Chapter Eight
"So, what are we supposed to do, just sit here until our irresponsible teacher decides to show up?" Draco was good at complaining and was true to form in the History of Magic classroom at five minutes before three. A piece of chalk was dragging itself over the chalk board writing the rules.
Rules for HOME (History of Magic Extras) 1. Thou shalt not curse another student unless told to by the teacher. 2. Thou shalt not antagonize the house elves. When Malfoy saw this he was outraged, especially when his old house elf Dobby was carrying in a briefcase. 3. Thou shalt surrender your wand at the beginning every class period. 4. Thou shalt not teach those not in this course things learned here. Three minutes to three o'clock and still no sign of Genevieve, two minutes, one minute. Dobby stood on top of the desk and cleared his throat to speak.
"As you see sirs and ladies, all must not have wands here, rule three. Please place your wands on your desks misters and misses for collection." With a flick of his finger seven wands flew gently into a box by the door. Malfoy's left hand however kept a firm grip on his.
"I'm not going to take orders from a lousy house elf." He stood up and towered over Dobby. "You were a miserable lazy thing anyway, and I'm glad to be rid of you. Now that you are Hogwart's problem get to the kitchen where you belong!" Malfoy pointed his wand at the little elf but Dobby beat him to it. Extending a long finger toward the encroaching wand he shot a small silver thread around Malfoy's left wrist.
"Stupify" Malfoy yelled, but nothing happened. Dobby smiled mischievously. Malfoy shook his wand, cursed and swore but no magic came out. Frustrated he threw his wand to the ground and Dobby magicked it into the box with the others.
Just as the clock on the wall struck three a loud thump echoed from the back of the classroom. Dobby smiled broadly as did Harry when he turned around. Genevieve and Morgain, sitting on Morgain's school trunk, had appeared three feet from the floor and dropped the rest of the way. Genevieve took a traveler's watch from off their necks before tucking it inside her bag.
"Well, that was an adventure! Just in time too. Shall we begin, oh Mr. Malfoy, did you not see the rules on the board?" Genevieve was pointing to the silver band around his wrist.
"What is this?" Draco demanded.
"I'm not entirely sure, but house elves can be quite resourceful. Dear Dobby, would you do me two favors?" She was courteous and polite to Dobby, who responded in like matter.
"Of course, Mrs. Carrington ma'am."
"Would you please remove whatever spell you placed on Mr. Malfoy and then see that Morgain's things make it to her dormitory."
"Yes ma'am." Without so much as a side ways glance at Draco, Dobby released the spell on his wrist then disappeared with the trunk.
"Ah, I see Dobby has already relieved you of your wands. Very well, let's begin. My name, as you may know is Genevieve Carrington. You may call me any combination of that name you wish so long as you do it respectfully."
Genevieve then went into a lengthy explanation of Old Magic, but as this was review for Neville and Harry they took only occasional notes. Hermione's notes ventured to excessive, Draco's were non-existent as he sat scowling and pouting in the back of the room.
"And so you see, Old Magic is fueled by natural laws that must be understood and obeyed." Genevieve sighed in relief. "Now that the general purpose and history portion of this class is out in the open we'll get to the fun stuff. Since this class is so small, I'd prefer not to lecture but discuss principles and allow time for practice. I encourage questions and comments so if you have any just let me know." Hermione's hand shot straight into the air.
"Yes Miss. Granger?"
"What texts will we require for this course?"
"None, any other questions."
"What, no books!" Hermione looked as though she'd just been insulted.
"If there were books on this subject I wouldn't have been persuaded to teach. If you'd care to write one when we are done, I'd love to read your rough draft."
"So what will we do for homework and study?" Crystal Cerr asked.
"Good question, which will best be answered when I think of a homework assignment." She paused for a moment with her hands in the pockets of her robes, and as her fingers absently touched what was in them a light of realization flicked on.
"Actually, you do have homework this week." From Genevieve's pocket she pulled a handful of small seeds. "Since we need to get in touch with nature, I would like each of you to go to the green houses and plant one of these seeds in a pot. I will clear everything with Professor Sprout so you can take the pots to your dormitories. There you are to water and talk to it."
"Talk to it." Malfoy spat. "And say what?"
