Co-writers: Tyler Nator, kuqiphobia (Helena)
Beta reader:Luke Knight, LadyLucius, grimmypigeon, Calten
Chapter - 12
Today at The Burrow, there wasn't a lot of chaos on the first of September like Harry had seen in previous years. This was because Harry and Ginny had moved their things into the "Potter Villa". Hermione, as usual, was ready the previous day.
"Good morning, Mum, Dad," Harry greeted as he came downstairs. The air was filled with the smell of bacon and freshly baked bread.
"Good morning, dear," Mrs Weasley greeted back, a warm smile on her face.
Ron arrived downstairs next, followed by Hermione. "Ready to go?" she asked. Ron and Harry nodded in agreement.
A couple of minutes later, Ginny came downstairs with Teddy. She put him down in his crib and took the milk bottle from her mother. She checked the temperature by dropping a few drops of milk from the bottle on her palm before giving the bottle to Teddy who immediately grabbed the bottle with his tiny fist and happily sucked his food.
"Morning, Gin." Harry smiled while munching his ham sandwich.
"Morning, Harry," Ginny kissed Harry on the cheek before sitting down and piling her plate with toast and bacon. She then filled her glass with orange juice.
After breakfast, Harry took Teddy upstairs to get him ready for the train ride. Before he cocooned Teddy in a blanket for warmth, Harry dressed him in a cotton orange-red shirt and matching trousers. Nickey was going to come with Harry to Hogwarts so that when Harry and Ginny both have classes together, she could care for Teddy.
An hour later, Mr Weasley was standing outside with the Ministry car. The journey to King's Cross station was highly uneventful. They arrived at Platform Nine and Three-Quarters twenty minutes before eleven.
When people saw Harry and Ginny with a baby they started whispering and pointing at them. Harry ducked his head down and covered the face of the baby.
Ron saw Draco Malfoy standing by the platform. The redhead's nostrils flared in anger as he stared the man down with an evil glare.
"What is he doing here?" he asked, jerking his head.
"Probably going to Hogwarts," Harry replied in an indiscernible tone, momentarily looking in Draco's direction as well.
"I can't believe they're allowing him," Ginny commented. Her eyebrows were high on her forehead in disapproval.
"I still can't believe, Harry," Ron mentioned hotly, "the fact that you saved him from Azkaban – he deserved to be carted off like the others."
"No, he didn't," Harry said almost dismissively, and before Ron could argue, the blowing of a whistle was heard, indicating the time of departure of the train.
"Come here," Mrs Weasley called the group over and kissed them each goodbye.
"Take care of yourself and try to stay out of trouble this year,' Mr Weasley said as Harry shook his hand.
They said goodbye to Mr and Mrs Weasley and boarded the train. Ron, Harry, and Ginny soon found a compartment while Hermione - being Head Girl - went to the Prefects' carriage.
"Can I sit here with you?" Neville asked.
"Neville, you don't have to ask. You know you're always welcome to sit with us." Ginny said warmly. At her kindness Neville grinned, sitting down in an empty spot. Doing so he almost tripped over his own feet, to which the group laughed good-naturedly.
A few minutes later Luna came with her trunk. She put her trunk on the rack and sat opposite Neville. After greeting each other, Luna spoke to Harry.
"When are you going to call the first meeting of D.A.?" she asked, her voice light and flowery.
"I was thinking of calling it for one last time this Saturday, after dinner," Harry said.
"Can you spread the word about D.A. to others?" Ginny asked Neville.
"Yeah, sure." Neville answered, standing up. "You coming, Luna?" he asked.
"Okay," Luna replied, quickly getting to her feet as well. "See you later, everyone."
It had only been a couple of minutes since Luna and Neville walked out, and it had otherwise been quiet in the carriage until Ginny noticed the sounds of four students pushing and whispering right outside their compartment.
Ginny's brows furrowed for a moment, before she got up and slid the compartment door open. It was a group of young boys bickering. When the door opened they stared at Ginny with wide eyes and sheepish expressions, suddenly looking rather shy. "Do you need anything?" she asked them kindly.
One of the boys, whose appearance looked like a first-year, stepped ahead of his friends. "Err... we... we were wondering if we could get autographs from the Golden Trio," he said bashfully as he fiddled with the collar of his shirt. It was then that Ginny noticed the boys were carrying Chocolate Frog Cards.
"Why not come in?" Ginny replied, trying to keep her face straight.
Upon hearing the boy, Ron stifled a laugh while Harry groaned silently.
"I don't give autographs," Harry said, moodily. If the kid heard him then he didn't react, instead looking uneasily to his expectant friends.
"Of course you will," Ginny huffed. "Here, give me those," she added to the kid, indicating the chocolate frog cards.
Ginny forced Harry to autograph the boys' Chocolate Frog Cards. He glared at her the whole time to which she gave him a sweet smile.
Harry and Ron were still signing their Chocolate Frog Cards when the compartment door opened again. Harry's eyes rose, expecting it to be another group of students, but instead, Draco Malfoy was standing there.
Ron immediately pulled out his wand, ready to fight. "What do you want, Malfoy?" Ron asked, venom dripping from his voice. "Say anything against my family and I'll make you regret it."
Malfoy frowned but paid no attention to him. Instead he turned his body towards Harry. His lips were pursed and brows furrowed, obviously like he had something heavy on his mind and was debating whether or not to say it.
"Potter, there's a girl on board in bad shape and the Prefect doesn't know what to do," Malfoy quickly explained to Harry and ignoring Ron completely, who continued staring daggers at him.
"What?!" Harry exclaimed and stood up from his seat, turning to Nickey. "Make sure no one comes near Teddy," he told her, Draco moving aside as Harry left the compartment, followed earnestly by Ginny, and begrudgingly by Ron. Harry turned back, wordlessly casting the Locking Spell on the compartment door. "Where? Show me."
Harry and Ginny followed Malfoy down the Hogwarts Express, Ron trailing behind just a little, glaring at Malfoy as the four of them reached the last compartment. A crowd had gathered, students of all years murmuring to each other while a girl Perfect tried to minimise the crowd unsuccessfully.
