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Harry Potter and the Black Unicorn (part 7) -
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The rest of the week had gone by without event for Harry and his friends. They had only had one class Defence Against the Dark Arts lesson and Duelling lesson and one private one with Professor Hidellbank as they had returned to Hogwarts midweek.
The lessons had been just as fun as the first and duelling class had fallen into fits of giggles as Seamus had accidentally hexed Crabbe whilst trying to duel with Dean. Crabbe looked rather strange when he was a nice shade of blue with green boils appearing rapidly on his skin. Hidellbank had reversed it very quickly but Crabbe still had a bluish tint to him which, Madame Pomfrey had told him, would last for a couple of days.
The private duelling lesson had moments of hilarity too as Neville had completely messed up an attempted protection spell and had turned himself into a squirrel. Hermione had perfected controlling the blocking spell and had Ron pinned against the wall looking fairly helpless. All in all it had been a good two days.
Harry had not spoken to Snape properly since the night in his office where he had shown him the tri-wizards cup. He had seen him briefly in the corridor a couple of times and Snape had politely asked after his health before walking on, leaving Ron and Hermione thoroughly confused. Harry was grateful to him about the dreamless sleep potion, as he'd had two good nights sleep. However on Friday night he found it difficult to sleep as they were due to go to Hogsmede the next day and Harry was certainly looking forward to it.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Ron woke Harry the next morning and they were ready at lightening speed. Hermione was already waiting in the common room for them with an excited Ginny and Colin Creevey who was armed with his precious camera.
"I'm going to take pictures of Hogsmede" he shouted to Harry, waving his camera towards him "I've heard it's great"
Harry smiled at him and nodded, glancing at Ron he saw that his friend looked bemused by Creevey's excitement.
Breakfast was a pretty noisy affair, especially with Colin gesturing madly and getting overly excited about the day ahead. Ginny was more outgoing than usual but certainly nothing compared to Colin.
It seemed no time at all until they were at Hogsmede and Harry had to confess that he had no idea what the conversation had been about on the way there. He vaguely remembered Ron and Hermione tickling each other, Fred and George showing of their new inventions (something to do with broomsticks or so he thought he heard) and Ginny and Colin babbling on about sweets.
Malfoy had walked past the carriage they were in and glanced in, he still appeared to be avoiding Harry though and the Slytherin kept on walking.
The trio had managed to escape from the excitable fourth years after they'd been in Zonko's joke shop and Honeydukes sweet shop. They had spent the day looking in various shops and Harry had brought a new set of robes as he was becoming to big for his smallest set. He also bought a book on Quidditch manoeuvres, something he'd wanted to do since watching Krum in the world cup a year before.
They had then gone to the tavern (the Three Broomsticks) and where now sitting around a small table in the corner of the room drinking butterbeer.
"I was amazed Dumbledore let you come actually" Hermione was saying, "There's plenty of teacher's wandering around though, obviously he decided you'd be well enough protected."
"Obviously" agreed Harry, glancing across the room at Professor Flitwich and Professor Sprout who were deep in conversation at one table. Hermione was right, there were plenty of teachers around. They'd seen McGonagall, Hagrid, Sprout and Flitwick within the last two hours and earlier in the morning Hidellbank had terrified them. She had leapt out on them to make sure they were staying alert and appeared to be delighted that she found three wands pointing at her.
It seemed only Dumbledore, Filch, Madame Pompfrey and Snape were still at Hogwarts. Harry was amused when Snape walked into the tavern and headed towards him after the Professor had spotted him. It was very well timed thought Harry that just after Harry had thought he was at Hogwarts he had appeared.
"Potter, Miss Granger, Weasley" Snape greeted as he pulled out the fourth chair and sat next to Harry. Ron and Hermione seemed speechless and said nothing although Ron managed a small grunt.
"Afternoon Professor" said Harry, smirking at his Professor.
"Very polite your friends Potter" Snape commented, "Had a nice day?"
This question seemed to be completely directed at Harry as Snape had turned towards him.
"Yes sir, once we escaped some very excited fourth years"
"That wouldn't be that bloody Creevey boy would it? he just took a picture of me as I was walking here" Snape said, a slight growl in his voice. Harry wanted to laugh but somehow managed to hold it in.
"He'd be one of them" he admitted, smiling at the teacher he once thought he really hated. It was a scary thought, but he didn't hate him, he was a complete pain sometimes but he was ok.
"Do you mind if I say I'm surprised to see you here?" said Harry calmly, watching Snape's slightly twitchy demeanour.
