A/N: I do not own Harry Potter or anything associated with it.
FOUR
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Near Inverness
Scotland, British Isles, Holy Empire of Britannia
October 18, 1995
The surface of the lake was calm as Harry stared at it, Hermione by his side. There was something about this calmness that was seem to speak to the very core of Harry, but even the young naval cadet was unsure, if pressed, if what was speaking to his magical core was the beauty presented by the combination of the still surface waters of the lake surrounded by lush green mountains on three sides, or if it was the girl who stood in silence beside him, seemingly enraptured by the same stillness as Harry.
The two teenagers stood about ten feet away from where the dry soil of the grounds of Hogwarts meet with the waters of the lake, and though the two of them stared into the far shore of the famous lake – 'at least, famous in the magical world,' Harry thought to himself – and toward the mountains that rise at the other side, both of them were keenly aware of not only the presence of the other and their side, but also of their magic. Both Harry and Hermione would admit that they had never felt magic from another that seem to be so compatible with their own, their cores practically singing in duet with the other.
A sudden flash of light at the surface of the water broke the silence that had descended between the two youngsters – a silence that neither Harry nor Hermione found uncomfortable as they realized that they are actually basking in the presence of the other – and they turned toward each other, somehow, both realizing that one of them was about to speak.
It was Harry who broke the silence, "What was that?" he asked, and even as he asked the question, the young naval cadet realized that he does not really care what the answer would be, he just wanted to hear her voice.
Hermione was more than willing to oblige, "It's probably the giant squid…" she said, unsure of her own answer. It surprised the young witch, for she was not the type of person to answer a question unless she is sure of her answer. A smile came across her face – one that Harry returned without even meaning to – as she realized that at that point in time, she truly does not care if she was wrong.
It was a welcome change for Hermione, for her past situation at this very school had forced her to always be sure of her answer before she would speak to answer a question because she knew that her so-called peers would make fun of her should she ever be proven wrong. Somehow, however, she knew that this young man in uniform beside her would not care if she was right or wrong.
"A giant squid?" Harry asked. He wanted to return his attention toward the water, if Hermione was right – and there was no doubt in the mind of Harry that she was – he wanted to see the creature, but even as he consciously tried to tell his neck to turn back to the surface of the water so that he may see the creature, his very body rebelled against the wishes of his brain.
Almost unbidden – but certainly not without Harry knowing – his hand extended toward hers, slowly at first, but there was no doubt that he was slowly increasing the speed that his hand was heading toward hers. She turned her attention toward his approaching hand, and a self-conscious Harry stopped his hand movement. Her right eyebrow formed an arch over her eye, but there was no accusation in her facial gesture, it was a mere unspoken question.
Still, Harry consciously held his hand, and it was not until Hermione actually started to reach for his hand with hers did Harry realize that the reason that Hermione had raised her eyebrow toward him was because she was wondering how long he would take before he would place his hand upon hers.
A smile came across the face of Harry, and he was glad – 'more than glad, actually,' he thought to himself – as the smile on his face was reflected upon hers. Without words being exchanged between the two of them, the right hand of Harry resumed its movement, and within a few moments, Harry found himself clutching the hand of Hermione on his.
The feeling of his flesh upon his was something that Harry would readily admit that he had never experienced before. He had held hands with many women in his life – as the son of a relatively high ranking noble, he was never without a partner in the many balls and galas that his parents have forced him to attend – but the feeling of the hand of this young woman upon his was something that he would not be able to readily describe, and he doubted if the most gifted of writers that he had ever met could do justice in describing exactly what Harry felt at that moment.
He was, however, not alone in feeling that indescribable feeling. The young woman whose hand he held on his own felt the exact same thing, though unlike Harry, the logical mind of Hermione had to try to find a description, a reason, why the hand she held on her own made her feel safe, a feeling that she had never felt before. Her parents had come close to this feeling of safety that she was now feeling, but this safety, this is different.
At almost the exact same time, they realized that they were staring at each other and a bit of color rushed up their faces to signify their embarrassment. At the same time, they removed their gaze from each other, embarrassed, but it was apparent that the embarrassment that both felt was not enough to force them to remove their hands from each other, because even as they removed their gaze from the other, the physical contact remained as neither Harry nor Hermione even bothered to remove their hand from the other.
'What am I doing?' Hermione asked herself as she stared at the mountains at the distance, before she finally acknowledged – as Harry had – that there were no words that she could use to describe what she felt at that moment, 'What is this I am feeling? I've never felt this way before.'
