The next day, Harry went to see Dumbledore. He walked up the winding staircase, past the password-guarded Gargoyle (whose password was Cockroach Cluster, to Harry's bewilderment), and up to the door, which he knocked on.
He heard Dumbledore's voice come from behind the door, "Come in."
Harry did, and saw Dumbledore sitting behind his desk, stroking his Phoenix, Fawkes. Fawkes was a vivid red, except for a golden tail and talons. Dumbledore looked and nodded. "Ah. I have been waiting to see you, Harry. Won't you sit down?"
Dumbledore's office held lots of gadgets, and portraits of old headmasters of Hogwarts. Harry sat down in a chair in front of Dumbledore's desk.
"Now, what is it that you have come to tell me, Harry?" asked Dumbledore.
Harry explained to him about how he had felt eyes constantly watching him. He also told him about the concern he had about Sirius, and about the details of his dream about Wormtail and Voldemort from that night at the Burrow. He also mentioned Emeric Diggory.
Dumbledore mainly just nodded. However, when Harry finally finished he was silent for a minute, and then said, "Here is what I think, Harry. I think that the person who is stalking you now is not related to Voldemort. Although you must come right to me if you find out anything more about this plan, I do not believe they would try something here, at Hogwarts. Also, I believe that Emeric Diggory only wishes to take out the hurt he feels on you. I do not believe he would stalk you. I wonder, is there any particular times or places when you don't feel someone watching you, where that has never happened?"
Harry thought hard. "Yeah — classes. Quidditch practice, and the game today. And Gryffindor tower."
Dumbledore frowned, thinking. "That does no good, as those are the times they could just be with you naturally, and do not have to be concealed, or they may not be there." He sighed. "I am afraid that I am not sure what to do for you, Harry. If you do have any more questions, I will always be here, ready to answer what I can."
Harry nodded, and thanked Dumbledore. Then, he had a thought. "Sir, before I go — what happened with that group that you asked Sirius to get together?" Harry wondered what had become of the people that Lupin and Sirius had been contacting, now that Lupin was alone and being watched by the Ministry.
Dumbledore sighed. "Do not worry about it, Harry. Leave that to me."
And Harry did just that.
Jessica sat with Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny at lunch the next day. Hermione and Ginny were very thankful to her for saving Harry, and kept thanking her.
"It was just luck," she kept on repeating. "Just plain old luck."
After they all had finished, they walked together towards Gryffindor tower. As they turned a corner, Malfoy grabbed Jessica's wrist, and twirled her in close to him and held his arm around her waist.
Malfoy said coolly, "Well, well, what have we got here? Potter's little lifesaver." He turned to Harry. "What's it like, Potter? Being so weak, that you need a pathetic little Third-year to save your life?"
Harry felt anger rush through him. "Leave her alone, Malfoy!"
"I don't follow orders from you, Potter!"
Harry stood his ground. "I wouldn't insult her. She caught me single-handedly, while it took three people on your team to get me off of my broomstick. Also, she can clearly catch, which is more than your team can say about you, Malfoy!"
Malfoy's face flushed. He pushed Jessica onto the ground. "Fine, take her, Potter! It's not as if I care what happens to her." He motioned to Crabbe and Goyle to follow him, and they left, swiftly.
Jessica didn't move from the floor and watched them walk away. Harry bent down and helped her up.
"Don't listen to anything he says, Jessica. Malfoy's a liar, just ignore him," said Harry.
Jessica was now on her feet. "Thanks, Harry. I'll be all right."
The next flew weeks flew by rather quickly. The weather became steadily colder, and stormier. People were getting excited, hoping for snow for Christmas. Harry still kept feeling someone watching him, and still ate very little, and slept little as well.
One Saturday, in early December, Harry received two letters. One was clearly from Hagrid, and Harry tore that one open first. It said:
Harry —
Madame Maxime says that she thinks you, Ron, and Hermione will want to come down today. If you're interested, you could come right after lunch.
Hagrid"Oh, that sounds exciting!" Hermione said, reading over Harry's shoulder. Harry simply scrawled a message on the back:
Yes, we can't wait!
He sent this message back with Hedwig, and tore the other envelope open. It said:
Dear Mr. Potter,
This evening I will have a guest I believe you would like to see. He would like to see you as well. Please come to my office at eleven tonight. Also, please do wear that wonderful cloak from your father.
