Disclaimer: As per usual, I own none of these characters. J.K. Rowling was
kind enough to lend them to me, and I hope that I am free now and forever
from being sued out of my savings. Thanks to all who review! To those of
you who haven't, please do so after reading!!!!!
Chapter: CityScape
As the early morning dawn began slicing through the Common Room window, Harry Potter stirred under the blankets. He didn't want to get up, really, but ever since he started early Quidditch lessons, once he woke up, he was awake for the rest of the day. He glanced over and saw Hermione, still asleep, and with her arm still slung over his waist. It was strange. He was so. comfortable like this. But, who knew if she meant to do this or not. Rather than find out, Harry gently lifted her arm up and slipped out of the covers. He dressed quickly, and decided to see if there was anyone else up at this ungodly hour.
As Harry entered the Great Hall, he saw that Arthur and Merlin were both already up. Arthur sat at a large table in front of his throne, eating a simple breakfast. He and Merlin looked deep in conversation, and hardly noticed when he came in. As Harry approached, he could hear Arthur speaking in a low, quick voice: "But if he really did enter into the castle, then he must have had outside help, a benefactor on the inside. Or, perhaps one of the families in the City is helping him. But it is clear what he is after."
"Harry!" called Merlin, looking up from his breakfast. "We have something to discuss with you, young man." Arthur beckoned him forward, with a look of the utmost seriousness on his face. "Squire Harry, can I trust you? Believe me Harry, in this case, this is not to be taken lighten. Can I put my faith in you?" Harry looked into Arthur's eyes.
"Of course, Your Majesty."
Arthur nodded, and pressed on. "Harry, what you and Hermione heard last night has been troubling me. I have many enemies who would like to gain access to Camelot Castle for many various.reasons. Please, at the present time, do not ask me to explain further, and trust me when I say it is for your safety. But, if someone is trying to gain access to the Castle, there is a great likelihood that someone in Camelot City knows of the perpetrator."
"Camelot City, Arthur?"
Merlin smiled. "Hogsmeade, Harry, Hogsmeade."
"Yes," said Arthur forcefully, refocusing Harry's attention, "Well, someone in Hogsmeade might know something more. Now, if I sent a knight to do some investigating, it would probably get nowhere. The residents of Camelot City are somewhat suspicious of my knights. But, if I were to say, let my Squire go into Hogsmeade on personal business, we might get somewhere. It is Christmas Eve Day, after all." Harry started; he hadn't realized that it was the day before Christmas. He had gotten Ron a gift, but had still been searching for something for Hermione.
"If I send you in to Camelot City, just to listen around a bit, could I trust you?" "Yes, Arthur, you can. Me AND Hermione." Arthur grimaced slightly. "Very well, she may go along as well. But I urge you, be careful. Magic is only forbidden within the castle grounds, so watch out for each other. Alright?"
"Don't worry, we will be careful."
"Good. Meet back down here in an hour, and you and Hermione can get going."
Harry raced back up the stairs to the Gryffindor Common Room, and threw open the door. Hermione was still asleep, snoring slightly. Harry grinned lopsidedly. Well, it's about time for her to get up anyway. He sneaked up to Hermione, brought his lips close to hers. and yelled. "Hermione!! Where have you been all day?! You missed Snape's final exam!!"
Harry stood back, and watched with pleasure as his words took effect. Hermione leapt out of bed as if she had been sleeping on a porcupine. She ran around the room, grabbing at her clothes, looking as if the world was about to end. "Ooooohhh. he's going to kill me!! I haven't studied at all. Maybe he will let me retake.retake. Hermione stopped suddenly and looked at Harry, who was wearing an evil grin. "You git!!" Hermione exclaimed, throwing a shoe at him. "What if I had gotten into the hallway only half dressed!"
Harry smiled. "Sorry, but this is important. We're going to Hogsmeade to day, get dressed. Oh, and Happy Christmas Eve Day, by the way." Hermione stopped again, a look of panic crossing her face. Apparently she had forgotten some of her presents as well. "Alright, would you please leave so I can change?" Hermione said, blushing slightly.
