McGonagall was used to odd happenings and surprises. It came with the territory. As a somewhat stern professor in a magical school, it was her job to deal with such matters. As head of Gryffindor House, that only became more of a job for her thanks to the Weasley twins constantly pulling pranks. They had been quiet though, or as quiet as they can be when their pranks were focused solely on Professor Lockhart. The end of term was almost here as well, which was why she became rather suspicious when Farlan entered the Great Hall at breakfast with a large grin on his face.
She stared at him as he sat down beside her, still grinning away as his plate was filled with food and he started eating. He didn't say anything and she sighed, knowing that she might very well regret asking what he was grinning about. Few of the staff or students knew, but Farlan could be just as mischievous as the twins if he was allowed.
"Why are you smiling?" She asked, cutting apart a piece of her food and drawing his attention to her.
"Hm?" He hummed, mouth full and she rolled her eyes.
"You appear to be in a good mood and I am simply wondering if it might ruin my morning before it even begins."
His grin grew though, and he glanced up toward the windows as the flapping of wings from the morning post arrived. "I believe it will make this the best morning of the term."
She frowned, eyeing him suspiciously before the owls began to drop off the morning papers and letters to students and staff alike. Murmurs started up instantly and Farlan unraveled his Daily Prophet before handing it over to her. She hesitated on taking it before accepting it and her eyes widened at the headline on the front page.
Famous Lockhart Proven Fake!
She whipped to him, knowing he'd been doing something related to the man and now realizing what it was. She turned back to the article as more and more students started hearing the news, reading over what had been found.
Gilderoy Lockhart, the famous author well-known for his feats battling vampires, werewolves, and hags in his numerous books has been under the scrutiny of many but until now there was nothing anyone could prove. Now, thanks to the hard work of an anonymous source, the facts are being revealed!
Gadding with Ghouls was the first sign of the man's falsifying his feats. When he became overexposed by the media, Lockhart claims to have been captured by trolls and went missing for three weeks in Stockton-on-Tees. Yet, our source visited the town in person and has undeniable proof that trolls in the area had been eradicated long before Lockhart showed up. It just gets worse from there!
Marauding with Monsters, Holidays with Hags, Voyages with Vampires, and many of his other works proclaim his misadventures traveling across the continent facing and fighting many Beasts and Beings but all were proven false! Each of the towns was visited by this source—who shall remain unnamed as the proceedings at Wizengamot are completed—only to discover hordes of unknowing and angry residents. The feats Lockhart claimed to have accomplished were done by a number of other witches and wizards before he used a memory charm to remove their memories! Friends and family of those who did the feats are furious and demanding compensation for Lockhart not only removing said memories but earning money on taking their feats as his own! Wanderings with Werewolves was one of the examples that our source was more willing to explain in better detail:
"It happened in a small rural town in Armenia. I had gone there first since it was one of the more detailed books and hadn't expected to find much. If a memory charm was in place, then a smaller town would have been easy to wipe the memories of everyone. Instead, Lockhart made a mistake and one that he had done with almost all of his other books. He only altered the memory of the wizard who did the work.
"By doing this, he left too many clues as to what actually happened. Sometimes it was friends who knew the truth, neighbors, or people that had been helped. Other times it was their own family who had been told the stories for years only for their relative to suddenly have no memory of it. The story Lockhart wrote in Wandering with Werewolves was all the work of an old Armenian warlock and the so-called 'Homorphus' charm was completely falsified as the child of the man explained that his father had told them stories of how he'd defended his children and wife from the werewolf—singular—that had been half-starved and feral; attempting to make its own pack. He had simply held out in his barn until almost dawn and when the werewolf was eating one of his cows, snuck up on it with an axe. Its transformation was already ending so the damage done had killed it when the sun rose. All other victims were unfortunately dealt with by the village to prevent more werewolves."
Having seen the proof myself, I can confirm that this source has only scratched the tip of the iceberg of all the lies Gilderoy Lockhart had fabricated and stolen from his victims. The families of the witches and warlocks who were wronged are all stepping into the light to ensure that their stories are heard and a trial will be held at the Wizengamot within the next week to determine the fate of the man who has tricked and fooled so many of us with his wicked tongue and devilish lies.
