Quoth the Raven
Disclaimer: See chapter 1. Reviews are welcomed, flames aren't. Again special thanks to Phil for his wonderful editing skills and keeping us on track. Warning! Implied corporeal punishment in this chapter. -GF and the Frau
Chapter 34: By These Angels He Has Sent Thee
The hour was late in the headmaster's office. A thoroughly frustrated and infuriated Dumbledore sucked viciously on a lemon drop. 'Another Weasley stirring the pot! Damn their hot-headed ways! The girl was anything but subtle, attempting to stake a claim on Potter that way. Their idiocy couldn't have come at a worse time!'
Albus rubbed his temples with a weary sigh. And the worst thing about it? He had no authority to dismiss that accursed Wolfram! 'The man practically broke Ginevra's elbow. She is still in the hospital wing, for Merlin's sake! At least Potter hadn't demanded she be given the same punishment as her brother.' Maybe he would just let this slide?
0o0o0o0
The rest of Harry's day went quietly. He escorted Hermione to all of their classes and made sure to sit beside her. The rumour mill did its work. Between him throwing the dagger in the Great Hall and Wolf's quick actions against the Weasley tart, it made everyone give them a wide berth.
Harry's protective side was out in full force. The fact that Hermione might have been hit by a spell from the deranged Weasley bint had him on high alert. Attacking him was one thing; he was perfectly able to take care of himself. 'Attacking my Hermione... Wait, my Hermione?'
Harry glanced over at his brown-haired friend. She was busy taking notes, the tip of her tongue peeking out from a corner of her mouth. He felt an unexplainable rush of warmth... 'Yep, my Hermione.' He settled back in his chair, a surprised smile on his face.
0o0o0o0o
The Great Hall was silent the next evening as Ronald Weasley cleared his throat. "I apologise to Lord Potter for my cowardly attack," Ronald said through clenched teeth until his father gave a swat to the back of his head. "I should not have fired a spell at Lord Potter's back. It was cowardly and not how I was brought up. I deserve any punishment I am given. Happy now?" he sneered.
Of course, Molly Weasley had been barred from attending the event. Neither her husband, nor the headmaster, could guarantee her behaviour. They knew how blindly protective she was of her children. Both knew she would never allow anyone who lifted a hand to one of them to walk away unscathed, even though, in this case, Ronald was clearly in the wrong.
That he had been the instigator of the confrontation was neither here nor there in Molly's mind. Her child had been injured, and she was on the warpath! Lord Potter had the right to protect himself, a fact that Arthur Weasley accepted. Molly, however, was another matter entirely.
Arthur, who was standing behind his errant son, gave a huff of exasperation and a muttered, "We will discuss this later, Ronald."
Harry shook his head at the redhead and instead looked at red haired man, who was more deserving of his respect. "I, Lord Harry James Potter, do not hold the Weasley family as a whole responsible for its son and daughter's cowardly actions. In fact, Fred and George Weasley have impressed me with their wit and charm..."
From the Gryffindor table, he could hear the twins' quiet thanks. "I accept the apology. I do, however, note how poorly it was made, and how grudgingly it was given."
He gave a slight bow to Arthur and continued, "I am satisfied, but know this: where magic is concerned, there is no Light or Dark, only intent, and your son's intent was very Dark." With that, he did a military-style about-face and walked purposely out of the Great Hall. Harry hoped his message had hit home: a light spell could be used for a dark purpose, and a dark spell for light.
Wolf remained for a moment by the great doors before he too left.
The twins sneered at their youngest brother. They knew his temper would one day get the best of him, and had repeatedly reported to their father about his poor conduct and the fights he got into.
They also had reported the way his behaviour was excused and ignored by the Headmaster. They weren't sure what was going on, but they knew Ron was a mediocre student, lazy at best and with a foul temper as well. Now it seemed that Ginny was just as bad. They always figured whoever ended up with their spoiled little sister would deserve their sympathy. Today, her actions had proven them right.
They could've told Ron and Ginny that Potter wasn't a person to mess with. One look at those muscles and the proud, military bearing told anyone with half a brain that there was power there, with the confidence to back it up. Only a fool would irritate Potter!