A few minutes later, Harry and Hermione were on their way down to the throne room. When they arrived, Merlin took out his wand and waved it, causing their clothes to grow fur. "A little magic now and then doesn't hurt," he said, his eyes twinkling. "Once again, Harry, and you Hermione, please be careful. Hogsmeade can be more dangerous than you think." Harry nodded again. Why was everyone warning him about Hogsmeade?
A half-hour later, a cart carrying bales of hay and two teenaged wizards pulled into what looked like the main street of Camelot City. And the city looked beautiful. The entire city was blanketed with snow, making it look like an old Christmas card. Smoke curled from thatched cottages, mingling with the gray sky overhead. The Main Street was lined with wizards in brilliantly colored robes, with a few jugglers, proving that skill can sometimes be as wonderful as magic. Many of the building looked the same. As wizards were still permitted here, there was Honeyduke's Candy Shop, Gladrag's Wizard Apparel, and even the Shrieking Shack, although now it appeared to be a museum, with a sign reading: "Remembrance of Things Past" tacked on the door. One thing that was plainly missing, however, was the Hogwarts Express. Where the track and station usually stood was now a long dirt road, and a small field set up with both physical and magical obstacles.
"I'll be back to get you two at sunset," said the driver. "Good luck, Squire Harry."
Harry looked over at Hermione, who was beaming around at everything. She must think that this is a great history project, he thought. Quite frankly, I don't mind it either. "So, Hermione, what do you want to do?" Hermione looked at him, her eyes sparkling.
"Everything, Harry. Everything."
And so they did. The first part of the day was spent looking into Honeyduke's, which was full of children and adults, all sampling little bits of candy while the owner stood by a huge cauldron of melted chocolate, stirring and giving free samples. Harry and Hermione tried some. Mint with chocolate and a slight aftertaste of marshmallow cream. The smell was almost overpowering. After an hour, they left, both carrying large parcels of sweets (Arthur had given them plenty of gold).
As they both entered the museum "Remembrance of things Past," Harry felt as if he were entering into the Hogwarts he was missing up at the castle. There were statues lining the floor, with Boris the Bewildered and the One-Eyed Witch easily spotted among some statues that Harry had never seen before. Many of them, he saw, had dark hair and looked surprisingly like him. "It almost looks like a family reunion," Hermione laughed. "Well, your father did come from a long wizarding family. Maybe this hero bit is in your blood." Harry grinned. "They should have left me with less knobbly knees."
The paintings on the wall were, of course, moving. Harry noticed a few of them and waved. Olive, an old witch Harry had met in his fourth year, waved back suspiciously. Oh yeah, Harry thought. They don't remember me, 'cause they haven't met me yet.
As the day drew on, Harry became more and more nervous. He hadn't bought anything for Hermione yet. He wanted something special, something more than the regular book he and Ron always seemed to give her. She had given him his favorite quill, his broomstick servicing kit, and all those care packages while he was at the Dursley's. But that wasn't the reason why he wanted to get her something special. He wanted to get her something that expressed how he felt. And how he felt certainly wasn't in a book.
In the afternoon, Harry and Hermione went over to the obstacle patch. "I just want to see what they have," Harry said. What they had was quite a bit. The two of them went from stand to stand, seeing wizards dueling with their wands, and wizards in leather armor dueling with swords. Every time one of them was injured, a medi-wizard came rushing over and with much furious wand waving and mumbling over the danger of these Muggle sports, healed the wounds. "Boys," Hermione muttered.
"Looks like fun to me," Harry said. Hermione raised her eyebrow. "Really, Harold James Potter. Do you think that hacking sharp objects at other people is FUN? You don't even know how!"
"I'd like to try, though." Harry said. Hermione sighed. "Fine Harry, go and get yourself sliced to pieces, but don't come to me for comfort." Actually, thought Hermione, that wouldn't be such a bad thing. But what if he did hurt himself, badly? Harry grinned at her. "I'll be careful."
