Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince
By: Fred and George Weasley are MY kings
Chapter 8: Answers to the Dream
DISCLAIMER: I own nothing!
FIRSTLY REVIEWS:
Slayer of Evil Penguins: Thanks for reviewing! Glad you liked the chapter!
Blue Mittens: Thanks a lot for reviewing. I am really happy that you enjoyed the story. Umm… connection. Yes there is. It really doesn't have any impact on the story, but I did it for my own enjoyment. Hyperborea links back to mythology and fit with the house of Gryffindor. Here I'll explain: I assume that JKR picked the name Gryffindor to name Harry's house because of the mythical creature known as the griffin (half eagle, and half lion) The griffin was known as the Master of both the sky and earth, and is a symbol of bravery and strength, fitting the description of people who qualify as Gryffindor house members. The griffins were said to guard the gold in a land known as Hyperborea, a land that according to mythology, is a land of ever-lasting happiness and peace. I read all of this in David Colbert's Magical world of Harry Potter where he compares mythology to JKR's awesome series. I thought it was really interesting and decide to put it in. I am glad that you noticed!
On to Chapter 8: Answers to the Dream
Note: (9) means will be explained later in story and/or in author's note.
After Harry left the library, he went on his way to find Hermione and Ron. He still needed to talk to them about Lupin's letter. Harry really wanted to talk to them both about it desperately because he sensed that there were double meanings in the warning Lupin gave.
He assumed that they were probably in the common room, where he had left them earlier when he had first set off for the library. He went up the several staircases, through the portrait of the fat lady, and into the Gryffindor common room and was slightly discouraged to only find Ron sitting by the fire working on an essay for Herbology.
"Hey, mate. Where's Hermione?" Harry said as he sat down in the armchair beside Ron.
"Oh, hi," Ron said looking up, "Hermione went to the owlery, or something. She said something about mailing her mum."
"That's a bit strange… She's never sent anything by owls to her parents." Harry said as he set his bag down on the floor leaning against his armchair.
"Well, Hermione has been acting a bit strange lately. I am glad that you came in just now because I wanted to talk to you about what McGonagall said earlier this morning."
"What about it?" Harry asked. He didn't remember anything odd.
"Well, I thought it was very… strange how McGonagall told us that we couldn't tell anyone about your dream, including Hermione. Why can't we tell Hermione? It's almost like McGonagall thinks there's a reason for us not to trust her anymore. Now, she's acting all mysterious… and I think something else is going on."
"Ron, forget it. I did find it a bit odd that McGonagall told us not to tell Hermione but I don't think she meant it like that. Hermione wouldn't do anything dumb like… like… join the dark side or something."
"No, I am not saying that… all I am saying is that she's doing something that she doesn't want us to know about." At that precise moment Hermione walked through the portrait hole, and came in giving Harry and Ron a breathless "Hello," and flopped her self down in an armchair beside Harry.
"How was the owlery?" Ron asked trying to sound completely innocent. The dark expression on his face told otherwise.
"Fine, took me forever. The owls wouldn't cooperate."
"They won't cooperate if they know you are doing something that you aren't suppose to be doing," Ron said, losing his innocent tone.
"What is the matter with you?" Hermione asked sitting up, with a confused look.
"I don't know… maybe I'll just ask the person you owled, since it obviously was not your mum," Ron snapped as he slammed his book close loudly. Fellow Gryffindors also working in the common room turned to stare at the origin of the commotion.
"I am not stupid Hermione. I know that you're up to something, but I don't know what. All I have to say is this: Don't be stupid like Ginny. You got on my back and Harry's back about being mature. I think it's time you practiced what you preached." Ron then turned to leave and went up the stair to the dormitory, several stares following him as he did so.
It was the first time in Harry's memory that Ron had actually had the upper hand in all of the bickering. Hermione was normally the one with the levelheaded argument. Hermione seemed to be in shock, and tears gathered in her eyes. Before Harry could give any word of comfort or questioning, Hermione left without a word.