They, being who they were, naturally had tried one prank on him, only to feel the sting of his retaliation along with a note reading, "You are good, but I am better. Truce or war?" They accepted the truce, especially after watching him deal with the toad-woman. Ever since, they had happily stayed out of his line of fire.
0o0o0o0
Albus and the staff sat silently at the head table. Each was lost in their own thoughts as Arthur Weasley marched his protesting son out of the Great Hall.
Ronald Weasley wanted to stay, at least until after dinner. He was hungry! Well, he would be hungry for a while longer. The first thing Arthur did once they got home was to march the boy to the wood shed. Molly was in the kitchen, bemoaning the disgrace her son brought upon their family as she listened to his pained cries.
0o0o0o0
Draco Malfoy, after that first approach in the library, did not come near Harry again. He did, however, have orders from his father to report everything he could about the other boy.
With each passing day, Draco noted that Potter had made it quite clear the first time they spoke that he would not be a friend or ally to anyone who supported the person that killed his birth parents. This Potter wasn't someone to cross.
Draco could not fault his classmate's reasoning. As a pure-blood, he would feel the same way. Family was everything. That Harry Potter had used the proper protocol in dealing with the scion of a pure-blood family had also impressed him. So for now, Harry Potter was only being watched.
Malfoy Sr. wasn't happy with the reports, as he passed everything on to his master. It was clear to all that Potter was not Dumbledore's puppet, but he didn't seem to be a follower of anyone else either. The Dark Lord was not pleased and Lucius' condition when he returned home reflected that displeasure.
0o0o0o0
Halloween was coming up and, as it drew closer, Harry seemed to change. He would often disappear when he didn't have class. No-one thought to ask Hermione where he went. Wolf and Hermione knew just how much Harry hated classwork when he wasn't being challenged, and frankly, he was bored.
So far, no-one had dared confront Harry after what happened to Ron and Ginny. As proven in front of witnesses, Harry had only acted in self-defence, and rather violently at that. Harry had neither garnered a detention nor had any points been deducted due to the incidents. Wolf was also exempt from any repercussions as the agreement made when Harry had consented to attend Hogwarts clearly stated that he would come as Harry's batman and bodyguard.
Albus Dumbledore was getting frantic trying to gauge Harry Potter's magic and skill. Every test he had set up failed. His own staff had been very pleased with the boy's progress and demeanour. Even Severus Snape was complimentary of the boy's skill, which surprised everyone, commenting, "Indeed. Anyone with eyes can see he is more his mother's child, thank Merlin, than his father's."
No-one knew what to make of that statement and left the snarky Potions Master alone.
0o0o0o0
Harry had thought of confronting Tom Riddle on All Hallows Eve, to bring everything full circle. He and Wolf went over scenario after scenario, but neither could come up with an idea. It was Wolf who suggested that Harry aim for the Winter Solstice instead - the night Her influence would be greatest.
Even the ravens were silent on the matter when Harry had visited them in the forest. He often went there when he wanted freedom from the castle confines, and time to stretch his wings.
The weather was turning chilly, but ravens were not migratory birds and were quite happy to talk to a young one that had entered their forest. Ravens were considered the special avatars of The Morrigan and they knew that this young raven was one of Hers.
Reluctantly, Wolf and Harry decided the confrontation with Riddle should be over the Winter Solistice and not Samhain. It made sense in a way. They really wanted the Lady's blessing, and what better way to get it than to deliver up a hated enemy on the longest and darkest night of the year? An enemy who had ignored death's call from the Goddess? They also decided it would be easier to lure him to Harry outside of the Hogwarts' wards.
Harry did not show up for classes for the week before Halloween. Neither Wolf nor Hermione could convince him to, as Harry was working on a plan to cleanse the spiders from the Forbidden Forest. He had sworn to return balance to that ancient wood. It was the only challenge Harry could find to take his mind off the repetitious boredom that were his classes.
