CHAPTER ELEVEN
HOGWARTS, HOGWARTS,
HOGGY WARTY HOGWARTS
"Come on Harry time to get up!" Terry was leaning over his bed. Terry was fully dressed in his gold school travelling cloak and was peering down at Harry strangely, "I thought you'd be the first out of bed?" Harry glanced at the grandfather clock, which was standing across the room, and noticed that he had only gotten to sleep twenty minutes earlier. He groaned and turned over in bed covering his head with the blankets. "Harry," Terry laughed at him, "Come on," he tapped Harry's blankets with his wand and Harry threw his blankets off in a scream as they felt icy cold, "What was that for?" Harry's teeth chattered as he hugged his arms, "Get dressed," Terry laughed and threw Harry's travelling cloak at him, After Harry had properly woken up, he dressed himself and looked at himself in the mirror, "My oh my you do look handsome," the mirror spoke to him, "Its what my friends at Hogwarts think I look like, that I am worried about," Harry pulled a weak smile and started for the door, where Terry was carrying Harry's suitcase out through to the hallway. "All of the suitcases are to go in a pile at the head of the steps - the house elves will take them to our . er .transport, momentarily," Terry smiled and went off to someone else's room. Harry stood looking around at the people rushing around getting ready. Mezentius was running around chasing Terry, whom had taken he's travelling cloak when he took his suitcase. Harry didn't know why it was but while everyone else was running around excitedly he stood perfectly still, not feeling even slightly excited. He dismissed it as just being tired. "Come on Harry," Mezentius had finally pulled his travelling cloak over him and although looking slightly scruffy he appeared to be ready to go, "We'll have to apparate up so we don't get our travelling cloaks wet," "Apparate?" Harry looked at him confused, but before he had a chance to get an answer from Mezentius, Mezentius had grabbed his arm and he felt a tingling sensation as he blinked and, when he opened his eyes, he was standing out in the entrance courtyard. Standing with one of he's eyes clenched shut, he thought he must look very stupid. His attention on how Mezentius had managed to apparate was wiped clean from his mind as he saw what their 'transport' was. There was a Romanian Longhorn, the very same that carried Harry and Professor Emerindyl to Koalingo in the first place. It didn't have an Emerald around its neck but an amazingly detailed golden necklace that wrapped around its neck and had a white crystal encrusted into a gold disc which made the crystal look like a big button. The crystal itself was glowing so bright that Harry felt it was damaging to his eyes to stare directly at the crystal, but he kept his eyes on it nevertheless. "All ready Harry?" Professor Emerindyl smiled at him. Professor Emerindyl was standing in the most magnificent robes Harry had ever seen. They were Emerald green with gold threading, cuffs, collar and belt. His hat matched the cloak perfectly and he seemed to be bathed in a magnificent golden glow. This of course, Harry realised, was his cloak reflecting the glow of the crystal. "Er . yes, I can't wait," Harry smiled, "So why the hesitation?" Professor Emerindyl winked at him, "You know how these work, go ahead - the rest of us will be along shortly," Harry smiled weakly and walked over to the dragon, "Good morning Melinda," he greeted the Romanian Longhorn as he placed his hand on the crystal and was sucked into it. He fell over when he landed, as this time it was not a comfy couch he landed on but the courtyard of a palace. "What?" he thought something had gone wrong, this was of course until Terry appeared by his side. "Hey, Harry," he smiled and walked on through to another room, "These are the dorms - your names one, so you'll just have to go and find yours," he smiled as he headed up the hallway. Harry turned as all of the other students appeared. Mezentius and the rest of them managed to keep standing as they appeared on the entrance courtyard. Harry felt slightly embarrassed that he had fallen over. "This place is better then the last time we travelled in it," Mezentius walked up to Harry and gave him his suitcase, "Come on, your rooms next to mine," They both wandered off up the dormitory corridor, when they passed Terry's room, they peered in and saw him jumping on his bed. "Total moron - I tell you," Mezentius was shaking his head, "Total and utter moron," He and Harry laughed as they closed in upon a door marked 'Harry Potter' Harry pushed the door open and carried his suitcase in and dropped it on his bed, "Excuse me, sir," a squeaky voice behind him announced the presence of a house elf, "This is your animal, sir?" she was holding up Hedwig in her cage, "Yes thanks," Harry walked over and took the cage from her, he took the cage and placed it on his dresser. Hedwig looked slightly alarmed. Harry thought this must be from entering the crystal. "Hey, ready to go back to Hogwarts?" Mezentius walked in and sat on the end of Harry's bed while Harry put his things away. "Professor Emerindyl says we have to go back to bed now," Terry entered the room looking rather disgusted, "I can't go to bed now - I'm too excited," Harry felt that he would like nothing more then to go back to sleep - but he didn't fancy his chances of being able to do so. "Well if he thinks its best?" Mezentius started but all of the other Ameraid's and the few Saphricorn's appeared at the door, "Is this our designated party area?" one of he Saphricorn's asked, Harry thought about saying 'no' for a moment but he gave in and they all crowded into the room. "I heard that Astilon Academy is going to be there," one of the Ameraid's spoke mystically later on that morning, they were flying over some ocean and had grown bored of watching the landscape pass by from the dome at the front. "No way?" Mezentius sat up, "Who told you that?" "Professor McGonnagall - she told us that we should rub it in their faces that our school got higher N.E.W.T.S marks then they did last year," a Saphricorn laughed, "Although we have to do it as quietly as possible," "Just in case we 'disgrace the school'" Terry mocked Professor ConDoin, Everyone laughed, "Astilon is 'apparently' the best school of witchcraft and wizardry you can be accepted to," Mezentius told Harry, "Everyone competes with them," "They're all snobs, Harry, you shouldn't be too worried about them," Terry laughed some more, "So . who is Cedric Diggory?" Mezentius looked at Harry, "He was a . someone I used to know," Harry didn't want to go into details - Mezentius seemed to understand this and so he changed the subject, "So, what are feasts like at Hogwarts? I have heard from Mike that Hogwarts outdoes every other school when it comes to showing off,"
They went on through the early morning that soon turned into lunchtime when they finally arrived at their first destination. "Now, silence please," Professor Emerindyl addressed the students, whom were all shivering, as the cold autumn air of England seemed to affect them greatly. "You all have only one hour - we must arrive at Hogwarts in seventy-five minutes and we mustn't be late," he smiled, "Run along," Everyone departed through a door that lead out into Diagon Alley. Harry had never noticed this door before, although thought it made sense as anyone walking in on a dragon like Melinda may have a near heart attack. "What's interesting in Diagon Alley, Harry" Mezentius asked him, "Harry! Mezentius!" they looked up the street towards Florien Fortescues Ice Cream Parlour, and saw Brydie running down towards them, "Harry?" another voice cried and Harry turned to see Mrs Weasley running down towards them, "Harry!" she wrapped her arm around him, almost bowling him over, Brydie and Mezentius stood rooted to the spot. Harry thought they were about to pull Mrs Weasley off him, until Mrs Weasley let him go herself. "You came back for the memorial?" she looked at him, Harry nodded. "Arthur and I can't make it, but Ron has been sending me owls everyday in the last two weeks - he is really excited to be seeing you again," she smiled, her cheeks were glowing, "Well I can't wait to see them again either," Harry tried to sound enthusiastic, he thought perhaps he was trying not to get too over excited in case something was to happen and they didn't end up going there. But he was in London; surely it was safe for him to begin looking forward to it. "What's wrong, dear?" she looked at him concernedly, "I guess I just can't believe I am here," Harry smiled "That's the spirit," Mrs Weasley smiled, "Mrs Weasley," a goblin standing in front of Gringotts called to her, "Well I have to be off," Mrs Weasley's smile faded, "Anything wrong, Mrs Weasley?" Harry saw she was looking slightly worried, "Just a financial matter, that's all," she smiled weakly, "Anything the matter?" Harry was beginning to worry, "No, just . well, Arthur not working for the ministry anymore, so things are kind of . forget it, its nothing," she smiled and wrapped her arms around him again, "I'll tell Ron I saw you, but you'll probably see him before I do," she chuckled, "Well, I best be off," She waved at Harry as she entered into Gringotts with the goblin that Harry knew was the head goblin of the bank, followed close behind, looking very grave indeed. "I wonder ." Harry said to himself "Well lets go shopping," Brydie smiled, "You'll have to go and get some money out of course," "Yes," Harry smiled, "I'll meet you at Flourish and Blotts - go and take a look Mezentius, you'll love it," and he darted ahead of them and into Gringotts. He peered around for Mrs Weasley but could see her nowhere. He walked up to the first empty table and waited for a goblin, one walked over and stood on the other side of the desk, "How can I help you?" it asked him in its low screechy voice, "I wish to make a withdrawal," Harry said to the goblin, the goblin walked off to fetch a cart goblin while Harry looked around and peered Mrs Weasley. She was crying with her head on the head goblins table. He was quickly trying to calm her down but appeared to be failing dismally. Harry thought for a second whether he should walk over to her when a goblin walked up to him and said, "Harry Potter?" "Yes" he answered "Come with me," the goblin headed through the large door at the back of the bank which lead to the carts that travelled towards the vaults. "So what are you doing today?" the goblin asked Harry as they scooted down into the depths of Gringotts at breakneck-speed. "Withdrawal," Harry told him, "Oh you want to be careful there," the goblin told him, "Why?" Harry asked, "Tragic story - young man - tragic story," the cart stopped abruptly outside Harry's vault. He entered and filled his moneybag with as much gold as it could carry, not bothering to collect any Knuts or Sickles. "That's a lot to withdraw, do you ever make deposits?" the goblin asked, "No, I am still a student, why?" Harry answered feeling the goblin was about to tell him something, "Well this lovely woman I brought down here earlier - was called in today to forfeit her vault," the goblin told her, "Lovely woman she was, flaming red hair - started crying when she had to hand her keys back," "Mrs Weasley?" Harry looked at him, "Oh you know her?" the goblin spoke, "Terribly sad story - penniless they are, the ministry just fired her husband - the banks foreclosing on their mortgage," "They're loosing their house?" Harry asked him, "Apparently," the goblin said, as it pulled to a stop back at the entrance door to the vaults, "Very sad," Harry walked through the door and saw the head goblin standing at his desk, Harry walked over and asked he where Mrs Weasley was, to which he replied, "That is really none of your concern Mr. Potter,"
Harry met up with the other two in Flourish and Blotts like he had arranged and he was right, Mezentius exited the shop moments later with a tower of books in his arms, "Bathilda doesn't have any of these," he walked past Harry, Brydie came out, also with her arms full of books, "Don't look at me, they're his," she spoke defensively,
When everyone arrived back at the dragon later, 'just in time' as Professor Emerindyl said, even though they were all late, everyone ended up having spent the bulk of their pocket money on things in Diagon alley, and all of them seemed to think that the remembrall Terry bought, was a useless and stupid invention, but laughed as it always glowed red, meaning Terry had forgotten something, which turned out to be his wand, which he found in the magical menagerie when they returned to Diagon alley after travelling half the way to Hogwarts and then turning around. "Now I hope no one else has plotted to make us late?" Professor ConDoin stared at them as they took flight the second time and were now flying along the railway track that the Hogwarts express travelled twice a year. Harry was now finally feeling all the excitement that had been absent until now. His heart felt like it was going to jump out of his chest as his anticipation rose more and more. As Hogsmeade came into view Harry jumped from his seat with a huge smile on his face as the dragon rose into the air and flew over Hogsmeade and over the lake towards the front drive to Hogwarts. All the Hogwarts students stood in their black robes, looking like ants from this height, Harry looked down at them. A huge smile on his face, feeling like he was about to jump out of his skin as the dragon did a loop-de-loop in the sky and came into land in front of the students. "Everybody assemble," Professor McGonnagall had appeared in front of them, Harry hadn't seen her throughout the entire flight until now. "Brush your hair," she spat at a few of the younger kids, Harry reached his hand up to his own hair, which was a scruffy as usual. Mezentius however was dressed perfectly with perfectly brushed hair. He tapped his wand on Harry's head and Harry's hair twisted until it sat neatly on his head. "It's a simple charm," Mezentius smiled "Ready?" Professor Emerindyl and Professor ConDoin were standing in front of them along side Professor McGonnagall. Professor Emerindyl was using his staff wand, which was as tall as he was and was gold with emeralds encrusted into it, which finished in an emerald ball at the very top. He tapped it twice on the ground and they all appeared standing in front of Melinda the Romanian Longhorn, whom roared at the very pitch of volume. Harry looked into the Hogwarts crowd and saw Parvati Patil faint and fall over. Seamus Finnigan caught her. "Welcome Elwyn, Arutha, Magda - students of Koalingo - welcome to Hogwarts," Dumbledore welcomed them, and for a fleeting moment Harry thought Professor Dumbledore had returned until he said, "Headmaster Snape is inside with the other visitors," Dumbledore added as he walked down the centre of the Hogwarts students, Professor Emerindyl by his side, Harry and the other Koalingo students followed through, Harry glimpsed Ron waving to him, Hermione wasn't with him. Dumbledore led them into the Great Hall, the other Koalingo students were all gawking at the ceiling, amazed at what they were seeing. The hall appeared to have been extended, as did all of the house tables. The teachers walked up to the teachers desk, Professor Emerindyl winked at Harry and said, "I trust you can find them a good place to sit, Harry?" Harry nodded with a smile as he led them straight over to the Gryffindor table. "Red banners," Malvado looked at the Gryffindor banners above the table, "You may have chosen a good place for us to sit, Potter" The Hogwarts students entered and took their seats, Ron came to the very front of the Gryffindor table and sat right next to Harry, "Hey, Harry," he smiled, Harry sat silent and didn't say a word. The Koalingo students seemed to stick out more so then the other students of Hogwarts or any other school as their uniforms were threaded with gold and glowed from the lights of the candles floating above the tables. "Harry?" Ron looked at him, "You can talk you know," Ron laughed "Where's Hermione?" Harry spoke quickly before Professor ConDoin stared straight at them. "Well . you'll see her later," he smiled, "She changed a lot while you were away," he smiled. Professor Snape, whom was seated in Dumbledore's usual seat waved his hands for attention, the great hall fell silent and Professor Snape welcomed everyone, "Welcome, all, to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, I am the headmaster Professor Severus Snape," The words seemed to burn right through Harry's head and he felt his grip tighten on the napkin he had unknowably picked up. "Hogwarts has seen many hard times as I am sure all schools have - in the final term of the last school year, Hogwarts was unfortunate enough to suffer a loss in its student body," Professor Snape lifted his glass, all of the different school headmasters at the teachers table followed in unison, as did all of the students in the crowd, "To Cedric Diggory, the real Hogwarts champion," No one in the great hall noticed, but Harry's face was red with anger - Snape could not be civil to him, even in a prayer to Cedric Diggory. Snape placed his goblet back down beside his plate, "I welcome the many schools that joined us here tonight, and do so hope, that even with the solemn subject of our meeting, that you all enjoy your stay here at Hogwarts," "So without any further ado," Dumbledore smiled, "I think its safe to begin the feast," But before anything happed the doors to the great hall burst open. Everyone's attention turned to a lady dressed in a Sapphire-Blue cloak with golden buttons down the front that made her cloak look more like a muggle- woman's business suit. She marched swiftly down the centre of the two middle tables; five students marched behind her in uniforms almost identical to hers. "I'm not late am I?" the woman spoke in a voice that made her sound sweet, but important, "Not at all," All of the headmasters at the front table stood, all of the headmistresses at the front table stayed seated as well as Professor Emerindyl, Dumbledore, Snape and Professor ConDoin, whom slowly rose from their seats until the headmistress took her seat. "Sit! Sit!" She clapped her hands and her students sat immediately just up from the Koalingo students on the Gryffindor table, Harry looked at Mezentius and thought hard about whether or not these were the students from Astilon Academy. Mezentius nodded to him. Ron started scratching his head not understand what had passed between them. "Ok, now for the feast - unless there are anymore schools waiting outside the door?" Dumbledore smiled, Harry felt the warmness of the twinkle in Dumbledore's eyes and he suddenly felt at home again, Food appeared on the plates as usual and Harry urged his fellow Koalingo students to begin eating. Harry however was keeping an eye on the Astilon students whom hadn't shown the slightest hint of beginning to eat, they were all looking up at their headmistress (Harry had assumed that's what that woman was anyway) he saw the woman nod to them and they seemed to be statues finally coming to life, "What a tacky school," one student spoke to another. Harry felt the back of his neck heat up slightly; he was about to say something until he remembered Hogwarts wasn't the school he was from. Mezentius however did not keep silent. "I beg your pardon?" he glared at the student whom had spoken, "That was totally uncalled for," The student from Astilon just stared at him, Mezentius stared back and Harry watching there faces twitching as if in an argument with no words. He finally figured that they were having a mind reading grudge match. Ron, whom didn't know what was going on nudged Harry in the arm and whispered, "Is he alright in the head, Harry?" Harry burst out laughing and Mezentius and the Astilon student stopped their argument and looked at him, "Maybe it does look stupid to the likes of you without such a strong ability," the Astilon student spat. At this point Mezentius burst out laughing as well, "I see what you mean, Ron, it would look very stupid," Mezentius chuckled The students from Astilon seemed appalled by this behaviour and took to speaking only to each other, and since they made no noise and Mezentius kept pulling annoyed faces, Harry thought the Astilon students must have been speaking telepathically. "So Ron, this is Mezentius, Mezentius, this is my friend Ron," Harry finally introduced them, "Pleased to meet you," Ron lifted his arm over the table and knocked the jug of pumpkin juice over causing it to spill all down the front of Mezentius's golden travelling cloak "Oh, I'm so sorry," Ron stood, "No, no, no!" Mezentius stood, "It's fine," He pulled out his wand tapped the jug twice and it stood upright and all of the spilt pumpkin juice seemed to evaporate from Mezentius' cloak and the table and filled the jug again, "Wow!" Ron stared, "I wish I knew how to do that," "It's a simple spell," Mezentius and Harry said at the same time, Harry laughed, Ron again looked confused but laughed all the same, "So, Ron, where's Hermione?" Harry asked "You'll see her after the feast," Ron smiled, "Professor Delacour has arranged something for all you guests," "Professor Delacour?" Harry looked at him, Ron nodded, "Defence Against Dark Arts?" Ron nodded again, "She is also the Cheerleader co-ordinator, and teaches drama and dance during lunch times," Ron screwed his face up, "As if you'd give up your lunch times for that," Harry laughed, it was just like being a Hogwarts student again, he and Ron caught up on everything that had happened at Hogwarts that year, and Ron was over the moon when Harry gave him his gift. Brydie was deeply conversing with Fred and George about some of their creations and Harry privately congratulated them on becoming a success internationally, "Mum still doesn't know," Fred told Harry, "And Ron better keep his mouth shut, or he'll find a rubber snake in his bed," "They really bite you," Ron nodded looking slightly worried "Can I get some?" Brydie smiled at Fred and George "You won't believe who is the captain of the Gryffindor Quidditch team now," Ron smiled, Harry looked over at George, whom all of a sudden looked pompous, reminiscent of Percy. Fred was poking his tongue out at George behind his back, "George?" Harry asked George nodded, "Old McGonnagall gave me a Firebolt to celebrate my captaincy, she's not a bad old bird," "But you won't believe who the new seeker is?" Ron pouted, not looking at all impressed, Harry looked over at George, whom was shaking his head at Ron, "You had your chance - Ginny was the better seeker," George, for the first time ever, actually looked serious, "Ginny?" Harry spoke incredulously, "Your sister Ginny?" Ron nodded solemnly, "Yep," Fred smiled, "Right good flier too - she'll give you a run for seeker when you get back next year, Harry" The feast continued for another hour, and at the end when Professor Snape stood and told them that the guests were to stand and follow their headmasters/headmistresses out to the front of the castle; Harry almost forgot to stand up. "Harry," Mezentius whispered to him, and Harry stood, The headmistress from Astilon was the first to leave, followed by Beauxbatons whom, Harry was surprised to see, were not accompanied by the gargantuan Madame Maxime, but a younger smaller looking woman whom, Harry didn't know. Next was Professor Emerindyl. Harry and the others followed him out to the front of the castle. When they arrived outside Harry saw stands of over a thousand seats all looking out upon the lake, as they were with the second task of the Tri- Wizard Tournament last year. It finally hit Harry about how many visitors were actually at Hogwarts at that time. Professor Emerindyl lead them to the front row of the stands where they sat among the Beauxbatons and Astilon students, a group of students from another school, Harry didn't know of, took their seats on the other side of them. The Hogwarts students were the last out and sat high up at the back of the stands. And were very hard to see in their black cloaks as the night sky concealed them very well.
Harry kept an eye out for Hermione, but she was still nowhere to be found. Another face was missing that Harry had only just noticed - Cho Chang. Harry wondered if she had suffered so much trauma, loosing Cedric last year, that she hadn't returned to Hogwarts this year - but surely, even if that were true, she'd show up for Cedric's memorial. Harry turned to the front, where everyone's focus appeared to be upon Professor Dumbledore, whom was walking across the surface of the water, "How is he doing that?" Mezentius whispered in Harry's ear, "He's a great wizard," Harry said back in awe. "Ladies and Gentlemen, guests, students - could I have you attention please," all of the noise ceased and everyone looked towards Dumbledore, "Thank you - this year I have been given the honour to be your Hogwarts host, last year I was the headmaster of Hogwarts school and was the headmaster in the time of this tragedy we have gathered together to remember," There were a couple of people in the crowd whom coughed and broke the long silence now making Harry's ears ring, "Tomorrow," Dumbledore continued, "We will be erecting a memorial Quidditch training centre in the memory of Cedric Diggory - his parents will be here to open the centre and there will be a memorial feast, to which you are all invited" "Another feast," Brydie groaned, "I think I'll be returning to Koalingo looking like Dudley," "On the third day we will be having a spring festival," he smiled, "Which will hold many competitions for which everyone may compete - this will include a flower contest and a mother nature contest, as well as, I have been informed from Professor Delacour, a fashion parade," "No one told me," Brydie looked scandalised, "Maybe I can whip up something by then," Mezentius and Harry were almost laughing "But for now, I hand you over to Professor Delacour herself, whom will be welcoming you all with a special treat," Dumbledore walked back across the water to the bank. A woman with long glowing golden-silver hair walked out onto the water, Harry saw that the water glowed wherever her feet touched it, he thought this must be some charm that supported them. "Bienvenue à 'Ogwarts" Fleur welcomed everyone in French, "Mon nom est professeur Delacour, et j'ai été donné l'honneur pour s'charger du divertissement pour montrer notre appréciation pour votre attendance. Veuillez tenir vos applaudissements jusqu' à l'extrémité, merci" "Welcom' to 'Ogwarts," Fleur was now translating, "I am Professor Delacour, and I 'ave bin given ze honour to orange entertainment to show our appreciation for your attendance - please 'old your applause until ze end, thank you," "Well she managed one word with 'th' in it," Harry smiled Fleur walked of the water and a music started to fill Harry's ear, seeming to come from every direction. The water was now all glowing, as if the Weasley's car had found some buddies and were sitting at the bottom of the lake with their headlights on. And then ten or so figures came gliding out onto the waters surface, for a moment Harry thought they were ghosts, as they were dressed in white. But he soon discovered who they were, "Hermione? Cho?" Harry gawked, "And Angelina Johnson and Katie Bell - and some other girls from Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw - no Slytherin's," Ron had snuck down from the top of the stands to the seat behind Harry. Harry saw a couple of students from other schools pull faces at Ron behind his back. "They look like they are ice skating," Brydie whispered in awe, "That's not the funniest part, wait til you see who else is doing this," Ron had a smile from ear to ear as a boy glided onto the water, "Neville," Harry spoke incredulously, "His gran made him do it," Ron laughed, "Mum tried to make me do it, but no way," Harry looked out at Neville whom looked to be having the time of his life; it looked as if they were doing some kind of ice skating ballet, but without the ice. Harry secretly admired Neville, but he'd never tell anyone. The water gliding ballet soon ended and several figures shot over the lake on broomsticks, Harry was proud to see that three of them were Fred, George, and Ginny. "Synchronised flying," Ron looked disgusted, "Perfect waste of some good brooms," Harry however hadn't heard Ron say this as his attention was focused on the fifteen, or so, fliers whom were now leaving a trail of multicoloured smoke behind their brooms as they flew. "Ginny's a good flier," Harry said to Ron, still keeping his full attention on the show (Fred and George had just written three W's in the sky - Harry could see Professor McGonnagall tromping around on the lake bank shouting at them - no one could here this over the music of course). "The next bit will make you laugh - I saw them rehearsing it," Ron sat back in his seat importantly with a huge grin on his face.
You're here! And so! - Here! We! Go! Welcome! Everyone! - Let's have some fun!
Ten girls did back flips onto the centre of the lake. And to Harry's first horror they were holding cheerleading pompoms, to his further dismay - Hermione and Cho were two of the ten. "I'd like to have fun with the one at the front," one of the students from another school commented on Hermione, "You take that back!" Ron turned madly facing the boy "Why?" the boy smiled Before anyone else could react Ron threw a fist at the boy and connected with his face. "Ron!" Harry jumped up, as well as all the other students and teachers stationed around them, "Hey you, get off my friend!" another student from the same school as the boy Ron was fighting with pulled Ron up by the scruff of his neck and punched him, "Hey!" Harry shouted and pulled out his wand, Absolute pandemonium started up as every student in the front five rows had pulled out their wands and were cursing and jinxing each other left right and centre. Harry was hit in the face with a flipendo jinx and was knocked over and trampled by some other kids who fell down out of the stands. Harry rolled under the front row seats to stop himself from being trampled. He watched up as hundreds of feet seemed to be running in every direction on the stands and in front of them. A couple of times he saw a flash of red hair and then he heard something that stopped everyone, "SILENCE!!" Dumbledore had boomed and everything seemed to cease. There was a long moment of silence in which Harry didn't see a single foot move even an inch, and then Dumbledore continued yelling, "That is quite enough!" Harry had never heard Dumbledore sound so mad before. "Mr Weasley let go of that boys hair," Dumbledore spoke again in a normal volumed, but highly disappointed voice. Harry heard a groan and a male voice saying, "Ouch," and he knew Ron had done so. There was a brief silence and then the sound of many feet shuffling away back to the castle and out onto the lawns, but Harry saw no one move on the stand he was lying under. He laid there for what seemed like half an hour before he heard any other noise.
