Title: Harry Potter and the Wand of Ariel (7/?)
Author: Atlantis Potter
E-mail: atlantispotter@yahoo.com
Category: Romance, Action/Adventure
Keywords: Year 6, Harry, Hermione, IMS, Magus
Rating: R
Spoilers: All Four Books.
Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.
A/N: Also, if you're interested in faster updates, please visit . Again, thank you so much. –Atlantis
Chapter Seven: Challenges
"Mountains cannot be surmounted except by winding paths."- Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
Harry looked at Hermione as she crumpled the edge of the parchment in her fist. She was seething, her cheeks red and her breathing heavy. He waited anxiously for her to say something.
"Shall I go pack then?" she finally asked, her voice icy.
It was McGonagall who answered her, finally showing some sort of emotion across her features. "Ms Granger, you are not being kicked out of Hogwarts."
"Well, I might as well be! I'll never be able to hold a good job; I can't even use my bloody wand!"
"Hermione, please, calm yourself. It is not as drastic as you think," Professor McGonagall said quietly, looking at her favourite pupil with sadness in her eyes.
"But it is Professor McGonagall! The next thing you know, Connolly will be holding us in concentration camps. He'll begin killing us off and using our-"
"Hermione!" Dumbledore said suddenly, looking at her with a mixture of sternness and sorrow in his eyes, "I have never, in all my years of service to this school, allowed anyone to tell me how I shall run it. There is nothing that can be done to prevent Minister Connolly from disallowing muggleborn students to enrol in this school, but he will not refuse current students an education."
Harry looked between Hermione and Dumbledore. There was an air to Dumbledore that scared him, but Hermione looked as if she would not back down.
"Professor Dumbledore, I am being denied the use of my magic. I am being denied the right to use a wand, to get a job, to do all the things that a witch should be able to do." She held her chin high and looked Dumbledore squarely in the eye, but Harry could see that she was shaking, whether with fury or fear or both, he did not know.
"Ms Granger. You are not being denied any of those things."
She blinked and her mouth dropped slightly. "Sir?" she asked, her eyes moving down to scan the parchment in her own hands.
"You are not a muggleborn, Hermione."
She stared at him, her eyes large. "They don't know that." Her voice was a whisper, her proud and righteous posture gone. She looked as if she could barely support herself, but Harry knew there was some invisible will that refused to allow her to collapse.
"Indeed they don't Ms Granger, but we shall not worry about it at the moment. I suggest that you and Harry return to your dorm and discuss this recent event with Mr Weasley." Hermione's shoulders sagged and she nodded at Dumbledore. "Thank you for allowing me to attend the event with you Professor Dumbledore."
Dumbledore bowed his head to her and Harry moved forward to wrap his arm around her shoulder. She moved with him towards the door and together they moved down the circular staircase. Hermione allowed herself to be supported by Harry as they walked back to the IMS common room.
As soon as they entered, Ron approached them looking worried. "Hermione?"
Hermione moved her head against Harry's shoulder to look at Ron. "It'll be all right Ron." She pulled herself off Harry and moved towards the dorm, closing the door softly behind her. Ron and Harry were left standing awkwardly in the common room, both staring at their feet.
"Err, Harry?"
"Yeah?" Harry answered, lifting his head to look at his best friend.
"I'm sorry about what I said in London and this morning. But I just want to tell you… I don't like this situation at all. I think that it'd be best if I kept my distance from you and Hermione at the moment."
Harry was surprised by his friend's apology. It usually took ages for Ron to even think about apologising. "Okay."
The answer seemed enough for Ron who nodded once. "I'm heading for a walk. G'night Harry."
"Night, Ron."
Ron tucked his hands into the pockets of his trousers and moved towards the entrance hall, leaving Harry to go check on Hermione. He walked to her room first, but found it empty of both her and Crookshanks. He walked to his own room and found it softly lit.
Hermione was curled up on his bed with Crookshanks nestled onto her stomach. Daryl was curled near her legs and Chief Pip was lying on the pillow above her head, his own furry head resting against hers.
"Ms Hermione is very sad," the bear said softly, his eyes moving to look at Harry.
"I know, Pip. I know."
Hermione looked up at him and wiped a tear away from her cheek.
"You're safe, Hermione."
"I know I am Harry. But what about Dean? Padma, Parvati… Harry there are so many."
He tugged off his robes before settling on the bed next door. She immediately moved closer to him, burying herself against him. "Hermione, we're here at Hogwarts. It's got to be a lot safer here than it is out there." He felt her nod against him.
"Will we win Harry?" she asked, her voice quieting.
"We don't know what we're fighting yet."
She sighed against him. "It all seems so sudden, Harry. I keep thinking about Dumbledore mentioning the Holocaust… but it wasn't like that. It took years for Hitler to build power."
"Maybe we're missing something."
Hermione nodded. "While I was at the Burrow, I remember Molly talking about the Daily Prophet with Bill and Charlie one morning in the kitchen. When I walked in, they stopped abruptly."
Harry looked at Hermione's red eyes, which had the unmistakable look of her trying to puzzle something out. "Hermione," he said softly, wrapping his arms tighter around her, "let's worry about it in the morning. I'm sure Dumbledore will answer any questions."
"You're right. I just… I can't stop thinking about how quickly they agreed with him Harry. Why? Fear? Built that quickly?"
"I have no idea."
Hermione tilted her head up to look at him, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. He leaned down and kissed her softly. She moved and he increased the pressure on her lips. Her arms wrapped around his neck, she shifted so her body was over his and he wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her down onto him. She immediately pulled away and sat up, moving back.
"Harry. I-I, I can't." She wiped at her eyes before moving off the bed and grabbing Crookshanks, he let out a meow of protest. She bowed her head, staring at the floor as she backed out of the room.
Harry stared after before turning his gaze to Pip and Daryl, who both seemed to be concentrating on anything else. He let out a groan of frustration before turning down the torches and lying back down.
***
"Harry! Harry!"
He blinked before opening his eyes and rubbing away sleep. "Hermione? Is everything alright?"
"Get dressed, Harry. Hurry."
He stumbled out of the bed, quickly pulling on a t-shirt and jeans from the previous night. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing's wrong, Harry. For once, I think everything is alright."
His confusion doubled as he followed her from the room. She was moving quickly, a bounce in her step as they moved to the entrance hall. She stepped through the threshold before he did and moved to the side.
He stopped dead in his tracks as he caught sight of the oversized figure standing just inside the entrance hall. "Hagrid?" he asked, looking at the half-giant.
"'Arry!" Hagrid walked to Harry, his steps echoing. He pulled Harry into a great hug and Harry felt relief wash over him. He had wondered where Hagrid was, but Dumbledore have never mentioned anything and the events of the previous year had been more than enough to occupy his time. He stepped back from Hagrid's embrace and looked up to see his old friend. "Alrigh' there Harry?"
Harry nodded, a smile spreading across his face. He turned to face the others standing in the room. McGonagall was actually smiling, Dumbledore had somewhat of a twinkle in his eye and even Snape looked relieved.
