Author's Note: Many thanks to all who have reviewed my story, and to luciditywho as always helps my story from becoming the horror of fan fiction - Mary Sue! Now, onto Chapter 4!
Disclaimer: I own nothing created by J.K. Rowling.
Chapter 4 – The Students Arrive
Two weeks passed and Professor Holly Quiggle had not slept in nearly a week, as she had had the same recurring Death Eater nightmare three more times since it had began nearly a fortnight before, thus she was afraid to close her eyes for longer than two minutes at a time. To help her survive the before-term meetings, Paul had ordered Stay-Awake Solution, a potion that helped the drinker stay awake even if they hadn't slept in more than a month (or so the label said), from an advertisement in Witch Weekly.
Paul wasn't the only one to help Holly either. Simone constantly pleaded with Holly to try to get some sleep under a Dreamless Sleep Potion (which Holly refused because she declared that she did not want to become addicted to something that reeked of old socks) – she even went so far as to "borrow" a phial of Dreamless Sleep Potion, along with a significant quantity of Ashwinder eggs (which was probably for her own personal agenda to brew a Love Potion to seduce the MPS delivery-wizard, Robert, before Paul could snag him away) from the Potion Master's private stores, which consequently had Professor Snape in a boiling rage for the next two days, accusing the most unlikely of people for the theft, including little Professor Flitwick. Flitwick, upon hearing the accusation, promptly charmed Professor Snape's shoes to make a quacking noise as he walked until he apologized to the tiny Professor, which was six long hours of endless teasing from the rest of the teaching staff.
However concerned her friends might have been, none of them had any motivation to tell the Headmistress, as Holly had already been threatened with her employment once already.
It was the morning of the arrival of the students, and all the faculty had been gathered for one last meeting before the Hogwarts' Express brought back the students who had been on holiday for the past two months.
"Good morning, staff," Minerva McGonagall greeted the faculty with a warm tone that had been poignantly absent since the previous school term.
Holly's green eyes were glazed over in fatigue as McGonagall went on about how successful she expected the coming term to be and how they should not waver from all they had discussed during the summer meetings. While her colleagues listened with an amused interest, Holly wasn't listening at all. She was staring at her hands, trying very hard to stay awake and inwardly cursing herself for leaving the vial of the Stay-Awake Solution on the desk in her office.
Focusing on her hands and mentally reciting the spells in her head alphabetically, she was able to retain consciousness.
"Accio…Alohamora…Aparecium…Avis…"
"You all have worked very hard this past week in adapting to this new curriculum that Hogwarts has adopted…" Professor McGonagall was saying, addressing the staff in an unusually warm tone.
"Evanesco…Expecto Patronum…Expelliarmus…"
"…suspect we will have a very successful term this year…"
"Obliviate…Petrificus Totalus…"
"….Potter's last term with us…"
Holly was having a hard time remembering every spell she had ever learned and reciting it in her head as her eyelids became heavier than a complete set of Miranda Goshawk's spell books. She felt herself falling further into unconsciousness until she glanced up at the Potions Master. He was sitting diagonally from her, towards the head of the table where the Headmistress sat and listening to McGonagall's words with a bored interest.
Holly began to take a fascinated interest in thoroughly examining the Potions Professor as spell recitation was starting to prove to be the most ineffective means of keeping awake. Check out that huge schnoz, she thought, fascinated by the discovery, Gods, his nose is huge, sorta curved too. She laughed inwardly to herself, yet continued to scrutinize every feature of Severus Snape. Big nose, greasy black hair, glaring beady eyes, austere black robes, and a disgusting attitude to match. It's official. Severus Snape is the ambassador from Hell. By this time, Paul and Victoria had noticed her gaping at Professor Snape and Simone elbowed her sharply in the ribs.
"Ah," Holly hissed, sucking in her breath sharply in pain, "What the hell was that for?" she hissed.
"You were in Holly Land and you were focusing on Snape as if he was the most interesting person in this room," Paul whispered with a disgusted look on his face as Victoria and Simone snorted in quiet laughter.
"Ew," said Holly, "Are you serious?" she asked, stifling a yawn.
"Well Professors, I expect that the Hogwarts' Express will be arriving later this afternoon, around five o'clock. You are free to do whatever you wish until that time, but you must be in the Great Hall seated at the Staff Table, no later than 4:30. Am I clear?"