CHAPTER TWELVE PALACES MADE OF DIAMOND AND HEADMASTERS MADE OF FIRE "Would the heads of visiting schools like to take their students to their quarters? Hogwarts students are to go to the Great Hall - Professor Snape would like a word with you," there was much more shuffling as people exited the stand above Harry. Harry waited silently, lying still until no more feet flashed past him. He rolled out onto the lawn and saw three faces staring down at him - Ron, Professor Emerindyl and Dumbledore. Dumbledore reached a hand down to Harry and helped him up. Harry stood and looked around, the last few stragglers of the Hogwarts students were filing into the castle. Harry looked out upon the castle grounds where many wizard- tents were set up - each with the coat of arms of its owner's school. "This way please," he looked very solemn. He started off towards the castle with Professor Emerindyl and Ron behind him - Dumbledore was leading the way. They walked up the stone steps into the castle; to the right of the marble staircase they could hear Professor Snape shouting at the Hogwarts students whom had gotten into the fight on the stands. But Dumbledore didn't take them into the great hall he was now heading up the marble staircase. Harry, Ron and Professor Emerindyl followed. They soon reached a statue Harry was very familiar with. It was the stone gargoyle that hid the secret entrance to Dumbledore's . er . the headmaster's office. "You wait in there for Professor Snape to return Mr Weasley," Dumbledore pointed into the doorway that had appeared after Dumbledore had said, "Pickled chicken brains," to the gargoyle Ron walked into the room repeating the same thing over and over in his head, "I'm going to be expelled - I'm definitely going to be expelled," "Come along," Dumbledore spoke to Harry as they continued up the corridor to a painting Harry knew only too well, but it didn't used to be here in this part of the castle when he was at Hogwarts. "Who goes there?" cracked Sir Codagon as Dumbledore rounded on the painting, "Fizzing Whizzbees," Dumbledore said to Sir Codagon "Got anyone who can back you up on that?" Sir Codagon spoke as Dumbledore opened him up and started down a very small corridor. The corridor led into a particularly large room with a fireplace in the centre of the western wall, which had two single and one double lounge chairs crowded around it. In the other corners were a desk and filing cabinet with a plant that must have been magicked to stay healthy, as there were no windows into this room, and in the other were a bed and a small wooden bedside table with a jug of water on it. Next to that was a perch that had an amazingly bright scarlet and gold phoenix perched upon it. Harry knew this phoenix to be Dumbledore's phoenix, Fawkes. "Take a seat Harry, Elwyn," Dumbledore gestured towards the lounge-chairs. Harry nervously edged towards the single lounge-chair closest the fire. Elwyn sat opposite him on the other single and Dumbledore sat on the double. "Harry I have not brought you here to discuss what just happened out by the lake, just now," Dumbledore smiled, and the twinkle in his eye, that Harry had grown so fond of, was back and twinkling as if it never stopped, "As your headmaster, Professor Emerindyl, here, will have to be the one to discuss it with you," Harry looked over at Professor Emerindyl, whom looked slightly concerned. "I have brought you here to discuss Voldemort," Harry found this to be of no shock to him. He was, in fact, confused as to the lack of security at the castle with Lord Voldemort loose and having twice as many children at Hogwarts then ever before. "Ah yes, Harry, but you see - Lord Voldemort has always kept his distance from Hogwarts," Professor Emerindyl spoke up, "We are all quite safe here," Dumbledore nodded, "But lets not let our guard down," Dumbledore looked stern, "What we wanted to make sure you knew, Harry, is that you are perfectly safe here at Hogwarts - even with the Voldemort ." he paused, "On the loose, so to speak," Harry nodded, "If you feel at all troubled or anything while you're here - or you have the strange feeling that something isn't quite right, then attach yourself to a teacher," Dumbledore was serious, "I know that doesn't sound appealing to you, but it's a precautionary act," Harry nodded, he didn't like the thought of having to run to teachers, but if Dumbledore and Professor Emerindyl said that's what he should do, then that's what he would do. "Now," Dumbledore and Professor Emerindyl stood, "I believe it is time for bed - tomorrow will be a long day - best get some sleep," "Best offer I have had all day," Professor Emerindyl said heartily, and started for the door, Harry spoke in a low voice to Dumbledore, "Sirius?" "Unfortunately he has had to attend to business elsewhere - but he assures me he will return before you leave," Dumbledore smiled weakly, "Thanks," Harry said dismally as he headed for the doorway and followed Professor Emerindyl Harry and Professor Emerindyl walked silently down the corridor, past Professor Snape's office, where they heard no screaming of Ron being tortured. Harry thought maybe Snape expelled him, and Ron just fainted. Harry and Professor Emerindyl reached the bottom of the marble staircase and Harry saw why Ron wasn't screaming in torture yet - Professor Snape was still shouting and waving his arms about at students in the Great Hall. They pressed on; through the oak doors and down the stone staircase at the front of the castle. When they reached the outer grounds of the castle, they walked by the empty stands and past many tents of other schools. The headmasters of many of these schools could be heard shouting at their students. Harry asked, "Are you . are you angry with me?" Elwyn replied, "Of course not," He laughed heartily, although Harry wished he wouldn't, "I never punish someone for sticking up for their friends - and no other student from Koalingo got involved in the fight - be proud of yourselves - the students from Astilon must be getting an earful from their headmistress right now - getting involved when they weren't even part of the .er.discussion," Harry went slightly red in embarrassment. "Here we are," Professor Emerindyl stopped by the lake, "Here we're . where?" Harry looked out, he hadn't noticed it before but Koalingo didn't have a school tent erected. Professor Emerindyl seemed to be fumbling around in his pockets for something. "Aha," he cried triumphantly. Harry tried not to laugh. Professor Emerindyl pulled a large crystal out of his pocket - it was the one they had used to get here from Australia. It was no longer on Melinda but it was definitely the same one. "And here is why we did not bring a tent with us," Professor Emerindyl held the gemstone up to the moon and watched it glow ever so brilliantly. Then, to Harry's complete and utter shock, he threw the stone into the lake. "What?" Harry looked at him. There was a very brief silence, in which Professor Emerindyl kept his eyes on the lake and then the earth started to rumble. The water in the lake started to thrash madly as if in a severe storm. The Durmstrang ship started to move madly in the shaking water, a couple of the students from Durmstrang and their teacher - came up from the lower decks to see what was going on. Many of the students and their headmasters had poked their heads out of their tents to see what was happening. Harry saw the water in the centre of the lake begin to rise in a bubbling mound, like boiling water that was left too long on the stove. Harry looked up at Professor Emerindyl and then to the people behind them, wondering whether he should yell 'RUN' and run off back to the castle. But Professor Emerindyl stood silently, so Harry stayed by his side. Some lights were beginning to appear in the windows of the castle. Harry looked up to see many of these lights were coming from Gryffindor tower. Professor Snape was standing in the doorway of the castle, among many of the students he was yelling at. The water started rising until it was reminiscent of a tsunami. But still Professor Emerindyl stood there by the lake. Harry was sure he even saw the giant squid and some merpeople raise their heads from the water, probably, to see what all the noise was about. And finally it appeared, the rooftop of what looked like a smaller version of Gryffindor tower had emerged from the piled up water, the water mound (now over one hundred feet high) began to subside. Many smaller towers with their balcony's began to appear, glowing brilliantly, Harry saw the palace, as it looked like, was made from diamond, although must have been insulated as you could see right through the palace to the other side, but you could not see if there was anything inside it. The water completely subsided and became calm once more. Harry's ears were ringing from the now, deafening silence. "Well then - good evening everyone," Professor Emerindyl spoke with a smile on his face as he started across the diamond drawbridge. Harry was very flighty on this bridge as the see through diamond, against the water, looked to be non-existent. But he too walked on in and through the front doors.
The next morning everyone woke early. The memorial ceremony would begin straight after breakfast and so they were told to wear their formal cloaks, which were their house coloured cloaks with the gold cuffs e.t.c Everyone looked especially dressed up for the proceedings today; it was only the Hogwarts students whom were wearing their usual black. Harry thought perhaps the Koalingo student had overdressed, as, compared to everyone else; they looked like royalty. But none of the other Koalingo students seemed to have thought this at all. Harry glanced Ron at the Gryffindor table, but before he had a chance to get close Professor Snape had intervened. "That student is under strict instructions to stay as far away from visitors as possible," Snape shot a nasty look at Harry, "Perhaps you'd like to take a seat at this table," Snape led them over to the Slytherin table where Draco Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle were snickering at Ron, whom was sitting alone. "This is one of our top students - Draco Malfoy," Snape introduced them. Malfoy stood and tilted his head to them, and grinned poisonously at Harry. "Pleased to meet you," Malfoy held out his hand to Mezentius. To Harry's pleasure, Mezentius did not take Malfoy's hand, only stared at him, Professor Snape said nothing but walked off to the Gryffindor table, where he spoke to Ron. Ron looked murderously into his plate while Snape was saying something Harry couldn't hear. Ron soon stood and exited the Great Hall. "Lets sit down shall we," Malvado and the other Ruberagon student sat down immediately. Harry, Mezentius and the others joined them. Harry didn't take his eyes off Malfoy, whom had just reached his hand across the table and shake Malvado's hand. "I told you not to waste your time with that Weasley, Potter" Malfoy sneered, "Best advice I ever gave you, you should have heeded my warning," "Oh, but Draco, I did heed your advice - you told me not to go mixing with the wrong sort," Harry grinned sneakily, "I haven't mixed with you since that day," Harry was pleased to see the other Koalingo students were smirking; even Malvado and the other Ruberagon student sniggered - although Malfoy didn't see this. "Can I have your attention please?" Dumbledore was standing at the teacher's desk. Everyone went silent and looked over at him. "Thankyou," he smiled and then resumed his solemn look, "In a moment a number representative students of Hogwarts will take one student from a visiting school down to show them where the ceremony will be taking place this morning by the Hogwarts School Quidditch pitch. As I understand it - one representative from each visiting school has been asked to speak on behalf of their school," "Oh no!" Terry said shockingly as he turned to look at Harry and Mezentius in horror, "I left my speech in the palace," Harry and Mezentius sniggered, "You better go and get it," Mezentius whispered to him. Terry jumped up and scooted from the room silently. Mezentius covered his mouth to stifle his laughter. "I would like those representatives to exit from the great hall now and do this, please," Harry looked around to see whom would be taking a representative from Koalingo down. Cho Chang was looking towards the Slytherin table. She stood in a single movement and walked towards them. Harry for a fleeting moment thought she was about to ask him to follow her until she stopped beside him and looked at Malfoy. "Professor Snape wants you to take the Koalingo Academy rep down," she smiled at Harry and turned back to the boy whom Ron had hit last night, he was from an American school. "Right," Malfoy stood, "Which one of you, do I have to escort around?" Harry looked at Mezentius but Malvado stood up, "I'll do it," "Great," Malfoy sneered, "Follow me," Malvado walked out of the hall along side Malfoy. Harry knew this had to be a bad combination. The end of breakfast came very quickly. And Harry, whom hadn't seen Hermione enter the Great Hall yet, was beginning to feel anxious. "She's probably with Ron in the common room - if she's the kind of person you say she is, then she's probably just being a good friend," Mezentius suggested "Your most likely right," Harry smiled weakly. He looked over towards the other tables. Parvati Patil was fluttering her eyebrows as she spoke to a boy from Beauxbatons, Harry figured this must be the boy she met at the Yule Ball last year as she seemed to be inching closer and closer to him every minute. Neville was seated, Harry was surprised to see, in the midst of half a dozen girls from other schools whom looked to be flashing pieces of paper at him, which he signed and returned to them. One of them even gave him a peck on the cheek - Neville went very red - Ginny was looking murderous. But still no Hermione, "I'm going to go for a walk," Harry said as he stalked off out of the Great Hall, Mezentius looked up, after him, but stayed in his seat and turned back towards the other Koalingo students. Harry walked towards the marble staircase and remembered the many times he would carelessly climb them on his way to class or to his dormitory. He inched slowly up past all the old paintings hanging on the walls. The slight smell of old about the castle, but the noticeable feeling that told him he was at Hogwarts. He snuck up past a group of Hufflepuffs, which eyed him suspiciously, until he realised one of them was Justin Finch- Fletchy, so Harry smiled and waved, and Justin replied in the same way. He walked on until he found a Gryffindor student, a first year, whom he had never met. "What's the password to the Gryffindor common room?" Harry asked the boy, whom was now staring at Harry as if Harry had just told him to perform the Imperious curse on someone. "Only Gryffindors are supposed to know our password, and your not even a Hogwarts student," the boy scooted off down the stairs looking slightly afraid of Harry. Harry grunted exasperatedly. He set off again until he reached the portrait of the fat lady in the pink dress. "Oh young Potter - what a surprise to see you again," she smiled "Hello," Harry smiled, thinking that maybe she would let him enter anyway, "Could you just . let me in . maybe?" Harry stammered "I'm sorry, Harry, no can do I'm afraid - I am under strict instructions not to let anyone in without the correct password," "But you know me," Harry spoke urgently, "I'm sorry, Harry, how do I know you aren't an impostor using polyjuice potion?" she said to him, "Er . because . I . can prove it," he smiled and showed her his scar, "Polyjuice potion can do that," she smiled "What about ." Harry looked around, "Colin!" he shouted triumphantly, "Colin?" the fat lady spoke curiously as Colin Creevey appeared in the doorway behind her, "Harry," Colin's smile reached his ears, "What are you doing up here? Visitors aren't supposed to wander around the castle," "Colin, I have to see Ron and Hermione," Harry looked pleadingly at Colin, "Please can you let me in," "I will if you let me take a picture of you?" Colin smiled, "And sign it," "Oh come off it," Harry was slightly annoyed, "Yes, that's Harry Potter," Colin laughed, " 'Course you can," He moved aside and Harry entered. The fresh smell of the Gryffindor common room filled his nostrils. The fire was crackling in front of which, were the big comfy lounge chairs and the windows were slightly misted with the coolness of autumn. He started heading up the staircase towards the common room when a student appeared on the steps, "Who are you?" "Er . I'm Harry Potter," Harry said, hoping his name was enough to distract the student from starting up about Harry not being allowed in the Gryffindor common room - after all this student didn't know him, this was another first year. "Oh," The student looked slightly taken aback, Harry was incredibly shocked by this. "Oh well, bye," the student scooted off down stairs. Harry, not believing his luck, started again up the stairs until he reached the door to his old dormitory. When he entered, the curtains were drawn around Ron's bed, Harry crossed to his old bed and sat on the side of it, looking over into Ron's. "Ron?" he called As soon as Harry had spoken, a head popped through the curtains looking out at him, it was Ron, "Harry," Ron sounded startled, "What are you doing up here?" Harry could see that Ron's eyes were red; he knew Ron had been crying. Ron pulled his curtains opened and got off his bed and walked over to wash his face in the drinking fountain. "Well no need to thank me for coming to see you," Harry said sarcastically with a smile, Ron finished washing his face and he turned back to Harry, "You have to leave - If the headmaster sees you up here - I'm done for," "Since when have you called Snape - Headmaster?" Harry looked befuddled. Ron shuddered, "Quiet!" Ron held his finger to his lips, "He might here you," Harry stared at Ron curiously, "Who? Snape?" Ron shuddered again, "Ron, what's going on here?" "You'll have to excuse Mr Weasley's reaction," Snape appeared to have walked out of the wall, Ron leant back on his bed and almost fell over - Harry stood his ground, "You see, Mr Potter, many things have changed since you were last at Hogwarts," Snape spoke, his eyes were alight with fire, but it was the smile he wore that seemed to be burning. "What are you doing in the Gryffindor common room? Your not aloud in here - when Dumbledore finds out." Harry stopped mid-sentence realising why Snape was smiling. First of all, he, himself, is not supposed to be in the Gryffindor common room, he isn't aloud. And secondly, Dumbledore is no longer in charge. "I'll escort you back to your headmaster," Snape spoke malevolently, "As for you, Weasley, twenty-five points from Gryffindor for sneaking a student, from another school, into your dormitory - you know it isn't aloud," Ron sat silently; Harry couldn't believe he wasn't protesting, "But that's not fair!" Harry couldn't hold himself back, "I snuck up here myself, Ron didn't know until just now," "But of course it isn't fair," Harry could tell Snape was toying with him, "I'd take more then twenty-five points, but Gryffindor doesn't have anymore points to take," Harry glanced back at Ron as Snape started out the room. Harry had no choice but to follow - he had already gotten Ron into too much trouble. As they walked out of the common room and down towards the entrance hall they saw Professor ConDoin standing via the entrance to the Great Hall. "Professor ConDoin," Snape spoke cheerfully as if he were meeting an old friend, Harry knew this was only because Snape was about to get him in trouble. "Snape," Professor ConDoin inched from his leaning post and started towards the marble staircase, "I found one of your students skulking around in an out of bounds area," Snape sneered, "I wasn't skulking," Harry protested angrily, and then looked up at Professor ConDoin, "Five points from Emerindyl, Harry, you know you should have first asked permission before leaving the hall," Professor ConDoin spoke almost as if he didn't like punishing Harry. Harry was slightly confused by this, but nodded all the same, "Please go into the hall and wait with the rest of the Koalingo students - Professor Snape and I need to take a walk," Professor ConDoin looked over at Snape, whom looked slightly surprised, himself, Harry, not wishing to push his luck, walked off into the hall without hesitation. As he walked on, he glanced back through to the entrance hall, to see Snape and Professor ConDoin exit through the oak doors. "Where have you been?" Mezentius asked him, Brydies seemed to want to know as well. Harry explained all about how he had gone up to the Gryffindor common room to see Ron, and how Ron had reacted to saying Snape's name aloud. And how Snape had access to the Gryffindor common room when McGonnagall used to be the only teacher aloud to do that, "And Gryffindor have no house points - he's running a dictatorship here," Harry looked infuriated (Brydie did too), "Gryffindor will not be winning the house cup this year," "As .er. important as that seems to you, Harry, I think what is more disturbing is the way your friend, Ron, reacted to you saying the headmasters name aloud," Mezentius was stirring a plate of mashed potato in a bowl in front of him. "Are you going to eat that, or just stir it?" Crabbe spoke across the table to him. Mezentius pushed the plate forward but Brydie seized it at once and started eating it slowly - often flashing her potato filled spoon at them, as if teasing. "It is kind of . well - I know most Europeans are worried about saying 'Voldemort'" (Crabbe and Goyle looked over at Mezentius - looking away from Brydie, whom was now poking her tongue out at them, covered in mashed potato) "So it kind of sounds like ." he didn't need to finish- Harry fully understood. "Snape was a . death eater," Harry spoke in an undertone so that only Mezentius and Brydie heard. "What's a death eater?" Brydie looked confused "Someone who follows their evil wizard, Voldemort," a couple of the Slytherin's shuddered and starred at them, Crabbe and Goyle did not. "What's a Voldemort?" Brydie asked. (This time students from the Ravenclaw table, next to them, also shuddered and stared) "He's like Lord Ruberagon," Mezentius lowered his voice as some of the other Ameraid's shuddered. "We don't have the same security here as in Koalingo manor, they are a little jumpy," Mezentius explained to Harry "So . why would they make a dark wizard the headmaster of this school?" Brydie whispered so low that Crabbe and Goyle inched closer to hear them, and Crabbed actually put his hand in a bowl of mushroom sauce. "Because Dumbledore trusts him," Harry sat back Silence spread across the four tables as Dumbledore stood at the teacher's table. "The time has come," he announced, Harry saw all of the school representatives return through the entrance doors into the great hall. Malvado and Malfoy were last through, after everyone was seated, Dumbledore continued. "If each school representative would like to show their school fellows the way down to the where we shall be holding the memorial service,"
CHAPTER THIRTEEN NEW CHOICES, NEW THREATS, NEWLY UNTITED
Malvado stood smugly, "Come on everyone," Harry and the others stood, Malvado led the way as they reached the door and exited first, followed by Astilon. "Do you think we can trust him?" Mezentius whispered to Harry - continuing their conversation from inside, "Snape, I mean," "Dumbledore does," Harry told him, "But . well Dumbledore hasn't always had the greatest judge of character," Harry was remembering Lockhart, Quirrell, and the Moody impostor. "But I always suspect Snape of something when really all he is, is a ." Harry broke off as they walked up to Professor ConDoin and Snape whom were standing speaking to each other in front of a large tent. When they arrived Professor ConDoin winked at Malvado, "Mr Potter," Snape sneered, "Good to see you with the students of your school," Harry felt a tingle in his scar - he dismissed it as anger towards Snape. He didn't reply to Snape, merely stared at him poisonously. But soon his attention left Snape and was focused on his scar, which was beginning to burn even more. He could no longer dismiss the pain as his scar began to hurt more and more as he reached the door of the tent; he lifted his hand and cupped it over his scar. "What's wrong?" Mezentius was looking at Harry, "Nothing," Harry tried to shake off the attention, "Harry?" Professor Emerindyl was now by his side "There's something wrong with his forehead, sir" Mezentius said to Professor Emerindyl, "Are you alright Harry," Professor Emerindyl looked at Harry imploringly. Harry felt the pain disappear immediately so he moved his hand. "Yes," Harry smiled, but Professor Emerindyl stopped and looked over at the tent, "Well let's carry on shall we," Professor Emerindyl said to them as they started off towards the tent slowly, "Is there something wrong professor?" Professor ConDoin moved towards Professor Emerindyl, "Not at all," Professor Emerindyl disappeared into the tent, Harry and the rest of the Koalingo students continued walking on towards the tent - the people behind them wondering why they had stopped, "What was wrong with your forehead?" Mezentius asked him "Nothing," Harry insisted as they reached the tent door, "Where seated on the front row," Malvado told them. "Malvado," Professor ConDoin called him, "I'd like to speak to you briefly," Malvado stalked off, looking slightly abashed at no longer being at the front of the line, Harry and Mezentius were now at the front - they started towards the entrance and slung the door aside, "Oh my ." is all that Harry heard before a searing pain brought him to the ground with a thud, down on the stage was a body, and floating in the air above it, were two objects - one of which Harry new to be Lord Voldemort's, Dark Mark. "What's going on?" Snape marched into the tent to Harry's screams of pain, Mezentius was not moving at all as Professor Emerindyl entered after Snape. Mezentius was standing looking mortified, Harry's vision was going blurry, he could no longer see the body on the stage, but the dark mark was burning the very retina of his eyes, "Get him out of here!" Professor Emerindyl shouted, "Now!" Harry felt himself being lifted up by someone, but as soon as he left the tent his vision came back. "Stop!" he shouted, "Put me down," He looked up to see it was Professor ConDoin, whom was carrying him, "Put me down," Harry started kicking, Professor ConDoin settled Harry down on the grass and pulled a sword from his belt - for a moment Harry thought Professor ConDoin was going to stab him, but no, it was something else, "Stupefy" * "Hurry now children!" Harry could hear these endless yells of these three words from all the visiting headmasters and headmistresses, Harry sat up; he was lying in one of the beds in the Hogwarts hospital wing, "Be serious - your children are in no real danger," Snape's voice floated into the room from the corridor outside the hospital wing, "Yeah, like that kid from Australia - I don't think so Professor Snape," he heard shouted back at him many times, "Severus," Dumbledore was standing watching this, "Severus be calm - if they believe they should leave then let them," Harry looked around the room and saw the curtains drawn around the bed opposite him, "Will you people be quiet?" Harry heard Madame Pomfrey snapping at them, "There are students in there who need rest - take your argument elsewhere!" "Sorry Poppy," Harry heard Dumbledore exclaim before he suggested they move to another location, "It was the skull of Avada, Harry," Harry almost jumped out of his skin as he looked to the bed beside his, Mezentius was sitting up in it, "They killed Terry," "What?" Harry stared at Mezentius, then he looked over to the bed with the curtains drawn around it, "Terry?" Mezentius nodded, Harry stepped carefully out of his bed; he seemed strangely well balanced for someone whom was just stunned by the stupefying charm. He walked very slowly towards the bed; the cold hospital floor was prickling his feet. He drew the curtains open carefully and saw that the bedcovers were right over Terry's face. He inched closer to the bed, feeling his eyelids grow heavy with tears they weren't releasing. "Terry," Harry spoke under his breath, He laid his hand on the bedside and lowered his head to rest his forehead on his hand, There was a moment of silence until Harry heard something move, he lifted his head and saw the blankets were moving up and down where Terry's head was, "He's breathing?" Harry stood, "Oh my god, he's breathing," Harry placed his hand to the blankets and moved them quickly, "HI HARRY!" The blood stained face with its green snake tongue shouted as it rose off the bed immediately, "Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrggggggggggggghhhhhhhhhhhhhh!! !!!!" Harry screamed as the face smiled at him.
