In the Crosshairs
Dragon Voldemort
Chapter 18: Sunburn
"Aw…AW!" Harry moaned as stinging sensation from the cool ice paste was pushed into his back by Madam Pomfrey; the smell of peppermint filled the air.
"What type of idiot uses Aloe?" Madam Pomfrey said, "Despite what those Muggles think, that's the wrong stuff to use. You should've come straight to me after your deliberate injuries."
"This wasn't deliberate," Harry said.
"Standing out in the sun until you roasted?" Madam Pomfrey said, "With a whole day of rain, sleet, and hail, only you could come up with an injury of sunburn."
Harry smiled as he understood the absurdity of it, though Harry realized he'd have to be a bit more careful as it was rather easy to have different weather in southern England than the western part of Scotland. Still, despite burning, he considered yesterday a good day.
"You need better shorts," Madam Pomfrey said, as she worked downward, "Yours did nothing to stop this."
"I'm not going to lodge a complaint," Harry said, "Gia loved my attire."
"Not sure who to feel sorry for," Ron said as he entered the privacy screen.
"Your concern is noted," Madam Pomfrey said.
"Ron," Hermione said as she shook her head.
"Be sure to cover every sunburned part of the skin," Madam Pomfrey said, as she worked Harry's calf muscles.
"If you haven't come up with a cover story, I suggest you do," Ron said, "Even those blokes know something's up when you're sporting a full body sunburn."
"Any ideas?" Harry asked.
"Yeah, but unfortunately we don't have any dragons here," Ron said.
"I'll have to tell Hagrid to work on that," Harry said.
"Accident in the kitchen?" Hermione said, "I mean, your bed was a wreck, anything could've happened, before we found you in the oven."
"I know a sunburn when I see it," Madam Pomfrey said.
"You don't have to believe it," Harry said, "The others do, because I'd rather not tell them the truth."
"Lies rarely help," Madam Pomfrey said, "It'd be better to say nothing if the truth won't do. You, of people, should understand the terror a lie can cause."
"So this potion?" Hermione asked.
"Stops the burn sensation, accelerates the process," Madam Pomfrey said, "In a few minutes, you'll shower to remove it. The dead skin will start to peel sometime tomorrow. I'll have a cream tomorrow that'll help with that."
"Think I'll pass on that," Harry said, "I can manage a bit of peel."
"It'll get over everything," Madam Pomfrey said, "But there is no danger if you skip."
"If it's too much, I'll see you," Harry said.
"Suit yourself," Madam Pomfrey said.
Madam Pomfrey took her time, tending to Harry's skin; a process that took an hour and a half. Harry stood up.
"Thank you," Harry said.
"How does it feel?" Madam Pomfrey asked.
"Better," Harry said. He was being honest; even though his skin still looked sunburnt, it no longer hurt.
"I was a bit relieved when you walked in the door," Madam Pomfrey said, "At least they found you, unlike that other boy."
"What other boy?" Harry asked.
"I'm not sure, some first year Gryffindor," Madam Pomfrey said, "I try to be good with names, but after a while, students just blend together."
Harry left the Hospital Wing; Ron and Hermione followed. Harry entered Professor McGonagall's office, she was there, sitting at the desk.
"I am certainly pleased—" Professor McGonagall started.
"Who is missing?" Harry demanded.
"This does not concern you," Professor McGonagall said.
"Yes it does," Harry said, "A student is missing … first year, Gryffindor, that isn't by chance Ash? As in Ashland Hurley?"
"Mr. Hurley was not accounted for during the head count," Professor McGonagall said, "Neither were you."
"I understand you confined everybody to their dormitories for me, I'm found," Harry said, "What about Ash?"
"What are you doing here Mr. Weasley and Miss. Granger," Professor McGonagall said, as she tried to change the topic, "You are late for class."
"Had to check up on Harry," Ron said, "Make sure he was seeing Madam Pomfrey."
"Mr. Potter is capable of tending to the Hospital Wing," Professor McGonagall said.
"Fine for them, but what about Ash?" Harry said, "You've got a duty to him too."
"It is the consensus of staff that Ash has voluntarily removed himself from Hogwarts," the Professor said.
"You're claiming he ran away, have you verified this?" Harry asked.
