Chapter 6
The muggle part of him said that everything was okay; after all, it was only a prison like any other. The magical side of him however was currently trying to tell muggle side of him to shut up the hell up and runaway like a frightened child. The bogeyman resided here, and he and his compatriots, dressed in cloaks of darkest night, flew around Azkaban like terrors from everyone's worst nightmare.
Ted Tonks was by no means a cowering man, but at the moment he felt like everything that meant something to him had been stripped away by the horrors that were the Dementors. But he drew on all his courage, telling himself to just keep placing one foot in front of the other. He wondered how Nym did this, how she coped with having to come to this place on a regular basis; she was obviously stronger than he ever gave her credit for. As he walked toward the castle he kept one thought firmly in mind: this was for Harry.
"Mr. Tonks, I would say welcome to Azkaban, but we both know that that is scarcely ever true. What can we help you with today, I assume you're checking on a client." asked the guard that was stationed at the entrance to the imposing structure.
"I have a writ of permission from the Ministry that allows me to visit with Sirius Black, Bobby." he stated.
"You really want to talk to that filth?"
"I fear I must, it's a family thing." he said dismissively. "My wife is unfortunately related to that pig and sadly for her, seems to still care for him. I'm just here to talk to him a bit, nothing more. The sooner I'm done the happier I will be. I hate coming to this place!"
"Everyone does, Mr. Tonks. Sign in here, please? Dougie over there will check you for contraband and then take you to his cell. Did you want a guard present with you, just in case?"
"Nah, no need for that; it shouldn't take me more than ten or twenty minutes. No need for your men to have to suffer his presence if you don't have to. If my wife wasn't such a banshee I might of told her there was no way I was doing this, but, she is a banshee and her screeching is deadly. At least to me."
"Number one reason I stayed a bachelor." said Bobby.
"Wise man there." he smirked.
It was about twenty minutes later and a hell of a lot of staircase that found Ted standing before the ragged form of Sirius Black. He looked nothing like he remembered. The once healthy and fit young man looked as if he'd aged twenty years, and that fit body he'd been so proud of had been replaced by a skeletal doppelganger.
"Hi Sirius." he said.
The matted hair looked up, "Teddy?"
"One and the same, Siri; I gotta say, you certainly look like shit."
"Well, you did come unannounced after all, it's not like I had time to freshen up. The laundry service here sucks, too. Why are you here, Teddy? I was sure I'd never see any of my family ever again. Well, except for that crazy bitch Bella. Wait, it's not Harry is it? Please tell me that Harry is okay?"
"Harry is fine, but first I have come to ask you one simple question, Sirius, just one. Your reply will determine your future."
"That certainly sounds ominous. Go on then, ask away."
"Did you have anything to do with Jamie and Lils' murder?"
"Do you actually believe that I would harm a hair on the man I considered my brother? Do you actually think that I would do anything to the woman that made my brother the happiest I've ever seen him? Lily was like the sister I never had, and she gave me the ultimate gift, a godson. I'd never betray them for anything or anyone. Never!" he growled.
Ted sighed heavily. "Thank you for that, Sirius, I believe you. I need you to tell me what happened that night; I need to understand so that I can get you out of here."
"Get me out of here? How could you possibly do that?"
"I have the backing of two very powerful ladies, well, four powerful ladies if you include Andi and Nym. You've also now have a lawyer on retainer who will do everything to see you free of this place."
"Ted, you know I can't pay you while I'm in here."
"You're family, Sirius. And don't worry about paying me, the bill is covered."
"By whom?"
"By none other than Lard Harry James Potter."
"Harry?" he sobbed.
"Yes, Sirius, that wonderful godson of yours needs you in the worst possible way. Many have failed him, myself included, and even more people find themselves indebted to him; a debt that we are all going to repay."
"You've met him? How is he? Is he in Gryffindor? Tell me if he's on the quidditch team? Does he need a broom? Wait, did you say Lord Potter?"
"Down, Sirius, relax. I haven't met him yet, but the girls and I are going to spend Christmas at Longbottom Manor, with him. He's now living there, and the Dame Longbottom has taken regency of House Potter until Harry feels up to running it himself. No, he's not a Gryffindor…"
"Oh please, tell me he's not a damn Slytherin?"
"Nope, Hufflepuff."
"Loyal and hardworking, good; Lily would be so damn proud of him!"
"Yes, he's on the quidditch team, youngest seeker in a century and he actually caught the snitch on his first game against the 'Claws. He even gave the snitch to his girl" Ted said with a grin.
"Hah, seeker! I told Prongs that he'd be a seeker! Wait, he's eleven and already has a girl?" he laughed.
"Later, Sirius, for now I need you to listen to me. On that terrible night, Harry was taken away and placed at the house of Lily's sister." Ted asked seriously.
"No, not possible; that woman was evil. There is no way in hell that Lils would have ever allowed that."
"We're still trying to find out all the facts, but it looks as if Dumbledore took him and left him there."
"No…"
"Yes, he did, and whatever you're thinking about how he was treated while there, it was probably even worse. I saw his medical records and the savagery that he had to put up with at those people's hands is hard to put into words."
"I'll kill them!" Sirius growled.
"No you won't! Those people have already been taken care of. All you need to do is the one thing you should have done that night; take care of Harry. Everything else means nothing!" Ted yelled in anger.
"Have you told him about me?"
"No, not yet; it's something that Augusta, Amelia, and I will discuss with him during the holidays."
"Amelia, Amelia Bones?" he asked warmly, a flicker of emotion shining in his eyes.
"Yup, she's director of the DMLE now. It was she that got me the writ allowing me to come see you today. And it is she who is going to be heading the investigation into your incarceration."
"Well, that's something at least. You think she would have stopped by for a visit or gotten me a hearing or something"
"What are you talking about?"
"Nothing, never mind." he said shortly. "Can you do me a favor?"
"Sure, what is it?"
"I need you to find someone for me. I need you to find Remus Lupin."
"The Gryffindor prefect from sixth year?"
"That's him. He was also best friends with Lily and James, along with me. He was also about the only person alive that could get a crying Harry to settle down when he was a pup. What's more, Remus loves Harry as much as I do."
"I'll see what I can do. Any messages you want to convey?"
"For now, only to Moony…Remus; tell him to get his furry ass to Harry as quickly as he can. Harry needs him. He'll stop doing whatever it is he's doing and you'll have another ally for Harry."
"Interesting; very well, I'll tell him when I meet him."
"Thank you, Ted, even if you can't get me out of here." he said in gratitude. "So, what is the plan to get me out of here?"
ooOOooOOoo
"Hey, Tonks, can I get some advice?"