A chorus of "Yes, Headmistress" resounded through the Lounge.
"Good," said the Headmistress, with a ghost of a smile, "Have a nice afternoon, and I will see you at 4:30 this afternoon."
The Professors began to rise from the table, when Paul noticed that Holly's head landed on the tabletop before her with a quiet thud.. He nudged Victoria and Simone who advised him to leave her there to sleep. Remembering, Holly's determination to stay awake, Paul waited until they had departed the Staff Lounge and then touched her with his wand, "Ennervate"
Holly's emerald eyes opened blearily, "Wha?"
"Looks like someone forgot their Stay-Awake Solution," he said teasingly.
Holly sat up straight and rubbed her weary eyes, "Yeah, I did," she said, her voice full of sleep.
Paul took the seat next to her and took her hand, "Holly, honestly, how long do you think you can go without sleep? I mean, I don't do Potions or anything, but I don't really think you're supposed to use the Stay-Awake stuff for prolonged periods of time."
"Yeah, well I was all right in Potions in school. This stuff doesn't seem to have any ill effects," she said, resting her head in her hands.
Paul frowned, "Perhaps we should ask Severus."
"Are you kidding me?" Holly exclaimed, dropping her hands to her lap and staring at Paul, "Why would we want to do that?"
Paul gave her a look, "Um, probably because he's more proficient in Potions than anyone else in this school?"
Holly yawned, "Relax, ok? It's not like it's Dreamless Sleep or anything."
Paul's expression told her he didn't agree.
Holly sighed, closing her eyes and pinching the bridge of her nose, "Fine, fine. We'll go to the library this afternoon and find a Potions book and see. Satisfied?"
Paul nodded, "Fine. But still I'd rather you talk to Snape, seeing as how he is the Potions Guru and all."
"I don't think so. I'd rather see Pomfrey than him."
Paul pretended to look offended, "You mean you don't find the pale skin and greasy hair sexily appealing?"
Holly pierced him with a glare, "You're sick, man."
Paul grinned sunnily, "But isn't that why you love me so?"
Holly rolled her eyes in response.
Paul laughed.
"Let's go to my office. I've got the Stay Awake there," she said suddenly, rising from her seat, "If I don't take it soon, you'll have to carry me."
Within twenty minutes, Holly was wide awake and ready to go and Paul had forgotten about his idea to ask the Potions Master about the safety of the potion. Simone had the bright idea of going into Hogsmeade, to which Victoria agreed to go, while Paul and Holly opted to stay back and take it easy.
"Well, I think I'm going to re-arrange my rooms today," Holly said, her green eyes, bright and glassy. It would be the fifth time that week that she had rearranged her quarters. As the rest of the world was asleep during the night and she was wide awake, she filled her time re-arranging her quarters and re-reading Miranda Goshawk's entire collection of Standard Book of Spells. It was probably safe to assume that our dear Transfiguration Professor was slowly going insane due to lack of sleep.
"Oooh! I haven't seen your rooms since last week when you finally got your trunks delivered. Oh, speaking of deliveries, guess who's going out for a butterbeer with that cutie from MPS this Saturday night?" Paul squealed, taking Holly's arm and steering her towards the corridor where her chambers were.
"Flitwick?" Holly guessed, her brain was a little fuzzy.
Paul sighed, "No," he stressed.
"Oh, well who then?"
"Me, you daft cow!"
"He was kind of stupid though," Holly said absently.
"Well he's much better than your latest crush," Paul said huffily.
"What? What are you talking about?"
"Oh come on! I saw you staring at Snape like some lovesick kappa."
Holly stopped in mid-stride, "Ok," she said, smoothing her hair behind her ears, "First of all, if you ever compare me to a kappa again I'll hex you into next week. Secondly, I may be mistaken, but I thought I just heard you say that I have a crush on Snape?"
"That's because I did."
"You're out of your damn mind."
"Then why were you staring at him during the entirety of the staff meeting this morning?" Paul countered.
"I was not staring at him!" Holly protested, "I was reciting spells in my head."
Paul smiled knowingly, "Ok, ok," he said, a smile playing at his lips, "Whatever you say."
They had reached her quarters and Holly unlocked the door and shoved her friend inside, "You know, sometimes I really hate you."
"It seems I have struck a nerve," Paul said, trying very hard not to laugh.
