Everything Changes.
Chapter 3: A New Beginning
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter, the characters or anything to do with them, but I do have rights to the characters & creatures I create. Any resemblince to existing stories is untended.
Summery: the summery is at the beginning of the 1st chapter of this story, I'm, asuming that if you're here you've read the other chapters. If you haven't I'd strongly suggest that you do.
Harry, Ron & Hermione walked out of the hospital wing fully heeled. They turned the corner to the great hall when several pairs of hands grabbed them, the pairs of hands turned out to belong to Fred & George Weasley, & their friend Lee Jordan. "Party. Gryffindor common room now!" George said as they ushered them to the portrait hole. "SURPRISE!!!" everyone screamed as they stepped through. In no time at all the party was in full swing, people were pulling crackers left & right, games of exploding snap & tongue toffee roulette were going on. Harry & Ron had sneaked off to the kitchen using the invisability cloak & stole as much food as they could carry in one trip, then went back for more, they had enough butterbeer, turkey, & sweets to feed the entire Gryffindor population twice over. Suddenly they heard. "What's going on here!" Professor McGonagall held up her robe & nightdress as she stepped through the portrait hole, throwing them back behind her as she stopped in the middle of the Gryffindor common room eyeing all the sweets & butterbeer that was littering the floor. Everyone took one look at her & started sniggering, which soon turned into full blown laughter. Professor McGonagall shot a dangerous look at Ron & Harry, she looked ready to breathe fire. "We didn't tell! I sware!" Ron pleaded. "I told you everyone would find out!" Harry cried over the laughter. "No one in the other houses know, promise!" Seamus Finnigan said in an unnaturally high voice, waiting for the blow to come. "Oh common Professor You-know Who's gone forever, were just celebrating." Lee Jordan said, Professor McGonagall rounded on him. "YOU aren't even supposed to be here. That goes for you two as well!" She said, looking sharply at Fred & George. Fred, George & Lee looked at each other & smirked. "WE got Permission from Dumbledore himself!" George said smugly, Professor McGonagall's cheeks went a little pink. "Oh. well I see then. er. carry on then but DON'T get too loud!" She said, turning around & exitingher nightclothed gliding behind her. Everyone broke into laughter as soon as the fat lady's portait closed. "Back to the party!" Dean Thomas cried
"Ohh, did anyone get the name of that broomstick that I fell off of?" Ron moaned as he awoke, still dressed in last night clothes. Harry looked at his watch. "Everyone get up, were late for morning classes!" he cried, people started scrambling in different directions at once. "As you know, this is the last month of lessons for this year, & you N.E.W.T.'s are fast aproching." She stopped as Ron & Harry burst into the classroom, looking very ruffled to say the least. Ron's hair wasn't brushed (Harry had long sense given up on his), their ties weren't fixed & their robes were wrinkled. "Potter & Weasley! What on earth!" She cried. "Too much butterbeer & sweets." Ron groaned, rubbing his stomach. "Well that may be the case Mr. Weasley but you're not getting off. Sense it's so close to the end of the year you will help me grade papers for my first year students as detention. You will start this afternoon, report here after your last class." She said, peering sternly over her spectacles at them. They didn't argue, grading papers was better then scrubbing bathrooms or hallways.
After care of magical creatures with Hagrid they made their way back to Professor McGonagall's office where she stood waiting for them. "Ah there you are, come on, we have lots to do." She said, ushering them in. "Whew I never thought teaching was so much work!" Ron said as he & Harry finished a stack of papers & were handed another. "Well, what did you think we did, Weasley? Our homework doesn't grade itself." She said, smiling slightly. Ron shrugged "Well, you never know." He said with a grin After their third helping of paperwork Ron started to complain. "Ow! my hand is cramping up so bad that I can't write anymore!" He cried, Harry could see he was not exaggerating, his hand seemed to be stuck in the writing position, & his thumb muscle was twitching slightly. Professor McGonagall looked up & waved her wand as his quill, it suddenly stood up & hovered over the paper. "Now, all you have to do now is dictate to it & it'll write for you." She said, just then there was a knock on the door, a student came in. "P-Professor?" he squeaked, Harry assumed he must be a first year. "Yes?" She said without looking up. "I-I have a question about my homework for tonight." He squeaked, there was a pause before Professor McGonagall spoke up. "Well bring it here Mr. Grant I haven't all night." She barked, she boy jumped slightly & scambled over to her desk. "Mr. Grant, meet Harry Potter & Ron Weasley, they are helping me grade my work tonight." The boy's eyes suddenly went very wide. "H-Harry Potter! & Ron Weasley with the flying car! Oh my, what a pleasure it is to meet you both!" He said, nervously holding out his hand to both of them, they took it. "Very good to meet you.um?" Harry faltered. "Grant, David Grant I'm a first year in Hufflepuff." Harry smiled. "Well it's nice to meet you David, having fun at Hogwarts?" He was about to answer when Professor McGonagall suddenly spoke up. "Did you only bother me so you could meet Potter & Weasley, Mr. Grant? Or did you actually come here with a question." She said sharply, the boy went slightly pink. "Y-yes, I'm confused about number eight, I've tried everything it seems but haven't found the answer yet." Professor McGonagall took the paper from his trembling hands. After about five minutes she spoke up. "Well your problem is here." She scribbled a few lines by the question. "That should help." The boy looked pleased as he left, & they went back to grading. When they were finally through Professor McGonagall smiled. "Thank you both, without you that might have taken all night, would you like some tea before you go?" They smiled & nodded. "Sure." Ron said, just then their was another knock. "No, I'm NOT answering anymore questions tonight, I'm DONE with looking at sheets of paper!" She shouted at the door, without bothering to look up as she made tea with her wand. "Well now, that's to bad, I was ever so stuck on number ten." Professor Dumbledore said as he stepped through the door & leaned against the wall, Professor McGonagall blushed slightly. " Oh. I'm sorry, Albus. Its just that kids have been coming in here every two seconds it seems." She said, taking off her spectacles & rubbing her eyes, Harry & Ron hid their grins under their arms. "Well that's okay, may I join you for tea?" Harry & Ron watched as Professor McGonagall got out another teacup, poured some tea into it & floated it acorss the desk to him all with just a flick of her wand. They looked at each other nodded. "Oh no, Professor! We forgot something we have to do. see you Wednesday!" They cried & dashed out of the room before either Professor could ask questions, Dumbledore smiled. "They are nice kids aren't they?" "Yes, I suppose they are." She said absentmindedly as he moved around, teacup in hand & seated himself on her desk to her right. "Harry & Ron don't have anything to do tonight." He said matter-of-factly, setting down his teacup. Professor McGonagall looked up at him. "What ever do you mean? Of course they must have something to do or they wouldn't have flew out of here like a couple of banshees." She said sharply, he placed his hand on hers. "Minerva my dear, they ran out of here because they didn't want to intrude on us, so to speak." She turned her chair to face him. "And just what exactly, do you mean?" She asked, her eyebrow raised. Dumbledore walked over, put his hands on the arms of her chair & bent over. "That depends." He said softly, their faces inches apart. Dumbledore suddenly pulled out his watch with the revolving planets & no numbers, he started to stand up when Professor McGonagall grabbed the end his beard. "Where are you going?" she asked crisply, gently pulling him back down. "I need to get back to my office, to inform Severus that Voldemort has indeed been caught so he can come out of his duties as a spy." He said, Professor McGonagall narrowed her eyes. "Not without a kiss your not." She said, holding firmly onto the end of his beard. He bent down further, their face's now level. "Ah, giving the headmaster an order I see?" He asked in mock reproval. "You could say that." She said matter-of-factly, he leaned in to kiss her when she stopped him. "Make it a good one will you? I won't see you until tomorrow." She ordered, he smiled & gave her what must've been a two minute one. When it finally ended stood up. "Satisfactory enough?" He asked with a smile. "Yes, I suppose so." She answered breathlessly, he gave a bow at the door. "Until tomorrow?" She nodded & watched him sweep out, with a sigh she tried to get her mind back on her work.