"Sure thing, kiddo, what's up?" asked the now purple haired Auror.
"Well, I've gotten gifts for everyone, except for…"
"I'm guessing for your girl?"
Harry blushed and nodded his head. "I can't think of anything to get her. I was going to give her a bracelet I found down in my family vault, but thought that might be a little too much."
"Oh, I don't know Harry, I wouldn't say no if you offered it to me." she teased. "However, I'm guessing that this is the first gift you're giving her?"
"Well except for the snitch I gave her after the Ravenclaw game, yes."
"You gave her the snitch you caught? Why look at you, you little charmer, how very sweet of you." she said laughing as she caught the boys blush deepening.
"So what do you think? A book or maybe a purse; or how about a dragonhide jacket, or some clothing, or…"
"Harry, calm down, you'll work yourself into a tizzy if you don't calm down." she said trying to settle him. "I think you should give her something a little more personal, something from the heart, something that only you could give her."
"From the heart, like something I made?"
"If you think so, go with that." she placed a hand on his chest right over his heart. "If it comes from here, Susan will love it, I promise."
"How did you get so wise, Nym?"
"Experience, I guess, plus you haven't really asked me any of the hard questions yet."
"What hard questions?"
"Oh no, not today, and not ever if I can help it, that conversation is one that I will leave to your godfather if and when he gets out of jail."
"Will you tell me about him, please?" he asked.
"Who, Sirius? Well, let me think…he was a big prankster in school, thought of himself as something of a ladies' man, and was really quick to anger but even quicker to let it go. He loved your Mom and Dad, but he never loved anyone more than he loved you."
"Really?"
"Yup; you could see it in his eyes whenever he was at your home, nothing made him happier than holding you in his arms or crawling on the floor with you. You know he was the first person to put you on a broom? Scared the crap out of your parents!" she laughed. "I'm sure he will probably take all the credit for you being the youngest seeker in a century."
"It's sad that he's been in jail for all this time. How come no one ever did something for him?"
"Those were really difficult times, kiddo, really difficult. I don't really know a lot about it though; I was only a year older than you when…"
"The night my parents died?"
"Mom and Dad cried for days, they were really close to your parents. I cried too, but I cried for you. I'd lost a little brother that night."
"I am back you know, and having a big sister is something I could definitely get used to, so long as she keeps the teasing to a minimum."
"I don't know about that, I don't know that I could stop teasing you even if I tried. As far as that night, all I know is that somebody got killed and Sirius was blamed for it. He was then also blamed for the death if Uncle Jamie and Aunt Lils. Harry, your godfather…Sirius, he would have died by his own hand before he did anything to any of you."
Harry nodded at her. "I like the idea of having a godfather."
"I don't know, Sirius is a right prankster, and you'd have someone else to tease you!"
"Perfect, just perfect…" said Harry shaking his head dejectedly.
"And just wait until he finds out that you already have a girlfriend!" she said laughing. "C'mon, it's getting late, and you know your gran and aunt will freak out if I don't get you home on time."
"Thanks for today, Nym; I really did have fun today, even with all the teasing." he took hold of Tonks' arm as they apparated to Longbottom Manor.
"Hey, it's what a big sis does, right?" she said, holding on tightly to Harry so he didn't fall after apparating.
"Whatever, Nymphadora!" said Harry laughing as he ran for the protection of his room.
"Oi! What have I told you about calling me that! Next time I'm pulling my wand and hexing you! Don't run from me Potter!" she yelled chasing after the fleeing boy. And even though her face was a mask of fury, on the inside Nymphadora Tonks was a very happy big sister.
ooOOooOOoo
"…and there he stood, clad only in his underwear, holding the Quidditch Cup in one hand and a bottle of firewhiskey in the other. Sirius then had the audacity to pour some firewhiskey into the Cup and drink from it right in front of Minerva. And that's before he handed it to her saying 'we won, professor!' I think Sirius sat detention until he graduated: three years later!" laughed Ted, who'd been telling the story, along with everyone else. The Bones' and the Tonks' had all joined them to celebrate the holiday.
It had been a good Christmas Eve, the best ever as Harry was concerned. Surrounded by friends and family, he felt happier by far than at any other time in his short life. Sitting next to Susan and Nym, he felt for the first time like he belonged.
"Everything okay with you Harry?" asked a concerned Andi.
"Perfect, absolutely perfect." he answered.
Susan took his hand and gave it a squeeze, "It's like coming home isn't it? Usually it's just Auntie and me spending Christmas at home. I really like being here with all these people, our new extended family."
"I like it too, but it is more special because you're here with me too." said Harry earnestly. This, of course, caused Susan to blush profusely. She did her level best to hide it by hugging Harry tightly, at least that's what she told herself.
"Harry, if you've got a minute after dinner, I'd like to speak with you. Nothing too important." asked Ted as.
"Sure thing Uncle Ted. Is this more of that House Potter stuff?" he asked, his face taking on a green tinge to it.
Ted laughed, "No Harry, most of the stuff regarding the House Potter 'stuff' we took care of with your Regent. There are a couple of more things we need to go over with that, but they can wait a couple of years before we need mention them again." The newly minted 'Uncle Ted' watched Harry closely, intrigued by the young man with the green eyes. He'd been as surprised as anyone at seeing the closeness between him and the Bones' girl. She was a beautiful and sweet girl, and also appeared to be as taken with Harry as Harry was with her. He was glad that he'd been convinced to keep the betrothal a secret for now. The ladies were right; the two were developing a relationship at this young age that should be allowed to grow at its own pace.
"Now?" asked Harry.
"Sure, might as well get it out of the way. Don't worry, I'll tell Andi to save you a piece of treacle tart, we wouldn't want young Lady Bones here to eat it all, would we?"
"Hey now!" countered the witch as she quickly removed her head from Harry's shoulder. "It's not my fault that Harry was too slow to grab that last piece last night."
"Slow, really, is that what you're going with? Because I seem to recall you tackling me and planting my face in the carpet to get to that last piece of tart!" said a laughing Harry.
"Like I said, you were slow."
"C'mon, Uncle Ted, I don't think Gran will mind if we head to the library to talk for a bit." he said to his uncle as he stood from the table. To Susan's great surprise, Harry leaned down and kissed her on the forehead. "I'll be right back, okay?"
She looked up at him with her heart in her eyes, "And I'll be right here waiting for you; with a beautiful and delicious piece of treacle tart!"
"In which case, I'll be back even sooner."
Harry and Ted walked toward the library, both eager to finish the conversation quickly so that they could get back to the festivities. "I'm going to tell you a story, don't worry though, I'll make it quick. It's something that Sirius will probably like to reminisce with you about anyways, and I'll leave him to tell you the full tale.