"I imagine that Hagrid is rather famished. Perhaps we should all move down to the kitchens for breakfast?" Dumbledore said, smiling at Harry, Hermione and Ron, who had just joined the group.
Without any words, they began to move en masse towards the kitchens. Ron and Hermione were chattering with Hagrid and Harry was content to know his friend was back from wherever he had been.
After they had been served their meal and the house elves had retreated to the depths of the kitchens, Dumbledore cleared his throat. "I believe it best that I explain where Hagrid has been these many months. As you know, at the end of your fourth year, Hagrid and Madame Maxime left to bring the giants round to the Light side. After many months and very difficult negotiations, the giants have agreed to assist us should the need arise."
Dumbledore beamed at the people surrounding the large table, exuberant over this small victory.
"Professor Dumbledore, what help will they be? They were banished years ago," Hermione pointed out.
"True. As were many other creatures. We believe that this will help us to encourage other magical creatures, such as vampires, werewolves, and countless others to at least stay out of this battle. The less that join Voldemort's side, the better off we will be," he answered, smiling at her.
"What of the dementors Professor Dumbledore?" Hermione said, her eyebrow knitting.
Dumbledore frowned at this. "We believe that this is a lost cause, Ms Granger," he replied, a tone of finality edging his voice.
Harry noticed the few others staring at their breakfast plates in curiosity. He noticed Ron perk up slightly.
"How was your trip Hagrid?"
"Very 'ard. The giants live in very remote mountains in eastern Europe and are right buggers to get along with. The negotiatin' regardin' the war lasted months and travellin' was even more time consuming. It was Madame Maxine that finally convinced 'em."
Everyone around the table nodded as Dumbledore filled them in on the giant negotiations. As the group finished their meal, one by one, everyone began excusing themselves until only Harry, Hermione, Dumbledore and Hagrid remained.
"Harry, I believe Ami and Rachel would like to see you after lunch for your lesson, rather than this evening," Dumbledore said as the last staff member wandered away.
"Alright. Hermione, will you coming along?"
She shook her head, "I have reading to do today, which I could use your help with before you leave."
"Lesson, 'Arry?" Hagrid asked, his beetle-like eyes twinkling.
"Ami and Rachel have been helping me understand some of my magus powers. I believe Ami is actually going to explain some of the things I can do today."
Hagrid nodded, beaming at Harry. "Arigh' then. I'll be seein' you round."
Harry smiled at both Hagrid and Dumbledore before leaving the table and following Hermione back to IMS.
Draco and Ron were sitting on opposite ends of the room, glaring at each other. Harry was about to ask what was going on when he heard strange noises from the dorm Ginny shared with Cadence. Walking towards the open door, he was surprised to find Professor McGonagall standing in Ginny's bedroom, her wand out.
"Professor McGonagall?" he asked, curious as to what she was doing.
"Good morning, Harry, Hermione. Did Professor Dumbledore explain to you the changes we'd be doing here?"
"Erm, no, he didn't." Hermione replied.
"He has offered shelter to many who will be losing their homes and property under the new laws. We've combined the dormitories here so that we can more easily accommodate some of the younger children."
"Younger children?" Harry asked.
"Yes, Mr Potter. There will be children who aren't yet of age to attend Hogwarts and we figured this was an excellent place to have them."
"But what about classes?"
"They will not interfere with your study time, Hermione. And you know silencing charms," she answered, turning from her work to smile at them. He then noticed that she was rearranging the rooms. There was an extra set of furniture lying on the floor, miniaturised, that she was expanding to allow for an extra person to stay in the room. This still didn't explain why Ron and Draco looked so hacked at each other.
"I suggest you calm Mr Malfoy and Mr Weasley. They don't seem to be taking it very well that they're to be dormmates."
Harry frowned as he left McGonagall to her work. Dormmates? Did that mean…?
"Potter! Move it. You need to clear your things out of there so McGonagall can add the extra beds."
"What do you mean?" Harry asked, staring at Malfoy, who had cornered him as soon as he had walked from Ginny's dorm.
"I mean, clear out your things so that McGonagall can add the extra beds so that the Weasel and I can move our things in as well. You're like talking to a bloody wall."
"Why are you going to be in my room?"
Malfoy stared at him incredulously. "For someone that has so much power, you certainly are very thick. You're going to be in your room too. As the only three men in this program, we're going to share the dorm."
Harry grumbled as he walked to his own room and began moving his things about, forgetting to use his wand as he floated objects across the room. Ron walked in behind him.
"Is that the sort of thing they teach you?"
"What?" Harry asked, losing his concentration and spilling water from Daryl's bowl, which was hovering several feet off the floor.
"Using wandless magic. Do they teach you that?"
Harry nodded. "It's one of the things we worked on. Everyone caught on pretty quickly though. I think we did it one of the first lessons."
"What else is there?"
"Apparation. Animagus, if you are one."
"What do you mean? I thought anyone could do it."
Harry shook his head. "You have to have the magical ability to do so. Hermione and I are the only ones in the program who are Animagi."
He heard Ron mutter "Of course," under his breath, but chose to ignore it. "Have you spoken with Arabella?"
"I'm meeting her this afternoon. She said she had some preliminary tests to do and some things to work with me on. Apparently, I have some work to do before school begins."
"I'd imagine so. We covered a lot that wasn't covered in fifth year."
"Is it hard?"
Harry turned to look at his friend, hearing the trace fear in his voice. "You'll be fine, Ron. The one thing I learned this year is listen to Hermione. Studying is a extraordinarily necessary in this program."
"It's always been necessary."
"No, trust me. You've never learned how to properly appreciate colour-coding."
Ron winced. "Is Hermione harder to work with now?"
"Not at all. She has a lot more books at her disposal now, so the information we tend to need isn't as elusive," Harry smiled, thinking about their quest to find information about the Philosopher's Stone in first year, "so she doesn't get as frustrated."
"There's a relief."
"Will you help me here?" Harry asked, moving aside his heavy trunk and noticing that he had a lot left to clear away.
Ron nodded and slid his wand from his sleeve. Together, they moved Harry's things quickly and before long, McGonagall and Malfoy were standing in the doorway. Professor McGonagall set down two small sets of furniture. Two desks, two wardrobes and two beds.
Harry frowned again, wondering how all of this would fit in his room. His curiosities were answered as McGonagall began chanting. The walls and floor begin to shift and stretch and Harry found himself standing in a room close to the size of his old dorm in Gryffindor Tower.
"Will that do?" she asked the assembled boys.
"It'd do well if you added some walls," Draco replied.
"Professor Dumbledore said you are all to share. Increased safety precautions."
"I'm more likely to accidentally be hexed than I am murdered in my sleep sharing a room with these two!" Draco replied, looking far less collected than Harry had ever seen him.
"It might do you well, Malfoy," Professor McGonagall replied absentmindedly as she began enlarging the pieces of furniture, which she quickly placed around the room. "You're set then. Enjoy." Her cool smile made Harry frown again as she bustled from the room. The three students stared at each other before Draco turned and raised his wand at the bed tucked in the far corner. Immediately, a light gray duvet appeared on the bed, as well as a set of heavy curtains. He pulled a small trunk from his pocket and enlarged it before floating it over to rest near the foot of the bed.
