Chapter Eight: Attack on the Hogwarts Express.
A/N: In this story, pupils generally wear the movie version of the school uniform.
The peaceful tranquillity of the carriage was disturbed about half an hour later by a visit from four people that Harry would have gladly put off meeting for a while - the entire year perhaps. "Well, isn't this cute. the Weasel and the Mudblood are finally getting cosy. And I thought."
"You thought what?" asked another sneering voice from behind the unwelcome quartet. "That his family could stoop no longer? Well you Slytherins would know about being low, that's all most of you ever are."
Malfoy turned around and regarded Civis - who had shed his 'Charles Goodfellow' disguise as soon as he scented trouble and was now perched on the end of the seat near the window sill facing the corridor. "Who are you?"
"Civis Bonsocus of the Hobgoblin clan Solstitius, warden of Gryphon's Eyrie and protector of the Potter family," replied Civis, the crocodile smile not leaving his face for an instant. "No need to ask who you are."
"So you've heard of me then?" Malfoy asked, in a superior tone.
"Not really," admitted Civis. "But let's see. smug superior expression, over-priced robes and a complete inability to know when you're not wanted. You must be a Malfoy."
Malfoy looked extremely irritated at having his own line from five years before thrown back in his face, especially by someone who wasn't even human and went for his wand.
"Uh-huh-uh," cautioned Civis, raising one finger so that it pointed up to towards the ceiling. "I don't think so." For a split second, lighting crackled at the end of his outstretched finger and his eyes sparked. Malfoy paled and fled, Crabbe, Goyle and Nott only a few lengths behind. "Well that wasn't so bad. I think I'm going to like him."
"What do you mean. you're going to like Malfoy?!" said Ron, incredulously. He had woken up just as the four Slytherins fled the compartment.
"He just has such a lovely expression on his face when you scare the pants off him." Civis sniggered. "I don't think he'll be bothering you for a while, Harry."
"That, would be great," said Harry with a sigh. "I've got more than enough problems."
The rest of the journey was uneventful, broken up only by first Ginny, then Ron and Hermione leaving the compartment to patrol the corridors. About an hour before they were due to arrive at Hogwarts, the seven students changed into the school robes, Jamie as a first year naturally wore the plain black robes and tie with the school crest on the breast pocket of her robes, rather than her friends more colourful red-and-gold or blue-and-bronze trimmed robes and house crest. "Don't worry, Jamie, you'll be Sorted soon enough." Harry assured her, after he spotted her eyeing his robes enviously.
Jamie smiled and adjusted her black tie. "I know, Harry. And I hope I'm in Gryffindor." Then hastily added. "No offence, Luna." Luna, the only non- Gryffindor in the room, assured her that no offence was taken. Jamie turned back to Harry. "I just need to use the bathroom. I'll be back in a few minutes."
Harry nodded and sat back down. He was in the middle of a discussion with Hermione and Civis on what sort of spells they should use, when Anthony Goldstein and Padma Patil, the sixth year Ravenclaw prefects, poked their heads into the compartment. Padma scanned the room and frowned, Harry seeing her expression, scented trouble. "What's up Padma?"
"Isn't Jamie Clayton in here with you?" Harry was slightly puzzled why she wanted to know and asked. "Katie asked us to check where all the first years are so we an get them to Hagrid as quick as possible. She's not with the other first years and Susan Bones said she was in with you."
"She was here until a few minutes ago," Harry confirmed. "Then she went to the bathroom, have you checked in there?" At Padma's nod, he began to get very worried. "I've got a bad feeling about this," he said. "We need to find her." Ginny nodded, looking rather apprehensive herself, and rose to stand beside Harry. "Anthony, go get Katie and Roger Davies and tell as many of the prefects as you can find that she's missing. Ron, head towards the back of the train, check the rest of the compartments and get as many trustworthy people together. That means the DA and the prefects, but not the Slytherins." he paused, and reconsidered. "If you find Blackfern and Redthorn alone, use them too."
He looked around at all of those present, some old friends, some new, some only acquaintances through his leadership of Dumbledore's Army. "Hermione, see if you can find any of the other. According to the game plan there should be at least three on board. Take Padma with you. Neville, Luna, find the first years and stay on them. No one goes near them, unless they're in this room, until they're handed over to Hagrid. Got it?" Everyone present nodded in agreement, though he was only a student and five of those present where prefects, their membership of the DA the year before, meant that they trusted Harry to lead them right. "Ginny, Civis, you're with me."
