HARRY POTTER AND ICE CREAM DELIGHTS
Author: Luckner
Disclaimer: The characters and their world are the property of J.K. Rowling, various publishers and Warner Bros. No money is being made and no copyright infringement is intended.
CHAPTER 18: BATTLE OF HOGSMEAD
The month of February was a peaceful time at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Winter still had a tight grip on the highlands of Scotland, and late-winter snow storms kept most students indoors and out of the weather. It was an ideal time to curl up with a good book before a blazing fire or talk about the upcoming Quidditch match between Ravenclaw and Slytherin. But with Valentine's Day only a week away, and Luna's birthday only a week after that, Harry Potter had too much work to allow for any of these simple pleasures.
Valentine's Day fell on a Saturday that year, and Professor Dumbledore had most obligingly selected it as the first day of a Hogsmead Weekend. As a result, many young men were already planning ways and means of making it a memorable occasion for the girls in their lives. Harry
Potter was no exception, and he had already contacted the Three Broomsticks to arrange for a special luncheon that would serve both to celebrate the holiday as well as give Luna a taste of what her birthday would bring; but the raven-haired boy was keeping most of the details a closely guarded secret. The two teens had been together for seven months and their bond had only grown stronger, and he wanted her to know how very special she was to him.
Harry had invited their closest friends to attend; possibly in the unrealistic hope that Ron and Hermione might get together again. But the two teens hadn't wanted to attend a Valentine's luncheon together, and they had both politely declined. Fred and Susan promised to arrive in time for dessert, but had something important to do first. Ginny thought that her brother was building up his nerve to propose, and wanted some private time alone with his girlfriend. Neville and Ginny were delighted to attend however, and Neville had even volunteered to help Harry with some of the special planning. Harry had asked Madam Rosmerta to create something special, and price was to be no object.
Saturday dawned bright, clear and cold; which was a pleasant change after a week of storms. The castle grounds were covered by a thick carpet of fresh snow from the previous night, but the morning sky was clear and deep blue. Conditions were perfect for winter games and some of the younger children were planning snowball fights that would begin immediately after breakfast. Others were looking at the frozen surface of the Black Lake for an opportunity to do some ice skating.
As Luna entered the Great Hall for breakfast she wasn't exactly sure what her boyfriend had planned, but she intended to be prepared. She was wearing a heavy knitted orange sweater with long purple tassels and had her yellow mittens and a blue scarf over her shoulder. Her ensemble was finished off with a green tam-o'-shanter hat with a white pompom and two long brown feathers. The effect was startling to say the least, but Luna always thought that it was silly for everyone to look just alike.
Her unique fashion sense never failed to draw comment from her fellow students, and this day was no exception. As she walked through the threshold soft laughter could he heard around the room, but she paid no attention. Luna was too busy scanning the length of Gryffindor table, looking for a very special raven-haired boy. On the table where the two normally sat was a large crystal vase of red and yellow wild roses; which just happened to be Luna's favorite flower.
"May I escort you Miss Lovegood?" A voice asked from beside her. Looking over she saw Harry smiling at her broadly and offering her his arm.
"I would be delighted, Sir," she responded with the same mock formality, and laid her hand on his wrist.
Many watched as Harry escorted his girlfriend over to the Gryffindor table and presented her with the flowers.
"You are so sweet, Harry," the young girl said as she kissed him in front of everyone. Neither of them noticed the looks of envy they were receiving from around the room. The young girls were envious of Luna because the 'boy who lived' was so completely smitten with her, and the boys because Harry's gallant gesture appeared a complete success. No one noticed the smirks from a pair of teens at Slytherin table, who were watching the romantic display with amused interest.
After a unique breakfast, which the house elves had themed in colors of red and white, the older students left the castle to make their way to Hogsmead. A row of horseless carriages awaited the students at the bottom of the steps; but once again Harry had planned something special. Among the school carriages stood one very special coach that looked like it was straight out of a muggle fairy tale. It was pure white with gold trim, and it might possibly have once conveyed a muggle king to his coronation. It was pulled by six snow-white horses; and the driver, who was attired in gold and crimson livery, sat on the high box in regal splendor.