"Tell it whatever you wish, your thoughts, hopes and dreams for instance. When they have grown into a furry three inch plant bring them back. Until then, your notes and memory are what we have to go on. Feel free to form study groups if you feel so inclined, but may I stress to you the importance of rule four. Do not discuss things that you learn here with people who were not here, it can be very dangerous."
"Dangerous?" asked Roger Raven.
"Extremely. What we learn here, if taken out of context, may hurt those attempting it. You were selected by the sorting hat because you fit certain qualifications, genetic, talent or experience, that will make Old Magic come easier for you than others. If any of you can't handle not showing off to your friends, then I suggest you withdraw right now. Any more questions." Ginny tentatively raised her hand.
"So what exactly are we going to do?"
"Well my dear, we are going to challenge the very fibers of magic as you know it. This course will change how your perceive magic, taking it out of the wand and implanting it into your heart, you will no longer see yourself as a mere witch, or wizard but the embodiment of magic itself."
The excitement in the room as she spoke was tangible, all nine students were on the edge of their seats. "You will have little need for a wand or simple magical devices, if done correctly. At the same time because there is no buffer or focusing apparatus between your body and magic it will physically and mentally exhaust you, pushing the limits of human tolerance."
No one moved for a moment and satisfied that there were no questions at this point Genevieve dismissed the class early, each student retrieving their wands from the box by the door before leaving. Harry walked up to the Gryffindor common room with Morgain.
"So, why were you late?" he asked awkwardly.
"My sister was angry and didn't want me to come back because she thought it was too dangerous. Genevieve helped change her mind."
"How did she manage that?"
"I'm not sure, but it had to do with some deviant ghosts and our surplus of snidgets."
******************
The coming Quidditch match between Slytherin and Gryffindor was at the forefront of everyone's mind that week. Slytherin's were in the habit of beginning the brutality usually reserved for the field at least two days before hand, but by Tuesday they were in full swing.
Harry felt lucky when he made it to Thursday without having to dodge any hexes or punches from the opposing team, mostly because he spent his free time in the snidget tent. Ron was feeling the brunt of the Slytherin's hostility. In truth the Slytherins were aiming for Harry most of the time but Ron would usually see them coming and step in the way. By the time Saturday morning rolled around Ron had been to see Madame Pomfrey in the hospital wing three times for injuries sustained in the growing feud.
In the locker rooms as Harry was lacing up his shin pads Angelina began the pep talk.
"We have an incredible team collected this year. Three fabulous chasers, our beaters have even better moves than their predecessors, our seeker is the best this school has ever seen and with the new addition of Gretchen Wood as keeper they'll have to get up pretty early in the morning to get a quaffle through those hoops."
Gretchen shuffled her feet slightly embarrassed to be singled out before regaining the focus that made her look exactly like her older brother, Oliver. "Slytherin will rue the day they thought they could beat these Gryffindors. Let's get out there and show them how this game is played." With a collective, 'huzzah', they picked up their broomsticks and marched onto the field.
The Slytherins were already there, staring them down. Malfoy stood opposite Harry sneering and showing off his new firebolt. Madame Hooch released the balls and the players kicked high into the air. Angelina caught the quaffle first and became a blur racing for the hoops before the Slytherin keeper could get in position.
"Ten points to Gryffindor." Harry flew past the scoreboard to hear Seamus Finnigan announcing. "Slytherin in possession, but no Bell has taken it right out of his hand. Bell down the field. Fake left, then score. Ten more points for Gryffindor."
The match continued in this vein for quite some time as the Gryffindor team pulled off some fantastic moves while avoiding the unscrupulous attacks the Slytherins launched. Gryffindor was seventy points ahead before the opposing team's chasers could get the quaffle past Gretchen. Harry had caught a glimpse of the snitch once near the beginning, but had been thrown off the trail by Malfoy who was riding his wing every chance he got. Often they were shoulder to shoulder flying at break neck speeds even when the snitch was no where to be seen. Harry tried to shake him off but Malfoy's new broom and increased skill in flying kept them basically inseparable.
Ron really was an incredible beater with the ability to knock the bludger with such precision he could bump a thrown quaffle off course, given the right opportunity. None of the beaters were willing to bang their heavy balls toward the seekers, for fear of hurting their own team's seeker and chances of catching the snitch.
