Return Of The Elemental
Disclaimer and Warning: Just thought I'd put one of these up again. It's all J.K people, well except the stuff that is mine. This chapter is a little bit gory, it mentions deaths that I really don't like but had to put in to fire up Harry a bit. Also I've put in a line that's from a movie, something that also isn't mine, but is still very funny.
Chapter 28 – Retaliation
Professor McGonagall was right in her assumptions and as Harry sat down for breakfast he was greeted by an owl that was carrying a note from Dumbledore.
'What is it?' Hermione asked, already knowing.
'A note from Dumbledore, there is an emergency Order meeting after breakfast. He probably wants to talk about Snape.' Harry replied, getting a nod his fiancé.
'That's what I thought.' Little did they know that as they left the hall the reason for the Order meeting was not just for Snape's death, but also for an attack that had taken place the night before.
'Hello Harry, Hermione.' Dumbledore greeted gravely as he opened his office door, then without waiting for a reply he went over to the secret entrance to the Order and vanished. Harry and Hermione followed and once they entered the Order room was shocked to see that every occupant was silent and had sad expressions on their faces.
/ They can't be feeling like this over Snape's death, can they/ Harry asked Hermione disbelievingly through their link.
/ I don't know. I didn't think he was that popular. / Hermione replied.
'Harry, Hermione, have you by any chance read the Daily Prophet this morning?' Dumbledore asked grimly.
'No sir.' Harry replied for the both them. He then caught the newspaper that was thrown at him by Remus. Wondering what they could have printed about him this time, he opened up the paper and stared at the picture on the front page.
Standing out horribly was the picture of Diagon Alley, but it wasn't the Alley that Harry knew. It was even worse than the pictures he saw from the last attack on the small Wizarding Alley. Hermione gasped and sobbed beside him and he knew why.
Women and children were shown hanging from shopfront doorways, their faces nothing but terror as they swung from side to side in the picture. Blood was dripping off them and pooling from the cuts on their bodies in a pool below their airborne feet. The men and women of Diagon Alley were also shown, Florean Fortescue's head had been severed and was skewed on a shadowy stake. A message above the store showed Harry that he was right in assuming Voldemort had visited this attack personally.
KILL MY FOLLOWERS AND I KILL EVERYONE. ENJOY THE REST OF YOUR HOLIDAYS POTTER.
Harry couldn't take anymore, he threw down the paper and looked at Dumbledore with eyes full of power.
'What are you going to do about this?' He asked, pointing to the paper at his feet.
'We can do nothing.' Dumbledore sighed heavily.
'What do you mean? You can do everything.' Harry said angrily, he started pacing. 'He can't get away with this.'
'He was retaliating Harry.' Dumbledore pointed out.
'And you think that makes it better or are you saying that this is my fault.' Harry shouted as he picked up the paper and threw it at Dumbledore, hurt clear in his eyes.
'No Harry. But Voldemort was not planning this, our spies were not informed of any such attack.'
'Your spies. Your spies Dumbledore are traitors. Two out of three, you don't pick them very well do you? Where is the other one, Andreas? Where is Andreas?'
'Here Potter. How may I be of service?' Harry stared at the last spy in the Order. He pointed his staff directly at the man that reminded him to much of Snape and searched his brain. He hit a wall and was certain that he was being laughed at internally by Andreas.
See how you like this then. Harry thought aggravatingly. He first didn't use his full power and used an ordinary Legillimens spell, but now he pulled out his big guns not bothering with the screams of pain that issued from Andreas mouth.
He finally found it, the wall surrounding this mans secrets was covered in shadows, using more power he floated through the wall and was hit with all of the images that Voldemort had been trying to hide. Harry pulled out, finding out all he needed to know, seeing an image of Andreas using the Cruciatus Curse on a little girl from the attack from last night. He pulled out roughly and turned on Dumbledore with his power flaring dangerously.
