In the Crosshairs
Dragon Voldemort
Chapter 7: Sixth Years
"Where is he?" Hermione demanded, dressed in a long sleeved shirt and a pink jumper. She hung up the phone for the umpteenth time that Sunday morning, the first of September.
"It's Harry," Ron said, scratching at the collar of his shirt.
Ron and Hermione walked back into the living room. Linda Granger was pacing.
"Train's at eleven," Linda said, checking her watch, "Five minutes—we're leaving with or without him."
Hermione picked up her phone, hit redial. "Gia—where's Harry? He needs to hurry over … We're leaving in five minutes—don't want him to miss—but— … Ta."
"And—?" Ron asked.
Pop
Harry stumbled, fell onto the entry way; clothes were in his hands, but not on him. His trunk fell next to him; Linda watched the teenager fumbling.
"Come!" Hermione snapped.
Ron grabbed the trunk, helped carry it outside, into the boot of the car. Linda got into the driver's seat and started the car.
"Cutting it a bit close?" Hermione asked, glancing between the seats to Harry staring at his clothes.
"We'll make it," Harry said.
Ron waved, breaking up the line of sight between Hermione and Harry dressing, he stuck his head in between. Hermione snorted.
"Your friend will make us—" Hermione said.
"As usual," Ron stated, "Perfectly normal to run for the train—" Ron reached over the seat, grabbed Hermione.
"Not in front of your Mum–in–law," Harry warned.
Ron blushed, Linda spat out tea, Hermione glared.
"We're not—" Hermione stated.
"He's proposed?" Harry asked.
The car lurched to the right, a horn blared, then Linda wrenched the steering wheel and brought them back between the lines. Pigwidgeon chirped.
"Have you?" Ron asked Harry.
"Should've happened ages ago," Harry said as he watched Ron's ears turn even pinker.
"Harry—" Ron squeaked.
"Anything interesting this year—?" Linda asked, attempting to divert the subject as they turned onto the motorway.
"Muggle studies—" Harry paused as Hermione snorted "—his woman studies—" Harry gave Ron a slight nudge.
"Are you mad?!" Ron exclaimed.
Harry smiled back.
"Moron," Ron said.
A speeding citation later, for going ninety two in a sixty zone, they reached King's Cross at 10:52. With a warning of the train, they leapt aboard as the train rolled down the track, with Harry having jumped several feet as the train nearly left without him.
"Wicked!" Ron said, "Can we cut it closer next time?!"
"NO!" Hermione exclaimed.
"We could jump back off and miss—" Harry said.
"There's one," Hermione said, pointing at the compartment at the end.
Harry entered the empty compartment first, then opened his truck and removed his books, some parchment, and an ink jar.
"Don't tell me—" Hermione said.
"Just a little bit left to do," Harry said.
Hermione snorted, watched as Harry worked on two essays. It was raining outside the train, the water flowed on the glass.
"For once your nagging paid off," Ron said to Hermione.
Hermione switched seats, sat next to Ron, she caught his smile.
"Ron…" Hermione asked, his grin not letting up as he watched her.
Ron leaned over, kissed her.
"Keep it up," Harry said, "Helps me concentrate."
"Right," Hermione said.
Ron, though, leaned over, hugged her. They snogged, legs intertwined, as they laid sideways on the bench.
"Hello," Seamus Finnigan said, coming into the compartment.
"Hello, nice seeing you," Ron replied.
"Studying?" Seamus asked Ron.
"Yes," Harry said, "Transfiguration."
"Done your Potions?" Seamus asked.
"That's next," Harry said.
"How was your summer?" Seamus said, "Heard something about traveling?"
"Yeah, across Europe," Harry said, "Saw the dragons."
"You could've just waited," Seamus said, "That book is wicked."
"It'll be a fun year," Harry said.
"Did you at least get laid?" Seamus asked.
"Excuse me?" Hermione scolded.
Seamus glanced at Ron and Hermione.
"I'll take that as a yes," Seamus said.
"It's cool," Harry said.
"There comes Neville," Seamus said, "I'll keep him away for you."
"Ta," Harry said.
