Chapter 13
Nice Place to Visit
The quartet had returned to the common room, but none of them had gone up to the dorms; instead they sat in armchairs through the night in silent vigil. None of them thought of sleep, but that didn't mean it didn't come, forcing itself upon them. After the adrenaline rush of their hell day cleared out of their bodies, they fought against sleep but in the early hours they finally started nodding off. The group slept later than any of them had intended, and where only awoken when their fellow Gryffindors started entering the common room on their way to breakfast. Ginny was the first to wake, almost shouting that she 'had to get back to the infirmary, what if Harry had woken up?' as she bolted out of the portrait-hole. The remaining three took a little bit more time before leaving, going to the bathrooms and washing their faces in an attempt to wake themselves.
Neville separated from his friends at the Great Hall and went to the Gryffindor table; grabbing all the toast he could carry he walked to the infirmary. He had been seeing Ginny Weasley since half way through the summer; she had asked him if they could start going out while he had been staying at the Burrow and he spent a great deal of time with her since returning to Hogwarts. While he enjoyed the companionship, there was a nagging voice in the back of his mind that reminded him that the relationship wasn't quite right, they never really did anything as a couple; they might walk with his arm round her shoulder or sit together holding hands but they had never kissed and hugged rarely. She always seemed slightly detached and he wondered if this was just how relationships started or whether there was something else. When he arrived at the infirmary it was like they had never left last night, the only differences was Hermione was no longer crying but sitting reading. Ron still sat on his own, lost in thought, and Ginny had started pacing again. Neville forced them all to take some toast from him as they had eaten nothing since lunch the previous day.
Twenty four hours earlier Harry had been waiting in the entrance when Remus had arrived and they had hugged; and it was Remus sitting next to Harry now when he awoke, vision blurry but seeing his fencing teacher's shallow face and the white tuft of hair at the front of his head. Indeed, after Poppy had checked him over following the attack and Harry's return to the castle, Remus Lupin had never left the boy's side and he had spent the night in an uncomfortable chair next to the boy's bed.
As he woke, Harry patched together memories or dreams, not knowing what was real and what he imagined, but sure his life had ended at some point. He looked at the Professor and simply stated, "So they killed you too Moony, I'm sorry."
Remus was day-dreaming when he heard the boy's voice and took a moment to realise that Harry was, in fact, awake and not just his imagination playing cruel games. "Harry you're awake! Poppy, Poppy he's awake!" shouted Moony, only then registering what the boy had said, he replied "No Harry we are both alive!", and the man ruffled the boy's hair gently.
The Matron walked briskly through the door from the adjoining apothecary and over to Harry's bedside and began a series of examinations. Finally she sighed and handed the boy his wand, asking him to simply light the end of it. Saying the Luminos incantation Harry lit his wand and the matron took the wand back and stowed it in her pocket. Finally she told Harry "You are very lucky Mr Potter, and I hope you have learned not to do whatever you did again. You were moments from death, I dread to think what would have happened if Mr Weasley had taken any longer !"
"I don't really remember what happened but I'm sorry I caused you any trouble Poppy."
"It is my job to perform miracles, but you seem to be particularly keen to repeatedly test my abilities Mr Potter; I would ask you refrain from doing so anymore", she said, smiling as much at her own little joke as at Harry. "The Headmaster has authorised you a short visit from your friends if you are up to it, then I will have to see to the question of your memory, after which I believe the Headmaster wishes to talk to you. You will be allowed to leave the infirmary tomorrow if your progress is satisfactory."
"How long was I out?", asked the boy quietly.
"Twenty four hours." replied Remus, silent tears of joy running down his face.
Sitting himself up carefully, as he ached all over, he pushed Moony in the arm, "Stop that, it's embarrassing." and Remus smiled, wiping the sleeve of his robes across his face.
"Mr Lupin if you would go outside and inform the four students blocking the entrance to the infirmary that they may have five minutes with Mr Potter and then they will leave until he is released."
As Remus walked out into the corridor Harry turned to the matron and said very genuinely "Thank you Poppy."
Her face softened "That's ok Harry; I am pleased you are such a fighter or the outcome may have been much worse. I must go and obtain the mind-strengthening potion from Professor Snape, please ask your friends to leave and await your return tomorrow upon my return, they seem to listen to no-one else"
The door opened once more and Madam Pomfrey spoke to Remus once again, "Now if you would be as kind as inform the Headmaster of my patient's status."