Harry finally caught Ron's attention, while zooming down the pitch. A knowing glance between them was all they needed to formulate a plan. Ron hurtled a bludger at Harry who saw it and dropped from his broom hanging on with only one hand. Malfoy saw it out of the corner of his eye and braced his face with his right hand. The bludger smashed the back of his hand, the sound of shattering bone easily audible at the close distance. When Harry saw the snitch hovering just to the right and back of Malfoy he swung himself back onto his broom. Harry stalled his firebolt as he'd practiced, flew in reverse and caught the snitch before Malfoy had time to turn his broom around.
Gasps and cheers flew from the stands faster than the players could get to the ground. Harry felt even more pride at having managed the reverse maneuver than for winning the game. The entire Slytherin team, minus Malfoy, was in a tirade flipping through the rule book around Madame Hooch screaming "but that can't be legal" while the rest of the school congratulated him on his excellent flying. Once Madame Hooch sent away the Slytherins she too approached Harry.
"Fancy flying, Potter. I haven't seen the Repeal Plan in years, and you are lucky it didn't make the rule book for prohibited schemes, but please restrain yourself from doing it again."
"Why, Madame Hooch?" Harry pulled himself away from the crowd that had been dragging him to the castle.
"Because flying backwards is dangerous, brooms aren't designed to do it and I'm afraid that I will have to take your firebolt for a while to check for damage you may have caused." She grabbed the firebolt from Harry before he could resist. He knew he would feel horrible without it later, but was still on too much of an adrenalin rush to care much at the moment. After all he'd just accomplished a difficult trick while winning the game, so he ran broomless to catch up with his house and celebrate their victory.
The party in the Gryffindor common room lasted well past midnight. Harry spent the better part of the evening explaining the finer points of Quidditch to Morgain while some muggle-born wizards listened on. Fred and George had owled over a box of Filibuster Fireworks so that their presence could be felt even if they couldn't be there. Ron was setting off another round of red and gold sparks when McGonagall climbed through the portrait hole, her face somber.
"May I have your attention please?" She said several times before even making a dent in the noise level.
"Sorry Professor," Angelina stepped forward. "We'll get to bed in a bit, but come on, we just beat Slytherin!"
"That is not why I'm here." McGonagall sent blue sparks into the air to get everyone's attention, when she continued her voice was grave. "I have the most unfortunate duty to inform you that Cornelius Fudge, the Minister of Magic, was assassinated this evening by dark wizards." All levity shattered. Whatever feelings anyone had for the Minister set aside it was a glaring reminder of the evil that lurked on their doorsteps. "Doris Crockford has just been chosen as our new Minister of Magic."
The air in the room suddenly felt stale as the news hit each person, devastated they collectively decided to go to bed. Not a smile could be seen in the once joyful faces except for the momentary one which Morgain was unable to restrain.
Sunday morning at breakfast the mood remained somber as Dumbledore stood to address the students.
"As you all know Cornelius Fudge, who has served us well these many years, has fallen victim to the death eaters. Doris Crockford, in order to protect this school and the rest of the wizarding world has assigned several aurors to this location. Many of them will be using our library resources and I ask that none of you interrupt their work."
Genevieve entered the room briefly and caught Dumbledore's attention. He turned the rest of his speech over to McGonagall but Harry was too engrossed in the drama going on behind her to hear what she said. Dumbledore was nodding his head slowly while Genevieve was talking animatedly to him. Snape walked up to them nearly yelling and Remus and Rebecca rose to Genevieve's defense.
From the back of the room came Professor Figg and Sirius who were in obvious disagreement. Dumbledore drew the crowd out into the sitting room at the same time McGonagall finished her speech. She also retreated into the sitting room followed by the rest of the staff. Ten minutes later when the adults started streaming out of the room one by one Harry caught up with Sirius on the way to the library.
"What was that about?" Harry asked. Sirius stopped and went into the empty charms classroom before explaining.
"We've been trying to determine who committed the assassination and whether or not it was done with the travelers watch."
"And?" Harry pressed.
"We don't know who for sure, and it wasn't." Sirius answered both questions downheartedly. "But at the same time that Fudge was being murdered Professor Trelawney had a vision." Harry thought about interrupting with his opinion about the divination teacher but thought better of it. "During her trance she saw You-know-who with the watch, and that his plans have something to do with May. No one knows if this is just another of her false alarms, but she's been right about Voldemort's future twice already."
