Chapter 3: Dinner Beatings
Several weeks had past since Harry was first rushed out of Privet Drive. He had hardly been allowed out of Grimmauld Place, and when he was, he was surrounded by more people than anyone could ever imagine. Harry, of course, argued this, wanting to be alone with his friends. Voldemort wasn't going to attack him in broad daylight, he never had before. And besides, most of his Death Eaters were still in Azkaban.
One particular morning, however, Harry was going to be let out of Grimmauld Place.
"The new Minister of Magic wants you over for dinner, Harry," Mrs. Weasley explained, panting as tried to bewitch a paintbrush to paint the wall in the drawing room.
"He wants me over for dinner? Why?" Harry asked.
"I'm not sure. Professor Dumbledore dropped off the message early this morning. He and Professor McGonagall will accompany you to Bath. They'll be here no later than 5:30 tonight," Mrs. Weasley said. Harry nodded, and returned to the kitchen.
Before Harry knew it, 5:30 had come faster than Harry thought. Mrs. Weasley ironed his best clothes, and thought it would make a nice impression if he wore his Gryffindor robes. Professor McGonagall smiled at this when she and Dumbledore saw this. Harry knew Professor McGonagall couldn't help but show off she had Potter in her House.
"Keep an eye out, alright Harry?" Moody warned. "If something happens to Dumbledore and McGonagall…"
Tonks cut him off. "Stop being so hopeful, Mad-Eye!"
"Keep your eyes and ears open, alright? This is breeding time for Death Eaters." Harry nodded, and left with his two Professors.
"Er…Professor Dumbledore? I can't Apparate yet, so how are we getting there?" Harry asked. He looked into the old man's twinkled eyes.
"I thought about a Portkey, but considering the events that happened two summers ago, I thought better of it. Floo powder is too dangerous for you now, Harry. We'll take the Knight Bus."
Harry groaned. Dumbledore stuck out his wand, and in no time at all, the big, double decker bus was waiting in front of them. Stan Shunpike, the conductor, stepped off and began to read his card.
But when he opened his mouth to begin, Professor Dumbledore put a hand up. "There is no need, Mr. Shunpike, thank you."
"'Ey, I know you! Your 'Arry-"
"Don't even say it," Harry warned. Stan straightened up, and three wizards boarded the bus. They sat down in armchairs near the end of the bus.
"Are you sure this is a good idea, Professor?" Harry asked, already starting to feel slightly sick, even though the bus had not yet started to move. Professor McGonagall seemed to have the same sentiments as her pupil, though she didn't show it.
With a bang, the bus began to move. Harry was thrown against the back of the bus. Professor Dumbledore seemed to be enjoying the ride quite nicely, as he pulled out a newspaper and began to read it. Before Harry could ask him how he able to manage this, the bus took a left turn, and Harry was thrown against the left side of the bus. The bus stopped abruptly, and Harry was thrown forward out of his seat. He stood up shakily, eyeing Professor Dumbledore. Professor McGonagall looked as if she was about to get sick. Without warning, the bus shot forward again, and Harry flew against the back of the bus. Slowly climbing to his seat, Harry held on for dear life. Half an hour later, (even though it seemed like an eternity to Harry and Professor McGonagall), the bus stopped, and Dumbledore stood up.
"Well, this our stop. Thank you Stan, it was a wonderful ride," Dumbledore said brightly.
"Oh who does he think he's kidding?" Professor McGonagall said. Harry looked up at her and smiled. The three stepped off the bus, and they found themselves in front of a large, sprawling manor.
Aside from being abnormally large in nature, the manor had vast grounds. Though it was getting dark, Harry saw what looked like part of a Quidditch pitch. Large amounts of forest surrounded the back of the house. Harry thought he saw two people flying around on brooms, throwing around what he thought was a Quaffle. Harry smiled, remembering his own experiences playing Quidditch. He couldn't wait to play again. Dumbledore rapped the large owl knocker on the door. The door opened, and a house-elf answered. Harry smirked, imaging Hermione's reaction.
"Masters are in the living room. This way please," the house-elf said. He was much smaller than the other house-elves he knew. Harry followed him into a living room, which contained a piano bewitched to play by itself, several large couches, and a coffee table. The man sitting on the coffee table stood up immediately. His (what Harry thought, and was correct) wife followed in suit.
"Albus Dumbledore! How wonderful to see you again," the man said. He was tall, taller than Harry thought he would be. His brown hair was graying, but Harry could tell what it's natural color was. He was well built, wearing the finest of robes. His eyes were dark brown, but oddly enough, seemed soothing to Harry. His wife, Harry thought, was beautiful for her age. She was tall, slender, and had long brown hair also. However tonight it was pulled back, and she was wearing robes of dark blue, which suited her eye color, which was also dark blue.
"Minerva McGonagall, always a pleasure," the Minister said, kissing her hand. She blushed bright red. The Minister turned to Harry.
"Mr. Harry Potter," he said, surveying the young man before him, "I can't tell you how excited to meet the person who is quite possibly the reason our entire wizarding world is still in exsistance." Harry blushed just like Professor McGonagall. Harry felt a loss for words. Harry looked at Professor Dumbledore. He winked.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Minister," Harry said, extending his hand. The Minister took it and shook it. He put a hand on Harry's back, and led him into the dining room.
