Hey everyone,
This chapter is going to be very special. Why? Because this is where I will start adding something to the already existing story. I loved the interlude in Dumbledore's POV as well as that of others – or at least loved writing it – and I loved writing a bit of backstory for Lucius, so I will be doing something similar from now on.
That's right, as of this chapter, each chapter will have a small bit of backstory from one or another character. Now, don't expect anything big for these people, they are more just to flesh out the entire reading crew, but while some of them will have detailed backstories, will some just be personal observations of the previous chapter.
Have fun,
Venquine1990
And the translations are back as there will be HPxVK again
най-скъпа моя любов is Bulgarian for My Dearest love
красив глас на душата ми is Bulgarian for beautiful voice of my soul
(Yeah, I know, doesn't make much sense, but it fits the part where I put it)
Chapter 28
Dangers And Fun
Pomona's POV
"I know the upcoming chapter is going to be quite hard to read and yet, I can't help but feel as if the last chapter read was the hardest we have ever gone through and that there will be at least a few more that will be just as hard. Still, I can't believe that my own House turned so disgustingly cruel to an 11 year old or that I didn't even notice."
I shake my head at this as the last chapter had been an emotional drama as well as an eye opener for at least 60% of those present and while the whole thing with Wood ranting at his team mates feels quite well deserved, can I not help but fear how this kind of reading will commence as I suddenly remember two very similar events.
The whole fiasco with the Chamber of Secrets in Harry's Second as well as his name coming out of the Goblet of Fire just this year. That last one definitely has me most worried as it put Harry up as supposed competition against my own student and that makes me worried for how my other Badgers may have responded.
I then notice Severus leaving for the Antechamber and coming back with tons of potions vials floating behind him and the man says: "Seeing Mr. Weasley's comment, I believe it prudent we keep calming draughts on hand." At this I nod and wish I could move a few exotic plants here that have calming effects on their environment.
I then look at all the books that spawned from Harry's spell yesterday and feel determined to be better prepared for when we start the next book in three days as well as make sure to buy whatever will be needed in regards to the Dementors of Third year and with that do I start to make a mental list of possibly required purchases.
Ron's POV
"My turn. I best read this one." I say, already having a strong hunch as to what the chapter will be about. And sharing a look with my two best friends, I can tell they think the same. But apparently do my words of just now, that made my friends hit themselves on the head, and my latest comment make people nervous.
I shrug it off and think: "If Harry was able to survive those terrible Muggles, it's no wonder he can survive all that we've been through. Or better said, all that Dumbles threw at him, expecting him to survive with no training or anything whatsoever." This makes me grumble and I walk off to the Owl stand to read.
Through the Trapdoor
"OH, FOR THE LOVE OF MERLIN!" Sirius shouts with his arms raised up into the air while the other parents now share highly frightened looks with each other and he turns to Harry, but then McGonagall shocks him, Harry and me and says: "Don't blame your son, Sirius. He has no blame here. This is mostly my fault."
The man looks at her shocked and she lowers her head, ashamed. I then remember how she had not believed us when we told her about the Stone and in a way, I can't give her wrong, but then, just when I want to tell her how this shame of hers is a few years too late, does Harry softly voice my thoughts and says:
"Not mostly, Professor. Most of the blame stays with Voldemort and Dumbledore and no one else. He should have never gone after the Stone and Dumbledore should have never put the Stone in a location where there was such a large possibility of casualties. They both played with more lives than such an incident required."
The woman smiles at her student and while many students now look at him shocked that he actually defended her, can I not help but nod at him and then Mr. Diggory says: "I will definitely bring this up with the Board of Governors when time restarts." And other adults, including dad, smile at him before I continue read on.
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Now the teachers look at each other and Flitwick says: "No wonder he was constantly looking at the doors during his theory exams." And Harry nods, having his head low in shame before he says: "I was still learning to read and write, so I wasn't putting too much effort in them. It was the practical exams where I wanted to do my very best."
Now McGonagall smiles and says: "That you did, Mr. Potter. Better than your father could ever think of performing. At least you did in my exams." And other teachers nod too, Snape slightly reluctantly and the boy gets hugged in pride by both parents, while Hermione and I smile at him before I return everyone's attention back to the book.
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The start of the exams also meant one other advantage for Harry; the other students were so busy getting ready for their exams that they forgot to curse Harry and so he again spend every night in his own dorm; a relief for him and Madame Pomfrey.
This makes the students in question lower their heads and then McGonagall stands up and says: "Mss. Corinway, Mr. Creatos, I want a full list of names of all the graduated students that were also in on these despicable actions. I will personally see to it that they realize how much of a disgrace they have been to their Houses with their actions."
The girl nods and then Harry asks: "Professor, will that –." But Viktor pulls him close and Fred says: "Harry, we behaved terribly and we deserve to realize just how despicable that was." The boy wants to object, but McGonagall says: "No Mr. Potter. We need to take responsibility for our actions." My best friend sighs yet I smile and read on.
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"And that wasn't even our work." The twins chorus, making many a student laugh and then Professor McGonagall says: "No, but it's still an achievement done by your family. Your uncles Fabian and Gideon, to be precise, thought it funny to constantly switch papers whenever they didn't know an answer and the other did.
Since then have we made sure every quill adepts to a single person like a wand and thus doesn't write on a paper it didn't start writing the name on." The twins smile at each other proudly and they say: "Prewetts that pride us Weasleys. Unlike others." And they end with a glare to that disgusting Prewett woman, before I read on.
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Harry had unfortunately been too focused and thus made his not do a tap-dance, but a real German Waltz. He ran out of the class before his Professor could tell him how badly he had failed.
"Mr. Potter, the tap-dance is only the base of the dancing spell. A Waltz – and one that good – proved just how talented you were in my subject. I was ever so proud, but I only realized you were gone when the pineapple was done." Professor Flitwick squeaks and Harry is again hugged by his parents, Erica and Mss. Crenson as I read on.
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Harry had barely changed his and the professor exclaimed he had full-points, clapped him on the shoulder with a rare smile and started gloating about how this would show her colleagues she had the most talented student of the year. Harry had left the room with a head that would make a tomato look ashamed.