Harry approached the arms table, paid his two Galleons to enter, and picked a sword. "Will the new challenger please enter, and pronounce himself," shouted a ruddy-faced wizard, who appeared to be commentating. Harry entered into the ring, where suddenly, flames engulfed the edges. So Harry was now trapped in the square, with his opponent. The opponent raised his sword to the audience, who apparently could not see the flames. " Asesino Goyle, Hogsmeade!" He brought his tremendous axe down with a gigantic SWOOSH. Then he bowed to Harry, and waited. Harry gulped. "H.Harold Potter. Privet Drive." He looked sheepishly over at Hermione, who was looking terrified. He took his sword and performed a few rudimentary slashes with it. A few murmurs and laughter were heard from the audience. Harry turned and bowed to Goyle, who looked at least capable of cutting him in two. He did it quickly, not wanting to give his opponent any more view of his neck than necessary. With a sudden roar, Goyle shot the axe up, catching Harry completely off guard.
This, Harry thought, was a bit more than he had expected. The flames were roaring around him, and Goyle seemed to be an expert with his axe. It seemed to be more of an extension of his arm than a weapon. Harry's sword looked puny by comparison. Harry began doing the one thing he could do, he began dodging. He ducked under a furious horizontal slash of the axe, leapt to one side as it came crashing down, and jumped over the axe as it came swinging by his feet. His last jump brought him flying towards Goyle, and so he thought he might as well try something. Harry raised the sword and brought the hilt crashing down on Goyle's head. He stood for a second, dazed, and then screamed with pain and fury. Blood began pouring from a cut above his eye. He began slashing even harder at the young wizard. Still, Harry dodged all his blows, and even was able to block a few. With a tremendous smash, Goyle smashed the axe down just after Harry had leapt out of the way. This time, the axe got stuck in the hard ground. Goyle tugged, grunted, and began pulling at the axe with all his might. Taking advantage of the situation, Harry brought the sword slicing through the long handle of the axe. Goyle looked down, surprised, and looked up I enough time to see Harry's fist crash into his face. Goyle dropped lack a sack of potatoes. The fire went out around Harry, and he could see Hermione with fingernail marks on her face. The crowd cheered wildly, and Hermione began to clap. She smiled, but still looked at him and said, "Harry you can be awfully thick sometimes."
"The winner, Harold Potter!!" cried the announcer, and cheers erupted again from the onlookers. Harry grinned. A few teenage wizards were coming over to congratulate him. "That was amazing!" said a short, stocky wizard. "Where'd you learn to move like that?"
"Well after dodging Bludgers, dodging him was no problem." The boys and girls around him looked confused. "Bludger? What on earth is a Bludger?" "You know, Quidditch." Harry started. The boys looked even more dumbstruck. "It's a game.where I'm from. You play on broomsticks."
And Harry was off, explaining the rules, the four balls, and the player's positions on the team. As Harry went on, and started assigning positions, Hermione stood in a corner, scowling. She really liked him, but when he went off on these tangents, he was very irritating.
".So you can't attack the Keeper unless the Quaffle is in the designated area," Harry was explaining, when Hermione finally had enough. Pulling out her wand, she fixed Harry with a piercing glare, and yelled "Petrificus Labiosus!" Harry's lips immediately froze in mid sentence, and he looked over at Hermione with eyes bulging. She came up to him. "Now we're even for this morning, dearie." She began laughing and casually waved her wand at Harry, whose lips popped apart and began grinning. "Sorry Hermione, I guess I got a little carried away." As they walked away toward the archery range, the boys and girls began talking excitedly about the amazing new game of Quidditch they just learned.
Harry and Hermione had just enough time for one more obstacle before the sunset. They decided to go to the Archery Range. Hermione was grinning for some reason. They each paid a sickle, and received a bow and a quiver of arrows. Harry decided now would be a good time to one-up Hermione (He was still a bit sore over the lip-freezing charm). He pulled his bow up, and fired at the target. The arrow went directly through the bull's eye. Harry glanced at Hermione, his flashing green eyes alive with humor. "Beat that, Miss Granger!" Hermione just calmly took five large steps back, took an arrow out of the quiver, and in a flash and fired it. The arrow went flying towards the target, and with a loud crack, had severed Harry's arrow right down the middle. Hermione grinned at the dumbfounded look that suddenly spread over Harry's face. "I knew that those three years of summer camp would pay off. what? Did you think that just because we are in medieval times, that I would suddenly be a damsel in distress? I have more skills than you give credit for, Harry Potter." Harry just stood dumbstruck.
