Author's Note

Bit of a shorter chapter this time folks but we get to see some interesting interactions. I added the bit about Percival because I realised it had never come up, but you'll see what I mean when you read. Hopefully it doesn't seem toooo forced.

One of my favourite characters returns in this chapter at the end, I love playing with him so please let me know what you think of my iteration of him.

A big thank you to everyone who has reviewed, favourited and followed! It's amazing to me how many of you read and enjoy my work and I'm so grateful to all of you.

I hope you enjoy and please leave a review if you liked it or if you didn't! I'm always keen for any kind of feedback, even criticism if its constructive!

Reviews

Griffin Blackwood – Thank you! Yeah I wanted to keep the character almost entirely as canon, but I just can't write the way he speaks so had to change some bits. I've also added some 'rules' for House Elves in this world, because otherwise they are just wildly overpowered.

Guest – I do understand what you mean, but he is a 12 year old boy. He will begin to stand up for himself, but this is a boy who has been in multiple traumatic situations and has survived but just barely. He is not going to instigate conflict, at least not for now, but he will be getting more confident and self-reliant as this year passes and the next begins.

Aidann83 – Wow its like you could see my notes! I hope this chapter explains why no Hedwig, but that's not to say she won't enter the story at a later point!

Guest – Thank you very much! At the moment Harry is very much a defender. He will defend and counter, but he isn't the aggressive attacker. Not yet, possibly not ever. I see him eventually being a bit like Dumbledore in his duelling. This isn't someone who can dodge and roll across the ground to avoid spells like Canon, this is someone who will stand still (or near enough) and block or counter spells through skill. He won't need to move once the story is complete.

End of A/N

Chapter 18

"No it is not a Dark ability Harry, technically there are no Dark abilities, however historically there have been several famous Dark Wizards who were Parselmouth's. It is known that Ekrizdis was a Parselmouth, as was You-Know-Who and of course Salazar Slytherin himself, though whether he should be classed as a Dark Wizard is much debated." Professor Flitwick explained as he offered Harry and Terry a cup of tea in his office. "However there have also been a few famous Wizards who had the ability and were certainly not Dark, Merlin was known to have the gift of serpent-speech, as was Aesclepius who spent his life healing the sick in Ancient Greece. Much like the other gifts, Metamorphia and Precognition for example, it is down to the wielder to use their abilities for good or ill."

"I mean I don't think it would have been so bad if it weren't for all this Heir of Slytherin stuff going on, but you know at least a few of them will probably start to blame you now mate."

Harry slumped in his seat, the whispers that followed them out of the Hall and up to Professor Flitwick's office had already proven Terry correct.

"I am more interested in the cause for your revealing this ability Harry, you say Mr Malfoy transfigured a snake during the duel?" Flitwick asked as he pulled out a small stack of parchment and a quill onto his desk.

"Yes professor, then Lockhart flung it into the air and when it landed it was angry and I just didn't want it to hurt anyone in the crowd."

"Yeah and a bloody good thing you did too mate, the blonde ponce wasn't any use and Snape just stood there watching." Terry added as he snacked on a biscuit from the small plate of them on Flitwick's desk.

"Interesting." Flitwick tapped the parchment on his desk with his wand and it folded into a small paper bird before flapping its wings and soaring across the room to slip through the door, passing through the heavy wood like a boat through water. "And you used an inverted adaptation of the shield charm you are so fond of to trap the snake?"

"Yes, it was difficult but I couldn't think of anything else that would work quickly enough. I suppose I could have tried to un-transfigure the snake or bind it…" Harry trailed off as Professor Flitwick shook his head and smiled across at him.

"Well, I think five points for an impressive bit of wandwork are due then. I do not doubt you did what you thought best Harry, and you do not need to defend your actions to me. However, in the interest of fairness, I have asked for Professor McGonagall and Professor Snape to join us, Professor Snape witnessed the event and Professor McGonagall is an expert in animal conjuration and transfiguration and as the Deputy, she has final say on all disciplinary matters unless the Headmaster steps in." As if they had been waiting for the Charms Master's words, there was a polite knock on the door behind them. "Enter."

