Chapter 14: Rounding out the Year
As the second half of the school year continued to march onward, Hannah found herself looking up at the enchanted ceiling during dinner in contemplation from time to time. More specifically, she was contemplating the stars it reflected. That conversation with Harry had really gotten her thinking.
She told him ritual magic was a huge part of why they studied the stars and their movements. She hadn't told him how ritual magic was far less prevalent than it used to be and many felt Astronomy was only still studied out of routine. Many felt the only importance left was studying the moon and its phases. Ritual magic was powerful, but much of it was lost now or in ways simplified, even if that meant it was less powerful.
There were other rituals seen as useless now and no longer had any effect when it came to magic. You could practice one of these rituals but it would no longer work, even if the main stars were still around to be used. This lessening of magical effect was noticed by their world at large, but the reason behind it, or if it mattered at all, was heavily debated.
Most thought the lessening of magical power was just the natural order of things. Others felt it was because spells had been refined and wand making advanced enough, power wasn't as needed as it used to be. There was also how some of the more powerful feats of magic of old served little purpose. For instance, why would you need to levitate a whole building?
Some thought this lessening happened because magic became too diluted over the ages. Those people usually believed it was due to the loss of blood purity. Some went even further and blamed it on muggleborns and claimed there was a finite amount to magic overall and muggleborns were essentially stealing it from true magicals. They weren't too vocal about this in polite society, but even Hannah knew some of the gossip in those camps. She, like many others, felt they were only muttering such beliefs now because You-Know-Who lost in the end.
Now, Hannah thought there might be more to the loss of ritual magic strength. Harry mentioning how stars were hundreds and thousands of these light years away and may no longer exist despite being visible, really got her thinking. She was wondering if there were stars required for some of these rituals that no longer existed and weren't even visible now. Perhaps, these stars were just not seen as important to be mentioned at the time of a ritual's first use, but actually were unknowingly vital to its success.
This theory she had of overlooked stars caused Hannah to wonder if there was even more to magic that was overlooked. Maybe more ancient magics thought to be lost, or no longer effective had factors people didn't know existed in the past. "Maybe there is still very much more to magic that we don't know. Maybe there was much more to everything," Hannah thought to herself.
Hannah sighed as she ended her musings. She had a feeling she now knew more of what Harry meant about Space being hard to grasp. It was very much unknown and thinking on it was fascinating, but left you questioning even more in general.
Hannah was glad for their discussion though. She now had some different goals on what she wanted to accomplish later in her life. She wanted to look more at overlooked aspects of magic. She wasn't sure what to think about having such a goal already. She wasn't even finished with her first year.
"Is it a good thing? Or a bad thing to decide such things when I'm barely twelve?" she thought to herself. Hermione would probably say it was a good thing. Others would probably say she was thinking too much about the future and needed to lighten up. Susan could go either way, but would say it was up to her alone. That answer was true, but not helpful. Hannah would have to ask Harry what he thought on the matter some other time.
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"So… I have to ask," started Hermione. She was a bit nervous for this. It was unusual for her to actually have time like this with these two people. It had been slowly happening more often as of yet. Hermione also wasn't entirely sure this wasn't something calculated.
"What is Potions class like for you two and your house?" Hermione asked.
"It is very important. It is kind of an unspoken rule Slytherins make sure they do really well in Potions. Professor Snape is our Head of House. It would be seen as an insult to everyone else if a Slytherin did terrible in Potions, compared to how they do in other classes," Pansy said.
She and Tracey were visiting with Harry and the others. They made sure it was in a way that wouldn't get too much unwarranted attention. Pansy was being very careful about it. She sort of took on a lecture tone when talking with them, if not slightly condescending when others were around.
In truth, she was happy for this. Her family did believe part of the answer to preserving traditions was sharing them with muggleborns. Unfortunately, the only people who would push anything dealing with traditions saw it was purely up to muggleborns to figure this out on their own and right away. Actively helping them was seen as a big no-no.
It was rather intriguing how little the Light Alliance put into action when it came to helping muggleborns in such regards. They more often than not merely talked about how welcoming wizarding society should be to muggleborns. When it came to action, they left muggleborns to do their own thing for the most part.
