Chapter 12

At three, Harry was waiting in the Entrance Hall when Jack, and three others from the group of first years. The four raced down the stairs to stand in front of Harry uncertainly.

'I found three others.' Jack began, nervously.

'Good. Follow me.' He led them through to the Duelling room. 'Next week you can use the main arena, but for now this'll have to do.'

Because he was still in full uniform, Harry simply took off his robes, shoes and shirt, before standing ready on the mat. He then stooped and picked up eight knives he had left there. He handed two to each of the boys, as they had followed Harry's lead, and stood ready in just trousers.

'I've talked to the Headmaster, and he has given permission for you to keep these while I teach you how to use them. Keep them safe, and only wear them when you're training. I will teach you every day from three to four- thirty, unless I say otherwise. Do you all understand that?'

'Yes, sir.' They replied.

'Not 'sir', just Hawk.' They nodded. Harry swiftly drew his own blades from the sheaths at his wrists. 'I need to put a charm on you so you won't be hurt. Stay still.' Harry mumbled a few words, and the boys felt a tingling on their upper bodies.

'Now. I want you to try and attack me. Jack, you first.' The other boys backed away, and Jack lunged swiftly. Harry neatly sidestepped, and Jack found a blade resting lightly at his throat, before he had another chance to attack.

'Next.' The second tried a high sweep, which Harry ducked under, and then launched a kick that put the boy on the floor. The other two followed suit. Once Harry had explained what they did wrong, he had them doing drills of blocks and attacks, while he checked their positions. At the end he made them attack him again. Though they fared better, only Jack managed to recover from Harry's attacks. At the end of the lesson, the first years were soaked in sweat and gasping.

'That was good. I'll see you all tomorrow.' As the others turned to go, Jack held back.

'Thank you.' He hesitated, watching as Harry started into one of the complex routines he had been taught. It was ten minutes before he spoke.

'Can you teach me that kick?' He asked, gathering his courage. Harry stopped. 'Please?' Harry sighed.

'Ok. You have to.'

Half an hour later, Harry found himself flat on his back, looking up into Jack's grinning face. He rolled smoothly to his feet.

'Good. You've got it.' Harry looked at his watch. 'Don't you have a class now?'

'Oh-no. I'm going to be in so much trouble!' Jack groaned.

'What class is it?'

'I dunno, but I was supposed to meet Mr Silar ages ago.'

'That's riding. Don't worry. Give me a minute top change and I'll come down and explain. I'll be in the Entrance Hall in two minutes.'

Harry watched as Jack walked out, and then went and changed into his exercise clothes, and checked all his knives were secure. He left his staff in the dorm, but holstered his wand, and walked out. On arrival at the arena, Harry led Jack over to where his class were being taught how to canter by Silar.

'Mr Silar.' Harry kept Jack beside him.

'Ah, I see you have my missing pupil.'

'Yes, I was giving him a bit of extra training, I apologise.' Silar nodded, and Harry nudged Jack.

'Go and join your classmates. I'll probably see you later.'

'Thanks, Hawk.' Harry nodded. Five minutes later he was mounting his own horse, Blade. He couldn't be bothered to use a saddle, so went with just a bridle, and was soon galloping round the grounds, feeling more relaxed than he had in weeks. He was interrupted by Silar.

'Hawk! You're needed. Guardian business.' Harry vaulted off Blades back, nodded his thanks, and ran up to the castle, after handing the reins to Jack, with orders to feed and un-tack him. Jack was only too happy to help.

Harry went straight to the meeting room, where he was greeted by Hermione. All the Guardians were at their places round the table.

'Beauxbatons has been destroyed.'

'When?' Harry's was frowning deeply.

'Early this morning. We only know because a group escaped, and were picked up by Ministry officials.'

'How many?'

'Just over a hundred. All are pupils. The Ministry have no idea what to do.'

'Do we know Voldemorts movements?'

'No, but there have been attacks all over France today.'

'Is it possible for them to come to Hogwarts?' Harry's brow was furrowed, and his voice troubled.

'Yes, but it will take a few hours for us to create rooms for them.'

'Start now. Quill, get a message to the Ministry telling them of our plan, and asking them to arrange transportation to arrive at midnight.' Hermione nodded. 'Hannah, can you get in touch with the Teachers Guild, we'll need some help coping. Stealth, can you inform Dumbledore, and Emma, tell the house elves. Everyone else, start on the rooms. I need to see Peace, but the rest of you can go.'

The other Guardians hurried off, and Ginny wandered over to Harry. His head was bowed, his whole body tense. Raima hovered overhead, screeching his worry round the chamber. Ginny moved behind his chair, and gently rubbed his shoulders for a few seconds, before sitting down beside him.

'Why do you need to speak to me?' Her voice was innocent. Harry kept his eyes closed.

'If you had carried on with that I'd have forgotten.' He paused. 'I've arranged for you to set up your own treatment rooms off the Entrance Hall. They will be needed soon enough. You can start as soon as you have time.'

'More work.' Ginny smiled. 'I should have carried on. You look like you need relaxing.'

'Such is the fate of the Hawk.' Harry smiled ruefully, and took hold of her hand 'I wish it wasn't mine.'

'You were chosen for a reason.' Ginny spoke softly. 'And we all trust you.' She lifted his hand to her lips and kissed it softly, then left in silence. Only then did Harry open his eyes. Raima perched on his shoulder, and Harry reached up to stroke his crown.

'If only I could see it that way.' He whispered.

I thought that was a good place to leave it. Please review, and thanks if you have. - Pose