The Great Hall was in a spectacular array, with twelve enormous Christmas trees, and real live fairies enchanted for decorations fluttering around. The normal tables had been magically pushed against the walls and just one long table spread across the hall.
Nearly all of the teachers were there already. Harry noticed, puzzledly that Professor Snape, wasn't seated yet. Professor Fidel had left several days ago explaining that Snape would return for Christmas.
"Merry Christmas, everyone," Dumbledore said smiling from behind his spectacles. Everyone seemed to apply only to Harry, Hermione, the Weasleys and a glowering Slytherin seventh year.
Suddenly the doors to the hall banged open. Everyone looked up with great surprise, to see Snape, livid with anger, glaring upon them.
"Someone," he said, with his eyes steady on Harry, "has been in my office, and there was an explosion, Dumbledore. Filch, I want you to take care of it. I'll personally see to it that whoever did this is expelled."
Argus Filch, the caretaker, rose, dusting off his moldy tailcoat and left the room looking as though his birthday had come early, no doubt, by the prospect of expelling a student. Fred and George exchanged delighted looks.
"Well," said Dumbledore. He looked lost for words, "Dig in."
A feast appeared before their eyes; an enormous turkey, chestnuts, cranberry sauce, and every sort of sweet Harry could imagine.
"FGAE's," Fred whispered to Harry. "We put tons of them in Snape's office as a welcome back present!"
Harry nodded politely. He could see Ginny sitting next to Hermione further to the end. She was laughing.
"Really it's our masterpiece, Harry. Great combination of dungbombs, to give maximum stench and Filibuster Fireworks..."
Her hair too, was really a very pretty shade of red.
"But of course improved," Fred added. "And with special ingredients so the smell won't wear away for months."
And her brown eyes...they felt so warm.
"Unless you by FGAE remover, only 15 sickles, a real bargain, which will get rid of the smell instantly. Of course we'll be regulating sales of FGAE remover. Don't want it falling into the wrong hands, ruining all the fun."
Harry shook himself. This was Ginny, Ron's little sister. Why did she seem so different? Harry felt a very funny feeling in his stomach, only mildly aware that Fred and George were still talking.
"Harry?" Harry looked up to see Ginny peering down the table at him. He felt as if he'd swallowed a Filibuster Firework.
"Er, yeah?" Harry felt his face going red.
"Can you pass the potatoes?"
"Oh, yeah, ok." Feeling like a complete prat, Harry handed Ginny the large dish.
"Thank you."
"Yeah."
It was Ginny, Harry told himself. He couldn't like her, he couldn't. She was Ginny.
That afternoon they had a snowball fight, though Ginny and Hermione stood at the sides talking to eachother and throwing Harry and Ron superior looks.
It's just Ginny, Harry reminded himself several times.
When they came back in the common room they roasted marshmallows. When it got close to eight Harry went up to get his invisibility cloak and Marauder's Map.
Ron muttered, "Meeting Sirius tonight? Should we come?"
"Yeah, s'pose so."
Hermione looked nervous. "I wonder why he wants us to meet in Dumbledore's office though."
"Dunno, maybe he thinks it's safe," Ron said, his eyebrows raised.
"Safer than Hogsmeade, I guess," Harry was saying before Hermione jabbed him in the ribs. He looked around to see that Ginny was behind them in her blue nightgown.
"Going to bed now Ginny?" Harry asked in a high voice.
"Yes, I was just looking for Fred and George. I think they put some FGAE's in my bedroom." Ginny was frowing.
Ron smiled and nodded at her. "They're already in bed. Or at least experimenting in their dorm."
"Don't worry about the FGAE's, Ginny," Hermione said. "Fred told me he used them all up on Snape's office. Why don't you go back to bed?"
"Yeah," Harry added helpfully, feeling slightly pink.
"I've got a great idea!" Ron said fervently. "Why don't we all go to bed?"
