Disclaimer: Still doesn't own anything.
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Chapter 8
The Great Hall burst into cheer and applause as Harry and the others went to their house table. He blushed at the attention and shyly scanned the room. Several guys are looking at him in awe while some are busy telling their buddies bits and pieces of his fighting abilities that they were able to witness. Some girls are looking at him with dreamy eyes and appreciative smiles, whispering to each other, giggling, and then casting Fleur envious glares. The only table that was silent and giving him deadly glares were none other than the Slytherins. His eyes landed towards the high table, the teachers who were on the train giving him grateful looks. Umbridge was smiling but he can tell by the steely expression of her eyes, she was not amused.
"I must go to the high table for now, beloved. I'll catch up with all of you later." Fleur gave him a peck on his cheek and waved to all of them. She sat beside Prof. Flitwick and was immediately greeted by the cheery professor. Prof. Mcgonnagall walked in with the first years in tow and gave her usual speech to begin the sorting. The sorting hat started to come to life and to everyone's surprise it gave a different opening song.
"That was weird, I do believe the hat just gave us a warning." Hermione mused at the others. Harry gave her a nod, his eyes furrowed in contemplation. But the others seemed to be more interested with Harry.
"Your very lucky mate. How did you ever get a girl like her?" asked Dean Thomas, looking at him also in awe, eyes even more widening when Fleur kissed him.
"Not too mention the way you fought, blimey, that was totally wicked." Exclaimed Lee Jordan, hyperactively.
"Yeah, Harry, wish I could fight like that or just be even to cast decent spells." Neville added.
"Shush all of you, Prof. Dumbledore is about to speak." Hermione tutted at them when the sorting was finished. They all quickly focused their attention at the high table and the Great Hall fell silent. The wizened wizard stood up and cleared his throat.
"I know of all you are brimming with questions due to recent events however I also believe we're all famished due to all this excitement, everyone tuck in." Everyone gave a disappointed "oh" but knew he will tell them after the feast. He waved his hand and the feast began, the students resuming their conversations, recounting the stories that were passed by the select few who witnessed it, getting exaggerated as it went down further the grapevine.
"Come on, Harry, tell us what happened and where'd you get that outfit, not to mention that awesome sword you wielded." Egged some fifth years. Collin Creevey took pictures, his hero worship of Harry reaching new heights.
"Ohhh, I wish I could see you in that outfit again Harry even though you also look good in your school robes now." Parvati gushed at him, giggling with Lavender.
"If only you weren't taken yet, I know a lot of us would like to get a chance with you," added Lavender. Her comment spurned another round of teasing led by Fred and George, which only intensified when Harry blushed furiously.
"Leave him alone you dolts. At least let him finish eating." Hermione admonished them.
"Dash righ, lib im be," Ron piped up with his mouthful, earning him laughter from the guys and appalled looks from the girls.
"Come on, Hermione, I know you agree with us." Parvati and Lavender teased her silently. She stared at her plate, slightly turning away from Harry since her face is flustered.
"Are you alright, 'Mione? You look pale." Harry asked full of concern, "Is there something wrong?"
"What? Oh, its nothing Harry. It just feels a bit stuffy in here." She fanned herself with her hand to emphasize her excuse. As they finished eating, the hall went silent once more as Prof. Dumbledore stood up.
"Now that we are all satiated, there are a few announcements I have to make. First years are to be aware that the Forbidden Forest is forbidden hence the name. Our caretaker, Mr. Filch has asked me to inform all that performing magic is not permitted along the corridors as some other things, which can be found in the extensive list attached to the door of his office. Now, I know all of you are eager to know about the exciting incident earlier." He paused as the room buzzed with eager murmurs.
"Yes, it was confirmed that dementors and death eaters were the one responsible for the failed attempt of attacking the express. Their purpose are still unknown but I assure you that this will not hinder our daily activities nor will it undermine our safety. I say to you now that we are facing most trying times ahead but one most not lose hope. As a few of you are fortunate to witness, that even in darkness light can be found and it is in our effort, courage, unselfish deeds and unity do we find the strength to overcome the challenges laid down before us. And it is due to these events that I give praise to all students, prefects, and teachers who stood up and kept calm in the face of danger and to Harry Potter, for his noble actions." Prof. Dumbledore raised his goblet to everyone as they all applauded and cheered. The headmaster then raised his hand and they all quieted down.
