Harry's Future, Part 38
'Professor Potter'. The phrase had different meanings depending upon who was considering them. For Professor McGonagall it was the realization of a hope six years in the making, ever since a certain seventh year demonstrated an affinity for his subject and his students that could only be described as 'natural'. For Professor Weasley it meant the professional satisfaction of having a collaborator and partner that could greatly enhance the effectiveness of his own DADA class and produce some truly well qualified witches and wizards. Personally it meant his 'brother' was out of harm's way for a least a school year. This point of view was shared by the other members of the Weasley clan to include Professor Potter's wife.
To the students of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry it meant a number of things. They saw him as a strange mix of legend and reality. The legend was a towering figure of power, will and almost superhuman endurance. The reality appeared to be an average sized young man approaching his mid twenties who bore the scars of many encounters with dark forces but always seemed to be smiling and was ready to talk about anything that was of concern to a student. They were also well aware that the smiling countenance could quickly disappear to be replaced by a green eyed scowl if someone was displaying inappropriate behavior but that happened only rarely.
To the Professor himself it meant the opportunity to do something he truly loved and would gladly continue to do for a lifetime if he could only bring himself to accept that in doing so he wouldn't be 'letting down' his community. But he had time to consider and while doing so he was going to give his current, if temporary, assignment his all, and enjoy himself immensely in the process. At the moment, the Professor was sitting at the junior end of the Gryffindor table during a free period reading through some homework from his sixth year Applied Magic class. Harry wondered if maybe it would be a good idea to include a penmanship class for first year students. He knew that Hermione thought his own handwriting was poor but he swore at least one submission looked like a chicken had been dipped feet first in ink and allowed to wander on the parchment.
His attention was diverted to a pair of young students several places down concentrating over a small wizard's chess set. As he watched he was forced to conceal a wince as the white player made a move that doomed him to defeat in two, maybe three, moves. He thought Ron needed to come up and conduct some seminars, but perhaps that was taking it all too seriously. He went back to reading and two moves later he heard, "Checkmate".
Harry looked over at the white player and said,
"You should have moved your queen's side knight instead of the king's. It would have blocked the black queen and put more pressure on his king."
"Oh, ok, thank you, Professor."
Harry smiled and went back to doing his homework.
One other observation that the students made was that it seemed Professor Potter liked to talk to some rather unusual, well, 'people'. He was the only member of the faculty that was ever seen talking to the Centaur, Firenze. It was also fairly common to see him talking to this or that portrait in the lower corridors of the school. It might have been a few passing remarks or what appeared to be a fairly involved conversation. During one of his seventh year classes a student screwed up the courage to ask him about it.
"Are you all concerned that Professor Potter is becoming Professor Potty? One too many knocks to the head?" he said with a grin.
A few of the students gave nervous little laughs, others looked uncomfortable. Harry smiled back and shook his head.
"No, it's not like that. Let me see if I can explain. Have any of you ever been inside the Head's office?"
One student raised her hand. Harry recognized her as the school's Head Girl.
"Can you tell me what you saw in there?" he asked.
"Well, sir, I guess you're referring to all the portraits of former Heads?" she asked.
"Yes, I am. As you are well aware, the subjects of those portraits can talk to us. Many of them have quite a bit to tell us. Since my seventh year I've had the opportunity on a number of occasions to discuss problems I was working on with Professor Dumbledore and his predecessors and found them to be immensely helpful. Likewise Firenze and I go back a long way, my first year here in fact. And quite frankly, these folks are fun to talk to. You should try it some time."
During the next few days Harry noticed a bit more interaction between some of the students and the Hogwarts artwork. He was glad to see this because, he found out, the portraits were feeling a bit left out.
Harry was feeling rather content with how things were progressing. His first years were very enthusiastic, he was spending time with Bill and the second years and his new course was proving very interesting and challenging. His students had taken him seriously when he asked for their help and he was receiving quite a lot of input on what they liked, disliked or thought could be better. There was something else he was feeling as well. He had always thought of Hogwarts as someplace special. Despite the difficulties he had experienced from time to time it was the place where he had found himself, that gave him his sense of identity, of self. He had often referred to Hogwarts as a second home, after the Burrow, but it was the first place that had ever given him a sense of home, of belonging.