Silently, the group spilt up and headed in opposite directions, Neville and Luna initially followed Harry but eventually overtook him as he, Ginny and Civis began to search the storage closets and bathrooms along the way.
After about five minutes, Harry found what he was looking for. On the way to meet up with Neville and Luna, he and Jamie had passed a small storage closet almost exactly in the middle of the train. Now it was nowhere to be seen. "Civis, did you memorise the layout the train like I asked you too?" When the goblin nodded, Harry flicked his wand into his right hand. "I am right in thinking that there should be a door here?" At the hobgoblin's nod, he reached into another pocket of his robes and pulled out the See- Through Spyglass that George had given him at the twin's shop. "Here?" Another nod. "I can't see what's on the other side. it's all blurred. There's definitely a Concealment Charm on this door."
"What are you going to do?" asked Ginny.
"I'm not sure." Harry admitted. "Not without knowing the specific spell used. There are a few that I can try. Aparecium!" The three of them weren't exactly surprised when this didn't work. "Alohomora! Dissendium! Cistem Aperio!" Nothing worked. Harry sighed. "Whatever it is, it's pretty strong. I think I'm going to have to try something a little more extreme."
"What like?"
"Like. Reducto!" This time the sealed door groaned, but still held. "Okay. now we're getting somewhere. Reducto!" The edges of the door flared but it stayed locked. "Ginny. Help me!" Ginny nodded and pulled out her own wand. "On three. One. two. three. REDUCTO!" The two Reductor Curses hit the door at the same time and it split down the middle. With a little muscle Harry managed to pull it open. Although deep down he'd been expecting something, and he'd been steeling himself, he wasn't prepared for the sight that confronted him.
----
Jamie was, perhaps fortunately, unconscious, however it was obvious to Harry that she had been attacked, her robes, tie and jumper had been torn off and the pieces lay scattered around the tiny space, blood was dripping from a cut on her forehead, and her right arm was hanging at an odd angle. Ginny gasped when she saw her. She moved to enter the room, but Harry grabbed hold of her, stopping her from entering. "This way's better." He pointed his wand at her. "Mobilicorpus."
Jamie floated out of the cupboard and Harry quickly guided her into the compartment opposite, which mercifully was empty. Harry slipped off his robes and wrapped them around her and then picked up "Ennervate."
After a moment Jamie stirred and sat up. "Harry, Ginny, what. what happened?" she asked puzzled, drawing Harry's robes more closely around herself.
"What's the last thing you remember, Jamie?" asked Ginny gently.
The younger girl frowned and thought for a moment before answering. "It's all blurred. I definitely remember changing into my robes, and then I left to go to the toilet. When I came out, someone. four people were waiting for me, and the rest. I can't put it together. They definitely attacked me, called me a Mudblood, but I don't remember anything else. Sorry."
"That's okay, Jamie." Harry assured her, he turned to Civis. "Memory Charm?"
"Possibly," Civis replied after a pause. "Although I think a Confundus Curse is more likely. Memory Charms are usually total. She won't remember anything at all."
"What's a Mudblood? That prefect Malfoy called Hermione a Mudblood too didn't he? It sounded like an insult."
"It is," Harry told her grimly. "It's about the worse insult you ever use, 'Mudblood' is a really nasty name for someone's who as Muggle parents - like you, Hermione or my mum. People like Malfoy think they're better than everyone else, because they're 'purebloods' that is they have all magic parents. Stupid idea, Crabbe and Goyle are both purebloods far as I know, and they don't have two brain cells to rub together. Neville's no genius either, although he's getting better."
"And Hermione's one of the most gifted students Hogwarts has ever had," said Ginny, shaking her head in disbelief. "Anyway, most wizards - especially outside of Slytherin - are half-blood or less. If we hadn't married Muggles we'd've died out."
"Yeah. Look at the Potters. Half of them married Muggles, or Muggleborns at least," added Civis, and then glanced out into the corridor. "Don't look now. Bell and Davies are in sight. Goldstein, Cho, and two Slytherin prefects - Redthorn and Blackfern, I guess - are with them."
