Ninja Wizard 25
By David
Author's Notes: The HP universe isn't mine. It belongs to the great Mrs. Rowling.
Ninja Wizard 25
"New Year and New Problems"
Dudley Dursley stood in front of the main fireplace and looked around at the room he was standing in.
"Harry, this place is incredible," Dudley breathed.
Harry grinned. "Oh, you haven't seen anything yet Dudley."
Remus and Hermione laughed at Dudley's expression as Nearly Headless Nick floated through the room.
"That was…" Dudley trailed off.
"A ghost. His name is Nearly Headless Nick. Got his name because the executioner screwed up his execution back in the 17th century. There's just a tiny flap of skin still holding his head in place."
Dudley shivered at that. "I'd prefer a quiet peaceful passing."
"Don't we all," Remus said. "But not until I'm really old."
They all laughed and Harry led the way out of the room. Dudley couldn't help but look at everything as they headed for the great hall.
"Dudley, I can loan you my copy of Hogwarts, A History if you want to learn more about this place," Hermione said.
"That would be cool. Thanks," Dudley said as they walked into the great hall.
Professor Flitwick had outdone himself once more. The diminutive professor had gone all out to decorate the great hall for the New Year's Eve party that night. There was a stage off to the left of the High Table and Dudley turned his attention to that.
"Is that where I set up?" he asked.
"Yes it is," Remus said.
He put the trunk down on the floor and brought it back to original size, along with the four large speakers Dudley brought. Dudley directed Harry, Ron, and Remus in where to set the speakers and connected them up. Then Remus waved his wand around everything and the board lit up with power. Dudley grinned as he slipped a CD into one of the players and started adjusting the sound with a song called "Asleep in the Desert", an instrumental by ZZ Top. When he was satisfied it was right, he turned it off and Remus put a protection charm around everything. Just then Professor Flitwick came gliding into the great hall.
"There you are Harry!" he smiled.
Harry turned to see the little man looking up at him. "Hello Professor. I really like what you've done."
The man beamed. "I enjoy doing things like this."
Harry turned to Dudley. "Dudley, this is Professor Flitwick, my Charms professor. Professor, this is my cousin Dudley. He'll be providing the music for tonight."
"It is a pleasure to meet you," the little man smiled as Dudley reached down to shake hands.
"Harry's spoken highly of you sir," Dudley said.
Flitwick beamed at the comment. "Ah, but I am just an ordinary man."
"Can I make a suggestion Harry?" Dudley asked.
Harry nodded. "Sure."
"How about some kind of sign by the door that says Club Hogwarts?" Dudley suggested. "Make if flash if you can."
Flitwick immediately spun around and waved his wand. A moment later a tall sign by the doors appeared with the words Club Hogwarts on it and a rainbow of colors started rotating through the sign and the words.
"Awesome!" Dudley cheered.
Flitwick bowed as he beamed. "It was a pleasure. Everything else okay?"
"Perfect sir," Harry grinned. "You are the undisputed master at this."
"That he is," another voice said.
Harry turned to see Professor Dumbledore standing there.
"There you are sir. I was going to come looking for you. Professor Dumbledore, this is my cousin Dudley. Dudley, this is Professor Dumbledore, master of Hogwarts and in my opinion, the greatest wizard ever," Harry said.
Dudley shook Dumbledore's hand. "It is an honor to meet you sir. Harry talks highly of you sir, just as he does about the other teachers here."
Dumbledore bowed. "Thank you. It is a pleasure to meet you. Have you been round Hogwarts yet?"
"Not yet, sir. We just got his stuff all set up and I was going to lead him around for a bit before going into the Gryffindor Tower to relax a bit," Harry said.
"Ah, very good then. Do enjoy the adventure. Mind you, not all of the rooms hold pleasant surprises. One afternoon I found a room full of chocolate frogs, but in the next a horde of nasty Fire Crabs. Do be careful," Dumbledore smiled. "Off you go."
Thus began an adventure Dudley was sure to remember for years afterwards.
Harry, Hermione, Ron, and Dudley stood in the middle of the great foyer and looked around as Hermione told Dudley a bit about the great foyer. Harry was mapping out the tour in his head and then decided on a direction.
"Since we are right here, let's show him the potions classroom," Harry suggested.
He led the way down into the dungeons and into the potions classroom. Professor Snape happened to be in there and Harry mentally groaned. Snape looked up as the four teens entered the room.
"What do you want Potter?" Snape snapped.
"This is my cousin Dudley," Harry said, introducing Dudley to Snape. "He's playing the dance tonight and I thought I'd show him around and meet some of the teachers. Dudley, this is Professor Snape, England's top potions master."
"Hi, nice to meet you," Dudley smiled.
Snape nodded, a bit surprised at how Harry had introduced him. He thought Harry would make a degrading remark about him but he had been wrong.
"Isn't potions a bit like chemistry?" Dudley asked.
Snape mulled over the question for a moment. "In some ways, yes. But not completely."
As Dudley listened, Snape explained what potions were about.
