Chapter Twelve: Dragon Trouble
BananaCarrot-Five
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter. Harry Potter is owned by Warner Bros. Entertainment and J.K. Rowling.
Author's Note: I am alive! More on that later though, enjoy this chapter!
A/N: Before I forget, I would like to thank the following Betas Earthcuake and NeedsToSortOutHerPriorities for betaing my work! I appreciate your help guys!
April 11, 1992
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, 8:45 AM
Hermione Granger was in the Great Hall, eating breakfast alone. Neither Harry nor Neville had joined her yet, which was odd, considering they knew she was leaving today. As she was about to give up, both boys strolled into the Great Hall smiling, a book tucked under Harry's arm.
"Hey, Hermione!" Harry greeted.
"Hey, Harry, hey Neville," she replied. "What's up?"
"I think we found something," Neville grinned and pulled Harry's book from his grip, "Me and Harry were looking at complicated potions to try to figure out how Nicholas Flamel survived for 600 years and we found something called the Elixir of Life. It's a potion Flamel invented, but with a catch. He didn't list one of the ingredients. The book simply said that the ingredient was a secret of Flamel's."
Hermione's eyes widened and her mouth formed a perfect "o" shape, but before she could react, Harry hopped in.
"Me and Neville think that since Snape-"
"Professor Snape," Hermione corrected.
"Fine. Since Professor Snape is the Potions teacher, we thought that he would want this potion to live forever! And we think that the last ingredient just happens to be here, in Hogwarts!"
Hermione broke into a bright smile. "Oh! You figured it out! Let's head somewhere else, though, Professor Snape is at the Head's Table, currently."
Her inclined head led right to the Potions Professor, so the Trio quickly left the Great Hall, Hermione with her trunk.
The Trio entered the Library, which was near empty because of the departing students. Hermione pulled the boys to their table and explained to them what she had found out.
"You guys found the Potion that the Philosopher's Stone is an ingredient in. We have all the pieces now! Professor Snape is trying to steal the Philosopher's Stone to make the Elixir of Life to live forever!"
"And the Stone is probably in the Third-Floor-Corridor!" Neville exclaimed.
"Exactly!" Hermione exclaimed. "Your best bet is to talk to Hagrid! He already knows stuff; we can ask him about it! Since I'm heading home for Easter, you two are going to have to do it. But you are going to tell me everything in two weeks when I get back!"
Harry sighed. "You know, on top of that review you are almost finished with, the Philosopher's Stone is just another item on the list of things I want to talk to Professor Dumbledore about."
"Later, Harry!" Hermione said, standing up, seemingly ignoring his quip about her review, "I have to get to Hogsmeade Station. Want to join?"
Harry and Neville nodded and walked out with Hermione. The trio hopped into one of the horseless carriages and soon enough, they were on their way to Hogsmeade Station; however, there was unspoken tension in the air as the carriage went silent during the journey.
"Hey, guys, do you want to see my drawing of the Library?" Hermione asked, breaking the silence.
Both boys smiled.
"Sure, Hermione, Let's see it!" Neville responded happily.
Beaming, Hermione extracted the coloured drawing of the Library she drew. Both boys were equally excited when they saw the drawing. Hermione grinned madly and thanked the boys for liking it.
By the time the Trio reached Hogsmeade Station, Becca greeted them and started to drag Hermione away. Hermione giggled, "Bye boys!" before she and her trunk was pulled on the train by a very happy Becca.
After about ten minutes of waiting and waving, the Hogwarts Express finally blew its whistle and began to pull out of Hogsmeade Station. Both boys waved eagerly to the train and only went back to the carriages after the Express disappeared over the horizon.
\-0-0-/
Kings Cross Station, 7:00 PM
The distinct whistle of the Hogwarts Express signalled to those waiting on the platform that the train was arriving, on time. However, since the majority of families waiting for students were muggle, they had to wait on said side of Platform 9 ¾. As there were maybe fifty or sixty families waiting on the already packed Platforms 9 and 10, it would have been an unusual sight; thankfully Muggle London had busy trains running out of Platforms 9 and 10 on the daily.
Hermione and Becca exited the train together and the Platform together, joining with their families before parting ways for the holidays. Samuel and Helen were pleasantly surprised when Hermione exited the magical platform with another girl. It seemed she had other friends than Harry and Neville.
The Granger trio headed to their car and Helen drove the long three hours up north to the countryside where Aunt Mariella and Uncle Toby lived. The duo owned a small, two floor cabin on the shore. There was a small greenhouse nestled into the back corner of the yard.
Aunt Mariella was Helen Granger's sister. She moved out of their family house after she finished her education, and then fled with her then-fiancé and never looked back. Over the course of Hermione's life, Hermione had seen them twice. The first was when she was a year old, when she still lived in Paris. The second time was when she was eight years old, and that was an unremarkable experience for her.
Now, Hermione was going to spend Easter Holidays with Auntie Mariella and Uncle Toby. Personally, she was excited. Hoping for the best, her mood was far better than it was four years ago. This time, she had a bit of what she loved with her. She hoped they would like her drawing.
Helen pulled the car up to a waterside cabin outside of King's Lynn, UK. The aforementioned greenhouse was nearby; it was a small glass building with some crops growing inside.
Hermione stepped out of the car and breathed in the fresh air of the British waterfront. Even though it was past sunset, the soft lights of the cabin mixed with the waning sunset illuminated the way for the Grangers. Soon enough, they were at the doorstop of Auntie Mariella and Uncle Toby's house.
With two heavy knocks, Uncle Toby answered the door. Toby was a bald man in his early fourties, and he almost always wore a Hawaiian styled shirt. Despite never having been to those islands before, he always deferred to the drawer of shirts of that similar style. Auntie Mariella always wore handmade clothing, and to say she was good at making them would be an understatement. Helen was pleasantly surprised when Mariella had gifted her some handmade T-shirts for her birthday.
Mariella had graced Hermione with many hugs and kisses before ushering her upstairs to a bedroom half the size of hers in Crawley. Hermione, wanting to be polite, took the space in stride. It was as if she was at Hogwarts, except now she had walls. Maybe some good memories would be made this holiday. After all, she did want to visit her aunt and uncle sometime.