Harry knew about the prediction he'd witnessed about the servant of the Dark Lord's return but wondered about the first. "I'm meeting the aurors in the library, bye." Sirius said, leaving Harry with his thoughts. Harry didn't want to be alone right now so climbed the stairs to the common room. Mid-October was still nice enough that most students were outside, but Ron, Hermione and Morgain were huddled around a desk when Harry found them.
"All I'm saying is that it's about time there was a woman Minister." Morgain had Hermione's agreement, but not Ron's.
"What if she gets all emotional during a serious negotiation or makes decisions based on PMS." Ron's argument earned him hard punches in the shoulder from the two women.
"Hold off, I get enough of that from the Slytherins," but Ron was laughing and playfully batting back at them, their argument forgotten.
"Thought I could find you here flirting," Harry teased just as Ron had begun tickling Morgain. Hermione tried to rescue Morgain by tickling Ron but Harry pulled her off, tickling her side. Hermione summoned a pillow from the couch and began lightheartedly hit him with it. Harry and Ron continued tickling until their fingers hurt and they were laughing louder than the girls. A few minutes later after the giggling died down the four of them sat on the floor staring at each other basking in the glow of friendship. It felt good to have a few moments of normalcy. Harry took the conversation back to politics.
"I don't care what gender the Minister of Magic is, I'm just glad she believes in Voldemort's return and is doing something about it." Ron flinched upon hearing the Dark Lord's name but nodded with the others in agreement.
Harry was right, now that the ministry was actively involved everyone felt safer. Now that the aurors were combing the library for ways to stop the watch the teachers were less edgy and even Snape relaxed a little. Halloween was around the corner and everyone looked forward to the banquet with childlike anticipation.
**************************
The next HOME class was filled with surprises. Everyone filed in and deposited their wands in the box by the door before taking their seats. Genevieve pulled a black velvet bundle from her bag unwrapping it gingerly in front of her eager students.
"Today I have a gift for each of you. These are special wands that require more magical input and control than yours do, but will be more powerful." She carefully selected each wand before handing it to a student. "Now we can build from the spells you already know, we'll start with the simple levitation spell, wingardium leviosa. As we've been discussing I want you to visualize the magic coming from you and not the wand, stay calm and focused."
Each of them set to work casting the spell on a piece of chalk in front of them. Harry's rolled a bit, but he wasn't sure whether that was from his spell or the slope of the desk. Hermione's, and the others sat still. On Neville's third attempt his chalk rose slowly from the desk. Genevieve, impressed, leaned close to his ear.
"That is amazing Mr. Longbottom." Neville blushed slightly. "I knew you could do this. Can you make it go a little higher.fantastic. Now forward, toward the front of the room.excellent." Neville followed each of her instructions, as his classmates stopped to watch. "This next part may be a bit tricky. Can you touch the chalk to the board and write something." Neville scratched his name messily on the board, ".I am impressed, Neville. Keep up the good work!" By the end of class the only other person to get their chalk in the air was Crystal. "You may take these wands with you, but be sure to not confuse them with your own in the other classes. Give it a bit of practice and we'll see what we can do next time." Draco, who was unusually quiet and conciliatory during class was first to the door. Probably because he was just shown up by Neville Longbottom, Harry thought.
"And don't forget to keep talking to your seeds!" Genevieve called to the back of everyone's heads as they left.
Harry was off to the library with Morgain for a bit of studying before dinner when he over heard Snape and Sirius talking. Harry pulled Morgain to hide behind a suit of armor where they were amazed to hear the men laughing.
"Care to make a friendly wager on that, Severus?" Sirius laughed.
"That what, my wife is more attentive than that creature you're trying to tame?"
"Yes, minus the insults. I'll bet you ten galleons that without being asked to be on time, my woman will be perfectly punctual to the Halloween banquet." Lupin's voice then joined the others.
"I want a piece of that action. Rebecca is a fanatic about being on time." Snape considered carefully.
"I accept, but I warn you, Veronica worships the ground I walk on."
"On your honor you'll let her choose what time she shows up."
"Of course. And both of you had better bring your galleons with you." The three parted ways, each confident they were to win. Sirius spotted Harry behind the armor and gave him a wink before going down the stairs.