Harry sat there, receiving some questioning looks to all of which he responded with a shrug. He began to pretend to do homework, but was really instead thinking about what had just occurred. What was Hermione up to anyway and why did McGonagall specifically tell Harry and Ron not to tell her anything about the dream? Was she doing something illegal? Harry almost laughed at his suspicion. Hermione was smarter than that. He pondered on it some more than finally concluded that he would just be more careful around her. He hated feeling like he couldn't trust one of his best friends anymore. He knew Hermione would never intentionally hurt him or Ron, but eventually concluded that she may do it without realizing it.
IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
Word spread rapidly about the fight within the trio and two days after, everyone knew about it. Ron and Hermione didn't help matters by completely avoiding each other. Harry was forced in the middle and resolved this by spending more time with Luna in the library to get out of the cross fire of their argument. Harry never had a chance to show Hermione and Ron Lupin's letter but resolved to tell them about it latter when they got over their spat.
Luna told Harry what most of the rumors were involving Ron and Hermione when they were in the library Saturday night both doing a 15 inch essay (Harry's was about shields, while Luna's was about Nocturnal Creatures) that were both due Monday for Defense Against the Dark Arts. No one ever mentioned a word of the rumors to Harry knowing that he was a close friend to both of them, so he was greatly interested to see what the rest of school thought about the argument.
"Well," Luna started, "The most believed one is that Hermione has a muggle boyfriend back home and Ron is jealous." Harry smiled at that one… The things people came up with! Luna continued listing all of the other rumors, none of which came close to the truth, and then she finished by saying, "Then there's my theory…but that's all."
"What is your theory?" Harry asked, curious.
"Well, I don't know. I… I guess I just figured that Hermione and Ron like each other as far as being more than friends goes, but are both too arrogant to admit it. This fight is just an outcome from all the arrogance." Harry thought about this for a while, as Luna started again doing her work. Maybe Luna's interpretation was more accyrate than Harry's interpretation of the fight, even though he had witnessed it. He had known for a little while that Ron and Hermione probably did have some attraction for one another, especially after all the bickering they did, but he did not think that this was a result of that.
Harry could not shake the feeling that Ron had been right about Hermione doing something that she didn't want the to know about. Then another thought struck him as he looked at Luna. How had Luna known Hermione and Ron had feelings for one another stronger than that of friendship? He had known Ron and Hermione much longer than she had; yet Harry and Luna both knew about the hidden feelings at about the same time. Maybe girls are just better at that sort of stuff, Harry thought. Then he realized that it couldn't be the case either. After all, Ginny hadn't appeared to know. It came to him suddenly that maybe Luna just understood people in general. She obviously seemed to understand him and his friends. Maybe she would understand what Lupin was really getting at in his letter.
"Luna, can you do me a favor?" Harry said as he retrieved Lupin's letter that was somewhere deep in his school bag.
"Sure," Luna said looking up from her essay.
"Can you just read this… and… I don't know… try and see what he is really saying you know?" Harry said as he put the letter in front of her. He knew he had decided previously not to trust Luna, but he changed his mind seeing as he had no one else to talk to about the letter.
"Okay," Luna said somewhat uncertainly, as she opened the letter. After she finished reading, it she laid the letter flat on the table so they both could see it. "Well, um… it sounds to me like Lupin is sad, really… about this death of Sirius, and he knows you are too. I really don't understand a lot of what he is talking about though. Always having the order? No wonder you couldn't figure this out."
"Yeah," Harry said absently "What makes you think he's sad?"
"Well, just the tone. Then there's the part where he says that 'I feel it my duty to come to the role for your sake and my own'. Being your father figure will benefit you and him, but he makes it sound like it will benefit him much more. It just sort of gave the impression that he really doesn't have much else to live for."
