Harry and Snorkmaiden walked outside the doors into the hall. Harry felt a hand clasp his shoulder. He glanced over to see a smiling Cedric.
"Thanks," Harry muttered. Cedric smirked, "Hey, I was just being honest. Besides, I'm going to beat you in the Tournament. Can't do that with you being put away or falsely accused, right?"
Harry chuckled as Snorkmaiden smiled at the exchange. "I guess not. Don't get in my way at this stupid Triwizard thing."
"You too...Nice to meet you Snorkmaiden." Cedric threw up a hand in a wave as he left. Snorkmaiden waved back as Witches and wizards walked out of the room. They openly avoided Harry and his fiancee as they parted.
Harry sighed and went to lead Snorkmaiden back to the sanctuary of their room when Ron stopped him.
"Woah there, and where do you think you're going?"
Harry raised his human brow, "To our room? The sooner I get there, the better."
Hermione crossed her arms, leaning forward to whisper. "Understandable but not quite yet...We need to talk. We know."
Harry felt his mouth dry and Snorkmaiden's fur turns pale green. "Uh...I don't know what you're talking about?" Harry subconsciously looked to Snorkmaiden who looked just as taken aback by the exchange.
Hermione rolled her eyes, "Yes, you do. Meet me and Ron near the East bridge." With that, they parted. Leaving the couple blinking in surprise before exchanging wary glances to one another.
Snorkmaiden followed her fiancee out to this stone bridge. It seemed to be a part of the Hogwarts school that just connected one building to another.
They had only been there a few days and already she couldn't wait to be back home. This late Fall to Early Winter weather made her sleepy with her body so used to hibernation by now. And she just missed Moomin Valley. So much more peaceful there. Sure, this world was new and exciting but having the love of her life be put to trial and getting into fights and having glares thrown their way everywhere they ventured seemed like too much to handle.
And she was still a bit irked by her fiance as well. She went with him to make sure he stayed safe! Maybe it would have been best had she not went at all if he was going to jeopardize his secrecy and safety anytime someone looked at her the wrong way.
And it was disheartening! Being judged because of something she was born as if she could help that! But she was tough enough, she could simplify their hate as utter ignorance of her kind. But Harry was just too hot-headed and stubborn. He couldn't handle anyone insulting or hurting anyone he cared about.
It was admirable and one of the many traits she loved about him, but right now, it made her all the more annoyed at the situation. She was just grateful that he survived that awful 'meeting' and Hermione got there in time… Speaking of her.
Snorkmaiden saw the wild-haired girl with the scar on her face and her redheaded boyfriend...At least, she assumed they were dating?
"Oh good, you found your way," Ron commented with a lopsided grin. He continued, "We were beginning to wonder where you were. We don't exactly have all day."
Harry tilted his head, "Why is that?"
Ron looked down and shrugged. "Uh, well Hermione's confession and us bursting in have some...What's the word?"
Hermione sighed, "Consequences, Ron. I doubt it will be much."
Harry looked guilt-ridden, "You didn't have to take the blame like that."
"Pft, and let you get punished for defending your partner and yourself? No. I swear, one day, I will be a part of the Ministry and I will make sure not to be so...So…" She ranted before Ron returned the favor, "Slimy?"
Hermione smiled, "Not my exact thought but yes. Fudge is nothing but a politician type that cares about appearances. What he did...I just can't believe all those Witches and Wizards agreed!"
Harry frowned, "I can. We've been met with nothing but sneers and glares since we arrived."
Ron scuffed, "Yeah, that's exactly how this world is. If your parents are muggles or one of them's a muggle, you're treated like dirt. Couldn't imagine what you're going through with all the controversy."
Hermione sighed at the mention of muggles but simply crossed her arms and looked expectantly.
"So? Will you finally give an explanation about everything?"
Harry's eyes darted about. Snorkmaiden noted no one was around but understood the hesitation.
She whispered in Harry's ear. "Not here. You never know who's listening."
"Of course." Harry agreed before addressing the two teens in front of them.
"Not while in Hogwarts."