This makes many students look at their Head of House in clear shock. "Was it that good? I mean, even James didn't get that kind of reaction out of you." Sirius asks McGonagall, who seems to remember what she had seen back then and she nods with the same smile on her face as she must have had all those years ago.
Then, when she notices how many students are looking at her in need for more info, does she suddenly pull the button holding her cloak together off her garment and transfigures the item into a snuffbox of 15 inches high and 34 inches wide, but when I look at the snuffbox itself I feel my mouth fall open in shock and my eyes widen.
The material itself is made of the finest of oaken wood and has obviously been taken good care of over the years. Alongside that is the wood of the snuffbox amazingly decorated and engraved and the decorations on and in the wood are even more beautiful than the shininess and smoothness of the Oak wood the snuffbox is made off.
There are red and white roses and pink and purple ambrosias carved into the wood on the sides of the wood and on top is a beautiful auburn red and onyx black hair entwined with each other from the left to the right, with in the midst a beautiful emerald green gemstone, the hairs actually made of onyx stones and rubies.
The button holding the lid closed is small, but amazingly delicate looking, with the outer ring decorated with small brown and green gemstones. All in all the snuffbox looks absolutely amazing and I can perfectly understand why McGonagall called Harry the most talented student of the year as I keep looking at it.
Even Harry looks shocked and while others start to whisper in awe, do they turn silent and turn to him as he almost whispers and says: "I know I was thinking of my parents and what Olivander had told me of them when I cast that spell, but for my magic to carve their hair and eye colors into the snuffbox – I had no idea."
Everyone smiles at him and McGonagall says: "I've kept it with me ever since. Always use it as a cloak-holder, except for when I miss Lily or James too much. Then I transfigure it back and look at it for hours." Everyone smiles at the woman as she proudly sets the snuffbox down on the table and then I read on.
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Harry found this ironic and was glad of his actual fear for what Voldemort could do as it made his nervousness for the man less and thus made him capable to focus on the Potion at hand. He had practiced the Potion in his bed quite a couple of times and was sure he had made it as well as Snape would have said one of his Slytherins had made it. He had no doubt the man would sooner drink one of his own poisons than admit Harry had done well on a Potion, but at least he himself knew he had passed this exam.
This has a doubled effect, depending on who you looked at. The Snakes look shocked that Harry had made his Potion as well as they could have made and that he had actually passed; Snape looks down in shame as he must have known Harry was right and the Lions glare at the man for his bullying. Yet I ignore this all and just read on.
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This makes many students look at Harry in either sympathy or worry and Viktor, who still has Harry on his lap, hugs the boy close as Neville mutters: "At least the exam worries and nightmares didn't make him have a recap." This causes the sympathy and worry to turn into relief and I smile at the boy before reading on.
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That Quirrell was also still looking scared and stuttering, but alive and kicking also made Harry wonder how much his theories were right, but the fact the man was heavily avoiding Snape and thus making quite a few detours to the Third floor corridor made Harry suspicious of the man – mostly because that corridor wasn't anywhere near any routes passing the Great Hall, the Dungeons or other locations Snape was often seen.
So what was Quirrell doing constantly going back there?
This makes the students look at each other confused and I think: "Wonder how they'll react when they hear about his true nature." But then I look at Harry worried, as the boy never said a thing about the Dursleys and thus probably also kept quite a few things quiet about his adventure with the man. I sigh and read on.
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"We really would have pulled you into the Hospital Wing if you hadn't, buddy." Seamus tells the boy with a playful grin and Harry blushes and says: "It was mostly relief I had lived long enough to pass them. I did after all believe Voldemort would come back and –." But then Seamus says: "Mate, don't ruin the good mood."
Everyone laughs as Harry turns deep red as Viktor hugs the black-haired lad tightly and Sirius ruffles his hair. To this Harry shouts out and says: "Mum, come on. How am I supposed to style it like your hair if you keep messing it up." And tears rush to the man's eyes as he gives his son a quick hug, to which I smile and read on.
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"You have a giant squid here?" Erica asks and Fred says: "Yeah, Jolton's really a great and kind brute. Never harms a single person and if you fall in the lake while crossing it, you can be assured he'll put you back in." To which young Dennis shouts: "TRUE! THAT HAPPENED TO ME!" Everyone laughs at the First year and I read on.
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Viktor hugs Harry and mutters: "Something that will never more have to happen, най-скъпа моя любов Voldemort is gone and you are forever rid of him and any influence he wants to have on your life." The two happily cuddle and I sigh as the fact that Harry will never be attacked again in his life hits me yet again before I read on.
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Harry could barely believe his friend was this easy-going and envied him for it, but at least Ron had some words of comfort for him.
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And before I can get torn into, does Neville say: "Very true." But then he sees Hermione, Harry and my worried looks and I mutter: "Unless you know his weak points." Making the other boy's conviction falter and making many of the teachers share worried looks, while the students look curiously worried as I read on.
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"What's so important about an owl delivering a message? That happens all the time." Parkinson asks with a sneer and I say: "Trust me, Parkinson; Harry can get the most amazing theories about the simplest of things. And they always tend to be true as well." The girl sneers at me and I say: "Just wait and listen." Before I continue the chapter.
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"Told you." I tell the girl, while fighting the urge to shake my head, but she says: "So he came up with something. Doesn't say he knows what's going on." But then one of her House mates says: "At least he knows more about what's going on than you do, Parkinson." The two girls sneer at each other and I quickly read on.
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"As quick as ever, aren't you?" Erica smiles as she looks at Harry adoringly and the boy, while still in Viktor's lap and with his head now resting on Viktor's shoulder, shrugs, before Collin says: "It did mention that Harry was amazingly quick and he is the Youngest Seeker in a century. And to be Seeker you really have to be quick."
The woman nods and then says: "That's true." Before Mss. Crenson goes on: "And while he was always picked last for his class activities, he was also always the best in gymnastics; especially in fitness and dodge ball." The two woman smile at my best friend, who smiles slightly and shrugs, making me roll my eyes as I read on.