"Harry?" another voice sounded and Harry's body jolted as he sat up in his hospital; bed, he looked around. Hermione, Ron, and Mezentius were standing over him. "Terry!" Harry gasped, "I had the worse nightmare," he glanced across the room, there were no beds with curtains draped around them, "I'm afraid it wasn't a nightmare, Harry" Mezentius looked at Harry with the same expression he bore when Professor Emerindyl had announced Jennifer's death, "It was the Dark Mark, Harry" Ron told him, "And the skull of Avada," Mezentius announced, "Professor Emerindyl told us we're leaving as soon as you've woken up," "He's not scared of Voldemort?" Harry asked, "No," Mezentius spoke, "Not at all . its just ." Hermione butted in, "They believe that Voldemort has united himself with ." "The Guild of Avada" Mezentius finished the sentence, "So Harry's not safe either at Hogwarts or that school in Australia?" Ron looked utterly perplexed, Hermione was shaking her head but Mezentius spoke up, "Yes he is - Harry - Koalingo, you'll be safe there - Professor Emerindyl would never let you be harmed," "You can't be sure of that!" Hermione snapped, "Dumbledore was supposed to be keeping Harry safe but he's always been in danger in the last four years at Hogwarts," Ron put in, "Your not helping Ron," Hermione spat, "What does it matter anyway? Professor Snape has suspended me until further notice," Harry told them, "There's no use arguing where I should be!" Hermione, Ron and Mezentius looked as if they were keeping something from him, "Harry, we have something to tell you," Hermione started "Harry, Dumbledore has been reinstated as Headmaster - you're aloud to return to Hogwarts," Mezentius told him, "I'll leave you, let you think about it," "Think about what?" Ron looked around as Mezentius slipped out of the hospital wing, "There's nothing to think about - you'll be coming back to Hogwarts," "Its going to be great Harry," Hermione smiled, "Defence Against Dark Arts is excellent with Professor Delacour," Harry was looking straight at them but for some reason he wasn't taking in a single word they were saying. He didn't understand it, he was so angry when he had to leave Hogwarts, and now he could stay, so why wouldn't he? Why didn't he want to? Hermione seemed to understand this, as she was looking down at him. Ron had started up about Quidditch and what a good captain Fred is, but Hermione and him connected for a moment, and Hermione nodded, although Harry could see a tear n her eyes. "Come on Ron," she said to him, "We had better go down to dinner - we'll bring you up something good," she said to Harry before she shot out the door, Ron shrugged, "See ya," and he followed after her,
Ron was looking like Hagrid had slapped him in the face as Harry placed his hand on the diamond on Professor Emerindyl's dragon hours later ready to go back to Koalingo. Professor Dumbledore winked at Harry as Harry disappeared into the diamond. "You sure this is what you want to do?" Mezentius asked Harry as he heaved his trunk up to the end of his bed, Harry shook his head, "But I know it's the safest thing - the best thing for everyone - there was nothing horrible happening at Hogwarts until I returned, and I think Professor Emerindyl will keep you all safe from the curse of Harry Potter," "Your not cursed," Brydie poked her tongue out, "Terry . was . weird," she screwed her face up, "That's a horrible thing to say," Mezentius looked at her devastatingly, "Well he was, the stupid fool went to look for his speech for the memorial, but the moron had given it to me just before breakfast, he didn't want to lose it," she laughed and walked out saying, "He would still be . if he hadn't forgotten,"
The trip back to Koalingo seemed a lot faster then the trip to Hogwarts. Before anyone actually realised, they were arriving in the front courtyard to the school, just as the other students were returning from their holidays.
No one asked any questions about what had happened at Hogwarts - there seemed to be an unspoken agreement that they would not speak of it. Terry's parents were seen three weeks into term coming into the school with a tall stocky man in jet-black robes. "Fumbleknot!" Professor ConDoin called him to follow as Professor ConDoin started towards them. Mezentius whom was sitting, with Brydie and Harry, helping them do their History of Magic homework, jumped up immediately and followed. "I wonder what they are here for?" Brydie looked over to them, Harry was wondering the same thing. It had been three and a half weeks since Terry's death, why would they, now, come to Koalingo? They watched as Terry's mother glanced Harry just before Professor ConDoin whisked her off into the castle. Mezentius walked back over to them, "I've been asked to gather all of his things for his parents," Mezentius told them
Harry ducked as a book narrowly missed his head. Brydies had thrown it, "Terry's taste in reading is gross," Brydie, shouted as she banished another book across the room, it flew neatly into Terry's school trunk, "Have you no respect for the dead?" Mezentius snapped at her as he carried a pile of Terry's clothing over to the school trunk, "He was a big fan of yours it looks like," Brydie was brandishing her wand at a pile of books that all floated into the air, "There mine!" Harry snapped and knocked them all out of the air with a well- positioned Flipendo knock back jinx. Mezentius summoned one of the books to him and opened the cover, after which he turned and looked at Harry, "This book is a library book - but its supposed to be locked away," Mezentius threw the book back to Harry, "Oh well," Harry stood shocked and confused; his initial thought was that Mezentius wouldn't like him at all if he discovered Harry to be reading books about him. He and Terry had sneaked these books from the library and Harry hadn't a chance to read them before they left for Hogwarts. "I'm really sorry Mezentius, I didn't mean to . well I did, but it was just out of curiosity," Harry blundered, Mezentius laughed, "Its quite fine, Harry, I know quite a lot about you, I read all about you the moment I heard Professor Emerindyl had gone to collect you from Hogwarts last winter" Harry stuffed the books into his backpack, and continued with the packing.
After they had finished all of the packing and taken the dragged the chest out to the entrance courtyard, Mezentius, Brydie, and Harry waited for Terry's parents. She showed up shortly after, Terry's mother looked slightly flustered, as if she had just been arguing, although a huge smile crossed her face when she reached Mezentius, Brydie, and himself. "Thank you for this kids," she smiled as the tall stocky man in the jet- black cloak lifted the chest over his back. Harry was amazed at the strength of the man. "I'm really sorry about Terry," Harry, Brydie and Mezentius blurted out at the same time, Terry's mother turned to them, the slight noticeable tear in her eye; she smiled and hugged them all at once. "Never fear children - this shan't happen again, I have seen to it personally," at this she turned and the three adults walked across the entrance courtyard, got into a dragon drawn carriage and off they went, "What does she mean by that?" Mezentius looked at them strangely,
The final class of the day for Harry was Defence Against Dark Arts. Again, to their pleasure, they had Professor Cannon, "Professor ConDoin was here at lunch," Mezentius whispered to them, "He met with Terry's parents when they arrived," Harry and Brydie nodded, Harry remembered this happen, and he thought it did seem quite weird that Professor ConDoin wasn't here now, "Now, class," Professor Cannon was standing at the head of the class, looking as if she had no intention on taking her seat anytime soon, "I would like you all to put your books away and stand," The class did so, and once everyone was standing, Professor Cannon clapped her hands and the class seemed to apparate from the classroom to a huge round room with stone floor wall and ceiling. The room was circular and there appeared to be no doors and no windows, but the air was very fresh, and there was a breeze, possibly magicked there for comfort. "Professor Emerindyl has informed the Defence staff that we shall be beginning the ultimate defence, not against creatures of magical danger, we do not usually teach this until the seventh year, and in some countries the stupid Ministries of Magic won't allow schools to teach it at all" She glanced at Harry, "Of course this is only my speculation and I am not allowed to pass my bias onto you," Everyone stood silent - the Ruberagons were smiling, "The defence I am speaking of is defence against the ultimate danger," she paused, looking directly at Harry, "Defence against another human," Harry felt a shiver down his spine, "A wand can perform many fantastic things, but also many horrible things - and those whom choose to use their wands for the dark arts can be very dangerous indeed," Harry knew this only too well; he had only narrowly escaped an attack from Dark wizards last June. He had never spoken about this though, "Now, a few spells that come in very handy when facing a Dark opponent, one of which I shall be leaving for Professor ConDoin to teach you, you will learn this period and will practice only here in your Defence Class," she looked around severely at them, "Any student found preforming these spells around the school will be expelled faster then they can lower their wand from their target," she was now staring at Malvado and the group of Ruberagons, "Do I make myself clear?" Everyone nodded and a few answered 'Yes' "Good" she smiled, "Let us begin then," "The first spell I would like to teach you is not a Defence spell but one to attack your attacker - there is no doubt that the evil opponent will try dirty tricks to get at you - so we will be learning some dirty tricks to use back against them," she smiled and then asked, "Anyone want to be my opponent?" Everyone backed off - they knew how powerful Professor Canon was, they were not about to let her put them in the Hospital wing, "I'll do it," Mezentius stepped forward, "Are you mad?" Brydie spoke after him, as Mezentius crossed the cobblestone floor and stood in front of her, "Good show - ten points to Ameraid for bravery," Professor Cannon smiled, "Ok, when I say the word, you recite the spell Ráfaga," The whole class moved back uneasily about five paces, "Ok Fumbleknot - imagine I'm an evil wizard - I've come to beat you up just because I am bored and need some excitement in my life," she smiled, "I'm going to attack you - I'm sure your quick enough to get out of my way - once you have a clear shot, use the Ráfaga curse and we shall see if it works, but beware - I too shall be using the Ráfaga curse - lets see who's faster," The class moved further back, "Lets begin," Professor Canon smiled, Mezentius raised his wand first but Professor Canon was just too fast, "Ráfaga!!!" a thin blue beam shot out of the end of her wand and hit Mezentius in the chest. There was a blinding flash of light and then Mezentius' body exploded into blue glowing dust, which spread like pixie dust in every direction, Everyone in the room stood, staring at her, mortified. Professor Canon straightened up smiling, "Now," she continued, "If you are facing a dark wizard this is either the perfect time to position yourself ready for a stronger attack, otherwise its your best chance to escape," Everyone was still staring at her mortified, "Just don't spend too much time deciding which of these you will be doing - as the spell fast wears off," The class stood still the same looks on their faces, while the blue glowing dust in the room gathered together again and Mezentius reappeared looking confused and weak, "Now this spell will leave its victim slightly disorientated, but this varies from person to person - it depends whom you attack - thank you Fumbleknot please join your friends again," Brydie poked Mezentius in the stomach with her wand a couple times, "Its ok, he's alive!" she spoke shortly and everyone then turned and stared at Professor Canon, "Well of course he's alive," she said to them, looking slightly confused, "You didn't think I would be aloud to teach you a spell to kill, did you?" "Now, pair off and practice that spell - Mr Nino you are not to use any other spells," Professor Canon looked at Malvado seriously, Practicing this spell was a lot more fun the Harry had first thought - he got to make Brydie and Mezentius explode several times, as well as Hyperion, when he wasn't looking. Before long the entire class had mastered the spell and was waiting ready for the next. "Ok," Professor Canon whom was very pleased with the class' progress had whispered to a couple students that the next spell would be a very good one. "Many people have heard of the disarming spell 'Expelliarmus'?" Professor Canon looked around, there were a few mumbles and Harry heard one student say 'My parents taught me that even before I started school' "Well the next curse is taking that spell a step further, taking disarming to a dangerous level - there was much arguments over whether you should be taught this one," she spoke, the class was smiling with anticipation, "Another volunteer I think?" Everyone raised their hands, "This one is very painful," she added and every hand dropped immediately, "Hmmmmmm." "I'll do it," Mezentius walked forward again, "Thank you - 20 points to Ameraid," Professor Canon spoke, "This curse is pronounced Tajada - and was actually first used by wizard butchers for cutting up meat without muggle knives, until of course, like all good spells, dark wizards thought they could use it to remove another wizards limbs, thus having the spell outlawed," A couple of students screwed their faces up; most Ruberagons were smiling maliciously, "Now - so you don't think this spell kills, it actually doesn't at first - there is a certain time limit before the body part has to be taken to a hospital to rejoin - or if it s the persons head . then yes the victim will die," she looked fleetingly solemn, "To rejoin the body part you merely have to tap it twice with a wand - just so you know in case you are faster then me this time Fumbleknot," Mezentius and Professor Canon took duelling stance immediately. They circled for a moment and this time it was Professor Canon, whom raised her wand first, "Tajada!!" she cried, Mezentius tried to roll out of the way but the spell connected with his ear and scraped the top of it off, Mezentius fell to the ground in pain. Professor Canon acted immediately and rejoined the ear. Mezentius stood up and shook his head and rubbed his ear, "Now, you may only remember this spell - the ministry allowed us teaching it, as long as you were not able to perform it on other students - the spell is illegal except when used only in defence, and this you have to prove," she glared around at all of them, "Anyone reported using this spell will be expelled and will have to serve a period in juvenile detention centre," Every student shuffled worryingly, "Come now professor, that seems a little harsh?" Malvado spoke up, "No Mr Nino," Professor Canon looks very serious, "I don't think it is harsh at all - that's the law, and we should all abide by it - do I make myself clear?" This time everyone answered, "Yes miss,"
"She was pretty harsh," Brydie, told them over dinner that although she didn't like to admit it, she agreed with Malvado, "No she wasn't," Mezentius disagreed, "She was quite within her right - very smart, if you ask me," "Of course," a drawling mocking voice sounded behind them as Hyperion and a couple of Ruberagons showed up behind Mezentius, "Mr Fumbleknot would agree with any teacher," Hyperion started mocking a teacher, "Today class we will be learning how to jump into piranha infested water holes, would you care to demonstrate Fumbleknot?" then he mocked Mezentius, "Of course Professor!" he then started making choking sounds and fell to the ground dramatically before standing up laughing and walking off with the Ruberagon's, "I'm really beginning to dislike him," Brydie spoke up, Harry silently agreed, "I don't like him hanging around with those Ruberagons" Mezentius looked concerned, Brydie looked flabbergasted, "How can you say that?" she spat out her apple juice, "After all he's done to you and Harry since Harry got here - and he hasn't even been here for a full half year yet!" "But you don't understand Hyperion, we've known each other for ages, I know why he acts like he does," Mezentius was still looking concerned, "Well all I know is that he is a jerk," Brydie continued with her apple juice, "Ladies and gentlemen," Professor Emerindyl stood at the teachers table and all went silent, Harry noticed a few kids had actually stopped moving completely, with food still in their mouths, it fascinated him how someone could command such attention. "If I am right - and Professor ConDoin and Professor Canon inform me that I am, then I must believe that you have all experienced a change in what you have been learning during your Defence Against Dark Arts lessons?" everyone seemed to nod in unison and then Professor Emerindyl went on, "Now it was first the staffs decision that you would have the opportunity to take part in a duelling club three evenings a week for two hours a session - but it was decided that this would interrupt too much with your study schedules that it was changed that you will have this as a separate and new subject," people started stirring in alarm, "Another subject?" Mezentius gasped, "But we'll be having our half yearly's in six weeks!" "Not us," a seventh year student was looking horrified, "We have our finals, how do you think we feel?" "Now before anybody gets too worried, you will not be graded on this subject" Professor Emerindyl told them, "Professor ConDoin will be taking these classes so I'll let him tell you about it," Professor Emerindyl sat down while Professor ConDoin arose from his seat. Harry thought he looked very pale and run-down, Harry could tell that Professor ConDoin hadn't slept for a long time, as the bags underneath his eyes were larger then ever. His hands trembled slightly as he used them to support him as he stood as best he could. "Your new subject will be called Defence and Duelling - you will learn everything an Auror is taught by the ministry of magic as well as a couple of extra . hints of experience," he told them, "This class will not be easy but I promise you that you will be forever grateful for what you learn," Professor Condoin clapped his hands and an envelope that glowed scarlet with gold writing appeared, floating in mid air in front of every student. "These are your new timetables - see you in class," he sat once more looking as if he could stand no more,
CHAPTER FOURTEEN NO MORE PRETEND
"Is he alright?" Brydie spoke at once, after examining her new timetable, "six extra periods a fortnight," she sounded scandalized "You noticed it too?" Harry looked at her, "I was thinking he looked ill," "He does," Brydie was the one sounding concerned this time, "Oh look, they took a period off our other subjects," she smiled "Well I'm not surprised," Mezentius spoke as if this were common knowledge, "He's been busy the last few nights - plus he's been teaching here," "Busy?" Harry didn't understand, and the look Brydie now had on her face proved that he wasn't the only one confused, "Honestly you two," Mezentius pulled a rolled up newspaper out of his bag, "See for yourself - this is this mornings Cauldron. The Cauldron, Harry had come to learn, was the Australian wizardry newspaper, much like the Daily Prophet. Brydie unfolded the front page and read the cover article;
ALWAYS AVADA
Yet again the Guild of Avada has managed to escape being discovered by the AWDF's (Australian Wizardry Defence Forces) finest, writes Rita Skeeter special correspondence. Furst Arutha Condoin, Heir to the Muggle throne of Germany, General of the AWDF, Order of Merlin, 2nd class, and Professor of Defence Against Dark Arts at Koalingo Academy of Australia has yet again succeeded and failing to apprehend the dark wizards of the Guild of Avada. Although General ConDoin refuses to report on the subject The Cauldron can exclusively reveal that these mysterious attacks on Muggles and Wizarding families over the last week have been attacks from the Guild of Avada itself. The fifth of five attacks in the last five days, this time it was a ministry official attacked by the Guild - this no doubt will cause much upset as never before has the Guild been daring enough to attack ministry officials - I know this Cauldron reporter will be sleeping with an Auror at my bedroom door this evening.
"Rita Skeeter?" Harry smiled, "How much do you think she knows about all of this?" "Enough - by the looks of it," Mezentius told them, "Probably as much as Professor ConDoin," "That would be valuable information?" Harry smiled more mischievously, "Well if we're ever going to solve this it would be priceless information," Mezentius said while staring at Harry, as if he were searching for something.
That evening after leaving Mezentius at the fountain in the front corridor and Brydie at the entrance to the central tower, Harry headed back to the secret entrance to Emerindyl lake with his mind on sending a letter to Rita Skeeter suggesting that his tongue might slip a few words of her illegally being an animagi if she didn't give him some information. But as fate would have it something stalled him from reaching the suit of armour in front of the secret passage. "How did she find out?" Professor ConDoin was raging as he was standing guard at the secret entrance - he was talking to Headmaster Emerindyl, "That family has no relations not working for the ministry, and they were all sworn to secrecy," he was pacing madly, "Arutha she is a reporter - trained in ways of spying that the Defence Force can't even imagine," Professor Emerindyl looked to be attempting to calm him down, "You should be getting as much sleep as you can - you don't know whether or when you'll be called out again," "No, the minister for magic of Britain told me I had to keep a constant guard on Harry," Professor ConDoin yawned, "I have gone for weeks on end without sleep before - I can do it again," "Arutha you are running yourself into the ground - go to bed and I'll stand guard," Professor Emerindyl made this sound almost final, "General!" Harry watched a third wizard run up towards them, he ran straight past Harry, as if he couldn't see him. The wizard was wearing the strangest cloak Harry had ever seen, navy blue in colour with a very stiff high collar the young wizard would have looked like a vicar had it not been for the golden bat wings on his shoulders and the shining silver name tag pinned on his chest. "General - there's been another attack - the department of training for the royal guard has been destroyed," the young man told him Professor ConDoin let out a sigh that sounded almost painful as he and the young man disapperated, Harry stood momentarily, wondering how long he should stall before he walked forwards so that Professor Emerindyl would not know he had overheard their conversation, however he needn't have waited. "Yes, Harry - believe it or not Cornelius Fudge is concerned about your well-being," Professor Emerindyl was not looking at Harry, but he turned on the heels of his boots and looked directly at Harry. Harry didn't know how to react, so he walked forward slowly, "Is it really the Guild of Avada?" Harry asked out of impulse "Its possible," Professor Emerindyl answered slowly, "Your not worried about being attacked by the Guild are you, Harry?" "No," Harry answered a little too quicker then he had wanted to, "Good, you're feeling confident," Professor Emerindyl scanned Harry, "Why do they want to attack us?" Harry blurted out, Professor Emerindyl looked to be considering Harry momentarily before he went on, "It is often unclear as to why evil does what it does, but Harry, the Guild of Avada have a simple reason for committing the evil crimes they do," he hesitated, "They like to cause anarchy - if there is something they can do to make people miserable then they'll do it - they need no reason, they think it is fun - of course their ultimate plan is to take Koalingo - but believe me many of the things they do haven't got anything to do with their ultimate plan - they do it all for fun," "Good heavens child what are you doing out of bed?" Professor McGonagall was pacing up the corridor behind Harry, she stopped when she saw Professor Emerindyl, "All is well, Professor, Harry and I were just having a little chat," Professor Emerindyl winked at Harry, "You must be excited about tomorrow, Harry?" Professor McGonagall smiled, "Ameraid verse Emerindyl - water Quidditch, such a finer sport I have never seen," "Water Quidditch?" Harry stopped amazed, nothing had been said about the game to him at all, perhaps because he wasn't on the house Quidditch team - but no one had even mentioned it to him, not even Mezentius, "Yes, tomorrow - it took all year for us to finally get to see Ameraid verse Emerindyl but I think I can say we are certainly in for a treat," Professor Emerindyl smiled, "Well I guess you best be off to bed Harry - I daresay everyone will be up bright and early tomorrow for the match," Harry shook the suit or armours hand and whispered the password before he slipped into the secret passage and the Suit of armour hid the way once more. Harry strode across towards his hut - he had grown quite fond of having his own little home, and was pleased to be back from the Ameraid fountain palace. He saw, as he passed, the Emerindyl Quidditch team were laughing and joking in a meeting in Hyperion's cabin. But Harry's attention was quickly taken from him by the most amazing bright glow circling the sky. Hedwig was gliding through the sky in circles and with her came a flock of other owls. And the most amazing thing he had ever seen. A huge Norwegian Ridgeback. It was flying through the air, glowing by the light of the many owls, which seemed to have lamps attached to them. "Oh my god," Harry stumbled back as he saw two very large figures clutching onto the dragons back, " 'Allo Harry," a giant hairy figure shouted as the dragon shot past Harry,
"Hagrid?" Harry spun around as the dragon came into land, but must have miscalculated as it crashed, with a loud bang, into Harry's hut. Students rushed out of their huts to see what had happened, Harry didn't see it but Professor Emerindyl and Professor McGonagall were now standing in the entrance doorway, Professor McGonagall was standing behind Professor Emerindyl. Harry's attention was still on the dragon, which was not moving in the massive wreck of Harry's cabin. The silence of the watching crowd was broken as there was a cough and splutter coming from the wreck as the dragon rolled over onto its front and a massive figure emerged from the rubble coughing. "Well I muss say 'Agrid, your landeengs are getteeng better," another figure rolled over laughing, "Olympe, yer too kind," the first figure helped the other one to stand, the two figures were laughing as they stood, unaware of the crowd now staring at them apprehensively, "Hagrid?" Harry walked closer, "Step back, Harry, they are giants," Professor ConDoin apparated in front of Harry, his wand was drawn as he stood between Hagrid and Harry, "Harry," Hagrid started towards them, he shot a look at Professor ConDoin, "You'll want to be putting that away before you harm yourself, Professor" "Its alright Arutha, stand down," Professor Emerindyl was sweeping across the grounds towards them, Professor McGonagall hot in pursuit. Hagrid starred Professor ConDoin with an apprehensive look, "At last Harry, good ter see ya 'gain," he patted Harry on the back knocking him forward a few inches, "Olympe and I have bin tryin' ter catch up with ya since we heard ya were comin' 'ere," "We 'ave been on assignment by Dumblydore," Madame Maxime wiped some black soot off her face, "Norbert gets very smoky when ya don' let him breath fire fer s'long," Hagrid told them as he wiped some soot away from his own eyes, "Dumbledore sent us 'ere to negotiate ." he lowered his voice, "With the giants - top secret though," he tapped his finger on his nose, "What a fascinating creature," in all the excitement Harry hadn't noticed Professor Emerindyl had passed him and was now seated on Norbert's back bouncing around as if testing a comfy lounge chair. "Professor!" Professor McGonagall shot forward and started telling him to get off while Hagrid laughed heartily, Madame Maxime joined in. Professor ConDoin however stood back still with his eyes on Hagrid, "Norwegian Ridgeback?" Professor Emerindyl looked at Hagrid before leaning onto Norbert's neck and reaching his arms as far around as he could, "Right ye are," Hagrid smiled, "Four years old he be," "Indeed," Professor Emerindyl slid down Norbert's back and onto the ground, "Fascinating specimen," "Bes' transport in them - no finer way ter travel," Hagrid walked over and was rubbing Norbert under the chin, "Now off with ye, and don' get inter any fights - I'm not bailing you out again," Norbert groaned and opened his enormous green bat-like wings and took flight. "Little rascal," Hagrid turned on Harry, "So, how've ya bin?"
