OLD MAGIC
Chapter 15: Spells, Ministry Hassles, and Godfather Too
Hagrid had returned a day later from his trip and was at the breakfast table talking to his table mates when Harry arrived in the great hall himself. As he passed the high table, he gave Hagrid a brief, meaningful look and a smile then went on by to his table. Later that evening, before curfew, he went down to the lake on the forest side and stared out over the water.
Hidden in the darkness of the trees, Hagrid's voice floated out to Harry. "The elders need a bit of time to figure out what spell will work against that evil thing so we have ta wait. No telling how long that'll take so ya needs to keep yourself safe, Harry."
Keeping his face toward the lake, Harry didn't show any sign he was anything but alone as he responded in a voice just loud enough to carry. "I've taken care of that, Hagrid. I asked the castle spirit if it could help me and it laid a protective spell over me which works incredibly well! I don't feel that thing trying to get at me any longer."
"That were a bright idea, Harry," the giant said pleased with the boy's solution and very relieved. "I should have thought of that meself."
"You can speak to the castle spirit?"
"Aye. It's spirit is nearly as old as the forest dwellers themselves and we've always had close ties with it. But since the dark lord's appearance, Hogwart's been rather lonely as none of the forest dwellers dare to be close while the war goes on. Dumbledore don't chat with it much except when the need arises and the ghosties care only for their own concerns so it calls to us who hear it and we make time to listen and chat."
"Amazing. I guess it took a shine to me. Ever since my first day, it's taken to chatting with me some evenings when I'm just going to sleep," Harry admitted, casting a quick glance toward Hagrid flashing him a brief smile before turning back to his perusal of the lake's placid surface.
"Which be a good thing and makes me feel better about your safety. Now, how about telling me how you've been doing in school so far."
Harry was happy to comply and told his adopted father about being selected for Quidditch, his new friends, and his secretive budding friendship with Draco Malfoy.
"Malfoy, eh? That be interesting."
"How so?"
"The Malfoy family is in the Dark Lord's camp ... firm believers in the right of pure bloods to rule wizarding England. Lucius Malfoy, Draco's father, is a cunning and devious man. Be wary of him. Don't know much about Draco though."
"He seems to be nice though a bit aloof but I think that's to protect himself and I guess I know why now," Harry said, thoughtfully.
"Hmm, possible the young man don't share the same politics of his father, but still be cautious about him until you are certain where his loyalties lie, Harry," Hagrid warned.
"I will. My sense of him is someone who dearly wants a friend but is afraid. I'd like to be that friend but I will go slow on it. I could tell he would suffer badly at the hands of his house mates if I showed him any outward friendship."
"Good that you realized that early and saved you both some grief. It would be a wonderful thing to have one from that house to be on the side of the light," Hagrid mused. "I'll be watching you on the first game of the season. Incredible thing getting chosen in your first year, Harry. We're proud of you. But now it's time for you to be getting back to the castle before you're missed." He turned to leave.
"Wait!" Harry raised his voice a little. Needing to speak face to face, he dared to walk slowly away from the lake, veering closer to the trees before turning his body so that it was half facing the castle and half turned toward Hagrid.
Hagrid stopped and eyed the boy questioningly over his shoulder. He was nearly invisible beneath the trees.
"Why can't I just talk to you at your cabin? It'd be so much easier and warmer than out here. You're a teacher and no one said I couldn't be friends with teachers," Harry demanded.
"No, it's not against the rules to be a little friendly with the teachers. But in me own case, the other teachers don't like the students fraternizing with creatures like meself despite my position. You already know wizards think of us as magical but not powerful and barely useful to them. But ... " he held a huge hand up to forestall another outburst from Harry, "...it don't matter. We both know the truth so who cares what they think. I certainly don't."
"But it isn't right! The arrogance of wizarding kind..." Harry began to rant, eyes flashing with anger.
Hagrid smiled to himself, but his face was serious when he answered the boy. "I appreciate your outrage on my account, Harry, but the situation works for me. It allows me to pretend to be a simple soul with no one the wiser of my true abilities and knowledge. Now isn't that more important in these dangerous times?"
Harry blinked in surprise then sighed and nodded. "Of course, you're right. I forgot that for a moment. Guess it's always going to bother me though that you're thought of as barely worthy of respect. That's one of the things I want to change when we're free of the evil that hangs over us." His manner grimly determined.