Seamus left.
"Did you know the school honor code applies on the train too?" Ginny asked, coming into the compartment.
"Bug off," Ron said, turning around to face her, "You're not Head Girl."
"You could become infamous," Ginny said, "Be the first Weasley expelled from Hogwarts."
Hermione moved to sit upright.
"Do you mind?" Harry said to Ginny, "Don't want me to be expelled for not getting my homework done."
Ginny left.
"Thanks," Ron said.
"Anything from the trolley?" asked the lady pushing the cart past.
"Yeah," Harry said, standing. He paid for a few treats, handed them to Ron, and sat back down.
Hermione got a Daily Prophet, when the front page article was plainly visible for them to see.
=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=
1 September, 1996
Fudge Removed
After a vote of no confidence in the Wizengamot two weeks ago, former Minister for Magic Cornelius Oswald Fudge has been removed from office having been unable to bolster his ratings. Stepping into this role, the leader of the opposition, Victor Fallerschain, who promises reforms will be installed on Monday.
"With Fudge—" Hermione said to Ron.
"A Mr. Victor Fallerschain," Ron said, "Dad mentioned him—seems clean and decent, even Skeeter can't seem to find anything. He's currently interim until the Wizengamot can ratify—new blood is what's needed. Dad's worried about him possibly sacking the old—"
"Like we'd be soo sorry for that!" Malfoy entered the compartment, followed by Crabbe and Goyle. "Suppose it'd be another sign of the errors of your ways Potter. Protecting Muggles, Mudbloods, and other rubbish; leads to consequences such as poverty, dead mothers, and broken homes. That shack wasn't worth much anyways."
"Out, Malfoy!" Harry was now standing, wand drawn. "Your presence is unwelcome."
"Careful Potter, you're picking up their bad habits." Malfoy sniffed the air. "Easy to follow the stench—they can't afford to clean their diapers, but you—"
Red light shimmered in the compartment as stunning curses flew. As the smoky haze cleared, Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle were on the floor. Ron and Harry dragged them into the corridor. Ron slammed the compartment door.
"I—" Ron stammered.
"Why'd he even know?" Hermione said, "Write—"
Ron realized the truth of Hermione's question because Arthur Weasley had taken efforts to keep the news contained. Ron got out parchment and quill, wrote a quick note. Harry held the window open for Ron to toss out Pigwidgeon. Pig tumbled in the rain before the fluttering fuzz was out of their sight. Ron got out his package of Exploding Snaps.
"Harry needs to work on his essays," Hermione said.
"A few is alright," Harry said.
Pop! Pop!
"Alright, alright!" Ron said to Hermione, "Suppose you'll want me to do a strip tease or something."
"I'll take you up on that, later," Hermione replied.
Harry snorted, returned to his essays, pestering Hermione as the train traveled.
Hoot!
"An owl?" Andy asked, entering Gia's bedroom.
Gia was arranging the books on the bookshelf beneath the window.
"Hedwig," Gia said, "She's Harry's."
Andy reached over, tugged on a feather.
Hoot! Hoot!
"Careful," Gia said.
"He's got a dog and an owl," Andy said, "What else does he got?"
"He loves me, that's enough," Gia said.
"What school starts on a Sunday, the whole Sunday?" Andy asked.
"That is odd," Richard said.
"You're odd!" Andy snapped, lunging to push Richard backward. Richard stumbled, caught himself against the door jam.
"SCRAM!" Richard barked.
"Don't TOUCH ME THERE!" Andy complained, returning to her bedroom.
"He obviously plans to come back," Richard said, seeing the assortment of books, "Bit weird…" He grabbed Magical Me "…it's not moving, is it?"
"He didn't want to take all of his books," Gia said, "Just the ones needed for his current lessons."
"I mean, it's not a hologram," Richard said, "Though it acts like one."
"Have to ask Harry," Gia said, while putting Magical Drafts and Potions onto the shelf, "He'll be back tonight."
"Reason I came in," Richard said, "Jen's stuck at church until late, she can't make it, but I've got two tickets to Independence Day. Want to see it?"