Both Harry and Hermione would easily admit that at that moment, what they felt was bliss, but like all good things, it must come to an end, and for the two young magicals who first met just last night, that end came with a cough from the direction of the castle.
Almost instantly, Harry and Hermione opened their hands and let go. Both felt a momentary regret at the lost of physical contact, but both were somewhat mollified when both realized that this was just the beginning. It took them a good three seconds before they turned their attention toward the direction where the offending sound came from.
Clad in the same muted blue uniform as Harry, Edward Brooke looked even more embarrassed than the two youngsters, a condition brought about by the fact that the young naval cadet had realized that he had intruded upon a moment that he really should not have intruded upon. The young cadet, however, was also confused, for as far as he knew, his partner and the young woman whose hand he held on his own before he disturbed them had only met last night.
It made no sense for the two of them to become this close – literally – overnight. Still, Edward knew that it was not for him to comment. Harry is old enough to take care of himself, and besides, there is a procedure that the naval cadets were forced to memorize before they were given instructions to join this deployment.
A sigh escaped from the lips of Edward, but not one seen by either Harry or Hermione. Edward was well aware that one of the reasons that the brigade had been sent to Hogwarts was to guard against a possible threat from within the school. For that reason, the cadets – whom everyone agreed was the most likely to be approached for recruitment by possible subversive elements owing to their age and the fact that they are magical – have been warned against allowing themselves to get too close with either the students or the staff.
With a subtle shake of his head, however, Edward told himself that he owes Harry a chance to explain himself, and if the young man who was appointed cadet leader for this operation fails to give Edward an explanation that the young man would find satisfactory, then Edward would not hesitate to begin the procedure.
"Cadet Brooke?" Harry asked. Edward was forced back to the present as he noted that even though Harry had acknowledged his presence, the cadet leader had not even bothered to move from where he stood, an action – or rather, an inaction – that caused Edward to raise his eyebrow toward Harry.
It was obvious to Edward that his friend had seen his subtle action – he was not so sure about the young lady, but at that moment, Edward did not care – but Harry chose to ignore the action from his friend, an action that would have brought a frown on the face of Edward had he not remembered that at that moment, he was not speaking to Harry as his friend, rather, he was speaking to Harry as his commanding officer.
The young naval cadet was able to muster to attention faster than even he himself thought possible. Edward did not bother to salute, however, since despite the fact that Harry is his de facto commanding officer, they have the same rank – 'which, come to think of it, makes us the lowest ranking officers in the brigade,' Edward thought.
"Cadet Leader," Edward replied, choosing to use the formal title of Harry rather than his name as he was supposed to. Edward hoped that that would alert his friend that Edward was running on high gear right now, "I have located the office of the headmaster,"
Harry blinked, twice, in confusion. As far as he was concerned, the mission to find the office of the headmaster was for him alone. He could not even remember telling Edward – or any of the other eight cadets with him for that matter – to help him find the office.
It took Harry all of two seconds to realize what was going on. It was at that time that a frown came across the face of Harry, and he was immediately of two minds regarding this distraction by his friend, but eventually, the young cadet decided against dressing down his friend. Harry had no doubt that Edward believed that he was doing the right thing, something that Harry would violently – if need be – disagree on.
Harry turned his attention slightly toward his side – and toward Hermione- before he focused his full attention toward his second-in-command. With a nod that was almost to himself, Harry decided that he best not lose his temper, especially considering that Hermione is in front of them, a decision that almost instantly caused Harry to ask himself a question, 'What is so special about this girl?'
"Excellent," Harry said a few moments later. It was only after he had said that that he had moved from where he stood, but Harry did not move toward Edward, he moved to his side toward Hermione at the same time that she turned her attention away from Edward – whom she was giving a kind of stare that Edward could not decide if hostile or irritated. Edward watched as Harry and Hermione stared at each other for a few moments, neither saying a thing.
Finally, just as Edward was once more about to pointedly clear his throat – 'damn the consequences anyway, what could Harry do?' he thought to himself – Hermione broke the silence.
Unaware that Harry had not ordered Edward – or any of his classmates – to help him search for the office of the headmaster, Hermione assumed that the time for leisure had ended, and the time for business had returned. A mental sigh that was not reflected upon the physical world came out of her before she said, "I have to go to class anyway,"
Harry looked positively disappointed at the announcement, but after a few moments, a small smile came across his face, "We should talk about the difference of our schooling in more depth," he suggested, "perhaps after your class today?"