Those feeling were now starting to intensify. As the carriage would pass through the gates he would look out and examine the grounds in minute detail. He would look at the castle with a sense of satisfaction at how well the scars of the Last Battle and then the less damaging attack of the hybrid had been repaired. It annoyed him that his damaged knee was keeping him from freely wandering the upper halls. He was in a sense, developing a very proprietary attitude towards the school. On more than one occasion a student or group were reminded, kindly but firmly, that they should take more pride in the school and do a better job of picking up after themselves.
After the latest such episode he stopped and thought about it. He wondered what was at the center of this growing sense of ownership. As he thought about it that dry cold voice in the back of his mind said,
"I have fought and killed to protect this place. Several times. I have family and friends here and will have more in the future. This place is mine."
Harry stood there and blinked at the strength of feeling that was conveyed in such a dry, emotionless voice. It was true that dragons were very territorial, Charlie had told him, and perhaps that was driving these feelings. That night he discussed it with Ginny.
"So, you're telling me you're hearing voices?" she asked.
"Come on, Ginny. I've heard lots of voices over the years. You know that. At least this one is me. A part of me."
Ginny looked at her husband from across the kitchen table with that little squint and tilt of her head.
"You know, sweetheart, I should know by now that nothing about you should surprise me but sometimes you still manage it. I guess there's nothing really wrong with you feeling that way but I wouldn't let it get to far out of hand. I imagine that Professor McGonagall might not take it well if you started to tell her how to run the school."
"I don't think it's like that, Ginny. It's more like the place itself, not so much what goes on inside. I imagine if she decided to tear something down I'd probably feel differently. It's kinda weird though. The Burrow has been a home to me but I don't feel that possessive about it."
"Remember what the voice said, Harry. You've never really had to fight for the Burrow. There was that one time with the housebreakers but that wasn't much of a fight and they didn't die. Think of all the times you've been in a fight at Hogwarts. It seems like almost every year except our last. And then this last time with the hybrid. It does make sense. Like I said, just don't let it get away from you."
Harry nodded in acknowledgement but it was something that would occupy his thoughts more than a little over the following weeks. But it did not prevent him from enjoying his time. The club matches for Quidditch had begun and he and Ginny could be found in the stadium on Saturday mornings rooting the flyers on in a non partisan fashion. It appeared that the flyers had been in touch over the summer and they were wearing coordinated team colors, although the robes had a definite homemade look. Bill and Charlie Weasley were in evidence as referees as was the occasional familiar face from the camp. Harry yearned to be out there with them.
That dry voice is his mind would also occasionally suggest that it would be good to stretch his wings and he was sorely tempted. That idea and the feeling of territoriality combined to form an idea that emerged a couple of weeks before the Halloween ball was to be held. The idea waged a friendly war with Harry's self effacing nature but eventually won out and he went in search of his friend Hagrid for some assistance.
In the week leading up to the Ball, Harry confronted an issue common to all teachers, an under performing student. In Harry's case it was a fifth year wizard in his Applied Magic class. The current session was coming to a close and he had decided it was time to get to the bottom of it.
"Mr. Madsen, I'd like to talk to you for a few moments after the class is over."
"Yes, sir," the young man said, a certain resignation in his voice.
"Alright, everyone, that's all for today. See you next time," Harry said.
When the other students had left Harry waved Madsen to the front of the room. He indicated a desk in front of him. The young wizard took his place at the desk and looked at Harry. Harry regarded him for a moment.
"Mr. Madsen, to put it simply, I'm disappointed in the work I'm seeing from you. It's not on a par with the obvious intelligence that you possess. I've talked with some of the other professors and they tell me it's been the same with their classes over the last four years. Would you care to explain?" Harry asked.
"I'm I failing, sir?" the young wizard asked, but sounded like he already knew the answer.
"No, you're work is passable, if barely."
"Then I don't see what the problem is, sir. If I'm doing work that will get me a passing grade, that should be good enough," the boy said.
"Is that all you think you need to worry about, just passing? It's not going to give you many options for your future," Harry said, trying to read the expression on the boy's face.
"Sir, I'm muggle born from a rich family and an only child. I don't really need any options."
"Then why are you even here, Mr. Madsen?" Harry asked.
"When I was little, weird things used to happen around me. When I got my letter, it explained why but my parents didn't really want me being a wizard all my life, they just wanted me to learn enough to be able to keep things under control. I don't even plan on taking OWL tests or coming back for my sixth or seventh year."