Yours,
Professor DumbledoreHarry's mouth was open, and he shut it. He couldn't believe it. He knew that Dumbledore meant Sirius was coming that night. He couldn't wait. He knew that he would have to wear the Invisibility Cloak that his father had given Dumbledore, and that Dumbledore had given Harry.
After lunch, Harry, Ron, and Hermione followed Hagrid down to his hut.
They stood outside for a few minutes. Hagrid stared at the sky, and Ron, Harry, and Hermione followed his example.
Soon, a large, pale blue carriage came zooming into sight, led by huge Palomino horses. The Beauxbaton crest, which had two golden wands crossed, each emitting three stars, was emblazoned on the carriage door.
Madame Maxime stepped out.
"'Agrid! It is good to see you again!" she said, shaking Hagrid's hand. She turned. "Ah, 'Arry Potter, Ron, and 'Ermione, correct? I haf a visitor for you too!"
As she spoke, Fleur Delacor, a beautiful seventeen-year-old girl who was part Veela, stepped out. She had long, flowing silvery hair.
"'Arry, Ron, 'Ermione! How wonderful to see 'oo," Fleur greeted, smiling broadly. Ron turned bright red. She looked around at Hogwarts. "Ah, 'Ogwarts! Madame Maxime, may I see ze grounds with 'Arry, Ron, and 'Ermione?"
Madame Maxime nodded, and Fleur said, "Come on!" and raced towards the school. Harry, Ron, and Hermione tore after her.
Once she had reached the building, Fleur stopped running and caught her breath. Harry, Ron, and Hermione did the same.
Then Fleur started walking towards the Great Hall. "Zis is ze way to ze Great Hall, no?" Fleur kept on walking, Harry, Ron, and Hermione behind her.
Harry heard footsteps approaching, and saw Professor Somorum come around the bend. She and Fleur looked at each other. Then, Professor Somorum said, "Who is your friend, Harry?"
"This is Fleur, from Beauxbaton — " said Harry.
"Beauxbaton? Parlez-vous Français, Fleur?" said Professor Somorum.
Fleur's eyes widened happily. "Oui, Madame! Vous s'appelles comment?"
"Je m'appelle Madame Somorum. Très heureuse!"
On and on they continued, speaking fluently in French. Ron and Harry turned to Hermione on several occasions, but she merely blushed. She whispered, "You don't want to know what they're saying." A few times in the conversation, Harry, Ron, and Hermione had heard their names.
Finally, after about half-an-hour, the two of them burst into hysterical laughter. Ron, Harry, and Hermione exchanged nervous looks, and watched Fleur and Professor Somorum laugh together.
"Merci, merci. That was wonderful!" said Fleur.
"Oui. That was lots of fun. I was raised in lots of places, and France was one of them. Luckily, I've held onto my French," Professor Somorum explained. She saw Harry, Ron, and Hermione's nervous looks, and nearly burst into laughter again. "Oh — I'm sorry… we weren't saying anything bad about you three though, I promise." She gave a glance at Fleur, and a huge smile came over their faces.
Footsteps came down the hall again, and Professor McGonagall came into sight. She stopped, and looked from Harry, to Ron, to Hermione, to Fleur, and finally, to Professor Somorum. "What is going on here? Are you — Fleur?"
"Yes, Madame. I am visiting wit Madame Maxime, an' she is talking to 'Agrid," said Fleur.
"Call me Professor. Well, welcome back to Hogwarts," said Professor McGonagall. "Are you staying long?"
"No, Professor. Madame Maxime and I are leaving later tonight."
"Very well. I hope you find your stay comfortable," said Professor McGonagall. She gave a look over at Professor Somorum, who sighed. Professor McGonagall continued walking, heading away from the students, and Professor Somorum followed, giving a sad look over her shoulder as she followed Professor McGonagall.
"The professor does not like Professor Somorum?" Fleur asked, puzzled.
"Apparently," said Harry.
"'Arry, how 'ave you been? I think you were nearly killed last year, no? 'Ermione, 'ave you talked to… wat was 'is name, Victor Krum?" asked Fleur.
Hermione turned a bright red, and merely said, "Yes, Fleur. He's — he's written to me." Then she was silent, and looked away. Ron gave her a long look.
That night, Harry, Ron, and Hermione walked Fleur back to Hagrid's hut. They knocked on the door, and Hagrid opened it.
"'Ello! Ready ter go, Fleur?" he asked sadly. Madame Maxime stepped to the door.