"Now, for other matters, we had some changes in our teaching staff with the addition of the new Assistant Teacher Training program. We are very pleased to welcome Prof. Grubbly-Plank who will be taking the Care for Magical Creatures lessons; and our new DADA teacher, Prof. Umbridge. Our pioneers for our ATT program, Ms. Fleur Delacour, assistant for the Charms class. Mr. Tobias Celt, assistant for Ancient Runes, and Ms. Alpha Mercurius, assistant for Potions. Quidditch tryouts will be on…" he trailed off as the sound of "Hem, Hem" cut him off. He looked at Umbridge inquiringly then politely nodded and sat down as it became evident that she wanted to make a speech.
"Thank, you, headmaster. Good evening to everyone and to my fellow teachers…" she started.
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Harry tiredly climbed the marble stairs towards the Gryffindor tower. Rubbing the bridge of his nose, he recalled the events of the past two weeks. Umbridge's speech made him absolutely furious, as usual she "in behalf of the ministry" denied that You-Know-Who has returned and that the attack was merely the action of a rogue group riding the bandwagon of the "rumored" return of the dark lord. She even made indirect snide remarks at him, that they have a theory that the act itself is a result of someone's plot to gain more fame. He shut the rest of the speech out after that and concentrated on meditating to calm himself. Hermione, being the attentive one, kept listening. The speech revealed some more interesting info, it seems that the ministry decided to interfere with how Hogwarts is run.
It became evident on the ridiculous educational decree placing Umbridge as Hogwarts High Inquisitor, not too mention the worthless DADA lessons she's giving. It quickly plummeted to Harry's least favorite subject besides potions. He used to look forward to attending classes but now he tends to lose his temper when he does. Harry was just returning from his last night of detention. The only consolation he got which keeps a little semblance of normalcy to his life is Fleur and Quidditch but even his love life is like a roller coaster ride.
'How can Fleur even be insecure? She's the most stunning and elegant woman I know and love her to death,' mused Harry.
Flashback
"H-hi, Harry," Cho smiled. They ran into each other on the first day of classes. "How was your summer?"
"Oh… er… Hi. Well, my summer's been great. I got too spend more time with my friends and Fleur. How about you?" Harry winced. He shouldn't have asked about her summer, that was insensitive of him after what happened last term.
"oh… it was fine. So you and Fleur are really…"
"There you are beloved." Fleur approached. She stopped abruptly and looked at him then Cho, giving her a weak smile. Harry linked his arms with her.
"Cho, this is Fleur, my girlfriend. Fleur, meet Cho." Harry introduced, ignoring the awkwardness of the situation.
"Nice to meet you, Fleur. I have to go, see you around Harry, its been nice chatting with you." Cho shyly smiled at both of them then went towards the dungeons.
"She's beautiful…" Fleur said blandly.
"Huh? Er… I guess." He replied, looking at her skeptically.
"So, do you plan to 'see' her around?" Fleur said with a bit of an edge in her voice.
"What! Of course not. I don't think she meant it that way, we just ran into each other. Is something wrong, love?" Harry asked incredulously.
"No, nothing's absolutely wrong." She said a bit stiffly. "I'll 'see' you around, beloved." She added, kissed him quickly on his cheek and walked off.
End Flashback
Harry sighed. He was lucky they didn't have a row they couldn't settle out… yet. He and Fleur made up on that same day, both apologizing for being ridiculous. He lifted hisright hand when he was near the portrait hole to the common room. Looking around to make sure no one is watching, he waved his left hand over it, casting "cure" and the wound that spelled out 'I mustn't tell lies' healed leaving no trace and the stinging pain reduced to nothing but small pricks. There's no need in worrying his friends about what happened to him in detention. "Courage is our creed," he said to the Fat Lady.
As he entered the common room, the familiar sound of Hermione and Ron arguing welcomed him. His best friends were seated by the fireplace.
"Hi, guys. You're still up?" he inquired. The two stopped bickering and turned their attention to him.
"Oh, Harry, finally you're here. What has that foul woman done to you?" Hermione asked as she pulled him to a chair near her and looked over him like a mother hen.
"I'm fine 'mum' she did nothing I couldn't handle,' he teased.
"See 'Mione. I told you he'd be fine. As if that toad could dish out anything Harry couldn't take." Ron smirked. "Don't mind her, mate. She's just peeved at how our DADA classes are going and that she's worried it'll ruin her O.W.L.S."