"What's going on here?!" Harry said loudly, the eyes of many students falling to him, their whispers going silent. Some of the students moved away as soon as they heard Harry's voice. "This isn't a circus. Get back to your compartments."
The students continued to mumble amongst themselves, but more and more drew themselves away until the crowd had completely dissipated. It seemed no one dared to cross Harry.
"Thank you, sir," the Prefect said softly, "I was trying to get them to go back to their compartments."
"You're welcome," Harry smiled calmly for a moment, his steely disposition returning a moment after, "Malfoy told me there was a girl here in bad shape. Where is she?" he asked.
"She's in here…" The prefect motioned toward the compartment behind her with her thumb. Harry went inside, Ginny following him in.
Ron and Malfoy stayed outside, the ginger staring daggers at the blond. Inside the compartment a girl who looked ten or eleven years old was lying on the floor, face-up and unconscious, bloody scratch marks covering her body, clothes torn in several places. Another sat in her seat, staring down at the girl with bulging, wide eyes the size of dinner plates. Harry bent down to have a better look at her.
"The clothes aren't telling us anything. She could be a muggle. We need to know how she got on this train," Harry said in a low voice.
"Who found her?" Ron asked the Prefect, suddenly avoiding Malfoy's eyes as the blond turned to look at him. By this time Hermione had arrived, a serious expression on her face.
"I-I-I-I found her..." the small girl said in a quiet, almost delicate voice.
Harry glanced back at Hermione and Ginny before his gaze returned to the unconscious student. "Hermione, Ginny, would you be able to check her? See if she has any other injuries?" he asked.
Hermione nodded. "Of course, Harry,"
Harry's eyes moved to the Prefect and the other student. "Let's give them some space," he said to the girls, both following Harry out of the compartment as Hermione and Ginny were left to tend to the unconscious student. Harry closed the door, wordlessly performing the obscuring charm to prevent people from looking into the compartment.
"Did she say anything?" Ron asked the youngest student. "Like who she is, how she managed to get here, or where her luggage is?"
"No sir, she didn't say anything. She arrived a few minutes after the train left King's Cross Station, and she fainted as soon as she came into the compartment. I called the Prefect when she came for patrol."
"So she said nothing at all. She just fainted?" Harry asked quickly.
"Y-yes…" the girl muttered.
Hermione and Ginny came out.
"Harry, we found this in her pocket," she said, showing Harry an envelope stamped with the seal of Hogwarts. "Her left arm has two fractures, and she may have suffered a concussion. Ginny healed her injuries as best she could and applied a bandage around her arm, but that's all we can do. I don't think we should try to use magic to wake her up. Best for her to wake up on her own, and let McGonagall know in the meantime," she explained.
Harry took the envelope from Hermione. His eyes widened. It was an acceptance letter.
"She's a first-year, and her name's Trecy Anderson," Harry said softly, before he turned to Ron, his stern, almost authoritative voice returning. "Ron, go send a message to Professor McGonagall. And use Ignis, it'll travel faster." Harry then turned to the Prefect. "What's your name?" he asked.
"Lisa McCrae, sir," she replied.
"Alright Miss McCrae, stay out here and make sure that none of the other students come back. Ginny, can you go and find the trolley witch and bring back some food for Trecy?"
"Of course," Ginny nodded, "I'll be as quick as I can!" she assured him, rushing off to find the trolley witch.
Harry turned back to Hermione. "We should keep an eye on Trecy, and see if she wakes up," he said.
"I'm in the next compartment, call me if you need anything," Malfoy said before he walked away."
Hermione nodded and followed Harry into the compartment. The first-year student meekly followed behind them too, stepping into the compartment.
Trecy stirred before suddenly springing to life, eyes going wide in surprise, shocked by the presence of the strangers in the compartment.
"Wh-wh-who are you…?" Trecy stammered, backing herself up against the wall of the compartment.
"Don't be scared," Harry said quickly. "My name's Harry, Harry Potter," he said.
Trecy's eyes flicked towards his scar, recognising it. Her eyes then met Harry's, and she found herself overwhelmed with emotion. When Harry moved to put an understanding hand on Trecy's shoulder, the young girl hugged him and cried over his shoulder. Harry's body jolted in surprise, but despite how uncomfortable he felt, he held her.
Ginny came in carrying the food tray, setting the tray down on the seat next to the small girl. "It's okay. You're safe now. Don't worry." she said, putting a hand over her shoulder.
When she calmed down after some time, Harry offered her a chocolate bar from the tray.
"What year are you in?" Hermione asked the other student who had come back in, now sitting in the corner.
"First-year, miss," she replied in a low voice
"What's your name?"
"Serena Hazel," she replied.
"I'm sure you're hungry. Why don't you join us?" Ginny offered.
"You did a great job, Serena." Harry complimented her before turning to the Prefect. "Lisa, help yourself as well, please."
"Thank you, sir," Lisa said, coming over and picking up another chocolate bar from the tray.
"I sent a letter to Hogwarts and also told Neville if Ignis returns, bring her here." Ron said as he came in "How is she?" He asked, nodding toward Trecy.
"She's looking much better now, all things considered, but we won't know for sure how she is until we get to Hogwarts and Madam Pomfrey has a look at them," Ginny explained.
Ron sat down opposite Trecy and asked her in an uncharacteristically gentle and kind voice, "Can you tell us who did this?"
Trecy stared at him for a few seconds then nodded, tears welling in her eyes.
"They… they attacked our house, took my father, and killed my mother and I lo-lo-lost my younger brother on the way too." She stammered, starting to cry again.
Ginny held her close.
"Who's your father?" Harry asked,
"You... you know him." She sobbed, "He is head of the Aurors Department."
Harry looked at the others. Ginny's mouth was shut tight, lips pressed thin as she continued to comfort Trecy. Hermione had started fidgeting with her sleeves, while Ron rubbed the back of his neck.
"Who could've taking them?" Ron cried out, the severity of the attack getting his nerves
"Have you seen these men before?" Harry asked, regaining some composure.
Trecy shook his head "They were wearing masks." She told them.
"Death Eaters," Harry said, doing his best not to lose his composure. He exhaled sharply, standing up suddenly.
Ron, ask Neville to meet me in the Prefects' Car with all the Prefects and D.A. members," Harry said standing up.