"Of course." said Moony leaving again, and the Medi-Witch left, heading the opposite way towards the dungeons.
"Hi Harry." his friends said in unison very quietly.
"Hey I'm tired, not dying, and glad to see you all ok and Ron ... thanks mate." said Harry.
Ron walked forward "Anytime, but you have to make sure you introduce me to all the guardians of the places you go to hide." replied the red haired boy, smiling.
"Done!" Then, looking at his next closest friend "You okay Hermi? You look like you been crying, and everyone's alright aren't they?"
"Yes, you... you ....Idiot!" she said throwing her arms round him and crying again.
Harry felt a stab of pain from his chest and winced. Hermione noticed this and pulled back quickly apologising repeatedly.
"It's fine Hermione just a scratch." he said opening his pyjama top and seeing a large pink scar across his chest. "See all healed," he said triumphantly.
"Maybe physically, but there's something wrong mentally Harry James Potter!" burst in Ginny looking furiously at him.
"What did I do?" asked Harry, confused at Ginny's outburst.
"You don't remember?" She commanded the answer more than asked the question, and Harry thought to himself she was very attractive when she was mad, despite the black bags under her eyes and the fly away red hair.
"Err... Not really. Madame Pomfrey's getting me something for my memory but it's all a bit blurry."
"Well it's pretty obvious you ran off on your own again and tried to get yourself killed." Harry couldn't help it and he smiled at her. "And what are you smiling at?"
"Has anyone told you you're really cute when you're mad?" responded Harry, who was by now propped up in the bed with the pillow behind his back.
It took a second for his words to sink in and Harry could see she was struggling to think of a retort but failing and then he saw her blush just slightly.
"Neville." Harry said to the fourth boy who was hanging back from the others, but stepped forward when addressed. "You have to keep an eye on these three for a little while longer I'm afraid. I can't leave till tomorrow and you know what they are like. I think becoming prefects melted part of their brains and they go getting points taken from our house and getting detentions and stuff."
The boy's face, initially quite sullen, broke into a broad grin. "Will do Harry."
"Oh and make sure they eat, wash and get a good night sleep, they can't take care of themselves you know." Harry added, smiling too.
There were several snorts from behind Neville and he and Harry started laughing, just as Madame Pomfrey returned and looked at Harry.
"Right, I'm afraid you'll have to go before you are thrown out, and I don't think you'll see me again till tomorrow evening, but if it's okay with Madame Pomfrey, Ron, Hermione can you collect together all my charms books and parchment and my favourite quill and bring it by later?"
"Sure Harry." said Hermione brightly, pleased to see her study partner had not lost his enthusiasm for work.
"Thanks guys, and I'll see you tomorrow." It was then that Ginny ran forward and put her arms round him, whispering in his ear that she was still mad at him but glad he was feeling better; she released him from the hug and swiftly kissed him on the lips, turning almost immediately and left. Harry was too shocked to blush and managed to gain enough composure to wave as his friends all followed after her.
Poppy was now fussing over Harry, making him drink a strange blue-coloured viscous potion, fluffing his pillow and performing a couple more examinations, when the door opened again and Dumbledore entered, followed by Alistair 'Mad Eye' Moody, Nymphadora Tonks, and Remus Lupin. Three of the four were smiling, while the Headmaster's face looked rather grave.
"Hello Harry." said Dumbledore "I am pleased you have decided to rejoin us in the world of the conscious."
"Well Unconscious World is a nice place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there." Harry replied before he'd really thought about it, remembering the old muggle expression from his school days before Hogwarts.
The adults, not being familiar with muggle humour, chuckled, and a glint returned to the Headmaster's eyes. "It is also nice to see that your sense of humour was unaffected by your ordeal." Then, turning to Madam Pomfrey he asked, "Has Harry taken the wit sharpening potion Poppy?"
"Yes Headmaster..." She started. "But only a few minutes ago, it will be another few minutes before it starts to take effect."
