In the Crosshairs
Dragon Voldemort
Chapter 20: Tainted
"What's got you so smiling?" Malfoy demanded at the end of Care of Magical Creatures Monday morning. A light wind blew across them beneath the mostly cloudy sky.
"Ignore him," Ron whispered to Harry and Hermione.
"Careful Draco," Finnigan said, "Likely planning something."
"Bugger off," Ron snapped.
"Lets get going," Finnigan said, "Pathetic, the lot of you."
Malfoy and Finnigan led the crowd of students away. Harry, Ron, and Hermione entered Hagrid's Hut.
"So, Hagrid, what's this news you had for us?" Harry asked.
Hagrid poured tea, offered a plate of treacle fudge.
"Yeh have lunch in a few," Hagrid said, "So, I won' keep yeh lon'."
"It's alright." Harry sipped a bit of the tea, struggled to not grimace at the very strong and over–infused beverage.
"Dumbledore—great man," Hagrid said.
"Uh–oh," Ron whispered, "He's happy."
Hermione snorted.
"Yes?" Ron asked, "And—?"
"He's approved," Hagrid said, "And says I nee' helpers—"
"The dragons?" Harry asked.
"Knew you'd help," Hagrid said, "Eggs arrive next week and we'll kee' em in the castle."
"Dragons do not like caging," Ron warned.
"Room's big enough while they're small," Hagrid said, "Enough s'each pupil has one."
"Be careful Hagrid," Hermione warned, "Do not interfere with Harry's date calendar."
Harry appreciated the thought as Hagrid smiled.
"We can figure the schedule later," Hagrid said, "Get ter yeh lunch."
Harry led the way out of the hut. Ron and Hermione followed.
"Blimey!" Ron said, "Any wonder on how this'll turn out?"
Harry and Hermione chuckled, Ron joined in.
They entered the front doors of the castle, and coughed at the putrid stench as they had to stop to avoid colliding with the crowd of students. A queue of students formed a line from the Great Hall, waiting to head up the marble stairs. Crabbe was doubled over, vomiting onto the floor, one of many doing so. Others were simply coughing, but most looked awful. Malfoy turned glared at Ron, Harry, and Hermione.
"Hey," Malfoy sneered, "It's Weasley, Granger, and Potter coming back to the scene of the crime!"
"What's happening?" Harry asked.
"Convenient to play dumb," Malfoy said, "Don't feign ignorance."
"Excuse me?" Harry asked.
"You know what you did," Finnigan said to Harry.
"That is enough speculation Mr. Malfoy, Mr. Finnigan," Professor McGonagall said as she came down the steps. Her eyes fell onto Harry, Ron, and Hermione. "All students not needing medical attention are restricted to the Great Hall at this time. Otherwise, I can triage for Madam Pomfrey."
"We're fine," Harry said.
"Good call, not getting yourself," Finnigan said.
"Enough!" Professor McGonagall snapped at Finnigan.
Harry, Ron, and Hermione entered the Great Hall, where the queue continued around the edge of the hall, all the way around the Staff Table before it wrapped to the back of the hall. They spotted familiar faces in the queue, including Ash, Ginny, Colin, Neville. They sat down at the Gryffindor Table as Dean Thomas entered the Great Hall. Out of habit, Ron reached for a platter, but his hand merely groped the wood.
"Hey!" Ron stammered.
Harry saw it too, the table was bare, as were the others.
"It's lunch time," Hermione said.
"I was counting on—" Ron said.
"As if you don't already know why?" Thomas said, a potion flask in hand, "How could you do it? Poison the food?"
"We didn't!" Harry protested.
"You've got, maybe an hour," Thomas said, "Teachers aint using their brains, searching the whole castle to find the culprits. Thought that's redundant and pointless, as I'm looking at them right now!"
"We didn't!" Harry said.
"Stay away," Thomas said, "In fact—that end for you!" He pointed to the front end of the table.