"He was clearly not adjusting to Hogwarts," Professor McGonagall said, "Albus was working the rules so we can withdraw his offer of admission, so his wand could be merely secured until he found a more suitable educational environment. If he reappears, he can petition for re–admission."
"So, you're not looking?" Harry asked.
"Rest assured, we are looking for him," Professor McGonagall said.
"Yet, you're sitting at your desk," Harry stated.
"I have a school to run," Professor McGonagall said, "Welfare of every student is important to me."
"Help is always to be found at Hogwarts to those who ask for it," Harry said, "Or so I was told, it ought to be Hogwarts will always give help to those who need it. Cancel my schedule, I'm finding him, myself."
"Mr. Potter!" Professor McGonagall snapped.
"I confess he's difficult, but he's worth it," Harry said, "I took him under my wing to help him, so I will return, with him."
Harry spun around, went out the door. Ron and Hermione turned around.
"Get to class," Harry said.
"We're coming," Ron said, "Figure you need the help."
"Hermione?" Harry asked.
"I'm in too," Hermione said.
"Lets start upstairs," Harry said.
Harry went up the stairs, corridors, into Gryffindor Tower. He climbed the steps into the dormitory, went to his trunk, opened it.
"It's not been wiped?" Harry asked as he grabbed the map.
"Dunno," Ron said, "Proved useful yesterday when looking for you because…well, didn't have my wand."
"Clear it, always," Harry said, scanning, "Find me Ashland Hurley."
The map's drawing panned to the edge of the Forbidden Forest.
"It was like that when I found Hermione out there," Ron said.
"Lucky you found me," Hermione said, "It's a big place."
"We'll ask Hagrid," Harry said, "He'll help, he certainly knows that forest better than any of us."
"And it's his class we just missed," Hermione said.
"Then it'd be good to apologize, hadn't it?" Harry said, "Lets go."
Harry took a step, spun, eyes landed on the Firebolt.
"Can't carry it with your skin the way it is," Ron said, "I'll handle this."
Ron affixed the strap, slung both of the Firebolts to his back. Hermione and Ron followed Harry out of the dormitory. They ran down the stairs, out of Gryffindor Tower, and down the corridors and steps, until they came to the Entrance Hall.
"Well, well," Malfoy said, "Can't even be bothered to show up to class?"
"You are….you're special," Harry said, "Unlike you, I'm not embarrassed so easily—"
"You were just under the weather, I mean, murder is soo taxing on you, am I right?" Malfoy said, "We all know the truth even with them fooling Minister Fallerschain. It's against those UHP's bylaws and their oath!" Malfoy raised his right hand. "We solemnly swear not to press charges against the famous Harry Potter and his maggots. By the way, you'll pay for your insults."
"They've already paid," Finnigan said, "How else do you explain the Minister letting them go?"
"I didn't pay," Harry said.
"Forget it Potter," Macmillan said, "We're not blaming you, directly, because they wouldn't want you to get your hands dirty after they so painstakingly washed the blood off."
"A little Quidditch to take the mind off it, right Potter?" Malfoy asked.
Harry, though, thought about Ash, and continued as fast as he could stand the soreness on his feet as he went out the door into the cool weather.
"Ignore them," Hermione said.
"They're right," Harry said.
"Pardon?" Ron asked.
"The special treatment—they all see it," Harry said, "Take yesterday, I go missing and it's all hands on deck, spare no expense. But Ash, who's an ordinary kid, they're considering expelling him."
"Not expulsion," Hermione said, "Because then they'd have break his wand, more like a persuasion to go away."
"What else do you call it then?" Harry said, "Everyone else sees that I get treated differently, suppose it can't be helped, maybe that's why they let me commute. Ash…he could've been ripped by the same thing that landed me in Noigate! He could be anywhere, and they're giving it the same attitude as copper taking a theft report, filing it never to be seen again!"
Knock! Knock!
Harry pounded on the door. Hagrid opened it.
"Class was already held," Hagrid said, "I can't make exceptions to those who miss it, even fer yeh."
"I was in the Hospital wing," Harry said.
"Oh," Hagrid said, "Good to see yeh doing better, they said yeh was missing, rubbish."
