Chapter 21: Magical Barriers and Flying Cars
Harry had to admit he was excited about going back to Hogwarts. He was eager to go on the start of the school year train ride. He also looked forward to taking his Nimbus 2000 for a flight as well. He would probably have to remind himself a number of times you weren't allowed to fly brooms in the halls.
The end of summer had been pleasant enough. He actually went on another trip to Diagon Alley. Hermione came again, while once more using the Knight Bus. Tracey joined them this time and brought with her a 'reluctant' Pansy. It was actually an enjoyable time for them all, even if Pansy acted like she was acting like it was fun for her.
One thing Harry really enjoyed was going to a crowd free Flourish and Blotts. There weren't any book signings by future foolish Defense Professors. No lines you had to maneuver around just to get inside. This trip they had plenty of time to look at the store. It was actually the main stop on their trip.
While at the store, Harry found a book that seemed to be a continuation of the one he got last year, but never got around to reading fully. He didn't see it as his fault. Magic was new to him and fascinating. The book was more advanced stuff anyways, but he did try the meditation exercises from time to time.
Harry got that book as a future investment. He really needed to up his magic game. He was far behind where someone like Voldemort probably was at his age. He did not want to just barely scrape by, if even that, against the Dark Lord once he returned.
Harry wasn't foolish. He knew it was only a matter of time before Voldemort returned. Harry wanted to be as ready as possible when the time came.
There was something unfortunate about his returning to Hogwarts. Harry couldn't get there as early as he would like this year. Things were busy with the Knights and it was a tight schedule just dropping Harry off at the train station. "Maybe next time I'll try the bus Hermione always seems to take," Harry thought to himself as he rode to the station.
[-] [-] [-]
"Harry!" Hermione said as she gave him a hug once she saw him. They hadn't even passed through the barrier yet. She was happy to find him so soon.
"Well. Didn't expect to meet you again so soon," Harry joked with a grin.
"Happy chances, right?" Hermione asked with a smile of her own.
Before Harry could answer, they were greeted again, "Hey you guys!" Hannah said with a bright smile.
"Hannah?" Harry asked in surprise. She wasn't carrying her trunk or anything. She was also alone.
"What are you doing out here?" Hermione asked her fellow Puff.
"I was waiting for you two. Susan grabbed us a spot on the train towards the back. We got here early so I figured I might as well wait and lead you both to our compartment," Hannah said.
"It is good to see you again. And that was a pretty good idea. We don't have to check every compartment now," Hermione said.
"I'm actually surprised to see you here without your parents, Hermione," Hannah said.
"I was just about to ask the same thing," Harry added.
Hermione gave a sigh. "An emergency popped up at their workplace today. At first, it was just going to be my dad who took care of it, but then it turned out to require them both," Hermione explained.
"How did you get here then?" Hannah asked.
"I took the Knight Bus," Hermione answered simply. She then cocked her head to the side in thought and added, "Huh. I think I'm getting used to it."
Hermione frowned to herself as she concluded, "I'm not sure if that's a good thing…"
Hannah couldn't help but giggle to that.
"As long as it doesn't become your preferred method of travel, I think you'll be okay," Harry said with a chuckle.
"Agreed. It is very quick and very convenient, but boy is it uncomfortable and definitely a wizard kind of thing," Hermione answered with a giggle of her own.
"Well then. Let's get going! I'm sure Susan's feeling lonely about now," Hannah said urging them forward.
"Alright," Harry said as he took the lead towards the barrier. He was ready to pass through when suddenly he was jolted as his cart came to a dead stop right in front of the wall. "That's odd…" Harry said.
"What is?" Hannah asked.
"The barrier's closed…" Harry said perplexed.
Hermione raised an eyebrow at him before placing her hand on the wall where the entry should have been. "So, it seems…" she said as her hand touched cold and solid stone.
"Really? You think I was making that up?" Harry asked her with a raised eyebrow.
"You never know…" Hermione replied with a cute blush as she looked to the side.
"I just came through it though," Hannah said as she too touched it with her own hand. Harry didn't bother her about triple checking him. Hermione wasn't sure what to make of that.
