A/N: Sorry for taking so long, as I've mentioned before, summer is my most busy time of the year and I find myself with little free time. Happily, my summer contracts are over and I will have more time to write and do the things that I like to do. It was about time! I know some of you may think the same thing, and as long as I don't get called to do another major project, I'll be able to put aside some time to write and read more fanfics. Not many of you know, but I started a new story. The chapters are shorter than you're used to from this story, and the story is so much different than this one. I'll give you the address as soon as I start uploading it into (so far, it's only posted in ), or you will be able to find the link in my profile. Thank you all, especially to those of you who have been reading this story for ages, and welcome to those of you who are new to this story I hope you're all enjoying the story and I'll try to have the next chapter as soon as it can be edited. Alexa
Disclaimer: See previous chapters for a more detailed line, but in short, I own nothing.
Chapter 11 Bitter Clash
The week passed quickly for Harry. Between classes, schoolwork and Quidditch Practice, there was no room for worry or sorrow.
The closer the Griffindor vs. Slytherin Quidditch match came, the rivalry between the two houses grew. The outcome was greatly discussed among students, and even Professor McGonagall was seen on the edge as the day approached.
Harry remained optimistic, regardless of the fright and anxious state of the rest of the team. Half of the team was new, and the four who did have game experience had only been a part of the team for a year. Harry was the most experience member of the team and the others looked up to him.
Two days before the game, Ginny and Seamus were attacked by a group of zealous Slytherins as they chatted quietly about the game. As luck will have it, a group of D.A. members was nearby to help them, and the Slytherin attackers found themselves in the Hospital Wing with a furious Professor McGonagall.
Ron also found himself cornered, despite the fact that he was a Prefect and he was walking along a crowded corridor. To his relief, not only was Hermione nearby by, other Gryffindors who took offense to the fact that their keeper found himself between a wall and a wand.
After several violent occurrences, Harry called a meeting for the team in the Gryffindor Common room.
"I've just had enough!" He exclaimed angrily. "It has become rather obvious that Slytherin will do anything to win the match!"
"At this rate, the ones who'll be playing is the alternate team," grumbled Ron.
"Not even them," said Seamus angrily. "Only this morning somebody tried to push Colin down a staircase."
"I'm glad Professor Flitwick was there," said Colin, shuddering at the thought of what could have happened if the Charms Professor had not been present, "he saved me from a nasty fall."
"Accident my ass!" Ron exclaimed.
"Ron!" chided Ginny.
"Well! I just can believe they couldn't find who did it. That was no accident, it was on purpose."
"We know that, but we can't prove it," Alexander remarked. "The landing was full of students, it was the middle of the day and everybody wanted to go to the Great Hall for lunch."
"And I didn't see who did it," said Colin, "I only felt the push."
"Well, thankfully we didn't lose Colin, but we must be careful and keep our eyes open to any more attacks," said Harry. "I don't want to see any of you in the hospital wing with a serious injury. Believe me, it's not a happy experience."
"But what can we do? They're becoming bolder by the minute! They pushed Colin in the middle of the day in a crowded staircase. They even cornered Ron coming out of class and he's a Prefect," exclaimed Jack Sloper, who was becoming extremely scared as every attack was reported. "I never thought being part of the team was going to be so dangerous."
"If you don't like it, you can leave!" snapped Ron. "Colin or Dennis can take your place."
"Will everybody calm down?" yelled Harry above the noise the others were making as they bickered among themselves. "Nobody is leaving, and Jack has every right to be scared," he said, once silence had prevailed among the team members.
There were some commiserating mumbles.
"Keep your wand at the ready," said Harry. "And try not to be alone. We've been lucky that they haven't caught any of us on our own, otherwise, not all of us would be present here today. Professor McGonagall has assured me that she has the support of other professors and the ghosts to keep an eye on the corridors and the grounds. If anything happens, make sure that you tell a teacher immediately. Thankfully, nobody can get to the brooms, or they would no longer exist."
The others nodded. They were all wary of the Slytherins and did not wish to be caught unawares by one of their members.
"We only have two more days to go until the game," Harry said. "Try to keep out of trouble until then, they would love you to get detention to keep you from playing."
"Gits," somebody mumbled.
"Let them try," Seamus said. "They'll not take me out."
"That's right!" Several voices called out in unison.
"Too bad George and Fred aren't here anymore," Ginny said thought aloud, "they would've done something to even up the odds by now."
"Just send them an owl and let's see what they have to say on the matter," laughed Ron, also thinking of what their older brothers could've done to the Slytherins.
Everybody laughed thinking of the former beaters and legendary pranksters of Hogwarts.
"Well, let's get to dinner. And make sure you are not alone at any time," Harry said, dismissing his teammates.
"What do you reckon, Harry?" asked Ron as most of the team left the Common Room to travel to the Great Hall in search of their evening meal.
"I think Slytherin is becoming desperate. They haven't won a game against us for quite a while and the brooms have made them angry."
"And desperate times require desperate measures," said Hermione who had been sitting quietly at one corner of the room as the meeting had taken place. Nobody had seen her in her corner, and Harry and Ron had forgotten she had been there all along.
