Yaaaay so many reviews on the last chapter! I'm glad you all liked it. But come on. I need one more person. One more review to 200. I know you guys can do it.
I know I skipped through some stuff pretty quickly in the chapter, but I didn't want to bog you guys down with stuff from the books that you've already read.
PS: Thank you guys for pointing out the small error I made when making Balthazar 2. Fixed it.
Disclaimer: I do not own Supernatural or Harry Potter
Sirius Black's breaking in to Hogwarts was the subject of pretty much every discussion outside the classroom after that night. There was all sorts of speculation as to how he got in, which grew more and more ridiculous as time wore on. One of the Hufflepuffs told anyone who stopped to listen that Black could turn into a flowering shrub.
While the others weren't quite as far-fetched, they weren't much better. Some said he'd teleported himself in [except the wizards called it Apparating]. Some said he'd flown in. Others said he'd disguised himself.
The other problem with the break-in was that Gabriel was now being watched closely, as everyone was convinced that he needed protecting. Teachers found excuses to walk along corridors with him. There was always someone at the other end of the hallway. And the Ravenclaw prefects were now [rather obviously] tailing him.
He never brought it up, of course, but Gabriel took every chance he could to dodge his watchers, even if it did take a little Grace.
Hermione was only frustrated by the rumors which were going around, as Gabriel hadn't mentioned the watchers to her or Michael. "Honestly," she said in a huff one night. "Am I the only one who's read Hogwarts, A History?"
"Probably," Michael said as ne frowned at nir essay. "Do moonstones help dream potions?"
"No, they're never used as ingredients."
"Thanks."
"Speaking of homework-" Gabriel glanced over at Hermione, who was surrounded by tall stacks of books and parchment everywhere. "How are you doing all of that?"
"I manage," said Hermione distractedly. "Harry, aren't you suppose to be working on our Ancient Runes homework?"
"Our what? Oh, I already finished that."
"You what?"
Sirius Black wasn't the only bit of news causing tension. There was an upcoming Quidditch match which everyone was looking forward to, and though Ravenclaw wasn't playing they seemed just as excited.
It was the day before the match and Gabriel was arguing with Michael as they walked to Defense. They were already late, slowed down by the crowds and the fact that they'd only been on their way once Michael had gone back and gotten his book.
"I'm not going."
"Harry, you've refused to attend a single match! Please?"
"Michael, have you looked outside recently?" Rain was pelting down on the school and the winds made the windows rattle. "I'm surprised they haven't cancelled it, with this weather!"
"Come on, Harry, it's just a game."
"I'm not getting soaked for your favorite game, Michael." Gabriel yanked open the door to the Defense class a bit harder than he should have, and everyone already inside looked up.
Snape was sitting behind Lupin's desk.
"You're late, Potter, Corner," he said coldly. "Ten points from Ravenclaw. Sit down."
"Where's Professor Lupin?" Michael asked.
"Professor Lupin is ill and asked me to take over his classes while he is unable to teach. Sit down, or it will be another ten points."
Slowly, Michael sank into the nearest seat. Gabriel took the one on the other side and wondered why Lupin had asked Snape of all people to substitute when they obviously disliked each other.
"Professor Lupin has not left any directions on where you left off," Snape continued, sneering. "As it is, I shall-"
"Please, sir, we've just started red caps-"
"Sit down, Miss Fawcett. I was not asking for an answer, I was merely remarking on his incompetency." Gabriel's eyebrows raised higher at that. He'd expected Snape to at least be subtle about how much he hated Lupin.
The rest of the lesson did not go any better. Snape sneered his way through orders to turn to page three hundred and nintey-four and learn about werewolves. Very subtle.
At the end of the period he assigned two rolls on the proper ways to identify and kill werewolves, which had everyone complaining, and Gabriel thought it was a bit odd how no one commented on being forced to learn how to kill werewolves.
Was the magical world really like that of the Hunters? Did they hunt down magical creatures to the point where how to kill them became common knowledge? If so, the presence of ghosts in the castle became even odder.
Of course, Gabriel had no time to think over this.
The signal from Balthazar had been strong, but subtle. As soon as the match started he'd slipped off to answer it.
What do you want? He asked irritably, sending the message over angel radio. No one would recognize it as being from him save Balthazar, due to his reduced Grace.
