Hey everyone,
So I really hope you all liked this year's Christmas gift and I look forward to posting the last couple of chapters that I already have set up and written in the months to come. And personally, I am very much looking forward to the coming year. The Magical Beasts sequel, Avengers Infinity War and Kingdom Hearts III all coming out.
So much HYPE!
Venquine1990
PS. Inspiration comes from Leonette, check out their stories
26th of December 1976
The Reading Room
Peter Pettigrew's POV
As the reading commences and as my friends grow closer to those of the future and as more and more secrets get unveiled, do things seem to take on both a turn for the better and for the worst. And because my friends haven't had the life I lived through, does this allow them to have a natural blindness to the cause.
Yet I am not blind to this and it takes me a lot to not just stare at the one responsible for Hari growing weaker every time emotional chapters cause for problems to arise between Jaurion and Lindilwen or when they – in her eyes, I'm sure – force her to take on a role she obviously doesn't feel ready for or willing to take on.
"And the whole reason is because she only knows my best friends for their persona and has trouble realizing that there is more to them than has ever met the eye. I just wish I understood why she is putting Jaurion's role as a father above Hari's need for her as a mother. It just doesn't make any sense to me." I think to myself.
Yet I don't really worry about this, other than the fact that it is causing Hari to tire out and fall asleep more and faster than should be considered healthy for him, as to me this one negative is being overwhelmed by plenty of positives that are coming into Hari's life, one at a time, the further we are getting into the book.
His parents back in his life, the ones he lost returned to him, his friends showing that his past doesn't change how they feel about him, his godfather proving how much he means to the man, his old werewolf teacher proving he loves his godfather as much as he loves him and even finding a true life partner in a former rival.
And of course it's true that Hari isn't the only one having trouble with this story as Draco is getting plenty of evidence that he really needs to change from his old self if he wants to have a real chance with his mate, which he proves he does every chance he gets, and even Severus Snape gets proven his future isn't sunshine and daisies.
And while I know that Jaurion and Sirius' persona have been responsible for most of Severus' suffering as a teen, does he himself seem to hate that his future self is so stuck in our time and is trying so hard to make others feel the pain he used to feel, regardless of the fact that most of his past wasn't all that bad.
"I mean, Snuffles seems to have horribly suffered, Lupin has been alone for most of his adulthood and Jaurion –. So why would the Brewer not realize that he finally has everything my friends always wanted? Why can't he be happy with the fact that, in the end, he was the victor and that his karma was finally on his side?"
I think, but mostly because I have slowly but surely grown to see a kindred spirit in the young man. He has obviously, by his past horrors, in the future been pushed to join that monster and I know something in the coming years will do the same for me and this knowledge makes me really sympathize with him.
I then notice how most of those who were part of Hari's First Year are all looking either guilty about their own actions or uncomfortable with what happened to them and while Hari, Ron, Hermione and Neville seem to be in the latter, do the others that were students seem to all be part of the former of the two groups.
This really worries and confuses me and makes me wonder about the twins more than about anyone else as they have been proving to be great pranksters, almost on equal level with my friends. Yet then I realize what I just thought and I think: "They went further than Jaurion and Sirius sometimes did, didn't they?"
And this makes me look at Hari in concern as well, even as I remember his last few words. This makes me look back at the twins yet again and I mutter to myself: "Even Jaurion never made me lose points for something he did." Yet no one seems to hear me and so I just decide to take the book and start to read to find out if I'm right.
Yet the title of the chapter that we've reached instantly makes me forget my theory and makes me remember one of the other people in the room. I look at the elder Weasley lad and think: "He – he wouldn't – he wouldn't take a – a beast like – like that into a school – would he?" And I start to read, my desire to know greater than ever.
Norbert the Norwegian Ridgeback
And like myself does everyone instantly turn to the second eldest redhead, yet he holds up his hands: "I was part of the solution, not the problem. Though the way I tried solving it wasn't one-hundred percent responsible, good big brother material either." And this only alleviates some of my concerns as I start to read.