After checking on Teddy, Harry went to the Prefect's carriage. As soon as he entered, Neville was already upon him. "Harry! What's happening? Ron said there's an emergency?"
Harry told them everything that had happened so far. When he finished, a Slytherin Prefect spoke.
"What does that have to do with us? Why should we listen to you?" he asked.
"You should listen to what Harry says because I'm telling you to, and I'm Head Boy." Ernie Macmillan spoke up loudly, tapping on his Head Boy Badge. "That's an order."
Harry shook his head. "Ernie, I'm not ordering anyone," he said calmly before addressing the Slytherin Prefect. "I'm just asking, and if you don't want to help then that's fine. You're free to leave."
All the Slytherin students, except two fifth-year, walked out of the Prefects' Car.
"Do you really think there's going to be another Death Eater attack?" one of the Slytherin Prefects asked.
"I don't know, but I want to be on the alert just in case," Harry said.
"What do you want us to do?" Dean asked.
"Until we arrive at Hogsmeade Station, we should have one D.A. member or Prefect spread out to as many compartments across the train as we can. Then, when we arrive at Hogwarts Castle, we'll send the younger students to the castle first, and the older students later." Harry told them, and everybody agreed.
Ten minutes later, Harry went and got Teddy from his compartment, and took him to Trecy's compartment, Nickey following behind him quietly like a shadow. When they arrived, Harry told Hermione and Ginny everything that happened at the meeting.
"You go and join the others. I'll stay here." Harry told them at last.
"But-" Ginny was cut off by Harry, who gently placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Ginny, I'll be fine," he assured her.
Ginny sighed and nodded, moving in to kiss him on the cheeks before she left the compartment.
Ignis arrived soon after, Professor McGonagall's reply in tow.
Mr Potter
Please bring the girl directly to the Headmistress' Office.
Stay alert,
Professor McGonagall
Harry wrote a note to Kingsley, asking Ignis to deliver it to Kingsley only. Trecy had fallen asleep when Ginny came back after one hour Harry motioned her to stay quiet. Her head was resting on Harry's lap. Ginny gave hourly reports. When the train started to slow down Harry gently nudged her to wake her.
"Do you have any school robes with you?" He asked her but Trecy didn't say anything. She just shook her head.
Ginny came back, already changed.
"Take her to the Headmistress' office. I will meet you there. And Nickey, you will take Teddy to the castle directly," Harry said.
He went back to his compartment to get changed. When the train stopped at Hogsmeade Station he heard the familiar voice
"Firs' years! Firs' years!" Hagrid's voice called.
"Hagrid!" Harry beamed, waving his hand to greet him. He couldn't hide how happy he was to see him.
"Harry," Hagrid waved back to him, with a smile on his face.
Harry waited for everyone to leave and took the last carriage to Hogwarts. There were Aurors on the station as well as in town. Instead of going into the Great Hall they passed it and walked straight towards the stairs for the Headmistress' office. Professor McGonagall was waiting for them outside the office with Ginny. Trecy was still holding the hand of Ginny and standing as close as possible to her, still looking scared. Hermione and Ron were standing behind Ginny and Trecy. As soon as Harry arrived, they went to the Headmaster's office.
McGonagall went behind the desk and sat down in the Headmaster's chair.
Madam Pomfrey was already present inside the office. When McGonagall gave her a nod, she moved toward Trecy.
"Don't worry. She's not going to hurt you, she's going to treat you." Ginny assured Trecy when the young girl tried to back away from Madam Pomfrey.
"I am here to treat your injuries." Madam Pomfrey said kindly and started checking her when Trecy moved closer to her.
"Potter, what happened on the train?" McGonagall ordered while Madam Pomfrey did her job.
Harry told them what had happened and what they expected, she listened to him and posed some questions here and there. When Harry finished after twenty minutes, madam Pomfrey said
"They healed her a little bit but I suggested that she stay in the Hospital Wing until she recovers."
"Very well. Take her to the Hospital Wing. We'll sort her, later."
Trecy was not willing to go, but when Harry promised to visit her later that night she went.
"Harry! How are you?" Dumbledore asked merrily from his portrait after Trecy left.
"I'm fine, sir. How are you?" Harry replied,
"I'm as fine as could be in this portrait. You and your friends have done a very fine job." He complimented them.
"Thank you, Professor," Hermione replied, blushing slightly from the praise.
"I think till the time we reach the great hall, we will miss the dinner. I suggest we do dinner over here itself." McGonagall said as she waved her wand to summon sandwiches' and orange juice.
"Harry, I talked to the Board of Governors about your situation regarding Teddy," McGonagall began while they were eating.
"What did they say?" Harry asked hopefully, looking at her.
McGonagall pursed her lips together. "Well, they said," she shook her head, trying to find the words. "It... didn't turn out the way you expected, but-"
"So, Teddy can't stay with me?" Harry said, disappointedly.
"Teddy can't live with you here as long as you are here as a student," McGonagall said, putting the stress on the last few words.
Harry looked dumbly at her, still unable to process what she had said.
"Honestly, I thought you would be able to get the meaning" McGonagall exasperated.
"Sorry, but you clearly said I can't keep Teddy here if I am attending Hogwarts as a student."
"Yes, but if you are here in another capacity then you can keep him with you," McGonagall was annoyed now.
"Is that possible?"
"Of course it's possible. You will stay here as a guest of Hogwarts,"
"Thank you, Professor,"
"Since you are not a student you will have to follow certain rules. You are not allowed to enter the common room of any houses, you will not be a part of any student groups including the Quidditch team, you cannot have other students in your quarters after curfew. Am I clear?"
Harry nodded, trying not to smile too much.
"You do however have certain privileges like you don't have to stay at Hogwarts all the nights, the curfew will not be applicable on you as long as you do not misuse it. But I do hope that before leaving the castle you will inform someone in the staff,"
"I will," this time Harry wasn't able to stop smiling as broadly as possible.
Mr Filch will show you your quarter after the feast.
After finishing their dinner they walked towards the Great Hall for the start of the year speech by Professor McGonagall.
When they entered everyone was looking towards them Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny walked towards the Gryffindor house tables. The feast was almost over and they had missed the sorting.
