Like a Lightning Bolt

by Lucison

A discussion with Madame Pomfrey at the end of 2nd year changes Harry's outlook on his future. No longer willing to spend his time lazing about, Harry gets serious about schoolwork. How will this and a few other changes revealed to the students at the start of the next school year affect the final outcome? More Inside.

5. Chapter 5

Hello once more, and welcome to the 5th chapter of 'Like a Lightning Bolt'.

Only a few things to point out right now, the author notes stay, they don't actually get counted by ME when counting up my chapter word counts, so all they really 'boost' is the word count recorded by the site.

Also, and yes this gets a separate paragraph, for those who did not notice it and thought I was suggesting the canon for that circumstance, Hermione DID NOT TAKE THE TIMETURNER. When Minerva offered it to her so she could take Muggle Studies and Divination at the same time she was taking Arithmancy and Runes, she refused, as her OC personality understood that running herself ragged, simply for doing subjects she doesn't believe in or could do the exams for with 20 minutes of study, was not a good idea. She did however take it to be a vote of confidence from Minerva thinking that she would be able to handle it.

So, onto the chapter.

"Speech"
'Thoughts'
"Spells"
Book Names

Disclaimer: Did generations of wizards ignore that canon Slytherin would only accept a Basilisk as his personal familiar, therefore, Slytherin's monster would be a Basilisk. If so, I don't own Harry Potter.

Chapter 5:

Looking around the Great Hall, Harry couldn't help but smile. Every year at the Welcome Feast the Hall looked absolutely beautiful, the banners above each table looked brand new, the plates and cutlery shined as if they had been polished repeatedly for days, and the wood of the tables appeared to be freshly varnished. All of this and many others things let Harry know that the castle, or at the very least whoever cleaned the hall made sure everything was perfect for the new and returning students.

As Harry mused on the cleanliness of the Hall, he almost missed the doors opening allowing Professor McGonagall to bring in the first years. Examining them, Harry cracked a small smile noticing the panicked faces that they had, remembering his own fear over what the test to sort them would be. Catching a glimpse of a face he couldn't help but feel was familiar from among the kids in the crowd, Harry got ready to listen, knowing that he could just wait until they were called by name to figure out who they reminded him of.

The Sorting Hat's song was different from the last one he heard, then again, Harry did consider that the poor fellow only had his songs to think about all year while in the Headmaster's office. Making a mental note to suggest to Minerva that she at least bring the hat to the Quidditch games, Harry watched waiting to see which students would be sorted into which houses. Harry made sure to clap when the first new student and every student that was sorted into Gryffindor after received his applause.

When the girl who was reminding him of someone was called up, Harry put a name to the face, Astoria Greengrass, little sister of Daphne Greengrass, a Slytherin in his year. Watching her get sorted into Ravenclaw Harry began thinking about the Slytherin students in his year. There was Draco of course, Pansy Parkinson, Milicent Bullstrode, Theodore Nott, Vincent Crabbe, Gregory Goyle, Blaise Zabini, Daphne Greengrass, and Tracey Davis. Now the majority of these students weren't exactly his biggest fans, last year thoroughly proving that with how they reacted when the Chamber was opened. On the other hand, Tracey, Blaise, and Daphne all never actually acted as the stereotypical purebloods, maybe with him working on his relationship with Draco he could work on making friends with the kids he would have been housemates with had he not chosen Gryffindor when the hat gave him the choice.

Watching as the last first year was sorted, Harry turned to look at Dumbledore, waiting for the inevitable start of year speech introducing Remus to the school. Looking at the staff table Harry noticed three staff members he had never seen at the table before, as opposed to the one he was expecting. Naturally there was Remus sitting in the typical spot for the Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher, however Hagrid was sitting at the table in the spot that had previously been occupied by one of the elective teachers, or at least that's what Harry assumed the previous staff member had taught, considering he had never had the teacher and he was only starting electives this year. The last addition to the staff table was someone Harry vaguely recognized as having been on a Chocolate Frog card. The man was intimidating but not in a way that Harry could describe, it just seemed that as he swept his eyes across the room he was projecting an aura that made Harry feel like he was being looked at by a predator, the same kind of feeling he got when he knew the Basilisk had been looking at him in the Chamber. Before Harry could ask Hermione or Neville if they knew who that was, Dumbledore stood to begin his speech.

