her in the direction of his.
"I just want to add a little security." Said Harry. "Can you place your hand on the top there?" He indicated her box.
Emma raised an eyebrow, but complied nonetheless. Harry placed his wand against the back of her hand and Non-verbally incanted something, after which a small white light shot into her skin. Then he jabbed his wand into the side of the box. His wand flashed several colours, first Red then silver, followed by yellow, then green, then black.
"What did you just do?" said Emma.
"I placed a curse and three hexes on your box. If anyone apart from you or me touches that box… let's just say it won't be pretty. If one of your friends touches it accidentally let me know because the effects take place about two hours after the first touch and they aren't pleasant."
"Oh?" said Emma. "Ok."
"The first thing that will happen is that if anyone touches the box their skin will be scolded because I put a Flagrance Curse on it." Said Harry.
"And what of the Hexes?"
After Harry finished explaining what the hexes did, Emma immediately forced the box to the bottom of her trunk then sought out her female friends warning them not to touch it and why, of course no one other than the other Gryffindors in the Defence Group heard her.
ORACLE2PHOENIX
Emma and Harry were both early risers, it was likely a habit that their relatives instilled in them by forcing them to do chores before Dudley even woke up. By this stage in their Hogwarts career, those in the Defence Group who were not accustomed to an early start eighteen months ago were had adapted themselves to the same early schedule, though Ron and Geoffrey still occasionally expressed bitterness about it.
They met Luna on the Third Floor landing and, as always, she joined them at the Gryffindor table.
"Daddy once interviewed a manager at Sorcière Divinè about those perfumes." Said Luna conversationally. "The Deluxe Edition can't actually be bought in a shop, it has to be delivered by catalogue order, maybe they'll have a record of who sent the package."
"Maybe." Said Emma "But I wonder if I want to know? If I have a secret admirer, I really wish that he'd just show himself."
"I'm not sure it is a secret admirer." Said Hermione. "At least not the kind you're thinking of, Harry got a present to, it's not a world class perfume set but it is a little more than descent."
"A little more than descent?" said Ron incredulously.
"No offence Emma, but I'm with Ron, Harry's present is more awesome." Said Demelza.
"You're entitled to your opinion Demelza, no matter how wrong that may be." Said Vicky.
"Hi there." came a new and cheery voice.
The group turned to see an 11-year-old girl with dark curly hair and a pronounced chin. She was being followed by two other girls from First Year.
"Hello?" said Demelza in confusion. It didn't escape the notice of any of the Defence Guild that all three girls seemed to be cradling their hands in pain.
"Emma…" said the girl. "My name is Romilda Vane and I was wondering if you would like to hang out…"
Emma and Harry locked eyes, they both had a good idea where this was going.
"What in particular did you have in mind?" asked Luna.
Romilda sneered at her "I wasn't asking you Loony. No one was. You're not even supposed to be at this table."
"If that's how you're going to talk to my friend then no I would not like to hang." replied Emma indignantly. "Besides, it's obvious you're just after my perfume."
Romilda looked shocked and somewhat scared. "How dare you say such a thing, what kind of girl do you think I am? I just thought you might want to be friends but oh no perfect Miss Potter thinks she's the only one who… who…"
"Who what?" said Natalie sweetly.
Romilda's face turned red with embarrassment at her outburst as all twelve sets of eyes bore down on her. She and her friends ran off.
"I wonder how she'll feel in a couple of hours." pondered Harry.
"How long does it last?" said Hermione.
"Depends how long they have their hands on the box for." Said Harry. "After the first touch it lasts for one hour after a minute if they touch again it's four hours plus three for every whole minute after that."
"Wouldn't the Flagrance Curse stop them?" said Emma.
"The Curse only stops the first touch, it's more of a warning: 'this is a taste of what to come' sort of thing. It only start's burning again if they come close to opening the box and the box has a lock that's designed only to open only by your hand." Said Harry. "They'll still get the first hour anyway."
"Hey check out Lavender." Ron nodded in the girl's direction.
"Oh no." moaned Hermione as she saw Lavender cradling a burn.
