Chapter 20 A Frightful Experience
2nd September 1993, The Great Hall, Hogwarts
It is dinner and as expected everybody in Hogwarts knows Harry Potter has a snake with him. Most of the Gryffindor doesn't mind much, Ravenclaw wants to know what species it is, Hufflepuff trusts Harry's character that the snake is not aggressive or a danger to the school and Slytherin is in a bad mood that Harry Potter, the Gryffindor Golden Boy, has the symbol of their House.
Malfoy and his goons are the only ones in a good mood as they have been taunting Harry since the DADA lesson. They now know his biggest fear and keep making remarks that having a snake doesn't make him a Slytherin, no matter how much he wants to be. Everyone knows that Harry doesn't want to be a Slytherin, but it is the only way Slytherin can taunt him. Harry hears but he doesn't care.
3rd September 1993, Hogwarts grounds
Harry is early at Hagrid's cabin as he and those who follow Ancient Runes have a free period before Care Of Magical Creatures (COMC). Hermione is as normal in the library…. well one of her is, and the other should be following Divination right now with Ron.
While Harry would love to join Hermione in the library he decided that it would be better to do not as Ron doesn't know about the time-turner and if needed he will cover for Hermione. Also, if Ron asks what he did and Harry will tell the truth about being in the library Ron may start to question why as Harry will never be in the library without Hermione and to Ron's knowledge Hermione was with him.
Harry wants to enjoy the weather for as long as possible. Neville is in the library working on homework as Harry already finished his. If the weather was bad he would have joined Hermione and Neville. The weather isn't that good because of the Dementors but it will only get worse especially if Sirius tells the truth which Harry doesn't doubt so this would be the best weather for a long time. Harry doesn't see Hagrid and decides to walk to the edge of the Forbidden Forest.
Harry decided to wait at the edge for the class to start. He also can see the path to Hagrid's cabin from his point. He knows it will take some time before class starts. He start to think about how the last summer changed everything and all for the better. He knows has a family that loves him, for him, not the-boy-who-lived. Sure, he liked the Weasleys but he never felt to be part of the Weasleys.
He doesn't know how long he has been sitting here when he hears something behind him. He hears something walking through the bushes towards him. He isn't afraid it are Dementors as Dementors wouldn't go through the bushes and he doesn't feel the same cold and despair when the Dementor entered the Hogwarts Express and came closer during the train ride.
He sees a creature a couple of feet away. He slowly walks towards the creature as it doesn't look dangerous. He slowly approaches the creature and sees that it is a unicorn. He wonders why the unicorn shows himself as he has never seen a unicorn in the Forbidden Forest before or at least not during the day. He has seen an injured unicorn deep in the Forbidden Forest in his first year when he had detention with Hagrid but never besides that. He has been in the Forbidden Forest a few times after that and he also never saw a unicorn when he visited Hagrid before.
Harry noticed that the unicorn had a big scar on its neck. Before Harry can think more about a foal appears beside the unicorn. The foal is completely gold. Harry doesn't know if the foal is a unicorn, but he thinks the foal is as the unicorn doesn't seem distressed by the foal and the hooves of the unicorn are gold. He knows for sure when the foal rubs its head against the neck of the unicorn.
Harry doesn't know why but he feels and sees it is like a mother and her child. The unicorn and foal look at him and as Harry continues to come closer. They don't look apprehensive or defensive. When Harry is within touching distance he gently strokes the neck (and manes) of the unicorn. She seems to like it. When Harry removes his hand the unicorn makes a disappointed sound and takes a step or two to the side. The unicorn uses her snout to gently push the foal forward. The foal doesn't resist. The foal looks at Harry and he looks back.
The unicorn steps next to her foal. The unicorn makes a sound that looks like encouraging Harry. Harry isn't sure and slowly moves his hand to the foal not sure if the unicorn means that. When Harry is about to touch the foal, the foal pushes itself forward to meet Harry's hand. When the unicorn doesn't do anything Harry gently starts to pet the foal's neck which doesn't have a (full) mane, yet while also rubbing his hand up and down the neck between every few pets.
Harry wonders why they aren't scared by Athena who has been resting with her head on his shoulder since this morning. Harry knows she is not asleep as sometimes during class Athena talks to him. Harry sometimes answered and he did it so much that Hermione glared at him a couple of times in class this morning. After the first class, Harry even said Athena asked him something when Hermione said he should listen to the teacher. Hermione said "Don't blame this on Athena. That you have a snake doesn't mean you can blame her."
Harry swore that if Athena understood her and could laugh she would have. Hermione scratches under Athena's mouth which Athena likes a lot. Athena asked what happened after Hermione turned around to walk to the next class. Harry didn't tell Athena what Hermione said and just said that it was about the class.
Suddenly Harry hears behind Hagrid saying "Harry, step away gently."
He looks back and sees Hagrid and the class standing most looking amazed or even shocked. Harry says "Oh, hey Hagrid. Is something wrong?"
Harry was rubbing the neck of the unicorn. When he turns to see Hagrid he starts to gently rub the foal's neck a few seconds later and if it is possible most look more amazed or shocked.
Hagrid says "Harry, slowly back away."
Harry looks confused and asks again "Is something wrong?"
Hagrid says "Tha' is a unicorn, Harry."
Harry wonders why Hagrid says that as it is quite noticeable. Harry says "I can see that, Hagrid."
Harry sees Hermione and knows if someone knows what Hagrid means it will be Hermione. He asks "Hermione, can you tell me what Hagrid means?"
Hermione says barely loud enough "You are touching a unicorn and probably the unicorn's foal meaning the unicorn is probably a female. It should be impossible for teenage wizards to approach a unicorn, only teenage witches can especially if the unicorn is female although the male unicorns are much more dangerous. Also, no teenage witch or wizard should be able to touch a foal especially as the mother is very protective of her foal and the father is even more protective and therefore dangerous."
Hagrid nods and says "Hermione is indeed righ'. Tha' is why yeh need ter slowly an' gently back away."