"Then why in the world did you sign up for my class? It's all about learning to use magic in a comprehensive way with an emphasis on defense against the dark arts. If you have so little real interest in magic why are you here?" Harry asked.
"I thought it would be more interesting then just taking more of what I've already been through," the boy said matter-of-factly.
Harry stood up and walked around to step on to the platform that his desk rested on. He sat down and looked at some parchments on his desk then he locked eyes with Madsen.
"So you believe your family's wealth will provide you with all the security you need, financial as well as physical. Is that it?" Harry asked quietly.
"Yes, sir."
"Mr. Madsen. Did it ever occur to you that your family's wealth just might make you a target and a command of basic magic could provide you the best defense for you and your family?"
As Harry was saying this, a small book seemingly launched itself from a nearby bookcase and sailed over the young wizard's head, missing him by mere fractions of an inch. The boy ducked. Without blinking Harry continued,
"You see, Mr. Madsen, a threat or attack can come from anywhere, at anytime. Being prepared and aware might be the only thing that saves you or someone close to you."
This time a model of a large bat that was hanging from the ceiling transfigured into the real thing and swooped down at the boy who narrowly avoided it by diving under his desk. The bat returned to its place on the ceiling while the desk rose up and glided sideways.
"On your feet, young man," Harry instructed. "Apparently, you haven't paid much attention to anyone who discussed how Voldemort and his followers used stealth and deception to advance their plan to dominate our world. All your money would mean nothing if someone like that took it into their heads that you, your family or your riches were of interest to them."
The boy went rigid as Harry silently incanted 'immobulus' and then got up, dismounted the platform and came to stand in front of the frozen youngster.
"Do you see how easy that was for me? There are others that could do the same, especially if they weren't sitting right in front of you. Have you ever heard of the 'imperious' curse?" Harry asked.
The boy's eyes moved up and down in the affirmative.
"Well, I'm glad you seemed to have listened at some point. Then you realize that without your knowing it a witch or wizard could compel you to do all manner of things once they had you under their power. That was one way Tom Riddle got otherwise uncooperative people to do his bidding. Not as many as you might think, but still there were some. They could take control of you, your fortune, everything. Just how safe are you, Mr. Madsen?"
Harry could see that the boy was terrified. He released him and said,
"Sit down, please."
Visibly shaken the young wizard sat down in the chair but Harry left the desk where it was. He pulled his stool up so he was close enough to reach out and touch him. He once more fixed the boy with his green eyes and smiled a bit.
"Do you know much about me?" he asked.
"Only…only what people have mentioned or talked about in class," Madsen replied in a small voice.
"Ok, I realized I've managed to scare you and that wasn't really my intent but now that I have your attention, I want you to do something," Harry said as he took out his notebook and pencil stub.
He wrote out a brief message and handed it to the boy.
"I want you to take this to the librarian. She'll provide you with some things to read. When you finish them come back and see me. But don't take too long. It's important that we get this straightened out. Alright?"
"Yes, sir."
"Ok, off you go."
Harry watched as the boy stood up and then hurried, but didn't run, from the room. He shook his head and went back to his desk. Harry didn't realize what events his assignment would precipitate. When the young wizard presented the note to the librarian the following day, she provided him with the book published by Luna Lovegood's father as well as books that related Harry's first encounter with Voldemort as well as articles gleaned from the Prophet on his later exploits. When she inquired as to the need the boy explained his encounter with Professor Potter minus the more embarrassing details. While he was reading some of the material the librarian sent a note to the Headmistress who arrived shortly thereafter and was seen taking a seat across from the boy and holding a quiet conversation.
They left the library together shortly thereafter and the young fellow spent a very informative time in the Heads office. Apparently, the former Heads, professors all at one time or another, warmed to instructing the lad on what could safely be called their favorite topic. His last stop was the following morning after his DADA class. He sat and listened as Professor Weasley filled him in on what he thought was appropriate details of Harry's personal life as it related to the current issue. It was a very thoughtful young wizard that entered Harry's classroom that afternoon. As the class progressed, Harry noticed that Madsen's attention never wavered. His eyes followed Harry wherever he went, unless he was jotting down notes, something he rarely did up to this point. Harry dismissed the class and waited to see if Madsen would remain, which he did.