Holly closed the door and flopped onto her couch, closing her eyes and giving in to the warm, gentle lull of long missed sleep.
Just as she was in "the zone" – rather, the heavenly place between awake and sleep, she was suddenly yanked back to consciousness by Paul's excited screech.
"Oh holy Merlin!" he shrieked, "You've got a Sonorus 4000!"
Holly got up, silently cursing Paul. "What?"
"A Sonorus 4000! What does it play?" he replied, bouncing while pointing to a black box on Holly's desk.
"Oh yeah, this one plays some Muggle recorded CDs and cassette tapes," Holly replied, yawning widely.
"Wow! These are really hard to come by," Paul said, "I've got the Sonorus 3000 and that only plays cassette tapes. When did you get yours?"
"I got it when I graduated from school. I had had really good grades and was at the top of my class, and I had won awards of scholarship from the National Board of Transfigurative Magic and the American Council of Transfiguring Potions and Charms for my final project, so Mom and Dad decided that they would indulge my unhealthy obsession with Muggle music," Holly grinned at the memory.
"Merlin's Beard," Paul breathed, looking up from Holly's Sonorus 4000.
"What?" Holly asked.
"You're a geek then," he teased.
"I am not!"
"Awards of scholarship from the National Board of Transfigurative Magic and the American Council of Transfiguring Potion whatzits," he mocked, "Gracious me, I'm standing in the presence of the Transfiguration Guru. I'm not worthy, I'm not worthy," he continued, dropping a mock-bow in front of her.
Holly pierced her friend with a glare, "Would you like to see how capable I am at human to insect transfiguration?"
"If it's anything like your ability to pay attention to things around you, then yes, give it your best shot."
Holly raised her wand, but before she could finish the incantation, Paul raised up his hands in surrender, "I was only kidding you know. You really need to get a grip, dearest."
Holly glared at Paul again, "What's that supposed to mean?"
Paul gave her a knowing look, "Maybe it's the Stay-Awake Solution, or maybe it's just the lack of sleep, but you are really losing your grip on reality. Transfiguring your friends into bugs and," he paused, making a face, "appraising Severus as if he had just been announced winner of Witch Weekly's Sexiest Wizard Alive Award. Merlin's beard, woman, what's gotten into you?"
A few moments of heavy silence prevailed before Holly levitated a box full of music towards Paul, "Here," she said, "Check these out. Mostly American artists, but a few I think you would appreciate."
Paul set the box on his lap, and gave Holly a stern look, "You can't just drop the subject, you know. Everyone's worried --- Carly Simon!"
"What?"
"You've got Carly Simon! And Elton John!"
Holly laughed, grateful for the momentary break. She didn't want to think at the moment or face the previous topic of conversation.
Paul was hugging the discs to his chest, still pawing through the box like a small child does at Christmas with his presents.
"Abba! I haven't heard them in years!" Paul was in heaven, as he started to hum "Dancing Queen."
"Are you going to play anything or are you just going to fawn over my music all day?" Holly asked, grinning at her friend.
But Paul didn't answer; the wardrobe door was flung open, revealing all of Holly's new robes.
"Paolo Pontaliano!" he cried, pulling a bottle green robe from the wardrobe and draping it over himself.
Holly was doubled over in laughter at the sight of her usually very polished friend disheveled with eyes bright with excitement and a witch's robe draped over him like a pair of curtains clutching the box of Muggle music possessively in his grip.
"Oh honey, where have you been all of my life?" Paul cried, embracing her. He stopped suddenly and lowered himself onto one knee, "Marry me," he said breathlessly, holding both arms outstretched with his proposal.
Holly was too bent over in laughter to answer.
Simone and Victoria had returned to the Castle to find the other two members of their group dancing about Holly's chambers, dressed in her new robes, dancing to Elton John's Greatest Hits.
It was Holly who spotted them first, "Hello," she said happily, waving at the duo at the door.
"What's going on in here?" Victoria asked.
"Where's the music coming from?" asked Simone.
Paul ran up to them and started explaining so fast that Holly didn't have a chance to answer either question.
"Holly is so cool! She's got robes from Pontaliano and she's got a Sonorus 4000!" Paul babbled excitedly, almost jumping up and down with glee.
"A what?" Simone asked.
"A Sonorus 4000," Paul explained as if a Sonorus 4000 was a commonplace item in every wizarding household.
"And that would be?" Victoria prodded.