\-0-0-/
April 12, 1992
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Harry and Neville rushed to Hagrid's hut after breakfast. Hagrid was preoccupied when the boys knocked, but he still opened his door.
"'Ello 'Arry an' Neville! I'm slightly busy at the moment, but you two can come back later, eh?" Hagrid started to close the door, but Harry spoke quickly.
"We know about the Philosopher's Stone!" Harry yelped.
Hagrid's door wavered in its semi-closed state, before Harry and Neville heard a loud sigh and saw the door open again.
"Fine. Y'all better get in 'ere." Hagrid said, slightly annoyed. The two boys quickly entered, and Hagrid closed the door quickly behind them.
"I thought I told you lot to stay away from tha' business! Anywho, where's 'Ermione?"
"She's gone home for Easter, Hagrid," Harry answered.
Hagrid hummed. "Is it safe for me ta' assume tha' she figured most of this out 'erself?"
Harry and Neville's nods made Hagrid sigh.
"Look, Hagrid, this is important!" Harry began. "We think that Snape is trying to steal the Stone for himself! Me and Neville read about this potion-"
"and it basically gives the drinker immortality!" Neville interrupted.
"For ten years straight!" Harry finished. "What matters is that Snape is a Potions Master! He would know how to brew this potion, I think. He just can't get past Fluffy!"
"Well o' course nobody is getting' past Fluffy. Not a soul knows how, a 'least. Well, 'cept me an' Dumbledore. I shouldn't a told you that. I should not 'ave said that." Hagrid mumbled the last sentence.
"Hagrid, the Stone isn't right under Fluffy, is it?" Harry asked.
"Well, of course it ain't. Tha' Stone is a precious artefact. There's a whole bunch a stuff protectin' it." Hagrid answered, as if it were obvious.
"Does Snape have something protecting it, Hagrid?" Neville asked.
"Of course 'e does, Neville. All of us 'ave something' protectin' it." Hagrid continued to sip his tea.
Something clanked behind them, in Hagrid's fireplace.
"Hagrid, what's that?" Harry asked slowly.
"Oh that? It's nothing. Anyways, you boys best be off doin' somethin' else. You need to promise me to stop meddlin' in this." Hagrid looked between the boys quickly, until they nodded and agreed.
"We'll see you later, Hagrid, bye," Harry stated, walking out.
"Bye," Neville said before following Harry out.
Hagrid closed his eyes and took several deep breaths.
\-0-0-/
King's Lynn, UK
"Hermione, dearie, show me your drawing again?" Aunt Mariella asked for the fifth time that day. Hermione was seriously considering learning a duplication charm just to give her Auntie a copy of her drawing. However, being the good niece she was, once again handed Auntie Mariella her paper which contained her drawing of the library.
"I love how you drew this, Hermione," she complimented.
"Thanks, Auntie," Hermione replied. Her Aunt had looked at her drawing for hours that day. Hermione didn't consider herself a top artist, but she did appreciate when her work was liked. Even if that liker was her Auntie Mariella. Uncle Toby was more laid back and relaxed, and right now he could be heard talking about cricket and football with her dad.
Her mum seemed taken with Aunt Mari's greenhouse and had announced that she would be making some stew for dinner that night.
Hermione agreed to help her mum make the stew, if anything it was to get her mind off of Aunt Mari's appreciation of her drawing, and of Hogwarts.
The Philosopher's Stone.
Harry and Neville.
Hermione shook herself out of her mind and proceeded to occupy herself with helping to cook dinner.
\-0-0-/
April 13, 1992
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
With more free time due to the Easter Holiday, Harry and Neville were doing some more research in the Library. They weren't having much luck, however. They knew that the object that was in the school was the Philosopher's Stone, and they knew that Snape was trying to steal it.
The problem now was simple yet complex: How would they stop Snape from getting the Stone without getting caught themselves? This question would prove to be harder than once thought.
The pieces were there, but the answer was not.
Harry's initial idea to trap Snape was almost immediately dismissed, as two firsties attempting to trap a dangerous and much more experienced wizard would not see them getting out of the situation alive.
Neville's suggestion to talk to Professor Dumbledore also fell short; Hagrid had warned them time and time again to not dig deeper into the Stone, yet they had done so. To talk to Professor Dumbledore could mean their expulsion.
Hermione would have a fit. Speaking of Hermione, both boys hoped that she was having fun.
King's Lynn, UK
Hermione had spent the day on the beach. Auntie Mariella had continued to stare at her drawing, which was weird since Hermione didn't think it was that good. Then again, she had shown it to the boys, and they liked anything she did, within reason. She really hoped that Auntie Mariella wasn't just being sympathetic to her.
April 15, 1992
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Harry and Neville were playing Wizard's Chess against each other while trying to come up with a plan to subdue Snape. Everything they came up with was impractical and would never have gotten approved by Hermione.
Hermione. How they wished they knew how she was doing.
April 18, 1992
King's Lynn, UK
Hermione and her parents were on the second to last day of their holiday with Aunt Mariella and Uncle Toby. Aunt Mariella had been acting oddly the past few days; she kept herself cooped in her bedroom and hardly came out. The only times she came out were to eat and to use the bathroom, both activities included her parading around Hermione's drawing as if it was God Almighty himself.
Aunt Mariella had finally seemed to come to her senses and went up to Hermione after breakfast.
"Hermione, dearie, I was wondering if I could keep this drawing. It is such a wonderful piece of art."
Hermione shrugged and smiled. "Sure, Auntie. You can keep it." Hermione, while not thrilled at losing her drawing, smirked with satisfaction as the boys would do anything she wanted for another drawing of hers.
April 19, 1992
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
"Hey Neville, I really think we should talk to Hagrid again," Harry stated.
"Why would we do that?" Neville asked, confused.
"Because I have no clue what to do and it is really eating at me!" Harry exclaimed. "We know we can't stop Snape, but we can't tell anyone because we aren't supposed to know!"