"You mean they'll continue their attacks?" Ron asked apprehensively.
"They'll try anything," Harry said angrily. "See what they tried to do with Colin."
"But we aren't sure that it was Slytherin!" argued Hermione reasonably. "Perhaps it was an accident."
"Don't be thick, Hermione, it was Slytherin all right!" Exclaimed Ron.
Hermione glared angrily at Ron but before she could retort, Harry spoke, "she's right, we can't prove anything. Nobody saw a thing, and the landing was crowded and everybody was in a hurry to get to the Great Hall. Colin might have felt a little push, but it could've been an accident."
"So what do we do?" Ron asked.
"As I said. Let's keep our eyes open and keep our wands at the ready," Harry replied.
--------------------
Nothing serious happened to the team on the next couple of days. But the rivalry between the two houses was as strong as ever.
Several students reported to Madam Pomfrey suffering from spells gone wrong during impromptu duels along the corridors. Filch pleaded constantly to Dumbledore to allow him to use extreme measures when he caught students using magic in the halls. And Professor McGonagall seemed cold when speaking with Professor Snape during meals; everybody believed she thought Snape allowed Slytherin to attack the members of the Gryffindor team.
Finally, the day of the match was upon them, and everybody was looking forward to it what would be a spectacular match.
Harry awoke early Saturday morning. The sun was rising and the sky was pink. Harry stretched his limbs as he lay on the bed. He could hear the soft humming and slight sounds Lotty made as he prepared the Quidditch robes Harry was to use for the game.
Harry slid the curtains open and left the bed.
"Good morning, Lotty!" he said with excitement.
"Good morning, Master Harry," Lotty piped. "Lotty has prepared Master Harry's robes, Sir."
"Thank you, Lotty," Harry smiled. "You can go and have some breakfast, you deserve some time off." He said, thinking only about the game they were due to play in a matter of hours. He barely noticed when Lotty bowed promptly before him and left.
Harry hurried into his robes and noticed something new in them, Lotty had placed a pin on his collar.
Harry looked at it closely, it had the golden Gryffindor Lion over a red shield, and an engraved C on the center. Harry smiled and looked at the back. There was a name and a set of dates.
James Potter: Gryffindor Captain 1974 – 1976.
Underneath was a new name:
Harry Potter: Gryffindor Captain 1996 –
Harry looked at the two names mesmerized. Throughout the years he had inherited some of his father's things: the invisibility cloak, the Marauders' Map, not to mention the land and monies that were left in the care of others until he was ready to care for them; but the appearance of this new item made him wonder about his father more than anything.
He knew his father had been a good Quidditch Player. Hadn't he heard Lupin, Sirius and others say the same thing? But what was his father really like? He only knew a little from the stories he heard from his father's friends, teachers, and of course, Snape. But they were not enough to give him a clear idea of what James Potter had been like in life. All the stories had been colored by the relationship other people had had with him. The teachers said he had been a good student, a prankster, and an intelligent boy. Lupin and Sirius had said he had been a good friend, their leader in their games and pranks and an excellent Quidditch player, while Snape had always made James Potter seem like an arrogant git, bully and mean spirited.
Harry didn't really know what to think of his father. But all the conflicting stories could only make his sadness greater. How could he possibly feel anger or pride in his own father if he had never had the opportunity to know him?
He was shaken from his thoughts by the sound of Ron's curtains sliding around the bed.
"How long have you been awake?" he asked with a yawn.
"For an hour maybe," said Harry looking at his disheveled friend.
Ron grunted sleepily as he turned to his trunk to start getting ready for the day.
Harry waited patiently. It wasn't until half an hour later when the two friends found themselves in the common room until they could go down to the Great Hall for their breakfast.
It didn't take long for the rest of the team to start making an appearance in the common room. When everybody was accounted for, Harry led the team out of the common room toward the Great Hall, each grasping a shinny Firebolt in the hand.
There was a lot of expectation in the air. Gryffindor and Slythering ate at oppoiste sides of the room, glaring at each other during the meal. Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw were making their support of Gryffindor clear, which made the animosity from Slythering much stronger.
Professor McGonagall's wary eye peered at them closely, it was clear she didn't want any problems before the game began. Snape sat stoic on his seat taking no notice of the heavy undercurrents felt throughout the Great Hall.
Harry was aware of the anticipation felt by every inhabitant of the castle, and it was making him nervous. Until that moment, his Captaincy had been an object of pride; now, he was cognizant of the fact that his reputation as Captain of the Gryffindor Team depended on the team's performance. If by chance, they lost the game, his term as Captain would not be a happy one. They needed to have a great performance that morning and win the match!
His appetite had abated, and Harry sat beside Ron and Hermione pushing his food around the plate.
"Aren't you going to eat anything?" asked Hermione looking at his plate.
"I'm not hungry," he said.
Hermione seemed to struggle with herself, as if deciding to urge him or not. At the end, she kept silent.
"I'm nervous," whispered Ron at Harry's other side.