"How is Trecy?" Serena asked as she ran to them.
"She's fine, but she'll be in the Hospital Wing for a few days," Hermione replied.
"Are you in Gryffindor House?" Ginny asked her.
"No, Hufflepuff," Serena shook her head.
"Go, get to your table," Harry urged as McGonagall reached her place at the head table.
"Welcome to Hogwarts, everyone. I am your new Headmistress Professor Minerva McGonagall. I would also like to introduce you to our new Professors joining us this year. Professor Augusta Vinklins for Muggle Studies, and Professor Robin Zen for Defence Against the Dark Arts." McGonagall began, bringing silence in the Great Hall.
"As always the forest is forbidden to enter without permission. And Mr Filch has asked me to tell you that the list of banned items can be found at his office," McGonagall paused to drink water and then continued
"Now you all would be wondering why some of us were not here for the feast. As many of you know by now, a girl was found in Hogwarts Express in very bad conditions but the presence of mind of the prefect has saved the girl,"
There was loud applause from the three house tables and a very low but enthusiastic from a few of the Slytherin. Draco Malfoy was part of that small group that was cheering. The Headmistress raised her hand to silence them.
"You have your classes tomorrow and it's already late so off you go." She said dismissing them.
"Let's go and meet Trecy before Filch shows you, your Quarter," Ginny said as the students were leaving the Hall.
The two couples took shortcut stairs that lead to the corridor of the hospital wing. When Harry knocked on the door of the hospital wing, Madam Pomfrey opened it
"She is still awake hoping to see you," Madam Pomfrey told him when she saw them standing outside the hospital wing.
"Can we see her?" Harry asked.
"Ofcourse, Potter," she said, stepping away to allow them to get inside.
Trecy was lying on the corner bed wearing one of the hospital gowns staring at the ceiling.
"How are you? Ginny asked Trecy as she sat at the corner of the bed while Harry stood near the pillow looking outside the window.
"I will be fine," Trecy replied, coming out of her reprieve.
"I had sent a message to Kingsley, sorry I mean Minister and seeing the Aurors at the station and Hogsmeade means that he has got the message but Ignis has not returned yet," Harry said, still looking out of the window, his voice was calm but serious.
"Thank you, Mr Potter, I know you will find my brother and dad," Trecy said in a hopeful voice.
"Can you tell me how you ended up on the train?" Harry asked her.
Trecy stared at Harry for a few seconds then started. Fat tears welled in her eyes but she held them back, keeping a strong face in front of Harry.
"One n-night some masked people attacked our home. Dad tried to fight them and mum tried to get away. Th-they killed her. I-I-I tried to run away with my younger brother but I-I lost him in the woods," Trecy started crying again, remembering that fateful night.
"How did you get on the train?" Hermione asked.
'Mu-mum had once told me how- how to get on the platf-f-form nine and three quarters," Trecy finally stuttered out.
"Who were they an-'' Hermione tried to push Trecy for more details but Harry cut her off when he saw her shaking. The poor girl's hands were trembling like pathetic leaves in the wind and Harry wanted to stop distressing her further.
"It's okay you are safe now, and we will find your dad and brother," Harry awkwardly put a hand on her shoulder.
"But Harry…"
"Hermione, let her rest. She is scared and she will tell you everything when she gets comfortable about that night." Harry nodded.
"He is right. Let her rest," Ginny said when Hermione opened her mouth in protest, effectively closing the discussion.
After a moment of thinking, Harry turned to Ginny.
"Send a letter to Mundungus with five Galleons and tell him to find Mr Anderson and his son" he abruptly stood up and started walking toward the exit of the hospital wing, when he was near the door.
"Where are you going?" Hermione asked him.
"To McGonagall, this problem is a lot more serious than it seems. When you are done, meet me near the Great Hall," Harry replied as he opened the door.
"What is the name of your brother?" Harry heard Hermione asking.
0-0-0-0-0-0-0
Harry knocked on the door of the Headmistress office sometime later. "Come in" came a muffled voice.
"Ah... Harry, welcome, how can I help you?" Professor McGonagall asked when he entered the office.
Harry told her everything that Trecy had told him.
"Indeed it is very serious" the Headmistress agreed.
"Professor, I think there may be an attack here at Hogwarts and the ministry." Harry put forward his opinion.
"Yes, Potter. You're right. I will speak to the professors for some more protection."
"Thank you," Harry said and left the office after receiving permission.
Harry met Ginny and others near the Great Hall where Filch was waiting for them.
"Finally we have decided to show up. Haven't we?" he sneered at them.
"I was with the Headmistress. If you have any problem then talk to her." Harry replied curtly.
"So where is Harry's quarter?" Ginny asked as Filch glared at Harry.
"Headmistress asked me to show the quarter to Potter, she didn't say anything about you brats," Filch snarled. He bared his rotting, yellow teeth defensively.
"She did say that we can visit him in his quarter as long as we don't break curfew," Ginny retorted while Hermione was holding Ron back to stop him from hitting Filch. Hitting a senior - let alone a Hogwarts employee - wouldn't do anyone any good.
"And I would suggest you watch your tongue," Harry added sternly.
"You are not a professor, Potter."
"Neither are you, so watch how you speak to the students."
"There are still twenty minutes left. So if you hurry we can get back to Gryffindor tower in time," Ginny said, cutting Filch before he could think to say something back.
"Follow me," the caretaker grumbled.
He showed them to Harry's quarter on the fifth floor across the portrait of three dancing witches. The quarter contained a hall and a bedroom with an attached bathroom. The entrance was guarded by an armour that required a password. They took a quick tour of the quarter and settled down on the couch Ginny snuggled with Harry. At that very moment, Ignis flew in and perched on the handle of the couch after dropping a letter on Harry's lap.
"It is from Kingsley," Harry said as he opened and read the letter.
"What does it say?" Hermione asked.
"He said that they had investigated Anderson's house but were unable to find Mrs Anderson's body. They are still searching for his son. He also said they had had doubts about missing Anderson but never expected an attack on his house." Harry told them.
"I think we cannot do anything for now. We should go to sleep, it's very late," Ginny said as she kissed Harry and walked towards the exit.