"Nice a him to let us stay with ye, Harry," Hagrid spoke later in Harry's redesigned cabin - Professor Emerindyl restored it and added extra rooms for Madame Maxime and Hagrid, as well as lifting the roof a couple metres. Hagrid was roasting something, that looked strangely like an Australian mangrove monitor lizard, over the hot coals in the fireplace while Madame Maxime bustled around Harry's unused kitchen setting three places for people to eat at. "'Az bin a while since we 'ave eaten in a proper 'ouse" she was swishing her wand this way and that setting frilly curtains over the window above the sink and was stocking Harry's spice rack above his gas stove, "Veree comfortable," "We've missed ye a lot, Harry" Hagrid spoke as he turned the lizard on its skewer, "I was shocked when I heard ye'd bin expelled - Dumbledore wrote me as soon as you left Britain - I couldn't believe it, what did ye do?" Harry shifted uneasily, he didn't want Hagrid to be disappointed with him, but he didn't want to be rude and not answer him, "I turned Professor Snape into a cactus," Hagrid choked with laughter, "But why?" "Well he took over as headmaster when Dumbledore was fired," Harry began, "Fired? Harry, Dumbledore was never fired - he stepped down - the ministry was furious when he did," Hagrid pulled the skewer out of the fire and tested the food, perhaps making sure it was burnt enough, "But why?" Harry stood when Hagrid did and followed over to the dining table, "Now that's secret - not fer me ter tell yer," Hagrid took his seat as Madame Maxime poured three mugs of Butterbeer, hers and Hagrid's being the size of small buckets, "'Ow do you like zis school 'Arry?" Madame Maxime asked while they began eating, Harry, whom had eaten already was not in the mood for eating, and was glad a conversation had started, "I 'ave 'eard of zis, Emerindyl man - 'ee is a fine 'eadmaster," "Very interesting life too, that man - yed know all about it though wouldn't yeh?" Hagrid looked down at Harry - Harry hesitated but then shook his head, "Blimey Harry - he's like, the most important wizard in this country - even Dumbledore admires him," "I guess so," Harry nodded, although a little excentric, Harry thought Professor Emerindyl was indeed a very well know Australian wizard, and he was definitely a nice man, but Harry had no idea what it was that made Professor Emerindyl so famous,
It was Hagrid's snores that woke Harry the next morning - Madame Maxime was already making breakfast when Harry entered the newly enlarged kitchen at sunrise. The drops of dew on the windowsill gave off an amazing smell when Harry opened the windows to let in fresh air, "Good morneeng 'Arry," Madame Maxime greeted him with a large plate of sausages and eggs for breakfast, she smiled down at him like a house elf as he took his first sausage and smiled with delight about it tasting so nice - this seemed to please her and she went back to the stove and continued cooking. "Good mornin' Harry," Hagrid soon joined them with a huge smile on his face, and his hair looking a lot neater then Harry had ever seen it before, "What's on the schedule fer today, Harry?" "Oh no!" Harry jumped up, "Water Quidditch, I nearly forgot!" he darted out the door and out of the portal into the castle - in through the secret portal that went straight to the golden hall and out past the entrance courtyard, down the steps, across the garden until he reached the Quidditch pitch. There were a few stragglers entering just as he got there. "Late?" said a drawling voice, Malvado Nino was standing blocking the entrance, "I would have thought you'd be here early if anything else - if Emerindyl win, they'll be up against Ruberagon in the finals," "I know," Harry said frustrated, "Now let me pass," Malvado stood there, so Harry pushed past him, "Harry - your late!" Brydie caught up with him and dragged him onto the Saphricorn stands, "This is the best bit to watch - you nearly missed it!" "Missed what?" Harry looked out onto the Quidditch pitch and realised there was no water anywhere - how could they possibly play water Quidditch on a dry pitch? Professor Emerindyl stood on stands lined with golden Koalingo Flags and golden canopy. The audience fell silent; Professor Emerindyl drew out his wand, Harry watched in awe as Professor Emerindyl's wand extended into a two-metre-long golden staff with an emerald gem carved as a perfect sphere into the top of it. He smiled swiftly at the crowd and then announced, "The Emerindyl team! With their captain, Michael Peters" he spoke as six human-sized grindylows, accompanied by Hyperion on his broom, emerged out onto the pitch, "And the Ameraid team with their new captain, Mezentius Fumbleknot," "Why didn't he tell us?" Brydie looked amazed at this news, Six merpeople floated onto the pitch, looking like they were swimming through the air, the young female seeker, Harry, had met during the Ameraid Quidditch practice was floating out on a broomstick, "You know the rules," Professor Puddlemeare, the Koalingo flying teacher, was now standing between the two teams, "When the water reaches the top of the stands the balls will be released and you may begin immediately - beaters are to hit the bludgers only," She then blew her whistle and Professor Emerindyl threw his wand-staff down onto the pitch with enough force for it to burrow into the ground until only the emerald on the top was out of the ground. The next thing Harry watched as water began spraying from the emerald orb, at such a speed that it was seconds before the water reached the top of the stands. "And their off!!" cried the commentator as the water turned so incredibly clear that it was easy to see every ball and all of the players. Three mermaids shot against three grindylows after the quaffle which glowed red so it was easy to see, "Ooooooooh! Fantastic shot by an Emerindyl Beater as he knocks that bludger clear in the path of the Ameraid chasers," the commentator, Victoria Sale, of Emerindyl cheered into the megaphone. Harry glanced up at Hyperion and the Ameraid chaser whom were both hovering above the water looking around for the snitch, neither one at all interested in what the other seeker was doing. "Sneaky shot by Ameraid chaser, Mezentius Fumbleknot as he swims straight past two bludges and still manages to get past Emerindyl Keeper Michael Peters and plant the first goal of the game!" Victoria announced, the Ameraid stands roared with cheers; the Ruberagons didn't seem very impressed, "AND WHATS THIS?" Victoria shouted, "Is it the snitch?" Everyone was now staring at Hyperion and the Ameraid seeker as they both dived into the water, both looking to be trying very hard to hold there breath as they shot as fast as they could towards the ground, where Harry saw the snitch hovering around the part of Emerindyl's wand which was still lying at the bottom of the water, but as they got closer the Ameraid seeker bailed out and started back towards the surface. Hyperion however was still shooting towards the snitch until something very strange happened. Hyperion had suddenly stopped in mid motion, he had fallen off his broom, which hurtled towards the ground and shattered against the grass. Hyperion however was now thrashing madly in the water unable to breath. "Are they going to help him?" Brydie shouted while inching closer to the edge of the water, "None of the players, it seemed, had noticed Hyperion was in the water "HEY!" Brydie started screaming, "HYPERION! HEY!!" She was waving her hands madly at the people on the pitch. Harry looked up at the teachers, whom had lost their attention to Roselyn whom was serving them all up drinks, apparently deep in conversation with Professor Emerindyl and Professor ConDoin. Bubbles had began issuing from Hyperion's mouth as he began to sink, "Who's that?" Malvado appeared standing behind Harry, "Its Hyperion!" Brydie was still trying to get the attention of someone on the Quidditch pitch, "What's going on," Malvado was sounding worried, "PROFESSOR!!!" he shouted up to the teachers but his voice was drowned out by Victoria, whom was commentating on the speedy scoring Mezentius was now making, "Forget this!" Malvado pulled a strange necklace out of his pocket and put it around his neck, "Draco!" he shouted and in an instant he transformed into a huge red dragon. He roared loudly as he shot into the water, using his wings to swim he grabbed up Hyperion and shot out the other side of the water. Almost immediately the water pitch disappeared and the six grindylows and the six merpeople fell out of the sky onto the pitch. Malvado, still as a dragon, landed on the pitch with Hyperion in his claws, he roared up at the teachers and then transformed back into human form. The teachers swept down from the stands as Malvado leant over Hyperion and started shooting weak reducto curses at Hyperion's chest and followed by mouth to mouth. Everyone on the stands was sitting on the edge of their seats; Harry was amazed that Malvado had done what he had. But was more concerned about Hyperion whom still looked to be unconscious. "Mr Nino, please stand back," Professor Emerindyl extracted his staff from the ground, "Is Malvado crying?" Harry spoke as quietly as he could, "Well he would be wouldn't he?" Brydie was still staring out to Hyperion, "Why?" Harry looked at her, although she was still staring out onto the pitch, "Well he'd probably kill me if he knew I told you, he likes to pretend it's not true," Brydie now looked at Harry, "What?" Harry stared back, "Tell me," "Well, Hyperion and Malvado are half brothers, aren't they," Brydie turned back to the pitch,
CHAPTER FIFTEEN SEEKING SEEKERS
"But you can't end the game, not now," Mike was pleading with Professor Puddlemeare. Professor Emerindyl had performed a very strange looking spell on Hyperion and Hyperion had stood and was supported out of the stadium by Professor Canon and Professor McGonnagall, "Mr Nino, I don't take orders from you, last I heard, I was a Professor and you were just a student," Professor Puddlemeare looked very severe, "And don't every forget that," with that Professor Puddlemeare walked off, her long brown hair missing Mikes face ever so slightly, "Is everything ok with Hyperion?" Harry and Brydie had walked onto the pitch to see what was happening, "I dunno," Mike mumbled "Peters," Mezentius joined them, "I have spoken to my team and we are willing to postpone the game - until your seeker is fit again," "No," Mike spat, "We have a replacement," Mike rounded on Harry, "You were a seeker at Hogwarts, correct?" Harry nodded and mumbled a yes. "Its set then," Mike grinned widely, "If you can talk the teachers into continuing the game - Harry will replace Douggy" "Are you sure Hyperion won't mind that?" Harry spoke up, "Douggy will be fine, he's off in the hospital wing, he won't even know," Mike winked, "Ok," Harry spoke faster then he would have hoped "Done," Mezentius spoke as Professor Puddlemeare returned with Professor ConDoin and Headmaster Emerindyl, "This game has been cancelled," Professor Puddlemeare announced, "What?" Mezentius and mike spoke at the same time, Harry and Brydie followed in unison, "I believe it is for the best," Professor Emerindyl looked down at the two captains, "We will hold the game next weekend perhaps," "No!" Mike spoke up, "How dare you speak back to the Headmaster in that tone," Professor ConDoin stepped forward, "But Professor," Mezentius sounded, "Now more is to be said on the subject, the headmaster has cancelled the game and that is final," Professor ConDoin starred Mezentius down, "Professor please," Mike looked at Headmaster Emerindyl, "That was simply unfortunate - the game must proceed - I have seen worse accidents where a student has had to go to hospital and you have allowed the game to continue," "Unless ." Mezentius appeared to be thinking the same thing Harry was, "An attack?" Was it possible that this was yet another Avada attack, why else would Professor Emerindyl be cancelling the game? "Mr Fumbleknot - I pride myself as a man that never makes a decision without a reason - I have made my decision," he looked stern, "So return to the castle, the games over," Professor ConDoin cut in, Professor Emerindyl raised his hand, "May I finish," this seemed to be the first time Harry had ever seen Professor Emerindyl and Professor ConDoin on opposite sides of an argument, "The game will proceed," "But Professor!" Professor ConDoin looked scandalised Headmaster Emerindyl raised his hand again, "Let us return back to the stands, Arutha, Professor Puddlemeare, the game may proceed," Professor Emerindyl and Professor ConDoin walked back towards the teachers stands, apparently deep in conversation, "Ok, then," Professor Puddlemeare rounded on Harry, "You'll need a broom - I don't believe you'll be able to borrow Mr Douglas's," Harry pulled his wand out of his pocket, "Accio Firebolt!" And almost immediately his Firebolt was zooming into the stadium where it stopped, hovering, right next to him, "Ok, lets proceed," Professor Puddlemeare announced. As the two teams lined up around Professor Puddlemeare ready to continue the match, the crowd roared with cheers from all sides, "You know what to do, Harry, just do it," Mike smiled, "Ok, seekers, mount your brooms," Professor Puddlemeare announced as she too, mounted her broom. Again Headmaster Emerindyl was standing at the teacher's stands, holding his 2 metre long staff; again, he threw it towards the ground where it drove hard into the ground. Just as before the Stadium filled with a mass of water, magicked to keep shape, Harry rose with the water as he saw the Emerindyl team transform into grindylows and the Ameraid team became six merpeople. "And Emerindyl retain possession of the quaffle as we enter the second half of the game," The announcers voice, magically magnified, filled the stadium over the tumultuous cheers from the audience. Harry had begun to look around for the snitch immediately while the Ameraid seeker appeared to be surveying him curiously. "Oh watch out Potter!" shouted the announcer as Harry looked down and saw a bludger shoot out of the water towards him, he darted around it easily and shot towards the other end of the stadium where he thought he saw something glitter, realising, once he got there, that it was only the sunlight reflecting off the surface of the water. "And its Ameraid Chaser and captain Fumbleknot who passes to Ameraid chaser Fredric Orcas, whom quickly passes back to Fumbleknot, is this boy scared of the quaffle or something?" Harry looked down to see a Grindylow shooting up towards him, it reached the surface and bounded upon Harry's broom, "What are you waiting for Harry? We are ahead by thirty points, if you could catch the snitch somewhere around now we win!" It was Mike's voice that came out of the Grindylow, who quickly dived back into the water and back into the depths, "And it's Fumbleknot - Orcas - Fumbleknot - Orcas - Fumbleknot! You two do know you have a third chaser, do you not?" It seemed that every time Mezentius would throw the quaffle to another teammate, he would get it back automatically. Harry's attention was taken by the Ameraid seeker who had gone into a dive, penetrating the water and shooting down, ever faster, Harry hopped into action, taking a huge breath before penetrating the surface, diving down into the water. "OUCH!" The announcer proclaimed as Harry wet flying off his broom, something had hit him incredibly hard in the chest, he was trying very hard not to attempt breathing, he looked down to where his Firebolt had soared off, hurting towards the ground, it would surely shatter like Hyperion's had, "ACCIO FIREBOLT!!" Harry heard himself say and he couldn't believe it, he was breathing and speaking underwater. His Firebolt changed course immediately and shot back up to him, he grabbed it with one hand and tipped it forward where he sped back down. The Ameraid seeker was no where in sight, although the snitch was still glowing madly, Harry shot towards it, still not understanding why he was breathing, underwater even. As he flew he realised how little it actually felt like being underwater, there seemed to be no sensation of water running through his hair and his body was not half as cold as it had been upon entering the water. "KEEP GOING HARRY YOU'VE NEARLY GOT IT!!" The announcer had shouted, Harry reached out his hand, just an inch away from the snitch when SMACK! He was hit fair in the face by a bludger from the Ameraid Beater, "OUCH! Bad move Harry, you should be paying attention," The announcer was saying, Harry had suddenly became aware of being underwater and sped off as fast as he could back towards the surface and above the water. When he broke through the surface he expected to hear noise, but everything was silent. Harry looked down only to see the water disappear once again. He was still on his broom but there was no stadium below him. In fact there appeared to be nothing below him, just more sky. "Argh!" Harry screamed when he realised he was hanging upside-down on his broom, he straightened himself up but the ground was very far away, there was a castle very far down, incredibly far down, and a village not too far from it. The lake around the castle had something very large swimming through it, gliding like a giant squid, it was a giant squid, and well it looked like it. But no, it was changing, Harry flew down for a closer look, the castle and the lake were beginning to grow in size, as Harry got closer he realised where he was, "Hogwarts," His attention was quickly drawn to the giant squid, which was changing, he looked closer still and the outline of the squid had completely changed, it was no longer a squid, but a . "ARGH!" Harry screamed as a huge red dragon broke the surface of the Hogwarts Lake and soared up toward him. But it stopped; something must have caught its eyes, as it was now looking towards the castle. Harry glanced towards the castle. The dragon was focused on Gryffindor tower, but what was that on the roof? Harry flew lower still focusing on a moving object pouncing around on the roof of Gryffindor tower - it was a lion, a red and gold lion, roaring at the dragon, the dragon opened its mouth and flames filled the air, flames that shot straight for Gryffindor tower, screams filled the air as the lion exploded in millions of flashes of magic, Harry was screaming too, watching the tower as the flames cleared, the tower was destroyed, the roof had been completely obliterated and the tower had been hollowed out by the flames, and all the Gryffindors, all of them . were dead. The dragon now turned on Harry, opened its mouth, Harry was sure he was about to be fried when something else came out of it mouth, words, "Stop day dreaming Harry!" Mike shouted at him, Harry blinked and shook his head, he was back in the Quidditch game, and something gold and flickering was zooming around above his head, the Ameraid seeker was shooting at breakneck speed towards Harry, Harry snatched his hand at it as fast as he could, and the game was over, he had caught the snitch, and Emerindyl had won.
Tumultuous applause from the crowd drowned out the announcer who also seemed to be shouting the outcome of the game, Harry could just make out, "Emerindyl win, Emerindyl have won, and are now onto the finals!" Harry could make out two huge figures standing in the Emerindyl stands cheering louder then everyone, Hagrid and Madame Maxime were cheering so loudly that the people around them had their hands cupped over their ears. Mike and the rest of the Emerindyl team were screaming with triumph as they rushed over to Harry as they transformed after the water subsided and ran up to Harry once he landed, the snitch tightly clasped in his hand. "Victory party - Emerindyl Lake - now!" Mike shouted as Harry was carried out of the stadium by a group of Emerindyl's, but as they reached the castle door, they were met by a group of Ruberagon sixth years, and the House Quidditch Team, all went deadly silent, Malvado being their captain he approached them first, "Enjoy your victory," he smiled maliciously at Mike and the rest of the Emerindyl's, "It'll be your last this year," the silence was ringing in Harry's ears, and with that the Ruberagon's returned into the castle. Everyone stood stunned until Mike said, "Whatever!" the noise began again and the parade of Emerindyl's proceeded into Emerindyl Lake. The partying went on all afternoon and long into the night, Hagrid was busy celebrating with Harry while Madame Maxime was busying herself passing drinks around, picking up rubbish from the ground as she went, from the ground as she went and before anyone knew it, Professor Emerindyl had turned up announcing it was ten o'clock the next morning, everyone slept for the remainder of Sunday. * "Yes!" Brydie cheered at the breakfast table on Monday morning, "We'll be the first in the entire school to have duelling class first up!" "Great, a double period with ConDoin," Hyperion read his timetable, he had been awfully quiet towards Harry since the Quidditch match, even at the party afterwards he sat on his chair drinking Butterbeer, staring at Harry, he didn't seem to be interested in any kind of argument, but Harry couldn't help but feel awkward around him. "I think duelling class will be fascinating," Mezentius spoke over his toast and orange juice, Hyperion looked as if he was about to make a rebuttal but must have thought better of it for he stayed silent, Harry opened his mouth to say something but suddenly felt a cold shiver down his spine, and almost immediately the entire golden hall full of people fell silent as everyone looked towards the roof where a single bird flew into the hall, as dark as ebony, this bird was no Kookaburra, in fact it was clear to see that it was a Raven, abnormally large the raven flew downwards towards the teachers table, where Professor ConDoin stood and held out his arm, the Raven landed and Professor ConDoin and Headmaster Emerindyl exited the room, "Well come on," Brydie stood, "We better leave now if we want to make it to the western tower before the bell," Brydie crammed a last slice of toast into her mouth while she waited for Harry and the other two, "The western tower?" Mezentius stared at her, "Yeah, what's wrong with that?" Brydie stared back,
"Rubeus Ruberagons secret library," Mezentius had lead them to the library, the bell was only seconds from ringing and Brydie didn't seem to happy about it, "Come on, we have to go," she insisted, "Harry can you borrow this out on your library card, I have too many books out already," Mezentius closed the book he was reading and passed it to Harry, Harry knew he couldn't hire any books out; he still had a sack full of books on Mezentius that he hadn't read yet, "Er." "I'll use mine," Brydie took the book from Harry and took it to the librarian, whom she hassled until the book was checked out and the left. The bell sounded just as they reached the class door. Harry had half expected Professor ConDoin to be standing in the doorway ready to take points from the four of them, but they reached the classroom door without a dark stare or a doorway shadow. Brydie entered first, there appeared to be no teacher, but the class was full of the usual class all sitting at table waiting silently, "Free period!" Hyperion grinned, "No!" Brydie groaned frustratingly, "This can't be happening," "Maybe he is late?" Hyperion slumped down into his seat, Harry and Mezentius followed suit "Its not like Professor ConDoin to be late," Mezentius glanced at his watch, "Maybe he has a surprise in store?" Harry piped up, seeing Brydie had started amusing herself shooting paper balls out of her wand at the people seated in front of her, Ten minutes of silence past before the next sound was heard, "Hyperion," Malvado Nino was sanding in front of them, "We're leaving - no point waiting he's not showing up, you coming?" Hyperion looked at Mezentius, but it was Brydie who made the next noise, "No, he's just late, I'm staying until he shows up," "Nah, you go ahead Malvado, I'll catch you up later," Hyperion stayed seated, Malvado gave a grunt and then he and the rest of the Ruberagons vacated the room murmuring their annoyance about Professor ConDoin, Fifteen more minutes had passed by the time that the last people left the classroom, leaving Harry, Mezentius, Hyperion and Brydie sitting in silence, "Brydie lets just." Mezentius started but was cut off by Brydie, "No, we're staying until the end of class, there is still fifty minutes until the next break, he might show up at anytime - read your book if your bored," Harry and Mezentius turned on their stools to the desk behind them and opened the book. The book was titled 'Ruberagons part in the first Australian Magical Academy' "Apparently, according to this," Mezentius was telling them as he read, "Lord Ruberagon, the first, kept secretly to the Western tower, while Lord Emerindyl lived in the Eastern, Lady Saphricorn would keep the North tower while Lady Ameraid had the South tower." He read on, "And while Emerindyl, Saphricorn and Ameraid would share their resources, Lord Ruberagon kept to his own - and shared nothing he learned or wrote," Hyperion turned the page while the room stayed deadly silent, even Brydie was now mesmerised in his words, "According to this, Lord Ruberagons secret library is around here somewhere, right here in this tower - he sounds a lot like lady Ameraid, she thrived on knowledge, and kept a secret library - although both Lord Emerindyl and Lady Saphricorn knew of its location," Mezentius broke off, "What about ConDoin?" Harry spoke, "I never realised it before but I have seen him, every morning come from the Western tower and return to it every night . well, when he's around," "You think he knows something?" Hyperion spoke, "Well the sign of the Avada Guild is the red dragon skull, we all know Ruberagon loved red dragons, he made that his house group association didn't he," Mezentius went on, "And the Ruberagon common room is in the Western tower, I saw Malvado head further down the corridor just now - he was going back to his dormitory, "What makes you so sure of that ." Hyperion broke off, probably realising what a stupid question that was, "And we thought that Malvado and that Malfoy chap were responsible for the attack at Hogwarts." Mezentius started but Hyperion butted in this time, "He did not!" Hyperion looked furious, "Malvado had nothing to do with it." "What makes you so sure of this?" Mezentius stared at Hyperion, "Nothing. its just . well he didn't do it ok, so take him off the suspect list," Hyperion retorted, "Well, lets just let it fit shall we, because it makes an awful lot of sense - at Hogwarts Malfoy and Malvado 'joined' up," Harry was now playing detective, "But so did Professor ConDoin and that Snape fellow," Brydie butted in, "No, it wasn't Snape," Harry announced, while Mezentius said the same thing for Professor ConDoin, "Look," Mezentius continued, "Nothing is iron clad - all we know is that a supporter of the British Lord Voldemort and most definitely a member of the Guild of Avada joined up at Hogwarts - so that levels us down from quite a few people," "Well who went?" Brydie sounded, There was a sound at the door and they all spun around, Professor Emerindyl was standing in the doorway, "I am so sorry students, I was on my way here to inform you all that class has been cancelled when I got sidetracked by a most amazing site," No one seemed to want to ask what site this was so Headmaster Emerindyl went on, "So I am dreadfully sorry, but Professor ConDoin was called away and in fact I have a class waiting for me, so I must also run along, please forgive me, good day to you," and without a backwards glance, the Headmaster had disappeared, "Oh great, just wonderful," Brydie spoke in a huff as she swung her bag onto her back, "What's so bad about missing the first lesson of duelling - I'm sure we'll have plenty more before the term ends, and there is always next year," Hyperion stood with his bag also, "Next year?" Harry was still running on the British year, "Yeah well the school year finishes at Koalingo in December," Mezentius told Harry as they stood and followed Brydie and Hyperion to the door, "Summer!" Hyperion did a weird kind of cheering dance, "I totally forgot," Harry remembered. It was only the beginning of November and they were dead smack in the middle of spring, although you couldn't really tell, "What are you doing for the holidays - I would be right in guessing you wont be returning to Britain?" Mezentius asked, "I doubt it, I can't really stay at school either, I take it all the teachers go home for Christmas?" Harry spoke "Yep," Brydie answered, "Other wise I'd stay here, it will be thick with snow in England when I get there," "You know guys ." Hyperion finally caught their attention, "Usually Ruberagon Tower is strictly off-limits, but we're here for a class, and Professor ConDoin's the only one who comes into Ruberagon tower and he's away." "No we can't," Mezentius hissed, "If we were to be caught ConDoin would have our heads for dinner," "But think of the bigger picture Fumbleknot, think of all that 'interesting' stuff you could find," Hyperion's eyes seemed to glaze over, "And you've heard the tales, we might find the Avada library," "What?" Harry looked at Mezentius, "Old superstition, " Brydie spoke in a not-so-impressed tone, "Something about the Guild of Avada loosing half their library to Lord Ruberagon I, when he found them," "Well as you know Ruberagons thrive on power, it enchants them, and something Rubeus Ruberagon the first found was that knowledge equalled power - so he went on this search for the Guild of Avada, pretending to be evil . (Brydie cut in, "Humph. pretended") . yeah well he found the Guild and ran off with half of their library," Mezentius smirked, "Which led to many rumours about him having a love affair with Amberly Ameraid," Brydie smirked, "Totally unfounded of course," Mezentius piped up "Of course," Hyperion laughed, "Well the library was never found and the books were never recovered, Professor ConDoin thinks he can find them, what a laugh!" "Is this why the Guild wants the manor?" Harry asked, "Its possible, never say never," Mezentius spoke, "Look, can we go, we still have fifty minutes until recess and we are wasting valuable sneaking around time," Hyperion started up the corridor the Ruberagons had gone up after the exited the classroom earlier,
"You don't really expect to find anything do you?" Mezentius spoke five minutes into their great adventure where they had done nothing but walk down what seemed to be an endless corridor, "Is anybody else worried about the fact that this corridor slopes down?" "Cry baby," Hyperion laughed, "Am not!" Mezentius rebutted, "Shhhh." Brydies shushed them, "Can you hear that?" Harry listened intently as all fell silent, but there was not a sound to be heard, "I guess it must just have been a ." Brydie fell silent again; she turned and looked down the corridor in front of them. This time Harry could hear something; it was a light rustling growing louder and louder still. "Sounds like . the orchestra at Nearly-headless-Nick's Death day Party," Harry inched closer to Brydie, ever staring down the corridor. "I don't like the sound of this. " Brydie kept staring, "Sounds like ." The sound got louder and louder and then something the size of a dog, but fatter hairier and possibly larger ran around the corner, followed by a mass of its kind, "RATS!!" Brydie shouted as the stampede of gargantuan vermin bellowed towards them, "Run you fools!" The four of them turned on their heals and ran as fast as their legs could carry them up the corridor, but this time the corridor appeared to be much longer then before, and the wild boar-sized-rats were gaining on them. "Reducto! Reducto!" Harry and Brydie were cursing the rats over their shoulders as they ran but the spells seem to miss the rats, and Harry and Brydie weren't about to turn to watch where they were aiming. The suddenly Mezentius stopped, spun around on his heals, and shouted, "REPPOUSSENT!!!" A magical shield shot up in front of the rats and as they reached it, one by one they faded into nothingness, until the last rat met them, it opened its mouth to reveal amazingly large and sharp fangs and then . silence. The top of the rats mouth had hit the roof and the bottom had hit the floor, its face extended to cover to the sides of the wall and then it turned to stone and the inside of its mouth went jet black, the four of them were now standing in front of a hole in the wall, and inside this hole, was a staircase leading down that looked as if it never ended.