"I wasn't the only student to go missing yesterday," Harry said.
"Might've heard something," Hagrid said, "They never said much to me about it."
"I've got reason to believe Ash is in the forest," Harry said, "Can you help?"
"Sure thing," Hagrid said, "Fang!" Hagrid grabbed his crossbow. "Where he be headed?"
"Not sure," Harry said, "Clue just said he was in the forest."
"Lets find the Centaurs," Hagrid said, "They might know."
The four of them walked into the forest.
"Same one who helped Harry many years ago?" Hermione asked.
"Firenze is one possibility," Hagrid said, "Maybe the best choice, they worked up about something, not sure if they'll help, to be honest."
"Great," Ron said.
"Never said it was great, Ron," Hagrid said.
"It's simply the best we have," Harry said, "If we only know the forest, there's a lot of places left to search."
"Any more clues?" Hagrid asked.
"No, that was the only one," Harry said, "Didn't think if there were other things to check."
Clop! Clop! Clop!
A centaur approached, the hooves came to a halt.
"Hello Bane," Hagrid said.
"You brought more of your kind!" Bane exclaimed.
"Yes, because I had a question," Harry said.
"We do not speak!" Bane stated.
"It's important," Harry sad, as he took two steps forward.
Harry bowed, not certain if that was the right move, but it's worked with Hippogriffs.
"I am listening," Bane said.
"A missing boy, like I used to be," Harry said, "About this tall—" Harry motioned with his hands, "Missing since either Saturday night or yesterday morning, and I have reason to believe he's in the forest. Given his unusual talent at finding me, I think he's in trouble."
"Please Bane," Hagrid said, "Have you or the others seen or heard anything? We'd be extremely grateful."
"Please?" Harry asked Bane.
"We will consider your request, Harry Potter," Bane said, "Wait here."
Clop! Clop! Clop!
Bane rode away.
"So we wait," Harry said.
"I put odds at two to one against them helping," Hagrid said, "They are very worked up."
"It's not like I need an army," Harry said, "Just information, we can manage, if we know where to look."
"Professor McGonagall seemed doubtful that a search was worthwhile," Hermione said.
"Since when is a search for a missing student not worthwhile?" Harry said, "And don't say it's because of me."
"Likely is," Ron said, "We know you'd come looking for us, of course, and we'd go looking for you. But to them, the rest, look if they can, but life goes on."
"All this talk about missing students," Hagrid said, "I go looking if any are missing, count me in."
"We know," Harry said, "I knew I could rely on you."
"Of course yeh can," Hagrid said, "I pulled yeh from your parent's house after…still wrong to have to do."
"Yeah, Thanks," Harry said, "Maybe I was a bit harsh on McGonagall, she is trying to run the whole school."
"Professor Dumbledore runs Hogwarts," Hermione said.
"Watch, Hermione, watch!" Harry said.
"Does Hermione—" Ron started.
Clop! Clop! Clop! Clop! Clop! Clop!
Bane returned, along with one more Centaur.
"Hello Firenze," Hagrid said.
"Harry Potter, we meet again," Firenze said, "You had a request."
"A boy," Harry said, "Eleven , with black hair and blue eyes. He would've been in the forest at most…a day and a half. Have you seen him?"
"You honor us, Harry Potter," Firenze said, "We can talk."
"Thank you," Harry said.
Bane whistled.
Clop! Clop! Clop!
A third one approached, a female Centauride.
"Hello Egyle," Hagrid said.
"Hagrid," Egyle said.
"Tell Harry Potter what you told me," Firenze said.
"A boy, eleven with black hair and blue eyes," Harry said.
"Magorian told me he saw something similar to what you described," Egyle said, "In the webs, that's all I know."
"Thank you," Harry said. Harry bowed.
"We may yet meet again, Harry Potter," Firenze said, "I shall look forward to it."
"Thank you," Harry replied.
Clop! Clop! Clop! Clop! Clop! Clop! Clop! Clop! Clop!
Both Centaurs and the Centauride left.
"Where?" Hagrid asked.
"Aragog!" Harry said, in a flash of inspiration.
"Suppose we can ask," Hagrid said.
Hagrid led them, along another path, Fang followed.
"Should've just said to follow the spiders!" Ron quipped at Harry.