The half giant smiled warmly at the young man. "I believe you will Harry. But now, just be a student and get ye up to the castle...scoot!"
Harry snorted but complied. Without waving goodbye as that would give away he had been talking to someone, he hurried back across the huge lawn for the great doors.
"Such big dreams that little one holds," a deep voice murmured from behind Hagrid.
Without turning around, Hagrid nodded. "Aye, but can you think of anyone who has a better chance of seeing those dreams come true?"
A chuckle answered him. "No, I can't, Rubeus. The little firebrand will do everything he says he will for he has the will to make it so. Though you and I both know some of those dreams will never be fulfilled that doesn't mean he won't try."
Hagrid laughed. "You'd be right, Magorian. Our little Harry will make a difference even in the things he can only make small changes to. He'll be a force to be reckoned with and the great spirit help those who get in his way."
Another laugh from the centaur followed that statement as the two watched their charge slip into the castle.
~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~
Fortunately for Harry, it was Snape who caught him slipping into the castle after curfew. Giving the boy a raised eyebrow, he made a finger gesture for the boy to follow him.
Sighing, Harry pretended he was in trouble and followed the professor with slumped shoulders and furtive looks as if wanting to escape, in case anyone was watching them.
They walked silently down the halls, passing a couple of prefects who nodded at Snape respectfully and gave Harry a questioning eye but said nothing as they hurried on by. Fortunately, neither had been the Gryffindor prefect.
After a long walk in silence, they reached the potion's lab. Snape gestured Harry in and shut the door firmly behind them, only relaxing when it was locked.
"You went to see Hagrid." Snape said with certainty.
"Yes. Thought I'd see what he'd found out and get a chance to talk. I miss him even though I see him every day," Harry said wistfully.
Snape gave him a sad, commiserating smile. "I understand. Well you saved me a trip. What did you find out?"
The boy sighed. "We wait. The elders aren't certain what spell will work yet. Might be awhile before we hear from them."
Snape sighed too then studied Harry closely. "You haven't come to me for a headache potion. Has that evil thing stopped trying to get into your mind?"
"Actually, I don't know professor. When you told me to guard myself, I thought of a solution that might work. The castle spirit has taken me under its wing so I asked it if it had a way to protect me. It tried a spell that was successful as I can't feel anything from Professor Quirrell now."
"Ahh...very good. You're using your head and I'm surprised but pleased to find the castle wishes you safe. It's protection is worth all the gold hoarded by the goblins."
"Can you speak to it as well?" Harry asked, surprised and curious.
"Sometimes. It isn't that pleased with me at the moment even though it does understand why I must be a spy. It upsets it, especially the tattoo from my so-called master on my arm. The evil magic from it causes a ripple that disturbs it but it's wise enough to know to leave it and me alone."
"You have a tattoo? Can I see it?" Harry asked, surprised Snape would have such a thing.
Snape grimaced but pulled his robe's sleeve up a distance and showed off a truly ugly and frightening image engraved in his flesh.
"Blimey! That wasn't done with needles." Harry grimaced in disgust.
"You're right. It was a nasty and painful spell." The man allowed his sleeve to cover the obscenity again.
"I hope with that thing's death the image on your arm will be gone."
"That is my hope too, Harry."
~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~
As busy as his days were that first week, Harry could be excused forgetting the meeting he was to have with Minister Fudge. He also was unaware that his godfather had insured he would be spending time with him this weekend as well so when Saturday shone bright and warm, he was real unhappy when someone shook him awake when he thought he was allowed to sleep in.
"Wha...leave me be...want to sleep..." he grumbled, voice muffled by his pillow.
"Sorry Potter, but I've been sent to get you up and dressed for a meeting with the Minister of Magic," Percy Weasley said, firmly, continuing to shake the boy until he sat up rubbing his head and staring blearily up at the prefect.
"Minister?"
"Yes. Don't tell me you forgot?" Percy shook his head in disgust. "Better get up, showered, and dressed. You're expected in Dumbledore's office in thirty minutes."
Harry's eyes widened as he fumbled with his bedding then hurried off to the bath. Twenty minutes later he was feeling irritated and hungry as he was hurried down the hall to the headmaster's office in Percy's wake.
At the gargoyle Percy muttered 'Cadbury' and the statue leaped revealing the staircase. As they walked up, multiple voices were heard, all talking at the same time. Harry rolled his eyes, squared his shoulders and took in a deep breath, letting it out a moment before Percy knocked.