I've gotten into a bit of a jam.
What have you done now.
I may have teamed up with the Winchesters.
You what?!
Don't be like that. Anyway, I know I explained the whole 'Castiel and Crowley' thing to you over the summer.
Yeah. I'm not getting involved.
I'm not asking you to. I'm asking you to keep an eye on me since I'm not sure whether or not Castiel will actually kill me.
Castiel. Kill you.
You're not here, Gabriel. Things have gone much farther south.
Show me.
Balthazar did.
Holy shit.
See what I'm worried about?
You didn't say they were going after PURGATORY. Was that not important?
Look, hear me out-
I suppose I can snap up a double for you to send instead.
What?
Go back to the place in London, I'll send a fake-you instead. Where should he go?
Balthazar gave him the impression of a location.
Got it. Go one, get out of America for a while. This might be you faking your death.
Fine.
Also, before you go-
What?
Lend me some Grace.
What?!
You think it's going to be easy sending this thing between Earths? I don't have enough energy!
So you want to borrow mine?
You can just give me a boost. Come one, you can get that Grace back EASILY. Me? Not so much.
He could feel the reluctance on Balthazar's end.
Would you like to go talk to Castiel yourself?
...No.
Work with me here, Balthazar.
FINE.There was a surge of resentment, along with a swell of Grace. It was probably very little of Balthazar's power, but it would be enough.
See you next summer. Gabriel cut off the 'radio' connection before Balthazar could reply, frowning at nothing in the empty common room. Despite the weather, absolutely everyone was down in the stands.
Ah, well. I suppose I can use this much Grace.
Drawing from the well of power inside him, and the slightly smaller one the Balthazar had given, Gabriel snapped his fingers.
Instantly a copy of Balthazar appeared in front of him. Balthazar 2 frowned as Gabriel winced and bent over slightly. Luckily, the conjuration hadn't taken quite as much out of him as he'd expected, but that didn't mean it hadn't taken a lot.
He told the fake Balthazar where to go and it popped off with the usual flutter of wings that might accompany real Balthazar's flight. Gabriel sat back and waited for everyone to return, prodding moodily at his Grace. It didn't seem like it was coming back anytime soon.
It turned out to be an especially good thing that he'd never gone to the match.
Dementors had, apparently, descended on the stands. The game had been hurriedly drawn to a close, and when Michael returned with everyone else it was with a pale face and slight shakiness.
"See, this is why I never go to matches." Gabriel snapped the book closed as Michael finished explaining what had happened. "Where would I be if you'd actually convinced me?"
Michael seemed only partially convinced. "You couldn't have known that was going to happen."
"No, but the thing is, I didn't go and avoided the dementors. If I had gone-"
"You're going to refuse to attend the matches because of the dementors?"
"Maybe."
"Harry..."
Gabriel contacted Balthazar that night.
What do you want?
I wouldn't go back to that Earth anytime soon.
Why?
Your double's dead.
Ah. So Castiel actually did it?
Hell if I know. That took a lot out of me, you know. The only reason I know it's dead is because I suddenly got some of that mojo back.
I would assume. It was quiet on Balthazar's end for a moment. Thank you, Gabriel.
Was Balthazar actually being sincere? ...You're welcome, I guess.
A couple weeks before Christmas break was due to start, the bad weather abruptly ended. The sun could finally be seen and everything outside was covered in a layer of shining frost. Students were all happily discussing their plans for the holidays - except for Michael and Hermione.
Hermione insisted that she needed to use the library for an Arithmancy project, and Michael said that nir cousin was spending Christmas at nir parent's house and ne didn't want to spend two weeks around him, but it was blindingly obvious to Gabriel that they were staying to keep him company. Unlike last year, he didn't protest and simply pretended that he believed their excuses.
There was to be another Hogsmeade trip right before break began, to Gabriel's disappointment, as he had suddenly remembered that he couldn't go.
"Sorry," Michael said sympathetically. "I'll bring back a load of candy for you again, I forgot the Pepper Imps last time.."
But even the promise of candy couldn't substitute actually going to the village.
I'm an archangel damnit, I shouldn't be limited by school rules!
"Psst!"
Gabriel whipped around. There was no one behind him. The hallway was totally empty.