Harry thought about this and realized that Lupin was probably indeed saying this. Lupin really had nothing but the order and it members. After all, his best friends in the world were both murdered and his other childhood friend was Voldemort's right hand man. Lupin needed Harry for something to live for just like Harry needed him for guidance.
"Now it's your turn to do the favor for me," Luna said, interrupting his thoughts, "Tell me the truth. What is this," she said pointing the letter, "all about?"
Harry looked around knowing that he should've expected this reaction from her. "Look, Luna… I'm sorry but… I… I just can't tell you what is really going on. It's too complicated, and it really rather top-secret sort of business."
"Oh," Luna said as her face fell. "I understand." She sounded hurt, and Harry couldn't help feeling somewhat guilty for not returning the favor.
IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
Monday began with Care of Magical Creatures, one of Harry's optional courses that he had chosen. It had not been required for the study of aurorship, but he found it interesting and decided that the knowledge he would obtain from the course could, and probably would come in handy for the future. After that lesson, he and Neville trooped over to Greenhouse three for Herbology.
Hermione and Ron were still not completely back to their normal selves, but they had started to converse, which to Harry was a very positive sign. Hermione, who was studying to become a (9)Legenmythor, was not required to take Herbology, but did for the sake of her knowledge. She also had it the same hour that Neville and Harry had it, and the three worked together trying to tame (9)Mongoose fairybells, so they could actually plant them. Luckily, Professor Sprout had produced a silencing spell on the Mongoose Fairybells before class had begun, other wise the noise from Harry, Neville, and Hermione's alone would've been heard by anyone in Hogwarts.
After that interesting and somewhat frustrating class, Harry and Hermione departed from Neville and climbed two staircases and went into their Defense Against the Dark Arts class. Professor Hall appeared to be good spirits as the class began.
"Today will be a theory lesson, on the Meliflua shield, and it's properties. Now after reading most of your shield essays last night, I know many of you included the meliflua shield in your list… Now, who knows what it is?" Hermione's hand went up slowly, but it didn't seem to fly up like it always used to previous years.
"Miss Granger?"
"It is the shield of all shields," Hermione started, "It blocks every spell it comes in contact with, but is very hard to conjure."
"Wonderful definition, ten points to Gryffindor. Now who knows why it is so hard to conjure?" Professor Hall questioned. No one really thought about the question, figuring that Hermione would just answer. However, to everyone's total shock Hermione didn't raise her hand, and didn't appear to know the answer. Harry and Ron exchanged glances full of confusion along with many others.
Hermione then said, "Professor, I don't think anyone truly knows, do they?"
"Well, Miss Granger that was a theory that was adopted in the early 60's, but now we have new evidence that has showed that the meliflua shield will only block the curses that the wizard performing the shield has the knowledge and experience to correctly perform. In other words, in order to block a curse, you have to first know how to perform the curse yourself. It is also called the knowledge shield, because you are literally shielding yourself by using your knowledge."
"How would you do that though? How can you just use your knowledge to protect yourself?" Dean Thomas asked from the middle row.
"Well, Dean stand up, and I will show you." Dean stood, looking somewhat nervous, not knowing what to expect. All of the other students around him slightly moved away making an open space.
"I am going to stun you. I want you to concentrate very hard on how you yourself would perform a stunning spell. Then as soon as I cast the spell, I want you to raise your wand and swirl it like so," Hall said waving his wand about. "But it is imperative to remember to concentrate on how you would perform the spell. Are you ready then?" Dean nodded as he drew his wand, and the students that were still slightly close to Dean moved further away so not to get hit with a haywire spell. "Alright then, 1…2…3… STUPEFY!" Hall yelled and flung the curse hurtling at Dean. Dean swirled his wand quickly, in the manner that Hall had showed him before.
