Disclaimer: The world & Characters of Harry Potter belong to J.K. Rowling and not to me.
Rating: PG-13 for some violence
Description: Action-Adventure/Drama/Mystery
Blood & Dust
Chapter 5: And Rumors Abound
Part 1 Dreams & Visions
Someone was singing softly, and stroking his hair. The hand was gentle and comforting, loving. He felt safe. The voice was soft and warm, there were no real words to the song, just a softly hummed melody. Fingers smoothed the hair from his forehead, stroked his face lovingly. He felt her feather light kiss on his forehead, the whispered words of love. Warmth filled him, held him in a protective embrace. He wanted to see her, but he could not open his eyes. The soft humming was getting farther away, he could barely hear it. He tried to call to her, but his voice would not work. The protective warmth was draining away, and he could feel the cold darkness stealing his safety. He reached out, trying to find her, but she was gone.
It was cold. He opened his eyes. There was no light, the darkness blanketed him completely. He reached out aimlessly, his arms moving sluggishly as if under water. There was nothing around him, just a deep black void. The air was thick and cold, and stank like decay. He moved forward, trying desperately to find something substantial. His hands grasped through the dark void to no avail. The stench of death clung to him, covered him. It pressed in on him, making it hard to breath. The darkness was stifling, touching him everywhere. It entwined itself in his hair like fingers, clinging to him. It shifted over his skin, sliding over wrists and chest and neck. Dark tendrils slipped forcefully into his mouth choking him. Cold and dark it filled him. The panic began to build in his chest, tight and frightening. He could feel a scream trying to claw its way past his throat, but the darkness held him.
He struggled vainly to free himself. The darkness tightened its hold, cutting into his wrists, choking him. He felt himself becoming cold. His fingers clawed helplessly at the darkness, passing through it to rip at his own flesh. He could feel cold fingers squeezing his heart, drawing out every last bit of heat his body possessed. His strength was diminishing, fleeing his tired body to be replaced by the cold. He had no energy left to fight, it was a struggle to keep his eyes open. There was nothing to see, but the darkness, there was nothing to feel, but the cold. He was dead inside. The cold dragged him down, the darkness seeping into his eyes.
For one blissful moment he felt nothing, and then he was filled with fire. Pain raced through his spine, cascading through his nerves like a wave. Bright white light burned his eyes, blinding him. He tried to scream, but his voice had fled. His wrists and chest burned where the darkness had cut into him. Searing pain cut through him, stealing his breath. His heart raced, pumping burning agony throughout his body. He could feel the fire pushing the darkness from him. The cold twisted and writhed inside him trying to escape the waves of burning vengeance. He could feel them battling within him, tearing and ripping. Hot white pain filled his stomach, stabbing him over and over again. The cold burst in his stomach like a million knives digging outward. White hot flames licked at the remains, burning the darkness to nothing. He fought back a sob as a brilliant flash of grinding torment tore at his insides, and then he was still.
He lay panting, his body aching. He shifted slightly, and slowly became aware of the mattress beneath him. Opening his eyes he was greeted with the sight of white sheets. Pushing himself up, his muscles screaming, he felt twin tears slip down his cheeks. What the hell, he thought weakly. He glanced to the clock in the corner, a quarter after four. He breathed deeply, his chest tight. Swinging his legs off the bed he hissed from the movement. He blinked, his mind felt heavy, his thoughts fuzzy. A sharp blinding pain shot through his scar, burning behind his eyes. The room seemed to almost jump, becoming bright and angry. Details magnified a thousand fold. He could read the small print on the shampoo bottle in the bathroom from his seat on the bed.
He closed his eyes, his head beginning to ache. When he opened them again, the room had changed. He sat on a dais, his legs dangling a few feet above the ground. The room was cold and made of stone, the ceiling was high and there were no windows. If he looked down he knew he would see dark blood staining the floor. He had been here before. A soft scraping sound drew his attention. Turning, he tucked his legs beneath him and swiveled to the right. Voldemort sat staring at him, his dark red black eyes burning with hatred. There was blood smeared on his face and dripping from his chin. The dark wizard with blood stained robes stood to his left holding an empty bowl. A sick feeling settled in his stomach, his eyes flicked quickly over the room. Looking down he felt a fresh wave of nausea overwhelm him. A small blond girl lay beside the dais, her face turned toward the floor her tiny back very still.
Voldemort rose slowly to his feet, he reached the dais in four strides. His presence sent wave after wave of burning pain through his scar. Clasping a hand to his head, he stared at the Dark wizard, tears blurring his vision. Claw like fingers reached for him, grasping his throat and squeezing. Bright hot pain surged through his scar turning everything an angry white. Blinking, Harry sat gasping for breath, the light around him fading to reveal his room at Hogwarts.
His legs still felt weak, but he pushed himself to his feet anyway. Stumbling he made his way to the bathroom and promptly threw up. Rinsing his mouth he leaned against the wall, silent tears spilling from his eyes. Get a grip on yourself, he thought angrily, moving to the bathtub to fill it with water. Holding a hand under the steady flow of water he adjusted the temperature. Waiting for it to finish filling he removed his pajamas and then slowly lowered himself into the hot water. Classes start today, he thought irritated, what a perfect beginning to the day. He tried to relax, but his thoughts kept jumping back to Voldemort. He saw me for sure this time, he scrubbed his face, I wasn't sure that last time but now... He sighed, the waking visions were always worse, clearer, sharper and apparently shared.