"Ginny, can you say with Jamie for two seconds? I need to talk to Katie." Ginny nodded and Harry headed out of the room. When Katie and the others arrived he beckoned them over. "Anthony told you Jamie Clayton's missing?" he asked.
Katie nodded, then glanced at the ruined door. "Did you find her?"
"Yes I did," Harry told her with a sigh. "She's been beaten up and her robes were taken off." Katie and Cho gasped with horror, the others frowned or scowled. "I want you to seal off this section of the carriage. No one comes in unless they've got an Inquisitor's badge or the Headmaster or myself escort them. Got it?"
Katie and the three Ravenclaws nodded. The two Slytherin prefects were slightly puzzled as to why they were supposed to obey Harry, but seemed content to follow Katie and Roger's lead, so they agreed too. "Do you want us to put a Barrier Spell over this section so that no-one can see in?" Katie asked, pulling out her wand.
Harry nodded. "Civis and I are going to Apparate to Hogwarts with her now. Can one of you contact Professor Dumbledore, so he knows we're coming?" Katie nodded and removed a small mirror from her robe pocket, it was very like the one Sirius had given him. Harry nodded, satisfied, and returned to Ginny and Jamie. "Ginny, can you go back to our compartment and tell the others what's happened? Don't go into the details, just tell them Jamie's been hurt and that we're taking her to Hogwarts." Ginny nodded and left. "Civis, can you take us directly to the Infirmary at Hogwarts?"
"It will be. difficult. But I can."
"Hang on, Jamie," said Harry, taking her into his arms. "We'll get you treated soon."
With a 'crack', the three of them disappeared from the Hogwarts Express.
----
Civis was right when he said it would be difficult, instead of materializing inside the Infirmary, they reappeared in the Entrance Hall, two floors below their intended target. Professor McGonagall, who was already in position to greet the new students, was somewhat startled by their arrival.
"Her name's Jamie Clayton, she was attacked on the train!" Harry told her. "Ask Albus to meet me in the Infirmary!"
Professor McGonagall was just about to respond, when there was another 'crack' and they disappeared.
The three of them appeared in the Infirmary a few seconds later, Civis ducked into the matron's office as Harry carried Jamie over to the nearest bed. Madam Pomfrey joined him a minute later. "What happened to her, Mr Potter?" Harry quickly explained and then went to the door to wait for the Headmaster to arrive.
Professor Dumbledore arrived twenty minutes later, accompanied by two other men in the blue-and-silver robes of the Ministry Inquisitors, the investigative branch of the Magical Law Enforcement Patrol, and a grey- haired woman in Healer's robes. "Harry, this is Lieutenant Griswald and Inquisitor Braun, they will be examining where Miss Clayton was found. Healer Tompkins will give her a through examination to see if we can determine anything from her." Dumbledore explained, and then indicated that the Healer should go into the Infirmary. The two Inquisitors nodded a greeting to Harry and then headed downstairs.
"Are they with the Order?" Harry asked.
"No," Dumbledore admitted regretfully. "There are a number of members of the Order in the Inquisitors, but unfortunately they are not available at the moment. However, Lieutenant Griswald is believed to be one of the most skilled and dedicated investigators that the Ministry has ever had, and he is widely known to be only interested in the truth. I believe he will tell us exactly what he finds."
"How much do you know, Albus?"
"Miss Bell's owl arrived about five minutes ago, do you know anything that she does not?"
"Only a couple of things Jamie mentioned."
"Go on."
"She was attacked by four students, at least one of whom called her a Mudblood. She thinks she should recognise them, but they put either a Memory Charm or a Confundus Curse on her so she can't be sure." Harry paused, then carried on with a little more confidence "She's only met one group of four students with that kind of attitude: Malfoy, Crabbe, Goyle and Nott. They came into our compartment a couple of hours before Jamie disappeared."
"Yes. You may be correct, Harry. However, without strong evidence, all I can do is mention the possibility of their involvement to Severus, and as her statement was taken while she was still Confounded, the Board of Governors will never accept it, and neither will the Ministry."
"Arrgh! This is stupid!" Harry exclaimed, and just about restrained himself from punching the wall. "I know he did it. But I can't prove it!"
"Then find the proof, Harry." Dumbledore suggested gently. "Do nothing illegal in the process, but find supporters where they would be the most effective and make use of them." He turned to go. "The students will be arriving shortly, so I must return to the Hall."
