Disclaimer: See chapter 1 "Snowbird," song and lyrics by Gene MacLellan and sung by Anne Murray. Reviews are welcomed, flames aren't. --GF and The Frau
Chapter 25: Snowbird
Oh I almost forgot. You know that crazy house elf that tried to keep me from going to Hogwarts last year? The one I managed to free? Well, he's here at Hogwarts. My life just became became more complicated. I don't know if he's more loyal to me or to Dumbledore. House elves tend to babble more than they mean to, unless their 'masters' tell them not to. So I'm not sure what Dumbledore knows.
Another thing, I'm pretty sure Dumbles was the one that sicced the Dursleys on me last summer. I know we talked about it over the summer. The headmaster was giving me such looks at the Feast tonight. My little allies tell me that Dumbles has been corresponding with them on a regular basis. I wouldn't be surprised if he wants to meet with me soon about my summer. He is determined to learn who you are. Again, have I mentioned that I'm very glad that you are my parents and I'm not staying with the Dursleys?
I must go. I'll write soon.
Love – G
0o0o0o0
All too soon Garion was caught up in school work, dodging Professor Lupin's queries about his life outside of Hogwarts, and trying to keep Sirius from being seen. Just a typical day's work for a young prince from Underground. Yeah right!
Garion thought back to what happened the other day. Bored and really didn't want to start on his homework, Garion was acting a scene for Shirley Temple and Bo Robinson's "The Little Colonel." He was tap dancing up and down one of the moving stair cases, humming to himself. Just innocent fun, really. He hadn't realized he had garnered an audience. When the stairs moved, he kept up the tempo without missing a beat. They never did that in the movies.
"Harry James Potter! Just What Do You Think You Are Doing!" screamed Hermione, with her hands on her hips. "Why are you going up and down those stairs? Can't you make up your mind! You are blocking it for the rest of us!"
Several students groaned at the Gryffindor's screech, covering their ears.
With a startled 'deer caught in headlights look', Harry hesitated for a moment before tapping his way to the top of the stairs where he turned to give a gracious sweeping bow to his audience below, much to Hermione's displeasure. With a smile, he skipped merrily down the hall. His tap shoes beating an interesting tattoo which echoed from the stone floor.
'Honestly, Hermione really needs to lighten up,' he thought as he came out of the memory and began to compose another letter to his mother.
Dear Mother,
School is so boring this year! The same thing day in and day out. I already know all this stuff. Well, most of it anyway.
I will say that Prof. Lupin is a much better instructor then Lockhart ever was even if he is a w/w. Shh! I'm not suppose to know that but Uncle Snuffle let is slip once. Anyways, in the first class Prof. Lupin let loose a boggart. Neville's fear was Prof. Snape and Ron's was a spider. Mine was Father. It was really bad until the boggart did something strange. When the spook realized who I was, he bowed, asked my pardon and walked back into the box without me uttering the counter-spell. Floored everyone in class, it did. Strange, huh?
Malfoy is such a dooffus, Mother. He was very rude to a hippogriff in CoMC class and was attacked. Well, duh! What an idiot! Now he's milking his injury for all it is worth and his father is demanding that the hippogriff be put down. Poor Hagrid.
Well, Gotta go. Quidditch practice.
Hug everyone for me. –G
0o0o0o0
Remus Lupin was confused and confuddled when it came to one Harry James Potter. The boy was an enigma in and of himself. Harry was brilliant in class, polite and outgoing. The stunt with the stairs from what Remus could learn was one of many of the boy's quirky behaviors. Harry tended to quote from Shakespeare, as well as odd movies and muggle sources that the pure bloods couldn't understand but the muggle born did. Harry was also often seen playing one musical instrument or another. Neither Lily or James ever showed that type of talent that he knew of. Who had raised this child?
Harry was a fine and gifted young wizard. He was quite sure that if James or Lily had raised Harry, he would never have shown such talent. James even as an adult only ever cared for pranks and family and Lily only her research. Would they have recognized such talents in Harry? Would they even encourage him to pursue them?
A knock on the classroom door broke Remus' thoughts. Severus Snape entered holding a steamy goblet. "That time of month again, Wolf."
"Severus," Remus said, taking the goblet. "If you have a moment, I would like to ask you your opinion of Harry?"
"You should concern yourself with your condition, not his."
"What to do you mean?"
"If you haven't noticed, Potter is insane," Snape sneered. "Whoever has been raising him, has their hands full. Even Albus is at a loss on what to make of the boy . He has no discipline. It's all fun and games."
"Any clue on who raised him?" Remus drained the goblet and handed it back.
"Not a one and the boy is being very tight lipped about it. However, if you have time one night I will show you where he can be found after curfew."