"Well I will start the debriefing with my knowledge of the events leading up to the point you were separated from us Harry, hopefully this will jog your memory." The old Headmaster then began to recount details of the memorial, going into fine detail and finally ending at the point of the explosion. Harry almost naturally picked up where the ancient wizard had left off, talking about being blown towards the edge of the forest, and his impression of the battle, leading up to the point where he had to intercede, when he saw the three Death Eaters out flank Moody, Remus and Tonks. He told them about his attempts at the 'Illusio charm' but how he was having difficulty not thinking about Sirius, using the 'Impediment Curse' on three Death Eaters who had flanked them followed by full body binds, how he saw Moody pulling the other defenders away and the remaining Death Eaters' attack on them. Then he continued, telling them of the 'Reductor Curse' on the Death Eaters' cover and their volley of curses, then how he had been hit, but succeeded in his retaliatory strikes with flaming debris, how he had responded with force to the 'Unforgivable Curse', his second missile attack closely followed by the Death Eater retreat.
He was fuzzier about the next section of his explanation, but managed to explain his fears of a counter attack; how he was feeling drained and had made for Hagrid's hut, but had only been able to make it to Godric's pen and how he had been slipping in and out of consciousness but thought someone had come to rescue him. He told them of his fear when it turned out to be a counter attack, but the Death Eater was unaware he was in the presence of a lion and Godric had killed him, before the Death Eater could perform the 'Cruccio Curse' and then he had slipped into unconsciousness and remembered nothing else.
When he finished his recount, Remus and Tonks looked amazed. Tonks came forward and kissed him on the forehead causing Harry to blush a deep shade of scarlet. Mad Eye had what appeared to be a smile on his heavily scarred face which made him look twice as menacing, but the Headmaster, however, was not looking please, but rather very thoughtful.
Dumbledore then spoke. "Thank you Harry, that has filled several gaps in my knowledge, and will allow us to proceed from here. I believe Remus wishes to stay with you tonight, but I have some unfortunate news for you too. You where unaware that the 'Illusio Charm' is a constant draw on you power and performing magic at the same time as this charm, further accelerated this. This is why when you were found you were so close to magical burn out and why for the next three weeks you will not be allowed to use any magic including any transformations."
"What? What about my classes?" Exclaimed Harry.
"You will be exempt from practical participation in all lessons excluding potions, while you regain your magical strength. I apologise for this Harry but any further use of magic may cause you to permanently loose your magical power.", replied the Headmaster, completely unaffected by the boy's outburst. Harry, on the other hand, immediately kept quiet, he had faced death on numerous occasions, and he knew his greatest fear was fear itself, but losing his magic, the thing that had taken him away from the Dursleys, had to rank pretty close and he would never risk loosing that.
"I believe Quidditch season is fast approaching, and you may find you wish to occupy your time outside studies practising so I have pre-booked the pitch for occasions that maybe most profitable to you. Now I believe it is time you had something to eat, there is a house elf who has been most concerned about your welfare who I believe would be only too happy to deliver your meal..." and with the usual twinkle back in his eyes, he added "May I suggest the goulash? The house elves outdid themselves again today."
Harry, hearing this, realised he had not eaten in quite sometime and he was very hungry and thanked the Headmaster saying he would appreciate a meal. The Headmaster left with Alistair Moody who shook Harry's hand before leaving saying "I owe ya one kid". Tonks and Remus stayed, the pink-haired young women standing quite close to the werewolf.
"The more I get to know you Harry, the more I realise it is impossible not to like you and I look forward to spending more time with you, as my posting at the school started today." she said to him smiling. "Oh and I brought that package you wanted."
"Thanks Tonks, can I get that from you another time? I want to take it to the dormitory unnoticed."
"Whenever you like." she replied still smiling at him. "I'm also looking forward to watching you play Quidditch {too}. I haven't seen a game in ages."
"Well between us three I'm not sure I'll be very good this year. I'm thinking of changing position, I'm a bit big to play Seeker. Anyway, what are your plans Moony?"
"You're out of luck there Harry, someone loaned Amelia Bones a certain piece of parchment and told her I helped create it. She has insisted I join the security force at Hogwarts, says she needs people who know the castle. You wouldn't know who that was would you?"
Harry was spared answering when a *pop* signified the arrival of Dobby, a large folded cloak in his hands.
"Dobby, great to see you" said Harry "I've missed not having you around at breakfast."
Dobby started crying immediately and just managed to say in-between sobs "Harry Potter is too good to Dobby and he is unhappy at having to ask Harry Potter sir for a favour."