Hermione eyed the couple in thought. "...I know a place."
Ron looked at her with a frown, "Oh no. No, no, no. Don't you remember last time?!"
Hermione rolled her eyes, "Oh please, we're older now. Besides, you were the one that got in the way of the branches. If we stay behind the hills, we're fine."
Snorkmaiden and Harry glanced at one another with raised brows at the exchange. Hermione turned back to them with a determined look.
"I know the place to go to. Not too far from here but secluded. And then, you tell us everything. I think you owe me that much with this incident going on my clean record."
Ron muttered under his breath as they made their way. He HATED this area! Ever since he lost Scabbers near that tree by that terrifying Grime. He hated that stupid place, cried for weeks! He loved that rat. And he barely escaped with his life! Hermione had to drag him away from saving Scabbers as that monster dragged him down under the Whomping Willow.
They all made their way, the air was getting colder. He really didn't understand WHY they HAD to know. Yeah, it was cool but why was it any of their business?
Then again, if Voldemort was back like the rumors suggested...It did make Harry all the more interesting and suspicious. He liked Harry and Snorkmaiden but he barely knew them! What if they were in connection to the Death Eaters? But that wouldn't make sense...If anything they were victims too.
'Bloody hell...I see the brainiacs point in being nosey.' He mentally admitted as they walked. He saw that tree and bad memories circled his mind.
"Alright, here we are! Now, start talking." Hermione uttered. Harry let out a long sigh.
Harry looked at the two persistent teens, debating whether to lie or not. Snorkmaiden gave him a look. "Harry...You might as well tell them." Snorkmaiden looked stormy at them, "But I swear, either of you tells and put my fiance's life in danger-" She pointed a stubby accusing finger at the teens, fur turning red. She towered over both teens and was double their size. Looking like quite an imposing force to be reckoned with.
Ron threw his hands up. "Woah, we get it! Cross our hearts and hope to die." He mimicked over his chest. Hermione gave her an understanding look. "We won't tell unless we feel our lives or others are in danger. Would I risk my record and wand if I were to betray you?"
Harry couldn't help but goofily grin at his love's protectiveness. Heavens he loved her.
Snorkmaiden huffed with a determined glare. Perhaps not, but the warning still stands."
Harry smirked as he rested a hand on her furry shoulder, her color softened. "Hermione has a point...Though I love it when you get so protective." He felt his gaze soften as well as her own. "Anytime darling." She gave, reaching to peck him on the cheek a few times before reaching his still human lips. He'd change that as soon as he returned to their room.
"Can we continue with talking so we can leave soon PLEASE!" Ron gripped, his cheeks tinted as he averted his eyes. Hermione looked a bit flushed as well but seemed more amused.
Snorkmaiden giggled as she and Harry parted. "Kids." She whispered before Harry cleared his throat to speak.
"Alright. Yes, I can perform magic without a wand or incantations."
Hermione crossed her arms and raised a skeptical brow. "I don't believe you." Ron threw up his hands, "What?! That's the whole damned reason we came here!"
"Prove it." She gave. Harry sighed but his eyes sparkled with amusement.
"If you insist. "
Without any effort, he materialized an apple in his hand, not wanting anything too flashy to draw attention. Both teen's eyes widened as he shifted it into multiple fruits before settling on a purple one he knew they never had.
"Try it, they come from an island near Moomin Valley."
Hermione looked curious but reluctant. Ron was the braver one, turning the fruit in his hands before taking a hesitant bite. He hummed in appreciation. "Oh my God...It tastes just like Fairy Floss!" He tore it in half and shoved the other side to Hermione.
She continued to eye it skeptically before her eyes glanced at Harry. Snorkmaiden chuckled as she took a piece from the fruit and nudged Harry. "I think she's scared you poisoned it."
"It would be a good way to get rid of the kids trying to learn your secrets." She admitted. Ron stopped gorging on the fruit, looking at it fearfully. Harry couldn't help but laugh as he stuck the tiny piece in his mouth.
"I have enough people's eyes on me. Maybe even more after this stupid trial hearing. Do you think I'd want to look even more suspicious when two teens that helped me turn up missing?"