"It's all colour-coordinated," Ron pointed out. "Did your mum teach you how to do it or did you read it in Witch Weekly?"
Draco flicked his hair out of his eyes with a quick wave of his hand. "I don't know what you're talking about."
Daryl and Pip chose that moment to tear into the room, followed quickly by Crookshanks. They immediately charged onto the bed with a dark gray chest on the end.
"Get your animals out of here, Potter," Draco said slowly, staring at the wrestling, wriggling mass of fur on his bed.
"They live here!"
"Not while I'm here," Draco drawled.
"Maybe you could sleep on the lounge," Ron offered.
"Maybe you two could share it. Then I won't have to bear witness to your…yes, well, you know what I mean."
Harry raised his eyebrow. "What are you on about?"
Draco frowned at him, obviously not sure what his insult meant exactly. His frown deepened and he pointed to the animals currently tearing apart his duvet cover. "Just get those filthy animals out of here, Potter!"
"They aren't filthy Draco. And they listen," came a soft voice from the doorway. Crookshanks, Daryl and Pip immediately stopped their scuffle and hurried across the room to meet Hermione. She bent down and pulled Crookshanks into her arms, kissing the top of his head. "If you ask them to move, they will. Harry took away Pip's nightstick, so there's no danger of any sort of retribution. But, I will keep them with me until you get settled in here." She smiled at all three of them before turning and walking from the room, calling Pip and Daryl after her.
They were alone again. Ron shrugged and went to the bed that was left unclaimed. He too pulled out a trunk and settled it by the foot of his bed. "I have some work to do before lunch, are you two planning on staying in here?" he asked.
"I'm not," Draco replied before stalking out of the room.
"Has he always been that…odd?" Ron asked, looking after their blonde dormmate.
"Only in the past year or so. He can be a bit flouncy."
Ron shrugged, apparently satisfied by this answer.
"I'll clear off so you can work. Talk to you later," Harry said, backing out of the room. He immediately went to Hermione's room.
Her door was slightly ajar and he heard some scuffling noises. Opening it, he found Hermione on the floor, laughing and playing with the three pets she had evacuated from his dorm.
"Will it be difficult?" he asked her.
"Will what be difficult?" she said after her long moment, her breathing staggered.
"Rooming with Ron and Malfoy."
"I'd imagine infinitely so." She grinned at him before standing up and brushing herself off and moving so that he could envelope her in his arms. "You're welcome to stay in here," she said, her grin increasing.
"Oh?" he replied, a grin spreading over his face.
"Sure, we can make you a nice bed on the floor." Her eyes twinkled as she watched his face drop. "Oh! You should see the look on your face," she giggled, "I don't mind you being in here at all. But won't they tease you about?"
"Probably. But that's why I know silencing charms."
"I think McGonagall meant we were only to use those for studying…"
"How will she know?"
"I suppose she won't. Maybe we could put a silencing spell on these three," she motioned towards Daryl, Pip and Crookshanks. Daryl was watching on Pip taunted Crookshanks with a piece of string he had got a hold of.
"Might not be a bad idea."
"Especially with all the reading I need to do today."
"For what?"
"I'm trying to find out more about mage so that maybe we can understand that journal. I wish that I could hear it being spoken."
Harry nodded. "That'd make it infinitely easier, I'm sure."
"Perhaps I could have you read-- wait a minute. Your Pensieve. Wouldn't it be in your Pensieve?"
"You're right. It would."
"Could I use it?"
Harry nodded. "I'll get it. It'd probably be better to keep it in here anyhow, with Draco and Ron being in my room now."
Hermione nodded. "I'm sure that Ginny and I will be much more civilised about the whole thing," she replied with a wink.
Harry rolled his eyes as he walked back to his dorm to collect the Pensieve. Ron had drawn the curtains on his bed, so he quickly grabbed it and walked back to Hermione's dorm. Setting it down on the desk, he turned to her. "Will it ever be normal again?"
She looked up at him, immediately understanding what he meant. "I hope so. I really do."
"I do too."
She picked up her wand and walked towards the Pensieve. Lightly stirring the contents, she peered at him. "Will you join me?"
He shook his head. "I don't want to see it again. I'm not ready yet."
"Well, then, I'll see you in a bit." She moved her head closer to the marble basin, and Harry watched as her figure became completely still, hovering over the Pensieve. Figuring her journey would take awhile, he pulled one of the books Hermione had set aside closer to him and settled on the bed to read.
He was floating. In a cloudless, blue sky. There was no visible sun, but a warm, soft yellow light washed over him. He felt himself calm greatly, the pressing matters of wizarding politics and school and Hermione were washed away by the light. He sighed, content with his thoughtlessness. So content was he, that he didn't even notice as he began to fall, slowly and aimlessly, much like a fall leaf.
"Harry…" a soft voice came to him through the empty sky.
"Hm?" he replied, his eyes partially closed and his ears barely registering the sounds directed towards him.
"You must find it, Harry. Help her to find it."
He opened his eyes a bit. The light surrounding him had changed to a vibrant orange and the blue sky was deepening to an intense gray. "Find what?"
"Help her, Harry."
His body slammed down and when he opened his eyes, he felt himself laying on Hermione's bed, a large book open in his lap. Hermione's figure was still unmoving and the animals had settled into a heap in the corner of the room. He shook his head, trying to remember the dream. What is even a dream? It didn't feel like a dream.
A movement from Hermione pulled his attention towards her. He was anxious to see her response to the events stored in his Pensieve.
She stood, wobbling a bit, before turning to him. Her faces was ashen and tears were streaming down her face.
"I forgot how terrifying it was…being there in the graveyard. At the time, I was so focused on you… and getting away from there, I didn't remember the details. I didn't remember watching you… it's like I blocked it out," she sobbed as he held her. Her body was trembling as she mumbled to herself.
Pulling back, he wiped her tears away. "You've been crying too much lately, Hermione. I wish I could take away everything that causes you to cry."
She looked at him, her eyes bright and rimmed in red. "Do you mean it?"
"Of course. I love you, Hermione. And I hate to see you hurting."
She wrapped her arms around him, hugging him tight. "I love you."
He hugged her tighter, breathing in the smell of her as his heart ached for what she had seen.
"Erm, sorry to interrupt. But, erm, it's time for lunch and I wanted to see if you wanted to walk down together," Ron said from his place at the door.
Harry and Hermione pulled apart. Harry straightened his robes and Hermione sniffed and wiped her eyes. "Sounds lovely, Ron." She gave him a small smile and he nodded, walking into the lounge to wait for them.
***
The bright sunlight from outside lit Hogwart's dark corridors as he walked, his footsteps echoing loudly. He heard no sounds as he neared the classroom and began to feel unease at the lack of laughter. Immediately, he wondered what they had to laugh about. Rachel was probably worried about Hermione, as the wizarding world knew her as a muggleborn and Ami was probably sharing in her friend's worry.
They were huddled around a desk, a Daily Prophet laid out in front of them.
