Hello again, I am finally getting some reviews through (6 copies of each one to be exact!) and I must say it cheered me up! Anyway, loved thePrank Idea Maker() suggestion, it is totally different from what I had in mind, but I might use it anyway, thanks. jouve25, alamarang, jeklsmom, Mrs-osborne's-class thank you!
Ash Knight, there are a couple of reasons I let Harry be drugged, firstly he was expecting Nott to try, he would never have expected Dumbledore to arrange it. And as for the souls, he is becoming an elemental, which gives him great powers over the things around him, including other humans. So I let him help the other wizards by infusing them with some of his own power, but it was mainly to let him see that even his powers would be limited, although he did the impossible, he still could not bring life to death. Thanks for reading and hope you enjoy the next update!
Chapter 20 Hospital visits
By dinner time the students were exhausted, they had successfully brewed around a thousand vials of antidotes. Snape dismissed them but added that all the seventh year students should return after they had eaten.
Ron was waiting for them in the Great Hall, smelling strongly of Dagon Mature. "Yeaw!" Hermione exclaimed as she brushed a small kiss on his lips. "What have you been doing all day?"
"Bloody Herbology," Ron grumbled, "I swear I've performed the cleaning charm seven times and I still smell like a dragon sh.. on me."
"Why have you been in Herbology all day anyway?" Harry asked.
"Sprout said something about Snape needing extra ingredients today," Ron answered.
The other two nodded in understanding. "So have you been told to report to the dungeons after dinner?" Ron asked.
"Yeh, what's that all about?" Hermione replied.
"Dunno, Sprout just said we all needed to hurry up and eat," Ron answered. So they quickly ate and returned with the rest of their year to the dungeons. "Hey where are the Slytherins?" Ron commented as they entered the room.
"You know I wondered that earlier," Hermione said, "Some of them take advanced Potions yet none of them turned up today."
Ron shrugged but Harry had a vague idea why. They had been working on antidotes for muggles and Dumbledore probably didn't want any of the death-eaters children to know about it. But he wondered how Dumbledore planned on keeping it a secret for long; surely the Slytherins would wonder why they had been excluded.
The door opened, but instead of Snape blowing in dressed in his black robes, he was wearing a grey suit with a white doctors' coat over it. His black hair was tied back in a ponytail and he was carrying a bundle of clothes.
Before anyone could comment, Snape announced, "You will all have to change into these outfits, they are hospital orderly uniforms. Blue for the Gryffindors, Green for Hufflepuffs and Grey for Ravenclaws. Now please." Two large screens appeared to partition the room and the students grabbed the appropriate colours. The boys went behind one screen and the girls behind another. After ten minutes everyone had changed, Professor McGonagall entered wearing a green skirt suit and a long white coat. Madam Pomfrey arrived several minutes later also dressed in a skirt and jumper with a white lab coat on.
"Now listen carefully," McGonagall began, "We are going to travel to three muggle hospitals to administer the antidotes tonight, you must not speak to anyone and avoid being seen at all costs." She looked around the classroom, "the muggles have no antidote for this particular poison and we do not wish them to know that we have. Right Ravenclaws, you will go with Professor Snape, stick close to him and do exactly as you are told. Hufflepuffs you're with Madam Pomfrey, and the Gryffindors you're with me. Harry, could I have a private word with you please." McGonagall retreated into the corridor.
Harry followed and before she could say anything he said, "No way, I will not stay here while everyone else gets to help." His arms folded across his chest he glared at his head of house.
"Actually The Headmaster though you might feel that way," McGonagall looked him in the eye and added, "As soon as the others have left you are to put a glamour charm on and not remove it until we return, am I clear?" Harry nodded and was a lighter surprised at how easy that had been.
He returned to the room and watched as Madam Pomfrey gave them a demonstration of how to administer the antidote, Ron and the other full blood wizards looked a bit squeamish about the idea of sticking a needle into someone's arm but they all nodded when Pomfrey asked if they understood. The house elves arrived to transport them to the hospitals and Harry's group were last, he waited for the other two houses to disappear, and then changed himself to a red-haired, freckle faced boy, with blue eyes. Some of the girls gasped as Harry grinned at them with his new appearance.
He whispered to Ron, "What do you reckon, could I be a Weasley?" Ron laughed then they grabbed their bags and let the house elves take them to the hospital.
Professor McGonagall gathered her students around and said in a quiet voice, "We have had people watching the hospital today, the contagious diseases ward has been used to hold all the people who were in direct contact with the poison. We will have to go up to the twelfth floor and put on the plastic suits kept outside the isolation wards."