"Ron, meet tomorrow morning at half-past six near Hagrid's hut," Harry addressed Ron.
In return, Ron groaned but nodded his head. Harry walked to his bedroom where Teddy was sleeping in his crib and Nickey was sleeping in her basket near Harry's bed.
0-0-0-0-0-0-0
The next morning Harry was meditating behind Hagrid's hut when Ron walked in, yawning with very beady eyes.
"You are late," Harry pointed at his pocket watch.
"By only five minutes."
"Still, you are late."
"Tell me again, why are we doing this?"
"Because I still need the practice to control my power and you want to get stronger," Harry said.
"No, I mean why are we doing it at this time, why not in the evening or at night?"
"Because everyone is still sleeping, so the chances of someone coming across us are much less."
"Have you realised we are going to be practising in the open so all someone has to do is look out of the windows?" Ron was growing increasingly agitated with his friend.
"This is only where we meet, not practice. Come follow me."
With that Harry turned and started to walk in the forest's direction.
"Where are we going?" Ron asked shakily when he noticed the path Harry had taken. He remembered that it led to the Acromantulas' lair.
"There is a clearing ahead where we will be practising. Don't worry we are not going to Aragog's lair," Harry laughed trying to ease Ron who instantly looked relieved.
"Ok we are here," Harry said after five more minutes.
The clearing was big and far enough for them to practise duelling without anyone getting in their way and it was also not deep in the forest to get into any trouble for rule-breaking.
"This is a nice place,"
"Should we begin?"
"Wait, we haven't set any rules,"
"Well, the rules are simple. One no dangerous spell. Two, stay within the clearing and up to four trees beyond this clearing. That's all," Harry raised his fingers as he spoke.
"Ok, let's begin,"
Harry and Ron took their position a few feet apart and began their duel. Ron fired a stunner which Harry blocked easily using his shield charm and immediately sent his blasting curse towards Ron's feet. The duel started to get very fast-paced as Ron began to send his spells and jinxes at Harry to prevent him from concentrating on creating his shield. Harry, on the other hand, was rolling and jumping to dodge Ron's but he wasn't able to get a clear shot at his opponent. They continued this for fifteen to twenty minutes when they heard the noise of a twig breaking.
"Who's there?" Harry shouted, pointing his wand in the direction from where the sound came. He was immediately alert, ears and eyes open for potential predators.
"Relax Potter, Weasley," Professor Zen said in his low throaty voice. It was laced with a heavy American accent.
"Profe-"
"It's ok, I am not here to punish you, at least after the demonstration you two just gave," Zen cut off Ron before he could give an explanation
"Oh, right," Ron sighed.
"If you want I can help you," Zen offered.
"Help us?" Harry looked at Ron and knew immediately that he hadn't understood the professor's meaning either.
"Yep, I can teach you so many things that it would be almost impossible to beat you,"
"Well, Harry is unbeatable already," Ron shot back.
"I'm not," Harry interrupted Ron.
"You think so, Mr Weasley?
"He has defeated You-Know-Who," Ron argued back.
"Hmm, You wouldn't mind a friendly duel then, would you? Mr Weasley," Zen said, looking at Harry and turning to look at Ron suddenly catching him off guard.
"I… I…" Ron paled considering the prospect of duelling a professor.
"I will do it," Harry said, saving Ron from the reply.
"Very well. Shall we begin then?"
Harry and Zen walked away to put some distance between them as Ron stepped aside to stay out of harm's way.
"Ready whenever you are, Mr. Potter,"
After bowing to each other Harry threw a nonverbal stunner towards the professor. However, Zen neither raised his shield nor moved aside to dodge the spell. The spell was a few inches away when it got deflected suddenly, surprising both Harry and Ron. Harry sent another curse and it too deflected like the previous one.
After a few minutes of Harry sending various curses and hexes, Zen called for a halt.
"You see, Mr. Weasley, power is not everything. None of the spells touched me at all,"
"How do you do that?" Ron said in awe while Harry drank water and caught his breath.
"That's what I had been proposing Mr. Weasley before, but you rudely rejected my offer even before hearing it,"
"Sorry for his behaviour, professor,' Harry said, trying to do some damage control.
"It's ok I can understand that you don't trust strangers Mr. Potter but remember, trusting and hearing them out are two different things. I suggest you always hear them before you decide anything."
"We'll keep that in mind Professor."
"Well it's too late to start anything new but we can discuss a few things,"
"Okay,"
"I have been told that you can resist the Imperius curse, is that true?"
When Harry nodded, Zen continued
"Have you heard about Occlumency?"
"Yeah, professor Snape tried to teach me in my fifth year, but I didn't master it until last Easter,"
"Ok, we can work on that. Do you know about magical traces?"
"You can't trace magic?" Ron butted in
"Yes it can be traced, Dumbledore told me," Harry said,
"Did he teach you how to do that?" Zen asked. To which Harry just shook his head.
"Ok, I can teach you that, I will also teach you how to do magic with minimum trace,"
"You will?" Harry asked excitedly.
"Yes, I will teach you some ward spells and duel techniques, and if you want I will teach to you as well Mr. Weasley,"
"Yeah, I want to learn," Ron replied too eagerly
"Ok, tomorrow morning at the same time. Bring your brooms and meet me at the Quidditch pitch. For now, we should return to Castle,"
"How did you deflect those spells?" Harry asked as they started walking back to the castle.
"I will show you tomorrow its pretty simple actually, but it needs lots of concentration in the beginning." Zen replied "I will also give you a list of books on advanced Defence Against Dark Arts, Charms and Transfiguration,"
Hearing this Ron groaned.
"I also suggest you develop spells of your own, it gives you the advantage over your opponent,"
"How do you develop the spells?" Harry asked
"Don't worry the list I am going to give you contains a book on how to develop your own spells and hexes,"
They continued to talk for the rest of their way when they reached the edge of the forest, Professor bid farewell and increased his pace as he walked towards the castle, leaving Ron and Harry alone.
"That was nice of him," Harry commented.
"You think it will help us?"
"Did you see him during the duel? He only moved once, when I used the blasting spell on the ground. None of my spells touched him and he didn't even raise a shield to block any of them,"
"Yeah that was impressive," Ron agreed.