"Why does this not feel like a good idea?" Hermione asked.
"We know exactly what those spiders would do," Harry said, "Even if Hagrid doesn't."
They went deeper into the forest, spiders began to accumulate.
"Your fault if anything happens," Ron whispered to Harry.
"Aragog!" Hagrid announced.
Ron trembled a bit as they walked down into the hollow.
"Hagrid, is that you?" asked the deep voice.
Harry, though, glanced upward, pointed as his eyes fixed on the webbed bundle suspended in midair.
"Aragog!" Hagrid said, "Sorry for not visiting sooner, things keep coming up."
"Broom!" Harry whispered to Ron.
Ron removed Harry's Firebolt, handed it over.
"What is the concern?" Aragog asked.
Harry mounted his Firebolt, rose upward.
"A kid's missing at the school," Hagrid said, "My friend, Harry, says he might have wandered into the forest."
Harry came to the webbed bundle, suspended two hundred feet in the air, not quite near the top. He recognized the black hair, the blue eyes of Ash, eyes that blinked.
"Ron!" Harry shouted as a spider started to climb down the long, white strand, of webbing that was holding the sack up.
Ron mounted his Firebolt, rose up.
"It's him!" Ron said, "Best hurry."
"I'll hold, you cut," Harry said.
Harry moved his arms underneath, held the bundle, while Ron took out his wand.
Snip! Snip!
Spiders dropped, fast, as the webbing gave way. Harry began to fall, as Ash was suddenly in his arms.
"Hold on," Harry said to Ash.
Ash reached, put his arms around Harry's neck, held on tight. Harry's free right hand gripped the broom, leveled it near the ground.
"Reckless!" Hermione said.
"It has been a nice year!" Hagrid said to Aragog.
"They're still at it," Ron said.
"Get Hermione," Harry said.
"Yeah, yeah," Ron said.
"Still don't like these things," Hermione said.
"Get on," Harry quipped as he glanced upward.
More spiders were descending, seemingly upset that they had just raided the larder.
"Hurry," Ron said.
"How are your lessons going?" Aragog asked.
"Splendid!" Hagrid said.
"HAGRID!" Harry shouted, "We've got what we need, we can leave!"
"I'll stay!" Hagrid said, "Aragog and I haven't talked in ages. Can you bring back some tea?"
"Another day!" Harry said.
"Suit yourself," Hagrid said.
Harry and Ron pulled their brooms, upward, did a couple fast U–turns, dove underneath a partially fallen moss covered log.
"You're irresponsible fliers!" Hermione snapped.
"Maybe ask the spiders to stay out of the way," Ron said.
"Thank you," Ash whispered to Harry.
"So what do we tell Dumbledore?" Ron said, "That Hagrid's pet almost ate a student?"
"It's a whole colony," Hermione said, "Not just the one."
They flew over the trees, felt the mist against their skin. They returned to the castle, went up to the Hospital Wing, entered.
"What is the matter Potter?" Madam Pomfrey asked.
"Ash here," Harry said, "Give him a quick check."
Madam Pomfrey took out her wand, scanned Ash.
"Nothing wrong apart from needing a bit of food, like you," Madam Pomfrey said, "Why?"
"Seeing the Headmaster," Harry said.
"I do not understand what this is about," Madam Pomfrey said.
"You were wonderful," Harry said, "I'll see you … sometime."
Harry led the small contingent, to the second floor, to the Stone Gargoyle.
"You were the one complaining about special treatment," Ron said.
"Ash needs it," Harry said, "I can manage from here. Thank you, both. You two are definitely late for something."
Ron and Hermione left. Harry escorted Ash onto the ascending steps. They entered the Headmaster's office. It was empty.
"Cool," Ash said as he glanced at the magical instruments on the wall.
Ash ran over, stood next to the empty perch of Fawkes, touched the ash.
"This is Professor Dumbledore's office," Harry said, "Since we did not call ahead, we have to wait."
Harry walked over to the Sorting Hat, lifted it.
"Interesting bee in your bonnet," the Sorting Hat said.
"That's…" Ash muttered, stood next to Harry.
"The Sorting Hat that says I should be in Slytherin," Harry said.