"You asked for us Filius?" Professor McGonagall paused as she stepped inside the office and caught sight of Harry and Terry sat in the room. "Hello Mr Potter, Mr Boot, I take it you asked for us to discuss the incident in the Duelling Club then, Professor Flitwick?"

"Indeed, do close the door Severus, I want to get this straightened out before the rumour mill has contorted the tale beyond recognition." Professor Flitwick explained as Professor McGonagall nodded and conjured a straight-backed chair for herself, Professor Snape elected to remain standing as he stepped up to the desk.

"An excellent idea, well I have already heard one version of the events from Percy Weasley, but would you care to explain in your own words what happened Mr Potter?" Professor McGonagall asked as she settled back into her chair and eyed him curiously.

For the second time, Harry retold the events of the Duelling Club, Professor McGonagall's lips curled into a brief smirk when he described Lockhart's ineptitude, but settled into a grim line as he described Malfoy's final spell and how he tried to stop it before it hurt anyone. Snape stood silently throughout the retelling, surprisingly he didn't disagree or react in any way to Harry's words.

"You inverted a shield charm to contain rather than repel? Ingenious." Professor McGonagall remarked absently as she absorbed the information before she turned to look at Professor Snape. "Do you have anything to add Severus? Any defence for Mr Malfoy?" She asked expectedly.

"The snake would not have been a threat to the crowd if Lockhart had not interfered." He stated slowly, his gaze fixed on the crackling fire in the corner of the office, for a long moment he said nothing else before he shook his head and looked back at the Deputy. "However, the snake was venomous and still a dangerous spell to cast, Mr Malfoy will serve two weeks detention with myself as punishment."

Harry nearly asked if the Potions Master was feeling unwell such was his surprise at the man's words.

"We do still need to discuss Potter's actions."

And all was right with the world again.

"Mr Potter's actions? Oh yes I see your point, not to worry, I have already awarded him points for his actions. Of course, if you wish to add to that feel free, after all he did protect students from all the houses with his actions." Professor Flitwick smiled innocently at the dark haired professor who shook his head again.

"That is not what I meant, the boy -"

"I agree Severus, another five points for quick thinking in the face of danger." Professor McGonagall interjected with a straight face, though one corner of her mouth ticked upwards as she spoke.

"Enough! We must discuss the boy's ability. It is an inherited gift, and Li- his mother did not possess it, nor did his father or I am sure he would have made full use of it during his time here." Snape was breathing heavily by the end of his minor rant but any further words were quelled by another knock at the door.

"Come in." Professor Flitwick invited as he stared at Professor Snape coldly.

"Ah forgive my lateness Filius, evidently the staircase decided that I needed to visit the fifth floor before I could join you all. Mr Potter, Mr Boot good evening." Professor Dumbledore stepped into the room with a smile and nodded his greeting to the two second-years. "I think our young Ravenclaw's should rejoin their housemates in the common room for the rest of the evening. Unless you have further need of them?"

Professor Snape looked torn as he opened his mouth but a single glance from the Headmaster was enough to silence him and Harry and Terry left with a brief wave to the other professors. As they made their way down the corridor and towards the Ravenclaw Tower, they just caught the sound of the Potions Master being reprimanded by the Deputy, her Scottish accent coming through stronger with each word.

The whispers and stares that had finally stopped before the Duelling Club came back in full force after it. The only silver lining Harry could see was that the Winter Break was fast approaching and within a week, he would be one of only a few students still in the Castle. He had been invited to Christmas dinner with Castamir and the others once again and he was looking froward to it, he had even been able to get a few presents from Hogsmeade via the Weasley Twins who were more than happy to do him a favour despite the Parselmouth revelation.

Whether it was due to the petrification's or not he didn't know, but by the 21st of December he was the only Ravenclaw left in the Castle, with only a handful of Slytherin's and Gryffindor's also electing to remain over the Winter Break, the castle felt rather empty. Unfortunately, three of the Slytherin's staying over the Winter Break were Malfoy and his two cronies and when they found out Harry would also be staying, they decided to make it their job to find and bother him wherever he went. Or they tried to anyway, they were turfed out of the Library the first day of the Break when Madam Pince caught Malfoy attempting to hex the book Harry had been reading. He hadn't been worried as every time the boy tried to cast the magic, it barely reached the book before fizzling out, whatever it was the blond was trying to cast was clearly too advanced for his ability. It had been entertaining nonetheless to witness him being dragged from the Library and banned for a month, leaving Crabbe and Goyle to stand gormlessly for several minutes before realising they should probably follow their leader.