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Now most Sixth and Seventh years, along with our Dorm mates and all the teachers gasp and McGonagall mutters: "And just by seeing an owl." But Parkinson doesn't seem to understand and I shake my head, wondering how dense that Snake really is before I turn my attention away from her – and her constant glaring – and read on.
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"What would that even matter?" Parkinson asks, but her glaring opponent gasps and mutters: "Of course. The dragon dealer." The girl looks at her opponent and asks: "What on earth are you on about, Greengrass?" To which the girl snaps: "How dense are you?" And before they can start shouting – or even worse, dueling – do I quickly read on.
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Greengrass also sinks down a little in fear and shock and Parkinson shouts: "Greengrass, tell me what you are on about already." And the girl asks: "And why should I do that?" Parkinson looks at the girl shocked, but then Zabini mutters: "And the Ice Queen strikes again." Making the Greengrass girl smile and I read on.
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This makes everyone who knows that is one of Hagrid's greatest weaknesses – under which my brothers, Sirius, Remus and most of the teachers – hit themselves on the head and I lie the book down, before following their example and while Parkinson is now trying to get the answer out of the teachers with a demanding glare, do I read on.
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"Even around Hogwarts?" Sirius asks and Fleur seems to realize the same as he does and asks: "Does that mean Fluffy wasn't the first Cerberus he had?" But neither McGonagall nor any of the teachers seem capable of answering that and Flitwick says: "The Heads of Houses will surely look into this matter, you can be assured."
The girl nods, but I suddenly look at my friends, all of us remembering the Basilisk and Harry and I remembering the Accromantulas. All three of us understand Hagrid's words better than the rest as they really say that Cerberuses aren't the only life-threatening creatures you can find in and around the school.
Not that Hagrid himself must have realized the meaning behind his own words – or the fact that some creatures are manageable to him, but not to people like Harry and me. I shudder as I remember the Accromantulas and think: "Can't wait to see Hagrid's reaction to his pet's words." And with another shudder I read on.
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Here I stop to let the words sink into everyone and Zabini says: "You're kidding, right?" But I shake my head and one of the twins asks: "A dangerous, man-eating Cerberus." And the other continues: "Falls asleep by the use of." And together they chorus: "MUSIC?" I nod and Percy mutters: "Hagrid's lost it."
But then Greengrass gasps and says: "But if Hagrid told Potter, Granger and Weasley that, then drunk." And her sister continues, just as shocked: "He must have told the same to that fake Dragon dealer." And they chorus: "And that is what Harry must have realized when he saw that owl flutter towards the school."
Everyone looks shocked, while Harry lowers his head in embarrassment and I say: "Like I said, my buddy gets the most amazing theories, out of the simplest of things." And everyone nods, many students looking at the red-faced boy impressed, while Parkinson looks angry at being proven wrong as I read on.
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He was highly against Authority figures after the whole debacle with McGonagall and the fact none of the teachers noticed what other students were doing to him, but he knew this was the point where they needed help.
This makes many students smile and Narcissa says: "That he can still trust in adults after being abused by his family and the accusations of his Head of House." She then turns to her cousin and says: "You truly have a remarkable boy there, Sirius, and you better be very proud of him." Sirius nods at her and he softly says:
"I am, Cissy, I certainly am." And he hugs Harry close to him, my buddy's eyes sparkling and looking like dew-filled grass as he slowly, gently moves himself to sit on his mum's lap and slowly, carefully wraps his arms around the man – which I can only assume is because of his still injured legs. I shake my head at this before reading on.
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Now every one of the students and even Snape and McGonagall turn to the twins, which kind of makes me want to snicker, but they hold up their arms and the left of them says: "Hey, we've only been sent to the Headmaster's office three times and none of them were because of our pranks." To which the other goes on and says:
"Yeah, we always kept to the rules Percy playfully pushed into our minds at young age or that we tried learning to keep to the law. We were only called at the beginning of their Second, Third and this year and that was with the request –." But then both whiten and their white faces looking at each other worries me and I ask:
"What? What request?" The two look down with great shame, their entire happy and playful demeanor vanishing in a sudden flash and they say: "The request to keep an eye out for you as he feared something like the year previous would happen and to always report to him whatever we found out about from the three of you."
Then suddenly, while my older brothers gasp as they realize what the twins did and while dad turns furious, do they come rushing at me and to my shock, do they shout apologies in my ear and speak words like had no idea and used us as spies. I realize what must have made them whiten, but my lips thin in anger and I say:
"You cannot be blamed for that." The two look at me and I say: "Dumbledore even got McGonagall and Snape to believe Harry was well-treated and arrogant. That man could have made everyone – maybe even You-Know-Who – I mean, Tom – believe he was the finest wizard there was and that he knew the best.
You can't be blamed for falling for his tricks." The two smile and hug me again, a clear sign they still care about me deeply and that they want to regrow the bond broken by that blasted woman so long ago. I return the hug with the same intentions and ideas and when they have sat back down, do I grant them one last smile before reading on.
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"I am a Gryffindor, you know." The girl kids around, shocking many, except for Harry and me as we are used to it, but then Harry says: "Sorry professor, but I think the book means bravely as in bravely enough to still trust her after she insulted you and your values so badly." The woman looks down, Hermione nods and I read on.
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Harry cringed, expecting a hit by the books – or at least another terrible insult to him not caring about something important.
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"And you saw no problems in that, Minerva?" Flitwick asks, the man's voice sharp with the shock he must be feeling at hearing this and instantly Harry, Hermione and I are on sharp, our ears open and our eyes looking somewhere else – which is for me and Hermione each other and for Harry Viktor – before the man goes on:
"You know as well as I do Fudge always used the floo if he or other Department Heads needed Albus for help. Only for advice would a letter be send." But then, while the Minister nods at this and while McGonagall turns red in evidence that she forgot about this, do I think of something and growl: "That rotten bastard."
Everyone looks at me and I say: "If Professor Flitwick has known that all along, then Dumbledore must have known that too. Especially when he received and read the letter. He left, knowing it was a fake. He went along with the plans of evil." Everyone growls as they realize I'm right and with anger strong in the room, do I read on.