As Harry escorted Luna towards the coach the driver jumped down from the box and opened the door with a regal flourish; he then took the girl's hand to assist her entry. Ginny, who had turned a rather embarrassed Weasley red, received the same royal treatment. Harry and Neville, who were delighted that everything was going according to their plan, followed their girlfriends into the coach. The driver then mounted the box and guided the coach down the narrow road that led to Hogsmead.
"You two do know how to show girls a good time," Ginny said in wonder as they rode along the outskirts of the Forbidden Forest, looking out at the snow-covered trees.
"A princess deserves a royal coach," Neville said with a smile. From anyone else Ginny would have thought the remark terribly corny, but from Neville it just reminded her why she liked him so much; she knew that he was completely sincere.
As the coach pulled up in front of the Three Broomsticks the eyes of everyone was drawn to the magnificent carriage. They fully expected to see some kind of wizarding royalty emerge from the coach, and were shocked to see four Hogwarts students descend the steps. Madam Rosmerta greeted them at the front door and led the party upstairs to the private dining room that she had prepared. Harry was a little overwhelmed when they entered the room, which was decorated brightly in shades of pink and red, but the look on Luna's face made it all worthwhile.
As the boys held the chairs for their girlfriends, Ginny Weasley couldn't help but express her continued amazement.
"You two certainly do it right," she declared with a grin. At that moment Madam Rosmerta entered the room levitating a large tray which held the first course of the meal.
A few minutes later, as the four teens were enjoying the main course, Fred and Susan entered the room with wide grins on their faces and took places at the table.
"Well?" Ginny asked impatiently.
In reply, Susan showed her friends a rather impressive ring with a large purple stone in the center. The smile on her face told everyone that Fred had popped the question and that she had accepted.
"Susan, it's beautiful," Luna said admiringly of the ring.
Neville and Ginny looked at the strange ring somewhat more dubiously, but also told Susan that the ring was "really special." Engagement rings in the wizarding world were very like their muggle counterparts, except that they frequently carried protective charms. Purple was…well purple; but the uniqueness of the ring was one of the things that Susan liked about it.
As Harry saw Luna admiring the ring he made a mental note to select one equally unique when it came time for him to propose.
"When?" Ginny asked excitedly.
"When I graduate, and I want you and Luna to be my Maids of Honor," Susan answered sincerely.
But before anyone could ask anything else, Madam Rosmerta entered the room with a concerned look on her face.
"This message was just delivered for you, Miss Weasley. She said that it was an emergency," the older woman said as she handed Ginny the note.
Ginny tore open the envelope and scanned the contents, the concern on her face evident to everyone.
"What's the matter Ginny?" Harry asked.
"Please stay here, all of you," Ginny replied, as pale as a ghost. She handed Harry the note and rushed out the door.
As Harry read it he too grew pale. "Madam Rosmerta, who delivered this note?" he asked quietly, as he handed it to Luna.
"It was Hermione Granger, and she looked very upset," the woman said soberly as she left the teens to their discussion.
"What does it say?" Neville asked urgently.
Luna returned her eyes to the note and began to read in an unemotional voice:
'Ginny,
I can't take this anymore. It's no good. Please come down and talk to me, but only you. Please Ginny, I'm desperate
Hermione'
"Oh my God!" Neville said in disbelief.
Luna leaped to her feet and started to run towards the door, with Harry grabbing her wrist as she passed by.
"Maybe we should let Ginny talk to her first; that's what she wanted," he said reasonably.
"No…I don't believe the note is from Hermione. This is something bad," Luna declared frantically as she broke Harry's grasp and ran out the door. Soon all of them were running down the stairs.
At the bottom of the stairs Madam Rosmerta stood with another note in her hand and a confused look on her face. As Harry looked at her his level of fear grew exponentially. She handed Harry the note and with a shaking hand pointed towards the back door.
Harry glanced at the note and then broke into a run, drawing the attention of everyone in the crowded pub. He plunged through the back door with his friends close behind him. Ron and Hermione were seated at opposite ends of the dining room, trying their very best to ignore each other. But the sudden activity drew their attention, and they followed the crowd that was pushing through the door.