Quirrell, however … cracked yet.
"It wasn't the Brewer who was pressuring him, was it?" Lucius then asks and Hari shakes his head as he says: "The Brewer was plenty scary, especially to new First years, but he didn't hold a candle to the level of dangerous of Quirrell's – supervisor, so to say." And this makes most of the room grimace as I read on.
Every time … Nicolas Flamel."
"You can't compare yourself to someone like that. You'll overwork yourself or work yourself into a coma or a nervous breakdown or something." The queen gently tells the girl and Hermione blushes as she says: "I know that now, but – back then, exams were – kind of really important to me. Too important, I see now."
"There's nothing wrong with wanting to study and do your best." Lindilwen tells the girl and Hermione nods, but then she says: "I know that. But back then I really did go into overdrive with my need to study. Looking back, I annoy myself." This shocks the future princess and makes Hari and Ron snicker as I read on.
"But we're … into me..."
"A mystery that the staff did a poor job of keeping secret. A potential threat that the teachers did nothing to stop. You gaining a friend who was in grave danger not a few weeks after you became friends." I can't help but list and Hermione says: "Like I said, I annoy myself." Making me smile at her before I read on.
Unfortunately, the … in months.
"And you're spending it indoors? Why didn't you take your homework and the books you borrowed from the library out on the grounds?" Jaurion asks and Hermione answers: "You can blame – most – of the problems with this studying on me, sorry." And the prince of this world looks at her strangely as I turn back to the book.
The sky … Philosopher's St –"
"For the record, it wouldn't have been that much of a problem if I finished as that was one of the only days the Fifth and Seventh years weren't there with us. We were actually the only ones in the library that day. Though Moody would still chew me out if he heard this." Ron moans at the end and his friends laugh as I read on.
"Shhhh!" Hagrid … told yeh –"
"And that right there proves that Hagrid is not teacher material. McGonagall, Sinistra, or even Professor Sprout would have just taken you to either their office, the office of McGonagall in the case of Sinistra or the Headmaster. Not give you a sort-of promise for more info." Cedric mumbles and Hari sighs as I read on.
"See you … of working.
"How long had you guys been working at that time?" Jaurion asks and Hermione groans as she says: "All of Friday afternoon, due to our free schedule, the entire weekend – bar Hari's Quidditch practice – and the first hour of Monday as Sprout was actually sick." At this my best friend cringes and mutters: "Way too long then."
"Still, that does prove that they take their studies very seriously." Lindilwen then says, yet her head is turned away and I can tell she just says this to be objecting and Hermione says: "Maybe, but if it wasn't for Ron's stomach, we'd even spend all meal breaks in there." Which shocks the redhead as I continue the chapter.
He came … said Harry.
"I still say that Elf you told me about had crazier beliefs as to what is and what is not a pet." Ron mumbles, yet the queen sighs and says: "Be that as it may, I still wouldn't want something like a dragon around kids, whether they are eleven or seventeen." And the other adults all nod in agreement as I continue the chapter.
"But it's … knows that."
"What the – you heard that? I was sure you were too busy with that chess game of yours." Charlie says shocked, but Ron mutters: "It was against Percy, remember?" And the aforementioned Weasley doesn't even seem bothered or insulted, which is probably because of what was said a few chapters ago as I read on.
It's hard … in Romania."
Yet at this Hari suddenly looks up and asks: "Wait, how did you know of those burns? Charlie graduated the year before, so –." And Ron answers: "Ginny send some pictures home after she and the others came back after Christmas." And Hari mumbles: "Of course. Should have guessed." And some of us snicker as I read on.
"But there … them forget."
"That's odd. What happened to the Magical Reserve on the border between Scotland and England?" The queen mumbles in confusion and Snuffles groans as he says: "Mother happened. She got it shut down – somewhere in the coming months, if I recall correctly. That monster instantly took his chance with that right after too."