"Ah, Fleur. Come. I am sorry, 'Agrid, but we must go." Madame Maxime and Hagrid glanced at each other for a moment, and then she put a hand on Fleur's shoulder, and led her towards the carriage.
Harry heard Fleur whisper towards them as she left, "I tink zat Madame Maxime fancies 'Agrid. We will be back soon." Fleur winked, and stepped into the blue carriage. The huge, Palomino horses took off, and the carriage was soon out of sight.
Ron turned to Hermione. "You get letters from Krum?"
Hermione sighed. "It's nothing, Ron. Victor just sent me a couple of letters."
"And you've never told me? Come on, Hermione!"
Hermione frowned. "I beg your pardon, Ron, but they were written for me."
"Yeah, but they're from Victor Krum, the best — "
"RON! Please, don't start that nonsense about Victor being the best Quidditch player ever. I've heard that before."
"What's all this about? Who're you two talkin' about?" asked Hagrid.
"Victor Krum. He's a Seeker for Bulgaria. He goes to Durmstrang and fell in love with Hermione when he was here for the Triwizard Tournament," explained Ron. "He's written letters to Hermione, and she hasn't shared them with us."
"No, and I have no reason too," said Hermione.
"She's right, Ron," said Harry. "Krum didn't write them to be shared with everyone."
"Harry! I'm not everyone!" Ron said defensively.
"Anyway, you three best get back up ter the castle. G'night'," said Hagrid.
"Good night, Hagrid," Ron, Harry, and Hermione said in unison. As they walked, Harry listened silently as Hermione and Ron continued to argue about Krum's letters.
That night, at ten thirty, Harry went up to his dormitory and slipped the cloak over himself. He also grabbed the Mauder's Map, which told the location of everyone in Hogwarts. He then headed back down the steps and stood by the Common Room door. Hermione had agreed to come and open the door (she would stay in the library to study until half past ten, when she would come and open the Common Room door), and she would be there soon.
At quarter till eleven, Hermione came in. "See you," she whispered as Harry slipped out. He made his way silently towards Dumbledore's office. He whispered, "Cockroach cluster" to the gargoyle, which leapt aside, and made his way up to Dumbledore's office. He knocked on the door, and Dumbledore opened it.
Harry stepped in and pulled off his cloak. He turned to Dumbledore, who was smiling at him. "'Evening, Professor Dumbledore," said Harry politely.
Dumbledore nodded. "Sirius, you may come out now."
A large, black dog crept out from under Dumbledore's desk slowly. Then, it changed into Sirius. He had long, shaggy hair again, and his eyes were sunken. His skin was rather pale, and his face was filled with worry. He came over and put a strong arm on Harry's shoulder.
"Harry," he whispered. "Are you all right?"
Harry nodded. "I guess so."
"Harry has been having a most unusual year," Dumbledore said, taking his seat at his desk. "I believe I told you in detail about the Quidditch game?"
Harry's stomach sank. Sirius had heard about that?
Sirius nodded. "Yes." He gave a sideways look at Dumbledore. "I'm actually a little concerned about Harry's safety here now."
Harry was taken aback. Hogwarts was where he was safest. How could Sirius doubt Dumbledore?
Dumbledore's eyes widened, making it appear that he wondered the same thing. "Indeed, Sirius? And why do you feel that I do not provide enough protection?"
Sirius looked rather bothered. "Look at the facts, Dumbledore. That's twice Harry's fallen from his broomstick. I'll grant you that neither were your fault, but I feel that since you won't remove Malfoy — "
"I've explained this to you many times," said Dumbledore. "Falling off of broomsticks, albeit extremely dangerous, clearly is not fatal to Harry. He seems to take it quite well. He is in no more danger than any of my other students. Harry plays Quidditch, and falling off of a broomstick is one of the dangers of playing it. I am more concerned about the danger that Lord Voldemort presents, which may prove much more harmful."
"There's nothing he can do, Sirius," said Harry. "It's just Malfoy."
"I think that pushing other players off of their broomsticks entitles students to be expelled," said Sirius. "I don't want those children getting away with making others fall from broomsticks."
Dumbledore said, "I'm afraid the governors must agree before to any expulsion. And I believe that Lucius will be most defensive of his son remaining at Hogwarts. However, I assure you, Harry is perfectly safe here. Even if he hadn't been caught by Miss Braham, one of the teachers would have done something. You took risks yourself, Sirius."