"So, Mr. Madsen. What can you tell me?" Harry asked.
"Well, sir. I can certainly understand why you feel the way you do. I guess it all seemed so distant when it gets talked about in a classroom. But you really did live all that stuff."
"Yes, I did, and I have the scars to prove it," Harry said with a smile. "The point I'm trying to make to you is that you may never have to do any of the things that I've had to do. In fact, I sincerely hope you never do. But it would only have to happen once to completely destroy your life, if you're not prepared to deal with it. It's like when you get into a car and you fasten your safety belt. Over your lifetime there will be thousands of rides were you didn't need it and if you're very lucky you never will, but it would only take one time where you didn't and needed to and you're done. So what now?"
"I think it might be a good idea if I paid attention more and put more effort into my work," Madsen said.
"That's all I ask. And if you need any help, I'm always available."
"Yes, sir."
Harry smiled as the fifth year stood up and with a single nod turned and left the classroom. Now if only he could do something about the sixth year with the writing chicken, Harry thought to himself. So it was late in the afternoon of Halloween day that he was in a decidedly good mood. He and Ginny were getting themselves ready for the dinner and dance and although he wasn't going to be able to do any dancing this year the prospect that his knee was going to be fixed to some credible level, he was content. He was also looking forward to what he had arranged with Hagrid who had been behaving like the world's worst co-conspirator with winks and grins whenever they crossed paths.
When it was time to leave they heard the thestral pulled carriage arrive at the front door. Kreacher held the front door for them and bowed them out. Ginny was wearing the green robe that she had worn as Hermione's matron of honor. Harry wore the formal robes he wore for their wedding. Ginny's pregnancy was only barely showing and under the robe it showed not at all.
"Well, I must say, Professor Potter. Arriving at the castle in our own carriage is very posh."
"Don't get used to it, Mrs. Potter. As soon as the leg heals the carriage disappears. I'll need the walk for the exercise," Harry said with a grin.
"That's ok, Harry. By then we'll be in our own house and I'll have other concerns to deal with," she said laying a hand on her abdomen.
Harry just smiled and gave her a brief kiss then lent her a hand up into the carriage and then he carefully followed. They enjoyed the brief ride to the front door, sitting side by side and holding hands. They slowly mounted the stairs and entered the castle, where they saw many students making their way to the Great Hall and they were hailed by a number of waves and greetings. Arm in arm they went down the corridor that brought them to the side entrance near the dais and tables for the faculty and guests.
As usual they were greeted by the radiant Mrs. Weasley who practically flowed down the short staircase from the dais. She wrapped Ginny in her long arms and held on tightly as they exchanged whispered confidences. Then it was Harry's turn. He received the usual hug and kisses on the cheek and forehead but before Harry could respond in kind she wrapped him tightly in her arms again and didn't appear to want to let go. Harry looked over at Ginny who just shrugged. Harry held on to his 'big sister' and started to rub her back. He felt her head shift so that it brought her mouth to his ear and she whispered,
"Eet makes me very 'appy to see you 'ere as Professor 'arry Potter. I weesh eet would always be so."
With last squeezes she finally relented and stepped back, her smile wistful and her eyes shining. She then hooked her arm in Ginny's and led her up to the table where Bill sat watching the exchange. Harry followed along and sat down after shaking hands with Bill. Harry looked out over the rapidly filling Hall. He caught sight of Abagail sitting at a table with some other sixth year Ravenclaws, with one chair conspicuously empty. As if sensing his gaze, Abagail turned and looked up at the table. She grinned and got up and hurried up to the dais. She was quickly up the steps and exchanging hugs with Ginny and Fleur from their chairs. She then approached Harry and stood at a respectful distance. They had agreed that there would be no hugs while within the school.
"Hiya, Professor Potter," she said with a grin.
"Little one, how are you doing tonight?" Harry asked with a smile.
"Just great. And in case you're wondering, Tom said he'd be here after work so I assume that will be in an hour or so."
Harry just nodded and smiled a bit. Ginny and Fleur leaned towards each other and exchanged a few words. Fleur looked at Abagail and then Harry with a raised eyebrow and a smirk. Harry was studiously avoiding meeting her glance and he concentrated on Abagail when he noticed something. It was obvious that his ward had made use of the makeup kit and lessons that Fleur had provided. It gave her a decidedly grown up air despite her short stature. Harry nodded again and said,
"Have him come up and say hello when he arrives. I haven't seen him in a while."