This makes the king frown and he says: "As soon as you remember when this happened, let me know. I'll do what I can to keep that from happening.""And if you fail, I'll make sure the dragons stay out of that bastard's hands. Bill, Fleur, care to help me?" Charlie asks and his brother and the blonde woman nod as I read on, relieved.
"So what … I could.
"And the fact that he thinks this and does nothing about it is just going to make him guilty by default if something happens to any of you three because of that thing." The king growls before he goes on: "And Albus most certainly is no better." And while I can tell that Lindilwen wants to object to this, do I silently agree and read on.
That Stone's … abou' Fluffy."
"You know, that just sounds outright stupid." Sirius suddenly says and we all look at him as he says: "Well, it does. It sounds like all Dumbledore thought was: Oh, this place that was known for its brilliant protection was broken into. Let me hide this valuable artefact into that place that is known for its brilliant protection.
I mean, if the thief realized that the thing he wanted had been taken out before he could steal it, wouldn't he head down the list of places famous for its security and reach Hogwarts next? Why am I the one thinking about this? Why didn't Dumbledore realize it?" Yet no one seems to have an answer and so I read on.
"Oh, come … at Hermione.
"It's official. You're a Time Elf with a teenage hormonal problem." The queen suddenly says and we all look at her as she says: "You know exactly when to say what to get your way, but for personal reasons, you have trouble controlling your own skill. Study time, perhaps?" And the girl turns red, yet smiles as I read on.
"Well, I … Professor Snape."
"I'm not sure whether to be happy or unhappy with this lineup." Merden suddenly mumbles and Adeline says: "Because of their notoriety. They are the teachers most of Magical England knows about, so it stands to reason Dumbledore would trust them most. It would make them easy targets for potential thieves."
At this Merden nods, looking seriously troubled and says: "And that's what worries me. Yes, Dumbledore has all the reason to trust this lot, but, if he wanted to play it smart –." But then suddenly Snuffles growls: "No." Most of us look at him, yet while the man looks furious, does he keep silent and so I read on.
"Snape?""Yeah … past Fluffy.
"I got to admit, that does make sense. As Heads, it would be only natural that Flitwick, Sprout, McGonagall and the Brewer would share their mechanics with each other, but Quirrell – he kept his secret, because he already worked for him, didn't he?" Severus asks and yet the future kids keep quiet at which I just read on.
"You're the … black egg.
"Dragon egg?" Jaurion asks and Hermione nods as she says: "Yes, and evidence that Hagrid really hadn't done enough research into the right types, let alone in raising them." Yet to this Hari says: "Not true. It wasn't his research that mucked it up, it was his big heart." At which Hermione sighs before I continue reading.
"Ah," said … be honest."
This instantly sets everyone on high alert and Charlie says: "Peace time or war time, if someone wants to get rid of something alive or valuable with that kind of haste, it should tell you that something's wrong right away." Yet while no one says it, do I know they all think it: "Not Hagrid though." And I read on, feeling dreadful.
"But what … rare, them."
"They're rare, because trying to breed two of them is one of the hardest tasks Dragon Handlers can get. When that little one finally arrived, I had to instantly give it off to those above my station. I just didn't have the experience to handle them. And sadly, neither does Hagrid." Charlie mumbles and I read on, feeling worried.
He looked … she said.
"And that is really the least of his worries." Charlie mutters and instantly Mrs. Weasley asks: "What? Why is that?" And while her husband grabs her hand for comfort, does Charlie look away and say: "Because while they are hard to breed, Norwegian Ridgebacks need to live in a group, a large group at that. The larger, the better.
It's why only expert handlers with years of experience can work with them. Because they need to be kept together and because they make different groups, even sometimes groups within groups. And that's what makes it too dangerous for rookie Handlers to care for them. Cause those groups – can sometimes fight – harshly."