Harry gently keeps rubbing the unicorn and foal's neck. He says "Look there is no problem. While you are probably right, somehow they don't mind."
It was proven when Harry stopped rubbing that the unicorn used her muzzle to rub against Harry's head clearly wanting another pet while the foal rubbed its head against Harry's leg and stomach. As the foal doesn't have a horn yet it doesn't hurt Harry.
Suddenly they all hear a hard sound. They look around just a couple of feet away from Harry another unicorn appears.
Hagrid says "Harry, now yeh really need ter back away. Tha' is the alpha from the unicorns. It is a male unicorn."
Hermione screams "HARRY, GET AWAY FROM THE FEMALE UNICORN AND HER FOAL. MALE UNICORNS ARE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS ESPECIALLY ALPHA FROM A HERD EVEN MORE WHEN IT CONSERES ONE OF HIS FEMALE AND HIS FOAL."
Hermione wants to rush to Harry to help him, save him and do everything to make sure he will be alright even if she hurts herself. She manages to take one step forward when someone grabs her arm to stop her. She sees it is Susan Bones, but she doesn't know why. She tries to shake loose but Susan doesn't let go. She takes a quick glance at Susan. When Susan notices she shakes her head although Hermione sees that Susan also had taken a step forward maybe two, not to grab her arm and stop her.
Hermione immediately looks back still sometimes trying to get out of Susan's grip. After what felt like an entity the male unicorn walks towards Harry. Harry tries to show no fear but doesn't look like a threat. He thinks he did well enough when Athena sis §Why do you look scared, Master?§
Harry sees that Athena turned to look at him when he was staring at the male unicorn. The male unicorn stops a few feet away from Harry. Harry looks at the male and doesn't see the class even more shocked. Even Hagrid looks in shock as he can only approach the unicorn herd because the Centaurs vouched for him and he tried to help the unicorns that were attacked, but even despite that Hagrid needs to be careful when he is around the unicorn herd like when he makes sure all the unicorns are healthy.
The male unicorn looks at Harry before he takes the last step and rubs his neck against Harry's head. Harry does the only thing he can think of to stop the male unicorn from rubbing his neck against his head and that is to rub the unicorn's neck to pet him.
Hermione whispers "Professor Hagrid, have you ever seen or heard about a male unicorn, a female unicorn and a foal let a wizard pet them? It even looks like the unicorns take the first step to make Harry pet them."
Hagrid says "Never heard o' tha'. But….."
Hagrid raises his voice so the class can hear him and he says "Wha' we see here has never bin seen before. A male unicorn let a male pet 'im an' didn't even attack Harry fer petting a female o' his heard an' a foal tha' is undoubtedly his foal."
"Is has bin said tha' on'y very powerful wizards are allowed ter touch male unicorns as, especially alpha's, value power above all besides tha' they need ter have a pure heart or at least kind-hearted. Some say tha' on'y wizards an' witches who have found their true love or are in love can pet a unicorn although bein' engaged or married wha' needs ter be considered pure have a higher chance ter pet a unicorn, mostly a female unicorn."
Susan tries her best to be surprised, but inside her heart is beating so fast that she's sure someone, if not everyone, hears her heartbeat. Her heart is pounding and in her mind, she is screaming in happiness hoping that what Hagrid said is true and that Harry loves her although she does know it can be for Hermione or any other girl he fancies or fancies him while he is too afraid to admit it.
Susan doesn't notice that Daphne immediately looks at her as Daphne knows something others don't know. Daphne wonders if Gra….. Hermione even knows. Hermione is Harry's best friend, but she doesn't seem to know or she is acting better than Daphne expected. Daphne isn't sure what is true but she knows that she needs to talk to Susan soon. Every night feels more dangerous than the night before she knows it is just a question of time before even she, her sister or her best friend are targeted and something bad happens. Even despite that Daphne is comprehensive about what to do. Talking with Susan seems the best option at this point.
Suddenly the male unicorn raises his head like he heard something or suddenly noticed something. The male unicorn neighs and the female unicorn immediately enters the forest followed closely by her foal. The male unicorn takes one more look at Harry before he also enters the forest. It takes only a little over a minute before Harry loses sight of the unicorns.
Hagrid knows the unicorns have returned to the herd. Hagrid says "Come on, the unicorn wasn't the lesson an' I have summat special planned. Ev'ryone follow me."
Harry knowing Hagrid's love for dangerous creatures Harry sisses to Athena §Athena, I trust Hagrid. No matter what happens you can trust Hagrid. Alright?§
Athena hisses back §Yes, Master. Athena…. I remember. Master told me before that this big human is Master's friend. I will not attack this big human unless the big human attacks Master.§
Harry sis §I don't think you have to worry. Hagrid has never attacked me and I think never will.§
Athena hisses §I will not attack Master's friend like I do not attack Master's best friend. If I am not sure I will try to restrain them and not bite them.§
The class walks into the Forbidden Forest following Hagrid. Soon they reach a clearance where Hagrid stops walking and waits until all the students stand before him. He says "Wait here."
Hagrid walks into the forest but almost immediately returns with a creature half eagle and half horse.
Hagrid proudly said "This is Buckbeak. Can anybody tell me wha' kind o' creature Buckbeak is?"
Nobody not even Hermione raised her hand. The class looks amazed at the creature.
Hagrid asks "Nobody Okay. Buckbeak is a hippogriff. Open yer book on page 4-."
Malfoy interrupts Hagrid when he shouts "How? The book bites."
Hagrid turns around but before Hagrid can say anything Harry says "You need to stroke the spine."
"Tha' is right Harry. 5 points fer Gryffindor."
Ron was stupid enough to first remove the belt before stroking the spine. Ron landed on the ground before Harry decided to help him. Almost all of the Slytherin students were laughing and all Ravenclaw students were rolling their eyes.