"But Hagrid already knows we know," Neville started, "But he won't want to tell Dumbledore that we broke the rules because he likes us!"
"Exactly, now you know what I'm thinking, Nev! Let's go!" Harry made a rush to the door but Neville stopped him.
"After breakfast? I'm still hungry."
Harry came to his senses and froze as his own stomach grumbled. Both boys chuckled as they made their way to the Great Hall to eat some food.
King's Lynn, UK
Helen called out to Hermione and Samuel, who were both pulling their bags from the cottage. The Grangers were heading back to Crawley to make the midday Easter Service from Reverend Brady. Despite everything pulling Hermione from her parents, Church always seemed to be the glue in the family. Well, that and Christmas. And her birthday (sometimes).
And, more recently, Hogwarts.
Samuel helped Hermione put her trunk into the boot of their car before hopping in themselves. Helen started to drive away and Hermione took on a contemplative expression.
"Everything alright, Hermione?" Helen asked.
"Yeah, mum. Everything is fine," she responded.
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Harry and Neville finished their food and rushed out of the Great Hall, intent on meeting with Hagrid. Both boys reached his hut and knocked on the door. Hagrid answered, albeit guarded.
"What you lot need righ' now? I'm occupied at the moment," Hagrid stated, slightly gruff.
"Hagrid, we need help," Harry started, "We were hoping that you could answer some questions we have?"
Hagrid thought over it for a minute and eventually gave in. "Fine. But I am really busy today, so please don't try to mess with anything," Hagrid stated. Both boys agreed and went into his hut.
Harry saw a massive ladle propped against the wall. Hagrid was wearing heavy duty oven mitts. So he was cooking something? He didn't have time to think over it because Neville already took a seat in one of the massive chairs.
Harry sat down and got straight to the point. "Hagrid, we know that Snape is trying to steal the Philosopher's Stone. Everything we've figured out this year points to it! A potion, the last ingredient, Fluffy- it all makes sense!"
Neville cut in. "Harry even overheard Snape threatening Quirrell!"
Hagrid closed his eyes and took in several deep breaths. He then spoke very quietly but also very clearly.
"Listen to me, both of yeh. The Philosopher's Stone is a closely guarded secret between the staff at Hogwarts and Mr. Flamel. You lot trying to figure this out will only jeopardise the Stone's safety!"
Behind them, whatever was in the pot clanged. Hagrid's face changed from stern to a frantic expression as his eyes darted around his hut. He grabbed the massive ladle and scooped out whatever was inside the pot. Hagrid glanced at both boys who were still rooted in their seats and sighed. He placed what appeared to be an enlarged egg in a warm bath on the table.
"Hagrid, what exactly is that?" Harry asked.
"Tha' is something tha' yeh shouldn't be worrying about," Hagrid pointed out.
Neville stood up and walked over to the table. "Hagrid," he started, very frightened, "Why do you have a Dragon Egg in your hut?"
M11, Britain
"School is going fine, mum. We have exams in under two months," Hermione explained, "and I've started preparing for them. Harry and Neville are fine with it."
"I'm glad to hear it, honey," Helen told her.
"Thanks, Mum." Hermione said. 'I guess,' she added in her head.
The car ride was silent as the car cruised along M11, closer and closer to home. Hermione kept her head down after the questions and conversations stopped flowing.
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Hagrid sighed heavily. "You two best be going now. I have things to do." Without another word being spoken, Harry and Neville were pushed out of Hagrid's hut. Defeated, both boys started to walk back to the Castle. They got to the midpoint of the Wooden Bridge before Neville stopped.
"Why would Hagrid have a Dragon Egg in his hut? Doesn't he know it could burn his place down if it gets out of control?"
Harry shrugged. "I only read about dragons in some of Dudley's fantasy books. I wouldn't be able to tell you, Nev."
Neville shook his head. "Something doesn't add up, but I can't figure it out."
Harry looked over curiously. "What do you mean?"
Neville sighed. "I dunno. C'mon. Let's head back to the Common Room."
Harry still wondered about the dragon but silently followed Neville back.
18 Hempstead Avenue, Crawley
Hermione had pulled her trunk out of the boot of their car and was in the process of dragging it inside the house. She was slightly annoyed; Auntie Mariella's behaviour this past week was not settling with her, especially because she let herself let Auntie Mariella keep her drawing of the Library.
On the other hand, she was happy that her Aunt (and sometimes Uncle Toby as well) liked her work. She was happy that Auntie Mariella wanted to frame it and keep it in the cottage. She knew that her sunset painting was neatly tucked away in Harry's trunk, while her Astronomy Tower classroom painting was hanging on Neville's wall in his real bedroom outside Hogwarts.
As for Harry's sketch she loved? She smirked as she pulled out the pencil drawing of his house. She would never leave this picture behind, ever. It was just so… so… amazingly drawn! She went as far as to complain to herself that Harry was a better artist then she was. Of course, Harry knew about those tantrums. He never mentioned anything, of course, but she could tell he knew.
Whether it was a compliment or an insult was still slightly unclear to her, however she decided to take it as a compliment unless Harry told her otherwise.
Soon after, the Grangers got into their car once more and Samuel drove the family to Reverend Brady's Church for the Noon Easter Service.
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
To keep their minds off of everything that went down that morning, the boys ate lunch and played Wizard's Chess in the Common Room. Even though Percy and a few other Prefects disapproved of what they were doing, none of them told them to stop.
Harry and Neville were on their third game. Neville had won the first and Harry had won the second, and it was starting to look like a close match. As lunch ended and the students trickled it, an audience naturally formed around the duo.
The game went on for another fifteen minutes before Harry ultimately edged Neville out by one piece. The Common Room was filled with laughter while bouts of "Good job!" was yelled periodically.
Harry ended up dozing off until the Evening Feast; and Crookshanks, eventually making his way out of the Girl's Dorms and into the Common Room, used Harry's legs as a pillow.
18 Hempstead Avenue, Crawley
Coming home from Reverend Brady's service felt like a slap in the face for Hermione. She listened to his Sermon about forgiveness and sacrifice, yet everything she's done this past week was the opposite of what she should've done.