"Enter!"
The tall, red headed prefect opened the door and gestured for Harry to precede him. Harry wasn't surprised when Percy didn't enter but closed the door a moment after Harry had stepped through. The room seemed to be filled with people but as he stared more closely, he found there were only six here despite the noise level. Harry walked as far as Fawkes' stand then stopped and waited for someone to make the first move.
A pompous looking man dressed in elegant and well made robes, presented a broad smile that was insincere and extended his hand toward Harry. Dumbledore made the introductions.
"Harry, this is the Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge...this is Harry Potter."
"So nice to meet you at last, Mr. Potter," Cornelius Fudge said in lordly fashion.
"Uhm...pleased to meet you, Minister Fudge," Harry said politely, applying just enough grip then letting go so he wouldn't have to touch the man's cool palm long.
"We were very concerned when you were taken so suddenly after your parents had died so tragically but it appears wherever you were fostered has been good to you," Fudge said, his voice indicating that some answers about that were required.
But Harry wouldn't play that game and said innocently, "Yes sir, I was very fortunate to have loving people care for and protect me from those that wished me harm."
"And who might these people be, may I ask?" The Minister of Magic launched the first salvo of the interrogation.
Hovering close but mindful of the warning they'd been given by the minister to keep themselves in check and let him ask questions, were the two members of the press allowed at this meeting. One could see they were truly chomping at the bit to be allowed to ask their own questions. Behind them and nearer to the windows were Shacklebolt and Moody. Standing beside Dumbledore who was next to the minister was Professor McGonagall and slipping in the door at that moment was Professor Snape who remained near the exit, his arms crossed over his chest, looking anything but happy to be here.
Okay, here goes, Harry said to himself. "I'm sorry Minister Fudge but that is personal information that I'm not required to divulge. My guardians are in as much danger as I am from Voldemort. If I were to tell you who they were, Voldemort would learn of it then, either kidnap or harm them to force my compliance with his deadly plans and that I won't risk."
The speaking of the evil's actual name caused a gasp among the visitors. Fudge's face tightened with barely suppressed anger.
"Young man, I'll have you know that particular evil has been vanquished, though I will admit his followers are still around to cause some trouble but our aurors are hard at work capturing them. Why just the other day two of his former lieutenants were arrested," he said haughtily.
Harry gave him a grave look that made Fudge feel uncomfortable for some reason. "I beg your pardon, sir but I know he is not gone and, yes it is good that you're managing to take out his minions but my unfortunate encounter with him has insured I would always be aware of his presence among us. No, he is not in a living body but his evil spirit is still here and influencing his followers as we speak."
A shiver of fear raced down the spines of the visitors, even Fudge though he refused to believe it. The reporters began to clamor for more information from him, disregarding the warning they'd been given. With a tight smile on his face, Minister Fudge raised a hand for silence and got it.
"Nonsense, Mr. Potter. I don't know what you think you might be feeling, but his spirit, I'm certain it is not. Let's have no more mention of him ever again, especially speaking his name, understood?"
Harry cocked his head and frowned at the man. "Your pardon, sir but that would be lying and you haven't said his name at all. Don't you know that not saying his name is giving him the power he wants? He doesn't deserve that kind of blind obedience. It proves he's won when he can make you cower like sheep in fear just by saying his name. Well, sir, I refuse to give him that power. I may be young, sir, but Voldemort killed my family and I know he's still around. So I will not lie nor pretend he is gone just to make you feel better. He is a very real threat that hasn't been destroyed and you do your people that look up to you a serious disservice to say otherwise," he said, firmly and with absolute conviction. He'd been told the minister was pretending the threat was gone but he seriously thought they were exaggerating. However, after listening to the fool spout such nonsense, he realized they'd had been right. How could the people of this land continue to allow such a fool to be in charge? He wondered, confused.
Snape felt like shaking his head. Poor Harry, he thought, really didn't understand politics at all. Because he still saw the world with the eyes of a child, a mature one but still a child in many ways, everything was fairly black and white though he was learning there was a gray area to all things, even if he was still having difficulties accepting that idea.
Shacklebolt was barely able to keep a straight face. From the mouths of babes, he thought, highly amused. The boy's in for it now.