There was a group at school called the Marauders, well known for their skill at pranking. And although they were only friends, they were closer than brothers. They were loyal to each other, watched each other's backs at school, and were in their own minds the greatest bunch of kids to grace the halls of Hogwarts. James, your dad, was the leader of the Marauders. Sirius was the heart and soul of the bunch, and Remus Lupin was the brains of the group."
"And the fourth Marauder, you haven't mentioned him."
"Peter Pettigrew." spat Ted. "For a very long time, everyone believed that your godfather was the cause of your parents' death. It turns out though that it was Peter Pettigrew that betrayed them."
"I don't understand. If they were as close as you said they were, why would he have betrayed them...how could he have betrayed them?" said Harry with a hint of anger in his voice.
"I don't know, Harry, I don't think anyone ever will. We are sure though about the betrayal, though."
"And this Remus Lupin, what of him?"
"Remus is a very good man. Kind in the extreme, almost as intelligent as your mother...but he's a bit broken too. Remus suffers from a disease called lycanthropy, you ever hear of that? You're muggle raised, I'm sure you've heard the term before on TV or a movie."
"Werewolf." said an awed Harry.
"Correct. Remus is a werewolf. It's one of the reasons he couldn't come to you, he was afraid that you wouldn't accept him because of that. Added to that is the fact that most people in our society think of werewolves as vicious and dark creatures. It's unfortunate, really, for people like Remus to be treated the way they are."
"How long has he been a werewolf?"
"A very long time, I think he was three or four years old when he was infected."
"And he was best friends with Dad?"
"And your mom too; he was the only one that could keep up with Lily when it came to academics. Sirius asked me two things when I went to go see him. The first was asking about you; the second thing he asked me to do was to find Remus and bring him to you. Sirius said that Remus loved you almost as much as he did. And he's right, the man was in tears when I met him and explained to him about you."
Harry smiled, "Can I meet him? Please?"
"That's all I needed to hear, Harry. I'll bring him around in a few days to meet with you. I've already gotten permission from your Gran; you two will get to spend the whole day together. Now, what say we get back to the dining room, we all know your girl will devour all of dessert if we don't get there soon." he said with a laugh.
"She would, wouldn't she? You're right; we better get there before she eats it all." said Harry as he stood from his seat and sprinted back to the dining room.
ooOOooOOoo
"Harry, this is too much. I can't accept a gift like this." said an overwhelmed Neville.
"Nev, you and Gran have given taken me into your family; this is just something I knew you wanted, it's just a gift after all. Take it, please. I'm not trying to buy you; I'm just showing you my appreciation. You like?"
Neville had a box full of packets of seeds on his lap; said box was filled with the seeds of rare and unique plants that spanned the horticultural magical world. Just that would have been enough for Neville, but Harry had also thrown in a brand new greenhouse that would be built during the summer.
"Like doesn't even begin to cover it, brother, I love this!" he said as he embraced Harry roughly.
"Get off me you git! You're ruining these nice new clothes that Gran got me."
"I feel bad that all I got you was the broom and quidditch supplies."
"Why would you feel bad about that? Those gifts are brilliant, Nev, and you know we youngest seekers in a century really need to take care of our brooms. When summer rolls around and the greenhouse is built, you can teach me all about what you're going to be doing in there."
"Deal!" said an eager Neville.
Augusta was watching closely the interactions between her two grandkids. She had hoped that they'd be close, but she had no idea that they would get this close so quickly. It was like a dream come true for her, seeing this sight before her. She only wished that Frank and Alice were still around to see it, they'd be proud of the young man that Neville was turning into.
"Harry, come here so that his old woman can give you a hug and a kiss. I absolutely adore your gift. Who knew muggles could do this?" she said in amazement. Augusta was holding an intricately carved wooden jewelry box that played a piece of music that she'd never heard before. "Harry, what's the music the box plays?"
"It's a muggle composer, Debussy; the piece is called 'Clair de Lune'.
"It's simply beautiful." she said embracing him in a deep hug. Tears fell freely from her eyes as she held to Harry tightly.
"Gran, are you okay?"
"I am dear, truly, I am; just happy that you and Neville are here to spend Christmas with me."
"And we'll have many more, Gran; Harry and I will see to that." added Neville.
"I'm confident that you both will. Master Bode is very happy with your progress, and tells me that he will start soon to kick up your level of training. More physical, more magical, more fighting; boys, I know this is difficult, but please see it through."
"Oh, great, just what I needed, more training! Wait, he really complimented us?" asked Harry.
"Yes, he really did. Now, I imagine the Bones' girls should be here soon. I'm off to the kitchen to make sure old Sully has things well in hand for lunch. You will both be on your best behavior, you understand?" she said with a glare.
"Yes, Gran..." the both responded contritely. She nodded at them approvingly as she made her way out.
"Again, Harry, thank you for this."
"Hey, no worries mate, we'll both get enjoyment out of it. You send your gift to Hannah?"
"Yes," he said pinking slightly, "I borrowed Hedwig, and she took it to her last night. Hannah sent her gift to me back with Hedwig, too."
"What did she get you; actually, what did you get her?"
"She sent me a framed picture of herself, it's really nice. And you know she wants to be a healer like her mom, so I sent her a set of healing books intended for beginners. I hope she likes them."
"I'm sure she will. I can't wait to see Sue; I hope she'll like her gift."
"Seriously, you're actually wondering if she'll like it?"
"A bit, I suppose. Oh, look, the floo is activating. It must be them!" Harry said excitedly as he made his way to greet the arriving guests.
"Harry!" squealed Susan as she ran up to Harry and embraced him fiercely.
"Hey, Susan, Happy Christmas to you." he said as he hugged her back just as fiercely. "Aunt Amelia, Happy Christmas."
"And to you, Harry. Where are Augie and Neville?"
"Gran's in the kitchen, Neville's just in the next room. Shall we?" he said offering an arm to both ladies.
"Well, Lord Potter, I must say you're the soul of courtesy. Please, lead on." said the smiling Amelia. Susan blushed, but took the offered arm nonetheless.
"Ladies," said Neville with a deep bow, "Gran will join us in a minute."
"Nev, Happy Christmas to you; Hannah send you her gift?"
"Yeah, uh, she uhm...yes, she did." he stuttered, which made Susan giggle. Harry gave her a questioning look, to which she just shrugged her shoulders.
"Aunt Amelia, this is for you," said Harry as he placed a large parcel into Amelia's arms, "I hope you like it?"
"Harry, you really didn't have to!" she admonished. With a smile of glee, and like a child, she ripped the wrapping off and tossed the remains all over the place.