Severus Snape glided down the corridor toward the great hall, he turned the corner sharply & ran headlong into Madam Scuie, almost knocking her over. "Oh, I'm very sorry." She apologized needlessly, pushing her silver hat back on her head. "I'm looking for Professor Dumbledore." He said slowly, taken aback at her bright purple eyes. Madam Scuie smiled. "Ah you must be Professor Snape, my name is Rophilla Scuie, I'm the new quiddich referee & flying instructor." She said pleasently, holding out her left hand. Snape shook it briefly. "Dumbledore is in his office." She said with a smile. Snape didn't reply merely turned, with a sweep of his robes he was gone. "Oh no, Snape's back." Ron said as they entered the great hall for dinner that night, Snape sat to the left of Madam Scuie's empty seat. "Wonder where Madam Scuie's at? Its almost time for the feast to start." Ron whispered to Harry. Just then, Madam Scuie rushed in & hurriedly sat down. She was wearing bright fuchsia robes over a white satin dress shirt with a matching tie; she wore her usual ball bottoms & sandals. Perched on her head was the metallic silver witches' hat she always wore except when she was refereeing quiddich matches or teaching flying lessons. With no further delay the feast began, Harry suddenly got a puzzled expression. "What's the matter?" Ron asked, Harry nodded his head toward the high table. "So you're the potions' master, how delightful! I have a question for you, my hair gets ever so brittle when I fly on my broom a lot, is there a potion or something that would help?" There was a pause before Snape answered. "Yes, its called brittlestop tonic, it's conjured up as a shampoo & I can make it mild or strong. You wash your hair three time a week with it. I can even make it fragrant." He said, looking at his plate. "Would it be too hard to make it smell like rasberries?" She asked, Snape glanced at her. "I can do that." He said expressionlessly, moving his vegetables around with his fork. Madam Scuie smiled brightly. "Oh, thank you Professor, I've never been much of a potions brewer." "Don't mention it." He said, Harry & Ron looked at each other. Had Severus Snape just offered to help someone?
"What do you think got into Snape last night?" Harry said as he Ron & Hermione walked down the corridor, Ron shrugged. "I don't know, but I hope it puts him in a good mood, we have him now." They were almost to his class when they heard their names being called, they turned to see Madam Scuie jogging toward them. "Look at my hair!" She cried, tossing her head, her long braid glided over her shoulder & landed with a soft 'thump'. "Not a spilt end in sight, I was just going to thank Professor Snape." "That's where we're going, we have potions now." Ron said gloomily. "Well perfect, I'll walk with you." Ron & Harry walked in first. "POTTER, & Weasley your late!" Snape thundered, coming around his desk to them but stopped abruptly when Madam Scuie entered. "Ah Professor Snape, I was heading down here, Harry, Ron & Hermione were nice enough to stop & accompany me the rest of the way. I wanted to thank you for making that potion for me, it really did the trick!" She said, walking up, her hair hanging over her shoulder like a bright yellow snake. "See, no more spilt ends & I can braid it again with out having to worry about it breaking." She said, holding it up right in front of his face. Behind her Harry & Ron deeply inlaled the enchanting smell of rasberries. Snape swallowed & looked a little uneasy. "Yes. I see very well, glad its working, if you need anymore it's the red liquid in the caldron on the corner of my desk." He said quickly, she smiled. "Thank you very much, Professor." She turned on heel, her braid swinging back behind her, seeming to be waving good-bye as she exited into the hall. Harry & Ron made their way to their seats, Snape however just stood there with an odd expression on his sallow face, watching her until she was out of sight. A lightbulb suddenly went off in Harry's head & he smiled, understanding now. He shot a glance at Ron, who was grinning as well.
"I have an important anoucment to make." Dumbledore said as they sat down for lunch. Everyone looked peculiar, Dumbledore rarely made anoucments at lunch. "I would like you to welcome back Professor Moody, our new defence against the dark arts teacher." Everyone cheered, Moody stood up. "I'm very glad to be here. for real." Everyone laughed. Harry & Ron caught a glimpse of Snape eyeing Madam Scuie, who was facing the other way clapping for Moody. They sniggered again. "What's so funny?" Hermione said, walking up to join them. "Why arent you with the other prefects?" Ron asked. "Well it gets a little tiring takng with the same people everyday, plus i miss talkng with you two." She said. "Now what about Snape?" Harry bent a little closer. "Well did you see how he acted to Madam Scuie in potions?" She nodded. "We think. well that he's fond of her." Ron said, Hermione made a face. "What makes you think so?" "Cause, he made that stuff for her, Snape never does anything for anybody." Harry said. "What about when he made that werewolf potion for Lupin?" She said. "He was acting on orders from Dumbledore." Ron said thickly through a mouthful of sandwitches. Hermione turned around in her seat slightly & looked for herself, she gasped. " As they finished eating & made their way over to say hello to Moody. "Professor Moody, were glad to have you here!" Harry said, offering his hand. "Nice to meet you Potter, the honor's all mine." He said, shaking his hand heartily. "You must excuse me, I have to say hello to my favorite seeker." He said, making his way over to her side of the table, where she stood, listening to Snape talk about his undercover sting for Dumbledore. "Rophilla Scuie!" He roared. "So nice to have finally met you!" He said holding out his hand. "Alastor Moody?! She said, turning her attention from Snape (who was still in the middle of his story) to Moody. "The famous auror! Many-a bad guy you caught!" She cried, Moody's deeply scared face went slightly pink. "Well, it wasn't that big of a deal." He said scratching the back of his head, his magical eye rolling about. Snape was looking murderous, eyeing Moody with an expression that was beyond hatred. "Well, I have to be gettin' to class Rophilla, nice seein' you." Moody said as he exited. "Nice talking with you also Moody, hope we chat again soon." He nodded & disappeared. "Speaking of classes I have to get out to the courtyard, see you at lunch Professor." She nodded toward him & quickly walked out of the hall.