The rest of the days leading up to Christmas saw him practicing spells in the Ravenclaw Common Room, it was far warmer and more comfortable than the practice room they had claimed in the Charms corridor and allowed him to practice from the comfort of a cushy armchair.

"Mutatio Lignum Animatio"

Green magic suffused the wooden chess piece, the horse head of the knight twitched and trembled before it shook, its wooden mane flowing unnaturally as it let out a silent neigh. The body of the piece stretched and twisted, sprouting four legs and a long tail before it took a few clumsy steps across the surface of the side table it was stood upon.

It was a surprisingly difficult spell to perform, it combined an animation charm with a transfiguration but if he could master it, it could be used in a variety of ways. The little horse cantered around the table, gaining speed and stability before it turned and darted for the edge, leaping off the side table it soared through the air for a moment before hitting the ground with a clatter.

Harry couldn't wait to show Terry, their game of animated knights would be even better now that they wouldn't have to rely on figures cobbled together out of dirt and grass.

"That is a rather advanced spell Mr Potter."

The sound of the Headmaster's voice broke his concentration immediately and the little wooden horse twisted back into a stationary chess piece between one step and the next. Harry wasn't sure how he hadn't noticed the man as he entered the common room, his magical presence was hardly subtle, the professor was a magical titan compared to most everyone else in the school.

"Ah my apologies, I did not mean to startle you my boy, I only thought to check you were not struggling in your solitude." The Headmaster apologised as he gestured to the otherwise empty tower. "It is not the first time that a student has been the only one to remain in their House over a break, but I believe you are the youngest in quite some time."

"That's okay Headmaster, I'm fine thank you, I have been practicing spells and catching up on homework mostly." Harry said as he realised that he had rather let himself spread out across the common room with no one else around, he had papers and books scattered across the other chairs and tables, his Potions essay on the uses of Ginger Root was taking the space of the seat closest to him. With a quick gesture from his wand the stack of books and thick parchment sheets lifted from the other armchair and drifted gently across to one of the other tables.

"Oh thank you, I had forgotten what a walk it was up all those stairs." The Headmaster sat down across from him and turned his head to look at the fire for a few moments. Harry didn't know whether the man was waiting for him to speak but found himself somewhat tongue-tied so settled for sitting quietly and waiting. "Tweak?"

With a pop a House Elf appeared to the side of the Headmaster and bowed to him, this House Elf seemed very different to Dobby, cleaner and happier, much more like Castamir's elf, Arka.

"Would you mind fetching a cup of tea for myself and Mr Potter, and perhaps a few of your lovely lemon biscuits if you have any please?" The Elf nodded quickly, its long ears flapping about its head as it did so, before disappearing with another pop.

Barely a moment passed before two cups of steaming tea appeared on the side table along with a small plate of biscuits and a small jug of milk, one of the cups of tea and all of the biscuits smelled very citrussy.

"Do help yourself to the biscuits, I should warn you they are rather strong, I have a fondness for sour lemon and Tweak is one of the few elves who will indulge my habit." The Headmaster reached across and snatched up one of the biscuits along with his cup of tea. "I confess, I did have an ulterior motive in coming to see you Harry, may I call you Harry?"

Harry nodded nervously as he sipped from his own teacup, what could the Headmaster want with him? Was it about him being a Parselmouth? Was he going to be expelled?

"Excellent, well Harry as I said I did have another reason for visiting you, I believe we share a … rather rare talent."

"A talent, professor?" Harry couldn't think of a single thing he had in common with the Headmaster, the man was a living legend.

"Indeed, though I did not develop my ability until my fourth year of Hogwarts, I too am a natural Fulgomancer."

"You can see magic as well?" Harry was amazed, from what Professor Flitwick had said, the ability was exceedingly rare and was normally taught, it was not something you were born able to do.

"See magic? No, I can feel magic. My Fulgomancy is translated through my sense of touch, I can feel it in the air, in objects. Sometimes as a vibration, other times it has a texture to it, but all through my sense of touch." The aged professor shook his head as he took a bite of his biscuit. "I have only ever met one other who was born a natural Fulgomancer, he too could see magic."