It was Professor Snape who had informed Harry that it was Hagrid who introduced the spiders to the forest. It seems the Grounds-keeper had a thing for large, dangerous pets, and his once-pet Acromantula had escaped and taken up residence in the forest. Once it was setttled, Hagrid couldn't bear the thought of his beloved pet being alone, and so he gave it a mate. From there they had multiplied and, with a lack of natural predators, were now taking over the forest.
Harry wanted to pull his hair out. He would also bet that Dumbledore encouraged Hagrid's habit. The spiders, in Dumbledore's mind, gave an extra zone of protection for the school. After all, who in their right mind would want to tangle with a 30-foot spider? Never mind the danger to the students! Both needed a very stern talking-to, and he knew the right deity to approach.
0o0o0o0
Since the beginning of October, Harry had been, with the help of the ravens, courting the centaurs with small gifts. He'd hoped that by leaving them in the Forest he might convince them to hold council with him. He also started to set fire to any webs or egg sacs he found. It was a tedious task for one person and the spiders would soon be burrowing into their main nest for the winter. When they did, they would be out of reach until spring.
The centaurs were more than cautious at first; in fact, they were downright paranoid that a wizard was invading their forest. That is, until the web burnings and the deaths of the younger spiders. They had tried fighting back against the creeping horde in the past, but their fire arrows were not enough. These current burnings smelled of wizard fire. They were as yet undecided on what to do with the intruder.
One evening, a young centaur came across a clearing that looked like some wizard was using it for rituals. The clearing had wardings of the old ways around it. So instead of crossing the circle, he went to his elders with his discovery.
How they had missed this clearing was unknown, but they decided to take a wait-and-see attitude.
On the week before Samhain, they were rewarded. Two wizards walked into the clearing. Both had the feel of warriors. One had the air of a proven warrior, and they recognized him as the dark one who gathered potions ingredients from their forest. The younger wizard moved to the stone altar and laid down his offerings as the other stood watch.
As the moon rose, the forest grew silent, waiting. The centaurs knew what that meant. One of the Old Ones was abroad this night. They were not sure Who it might be but, as followers of Cernunnos, the Stag Lord, they recognised the growing anticipation in the wood. So they waited and watched.
"It is early for you to call me, My raven," Her voice chided as She stepped into the clearing from a ray of moonlight. The watching centaurs stamped their hooves in agitation, but otherwise remained silent. To have such a Being returning to the old forest, and to have a wizard greet Her was unheard of in these troubled times! Surely, Mars would be very bright tonight! They watched as the young warrior knelt before Her.
"Yes, my Lady. I know. Forgive me. I but seek to bring back the balance of the Old Ways to this forest and I do not have much time to do so. The spiders here do not belong to this wood; they are unnatural in this place. Too long have they preyed upon the Ancient Ones who have long claimed this forest as their own. They need to be destroyed. I had hoped to seek the centaurs' aid, but they are very wary and distrustful of wizards. They rebuff my gifts to parley. Please, Lady, what more can I do?"
The centaurs were shocked. So that was the reason behind the gifts. Long had it been since anyone interceded for them with an Old One - not since the days of the Druids!
She smiled. "I have chosen well, My raven, that you wish to redress such an old wound. I know of One who may offer you aid." A raven flew to Her out-stretched hand. She gazed deeply into its eyes before it flew off into the midnight skies.
Time seemed to stand still as the moon shone brightly on the clearing. The Morrigan called to the shadows. "Come forth, O Children of Centaurus. You will not be harmed by these wizards."
"Are You sure of that, Kinswoman?" a booming voice said as the figure of a man stepped from the shadows into the clearing. "Your message awoke me. What is of such import that you disturb My rest?" The being stood tall and handsome, with broad shoulders, a wild mane of hair and a beard with streaks of grey running through it. A large rack of antlers, hung with torcs, sprouted from His head. He wore only a kilt of animal skins and another Celtic torc around his neck.
0o0o0o0
The two wizards knew they were really in over their heads when another of the Ancient Ones appeared. The centaurs all took off their weapons and threw down the small game they had taken earlier. The spiders rarely left them much this time of year.
