Chapter 7: Changing Perspectives

Harry woke up the next morning feeling fully refreshed if a little stiff. Haimric, how are you feeling?

I am none the worse for our exertions, Haimric reported. In fact, I believe our power reserves may have been enhanced to a degree.

Good, things were little scary for a while there, Harry told his other, as he got out of bed and dressed. Due to the fact it was a Sunday, he decided to forego the usual robes and dressed in a pair of black combats, a maroon T-shirt and a black jumper.

Glancing at his clock he saw that it was already nine-thirty, so he reasoned that most of his friends were probably already at breakfast, so he tucked his wand into its usual hiding place and hurried down the stairs. ---- When he arrived in the Great Hall, he was pleasantly surprised to see Ginny still eating her breakfast at the Gryffindor table. Smiling slightly and letting out a sigh of relief, he walked up the table to her and sat down in the empty seat to her left.

"How are you, Gin? You weren't in the Three Broomsticks and no-one I talked to saw you around."

"I'm fine, Harry. I was in Dervish & Banges at the other end of the village when the attack came. We didn't get any Revenants up our end, but it took a while to drive off the Dementors. Katie managed to get the drop on one of Death Eaters too. Turned out to be Marcus Flint. I'm sure you remember him?"

"I do." Harry admitted. "He was Captain of the Slytherin Quidditch for several years. Have you seen Ron? What about the others... are Luna and Katie okay?"

"Luna and Katie are fine," Ginny assured him. "Ron's still up in the Hospital Wing with Hermione. She's going to be fine of course, but Ron won't leave her." she smiled slightly. "Usually I can figure Ron out, I mean he is my brother, but sometimes he does surprise me."

"How long has he been up there?"

"All night," Ginny admitted. "About nineteen hours. I don't think he's slept at all."

"I think I'll go up there after I check in with Barra and Jenna," Harry decided. "Maybe I can get him to take a break."

"Good luck. Neville and I have already tried that and he wouldn't budge."

"I'll persuade him."

After a quick breakfast, Harry excused himself and headed up to the War Room. ---- When Harry entered the War Room a few minutes later, Jenna, Lords Barra and Njal and Professor Dumbledore were already in conference. "Do we have a final casualty report?"

"We believe so," Barra admitted. "Wolf Company lost twenty-two Rangers, and another nineteen are injured, none seriously. Masters Gormrach and Tineclaíomh are dead, and six more mages are injured."

"Seven villagers - including Zacharias Zonko and Devon Dervish - have been killed, and well over a hundred villagers have been injured," Njal reported. "Three of my mages are still down in the village helping the local Healer. We are also still rather busy in the School Infirmary - eight students have been killed... perhaps regrettably, none of them were Dumbledore's Army members, they were all innocents caught in the crossfire. However, several DA members are among the twenty-nine injured students - Hermione Granger and Ernest Macmillan are the most seriously injured, and I anticipate that both will be fit for classes by tomorrow."

"Excellent," said Dumbledore.

"However, I must also add that Slytherin Prefect Draco Malfoy has yet to regain consciousness from the Cruciatus Curse inflicted on him during the battle."

"Will he recover?" asked Harry. He didn't like Malfoy, but he didn't want him in a coma.

"Yes, however it will take some time. Most likely several days."

"Keep me posted?"

"Of course."

Harry turned to Lord Barra, who was still wearing the full plate armour he had donned for the Hogsmeade battle. "Barra, can you talk to His Majesty and Lord Conochúr about additional troops? I'm a little worried about how short we're getting. With the latest casualties we're down to a hundred and thirteen Rangers, even with the twenty mages and thirty-eight fliers we've got, we could get overstretched if Voldemort attacks several locations simultaneously."

"Agreed, I will talk to Ristéard and my brother before the end of the day. If additional troops or mages can be spared they should be here within the week."

"I'll be in the Hospital Wing if you need me," Harry told them. "I need to go and see Hermione."

"Understood." ---- As Njal had reported, the Infirmary was still pretty busy, but Harry didn't have any trouble finding his two friends. Hermione was asleep on one of the low camp beds that had been set up for some of the less seriously injured, and Ron was dozing on a chair beside her, the hand of her injured arm clasped in his own larger hands.