McGonagall turned to Farlan who was happily humming and smiling as he finished off his breakfast, stunned and rather surprised by the ruthlessness of the man. It was one thing to gather evidence and drive the man from Hogwarts, but it was a whole different thing to visit each place, gather the support of the people who'd been wronged, and bring enough indisputable evidence to begin a trial. Publishing an article in the paper was also quite the play from the young man. It alerted everyone quickly, putting the seed of doubt into their minds before Lockhart had any time to retaliate—given he was at Hogwarts and not out there promoting himself and his works. It publicly discredited him and he wouldn't know until he walked in, which he did a moment later.
The man was oblivious for a moment, humming away as he settled at the head table and all eyes in the room went to him. He went to take a bite of his food only to notice how quiet it was and look up. He stared at the mass of students watching him and smiled, probably assuming they were in awe of him as usual but he was quick to grow a bit uncomfortable when he realized the stares weren't quite the same. He looked up the staff table, seeing them watching him too—aside from Farlan who sipped his drink happily—before spotting his name on a nearby piece of paper.
"Ah, a new article about me? I don't think I've had an interview recently…" His smile fell when he saw what the article was about, reading further and growing pale.
He looked back up at the accusing and hurt stares of the students and staff, unable to even try and come up with an excuse or question the article. It was the truth, after all, and nothing he could hope to say would convince this many people that he wasn't lying. So, he got up and started to leave, picking up speed as he went when everyone started to whisper but when he went to go out the door, it was opened for him. Dumbledore stood there flanked by two Aurors and Lockhart stumbled back in shock. He had nowhere to go.
"Ah, Gilderoy," Dumbledore greeted with his usual smile. "I see you've heard the news. Quite unfortunate, really, but as I'm sure you know, these men wish to have a conversation with you. I suggest that you hand over your wand and go with them quietly." Dumbledore placed a hand on his shoulder as he walked past. "No need to ruin what little reputation you have left, yes?"
The Aurors took threatening steps forward but Lockhart was outnumbered, outmatched, and out of his depth. He gave no resistance as the two men led him out of the castle and Dumbledore cleared his throat once he was at the head table; gathering the attention of the students.
"Apologies for the unsightly scene, however, as I am sure you are all now aware, Professor Lockhart could not be allowed to remain within these walls after having possibly done what he did. I say 'possibly' because the trial has yet to be held but I do not doubt that many things will come to light in the coming week. As for the Defense Against the Dark Arts classes, I'm sure no one will mind if our resident apprentice takes over for the remainder of the term."
Farlan wrinkled his nose but knew that this was going to be a consequence of removing Lockhart. The students were rather thrilled though, and Dumbledore nodded happily.
"As such, he will have extended office hours for those who need it and I recommend exam students take advantage of those. The dueling club will be over for the rest of the term, however, as exams will take priority and I'm sure Mr. Daggrow has enough on his plate with taking over the lesson plans. Though I am sure he will still answer any pressing questions you may have in the dueling circle, even if he is not quite as informed in the area."
Farlan shot him a small frown but it went ignored and the rest of that morning continued on in a much more merry note. The rest of the year did much the same. The change in staff didn't affect anything very much, since Farlan had been teaching them everything Lockhart failed to. It honestly came as a welcome relief to many students, especially those taking Owl and Newt exams. Dumbledore had even complimented Farlan at the end-of-year feast for taking over and providing the students with everything they needed to pass. The results of the tests already proved his capabilities despite how much he appeared to dislike being a professor in the Dark Arts.
The main disappointment then, was just that Dumbledore had mentioned he would be looking for someone to replace Lockhart. Farlan downright refused the position himself under the claim of lacking the qualifications to be a full-time professor. Still, he would remain at Hogwarts for some time and that was enough for those who knew his worth. He would help any who asked in whatever subject they wished to the best of his ability. He didn't need to be a professor to accomplish that, and as the students packed into the train to return home, there was always the hope that Farlan would be there to teach when they get back.
"What do you think he does over the summer anyway?" Ron asked, moving a chess piece across the board.
"Study, probably," Hermione hummed. "He is very dedicated to his studies. It's one of the reasons he doesn't want to teach. He wants to focus on his work."
"Seems kind of boring though, doesn't it?"
Harry shrugged. "He seems to enjoy it though. Suppose it's like Quidditch to us but just…"
"Studying," Ron said with a wrinkle of his nose. "You think he'll still teach if Dumbledore can't find anyone?"