"Oh," Gia said, "Sounds…sure."
"I'll get my jacket," Richard said.
Gia grabbed her coat, slipped her feet into the sandals, went down the stairs. Richard followed. Snuffles perked his head up, met them at the door.
"Come on boy," Gia said to Snuffles. She chuckled, knowing full well who it was.
"Smart dog," Richard said.
Snuffles wagged his tail as they went out the door. Rain that had been meeting the train heading north had invaded the south, and was drizzling outside. Snuffles brushed up against Gia for a moment. They walked to the movie theater.
Clouds had masked the train, turning to a solid rain as they passed from Edinburgh to Glasgow; it became heavier as they traveled north, as if the train were riding under the water of a lake.
"About time," Hermione said, opening her trunk as they felt the train start to slow.
"Yeah," Harry said. He closed his books, put the quill away, and opened his trunk; he grabbed his slacks.
They quickly changed into their Hogwarts uniforms by the time the train came to a halt in Hogsmeade. They joined the crowds of students getting out.
"Firs' years, this way," Hagrid called out.
Harry waved at Hagrid, and Hagrid returned the wave for a moment. Hagrid shepherded the first year students without a house down to the boats. Through the hard breeze, the rain pouring buckets, and the cold weather, they headed for the carriages. Water seeped in, evaded the best of water repellent charms, soaked into their cloaks and other clothes.
"Hi," said Ernie Macmillan, along with Seamus Finnigan, coming toe to toe as they waited in the queue for the next carriage to pull through.
"Hey," Ron said. Ron's eyes, like Hermione's and Harry's, saw the skeletal figures pulling the carriages.
"Suppose a covered walkway would be asking too much," Seamus said.
Seamus and Ernie climbed onto the same carriage as Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Fire beneath the leather benches lapped upward, the heat, though, was fruitless in warding off the cold and damp in their clothes.
"Might keep dry if I were to swim across the lake instead," Seamus said, glancing at the rising lake water.
"Did you have fun this summer?" Ernie asked.
"It was…okay," Harry said, "Nothing exciting—"
Ron spat, opened his mouth, but shut it upon Harry's look.
"What did you—" Ernie started, before Seamus interrupted it.
"Blimey!" Seamus exclaimed, pointing.
Even though evening had already come upon them, they could all see the castle as it had been illuminated for the first years to see it. Seamus, however, was pointing toward the rubble heap, a rubble heap that was in the place of the North Tower, the ruins of the structure that Voldemort had collapsed the previous June.
"The curse was interesting," Ron said.
"Ronald!" Hermione snapped.
"Indigo—web of magic," Harry said, "Fascinating, actually, though the result and the caster are deplorable."
Seamus and Ernie glared at Harry and Ron.
"You witnessed it?" Seamus stammered.
"Death Eaters galore," Ron said.
Their carriage came to halt under a short canopy in front of the castle.
"The Daily Prophet mentioned some damage," Seamus said.
"Mostly still standing," Harry said, climbing out of the carriage.
They went up the stairs, into the Entrance Hall. Harry loitered for a moment, as Ron and Hermione charged into the Great Hall. Harry went up the marble stairs, walked down the corridor, and knocked at Professor McGonagall's office.
"We've got a feast to get to," Professor McGonagall said, "Is it urgent?"
"There was an attack at Privet Drive this summer," Harry said, entering the office, "My Aunt and Uncle, the Dursleys, were killed."
"My condolences," Professor McGonagall said.
"As they were my guardians," Harry said, pulling out a round paper curled up, handed it over, "I took the liberty, got myself emancipated."
Professor McGonagall opened it.
"This seems in order," Professor McGonagall said.
"Professor," Harry said, "I want nothing to change in regards to my Hogwarts education."
"Realize this will mean some changes," Professor McGonagall said, "It means you'll be held to adult standards of behavior, expect no warnings."
"Understood," Harry said.
"Thank you for bringing this to my attention, Mr. Potter," Professor McGonagall said, "Bon Appetite."
Harry turned around, headed toward the Great Hall.
