Kitala: Hope that satisfied you. Here's some more!
Asprcreme: The car is totaled, but I'm getting an 87 Cavalier for $500, so it's not all bad. And what do you mean do you know me from somewhere?
Lei Dumbledore: Well, that's the second time I've driven into oncoming traffic and walked away unharmed. My guardian angel is working overtime.
Saimhe: There's another one in here for ya, and as I said, I do strive to keep people IC.
Moon Kitty: *huggles all around* Y'all are so great! Ron was pretty funny; I just re-read the chapter and busted out laughing.
Kateri: Glad you liked!
Esperanza: LOL…poor Moony indeed.
PC & LR: I agree with PC…Slytherins rule all!
Black Rose: Soon is very good indeed, and I'm trying. Things are getting hectic here at work again (what with Ash Wednesday and all that. I do work at a chapel).
Mikee: Well, there wasn't traffic per say, but thanks for the thoughts! I really appreciate everyone's concern.
Saavik: As I've said, my guardian angel should get overtime pay.
Tantz: Yes, let's pray. I think 3 cars in 3 years is my allotment for life. I don't get to have anymore accidents.
Snapefan51: LOL, Harry may do just that! Only Sirius indeed.
Fanfiction fanatic: LOL, I don't try to make them 15 pages, but I believe the birthday chapter got away from me before.
Chaser: *salutes* of course!
Anystaza: My imagination's often gotten me in trouble. I just can't seem to "think inside the box."
Whizzothecrunchyfrog: Thank you and welcome to the story!
Lady Lightning: Continuing!
Liliana-Suger: I've never liked the name "Harry James Snape" myself, it just doesn't sound right. But, Lily chose his first name, and James his second. Harry will casually ask Severus what his name would have been if what had happened not happened, but I don't think I'll be changing his name.
Momma-dar: Thank you for the high praise.
Pineapplehead: You know, Covial is fun to write too. I think I'll keep him around.
Peppermint: Wow, most people wait till the end. The fact that you reviewed in the middle means a lot. Thanks.
Vivian Marie: Well, that's Sirius for you. Not serious at all. *ducks to avoid thrown objects* As I had Poppy state: "Mr. Potter is unharmed for once." Hey, everyone else was hurt, so that's something.
Sarah: Thanks on both counts!
Charma1219: This is as ASAP as I could!
Alecatq: It took me a moment to decipher the review! Hehe…thanks!
Toph: Another to add to my "Must see" list. I'm working on collecting every one of his movies on DVD. My collection is small now, but just wait. Thanks for the tip!
Furies: I do try for originality. Thank you for reading!
Snape coolgirl: Thank you very much!
Kristen: Well, you weren't 450, so no worries! And wow, that's really high praise, or you haven't read a lot :) Have you tried Not Myself and Gold and Silver, Fire and Ice? Those are two really great stories! I highly recommend them.
Sela: Welcome! I'm glad you like the story!
Well, on with the chapter! Tantz was 450th, but alas, no item. Snapefan51 however, was 451, and so we do this. The chapter goes to Tantz, and I'll include Snapefan51's item.
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Harry had Double Potions first thing the next Monday, and mildly surprised at seeing Snape standing at the front of the class, glaring menacingly at every student. Even the Slytherins didn't test him today, and the entire class passed in silence and peace. Actually, if Harry hadn't been feeling so anxious to get another riddle, it would have been the best potions class he'd had to date.
Of course, fifteen minutes till the end of class, Neville's cauldron began to simmer. Harry jumped up and pushed Neville down under the desk. Harry had been watching and waiting, and he knew exactly what Neville had done wrong. Unfortunately, he couldn't tell the boy in time, or his own would have exploded in his face. Harry grabbed a handful of lacewing and threw it into the cauldron, hoping it would cancel out the effects of the redsweed mixed with too much aidenberry. He dove down under the desk with Neville, awaiting the telltale explosion, but it never came. It had worked! He cautiously looked up to see Snape standing over him, glaring down.
"Mr. Potter, this is probably the most stunning thing you have ever done in this class. Not only have you ruined Mr. Longbottom's potion, as well as yours for the lack of attention," Harry looked over to see his cauldron steaming pink smoke, "But you have exhausted the last of my lacewing." Harry stood, helping Neville to his shaky feet, amidst snickers and groans from the Slytherins and Gryffindors.
"I'm sorry sir, but Neville's caul—"
"I am well aware of Mr. Longbottom's ineptness; I have dealt with it for far too long. However, if you had actually been paying attention, you would have noticed that this is a placid antidote, therefore non-explosive if brewed incorrectly. Fifty points from Gryffindor and you will serve detention with me tonight." He turned his attention to the entire class. "Bottle your antidotes, clean up your areas, and await your homework instructions. You two, clean up your messes." Harry nodded meekly and began helping Neville.