To her point, however, she did admit to herself that she cared more about Harry and Neville while away at Hogwarts than her own parents. Considering she isolated herself from them for nearly five years during Primary, and then went off to Hogwarts before treating Harry like crap before the duo made up (with help from Neville, of course), and eventually becoming friends, she felt pretty stable.
In the span of a few months, with Harry and Neville's help, she naturally (and unintentionally) reconnected with her parents, celebrating her birthday in its limited capacity, and was happier to see them come Christmas.
Perhaps it was the distance that shook her up, not seeing her parents at all for four months. Hermione took several deep breaths as she ate her tomato soup and looked through her journal.
What we know – Revised April 19, 1992 at 16:03
She called her Quill and scribbled out the old date and replaced it appropriately.
March 21 – Harry found out who Nicholas Flamel was. He was a French Alchemist who had Professor Dumbledore under his wing.
April 9 – I learn that Flamel created the Philosopher's Stone, an ancient magical artefact that expanded one's lifespan.
April 10 – Harry and Neville do some more research and learn about the Elixir of Life. The recipe omitted one ingredient. Because the Elixir of Life was a potion, our belief that Professor Snape is the one behind all of this is stronger than ever before.
April 11 – We all talk, and Harry and Neville learn about the Philosopher's Stone – and the omitted ingredient. The Philosopher's Stone is needed to create the Elixir of life, which expands the drinker's lifespan by ten years, no matter what.
Since we had pretty high suspicions that the Stone was under Fluffy, Harry and Neville agreed to talk to Hagrid. I was going home for Easter.
Hermione stopped writing and sighed angrily. How were they supposed to defeat Professor Snape? He was a much more experienced wizard than the three of them combined.
Just another thing to discuss with Harry and Neville come next week.
"Hermione, dear. Perhaps you can focus on something other than schoolwork?" Helen asked, gently. Sighing in defeat, Hermione deactivated the Quill and closed her Journal. She finished her soup in silence.
April 24, 1992
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Harry laid in bed, tossing a ball that a Sixth-Year had transfigured for him, while Neville and Ron fought an intense game of Wizard's Chess in the Common Room. He had barely focused on anything else all week.
With Hermione gone for break, all the thoughts in his head started to make no sense. Hagrid still had that bloody dragon egg, they had checked twice more this week. According to Hagrid, the Egg would hatch sometime in the next week.
If what Neville said was true, Hagrid would be in danger of losing his house.
As he thought of Neville, Harry heard a sudden explosion of cheers from the Common Room. Neville had beaten Ron, again. When Ron would admit defeat, Harry knew not.
Onto Ron, though. Oh, he was difficult. He had been his friend for a few months before he insulted Hermione. Now Hermione wouldn't talk to him until he apologised, which he still hadn't done. Harry tried to be courteous and civil to him after, but every time it looked like Hermione and/or Neville was angry at him, Ron would use it to jab Harry about how lonely he was.
Harry had no clue what Neville saw in Ron; other than being a good opponent in Wizard's Chess. How Hermione lived with it, Harry didn't know either. His life now was all questions and no answers. Speaking of questions with no answers, Harry reached up and touched his scar.
The scar was why he was famous to everyone. It was the reason why Hermione had labelled him as an arrogant jerk for the first few weeks of school. It was the reason he had no parents. It was why he was sent to the Dursleys.
Obviously, the only reasonable response to Hermione's actions all year was that she was guarded. Too many memories from her past didn't let her break free until it was almost too late. She had told him that much.
Everything else though? It was all either unknown or simple speculation.
Like everything going on this year with the Philosopher's Stone.
Harry rubbed his head. Thankfully, Hermione would be returning tomorrow, along with the fifty or so students that also went home for break. He was saved from further mind-wanderings by Crookshanks hopping onto his bed and smacking the ball out of his hand.
April 25, 1992
18 Hempstead Avenue, Crawley
Hermione was up bright and early. Quadruple-checking her trunk to make sure she had absolutely everything with her, she smiled in satisfaction when she verified that everything was in her trunk. She lugged it down the stairs at seven in the morning, each "thud" becoming louder and louder until it finally hit the ground floor.
"That's one way to wake up your parents, Pumpkin," Samuel said, rubbing his eyes.
"Sorry, Dad. I can't use Magic at home," Hermione stated.
Samuel nodded in understanding. "Why don't I make breakfast while you go see if your mum is awake yet."
Hermione nodded, and after propping her trunk near the door, walked up the stairs to check on her mum. As expected, Helen was still trying to sleep when Hermione woke her up, again.
"Hey, Mum. Dad is cooking breakfast. Plus, we need to leave in a few hours so I don't miss my train."
Helen sleepily nodded before forcing herself awake. It wouldn't be good for Samuel to overcook whatever he was making for breakfast anyway.
Several hours later, Hermione arrived at King's Cross Station. Samuel hadn't overcooked breakfast like Helen feared, and traffic was surprisingly flowing well as they made their way through Downtown London. Hermione hugged her parents goodbye before pulling her trunk through the station to Platform 9.
She was found by Becca, who was also at the Station with her parents. Calling her over, Hermione pulled her parents over to Becca's. After the pleasantries, Becca hooked herself onto Hermione's arm and dragged both of them towards the barrier, both of them yelling their goodbyes to their parents. Going through the platform and onto the train allowed both of them, particularly Hermione, to relax. She was going back to Hogwarts.
The Hogwarts Express pulled back into Hogsmeade Station at precisely six PM. Harry and Neville were at the station to greet her. The Trio now back together again, Harry and Neville started to fill her in on what she had missed. By the end of the ride, Hermione could only utter one word: Dragons!
April 26, 1992
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
With classes starting up again tomorrow, Hermione spent the day catching up. She visited Hagrid with the boys, interrogated an increasingly irritated Hagrid about the dragon egg, and asked him about the Philosopher's Stone. As calmly as Hagrid could at that moment, he told Hermione that the dragon would hatch sometime in the next week, and he also told her to stop meddling in the business of the Philosopher's Stone, just as he had told Harry and Neville about a week prior.
