In the Crosshairs
Dragon Voldemort
Chapter 21: Antlers
"It'll nice going to class well fed," Ron said, Wednesday morning, as he, Hermione, and Harry left Gryffindor Tower.
"So you really got sent to the Hospital Wing?" Harry asked.
"Yeah," Ron said, "All better now."
"I should've stayed," Harry said.
"Don't go blaming yourself," Ron said, "Shit happens."
"If I was there—" Harry started.
"Those Bludgers could've hit you," Ron said, "Forget it."
"He's been like that," Hermione said.
"Good thing Ginny brought you in when nobody else would," Harry said.
They came down the steps, approached the greenhouse.
"Should go away soon," Thomas said.
"Nice rack," Malfoy said, "How many points?"
Harry, Ron, and Hermione saw it as they came to the door. On top of Thomas' head was a nice set of big antlers.
"If that mudlover were around, they could've swallowed it instead of me," Thomas said.
"You volunteered to try it," Longbottom said.
"At least it wasn't me," Harry whispered.
"Heard he beats her up," Macmillan said.
"Likely more comfortable than Longbottom sleeping in the common room," Finnigan said, "I've fortunately got a different bed to sleep in."
Harry sighed. However, antlers or even class weren't what dominated his mind. Instead, it came up later when he was with in the Headmaster's office. Professor Dumbledore was in an arm chair, across the tea table from Harry.
"Something bothering you Harry?" Professor Dumbledore said, "You do not seem to be concentrating on the issue of Mr. Riddle."
Harry saw those blue twinkling eyes.
"Gia wants something different," Harry said, "I'm running out of ideas."
"Aw, relationship issues," Professor Dumbledore asked.
"Yeah," Harry said, "Sorry, we shouldn't be talking about that."
"I'm not the best for advice on relationships," Professor Dumbledore said, "but, a little diversion is appreciated from time to time."
Harry figured he was now committed to the topic.
"Food helped for a while," Harry said, "It's still enjoyable, but feels like a rut's been forming. I want to shake it up."
"I presume you've stuck to muggle means," Professor Dumbledore said, "Not that I'm advising you use magic as you'd be doing it outside of school and underage, however, there are means. Did you see that lovely set of antlers that Dean Thomas had this morning?"
"Yes," Harry said.
"A little imagination is all you need," Professor Dumbledore said, "Take, for instance, Polyjuice Potion, imagine switching places?"
"I hadn't thought of that," Harry said, "Though…that's tough to brew."
"There would be others," Professor Dumbledore said, "Alas, I would do you a disservice if I were to tell you of every possibility."
Harry laughed.
"Let us return to the topic of Mr. Riddle," Professor Dumbledore said.
They continued, until lunch time. Harry left the office, went to the familiar office on the third floor, entered.
"Harry," Professor Lupin said, in his office, "This was a splendid idea, to have lunch."
"Yeah," Harry said, "Dumbledore suggested—"
"I will thank him later," Professor Lupin said before he took a bite of a sandwich.
"I love her and she loves me, so that's not in doubt," Harry said, "However, it's…I need something different…for bedtime."
"Aw," Professor Lupin said, "I think I'm not the best to ask as I've never…lets just say that I do not wish to condemn any other living soul with my condition, and leave it at that."
Harry nibbled, despite not being too hungry, felt it'd be impolite not to.
"Sorry then," Harry said.
"Lily did find a book in the library," Professor Lupin said, "I'd be surprised if it weren't in Mr. Filch's office by now."
"Where all good things go to disappear," Harry said.
"As a teacher, I'm not permitted to endorse that statement," Professor Lupin said, "Lily and James, they did experiment with several, they were never the same again."
"What?" Harry asked.
"Lets just say that some of them, you will be totally known by your partner," Professor Lupin said, "Crushes, feelings, urges, all shared, whether you want to or not. Though, I think what they used most was Transfiguration, for the actual acts."
"What's that shark head that Victor Krum used in the second task to the tournament?" Harry asked.
"Transfiguration," Professor Lupin said, "Incomplete as I heard it described."
"Gia likes to swim," Harry said, "Though, I suppose Gilyweed could be used too."
"Now you're thinking," Professor Lupin said.
