HPCH17

Harry Potter and the Kid and the Tiger
Chapter Seventeen-The Alternator
Note: Oh dear God. What a mess on Tuesday. I pray for those affected by this. May our country stayed united in this terrible tradegy. God bless you all indeed! Hope you like the chapter.

The next few weeks passed by fairly quickly, although, Harry who was working on Hermione's study schedule wondered how in the world she ever had any energy. Not that her schedule didn't have it's own good effects. On a Charms pop quiz Hermione and Harry were the only ones who knew all the answers and Harry found himself breezing right through his courses. One day Professor McGonagall took him aside and told him that if his scores were as high as they had been the last few weeks, then for sure he'd get Head Boy in his seventh year.
Meanwhile, Hermione was getting her first break on the S.P.E.W. front. After Dumbledore signed up, hundreds of students were clamoring for badges. They had now become a status symbol, and Hermione figured that in a few more days they'd have enough money to began passing out flyers. When Ron asked were they were going to send the flyers, Hermione concussed him with her Twigged 150.
The Get Rid Of Slimy girlS Club was also in full swing, as since neither Fred nor George were out of the hospital wing, Madam Pomfrey would only say they were , Calvin and Hobbes were taking control of all Pranks and Mischief In General.
For example, Hobbes placed practical jokes all through Professor Binns' dull History of Magic class, and it livened up the Gryffindor and Ravenclaw fifth years when they walked in. Then, Calvin sent Draco Malfoy a different part of a toilet each day, culminating with the toilet seat.
Still, Harry found himself wishing he could go to Hogsmeade, but ever since Voldemort had unleashed the Fifth Curse there it was a wreck. Harry was also worried that he hadn't seen either his parents or Voldemort in dreams or after passing out.
Viktor Krum's ghost was also becoming a small sort of attraction as he was often flying on a broom doing daredevil tricks to impress the first years in the Great Hall.
Basically, things were great.
As the day for the dance approached, Harry began getting nervous. What if he messed up in front of Hermione? Harry didn't think that he could stand the embarrassment of messing up in front of Hermione. He began to wonder again if he loved her and heard Hermione's words echoing in his head about Ron, And then he said that he loved me, which I highly doubt as we're fifteen for Heaven's sake!
Ron, meanwhile, wouldn't shut about how he was going to dance with his girlfriend, Cho. Cho, this? Cho, that? Will Cho like my new maroon dress robes Fred and George got me? Harry, you know Cho, right? What should I do?
Calvin, meanwhile, asked Ginny to the dance surprising everyone, including himself. Ginny accepted of course, and seemed to enjoy it. A few first years tried to raise a vote of impeachment over this at the next G.R.O.S.S. meeting, but Hobbes came to rescue with a temporary insanity plea, which later got Calvin jinxed several times by Ginny.
Calvin said, as he accidently knocked his hand against the wall, Man, I've got to stop hitting my hand against the wall! Madam Pomfrey says your fingers are really sore after their reattached, and she was dang right!
Hermione asked, bemused.
Cavin said calmly while shaking his hand,
Hermione smiled, That's what you get for claiming that you don't really want to go out with Ginny.
That's the thing, Calvin said, still waving his hand like a maniac, Why did I ask her to the dance? I don't think I wanted to. Maybe Malfoy put a hex on me.
Harry sniggered. Ron who standing nearby shuffling some Exploding Snap cards rolled his eyes, So you didn't mean to ask her out?
Calvin exclaimed, I mean she's cute and all, but I like Lavender!
Hermione grinned, Wait'll Lav hears that!
Calvin moaned, Oh, c'mon Hermione! Have a heart! I was going to ask Lavender right? Then all of a sudden I felt this extreme calm, and voice told me to ask Ginny! So I did!
As Calvin looked around he saw three shocked and very pale faces, What's the matter with that?
Er, Calvin, Ron stammered,
The signs of the Imperious Curse, Hermione finished knowledgeably.
How would you know? Calvin asked frightened.
We've all been put under it, Harry explained, But why in the world would they want Calvin to be put under the curse to ask Ginny to the dance.
Hermione snapped her fingers, Of course! Think about it! There's going to be trouble at the dance! And Calvin's in mortal peril because he had the curse put on him?
So what does that mean? Ron bawled, (A/N: bawled can been yelled, or something like that, Ron is not crying) incredulously, Ginny is a Death Eater?!