"Don't say it," replied Harry, "I'm trying not to think about it."
"Sorry."
Harry looked around the table. It seemed that he and Ron were not the only ones that were nervous. Ginny was pushing her food around in her plate as well, Seamus was silent when he usually kept talking during the meals with Dean. The Creeveys seemed sick, Alexander played with his napkin, Michelle kept looking under the table to see if her broom was all right, and Andrew and Jack grasped their clubs tightly, taking no notice of their food. Damian was the only one who seemed to be enjoying his meal.
"Right!" exclaimed Harry, pushing his plate away from him.
The others looked at him abruptly.
Harry stood, "team, let's go."
The Gryffindor Quidditch team left the Great Hall as the sound of applause and cheers followed them out.
Harry led his team out of the castle. They hurried through the grounds to the Pitch, where the game was scheduled to begin in less than an hour.
They saw Hagrid cutting wood nearby, owls flying in and out the Owlry, and Madam Hooch walking to her office near the Quidditch Pitch.
In the changing rooms, everybody settled and looked expectantly at Harry to hear his pep talk.
"Er... Yes." He mumbled as he tried to get his tension under control. "I want everybody to take a deep breath." He ordered suddenly.
The others looked surprised but did as he asked.
"Good. Now, don't think about Cup or about Slytherin." He said. "Just go out there and have fun. We have the best team, the best brooms and the best talent."
"That's right!" Several exclaimed.
"Don't allow any of their tactics to scare you or distract you from our objective." Harry said
"What's our objective?" Dennis, the smallest member of the team, asked.
"To win, of course!" Exclaimed Seamus.
Harry laughed. "Of course. But also to show Slytherin that Gryffindors don't let themselves be bullied."
"Yay!"
"Now, I asked the alternates to be ready to play. We don't know when we might need them, but if the game gets rough, I might make some changes." Harry said looking at Ginny and Michelle.
"You are not going to bench me!" Snapped Ginny.
"I won't, unless it becomes necessary." Said Harry.
Ginny nodded curtly. It was clear that for a moment she had thought Harry was going to take her out of the lineup and allow Damian to play in her place.
The sounds of the clattering feet reached them. The rest of the school was arriving to see the game.
Harry took a deep breath. "All right. Here we go. Do your best, and we'll win," he said.
The team lined up behind him and they walked toward the door where they waited to be announced.
As Lee Jordan had left the previous year, a young Ravenclaw, Joshua McTale, had won the vacated position from dozens of hopefuls. Now, his voice was eager as he began the commentary.
"Welcome fellow Hogwarts students, and professors of course to the first and most anticipated game of the season!"
Cheers and boos were heard throughout the Pitch as red and green flags were waved in the stands.
"And here they are. The Rulers of the Pitch, the Kings of the Match, those brave players – Gryffindor!"
"Mount your brooms!" Ordered Harry as the door opened before them.
He led his team around the Pitch once before motioning the alternates to land and wait on the sidelines.
Joshua McTale was already announcing the Slytherin team. "– their opponents, here they are – Slytherin!"
The boos from three houses clashed against the excited cheers from the Slytherins.
Harry watched as the Slytherin Team flew around the Pitch before stopping and taking their place.
"Here comes Madam Hooch. The Snitch is released and the game begins!"
The cheers and screams from the audience urged the teams to do their best moves.
"Alexander Peters grabs the Quaffle. This Chaser is a new addition to the Gryffindor Team, Captain Harry Potter found himself with no Chaser section when he took over and has done his best to replace it. Peters passes to Ginny Weasley, the only chaser in the team with game experience. Weasley passes to Finnigan. Again to Peters. The Gryffindors' new brooms are doing their job as the chasers zoom toward the Slytherin keeper leaving their opponents way behind. Peter to Finnigan, here's the throw. Gryffindor scores! That's ten points to Gryffindor!"
Hundreds of red flags waved in the air as a groan sounded loudly from the Slytherin section. Gryffindor fans cheered and screamed happily.
"Slytherin has the Quaffle – " Joshua continued.
Harry was paying close attention to the commentary while his eyes were busily sweeping every corner of the Pitch in search of the Snitch.
He was aware that Malfoy was keeping close to him, hoping, Harry knew, to steal a march on Harry and get the Snitch first. Harry knew that it was Slytherin's only hope to win, as the brooms were doing their job and Slytherin had yet to be able to keep the Quaffle on their side.
"Another great steal by Gryffindor as Finnigan makes his way toward the Slytherin keeper. The Gryffindor keeper stays alert even though he hasn't had the opportunity to defend his hoops. Finnigan passes to Peters, Peters to Weasley, to Peters again. This lot is flying circles around the Slytherin chasers! Something to note fellow Ravenclaws as you prepare for the upcoming game."
Harry smiled amusedly as he heard Professor McGonagall's voice chiding the new commentator about being impartial.
"The Slytherin Chasers are having some problem keeping the Quaffle in their possession and keeping abreast of the Gryffindor's quick actions. Weasley in possession, passes to Finnigan. Score! That is their second goal of the match. Gryffindor twenty, Slytherin zero."