0o0o0o0
Dear Uncle Snuffles,
Help! I'm being held hostage by Hermione. She has this great need to study. Study! And more Study! She's insane, I tell you! Insane! She won't even let me play my guitar! She's killing me with books!
On to other matters. I can't go to Hogsmeade like we originally planned. They are afraid that the evil Sirius Black will creep up on poor innocent me and slit my throat. Honestly, these people need to get a life and stop trying to live mine. I hope you are alright.
Did I tell you that Mooney is the Defense prof? He's as cool as you said he would be. But he is as nosey as Dumbles. I caught Snape bringing a goblet to him the other day. So it seems that the Wolfsbane is working.
By the way, you are right, Scabbers is missing a toe. Be careful. Ron takes the rodent every where with him. I think he's planning on leaving him behind for the Hogsmeade weekend, though. Be careful and don't get caught. Father won't be pleased.
I can't wait for the holidays. I miss everyone.
Love –G
0o0o0o0
Harry came to once more in the Infirmary. It was very late, the torches created interesting shadows on the whote stone walls. What just happened? Oh right. Quidditch and Dementors just don't mix.
A hand carded through Harry's hair. Turning, he gave a tired smile. "Father."
"Garion, my son," the Goblin King whispered. "You will be fine."
"Why did the Dementors attack me?"
"I don't know, my son but I will find out. Sleep now. The goblins will watch over you and I am just a heart beat away."
Harry closed his eyes, giving a slight nod. He never saw the white owl leaving the room as Dumbledore entered.
0o0o0o0
Remus was now even more confused. Harry seemed more concerned about losing his broom than his life. And those guardians. Weren't they concerned about Harry's well-being? They never replied to the letter that was sent informing them of Harry's near death. Harry hadn't seemed too concerned by their silence. Once the child had been released from the infirmary, it was business as usual.
0o0o0o0
Severus Snape escorted Remus to a small alcove near the Gryffindor common room. Making a shushing sign with his finger across his lips, the potion master faded into the shadows, pulling the werewolf with him.
Guitar music floated on the air as soft scuffles could be heard. Remus peered around the corner to see Harry in the distance, sitting on a bench beneath a window with a guitar in his lap. It felt like there were many eyes watching the werewolf, waiting, judging him. One wrong move, and he would be ejected from the alcove. He watched in silence as Harry looked out the window as the first refrain filled the hallway.
"Beneath this snowy mantle cold and clean
The unborn grass lies waiting
for its coat to turn to green
The snowbird sings a song he always sings
And speaks to me of flowers
that will bloom again in spring"
Remus was entranced. Harry had a well trained riveting voice. Never had he heard such music before. Then he sensed it. Magic crackled in the air, swirling around Harry. He had never seen magic respond to anyone like that. Just how was he doing it?
"Spread your tiny wings and fly away
And take the snow back with you
Where it came from on that day
The one I love forever is untrue
And if I could you know
that I would fly away with you
yah if I could, you know that I would fly away with you"
As the final haunting echos faded away, Harry sighed and looked out into the darkness, lost in his own thoughts. His fingers stilled on the guitar strings.
"You're guess is as good as mine, Wolf," Severus whispered in Remus' ear, motioning the two of them away. "I would not recommend you even try to get close to him right now. " Severus gave cautious look around.
Remus gave the man a questioning look, then, he heard tiny feet and tittering surrounding them in the shadows. He couldn't see who or what but he could feel their eyes on him.
"That's why, Wolf. Potter is protected for some reason. As much as I want to give the brat a detention, I am unable to get near enough," Snape said in frustration. "Besides, Lupin. You are too easy on the boy. You have never had the brat for a detention. You just don't know what he is capable of. " Snape shuddered, remembering. "Potter seems to go out of his way to turn detentions into some sort of song and dance. Literally. As I keep saying Potter is insane."
"Why thank you Professor."
Both men jumped. Looking around, Potter was nowhere to be seen, yet his voice whispered eerily down the hall. "I see my reputation is at stake, my fame is shrewdly gored! Lord! What fools these mortals be!"
0o0o0o0
Yeah, yeah, I know I mangled the quotes, but they sure fit perfectly together for what I needed. The quotes are from "Trolius and Cressida", act 3, sc 3 and "Midsummer Night's Dream," act 3, sc 2.
Sorry for the long dry spell. Summer is here. If any of my long time readers are around, they would tell you that I'm too busy in the summer to do much writing. I sell at Ren Faires and do a lot of camping over the summer, beside sew. It'll let up soon, I promise.
I have a yahoo group going, you can find the url on my profile. It's quiet but I do hope someone will start chatting on it soon.
Until next time. --GF and The Frau