Updated: June 26th, 2017

Chapter 28: The Firebolt and Those Damn Wizard Cops

When the four of us left at noon the next day, the castle was deserted. Because it was so hot outside and end of exams, everyone was at Hogsmeade or enjoying the sunshine. None of us felt like going. Instead, we spent our time walking around the grounds. Hermione took this time to go into more detail about the happenings of last night.

I wasn't paying attention. All I could think about was where my dad was now. I hoped he was safe and well. I closed my eyes, my mind replaying all the events as Hermione spoke in hushed tones about her and Harry's adventure. I stopped dead as my mind pulled up and image of Remus's face.

"I've got to see him," I whispered, my eyes flying open.

The three stopped too. "See who," Ron asked, trying to maneuver around on his crutch.

"Remus," I turned.

"I want to see him too," Harry voiced, taking off behind me.

I called back, "Meet you in the Great Hall!"

The door to Remus's office was open. To mine and Harry's surprise, most of his things were packed. An empty water tank stood next to a nearly-full, battered old suitcase. Remus walked over to it, placing some books into their rightful spots.

"Hello Harry, Cora," my godfather turned and smiled through tired eyes. He looked absolutely terrible. Remus was pale, the scars on his face were red, and he had scratches everywhere. From what Hermione told me I gathered they were from being attacked by Buckbeak. Remus nodded to The Marauder's Map on his desk. "Saw you two coming. I've looked worse, believe me."

Harry and I looked around. There were open desk drawers, empty bookshelves… "You've been sacked."

Remus sighed at my observation, "Resigned, actually."

"Resigned," Harry exclaimed. "But why?!"

"It seems someone has let slip the nature of my condition."

"Snape," Harry and I growled.

"Whoever it was – it was bound to get out," Remus sighed sadly. With a flick of his wand, more books shoved themselves into his packed suitcase. "This time tomorrow, the owls will start arriving. Parents will not want a – well, someone like me teaching their children."

Harry frowned, "But Dumbledore –"

"–has already risked enough on my behalf. Besides, people like me, well…let's just say I'm used to this by now."

There was a long pause while Remus continued to empty out his desk. I tried to think of a good argument to make him stay. Remus was the best Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher I've ever had. He was possibly the best this school had seen in a long time too. He just couldn't go. When Remus suddenly asked Harry about his Patronus, we were both shocked. Word traveled fast.

"Well," Harry looked at me. I just shrugged. "At first I thought it was a horse or a unicorn, but I think it was a –"

"A stag," Remus finished with a smile. Harry nodded. "Your father used to transform into one. That's how he was able to keep me company when I – he was a great friend, James. And I also heard you had a go with the Patronus, Cora."

I stared at the ground. The reminder did not lift my spirits. "I couldn't do it…"

Remus smiled weakly, closing his suitcase. He tapped The Marauder's Map with his wand, clearing his throat, "Well, change of subject. Since I am no longer your teacher, I don't feel guilty about giving you the map. It's no use to me, and I daresay you two, Ron, and Hermione will find uses for it. Mischief Managed."

I watched as the map went blank. Harry picked up the blank parchment and we followed Remus out of his office. Out in the corridor, we said goodbye to Remus as he left one way and we headed for the Great Hall. As I walked beside Harry, I began to feel quite miserable. Pettigrew got away. The man who ruined so many lives was still at large. Out of the corner of my eye I noticed Harry staring at nothing. He must have been having the same internal battle as I was. Was it really a good thing he spared Peter Pettigrew?

Yes. The little voice inside my head told me it would be a very good thing in the future. Pettigrew now owed his life to Harry. I almost choked on my own saliva when I realized that Pettigrew owed Harry a Life Debt. Bad things would happen if that kind of deep magic wasn't upheld. I threw all my bad thoughts out the window. I was thankful for Harry James Potter in many ways. But now, now I'd be forever in his debt too. He saved my father from certain death. As we entered the Great Hall, he took my hand in an act of comfort. Things would be different now. Nothing would ever be the same.


Approaching the Gryffindor table was like being at a zoo. There was a large circle of our housemates, chattering excitedly. Amid them was Ron. "Stand back, I said! I'll take it upstairs if you don't settle down," he exclaimed, threatening kids with his crutch.

Harry and I arrived, glancing at our housemates in confusion. Hermione cleared her throat loudly. Everyone looked at Harry. They all, and I mean all, began talking at once. From the smallest first year, to the oldest seventh year…everyone wanted to talk to Harry for some reason.

"Harry," Neville exclaimed. "Wherever did you get it?!"

"Can I have a go, Harry," Seamus grinned in excitement. "After you, of course –"

"Quiet," Ron snapped and the crowd settled. "It just came, Harry. Sorry it's open but they made me do it!"

"Did not," the twins smiled mischievously. They were sitting right in front of a beautifully crafted broomstick. The golden label gleamed golden in the light. A Firebolt. Harry's mouth fell open…he was speechless.

"But…how," he asked, reaching out for the smooth handle.