"I stand by my advice," the Sorting Hat said.
"Lets see what it says about you," Harry said, as he put the hat onto Ash.
"Perception that would be good in Ravenclaw," the Sorting Hat said, "Shyness that would belong in Hufflepuff, but a thirst for sincerity and trust. In consideration of factors, in Gryffindor."
"Ash talks to me," Harry said, "And only me."
"There is no impairment in Mr. Hurley, but he is particularly selective," the Sorting Hat said, "He is skeptical of his fortune, expects it to be taken away. He was nearly as difficult to place as yourself."
"Why Gryffindor?" Harry asked.
"His desire for courage and trust," the Sorting Hat said, "He will speak to those he trusts, provided there is no malevolence in their heart. You, Potter, have none."
"A trait I admire," Professor Dumbledore said, standing at the door to the office, Professor McGonagall by his side.
Tap! Tap!
Professor Dumbledore moved over to his desk.
"You found him," Professor McGonagall said.
"No thanks to you," Harry snapped.
"I spent nearly two days researching the rules, the bylaws, laws, treaties, and covenants, to keep you out of Azkaban," Professor McGonagall said, "I would have expected you to be a bit more grateful."
"It is disconcerting that a student did go missing and it was up to Harry to have to find him," Professor Dumbledore said.
"I apologize, Albus," Professor McGonagall said, "He was last seen Saturday afternoon, several students suggested he ran away."
"I don't know what to do except, watch out for him!" Harry said, "Rather than guessing, I'm asking, and letting Ash show the initiative. You asked me to adopt him, to be his big brother, and that's exactly what I'm doing; he's grown on me and I now love him, he's now my kid brother."
Professor Dumbledore's blue eyes twinkled
"Sorry if I sound irritated," Harry said, "It's just that I found him caught up by the spiders in the Forbidden Forest, they were going to turn him into a snack!"
"While I'm certainly happy that you've found Mr. Hurley, and you've turned him into a friend," Professor McGonagall said, "There are still some marked improvements that Mr. Hurley will have to do—"
"You're not going to win him over with that attitude!" Harry said, "And yes, you have to try to win him over. Do that, and there won't be any more issues, nothing beyond the normal, anyways."
"Minerva, please," Professor Dumbledore said, "I appreciate the work you're doing, it may be time to hire in somebody to assist you. In either case, please, return to your duties, I wish to talk to both Mr. Potter and Mr. Hurley, in private."
"Certainly," Professor McGonagall said as she left the office.
"Do forgive her," Professor Dumbledore said, "She is truly overworked. I do what I can, but I've unfortunately had to delegate most of the day to day tasks, you understand."
"I do," Harry said.
"Please, have a seat," Professor Dumbledore said.
Harry sat on the armchair as it approached. Ash sat in Harry's lap.
"With my assistance," the Sorting Hat said, "He will speak."
"I do want to know what happened," Professor Dumbledore said, "I understand you went to sleep Saturday."
"Not much to tell," Ash said, "Woke up in the forest, those gigantic—" he screamed for a moment.
Harry massaged Ash's shoulders.
"I got caught," Ash said, "It's awkward trying to sleep hanging up in the air, upside down. Cold too."
"When I heard this morning that he was missing, I checked the parchment," Harry said, as he started to explain the search.
"You earned the trust and respect of the Centaurs, Harry," Professor Dumbledore said, "The ease in which you can do it will serve you well."
"But I've got…it's frustrating," Harry said, "Simply frustrating, to have it torn down."
"The others simply sense what you already know," Professor Dumbledore said, "They do not realize that because of your fame, you're on the public stage from the moment you boarded that first Hogwarts Express. Certain burdens are on your shoulders that the ordinary student does not experience, I see the arrangement as a chance to give you a sense of normalcy."
"Ron says the same thing," Harry said.
"Mr. Weasley is a good friend too," Professor Dumbledore said, "He's vouched for your character at every opportunity. And, if Mr. Hurley were less shy, he would not be the person he is, however, he'd vouch too."
Ash nodded.
"By the way, I found it equally disturbing that nobody actively searched for Mr. Hurley until you took it upon yourself," Professor Dumbledore said, "I apologize for this oversight, which, fortunately turned out alright due to your efforts."