"Can I stay here?" Harry asked. "I don't want to leave Jamie on her own just yet."
Dumbledore nodded, "I shall return after the Feast is completed."
"I'll see you then." Harry told him. He stood there for a moment or two, until Civis came out and told him that the Healer had completed her examination. Harry followed him inside and walked over to where Healer Tompkins was packing up her bag. "Did you find anything?"
"Nothing unusual," Tompkins replied. "I'll owl the Headmaster my report by morning, but there is no sign of any injury or attack, other than those you already identified." Harry, knowing what she wasn't saying, sighed in relief. "She wants to see you."
Tompkins left and Madame Pomfrey returned to her office, after telling him to get her if there were any change in Jamie's condition. Harry nodded and went over to Jamie's bed. Jamie, who was now dressed in a modest nightdress, smiled as Harry sat down in the chair beside her bed. "Thanks, Harry."
"No problem." Harry assured her. "How are you? Are you hungry?"
Jamie confessed she was. Civis conjured up an everlasting plate of sandwiches and a jug of pumpkin juice for them, and they picked one of each. "Tell me a story, Harry. Tell about one of your adventures."
Harry smiled and began to tell her about how he, Ron and Hermione had foiled Voldemort's attempt to seize the Philosopher's Stone. He was just finishing the story when Dumbledore came into the Infirmary, carrying the Sorting Hat in one hand. "Hello, Miss Clayton, I am Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts."
"Hello, sir."
"Would you like to be Sorted now?"
Jamie nodded and placed the battered old wizard's hat on her head. The Hat took a while to come to a decision and Harry waited, hardly daring to breathe. "Gryffindor!"
"Congratulations, Miss Clayton, I will certainly you again."
"Goodbye, Professor." said Harry and Jamie simultaneously. Harry glanced at his young friend and grinned.
"Goodbye." The Headmaster left, taking the Hat with him. Harry stayed with Jamie and they talked for about an hour and then she drifted off, the Dreamless Sleep Potion given to her by Madam Pomfrey finally taking effect. Harry stayed by her side, keeping vigil until the day's events caught up with him and he drifted off. Civis grinned, and conjured up a blanket to cover him up, then disappeared.
A/N: Please review. The next chapter will be up shortly.
A/N: In this story, pupils generally wear the movie version of the school uniform.
The peaceful tranquillity of the carriage was disturbed about half an hour later by a visit from four people that Harry would have gladly put off meeting for a while - the entire year perhaps. "Well, isn't this cute. the Weasel and the Mudblood are finally getting cosy. And I thought."
"You thought what?" asked another sneering voice from behind the unwelcome quartet. "That his family could stoop no longer? Well you Slytherins would know about being low, that's all most of you ever are."
Malfoy turned around and regarded Civis - who had shed his 'Charles Goodfellow' disguise as soon as he scented trouble and was now perched on the end of the seat near the window sill facing the corridor. "Who are you?"
"Civis Bonsocus of the Hobgoblin clan Solstitius, warden of Gryphon's Eyrie and protector of the Potter family," replied Civis, the crocodile smile not leaving his face for an instant. "No need to ask who you are."
"So you've heard of me then?" Malfoy asked, in a superior tone.
"Not really," admitted Civis. "But let's see. smug superior expression, over-priced robes and a complete inability to know when you're not wanted. You must be a Malfoy."
Malfoy looked extremely irritated at having his own line from five years before thrown back in his face, especially by someone who wasn't even human and went for his wand.
"Uh-huh-uh," cautioned Civis, raising one finger so that it pointed up to towards the ceiling. "I don't think so." For a split second, lighting crackled at the end of his outstretched finger and his eyes sparked. Malfoy paled and fled, Crabbe, Goyle and Nott only a few lengths behind. "Well that wasn't so bad. I think I'm going to like him."
"What do you mean. you're going to like Malfoy?!" said Ron, incredulously. He had woken up just as the four Slytherins fled the compartment.
"He just has such a lovely expression on his face when you scare the pants off him." Civis sniggered. "I don't think he'll be bothering you for a while, Harry."
"That, would be great," said Harry with a sigh. "I've got more than enough problems."