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"At the moment, it would have been, Minerva." Fudge says and Professor McGonagall mutters: "I realize that now, Cornelius." And the woman again lies her head in her hands, while she mutters: "And I don't want to think what effects this conversation will have on Mr. Potter." The Minister agrees with her and I read on.
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Harry had a feeling she had caught onto his slip and hoped that would not inspire her not to believe him. Again he was disappointed.
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Especially by us teachers." That last made it perfectly clear to Harry that McGonagall trusted her opposite Head of House and his hopes that Snape wasn't the culprit rose a little – but not enough that he didn't think something bad wouldn't soon happen.
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The fact she didn't take three First years serious about something even Seventh years obviously hadn't been able to find out made him lose the last bit of trust he had in her – concerning valuable information at the least.
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"We sure did. Still, Dumbledore knew he had fallen – or rather yet willingly walked into – a trap and still he insisted on checking with all Departments that usually ask for his aid." To which I grumble: "More like wanted to waste time he could spend on protecting my buddy. He was purposely stalling for time, the bastard."
Everyone growls and I know Dumbledore will get the cursing of a lifetime when time runs again – not to mention a hard meeting with the stone ground, seeing he must still be suspended in time. This makes me snicker as I imagine Dumbledore trying to think of ways to avoid the ground without being able to move a muscle.
But then I realize what I'm thinking and shake my head, realizing that outside the hall everything – except the kitchens – is frozen in time, meaning Dumbledore doesn't even have the time to think – and won't have any time to think of a way to avoid the ground when he lands. I snicker softly, trying not to draw attention and read on.
PS – Chapter 16, Page 288 – PS Harry avoided eye-contact because of his suspicions, but was at the same time trying to read the man's posture and look – to see if he meant harm or help.
PS – Chapter 16, Page 288 – PS Harry spared a quick glance in his black eyes, but while the same twisted look wasn't in there, was there nothing indicating the opposite either. This only slightly appeased Harry as it meant Snape could very well be a Neutral case in all this – not that all he discovered spoke of the same.
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The words, he knew, had a hidden meaning, but all he could pick out from it was that he either should or shouldn't be out that night – something that strengthened his belief about that trap and the Stone.
PS – Chapter 16, Page 289 – PS She turned and as she did, Harry noticed her lips rising in fondness. He shook his head and put it back on focus.
"I really wish you could keep it focused on such simple matters." Sirius moans, hugging his son and then suddenly I see that Snape seems to be bent over his armchair's armrest. I raise my head a little and see two ears, of which the bat-like shape make me know he's talking to a House Elf. He then turns back and I read on quickly.
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"MINERVA!" This time, before Sirius or other family members could shout, the teachers round on the woman and while this seems to appease the angry parents, does Flitwick ask: "Since when do you hand out such harsh treatments? What the hell is wrong with you to treat the son of your favorite ex-students like that?"
To which the woman says: "That's just it." The others look at her confused, but Sirius seems angered even more at this and he spats: "Trying to keep Harry from being an insufferable prankster like his dad is no excuse of taking 50 points for being at any corridor or out after curfew. Especially not if you don't even have plan to explain it to him."
The woman lowers her head further and Professor Snape says: "My House might lack proper behavior towards other students, but it seems Gryffindor House lacks a severe amount of communication between Head of House and students. You really have to work on that, Minerva." The woman nods and I angrily read on.
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He still hoped Snape had a neutral role in all this and still wondered what Quirrell's role was in the entire situation as he seemed to keep coming up as often as Snape had done, but he knew the time to think and wonder about that was over.
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"Now they're going to get it." Hermione smiles at me and while trying to fight the goosebumbs that I can feel rising up from underneath my skin, do I say: "They won't believe he can say things like that." But then I think on and ask: "But first I think Harry will be the one who gets it – from his mother, I mean." The girl nods at me and I read on.
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"ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND?" Sirius shouts, his voice sounding as mad as it did the day we found out about Pettigrew being the real traitor, while Remus shouts: "NO WAY IN HELL WILL YOU DO THAT, HARRY JAMES POTTER!" But then Narcissa Malfoy actually shouts: "IT WAS NOT HIS FAULT!"
Everyone looks at her and before either parent can object to her words, does she say: "We already know the culprit – and I don't mean you, Severus. I mean that idiot Dumbledore. He left, knowing it was a trap and purposely stalled his visit, just to let Harry think he had to take the man's place and protect the Stone.
Had Dumbledore stayed, then the real thief would have never made a move and Harry would have gone back outside to enjoy the week with his friends, knowing Dumbledore would keep the Stone safe." Everyone nods, Sirius and Remus now having calmed down from where they were halfway out of their seats and Harry mutters:
"A few weeks ago I remember going to bed – it was right after that Divination thing where I took a look in Dumbledore's pensive – and I remember thinking how it all started with Voldemort – but I guess at this point, it all starts with Dumbledore." Everyone nods, while only a few shudder at the name and I read on.
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"Ron, stop." Hermione smiles at me, her gentle tone of voice confusing me and making many turn to look at her as do I with a confused look, but then she says: "You did a nice try there, but that was nothing like how Harry said it. Harry, would you mind quoting what you said that day? You can use the book if you like."
I see my mate turning red and then, while many students now share excited and curious glances with each other, does Viktor pull him close and says: "I would love to hear what makes your friends so proud of you, красив глас на душата ми. Please let us hear it." The boy nods, albeit reluctantly and I hand him the book.
He lies it on his lap and closes his eyes, before opening them with the same dreamy look I sometimes noticed on the Lovegood girl's face. I realize he's trying to put himself back in the situation he was in back then and then, while everyone looks shocked at seeing this look on his face, does he suddenly speak just like he did then.
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I shake my head, almost feeling myself falling into a flashback of all those years ago and when I feel as if I am back to being in the present smile at my best friend, the goosebumps of so long ago back on my skin, while even the teachers and Remus have their mouths wide open as they look at their student and son in pure shock.
Harry's words were really just like they were all those years ago – down to the tone – and I can tell he seems just as into what he just said as everyone else as that same determined and angered look is on his face. Then Luna Lovegood is the first to start clapping and I quickly follow her lead – before everyone else follows mine.