When the spell had been about two inches away from his chest, The shield magnificently broke out in swirl of royal purple encircling Dean, not leaving an inch of him unprotected, as it easily blocked the stunning charm and sent it back in full force at Professor Hall. Hall quickly performed a Meliflua shield as well and the two began bouncing the spell back and forth between the two. Professor Hall even got a little crazy and would do little tricks and stunts before sending the stunning spell back. The whole sight was quite a spectacle and by the end of it, all the students were laughing at the amusing sight.
Professor Hall ended the riot when his shield faded and he moved out the way of the stun spell, which ended up hitting the North wall and causing a slight dent. He then showed Dean how to undo the shield and explained to the class, "My shield faded much earlier than what Dean's did because I was the original caster of the spell. Magic works in funny ways… since I had the advantage of casting the spell, I am not able to have the full potential time of blocking the spell." Hall then walked up again to the front of the room and began again, "Now, Dean was able to produce the shield just in time. But, you can see that if you are planning on producing this shield, it is hard to do because you do not know what curse the other person is going to cast. It is possible to block more than one thing at once, but your thinking has to be rapid, in order to successfully produce the shield on time… All right class will be ending here in about two minutes… Ten points to Gryffindor again, great demonstration Dean," Dean beamed with pride, then the professor continued, "Read the section in your text about Meliflua shield, and be prepared for a practical lesson tomorrow." And with that class was dismissed and the sixth years went chatting happily along after with a new sense of respect for Professor Hall, especially the Gryffindors who had just received twenty points.
IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
The next morning, Harry and Ron were approached by Katie Bell in the Great Hall during breakfast. "Potter, Weasley!" Katie exclaimed, " We are again going to get an early start for the Quidditch season, this year and hopefully this time it will be more successful, since we won't have Umbridge to worry about. I've talked to Ginny about becoming a beater, and she seems cool about it. She'll have to try out like everyone else, though. Tryouts will be Next Thursday. I want the whole team to be there, like we were supposed to have last year," She was smiling but her voice was dead serious.
"We'll be there," Harry replied.
"Practice will start Friday. I hear Ravenclaw has some miraculous new first year trying out for the keeper position. Then rumor has it that Draco Malfoy has got the new Bindlstrike. We really need to get an early start if we expect to go anywhere this year."
"You say it as if we don't have talent. We're one of the biggest threats out there. Just because Malfoy's got a new broom doesn't mean anything."
"I hope you're right Potter… Well, see you two Friday night 5:00 sharp," And with that Katie left.
"She certainly wasn't very optimistic," Ron said after he polished of his second piece of toast.
"She's just worrying," Harry said, "So what about this great first year playing for Ravenclaw?"
"I think I'm out of the loop, mate. I haven't heard anything about it." Ron said shaking his head.
"I haven't either. Think Luna will know?"
"Probably…you know, you have been spending …err… a lot of time with Luna," Ron said awkwardly.
"Yeah, I suppose I have." Harry said shrugging, not knowing what Ron was getting at.
"Well she is a bit… spacey if you know what I mean. I wouldn't get too… err… close to her."
Harry gave Ron a blank look, although he felt like laughing out loud. Ginny, who had been listening to their conversation, stated quietly, "You know Ron, you really should give Luna a break. She was a bit…odd, I'll admit it, but she deserves some slack after everything. She lost her dad, after all, in the attack at Diagon Alley."
"Her dad died?" Harry asked, shocked. Ron also appeared not to know this, as he too, wore a look of surprise.
"Yeah. Their whole family was attacked. Her aunt and cousin were killed too. I think she moved in with her grandparents now. I can't believe you two didn't know, honestly,"
"Wait…. is her cousin dead?" Harry asked, finally making the connection. Harry had had a vision about a boy and his mother getting attacked on the night Voldemort attacked Diagon Alley. Was the boy Luna's cousin?
"Well, the funny thing is was that her cousin was a muggle. He was found dead last week. The muggle authorities found him in the woods or something, and they have no idea how he got there. I don't think Fudge is looking into it at all. I really wouldn't either, since he was a muggle and all." Harry suddenly realized that the boy had to be Luna's cousin… all of the pieces fit. Harry had seen the boy die in the woods about a week ago… There was no else it could be.