"It's like she's a two year old sometimes." Susan whispered to Harry, smiling as she watched her aunt go to town on the parcel.
"Merlin, Harry, you really shouldn't have!" said Amelia as she pulled a gorgeous leather vest and held it before her.
"The shop owner assured me this is the best defense against magical attack. I want you protected, Aunt Amelia, you've a dangerous job. Susan and I need you too much to lose you because you weren't protected." he said seriously.
"This is very thoughtful of you dear. But, if you ever spend this much money on me again, I will box your ears and redden your cheeks; and I'm not talking about the ones on your face either!" she said in a tone that meant she was only slightly serious. Harry nodded his head vigorously while trying his best to hide his posterior.
"And this," Harry said handing a package to Susan, "is for you."
"Harry, you really didn't..."
"Just open the present, Sue." he told her.
Susan, in complete contrast to her aunt, carefully opened package and unwrapped the paper from it. What she saw took her breath away: a large leather bound photo album that had both Potter and Bones family crests on it."
"I had to do a lot of digging, but with help from Aunt Ami and Gran I was able to get some nice things to put in it. Hopefully, we'll keep adding to it, okay?"
She carefully opened the front cover, and smiled at the first picture within. A copy of the one that Harry had shown her; the picture of her and Harry as babies crawling around with big smiles on their faces. As she flipped through the pages of the book, she was astonished to find so many pictures that contained both of them. Pictures of them napping together, bathing together (blush!), and making an absolute mess together, as they devoured cakes and chocolate. She gently set the book aside, and with tears in her eyes, leaped at Harry and hugged him tight.
"Happy tears again, I hope?" he whispered into her hair.
"You know it, Potter." she whispered back.
"I'm never going to understand girls, am I?"
"Not on your life." she giggled.
ooOOooOOoo
"How long do you think it will be before Malfoy makes an appearance?" wondered Neville aloud.
"Well, he has kind of left us alone since he got a spanking from Snape in the great hall. And the rumor mill was describing in great detail the rollicking he got from his father. Given all that, I don't think he'll bother showing up." answered Hannah. "Hey, Harry, how did the meeting with your Uncle go?"
"Who, Remus? It was wonderful, he's very funny and had tons of stories about Mom and Dad; Sirius too, for that matter. He promised he'd write me. We spent most of the time just sitting in the Leaky Cauldron or walking Diagon."
"It'll be nice for you when Sirius gets out of jail. Mr. Tonks and Auntie expect a trial to happen in the next couple of months." said Susan squeezing Harry's hand.
She was a bit amazed at Harry, and herself too for that matter, in that they'd become rather more close over the holidays. It was something that she was infinitely grateful for and also a little frightened of. She'd caught the looks that Harry had mentioned his gran and Auntie Amelia had directed at them, and it disconcerted her just a bit. They both had big smiles on their faces, and looks of delight, which coming from both of those strong women was something to behold. The fright though had vanished almost as soon as it had cropped up. How could she be scared of the boy she was so besotted with when he would look at her with those green eyes of his like he did; how could she be scared when he held her hand or hugged her like he did; how could she possibly be scared of a boy who'd risked his life to save hers?
"Gran and Aunt Amelia are having a bit of difficulty convincing some of the members of the Wizengamot to have the trial. They'll come around though, as soon as they figure out the same could happen to them despite their 'pureblood'." added Neville.
"Who's your next game against, Harry? I can't wait to see you fly again!" interrupted Hannah.
"Slytherin!" he groaned. "I don't think David or Cedric will let me play in that game, not until I grow a little. They're supposed t be real big and intimidating, cheaters as well if you believe all the stories."
"Good!" whispered Susan, cozying up to Harry and putting her head on his shoulder.
"I agree," said Harry, resting his head against Susan, "I've only played in the one game, and I know I'm nowhere near being ready to play against a team like that!"
"Guys, looks like we're almost at the station; everyone want to change into their robes? Harry and I'll keep watch at the door." said Neville as he stood up.
Harry kissed the top of Susan's head and gently extricated himself from her. "Just call us when call us when you're ready and we'll switch places."
Harry closed the door behind them, and Hannah drew the curtains. "You're one lucky witch, Sue, he's so damn nice."
"Isn't he though?" she said with a smile.
"Oh, stop, you two are so sweet together it makes my teeth ache."
"Now now, Han, no need to be jealous; Neville is just as nice." Susan said as she pulled on her school robes.
"I know, be he doesn't look at me like Harry looks at you. Not yet anyways, something I'll definitely be working on in the months to come."
"The 'plan' about to commence then, is it?" said a smiling Susan.
"Sweetie, the plan has already commenced. The Christmas gift I gave him should at least get him thinking in the right direction."
"What did you get him?" Susan asked curiously.
"Oh, just a picture...of me, holding a sprig of mistletoe over my head and blowing him kisses!" she laughed.
"Just try not to overdo it, please? Neville, while a strong enough to stand up to Snape and Dumbledore, is rather outclassed when it comes to you. But, buy the way, awesome gift. You're right, it will definitely steer him in the right direction."
"I know, right?" she grinned. "Don't worry; it's all part of the plan."
"You all set? I'll grab the boys." Susan opened the compartment door to allow Neville and Harry back in.
"It won't take us too long, I should think." said Harry.
"We know; boys! I need to head to the loo, come with Sue?" Susan nodded, gave Harry's hand a squeeze, and followed Hannah toward the back.
"Do they always travel in packs?" wondered Harry aloud.
"They seem to, don't they? It's good, at least that way they can look after each other, just in case."
"True, however, I don't think that's' why they travel in packs." Harry looked out the window, watching the landscape hurry by. "Looks like we're here, Nev."
The four exited the Express, confused a little about how they were meant to head up to the castle. Luckily, Michael happened by.
"Just head for the carriages, Harry, first years only use the boats on their first trip up to the castle."
With words of gratitude, Harry led Susan towards the carriages. "I don't think I've ever been on a carriage before."
"Neither have I," said Susan, "I like that we're not on the boats. I was a little scared of falling overboard."
"As if I'd ever let that happen."
"No, I suppose you wouldn't, you big strong 'Puff you." she giggled.
"What are those?" asked Harry in awe when he noticed the carriages.
"What do you mean?"
"Those creatures pulling the carriage; they're huge, you really can't see them?" he asked.
"Harry, I'm not going to fall for a joke like that. There's nothing there."
Harry ambled over to the carriage closest to them and walked up to the animal. It looked like a horse, at least from a distance, except for the skeletal-like appearance and the wings. He lifted his hand, which the beast sniffed, before placing it on its neck.