"What you're not feeling sorry for her are you?" asked Geoffrey. "They've been through Emma's stuff and they had an opertunity to go through Vicky's and everyone else's to.
"No I don't feel sorry for her." Protested Hermione. "Well maybe a little, but that's not what I'm bothered about. The rest of you are going to be fine, but I actually have to sleep in the same room as her."
ORACLE2PHOENIX
Lavender did not show up for Third Year classes that day. In the first class, Defence Against the Dark Arts, Parvati mentioned, Harry thought deliberately loudly enough for him to hear, that her friend had gone to the infirmary to get treated for burns and 'other stuff'. This concerned Harry somewhat, he was one of the few people in Gryffindor Tower who knew how to passively incant a Flagrance Curse, and Madam Pomfrey would be able to easily tell that was what burnt Lavender.
Later he suspected that the Matron must have informed Professor McGonagall because she was giving him a very stern look and at the end of Transfiguration she asked him to meet her in her office at the end of the day alongside his sister.
However that meeting never happened. At Lunch time, the group were once more seated at the Gryffindor table and Harry was trying not to look at Madam Pomfrey who was looking at him as if he'd just drowned Mopsus in Blood Replenishing Potion.
All of a sudden, about halfway down the table, three Fifth Year girls suddenly screamed, their faces began stinging, their hair turned to seaweed and stood out on end and, much to the delight of one Ginny Weasley, nasal mucus shot out from their noses and formed into bat-shaped objects which proceeded to attack the subjects they derived from.
McGonagall and Pomfrey rapidly descended on them and tried in vain to counter the hexes that had taken place. When their initial efforts failed The Deputy Headmistress made a beeline for Harry, while her colleague tried in vain to remove the curses as the whole Great Hall witnessed their suffering.
"Mr Potter I don't care what these girls have done to upset you but stop this right now."
"You don't know?" Harry queried. "They tried stealing from Emma."
"What are you talking about?" said Professor McGonagall in confusion.
"Lavender tried to nick a perfume from the box you brought Emma last night." Said Harry. "I stopped her, but I thought there was a good chance she or someone else might try again so I put a curse and some hexes on the box."
"What kind of spells?" said an approaching Madam Pomfrey. "I understand the Flagrance Curse from the burns but what about the others?"
"Uh… A Stinging Hex, a Bat-Bogey Hex and a Seaweed-Hair Hex." Harry listed off.
"That's what I thought, but I can't seem to remove them." Said Madam Pomfrey.
"They're all intermixed, so standard counter-hexes won't work." Said Harry he got up and walked towards the three Fifth Years. He pointed his wand at the nearest to him then muttered some incantations that removed the spells. Because he placed them on the box, he knew that if he deactivated them piece by piece in the right order he could completely remove the effects. Successful, he repeated the process with the others.
When he was done, the girls looked distinctly pale and their hair incredibly greasy, but those effects would wear off after a while.
"Has anyone else tried to steal my sister's perfume?" Harry said out loud. "I will not be removing these latter on so this is your only chance to own up."
It didn't take long for four more girls to rush over to him. None of them had suffered from the hexes but Harry could tell their hands were burnt by his flagrance curse. Because the hexes had yet to take effect, removing these ones was far easier and far faster.
Harry turned to his Head of House. "So what now, do I get a detention?"
McGonagall sighed. "While I can't say I'm happy with many Gryffindors today, I can't hold your decision to protect your sister's property against you. You will not be punished, provided you agree to remove hexes from those who are in the Hospital Wing."
"Yes Professor." Said Harry.
After lunch he went to the Hospital wing to find both Lavender Brown and Romilda Vane in beds crying and trying in vain to fight of the bat-bogies. Four other girls, including the two First Years friends of Romilda Vane, were in similar positions. The other two girls Harry recognised as being in the year above him.
As he watched them struggle against the bat-bogies and skin inflammations, he began to feel a little sorry for them, even if they did steal from his sister. The decision to place those hexes on the box had been made in anger. He waved his wand over each of them muttering the same incantations which deactivated the hexes.