Paul huffed heavily, before launching into his monologue. "A Sonorus 4000 is the wizarding world's answer to playing Muggle music without the electronic capabilities. It looks like a Muggle stereo system, only it can magnify the sound of the music to fill an entire stadium of people. It can play different types of media such as Muggle recorded CDs, cassette tapes, and even vinyl records."
The blank looks on everyone's faces made Paul sigh heavily, "Haven't you ever heard of Muggling for Wizards?"
"No," Simone said slowly, "Please enlighten us."
"Muggling for Wizards is a catalogue of Muggle items that are modified to fit the standard of living in the wizarding world. Like this Sonorus for example. There are other items as well, such as the fellytone. That enables wizards and witches to be able to talk directly to each other when there is no Floo Network connection available."
More blank looks.
"Honestly, you all need to get out more often," Paul said, examining his nails.
Suddenly, a blue throw pillow came zooming out of nowhere, hitting Paul on the head.
"Ow!" he cried, "What was that for?"
"Just because you're Muggle obsessed, doesn't mean we all are, ya wanker," Victoria declared.
Paul flushed scarlet, "I'm not a wanker!" he protested.
Everyone laughed, except Holly who innocently questioned, "What's a wanker?"
Paul and the others had left Holly to ready herself for the Start of Term Feast, but not before Paul left borrowing Holly's brand new bottle green robes and making sure she had enough Stay-Awake to last the Feast.
Holly readied herself quickly, putting on her brand-new scarlet and gold robes, and made her way straight to the library to research a potion that would have the same effects as Dreamless Sleep, but without its addicting and unpleasant olfactory qualities.
"Good afternoon, Professor Quiggle," said the thin woman at the head desk in the Library.
"Good afternoon, Madam Pince. I've got a quick question for you," Holly said.
"Go on then," replied the librarian.
"Have you got a copy of Moste Potente Potions or anything comparable to it?"
Madam Pince gave Holly a strange look, "Why would you need anything on Potions?"
Holly gave a strained smile, "Just researching something," she said.
"Why don't you go see Severus? I'm sure he'd be more helpful than that old Potions book."
"Oh, no, s'ok. I wouldn't want to bother him, he, ah, seems like a pretty busy man," she said, offhandedly, silently thinking, If one more person mentions that name, I'm going to scream bloody murder.
Pince smiled, "Well, here he comes now. Good afternoon, Severus."
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh!
Holly winced, before turning around to face the surly Professor, "Good afternoon, Irma," he replied, his voice cool, "Professor," he continued, acknowledging Holly.
"Professor Snape," she said, before continuing, "Madam Pince, if you would please, let me know if you had the book I was looking for. I've got to meet Professor Sinistra before the Feast," Holly pleaded almost desperately to the librarian.
But apparently Irma Pince had a sick sense of humor. "Severus, Professor Quiggle here is researching something on Potions; actually looking for a copy of Moste Potente Potions, but I thought because you were the Potions Master that you would be able to help her with her with what she was looking for."
Professor Snape looked no less pleased than Holly at the prospect.
Holly gave Severus a weak smile, "No really, it's all right, Severus. I know you're quite busy and all, I'm sure I can find it in that book."
Severus gave Holly a stern appraising look, "Now what would the Transfiguration Professor need with a Potions book?" he drawled slowly.
"Just something that I am very sure I can find in that Potions book, that's all."
Severus raised an eyebrow to the Transfiguration Professor's answer, "I was not aware that you knew how to brew a proper potion."
Holly crossed her arms over her chest, "Well, Professor, it's apparent to me that you aren't aware of a lot of things."
Madam Pince was watching the face-off between the two Professors with an avid interest, a fact that was oblivious to the two angry teachers.
"Perhaps you should learn your place, Professor Quiggle. As the Deputy Headmaster of this school, I am aware of most everything that goes on here."
"I'm sure you are," Holly retorted sarcastically.
There was a ghost of a smirk on the Potion Master's face as he leaned in and said in a barely audible whisper, "I am aware of the fact that you have not slept in a week, and of the fact that you almost fell asleep during this morning's meeting."
Holly's heart skipped a beat, he'd been watching her? What a perv, she thought.
She narrowed her eyes to jade slits and said, "Well whoopdie doo for you." She then turned on the nosy librarian, "I'll just order the damn book from Flourish and Blotts catalogue myself," she said, stomping off towards the Great Hall in a flurry of scarlet and gold.