Hermione eyed him longer before a cocky smirk graced her lips, twisting her scar upward. "Fair enough." She took a bite and smiled. Her smile grew as the realization dawned on her.
"This is...This is incredible!"
"I told you it was good!" Ron muttered as he sucked the juice from his fingers. She rolled her eyes, "NOT THAT! That it's tangible! It's real fruit, not an illusion. Not a glamour spell. It's real...And it was done without a wand or words!" She laughed out in disbelief, staring at Harry in wonder.
"...Are you even a wizard? You can change shape so are you even Harry Potter?" She asked. Harry smiled down at her, Snorkmaiden's arm interlacing his own. "Yes, I'm Human and was born Harry Potter."
He sat on the grass and helped Snorkmaiden down with him. Hermione sat across from them. Ron looked reluctant, glancing around before warily sitting beside his friend.
Harry told them as much as he thought they should know. He didn't give details about Hobgoblin or The Witch.
"So, I was raised by Moomin's. And our world was full of magical creatures and magic really wasn't too uncommon. I learned from multiple creatures around me. As you heard in potions class, my Mama had a book filled with potions as if it were no big deal. I didn't realize that was abnormal until coming here and hearing that there is a...A human world where that is not normal."
Hermione was enraptured as she listened, "God no that's not normal. My parents were dentists. They most certainly didn't do magic or have a potions book just lying about." She smirked in amusement.
"Why can't you tell anyone?" Ron asked.
Snorkmaiden answered, "Because the Dark Lord is after him. He's been after him since birth and for whatever reason, placed Harry's name in the Goblet. We were TRYING to keep a low profile." Harry felt her glare and sheepishly tried to ignore it.
"I knew it! I knew your name was no coincidence." Hermione ranted as dots were connecting. She seemed like the type to analyze everything, it seemed natural that events happening at Hogwarts would weigh on her mind while their elders swept it under a rug to ignore.
"Which is why this stays between us. I don't want you two getting into this or hurt."
Hermione and Ron both laughed at Harry's surprise.
"Please...We've gotten into our fair share of trouble over the years including entering the chamber of secrets." Ron admitted until his eyes darted around. "Speaking of trouble...It's getting late. Shouldn't we get going?"
Hermione huffed, "Oh, stop being a wuss. No one has seen it in over a year. Besides, we're clear over here!"
Harry didn't have time to ask as Hermione turned to him with a determined look. "It's too late. By defending you, you already have us in this. We'll do whatever we can to-"
They all stopped as something caught their attention. It sounded like fighting, like two animals or two men, it was hard to tell. Before anyone could react, Snorkmaiden jumped up and ran. "We have to go see!"
"NO WAIT!" Ron yelled as she vanished over the hills. Harry jumped up with Hermione and Ron to chase after her.
There, they saw two men wrestling with something. A rat. All while the whomping willow tree swung at them.
Snorkmaiden paused to watch in confusion while Ron ran towards the fighting, the rat's shrieks filled the air. "Scabbers!"
Hermione went to grab him but Ron determinedly ran into the chaos. Snorkmaiden ran after him to help while Harry ran after her. Hermione did grab Harry, yanking him back.
"Do you not see that tree?!"
"But-" Harry didn't have time to argue as they both whiplashed their heads at a cry.
Harry ran towards her as it swung at her. "Snorkmaiden!" He blasted magic at the tree making a branch fly off. The tree seemed even more erratic.
Harry rushed towards her but was slammed to the ground as Hermione tackled him out of the way from an incoming branch.
"Let me go, we have to help her!" Harry snarled as he and Hermione wrestled, "What the bloody hell do you think I'm trying to do?! You're no good to her if you're dead!"
Meanwhile, Ron jumped over a branch to join the fight as the two men cursed as the rat tried to get away from them. "Leave him alone!" Ron yelled as he kicked the dark-haired man in the face, forcing him to release the rat.
"Scabbers!" Ron yelled as the rat tried to escape but the other man jumped and grabbed him. Ron narrowly missed a branch as he tackled the man with his rat.