Sirius flushed. "Yes but — things were quite different. And Snape wasn't as bad as Malfoy is."
Dumbledore rose. "What is it you suggest that I do? Lucius will have me thrown out if I force Severus to remove Mr. Malfoy. Many people are calling for me to be fired. And do you want that, Sirius? Believe me, I desire for none of our students to ever sink as low as that, but I feel that since Harry seems to be able to tolerate that, a greater priority is helping him face Voldemort."
Sirius sighed. "No, I don't want you to be fired. And I understand. I just wish Harry wasn't in danger here — "
"I'm all right," Harry said, trying to reassure Sirius. But Sirius looked hard at him and didn't seem to agree. He noticed the dark lines under Harry's reddish eyes, and Harry's particularly thin arms. "Are you all right?" he asked, trying to get Sirius to realize that he was worried about him too.
"I'm fine, but I'm not the one that matters, Harry," said Sirius. "Really. You are."
Harry looked down at the floor.
"I believe that it is time for Mr. Potter to return to his dormitory," said Dumbledore. "If you have anything to say to Sirius, Harry, I would say it now. Same for you, Sirius."
Harry hesitated, and then said, "Someone's following me."
Sirius nodded. "Dumbledore told me. Any clue who it could be?"
"No," said Harry.
"Well, I guess you'd better get back to your dormitory," Sirius said, looking even more concerned now, but not wanting to show it. "I'll see you later, Harry. Take care of yourself, all right?"
"You too," Harry said, pulling the cloak over his head.
Sirius said, "I'll see you soon."
Harry let himself out of the door. He wondered back to the dormitory, only half paying attention to what he was doing. Then, he happened to look at his map, and he saw a small dot labeled Jessica Braham leaving Gryffindor tower and heading right towards him. Harry stood aside, and Jessica came by him. He began following her silently, ducking behind walls and corners. Finally, she came to a halt in front of the Defense Against the Dark Arts office, where the professor stayed. Jessica knocked gently on the door. "Professor Somorum?"
Then, Harry heard soft sobs. Jessica must have heard them too, and she knocked gently again and said, a little louder, "Professor?"
The sobs ceased momentarily. Then, Harry heard Professor Somorum say, "Come in."
Harry ducked in, going underneath Jessica's arm. She came in too, and shut the door behind her. Harry turned to see Professor Somorum and nearly gasped.
Her black hair was down, and it was very, very long. Her usually blue shining eyes had a reddish tinge, and her cheeks were streaked with tears. She had a cup of tea in front of her.
"Professor Somorum! Are you — are you all right?" asked Jessica. She went over and sat down in a chair beside her. She patted Professor Somorum on the back. "What happened?"
"What else?" said Professor Somorum shakily. "Professor McGonagall was at it again. I don't get why she treats me so horribly! I haven't done anything to her!"
"She's just — she just doesn't understand," said Jessica.
Professor Somorum blew her nose and then sighed. "Why don't you take tonight off? We'll just start working together sometime later. I need some time to myself. You do understand?"
Jessica nodded. "Of course. I'll see you." Jessica then got up, and Harry followed her out the door. He was following her back to Gryffindor, lost in thought, when he kept on walking past a hallway Jessica had turned into. Suddenly, Harry heard hissing in front of him.
Mrs. Norris was standing right at his feet, staring up at him, her fur sticking straight up. She was hissing madly, and Harry would have found it hilarious if it didn't mean he was in serious trouble. He had always wondered if the Invisibility Cloak worked on cats.
Filch then came rushing into view. "What is it, my sweet?" he asked, seeing Mrs. Norris agitated. He frowned, as he couldn't see Harry. Then, he growled, "PEEVES! Peeves, are you making yourself invisible?" He began waving his arms around wildly, trying to find what Mrs. Norris was hissing at.
His arms waved the air where Harry had been just a second before. Harry had dropped to his knees, and bit his lip to try and ignore the sudden pain. He had heard his knees knock against the ground and was shocked that Filch hadn't.
He backed up slowly, but Mrs. Norris followed him. Filch noticed, and said, "What's gotten into you? There's no one here, my sweet. Let's go."
And, to Harry's relief, he picked up Mrs. Norris and walked off. Harry breathed a sigh of relief, and then paid full attention to getting back into Gryffindor tower.
"What were you thinking?"
It was now breakfast, and Hermione was less than pleased with Harry's account of the previous night.