"Are you really petting something?" wondered Susan aloud. "Because it looks like you're petting nothing but thin air."
"Come here, I'll show you. Here, give me your hand." Susan did as asked and Harry gently placed it on its neck. "Oh, wow, that's amazing. What are they?"
"I honestly don't know. They kind of look like horses, but with wings; and they're very thin, like a skeletal version of a horse. They actually quite beautiful." The Thestral neighed in agreement and pushed him in the chest with its snout.
"C'mon guys, we're holding up the line!" Neville said as he waved them into the compartment. As the carriages made their way up to the castle, Susan snuggled into Harry and sighed. She sighed again when Harry place an arm around her shoulders and drew her in to him. Neville and Hannah just rolled their eyes.
ooOOooOOoo
Harry was quite happy at the lessons with Master Bode. He'd progressed to the point where he could beat Neville about half the time that they dueled.
"It's not fair," whined Neville, "you move too bloody fast!"
"Not my fault you're too slow. Pick it up Longbottom!"
Bode chuckled at the banter of his two pupils. He was most pleased with their progress, as the lads had been working really hard to improve themselves since they'd started training. They would also soon be physically capable to endure the rigorous dueling and fighting schedule he'd set up for them.
"All right you scoundrel s, off you go now. I'll see you both next week; and don't forget to keep up with your workout schedule. It wouldn't do to let all your hard work go to waste now, would it?"
"No Master Bode." the replied in unison. The quickly gathered their things, and with a bow to the Unspeakable, left the classroom and hurriedly made their way to shower and change for dinner.
"Nev, hang on, do you hear that?" asked Harry, stopping in the middle of the hallway.
"What is it, Harry? C'mon, we'll be late for dinner and you know how angry Susan gets if you keep her waiting."
"No, hang on. I hear...over there," Harry pointed. "Someone is behind that tapestry, and they're crying."
Harry made his way cautiously toward the wall hanging. "Please, just leave me alone...please leave me alone..." sobbed the girl's voice.
"Are you okay, Miss?" asked Harry.
"No I am not okay, just please, leave me alone. You've all had your laugh. Just leave!" she yelled.
"I'm sorry, but I can't do that, at least not until I see for myself that you are okay." appealed Harry.
"Don't come any closer, I have my wand and I'll hex you."
"Miss, look, I'm putting my wand down on the floor. I mean you no harm, I just want to make sure that you're okay." the sound of Harry's wand being placed on the floor echoed in the quiet hallway.
"Fine, but don't try anything, I warn you!"
Harry pulled back the hanging and saw the young girl in her Gryffindor robes, her knees pulled up to her chest and wand held at the ready. She was bleeding profusely from her nose, and her left eye was almost shut from the swelling.
"Miss, I am Harry Potter, and I promise you I won't hurt you." he said extending a hand to her. The young witch reacted by trying to push herself further into the wall, she was clearly frightened.
"Please, let me help you?" he begged.
"You're Lord Potter, aren't' you?" she asked. "You're in a couple of my classes."
"Yes, but you can call me Harry. Will you let me take you to the infirmary?"
"I can manage myself!" she yelled at him.
"No, you can't. You can hardly see out of your eye, and your nose needs looking to, it looks like it's broken."
"How would you know, are you a healer?" she asked sarcastically.
"No, but I've been bullied and beaten too. I know what a broken nose looks like. I've seen it enough times in the mirror."
"But you're Harry Potter. Why would anyone bully or beat you?"
"C'mon, let me take you to the infirmary, and I'll tell you my story. Neville, would you run back to the girls and let them know I'll meet them in the hall for dinner as soon as I'm done escorting the young lady?"
"Sure thing, Harry; you sure you don't want me to stick around, just in case whoever did this comes back?"
"We'll be fine, Nev." Neville gave him a nod and took off running down the hall.
He sat next to the girl, knowing that talking to her before she was ready would be futile. So he waited patiently until she was ready.
"Why are you helping me? You don't even know me?" she asked in a whisper.
"What's that have to do with anything? You're hurt, and I can help." he replied.
"No one has ever helped me before."
"First time for everything, isn't there? Listen, I know you probably don't want anyone seeing you like this, so we better get a move on before the hallway starts filling with students heading to dinner."
"Thank you." she said sincerely. She put away her wand and tried to stand. "I think I might be a bit wobbly."
"A bit?" he asked. "Here, take my arm, I'll help you up."
Harry stood and extended an arm to her, which she took. She very gingerly started to pull herself up. "Ow." she mumbled.
"Do you mind if I ask who did this to you?" he asked as he led her towards the nurse's office.
"I don't mind you asking, I just don't think I want to tell you who did this. Harry, can I ask you something?"
"Sure, Miss, I don't mind."
"Is it okay if I pass out now?" she asked, giving Harry barely enough time to catch her before she fell to the floor.
He moved her arm so that it circled his neck, and gently lifted her legs to carry her bridal style. He felt a great sense of protectiveness for this girl, someone who had, like him, unfortunately joined the ranks of those that had been bullied.
It took him a few minutes to make it to the infirmary; luckily, no one had seen him carrying the young witch.
"Madam Pomfrey?" called out Harry.
"Mr. Potter, is that you...Mr. Potter, what happened?"
"Neville and I were returning to our common room after class when we came upon this young girl. It looks as if she's been beaten pretty severely. I think her nose is broken."
"Over here please, Mr. Potter," she said indicating a bed, "thank you for doing this, not many would have."
"Madam, I believe she's coming around." he said glancing at the girl.
"Easy now, dear; try to remain calm as I run some diagnostic spells on you, I want to make sure you're not further injured than what I can see. Again, Harry, thank you. I've got it from here, go ahead and head down to dinner."
"Of course, ma'am; send for me if you need any questions answered. I imagine you'll be bringing this up with the Headmaster?"
"Indeed!" she growled.
Harry smiled at the girl, gave her a bow and turned to leave.
"Harry," she called out, "thank you."
"Anytime Miss..."
"Granger, Hermione Granger.
"In that case, Miss Granger, I hope you get better soon. If I can offer you any further help just let me know, okay?" Hermione nodded at him.
As Hermione watched the boy leave she turned to Madam Pomfrey, "Is he really that decent of a person?"
"I daresay that he is even more decent than we have seen, Miss Granger. Now, quiet, I need to finish the scans. Take this potion; it will help with the pain."
"Yes, ma'am." she agreed. As she was being administered to, her thoughts wandered to the young man who had been so kind to her. He'd wanted nothing from her, only to help, something she'd never experienced before. She promised herself to thank him, and if he'd allow, become friends with him.
ooOOooOOoo
"Lord Potter?" asked a small voice from behind him.