Calvin muttered, You guys take all of this mortal peril' pretty easily.
Harry chuckled lightly, When you've faced it as many times as we have, it does it pretty boring.
Calvin rolled his eyes, Well this is new to me, so can we please get some help? Or I'll sic Hobbes on you. Mandibles of death, y'know.
That's go over well, Ron smirked, 'Tiger Set On Boy Who Lived By Yankee Student! Tiger Was Defense Against the Dark Arts Teacher', by Rita Skeeter.
They all sniggered, but they held in most of their laughter. They were after all probably in imminent danger.
Now what? Calvin asked.
Hermione shrugged, We have to tell Dumbledore, but still... Hermione's voice trailed off, Your stuck with Ginny.
Calvin nodded, In any event, we've got to see Dumbledore.

Albus Dumbledore chuckled and twinkled in bright blue eyes at Calvin and the gang when he told of his predicament. Probably not an Imperious, Mr. Arrow. Our Protectorate, Mr. Krum, has befriended Peeves. What he has done is set some Mind Reversal Spells in some areas of the castle. They switch your feelings with someone else's for one act, that you perform, save harming someone and the like. In this case, you were switched with someone who had just made up their mind to ask Miss Weasley to the ball. I believe Sirius and Remus set off several of these around the castle in their seventh year, but to a greater degree before the prom. As I recall Severus asked Professor McGonagall to the dance in Transfiguration, when I had meant to, and I asked a seventh year Slytherin.
The entire group, including Dumbledore broke out into peals of laughter.
W-What happened? Ron choked out, wheezing.
Fortunately for me, Dumbledore continued with a twinkle in his bright blue eyes, She declined, and I later apologized after realizing what happened. As for Severus, Minerva figured that it was a joke, and to teach him a lesson, went along with it. Severus was forced to dance with the teacher he hated most at school. Minerva then let him go after the first dance, luckily for him and his reputation as I Hate All Gryffindors' Snape.
Harry took off his glasses and wiped the tears from his eyes, he had gained from laughing so hard, S-s-so, it's no big deal?
Dumbledore nodded, I also suggest that you don't tell Miss Weasley, I fear she might not take it very well.
Calvin grinned and nodded.

The day of the Winter Ball, Harry was more nervous then ever. He tried to stay in the common room and play wizard chess with Ron, even Hermione had taken a day off from studying, she said she couldn't concentrate much either. Ron seemed nervous as well, he lost to Harry twenty-six straight games and some of the younger Gryffindors tried to kid him about it, but to no avail.
Time crawled by, but eventually it was time for the dance and Harry went into the prefect's bathroom for a warm bath filled with tons of scented water, and then dressed into the new green dress robes he had picked up at Diagon Alley, as his other ones were too small.
Harry had a terrific fight with his hair, and managed to mat it down a little, but not much. He hoped Hermione would be forgiving about that, and then grinned. He knew she would. Herm wasn't the kind to dump somebody over hair. Even with her interest in Quidditch, Hermione Granger's persona hadn't changed much.
As he walked out into the common room, he ran into Lavender, who Harry admitted in spite of himself looked pretty wearing rose colored robes rather then her usual lavender.
Who're going with? Harry asked, interested as he wanted to know who Calvin had switched minds with.
Lavender blushed, Well, he's not in our house. I'll tell you that. It sort of surprised me, really. You know him.
Harry nodded, Where's Hermione?
Lavender grinned, She's already downstairs, and Harry, she's a knockout! Wait'll you see her!
Harry smiled broadly, She always is a knockout. I guess I better get down.
Lavender nodded, Better hurry Harry, before every boy in Hogwarts is after her!
Harry flashed her a thumbs-up and scurried out the portrait hole.
When Harry came down to the Great Hall, Harry looked around for Hermione. He couldn't see her. He walked around the Hall a few times but couldn't find her. Then he felt someone tap on his shoulder.
Hold on, Harry said, waving the person away, I'm looking for Hermione.
Who do think this is, Millicent Bulstrode? Hermione's voice answered from behind him.
Harry turned around and nearly fainted dead away. It was Hermione, but she looked even more ravishing then she had at last year's Yule Ball. Her blue dress robes went perfect with her brown hair, which she had tied back into a bun.
Earth to Harry. Earth to Harry. Harry heard a voice beside him call out, seemingly far away.
Harry turned away from Hermione and felt his face heat, Hermione went a shade of pink as well. What is it Ron?