His thoughts turned to the attack. His body felt tired, but the pain had already bled itself out. That has never happened before, he thought slightly dazed, I didn't even do anything, I was asleep. He finished his bath, and then dressed. Sitting down on his bed he found a piece of parchment and began to write.
Higgs I had another
He stopped and stared at the paper for a moment. What am I doing? His free hand slid through his hair, I don't need them running here and making a big deal out of nothing. He stared at the words. Or worse, he thought, after that last fiasco, all I need is for Higgs to not believe me. He scowled at the writing, he already proved he thinks I'm a child. Putting the quill down, he crumpled the parchment and tossed it into the garbage. And I'm not telling Draco either.
Part 2 No one should smile when you insult them
Severus Snape entered the Great Hall like a dark storm cloud. He strode quickly to the High Table and took his customary chair at the far end. The empty seat between himself and Professor Quincy Hart did not go unnoticed. Snape shot the Defense Professor a sneer before the man could call out a greeting. Pouring himself a cup of tea, the Potions Master scanned the faces of the other Professors. The only person missing was Potter, and why am I not surprised? He glanced toward the Hall's entrance, half expecting the boy to come walking in, but the only figures streaming past the doors were students. Hart was holding a conversation with himself, and Severus, not being one to eavesdrop, ignored him.
"I say, I wonder where Harry is?" the man repeated slightly louder.
Buttering a piece of toast, the Potions Professor sent a glare toward him, "I'm sure I do not know."
The man sighed, "I haven't seen him since the other night, I hope he doesn't feel badly about what happened during the welcoming feast. I tried to tell him it was all right." Hart dumped a large helping of eggs onto his toast, "I wasn't offended or anything, I'm sure he was having a tiring day." He covered the eggs with another piece of toast, "I mean he was perfectly polite every other time I spoke with him."
"Hmm," Snape glared at nothing in particular. Did the man actually think he cared? Finishing his toast he waited to see if Hart had anymore inane babble to get off his chest. The silence that greeted him was promising.
He was nearly finished with his breakfast when the annoying man turned back to him, "You know," he began.
"No," Snape announced flatly, "I do not."
Hart raised an eyebrow, and then smiled, "I suppose Harry isn't coming to Breakfast then." He finished his second egg and toast sandwich, "I hope he hasn't forgotten what time class starts." Snape snorted, whether he was agreeing or annoyed, the Defense Professor did not know. But knowing Snape, it was probably a little of both.
Standing, the Potions Master glared disdainfully down at Hart, "As absolutely riveting as this conversation is, I have classes." He moved to leave, but paused, "And Hart, when you have the second year Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff students in your clutches, be sure to remind them you were responsible for my cheery disposition during their first class." Leaving before the man could reply, he swept from the Great Hall heading toward the dungeons.
Snape grimaced, there was something disturbing about a man you could insult to his face and get a smile in return. Striding purposefully through the halls, he headed directly for the stairs. The man made his skin crawl, and the irony was not wholly lost on him, it should have been the other way around. His dour countenance should have instilled some form of mistrust or loathing in the other man, however it seemed to fuel his glee instead. Contrary to popular belief, he disliked the Defense Professor for reasons other than the man's job. The man was hiding something, he could feel it. He had not been a spy for so long to not trust his instincts. Besides, he had been correct in the past, perhaps not about all of them, but enough of them. If the Headmaster was not going to trust him on this, then so be it, he would continue to watch the man on his own.
Nothing had happened the previous year, but now Potter was back. Snape sneered, and was that merely a coincidence? He paused, but how could the man have know the boy would return? He scowled, all right, maybe I am being slightly paranoid, he couldn't have known Potter would be back. He narrowed his eyes, and no one would wait through an entire school year in hopes the boy would return, he frowned, would they? He pressed his lips together, I'll ask Albus when he decided to return to teach a second term, whether it was before or after he heard Harry Potter was returning to Hogwarts. Moving forward once more he scattered a group of fourth years discussing their trivial lives.
There was a fakeness about the man, no matter that Snape seemed to be the only fool able to see it. He had the entire staff singing his praises, all except Severus. His polite exterior hid something. His smile was quick and easy, masking everything. He was overly polite, and seemed too interested in what others were doing. He was never upset, and merely smiled when he was insulted. No one smiled when you insulted them, no one. Half the time he seemed an imbecile, the other half he seemed to know more than he let on. His smile appeared pleasant, but Snape knew it for what it was, silent mockery. And he seemed too interested in Harry Potter. I warned you Albus, he thought irritably, do not cry to me when something happens to your precious boy. I am not responsible for him, I refuse to be his guardian, he thought angrily. I will not be involved. He entered his office, and sat down. He had a few hours before his classes started, that gave him just enough time to decide upon the best way of watching both the Defense Professor and Potter at the same time.
