Author Note: As usual I own none of the concepts, words, letters or characters in this production. I disavow any memory of writing this. A chapter that shows Harry discovering an ability, Draco discovering he should not mess with Hermione and we discover a few things going on outside of the school.
(Begin)
Waking and rapidly going through his morning ablutions, including taking his rather earthy and spinach tasting potion, Harry dressed and was waiting in the common room before Hermione came down. She looked at him with a quick smile and seeing no one else around gave him a quick peck on the cheek.
He started at that then returned the peck on her cheek. "What was that for?"
"I remembered something. C'mon." she said taking his hand and leading him out of the common room. Up to the owlery they went where Hedwig was suspiciously looking at them.
"Hedwig. I need you to do something for Hermione please." Harry called out.
The snowy owl fluttered her wings then glided down to the perch in front of Hermione. "Oh thank you girl. I need you to take this to my parents. I know you'll be able to find them."
After the small scroll was attached and Hedwig departed in a woosh of air through one of the open windows Hermione turned. "Okay. One of the things I remembered is that Sirius Black is your godfather."
"He is? I thought." Harry stopped. They had thought Pettigrew had been killed. So any thoughts he might have had, or society might have had might not be true now.
"Exactly. With the discovery of Pettigrew being alive. The case against him is going to become very suspect. He might be able to get a new trial and released." she triumphantly declared.
Harry's heart stirred as he thought through that concept, "Which means that. If he's released. He could take me away from the Dursleys?"
"Exactly Harry!" She crowed. Several of the school owls voiced their displeasure at her loudness this early in the Monsignor when they were trying to relax after a night of hunting and delivering the post.
Harry almost felt like dancing as he hugged her. She stroked his hair for a moment before the same Slytherin girl who had walked in on them. "What is it with you two? Why can't you find a broom closet like everyone else?" She gruffly sighed.
Breaking apart the two of them bashfully mumbled some apologies and hastily departed.
…...
Breakfast went very well. With Seamus teasing him about his happy grin causing Hermione to glare at him. Seamus was not cowed and laughed even harder.
The morning post brought Neville a small glass globe he described as a Rememberall. Something that helped you realize you forgot something. A rather limited use item but still a nice trinket from home and symbol that his Gramma was thinking about him.
When Hermione saw it her eyes grew wide and she looked from it to Harry. She bit her lip so hard she drew blood. Harry looked at her in concern as did Neville. When she forced herself to relax. She said, "Harry. I forgot I needed to send a letter with Hedwig. Would you mind asking her for me?"
"Yeah sure." Harry said realizing she had remembered something and wanted to talk to him alone.
"Neville did you still need to send a letter to your grandmother?" Hermione turned and asked him.
"Uh no. I'll do it later." He said.
She kicked him under the table.
"OW! Yeah. I do need to send her a letter." Neville amended his comment.
"Good we had better go do so before breakfast is over." Hermione said as Harry sighed grabbing several slices of toast to munch.
…...
They did not go to the owlery but to an empty classroom not far from the great hall. Harry looked expectantly at Hermione while Neville sat rubbing his ankle.
"Sorry about that Neville but since this includes you I needed to talk to you both." she said.
"Okay what is it that I needed maimed to talk about? Neville asked.
"In flight class this afternoon. You drop your Rememberall when you face plant into the roof of the east wing. It rolls into the bushes where Malfoy picks it up. You tell him to give it back Harry only he hops on his broom and says for you to make him. When you chase him he throws it and you do some pretty wicked flying and grab it. Professor McGonnagal sees you and makes you seeker on the house team." She said quickly in one breath.
Harry and Neville both stared at her in open mouthed astonishment.
"What?"
"Okay. So I break the rules and get rewarded for it?" Harry asked. "And you are telling us this why?"
"Because. Well I remembered it and wanted to know if you wanted to be on the team or not." She said. "Because if I told Neville not to drop his Rememberall and to be careful on the broom then he wouldn't get hurt and you wouldn't be on the team."
"How badly do I get hurt?" Neville asked.
"Oh just a broken wrist. You're in the hospital wing for the afternoon and out by dinner." Hermione said staring at Harry.
"Thanks for the concern and sympathy." Neville ruefully said but with a shrug turned to Harry. "So what do you think?"
"Is there any benefit or loss to me being on the team?" Harry asked.
She seemed to search her memories then said with a smile, "It is one of the things that gives you a lot of pleasure. Something you're very proud of. So that's why I was so torn about not telling you. Only you said you wanted me to tell you if I remembered anything. So uh. Here we are."
Harry held her arm to calm her down, "Thanks Hermione. I appreciate this. So no real downsides to this other than Neville spends the afternoon in the hospital."
"Uh yeah." She said bashfully looking at Neville. "I just wanted to talk to you both about this."
Neville shrugged, "I think I can do something about this. Besides it would get me out of History with Binns which is a real snooze fest according to the rumors anyhow."