The Light side might act this way because they feel any effort they put forth would be met with too much push back. This was very likely true, but Pansy felt that wasn't a reason not to try a little. She also felt if they weren't so opposed to all that was "Light and Dark" stuff, inroads could have been made and the push back lessened.
"That means when it comes to Crabbe and Goyle, passing is all they have to achieve," Tracey said with a giggle. Everyone knew those two were just muscle pretty much. They knew some magic, but were far from bright. Tracey was taking less caution when it came to interacting with Hermione and the others. Pansy was envious in a way her friend didn't have to use as much caution.
"What about how he treats Gryffindor?" Susan asked.
"That's easier to answer than they would say. They don't really try hard in the class. They feel Professor Snape's preference for his house extends to grading as well. They always complain about how unfair he is and how Dumbledore always vouched for him. They think that made it so he didn't even get in trouble for his treatment of them," Tracey said.
"They fail to realize even if Professor Dumbledore vouched for Professor Snape back after the war, he still has to uphold some standards when it comes to grading at the very least," Pansy said with a huff.
"Most seem to come to realize this during second or third year, from what I know," Tracey added.
"That is something we sort of figured out, but still wanted to actually know," Harry said.
"I suppose that is true. Though Professor Snape is far from invoking kindness, he has been fair to me. I'm supposedly the worst thing ever according to some Slytherins and he still grades fairly enough," Hermione said with a frown.
Things were getting better in that regard with the Slytherins. At least when it came to the ones who talked to Harry from time to time. Others still made it obvious they wished she never returned after Christmas.
"You would think it was more obvious to others. Professor Snape has been here for several years now, and Aurors require a NEWT in Potions. You don't have just Slytherins running around as Aurors. In fact, I think there are fewer of them than the other houses," Susan said in musing.
"How many actually care about the whole blood purity thing?" Hannah asked.
Harry also seemed very keen on hearing their answer. He was waiting till later to ask such a question, but he wanted to know what they said. He just figured it would be best to ask something like that in a much more private setting.
Tracey and Pansy gave frowns to each other. Tracey sighed. "Not as many as you would think apart from when it comes to marriage and continuing their lines. Sadly, the ones who are more vocal about such things are powerful politically and financially," she answered in a low tone.
"What are your thoughts on such things?" Hermione asked pointedly at Pansy.
"Hermione…" Harry warned her quietly. There was nothing wrong with asking questions in general, but Hermione just made it much more personal.
"I have to know…" Hermione answered quietly in an apologetic tone.
Pansy frowned at her. She knew this would come up eventually. She had hoped the Brightest Witch of her Age, would have the foresight to broach this subject far more carefully than this. She remained outwardly silent for a moment. She had to figure out how best to answer this.
"My family cares very much for Tradition, especially when it comes to important matters such as marriage. We are also aware, despite what we may or may not think, that our family tree, as most of the purest, does have the occasional muggleborn in it," Pansy said.
Hermione was in though on that. It was a very good non-answer. She was trying to figure out what Pansy meant by it.
"I do warn you, Hermione Granger, even the Lightest of the so-called 'Light Families' care to a degree about their background and lineage. They may not be actively against muggleborns, but they aren't all exactly banging down the doors to be involved with or marry them," Pansy said.
"Think about Ernie," Susan suggested quietly. He took pride in his family coming from a long line of Pure blood magicals, but he was still friendly to Hermione and Justin was his best friend.
Hermione was in thought.
Pansy gave a scoff. "Even the muggle loving fools of Weasley are considered a pure blood family and have been for a long history. Even if they are seen as Blood Traitors, they usually end up marrying pure or half-bloods," she said.
She then gave a slightly malicious smile that wasn't aimed at Hermione, the frizzy haired girl could tell at least. It was fully aimed at the Weasley family. Hermione was frowning deeply in response. She was pretty sure Pansy was acting that way towards them because she was so close to Draco.
However, Pansy's words were something she found surprising.