"He might have to, right?" Harry wondered. "If no one takes over they can't just leave it empty."
"Remember what Farlan said though," Hermione reminded them. "He said the Ministry will replace someone if Dumbledore can't. We could end up with anyone."
The boys exchanged a look of concern, neither wanting to see what sort of person they'd get stuck with, in that case.
"Yeah, but he wouldn't let that happen, right?"
The group fell silent, considering it before Harry spoke up once more.
"Maybe we should write to him. You know, just to show we… appreciate him teaching."
The others agreed and they soon turned their attention to the summer they'd be spending, hoping that the next term would come quickly. For Harry, it wouldn't come quickly enough. The start of summer moved as slowly as usual but when the end was finally in sight he'd received a notice about third-year trips to Hogsmeade that required a guardian's signature. He had begrudgingly made a deal with his uncle that it would be signed so long as he behaved for the visit of Aunt Marge. He'd done well… up until the last day.
It was accidental magic but magic nonetheless that inflated his aunt like a balloon up into the sky after she insulted his parents. In a fit of anger, he'd gathered his things and stormed out, but after sitting on a low garden wall for a moment, he realized he was in quite a pickle. He had no money, no way of getting anywhere without using more magic and he worried what had happened might very well end up with him in wizarding prison. The thought sent a chill up his spine but then he felt there was more to it than that. No. He felt like he was being watched.
He looked around and swore he saw something between the garage and the fence behind him. He squinted in the dark and then lit his wand to see. All he caught sight of was something large and dark before he took a step back and tripped over his trunk. He dropped his wand and fell hard into the gutter, letting out a shout that was covered up by a bang.
A massive black dog hovered over him but it was partially see-through, with the bright light behind still managing to blind him. He blinked in surprise at the beast as it turned and Harry found himself faced with a hand being offered to him.
"Come on. They get angry if you make them wait too long," a familiar voice said and Harry accepted the hand up only to stare in surprise at who it was.
"Mr. Daggrow?"
Farlan glanced at the purple triple-decker bus at the curb that had been blinding Harry before giving the boy a tired smile. "You can just call me Farlan, you know."
"But what are you doing here? W-Why is there a bus?"
Farlan went to answer only for a young man to step out of the bus and speak loudly into the night around them.
"Welcome to the Knight Bus, emergency transport for the stranded witch or wizard. Just stick out your wand hand, step on board, and we can take you anywhere you want to go. My name is Stan Shunpike, and I will be your conductor this evening."
Farlan rolled his eyes, holding out a hand and dropping some money into Stan's hands. "You should know not to shout in a quiet muggle town or you'll be on your way to Azkaban for being a dunce. Room for two, Stan, for London. Or, well, two and a spirit."
Stan glanced down at the Grim as it yawned and paled, though he closed his mouth when Farlan dropped another coin into his hand.
"Not a word and a hot chocolate for the kid. A drink for me."
He nodded and stepped back into the bus as Harry took one more glance at where he thought he'd seen something before Farlan used his wand to scoop up his trunk and Hedwig's cage. Harry followed numbly, still trying to work out what was going on as they were led to a couple of beds behind the driver's seat. Once seated, Farlan nodded to Stan and closed the curtains; casting some silencing charms on them before there was another loud bang and Harry fell onto the bed when the bus jerked to life.
A glance outside told him that the bus was traveling far past the speed limit and that the driver didn't bother to keep it on the road. Yet, it never hit anything as whatever was in the way leaped off to the side to avoid the speeding bus.
"How come no one hears the bus?" Harry blurted out as Farlan leaned back and folded his arms with a shrug.
"Muggles ignore a lot of things. Most assume it's something else, though I'm sure the bus is charmed to be far quieter than it sounds."
Harry nodded slowly, taking a moment to think before Stan interrupted with their drinks and was sent off again.
"Um… why are you here, Mr—Farlan?" He finally asked, holding tight to his cup of hot chocolate. "I'm… Aren't I in trouble?"
Farlan peered an eye open at him before shaking his head. "No. Dumbledore wanted me to check on you and move you should it not be safe. I was in the area anyway for something and… I do believe I spotted your aunt flying out the window."
Harry winced, glancing away awkwardly. "I didn't mean to."