Part 3 A Fascinating curiosity
Harry had made his way to his office, spending the early morning hours poring over several ancient looking books he was sure held answers he was just too dimwitted to find. He would have asked Hermione to help, but she would eventually realize exactly why he was researching such an odd subject and he did not want anyone else worried. Highlighting several hopeful passages he put the huge book down. There were bent pages throughout the entire monstrosity, marking pages he wanted to re-read. Scraps of paper scrawled with notes marked other pages; ones he hoped held useful information. The book overall looked as if he had thrown it from the Astronomy Tower and kicked it down the stairs a few times for good measure. Ratty pages stuck out randomly attempting to escape the binding. The cover was faded, the dull silver letters of the title barely visible.
At some point Dobby had shown up unexpectedly carrying a large tray filled with tea and biscuits. He drank the tea and ate one of the biscuits. He decided to refrain from going to breakfast, knowing the smell of food would only play havoc on his nausea. He had sent a note to Dumbledore with Dobby letting the older wizard know he would be absent from the High Table that morning, but did not go into any details. He had spent several hours reading and copying notes into the large leather bound book which housed all of his written thoughts and remembered dreams. The Headmaster had given it to him after the incident. He did not like to think about those three days, and he did not think Draco did either.
Slipping both books into a drawer in his desk he locked it with his password, "Ssss hisss thsssss." He supposed some of Higgs' paranoia had rubbed off on him. If he had learned one thing from the man, it was to never use a password that someone could guess by getting to know you. Using Parseltongue for all of his passwords had seemed the only logical choice. Because as far as Harry knew the only other wizard alive who knew Parseltongue was Voldemort, and if the Dark Wizard somehow ended up in Harry's office, he knew he would have a lot more to worry about than him snooping around in his things. Stretching, he stood and made his way to the door. Placing a hand on the doorknob he closed his eyes, do not be up a tower. Opening it he smiled, he was directly across from the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom.
Entering the room he was greeted by Professor Hart, "Good morning Harry, we missed you at breakfast."
"We?"
The man smiled, "Professor Snape and I."
"Right," he replied, eyebrows rising with the word. You lie pretty well Professor, he thought, looking around the room, "Where should I sit?"
Hart slid a chair over to the side of his desk, "Is that all right?" Harry nodded and sat down. The defense instructor handed him a scroll, "Would you like to take attendance?" Watching as the younger wizard accepted the list, he sat down behind his desk, "We have second and third years today. Second year Gryffindors to start with, and then Slytherin, Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff, our third years are Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs." Harry listened while scanning the attendance scrolls. There were going to be a lot of names to remember.
The classes went by quickly and with little problems. Some of the students had difficulty paying attention, but once they grew tired of staring at Harry they settled down. Hopefully I'll become less and less interesting as the term wears on, he thought with a sigh. The many staring eyes made him feel uncomfortable, and he was grateful when lunch came. Instead of joining Professor Hart in the Great Hall, he stayed in the Defense classroom. He should have been accustomed to people watching him, they had through most of his seven years as a student, but he had never gotten used to it. The last three years at Haven Harry Potter had stayed hidden from the wizarding world. He had fought as a nameless and faceless wizard. It had been Higgs' idea. No one knew the names of any of their members; as far as anyone was concerned they worked for a branch of the Ministry. The others came and went as they pleased, he and Draco however stayed at Haven whenever possible. Harry stayed more out of comfort, Draco had no choice in the matter.
The classes after lunch went smoothly, the students watched him expectantly, but when he failed to do anything spectacular they eventually turned their attention to the lesson. Watching the last students shuffle out the door, craning their necks to get a last look at him, Harry smiled. That wasn't too bad, he decided. If the rest of the week went as well he would have nothing to worry about. Gathering the notes he had taken during Hart's lectures, he tried to organize them. Mostly he had watched the students, glancing at the attendance scroll and trying to put faces to their names. He had made a list while taking roll, filling in a piece of parchment by positioning their names on the paper according to where they sat. Feeling a bit more confident, Harry excused himself from Professor Hart and left to find his office.
The table before the fireplace held a steaming teapot and a tray filled with cream scones. Blinking, Harry sat down on the couch and poured himself some of the tea. Having skipped breakfast and lunch, he found himself extremely hungry. Picking up one of the scones, which had been covered generously with cream and strawberry jam, he began to eat. He knew dinner would be served in an hour or so, but he was too hungry to care. His stomach had settled itself, and the scones were exceptionally good. Sitting back on the couch, he crossed his arms over his chest and smiled. He found himself yawning, and leaned back to rest his eyes for just a moment.
The first thing he noticed was how cold he was, not cold like during the winter but an inner cold that no matter how long you stood before a fire you could not warm yourself from. However, his hands and face were warm, almost flushed. The cold did not come from the outside; it came from within him, deep and painful. It lay curled in the pit of his stomach, sleeping inside him. It rolled in him, waiting patiently, hungrily. The cold frightened him, it was feeding on him. It was slowly draining his energy, and it would slowly drain him until there was nothing left for himself.
It was dark, but not frighteningly so, it was more of a comforting twilight than anything else. A soft pale moon hung in the sky above, illuminating the night around him. He moved forward, and felt rather than saw the dog-like creature beside him. "Hello Baku." The pale blue dog pressed lightly against his leg. "Guarding me tonight are you?" Fur softer than a rabbit's brushed against his outstretched hand, and warmth replaced the cold within him for a moment, "thank you."