'ARE YOU A SPY TO DUMBLEDORE? YOU CONTINUE TO BELIEVE THE BEST IN PEOPLE AND IT IS YOUR WEAKNESS. THANKS TO YOU, VOLDEMORT HAS ALWAYS BEEN A STEP AHEAD OF THE ORDER.' Harry yelled. He grabbed his staff and pointed it directly at the smirking spy.
'The Dark Lord will win Potter, you couldn't hope to achieve his power.'
'Watch me.' Harry whispered before a small black ball of magic formed at the tip of his staff. He then sent it at the still smirking spy and watched as the man was surrounded by a cage made of shadows. Harry then grinned evilly as Andreas was screaming, currently trying to fight his fear inside the cage.
Harry then turned back to see Dumbledore looking disappointedly at him.
'WHAT?'
'Did you have to do that Harry? He could have been changed.'
'What is it with you? Can you hear yourself speak? The spies that you hired were all murderers, rapist and traitors. You treat them as though they have just stolen one of your lemon drops, you are blinded Albus. BLIND.' Harry then held his hand out to a shocked Hermione.
'Let's go.'
'Where are you going Harry?' Dumbledore asked as he came around the table to stand in front of Harry.
'Voldemort is not getting away with this. If you won't do anything, then I will.'
'So you're going to kill more innocents… just like you killed Severus.' Dumbledore said calmly.
Harry stopped his actions to Apparate and looked at Dumbledore.
'What did you say?'
'I said are you off to kill more innocent people like Severus.' Dumbledore replied, this time a bit of anger was in his tone. None of them noticed McGonagall leave the room quickly with an angry look on her stern face.
'Severus Snape was a murderer.' Harry whispered dangerously.
'No, but you are.'
The whole hall fell silent at this. Not believing what was coming out of Dumbledore's mouth.
'Harry is not a murderer.' Hermione said fiercely.
'This discussion does not concern you Miss Granger.' Dumbledore said without taking his eyes off Harry.
Just then McGonagall returned in tow with Filius Flitwick.
'Don't you speak to Hermione.' Harry said steeping forward and clenching his fists.
'And why is that.'
'You speak to her after you speak of Severus Snape as an innocent child. Your words are laced with poison, you must see past the little world you live in and face the now. Everyone is not perfect. War is upon us and you must take action, deaths will occur and I will be damned if I be called a murderer by a man that places me in the same group as a man who loves to torture, who lived to serve a man that is the embodiment of evil.'
'You are wrong, you misjudged Severus, if only you knew the person he was.'
'How can you say that Albus,' Professor Flitwick yelled furiously. 'He killed my nephew. My kin.'
'We do not know that Filius.'
'He told me as he put me under the Imperius Curse, he told me just as he was about to kill me. Fuck it, I can't put up with your shit, anyone that wants to join myself and Hermione to a little trip to Knockturn Alley to show Voldemort that we are not afraid then stand with me now.'
Immediately, Remus and Filius were at his side, both glaring daggers at Dumbledore for the things that he had said. Next to get up were Mr and Mrs Weasley, who went and stood by Harry and Hermione. Soon all of the Order was standing on Harry's side, all except Hagrid and McGonagall, which soon changed as she stalked over to Dumbledore and slapped him hard across the cheek before stalking over to stand beside the rest of the Hogwarts staff that had joined the Order.
Harry then looked at Hagrid who slowly went to stand beside Dumbledore.
'I'm sorry professor Dumbledore, but Harry's righ. I never liked Snape, always knew he was a rotten bugger.' He then patted Dumbledore on the shoulder and moved forward to Harry and collected him in a hug.
'He's jus upset about Snape, he'l come round.' He then dropped Harry back on the ground. Harry sent one last look at Dumbledore before he threw up a dome that covered all the Order and Apparated them all to the entrance of Knockturn Alley.
As soon as they Order had arrived at the entrance Harry looked up the street towards Diagon Alley and tried to control his sadness as he watched all the Ministry workers and St Mungo's healers go about their work cleaning the place up and trying to find survivors. He then shook his head and addressed the Order.