"Come on," Ron grumbled.
Harry, Ron, and Hermione moved to the front end, while Thomas went to the back.
"At least that explains the lack of food," Hermione said.
"But I'm HUNGRY!" Ron grumbled.
"They're playing it safe," Harry said, "I'd expect something around dinner."
"Dinner?!" Ron protested.
"The lunch was poisoned, they don't know what else has!" Hermione snapped.
"Nice confession!" Macmillan said, nearing them, "Get bloody lost!"
Macmillan swigged his flask, sat at the Hufflepuff Table. Hermione opened her bookbag, took out Gazetteer of Exotic Potions.
"Do you think that's the best thing to be reading right now?" Harry asked.
"Of course not," Hermione said as she put it back, "Runes should be safe, right?"
"Think so," Ron said, "Don't by chance have anything else in there for an empty stomach?"
"Only if you like fiber," Harry said as he crumpled up a sheet of parchment, handed it to Ron, "Bon Appetite."
"Ta," Ron grumbled.
Hermione read her book, worked on an essay. Harry kept his head on his armed, watched her hand move the quill around.
"Wish they'd give us food," Ron muttered, "Real food—maybe a trip—?"
"No," Harry said, "I'm not that thick."
A bit more time passed before Neville Longbottom entered, came over.
"How could you?" Longbottom said, "Have you had to swallow a beozar before? Don't."
Longbottom moved down to sit with Thomas and Finnigan. Ash entered, merely waved, before he went to sit with Gale at the Hufflepuff table.
"Suppose you could distract everybody," Ron said to Harry, "Jump up onto the table and give everybody a strip tease. It'd cheer Hermione up."
"You do it," Harry said, "Doubt it'd help our case."
They waited, as more students came in, with the occasional jab at them. Several hours later, as the clock chimed four, Professor McGonagall entered the Great Hall and she came right over for Harry, Ron, and Hermione.
"BUSTED!" came the chime of voices in the Great Hall.
"Follow me," Professor McGonagall said.
Hermione quickly gathered her things, the three followed.
"Good bye!" Finnigan chimed, "It wasn't nice knowing you!"
Applause and hoots as Harry, Ron, and Hermione left the Great Hall.
"Needless to say," Professor McGonagall said, "It is not a good day for the house of Gryffindor."
Harry, Ron, and Hermione entered the Headmaster's office; Professor McGonagall was right behind them. Professor Dumbledore's desk was exceptionally clear of its usual instruments, instead, was a small collection of things. A cauldron, vials of a clear liquid, other vials that were empty, and a collection of ingredients in various stages of preparation. Professor Dumbledore was sitting behind the desk, his eyes were not twinkling as they kept their focus on Harry, Ron, and Hermione standing there. Standing next to the Headmaster, Professor Snape took the opportunity to break the silence.
"Care to explain?" Professor Snape said, dryly, his fingers pointed to the desk, "These were in your possession, in your dormitories, in your trunks. These ingredients are the same as those stolen from my private stores last week. You forgot to clean, again, for the cauldrons and these vials contain the same poison that was in today's lunch."
"I would like an answer too," Professor Dumbledore said, sternly, "Do not make me repeat myself."
"I have no explanation sir." Harry swallowed hard under Dumbledore's gaze. "I have not seen those things before."
Ron shook his head. Hermione too.
"You lie," Professor Snape said, as he continued his glare, "You have collaborated before, so when we found the ingredients in Potter's trunk, the towel covered cauldron next to Granger's, and the vials in Weasley's—"
"We did not!" Harry said, "When would we have had the time? We spent the entire morning at Hagrid's for class and then a chat only to return to be accused of this."
"Do not talk out of turn Potter," Professor Snape said, "Your continual altercations with Mr. Malfoy is sufficient motivation—"
"Risk getting my sister?!" Ron said, "A Slytherin might sacrifice them, but I value my friends."