So they found a lift that would take them as far as the twelfth floor and each student holding their bag, waited as they approached their target. Outside the lift were two Muggle policemen, but they barely glanced at the group as they showed their badges and went to a small anti chamber off the ward, to don the protective clothing.
Each carefully taking their injections, they made their way to the wards. They passed through a long plastic tunnel and through a vacuum sealed door. Splitting into groups they began to administer the antidotes. Things were going surprisingly smoothly for Ron and Harry; they had already used twenty four of their thirty potions when a man in a plastic outfit stopped them with his harsh, "Who the hell are you and what are you giving my patients?"
Harry handed the rest of his potions to Ron and whispered, "You do the rest quick. I'll take care of him." Ron nodded and turned back to the patients.
Harry approached the man and said, "Hi, Doctor Forest said you were short staffed up here so he sent us students, um medical students to help give the pain killers to your patients," Harry concentrated on the mans eyes and said forcefully, "You won't worry about this and it's probably better if you could just forget seeing us here at all." The man's eyes looked a little glazed as Harry continued; "I suggest you go take a nap and forget all about it, go on now." The man turned and went back out the door, just as McGonagall approached from another ward.
"Problems?" She asked quietly.
"No, I suggested he go for a sleep and forget that we were ever here," Harry replied quietly.
McGonagall nodded sharply and said, "Well done, go check on the others. If they've finished, meet us by the lift. We should be leaving before the potion takes effect."
Harry went in search of the rest of the students and then they all went back to the elevator. The Policemen were still there, so McGonagall performed a memory charm on them, and then they all left. Once inside the elevator, she told them to apparate back to hogsmead station, now they had used the potions they could apparate without damaging it.
They arrived to find the house elves waiting for them, ready to take them back to Hogwarts dungeon. Harry removed the Glamour charm before any of the other houses could return and the students dressed in their own robes before being sent to bed. Harry asked the rest of the Gryffindor, who didn't know about his ability to change his appearance, to keep it to themselves.
The next morning at breakfast Hermoine's father sent her a muggle newspaper. The headline read;
CATASTROPHE AVERTED
After twenty-four hours of panic in St Francis' Hospital, London.
The patients feared to be suffering from the deadly poison, Ricine,
Have all made a full recovery. Leading to the question, 'what was
this new poison that mimics the effects of Ricine perfectly for
twenty-four hours?" The medical commission have been unable to
provide any explainations as yet. However concerns grow as the
same mysterious poison was reported in Manchester and
Newcastle also.
The report went on to talk about which terrorist groups might have been reasonable for the riots, but did not mention the Restoration Party's involvement.
"That's great, we did it, we saved all those people," Hermione whispered.
"Yeh, we saved the muggles and the wizards, but I couldn't save Hagrid. Why?" Harry said quietly.
Neither friend answered, but then Harry knew there was no answer to his question.
Dumbledore stood to make an announcement. "Thanks to the help from Slytherin house, we were able to complete the arrangements for our sad ceremony today." Dumbledore looked sadly around the Great Hall. "As you know, yesterday a great friend died. Unfortunately, he was one of many to fall, in this latest attack on the wizarding world by Voldemort. We will be having a funeral service for Rubeus Hagrid and his brother Grawp, this morning at 10am."
The students and teachers gathered outside the school, in front of a white Marquee. Chairs had been set up in rows beside the coffins. Hagrid's was obviously the smaller white one, beside another huge white crate, that had to be Grawp's. Harry, Ron and Hermoine stood with the rest of the pale faced Gryffindors, many of whom were crying and holding each other up. Harry noticed Ron was shaking as he held Hermione, and he knew that his friend was thinking about his brother's funeral, a few months before.
Dumbledore was wearing dark robes as he passed by the Ministry wizards and guests, seated near the front; he turned to the huge gathering and cleared his throat.
"We are here to celebrate the life of a kind and gentle soul.
A friend to all who knew him; his generous size was matched
by his huge heart. His love for all creatures and the pleasure
He took from the simple things in life should be a lesson to all of us.
He died protecting this school and all who reside within.
May he pass to a place where Grass is always green and all people are equal."
Harry heard the sound of hoofs over the crying around him. Turning, he saw Firenze leading a dozen or so Centaurs, Firenze approached Dumbledore and bowed from his human waist, "We pay tribute to the gentlest of men to enter the Forest." He placed a wreath of Holly on Hagrids coffin and withdrew to stand beside the rest of the Centaurs. Many of the students whispered in fear and edged a bit away from them. But the Centaurs stood, their heads bowed, respectfully honouring Hagrid.