Defeated but understanding, Hermione agreed. Before they left, Hermione told Hagrid to be careful with the dragon, considering the damage that it could do to his wooden hut. Hagrid quickly agreed, again, before ushering the kids out of his hut.
Harry suggested they do the only thing they could do. Since Professor Snape appeared to be harassing Professor Quirrell, the Trio would do anything to prevent him from harassing their Defence Professor. If it meant Professor Snape not getting the Stone, it was all that they needed to keep going.
April 27, 1992
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Classes were starting up again, and those who went home were just as tired as the ones who stayed. The staff seemed to prioritize review work from the first half of the year more than their current studies. While this pleased Hermione and some of the other school bookworms, most of the students, Harry and Neville included, were annoyed at this, unless you counted the fifth and seventh years, who had much more valuable exams to take in a month and a half.
This was worse because in Potions, Professor Snape had made them make up a perfect potion to cure boils; one of their first potions learned this year. Professor Snape had screamed at anyone who messed up even a minimal step and deducted points from Harry for "loitering" in the classroom. To Harry's defence, he and Hermione had just finished and were letting the potion sit for the required half-hour, but that fact didn't escape either student's mouths.
With Snape already a prime suspect, agitating him even more sounded like a bad idea.
The other unfortunate item that the Trio, specifically Harry, was saddled with was Quidditch practice every morning until their game against Hufflepuff. Unfortunately, neither Hermione nor Katie could sway Oliver on changing his mind.
Before classes even began, Wood had the team beat up in training, with the pouring rain adding insult to injury. Fortunately, it was only today that they would have bad weather.
April 30, 1992
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Today was a hectic day for the Trio. To start, Harry had Quidditch practice. Apparently, Harry's already fast times weren't fast enough, however, when was anything ever fast with Oliver?
Hagrid had sent Harry a note, inviting him, with Neville and Hermione, to his hut after classes. Knowing he still had an unhatched dragon egg made Hermione initially reluctant, however some persuasion from Harry convinced her to go.
However, since they had Defence and Potions today, Harry's mood wasn't exactly stable when the Trio went to Hagrid's later on.
"Ah! Come on in!" Hagrid exclaimed, almost joyfully.
The kids entered, and almost immediately they felt the temperature of the hut was several degrees warmer than usual. The egg that had to be nurtured at high temperatures before they were born.
"Anyways' I be in the pub and I won a game o' cards. Got meself a dragon who had three weeks till 'is hatchin." Hagrid was smiling widely now. "The dragon'll hatch sometime this weekend, so if you three are interested and promise to keep yer mouths shut, I'll teach you a thing or two about dragons."
The trio nodded in acceptance and Hagrid smiled, moving the topic to a different subject, that to the Trio's disappointment was not the Philosopher's Stone.
May 1, 1992
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
To Oliver Wood, the fact that there was a game tomorrow only meant more practice, even if that day was a Friday. Thankfully, Oliver cut practice short as Katie wanted to yell at him for overworking the team.
Harry's one positive aspect of today was, of course, the lack of Potions. Snape's attitude since classes resumed, AKA this week, have been worse than before. He was losing thoughts and sleep over it, however he kept it hidden from Neville and Hermione as best he could. From the Stone to Snape to Hagrid's dragon, Harry's brain was turning to mush thinking about it. Add on to the fact that their Professors were giving them even more work that would prepare them for their exams at the end of the year and Harry was simply exhausted.
Hermione knew there wasn't anything she could research that would help them with the Philosopher's Stone. So, she shifted her focus onto Dragons. Neville looked like he'd just been sucked up mum's vacuum cleaner and emptied on the other side. He muttered that Dragons were illegal in Britain, and she was now in the Library trying to figure out the full extent of the Law.
It seemed pointless, though. However, Hermione found a clear condition for owning a dragon in Britain. It appeared that both a verification card and an approved site were needed to care for a dragon, both of which were rare on the Island, considering the nearest established Reserves were in Germany and Romania.
Hermione knew that Hagrid's hut wasn't an approved nor suitable condition for the dragon to live in, and if Neville was right, the dragon could burn his hut to the ground. Hopefully Hagrid had a proper Card. Hermione failed to think that Hagrid actually knew what he was doing with the dragon, given his knowledge of the occupants of the Forbidden Forest.
May 2, 1992
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Chaos. It was an hour until the Gryffindor versus Hufflepuff Quidditch Match, and members from both teams were in protest. According to Madam Hooch, Professor Snape would be refereeing the match today.
Harry shouted his protests, but unlike the others, he had a different reason. If Snape was refereeing, it would be so much easier for him to take him out. With everything Harry had already gone through this year, giving Snape an easy way to kill him was not a good idea. He rushed out of the Great Hall, fully clad in his Quidditch Gear, with Hermione and Neville struggling to catch up.
Thirty minutes later, Harry ran into the locker room where his six other teammates were equally angry at the change. Harry briefly scanned the room before calling out to Oliver.
"Hey, Wood. Can you gather everyone? I need to tell you all something."
Oliver nodded and whistled loudly, and with a loud "Huddle up!" the whole team was now in a circle.
"I'm going to be blunt because we don't have much time. I think Snape took over refereeing today's match because he wants another shot at killing me." Harry stated, looking around at his teammates.
The room was silent for only a second before everyone started telling their protests. Oliver recovered first.
"Righty. Fred, George. We aren't Slytherins, but keep the bludgers low, if you know what I mean." By the look of their faces, they understood immediately.
"Harry, remember how the girls practice zigzaging to throw off the opponents at high speeds?"
Harry nodded, he'd obviously worked on that with them on several occasions.
"Well, get ready to do that all game, and make sure your pattern is erratic. I would make a bet that you would be less at-risk if you are mobile."
The group heard Lee announce the Hufflepuff team, so they all put hands in and cheered before quickly running out to not miss being called out onto the field.
Hufflepuff's strength in Quidditch was not their Chasers, it was their Seeker, Cedric Diggory, a fourth-year. Due to the circumstances of the game, he wasn't in on what the Gryffindors were doing. However, it didn't stop them from playing Quidditch.