Ron just pointed at the entrance to the Great Hall where two people just walked in, one was Lavender who looked just as she had in the common room, carrying...Draco Malfoy on her arm.
Harry was flabbergasted, You mean, Draco wanted to ask your sister out?
Ron grinned, Probably just as a joke, I hope at least, but Lav certainly was flattered, and accepted. Poor Malfoy, now he can't back out. Lavender been talking his ear off ever since he picked her up. He keeps grimacing every time she opens her mouth.
Harry was about to open his mouth to speak when Calvin walked in. Hey! Wands Crossed! Check it out Hobbes!
Hermione asked.
Calvin pointed up at the bandstand, Wands Crossed, you know the American wizard band I was telling you about. Calvin took his gaze off the band, and stared at Lavender and Draco. Oy! Is that Lavender with Malfoy?
Hobbes flashed a tiger-grin, Elementary my dear Calvin. I can't believe Albus got Wands Crossed. Hobbes shook his head.
When Hobbes mentioned Dumbledore as they all remembered that Hobbes was a teacher as well as he was wearing plain black robes, like a teacher.
Ron said, Are you going to hang out at the teacher's table?
Hobbes shook his head and smiled. Heaven forbid. Snape keeps irritating me for being a tiger, and how I'm unprofessional'. When I pointed out more people like my class then his, he looked ready to Avada Kedavra me in front of everyone.
Harry grinned, and then Dumbledore stepped up to the podium, Good evening, and welcome to the first annual Winter Ball. Due the destruction of Hogsmeade making your Hogsmeade trips impossible, we've decided to create another one of these dances at the end of the year, as well as two Diagon Alley trips. The first one being next month. Enjoy the dance!
With that Wands Crossed began pounding out a fast American song, Kissing Charm, and the entire Hall began fast dancing to the rhythm.
Well Lady Hermione? Harry grinned, Shall we dance?
Elementary my dear Potter, Hermione answered back, mimicking Hobbes, and they began to dance.
The dancing went on for hours, and Harry was especially enjoying the slow dances with Hermione laying her head on his chest. They were in the middle of one of these when Ron rushed into the Hall, no one had even known he'd left, with blood streaming down his face and robes. Cho was also there looking quite similar, and the music stopped. Harry reluctantly let Hermione move her head and pull out of his grasp.
Ron was the first to speak, Harry, Herm-own-ninny-ninny, he fainted and hit the floor, and Cho managed to speak. Dracoooo, and Cal-cal-vin. The lake, hurry. With that she hit the ground as well.
Nodding, Harry and Hermione ran out as though the fires of the underworld were after them. Dumbledore and the other teachers cared for Ron and Cho, having not understood what they had said.
In reality, Harry and Hermione didn't understand it either. Harry figured that something must have happened to Calvin and Malfoy and they were in danger. Maybe Calvin had been under the Imperious Curse! Personally, Harry would have let Malfoy rot, but he was not going to let whatever Dark powers where after his friend to kill him.
As Harry and Hermione arrived panting at the lake, they realized they were still holding hands and separated them out of necessity. Harry whipped his wand out from the inside of his robes and Hermione did likewise. What they saw was almost amusing. Calvin had apparently worked some Transmogrifying Spells and altered the lake side into planet-like terrain. There were also three Calvin's, one dressed as a detective, one as Spiff, and one as Stupendous Man. Malfoy had done a Height Charm on himself, and was now twenty feet tall brandishing a wand in each hand.
So, Cally boy. Ready to fight like a man, far and square?
All three Calvins had different answers. Harry was confused until Hermione explained, Duplicator Charm. Creates duplicates of yourself or other objects. The magic word is Boink (A/N: Ta-da! This explains Calvin's Duplicator and Transmogrifer, and yes for those Time Machine fanatics, it'll get some space as well.).
Harry nodded, I wonder what this is about.
Hermione shrugged.
You've challenged me to a duel over asking Ginny to the dance, Then you multiplied your height by four, and send curses at Ron and Cho, who were trying to break this up. Personally, that's cowardly, and I won't fight a coward.-Detective
You are absolutely mad.-Spiff
STUPENDOUS MAN DA-DUM-DA-DUM-DA-DUM!-Guess.
Oh really? Malfoy barked, his voice enlarged as well.
Hermione said, Stunners on Malfoy at the count of one.
Harry nodded.