"Take, for instance, the muggle sport of football," Professor Lupin said, "It's already a tough sport. What do wizards do? We add brooms, mix it with rugby and cricket, and we've got Quidditch. Think like that and you'll come up with new ways."
"Not sure if doing it while flying my Firebolt would be a great idea," Harry said, "Cool though."
"You do love her, though, right?" Professor Lupin asked.
"Yeah," Harry said, "My Mom and Dad—?"
"One of the few hookups not involving a Love Potion," Professor Lupin said, "I agree with you, it's more authentic. Lily wasn't one who needed it either. Her kindness, compassion, was easy to mistake for infatuation and romantic interest. She fooled a number of wizards, Severus included."
"Wait?" Harry said, "Snape had the hots—?"
"Exactly which wizards she adored, she kept to herself, except for James," Professor Lupin said, "Sirius nor myself couldn"t tell for certain it wasn't us. However, once she and James started to date, we butted out and celebrated. Others have unfairly taken out their pains of rejection on her kid—you."
"That'd explain him, alright," Harry said, "Despises Gryffindors, but me, it's special."
"Whereas, Sirius, is overjoyed to see you falling for Gia," Professor Lupin said, "That you're sharing it — he's been needing this for years."
"I…" Harry hadn't really thought it all the way through, more focused on protecting Gia.
"A word of warning," Professor Lupin said, "Do not neglect your affairs here, as you might be tempted to do."
"I'm trying," Harry said, "Until we can catch those mother fuckers—I need proof to convince the others."
"I'm worried too," Professor Lupin said, "So far, they seem to only be leaving the evidence they want to be found, the things that implicate you. Everything else is being cleaned up."
"Yeah, organized," Harry said.
"Well, I need to get ready for the first years," Professor Lupin said.
"Thank you for lunch," Harry said.
A half eaten sandwich remained on the plate as Harry left the office.
"There you are Mr. Potter!"
Harry turned, watched as Madam Pomfrey approached. Harry had seen this before.
"What this time?" Harry snapped.
"I expect courtesy from you, five points from Gryffindor," Madam Pomfrey said, "It has come to my attention that you are suffering from sexual dysfunction and—"
"My todger works fine," Harry said.
"We urgently need to schedule—" Madam Pomfrey asked.
"We'll do it right here," Harry said
"As the Healer at Hogwarts, I have a duty to—" Madam Pomfrey said.
"Unless it's life threatening or contagious, trust me to come in," Harry said, "If Gia thinks it needs to be checked, I'll come in."
"You were reported to be having issues," Madam Pomfrey said, "I have a duty."
"Please trust me," Harry said, "Otherwise, this just encourages the slander and gossip. And on this, Gia keeps a very close eye, so if she's worried, rest assured, I come in."
Madam Pomfrey looked him over, the sixteen year teenage boy standing there.
"As you wish," Madam Pomfrey said.
"And I remember her appointment for tomorrow," Harry said.
"I'll see you next then," Madam Pomfrey said. She left.
"What ails you this time?" sneered Draco Malfoy as he came around a corner.
"At least I know my cock works, so bugger off!" Harry said, he drew his wand, aimed it.
"Threatening me?" Malfoy asked.
"A warning to stay away!" Harry snapped.
Harry took a few steps backward, went around a different corner. He turned, moved up the stairs. Harry was quite used to the other students backing away, gave him the wide berth, and liked the hidden perk of not being slowed down. He entered the library.
"What kept you Mate?" Ron asked.
"Spacious," Harry said as he sat down at the table. No other students were on that side of the library.
"That's what we get for pissing them off," Ron said.
"You're not taking this serious, are you?" Hermione asked.
"Of course we are," Harry said, "Gotta look at the benefits too."
Ron snorted.
"Not funny," Hermione said.
"About as funny as the rumor about me having sexual dysfunction," Harry said.
"Must've happened recently," Ron said.
"It works!" Harry said
An owl dropped a red envelope in front of Harry.
"Shh!" Hermione snapped.
Harry, though, tugged at the strings.
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DO NOT BEAT YOUR GIRLFRIENDS!
Madam Pince glared menacingly at them.
"But I'm not," Harry protested.
"No, the suggestion is to beat off," Ron said, "Means more sex."
Harry grinned. Hermione shook her head. They kept studying until they heard the bell for the end of lessons.