Hermione bit her lip, an action that would have suggested to those who knew her well – and there are not that many of them – that she was deep in thought. After a few moments, a bright smile came across her face and she said, "That would be nice, but would you be free?"
Harry glanced toward Edward, but this time, the other naval cadet did not even bother to respond to the unasked question. Harry stared at him for a few moments, silently demanding an answer, but when his old friend and partner refused to give any, he just mentally sighed – aware that there was nothing that he could do that would be legally endorsed by either his commanding officer or by his liege lord – before he returned his attention toward Hermione, "I will find some time tonight to speak with you," he promised her. He smiled and asked, "May I know what class you are supposed to be taking today?"
"Potions in a few minutes," Hermione replied promptly. She bit her lip once more – an action that Harry realized was intoxicating to him – before she added, "and I best not be late, Professor Snape seems to take it personally when a student is late for his class, especially if the student is from Gryffindor," and as an afterthought, she added, "not that I have ever been late before."
Harry smiled in amusement, "I would not want you to get into trouble because of me," Harry replied, he politely inclined his head toward Hermione before he said, "It was nice meeting you again, and I hope to see you again tonight."
Hermione smiled, "I look forward to that as well, Mr. Potter, or should that be Cadet Potter?" she asked, but before waiting for an answer, she smiled toward Harry before she started to walk briskly back to the entrance to the castle from where she and Harry had came from. She did pointedly ignore Edward as the other naval cadet inclined his head politely toward her as she walked past him.
For a few moments, both Harry and Edward watched the retreating back of Hermione, but once the back of Hermione was covered by the polished stone that make up the external wall of Hogwarts, Harry turned his attention toward Edward. It was apparent that the other cadet was expecting this to happen, because at the same time that Harry turned his attention toward his friend, Edward also turned his attention toward him.
Edward, however, was not fast enough to have the first sentence of the conversation, that belonged to Harry, who, uncharacteristically, was on the verge of losing his temper, "What the hell was that about?" he asked.
The other cadet was not surprised by the outburst that came from his normally calm and collected friend. It did, however, serve to place Edward on guard as the cadet realized that Harry was probably already compromised. Still, Edward knew that he had to give his friend a chance, "I was covering you, you selfish dolt," Edward replied, his tone surprising both himself and Harry for it was a notch or two angrier than usual.
Harry might have been taken aback by the anger that marinated the voice of his friend, but at that moment, he was not one for backing down, and the next words that came out of his mouth confirmed that, "From what?" he demanded.
"From you," Edward replied, this time, calmer than when the conversation had first begun. A sigh escaped from the mouth of Edward, but before Harry could comment on anything, the other naval cadet continued, "You are on the verge of compromising yourself, if you have not already done so, and it is my job to prevent that from happening."
"I seem to have not gotten that when we were briefed prior to deployment," Harry commented.
Edward scoffed at him, "You did not because you are intentionally refusing to see the bigger picture," he replied, he paused for a few moments, moments that he used to turn his attention away from Harry and toward the direction where Hermione came from, as if he was afraid that she would return, "You're compromising yourself for a girl that you had just met, you don't know her," he shook his head before he added, "Do you not remember the first set of secret orders that we were given prior to deployment?"
Harry blinked, because as far as he was concerned, he was only given one set of secret orders, but after a few moments, he realized that his partner was already taking into account the new orders that they had received. With a curt nod that most senior cadets back at Annapolis would have taken offense at, Harry indicated to his partner that he remembered that one of the reasons that they had been sent to Hogwarts was to watch the students for any probably subversive leanings.
"I remember what we are supposed to do," Harry replied hotly. He stared at his friend with a hard look for a few moments, but upon realizing that there was nothing that he could do even if he were to stare at Edward till the world ends – 'like that would be a great way to pass time, I'd rather be staring at Hermione instead,' Harry thought to himself – he just shrugged and started to walk toward the direction of the castle, without even bothering to see if his friend was following him.
"Do you truly insist on compromising yourself, Harry?" Edward asked. He had to sprint in order to catch up with Harry, and he was beside the young man who was placed in charge of the cadets for this deployment when he observed, "You've just met her, and despite the fact that she is a first-generation does not mean that she could not have been influenced by the separatist."
"We are not even sure if there are separatists in the school, Edward," Harry replied as they crossed the gate and stepped into the school, "In any case, Hermione would never line herself with the separatist."
