Fore note: Lots of thank you-s and a lot of hugs to Seldes Katne for beta-reading Hearts and Hourglasses before it's posted on Sugar Quill! She's a wonderful person and a fantastic beta-reader!
Chapter 15: The Hawthorn Charm
Six months after Rowena's father passed away, Dark wizards ransacked the library of Ravenclaw manor. Valuable and irreplaceable spellbooks were stolen. Treasured magical items were taken. Rowena feared what further damage would have been done had Godric and Helga not been at the manor that night. The library might have been set ablaze.
Godric went after the thieves, determined to take back what was stolen. It was a useless attempt, but not for any lack of effort on his part. Helga discovered that some protection spells and charms Lord Regius Ravenclaw had cast on the estate were rendered ineffective by powerful Dark magic. A low-level Dark wizard would not have the skill to accomplish it.
Godric told Rowena that the silver-haired wizard was Salazar Slytherin, an extremely powerful and ambitious Dark wizard, who had been initiated into the Thirteen despite the fact that the other members of the coalition were many years Slytherin's senior. Godric warned Rowena that this wouldn't be the last time they would see of Salazar Slytherin.
Rowena debated with herself whether to tell Godric and Helga that this same Dark wizard was the one who kidnapped her when she was only twelve years old. And whether or not to tell them that she hadn't been taken for ransom as everyone, including her own father, had believed. Salazar Slytherin had kidnapped her so that he could learn Mindread from her.
When he realized it was impossible to learn, he returned Rowena.
***
Harry, Ron and Hermione returned to the Great Hall a quarter of an hour before the lecture would begin. When they entered, they found that the golden stage was back, the house and staff tables were gone, and about a thousand or so comfortable looking golden armchairs were arranged in neat rows before the stage with three wide aisles going through the middle and at the sides.
By the front row stood their professors and the Headmaster talking amicably with the Founders. Harry quickly suggested to Ron and Hermione that they seat themselves in the row behind the Founders. They agreed, but before they went, someone else entered the Great Hall, and they were all pleasantly surprised to see that it was Professor Lupin.
"Professor!" Harry exclaimed with delight, rushing over to the fair-haired man. Lupin's solemn face broke into a wide grin when he saw them. "Harry, Ron, Hermione, it's good to see you all again!"
"It's great to see you, Sir!" Ron yelled cheerfully, and Hermione gushed over Lupin, saying he looked so handsome. Lupin's pale face flushed at her praise, but Hermione hadn't been overly flattering. Lupin did look great. He wasn't wearing shabby robes any more. In fact, the robes he was wearing looked brand new, and his face looked fuller as if he had gained some weight.
His light brown hair had been trimmed and neatly set. His robes were properly pressed. Harry saw that he had a new briefcase. He blinked. Professor Lupin smelled kind of nice.
"Why are you here, Professor?" Ron was asking. Hermione immediately answered, "It's obvious he's the one who's going to give the lecture."
"Oh." Said Ron, and Lupin chuckled lightly. "That's right. I've been giving lectures at schools all over the country," he said in a warm pleased tone, "It was Headmaster Dumbledore's idea, and he recommended me to other headmasters." He smiled slightly. "As long as I didn't visit during a certain time of the month, they didn't mind me coming to their schools."
"So you have been travelling a lot," said Harry, grinning, "That's wonderful, Professor."
"Thank you, Harry." Lupin's eyes suddenly locked onto Harry's intently. Harry looked at him questioningly as Lupin glanced at Hermione and Ron. "May I speak to you alone for a moment, Harry?" Lupin asked, sounding a little nervous.
"... What is it, Professor?" What could Lupin want to talk to him about in private? About Sirius?
Lupin suddenly looked... well, excited. "Are they here?" He said quickly, as if unable to contain himself any longer. It took Harry a few seconds before he realized whom Lupin was referring to. Hermione caught on at the same time Harry did.
"They're over there, Sir." Hermione pointed towards the stage. Lupin followed her finger then suddenly stared at her and Ron. "... You two know?"
Ron was quick to answer, "We found out on our own, Professor. Harry didn't tell us anything."