Severus glared after the angered Transfiguration Professor, muttering under his breath, "Bloody Americans."
Seventeen-year-old Harry Potter stepped off of the Hogwarts Express, his two best friends, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger in tow.
"Can you believe it's going to be our last time taking the thestral carriages up to the Castle?" Hermione asked, a note of wistfulness in her voice.
"Yeah, and it'll probably be the last time we'll have Divination as well," Ron said, a dreamy smile on his face.
Harry remained quiet, as he had been since June. No longer was he the immature and inquisitive teen of his earlier years at Hogwarts; he'd grown in the past two months and now maintained a quiet air around him.
"You all right, mate?" Ron asked, adjusting the front of his second-hand school robe that was almost three inches too short for his tall lanky frame.
Harry gave a weak smile of reassurance, "Yeah, I'm fine."
Hermione tugged on the sleeves of Harry and Ron's robes, "Come on, let's try to get a carriage before we end up having to share one with Malfoy."
The students began filing into the Great Hall, ahead of the first years. Just as they began sitting down, Holly raced in through the side door of the Great Hall in a furious flurry of red and quickly took her seat between Paul and Simone.
"Late as usual, eh Quiggle?" Simone asked playfully.
Holly grinned, "Yet another altercation between the ever charming Professor Snape and myself, Sinistra."
Paul nearly choked on his pumpkin juice in surprise, "What?"
Holly was about to explain, but saw McGonagall and Snape readying the Sorting Hat for the first years and said quickly, "Later."
The students had filed in and were all sitting at their respective House tables chatting excitedly about their summer holidays. The Sorting Hat sat waiting as the first years gathered at the stool trembling with fear and anticipation.
As McGonagall began her welcome speech, Holly spotted the quiet black-haired teen with emerald eyes that rivaled her own. Her heart skipped a beat and she elbowed Simone, "Is that…?"
"Harry Potter," Simone whispered in affirmation.
Before Holly could ask any further questions, McGonagall announced the newest additions to the teaching staff.
"I would like to take this time to introduce our newest additions to the teaching staff. Please welcome back Professor Remus Lupin, he will be re-assuming the position of the Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor and he will be taking my former position of Head of Gryffindor House," McGonagall announced, applauding along with the rest of the Great Hall as Remus stood up from where he was sitting. As the applause died down, McGonagall continued, "And filling the position of Transfiguration Professor, we have Professor Holly Quiggle."
As the applause died down, Professor Snape was given the go-ahead to begin the Sorting Ceremony. Paul and Victoria found the scared little faces of the first years under the severe glare of Professor Snape exceedingly funny and were further entertaining themselves by alternating imitations of Filch and Snape.
Soon the ceremony was over, and the food magically appeared on the golden plates upon the tables, and the Great Hall became abuzz with the sounds of talking and the scraping of silverware upon china.
"Did you lot hear that Professor Quiggle is actually from America?" Seamus Finnigan asked Harry and Company excitedly.
"No I didn't. Where in America, do you know?" Hermione asked, taking a sip of pumpkin juice from her goblet.
"Nah, didn't get that part," Seamus said, shoveling roasted chicken into his mouth.
Hermione looked disgusted.
Ron grinned at Harry and Hermione, "She's a looker, though, eh Harry?"
Hermione sighed, "Ron, she's our Professor. Perhaps you should control your hormones and have a little respect," she said sternly.
Harry silently picked at his steak and kidney pie, watching the discussion between his two best friends with a bored interest.
"Oh come on, Mione," Ron protested, "Just because I appreciate the female form, does not mean I need to control my hormones. Merlin's Beard you're too sensitive sometimes."
"I am not too sensitive, Ronald," Hermione snapped, "You're just a pig."
"Whatever, Hermione," Ron rolled his sky blue eyes, "S'not my fault you're such a prude."
For the rest of the night, Ron and Hermione didn't speak to each other, which suited Harry just fine, as he really didn't feel up to conversation. As he settled himself into bed that night, he couldn't help thinking about Professor Quiggle, especially her eyes, which were a most peculiar shade of green, very much like his own.
Holly stumbled into the Great Hall the next morning, tripping over the hem of her sleek gray robes, bleary eyed and extremely exhausted – she had used up her entire supply of Stay-Awake Solution the night before ironing her entire wardrobe and writing an alphabetized list of all Transfiguration spells and charms by category.