Farlan shrugged. "It's no matter to me. I saw you run off and figured it'd just be easier to bring you to London with me. Saves me having to listen to him question me later."
"You said it wasn't safe though. What do you mean? And shouldn't I be expelled for using magic outside of school?"
"Accidental magic doesn't really count. The most the Ministry would do is ask to check your wand, see you didn't use a spell, and then be done with you. Maybe a stern warning to watch your emotions but kids can't help accidental stuff. As for it not being safe…"
Farlan hesitated and Harry shifted uneasily. Farlan was usually very open about answering questions so long as they weren't going to cause trouble or he wasn't specifically ordered not to. The hesitation usually meant that he was searching for what he could and couldn't say. Finally, he decided and reached into his robe before pulling out the Daily Prophet, showing him the man on the front page.
"That man! He was on the muggle news!" Harry realized and Farlan nodded.
"Wanted wizarding criminals are often reposted on muggle news to help spread the word so they can get information on them. More eyes looking means a higher chance of seeing them."
"But what does he have to do with me? There's no way everyone at school is getting picked up, right?"
Again, Farlan hesitated, mulling over his thoughts before answering.
"Sirius Black is someone who broke out of Azkaban. He was serving for thirteen counts of murder using a single curse in broad daylight. People think he supported the Dark Lord," Farlan said but again, he wasn't saying something so Harry pressed a bit.
"People think?"
Farlan hummed, glancing at the window. "I knew him at Hogwarts. Not much of him but he made it hard for people to ignore him. If anything, he was the opposite of someone who would follow the Dark Lord."
Harry frowned. "But it says he killed people."
"Shouldn't believe everything you read," Farlan pointed out, cracking a small smile. "Just look at Lockhart."
Harry grimaced at the reminder but Farlan continued.
"Point is, Sirius Black was never someone who would follow him so I found it weird that people were going out of their way to make it seem like he was. Didn't make sense to me and still doesn't. His escape proves that he's clever enough not to do something as stupid as killing a bunch of people in broad daylight."
"And me? Why am I not safe?"
Farlan sighed, obviously giving up on hiding it from him any longer. "Because Sirius Black was close friends with your parents. People are concerned that he's coming after you next."
Harry stared in shock and disbelief. It honestly seemed as though he couldn't catch a break. Voldemort, Quirrell, Malfoy, and now this Sirius Black person he'd never met. He hadn't even done anything. Not really.
"Dumbledore thought he'd come for me?" He muttered in shock.
"Lots of people do. They think he follows the Dark Lord so they would assume his escaping now is because he wants to cause some harm to you to prove himself to the Dark Lord."
"But you said you don't believe that," Harry pressed.
"I don't. Things can change but…" Farlan frowned, tipping his head. "Sirius wasn't that kind of kid. Do you know anything about the Black family?"
Harry shook his head and Farlan hummed.
"The Blacks were a very influential and old family. I'm only a half-blood so I don't know everything but from what I read and those I met in school, they were basically what the Malfoys are today except… vaguely more mature."
Harry didn't like the idea of anyone being like the Malfoys but smiled at Farlan calling them immature.
"The older Blacks were well-respected, intelligent, and stubborn. They had excellent skills in the dark arts and curses which made them a group no one wanted to cross. Every one of them was placed in Slytherin and when the Dark Lord came about, a good portion of the family sided with him. The older ones stayed generally neutral but weren't opposed. The black sheep of the Black family, however… was Sirius Black."
"How do you mean? What did he do?"
"For one thing, he was put into Gryffindor and was very much suited for the house, in my opinion. I don't know much about his family life because I was… more focused on my own situation but he reminds me of the Weasley twins. He, your father, and a few others would go around pranking people and causing mayhem. Staff, Slytherins, bullies, and whoever. I heard he even stayed with your father's family for some summers to keep out of his house. His mother was the worst, I believe but again, this is only what I vaguely remember."
"So, you knew my father? My mother too?"
"Vaguely," Farlan repeated. "I… lost someone after my first year and didn't take it well. A good portion of my Hogwarts years are fogged with mourning. I remember pieces of memories and things but I didn't get close to anyone really. Their pranks were a brightness in everyone's day, especially with the Dark Lord starting a war at the time. I knew their group a bit more than others because of that and because I did get to know one member a little. Your mother wasn't a part of their group until James half dragged her into things. I only know she was very skilled with charms and fought your father's advances off quite a bit early on."