Athena helps by slithering to the ground and tightening around the book almost like she is the belt. Harry immediately starts to stroke the spine to make the book calm down and turn into a readable book. Harry grabbed the book from the ground before helping Ron from the ground. Neville decides to help Harry help Ron as do Seamus and Dean by putting the belt on the book before Athena slithers back to her place on Harry's arm with her head on his shoulder.
Harry glares at Draco, Crabbe, Goyle and the other Slytherins before they get a scared look and back slowly looking behind Harry and Draco says "Dementor."
Harry quickly turns around already backing away but doesn't see a Dementor. Harry looks back a Draco and almost all Slytherin have put their hood up pretending to be a dementor. Hermione pushes Harry to turn around while Hermione gives all the Slytherin students who wear their hoods, especially Draco a dark look. Athena hisses loudly towards the Slytherins as she feels that her Master and Master's good friend don't like those people.
Hagrid didn't notice this because he was feeding Buckbeak and was making sure Buckbeak was calm before starting the lesson. Hagrid turned around and said "Alright like I said Buckbeak is a hippogriff. Yeh must know hippogriffs are very proud an' immensely dangerous if yeh don' handle 'em correctly "
Hagrid asks "So who wants ter try firs'?"
While Hagrid looks, pets and feeds Buckbeak another ferret he doesn't notice everyone stepping back. Harry didn't notice everybody taking two steps back.
So, when Hagrid looks back at the students and it looks like Harry has stepped forward says "Wonderful, Harry."
Harry looks around and sees that everybody has stepped back and sighed while thinking 'Easy there. Hagrid is your friend he would never let me get hurt, right? He wouldn't as long as I don't count Aragog.'
"Harry, when ye approach a hippogriff yeh, need show proper etiquette. Now, firs' thing yeh gotta know abou' Hippogriffs, that they're proud creatures. Easily offended, Hippogriffs are. Yeh walks towards him, and yeh bow an' yeh wait. When yeh bow yeh must maintain eye contact without a single blink. If he bows back, yeh're allowed to touch him. If he doesn' bow back well we will get ter that later."
Harry was about 20 feet away from Buckbeak and bowed while keeping his eyes locked on Buckbeak's eyes. Buckbeak seems to smell something and almost immediately bows down. It doesn't take more than a few seconds.
Buckbeak approaches Harry and Harry holds out his hand when Buckbeak is within touching range he pets Buckbeak. Harry feels that Buckbeak does the same as Hedwig always does by pushing his head in Harry's hand so Harry can pet him.
Hagrid claps and says "Bravo Harry an' another 5 points fer Gryffindor. Tha' is the fastest I ever seems 'im bow before anyone even meself. Yeh could almost not tell the difference who bowed firs'. Anyway, now let's fly."
Harry asks shocked "Wait…. What?"
Harry was put by Hagrid on Buckbeak's back and before giving Buckbeak the sign to fly Hagrid says "Don' pull on his feathers he doesn' like tha'."
Buckbeak starts to run and almost immediately spreads his wings. Just before they would hit a small wall and the others Buckbeak manages to fly over the small wall and the others. Harry can help but feel happy. He is always happy when he is in the air.
Athena feels Harry's emotion of happiness as do some girls on the ground. Athena is happy her Master is happy. Almost like Hedwig was watching Hedwig suddenly appear and fly around Buckbeak and Harry. Harry doesn't know why but Athena being happy around his arm and Hedwig enjoying herself around him make Harry very happy. The only thing that would make him happier is having his family Andi, Nymfie and Padfoot can openly be seen with his family without problems.
It looks like Buckbeak feels what Harry wants and starts to fly faster before taking a sharp dive towards the Black Lake and just pulling up in time with its talon leaving a trail in the water.
When they reach the end of the lake near Hogwarts Buckbeak flies twice around Hogwarts before flying between the towers of Hogwarts back to the Forbidden Forest. Harry cannot be happier as Buckbeak takes sharp dives, steep climbs and short turns. Somehow it reminds Harry of how he flies when he chases the snitch after he finds it during a Quidditch match although he also does it during Quidditch practice.
When he lands he sees that Hermione and Susan almost look like the lead of the group of the class that runs towards him. Only all the Slytherins stay behind although he notices that Daphne and Tracey don't look at him with contempt or worse. He sees that some Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs also stayed with the Slytherins. He needs to suppress a smile when he sees that one of the Ravenclaw is Terry Boot who immediately looks away and almost takes a step back when he sees that Harry is looking at him. The same is with the Hufflepuffs but that is Zacharias Smith.
As soon as Buckbeak stops Hagrid helps Harry off. Buckbeak immediately pushes his head against Harry to make Harry pet him. While Harry pet Buckbeak mostly over his beak Hagrid says "Great job, Harry. Very well done. Take another 10 points fer Gryffindor. I am sure Buckbeak is happy yeh didn' pull one or more o' his feathers out."
Hagrid turns to the class and says loudly "As I show before I tell you now. Don' ever insult one, 'cause it might be the last thin' yeh do. SO DO NEVER INSULT A HIPPOGRIFF."
Hagrid shouted the last part to make sure everyone heard it. All the students were quiet staring at Hagrid. Harry stopped petting and saw that most of them took Hagrid completely seriously even those who stayed away from him.
Hagrid's voice turned to his normal kind voice as he said "We have a Hippogriff herd here at Hogwarts. As we finally have an alpha again as tha' is wha' Buckbeak is, meaning we can use the Hippogriff herd again fer his class. Yeh are fine over there, Buckbeak?"
Buckbeak shrieks before pushing his head against Harry's head clearly wanting Harry to start petting him again.
Hagrid says "Alright, I leave yeh in Harry's capable hands. Wait, here I will get the other Hippogriffs."
Harry sis §Athena, keep an eye on the git Malfoy… the blond one.§
Athena sis §Yes, Master.§
Athena immediately slithers around Harry's body to make sure she can help her eyes on the one her master wants. She sees a few blond people but she knows who her master means.