"You speak as if you have known her for a long time," Edward observed, a smile came across his face as he tried a tentative solution to diffuse the already worsening situation, "I know I asked you to find a girlfriend, but going for the first girl that you met takes the cake."
Harry paused and stared at Edward with a hard expression, causing the other cadet to pause. Edward realized that he may have taken things a bit too far, but after a moment or two, a smile cracked the stern visage of Harry and he replied, "I can assure you, Edward, Hermione would not line herself with traitors to the Golden Throne," he smiled before he asked a seemingly unrelated question, "Do you remember Commodore Granger?"
Edward nodded, "Deputy Chief of Staff to the General-Admiral, Grand Fleet, Commodore Richard Granger?" he asked, and when Harry nodded, it was the turn of Edward to ask the question, "What about him?"
Harry smirked at his friend as he resumed walking toward one of the entrances to the castle. He allowed a full five seconds to pass in silence before Harry explained his reason for asking the question, "Hermione is his niece," he said.
Edward blinked, twice, in surprise, but after a few moments, he nodded and a smile came across his face, "There is no way that a family member of a member of the close staff of Lord Alexander would ever think of betraying the Holy Empire," he replied, but then a sigh escaped from his lips as he observed, "The girl, however, we have no idea how long she had been here and you and I both know that there are magical ways of influencing someone,"
"No doubt you suspected that she had influenced me when you first saw us," Harry observed, but before Edward can reply – either in the affirmative or negative – Harry quickly added, "That is the reason that I asked for her to accompany me this weekend," he said. He fixed his friend another stern look, but not one as hostile as the first, before he added, "My liege is sure to travel with a contingent of escorts, he would surely bring a mind-reader, or it may be that we would not even have a need for that because Commodore Granger could handle his niece."
Edward looked unconvinced, but after a few moments, he finally nodded, "Very well," he conceded, "but I am still worried about her trying to influence you."
Harry smiled as he shook his head. He turned his attention away from his friend and returned it toward the school. Without even bothering to look at the direction of Edward, Harry said, "I am old enough to take care of myself," before he sighed and added, "Now, why don't you show me where the office of the headmaster is so that we may speak with him as soon as possible?"
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Near Inverness
Scotland, British Isles, Holy Empire of Britannia
October 18, 1995
The office of the headmaster of Hogwarts was not as opulent as Harry had expected, but it was still a tad too much for the cadet. Certainly, Harry could not imagine having more than three dozen magical portraits of former headmasters and headmistresses of the school hanging from the wall, but he could understand the wisdom that having such a pool of advisors could bring.
What surprised Harry the most, however, even more than the phoenix that rested at the perch by the side of the headmaster's desk, was a mahogany desk located at the far end of the room. Various silver instruments rested upon the surface of this desk, occasionally doing odd things that Harry and Edward – who had accompanied Harry for this talk – could only assume was exactly what those things were designed to do. For the life of the two naval cadets, however, they could not see a reason for an instrument whose sole purpose appear to be to emit smoke every few seconds that dissipate before it could even form something.
Neither Harry nor Edward chose to make an issue of the eccentricities – or rumored, anyway – of the Hogwarts headmaster. Both supposed that the man – being as old as he is – is entitled to a few of them.
Headmaster Dumbledore, however, was not alone in the room. as with Harry, the headmaster of Hogwarts had chosen to bring some people into the meeting, but it did surprise both Harry and Edward that the Headmaster had brought three people with him to the meeting – 'I thought that they are supposed to be having classes,' Harry thought to himself as he recognized the three professors that the headmaster had brought with him, ostensibly as advisors.
'Potions Master Severus Snape, Hogwarts professor for potions,' Harry thought to himself as he studied the dour man who stood at the side of the Headmaster. The meeting had not yet even began and already the man looked as if he had swallowed something that he does not agree with whole. That was all that both Harry and Edward needed to see in order to know that the potions master of Hogwarts would not be at their side. Considering the intelligence that the cadets had been given before the deployment, however, it would probably be more surprising if the potions master would side with them.
The other two people inside the office that the headmaster had brought with him were more of the big question marks. Harry turned his attention toward the strict looking bespectacled woman who had her long hair tied up in a neat bun behind her head. He had no doubt that she is a strict professor, but that she is fair and that having her as a professor would be quite an experience.
If forced, however, Harry would admit that his opinion regarding transfiguration mistress and the Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts had been colored by the stories that he had heard from his father, mother, and uncles before he even began his formal education. It was clear that Minerva McGonagall had made an impression on her students.