"Anything Dobby, providing I can do it and you will get me some of the delicious goulash I am hearing about."
"Well, will Harry Potter promise Dobby he doesn't get so much blood on his cloak again? It took Dobby so long to get it out Dobby is behind in his chores."
"I promise I will try my best Dobby" Harry replied accepting the cloak from Dobby which was immaculate and perfectly pressed.
"Thank you Harry Potter sir, now Dobby will get your goulash and some treacle sponge sir."
"Thanks Dobby. That's my favourite." Harry said, as grinning broadly, the house elf *popped* away.
"Another member of the Harry Potter fan club, I see I'm in good company." Tonks said with a cheeky smile, then added "I'm going to have to go now Harry, Chief Bones is expecting me..." then turning and kissing Remus on the cheek she said "I'll make your excuses and fill you in later" and the slender young Auror left.
Remus was blushing heavily and Harry couldn't resist "You old dog!" he said almost laughing at his own joke, then sobering "She's definitely got good taste Moony."
His father's old friend blushed. "What do you mean?"
Deciding to spare Moony the embarrassment of admitting to a sixteen year old boy he liked the young women, he said "Well she said she wants to join my fan club." The pair laughed and chatted about nothing for a few more minutes before Dobby returned with a tray containing mountainous piles of food which, much to the house elf's pleasure, Harry attacked with vigour. When he had finally finished, Dobby cleared the leftovers away and asked Harry to get lots of rest and *popped* away. Remus had taken up position in the chair next to Harry's bed, when, later on that evening, Hermione delivered Harry's charms things and then was shooed out by Madame Pomfrey. The werewolf and student chatted about charms while Harry finished his homework. Having discovered he had more than enough notes copied from the restricted section, Hermione had apparently borrowed his pass and copied down another roll of parchment for him. It was now getting quite late and shortly after Harry had finished his homework, Madam Pomfrey reappeared handing Harry a sleeping draught. Shortly thereafter Harry drifted of to sleep, dreaming of a pleasant life devoid of battles and enemies, but full of friends and companionship.
*****
A/N Massive thanks to Dice who has undertaken the enormous task of making my mindless rambling readable.
And another thank you to everyone who reviews, if you weren't so nice I would stop now.
Nice Place to Visit
The quartet had returned to the common room, but none of them had gone up to the dorms; instead they sat in armchairs through the night in silent vigil. None of them thought of sleep, but that didn't mean it didn't come, forcing itself upon them. After the adrenaline rush of their hell day cleared out of their bodies, they fought against sleep but in the early hours they finally started nodding off. The group slept later than any of them had intended, and where only awoken when their fellow Gryffindors started entering the common room on their way to breakfast. Ginny was the first to wake, almost shouting that she 'had to get back to the infirmary, what if Harry had woken up?' as she bolted out of the portrait-hole. The remaining three took a little bit more time before leaving, going to the bathrooms and washing their faces in an attempt to wake themselves.
Neville separated from his friends at the Great Hall and went to the Gryffindor table; grabbing all the toast he could carry he walked to the infirmary. He had been seeing Ginny Weasley since half way through the summer; she had asked him if they could start going out while he had been staying at the Burrow and he spent a great deal of time with her since returning to Hogwarts. While he enjoyed the companionship, there was a nagging voice in the back of his mind that reminded him that the relationship wasn't quite right, they never really did anything as a couple; they might walk with his arm round her shoulder or sit together holding hands but they had never kissed and hugged rarely. She always seemed slightly detached and he wondered if this was just how relationships started or whether there was something else. When he arrived at the infirmary it was like they had never left last night, the only differences was Hermione was no longer crying but sitting reading. Ron still sat on his own, lost in thought, and Ginny had started pacing again. Neville forced them all to take some toast from him as they had eaten nothing since lunch the previous day.
Twenty four hours earlier Harry had been waiting in the entrance when Remus had arrived and they had hugged; and it was Remus sitting next to Harry now when he awoke, vision blurry but seeing his fencing teacher's shallow face and the white tuft of hair at the front of his head. Indeed, after Poppy had checked him over following the attack and Harry's return to the castle, Remus Lupin had never left the boy's side and he had spent the night in an uncomfortable chair next to the boy's bed.
As he woke, Harry patched together memories or dreams, not knowing what was real and what he imagined, but sure his life had ended at some point. He looked at the Professor and simply stated, "So they killed you too Moony, I'm sorry."