From the stands, it was comical, Snape was swerving to avoid bludgers aimed towards Hufflepuffs that were shot from the Twins at a low altitude. Because the Twins were keeping the bludgers in-bounds, there was nothing the Potions Professor could do.
All throughout, Lee Jordan was enthusiastic, calling out the scores and the plays from both sides. Fortunately, the commentary for the game was evenly divided between Hufflepuff and Gryffindor, unlike the Slytherin versus Gryffindor match when Lee would be biased.
Around thirty minutes into the game, both teams were tied with twenty points, and both seekers were still looking for the Snitch; Harry crisscrossing around the Pitch to stay in motion in order to thwart any potential attacks that might come his way.
When the game passed the hour mark, the score was holding almost steady, Gryffindor ahead eighty to seventy. Snape was looking livid, he had to dodge, for his liking, too many bludgers that just happened to almost cross paths with him. It was at this point that Harry spotted the golden snitch. Taking a chance, he broke off from his crisscrossing around the pitch into a vertical dive, quickly followed by Cedric, before pulling up with his hand around the snitch, only centimetres from Cedric's outstretched hand.
That was when Snape pulled out his wand. Before the Twins could whack a bludger his way though, he put it against his throat and suddenly his voice was amplified.
"This game of Quidditch is over. It is, to my… annoyance… that Gryffindor won with a score of two hundred thirty to Hufflepuff's seventy." Snape said. He looked like he wanted to vomit after saying that. With the news of the game being over, the students started to make their way back inside the Castle, while Snape angrily stormed off the field and towards the Castle, pushing students out of the way as he walked.
\-0-0-/
When Harry had pitched the idea to her mere minutes before the Quidditch game, she wanted to scream at him. After all, who in the right mind would want to do this?
Harry was concerned that following the game, Snape would try to steal the Stone, or at least he would snoop around to figure out how to steal the Stone. Her role was simple: If Snape was trying to steal the Stone, she would go to the nearest Professor and get them to help stop him from stealing. If not, it was a simple recon mission.
After Harry's victory (Harry had convinced her to remain at the exit), she waited until the familiar black robes of Professor Snape, pushing students out of the way, could be seen before she quickly followed him under Harry's Invisibility Cloak. She didn't expect him to do anything (sometimes even she didn't believe Harry's valid suspicions), but she was surprised when he made a sharp turn to the left, opting to follow the path around the outer walls of the Castle. She followed behind just enough to where he wouldn't hear her footsteps.
Professor Snape continued to walk the path until it was clear he was heading to the Boathouse. Intrigued, she waited outside, under the Cloak, while Professor Snape entered the Boathouse.
"So, Quirrell, it appears that you have protectors." Professor Snape said icily.
"I-I d-don't know w-what you're t-talking a-about, S-Severus." Professor Quirrell stuttered out, with a freakish chuckle at the end.
"Of course you don't. You're too busy sticking your nose in places in which it doesn't belong. Tell me, what are you looking for?"
"S-Severus, I-I have n-no idea w-what y-you're t-t-talking a-about," he stuttered again.
"The Third-Floor-Corridor? The three-headed-dog? The Philosopher's Stone? Any of that ring a bell, Quirrell?"
"T-The P-P-Philosopher's Stone, S-Severus?"
"What are you up to, Quirrell?" Professor Snape snapped at him.
"N-Nothing!" came the reply.
There was silence for a few minutes, only the heavy breathing of her Defence Professor could be heard.
"Then, have you thought about our last conversation?" Professor Snape asked.
"I h-have, h-have you, S-Severus?" Professor Quirrell tried to snap back.
"Don't play games with me, Quirrell," Professor Snape snapped, "It appears our little chat had no effect. Watch. Your. Back."
Professor Snape could be heard shuffling to the door where he slammed it open and brushed past, Hermione avoiding his cape because of her slim form against the wall. Head throbbing, she quickly made her way to the Library to tell Harry and Neville everything she learned.
\-0-0-/
"Bloody hell!" Harry yelled in the library.
Madam Pince shot him a stern look but did not comment. Hermione slapped his elbow and Neville shushed him.
"Language, Harry!" she hissed.
"Ow. Sorry, Hermione," Harry replied, rubbing his elbow.
Hermione stared at him expectantly. "Now what?"
Harry slumped in his seat. "No clue." He looked at the clock. "It's thirty minutes until the Feast. We should get going."
"Yeah, of course," Hermione said, nodding quickly.
"Also," Neville began," Hagrid told me that it might hatch tonight. He says we can visit him if we're careful."
Harry and Hermione smiled. "Looks like we have a hatching to attend tonight," Harry stated happily.
\-0-0-/
The Feast, of course, was amazing as always. However, Professor Quirrell was shaken up and quivering in his seat, Professor Snape was sending death looks to anyone who made eye contact with him, and Professor Dumbledore was smiling with a twinkle in his eyes as the children feasted on the lovely food.
Hermione was trying to focus on the food, but Harry's eyes calculating all the information they gathered over the past eight or so months was distracting her. She almost dropped her spoon into Neville's soup, that's how distracted she was. Fortunately, that is what dragged Harry out of his thoughts.
Well, that and Neville's high-pitched squeak of surprise.
"Sorry!" Hermione moved her spoon far away from Neville's soup as she began to focus on her own once again.
"We're still on for Hagrid's right?" Harry asked them. Receiving two nodding heads, he sighed and continued eating his own soup.
\-0-0-/
As eleven thirty rolled around, only Harry, Neville, Hermione, Ron, and two fifth years were left in the Common Room. Neville had again beaten a furious Ron Weasley at Wizard's Chess; and after his fourth time losing in a row, Ron quit and stomped upstairs.
The Fifth Years didn't head up until ten to midnight, and only then did the Trio toss the Cloak over themselves and start their way to Hagrid's Hut. Manouvering through the castle alone with the Cloak was pretty simple, but all three of them under the Cloak made it slightly difficult to move. As a result, the pair had to move their feet in a way where the Cloak wouldn't lift up. Thankfully, they figured it out pretty quickly, so it was about as smooth a walk to Hagrid's Hut as one expected.