"I honestly don't understand what these rules are supposed to accomplish. Of course, it doesn't surprise me that everyone agreed to them. It was only a matter of time…" Rachel trailed off as she noticed Harry standing in the doorway. "Hullo, Harry."
"What rules were issued today?" he asked, his cheery mood quickly disappating.
"The one about no muggleborns working for the Ministry and no owning of shops or other businesses in wizarding areas."
"What other wizarding areas are there? Hogsmeade has been completely destroyed and Diagon Alley has mostly pureblood owned shops doesn't it?"
"Nearly every major city in Britain has some wizarding area to it, though most are quite small. Those shops and businesses are owned mostly by muggleborns. I believe there are Diagon Alley-like areas in Edinborough, Glasgow, Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle, Leeds, Cardiff, Belfast … Every place has some magic to it," Ami answered, smiling.
"What did you mean when you were saying it didn't surprise you Rachel? Hermione and I were both shocked. It doesn't seem like what happened in Hogsmeade was justification for this."
Rachel knit her eyebrows. "You mean you haven't heard about all the other things going on?"
"Other things?"
"Yes, many wizards and witches bearing any connection to muggleborns have been mysteriously murdered over the past several months. Just a month or so ago, there was a great round-up of people that have non-human blood in them. Half-vampires, half-werewolves, selkies, so many creatures. I have all the articles from the Daily Prophet in my quarters."
Harry paled. "Would half-giants be included in that?"
Ami titled her head slightly, looking at Harry with an odd expression on her face. "I suppose they would. Are you worried about Hagrid, Harry? He'll be fine, I'm sure, being safely out of Britain." Ami patted his hand lightly and gave him a small smile.
His eyes widened briefly before he shook his head. "He's not out of Britain, he came back this morning."
"But he is here at Hogwarts?"
Harry nodded. "He's with Dumbledore, I believe."
"He should be safe then. Hogwarts is the safest place in wizarding Britain."
"Are you alright then, Harry? We have a lot to cover today."
"I'm fine. We can start."
"Excellent. Rachel has explained much of the history to you and a lot of the theory, but I want to start with the practice. You have a great deal of power at your fingertips, Harry. We've seen your capabilities as an Animagi and we know how talented you've become at using wandless magic. There is so much more though. I've told you about healing, mind-reading, time travel. All of those things are powers you can access if you work hard enough. Each of them requires a bit of practice, but once you grasp exactly what you need to, your power will be unlimited. Hermione has the ability to read minds, as you know, and that required no training whatsoever. I want to find out what you can do.
"The first thing I'd like to try is healing. I'm going to use a simple spell to create a small laceration on your arm, and I want you to heal it."
"But how?" Harry asked, looking between his forearm and his aunt.
"You know how."
"And if I can't?"
"Then a simple spell to clear it up," she replied, smiling at him.
"Alright," he pulled the sleeve of his t-shirt back and winced as he felt a small slice in his arm. He thought back on his first dream last year, when Tristam had inadvertently told him how to get out of his cell. Concentrating his mind energy, he focused on the wound on his arm. After a few moments of screwing his eyes shut, he opened them and peered at his arm to find a thin trail of blood running slowly down his arm.
"Hm. Obviously, that's not it."
Harry frowned.
"Oh, don't worry. That's supposed to be an easy one to learn. I read about it. Once you learn to focus your mind properly, you'll have no trouble. This next one will be easy to test."
Ami picked up a corner of the Daily Prophet and scribbled something on the corner. "I'm thinking of a number. What is it?"
"Are you serious?"
"Yes. What is the number?"
Harry raised his eyebrow, feeling as if his aunt was completely mad. "Seven."
"Did you guess that or were you able to read my mind?"
"I guessed."
It was Ami's turn to frown. "I'm thinking of a word."
Harry looked into Ami's eyes, focusing on the intense, swirling blue patterns of her irises. He waited. And waited. "Nothing."
"Well, then that pretty much leaves us with one thing, but I'd like to try anyhow. I want you to go back to one hour ago. To this very spot."
Harry blinked. "One hour ago? Back in time?"
Ami nodded slowly. "To this very spot. Like rewinding a video tape."
Harry knit his eyebrows, concentrating on his surroundings, imagining what they would have been like one hour ago. As he focused, the strangest sensation overcame him. His eyes began to feel a slight pressure, his body feeling as if he was running backwards. A great jolt surged through him and he closed his eyes.
"What in the hell?"
Harry opened his eyes and found himself looking at Charlie Weasley and Viridian. "Er, hullo, Charlie."
"Harry? What are you doing here?"
"Er…I was working on some apparition with Ron. Sorr- wait a minute, what are you doing here?"
"I came to see Viridian for lunch."
The Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher looked very red. She smoothed her hair back and straightened her robes, her blush increasing as she noticed Harry watching her.
"Right then, must get back now." Harry closed his eyes and concentrated on the room as it had been when he left it.
Ami grinned at him when his eyes opened. "Well done. Amazingly done. I can't believe it worked. It did work didn't it? You didn't just apparate away?"
"No, I found Viri-- well, let's just say I went back an hour."
Ami grinned and hugged Harry. "That's amazing! So astounding! I just can't believe that my nephew can travel through time--"
"Ami! Harry! Mum!" called a voice from the doorway.
"Hermione?"
"We need to get to the entrance hall, quickly. Something is happening. We can apparate."
"You can't apparate inside Hogwarts, Hermione."
"Mum, fine. Harry and I will apparate and you two just run there."
Harry looked briefly at Hermione before she disappeared with a faint pop. Following her lead, he appeared in the entrance hall, completely unprepared for the site that met his eyes.
Hagrid was being held on the ground by ten men, dressed completely in black robes. Minister Connelly faced Dumbledore.
"This…thing is unfit to teach here. Not only is he a mudblood, he's half-giant. He will not be teaching the young witches and wizards of Great Britain."
"No one has ever told me how to run this school and I will not start letting someone now."
"Take him away."
A man pulled away from Hagrid and pointed his wand at him. "Imperio," he said lowly, his voice nearly a growl.
Harry watched in horror as Hagrid stood, slowly. He nodded once to Dumbledore before lumbering slowly out of the castle, three or four of the robed men following closely behind.
"You can't do that Minister Connelly! Imperius is illegal."
"Dumbledore. Your star mudblood would do well to hold her tongue."
Connelly turned on his heel and exited the castle, followed by the rest of his cronies. As the doors slammed behind him, Ami and Rachel tore into the entrance hall, staring disbelievingly at Harry and Hermione.
"You can't apparate inside Hogwarts!" Rachel said, staring wide-eyed at her daughter.
Ignoring them, Harry turned to Dumbledore. "Let me go back Professor. I can stop this. I can save him before anything happens."
"You know I cannot let that happen, Harry."
"But it's Hagrid Professor Dumbledore! He can't go back to Azkaban! He can't," Harry's voice dropped to a whisper.
"I'm sorry, Harry."
***
A/N: Thanks to Ian, Carl and Neil for beta-reading!