"Cernunnos, my Kinsman," The Morrigan spoke, calling all their attention back to Her. "My raven wishes Your aid with a wrong he would right." She gestured for Harry to rise. "I believe You favoured his father when he ran through these woods not long ago."
"And who would be his father?" Cernunnos rumbled.
Harry felt the weight of both deities' eyes on him, but he had learned his lessons well at the knee of Queen Anne. A knight of the old ways stood proud and strong – to show weakness was a sin.
"Give reverence its due to those with more power than you, but show weakness and you lose before you even start," came his regal teacher's ghostly voice in his mind.
"James Potter," The Morrigan explained. " He and his friends played under My moonlight as a stag, a grim, a rat and a werewolf."
"Ahhhh, yes. I enjoyed their childish escapades many a night in these woods. And this is the son?"
Harry stepped forward and gave a bow to the Lord of the Hunt. "Yes, Lord. My father and his friends ran here, beneath the full moons, but he is now dead, slain by an evil wizard. I will seek justice soon."
"Well said," Cernunnos replied. "But this is not the reason you called?"
"No, Lord. I seek to parley with the centaurs for their aid in bringing this forest back into balance. In doing so, I hope to redress many wrongs that haunt this wood. Years ago, a predator escaped and it has no right to be here. It's not of these lands, it only knows hunger and call all things that come into its web food. It doesn't belong in this forest, but it's protected by two wizards. One only seeks to use it for control in a game he hopes to win at any cost. The other that protects it and sees it as a pet that can do no wrong. He is a good man, but can be led astray easily."
"Ah, yes, the half-Giant."
"You know of him?"
"I do. It is as you say: his love of all animals great and small is well-known, but is often misplaced. And he is easily manipulated by those who seek to bend his great heart to their service." Cernunnos' voice boomed in the clearing.
The Lord of the Hunt stroked his salt-and-pepper beard as he gave some thought to the problem. Finally coming to a decision, He gave a quick nod. The torcs that hung from his antlers chimed softly once more. He looked at the young wizard with a thoughtful gaze and said, "To bring back the balance of this forest is a noble cause. Yes, I will help you with this quest. You and your dark companion will meet Me here at moonrise on Samhain."
He turned and bowed slightly to The Morrigan. "Thank you, Kinswoman, for bringing Your Chosen to My attention."
0o0o0o0
The moment they stepped into the castle, the professor rounded on Harry by grabbing the teen by the throat and pressing him up against the wall.
"Potter, what have you got me into this time? The only hunt I know of on that night isn't one most mortals should be considering!"
"You heard the Lady! Her kinsman is unhappy with His forest. The balance must be restored, and we are the ones who will do so."
"I never signed on for any of this, Potter!" Snape hissed.
Harry signalled Wolf, who was stepping out of the shadows, to stay away. "Professor, please listen to me!"
"No! I will not be a party to the Wild Hunt! You know the legends as well as I do," the professor snarled.
"You have no choice, Professor," Harry said as he reached up and pressed on a nerve point on the man's arm and quickly demonstrated just why it was a very bad idea to manhandle him. Once freed, Harry twisted and reversed the positions. Severus Snape found himself pressed against the wall with Harry's arm at his throat. "This was my task! My duty! If I'd had any idea that She would bring in Her kinsman, I would never have allowed you, Professor, to be in that circle with me. Like it or not, we are now in this together. Deal with it!"
Harry stepped back, releasing the professor, before giving Wolf a nod. "Good night, Professor." Both Wolf and Harry disappeared into the shadows of the castle's halls.
0o0o0o0
Not sure how much updating there will be. Summer is always a stressful time for us with sewing. We are doing a couple of new faires this year and our stock is low.
Also Phil has been hit with real life. We try not to imfringe on his time too much as we love him and need him. Again thanks Phil.
As you can see, Snape and Harry/John have an alliance. They are not friends by any means. They have an understanding and that's all.
Lastly as for The Morrigan and Cerridwen issue. We try to be accurate but it isn't always possible. So many sites contradict each other. We go mainly with the Wiccan practices. So if we are wrong or offend any one, that is not our intention and are sorry.
Until next time. -GF and The Frau