May 3, 1992
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, 12:15 AM
Under the Cloak, Harry, Neville, and Hermione exited the Clock Tower as they made their way towards Hagrid's hut in the cover of moonlight. Once they were past the Bridge, they uncovered themselves and walked the rest of the way down the hill.
After Harry knocked on the door, loud thumping could be heard from behind. Hagrid must've been startled by their presence because he took several long seconds to open his door and greet them.
"'Ello you lot. Sorry, I was a bit preoccupied with me egg 'ere. It 'asn't hatched yet, so you lot are still able to watch it hatch!"
The Trio entered slightly anxious but excited. The first thing they noticed was an enlarged glass fishbowl sitting peacefully on his table. The second thing they saw was the large pot sitting over Hagrid's fireplace.
"Now, listen closely. I have fireproof wards around the interior of the hut, however, should somthin' catch, I want you to aim yer wand at it and incantate 'Aquamenti.' It'll douse the fire. However, I got this here bowl that'll keep the little guy safe."
Hagrid was going to continue talking, however something in his pot clanged.
'The Egg, Saint Peter,' Harry thought to himself. He was correct as Hagrid lifted the now hot egg and placed it carefully into the bowl.
"Alright, now c'mere. Yer can see it start to hatch!" Hagrid exclaimed. The Trio crowded around the fishbowl as the egg's outer shell cracked. Seconds later, the egg exploded open and a small creature emerged from its remnants.
The creature was a dragon.
Immediately, Hagrid smiled widely at it and the kids were awestruck. When the little dragon sneezed, it burst out a jet of flames. Thankfully, the bowl held against the heat. Harry registered that Hagrid was talking again.
"Lil dragon here is a Norwegian Ridgeback. They'll grow to huge sizes and soon enough tiny Norbert here will be bigger than me!" Hagrid said.
"Norbert?" Neville asked.
"Well, he needs a name, don't he?" Hagrid asked.
"How do you know it's a he?" Hermione asked.
"He looks like a he, I guess," Hagrid stated, slightly quieter.
The group admired Norbert for a while longer until Hagrid told them to get back to their House. "You lot best be getting back now; you have classes in the morning."
The kids smiled and said their goodbyes. Heading back up to the Castle felt a lot harder than sneaking out, but with a similar tactic with Harry's Cloak, the Trio made it back without getting seen.
May 4, 1992
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Hermione was a girl on a mission. After a morning conversation with Neville, she decided to talk to Fred and George Weasley. Neville was concerned about Norbert and remembered that Charlie Weasley worked at a Dragon Reservation in Romania.
Now, Hermione was going to ask Fred and George to send their brother a letter to help with Norbert. She briefly considered asking Ron, but a small frown occupied her face as she thought of how helpful Ron had been this year. She found the Twins as they were heading towards the Dungeons for their Potions class.
"Fred! George! Wait up!" Hermione called out, stopping them right before they descended the staircase.
"Hello Miss Granger," Fred started.
"How may we help you today?" George finished.
Hermione giggled. "You guys know how to contact your brother, Charlie, right?"
"What do you need him for?" George asked.
"How do you know Charlie?" Fred asked simultaneously.
"Neville told me about him, "Hermione began, then dropped her voice to a whisper, "and we need help with a dragon."
Fred and George's eyebrows raised in surprise. "What kind?" Fred asked.
"A Norwegian Ridgeback."
"How did you get one?" Fred asked seriously.
"Erm, Hagrid has it. Me, Neville, and Harry are worried about him."
Fred and George looked at each other for a good thirty seconds before turning back to Hermione.
"Don't worry," Fred began,
"We'll contact him!" George continued.
"However, enlightened as this conversation is," Fred started.
"We must get to our classes," George finished.
Both twins saluted Hermione and descended the staircase. She smiled before walking the last hallway to Transfiguration.
\-0-0-/
May 6, 1992
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
It had been two days since Fred and George had agreed to send their brother a letter about Norbert. Thankfully, Charlie responded quickly. However, the reply was not what Hermione was expecting when the Twins handed over the letter during dinner.
Dear Hermione Granger,
I'm glad you were able to contact me, albeit through Freddie and Georgie here. Anywho, a Norwegian Ridgeback in Hagrid's Hut is dangerous. I know he has anti-fire wards that would spare his hut, but the dragon itself is on Hogwarts Grounds which is in possession of an expelled student which is dangerous and illegal in Britain.
I knew Hagrid for seven years during my time here. Lovely old chap, but a bit talkative about almost everything. He loves unique and dangerous creatures, including Dragons. To keep Norbert safe and to keep Hagrid safe, get Norbert to the Astronomy Tower at five past midnight this Saturday. Good luck.
Hermione re-read the letter several times before passing it down to Neville and Harry. Both boys looked at each other and then at her before Harry spoke up.
"Well, at least we know what we are doing Saturday."
May 7, 1992
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
After Potions, Harry, Neville, and Hermione made their way to Hagrid's Hut. Norbert was already two feet long and weakly flying. Hagrid was overjoyed at his progress and let the Trio in almost immediately.
Unfortunately, Neville's frightened mood and Norbert's untrained state resulted in Neville leaving the hut with a first-degree-burn on his right wrist. Hermione then quickly told Hagrid about the pickup, and after seeing Neville burned, Hagrid sighed and accepted that he would lose Norbert. He apologized to Neville and let the Trio go back to their Common Room.
May 8, 1992
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Neville was walking out of Charms alone, Harry and Hermione talking with Professor Flitwick about the spell they learned today.
"Longbottom!" Professor Snape yelled out in the hallway. Neville jumped and accidentally clipped Ron's robes before falling down and dropping all his things. "That burn looks… painful. Report to the Hospital Wing immediately!"
He hastily picked up his belongings and scurried off to the Hospital Wing, as Ron picked up a piece of parchment that Neville left behind. Ron's eyes widened as he read the contents of the letter, from his brother Charlie.
He knew that this was the way he would get back at Harry and his friends for the mistreatment this year.