"Best to get moving," Hermione said, "Like, NOW!"
Harry and Ron rushed to gather their papers, and things, shoved them into their bookbags. They left the library.
"What's the rush?" Harry asked.
"Overheard Parvati in the bathroom after lunch," Hermione said, "They're going to be changing our password, daily, and we're not to be told."
"That bites," Ron said, "Wonder how they got the notion we're raving murderous lunatics? Just bring Gia along and we'll convince them you don't beat her—"
Harry elbowed Ron.
"Lets not encourage them!" Harry said.
They came to the Fat Lady on the seventh floor.
"Password?" the Fat Lady asked.
"Guilty," Harry said.
The Fat Lady remained, frowned, as the portrait stayed still.
"I guess we wait," Hermione said.
Harry leaned back against the nearby wall.
"I know they're trying to make me feel the outsider," Harry said, "And they're succeeding."
"I'm in this together," Ron said.
"And me," Hermione said.
"Wish you weren't," Harry said.
"You're the better group to be with," Ron said.
"Thanks for the effort," Harry replied.
A couple of moments later, Ginny came along.
"Hi Ginny," Ron said, "Do you have the password?"
"It's been changed," Harry said.
"I know," Ginny said, with her flowing long red hair, "And I'm forbidden from telling you, or speaking it in your presence, you know, in case you eavesdrop."
"I'm your brother," Ron said.
"Don't discourage me from helping," Ginny replied.
Harry chuckled.
"Harry!" Ron snapped.
"Fortunately there's nothing against writing it down," Ginny said, "I must be extraordinarily clumsy today."
Ginny tripped and dropped a piece of parchment, which Ron picked up.
"I just came back from the Hospital Wing," Ginny said, "Dean Thomas thought that Fred's toffee was short lived — it was to keep him from jinxing things against you. He tried to jinx the dormitory door, the antlers returned, so he's talking to Madam Pomfrey about getting them removed before bedtime."
"Thank you," Harry said.
"Thump, thump," Ron said to the Fat Lady, and it moved.
Ginny entered first, paused at the footstep of the stairs to the girl's dormitories.
"You know, I should just wait for you to come down to dinner," Ginny said.
"Don't bother," Ron said as he stepped toward the boys' stairs, "We're not hungry." Ron's stomach growled.
"Charming," Ginny said.
Ron, Hermione, and Harry went up the steps.
Hermione let the shower keep adding heat to her skin Thursday morning, even after Ron had stepped out. She was used to Harry getting into danger, this time, it was Ron two days earlier, and she still felt some apprehension about it.
"Food's getting cold!" Ron announced.
She grabbed a towel, dried off, knowing it was less about the food, and more about seeing her. At least these two wanted her. She left the lavatory, came to the table, and sat. Harry was poking a pair of his trousers, on the table, with his wand.
"What are you doing Harry?" Hermione asked, her eyes focused on his lack of wand work.
"I'm trying to make its pocket larger," Harry said, "Big enough to fit my broom, figured it was best to learn."
"Aw," Ron said.
"I recommend you doing yours," Harry said, "Or, Hermione?"
"Alright," Hermione said, standing, "I need my wand." She moved to stand next to Harry.
Ron reached over into his trunk, pulled her wand out, and handed it over.
"Why this sudden urge to carry your broom?" Ron asked.
"I figured carrying them would arouse too much suspicion," Harry said, "They're changing the password on us, to keep us out. If that happens, I want to be able to use the window."
"Tell me you're joking," Hermione said.
"No," Harry said as he shook his head, "We need to be able to do it—I've got a broom, and so does Ron. We'll carry you, or you can get your own broom."
"That's not happening," Ron said.
"There's got to be another way," Hermione said as she worked the pocket.
"Sure, borrow Harry's cloak of Invisibility and loiter outside waiting for somebody to shout the password," Ron said, "Besides, think of all those steps we have to climb. It'd be nice to not have to."
"So, you're onboard with this idea?" Hermione asked.
"Yes," Ron replied.
"Figures," Hermione said, "Next."
Harry grabbed the trousers, fitted and stepped into them. Ron put one of his pairs onto the table. Harry grabbed his Firebolt, pulled the pocket open, and the broom slid all the way in.
"So it works?" Ron asked.