"Thank you," Harry said.
"Every student is important," Professor Dumbledore said, "However, we occasionally need to be reminded of that."
Professor Dumbledore winked as his twinkling eyes bore on Harry and Ash.
"Come on," Harry said as he lifted the Sorting Hat from Ash's head, "Lets go."
Ash stood, Harry stood, and they left.
Hermione sighed Tuesday morning in the Great Hall as the owl delivered her The Daily Prophet.
"You always keep getting those, yet they bring you no happiness," Ron said as he took delivery of a letter, his eyes left her, across the table, to the letter. Ron's fingers began to open the letter
"It's important to stay informed with what is happening in the world, wizarding or not," Hermione said, her smile turned to a deep frown, "Such as this."
=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=
Tuesday, 1 October, 1996
The Daily Prophet
Fallerschain Scraps Muggle Protection Act
Muggle Protection Act has been repealed due to the efforts of the Minister of Magic, Victor Fallerschain.
Fallerschain issued a statement, "In its infancy, the Muggle Protection Act was a noble cause to educate the magical community about sensitivities toward Muggles. Today, the lessons have been learned and the act easily leads to petty violations that serve no useful purpose. Yesterday, I ordered the clearing of all Dark Arts shops from the existing Knockturn Alley for the renovation into Diagon Lane. As the lease of Fun and Power was terminated last month, the Muggle Protection Act is simply an outdated piece of legislation that has outlived its usefulness.
"The repeal of the Muggle Protection Act will help cut our expenses and reduce your taxes. The Misuse of Muggle Artifacts office has already been eliminated."
Harry entered the Great Hall; his cloak billowed as he walked; Ash followed him.
"Hi," Harry said as he came to Gryffindor Table, "What's happening?"
"Dad got fired," Ron said, eyes on his letter.
"That's awful," Hermione said.
Harry sat next to Ron. Ash sat next to Harry.
"Is it common to be fired from the Ministry?" Harry asked.
"Sure, if you're the Minister or secretary," Ron said, "Not at Dad's level, it should've been a job for life."
"We're sitting with first years now?" Neville asked.
"This is Ash," Harry said, "Ash, this is Neville."
"Hi," Ash muttered.
"Hello," Neville said.
"New tradition," Harry said, "Hogwarts can pretty intimidating to a first year, so, adopt one Neville, you know, help them feel welcome. Every…say, fifth year and older should consider doing this. After all, Ash is a Gryffindor, so we ought to care for those of our house."
"That's rich, coming from you," Thomas sneered.
"You beat em up just so you can be their friend?" Finnigan asked, "How much are you charging for protection?"
"Bug off!" Ron snapped.
"He's already protected," Thomas said, "Ron Weasley has nothing to fear, but we've learned to fear you."
"Why the animosity?" Harry asked Ron.
"Dean docked us points last night, its why we're less than zero," Ron said, "Grumbled about Hermione being in our dormitory."
"She's invited, by us," Harry said.
"I know," Ron said, "It's them being them."
"I feel sorry for all of Gryffindor," Macmillan said, loudly, "Except for the perps."
"Baiting," Ron said, "Don't fall for it."
"I figured that," Harry said.
After breakfast, Harry brought Ash up to the first floor, they entered Professor McGonagall's office.
"Potter, please be fast," Professor McGonagall said, "I'm incredibly busy."
"Come on," Harry said to Ash.
Ash meekly waved as he muttered, "Hi."
"Hello Mr. Hurley," Professor McGonagall said.
Ash blushed.
"Off to History," Harry said.
Ash immediately left.
"I fail to see the point, Mr. Potter," Professor McGonagall said.
"Ash's just as important as me," Harry said, "A bit of time, he'll be as talkative to you as he is to me."
"I appreciate the effort," Professor McGonagall said, "I also apologize if I seem a bit short. I've got a school to run, many more students than just yourself or Mr. Hurley."
"It starts with one," Harry said, "I'm helping Ash, expect to see us again."
"Don't be late to class yourself," Professor McGonagall said.
"I did suggest, to the others, that we make it a tradition," Harry said, "Adopting a first year, to mentor."
"Admirable idea," Professor McGonagall said, "Later."
Harry left the office, went up to the second floor corridor.