Thank you all for reading and reviewing. Please continue to review the chapters, I thrive on your comments.
Author: Atlantis Potter
E-mail: atlantispotter@yahoo.com
Category: Romance, Action/Adventure
Keywords: Year 6, Harry, Hermione, IMS, Magus
Rating: R
Spoilers: All Four Books.
Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.
A/N: Also, if you're interested in faster updates, please visit . Again, thank you so much. –Atlantis
"Mountains cannot be surmounted except by winding paths."- Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
Harry looked at Hermione as she crumpled the edge of the parchment in her fist. She was seething, her cheeks red and her breathing heavy. He waited anxiously for her to say something.
"Shall I go pack then?" she finally asked, her voice icy.
It was McGonagall who answered her, finally showing some sort of emotion across her features. "Ms Granger, you are not being kicked out of Hogwarts."
"Well, I might as well be! I'll never be able to hold a good job; I can't even use my bloody wand!"
"Hermione, please, calm yourself. It is not as drastic as you think," Professor McGonagall said quietly, looking at her favourite pupil with sadness in her eyes.
"But it is Professor McGonagall! The next thing you know, Connolly will be holding us in concentration camps. He'll begin killing us off and using our-"
"Hermione!" Dumbledore said suddenly, looking at her with a mixture of sternness and sorrow in his eyes, "I have never, in all my years of service to this school, allowed anyone to tell me how I shall run it. There is nothing that can be done to prevent Minister Connolly from disallowing muggleborn students to enrol in this school, but he will not refuse current students an education."
Harry looked between Hermione and Dumbledore. There was an air to Dumbledore that scared him, but Hermione looked as if she would not back down.
"Professor Dumbledore, I am being denied the use of my magic. I am being denied the right to use a wand, to get a job, to do all the things that a witch should be able to do." She held her chin high and looked Dumbledore squarely in the eye, but Harry could see that she was shaking, whether with fury or fear or both, he did not know.
"Ms Granger. You are not being denied any of those things."
She blinked and her mouth dropped slightly. "Sir?" she asked, her eyes moving down to scan the parchment in her own hands.
"You are not a muggleborn, Hermione."
She stared at him, her eyes large. "They don't know that." Her voice was a whisper, her proud and righteous posture gone. She looked as if she could barely support herself, but Harry knew there was some invisible will that refused to allow her to collapse.
"Indeed they don't Ms Granger, but we shall not worry about it at the moment. I suggest that you and Harry return to your dorm and discuss this recent event with Mr Weasley." Hermione's shoulders sagged and she nodded at Dumbledore. "Thank you for allowing me to attend the event with you Professor Dumbledore."
Dumbledore bowed his head to her and Harry moved forward to wrap his arm around her shoulder. She moved with him towards the door and together they moved down the circular staircase. Hermione allowed herself to be supported by Harry as they walked back to the IMS common room.
As soon as they entered, Ron approached them looking worried. "Hermione?"
Hermione moved her head against Harry's shoulder to look at Ron. "It'll be all right Ron." She pulled herself off Harry and moved towards the dorm, closing the door softly behind her. Ron and Harry were left standing awkwardly in the common room, both staring at their feet.
"Err, Harry?"
"Yeah?" Harry answered, lifting his head to look at his best friend.
"I'm sorry about what I said in London and this morning. But I just want to tell you… I don't like this situation at all. I think that it'd be best if I kept my distance from you and Hermione at the moment."
Harry was surprised by his friend's apology. It usually took ages for Ron to even think about apologising. "Okay."
The answer seemed enough for Ron who nodded once. "I'm heading for a walk. G'night Harry."
"Night, Ron."
Ron tucked his hands into the pockets of his trousers and moved towards the entrance hall, leaving Harry to go check on Hermione. He walked to her room first, but found it empty of both her and Crookshanks. He walked to his own room and found it softly lit.
Hermione was curled up on his bed with Crookshanks nestled onto her stomach. Daryl was curled near her legs and Chief Pip was lying on the pillow above her head, his own furry head resting against hers.
"Ms Hermione is very sad," the bear said softly, his eyes moving to look at Harry.
"I know, Pip. I know."
Hermione looked up at him and wiped a tear away from her cheek.
"You're safe, Hermione."
"I know I am Harry. But what about Dean? Padma, Parvati… Harry there are so many."
He tugged off his robes before settling on the bed next door. She immediately moved closer to him, burying herself against him. "Hermione, we're here at Hogwarts. It's got to be a lot safer here than it is out there." He felt her nod against him.
"Will we win Harry?" she asked, her voice quieting.
"We don't know what we're fighting yet."
She sighed against him. "It all seems so sudden, Harry. I keep thinking about Dumbledore mentioning the Holocaust… but it wasn't like that. It took years for Hitler to build power."
"Maybe we're missing something."
Hermione nodded. "While I was at the Burrow, I remember Molly talking about the Daily Prophet with Bill and Charlie one morning in the kitchen. When I walked in, they stopped abruptly."
Harry looked at Hermione's red eyes, which had the unmistakable look of her trying to puzzle something out. "Hermione," he said softly, wrapping his arms tighter around her, "let's worry about it in the morning. I'm sure Dumbledore will answer any questions."
"You're right. I just… I can't stop thinking about how quickly they agreed with him Harry. Why? Fear? Built that quickly?"
"I have no idea."
Hermione tilted her head up to look at him, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. He leaned down and kissed her softly. She moved and he increased the pressure on her lips. Her arms wrapped around his neck, she shifted so her body was over his and he wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her down onto him. She immediately pulled away and sat up, moving back.
"Harry. I-I, I can't." She wiped at her eyes before moving off the bed and grabbing Crookshanks, he let out a meow of protest. She bowed her head, staring at the floor as she backed out of the room.
Harry stared after before turning his gaze to Pip and Daryl, who both seemed to be concentrating on anything else. He let out a groan of frustration before turning down the torches and lying back down.
"Harry! Harry!"
He blinked before opening his eyes and rubbing away sleep. "Hermione? Is everything alright?"
"Get dressed, Harry. Hurry."
He stumbled out of the bed, quickly pulling on a t-shirt and jeans from the previous night. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing's wrong, Harry. For once, I think everything is alright."
His confusion doubled as he followed her from the room. She was moving quickly, a bounce in her step as they moved to the entrance hall. She stepped through the threshold before he did and moved to the side.
He stopped dead in his tracks as he caught sight of the oversized figure standing just inside the entrance hall. "Hagrid?" he asked, looking at the half-giant.
"'Arry!" Hagrid walked to Harry, his steps echoing. He pulled Harry into a great hug and Harry felt relief wash over him. He had wondered where Hagrid was, but Dumbledore have never mentioned anything and the events of the previous year had been more than enough to occupy his time. He stepped back from Hagrid's embrace and looked up to see his old friend. "Alrigh' there Harry?"
Harry nodded, a smile spreading across his face. He turned to face the others standing in the room. McGonagall was actually smiling, Dumbledore had somewhat of a twinkle in his eye and even Snape looked relieved.