"Really? Is he … is he like me?"

"Like you … no, once upon a time perhaps but not any more. Though you do remind me of him occasionally" The Headmaster seemed to sink into himself as he sipped from his teacup and looked down at the hot liquid, as if he expected to find the answer to an important question hidden in its depths. Harry wasn't entirely sure what the man meant, did this mean the other Fulgomancer was blind when he was younger but could now see?

"So he isn't blind anymore?"

"Blind? Oh. No, though I suppose he was blind for a time in his youth. But that … he is not what I wanted to discuss with you. No, I wanted to ask if you needed any help with your Fulgomancy, I know that when my senses came into their own, being in the Castle was difficult, almost painful at times. I am very impressed that you have been able to focus your abilities without the help of a teacher in the art, it speaks to your natural ability and fortitude Harry. However, I was lucky enough to be taught how to use my abilities by a master, Nicholas Flamel. He gifted me this book, something of a collection of notes that I have added to over the years. I would like you to have it. I have already translated the text into Braille, but it is my hope that it might aid you in your efforts. Fulgomancy can be a powerful tool in all branches of magic. I am eager to see what you can do with it." The Headmaster smiled at him as he handed over the leatherbound notebook before reaching for another biscuit. "Oh, it seems I have finished all of the biscuits."

Harry couldn't help but laugh at how disappointed the professor sounded as he realised there were no more of the lemony treats left and the Headmaster soon joined him with a chuckle, though he did let out a few more sighs of disappointment when he reached for a biscuit out of habit only to find the still empty plate waiting.

"Welcome to Casa Moody, now be careful the old man is- " Percival dived to the floor as a bright pink spell shot from the doorway and passed through the space his face had previously occupied. "Oi that could have killed me Alastor!"

"At least then I'd get some peace and quiet." Alastor Moody limped around the corner and into the hallway that Harry and Professor Flitwick had just stepped out of the Floo into, giving a nod of greeting to the two of them as he tapped his wand on the mantelpiece behind them. "Merry Christmas and all that, how are you both?"

"Very well all things considered Alastor, how are you?" Professor Flitwick vanished the soot from his and Harry's cloak's with a wave of his wand as they followed the Auror down the hallway until they reached a dining room. A simple round table with five chairs took up most of the room and Alastor took a seat in one of them once they all joined him.

"Hm could be worse, any word on when the Governors will let us into the Castle to investigate the attack?" Alastor gestured with his wand and a bottle of butterbeer floated across to Harry's place along with a goblet for Flitwick.

"Apparently as long as there is no lasting damage done to a student or teacher, the Ministry can't get involved. Add to that Malfoy dragging his heels and I doubt you'll be allowed in before the summer I'm afraid Alastor."

"Can we maybe not talk about doom and gloom at Christmas please Uncle?" Percival asked as he stepped into the room, several platters of food floating ahead of him.

"For once I agree with Percival, Merry Christmas Harry and to you as well Filius." Castamir greeted as he followed Percival with a large covered dish in his hands.

"Merry Christmas Castamir. Wait, you're his uncle?" Harry asked in confusion as he caught up with conversation, nearly spitting out his butterbeer as he realised what had been said.

"Well yeah, didn't you wonder why I hang around with this lot when I'm so much younger Harry? Alastor was my mum's brother, he took me in after they died while I studied for my NEWTS. Blimey Harry, did you think I was old enough to have met them during the war?" Percival gestured to his face with a grin. "I'm not even half as old as Moody and Flitwick, look at this skin, smooth and youthful!"

"Alright give it a rest Percival, the lad can be forgiven for his confusion. And you're clearly not too old for me to tan your hide if you say another word about our ages." Moody added as Percival opened his mouth again.

"Shall we dig in?" Castamir offered as he took a seat next to Harry, patting him on the shoulder as he did so.

The food was delicious, as good as anything Hogwarts had served during Harry's time there, and the evening passed into night with the group sharing tales and memories.

When it came time for the gift giving, Harry was pleased to have more to show than his carvings from the previous year, although he had still spent some time whittling with Hagrid when the stares and whispers in the Castle grew too much to handle.