Meanwhile, Ron and Hermione took seats on the opposite sides to the Gryffindor table in the Great Hall, near the back of the Hall. Hermione's eyes darted back and forth, as she looked around.
"Where's Harry?" Hermione asked.
"I'm guessing he went to give Moaning Myrtle a Cheering Charm," Ron said as his stomach growled.
Hermione snorted. Professor Flitwick entered the Great Hall with a long line of fifty wet, wet, first years.
"Greetings," Professor Flitwick said, "Please come forward as I call your name."
"Where's Harry?" Colin Creevey asked of Ron and Hermione.
"Probably trying to get an early dinner out of the kitchens," Ron said, "Good thing cause I'm starving."
"You're always starving," Hermione said.
"But I am," Ron said.
"He'll be along shortly," Ginny said to Colin.
"Yeah," Colin replied.
"You're staring at me," Hermione said to Ron.
"Shall I come over to your side?" Ron asked, politely.
"We're in the Great Hall," Hermione whispered to him.
"Alright, under the table?" Ron asked.
"It's inappropriate," Hermione said.
"Quidditch, inappropriate?" Ron asked.
"That's what you were thinking about?" Hermione asked.
"What'd you think I was thinking about?" Ron replied.
"Never mind," Hermione said as the last of the first years left the stool, to the clapping of Hufflepuff.
Harry entered the Great Hall, walked over, sat down next to Ron. Hermione's eyes focused on Harry's grin.
"Where were you?" Hermione asked.
"Had to talk to McGonagall," Harry said, "Later."
"Feed me," Ron said to Hermione.
Professor Dumbledore rose with grace, albeit, slowly and he took his time.
"Welcome," Professor Dumbledore said, "Please, enjoy!"
Professor Dumbledore placed his hands to his mouth and waved them off; platters of food appeared. The food vanished at nearly the same beat as it had appeared, as it moved fast to the hundreds of plates to be shoveled rapidly into the mouths and stomachs of the hundreds of students. Harry, however, took half a biscuit and a goblet of pumpkin juice. Hermione glanced up from her salad to Harry's plate, she frowned.
"Always a pleasure to have you."
Out of the table came the silver shadowy figure of Sir Nicholas — some of the first years spilled their pumpkin juice at the sight of the ghosts entering.
"Hello," Harry said, his eyebrows were arched, green eyes glared at Sir Nicolas, and his arms were folded.
"Good to see you," Sir Nicholas said, "Unhappy, Mr. Potter?"
"He'd rather be elsewhere," Ron said.
"Hogwarts is a grand opportunity—" Sir Nicholas said.
"It's something else," Ron said.
Sir Nicholas studied Harry for a moment.
"Grand sacrifice," Sir Nicholas said.
Hermione snorted, Harry grinned. Sir Nicholas moved onto the other Gryffindors.
"Three empty seats," Neville said.
"Three?" Ron said, counting on his fingers, "Hooch and Trelawney murdered—"
"Murdered?" Neville spat.
"Yep," Harry said, not wanting to dredge up those memories, of the teachers killed during their last term.
"Explains the lack of Divination OWLs," Parvati said.
"These two managed to get them." Seamus pointed at Harry and Ron.
"How?" Dean demanded.
"It was Trelawney's final exam," Harry said.
Hermione rolled her eyes, said, "Bad pun Harry."
"It's true," Ron said, "She gave no more after us."
Everybody hushed as Professor Dumbledore again made his graceful and slow rise from his chair, all watched, all hushed, even the few who hadn't already cleaned off their plates; however, the Slytherins kept up their chatter until Professor McGonagall chimed her cup..
"I have been well fed and watered … Similarly I hope that you have too … First years please note … The forest is forbidden to all students. … Mr. Filch, … our head caretaker, has … added several things to … the list of prohibited items including … several lines from Weasley … Wizarding Wheezes. … New teachers—"
Harry's jaw dropped at the sight of their new teachers coming out of the Antechamber. Madam Pomfrey came carrying a flask to Professor Dumbledore, he drank it.