Running a few steps into the snow-covered field, Harry was brought up short by a terrifying sight. Ginny stood looking at him, a terrified expression on her face. Standing behind her was Draco Malfoy, his wand pressed hard against the girl's throat.
"I see you got my note, Potter," the boy said with a smirk.
"Let her go Malfoy, I'll do anything that you want," Harry declared.
"I'm glad that you're going to be reasonable about this, Potter. I should hate to spatter such a pretty girl all over the field," he said gloatingly as he caressed Ginny's face with his left hand.
"Let my Sister go," Ron Weasley shouted as he pushed through the crowd to come up even with the raven-haired boy. Harry noticed that Hermione took her place beside him, a determined expression on her face.
"Shut up Weaslby, or you'll be picking your sister up with a sponge. This is between me and Potter," Draco declared with a sneer.
"Anything you want, just don't hurt her," Harry declared as Luna stepped close to his left side, with Fred and Susan next to her.
"I want all of you take your wands out and throw them away…now!" Draco ordered with an ugly look on his face. As he spoke he pressed his wand even harder against Ginny's throat, causing the young girl to wince in pain.
The students immediately withdrew their wands and cast them aside obediently, while the other patrons of the Three Broomsticks backed away in fear. The minute that the seven students were disarmed nine black-robed Death Eaters appeared some meters behind the young Slytherin, their wands pointed at the teens.
"Now you can have your sister back, Weaslby. She can die with the rest of you blood traitors," Draco declared snidely as he shoved Ginny roughly towards her brother.
At the sight of the Death Eaters the other patrons of the pub, mostly Hogwarts students, tried to run away. But as they tried to flee they were horrified to discover that they were trapped inside wards which had been established behind them.
"Very well done, my Son," said a hard voice from behind a bone-white mask. A tall Death Eater in the center removed his mask to reveal the smirking face of Lucius Malfoy. "As I promised, the Mudblood is yours; do with her as you see fit."
Hermione visibly shuddered at the thought, but before she could say a word another voice was heard.
"She certainly is not and I'll kill him if he tries to touch her," Ron Weasley said defiantly, and took a step closer to partially shield the young witch.
Hermione looked at her friend with pride and respect, and reached over to take his hand. No matter what happened Hermione knew that she could always depend on Ron to come to her defense.
"I will take care of you in a moment, young man," Lucius Malfoy said as he casually flicked his wand in Ron's direction. The boy dropped to his knees as if he had been punched in the stomach and Hermione knelt down and gently held the boy as he worked through the pain.
Completely ignoring the two, Lucius Malfoy turned his full attention to Harry Potter. "I have been looking forward to renewing our association for some time, Mr. Potter. And I'm so pleased that you've brought your friends along as well," he said gloatingly, and his expression was mirrored on his Son's face.
'Harry, look at the top of the hill behind the Death Eaters,' Luna's voice came in Harry's head.
Glancing up the sloping ground, young man saw Voldemort and Bellatrix Lestrange standing together and watching the scene play out.
'But why is he up there? Voldemort would want to kill me himself,' Harry wondered in bewilderment.
'He's afraid of you Harry; he wants to let Mr. Malfoy face you,' Luna responded knowingly.
Harry couldn't help but smile slightly; Luna was even polite to Death Eaters.
'Well it's only courteous Harry,' was her immediate reaction.
"Did you hear me, Potter?" Harry heard the harsh voice of Lucius Malfoy ask.
"Err…no, actually I was thinking about other things," the boy responded quite casually, drawing questioning looks from those around him. Lucius Malfoy seemed particularly annoyed that Harry Potter had missed some of the best parts of his well rehearsed speech, especially as his Master was watching the proceedings carefully.
But Lucius Malfoy wasn't the only one annoyed; Voldemort was almost beside himself with rage as he watched the pompous wizard as he continued to talk.
"Just do it you posturing idiot; just kill him," Voldemort said loud enough for Belletrix to hear.