"Sorry, Neville."
"It's alright, Harry. You were only trying to help. Besides, you're the one who got detention. I should be apologizing." Harry clapped the boy on the back.
"Don't worry about it, he'd have found an excuse to torment me either way." Snape gave them a vast amount of homework to be turned in by Friday for the mid-term review then dismissed them.
"Mr. Potter, stay behind to discuss detention." Harry sighed for the benefit of everyone and walked somberly up to the desk. Only when the door had clicked shut fully did Snape raise an eyebrow.
"Would you care to tell me what had you so preoccupied that you could not keep the properties of a simple placid antidote straight? This should not be a problem for you, as you made this same antidote several times over the summer."
"Sorry sir, I was thinking about the riddles. It's the eleventh already, and that only leaves two weeks to go. Finals are next week, I haven't studied at all because I'm so stressed, and on top of it all, I have one more Quidditch game this Friday. Luckily, we're playing Hufflepuff, so it won't be so bad, but I just don't think I can handle it all." Severus looked at Harry, who seemed on the verge of a breakdown.
"Then this is what we'll do. Every night, you will come down here for tutoring. We will study all subjects until finals. Quidditch I cannot aid you in, but just play the best you can. When the riddle comes, it comes. I believe you said Miss Weasley is the next 'prize?'" Harry nodded sadly. "Then we can only assume you are allowed one week per person, as that has been the case thus far. So expect the riddle today. When it comes, call me and go to the Headmaster's office immediately." Harry nodded gloomily.
"What time should I come down here for detention?"
"After dinner. I'll go to your dormitory and retrieve the necessary texts for your studies. Now get to class." Harry nodded and walked out of the room. Ron and Blaise were waiting for him, and the trio walked dejectedly to the greenhouse to de-pot azaleas for the third year potions final.
Lunch came and went, but Harry received nothing in the mail. He threw a pleading look up at Dumbledore, who gave him a reassuring smile. Ron stared at Harry blankly, but said nothing. Blaise patted him on the shoulder, but Harry barely felt it.
The rest of his classes passed in a blur, dinner came and went, and Harry trudged to the dungeons. He entered the potions class to find Lupin and Snape discussing Harry's studies amicably. Harry stopped short and stared at the two once-rivals in awe. Snape shut the door and cast an anti-eavesdropping charm with a wave of his wand. Harry sat in the desk nearest Snape's desk and waited.
"Right then, Harry," Lupin smiled, "Let's go over Divination first, as Severus has blatantly refused to assist us with that at all." Harry nodded.
"Honestly, Moony, there's no need. The final is going to be Tarot card readings, so I'll just fake it and predict my horrible nasty death several times over. She'll be thrilled." Snape snorted in disgust, but kept silent. Lupin swallowed warily.
"Er, alright then, how about Transfiguration?"
"Our final is a two-foot long essay on animagus, and transfiguring a raccoon into a party mask. I really don't see the relevance of it all, except the animagus part." Moony's eyes sparkled with delight.
"Are you interested? Would you like to learn?"
"Absolutely not, the boy is too young." Harry's mind flashed with the phrase, and he unwillingly blew up. Anger from the past three weeks poured out.
"Too young for what?" Harry argued, "Too young to be tortured mercilessly by the darkest lord ever? Too young to have a childhood ripped away by uncaring guardians? How about too young to be the savior and light of the whole wizarding world? What exactly am I too young for?"
"Lupin, will you excuse us?" Moony looked at Snape and knew it was not a request. He gave Harry a supporting look and strode out the door. Snape cast wards and silencing spells on it and rounded the desk. "Sit." Harry complied, but as he collapsed into the desk, he placed his head in his hands. Harry could feel Snape's presence over him, and he waited for the chiding to start.
But he was disappointed (or was that relieved?) when Snape knelt down beside the desk and placed a hand on his shoulder. Harry looked up quizzically into obsidian orbs then stood shakily. Snape stood as well and wrapped an arm around the teenager. Harry leaned into the embrace, and soon, father and son stood in the middle of the potions classroom, drawing strength from one another.
A screech alerted them to the presence of a bird, and they both looked over to the teacher's desk. A golden eagle was perched majestically on the surface, a silver scroll attached to his leg. Harry, recognizing the handwriting on the parchment, untied it quickly and opened it.
Congratulations, Mr. Potter, on attaining your second prize. You seem to be getting better, so let's do this. We'll, increase the odds, as it were. For your last two prizes, you will have to answer two riddles. When you discover the answer to this one, send the reply back with Caribe. Good luck. Oh, and Miss Weasley sends her regards.
