Author's Note:
DISCLAIMER: I do not own the characters or world. All credit to JK Rowling.
Posting Schedule: Daily
Hi guys, I hope that you're continuing to enjoy the story so , but this chapter is slightly shorter, but it's quite hard to write a new 4000 word chapter every 24 hours! Some reviews would be greatly appreciated, and spur me on to write more!
Next Chapter: 05/08/23
Enjoy!
GrumpyBoyBen
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Chapter 4 – Hermione, Meetings and Quidditch
The morning sun cast a warm golden glow over Hermione's quiet suburban neighbourhood as she stood outside her family's charming home, ready to embark on her journey to Grimmauld Place. Her suitcase, impeccably organized as always, was neatly packed by the door, and she had meticulously checked and rechecked that she had all the necessary items for her stay with the Weasleys. Hermione was known for her thoroughness and preparedness, and this occasion was no exception.
Inside the cosy living room, Hermione's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Granger, stood with her, trying to hide their concern and pride. They didn't really know too much about what was going on in the Wizarding World, mainly because Hermione didn't want to tell them in case they didn't let her go back. But they understood that there was a sense of unrest in her world, and while they were undoubtedly worried for her safety, they also understood her courage and determination to stand up for what was right.
"We'll be fine, dear. Just remember to stay safe," her mother said, giving Hermione a tight hug, her eyes glistening with unspoken emotion.
"I will, Mum," Hermione replied, her voice equally filled with love and determination. She then turned to her father, who gave her a reassuring smile, before embracing her in a warm hug as well.
"We're proud of you, Hermione. You're doing something incredible," he said, his voice tinged with pride.
Hermione felt a lump in her throat as she bid her parents goodbye, trying to keep her emotions in check. She was really looking forward to seeing Ron, Harry and her friends, but the downside was the absence from her family, which always pained her.
Stepping outside, she was met with a gentle breeze that carried the scent of fresh grass and flowers. The chirping of birds added to the sense of serenity that enveloped her neighbourhood. Just then, Remus Lupin's familiar face pulled up in front of her house. Remus, always thoughtful and considerate, had offered to pick her up for the journey to Grimmauld Place.
"Morning, Hermione," Remus greeted warmly as she approached the car. "Ready to go?"
Hermione smiled, her excitement and nerves intertwining. "Yes, I'm all set. Thank you for coming to get me."
The journey to Grimmauld Place was relatively short, but Hermione took the opportunity to catch up with Remus. They discussed their recent experiences, shared some laughter, and Hermione couldn't help but feel grateful for his company. Remus was someone she deeply respected and admired, and his presence always put her at ease, even in the midst of uncertain times.
As they arrived at Grimmauld Place, Hermione couldn't help but feel a mix of awe and trepidation. The old townhouse, with its faded black exterior, seemed to hold many secrets within its walls. The house had a certain haunting quality, evoking a sense of history and mystery that sent a shiver down her spine.
Stepping through the front door, Hermione was immediately greeted by the vibrant and bustling atmosphere of the Weasley family. The familiar warmth and camaraderie of the household washed over her, momentarily easing her nerves. Ginny rushed forward, enveloping Hermione in a tight hug.
"Hermione, it's so good to see you!" Ginny exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
Hermione smiled, feeling the tension in her shoulders ease. "It's great to see you too, Ginny. How have you been?"
Ginny chatted animatedly, filling Hermione in on everything that had happened since they last saw each other. The conversation flowed effortlessly, and Hermione couldn't help but feel a sense of belonging with her friend.
Then, her eyes caught Ron's, and a rush of warmth flooded her cheeks. Ron's gaze was filled with a mix of admiration and fondness, mirroring her own feelings. They had danced around their feelings for each other for the best part of a year, and the awkwardness between them was palpable.
"Hey, Hermione," Ron said, his voice slightly hesitant.
"Hi, Ron," Hermione replied, trying to sound nonchalant but failing to hide the slight quiver in her voice.
Ginny, unable to resist teasing her brother, smirked in the background, amused by their sweet yet awkward interaction. She wished that the two of them would just do something about it.
"Alright, you two. Let's save the reunion for later. I'm starving!" Fred chimed in, breaking the moment, and leading the way to the kitchen for Mrs Weasley's home-cooked breakfast.
The scene that followed was filled with laughter, jokes, and the joyous chaos that always accompanied the Weasley family gatherings. Hermione couldn't help but feel at home among them, as if she was part of the family herself.
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Later that day, as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm golden glow over Privet Drive, Harry found himself engaged in an unexpected yet fulfilling conversation with Dudley. They sat on the small patch of grass in the backyard, away from prying eyes and judgmental glances, Harry eagerly explaining the intricacies of Quidditch to his intrigued cousin.
"So let me get this straight. You fly around on wooden broomsticks?" A bewildered Dudley asked.