"Oh yeah. I know." Hermione chuckled while Harry looked back and forth between them.
"Sorry Harry. Binns is a ghost whose teaching technique is rather soporific." Hermione explained.
"Ahh. I may join you then." Harry said to Neville.
"Harry!" Hermione scolded but gently.
"Okay. Thanks for telling us and giving us the choice Hermione. I appreciate that." Harry said warmly smiling at her.
"Yeah. I do too." Neville said.
Blushing she mumbled a "you're welcome"
…..
The rest of the day went well until just before lunch. Professor McGonnagal called Harry to come with her. With a glance at Hermione whose eyebrows had risen he followed the head of Gryffindor.
Reaching the hospital wing he found himself in the middle of the matron, Madam Bones and another woman wearing the tunic and robes of a healer at Saint Mungo's. She looked familiar with coal black hair, dusky brown skin and a red dot in the middle of her forehead.
"Ahh Mr Potter. Please relax. You are not in trouble. This is Healer Patel. She is here as a follow up to the matron's report." Madam Bones explained.
"Oh. Uh. Okay. What do you want me to do?"
"Well you can keep your trousers on but I need to examine your back so if you would mind taking your shirt and robes off please?" The healer requested politely.
Harry did as she asked then turned around. He felt her looking him over, poking a few places with her fingers gently. A cold mist settled over him as he heard the matron and the healer murmuring to each other softly. Professor McGonnagal and Madam bones stood close by watching.
"Is there a problem?" Harry asked.
"Not with you. We are collecting evidence. Healer Patil is a specialist in these sorts of things." madam Bones said.
"Oh." Harry nodded.
"Harry could you tell me how these ribs were injured?" Healer Patil asked touching his right ribs just below his armpit making him giggle slightly.
"Uh. Uncle Vernon kicked me there when I accidentally made a sandwich appear. I hadn't eaten for a couple of days and was hungry." Harry said matter of factly.
"He kicked you? How old were you?" She asked impassively.
"Uh about four or five I think. It was before I started going to school." he said.
Moving around to the front of him she looked into his eyes and then probed his scar. She raised her eyebrow finally at that with a glance at the matron who nodded. "I see what you mean. I'll have to talk to Bricker about this. He specialized in curses and dark magic."
"This is a classified Alpha 1 case Pri." Madam Bones said quietly.
"I understand. Bricker has worked with the silverfish before. He knows what's what." She said with a chuckle. "That and he keeps his vows up to date."
Harry looked confused but the adults seemed to understand her so kept quiet.
"Good. See to it that he is reminded though. I have not enjoyed some of the recent events." madam Bones said darkly.
"Yes ma'am." The healer said then turning to Harry with a nod smiled, "Alright Harry. Do you remember anything else about what you told Madam Pomfrey?"
"No. Nothing. Its all there." Harry said.
"Very well. If you do please let her or Professor McGonnagal know." Healer Patil said. "You can get dressed now.
Once he was dressed and the healers had made sure he as taking his potion and understood that he was supposed to eat a specific diet. Healer Patil left.
"Mr Potter. May I speak with you a few moments before you go to lunch?" madam bones asked.
"Certainly ma'am." he said before they walked over to the matron's office. Professor McGonnagal sitting with them.
"Mr Potter. Have you ever encountered Professor Dumbledore before you came to school?"
"No ma'am. The first time I ever saw him was on a chocolate frog card on the train." He said.
"Have you ever seen any wizards or witches before you received your letter?"
Harry thought about a few of the odder people he had encountered. Including the one funny guy who bowed to him. "There have been some really odd people. One guy in a purple suit and cape like Willy Wonka bowed to me one day outside Greman's Bakery."
Minerva rolled her eyes, "Dedalus Diggle. The man never did have much sense."
Madam Bones pursed her lips as she took notes.
"Is he bad? My Aunt Petunia said he was one of those men that liked small boys." Harry was not lying as his Aunt had hustled him and Dudley away from the shop quite quickly after the encounter warning them to run screaming away from anyone like that again.
The two older women looked at each other before the professor shook her head, "No. He is a rare book dealer in Kent and rather eccentric yet harmless. He is not one of, those, sort to anyone's knowledge." She said those in a similar tone to his aunt Harry noticed.
"And this encounter took place where?" Madam bones asked.
"Uh Just outside Greman's bakery in Little Whinging." Harry said.
"Little Whinging. That is a muggle community. One of those planned ones they built just after the Second World War?"madam Bones asked.
"I suppose so." Harry said with a shrug.
Madam bones smiled briefly. "Very well. Did it seem like Mr Diggle knew who you were?"
"Oh yeah. He bowed to me and called me a little hero." he said. Remembering how odd it was at the time.
Madam Bones looked like she was going to chew through the desk in front of her. "And any of the other odd people you encountered did they speak to you?"