ORACLE2PHOENIX
After that morning, no one else dared to try and steal perfume from Emma again. While he felt a little bad about hexing all those girls Harry reminded himself that they had no right to even enter his sister's Dormitory never mind touch the box or steal the perfume, and he had no plans whatsoever to remove the spells unless Emma asked him to, which she didn't. Any guilty thoughts he did have though were extinguished after the first Quidditch practice session with his new Firebolt.
Wood, by his general nature always refused to underestimate the strengths of an opposing team. But even he was overly optimistic about their chances against Ravenclaw.
"Their Seeker, Cho Chang." Said Wood with ill-disguised enthusiasm. "She only rides a Comet 260, that's going to look like a joke next to the Firebolt."
ORACLE2PHOENIX
News quickly spread throughout the school of both the Firebolt and the Perfume collection. Both Potters became the subject of a lot of increased discussion. It was highly comparable with Emma's first days at school the previous year, when the Wizarding World had just learnt of her existence, lots of wondrous looks and whispers but also looks of envy and jealousy.
When the day of the match finally came, the Firebolt was given a sort of honour guard. In truth it was a group of Gryffindors who sought to surround Harry as he carried his broomstick down to the Great Hall. Though in truth their efforts were made difficult by the presence of the group of twelve.
When he, it and the consortium of other members of Gryffindor and Luna arrived, they had the prized broomstick placed in the centre of the table where it could be viewed with awe by the entire population of Hogwarts.
"Is it such a good idea to let her near the table?" sneered Lavender Brown nodding in the direction of Luna, who was as usual joining her friends at the Gryffindor table.
"Why not?" asked Harry.
"We don't want such a wonderful broom to be sabotaged." Reasoned Parvati while glaring at him. While she herself had not tried to steal Emma's perfume she had not forgiven Harry for placing the Hexes in a position where Lavender could get infected by them.
"Why would Luna sabotage my broom?" asked Harry incredulously.
"I think they're assuming because I'm Ravenclaw, that it must be my objective." Stated Luna neutrally.
"I don't hear you denying it." Challenged Lavender.
"That's because she doesn't need to." Said Harry protectively. "Luna has my complete trust. I would have put her ahead of you even before you tried stealing from my sister."
Parvati glared at him. "Do you have to bring that up Harry?"
"Hey, you two raised the issue of trust." Said Emma. "You're in absolutely no position to complain about Luna being here."
After that, Parvati and Lavender kept their opinions to themselves and each other for the duration of the meal. As time passed, groups from the Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff tables came over to have a look.
Cedric Diggory personally wished Harry luck in the coming tournament. Penelope actually took a seat next to Percy, within arm's reach of the Firebolt prompting a new revelation about Percy.
"Harry please win." He whispered when pair of them were on the way out. "I don't actually have ten Galleons. Yes I'm coming Penny." He then followed after her.
"Huh what do you know, Percy gambles." Remarked Ginny. "With a distinct lack of honesty to, who'd have thought it?"
After a while the inevitable Slytherin contingent led by Draco Malfoy arrived before the Gryffindor table.
"Sure you can handle that broom Potter." Sneered the blond haired boy.
"Worked for me well enough so far." Said Harry neutrally.
"Just a shame it doesn't come with a parachute in case you get to near a Dementor." Remarked Malfoy, earning grunted laughs from his goons and a few others.
"Pity yours doesn't come with its own hand. That way you might actually catch something." Retorted Harry.
The Gryffindors burst out laughing as the Slytherins walked off plotting.
ORACLE2PHOENIX
Harry and the team were wished luck by their friends and siblings, then made their way to the changing rooms.
"Alright team." Said Wood. "We've trained for this and we have good chances. Chasers, watch their keeper, he leans better to his right so take advantage of his left. Good luck."
The team walked onto the pitch to a tumultuous applause, they mounted their brooms and hovered off the ground. In a mirroring action the Blue and Bronze clad opposition hovered from the ground as well.