"Counter-intelligence techniques? This a muggle book?" Alastor asked in befuddlement as he unwrapped his gift from Harry.

"Yeah it's all about how muggle spies lookout for other spies and how they defend themselves and stuff, I found it over the summer and I thought you might like to see how the muggles do your job without magic." Harry explained nervously, it was a risk giving such a gift to a wizard, some would find it insulting but Harry hoped Alastor would see past the prejudices.

"Hmm thanks very much lad, I met one of those spies back in the sixties, bloody good at their job they are." The grizzled Auror flicked through the book before something caught his attention and a grin crept across his face. "Homemade security measures … a hair across the door? Now that's damn clever … I could link up a detection charm to the hair …"

"You've done it now Harry, he'll be reading that all night. Come on then let's carry on without him, who's next?" Percival asked.

"Ah I believe I am next, one moment, I need to fetch Harry's present from outside." Castamir swept from the room and outside a piercing whistle echoed before he returned. "Harry, this is Kyrre, she is a Hrafn."

Perched on Castamir's arm was a bird. Sleek black feathers, clawed feet and a long bill, it looked like a Raven but the grey magic that flowed through every feather along its body and the piercing amber light in its eyes told Harry that it was not an ordinary bird.

"A Hrafn?" Percival asked curiously as he examined the bird from his seat. "I have never heard of such a thing, what are they?"

"They're a species of magical bird, they mostly live in the north, I found this one in Norway a few weeks ago and she wanted to come with me, seemed especially keen to meet Harry." At the mention of his name, the bird cocked its head in Harry's direction before hopping off of Castamir's arm, flapping its wings somewhat awkwardly as it made its way down to the floor. It hopped forward a few steps, its eyes locked onto Harry as it reached his feet. "They're very intelligent creatures, and they possess some form of innate legilimency."

"Innate legilimency? Like a Wampus Cat?" Professor Flitwick seemed concerned by the revelation but as he and Castamir continued their discussion, the noise began to grow muffled and distorted. As it grew more and more muffled a new sound grew louder to replace it, the sound of flapping wings, of wind rustling trees and the crunch of snow beneath little clawed feet. For a brief moment, Harry saw what it would be like to fly, to soar above the ground, he felt his wings spread wide to catch the air, how the smallest of movements could turn him, guide him as he was carried by the wind.

"-ink? Harry?" He shook his head as the sensation of flying was replaced by a pinching feeling coming from his leg, the strange bird had perched itself on his knee, its claws nearly piercing his trousers.

"Sorry I think I drifted off for a moment." Harry did his best not to shy away from the Hrafn as it hopped along his leg and then up onto the arm of his chair. "What were you saying?"

"I was asking if you like her? They make excellent companions; they can carry messages and they are excellent judges of character. She seems to like you, if you feel the same then she is yours." Castamir gestured to the bird, Kyrre, who was now preening and picking at Harry's hair, though she was being remarkably gentle with her wickedly sharp beak.

"Really? Thanks Castamir!" Harry lifted a half-inch from his seat before he remembered the bird now on his shoulder as it flapped its wings to keep balanced. "Aha oops, sorry Kyrre, but will I be allowed to keep her at Hogwarts?"

"It shouldn't be a problem Harry, the rules for pets are to prevent students from bringing potentially dangerous animals into the Castle. If you claim her as a familiar, then you can bring her and keep her in the Owlery or even in your dorms. I will inform Minerva of the situation in case there are any questions." Flitwick assured him, though he still eyed the large bird somewhat suspiciously.

"Did you hear that Kyrre? You're coming with me to Hogwarts." Harry ran a finger gently across the Raven's head, her feathers were surprisingly soft, and she seemed to enjoy the attention, pushing her head back under his hand for more.

Sadly, the peace and quiet of the Winter Break was quickly over, as students flooded back into the Castle, Harry returned to being something of a social pariah. Terry, Neville and Susan had all assured him that they believed him and knew he wasn't the Heir, but Hannah and Hermione had kept their distance since the Duelling Club. He wasn't as close with them as he was with Terry or Susan, but it still hurt to have people he had considered friends turn their backs on him.

He did his best not to let it get to him, he buried himself in his schoolwork and began practicing his old challenge of finding multiple ways of overcoming a problem. It helped somewhat, but occasionally the whispers and general miasma of suspicion that seemed to follow him around the Castle would grow too much. When that happened he would retreat, sometimes to the Common Room, but more often than not he would make the trek down to Hagrid's hut.