Harry smiled, bowing his head and glad that even though Farlan didn't know much, he knew something of what his parents had been like.
"That being said, for their close-knit group to have been ruined by their most trusted friend doesn't make sense to me," Farlan mused with a small shrug. "As it was, I don't think Sirius Black even got a trial, which is usually unheard of. They just took the word of the witnesses and sent him away. It always felt wrong to me and seemed more like someone trying to get rid of him over anything else."
"So, you don't think he did it?"
Farlan shook his head. "I don't. I couldn't prove it, since I'm not sure what could have happened or who did it, but I don't like how it turned out. As I said, he's clever. Escaping Azkaban is one thing but the pranks they pulled at Hogwarts would make the twins' tricks look like child's play. If anyone would have betrayed the group I would have expected Pettigrew."
"Who?"
"Peter Pettigrew," he replied with a shrug. "Another member of their group. All were Gryffindors and all somewhat clever in their own ways and their own subjects, but Pettigrew was… skittish. While the others always claimed their glory or stood up for each other, he would cower behind them and shy away."
"So, couldn't you look for him? Prove he did it?" Harry asked curiously, wondering if his father's friend might have actually been falsely accused.
"Can't. He was apparently one of the people Sirius Black killed. Reports said there was nothing left but a finger. Could it be a trick? Sure. Anything's possible with magic and hiding isn't hard if people think you're dead but even so, I wouldn't know where to begin. No one would and no one has ever bothered to try. Even if I wanted to, I couldn't help without proof and it's been so long anything that might be proof is long gone. Sirius Black has been imprisoned for so long too that he's probably half-addled with madness from the dementors. No one would believe him sane enough to testify."
Harry went quiet, thinking about that and feeling a hint of sympathy for Sirius Black. If what Farlan said was true and the man was innocent, then he was practically doomed to live life on the run. Of course, if Farlan was wrong and Sirius had betrayed his parents, Harry would be furious. Yet, everything he'd heard just now made him doubt it. It would be like Ron selling him out to Voldemort. It just didn't make sense.
Stan poked his head in again. "Whereabouts in London, sir?"
"Leaky Cauldron," Farlan answered as the young man left and he looked at Harry, drawing his wand and sending off a silvery fox Patronus. "There are only a few weeks left before term and I have some things to do. I'll let Dumbledore know you're with me so he can reassure the Minister."
"The Minister?"
Farlan nodded. "I doubt Dumbledore believed your safety was at risk but the Minister of Magic has been bothering him ever since Sirius got out. There's a reason I stay on the castle grounds, but everyone was busy dealing with the new first-year muggleborns and I have things I need to sell and purchase. So, I was tasked with checking on you." He glanced at Harry curiously, head tipped slightly as he reached up and ran a finger over the little salamander that poked its head out of his robe. "I considered just sending you back to your aunt's but… I don't know. I felt something was wrong."
Harry was grateful for that as Farlan watched him for a moment.
"I can't begin to understand anything you're dealing with," he said, drawing Harry's attention. "I don't know what your family is like or how it is at school. I…" Farlan rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly, cheeks a bit pink. "I will admit to not knowing how to talk to you. I-I knew I would have to while working at Hogwarts but… I don't know. How was I to talk to you?"
Harry was surprised, having never really thought about how Farlan had spoken to him until now. Sure, the man had been awkward initially but it was something he was well-known for and Harry assumed it was just his personality. He hadn't thought to consider that Farlan was nervous about speaking properly to the Boy Who Lived.
"M-My point is, I don't know what to say to be of help to you," Farlan went on, fidgeting a bit. "At school, it's a bit easier because it's usually about things I know. Lessons and such. I don't want to overstep but… I would like to help if I can. Even if it is just… talking about what's happened."
"I… I would like that," Harry replied, warmth filling him up at Farlan's words.
They were genuine. Every single one. The young man wasn't the most social of people but he had helped Harry time and time again with so many things already. He was an adult that Harry trusted far more than any other. Dumbledore held secrets and spoke in riddles Harry didn't understand. His aunt and uncle were terrible people and while he appreciated the other staff at Hogwarts like McGonagall and Madam Pomfrey, he knew that he couldn't trust them to keep a secret, much less one from Dumbledore. Farlan was different. Farlan was honest and blunt. He would keep a secret from anyone if asked and if uncertain of what he could and couldn't share, he would consider all his options before giving even the slightest thing away. There was just one thing Harry wanted in return.