The Ravenclaw Seeker was the only member of their team who was a girl, Cho Chang. As she hovered across from him, Harry couldn't help notice how pretty she was. She caught him looking at her and smiled, The Gryffindor Seeker suddenly found his face involuntarily turning red.
The Ravenclaw and Gryffindor captains gave each other an amicable handshake under the watchful gaze of Madam Hooch.
"On my whistle." Said the Hogwarts flying instructor. "Three, two, one…" She sounded her whistle and the Quaffle was launched into the air. The game had begun.
Harry found that Cho was making him extremely nervous. She kept flying close by, and whenever he looked at her she smiled at him, when she smiled at him, he felt extremely nervous and found himself worrying that he was going to make a fool of himself in front of her.
"And the highlight of the Quidditch season this year, Harry Potter has gotten one lucky Christmas present, a Firebolt. A product of the renowned German sports broomstick company: Ellerby and Spudmore."
"Jordon, please focus on the rest of the match." Came Professor McGonagall's voice. "Miss Bell is about to score."
"Oh yeah, but is the Ravenclaw Keeper going to stop her? Nope! Gryffindor leads by ten points."
Harry rose higher and higher, and determinably tried not to look Cho in the face. She followed him as he took an over watch position. A quick scan of the pitch did not reveal the Snitch, but he got a distinctly superior view of the match below.
Gryffindor scored an extra two goals bringing their score up to thirty. The Ravenclaw Chasers were good, but Wood, for all his faults as a human being, was an excellent trainer and the girls dominated control of the quaffle. The Ravenclaw Keeper had only managed to keep one goal from entering their hoops.
Harry accelerated to the Ravenclaw side of the pitch and found that Cho was following him, so he pushed the Firebolt to its full throttle in order to lose her. But he stopped again to survey the area, as a result Cho caught up with him and began hovering behind him.
"Another goal for Gryffindor." Shouted Lee. "Gryffindor lead forty to zero."
Harry sighted the snitch at the far end of the pitch, hovering several feet behind Wood. He shot off after it, his ears told him that Cho was following him, meaning she must have also sighted it. Harry's speed was giving him a huge advantage but unfortunately a Ravenclaw aimed Bludger forced him to make some drastic evasive manoeuvres and in the seconds his eyes were off the snitch, it vanished. He held his position. Cho Chang stopped behind him, she had obviously failed to keep track of the snitch either.
"Oh so close, Potter almost had the Snitch." Came Lee's voice. "Chang never had a chance, the Firebolt has over twice the speed and three times the acceleration. We also saw Harry put its manoeuvrability to good use, no other broom can compare with the high speed banking and the Unbreakable breaking charm allows for a nice tight…"
"JORDON ARE YOU BEING PAID TO COMMENTATE OR ADVERTISE FIREBOLTS?" came McGonagall's irritated voice.
"Sorry Professor, I'm just trying to give everyone some background information. Did you know that the Firebolts are favourites for the World Cup this year? The head of the English squad said…"
"JORDON!" screeched McGonagall.
"Sorry Professor." Said Jordon. "Ravenclaw in possession. They're heading for the Gryffindor hoops. They shoot and… oh no they score. Never mind, Gryffindor are still in the lead forty points to ten.
Harry flew back up above all the action. Cho once again flew behind him. His current observations told him, she was obviously very skilled, she had the same ideas that he had. Only the Firebolt was keeping him in the lead. Once more Harry saw the snitch, about halfway between the middle of the pitch and the Gryffindor goals, he shot after it. Both Ravenclaw Beaters sent both Bludgers after him. He carefully dodged each of them, whilst keeping his eye on the Snitch. But he still had to slow down in order to do so which in turn allowed Cho to pull in front of him. But something was off. She wasn't flying directly at the Snitch though, she was flying slightly down and more than a little to the right.
Testing a theory, Harry shot out in front of her and turned right even more. She followed him and the Ravenclaw Beaters once more sought to try and knock him off course. This confirmed his theory
Harry turned around, avoiding the Bludgers and sought out the nearest Weasley Twin, which happened to be Fred.
"Alright Harry?" said Fred. "Nice dodging there, need any help?"