Snorkmaiden let out a scream as she was swept onto a branch and hurled into the air. Hermione and Harry both jumped up and tried to grab her but were taking into the air as well.
The trio screamed as they were whiplashed in every direction, trying to hang on.
Ron and the man wrestled while the other tried to grab Ron. Lucky for Ron, the rat jumped onto him as the two men had to dodge a branch slamming on to their path.
Snorkmaiden braced herself as she saw a hole under the tree. "Hang on to me as I jump!" She yelled. Harry sputtered, "WHAT?! NO!"
It was too late as he felt his body collide with the ground as Snorkmaiden used the branch's momentum. Hermione and Harry yelled out as the all three narrowly tumbled into the hole, landing in a disgruntled heap.
"S-sorry guys," Snorkmaiden muttered as she clutched her head. The other two groaned as they tried to catch their bearings.
"Where are we?" Harry muttered at the tunnel. They didn't have time to think as a Ron barreled down into the hole, a rat escaping his arms to run away.
"Scabbers stop!" He flew past them as they all struggled to stand. Hermione glared as Ron ran, "All this because of his stupid pet rat!"
Suddenly, they heard yelling as two men came into the tunnel, both desperate and angry.
"Go, go, go!" Harry ushered as they all stood up and ran, following Ron and the rat deeper into the tunnel.
It wasn't long before it led them down into a laddered hatch and into a shack. Ron was on his knees when they got there, frantically whistling for his pet.
"Scabbers! It's okay, you can come out!"
Hermione looked fit to be tied as she breathlessly stomped her foot and scolded him, "Are you kidding me, Ron?! We have two men chasing us, in a tunnel under a Whomping Willow in a shack god knows where and you're worried about a rat?!"
Ron stood angrily, "Hey! I've been looking for him for a year! Do you know how long a rat lives?! I don't have much longer with him, we're lucky he's been in my family this long!"
"You stupid kid, that rat is a grown man."
Everyone whipped around to see the two men enter the room. Harry pushed the kids and Snorkmaiden behind himself.
"Get back! Now!" Harry warned.
"No, you step aside. That filthy rat is ours!" The one-man muttered as he started looking. The dark-haired man glared and pointed at Ron. "You dumb child! Do you have any idea who that rat is?! What that rat has done?! He's a damned animagus and a traitor!"
Hermione looked shocked, "Oh my god...You're Sirius Black…And...Professor Lupin." She looked fearful as she got her wand from her pocket.
Remus slammed a hand on the wall and cursed. "He got away!" He yelled as the rat narrowly escaped a blast of magic from his wand, slipping into a hole.
Sirius glared at the group in a crazed madness.
"Do you know how long it took us to track him down?! How that murdering traitor escaped us the first time and it's been an entire year of us tracking him?! We finally had him, we were going to kill the vermin when he tried to slip away again and YOU showed up!" He fumed.
Harry protectively stood between the haggard man and his friends. Remus put a hand on Sirius's shoulder. "Easy. They didn't know."
"Know what?! He was my family pet!"
"For 12 years?! A rat living for 12 years?! And coincidentally missing a finger on his front paw?! Stupid-" His hands were clawed as if to grab someone when Harry jutted his hand out. Magic shot out and hurled Sirius across the room.
Harry turned back to Remus who nervously put his hands up. "Harry wait! We all need to calm down and allow us to explain!"
"Explain what?! I swear I've been here less than a week!"
Remus gave a calming hand gesture. "We know! I just heard about the trial today, sadly so did Pettigrew. It's why he was so desperate to escape us so he can run and tell his Master."
"Why?!" Harry demanded.
He had just about had it! A dark lord wanting him dead, asshole teachers and students, a trial to see whether he should be locked up or his magic taken, now dodging a murderous tree and being cornered by two men with an obsession with a rat! He was this close to taking Snorkmaiden and running back home to take their chances!
Everyone turned to a groaning Sirius as he got up. "Because he helped murder your parents and I was blamed for it! You're my Godson!"