"It's time we settled accounts, Potter," Lucius said as he continued to drone on. But at that moment he noticed that Vincent Crabbe and Gregory Goyle were standing fearfully with the other students cowering behind Harry and his friends
"You two, get over here and stand by your Fathers!" Malfoy ordered as he nodded to the two masked Death Eaters standing at his side.
'Are you ready, Lu?' Harry asked in his mind to Luna as he studied the terrain that was destined to be a battleground. The ground sloped gradually uphill to the top of a small rise on which Voldemort stood, and behind him was deep forest. Aside from two small trees on the left, the entire field was deep in snow.
'Wait just a minute Harry; Vincent and Gregory have an important decision to make, and we must give them the time," she responded sincerely.
"Over here I said!" Malfoy ordered sternly. The two boys looked terrified, but they didn't move forward to join the Death Eaters. The two masked men who stood at Malfoy's side tore off their masks and glared at their sons in rage.
"You will do as you are told or suffer the consequences," the taller of the two men said. The effect was not at all what they had expected; the two boys moved, but not to join their fathers. Instead the two moved to stand in front of some of the younger children; a strange act of defiance that would almost certainly cost them their lives.
"Very well, you have made your choice. Now you can die with your friends," Malfoy spat out with a sneer.
'Now Harry,' Luna thought, but she also communicated a strong feeling. Luna didn't want to kill, and she didn't want Harry to kill either. At that moment things began to happen with lightening speed.
The first thing that Harry and Luna needed to do was get the 'innocents' out of the line of fire, and so as Lucius continued to ramble on with his threats the two teens initiated their plan.
In a flash of white light the two vanished from sight; leaving Lucius hanging in mid-threat, and looking completely confused. A second later Harry Potter appeared on the ridge behind them, and outside of their carefully crafted wards.
"The fool missed his chance," Voldemort said in disgust, as he watched the drama play out. He was still determined to not play a role himself; not until he knew the full extent of his enemy's powers.
"This is your last chance to give up," The boy declared firmly, as he drew all eyes in his direction. The nine Death Eaters spun around in shock, bewildered at how the boy had apparently apparated through their wards. But before they could even aim their wands the boy disappeared again, leaving the Death Eaters even more confused.
As soon as their opponents were distracted, Luna had appeared behind Hermione Granger. She pressed some hard objects into Hermione's hand and whispered into the startled girl's ear.
"Get the others on the ground…and be ready!"
Before Hermione could even turn, Luna had vanished in a flash of light; appearing a second later on the far right of the field behind three as yet unaware Death Eaters.
Hermione looked down and saw three wands clutched tightly in her hand. There was no time to worry about the 'hows' and the 'whys,' she knew that she had to move fast. She turned and looked at the people standing behind her, all of them trembling in fear.
"Get down and lie flat," she ordered fiercely, as she passed a wand to Ron and Neville. No one dared to dispute her taking control, and they all hastened to obey her orders and lay down in the freshly fallen snow. Hermione and the others crouched low with their wands at the ready, willing to play whatever role the Fates had in store for them. As she glanced behind her, Hermione saw that Crabbe and Goyle had also drawn their wands, and they seemed determined to protect a group of younger students who lay behind them. The young Gryffindor smiled slightly, proud that the boys had made the courageous choice.
At that moment three Death Eaters on the right, frustrated by their inability to locate Harry Potter, turned their wands in the direction of the only targets that they could see. Hermione saw the threat, but before she could even think of a spell Luna took action. The young Ravenclaw pointed her finger at the three men and made a cork-screw type motion. Immediately the men were encircled in a powerful wind storm, which could only be described as a mini-tornado. The three struggled against the force of the wind, but one by one they were plucked off the ground and pulled into the white vortex. Other activities on the field ceased as all eyes were glued to the remarkable sight. As the funnel cloud grew taller and taller, the three men were pulled higher and higher into the sky; until those on the ground could barely see them.