"Just what friends do you have left?" Professor Snape said, "You have been caught with the means in your possession, within locked trunks, to brew such a potion—"
"We're capable of that?" Harry stammered, eyes flirted between Professors Snape and Dumbledore.
"Yes!" Professor Snape said.
"Malfoy might stoop to this," Harry said, "Not me."
Professor McGonagall took a deep breath, her expression remained unchanging with her paper thin mouth.
"Motivation aside," Professor McGonagall said, "From our analysis—these devices were used in making the poison and they were found in your possession. Surely, you have some explanation as you three do have the expertise to brew such a poison."
"I don't," Harry said, "I…it must've been planted, to frame us."
"In locked trunks?" Professor Snape asked, dryly.
"You opened them," Ron said, "Besides, he doesn't lock his trunk, nor do I."
"Then you accuse a fellow Gryffindor," Professor McGonagall said.
"I did not do this, I did not have a hand in it," Harry said, "Therefore, these items were planted."
"We do have enemies," Hermione said.
"In case you haven't noticed," Harry said, "The entire school is pissed at us, so they all would have motivation to frame us, by planting incriminating evidence into our unlocked trunks. Even if it weren't a Gryffindor, plenty would be willing to stand by and watch." His eyes turned on Professor Snape. "Did they bribe you to—"
"Steady yourself Mr. Potter," Professor Dumbledore said, before he exiled, stared forward for a moment.
Professor Snape waited, in anticipation of the next words from Professor Dumbledore.
"Albus—" Professor McGonagall pleaded.
Professor Dumbledore raised his hand, just a trifle. He slowly walked over to his pensieve, and used his wand to pull out a few strands of white fluff from his head, before he added it to the silvery pool. They all quietly waited as the Headmaster studied the thoughts flowing in front of him, the shimmering light reflected into his face. A few minutes later, Professor Dumbledore closed the cabinet, turned around.
"They are free to go," Professor Dumbledore said.
"Headmaster—" Professor Snape began to protest.
"As you were Severus," Professor Dumbledore said, "I have made my decision."
"Thank you," Harry said.
"Harry," Professor Dumbledore said. He walked slowly over to them. "This is likely the prelude to troubling times. I urge you to exercise a measure of caution and restraint as you go about your affairs. People are watching, and even misinformation can tarnish your reputation."
"I know," Harry said.
"Fortunately, I've been informed that dinner will be served as scheduled," Professor Dumbledore said as he sat back down, "Have a wonderful evening."
Harry, Ron, and Hermione left the office.
"You astound me, Headmaster," Professor Snape said, "You failed to consider the facts!"
"Severus!" Professor McGonagall said, "He's an old man."
"I am perfectly aware of his condition," Professor Snape said.
"Of which you are responsible," Professor McGonagall said, "If it weren't for your hand—"
"That which is already done, is done," Professor Dumbledore said, "I have considered the evidence on hand."
"Potter has a history of violating the rules, a myriad of which would be the same as broken today," Professor Snape said, angrily, "Not only are they capable of pulling off this little stunt, incriminating evidence was clearly in their possession, evidence of their ongoing campaign to harass and injure every student within Hogwarts. Nobody will be safe if we let them hone their craft. While, fortunately, today's brew was not lethal, tomorrow's could easily be."
"We simply need more information," Professor McGonagall said, "Only the lunch itself was poisoned, not the stores, which, in light of Hagrid's testimony—"
"Highly suspect," Professor Snape sneered.
"Hagrid is extremely generous, but simplistic," Professor Dumbledore said, slowly, "Rubeus could not successfully lie if he wanted to. Their alibis stands, so they did not have the opportunity to poison the lunch. Even if you believed that they had brewed the poison—how stable is that poison?"
"Limited grade that even Longbottom could brew his first year," Professor Snape said, "It'll be inert within hours."
"Harry's theory is just as disturbing as it is plausible," Professor Dumbledore said, "Any student could brew it, any collaborating Gryffindor could plant the evidence. More information is needed, because, as you pointed out, the next action could be more drastic."