"Uh...yeah...I know it sounds weird." Harry replied and continued, "There are seven players on each team," Harry began, a sparkle of enthusiasm in his eyes. "Three Chasers try to score goals with the quaffle by throwing it through the opposing team's hoops. Like in football, each team also has a keeper, who guards the hoops, trying to save the quaffle going through any of the hoops. And then there are two Beaters, who use these heavy bats to hit bludgers at the players."
Dudley's eyes widened with interest as he listened to Harry's animated explanation. It was like hearing the description of an epic battle from one of his action-packed movies.
"Harry, you said there were seven players, but you've only said six."
"Just saving the best till last. The final position is called the Seeker. A seeker's job is to try to catch the golden snitch, which is a tiny, golden ball that moves rapidly around the pitch, and is really difficult to see."
"Tell me about the scoring system like?" Dudley exclaimed, completely engrossed in the description. He was a bit of a sports enthusiast, as Harry was beginning to realise.
"Sure thing, Dudley," Harry said, eager to share more details about the sport he loved. "The scoring in Quidditch is pretty straightforward. As I mentioned earlier, the three Chasers on each team try to score goals with the Quaffle. Each goal is worth ten points, and they throw the quaffle through one of the opposing team's three hoops."
"Ten points per goal? That's not bad," Dudley remarked, nodding along.
"Exactly," Harry confirmed. "The Chasers need to be quick and agile to dodge bludgers and the other team's players while trying to score. And speaking of bludgers, they can be a real nuisance on the pitch."
"How do bludgers fit into the scoring then?" Dudley asked, now even more intrigued.
"Bludgers don't directly earn points, but they can disrupt the game and affect the scoring," Harry explained. "The two Beaters on each team use their bats to hit bludgers away from their teammates and toward the opposing team. The Bludgers try to knock players off their brooms, which makes it more difficult for the Chasers to score. So, the Beaters play a crucial role in protecting their team and making sure the Chasers have a clear shot at the goals."
"Got it," Dudley said, taking in the information.
"But here's the real game-changer," Harry continued, excitement evident in his voice. "The Seeker's goal is to catch the Golden Snitch, and doing so earns their team a whopping one-hundred-and-fifty points! Catching the Snitch practically guarantees a win for the team, as it's such a significant point boost."
"A hundred and fifty points? That's insane! Actually, that's a bit stupid don't you think? Kinda makes everyone else a bit insignificant…" Dudley exclaimed, trying to wrap his head around the game's dynamics.
"I kinda agree, but lucky for me – I'm a seeker," Harry agreed, laughing at Dudley's enthusiasm. "The Snitch is a small, golden ball with wings that flies around the pitch at incredibly high speeds. It's tough to spot and even harder to catch. Plus, the game ends when it's caught."
"Do you play for the school team?" Dudley asked.
"Yeah, I'm the Seeker for the Gryffindor team. There aren't exactly other schools we can regularly play against so it's just a house competition." Harry replied, pride swelling in his chest. "It's nerve-wracking but exciting. Quidditch is a huge deal at Hogwarts, and there's a lot of house rivalry. Everyone goes wild during the matches."
Dudley's curiosity grew as Harry recounted his Quidditch experiences, from the thrill of soaring high above the pitch to the camaraderie with his teammates. He found himself captivated by the idea of this magical sport, eager to learn more.
"There are professional Quidditch teams too, you know," Harry continued, delighted to see Dudley's genuine interest. "I even got to watch the Quidditch World Cup final. It was amazing! The whole stadium was packed with fans, and the game was so fast-paced and intense." Harry decided to leave out the part where a bunch of dark wizards with weird masks on tried to kill everyone afterwards.
Nevertheless, Dudley's eyes shone with excitement as he absorbed every detail of Harry's story. He had never imagined that the magical world held such a captivating sport, and he found himself wanting to know more about this fascinating game.
Just as Harry was about to dive into more Quidditch lore, the sound of Petunia's sharp voice cut through the air. "Harry! Dudley! Dinner's ready, come inside this instant!"
Harry and Dudley exchanged a knowing glance, both disappointed to have their conversation cut short. However, Dudley's newfound interest in Quidditch was not something either of them wanted to let go of.
"We'll continue this later, yeah?" Harry said, a hopeful smile on his face.
Dudley nodded eagerly, his excitement evident. As they made their way inside, Harry felt a warm sense of connection with Dudley. Sharing his love for Quidditch had opened up a new avenue of understanding between them, and Harry was grateful for the opportunity to bond with his cousin over something so unexpected yet delightful. They settled at the dinner table, and Harry couldn't help but feel that this summer at Privet Drive was turning out to be different from all the others. Maybe, just maybe, there was a chance to bridge the gap between their worlds and find common ground in the most unexpected places.
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The atmosphere inside the dimly lit dining room at Grimmauld Place was tense as the members of the Order of the Phoenix gathered for their meeting. Dumbledore, sitting at the head of the long wooden table, turned to Kingsley Shacklebolt, who had recently returned from an assignment.