Ginny looked at Ron suspiciously. "All right then," she began walking up the stairs, looking over her shoulder at Ron who was nodding her off supportively. When she was finally gone Ron said, "What a pain, come on let's go."
Harry didn't argue, though he felt a bit guilty. He, Ron and Hermione got under the invisibility cloak. Though it was a tight squeeze they were able to fit under it, as they climbed through the portrait hole and began walking towards the stone gargoyle that guarded Dumbledore's office.
They passed the Ravenclaw ghost, the Grey Lady, and Filch who was walking with his cat, Mrs. Norris, holding up a burnt bit of plastic that was presumably a FGAE saying, "We've got them now!"
When they finally got to the stone gargoyle, however, Harry heard footsteps from around the corner. He took out the Marauder's Map and to his surprise he saw a tiny dot coming towards the stone gargoyle. It was marked, Remus Lupin.
Lupin looked pale and nervous in the candlelit corridor. Harry remembered the last full moon had been just days ago.
He watched as Lupin went up to the stone gargoyle, and said, "Fizzing Whizbees!" The gargoyle leapt to life, revealing a moving, winding staircase. Harry, feeling amazed and shocked, followed Lupin up, hidden in the Invisibility Cloak with Ron and Hermione. A million questions were exploding in Harry's head, but he could only exchange looks with an invisible Ron and Hermione.
They entered Dumbledore's office only...it looked nothing like the office Harry used to know. The whirring silver contraptions were still there, as well as Fawkes, Dumbledore's phoenix. But his desk was cleared out and instead in the middle was an enormous circular table. Already sitting at the table, Harry noticed, was Dumbledore looking far different than he had at dinner. He was pale and serious. Next to him was a bizarre looking wizard who could have rivaled Professor Gingle. And there was Snape, brooding on the other side of the table--the FGAE's apparently still on his mind. Also there was Alastor Moody, whom Harry had never really met who was looking incredibly wary, probably still shocked from his last attack. Moody turned his magical eye to Harry, who for a moment thought he would tell someone. Harry shook his head frantically and pleadingly held a finger to his lip. He thought, but wasn't sure, that Moody did the slightest of winks. And next to him was Mr. Weasley.
"That's my dad!" Ron hissed into Harry's ear.
"Ouch!" Hermione had just jabbed him in the ribs."No talking!" she said between pursed lips.
Harry kept looking around the room. What was this supposed to be? And then, to his right, was...it couldn't be...? The Dursley's had always left Harry with the old neighbor Mrs. Figg when they went places. And this woman certainly looked like Mrs. Figg, Harry could even smell cats from across the room. What was she doing here? Harry had been sure she was a Muggle. She looked the same as ever except she was wearing a rose colored cloak. Harry would have to ask Sirius about that.
Harry, Ron and Hermione edged into a corner of the room, where it was likely they wouldn't be run into. Fawkes was in his cage next to them, looking small and featherless. He must have just had a burning day. Lupin sat down on the other side of Dumbledore, said something quietly, and nodded toward Mrs. Figg, who smiled back.
The door opened once again, revealing Harry's godfather. Sirius looked much better than he ever had. His face was shaven and he had much more color. He was even smiling, though his eyes were haunted. Harry yearned to reach out and say hello but something told him now wasn't the time. Everyone was looking very somber. Why did Sirius want him here? Everyone was looking around as though expecting someone else. The room was completely silent.
The door swung open again, revealing Hagrid in his moleskin coat, looking strangely out of place in Dumbledore's office. Dumbledore conjured a huge chair, that Hagrid accepted.
"Hello everyone, and merry, merry Christmas. Unfortunately we are all here on grave business. As all of you know Voldemort has risen again."
Harry saw half of the wizards wince at the name.
"We must stop him. So I have called together the old group once again. We also have with us Rubeus Hagrid, who has been visiting with the giants, and Mr. Arnold Weasley who's been trying very hard to protect Muggles during these times."
Mr. Weasley's ears went red, not unlike Ron's when he was embarrassed.