"Let's go, Teddy will be awake by now," Harry said, looking at his watch.
0-0-0-0-0-0-0
At breakfast, Professor Zen distributed the class schedule.
"What have we got together?" Harry asked Ginny as he got his schedule from the professor.
"We have everything in common except care for magical creature instead of it I have arithmancy." She replied.
"What about you Ron, Hermione? " Harry asked again.
"I am with you except for care for magical creatures," Ron said
"Same as Ginny in addition to runes," Hermione said as they got up to go to the class.
"Hagrid would be happy to have me back in his class," Harry said as he put the schedule in his bag
They walked to the transfiguration class.
"Good morning everyone," McGonagall said in her usual stern voice.
"This year we are going to learn about human transfiguration. This section of transfiguration is very complex and advanced so you will require very much concentration to succeed." Harry was surprised when he was successful on his third attempt to change the colour of his eyes. He had managed to get them from his usual emerald green to a startling shade of ice blue.
Hermione was the only one other than Harry who was successful in her first attempt. Her face held a proud smile as she showed off her yellow cat eyes.
"Ten points to Gryffindor, Miss Granger," McGonagall said.
When the class was over Harry and Ron had a free period while Ginny and Hermione had arithmancy. They kissed their respective girlfriends before parting.
Ron and Harry walked to Harry's quarter and started their homework. They worked for half an hour before lunch and then played with Teddy for the next thirty minutes. Harry was able to finish his homework while Ron was almost done. They took Teddy with them to Great Hall for lunch with Nickey following them in back.
"Hermione will be shocked to know that we completed our homework already and without her help," Harry joked,
"Don't tell Hermione but this year I'm actually enjoying my studies!"
They met the girls in the Great Hall.
"Do any of you know when Quidditch tryouts are?" Ginny asked them.
"Saturday morning," Ron replied. "Ritchie Coote is captain this year and he put it up on the notice board this morning."
After lunch, they had potions so they walked to the dungeon.
"Harry m' boy, how are you?" Slughorn said joyfully.
"Fine sir," Harry said.
"Settle down, settle down," Slughorn said to the class.
"Harry, I am having a party on Saturday night and I would like you to come now that you can't excuse yourself using quidditch practice," Slughorn chuckled as he whispered his invitation to Harry.
"Err... sorry professor but I have some other commitments on that night," Harry said. He'd do anything to get out of the man's party.
"We can arrange it for later," Slughorn whispered back. He was as insistent on Harry coming to his party as Harry was not to come. There was no way to win!
"No sir it cannot be," Harry said trying to sound polite.
"May I know what commitment is this?" Slughorn asked. He looked a little offended.
"Sorry sir, but I have sworn secrecy," Harry said.
"Very well," Slughorn said dejectedly and turned towards the class.
"Alright everyone today we will be making Veritaserum, please open page thirty-nine," he declared.
Harry paired up with Ginny, at the end of the class Harry's potion was on light blue colour instead of being colourless and smelled like a dead rat. Ginny's potion was colourless, but it also had some kind of unpleasant smell.
"You're good at potions," Harry complimented Ginny.
"I'm OK at it but not best, but I am very good at Charms," Ginny said with a shrug.
After potions Harry had Care for Magical Creature, and as he had predicted Hagrid was happy to have him back in his class.
0-0-0-0-0-0-0
The next day both Ron and Harry were standing near one of the goalposts when Professor Zen came, carrying a broomstick with himself.
"You are on time, good. Let's begin with some physical exercises." Zen started without wasting any time.
"Good morning to you too Professor," Ron said.
"There is no need to be sarcastic, Mr Weasley. What I am trying to teach you needs lots of practice, and one and half hours per day is not enough for that, and don't forget you will need to practice those things as well. So forgive me if I forget the need to greet you,"
"Whatever you want, professor." Harry shot an annoyed look at Ron which screamed for him to shut up.
"Well then, for starters we'll be jogging around the pitch. We will start with three rounds this week then we will increase the number of rounds gradually. After that, we will spend fifteen minutes practising Occlumency and fifteen minutes on Legilimency. Then the next half hour on duelling technique and then remaining time on other things like tracing magic, defensive wards and other types of magic."
"Why is running around the Quidditch pitch needed?" Ron asked with a scowl.
"It will build up your stamina and will keep you physically fit. Now start jogging, don't go too fast, keep your pace steady and don't put your broom down, carry it with you," Zen said curtly and started running.
"You need to stop annoying him, you know," Harry muttered to Ron before following Zen. Ron rolled his eyes and scoffed, but decided to follow Harry's advice.
Once they finished their jogging exercise - which seemed to take hours, resulting in both boys being terribly out of breath - Zen waved for them to come over.
"Let's go to that clearing in the forest," Zen said as he climbed onto his broom and took off, leaving Harry and Ron to follow him. Ron glared daggers into his back.
"Ok let's start with occlumency and legilimency," Zen began as they landed in the clearing.
"I'll go first," Harry said.
"Occlumency requires you to clear your mind of all the emotion, but for most, it's impossible to do such a thing," Zen explained.
"So, how do we master it if we can't clear our mind?" Ron challenged.
"It's a very easy and simple trick. Focus on the present and what you are doing," Zen said.
"I don't understand," Ron frowned, confused by the professor's statement.
"I do," Harry said, nodding.
"Tell me,"
"I was able to practice it successfully when I was digging Dobby's grave. I was too focused on that, that I was able to resist Voldemort," Harry said.
"Exactly, if you are focusing on the present you can resist anyone trying to invade your mind. Shall we begin?" Professor Zen jumped in.
Harry nodded.
"We'll practice both Legilimency and Occlumency together so that you both can take turns against each other. For the first couple of days, I will use Legilimency on you both so that you know how to do it properly,"
When Harry nodded for the second time, Professor Zen pulled up his sleeves and muttered, "Legilimens,"
The forest swam in front of his eyes and vanished, image after the image was racing through his mind like a flickering film so vivid it blinded him to his surroundings and the memories from his childhood began to come back.
This time Harry was ready and he pushed back and tried to focus on the present. The images started to fade away and the forest came back.