"Please, have a seat, Harry. I'm sure you're starved," the Minister said. Harry took a seat, and to his satisfaction, Dumbledore and McGonagall sat on each side of him. There were three seats across the table from Harry, while the Minister and his wife took both ends of the table.
A few minutes later, a woman came hurrying in, not even bothering to take off her traveling cloak. Harry took this as being Aletta. She was very pretty, taking most of her mother's looks. Long, dark brown hair, tall, and slender.
"Sorry I'm late. Got held up at the Ministry. Luxembourg is throwing a fit about Switzerland again. Apparently some wild animals are being bred on the border and escaping into Switzerland. I'll probably have to go and sort it out sometime this week," she said.
"Aletta darling, I'd like you to meet our guests. Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts, Minerva McGonagall, Deputy Headmistress and Transfiguration teacher at Hogwarts, and of course, Harry Potter."
Aletta's eyes did the familiar flick up towards Harry's scar, and she smiled mischievously. "You're a regular hero in the Ministry, Harry."
Before Harry could think of anything to say, the Minister's wife, Zenia, broke the silence.
"Where on earth are Ajax and Vega? I told them to quit playing Quidditch an hour ago…" Zenia stood up in her seat. Before she had a chance to find them, Harry heard a door slam shut and two people begin to shout at each other.
"YOU COULD HAVE TOLD ME THAT BLUDGER WAS FIXED TO FLY STRAIGHT AT ME!" One voice, a female, shouted. This must be Vega.
"HOW ARE YOU GOING TO GET ANY BETTER IF YOU DON'T HAVE PROPER PRACTICE?" The other voice, Ajax, said.
"THAT BLUDGER NEARLY KNOCKED ME OFF MY BROOM, YOU STUPID IDIOT!"
"THERE'S NO WAY YOU'RE GOING TO MAKE YOUR HOUSE TEAM AT HOGWARTS IF YOU DON'T HAVE PRACTICE LIKE THIS!"
Harry heard the voices coming nearer to them. He looked at the Minister, who had his head between his hands.
"You'll have to excuse those two. They've been cooped up in this new house too long. Haven't made many new friends since moving from the States," the Minister said quietly.
"DON'T YOU DARE POINT THAT WAND AT ME, AJAX VALIDUS CONALL!"
The Minister stood up. "This is getting ridiculous. You'll have to excuse me." Dumbledore nodded, and Harry smiled. It was nice to see someone like the Minister of Magic was completely normal, at least to Harry's standards. Harry sighed; he wished he lived in a house like this. Bickering with siblings, then the parents have to come and sort everything out. A moment later, the Minister's wife and Vega came marching in the room. Vega seemed to be completely oblivious to the fact that Dumbledore, McGonagall, and Harry were in the room.
"That stupid ass! He knows I'm not allowed to use magic yet! But oh no, he has to go on and provoke me! Stupid git, bewitched bludgers like that," Vega said. "I honestly don't know who he's kidding. He's just mad because I'm a better beater than he ever was."
"He was only trying to help, Vega dear," said Venia's calming voice.
"Helping my ass."
"Watch your language! We have company!"
Vega now seemed to be aware that there were indeed, more people in the room. She mumbled "Sorry" to them, and took her seat across the table from Harry. A few seconds later, the Minister and Ajax walked in the room. Ajax was the perfect reflection of his father in every way possible. He took a seat next to Aletta.
"My brother thinks I need more training, being a female beater and all," Vega said in between bites of green beans.
"There are guys twice your size who are chasers. They'd do anything to knock you off your broom," Ajax retorted.
"Well maybe if you were a Seeker like Dad…" Aletta started.
Vega snorted. "You're kidding, right? I'd never be a Seeker even if my life depended on it. They think they're all high and mighty just because they can catch a little golden flying ball. I'd like them to try and spend an entire game trying to hit those damn Bludgers. Besides, Uncle Ludo-"
Venia cleared her throat, as though the words "Uncle Ludo" were inappropriate at the table.
For the first time since dinner began, Harry spoke up. "I'm a Seeker."
Vega didn't miss a beat. "I'm terribly sorry." Harry noticed her voice was dripping in sarcasm.
"For what?" Harry smirked, quite like Professor Snape. "Just because you're not the most important person on the team-"
"Oh please. It's people like me who get your back during the game. If you didn't have Beaters, you'd be eaten alive by Bludgers," Vega said.
"Anyone can wave around a little stick and call themselves a Beater. If Beating was any easier, they'd call it chasing," Harry said with a smirk, which he was sure would make Professor Snape very proud.
"Nice move, Potter," Vega said. Harry was beginning to dislike this girl very much.
"So, Vega, you're starting Hogwarts this year," Professor McGonagall interjected.
Vega nodded. "Yes ma'am."
"You previously attended the Salem Institute for Witches and Wizards, did you not?" Professor Dumbledore asked.