"Yes...no" muttered Snape, "I don't come often. I'm here to keep an eye on you so you don't go and get yourself in trouble as usual Potter"
"Your caring sentiment warms my heart" said Harry sarcastically, taking another sip of his Butterbeer. He glanced across at his two friends to see them looking rather nervously at the table in front of them.
"Does Dumbledore know you're here?" blurted out Ron, giving Snape a very cautious look.
"I should imagine so Mr Weasley, the man seems to know everything." Snape replied sternly, "Why? Scared of me?"
Harry was surprised at the question and the coldness in Snape's voice, it was something he hadn't fully heard for a few days. Snape went to stand up and leave and Harry felt a sudden surge of pity towards him. Before he knew what he was doing he grabbed the Professor's arm, making the older man turn and look at him.
"You may have grown up Potter but they have not" Snape snapped at the boy, "I'll be over with Flitwick if you need me"
Harry watched Snape storm away to the table with the teachers on and take a seat beside them. The potions master looked thoroughly unimpressed.
"Well done Ron" muttered Harry, swilling the butterbeer round his half empty glass. Ron said nothing; he just stared at Harry as though he was in shock. Hermione's expression was similar to Ron's.
"What?" asked Harry, temper rising in his voice
"What?!" exclaimed Ron "What may I ask is with you and the slimy git being best of pals?"
Harry took another sip of his butterbeer before answering.
"We are not 'best pals' but were not enemies. For crying out loud Ron were all on the same side."
"Says who?" snapped Ron, giving Harry a pretty impressive glare.
"Says me and Dumbledore" replied Harry, his glare as effective as Ron's.
"Harry, Ron," Hermione cut in "Calm down. Harry, can we really be sure about Snape I mean he was a..."
"Death eater" Harry cut in, "Really? Funny enough I realised that. I also know that he was a spy for Dumbledore and still is."
Both Ron and Hermione were silent. Ron shook his head at Harry, gulped down his butterbeer and stood up to put his coat on.
"I'm going for a walk for half an hour till we go" he said, glancing from Hermione to Harry.
"Ron..." Hermione tried to speak but Ron waved his hand to show he wasn't interested. This left Hermione with a decision, stay or go. Even though she paused Harry knew what she would do. He was constantly away from his friends, and they were moving closer together. It was no surprise when she gave Harry an apologetic look and followed Ron out of the tavern.
Harry had spent the final half an hour of the trip in the Three Broomsticks on his own but it hadn't really bothered him. The train ride back was even worse than the train ride there because Hermione and Ron were barely talking to him and Colin and Ginny had again taken over there carriage and were still amazingly hyper. Every now and again there had been random explosions from items they had purchased at Zonko's joke shop. Harry had been immensely relieved to get back to Hogwarts and had even skipped dinner so he could be in the quite of his room for a while. He didn't go hungry though as Dobby had obviously noticed his absence and had brought him some scones, bread and a plate of meat and salad from the kitchens.
Harry had ate and then gone for a walk, taking the Marauder map with him, as he usually did, just in case.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Harry had wandered all the way to the dungeons and there were still no signs of dinner finishing. He had no plans to visit Snape but out of interest he took out the map to see if his potions teacher was in his office or in dinner. What he saw on the map surprised him to the extent that he nearly dropped the map. Lucius Malfoy was in the school and was just outside Snape's office now, obviously Harry had just missed him. Harry couldn't help be curious however and he went down the dungeon steps waiting for the man to enter Snape's office. Obviously Snape hadn't opened the door so the man had just entered, and according to the map Snape had not moved from his desk. Harry crept over to the partially open doorway and tried to listen to the conversation. It was easy enough to do as Lucius was talking with a raised voice.
"Ah Serverus, I see you're still alive" an evil grin crossed Malfoy seniors face, "The Dark Lord and I thought something must have happened to you...not answering his calls like that"
Serverus glanced up from the parchment he was marking and smiled.
"You and I both know Voldemort would know if I was dead or not. Besides, I've been busy, wouldn't want to make anyone suspect me would I?"
Lucius let a short but evil laugh slip out and pulled his wand on Snape. The potions master was in trouble and Harry knew it, he took out his own wand, ready to help. Snape put down his quill and stared at Lucius.
"Come to kill me Lucius, come to kill a fellow Slytherin like yourself. I'd have thought even that was below you" Snape sneered at the man in front of him.
"You're no Slytherin Serverus, you're a spy, a filthy muggle lover like Dumbledore and you'll pay for trying to deceive the Dark Lord"
Before Lucius had a change to attack Snape Harry stepped in and disarmed him with one quick spell.