Harry smiled, amidst all the death and blood of the last twenty-four hours, the tender tableau made by the two of them warmed his heart.

Not wanting to disturb the other patients, Harry padded slowly over to Ron, placed his hand on his shoulder and squeezed it slightly. After a few seconds, Ron shook himself and turned around, not letting go of Hermione's hand.

"Harry!" he exclaimed in a hushed voice. "What are you doing here?"

"Relieving you," Harry told him. Ron looked like he was about to object. "Ron, I know how much Hermione means to you. But you did some pretty heavy magic not that long ago and you haven't eaten or slept properly since. Go get some food and have a nap for a few hours or pretty soon you'll be no good to anyone pretty soon. I'll keep an eye on Hermione."

"But..."

"Do I have to remind you of our conversation on the second day of term?"

It took Ron a couple of minutes to figure out what Harry was referring to, but eventually he shook his head. "No. I'll be back in a couple of hours."

No, you won't, Harry thought as Ron tucked Hermione's arm against her side, then rose and left the Hospital Wing. Dobby promised to put a mild sleeping potion in anything you eat before tonight. You won't be back before dinner. Harry waited until Ron was out of the door and then eased himself down into the chair his friend had just vacated.

It was actually a relief to sit down for a while for something other than eating, studying or a meeting, and Harry drifted off into his own thoughts for a few minutes. When he returned, he looked down and saw a pair of brown eyes staring at him. He smiled broadly. "Hi Hermione, feeling better?"

Hermione nodded. "I can't move my shoulder though. Mistress Ròsbior says that Lady Páraici missed some torn nerves. She says I'll need to take a potion for a few days."

"Which one?"

"The... Fehkarghey Draught, I think."

Haimric?

That would make sense, Harry. And we have some of that on hand. It is very similar to one of the potions that the Longbottoms receive, so we used it to double check compatibility.

Thanks. What's the incantation for the Strapping Charm?

'Obligare'.

Harry performed the charm. Hermione tested her arm experimentally, and then nodded. "Feels fine."

"Medical people are pretty common in the Procella," Harry admitted. "I don't we've had any nurses yet, but we've had two healers, a medi-wizard and three medi-witches. Speaking of which, shall we get out of here. I'm sure you'd be more comfortable back in your own bed. I've got some of Fehkarghey Draught in the lab."

Hermione considered this for a moment. "Shouldn't we wait for Mistress Ròsbior or Madam Pomfrey to give me permission to leave?"

"Look around Hermione, what with the casualties still down in the village and the other students who are still badly injured, we could be in here for hours before they can spare the time. If it'll make you feel better, when we get back to Gryffindor I can transform and let Haimric check you over."

"Okay, Harry. You've convinced me," Hermione conceded. "Can we at least let them know that I'm leaving?"

Harry nodded, and glanced around the busy room. Almost immediately he spotted one of the blue-clad house-elves attached to the medi-mages. "Celbik!"

"Yes Master?"

"Can you do something for me?"

"Of course, Master."

"Can you find Madam Pomfrey or Mistress Ròsbior? Tell them that I'm taking Hermione Granger back to Gryffindor Tower and that I have the potion she needs in my lab."

The Ealbhari house-elf nodded briskly and then disappeared with a crack.

"Can you walk okay?" Harry asked Hermione as he helped her off the bed.

"I think so," Hermione replied. She raised herself up to her full height, paused for a moment then nodded. "I'm fine."

Harry handed her a robe, which she slipped on over her pyjamas. Then Harry picked up the small bag had been tucked into her bedside cabinet and after extracting her wand and returning it to her, then slung the bag over his shoulder and guided her out of the Infirmary.

Hermione didn't speak again until they were climbing the main stair. "Harry?"

"Yes Hermione?"

"Where's Ron? I was hoping he'd be there when I woke up again."

"So was he," Harry admitted. "That was part of the problem. He stayed with you all yesterday afternoon and all night. I don't think he got more than about an hours sleep. And for someone who's been exposed to the Dementors for as long of both of you were that's dangerous by itself."

"Is he okay?!" Hermione asked, panicking.