'In here we are bound to find Death Eaters and people that support Voldemort. I want them all brought down, protect yourselves and each other at all cost. I want everyone alive at the end of this trip, if you get injured find either Hermione or Madam Pomfrey. That is all, leave all that leave us, alone, this is a message for Voldemort remember. Right, let's do it.'
Harry then charged into the Alley first with Hermione at his side. He could hear the rest of the Order charge in behind them. The first sign of a fight came just a quarter of the way into the dark and disgraced place. Shopkeepers that were obviously Dark supporters started firing curses and called for help further down the Alley. Harry fired some rocks and boulders into the stores that the people they were fighting owned. After the boulders smashed the windows and the front, he sent blue fire out of his staff and watched with satisfaction as the building started going up in flames.
He looked over and saw Hermione fanning the flames with her Elemental power. Ducking under a weird purple curse Harry moved forward to help professors McGonagall and Flitwick in their duel with 5 people dressed in Death Eater garb.
'How are you guys going?' Harry asked as he fired the Cruciatus Curse at one of the Death Eaters, using the images of the mornings Prophet to fuel his hate.
'Fine Mr Potter, please know that none of us think like the headmaster.' McGonagall said quickly as she transfigured a near by snake statue come to life and used it to attack one of the Death Eaters.
'I know, thank you professors for coming.' Harry said gratefully, watching the snake with dazed fascination.
'No problem Harry, no why don't you and I go and pay a visit to Borgin and Bourkes, I have some business to attend to with those two.' Flitwick said as he took the last of the Death Eaters down with a severing hex to his joints behind the knees.
'Excellent suggestion professor.'
'Just call me Filius Harry. It'll make things much easier.'
'Alright Filius, let's go.' The two then made there way through the pandemonium that was Knockturn Alley.
Harry sent burst of fire and air at any shop window he saw hold Dark objects. He looked back over his shoulder and smiled as Hagrid and Remus worked together with a man called Mad-Eye Moody to bring down a group of Vampires.
'This way Harry.' Filius Flitwick shouted as they made there way down another dark Alley. Harry saw it first and charged ahead into the shop, blowing the door of its hinges with his Elemental abilities as he went passed, making the men behind the counter jump with fright.
'Ah, Bill and Julius, long time no see.' Flitwick said pleasantly.
'Fi-Filius. What can we do for you and…?'
'Potter, Harry Potter. And I'm afraid you can do nothing but sit back and relax.' With that, Harry shot ropes and bound them on the ground as he and the charms master went to work on destroying the shop.
'Deminiss Lafalin.' Harry yelled and watched as the yellow, orange beam left his staff and started melting everything it came in contact with. Pretty soon, half the shop was done and Harry waited for Flitwick to do his side. Once it was all done, Flitwick turned to the two shop owners.
'Good bye gentlemen.' He then waved his wand and watched as the ropes that had held them slithered up their necks until it was all over and the two men lay on the floor, lifeless.
'Let's go and rejoin the Order.' Flitwick said maliciously, scaring Harry somewhat that such a little man could produce such a look. They ran back through the Alley and watched as some people started apparating away. So Harry raised a ward that would let those honest businessmen leave but trapped all the Vampires and Death Eaters. Soon the Order had surrounded all of the Dark supporters in the middle of the Alley. Harry stepped forward and snarled at the closest Death Eater.
'You are here because you choose to serve a lunatic. I am here to solve that problem, you can either choose to surrender or meet a couple of my friends.' Harry then smiled and released Vakira and Solus from his staff. The next sound to be heard was the sound of the pitter patter of over 50 wands hitting the stone cobbled Alley.
'Good choice... But you're too late.' Harry then turned his back on the death Eaters as Vakira and Solus did their work. The screams filled the Alley as Harry raised his staff and pointed it at the nearest wall, then started writing his own message.
YOUR FINAL DAYS ARE NUMBERED VOLDEMORT. ENJOY THEM WHILE YOU CAN… I AM COMING FOR YOU.
Harry then turned back to the Order.
'Is anyone hurt?'