"Jelly Babies," Harry said to the Stone Gargoyle.
He stepped onto the stairs, they lifted him upward, and he knocked on the doors.
"Enter!" came the voice of Professor Dumbledore.
Harry entered.
"At least you read your schedule Harry," Professor Dumbledore said.
"Yeah," Harry said, "Seemed a bit odd."
Professor Dumbledore worked his way over, sat in an armchair in front of the fireplace, moved his hand, and Harry sat across the table. Professor Dumbledore waved his wand, and a teapot with teacups appeared. He poured two. Harry took one of these, sipped.
"You seem fated to run into our … esteemed colleague, Mr. Riddle, again," Professor Dumbledore said, "Am I right?"
"Yes," Harry said, "He seems rather determined."
"I figured it best for us to occasionally discuss him, you and I," Professor Dumbledore said, "Right now, your current curriculum is close to adequate, but there are…gaps."
"Such as?" Harry asked.
"Your scar, for instance," Professor Dumbledore said, "None of your current classes will teach anything regarding it. The closest thing that could be of value is, of course, restricted. I am not allowed to teach it, nor arrange for its teaching, it's a forbidden subject and so Hogwarts has not taught it in over a hundred years."
"What is it?" Harry asked, curious.
"On occasion, you know things about Tom that not even his closest associates know," Professor Dumbledore said, "Am I right?"
"Tidbits," Harry said, "It's not like I'm a spy."
"As far as I can tell, Tom is unaware of this," Professor Dumbledore said, "That scar connects you to him, and, if my hunch is right, Tom could use that connection to read your mind."
"Read my mind?" Harry asked, not wanting his mind to be read, by anybody. Closest he's gotten to that has been with Ron, a knack of shrewd guesses when they'd study each other's eyes.
"You find the thought just as disturbing as myself," Professor Dumbledore said, before his sipped a bit more of the tea, his twinkling eyes on Harry, "It is a type of magic, lets me see what's on the tip of your mind, useful as a teacher to discern when a student is lying."
"Oh," Harry said, now wondering what all the Headmaster has read that he wasn't aware of.
"Relax," Professor Dumbledore said, "I do not act on every lie, simply the ones of consequence, and even then, I'll typically wait until the student has revealed the lie of their own accord. This branch of magic is Legilimency, but you are more interested in countermeasures, Occlumency, which should help you block the intrusion."
"So you think I should learn this?" Harry asked.
"I will not tutor you, for if Tom were to break into your mind, the possible peril is too grave to consider," Professor Dumbledore said, "Legally, I'm not even allowed to discuss this subject, so please keep this to yourself."
"Of course," Harry said.
"I have asked Severus, and he's agreed to be your tutor," Professor Dumbledore said, "However, it'd have to be after hours, and you have to ask him, yourself."
"Um…" Harry muttered. He reasoned that if the Headmaster was scared to be a tutor, that Harry certainly didn't want Snape rooting around in his head either.
"This matter is simply too important to hesitate," Professor Dumbledore said.
"Bit busy," Harry said, "You know, Quidditch, other lessons and all."
"Of course," Professor Dumbledore said, "Depending on Tom's ambitions and discoveries, you might be safe with postponing to the winter break, but I wouldn't hold out for that, if I were you."
"Not certain on that," Harry said.
"Harry, Poppy has insisted on many occasions that I agree to be, well, petrified, preserved, until a cure can be discovered," Professor Dumbledore said, "But that would make me unavailable when I'm needed the most, which is now, which is helping you stop Tom's ambitious plans. I've accepted death so that I can help you, because fate will bring you and Tom together, again. Tom's ambitions must be stopped, whatever his current plan may be."
"You don't know what Voldemort's up to?" Harry asked.
"Tom Riddle has never hidden his goals of power, fame, glory, respect, and immortality," Professor Dumbledore said, "You can be certain that he has plans to obtain them. How his current actions fit into that plan, and the plans themselves, I do not have enough details to say that I can thwart him. I am certain that even though he and I do not need to meet again, you are almost fated to be involved, and I can prepare you for that encounter."
"I am not casting the Killing Curse!" Harry stated.