Harry looked to his watch and frowned. "We still have time," he said. They weren't late or anything. It was kind of close, but they knew the barrier didn't actually seal until after the train departed and only the workers were left on the platform.
The group tried a few different methods of going through the barrier. They even all three pulled out their wands and poked the wall randomly. "Maybe poking unknown magic with our wands… isn't the best idea," Hermione said after a moment with a nervous gulp.
The three stopped. Hannah blushed and suddenly found a strand of her hair extra interesting. Harry cleared his throat and acted like he hadn't just done what was possibly the stupidest thing to do with unknown magic.
"What's going on here?" a woman asked from behind them.
The three turned to the voice and were greeted with the sight of the Weasley family in full force.
"Harry?" Ron asked in question.
"Hey, Ron. The barrier isn't working," Harry told them as he pointed to the wall.
"Why's that?" Ron asked. Harry shrugged his shoulders in reply.
"Oh no! I don't want to miss the train!" a girl's voice said.
Harry looked to the youngest of the family and only daughter. "You must be Ginny. Ron's mentioned you a couple of times. It's your first year, right?" he asked.
Ginny's face turned as red as her hair and she nodded. She then nervously tried to hide behind Ron.
Ron looked to his sister with a raised eyebrow. "What's gotten into you?" he asked her. "Usually you never shut-up. Let alone act all shy like this."
"I-I-I don't know what you're talking about…" Ginny said as she made of point of not looking at her brother.
Ron shook his head and decided Ginny was mental, as were all girls.
"Ronald… Don't be like that to your sister on her first day," Mrs. Weasley scolded him.
"Hmmmm…" Fred interrupted before Ron could retort and probably stick his foot in his mouth again.
"Yes… Very serious…" George said giving an exaggerated thoughtful nod.
"Indeed, my less than handsome half," Fred said.
"Fred… Now is not the time. But we all know I'm better looking," George said.
"The barrier is indeed stuck…" Fred said as if he made some amazing deduction.
"I think we actually have the answer to this problem," George said with a mischievous grin. Mrs. Weasley was looking backwards trying to locate her husband and Percy and missed their shared looks. If she had seen them, she would not have been pleased.
"You two can really fix it?" Ron asked incredulously.
"Ron… Ronald… Bilius. Buddy," Fred started.
"Why you got to go and say my middle name," Ron grumbled while looking angry.
Hannah couldn't help but giggle at hearing Ron's middle name.
Ron frowned deeper.
Harry was impressed he hadn't laughed. He was also impressed Hermione only managed not to giggle because she placed a hand over her mouth to stifle it.
"Because, our unfortunate younger brother of debatable intelligence… You doubt us. Have some faith in your wonderful older brothers," George said.
"Wonderful my foot…" Ron grumbled.
"Nevertheless… We have a solution!" Fred said.
"Yes indeed," George replied.
Both of the twins pulled something out of their pockets. "We have never come across a problem dung bombs can't solve!" they said together as they held them up high. All of the gathered Hogwarts students looked to them horrified.
"George! Fred! You are not about to just do what I think you are going to do…" Mrs. Weasley shouted in warning.
The twins quickly put their tools of choice away and hummed innocently. "We have no idea what you're talking about, mother dearest," they said in unison with far too innocent voices.
Mrs. Weasley was about to rip into them, but they were saved by the arrival of Mr. Weasley and Percy. "What's going on here?" Mr. Weasley asked brightly as Percy gave the twins a look. He heard the tail end of their mother's shout.
"Barrier's stuck," Fred answered.
"George and I checked it just to be sure," George added.
"Let me have a look then," Mr. Weasley said as he moved forward. The father of the Weasley family brought out his wand and waved it over where the barrier was. "Interesting…" he said to himself.
He stepped a little closer and waved his wand while saying a spell the kids didn't recognize. A white misty weasel was floating in front of him as he said something to it. The misty creature then popped away. "Help should be on the way," Mr. Weasley told them all.
Hermione, Harry, and Hannah were in shock seeing the magic he just did in the middle of the station. "You just did magic in the middle of a muggle train station?!" Hermione asked in a mix of awe and worry.
"Ahh. That. No worries. The barrier actually forms a bubble of sorts. No muggle noticed and it was essentially cloaked by the barrier so no Ministry rules were broken," he said.