*******************
"So, what are we supposed to do, just sit here until our irresponsible teacher decides to show up?" Draco was good at complaining and was true to form in the History of Magic classroom at five minutes before three. A piece of chalk was dragging itself over the chalk board writing the rules.
Rules for HOME (History of Magic Extras) 1. Thou shalt not curse another student unless told to by the teacher. 2. Thou shalt not antagonize the house elves. When Malfoy saw this he was outraged, especially when his old house elf Dobby was carrying in a briefcase. 3. Thou shalt surrender your wand at the beginning every class period. 4. Thou shalt not teach those not in this course things learned here. Three minutes to three o'clock and still no sign of Genevieve, two minutes, one minute. Dobby stood on top of the desk and cleared his throat to speak.
"As you see sirs and ladies, all must not have wands here, rule three. Please place your wands on your desks misters and misses for collection." With a flick of his finger seven wands flew gently into a box by the door. Malfoy's left hand however kept a firm grip on his.
"I'm not going to take orders from a lousy house elf." He stood up and towered over Dobby. "You were a miserable lazy thing anyway, and I'm glad to be rid of you. Now that you are Hogwart's problem get to the kitchen where you belong!" Malfoy pointed his wand at the little elf but Dobby beat him to it. Extending a long finger toward the encroaching wand he shot a small silver thread around Malfoy's left wrist.
"Stupify" Malfoy yelled, but nothing happened. Dobby smiled mischievously. Malfoy shook his wand, cursed and swore but no magic came out. Frustrated he threw his wand to the ground and Dobby magicked it into the box with the others.
Just as the clock on the wall struck three a loud thump echoed from the back of the classroom. Dobby smiled broadly as did Harry when he turned around. Genevieve and Morgain, sitting on Morgain's school trunk, had appeared three feet from the floor and dropped the rest of the way. Genevieve took a traveler's watch from off their necks before tucking it inside her bag.
"Well, that was an adventure! Just in time too. Shall we begin, oh Mr. Malfoy, did you not see the rules on the board?" Genevieve was pointing to the silver band around his wrist.
"What is this?" Draco demanded.
"I'm not entirely sure, but house elves can be quite resourceful. Dear Dobby, would you do me two favors?" She was courteous and polite to Dobby, who responded in like matter.
"Of course, Mrs. Carrington ma'am."
"Would you please remove whatever spell you placed on Mr. Malfoy and then see that Morgain's things make it to her dormitory."
"Yes ma'am." Without so much as a side ways glance at Draco, Dobby released the spell on his wrist then disappeared with the trunk.
"Ah, I see Dobby has already relieved you of your wands. Very well, let's begin. My name, as you may know is Genevieve Carrington. You may call me any combination of that name you wish so long as you do it respectfully."
Genevieve then went into a lengthy explanation of Old Magic, but as this was review for Neville and Harry they took only occasional notes. Hermione's notes ventured to excessive, Draco's were non-existent as he sat scowling and pouting in the back of the room.
"And so you see, Old Magic is fueled by natural laws that must be understood and obeyed." Genevieve sighed in relief. "Now that the general purpose and history portion of this class is out in the open we'll get to the fun stuff. Since this class is so small, I'd prefer not to lecture but discuss principles and allow time for practice. I encourage questions and comments so if you have any just let me know." Hermione's hand shot straight into the air.
"Yes Miss. Granger?"
"What texts will we require for this course?"
"None, any other questions."
"What, no books!" Hermione looked as though she'd just been insulted.
"If there were books on this subject I wouldn't have been persuaded to teach. If you'd care to write one when we are done, I'd love to read your rough draft."
"So what will we do for homework and study?" Crystal Cerr asked.
"Good question, which will best be answered when I think of a homework assignment." She paused for a moment with her hands in the pockets of her robes, and as her fingers absently touched what was in them a light of realization flicked on.
"Actually, you do have homework this week." From Genevieve's pocket she pulled a handful of small seeds. "Since we need to get in touch with nature, I would like each of you to go to the green houses and plant one of these seeds in a pot. I will clear everything with Professor Sprout so you can take the pots to your dormitories. There you are to water and talk to it."
"Talk to it." Malfoy spat. "And say what?"