'Yes, but it's only my shoulder.' Said one of the members from the back. Harry motioned for Madam Pomfrey to go look at the injury.
'Right, I want to thank you all for coming with me. You didn't have to and for that I am forever grateful. Now let's leave this place and get back to Hogwarts.' He then threw up a dome and transported everyone back, telling Vakira and Solus to come back to the staff when they were done.
The next day, the place that was Knockturn Alley was sprawled all over the front page, but this time it was Harry's message to Voldemort that flashed for all to see.
'Why didn't you come and get me, I could've helped.' Ron sulked as he read the part about Harry and the Order.
'Ron, this isn't a game. People are dying, and I'm not going to lie to you, you would have died if you came yesterday. We're aren't facing little Malfoy's anymore Ron, this is war and if you keep acting like this, then I'm afraid that you wont last through it.' Harry then got up from the Gryffindor table and made his way out of the hall.
'He's right you know Ron.' Hermione said gently. 'It wasn't pretty yesterday, if it wasn't for my Elemental abilities I would have died.'
'Did anyone?' Crystal asked hesitantly. 'It didn't say in the Prophet.'
'No, no one died, thankfully.' Hermione replied, turning to scowl at Dumbledore for the 10th time since she had entered the hall.
'Why do you keep doing that? What did Dumbledore do to you?' Ginny asked. Hermione then told them all the things that Dumbledore had said at the Order meeting yesterday, so it wasn't long before 3 new glares were joining Hermione's as she continued to stare at the headmaster.
'Look he's coming over here.' Ron growled, watching as Dumbledore moved calmly over towards them and the Gryffindor table.
'Excuse me Miss Granger I was wondering if you knew where Mr Potter went just now?' He asked kindly, gathering the attention of the rest of the students.
'No.' Hermione said shortly. 'And even if I did I wouldn't tell you. He looked up to you as a child would a grandfather, I hope you're happy because you'll never get that chance again.' She then got up and stormed out of the hall, to the applause of Ron, Ginny, Crystal and some of the professors who were listening to the conversation.
After leaving the hall, Hermione made her way out to her horses. She knew that they were their own animal but she still liked to think of them as her pets. When she got there she saw Harry in his White Unicorn animagus form, running around with Jazelle. She walked up to them and patted Harry on the head.
'Should I be jealous?' She asked with a smile whilst nodding to the nickering Jazelle. Harry just snorted and motioned his head backwards before he got down on his knees for Hermione to get up. She did so, showing just how used to the species she was.
Harry then got up and trotted off to Polesien who had started galloping towards them as soon as she saw Hermione.
/ She says hello. / Harry said softly.
'Hello Polesien. You are looking beautiful as always.' Hermione said in greeting, making the proud mare nicker playfully.
'Are you alright Harry?'
/ Not really. No one realises what Voldemort and his Death Eaters can do. No one is worried. / He admitted.
'No one is worried because of you Harry. You give people a reason not to worry.' Hermione said out loud, patting Harry's neck soothingly.
/ But what if I don't win, who will stop them from worrying then? Dumbledore? I think not. / He said scornfully.
'Don't talk like that.' Hermione said angrily. She hated it when Harry talked of dying all the time.
/ I'm sorry. / Harry whispered.
'It's alright Harry, I just don't want you talking like that anymore. I want to hear you talking of the future. I want to hear you talk about what you're going to do after it's all over… I want to hear about you talk about us, our life together, with little Harry's and Hermione's running around all over the place.' Hermione said with a dreamy smile on her face.
/ Little Harry's and Hermione's. I can see them already. / Harry said fondly.
'Good, now take me back to the stable before Jazelle tries to pounce you.' Hermione said with a laugh as Harry took off at a gallop towards the stables.
When they were back Harry transformed back into his natural self, earning himself a snort from Jazelle and surprisingly Polesien, Harry ran over to Hermione and gave her one of the biggest hugs he could muster.
'I don't know what I would do without you, you always know what to do or say to make me feel better.' He mumbled in her hair.