"Pssssssst!"
It was coming from a nearby classroom. As Gabriel walked closer, two pairs of hands reached out and dragged him inside.
"What the-"
One of the Weasley twins shut the door as the other stood in front of Gabriel, grinning.
"Harry," said the one by the door. Probably Fred. "How are you, this wonderful Christmas holiday eve?"
"Wondering why I've been dragged into an abandoned classroom."
"Ah," said George happily, "We thought we'd give you a bit of festive cheer!"
"Something to keep in the spirit of this giving season-"
"Not like we need it any more-"
"We know it by heart-"
"So we're giving it to you," Finished George, whipping a blank piece of parchment out of his robes.
Gabriel raised one eyebrow. "You're giving me a blank bit of paper?"
"A blank bit of paper?" Fred clutched his chest. "Blasphemy!"
"This parchment," said George, waving it in front of Gabriel's face, "Has taught us more about Hogwarts than any book ever did. When we were young and innocent-"
"I highly doubt you were ever innocent," said Gabriel, "And please, spare the discovery story. What's it do?"
The twins glanced at each other. "Alright," they said at the same time, looking back at Gabriel.
"Here you are."
"The workings of the paper."
"Just tap it with your wand and say-"
"I solemnly swear I am up to no good." Fred's wand was on the paper as he spoke. Ink started branching out from it, scarlet lines connecting and forming letters and a drawing of a castle that looked suspiciously like Hogwarts.
Messrs. Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs
are proud to present
THE MARAUDER'S MAP
Gabriel unfolded the paper, which had suddenly grown several layers. It was indeed a map of Hogwarts, but that wasn't the only thing. Tiny, ink footsteps were making their way around the school. Gabriel watched incredulously as a pair labeled 'Albus Dumbledore' walked in circles in his office. An even tinier set of pawprints showed Mrs. Norris walking around on the fourth floor. Gabriel's eyes darted to where they stood now, and he hastily folded the map back up before either of the twins could look over his shoulder and see that he had no label.
There was something else he had seen. Just outside the room the three of them were in, there was a passage which led-
"All of them, straight to Hogsmeade," said Fred, satisfied. "This map's got every single passage in the school on it. Now, four of them we're sure Filch knows about, and there's one on the fifth floor that caved in ages ago. And no one uses the one on the grounds since it's right underneath the Whomping Willow, but this one-"
"Right outside this room," George took over. "Goes right into Honeydukes."
"What do you think about that, eh?"
Gabriel let a slow, broad grin spread over his face.
The tunnel was obviously meant for someone a bit bigger than Gabriel was at the moment, as it had enough room for him to stretch out both arms before they hit the wall. It was very smoothly carved - someone must have used magic to get it like this. It was also very dark, and Gabriel had to light his wand to see where he was going.
The twins had given him the map for good - they claimed they knew it by heart already and had no use for it. Luckily for Gabriel, who had finally been proved wrong after the past two years of lamenting the lack of a map of the huge castle.
The tunnel twisted around on itself, more like a rabbit warren than a proper tunnel, and it went on for ages. Eventually, the ground underneath his feet began to rise, and Gabriel sped up slightly.
He came to some worn stone steps, which rose out of sight. It took almost as long to climb the stairs as it had to get to them - and then Gabriel had to stop abruptly to stop himself hitting his head.
He was standing directly underneath some sort of trapdoor. Beyond it, he could hear distant chatter, and the faint ding of a bell. Testing it, the trapdoor rose easily, but Gabriel hurriedly closed it again as someone came down the stairs.
A woman's voice yelled down and heavy footsteps moved around for several minutes before retreating again. Raising the door a crack and peering out, Gabriel saw someone climb to the top of a set of stairs and disappear. Hoisting himself out, Gabriel discovered that he was in some sort of store room. He hurried over to the stairs and brought himself quickly to the top, ducking out of the way behind the counter in front of him until he got to the end.
Gabriel stood up straight.
The shop was swarming with Hogwarts students, and no one paid any attention to one more. Gabriel ducked away from the counter and found himself in between two humungous barrels of sweets - one was full of some sort of jawbreaker-like candy, and the other piled high with the familiar Chocolate Frog packages.
"This shop is amazing."