Professor Snape grunted.
"Severus," Professor Dumbledore continued, "I expect you to examine the vials for fingerprints and other possible clues."
"They should be expelled," Professor Snape said as he grabbed the vials.
Professor Snape's loud footsteps echoed as he moved fast out of the office and out the door. Professor McGonagall closed the door, turned around, and her eyes looked directly at the half moon spectacles on the old face.
"I must unfortunately concur with Severus," Professor McGonagall said as she paced back to the desk, "Under normal circumstances, those students would have been expelled, if only in the interest of the general safety of those at Hogwarts. Yesterday it was assaults, today it was poison, and who knows what tomorrow will bring given the murders in Hogsmeade. The perpetrators are obviously dangerous folks we best keep away from Hogwarts."
"Expulsion would be unfair to Mr. Potter," Professor Dumbledore said.
"You know as well as I do that it unfortunately becomes necessary to sacrifice one in order to save the whole, in this case, Hogwarts and its students," Professor McGonagall said, "As regrettable as the suggestion is, we may have to inflict it on Mr. Potter to save the rest."
"Mr. Potter's affairs are always unusual," Professor Dumbledore said, "Any other student would be leaving already under these circumstances. However, you know very well of the external influence that very interested in seeing Mr. Potter removed from Hogwarts, a move that would benefit their plans immensely. Rest assured that my decision is not taken lightly, I am very aware it may bring us pain, but I believe the pain would be greater if we surrendered on Mr. Potter."
"Understood," Professor McGonagall said, "The rest of the students will not be as sympathetic."
"Also," Professor Dumbledore said, "Please keep a sharp lookout for our friends, I expect they may need the assistance."
An owl delivered Witch Weekly to Hermione as soon as she and Ron entered the Great Hall. Just as quickly, wands were drawn; Ron and Hermione felt themselves being banished out of the Great Hall. Ron went back to try the door, it would not budge.
"I told you it was a bad idea," Hermione said.
"I'm hungry!" Ron protested, "Starving!"
"Maybe we ought to write them an apology," Hermione said.
"We did nothing wrong," Ron said.
"You're not going to convince them of that," Ginny said as she came by.
"You let us in," Ron said.
"No," Ginny said, "I don't want to share in your fate—I'm already under suspicion because I'm your sister."
"Don't acknowledge it," Ron said.
"I try not to," Ginny said, "I'd recommend making other plans if I were you."
"Fine," Ron said, "Lets see how much Treacle Fudge Hagrid has."
"Oh, that is desperate," Ginny said, "Bye."
Ginny entered the Great Hall, the door promptly shut behind her.
"There is the other option," Hermione said.
"Yeah," Ron said, "Come."
Ron led Hermione down the Ground floor corridor, entered an empty classroom. Ron took out his Hogwarts pin, activated it. Hermione touched it and held on.
Windows of the Great Hall were still dark, some dew on the interior, as Ron and Hermione entered Tuesday morning. Every table was still bare.
"As predicted, we're the first," Hermione said.
"First time Harry's running did us good," Ron said, "Woke us up to get here early."
"It does him good too," Hermione said, "Routine exercise is good for the health."
They came to Gryffindor Table, sat at their usual location.
"Well," Ron said, "Where's the food?'
Poof
Several dishes appeared right around them.
"You know how the House Elfs do it," Hermione said.
Ron reached for a sausage, he smelled it, brought it toward his mouth.
"STOP!" came the loud voice.
Ron and Hermione glanced. Professor Snape and Seamus Finnigan had entered.
"Does it look like the hours of breakfast?" Professor Snape asked.
"We thought we'd eat early—" Ron started.
"Put it down," Professor Snape said.
"They're still at it," Finnigan said, "Seconds away—I don't want to end up in the Hospital Wing, again!"
"The entire kitchen is going to have to be checked, again, because of your antics," Professor Snape said, "Get out before it becomes a week of detention."