"Thank you Poppy." Professor Dumbledore turned back to the students. "Dana Caldwell will assume the Divination Post. Nymphadora Tonks will assist Professor Lupin in Defense Against the Dark Arts. Lastly, Oliver Wood has agreed to take the post in Quidditch and he will be balancing those duties with those demanded of him at Puddlemere United."
Professor Dumbledore sat down as the other students started to head for the doors. Harry hurried up to the Staff Table and went for Oliver Wood.
"Hi!" Harry exclaimed.
"It is good to see you Mr. Potter," Professor Dumbledore said, slowly standing with the assistance of Madam Pomfrey.
"Still have that Firebolt?" Oliver Wood asked.
"Great for skirt chasing—" Ron said.
Hermione nudged Ron.
"Well, it is," Ron said.
A smile crept on Professor Dumbledore's face before he grabbed a cane. The cane shook as Professor Dumbledore bore his weight on it; the tap of the cane hitting the floor slowly echoed. Harry walked fast, leading Ron and Hermione, and followed Professor Dumbledore out of the Great Hall.
"Professor!" Harry said.
"Professor McGonagall has informed me about your new arrangement," Professor Dumbledore said, coming to a halt, "That matter is settled."
Harry handed over two Hogwarts pins; Professor Dumbledore tapped them with his wand, returned them to Harry. Professor Dumbledore's eyes twinkled as the pins self–transfigured themselves into cloth patches.
"The north tower?" Harry said, "I thought it'd have been rebuilt, or at least started by now."
"Bureaucracy is to blame," Professor Dumbledore said, "Our esteemed planning commission is treating it as a new addition, meaning permits and an environmental impact statement. In the meanwhile, it leaks, so it has been cleared of nearly anything that could be affected by our weather. Welcome back."
Professor Dumbledore headed along the ground floor corridor, while Harry and Oliver Wood climbed the marble stairs; Ron and Hermione followed.
"Dumbledore's cane is new," Harry asked, "How long has he been using it?"
"Usually in the evening, well, it's only been a week since I arrived," Oliver Wood said, "Can't tell you more."
"Will you be refereeing?" Ron asked.
"Yes," Oliver Wood said, "It'll be nice to see a nice tame match."
"Tame?!" Hermione exclaimed, "Gryffindor vs Slytherin, tame?"
"You obviously haven't seen Pro," Oliver Wood said.
"Where do we sign up?" Ron asked.
Hermione snorted.
"The trouble of being a Professor, the work is not over after the feast," Oliver Wood said, "Ta."
Wood took off down the fourth floor, while Harry led the way up the stairs to the fifth floor. Harry encountered the crowd on the seventh floor outside the portrait of the Fat Lady.
"Password?" the Fat Lady asked.
"Sex," Dean replied.
The Fat Lady did not budge.
"Aren't you Prefect?" Ron demanded.
Harry pushed through.
"Hot tub!" Harry exclaimed.
The Fat Lady moved, the portrait swung open. Dean gaped as Harry walked through and up the stairs. Ron followed.
"Remember?" Harry said, "Dumbledore changed it before we left last year.
Ron snorted. Harry ran up the stairs to the top. Ron entered the sixth years' boys dormitory in time to witness Harry vanishing. Behind Ron came Seamus, Dean, and Neville. Seamus looked at Harry's empty bunk.
"He'd better—" Seamus started.
"Cut him a break," Ron said.
"Just want to know his plans," Dean said, "What are you gonna pull this year?"
"Don't you understand Dean?" Seamus said, "With the Headmaster in their pocket, they are unlimited."
"Just butt out, Okay?" Ron snapped, "Try the north tower if you're desperate—in the meanwhile, I'm—never mind."
Ron left the dormitory.
A few minutes earlier, Hermione had entered her dormitory, it too, being at the top of their stairs. She crossed, sat at the foot of her mattress, shuddering at the thought of the room being full of Draco Malfoy's victims back in June. She laid back and zoned out for a bit, her thoughts drifted to that fateful day on the train many years ago when she first met Harry and Ron; they've been strong influences on her life.
Crack!