"Most of those families also share much the same attitude towards Squibs that those they would call the worst of worst have. If you ever happen to become friends with those of the Weasley family, or on good speaking terms with them. Ask about their cousin whose an accountant. Gossip regarding old wizarding families, both great and small, is well circulated. It isn't too far of a stretch to guess what they say might have more of a lip service element to it than they claim," Pansy said.
Hermione didn't expect that considering what she heard of the Weasleys. They always seemed to take pride in being so-called Blood traitors. She also heard Ron a few times talking about how much his dad loved muggle things. She knew what Squibs were and what they were thought of by the Slytherin families.
She wondered if maybe this was Pansy being Pansy and not part of the whole Draco vs. Ron thing extending to her. When Hermione happened to look to the side, she was further surprised to see the inclined heads of both Hannah and Susan as they avoided eye contact. That was more telling to Hermione on what the truth was.
"Both worlds have problems. Both worlds have less than great views on certain aspects. Muggles aren't perfect and neither are magicals," Harry said in a bid of easing the building tension. This caused the others to relax as they realized he had a point.
Pansy seemed to be in thought. "That is partly what I was pointing out. It isn't simple. It isn't a question that should so easily be asked as a possible accusation. Perhaps I did go a little too far in answering that question," she admitted.
She did have to be Pansy, but she possibly crossed a line. This is why she wished Draco would make up his mind, or her magic would be clearer in speaking to her. She wanted to no longer have to worry about such things. She could play the role, but she didn't like it. Maybe one day she could at least take a break from it.
Hermione was in thought. She was about to say something, but chose not to say it. "Perhaps the fact she didn't out right proudly proclaim she was a blood purist is a sign," she thought. She would think on it more and pay closer attention. Maybe she did need to be more careful with such a question.
Harry had warned her, but she continued forward regardless on the subject. "Maybe I'm trying to skip straight to running instead of walking with them," Hermione thought. They were still fairly new in interacting with each other. Harry usually seemed to have a good idea about this stuff and didn't seem to make social mistakes. She wished she had such a gift.
Hannah decided it was her turn to move their talk along. "What is your History class like?" she asked.
"The Gryffindors use it for sleep, gossip or to study something else entirely. Our house is usually attentive. Many use it as practice for when they later take up their lordship or ladyship duties," Tracey answered first.
Pansy smiled and added in a friendlier tone, perhaps as a way to show she meant no harm earlier, and said, "The Wizengamot may be where laws are made, but most of the time it is optional and sessions are usually people prattling on and on about one mundane topic or another."
Her smile was a little more smirk than just smile now. "A good lord or lady, a good Slytherin, will attend all sessions and use them as a chance to study the other members. You can learn a lot from members during such sessions. Professor Binns' boring and monotone lessons are perfect practice for this."
"Some will take notes as practice for paying full attention, despite how boring they think something is," Tracey added.
"Others will use it as a way to practice observing other witches and wizards. The furthest along will both take notes and observe the others at the same time. Many of us are taught the importance of multi-tasking," Pansy said.
Their conversations continued a bit longer. It was mostly the Hufflepuff's asking questions, but eventually the Slytherins had their turn. Most of the questions they asked were questions you usually asked someone you were just starting to get to know. Tracey and Pansy had been in contact with Harry for a while now, but they were getting to better know the other girls.
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The year was slowly marching towards the end it seemed. It then chose to speed up far too quickly for everyone when exams were coming around. Hannah was again glad to have Hermione as a friend. The frizzy haired girl came up with the perfect study schedules for exams. She learned how and where to include breaks using Harry's examples from earlier in the year when he made such schedules.
Because of the schedules, Hannah did not end up having a break down as she was sure she would otherwise. Several students had break downs and some did better at handling exam time than others. One thing Susan, Hannah, Tracey and even Pansy noticed; was how it was surprisingly the muggleborns who seemed to take things the best.
"Why is that?" Pansy asked one day as this was mentioned.
"Muggles have formal schooling for six years before Hogwarts starts. We learn Math, Science, Reading, Writing, Language and more. Exams like this are already common to us by the time we come here," Hermione explained.