Professor McGonagall stepped forward and placed a stone on Hagrid's coffin saying, "I wish for him to find peace." She sniffed into her hankie and stepped back.
Professor Sprout placed her stone saying, "May he find a new garden to tend."
Madam Pomfrey went next. "I wish him happiness."
Professor Snape stepped up next, to Harry's surprise, and said, "May he find new adventures.
Then Harry, Ron and Hermione came to stand next to the coffin. Harry placed the stone and said, "We wish for him to be reunited with his family."
Then they took their place beside Dumbledore as he lit both coffins and collected their dust in two Golden spheres', placing the sphere's in his pocket, he led the teachers and guests back to the castle. As Harry stepped in the castle doors he heard a mournful howl, Fang was mourning his master. Promising to ask Dumbledore what he was going to do with Hagrid's various pets, Harry followed the crowd back into the Great Hall.
The top table was filled by all the visiting wizards, but Harry thought it looked empty, because they had left Hagrid's space unfilled. A quiet lunch followed, and then the students were dismissed for an afternoon free of lessons. Harry walked out of the castle and found himself in Hagrid's cabin, Fang lay on Hagrid's huge bed and Harry sat beside him, scratching his ears.
Harry sat there for a long time comforting the dog. He felt a burning anger in the pit of his stomach; he couldn't believe Hagrid was truly gone. Hagrid was a central part of Hogwarts. Professor Grubbly-Plank may take over his classes and duties, but she could replace his huge presence. Harry though back over the last seven years, the first time Hagrid had come to see him, when he lived with his Aunt and Uncle. The photo album he had made, the first pictures Harry had ever seen of his parents. And finally the awful image of Hagrid falling to the ground, killed by death eaters.
Distantly Harry heard the bell ring in the castle, signalling dinner was about to begin, giving Fang's ears one last scratch, Harry made his way out of the hut and back to the school.
Entering the Great Hall was eerie, it was much too quiet and all the students looked pale faced and red eyed. Harry noted that many of the Slytherins looked vaguely amused. It took all his strength not to fire a few curses at them as he made his way towards his friends. The visitors had all left, but Professor Grubbly-Plank now sat in Hagrid seat, and Harry had the urge to go and shove her out of it.
The next few days Harry avoided Dumbledore with alacrity, if he saw the headmaster coming in one direction, he suddenly disappeared into the nearest classroom. At meal times he arrived late and left early. He had no doubts that if Dumbledore really wanted to speak to him he would have found him. He missed his private lesson and then reported to Professor McGonagall, telling her he had not felt well enough to attend his class.
But the most difficult class for all the students was Care of Magical Creatures. Professor Grubbly-Plank was a competent, no-nonsense teacher, who knew her subject and was more than able to impart her knowledge to them. She lacked Hagrid's flare for the dramatic and his pleasant attitude. More than once Harry found his attention wandering towards Hagrids hut, now vacant, Fang had been adopted by a local wizard outside Hogwarts. The Dark Forest was half destroyed, many of the towering trees fallen and the wildlife seemed to have moved away.
The French Ministry of Magic had arrived and taken charge of the Giants who had survived the conflict, Dumbledore had informed the students that port-keys had been used to transport them far from Britain and Voldemort.
A week after Hagrid's funeral, Harry was once again dodging his lesson with Dumbledore. After breakfast, he had slipped out of the castle and wandered into the Forest. Sitting at the forlorn little lake he had created a few weeks before, Harry recalled how wonderful he had felt. He had believed that he had found a way to challenge Voldemort and end his reign of terror. But what use was the power, if Dumbledore prevented him from using it.
Harry closed his eyes and thought about the many sounds usually found in the Forest, conspicuous in its absence. The warmth of the power around him calmed his soul. Slowly, Harry felt it build inside him, flowing through him, pulsing out of his pores. Harry remembered his feelings a stormy night almost seven years previously, when Hagrid had crashed into his life and introduced him to the magical world.
The sound of running water nearby, reminded Harry of the journey to Hogwarts, with Hagrid's towering figure in a tiny boat, leading the first years towards the castle. A crackling fire sounded in Harry's mind as he thought about Hagrid and Norbet the dragon. And gradually Harry let the energy of his thoughts flow into the ground, his anger at Dumbledore, his anger at Voldemort, all the feelings he held tight inside, Harry let go.