"Wow Snape's been in a good mood lately hasn't he?" Ron said as they headed for trasfiguration on Wednesday. "Potter Weasley, feeling better today?" Professor McGonagall asked them as they walked in. "Yeah Professor, thanks for asking. They said as they sat down. In no time Harry had changed his dresser into a lamb on the first try. "Nicely done Potter." She said, smiling at him.
Harry & Ron were getting very nervous as their N.E.W.T.'s were very near. "I can't believe they're next week." Ron said as they hurried to care of magical creatures. "I have a special treat fer yeh today, common follow me to the back paddock. The animals were so bright that Harry had to sheild his eyes. "Unicorns! Caught em grazin by the courtyard." Hagrid said, the class ooo'd & ahhh'd at the unicorns who were moving to the oppisite side of the paddock, eying them warily. "Everyone stand back." He said as he walked into the paddock. "Easy, its okay common now." He soothed, his voice at a low rumble. A mare walked cautously forward, he stuck out his hand for her to smell & in no time at all he was rubbing her neck. "That's all yeh gotta do establish trust with em' & yer won' have any trouble." He said, the whole class was soon walking nervously into the paddock. "Watch the one at the far end that's attached to the post, he's a nasty one." Hagrid said. "I'll take him then." Malfoy said with a sneer, Harry blocked him. "No, you'll just get Hagrid in trouble again." he said, he turned to Hagrid. "I'll do it." He said before Malfoy had a chance to get a word out, he stalked away. Hagrid smiled. "Alright, I'll take yeh over ter him see how yeh fair." As they got closer Harry's mouth hung open a bit, before them stood a beautiful stallion with a horn that was at least a good two feet longer than the unicorns & great silverish wings that were at least 20 feet across. His back was almost as tall as Hagrid's head. As they drew closer he stomped his silver hooves & tossed his brillantly white head & Harry was having second thoughts. Hagrid stopped half way & urged Harry on, he walked up slowly with his head bowed & stopped just a foot into the horse's reach, the stallion just stood there on the oppisite side of the post, not moving a muscle. Harry was about to back away when the great winged horse trotted forward & bent his gallant head down to sniff Harry, then it happened. the horse gave Harry a almighty nudge that almost knocked him off his feet. Harry tilted his head up to look at the horse as he slowly placed his hand on his nose, the stallion closed his eyes seeming to be enjoying it. "All right Harry! I don' have a name for him so yer do the honors. "Er. how about Poseidon, that's the name of the water god fro Greek mythology." He looked up at the horse. "How about it, do you like Poseidon?" The horse thusted his head up & down as if to nod yes & put his head over Harry's shoulder. "Well done Harry, he's yours now!" Harry looked at Hagrid. "M- mine?" He stammered. "Yep, he has an injured wing that won' heel right enough ter go back into the wild. He won' let me doctor it, maybe you can give it a try?" Harry nodded. "O-okay." He stammered, not sounding as confident as he would've liked. Hagrid emerged with a large black bottle & some bandages, Harry took it with trembling hands. "Just go up ter him & wrap it after yeh put some tonic on it." Harry nodded & stepped slowly forward. Poseidon's ears flattened when he saw the bottle in Harry's hands, but Harry talked soothingly to him. "Easy Poseidon, this will make you heel, you want to get better don't you." He said, their eyes meeting. There was a pause before Poseidon stretched out his wing, everyone gasped. After he was through Harry smiled. "See, you'll be better in no time now." He said, patting the stallion's neck. As they walked out of the paddock Harry looked at Hagrid. "I didn't think pegasus's had horns?" he asked. "they don', Poseidon's the result of a unicorn/pegasus cross. The offspring of that cross are always bigger than either parent & no matter what color the pegasus is they'll always be white." He explained, Harry nodded.
Everyday before school & after his last class Hary went out the the paddock to tend to Poseidon & send some time with him. he got a halter out of Hagrid's hut & slipped it in the stallion's head. "Now Poseidon, were going to walk around, & graze, please bevave so I wont have a doctor you longer." Poseidon tossed his head & walked camly around the coutryard with Harry, munching grass. Harry was amazed at his own ability with the magnificent beast. "Well done Harry, yer almost as good with animals as Charlie Weasley was." Hagrid said as Harry tied him back up to the post. In a weeks time, he was completely healed. "Now yeh can ride him." Hagrid said as they walked out to the paddock. Harry untied him & threw the rope around to other side of Poseidon's halter & knotted it to make reins, put his foot at the wing joint & with a boost from Hagrid he was on. Harry squeezed Poseidon's sides tentatively & they were off soaring through the cloudy sky. Unlike Buckbeak's rough ride, Poseidon felt like riding a carousal horse on a merry-go-round. Harry felt a little more confident & pulled Poseidon's reins ever-so gently to the right, they soared over the castle & stopped at Professor McGonagall's window but their was no one there." I know where she'll be now that classes are over." He said, giving a gentle tug upward on Poseidon's reins & up they went out of sight. They arrived at Dumbledore's window which was black out by something, Harry grinned. "Oh I see, lets go & get Hermione, she'll like you." He said swinging around & heading for the library. Sure enough Hermione sat by one of the bigger windows looking through an enoumus book. Harry tapped on the glass, making her give an almighty start. "Hermione look he's better, common I want you to ride with me!" he said as she came up to the window. Harry pulled out his wand & made one of the window panes vanish. "Common before Madam Prince sees." "WHAT ON EARTH!?" They heard her shriek. "Too late now what!" Hermione cried, as Madam Prince came running out from behind a bookshelf toward them. "You'll have to jump on!" Harry cried, Hermione hesitated then leaped out the window, she landed behind Harry & threw her arms around his waist in fear. Harry queued Poseidon & they took off, with Madam Prince yelling after them. "Wow this is cool!" She said as they rounded the castle. "That's Professor Dumbledore's window isnt it Why is it covered?" Hermione said, pointing. Harry smiled. "That's Dumbledore's office I've just been to McGonagall's & she's not there so I'll give you two guesses." He trailed off, Hermione giggled. "lets see what they think of this!" Harry said as he grasped Poseidon's mane leaned forward & gave him an almighty kick. Hermione gripped Harry's waist tighter for support. Poseidon soared into the air & looped several times, that went into a dive. Harry pulled him up, then turned straight for the wall, swerving at the last minute, his long tail slapping the window pane with a loud pop. "What was that?" Professor McGonagall said, Dumbledore shrugged. "There's only one way to find out." he said, walking up, pulling out his wand & pointing it at the window. Immediately the window lightned & became see through again. "Oh my goodness!" Professor McGonagall cried as Harry & Hermione were revealed riding Posiedon, whose great silver wings made paths of themselves in the every time he flapped them. "Hi Professor, look he's all healed! Harry cried, bringing Posiedon town a tad so he came level with the window. Professor McGonagall looked as though she was about to faint, Dumbledore however, looked quite pleased. "Well done Harry, you know that offspring of a unicorn/pegasus crossing are usually very mean but this one doesn't seem to be mean at all." Professor McGonagall looked as if that was the last thing she wanted to hear. Hermione smiled. "No, he's a doll he let me on without question." Just then a flash of lightning lit up the sky & an earth- shaking crash of thunder came. Poseidon spooked hard to the left, dropping his shoulder. Harry & Hermione almost slid off the side. Professor McGonagall grabbed Dumbledore's arm. "Poseidon its okay, just a little lightning no big deal." Professor McGonagall hurried up to the window, her face white, & gripped the window seal with both hands. Another flash of lightning streaked across the sky & Poseidon rared almost straight up, Harry just had time to fling his arms around his neck. Hermione managed to hang onto Harry's waist, her feet dangling. "Get off that animal this minute you're.you're going to get killed!" Professor McGonagall shreiked, pointing a trembling finger at them. "Okay, okay Professor, we'll put him in one of the paddocks that has a cover." He said as he turned Poseidon around & flew out down to the ground, Professor McGonagall was still hanging on to the window seal in shock, watching them. Dumbledore drew the shade back down as the rain started & more lightning flashed. "Now." He said, putting his arm around her shoulders & turning her to face him. "Where were we?" he asked, she looked into his twinkling eyes. "That boy, he's going to be the death of me." She said, still trembling. Dumbledore smiled. "He really is his father's son." He said, she nodded. "That's for sure, now lets do get back to where we were." She said, he smiled & pulled her into a kiss.