"Hermione, remind me never to meet you in a dark alley."
Hermione grinned, and looked at the sun peeking through the clouds. "It's almost sunset, we'd better get back to the Main Street."
As the reached the crowded street, there suddenly came the sounds of whooshing arrows. A man on Harry's right side went down, bleeding from a leg wound. Harry looked up, and saw the attackers. Riding towards them were three men, dressed in thick brown leather armor. Each of them carried a crossbow, and on their breast was the symbol of a black dragon. As citizens began pulling out their wands, the horsemen pulled out wands and cried "Stupificamos!" All of the wizards with their wands already out slumped to the ground, unconscious. The rest paused, and put their wands back.
The man in the lead reared his horse to a stop, and looked around at the assembled crowd. "Brother wizards, the Time of Sanctuary shall not last. There is still time. Take full advantage of you powers, and join my master Mordred in his glorious struggle against Arthur, your tyrannical King!" Harry scoffed, as nearly every face was etched with hatred at the name of Mordred. "How dare you speak that name in our presence!" A wizard yelled. He who must not be named shall not take any followers today!" Harry blinked. No, it couldn't be.
"You! Boy!" yelled the head knight. What are you looking at like that. Harry realized he had been looking at the knight with a scornful expression. "I don't know, I'm still trying to figure out what it is." He knew immediately he should have kept his mouth shut. The knight grinned, showing a mouth missing a great many teeth. "You need to be taught manners, boy. Maybe if we took your little friend, you would be less rude to your elders." Harry glance at Hermione, who looked angry enough to attack them herself. But Harry wouldn't allow it. "No!" he shouted. He bowed his head towards the knight. "Forgive me, sir."
The knight laughed harshly. "Not good enough boy. Bow!!"
"Hold, Harry Potter!" came a voice from behind him. The voice was strong, but young. Harry turned to see a young man with long blonde hair coming forward, wearing a green dragon with a sword above it on his vest. "These men do not deserve your embarrassment." The brown knights gazed at this new knight with hatred. "This boy is of no concern of yours, White Knight!"
The white knight showed no signs of backing down. "I am making him my concern. Step away!" He whipped out his wand.
With a laugh, the three dark knights attacked. Harry and Hermione jumped to one side as they rode past. Two of them began battling the knight, while one turned his attention to Hermione. "Stupefy!" he yelled. Harry jumped, and pushed Hermione out of the way. Brave though this action was, it was not well thought out. Before Harry even hit the ground, his mind had become fogged, his eyes saw black, and he knew no more.
"Harry? Harry?" Harry could hear Hermione calling his name. He opened his eyes slowly, to see himself in the dark Main Hall of Camelot Castle. Harry suddenly sprung up. "Hermione!!" He had nearly knocked the witch who was tending him over, and he saw Hermione, tear-streaked at his side. She rushed up and hugged him. "Ohhhh Harry, I was so worried. Harry hugged her back. He was so glad to see her again, the fact that she was returning the hug hardly registered on his face.
"Ah, you're back. You've had quite a day Mr. Potter. Harry heard Arthur's voice coming from the doorway. He came in, looked at the two young wizards, and smiled. "Didn't I warn you two to be careful?" he said, with a trace of humor in his voice. "Well, you will be happy to know that you are not seriously harmed. Just a good night's sleep, I think. After you were taken out of the fight, the knights were defeated, with a little help from Hermione." Hermione grinned, and whispered, "I told you I'm not going to be your damsel in distress."
"Now, I'd like to introduce you to your hero. It was a good thing I decided to send a knight to watch you, just in case. Benedicto!!"
The blonde knight came strolling in, a small grin on his face. "Harry, meet your savior, Benedicto."
"Benedicto Malfoy."
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Well, I know it's a bit of a long one, but I did leave you hanging for a while. I beg you all to please review these. It helps me want to keep writing!! Oh, and by the way, yes I have read "Quidditch Through the Ages", and I do know that my origin of Quidditch is inaccurate. But then again, so are most history books. See you guys with another chapter soon. Bye!!
