In the Crosshairs
Dragon Voldemort
Chapter 22: Maverick
It was still dark Monday morning as Harry activated his Portkey. Ron and Hermione held on. A chill greeted them as they landed at Hogwarts, on Harry's four poster bed, an icy feeling on their feet that quickly made sense as they climbed off the bed. Their feet sank into the white crystals, a good foot and a half of snow on the floor of the dormitory, as steam of their breath went out their nostrils.
"Blimey!" Ron exclaimed, "What happened?"
"It snowed," Harry said, seeing the snow drifts against the empty beds.
"I see that," Ron said.
Hermione trudged through it, into the bathroom.
"No hot water!" Hermione exclaimed.
"I'm glad I took my shower a few minutes ago," Harry said, as his foot kicked enough snow off his trunk to open it, "Laundry's fine."
Harry found his thick socks, put those on, and dressed. Ron trudged through it, the bitter cold went up his legs as he went into the bathroom with Hermione, where a sheet of ice coated the floor, underneath the foot of snow.
"I say we crash another year's," Ron said.
Ron went back out, his feet threatening to go numb as he crossed over to the door, opened it. Snow covered the stairs too, some splatters of red blood mixed into it. Ron turned back around.
"It's…well," Ron said, "It's not just in here."
Ron went back over, where Harry had already cleared the table, the chairs, and was feverishly working on an essay as food started to appear.
"That's due, like in—" Ron said.
"I know!" Harry snapped.
Ron dressed, along with Hermione.
"Glad the House–Elfs got the hint," Hermione said, "My clothes are in Ron's trunk, well, some of them."
"Good," Harry said.
"Shouldn't we, like figure out this blizzard?" Ron asked.
"I've got to turn in Transfiguration first thing before classes," Harry said, "So, this can't wait."
"You've had a week," Hermione said.
"I know!" Harry said, "Let me finish it."
Ron sipped on the hot chocolate, it warmed him up. He grabbed his bookbag, his Firebolt.
"I'm checking the rest of this out," Ron said.
"For once, flying seems sane," Hermione said.
Ron mounted his broom, Hermione got onto the back and held onto Ron. Ron flew the Firebolt, slowly, out the door and down the stairs. Every other door was open, footprints in the deluge, that trampled it down the foot and a half that was consistent between rooms.
"Of all the stupid pranks!" muttered Finnigan, in the common room, as he scooped with the snow shovel, tossed it into the corner. Students, including Ash, shivered in front of the Fireplace, the only spot that was warm.
"At least it stopped," Thomas said, "There they are!"
"A broom!" Finnigan exclaimed.
Ron flew his Firebolt out of the portrait hole, onto the seventh floor corridor, where the snow was even higher, about three feet, with a valley of footprints in the middle. However, both sides had snowman after snowman.
"It should've been over twenty yesterday," Hermione said, "No way it'd snow."
"Bewitched," Ron said.
Ron flew down the stair cases, also covered in snow, along the corridors, and made his way down to the first floor.
"It is a pretty winter wonderland," Hermione said.
"It is anything but Miss. Granger," said Professor McGonagall, her wand aimed at a snow shovel clearing out her classroom, "I trust you were with Mr. Potter yesterday?"
"Yes," Ron said, "Watched Muggles destroying their automobiles."
"It's called a demolition derby," Hermione said, "A pastime for some, a spectacle for others, and a lot of dents."
"A broom, I think I'll advise all students to use them until this snow is cleared," Professor McGonagall said, "It started yesterday and seems to have stopped a short while ago. Obviously, we're trying to clean up."
"We should be able to just charm it—" Ron started.
"We tried that at first," Professor McGonagall said, "It just causes it to snow even more. No, we're restricted to muggle means for snow removal. As you see, I'm testing out charming the snow shovel instead, but it has to be a real snow shovel, not conjured."
"I take it the schedule will be off," Hermione said.
"We will keep the students posted," Professor McGonagall said, "I will see you later.'
Ron moved the Firebolt forward, flew further, went down the marble stairs to where Hagrid was.
"Hello Ron, Hermione," Hagrid said as he used a big shovel in the Entrance Hall.
"Suppose classes are canceled," Ron said.
"Mine's still on," Hagrid said.
"With all this snow?" Hermione asked.
"Blimey, pay attention!" Hagrid said, "Only snow inside the castle, not outside. It's balmy outside."