A bit of thunder in the distance brought her to realize time was passing. She got up, opened her trunk, tossed aside a pair of Ron's boxers, before grabbing her toiletries bag and her bathrobe. She went for the small bathroom in the dormitory. She opened the bag, the condom was on top, a spare she had packed years ago in case a boy needed to use it with her, well before she learned of the magical one. Footsteps could be heard through the door as she brushed her teeth, flossed; though she knew dental hygiene wasn't a strong habit at Hogwarts, she was at the top of the list, likely due to her parents being dentists.
After Hermione was done and changed into her bathrobe, she came back into the sleeping room. She tossed her Hogwarts clothes onto her bed, to where Parvati was holding up the pair of Ron's boxers.
"Out of my—" Hermione demanded.
"Any action?" Parvati asked, holding the boxers forward for Lavender Brown to also examine.
Hermione ripped the boxers from Parvati's hands, threw them into her trunk as she slammed it shut.
"She did—" Lavender said, "Likely a real—"
"I've always been a real witch!" Hermione protested, "Sex isn't the difference!"
"How was it?" Parvati asked.
"It's none of your business!" Hermione protested.
"Tell us your story or we'll write our own," Parvati said, "So, it was Malfoy—"
"Extortion!" Hermione protested.
"Where?" Lavender asked.
Hermione knew their tactics, that Parvati and Lavender won't relent, they'd ask tomorrow, or Hogwarts will invent it's own tale.
"Fine, I did have—" Hermione started.
Whizz–Pop!
They coughed, but Hermione recognized the odor, Ron's favorite dungbomb. Lavender and Parvati went for their four poster beds. Hermione's eyes, though, landed on the enlarged Daily Prophet picture posted on the bulletin board, a moving picture that showed her, Harry, Ron, and Gia in her parents' hot tub. Hermione sat, tried to lay down on the bed, before she jumped after feeling someone else beneath her bed covers; she stood back up.
"Anything wrong?" Lavender asked.
"N–No," Hermione said, "Forgot pajamas—" She could see strands of flaming red hair, knew it was Ron beneath those covers.
"What's it really?" Parvati said.
"Nothing!" Hermione said, trying to change the subject, "Where's Seamus?"
"He's out of the loop," Lavender said, "Though you're right."
Lavender left the dormitory.
"And what about Ron?" Parvati asked, as her hands held her bed curtains closed while facing Hermione.
Hands came out of the curtains, seeking her. Parvati moved, keeping herself between the bed and Hermione's, which worked for half a moment.
Pfffpt!
"Ah, a lesbian?" Hermione asked, needling Parvati.
Parvati's bed snorted.
"Sheets are just out of—" Parvati said.
"I understand, you're tired, just open the curtains and go to sleep," Hermione said, "But to accuse the sheets? That's degrading as I'm sure the House–Elves are cringing to hear—"
Snorts, as fits of laughter were being suppressed, came from Hermione's bed covers.
"Oh–h–oh—" exclaimed Ernie Macmillan, coming fast out of Parvati's bed, headed for the bathroom
Ron smiled as he pulled the bed covers enough to show that he was on the bed.
A short while earlier, Gia watched as Kurt brought the last of the boxes from her room down the stairs.
"All yours now," Kurt said, heading for the stairs to the basement.
Gia stood there, in the living room
"I was hoping for a nice, relaxing weekend," Kristen said, "It felt like I was working overtime."
"Sorry," Gia said.
"For what?" Kristen said, "I know you're going to grieve for your father."
"Oh," Gia said.
"You do have friends here, so it was a good decision," Kristen said, "When's your boyfriend supposed to show up?"
"Any time," Gia replied.
STOMP! STOMP!
"Give that BACK!" Richard shouted.
From the basement stairs, Andy led the way, clutching a circuit board, Richard chasing her. Richard's shoes kept thumping as he chased the barefooted Andy; his T–shirt billowed, his shorts moved as he pursued across the living room, into the kitchen. Kristen sighed, rolled her eyes for a moment.
"Enjoy," Gia said, heading for the stairs.
"I have to decide when to step in and when to stay out," Kristen said.