"That's an admirable sentiment," Professor Dumbledore said, "I sincerely wish that you could get away without having to use it, and it'd be good to have alternatives. However, you must prepare yourself, be ready to act, because you may only get one chance."
"I know," Harry said, "I just can't bring myself to use it."
"I respect it, and I hope you succeed," Professor Dumbledore said, "Now, for an essay, I want you to come up with ways that a person might try to avoid being killed if they're struck by a Killing Curse, because you can bet Tom's done the same research."
"Thank you for the tea," Harry said, not really caring for another essay.
"We'll do these sessions from time to time," Professor Dumbledore said, "I'm also considering having some official office hours, so students know I'm approachable."
"It might work," Harry said.
"Enjoy the day," Professor Dumbledore said, "And send Ronald my sympathies regarding his father's job."
"I will," Harry said.
Harry left the Headmaster's office, headed for the Library.
Ron and Hermione left the Great Hall after lunch, Harry joined up with them on the first floor corridor.
"Of course I took my time," Ron said, "After Dad getting fired—"
A crash behind; they turned around. Malfoy was there, glint in his eye on them.
"Well," Malfoy sneered, "Like father like son; bitching about a little misfortune. Oh, I forgot, all Weasleys are poor, homeless, and now unemployed! Potter, do you really want to associate with that rubbish?"
"What'd you say arsehole?" Ron demanded
"Do not insult me," Malfoy warned as he stepped closer to Ron.
Others nearby, including some third years, stopped, watched.
"Buzz off faggot!" Ron said.
"Well, boys and girls," Malfoy said, "Looks like a murderer need a manners lesson!"
Malfoy shoved Ron. Ron swung, punched Malfoy in the eye. Malfoy's left hook went to the stomach. Ron kneed hard into the crotch, along with a right hook jabbed into the rib cage. Malfoy moaned before clenching his fist back up.
"Shouldn't we—?" Hermione whispered.
"He's holding his ground," Harry said. He steadied his hand on the hilt of his wand, just in case.
Malfoy returned a left hook to Ron's jaw, a bit of blood splattered out. Harry drew his wand, a red stunner shot at Malfoy, a shot that glimmered in the eye of a fast approaching Professor Snape. Malfoy collapsed to ground.
"SILENCE!" Professor Snape ordered.
Every other student shrank away, fast.
"Potter, Weasley," Professor Snape said, "Hundred points, each, from Gryffindor and two detentions for picking a fight! To your dormitories—immediately."
Professor Snape conjured a stretcher beneath Malfoy; the stretcher lifted Malfoy, and went fast toward the Hospital Wing. Harry glanced at Ron's bloodied mouth.
"Go to the Hospital Wing," Harry said, "You're bleeding."
"No big deal," Ron said as he wiped the blood from his mouth, nose.
"Ron—" Hermione pleaded.
Ron shook his head, bolted for the stairs. Harry and Hermione chased, toward Gryffindor Tower.
"Stop!" Hermione said.
Ron stopped, waited, while holding his sleeve to his face.
"You should see Madam Pomfrey," Hermione said.
"I'm not a wuss!" Ron said, "It'll heal."
"Mr. Weasley," Professor McGonagall said as she passed them, she stopped, "Why are you not in the Hospital Wing?"
"Snape wouldn't permit it," Ron said.
"I insist you follow me there," Professor McGonagall said.
"I'll catch you later," Ron said to Harry and Hermione; his eyes trained onto Harry's for a moment.
Ron followed the Professor. Harry grinned.
"You!" Hermione said to Harry.
"What?" Harry asked, feigning ignorance.
Harry and Hermione went into Gryffindor Tower.
"Maybe you can help me with this essay," Harry said.
"You know how I feel about that!" Hermione snapped.
"How does one survive a Killing Curse?" Harry asked.
"Oh, that's not an easy one," Hermione said, "When you're the only one I know of who's lived."
"I know that," Harry said, "How would Voldemort do it?"
"Ask Professor Tonks for an easier essay," Hermione said.
"Professor Dumbledore gave it to me," Harry said.
"Oh," Hermione said, "He obviously wants you to do it. I'll be interested in reading it, good luck!"
"Thanks a lot!" Harry snapped.
"I'd suggest starting in the library," Hermione said.
Harry glared.