"Potter?where are we?" he turned to see a familiar pale blond wizard standing only a few feet away.
He sat beside the blue dog, stroking the soft fur, "my dream." He sent a lazy look Draco's way, "don't tell me you expect me to give a report to Higgs right now."
The wizard dropped to the ground beside him, and looked closer at the dark haired young man beside him, "You look different." Harry gave him a glare, "oh right," he said apologetically, "sorry." He turned his attention to his surroundings instead. Blinking, he looked in every direction. The landscape faded outward around Harry, becoming hazy and indistinguishable the farther it was from the young wizard. The harder he looked, the harder it became to see. "This is not right."
"You're the one disturbing me." The large dog laid its head in his lap comfortingly.
Draco frowned at the dog, "What is that?" The creature turned swirling gold eyes on him, and he felt all at once warm, safe and very small.
"Baku," Harry replied softly, "he keeps me safe sometimes." He stroked the soft blue head, "he lives in the place between."
Gray eyes watched him carefully, "between what?"
"Between the living and the spirit," he leaned down to hug the huge dog, looking very childlike and small.
"How did you come across him," he frowned, "I mean why is he here with you? Shouldn't he be off where he belongs?"
Pale hands continued to pet the warm fur, "He found me when," he paused, "during the incident."
Draco bit his lip, not especially interested in discussing the time his friend meant. His own memories were still painful, he closed his eyes and allowed Harry's voice to wash over him. "I think he helped Sirius as well. I mean, from what he told me I'm fairly certain Baku was the one who guided him back through the veil." His voice was soft, "That's partly how I know he lives between. Sirius wasn't dead, but he wasn't truly alive either."
Draco's eyes immediately flew back open, "Did you die!?" He sputtered slightly, "I mean back then, had you been dead for a moment or something? Is that why he found you?"
"I'm not sure, maybe." His fingers slipped into the soft fur entangling themselves in the warmth, "I don't remember exactly." He looked upward to the expanding blackness, "It hurt so badly, and I wanted to get away so desperately, and then Baku was there and it didn't hurt anymore." He scratched behind the creature's ears, "I think he protects children. He's led them over before." He smiled, "I don't know why he likes me so much though."
The blond reached out a hand tentatively, "Could I pet him?"
Harry moved his arm out of the way. The dog-like creature waited patiently for the young man to place an unsure hand on his back. He slipped his hand through the creature's coat, "It's soft," he whispered. He smiled when the dog lifted its large head to regard him with its huge golden eyes, "hello," he greeted apprehensively. He looked to Harry then, "does he like me?"
"He wouldn't let you pet him otherwise."
Draco gazed into the gold eyes, "Maybe he protects the innocent," he stroked the soft fur, "children are innocent after all." He drew his hand back, a thought occurring to him, "Harry, maybe you were dying." He shivered slightly, "What if he was trying to lead you over?"
"Maybe."
That's it? Draco thought angrily. He watched the dog nervously, maybe he's still trying to lead you over Harry. The young man shifted uncomfortably, maybe he's just waiting. He watched the creature nudge Harry's hand. He sighed, "Higgs does expect me to give him a report though."
"Tell him I'm fine. I've eaten and I'm getting some sleep. My first day of classes went well and I haven't broken or bent any rules." He rested his arms on the dog, "I'm not going to go running off and I won't leave Hogwarts." He contemplated telling him about the vision, but changed his mind. "Oh," he looked as if he had just remembered something, "and tell him everyone is invited to Ron and Hermione's wedding so I need to know how many want to go." He settled a dark look on Draco, "And tell him that if he thinks for one second he can stop me from going to my two best friends' wedding he is sorely misinformed."
The blond nodded, "okay, now could you just wake up so that I can deliver all of that?"
Harry crossed his arms over his chest and leaned back, "Not on your life."
Draco may not have been pleased with having to wait for Harry to wake up naturally, but neither had Harry been pleased to discover he had missed dinner. When he had finally opened his eyes, the clock in his office had told him it was nearly three in the morning. Massaging his temples he felt Draco's presence flicker out. After such a restful sleep he felt refreshed. Standing he stretched, and headed to his room for a shower and clean clothes.
He did not bother drying his hair, instead he just ran a towel over it and left. Walking, he let the familiar pull draw him toward the wayward office. He whistled merrily, pausing once to nod a greeting toward Mrs. Norris as she prowled silently down the halls. Descending another set of stairs, he entered the dungeons and nearly laughed. Walking slowly ahead of him was Snape. The man seemed to have just left his office and was heading to bed. He shook his head, three in the morning, and he has to be up to breakfast by eight o'clock. Humming to himself he drew up alongside the Potions Master, "Good Morning Professor."
Severus jerked to a halt, and stared at the retreating back of Harry Potter as he continued down the hall. The annoying boy was nearly to the corner, "See you at breakfast," he turned and was gone. He blinked, good morning? Moving to his door he gave a half hearted sneer, the boy was insane.