"But…" he started, seeing Farlan's surprise at his offer being accepted before growing serious as Harry went to explain his condition. "...could you tell me about you too?"
Farlan blinked, gesturing to himself. "Me?"
Harry nodded, cracking a bit of a smile but feeling sheepish himself. "Yeah, I mean, I don't really know much about you other than you like runes and creatures, and are smart but shy. You've… You've mentioned hints of things—losing someone—but you never really say anything. N-Not that you have to," he quickly added at Farlan's solemn expression. "Just… I think it might help. Both of us. Talking."
Farlan hummed, thinking before nodding. "All right. In our own time, then."
The bus jerked to a halt and Farlan removed the silencing charms before gathering Harry's things and stepping out. Harry stuck close as they entered the pub and Farlan greeted Tom, getting them two rooms right across the hall from each other. Harry's things were brought into his room and Farlan nodded to him.
"I will have meals with you if you'd like, then we can go into the alley for your school things and anything you might need. I'll be visiting Diagon Alley every day after breakfast but you're welcome to do what you want on your own. After lunch, I have a few places to visit but will otherwise be in the pub doing work. Do not hesitate to disturb me for any reason and—Ah, one of the books for the Care of Magical Creature's class is a bit…" Farlan wrinkled his nose. "I don't suggest opening it."
"Hagrid gifted me one," Harry admitted, already knowing the book was dangerous.
"Right, well… I'm glad you weren't hurt," Farlan offered, making Harry chuckle. "I'll be across the hall."
Harry nodded. "I'll see you in the morning."
Farlan looked thoughtful for a moment before nodding in return and leaving Harry to his privacy.
Harry rather enjoyed his time at the Leaky Cauldron with Farlan. The young man had always been a rather private person and it was nice that he never tried to force Harry into joining him. Harry had simply gotten up the next morning and found the man down in the pub eating breakfast while he skimmed a book on runes in ancient Egypt. Harry joined him at the same table and smiled a little when Farlan didn't even seem to notice he'd arrived. When he did, he simply blinked before closing his book and tucking it back into his robes, giving him ample opportunity to talk if he wanted.
Most breakfasts for the first few days were like that and Harry used the time to see what sort of people wandered into the Leaky Cauldron. Wizards were unlike muggles in so many ways and the sheer oddity of some of them brought a smile to Harry's face. Then, after they ate, Farlan would lead the way into Diagon Alley and rattle off the stores he needed to visit. Harry could have gone off on his own but he knew he would need to drop by some of the places anyway and simply opted to join Farlan. He would use the afternoons to explore on his own.
He'd pulled out money the first day though and had been sorely tempted to spend it on things he shouldn't. More so when a new Quidditch broom was on the market. Still, he resisted but that didn't stop him from dropping by every afternoon to look at it through the shop window. Farlan had caught him one afternoon and stopped beside him with a hum.
"You could probably afford it if you wanted."
Harry shook his head, eyeing the broom and thinking of Ron whose family struggled to purchase new school supplies. "I shouldn't. It's probably really expensive."
Farlan hummed. "The Potters were a prominent family though. Their vaults would have more than enough and your father was a big Quidditch fan. Sure he wouldn't mind."
Harry hesitated, considering it before taking a deep breath and letting it out. "It's okay. I have a good broom."
Farlan nodded and went with Harry back to the pub before Harry decided to start getting his school supplies. Farlan came with him to the Apothecary and while Harry restocked the basic potion supplies, Farlan bargained with the man to sell some salamander blood and herbs he'd picked up from the Forbidden Forest. Harry then went to get new robes and watched Farlan curiously as he eyed some fabrics himself. When asked about why he'd been looking, Farlan shrugged.
"I ruin my robes often and was considering the benefits of different fabric types in regard to the tasks I do while wearing them."
Harry hummed, not really sure he understood exactly but left him to it. They dropped into the bookshop as well and Harry felt bad for the owner, who was staring uneasily at the magical creature books tearing each other apart. Seeing Harry there made the man worried he'd have to get another before Harry allowed him the relief of knowing he already had one. Farlan though spent the time selling the man a number of cheap but strong belts to restrain the books and assisted in helping him strap the hundreds of them shut.