"Tell it whatever you wish, your thoughts, hopes and dreams for instance. When they have grown into a furry three inch plant bring them back. Until then, your notes and memory are what we have to go on. Feel free to form study groups if you feel so inclined, but may I stress to you the importance of rule four. Do not discuss things that you learn here with people who were not here, it can be very dangerous."
"Dangerous?" asked Roger Raven.
"Extremely. What we learn here, if taken out of context, may hurt those attempting it. You were selected by the sorting hat because you fit certain qualifications, genetic, talent or experience, that will make Old Magic come easier for you than others. If any of you can't handle not showing off to your friends, then I suggest you withdraw right now. Any more questions." Ginny tentatively raised her hand.
"So what exactly are we going to do?"
"Well my dear, we are going to challenge the very fibers of magic as you know it. This course will change how your perceive magic, taking it out of the wand and implanting it into your heart, you will no longer see yourself as a mere witch, or wizard but the embodiment of magic itself."
The excitement in the room as she spoke was tangible, all nine students were on the edge of their seats. "You will have little need for a wand or simple magical devices, if done correctly. At the same time because there is no buffer or focusing apparatus between your body and magic it will physically and mentally exhaust you, pushing the limits of human tolerance."
No one moved for a moment and satisfied that there were no questions at this point Genevieve dismissed the class early, each student retrieving their wands from the box by the door before leaving. Harry walked up to the Gryffindor common room with Morgain.
"So, why were you late?" he asked awkwardly.
"My sister was angry and didn't want me to come back because she thought it was too dangerous. Genevieve helped change her mind."
"How did she manage that?"
"I'm not sure, but it had to do with some deviant ghosts and our surplus of snidgets."
******************
The coming Quidditch match between Slytherin and Gryffindor was at the forefront of everyone's mind that week. Slytherin's were in the habit of beginning the brutality usually reserved for the field at least two days before hand, but by Tuesday they were in full swing.
Harry felt lucky when he made it to Thursday without having to dodge any hexes or punches from the opposing team, mostly because he spent his free time in the snidget tent. Ron was feeling the brunt of the Slytherin's hostility. In truth the Slytherins were aiming for Harry most of the time but Ron would usually see them coming and step in the way. By the time Saturday morning rolled around Ron had been to see Madame Pomfrey in the hospital wing three times for injuries sustained in the growing feud.
In the locker rooms as Harry was lacing up his shin pads Angelina began the pep talk.
"We have an incredible team collected this year. Three fabulous chasers, our beaters have even better moves than their predecessors, our seeker is the best this school has ever seen and with the new addition of Gretchen Wood as keeper they'll have to get up pretty early in the morning to get a quaffle through those hoops."
Gretchen shuffled her feet slightly embarrassed to be singled out before regaining the focus that made her look exactly like her older brother, Oliver. "Slytherin will rue the day they thought they could beat these Gryffindors. Let's get out there and show them how this game is played." With a collective, 'huzzah', they picked up their broomsticks and marched onto the field.
The Slytherins were already there, staring them down. Malfoy stood opposite Harry sneering and showing off his new firebolt. Madame Hooch released the balls and the players kicked high into the air. Angelina caught the quaffle first and became a blur racing for the hoops before the Slytherin keeper could get in position.
"Ten points to Gryffindor." Harry flew past the scoreboard to hear Seamus Finnigan announcing. "Slytherin in possession, but no Bell has taken it right out of his hand. Bell down the field. Fake left, then score. Ten more points for Gryffindor."
The match continued in this vein for quite some time as the Gryffindor team pulled off some fantastic moves while avoiding the unscrupulous attacks the Slytherins launched. Gryffindor was seventy points ahead before the opposing team's chasers could get the quaffle past Gretchen. Harry had caught a glimpse of the snitch once near the beginning, but had been thrown off the trail by Malfoy who was riding his wing every chance he got. Often they were shoulder to shoulder flying at break neck speeds even when the snitch was no where to be seen. Harry tried to shake him off but Malfoy's new broom and increased skill in flying kept them basically inseparable.
Ron really was an incredible beater with the ability to knock the bludger with such precision he could bump a thrown quaffle off course, given the right opportunity. None of the beaters were willing to bang their heavy balls toward the seekers, for fear of hurting their own team's seeker and chances of catching the snitch.