Harry stopped, and then turned Hermione to face him. "He'll be fine, Hermione. He just needs to rest."

"Good, I don't think I could bear it if..." Here Hermione broke off, and to Harry's surprise she gave a little sob. "It was horrible yesterday, Harry."

"I know, Hermione," Harry told her.

Hermione gave another sob, and Harry - realising that his friend needed comfort at that moment - pulled her close and held her in his arms, patting and massaging her back occasionally. "Let it all out, Hermione. It's okay."

After a few minutes, Hermione appeared to come to her senses. "Thank you, Harry."

"Isn't that what friends are for, Hermione?" Harry asked her. "Isn't that what family is for?"

Hermione smiled slightly at this. "Do you mean that, Harry? Do you really think of me as family?"

Harry nodded. "When Ron asked me if I was okay with you and him dating. I was surprised. But, now I think about it, I'm not. Ron isn't the only one of us who loves you, Hermione."

"Harry, I..."

"Don't worry Hermione, I don't mean it like that," Harry assured her. "The Procella have experienced love in many different ways over the millennia, and while we haven't figured out everything yet, there are a few core truths that are well-known among us. The most important, and most vital thing is that there is no one kind of love, but many different sorts."

Hermione nodded.

"The love that my mother had for me, that Mr and Mrs Weasley have for their children... and even for us in a way; the love that you and Ron have for each other; the love between true friends; the love between siblings...

"A lot of people love you, Hermione. Ron loves you of course. But I'm fairly sure Ginny loves you as a friend, and Neville... well I think he has a bit of a crush on you."

Hermione smiled slightly, not looking particularly surprised. "And you Harry? What am I to you?"

"Hermione, you are a friend, my adviser, my comrade... I know we've had our differences over the years, and sometimes I haven't always appreciated you, but you've always tried to be there for me and I don't know what I'd do without you. I love you deeply - you are my sister in all but blood. Even if I had a true sister, I don't think I could care more about her than I do about you."

"Thank you, Harry. I think I needed to hear that."

"I think you did too," Harry agreed, he dropped a light kiss on her forehead and then released her. "Shall we head back? Ginny should be back from breakfast by now, and I want to find out where Dean was yesterday. We could have done with his help in the village." ---- By the time they reached Gryffindor Tower, Ginny was indeed back from breakfast, and Dobby was only too willing to provide Hermione with a light breakfast that she could manage. After she had eaten, she took a dose of the nerve-regenerating potion prescribed by Mistress Ròsbior and Ginny took her up to bed. Dean wasn't around so Harry couldn't find out what he'd been doing the day before, but after thinking about it for a while he realised that what Dean had been doing was his own personal business and that he, Harry shouldn't be poking into it.

When Ginny came down, she was detoured by Neville with a promise to help her with a Herbology essay she'd been having problems. Harry chucked to himself, unless he was very much mistaken, Neville was more interested in getting advice from Ginny on dealing with Luna Lovegood, than helping her with her homework.

Harry quickly reviewed his mental 'to-do' list and came up empty. He had the rest of the day free. Deciding to make the most of it, he went up to his room and grabbed a broom, then headed out of the common room and headed for the Entrance Hall. ---- Half an hour later, he lighted on the West Tower - a narrow parapet that wasn't as high as the out-of-bounds Astronomy Tower, but still had a flat roof - with a wide grin on his face. The new broom performed perfectly.

So who's the lucky one who gets that broom? asked a voice in Harry's head. Harry looked around and saw a small eagle flying a little above him, almost hidden by the sun's glare.

Harry smiled. "If you want to talk, milady. Come down and do it face to face."

For a moment, nothing happened. Then the bird dived towards the tower, stopping its descent a mere five feet from the deck, there was crunching, grinding sound and a young Ealbhari female with curly brown hair - which she wore tied back with a scarf in the same brown-trimmed lilac as the formal Mages' Guild robes which marked her as the Head of the Beast-Mage Guild - appeared where the bird had been. "Well, are you going to tell me? And it's Geyra, not 'milady'. Especially to you."

Harry smiled. "Sorry Geyra, I couldn't resist. As it happens this one is for Ginny. Because she needs to play with two different styles hers took the longest."