"To all new students, welcome, to all returning students, welcome back," Dumbledore smiled a kind smile as he looked around the room, "Now, first I Caretaker Filch has asked me to remind you all that the use of magic in the halls is forbidden and a revised list of all prohibited items is available on his office door for your perusal. Now, I am sure several of you have noticed the changes to our staff, so, firstly, allow me to welcome your new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher, Remus Lupin. Secondly, Professor Kettleburn has retired in order to spend time with his remaining limbs, replacing him as Care of Magical Creatures Professor is our own Rubeus Hagrid, who has been working with Professor Kettleburn making lesson plans for the last two years in order to ensure the degree of content learned in classes is not lessened."

During Dumbledore's speech there was polite clapping from all four houses at the introduction of Remus, the general consensus being that he cannot be worse than Lockhart. When the change in Care of Magical Creatures was announced there was a large amount of applause from the Hufflepuff and Gryffindor tables, an applause that showed hesitance from the Ravenclaw table, and the Slytherin table clapped only enough to be polite. Dumbledore watched as the tables showed their varying support for Hagrid taking over as Care's teacher, calmly waiting for them to become quiet again before he moved on. When the clapping and shouts of encouragement died down, Dumbledore once again continued his speech.

"Now, I am sure you have all noticed that Hagrid is NOT the last change to our staff. As a result of Professor Lockhart's duelling club, and the sheer amount of attendance numbers the club gathered, the Board of Governors agreed to fund a Duelling Class. So, I would like to introduce to you all, your new Professor for the class of Duelling, Ezekial Bloodrune," Clapping began in earnest here, clearly several of the purebloods knew who the man was, speaking of the man, Harry was startled to see the very large black bird sitting on his shoulder that wasn't there a minute ago, "Lord Bloodrune has offered his services to our establishment and shall be hosting his course for all years, however, I will have him give a more thorough introduction, Ezekial."

Upon Dumbledore saying the man's name he rose from his seat and strode to stand in the place previously occupied by the Headmaster. This allowed Harry to get a much clearer view of the man. He was fairly tall, and for at least the feast had forgone the robes Harry was so used to seeing wizards and witches wear. The clothes he had on instead looked more like they belonged on a Muggle teenager than the thirty or so looking man standing before him. Black cargo pants with chains running between each individual belt loop, the skull and crossbones belt buckle making way to a tucked in plain black shirt covered by a hooded jacket made the man stand out in comparison to his colleagues, however, the man's aura seemed only to amplify once he rose, the lethal grace of his steps making Harry's previous predator thoughts all the more accurate. Ezekial's features showed the noble features Harry had begun to associate with purebloods, but the man's black hair gave more of a wild appearance, the glinting of the lights in his narrowed brown eyes as he surveyed the room also lent toward the predator feeling.

"Greetings students of Hogwarts," Ezekial spoke without allowing time for the students to silence themselves, allowing his voice to do it for him, "As the Headmaster has said, I am Lord Ezekial Bloodrune, and I will be teaching the newest course your school has to offer, Duelling," An indignant squawk from the bird on his shoulder caught Ezekial's attention, "Oh how incredibly rude of me, I would also like to introduce you all to my familiar, Murder. Now, the introductions are complete, how about a little run down of the course? Duelling will not be a mandatory subject, if you do not wish to attend, you don't have to. Classes will be decided by your year level, first and second years will be on Monday nights, third years will be Tuesdays, fourth years will be Wednesdays, sixth years will be Thursdays, and for those fifth and seventh years willing to pass up OWL and NEWT study time your allotted time will be Fridays. This all begins next week by the way."