Harry turned, and noticed the girl he'd helped. He stood to greet her. "Miss Granger, I'm happy to see you out of the infirmary and back with us at school."
"I'm sorry I hadn't stopped by sooner, it took me a few days to work up the courage to speak to you. I just wanted to say thank you, once again, for helping me that night."
"No thanks are necessary, Miss Granger. Would you care to join us for dinner?"
"We're not allowed, are we?" asked Hermione.
"Actually, we are, just not on the nights of the sorting feast or leaving feast. Hello, Miss Granger, I'm Susan Bones." said the redhead, as she also stood and offered a hand to the Gryffindor.
"A pleasure, but please both of you, call me Hermione. Well, if it's not against the rules, I suppose I really would like to join you. I won't be intruding, will I?"
"Not at all. The blonde over there is Hannah Abbott and that's Neville Longbottom. Guys, meet our new friend, Hermione Granger from Gryffindor."
Neville stood and gave a slight bow. "Hermione, please, sit and join us."
"Just don't touch the treacle tart or you'll have Harry and Susan to deal with." smiled Hannah.
"No worries, I hate treacle tart." she said as she scrunched her face.
"What? How is that possible? Harry, I don't think we should associate with people that don't like treacle tart." Susan said with a big smile.
"You know, Sue, I think you may be right." he said, also grinning at Hermione.
"Enough you two! The poor girl has had a bad few days, leave her alone." said Hannah diplomatically. "However, if I find out that you hate pudding, I will hex you!"
"Is it always like this?" Hermione asked looking at Neville.
"Yeah, pretty much. These three think that they're pretty funny, when obviously, they aren't."
"Oi!" yelled the three.
"I actually don't really like sweets all that much. I think it has something to do with my parents being dentists. I probably just never developed a taste for them."
"Dentists?" asked Hannah, Neville, and Susan in stereo.
Harry rolled his eyes theatrically. "Purebloods!"
Hermione giggled. "Think of them as healers, only their only area of concentration is teeth and mouth."
"How odd; really, just teeth?"
"I know it seems strange from a magical perspective, but from a muggle one, it's pretty normal."
"Hermione," Harry said in his serious voice, "would you tell me please what happened?"
"I'd rather not," she started, "however, seeing as you helped me, I'll only tell you that some of my Gryffindor year mates didn't approve of me being in their House. I'm a bit of a know-it-all and pushy as well. So when I try to help them with their homework or classwork I come off a bit overbearing. I suppose what they did to me was their way of telling me to stop. Calling me a 'mudblood' though was a bit over the top."
"Oh, and beating the shit out of you wasn't?" asked Hannah.
"Forgive me, but what's a mudblood?" asked Harry.
"Mate, it's a word stupid and ignorant people use to describe those who were born of non-magical parents." answered Neville.
"Like Mom?"
"Yes Harry, just like your mom." said Susan as she took his hand in hers. He gripped hr hand tightly, thankful for her. Hermione noticed this and raised an eyebrow.
"You'll get used to it." whispered Hannah who'd noticed the Gryffindors look, to which Hermione nodded.
"And who did this to you? I think I may want to have a word with them."
"No Harry," said Susan, "I'm sure the professors are doing something about it."
Hermione merely snorted. "Yeah, right!"
"What do you mean?"
"The perpetrators got a detention and a few points docked from them."
"That's all? But they beat you into unconsciousness!" Harry said, his voice growing louder. Susan pulled him into a hug, trying to lessen his anger.
"I agree; it wasn't nearly enough of a punishment. I thought Professor McGonagall would have been more severe with them, but the Headmaster was the one who actually handed out the punishment. She did not look pleased at that."
"I bet." agreed Susan.
"It's made me start thinking about whether I should come back to Hogwarts." she said softly. It bothered Harry that she felt that way.
"Hermione, take it from someone who has been in the position that you now find yourself in. The easiest thing for you to do would be to run away. Don't. It will lead you down a path of resentment and hurt. Stand up, be counted, and make sure no one ever has that kind of power over you ever again. Look to your friends for support, they will help prop you up when you feel like wilting." he said seriously.
"I..." she started as the tear that had formed in her eye at his words spilled down her cheek. "I don't have friends."
"Well, you do now don't you?" he said, to the agreement of the other three. Hermione looked ready to cry, but kept in the tears saying simply, "thank you."
Susan leaned over and kissed him on the cheek. "What was that for?" he asked.
"For being the best person I know." she whispered back to him.
ooOOooOOoo
The day of the Slytherin-Hufflepuff game had finally arrived. It had been a highly anticipated game, as both teams were coming of victories from their previous game. Slytherin muscled a win over Gryffindor, barely, using their usual heavy handed method.
"Harry, I want you to stay here in the dugout. Cedric is our seeker for this game, but I want you around just in case."
"Sure thing, David; Cedric is good, he should be fine, shouldn't he?"
"He should, but be ready to go just in case."
"Yes, captain boss sir!" grinned Harry.
"Git; go, sit and keep an eye out. Come on team, up in the air, let's get warmed up!" David yelled at his team, who with determined looks on their faces leapt into the sky.
"Harry!" squealed Susan as she launched herself at him.
"Sue? You come to watch the game?" he asked.
Susan rolled her eyes, "No, Potter, Hermione and I are here to help the elves clean the castle."
"Uhm, sorry, dumb question." he said to Susan. Hermione couldn't help but giggle at her friends' interactions.
"Just a bit, we'll be up in the stands. All I can say is thank Morgana that you're not playing in this game. Those Slytherin players look huge!"
"Yeah, they kinda do. I'm actually quite happy to let Cedric take this one on. Maybe in a couple of years I'll be good enough to handle them."
"Well, as your best friend, I do not give you permission to play Slytherin until at least your fourth year, at a minimum!"
"Best friend ordering me around? I didn't know that was one of the privileges."
"Harry, Susan is right. I saw the last game and it was brutal. It was like a rugby match played on brooms! I was more than a little surprised that more of the team wasn't injured. I think the team counted themselves lucky to have only escaped with a massive amount of bruising and the seeker's dislocated shoulder." added Hermione.
"It was that bad?" he asked. Hermione nodded at him gravely.
"I'm just glad you're not in this one. Oh, look, here comes the team. We'll be up in the stands, okay? C'mon Hermione!" said Susan as she grabbed Harry in a hug. "We'll see you after the game."
"Oh, okay, we'll see you in a bit then." said Harry. He turned to watch his team circling the pitch and headed his way. He was a bit surprised by the tap on his shoulder. He spun to see Susan standing before him. "Sue?"