"Come on Harry time to get up!" Terry was leaning over his bed. Terry was fully dressed in his gold school travelling cloak and was peering down at Harry strangely, "I thought you'd be the first out of bed?" Harry glanced at the grandfather clock, which was standing across the room, and noticed that he had only gotten to sleep twenty minutes earlier. He groaned and turned over in bed covering his head with the blankets. "Harry," Terry laughed at him, "Come on," he tapped Harry's blankets with his wand and Harry threw his blankets off in a scream as they felt icy cold, "What was that for?" Harry's teeth chattered as he hugged his arms, "Get dressed," Terry laughed and threw Harry's travelling cloak at him, After Harry had properly woken up, he dressed himself and looked at himself in the mirror, "My oh my you do look handsome," the mirror spoke to him, "Its what my friends at Hogwarts think I look like, that I am worried about," Harry pulled a weak smile and started for the door, where Terry was carrying Harry's suitcase out through to the hallway. "All of the suitcases are to go in a pile at the head of the steps - the house elves will take them to our . er .transport, momentarily," Terry smiled and went off to someone else's room. Harry stood looking around at the people rushing around getting ready. Mezentius was running around chasing Terry, whom had taken he's travelling cloak when he took his suitcase. Harry didn't know why it was but while everyone else was running around excitedly he stood perfectly still, not feeling even slightly excited. He dismissed it as just being tired. "Come on Harry," Mezentius had finally pulled his travelling cloak over him and although looking slightly scruffy he appeared to be ready to go, "We'll have to apparate up so we don't get our travelling cloaks wet," "Apparate?" Harry looked at him confused, but before he had a chance to get an answer from Mezentius, Mezentius had grabbed his arm and he felt a tingling sensation as he blinked and, when he opened his eyes, he was standing out in the entrance courtyard. Standing with one of he's eyes clenched shut, he thought he must look very stupid. His attention on how Mezentius had managed to apparate was wiped clean from his mind as he saw what their 'transport' was. There was a Romanian Longhorn, the very same that carried Harry and Professor Emerindyl to Koalingo in the first place. It didn't have an Emerald around its neck but an amazingly detailed golden necklace that wrapped around its neck and had a white crystal encrusted into a gold disc which made the crystal look like a big button. The crystal itself was glowing so bright that Harry felt it was damaging to his eyes to stare directly at the crystal, but he kept his eyes on it nevertheless. "All ready Harry?" Professor Emerindyl smiled at him. Professor Emerindyl was standing in the most magnificent robes Harry had ever seen. They were Emerald green with gold threading, cuffs, collar and belt. His hat matched the cloak perfectly and he seemed to be bathed in a magnificent golden glow. This of course, Harry realised, was his cloak reflecting the glow of the crystal. "Er . yes, I can't wait," Harry smiled, "So why the hesitation?" Professor Emerindyl winked at him, "You know how these work, go ahead - the rest of us will be along shortly," Harry smiled weakly and walked over to the dragon, "Good morning Melinda," he greeted the Romanian Longhorn as he placed his hand on the crystal and was sucked into it. He fell over when he landed, as this time it was not a comfy couch he landed on but the courtyard of a palace. "What?" he thought something had gone wrong, this was of course until Terry appeared by his side. "Hey, Harry," he smiled and walked on through to another room, "These are the dorms - your names one, so you'll just have to go and find yours," he smiled as he headed up the hallway. Harry turned as all of the other students appeared. Mezentius and the rest of them managed to keep standing as they appeared on the entrance courtyard. Harry felt slightly embarrassed that he had fallen over. "This place is better then the last time we travelled in it," Mezentius walked up to Harry and gave him his suitcase, "Come on, your rooms next to mine," They both wandered off up the dormitory corridor, when they passed Terry's room, they peered in and saw him jumping on his bed. "Total moron - I tell you," Mezentius was shaking his head, "Total and utter moron," He and Harry laughed as they closed in upon a door marked 'Harry Potter' Harry pushed the door open and carried his suitcase in and dropped it on his bed, "Excuse me, sir," a squeaky voice behind him announced the presence of a house elf, "This is your animal, sir?" she was holding up Hedwig in her cage, "Yes thanks," Harry walked over and took the cage from her, he took the cage and placed it on his dresser. Hedwig looked slightly alarmed. Harry thought this must be from entering the crystal. "Hey, ready to go back to Hogwarts?" Mezentius walked in and sat on the end of Harry's bed while Harry put his things away. "Professor Emerindyl says we have to go back to bed now," Terry entered the room looking rather disgusted, "I can't go to bed now - I'm too excited," Harry felt that he would like nothing more then to go back to sleep - but he didn't fancy his chances of being able to do so. "Well if he thinks its best?" Mezentius started but all of the other Ameraid's and the few Saphricorn's appeared at the door, "Is this our designated party area?" one of he Saphricorn's asked, Harry thought about saying 'no' for a moment but he gave in and they all crowded into the room. "I heard that Astilon Academy is going to be there," one of the Ameraid's spoke mystically later on that morning, they were flying over some ocean and had grown bored of watching the landscape pass by from the dome at the front. "No way?" Mezentius sat up, "Who told you that?" "Professor McGonnagall - she told us that we should rub it in their faces that our school got higher N.E.W.T.S marks then they did last year," a Saphricorn laughed, "Although we have to do it as quietly as possible," "Just in case we 'disgrace the school'" Terry mocked Professor ConDoin, Everyone laughed, "Astilon is 'apparently' the best school of witchcraft and wizardry you can be accepted to," Mezentius told Harry, "Everyone competes with them," "They're all snobs, Harry, you shouldn't be too worried about them," Terry laughed some more, "So . who is Cedric Diggory?" Mezentius looked at Harry, "He was a . someone I used to know," Harry didn't want to go into details - Mezentius seemed to understand this and so he changed the subject, "So, what are feasts like at Hogwarts? I have heard from Mike that Hogwarts outdoes every other school when it comes to showing off,"
They went on through the early morning that soon turned into lunchtime when they finally arrived at their first destination. "Now, silence please," Professor Emerindyl addressed the students, whom were all shivering, as the cold autumn air of England seemed to affect them greatly. "You all have only one hour - we must arrive at Hogwarts in seventy-five minutes and we mustn't be late," he smiled, "Run along," Everyone departed through a door that lead out into Diagon Alley. Harry had never noticed this door before, although thought it made sense as anyone walking in on a dragon like Melinda may have a near heart attack. "What's interesting in Diagon Alley, Harry" Mezentius asked him, "Harry! Mezentius!" they looked up the street towards Florien Fortescues Ice Cream Parlour, and saw Brydie running down towards them, "Harry?" another voice cried and Harry turned to see Mrs Weasley running down towards them, "Harry!" she wrapped her arm around him, almost bowling him over, Brydie and Mezentius stood rooted to the spot. Harry thought they were about to pull Mrs Weasley off him, until Mrs Weasley let him go herself. "You came back for the memorial?" she looked at him, Harry nodded. "Arthur and I can't make it, but Ron has been sending me owls everyday in the last two weeks - he is really excited to be seeing you again," she smiled, her cheeks were glowing, "Well I can't wait to see them again either," Harry tried to sound enthusiastic, he thought perhaps he was trying not to get too over excited in case something was to happen and they didn't end up going there. But he was in London; surely it was safe for him to begin looking forward to it. "What's wrong, dear?" she looked at him concernedly, "I guess I just can't believe I am here," Harry smiled "That's the spirit," Mrs Weasley smiled, "Mrs Weasley," a goblin standing in front of Gringotts called to her, "Well I have to be off," Mrs Weasley's smile faded, "Anything wrong, Mrs Weasley?" Harry saw she was looking slightly worried, "Just a financial matter, that's all," she smiled weakly, "Anything the matter?" Harry was beginning to worry, "No, just . well, Arthur not working for the ministry anymore, so things are kind of . forget it, its nothing," she smiled and wrapped her arms around him again, "I'll tell Ron I saw you, but you'll probably see him before I do," she chuckled, "Well, I best be off," She waved at Harry as she entered into Gringotts with the goblin that Harry knew was the head goblin of the bank, followed close behind, looking very grave indeed. "I wonder ." Harry said to himself "Well lets go shopping," Brydie smiled, "You'll have to go and get some money out of course," "Yes," Harry smiled, "I'll meet you at Flourish and Blotts - go and take a look Mezentius, you'll love it," and he darted ahead of them and into Gringotts. He peered around for Mrs Weasley but could see her nowhere. He walked up to the first empty table and waited for a goblin, one walked over and stood on the other side of the desk, "How can I help you?" it asked him in its low screechy voice, "I wish to make a withdrawal," Harry said to the goblin, the goblin walked off to fetch a cart goblin while Harry looked around and peered Mrs Weasley. She was crying with her head on the head goblins table. He was quickly trying to calm her down but appeared to be failing dismally. Harry thought for a second whether he should walk over to her when a goblin walked up to him and said, "Harry Potter?" "Yes" he answered "Come with me," the goblin headed through the large door at the back of the bank which lead to the carts that travelled towards the vaults. "So what are you doing today?" the goblin asked Harry as they scooted down into the depths of Gringotts at breakneck-speed. "Withdrawal," Harry told him, "Oh you want to be careful there," the goblin told him, "Why?" Harry asked, "Tragic story - young man - tragic story," the cart stopped abruptly outside Harry's vault. He entered and filled his moneybag with as much gold as it could carry, not bothering to collect any Knuts or Sickles. "That's a lot to withdraw, do you ever make deposits?" the goblin asked, "No, I am still a student, why?" Harry answered feeling the goblin was about to tell him something, "Well this lovely woman I brought down here earlier - was called in today to forfeit her vault," the goblin told her, "Lovely woman she was, flaming red hair - started crying when she had to hand her keys back," "Mrs Weasley?" Harry looked at him, "Oh you know her?" the goblin spoke, "Terribly sad story - penniless they are, the ministry just fired her husband - the banks foreclosing on their mortgage," "They're loosing their house?" Harry asked him, "Apparently," the goblin said, as it pulled to a stop back at the entrance door to the vaults, "Very sad," Harry walked through the door and saw the head goblin standing at his desk, Harry walked over and asked he where Mrs Weasley was, to which he replied, "That is really none of your concern Mr. Potter,"
Harry met up with the other two in Flourish and Blotts like he had arranged and he was right, Mezentius exited the shop moments later with a tower of books in his arms, "Bathilda doesn't have any of these," he walked past Harry, Brydie came out, also with her arms full of books, "Don't look at me, they're his," she spoke defensively,
When everyone arrived back at the dragon later, 'just in time' as Professor Emerindyl said, even though they were all late, everyone ended up having spent the bulk of their pocket money on things in Diagon alley, and all of them seemed to think that the remembrall Terry bought, was a useless and stupid invention, but laughed as it always glowed red, meaning Terry had forgotten something, which turned out to be his wand, which he found in the magical menagerie when they returned to Diagon alley after travelling half the way to Hogwarts and then turning around. "Now I hope no one else has plotted to make us late?" Professor ConDoin stared at them as they took flight the second time and were now flying along the railway track that the Hogwarts express travelled twice a year. Harry was now finally feeling all the excitement that had been absent until now. His heart felt like it was going to jump out of his chest as his anticipation rose more and more. As Hogsmeade came into view Harry jumped from his seat with a huge smile on his face as the dragon rose into the air and flew over Hogsmeade and over the lake towards the front drive to Hogwarts. All the Hogwarts students stood in their black robes, looking like ants from this height, Harry looked down at them. A huge smile on his face, feeling like he was about to jump out of his skin as the dragon did a loop-de-loop in the sky and came into land in front of the students. "Everybody assemble," Professor McGonnagall had appeared in front of them, Harry hadn't seen her throughout the entire flight until now. "Brush your hair," she spat at a few of the younger kids, Harry reached his hand up to his own hair, which was a scruffy as usual. Mezentius however was dressed perfectly with perfectly brushed hair. He tapped his wand on Harry's head and Harry's hair twisted until it sat neatly on his head. "It's a simple charm," Mezentius smiled "Ready?" Professor Emerindyl and Professor ConDoin were standing in front of them along side Professor McGonnagall. Professor Emerindyl was using his staff wand, which was as tall as he was and was gold with emeralds encrusted into it, which finished in an emerald ball at the very top. He tapped it twice on the ground and they all appeared standing in front of Melinda the Romanian Longhorn, whom roared at the very pitch of volume. Harry looked into the Hogwarts crowd and saw Parvati Patil faint and fall over. Seamus Finnigan caught her. "Welcome Elwyn, Arutha, Magda - students of Koalingo - welcome to Hogwarts," Dumbledore welcomed them, and for a fleeting moment Harry thought Professor Dumbledore had returned until he said, "Headmaster Snape is inside with the other visitors," Dumbledore added as he walked down the centre of the Hogwarts students, Professor Emerindyl by his side, Harry and the other Koalingo students followed through, Harry glimpsed Ron waving to him, Hermione wasn't with him. Dumbledore led them into the Great Hall, the other Koalingo students were all gawking at the ceiling, amazed at what they were seeing. The hall appeared to have been extended, as did all of the house tables. The teachers walked up to the teachers desk, Professor Emerindyl winked at Harry and said, "I trust you can find them a good place to sit, Harry?" Harry nodded with a smile as he led them straight over to the Gryffindor table. "Red banners," Malvado looked at the Gryffindor banners above the table, "You may have chosen a good place for us to sit, Potter" The Hogwarts students entered and took their seats, Ron came to the very front of the Gryffindor table and sat right next to Harry, "Hey, Harry," he smiled, Harry sat silent and didn't say a word. The Koalingo students seemed to stick out more so then the other students of Hogwarts or any other school as their uniforms were threaded with gold and glowed from the lights of the candles floating above the tables. "Harry?" Ron looked at him, "You can talk you know," Ron laughed "Where's Hermione?" Harry spoke quickly before Professor ConDoin stared straight at them. "Well . you'll see her later," he smiled, "She changed a lot while you were away," he smiled. Professor Snape, whom was seated in Dumbledore's usual seat waved his hands for attention, the great hall fell silent and Professor Snape welcomed everyone, "Welcome, all, to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, I am the headmaster Professor Severus Snape," The words seemed to burn right through Harry's head and he felt his grip tighten on the napkin he had unknowably picked up. "Hogwarts has seen many hard times as I am sure all schools have - in the final term of the last school year, Hogwarts was unfortunate enough to suffer a loss in its student body," Professor Snape lifted his glass, all of the different school headmasters at the teachers table followed in unison, as did all of the students in the crowd, "To Cedric Diggory, the real Hogwarts champion," No one in the great hall noticed, but Harry's face was red with anger - Snape could not be civil to him, even in a prayer to Cedric Diggory. Snape placed his goblet back down beside his plate, "I welcome the many schools that joined us here tonight, and do so hope, that even with the solemn subject of our meeting, that you all enjoy your stay here at Hogwarts," "So without any further ado," Dumbledore smiled, "I think its safe to begin the feast," But before anything happed the doors to the great hall burst open. Everyone's attention turned to a lady dressed in a Sapphire-Blue cloak with golden buttons down the front that made her cloak look more like a muggle- woman's business suit. She marched swiftly down the centre of the two middle tables; five students marched behind her in uniforms almost identical to hers. "I'm not late am I?" the woman spoke in a voice that made her sound sweet, but important, "Not at all," All of the headmasters at the front table stood, all of the headmistresses at the front table stayed seated as well as Professor Emerindyl, Dumbledore, Snape and Professor ConDoin, whom slowly rose from their seats until the headmistress took her seat. "Sit! Sit!" She clapped her hands and her students sat immediately just up from the Koalingo students on the Gryffindor table, Harry looked at Mezentius and thought hard about whether or not these were the students from Astilon Academy. Mezentius nodded to him. Ron started scratching his head not understand what had passed between them. "Ok, now for the feast - unless there are anymore schools waiting outside the door?" Dumbledore smiled, Harry felt the warmness of the twinkle in Dumbledore's eyes and he suddenly felt at home again, Food appeared on the plates as usual and Harry urged his fellow Koalingo students to begin eating. Harry however was keeping an eye on the Astilon students whom hadn't shown the slightest hint of beginning to eat, they were all looking up at their headmistress (Harry had assumed that's what that woman was anyway) he saw the woman nod to them and they seemed to be statues finally coming to life, "What a tacky school," one student spoke to another. Harry felt the back of his neck heat up slightly; he was about to say something until he remembered Hogwarts wasn't the school he was from. Mezentius however did not keep silent. "I beg your pardon?" he glared at the student whom had spoken, "That was totally uncalled for," The student from Astilon just stared at him, Mezentius stared back and Harry watching there faces twitching as if in an argument with no words. He finally figured that they were having a mind reading grudge match. Ron, whom didn't know what was going on nudged Harry in the arm and whispered, "Is he alright in the head, Harry?" Harry burst out laughing and Mezentius and the Astilon student stopped their argument and looked at him, "Maybe it does look stupid to the likes of you without such a strong ability," the Astilon student spat. At this point Mezentius burst out laughing as well, "I see what you mean, Ron, it would look very stupid," Mezentius chuckled The students from Astilon seemed appalled by this behaviour and took to speaking only to each other, and since they made no noise and Mezentius kept pulling annoyed faces, Harry thought the Astilon students must have been speaking telepathically. "So Ron, this is Mezentius, Mezentius, this is my friend Ron," Harry finally introduced them, "Pleased to meet you," Ron lifted his arm over the table and knocked the jug of pumpkin juice over causing it to spill all down the front of Mezentius's golden travelling cloak "Oh, I'm so sorry," Ron stood, "No, no, no!" Mezentius stood, "It's fine," He pulled out his wand tapped the jug twice and it stood upright and all of the spilt pumpkin juice seemed to evaporate from Mezentius' cloak and the table and filled the jug again, "Wow!" Ron stared, "I wish I knew how to do that," "It's a simple spell," Mezentius and Harry said at the same time, Harry laughed, Ron again looked confused but laughed all the same, "So, Ron, where's Hermione?" Harry asked "You'll see her after the feast," Ron smiled, "Professor Delacour has arranged something for all you guests," "Professor Delacour?" Harry looked at him, Ron nodded, "Defence Against Dark Arts?" Ron nodded again, "She is also the Cheerleader co-ordinator, and teaches drama and dance during lunch times," Ron screwed his face up, "As if you'd give up your lunch times for that," Harry laughed, it was just like being a Hogwarts student again, he and Ron caught up on everything that had happened at Hogwarts that year, and Ron was over the moon when Harry gave him his gift. Brydie was deeply conversing with Fred and George about some of their creations and Harry privately congratulated them on becoming a success internationally, "Mum still doesn't know," Fred told Harry, "And Ron better keep his mouth shut, or he'll find a rubber snake in his bed," "They really bite you," Ron nodded looking slightly worried "Can I get some?" Brydie smiled at Fred and George "You won't believe who is the captain of the Gryffindor Quidditch team now," Ron smiled, Harry looked over at George, whom all of a sudden looked pompous, reminiscent of Percy. Fred was poking his tongue out at George behind his back, "George?" Harry asked George nodded, "Old McGonnagall gave me a Firebolt to celebrate my captaincy, she's not a bad old bird," "But you won't believe who the new seeker is?" Ron pouted, not looking at all impressed, Harry looked over at George, whom was shaking his head at Ron, "You had your chance - Ginny was the better seeker," George, for the first time ever, actually looked serious, "Ginny?" Harry spoke incredulously, "Your sister Ginny?" Ron nodded solemnly, "Yep," Fred smiled, "Right good flier too - she'll give you a run for seeker when you get back next year, Harry" The feast continued for another hour, and at the end when Professor Snape stood and told them that the guests were to stand and follow their headmasters/headmistresses out to the front of the castle; Harry almost forgot to stand up. "Harry," Mezentius whispered to him, and Harry stood, The headmistress from Astilon was the first to leave, followed by Beauxbatons whom, Harry was surprised to see, were not accompanied by the gargantuan Madame Maxime, but a younger smaller looking woman whom, Harry didn't know. Next was Professor Emerindyl. Harry and the others followed him out to the front of the castle. When they arrived outside Harry saw stands of over a thousand seats all looking out upon the lake, as they were with the second task of the Tri- Wizard Tournament last year. It finally hit Harry about how many visitors were actually at Hogwarts at that time. Professor Emerindyl lead them to the front row of the stands where they sat among the Beauxbatons and Astilon students, a group of students from another school, Harry didn't know of, took their seats on the other side of them. The Hogwarts students were the last out and sat high up at the back of the stands. And were very hard to see in their black cloaks as the night sky concealed them very well.
Harry kept an eye out for Hermione, but she was still nowhere to be found. Another face was missing that Harry had only just noticed - Cho Chang. Harry wondered if she had suffered so much trauma, loosing Cedric last year, that she hadn't returned to Hogwarts this year - but surely, even if that were true, she'd show up for Cedric's memorial. Harry turned to the front, where everyone's focus appeared to be upon Professor Dumbledore, whom was walking across the surface of the water, "How is he doing that?" Mezentius whispered in Harry's ear, "He's a great wizard," Harry said back in awe. "Ladies and Gentlemen, guests, students - could I have you attention please," all of the noise ceased and everyone looked towards Dumbledore, "Thank you - this year I have been given the honour to be your Hogwarts host, last year I was the headmaster of Hogwarts school and was the headmaster in the time of this tragedy we have gathered together to remember," There were a couple of people in the crowd whom coughed and broke the long silence now making Harry's ears ring, "Tomorrow," Dumbledore continued, "We will be erecting a memorial Quidditch training centre in the memory of Cedric Diggory - his parents will be here to open the centre and there will be a memorial feast, to which you are all invited" "Another feast," Brydie groaned, "I think I'll be returning to Koalingo looking like Dudley," "On the third day we will be having a spring festival," he smiled, "Which will hold many competitions for which everyone may compete - this will include a flower contest and a mother nature contest, as well as, I have been informed from Professor Delacour, a fashion parade," "No one told me," Brydie looked scandalised, "Maybe I can whip up something by then," Mezentius and Harry were almost laughing "But for now, I hand you over to Professor Delacour herself, whom will be welcoming you all with a special treat," Dumbledore walked back across the water to the bank. A woman with long glowing golden-silver hair walked out onto the water, Harry saw that the water glowed wherever her feet touched it, he thought this must be some charm that supported them. "Bienvenue à 'Ogwarts" Fleur welcomed everyone in French, "Mon nom est professeur Delacour, et j'ai été donné l'honneur pour s'charger du divertissement pour montrer notre appréciation pour votre attendance. Veuillez tenir vos applaudissements jusqu' à l'extrémité, merci" "Welcom' to 'Ogwarts," Fleur was now translating, "I am Professor Delacour, and I 'ave bin given ze honour to orange entertainment to show our appreciation for your attendance - please 'old your applause until ze end, thank you," "Well she managed one word with 'th' in it," Harry smiled Fleur walked of the water and a music started to fill Harry's ear, seeming to come from every direction. The water was now all glowing, as if the Weasley's car had found some buddies and were sitting at the bottom of the lake with their headlights on. And then ten or so figures came gliding out onto the waters surface, for a moment Harry thought they were ghosts, as they were dressed in white. But he soon discovered who they were, "Hermione? Cho?" Harry gawked, "And Angelina Johnson and Katie Bell - and some other girls from Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw - no Slytherin's," Ron had snuck down from the top of the stands to the seat behind Harry. Harry saw a couple of students from other schools pull faces at Ron behind his back. "They look like they are ice skating," Brydie whispered in awe, "That's not the funniest part, wait til you see who else is doing this," Ron had a smile from ear to ear as a boy glided onto the water, "Neville," Harry spoke incredulously, "His gran made him do it," Ron laughed, "Mum tried to make me do it, but no way," Harry looked out at Neville whom looked to be having the time of his life; it looked as if they were doing some kind of ice skating ballet, but without the ice. Harry secretly admired Neville, but he'd never tell anyone. The water gliding ballet soon ended and several figures shot over the lake on broomsticks, Harry was proud to see that three of them were Fred, George, and Ginny. "Synchronised flying," Ron looked disgusted, "Perfect waste of some good brooms," Harry however hadn't heard Ron say this as his attention was focused on the fifteen, or so, fliers whom were now leaving a trail of multicoloured smoke behind their brooms as they flew. "Ginny's a good flier," Harry said to Ron, still keeping his full attention on the show (Fred and George had just written three W's in the sky - Harry could see Professor McGonnagall tromping around on the lake bank shouting at them - no one could here this over the music of course). "The next bit will make you laugh - I saw them rehearsing it," Ron sat back in his seat importantly with a huge grin on his face.
You're here! And so! - Here! We! Go! Welcome! Everyone! - Let's have some fun!
Ten girls did back flips onto the centre of the lake. And to Harry's first horror they were holding cheerleading pompoms, to his further dismay - Hermione and Cho were two of the ten. "I'd like to have fun with the one at the front," one of the students from another school commented on Hermione, "You take that back!" Ron turned madly facing the boy "Why?" the boy smiled Before anyone else could react Ron threw a fist at the boy and connected with his face. "Ron!" Harry jumped up, as well as all the other students and teachers stationed around them, "Hey you, get off my friend!" another student from the same school as the boy Ron was fighting with pulled Ron up by the scruff of his neck and punched him, "Hey!" Harry shouted and pulled out his wand, Absolute pandemonium started up as every student in the front five rows had pulled out their wands and were cursing and jinxing each other left right and centre. Harry was hit in the face with a flipendo jinx and was knocked over and trampled by some other kids who fell down out of the stands. Harry rolled under the front row seats to stop himself from being trampled. He watched up as hundreds of feet seemed to be running in every direction on the stands and in front of them. A couple of times he saw a flash of red hair and then he heard something that stopped everyone, "SILENCE!!" Dumbledore had boomed and everything seemed to cease. There was a long moment of silence in which Harry didn't see a single foot move even an inch, and then Dumbledore continued yelling, "That is quite enough!" Harry had never heard Dumbledore sound so mad before. "Mr Weasley let go of that boys hair," Dumbledore spoke again in a normal volumed, but highly disappointed voice. Harry heard a groan and a male voice saying, "Ouch," and he knew Ron had done so. There was a brief silence and then the sound of many feet shuffling away back to the castle and out onto the lawns, but Harry saw no one move on the stand he was lying under. He laid there for what seemed like half an hour before he heard any other noise.