"Very cool," Dudley said a few minutes later. "It all sounds very fascinating."
Snape looked like he was beginning to smile much to Harry's surprise.
"There's hope for you yet," Harry thought to himself.
The tour continued on as Harry, Hermione, and Ron showed Dudley around Hogwarts. They ended the tour in the Gryffindor Tower where Dudley got a nice reception. The twins grinned at them and Harry shook his head.
"Nothing too shocking guys," Harry warned then as he escorted them into a corner. "Dudley's still seeing a doctor and he said nothing too scary or shocking. He could have a relapse."
"Okay, we'll leave him alone…" Fred said.
"But not ickle Ronniekins," George smiled.
Harry sighed. "You guys are just too much."
Dudley came up next to Harry and nodded at the twins. "So these two guys are the Terror Twins?"
People in the commons room broke out into laughter as George and Fred beamed.
"Don't turn your back on those two," Lee Jordan said as he walked by. "They'll get ya when you least expect it."
"They're harmless," Dudley said.
"Famous last words pal!" someone shouted as the room broke up in laughter once more as the twins grinned.
Dudley sat on the couch as Harry called for Dobby. The extremely hyper house elf popped into the commons room.
"What is Harry Potter needing sir?" he bowed.
" Tea and biscuits please," Harry said.
Dobby bowed once more and popped out of the commons room. He returned a moment later with the tea and snacks.
"Harry, can you do that?" Dudley asked.
"Not yet. We don't learn apparition until sixth year I think. You have to take the course through an approved course through the Ministry and take the written and practical. If you pass both, you get a license to do it," Harry said.
"Is it hard to learn?" Dudley asked.
Harry knew how easy it was, having done it back in his first year. But he couldn't tell anyone that for fear of blowing his cover. "I don't know, Dudley."
The conversation turned to other things and time slowly slipped away as it usually does. The next time anyone noticed the time was Ginny.
"Harry, it's almost dinnertime," she said.
Harry grinned as he turned to Dudley. "You gotta come down with us. You have to experience one of Hogwarts famous feasts."
"Cool. I wondered how you guys ate around here. Smeltings serves up the worst food imaginable," Dudley said.
People laughed as they headed for the great hall for dinner. One of the Gryffindor girls approached Dudley and they started a conversation on the way down. Harry tried to remember her name, April or Amber, something like that. Harry decided to ask.
"You'll have to forgive me, but I forgot your name," Harry smiled.
"April. April Botts, great granddaughter to the Bertie Botts," she said with a smile as she turned to Harry.
"That's right. I'm sorry if I offended you," Harry said.
"Not a problem. This is your cousin?" she asked.
"Yes, Harry replied.
She turned to Dudley and smiled. "It's so nice to meet you."
That was all it took for Dudley to fall in love with her. Harry could see it in his cousin's eyes that he'd fallen for her. He hoped it would work out for them. He'd talk to Dudley later and make him aware of some issues.
Dudley would later describe the feast as one of the best ever. He would also remember the rest of the night as being one of the best nights in his life. Dudley remarked to Harry later that he didn't see anything unusual about Hogwarts.
"Just another school, Harry. The major difference is that everyone uses magic is all," Dudley said. "It's nothing like the magic one sees on the telly."
That brought Harry up short and caused him to think about that one. He mentioned it in McGonagall's class a day later and set off a school wide debate among the students, staff, and teachers. Many opinions would be expressed.
After dinner ended Dudley sat at the table and answered many questions about the Muggle world and what he did in it. Dudley answered all of the questions the best he could and had fun doing it. Harry saw Dumbledore nod in his direction so he had Dudley leave the group of kids that had surrounded him. Dumbledore announced the New Year's Eve dance would start in about an hour. A majority of the girls rushed back to their dorms and the guys simply sighed and followed them up as well. Harry followed Hermione and Ron up to the commons room. Harry wanted to change into something a bit more relaxing other than the robes. When he came down he was in tan slacks, white button up long sleeved shirt, a tan vest over that, and boots. The girls simply sighed over him as Harry blushed. They all knew he was taken, that lucky Hermione! Speaking of Hermione, she came down into the commons room in a very nice evening gown that had every guy at attention. Harry smiled.
"You look wonderful tonight," he said as he took her hand into his.
Hermione just smiled and kissed him much to the amusement of the watchers. Harry offered her his arm and she took it and they headed down to the great hall for what would be an evening of fun.
Dudley was using a CD of disco instrumentals as they walked in. Harry noticed that Dudley was right in his element, moving to the music as he got things ready for the dance. Dumbledore was sitting in his usual spot tapping his fingers in time to the music. Harry had to smile at the sight.
"Looks like Professor Dumbledore is enjoying the music already," Hermione remarked. "Wonder if he will dance with McGonagall?"
"That would be cool," Harry said.
They walked in the door and the first thing they saw was the Club Hogwarts sign flashing the rainbow colors that Flitwick had charmed it to. There were so many colored lights blinking in midair Harry wondered where they came from. He liked the effect though. The hall slowly filled up and then when it was pretty full Dudley stepped up to his microphone and people turned to hear what he had to say.