Even Lord Voldemort himself seemed strangely transfixed by the remarkable feat of magic, and for a moment he forgot about the whereabouts of Harry Potter. Within seconds the funnel cloud had reached almost a hundred meters in height, and those on the ground had to strain their necks to see the top. Suddenly the wind ceased and the three men began to plunge earthwards, screaming in terror. But almost as quickly the human screams changed into the wild cries of sea birds, and the wildly flapping arms had changed to white wings with black tips. Their decent suddenly halted, the men…err birds simply hovered for a few moments staring at each other in confusion, then the three birds took off flying as fast as possible away from the battlefield.
"Most impressive magic," Voldemort said in barely a whisper, so that only Bellatrix could hear him.
On the far left of the field, where he had just appeared, Harry Potter couldn't help but smile. Her imagination was one of the things that he loved most about Luna, and he made up his mind to be equally imaginative.
For the first time Lucius Malfoy realized how badly he had underestimated his opponents, and knew that fast action was his only hope. He aimed his wand at the young girl, but before he could even think of the spell she again vanished in a flash of white light. But in her place was a bubbling mass of bright pink clouds that was hovering just above the ground. He fired the killing-curse into it anyway, but without any effect.
"Look!" Crabbe screamed, and pointed to Harry Potter on the ridge behind them, a satisfied smirk on his face. Lucius spun around, the curse on his lips, but the boy had disappeared as well; and again a swirling mass of pink cloud hovered in his place. Lucius was now completely befuddled, as he swung his wand wildly from one side to the other in the hopes that a target might present itself.
Suddenly the two mysterious clouds began to move, and it was clear to all that they were converging on Lucius, Crabbe and Goyle at a startling speed. Believing that they were about to be crushed, the three Death Eaters fell to their knees and covered their heads with their arms. The two cloud masses collided directly over Lucius Malfoy, and it was only then that he realized that the phenomenon was simply a very thick fog bank.
"On your feet, you idiots," everyone heard Malfoy shout. "Let's get out of this damned soup."
But it didn't take Malfoy long to discover that the fog had some unique properties of its own. For one thing, wherever the four men moved the pink-cloud moved along with them. Ginny Weasley could barely suppress her laughter as the cloud moved in a strange zigzag course around the slope, with Lucius Malfoy expressing his displeasure by a number of frustrated curses.
Even while this was going on Harry had turned his attention to the remaining three Death Eaters, who were staring at the strange fog in dismay. He appeared behind them and released a beam of bright purple light which swept across the field and enveloped the confused men. When the light faded away the men had completely vanished, but in their place there were three small, rabbit-like creatures with crumpled horns in the middle of their foreheads.
"What in the world are they," Hermione asked in disbelief.
"Why Crumple Horned Snorkacks, of course," Ginny answered with a giggle.
"Oh, of course," Hermione replied in a cavalier way, deciding that acceptance was the only logical course in such a crazy situation. As she watched, the three bewildered creatures hopped away in the direction of the forest, content to accept the life of a Snorkack over that of a Death Eater.
Then Harry and Luna vanished again, only to reappear a second later in front of the pink cloud in the center of the field. As Hermione watched their fluid movements she couldn't help but think of a beautifully choreographed ballet that she had once seen. She also noticed that her friends weren't using their wands, but seemed to be controlling their magic through hand gestures. 'But that's impossible, it takes years to learn wandless magic,' she told herself in disbelief.
'Where did they learn all of this, and why didn't they include me?' Hermione asked herself. And then she remembered with a touch of embarrassment that since her break-up with Ron she had been rather avoiding her friends. She glanced at the red-haired boy who stood calmly by her side and felt even worse. Ron might not have the best table manners in the world, and might even be a little insensitive; but she could always count on him in time of trouble, and that was the important thing.
Turning her attention back to Harry and Luna, she saw the raven-haired boy wave his hand and the pink fog disappeared. The three remaining Death Eaters found themselves facing two very determined teens, and realized that perhaps they had chosen the wrong career path. Nevertheless, they raised their wands to fight. But scarcely had they moved when they discovered that their feet were rooted to the ground and they were no longer able to move their limbs. Looking down at their arms, they realized that they were being enclosed in tender brown bark and their hair was changing into leaves or pine needles. Lucius Malfoy gave one short shout of surprise just as the bark covered over his face. Where three men had once stood there now stood two tall and majestic pine trees, and a great spreading apple tree.