Gia went up the stairs, opened the door and went into her bedroom; she immediately closed it, knowing that Harry should be showing up as it was already past eight. She stripped, letting her imitation silk knickers cover her essentials, and she laid on top of the bed covers, sprawled out, facing upward.
Hoot!
Gia glanced at Hedwig, seemingly waiting too, though they could both hear the muffled arguing and bickering from below.
"How long does it take?" Gia asked Hedwig, her eyes now focused on the ceiling.
A crash came from below.
"UPSTAIRS!" came Kristen's shout.
Footsteps on the stairs, a moment of quiet. Rapidly, the door opened and closed; Richard came in modeling his boxers, leaned back against the closed door.
"Blows big time!" Richard said, "Jen's on restriction, so I can't go over to her place."
"It happens," Gia said, "Well, there is Andy—"
"Gross!" Richard exclaimed.
Gia giggled at Richard's look of indignation.
"I need to change with Harry about to—" Gia started.
"It totally sucks!" Richard said, not realizing her tone, "Tomorrow I was going to take—"
"Harry will be along, and you're in my room, like that," Gia said.
"Nearly fifty quid, in advance!" Richard said, not paying attention.
Gia threw a pillow at Richard, it bounced off, as they heard Andy's scream.
"Taking a dump in her room, totally justified," Richard said, "I just wish Jen—"
Harry appeared directly in front of Richard, dressed in his school uniform facing Gia; he fumbled, stumbled and tripped over Richard's feet. Gia's eyes went from the overdressed Harry to Richard; Richard was rubbing his eyes, blinking extensively.
"Do you mind—?" Richard said.
"Sorry," Harry said as he stood up.
"How—?!" Richard stammered.
"A trick," Gia said, trying to cover it up.
"You came out this air!" Richard said, "The laws of Physics—"
"Don't explain everything!" Harry quipped.
"You broke them—ironclad!" Richard stated.
"Pay attention—" Gia said.
"I did!" Richard demanded, "What happened?!"
Harry sighed, walked over to Hedwig, stroked the feathers Gia rolled over to the side of the bed.
"I don't want to do a Memory Charm on you," Harry said, turning around, "So, you got to swear, absolutely swear, on your life, to never squeal to anybody about this."
Flash!
With a pull and a flick, Harry's wand was drawn, aimed at Richard; Richard flew up into the air, landed hard onto the bed. Harry moved, knelt forward, bringing his knees to the edge of the bed, and leaned over. Harry's bottle green eyes looked down onto Richard's hazel eyes.
"I'm a wizard," Harry stated, "I attend Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry—magic."
"Alright," Richard said, "I get it!"
"Are you alright?" Gia asked.
"Yeah," Richard said, "This takes getting used to."
"Don't worry about it," Harry said as he stood back up. He removed his dress shirt off, exposing his chest.
"Isn't it like cool?" Gia asked.
"I guess," Richard said.
Harry dropped his slacks and sat on the bed next to Gia in his briefs.
"Magic's an ability," Gia said, "Like some people are good at, say, jumping, Harry has magic. Took me a bit to adjust to, but now I see a handsome, overdressed, boyfriend." Gia slipped her hand beneath the elastic of Harry's briefs, made no secret he was being fondled.
"Wicked," Richard said, "Scary too."
Knock! Knock!
"Yes?" Gia answered.
Andy cracked the door open.
"Yo Dickhead," Andy said to Richard, "On the pull?" She turned to Harry. "Scored a pair—"
"Bloody Ant," Richard asked, laced with sarcasm, but standing up, "Want something?"
"Your dog is on Cody's favorite chair," Andy said to Harry.
"Explain it to Snuffles," Harry replied.
"It's just a dog!" Andy protested.
"Threaten him with Sirius Black," Harry replied.
Gia chuckled. Richard's eyes tried to figure out the grin on Harry's face.
"Where is he—?" Andy asked.
Harry shrugged.
"Try it stupid dick breath—!" Richard snapped.
Andy punched Richard in the stomach, Richard gave chase, and both left the bedroom.
"Well, you came back," Gia said, laying back.
"Yep," Harry said.
Date: Thu Jan 4 09:53:35 2024