CHAPTER TWELVE PALACES MADE OF DIAMOND AND HEADMASTERS MADE OF FIRE "Would the heads of visiting schools like to take their students to their quarters? Hogwarts students are to go to the Great Hall - Professor Snape would like a word with you," there was much more shuffling as people exited the stand above Harry. Harry waited silently, lying still until no more feet flashed past him. He rolled out onto the lawn and saw three faces staring down at him - Ron, Professor Emerindyl and Dumbledore. Dumbledore reached a hand down to Harry and helped him up. Harry stood and looked around, the last few stragglers of the Hogwarts students were filing into the castle. Harry looked out upon the castle grounds where many wizard- tents were set up - each with the coat of arms of its owner's school. "This way please," he looked very solemn. He started off towards the castle with Professor Emerindyl and Ron behind him - Dumbledore was leading the way. They walked up the stone steps into the castle; to the right of the marble staircase they could hear Professor Snape shouting at the Hogwarts students whom had gotten into the fight on the stands. But Dumbledore didn't take them into the great hall he was now heading up the marble staircase. Harry, Ron and Professor Emerindyl followed. They soon reached a statue Harry was very familiar with. It was the stone gargoyle that hid the secret entrance to Dumbledore's . er . the headmaster's office. "You wait in there for Professor Snape to return Mr Weasley," Dumbledore pointed into the doorway that had appeared after Dumbledore had said, "Pickled chicken brains," to the gargoyle Ron walked into the room repeating the same thing over and over in his head, "I'm going to be expelled - I'm definitely going to be expelled," "Come along," Dumbledore spoke to Harry as they continued up the corridor to a painting Harry knew only too well, but it didn't used to be here in this part of the castle when he was at Hogwarts. "Who goes there?" cracked Sir Codagon as Dumbledore rounded on the painting, "Fizzing Whizzbees," Dumbledore said to Sir Codagon "Got anyone who can back you up on that?" Sir Codagon spoke as Dumbledore opened him up and started down a very small corridor. The corridor led into a particularly large room with a fireplace in the centre of the western wall, which had two single and one double lounge chairs crowded around it. In the other corners were a desk and filing cabinet with a plant that must have been magicked to stay healthy, as there were no windows into this room, and in the other were a bed and a small wooden bedside table with a jug of water on it. Next to that was a perch that had an amazingly bright scarlet and gold phoenix perched upon it. Harry knew this phoenix to be Dumbledore's phoenix, Fawkes. "Take a seat Harry, Elwyn," Dumbledore gestured towards the lounge-chairs. Harry nervously edged towards the single lounge-chair closest the fire. Elwyn sat opposite him on the other single and Dumbledore sat on the double. "Harry I have not brought you here to discuss what just happened out by the lake, just now," Dumbledore smiled, and the twinkle in his eye, that Harry had grown so fond of, was back and twinkling as if it never stopped, "As your headmaster, Professor Emerindyl, here, will have to be the one to discuss it with you," Harry looked over at Professor Emerindyl, whom looked slightly concerned. "I have brought you here to discuss Voldemort," Harry found this to be of no shock to him. He was, in fact, confused as to the lack of security at the castle with Lord Voldemort loose and having twice as many children at Hogwarts then ever before. "Ah yes, Harry, but you see - Lord Voldemort has always kept his distance from Hogwarts," Professor Emerindyl spoke up, "We are all quite safe here," Dumbledore nodded, "But lets not let our guard down," Dumbledore looked stern, "What we wanted to make sure you knew, Harry, is that you are perfectly safe here at Hogwarts - even with the Voldemort ." he paused, "On the loose, so to speak," Harry nodded, "If you feel at all troubled or anything while you're here - or you have the strange feeling that something isn't quite right, then attach yourself to a teacher," Dumbledore was serious, "I know that doesn't sound appealing to you, but it's a precautionary act," Harry nodded, he didn't like the thought of having to run to teachers, but if Dumbledore and Professor Emerindyl said that's what he should do, then that's what he would do. "Now," Dumbledore and Professor Emerindyl stood, "I believe it is time for bed - tomorrow will be a long day - best get some sleep," "Best offer I have had all day," Professor Emerindyl said heartily, and started for the door, Harry spoke in a low voice to Dumbledore, "Sirius?" "Unfortunately he has had to attend to business elsewhere - but he assures me he will return before you leave," Dumbledore smiled weakly, "Thanks," Harry said dismally as he headed for the doorway and followed Professor Emerindyl Harry and Professor Emerindyl walked silently down the corridor, past Professor Snape's office, where they heard no screaming of Ron being tortured. Harry thought maybe Snape expelled him, and Ron just fainted. Harry and Professor Emerindyl reached the bottom of the marble staircase and Harry saw why Ron wasn't screaming in torture yet - Professor Snape was still shouting and waving his arms about at students in the Great Hall. They pressed on; through the oak doors and down the stone staircase at the front of the castle. When they reached the outer grounds of the castle, they walked by the empty stands and past many tents of other schools. The headmasters of many of these schools could be heard shouting at their students. Harry asked, "Are you . are you angry with me?" Elwyn replied, "Of course not," He laughed heartily, although Harry wished he wouldn't, "I never punish someone for sticking up for their friends - and no other student from Koalingo got involved in the fight - be proud of yourselves - the students from Astilon must be getting an earful from their headmistress right now - getting involved when they weren't even part of the .er.discussion," Harry went slightly red in embarrassment. "Here we are," Professor Emerindyl stopped by the lake, "Here we're . where?" Harry looked out, he hadn't noticed it before but Koalingo didn't have a school tent erected. Professor Emerindyl seemed to be fumbling around in his pockets for something. "Aha," he cried triumphantly. Harry tried not to laugh. Professor Emerindyl pulled a large crystal out of his pocket - it was the one they had used to get here from Australia. It was no longer on Melinda but it was definitely the same one. "And here is why we did not bring a tent with us," Professor Emerindyl held the gemstone up to the moon and watched it glow ever so brilliantly. Then, to Harry's complete and utter shock, he threw the stone into the lake. "What?" Harry looked at him. There was a very brief silence, in which Professor Emerindyl kept his eyes on the lake and then the earth started to rumble. The water in the lake started to thrash madly as if in a severe storm. The Durmstrang ship started to move madly in the shaking water, a couple of the students from Durmstrang and their teacher - came up from the lower decks to see what was going on. Many of the students and their headmasters had poked their heads out of their tents to see what was happening. Harry saw the water in the centre of the lake begin to rise in a bubbling mound, like boiling water that was left too long on the stove. Harry looked up at Professor Emerindyl and then to the people behind them, wondering whether he should yell 'RUN' and run off back to the castle. But Professor Emerindyl stood silently, so Harry stayed by his side. Some lights were beginning to appear in the windows of the castle. Harry looked up to see many of these lights were coming from Gryffindor tower. Professor Snape was standing in the doorway of the castle, among many of the students he was yelling at. The water started rising until it was reminiscent of a tsunami. But still Professor Emerindyl stood there by the lake. Harry was sure he even saw the giant squid and some merpeople raise their heads from the water, probably, to see what all the noise was about. And finally it appeared, the rooftop of what looked like a smaller version of Gryffindor tower had emerged from the piled up water, the water mound (now over one hundred feet high) began to subside. Many smaller towers with their balcony's began to appear, glowing brilliantly, Harry saw the palace, as it looked like, was made from diamond, although must have been insulated as you could see right through the palace to the other side, but you could not see if there was anything inside it. The water completely subsided and became calm once more. Harry's ears were ringing from the now, deafening silence. "Well then - good evening everyone," Professor Emerindyl spoke with a smile on his face as he started across the diamond drawbridge. Harry was very flighty on this bridge as the see through diamond, against the water, looked to be non-existent. But he too walked on in and through the front doors.
The next morning everyone woke early. The memorial ceremony would begin straight after breakfast and so they were told to wear their formal cloaks, which were their house coloured cloaks with the gold cuffs e.t.c Everyone looked especially dressed up for the proceedings today; it was only the Hogwarts students whom were wearing their usual black. Harry thought perhaps the Koalingo student had overdressed, as, compared to everyone else; they looked like royalty. But none of the other Koalingo students seemed to have thought this at all. Harry glanced Ron at the Gryffindor table, but before he had a chance to get close Professor Snape had intervened. "That student is under strict instructions to stay as far away from visitors as possible," Snape shot a nasty look at Harry, "Perhaps you'd like to take a seat at this table," Snape led them over to the Slytherin table where Draco Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle were snickering at Ron, whom was sitting alone. "This is one of our top students - Draco Malfoy," Snape introduced them. Malfoy stood and tilted his head to them, and grinned poisonously at Harry. "Pleased to meet you," Malfoy held out his hand to Mezentius. To Harry's pleasure, Mezentius did not take Malfoy's hand, only stared at him, Professor Snape said nothing but walked off to the Gryffindor table, where he spoke to Ron. Ron looked murderously into his plate while Snape was saying something Harry couldn't hear. Ron soon stood and exited the Great Hall. "Lets sit down shall we," Malvado and the other Ruberagon student sat down immediately. Harry, Mezentius and the others joined them. Harry didn't take his eyes off Malfoy, whom had just reached his hand across the table and shake Malvado's hand. "I told you not to waste your time with that Weasley, Potter" Malfoy sneered, "Best advice I ever gave you, you should have heeded my warning," "Oh, but Draco, I did heed your advice - you told me not to go mixing with the wrong sort," Harry grinned sneakily, "I haven't mixed with you since that day," Harry was pleased to see the other Koalingo students were smirking; even Malvado and the other Ruberagon student sniggered - although Malfoy didn't see this. "Can I have your attention please?" Dumbledore was standing at the teacher's desk. Everyone went silent and looked over at him. "Thankyou," he smiled and then resumed his solemn look, "In a moment a number representative students of Hogwarts will take one student from a visiting school down to show them where the ceremony will be taking place this morning by the Hogwarts School Quidditch pitch. As I understand it - one representative from each visiting school has been asked to speak on behalf of their school," "Oh no!" Terry said shockingly as he turned to look at Harry and Mezentius in horror, "I left my speech in the palace," Harry and Mezentius sniggered, "You better go and get it," Mezentius whispered to him. Terry jumped up and scooted from the room silently. Mezentius covered his mouth to stifle his laughter. "I would like those representatives to exit from the great hall now and do this, please," Harry looked around to see whom would be taking a representative from Koalingo down. Cho Chang was looking towards the Slytherin table. She stood in a single movement and walked towards them. Harry for a fleeting moment thought she was about to ask him to follow her until she stopped beside him and looked at Malfoy. "Professor Snape wants you to take the Koalingo Academy rep down," she smiled at Harry and turned back to the boy whom Ron had hit last night, he was from an American school. "Right," Malfoy stood, "Which one of you, do I have to escort around?" Harry looked at Mezentius but Malvado stood up, "I'll do it," "Great," Malfoy sneered, "Follow me," Malvado walked out of the hall along side Malfoy. Harry knew this had to be a bad combination. The end of breakfast came very quickly. And Harry, whom hadn't seen Hermione enter the Great Hall yet, was beginning to feel anxious. "She's probably with Ron in the common room - if she's the kind of person you say she is, then she's probably just being a good friend," Mezentius suggested "Your most likely right," Harry smiled weakly. He looked over towards the other tables. Parvati Patil was fluttering her eyebrows as she spoke to a boy from Beauxbatons, Harry figured this must be the boy she met at the Yule Ball last year as she seemed to be inching closer and closer to him every minute. Neville was seated, Harry was surprised to see, in the midst of half a dozen girls from other schools whom looked to be flashing pieces of paper at him, which he signed and returned to them. One of them even gave him a peck on the cheek - Neville went very red - Ginny was looking murderous. But still no Hermione, "I'm going to go for a walk," Harry said as he stalked off out of the Great Hall, Mezentius looked up, after him, but stayed in his seat and turned back towards the other Koalingo students. Harry walked towards the marble staircase and remembered the many times he would carelessly climb them on his way to class or to his dormitory. He inched slowly up past all the old paintings hanging on the walls. The slight smell of old about the castle, but the noticeable feeling that told him he was at Hogwarts. He snuck up past a group of Hufflepuffs, which eyed him suspiciously, until he realised one of them was Justin Finch- Fletchy, so Harry smiled and waved, and Justin replied in the same way. He walked on until he found a Gryffindor student, a first year, whom he had never met. "What's the password to the Gryffindor common room?" Harry asked the boy, whom was now staring at Harry as if Harry had just told him to perform the Imperious curse on someone. "Only Gryffindors are supposed to know our password, and your not even a Hogwarts student," the boy scooted off down the stairs looking slightly afraid of Harry. Harry grunted exasperatedly. He set off again until he reached the portrait of the fat lady in the pink dress. "Oh young Potter - what a surprise to see you again," she smiled "Hello," Harry smiled, thinking that maybe she would let him enter anyway, "Could you just . let me in . maybe?" Harry stammered "I'm sorry, Harry, no can do I'm afraid - I am under strict instructions not to let anyone in without the correct password," "But you know me," Harry spoke urgently, "I'm sorry, Harry, how do I know you aren't an impostor using polyjuice potion?" she said to him, "Er . because . I . can prove it," he smiled and showed her his scar, "Polyjuice potion can do that," she smiled "What about ." Harry looked around, "Colin!" he shouted triumphantly, "Colin?" the fat lady spoke curiously as Colin Creevey appeared in the doorway behind her, "Harry," Colin's smile reached his ears, "What are you doing up here? Visitors aren't supposed to wander around the castle," "Colin, I have to see Ron and Hermione," Harry looked pleadingly at Colin, "Please can you let me in," "I will if you let me take a picture of you?" Colin smiled, "And sign it," "Oh come off it," Harry was slightly annoyed, "Yes, that's Harry Potter," Colin laughed, " 'Course you can," He moved aside and Harry entered. The fresh smell of the Gryffindor common room filled his nostrils. The fire was crackling in front of which, were the big comfy lounge chairs and the windows were slightly misted with the coolness of autumn. He started heading up the staircase towards the common room when a student appeared on the steps, "Who are you?" "Er . I'm Harry Potter," Harry said, hoping his name was enough to distract the student from starting up about Harry not being allowed in the Gryffindor common room - after all this student didn't know him, this was another first year. "Oh," The student looked slightly taken aback, Harry was incredibly shocked by this. "Oh well, bye," the student scooted off down stairs. Harry, not believing his luck, started again up the stairs until he reached the door to his old dormitory. When he entered, the curtains were drawn around Ron's bed, Harry crossed to his old bed and sat on the side of it, looking over into Ron's. "Ron?" he called As soon as Harry had spoken, a head popped through the curtains looking out at him, it was Ron, "Harry," Ron sounded startled, "What are you doing up here?" Harry could see that Ron's eyes were red; he knew Ron had been crying. Ron pulled his curtains opened and got off his bed and walked over to wash his face in the drinking fountain. "Well no need to thank me for coming to see you," Harry said sarcastically with a smile, Ron finished washing his face and he turned back to Harry, "You have to leave - If the headmaster sees you up here - I'm done for," "Since when have you called Snape - Headmaster?" Harry looked befuddled. Ron shuddered, "Quiet!" Ron held his finger to his lips, "He might here you," Harry stared at Ron curiously, "Who? Snape?" Ron shuddered again, "Ron, what's going on here?" "You'll have to excuse Mr Weasley's reaction," Snape appeared to have walked out of the wall, Ron leant back on his bed and almost fell over - Harry stood his ground, "You see, Mr Potter, many things have changed since you were last at Hogwarts," Snape spoke, his eyes were alight with fire, but it was the smile he wore that seemed to be burning. "What are you doing in the Gryffindor common room? Your not aloud in here - when Dumbledore finds out." Harry stopped mid-sentence realising why Snape was smiling. First of all, he, himself, is not supposed to be in the Gryffindor common room, he isn't aloud. And secondly, Dumbledore is no longer in charge. "I'll escort you back to your headmaster," Snape spoke malevolently, "As for you, Weasley, twenty-five points from Gryffindor for sneaking a student, from another school, into your dormitory - you know it isn't aloud," Ron sat silently; Harry couldn't believe he wasn't protesting, "But that's not fair!" Harry couldn't hold himself back, "I snuck up here myself, Ron didn't know until just now," "But of course it isn't fair," Harry could tell Snape was toying with him, "I'd take more then twenty-five points, but Gryffindor doesn't have anymore points to take," Harry glanced back at Ron as Snape started out the room. Harry had no choice but to follow - he had already gotten Ron into too much trouble. As they walked out of the common room and down towards the entrance hall they saw Professor ConDoin standing via the entrance to the Great Hall. "Professor ConDoin," Snape spoke cheerfully as if he were meeting an old friend, Harry knew this was only because Snape was about to get him in trouble. "Snape," Professor ConDoin inched from his leaning post and started towards the marble staircase, "I found one of your students skulking around in an out of bounds area," Snape sneered, "I wasn't skulking," Harry protested angrily, and then looked up at Professor ConDoin, "Five points from Emerindyl, Harry, you know you should have first asked permission before leaving the hall," Professor ConDoin spoke almost as if he didn't like punishing Harry. Harry was slightly confused by this, but nodded all the same, "Please go into the hall and wait with the rest of the Koalingo students - Professor Snape and I need to take a walk," Professor ConDoin looked over at Snape, whom looked slightly surprised, himself, Harry, not wishing to push his luck, walked off into the hall without hesitation. As he walked on, he glanced back through to the entrance hall, to see Snape and Professor ConDoin exit through the oak doors. "Where have you been?" Mezentius asked him, Brydies seemed to want to know as well. Harry explained all about how he had gone up to the Gryffindor common room to see Ron, and how Ron had reacted to saying Snape's name aloud. And how Snape had access to the Gryffindor common room when McGonnagall used to be the only teacher aloud to do that, "And Gryffindor have no house points - he's running a dictatorship here," Harry looked infuriated (Brydie did too), "Gryffindor will not be winning the house cup this year," "As .er. important as that seems to you, Harry, I think what is more disturbing is the way your friend, Ron, reacted to you saying the headmasters name aloud," Mezentius was stirring a plate of mashed potato in a bowl in front of him. "Are you going to eat that, or just stir it?" Crabbe spoke across the table to him. Mezentius pushed the plate forward but Brydie seized it at once and started eating it slowly - often flashing her potato filled spoon at them, as if teasing. "It is kind of . well - I know most Europeans are worried about saying 'Voldemort'" (Crabbe and Goyle looked over at Mezentius - looking away from Brydie, whom was now poking her tongue out at them, covered in mashed potato) "So it kind of sounds like ." he didn't need to finish- Harry fully understood. "Snape was a . death eater," Harry spoke in an undertone so that only Mezentius and Brydie heard. "What's a death eater?" Brydie looked confused "Someone who follows their evil wizard, Voldemort," a couple of the Slytherin's shuddered and starred at them, Crabbe and Goyle did not. "What's a Voldemort?" Brydie asked. (This time students from the Ravenclaw table, next to them, also shuddered and stared) "He's like Lord Ruberagon," Mezentius lowered his voice as some of the other Ameraid's shuddered. "We don't have the same security here as in Koalingo manor, they are a little jumpy," Mezentius explained to Harry "So . why would they make a dark wizard the headmaster of this school?" Brydie whispered so low that Crabbe and Goyle inched closer to hear them, and Crabbed actually put his hand in a bowl of mushroom sauce. "Because Dumbledore trusts him," Harry sat back Silence spread across the four tables as Dumbledore stood at the teacher's table. "The time has come," he announced, Harry saw all of the school representatives return through the entrance doors into the great hall. Malvado and Malfoy were last through, after everyone was seated, Dumbledore continued. "If each school representative would like to show their school fellows the way down to the where we shall be holding the memorial service,"
CHAPTER THIRTEEN NEW CHOICES, NEW THREATS, NEWLY UNTITED
Malvado stood smugly, "Come on everyone," Harry and the others stood, Malvado led the way as they reached the door and exited first, followed by Astilon. "Do you think we can trust him?" Mezentius whispered to Harry - continuing their conversation from inside, "Snape, I mean," "Dumbledore does," Harry told him, "But . well Dumbledore hasn't always had the greatest judge of character," Harry was remembering Lockhart, Quirrell, and the Moody impostor. "But I always suspect Snape of something when really all he is, is a ." Harry broke off as they walked up to Professor ConDoin and Snape whom were standing speaking to each other in front of a large tent. When they arrived Professor ConDoin winked at Malvado, "Mr Potter," Snape sneered, "Good to see you with the students of your school," Harry felt a tingle in his scar - he dismissed it as anger towards Snape. He didn't reply to Snape, merely stared at him poisonously. But soon his attention left Snape and was focused on his scar, which was beginning to burn even more. He could no longer dismiss the pain as his scar began to hurt more and more as he reached the door of the tent; he lifted his hand and cupped it over his scar. "What's wrong?" Mezentius was looking at Harry, "Nothing," Harry tried to shake off the attention, "Harry?" Professor Emerindyl was now by his side "There's something wrong with his forehead, sir" Mezentius said to Professor Emerindyl, "Are you alright Harry," Professor Emerindyl looked at Harry imploringly. Harry felt the pain disappear immediately so he moved his hand. "Yes," Harry smiled, but Professor Emerindyl stopped and looked over at the tent, "Well let's carry on shall we," Professor Emerindyl said to them as they started off towards the tent slowly, "Is there something wrong professor?" Professor ConDoin moved towards Professor Emerindyl, "Not at all," Professor Emerindyl disappeared into the tent, Harry and the rest of the Koalingo students continued walking on towards the tent - the people behind them wondering why they had stopped, "What was wrong with your forehead?" Mezentius asked him "Nothing," Harry insisted as they reached the tent door, "Where seated on the front row," Malvado told them. "Malvado," Professor ConDoin called him, "I'd like to speak to you briefly," Malvado stalked off, looking slightly abashed at no longer being at the front of the line, Harry and Mezentius were now at the front - they started towards the entrance and slung the door aside, "Oh my ." is all that Harry heard before a searing pain brought him to the ground with a thud, down on the stage was a body, and floating in the air above it, were two objects - one of which Harry new to be Lord Voldemort's, Dark Mark. "What's going on?" Snape marched into the tent to Harry's screams of pain, Mezentius was not moving at all as Professor Emerindyl entered after Snape. Mezentius was standing looking mortified, Harry's vision was going blurry, he could no longer see the body on the stage, but the dark mark was burning the very retina of his eyes, "Get him out of here!" Professor Emerindyl shouted, "Now!" Harry felt himself being lifted up by someone, but as soon as he left the tent his vision came back. "Stop!" he shouted, "Put me down," He looked up to see it was Professor ConDoin, whom was carrying him, "Put me down," Harry started kicking, Professor ConDoin settled Harry down on the grass and pulled a sword from his belt - for a moment Harry thought Professor ConDoin was going to stab him, but no, it was something else, "Stupefy" * "Hurry now children!" Harry could hear these endless yells of these three words from all the visiting headmasters and headmistresses, Harry sat up; he was lying in one of the beds in the Hogwarts hospital wing, "Be serious - your children are in no real danger," Snape's voice floated into the room from the corridor outside the hospital wing, "Yeah, like that kid from Australia - I don't think so Professor Snape," he heard shouted back at him many times, "Severus," Dumbledore was standing watching this, "Severus be calm - if they believe they should leave then let them," Harry looked around the room and saw the curtains drawn around the bed opposite him, "Will you people be quiet?" Harry heard Madame Pomfrey snapping at them, "There are students in there who need rest - take your argument elsewhere!" "Sorry Poppy," Harry heard Dumbledore exclaim before he suggested they move to another location, "It was the skull of Avada, Harry," Harry almost jumped out of his skin as he looked to the bed beside his, Mezentius was sitting up in it, "They killed Terry," "What?" Harry stared at Mezentius, then he looked over to the bed with the curtains drawn around it, "Terry?" Mezentius nodded, Harry stepped carefully out of his bed; he seemed strangely well balanced for someone whom was just stunned by the stupefying charm. He walked very slowly towards the bed; the cold hospital floor was prickling his feet. He drew the curtains open carefully and saw that the bedcovers were right over Terry's face. He inched closer to the bed, feeling his eyelids grow heavy with tears they weren't releasing. "Terry," Harry spoke under his breath, He laid his hand on the bedside and lowered his head to rest his forehead on his hand, There was a moment of silence until Harry heard something move, he lifted his head and saw the blankets were moving up and down where Terry's head was, "He's breathing?" Harry stood, "Oh my god, he's breathing," Harry placed his hand to the blankets and moved them quickly, "HI HARRY!" The blood stained face with its green snake tongue shouted as it rose off the bed immediately, "Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrggggggggggggghhhhhhhhhhhhhh!! !!!!" Harry screamed as the face smiled at him.
