AN I decided I wouldn't make you wait long for another chapter but don't count on getting them too fast. I will be uploading a chapter every time I finish another one so I can stay ahead. If you see any weird spellings of spells or magic it is because I ran this through a spelling/grammer check and it probably messed up some of those words. Leave a review and let me know how you like it.
It had been over two weeks since he had done his application and he was anxious for the results. Other than that he had been running his team through practices while trying his best to keep up as Head Boy. He felt a little bad when he shoved a lot of the work on Head Girl Daphne Greengrass. He didn't really like patrolling the halls at night but he did enjoy the ability to deduct house points and he did so at any opportunity to the snake house.
Of course, they deserved it being dark wizards. He wouldn't let any of them revel in their blood superiority if he could help it. It didn't help that every British Dark Lord had come from the house! He would do his best to stop it! He would make sure each and every one of them had their wills broken! Looking back on it he smiled at the job he had done. Maybe he had been too lenient even on some of the younger ones but he hoped he gave them a good example of what would happen if they strayed even a toe out of line.
Of course, he did have other things to occupy him. Being captain of his quidditch team and securing their seventh consecutive title was on his mind constantly. He loved flying and he loved the sport and it helped that it was something he could say he earned himself. He had been a natural flyer but he had spent hours upon hours training his mind and body for the task. His reflexes were lightning-fast and he knew every tactic in the book and then some. It was one of the few things people hadn't attributed to his natural power or fame. Everyone in school knew Oliver Wood would not have let anyone but the best on the team.
Magical creatures homework… he shoved it to the side it wasn't the time. Plus he had spent a week with Charlie over the summer and he knew more than enough about dragons to pass their exam. Of course, Hagrid had slipped about what they would be working on this semester so he had some time to prepare and it helped that his best friend's brother was a dragon tamer and his father had donated an enclosure to the same sanctuary.
He was getting lunch. Ron was busy in divination which was a class he couldn't be convinced to take. Not that he didn't think it was real, he knew for a fact that divination existed and for him, it had come to pass. The last thing he wanted to do was have the crazy divination professor predict his next run-in with evil. Ron of course enjoyed the easy course and it helped that his girlfriend was over the moon about it. Although she'd be the first to admit she didn't have "the sight" but she enjoyed it nonetheless. That was okay, she could enjoy whatever she wanted and Ron enjoyed her and while the woman could be a bit clueless at times she treated Ron right and even helped him from flunking out in 4th year. Maybe he didn't do enough for his friend…
He loaded up on meats, now wasn't the time to get lazy with his diet. After this? Who knows? Maybe he would be playing professionally and there was no end in sight and maybe he wouldn't. He wasn't entirely sure, he loved the sport but he couldn't put his finger on it. Something about playing made him feel uneasy or off.
He was digging into his plate when a regal owl swooped down and dropped a letter gracefully in front of him. Before it could take off he gave it a bite of his meal and it hooted in approval before flying off.
Dear Harry James Potter,
We are pleased to inform you that you meet all requirements and then some for this competition. We at the ministry are all excited about what you will bring to the table. We look forward to seeing you.
Your partner for this project is Hermione Granger- 7th year Ravenclaw.
Good luck!
Minister Fudge
He rolled his eyes at the letter. He doubted anyone else got one so… personal. It basically told him they knew he would win… of course he was going to but they didn't need to be so obvious about it. He'd love to surprise them. He would!
Of course, he had no ideas on what he would be doing, and then there was the matter of his partner. Hermione Granger… knew his best friend had mentioned her before they had some kind of feud a few years ago but he hadn't heard the name in some time. Was she still at Hogwarts? He laughed, of course, she would be the letter had said it and she has applied. But he didn't know much about the girl other than she was one of the smartest in their year. He remembered charms and potions when her hand would fly to the sky whenever the professor spoke. She was a know-it-all and that was about all he knew. But she would have to yield and let him take the lead. He was the more talented wizard after all and his Mum was one of the worlds leading spellcrafters. He knew a thing or two… well he had never created a spell before but he knew it would be easy.
He had to find the girl. Despite his confidence, he was scared. What if he did fail? Dumbledore wouldn't fail he would kill this competition! He couldn't, his parents would be disappointed of course but they wouldn't let it show. The world would be disappointed!
Well, they had nothing to worry about. He would find this Granger girl and get to work right away! And he knew exactly where to start!