Ron put the sausage down. Him and Hermione got up, went for the back.
"Glad we put an alarm on the door," Finnigan said.
Ron and Hermione left.
"So much for the idea of getting in early!" Ron snapped.
"It was worth a try," Hermione said.
They went up to the library, which was otherwise empty, until after the sun rose.
"I'm even hungrier," Ron muttered.
They left the library as a fifth year girl approached. She actively looked away from them, avoided eye contact, as Ron and Hermione passed. Ron and Hermione, again, went down the flights of steps, down the marble stairs.
"Finally," Ron exclaimed, as the smells of sausage wafted out the doors.
Quickly, the doors closed. Two pairs of hands pushed a brace between the handles.
"This door is CLOSED for student SAFETY!" Roger Davies announced.
"This breakfast is SECURED from those who'd poison it," Ernie Macmillan said, he kept his eyes at the armor nearby, "These measures have been approved by those most concerned. Do not breach, for blood does not go well as an appetizer."
"That's for us," Hermione said to Ron.
"You know, a simple You're not wanted would suffice!" Ron shouted.
Ron and Hermione went back up the marble stairs. Ron's stomach growled.
"Ron and Hermione went ahead," Harry said, as he ran next to Richard beneath the cloudy sky, with only a gentle breeze of moist air blowing over them.
"What'd you think will happen?" Richard asked.
"It's not like I can blame the others," Harry said, "They think I'm a raving lunatic—"
"You're not," Richard said.
"Thank you," Harry said.
"Surely, the teachers ought to step in," Richard said.
"The Headmaster believes me, so it's what got the others pissed," Harry said, "In the meanwhile, we're not going to be able to eat with the rest of the students—Ron's going hungry now, and that's not a pretty sight."
They came to the crossing with Macy, and stopped. Harry bent over.
"I don't want to force the other students," Harry said, "It'd just make things worse."
"Why do you have to eat in this…Great Hall of yours?" Richard said, "Surely, they could be accommodating until the problem is resolved."
The traffic came to a halt, and the signal cleared for them. Harry and Richard returned to running. They ran a bit more as Harry kept mulling it over.
"I know what to do," Harry said as it occurred to him as they came back to 26 Oak St.
"What?" Richard asked.
"Thanks for letting me talk it over," Harry said as he went up the stairs.
"No problem," Richard said.
Harry went into the shower and his mind began to wander. If he did as he was planning to do, it'd mean that Hogwarts was starting to break for him, for Ron, and for Hermione, to start segregating himself from the others. It's not something Harry wanted to do, but at the same time, it'd be unfair to force the others to accept him, in light of the allegations, it'd be an injury against them, and he wasn't going to injure those he wished to still be friends. He rinsed and dried, returned to Gia's bedroom.
"Good morning Hedwig," Harry said to his owl as he handed her a treat, "Find anything interesting?"
Hoot!
"See you later," Harry said as he stroked a couple of feathers.
Harry grabbed his Portkey, wand, and tapped. After the usually short trip, Harry landed on his four poster bed, and crawled out. He caught sight of the hastily posted signs tacked to both his bed and Ron's.
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UNDESIRABLE!
Harry felt the sorrow. Five years earlier, he had shown up, made friends, and Hogwarts became more of a home than the Dursleys ever were, more than sweet Mrs. Weasley could manage though her heart was in the right place. A home he had helped to defend even the previous spring. Now, it felt like it was being ripped away, bit by bit. To do as he was about to suggest would simply acknowledge what was happening, that Hogwarts never was meant to be a home, simply a school to learn.
Harry slung his bookbag around his shoulder, went down the steps, out of Gryffindor Tower, down. He walked past the two students guarding the door to the Great Hall, and down more stairs.
"Mr. Potter," came the voice, the familiar voice, as Harry tickled the pear on the painting.
The painting opened, moved to permit entry into the kitchens.