Harry finally caught Ron's attention, while zooming down the pitch. A knowing glance between them was all they needed to formulate a plan. Ron hurtled a bludger at Harry who saw it and dropped from his broom hanging on with only one hand. Malfoy saw it out of the corner of his eye and braced his face with his right hand. The bludger smashed the back of his hand, the sound of shattering bone easily audible at the close distance. When Harry saw the snitch hovering just to the right and back of Malfoy he swung himself back onto his broom. Harry stalled his firebolt as he'd practiced, flew in reverse and caught the snitch before Malfoy had time to turn his broom around.
Gasps and cheers flew from the stands faster than the players could get to the ground. Harry felt even more pride at having managed the reverse maneuver than for winning the game. The entire Slytherin team, minus Malfoy, was in a tirade flipping through the rule book around Madame Hooch screaming "but that can't be legal" while the rest of the school congratulated him on his excellent flying. Once Madame Hooch sent away the Slytherins she too approached Harry.
"Fancy flying, Potter. I haven't seen the Repeal Plan in years, and you are lucky it didn't make the rule book for prohibited schemes, but please restrain yourself from doing it again."
"Why, Madame Hooch?" Harry pulled himself away from the crowd that had been dragging him to the castle.
"Because flying backwards is dangerous, brooms aren't designed to do it and I'm afraid that I will have to take your firebolt for a while to check for damage you may have caused." She grabbed the firebolt from Harry before he could resist. He knew he would feel horrible without it later, but was still on too much of an adrenalin rush to care much at the moment. After all he'd just accomplished a difficult trick while winning the game, so he ran broomless to catch up with his house and celebrate their victory.
The party in the Gryffindor common room lasted well past midnight. Harry spent the better part of the evening explaining the finer points of Quidditch to Morgain while some muggle-born wizards listened on. Fred and George had owled over a box of Filibuster Fireworks so that their presence could be felt even if they couldn't be there. Ron was setting off another round of red and gold sparks when McGonagall climbed through the portrait hole, her face somber.
"May I have your attention please?" She said several times before even making a dent in the noise level.
"Sorry Professor," Angelina stepped forward. "We'll get to bed in a bit, but come on, we just beat Slytherin!"
"That is not why I'm here." McGonagall sent blue sparks into the air to get everyone's attention, when she continued her voice was grave. "I have the most unfortunate duty to inform you that Cornelius Fudge, the Minister of Magic, was assassinated this evening by dark wizards." All levity shattered. Whatever feelings anyone had for the Minister set aside it was a glaring reminder of the evil that lurked on their doorsteps. "Doris Crockford has just been chosen as our new Minister of Magic."
The air in the room suddenly felt stale as the news hit each person, devastated they collectively decided to go to bed. Not a smile could be seen in the once joyful faces except for the momentary one which Morgain was unable to restrain.
Sunday morning at breakfast the mood remained somber as Dumbledore stood to address the students.
"As you all know Cornelius Fudge, who has served us well these many years, has fallen victim to the death eaters. Doris Crockford, in order to protect this school and the rest of the wizarding world has assigned several aurors to this location. Many of them will be using our library resources and I ask that none of you interrupt their work."
Genevieve entered the room briefly and caught Dumbledore's attention. He turned the rest of his speech over to McGonagall but Harry was too engrossed in the drama going on behind her to hear what she said. Dumbledore was nodding his head slowly while Genevieve was talking animatedly to him. Snape walked up to them nearly yelling and Remus and Rebecca rose to Genevieve's defense.
From the back of the room came Professor Figg and Sirius who were in obvious disagreement. Dumbledore drew the crowd out into the sitting room at the same time McGonagall finished her speech. She also retreated into the sitting room followed by the rest of the staff. Ten minutes later when the adults started streaming out of the room one by one Harry caught up with Sirius on the way to the library.
"What was that about?" Harry asked. Sirius stopped and went into the empty charms classroom before explaining.
"We've been trying to determine who committed the assassination and whether or not it was done with the travelers watch."
"And?" Harry pressed.
"We don't know who for sure, and it wasn't." Sirius answered both questions downheartedly. "But at the same time that Fudge was being murdered Professor Trelawney had a vision." Harry thought about interrupting with his opinion about the divination teacher but thought better of it. "During her trance she saw You-know-who with the watch, and that his plans have something to do with May. No one knows if this is just another of her false alarms, but she's been right about Voldemort's future twice already."