"That was excellent, totally impressive for the first try. Once you master Occlumency you will be able to tell if someone is trying to invade your mind. It'll also make you immune to Veritaserum," Zen said, with a big smile on his face.
After that Zen tried Legilimency on Ron and had him under his spell for some time since Ron couldn't repel him. When the spell was lifted he fell on his backside
"You need to focus and concentrate very hard, Mr. Weasley. Focus on where you are and what you are doing, and you will be able to stop me," Zen calmly explained as he pushed Ron back into the lying position when he tried to get up.
"You want to try once again?" Harry asked
"No, that's enough for today. Let's move to duel techniques."
"Don't you think you are trying to teach too many things in one day," Ron asked, still lying on the ground.
"I know but don't worry. I will conduct the training on Occlumency and Legilimency for the next few days and once you start to get the hang of it, you and Mr Potter can practice on your own. As for duelling lessons I will give you tips and guidance as I see necessary."
"What about the wards you mentioned?' Harry asked.
"Yeah, and that magic trace too,' Ron added, as he sat up.
"Those are complicated magic and it will take time to learn and master. I will teach them to you in due course," Zen said.
"Ok, you saw us duel yesterday. What have you got to say?" Harry asked, curious to improve and control his power.
"About that, I have to say. You have got some serious power with you Mr. Potter and Mr. Weasley, your reflexes are good, but both of you waste too much energy and time trying to dodge the spells. You look like monkeys jumping from one tree to another," Zen replied bluntly.
Harry and Ron grinned at each other imagining two monkeys holding wands and jumping from one place to another.
"But I can teach you a trick," Professor said, bringing them to the real world.
"Like you did yesterday," Harry asked.
"Yes. Let's practice without wands first."
When both of them had put their wand in pocket Professor Zen began again,
"Do you know the symbol of Infinity,"
"No," Ron said,
"I do. I was taught in muggle school," Harry nodded in agreement with Professor Zen, he added the later part when Ron looked at him in amazement hearing that Harry knows something that he didn't.
"Ok this is how it looks, like this," Zen said, as he picked a stick and drew the symbol on the ground.
"It looks like an eight," Ron frowned confusion,
"You can say that as well, but it's horizontal,'
"Ok so what do we have to do with that," Ron said, with a sigh as if he still doesn't understand the thing but stopping the discussion for the sake of progress.
"Move or twist your wrist as if you're making the infinity symbol, but keep your hand steady,"
After a few moments, Zen asked them to do it with their wand,
"Now, concentrate and focus on thinking that an invisible sphere of magic has surrounded you,"
After a few tries and concentrating very hard Harry was able to feel the magic around him
"I can feel it," he shouted.
"Good, now keep it up, while I will send hexes and jinxes towards you," Zen said and started to circle him.
He shot some minor jinxes towards Harry, all of them got deflected just before they were about to touch Harry except for one stinging hex which passed touching Harry's shoulder.
"Keep concentrating,"
"It's going to be hard duelling anyone with this," Harry commented as he rubbed his shoulder.
"No it won't, you need to concentrate until it gets into your behaviour to constantly move your wrist, also your wand will learn it and after that, it would be easier for you to do multiple things," Professor replied
It took a few more tries and Ron could do it as well.
"Keep practising we'll meet the day after tomorrow," Zen said after they finished that day's training,
"What about tomorrow?" Harry asked,
"Just repeat what we did today except for Occlumency. You are not ready right now to try Legilimency by yourself,"
0-0-0-0-0-0-0
Tuesday evening Trecy was discharged from the hospital wing. Harry took her to McGonagall's office for sorting. She put the sorting hat on Trecy's head, as soon as the hat touched Trecy's head
"Gryffindor," it shouted. The hall erupted in a loud applause as the Gryffindor table shouted her over, clapping her proudly on the back as the students introduced themselves. Harry couldn't say he was surprised.
Harry took Trecy to the Gryffindor Tower entrance where Ginny and Hermione took her to show her dormitory and introduced her to first-year girls who would be sharing the dormitory with her. Harry had got permission to take Trecy to Diagon Ally on Saturday to get her school supplies as well as her first wand. Though Harry knew Ollivander would be able to send the best possible wand without them having to go to Diagon Alley, he felt that she should get her wand properly. He wanted her to experience the same joy and wonder that he had.
On Saturday morning, Harry, Ginny and Ron were sitting at the house table eating their breakfast when Hermione and Trecy came.
"Are you ready for the tryouts?" Hermione asked, sitting next to Ron after kissing him.
"Yes, we are," Ron replied, sounding much more confident than the last time when he had gone green with nausea. "I'm definitely getting in," he said cockily.
"Are you also trying out?" Ginny asked Trecy.
"I want to but I don't have a broom with me." She replied.
"Don't worry I will lend you my broom," Ron said
"And if you make it to the team I will buy you a new broom," Harry promised her.
"Thank you," Trecy said, coldly. Harry shut up quickly, understanding that she clearly didn't want to speak with him.
A little later they started walking towards the Quidditch pitch. There was a large number of students gathered with their brooms. Harry had a feeling that this tryout would be similar to his sixth year. Ritchie Coote was looking very worn out trying to control them.
"If you are not in Gryffindor, leave the pitch and come back during your specific house's tryouts," Harry yelled.
Many of the first and second years left with disappointed faces after hearing Harry. Ritchie smiled at him gratefully nodding his thanks. Harry returned his nod in the same manner. A murmur rose in the air and Harry knew they were silently cursing him under their breath.
"Alright, stand in a line according to your year," Ritchie shouted.
"All first to third years will fly five laps of the Quidditch pitch on your brooms," he ordered. Several students couldn't take off, some others fell off and many others somehow managed to stay on their brooms. It was a rather pathetic sight, and Ron chortled next to him. This way half the students were weeded out. Romilda Vane and her group of giggling girls stood near the stands smiling and eyeing Harry slyly. When asked to fly, none of them came forward which angered Ginny.
"If you are here to get Harry's attention then back off, he's mine," she shouted.
Nobody moved even after her announcement and she angrily shouted once more, "If you don't move I will hex you!"