Chapter: CityScape
As the early morning dawn began slicing through the Common Room window, Harry Potter stirred under the blankets. He didn't want to get up, really, but ever since he started early Quidditch lessons, once he woke up, he was awake for the rest of the day. He glanced over and saw Hermione, still asleep, and with her arm still slung over his waist. It was strange. He was so. comfortable like this. But, who knew if she meant to do this or not. Rather than find out, Harry gently lifted her arm up and slipped out of the covers. He dressed quickly, and decided to see if there was anyone else up at this ungodly hour.
As Harry entered the Great Hall, he saw that Arthur and Merlin were both already up. Arthur sat at a large table in front of his throne, eating a simple breakfast. He and Merlin looked deep in conversation, and hardly noticed when he came in. As Harry approached, he could hear Arthur speaking in a low, quick voice: "But if he really did enter into the castle, then he must have had outside help, a benefactor on the inside. Or, perhaps one of the families in the City is helping him. But it is clear what he is after."
"Harry!" called Merlin, looking up from his breakfast. "We have something to discuss with you, young man." Arthur beckoned him forward, with a look of the utmost seriousness on his face. "Squire Harry, can I trust you? Believe me Harry, in this case, this is not to be taken lighten. Can I put my faith in you?" Harry looked into Arthur's eyes.
"Of course, Your Majesty."
Arthur nodded, and pressed on. "Harry, what you and Hermione heard last night has been troubling me. I have many enemies who would like to gain access to Camelot Castle for many various.reasons. Please, at the present time, do not ask me to explain further, and trust me when I say it is for your safety. But, if someone is trying to gain access to the Castle, there is a great likelihood that someone in Camelot City knows of the perpetrator."
"Camelot City, Arthur?"
Merlin smiled. "Hogsmeade, Harry, Hogsmeade."
"Yes," said Arthur forcefully, refocusing Harry's attention, "Well, someone in Hogsmeade might know something more. Now, if I sent a knight to do some investigating, it would probably get nowhere. The residents of Camelot City are somewhat suspicious of my knights. But, if I were to say, let my Squire go into Hogsmeade on personal business, we might get somewhere. It is Christmas Eve Day, after all." Harry started; he hadn't realized that it was the day before Christmas. He had gotten Ron a gift, but had still been searching for something for Hermione.
"If I send you in to Camelot City, just to listen around a bit, could I trust you?" "Yes, Arthur, you can. Me AND Hermione." Arthur grimaced slightly. "Very well, she may go along as well. But I urge you, be careful. Magic is only forbidden within the castle grounds, so watch out for each other. Alright?"
"Don't worry, we will be careful."
"Good. Meet back down here in an hour, and you and Hermione can get going."
Harry raced back up the stairs to the Gryffindor Common Room, and threw open the door. Hermione was still asleep, snoring slightly. Harry grinned lopsidedly. Well, it's about time for her to get up anyway. He sneaked up to Hermione, brought his lips close to hers. and yelled. "Hermione!! Where have you been all day?! You missed Snape's final exam!!"
Harry stood back, and watched with pleasure as his words took effect. Hermione leapt out of bed as if she had been sleeping on a porcupine. She ran around the room, grabbing at her clothes, looking as if the world was about to end. "Ooooohhh. he's going to kill me!! I haven't studied at all. Maybe he will let me retake.retake. Hermione stopped suddenly and looked at Harry, who was wearing an evil grin. "You git!!" Hermione exclaimed, throwing a shoe at him. "What if I had gotten into the hallway only half dressed!"
Harry smiled. "Sorry, but this is important. We're going to Hogsmeade to day, get dressed. Oh, and Happy Christmas Eve Day, by the way." Hermione stopped again, a look of panic crossing her face. Apparently she had forgotten some of her presents as well. "Alright, would you please leave so I can change?" Hermione said, blushing slightly.