"Yep," Harry said as he put on his socks, his shoes.
"Of course it works," Hermione said.
"Right," Ron replied.
Harry put on his shirt, grabbed his bookbag. In a moment, he opened the window.
"See you in class," Harry said.
Harry pulled out his Firebolt, mounted, and flew out.
"He just wanted to fly," Hermione said.
"It is faster," Ron replied.
Harry landed at Hogwarts Friday morning, crawled out of his four poster bed. He glanced at Hermione's expression.
"Are people talking about me?" Harry asked.
"You may as well read," Hermione said.
Hermione handed over the front page article of The Daily Prophet.
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Friday, 11 October, 1996
The Daily Prophet
Potter is Out of Control
by Rita Skeeter
It has come to your truly's attention that the Boy Who Lived, Harry Potter, is very much out of anyone's control. Potter seems to have discovered sex and now has his rampaging hormones to deal with. Draco Malfoy, a sixth year Hogwarts student said, "Last year Potter was rumored to be fucking every girl in school. This year, Potter is rumored to have every sexually transmitted disease possible. Now, Potter is rumored to be screwing his best friends and beating them in to compliance." This outlandish behavior is not confined to just his immature sex drive, other behaviors demonstrate this.
Last month, a dozen people were murdered in Hogsmeade seemingly at the hands of Potter. Every so often, the older Hogwarts students including Potter are allowed to visit the neighboring village of Hogsmeade. Ernie Macmillan, also a sixth year student at Hogwarts, said, "It was horrible. We arrived to see Potter and Weasley soaking in the blood and it was very obvious who the culprits were." Minister Fallerschain conducted an exhaustive investigation but was pressured to drop the charges by none other, Albus Dumbledore.
This Monday, Potter is purported to have poisoned the lunch at Hogwarts. Vincent Crabbe, also a sixth year student at Hogwarts, said, "We ate lunch and started doubling over, sick. While I was in line for the Hospital Wing, in come Potter, Weasley, and Granger, the only three students not ill." Immediately a search was conducted of Hogwarts that turned up suspicious paraphernalia in the possession of Potter, Weasley, and Granger that corroborated the assertion that they introduced the poison. Albus Dumbledore however, refuses to accept the facts and lets the delinquent Potter escape all punishment.
Many petty incidents have also occurred at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. A number of Potter's schoolmates have complained of beatings and even the Cruciatus Curse being used against them. Last month, Potter played with the school armor, let it get out of control, and then complained of an attack. Numerous students have complained to yours truly about many incidents including this one; Greggory Goyle, another Hogwarts student, recalled, "You must remember, this was before most of these incidents so most were more gullible to believe his fictional story of an attack. Potter always gets away with everything, he must have been playing with the armor with magic and it got out of control. That is the only explanation."
Repeatedly, Potter has demonstrated that he is completely out of control. All students at Hogwarts are well advised to steer clear of Potter and his friends, lest they become victims. Albus Dumbledore is clearly shielding Potter from all responsibility and is therefore encouraging further recklessness on Potter's behalf. Minister Fallerschain should seriously consider further investigation of Potter for Potter's own good. Potter is well advised to look into the latest fashion for Azkaban prison garb.
"Bollocks!" Harry exclaimed.
"I concur," Hermione said, "Bollocks."
"You can play with mine," Ron said.
Hermione walked along the titles on the shelf in the library that afternoon.
"Hermione, we want to get a push on for the weekend," Harry said.
"Go ahead," Hermione said, "I'll catch up."
"We know exactly how this'll work," Ron said, "Give you five minutes, right Harry?"
"Sure," Harry said.
Hermione went by the titles, Prat's Guide to Muggle Architecture, 50 Shortcomings to Muggle Architecture, Build Your Own Castle in Thirty Days or Less.
"What's this for?" Ron asked.
"Do you have planning permission?" Harry asked.
Her fingers landed on a thick book, Fleckney's Top 1000 Stone Archways, and she pulled it out. She thumbed through it, looked at the pictures, until she reached the end, a crude drawing of a stone arch, no walls, merely supporting itself with a single curtain in between.
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Referenced in passing by Claxby in executions, further details unavailable.
Hermione wondered why it was coming to her dreams.
"Hermione!" Ron said, "Check it out."