"Oh, my brain is fried! I'll never be able to think again!" Ron groaned as they walked into the common room. "Harry the weather's great, how about a ride on Poesidon?" Hermione said, Harry nodded. "How about it Ron? You didn't go with us the last time we flew." He said, Ron went a little pale. "N-no its okay go without me I'm a little tired." He said quickly, Harry & Hermione shrugged & walked out. As they neared Hagrid's hut they heard the sound of Poseidon screaming, Harry looked to Hermione. "He sounds mad, lets go!" they ran out & to their horror found Malfoy, Crabbe & Goyle teasing him, running around the paddock out of his reach. Horror-struck, Harry & Hermione ran toward them, as they neared Malfoy smirked. "Well Potter, it seems." he didn't get to finish before Harry plunged his hand into his robes for his wand, & shouted "Stupefy!" Malfoy, Crabbe & Goyle were knocked clean into the wall behind them. Harry stuck his wand back into his robes & went over to Poseidon, who was still inraged. "Whoa, easy Poseidon its me, Harry!" Poesidon with an expression of relief in his eyes, Harry untied him just as Professor McGonagall & Professor Dumbledore ran out. "What in the world." Professor McGonagall faultered. "I went out here to give Poseidon his daily exersise & found Malfoy, Crabbe & Goyle teasing him!" Harry yelled, I used 'Stupefy' on them. Look, look what he's done to himself! He's lathered with sweat & his leg's injuered! I don't care is I get expelled for it I'm not." Harry yelled, the blood rising to his face. Dumbledore stepped forward & put a hand on Harry's shoulder. "Harry. Harry, please relax, you're not going to be expelled." Harry stopped, still red in the face. "I'm not?" he said. "No Harry you're not, if anyone should be expelled it's those three." Harry gawked at Dumbledore. "Yes, yes attempting to curse you, cursing a teacher, being cruel to an animal yes i think they've reached the end of their teather." He said, looking at the three heaps on the ground by the wall. "You mean. that you're going to expel them?!" Harry cried, flabbergasted. Dumbledore nodded. "Yes, now I must get back to my office, I have to write owls to their parents." Harry & Hermione looked at each other as they walked to Hagrid's hut for the medicine.
"Can you believe that! Malfoy & his henchmen got expelled!" Ron said the next morning. "I can't believe were going home next week." Hermione said. "And there's nothing to do while we wait!" "You're just mad that we don't have any more classes." Ron said. "I'm just glad that Sirus's name has been cleared & I don't have to go back & live with the Dersleys." Harry said. "He even said that Posiedon can come, too." Harry that's great!" Hermione said as they exited the common room & headed to the great hall, even the ceiling seemed to reflect his happiness. They all sat down, Harry never grew tired of the food appearing out of no where. "How do you think its going to feel, living with a wizard when your used to the ways of muggles?" Ron asked Harry. He was about to answer when the doors of the great hall flew open with such force that they bounced off the wall, Lucius Malfoy came striding down the center of the great hall looking so inraged that Harry half expected molten lava to spew from his ears. "WHAT IN THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU PLAYING AT!" He bellowed at Dumbledore, who was now standing. The great hall was deadly quiet, every face was turned at Dumbledore & Mr. Malfoy. "HOW DARE you expel MY SON!" He roared walking the rest of the way up to the high table; the veins in his neck were protruding, threatening to burst right out of his skin. Dumbledore was giving Mr. Malfoy a look far worse then the one he gave young Barty Crouch when he, disguised as Moody using polyjuice potion tried to kill Harry in his office. "How dare you burst into my school like this." He replied coming around the table, his eyes blazing. "YOU'RE school?! WELL we'll see how long it ramains 'your school.' Albus!!" Mr. Malfoy yelled, Harry suddenly stood up & ran to the center of the floor beside Dumbledore. "Don't you insult Professor Dumbledore, he expelled Malfoy because he had his chances & he blew it!" He bellowed. Mr. Malfoy pulled out his wand, as Professor McGonagall came running up on Harry's other side. But Harry wouldn't have cared if Mr. Malfoy had a swarm of dementors with him, he pressed on. "Malfoy cursed a teacher, & he was cruel to an animal. my animal, if it would've been up to me I would've thrown him out on his a-" Harry bellowed for all the hall to hear, now looking looking madder then all of them combined. Mr. Malfoy lost control & pointed his wand at him, but Dumbledore & Professor McGonagall both out their wands, Harry plunged his hand in his robes for his own just in the nick of time. "Stupefy!" They all yelled at the same time. Mr. Malfoy flew so high into the air that his head almost disappeared in the bewitched ceiling, before sliding down to the floor, unmistakably knocked out. Everyone cheered, as Harry turned to refill his seat at the Gryffindor table, when Dumbledore stopped him. "Thank you Harry, that's twice you've come to my aid." He said, holding out his hand. Harry grinned. The pleasure's all mine, Professor."
Before they knew it they were heading to Hogmeade Station & the Hogwarts Express, but Harry wasn't dreading it. He wasn't going back to the Dersley's this time.