"Yeah." Said Harry. "She's marking me, and their Beaters are trying to block me. If I find the Snitch, can you keep them off. I'll take care of Cho."
"No problem." Said Fred. "George and I will keep an eye on you. Signal one of us if you sight the Snitch."
Harry nodded and then shot off. When he stopped hovering about twenty feet above the ground near the Gryffindor goals, Cho once more took a position behind him, trying not to be noticed. Harry also noticed the Ravenclaw Beaters had taken up positions on either side of him and Cho, in readiness to direct the Bludgers.
The twins noticed their Ravenclaw counterparts as well, obviously since learning of Harry's new Firebolt the opposing team had sought to develop this counterstrategy in order to allow Cho to get the Snitch. Unfortunately this strategy had several minor flaws.
Firstly, with both beaters on Seeker protection, Fred and George were in a position to severely compromise the effectiveness of the Ravenclaw Chasers. Something they took particular advantage of.
"Gryffindor are really picking up now." Commentated Lee. "The Weasley twin Beaters are really making it difficult for the Ravenclaw Chasers. Johnson has the Quaffle, now Spinnet, now Johnson, now Spinnet, now Bell, and Johnson takes it straight to the Ravenclaw goals, she shoots… SHE SCORES! Gryffindor lead ninety to forty."
Secondly, their strategy depended largely on Harry finding the Snitch, giving him a lot more influence over their performance.
The Gryffindor Seeker spotted the Snitch hovering in the middle of the pitch very near the ground. He looked to George, who was nearby and nodded to him. George nodded back and did a thumb up to let Harry know he had his back.
Giving it his all, the Gryffindor Seeker shot forth at full throttle, but he aimed his broom considerably up and to the left of where the Snitch was.
"It looks like Harry Potter has spotted the Snitch. Chang is trying to catch up to him, and the Beaters are trying to help her, is this the end of the match? Oh nice shot Fred or George."
One of the Weasley twins, Harry wasn't sure which, had knocked a Ravenclaw aimed Bludger away from him, allowing his run to be continued uninterrupted. The other Weasley Twin then stopped the other Bludger from attempting the same thing.
Harry was thirty feet above and twenty feet away from the Snitch when it happened.
"What are those…" came Lee's panicked voice. "Oh no not again, Harry look out!"
Harry turned and saw three Dementors rushing across the ground just next to the Gryffindor goals and heading in his direction. He pulled his wand out from his left sleeve, where he had concealed it, and fired off his Patronus.
"Expecto Patronum!"
The silver stag shot from his wand.
Harry, then refocused his eyes on the Snitch, while his stag made for the Dementors. He was just above it and the little golden ball began zooming in the direction of the Dementors and the Gryffindor Goals. So he turned himself upside down then pulled up. Harry shot towards the ground and curved round in a perfect inverted U.
He levelled off three feet from the grasslands and accelerated to well over a hundred miles an hour. Everything happened so fast that when Harry faced the Dementors, he was just in time to see his Patronus pass through them. The three figures shake in shock and then… collapse.
Harry spent a millisecond wondering what on Earth was going on, Dementors were supposed to be repulsed by a Patronus, not collapse on the grass. But by the time the second millisecond passed, he could clearly see the feet and entangled limbs. These weren't real Dementors.
Harry caught the Snitch mere yards from the group of disentangled fake Dementors. Unfortunately one Draco Malfoy a little unwisely chose that moment to sit up, and he found he was heading straight for his Slytherin nemesis. His instincts kicked in and Harry pulled up missing Malfoy… almost.
There was a distinct "Smat!" noise and the Firebolt shook slightly. Harry turned his head and sure enough Malfoy's face was covered red stinging lines from being swatted with the brush of the Firebolt.
"HARRY POTTER HAS CAUGHT THE SNITCH!" shouted Lee Jordon in joy. "GRYFFINDOR WIN TWO HUNDRED AND FORTY TO FORTY!"