Harry seems to get broken out of his memory by this and then, realizing what he did, hides his face in Viktor's shirt, but the Bulgarian Seeker and Champion just hugs him close, a large proud grin on his face and kisses his hair lovingly, while Sirius and Remus smile in pure ecstatic pride of what their son said all those years ago.
Then, when everyone has calmed down and students start whispering with each other in awe, does Sirius say: "I don't like the fact you had to use this amazing talent to convince your friends you had to go and save the Stone, but damn – even James couldn't make such speeches. And Merlin, did he practice when he was Head Boy."
Remus nods and Harry moves his head to the man to show him a small smile, making his mother gently run a hand down his son's face. I then take back the book that now lies on the boy's lap and when everyone has stopped talking once more – and when Viktor has helped Harry to just sit on his lap again – do I read on.
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Harry could barely believe the two would do this for him. Hermione, who was always aiming to please the teachers and prove she was part of the Magical world; willing to go behind teachers' backs for Harry's sake. And Ron, who wanted to stay at Hogwarts, perform and outdo his brothers so badly; risking his future career as a student just for him – Harry. A strong part of him doubted the idea of him even being worth it, but it also fueled his determination to do everything he could to keep these two miracles in his life.
They really were the blessing he had been waiting for, for so long.
Hermione slightly has tears in her eyes as she and I smile at our best friend, who seems really into the book as he smiles back with small signs of tears in his eyes – tears that prove he believes what is written. I wink at my best friend, to show him we're always there for him and his answering nod inspires me to read on.
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Harry had noticed that the boy had been around a lot more since the points loss and for some reason he just didn't believe it was because Fred and George were keeping their distance from Harry, but trying to stay close to Ron. Maybe it was the fact that Lee often stayed in the common room when Fred and George had already gone to bed, but Harry and Ron, Harry and Hermione or all three of them hadn't.
Lee smiles, while I can barely believe that my best friend noticed this and the twins hang their heads, one of them muttering: "Our best friend doing what we should do for our little brother." And the other says: "Just because we disapprove of one stunt his best friend supposedly pulled." And they hang their heads even further as I read on.
PS – Chapter 16, Page 291 – PS On the staircase he saw Lee lounging against the wall opposite of the door to the Third years boys dorm. The elder boy looked at him, then motioned for the door with his eyes, before rolling them. He then walked into the dorm and winked at Harry, as if trying to tell the boy something.
Harry stood still at the doorway to the First years dorm. He could barely believe what had just happened. Lee had shown him he didn't approve of his best friends' behavior and silently told Harry to hang in there. He actually still had a friend – other than Neville, Ron and Hermione – in Gryffindor House.
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At this do my year mates and the Gryffindor Quidditch Team moan in disappointment. "Too bad, mate. That might have kept that dog asleep for hours instead of for how long the music played." I mutter at my best friend and he shrugs, making me shake my head, before I say: "As a make-up, I ask of you to sing at the next Sorting."
The boy looks shocked, but then I see his eyes flashing towards the books and with a grin I could have easily put on the twins' faces, he says: "Deal." I smile, glad my mate is willing to finally start showing his actual talents and then read on, not understanding why Hermione seems to have trouble holding back laughter.
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He really hoped Neville would understand this could lead to something like what happened weeks ago. That he would let them go. He was safe with Ron and Hermione and wouldn't try anything that could really get him killed. Not intentionally, at least. But Neville was clearly steeling himself to do something desperate.
PS – Chapter 16, Page 292 – PS Suddenly Harry saw that the boy was looking at him desperately and he understood. Neville didn't mind them going out. He just didn't want them caught or on even worse grounds with the other students – he was just protecting Harry from anything that could get him a relapse. Harry smiled at his friend and took a step forward, ready to explain the situation.
This makes me cringe as I had missed the entire episode in my need to aid my friend in this adventure and make sure he wouldn't harm himself. I hadn't wanted to give You-Know-Who any chances of reviving and that had nothing to do with fear of what he would do to Hogwarts would he indeed come back to life.
I had feared for the life of my best friend, who had been targeted as an infant and would surely be targeted again. Wanting to avoid that happening at any costs I had been furious at Neville, believing him to want to thwart my plans to protect my best buddy and I had lashed out at the poor boy – while his intentions were the same as mine.
I look at Neville in apology, but the boy's too busy being stared at to notice and I shake my head, realizing that he and Harry – not to mention me and Hermione – would always be stared at, no matter what we do or don't do. I sigh, knowing with this will cause for a lot of happiness and trouble for us four and continue the chapter.
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Harry tried not to regret his decision.
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Harry vowed he would explain. He would stop Snape – or whoever was behind all of this – and then explain Neville everything they discovered, so that he would understand. He still owed him an explanation about Norbert after all.
PS – Chapter 16, Page 293 – PS or even acceptable after what the boy had tried to do for Harry. So he stalled just a little bit longer – to the complaints of Ron – and Levitated Neville onto the Gryffindor couch. Ron stopped complaining at once and they left – Harry still feeling bad.
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"Is this that Baron thing you keep talking about?" The twins chorus and I nod, happily smiling widely and Remus says: "You know, for such a dangerous chapter, are there still quite some fun parts too." Everyone nods and Harry asks: "Want me?" And I almost throw the book at him. My best friend laughs and starts to read.
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I shake my head, quickly looking around for the poltergiest along with several of the other students around me, but then Sprout says: "Very good imitation of Peeves, Mr. Potter." This makes me smile and I ask: "Did you study how to speak Ghost or something?" My best friend laughs again, but doesn't answer and instead reads on.
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I then notice the situation that has transpired around my best friend and quickly slap a hand on his mouth to keep him from reading further and when he looks at me with his big green eyes of confusion, I motion for his side. He looks the other way and sees his parents looking at him with eyes that almost fall out of their sockets.
The rest of the students are just as quiet, just like when Harry did his speech, and I smile, saying: "Peeves still has to figure out that it was Harry and not the Baron. He does know Harry has a Cloak and thinks Harry put the Baron on him, so that he could sneak past. Peeves has been terrified of Harry ever since."