Another turn around provided a view of Michael and Hermione, standing underneath a display labeled 'Unusual Tastes'. There was a redhead standing next to them but Gabriel couldn't tell if the boy was just there or actually with them. He went closer, squeezing through the crowd until he was near enough to hear their conversation.
"Urgh, Michael, don't get him those, they're for vampires I expect."
"What about these?" Asked Ron, shoving a jar of some clumpy brown thing into view.
"Definitely not," said Gabriel.
Ron nearly dropped the jar as Hermione whirled around. Michael gaped at him. "Harry!" ne said. "What are you doing here?"
"Have you learned to Apparate?" Ron asked, looking impressed.
"No," Gabriel said, grinning at their incredulous expressions. "Just had a bit of help."
"A bit of help?" Hermione said. "Harry, what about Sirius Black?"
"I really doubt he's going to be in Hogsmeade in the middle of the day."
"Well-"
Michael butted in. "What about that sign on the door?" Ne asked Hermione. "The dementors are patrolling here all night, I don't think Black's going to be anywhere near Hogsmeade."
Hermione looked conflicted. "But what it-"
"Plus," Ron added, jumping on Gabriel's side, "Look at the weather!" Snow was swirling around, creating a thick white almost-blizzard to get through. "He's not gonna be out and about in this kind of snow."
"I suppose." Hermione still looked torn between telling him to go back to Hogwarts and letting Gabriel come. "But what sort of help did you have?"
"A map." Gabriel grinned as their expressions grew even more confused. "Apparently, there is one."
"How come Fred and George never told me about this? I'm their brother!"
The Three Broomsticks was much warmer after the bitter chill of the street, and the group pushed in gratefully. Ron volunteered to go get drinks as they all found a table, Gabriel scooting over to be closer to the window.
Hermione had to be convinced that the map wasn't some sort of evil device to lure Gabriel out of Hogwarts and into Sirius Black's hands, though Gabriel understood where she was coming from. She was worried. Of course, this was taking it a bit too far, as Hermione was usually more logical than this.
A tray full of butterbeers was plonked onto the table and Ron slid into the seat next to Michael. "Drink up, yeah?" He'd brought one for each of them, and Gabriel took a sip of one. It seemed nice, but he couldn't really taste it. It was certainly warm.
"Awesome," Michael said, grinning, before the bell over the door of the pub tinkled and Gabriel had only a glimpse of McGonagall and someone in an eye-wateringly green bowler hat before someone pushed him under the table. Gabriel steadied the drink in his hand to keep it from sloshing all over him as the Christmas tree next to their table slowly moved over so that no one might glance under and see him.
A pair of glittery heels tapped over to the table once all the teachers had sat down [Hagrid the groundskeeper must have been with them, no one else had feet that big] and began handing out drinks as she spoke.
"Thank you," said someone unfamiliar once she was done. "Fetch yourself one and sit down, why don't you, Rosmerta?"
"Well, thank you, Minister." Minister? As in the same guy who thought dementors would be a good idea?
The heels left and came back, disappearing behind the edge of the booth Gabriel was hiding under. 'Rosmerta' must have sat down.
"So what brings you this far north, Minister?"
"What else? Sirius Black, of course."
"Oh, yes, I heard about that."
"Did you tell the whole pub, Hagrid?" McGonagall said despairingly. There was a bit of shuffling around before Rosmerta spoke again.
"You don't think he's still up here, do you Minister?"
"I'm sure of it," said the Minister shortly.
"But wouldn't he have moved on?" An edge came into Rosmerta's voice. "You know dementors have searched my pub twice now. Scared away all the customers."
"Er, yes...a necessary precaution. They were in a fury, of course, that he escaped."
"Well, Black's quite dangerous, isn't he?"
"Oh yes, but the worst he did isn't quite as widely known."
"Worse than murdering a street full of Muggles?"
The Minister lowered his voice. "I'm afraid so."
Gabriel stayed under the table, listening intently as the Minister told the story. Lupin had already given him the bare basics, but the Minister's story held much more detail. For instance, Gabriel hadn't known that Sirius Black had been named Harry Potter's godfather. Or that there had been a suspicion of a spy for nearly a year before that Halloween.