This makes me wince and Hermione asks: "So, what happens if you try to raise a lone Ridgeback?" Yet Charlie just says: "You don't. End of story, end of discussion. Those were the words of my Supervisor when that one came into the Reserve." And instantly I really want to reach that part and quickly turn back to the book.
But Hagrid … them nuts.
"They were supposed to help you." Lindilwen snaps, but Hermione says back: "Lindilwen, it's okay. They were right. Besides, do you think your friends would accept study schedules that took more and more of your time to eat and/or relax?" At which the redhead grimaces and says: "Never mind." At which I snicker and read on.
Then, one … at all.
And Draco himself, who seems to remember what happened back then, doesn't seem to like the memory of how he felt either, yet Hari moves to sit close against him and mumbles: "Remember, you were the least of our problems. Not at that time, but you were in the end." And this does reassure the blonde a bit as I read on.
Ron and … them inside.
"Please tell me he at least had Minerva or another teacher there with him?" Jaurion mumbles, finally showing how worried he is for his son, but Hari rolls his eyes as he says: "If she had been there, we wouldn't have the Point Loss incident. No, I don't blame you guys, I blame her." And while this comforts the twins, do I read on.
The egg … orange eyes.
"I do have one question." Lucius suddenly says, looking at his future son-in-law curiously and when Hari nods, does he ask: "You were able to speak with a Snake before. Were you able to understand this dragon too?""Bits and pieces, but it was hard most of the time. Mostly due to its age." Lucius nods and I read on.
It sneezed … said Hagrid.
Here Charlie shakes his head and says: "I am so glad the Supervisor of the Ridgeback division isn't here to hear this. He would send for that timeline's Hagrid one way or another, give him a piece of his mind and then lay it into him how bad of a dragon handler he was." Yet this confuses a lot of those around me and Ginny asks:
"Wait, what's the difference?" And Charlie sighs as he says: "That guy giving you a piece of his mind is like – like Flitwick taking points for being late or something. That guy laying it into you over a mistake – is like disappointing dad by breaking the law." And the rest of the Weasleys cringe at this harshly before I read on.
"Hagrid," said … very nervous.
"You didn't just report it?" Lucius asks and Draco groans as he says: "I wrote mother about it. She explained that this was the perfect blackmail material and that I should savor the fact that I had it in my grasp." At which Lucius groans while both Sirius and Snuffles shake their heads, neither one looking surprised as I read on.
They spent … He'd die."
"Remember what I said about Ridgebacks forming groups within groups?" Charlie suddenly asks and after we all nod, does he say: "Yeah, that happens practically every time after a new batch has hatched. Three times a guess why." I instantly know the answer: "Because they're left to their own devices." At which I wince and read on.
They looked … the floor.
"And none of the teachers noticed? Not even Sprout or Hooch?" Lindilwen asks shocked, but then Cedric frowns and says: "Actually, I did see those two head for Dumbledore's office one time around that week. They just came back a little later and seemed at ease again." And instantly Hari, Ron and Hermione share a furious look.
"We were right." Hermione growls and Ron goes on: "It was all one big test." And Hari snarls: "The entire year was one big test." And as one do they yet again glare at the Snitch in the wall. Yet while I wonder when that will ever be removed, do I also feel glad not to be on the receiving end of their anger and just humbly read on.
"I've decided … any moment."
"You really thought I would go to the Headmaster? I thought you knew my opinion on him by then." Draco says confused, yet Hari smirks at him and says: "I did. I used Dumbledore instead of Snape, because I knew that would have more of an impact with Hagrid, considering his loyalty." At this I chortle and then read on, snickering.
Hagrid bit … the wild!"
"I really am grateful that you thought of me, Hari, especially considering I only just left for the Reserve and all, but trust me. Getting that little dragon to me was the right thing to do, thinking I could handle it – that was the whole reason I was so callous with my letter." At this Hari nods at the redhead and I read on.