Harry glanced at Ron who was flying in circles around the hoops trying to relieve some of that unused energy.
He was happy to note that Andrew and Jack were doing well keeping the Bludgers away from their teammates. In fact, he had glimpsed some well-aimed hits toward the Slytherin beaters that kept them occupied and were not able to aim to the Gryffindor chasers as often as they should.
And then he saw it: a bright flash of light shinning a few yards from him. Harry knew immediately that it was the Snitch. Malfoy was still behind him but it seemed that he was too preoccupied watching his teammates than in what Harry was doing.
Instantly, Harry started to fly down at a great speed; as he had hoped, Malfoy followed him desperately. As Malfoy got closer to him, Harry instantly changed directions and flew toward the stationary Snitch near the Gryffindor hoops. Malfoy couldn't turn his broom as quickly as Harry had done as a result, he was too far by the time Harry stretched trying to reach the fluttering Snitch.
"Harry Potter caught the Snitch! Harry Potter caught the Snitch! After a brilliant game played, Gryffindor wins with 170 to zero!" Joshua announced as the Gryffindor's supporters cheered and jumped happily on the stands.
The team landed instantly and ran to embrace each other, happy that they had been victorious after their arduous training.
After a few congratulatory hugs and waves to their classmates, Harry led the enthused team back to the changing room. He was hoping to stay away from the furious Slytherin Team who didn't seem too happy about the turn of events.
"Oh, that was brilliant!" Exclaimed Michelle as they struggled into the changing room.
"It really was! Too bad you can't see yourselves playing. It was quite a sight." Said Damian beaming at his teammates.
"Slytherin didn't have a chance!" Squealed Dennis happily.
Harry smiled as the rest broke into excited chatter. He was happy that their effort paid off and their first game ended so well for them.
It was close to an hour after the game that Harry found himself along with the rest of the team on their way back to the castle.
Their entrance into the common room was received with cheers and applause. The usual after-victory party awaited them.
-----------------
Their loss against Gryffindor seemed to have embittered the Slytherins.
The frayed relationship between the two houses seemed close to a breaking point, and unfortunately, Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw seemed to be trapped in the middle.
Harry, Ron and Hermione were sitting among their classmates in the middle of the Gryffindor Table in the Great Hall one morning a few days after the exciting game.
"There's a meeting tonight. Did you know?" Hermione asked looking at Ron.
"Yeah, Ernie told me when I came in." Ron grumbled. "That's all I need, more meetings when I have a huge workload waiting for me."
"It wouldn't be so huge if you did your homework when you're supposed to." Hermione chided.
Ron glared at her but didn't reply. Harry was happy that he did so as he was not looking forward to their usual bickering, and he hated being in the middle.
"What are the teachers saying?" Asked Harry in an effort to keep them from fighting.
"Nothing so far." Ron grumbled.
"They're worried." Hermione replied.
"They should, it's been a week since the game and things aren't any better." Ron exclaimed.
"Maybe you'll know more after your meeting." Said Harry.
"I hope so. How am I suppose to keep an eye on the younger students if I have to clue about what to do?" Ron complained.
Hermione shook her head in exasperation. "You're hopeless sometimes." She said and grabbing her books she promptly left the table. "I'll see you in class." She called and started to make her way out of the Great Hall.
"What was that supposed to mean?" Asked Ron as he watched her leave.
Harry shrugged his shoulders, he had other things in his mind.
It was true that many students had been hurt around the castle before and after the game. He was the first to acknowledge that the relationship between the two houses was not as good as the Headmaster would wish, but their mutual apathy had never escalated to such heights.
"C'mon." Said Ron. "We better go to class."
Harry followed his friend out of the Hall. He turned to look back at the staff table and was not surprised to see Snape and McGonagall whispering excitedly at each side of Dumbledore.
--------------------
Things didn't get better for the inhabitants of the castle. The afternoon sky turned black and cloudy as storm clouds spread through the area. Students took one look at the dark clouds and many decided to stay within the warm confines of the castle instead of braving the elements and take a walk through the grounds.
Harry and Ron were among those who chose to stay inside as they grabbed ownership of one of the many tables near the fireplace in the Gryffindor Common Room. Hermione had expressed her wish to go to the Library in search of some needed textbooks while the boys began the day's schoolwork.
"When do you have to go for your meeting?" Harry asked as he pushed his parchment aside tiredly.
"After dinner." Ron said. "Still some hours away."
"Do you reckon they want to talk about the attacks?" Harry asked curiously.
"I reckon they do. It's about time they did something, only this morning a first year broke her arm when she slipped in a puddle of slime." Ron said.
"I know. Hermione told me. Luckily, Hermione was nearby to stop any further damage." Harry replied.
Ron nodded. "Such a tiny little thing, the first year I mean. Hermione had me carry her to the infirmary, didn't weigh much."
"She'll be alright, Madam Pomfrey can fix a bone in seconds." Harry said confident in the nurse's skills as he had been in her care on several occasions.
"She did. The first year was in the Great Hall by lunch. Hermione was angry though, furious, really." Ron grinned. "You should've seen her, I wager she would've hexed whoever was responsible if she had know who it was."