"No ma'am."
"And you encountered them in Little Whinging?"
"Not all of them. We encountered some in Camberley when we went shopping there at the Mall. Uncle Vernon needed larger trousers and the only shop that had them off the rack was there." Harry explained with a shrug.
"Thank you. Now about Mr Weasley and his family. I understand you first encountered them outside the barrier at King's Cross?"
"Uh yeah. His mum was talking loudly about muggles being around and platform nine and three quarters." Harry replied.
"Outside the barrier?"
"Yeah. They were the ones who told me how to get through it." Harry confirmed.
"I see. Now aboard the train. You and Mr Weasley had settled into a compartment and were discussing a variety of things when Miss Granger entered the compartment and ordered him to leave?" madam Bones asked him while staring him straight in the face.
A shock went through Harry as he didn't know what would happen if he told Madam bones about the time traveling message. He did not think it would be anything good though so he shrugged and said, "Uh yeah. She saw me getting on the train and wanted to meet me, alone. Girls are weird that way."
"I see. And you became friends with my niece and Mr Longbottom after she met you?" Madam Bones requested for clarification.
"Uh yeah. Its a long ride." Harry said. He felt that lying to her would be very bad but he needed to talk to Hermione about this. He desperately needed to warn her he felt.
"I see. And the rumors that you and her and dating?" Madam Bones asked with no smile or amusement it seemed like.
"Uh we're working that out. Why are you asking so many questions about Hermione?"
"Mr. Potter. You are a very famous person in the magical world, whether you realize it or not a great many people would like to have unfettered access to you for a variety of reasons." Madam Bones explained sternly. "Given the recent revelations it is my duty to investigate all potential threats to your health and safety."
"Hermione isn't a threat. I like her. She's been very helpful to me." He said urgently. "Uh. I mean. She's a bit bossy and forward but I don't mind."
Professor McGonnagal cleared her throat, "Mr Potter, Harry, we are not accusing Miss Granger of anything. We are just wanting to make certain that the people who are wanting to befriend you are doing so because they want to be your friend not to use you or your fame for their personal benefit."
"Hermione isn't like that. I don't think she cares I'm famous." Harry frowned, "She hasn't acted like it. Certainly not last night when I got detention from Snape."
"Professor Snape, please." McGonnagal said quietly.
"Sorry ma'am. Anyhow she got on my case for getting detention on the first day." Harry grumbled. Figuring that was a good distraction.
Minerva and Amelia glanced at each other with a knowing look, "Very well Mr Potter. Has anyone else tried to approach you. Either to gain your favor or curry friendship?"
"Malfoy. Only it was about the exact opposite of friendship he curried." Harry huffed.
"Yes well. Mr Malfoy's motives are rather obvious." McGonnagal stated.
"Very well. One last thing then we shall let you go if you please." Madam Bones said reassuringly polite.
"Okay."
"So far you have made friends with Miss Granger, Mr Longbottom, my niece, and Hagrid?"
"Uh yes ma'am." Harry replied suspicious of how and more importantly why she was concerned about that.
Nodding madam Bones closed her notebook, "Very well. I believe your assessment of Miss Granger, as well as my niece's opinion of her. Mr Longbottom has been vouched for by his Grandmother and Hagrid is. Well Hagrid."
Harry blinked, this was getting a lot deeper than he had expected. "Oh. So they're okay?"
"It would seem as such. Do you feel comfortable and safe around them?" madam bones asked.
"Yeah. Very much." Harry said with a broad grin.
"Even Hagrid?" McGonnagal asked.
"Yeah. He's cool. He's a bit on the hippie dippie side of things as my uncle would say but that makes him neater." Harry laughed. Thinking that if his uncle Vernon would disapprove of someone that was a good sign they might not be all that bad.
Madam Bones actually smiled at him, "Well then. As it would seem you have a good judge of character We will leave you to the process of making friends. Just should you encounter someone who makes you uncomfortable or you suspect may not have your best interests at heart please do not hesitate to contact myself or Professor McGonnagal. Just do not have Susan activate her emergency call unless its a true emergency. I have given her a much less alarming method of contacting myself."
"Yes ma'am. Thank you. Can I ask you something?" Harry asked quikly as she had already begun to rise.
"Of course." Madam bones replied sitting back down.
"Is Sirius Black really my godfather?"
The two women looked at each other then back at Harry, "Yes he is. How did you find that out?" Madam Bones asked.
"Hermione read it in a book." Harry replied as the threat to her had seemed to pass.
McGonnagal suppressed a smile as Bones nodded, "Ahh. I see. And you are wondering if he will be able to become your guardian?"
"Kinda. I was hoping I might be able to live with him instead of the Dursleys." Harry voiced his wish to them.