Harry spun around and then flew level, his silver stag, having subdued the fake Dementors, climbed its way through the air and galloped alongside him in formation. The crowds went wild as Seeker and Patronus flew round each other and then stopped, with Harry hovering in just behind the stag as it reared itself in front of him. The Snitch was held high and the two of them rotated so everyone could see the golden ball sparkle between Harry's hands and the stag's antlers.
He looked down at Malfoy who was on the receiving end of a very angry Professor McGonagall, a disappointed looking Professor Dumbledore and an irritated looking Professor Snape. The would be Dementor looked up and glared at Harry, who in turn stuck his tongue out.
The Patronus faded and Harry was engulfed by a massive group hug from fellow members of his team. They descended to a mass of Gryffindors running onto the pitch and congratulating their team.
"That was brilliant Harry." Said Emma as she took her brother in a hug. "You didn't even get injured."
"Congratulations Harry." Came a distinctly Scottish sounding girl's voice.
Harry turned to find Cho Chang smiling at him.
"You played marvellously." Said Cho. "Congratulations."
"Uh… th… thanks…" Harry stuttered.
Cho did not seem to notice, she re-joined her team and her House. Emma on the other hand…
"Are you blushing brother of mine?" she asked,
Harry did feel his face getting very hot, but thankfully he was granted a temporary reprieve.
"That was a superb display of your Patronus." Said Lupin. "I almost wish you could have properly tested it. Almost."
"Well next time I come face to face with a Dementor, I'll try thinking about this moment." Said Harry.
ORACLE2PHOENIX
For the first time in his life, Harry tried avoiding his sister. He was not overly averse to discussing Cho Chang with her, but he did not want to do it where the entire Common Room could hear it.
It merely took Emma asking "So do you fancy the Ravenclaw Seeker?" and for Harry to blush and stutter and several people became aware of his first crush.
Hermione regarded him with a high level of amusement and the twins looked mischievous. Nevertheless, Harry really enjoyed the party. The twins had managed to liberate a large amount of party food from the kitchens and someone had brought down a wireless and Saturday Wizarding music was blaring in the background.
But the topic of the opposite sex was, once again, the subject of discussion in both Harry and Emma's Dormitories.
ORACLE2PHOENIX
It was nearly one o'clock in the morning, the weather outside was abysmal torrential rain and thunder and lightning, when McGonagall showed up in a tartan dressing gown and demanded everyone go to bed.
But neither Potter went to bed and nor did their Dorm mates.
Emma found herself, along with the other girls in her House and year, consoling Ginny who now had to face the fact Harry was interested in a girl that wasn't her.
"I can't believe that his first crush is her of all people." Said Natalie incredulously in reference to Cho. "What does he see in her?"
"She is quite pretty and she is older than us." Answered Vicky.
"What's being older got to do with it?" asked Demelza.
"Boys like older girls." Replied Vicky.
"Yeah they're more grown up." Said Natalie. "Or is that grown out?"
That comment had them snigger a little.
"So Harry is just like every other guy?" said Ginny disappointedly.
"Can I just say in my brother's defence there is yet to be any evidence that he's after her because of her boobs." Said Emma defensively.
"She doesn't have particularly big boobs." Commented Demelza.
"Look this is just a crush." Said Emma. "Harry was bound to get one sooner or later."
"You think it's his first crush?" Queried Demelza.
"Well yeah, I mean he hasn't told me of any others." Said Emma logically.
"Would he though?" said Vicky.
"Well I'd tell him if I did, so I think so." Said Emma. "Point is, he may be completely over it in a month, heck he may be completely over it by tomorrow."
"You tell Harry about your crushes?" said Natalie.
"Well I don't currently have any, just minor interests in a couple of Ginny's brothers." Said Emma. "But I have talked to him about those interests and I would talk to him about any crushes I get, he's my brother."
"Do you think there is any chance he and I could…" trailed off Ginny.
"Give it time." Said Emma. "Put it this way, he likes you as a friend, according to Madam Pomfrey that's a good start."
"But I'm just a friend." Moaned Ginny. "He's closer to Hermione than he is me."
"There's not a lot you can do about that though." Said Demelza. "Short of Hermione doing something really stupid and really cruel to hurt Harry's feelings."