A few minutes later, Harry and Hermione were on their way down to the throne room. When they arrived, Merlin took out his wand and waved it, causing their clothes to grow fur. "A little magic now and then doesn't hurt," he said, his eyes twinkling. "Once again, Harry, and you Hermione, please be careful. Hogsmeade can be more dangerous than you think." Harry nodded again. Why was everyone warning him about Hogsmeade?
A half-hour later, a cart carrying bales of hay and two teenaged wizards pulled into what looked like the main street of Camelot City. And the city looked beautiful. The entire city was blanketed with snow, making it look like an old Christmas card. Smoke curled from thatched cottages, mingling with the gray sky overhead. The Main Street was lined with wizards in brilliantly colored robes, with a few jugglers, proving that skill can sometimes be as wonderful as magic. Many of the building looked the same. As wizards were still permitted here, there was Honeyduke's Candy Shop, Gladrag's Wizard Apparel, and even the Shrieking Shack, although now it appeared to be a museum, with a sign reading: "Remembrance of Things Past" tacked on the door. One thing that was plainly missing, however, was the Hogwarts Express. Where the track and station usually stood was now a long dirt road, and a small field set up with both physical and magical obstacles.
"I'll be back to get you two at sunset," said the driver. "Good luck, Squire Harry."
Harry looked over at Hermione, who was beaming around at everything. She must think that this is a great history project, he thought. Quite frankly, I don't mind it either. "So, Hermione, what do you want to do?" Hermione looked at him, her eyes sparkling.
"Everything, Harry. Everything."
And so they did. The first part of the day was spent looking into Honeyduke's, which was full of children and adults, all sampling little bits of candy while the owner stood by a huge cauldron of melted chocolate, stirring and giving free samples. Harry and Hermione tried some. Mint with chocolate and a slight aftertaste of marshmallow cream. The smell was almost overpowering. After an hour, they left, both carrying large parcels of sweets (Arthur had given them plenty of gold).
As they both entered the museum "Remembrance of things Past," Harry felt as if he were entering into the Hogwarts he was missing up at the castle. There were statues lining the floor, with Boris the Bewildered and the One-Eyed Witch easily spotted among some statues that Harry had never seen before. Many of them, he saw, had dark hair and looked surprisingly like him. "It almost looks like a family reunion," Hermione laughed. "Well, your father did come from a long wizarding family. Maybe this hero bit is in your blood." Harry grinned. "They should have left me with less knobbly knees."
The paintings on the wall were, of course, moving. Harry noticed a few of them and waved. Olive, an old witch Harry had met in his fourth year, waved back suspiciously. Oh yeah, Harry thought. They don't remember me, 'cause they haven't met me yet.
As the day drew on, Harry became more and more nervous. He hadn't bought anything for Hermione yet. He wanted something special, something more than the regular book he and Ron always seemed to give her. She had given him his favorite quill, his broomstick servicing kit, and all those care packages while he was at the Dursley's. But that wasn't the reason why he wanted to get her something special. He wanted to get her something that expressed how he felt. And how he felt certainly wasn't in a book.
In the afternoon, Harry and Hermione went over to the obstacle patch. "I just want to see what they have," Harry said. What they had was quite a bit. The two of them went from stand to stand, seeing wizards dueling with their wands, and wizards in leather armor dueling with swords. Every time one of them was injured, a medi-wizard came rushing over and with much furious wand waving and mumbling over the danger of these Muggle sports, healed the wounds. "Boys," Hermione muttered.
"Looks like fun to me," Harry said. Hermione raised her eyebrow. "Really, Harold James Potter. Do you think that hacking sharp objects at other people is FUN? You don't even know how!"
"I'd like to try, though." Harry said. Hermione sighed. "Fine Harry, go and get yourself sliced to pieces, but don't come to me for comfort." Actually, thought Hermione, that wouldn't be such a bad thing. But what if he did hurt himself, badly? Harry grinned at her. "I'll be careful."