"This came with it," Hermione smirked, holding up a feather. Harry stared at it as Hermione raised her eyebrow. The secret glance they shared did not go unnoticed by me and Ron.

Harry grabbed his new broom and bolted for the doors. We all followed him as he ran out of the castle and into the courtyard. Students who were outside joined us, curious to know what was going one. In the middle of the courtyard, Harry stopped. He mounted the broom, placing his hands on the handle carefully. Before anyone could take a breath, Harry was whisked away, jetting off into the air at a neck-breaking pace. People gasped in awe as Harry became a small dot in the sky, his scream of joy, however, louder than anything.


As the term ended, I heard many theories about what happened the night that Sirius Black vanished. None of them ever came close to the truth. The only people who knew were me, Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Professor Dumbledore and we intended to keep it that way. Draco was furious about Buckbeak's escape. He was convinced Hagrid had smuggled the beast to safety. Percy, however, was more vocal about my dad's escape. The only person who'd listen to him was his girlfriend, Penelope Clearwater.

Dad had been gone nearly a week and I had heard no news. Harry was worried sick about him but I told my friend 'no news is good news' because that had meant he'd successfully gone into hiding. On the very last day of term, I was happy to find I had passed all my classes with spectacular marks. Of course, they were nowhere near as good as Hermione's, but I was thankful for what I got. I was surprised Snape didn't end up failing me. Perhaps Dumbledore had something to do with that…in fact, I got my best marks in Potions.

As for the older Gryffindors, Percy, of course, was top in his N.E.W.T.s and Fred and George managed a few O.W.L.s each. I was so proud of them! Oliver Wood (who I still had a crush on) was recruited as Keeper for Puddlemere United. And, to top it off, Gryffindor won the Quidditch and House Cup! So at the last feast the Great Hall was decorated in scarlet and gold and that night we were the loudest of the whole lot. Even Harry managed to come out of his funk and celebrate.


As the Hogwarts Express pulled out of the station the next morning, Hermione told us she was dropping Muggle Studies. That surprised Ron because she had gotten 120% on her exam. What didn't surprise me, though, was that she also dropped Divination. I too voiced that I would be dropping Divination and would be taking Art instead.

"It's Quidditch World Cup this summer," Ron suddenly announced excitedly. Hermione and I already knew this and planned on going with the Weasleys'. "How about it, Harry? Come and stay, and the four of us can go and see it! Dad's getting tickets from work."

Harry beamed, "Yeah…I bet the Dursleys' would be pleased to let me come…especially after what I did to Aunt Marge…"

Feeling more cheerful, the four of us played several games of Exploding Snap. When the witch with the tea cart came he bought us all lunch. Hermione, Ron, and I tried to tell him no too, but Harry wouldn't hear of it. We were just happy he was happy.


The four of us spent the rest of the ride talking and laughing; generally having a good time. We didn't stop speaking until we stepped back through the barrier of platform nine and three-quarters. I noticed Harry's uncle at once. The fat man was standing a good distance away from Molly, Arthur, and Ted. Harry, Ron, Hermione, and I approached the three adults and Harry's uncle eyed us suspiciously. Molly gave Harry a gigantic bear hug, Arthur patted him on the back, and Ted shook his hand before he said goodbye to us. After our short farewell, Harry wheeled his trolley around and joined his uncle.

Too soon after, Hermione's mom came running up. She apologized to her daughter for being late, also adding that her father was working. Hermione didn't seem to mind. With a hug and a promise to write, Ron and I watched our friend leave the station with her mom.

At this time Ted wanted to leave but I refused to go without saying goodbye to all the Weasley kids. Well…except Percy, I never really liked Percy. So when Ginny showed up I gave her a long hug and told her I'd see her during summer. I was going to the Quidditch World Cup with her family after all. As Fred and George ran through the barrier I was almost trampled by their trollies. Molly had some harsh words for them as they embraced me in a Cora-twin sandwich.

After more goodbyes and hugs, Ted and I left the station. When were in the car he asked the dreaded question, "So, how was school this year?"

I tried not to frown. He knew how it was. I wrote to him and Andi at least once every two weeks or so. What he really wanted to know was 'how's your father?' Instead of frowning, I smiled at my favorite male cousin. "Dad's fine, thanks. Broke out of Azkaban, infiltrated Hogwarts, tried to kill the man who framed him, was locked up again, and now he's on the run from the wizard cops."

"Damn those wizard cops," Ted smiled.

I smiled too, looking out the window. As I watched the streets of London whiz by, my eyes began to droop. I was so glad to be going home. I missed Ted, Andi, and Tonks. I had a feeling this summer was going to be the best ever. I had amazing friends and a family that loved me. Best of all, I had a dad now. And nothing, I mean nothing at all, was ever gonna take him away from me.


A/N: So the end of WttP has come. After re-writes the final tally is 102 Word Document pages and 50074 words. Stay tuned for part 3 of my Coralynn series, 'Avalanche'.