"Ok, sir, see you all later," she said and then turned and hurried down the steps.
"'arry, your smile ees as false as a dark weezard's oath. What ees the matter weeth you?" Fleur asked.
"I find the prospect of Abagail entering this stage of her life moderately disconcerting," Harry said in a low strained voice. "The fact that she has been receiving such expert guidance hasn't helped much either."
Fleur's eyebrows shot up and then she started to laugh, that low throaty chuckle that Harry recognized as her 'evil' laugh. He gave her his best green eyed glare. With a wave of her hand she said,
"'arry. You are too young to be such a grumpy old man."
Bill coughed to cover a laugh and decided it was time to change the subject. He asked Harry,
"What was all that with Madsen last week, Harry? He and I had a little chat about you after class one day. He said the Head 'suggested' it."
"She did?" Harry replied, a bit shocked. "That wasn't what I had in mind. I was trying to find a way to get through to him. To try and get him to see that it was important that he put more effort into his education. He thinks because he comes from a rich muggle family he only has to worry about keeping his magical abilities under control. I suggested he think of his ability as a last line of defense should his family's wealth attract the wrong kind of attention but it just wasn't sinking in. I thought if he knew more about my adventures, I'd guess you'd say, he might take what I was saying more seriously. I just told him to have the librarian give him some articles and books to look at. How'd you get involved?"
Bill's scarred face cracked with a smile.
"Apparently the librarian notified the Headmistress who then collected young Madsen and introduced him to the other occupants of her office. After that she sent him to me. Whatever your intention, Harry, it seems to be working. I've noticed he does pay more attention and his last assignment showed noticeable improvement."
Harry just shook his head while Ginny reached over and patted him on the forearm, her smiled barely keeping a fit of giggles at bay. Harry looked out over the growing crowd of students. It appeared to him that the Ball was working its magic for he noticed that the students generally appeared more well dressed then during previous events. The image of Ron Weasley and his absurd formal robe for the TriWizard Ball came to mind. He was glad that life had taken a more dignified and fair handed turn for his best friend and brother. As he scanned the Hall he noticed a familiar figure appear at the main entrance, who was likewise scanning the gathering of students. Harry watched as Tom Medford looked, then spotted Abagail and made his way towards her.
She had spotted him as well and they met about half way, she taking his hand in both of hers, as she often did with Harry. They stood that way and chatted for a few moments and then Tom looked up to see Harry. He said something to Abagail, who released his hand, and he proceeded toward the dais, alone. Harry stood up and began making his way to the steps.
"Harry?" Ginny started.
"Don't worry. I just wanted to say hello and talk some business," he replied with a smile that was only partly forced.
Ginny just gave him a look. He didn't even try to look at Fleur and he was reasonably sure that Bill was either grinning or trying to hide one. He slowly descended the stairs and waited at the bottom. As Tom approached he could tell he was a bit apprehensive.
"Good evening, sir."
"Tom. It's good to see you. How have things been going?" Harry asked.
"Fairly well, sir. Mr. Maxwell told me that if you requested, he and Mr. Milligan would be happy to come up and brief you on current events. Mostly it's been small incidents. The Patrollers are doing well and training is proceeding for those that Ms. Muntab has an interest in."
"I'm glad to hear that. I'll think about whether I want someone to come up. I know they must be busy. How about our friends in Europe?"
"Nothing new there, sir. It seems as if any lieutenants that old wizard had must have gone into deep hiding. Mr. Milligan's contacts on the continent haven't come up with anything new."
"Well, I can't say I'm happy we haven't dug them out but at least they aren't causing any visible trouble," Harry mused.
"Yes, sir," Tom said and then looking even more uncomfortable he continued. "Um, if you're concerned in any way with my being here, sir, don't be. Before I left I was assured that if I behaved in an unacceptable manner I would, and I quote, 'not be able to run far enough, no matter how long I lived, to escape the consequences'. It seems that Miss Westwood has many champions," he concluded with a wry grin.