"Good evening friends. Here's the master of Hogwarts, Professor Dumbledore!" Dudley announced to the crowd.
Dumbledore stood up and acknowledged the cheers and applause. "Thank you. Tonight is a time to celebrate the coming of the New Year, and by my watch that happens in three hours time."
The crowd heartily approved that.
"It is also a time for a new start, to renew old acquaintances and to make new ones, to face what may come with a strong resolve and spirit. I hope you take advantage of that. Now having said that, I would like to introduce Dudley Dursley, Harry Potter's cousin. He has kindly consented to come and play for us this evening," Dumbledore said.
The crowd cheered as Dudley waved to them. "Thank you sir well said. So let's get to it! It's time to party!"
With that, the dance got started as the first song "Celebration" got started. People moved out onto the dance floor and started to dance. Through the evening Dudley played a great dance mix much to the enjoyment of everybody there. He did play a couple of slow ones for couples. Harry and Hermione noticed Dumbledore and McGonagall dance close a few times. Harry wondered if they were secretly married. He'd have to ask the professor later. Harry arranged at one point to sing an Eric Clapton song as Dudley had the music track for it minus the guitar. When the time came he went and got the Fender Stratocaster he'd brought with him at the beginning of the year and slung it on.
"This song goes out to my girl," Harry said with a smile.
The crowd reacted with cheers as Hermione blushed. The music started and Harry began to sing.
It's late in the evening, she's wondering what clothes to wear
She puts on her makeup, brushes her long long hair
Then she turns to me and asks me do I look all right
I say my darling you look wonderful tonight.
We go to a party every one turns to see
This beautiful lady that's walking around with me
And then she turns to me and asks me
Do you feel all right
I say my darling I feel wonderful tonight
I feel wonderful because I see
The love light in your eyes
And the wonder of it all
Is that you just don't realize how much I love you
(guitar solo)
It's time to go home now and I've got an aching head
So I give her the car keys and she helps me to bed
And then I tell her, as I turn out the light
I say my darling you were wonderful tonight
Oh my darling, you were wonderful tonight
When Harry finished the song he leaned forward and kissed Hermione as the crowd reacted to the performance Harry had just given. McGonagall was deeply moved by the song and Dumbledore turned and offered her his hanky and she accepted it. Harry noticed Dumbledore was holding McGonagall's hand and he knew deep down he was right about them. He smiled and turned back to Hermione. He put the guitar back into the stand and held her in his arms for a moment. Dudley started another slow song and Harry and Hermione moved out of the way. They walked out onto the balcony overlooking the grounds. Hermione moved into Harry's arms and stayed like that for a few minutes.
"Well done Potter," Snape's voice said. "I had no idea you could play guitar."
Harry turned to face Snape. "Thank you sir. Been playing guitar ever since I was little."
Snape nodded and then glided off. Harry shook his head.
"That man constantly amazes me," he said. "Never know when he's going to bite my head off or hand me the keys to Gringotts."
Hermione chuckled. "He is a hard person to figure out."
Just then an unwelcome voice sounded from behind them. "You think you're so great Potter. You're a nothing compared to me."
Harry turned to see an angry Malfoy with Pansy hanging off his arm.
"Hermione, did you just hear a noise?" Harry asked her.
"I thought I heard something dear," Hermione said. "Must have been my imagination. Oh well."
"Let's head back inside," Harry suggested.
Draco was so pissed off that he shook off Pansy and charged at Harry, pulling his wand out at the same time. Before he knew it, he found himself dangling a few feet off the floor, something clamped extremely tight around his wrist. Everything came to a halt. Draco turned to see Viktor Krum holding him by the wrist in his right hand. Krum reached up with his left hand and removed the wand from Draco's hand.
"It's not polite to hex a man in the back especially when he has his woman with him," Viktor rumbled.
He let Draco go and the blond crumpled to the floor as Snape appeared out of nowhere.
"Is there a problem?" he asked coldly.
Viktor handed Draco's wand over to Dumbledore and informed Snape what he saw Draco try to do.
"Potter has always acted honorably in my eyes and yet this boy has trashed him from one end of the castle to the other," Viktor said.
Draco got to his feet, red with rage. "Keep away from us Slytherins, Krum you mudblood lover."
Viktor laughed at Draco as the blond stormed off. "That little one amuses me with his tough talk. One day he shall have a very rude awakening."
Snape considered his words. "Very true."
Viktor turned to Dudley. "Mr. Dursley, something fast paced, please."
Dudley grinned. "I've got just the thing. I think this one is very appropriate, it talks about the best of both worlds and it could be the Muggle world and the Wizarding world. There are some of us here tonight who do have a foot in each world. So this one is for those folks."
Van Halen's Best Of Both Worlds started and Harry laughed along with a bunch of other students. The dance got started once more.
"We have to do a set for the ladies," Dudley said a half hour later when he returned to the soundboard, the guys yelling their approval.
