Chapter 9
Harry and Hermione both sat dumbfounded, how did the Professor know about Meredith?
"I can see by your expression that you are confused so allow me explain it more thoroughly to you. See as you may have determined I am much shorter than the other professors, this is not an anomaly I am in fact half human, half goblin. As such I was raised differently the goblins saw me as a path to gain equal rights within our society whilst most certain blood status families saw me as nothing but a freak. I travelled the world throughout my life and learned about many different cultures. One of these cultures believed that the soul was a mystic force that could be reborn into different things depending on how well a person lived there life. However they saw a different viewpoint on that particular viewpoint whereas the ancient Egyptians believed that the great god Anubis determined whether your soul was allowed into the afterlife, this culture believed that it was an angel of death or more to the point many different angels of death. Naturally I was curious so I began researching this culture more in depth to see if I could gain any new perspectives, however throughout history the one word that was repeated was the name Meredith"
Both were enthralled by the story Hermione was fascinated and had to ask questions.
"How did you find that information Professor?" She asked, the little wizard smiled
"History books only give us a strict view point from what actually happened, you may or may not know but wizards can extract memories to be viewed at a later time, goblins keep a record of the greatest figures in history in my research Alexander the Great for example, by the age of 18 he had achieved feats beyond that of any person throughout time but his last known word was 'Meredith' of course history books tell us different but it is one thing to read about something it is something entirely different to witness it with your own eyes"
Harry and Hermione both left Professor Flitwick office shortly afterwards and made their way to dinner, both processing the information that had been given to them none more surprising than the fact of Professor Flitwick and his knowledge of Meredith.
Entering the hall Hermione noticed Harry's fist clench, she followed his line of sight and saw what was causing the anger, Ron Weasley, stuffing his face like nothing had happened.
"Harry calm down, you couldn't have done anything to stop that happening, Meredith told me, that was a defining moment in our lives, perhaps the defining moment, what happened there must always have had happened, besides without that happening I wouldn't be me" She said as she kissed his cheek, Harry's fist unclenched
"That's cheating you know that you always had a calming effect on me" He smirked as they both went to the Ravenclaw table, the two quickly became engrossed in conversations that they didn't see Professor Quirell glaring at them.
The following day saw the first flying lessons of the year, Hermione thankfully had grown accustomed to flying however she still didn't believe it was a healthy way to travel, Harry on the other hand couldn't wait, and he reminded Hermione of a little boy on Christmas morning coming face to face with his presents but being told to wait.
Making their way down to the field, both were slightly shocked to see the Slytherin and Gryffindor first years as well, a few minutes later and Madam Hooch arrived, her instruction same as before, this time however Hermione's broom came straight up as did Harry's both were delighted to see Ron's broom smack him in the face again. Unfortunately both had forgotten that Neville had an accident when he lost control of his broom, as they saw his broom gain altitude both whipped their wands out and sent a confundus charm at the broom temporarily disabling it, as Neville began to fall Harry sent a floating charm at him and slowly lowered him to the ground causing no injury to Neville what so ever.
"15 points each to Ravenclaw for quick thinking and excellent spell work" madam hooch praised, both made sure Neville was ok.
The flying lesson went well and after the lesson had ended students were making their way back into the castle, Harry overheard Ron mocking Neville about his flying capabilities
"Surprised the squib could even get the broom to float let along fly it" Ron remarked, Harry stopped dead in his tracks and turned to Ron
"Yes because it takes a true wizard to be able to get a broom to smack you in the face as you try to call it" Harry replied, Ron's face turned red with anger
"That broom was broken!" He yelled, Harry smirked
"The broom was fine Weasley the wizard who was controlling or at least attempting to control it was the one who was broken" with that Harry turned and began to walk away.
"Expelliarmus!" Hermione shouted as Ron attempted to curse Harry with his back turned Ron's wand went flying out of his hand and straight into Hermione's.
"How dare you disarm me?" He yelled in anger Hermione scoffed
"You attempted to curse a student with their back turned Weasley what did you expect me to do?" Hermione asked sarcastically, Ron sneered.
"Surprised to see your still here Granger, thought you would have gone crying back home to mummy and daddy after Halloween" Harry went to defend but Hermione stopped him, this was a battle she wanted to fight.
"What's bothers you more Weasley? The fact that I'm better at the school work than you or the fact that I'm not intimidated by you?" she asked Ron's face went as red as his hair.
"Better than me- You, a lowly muggle born is better than a pureblood? That'll be the day" He laughed aloud Hermione smiled
"Yes Weasley me, a muggle born someone who has only known about magic for a few years whilst you were raised surrounded by magic, that must hurt you mustn't it, tell me what's the feel like knowing that not only a muggle born but a girl is better than you?" She asked a group had stopped to watch the events unfold.
Ron tried to think of an argument but couldn't string a sentence together
"I thought so" Hermione replied before dropping Ron's wand on the floor and walking away Harry and Neville quickly following behind her, arriving back in the Ravenclaw common room Harry picked Hermione up and hugged her.
"You are brilliant have I ever told you that?" He asked staring at Hermione with all the love in the world Hermione smiled.
"Once or twice but frequent reminders are always welcomed" Hermione replied before the couple burst into laughter.
Lily and James both were sitting in their living room contemplating their son's letter they had received, what was Dumbledore thinking? They needed answers and to do that they would have to walk into the snake pit, they needed to speak to Dumbledore had made arrangements for the two of them to visit the school that afternoon, Lily and James didn't tell Harry and Hermione thinking it would be a nice surprise.
A few hours later and the two of them walked out of the fire place to the twinkling eyes of Professor Dumbledore.
"Lily, James what a pleasure it is to see you within the walls of Hogwarts again, to what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?" He asked in his grandfatherly tone.
"We need to ask you some questions Albus and we need the truth" Lily replied getting straight to the point.
"But of course please sit down the both of you may I offer you a lemon drop?" Both declined
"Straight to business Albus why do you want Harry to go to live with my dreadful sister and her whale of a husband and son, all of whom are disgusted by the very concept of magic?" Lily asked, Dumbledore was taken back but quickly regained his composure.
"For his safety I fear that the dark lord shall attempt to return and Harry must be hidden, I can provide wards there which would protect him against all those who wish him harm" Albus replied as if it were the simplest question in the world, James scoffed.
"Hogwash, let's be realistic here Albus the wards set around the Potter estate are goblin wards, Merlin himself couldn't break through them, no you want Harry at the Dursley's as a way to control him, you know full well that those people will break his spirit and I'm telling you right now Albus, you are not taking my son away from his parents and those who love and care for him"
Albus rubbed his hands together "I assure you both I am merely looking at what is best for young Harry" He replied in his best grandfatherly tone.
"Harry doesn't need you for that Albus he already has his mother and father, and plenty others, you do not get to try and dictate where my son lives and what his actions are, yes you are the headmaster of the school so you are responsible for his educational welfare but other than that you have no say what so ever. Don't forget that Albus because trust me, you will regret that" Lily replied.
With that Lily and James both left Dumbledore's office to go and see their son and Hermione. Dumbledore sighed and popped a lemon drop in his mouth
"I'm sorry that you both feel that way but for the greater good Harry must be brought under my control, it is the only way" Dumbledore thought to himself.
How wrong he was.
AN: so sorry about the time it's taken to update unfortunately I have been swamped so has not had the chance to update in a long time.
Keep those reviews coming!