The Gamekeeper hadn't mentioned the rumours around him being the Heir, and the only reference the half-giant made of his Parseltongue abilities was to remark that they would be 'bloody useful for dealin' with some of the snakes in the forest'. They would sit and talk about the creatures in the forest or Harry's schoolwork, Hagrid was a surprisingly talented wizard despite his never finishing Hogwarts. Even without a wand and only having completed four years of school, the man had a knack for Transfiguration and a way to explain some of its concepts that made them seem so simple to Harry.

It was during one of these visits, halfway through a pot of tea and a discussion on the Transfiguration of air into crystal, that Fang began to growl in the direction of the front door. A quick glance by Hagrid out of the window had him standing and pushing Harry towards the back of the Hut, to the partitioned area that Hagrid's enormous bed and wardrobe were located.

"Righ' Harry, you need to stay quiet and still back here alrigh'? And no matter what you hear, you need to stay out of sight." Hagrid squeezed Harry's shoulder gently and pushed him back into the wardrobe, then he quickly threw the teapot and two cups into the sink.

Knock-knock.

"Who is it?" Hagrid asked as he approached the door but didn't open it.

"It is Albus, Hagrid, and I have the Minister here with me." Harry was surprised to hear the Headmaster's voice, but even more surprised when Hagrid shook his head sadly at the man's voice.

Hagrid moved around to the door but before he got there he chuckled and reached into the rafters above the kitchen and retrieved an enormous axe, the same one he had carried in the forest in Harry's first year. The wicked looking blade was still crawling with purple, green and brown magic, and with it resting against his shoulder, he opened the door.

"Ah good evening Hagrid, I am sorry to disturb you but the Minister asked for a few moments of your time, he wants to ask a few questions. Would you mind if we come in?" Professor Dumbledore seemed unsurprised by the sight of the half-giant holding the axe, but the short man next to him had taken a very careful step backwards when the door opened, placing the Headmaster squarely between him and the Gamekeeper.

"Come on in then Pr'fessor." Hagrid stepped aside and gestured for the two men to enter, closing the door behind them and leaning his axe against it with a heavy thunk. "Tea?"

"Oh yes pl- "

"No. Thank you, Mr Hagrid, but I'm afraid I have come on rather serious business. These attacks at the school, first the Lovegood girl and now Miss Abbott this evening, well the Wizengamot are up in arms. The Ministry, we have to be seen to be doing something." The Minister twisted his bowler hat in his grip and looked between the half-giant and the Headmaster who had leaned forward at the Minister's words. "I am sorry Mr Hagrid, but I don't have a choice."

"Cornelius you said you wanted to ask a few questions, I only allowed you onto the grounds on your assurance that-" Professor Dumbledore sounded angry but visibly deflated when Hagrid held up one of his enormous hands in his direction.

"You wouldn't have let me in otherwise Dumbledore, I really have no choice, the Wizengamot are after blood now. If I'm not seen to be taking action… well suffice it to say, this was the lesser of two evils." The Minister sounded honestly regretful as he withdrew a roll of parchment from his robes and held it out for Hagrid. "Rubeus Hagrid, you are hereby under arrest, you will be questioned and detained in Azkaban until a hearing can be held."

For a long moment there was a tense silence as Hagrid eyed the scroll being held out for him. A large part of Harry wanted the man to make a break for it, to do something. Instead, the man just sighed sadly and accepted the roll of parchment from the Minister who also sighed, though his was more out of relief Harry suspected.

"Cornelius, I want it known that Hagrid has my full support, if anything happens to him on his way to or during his stay at Azkaban, I will make my displeasure known." The Headmaster spoke as if he were remarking on the weather but the way the Minister shivered and nodded quickly showed the fear the Professor had inspired in him.

Fang, who had remained mostly silent during the conversation, suddenly growled again, letting out a loud bark as well. A moment later, there was another knock at the door, though this one was sharper and sounded more like metal on wood than a hand.

"You brought the Auror's?" Hagrid asked in shock, but the Minister seemed just as surprised by the knock and merely shook his head. "Who's there?"