"The times ahead are hard," Dumbledore continued. "The Daily Prophet has not breathed a word about Voldemort, except for the attack on Didibus Rexby.. And writers who we thought would be outspoken seem to have given up their quills,"
At this Hermione swelled with pride.
"Only Rexby was reported."
"But why, Dumbledore?" Mrs. Figg asked.
Dumbledore sighed. "It is my opinion, Arabella, that Voldemort is putting all his sources on getting something that will make him even more powerful."
At this Snape cleared his throat. "Excuse me Dumbledore," Harry forgot how much he hated Snape's oily tone of voice.
"I was working undercover for the last six months. I told Voldemort that I was returning to Hogwarts only to pass information to him. I understand well that Voldemort safely guards his secrets, even among his supporters but I know that Voldemort is trying to...to take the one we spoke about earlier."
Dumbledore nodded, "Yes the council spoke about this before, we suspected he might want it, as it is a very powerful weapon."
Snape continued, "Also the death of Didbus Rexby was carefully planned out, but why I do not know. Voldemort did not trust me completely to tell me everything." Dumbledore nodded once again.
"So how can we protect it?" the bizarre looking wizard spoke up.
"It is quite simple Mundungus. I believe that as long as we keep our eyes open, we'll be able to catch Voldemort if he attempts to take it." Dumbledore looked right at Harry. "And I think he'll be able to protect himself."
Harry felt as if his stomach had frozen. "Now, Arthur, are you increasing Muggle security?"
"Yes, I've got old Perkins in my department working things out." Suddenly Mrs. Figg gave a shrill girl like giggle. Dumbledore ignored Mrs. Figg.
"We'll need to meet again, increase security, but as Voldemort isn't acting now it doesn't seem there's not much to do. Now it's Christmas, why don't you all return to your families?"
There was a general murmur of agreement, and people began to stand up, walking away--several of them apparated, disappearing with a small pop. Sirius however remained seated."Bye Moony," he muttered as Lupin passed him. However Sirius gave Snape a dirty look as he walked by his chair. When the last person was finally out Dumbledore spoke quietly."You can show yourselves."
Feeling weak in the knees, Harry removed the invisibility cloak. Hermione was looking petrified, as if a million points would be taken from Gryffindor.
"It's my fault Dumbledore, I wanted him here," Sirius said.
"It's all right, Sirius," Dumbledore spoke evenly. "Curiosity never hurt anyone, and it's best that people know the seriousness of Voldemort. However there are some things that shouldn't trouble these children. I think I'm going to go to bed, it's getting really very late, and I suggest that you Ms. Granger and Mr. Weasley do the same. Harry if you'd like to speak to Sirius-"
"Yeah, I would," Harry said.
"-then you may. Good night, and merry Christmas." He went through a door and shut it behind him.
Hermione and Ron, giving Harry reproachful looks, left through the door.
"You must be very confused Harry," Sirius finally said. "And I can't tell you everything I'd like to."
"Do all those people know you're innocent?" Harry asked eagerly. "I mean, they acted like it was normal and everything that you were there."
"They've known for months, since we've been meeting. It's Cornelius Fudge I need to watch out for."
Harry nodded slowly. "And was that woman Mrs. Figg?"
Sirius smiled to himself. "It was Dumbledore's idea. When you went to live with the Dursley's he asked Mrs. Figg to live near you. He wanted a witch to keep an eye on you, make sure you were all right."
"But I thought she was a Muggle. She had tons of cats," Harry said, furrowing his brow.
"And she was! What happened to Arabella is very odd--was a Muggle until maybe 20 years ago. It was the height of Voldemort's power and Muggle killings were common. Anyway, she was doing her shopping when a few Death Eaters came--probably just killing for sport. She says they pointed their wands at her but--"
"But what?"