This made everyone back away. The girls gave her agitated and angry looks but didn't dare to argue. Ritchie was grateful to both Harry and Ginny. When Ritchie announced the trial of both keeper and chaser at the same time Ron began biting his lips; he had promised his broom to Trecy. Harry noticed Ron's problem and was about to offer his broom when Ginny stopped him and offered hers. Ginny and Ron made it into the team as predicted. Only a second year, Michael David had tried out as seeker so he was given the position although he was nothing in comparison to Harry. Trecy was very good but was not able to make it into the team and was selected as a reserve player.
An hour later Harry and Trecy side-along apparated to Diagon Alley. They first went to Ollivander's shop to buy her a new wand. As they walked in, Trecy looked around with heart-warming wonder while she examined the neatly stacked wand boxes."Mr Potter! Welcome! How can I help you?" Ollivander said as they entered the shop.
"We are here to get a new wand for Trecy," Harry said.
"Oh, yes. Yes of course, Mr Potter," Ollivander said as he started measuring Trecy.
Trecy tested few wands before the unicorn tail hair wand chose her. When she'd swung her arm the wand exploded in a bright light and the content's of Ollivander's desk had been thrown around the room. Ollivander clapped his hands proudly, and with one swift motion of his wand the room was clean once more. Harry and Trecy left the shop with her new wand stored safely away. The next hour was spent in and out of shops buying school stuff for her. Harry decided to buy her broom last as it would be convenient to carry it that way.
"What pet would you like to have?" Harry asked Trecy.
"I don't want any," Trecy said.
"Why?" Harry asked curiously.
"Maybe sometime later. I don't want a broom either, you have already wasted too much money on me," she said, though she sounded distant. It was like a cloudy mass had settled over her mind and her eyes looked glazed over. Like she wasn't even there.
Harry was taken aback when he heard her. Her stillness disturbed him, so he loudly cleared his throat.
"I'm not wasting money Trecy, take these as a present from me."
Before Trecy could have replied a masked man stood in front of them pointing his wand towards them. He was clad in a coat the color of death and through the slits of his mask Harry could see his cold eyes. The mask was different from the Death Eaters. Harry pushed Trecy back and pulled his wand too.
"I am not here to fight against you Mr Potter but to help you," the man said.
"He is the man who met my father last time before the attack," Trecy whispered to Harry.
"Who are you?" Harry asked the man.
"I will tell you but not here, if you have somewhere which is safe take me there." The man said.
"Why should I trust you?" Harry asked still not lowering his wand.
"Here, take this" the man forwarded his wand and held it out to Harry.
Harry took the wand and nodded him to walk ahead and led him to Weasley Wizards Wheeze.
"Harry! How come you are here and not at Hogwarts is everything alright?" George asked worriedly.
"Everything is fine George. Trecy this George, Ginny and Ron's brother. George this Trecy." Harry introduced them.
"Hello, sir," Trecy said in her usual small voice.
"Hello," George greeted her back enthusiastically.
"George can I use the stockroom for a while?" Harry asked.
"Yeah sure," George said leading him back.
When George left the man removed his mask.
"I am Mark Wright. I was the last person to see John Anderson before he was attacked. I was his informer. I had gone there to tell him the 'whereabouts' of the death eaters that had attacked the ministry." Mark said.
"So you know where the death eaters have taken my dad?" Trecy asked.
"Well, sort of," Mark replied.
"What do you mean by sort of?" Harry asked.
"You see, last time I met John I told him about the location of death eaters and when I heard about the attack on John I went to the hideout of the death eaters. When I went to their hideout they had left that place," Mark told him. Harry nodded solemnly in thought.
"Why don't you go to Ministry?" Harry asked.
"If I go there, my cover will blow away," Mark replied.
Harry asked again. "Why only me and not someone else?"
"Death eaters have killed my brother and parents in the first war, and if anyone can stop them, it's you. I want to help you." Mark replied.
Mark gave the location of the previous hideout of death eaters as well as some names of ministry employees who were supporters or related to death eaters. A half-hour later Harry walked out of the shop.
"Is my dad alright?" Trecy asked with a hopeful look. Harry sighed heavily. Hearing his dejected reaction, Trecy's expectations crumbled down - as did her expression. He opened his mouth, and poor Trecy expected the worst.
"Honestly speaking Trecy, I don't know."
-O-O-O-O-O-O-
After dinner, Harry went to the Room of Requirement for the meeting of D.A. When all the members arrived Harry and Hermione moved to the front.
"Hello and welcome everyone to the last meeting of Dumbledore's Army," Harry announced, casting a spell over his voice to make himself better heard.
"Last meeting? Are you disbanding it?" someone shouted. Chatter filled the room as concerned students looked at each other in worry.
"Yes, first we created this group to learn how to defend ourselves. Then Neville, Luna and Ginny restarted D.A. to defend Hogwarts. Now that its purpose is served there is no need to continue it," Hermione said.
"But this doesn't mean it can't be restarted again should the need arise again," Harry added.
There was some mumbling among the members before Harry brought their attention back.
"I want to say that of all the things, I'm most proud of what the D.A. has accomplished and I'm honoured that I was able to be a part of this group," said Harry. He stepped into the group.
The members started talking to each other and mingled for one last time as a part of D.A. It was a bittersweet meeting, and some of the younger members had red-rimmed eyes and trembling voices.
Later on, when Harry was sitting with Ron, Hermione and Ginny in his quarter, he told them about Mark and his information,
"What are you going to do now?" Ron asked when Harry finished
"I don't know I have sent a letter to Kingsley, for now, I cannot do anything," Harry said.
Later that night, Harry and Ginny sat by the fire of the hall of his quarter, snuggling cosily on the sofa, talking about the day's events. Harry told her how Tracy had said that he was wasting his money on her.
"She's just feeling guilty and alone, Harry. She lost her entire family and feels you are helping her out of sympathy. Don't take it to heart," Ginny replied.
"Yeah, I suppose you're right. Let's call it a night then."
They turned off the lights, yet Harry found that he could not sleep. Until midnight he was plagued by thoughts as Trecy kept coming to his mind again. His heart went out for her and he wished that he could help.
If only she let him.
Link to the next chapter
Harry Potter Chapter - 9