The noise picked up at this, the four houses would all be having Duelling together? Even Harry had to admit that might not end well. Distracted as Harry was he almost missed Ezekial turning to Remus and receiving a nod from the man before he turned back and cleared his throat, silencing the entire hall nearly right away.

"Now, in these classes I will not just be running you through Duelling, I have spoken with Professor Lupin and the two of us agree that your education so far has not exactly been very broad, therefore, I will also offer basic Defensive spell classes after the Duelling classes. These classes would cover relevant spells you would be normally learning, freeing Professor Lupin more time up to ensure your knowledge of various creatures is up to par. So I will hope to see you all there."

Ezekial bowed before walking back to his seat, many students showing their reactions to the chance to learn new spells. The reaction of the Ravenclaw house was predictable, they were excited, however they were upset that it was still a few days till the courses would begin. The Hufflepuffs, being the house of the hardworking, were also planning out going to the additional work. The Slytherins and the Gryffindors both looked forward to the classes for new spells, the majority thinking of using them on each other.

Dumbledore stood without moving from his seat, and then, clapping his hands with a 'Dig in' muttered for effect, the tables filled with food and drink. Everyone in the room began talking to one another, a large rise in volume making it that Harry couldn't hear anyone more than 5 or 6 places away from him.

"I wonder what kind of duelling styles Professor Bloodrune will teach?" Hermione questioned, as she is grabbing her food.

"Actually, do either of you know anything about him? I vaguely remember something about him on Chocolate Frog cards." Harry looked at the two of them, trying to see if any of them know.

"He was a duelling champion, the European Cup champion to be precise. He was actually Professor Flitwick's only apprentice before he had retired and became a teacher," Neville started listing what he knew about the Professor, "He's about 45 years old-"

"Wait," Harry interjected, "He only looks to be in his late twenties."

"Well, Dumbledore looks to be 80, and he's nearly 2 centuries old. Magical's age slower after the age of about 20. So, he was Flitwick's apprentice as soon as he left school, won three championships, and was rumoured to have has his own apprentice shortly after he was 20."

"Wait, so he retired from duelling at the age of 20?" Hermione asked.

"He won three championships in a row, he wasn't doing it for the prize money, the Bloodrune family is one of the Ancient and Noble families, they have more than enough money to pay for whatever he really wanted."

"Well, with him and Hagrid teaching this year, as well as Professor Lupin, the classes sound like they are going to be fun." Hermione smiled as she imagined the potential class scenarios.

"So uh, Neville, what kind of duelling style did Professor Bloodrune use?" Harry asked, his curiosity now leaning towards what could be taught, just as Hermione's had been at the start of the conversation.

"Well, that's just it. Professor Bloodrune was a student of Professor Flitwick, neither of them have a set style, or at least, a set style that is well known." Neville's own reply seemed to bother him.

"I guess that means his class next Tuesday will be amazing, I mean, it would have to be." Hermione grinned at the idea.

"Well," Neville hesitated as he looked towards Professor Bloodrune, who was currently using his knife to pick at his own food, waving his ring over the food, "I'm more surprised that he has returned to England, last I heard after the Blood War broke out he swore that he wouldn't return for some reason, I don't even have an idea as to what could have caused it."

"Well, maybe we can find out later." Harry offered, his own interest peaked.

"Yeah, I'm sure at the very least we could find out why he came back." Neville offered.

"So Harry," Hermione began, waiting for Harry to look at her, "I guess now we know why Hagrid wanted you to wait huh?"

"Wha-" Harry at first looks confused however the widening of his eyes shows he realizes what she is referencing before he even finishes his first word of confusion, "Oh yeah. Well, I guess I will go see Hagrid as soon as I can to try and organize being a class assistant for Hagrid, that way if I need to study I won't have to go, but I can still rationalize attending the OWL for the course."