Harry looked at the young man who had been so eager to be his assistant and be at the center of things that were happening at the Ministry. Harry knew how invaluable Tom had become to himself and the department in general and his growing reputation for hard work, dedication and trustworthiness. He took a breath and let it go. Then he smiled a bit and said,
"Try not to let it bother you. Enjoy the evening. I'll send an owl if I feel I need to talk to Maxwell or Milligan."
"Yes, sir, and thank you, sir."
Harry gave Tom a friendly cuff on the arm and turned back toward the stairs. As he made his way back to the table he met Fleur's eyes and just gave her a little crooked smile. He sat down and looked at his wife who said,
"Well, he didn't look too terrified so I can assume you were nice to him."
"There wasn't any need for me to terrify him. It appears the Aurors already took care of that for me. And I realized I've trusted him to do a lot for me before so I don't have any reason not to trust him now. So let them enjoy the Ball and I'll worry about things when I have something to worry about."
Ginny smiled at him and gave his arm a squeeze. The music was starting and Bill and Fleur excused themselves. Harry watched them descend the stairs and then looked over at Ginny.
"Sorry, love."
"Oh, Harry, don't give it a thought. Besides, I'm not so sure I'd be all that crazy about having you spinning me around the dance floor in my condition. It hasn't been all that long since I regained control of my stomach so I'm content to watch the others have fun tonight," she said with a smile.
So they watched as Bill and Fleur caused their usual stir on the dance floor with some of the older student couples trying to keep up. As usual the first and second years were huddled in gender specific groups on either side of the room and the middle years were eyeing each other nervously with the occasional brave souls venturing forth.
"There they go, Harry," Ginny said in a delighted whisper.
Harry looked out to see Tom and Abagail move out onto the dance floor. Tom was only slightly taller than Harry so the couple wasn't too terribly mismatched and Abagail carried herself with more maturity and confidence of late so the age difference didn't appear as marked. Harry watched them start off and then purposefully directed his attention elsewhere. He didn't want to appear as if he was watching their every move.
As he let his eyes roam around the Hall, including the other end of the dais, he made eye contact with Hagrid who gave him a big wink. Harry gave a small half smile in acknowledgement. Now that his mind was no longer concentrating on the issue of Abagail and Tom he felt that gentle urging to spread his wings and get some exercise. 'Patience' he counseled his other self but the prodding only subsided a bit. It also awakened a serious growling in his stomach.
After two dances Bill and Fleur waved Harry and Ginny down so that they could help themselves to the buffet. Harry deliberately left his cane behind, getting a scowl from Ginny in return, because he knew he was going to need both hands to handle his plate. In fact, a third hand would have been very helpful but he managed with just the two. Apparently he was under surveillance by the kitchen staff. When he approached the buffet table for the faculty a platter magically appeared in front of him, saving him the necessity of making a second trip. His concerns for the evening were pleasantly diverted by the task of working through the heaped platter in front of him
Harry went through what would have equated to his first serving with ravenous determination. Once the initial craving for food was satisfied he was able to sit back and take a more leisurely approach to the rest of his dinner. Ginny, of course, was used to it by now as was Bill, having shared the faculty table with Harry on numerous occasions. It had been a while since Fleur had been around Harry while he was eating and she regarded him with wide eyes.
"Mon dieu, 'arry. You weell drive the 'ouse elfs eensane tryeeng to keep up weeth you."
"Actually, Fleur," Ginny began, "Kreacher tells us that Harry is a favorite with the kitchen staff. They take true pride in keeping the great Harry Potter well fed."
They all laughed except Harry who managed a smile around a mouth full of food. The evening passed pleasantly with more and more students getting up the nerve to dance. Even a few of the first and second years tested their courage and balance. Harry was genuinely happy to see the students enjoying themselves and adding pleasant memories. He fervently hoped they wouldn't have any more bad ones, beyond the dragon attack. This line of thought reawakened the urge and he finally decided it was time to do something about it.
"If you wouldn't mind excusing me, I think I'd like to take a small walk outside and get a breath of fresh air and walk off a little of this dinner."
"Do you want some company, Harry?" Ginny asked.
"That's ok, Gin, I won't be long. Just a quick stroll down towards Hagrid's. See if any of the Centaurs might be about," he said with a perfectly straight face.
"Ok, sweetheart, but be careful."
Harry smiled and then taking his cane, made his way down the stairs and then out through the side door of the Hall. They watched him leave and then Bill and Fleur looked at Ginny. She shrugged a very Harry like shrug and said,
"Don't ask me, but something tells me he's up to something."