The press were absolutely gleeful at hearing the pompous minister being put in his place by a child but they were also fearful, angry, and excited by the very idea that their enemy might still be around though in spirit form. The anger was for being lied to by their leader, though, admittedly, they couldn't be sure Harry wasn't just telling tales as many children were wont to do at his age. However, they felt the minister's defiant assertion the enemy wasn't around held no feel of truth since recent evidence from the captured death eaters seemed to contradict that belief.
Snape though amused by Fudge's predicament, realized this interview could only end badly...for Harry, so very carefully he extended a questing touch to Harry's shields. It was a serious risk doing this with so many powerful wizards around but he hoped they were too preoccupied to notice his light use of magic.
Harry showed no outward sign that his shields had been 'knocked on', carefully maintaining his polite mask. However, inside his mind, he opened a small hole to speak to Snape.
"Yes sir?"
"Harry, I know you feel strongly on this subject but Fudge is a stubborn fool and he will see this as a threat to his position. Back off politely and give ground without giving up your principles. Allow him to save face."
Inside Harry fumed but bowed to Snape's more experienced lead. "Very well, sir." He shut his shields and waited.
For being only a child of eleven, Fudge was stunned by the very adult point of view Harry was expressing. It didn't remotely sound like a child's prattling but he couldn't admit that without also admitting that he could be wrong. At that moment, he wished he could demand the miscreant be locked up in Azkaban for his inflammatory comments but in front of the press and being only a child could seriously backfire on him.
"Mr. Potter. I'm sure the loss of your parents was very upsetting to you and you feel you need to cling to the belief the one who killed them is still around so you might feel, in some fanciful way, a need to fight this enemy and thus be avenged. However, I assure you the enemy is gone and his minions will be arrested and things will be getting back to normal. So no threat is hanging over you. Which means, though we are grateful to these guardians, your welfare is paramount with us so your case must be reviewed and your parents Will must be checked to see who they had intended to care for you. Their wishes, after all, should be honored. So, I ask again young man, who are these guardians so we might speak with them."
Harry felt like rolling his eyes but stopped himself in time. Much as he wanted to obey Professor Snape, he simply couldn't ignore the minister's attempt to sweep this under the rug.
"I beg your pardon, minister, but I was but a baby when my parents were killed and trust me, no way would I have known who the killer was even though I did see him, albeit briefly when his form went poof before my eyes. I wasn't told who it was nor shown an image of him until I was nine. Even then I had no way of knowing that the images I was seeing when sleeping were from him until seeing the same images in the newspaper. No way would I ever be able to come up with some of the horrific events I was unwittingly viewing. So, no sir, I am not making this up nor thinking it is some fanciful wish to avenge my parents. It is an unwanted invasion into my mind by the enemy. Training by my guardians has helped me lock him out but that only happened this year. And again, I must refuse to answer your question on the grounds it will threaten their safety."
Fudge was nearly apoplectic with anger and beginning fear while the news reporters were excited and writing down everything. This was going to cause an uproar among the population, exactly what Fudge didn't want to happen but events were rapidly overtaking him and he had no idea how to stop it unless ... an idea came to him.
"Since you seem to be very certain the enemy is alive in some fashion, I will have my enforcement section research your allegation to check the validity of it. Until then, I want you to speak of this to no one until that investigation has been completed. Is that understood, Mr. Potter?"
Harry didn't like it but realized this was a way to let Fudge save face and end this line of questioning. "Yes sir."
"Good. As for you, the members of the press, you may not print one word of this interview..." Furious objections were flung at him but Fudge was adamant. "If I see one hint of anything that was discussed here on the news, that person will spend some time in Azkaban. Understood?" He demanded, his eyes steely, his lips tight.
Grumbling in anger, the two reporters gave their word. Relieved he'd managed to stop disaster, he gave Harry another warning look before deciding a strategic retreat would be wise about now.
"I think we will end this interview for today. I hope you will pursue your studies with due diligence, Mr. Potter and we will be getting in touch sometime in the near future. Good day all." With that, Fudge turned and marched to the exit. Snape very graciously opened the door and held it, Fudge barely noticed him. In minutes, the visitors were gone leaving only Shacklebolt and Moody as the only outsiders still present.
"I'm afraid you may have made an enemy of the minister, Harry," Dumbledore warned, his expression troubled. "That was something you did not need right now."