"You could have been caught, or expelled! Do you want to be expelled?" demanded Hermione.
"Of course not, Hermione," said Harry. "I had my cloak on!"
"And what if it had gotten knocked off? What if Filch had stepped on it, and it had fallen off?"
"So what, Hermione?" said Ron. "He found out some interesting stuff. Jessica is meeting Professor Somorum at midnight for some reason."
"That doesn't matter!" shrieked Hermione. But she was interrupted by the arrival of the mail owls. One dropped a copy of the Daily Prophet on Hermione's plate. This temporarily distracted her, and Harry felt a feeling of thankfulness for the owls.
Hermione scanned the paper, and her eyes widened. "Hey, listen to this," she whispered. She then read an article aloud, only loud enough for Ron and Harry to hear.
UNEXPLAINED OCCURENCES BECOME INTERNATIONAL
It seems that even other countries are beginning to be
affected by the same forces causing disappearances in Britain.
Other countries such as the Untied States, Japan, and China
are reporting murders that cannot be explained. Over one
house in eastern China, a Dark Mark even hovered over the
house of the people murdered.
The countries are getting so nervous that the Untied
States is near panic. The Muggle leaders of Britain, the United
States, Japan, and China are all meeting in London to discuss
the issue.
Cornelius Fudge will not be attending, even though he
received an invitation from the Prime Minister. He told the
Prophet earlier, "I have enough work on my hands without
chasing down lunatics. I have given the Muggle Prime
minister a list of all the Death Eaters that were ever tried. I
suggested to him yesterday that he give a copy of it to the leaders
of the other countries and have them see if those people are in
their country. This is clearly a case of insane past Death-Eaters
who have the ridiculous idea that You-Know-Who is back. I
assure the Magic community once more: You-Know-Who is not
back, and he is not a threat."
However, the leaders of the other countries lack Fudge's
certainty.
In a recent address of the nation, the president of the
United states said, "I sadly cannot reassure you. I myself do not
truly know the cause of these murders. We cannot find a link
between the victims. However, I can assure you that we are
working very hard to find the link and to figure out who is behind
this."
Even though Fudge insists that You-Know-Who is not
back, his followers seem to believe that he is. These kinds of
things have not been common since before You-Know-Who was
overcome by Harry Potter.
Even though Fudge reassures the community, witches
and wizards are becoming more and more fearful of attacks. Fudge
is eventually going to have to assure wizards and witches with
action and not only words.
Harry was concerned about the news. Death-Eaters were going to different countries? Voldemort was working faster than Harry had originally thought. He wondered if Dumbledore had seen the article.
That afternoon, Harry, Ron, and Hermione were talking as they walked back to the Gryffindor Common Room.
"My potion's finally ready!" announced Hermione proudly.
"Congratulations," mumbled Harry. His wasn't quite together yet.
"How've you found ingredients all ready?" asked Ron.
Hermione looked taken-aback. "Haven't you found your ingredients yet, Ron?" Ron shook head. "What are you waiting for? You don't have forever!"
"I know," said Ron defensively.
"Anyway, would one of you be willing to try my potion?" asked Hermione. Ron and Harry exchanged glances. Hermione frowned. This wasn't the reaction she had been hoping for. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing," said Harry. "It's just that — er —"
"No offense, Hermione, but it's just the potion," said Ron.
"What about it?"
Ron said slowly, "Well — growing wings just isn't something loads of guys wish for."
Hermione's eyes flashed. "Oh I get it! Well, if it makes you feel better, Ron Weasley, I don't think that anyone could deny that you were a boy!" She then began walking ahead a few paces.
At first, Ron's face lit up. Then he realized what Hermione had meant, and said, "Hey!"
Harry and Ron caught up with Hermione, who refused to look at either of them.
"Come on, Hermione! I wasn't insulting you," said Ron.
Hermione then froze on the spot and wheeled around to face Ron. "And I'm not asking you to drink poison, Ron! I'm asking you two just to simply help me, and I find it annoying that you won't! This potion could change the world as we know it!"
"How?" demanded Ron. "How is your potion going to change the world?"
"Because people will have wings. Some people, even wizards, say that having wings is impossible. Think of it! No need for a broomstick! Maybe people will even begin playing Quidditch on wings rather than broomsticks," said Hermione dreamily.
Ron frowned. "That's impossible. No one would ever give up broomsticks for Quidditch!"