"Is that the only reason, Harry?"

"Yes."

"Really?" asked the Guildmistress, the look on her face told Harry that she wasn't buying it.

"Ginny and I are just friends, Geyra."

"If you say so," Shelgeyra commented, in a tone suggested she still wasn't buying it. Then before Harry could say any more, she shape-shifted again and flew off on crow's wings.

"What is it about mages that they always want the last word?" wondered Harry.

If his older and wiser counterpart knew the answer, he declined to offer it. ---- Lessons restarted the next day, and Hermione insisted on attending. Everything went fine for the first few sessions - her wand arm was uninjured so Transfiguration, Charms and even Defence Against the Dark Arts presented little difficulty - the problem came when she and Harry turned up at their first Potions lesson after the Hogsmeade attack. Although she could add and mix the ingredients, it was impossible for her to prepare them one-handed.

After watching her struggle out of the corner of his eye for a few minutes, Harry turned to her and asking in a low tone if she needed any help. Hermione nodded and pushed her portion of one of the ingredients over to his side of the desk.

This arrangement worked pretty well for over half the lesson, until Snape spotted what they were doing. "Potter!"

"Yes Professor?"

"Why are you helping Granger? Twenty points from Gryffindor for cheating!"

Harry scowled. "Professor, Hermione was injured during the attack on Hogsmeade. Her injuries haven't fully healed so she can't use her right arm properly, which means it's difficult for her to cut up the potion ingredients. So I'm doing it for her, I'm not making the potion, nor are either of us cheating. Now, are you going to be reasonable, or does Haimric have to have a word with you?"

Snape's scowl was even deeper than Harry's had been, but he paled slightly that the mention of Harry's other self. "Very well, Potter. Continue."

"Thank you, Professor."

With Harry helping Hermione where she needed it, the rest of the lesson went fairly peacefully, and both Hermione and Harry were able to produce perfect potions. After handing in their vials, they cleared up – with Harry again doing the majority of the work – and headed upstairs to lunch. ---- Harry gave out the new broomsticks at Gryffindor's next practice, and was pleased to note that they had the desired effect: Ron's confidence level increased greatly and Kirke and Sloper, the team's rather incompetent pair of Beaters, improved immensely.

The match against Slytherin was postponed due to their captain, Draco Malfoy, still being unconscious in the Hospital Wing. Instead the timetable was reversed and the game against Ravenclaw started the season. Although Ravenclaw was the more experienced team (having the same line-up as the year before), the Gryffindors were spurred on by their new brooms and when Harry caught the Snitch after only twenty minutes of play, Gryffindor came away with a slim 280-40 lead.

Surprisingly, there were no further attacks by Voldemort's forces over the next few weeks, and the only events of note was Malfoy's return to consciousness, and Slytherin's devastating loss to Hufflepuff due to Crabbe and Goyle failing to protect Malfoy allowing Hufflepuff to snatch the game and second place in the Quidditch Cup behind Gryffindor.

Harry didn't think any of it, until Blaise Zabini approached him one evening after the DA meeting. "Can I have a word, Harry?"

"Sure Blaise," Harry replied. He turned to Hermione, Ron and Neville who had paused at the door. "I'll catch up with you later."

His three friends nodded, and left the room, closing the door behind them.

"What's up?"

"It's Malfoy."

"Oh? What's he done now?" asked Harry wearily.

"That's the point, the problem is what people are doing to him."

"Which is?"

"Since the Hogsmeade attack, he's lost a lot of his influence. It probably didn't help that Snape hasn't given him his prefecture and captaincy back."

"What's the problem with that, Blaise? Getting taken down a peg or two will do Malfoy some good."

The stringy haired Slytherin boy sighed. "If it was just that, I won't care either, Harry. Daffy and I don't like him any more you do. But it isn't."

"Really?"

"Yep. Nott, who's the new captain, ordered Crabbe and Goyle not to protect Malfoy."

"Are you sure?"

"Malcolm told me. He was down by the broomshed looking to see if he could find a good one to practise on. His family can't afford to buy him you know."

"I did," Harry admitted. "Okay, anything else?"

"Yes. After DADA today, Davis cursed him once we got out of the classroom. Daffy and I managed to get him to the Infirmary though."