"Maybe, Mr Malfoy," said Harry bitterly "You should learn to either look behind you or shut the door on the way in"
"Well well it's Harry Potter," said Lucius Malfoy jovially, suddenly making a dive for his wand. Harry however was too quick for him and knocked the man of his feet with a defensive spell Hidellbank had taught him.
"Now, Malfoy" there was venom in Snape's voice "I wouldn't try anything to brave, Mr Potter here wants you dead...or so I've heard. We both know he's a bit to much for you to take on."
Lucius had backed himself into the wall and looked like a cornered wild animal. He dived madly for his wand but disappeared before Harry got a chance to hex him.
Both Snape and Harry stayed deadly still and silent, staring at were the man had been second's before. Harry found it odd that Malfoy was there, it was certainly taking a great risk, entering Hogwarts like that. Snape too looked deep in thought as the older man tapped his finger on the desk.
"Did you want to speak to me Potter?" Snape asked calmly, showing no signs of fear about what had just happened.
"No thank you Harry's then" said Harry sarcastically, receiving a glare from the potions master. "No, I did not come here to speak to you. I saw Malfoy come down he and followed."
"Wonderful. You can go back the way you came," said Snape firmly.
"You can be such a git sometimes" muttered Harry, turning to leave the office in temper.
"Thank you" said Snape, loud enough to make Harry swing round to face the man, "I don't know why you bothered but thank you."
"Maybe I think you'll do a better job of fighting Voldemort when not dead," said Harry firmly, giving his potion teacher an exasperated look before leaving.
Snape did nothing to stop Harry leaving but he was worried about him. Somehow Lucius Malfoy got in and out of the school with ease, and if he could that meant that other parents/death eaters could too.
Harry jogged most of the way back to the Gryffindor tower and went straight to bed, ignoring questions about where he'd been at dinner which had ended just minutes before. He lay on his bed in his clothes and tried to think about what had happened but he was tired, very tired. He found himself drifting of into sleep before he'd meant to. The dreamless sleep potion still in the cupboard by his bed, he'd not took any that night.
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Hey, please review!
If you hadn't guessed, our young Mr Potter is about to have a nightmare. This will lead onto the most exciting bit so far in the story... so, stay tuned!
*******************************************************************************************
Harry Potter and the Black Unicorn (part 7) -
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The rest of the week had gone by without event for Harry and his friends. They had only had one class Defence Against the Dark Arts lesson and Duelling lesson and one private one with Professor Hidellbank as they had returned to Hogwarts midweek.
The lessons had been just as fun as the first and duelling class had fallen into fits of giggles as Seamus had accidentally hexed Crabbe whilst trying to duel with Dean. Crabbe looked rather strange when he was a nice shade of blue with green boils appearing rapidly on his skin. Hidellbank had reversed it very quickly but Crabbe still had a bluish tint to him which, Madame Pomfrey had told him, would last for a couple of days.
The private duelling lesson had moments of hilarity too as Neville had completely messed up an attempted protection spell and had turned himself into a squirrel. Hermione had perfected controlling the blocking spell and had Ron pinned against the wall looking fairly helpless. All in all it had been a good two days.
Harry had not spoken to Snape properly since the night in his office where he had shown him the tri-wizards cup. He had seen him briefly in the corridor a couple of times and Snape had politely asked after his health before walking on, leaving Ron and Hermione thoroughly confused. Harry was grateful to him about the dreamless sleep potion, as he'd had two good nights sleep. However on Friday night he found it difficult to sleep as they were due to go to Hogsmede the next day and Harry was certainly looking forward to it.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Ron woke Harry the next morning and they were ready at lightening speed. Hermione was already waiting in the common room for them with an excited Ginny and Colin Creevey who was armed with his precious camera.
"I'm going to take pictures of Hogsmede" he shouted to Harry, waving his camera towards him "I've heard it's great"
Harry smiled at him and nodded, glancing at Ron he saw that his friend looked bemused by Creevey's excitement.
Breakfast was a pretty noisy affair, especially with Colin gesturing madly and getting overly excited about the day ahead. Ginny was more outgoing than usual but certainly nothing compared to Colin.
It seemed no time at all until they were at Hogsmede and Harry had to confess that he had no idea what the conversation had been about on the way there. He vaguely remembered Ron and Hermione tickling each other, Fred and George showing of their new inventions (something to do with broomsticks or so he thought he heard) and Ginny and Colin babbling on about sweets.
Malfoy had walked past the carriage they were in and glanced in, he still appeared to be avoiding Harry though and the Slytherin kept on walking.