It takes a few minutes before Hagrid comes back with six other Hippogriffs. It is clearly seen that Buckbeak is the biggest of them all although not by much but very much noticeable.
Hagrid says "Here are the other Hippogriffs we have. I left three hippogriffs behind as they just had a child. So actually I left six hippogriffs behind."
"Hippogriffs who jus have a baby are fiercely protected o' their child. They on'y lay one egg with one child an' they never accept anyone fer sometime not even when the alpha accepts someone. Also, yeh should not separate 'em not even fer a short time as tha' can have major consequences. "
"Now ev'ryone chose a hippogriff. I think if every Hippogriff has four ev'ryone has a hippogriff. Buckbeak can also have some o' yeh. Now go choose."
Hermione and Susan who still are at the front immediately walk towards Harry. However, before Hermione can respond she is grabbed by Ron who drags her away. Harry sees it and gets mad at for Ron touching Hermione, especially dragging her away from him. He sees Neville joining them as does Fay.
He wants to immediately go after him to get Hermione back when Athena sis §Master, the human I needed to keep an eye on it coming,§
Harry immediately turns around and sees that Malfoy is approaching him with his goons and as he knows and feels Susan is just behind him he trusts Neville to keep an eye on Hermione or at least on Ron and that Fay will be there for Hermione if needed. He is wondering he if should ask Athena to go to Hermione but he thinks it may startle the Hippogriffs which can make others get hurt.
Also, Harry feels Hedwig is close and that she is looking after Hermione as she feels his worries. Harry looks at Susan and sees that Daphne Greengrass has joined her which means that apparently, Buckbeak will have five instead of four. Harry thinks it will be alright he is after all the Alpha and even Hagrid seem to think it is fine.
He immediately starts to help Susan with Buckbeak before Malfoy is even close enough to say a word. It does take considerably longer than Harry but eventually Buckbeak bows back. Susan hesitantly but with Harry's encouragement pets Buckbeak a few times over his beak before Harry immediately goes to help Daphne.
Malfoy is confused why those sluts didn't wait for him a wizard who is above them. He should be the first to do it, especially for that half-blood Potter. Malfoy being confused stopped him from doing anything while Daphne was already bowing for Buckbeak. It takes a little bit longer than Susan but only a few seconds longer. Daphne also pets Buckbeak because of Harry's encouragement although she seems to be less hesitant than Susan.
Malfoy seems to have enough of this and says "Of course, if a half-blood like Potter can pet the overgrown ugly chicken and the pure-blood sluts like those two can do it too there is no way I can't. Now come here bloody chicken a bow before your superior."
Harry rolls his eye when he thinks 'Of course, Malfoy does something Hagrid especially forbid anyone to do, to insult a Hippogriff, as that is very dangerous if not lethal.'
Harry sees that Buckbeak doesn't like this and acts as a Hippogriff would. Buckbeak doesn't like the wizard and would never bow for him. The moment Malfoy is within range Buckbeak attacks him. Buckbeak uses his talons to slash Malfoy's arm. Only one of his talons hits him and the hit sends him to the ground which makes the other talon miss him. Malfoy crawls back to escape the angry Hippogriff, he insulted.
Harry doesn't know if he should try to stop Buckbeak or let Buckbeak be as he acts like a Hippogriff should. Harry sighs deeply as he knows he can't let Buckbeak kill Malfoy as he isn't someone to let people die and probably more important Hagrid and Buckbeak will get into big trouble.
Malfoy's goons are stunned for a second before they pull Malfoy out of Buckbeak's reach. Buckbeak however doesn't want to let Malfoy get away so easily and start to go after Malfoy and his goons. Crabbe and Goyle need to protect Malfoy and they can only think of one thing and that is to use something or someone as a shield. Malfoy crawled towards the girls and got pulled next to the girls by his goons. Crabbe and Goyle grab Susan and Daphne respectively which makes Harry angry that they dare to touch his betrothed and a good friend even if they didn't know both.
Crabbe and Goyle push the girls towards Buckbeak to prevent him from reaching them and hurting them and Malfoy. Harry sees that Buckbeak is ready to attack and with how close the girls are pushed there is no way Buckbeak can evade them, Buckbeak is already too far in his attack to stop his attack.
Buckbeak already raised his talons and he cannot withdraw his talons. He will hit the girls even if he doesn't want to. Almost like Harry apparate he stands in front of the girls. He turns his back to Buckbeak and he sees that Susan and Daphne are shocked as Crabbe and Goyle push them to Buckbeak so that they can't move from the shock. Susan and Daphne can't take their eyes off Harry's face.
Buckbeak talons come down and they see Harry's face turn into a painful expression with an angry Hippogriff behind him. Harry gets hit with one of the talons giving him a wound on his back from the right shoulder to his left hip. Harry while he turns gets hit with his other talon going from the left side all the way to his chest. It is a wonder Athena isn't hit. He wonders for a second before the pain hits it Athena's basilisk skin, which looks like normal snakeskin of the muggle species she pretends to be, would protect her against Buckbeak's talons.
He looks at Buckbeak and shouts "BUCKBEAK, STOP."
Buckbeak didn't go for another attack whether Harry told him to stop or not. Buckbeak shrieks what sounds like he regrets what he did. Harry thinks 'Athena, don't attack Buckbeak it isn't his fault.'
Athena hisses that she understands and will not attack anyone unless they are a danger to him, his mates, his friends, Hedwig or Athena herself. Harry remembers Athena that Hagrid is his friend. Before Athena can respond Harry falls to the ground when Buckbeak wants another pet. As soon as Buckbeak's head reaches Harry's head and before Buckbeak can gently nudge Harry for a pet Harry collapses with a lot of blood on his clothes.
Susan and Daphne scream in horror which draws the attention of the entire class, especially Hermione and Hagrid. Hermione as she feels something happened to Harry watches and sees him collapse. She is however too shocked to make a sound and do the only thing she can do. With tears in her eyes runs towards Harry with a hand in front of her mouth while she mutters for God and Merlin to make Harry be alright.