"Harry?" another voice sounded and Harry's body jolted as he sat up in his hospital; bed, he looked around. Hermione, Ron, and Mezentius were standing over him. "Terry!" Harry gasped, "I had the worse nightmare," he glanced across the room, there were no beds with curtains draped around them, "I'm afraid it wasn't a nightmare, Harry" Mezentius looked at Harry with the same expression he bore when Professor Emerindyl had announced Jennifer's death, "It was the Dark Mark, Harry" Ron told him, "And the skull of Avada," Mezentius announced, "Professor Emerindyl told us we're leaving as soon as you've woken up," "He's not scared of Voldemort?" Harry asked, "No," Mezentius spoke, "Not at all . its just ." Hermione butted in, "They believe that Voldemort has united himself with ." "The Guild of Avada" Mezentius finished the sentence, "So Harry's not safe either at Hogwarts or that school in Australia?" Ron looked utterly perplexed, Hermione was shaking her head but Mezentius spoke up, "Yes he is - Harry - Koalingo, you'll be safe there - Professor Emerindyl would never let you be harmed," "You can't be sure of that!" Hermione snapped, "Dumbledore was supposed to be keeping Harry safe but he's always been in danger in the last four years at Hogwarts," Ron put in, "Your not helping Ron," Hermione spat, "What does it matter anyway? Professor Snape has suspended me until further notice," Harry told them, "There's no use arguing where I should be!" Hermione, Ron and Mezentius looked as if they were keeping something from him, "Harry, we have something to tell you," Hermione started "Harry, Dumbledore has been reinstated as Headmaster - you're aloud to return to Hogwarts," Mezentius told him, "I'll leave you, let you think about it," "Think about what?" Ron looked around as Mezentius slipped out of the hospital wing, "There's nothing to think about - you'll be coming back to Hogwarts," "Its going to be great Harry," Hermione smiled, "Defence Against Dark Arts is excellent with Professor Delacour," Harry was looking straight at them but for some reason he wasn't taking in a single word they were saying. He didn't understand it, he was so angry when he had to leave Hogwarts, and now he could stay, so why wouldn't he? Why didn't he want to? Hermione seemed to understand this, as she was looking down at him. Ron had started up about Quidditch and what a good captain Fred is, but Hermione and him connected for a moment, and Hermione nodded, although Harry could see a tear n her eyes. "Come on Ron," she said to him, "We had better go down to dinner - we'll bring you up something good," she said to Harry before she shot out the door, Ron shrugged, "See ya," and he followed after her,
Ron was looking like Hagrid had slapped him in the face as Harry placed his hand on the diamond on Professor Emerindyl's dragon hours later ready to go back to Koalingo. Professor Dumbledore winked at Harry as Harry disappeared into the diamond. "You sure this is what you want to do?" Mezentius asked Harry as he heaved his trunk up to the end of his bed, Harry shook his head, "But I know it's the safest thing - the best thing for everyone - there was nothing horrible happening at Hogwarts until I returned, and I think Professor Emerindyl will keep you all safe from the curse of Harry Potter," "Your not cursed," Brydie poked her tongue out, "Terry . was . weird," she screwed her face up, "That's a horrible thing to say," Mezentius looked at her devastatingly, "Well he was, the stupid fool went to look for his speech for the memorial, but the moron had given it to me just before breakfast, he didn't want to lose it," she laughed and walked out saying, "He would still be . if he hadn't forgotten,"
The trip back to Koalingo seemed a lot faster then the trip to Hogwarts. Before anyone actually realised, they were arriving in the front courtyard to the school, just as the other students were returning from their holidays.
No one asked any questions about what had happened at Hogwarts - there seemed to be an unspoken agreement that they would not speak of it. Terry's parents were seen three weeks into term coming into the school with a tall stocky man in jet-black robes. "Fumbleknot!" Professor ConDoin called him to follow as Professor ConDoin started towards them. Mezentius whom was sitting, with Brydie and Harry, helping them do their History of Magic homework, jumped up immediately and followed. "I wonder what they are here for?" Brydie looked over to them, Harry was wondering the same thing. It had been three and a half weeks since Terry's death, why would they, now, come to Koalingo? They watched as Terry's mother glanced Harry just before Professor ConDoin whisked her off into the castle. Mezentius walked back over to them, "I've been asked to gather all of his things for his parents," Mezentius told them
Harry ducked as a book narrowly missed his head. Brydies had thrown it, "Terry's taste in reading is gross," Brydie, shouted as she banished another book across the room, it flew neatly into Terry's school trunk, "Have you no respect for the dead?" Mezentius snapped at her as he carried a pile of Terry's clothing over to the school trunk, "He was a big fan of yours it looks like," Brydie was brandishing her wand at a pile of books that all floated into the air, "There mine!" Harry snapped and knocked them all out of the air with a well- positioned Flipendo knock back jinx. Mezentius summoned one of the books to him and opened the cover, after which he turned and looked at Harry, "This book is a library book - but its supposed to be locked away," Mezentius threw the book back to Harry, "Oh well," Harry stood shocked and confused; his initial thought was that Mezentius wouldn't like him at all if he discovered Harry to be reading books about him. He and Terry had sneaked these books from the library and Harry hadn't a chance to read them before they left for Hogwarts. "I'm really sorry Mezentius, I didn't mean to . well I did, but it was just out of curiosity," Harry blundered, Mezentius laughed, "Its quite fine, Harry, I know quite a lot about you, I read all about you the moment I heard Professor Emerindyl had gone to collect you from Hogwarts last winter" Harry stuffed the books into his backpack, and continued with the packing.
After they had finished all of the packing and taken the dragged the chest out to the entrance courtyard, Mezentius, Brydie, and Harry waited for Terry's parents. She showed up shortly after, Terry's mother looked slightly flustered, as if she had just been arguing, although a huge smile crossed her face when she reached Mezentius, Brydie, and himself. "Thank you for this kids," she smiled as the tall stocky man in the jet- black cloak lifted the chest over his back. Harry was amazed at the strength of the man. "I'm really sorry about Terry," Harry, Brydie and Mezentius blurted out at the same time, Terry's mother turned to them, the slight noticeable tear in her eye; she smiled and hugged them all at once. "Never fear children - this shan't happen again, I have seen to it personally," at this she turned and the three adults walked across the entrance courtyard, got into a dragon drawn carriage and off they went, "What does she mean by that?" Mezentius looked at them strangely,
The final class of the day for Harry was Defence Against Dark Arts. Again, to their pleasure, they had Professor Cannon, "Professor ConDoin was here at lunch," Mezentius whispered to them, "He met with Terry's parents when they arrived," Harry and Brydie nodded, Harry remembered this happen, and he thought it did seem quite weird that Professor ConDoin wasn't here now, "Now, class," Professor Cannon was standing at the head of the class, looking as if she had no intention on taking her seat anytime soon, "I would like you all to put your books away and stand," The class did so, and once everyone was standing, Professor Cannon clapped her hands and the class seemed to apparate from the classroom to a huge round room with stone floor wall and ceiling. The room was circular and there appeared to be no doors and no windows, but the air was very fresh, and there was a breeze, possibly magicked there for comfort. "Professor Emerindyl has informed the Defence staff that we shall be beginning the ultimate defence, not against creatures of magical danger, we do not usually teach this until the seventh year, and in some countries the stupid Ministries of Magic won't allow schools to teach it at all" She glanced at Harry, "Of course this is only my speculation and I am not allowed to pass my bias onto you," Everyone stood silent - the Ruberagons were smiling, "The defence I am speaking of is defence against the ultimate danger," she paused, looking directly at Harry, "Defence against another human," Harry felt a shiver down his spine, "A wand can perform many fantastic things, but also many horrible things - and those whom choose to use their wands for the dark arts can be very dangerous indeed," Harry knew this only too well; he had only narrowly escaped an attack from Dark wizards last June. He had never spoken about this though, "Now, a few spells that come in very handy when facing a Dark opponent, one of which I shall be leaving for Professor ConDoin to teach you, you will learn this period and will practice only here in your Defence Class," she looked around severely at them, "Any student found preforming these spells around the school will be expelled faster then they can lower their wand from their target," she was now staring at Malvado and the group of Ruberagons, "Do I make myself clear?" Everyone nodded and a few answered 'Yes' "Good" she smiled, "Let us begin then," "The first spell I would like to teach you is not a Defence spell but one to attack your attacker - there is no doubt that the evil opponent will try dirty tricks to get at you - so we will be learning some dirty tricks to use back against them," she smiled and then asked, "Anyone want to be my opponent?" Everyone backed off - they knew how powerful Professor Canon was, they were not about to let her put them in the Hospital wing, "I'll do it," Mezentius stepped forward, "Are you mad?" Brydie spoke after him, as Mezentius crossed the cobblestone floor and stood in front of her, "Good show - ten points to Ameraid for bravery," Professor Cannon smiled, "Ok, when I say the word, you recite the spell Ráfaga," The whole class moved back uneasily about five paces, "Ok Fumbleknot - imagine I'm an evil wizard - I've come to beat you up just because I am bored and need some excitement in my life," she smiled, "I'm going to attack you - I'm sure your quick enough to get out of my way - once you have a clear shot, use the Ráfaga curse and we shall see if it works, but beware - I too shall be using the Ráfaga curse - lets see who's faster," The class moved further back, "Lets begin," Professor Canon smiled, Mezentius raised his wand first but Professor Canon was just too fast, "Ráfaga!!!" a thin blue beam shot out of the end of her wand and hit Mezentius in the chest. There was a blinding flash of light and then Mezentius' body exploded into blue glowing dust, which spread like pixie dust in every direction, Everyone in the room stood, staring at her, mortified. Professor Canon straightened up smiling, "Now," she continued, "If you are facing a dark wizard this is either the perfect time to position yourself ready for a stronger attack, otherwise its your best chance to escape," Everyone was still staring at her mortified, "Just don't spend too much time deciding which of these you will be doing - as the spell fast wears off," The class stood still the same looks on their faces, while the blue glowing dust in the room gathered together again and Mezentius reappeared looking confused and weak, "Now this spell will leave its victim slightly disorientated, but this varies from person to person - it depends whom you attack - thank you Fumbleknot please join your friends again," Brydie poked Mezentius in the stomach with her wand a couple times, "Its ok, he's alive!" she spoke shortly and everyone then turned and stared at Professor Canon, "Well of course he's alive," she said to them, looking slightly confused, "You didn't think I would be aloud to teach you a spell to kill, did you?" "Now, pair off and practice that spell - Mr Nino you are not to use any other spells," Professor Canon looked at Malvado seriously, Practicing this spell was a lot more fun the Harry had first thought - he got to make Brydie and Mezentius explode several times, as well as Hyperion, when he wasn't looking. Before long the entire class had mastered the spell and was waiting ready for the next. "Ok," Professor Canon whom was very pleased with the class' progress had whispered to a couple students that the next spell would be a very good one. "Many people have heard of the disarming spell 'Expelliarmus'?" Professor Canon looked around, there were a few mumbles and Harry heard one student say 'My parents taught me that even before I started school' "Well the next curse is taking that spell a step further, taking disarming to a dangerous level - there was much arguments over whether you should be taught this one," she spoke, the class was smiling with anticipation, "Another volunteer I think?" Everyone raised their hands, "This one is very painful," she added and every hand dropped immediately, "Hmmmmmm." "I'll do it," Mezentius walked forward again, "Thank you - 20 points to Ameraid," Professor Canon spoke, "This curse is pronounced Tajada - and was actually first used by wizard butchers for cutting up meat without muggle knives, until of course, like all good spells, dark wizards thought they could use it to remove another wizards limbs, thus having the spell outlawed," A couple of students screwed their faces up; most Ruberagons were smiling maliciously, "Now - so you don't think this spell kills, it actually doesn't at first - there is a certain time limit before the body part has to be taken to a hospital to rejoin - or if it s the persons head . then yes the victim will die," she looked fleetingly solemn, "To rejoin the body part you merely have to tap it twice with a wand - just so you know in case you are faster then me this time Fumbleknot," Mezentius and Professor Canon took duelling stance immediately. They circled for a moment and this time it was Professor Canon, whom raised her wand first, "Tajada!!" she cried, Mezentius tried to roll out of the way but the spell connected with his ear and scraped the top of it off, Mezentius fell to the ground in pain. Professor Canon acted immediately and rejoined the ear. Mezentius stood up and shook his head and rubbed his ear, "Now, you may only remember this spell - the ministry allowed us teaching it, as long as you were not able to perform it on other students - the spell is illegal except when used only in defence, and this you have to prove," she glared around at all of them, "Anyone reported using this spell will be expelled and will have to serve a period in juvenile detention centre," Every student shuffled worryingly, "Come now professor, that seems a little harsh?" Malvado spoke up, "No Mr Nino," Professor Canon looks very serious, "I don't think it is harsh at all - that's the law, and we should all abide by it - do I make myself clear?" This time everyone answered, "Yes miss,"
"She was pretty harsh," Brydie, told them over dinner that although she didn't like to admit it, she agreed with Malvado, "No she wasn't," Mezentius disagreed, "She was quite within her right - very smart, if you ask me," "Of course," a drawling mocking voice sounded behind them as Hyperion and a couple of Ruberagons showed up behind Mezentius, "Mr Fumbleknot would agree with any teacher," Hyperion started mocking a teacher, "Today class we will be learning how to jump into piranha infested water holes, would you care to demonstrate Fumbleknot?" then he mocked Mezentius, "Of course Professor!" he then started making choking sounds and fell to the ground dramatically before standing up laughing and walking off with the Ruberagon's, "I'm really beginning to dislike him," Brydie spoke up, Harry silently agreed, "I don't like him hanging around with those Ruberagons" Mezentius looked concerned, Brydie looked flabbergasted, "How can you say that?" she spat out her apple juice, "After all he's done to you and Harry since Harry got here - and he hasn't even been here for a full half year yet!" "But you don't understand Hyperion, we've known each other for ages, I know why he acts like he does," Mezentius was still looking concerned, "Well all I know is that he is a jerk," Brydie continued with her apple juice, "Ladies and gentlemen," Professor Emerindyl stood at the teachers table and all went silent, Harry noticed a few kids had actually stopped moving completely, with food still in their mouths, it fascinated him how someone could command such attention. "If I am right - and Professor ConDoin and Professor Canon inform me that I am, then I must believe that you have all experienced a change in what you have been learning during your Defence Against Dark Arts lessons?" everyone seemed to nod in unison and then Professor Emerindyl went on, "Now it was first the staffs decision that you would have the opportunity to take part in a duelling club three evenings a week for two hours a session - but it was decided that this would interrupt too much with your study schedules that it was changed that you will have this as a separate and new subject," people started stirring in alarm, "Another subject?" Mezentius gasped, "But we'll be having our half yearly's in six weeks!" "Not us," a seventh year student was looking horrified, "We have our finals, how do you think we feel?" "Now before anybody gets too worried, you will not be graded on this subject" Professor Emerindyl told them, "Professor ConDoin will be taking these classes so I'll let him tell you about it," Professor Emerindyl sat down while Professor ConDoin arose from his seat. Harry thought he looked very pale and run-down, Harry could tell that Professor ConDoin hadn't slept for a long time, as the bags underneath his eyes were larger then ever. His hands trembled slightly as he used them to support him as he stood as best he could. "Your new subject will be called Defence and Duelling - you will learn everything an Auror is taught by the ministry of magic as well as a couple of extra . hints of experience," he told them, "This class will not be easy but I promise you that you will be forever grateful for what you learn," Professor Condoin clapped his hands and an envelope that glowed scarlet with gold writing appeared, floating in mid air in front of every student. "These are your new timetables - see you in class," he sat once more looking as if he could stand no more,
CHAPTER FOURTEEN NO MORE PRETEND
"Is he alright?" Brydie spoke at once, after examining her new timetable, "six extra periods a fortnight," she sounded scandalized "You noticed it too?" Harry looked at her, "I was thinking he looked ill," "He does," Brydie was the one sounding concerned this time, "Oh look, they took a period off our other subjects," she smiled "Well I'm not surprised," Mezentius spoke as if this were common knowledge, "He's been busy the last few nights - plus he's been teaching here," "Busy?" Harry didn't understand, and the look Brydie now had on her face proved that he wasn't the only one confused, "Honestly you two," Mezentius pulled a rolled up newspaper out of his bag, "See for yourself - this is this mornings Cauldron. The Cauldron, Harry had come to learn, was the Australian wizardry newspaper, much like the Daily Prophet. Brydie unfolded the front page and read the cover article;
ALWAYS AVADA
Yet again the Guild of Avada has managed to escape being discovered by the AWDF's (Australian Wizardry Defence Forces) finest, writes Rita Skeeter special correspondence. Furst Arutha Condoin, Heir to the Muggle throne of Germany, General of the AWDF, Order of Merlin, 2nd class, and Professor of Defence Against Dark Arts at Koalingo Academy of Australia has yet again succeeded and failing to apprehend the dark wizards of the Guild of Avada. Although General ConDoin refuses to report on the subject The Cauldron can exclusively reveal that these mysterious attacks on Muggles and Wizarding families over the last week have been attacks from the Guild of Avada itself. The fifth of five attacks in the last five days, this time it was a ministry official attacked by the Guild - this no doubt will cause much upset as never before has the Guild been daring enough to attack ministry officials - I know this Cauldron reporter will be sleeping with an Auror at my bedroom door this evening.
"Rita Skeeter?" Harry smiled, "How much do you think she knows about all of this?" "Enough - by the looks of it," Mezentius told them, "Probably as much as Professor ConDoin," "That would be valuable information?" Harry smiled more mischievously, "Well if we're ever going to solve this it would be priceless information," Mezentius said while staring at Harry, as if he were searching for something.
That evening after leaving Mezentius at the fountain in the front corridor and Brydie at the entrance to the central tower, Harry headed back to the secret entrance to Emerindyl lake with his mind on sending a letter to Rita Skeeter suggesting that his tongue might slip a few words of her illegally being an animagi if she didn't give him some information. But as fate would have it something stalled him from reaching the suit of armour in front of the secret passage. "How did she find out?" Professor ConDoin was raging as he was standing guard at the secret entrance - he was talking to Headmaster Emerindyl, "That family has no relations not working for the ministry, and they were all sworn to secrecy," he was pacing madly, "Arutha she is a reporter - trained in ways of spying that the Defence Force can't even imagine," Professor Emerindyl looked to be attempting to calm him down, "You should be getting as much sleep as you can - you don't know whether or when you'll be called out again," "No, the minister for magic of Britain told me I had to keep a constant guard on Harry," Professor ConDoin yawned, "I have gone for weeks on end without sleep before - I can do it again," "Arutha you are running yourself into the ground - go to bed and I'll stand guard," Professor Emerindyl made this sound almost final, "General!" Harry watched a third wizard run up towards them, he ran straight past Harry, as if he couldn't see him. The wizard was wearing the strangest cloak Harry had ever seen, navy blue in colour with a very stiff high collar the young wizard would have looked like a vicar had it not been for the golden bat wings on his shoulders and the shining silver name tag pinned on his chest. "General - there's been another attack - the department of training for the royal guard has been destroyed," the young man told him Professor ConDoin let out a sigh that sounded almost painful as he and the young man disapperated, Harry stood momentarily, wondering how long he should stall before he walked forwards so that Professor Emerindyl would not know he had overheard their conversation, however he needn't have waited. "Yes, Harry - believe it or not Cornelius Fudge is concerned about your well-being," Professor Emerindyl was not looking at Harry, but he turned on the heels of his boots and looked directly at Harry. Harry didn't know how to react, so he walked forward slowly, "Is it really the Guild of Avada?" Harry asked out of impulse "Its possible," Professor Emerindyl answered slowly, "Your not worried about being attacked by the Guild are you, Harry?" "No," Harry answered a little too quicker then he had wanted to, "Good, you're feeling confident," Professor Emerindyl scanned Harry, "Why do they want to attack us?" Harry blurted out, Professor Emerindyl looked to be considering Harry momentarily before he went on, "It is often unclear as to why evil does what it does, but Harry, the Guild of Avada have a simple reason for committing the evil crimes they do," he hesitated, "They like to cause anarchy - if there is something they can do to make people miserable then they'll do it - they need no reason, they think it is fun - of course their ultimate plan is to take Koalingo - but believe me many of the things they do haven't got anything to do with their ultimate plan - they do it all for fun," "Good heavens child what are you doing out of bed?" Professor McGonagall was pacing up the corridor behind Harry, she stopped when she saw Professor Emerindyl, "All is well, Professor, Harry and I were just having a little chat," Professor Emerindyl winked at Harry, "You must be excited about tomorrow, Harry?" Professor McGonagall smiled, "Ameraid verse Emerindyl - water Quidditch, such a finer sport I have never seen," "Water Quidditch?" Harry stopped amazed, nothing had been said about the game to him at all, perhaps because he wasn't on the house Quidditch team - but no one had even mentioned it to him, not even Mezentius, "Yes, tomorrow - it took all year for us to finally get to see Ameraid verse Emerindyl but I think I can say we are certainly in for a treat," Professor Emerindyl smiled, "Well I guess you best be off to bed Harry - I daresay everyone will be up bright and early tomorrow for the match," Harry shook the suit or armours hand and whispered the password before he slipped into the secret passage and the Suit of armour hid the way once more. Harry strode across towards his hut - he had grown quite fond of having his own little home, and was pleased to be back from the Ameraid fountain palace. He saw, as he passed, the Emerindyl Quidditch team were laughing and joking in a meeting in Hyperion's cabin. But Harry's attention was quickly taken from him by the most amazing bright glow circling the sky. Hedwig was gliding through the sky in circles and with her came a flock of other owls. And the most amazing thing he had ever seen. A huge Norwegian Ridgeback. It was flying through the air, glowing by the light of the many owls, which seemed to have lamps attached to them. "Oh my god," Harry stumbled back as he saw two very large figures clutching onto the dragons back, " 'Allo Harry," a giant hairy figure shouted as the dragon shot past Harry,
"Hagrid?" Harry spun around as the dragon came into land, but must have miscalculated as it crashed, with a loud bang, into Harry's hut. Students rushed out of their huts to see what had happened, Harry didn't see it but Professor Emerindyl and Professor McGonagall were now standing in the entrance doorway, Professor McGonagall was standing behind Professor Emerindyl. Harry's attention was still on the dragon, which was not moving in the massive wreck of Harry's cabin. The silence of the watching crowd was broken as there was a cough and splutter coming from the wreck as the dragon rolled over onto its front and a massive figure emerged from the rubble coughing. "Well I muss say 'Agrid, your landeengs are getteeng better," another figure rolled over laughing, "Olympe, yer too kind," the first figure helped the other one to stand, the two figures were laughing as they stood, unaware of the crowd now staring at them apprehensively, "Hagrid?" Harry walked closer, "Step back, Harry, they are giants," Professor ConDoin apparated in front of Harry, his wand was drawn as he stood between Hagrid and Harry, "Harry," Hagrid started towards them, he shot a look at Professor ConDoin, "You'll want to be putting that away before you harm yourself, Professor" "Its alright Arutha, stand down," Professor Emerindyl was sweeping across the grounds towards them, Professor McGonagall hot in pursuit. Hagrid starred Professor ConDoin with an apprehensive look, "At last Harry, good ter see ya 'gain," he patted Harry on the back knocking him forward a few inches, "Olympe and I have bin tryin' ter catch up with ya since we heard ya were comin' 'ere," "We 'ave been on assignment by Dumblydore," Madame Maxime wiped some black soot off her face, "Norbert gets very smoky when ya don' let him breath fire fer s'long," Hagrid told them as he wiped some soot away from his own eyes, "Dumbledore sent us 'ere to negotiate ." he lowered his voice, "With the giants - top secret though," he tapped his finger on his nose, "What a fascinating creature," in all the excitement Harry hadn't noticed Professor Emerindyl had passed him and was now seated on Norbert's back bouncing around as if testing a comfy lounge chair. "Professor!" Professor McGonagall shot forward and started telling him to get off while Hagrid laughed heartily, Madame Maxime joined in. Professor ConDoin however stood back still with his eyes on Hagrid, "Norwegian Ridgeback?" Professor Emerindyl looked at Hagrid before leaning onto Norbert's neck and reaching his arms as far around as he could, "Right ye are," Hagrid smiled, "Four years old he be," "Indeed," Professor Emerindyl slid down Norbert's back and onto the ground, "Fascinating specimen," "Bes' transport in them - no finer way ter travel," Hagrid walked over and was rubbing Norbert under the chin, "Now off with ye, and don' get inter any fights - I'm not bailing you out again," Norbert groaned and opened his enormous green bat-like wings and took flight. "Little rascal," Hagrid turned on Harry, "So, how've ya bin?"