\-0-0-/
The Trio were in Hagrid's Hut, Neville's arm was bandaged up. Norbert was now seventy pounds and was four feet long. Not even a week had passed and it was clear why Hagrid's Hut was not suitable for him, even with the anti-fire wards. Dragons get big really fast.
Hagrid looked worried when Neville revealed that he had lost their letter from Charlie Weasley, but knew it was too late to cancel. Harry and Hermione agreed to take care of the Dragon alone, with hopefully a better chance at success.
May 9, 1992
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, 10:00 PM
Harry and Hermione had a difficult task ahead of them. In the dead of night, sneak a seventy-pound dragon into the Castle, avoiding detection from everyone, getting said dragon to the Astronomy Tower, and making it back to the Common Room without getting caught. Oh, and the Invisibility Cloak only blocks sight, not noise. With the possibility of someone knowing about their plan, it was tenfold harder.
Neville agreed to stay in the Common Room to let Harry and Hermione back in when they returned. Currently, Hermione was thumbing through Hogwarts: A History for the millionth time, clearly nervous. Harry was sitting across from her, thinking quietly. Thankfully, the Common Room emptied by eleven, and Harry and Hermione slipped on his Cloak and set out.
Hagrid's Hut, 11:15 PM
"Please take care of ol' Norbert? I want 'im to be able to live a good life in Romania." Hagrid sniffed out, as Harry and Hermione covered Norbert's cage with the Cloak.
The duo glanced at each other before Hermione promised Hagrid that they would take care of Norbert. The duo then left his Hut and began making their way to the Astronomy Tower. Harry stopped short once they reached the Clock Tower.
"Wait a minute!" He whipped out his wand. "Wingardium Leviosa!"
Hermione sighed in relief and happiness when Norbert's cage lifted itself up.
"You couldn't have remembered that ten minutes ago, could you?" Hermione asked. Harry awkwardly smiled and shrugged in response.
The Grand Staircase, 11:30 PM
The duo were able to make more progress now that they weren't actually holding onto his cage. However, before they reached the Grand Staircase, both students heard footsteps. Harry yanked Hermione into a nearby alcove and tucked Norbert, covered with the Cloak, as close to himself as possible, without injuring Hermione.
"They are supposed to be here!" Ron Weasley's voice was whining.
"There is nobody here, Mr. Weasley!" Professor McGonagall explained, sternly. "Fifty points for making me wander the Castle on account of a rumour! You will return to your Common Room immediately, and then I will discuss the details of your detention!"
Harry heard Ron mumble, "Yes, Professor," before his footsteps were heard retreating. The duo waited for several extra seconds as Professor McGonagall continued down the hall, muttering "First-Years" as she made her way to wherever she was going. Hermione let out a sigh of relief and Harry mumbled "Thank you Peter" before he froze. It took him only a moment to realize just how close she was to him.
Her warm breath could be felt on his neck, and only then did he realize her hair was trying to tangle itself with his. Thankful for the dark light, Harry's blush was hidden as he levitated Norbert's covered cage and helped Hermione stand up. The duo made their way up the staircase and towards the Astronomy Tower.
11:54 PM
Harry and Hermione finally reached the Astronomy Tower. Instead of their arms being tired, it was their legs. Harry motioned for Hermione to sit and wait for Charlie. Both were extremely tired and exhausted from their exertion, but knew they weren't done until Norbert was safely off Hogwarts Grounds.
Hermione plopped herself beside Harry, her hand automatically grabbing his. If they didn't have to worry about their volume, they would have been able to make it up faster. Then again, her feet were already exhausted and that was from climbing seven stories and then another three to get there.
The duo sat in silence, neither wanting to talk. It took about ten minutes for Harry to spot a glimmer of… something. Soon enough, one person came into view. He had red hair and freckles. He landed and walked over to them.
"Hello you two. I'm Charlie Weasley. Two brothers of mine said that you had a Dragon for me?"
Harry stood up and nodded. "Yeah, right here," he stated as he pulled the Cloak off Norbert's cage.
Charlie smiled when he saw the sleeping Norwegian Ridgeback. "Don't you worry kids, I'll take good ol' care of him."
"Thank you, Charlie," Hermione stated, smiling.
Charlie smiled. "Anytime. And feel free to visit the Reserve any time you want. You know how to reach me!" With that, Charlie picked up Norbert's cage and slid him in a sleeve that he then folded and put in his pocket. He grinned at Hermione's "o" shaped mouth.
"Undetectable extension charm, mi'lady. You should look it up someday. G'night, the two of you." Charlie kicked off and flew out into the stars. Harry smiled and waved as Charlie departed, and the duo took a deep breath of relief.
When Charlie's broom faded out of sight, Hermione squealed in happiness and hugged Harry tightly. Harry froze but almost immediately relaxed and smiled a little bit.
"Relax, Hermione. We still have to get back to the Common Room." Harry said after a few moments.
Hermione, agreeing, picked up his Cloak and tossed it over themselves. "Lead the way, Harry."
May 10, 1992
Gryffindor Common Room, 12:30 AM
Neville was close to falling asleep when he heard three small knocks on the Common Room door. After falling off the couch, he quickly went over to the door and let in Harry and Hermione.
"Sorry we're late, we had to avoid Filch twice!" Hermione hurriedly whispered to Neville.
"That's fine, let's just get some sleep!" Neville whispered. Harry and Hermione agreed and all three made their way to their beds, where sleep was well deserved, fortunately, dragon free.
Author's Note: Hello all, and yes, I am back. So, I haven't been here since May... Oops. I apologize for that. I was on a roll until I got exposed to Covid. That slapped me in the face and made me stop writing, and a week later it was determined I hadn't gotten the virus. However, it was really difficult for me to get back into writing. Through the rest of the school year, my morale dropped as I was seemingly unable to write. When I went camping this summer, I hand wrote the second half of this chapter, and upon coming home, wrote it into my document. I had 2 Beta readers go through this chapter, offering me suggestions and edits. Thank you to them, you guys basically saved me. As of now, I am back into the swing of writing. High school hates me, but I will push through!
BananaCarrot-Five