The subject of their discussion had made his way out of the castle and was moving as quickly as caution would allow towards Hagrid's hut. As he approached he could hear Norbie start to bark but when he called out a greeting the big dog whined a bit and then settled down. Harry found his Firebolt leaning against the side of the hut. He took it and replaced it with his cane and in a moment he was mounted and lifting off. The new brace allowed him to bend his knee enough to sit properly but he knew he wasn't fit for anything fancy so he just kept it straight and level, staying just above the trees to avoid being seen in the light of the half moon.
In a few more moments he was passing over Hogsmeade and climbing into the hills beyond, finding that spot where he had gone so often to practice the change the year before. He tucked his broom away in the cleft of an old tree and then walked to the center of the clearing. He envisioned the dragon and in two heartbeats, he was filling the small area and gingerly testing the ability of his left rear leg to handle stress. The lift off would sting but nothing compared to what he felt when he had first been injured.
With a lunge and the sweep of wings he was off the ground and climbing skyward. The now stronger sense of the dragon wanted to bugle in pure joy at being airborne once again but Harry didn't want to show his hand just yet. Instead he gained altitude and allowed himself the pleasure of some dips and rolls and dives. Finally, he climbed again and began his approach to the school grounds. As he passed over Hogwarts the first signs that something unusual was about to happen were seen.
In the kitchen, all work stopped and the house elves all looked in the direction of the front of the castle. Likewise all the castle ghosts, who had joined in the dancing, although about half way to the ceiling, stopped and began drifting towards the front entrance. Abagail, who had been sitting and talking to Tom suddenly stiffened and looked towards the ceiling.
As Harry swept in over the lake and pulled up to sail over the castle he let out with a bellow loud enough to rattle the glass in the many windows. Some of the students began to shout, fearing a repeat of last year's horrors but Abagail, having spelled her throat, shouted out that it was the dragon that had rescued them. She grabbed Tom by the hand and pulled him out of the Hall towards the doorway. Some of the students went to follow but those that didn't looked up and saw the dark bulk of the massive dragon sail overhead thanks to the magic of the Hall ceiling.
Ginny, Fleur and Bill looked up and then at each other. Ginny snorted and then said quickly,
"And he swears he's not a showoff."
Outside Harry continued his overflight of the school grounds. Occasionally he would let loose a blast of white hot plasma into the night sky, temporarily lighting up the ground beneath. He could see a large group of students standing on the lawn in front of the castle looking up at him. He smiled a devilish little smile to himself and dove towards the crowd, swooping in low so that his great talons passed no more than a dozen feet above their heads. A number dove to the grass. Finally, having had a good stretch of the wings he circled above the castle and came to a hover, his rear talons just touching the ridgeline of the roof. He bellowed out the dragons' challenge to anyone that would contest his claim to this place and the warning that he would fight to the death to protect it. This was punctuated by a dazzling blast of plasma that lit up the night sky.
Having enjoyed the flying time, and having made the statement he felt he needed to make, he dropped down towards the front lawn again and rocketed out over the lake, his great clawed feet barely above the water. In a moment he was gone from sight.
Perhaps a quarter hour later Harry came walking up the trail from Hagrid's hut at a leisurely pace. He could see that a few students were still outside scanning the night sky. They didn't notice him walk past. When he entered the Great Hall through the side door he was met by Bill, Fleur, and Ginny. His wife wrapped him in a big hug and said quietly in his ear,
"Show off."
He simply pulled back and smiled down at her. Before they could say anything else, Abagail and Tom came up as did a number of other students.
"Sir, did you see it? Was that the same dragon as last time? Abagail says it was," a six year witch rattled out.
"Yes, I did see it. I was down by Hagrid's hut and got a very good view. Yes, it was the same dragon that came to the school's aid last year," Harry said.
"Why did it come back? And what was it doing above the castle?" a younger wizard asked.
"Well, I'm no expert, but my brother in law, Charlie Weasley is and we've discussed dragons from time to time. If I'm not mistaken, having fought and killed another dragon here, this one figures that this is its territory and it was making a claim on it tonight. Warning others to stay away. It looks like Hogwarts has a very large guardian angel. And believe me, that's a very good thing to have."