"I don't see how that was my fault, sir. He was insisting, after all, to know my personal business and I didn't feel that was his right. Also, calling me a liar is rude and uncalled for though I have seen adults do that to children especially if they themselves have been caught in a lie. It's very bad behavior," Harry stated, annoyed and rather indignant that Dumbledore hadn't prevented the minister's blatant haranguing of him and now actually trying to make him feel guilty for being honest.
"He is right, Albus. We all know the Dark Lord is not gone and that the minister is trying to pretend that isn't so. However, it disturbs me to learn, Harry, that your dreams were invaded by this evil. Are you certain you are now safe from his mind?" Shacklebolt asked.
"Absolutely certain, sir. I believe Mr. Moody and the Headmaster can attest to the strength of my shields," Harry said.
Kingsley's eyebrows rose. "I was aware of how strong your magical core is, Harry, but I hadn't been made aware of that. Who trained you?"
"Sorry sir..."
"Ahh, yes your mysterious guardians." Shacklebolt eyed the boy intently. "Beware Harry, Minister Fudge could make a case that you should be in the hands of the ones your parent's stipulated in their will." He frowned then asked the room at large, "Does anyone know who that might be?
"The Will stated Lily's sister, Petunia Dursley, was to have guardianship," Dumbledore supplied, rather reluctantly.
"I don't know her nor do I want to. I'm perfectly happy with my present arrangements," Harry said firmly. "But I am curious. Is she a witch?"
"No. Your grandparents were muggles. The only witch in that family was your mother. Your Aunt Petunia lives in Little Whinging in Surrey England with her husband and son." Dumbledore answered.
Harry grimaced. "An even better reason not to live there. I would have no protection and my last living family would not be able to defend themselves from my enemies."
"True, but there is a way to keep your presence hidden while living there which would keep all of you safe," Dumbledore suggested, coaxingly.
"Harry shook his head. "Still not happening and I don't really think the minister will want me in some muggle's home either."
Shacklebolt sighed. "He has a point Albus."
"I wouldn't like it either as it is outside our jurisdiction," Moody spoke for the first time. "I believe you should insure Fudge doesn't try that angle, Dumbledore."
The Headmaster wasn't happy to be overruled. In point of fact, he had wanted Harry to live there. One, so he could mold Harry into the weapon he was supposed to be to defeat Voldemort and two, because he could be more easily monitored by the Order than going back to guardians he was certain were the people of the forest. But now that option was out the window. He would not be able to convince Moody that the muggles would have been a better place for the boy.
"I will see what I can do," he said, less than enthusiastic about this change in his plans.
"Well since there is nothing else to do here, I will take my leave," Shacklebolt said briskly as he made for the door. "Coming Alastor?"
"Yes," the old auror grunted, giving Harry a searching look before stumping off in the black man's wake.
"May I leave now, sir?" Harry asked, plaintively. He was starving and would like very much to go back to bed.
"Yes you may, Harry. And thank you for your forbearance with this trying interview," Dumbledore said by way of apology.
Harry simply shrugged his shoulders, gave Fawkes a brief caress that earned him a sweet chirp and walked to the exit where Snape again opened the door. He gave the man a brief roll of his eyes then slipped away, glad to be gone.
~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~
The rest of the day was spent in the Gryffindor Common Room catching up on homework and playing chess with Ron. His friends had heard he was seeing the minister and had asked how it went. Harry wasn't very forthcoming with answers deciding he wanted as few people as possible to know what went on. Dinner was rather quiet, some of the older students having gone into town.
When he lay his head down to sleep that night, he spent an hour speaking with Professor Snape as the man did his rounds for the evening accompanied by Wine. They discussed the mess with Fudge.
"How can someone that cowardly be head of the wizarding government," Harry demanded.
"He won the most votes," Snape said drily.
"The people should ask for a recount or at the very least, get their heads out of the sand," the boy said, disgusted.
"People as a whole want safety and that is what Fudge offered. They don't want to know about inconvenient things like dark lords." Snape's mental tone told Harry what the man thought of the cowardice of such people.
"Doesn't make the bad people disappear by pretending they don't exist."
"No it doesn't but that's just the way things are in the adult world."
Harry ruminated on that a moment then sighed and changed the subject. "Do you think they'll try to send me to that aunt I don't even know?" He asked a little anxiously. Though at the interview he had sounded confident, he really wasn't.