"Lucius Malfoy, I am here to see the Headmaster." Hagrid's hand twitched and the axe that had been leaning against the door, spun through the air to smack into his open hand.

Whether the man knew the door was now unblocked or it was chance, Harry wasn't sure, but the door was pushed open then to reveal a tall blonde man leaning slightly on a silver topped cane. His purple and black magic rippled as he stepped across the threshold, his eyes were fixed on Hagrid even as he greeted the Minister and shook his hand.

"My apologies Cornelius, I did not realise you were here on what I'm sure is important Ministry business." Lucius gestured to the roll of parchment in Hagrid's hands.

"Not at all Lucius, unfortunate business. Mr Hagrid here will be coming with me to the Ministry and then to Azkaban, just until we sort this mess out."

"Oh my, bad business indeed." Malfoy paused before he continued in a subdued tone, half whispering the next words to the Minister. "I can't help but wonder, Minister, if it is sensible to allow the … man to keep hold of such a dangerous weapon. Perhaps it should be held by the Ministry until his trial? Leaving it here at a school…someone could be hurt."

"Someone will be 'urt if you try and take my axe Malfoy." Hagrid didn't move but he suddenly seemed even larger, his presence filling the hut as he loomed over the blonde wizard.

Malfoy shied away, leaning heavily on his cane as he did so. It would have seemed pathetic if Harry couldn't see his magic, a sickly black and red was swelling at the top of the cane and Malfoy was holding the cane oddly with both hands. It was incredible to see him portray himself as a near cripple to the Minister, and yet know that the man was preparing to retaliate with some manner of curse that even from across the hut, Harry could tell would be immensely painful to any it touched.

"Enough." One word was all it took for Hagrid to step backwards, the threat of imminent violence receding as the Headmaster stepped between the two men. "I will take custody of the axe; it was gifted to Hagrid to help in his protection of the school, it should remain here."

As the Minister nodded eagerly Malfoy's face twisted into a violent rictus, but a heartbeat later it was gone, replaced by a bland expression as the man bowed his head in agreement, the façade of a reasonable gentlewizard fixed back firmly into place.

"There is one other piece of business, perhaps it is for the best that you are here Cornelius, I have been approached by the other Governors. After the attack on Miss Abbott, there are concerns that perhaps the current administration is not up to the task. I'm sorry to say Professor Dumbledore, but they have called for your immediate resignation." Malfoy's tone gave nothing away as he handed over another roll of parchment, this time to Dumbledore who took it gracefully.

"NO! They can't get rid of Pr'fessor Dumbledore, there'll be deaths without him!" Hagrid exclaimed in shock and horror.

Even the Minister seemed concerned by the notion.

"Surely there has been a mistake Lucius, Dumbledore has been Headmaster for years. He defeated Grindelwald for Merlin's sake, we need him here." The Minister was nearly pleading but Malfoy simply shrugged and gestured to the parchment.

"I am sorry Minister, it was not I who called for the emergency meeting. I am simply the messenger." The two men didn't visibly react to Hagrid's snort of disbelief but Harry couldn't help the small snort of laughter that escaped him at the half-giant's antics.

"I will go Hagrid, do not worry, Minerva and the others will take care of the school in our absence." The Headmaster moved towards the door but looked back, almost directly at the wardrobe where Harry was hidden, and gave his parting words. "Help will always be given to those who ask for it at Hogwarts."

Malfoy and the Minister seemed nonplussed by the man's odd behaviour, but as Hagrid stood and made his way towards the door as well, they both quickly followed. As the burly man turned to close the door behind them, he smiled faintly in Harry's direction and patted Fang's head.

"Any last words from you as well then?" Malfoy asked with an audible sneer.

"Yeh actually. Anyone who wanted to know anyfin, they should follow the spiders. Oh and someone'll need to feed Fang while I'm gone as well, he likes raw steaks and chicken livers. That oughta do it." Hagrid closed the door and suddenly Harry was left alone in the wooden hut, with only Fang who was whining pitifully at the closed door.

Miss Abbott.

Hannah.

Hannah had been attacked, likely petrified, while Harry had been down with Hagrid. Now Hagrid was gone, Dumbledore was gone, and Harry wouldn't have been seen for most of the day right as another attack had happened.

END