Remus was day-dreaming when he heard the boy's voice and took a moment to realise that Harry was, in fact, awake and not just his imagination playing cruel games. "Harry you're awake! Poppy, Poppy he's awake!" shouted Moony, only then registering what the boy had said, he replied "No Harry we are both alive!", and the man ruffled the boy's hair gently.
The Matron walked briskly through the door from the adjoining apothecary and over to Harry's bedside and began a series of examinations. Finally she sighed and handed the boy his wand, asking him to simply light the end of it. Saying the Luminos incantation Harry lit his wand and the matron took the wand back and stowed it in her pocket. Finally she told Harry "You are very lucky Mr Potter, and I hope you have learned not to do whatever you did again. You were moments from death, I dread to think what would have happened if Mr Weasley had taken any longer !"
"I don't really remember what happened but I'm sorry I caused you any trouble Poppy."
"It is my job to perform miracles, but you seem to be particularly keen to repeatedly test my abilities Mr Potter; I would ask you refrain from doing so anymore", she said, smiling as much at her own little joke as at Harry. "The Headmaster has authorised you a short visit from your friends if you are up to it, then I will have to see to the question of your memory, after which I believe the Headmaster wishes to talk to you. You will be allowed to leave the infirmary tomorrow if your progress is satisfactory."
"How long was I out?", asked the boy quietly.
"Twenty four hours." replied Remus, silent tears of joy running down his face.
Sitting himself up carefully, as he ached all over, he pushed Moony in the arm, "Stop that, it's embarrassing." and Remus smiled, wiping the sleeve of his robes across his face.
"Mr Lupin if you would go outside and inform the four students blocking the entrance to the infirmary that they may have five minutes with Mr Potter and then they will leave until he is released."
As Remus walked out into the corridor Harry turned to the matron and said very genuinely "Thank you Poppy."
Her face softened "That's ok Harry; I am pleased you are such a fighter or the outcome may have been much worse. I must go and obtain the mind-strengthening potion from Professor Snape, please ask your friends to leave and await your return tomorrow upon my return, they seem to listen to no-one else"
The door opened once more and Madam Pomfrey spoke to Remus once again, "Now if you would be as kind as inform the Headmaster of my patient's status."
"Of course." said Moony leaving again, and the Medi-Witch left, heading the opposite way towards the dungeons.
"Hi Harry." his friends said in unison very quietly.
"Hey I'm tired, not dying, and glad to see you all ok and Ron ... thanks mate." said Harry.
Ron walked forward "Anytime, but you have to make sure you introduce me to all the guardians of the places you go to hide." replied the red haired boy, smiling.
"Done!" Then, looking at his next closest friend "You okay Hermi? You look like you been crying, and everyone's alright aren't they?"
"Yes, you... you ....Idiot!" she said throwing her arms round him and crying again.
Harry felt a stab of pain from his chest and winced. Hermione noticed this and pulled back quickly apologising repeatedly.
"It's fine Hermione just a scratch." he said opening his pyjama top and seeing a large pink scar across his chest. "See all healed," he said triumphantly.
"Maybe physically, but there's something wrong mentally Harry James Potter!" burst in Ginny looking furiously at him.
"What did I do?" asked Harry, confused at Ginny's outburst.
"You don't remember?" She commanded the answer more than asked the question, and Harry thought to himself she was very attractive when she was mad, despite the black bags under her eyes and the fly away red hair.
"Err... Not really. Madame Pomfrey's getting me something for my memory but it's all a bit blurry."
"Well it's pretty obvious you ran off on your own again and tried to get yourself killed." Harry couldn't help it and he smiled at her. "And what are you smiling at?"
"Has anyone told you you're really cute when you're mad?" responded Harry, who was by now propped up in the bed with the pillow behind his back.
It took a second for his words to sink in and Harry could see she was struggling to think of a retort but failing and then he saw her blush just slightly.
"Neville." Harry said to the fourth boy who was hanging back from the others, but stepped forward when addressed. "You have to keep an eye on these three for a little while longer I'm afraid. I can't leave till tomorrow and you know what they are like. I think becoming prefects melted part of their brains and they go getting points taken from our house and getting detentions and stuff."
The boy's face, initially quite sullen, broke into a broad grin. "Will do Harry."