The rest of the journey was uneventful, broken up only by first Ginny, then Ron and Hermione leaving the compartment to patrol the corridors. About an hour before they were due to arrive at Hogwarts, the seven students changed into the school robes, Jamie as a first year naturally wore the plain black robes and tie with the school crest on the breast pocket of her robes, rather than her friends more colourful red-and-gold or blue-and-bronze trimmed robes and house crest. "Don't worry, Jamie, you'll be Sorted soon enough." Harry assured her, after he spotted her eyeing his robes enviously.
Jamie smiled and adjusted her black tie. "I know, Harry. And I hope I'm in Gryffindor." Then hastily added. "No offence, Luna." Luna, the only non- Gryffindor in the room, assured her that no offence was taken. Jamie turned back to Harry. "I just need to use the bathroom. I'll be back in a few minutes."
Harry nodded and sat back down. He was in the middle of a discussion with Hermione and Civis on what sort of spells they should use, when Anthony Goldstein and Padma Patil, the sixth year Ravenclaw prefects, poked their heads into the compartment. Padma scanned the room and frowned, Harry seeing her expression, scented trouble. "What's up Padma?"
"Isn't Jamie Clayton in here with you?" Harry was slightly puzzled why she wanted to know and asked. "Katie asked us to check where all the first years are so we an get them to Hagrid as quick as possible. She's not with the other first years and Susan Bones said she was in with you."
"She was here until a few minutes ago," Harry confirmed. "Then she went to the bathroom, have you checked in there?" At Padma's nod, he began to get very worried. "I've got a bad feeling about this," he said. "We need to find her." Ginny nodded, looking rather apprehensive herself, and rose to stand beside Harry. "Anthony, go get Katie and Roger Davies and tell as many of the prefects as you can find that she's missing. Ron, head towards the back of the train, check the rest of the compartments and get as many trustworthy people together. That means the DA and the prefects, but not the Slytherins." he paused, and reconsidered. "If you find Blackfern and Redthorn alone, use them too."
He looked around at all of those present, some old friends, some new, some only acquaintances through his leadership of Dumbledore's Army. "Hermione, see if you can find any of the other. According to the game plan there should be at least three on board. Take Padma with you. Neville, Luna, find the first years and stay on them. No one goes near them, unless they're in this room, until they're handed over to Hagrid. Got it?" Everyone present nodded in agreement, though he was only a student and five of those present where prefects, their membership of the DA the year before, meant that they trusted Harry to lead them right. "Ginny, Civis, you're with me."
Silently, the group spilt up and headed in opposite directions, Neville and Luna initially followed Harry but eventually overtook him as he, Ginny and Civis began to search the storage closets and bathrooms along the way.
After about five minutes, Harry found what he was looking for. On the way to meet up with Neville and Luna, he and Jamie had passed a small storage closet almost exactly in the middle of the train. Now it was nowhere to be seen. "Civis, did you memorise the layout the train like I asked you too?" When the goblin nodded, Harry flicked his wand into his right hand. "I am right in thinking that there should be a door here?" At the hobgoblin's nod, he reached into another pocket of his robes and pulled out the See- Through Spyglass that George had given him at the twin's shop. "Here?" Another nod. "I can't see what's on the other side. it's all blurred. There's definitely a Concealment Charm on this door."
"What are you going to do?" asked Ginny.
"I'm not sure." Harry admitted. "Not without knowing the specific spell used. There are a few that I can try. Aparecium!" The three of them weren't exactly surprised when this didn't work. "Alohomora! Dissendium! Cistem Aperio!" Nothing worked. Harry sighed. "Whatever it is, it's pretty strong. I think I'm going to have to try something a little more extreme."
"What like?"
"Like. Reducto!" This time the sealed door groaned, but still held. "Okay. now we're getting somewhere. Reducto!" The edges of the door flared but it stayed locked. "Ginny. Help me!" Ginny nodded and pulled out her own wand. "On three. One. two. three. REDUCTO!" The two Reductor Curses hit the door at the same time and it split down the middle. With a little muscle Harry managed to pull it open. Although deep down he'd been expecting something, and he'd been steeling himself, he wasn't prepared for the sight that confronted him.
----
Jamie was, perhaps fortunately, unconscious, however it was obvious to Harry that she had been attacked, her robes, tie and jumper had been torn off and the pieces lay scattered around the tiny space, blood was dripping from a cut on her forehead, and her right arm was hanging at an odd angle. Ginny gasped when she saw her. She moved to enter the room, but Harry grabbed hold of her, stopping her from entering. "This way's better." He pointed his wand at her. "Mobilicorpus."