The bookkeeper was practically throwing free books at Farlan for his help and reluctantly he accepted a few only to give them to Harry, who was surprised by the textbooks on Ancient Runes.
"Hermione mentioned before you left that you were going to take it as an elective," Farlan muttered upon seeing Harry's stunned expression. "These are the required texts for the rest of the years. They should help you learn the runes faster and the dictionary is something even I use often. I don't really need any books from there with the Hogwarts libraries and they don't sell the ones I might need. So…"
"Thank you," Harry said, silencing the flustered man who nodded and cleared his throat before they went to get something to eat.
"I need to stop by Knockturn Alley this afternoon," Farlan informed him, giving him a glance. "You're welcome to do what you wish. I'll be back by nightfall."
"Okay," Harry said, knowing that Farlan was just telling him so he knew where he was. Harry had no interest in going to Knockturn Alley and was content letting Farlan do what he needed without him.
They talked a bit too, during the few weeks they spent together. Farlan wasn't too keen on talking about things in the pub during meals, so Harry would knock on his door and ask for help on his homework—an excuse to learn more about him and him in return. Still, they both kept things close at first. Harry didn't want to talk about things like the nightmares from his scar or how his relatives treated him behind closed doors. He got the feeling that Farlan knew a bit just by looking at him. He was slim, after all, tan from spending his summers outside in the garden while not allowed to be inside, and a few random scars from when his relatives lost their temper. It was hard to hide the shadows under his eyes when he woke up from nightmares while at the Leaky Cauldron but Farlan had the same tired expression some nights too. Both were haunted by things they couldn't share with just anyone and it was after a rather rough nightmare that Harry finally decided to stop dancing around the issue.
He hadn't wanted to disturb the wizard so late at night but somehow he urged himself to climb out of bed and cross the hall, knocking on the door once and feeling stupid when he didn't get an immediate response. He went to head back, cheeks red in embarrassment for acting like a scared child, but the door opened and Farlan stood there with a yawn in his boxers, running a hand through his hair.
"I-I'm sorry, Farlan," Harry immediately apologized. "I didn't mean to wake you."
Farlan hummed and pushed his door further open, moving into his room as Harry stood there awkwardly. "If you didn't mean to wake me, you wouldn't have knocked."
Harry went to argue but knew he was right and hesitantly entered the room as Farlan grabbed a robe to pull over his lithe body. Harry couldn't help but stare for a moment, knowing now that he'd been right about Farlan being rather fit and muscular. He didn't expect all the scars, before remembering that Farlan said he had worked with magical creatures. It didn't stop the small shudder that went through him at the thought of getting mauled though, and he took the seat offered to him.
Farlan used his wand to warm a small kettle and poured a hot cup of tea, nudging it toward him. Harry accepted the tea but just held it in his hands for warmth as he thought about what to do. He hadn't thought this far ahead, after all, having expected Farlan to never answer the door, much less let him in and serve him tea.
"I have nightmares often," Farlan said first, calmly sipping his tea before idly rolling the cup between his hands. "When my mentor died, the one who ran the creature reserve… I remember that one the most. I blame myself for what happened, after all. I still expect some… divine retribution for what happened." He nodded to the Grim lying beside his bed. "Always thought this thing would be the one to do it. Feel like he's just mocking me now. Waiting for me to die so he can take my soul off somewhere for punishment."
Harry never thought that Farlan didn't like the Grim. It had been there when Harry first met him and the man was so well-connected with creatures it just seemed like he'd enjoy the company.
"It's not… yours?"
Farlan snorted. "It's a Grim. It doesn't belong to anyone. When the reserve was attacked my mentor went to fight the people coming after me and once he died they fired a shot at me. I thought I was dead and the Grim did too, apparently. He's been attached to me ever since. Doesn't do much, other than the occasional growl when there's something dangerous. Dumbledore said he might be warning me but why bother when Grims are well known to be omens of death? Why warn me for the very thing they come for?"
Harry felt a hint of sympathy for the man at that. He too knew what it was like to feel as though death was hanging over him at every turn except where he had the constant threat of Voldemort, Farlan had the physical reminder of the Grim.