"I've heard most magicals are home schooled by their family or tutors if they can afford them. The advantage I can see to something like that is you can go at your own pace. The downside is you don't have experience at a formal test setting in school. Tutors may test you, but it isn't the same as having an end of the year school wide test. Is that correct?" Harry asked.
"Pretty much. I guess I can see why they seem to handle it better in that case," Pansy admitted with a frown. Her response sounded more placating then truly understanding. She had to seem a little reluctant in her answer, just in case someone was overhearing.
The Slytherin girls had spent more time with the others since their first round of questioning. Hermione learned how to work with them and the importance of Pansy's demeanor towards her and Harry. She had seen the real Pansy from time to time, but it was still something rare.
In a way, Hermione was publicly trying to treat Pany as Harry sometimes did Draco, friendly if a little distant at times. Hermione supposed it was an apt comparison. It also allowed Pansy to keep appearances as needed with her fellow Slytherins.
Tracey on the other hand didn't really need to worry about that as much. She was more open, if still guarded as a Slytherin would be even around their friends. Tracey's position was fine so long as she didn't start braiding Hermione's hair in the middle of the Great Hall or making a show of hugging her a lot.
Hermione did learn to deal with it in the best way she could. Tracey and Pansy were her first friends not into hugs. Mostly because she had limited experience with friends in general and her first friends had no problem with her hugging nature.
Hannah and Susan had it much easier when it came to Pansy and Tracey. Both were from the wizarding world and at least weren't seen as the worst of Blood Traitors. Susan had bonus points in her favor. Pansy could write off any overly friendly interaction as building an in-way to the Head of the DMLE through her niece. This was even more acceptable given Madam Bones saw Susan as her own daughter and closest family.
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The Hufflepuffs hadn't really thought too much more on Flamel and the stone for most of the year once they figured out who Flamel was. It wasn't until after exams the subjects came up again. It was when they were all meeting in a way that allowed Pansy to be Pansy instead of Pure-Blood Princess Pansy Betrothed to Draco, Heir of the Malfoy Family. The group had just been sharing some of the more adventurous aspects of their year.
Tracey and Pansy had their fair share in the form of plotting comeuppance for deserving members of their house. It was more of a cloak and dagger thrill kind of adventure from the Hufflepuffs. However, the two Slytherin girls would admit piecing together the puzzle around the out of bounds third floor corridor, and smuggling an illegal baby dragon off the premises, kind of out ranked their year adventure wise.
"Really?! Fluffy?" Pansy asked still in shock at the overly cute name for a giant three headed dog. The Hufflepuffs all four chuckled to that and nodded. They all had the same reaction to first learning his name.
"Hagrid is great and all, but he really as a skewed view on magical beasts. He is also very loyal to Dumbledore, but he is good sorts. He does to an extent know not to share some secrets with the Headmaster," Harry started.
He knows I'm a Street Knight and has even met a lot of them at my Birthday Party last summer. It happened after we returned from shopping in Diagon Alley. Despite that, Dumbledore seems to still believe I'm with my Aunt and Uncle, since he hasn't said anything about it," he said seriously.
"I'm sure I would have been called to his office at least once if he knew truth. I haven't been with them since I was eight years old," Harry said. He then had a thought cross his mind thinking again on Hagrid, but left it to the side for the moment.
"I still can't believe he had a baby dragon and wanted to raise it in his hut… It's made wood! How'd even get one in the first place… They're hard to find even through illegal means," Tracey said shaking her head as the others chuckled.
Hermione's eyes then momentarily lit up as it seemed she figured out what Harry did. She was about to say something, but Harry discreetly reached over and squeezed her leg real quick. This indicated to her not to say anything at the moment. Hermione gave him a quick look, but it lasted only a second and she understood the message. It seemed Harry didn't think this was Tracey's and Pansy's business.
They talked a little longer before both Slytherin girls left so as not to have been gone for too long. As she left, Pansy quickly said, "By the way, Harry. Draco asked me to pass along a message to you in case I meant you first. Even if you aren't trying out for Seeker, he still wants to race you for fun on brooms more meant for such things next year."