Jamie floated out of the cupboard and Harry quickly guided her into the compartment opposite, which mercifully was empty. Harry slipped off his robes and wrapped them around her and then picked up "Ennervate."
After a moment Jamie stirred and sat up. "Harry, Ginny, what. what happened?" she asked puzzled, drawing Harry's robes more closely around herself.
"What's the last thing you remember, Jamie?" asked Ginny gently.
The younger girl frowned and thought for a moment before answering. "It's all blurred. I definitely remember changing into my robes, and then I left to go to the toilet. When I came out, someone. four people were waiting for me, and the rest. I can't put it together. They definitely attacked me, called me a Mudblood, but I don't remember anything else. Sorry."
"That's okay, Jamie." Harry assured her, he turned to Civis. "Memory Charm?"
"Possibly," Civis replied after a pause. "Although I think a Confundus Curse is more likely. Memory Charms are usually total. She won't remember anything at all."
"What's a Mudblood? That prefect Malfoy called Hermione a Mudblood too didn't he? It sounded like an insult."
"It is," Harry told her grimly. "It's about the worse insult you ever use, 'Mudblood' is a really nasty name for someone's who as Muggle parents - like you, Hermione or my mum. People like Malfoy think they're better than everyone else, because they're 'purebloods' that is they have all magic parents. Stupid idea, Crabbe and Goyle are both purebloods far as I know, and they don't have two brain cells to rub together. Neville's no genius either, although he's getting better."
"And Hermione's one of the most gifted students Hogwarts has ever had," said Ginny, shaking her head in disbelief. "Anyway, most wizards - especially outside of Slytherin - are half-blood or less. If we hadn't married Muggles we'd've died out."
"Yeah. Look at the Potters. Half of them married Muggles, or Muggleborns at least," added Civis, and then glanced out into the corridor. "Don't look now. Bell and Davies are in sight. Goldstein, Cho, and two Slytherin prefects - Redthorn and Blackfern, I guess - are with them."
"Ginny, can you say with Jamie for two seconds? I need to talk to Katie." Ginny nodded and Harry headed out of the room. When Katie and the others arrived he beckoned them over. "Anthony told you Jamie Clayton's missing?" he asked.
Katie nodded, then glanced at the ruined door. "Did you find her?"
"Yes I did," Harry told her with a sigh. "She's been beaten up and her robes were taken off." Katie and Cho gasped with horror, the others frowned or scowled. "I want you to seal off this section of the carriage. No one comes in unless they've got an Inquisitor's badge or the Headmaster or myself escort them. Got it?"
Katie and the three Ravenclaws nodded. The two Slytherin prefects were slightly puzzled as to why they were supposed to obey Harry, but seemed content to follow Katie and Roger's lead, so they agreed too. "Do you want us to put a Barrier Spell over this section so that no-one can see in?" Katie asked, pulling out her wand.
Harry nodded. "Civis and I are going to Apparate to Hogwarts with her now. Can one of you contact Professor Dumbledore, so he knows we're coming?" Katie nodded and removed a small mirror from her robe pocket, it was very like the one Sirius had given him. Harry nodded, satisfied, and returned to Ginny and Jamie. "Ginny, can you go back to our compartment and tell the others what's happened? Don't go into the details, just tell them Jamie's been hurt and that we're taking her to Hogwarts." Ginny nodded and left. "Civis, can you take us directly to the Infirmary at Hogwarts?"
"It will be. difficult. But I can."
"Hang on, Jamie," said Harry, taking her into his arms. "We'll get you treated soon."
With a 'crack', the three of them disappeared from the Hogwarts Express.
----
Civis was right when he said it would be difficult, instead of materializing inside the Infirmary, they reappeared in the Entrance Hall, two floors below their intended target. Professor McGonagall, who was already in position to greet the new students, was somewhat startled by their arrival.
"Her name's Jamie Clayton, she was attacked on the train!" Harry told her. "Ask Albus to meet me in the Infirmary!"
Professor McGonagall was just about to respond, when there was another 'crack' and they disappeared.
The three of them appeared in the Infirmary a few seconds later, Civis ducked into the matron's office as Harry carried Jamie over to the nearest bed. Madam Pomfrey joined him a minute later. "What happened to her, Mr Potter?" Harry quickly explained and then went to the door to wait for the Headmaster to arrive.