Dudley started out with ZZ Top's Legs, going into Motley Crue's "Girls, Girls, Girls", and ending the seven song set with an old disco tune "Ladies Night". The crowd loved it.
"Looking at the clock we now have an hour to go before the New Year, so let's keep going here," Dudley said and started the music once more.
Harry and Hermione danced a few times more and then went outside to cool off a bit. On the way out the door Harry picked up some sodas for the both of them.
"Having fun dear?" he asked.
"A night to remember, Harry. Are you going to play any more tonight?" Hermione asked.
"Yes. I'm going to do a set after we ring in the New Year," Harry said.
Hermione smiled. "Can't wait to hear you play again."
They sat outside for a while until Colin Creevey came out. "It's fifteen to!"
Harry and Hermione chuckled and headed in. Hats and noisemakers were being passed out as they walked in. Harry chose a bowler hat and Hermione chose a tall pointed hat with streamers attached at the tip. Harry noticed a huge clock off to one side counting down the time. The excitement had grown to a fever pitch and everyone was on the floor having a great time.
"Just what we needed," Harry said. "Something to distract us for a while."
Hermione gently squeezed his hand and Harry smiled. A techno song "Pump It Up," was playing and people were dancing to it. Harry watched Dumbledore make his way to the stage and joined Dudley.
"Getting closer!" Dudley called out. "Grab your noisemakers!"
The clock was now at 11:58. Dudley used a sound effect CD to play a bugle doing the charge and got a loud reaction from the crowd. The clock was now reading 11:59 and when the seconds hand hit the ten second mark everyone began counting down the seconds loudly. As soon as the clock hit twelve midnight the place went nuts. Fireworks exploded from wands, the noisemakers went off, and people were yelling Happy New Year. Harry and Hermione kissed. Harry really wanted this moment to last forever. He knew he'd be carrying this memory deep in his heart for a long time. The crowd eventually wound down a few minutes later. Dumbledore took the opportunity to step forward. He waved his hand over the crowd and cups of champagne appeared.
"This one time won't hurt," he smiled.
The crowd cheered. Dumbledore waited for a moment and then raised his goblet. A moment later everyone else did.
"Here's to the New Year, the hope it brings, the love and happiness to everyone," he said and sipped his champagne as the crowd did.
There was a round of applause and then Harry kissed Hermione once more and then headed up to where Dudley was and picked up his guitar.
"Let's get this party started," he said.
He started playing the updated Eric Clapton song "After Midnight" and people started to dance once more. He played for a half hour and then joined Hermione on the dance floor for the last half hour. The one o' clock hour finally made it's self known and people groaned. Dudley did Donna Summer's "Last Dance" as an encore and then it was over. People slowly drifted out of the hall and to their respective dorms. Dudley would be staying the night and then flooing back home with Professor Lupin as a guide.
The next morning Harry led Dudley into his hidden training room to watch while he did his usual workout.
"This is seriously cool, Harry. You got everything you need in here," Dudley said as he sat down with a cup of tea.
Harry nodded, as he got ready to face Tino and two other ninja. "Thanks Dudley. It was all Professor Dumbledore's idea. He thought I should keep up my training. He said it would be a shame to let my talents got to waste if not used every day."
"He's right you know," Dudley said. "So get busy Harry."
Harry did just that, working on his defense against multiple attackers skills. Dudley watched until Harry managed to defeat them all. He offered up his thoughts as Harry cooled down. Then Tino and the other two ninja did the same.
"Thanks brothers," he said. "I appreciate your help this morning and for showing me new things."
All three of them bowed and Harry returned the bow. He led Dudley back to the Gryffindor commons room and called for Dobby. The very hyper elf popped up in front of them and Harry wished him a Happy New Year.
"Can you please set up a large coffee pot, a large pot of tea, and a tray of pastries on the table for people?" Harry asked Dobby.
Dobby beamed and disappeared. Dudley sat down in an overstuffed chair with a cup of tea while Harry went up to shower and dress for the day. He decided he would go casual, no robes for him today. He liked his Hogwarts robes, but he preferred looking normal whenever he could. Harry dressed in jeans, a t-shirt, a button up flannel shirt, and a hooded pull over with a Hogwarts ball cap on backwards. He came down to the commons room to find Hermione sitting in another chair engaging Dudley in conversation about Hogwarts.
"Good morning love," Harry said, kissing her.
He drew a cup of tea and sat down on the couch next to her chair. Hermione moved to the couch and sat very close to Harry as Dudley grinned.
"Good morning to you dear," Hermione said.
"Hermione was telling me about some of the most interesting things about Hogwarts," Dudley said.
"What really fascinates me the most is how the castle can stretch and move without losing it's shape," Harry said. "That's got to be some serious magic at work."
A few more people drifted into the commons room and Lee Jordan joined Harry and Hermione on the couch.
"They are special enchantments the Founders worked into the castle, Harry. McGonagall would know more about that," Hermione said.
"Transfigurations?" Dudley asked.
Hermione thought for a moment. "I think that's a part of it. I should look into it and write a paper on it."