Harry chuckled. "I'll think about it. That is still next year. I also wish him luck with his big plan, but I'll still root for Hufflepuff when they play Slytherin," he said.
"Naturally. It would be boring if you rooted for Slytherin during such matches. He wouldn't have a chance to boast when he catches the snitch first otherwise," Pansy said with a teasing smirk. Harry gave a chuckle and shook his head.
Once both girls left, Hermione looked to him. He nodded. "I was thinking about that too. We know someone is trying to get the stone and they are being mostly meticulous with their approach. No doubt they would have learned about Fluffy and Hagrid isn't shy about his love for dragons. He causally told Jett and me about it when we first met," he said.
Hannah and Susan then gasped in comprehension as well. They were both a little ashamed they didn't think of that sooner. Susan was especially disappointed. She usually considers herself a little bit of an amateur detective, even if she doesn't want to be an Auror.
Harry sensed this and smiled to them. "Don't feel down about it. Hermione and I both just now figured it out," he said to them.
"And we're supposed to be the top of our year," Hermione said in comfort smiling to her other friends. She then turned serious and asked, "Should we go and ask him?"
Harry took in a deep breath and let it out. "I suppose so. If we can figure out who is going after it, we can try to start professors McGonagall and Dumbledore, and maybe even Snape, down the right path to finding who it is," Harry said.
"Let's go then. The sooner the better," Hermione said.
"Why is it you didn't say something while Pansy and Tracey were here?" Hannah asked as they got up.
"I felt it was kind of our business to see through to the end. I do trust them to an extent, but I haven't fully figured out the best way to handle them just yet. People have different needs and could require a different approach, even on the same matters. It is one of Boss' most important lessons he gave me," Harry said in answer as they left for Hagrid's.
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"I can't believe it!" Hermione steamed. "He just blabbed about such a secret in the middle of a bar?! He didn't even try to at least keep it private. Didn't even try to catch a name or any kind of identification from that man? Then he gets mad at us for getting him to say too much?"
She sighed. She didn't hate Hagrid and she kind of understood where he was coming from in how he reacted to them, but he was frustrating at times. All adults were like that though she realized. It was something she started to learn this year at school after being around Harry and the others.
"We know, Hermione," Hannah said. She wasn't steaming, but it was obvious she was upset as well.
"So much for figuring out more to set the professors on the right path…" Susan said with a frown.
"I suppose we can still try, but we shouldn't push it. We will speak to Professor McGonagall first and then Dumbledore if that doesn't work. Chain of command and all of that. Adults really hate it if you circumvent it too eagerly," Harry said.
When they spoke to Professor McGonagall, it did not go well. She didn't take them seriously and claimed she should expel them for even bringing up the stone in the first place. She then dismissed them with a warning. Thus, the Hufflepuff four did not press their luck further with her.
"Dumbledore then?" Hannah asked with a sigh. This was getting more frustrating. It wasn't like they were the Weasley Twins trying to pull a prank.
Harry nodded. "Hopefully it works. At the very least, I have a feeling he would be happy and willing to have a conversation with The-Boy-Who-Lived. He'd really want to look good to the public and playing nice with the savior is a way to do that," he said in a manner that showed he wasn't impressed by that.
"That seems a little…" Hannah started.
"I know. But you forget that Dumbledore is Headmaster. Supreme Wugwump. And Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot. He is as much politician as he is Headmaster, even if he is one the good ones. Admittedly, I'm still not sure about that," Harry said.
Hermione looked about to argue, but gave a slow nod. "He left you with them after all," she said in understanding.
Harry nodded. Dumbledore may have some kind of ulterior motive. Or perhaps all three of his positions stretched him a little too thin and bred an amount of incompetence for at least one of his many duties. Dumbledore may be a good man and even a great man, if you asked the right people. He was still one person, no matter how powerful. There was only so much he could do and focus on in life.
"Did ya see that?" Seamus said to Ron and Dean.
"I did. I suppose he does have to get from place to place. But it still is really weird seeing him on a broom…" Dean mused in reply.