"Who attacked them?" Ron asked, as he too starting getting at the connection that Harry had already made.
"I am not sure. A death eater, for sure, just looking to terrorize innocent people. It's really awful. I feel so bad for her." Ginny said with a frown.
"I had no idea," Harry said flatly, wondering how Luna could hide something like that.
"How could you not?" Ginny asked, "Look at how different she is. She never talks much, she never does anything crazy or completely strange like she used to… she's just changed and I don't think she'll ever go back to how she used to be. I suppose it's all apart of growing up, but it's awful that she had to grow up so fast and for such an awful reason."
IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
Harry and Ron were anxious for a chance to discuss what they had learned at the breakfast table, but didn't get a chance to until during break. They sat down up in the dormitory alone. "So we now know that the boy in your dream was Luna's cousin," Ron said pacing while Harry was sitting on the bed.
"Her cousin is a muggle… Which makes no sense. Why would Voldemort kidnap and then kill a muggle?" Harry said.
"I have no clue… We need Hermione." Ron said desperately sitting down on the bed beside Harry. "She still is acting funny, you know. I worry about it all the time… About what she's doing."
"Ron, come on, Hermione's smart. She wouldn't do anything stupid. We've already had this conversation."
"That's not what I mean, Harry."
"Well what do you mean, then?" Harry said his temper starting to slightly rise, at all the beating-around-the-bush that was occurring.
"Forget it." Ron said flatly.
"Alright, well I'll talk to Luna tomorrow try and figure out why her cousin was a target," Harry said getting up and walking to the door. "Ron, maybe you should talk to Hermione,"
"I'll think about it," was all Harry got in return.
IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
Harry soon realized that any plan of figuring out his odd dreams were going to be put on hold. An Auror's Destiny was calling him. The next day, he had Protection and Proper Use of Magic with Professor Hall. Like all of Hall's classes, it was interesting but was also hard work, and he didn't have much time to think about anything else, let alone do anything. Potions was also becoming more grueling. Luckily, Hermione was in the class with him, so when worst came to worst, he could always count on her to lend a helping hand. Disguise and Ploys was another class required for Aurorship, and again taught by Professor Hall since no one else seemed to fill the requirements. All of his hard, grueling classes together with quidditch, didn't give Harry one second of spare time.
The week went fast, full of homework, and absolutely no time for anything else. However, on Monday Harry was called in to report to Dumbledore's office during Potions. Harry was so happy to get out of the class, he didn't even dread talking to Dumbledore one on one, something he hadn't done since the very awkward meeting they had had at the end of term last year. Just thinking of the meeting brought Harry back to what his homework and Hogwarts had so greatly distracted him from: The prophecy and Sirius's death.
Professor McGonnagall escorted him to Dumbledore's office (password being four chocolate frogs) and he entered after he gave a loud knock. Harry then entered to see the familiar office, covered with pictures of old headmasters all snoring in their frames. "Hello, Harry," Dumbledore began cheerfully, "I trust you know why I have sent for you at this hour."
"Err…Well I have an idea," Harry said uncertainly. Harry figured Professor McGonagall must've finally told Dumbledore about Harry's vision. 'It's about time too, she took way too long,'Harry thought as he noticed Fawkes perched behind Dumbledore's desk, looking radiant.
"Good, then we are probably on the same page. Please, take a seat. Professor McGonagall has been telling me you have been having odd visions again," Harry nodded. He then continued to explain what he had seen starting with the earliest. He also continued with the story about Luna's cousin and how he and Ron suspected the two were linked. After he finished telling Dumbledore, Harry felt as though he had lifted a large weight off his shoulders. He felt immense relief as Dumbledore continued to think over Harry's story.