"A bubble? Why?" Harry asked.
Mr. Weasley smiled. "If it was just flat against the wall, then the slight magic discharge from people passing through it would be noticed, or at the very least raw magic would escape into the train station... This place really is so fascinating. How on Earth did Muggles build it!" he said as he started looking around.
"Arthur! What is going on here?!" a new voice asked as Professor McGonagall approached them quickly.
"Oh. I didn't expect you to answer," Mr. Weasley started a little nervously.
"I should think it obvious with such a message!" The Deputy Head said. Mrs. Weasley gave her husband a look which made it clear they would be discussing this matter later.
"Well… it is kind of an emergency. The barrier's acting up," he said in his defense.
"Is it now?" Professor McGonagall asked in surprise. She no longer seemed angry with Mr. Weasley so he thought he was safe.
"Yes. House Elf magic possibly... I didn't want to examine further given it is technically in Hogwarts' jurisdiction," he said.
"Then it was right you called me. Next time though… Don't make it sound as if You-Know-Who arose again," Professor McGonagall said.
"I wasn't that bad… I was just excited by how curious it was," Mr. Weasley defended himself.
Professor McGonagall heard none of it. She was busy looking over the barrier herself. She gave a nod after a moment and started moving her wand in motion. She let out a stream of incantations unheard by the others.
Suddenly there was a light blue flash. "That should do it. I told the train to wait for you all. Enjoy the ride," she said while waiting for them to pass through. She wanted to make sure nothing else happened.
Harry gave the still blushing and very shy Ginny a smile as he said, "Looks like you'll get to enjoy your first Hogwarts Express ride after all."
Ginny smiled and giggled in happiness. "Thank you," she mumbled out to him.
Harry didn't get why she was thanking him. He also found it curious both Hermione and Hannah seemed to step in closer to him. It was as if they were getting ready to protect him from something. Whatever the case may be, he was just glad they would get to enjoy the train ride as well.
Harry also had a feeling he knew who was responsible for the barrier acting up.
"Too bad it was easily fixed. Would have been cool if we had to like, take the flying car to school instead," Ron said to Ginny who nodded in agreement.
His comment was unfortunately overheard by others.
"Flying car?! Is that so, Arthur…" Professor McGonagall said severely while looking to the man.
Arthur gave a nervous laugh and smile in response.
"I knew this would happen someday…" Mrs. Weasley sighed with a shake of her head as the kids all walked through to Platform 9 ¾.
[-] [-] [-]
Hannah led both Hermione and Harry to the compartment she and Susan saved. After a quick round of greetings, they settled in for the ride. "That whole thing was weird," Hannah commented after they recounted it to Susan.
"Yes, it was… Mr. Weasley spoke of House Elf magic being used as well," Hermione started.
"I think I know who it was," Harry said surprising them all.
"How?" Hermione asked.
"I was going to mention it later once we were all in our dorm. I actually had a house elf visit me over the summer. He couldn't say what family he belonged to. I was careful when talking to him. His name was Dobby," Harry said.
"What was a house elf doing visiting you?" Susan asked in surprise.
"He didn't want me returning to Hogwarts. He wouldn't say what it was, but was carrying on about some kind of danger. I asked as much as I could and dared. He wasn't even sure how dangerous it would be compared to what we faced last year, but was certain it was really bad," Harry said.
Hermione frowned. She kind of understood the whole house elf thing, but it still bothered her a little. It was something she hoped they could change once they were out of Hogwarts. "Is it usual for a house elf to just visit someone like that?" she asked.
"No. It isn't. House elves rarely have much to do with a wizard who isn't part of their family or working where they do. They usually won't do something unless ordered to do so," Hannah said.
"It sounds like this Dobby was doing just that though," Susan said.
"Is it possible it was someone's idea of a joke?" Harry asked.
"Unlikely. You're on good or neutral terms with most people at our school. There might be some from families who followed You-Know-Who that don't like you, but they wouldn't act carelessly like that," Susan said.
"Did Dobby… do any of that punishment business?" Hermione asked carefully. She wasn't sure if she wanted to know the answer.