"It is also kind of funny. I can just imagine him humming a tune as he flies around for some reason. I mean… He's Dumbledore," Ron said getting a chuckle from the others at the image he gave them.
"Wait! You mean you saw Professor Dumbledore flying away on a broom?" Harry asked.
Ron nodded. "Yeah. Like we said. Strange sight. You'd think he'd Apparate or something instead. Guess he loves a good flight as much as anyone," Ron said.
The girls were more surprised by this than Harry was. Actually, Harry was probably just as surprised as them, but he hid it better. "That is something…" Harry said as he moved them along.
They couldn't have an outburst here. Ron might get ideas to do something himself. He seemed to always be eager for adventure around the school… when he wasn't ready to get into it with Malfoy.
Ron also might want to try to save some face considering how poorly Gryffindor did in Quidditch this year, despite his constant belief and claims otherwise. The team still had one more unusually late match in the year for the cup, but unless Gryffindor somehow won by at least 800 points, the winner of the cup was assuredly Slytherin. They just barely scrapped a victory over Hufflepuff, but that essentially won them the final, no matter who they played.
"Great!" Hannah said with a frustrated sigh once they were safely in their dorm room. "Dumbledore's gone… What do we do now?" she asked feeling almost helpless. The stone was going to be stolen and they had no idea by who and no one seemed to take their warnings seriously.
Harry was in thought as he started to pace in the center a little.
"Could we say something to your aunt?" Hermione asked Susan in desperate hope.
Harry paused. That could work if it was possible.
"If we had some kind of evidence apart from seemingly unrelated tidbits and deductive reasoning. If we were Aurors she would tell us to follow our leads and possibly offer help, but she would emphasize the need for evidence. Catching criminals is only half the job. The other is making sure they go away. We aren't even that though," Susan said.
"Tonks?" Hannah suggested feeling maybe there was a desperate strand or two of hope left.
Harry shook his head. "She's still busy with her last NEWT. Plus… She has to think about her future. It would look really bad if she let a bunch of first years drag her along on what looked like a wild goose chase. Especially if we are panicking more than needed here. I'd rather someone like her have the chance to become an Auror and do some real good that way," he said.
The girls thought more on what to do after begrudgingly agreeing with him.
Hermione spoke after a moment. "Do we snoop around the castle? Stand guard near the corridor?" she asked. Their options seemed very limited by this point.
Harry was in thought again. "I'm not sure. If it is someone on staff, they could insist we go outside or claim we're up to no good right after finishing exams. Snooping around the castle and following people is suspicious in the first place. McGonagall already gave us a warning. If we aren't careful, she might go through with her warning before we do any good."
"Standing guard would be just as troubling then…" Hannah said.
Harry nodded.
"Are we going to have to go ourselves?" Susan asked rubbing her chin in thought.
The others looked to her.
"We know that this person is being careful, but only to a degree. With Dumbledore out of the castle and most of the professors busy with grading exams or last-minute NEWTs, they have as perfect a shot as possible. I don't think the thief would be as concerned with covering their rearguard," she said.
"They'd either count on no one coming after them, or for the protections to reset behind them, or to finish up before it mattered," Hermione suggested as Susan nodded.
Harry frowned… he didn't really like this, but this was seemingly their only option left.
"Okay. I don't like it… But you might be right. We should go together and be careful. Our goal will be to buy time for the others to show up. There has to be some kind of alarm or something we can possibly trigger that would alert the Professors. Perhaps in their eagerness they will just avoid such things instead of wasting time dismantling them," Harry said.
The others nodded and he could sense how nervous they were. He was nervous too. He gave a wry grin as he said, "You wanted more adventure. Here we have it, Hannah. It isn't dancing trolls on top of flying dragons, but still an adventure."
Hannah laughed to that as a way to break the tension she was feeling. The others soon followed needing the break as much as she did.
"Let's go. We know how to distract Fluffy. I'm pretty sure that obstacle resets itself," Harry said. The girls nodded and they started making their way. Each were hoping they would get there and find out nothing happened. That their fears were unfounded.
They weren't counting on it though.