65. Spying
The woman sent from the Ministry, Umbridge, was a dreadful woman. She was an unwelcome intrusion to the school. It seemed to be her life goal to belittle every person she came across and push her ideological agenda, that being the superiority of witches and wizards.
Harry found her to be one of the ugliest people he had every meet. It was all in her magic. A saccharine presence loomed all over it.
Now she was actually teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts class. It was pleasant that she had a clear teaching plan, so he would know exactly what he should know and learn it on his own time. After a few minutes in her class, he was sure she wasn't going to be of any direct help. He couldn't bring himself to be justly outraged at the curriculum like Hermione.
Harry felt himself nodding off to her lesson.
With a snap, his eyes reopened. The sight before him wasn't a classroom but instead a tower of Hogwarts. Peering down, he caught sight of talons. Curious, he turned his neck to find a glass pane before him. The reflection before him was that of Hedwig.
Confusion ebbed away to excitement. One way or another, he was in control of Hedwig's body. After giving his new wings an experimental stretch, he leapt. Experience foreign to him guided his body through flight.
This was amazing. Harry flew several laps over the area.
Growing a bit tired, Harry chose to descend on a tower. Peering below, he saw Headmaster Dumbledore speaking to Professor Snape. Curiosity pushed him to strain his hearing.
"You have possession of the Gaunt Ring?" Professor Snape questioned sourly. "I see that things are turning in your favor, Headmaster. How very fortunate."
Dumbledore laughed a softly, "Yes, I daresay I've gotten a bit of luck on my side. I'll be sure to keep the ring quite hidden from dangerous eyes."
Professor and Headmaster stared at one another. Professor Snape did not snort, but it was a dangerously close thing, "I will sleep soundly in the knowledge that the ring is now securely in your possession."
"I am grateful for your belief in my character Severus."
Harry peered down lower in hopes of making out more of the conversation. The Gaunt Ring must have been an object of terrible magical power for the amiable Dumbledore to be so protective of it.
A voice came above him causing him to nearly lose his footing.
"Isn't that a bit rude?" Teleute questioned mildly, "I see you gotten into the age old habit of spying. How does it suit you?"
Harry did his best approximation of a shrug.
This got a small chuckle out of her. "I see your conscience is truly a burden. Hear about a magic item and you're lost to the world." Teleute rubbed his now feathered head. She took a step from the roof's edge and softly fell to the ground.
Harry hopped unto her shoulder, taking care to not injure her with his new talons.
His gentleness brought forth a mirthful smile upon Teleute lips.
Harry shook his head. Extending his wing, his feather tips brushed against her face. Gentleness didn't have to necessary to be used.
Those thoughts made Teleute blinked momentarily before chuckling, "Always a gentlemen, no matter the form, huh?"
Her smile ebbed away to a look of concern, "Don't lose yourself too much into magic. People matter too. I'm sure Sirius is pretty lonely at that stuffy manor. There's nothing there."
Harry paused and considered his behavior. He hadn't contacted Sirius as often as he could. The manor was to his godfather what the Dursley's home was to him. An unforgiving building that couldn't hope to replace a real home.
"There is only a finite amount time to all those you care for. But do take your time, these moments are worth their weight in gold."
Her words of wisdom were taken as truth from the moment they left her lips. There was no doubt that he was missing some vital piece, but the swore to obey nevertheless. Besides Sirius' company was a pleasure in itself.
"It's a relief that you're so amicable to the idea. Now Harry, it's time you return control to poor Hedwig," Teleute leaned in and planted a kiss on a feathered cheek.
Like a broken wire, he snapped to awareness within his own body. Panting lightly, he looked around to find his friends by his side.
"Finally, I didn't think you would ever wake up." Ron stepped back and gave Harry room.
"Harry," Hermione began worriedly, "you've got a stern warning from Umbridge. She didn't appreciate you falling asleep."
Harry frowned in resigned acceptance. Stretching, he got up, "I guess I'll have to deal with it."
"You're in a good mood for someone that'll be stuck with that woman on his case," Ron noted.
Harry smiled softly, "I had a sweet dream."