Madam Bones looked sympathetically at him. "I understand your desires and can tell you this. Mr Black has been transferred from Azkaban, our prison, to Saint Mungo's for psychological evaluation. Should he be found competent he will be given a full trial. Given his, alleged victim, is sitting in one of my holding cells, the trial should be rather simple."
"Oh. So it'll be some time yet." Harry replied glumly.
"Yes it will. However while the wheels of justice turn slowly they are turning." Madam Bones tried to reassure him. "Now is there anything else?"
Harry shook his head, although he supposed he should ask about Ron. "Uh is Ron coming back?"
"Mr Weasley and his siblings will return to the school when they have been cleared of any unfortunate influences." Madam Bones said without explaining herself. The expression on her and Professor McGonnagal's faces were rather enigmatic Harry thought.
"Oh. Okay. I think that's it ma'am." Harry said.
"Very well. Enjoy your lunch." Madam bones said standing and leaving as McGonnagal escorted Harry to the great hall.
When they were in the corridor Harry asked, "Professor. Why did she ask so many questions about Hermione?"
Professor McGonnagal pursed her lips in thought for a moment then said, "There were some allegations made that she had nefarious reasons for her conduct."
Harry frowned, "Nefarious? Hermione? Who said that?"
Professor McGonnagal shook her head, "That is none of your concern at the moment. As for Miss Granger. She has not pressured you to do anything you are not comfortable with."
"Aside from be nicer to Professor Snape no." Harry grumbled.
Professor McGonnagal gave a subdued chuckle before saying, "In that case I wish her luck in her endeavors."
Harry frowned but as they had almost reached the great hall he shrugged and tried to make sense of the entire line of questions.
…...
After lunch they had gone to the library. Harry told the other three friends what happened when he had been called out, including the questions about Hermione.
"So. I tried to distract her away from the message." Harry said, "I didn't think you wanted that getting out."
"Thank you. No I don't think anyone but us should know about that." Hermione agreed.
"So what nefarious purpose do you have for Harry?" Susan teased. "We are only eleven after all."
Hermione rolled her eyes but said, "I have no nefarious plans yet, I need him to get a bit healthier and muscular for any of my plans."
"Oh. Too bad. Well there's hope for the future Harry." Susan snickered.
"Very funny everybody. She was being serious. Someone made accusations against Hermione they asked questions about."
"Harry, auntie takes her job very seriously. So of course she is going to ask questions." Susan stated.
"And it was probably Ron, one of the other Weasleys, or maybe Dumbledore who said that to try and throw the investigation off of them onto me." Hermione replied. "I'm not too worried. I know I've done nothing wrong."
"Neither did Edmond Dantes." Neville pointed out causing Hermione to frown for a moment before shrugging.
"Then I'll have to cross that bridge if I get to it." she declared confidently. "Now we need to get to class as Neville has a wall to fly into."
Susan looked at Harry in confusion as she had missed the earlier discussion.
"You'll see. Just don't worry."
…...
The day was bright and sunny. With a mostly clear sky which was uncommon but welcome. The Slytherins sneered and smirked across the row of brooms that both houses were standing beside. Madam Hooch had given a small speech about how to control the brooms and that while they were magically animated items they did not actually think or have a mind. She also had to reassure a couple of the girls that no boys could not look up their skirts when on the broom thanks to certain protective charms.
Harry's broom had leapt into his hand with a vibrating eager thrum it seemed like to him. Looking around he saw Draco's had risen almost as quickly with Neville's broom almost reluctantly leaving the ground a few moments later. Hermione had brought her broom to her hand about the same time as Neville only in a smooth motion.
Harry watched out of the corner of his eye as Neville mounted the broom, along with everyone else, then suddenly rocketed into the sky. Screaming and thrashing he swung around and over until he bounced into the roof of the east wing, rolled off of it and dropped to the ground with a sickly thud to lay groaning. Harry caught sight of the Rememberall rolling off across the grass towards where Draco was hovering. He tensed as the professor took Neville off holding his left arm.
Draco did as Hermione said he would picking up the Rememberall and sneering. "Well looks like the stupid dunderhead forgot to control his broom."
Harry stepped forward, "I'll take that to him Malfoy."
Draco stepped onto his broom and hovered several feet into the air, "I don't think so Potter. You're too grounded in mundanity."
Harry swung his leg over his broom and rocketed towards Draco, "I'll show you grounded."
Draco realized he might have miscalculated things at that moment and launched himself into a power climb. Swinging over and towards the north tower. "You want it? Go fetch it!" He said as he threw it as hard as he could in slight climbing flip.
Harry ignored Draco and watched as the sparkling crystal orb flew in a parabolic arc, unconsciously calculating how to intercept it he half rolled into a dive to gain speed then pulled up, skimming the tower wall to grab the Rememberall on the fly as he pulled backwards into an Immelman to return to the courtyard.