"She blew them away! Up into the sky they went and back down. Well, the Ministry got a hold of that bit of magic, came down to find a scared Mrs. Figg--I mean really, she'd just blown two full grown men away! It's very, very rare for a person to show magic that late in life, but with Mrs. Figg, well it happened--they were dire circumstances, you know. There were a few people, let me tell you, that wanted to wipe her memory. But Dumbledore saw her for what she was, trained her up a bit and now she's as much a witch as Professor McGonagoll. She was sent to Privet Drive to look after you all these years--prefers the Muggle lifestyle she says. And a bunch of cats, you said. I'll bet you anything they're Kneazles."
"Yeah Hagrid taught us about them…and Hagrid, the giants?" Harry asked his head still spinning with new information.
"Yes, Hagrid was sent over to Iceland to make amends with the giants. We think they're on our side now."
"All right…" Harry bit his lip. "And what they're protecting?"
But Sirius was saying, "Time to go to bed, merry Christmas, Harry. I'll see you again soon."
Ron and Hermione were both in the dormitory, already in their pajamas. They were very quiet.
"I tried to tell her this was a boys dorm, but she doesn't care!" Ron moaned.
"I had to talk to you, Harry. That was a lot we just found out."
"Yeah. What do you reckon they're protecting?"
Hermione and Ron looked from each other to Harry. They both looked as though someone had died.
"Oh Harry, isn't it obvious?" Hermione finally said. "You Know Who's trying to get…you."
The rest of vacation passed by tensely. Harry quickly forgot everything; homework, Snape, even Ginny. Hermione's words echoed in his mind "You Know Who's trying to get…you."
It seemed improbable and yet it made sense. Voldemort had been trying to kill Harry since he was just a year old. And now that he had risen to power, Voldemort would want to kill Harry just as much.
Harry was very glad when classes started again, and the common room was noisy. Of course Ron and Hermione wouldn't let Harry out of their sight and whenever Harry wanted to visit Hagrid, Hagrid was just as protective.
"Don't yeh go wandering round the grounds," he said one Saturday afternoon.
Harry looked evenly at Hagrid. "Why?
"Well…well…yeh just shouldn't." Hagrid was red in the face. "Now how bout a biscuit?"
Soon Harry had other things to worry about besides Voldemort. Snape had returned to Potions, which Harry felt was the more pressing issue.
Nearly all of the teachers were there already. Harry noticed, puzzledly that Professor Snape, wasn't seated yet. Professor Fidel had left several days ago explaining that Snape would return for Christmas.
"Merry Christmas, everyone," Dumbledore said smiling from behind his spectacles. Everyone seemed to apply only to Harry, Hermione, the Weasleys and a glowering Slytherin seventh year.
Suddenly the doors to the hall banged open. Everyone looked up with great surprise, to see Snape, livid with anger, glaring upon them.
"Someone," he said, with his eyes steady on Harry, "has been in my office, and there was an explosion, Dumbledore. Filch, I want you to take care of it. I'll personally see to it that whoever did this is expelled."
Argus Filch, the caretaker, rose, dusting off his moldy tailcoat and left the room looking as though his birthday had come early, no doubt, by the prospect of expelling a student. Fred and George exchanged delighted looks.
"Well," said Dumbledore. He looked lost for words, "Dig in."
A feast appeared before their eyes; an enormous turkey, chestnuts, cranberry sauce, and every sort of sweet Harry could imagine.
"FGAE's," Fred whispered to Harry. "We put tons of them in Snape's office as a welcome back present!"
Harry nodded politely. He could see Ginny sitting next to Hermione further to the end. She was laughing.
"Really it's our masterpiece, Harry. Great combination of dungbombs, to give maximum stench and Filibuster Fireworks..."
Her hair too, was really a very pretty shade of red.
"But of course improved," Fred added. "And with special ingredients so the smell won't wear away for months."
And her brown eyes...they felt so warm.
"Unless you by FGAE remover, only 15 sickles, a real bargain, which will get rid of the smell instantly. Of course we'll be regulating sales of FGAE remover. Don't want it falling into the wrong hands, ruining all the fun."
Harry shook himself. This was Ginny, Ron's little sister. Why did she seem so different? Harry felt a very funny feeling in his stomach, only mildly aware that Fred and George were still talking.