"Oh and make sure they eat, wash and get a good night sleep, they can't take care of themselves you know." Harry added, smiling too.
There were several snorts from behind Neville and he and Harry started laughing, just as Madame Pomfrey returned and looked at Harry.
"Right, I'm afraid you'll have to go before you are thrown out, and I don't think you'll see me again till tomorrow evening, but if it's okay with Madame Pomfrey, Ron, Hermione can you collect together all my charms books and parchment and my favourite quill and bring it by later?"
"Sure Harry." said Hermione brightly, pleased to see her study partner had not lost his enthusiasm for work.
"Thanks guys, and I'll see you tomorrow." It was then that Ginny ran forward and put her arms round him, whispering in his ear that she was still mad at him but glad he was feeling better; she released him from the hug and swiftly kissed him on the lips, turning almost immediately and left. Harry was too shocked to blush and managed to gain enough composure to wave as his friends all followed after her.
Poppy was now fussing over Harry, making him drink a strange blue-coloured viscous potion, fluffing his pillow and performing a couple more examinations, when the door opened again and Dumbledore entered, followed by Alistair 'Mad Eye' Moody, Nymphadora Tonks, and Remus Lupin. Three of the four were smiling, while the Headmaster's face looked rather grave.
"Hello Harry." said Dumbledore "I am pleased you have decided to rejoin us in the world of the conscious."
"Well Unconscious World is a nice place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there." Harry replied before he'd really thought about it, remembering the old muggle expression from his school days before Hogwarts.
The adults, not being familiar with muggle humour, chuckled, and a glint returned to the Headmaster's eyes. "It is also nice to see that your sense of humour was unaffected by your ordeal." Then, turning to Madam Pomfrey he asked, "Has Harry taken the wit sharpening potion Poppy?"
"Yes Headmaster..." She started. "But only a few minutes ago, it will be another few minutes before it starts to take effect."
"Well I will start the debriefing with my knowledge of the events leading up to the point you were separated from us Harry, hopefully this will jog your memory." The old Headmaster then began to recount details of the memorial, going into fine detail and finally ending at the point of the explosion. Harry almost naturally picked up where the ancient wizard had left off, talking about being blown towards the edge of the forest, and his impression of the battle, leading up to the point where he had to intercede, when he saw the three Death Eaters out flank Moody, Remus and Tonks. He told them about his attempts at the 'Illusio charm' but how he was having difficulty not thinking about Sirius, using the 'Impediment Curse' on three Death Eaters who had flanked them followed by full body binds, how he saw Moody pulling the other defenders away and the remaining Death Eaters' attack on them. Then he continued, telling them of the 'Reductor Curse' on the Death Eaters' cover and their volley of curses, then how he had been hit, but succeeded in his retaliatory strikes with flaming debris, how he had responded with force to the 'Unforgivable Curse', his second missile attack closely followed by the Death Eater retreat.
He was fuzzier about the next section of his explanation, but managed to explain his fears of a counter attack; how he was feeling drained and had made for Hagrid's hut, but had only been able to make it to Godric's pen and how he had been slipping in and out of consciousness but thought someone had come to rescue him. He told them of his fear when it turned out to be a counter attack, but the Death Eater was unaware he was in the presence of a lion and Godric had killed him, before the Death Eater could perform the 'Cruccio Curse' and then he had slipped into unconsciousness and remembered nothing else.
When he finished his recount, Remus and Tonks looked amazed. Tonks came forward and kissed him on the forehead causing Harry to blush a deep shade of scarlet. Mad Eye had what appeared to be a smile on his heavily scarred face which made him look twice as menacing, but the Headmaster, however, was not looking please, but rather very thoughtful.
Dumbledore then spoke. "Thank you Harry, that has filled several gaps in my knowledge, and will allow us to proceed from here. I believe Remus wishes to stay with you tonight, but I have some unfortunate news for you too. You where unaware that the 'Illusio Charm' is a constant draw on you power and performing magic at the same time as this charm, further accelerated this. This is why when you were found you were so close to magical burn out and why for the next three weeks you will not be allowed to use any magic including any transformations."
"What? What about my classes?" Exclaimed Harry.