"If you do can I see it?" Harry asked.
"Sure. Anyone ready for breakfast?" Hermione asked.
Lee, Harry, Dudley, and Hermione walked down to breakfast together. As they entered the hall, people spotted Dudley and gave him a nice round of applause. Dudley smiled.
"Thanks! Hope everyone had a good time last night," Dudley said as he sat down with Harry.
"Just tell the plate what you want," Harry said.
Dudley looked down and told it what he wanted. A moment later the food appeared. Dudley grinned at the sight.
"Mum would love this," he said.
"Yeah she would," Harry said, suddenly getting an interesting thought.
He looked up at the high table and Dumbledore nodded at him. It never ceased to amaze Harry at how Dumbledore seemed to know everything. He had to know how the professor was doing that. He shelved it for now.
"Can I join you?" Viktor's voice said.
Harry looked up and smiled. "Sure Viktor. You're more than welcome to."
"Thank you. That little boy's whining was getting on my nerves with his talk about you," Viktor growled. "Is he always like that?"
"Every day," Ron griped. "The only thing that shuts him up is to call him ferret."
Viktor blinked in surprise. Ron grinned and told him the whole story, which made Viktor roll on the floor in laughter.
"I wish I had been there to see that," he said. "That's just too damn funny."
The Gryffindor table joined in the laughter as they recalled the memory of Malfoy the ferret trying to escape Moody.
"I have pictures," Colin said from behind Harry.
Colin had said the magic word as the entire table turned to look at Colin.
"I'll give you five galleons for a picture," Fred said.
The offers started coming in quick and fast. Colin's brother Dennis went to one end of the table and began taking orders for the Malfoy Ferret pictures as they came to be known. Colin told Viktor he'd get a set for free and then went to have his breakfast. Colin and Dennis would start on the pictures later in the day.
"So, what do you have planned for the day?" Viktor asked casually.
Harry considered the question. "Nothing really. What's up?"
Viktor grinned and walked over to some of his fellow Durmstrang students sitting at another table and had a quiet conversation with them. Then he came back to Harry.
"On behalf of my friends, I hereby challenge you and your friends to a game of Quidditch. Do you accept?" Viktor asked.
Harry stood up and turned to the Gryffindor house team. "You guys interested?"
All of them nodded and Harry turned back to Viktor. "You're on. High noon on the Quidditch pitch. We'll be there."
By the time high noon rolled around the stands were full to capacity and there was even more people watching from the ground. People from Hogsmeade heard of the challenge and showed up for what they thought would be a very exciting game. Dudley joined Lee Jordan in the box along with McGonagall, Karkaroff, Dumbledore, and Madame Maxime. McGonagall nodded to Lee.
"Happy New Year everybody!" Lee called out through the magically enhanced megaphone he was holding. "Welcome to a friendly challenge match between Durmstrang captained by the great Viktor Krum and the Gryffindor House team representing Hogwarts captained by the great Harry Potter!"
The place went crazy as people cheered loudly.
"Up first, from Bulgaria, led by Viktor Krum, here comes the Durmstrang team!" Lee shouted as they came flying out of their locker room and circled the stadium.
"Representing Hogwarts, here comes the Gryffindor team led by Harry Potter!" Lee announced as the red and gold shot out from their locker room.
Harry led the Gryffindors around the stadium one time and then hit the ground. He walked over to where Viktor was standing.
"I am going to enjoy this," Viktor said with a smile as they shook hands.
Harry grinned. "Same here, Viktor. May the best team win."
"Break a leg!" Viktor shouted as he rose into the air on his broom.
"No thanks!" Harry shouted back much to the amusement of the crowd.
Both teams slowly circled the stadium as Madame Hooch nodded and kicked the box open. Everything burst out of it as she shot the Quaffle up into the air with her wand. Katie Bell was the first to reach it and took off for the opposing goal, getting in the first blood. The game shifted into high gear from there. It was one of the most exciting games Harry had ever played and he was having a great time. At one point Harry faked a Wronski Feint and caught the Quaffle without anyone noticing it. He raced upward, getting the Durmstrang keeper's attention at the last moment and was a bit too late to stop Harry's well thrown Quaffle from scoring.
"Well done Harry Potter!" he laughed out loud as the crowd went crazy.
He moved over towards Harry and as he passed by, reached out and gave Harry a high five. Dumbledore beamed.
"A fine show of sportsmanship," he said.
"Viktor is like that," Karkaroff said. "He is not what the papers says he is."
Dumbledore nodded. "Something I learned long ago."
The game continued as the players pulled out all the stops and showed off their moves. It was extremely close point wise as well. At one point Ron at the keeper position broke loose when he got his hands on the Quaffle took off for the Durmstrang keeper, skillfully avoiding all of the Durmstrang players and the Bludgers, challenged the Durmstrang keeper. People held their breath as Ron charged the keeper and at the last second faked a throw towards the right goal and threw it through the center goal. The stadium broke loose by the success of Ron's daring play as Ron raced back to his goal and flipped around in time to catch the Quaffle before the Durmstrang chaser could score by using the end of his broom to block the Quaffle. Once more the crowd erupted. Everyone on both sides took the chance of throwing the Quaffle through the goal hoops. The game finally ended as Harry flew past the Snitch and reacted quickly, grabbing it before it took off in another direction. He held it up as the crowd went wild. He saw Viktor nodding.