The end of Book one How'd you like it? E-mail me at mpruski@ahisd.net
Chapter 3: A New Beginning
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter, the characters or anything to do with them, but I do have rights to the characters & creatures I create. Any resemblince to existing stories is untended.
Summery: the summery is at the beginning of the 1st chapter of this story, I'm, asuming that if you're here you've read the other chapters. If you haven't I'd strongly suggest that you do.
Harry, Ron & Hermione walked out of the hospital wing fully heeled. They turned the corner to the great hall when several pairs of hands grabbed them, the pairs of hands turned out to belong to Fred & George Weasley, & their friend Lee Jordan. "Party. Gryffindor common room now!" George said as they ushered them to the portrait hole. "SURPRISE!!!" everyone screamed as they stepped through. In no time at all the party was in full swing, people were pulling crackers left & right, games of exploding snap & tongue toffee roulette were going on. Harry & Ron had sneaked off to the kitchen using the invisability cloak & stole as much food as they could carry in one trip, then went back for more, they had enough butterbeer, turkey, & sweets to feed the entire Gryffindor population twice over. Suddenly they heard. "What's going on here!" Professor McGonagall held up her robe & nightdress as she stepped through the portrait hole, throwing them back behind her as she stopped in the middle of the Gryffindor common room eyeing all the sweets & butterbeer that was littering the floor. Everyone took one look at her & started sniggering, which soon turned into full blown laughter. Professor McGonagall shot a dangerous look at Ron & Harry, she looked ready to breathe fire. "We didn't tell! I sware!" Ron pleaded. "I told you everyone would find out!" Harry cried over the laughter. "No one in the other houses know, promise!" Seamus Finnigan said in an unnaturally high voice, waiting for the blow to come. "Oh common Professor You-know Who's gone forever, were just celebrating." Lee Jordan said, Professor McGonagall rounded on him. "YOU aren't even supposed to be here. That goes for you two as well!" She said, looking sharply at Fred & George. Fred, George & Lee looked at each other & smirked. "WE got Permission from Dumbledore himself!" George said smugly, Professor McGonagall's cheeks went a little pink. "Oh. well I see then. er. carry on then but DON'T get too loud!" She said, turning around & exitingher nightclothed gliding behind her. Everyone broke into laughter as soon as the fat lady's portait closed. "Back to the party!" Dean Thomas cried
"Ohh, did anyone get the name of that broomstick that I fell off of?" Ron moaned as he awoke, still dressed in last night clothes. Harry looked at his watch. "Everyone get up, were late for morning classes!" he cried, people started scrambling in different directions at once. "As you know, this is the last month of lessons for this year, & you N.E.W.T.'s are fast aproching." She stopped as Ron & Harry burst into the classroom, looking very ruffled to say the least. Ron's hair wasn't brushed (Harry had long sense given up on his), their ties weren't fixed & their robes were wrinkled. "Potter & Weasley! What on earth!" She cried. "Too much butterbeer & sweets." Ron groaned, rubbing his stomach. "Well that may be the case Mr. Weasley but you're not getting off. Sense it's so close to the end of the year you will help me grade papers for my first year students as detention. You will start this afternoon, report here after your last class." She said, peering sternly over her spectacles at them. They didn't argue, grading papers was better then scrubbing bathrooms or hallways.
After care of magical creatures with Hagrid they made their way back to Professor McGonagall's office where she stood waiting for them. "Ah there you are, come on, we have lots to do." She said, ushering them in. "Whew I never thought teaching was so much work!" Ron said as he & Harry finished a stack of papers & were handed another. "Well, what did you think we did, Weasley? Our homework doesn't grade itself." She said, smiling slightly. Ron shrugged "Well, you never know." He said with a grin After their third helping of paperwork Ron started to complain. "Ow! my hand is cramping up so bad that I can't write anymore!" He cried, Harry could see he was not exaggerating, his hand seemed to be stuck in the writing position, & his thumb muscle was twitching slightly. Professor McGonagall looked up & waved her wand as his quill, it suddenly stood up & hovered over the paper. "Now, all you have to do now is dictate to it & it'll write for you." She said, just then there was a knock on the door, a student came in. "P-Professor?" he squeaked, Harry assumed he must be a first year. "Yes?" She said without looking up. "I-I have a question about my homework for tonight." He squeaked, there was a pause before Professor McGonagall spoke up. "Well bring it here Mr. Grant I haven't all night." She barked, she boy jumped slightly & scambled over to her desk. "Mr. Grant, meet Harry Potter & Ron Weasley, they are helping me grade my work tonight." The boy's eyes suddenly went very wide. "H-Harry Potter! & Ron Weasley with the flying car! Oh my, what a pleasure it is to meet you both!" He said, nervously holding out his hand to both of them, they took it. "Very good to meet you.um?" Harry faltered. "Grant, David Grant I'm a first year in Hufflepuff." Harry smiled. "Well it's nice to meet you David, having fun at Hogwarts?" He was about to answer when Professor McGonagall suddenly spoke up. "Did you only bother me so you could meet Potter & Weasley, Mr. Grant? Or did you actually come here with a question." She said sharply, the boy went slightly pink. "Y-yes, I'm confused about number eight, I've tried everything it seems but haven't found the answer yet." Professor McGonagall took the paper from his trembling hands. After about five minutes she spoke up. "Well your problem is here." She scribbled a few lines by the question. "That should help." The boy looked pleased as he left, & they went back to grading. When they were finally through Professor McGonagall smiled. "Thank you both, without you that might have taken all night, would you like some tea before you go?" They smiled & nodded. "Sure." Ron said, just then their was another knock. "No, I'm NOT answering anymore questions tonight, I'm DONE with looking at sheets of paper!" She shouted at the door, without bothering to look up as she made tea with her wand. "Well now, that's to bad, I was ever so stuck on number ten." Professor Dumbledore said as he stepped through the door & leaned against the wall, Professor McGonagall blushed slightly. " Oh. I'm sorry, Albus. Its just that kids have been coming in here every two seconds it seems." She said, taking off her spectacles & rubbing her eyes, Harry & Ron hid their grins under their arms. "Well that's okay, may I join you for tea?" Harry & Ron watched as Professor McGonagall got out another teacup, poured some tea into it & floated it acorss the desk to him all with just a flick of her wand. They looked at each other nodded. "Oh no, Professor! We forgot something we have to do. see you Wednesday!" They cried & dashed out of the room before either Professor could ask questions, Dumbledore smiled. "They are nice kids aren't they?" "Yes, I suppose they are." She said absentmindedly as he moved around, teacup in hand & seated himself on her desk to her right. "Harry & Ron don't have anything to do tonight." He said matter-of-factly, setting down his teacup. Professor McGonagall looked up at him. "What ever do you mean? Of course they must have something to do or they wouldn't have flew out of here like a couple of banshees." She said sharply, he placed his hand on hers. "Minerva my dear, they ran out of here because they didn't want to intrude on us, so to speak." She turned her chair to face him. "And just what exactly, do you mean?" She asked, her eyebrow raised. Dumbledore walked over, put his hands on the arms of her chair & bent over. "That depends." He said softly, their faces inches apart. Dumbledore suddenly pulled out his watch with the revolving planets & no numbers, he started to stand up when Professor McGonagall grabbed the end his beard. "Where are you going?" she asked crisply, gently pulling him back down. "I need to get back to my office, to inform Severus that Voldemort has indeed been caught so he can come out of his duties as a spy." He said, Professor McGonagall narrowed her eyes. "Not without a kiss your not." She said, holding firmly onto the end of his beard. He bent down further, their face's now level. "Ah, giving the headmaster an order I see?" He asked in mock reproval. "You could say that." She said matter-of-factly, he leaned in to kiss her when she stopped him. "Make it a good one will you? I won't see you until tomorrow." She ordered, he smiled & gave her what must've been a two minute one. When it finally ended stood up. "Satisfactory enough?" He asked with a smile. "Yes, I suppose so." She answered breathlessly, he gave a bow at the door. "Until tomorrow?" She nodded & watched him sweep out, with a sigh she tried to get her mind back on her work.