"It's not like it matters, I told you my brother and Hermione can never happen." Said Emma. "Anyone who thinks so needs a reality check."
"You keep saying that dear." Said Demelza. "Though seriously you might be right."
"What about Cho." Moaned Ginny. "She caught his eye and she's barely spoken to him, yet…"
"Harry hasn't exactly declared his undying love for her yet." Said Demelza. "Let him do that and then you can start worrying about."
"Do you think Harry will ask her out?" said Vicky.
"He might." Said Emma. "But I would advise him against that. Madam Pomfrey said that it's generally better to be friends with someone for a while before you ask them out."
"I have to agree with her there." Said Vicky. "I'd hate to think how awkward things would be if I had just met Geoffrey. I'm glad we were friends for a while first."
"But I tried being Harry's friend and it's gotten me nowhere." Grumbbled Ginny. "Lying on her bed and rubbing the side of her head roughly against the pillow."
"You could try asking him out?" joked Demelza.
Ginny registered her opinion by getting up and throwing her pillow at the Cornish girl.
ORACLE2PHOENIX
"I got to say Harry, you have good taste." Said Seamus. "But there is no way she is within our league."
"Yours maybe." Remarked Dean. "But this is Harry we're talking about, and he just beat her at Quidditch, that's got to impress her."
"She did seem rather impressed." Said Ron. "I think you're in their mate."
"Would you guys shut up." Snapped Harry.
"Not a chance." Said Seamus. "Come on Harry, out of all the girls in Hogwarts, you pick one that's out of your league. I'm not saying you'll never have a chance, but there are plenty of older and more handsome guys around she'll no doubt prefer. No fifteen-year-old is going to want to date a scrawny little thirteen-year-old."
"Hey I'm taller than she is." Protested Harry.
In truth, while Harry had started his Hogwarts Career as the shortest in his year, he was gradually gaining height and was now taller than a few members of his House. In Contrast Emma was the second smallest in her year after Colin, who was completely tiny, and not going anywhere.
"Still scrawny though." Joked Ron.
"Some friend you are." Grumbled Harry sarcastically. "Hey Nev, back me up here."
"Uh… how?" said Neville in confusion. "You're not that scrawn… I'm sorry Harry but you are."
Dean and Seamus laughed at that, while Ron smirked.
"Are you going to asked her to Hogsmeade." Said Neville.
"Can't, I'm not going remember." Replied Harry.
"There'll be other Hogsmeades." Though said Ron.
"Why aren't you going?" said Dean.
Before Harry could answer everyone in the Boy's Dormitory room was deafened by the noise of an alarm.
"What the hell is that?" shouted Seamus. "Harry, is that coming from your bed?"
Realising what it meant, Harry deactivated the charm and immediately rushed out of the room.
"Where's he off to?" said Dean, then he noticed Ron and Neville looked worried. "What?"
ORACLE2PHOENIX
Harry arrived at the top of the stairs that led between the Gryffindor Common Room and the Dormitories, just as the Portrait Hole opened and a ragged and hairy man climbed through. He stopped still when he saw the boy at the top of the stairs.
Harry Potter and Sirius Black locked eyes, each of them stunned by the other's sudden appearance. They could have stood still for seconds or minutes, neither would ever be precisely sure.
"Harry wait up." Came Ron's voice.
Black came out of his trance first, about turned and made off post haste. Harry was only a second slower. He aimed his wand but though he was only a second slower it was still enough.
"Expulso!"
The Blasting Curse left Harry's wand and struck the floor where Black had just stood, it shattered the bricks and created debris around a black mark that now existed at the entrance to the Gryffindor Common Room.
Harry ran down the staircase. He got to the Portrait Hole and saw Black at the end of the corridor.
"Expulso!"
The curse was close, but Black managed to turn around the corner before it could hit him. It impacted a wall and blew off more chunks of the castle's interior across the floor. Harry now sprinted as fast as he could, finally he had faced the man who'd betrayed his and his sister's parents to Voldemort. This was his chance to make him pay for that betrayal.