"Viktor!" Harry yelled, getting his attention and stopping. "Come on! Take a lap with me!"
Viktor flew up next to Harry and the teams lined up behind their captains and they did a fly by of the stands as the crowd cheered excitedly. It was a game that would go down in Hogwarts history as being one of the most exciting events that ever happened.
Harry saw Dudley off at the grand fireplace as Remus volunteered to make sure he made it back.
"I'll see you at summer break Dudley," Harry said.
"I'll be looking for you," Dudley said. "I'm sure we'll have something great planned for the summer."
"Oh I'm sure Uncle Vernon won't disappoint," Harry chuckled. "You take care."
Dudley shook hands with Harry. "You do the same."
Remus threw the floo powder in and Dudley stepped in and disappeared. Remus then did it for himself and disappeared. Harry turned away from the fireplace and headed back to the Gryffindor Tower. School was resuming Wednesday and he needed to study for a class. Going up into the Gryffindor Tower he decided to hell with it and went into the shower to clean up from the game, having skipped the shower in the locker room. Sitting down in the commons room, he took stock in the events that happened so far. He knew the next event was in February and he wasn't quite prepared just yet. Every time he tried to open the egg, it screamed out very loud. Harry was wondering what in hell it would take to find out what it contained. He sipped his tea and sighed. Maybe he'd let Hermione have a crack at it. He rubbed his face and looked up as Ron walked in.
"There you are. Saw Dudley off?" Ron asked.
Harry nodded. "Sure did. Dudley sure enjoyed himself here and he did great at the dance. A lot of people and Dumbledore thanked him for being there."
"He sure knows the right stuff," Ron said. "He sure is going to give Muggle Studies a lot to discuss."
Harry smiled. "Maybe I should sit in on the class for a day, give them a chance to ask me things. I'm sure Dumbledore wouldn't mind."
"That's a good idea mate, but Hermione would remind you that you have too much on your plate at the moment," Ron said.
Harry chuckled. "Yeah she would. But that's okay. It was just a thought."
Ron picked up the new copy of Quidditch Player and started flipping through it. "Wonder it the match will make the Quidditch Player next month?"
"I'm sure Colin would sell them the pictures of the match. He was the only photographer there," Harry said. "He'd pick up a nice sum of money for them."
Right on cue, Colin bounced into the Gryffindor commons room and right up to Harry.
"Hi Harry!" Colin grinned, waving a roll of parchment in front of Harry's face. "I'm looking for Hermione to see if she would be willing to edit this article I'm sending it to Quidditch Player," Colin said.
"I'd be glad to look it over," Harry offered.
Colin handed him the scroll and sat down. Harry opened it and read about the game between Hogwarts and Durmstrang. He noticed the article was very fair and balanced. The stack of photos that went with it was well done.
"This is great, Colin. You have my blessings to send it in," Harry said.
Colin grinned. "Thanks Harry. Just one thing more. I need you to sign your side of this picture. I suggested to the editors in my cover letter that this would make a great collector's item to put in the center of the magazine."
Harry looked at the picture. It showed Harry and Viktor back to back in their Quidditch uniforms looking straight into the camera. Viktor had signed his side of it, telling Harry he had approved the idea.
"I see Viktor signed it," Harry said as he signed his side.
"Yup, and Professor Karkaroff liked the article. So did professors Dumbledore and McGonagall," Colin said.
Harry nodded. "Glad they approved it. I think you have a future as a photographer and reporter, Colin."
Colin grinned. "Thanks Harry. You're a cool guy."
Harry smiled as he watched Colin race off to the Owlery to send out the article.
"That was really nice of you Harry," Katie Bell said as she leaned against the couch. "Now I know why Hermione loves you so much."
"Why do I love Harry so much?" Hermione asked as she walked up.
"Simple. Harry is a kind and caring person, always willing to help someone in need and always looks out for his friends," Katie said.
"You're right," Hermione said. "What you said is very true."
Hermione sat down next to Harry. "So what's up dear?"
"Colin Creevey was just here looking for you. He wanted you to look over his article for Quidditch Player he wrote on the game a few hours ago," Harry told her.
Hermione smiled. "Can't wait to see it when it comes out next month."
"I'm sure it will be well received," Ron said.
Harry nodded. "I'm sure it will. Colin did a great job on it."
Two things happened in quick order. The first was the attack on Dennis Creevey by Draco Malfoy and his two gorillas Crabbe and Goyle. Harry and Hermione were in the hall by the library when they heard what sounded like someone yelling. Ron met them in the middle of the hallway as Harry and Hermione raced down it. They went around a corner and found Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle surrounding Dennis Creevey. The small first year was bravely standing his ground. Malfoy spun around and pointed his wand at Harry, Hermione, and Ron as the three of them skidded to a halt.