Hagrid has kept an eye on Harry as he knows the rivalry between Harry and Malfoy not to mention he hates Malfoy too although he doesn't show it too much as an adult and now a teacher. Although he would show his pure hate if it was Lucius Malfoy as an adult between each other. The one minute he didn't keep his eye on Harry everything went wrong.
A second after Harry hits the ground Athena is on Harry's back to attack anyone that comes close to her master. Her master cannot defend himself so she will make sure he doesn't need to.
Hagrid immediately goes to Harry with a running Hermione behind him. Hagrid says "Buckbeak, take your herd back ter the paddock an' stay with 'em."
Buckbeak shrieks and all the Hippogriffs start to walk away with Buckbeak as last as he is the furthest away and make sure every one of his herd heads towards the padlock like he ordered his herd to do.
Hagrid has already grabbed Harry which Athena allows. Athena has slithered to Hermione and manages to slither up her leg and arm above her robe. Hermione almost falls to her knees as she sees all the blood on Harry who clearly lost consciousness. She feels lost, not only her best friend but much more like she lost someone who would help her, provide guidance and someone who can make her be useful. Hermione doesn't understand that she is useful even with Harry asks or tells her to do things. She is too distressed to think about her thoughts.
Hagrid says "Class dismissed."
Malfoy is still on the ground and starts to yell when he notices everybody is watching their way "I'm dying! I'm dying, look at me! It killed me!"
Hagrid says "It is jus' a scratch. Yeh two pick 'im up an' follow me ter the Hospital Wing."
Hagrid with Harry in his arms looks back to the class and sees that Hermione is crying loudly and clearly almost at her breaking point while she also has Harry's snake on her arm.
Hagrid says "Hermione, yeh can better come with me."
Hermione slowly nods, she just isn't sure if she should as she doesn't know what Harry would want. Normally she can guess simply by looking at him or she feels something but this time nothing. She is clearly at a loss. She feels someone gently grabbing her arm and when she looks she sees it is Susan. Gently she pulls Hermione with her behind Hagrid.
When Hermione is following Susan she sees that Daphne also is with them following Hagrid. She is only following Susan as Susan is following Hagrid with Harry. Hermione is completely certain if Hagrid didn't have Harry and Hermione didn't want to follow Susan she would never follow Susan.
3rd September 1993, Hogwarts
It took almost 10 minutes even while Hagrid was walking as fast as he could without dropping Harry or moving Harry too much while also trying to prevent Harry from losing too much blood or walking too far in front of Hermione, Susan or Daphne. He didn't care that Malfoy was lacking behind a bit. He did shout a few times for them to keep up with a whining Malfoy, but he didn't wait on them.
3rd September 1993, Hospital Wing, Hogwarts
They enter the Hospital Wing and within half a minute Madam Pomfrey walks out of her office. She sees that Hagrid is carrying a student which is not a good sign.
She asks "Who is that?"
Hagrid says "Harry Potter."
Madam Pomfrey groans as she says "I should have known knowing Harry's bad luck and track record. Quickly put him on his bed and tell me what happened."
Hagrid says "I was teaching the class abou' hippogriffs when mister Malfoy decided ter do summat I told 'em not ter do. He insulted Buckbeak the new alpha. If yeh insult a hippogriff, it is terrible if yeh insult the alpha... we must be happy the other hippogriffs didn' hear or they would have prob'ly attacked mister Malfoy."
"Anyway, Malfoy got hurt an' managed ter avoid gettin' hurt a lot. Crabbe an' Goyle got 'im away but as they were now also in danger they pushed miss bones an' miss... Greengrass if I remember correctly towards Buckbeak who was already attacking ter get ter Malfoy all at once an' leave Buckbeak ter kill 'im after they hurt 'im enough."
"Harry threw himself in front o' the girls ter protect 'em. Bucbkea couldn' stop the attack an' hurt Harry a lot. I don' know where he was hit but he is bleeding a lot. I tried ter prevent 'im from losing much blood while bein' as fast as I could ter bring 'im here."
Right after that Malfoy carried by Crabbe and Goyle enter the Hospital Wing. Malfoy stops whining and says "Madam Pomfrey, I need your immediate assistance."
Madam Pomfrey says "Sit right there Mister Malfoy, I will be with you shortly."
Malfoy says "No, now. Potter can wait."
Hermione gets mad as does Susan. Even Daphne shows a mad face but no one is as scary as Madam Pomfrey with her glare. Not even Hagrid or Athena looks scarier than Madam Pomfrey. Athena wants to use Harry's magic to transform but she feels Harry's magic using all the magic he has to prevent Harry from dying. The only reason Athena hasn't turned back to her original form as Basilisk is the bond she has with Harry and all the magic she has received due to the bond means that for a time she can keep her form without using Harry's magic directly and use what she has already received which is only able as Harry is extremely powerful as she got more than she needed to stay her current form. It means that she had some reserves for the chance something happened.
Malfoy notices and tries to hide away. Madam Pomfrey notices and first walks to Harry's bed putting the screen around his bed. Madam Pomfrey will make sure Harry receives the first aid that he needs before tending to Malfoy to get him out of the Hospital Wing soon. She knows Harry and Malfoy hate each other. She will never allow Malfoy to be in the same Hospital Wing as an unconscious unable to defend himself, Harry. Sure, Harry has a snake that would probably protect him but if the snake attacks Malfoy which hurts or kills Malfoy will bring Harry more problems.
It takes almost half an hour before Madam Pomfrey leaves Harry's side. She says "Harry, will be alright. He will be asleep for a couple of days as he is magically drained and I gave him a dreamless sleep potion to be sure. There is no way he will wake up but it would be better for his recovery hence the dreamless sleep potion. He will still need to receive treatment, but not at the moment."
Malfoy says almost angrily "I needed to wait on Potter…? He is just a mere half-blood. I am a pureblood and Heir of the Most Ancient and Most Noble House of Malfoy."