'Of course I do. That's why you love me so.' Hermione said teasingly.
'Cocky little thing aren't you?' Harry said happily as curled a piece of Hermione hair around his finger.
'I learnt from the best.' Hermione said before pulling away and dragging Harry out of the paddock and back up to the castle.
A month had passed since the celebration of the New Year and in that time Harry had accomplished many things. He had successfully avoided Dumbledore, except for Order meetings that is, which many people had started coming to him for answers instead of there once great leader. He had taken over the teachings of Potions, telling the headmaster that he was more than qualified in his resume.
Potions classes had become a hit and professor Sinistra, the Astronomy teacher, had taken over as head of Slytherin house and all in all no one missed the man that once roamed the halls of Hogwarts.
Of course, being a new year also meant the nearing N.E.W.T.S and quidditch finals. Both he was reminded by he two friends.
Ron had turned into a maniac. Harry had found out that when he was dead, he had missed a couple of games of quidditch. When Harry asked Ron who was winning Ron had taken him to a corner and shoved a piece of paper under his nose and had then spent the next 2 hours explaining to Harry all the things that he needed to do in their final game of the season which was to be played in the first weekend in March, the second ball of the year would be the weekend after, so Harry was hoping for March to come around quickly.
It was currently the middle of February and they had just finished another gruelling quidditch practice he sat down and looked at the standings so far.
Slytherin: 500, with one game to play.
Gryffindor: 340, with one game to play.
Ravenclaw: 340.
Hufflepuff: 290.
So as Ron kept telling him every bloody 5seconds, Harry had to catch the snitch when Gryffindor were more than 2 goals in front. Harry had had enough of Ron's captain talks and had finally got rid of the pestering red head when he had threatened to sick Ginny and Shydan onto him. After that, Ron had kept well away.
Another thing Harry was excited about was the upcoming birthday of a very special person in his life. Hermione was bound to turn 18 and Harry had done everything he could think of to make it one of her best days of her life.
With 3 days to go till the Friday, which it was on. Harry had been running around like a headless chook, trying to get everything ready.
Soon though the big day was here and the first item on Harry's list of perfection was breakfast in bed.
He gently leaned over and breathed on Hermione's neck.
'Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you.' He murmured softly, waking Hermione up with a groan. Before she could say anything Harry had ducked his head and gave Hermione the biggest, sloppiest kiss ever.
'Happy birthday my love.' He grinned happily.
'Harry!' Hermione shrieked, wiping at her mouth in mock disgust.
'Breakfast time.' He announced. 'Dobby, Clatey.' A moment later two pops showed the arrival of the two house elves, both carrying a tray of all Hermione's favourites.
'Harry birthday Miss Granger.' Dobby and Clatey said at the same time before they laid out the trays on the bed before pooping back out. Harry looked over at Hermione who was smiling at all the food and smiled too. It had been almost two months since Hermione had started eating again and he was happy to see that she was starting to look healthy, but Harry wanted her to put on a bit more weight before he stopped worrying about her so he helped load her plate with food.
'Harry, you are the best fiancé a girl could have.' Hermione said as she placed some bacon into her mouth.
'Why thank you. Does this mean you don't need my present to prove the point a bit further?' Harry said mischievously.
'You didn't have to Harry… but what is it?' Hermione squealed excitedly. Harry chuckled and whistled for his couriers. A couple of seconds later, Emmeris and Hedwig flew in through their open window above Harry's desk. They flew over and landed just in front of Hermione with a small long package tied to their legs.
Hermione reached forward and untied the present hesitantly.
'Well, open it.' Harry said calmly, although the smile on his face was giving away his nervousness. Hermione then opened the present and pulled out a necklace that was made of a white gold and had a small crystal horse at the end.
'May I?' Harry gestured to the necklace. Hermione nodded mutely and turned around so Harry could clip the jewellery in place. Turning back around Hermione touched the horse tenderly.
'I didn't feel like translating for you anymore.' Harry said softly, waiting for her reaction. He didn't have to wait long and soon Hermione's brown eyes widened as she realised what Harry had said.