Professor Dumbledore arrived twenty minutes later, accompanied by two other men in the blue-and-silver robes of the Ministry Inquisitors, the investigative branch of the Magical Law Enforcement Patrol, and a grey- haired woman in Healer's robes. "Harry, this is Lieutenant Griswald and Inquisitor Braun, they will be examining where Miss Clayton was found. Healer Tompkins will give her a through examination to see if we can determine anything from her." Dumbledore explained, and then indicated that the Healer should go into the Infirmary. The two Inquisitors nodded a greeting to Harry and then headed downstairs.
"Are they with the Order?" Harry asked.
"No," Dumbledore admitted regretfully. "There are a number of members of the Order in the Inquisitors, but unfortunately they are not available at the moment. However, Lieutenant Griswald is believed to be one of the most skilled and dedicated investigators that the Ministry has ever had, and he is widely known to be only interested in the truth. I believe he will tell us exactly what he finds."
"How much do you know, Albus?"
"Miss Bell's owl arrived about five minutes ago, do you know anything that she does not?"
"Only a couple of things Jamie mentioned."
"Go on."
"She was attacked by four students, at least one of whom called her a Mudblood. She thinks she should recognise them, but they put either a Memory Charm or a Confundus Curse on her so she can't be sure." Harry paused, then carried on with a little more confidence "She's only met one group of four students with that kind of attitude: Malfoy, Crabbe, Goyle and Nott. They came into our compartment a couple of hours before Jamie disappeared."
"Yes. You may be correct, Harry. However, without strong evidence, all I can do is mention the possibility of their involvement to Severus, and as her statement was taken while she was still Confounded, the Board of Governors will never accept it, and neither will the Ministry."
"Arrgh! This is stupid!" Harry exclaimed, and just about restrained himself from punching the wall. "I know he did it. But I can't prove it!"
"Then find the proof, Harry." Dumbledore suggested gently. "Do nothing illegal in the process, but find supporters where they would be the most effective and make use of them." He turned to go. "The students will be arriving shortly, so I must return to the Hall."
"Can I stay here?" Harry asked. "I don't want to leave Jamie on her own just yet."
Dumbledore nodded, "I shall return after the Feast is completed."
"I'll see you then." Harry told him. He stood there for a moment or two, until Civis came out and told him that the Healer had completed her examination. Harry followed him inside and walked over to where Healer Tompkins was packing up her bag. "Did you find anything?"
"Nothing unusual," Tompkins replied. "I'll owl the Headmaster my report by morning, but there is no sign of any injury or attack, other than those you already identified." Harry, knowing what she wasn't saying, sighed in relief. "She wants to see you."
Tompkins left and Madame Pomfrey returned to her office, after telling him to get her if there were any change in Jamie's condition. Harry nodded and went over to Jamie's bed. Jamie, who was now dressed in a modest nightdress, smiled as Harry sat down in the chair beside her bed. "Thanks, Harry."
"No problem." Harry assured her. "How are you? Are you hungry?"
Jamie confessed she was. Civis conjured up an everlasting plate of sandwiches and a jug of pumpkin juice for them, and they picked one of each. "Tell me a story, Harry. Tell about one of your adventures."
Harry smiled and began to tell her about how he, Ron and Hermione had foiled Voldemort's attempt to seize the Philosopher's Stone. He was just finishing the story when Dumbledore came into the Infirmary, carrying the Sorting Hat in one hand. "Hello, Miss Clayton, I am Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts."
"Hello, sir."
"Would you like to be Sorted now?"
Jamie nodded and placed the battered old wizard's hat on her head. The Hat took a while to come to a decision and Harry waited, hardly daring to breathe. "Gryffindor!"
"Congratulations, Miss Clayton, I will certainly you again."
"Goodbye, Professor." said Harry and Jamie simultaneously. Harry glanced at his young friend and grinned.
"Goodbye." The Headmaster left, taking the Hat with him. Harry stayed with Jamie and they talked for about an hour and then she drifted off, the Dreamless Sleep Potion given to her by Madam Pomfrey finally taking effect. Harry stayed by her side, keeping vigil until the day's events caught up with him and he drifted off. Civis grinned, and conjured up a blanket to cover him up, then disappeared.
A/N: Please review. The next chapter will be up shortly.