"I imagine that Hagrid is rather famished. Perhaps we should all move down to the kitchens for breakfast?" Dumbledore said, smiling at Harry, Hermione and Ron, who had just joined the group.
Without any words, they began to move en masse towards the kitchens. Ron and Hermione were chattering with Hagrid and Harry was content to know his friend was back from wherever he had been.
After they had been served their meal and the house elves had retreated to the depths of the kitchens, Dumbledore cleared his throat. "I believe it best that I explain where Hagrid has been these many months. As you know, at the end of your fourth year, Hagrid and Madame Maxime left to bring the giants round to the Light side. After many months and very difficult negotiations, the giants have agreed to assist us should the need arise."
Dumbledore beamed at the people surrounding the large table, exuberant over this small victory.
"Professor Dumbledore, what help will they be? They were banished years ago," Hermione pointed out.
"True. As were many other creatures. We believe that this will help us to encourage other magical creatures, such as vampires, werewolves, and countless others to at least stay out of this battle. The less that join Voldemort's side, the better off we will be," he answered, smiling at her.
"What of the dementors Professor Dumbledore?" Hermione said, her eyebrow knitting.
Dumbledore frowned at this. "We believe that this is a lost cause, Ms Granger," he replied, a tone of finality edging his voice.
Harry noticed the few others staring at their breakfast plates in curiosity. He noticed Ron perk up slightly.
"How was your trip Hagrid?"
"Very 'ard. The giants live in very remote mountains in eastern Europe and are right buggers to get along with. The negotiatin' regardin' the war lasted months and travellin' was even more time consuming. It was Madame Maxine that finally convinced 'em."
Everyone around the table nodded as Dumbledore filled them in on the giant negotiations. As the group finished their meal, one by one, everyone began excusing themselves until only Harry, Hermione, Dumbledore and Hagrid remained.
"Harry, I believe Ami and Rachel would like to see you after lunch for your lesson, rather than this evening," Dumbledore said as the last staff member wandered away.
"Alright. Hermione, will you coming along?"
She shook her head, "I have reading to do today, which I could use your help with before you leave."
"Lesson, 'Arry?" Hagrid asked, his beetle-like eyes twinkling.
"Ami and Rachel have been helping me understand some of my magus powers. I believe Ami is actually going to explain some of the things I can do today."
Hagrid nodded, beaming at Harry. "Arigh' then. I'll be seein' you round."
Harry smiled at both Hagrid and Dumbledore before leaving the table and following Hermione back to IMS.
Draco and Ron were sitting on opposite ends of the room, glaring at each other. Harry was about to ask what was going on when he heard strange noises from the dorm Ginny shared with Cadence. Walking towards the open door, he was surprised to find Professor McGonagall standing in Ginny's bedroom, her wand out.
"Professor McGonagall?" he asked, curious as to what she was doing.
"Good morning, Harry, Hermione. Did Professor Dumbledore explain to you the changes we'd be doing here?"
"Erm, no, he didn't." Hermione replied.
"He has offered shelter to many who will be losing their homes and property under the new laws. We've combined the dormitories here so that we can more easily accommodate some of the younger children."
"Younger children?" Harry asked.
"Yes, Mr Potter. There will be children who aren't yet of age to attend Hogwarts and we figured this was an excellent place to have them."
"But what about classes?"
"They will not interfere with your study time, Hermione. And you know silencing charms," she answered, turning from her work to smile at them. He then noticed that she was rearranging the rooms. There was an extra set of furniture lying on the floor, miniaturised, that she was expanding to allow for an extra person to stay in the room. This still didn't explain why Ron and Draco looked so hacked at each other.
"I suggest you calm Mr Malfoy and Mr Weasley. They don't seem to be taking it very well that they're to be dormmates."
Harry frowned as he left McGonagall to her work. Dormmates? Did that mean…?
"Potter! Move it. You need to clear your things out of there so McGonagall can add the extra beds."
"What do you mean?" Harry asked, staring at Malfoy, who had cornered him as soon as he had walked from Ginny's dorm.
"I mean, clear out your things so that McGonagall can add the extra beds so that the Weasel and I can move our things in as well. You're like talking to a bloody wall."
"Why are you going to be in my room?"
Malfoy stared at him incredulously. "For someone that has so much power, you certainly are very thick. You're going to be in your room too. As the only three men in this program, we're going to share the dorm."
Harry grumbled as he walked to his own room and began moving his things about, forgetting to use his wand as he floated objects across the room. Ron walked in behind him.
"Is that the sort of thing they teach you?"
"What?" Harry asked, losing his concentration and spilling water from Daryl's bowl, which was hovering several feet off the floor.
"Using wandless magic. Do they teach you that?"
Harry nodded. "It's one of the things we worked on. Everyone caught on pretty quickly though. I think we did it one of the first lessons."
"What else is there?"
"Apparation. Animagus, if you are one."
"What do you mean? I thought anyone could do it."
Harry shook his head. "You have to have the magical ability to do so. Hermione and I are the only ones in the program who are Animagi."
He heard Ron mutter "Of course," under his breath, but chose to ignore it. "Have you spoken with Arabella?"
"I'm meeting her this afternoon. She said she had some preliminary tests to do and some things to work with me on. Apparently, I have some work to do before school begins."
"I'd imagine so. We covered a lot that wasn't covered in fifth year."
"Is it hard?"
Harry turned to look at his friend, hearing the trace fear in his voice. "You'll be fine, Ron. The one thing I learned this year is listen to Hermione. Studying is a extraordinarily necessary in this program."
"It's always been necessary."
"No, trust me. You've never learned how to properly appreciate colour-coding."
Ron winced. "Is Hermione harder to work with now?"
"Not at all. She has a lot more books at her disposal now, so the information we tend to need isn't as elusive," Harry smiled, thinking about their quest to find information about the Philosopher's Stone in first year, "so she doesn't get as frustrated."
"There's a relief."
"Will you help me here?" Harry asked, moving aside his heavy trunk and noticing that he had a lot left to clear away.
Ron nodded and slid his wand from his sleeve. Together, they moved Harry's things quickly and before long, McGonagall and Malfoy were standing in the doorway. Professor McGonagall set down two small sets of furniture. Two desks, two wardrobes and two beds.
Harry frowned again, wondering how all of this would fit in his room. His curiosities were answered as McGonagall began chanting. The walls and floor begin to shift and stretch and Harry found himself standing in a room close to the size of his old dorm in Gryffindor Tower.
"Will that do?" she asked the assembled boys.
"It'd do well if you added some walls," Draco replied.
"Professor Dumbledore said you are all to share. Increased safety precautions."
"I'm more likely to accidentally be hexed than I am murdered in my sleep sharing a room with these two!" Draco replied, looking far less collected than Harry had ever seen him.
"It might do you well, Malfoy," Professor McGonagall replied absentmindedly as she began enlarging the pieces of furniture, which she quickly placed around the room. "You're set then. Enjoy." Her cool smile made Harry frown again as she bustled from the room. The three students stared at each other before Draco turned and raised his wand at the bed tucked in the far corner. Immediately, a light gray duvet appeared on the bed, as well as a set of heavy curtains. He pulled a small trunk from his pocket and enlarged it before floating it over to rest near the foot of the bed.