"Is this the first time?"

"No. I've asked around and he's been attacked a total of eight times. All the House has turned against him. Crabbe and Goyle attacked him yesterday. He managed to cover up the bruises though. I guess he's still got his... pride."

"Conceit, more like it."

"Maybe."

"Thanks, Blaise. I'll look into it."

"It's what the DA's for," Blaise reminded him.

"I know," Harry admitted. But I appreciate it anyway. I'll investigate and let you know."

Blaise nodded, and left, closing the door behind him on the way out.

Harry asked the Room to produce a comfy armchair and sat down to think over what he had just been told.

---- Harry discussed the situation with the senior members of the Ealbhari taskforce and asked Lady Shelgeyra to keep an eye on Malfoy's movements, but it wasn't until lunch-time the next day that she reported back. Malfoy left the Hospital Wing around thirty minutes ago, then went down to the dungeons and asked Professor Snape if he could talk to him. They're on their way to the Headmaster's Office now. Thought you might want to know.

Thanks, Geyra.
Harry said. "Sounds like things are coming to a head. Amicitia!" ---- Not wanting to waste any time, Haimric teleported to the stair behind the gargoyle and climbed upwards. When he opened the office door, he saw that Snape and Malfoy had already arrived and had been joined by both Dumbledore and McGonagall. Snape opened his mouth as if to say something, but then closed it when he saw who had entered.

"Hello Albus. Minerva, Severus. I take it you are now aware of Draco's recent fall in popularity?"

"Yes, we are, Harry. He has just been telling us. How long have you known?"

"Only since yesterday, Albus. Blaise Zabini mentioned his concerns after the DA meeting."

"Do you have any suggestions?"

"Yes, I do. If you'll allow it?" Dumbledore nodded. Haimric turned to Draco. "Draco Malfoy, do you remember what I told you on September the first?"

"Yes."

"Which was?"

"You told me you were here to protect the castle and the students within and that you intended to destroy the Dark Lord and all his followers. Then you gave me a choice."

"Go on."

"You said that you would destroy anything in your way and that you had enough power to do it. Then you said that if I stayed out of your way or stood with you, that you'd protect me and find a place for me in the 'new order'..."

"That is indeed the sum of what I said. Do you have an answer?"

"Yes."

"And?"

"I want protection."

"Ummm. As I suspected," said Haimric. "You will have it, Draco Malfoy. But only after paying a small price."

"What price?"

"Potter."

"Silence, Severus Snape. I have told before, if I require your opinion, I ask for it."

"What price?!"

"Protection goes both ways, Draco Malfoy. If my people, especially those within the student ranks are to protect you, they will require the same consideration from you."

Malfoy thought about this for a moment, then nodded. "I'll do it."

"Also, in the last five years you caused many people harm. I wish to apologise for this. However, I will be generous... you need only apologise to those you have done the most harm: Hermione Granger, the Weasleys – Ronald and Ginevra will do – and Neville Longbottom. I would also suggest apologising to Dobby the house-elf. You'll find him in the kitchens, and I will take your acceptance of these terms as an apology to Harry Potter. Do you accept?"

"Yes."

"Very well, you have two days to do so. Make sure they or a witness tell me you did by then."

"I will."

"Now go."

Malfoy leapt from his chair and fled.

"Harry, was that really necessary?"

"Yes Albus, it was. Draco Malfoy has great potential. The only thing stopped him from achieving it is his arrogance. This will reduce that."

"Very well."

"I have some other business to attend to," Haimric told them. "I will see you at dinner." ---- To nobody's surprise, Malfoy didn't exactly turn into a saint overnight. But over the next couple of weeks, he gradually improved until even Ron could put up with him for short periods of time. After a while, he also started joined in the DA practises, and actually became quite proficent. Which was fortunate, because soon every wand would be needed. A/N: That's another chapter done! Again, I apologise to all of you for the wait. I'm off on my summer holidays now so the next chapter shouldn't take very long. There will probably only be another three to five chapters of this fic, and the big battle will be within the next couple so stay tuned. In the meantime, please review. Updates are available through my Yahoo! Group (link on my Author page).