Imperial Intelligence was not sure where her loyalties would fall once the line was drawn. There was just not enough information about her personally to make the eggheads at Langley comfortable to make decisions regarding her. They did note, however, that from what little information they have, that the Deputy Headmistress might side with the Golden Throne, noting that she came from a family who had fought with the Holy Empire during the reconquest of the British Isles.
'Family,' Harry thought to himself, 'Is that how they make decisions?'
Harry supposed that there is nothing wrong with assuming that the loyalty of a family would be carried over by the next generation, after all, the Holy Empire was built upon generations of loyal families that had became peers, but it is not prudent to make assumptions based only upon the loyalty of family.
A case in point would be the other person inside the office of the headmaster. His diminutive stature and his facial characteristics betray his goblin ancestry, and it was precisely because of this ancestry that Filius Flitwick, charms professor of Hogwarts and former dueling champion, had not only been denied the position of Deputy Headmaster – 'In any case, he probably does not want it,' Harry thought to himself – but also of other benefits that the Hogwarts board would readily give to entice professors to teach.
Flitiwck had also put up with the restrictions that had been placed upon goblins when the Holy Empire retook the British Isles, and had mostly kept to himself. This, apparently, was not enough for the eggheads at Langley, because the intelligence pack that they had provided from the cadets clearly state that the charms professor is not to be trusted.
'It is official policy of the Holy Empire to suppress the goblins,' Harry thought to himself as he remembered the history lessons that he had been forced to remember back when he was a student.
The tunnel that allowed the French Emperor to cross the English Channel was built by the goblins after the Emperor's mage advisors offered the goblins the power to control the central bank of the new French Empire. Things did not turn out the way that both sides had planned, and the fall out caused a minor skirmish between the goblins and their erstwhile human allies.
Despite the fact that it was the goblins who ensured that no underground tunnel could be created again underneath the channel – their magic had warded the entire island against such engineering projects – when the Holy Empire retook the British Isles, the goblins became second-class citizens, distrusted by the new rulers of the Isles.
At some unseen and unspoken signal, the Headmaster decided that it was time to begin the meeting, and with that, Albus turned his attention toward Harry, and said, "Harry, my boy…"
Harry cut him off, "Headmaster," Harry began formally, "Let us please remain formal, please refer to me as Cadet Potter and my companion as Cadet Brooke," he replied, he noted that Professor Snape looked livid at the suggestion, but Harry ignored the man as he focused all of his attention toward the Headmaster.
The same could not be said about Edward, however, and the other cadet kept his gaze at the potions master, albeit in such a way that the potions master could not comment about it. that, however, was the reason that Edward was brought into this meeting, to watch the back of Harry in case any of the professors inside the room were to try something funny.
Not that Harry is expecting them to do something stupid, anyway, but it never hurts to be prepared.
"Quite," the Headmaster said a few moments later, and though he tried to keep his voice neutral, Harry could detect the faintest hint of disappointment behind his tone. A small smile crept up the face of Harry at that, one that he was careful against showing his audience, as he told himself that he truly does not care of the headmaster was disappointed in him or not.
As far as Harry was concerned, there is a chance that the Headmaster is a part of the problem that they have been sent here to replace, not the solution.
'Strange then that I considered Hermione a solution far more than a problem,' he thought to himself, and now that he was away from her for a relatively long time, he found that he could muster his discipline once more and actually began questioning the decision that he had made just this morning, 'The fact that the Deputy Chief of Staff and Adjutant of my liege lord is her uncle should not have been enough for me to class her with allies, at least, not without confirming it with the commodore.'
'Strange,' Harry thought to himself, but even as he attempted to paint Hermione in a bad light in his mind, he realized that he could not do so, 'Ah well,'
Further musings on the part of Harry were interrupted at that moment when Professor Snape injected himself into the conversation, "How long would you be staying at this school?" he asked, his tone suggesting sarcasm and irritation.
Harry did note that his fellow professors – the Headmaster included – frowned after the potions master had finished his piece, and he filed that information away for use for a later time. It was, however, apparent, that not even his colleagues enjoy the company of the sour-faced man.
"We would remain here for as long as it takes to finish our mission," Harry replied, causing everyone – Edward included – to turn their attention toward him with incredulous expressions on their faces. It was obvious what the reason for the surprise behind the eyes of the Hogwarts staff are, after all, they had been told that this deployment is an 'exercise' rather than a mission, this is the first time that they are hearing someone say that this is an active operation of some type.