"Sounds like a plan Harry, I'll come with you to see Hagrid tomorrow, remember, after this," Hermione points down at her dessert, "We have to go see Madame Pomfrey."

"Oh yeah, Poppy will get mad at me if I don't go there." Harry grumbles to himself, fine with going to see Poppy, not fine with going to the Hospital Wing for an examination.

"Yes, yes she will. It is for your own good though Harry, so you will need to go and not complain, I mean, what if she finds something wrong." Hermione sounded worried at the end, the look in her eyes backing this statement up. Just as she finishes speaking the food begins disappearing from the table, Harry catching Ron out of the corner of his eye grabbing as much food as he can carry. Seeing Dumbledore stand the trio turned to listen.

"Students, normally this would be the point in time when I would be wishing you all goodnight, however, I must give one more announcement. To any who were exposed to the Dementors on the train earlier today, Madame Pomfrey requests you go to the Hospital Wing so as she can give you a quick examination to ensure they did not cause adverse effects. To all other students, I do wish you all a good night." With his final words of the night, Dumbledore bowed once again, Professor McGonagall standing as he began sitting in order to address the students herself.

"Students, I request that those going to the Hospital Wing remain behind, I will escort those needing to go there myself." With that the students began standing up and heading off to bed, Luna skipping over to the trio to sit down while waiting for them to get escorted to the Hospital Wing by Professor McGonagall.

"I was listening to some of the other Ravenclaws," Luna points to a group still sitting at the Ravenclaw table waiting, "Apparently, only the one Dementor boarded the train, however, several of them got close to some of the windows, causing slightly dampened effects, but still causing roughly the same reaction as the one that came into our compartment. From what I can see though they weren't the only ones." Finishing what she was saying Luna gestured to the remaining two tables, both with people remaining behind.

All in all there were nearly thirty students remaining from all four tables, some of them were clearly first years they had just seen be sorted. Looking around at the students affected by the Dementors, a burning fury was apparent in his eyes, a letter to Minister Fudge already being drafted in his head. A thought occurred to Harry at this point, between himself, Hermione and Neville, they would be able to write a letter to Fudge that could potentially persuade Fudge to at the very least, lessen the number of Dementors at the school. Seeing McGonagall, who Harry was pleased to note also had a burning fury in her eyes as she counted the number of remaining students, begin to walk down from the Staff Table in the Hall, Harry began to stand himself.

"Students, please gather round, I will now take all of you to the Hospital Wing for a quick examination by Madame Pomfrey." McGonagall's tone did not accurately portray her feelings, but at the very least it was calming a few of the first years.

Looking at the remaining students as they began to gather, Harry began cycling through who he knew. Cedric Diggory, Susan Bones, and Hannah Abbot were those he knew from the Hufflepuffs, the sixth year prefect doing his best to calm a couple of first and second years that were on the verge of tears. Cho Chang was the only person he recognised from Ravenclaw, except of course Luna, but Harry himself was doing his best to ignore her considering she was switching between glaring at Luna and a second year Puff girl who was hugging Cedric. Actually, as he turned to those walking from the green and silver table, he caught sight of another Raven he at least recognized. Astoria Greengrass was with her sister Daphne, Tracey Davis, and Blaise Zabini, from the way all three were trying to comfort the shaken girl, Harry figured they might have been in the compartment together. Of the Gryffindors Harry noticed the twins and the chaser trio were comforting a couple of first years as well.

Harry, Hermione, Luna, and Neville lagged behind the others as they began walking, receiving a look from the twins that Harry responded with a mouthed 'I solemnly swear', getting a nod from the twins understanding that they were plotting.

"Why are we walking slower?" Hermione gave Harry a curious look.

"I believe it is because Harry wants our opinion on sending the Minister a letter telling him his feelings on the Dementors." Luna's airy voice cut Harry off before he could even begin responding to Hermione.