Daphne snorts and asks "You still believe that? Malfoy House is a noble House. Not Ancient and certainly not Most Ancient. House Malfoy is barely seen as a Most Noble House."
Malfoy glares at Daphne. Athena immediately hisses aggressively. Before something can happen Madam Pomfrey says "I will not hear that nonsense about blood purity in my Hospital Wing. Now let me take a look at your arm."
Madam Pomfrey cast a few spells before casting a healing charm closing the superficial scratch wounds, as Malfoy managed to avoid most of the talons of Buckbeak making the wounds only superficial, and he didn't even bleed. Within five minutes, his wounds have healed. Madam Pomfrey still gives him a sling to make sure he will not overextend his arm and warns that the muscles in his arm may be a bit stiff for some time, but they will loosen in time. He just needs to watch out for the coming time. She immediately sends him away. She asks Hagrid to tell Professor McGonagall about Harry.
She asks the girls to take a seat on one bed. Almost like one they choose the bed the closest to Harry. Madam Pomfrey asks them to wait here. A few minutes later she returns with three vials all containing the same potion, a calming potion. She gave one to each of them and told them to drink it. She saw that especially Hermione needed it as does Susan but less than Hermione. Madam Pomfrey also sees that Daphne could use one but much less noticeable than Hermione and Susan. She only sees it as Daphne's mask has fallen after Malfoy left.
She conjures a comfortable chair. She takes a seat and starts talking to them. She keeps telling them that Harry will need time to rest and recover but she is certain that in the end, Harry will recover completely. She doesn't tell them that Harry's magic is what saved Harry as his magic fought a hard battle to keep him alive until she could provide first aid to save him. It is something only a very strong wizard or witch can do and especially unheard of to do it without knowing. She is almost certain that is especially what Harry did. Harry probably didn't even know he did that or better said his magic did. It is also not information you should just tell anyone especially not without the wizard's agreement, no matter how much they will not tell others his secret.
Only a few minutes later a very tired and very troubled Professor McGonagall runs into the Hospital Wing. She sees Madam Pomfrey and immediately asks "How bad is it, Poppy? The moment Hagrid told me I immediately came here. Fortunately, I had no class at this moment although even if I had a class I would have immediately dismissed it."
Madam Pomfrey says "Minerva, calm down. Just like I told Miss Granger, Miss Bones and Miss Greengrass, Ha…. Mister Potter will fully recover he just needs time to rest. He is magically drained and I gave him a dreamless sleep potion to make sure he stays asleep although there I no way he can wake up. He being magically drained should keep him asleep. The dreamless sleep potion is to strengthen and prolong his sleep to make sure his body and magic have time to recover."
Professor McGonagall asks "How long ago was the attack? I forgot to ask Hagrid."
Madam Pomfrey says "I don't know for certain but I think just above an hour. I needed about half an hour to provide first aid to make sure Harry… Mister Potter didn't die. He needed quite a lot of potions, to clean and close the wounds. I am sure I closed the wounds but I need to look at the wounds in a little bit. I didn't have time to take a good look at them as I was busy saving him.'
"That also remembers me I still need to remove his clothes as they still have a lot of blood on them. When the spells showed me he stopped losing blood I didn't think about removing his clothes as I was still busy providing first aid. Also, I wanted Malfoy out of my Hospital Wing as soon as I could. The words he spouted about blood purity and that he is much more important simply because he is a pureblood almost make me curse him especially as if I didn't provide first aid to Harry he probably didn't survive."
Professor McGonagall let out a deep sigh as she was afraid she had failed Harry again which meant she failed James and Lily but also Sirius and Andi at the moment. She asks "Can I see him?"
Madam Pomfrey nods and says "Of course, Minerva. You can also help me with removing his clothes without vanishing them. Mister Potter probably needs to order a new school uniform if the clothes cannot be cleaned."
Professor McGonagall nods and says "You are right."
They both walk passed the screen around Harry's bed and disappear from the girls' sight. The girls also immediately notice they can't hear them anymore. They don't even hear them move and, if they were, talking.
3rd September 1993, Harry's bed, Hospital Wing
Professor McGonagall gives a relieved sigh when she sees Harry breathing in his sleep and looks peaceful. Professor McGonagall looks to his side and takes a seat at a chair that was at his side. She gently put her hand on his head.
She asks without looking at Madam Pomfrey "Why is it always him, Poppy? Hasn't he suffered enough in Hogwarts, with losing his parents, and his godfather ending in prison?"
Madam Pomfrey says "Yes, he has. Harry is just how he is. I remember James also having a knack for trouble although he mostly made the trouble himself. With Harry trouble finds him. I think his parents would be proud of the reason he got hurt because, according to Hagrid, he protected Miss Bones and Miss Greengrass. I don't know why Miss Granger is here although I understand she cares about him."
Professor McGonagall says "I think it is much more. I think his magic found her. Their magic may have even connected already. There are signs it looks like that way."
Madam Pomfrey asks confused "You think she is found? This young? By Harry? Who is also very young? That should be impossible, right?"
Professor McGonagall simply says "Five times, yes."
Madam Pomfrey is amazed. She says "If you are sure, Harry must be very powerful, especially for his age. I hope it isn't because of the Troll or Harry spending a lot of time here when Miss Granger was petrified."
Professor McGonagall says "I don't think it is because of the Troll although it may have started things. I am certain it is not because Miss Granger was petrified. Harry was here because he cares about her if not love her already, at least that is what I think. Sometimes they remind me of James and Lily when they became a couple if I don't think about the more mature themes."
Professor McGonagall stands up and says "Let's remove his clothes so you can take a good look at his wounds and make sure they are clean and closed."
Madam Pomfrey agrees and walks to one side of Harry's bed while Professor McGonagall takes another.
Madam Pomfrey says "We only need to remove his shirt as the robes I already removed as they weren't soaked with blood and wanted to keep them clean. First, let's remove the tie."