"Not necessary," Hermione said as she put the book back.
"Or not," Harry said.
They left the library.
Ron woke Saturday morning, in Gia's bedroom, in Noigate. Ron checked the locked door of the bathroom, and went down the stairs. He entered the dining room, Gia was sitting there, with Jen.
"Hi," Gia said.
Harry came into the dining room.
"Didn't you just leave for your run?" Ron asked.
"We got a better offer," Richard said as he, with the light brown hair, came in.
Nate walked in, wearing green shorts and a white T–shirt, his short blond hair roughed up.
"Well, anyway, I got some coupons," Nate said, "Discount admission, I didn't know what to make of them, until Richard and Harry came running past."
"You'd like it Ron," Harry said.
"What about—?" Ron asked, pointed at Hermione.
"I can manage," Hermione said.
"What'd ya say?" Richard asked Ron.
"We're about to have a girls day," Gia said.
Ron caught Hermione's glare at Gia.
"Yes we are," Gia replied to her glare.
"Yes," Ron said.
Ron left the dining room, and out the front door; clouds thickening above, blotting out the blue.
"So you were—?" Nate started to ask, his eyes on Ron.
"Ron Weasley," Ron said.
"He's in my school," Harry said.
"So, which school you go to?" Nate asked.
"St. Mary's," Harry said, "Good spot, north of here."
"And you travel every day?" Nate asked.
"Yep," Harry said.
"So, when did you lose your virginity?" Nate asked.
"This summer," Ron said, "And him."
They kept talking dirty, into their sex lives, as they traveled the few stops on the train. After following the signs, they came to Motorsport Boys Raceway. Nate handed the coupon over to the lady behind the counter.
"We're all sixteen," Nate said to the lady.
A quick exchange of cash, and they went in. The climbed the steps into the stands.
Vroom! Vroom!
Ron watched, the metal contraptions, more sleek than the Ford Anglia residing in the Forbidden Forest back at Hogwarts, move rapidly down the asphalt track.
"We need to find seats," Harry said.
Ron went down the stairs, to come to the front row of seats.
"Richard!" came the exclaim.
Ron didn't recognize, but Harry did recognize the boy.
"Hi Stephen," Harry said, sitting next to the boy, "Where's Ant?"
"You mean Andy?" Stephen said, "Shopping."
Meanwhile, Gia and Hermione walked along High Street.
"School's got you worried?" Gia asked.
"Yes," Hermione said, "It's a shitstorm. As Voldemort seems to go on an annual plan that comes to a head in June, and it's merely October, yes, it'll get worse."
Hermione, of course, worried about Voldemort's plan. She couldn't quite work in how the shitstorm at school worked into that plan, but she reasoned it likely was a plan that would end up with Harry, dead. Her persistent nightmare was a warning to her.
They entered H&M's.
"Want to try the fragrance?" Gia asked.
"Sure," Hermione said.
Gia and Hermione walked over to the perfume counter.
"Should we go for floral?" Gia asked, "Or something more—"
"THIEF!"
Hermione glanced up. Andy ran along the tiled path, before she vanished.
"Any guesses?" Gia whispered to Hermione.
A snake slithered beneath the feet of the legs from the person sitting upon a chair in front of the slow burning fireplace. Through the flames, a pair of green images floated in the air. In one, a pasty balding small man brewed a potion in a cauldron upon the stone of a different fireplace within the premises. In the other image, two people sat around a table that was provisioned with a bountiful meal. The potion brewer frequently glanced at the two diners, while all three were watched by the pair of red slitted eyes of the first person. At the table, the Keeper and the Seeker talked after their Sunday supper.
"See the fallout from your excellent work last month?" the Keeper said, "While we need to keep the deaths down for now, Potter is now tainted by murder."
"And again after I poisoned the school lunch," the Seeker said, "I tried that new weather blaster this morning, it's pissing the students off, but the Headmaster is being the Headmaster, go figure."
"It is working," the Keeper said, "So, who exactly is this Gia Prescott?"
"Potter's dirty Muggle girlfriend," the Seeker said, "Why Potter would bring her to the smoldering ruins that a Muggle is uncertain."
"We will certainly have to do something about that," the Keeper said, "Though I understand the Weasleys are about to have problems."
The Seeker smiled.