Landing just as madam Hooch returned Harry braced himself for the punishment when Professor McGonnagal came hustling into the courtyard calling for the coach. Hermione smirked at Harry as Draco looked confused at them.
"Mister Potter if you would please come with me!" Professor McGonnagal finally called out after a rather heated discussion with Madam Hooch. With a wink at Hermione Harry followed the professor out of the courtyard.
…...
"So I'm the youngest seeker in the history of the school." Harry proclaimed to Neville as he recovered in the hospital wing.
"Congratulations. I'm glad my pain was worth it." Neville stated but with a humorous tone.
"Thanks. I'll make it up to you somehow." Harry said earnestly.
"Eh whenever. Right now knowing Malfoy is probably seething in jealousy is a small comfort." Neville chuckled, "Although you do realize he is going to do something to try and get you?"
"I know. We'll be ready." Harry declared. "So you still going to be out in time for dinner?"
"Yeah. I'll be okay." Neville said with a shrug that caused him to wince. "Just a bit sore until then."
"Okay. I'll let you rest." Harry said leaving.
…...
Draco intercepted Harry entering the great hall. "Potter! How did you mange to get rewarded for breaking the rules?"
Harry smirked as Hermione had told him Madam Hooch had given Draco three nights of detention for his actions and banned him from flight class until Spring. "Just living the good life I guess."
"Really Malfoy. You should have been much better at manipulating the situation. After all aren't Slytherins supposed to be cunning?" Hermione sweetly asked.
Draco glared at her but before he could say anything Professor Snape dryly commented, "Yes they are. Unfortunately young master Malfoy has a great deal to learn."
Draco snapped his mouth shut to scowl at the head of Slytherin house but did not dig himself any deeper by making any rude comments.
"All of you should get to your seats, dinner will be starting soon." Snape commanded scowling at Draco.
Harry and Hermione took advantage of the moment and scurried to the Gryffindor table giggling.
…...
Over the next week things settled into a quiet routine. Hermione had suggested Harry not push Snape or do anything unusual and he agreed happily. Oliver Wood was going spare trying to replace the Weasley twins and get Harry integrated into the team which meant nightly practice. Hermione, Neville and Susan watching and doing their homework, which Hermione made sure Harry would remember to do as well.
Harry and Hermione discussed if they should write a letter to Luna and if so how they would get it to her. Discovering that the post owls were capable of finding a person based on magical signature and some strange form of divination they agreed that writing to her and introducing themselves would be good. Hopefully by reaching out and being friends they could help her through the rough times right now. The only disagreement was how much to tell her at first. They finally agreed to ease her into it.
Occasionally Harry would talk to Hagrid in the corridor or wave to him on the grounds enroute from or to the Greenhouses. He refused to think Hagrid could be anything but the likable goof that he seemed to be. Hermione also could not remember anything other than Hagrid being loyal to Dumbledore but a generally good guy overall.
The check up with the matron showed Harry had grown a couple of inches in height and was reaching a healthy weight. He had noticed he was almost the same height as Hermione now and had to adjust his clothes a bit. Hermione had noticed the increased height and definitely approved of it. As a result the matron had said he could do without the potion but would need to keep up with the diet for now.
Draco seemed to be biding his time, although he glared at Harry and Hermione every time he was around them. Flight class was the only respite from him and Harry enjoyed it. Madam Hooch had chosen to make him her assistant helping those who had issues since he was considered a natural. Although he had to prove his skills to her by basically taking the final exam at his second class.
Harry and his friends were walking to Hagrid's hut for tea when a large glistening black snake appeared on the path out of thin air. It shook itself for a moment then rose up with its cranial hood swelling. Hissing menacingly.
Harry stepped quickly in front of Hermione and frowned at the hissing viper. "#calm down. We don't want to hurt you"
"#you can talk?" The viper rocked backwards in surprise.
"#You can talk?" Harry replied in shock.
"#Well yes. I am a viper after all." The being said with some pride.
"#Oh. Yes. But you can speak English very well." Harry said as the viper relaxed its hood.
"#What is English?" The Viper asked in a a rather confused tone
"#what we're speaking?" Harry asked looking at Hermione, Neville and Susan. The three of them were looking at him with a confused concern, although Hermione was thinking rapidly he could tell.
"#Oh no. I am speaking my native tongue. Is English that gibberish that twolegs all use?" The viper replied looking at Harry from one eye.
"#Uh yes. So I'm speaking snake?"
"#Please. I am a viper. Not a common snake." The viper replied proudly but with a sharp tone.
"#Oh. My apologies. I came from the city so have not encountered very many vipers and only one snake in a zoo." Harry said sadly. "#you are rather pretty."
"#ahh yes. I have heard of those horrid prisons. Thank you for the compliment. Now how did I get here?" The viper asked looking around curiously. Although Harry got the distinct sensation the viper was not pleased about being brought here.