She smiled up at him, and gently placed her hands on his cheeks. She very gently placed her lips on his in a sweet and tender kiss that, in Harry's opinion, was done with all too quickly. "Be safe, Harry." Susan turned and ran back to Hermione and they both headed up to the bleachers.
Cedric had seen it all, of course, as he was the first one to land. He wanted so badly to laugh at his fellow seeker, but he didn't have the heart. Ana landed next to him, "...was that Bones?"
"Yup," answered Cedric, "it a good thing I'm playing today. I don't think Harry is going to be in any condition to play."
David landed last and walked into their dugout. "What's with Harry?"
"Susan." Ana said simply.
"Oh for the love of...dammit Bones!" yelled David.
ooOOooOOoo
Hannah noticed immediately the deep red face of her friend and Hermione's look of confusion and awe. "Girls, what is it?" she asked.
"She...she just...and...she..." stuttered Hermione pointing at Susan.
"Well, that's very eloquent right there Hermione, however it doesn't explain anything." said Hannah.
Susan was doing her best to hide her face from her blonde friend; Hermione was doing her best to find words.
"She kissed him!" Hermione blurted out, trying to hold back a smile.
"You didn't! Why, Susan Bones, you little minx you!" laughed Hannah.
"What's going on?" asked the approaching Neville who had bottles of butterbeer for everyone.
"Well, it looks like our redhead here finally got up the nerve to kiss our little Lord Potter!"
"No way, did you really?" asked an astonished Neville.
Susan was finally able to banish the embarrassment, although in truth she wasn't all that embarrassed. She was rather pleased with herself at her boldness. "Yeah, so I kissed him, alright?"
"Well good on you! So is he your boyfriend now?" asked Hannah, who was trying to contain her excitement at this development between two of her favorite people.
"I don't know." Susan said. "It's not like we got a chance to talk about it or anything."
"Susan, I know I still don't know you all that well, but, it's plainly obvious you care for him a great deal. It's even more plain to see that he cares about you in the same fashion. And while I may think we're all a bit too young for having boyfriends and girlfriends, it's not going to change that much between you two." opined Hermione.
"What do you mean?" wondered Neville.
"Well, they're both inseparable, aren't they? They're both always right next to each other, holding hands, always within arm's reach; do you think that's going to stop just because you get together 'officially'?"
"She's right; sweetie, Harry and you act like you're married already. That's not going to change. You guys care about each other too much for either of you to let anything mess about with you both."
"Doesn't mean I'm not a little frightened that he'd reject me or something like that." Hannah, Neville, and Hermione looked at her with wide eyed confusion.
"Reject you? You're kidding, right? My brother will do no such thing; in fact, I bet you anything that he's still standing right where you left him with a stupid grin on his face. If anything, he'd be the one who'd feel that you'd reject him." said Neville.
"Huh?" asked Susan.
"You know his life hasn't been great, Sue. Becoming friends with the three if us, four now with Hermione, probably means more to him than all the treacle tart in the world."
"I don't know about that..." snorted Susan with a half-smile, "we've all been there for him since the beginning, and he's been there for us. I can't think of anyone else in the entire school, including the staff, who would have come after Han and me to protect us from that troll."
"Troll?" squeaked Hermione. "You mean the rumors are true?"
"Yup." Hannah said simply. Hermione, in her mind, reassessed upwards the impression she had towards Harry. Susan caught the look.
"Don't Hermione, don't treat him any differently. If you treat him any differently he'll think that he did something wrong. All he did is save two friends who were in danger. He keeps saying that all he wants to be is 'just Harry', but Hannah, Neville, and I all know that only those closest to him will be able to see him like that; just the guy with the beautiful green eyes and the messy hair, not the savior of the world or whatever."
Hermione cocked an eyebrow and grinned, "beautiful green eyes?"
Susan blushed again, hiding her face in her hands while Neville and Hannah burst out with laughter. Hermione chuckled along with the two. She was happy to have made friends, at last, after many years of loneliness. She finally fit in; she'd found a niche for herself with four 'Puffs. She was happier than she'd ever been, and she'd do nothing to jeopardize that.
ooOOooOOoo
"The Slytherins are really breaking the law out there, ladies and gentlemen; I'm actually surprised the Aurors haven't been called in. This game has descended into an all out mêlée!" roared Lee in indignation through his microphone.
"Madam Hooch, we request an injury timeout. I need to see that my seeker is able to continue." asked David.
"Of course, Mr. Foyle, you've five minutes." replied the witch as she blew her whistle. "Five minutes timeout to Hufflepuff!"
"C'mon Ced, lean on me. Ana, give me hand over here." David and Ana led Cedric to the dugout. Harry was concerned for the older 'Puff, knowing from experience that the way he was holding his arm meant that it was probably broken.
"Sorry, Cedric, but you're done. It's broken, and you'll have to go up to Pomfrey." David was also concerned with his friend. "Okay, we'll concede the game; we can't go on without a seeker. I'll let Madam Hooch know."
"David, put me in." Harry said softly.
"Not a chance in hell Potter! They'll destroy you. Cedric has been flying for years and was well aware of how Slytherin was going to gang up on him. You don't have that experience and I'm not going to put your life at risk just to win some stupid game."
"Put me in, David." he repeated with more emotion. The Hufflepuff captain was a little intimidated by the look of his first year seeker. Those green eyes of his seemed to be dancing with flame and his magic was whirling around him like a light breeze. David looked to Ana for advice.
"Do it, David, put him in."
"Hell no!" yelled Cedric. "David is right. Those damn snakes will kill him if he's up there."
"Not if they can't catch me." said Harry. "I'll just fly above it all; let them chase me if they want. It will give you guys a better chance to score if they are all chasing me."
"David, he's right. Slytherin will jump at the chance to try to hurt Harry, and try is all they'll do. Harry can out fly any of those morons with his eyes closed and sitting backwards on his broom." added Ana.
"Ced?" David asked his seeker.
"Harry, are you sure? They are not going to go easy on you just 'cuz you're a firstie."
"They can try to catch me." was Harry's response. Cedric saw the look of determination on the face of the boy and was convinced by it to give the kid his support.
"Go for it, David. Harry, you're going to be attacked the moment you get in the air. You know that and they know that. Use it against them. Lead them on a merry chase all over the pitch. Make them come to you and then pour on the speed."
"Go 'crazy kid' on them Harry." said Ana.
"Oh, shit, Madam Sprout is going to kill us. You know that, right? She's going to give us so many detentions that my grandchildren will be serving them for me!" David moaned.
"Maybe, but she may not feel like that if we win the game. Look, we're down by a hundred and sixty points right now, it can't get any worse. We need to score a few to give us a chance."