Professor McGonagall agrees and takes off his tie. She removes the tie gently so as to not inconvenience Harry while he is (kept) asleep. After they put it on the empty chair Madam Pomfrey asks Professor McGonagall to help with his shirt. Slowly they began to unbutton his shirt. The moment the last button is undone and the shirt falls open Harry unbelievably wakes up. He sees Professor McGonagall and Madam Pomfrey look shocked. Harry knows why they look shocked as they can now clearly see all his scars that were made by his relatives.
Harry feels his magic rise and shouts "NO!"
The girls on the other side feel his magic rise and immediately enter the screen. Susan gasped with tears in her eyes. Daphne has raised her mask a bit but that falls completely away when she sees too many scars to count. Hermione is the worst she falls to her knees and starts crying. Her starting to cry makes Susan cry and falls to her knees too. Hermione and Susan are hugging each other to console the other but it doesn't work.
The combined crying also draws Harry's attention. He sees them and angrily says "Athena, I want you here, NOW."
Athena doesn't understand but she feels that he calls for her. She immediately slithers to the ground before fire consumes her and the fire appears on Harry's right arm. The fire disappears after a few seconds. Madam Pomfrey. Professor McGonagall and Daphne notice that Athena is suddenly around his arm.
Harry shouted "HEDWIG."
A large light that looks like a white fire appears behind Harry and within a second the light and white fire disappear and Hedwig lands on his left shoulder. When Harry is sure that Hedwig and Athena are with him he thinks the only thing he can do.
Harry shouts "DOBBY."
Almost like Dobby expected it he pops immediately into what he can do for Master Harry. Harry says hotly "Dobby, take me somewhere where I can be alone and no one can find me."
Professor McGonagall says "No, Harry, wa…."
Before Professor McGonagall can finish her sentence Dobby grabs Harry and pops out.
Hermione and Susan see Harry pop out which leaves behind a large puddle of blood that almost broke them, almost making them hysterical. Even Daphne starts to shed tears.
Professor McGonagall asks Madam Pomfrey "How could Harry wake up you said he couldn't?"
Madam Pomfrey nods and says "I have no idea how he did that. It should be impossible even if he wasn't magically drained as I gave him a dreamless sleep potion. Honestly, I have no idea how he could wake up and also use magic like we saw with him calling his snake and his owl. No snake or owl can do what they did so Harry must have used his magic to do that."
Professor McGonagall sees the blood and asks "Poppy, didn't you say you healed his wounds why is there a lot of blood?"
Madam Pomfrey says "I did heal all his wounds, Honestly, I think most is for the clothing and other blood that hasn't been able to flow because of Hagrid or the clothes. I did give him a few blood-replenishing potions before I provided first aid to not let him bleed out on me, maybe that is why there is still blood."
Professor McGonagall says "I guess that makes sense, let's just hope that this elf helps Harry if he needs it or comes to one of us to help Harry."
Madam Pomfrey sees the girls and immediately goes to her office to grab another calming potion for each of the girls and make sure she also takes two extra for each girl. Professor McGonagall understood what Madam Pomfrey was going to do and tried to calm the girls down as much as she could with only her words.
When Madam Pomfrey returns she sees that Professor McGonagall has at least managed to get all the girls to take a seat in comfortable chairs Madam Pomfrey is sure of Professor McGonagall's conjured as after all conjure is one of the four branches of Transfiguration that she teaches and is known as a Transfiguration mistress.
She gives all the girls one vial of the calming potions and orders them to drink them again. When the girls take the potion Madam Pomfrey decides to remove Harry's puddle of blood and bloodstains with a clean bed. She hopes that not seeing all the blood Harry lost will make them calm a bit more although she doubts it as they don't know how Harry is or where he is at this time.
It takes a couple of minutes before the calming potion has taken full effect. If you don't count them looking sad if not depressed they are fine especially as Madam Pomfrey sees that Miss Greengrass is already slowly putting her (indifferent) mask up.
Professor McGonagall says "Miss Granger, I think we need to talk and I think it is best if Miss Bones will be present. Miss Greengrass, you are free to go. However, you can stay if you prefer and Miss Granger and Miss Bones both agree."
Susan says "I don't mind if Daphne wants to stay, I guess although it depends on what you want to talk with Hermione about Professor McGonagall."
Professor McGonagall looks at Hermione and asks "Miss Granger, I just have two questions and depending on your answers I may ask more questions or tell you what you need to know. Is that alright?"
Hermione nods as she wants to talk with Professor McGonagall about all her thoughts when she is thinking or around Harry.
Hermione did not expect Professor McGonagall to ask "Do you think about a certain wizard in a certain way you never did before? Or that you feel you need to act a certain way even if you don't want to?"
Hermione looks amazed and slowly nods. Professor McGonagall gently asks "This certain wizard is Harry is it not?"
This time Hermione immediately gave a small nod. As she is clearly embarrassed she looks to the ground. Professor McGonagall is happy that Hermione answered honestly as Lily did not if they did bond.
Professor asks "Miss Granger do you mind if I call you Hermione? And do you want Miss Greengrass to stay?"
Hermione says "You can call me Hermione, Professor. Daphne can stay if she wants."
Hermione looks Daphne in the eye and says "Daphne please don't mention this to anyone not even Tracey. Also, please don't tell Harry he will hate me."
Hermione starts getting tears in her eyes. Professor McGonagall says "Hermione, this isn't bad. Despite any thought or feelings to act you can be happy, very happy. You can even be happier it is Harry and not some other wizard although I think of a few others who also wouldn't be that bad."
Hermione asks "How can I Professor? Those thoughts are not normal. The way I should act is not normal."
Susan tries to lighten the mood and says "Actually, when you thought you were a muggle, you actually being a witch probably wasn't normal."
Hermione says hotly "No, it was not but it explained certain things. What I think about or how I think I should act doesn't explain me being a witch."
Professor McGonagall says "I think it does although it doesn't happen very often. First, before I will explain can you focus on your magic and try to feel if there is a part that isn't yours? When you find focus on it and tell us what you feel."