"#I don't know. You suddenly appeared out of nowhere on the path. Where were you?" Harry asked curious.
"#I was in the forest stalking a nice fat squirrel when suddenly I felt a strange shimmer go through me and I was here in front of you." The viper said with an aggravated tone.
"#Well I won't keep you from going back to your hunt. I have no desire to harm you, as long as you don't hurt us." Harry politely said.
"#I have no desire to eat twolegs. My jaws can't unhinge that far." The viper said in amusement. "#besides your kind do not taste very well. Far too gamey"
"#Right. Okay. Uh thank you. Do you have a name?" Harry asked, thinking briefly that a few weeks ago the concept of talking to a viper would have sent him back into his cupboard without argument and now it was just a Thursday.
"#I am called ssh-Strussh." The viper hissed.
"#Oh. Hello Ssh-strussh. My name is Harry. This is Hermione, Neville and Susan." Harry said.
"#The stress is on the second fricative syllable of the third grupthang. But close enough." The viper replied in amusement, "#Tell your cohorts I mean no harm. The large breeder has leaked in fear."
Harry wasn't sure who he was talking about but turned to his friends. "Uh. Our new friend ssh-strussh says they won't harm us."
"Is that what it said?" Susan almost shrieked in a very stressed voice. She was gripping Neville's arm so tightly his hand was starting to turn white.
"#I am an egglayer thank you very much. Not a useless impregnator." The viper hissed with what sounded like a verbal sneer.
"She's a she." Harry said uncertainly.
"All that hissing is a language?" Neville asked.
"I guess so." Harry said with a shrug.
"#if you will excuse me. I will return to my hunt." The viper interrupted politely.
"#Oh yes. Sorry. Good luck." Harry said waving his hand.
The viper nodded then dropped back onto the ground and slithered off. A moment later a blonde haired boy ran screaming from behind a rock heading for the castle.
"Stupefy!" Hermione cast quickly striking Draco between the shoulder blades causing him to flip end over end rolling down the lawn to wind up spread eagled on the grass.
"Great job Hermione!" Harry congratulated as they jogged over to check on the Slytherin.
"Is he dead?" Neville asked casually.
"No just stunned." Hermione replied checking his vitals quickly.
"Oh." Neville said flatly, "So now what are we going to do with him?"
Hermione thought for a minute then smiled, "We've got to make sure he doesn't get believed about Harry talking parseltongue to the snake."
"Viper actually. I think she was rather adamant about the distinction." Harry pointed out.
"Great even the wildlife around here has social classes." Susan sighed.
"Fine. Whichever. If it gets out you speak parseltongue without the right spin on it that could be bad." Hermione frowned, "I unfortunately do not remember how to do a memory charm that won't leave him singing he's a little teapot for the next decade.
Neville looked darkly at her causing Hermione to look at the ground, "Sorry. I forgot."
Neville nodded, "Maybe there's another way to make him look like a fool and prevent people accepting his story."
"Okay why is it a bad thing if I can talk to snakes? I mean this is a magical world right?" Harry asked. "Talking to animals must be downright common."
"Because parseltongue is considered a dark art. Only evil wizards and witches can use it." Susan declared.
"IS that true Hermione?" Harry asked turning to her.
"No. It is an inherent ability that only certain bloodlines can utilize. Unfortunately due to the fact that the Big V was the most famous wizard with the ability it was linked to the dark arts." Hermione lectured them briefly.
"Yeah. So while we might know you're not a bad guy, some of the other people might not." Neville said. "And they might make problems."
"Ahh. I see. So what's this idea to make Draco look like a bigger fool than normal?" Harry inquired.
"I overheard some of the older guys in Hufflepuff talking about a plant that has some psychotropic berries in greenhouse 3." Neville explained.
"Psycho what?" Harry asked.
"Makes the person who eats them act crazy and see things." Hermione quickly explained.
"Do you think you could recognize them?" Harry asked grinning.
"Yeah. The only problem is the dosage. Too much and I don't know what might happen. It might kill him." Neville explained rubbing his chin in thought.
Susan glared at Draco, "Given that his dad's a death eater who killed a lot of families maybe that's not such a bad thing."
Harry and Neville looked at her aghast. Before Hermione said, "One or two berries shouldn't kill him right? Just enough to stain his fingers and lips?"
"Probably not. I dunno." Neville shrugged. "Might make him act oddly."
"Well it would discredit him and anything he says." Hermione pointed out.
"I'm all for it." Susan declared.
"Why not?" Harry said with a shrug.
"Okay Harry can you and Neville go to the greenhouse while Susan and I prepare him?" Hermione sweetly asked.
"What are you going to do to him?" Harry asked looking at her seriously.
"Nothing much. We just want to discredit him right?" Hermione replied, "So we'll discredit him."
"Discredit, not kill." Harry said shaking his finger at Hermione.