The reason behind the surprise of Edward was also obvious, though Harry would admit that it took him sometime before he realized it. His friend and partner was surprised that Harry had revealed to the staff the fact that they have a mission even if Harry had not – yet – revealed what the parameters of the mission is. It had become necessary, however, to reveal the mission to the Headmaster, if only to ensure that the Headmaster would not interfere with the operation.
"I am afraid that I had not been informed that you have an active operation, Har…," a glare from the direction of Harry caused the Headmaster to quickly amend his form of address for the young man, "Cadet Potter," he said.
"We had been recently warned of this change of operations, Headmaster," Harry replied easily, he paused for a few moments before he added, "I am afraid that I could not tell you the exact details of the operation, and I could only limit the information that I could give you to those facts that I, in the exercise of my discretion, believe would allow you to assist us in the accomplishment of our objective."
"Why you little…," Professor Snape began.
This time, Harry turned his attention toward the potions master, and fixed him a glare that – although Professor Snape would not admit it – reminded the potions master of the glare of his childhood rival James. To see the deep green eyes of the woman that he loved for more than half his life stare at him with such contempt was more than the potions master could handle, and without really meaning to, Severus Snape backed down.
This allowed Harry to return his attention toward the Headmaster, and though Albus had not yet asked the question, Harry was already aware what the Headmaster was thinking, allowing Harry to answer the unasked question, "You do not have the security clearance to know, Headmaster," he replied simply.
Albus blinked – twice – in surprise. He glanced toward his potions master, expecting the man to launch into another tirade, but apparently, the glare that Harry had given him but moments ago was more than enough to neuter him, for now. The Headmaster had planned to distract Harry long enough to allow the Potions Master to enter his mind and extract information – namely, where James and Lily Potter are – but it appears that that would not be happening soon given the condition of the potions master.
"I see," the Headmaster replied to the statement of Harry at the same time that he performed passive Legilimancy on the mind of Harry. To his surprise, the Headmaster found himself not only rebuffed, he found himself discovered. The reaction of Harry, however, was what really surprised the Headmaster the most. Whereas he had expected an angry tirade, Harry merely stared at the Headmaster and said, "Attempting to enter my mind, again, would cause you, Headmaster, I suggest that you control your curiosity about what I am thinking about to yourself, another attempt would see you arrested, and given the number of classified information that I had been keeping, losing your magic would be the least of your worries."
The gasps that came from the assembled professors was expected, by both Harry and Albus, though the latter was once more surprised that Professor Snape was not jumping to his feet and calling Harry Potter a number of choice terms.
Expectedly, however, none of his remaining professors rose to defend the Headmaster. The fact that Albus had been caught attempting to enter the mind of Harry was more than enough to make both Minerva and Filius hesitant to jump to the defense of their superior.
"I apologize for my attempted intrusion, Cadet Potter," the Headmaster replied easily, a reaction that caused both Harry and Edward to wonder if the Headmaster truly meant what he had just said, but since that is neither here nor there, both Harry and Edward decided to let it slip, which was a good thing, because the Headmaster quickly added a question, "How can we help you in the accomplishment of this mission, Cadet Potter?" he asked.
"We need access to the school, Headmaster," Harry replied, and before both Minerva or Filius could enter a rejoinder, Harry added, "I assure you that what we are going to do would be of great benefit to both the school and those that are currently residing – or would reside – in it," he paused before he added, "You might even say that, should we succeed in this operation, your school would truly be the best protected site in the whole of the British Isles."
Albus doubted that, but the Headmaster knew that he had no room to maneuver in this situation. In any case, he also doubted that whatever it is that the muggle military would do in the school, it would not endanger the lives living within the walls of the castle. Just as the magical world is bound by an oath to the Golden Throne, so is the Golden Throne bound by oath to the magical world.
"Very well," the Headmaster replied easily enough. There was another reason why the Headmaster was agreeing, and it was so that he could get into the good side of Harry. His Legillimacy probe having been effectively rebuffed and detected told the Headmaster that Harry not only has Occulumency training, he was probably close to being a master in the art. If the Headmaster could not enter the mind of Harry without being detected – if at all – then a relative newcomer to the art like Severus Snape would sure as hell not be able to do it.