Hagrid burst out emotionally as they were describing the scene of the destroyed house, which Gabriel actually remembered [so that was who that weird guy on the lawn had been] and had to be hurriedly shushed. Gabriel was sure that at least some people were looking over at them by now, and wondered why the teachers hadn't made more of an effort to be quiet.
Gabriel frowned at their description of how Pettigrew had been found. A heap of robes? If the spell had blown him to bits, then why were his robes intact? Magic was weird.
The people in the table left with a clatter and still as a group. Rosmerta's sparkly shoes went back towards the bar while everyone else went for the door, and Gabriel was left still under the table.
"Harry?"
Hermione, Michael, and Ron were all peering down at him, lost for words.
The trip back to the castle seemed to go much faster than the trip there. It was ridiculously easy to sneak back into the Honeydukes cellar and find the right tile, pry it up and get back into the tunnel. The statue of the humpbacked witch opened onto a deserted corridor when Gabriel got back into the school, and he hopped out easily.
His friends were probably expecting him to be emotionally traumatized by the story but really, it wasn't that bad. If he'd actually been Harry Potter he probably would have been quite upset.
As it was, however, it was like hearing a story about something bad that had happened to the neighbors which lived several blocks away from you. Maybe the story would make you a little sympathetic, you might send them a card, but it certainly wouldn't put you in the mood to go hunting down serial killers or whoever might have made them feel that way.
Even more simply put, Gabriel didn't care. The Potter's were his vessel's parents, not his.
Michael watched him warily through dinner, though he didn't say anything since they were surrounded by people. He didn't talk to Gabriel that night either, as Gabriel had gone to bed early to avoid just that.
When Gabriel woke up the next morning, he almost thought he had been dreaming.
Which was absurd, of course.
Angels didn't dream.
But there was still the lingering feeling that he had forgotten something, a tint of strangeness lingering in the corners of his mind, which no matter how hard he tried Gabriel couldn't forget.
Michael was waiting for him when he came downstairs.
"Hey," Ne said, turning around towards the staircase. Ne had obviously been waiting.
"Morning." Gabriel flopped down on one of the sofas. "Where is everyone?"
"It's the first day of break," Michael reminded him.
"Right. You stayed this year."
Michael was silent for a moment. When Gabriel looked over at nir, ne took a deep breath and blurted out "Don'tgoafterSiriusBlack!"
"D'you mind repeating that a little slower than mach five?"
"Don't go after Sirius Black, I know you might be mad-"
"Michael-"
"And I talked with Hermione and Ron and they agree and it would be really dangerous-"
"Michael-"
"And you wouldn't do anything you'd probably just get really hurt and then Black would run away again-"
"Michael! I'm not planning to go after him!"
"What?" Michael finally stopped talking.
"I already knew. Lupin told me."
"He what?" Michael looked surprised. "Why would he do that?"
"I asked him."
"And he just told you?"
"Well, we were sort of trading off questions." Gabriel explained how Lupin had offered the game to find out more about his Boggart, which made Michael shift around as though ne were itching to ask about it as well. Fortunately, though, ne stayed silent.
"So...you're not mad?"
No. "I've worked through it. Lupin wouldn't let me leave until he was sure I wouldn't." Gabriel felt bad lying to Michael, but what was he supposed to say? I don't actually care because they're not my parents?
Michael looked slightly like ne thought Gabriel might be lying, but ne didn't call him out on it, for which Gabriel was thankful.
He'd have a hell of a time convincing Hermione, though.
Christmas day broke with Gabriel being shaken awake again. Michael pulled him down to the common room, where a small evergreen with a pile of presents underneath it and Hermione waited.
"They're all down here," Michael said excitedly. "Whoever brought them must have known we would all get together. Even Hermione's are here."
"Merry Christmas," Hermione greeted them when they got close enough. "Here, Harry, this one's yours."
"Thanks." It was a box of toothflossing stringmints and a pack of Pokemon cards. "Where's you get these?"
"My cousin had a bunch of old ones," Hermione explained. "They might be a little worn but she had a bunch of rare ones."
"Nice." Gabriel pointed at a package wrapped in bright silver paper. "That one looks like it has your name on it."
It seemed like no time at all before there was wrapping paper discarded everywhere and presents uncovered. Gabriel had been given a sweater and an assortment of food by Mrs. Weasley, who seemed determined to mother him. Michael had bought him a book on runes.