She sighed deeply but agreed,"Okay. We won't kill him" Under her breath she muttered yet but Harry pretended he hadn't heard that as he and Neville ran off to get the berries.
"Susan okay? She seems a bit bloodthirsty." Harry asked.
"Draco's been getting under her skin the last week. Calling us the orphan's club." Neville grunted.
"But Hermione has her parents still." Harry pointed out.
"Only they're muggles. Draco don't count them as people." Neville replied.
Harry felt a little bit less sympathetic for Draco as they arrived at the greenhouses.
"Okay so how do we get in?" Harry asked looking at the door.
"We open the door." Neville said doing so.
"Its not locked?" Harry asked in surprise.
"No. The really dangerous stuff is in greenhouse six and seven." Neville said off handedly as they moved down the rows of plants. "They're kept locked."
Harry considered the idea that berries that could kill you was not the most dangerous plant a very interesting one. Also a slightly disturbing one.
"Ahh here they are." Neville said carefully picking several and putting them in a nearby pouch he found.
By the time they had returned Draco was still unconscious but wearing a bra and knicker set.
"Uh Hermione where did the underwear come from?" Neville asked turning slightly pink.
"Relax Neville. They are just a copy of the ones I'm wearing." Hermione said.
Harry looked at Draco then shook his head, "I think I'd rather see how you look in them than Draco."
"Maybe when I've developed something worth looking at. Until then, Neville?" She said pointing at Draco.
Neville tried to ignore Draco's state of dress and using a handkerchief crushed the berries and rubbed some on his lips and fingers. Doing his best to make sure he didn't get any on himself. Once he was done Hermione burned the pouch and kerchief to ash.
"Okay leave him by the tree. Now let's get to Hagrid's so we have an alibi." Hermione said.
"We're just going to leave him there?" Harry asked.
Susan looked around thoughtfully then suggested, "Well we could always dump him in the lake?"
"Leaving him there will be just fine." Harry said leading them to Hagrid's hut.
…...
They had explained to Hagrid they were a bit late as Hermione was looking something up in the library. Hagrid chuckled and accepted that. Walking with them towards the castle for dinner they looked at the tree they had left Draco under to see the space empty.
Harry looked worriedly at Hermione but she shrugged and talked to Hagrid about something called a Cerberus. Harry wasn't sure what that was but from the way Hagrid was describing it he was sure he didn't want to know.
Entering the great hall they had just taken their seats when the doors burst pen and Draco came strutting in. He was still wearing the copies of Hermione's bra and knickers, only he was carrying a large tree branch as a staff and had somehow fashioned a crown from some vines. His skinny body was covered in mud and dirt with some moss mixed in.
"Behold! I have come! I am the dark lord reborn!" He shouted at the top of his lungs. "All shall bow before me in my magnificence!"
Minerva jumped upwards demanding, "MR Malfoy! What is the meaning of this?"
"Ignore the shadow. That woman does not exist! She is not real!" He said pointing the limb at Professor McGonnagal.
The professor cast a disarming spell followed by a stunner very quickly. The matron came down from the head table shaking her head as she levitated him out of the room. All of the students were too shocked to do more than stare at the scene that had quickly played out in front of them.
Minerva looked around the room with a gimlet expression as whispers began to travel around the room. "Silence please."
The whispers died out almost as quickly as they had begun.
"We are not certain why Mr Malfoy has acted the way he has tonight. As it could have been something nefarious, an illness, or a spell gone wrong, you will please refrain from mass speculation or condemnation please."
When no one seemed to disagree she nodded then left the room.
Hermione and Susan looked at each other with a grin. Harry just looked relieved while Neville looked for the rolls.
…...
The next day was Friday. Draco was at breakfast glaring at everyone but shunned by most of Slytherin. Even his two minions seemed reluctant to associate themselves with him.
The phrase 'that person does not exist' became popular to throw at Draco as well as people mock bowing to him.
Just after lunch Professor McGonnagal called for Harry to wait a moment.
"Yes Professor?" he asked.
"Monday you and I shall be going to the Ministry. There is going to be a hearing concerning your circumstances at the Dursley residence. You will have to give testimony to the adjudicators." she explained. "I have already spoken to the other professors and they are willing to make arrangements."
"Right. Okay. I guess I'll ask Hermione to get my notes for me." Harry said.
"If you would please." Minerva said, "Do you have any questions?"
Harry shook his head, "I can't think of any right now."
"Very well. It should be rather cut and dried with no excitement. So no need to worry. Alright?" She smiled softly at him.
"Yes ma'am." Harry said distantly.
"Very well. I am certain your friends would be willing to be supportive. So I'll let you get back to them." Minerva said with a gentle smile.
"Yes ma'am?" Harry replied taking a deep breath.
"Better hurry or you are going to be late for class." The professor said nodding to him.
Harry looked thoughtful as he rejoined his friends.
…...