"Harry?" Harry looked up to see Ginny peering down the table at him. He felt as if he'd swallowed a Filibuster Firework.
"Er, yeah?" Harry felt his face going red.
"Can you pass the potatoes?"
"Oh, yeah, ok." Feeling like a complete prat, Harry handed Ginny the large dish.
"Thank you."
"Yeah."
It was Ginny, Harry told himself. He couldn't like her, he couldn't. She was Ginny.
That afternoon they had a snowball fight, though Ginny and Hermione stood at the sides talking to eachother and throwing Harry and Ron superior looks.
It's just Ginny, Harry reminded himself several times.
When they came back in the common room they roasted marshmallows. When it got close to eight Harry went up to get his invisibility cloak and Marauder's Map.
Ron muttered, "Meeting Sirius tonight? Should we come?"
"Yeah, s'pose so."
Hermione looked nervous. "I wonder why he wants us to meet in Dumbledore's office though."
"Dunno, maybe he thinks it's safe," Ron said, his eyebrows raised.
"Safer than Hogsmeade, I guess," Harry was saying before Hermione jabbed him in the ribs. He looked around to see that Ginny was behind them in her blue nightgown.
"Going to bed now Ginny?" Harry asked in a high voice.
"Yes, I was just looking for Fred and George. I think they put some FGAE's in my bedroom." Ginny was frowing.
Ron smiled and nodded at her. "They're already in bed. Or at least experimenting in their dorm."
"Don't worry about the FGAE's, Ginny," Hermione said. "Fred told me he used them all up on Snape's office. Why don't you go back to bed?"
"Yeah," Harry added helpfully, feeling slightly pink.
"I've got a great idea!" Ron said fervently. "Why don't we all go to bed?"
Ginny looked at Ron suspiciously. "All right then," she began walking up the stairs, looking over her shoulder at Ron who was nodding her off supportively. When she was finally gone Ron said, "What a pain, come on let's go."
Harry didn't argue, though he felt a bit guilty. He, Ron and Hermione got under the invisibility cloak. Though it was a tight squeeze they were able to fit under it, as they climbed through the portrait hole and began walking towards the stone gargoyle that guarded Dumbledore's office.
They passed the Ravenclaw ghost, the Grey Lady, and Filch who was walking with his cat, Mrs. Norris, holding up a burnt bit of plastic that was presumably a FGAE saying, "We've got them now!"
When they finally got to the stone gargoyle, however, Harry heard footsteps from around the corner. He took out the Marauder's Map and to his surprise he saw a tiny dot coming towards the stone gargoyle. It was marked, Remus Lupin.
Lupin looked pale and nervous in the candlelit corridor. Harry remembered the last full moon had been just days ago.
He watched as Lupin went up to the stone gargoyle, and said, "Fizzing Whizbees!" The gargoyle leapt to life, revealing a moving, winding staircase. Harry, feeling amazed and shocked, followed Lupin up, hidden in the Invisibility Cloak with Ron and Hermione. A million questions were exploding in Harry's head, but he could only exchange looks with an invisible Ron and Hermione.
They entered Dumbledore's office only...it looked nothing like the office Harry used to know. The whirring silver contraptions were still there, as well as Fawkes, Dumbledore's phoenix. But his desk was cleared out and instead in the middle was an enormous circular table. Already sitting at the table, Harry noticed, was Dumbledore looking far different than he had at dinner. He was pale and serious. Next to him was a bizarre looking wizard who could have rivaled Professor Gingle. And there was Snape, brooding on the other side of the table--the FGAE's apparently still on his mind. Also there was Alastor Moody, whom Harry had never really met who was looking incredibly wary, probably still shocked from his last attack. Moody turned his magical eye to Harry, who for a moment thought he would tell someone. Harry shook his head frantically and pleadingly held a finger to his lip. He thought, but wasn't sure, that Moody did the slightest of winks. And next to him was Mr. Weasley.