He knew his friend would be in Charms right now. He liked knowing where they would be in case they needed any help and he made an effort to memorize their schedules. Considering he and his pride of lions had nearly identical schedules it wasn't so hard but Luna had been a bit trickier.
With that, he scarfed down the remainder of his food before heading over towards the charms classroom. Approaching the door he swung it open without a second thought. Professor Flitwick looked at him surprised before smiling.
"Mister Potter! What can I do for you!" The man said in a joyful tone.
"I need to borrow Miss Lovegood," Harry said in his best Head Boy voice.
"Of course of course." The man said motioning for her to leave.
He looked at his dreamer friend and she smiled at him which he returned. She stood up but before she could take a step he stopped her.
"You'll want to bring your bag, Miss Lovegood," Harry said sternly. He heard the class whisper under their breath when she only smiled and slung it over her shoulder without a second thought. He held the door open for her while she passed before letting it close softly.
He looked to her sternly but as soon as they were out of earshot the girl let out a long laugh and Harry joined her. Maybe being Head Boy had its perks! Although part of him knew he likely could have gotten away with it last year if he wanted to.
"What's up?" She asked when she had finished.
"You know I entered the Spellcraft and I got my partner."
"Oh was it me?" Luna asked with a smile.
"Unfortunately it wasn't. It is Hermione Granger. She's a Ravenclaw I think so I was wondering if you would know where to find her? Or if you could tell me anything about her even?" Harry asked.
Luna frowned slightly before replying "She is in your year. She is very smart, but maybe not so wise. She takes a lot of classes, more than you or me and she can be found in the library when she's not in class. She doesn't hang out in the dorm room much. I think the seventh years are in transfiguration right now." Luna noted. She was a prefect for her class so he was sure she knew.
"Thanks, Luna," Harry replied with a smile.
Luna smiled in return and turned back towards her class.
"You know you don't have to go back. I told you to take your bag they won't be expecting you." Harry commented.
"I know. But I want to do well on my exams plus we are going over the essay for next week. I'll see you at dinner Harry." She said with a smile before turning around and heading back towards class.
He laughed before turning towards the direction of his Aunties class. Well she wasn't really his aunt but Remus wasn't really his uncle, but he was. They were family even if the blood didn't match.
He knew the school well. Like the back of his hand even and with a passage, he was there in less than five minutes. This time though he knocked on the door. He wouldn't hear the end of it if he barged in on Aunt Minnie during her lesson.
"Come in!"
He smiled and opened the door to greet them. His Aunt pursed her lips at him like he expected while the class looked to him as they always did. Some of them smiling while others looked… nervous even.
"Potter. Shouldn't you be in class?" She asked.
"No Professor." He answered simply. She wouldn't question it he knew that. At least she hadn't in the past.
"To what do we owe the pleasure then?" She asked sternly.
"I am in need to talk to a Miss Granger." Harry again used his Head Boy voice.
"Oh and what for?" She questioned.
He tried his best not to laugh and won over when he replied.
"Dumbledore's orders." He said nearly turning red in the face from holding back his laughter.
"Very well." She motioned to the girl.
She had brown almost copper-colored hair. It was fizzy and fell down her shoulders and back, her eyes were a chocolate brown and she looked at him with… fear but he didn't know why. She rose from her seat before he stopped her.
"You'll need to bring your bag, Miss Granger."
LINE BREAK
She could feel her face getting hot. She knew the whole class was looking at her and now he had asked for her to bring her bag! What had she done! It wasn't possible she was in trouble! To see Dumbledore? Not even her head of the house!
She tried her best to not panic but grab her bag with grace but she slipped on her way towards the door while his deep green eyes monitored her. She ran through all of her actions the last few weeks in her head and scanned them for any misdoings. Of course, she couldn't find any! She kept to herself! Maybe it was a family emergency? Had something happened to her parents? She didn't know!
She gave one last look to her professor before heading out the door that Harry Potter had held open for her and he closed it with a thud.
He looked at her before walking off while she struggled to move her feet to meet him. She had never been to Dumbledore's office before much less spoken to the man and she could say with confidence she was not excited to change that.
Except. It became clear rather quickly that was not where they were heading. She knew this route, she knew where they were heading. The library?
They entered the ancient hall and Harry nodded to Madam Price who flashed him the widest smile she had ever seen. Hermione rolled her eyes and followed him to a table. Not one the normally would've chosen it was a bit too… open. She preferred to situate herself in the corners which let him focus and feel, safe.