They had not had a chance to speak openly until after dinner. Harry told them what the professor had said earlier.
"Oh. So I wonder who you'll wind up with after this." Susan asked, "I could write auntie and see if she'll let you stay with us."
"Well you're welcome at our estate." Neville said, "If you don't mind Gramma's joint lineament and uh. Well she's a bit stern."
"Or I could ask my parents. Since the point of this has been to keep you hidden and secure from the death eaters a muggle home would be one of the last places they would think to look." Hermione declared.
"Thanks. I appreciate that guys. I have no idea how this is going to turn out though. So it may be to early to think about that." He said.
"Well just know that we'll work to make sure you always have a home." Hermione said.
"I'd like that." Harry said, "Now. We need to get back to work. Okay? I'll be fine."
Hermione gave him a knowing smile before nodding. Pulling out their homework to start working on it.
…...
Saturday morning. Harry received a bright yellow envelope with flowers all along the edges. Hermione got a newspaper, an envelope and a small box. She seemed happy to see the box.
"Oh good news Harry. Dad was able to find one." She said reading the note. She slid the box over with a smile.
"What's this?" Harry asked looking at the box.
"Its a fountain pen. I asked Professor McGonnagal and they are not against the rules, exactly." She said as Harry opened the box.
"Oh uh thanks. How is this going to help?"
"Well its a metal nib for one thing so no more breaking them and having to cut new ones. Which you suck at by the way." Hermione observed.
"Sorry, not much call for nib cutting in Surrey." Harry quipped.
"I suppose not. But this should help your writing a bit." She said.
"Well. Let's hope so. I'd hate to have to have you hold my hand while I write." He said wiggling his eyebrows.
"So is that from Luna?" Hermione said rolling her eyes.
"Yeah, subtle eh?" Harry said putting the pen in his pocket before opening the envelope.
"She is a very unique girl." Hermione stated.
"She says hello and that she is glad to hear from us. She is looking forward to getting to know us better and thanks us for writing and sending our sympathies for her mother. She also has a long paragraph introducing herself, what foods she has been eating, and a paragraph extolling the virtues of the color yellow." Harry said handing the pale yellow sheet of notebook paper to Hermione. It was covered with a very neat, controlled, loopy, swirling script that was written in a bright glittery blue ink.
Hermione smiled, "Oh yeah that's Luna. Controlled chaos."
"So what's the plan for today?" Neville asked sitting down.
"Quidditch practice after breakfast for Harry, lunch then I want to look up a few things I remembered." Hermione said.
"Sounds like fun." Susan remarked.
"Just another day in paradise." Harry grinned.
…...(Review Responses)
boredking: What exactly should he have done? There was a girl whose eyes started glowing waving a wand at a guy he had just met. Ron and harry were not immediately best friends and brothers for life from the moment they met. (Which to be honest was really more one sided from Harry to Ron than mutual IMO) So Harry was supposed to defend him? And if so how? Remember Harry was used to being prey so did not have the predator responses. Then the girl tells him she burned up the sun to save his life and she loved him along with a lot of other stuff.
Gryffindorforever4242: Thank you.
Yaw613: I am working as fast as I can on them. Reality is unfortunately a harsh mistress.
Poobear1969: Thank you. Glad you're enjoying.
KGFinkel: Never forget Minerva is a transfiguration master. If she wanted to she could probably look like anyone she wanted to. From Bettie Page to Channing Tatum. So that could be an interesting situation. I love the omake. Self-confident Neville is cool.
Timekeeper: Oh yes they will. We are taking the off-ramp from the canon highway and on the side streets now.
Bkerrmom1: Thank you. And yeah I want to try and change the speech up I the various stories a bit. I'm looking forward to see how it goes too.
Honeybear84: Thank you. Glad you're enjoying. Here is this update.
Jadesabrexiv: Hey no problem. I endorse being an oddball. And I'm looking forward to where this one ends up too. I have a vague idea of the end point like usual its the middle that gets a bit sticky sometimes.
Tscchope: We shall see the revelation of some of those things at the hearing for Harry in the next chapter. His visit to the Ministry is going to be quite enlightening. The limit with trying to tell the story solely from Harry's point of view has me biting my lip a lot but there are things going on outside of his knowledge that will come out eventually. And yeah. Oaf Hagrid was a Dumbledore machination indeed.
KellarDeath: Thank you. I'm glad.
Same as smithback: Cool. Glad you enjoy.
OfficerDonNZ: Indeed. There are going to be some interesting revelations come out in the next chapter. Amelia is a stern but fair cop. One that knows which laws to bend, and which ones to use to hang a berk with. As for Snape. He will be the diet coke version of canon. I haven't decided if he will get a full redemption or at least a partial yet though.
Katmom: Lots of them. :-)
Dennisud: Indeed. I need to just relax and let it pass. Cool. Glad you're enjoying.