"That's my dad!" Ron hissed into Harry's ear.
"Ouch!" Hermione had just jabbed him in the ribs."No talking!" she said between pursed lips.
Harry kept looking around the room. What was this supposed to be? And then, to his right, was...it couldn't be...? The Dursley's had always left Harry with the old neighbor Mrs. Figg when they went places. And this woman certainly looked like Mrs. Figg, Harry could even smell cats from across the room. What was she doing here? Harry had been sure she was a Muggle. She looked the same as ever except she was wearing a rose colored cloak. Harry would have to ask Sirius about that.
Harry, Ron and Hermione edged into a corner of the room, where it was likely they wouldn't be run into. Fawkes was in his cage next to them, looking small and featherless. He must have just had a burning day. Lupin sat down on the other side of Dumbledore, said something quietly, and nodded toward Mrs. Figg, who smiled back.
The door opened once again, revealing Harry's godfather. Sirius looked much better than he ever had. His face was shaven and he had much more color. He was even smiling, though his eyes were haunted. Harry yearned to reach out and say hello but something told him now wasn't the time. Everyone was looking very somber. Why did Sirius want him here? Everyone was looking around as though expecting someone else. The room was completely silent.
The door swung open again, revealing Hagrid in his moleskin coat, looking strangely out of place in Dumbledore's office. Dumbledore conjured a huge chair, that Hagrid accepted.
"Hello everyone, and merry, merry Christmas. Unfortunately we are all here on grave business. As all of you know Voldemort has risen again."
Harry saw half of the wizards wince at the name.
"We must stop him. So I have called together the old group once again. We also have with us Rubeus Hagrid, who has been visiting with the giants, and Mr. Arnold Weasley who's been trying very hard to protect Muggles during these times."
Mr. Weasley's ears went red, not unlike Ron's when he was embarrassed.
"The times ahead are hard," Dumbledore continued. "The Daily Prophet has not breathed a word about Voldemort, except for the attack on Didibus Rexby.. And writers who we thought would be outspoken seem to have given up their quills,"
At this Hermione swelled with pride.
"Only Rexby was reported."
"But why, Dumbledore?" Mrs. Figg asked.
Dumbledore sighed. "It is my opinion, Arabella, that Voldemort is putting all his sources on getting something that will make him even more powerful."
At this Snape cleared his throat. "Excuse me Dumbledore," Harry forgot how much he hated Snape's oily tone of voice.
"I was working undercover for the last six months. I told Voldemort that I was returning to Hogwarts only to pass information to him. I understand well that Voldemort safely guards his secrets, even among his supporters but I know that Voldemort is trying to...to take the one we spoke about earlier."
Dumbledore nodded, "Yes the council spoke about this before, we suspected he might want it, as it is a very powerful weapon."
Snape continued, "Also the death of Didbus Rexby was carefully planned out, but why I do not know. Voldemort did not trust me completely to tell me everything." Dumbledore nodded once again.
"So how can we protect it?" the bizarre looking wizard spoke up.
"It is quite simple Mundungus. I believe that as long as we keep our eyes open, we'll be able to catch Voldemort if he attempts to take it." Dumbledore looked right at Harry. "And I think he'll be able to protect himself."
Harry felt as if his stomach had frozen. "Now, Arthur, are you increasing Muggle security?"
"Yes, I've got old Perkins in my department working things out." Suddenly Mrs. Figg gave a shrill girl like giggle. Dumbledore ignored Mrs. Figg.
"We'll need to meet again, increase security, but as Voldemort isn't acting now it doesn't seem there's not much to do. Now it's Christmas, why don't you all return to your families?"
There was a general murmur of agreement, and people began to stand up, walking away--several of them apparated, disappearing with a small pop. Sirius however remained seated."Bye Moony," he muttered as Lupin passed him. However Sirius gave Snape a dirty look as he walked by his chair. When the last person was finally out Dumbledore spoke quietly."You can show yourselves."