"I… had a nightmare," Harry explained. "It's not as often anymore but… I dream of the night my parents were killed. I remember Voldemort walking in, my mother begging him to leave me alone, her scream…"
Farlan nodded, saying nothing which Harry appreciated. He was tired of people saying they were sorry or questioning how he remembered something as a baby. Most of all, he was grateful that Farlan never once treated him differently than anyone else.
"I can't say I understand that," Farlan finally muttered. "But my mother died too… my first year of Hogwarts. I went home for the summer and found out she'd died while I was gone. Suddenly I was an orphan and lost everything I had. The only thing left was Hogwarts but every time I went, I couldn't focus. It was the place I was at when she died on her own. The fun of it was spoiled with the guilt of knowing I'd been learning magic and making friends while she'd been dying back home. I buried myself in my studies but… couldn't apply them to the exams. Just felt like she was there wondering what I'd been doing while she was dying."
"I… I'm sorry," Harry offered poorly, not knowing what else to say and wondering if that was why everyone told him the same thing.
"I hold a lot of guilt for things that I've done or not done," Farlan admitted. "For my mother's death, my mentor's, and how I handled it all. Seven years at Hogwarts and I couldn't forgive myself for my mother's death. It wasn't until I found my mentor and something to work toward that I could move past it. Then, my mentor was killed and I thought it would happen all over again."
"How did you do it?" Harry asked, eyeing him. "How do you not want to go out a-and get revenge for what they did to your mentor?"
Farlan winced, looking away awkwardly. "I… I'm scared. Scared of dying and having to face them. I don't go looking for trouble and I'm hardly a duelist. What could I do as one person to stop them? What good would it do me to kill my mentor's killers? I can't even hurt a gnome without feeling like I've committed a sin of some kind."
"But you're great!" Harry argued, hating to see someone he looked up to disrespecting themselves in such a way. "You taught us all so much in school and you might not be a duelist but you wouldn't go down without a fight either. I… I think they would be proud of you and what you've become. You're brilliant."
Farlan cracked a small smile, a hint of disbelief still present but appreciating what Harry said nonetheless. "I'm no match for the Dark Lord though, and I have no interest in shedding blood if I don't have to."
Harry nodded, understanding that much. "Me neither but… what he's doing is wrong. People like us, like Hermione… They're being killed because of him, right? I know there's not much I can do, not right now, but… I at least want to be strong enough to make sure my friends are safe." He frowned lightly, staring down at this tea that was now cold. "I never wanted to be the Boy Who Lived. Everyone expects me to defeat him or something but… I just want to have a normal life and keep my friends safe."
Farlan hummed in agreement. "I never understood why people assumed you could do that. What happened sounds like a miracle but magic is… complicated and there's so much we don't know. It was impressive, yes, but… you were just a boy. You still are and I don't think it's right for people to push their wishes onto you. They are more than capable of standing up for themselves instead of trying to get you to fight for them. It's a bit… cowardly, is all."
Harry cracked a smile as Farlan rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. "Well, no matter what, I want to be prepared when he does come back. I don't want what happened to me to happen to anyone else or to my friends. So… well, could you help me? Get stronger?"
Farlan looked surprised, holding up his hands only to knock over his tea and jolt to his feet with a wince; scrambling to get a rag to mop it up as he spoke.
"I-I'm hardly someone who can provide you with much. I'm just an apprentice," he said, frowning at the dripping tea before drawing his wand to vanish it with a frown. "One who forgot a wand can clean up spilled tea…"
"I think you're better than that," Harry told him seriously. "I think you downgrade yourself too much when you've already done a lot for me and the other students at Hogwarts. And… And I want you to teach me. You. Not Dumbledore or Snape or McGonagall or whoever. I want to learn from Hogwarts's apprentice because, to me, you're more powerful than all of them."
Farlan didn't know what to say, something Harry could easily notice, so Harry put his tea down and offered him a reassuring smile.
"I know you might not believe that but it's true and I would really appreciate it if you could. Even if it's just continuing what you have been doing. I don't think I would have done half the things I'm doing now if it weren't for you. So… think about it?"
Hesitantly, Farlan nodded and Harry returned it before heading back to his room, lying down in the bed and staring up at the ceiling wondering how he could help Farlan as much as he helped him.