He pulled a chair out for her which she accepted hesitantly. Her bag didn't leave her shoulder though. She was sure they would be moving soon to see the Headmaster.
He took the seat opposite of her and stared at her for a moment.
"You are Hermione Granger right?" He asked.
She shook her head and looked to him again baffled.
"Um- yes I am." She stuttered before mentally kicking herself for it.
"Good. I got some news today that is to be shared with you." He said. Drawing each word out only put her nerves farther towards the edge.
"Is it my parents? Are they okay?" She blurted out.
His eyes browns dropped and he leaned forward "No no nothing like that. Calm down Hermione. No, today I found out we are partnered for the Spellcraft competition," he said with a laugh.
Instantly she felt her anxiety plummet and something else rising. Why had he taken her out of class for this! He could've told her at dinner or on the weakened even! But he pulled her from an amazing lesson on animating inanimate objects and controlling them! Not to mention he had lied right to the professor and her! She wanted to yell at him maybe even scream! But of course, she didn't.
"Oh… Um, couldn't you have waited until dinner to tell me? I was in class." She replied softly.
"Oh yeah, no problem on that my pleasure." Harry chuckled.
He had missed the point completely but she wasn't surprised.
"Thanks." Replied awkwardly. Thanking Merlin she had the self-control to not retort. Had she, she knew the fallout would be massive. Nobody told Harry Potter off and lived to tell the tale. Not really of course. But he had turned Draco Malfoy into a blubbering mess from a pompous ass in the matter of a year and it hadn't ended there.
"Again no problem. I figured we could get started right away and get an edge on everyone else. I should be able to keep us both out of class for a few weeks so we can get ideas together at least." Harry smiled.
Something in her stomach caved. Few weeks! Was he crazy! Not attending classes! How would they earn their marks!
"Calm down Ravenclaw we'll be fine. When we win you can keep the gold I really don't need it." Harry laughed.
She did her best to hide the reaction that he had picked up on.
"I'm just worried about falling behind is all." She whispered.
"Oh don't be I've heard you're near the top of our year! Should be fine I reckon. Plus first few weeks are easy you know that." Harry again chucked.
She wanted to tell him off! She needed to be in class! They couldn't get weeks behind! She couldn't imagine her professor's disappointment!
Then a small part of her spoke.
We both know he could make school a lot worse for you. Just give it a day and he'll be bored of you and you can go back to class.
"Okay," she replied uneasily.
"Great! We should get going then I have a place for us to work. Just needed to make sure you were in first!" Harry clapped his hands together and smiled.
"Isn't this the best place?" She questioned.
"Oh it's good of course but I know somewhere better!" He smiled before rising to his feet and tugging her arm up. She frowned before getting up and following him.
What an ass! He expected her to miss 'weeks' of classes for this! Of course, she had been excited to enter but she hadn't even gotten her acceptance letter yet! Plus she had set aside an hour a day to work on it while dedicating half of the weekends which would let her keep pace with her studying and coursework. And he acted as she had just agreed! Well she had, but only because she knew what was in store if she didn't.
She always thought Harry Potter was an arrogant ego-obsessed person and this was just confirmation! He didn't have the power to skip classes let alone get someone else out of them! She wasn't surprised though, the teachers and students alike seemed to bend to his will and now she had to!
She frowned at herself. She should've said something and now they were heading gods know where to work on a project that wasn't due for months. She laughed silently when she realized she had been studying for her OWLS since the second year but this was different! They wouldn't be earning a grade for this!
They went up many flights of stairs which had her gassed while Harry seemed to walk with a pep in his step. She knew they were on the seventh floor but now they only stared at a blank wall.
"Before we go in you have to promise me you won't show anyone this place," Harry said to her sternly.
"Of course I promise." She found herself replying without thinking.
He nodded happily before heading towards the left but then he turned and head back towards her. But then he turned back once more back towards the left when she saw it.
A door started to materialize from the wall. Dust fell from it and landed on her although she noticed it bounced right off the boy in question. She looked up at the large door with her mouth agape. Where had it come from! Had Harry created it? Was it a charm that hid it or was it that you needed magic to call it? A dozen questions bounced around her head before she noticed he was holding the door open for her. She jumped to action and headed in.
The room was large, so large she questioned how it had become hidden from sight. Along the walls, there were books of all shapes and sizes while a fireplace kept the room toasty. There were practice dummies in the middle of the room and a nicely sized table near the fire with a few loveseats and chairs spread out close by.