Hermione completely trusts Professor McGonagall and only trusts Harry and her parents more. She decides to do what Professor McGonagall asks. It takes a couple of minutes before she can find the magic inside of her. It takes almost 10 minutes after that for her to find a bit of magic, strong magic that isn't her magic but it doesn't feel foreign. It feels like it completes her which worries her even more. She is barely able to keep focusing. She says she found the part.
Madam Pomfrey and Professor McGonagall are whispering. They didn't notice until they nodded to each other. Almost like Hermione knew she started talking as she started to focus on that part.
She says "It feels strong, powerful and it feels like it is alive. It seems like it is strengthening after it had become weakened, I don't know why. Also, I feel something is close. I think it is inside the castle."
Madam Pomfrey says "That is good news."
Hermione stops focussing leaving the part alone as she just knows she doesn't want to lose it or try to remove it. She asks "What do you mean, Madam Pomfrey?"
Madam Pomfrey says "I and Professor McGonagall think it is part of Harry's magic. It is something that he left behind. It will not weaken him. It is also a sign that he connected with your magic."
"I also think that what you said Miss Granger is how Harry is feeling right now meaning that he isn't hurting or at least not enough to notice. Also, it is strengthening meaning he is healed or being healed. It even seemed that you could sense him when you focused on what you felt inside the castle should be Harry."
Hermione looks amazed while also embarrassed although this time she doesn't look to the ground.
After a few minutes, she asks "Professor McGonagall and Madam Pomfrey what does this mean? Does that also explain my thoughts and feelings toward Harry? It is dangerous for Harry… or me?... is it because of the necklace?"
Hermione wasn't sure to ask about the necklace but she needed to know. She doesn't care if Susan or Daphne know about the necklace Harry gave her. She trusts Daphne and Susan enough for them to know but not tell anyone else. Hermione cannot even think it is wrong if Daphne tells Tracey.
Professor McGonagall says "I will tell you what that means shortly. It does explain your thoughts and feelings toward Harry. It is not dangerous immediately but there are some things you need to know before it becomes dangerous for multiple reasons. I don't think it is the necklace until you haven't felt like that until the necklace."
Hermione says "I did have those thoughts and feelings before but after the necklace, they become much more frequent and more clear."
Professor McGonagall asks "When did you get the necklace?"
Hermione says "The day I went to meet him there as I needed to stay the last couple of days in the Leaky Cauldron."
Professor McGonagall says "I am almost sure it isn't the necklace you just thought more about certain thoughts because you were seeing Harry and talking to him. If you are not sure you can remove the necklace and se…"
Hermione says "No, Harry don't allow me to take it off….. see this is what I mean. Harry preferred if I didn't take it off ever but somehow I cannot do that as he doesn't want me to. Normally, I should take it off if I want to."
Susan asks "He doesn't want you to take it off, but what if you take a shower or bath?"
Hermione says simply "Harry said that the necklace can get wet and will not be damaged by that. He said I should wear it all the time so I guess it is protected by a charm to most if not all conditions."
Susan says "I guess you are right, Harry, did say the same to me although not about water will not damage or reduce its effect."
Susan didn't say it to anyone but all heard her.
Hermione immediately asks "What do you mean Harry said that?"
Susan says "Well, he also gave me a necklace and told me you and Ginny already had one. Also, he told me he still had more necklaces."
Hermione says "Yes, I know he has more necklaces."
Susan pulls up the chain until the gemstone is out of her shirt. She let the chain go so the pendant with the gemstone lowers outside of her shirt. Susan says "It is a blood ruby. Harry said you had an emerald and Ginny a garnet."
Hermione nods and says "Yes, he is right although as he gave it he should know."
Hermione pulls the chain up until her gemstone is clearly visible. Unlike Susan, Hermione immediately put it inside her shirt again removing it from view. Hermione wonders why Harry would give Susan a necklace as they were acquaintances nothing more to her knowledge.
Hermione also immediately remembers that Susan had looked at Harry a lot lately and even wanted to join him during the train ride which is something acquaintances wouldn't do unless they were more than that but wouldn't she know, Wouldn't Harry tell her if they became friends?
If they were friends shouldn't Susan be more around like Ronald much to her dismay? Even though Susan is a Hufflepuff they still have a lot of shared classes but she never sits next to him although she sits close a lot of time. She needs to know if they are friends instead of acquaintances or even more although she hopes they aren't even though she is sure Harry will never pick her even if he knows she is a girl. There are much more beautiful girls in Hogwarts, more mature physically speaking which attracts boys or a man like Harry.
Professor McGonagall says "Hermione, now explain what is happening. Like I said before your magic and Harry's magic have connected. It shows that he cares a great deal about you and it may add to those thoughts and feelings, however, it doesn't start those thoughts and feelings meaning you already had those thoughts and feelings even if you didn't know it yet."
Hermione says "I had it a little bit after I recovered last year, but nowhere as strong as now. I just thought as Harry spent so much time at my side it thought it was just me wanting to repay him for staying with me when I was petrified. I wanted to do anything I could for Harry but it was feint like only if I wanted to but now I feel I must do it no matter what."
Professor McGonagall nods understanding. Professor McGonagall says "I see. Now let me explain why you feel like this and the importance of Harry's magic inside you. It shows that you care about him or your magic would fight against his magic inside you. It is important to know that …."
Let's end here for now. I hope you don't hate me for leaving a cliffhanger. In the next chapter, Professor McGonagall will explain Hermione's thoughts and feelings. Daphne realizes something about herself. Susan will tell them that she is Harry's betroth and like she promised she will tell Hermione.
Susan will, for Harry's sake, try to convince Hermione with the help of Professor McGonagall, Madam Pomfrey and Daphne that Harry can have multiple wives as he is required almost by law.
We will also see where Dobby took Harry and what Harry does while his hidden. If the words allow it someone finds him in a special place.
Please read and review. PMs are appreciated by me (coco29) and/or Anubis the god king.