Harry shook his head. "Nope. I'm not sure if that was because of how I talked to him or not though. I was very careful," he said.
"I guess we should be prepared for something to happen this year…" Hannah said with a frown.
Susan nodded in agreement. "Even if it was some kind of weak ploy for you not to return… Best to be prepared. Auntie is always going on about how even witches and wizards outside of the Ministry should be ever vigilant. She kind of gets that from Moody I believe," she said.
As they continued to talk, Hermione finally asked something she was curious about. "So how illegal is a flying car exactly? Professor McGonagall seemed very unimpressed with that, especially considering who it was," she asked.
The door to their compartment was opened at that moment and a voice soon joined them. "Who has a flying car?" Draco asked in curiosity.
Hermione was caught off guard by his sudden appearance and simply answered, "Mr. Weasley."
"Does he now…" Draco said as he wore a victorious smirk while Pansy stood by his side with Tracey right behind them both.
"It is very illegal," Pansy answered.
"To think, Mr. Weasley has a flying car... Ha! Such a hypocrite," Draco said as he gave a chuckle.
"I'm guessing he's in trouble then?" Hermione asked.
"Oh… he will be. I will have to tell father about this," Draco said.
Hermione gave a frown to that. She really didn't want to be caught up between Draco and Ron. She also felt sort of surprised, if not a little pleased, Draco was actually talking to her so causally. He was usually politely indifferent at best. Mostly ignoring her without being too obvious at worst.
"Even if he is within the laws, it will not look good on him. He made those laws and really pushed for them. If he is abusing them... Regardless, he will be investigated," Pansy said.
"Just the fact he is doing something that possibly skirts the line is big news in the ministry. He's usually seen as one of the least likely to do anything troubling. He even prides himself on that," Tracey added.
Draco actually gave a slight frown. "It is a pity he made the laws he did regarding that. Father was on board with some other investors to bring in magic carpets to Magical Britain. Mr. Weasley's law forbids them though. If he is in enough trouble over this… It could be used to benefit us," he said in thought.
"Magic carpets?!" Hermione couldn't help but ask in surprise.
Draco was mulling over the possibilities of this new information, so it was Pansy who replied. "Some of us were hoping to bring them over as a family mode of transportation. It was a niche market that could have really taken off. If the law didn't prevent it."
"How do magical families usually travel?" Hermione asked.
Tracey answered this time. "Usually by portkey. It isn't pleasant, but is convenient and less taxing on one's magic when it comes to family travelling."
"Not brooms?" Harry asked.
"Not brooms. It can be rather uncomfortable for longer flights with a family in tow, even with cushioning charms and such," Draco answered Harry.
"What about… Apparition? I read a little about it in a book this summer," Hermione said.
Harry couldn't help but give her a teasing grin as he asked, "Just a little?"
Hermione blushed cutely and looked to the side as she quietly said, "There was too much I wanted to look into and not enough time… There's never enough time."
"Apparition requires certification. You have to be of Age or very close to being of Age to take the classes. I believe we learn that in our sixth year at Hogwarts," Tracey answered the question.
"There is side-along-apparition. But that would be very taxing on one's magic, especially if done too frequently, even for the best us," Pansy added.
"Yes indeed. It is not a good method for family traveling. Speaking of brooms though," Draco started with a grin. "Did you get one?" he asked as he looked right at Harry.
"Yep. I got a Nimbus 2000," Harry answered.
"I got a Nimbus 2001. It ought to be interesting to see how they stack up against each other. Especially with you flying the Nimbus 2000. If our flying lessons were anything to go by," Draco said.
"Is that your plan to assure your position on Slytherin's team?" Harry asked.
"A part of it… Let's just say Slytherin will be the team to beat this year. Even if it is unlikely someone will," Draco said with a smirk.
Harry gave his own smirk in return. "I'm also very interested to see how the two actually perform. On paper, the Nimbus 2001 should win, but you shouldn't always trust what's printed," Harry said.
"I am glad to see you aren't chickening out. Though no one would blame you if you did… considering," Draco said with a smirk.
"I may not be recklessly brave, but I know backing down too quickly is never good," Harry said in reply.