"Uh, yeah, that's why. I was thinking, he seemed really eager to please when he met me at the Cauldron after what happened with my Aunt," Here Neville looked confused, before remembering Harry's sheepish admission about turning his Aunt into a blimp by accident, "So I figured I could send him a letter, basically mentioning that a Dementor nearly sucked out my soul, as well as several others harassing several heirs and heiresses," Harry motioned to Neville and Luna as well as the others walking in front, "And I figure he will at the very least lower the number of them that are stationed in Hogsmeade and around the school."

"It could work," Neville grew a little flustered when the others turned to look at him, "Well, I mean, I could help with that, Fudge is a man my Gran refers to as 'a spineless incompetent, bending over to preserve his reputation', if he finds out his 'well thought out decision' nearly killed Harry Potter and various others, he will do everything he can to make it seem like he is doing something to fix it. Plus, with the lessons I've received in writing political letters all I really need to know is what you want to say, and I'll write it in a way he will respond to."

"Excellent, I was hoping you would be able to help Neville, with all of us working together we can convince him to lessen the Dementor numbers." The confidence Harr had in his friends caused them all to smile, which in turn helped calm a few of the first years down who were looking at them at the time. Harry waved the group to silence, picking speed up to walk just behind the twins, the reason why becoming apparent to Neville and Luna as soon as they turned the corner, they were at the Hospital Wing and McGonagall had turned around to face them.

"Alright, Slytherin students, you will be first, followed by the Hufflepuffs, this is due simply to the location of your Common Rooms. Ravenclaw will be next and then finally Gryffindor will be checked over. If Madame Pomfrey requests you spend the night in the wing for overnight examination you WILL NOT COMPLAIN. If Madame Pomfrey deems it necessary for you to stay the night after your exposure to the Dementors then you will stay. In you go Slytherins." As the Slytherin students were walking in McGonagall waved her wand and made some of the nearby chairs turn into large sofas, hoping to provide the remaining students with comfort.

When Daphne Greengrass walked out first and headed to her sister, Harry decided to capitalize on his previous decision. Making an obvious show of giving Neville his wand to hold onto, ensuring Daphne saw he no longer had it, Harry began walking over to the Greengrass sisters. Approaching them slowly, Harry saw that Daphne was on guard, having also been joined by her friend Tracey.

"Evening ladies," Harry smiled, bowing before all three girls, "Before you react," Harry got out, managing to cut off what appeared to have been an icy dismissal from the look in Daphne's eyes, "I was merely coming over here to offer to watch out for Astoria after Professor Snape takes you to the Slytherin Common Room, I'm sure you will be worried about her and if leaving her with Lions is a problem for you, do consider that Luna is a Ravenclaw, which means she will be able to stay with Astoria till they go to bed." Harry was ignoring the stares he could feel from all the other students standing around, merely focusing on the girls in front of him.

"I would assume you know my sister's name from the Sorting?" At Harry's nod, she continued, "This isn't some political manoeuvre is it? I heard you talking to Malfoy on the train."

"No. The only form of manoeuvre this could be considered is an offering of friendship, the three of you," Harry referring to the three Slytherins, the girls having been joined by Blaise moments before, "Have never been antagonistic towards me, therefore I would like to start trying to break this trend of Slytherin-Gryffindor hatred." Harry finished, allowing the four of them to study him to see if he was telling the truth.

"While I do not speak for any of my female acquaintances Heir Potter, I am more than willing to accept your offer of friendship, tentatively of course, the bad blood between our houses does not aid in keeping my paranoia in check." Harry nodded, turning with a curious look to the girls.

"I will trust you and your friends to look after my sister for me when I leave, my answer to your offer of friendship will be decided tomorrow after I have spoken with her."

"My decision will wait till then as well." Tracey added, having been quiet since Harry began talking.

"Of course," Harry bowed once again, "I will see you three later. Astoria, I will be over there," Harry pointed in the direction of his friends, "When your sister leaves, assuming you yourself take me up on my offer." Astoria nodded as Harry began walking back to the others.

"Harry, you will never guess what we figured out!" Was the first thing Hermione said to Harry as he sat back down.