"What are you talking about?" Asked Ginny who stood before them.
"None of your business!" Snapped Ron, annoyed rather than angry.
Ginny glared at her brother angrily but opted to look at Harry instead. "Do you know where Hermione is?" She asked.
"The library." Said Harry promptly.
"Where else is she going to be?" Said Ron. "You know Hermione, I bet she knows that Library from corner to corner."
"Never mind. I'll speak to her later." Snapped Ginny and walked away to join her friends at the other side of the room.
"What was that about?" Ron questioned looking at his sister who was shaking her head and talking closely to the other fifth years.
"Dunno. Probably wanted Hermione to help them study for their O.W.L.s." Harry said with a shrug.
It wasn't long until Hermione made an appearance in the common room.
"What took you so long?" Asked Ron the moment she sat at the table with them.
Hermione's eyebrows shot up in surprise. She looked at Harry who just shook his head to her and continued working on the parchment before him.
"What's wrong?" She asked Ron.
"Ginny was looking for you." Was all he said and dropped his eyes to the inert parchment before him.
"I'll see her about it later." Hermione said and started piling books on the table.
"What's all this for?" Asked Ron looking at the stack of books with disgust.
"Research, of course. I couldn't bring all the books I wanted but these will be enough to give me enough background for my paper." She said pulling one of the books toward her and started reading.
Ron turned an incredulous look on Harry.
"You should be used to it by now." Whispered Harry.
----------------
Dinner was rather quiet compared to the usual dinners at Hogwarts. People were whispering among each other and a few were too lost in their own thoughts to pay attention to their neighbors. The students were not the only ones who seemed preoccupied; the teachers seemed concerned as they sat around the staff table keeping an eye on their students.
Harry himself was playing with his food. Their Experimental Charms class combined with their Defense Against the Dark Arts lesson that afternoon and had been very strenuous and exhausting. But he loved the idea of learning magic that he would never had seen unless he was part of the elite group of Aurors.
"My arms are sore." Mumbled Ron.
"Well, what did you expect, we're dueling now in Experimental charms. You know how physical dueling can be." Hermione was saying.
Harry snorted with derision. He knew by experience how physical dueling with dark wizards could be and he was glad that he was getting trained in the art.
"I know. I was just saying." Snapped Ron rotating his shoulders a bit to ease the soreness in his upper arms.
"We'll be doing some dueling at the D.A. meeting this weekend." Said Harry. "Lupin agreed to take over that session."
"You didn't want to do it?" Asked Ron with surprise.
"Of course not. I don't think I have the experience to show a proper duel." Exclaimed Harry.
"You have more experience than everybody in the school combined!" Said Ron.
"Indeed you do, Harry." Agreed Hermione. "But I suppose I understand why you prefer to have Lupin take over that lesson." She continued.
"I want to master the art, you see." Harry explained. "I may have done it before, but, I want to learn how to do it properly."
"Of course you do." Said Hermione. "Everybody wants to learn how to do it properly, don't they? I mean, it's a matter of life and death, isn't it?"
Harry continued his meal in silence. Dueling was indeed a matter of life and death, as he knew quite well, and he wanted to learn from it as much as he could. He couldn't forget the words of the prophecy, he was destined to fight Voldemort, and he refused to go into it without knowing how.
And quite without meaning to, the memory of the last time he was involved in a duel came to mind. The memory of the events in the Department of Mysteries were still clear in his mind. He tried to push the memories aside but it was harder to do so than he had expected.
"Harry?" Hermione's voice broke through his thoughts.
He turned to look at her. "Hmm?"
"Something wrong?" She asked as she peered closely into his face.
"No." He replied. "Nothing wrong."
"Are you sure? Ron and I have been calling your name and you didn't answer." Said Hermione looking worriedly at him.
"I'm fine." He said.
"You didn't have another vision, did you?" Asked Ron with concern.
"No." Harry said.
"Harry – "
"I'm fine, Hermione." He said abruptly. He saw Ron and Hermione share a look before turning back to look at him.
"We're leaving for the meeting." Hermione explained. "We'll see you in the common room later."
"All right." Mumbled Harry and watched them leave the table in a hurry.
Harry sighed and pushed the plate aside. There was no reason for him to remain and without saying a word to any of those around him, left the table and the Great Hall behind.
The common room was starting to fill by the time Harry climbed through the portrait hole. He looked around and saw the small groups forming around the room. Some people saw him and waved to him to join them, but Harry wasn't feeling like staying and make conversation.
He climbed the staircase toward the sixth year boys' dormitory. He knew he could be alone there as he had glimpsed Dean and Seamus in the common room and Neville had stayed behind in the Great Hall. It would be some time yet until one of his roommates returned to get ready for the night.
But he hadn't counted on Lotty, he found the elf tidying his trunk. His robes were ironed and folded neatly on top of each other, his shirts and trousers pressed and folded, his socks and underclothing bundled in a corner and his books stacked. Harry could glimpse the invisibility cloak and the Marauder's Map semi-hidden underneath his clothes and the various trinkets he had collected over the years placed neatly between the books.