"Well, Harry, it appears there is a connection between Miss Lovegood's cousin and this image you have been seeing. I do not know what Voldemort wants with Miss Lovegood's cousin, but it appears to me that there are many things that the order has discovered about numerous things yet… including the purpose of all the recent attacks. In order to prevent anything like what occurred last term, I am again going to arrange for you to be enrolled in Occulmency lessons. I am fully aware of what happened between you and Professor Snape… and I am afraid Professor Snape is extremely preoccupied right now with other things, so I have chosen another to assist you. I am certain that you know Professor Hall, correct?"
"Yes," Harry replied, still not knowing what to think of this conversation.
"Good, good. He has agreed to teach you Occulmency whenever it best works out for both of your schedules." Harry breathed a sigh of relief. Thank goodness he wouldn't have to deal with Snape outside of school. "Now, Harry I do know that this information is a bit welcome to you seeing as thatyou and Professor Snape have not always seen eye-to-eye in the past. But I feel it my duty to tell you that Professor Snape is on our side, and that if enemies are on the same side and refuse to give up their grudges, then nothing will ever get settled. It's the old age saying of 'United we stand, divided we fall.' " Harry was losing interest. Snape and him forget about everything that had happened? Harry knew Snape would never even try it, so why should he put any effort into it? Harry didn't want to forgive Snape, and nothing Dumbledore could say would make him change his mind.
"Is that all then?" Harry asked impatiently, greatly hoping to stop Dumbledore from continuing on any further. I am afraid we have yet to talk about another matter." Dumbledore stated. Harry had no idea what the other topic would be, but decided that he most likely wouldn't like it. He was right.
"We have to talk about Sirius, and his will that he left."
Harry certainly didn't feel like talking about his dead Godfather and didn't bother to hide his frustrated expression. "Harry, I know this is probably not your topic of choice. However, it was left in Sirius will that you inherit this when he passed on." It was a large leather bound book, with brown covering on the cover. It appeared to be a scrapbook of some kind. "I believe it is Sirius's scrapbook. I have looked through it out of pure curiosity and found some delightful pictures in it." Dumbledore added as Harry opened the book. Pictures of a fat, bald baby giggled and smiled at him. Underneath was a loopy, neat scrawl that read: Sirius Black - 4 months. He skipped a few pages and found a picture of his father and Sirius at age fourteen both given a cool wave, and Sirius would wink and smirk occasionally.
"Thanks, Professor Dumbledore," Harry said, and he truly did mean it.
'You may go back to potions, Harry." Harry got up, tucked Sirius's scrapbook under his arm, and had opened the door when Dumbledore called out, his blue eyes shimmering in the light, "Please remember what I said. Be careful, now Harry, and remember, I'm always here if you ever need anything."
A/N: Chapter 8: Harry shows the letter to Luna, Ron and Hermione have a fight, we learn Hermione has a secret, we learn more about certain Auror classes, DADA in particular, we learn that Luna's cousin is the boy in Harry's dream, and we also again are told how much everything is changing. Ron and Harry have a chat; Oh and there also the realization that there is something going on between Ron and Hermione (more that friendly feelings). Then there's Dumbledore's and Harry's little heart to heart. I think that's it… hoped you liked it!
(9) Legenmythor – What is it? Hermione has chosen it for her career path. It is basically the occupation of solving historic mazes and other legends/myths. It is also closely related to history, study of ancient runes, and arthimacy. Known also has solving historic puzzles and mysterious.
(9) Mongoose Fairybells – a magical plant that cures fevers and other illnesses of the head. They happen to very well be bells, varying in different shades of red. The bells sound similar to the honk of a goose.
REVIEW! REVIEW! REVIEW!
ANY COMMENTS SUGGESTIONS IDEAS QUESTIONS OR COMPLAINTS? If so, share!
This Chapter has been revised :) If you notice any errors, please let me know. Thanks!
Thanks for reading, hope you enjoyed.