"But it really is something to worry about, Ronald," she retorted hotly. "And it's not just about our exams. How can we fight and defend ourselves if we don't even practice the spells? That's why I think we need to learn DADA ourselves."
"What! You need us to do extra work, but we're behind assignments as it is!" Ron whined.
"But this is more important than assignments," she stated getting odd looks from Harry and Ron. "Come off it will you, even I know when something is more important. We need to learn not only for the sake of our exams but as Harry said, we need to prepare ourselves for what is out there more than ever since V-voldemort has returned."
'Whoa, she's serious. That's the first time she said Voldemort' Harry was amazed.
"Let's say we do go ahead with it, how exactly can we go around to doing it? We can look up spells, curses and jinxes in the library but how will we know were doing it right?" Ron said.
"That's why we need someone capable to teach us!" she responded as if it was that obvious.
"So, this is what you've been arguing about? Who would teach us? If you're referring to Lupin…" Harry was cut off.
"I meant you, Harry. You're more than capable to teach us." Hermione looked at him straight in the eyes.
"Say what? That's crazy, I'm hardly a teacher, what makes you think I'm capable of teaching you?" Harry stared at her surprised.
"Well, she got a point there, mate," added Ron, scratching his chin in deep thought. "I mean, all the adventures we had for the past for years, you being a Tri-Wizard champion, and your special training last summer, it really makes you more than capable."
Harry sighed and rubbed his temples. "It's not that simple. It's not just about casting spells and waving our wands. You just don't know how it feels when you're in a duel, when your life is at risk and all you have is your wits to survive. Its very dangerous and not child's play. Hell, do you think Cedric didn't know it, that he wasn't prepared and serious that he got himself killed," he continued in a steely tone.
"Harry, we didn't want to remind you about what happened last term and we certainly aren't having a go at Cedric. The reason we want you to teach us is because you do know how it feels to face Voldemort while we can't even imagine it. And we also want to help you, Harry, and not be a liability like what happened during the train ride. We don't want you to run off on your own again." Hermione looked at him pleadingly. "Please at least think about?"
"Alright. I'll sleep on it for now. Good night." He said and walked up to the dormitory.
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Harry couldn't sleep that night. He silently got up and dressed. He took his invisibility cloak and the marauders map. He checked to make sure he didn't wake anyone and made his way down the common room and out of the portrait hole.
'Better do something productive tonight'
He looked at the map to check for anyone on patrol, then quickly scanned the layout of each floor for any signs of a possible hidden chamber, room, corridor, passage way or anything.
'That's odd, there's a space between the Gryffindor Wing and the main building of the castle. It's almost at the center and only appears to occupy the second up to the top floor.' He frowned. 'Its too small to be a chamber yet too thick to just be a wall. It couldn't be a corridor or hallway since it appears to be a dead end. It doesn't connect with any hallway on one end the other end touches the wall and beyond is already the castle grounds.'
He walked towards the marble staircases that link the way to the classrooms and other house wings. 'Hmmm… I appear to be away from it and there isn't any other way to it from the stair cases.' He pondered as he stopped before going out the archway to the stairs.
He walked deeper into Gryffindor Wing, a bit away from Gryffindor tower, to an inconspicuous area. He turned right into a passageway eight feet long. 'Alright, I'm near the space but this path doesn't even reach it.'
He looked around the wall his facing but found nothing. He looked at his left and was amazed. There is an alcove with some sort of console. 'Well, that couldn't be a muggle ATM machine.' He investigated and found a square flexi glass slightly bigger than an average hand. What surprised him is the huge logo carved on it almost covering the glass. 'The design looks exactly the same as Squall's Griever necklace.'
Following his instinct, he raised his right hand where he wore the griever ring and placed it on top of the glass. His ring glowed and a line of gold colored light scanned his palm from the tip of his fingers down then up again. "Welcome, descendant of the Leonhart line. Please enter your name for proper identification." A soft feminine voice stated. Beside the glass plate, a keyboard appeared and a small rectangular monitor above them both came to life, an underscore blinking.
Harry quickly typed his name and pressed enter. He heard the hiss of a metal door closing. When he looked back, the entrance of the passageway was closed. Another hiss and the wall he was facing slid up and half of a ten-foot tunnel extended out from his side and another from the other side connecting at the center. (A/N: Think of the tunnels in Esthar where the FF8 guys travel via levitating platforms.) Parallel to it, as seen through the glass, are stonewalls a few feet away and a stone ceiling is above the tunnel. The tunnel is suspended, on what appeared to Harry as a very deep abyss.