"Er...thank you, Lotty. You can go once you're done." Said Harry as he noticed that the elf was almost done with his tidying.
"As you wish, Master Harry." He elf squeaked with a small bow.
Harry walked to his bed and found a package waiting for him. "What's this?" He asked, lifting the package full of curiosity. He was not used to receiving packages at school from anybody, until recently that is, as Mrs. Nichols began sending boxes of pastries every few days. But those usually arrived in the morning mail, with the rest of the mail received at the school, none had been delivered in any other form, except for the brooms.
"It was sent from the Manor, Master Harry." Lotty explained.
"But why didn't it arrived with the morning mail?" Asked Harry starting to open the package.
"Lotty thought Master Harry would prefer to open it here, was Lotty wrong?" Asked the elf with concern.
Harry looked at the small frame in his hands. It was a picture of his parents, placed in an ornate frame of gold. They were standing by the lake in the Manor grounds, the sun was shining brightly and the flowers were blooming all around them. They looked carefree and happy.
"You weren't wrong, Lotty," whispered Harry.
He heard the elf finish up his duties and the sharp crack that announced his disappearance.
There was a note with the picture and he read it quickly.
Master Harry,
This was found among your mother's things in the London house and I thought you would like to have it with you. The frame is enchanted to change pictures every time you touch the roses engraved around the frame, every rose for a different picture. Your mother had it made when their marriage approached. I hope you enjoy it.
Your servant,
Mrs. Nichols.
Harry looked at the frame closely for the first time. There were indeed roses all around the frame. He touched one and saw the picture change. This time, it was Sirius' face smiling up at him.
He touched another. The picture changed once more. This time it was an older picture as he could see four teenagers waving from the photo. Harry looked at faces eagerly, he had seen those faces before in the pensive. His father, Sirius, Lupin and Pettigrew were punching each other and laughing happily, Harry smiled.
He touched another rose and this time a photo of three girls appeared. He instantly recognized his mother, but he didn't know who the other two were. He could only assume that one of them was Professor Holmes.
He spent more than an hour looking at each appearing photo. There were many people he didn't recognize, and a few he did. He was determined to ask Professor Lupin about them, he was sure to know who they were.
The sound of footsteps snapped him from his fascination with the frame. He placed the frame on the left corner of his bed and hurriedly changed and climbed into the bed, drawing the curtains just before the door opened.
"Harry?" He heard Ron whisper. "Are you awake?"
Harry didn't respond. He was watching toward the frame where he knew the picture of his parents had appeared once more. Even though he couldn't see it through the darkness, he somehow felt safety envelope him.
---------------
The sound of Ron changing and climbing into bed reached him. He sighed silently and settled for the night.
"Harry! Harry!"
Harry mumbled and snuggled deep into his pillows, but the two voices calling his name kept intruding.
"Harry! Harry!"
"Hmm..." Harry pulled the covers over his head.
"Harry, you better get up!" A female voice said rather sharply.
"Shuddup!" Harry mumbled.
"You better apologize to your mum, Harry!"
"What?" Harry awoke abruptly. A sliver of light was streaming through a small opening in the cutains.
"Now Harry, dear, you're going to be late!" The voice said once more.
Harry looked around him in confusion. "Who's that?" He asked as he rubbed his eyes with his knuckles.
He looked around the bed once more. It was just as it always was in the morning. The curtains were still drawn around the bed, the pillows stood against the headboard and the sheets were strewn around the mattress.
"Down here!" Another voice said. "You're not a morning person, are you?"
Harry looked cautiously at the corner of the bed the voices were coming from he was sure he was imagining things, or at the very least he was still dreaming.
His eyes fell on the picture frame he had received last night from the Potter's housekeeper. He could see the two figures of his parents looking at him.
"We're speaking to you, Harry!" He heard his father's photographic figure say. "You're going to be late. Your roommates have been coming and going for some time now, you know."
Harry looked at the picture with surprise. "I must be dreaming." He mumbled as he rubbed his eyes with his hands.
He looked at the picture again. He could see his mother and father looking at him. James Potter seemed amused while Lily Potter looked a little concerned.
"Harry, dear, you need to eat some. Mrs. Nichols said you tend not to eat as much as you should." His mother's figure said.
Harry scrambled from the bed in a hurry, getting caught in the curtains for a moment before finally finding his way out of the bed.
"Harry? Something wrong?" Asked Ron who at that moment was just coming out of the bathroom. "I was about to wake you up. We don't want to miss breakfast."
"Er...yeah." Harry mumbled as he looked at the picture, which had fallen to his pillow as he fought his way out of the curtains.
"What are you looking at?" Asked Ron who was becoming a little concerned about Harry's lack of attention.
Ron walked gingerly toward the bed. It was clear he saw nothing amiss as he looked at Harry with a question in his eyes.
"The frame," Harry whispered.
Ron looked back into the bed and promptly saw the frame laying on top of the pillow. He took it carefully and turned it over to see what had scared his friend.
