-Reviews-
Dark lil Draco- Really! I am honored! Thanks for the wonderful comment.
Kilikapele- Yes, that comment about Sirius was totally uncalled for. Bad Harry! But you're right. It might deepen the bond between 'James' and Snape. heehee
FallenPhoenix721- Wai, thank you! Please read on.
iamtherealmaverick- Read and find out.(wink)
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-Thank you, reviewers!
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Part 10
Hogwarts groud
August 18th, 2005.
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They have finished shopping for Harry and used a portkey to return to Hogwarts. Both Hermione and Ron frowned when Harry had no idea what size he wore. He never had to know since all he got was Dudley's old clothes. After three stores, Harry had enough clothes for the entire year.
"Thank you,... but you didn't have to buy this much... Um... I'm sure I can pay you back when the... uh.. older me gets back."
"You don't need to worry with things like that, Harry. Besides, this is nothing compared to our kids' shopping."
Hermione smiled.
Ron opened the door to Harry's room and dropped all the bags on the sofa.
"You haven't set your password yet?"
Harry turned to the tall redhead.
"...Do I need to?"
Harry really wanted to know what happened to the Death Eaters. He got the part where he killed Voldemort, but what happened to his followers? Are they all captured? Is the Wizarding World safe at this time? He was hoping to get some answers while being here.
"No, you don't need to. But we could all use some privacy now and then."
Hermione saw the worried look in Harry's eyes and smiled. She squeezed his small shoulder and guided him out.
"Come on, it's a little late but let's grab some lunch. I'm starving!"
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As soon as they entered the Great Hall, Harry saw the smiling half-giant.
"Hagrid!"
He ran and jumped up to embrace Hagrid's neck as he kneeled down.
"'ello, H'arry! It's good to see ya!"
Hagrid picked Harry off his feet and twirled him around.
Harry was so happy and relieved to see the gamekeeper safe and sound. He could feel his eyes burning from the overwhelming sensation and held tight as he buried his face in the broad shoulder.
"It's so good to see you too, Hagrid."
There were great weights to his words and Hagrid nodded as he stroked the small back.
The half-giant was the first one to introduce Harry to the Wizarding World, and the first one to show him kindness and love. Not all students liked Hagrid and some were afraid of his great size, but that never mattered to Harry. He figured since Hagrid had so much love, his body had to be bigger to contain them all.
"Hey, how come we didn't get that sort of hug?"
Ron teased as the teary eyed Hermione elbowed him in the rib. They both knew how special Hagrid was to Harry and he'll always have a special place in his heart for the gentle giant.
Hagrid slowly approached the head table and patted Harry's back.
"I think you sho'uld eat, H'arry. I can hear your stom'ach roaring."
Harry laughed as he was gently placed on he chair next to Hagrid's. Right then, a house-elf appeared.
"Winky, could you bring us some lunch please?"
Ron asked as he sat on the other side of Harry.
"Sorry for being late. I'll help."
Hermione rushed out the door as the house-elf named Winky followed and tried to stop her.
"She hasn't changed at all, has she mate?"
Ron poured himself some juice.
"Not one bit," Harry took the glass Ron poured for him, "is.. Winky new? And how's Dobby?"
"The little guy's doing fi'ne," Hagrid answered, "and he's the one who help'ed Winky from Crouch's place-"
"Hagrid!"
Ron held out his hand to stop Hagrid from talking.
"Oh... uhh.. Sorry, Ron.."
Hagrid nodded and wisely sealed his mouth.
"Who's Crouch? Is he a Death Eater?"
Harry turned to Hagrid, eyes full of interest.
"Sorry, mate... We can't really talk about him…"
Ron placed his hand on Harry's shoulder.
"Oh..."
Harry slowly turned to the entrance door as Hermione and Winky walked in with plates.
"Where's Dobby?"
"Right here, Harry Potter, sir."
Dobby appeared before Harry's eyes with a pitcher and three cups.
"Hi, Dobby!"
Harry extended his arms to hug but the table was in the way. He settled for shaking the small shribbly hand instead.
"It's good to see you, young Harry Potter, sir."
Dobby smiled as he held Harry's hand. The house-elf didn't change much except he had more clothes on and didn't stutter as much. He looked very confident and didn't even flinch as Harry touched him.
"It's good to see you too, Dobby. You look good."
Harry smiled back, very content that the house-elf he rescued from Malfoy changed in a good way. He didn't get to see Dobby much in his third year because he was busy thiking of Sirius and Remus.
"Make some space. We're having Korean barbecue."