"You will be exempt from practical participation in all lessons excluding potions, while you regain your magical strength. I apologise for this Harry but any further use of magic may cause you to permanently loose your magical power.", replied the Headmaster, completely unaffected by the boy's outburst. Harry, on the other hand, immediately kept quiet, he had faced death on numerous occasions, and he knew his greatest fear was fear itself, but losing his magic, the thing that had taken him away from the Dursleys, had to rank pretty close and he would never risk loosing that.
"I believe Quidditch season is fast approaching, and you may find you wish to occupy your time outside studies practising so I have pre-booked the pitch for occasions that maybe most profitable to you. Now I believe it is time you had something to eat, there is a house elf who has been most concerned about your welfare who I believe would be only too happy to deliver your meal..." and with the usual twinkle back in his eyes, he added "May I suggest the goulash? The house elves outdid themselves again today."
Harry, hearing this, realised he had not eaten in quite sometime and he was very hungry and thanked the Headmaster saying he would appreciate a meal. The Headmaster left with Alistair Moody who shook Harry's hand before leaving saying "I owe ya one kid". Tonks and Remus stayed, the pink-haired young women standing quite close to the werewolf.
"The more I get to know you Harry, the more I realise it is impossible not to like you and I look forward to spending more time with you, as my posting at the school started today." she said to him smiling. "Oh and I brought that package you wanted."
"Thanks Tonks, can I get that from you another time? I want to take it to the dormitory unnoticed."
"Whenever you like." she replied still smiling at him. "I'm also looking forward to watching you play Quidditch {too}. I haven't seen a game in ages."
"Well between us three I'm not sure I'll be very good this year. I'm thinking of changing position, I'm a bit big to play Seeker. Anyway, what are your plans Moony?"
"You're out of luck there Harry, someone loaned Amelia Bones a certain piece of parchment and told her I helped create it. She has insisted I join the security force at Hogwarts, says she needs people who know the castle. You wouldn't know who that was would you?"
Harry was spared answering when a *pop* signified the arrival of Dobby, a large folded cloak in his hands.
"Dobby, great to see you" said Harry "I've missed not having you around at breakfast."
Dobby started crying immediately and just managed to say in-between sobs "Harry Potter is too good to Dobby and he is unhappy at having to ask Harry Potter sir for a favour."
"Anything Dobby, providing I can do it and you will get me some of the delicious goulash I am hearing about."
"Well, will Harry Potter promise Dobby he doesn't get so much blood on his cloak again? It took Dobby so long to get it out Dobby is behind in his chores."
"I promise I will try my best Dobby" Harry replied accepting the cloak from Dobby which was immaculate and perfectly pressed.
"Thank you Harry Potter sir, now Dobby will get your goulash and some treacle sponge sir."
"Thanks Dobby. That's my favourite." Harry said, as grinning broadly, the house elf *popped* away.
"Another member of the Harry Potter fan club, I see I'm in good company." Tonks said with a cheeky smile, then added "I'm going to have to go now Harry, Chief Bones is expecting me..." then turning and kissing Remus on the cheek she said "I'll make your excuses and fill you in later" and the slender young Auror left.
Remus was blushing heavily and Harry couldn't resist "You old dog!" he said almost laughing at his own joke, then sobering "She's definitely got good taste Moony."
His father's old friend blushed. "What do you mean?"
Deciding to spare Moony the embarrassment of admitting to a sixteen year old boy he liked the young women, he said "Well she said she wants to join my fan club." The pair laughed and chatted about nothing for a few more minutes before Dobby returned with a tray containing mountainous piles of food which, much to the house elf's pleasure, Harry attacked with vigour. When he had finally finished, Dobby cleared the leftovers away and asked Harry to get lots of rest and *popped* away. Remus had taken up position in the chair next to Harry's bed, when, later on that evening, Hermione delivered Harry's charms things and then was shooed out by Madame Pomfrey. The werewolf and student chatted about charms while Harry finished his homework. Having discovered he had more than enough notes copied from the restricted section, Hermione had apparently borrowed his pass and copied down another roll of parchment for him. It was now getting quite late and shortly after Harry had finished his homework, Madam Pomfrey reappeared handing Harry a sleeping draught. Shortly thereafter Harry drifted of to sleep, dreaming of a pleasant life devoid of battles and enemies, but full of friends and companionship.
*****
A/N Massive thanks to Dice who has undertaken the enormous task of making my mindless rambling readable.
And another thank you to everyone who reviews, if you weren't so nice I would stop now.