Everyone laughs and I see Remus opening his mouth. I quickly cast a Silencing spell at the twins and the man says: "An action worthy of the Marauders. And Ron, already ahead of you." And as I take the book back, I see his wand lying on his lap with his hand on the handle. I smile at him, return to the Owl stand and read on.
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"Harry?" I ask and the boy speaks:
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Everyone looks around, all of their eyes scanning the walls for a sign of the menacing Ghost of Slytherin House, but then the twins jump at Harry and bow to his feet, praying: "Teach us! Teach us, please! Oh Great one, teach us your methods! Teach us your holy methods of even tricking the untrickable Peeves!"
But Harry smiles at me and then at his parents, before he slaps his front pocket and says: "Sorry boys, I can't teach you what's in my genes." The two look up and confused and Harry says: "It will all be explained in the Third book." The two nod, eagerly looking at the book in question and when they have sat back down do I read on.
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Harry pushed the door open if only to turn back and hide his tears of gratitude.
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This has everyone on the edge of their seats and I know they all eagerly want to know how we passed that amazing, gigantic mutt, not to mention the other protections we had to face to get to the Stone. Wondering how the First years will react to the dangers we faced – not to mention our parents – I gulp and read on.
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"Ron, there's always a time to be a gentleman and let the lady go first." One of the twins tells me and then the other goes on: "But that wasn't it." I nod at them and say: "I know. It would have been better had I proposed to go first and find out what was down there." The two nod, but then I share a glance with Harry and read on.
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"And the reason you didn't do that in the first place?" Sirius asks his son and Harry says: "Fury at Dumbledore for falling for a trap and the lingering feeling of betrayal caused by McGonagall. Adults, by that time, were to me a final choice opportunity; something I only do when there's nothing else I could do." The man sighs and nods as I read on.
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"Is that good?" A timid first year asks and Professor Sprout answers worriedly: "No! No, it's definitely not." Now the adults look at each other and Remus says: "If the strict, but ever kind and calm Pomona Sprout is this worried, what on earth could be happening in there?" And I read on, not wanting them to worry further.
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In his eyes this was a good thing as it meant he was healing off all the things the Dursleys had done to him, including the long days to weeks in the pitch-black cupboard – but he knew he couldn't focus on that. He'd silently celebrate once the culprit was stopped – or once Dumbledore got his head back on his neck and realized he was needed here. Harry shook his head to focus and let his hands glide over the surface.PS – Chapter 16, Page 297 – PS
Now all of the 4th year Badgers, Ravens and Lions turn to Neville and Susan asks: "Neville, what kind of plant could be deadly enough it would worry Professor Sprout?" But the boy looks just as worried and says: "Loads of them, really. I need a few more details on it to know which one. But it's magical, that's for sure." Susan nods and I read on.
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"DEVIL'S SNARE!" Neville shouts, jumping up from his single sitter and Harry and I look at each other, while everyone looks at him shocked. I nod and he says: "And all it took was a description of the actions. He didn't even hear what it looked like." This makes the boy sit down embarrassed and we both smile at him, before I read on.
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"Around his WHERE?" The twins chorus and dad shouts: "RON GET OVER HERE NOW!" I blush in slight embarrassment, but obey his command and as I sit next to him on the half-circular couch he and my brothers are on, does he hug me tightly while all my other brothers either grab each other or onto my legs.
I smile at them – glad they seem to care for me so much they worry about something that had happened years ago and send each of them a comforting smile, before Sirius asks: "Please tell me it didn't try that with you." But Harry shakes his head and says: "Never got that far." The man moans and hugs him close as I read on.
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The pressure wasn't even the worst of the current situation to Harry, the strength of the grip was more of a problem as it made his still fragile bones hurt and he felt one was about to crack – again.
This makes Hermione whimper and because I know what happens next, do I say: "Don't worry, you probably acted long before that could happen." The girl nods and smiles at me as she, Neville and Luna also take a seat at the couch, that Bill charms to be almost completely circular, with only one entrance in the southwest.
She then quickly sits with Ginny next to Percy, who holds his youngest sibling as he sits too far away from Ron to hold him and while the teachers scaredly look at my best friend, the students vividly change their views from Harry to me and Sirius whimpers as he pulls his son gently on his lap, is the entire hall utterly silent as I read on.
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A motion Erica had taught him had made him capable of moving his arms so that his back and chest were protected from being instantly squished, but the pressure on his arms was starting to become unbearable.
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Now Hermione cringes and before anyone can stand up – before McGonagall can even make a single sound or move, do I shout: "How would you feel if your friends are covered in dead-gripping vines and all you have witnessed was First year lessons, Quidditch and a Mountain Troll?" Everyone sits down and I read on.
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Now many students look at me and because the tension is about to suffocate me, do I say: "Hey, best friend rights. And I was about to choke." Everyone either shakes their head or snickers at the easy way I say it, but the action also causes dad to hug me tighter and I sigh, not wanting to worry him further and I read on.
PS – Chapter 16, Page 298 & 299 – PS and swinging his arms a little to get life back into them.
PS – Chapter 16, Page 299 – PS, his quick reaction mostly due to the fact he didn't want them arguing down where they were so he spoke before Hermione could even get angry at Ron.
Everyone snickers and Hermione asks: "We don't argue that much, do we?" To which Ginny lies a hand on her shoulder and says: "Hermione, I wouldn't be surprised if one day you two would argue about whether or not you're arguing right then." The girl turns red and sends her a mocking glare while I read on – equally red.
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Charlie turns to our eldest brother and Bill holds up his hands and says: "Charlie, all I can do is see if I can get you an employee's tour throughout the bank to see how the Dragons are doing and if there is anything you can do to improve their living conditions and work at the bank. That's all. I'm not even supposed to confirm that they're there."
Charlie nods, but still glares and Bill says: "Look, I'll try to find out if the Goblins use Dragons and see what families use them. Then maybe I can convince those families to use other creatures or forms of protections, but I can't promise a thing. Even with my job, I don't get much of a say in there." Now Charlie smiles a little and I read on.
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The soft tone and the fact it sounded like they were with many comforted Harry that it couldn't be a Dragon; no way would anyone put a herd of Dragons this deep under the school.