"Brilliant!" said … a lullaby."
"That's it. When we go back and the reserve in Scotland has been saved, I am going to apply for a job there. Just to make sure I keep Hagrid from making such a bloody giant oaf of himself." Charlie groans, yet Mrs. Weasley asks: "But – but – but I – I thought we all agreed to move here. To start our lives in Ariador. What about that?"
Yet at this the queen lies a comforting hand on the woman's shoulder and then asks: "Is that really your dream, Charlie?" And the man answers: "At least until Hagrid has been properly trained and knows what the term dangerous beasts actually means." At this the queen nods and then pulls back her old jewelry box.
Everyone looks at this confused, but then I remember how we got here a few days ago. And indeed does the queen hand Charlie two more onyx black bracelets as she says: "Throw these on the floor whenever you feel like coming home. They work both ways, so you can easily live here and work in the reserve, no problem."
Charlie looks at this shocked and the queen turns to us as she says: "Like I said, it's a good way for Elves who are born on Earth to ensure they can live their lives with their loved ones without losing out on the life they leave behind or get homesick." And while I notice a hint of interest in Lindilwen's eyes, do I read on.
There was … Love, Charlie
"You know, with everything you just told us, it does make sense why we didn't see you back there. They were part of the Ridgeback division team, weren't they?" Hermione asks and Charlie nods as he says: "As soon as I got Ron's letter, I instantly informed them and they set up." Making most of us feel relieved as I read on.
They looked … usual size.
"Ridgebacks aren't poisonous, are they?" Mrs. Weasley suddenly asks worriedly, but Charlie shakes his head and says: "No, that was just further proof of Hagrid's incompetence. The Ridgeback had gotten sick and he hadn't even noticed. The germs spread through bites." This makes his mum moan in concern and I read on.
He didn't … were poisonous.
"You know, I never told Hagrid this, but – that dragon almost didn't make it through the flight." Charlie says and this shocks everyone as Mrs. Weasley asks: "Was the illness that bad?" To which Charlie answers: "By the time it was moved, yes. Ron was lucky he wasn't bitten at that time." Yet others seem to disagree.
This I notice by seeing Hermione and Hari share a look and Mrs. Weasley moans: "Please tell me no one else got bitten after that." To which Hermione says: "One other did, but – he didn't seem badly affected. Though I think that was actually thanks to Hagrid himself." Which really confuses me and I continue reading.
Harry and … doing this."
"No, I was being like that, because I was raised by my mother who was a right witch that doesn't deserve my father, let alone a mate of her own.""You really think your mother would have turned out the same if she had her mate?" Hari asks and Draco hums as he says: "Not sure, she might, but she might not.
Still, whether she turns out the same or different, I will still pity whatever offspring comes out of her." "You're going to pity your own younger self?" Sirius asks, but Draco says: "One, I don't intent on letting mother and father get back together. Two, if they do –." And here he turns to his own father and sternly says:
"I claim right to either primary or secondary godfather role." Lucius looks at this shocked and Draco says: "Anything to ensure that my younger self doesn't turn out like this a second time over." At which his father laughs and says: "It's a deal, Dragon." At which Draco smiles and while Hari gives him a big hug, do I read on.
Harry and … of Norbert."
"And when I found out about that and wrote mother about it, she proved just how little she cared and how much she loved making life difficult for both me and father. Though personally, I didn't realize that until much later." Draco moans and Hari asks: "When did you?""Over summer." Draco answers and I wince as I read on.
Harry and … to them.
Yet at this Charlie sighs in relief and says: "Fang is actually crossbred from a boarhound and an experimental magical dog, one Unspeakables created to see if they could replicate the Grim. His blood is too magically resistant for the illness to really affect him." And the others, while intrigued, sigh in relief before Remus asks:
"How did Hagrid get Fang then? I don't think the Unspeakables would give such a breed to others, especially people they consider outsiders." At this Charlie shrugs and says: "He told me he found some Grim hair in the forest one night and gave it to them. They gave him Fang in return." At this Remus snorts and I read on.