Harry arrived early for breakfast that morning. Dumbledore was talking companionably to McGonagall when he entered, the old man's eyes following him to the table. Pausing, he looked to the three chairs at the end of the table. Looking up he saw the Headmaster's blue eyes were still turned toward him. Sighing, he pulled the middle chair out and sat down. Dumbledore smiled and nodded to him, a few of the other Professors regarded him with something akin to reverence. Harry shook his head, he's just a nasty mean tempered bastard, it's not like eating by him is dangerous. He frowned at the empty chair beside him, I can ignore him if I have to.
Taking a cup he poured himself some tea and watched as Professor Hart joined him at the table. The man smiled, "Good Morning Harry, I'm pleased to see you were able to join us today." He reached for a tall glass, filling it with Pumpkin Juice, "When you failed to show up for dinner a few of the Professors were worried." His smile had shrunk to a simple curl of the lips, "One more so than the others," he set his glass down, his eyes unreadable, "you might even say a bit of foul play was insinuated."
Harry blinked, what was he talking about? "I was in my office, I guess I lost track of time." Try fell asleep out of exhaustion. He frowned, "And why would anyone be worried? I only missed dinner it's not as if I disappeared..." he cleared his throat, "anyway who accused who of foul play?"
"I'm sorry I brought it up Harry," the older wizard replied apologetically, "I'm not one to gossip so we'll just leave it at that shall we." Green eyes narrowed slightly, leave it at that? Hart took a drink of his juice, "It was hardly anything to even mention, he just got a little overexcited is all." Harry waited, the man seemed to keep talking when he did not receive an answer. "I mean, it's quite silly really, he didn't actually accuse me of anything, just mentioned I was the last person to see you, and that it seemed odd you hadn't shown up for dinner after missing both previous meals."
"Who said-"
"Ah," the Defense Instructor smiled, cutting him off, "look who's joined us this morning Severus," he glanced pointedly to Harry as he said the other Professor's name, "young Mr. Potter."
Snape glared at both of them as he took his seat. Hart's grin spread, "Harry was just telling me how he lost track of time in his office last night. He missed dinner completely." The man looked nearly vicious, "but we already knew that didn't we."
Harry watched the Potions Master grab a cup and angrily pour tea into it. Why would Snape worry Hart had done away with me just because I missed dinner? He frowned, why would Snape worry about me period? Puzzling over this new bit of information, he ate his breakfast in silence. Both Professors flanking him eyed him throughout his toast and porridge. A shiver crept up his spine, the uncomfortable feeling of being watched pressed in on him from both sides. Putting his tea down he tapped the table idly. "With all of this attention," he spoke softly, but it carried to both men sitting beside him, "I feel as if I should be doing something more entertaining." Getting up, he pushed his chair in, "Excuse me Professors, I think I'll get ready for class now."
Part 4 Rumors around every corner
"He's here hiding out from You Know Who, something happened and the war is going real bad so he has to lay low for a while."
"That's not what I heard," an older boy's voice whispered, "I heard the Ministry sent him here to catch Death Eater spies." There were a few shocked gasps, "An you know what else, they say some of the teachers are involved."
"No," a girl this time, "that can't be true!"
"Why not?" another boy, "it's no less believable than what I heard on the train." He lowered his voice, "and if he is hiding from You Know Who, then we're all in trouble."
There was a hushed silence, "Do you know what they're saying in the Ravenclaw common room," a soft spoken girl began, her voice trembling slightly, "they're saying he heard," she swallowed, "he heard You Know Who is going to attack Hogwarts and that's why he came back. To try and stop him."
"Bloody hell! Do you think that could be true?" There was a tiny whimper.
"Oh look what you've done now April!" Another girl, "You're terrifying Abrams little sister."
Harry turned the corner, he knew they were talking about him, he had been hearing similar rumors all week. There was a group of maybe eleven students crowded together talking in hushed voices. Striding past the secretive group he saw them jump guiltily, nodding in their direction he continued down the hall. Well, he decided, at least they haven't started claiming I'm in league with Voldemort. Stopping before the Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor's office, he knocked.
The man's voice was heard almost immediately, "Come in."
Opening the door, Harry entered the older wizard's office. His stomach sank, it was smaller than the office Dumbledore had given him. It was cluttered from end to end with varying oddities. Shelves filled an entire wall, books lining the top three rows while the rest were occupied by potions, potion ingredients, herbs and potted plants. Stacks of books lay haphazardly about the room, creating a maze from the door to the Professor's desk. A trunk filled with scrolls sat in the corner beside his desk, left open and overflowing. A table along the opposite wall was laid down with various specimens and drawings of the many fantastic creatures the students would be studying. Closing the door behind him he gave the man a small smile, "I wrote out the signup sheet for the students." He held it out to the other wizard.
Hart looked it over, "It looks fine, would you like to post it on Monday?"
He thought for a moment, I've sat in on his classes for two weeks now, I think I've disrupted them long enough, "Yes, that would be perfect."
The Defense Professor smiled, "All right then, I think it would be best if before, shall we say each period of the day, you begin by making a short announcement to the students about the sheet, which we can hang beside the door. That way they can ask any questions they may have before they leave for the day." Harry nodded, deciding one last day in the man's classroom would be alright. Hart nodded along with him, "Yes, that does seem best," or perhaps he was simply agreeing with himself, "I'm certain there will be some questions for you, and you will probably need to explain the sheet to each class this week."