"No, I honestly don't think so, Harry. You brought up a very valid point. The minister wouldn't want you staying with muggles. Though, I have a suspicion the headmaster had indeed planned for that to happen. However, now that it's out in the open, he wouldn't dare suggest it.""
Harry sighed in relief. "Good. I love my family and would hate to leave them for some stranger."
"So would I, Harry. Now off to sleep with you."
"Right, I am tired. Good night, sir."
"Good night, Harry."
~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~
It was pushing past nine o'clock on Sunday morning and Harry was still buried beneath his bedding sound asleep when suddenly, his shoulder was being shaken. Angry at being wakened again on a weekend morning, he growled sleepily, "Gerruf...leave me alone!"
"Is that anyway to address your Godfather," a familiar voice demanded.
Harry jerked upright, nearly tangling himself in his bedding. He shoved them away, then turned to fumble for his glasses. Putting them on he stared at the dark haired man sitting on the end of his bed, grinning at him.
"Sirius! What are you doing here?"
The man's happy smile immediately turned into a frown. "Didn't Dumbledore tell you I was going to take you out this morning?"
Harry rolled his eyes. "No, he didn't."
"That..." Sirius bit off the swear word he was about to make and lowered his voice when he realized they were a bit loud for the rest that were still sleeping. "Well, since he didn't tell you, do you want to go out with me or stay sleeping?"
"Are you mental? I can sleep anytime but I don't get chances to be with you. Let me get ready and we can go," Harry said excitedly, climbing out of his bed and scampering off to the loo. Sirius smiled. A second later, he was startled by something brushing against his leg. Looking down he stared into a pair of green-gold eyes as a small kneazle came out from under the bed. "Well, hello ... who might you be and why are you hiding under Harry's bed, hmm?" He wisely didn't pick the creature up and watched as it leaped onto the bed then turned and sat to stare back at him.
"Well aren't you an interesting creature. Most cats or cat-like critters don't like being around me. May I pet you?" Sirius knew kneazles were smarter than people thought and treated the little fellow with the respect it deserved.
Instantly liking the human and sensing he was someone close to Harry, Wine pushed his head against Sirius' raised and waiting hand. Smiling the man rubbed and scratched the small head between the ears.
Some minutes later, Harry came back into the room, drying his hair. He smiled when he saw Wine and Sirius getting acquainted.
"I see Wine has made friends with you."
"Is that his name? Is he your familiar?" Sirius asked.
"Yes. I saved his life and he's been with me ever since," Harry said, getting dressed.
"Well, hello Wine. My name is Sirius and I'm Harry's Godfather," Sirius formally introduced himself.
Wine cocked his head and mewed. "I guess that means I'm accepted," Sirius said, grinning. "I'm glad you have someone like this to watch your back."
"Yes, he's very good at that. Well, shall we go?"
"Certainly."
"Wine, do you want to go with us?" Harry asked his familiar. Wine seemed to think about that a moment then shook his head, jumped from the bed and vanished from view.
"I can't get over how they can do that. Wish I could," Sirius said. "Let's go then."
The two left the castle with no one seeing them. Sirius promised Harry a meal in London and had already gotten permission to take Harry off campus. As soon as they cleared the gates and with a gentle hand on the boy's shoulder, Sirius apparated them away.
The two had a very enjoyable day going to the London Zoo, doing some shopping, and ending the day with eating at a fine restaurant, where Sirius regaled Harry with stories of his mum and dad when they went to Hogwarts together then fought in the wars as members of the order.
Appearing at the gates of Hogwarts again hours later, Sirius escorted his godson back to his common room.
"I had a great time, Sirius. Hope we can do this again soon," Harry sighed, happily.
"I'd like that. How about we plan on spending a little time together around Christmas, eh?"
"Well, I do want to spend some time with my family and friends but I think I can manage a day or two to spend with you."
"Great. Barring anything coming up with the order, it's a date. Good night, Harry. I love you," Sirius said softly at the door to the common room.
"Good night, Sirius and I love you too," Harry said, giving his Godfather a tight hug.
They parted ways and Sirius headed back out of the castle, whistling a tune, pleased at how well the day had gone. Harry was a good kid and he liked him a lot. He hoped this bleeding war wouldn't take either him or Harry away not when he finally had found him again.
~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~
By Halloween, there was still no word from the elders. However, the evil seemed content to bide its time and hadn't done anything that Harry could detect.