Harry approached the arms table, paid his two Galleons to enter, and picked a sword. "Will the new challenger please enter, and pronounce himself," shouted a ruddy-faced wizard, who appeared to be commentating. Harry entered into the ring, where suddenly, flames engulfed the edges. So Harry was now trapped in the square, with his opponent. The opponent raised his sword to the audience, who apparently could not see the flames. " Asesino Goyle, Hogsmeade!" He brought his tremendous axe down with a gigantic SWOOSH. Then he bowed to Harry, and waited. Harry gulped. "H.Harold Potter. Privet Drive." He looked sheepishly over at Hermione, who was looking terrified. He took his sword and performed a few rudimentary slashes with it. A few murmurs and laughter were heard from the audience. Harry turned and bowed to Goyle, who looked at least capable of cutting him in two. He did it quickly, not wanting to give his opponent any more view of his neck than necessary. With a sudden roar, Goyle shot the axe up, catching Harry completely off guard.
This, Harry thought, was a bit more than he had expected. The flames were roaring around him, and Goyle seemed to be an expert with his axe. It seemed to be more of an extension of his arm than a weapon. Harry's sword looked puny by comparison. Harry began doing the one thing he could do, he began dodging. He ducked under a furious horizontal slash of the axe, leapt to one side as it came crashing down, and jumped over the axe as it came swinging by his feet. His last jump brought him flying towards Goyle, and so he thought he might as well try something. Harry raised the sword and brought the hilt crashing down on Goyle's head. He stood for a second, dazed, and then screamed with pain and fury. Blood began pouring from a cut above his eye. He began slashing even harder at the young wizard. Still, Harry dodged all his blows, and even was able to block a few. With a tremendous smash, Goyle smashed the axe down just after Harry had leapt out of the way. This time, the axe got stuck in the hard ground. Goyle tugged, grunted, and began pulling at the axe with all his might. Taking advantage of the situation, Harry brought the sword slicing through the long handle of the axe. Goyle looked down, surprised, and looked up I enough time to see Harry's fist crash into his face. Goyle dropped lack a sack of potatoes. The fire went out around Harry, and he could see Hermione with fingernail marks on her face. The crowd cheered wildly, and Hermione began to clap. She smiled, but still looked at him and said, "Harry you can be awfully thick sometimes."
"The winner, Harold Potter!!" cried the announcer, and cheers erupted again from the onlookers. Harry grinned. A few teenage wizards were coming over to congratulate him. "That was amazing!" said a short, stocky wizard. "Where'd you learn to move like that?"
"Well after dodging Bludgers, dodging him was no problem." The boys and girls around him looked confused. "Bludger? What on earth is a Bludger?" "You know, Quidditch." Harry started. The boys looked even more dumbstruck. "It's a game.where I'm from. You play on broomsticks."
And Harry was off, explaining the rules, the four balls, and the player's positions on the team. As Harry went on, and started assigning positions, Hermione stood in a corner, scowling. She really liked him, but when he went off on these tangents, he was very irritating.
".So you can't attack the Keeper unless the Quaffle is in the designated area," Harry was explaining, when Hermione finally had enough. Pulling out her wand, she fixed Harry with a piercing glare, and yelled "Petrificus Labiosus!" Harry's lips immediately froze in mid sentence, and he looked over at Hermione with eyes bulging. She came up to him. "Now we're even for this morning, dearie." She began laughing and casually waved her wand at Harry, whose lips popped apart and began grinning. "Sorry Hermione, I guess I got a little carried away." As they walked away toward the archery range, the boys and girls began talking excitedly about the amazing new game of Quidditch they just learned.
Harry and Hermione had just enough time for one more obstacle before the sunset. They decided to go to the Archery Range. Hermione was grinning for some reason. They each paid a sickle, and received a bow and a quiver of arrows. Harry decided now would be a good time to one-up Hermione (He was still a bit sore over the lip-freezing charm). He pulled his bow up, and fired at the target. The arrow went directly through the bull's eye. Harry glanced at Hermione, his flashing green eyes alive with humor. "Beat that, Miss Granger!" Hermione just calmly took five large steps back, took an arrow out of the quiver, and in a flash and fired it. The arrow went flying towards the target, and with a loud crack, had severed Harry's arrow right down the middle. Hermione grinned at the dumbfounded look that suddenly spread over Harry's face. "I knew that those three years of summer camp would pay off. what? Did you think that just because we are in medieval times, that I would suddenly be a damsel in distress? I have more skills than you give credit for, Harry Potter." Harry just stood dumbstruck.