Harry knew about the prediction he'd witnessed about the servant of the Dark Lord's return but wondered about the first. "I'm meeting the aurors in the library, bye." Sirius said, leaving Harry with his thoughts. Harry didn't want to be alone right now so climbed the stairs to the common room. Mid-October was still nice enough that most students were outside, but Ron, Hermione and Morgain were huddled around a desk when Harry found them.
"All I'm saying is that it's about time there was a woman Minister." Morgain had Hermione's agreement, but not Ron's.
"What if she gets all emotional during a serious negotiation or makes decisions based on PMS." Ron's argument earned him hard punches in the shoulder from the two women.
"Hold off, I get enough of that from the Slytherins," but Ron was laughing and playfully batting back at them, their argument forgotten.
"Thought I could find you here flirting," Harry teased just as Ron had begun tickling Morgain. Hermione tried to rescue Morgain by tickling Ron but Harry pulled her off, tickling her side. Hermione summoned a pillow from the couch and began lightheartedly hit him with it. Harry and Ron continued tickling until their fingers hurt and they were laughing louder than the girls. A few minutes later after the giggling died down the four of them sat on the floor staring at each other basking in the glow of friendship. It felt good to have a few moments of normalcy. Harry took the conversation back to politics.
"I don't care what gender the Minister of Magic is, I'm just glad she believes in Voldemort's return and is doing something about it." Ron flinched upon hearing the Dark Lord's name but nodded with the others in agreement.
Harry was right, now that the ministry was actively involved everyone felt safer. Now that the aurors were combing the library for ways to stop the watch the teachers were less edgy and even Snape relaxed a little. Halloween was around the corner and everyone looked forward to the banquet with childlike anticipation.
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The next HOME class was filled with surprises. Everyone filed in and deposited their wands in the box by the door before taking their seats. Genevieve pulled a black velvet bundle from her bag unwrapping it gingerly in front of her eager students.
"Today I have a gift for each of you. These are special wands that require more magical input and control than yours do, but will be more powerful." She carefully selected each wand before handing it to a student. "Now we can build from the spells you already know, we'll start with the simple levitation spell, wingardium leviosa. As we've been discussing I want you to visualize the magic coming from you and not the wand, stay calm and focused."
Each of them set to work casting the spell on a piece of chalk in front of them. Harry's rolled a bit, but he wasn't sure whether that was from his spell or the slope of the desk. Hermione's, and the others sat still. On Neville's third attempt his chalk rose slowly from the desk. Genevieve, impressed, leaned close to his ear.
"That is amazing Mr. Longbottom." Neville blushed slightly. "I knew you could do this. Can you make it go a little higher.fantastic. Now forward, toward the front of the room.excellent." Neville followed each of her instructions, as his classmates stopped to watch. "This next part may be a bit tricky. Can you touch the chalk to the board and write something." Neville scratched his name messily on the board, ".I am impressed, Neville. Keep up the good work!" By the end of class the only other person to get their chalk in the air was Crystal. "You may take these wands with you, but be sure to not confuse them with your own in the other classes. Give it a bit of practice and we'll see what we can do next time." Draco, who was unusually quiet and conciliatory during class was first to the door. Probably because he was just shown up by Neville Longbottom, Harry thought.
"And don't forget to keep talking to your seeds!" Genevieve called to the back of everyone's heads as they left.
Harry was off to the library with Morgain for a bit of studying before dinner when he over heard Snape and Sirius talking. Harry pulled Morgain to hide behind a suit of armor where they were amazed to hear the men laughing.
"Care to make a friendly wager on that, Severus?" Sirius laughed.
"That what, my wife is more attentive than that creature you're trying to tame?"
"Yes, minus the insults. I'll bet you ten galleons that without being asked to be on time, my woman will be perfectly punctual to the Halloween banquet." Lupin's voice then joined the others.
"I want a piece of that action. Rebecca is a fanatic about being on time." Snape considered carefully.
"I accept, but I warn you, Veronica worships the ground I walk on."
"On your honor you'll let her choose what time she shows up."
"Of course. And both of you had better bring your galleons with you." The three parted ways, each confident they were to win. Sirius spotted Harry behind the armor and gave him a wink before going down the stairs.
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