'Do you mean it? I can talk to Polesien and Makybe and Jazelle and Vinnie?' She screamed wildly.
'Yes, do you like it?' Harry asked shyly. His answer was a huge hug as Hermione jumped on him, spraying food everywhere.
'Hem hem, are we interrupting anything?' A voice asked from the door way. Harry and Hermione looked up to see Ron, Crystal, Ginny and Neville. They both looked at each other and shouted.
'NO.' Before going back to what they were doing.
'Stop that Hermione or you won't get your presents.' Crystal said cheekily. Immediately Hermione pulled away, making Harry scowl at Crystal.
After all the presents were exchanged, Hermione getting a book off Ron and Crystal on Charms and a box of hair care products from Ginny and Neville, they all made their way down to breakfast and the start of a new day.
Harry had to teach for the first two periods but then had Charms and DADA in the afternoon.
Later that night after dinner, Harry and Hermione were making there way back to Gryffindor tower.
'Are you sure you heard Terry say there was a prefects meeting?' Hermione asked curiously.
'I'm positive, at least that's what he said anyway.' Harry then smiled and spoke the password to the fat lady and watched as Hermione walked into her surprise birthday party.
'HAPPY BIRTHDAY!' Was the shout that filled the Gryffindor tower on the 21st of February as Hermione moved through the throng of people that were celebrating her birthday? She sobbed and ran to Harry and threw herself into his arms.
'What's wrong Hermione?' Harry asked worriedly.
'No one has ever thrown me a party before, I always had my family but I never had any friends.' She cried. Harry hugged her tighter and kissed the top of her head, motioning for people to continue with the party. Soon the music was blaring again and Hermione pulled her head back out from the crook of his neck.
'Thank you Harry.'
'Not a problem my love. Now lets get some Butterbeer, I'm thirsty after all that crying.' He then dragged Hermione over to Seamus who was acting as bartender for the night.
'I don't trust that smirk, I think he has spiked the drinks Harry.' Hermione said suspiciously.
'Trust me Hermione, ours are fine.'
'What do you mean ours are fine? What about everybody else?'
'I guess they'll just have to deal with it tomorrow.' Harry said nonchalantly.
'Harry, we cant, everyone will get drunk.' Hermione said, her face showing how appalled she was.
'Exactly, let them do it Hermione, maybe they will even learn from it.' Harry then shushed Hermione with a kiss and steered them towards the couch in the corner, they then spent the rest of the night watching everyone make mistakes that they were sure they were not going to remember tomorrow morning.
One of those people was Ron, who got up on a table at about 12am singing about a monk of high renown.
Dean Thomas was also another person who started singing drunkenly, the song being one he learnt from his brother who had obviously been on a lot of Rugby bus trips. Everyone sung along to this song, well, the chorus part at least which was the same part all the time. At the end of the song, Dean got a standing ovation, he then started bowing and eventually fell over and passed out on the floor.
At about 3am, professor McGonagall came in and sent everyone to bed, wishing Hermione a belated birthday before she left. Harry and Hermione left to their room and cleaned up to get ready for some much needed sleep. Once in their bed, Hermione snuggled into her usual position inside Harry's arms and kissed him full on the lips.
'That was for one of the best birthday's I have ever had.' She said brightly.
'Well if that what I get, maybe you should have a birthday every day.' Harry suggested as he raised his eyebrows suggestively. Hermione just laughed at his antics and kissed Harry goodnight, then closed her eyes and went to sleep with Harry following soon after.
'Harry. Harry wake up, or you're going to miss the match.' Hermione's frantic voice pulled Harry out of his slumber.
'Match? What are you talking about Hermione, just use your wand to light the fire.' Harry mumbled sleepily.
'Harry, today is Saturday. Quidditch. You're playing in 2 minutes.' Hermione finally shouted.
'Oh shit.' Harry yelled as he shot out of bed trying to find all he's clothes.