"For your class," he explained, and though he didn't really need the extra translation half of the book offered Gabriel kept it anyway. He'd also received a Quidditch poster from Ron [which he didn't keep; the thing was neon orange] and even another present from Draco, though this was just a note saying that he'd hold off on any bigotry [though not in quite as many words] this year. When Gabriel looked closer at the envelope, he found a fancy green quill inside as well.
"Awesome," said Michael, admiring the second Pokemon figurine Gabriel had given nem. "What's this one called?"
"It's an Eevee."
"You're sure these aren't actual creatures?"
"Very sure."
Lunch was a bit of a subdued affair. Most people had gone home, and so the only students at the table were Gabriel, Hermione, Michael, a sullen-looking Slytherin girl, and two nervous first-years. The teachers were all there as well, the staff and three other students seated around a single long table. The four usual tables were missing.
"Welcome!" Dumbledore beamed. "Since there are so few of us this year I thought it would be better to forgo the House tables - please, sit down."
The three of them did, the Slytherin barely scooting over to make room.
"Crackers!" Dumbledore said enthusiastically, offering Snape a silver one. The Potions master pulled it with barely concealed distaste, and when it exploded it revealed a witch's hat topped with a stuffed vulture. Snape's lip curled and everyone at the table suddenly remembered the Boggart story, which had Gabriel barely restraining giggles. Snape pushed it towards Dumbledore, who swapped it with his own hat at once.
The doors creaked open and surprisingly enough, Trelawney entered. She was wearing a green dress which made her look a bit like a giant insect, and the glasses didn't help.
"Sybil," said McGonagall, slightly dryly. "What a surprise."
"I was gazing into my crystal ball," said Trelawney in her usual misty voice, "When I saw myself descending to join you all, and who am I to resist the callings of fate?"
"I see," said Dumbledore kindly, though the effect was somewhat ruined by the hat he was still wearing. "Well come and sit down then!"
Trelawney looked at the table and gave a kind of soft scream. "I dare not, Headmaster! If I join there will be thirteen, and when thirteen dine together the first to rise will be the first to die!"
"I think we'll be fine," said McGonagall.
Trelawney took a breath lowered herself into the seat with the air of someone waiting for an explosion. Nothing happened.
McGonagall offered her a tray. "Turkey, Sybil?"
Lunch proceeded without any sort of fanfare, Dumbledore's hat being really the only noteworthy bit. Really, it was kind of a dreadful hat, but the headmaster seemed to like it. Gabriel wondered if he wasn't a bit mad, and then wondered why he hadn't asked himself that before.
When the plates had been cleared away, Gabriel was first to stand. Trelawney gasped and looked at him, horrified.
"My dear! I had warned of the consequences - I fear that now you may not have long left!"
"Right." Out of everyone at the table, Gabriel was practically guaranteed to live the longest. He left the hall, not bothering with the Divination teacher. He'd long ago decided that there was no way she was actually psychic and had done the bare minimum for the class, hoping that if he failed out of it he could switch to a different one next year.
Lupin was in his office the next day when Gabriel checked.
"Oh - hello, Harry. Was there something you wanted?"
"Sort of." Something had occurred to Gabriel the other night. "You used a spell to ward off the dementor on the train, right?"
Lupin slowly put down his mug. "Yes, I did."
"What spell?"
"It's called the Patronus charm. It's very advanced, even adult wizards have a hard time doing it-"
"What's the incantation?"
Lupin pressed his lips together, as if thinking about what he was going to say. "Would you like me to teach you?"
Gabriel was startled by the offer, but he didn't let it show. "How?"
"Well, we couldn't get a real dementor, of course..." Lupin frowned. "I suppose you could just practice until you can do the spell, but then there's no guarantee that it will hold up in front of a real dementor..."
"That sounds fine. When?"
Lupin seemed surprised that he had agreed so easily. "Well - not now, but maybe...the first one could be sometime during break...perhaps next weekend?"
"Alright. Thanks."
"You're welcome."
Yeah that ending's super awkward but I'm not making this any longer. Anywhoo. Took me some time to get started on this chapter, but here you go!
Read and review, as always. Come on. You can get me to that two hundred.