"Hermione, remind me never to meet you in a dark alley."
Hermione grinned, and looked at the sun peeking through the clouds. "It's almost sunset, we'd better get back to the Main Street."
As the reached the crowded street, there suddenly came the sounds of whooshing arrows. A man on Harry's right side went down, bleeding from a leg wound. Harry looked up, and saw the attackers. Riding towards them were three men, dressed in thick brown leather armor. Each of them carried a crossbow, and on their breast was the symbol of a black dragon. As citizens began pulling out their wands, the horsemen pulled out wands and cried "Stupificamos!" All of the wizards with their wands already out slumped to the ground, unconscious. The rest paused, and put their wands back.
The man in the lead reared his horse to a stop, and looked around at the assembled crowd. "Brother wizards, the Time of Sanctuary shall not last. There is still time. Take full advantage of you powers, and join my master Mordred in his glorious struggle against Arthur, your tyrannical King!" Harry scoffed, as nearly every face was etched with hatred at the name of Mordred. "How dare you speak that name in our presence!" A wizard yelled. He who must not be named shall not take any followers today!" Harry blinked. No, it couldn't be.
"You! Boy!" yelled the head knight. What are you looking at like that. Harry realized he had been looking at the knight with a scornful expression. "I don't know, I'm still trying to figure out what it is." He knew immediately he should have kept his mouth shut. The knight grinned, showing a mouth missing a great many teeth. "You need to be taught manners, boy. Maybe if we took your little friend, you would be less rude to your elders." Harry glance at Hermione, who looked angry enough to attack them herself. But Harry wouldn't allow it. "No!" he shouted. He bowed his head towards the knight. "Forgive me, sir."
The knight laughed harshly. "Not good enough boy. Bow!!"
"Hold, Harry Potter!" came a voice from behind him. The voice was strong, but young. Harry turned to see a young man with long blonde hair coming forward, wearing a green dragon with a sword above it on his vest. "These men do not deserve your embarrassment." The brown knights gazed at this new knight with hatred. "This boy is of no concern of yours, White Knight!"
The white knight showed no signs of backing down. "I am making him my concern. Step away!" He whipped out his wand.
With a laugh, the three dark knights attacked. Harry and Hermione jumped to one side as they rode past. Two of them began battling the knight, while one turned his attention to Hermione. "Stupefy!" he yelled. Harry jumped, and pushed Hermione out of the way. Brave though this action was, it was not well thought out. Before Harry even hit the ground, his mind had become fogged, his eyes saw black, and he knew no more.
"Harry? Harry?" Harry could hear Hermione calling his name. He opened his eyes slowly, to see himself in the dark Main Hall of Camelot Castle. Harry suddenly sprung up. "Hermione!!" He had nearly knocked the witch who was tending him over, and he saw Hermione, tear-streaked at his side. She rushed up and hugged him. "Ohhhh Harry, I was so worried. Harry hugged her back. He was so glad to see her again, the fact that she was returning the hug hardly registered on his face.
"Ah, you're back. You've had quite a day Mr. Potter. Harry heard Arthur's voice coming from the doorway. He came in, looked at the two young wizards, and smiled. "Didn't I warn you two to be careful?" he said, with a trace of humor in his voice. "Well, you will be happy to know that you are not seriously harmed. Just a good night's sleep, I think. After you were taken out of the fight, the knights were defeated, with a little help from Hermione." Hermione grinned, and whispered, "I told you I'm not going to be your damsel in distress."
"Now, I'd like to introduce you to your hero. It was a good thing I decided to send a knight to watch you, just in case. Benedicto!!"
The blonde knight came strolling in, a small grin on his face. "Harry, meet your savior, Benedicto."
"Benedicto Malfoy."
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Well, I know it's a bit of a long one, but I did leave you hanging for a while. I beg you all to please review these. It helps me want to keep writing!! Oh, and by the way, yes I have read "Quidditch Through the Ages", and I do know that my origin of Quidditch is inaccurate. But then again, so are most history books. See you guys with another chapter soon. Bye!!