"I did. Not up to standards with some subjects, though. I'm terribly behind in Defense Against the Dark Arts. I could use a bit of help in Transfiguration, but I did a lot of self-studying. Our teacher was-"
"-amazing," Ajax finished. "One of the best."
"Oh who are you kidding? She was awful. Couldn't tell the difference between a mouse and a desk. She was batty, that one. I learned most of the basics, though, and then some. I should be alright, coming into Hogwarts."
"Are you taking Transfiguration this year?" Professor McGonagall asked.
"N.E.W.T. level, yes," Vega replied.
Professor McGonagall nodded. "I'm quite aware some of the substandard teaching at Salem. I do not wish to bring down it's entire organization, it is a fine wizarding institution. Even roses have thorns. If any additional help is needed during the year, Miss Conall, my office is always open."
"Thank you, Professor McGonagall. I appreciate that," Vega said with a smile. Harry could hear Ajax mutter something about 'sucking up' under his breath.
Once the main course was finished, Harry sat back in his seat, feeling incredibly full.
"Shall we travel into the study, then? There's several things concering-" The Minister's voice dropped, "-the return of You-Know-Who." The Minister and his wife, Professor Dumbledore and McGonagall, and Aletta all got up from their seat.
"Vega, why don't you and Ajax take Harry out to the Quidditch pitch? We'll be out there soon," the Minister said.
They all went into the study, the door shutting and locking magically behind them. Harry sighed.
"Let's see if you can put your broomstick where your mouth is, Potter," Vega said, smiling.
"You're on, Conall. Let's see what the Minister of Magic's daughter has got," Harry retorted. The three of them walked outside into the Quidditch pitch. It was much smaller than that of Hogwarts, but it suit Harry just fine. Vega threw Harry a broomstick, a Nimbus Two Thousand and One. Harry remembered Malfoy had a broomstick like this during their 2nd year. Harry wasn't surprised when Vega pulled out her own Firebolt. Memories of Sirius panged Harry.
Ajax got on his Firebolt too, and the three kicked up off the ground and into the air. Harry flew from end of the field to the other in no time at all. He was sure Vega gave him the slowest broom on purpose, but he didn't care. Harry dove quickly to the ground, but pulled up before hitting the ground, just to see if he could still do it. Of course, he still could.
Vega threw him a Beater bat. She had an identical one in her hand. "Let's see what you're made of Potter." Ajax released one Bludger, and for nearly an hour, Harry and Vega took turns hitting it at each other. At first it started out serious, Harry could feel a rivalry between the two. But after a while, they began taunting each other.
"Are you sure you've never played Beater, Harry?" Ajax asked, aghast. "You'd make a damn fine one."
Harry smirked, and hit a bludger toward Vega. She turned the other way just as it made contact with the left side of her body. She fell sideways off her broom, and down she fell twenty feet to the ground. She landed with a loud thud. Harry and Ajax got to her at the same time.
"I didn't mean to- I just thought she was looking when I hit it!" Harry stammered.
To his surprise, Ajax gave him a smile. "She'll be fine. If she wants to a Beater, she'll need to be tougher. This should be a lesson to her. Well, when she wakes up." Ajax laughed, and picked his sister up off the ground, and carried her into the house.
Just as Ajax laid her on the couch, The Minister, his wife, Professor Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall all walked out of the study. Venia let out a small scream, and Ajax stood in front of his sister as his mother came rushing over. "She's fine, Mum. She wasn't paying attention and got hit by a Bludger."
"You should have been paying more attention to her, Ajax! How far did she fall?"
"Fifteen feet, if even that. It's her own fault, besides," Ajax muttered.
Venia muttered something no one could understand, and before Ajax could question her on it, Vega began to stir. She rubbed her eyes, and began to sit up, but groaned when she couldn't. She fell back down onto the couch.
"Vega, what happened?" Venia's voice shook.
"I dunno. I heard something in the woods behind me so I turned around to see what it was and then- I guess I wasn't paying attention the bludger hit me," Vega said.
"What did you hear in the forest?" Roman asked, interested.
Vega shrugged. "I thought I heard someone talking, but I guess not. I don't really remember."
Harry saw Professor Dumbledore and McGonagall exchange nervous glances. They stared at each other for a moment, as if communicating without words.
"Perhaps we should go, Minister," Professor McGonagall said a little too quickly. "Mr. Potter must get home."
"Of course, of course," the Minister muttered. "Would you like a Portkey? I know Mr. Potter isn't too fond of them, but coming on the Knight Bus? I can't stand that thing." He handed Dumbledore a hat. "Take this, just don't tell anyone at the Ministry. They'd have my head if they knew the new Minister of Magic was handing out unauthorized Portkeys."
"I look forward to seeing you at Hogwarts, Roman," Dumbledore said. "You and your family are welcome anytime." Dumbledore turned to Vega, who was now clutching a bag of ice to her head. "I shall see you at Hogwarts, Miss Conall." Vega smiled weakly.
Harry saw Professor McGonagall give Vega a very rare smile. "I saw you playing Quidditch, Miss Conall. I do hope you're sorted into Gryffindor, we could use a Beater like yourself."
And with that, the three were transported back to Grimmauld Place.