I never was, am always to be. No one ever saw me, nor ever will. And yet I am the confidence of all, to live and breathe on this terrestrial ball.
Remember, the clock is ticking.
Harry crumpled up the paper and, with a cry of frustration, hurled it at the bird. The creature caught the object in its mouth and returned in kind. Harry's Seeker skills kicked in as he deftly snatched it out of the air. The eagle spread its golden wings and lifted from the desk. Harry dumped himself back into the seat and unfolded his riddle.
"How did, uh, Caribe get in?" Harry asked no one in particular.
"I do not know, but I'm sure Albus will have the answer." Harry nodded and followed the potions master out the door, where Lupin was waiting impatiently. "We just received the riddle, Lupin, and we are on our way to the Headmaster's office." Lupin nodded dumbfounded as Harry walked out trailed by a large golden eagle.
"What is that?"
"Caribe," Harry answered, "he brought the riddle, but we have no idea how he got in." They trekked up to the gargoyle, Lupin gave the new password (Christmas Tarts), and the three climbed the staircase. The old wizard bade them enter before they knocked, and he stood at the sight of the golden eagle.
"Oh my! How magnificent!" Harry sat on the couch with Snape while Lupin took the armchair. Caribe perched himself proudly on the back of the Headmaster's chair as Fawkes trilled indignantly.
"Albus, what is it?"
"This, my boys, is a rare golden eagle. I have never seen one, as they are more rare than phoenixes themselves. They can teleport from place to place, much like Apparation, but they are limited to twice a day, as it drains them significantly. They are not immortal, as the phoenix, but they do have a very long lifespan. They are intelligent creatures, and can understand many different languages, though they cannot speak. They share a mental connection with their master, but no one else. When their master dies, they search for a new one. If memory serves correctly, the last known golden eagle in existence belonged to Rowena Ravenclaw." Caribe screeched in affirmation, as if recognizing the name, and Dumbledore smiled. "Perhaps our friend here is the same of legend."
"Sir, we received a riddle." Harry pulled out the paper and read it for the others to hear. When he was finished, he saw that the Headmaster was just as perplexed as he had been.
"That is indeed a difficult one Harry. I will relay it to Professor Vector to give to his classes. Which exams will you need to study for?"
"Transfiguration, Herbology, and Care of Magical Creatures. Everything else I'm pretty comfortable with." The Headmaster nodded.
"Well then, I will set up tutoring sessions to help you—"
"Headmaster, I have already arranged a time for him to meet with myself and Lupin. It has been taken care of."
"Wonderful!" Albus clapped his hands together, "Then I suggest you get ready for your Quidditch game this Friday, Harry. I dare say Gryffindor is giving everyone a run for their money this year." Harry stood and nodded.
"Doesn't matter anyway if Keep isn't there."
"Ah, don't worry, Harry. Miss Weasley will be returned in no time. Things will get better, you just have to believe." Snape laid a hand on the boy's shoulder to show his confidence, and Lupin grinned. Caribe launched from the chair and glided behind Harry. "It seems our friend is intent on following you. Fascinating!" Harry snorted softly and continued out the door. Upon retrieving his bag from the dungeon and telling the eagle to stay with Snape, he trudged up to Gryffindor Tower. Ron and Blaise were sitting on the couch studying for Potions when Harry came in and threw himself into the chair.
"Hey Harry, how was detention?"
"I got another riddle," he said dejectedly. Quickly, the two boys slammed their books shut and scooted closer.
"Well?"
"I never was, always am. No one ever saw me, nor ever will. And yet I am the confidence of all, to live and breathe on this terrestrial ball."
"Wow," Ron said, sitting back. He'd never heard a riddle, and was now thinking that perhaps this wasn't as easy had he'd hoped.
"That's not the best part," Harry spat, "Now, I have to solve two riddles to save them. And there are only two weeks left."
"That's not fair!" Ron cried. Harry snorted.
"I hardly think the Dark Lord is all that concerned with being fair," Harry snapped. "I'm sorry Ron," his face softened slightly, "things have been really stressful for me lately."
"I know, Harry, I've noticed. But don't worry. Things will work out, they always do."
"That's what I'm afraid of, Ron. I'm afraid my luck's run out." He stood and stretched. "I'm a little tired, I think I'm going to go to bed. I'll see you in the morning."
"Good night, Harry."
"See you in the morning." Harry climbed the stairs wearily and collapsed on his bed, not bothering to take off his robes.
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NOTICE: In your review, name one object (anything you like) and the 475th reviewer will have the next chapter (after the review) dedicated to them personally, and I will include the item somehow (promise it won't be hokey…unless it's something totally off the wall). If it ever gets that high, I will also do that with 500th reviewer, 525th, etc…so review away people!