"Why not, Ron?"
"Think about it, Hermione! It's easier to hide broomsticks than wings. If we start sprouting wings, the Muggles will notice something. Besides, potions are temporary. A game of Quidditch can go on for longer than a potion could last," said Ron, pleased with himself.
"Then players will break constantly for a sip of potion!" suggested Hermione.
"No way."
"Look, we each have to try someone's potion, all right? I just thought that maybe you two would be willing to help me," said Hermione.
"Who's potion are you drinking?" asked Ron.
Hermione hesitated, but then said, slowly, "Neville's."
Both Ron and Harry said, "WHAT?"
Hermione's eyes flashed again. "You two could at least pretend to have some confidence in Neville! He tries very hard, you know!"
Ron said, "We know, Hermione. But come on, you can't ignore the fact that he can't — "
"Look, I've been helping him ever since the project was assigned, all right? I've gone over everything with him. I know that the potion is completely safe," said Hermione, annoyed. "Now that you both know you're not suffering alone, will one of you try my potion?"
And, to his own amazement as well as Ron's, Harry said, "I will, Hermione."
Hermione's face lit up. "You will? Oh, thank you Harry!" She looked as if she could have kissed Harry, and Harry was glad that she didn't. "I've got some right in the Common Room. It'll be quiet there, we can test it."
"Not now!" said Harry. He couldn't bare the thought of growing wings in the Gryffindor Common Room.
Hermione frowned. "Then when, Harry? Today's Sunday, we've got classes tomorrow!"
"Next Saturday. The classrooms will be empty," said Harry. He'd do anything not to have to do it in the Common Room.
Hermione looked outraged. "But, Harry! I can have my two parchments written by Friday if we do it now!"
"No, Hermione. I can't do it in front of the other Gryffindors," said Harry. "They'll never let me hear the end of it."
Hermione sighed. "Fine." And she fell silent, apparently pleased to have someone testing her potion, but aggravated that it would have to be so long until they tested the potion.
Harry could not believe what he had just done. He turned to Ron, who had an odd expression on his face. "What did you do that for, Harry?" he asked.
"I dunno. Really," said Harry. He was dreading Saturday.
That Saturday morning, Harry woke to see a blurred figure standing beside a bed with a huge ginger colored blur. Harry gasped, but then heard Hermione say, "Harry? It's me. I came to wake you up, to make sure that we have enough time."
Harry didn't want to ask what she needed enough time for.
"What's happening?" Harry heard Ron mutter sleepily.
"Nothing," Harry said, grabbing his glasses and putting them on. "Hermione just woke me up to try her potion. You can go back to sleep."
But then Ron was wide-awake. He told Hermione to leave so that he and Harry could get dressed.
Harry went red. "You really don't have to come…"
Ron said, "I want to. Seriously."
They both went down to the Common Room, where Hermione was waiting for them. They left, and found an empty Charms classroom.
Hermione shut the door as they came in, and then turned and smiled at Harry. In her hand was a bottle of baby-blue liquid. It looked thick and syrupy.
"Here it is," said Hermione, handing the bottle to Harry.
Harry opened the lid slowly, eyed the potion, and grimaced.
"It's not that bad!" said Hermione indignantly.
"Of course not, Hermione," said Harry.
He held his nose and tipped the bottle to his lips. He had to wait a minute for the thick potion to drizzle out onto his tongue. He had about half of the potion, and he closed the bottle, handing it back to Hermione.
He swallowed, and nearly gagged. It tasted strongly of pepper, a particularly hot pepper. Then it passed, and Harry felt fine.
"Is everything all right?" asked Hermione. "Do you feel anything?"
"No, not — "
A burning suddenly erupted in Harry's feet, and it worked its way up Harry's body. Harry then felt out-of-proportion. His legs felt really light. Harry realized that his bones in his legs had been hollowed out. Once this had happened to his whole body, Harry felt particularly light. Then, he felt sharp pains below both of his shoulder blades. The pain spread down his arm. Harry watched in horror as his fingers melted together and became feathers. His arms grew pale white, and feathers painfully sprouted over every inch of them.
All three of them gasped.
Harry had grown two pure-white wings, which were shaped perfectly.
Hermione stepped forward. She reached out, and asked, "Do you mind?" Harry shook his head, and Hermione stroked the wings.