Luna looked at the trees with a critical eye before she smiled with satisfaction at the results, but then her gaze fell on the apple tree.
"An apple tree, Harry?" she asked in confusion.
"I was thinking about your apple pie," the boy confessed with a touch of embarrassment.
At that moment, from the hillside behind them, Voldemort and Bellatrix cast two killing curses at the same second, and two beams of sickly green light streaked in the direction of the two teens.
"Harr…" Hermione started to scream. But even before she could finish the word two beams of bright yellow light streaked on an intercept course with the green. Where the four beams impacted there was a bright explosion, which resulted in a rain of colorful flower petals showering the entire area. But before the first petal touched the ground, two more beams of yellow light were streaking towards Voldemort and Bellatrix. The two only managed to apparate away an instant before the beams reached them.
As Draco watched the confrontation from the side, he realized that the battle had gone horribly wrong. It was at that moment that he made a fateful decision: at least he could kill the mudblood! As much as he hated Harry Potter and Luna Lovegood, he hated Hermione Granger even more. He raised his wand and aimed it at the young girl, knowing that she at least would die. But in the split second that the curse was forming on his lips, several things happened.
Ron had caught Draco's wand movement out of the corner of his eye, and realized that the young girl was helpless against such a surprise attack. Without hesitation he threw himself at her just as Draco spoke the curse; knocking her roughly out of the way just as the purple beam shot past. The girl hit the ground hard, and she rolled over to face her attacker with fury in her eyes. What she saw utterly terrified her.
Ron lay frozen on the ground next to her, his face ashen as the poison of the unknown curse worked its way up his body. He had saved Hermione, and had almost made it clear himself, but the purple beam struck his left foot as he tumbled to the ground. His eyes were fixed upon her, as if he was determined that the last thing he would see in this life would be her face.
Seeing that he had been robbed of his prize, Draco raised his wand to try again. But at that moment Neville Longbottom rushed forward and tackled the surprised Slytherin, knocking the wand from his hand. The normally gentle boy began to beat Draco savagely about the face, until the boy's face was a bloody mess and he had lost consciousness.
Seeing her betrothed being attacked, Pansy Parkinson drew the wand from her robes. But before she could even aim it she was struck in the chest by a Reductor Curse fired by Susan Bones. The Slytherin was thrown back a dozen meters and crashed into the back wall of the Three Broomsticks, dropping to the ground unconscious with several broken bones.
Hermione didn't see any of this, as she rushed to Ron's side and cradled his head in her lap. Tears streamed down her cheeks and splashed on the boy's face, somehow relieving the numbing pain that he was feeling. She knew at that moment that no magic in the world that could save him and their eyes locked in a final goodbye. Using his last ounce of strength Ron mumbled two words: "Love you."
At that moment Hermione was roughly moved out of the way and Harry took her place, with Luna kneeling on the opposite side of the stricken boy.
"Quick Lu," Harry ordered as he put his hands on Ron's chest. Luna immediately mirrored his movement and gold filaments began to envelop the dying boy in a golden cocoon.
Those present watched in awe as the two teens struggled to bring their friend back from the edge of death. Ginny was holding onto Hermione tightly, as she tried to console the grief stricken girl and at the same time prevent her from interfering.
After a few minutes the two withdrew their hands and the cocoon began to dissipate. For a moment it appeared that it had all been for nothing, and the boy lay cold and still on the ground. But then he coughed weakly, and moved his left arm ever so slightly. At that moment nothing in the world could have prevented Hermione Granger from reaching Ron's side. She kneeled on the snow and looked down onto his pale face just as the boy's eyelids fluttered open.
"Ron, are you alright?" Hermione choked out as tears poured down on the boy like rain drops.
"I hurt all over," Ron responded in a plaintive tone.
"Oh Ron," she cried out as she threw herself down on him. "Don't ever leave me again," she begged.
"Monie, you're drowning me," he declared as the girl pulled back and beamed at him happily. "What happened anyway?" he asked as he stretched his sore arms.
"Malfoy cursed you and I thought that you were going to die, but Harry and Luna saved you," Neville explained.