The young couple in the photo waved at him. "Hello!" They said.
Harry looked at Ron, had he heard them?
"Nice." Ron said looking at Harry. "I hadn't seen it before."
"Just got it. Mrs. Nichols sent it last night." Harry said.
Ron looked at the photo again.
"You must be Harry's friend," Lily Potter said.
"Yes, I am," said Ron and placed the frame on the stand next to the bed. "Are you going to get ready now?"
Harry looked at Ron silently. "Did you hear her?" He asked cautiously.
"Of course, I did. Harry, are you all right?" Asked Ron.
"I thought I was losing my mind when I heard them speak." Said Harry sitting on his bed with a sigh.
"Why would you think that? Harry, you should be used to speaking photos by now." Laughed Ron. "We live in Hogwarts, where everybody in paintings and pictures move and speak."
"Yes, but I'm not used to hearing by dead parents." Snapped Harry. "And the pictures at the Manor didn't speak."
"Not all of them do." Explained Ron looking a little amused. "Some are just like all the rest. They just move but are not charmed to speak. The ones that are charmed, are a lot more expensive but common enough."
Harry looked over at the frame once more. He could see the image of his parents listening closely to their conversation.
"I think I better keep the frame in my trunk." Said Harry. "I don't fancy my parents' picture looking every moment I spend in here."
"Hey!" James yelled.
"What are you planning to do that you don't want us to see?" demanded Lily.
Harry took the frame and placed it gently among the folded clothes in his trunk while Ron laughed with amusement.
--------------------
Half an hour later, Harry and Ron stepped down the stairs to find Hermione waiting for them.
"What took you so long?" She asked.
"It's not too late." Said Ron. "We still have half an hour left of breakfast."
"But you two are usually early on Saturdays, you have Quidditch practice today, remember?" She commented as they stepped out of the portrait hole and started making their way toward the Great Hall.
"We remember." Said Harry. "We're not likely to forget, are we?"
The Great Hall was full of breakfasting students. They were all divided in groups chatting and laughing at their own jokes or those of their companions.
"But we couldn't get the Pitch this morning, only in the afternoon." Explained Ron. "So I figured I could do with a bit of a lay in."
They had reached the Gryffindor Table and found an open space in the middle. They had just begun to pile food into their plate, when the flapping of wings overhead indicated the arrival of the morning mail.
The owls swooped into the hall. Some struggling with heavy packages as others flew in with ease as letters and notes were attached to their legs.
Harry was used to having Hedwig coming in empty-handed, but she usually just came to greet him every morning. This time, he was a little surprised to find that Hedwig was one of those owls struggling to keep flight with a large package.
"What do you got there, Potter? I would be careful if I were you." Leered Malfoy from the Slytherin Table as some students noticed the snowy owl landing swiftly before her master.
"Sod off, Malfoy!" Many in the Gryffindor Table replied.
Harry was stroking Hedwig gently, who hooted happily, looking pleased with herself that she had arrived with her master's mail.
"Thank you, Hedwig." Said Harry, offering his goblet of milk to Hedwig who drank pleasantly from it.
There were many eyes turned toward the packaged, as few noticed to fail the large size of the package and as Harry, they were all aware that Harry rarely had any mail, except for the few small packages that the Manor's housekeeper started sending that semester, that usually carried some pastries and sweets made by Otty, the Manor cook-elf, who made them just for that purpose.
Harry took the package gingerly and started to peel the wrapper from around it. A small valise was uncovered. On both sides was a monogram with a large P and the family coat of arms.
Attached was a note from Mrs. Nichols.
Master Harry,
Thought you might like to have this. It belonged to your father when he was still at Hogwarts.
Your servant,
Mrs. Nichols.
"What would I use it for?" Asked Harry. "Everything I have fits perfectly well in my trunk." But he sounded pleased nonetheless. "She seems to be doing some cleaning, she's been sending me some of my parents' stuff in the last couple of days."
"It looks like it has something inside." Ron said as Harry flapped open the valise and glimpses of cloth were easily discerned.
Harry looked to see what was inside. What he found were a couple of everyday wizard robes, both were black, with red lining and golden embroidered collars.
"Why did she send this?" Harry asked, pulling one of the robes out of the valise.
"She knows you wear Muggle clothing when not in school robes." Hermione said. "Most wizards raised in the wizard world have at least a robe for everyday wearing."
"You didn't bring any, did you?" Asked Ron who had turned his attention back to his food. "And I know Lotty had ordered some everyday robes for you when we got to the Manor, Mum told me."
"Yeah, but I'm not used to wearing wizard robes." Harry said, stuffing the robe back into the valise.
"She must think you should have some, just in case." Said Hermione.
Harry shrugged and placed the valise under his feet before turning his attention to his food. Hedwig had long gone back to the Owlry to rest and around the Hall, many students turned to share their news from home with their friends.
Harry, Ron and Hermione returned to the common room after they finished their breakfast. Harry hurried to take the valise up to the boys' dormitory, while Hermione and Ron sat in their customary seats around the fireplace.
Harry found them bickering at his return.
"I told you they would." Ron was saying.