ONE! STUPEFY! Harry and Hermione chorused, bellowing out the words.
The giant Malfoy stuttered for a second, and then collapsed. The three Calvins all looked at Harry and Hermione and grinned. The detective Calvin muttered, Aboink. Azap. under his breath and the scene returned to normal, Malfoy however, stayed huge. Calvin walked over to them.
How are Ron and Cho?
Their back in the Great Hall, I think they'll be all right. They just were bloody.
Calvin sighed and shook his head, Why in the name of Heaven wasn't he expelled when he used Avada Kedavra on Hobbes?
Hermione shrugged, He was Confounded, a Confounded person has no idea what's going on. He probably was Confounded again.
Calvin rolled his eyes, Or just plain nuts.
Harry grinned, Yeah, that's more'n a possibility.
Anyway, I'll get back to the Hall, you guys watch Malfoy, Calvin said, He won't come around for a while I s'pose, but you never know.
Harry and Hermione nodded, and sat down on the grass watching the lake and looking at the stars.
Harry fidgeted, They should put a bench here, this is uncomfortable. Harry paused, then, I'm sitting on something. Harry moved a little and picked up the offending object.
Looks like a cigarette lighter, Hermione commented.
Harry nodded, Funny thing too, I've never seen one iridescent green like this with green metal on the top.
Hermione shrugged, Toss it here,
Harry moved next to her, took a quick look at the twenty-four foot tall Malfoy still unconscious, and handed Hermione the lighter.
Good grief, Hermione trilled, Look at this!
Harry looked at where Hermione was pointing on the lighter, and stared, Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, Prongs, and Flower Inc. Copyleft 1984.
Who's Harry wondered aloud.
Hermione sniggered lightly, Your hopeless Harry, Flower' was probably your mum.
Harry slapped his forehead, he should've known that.
Hand me the Harry asked, and Hermione did. Harry wasn't so sure it was a lighter if the Marauders had created it.
Let's test it, shall we? Harry asked, fingering the lighter.
Harry, I'm not sure if that's such a-
Harry flicked the lighter on and a small green flame erupted from it.
Harry and Hermione's eyes widened, Harry began, It was just a-
The green flame slowly enveloped them.

Harry found himself in a green room, Hermione was next to him and he reflexively put his arm around her.
Where are we? Harry asked quietly.
Hermione shook her head, I dunno, it might be an-
came the booming voice of Sirius Black, My name is Padfoot.
came the quiet, squeaky voice of young Peter Pettigrew, My name is Wormtail.
came the authoritative voice of Remus Lupin, The name is Moony.
Good evening, came the voice Harry had only heard twice, when the dementors haunted him in third year, and last year from Voldemort's wand, My name is Prongs.
Harry said softly.
Harry knew what was coming next, Hello there, came the voice of Lily Potter, I am Flower.
Harry felt tears coming to his head, and Hermione, sensing this put her head on his shoulder.
all the voices proclaimed at once, Are the Marauders. Welcome to the Marauders Alternator. You two are Harry James Potter, and Hermione Elizabeth Granger, are you not?
We are, Harry and Hermione answered.
Hey, Prongsie, the voice of Sirius Black came out, Your and Lily's son, I bet ten Sickles that's who this Harry Potter'll be!
Shut up, Padfoot, this is the absolute last time we make a perfect recreation of you in our stuff, James Potter answered, In any event, Mr. Potter, and Miss Granger, what do you want to know?
Harry answered.
Remus Lupin's voice came over, This an Alternator idiot, Harry grinned, he wondered what Remus would say if he knew is recreated version of him said that, You ask us a question like What if the world ended right now?' and we'll answer it.
Harry answered, OK, Herms, what do you want to know?
Hermione smiled, not taking her head off Harry's shoulder, Nothing, I'm perfectly content now.
Harry nodded, All right then, What if Voldemort never killed my parents?'
Suddenly every thing went black, and Harry felt himself hit solid ground, Slowly he got up, and nearly fainted away. Just a few feet in front of him, on the grass by the lake, Harry saw himself, with no scar, and Hermione kissing!
Hermione started laughing, but not the Hermione kissing Harry. Harry turned and saw Hermione behind him doubled over with laughter.
What's so funny? Harry asked.
Hermione gasped, Just the situation.
Harry nodded and turned back to the other Hermione and him who had now finished their kiss.
Well, lil' Miss Ravenclaw Prefect, the other Harry joked, How was that?