The Headmaster would admit, if pressed, that the reason that he agreed to what Harry had asked for him despite the inherent dangers and despite the fact that he truly does not know what Harry was asking was so that he could get Harry to talk about his parents and – more importantly – where the Potters are and what they had been up to in the fourteen years that they had disappeared from the magical world.
"He gave you what you want pretty easily enough," Edward commented as he and Harry walked pass the threshold that marked the beginning of the office of the Headmaster of Hogwarts. As soon as they were clear, the stone gargoyle that marked the entrance to the office came alive and blocked the path, though neither Harry nor Edward commented on that.
Instead, the words that came out from the mouth of Harry had something to do with what his partner and friend had just said, "He wants to get into our good side," Harry replied. He paused for a few moments – but not in his walking – before he added, "He wants to know where my parents are, he had always wanted to know, hence the reason that he had initially imprisoned my godfather."
"I don't get it, though," Edward said, he stared at Harry and asked, "Why not just ask the relevant services?"
Harry smiled, "He's a wizard, and he's the head of their form of parliament," he replied, "Albus Dumbledore might not display it, but he has an innate feeling of superiority against the non-magicals common to the 'purebloods' in this region, so he would not ask them, even if my father practically told him that he could be found by asking someone in authority in the mundane world," he shook his head and added, "He doesn't even know that I have a sister, and we plan on keeping it that way."
For a few moments, Edward did not reply, but finally he asked, "Do you think the Headmaster is a threat, Harry?"
"Anything is possible," Harry replied, but then he shook his head and quickly added, "As things are right now, I do not think the Headmaster and the Golden Throne are in disagreement, but I could certainly see the Headmaster rebelling against the Golden Throne should he convince himself that it is for the good of the many."
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Near Inverness
Scotland, British Isles, Holy Empire of Britannia
October 18, 1995
Hermione could safely say that she was having a good day, which was a rare occurrence in and of itself. Last evening, she had made the acquaintance of one Harry James Potter, not aware of how important that meeting was.
As she entered the Great Hall to join the rest of the student body for lunch, she would freely admit that even right now, she does not know how important the event in her life would be, but now, after that morning and after he had invited her to join him for the weekend, she was sure that though she is not aware of the significance behind the meeting, it was an important meeting that would change her life.
To top it all off was the fact that Professor Snape chose not to make an appearance in his class. In the five years that she had been a student at Hogwarts, this was the first time that the potions master had chosen not to make an appearance in his own class. Hermione might enjoy learning and studying, but even she sometimes gets fed up with the sour-faced potions master who seems to think that he should be teaching students who already know potions, instead of being the one to teach the students in the first place.
The real cherry on the icing, however, would be her meeting with Harry tonight. Somehow, the mere thought of being with the young naval cadet tonight brought a bright smile upon her face that threatened to outshine even the most powerful lumos charm that she could muster with her wand.
The loud and vivacious laughter that assaulted the ears of Hermione brought her out of her reverie and she was forced back into the present. Lunch time was always the loudest time at the Great Hall. Aside from the fact that all students have lunch period at the same time, this was also the time when most of the Hogwarts staff would not be present. Unlike breakfast – which is served from six in the morning up till nine so not all students are at the Great Hall at the same time – and dinner – which is the most formal of the three eating periods and attended by most of the staff – lunch time was also the time to pick when one wants to make a statement.
That is also the reason why lunch time is the time when the most detentions during free period are given.
Hermione made her way toward the Gryffindor table at the far right hand side of the hall, completely oblivious to the fact – 'well, not really, I'm just ignoring them,' Hermione thought to herself – of the poisonous looks that most of the girls inside the hall are giving him. She was used to being given poisonous looks, but from the intensity of some of the stares at her, she could guess that the fact that she is supposed to meet with Harry – 'strange, since when did I think of him as 'Harry'?' she asked herself – tonight had already made the rounds.
A sigh escaped from Hermione, however as she took her seat at the corner of the table. As far as she was concerned, the jealous can stare at her whenever they wanted, it was not as if that is a crime, even in the convoluted and outdated penal provisions of the British Magical World.
Hermione had taken her seat when all attention was turned away from her and toward the entrance to the Great Hall. She followed suit a few moments later just in time to see Harry walk into the Great Hall.
A smile came across the face of Hermione as she mentally noted how formal and how good he looked in his uniform – she was aware that this was not even the dress uniform of naval cadets, her uncle graduated from the Imperial Naval Academy at Annapolis, after all – as he led a group of nine other cadets into the hall, one of whom caused a frown to appear on the face of Hermione as she recognized him as Cadet Edward Brooke, the young man who had cut her meeting with Harry short.