Feeling weak in the knees, Harry removed the invisibility cloak. Hermione was looking petrified, as if a million points would be taken from Gryffindor.
"It's my fault Dumbledore, I wanted him here," Sirius said.
"It's all right, Sirius," Dumbledore spoke evenly. "Curiosity never hurt anyone, and it's best that people know the seriousness of Voldemort. However there are some things that shouldn't trouble these children. I think I'm going to go to bed, it's getting really very late, and I suggest that you Ms. Granger and Mr. Weasley do the same. Harry if you'd like to speak to Sirius-"
"Yeah, I would," Harry said.
"-then you may. Good night, and merry Christmas." He went through a door and shut it behind him.
Hermione and Ron, giving Harry reproachful looks, left through the door.
"You must be very confused Harry," Sirius finally said. "And I can't tell you everything I'd like to."
"Do all those people know you're innocent?" Harry asked eagerly. "I mean, they acted like it was normal and everything that you were there."
"They've known for months, since we've been meeting. It's Cornelius Fudge I need to watch out for."
Harry nodded slowly. "And was that woman Mrs. Figg?"
Sirius smiled to himself. "It was Dumbledore's idea. When you went to live with the Dursley's he asked Mrs. Figg to live near you. He wanted a witch to keep an eye on you, make sure you were all right."
"But I thought she was a Muggle. She had tons of cats," Harry said, furrowing his brow.
"And she was! What happened to Arabella is very odd--was a Muggle until maybe 20 years ago. It was the height of Voldemort's power and Muggle killings were common. Anyway, she was doing her shopping when a few Death Eaters came--probably just killing for sport. She says they pointed their wands at her but--"
"But what?"
"She blew them away! Up into the sky they went and back down. Well, the Ministry got a hold of that bit of magic, came down to find a scared Mrs. Figg--I mean really, she'd just blown two full grown men away! It's very, very rare for a person to show magic that late in life, but with Mrs. Figg, well it happened--they were dire circumstances, you know. There were a few people, let me tell you, that wanted to wipe her memory. But Dumbledore saw her for what she was, trained her up a bit and now she's as much a witch as Professor McGonagoll. She was sent to Privet Drive to look after you all these years--prefers the Muggle lifestyle she says. And a bunch of cats, you said. I'll bet you anything they're Kneazles."
"Yeah Hagrid taught us about them…and Hagrid, the giants?" Harry asked his head still spinning with new information.
"Yes, Hagrid was sent over to Iceland to make amends with the giants. We think they're on our side now."
"All right…" Harry bit his lip. "And what they're protecting?"
But Sirius was saying, "Time to go to bed, merry Christmas, Harry. I'll see you again soon."
Ron and Hermione were both in the dormitory, already in their pajamas. They were very quiet.
"I tried to tell her this was a boys dorm, but she doesn't care!" Ron moaned.
"I had to talk to you, Harry. That was a lot we just found out."
"Yeah. What do you reckon they're protecting?"
Hermione and Ron looked from each other to Harry. They both looked as though someone had died.
"Oh Harry, isn't it obvious?" Hermione finally said. "You Know Who's trying to get…you."
The rest of vacation passed by tensely. Harry quickly forgot everything; homework, Snape, even Ginny. Hermione's words echoed in his mind "You Know Who's trying to get…you."
It seemed improbable and yet it made sense. Voldemort had been trying to kill Harry since he was just a year old. And now that he had risen to power, Voldemort would want to kill Harry just as much.
Harry was very glad when classes started again, and the common room was noisy. Of course Ron and Hermione wouldn't let Harry out of their sight and whenever Harry wanted to visit Hagrid, Hagrid was just as protective.
"Don't yeh go wandering round the grounds," he said one Saturday afternoon.
Harry looked evenly at Hagrid. "Why?
"Well…well…yeh just shouldn't." Hagrid was red in the face. "Now how bout a biscuit?"
Soon Harry had other things to worry about besides Voldemort. Snape had returned to Potions, which Harry felt was the more pressing issue.