Severus Snape glided down the corridor toward the great hall, he turned the corner sharply & ran headlong into Madam Scuie, almost knocking her over. "Oh, I'm very sorry." She apologized needlessly, pushing her silver hat back on her head. "I'm looking for Professor Dumbledore." He said slowly, taken aback at her bright purple eyes. Madam Scuie smiled. "Ah you must be Professor Snape, my name is Rophilla Scuie, I'm the new quiddich referee & flying instructor." She said pleasently, holding out her left hand. Snape shook it briefly. "Dumbledore is in his office." She said with a smile. Snape didn't reply merely turned, with a sweep of his robes he was gone. "Oh no, Snape's back." Ron said as they entered the great hall for dinner that night, Snape sat to the left of Madam Scuie's empty seat. "Wonder where Madam Scuie's at? Its almost time for the feast to start." Ron whispered to Harry. Just then, Madam Scuie rushed in & hurriedly sat down. She was wearing bright fuchsia robes over a white satin dress shirt with a matching tie; she wore her usual ball bottoms & sandals. Perched on her head was the metallic silver witches' hat she always wore except when she was refereeing quiddich matches or teaching flying lessons. With no further delay the feast began, Harry suddenly got a puzzled expression. "What's the matter?" Ron asked, Harry nodded his head toward the high table. "So you're the potions' master, how delightful! I have a question for you, my hair gets ever so brittle when I fly on my broom a lot, is there a potion or something that would help?" There was a pause before Snape answered. "Yes, its called brittlestop tonic, it's conjured up as a shampoo & I can make it mild or strong. You wash your hair three time a week with it. I can even make it fragrant." He said, looking at his plate. "Would it be too hard to make it smell like rasberries?" She asked, Snape glanced at her. "I can do that." He said expressionlessly, moving his vegetables around with his fork. Madam Scuie smiled brightly. "Oh, thank you Professor, I've never been much of a potions brewer." "Don't mention it." He said, Harry & Ron looked at each other. Had Severus Snape just offered to help someone?
"What do you think got into Snape last night?" Harry said as he Ron & Hermione walked down the corridor, Ron shrugged. "I don't know, but I hope it puts him in a good mood, we have him now." They were almost to his class when they heard their names being called, they turned to see Madam Scuie jogging toward them. "Look at my hair!" She cried, tossing her head, her long braid glided over her shoulder & landed with a soft 'thump'. "Not a spilt end in sight, I was just going to thank Professor Snape." "That's where we're going, we have potions now." Ron said gloomily. "Well perfect, I'll walk with you." Ron & Harry walked in first. "POTTER, & Weasley your late!" Snape thundered, coming around his desk to them but stopped abruptly when Madam Scuie entered. "Ah Professor Snape, I was heading down here, Harry, Ron & Hermione were nice enough to stop & accompany me the rest of the way. I wanted to thank you for making that potion for me, it really did the trick!" She said, walking up, her hair hanging over her shoulder like a bright yellow snake. "See, no more spilt ends & I can braid it again with out having to worry about it breaking." She said, holding it up right in front of his face. Behind her Harry & Ron deeply inlaled the enchanting smell of rasberries. Snape swallowed & looked a little uneasy. "Yes. I see very well, glad its working, if you need anymore it's the red liquid in the caldron on the corner of my desk." He said quickly, she smiled. "Thank you very much, Professor." She turned on heel, her braid swinging back behind her, seeming to be waving good-bye as she exited into the hall. Harry & Ron made their way to their seats, Snape however just stood there with an odd expression on his sallow face, watching her until she was out of sight. A lightbulb suddenly went off in Harry's head & he smiled, understanding now. He shot a glance at Ron, who was grinning as well.
"I have an important anoucment to make." Dumbledore said as they sat down for lunch. Everyone looked peculiar, Dumbledore rarely made anoucments at lunch. "I would like you to welcome back Professor Moody, our new defence against the dark arts teacher." Everyone cheered, Moody stood up. "I'm very glad to be here. for real." Everyone laughed. Harry & Ron caught a glimpse of Snape eyeing Madam Scuie, who was facing the other way clapping for Moody. They sniggered again. "What's so funny?" Hermione said, walking up to join them. "Why arent you with the other prefects?" Ron asked. "Well it gets a little tiring takng with the same people everyday, plus i miss talkng with you two." She said. "Now what about Snape?" Harry bent a little closer. "Well did you see how he acted to Madam Scuie in potions?" She nodded. "We think. well that he's fond of her." Ron said, Hermione made a face. "What makes you think so?" "Cause, he made that stuff for her, Snape never does anything for anybody." Harry said. "What about when he made that werewolf potion for Lupin?" She said. "He was acting on orders from Dumbledore." Ron said thickly through a mouthful of sandwitches. Hermione turned around in her seat slightly & looked for herself, she gasped. " As they finished eating & made their way over to say hello to Moody. "Professor Moody, were glad to have you here!" Harry said, offering his hand. "Nice to meet you Potter, the honor's all mine." He said, shaking his hand heartily. "You must excuse me, I have to say hello to my favorite seeker." He said, making his way over to her side of the table, where she stood, listening to Snape talk about his undercover sting for Dumbledore. "Rophilla Scuie!" He roared. "So nice to have finally met you!" He said holding out his hand. "Alastor Moody?! She said, turning her attention from Snape (who was still in the middle of his story) to Moody. "The famous auror! Many-a bad guy you caught!" She cried, Moody's deeply scared face went slightly pink. "Well, it wasn't that big of a deal." He said scratching the back of his head, his magical eye rolling about. Snape was looking murderous, eyeing Moody with an expression that was beyond hatred. "Well, I have to be gettin' to class Rophilla, nice seein' you." Moody said as he exited. "Nice talking with you also Moody, hope we chat again soon." He nodded & disappeared. "Speaking of classes I have to get out to the courtyard, see you at lunch Professor." She nodded toward him & quickly walked out of the hall.