Perfectly fine, Mr. Slytherin Seeker, the other Hermione grinned.
The real Harry stumbled back a little bit, and Hermione caught him. Harry looked at her with haunted eyes, and she returned the gaze.
Suddenly there was a giggling that emerged from the bush next to where the other Harry and Hermione were standing.
The other Harry wheeled around, Diane Catherine Potter, show yourself!
Still giggling, Diane Potter slowly came out of the bush. She looked like Ginny did with black hair and blue eyes, with no glasses. Most certainly a Potter. She would've been Harry's sister, in fact.
Why aren't you in the Hufflepuff common room? the other Harry said angrily, Your a third year, and third years weren't invited to the annual Yule Dance.
Diane held firm, Why then Harry are you out here with a Ravenclaw Muggle-born? What'll Draco, Crabbe and Goyle hear about this!
The other Harry sighed, Look Di, I'm tired of being All-So-Tough Harry Potter, Slytherin Quidditch star, and Snape's teacher's pet. I don't believe in pureblood being higher then no-blood. I nearly died when the Sorting Hat put me in Slytherin, but oh well. I mean, what's the big deal, I dated that Gryffindor Chaser last year, Virginia Weasley.
The other Hermione rolled her eyes, Virgina...I know her, you went out with her?
Harry nodded, Yeah, for a few weeks, but after I kissed her...well she left me alone.
The other Hermione feigned shock, So I'm not your first kiss?
Far from it, Diane grinned, In third year he went out with another Slytherin, that beautiful Eilose Midgen.
Oh yeah, Harry countered to Diane, What about you and Colin Creevey, he's too old for you!
One year, yeah, big brother, that's it, Diane rolled her eyes.
Both Hermiones grinned.
The other Hermione spoke up, Anyway, your not mine either. I went out with that Gryffindor git Ron Weasley for a few Hogsmeade dates. He's such a coward.
Both Harrys smiled.
Anyway Di, don't let Professor Lupin or Black catch you out at night. I mean, Lupin'll put you through heck in Defense Against the Dark Arts, and Black's a tough Arthimancy teacher.
Diane flashed another grin, Don't let Headmaster and Headmistriss Potter get you, brother. Or Minister Dumbledore, I believe he's here tonight?
Hermione nodded, Yeah, the man who defeated He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named two years ago. He already was famous, and now he's even more famous. He's amazing.
Harry nodded, So Di, you ever gonna leave?
Oh sure big brother, no problem. But only if you two return to the dance, or I'll stay here for the rest of tonight.
The alternate Harry nodded, Fine, we'll go back, then he leaned into Hermione's ear and whispered, Let's see if we can't get back out here tomorrow.
The alternative Hermione smiled, and all three got up and left.
With that Harry and Hermione heard Lily Potter's voice in their ears, Time to get back dears...
Harry and Hermione hit the ground again, but this time they were next to the ten times two sized Malfoy, and Harry held the Alternator in his hand. Harry sat up and started playing with the Alternator by twirling it over in his hands. Hermione slid over and put her arm around him, I'm sorry.
Harry nodded, I just don't get it. Voldemort would be gone, Dumbledore, Minister of Magic. My mum and dad leading the school. A sister- Harry's voice cracked here, and Hermione hugged Harry tightly, and the tears started spreading down his face.
Why Hermione? Why did Voldemort have to kill them. I wouldn't have killed Voldemort, and that's what he was afraid of...my sister won't be here because of that...Voldemort's worries. I mean I wouldn't like being in Slytherin, but I'd be normal, still a Seeker. I'd still have you...
I dunno Harry, Hermione whispered in his ear, I just don't know.
Harry continued on, And everybody was so happy...
Hermione smiled,Yeah, but Ron was a git.
Harry nearly smiled, And by your own admission too.
You asked for it Potter, Hermione said, and started tickling Harry, treating him sort of like a sister might. So Harry laughed and cried at the same time. Hermione was his best friend, and his girlfriend. There wasn't a better match in the world.
After Hermione stopped, Harry's voice broke again, I could've had a family...
Hermione sighed, I have a good mind to kill Remus and Sirius over making this thing because it's caused you so much grief. What's done is done Harry, don't worry about it.
Harry leaned his head on her shoulder again. It felt so comforting there. I know, but it's natural to wonder isn't it?
Hermione nodded and kissed Harry's forehead. Then his lips.