It had been a week since Hermione's birthday and the night before Harry had stayed up late marking 5th year Potions assignments and didn't get to sleep till 3am.
'Where's my broom. I can't find my broom.' Harry shouted hysterically.
'You left it in the Gryffindor changing rooms didn't you? At least, that's what you told me.' Hermione said calmly
'Oh bugger it, I've got to go, bye honey.' Harry then left without kissing Hermione's offered lips leaving her quite frustrated as she apparated herself down to the stadium, where she could already here Dean Thomas's voice echoing around the grounds.
'Welcome to the final game of the quidditch season, today's game will see two of the schools biggest rivals go head to head… GRYFFINDOR VS SLYTHERIN. And here they come. Slytherin, led by new captain and Chaser, Nott, followed by beaters Crabbe and Goyle, other chasers Zabini and Flint, new Seeker, Jones and lastly, Keeper, Donaldson.
Boos erupted from 3 quarters of the stadium as the Slytherin team flew out onto the field and waited at the centre for the Gryffindor team.
'And here are the mighty Lions. Led out by their famous Keeper, Ron Weasley, followed by his faithful Chasers, Fletcher, Finnigan and Weasley, who will be protected today as always by Longbottom and Patil and the star of the Gryff-.' It was then that Dean and everyone else in the stadium noticed that the most important player on the Gryffindor team was not present.
Out of the corner of his eye, Dean saw Hermione apparate over at the Gryffindor stands next to Hagrid, Hermione then made hand movements to Dean, pointing at the Gryffindor sheds. Dean nodded in understanding, cleared his throat and picked up the magical microphone again.
'Headmaster, staff, and everybody else here not sitting on a cushion! Today… today, you find yourselves as equals.' Dean started, much to the delight of the crowd.
'What are you doing Thomas?' McGonagall snapped but Dean ignored her, going on with his introduction.
'For you are all equally blessed. For I have the pride, the privilege, nay, the pleasure of introducing you to a player, sired by players. A player who can trace his lineage back beyond the Founders. I first met him atop a mountain near Jerusalem, praying to God, asking his forgiveness for the Death Eater blood spilt by his sword. Next, he amazed me still further in England when he saved a fatherless beauty from the would-be ravishing of her dreadful German uncle.' Dean stopped here to soak up the boos and hisses from the crowd before he went on in a quieter voice.
'In Greece he spent a year in silence just to better understand the sound of a whisper… And so without further gilding the lily and with no more ado, I give to you, the seeker of serenity, the protector of English virginity, the enforcer of our Lord Gryffindor, the one, the only, HAAAARRRRYYYY POTTTTTEERRR.' And just on perfect cue Harry shot out of the Gryffindor tunnel to the deafening cheers of all the students in Hogwarts. Dean certainly had a way with word for even the Slytherin ice queen, Daphne Greengrass was cheering loudly for the Gryffindor seeker.
Harry just smiled humbly to the crowd and gave a wink to Dean in thanks before taking to the ground and standing with the rest of his team who were all smiling at him.
'I slept in.' He said sheepishly. He then took to the air with the rest of them and waited for the game to begin.
Madam Hooch's whistle blew and the game was on. Harry flew up as high as his broom would take him before he levelled out and dived back down towards the ground, whooping and laughing all the while.
He then kept his eyes on the game, listening to Dean's commentary whilst he searched for the snitch hoping that he could spot it just as his team was two goals in front.
The Slytherin team were trying to be dirty but they could not touch the Gryffindor players in any way. The Lions were just to fast and moved with perfect grace through the air as they all worked together.
Harry circled the Slytherin hoops just as Ginny scored her first goal, bringing the score to 40-10, Gryffindors way. Harry then spent the next 5 minutes searching for the snitch. Little did he know that the snitch was charmed by a very crafty old Transfiguration professor who wanted to see how well Harry could really fly.