He reached the end of the corridor and found himself at the top of the Grand Staircase. Black had already descended two floors but in this part of the castle it was much easier to get a clear shot.
"Expulso!"
Harry aimed his spell in front of Black, blasting a stair column in the middle causing it to crumbled and fall all the way to the ground.
Black looked up at Harry with an expression the boy would never forget. But at that point in time Harry was blinded by his rage and aimed again.
"Expulso!"
Black reacted in an instant out of desperation and jumped over where the stair column used to be. He missed the landing in front of him, but landed painfully on the one beneath. Nevertheless he couldn't have been too badly injured because he quickly rose from the floor and then forced his way through the door in front of him which led to the Defence Against the Dark Arts corridor.
Harry ran down to the Sixth Floor landing and pushed his way through the door. Then, lacking patience he incanted:
"Expulso!" at a particular section of wall in front of him, ordinarily one had to find a trick switch to make it slide back, but Harry was short on time. The passageway revealed a slide, which he jumped on then rode down to the Third Floor. He then forced his way through another door which led in directly in front of a running Sirius Black.
At the sight of him, Black forced his way into a nearby door on his left. By sheer luck on Black's part the door was a spiral staircase that led down to the First Floor. Harry still fired off a Blasting Curse, but he was not quick enough to hit the murderer and once more Hogwarts lost a chunk of wall.
Harry dashed down the staircase after him and ended up in the Transfiguration Corridor. He saw Black had made it towards the Entrance Hall staircase and he was again out of sight before Harry could even raise his wand. Running he managed to sight him again as he went through the Entrance Hall doors, Harry fired off another curse.
"Expulso!"
But Black ran off and this time the stone pathway took the brunt as soil and stone fragments scattered into the rain. But this torrential Scottish downpour was not going to stop Harry.
He sprinted out into the downpour and turned to face roughly the direction Black had gone in. But between the time of night and the downpour Harry could see almost nothing up to more than a few meters in any direction. At least almost nothing. Every so often a flash of lightening would strike up and Harry would site someone, Black, rushing across the grounds.
FLASH
"Expulso!"
The spell always left his wand after the darkness resumed, so his aim was considerably off.
Each time he would see his spell impact the ground and he would witness grass and spoil being hurled from the surface of the turf. It was hopeless and Harry's driven anger was the only thing keeping him going. But eventually that got him nowhere and he found himself standing in the rain looking around for any sign of Black.
When he felt something rub against his leg, he instinctively kicked and jumped back, only to discover to his shock it was Emma's Kneazle.
"Mopsus?" blurted Harry in confusion. In his shock, he had accidentally kicked the poor boy several feet away.
"Mew!" Harry barely heard the cat whine over the thunder. But strangely he seemed less bothered about being kicked and more concerned about Harry. "Mew! Mew!" he re-approached, absolutely soaked by the downpour, and rubbed against his mistress's brother's leg.
Harry found the Kneazle effect quite calming, his rational mind began to return and he realised that he was outside in the rain in his Pyjamas uncomfortably close to the Whomping Willow.
Suddenly, Harry heard a sound directly behind him and rapidly turned around.
"Expulso!"
But to his horror it wasn't Sirius Black he aimed at.
Ah a nice wee cliff-hanger. I was going to write more but this story is already 11,000 words long so I thought why not be evil. I would have stopped earlier but a few of you have been really keen for Harry to meet Sirius, and now he has. But so has his Blasting Curse, ha ha.
Now in regards to the Poll. I am still inclined to go for Defence or Oracle Guild, but I am feeling less hostile to the idea of Ageis Guild and some of the other options have also begun to appeal. However, that being said, I have decided to remove Guardian's Guild and Phoenix Guild from the Poll. Guardian's Guild because it sounds like something out of a very bad comic book and Phoenix Guild because, as a few of you have pointed out, there is already an Order of the Phoenix. This is going to upset some of you, and for that I am sorry, but as it is my story I reserve the right to decide what does and doesn't go in.
Anyway please answer my poll. My thanks to the 40+ of you who have already done so.
Please review as well.