"It's all colour-coordinated," Ron pointed out. "Did your mum teach you how to do it or did you read it in Witch Weekly?"
Draco flicked his hair out of his eyes with a quick wave of his hand. "I don't know what you're talking about."
Daryl and Pip chose that moment to tear into the room, followed quickly by Crookshanks. They immediately charged onto the bed with a dark gray chest on the end.
"Get your animals out of here, Potter," Draco said slowly, staring at the wrestling, wriggling mass of fur on his bed.
"They live here!"
"Not while I'm here," Draco drawled.
"Maybe you could sleep on the lounge," Ron offered.
"Maybe you two could share it. Then I won't have to bear witness to your…yes, well, you know what I mean."
Harry raised his eyebrow. "What are you on about?"
Draco frowned at him, obviously not sure what his insult meant exactly. His frown deepened and he pointed to the animals currently tearing apart his duvet cover. "Just get those filthy animals out of here, Potter!"
"They aren't filthy Draco. And they listen," came a soft voice from the doorway. Crookshanks, Daryl and Pip immediately stopped their scuffle and hurried across the room to meet Hermione. She bent down and pulled Crookshanks into her arms, kissing the top of his head. "If you ask them to move, they will. Harry took away Pip's nightstick, so there's no danger of any sort of retribution. But, I will keep them with me until you get settled in here." She smiled at all three of them before turning and walking from the room, calling Pip and Daryl after her.
They were alone again. Ron shrugged and went to the bed that was left unclaimed. He too pulled out a trunk and settled it by the foot of his bed. "I have some work to do before lunch, are you two planning on staying in here?" he asked.
"I'm not," Draco replied before stalking out of the room.
"Has he always been that…odd?" Ron asked, looking after their blonde dormmate.
"Only in the past year or so. He can be a bit flouncy."
Ron shrugged, apparently satisfied by this answer.
"I'll clear off so you can work. Talk to you later," Harry said, backing out of the room. He immediately went to Hermione's room.
Her door was slightly ajar and he heard some scuffling noises. Opening it, he found Hermione on the floor, laughing and playing with the three pets she had evacuated from his dorm.
"Will it be difficult?" he asked her.
"Will what be difficult?" she said after her long moment, her breathing staggered.
"Rooming with Ron and Malfoy."
"I'd imagine infinitely so." She grinned at him before standing up and brushing herself off and moving so that he could envelope her in his arms. "You're welcome to stay in here," she said, her grin increasing.
"Oh?" he replied, a grin spreading over his face.
"Sure, we can make you a nice bed on the floor." Her eyes twinkled as she watched his face drop. "Oh! You should see the look on your face," she giggled, "I don't mind you being in here at all. But won't they tease you about?"
"Probably. But that's why I know silencing charms."
"I think McGonagall meant we were only to use those for studying…"
"How will she know?"
"I suppose she won't. Maybe we could put a silencing spell on these three," she motioned towards Daryl, Pip and Crookshanks. Daryl was watching on Pip taunted Crookshanks with a piece of string he had got a hold of.
"Might not be a bad idea."
"Especially with all the reading I need to do today."
"For what?"
"I'm trying to find out more about mage so that maybe we can understand that journal. I wish that I could hear it being spoken."
Harry nodded. "That'd make it infinitely easier, I'm sure."
"Perhaps I could have you read-- wait a minute. Your Pensieve. Wouldn't it be in your Pensieve?"
"You're right. It would."
"Could I use it?"
Harry nodded. "I'll get it. It'd probably be better to keep it in here anyhow, with Draco and Ron being in my room now."
Hermione nodded. "I'm sure that Ginny and I will be much more civilised about the whole thing," she replied with a wink.
Harry rolled his eyes as he walked back to his dorm to collect the Pensieve. Ron had drawn the curtains on his bed, so he quickly grabbed it and walked back to Hermione's dorm. Setting it down on the desk, he turned to her. "Will it ever be normal again?"
She looked up at him, immediately understanding what he meant. "I hope so. I really do."
"I do too."
She picked up her wand and walked towards the Pensieve. Lightly stirring the contents, she peered at him. "Will you join me?"
He shook his head. "I don't want to see it again. I'm not ready yet."
"Well, then, I'll see you in a bit." She moved her head closer to the marble basin, and Harry watched as her figure became completely still, hovering over the Pensieve. Figuring her journey would take awhile, he pulled one of the books Hermione had set aside closer to him and settled on the bed to read.
He was floating. In a cloudless, blue sky. There was no visible sun, but a warm, soft yellow light washed over him. He felt himself calm greatly, the pressing matters of wizarding politics and school and Hermione were washed away by the light. He sighed, content with his thoughtlessness. So content was he, that he didn't even notice as he began to fall, slowly and aimlessly, much like a fall leaf.
"Harry…" a soft voice came to him through the empty sky.
"Hm?" he replied, his eyes partially closed and his ears barely registering the sounds directed towards him.
"You must find it, Harry. Help her to find it."
He opened his eyes a bit. The light surrounding him had changed to a vibrant orange and the blue sky was deepening to an intense gray. "Find what?"
"Help her, Harry."
His body slammed down and when he opened his eyes, he felt himself laying on Hermione's bed, a large book open in his lap. Hermione's figure was still unmoving and the animals had settled into a heap in the corner of the room. He shook his head, trying to remember the dream. What is even a dream? It didn't feel like a dream.
A movement from Hermione pulled his attention towards her. He was anxious to see her response to the events stored in his Pensieve.
She stood, wobbling a bit, before turning to him. Her faces was ashen and tears were streaming down her face.
"I forgot how terrifying it was…being there in the graveyard. At the time, I was so focused on you… and getting away from there, I didn't remember the details. I didn't remember watching you… it's like I blocked it out," she sobbed as he held her. Her body was trembling as she mumbled to herself.
Pulling back, he wiped her tears away. "You've been crying too much lately, Hermione. I wish I could take away everything that causes you to cry."
She looked at him, her eyes bright and rimmed in red. "Do you mean it?"
"Of course. I love you, Hermione. And I hate to see you hurting."
She wrapped her arms around him, hugging him tight. "I love you."
He hugged her tighter, breathing in the smell of her as his heart ached for what she had seen.
"Erm, sorry to interrupt. But, erm, it's time for lunch and I wanted to see if you wanted to walk down together," Ron said from his place at the door.
Harry and Hermione pulled apart. Harry straightened his robes and Hermione sniffed and wiped her eyes. "Sounds lovely, Ron." She gave him a small smile and he nodded, walking into the lounge to wait for them.
The bright sunlight from outside lit Hogwart's dark corridors as he walked, his footsteps echoing loudly. He heard no sounds as he neared the classroom and began to feel unease at the lack of laughter. Immediately, he wondered what they had to laugh about. Rachel was probably worried about Hermione, as the wizarding world knew her as a muggleborn and Ami was probably sharing in her friend's worry.
They were huddled around a desk, a Daily Prophet laid out in front of them.