"Come," Harry said to Professor McGonagall.
Harry entered the Kitchen.
"I was about to extend the hours for the Great Hall," Professor McGonagall said, "For people, such as yourself."
Harry took a moment.
"I appreciate the effort," Harry said, "However, the other students don't trust me, Ron, nor Hermione; while they're wrong in their interpretation, we don't have all the facts to persuade them otherwise. I've lost their respect, and frankly, I think it'd be wrong to try to compel it. Respect has to be earned, not gifted. In the meanwhile, if I'm to study at Hogwarts, then I need a spot to do that."
"What did you have in mind?" Professor McGonagall said, "As much as I would like, we cannot just build new dormitories for each special case that may come through."
"Dobby is happy to help Harry Potter!" said the House Elf.
"Nothing so grandiose," Harry said, "Dobby, my friends and I…well, the other students aren't letting us eat in the Great Hall. So, I was wondering, can you get an extra table, doesn't have to be big, just enough for about four people or so, up into my dormitory — and see that it has all the meals, as usual?"
"Sharing a common table is essential to the comradery of a House," Professor McGonagall said.
"I know," Harry said, "But until such time as they're willing to let us share it, to partake on it, Ron's going to get very hungry. Nor can we study in the library in peace. There's only one other spot that Ron, Hermione, and I can do it, but that's not at Hogwarts, which, would be a rotten shame."
"Dobby understands," Dobby said, "It will be done."
Dobby snapped his fingers, vanished.
"I do not want to see the house of Gryffindor broken," Professor McGonagall said.
"Nor do I … and I want to uphold it the best I can," Harry said, "Unfortunately, I think it's already breaking."
"Then I will do what I can to slow its downfall," Professor McGonagall said, "A table is a reasonable idea, as to the Library, every student must be allowed to use it. I will see you in class this afternoon."
"Thank you," Harry said.
Harry left the kitchens, went up the steps, and headed for his Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom. Ahead, Ron had his fists out, glared at Finnigan.
"Take that back!" Ron shouted at Finnigan.
Seamus Finnigan ignored Ron, went into the classroom.
"It's alright," Hermione said.
"It's not alright," Ron said.
"Did I miss something?" Harry asked.
"They called me a Mudcow," Hermione said.
"Oh," Harry muttered.
"They shouldn't—" Ron started as his stomach growled.
"I agree, Ron," Hermione said, "We can't go picking fights."
"Class," Harry said.
They went in.
After Charms, Harry tugged.
"Upstairs," Harry said.
"You know, lunch," Ron said as his stomach growled, "I didn't get breakfast."
"Trust me," Harry said.
They came to the Fat Lady.
"Password?" the Fat Lady challenged.
"Poison," Harry said.
The portrait swung open. Harry led Ron and Hermione into the sixth years' boys' dormitory.
"Harry!" Hermione said.
Beds were shifted from their older, customary, positions, with a round table situated between Ron's and Harry's beds, halfway between the center and the window. A soft divider separated Ron's and Harry's four posters from the other three.
"Sit," Harry said.
Ron sat, food appeared. Ron grabbed a sausage, sank his teeth into it.
"That's—" Hermione started.
"Thanks!" Ron said as he chewed with his mouth open.
"I asked Dobby," Harry said, "We needed a spot."
"It's only going to fuel the mistrust," Hermione protested.
"What else can we do before Ron starves?" Harry said, "I can't trust them with either of you. So far, it's just been insults or a blockade, but how long until it goes further? Somebody did poison yesterday's lunch, they can do so again—I'd rather trust Dobby."
"You've got a point," Hermione said.
"I know it's not a good one," Harry said, "But your lives matter, to me."
"It is nice to have," Ron said, working on a ham steak.
Hermione sat, grabbed a sandwich.
"It sucks, I know," Harry said.
After they finished lunch, they left, went to the Library, entered. Quickly, the others in the library shuffled, moved, which gave Ron, Harry, and Hermione plenty of space around them. Hermione pulled a book from the shelves, brought it over.