Lupin nodded slowly, saying seriously, "That's good. You all three do know that this must not get out."
They all nodded, and Lupin's smile return. Harry then asked curiously how he found out.
Lupin swelled with pride, reminding Harry of Hagrid when he said that Dumbledore had seen fit to inform him as well. Harry was glad Dumbledore told Lupin especially since he knew how much Dumbledore's trust meant to Professor Lupin.
Harry remembered something, someone actually. "Where's Sirius?" He asked Lupin, who looked a little embarrassed, saying. "He's outside. Mrs. Norris screeched for Mr. Filch when she saw him. He absolutely refused to let him in."
"Awwwww..." Harry, Ron and Hermione said all together, "Poor Snuffles!" Lupin laughed.
"Ah, Professor Lupin." They all turned to see Headmaster Dumbledore walking towards them with a benign smile on his face. Professor Snape was a step behind him with an expression of dislike on his sharp face.
Snape glared at Lupin while Dumbledore asked Lupin how he has been. Harry lent only half an ear to their conversation as he wondered if he could somehow sneak in his godfather, Sirius, into the castle. Since Lupin knew about the Founders, Sirius most probably knew about them as well. Harry was certain Sirius would want to meet them.
However, before Harry could decide, students began coming into the Great Hall in droves, and he realized he better hurry and find a seat near the stage before all the good chairs were taken.
***
Professor Lupin looked good on a stage, thought Harry with a grin as the former Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher strolled with confident ease to the center of the stage where a table had been placed.
As Lupin put his briefcase on the table, Harry heard some seventh year Ravenclaw girls in the row behind him giggle appreciatively and whisper among themselves.
"Didn't he teach here two years ago?"
"I sure wish he was still teaching here..."
"Girls," One of them said sharply, "he's a werewolf, remember?"
"Only once a month..."
"Come on, he is cute."
It's amazing, thought Harry with amusement, what a little grooming and a new set of robes could do.
"Good afternoon, everyone. Students, fellow professors, Headmaster Dumbledore and honored guests." Lupin's magically enhanced voice echoed sonorously all through out the Great Hall. "I am Professor Remus Lupin, and I will be talking about and demonstrating to you all the Hawthorn Charm." He paused for a moment, then continued, "Can anyone tell me a little about this particular charm?"
It was the first time Harry had heard about this charm. He was thinking that the name sounded familiar and noticed in the corner of his eye that Hermione had raised her hand (not surprising).
"Yes, Justin," Lupin's voice called out rollingly. Harry turned his head to see Justin Finch-Fletcley, a Hufflepuff boy in the same year as Harry, stand up.
Justin's voice rang clearly as he answered, "The Hawthorn Charm is the most powerful protection charm ever created. It is the only Light magic charm that effectively blocks the Cruciatus Spell, one of the Three Unforgivable Curses."
Really? Harry perked up, looking attentively at Justin. A charm that blocks Crucio was definitely worthwhile learning. Harry knew from first hand experience.
Justin was still talking, his lilting voice rising proudly as he said, "The charm is said to be created by none other than Helga Hufflepuff."
Harry started and looked over to the front row where the Founders were seated. He couldn't see Helga's face, but the line of her shoulder and back was stiff. He watched as Godric, seated beside her, leaned over with a smile to say something into her ear. Rowena, on Helga's other side, gave her an affectionate hug. Salazar, seated beside Rowena, was staring up at the enchanted ceiling, which showed a clear blue sky.
"That is correct, Justin," Lupin said, smiling, "Thank you. Please take your seat." As Justin sat back down, Lupin opened his briefcase and took out a flower. This particular flower was glowing and changing color from white to pink to red to pink to white and back.
A murmur went through the audience as Lupin held it out before him and opened his hand. The flower levitated from his palm and began to rotate slowly in mid-air.
Lupin said, "A single Hawthorn flower, by itself, is a small charm against harm. The more flowers, the greater the strength of the charm. An entire tree or shrub is a powerful charm." He gestured at the flower in front of him. "This single flower you see here contains the magic of an entire tree."