After the Start of Term Feast, Holly had successfully evaded all conversation pertaining to Severus Snape and had switched the topic to Simone and Paul's latest competition for the MPS wizard, Robert, which took up most of the evening before Simone and Paul decided it was time for bed and Holly began her ironing.
The Staff Table was almost deserted. Professors Flitwick and Sprout and Madam Hooch were the only ones at the table. However, the Students' Tables were full and abuzz with conversation.
Holly reached for the teapot and tiredly transfigured her tea into a strong espresso. She wrapped her hands around her coffee mug and looked around the Great Hall. The Hufflepuff Table was the most full, and as Holly noticed, not the tidiest of students. The Ravenclaws had already gotten their textbooks out and most of them were absently eating while focused on their books. The Gryffindors were practicing charms on their breakfast while talking the most excitedly. The Slytherins were coolly eating breakfast, and not really talking to one another as they ate. Holly noticed them to be the most neatest and polished of the Houses.
She watched as Professor Snape came by the tables, grudgingly handing the students their time tables and making snide remarks. Typical, she thought.
Draining her coffee, she rose from the table and, tripping over her robes in her heeled shoes, she made her way towards her Transfiguration classroom to await her first class, Seventh year Gryffindors and Slytherins.
"Harry come on! We're going to be late for Transfiguration!" Hermione said, pulling her friend by the back of his robe as he quickly finished his breakfast.
Together the three raced towards their first class and made it just in time as Professor Quiggle was rising from her seat to begin class.
"Colloportus," Professor Quiggle said, as the door shut and locked behind them, "Please take a seat," she paused yawning, "Normally, I'm always late, so you don't have to be punctual, but if you arrive after I do, then you'll find yourselves locked out of the classroom."
The three quickly took their seats, amongst the sniggers from the Slytherins.
"Ok, guys, welcome to Seventh Year N.E.W.T level Transfiguration. I'm Holly Quiggle, your Professor," she yawned again, "Sorry guys, I'm still getting used to English time."
Ron glanced at Harry and Hermione, both of whom seemed to be entranced by the new Professor. He sighed and got out his notebook.
"I don't know how you guys do it here, but I'm used to having a syllabus passed around at the start of the term. So, you," she addressed Malfoy, "please pass these around the room to your classmates."
Malfoy smirked at Professor Quiggle and began to pass around the syllabus.
"Now, if you will take a look, you will see that you will have a final project this year that will be due on June 15th before your exams. Your topic must be approved," she paused, yawning again, "no later than the 8th of October. You may come and see me at anytime with questions, day, night, whatever. Any questions to start with?"
Hermione immediately raised her hand.
"Uh, you," she said, gesturing towards Hermione.
"Professor," Hermione said, "What kinds of topics do you suggest for a successful project?"
Holly rubbed her eyes, "It must be something to do with Transfigurative Potions, Charms, and Spells. What you choose from there is your own decision, as I trust you are all adult enough to make your own decisions. Make a note that today will be the only time we will be discussing this project in class. Any other questions should be directed to me outside of class. If you look, you will see my office hours posted to the top of the syllabus."
Harry looked down at the syllabus and saw "Anytime" under Professor Quiggle's office hours. He grinned to himself.
"All right," Holly paused and yawned again, "I'm gonna take roll now and then I'll let you go for the rest of the morning."
The students looked around excitedly grinning at each other, while Professor Quiggle picked up the student roster from her desk and began to call roll.
"All right (yawn), Seamus Finnigan."
"Present."
Holly began to walk around the room so as to match names with faces.
"Granger?"
Hermione sat up straighter, "Right here."
Holly smiled, "How do you pronounce your first name?"
"Hermione," she replied with correct pronunciation.
Holly made a note, "Hermione," she repeated.
"Draco Malfoy?"
Draco smirked and gave a small wave to Professor Quiggle.
"Right," Holly said.
"Harry Potter?" his name came out of her mouth like a surprised question.
"Here," Harry muttered, glancing up.
The moment Holly's eyes met Harry's, the quill and parchment that she was holding floated to the floor. All of the sudden, Holly heard the deafening cry of a baby and saw the menacing ruby eyes of the tall man from her dreams. She gasped suddenly as she saw the baby where Harry was sitting and then whole world went black.