"I'd be careful with my words if I were you," Hermione said to Ron and Harry.
"Yeah," Ron said, "Can we have sex, here?"
"Those are equally as bad," Hermione said.
RING!
They got up, went to Transfiguration, where Harry sat to the front right table. Quickly, the other sixth years moved, away. A large bubble of space separated Harry with Ron and Hermione, away from the others. Macmillan bumped shoulders between Thomas and Finnigan on the left side. Hufflepuffs, Ravenclaws were behind them. While Malfoy and the other Slytherins were in the back.
"There is plenty of perfectly usable space just over there," Professor McGonagall said, pointing to the empty desks around Harry, Ron, and Hermione.
Everybody else shook their heads.
"Please hand in your essays," Professor McGonagall said.
After class, Harry, Ron, and Hermione worked their way up to the seventh floor corridor, a short ways behind Dean Thomas and Seamus Finnigan. Thomas forced the Fat Lady painting to close fast, just before Harry came to it.
"Password?" the Fat Lady challenged.
"Poison," Harry said.
The Fat Lady frowned and the portrait did not open.
"Ginny!" Ron shouted as he pounded.
"POISON!" Harry exclaimed.
The Fat Lady shook her head.
"I figured Ginny might help," Ron said, "Unless she's afraid to talk."
"That's stupid," Hermione said, "Truth is always—"
"Not from her perspective," Ron said, "She's gotta live with them, like we do."
"We're Gryffindors and we want inside," Harry said to the painting.
"Password?" the Fat Lady challenged, again.
"Guilty," Professor McGonagall said as she walked past them. The painting swung open.
Harry, Ron, and Hermione entered. Every other student in the common room, turned their backs, did not watch as the three went up the stairs.
"At least we have practice today," Ron said.
"Yep," Harry replied as they entered the dormitory.
"I'll be in the library then," Hermione said.
"I'd…I'd kinda feel better if you were in here," Ron said, "Or, come with us."
Hermione watched as Harry and Ron changed into their Quidditch Robes. Both grabbed their Firebolts, and Harry opened the window.
"I need a book," Hermione said.
"I'll meet up with you later," Ron said.
Harry and Ron flew out the window into temperate air under mostly cloudy skies. Harry adjusted as the strong breeze threatened to take him off course; came down to the Quidditch Pitch.
"Our illustrious Seeker and Keeper have arrived," Josh Brenner said, "Unfortunately."
"Let's practice," Ron said, opening the box. He lifted out the Quaffle, tossed it at Ginny.
Ginny took the Quaffle, threw it at Colin, and Ron flew up. Justin and Paul Prewett let both Bludgers out, batted between them. Harry tossed out the Golden Snitch, waited. Ron hovered, in front of the goals.
"Josh—pass…" Ron watched Josh Brenner hold the Quaffle, barrel for him, when a Bludger also came at him. Ron tried to wait until Josh made the toss, however, the Bludger dictated he move, so he did.
"SCORE!" Josh Brenner said, "No good keeper to speak of."
"Hey!" Ron snapped.
"Did you hear something?" Josh Brenner asked Justin Prewett.
"No," Justin Prewett replied.
Harry flew fast, circled the stadium. Ron, however, returned his eyes onto Ginny.
"Ginny—go between…" Ron shouted, before he saw his effort to be fruitless as Ginny ignored his command, passed to Brenner. "Harry—help!"
Harry flew back down, grabbed the Quaffle as it was being passed to Natalie MacDonald. He went to pass it back to Brenner, who ignored it as the Quaffle hit the ground.
"A seeker is a seeker!" Josh Brenner announced.
Harry came over to Ron.
"Ignoring you too?" Harry asked.
"Pretty much," Ron said.
"I ain't getting much done," Harry said, "Think I'll head home."
"Yeah, go ahead," Ron said.