Harry felt his stomach drop, each class, but nodded a second time, resigning himself to one more week in the Defense classroom. Hart clapped his hands together with a smile, "Good, very good, and now that that's settled, would you care to join me for a cup of tea?" He held his hand out to a chair sitting beside his desk. Harry quieted the sigh which tried to escape, he would have rather left the cramped office immediately. He could not explain it, but sometimes he felt as if the Professor was silently assessing him, watching him and waiting for something. Taking the seat, Harry accepted the proffered cup. It would have been rude not to. The man might be a bit odd, but he was still a Professor at Hogwarts.
He drank some of the tea, and listened to the man as he spoke, "Now Harry, I hope you haven't been put out by all of the rumors flying about the school."
"Not really sir," he sighed softly, "I've had to deal with this sort of thing before."
The man nodded, "Well I'm sure it will die down in a month or so, they won't even remember all of the silly things they made up." He laughed, "Most of what they're saying isn't too bad, they're scaring themselves more than anything else."
Harry nodded, "Yes, I've heard some rather inventive stories."
Hart smiled, taking another drink of his tea, "You should have heard some of the things they said about me when I first started teaching." Harry smiled, he could guess some of what had probably been whispered. No one had really trusted new Defense instructors, not after the run Hogwarts had had with them. The wizard set his cup down, "Just know that if you need someone to speak to, I'm almost always here."
The younger wizard stood, "Thank you sir, I'll remember that."
It was mid afternoon Saturday when Hermione's care package arrived. Harry was sitting at his desk when a familiar tap tap at his window drew his attention. There were two owls waiting impatiently on the sill, a large package held between them. Letting the large birds inside, he took their heavy burden and rewarded them with water and some of Hedwig's treats. Clearing his desk off, he tore the package open. A neat white letter sat atop the rest of the items. Picking the parchment up he recognized Hermione's precise writing instantly.
Harry,
How are you? I know Ron wrote you, but I just had to send you a note as well. I sent you some things I thought you might be able to use. Mrs. Weasley added a couple of items as well. I hope you are enjoying your position at Hogwarts, let me know if you need anything. Hermione's way of asking if there was anything wrong. You know you can tell Ron and me anything, we're always going to be there for you.
Ginny is really excited about going with you to the wedding. I'm glad you asked her, your timing was perfect. Harry smiled, her way of asking if Ron had anything to do with it. I hope you're settled in all right. I know the letter you sent Ron said we could see you over the weekend, but we had a problem here so could we make it next Saturday? I can't wait to see you, and I am so sorry we can't come today. I feel terrible, and Ron won't stop sulking.
I hope you like your package, I tried to time it so that you would receive it in private. I am really sorry if I caught you at a bad time, I know how you like your privacy.
We all love you here Harry,
Hermione
He was a bit disappointed they would not be meeting him this weekend, but he understood. The Ministry kept them busy and if Hermione said something had happened that required their attention, then something important was going on. Turning back to the package he lifted a soft green jumper from the top of the pile. Mrs. Weasley, he thought with a smile. Underneath he found a tin filled with cookies with a note attached.
Harry dear, enjoy the sweater and the cookies. (She doesn't want me to tell you, but Ginny made the cookies herself)-Molly Weasley
Harry smiled to himself, setting the cookies to the side. All that was left, was a small blue box, a box of tea, a white envelope that had to be Ron's letter and three large books. Claiming the letter first, he ripped it open.
Harry mate, how's everything? So glad you wrote back! Herm probably already told you we can't make it this weekend. Damn bloody Ministry, they think they can run everyone's life! Anyway, we'll be sure to see you in a week, even if we have to sneak away. This business with stolen auror paper work and equipment is odd to say the least. I mean who would want twenty year old paper work? And the stuff they stole was useless, robes, boots, and I think someone mentioned some personal possessions from auror's who had been killed. What is this world coming to when old junk isn't even safe? I don't know why they're keeping us here for something so weird!
But, Ginny told me you wrote her, well mum did, Ginny was too busy blushing. I'm glad you decided to take her, you two are going to have a great time you'll see.
Well see you soon (hopefully this Ministry business will sort itself out quickly)
Ron
Harry smiled, Hedwig had returned with Ginny's reply the day after he had sent her the note. He opened his desk and added Hermione and Ron's letters to the small pile, Ginny's answer lay beside them, an eloquently written, I would love to, gracing its surface.
Closing the drawer he turned back to the last few items in the package. He read the side of the tea box, it claimed it could calm restless dreams, he smiled, thanks Hermione. Setting the tea down, he picked up the blue box, inside there was a small black stone and a note. He picked up the stone, it fit in his palm easily, almost perfectly. The note only had one line written on it, it read:
Guardian Stone believed to be able to protect one soul from harm.
He put the stone back in its box and pocketed it. The rest he would look through later. Hermione always sent the most interesting books on curses.
"That's ridiculous Darryl! Don't you think Professor Dumbledore would have noticed?" Snape paused, he had been hearing students gossiping all week. "I mean really," the boy who was speaking sounded extremely put off, "why would the Ministry send him here of all places? If their only goal was to make people believe he was still alive why wouldn't they just have him show up in Diagon Alley or the like?" There was a murmur, "Sending him here would only cause problems, I mean he went to school here, don't you think the Professors would notice?"