"Ok then, what did you figure out?"

"I can use your wand better than I can use my own." Neville piped up as he handed Harry back his wand.

"Neville hasn't been struggling with spellwork because he has low amounts of magic, he has been struggling because the wand has been fighting him. Although it's odd that Ollivander would give you such a bad match."

"Well actually, it was my father's wand. Gran wanted me to use it." Neville looked sheepish at this point, having never heard Ollivander's the wand chooses the wizard speech, he was unaware the wand could be causing problems.

"Hmm, go tell McGonagall Neville. At the very least she can get you an exception for doing spellwork until your Gran agrees to buy you a new one, at best your Gran will come and get you tomorrow to go buy a new one." Harry suggested, hoping to encourage his friend into doing something beneficial for himself.

"And pray tell Mr Potter, why does Mr Longbottom require a new wand?" McGongall's voice behind them was not what the group was expecting.

"Well you see Professor, my Gran has me use my father's wand, just now when I was holding Harry's for him while he went to speak with the Slytherins I felt a stronger connection to Harry's than I do my fathers, so I wish to try and convince my Gran to take me to get a new wand." Neville kept his calm while he explained, even though he was worried about McGonagall's reaction.

"That old battle-axe is going senile," McGonagall muttered, loud enough that the group heard her, "I will speak with your Grandmother as soon as we are done here, you will have a new wand if I have to take you myself."

"Th-thank you Professor." Neville could not think of much else, still shocked that someone would call his Gran senile. McGonagall nodded her head as she walked away to begin ushering the Puffs into the Hospital Wing.

Just as the Hufflepuffs entered the Hospital Wing Professor Snape arrived to take the Slytherins to their Common Room. Harry made eye contact with Snape and immediately saw the flashing emotions he never understood until now, the softening of his eyes as he saw the eyes he attributed to Lily, before the rage flashed through when seeing the rest of Harry. Another thing entered Harry's to do list, talk to Snape. Seeing Daphne hug her sister and walk off with her housemates, Harry watched as Astoria made up her mind, smiling when she began heading over to them.

"Everyone, meet Astoria Greengrass, Astoria, meet Neville Longbottom, Luna Lovegood, and Hermione Granger." Harry introduced his friends to her as she came over hoping to make her feel comfortable.

"It's a pleasure to meet you all." She curtsied before she sat down in the empty space next to Luna.

"So Astoria, aside from the Dementors, how was the train ride?" Hermione asked, hoping to get an insight into the girl's personality.

"Good, my sister and her friends were telling me what the classes have been like. Well, except for Defence, they didn't want to talk about that for some reason." Astoria's last comment earned a glance from the others as they realized immediately why they didn't want to talk about their last 2 Defence teachers.

"What are your thought on the new Duelling classes?" Neville's question piqued everyone's curiosity as they themselves were still excited for the chance to learn from a duelling master.

"They sound like a wonderful idea, I always wished to learn duelling but father didn't approve, he wished for my sister and I to learn business and estate management." Astoria looked down as she finished, clearly not agreeing with her father's wishes.

"Well learning such things may be helpful later in life, if you have already learnt how to manage such things it will give you more time in your adult life to pursue what you want will it not?" Harry offered, hoping to cheer the girl up.

"True, I never looked at it that way," As she replied to Harry the last of the Puffs walked out, just in time for Professor Sprout to arrive, "Well that was the last of the Hufflepuffs, Luna and I will be going in soon as well," Nearly as soon as she had finished saying that, McGonagall called all the Ravenclaws into the Hospital Wing, "That's me and Luna, I'll come back when I've been checked."

"See you soon." Luna chimes, grabbing the younger girls hand and pulling her into the Hospital Wing.

"So, little third years, why were you lagging behind earlier?" Fred chimed, having leaned over the couch as soon as Luna and Astoria had left.

"Your little mouthed reasoning stopped us from investigating sooner, so, what were you up to?" George cuts in, appearing on the other side of Harry.