Harry walked out to the other side and went in when the door automatically slid open. He was in a room twice the size of Gryffindor common room. To the left of the door is a fireplace, the fire magically lit when he entered, between two floor-to-ceiling windows looking into the castle grounds. To the right of the entrance, at the center of that wall right across the fireplace is a metallic double door. 'Bet that slides open too,' thought Harry.
To the left of the fireplace is a staircase that leads into the second floor landing with a balcony overlooking the common area by the fire. Both the balcony and common area have coaches and lounging chairs; the balcony has a second small fireplace right above the double door's below. To the left of the balcony are two double doors made of wood, the other one almost by the corner of a walkway that also overlooks below the common room. On the opposite side of the balcony is an archway similar to the archway at the Gryffindor Common room that leads to the dormitories.
"Welcome, Harry. I see you found my secret chamber," Godric's voice called out to him.
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Harry looked at the small fireplace and above the mantelpiece a painting emerged. Harry was completely amazed. "Hello, Godric. This place is amazing; it's like a whole house inside the castle. And also a lot better than Slytherin's Chamber of Secrets."
"Glad you approve. Technically, this isn't just my secret chamber. Rowena Ravenclaw and I built it. I guess she had a premonition of things to come when she insisted on how this place would be designed because a few years later, we got married." Godric laughed heartily.
"But how can this place fit in here? I almost didn't notice it on the marauder's map and would have just shrugged it off as an oddity." Harry asked.
"Duh, Harry, the space is expanded and other charms were used as well so it wouldn't appear much when the castle is mapped. The same spell was used to conceal your godfather's house." Godric chided him.
"Oh, yeah. Sorry, stupid question." Harry replied, embarrassed.
"Anyway, Harry, let me tell you a brief run down of this place. The double door to your left leads to the training room while the double door beside it leads to the library/study but can also be accessed inside the training room. The room's are huge as well, the training room is made of indestructible walls and ceiling plus, time can also be made non-existent, the same with the other dimension. The archway on the opposite side leads to three bedrooms, a guest room, and bathroom similar to the prefects bathroom. The master bedroom has its own bathroom and changing room. We won't tour them for now but we must go to the room behind the double door below." Godric finished as his holographic image stepped out of the portrait.
They both went downstairs. The double doors slid open as Harry guessed. He gasped as they both went in the room two stories high and 50 feet across on all sides; it's like a muggle hangar. At the corner of the left wall perpendicular to the double door is a two-story building. But what is most astonishing is the unique vehicle he could only think of was a spaceship.
"Harry, let me present to you, the Ragnarok."
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A/N: Sorry this took awhile, been suffering from writer's block. I had a movie marathon of all three HP films, hoping to jumpstart my writing and it worked so far. Hope you all liked it.
To Shinigami's Shadow: Wazzup? Thanks for the review and sorry for the late update. You can have Umbridge and Fudge later. You can even sic Ultima and Omega Weapon at them /smirks evilly/. Hope you enjoyed this chapter. More GFs to come but as of now, my attention is on FF8 GFs.
To dragonite: Thanks for the review. Yeah, my writing is rough around the edges. Please tell me the areas that needs polishing, I really want to improve on my style. Hope this chapter was a bit better.
To Blue Werewolf Boy: Thanks, I'm glad you liked my fic. Keep on reviewing please.
To Yenom: Thanks for the review. I had to let Harry let the DE leave, he wanted to show Voldemort how hard he can kick their asses up to the next century, plus I think he deserves to show off his skills a little bit. Voldie was very pissed wasn't he? As for the next fights, it's a secret for now but I'm really working to make it good. Keep on reviewing please.
To Sky: Thanks for the review. I hope you also enjoy the next fight scenes I'm planning.
To gaul1: Thanks. Keep on reviewing please
To Korifi: Thanks for the review. I'll try to update as quickly as possible and also make the chapters longer. Hope you enjoyed this one.
To insanechildfanfic: Thanks. Hope you enjoyed this chap.
To The List: Thanks for the review. I know my writing is not that great and am really working to improve, I just can't promise to change overnight.
To FF-loverHP1: Thanks for the review. I plan to complete the GFs as soon as possible.