"Nice a him to let us stay with ye, Harry," Hagrid spoke later in Harry's redesigned cabin - Professor Emerindyl restored it and added extra rooms for Madame Maxime and Hagrid, as well as lifting the roof a couple metres. Hagrid was roasting something, that looked strangely like an Australian mangrove monitor lizard, over the hot coals in the fireplace while Madame Maxime bustled around Harry's unused kitchen setting three places for people to eat at. "'Az bin a while since we 'ave eaten in a proper 'ouse" she was swishing her wand this way and that setting frilly curtains over the window above the sink and was stocking Harry's spice rack above his gas stove, "Veree comfortable," "We've missed ye a lot, Harry" Hagrid spoke as he turned the lizard on its skewer, "I was shocked when I heard ye'd bin expelled - Dumbledore wrote me as soon as you left Britain - I couldn't believe it, what did ye do?" Harry shifted uneasily, he didn't want Hagrid to be disappointed with him, but he didn't want to be rude and not answer him, "I turned Professor Snape into a cactus," Hagrid choked with laughter, "But why?" "Well he took over as headmaster when Dumbledore was fired," Harry began, "Fired? Harry, Dumbledore was never fired - he stepped down - the ministry was furious when he did," Hagrid pulled the skewer out of the fire and tested the food, perhaps making sure it was burnt enough, "But why?" Harry stood when Hagrid did and followed over to the dining table, "Now that's secret - not fer me ter tell yer," Hagrid took his seat as Madame Maxime poured three mugs of Butterbeer, hers and Hagrid's being the size of small buckets, "'Ow do you like zis school 'Arry?" Madame Maxime asked while they began eating, Harry, whom had eaten already was not in the mood for eating, and was glad a conversation had started, "I 'ave 'eard of zis, Emerindyl man - 'ee is a fine 'eadmaster," "Very interesting life too, that man - yed know all about it though wouldn't yeh?" Hagrid looked down at Harry - Harry hesitated but then shook his head, "Blimey Harry - he's like, the most important wizard in this country - even Dumbledore admires him," "I guess so," Harry nodded, although a little excentric, Harry thought Professor Emerindyl was indeed a very well know Australian wizard, and he was definitely a nice man, but Harry had no idea what it was that made Professor Emerindyl so famous,
It was Hagrid's snores that woke Harry the next morning - Madame Maxime was already making breakfast when Harry entered the newly enlarged kitchen at sunrise. The drops of dew on the windowsill gave off an amazing smell when Harry opened the windows to let in fresh air, "Good morneeng 'Arry," Madame Maxime greeted him with a large plate of sausages and eggs for breakfast, she smiled down at him like a house elf as he took his first sausage and smiled with delight about it tasting so nice - this seemed to please her and she went back to the stove and continued cooking. "Good mornin' Harry," Hagrid soon joined them with a huge smile on his face, and his hair looking a lot neater then Harry had ever seen it before, "What's on the schedule fer today, Harry?" "Oh no!" Harry jumped up, "Water Quidditch, I nearly forgot!" he darted out the door and out of the portal into the castle - in through the secret portal that went straight to the golden hall and out past the entrance courtyard, down the steps, across the garden until he reached the Quidditch pitch. There were a few stragglers entering just as he got there. "Late?" said a drawling voice, Malvado Nino was standing blocking the entrance, "I would have thought you'd be here early if anything else - if Emerindyl win, they'll be up against Ruberagon in the finals," "I know," Harry said frustrated, "Now let me pass," Malvado stood there, so Harry pushed past him, "Harry - your late!" Brydie caught up with him and dragged him onto the Saphricorn stands, "This is the best bit to watch - you nearly missed it!" "Missed what?" Harry looked out onto the Quidditch pitch and realised there was no water anywhere - how could they possibly play water Quidditch on a dry pitch? Professor Emerindyl stood on stands lined with golden Koalingo Flags and golden canopy. The audience fell silent; Professor Emerindyl drew out his wand, Harry watched in awe as Professor Emerindyl's wand extended into a two-metre-long golden staff with an emerald gem carved as a perfect sphere into the top of it. He smiled swiftly at the crowd and then announced, "The Emerindyl team! With their captain, Michael Peters" he spoke as six human-sized grindylows, accompanied by Hyperion on his broom, emerged out onto the pitch, "And the Ameraid team with their new captain, Mezentius Fumbleknot," "Why didn't he tell us?" Brydie looked amazed at this news, Six merpeople floated onto the pitch, looking like they were swimming through the air, the young female seeker, Harry, had met during the Ameraid Quidditch practice was floating out on a broomstick, "You know the rules," Professor Puddlemeare, the Koalingo flying teacher, was now standing between the two teams, "When the water reaches the top of the stands the balls will be released and you may begin immediately - beaters are to hit the bludgers only," She then blew her whistle and Professor Emerindyl threw his wand-staff down onto the pitch with enough force for it to burrow into the ground until only the emerald on the top was out of the ground. The next thing Harry watched as water began spraying from the emerald orb, at such a speed that it was seconds before the water reached the top of the stands. "And their off!!" cried the commentator as the water turned so incredibly clear that it was easy to see every ball and all of the players. Three mermaids shot against three grindylows after the quaffle which glowed red so it was easy to see, "Ooooooooh! Fantastic shot by an Emerindyl Beater as he knocks that bludger clear in the path of the Ameraid chasers," the commentator, Victoria Sale, of Emerindyl cheered into the megaphone. Harry glanced up at Hyperion and the Ameraid chaser whom were both hovering above the water looking around for the snitch, neither one at all interested in what the other seeker was doing. "Sneaky shot by Ameraid chaser, Mezentius Fumbleknot as he swims straight past two bludges and still manages to get past Emerindyl Keeper Michael Peters and plant the first goal of the game!" Victoria announced, the Ameraid stands roared with cheers; the Ruberagons didn't seem very impressed, "AND WHATS THIS?" Victoria shouted, "Is it the snitch?" Everyone was now staring at Hyperion and the Ameraid seeker as they both dived into the water, both looking to be trying very hard to hold there breath as they shot as fast as they could towards the ground, where Harry saw the snitch hovering around the part of Emerindyl's wand which was still lying at the bottom of the water, but as they got closer the Ameraid seeker bailed out and started back towards the surface. Hyperion however was still shooting towards the snitch until something very strange happened. Hyperion had suddenly stopped in mid motion, he had fallen off his broom, which hurtled towards the ground and shattered against the grass. Hyperion however was now thrashing madly in the water unable to breath. "Are they going to help him?" Brydie shouted while inching closer to the edge of the water, "None of the players, it seemed, had noticed Hyperion was in the water "HEY!" Brydie started screaming, "HYPERION! HEY!!" She was waving her hands madly at the people on the pitch. Harry looked up at the teachers, whom had lost their attention to Roselyn whom was serving them all up drinks, apparently deep in conversation with Professor Emerindyl and Professor ConDoin. Bubbles had began issuing from Hyperion's mouth as he began to sink, "Who's that?" Malvado appeared standing behind Harry, "Its Hyperion!" Brydie was still trying to get the attention of someone on the Quidditch pitch, "What's going on," Malvado was sounding worried, "PROFESSOR!!!" he shouted up to the teachers but his voice was drowned out by Victoria, whom was commentating on the speedy scoring Mezentius was now making, "Forget this!" Malvado pulled a strange necklace out of his pocket and put it around his neck, "Draco!" he shouted and in an instant he transformed into a huge red dragon. He roared loudly as he shot into the water, using his wings to swim he grabbed up Hyperion and shot out the other side of the water. Almost immediately the water pitch disappeared and the six grindylows and the six merpeople fell out of the sky onto the pitch. Malvado, still as a dragon, landed on the pitch with Hyperion in his claws, he roared up at the teachers and then transformed back into human form. The teachers swept down from the stands as Malvado leant over Hyperion and started shooting weak reducto curses at Hyperion's chest and followed by mouth to mouth. Everyone on the stands was sitting on the edge of their seats; Harry was amazed that Malvado had done what he had. But was more concerned about Hyperion whom still looked to be unconscious. "Mr Nino, please stand back," Professor Emerindyl extracted his staff from the ground, "Is Malvado crying?" Harry spoke as quietly as he could, "Well he would be wouldn't he?" Brydie was still staring out to Hyperion, "Why?" Harry looked at her, although she was still staring out onto the pitch, "Well he'd probably kill me if he knew I told you, he likes to pretend it's not true," Brydie now looked at Harry, "What?" Harry stared back, "Tell me," "Well, Hyperion and Malvado are half brothers, aren't they," Brydie turned back to the pitch,
CHAPTER FIFTEEN SEEKING SEEKERS
"But you can't end the game, not now," Mike was pleading with Professor Puddlemeare. Professor Emerindyl had performed a very strange looking spell on Hyperion and Hyperion had stood and was supported out of the stadium by Professor Canon and Professor McGonnagall, "Mr Nino, I don't take orders from you, last I heard, I was a Professor and you were just a student," Professor Puddlemeare looked very severe, "And don't every forget that," with that Professor Puddlemeare walked off, her long brown hair missing Mikes face ever so slightly, "Is everything ok with Hyperion?" Harry and Brydie had walked onto the pitch to see what was happening, "I dunno," Mike mumbled "Peters," Mezentius joined them, "I have spoken to my team and we are willing to postpone the game - until your seeker is fit again," "No," Mike spat, "We have a replacement," Mike rounded on Harry, "You were a seeker at Hogwarts, correct?" Harry nodded and mumbled a yes. "Its set then," Mike grinned widely, "If you can talk the teachers into continuing the game - Harry will replace Douggy" "Are you sure Hyperion won't mind that?" Harry spoke up, "Douggy will be fine, he's off in the hospital wing, he won't even know," Mike winked, "Ok," Harry spoke faster then he would have hoped "Done," Mezentius spoke as Professor Puddlemeare returned with Professor ConDoin and Headmaster Emerindyl, "This game has been cancelled," Professor Puddlemeare announced, "What?" Mezentius and mike spoke at the same time, Harry and Brydie followed in unison, "I believe it is for the best," Professor Emerindyl looked down at the two captains, "We will hold the game next weekend perhaps," "No!" Mike spoke up, "How dare you speak back to the Headmaster in that tone," Professor ConDoin stepped forward, "But Professor," Mezentius sounded, "Now more is to be said on the subject, the headmaster has cancelled the game and that is final," Professor ConDoin starred Mezentius down, "Professor please," Mike looked at Headmaster Emerindyl, "That was simply unfortunate - the game must proceed - I have seen worse accidents where a student has had to go to hospital and you have allowed the game to continue," "Unless ." Mezentius appeared to be thinking the same thing Harry was, "An attack?" Was it possible that this was yet another Avada attack, why else would Professor Emerindyl be cancelling the game? "Mr Fumbleknot - I pride myself as a man that never makes a decision without a reason - I have made my decision," he looked stern, "So return to the castle, the games over," Professor ConDoin cut in, Professor Emerindyl raised his hand, "May I finish," this seemed to be the first time Harry had ever seen Professor Emerindyl and Professor ConDoin on opposite sides of an argument, "The game will proceed," "But Professor!" Professor ConDoin looked scandalised Headmaster Emerindyl raised his hand again, "Let us return back to the stands, Arutha, Professor Puddlemeare, the game may proceed," Professor Emerindyl and Professor ConDoin walked back towards the teachers stands, apparently deep in conversation, "Ok, then," Professor Puddlemeare rounded on Harry, "You'll need a broom - I don't believe you'll be able to borrow Mr Douglas's," Harry pulled his wand out of his pocket, "Accio Firebolt!" And almost immediately his Firebolt was zooming into the stadium where it stopped, hovering, right next to him, "Ok, lets proceed," Professor Puddlemeare announced. As the two teams lined up around Professor Puddlemeare ready to continue the match, the crowd roared with cheers from all sides, "You know what to do, Harry, just do it," Mike smiled, "Ok, seekers, mount your brooms," Professor Puddlemeare announced as she too, mounted her broom. Again Headmaster Emerindyl was standing at the teacher's stands, holding his 2 metre long staff; again, he threw it towards the ground where it drove hard into the ground. Just as before the Stadium filled with a mass of water, magicked to keep shape, Harry rose with the water as he saw the Emerindyl team transform into grindylows and the Ameraid team became six merpeople. "And Emerindyl retain possession of the quaffle as we enter the second half of the game," The announcers voice, magically magnified, filled the stadium over the tumultuous cheers from the audience. Harry had begun to look around for the snitch immediately while the Ameraid seeker appeared to be surveying him curiously. "Oh watch out Potter!" shouted the announcer as Harry looked down and saw a bludger shoot out of the water towards him, he darted around it easily and shot towards the other end of the stadium where he thought he saw something glitter, realising, once he got there, that it was only the sunlight reflecting off the surface of the water. "And its Ameraid Chaser and captain Fumbleknot who passes to Ameraid chaser Fredric Orcas, whom quickly passes back to Fumbleknot, is this boy scared of the quaffle or something?" Harry looked down to see a Grindylow shooting up towards him, it reached the surface and bounded upon Harry's broom, "What are you waiting for Harry? We are ahead by thirty points, if you could catch the snitch somewhere around now we win!" It was Mike's voice that came out of the Grindylow, who quickly dived back into the water and back into the depths, "And it's Fumbleknot - Orcas - Fumbleknot - Orcas - Fumbleknot! You two do know you have a third chaser, do you not?" It seemed that every time Mezentius would throw the quaffle to another teammate, he would get it back automatically. Harry's attention was taken by the Ameraid seeker who had gone into a dive, penetrating the water and shooting down, ever faster, Harry hopped into action, taking a huge breath before penetrating the surface, diving down into the water. "OUCH!" The announcer proclaimed as Harry wet flying off his broom, something had hit him incredibly hard in the chest, he was trying very hard not to attempt breathing, he looked down to where his Firebolt had soared off, hurting towards the ground, it would surely shatter like Hyperion's had, "ACCIO FIREBOLT!!" Harry heard himself say and he couldn't believe it, he was breathing and speaking underwater. His Firebolt changed course immediately and shot back up to him, he grabbed it with one hand and tipped it forward where he sped back down. The Ameraid seeker was no where in sight, although the snitch was still glowing madly, Harry shot towards it, still not understanding why he was breathing, underwater even. As he flew he realised how little it actually felt like being underwater, there seemed to be no sensation of water running through his hair and his body was not half as cold as it had been upon entering the water. "KEEP GOING HARRY YOU'VE NEARLY GOT IT!!" The announcer had shouted, Harry reached out his hand, just an inch away from the snitch when SMACK! He was hit fair in the face by a bludger from the Ameraid Beater, "OUCH! Bad move Harry, you should be paying attention," The announcer was saying, Harry had suddenly became aware of being underwater and sped off as fast as he could back towards the surface and above the water. When he broke through the surface he expected to hear noise, but everything was silent. Harry looked down only to see the water disappear once again. He was still on his broom but there was no stadium below him. In fact there appeared to be nothing below him, just more sky. "Argh!" Harry screamed when he realised he was hanging upside-down on his broom, he straightened himself up but the ground was very far away, there was a castle very far down, incredibly far down, and a village not too far from it. The lake around the castle had something very large swimming through it, gliding like a giant squid, it was a giant squid, and well it looked like it. But no, it was changing, Harry flew down for a closer look, the castle and the lake were beginning to grow in size, as Harry got closer he realised where he was, "Hogwarts," His attention was quickly drawn to the giant squid, which was changing, he looked closer still and the outline of the squid had completely changed, it was no longer a squid, but a . "ARGH!" Harry screamed as a huge red dragon broke the surface of the Hogwarts Lake and soared up toward him. But it stopped; something must have caught its eyes, as it was now looking towards the castle. Harry glanced towards the castle. The dragon was focused on Gryffindor tower, but what was that on the roof? Harry flew lower still focusing on a moving object pouncing around on the roof of Gryffindor tower - it was a lion, a red and gold lion, roaring at the dragon, the dragon opened its mouth and flames filled the air, flames that shot straight for Gryffindor tower, screams filled the air as the lion exploded in millions of flashes of magic, Harry was screaming too, watching the tower as the flames cleared, the tower was destroyed, the roof had been completely obliterated and the tower had been hollowed out by the flames, and all the Gryffindors, all of them . were dead. The dragon now turned on Harry, opened its mouth, Harry was sure he was about to be fried when something else came out of it mouth, words, "Stop day dreaming Harry!" Mike shouted at him, Harry blinked and shook his head, he was back in the Quidditch game, and something gold and flickering was zooming around above his head, the Ameraid seeker was shooting at breakneck speed towards Harry, Harry snatched his hand at it as fast as he could, and the game was over, he had caught the snitch, and Emerindyl had won.
Tumultuous applause from the crowd drowned out the announcer who also seemed to be shouting the outcome of the game, Harry could just make out, "Emerindyl win, Emerindyl have won, and are now onto the finals!" Harry could make out two huge figures standing in the Emerindyl stands cheering louder then everyone, Hagrid and Madame Maxime were cheering so loudly that the people around them had their hands cupped over their ears. Mike and the rest of the Emerindyl team were screaming with triumph as they rushed over to Harry as they transformed after the water subsided and ran up to Harry once he landed, the snitch tightly clasped in his hand. "Victory party - Emerindyl Lake - now!" Mike shouted as Harry was carried out of the stadium by a group of Emerindyl's, but as they reached the castle door, they were met by a group of Ruberagon sixth years, and the House Quidditch Team, all went deadly silent, Malvado being their captain he approached them first, "Enjoy your victory," he smiled maliciously at Mike and the rest of the Emerindyl's, "It'll be your last this year," the silence was ringing in Harry's ears, and with that the Ruberagon's returned into the castle. Everyone stood stunned until Mike said, "Whatever!" the noise began again and the parade of Emerindyl's proceeded into Emerindyl Lake. The partying went on all afternoon and long into the night, Hagrid was busy celebrating with Harry while Madame Maxime was busying herself passing drinks around, picking up rubbish from the ground as she went, from the ground as she went and before anyone knew it, Professor Emerindyl had turned up announcing it was ten o'clock the next morning, everyone slept for the remainder of Sunday. * "Yes!" Brydie cheered at the breakfast table on Monday morning, "We'll be the first in the entire school to have duelling class first up!" "Great, a double period with ConDoin," Hyperion read his timetable, he had been awfully quiet towards Harry since the Quidditch match, even at the party afterwards he sat on his chair drinking Butterbeer, staring at Harry, he didn't seem to be interested in any kind of argument, but Harry couldn't help but feel awkward around him. "I think duelling class will be fascinating," Mezentius spoke over his toast and orange juice, Hyperion looked as if he was about to make a rebuttal but must have thought better of it for he stayed silent, Harry opened his mouth to say something but suddenly felt a cold shiver down his spine, and almost immediately the entire golden hall full of people fell silent as everyone looked towards the roof where a single bird flew into the hall, as dark as ebony, this bird was no Kookaburra, in fact it was clear to see that it was a Raven, abnormally large the raven flew downwards towards the teachers table, where Professor ConDoin stood and held out his arm, the Raven landed and Professor ConDoin and Headmaster Emerindyl exited the room, "Well come on," Brydie stood, "We better leave now if we want to make it to the western tower before the bell," Brydie crammed a last slice of toast into her mouth while she waited for Harry and the other two, "The western tower?" Mezentius stared at her, "Yeah, what's wrong with that?" Brydie stared back,
"Rubeus Ruberagons secret library," Mezentius had lead them to the library, the bell was only seconds from ringing and Brydie didn't seem to happy about it, "Come on, we have to go," she insisted, "Harry can you borrow this out on your library card, I have too many books out already," Mezentius closed the book he was reading and passed it to Harry, Harry knew he couldn't hire any books out; he still had a sack full of books on Mezentius that he hadn't read yet, "Er." "I'll use mine," Brydie took the book from Harry and took it to the librarian, whom she hassled until the book was checked out and the left. The bell sounded just as they reached the class door. Harry had half expected Professor ConDoin to be standing in the doorway ready to take points from the four of them, but they reached the classroom door without a dark stare or a doorway shadow. Brydie entered first, there appeared to be no teacher, but the class was full of the usual class all sitting at table waiting silently, "Free period!" Hyperion grinned, "No!" Brydie groaned frustratingly, "This can't be happening," "Maybe he is late?" Hyperion slumped down into his seat, Harry and Mezentius followed suit "Its not like Professor ConDoin to be late," Mezentius glanced at his watch, "Maybe he has a surprise in store?" Harry piped up, seeing Brydie had started amusing herself shooting paper balls out of her wand at the people seated in front of her, Ten minutes of silence past before the next sound was heard, "Hyperion," Malvado Nino was sanding in front of them, "We're leaving - no point waiting he's not showing up, you coming?" Hyperion looked at Mezentius, but it was Brydie who made the next noise, "No, he's just late, I'm staying until he shows up," "Nah, you go ahead Malvado, I'll catch you up later," Hyperion stayed seated, Malvado gave a grunt and then he and the rest of the Ruberagons vacated the room murmuring their annoyance about Professor ConDoin, Fifteen more minutes had passed by the time that the last people left the classroom, leaving Harry, Mezentius, Hyperion and Brydie sitting in silence, "Brydie lets just." Mezentius started but was cut off by Brydie, "No, we're staying until the end of class, there is still fifty minutes until the next break, he might show up at anytime - read your book if your bored," Harry and Mezentius turned on their stools to the desk behind them and opened the book. The book was titled 'Ruberagons part in the first Australian Magical Academy' "Apparently, according to this," Mezentius was telling them as he read, "Lord Ruberagon, the first, kept secretly to the Western tower, while Lord Emerindyl lived in the Eastern, Lady Saphricorn would keep the North tower while Lady Ameraid had the South tower." He read on, "And while Emerindyl, Saphricorn and Ameraid would share their resources, Lord Ruberagon kept to his own - and shared nothing he learned or wrote," Hyperion turned the page while the room stayed deadly silent, even Brydie was now mesmerised in his words, "According to this, Lord Ruberagons secret library is around here somewhere, right here in this tower - he sounds a lot like lady Ameraid, she thrived on knowledge, and kept a secret library - although both Lord Emerindyl and Lady Saphricorn knew of its location," Mezentius broke off, "What about ConDoin?" Harry spoke, "I never realised it before but I have seen him, every morning come from the Western tower and return to it every night . well, when he's around," "You think he knows something?" Hyperion spoke, "Well the sign of the Avada Guild is the red dragon skull, we all know Ruberagon loved red dragons, he made that his house group association didn't he," Mezentius went on, "And the Ruberagon common room is in the Western tower, I saw Malvado head further down the corridor just now - he was going back to his dormitory, "What makes you so sure of that ." Hyperion broke off, probably realising what a stupid question that was, "And we thought that Malvado and that Malfoy chap were responsible for the attack at Hogwarts." Mezentius started but Hyperion butted in this time, "He did not!" Hyperion looked furious, "Malvado had nothing to do with it." "What makes you so sure of this?" Mezentius stared at Hyperion, "Nothing. its just . well he didn't do it ok, so take him off the suspect list," Hyperion retorted, "Well, lets just let it fit shall we, because it makes an awful lot of sense - at Hogwarts Malfoy and Malvado 'joined' up," Harry was now playing detective, "But so did Professor ConDoin and that Snape fellow," Brydie butted in, "No, it wasn't Snape," Harry announced, while Mezentius said the same thing for Professor ConDoin, "Look," Mezentius continued, "Nothing is iron clad - all we know is that a supporter of the British Lord Voldemort and most definitely a member of the Guild of Avada joined up at Hogwarts - so that levels us down from quite a few people," "Well who went?" Brydie sounded, There was a sound at the door and they all spun around, Professor Emerindyl was standing in the doorway, "I am so sorry students, I was on my way here to inform you all that class has been cancelled when I got sidetracked by a most amazing site," No one seemed to want to ask what site this was so Headmaster Emerindyl went on, "So I am dreadfully sorry, but Professor ConDoin was called away and in fact I have a class waiting for me, so I must also run along, please forgive me, good day to you," and without a backwards glance, the Headmaster had disappeared, "Oh great, just wonderful," Brydie spoke in a huff as she swung her bag onto her back, "What's so bad about missing the first lesson of duelling - I'm sure we'll have plenty more before the term ends, and there is always next year," Hyperion stood with his bag also, "Next year?" Harry was still running on the British year, "Yeah well the school year finishes at Koalingo in December," Mezentius told Harry as they stood and followed Brydie and Hyperion to the door, "Summer!" Hyperion did a weird kind of cheering dance, "I totally forgot," Harry remembered. It was only the beginning of November and they were dead smack in the middle of spring, although you couldn't really tell, "What are you doing for the holidays - I would be right in guessing you wont be returning to Britain?" Mezentius asked, "I doubt it, I can't really stay at school either, I take it all the teachers go home for Christmas?" Harry spoke "Yep," Brydie answered, "Other wise I'd stay here, it will be thick with snow in England when I get there," "You know guys ." Hyperion finally caught their attention, "Usually Ruberagon Tower is strictly off-limits, but we're here for a class, and Professor ConDoin's the only one who comes into Ruberagon tower and he's away." "No we can't," Mezentius hissed, "If we were to be caught ConDoin would have our heads for dinner," "But think of the bigger picture Fumbleknot, think of all that 'interesting' stuff you could find," Hyperion's eyes seemed to glaze over, "And you've heard the tales, we might find the Avada library," "What?" Harry looked at Mezentius, "Old superstition, " Brydie spoke in a not-so-impressed tone, "Something about the Guild of Avada loosing half their library to Lord Ruberagon I, when he found them," "Well as you know Ruberagons thrive on power, it enchants them, and something Rubeus Ruberagon the first found was that knowledge equalled power - so he went on this search for the Guild of Avada, pretending to be evil . (Brydie cut in, "Humph. pretended") . yeah well he found the Guild and ran off with half of their library," Mezentius smirked, "Which led to many rumours about him having a love affair with Amberly Ameraid," Brydie smirked, "Totally unfounded of course," Mezentius piped up "Of course," Hyperion laughed, "Well the library was never found and the books were never recovered, Professor ConDoin thinks he can find them, what a laugh!" "Is this why the Guild wants the manor?" Harry asked, "Its possible, never say never," Mezentius spoke, "Look, can we go, we still have fifty minutes until recess and we are wasting valuable sneaking around time," Hyperion started up the corridor the Ruberagons had gone up after the exited the classroom earlier,
"You don't really expect to find anything do you?" Mezentius spoke five minutes into their great adventure where they had done nothing but walk down what seemed to be an endless corridor, "Is anybody else worried about the fact that this corridor slopes down?" "Cry baby," Hyperion laughed, "Am not!" Mezentius rebutted, "Shhhh." Brydies shushed them, "Can you hear that?" Harry listened intently as all fell silent, but there was not a sound to be heard, "I guess it must just have been a ." Brydie fell silent again; she turned and looked down the corridor in front of them. This time Harry could hear something; it was a light rustling growing louder and louder still. "Sounds like . the orchestra at Nearly-headless-Nick's Death day Party," Harry inched closer to Brydie, ever staring down the corridor. "I don't like the sound of this. " Brydie kept staring, "Sounds like ." The sound got louder and louder and then something the size of a dog, but fatter hairier and possibly larger ran around the corner, followed by a mass of its kind, "RATS!!" Brydie shouted as the stampede of gargantuan vermin bellowed towards them, "Run you fools!" The four of them turned on their heals and ran as fast as their legs could carry them up the corridor, but this time the corridor appeared to be much longer then before, and the wild boar-sized-rats were gaining on them. "Reducto! Reducto!" Harry and Brydie were cursing the rats over their shoulders as they ran but the spells seem to miss the rats, and Harry and Brydie weren't about to turn to watch where they were aiming. The suddenly Mezentius stopped, spun around on his heals, and shouted, "REPPOUSSENT!!!" A magical shield shot up in front of the rats and as they reached it, one by one they faded into nothingness, until the last rat met them, it opened its mouth to reveal amazingly large and sharp fangs and then . silence. The top of the rats mouth had hit the roof and the bottom had hit the floor, its face extended to cover to the sides of the wall and then it turned to stone and the inside of its mouth went jet black, the four of them were now standing in front of a hole in the wall, and inside this hole, was a staircase leading down that looked as if it never ended.