Everyone was excited about the Halloween celebrations. Harry was surprised and pleased that it was very similar to the trick or treating in the muggle world though at Hogwarts they couldn't leave to go visit the village and do that. But there was singing, plenty of sweets, and good food and games so that was even better. The weird ceiling in the great hall was filled with not only candles but huge floating jack-o-lanterns making it an eerie place which was way cooler than anything he'd enjoyed when younger.
Wine even allowed Harry to dress him up in a tiny cape and hat so he could take pictures with his camera he'd brought. Darius had found an old fashioned flash camera and had shown him how to use it since his digital wouldn't work here. It was a great evening and everyone went to bed tired, full, and happy.
So as the time marched on, he got absorbed in the fall festivities, Quidditch practices being the most fun though it was ridiculously cold during them. He had to use a warming charm to keep his body from freezing on his broom...his new top of the line, personal broom. One, Sirius had insisted on getting him once he'd learned the boy had been chosen to play. It was a real beauty and flew like a dream.
Being on a broom in the first place was exhilarating. In this, wizards outshone muggles ... the ability to actually fly without a plane or balloon. Next to being to being able to apparate, this was like heaven. He knew quite a few muggles who would absolutely die to have the chance to do what he did nearly every day.
The only thing that dampened these frantic days of fall was the endless pleading looks Professor Quirrell's sad eyes bestowed on him every time they came in contact. He couldn't comfort the man as there wasn't any way to speak to him that the evil inhabiting him wouldn't hear so he ignored the man as best he could, though it made him feel bad to do it.
~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~
While his familiar worked hard in school, Wine had spent the past two months getting a working knowledge of the grounds and the castle while tailing Professor Quirrell. He was careful to not do this daily, choosing to spy on the man at different times and days. Sometimes he watched from a high spot above the great hall, another time, hiding in plain sight when the man went to a little used tower to mutter and plot. He would climb into the rafters and watch from above, staying invisible.
Despite his surveillance, he didn't learn anything beyond how much the thing hated Harry and how he wanted to take the boy's body if he could get him alone. But Harry was never stupid or careless to do that, much to the evil's growing frustration. Even when Harry went off towards the woods, the boy knew the forest creatures would always keep him under surveillance, ensuring he was safe in its environs. Only inside the castle did Harry keep a more watchful guard over his safety, never allowing himself to be caught alone making Wine's and his other watcher's job a little easier.
Wine regularly kept his three contacts, Snape, Hagrid, and, of course, Harry, aware of everything the man did. It was concerning to all three that it wanted Harry's body so desperately which only confirmed in their minds the identity of the spirit.
"No surprise it would want Harry," Snape said over a cup of hot chocolate in Hagrid's hut one evening. "It gets him revenge and a new body to continue his war."
"Aye, I agree that all the evidence little Wine has brought us leads to it being the Dark Lord." Hagrid nodded, eyes narrowed in anger and concern. "My last contact with the elders was a bit more hopeful. They think they've managed to cobble together a spell that should do what we all want."
"That is good news, but do they intend to test it first," Snape asked, relieved this might come to an end very soon.
"Aye, but it's finding a candidate that fits their needs, that's the problem now," the giant said a bit gloomily.
Snape sighed. "Yes, I'm certain it is. How many evil spirits inhabiting people have you heard about?" He asked facetiously.
Hagrid just grunted. He felt the task was impossible too but what could he say about it ... nothing.
"They may just have to do it on Quirrell untested, though I shudder at what might happen if it doesn't work," Snape said worriedly.
"Ahh that doesn't bear thinking about, sir. Because as you and I both know, he'll be alerted and most likely put whatever evil plot he's been hatching into action before we can stop him."
"Yes, my concern exactly."
Hagrid sighed and rose to put his empty cup into the sink then he turned and leaned against it to study the professor. "There's nothing we can do about it. If they can't find a test subject, going ahead and doing it is the only option left."
"I agree." Snape rose too. "All we can do is wait and with that, I'll be saying my goodbyes. I have rounds to do yet."
"Good evening to ya, professor," Hagrid murmured, seeing the man out and watching to insure he made it up to the castle safely. Running from the garden patch was a small shadow that caught up with the wizard and kept him company up the hill.
Hagrid nodded in satisfaction to himself that Wine would keep the professor safe and stepped back inside, shutting the door against the chill night air.