"Wow Snape's been in a good mood lately hasn't he?" Ron said as they headed for trasfiguration on Wednesday. "Potter Weasley, feeling better today?" Professor McGonagall asked them as they walked in. "Yeah Professor, thanks for asking. They said as they sat down. In no time Harry had changed his dresser into a lamb on the first try. "Nicely done Potter." She said, smiling at him.
Harry & Ron were getting very nervous as their N.E.W.T.'s were very near. "I can't believe they're next week." Ron said as they hurried to care of magical creatures. "I have a special treat fer yeh today, common follow me to the back paddock. The animals were so bright that Harry had to sheild his eyes. "Unicorns! Caught em grazin by the courtyard." Hagrid said, the class ooo'd & ahhh'd at the unicorns who were moving to the oppisite side of the paddock, eying them warily. "Everyone stand back." He said as he walked into the paddock. "Easy, its okay common now." He soothed, his voice at a low rumble. A mare walked cautously forward, he stuck out his hand for her to smell & in no time at all he was rubbing her neck. "That's all yeh gotta do establish trust with em' & yer won' have any trouble." He said, the whole class was soon walking nervously into the paddock. "Watch the one at the far end that's attached to the post, he's a nasty one." Hagrid said. "I'll take him then." Malfoy said with a sneer, Harry blocked him. "No, you'll just get Hagrid in trouble again." he said, he turned to Hagrid. "I'll do it." He said before Malfoy had a chance to get a word out, he stalked away. Hagrid smiled. "Alright, I'll take yeh over ter him see how yeh fair." As they got closer Harry's mouth hung open a bit, before them stood a beautiful stallion with a horn that was at least a good two feet longer than the unicorns & great silverish wings that were at least 20 feet across. His back was almost as tall as Hagrid's head. As they drew closer he stomped his silver hooves & tossed his brillantly white head & Harry was having second thoughts. Hagrid stopped half way & urged Harry on, he walked up slowly with his head bowed & stopped just a foot into the horse's reach, the stallion just stood there on the oppisite side of the post, not moving a muscle. Harry was about to back away when the great winged horse trotted forward & bent his gallant head down to sniff Harry, then it happened. the horse gave Harry a almighty nudge that almost knocked him off his feet. Harry tilted his head up to look at the horse as he slowly placed his hand on his nose, the stallion closed his eyes seeming to be enjoying it. "All right Harry! I don' have a name for him so yer do the honors. "Er. how about Poseidon, that's the name of the water god fro Greek mythology." He looked up at the horse. "How about it, do you like Poseidon?" The horse thusted his head up & down as if to nod yes & put his head over Harry's shoulder. "Well done Harry, he's yours now!" Harry looked at Hagrid. "M- mine?" He stammered. "Yep, he has an injured wing that won' heel right enough ter go back into the wild. He won' let me doctor it, maybe you can give it a try?" Harry nodded. "O-okay." He stammered, not sounding as confident as he would've liked. Hagrid emerged with a large black bottle & some bandages, Harry took it with trembling hands. "Just go up ter him & wrap it after yeh put some tonic on it." Harry nodded & stepped slowly forward. Poseidon's ears flattened when he saw the bottle in Harry's hands, but Harry talked soothingly to him. "Easy Poseidon, this will make you heel, you want to get better don't you." He said, their eyes meeting. There was a pause before Poseidon stretched out his wing, everyone gasped. After he was through Harry smiled. "See, you'll be better in no time now." He said, patting the stallion's neck. As they walked out of the paddock Harry looked at Hagrid. "I didn't think pegasus's had horns?" he asked. "they don', Poseidon's the result of a unicorn/pegasus cross. The offspring of that cross are always bigger than either parent & no matter what color the pegasus is they'll always be white." He explained, Harry nodded.
Everyday before school & after his last class Hary went out the the paddock to tend to Poseidon & send some time with him. he got a halter out of Hagrid's hut & slipped it in the stallion's head. "Now Poseidon, were going to walk around, & graze, please bevave so I wont have a doctor you longer." Poseidon tossed his head & walked camly around the coutryard with Harry, munching grass. Harry was amazed at his own ability with the magnificent beast. "Well done Harry, yer almost as good with animals as Charlie Weasley was." Hagrid said as Harry tied him back up to the post. In a weeks time, he was completely healed. "Now yeh can ride him." Hagrid said as they walked out to the paddock. Harry untied him & threw the rope around to other side of Poseidon's halter & knotted it to make reins, put his foot at the wing joint & with a boost from Hagrid he was on. Harry squeezed Poseidon's sides tentatively & they were off soaring through the cloudy sky. Unlike Buckbeak's rough ride, Poseidon felt like riding a carousal horse on a merry-go-round. Harry felt a little more confident & pulled Poseidon's reins ever-so gently to the right, they soared over the castle & stopped at Professor McGonagall's window but their was no one there." I know where she'll be now that classes are over." He said, giving a gentle tug upward on Poseidon's reins & up they went out of sight. They arrived at Dumbledore's window which was black out by something, Harry grinned. "Oh I see, lets go & get Hermione, she'll like you." He said swinging around & heading for the library. Sure enough Hermione sat by one of the bigger windows looking through an enoumus book. Harry tapped on the glass, making her give an almighty start. "Hermione look he's better, common I want you to ride with me!" he said as she came up to the window. Harry pulled out his wand & made one of the window panes vanish. "Common before Madam Prince sees." "WHAT ON EARTH!?" They heard her shriek. "Too late now what!" Hermione cried, as Madam Prince came running out from behind a bookshelf toward them. "You'll have to jump on!" Harry cried, Hermione hesitated then leaped out the window, she landed behind Harry & threw her arms around his waist in fear. Harry queued Poseidon & they took off, with Madam Prince yelling after them. "Wow this is cool!" She said as they rounded the castle. "That's Professor Dumbledore's window isnt it Why is it covered?" Hermione said, pointing. Harry smiled. "That's Dumbledore's office I've just been to McGonagall's & she's not there so I'll give you two guesses." He trailed off, Hermione giggled. "lets see what they think of this!" Harry said as he grasped Poseidon's mane leaned forward & gave him an almighty kick. Hermione gripped Harry's waist tighter for support. Poseidon soared into the air & looped several times, that went into a dive. Harry pulled him up, then turned straight for the wall, swerving at the last minute, his long tail slapping the window pane with a loud pop. "What was that?" Professor McGonagall said, Dumbledore shrugged. "There's only one way to find out." he said, walking up, pulling out his wand & pointing it at the window. Immediately the window lightned & became see through again. "Oh my goodness!" Professor McGonagall cried as Harry & Hermione were revealed riding Posiedon, whose great silver wings made paths of themselves in the every time he flapped them. "Hi Professor, look he's all healed! Harry cried, bringing Posiedon town a tad so he came level with the window. Professor McGonagall looked as though she was about to faint, Dumbledore however, looked quite pleased. "Well done Harry, you know that offspring of a unicorn/pegasus crossing are usually very mean but this one doesn't seem to be mean at all." Professor McGonagall looked as if that was the last thing she wanted to hear. Hermione smiled. "No, he's a doll he let me on without question." Just then a flash of lightning lit up the sky & an earth- shaking crash of thunder came. Poseidon spooked hard to the left, dropping his shoulder. Harry & Hermione almost slid off the side. Professor McGonagall grabbed Dumbledore's arm. "Poseidon its okay, just a little lightning no big deal." Professor McGonagall hurried up to the window, her face white, & gripped the window seal with both hands. Another flash of lightning streaked across the sky & Poseidon rared almost straight up, Harry just had time to fling his arms around his neck. Hermione managed to hang onto Harry's waist, her feet dangling. "Get off that animal this minute you're.you're going to get killed!" Professor McGonagall shreiked, pointing a trembling finger at them. "Okay, okay Professor, we'll put him in one of the paddocks that has a cover." He said as he turned Poseidon around & flew out down to the ground, Professor McGonagall was still hanging on to the window seal in shock, watching them. Dumbledore drew the shade back down as the rain started & more lightning flashed. "Now." He said, putting his arm around her shoulders & turning her to face him. "Where were we?" he asked, she looked into his twinkling eyes. "That boy, he's going to be the death of me." She said, still trembling. Dumbledore smiled. "He really is his father's son." He said, she nodded. "That's for sure, now lets do get back to where we were." She said, he smiled & pulled her into a kiss.