Harry spotted the snitch and looked quickly at the scoreboard, seeing that his team was in front by 3 goals. 60-30. He then took off after the snitch, dodging all the players as he went. He looped, swerved, ducked, plunged all the while noticing that he wasn't getting any closer to the little golden ball. He pushed his broom faster as the snitch went vertical towards the sky, always staying just in front of him.
/ What the bloody hell is going on here/ Harry asked Hermione quickly.
/ I don't know but keep doing whatever you're doing the crowd loves it. / Hermione said excitdly.
/ What's the score now/
/ We're still in front by 3, no wait, 2 now. You better hope you can get it soon Harry. / Hermione said breathlessly.
Harry snarled and moved his way up his broom trying everything he could to get the snitch that was still climbing. Suddenly, the snitch changed direction and went straight towards the ground, flying straight towards the Slytherin Seeker that was rushing up to meet it, after the small boy had tried to follow Harry after he saw the snitch.
Oh no you don't, you're mine. Harry thought angrily. He then turned his broom around and shot off after the snitch, gaining more and more speed as he went. The Slytherin Seeker looked past the snitch to see Harry coming at him at a tremendous speed, taking one last look at the snitch he pulled off course and watched as the snitch and Harry made there way to the ground.
/ Harry, pull up. / Hermione shouted through their link.
/ Are you joking, this bugger is going to avoid me all day. / Harry said as he let one hand off the broom and reached it forward towards the snitch. Harry then swiped at the ball and caught it in his fingers, he then relished in the taste of victory for about 1 millionth of a second before he noticed the ground that was coming to meet him. He shoved his hand back on the broom and pulled up with all his strength, closing his eyes and hoping he would pull out of the dive.
Opening his eyes he noticed that he had levelled of and was skimming along the grassy field.
'Harry Potter catches the snitch and draws with the Slytherin for the quidditch cup.' Dean Thomas's voice echoed through his head, over and over again.
/ I told you to pull up. / Hermione said amusedly, but also with a tinge of anger.
/ I thought you didn't want me to hurt myself. / Harry said dejectedly.
/ Well, there was that too, and you better get ready because am going to break your broom in two, there is no way you're playing this game again, you're going to give me a heart attack soon. / Hermione said warningly. Harry looked up to see that she was standing right next to him. She then twirled her staff playfully before she hugged Harry strongly.
'You flew brilliantly Harry.' She said proudly.
'Not brilliantly enough.' He said as he stepped off his broom and looked at his team mates who were all standing around and looking at the ground defeated.
'Err, good game Ha-Harry.' Harry turned around and saw the small Slytherin Seeker with his hand extended out in front of him. Harry smiled and walked forward to shake it.
'You too, Simon.' The boy called Simon Jones then smiled and went back to his team mates. Harry then looked up and saw Hermione smiling brightly at him, it was then that he also heard the cheers from the crowd as they all clapped and whistled for him.
'Gryffindor and Slytherin win the quidditch cup.' Dumbledore said in a booming voice as he handed the trophy to both professors McGonagall and Sinistra who smiled at each other before lifting the cup above their heads.
New cheers came forth as the Gryffindor and Slytherin team realised what had happened, they had one the quidditch cup. Ron rushed forward followed by the rest of his team and lifted Harry onto his shoulder, with Neville on the other side.
'We won Harry, we won.' The giant red head shouted happily.
'Party in the Gryffindor common room.' Seamus shouted amongst the cheers.
Harry looked around at all the rest of the students that were celebrating but weren't Gryffindors and shouted.
'Everyone is invited.' This statement was met with huge roars as the Gryffindors, Hufflepuffs, Ravenclaws and even a few Slytherins, made their way up to Gryffindor tower to celebrate a new beginning at Hogwarts.
Somewhere else miles away from Hogwarts, another person was planning a party.
'Send it. See that it gets there on Monday morning, for everyone to see.' Voldemort hissed dangerously.
'Yes My Lord, your will be done.' The messenger than ran away to do his lords bidding.
'So Harry Potter, your time is near. I am the one coming for… Hogwarts!' Voldemorts evil laughter then filled his private chamber as he pictured the things to come.
Flyin Eagle