The frown on the face of Hermione widened at that, mentally commenting to herself that had she known that Professor Snape would not be attending his classes today, she would have insisted on staying with Harry.
At that moment, however, Hermione was forced to return to the present, and it was a painful and humiliating way to make her focus on the present. She caught sight of the incoming liquid as it was thrown toward her direction from nowhere, but Hermione was nowhere near fast enough to evade it. She threw herself toward the side – away from the table – and at the same time that she closed her eyes, but the resulting pain and the feeling of something wet on the right side of her face told her that she was mostly unsuccessful in her attempt.
Moments later, she felt pain at the left side of her body, caused, no doubt, by her hitting the floor. She tried to open her eyes, but only her left eye would open and she realized that something was preventing her from opening her right eye. From the stink that she smelled practically under her nose, she was able to self-diagnose herself as having been attacked by bobotuber puss, and from the pain that she felt on her face, it was obvious that it was undiluted.
'They certainly move fast enough,' Hermione commented to herself even as she tried to keep herself from losing control of her emotions. Not even she was sure exactly how she would react right now, whether she would cry or be angry, in front of Harry.
Speaking of Harry, she turned her attention toward him, and was rewarded by the sight of a shocked naval cadet. The shocked look on his face, however, was quickly replaced by anger and Hermione saw him remove his gaze from her and fix it toward the direction of her table. Magic was practically burning around Harry and he took one menacing step toward the table, no doubt to take matters into his own hands, but before he could truly do so, Professor McGonagall quickly stepped into the fray.
"Detentions, Miss Weasley," the Scottish professor practically shouted, though Hermione was sure that it was more to stop Harry than anything else, "One hundred fifty points from Gryffindor and revocation of your Hogsmeade Pass, for the rest of the school year."
'Figures that it would be her,' Hermione thought to herself. She tried to turn her attention back toward her own table – the fact that it was a housemate who attacked her did not surprise Hermione – but since she could not completely turn her head, she had to settle to watching Harry.
Unfortunately or fortunately, Harry had not stopped walking – calm in the middle of a raging storm of tendrils of magic that seem to surround him – toward the Gryffindor table, and Professor McGonagall had to take further action, "Cadet Potter," she said formally, "May I ask that you take Miss Granger to the Hospital Wing?" and though it was phased as a favor, everyone in the Hall knew that it was an order, never mind the fact that Harry does not really know where the hospital wing is.
Hermione watched as Harry processed the favor of Professor McGonagall, but he did not stop walking toward the table. Had Hermione had her attention toward her Head of House at that time, she would have gasped when she realized that the professor had actually drawn her wand and was ready to point it toward Harry to defend the people who had attacked Hermione.
Fortunately, Harry paused and gave the Scottish professor a tentative nod before he forced himself back under control. The tendrils of magic that seem to crack and originate from within Harry disappeared and Hermione watched as Harry sighed in an obvious attempt to keep his temper in check.
"Hey," Harry said a few moments later as he knelt beside Hermione so that he could take her in his arms, "I know this is a bit earlier than we both had planned, but would you do me the honor of staying with me and having that discussion that we talked about this morning while I bring you to the hospital wing?"
Hermione nodded, "Harry..," she said, but she was forced to stop as she felt Harry take her in his arms. She had fully expected him to allow her to walk on her own – after all, she could still walk – but it was apparent that Harry would not have that. He placed her hand under his body and her legs and with strength that she could have sworn he does not have, he lifted her to his chest.
Hermione would have protested at that action, but whatever protest that it was on her throat and ready to be launched died before it could truly be voiced. She had only felt this secure and safe when she was a toddler and in the arms of her father, but even the sense of safety and security that her father had given her that time paled in the face of the sense of safety and security that Harry was giving her as he pressed her close to his chest.
A deft movement to her side caught the attention of Hermione and she turned her attention at that direction just in time to see Cadet Brooke wave his hand. To the surprise of Hermione, the pain that she felt went away.
"Thank you," Hermione tentatively tried.
Cadet Brooke smiled at her and said, "It was nothing," though he frowned when he added, "I am afraid that that is the extent of my healing abilities, Miss Granger, the rest would have to wait till Cadet Potter could bring you to the Hospital Wing," he did not bother to wait for an answer before he turned toward Harry and said, "You take her, we'll wait for you here."