"You should get comfortable. Spellcraft is supposed to be one of the hardest disciplines of magic or so my mum says anyway. She'll spend months on simple spells and even years on others and if we are to win, we're not going to make a farting curse although I admit that would be funny." Harry chuckled before making his way over to the table.
In all honesty, she didn't want to work on this at all. She was excited about the competition but she knew she had a class that she should be in right now and that thought didn't want to let her get to work on this… project right now.
"What's the matter?" He questioned.
"Oh nothing" she shot back breathlessly.
"Good then grab some parchment and a quill and let's get thinking." He said motioning towards the seat in front of him.
She felt like groaning but she did as he asked.
LINE BREAK
"If we are creating a new spell, we need something that obviously doesn't exist. But something that people need or will need." Harry begun.
He caught her rolling her eyes but he disregarded it. Must be seeing things.
"Do you have any ideas?" He asked.
She thought for a moment. The faster they came up with something the faster they would be done so that was good motivation.
"What about a spell that helps you find books and passages from memory?" She suggested.
He couldn't stop from chuckling on that one, "good one." He continued to laugh "but seriously we need something mind-blowing."
He saw her cast her eyes away from him but he didn't pay much attention.
Harry spent the next hour or so spitting out whatever idea came to mind. Who really needed this stuff anyway? When he wanted to do something he saw it in his mind and then waved his wand and it happened. He couldn't remember the last time he had actually used or thought about an incantation. Was he spell crafting already? He doubted it but it sure as heck felt like it.
Meanwhile, Hermione jotted down each of his ideas that became increasingly bad which he was readily able to admit. But if she was only going to joke then clam up it was up to him.
"Wouldn't a spell that killed a dragon he good to know?" Harry mentioned.
"Yeah maybe. But you seemed to manage it just fine…" she said mentioning his spectacular performance only three years ago.
He had gotten a tip from Bagman pretty early on and he had practiced for weeks to perform fieldfare in a manner that had the crowd screaming. He had forced it into the shape of a dragon that engulfed the real dragon. He had scored perfect marks on that one but he knew Hagrid still didn't forgive him for turning the beast to ash. They had even had to supply him a new egg!
"You're right on that." He chuckled.
"What about Dementors?" Hermione blurted out.
He looked at her for a moment. He had only seen one once and it was during the third task. He of course had dealt with it easily but for a moment he saw things he would never tell a soul. But it had been something he hated and wished to never partake in again. He knew the Patronus charm after all and he had cast it to perfection. His stag had bolted out and knocked the thing kilometers from the grounds.
"They are foul creatures… they'd be better off destroyed," Harry whispered.
She looked up to meet her eyes but only nodded in agreement.
"I think you've hit the jackpot, Hermione. They are cruel beings and the world would be better off without them! They just turn on us the moment a dark lord comes around! But the problem is we can't kill them… if we could we could just be rid of them." Harry responded with a smile.
Maybe this girl knew what she was talking about after all!
LINE BREAK
Of course, he had jumped on the first idea that allowed mass extermination to be a possibility. But she couldn't exactly fault him. She knew enough to know that the Dementors were foul animals that literally lived off other being's happiness. In a rare, almost impossible circumstance she saw a world much better without them in it.
"So is that what you want to do for sure then?" She asked him.
"Yes."
She nodded before circling it on the parchment before staring back at him.
Where did they go from now? Did he have a plan? She didn't. Of course, she was sure there were books available on the subject of Spellcraft and she did know some of the theory from class they would need to do a lot of work just to learn to create spells at all before applying it to something so complex.
Although she had a nagging feeling that Harry Potter had gotten private lessons from his Mum on the subject and it was entirely possible that anything they needed he could do himself. That made her feel… weird but it would at least put her back in class.
She looked at Harry but he was already gone from his seat. She spotted him close by at a bookshelf where he was quickly collecting tombs. She could see his eyes find the titles with ease and quickness before he shot his hand out like he was reaching for a snitch and snagging the book from the shelf.
He returned with half a dozen books that looked to be older than her great-grandparents.
"I think these will help us start. I'm going to be entirely honest here Hermione. I don't think I've ever crafted a spell in my life. I know the theory behind it of course as I am sure you do but I've never applied it. We better brush up before we get going. If you start on Spellcraft I will start on dementors." Harry announced.
His declaration took her by surprise but she nodded before taking an offered book and getting to work