"Until we have our race then, Potter," Draco said as he dismissed himself while Pansy and Tracey stayed behind to visit with Hufflepuffs.
"So long, Malfoy," Harry said in reply as the boy left.
[-] [-] [-]
As the train came to a stop at Hogsmeade Station, Harry was excited to see how the other students got to the castle. "I've heard 2nd years and above go to Hogwarts via magical carriage. They supposedly pull themselves," Hermione said noticing Harry's excitement.
"Hogwarts: A History didn't say anything about it?" Harry asked.
Hermione shook her head. "The carriages were an addition made after the book was written," she said.
Harry supposed magical carriages made sense. He gave a thoughtful frown though. He was wondering how self-driving magical carriages were allowed but flying carpets weren't. Wouldn't both be considered muggle items?
He was about to voice his question and hopefully have a great conversation with Hermione and the others about it, when he rounded the corner. However, the sight before him threw all chances of such a conversation out the window. His dorm mates didn't seem to notice him coming to a dead stop.
Harry looked around and noticed the reactions of students were very mixed. Many seemed to not notice anything. Others seemed wary of something that could supposedly drive itself. A select few seemed to be seeing what Harry did. These carriages weren't self-driving. They were instead moved by strange and horrifying creatures.
The creatures resembled horses a slight bit, if they were mashed together with reptiles. They were black with skin barely stretched over their skeletons. They also had bat like wings. Their eyes were an eerie solid white.
"Ah. So, you can see them too," a voice said from behind Harry.
"Cedric? You can see them?" Harry asked in disbelief.
Cedric nodded to him. "I first saw them a couple years back. Needless to say, I was shocked to see them. I looked into them all I could. It was actually visiting Hagrid one time that gave me the answer. I don't take Care for Magical Creatures after all," he said.
"What are they? How come not everyone can see them?" Harry asked.
"They're called thestrals. Despite their looks, they're rather gentle so long as you don't threaten them," Cedric said.
"I'd hate to meet anyone who would dare threaten such creatures…" Harry said.
Cedric gave a small chuckle. "Agreed on that point. Only those who have witnessed death, can see them. I first saw them after I was with a muggleborn friend whose elderly aunt died of cancer. I was there for them as they said their goodbyes and she passed away. It was one of those times I wished healing potions worked on muggles. Considering healing potions use your own magic to heal you… They aren't much help for muggles," Cedric said.
"I'm sorry to hear that about your friend. Are they okay now?" Harry asked.
"They are. They've long since dealt with their feelings regarding their aunt's death. It is surprising that you can see them though. Unless… Do you remember your parents' deaths?" Cedric asked.
"No. I don't," Harry said as he shook his head.
"I've been more than nosy enough for the night. I won't pry further. You should probably catch up to your friends. Witnessing The Sorting for your first time after participating in it is really something," Cedric said just as Hermione looked back and called for Harry to join them.
"See you around, Cedric," Harry said with a smile to older student.
"See you, Harry," Cedric replied with his own grin.
"What were you talking to Cedric about?" Hermione asked after Harry caught up to them.
Harry quickly thought what to say here. Hermione and the others couldn't see the thestrals. He'd rather not spoil their excited mood with such a revelation. Harry smiled as he answered, "He was telling me a little about how much fun it was to witness The Sorting instead of being in it."
"I'm excited for it too," Hermione said. She had a feeling Harry wasn't telling her everything, but decided he probably had a good reason for that. She really was excited for the Opening Feast anyways, so she put it to the back of her mind.
"I wonder how many first years we'll get," Hannah said excitedly.
"I wonder if Hufflepuff will be the biggest house for first years this year too," Susan said.
The group chatted happily as they enjoyed the carriage ride to Hogwarts. Harry was glad he didn't say anything about the thestrals. That would lead to questions about why he can see them. Harry would rather not think about that.
When he was briefly on the streets, before Jett found him, he had seen some terrible things. He saw what desperate people can and will do. The Street Knights prevented stuff like that from happening in the Rust District. Harry along with many others were thankful for this blessing. That was part of the reason why so many were loyal to the Street Knights. "Loyalty to those who deserve it." Keeping people from turning on each other in desperation definitely put you in the category of those who deserve it.