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I shake my head, remembering how amazed I had been when I saw him study the environment as quick as he had and say: "And all he did was –." And I shortly look up – for perhaps a minute or one and a half – and then move my head down to Hermione, looking at her for the same amount of time, before looking behind me.
I then shake my head and say: "And he already saw that the things were bird-like, that they were bright and that the door was made of heavy-wood. Honestly, that kid's got to be some kind of cat-like Animagus, because his senses are just amazing." Everyone nods, while Sirius smiles in pride at his son and I read on.
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Hermione wanted to protest, but he had already turned back and looked up, watching the spectacle above him close enough to see how high they were flying – he wanted to make sure they had a large distance to cross to reach him before he would actually try anything.
He saw that they were about the height of the Quidditch hoops and felt it was safe to run.
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He looked back at Ron and Hermione's relieved faces and then looked up and saw that while the swarm was flying a little lower, it was still flying around harmlessly. He pulled the handle, but it was locked.
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Harry looked at her after that and she told him, "Many complicated spells are broken by simple basic spells, because witches and wizards overlook these, not thinking them important enough, and thus forget to put up the right protections." PS – Chapter 16, Page 300 – PS
"And you've got the youngest Seeker in a century in the same room!" The twins shout in pleasure, but this turns the Malfoy elders and Harry's parents grim and when one of the twins asks: "What's wrong? It's good they have Harry there, isn't it? It means they'll be out of all that trouble quicker, because he'll have the right key in a jiffy."
But then Lucius says: "Which is exactly what Dumbledore wants. He over-obviously decorated these traps to be breached by no one but the teachers, the – Him – and those three. Young Harry's clear head and Granger's good attention saved them the last time and now it's Harry's flying abilities that will get them further.
He's just clearing the path for them, while making it look like he was really trying to keep a thief from stealing the Stone. It was all planned – from Hagrid taking Harry shopping to the protections he must have insisted being used." Now the twins look grim, along with the rest of the hall – mostly Harry's parents and my family – and I read on.
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I cringe as that had hurt, but then the twins shock me and instead of mocking me, do they pull me in between them and hug me closely, their expressions showing that they see no need in lightening the atmosphere as they are much too worried about me. I smile at my elder siblings, showing them my gratitude and then read on.
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The same happens in the Great Hall and the twins finally let me go enough for me to breath normally as I read on, but don't let go of me completely and still hold their arms linked behind my back with their hands on my shoulders. They obviously won't let go until the chapter's over and smile at their love and worry before reading on.
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This makes everyone who was at school back then and who had been at the End of The Year Feast gasp and Percy said: "Dumbledore spoke of that. He said Ron won points because he played the best-played game of chess in many years. I thought it meant he had to play against some transfigured copy of McGonagall or something."
The woman looks down and says: "I was the only one Dumbledore couldn't fully convince to change my protection to his wishes, Mr. Weasley. He did convince me to use my talent as a Chess Master, but he couldn't get me to do exactly that. Then again, he didn't try all that long either." This makes Percy look as if he wonders who to be angry at and I read on.
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He really wasn't, but then again the only one he ever played against was Ron and be honest, who could beat him?
This makes a small smile appear on my face, while many of the students who had seen me play actually nod in agreement with my friend and then Remus looks up and asks: "Minerva, would you and Ron mind teaching Harry about chess and other mind-trick games? It would really help him with his under-achieving problem."
I instantly nod, wanting to get my mate off that ridiculous problem yesterday if I could and the woman says: "Anything to make of Mr. Potter the student he deserves to be." And all other teachers nod, while Harry turns red and I read on.
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Immediately upon hearing this does Percy whiten as he looks at me with wide eyes and one of the twins asks: "Is something wrong, Perce?" Before the asks: "Yeah, what's with the white face?" And the boy says: "I've been watching all of Ron's games – or at least the ones where I was present – since he started Hogwarts. He – he always –."
My elder brother gulps, while I'm surprised Percy kept such a close eye on me that he knew what I did with what pieces, yet also wonder how he didn't know of this before if he did and the others also turn white as they realize it must be something bad and then Percy says: "He always sacrifices his knight. Always the left one."
All my brothers look at me and the strength of the grip the twins have on me strengthens again, while Hermione and Luna go sit with Percy to comfort him while Ginny goes to sit in between Bill and Charlie for both their comfort as well as her own. We all hold onto each other and as dad lies a hand on my arm, do I read on.
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"Are you saying this is like real WIZARD'S CHESS?" Dad asks, shouting at the end and then, after my nod makes him whiten in pure fear and hold me even tighter, does suddenly Luna ask: "Why isn't Mss. Prewett reacting?" Everyone looks around and Bill says: "I saw she wanted to go over to Harry this morning.
I tied her up, gagged her and put her on one of the plates above the hall, while putting a day-long invisibility and silencing spell on her. We won't be hearing a word from her and personally, I think it a blessing." Everyone nods, some of the younger students looking at the plates hanging around the hall and Terry says:
"And the fact a Ravenclaw who doesn't even know her noticed her absence first really proves her importance to us all, doesn't it?" To which we snicker and Mrs. Malfoy says: "As far as we're concerned is she disowned from the Weasley and the Black Houses, seeing as her mother is Cedrella Black by birth."
Sirius then shakes his head and says: "I was always proud to be one of the people who Mother burned off the Family tapestry, but I really believe Cedrella and Septimus made a big mistake when they had – or at least raised – Molly." Everyone nods, me not feeling a single hint of sympathy towards my ex-mother and I read on.
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"Oh Merlin, that's your favorite victory strategy. You're actually playing with your winner's strategy, aren't you?" Percy asks me, while Hermione and Luna holding him seems to keep him slightly calm despite his anxious face and I can only nod as I'm shocked that Percy actually knows my favorite victory strategy.
Then Charlie asks: "Is that bad, Perce?" And Percy nods and says: "It's the strategy he used to beat Grandpa Septimus. It's the one he's been using since he first learned the game. And it always ends the same. Just listen." Everyone nods, all of the Fourth years now white with worry and awe and I read on, not wanting Percy to worry more.