"A little plan to try and relieve some of the Dementors around our school with their current jobs is all." Harry cheekily replies.

"Oh do tell?" Fred remarks.

"Well considering the Minister attempted to get himself in Harry's good books, Harry is going to send a letter to him being concerned about himself and others, after all, if the Dementors have already defied their orders, why wouldn't they again?" Neville grinned as the brothers did.

"Brilliant." Both twins say at the same time.

"So how were the first years?" Hermione questioned, looking past them at the chaser trio still with the first years.

"Scared, a couple of them were Muggleborn, not exactly the best way to get introduced into their Hogwarts careers." George winced as he was finishing.

"Well, we will just have to make sure they understand this isn't how everything normally is." Harry declared, receiving smiles from everyone else. Professor Flitwick walked up while Harry was speaking and began conversing with Professor McGonagall, waiting for the rest of his Ravens to come out of the Hospital Wing, Cho and several of the older years had already come out of the Wing and were waiting by Flitwick.

"Well, looks like we will be going in next, although, why haven't the little Raven and Luna come out yet?" Fred asked, looking over the assembled Ravens.

"Most likely they will be last, simply due to Luna being exposed to the Dementor directly." Hermione deduced, seeing that the calmer students are the ones who had been out first.

When they came out the two waved as Flitwick began leading them all off to the tower, Harry smiling as he realized that none of the other Ravenclaws had convinced Astoria to leave Luna alone. Waving back Harry then turned to McGonagall as she told the lot of them to go on in to the Hospital Wing.

Entering the Gryffindors saw Madame Pomfrey standing there waiting for them, counting the number of them out she called a name out, a popping sound and a quick request followed by another two pops saw a cup of hot chocolate appear on a nearby table for each of them.

"Everyone have a cup of hot chocolate, first years will be scanned first, then it will be everyone but you three," Pointing at Harry, Hermione, and Neville, "You were in the compartment that the Dementor entered, so you three will be tested last."

As everyone went through the testing, they slowly trickled out, when everyone else was cleared and waiting outside, Hermione and Neville were given a quick diagnostic scan, yielding more information than the previous examinations, telling them to go wait outside, Madame Pomfrey ushers Harry over to a bed, telling him to lay down on the bed as she needed to do a full scan like she did previously.

"Well, you are figuring out how mine went, so, how was your holidays Poppy?" Harry asked, trying not to panic about the situation.

"I was fine Harry, now, I am going to go compare these results," Lifting the stack of parchment with Harry's results, "Just wait here." When Poppy came back several minutes later, she seemed quite confused.

"Harry, I will need to send these results to a friend at St. Mungo's Hospital, they show an irregularity that I wish them to clarify. However, I am sure you may have noticed, your magical core is stronger, and something you will absolutely love, your scar has begun to fade." Poppy's final statement made Harry confused but extremely happy.

"What? How!"

"As far as I can tell it began acting more like a real scar just after your accidental magic burst, most likely caused by the irregularity I want my friend to look over."

"Alright Poppy, I trust you." Poppy smiled at Harry when he said this.

"Go get some sleep Harry, I will send someone to get you when we have confirmation of your results."

"Ok, goodnight Poppy."

When Harry walks out of the Hospital Wing and rejoins the others, Professor McGonagall leads them all to the Common Room. Upon arriving the trio help the first years find their dorms before going to bed themselves, Harry's last thoughts before falling asleep being his desire for Poppy's friend to be able to explain what caused the irregularity in his results.

---

And that's a wrap for this fortnight, I know I didn't get all the way through the explanation like I planned, but everything got away from me in the heat of the moment, so, hopefully I will be able to write in what I want to in the next couple of chapters.

Anyway, I don't really have anything else to say this week, except for one thing. Ezekial is NOT a self-insert, the Bloodrune family has a high chance of being in any future fics I write, while Murder the Crowe will be in them all.

Until next time,

Lucison