"Oh, my brain is fried! I'll never be able to think again!" Ron groaned as they walked into the common room. "Harry the weather's great, how about a ride on Poesidon?" Hermione said, Harry nodded. "How about it Ron? You didn't go with us the last time we flew." He said, Ron went a little pale. "N-no its okay go without me I'm a little tired." He said quickly, Harry & Hermione shrugged & walked out. As they neared Hagrid's hut they heard the sound of Poseidon screaming, Harry looked to Hermione. "He sounds mad, lets go!" they ran out & to their horror found Malfoy, Crabbe & Goyle teasing him, running around the paddock out of his reach. Horror-struck, Harry & Hermione ran toward them, as they neared Malfoy smirked. "Well Potter, it seems." he didn't get to finish before Harry plunged his hand into his robes for his wand, & shouted "Stupefy!" Malfoy, Crabbe & Goyle were knocked clean into the wall behind them. Harry stuck his wand back into his robes & went over to Poseidon, who was still inraged. "Whoa, easy Poseidon its me, Harry!" Poesidon with an expression of relief in his eyes, Harry untied him just as Professor McGonagall & Professor Dumbledore ran out. "What in the world." Professor McGonagall faultered. "I went out here to give Poseidon his daily exersise & found Malfoy, Crabbe & Goyle teasing him!" Harry yelled, I used 'Stupefy' on them. Look, look what he's done to himself! He's lathered with sweat & his leg's injuered! I don't care is I get expelled for it I'm not." Harry yelled, the blood rising to his face. Dumbledore stepped forward & put a hand on Harry's shoulder. "Harry. Harry, please relax, you're not going to be expelled." Harry stopped, still red in the face. "I'm not?" he said. "No Harry you're not, if anyone should be expelled it's those three." Harry gawked at Dumbledore. "Yes, yes attempting to curse you, cursing a teacher, being cruel to an animal yes i think they've reached the end of their teather." He said, looking at the three heaps on the ground by the wall. "You mean. that you're going to expel them?!" Harry cried, flabbergasted. Dumbledore nodded. "Yes, now I must get back to my office, I have to write owls to their parents." Harry & Hermione looked at each other as they walked to Hagrid's hut for the medicine.
"Can you believe that! Malfoy & his henchmen got expelled!" Ron said the next morning. "I can't believe were going home next week." Hermione said. "And there's nothing to do while we wait!" "You're just mad that we don't have any more classes." Ron said. "I'm just glad that Sirus's name has been cleared & I don't have to go back & live with the Dersleys." Harry said. "He even said that Posiedon can come, too." Harry that's great!" Hermione said as they exited the common room & headed to the great hall, even the ceiling seemed to reflect his happiness. They all sat down, Harry never grew tired of the food appearing out of no where. "How do you think its going to feel, living with a wizard when your used to the ways of muggles?" Ron asked Harry. He was about to answer when the doors of the great hall flew open with such force that they bounced off the wall, Lucius Malfoy came striding down the center of the great hall looking so inraged that Harry half expected molten lava to spew from his ears. "WHAT IN THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU PLAYING AT!" He bellowed at Dumbledore, who was now standing. The great hall was deadly quiet, every face was turned at Dumbledore & Mr. Malfoy. "HOW DARE you expel MY SON!" He roared walking the rest of the way up to the high table; the veins in his neck were protruding, threatening to burst right out of his skin. Dumbledore was giving Mr. Malfoy a look far worse then the one he gave young Barty Crouch when he, disguised as Moody using polyjuice potion tried to kill Harry in his office. "How dare you burst into my school like this." He replied coming around the table, his eyes blazing. "YOU'RE school?! WELL we'll see how long it ramains 'your school.' Albus!!" Mr. Malfoy yelled, Harry suddenly stood up & ran to the center of the floor beside Dumbledore. "Don't you insult Professor Dumbledore, he expelled Malfoy because he had his chances & he blew it!" He bellowed. Mr. Malfoy pulled out his wand, as Professor McGonagall came running up on Harry's other side. But Harry wouldn't have cared if Mr. Malfoy had a swarm of dementors with him, he pressed on. "Malfoy cursed a teacher, & he was cruel to an animal. my animal, if it would've been up to me I would've thrown him out on his a-" Harry bellowed for all the hall to hear, now looking looking madder then all of them combined. Mr. Malfoy lost control & pointed his wand at him, but Dumbledore & Professor McGonagall both out their wands, Harry plunged his hand in his robes for his own just in the nick of time. "Stupefy!" They all yelled at the same time. Mr. Malfoy flew so high into the air that his head almost disappeared in the bewitched ceiling, before sliding down to the floor, unmistakably knocked out. Everyone cheered, as Harry turned to refill his seat at the Gryffindor table, when Dumbledore stopped him. "Thank you Harry, that's twice you've come to my aid." He said, holding out his hand. Harry grinned. The pleasure's all mine, Professor."
Before they knew it they were heading to Hogmeade Station & the Hogwarts Express, but Harry wasn't dreading it. He wasn't going back to the Dersley's this time.
The end of Book one How'd you like it? E-mail me at mpruski@ahisd.net