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Percy lowers his head and he mutters: "The Knight is taken by the queen and then the Bishop checkmates the King. It's the same strategy he used – all those years ago. He plays and loses so many of his own pieces that his Bishop and Knight can easily move as they play." I shake my head, barely believing how well he knows me and read on.
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Now McGonagall lowers her head, while the twins grips are almost choking me and she mutters: "I never wanted that sacrifice to hurt my students. I never thought any students would get that far." And then she shocks the entire hall and spats: "Curse you, Dumblefuck!" We all look at her shocked and then I shake my head and read on.
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Harry cursed himself inwardly. Percy had constantly – even when he was the most hated student around – taught him about Ron's playing strategies so he could develop strategies against it and he had been too late to notice it. Now there were just not enough pieces of their side left for Ron to switch strategies and he and Harry knew it. There was no alternative.
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He had tears in his eyes – tears for how his actions of going down here had hurt his friends and shook his head as he moved on. He had to move quickly – get all this over quickly – because he faster he moved, the sooner Ron would be at the Hospital wing. He just hoped Hermione wouldn't be there with his friend.
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"A troll?" Bill asks, his face showing he's fully into his role as Curse Breaker and he goes on: "Quirrell actually puts up something even he's terrified of as a defense? How is he supposed to check up on his defenses if he doesn't even dare get near them?" But I see Harry scowling furiously, as if he remembers something and read on.
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"Better be careful there, Potter." Moody says, suddenly talking while all we heard of him during the book were grunts and him moving his wooden leg, thus his voice causing us all to jump up in shock as we have all completely forgotten about him, which in turn makes him glare at the adults that had been startled as well.
He then goes on and says: "It's the least harmful looking ones that are always the most dangerous ones. If you really want to be careful, then suspect those the rest would least suspect." To which Harry asks: "Let me guess, sir. You know the name of the culprit?" The man smirks at him, while Harry shakes his head with a smile and I read on.
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Now Sirius turns to Snape and while clearly behaving on pure fear and instinct, does he ask: "Was that really necessary?" The man snorts and says: "I was never thinking about students when I put those enchantments up, Black. Never the less, did I make sure that those testing the enchantments could leave the room unscratched."
"How?" Harry asks and the man asks: "You didn't check the downside of the table for clues, did you Potter?" Harry shakes his head and Snape says: "Bad move. I had several bottles of the antidote for the flames behind you stored there." This makes Harry look sheepish, but Sirius smiles at the man in gratitude and I read on.
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I shake my head, completely buzzed by what I just read and Parvati whispers to Lavender: "Did you know Professor Snape was a poet?" But, while the boys around her snicker and Snape turns red as the whisper didn't go unheard, does Harry say: "It's not a poem; it's a riddle, like with the Sphinx." The girls nod and I read on.
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"Did it really take her only that minute?" Snape asks, his voice filled with his own pride being on the verge of being shattered and Harry shakes his head, making the man look slightly relieved, but then Harry ruins that as he actually says: "Three, maybe three and a half, give or take." The man groans and Harry says:
"Hey, it's like she said. The greatest of our kind don't have an ounce of logic. They just use their magic and think it will solve everything, without thinking things through and making mistakes by underestimating others and whatnot." The man nods while some of the purebloods look a little affronted and I read on.
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"You've got a good head on you, lad." Moody tells my friend, his voice holding a hint of pride I hadn't really expected and he says: "Doing what's right when it's right, knowing just who to take along and who to leave behind and no underestimating your enemies, no matter who they are. You'd make a fine Auror, you would."
My best friend first cringes, but then smiles widely and the man groans, before asking: "Let me guess. That duplicating dumbass – "Alastor!" McGonagall shouts – told you the same." Harry nods and while the scarred man sits back and mutters all kinds of curses – completely ignoring McGonagall's angry glare – do I read on.
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"And there you screwed up, lad." Moody speaks up, shooting out of his leaned-back sitting position and staring down hard at my best friend, who gets hugged by the two women and three men around him, while Moody says: "Never count on luck. It's too much based on time and convenient moments. Too unreliable." Harry nods and I read on.
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That was true, after all. She had all right and access to show her full potential, while he held back at exactly the wrong points and in the wrong way, thus screwing up the rest of his student career plans.
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"And that coming from the smartest, most book-craziest witch Hogwarts has ever known." Pansy Parkinson sneers, but I spat: "At least it didn't come from the most insulting and fashion-degrading student Hogwarts has ever known." The girl looks shocked, but while she reddens in furious anger, do I ignore her and read on.
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Now everyone is holding onto someone – Sirius, Remus and Viktor onto Harry, Erica and Mss. Crenson onto each other, the twins onto me, Hermione and Luna onto Percy, Bill onto Ginny, Charlie onto dad, Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy onto their son, Mr. and Mrs. Tonks onto their daughter, Mss. Bones onto her niece – and so on and so forth.
The tension is all around and I wonder if the last two sentences will break it or make it worse. I look around – knowing I am intentionally drawing extra time but not caring – and see that every eye is on me. Feeling quite open and almost x-rayed I realize how Harry must feel every day and feel bad for my buddy as I read on.
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Everyone looks shocked though I'm sure if Harry hadn't defended him the shock would have been greater and Luna says: "It does make sense that it's not Professor Snape. Even Dumbledore wouldn't keep him hired if he was a thief." Everyone looks at her as if she's grown an extra head, but I smile at her, getting her strategy.
She distracted them from the real danger up ahead. She eased their worry with her seemingly mindless talking. She really has the role as true Ravenclaw down to her very core. And while I wonder why none of the other Ravens – especially those in her year – can understand that, do I feel my respect for the unusual girl growing.
Hey everyone,
I had a lot of fun re-editing this chapter and I am very happy with how it turned out. A few parts needed some text added to it, others needed some characters and their emotions getting fleshed out, yet overall I am very happy with this chapter, especially as it proves that the characters still know about Harry's injury.
Also, yes, Harry will be out of the wheelchair very soon, just not yet. The stupid thing is that I had forgotten about this by the end of the first book and the chapters describing things happening between the first and second book were with Harry walking and strolling around – which shouldn't be possible because of his leg.
Oops, silly me,
Venquine1990