The trio had managed to escape from the excitable fourth years after they'd been in Zonko's joke shop and Honeydukes sweet shop. They had spent the day looking in various shops and Harry had brought a new set of robes as he was becoming to big for his smallest set. He also bought a book on Quidditch manoeuvres, something he'd wanted to do since watching Krum in the world cup a year before.
They had then gone to the tavern (the Three Broomsticks) and where now sitting around a small table in the corner of the room drinking butterbeer.
"I was amazed Dumbledore let you come actually" Hermione was saying, "There's plenty of teacher's wandering around though, obviously he decided you'd be well enough protected."
"Obviously" agreed Harry, glancing across the room at Professor Flitwich and Professor Sprout who were deep in conversation at one table. Hermione was right, there were plenty of teachers around. They'd seen McGonagall, Hagrid, Sprout and Flitwick within the last two hours and earlier in the morning Hidellbank had terrified them. She had leapt out on them to make sure they were staying alert and appeared to be delighted that she found three wands pointing at her.
It seemed only Dumbledore, Filch, Madame Pompfrey and Snape were still at Hogwarts. Harry was amused when Snape walked into the tavern and headed towards him after the Professor had spotted him. It was very well timed thought Harry that just after Harry had thought he was at Hogwarts he had appeared.
"Potter, Miss Granger, Weasley" Snape greeted as he pulled out the fourth chair and sat next to Harry. Ron and Hermione seemed speechless and said nothing although Ron managed a small grunt.
"Afternoon Professor" said Harry, smirking at his Professor.
"Very polite your friends Potter" Snape commented, "Had a nice day?"
This question seemed to be completely directed at Harry as Snape had turned towards him.
"Yes sir, once we escaped some very excited fourth years"
"That wouldn't be that bloody Creevey boy would it? he just took a picture of me as I was walking here" Snape said, a slight growl in his voice. Harry wanted to laugh but somehow managed to hold it in.
"He'd be one of them" he admitted, smiling at the teacher he once thought he really hated. It was a scary thought, but he didn't hate him, he was a complete pain sometimes but he was ok.
"Do you mind if I say I'm surprised to see you here?" said Harry calmly, watching Snape's slightly twitchy demeanour.
"Yes...no" muttered Snape, "I don't come often. I'm here to keep an eye on you so you don't go and get yourself in trouble as usual Potter"
"Your caring sentiment warms my heart" said Harry sarcastically, taking another sip of his Butterbeer. He glanced across at his two friends to see them looking rather nervously at the table in front of them.
"Does Dumbledore know you're here?" blurted out Ron, giving Snape a very cautious look.
"I should imagine so Mr Weasley, the man seems to know everything." Snape replied sternly, "Why? Scared of me?"
Harry was surprised at the question and the coldness in Snape's voice, it was something he hadn't fully heard for a few days. Snape went to stand up and leave and Harry felt a sudden surge of pity towards him. Before he knew what he was doing he grabbed the Professor's arm, making the older man turn and look at him.
"You may have grown up Potter but they have not" Snape snapped at the boy, "I'll be over with Flitwick if you need me"
Harry watched Snape storm away to the table with the teachers on and take a seat beside them. The potions master looked thoroughly unimpressed.
"Well done Ron" muttered Harry, swilling the butterbeer round his half empty glass. Ron said nothing; he just stared at Harry as though he was in shock. Hermione's expression was similar to Ron's.
"What?" asked Harry, temper rising in his voice
"What?!" exclaimed Ron "What may I ask is with you and the slimy git being best of pals?"
Harry took another sip of his butterbeer before answering.
"We are not 'best pals' but were not enemies. For crying out loud Ron were all on the same side."
"Says who?" snapped Ron, giving Harry a pretty impressive glare.
"Says me and Dumbledore" replied Harry, his glare as effective as Ron's.
"Harry, Ron," Hermione cut in "Calm down. Harry, can we really be sure about Snape I mean he was a..."
"Death eater" Harry cut in, "Really? Funny enough I realised that. I also know that he was a spy for Dumbledore and still is."
Both Ron and Hermione were silent. Ron shook his head at Harry, gulped down his butterbeer and stood up to put his coat on.
"I'm going for a walk for half an hour till we go" he said, glancing from Hermione to Harry.
"Ron..." Hermione tried to speak but Ron waved his hand to show he wasn't interested. This left Hermione with a decision, stay or go. Even though she paused Harry knew what she would do. He was constantly away from his friends, and they were moving closer together. It was no surprise when she gave Harry an apologetic look and followed Ron out of the tavern.