"Okay, fine, let's do it! Harry, win or lose, I want you to catch the snitch the second you see it, you got me?"
"Yes captain!" replied Harry.
"Alright, get up there and catch me the damn snitch. Ana, score me some points. Let's see if we can surprise these slimy bastards. And would you stop with the captain stuff, you git!"
ooOOooOOoo
Neville was the first to notice the arguing down in the 'Puff dugout. "Oh, crap."
"Neville? What is it?" asked Hermione.
"Harry." he said pointing down to the pitch.
Susan and Hannah both glanced down at their arguing teammates down on the field, frowns on their faces. "Oh, shit, Harry is getting his broom ready. I think he's going to play." Hannah said with not a little concern in her voice
Susan paled, and anxiety and fear began to creep up into her chest, robbing her of her ability to breathe. "No, dammit, no, he told me he wouldn't do this."
"Calm down..."
"Don't tell me to calm down, dammit!" said Susan with tears in her eyes.
"Susan," said Neville, "you have to trust that he knows what he's doing. He'll be okay."
"They're going to hurt my Harry." she whimpered. Hermione and Hannah wrapped Susan in an embrace, each trying to comfort her.
"And try is all they'll get to do. Your boyfriend is going to fly circles around those snakes, just you see." Hannah whispered to Susan.
Her heart jumped as she Harry leap into the sky on his broom. The leers and vicious smiles directed his way by the Slytherin players mad her angry. She saw Harry flying towards her and she stood, extending her hand to him. He had a smile on his face as he took her hand and winked at her. And just like that he was gone, flying high to take up his position.
"Madam Hooch is ready to restart the game, as it looks like the 'Puffs are once again ready. I'm told that Cedric Diggory has a broken arm that is being attended to by Madam Pomfrey. Surprisingly, it looks like Harry Potter, first year seeker, has taken his place. Go Harry! Show the ruddy snakes what you're made of!" yelled Lee.
And show him he did. Harry flew like a man possessed. Nothing got close to him as he simply out flew the Slytherin team. Ana and the chaser line scored with wild abandon, given the fact that except for the keeper, all of the Slytherin team was being led on a merry chase by the raven haired 'Puff seeker.
"Now, Potter, now! Find the damn snitch" roared David.
Harry stopped high above the pitch and scanned the area for the elusive golden ball. The Slytherin seeker took up position next to him, also scanning the area while trying to push the smaller 'Puff with his shoulder. But Harry was by no means intimidated.
The seeker, Terrence Higgs, knew that Slytherin captain Marcus Flint wanted the boy-who-lived ploughed into the ground by any means necessary. It had been quite the surprise though when Harry showed his ability on the broom. And so, snake chasers and seekers alike were pursuing the 'Puff all over the field in an effort to harm him. It never occurred to them that the 'Puffs had slowly caught up on points and that they were actually now trailing by forty points.
Terrence heard the 'Puff captain's command, and now the seeker was next to Potter pushing his larger body into his with the intent to have him fall from his broom. Ramming him repeatedly, Higgs was surprise the young boy was still on his broom.
Harry had by this point had enough of the pushing and pushing back was not really working. He also noticed the telltale golden glint on the far side of the pitch. Knowing that he'd be chased by practically the entire Slytherin team, he had to make sure to put as much distance between himself and his pursuers. Timing it perfectly, Harry waited for the snake to once more barge into him. He let his broom lose power, so that he fell like a rock for about ten feet, before reengaging the power and blasting off towards the sparkle.
"He's seen it!" Neville said as he stood up. "C'mon Harry!"
"How can you tell?" asked Hannah.
"Simple, really; I mean look at him, what's he doing?"
"Grinning like a fool." she smirked.
"And can you name the two things he grins at like that?"
"Oh!" she replied.
"Wait, hang on, I don't get it." Hermione said.
"Oh, please, like you've never seen him grin like that before? Neville said two things, right? One is the redhead over there that looks like she's going to pee herself, and the other is when he's spotted the snitch."
Susan had only caught the tail end of that conversation, but instead of berating Hannah for the peeing accusation, she focused on the events on the field. Neville was right though, Harry was grinning like a fool. And, to top it all off, he was flying faster than she'd ever seen him fly before; as mad as she'd been at him actually playing against Slytherin, Harry put on a hell of a performance and hadn't once been anywhere near being in danger.
"Sod it all." she whispered before letting out an ear piercing yell of support. "Go, Harry!"
"Harry Potter, seeker extraordinaire has caught the snitch! Ladies and gentleman, what a display of flying; Hufflepuff has won!" yelled the gleeful Lee. Anyone who humiliated the Slytherins like young Harry had was okay in his book. "Wait, what's this? Hey, you snake bastard, the game is over!"
Harry had the snitch in his hand and was holding it over his head when he heard Madam Hooch blow the whistle that signified the end of the game. 'Thank the gods it's over!' he thought to himself. He was lazily gliding toward the ground, eager to celebrate with his teammates; and of course, to see Susan and have a pointed conversation with her about that kiss. He never noticed the charging Slytherin captain flying toward him at speed.
Marcus Flint was one pissed off Slytherin. His team had been humiliated by a first year, the sodding boy-who-lived, how dare the little shit? Not caring for the consequences, he flew towards the boy at full speed, intending to do him harm. He crashed into Harry, knocking the boy off his broom, and watched with an evil smile on his face as Harry dropped the twenty feet to the ground below.
The whole stadium quieted, appalled at the behavior of the Slytherin.
The only voice heard was the one everyone had expected to hear, a heart wrenching wail of agony that came from the Hufflepuff contingent.
"Harry!"
A/N
Hey, guys, sorry for the delay in publishing anything for the last month or so. February is my usual vacation time, and what a month of relaxing I had! So, now that I'm back, I should be able to knock out a chapter or two a month. Yes, Fifth House is the next one I'm working on. I admit I am, or rather was, a bit stuck on that one, but have managed to get through about half of the next chapter for that particular tale. I will finish and publish soon, promise!
Question/help. While on vacation, my tablet decided it hated me and died (bastard!). I had been reading a story, but I cannot, for the life of me remember what it was called or who the author was. I seem to recall reading something they'd written before. Hence, my plea for help in re-finding it. It was an HHR story, I remember that, Harry and Hermione were running away with Sirius and Remus, were confronted by a demon named Marduk (I think), and eventually made in to Tir Na Nog (the Irish Heaven) Remus was cured of his lycanthropy, Harry become a water elemental, Hermione a fire elemental...something along those lines. Anyone? Anyone? Please? (on bended knee, with tears in eye)