"This is none of your business," Malfoy growled. "So what's it gonna be you shrimpy little mousie?"
That turned out to be a big mistake on Malfoy's part.
"I said no," Dennis snapped, and then took in a breath and yelled as loud as he could. "LEAVE ME THE HELL ALONE YOU BUTT UGLY FERRET!"
Malfoy trembled in anger. "Crabbe, Goyle, teach him a lesson."
The two advanced on Dennis and hit him hard, breaking his nose. Dennis stumbled back and then charged, tackling the two and knocking them down. Malfoy turned his head and Ron charged, knocking him down, Harry right behind him. Hermione ran to the landing and yelled.
"FIGHT! Somebody get Professor Dumbledore!" she yelled.
Fred and George appeared at the landing over her head. "Who is it?"
"Dennis Creevey against Crabbe and Goyle!" she shouted.
Viktor Krum appeared right then with Oliver Wood behind him. "Where?"
"Down this hall!" Hermione shouted.
Viktor and Oliver Wood raced down the hall as Fred and George rode the next staircase down, beating McGonagall and Professor Dumbledore. Hermione raced back in time to see Dennis deliver a haymaker to the center of Crabbe's face. The Slytherin boy blinked and went down. Viktor and Ron had hold of Malfoy as Harry took on Goyle and knocked him down as the hall filled up with students.
"Let ferret boy go! I wanna piece of him!" Dennis roared the younger boy was so hyped up.
Malfoy managed to shake off Viktor and Ron and headed down the hall to get away.
"Come on ferret boy! Yellow bellied coward! You smelly stinky ferret dropping!" Dennis roared. "Come fight me like a man!"
Dumbledore, McGonagall, Snape, and Karkaroff appeared just as Malfoy disappeared.
"What's happened here?" McGonagall asked.
Snape leaned over Crabbe and Goyle. "May I suggest a nearby classroom while these two are taken to the infirminary. Everyone involved is to be separated right now and interviewed one at a time."
Hermione was first, then Harry, Viktor, Ron, and last, Dennis Creevey. Crabbe and Goyle would have to wait for later since they were still out in the infirminary. As it went, Malfoy wanted Dennis to steal Potter's egg so he could hold it and make sure he didn't get into the second task. Snape had blown a fuse and sentenced Malfoy to a two month long detention with Filch. Filch of course was overjoyed. He smiled sinisterly at Malfoy as he was given his sentence. At dinner that night Viktor smiled at Dennis when he appeared, getting an outstanding ovation from the three houses Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, and Ravenclaw. Viktor shook his head as he crossed his arms.
"Smelly stinky ferret dropping? How very original. I'll have to remember that one when it comes time to renew my Quidditch contract," he laughed out loud. "I hear it told people call you the Gryffindor mouse. From now on I think you will be known as the Gryffindor mouse that roared."
That certainly got a lot of loud approval from the three houses. Slytherin glared daggers at everybody including Dennis. Viktor just laughed again and sat down next to Dennis and the dinner hour got started from there.
The second event also involved Malfoy. When Harry and the Care of Magical Creatures class went down to the paddocks the day classes resumed, another teacher was there and Hagrid's hut was closed up tight. Hermione and Harry looked at each other in surprise. What the hell happened?
"Excuse me, where is Hagrid and who are you?" Hermione asked.
The lady turned to look at Hermione. "I am Professor Grubbly-Plank, your temporary COMC instructor. Hagrid is indisposed."
Harry heard a very unpleasant sound from behind him and he had an idea who it was. He turned to see Malfoy and the Slytherins grinning from ear to ear. Harry beat down the impulse to jump on his ass right then and there.
"Missing your pal, Potter?" Malfoy chuckled in glee.
He tossed the daily prophet to the ground in front of Harry and the Gryffindors. Harry picked it up and turned to the page indicated by Malfoy and started to read.
"Dumbledore's Giant Mistake. The eccentric headmaster of Hogwarts has never been afraid to make controversial staff appointments, writes Rita Skeeter special correspondent. In September of this year he hired Alastor 'Mad-Eye' Moody the notoriously jinx happy ex-Auror to teach Defense Against The Dark Arts. It is rumored that he allegedly attacked Draco Malfoy earlier in the year. However he does look responsible and kindly when set against the part human Dumbledore hired to teach Care of Magical Creatures. Rubeus Hagrid is a large and ferocious looking man, he had been using his newfound authority to terrify the students he is teaching. Draco Malfoy, a fourth year student informed me that he was attacked by a hippogriff and his friend Vincent Crabbe was bitten by a flobberworm. He stated that they all hate Hagrid, but they are too scared to say anything. The Daily Prophet recently unearthed evidence that Hagrid is not a pure blood wizard as he always pretended to be. Even more, he is not even completely human. We discovered that his mother is the giantess Fridwulfa," Harry read out loud.