Harry aimed his Firebolt, made for the castle, quickly vanished from Ron's sight.
"Faster! Faster!" Justin Prewett exclaimed to Paul Prewett. They kept trying to hit both Bludgers between them faster and faster, harder and harder.
"Justin! Paul!" Ron shouted, to both of them, a few yards away, "Hit those at Josh!"
SMACK! SMACK!
Both Bludgers barreled toward Ron. Ron blacked out.
Hermione admitted to herself that Harry's idea was nice. She hadn't left the dormitory at all, the thought of walking through the other students, it was easier to stay where she knew she was wanted. She had The Daily Prophet in her hands.
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Minister Rebuffs Odd Dumbledore Request
In a somewhat controversial move, Minister for Magic, Victor Fallerschain, has rebuffed the olive branch extended by Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Minister Fallerschain issued a statement.
"I admit being a bit baffled by the audacity of the request, this coming from a man who, if the reports are accurate, is having trouble maintaining discipline and order at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry; I heard just yesterday that a student managed to poison their lunch, fortunately no casualties apart from a little indignation. I mean no disrespect because teaming up would indeed be a wise move, but against an enemy that was vanquished years ago. The old man was, of course, invaluable against Grindelwald and later, You–Know–Who; fortunately, those times are over.
"Albus Dumbledore is still sharp in the mind, so I doubt this is merely old age creeping in. Instead, if the Headmaster wishes to reminiscence, I suggest a good pint at the Three Broomsticks or the Leaky Cauldron where he'd certainly find an audience. I'm sure that Albus Dumbledore has at least one or two interesting stories to tell, perhaps enough for a good book — if that's his goal, then I wish him well."
Hermione sighed as Harry came in through the window.
"I thought you were going to be in the library," Harry said.
"I thought you were going to be at practice for a bit longer," Hermione said.
"Quidditch team isn't immune to the way the others are treating us," Harry said.
"They didn't run you off?" Hermione asked.
"No, wouldn't play," Harry said, "Seemed better to simply head—you know where."
"Maybe stay and explain to the others—" Hermione said.
"Explain what?" Harry said, "They know Voldemort is still out there, still trying to get to me. But they also see the actions that are injuring them—it's not me, but that doesn't change the fact that they're bearing the brunt of these attacks. I don't resent them for what they're feeling, it's utterly understandable, and if I weren't the Boy–Who–Lived, I'd likely be siding with them."
"They're still giving us the cold shoulder," Hermione said.
"And they've got that right," Harry said, "It's best to just give them a little space, and once the truth is known, they'll relax and we'll be back to normal. We've been through this before."
"I know," Hermione said, "I think rationally too, just this time feels deeper. I can't shake it."
"If we force it—it'll blow up in our faces," Harry said, "I'll see you in the morning."
Harry turned and grabbed his Portkey. Harry activated it, and vanished. A moment later, Ash came into the dormitory, fast.
"Did Harry—?" Ash said, "Gotta come fast, Ron's in the Hospital Wing."
Hermione rushed out. Ash ducked into the first years' boys' dormitory before she could ask another question.
"Should give those twins a bottle of Firewhiskey," Finnigan said to Thomas, "I'll double it if they did it a second time, hopefully harder."
"I simply had to bring him in," Ginny said to Colin, "He's my brother after all, can you explain it to them—the ones who wanted to leave him to die!"
Hermione, meanwhile, had bolted out of Gryffindor Tower. She ran to the Hospital Wing. She came to the bed with the familiar red hair, and Oliver Wood standing over it.
"Don't worry Granger," Oliver Wood said, "A concussion, Madam Pomfrey has him sleeping for a couple of hours while he recovers."
"What happened?" Hermione asked.
"None of the team would tell me," Oliver Wood said, "When Weasley wakes, remind him that he's supposed to have a member of staff present during all practices."
"I will," Hermione said.
She went over to Ron, sat on the edge of the bed, grabbed his hand, and watched him sleep.