"Kingsley, what news do you have for us?" Dumbledore inquired, his eyes serious and attentive.
Kingsley cleared his throat, the weight of his words evident in his voice. "There have been increasing numbers of attacks on muggle-born households across the country. Not just messy, random killings, but...um…methodical, well-coordinated assaults on these families."
Kingsley looked across the group, and back to Dumbledore, "The evidence suggests it is the work of Death Eaters; not that anyone in the Ministry is allowed to even speak those words at the moment."
A sombre silence settled over the room as the gravity of the situation sank in. Sirius, his expression dark, leaned forward, his voice tinged with frustration. "This is how it all started last time. We can't let it escalate again."
Molly whispered something in the ear of Remus Lupin, too nervous to speak her own mind, and Remus nodded. "Perhaps we should assign someone to keep an eye on the Granger household. Hermione is muggle-born, and it wouldn't hurt to be cautious."
Dumbledore nodded in approval. "Agreed. We must take all necessary precautions to protect the muggle-born families."
Interrupting the heavy silence, Dumbledore's gaze shifted to Mad-Eye Moody, the grizzled Auror who was known for his vigilance and courage. "Alistair, I think it's time for us to plan to collect Harry Potter from Privet Drive. I feel that that time is right for him to come here before school."
Mad-Eye nodded, his magical eye spinning as he considered the logistics. "Flying would be the safest option. Privet Drive isn't connected to the Floo network, and apparating in and out will be risky."
"Exactly," Dumbledore agreed. "I will leave the details of the operation to you, Alistair."
The room turned to Snape, the Potions Master and former Death Eater, who sat with his arms crossed, looking sullen. Dumbledore's voice remained steady as he addressed him, "Severus, any word on the Dark Lord's movements?"
Snape's dark eyes flickered with a hint of annoyance as he responded, "He's been lying low, expanding his forces discreetly."
Eyes across the table were pinned to Snape, they all trusted Dumbledore's judgement on the man, but that didn't mean that everybody liked him.
Snape added on an additional piece of information, "But…I believe he may be after the prophecy."
A few members exchanged puzzled glances, not aware of the significance of the prophecy Snape referred to. Dumbledore, with a stern expression, turned to address the room.
"The prophecy that Severus speaks of, is of great importance to the war. However, it's better that only a select few know its contents. We must keep it well-guarded."
The rest of the order nodded in agreement and acknowledgement of the old man's words.
Dumbledore continued, "Arthur, Kingsley, I suggest you start thinking about measures to ensure the safety of the prophecy. We can't afford to let it fall into the wrong hands."
The room fell into contemplative silence as the members of the Order absorbed the gravity of their responsibilities. Each knew that the war was intensifying, and they needed to be prepared for whatever challenges lay ahead. Dumbledore's eyes swept over the group, filled with a mixture of determination and concern.
"Let us remain vigilant," he said firmly. "We must act together and protect each other. The Order's unity will be our greatest strength in the dark times that lie ahead."
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The door to number 4, Privet Drive swung open as Harry and Dudley returned from their evening run. Their faces flushed and their bodies slightly sweaty, but both feeling invigorated by the exercise. It was a routine they had developed over the past few weeks, and it not only improved their fitness but also strengthened the bond between them.
Dudley, still catching his breath, offered Harry the first turn for the shower. "You can go first, Harry. I don't mind waiting a bit."
"Thanks, Dudley," Harry replied with a smile. "Actually, you go ahead. I want to do a few minutes of wand practice before I shower."
With that, Dudley disappeared into the bathroom, leaving Harry alone in his room with his trusty wand and the book he had bought from Diagon Alley called 'Warding Wonders: A Comprehensive Guide to Magical Protection.' He had been making great strides in his other magical studies, but wards had proven to be a bit of a challenge for him. Opening the book to where he had left off, Harry read through the instructions for the "Sentinel Ward" once more. He reminded himself of the precise wand movements and incantation required to cast the spell correctly. Taking a deep breath, Harry steadied his hand and began to perform the wand movements with precision, all the while reciting the incantation, "Revelumonitus," clearly and confidently. At first, there was no visible result, but he persisted, reminding himself to remain patient and focused.
Finally, after a few attempts, a soft shimmering light appeared around his wand tip, indicating that the "Sentinel Shield" ward had been successfully cast. A sense of relief washed over Harry as he saw the small glimmer of progress. He was elated that he had finally managed to cast the spell that had eluded him for the past two days. It was another sign that trusting the process was key: study and practice, on repeat.
Just as he was about to turn the page and read on, Dudley knocked and walked into the room, interrupting his concentration. "Harry, the shower's free now."
Harry smiled at Dudley and nodded, appreciating the reminder. After Dudley left, Harry was happy to discover a warmth radiating from his wand, signalling that he'd correctly cast the spell. An elated Harry then got changed and had a well-deserved shower.