"They're probably all in on it!" Another boy cried indignantly, "I mean if he had died they wouldn't want anyone to know either!"
"Now you're being silly. First they would have had to cover up his death, and I think that would have been really hard to do. Then they would have had to figure out a way to make someone else look exactly like him. Then they would have had to convince Dumbledore and all the other Professors to let the fake come here and pretend to be Harry Potter." He sounded exasperated, "Or they would have had to train him to act exactly like him so that he could trick the entire staff. And it still doesn't explain why they would wait this long to produce the fake or why they would use Hogwarts. It seems like a whole lot of trouble to me."
"Ha! They waited this long because they had to train him and get him to look like the real Harry Potter!" The other boy sounded pleased with himself, "And they're probably testing him here, they figure if he can fool people who knew Harry Potter then he can fool anyone."
"Oh don't be daft Darryl."
"I am not! You're the one being a git Crispin!"
There was a soft shuffling, "Then tell me, when did Harry Potter supposedly die?"
"Well," there was a conspiratorial whisper, "I shouldn't say anything, but a few years ago he disappeared for three days." Snape frowned, how did this boy know about Potter's mysterious disappearance? "My father was one of the officials called in to investigate, they found him, or rather he found them."
"So."
"So!" the boy exclaimed, "so he was killed and they just pretended they found him." There were a few horrified gasps.
"I don't believe that, it's just too stupid."
"You shouldn't act so high and mighty Crispin," a female voice reprimanded, "I heard something very similar to what Darryl just said, but what I heard was far worse."
"What was it Zinia?" an excited whisper had broken out.
"Well," she began, "I heard that You Know Who killed Mr. Potter, and that he sent a Death Eater here disguised as him." There were gasps and whimpers, and then a snorted laugh, "What do you think is so funny Mar?"
"That, that," he wheezed, "that was the singularly most absurd thing I have ever heard in my entire life." He continued to laugh, "To think you would repeat that," he sounded as if he was having trouble speaking through his laughter, "where did you hear it? I bet you heard it from Avena Conner, that girl thinks everyone is a Death Eater."
"You're a horrid boy Crispin, a horrid boy." She sounded near tears, "I hate you."
"Oh don't cry Nia, I didn't say you were absurd, just what you said."
"It's the same thing!"
"You know what this means don't you?" Darryl broke in, "It means I was right! You-Know-Who probably killed him three years ago and now wants to send his followers here to destroy Hogwarts. He's probably after Dumbledore!"
"Professor Dumbledore! That's awful, shouldn't someone do something?" Loud sobs started to break out. Snape scowled, he would put a stop to this.
"Oh shove off Green, you said the Ministry sent him not You-Know-Who. Now you're just helping to scare the younger children." Snape raised an eyebrow, young Mr. Mar seemed to be angrier than he found himself, a rare thing indeed. Perhaps he would wait a moment more and see what happened.
"But what if he's right Crispin? The DE's-"
"Yeah Crispin, it seems awfully coincidental-"
An angry snort, "Coincidental? What seems coincidental? You're just putting a bunch of random things together and mixing it with your own idiotic imagination to come up with this rubbish." No one said anything, so he continued, "I've been hearing all sorts of rumors around this school, and none of them are founded," Snape could almost hear the glare, "none of them!" There was a brief pause, "How do you think Mr. Potter must feel hearing you talk like that? You should all be ashamed."
"How do you know he's heard any of it?" a female voice demanded.
"If we've heard it, I'm sure he has as well."
"Well I heard something completely different anyway," a younger boy announced suddenly, Mar's sigh was barely audible over the excited whispers that followed. "Nothing about him not being the real Harry Potter though. But, I did hear he's working with the Ministry to try and root out Death Eaters." Snape had heard this before, it seemed to be the most popular of all the rumors.
"Have any of you heard a word I've said?"
"Sod off Mar, I want to hear what he has to say." There was a chorus of agreeing students, "And it seems as if I'm not the only one."
"Right then," the boy continued, "the Ministry sent him here cause they know that someone on the staff is a Death Eater." There were drawn in breaths, "And that's not all, they also want him to watch us, cause they think some of the students might be either thinking of joining You-Know-Who or already have."
"I bet I know a few of them too!"
"You don't know anything Shan, so you best keep your mouth shut." The Potions Master knew the last two, he recognized the girls' voices. Surina Shan and Dale Morgan were both six year Slytherins.
"Afraid I'll say someone you know Morgan? We all know your dirty blood won't let you be a Death Eater."
There was a laugh and a scuffle, "Ignore her Dale, she's just trying to wind you up." Snape supposed Mar was trying to hold the small Slytherin back. Shan and Morgan fought worse than Malfoy and Potter ever had, he had seen the two girls in his office more times than he wished to see anyone. Shan came from a wealthy family, she was spoiled and prejudiced against those she found below her social class. Morgan was the daughter of a witch and a muggle, enough reason to gain Shan's disdain. The fact that Morgan had ended up in Slytherin with Shan brought them together far too often.