"I won't … after all."
"No, he's trying to tell you that he's ill and that he needs medical attention. I just – I don't understand. This isn't the Hagrid I grew up with. The Hagrid who I wished was my ComC teacher instead of Grubbly-Plank. What's wrong with him?" Charlie moans, obviously quite confused and I feel for the lad as I read on.
The baby … torn off.
"Another sign of how sick that poor thing was. The closer they are to their deaths, the more aggressive they become. Heck, even the experienced experts aren't allowed near dying Ridgebacks, just out of precaution and safety for their own lives." Charlie sighs and while worried, do I feel for the dragon as I read on.
"Bye-bye, Norbert … forget you!"
"And I'll never forget this either. I – I never thought I would get such blatant evidence that Hagrid was so – so –." But then the queen says: "So strong of heart." And we all look at her as she says: "It's in his heart, Charlie. He cared so much for that dragon, that he forgot to think straight. That was the whole problem here."
At this Charlie sighs, but then Draco says: "I hate saying this, but – Hagrid has that problem more often than you might like." And most of us, bar Ron, Hermione, Neville and Hari, who seem to know what he means, look at him as he nods and says: "This happens two more times, sorry." Making us grimace as I read on.
How they … the ear.
At this Lucius instantly turns to Draco and mutters: "She didn't." At which Draco nods and says: "She did." But then Sirius asks: "Sorry, confused here. Who did what?" And Lucius sighs as he says: "Narcissa advised Draco to get Hari in trouble – by reporting him to Hari's Head of House." And Sirius winces as I read on.
"Detention!" she … you, Malfoy!"
"Something I would have done myself, if I had been smart enough to follow my own line of thinking instead of listening to her." Draco moans and Lucius asks: "And I didn't find out until Summer?" At which Draco shakes his head and Lucius asks: "Did I do something about it?""You didn't exactly get a chance to."
Lucius grimaces at this and asks: "The contract?" But Draco shakes his head and then asks the others: "Remember how it was always rumored that father was close to Fudge?" The future people all nod, but Draco says: "That was never true. That is, the part of it being father was never true." And with that hint, do I read on.
The steep … going … gone.
At this most of the people sigh in relief, yet thanks to my years of being friends with them, do I notice one voice missing. I turn to Jaurion and he says: "Something's not right. Hari mentioned something about points, but – it hasn't been mentioned yet." And Hari grimaces: "Like I said, next chapter." At which I quickly read the last bit.
They slipped … the tower.
And instantly I notice Hari looking at his father and grandfather in utter guilt, but the elder man says: "Father didn't even let me take it with me until my Third. Good reason too, I was quite like young Neville until that time." And this relieves some of Hari's guilt before Jaurion says: "Dad restricted my use of it until Second.
This wasn't your fault. Dumbledore should have given it to you directly, he should have set up rules when he met you in front of that mirror and Hagrid should not have tried to hide that bloody dragon or raise it as poorly as he did. And considering what you said, I have a feeling we'll be hearing even more about a failing staff."
At which Hari says: "Like I said, the Point Loss incident, while pretty darn bad and a good bit of evidence that the Wizarding World has regressed in all the wrong ways, really wasn't the fault of any person other than McGonagall. And Hagrid too, I guess." Which makes me close the book, feeling pretty concerned and fearful.
With good reason, Peter.
Damn, that was one gloomy chapter. I do like the twist I managed to give to it, yet another new look on the whole Ridgeback thing and whatnot and Charlie and Peter both got to shine quite nicely here. But that doesn't take away that this chapter had a gloom level equal to that of a harsh and fierce winter's storm.
Fitting, right,
Venquine1990
PS. HAPPY NEW YEAR!