"What! Where is that filthy git?" Ron demanded as a flush of color came to his face.
Neville looked over at the bleeding body of the young Slytherin. "Don't worry about him; he's on his way to Azkaban," the boy said grimly.
Meanwhile, Luna had touched Harry's arm and nodded in the direction of the trees that had once been the senior Crabbe and Goyle. Their sons were standing in front of the trees in silence, as if they were coming to terms with the idea that their fathers were gone forever.
"I feel sorry for them," Harry said to Luna
"You're a little thick sometimes, but I love you anyway," she whispered to her boyfriend in disbelief, and then standing on her toes she kissed him.
When Harry looked again he realized that the two boys were grinning widely, and then they started to laugh and point at the trees. It was apparent that being the sons of Death Eaters was not something to be envied.
At that moment several pops were heard, and Harry and his friends prepared for another attack. Minerva McGongall rushed forward and surveyed the bloody field in shocked disbelief. Draco Malfoy was lying unconscious in the snow, his face badly beaten and blood staining the snow all around. Pansy Parkinson was lying slumped against the back wall of the Three Broomsticks, moaning in pain. From the position of her body it was clear that the girl had at least one broken arm and possible internal injuries as well. And finally, Ron Weasley was lying cradled in Hermione Granger's arms as he recovered from some sort of attack as well. Someone was serious trouble and likely to be expelled over this; she only hoped that it wouldn't be someone from her house.
"What is the meaning of this?" She demanded accusingly, and directed her question at Harry Potter.
But before Harry could answer, Albus Dumbledore walked up behind the agitated teacher with other members of the Order of the Phoenix.
"Calm yourself Minerva," he said as he laid a hand on her shoulder, "I believe there is a good deal more to this than meets the eye. Please take Mr. Malfoy and Miss Parkinson to the Hospital Wing immediately. I will want an auror stationed in the room; I believe that the two of them will have some serious questions to answer about today's events. Will you take Mr. Weasley as well, I believe that he's had a rather traumatizing experience," the Headmaster said in a knowing voice.
"He's not going anywhere without me," Hermione said firmly, and took such a firm grasp of the boy's hand that he visibly winced in pain.
"Very well, you may go along as well," Dumbledore said, unable to suppress a smile.
"Remus, will you and Tonks please escort Mr. Potter and his friends to my office. As soon as I finish here I'll return and hear what they have to say. It should be a very interesting story," the old Headmaster mused almost to himself. Tonks gave the teens a wink of encouragement as she led them away from the scene. As they walked along High Street to the carriages, students and local residents stared at them in shock. Many of them had witnessed the battle from a safe distance and could only stare at the young people brave enough to face the Dark Lord and his Death Eaters. When they arrived back at the castle they were greeted by a similar welcome, as their fellow students backed away from them in fear and awe.
Meanwhile, a small army of aurors had descended upon Hogsmead led by Minister of Magic Bones. Some provided security around the village while others took statements from frightened witnesses; with each statement becoming less believable than the one that had preceded it. If they were to be believed, two Hogwarts students had transformed nine Death Eaters into an assortment of trees, birds and a strange animal that none of them recognized. But more than that, they had apparently brought back to life one student who had been hit with a curse intended to kill; an altogether impossible feat.
Only Albus Dumbledore seemed ready to accept with the information they had received, and he looked forward to hearing the details with great anticipation. After hearing the same story from several witnesses, Professor Dumbledore made his way up the sloping field to examine the three trees. Each tree displayed a strong magical signature, but of a type of magic that he was unable to identify. His repeated attempts to restore the trees to their original forms failed miserably, and he suspected that the two teens involved were the only ones who could change the three death eaters back.
Minister of Magic Amelia Bones, on the other hand, was thoroughly confused as she accompanied the Headmaster to the school. "They must all be the victims of some kind of mass hysteria," she said fearfully, concerned that the Dark Lord was somehow behind it.
"I don't think so, Amelia. But I think you'll understand events better when we speak to the students involved," Dumbledore said, his eyes twinkling. The Minister had the greatest respect for the old headmaster, but she really hated that 'all knowing' twinkle.