Lupin smiled. "The process of converting numerous flowers into one blossom is a complicated procedure, but not too difficult. You will be able to procure these flowers at modest expense. It is necessary. In order to properly cast the Hawthorn Charm, you must have one of these or a Hawthorn or a May Tree nearby.
Harry put a note in his mind to secure several of those flowers as soon as possible then he placed all his attention back on Lupin who had taken out his wand.
"Idei Protectus!" Lupin shouted, striking the flower with his wand. Rays of light burst from the center of the flower, and it disintegrated into shimmering particles that formed a translucent globe around Lupin. Then, it vanished.
"There." Lupin smiled. "I am now shielded from most curses and hexes until the charm wears off. How long it will last depends on the magical strength of the one being protected and the strength of the attack spells on it. Usually, when left alone, the Hawthorn Charm can last for more than twelve hours."
Lupin then put away his wand and held out his arms apart. "Would anyone care to test the Hawthorn Charm?"
Harry immediately raised his hand. He would like very much to see the charm at work at close range. Harry then noticed that a lot of people around him were also raising their hands. Ron, Hermione, all the Ravenclaw girls behind him...
Lupin beamed, pleased with all the audience interest and participation. His eyes met Harry, and the corner of his mouth twitched. Harry smiled back widely.
Suddenly, someone from the front row stood up and walked up to the stage. Lupin's smile died down a little. It was Professor Snape.
Harry's hand fell as the entire audience broke into whispers, murmurs and mutters. Ron was muttering loudly as Snape climbed up the stage steps. "Lupin didn't pick anyone yet," Ron complained, glaring at the Potions Master.
Lupin's expression was wary as he turned to face Snape. The other man had stopped at proper duelling distance and eyed Lupin with cold nasty intent.
The Great Hall turned quiet as Lupin carefully told Snape to use any spell except illegal ones. Harry's eyes narrowed at Snape, who looked disappointed at the restriction.
Barely had Lupin said to cast when ready when Snape's wand snapped up and pointed straight at Lupin. Harry jumped out of his chair as Snape shouted, "INFERNO!"
Girls screamed and boys yelled as a thick tongue of flame erupted from the end of Snape's wand and whirled like a tornado around Lupin.
"PROFESSOR!" shouted Harry. He was about to run to the stage when the fire died down suddenly and revealed a pale and not burnt in the least bit Professor Lupin.
Lupin lifted his head slightly and stared steadily at Snape, whose black eyes narrowed at him.
The entire room filled with applause as most students cheered and clapped their hands for Professor Lupin. Only the Slytherins kept quiet, looking discontented that Lupin was still alive and well. Harry noticed though that Salazar had straightened in his chair and was finally showing interest.
Lupin took a deep breath as the audience settled down. He then nodded politely at Snape, who jerked his head back at him in an irritated fashion. He looked like he wanted to cast another spell at Lupin, but thankfully for Harry's heart, he didn't and went off the stage and back to his seat.
Lupin cleared his throat before asking the audience if they have any questions about the Hawthorn Charm.
When the lecture was over, Harry, Ron and Hermione waited at the open doors of the Great Hall. Inside, the room was almost cleared of students. Professor Lupin was still in there as well as the Headmaster, the other professors and the Founders.
Helga seemed to have taken a liking to Professor Lupin, who looked abashed by the attention he was receiving from the Founders. Godric was talking with him right now with Rowena listening with polite interest to their conversation. Salazar, on the other hand, had a peculiar expression on his face and was staring at Lupin intently.
Harry watched curiously as Salazar said something to Lupin that made everyone who heard him jump. Helga gave Salazar an angry and confused look, taking Lupin's arm and pulling him away from the Dark wizard. Godric stared puzzledly at them, alternating between Lupin and Salazar. Rowena, though, looked frightened and moved closer to Salazar.
Later, Godric would tell Harry what Salazar had said to Lupin. Salazar had told Lupin, "I bet you are a lot of fun on a full moon."
To be continued.
Chapter 15 has ended. Please go on to the next chapter.
http://pub79.ezboard.com/fschnooglethebestofharrypotterfanfictionfrm165