Harry dropped the paper on the ground and worked even harder to keep his rage in check. Malfoy and the Slytherins backed up nervously when the saw the fire in Harry's eyes.
"Well, this should end the big oaf's teaching career," Malfoy said, getting in the last jab at Harry as the Slytherins chuckled nervously.
Harry drew himself up to his full height and crossed his arms. He let a bit of his anger surface once more and the Slytherins backed up even more.
"Dennis is right about you, Malfoy. You are stinky smelly ferret dropping," Harry snarled. The rest of you Slytherins are no better. How would you react if Skeeter was to publish an article on your dear beloved Snape on his parentage?"
Harry didn't give them a chance to reply he turned his back on them and walked away, heading back to the castle. He was no longer in the mood to stay in the class for the rest of the day. He headed up to Dumbledore's office. He needed to talk to someone right then. The gargoyle that guarded Dumbledore's office must have sensed Harry's mood because it stepped aside and allowed Harry in. The door opened for Harry and he walked in. Dumbledore rose as Harry walked in. The two of them sat down and Harry took a cup of tea from Dumbledore and sipped it slowly, giving the calming tea time to work.
"Harry, I know why you are here. The article about Mad-Eye and Hagrid. I did not find it amusing at all. I have plans to confront the editor this afternoon when I go into London on Hogwarts business. I am not happy about this as much as you are. Therefore I am asking you and your friends to try and convince Hagrid to come out of hiding," Dumbledore said.
"We can try sir," Harry said.
"Thank you Harry," Dumbledore said. "If Grubbly-Plank comes to see me I shall inform her you had come to see me and that we discussed your reasons for leaving the class too early."
"Thank you sir," Harry said.
Harry checked his watch as he left Dumbledore's office. He decided to go to his training room and do a fast run before lunch. That seemed to help and he changed into something more casual after his shower. He went down to the hall and found people starting to come in for lunch. He sat down at his usual spot at the Gryffindor table. Hermione sat down on his right, Ron to his left.
"We started circulating a petition to get Hagrid back," Ron said. "Got over a hundred signatures all ready."
"Make sure I get it," Harry nodded.
"Fred and George are planning a revenge prank on Malfoy," Ron whispered into Harry's ear.
Harry nodded. "I'm sure it will be up to their usual standards."
"You have no idea old boy," Ron said in a horrible German accent, making Harry smile for the first time that day.
"I went to see Dumbledore," Harry said, telling them what had been said.
"Good. Hopefully Dumbledore can convince them to fire Rita," Ron said.
"What puzzles me is how she is getting around Hogwarts to get her stories," Hermione said.
"Slytherin spies?" Ron asked.
"That's a real good possibility," Harry said. "The article did report what Malfoy said to her."
"Animagus," Lee Jordan leaned forward.
Hermione sighed. "Wizarding law states that anyone who is Animagus has to register their form with the Ministry."
"Illegal Animagus," Lee Jordan nodded.
Harry stopped chewing on the sandwich as he considered what Lee Jordan had just said. "Now that's a real distinct possibility."
"You have to take a Ministry approved course for that," Hermione said.
Harry nodded. "I know that. But what if it's possible to learn on your own? I am sure there are manuals floating around out there that can take you through the process step by step and help you achieve the form."
The table fell silent as they thought about what Harry had just said. He turned to Hermione but she had disappeared. He looked up at the doors in time to see her run out of the hall.
"What's up with her?" Ron blinked.
Harry smiled. "I think I know where she went."
Harry and Ron went up to the library right after lunch ended. Sure enough they found Hermione in her usual corner with a stack of books in front of her. She looked up as Harry and Ron sat down beside her.
"Find anything interesting?" Harry asked.
Hermione pointed to the stack of books in front of her and Harry checked them out. All of them were guides and manuals to becoming Animagus.
"Blimey," Ron breathed.
"Interesting," Harry said.
"Quite," Hermione said. "What I am looking for is a spell that stops a person from going Animagus."
"I'm sure it exists," Harry said. "Stands to reason that if one can go Animagus, there's bound to be a spell to keep them from going into their form."
"If anyone can find it, it's you Hermione," Ron said.
Harry tapped his fingers on the tabletop for a moment. "Okay. If another article by her pops up, I'll go to Dumbledore with this theory. One problem at a time."
"Agreed," Hermione said.
"Agreed," Ron said.
Hermione went back to her books and Harry opened one of the guides to becoming Animagus. It was interesting as far as it went, but it was a bit too technical for Harry.
"I'll wait for the movie to come out," he said, falling back on the old joke as he set the book down, causing people to laugh.
Harry was struck by a sudden though and he smiled. He damn near forgot that Sirius was Animagus. He decided to write him immediately.
"Snuffles," he whispered.
Ron and Hermione immediately reacted. They looked up at him and grinned.
"I'll send him a letter immediately," Harry said.
Next chapter: The mystery of Rita Skeeter deepens, confrontations at the Three Broomsticks, Hagrid's intervention, and Harry goes for a swim.
Eric Clapton from the "24 Nights" double CD.