Harry had spent the final half an hour of the trip in the Three Broomsticks on his own but it hadn't really bothered him. The train ride back was even worse than the train ride there because Hermione and Ron were barely talking to him and Colin and Ginny had again taken over there carriage and were still amazingly hyper. Every now and again there had been random explosions from items they had purchased at Zonko's joke shop. Harry had been immensely relieved to get back to Hogwarts and had even skipped dinner so he could be in the quite of his room for a while. He didn't go hungry though as Dobby had obviously noticed his absence and had brought him some scones, bread and a plate of meat and salad from the kitchens.
Harry had ate and then gone for a walk, taking the Marauder map with him, as he usually did, just in case.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Harry had wandered all the way to the dungeons and there were still no signs of dinner finishing. He had no plans to visit Snape but out of interest he took out the map to see if his potions teacher was in his office or in dinner. What he saw on the map surprised him to the extent that he nearly dropped the map. Lucius Malfoy was in the school and was just outside Snape's office now, obviously Harry had just missed him. Harry couldn't help be curious however and he went down the dungeon steps waiting for the man to enter Snape's office. Obviously Snape hadn't opened the door so the man had just entered, and according to the map Snape had not moved from his desk. Harry crept over to the partially open doorway and tried to listen to the conversation. It was easy enough to do as Lucius was talking with a raised voice.
"Ah Serverus, I see you're still alive" an evil grin crossed Malfoy seniors face, "The Dark Lord and I thought something must have happened to you...not answering his calls like that"
Serverus glanced up from the parchment he was marking and smiled.
"You and I both know Voldemort would know if I was dead or not. Besides, I've been busy, wouldn't want to make anyone suspect me would I?"
Lucius let a short but evil laugh slip out and pulled his wand on Snape. The potions master was in trouble and Harry knew it, he took out his own wand, ready to help. Snape put down his quill and stared at Lucius.
"Come to kill me Lucius, come to kill a fellow Slytherin like yourself. I'd have thought even that was below you" Snape sneered at the man in front of him.
"You're no Slytherin Serverus, you're a spy, a filthy muggle lover like Dumbledore and you'll pay for trying to deceive the Dark Lord"
Before Lucius had a change to attack Snape Harry stepped in and disarmed him with one quick spell.
"Maybe, Mr Malfoy," said Harry bitterly "You should learn to either look behind you or shut the door on the way in"
"Well well it's Harry Potter," said Lucius Malfoy jovially, suddenly making a dive for his wand. Harry however was too quick for him and knocked the man of his feet with a defensive spell Hidellbank had taught him.
"Now, Malfoy" there was venom in Snape's voice "I wouldn't try anything to brave, Mr Potter here wants you dead...or so I've heard. We both know he's a bit to much for you to take on."
Lucius had backed himself into the wall and looked like a cornered wild animal. He dived madly for his wand but disappeared before Harry got a chance to hex him.
Both Snape and Harry stayed deadly still and silent, staring at were the man had been second's before. Harry found it odd that Malfoy was there, it was certainly taking a great risk, entering Hogwarts like that. Snape too looked deep in thought as the older man tapped his finger on the desk.
"Did you want to speak to me Potter?" Snape asked calmly, showing no signs of fear about what had just happened.
"No thank you Harry's then" said Harry sarcastically, receiving a glare from the potions master. "No, I did not come here to speak to you. I saw Malfoy come down he and followed."
"Wonderful. You can go back the way you came," said Snape firmly.
"You can be such a git sometimes" muttered Harry, turning to leave the office in temper.
"Thank you" said Snape, loud enough to make Harry swing round to face the man, "I don't know why you bothered but thank you."
"Maybe I think you'll do a better job of fighting Voldemort when not dead," said Harry firmly, giving his potion teacher an exasperated look before leaving.
Snape did nothing to stop Harry leaving but he was worried about him. Somehow Lucius Malfoy got in and out of the school with ease, and if he could that meant that other parents/death eaters could too.
Harry jogged most of the way back to the Gryffindor tower and went straight to bed, ignoring questions about where he'd been at dinner which had ended just minutes before. He lay on his bed in his clothes and tried to think about what had happened but he was tired, very tired. He found himself drifting of into sleep before he'd meant to. The dreamless sleep potion still in the cupboard by his bed, he'd not took any that night.
*******************************************************************************************
Hey, please review!
If you hadn't guessed, our young Mr Potter is about to have a nightmare. This will lead onto the most exciting bit so far in the story... so, stay tuned!
*******************************************************************************************