Finally Harry opened his eyes, and was shocked at what he saw, the small lake had grown and deepened, tall green trees surrounded the area, and the noise of the Forest had returned. Harry looked up to the sky and realised that most of the day had passed, it was now early evening. He had missed all his lessons for that day. Somehow, that thought didn't bother him too much. He stretched out his arms and transformed into an Eagle. Flying over the Forest, Harry realised that much of it had grown back. There were still many thinner parts, where the trees were younger, but it looked more like its old self again.
Harry flew out towards Hogsmead. The town had suffered as much as the Forest, many of the houses were burnt out and the shrieking shack was completely destroyed. Few wizards were out in the street, some were obviously trying to decide the best way to begin rebuilding. The stile at the end of the lane was gone, reminding Harry of another loss. First his parents, then Sirius and now Hagrid, all gone and all because of Voldemort. Harry felt the burning of rage begin again and at that moment he made a decision, he knew he must return to school and force Dumbledore to teach him all that he could. Then it would be up to Harry; Voldemort would have to be stopped.
Harry turned and flew back to the dark Forest, where he returned to his human form. As he was heading back to the castle Firenze appeared.
"Harry Potter, you have restored our home and we are grateful," Firenze said. "Harry Potter must take care not to rupture the earth and bring fiery destruction down upon us all. As Mars rises high, the conclusion draws near."
"We do not share our knowledge with humans," An uncompromising voice sounded behind Harry, who turned and saw another Centaur, he thought was called Ronan.
"Harry Potter restored our home, he holds our future," Firenze answered.
"What do you mean – As Mars rises, the conclusion draws near?" Harry asked Firenze.
Ronan snorted, "You see, humans cannot understand."
"But he is not just any human," countered Firenze.
"Say no more. Goodbye Harry Potter," Ronan said, and then turning he nodded to Firenze.
"Choose wisely," Firenze said before following Ronan.
Harry stood for several minutes, he rarely understood Firenze, even when he had been a teacher, before the other Centaurs had allowed him to return to the Forest. But Harry wondered what he was supposed to choose wisely, and what did it mean that Mars was rising, and the conclusion was near. Was Firenze taking about Harry dream when he unleashed the volcano to destroy Voldemort? Did the stars show that Harry would destroy the world? But at least they had said the conclusion draws near; maybe the war with Voldemort was nearing an end.
Harry straightened his shoulders and marched back up to the school. He walked into dinner and Dumbledore immediately caught his eye and nodded to him. Harry ignored the nod and went to sit down.
"Where have you been all day?" Ron asked.
"I've been out, thinking, practicing," Harry replied.
"You might have told someone, McGonagall wasn't too chuffed that we didn't know where you were," Ron replied.
"Harry, we were working on a new potion today, another one for our NEWTS, you missed it," Hermione added, "If you miss the next lesson, you won't be able to finish it on time."
Harry couldn't really care less about potions anymore, but rather than start Hermione on one of her lectures again, he nodded and said, "Don't worry; I'll catch up next lesson."
After he had eaten, he rose to leave but heard Professor McGonagall call him, "Harry Potter!" sighing he turned and headed towards the top table.
"Please go to the headmaster's office, he would like to speak to you," McGonagall told him quietly.
Harry nodded and left to go and see what Dumbledore wanted. It took him a few minutes to reach the office and say the password, and then he knocked on the door and waited.
"Come in," Dumbledore called. "Please sit down."
Harry sat opposite Dumbledore and stared, expressionlessly, at him.
"The Forest looks much better," Dumbledore said. "But I believe you made a promise not to leave the grounds without my permission."
"Was that like the promise you made me? The one when you said you wouldn't exclude me or treat me like a child anymore?" Harry replied, aware of how rude he sounded, but too angry with Dumbledore to care.
"Touché," Dumbledore said. "I know you are angry that I kept you out of the last battle Harry, but please believe I had my reasons. But skipping all your lessons will not accomplish anything; you still have to sit your NEWTS at the end of this year."
"I think there are more important things going on than my NEWTS," Harry answered, "Do you think Voldemort will change his schedule to fit my exams?"
Dumbledore looked saddened as he shook his head, "I don't suppose so."
"You gave me the torch, look outside at the Forest, I have learned to use it and yet you still don't trust me, you still try to keep me isolated from the war," Harry said, "Why lead me so far, then close the door in my face?"
"You are right," Dumbledore admitted, "I still want to protect you and I am sorry if that makes you angry, but it is still my duty."
Harry's frustration was growing, the headmaster was trying to do the right thing, yet he was denying Harry the chance to do what he was supposed to do. Harry wondered if Dumbledore would ever be ready to let him go out on his own. At the moment, the chances seemed slim.