"I think we were all expecting that they would, Ron." Hermione replied.
"What are you fighting about now?" Asked Harry, taking a seat beside Ron.
"Nothing!" Snapped Ron.
"I don't think he understood the purpose for last night's meeting, that's all." Hermione said bluntly.
"I did too. I just don't see why we need to know everything they spoke of." Ron complained. "We would've been in bed earlier if they hadn't kept us for so long."
"What was the meeting about?" Asked Harry with some curiosity.
"The usual." Said Ron. "Patrol schedules, hall monitoring. You know, same as always."
"They spoke about the attacks as well." Hermione said. "It looks like some of the pictures saw a student walking around the castle late at night. But the teachers said they will deal with it. They don't want us to get involved."
"I still think it's a Slytherin." Ron said.
"We know what you think, Ron." Said Hermione. "You don't need to remind us."
"We'll know soon enough." Said Harry. "Once they know who is responsible, everybody'll know."
"You're right, and there is no reason for us to stay here and discuss it when we know nothing about it. We should be finishing our work." Hermione exclaimed. "We have that paper to write for Professor Holmes, not to mention the one for Lupin. And I must start my research for the Potions paper due in two weeks."
Ron groaned loudly. "Please, don't mention work. Teachers are being evil this year. We've had more worked assigned in the last weeks compared to last year. And we don't even have exams yet, we've only started the year."
"What did you expect? We're on N.E.W.T. level classes now. Work should be getting harder as we continue." Hermione said, pulling out her book bag, which she had hidden in the common room that morning before leaving for breakfast.
"I don't know how Fred and George did it." Grumbled Ron looking at Hermione taking out the books and parchment she would use to begin her work. "They didn't seem to be overworked when they were here."
Hermione scoffed. "Of course they didn't. I don't think they did one single thing on their last two years here."
Harry laughed. "Well, you have to admit, they have done very well for themselves." He said. "And they didn't need to know what they studied for their N.E.W.T.s at the end, did they?"
"Fred says mum was barking mad when they arrived home after they left." Ron said. "Wanted them to come the very next day. But they said they would leave home if she made them. I think that's what changed her mind. She didn't want them to leave home."
"Was she still very angry when you got home?" Hermione asked, as Harry sat in silence listening to what his friends had to say.
"A little, but she had seen the shop, you see, and they were doing very well with it. I don't think she minds now." Ron replied. "Although I think she was glad to know that the money had come from you, Harry. I think she was afraid that the twins had gotten the money from Dung or one of his sort."
"She didn't mind it at all?" Asked Harry with some surprise.
"I don't think so, George said she didn't. He said she was pleased that you had been the one to give them the money. Said she told them to make sure they did something to show their appreciation in some way." Ron said.
Harry flushed with pleasure. He was happy to know that his actions didn't hurt Mrs. Weasley at all. "They don't need to do that. I didn't want the money, and I don't need it." He said.
"You two better get your things, we have so much to go over this weekend." Hermione said looking over her notes.
Harry and Ron shared an exasperated glance before returning to their dormitory to gather their books.
It wasn't until some hours later that Hermione called a halt to their studies and began to gather their books.
"Lunch should be served soon. We shall continue after." She said as she started clearing the table.
"Sorry, Hermione." Said Ron. "But we won't be joining you after lunch. We have Quidditch practice."
"Alright, I suppose we do need a bit of a break." Said Hermione finishing putting away her things.
They hurried to leave their materials to their respective dormitories and met once more in the common room before going down to their midday meal.
--------------------------
Everybody seemed to be in the Great Hall. Laughter and conversation permeated the room as students chatted and laughed with their friends.
Harry, Ron and Hermione hurried to get a seat in the Gryffindor table. They found it at the end, near Neville and Ginny.
"About time you came down." Said Ginny, sliding a little to make room for them. "When I asked if you were coming to lunch, you lot just grunted at me."
"Sorry, Ginny. Didn't hear you." Said Ron pulling his plate eagerly toward him.
"I figured." Ginny said.
"We were just working in the paper for Professor Snape." Hermione explained. "I guess we became a little too occupied by it."
Neville groaned across from them. "You have no idea how pleased I was to get an Acceptable in Potions! I wasn't too keen in taking Potions anymore, but I didn't want to do poorly in it either, my granny wouldn't have been too pleased!"
"Wished I could, but Mum would kill me if I did, especially since I barely made it in," said Ron sadly.
Harry could well imagine Mrs. Weasley's relief when the O.W. L. results had been delivered and showed that Ron did far better than they had expected. After what happened with the twins, Harry knew that Mrs. Weasley had been rather disappointed and was looking to Ron to redeem the family name.
The meal continued uninterrupted. Harry's thoughts were soon lost planning the upcoming Quidditch training session and the D.A. meeting the next evening.
A/N: I hope you enjoyed that chapter. Thanks to Ashley (aka Vamperfly) for being my beta for this chapter, she's also taking a look at the first chapter of my new fic. The next chapter will be ready soon enough. Thank you all for reading and please review. If you want to add something for Ashley, go ahead!