Hermione placed the big plate full of delicious looking beef.
"Korean barbecue?"
Harry leaned into the wonderful smell.
"That's right.. you haven't tried it yet, have you?" Hermione laughed as she put small plates in front of Harry and Ron, "you'll love it once you try it."
"It smells so good."
Harry's mouth watered as he put severalpieces on his plate. He was ready to dig in as Ron interrupted.
"No, mate. You wrap it around the lettuce."
Ron picked up a piece of lettuce and spread the chilly miso paste. He wrapped the barbecue beef and handed it to Harry.
"Now try it."
Harry immediately took a big bite of the strange new food. As he chewed the flavorful beef, he could also taste a hint of spiciness. It was a whole new experience, and he loved it.
"This is delicious!"
Hermione and Ron smiled knowingly as they started to make their own. They knew Harry would love it since it was one of his favorite food…. He just didn't know it yet.
"Care to join us, Hagrid?"
Hermione asked, but the half-gaint shook his head.
"Already ate, thanks. Well, H'arry I be'tter be going. Come by later. I have new creatures I want to show ya."
Hagrid patted Harry's shoulder and stood up.
"Okay. See you later, Hagrid."
Harry replied with his mouthful and waved his hand as thegamekeeper left.
Harry didn't speak as he wrapped more beef and continued to eat. He didn't realize how hungry he was until he had his first bite and now, he couldn't stop. He was on his eighth one when his stomach finally calmed down. He noticed Hermione and Ron had already finished and was drinking tea.
"Done already, mate?"
Ron asked.
"I'm stuffed!"
Harry stroked his stomach and took a sip of pumpkin juice.
"Heh, you usually finish the whole plate."
Ron smiled. Harry stared at the remaining beef in shock.
"You're kidding!"
"No he's not, Harry. You always make the elves happy because you practically clean the dishes for them."
Hermione laughed.
"Unlike you, I always have to watch what I eat," Ron glared at Harry, "no matter how much you eat, you don't gain a pound! It really really sucks, you know that?"
"That's because he's always excercising, dear. He's dealing with thousands of energetic kids every day."
Hermione patted Ron's stomach teasingly. Harry laughed as he wiped his mouth with a napkin.
"Is there anything else you need, Harry? We could go shopping again if you want."
Hermione asked as she helped Winky stack the plates.
"No, no.You bought me more than I need, thank you," Harry bit his lower lip before opening his mouth again, "… but there is something I want to.. ask."
Hermione's hands stopped for a second before resuming on her task while Ron put his cup down.
"..What do you want to know, mate?"
"What…- where's… Sirius?"
Harry turned to Ron. The tall redhead looked away from the intense stare. Harry's heart skipped a beat.
"Is.. he.."
"He's with Remus, Harry."
Hermione offered as she continued to aid Winky, but the house-elf sensed the tension surrounding the three humans and hastely disappeared with some plates.
"Then.. why hasn't he come to visit me?"
Harry quietly turned to Hermione.
"He-.. well, ..you don't want him to risk being caught, do you mate?"
Ron still had his eyes towards the large window.
"Sirius is still on the run?"
Harry stood from his chair in disbelief.
"No, Harry. Sirius was officially proven innocent by the Ministry and given a full pardon," Hermione glared at her husband, "Peter Pettigrew was caught and the Ministry forced him a Veritaserum. He's free from all the charges, Harry."
Hermione gave him a smile. But Harry could detect a bit of sorrow in her eyes.
"..Then... he's safe to come visit me, right?"
Harry narrowed his eyes at them both. Why were they hiding something concerning Sirius? Especially to him?
"I'm afraid not... Though... most.. of the Death Eaters are in Azkaban, there are quite a few still on the loose. Sirius is high on their hit list."
"Higher than me?"
'I deeply doubt that.' Harry thought. Why would they target Sirius if he was the one who destroyed their lord? Wouldn't they come after him first?
"Harry...," Hermione sighed and looked at her husband who gave her a slight nod, "Sirius... he's... not well..."
"He's ill?"
Harry almost yelled.
"...Yes," Hermione faced the floor, "he was.. cursed by one of the Death Eaters.. He can't be cured..."
That was all Harry got. His two friends didn't say another word after that..
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Harry was heading straight to the headmaster's office without knowing why...
But in truth, he knew exactly why he was headed there. As he saw the familiar gargoyle, he stopped a few feet away.
'Arghh... Damn.. I don't know the password...' Harry cursed to himself as he crossed his arms.