"Oh really, well I heard David Griffiths tell Christina Price that his father was going to let him become a Death Eater this summer," a hushed silence followed Shan's surprising statement, "and she seemed really impressed."
"You're making that up!" Zinia Barnes cried angrily, "David is in Ravenclaw, I know him he would never-"
"I heard it!" the other girl shrieked, "They were whispering about it behind the bleachers on the Quidditch pitch." Snape froze, he would have to tell Dumbledore about this, if the girl was telling the truth- "and you know what else, he seemed extremely bothered by the fact that Harry Potter was back at Hogwarts." Her voice was filled with arrogance, "So don't tell me I don't know anything."
"But David-"
"Oh get over it Barnes, even you studious little Ravenclaws can be corrupted."
"None of this proves Mr. Potter is here to weed out death Eaters."
"No," Green agreed, "but have you noticed how he watches us during Defense class? Almost like he's studying us."
"Yes," the younger boy who had started them on this path cried out excitedly, "and did you notice how he's always writing things down? Like he's keeping track of what we say and do."
"Oh please," Mar scoffed, "He's probably just working on something."
"Yeah, like which ones of us are Death Eaters."
Snape had finally had enough of their gossip. Putting on his best sneer he strode impressively around the corner. They were grouped together, their backs toward him, "Mr. Green and Miss Barnes 10 points from both Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw for spreading rumors." His eyes caught sight of the third transgressor, "and Mr. Pearson," the boy who had declared Potter had returned to hunt Death Eaters, "10 points from Gryffindor for the same reason." Watching them jump should have been pleasure enough, but he would have preferred to see them scatter.
The Potions Professor was nearly around the corner when he heard a familiar voice declare, "Well what do you expect, he's obviously the one the Ministry suspects."
Severus stopped himself from spinning back toward the group; instead he allowed his legs to carry him around the corner. Pausing, he drew his wand and cast an eavesdropping charm on himself. The children's voices rang clearly down the hall to him.
"What do you mean?"
"Well haven't you noticed how Mr. Potter always sits next to him during meals?" Snape frowned, the boy did seem to always end up next to him, but he had tended to blame that on Hart. "I mean no one ever wanted to sit next to Snape before, I always thought it was a sort of punishment for being late to meals."
"What does that have to do with anything? Mr. Potter's new, Professor Hart got stuck next to him for most of last year." Morgan pointed out.
"Yes, but that was because he always came to meals right before they started." Green was talking again, "I study Transfiguration with Claire Reid every Monday and Wednesday morning in the Great Hall before breakfast," he paused, "and guess what I saw last week Wednesday?"
"What?" several impatient voices prodded.
"Mr. Potter came in and sat down next to Snape's chair, and Professor Hart wasn't at the table yet." The boy sounded giddy, "And he did the same thing last Monday and Wednesday, and I'll bet he's been doing the same thing every other day as well."
"So? Maybe he feels bad for him cause no one ever wants sit next to him."
"Mar tell your sister to grow up," Green laughed, "feels bad for him indeed. He's sitting next to him so that he can keep an eye on him."
"And what about Professor Hart?" Barnes asked suddenly, "he's always sitting next to him as well."
"Maybe he's watching both of them," Pearson supplied.
"Or," Mar began, "He just sits there because he wants to."
"Don't be daft, no one wants to sit by Professor Snape, even the Slytherins know that!" Shan replied haughtily.
"Exactly," Green agreed.
"But he is with Professor Hart more," the Ravenclaw began again, "he sits in on all of his classes." The girl seemed to be thinking, "I mean, if the Ministry had sent him to find Death Eaters and they had suspected Professor Snape then why did they make Mr. Potter an assistant to Professor Hart?"
"I don't know everything," Green exclaimed, but then his voice grew quieter, "Of course you could be right about Hart, but I'd still put my money on Snape."
"Well I mean he is the most likely," Pearson answered knowingly, "but I think I'd watch both of them anyway."
Severus removed the charm and glared, shortly the entire school would be giving each other knowing looks as he passed. Damn bloody children! He started down the hall toward the dungeons, this was what happened when you allowed the different Houses to fraternize, they pooled their stupidity. Not long ago it would have been extremely odd to see a group of students from all four Houses hanging around one another. During his time as a student the four Houses had stayed quite happily to themselves. The House rivalries had been intact and running strong, there had been none of this mingling he had begun to see lately. Even during Potter's years at Hogwarts Slytherin and Gryffindor had hated one another, they had carried on the House rivalry with fervor. It had not been until after Potter's year had graduated that this odd behavior had started. Of course, the old House lines had begun unraveling years ago, he had seen it even before Potter had started school. It had simply been the addition of the Death Eater's children that had reawakened the House fighting to such a degree, now that they were gone the school was quieter and the House lines had begun to blur once again.
He stormed down the staircase, by supper he would be a Death Eater, Harry Potter would be watching him, Hart would be his accomplice and they would be planning the destruction of Hogwarts. He blamed Potter for this.
TBC
What could Professor Hart be hiding? Or is Snape only paranoid?Is Baku waiting to try and take Harry to the Spirit realm?Why would someone steal old auror equipment?And will the school ever stop gossiping?
As always not one of these questions will be answered in the next gripping installment of "Blood & Dust", but there will be some Sirius trouble.