"I honestly don't understand what these rules are supposed to accomplish. Of course, it doesn't surprise me that everyone agreed to them. It was only a matter of time…" Rachel trailed off as she noticed Harry standing in the doorway. "Hullo, Harry."
"What rules were issued today?" he asked, his cheery mood quickly disappating.
"The one about no muggleborns working for the Ministry and no owning of shops or other businesses in wizarding areas."
"What other wizarding areas are there? Hogsmeade has been completely destroyed and Diagon Alley has mostly pureblood owned shops doesn't it?"
"Nearly every major city in Britain has some wizarding area to it, though most are quite small. Those shops and businesses are owned mostly by muggleborns. I believe there are Diagon Alley-like areas in Edinborough, Glasgow, Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle, Leeds, Cardiff, Belfast … Every place has some magic to it," Ami answered, smiling.
"What did you mean when you were saying it didn't surprise you Rachel? Hermione and I were both shocked. It doesn't seem like what happened in Hogsmeade was justification for this."
Rachel knit her eyebrows. "You mean you haven't heard about all the other things going on?"
"Other things?"
"Yes, many wizards and witches bearing any connection to muggleborns have been mysteriously murdered over the past several months. Just a month or so ago, there was a great round-up of people that have non-human blood in them. Half-vampires, half-werewolves, selkies, so many creatures. I have all the articles from the Daily Prophet in my quarters."
Harry paled. "Would half-giants be included in that?"
Ami titled her head slightly, looking at Harry with an odd expression on her face. "I suppose they would. Are you worried about Hagrid, Harry? He'll be fine, I'm sure, being safely out of Britain." Ami patted his hand lightly and gave him a small smile.
His eyes widened briefly before he shook his head. "He's not out of Britain, he came back this morning."
"But he is here at Hogwarts?"
Harry nodded. "He's with Dumbledore, I believe."
"He should be safe then. Hogwarts is the safest place in wizarding Britain."
"Are you alright then, Harry? We have a lot to cover today."
"I'm fine. We can start."
"Excellent. Rachel has explained much of the history to you and a lot of the theory, but I want to start with the practice. You have a great deal of power at your fingertips, Harry. We've seen your capabilities as an Animagi and we know how talented you've become at using wandless magic. There is so much more though. I've told you about healing, mind-reading, time travel. All of those things are powers you can access if you work hard enough. Each of them requires a bit of practice, but once you grasp exactly what you need to, your power will be unlimited. Hermione has the ability to read minds, as you know, and that required no training whatsoever. I want to find out what you can do.
"The first thing I'd like to try is healing. I'm going to use a simple spell to create a small laceration on your arm, and I want you to heal it."
"But how?" Harry asked, looking between his forearm and his aunt.
"You know how."
"And if I can't?"
"Then a simple spell to clear it up," she replied, smiling at him.
"Alright," he pulled the sleeve of his t-shirt back and winced as he felt a small slice in his arm. He thought back on his first dream last year, when Tristam had inadvertently told him how to get out of his cell. Concentrating his mind energy, he focused on the wound on his arm. After a few moments of screwing his eyes shut, he opened them and peered at his arm to find a thin trail of blood running slowly down his arm.
"Hm. Obviously, that's not it."
Harry frowned.
"Oh, don't worry. That's supposed to be an easy one to learn. I read about it. Once you learn to focus your mind properly, you'll have no trouble. This next one will be easy to test."
Ami picked up a corner of the Daily Prophet and scribbled something on the corner. "I'm thinking of a number. What is it?"
"Are you serious?"
"Yes. What is the number?"
Harry raised his eyebrow, feeling as if his aunt was completely mad. "Seven."
"Did you guess that or were you able to read my mind?"
"I guessed."
It was Ami's turn to frown. "I'm thinking of a word."
Harry looked into Ami's eyes, focusing on the intense, swirling blue patterns of her irises. He waited. And waited. "Nothing."
"Well, then that pretty much leaves us with one thing, but I'd like to try anyhow. I want you to go back to one hour ago. To this very spot."
Harry blinked. "One hour ago? Back in time?"
Ami nodded slowly. "To this very spot. Like rewinding a video tape."
Harry knit his eyebrows, concentrating on his surroundings, imagining what they would have been like one hour ago. As he focused, the strangest sensation overcame him. His eyes began to feel a slight pressure, his body feeling as if he was running backwards. A great jolt surged through him and he closed his eyes.
"What in the hell?"
Harry opened his eyes and found himself looking at Charlie Weasley and Viridian. "Er, hullo, Charlie."
"Harry? What are you doing here?"
"Er…I was working on some apparition with Ron. Sorr- wait a minute, what are you doing here?"
"I came to see Viridian for lunch."
The Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher looked very red. She smoothed her hair back and straightened her robes, her blush increasing as she noticed Harry watching her.
"Right then, must get back now." Harry closed his eyes and concentrated on the room as it had been when he left it.
Ami grinned at him when his eyes opened. "Well done. Amazingly done. I can't believe it worked. It did work didn't it? You didn't just apparate away?"
"No, I found Viri-- well, let's just say I went back an hour."
Ami grinned and hugged Harry. "That's amazing! So astounding! I just can't believe that my nephew can travel through time--"
"Ami! Harry! Mum!" called a voice from the doorway.
"Hermione?"
"We need to get to the entrance hall, quickly. Something is happening. We can apparate."
"You can't apparate inside Hogwarts, Hermione."
"Mum, fine. Harry and I will apparate and you two just run there."
Harry looked briefly at Hermione before she disappeared with a faint pop. Following her lead, he appeared in the entrance hall, completely unprepared for the site that met his eyes.
Hagrid was being held on the ground by ten men, dressed completely in black robes. Minister Connelly faced Dumbledore.
"This…thing is unfit to teach here. Not only is he a mudblood, he's half-giant. He will not be teaching the young witches and wizards of Great Britain."
"No one has ever told me how to run this school and I will not start letting someone now."
"Take him away."
A man pulled away from Hagrid and pointed his wand at him. "Imperio," he said lowly, his voice nearly a growl.
Harry watched in horror as Hagrid stood, slowly. He nodded once to Dumbledore before lumbering slowly out of the castle, three or four of the robed men following closely behind.
"You can't do that Minister Connelly! Imperius is illegal."
"Dumbledore. Your star mudblood would do well to hold her tongue."
Connelly turned on his heel and exited the castle, followed by the rest of his cronies. As the doors slammed behind him, Ami and Rachel tore into the entrance hall, staring disbelievingly at Harry and Hermione.
"You can't apparate inside Hogwarts!" Rachel said, staring wide-eyed at her daughter.
Ignoring them, Harry turned to Dumbledore. "Let me go back Professor. I can stop this. I can save him before anything happens."
"You know I cannot let that happen, Harry."
"But it's Hagrid Professor Dumbledore! He can't go back to Azkaban! He can't," Harry's voice dropped to a whisper.
"I'm sorry, Harry."
A/N: Thanks to Ian, Carl and Neil for beta-reading!
Thank you all for reading and reviewing. Please continue to review the chapters, I thrive on your comments.