Should he yell and get his attention? What if he wasn't there? He thought for a while but figured standing there like an idiot won't solve anything. As he took a step towards the gargoyle, it suddenly moved and the stairs ascended.
"P..Professor?"
Harry took a step back as he thought the headmaster was coming down.. But no one seemed to be using the stairs. He slowly advanced and looked up. No presense there either. He gulped and slowly began to climb.
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"Enter."
He heard the silky voice before he could knock the large door. Harry took a deep breath and gradually opened the door.
"..Hello, professor."
Harry made sure the headmaster knew who was entering before doing so. He cautiously peeked his head in and saw Snape sitting at his desk.The professor looked up from the parchment he was writing on.
"Well?"
"Huh?... Oh, right. Sorry."
Harry quickly entered and closed the door behind him. He was relieved Snape didn't seem surprised to see him. He almost looked as though he was expecting him, just like Dumbledore. Snape turned back to the parchments as he continued to glance through.
"Uh, if you're busy.. I can come back later.."
Harry fleetly turned back to open the door but Snape spoke.
"I will not be here later. I am leaving shortly."
Harry turned to see Snape still looking at the task at hand.
"Then, I'll come when you get back."
Finally, Snape looked up.
"I will be gone for a week so stop acting like a dunderhead and spill out whatever is in your mind."
Harry nodded and straightened his body towards the headmaster.
"..It's about Sirius... Sir."
"Oh?"
Snape answered casually as he turned his attention on the parchment below the one he was working on.
"What happened to him? ..Is he... alright?"
"Didn't you ask the Weasleys?"
Snape countered.
Harry nodded.
"Yes.. They said he was cursed and cannot be cured."
"... So why are you here?"
Snape began to write once more. Harry was very uncomfortable with this Snape. Not that he was comfortable with the Snape back in his time, but it felt odd that his former potions professor was acting civil towards him. It was like talking to a perfect stranger. Instead of seeing onyx eyes filled with hatred, Harry saw nothing but indifference in Snape's expression. It made him shiver a little.
"I'm sorry, professor.. It looks like I've caught you in a bad time...," Harry shook his head, "it's not that important anyway."
Harry started at the knob as Snape sighed.
"But it was important enough to come marching in the office of a fearful professor?"
Harry froze at the words. Did Snape read his thoughts?
"Besides, this is all your doing, Potter," Snape pointed at the parchments, "since you're gone for a whole entire year, I have to arrange for a substitute... Which you arrogantly appointed yourself."
Harry smiled as the familiar mocking tone surfaced in Snape's voice. He felt a little at ease.
"Ron."
Harry simply said. He heard from Ron that the older Harry had asked him to be his replacement before he went back in time.
Snape nodded annoyingly.
"Yes, Ron... - ...So," he took a sip of his coffee, "you were saying about your godfather?"
Harry hesitated for a moment but made up his mind and looked at Snape.
"What really happened to him?"
"You would believe my words over Weasleys'?"
Snape lifted his eyebrow.
Harry nodded.
"Yes. I do. No offense, professor, but you'd care the least about Sirius' welfare and my feelings towards him."
As soon as he said it, Harry detected a bit of shock and.. something else in Snape's eyes, but quickly disappeared.
"Indeed. But all I can add is that Pettigrew has been captured and Black was given a full pardon."
Harry shook his head.
"They told me that already, sir."
"Then perhaps that is all you need to know."
Snape went backto signing the parchments.
Frustration and anger was rising in Harry's stomach as he glared at Snape. Why wasn't he allowed the truth about his own godfather? What was so important that even Snape was reluctant to tell him?
"Careful, Potter. You might combust."
Snape commented without looking up.
That remark alone should have made him spontaneously combust, but Harry felt calm and the tension on his shoulders relaxed. Maybe because Snape was talking to him in that mocking tone again? Harry wasn't sure.
"Then, can I at least write to Remus?"
Harry finally asked.
Snape nodded.
"Feel free to write as much as you please. Use your owl if you wish."
"Hedwig!"
Harry yelled happily but a sting of guilt pricked his heart. He had completely forgotten about his loyal snowy owl. And to make things worse, Snape was the one who reminded him..
Nonetheless, Harry rushed to the door. He couldn't wait to see his Hedwig. He opened the door but before he could close it, Snape called out.
"Don't count on Lupin to give you a new piece of information, Potter. You'd be wasting your time."
"Good evening, professor."
Harry closed the door, a little harder than he intended. He was relieved Snape will be gone for a while.
In the meantime, he can gather some information.
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The house-elves are.. very busy in the future..(learning how to cook food from all over the world;) Yum.