"They're really soft," said Hermione. Her eyes were shining, and she looked very pleased. She took out a tape measure and measured from wingtip to wingtip, while Ron looked on sullenly. "They're four feet long!" Hermione announced after she was finished.
"Wow, that's something," Ron mumbled sarcastically.
Ignoring him, Hermione came back to the front of Harry. "Can you fly?" she asked. Then Harry noticed something in Hermione's hand that he hadn't seen before.
"Hermione, why do you have a camera?"
Hermione went red. "For — for pictures to put in my two rolls of parchment."
Harry said sternly, "Hermione, you are not taking pictures of me with wings."
Hermione rolled her eyes. "Let's not start this, Harry. Really. Could you just fly?"
"No. You're not giving Snape pictures of me with wings. It'll just be a matter of time before he shows the whole class. Malfoy will never let me live that down."
"I just want proof that you grew wings," said Hermione. He's not going to take my word for it."
Harry went deep red. "Fine, but I want to see the pictures before you use them."
"Fine. Just try to fly please."
Harry focused on flapping his wings and found that he was able to do so. He then gave a small leap off of the floor, and beat his wings furiously. He managed to stay up in the air, until he looked down at Ron and Hermione, and then he fell.
Hermione screamed, and Ron rushed to Harry. Harry was all right. Perhaps a little bruised, but all right. Then, Harry saw Mrs. Norris poke her head in the door. Harry grabbed his old robes and threw them over his shoulders and held his hands solidly at his sides.
Filch came a second after Mrs. Norris. He opened the door widely, and stared at the three of them.
"What are you three doing here?" he barked.
"We were —" Hermione searched for an excuse.
"We were taking pictures," Harry said, nodding toward Hermione's camera. "Pictures for — for her parents."
"Yeah," said Hermione.
"Really," said Ron.
Filch looked from Ron, to Hermione, to Harry. Then he asked, "Why are you doing this before breakfast?"
"She didn't want to take pictures of crowded classrooms," said Ron. "She just wanted pictures of Harry and me. For now."
Filch seemed to sense that they weren't telling him something, but he couldn't quite tell what. Finally, he said, "Fine. But I'm warning you three: If I find out that you're doing anything against the rules in here, I'll have you three expelled." He picked up Mrs. Norris, and left, slamming the door.
Harry, Ron, and Hermione breathed deep sighs of relief.
"I'm going to try and fly again," said Harry, dropping the robe covering his arms.
"Are you sure?" asked Hermione, concerned. Harry nodded.
Again, he took off. This time, he kept moving his wings no matter what. He actually became rather skilled at maneuvering.
Then, Ron glanced at his watch, frowned, and asked Hermione, "Hermione? How long does this potion last?"
Hermione was silent, but then said, very slowly, "Well — most potions last only an hour… but — "
Harry landed. "But what?" he asked.
Hermione looked very uncomfortable. "Well, there's only a sixty percent chance that it will last an hour."
Ron said, "That's a good chance. It's just — it's been nearly half an hour now. Breakfast starts in half an hour, and if Harry's wings don't go away — "
"Then I'm not going to breakfast," said Harry. "I'm not leaving this room until these wings are gone."
Hermione looked hurt. "Don't you like them?"
"They're fine, but the rest of the school will tease me forever if they even get wind that I'm in here with wings," said Harry. Then a thought stuck him. "Hermione? You didn't tell anyone I was testing your potion, did you?"
"No," said Hermione. "Of course not."
Harry, Ron, and Hermione began to sit in silence, waiting for the potion to wear off. Harry sat on a desk, waiting.
An hour passed, and the wings were still as if they were new. Two hours passed. They'd missed breakfast, and the wings were still there. Harry began to wonder if they would ever come off.
"Harry? Let's go see Madame Pomfrey," suggested Hermione. Madame Pomfrey was the Hogwarts nurse, and she was skilled at reversing spells. However, Harry wasn't about to leave the room. There was too great a chance that someone would see him on the way.
"No, I'm not leaving," said Harry. "It can't be too much longer, can it?"
Another hour passed… and another… finally Harry was hungry, and sick of staying in that room. He finally said, "All right. Let's go see Madame Pomfrey."
As he jumped down from the desk, he began to feel the burning in his shoulders again. The feathers disintegrated into nothing, and his arms returned to their normal color and form. Then, Harry felt the burning in his feet once more, and his bones filled in. He felt oddly heavy once they had. He sighed a breath of relief and heard Ron and Hermione do the same.