Ron pulled the broom to the left, went out the front doors, and felt the warm air as the sun was rising, to show every blade of green grass.
"Okay, so it is magic snow," Hermione said.
Ron felt Hermione's fingers squeeze inward as he flew upward, to the dormitory window, and they entered. They got off the Firebolt, and their feet sunk into snow on the floor. Harry was still at the table, writing fast.
"How was the weather?" Harry asked while Hermione shivered.
"Only an issue inside," Ron said.
"I'm guessing the others have already made up their minds," Harry said.
"Likely," Hermione said, "We didn't bother to ask."
Harry kept writing, quill to the inkjar, back to the parchment, repeatedly.
"Hagrid's is first," Ron said, "Think I'll wait outside. Hermione?"
Ron mounted his Firebolt.
"You want to fly," Hermione said, getting on behind him.
"It is warmer out there," Ron said
"I'll…I'll give you that," Hermione said as they left the dormitory.
It was warmer, way warmer outside, and Hermione's shivering came to an end. Ron took the long way around the black lake.
"Ron!" Hermione said.
"It's a wonderful morning," Ron replied.
Harry caught up with Ron, and they flew over to Hagrid's Hut for Care of Magical Creatures. Just in front of the hut was a big crate, full of round objects.
"Dragon eggs!" Harry exclaimed.
"Right yeh ar'," Hagrid said.
"About to pelt those at students?" Malfoy sneered as he approached, he dusted some snow off his cloak, "At lease its warm out here."
Mutterings were audible as the other students, including Finnigan, arrived.
"Somebody's going for a rather large omelet," Finnigan said.
Hagrid faced them.
"Yer class project's teh raise them," Hagrid said.
"In a dilapidated wooden shack?" Malfoy snapped.
"Bring em up teh the school," Hagrid said.
"Sure, freeze them," Finnigan said.
Harry, though, took the first step toward the crate, took a few more, and reached in. He grabbed an egg.
"Good job 'arry," Hagrid said, "Everybody take one, follow me!"
Ron and Hermione took the next two, walked with Harry, and followed Hagrid. The others did the same. Hagrid went up the front steps, through the doors, into the cool Entrance Hall. Snow crunched beneath their shoes while a small dusting added to the pile they were traversing. A few careful steps, they followed Hagrid along the ground floor corridor, into a classroom.
"Whew," Ron said, "A sauna."
As an exception to the snowpack, due to the heat from numerous fires around the walls, and inside this classroom. This classroom was hot and humid, with its floors cleared.
"Fine place for a class," Malfoy sneered as he fluffed the front of his shirt.
"The door's over 'ere," Hagrid pointed as he spoke.
"Oaf finally learns what a door is," Malfoy said.
"Belt it!" Harry snapped.
"Don't you dare tell me—" Malfoy warned.
"Ten points fro' Slytherin," Hagrid said, "Eggs need attention."
Harry put his egg into one of the hot pans, above the many flames of the room.
"Kinda like first year," Ron whispered.
Hermione rolled her eyes.
"Take notes," Hagrid said.
"We ain't staying," Finnigan said.
Quickly, all save Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Hagrid left the classroom.
"It's not the heat," Harry lied as he rapidly pulled his shirt off his chest to let it back on, to fan himself.
"Yeh watch 'em," Hagrid said, "'ust report at end of class, more snow to shovel."
Hagrid left the classroom.
As word of the Dragon Nest spread, the visitors grew as it was a place to warm up, faster than just going outside, although that worked too. However, Harry and Ron were knee deep in the dormitory as they changed into their Quidditch Robes that afternoon.
"On the bright side, plenty of room to store your perishables," Hermione said, sitting at the table, both it, the chair, and her feet were dry. A small fire was coming from a dish on the table.
"We can take you somewhere else," Ron said.
"I'll manage," Hermione said, "Besides, nobody else will be disturbing me."
Harry and Ron flew out the open window beneath the cloudy sky.
"Couldn't be bothered with walking?" Oliver Wood asked as Harry approached.
"Flying's faster," Harry said.
"Heh," Oliver Wood said.
"Remember, this is my team," Ron said.
"It was either me supervising or Professor Snape," Oliver Wood said.
Harry mounted his Firebolt after the Snitch was released, and he flew. Harry dodged the bludgers several times over the course of the two hours as the shadows kept getting longer.
"Good morning," Harry said to Ron and Hermione, Tuesday morning in the dormitory. The floor bare.
"Notice the snow's gone?" Ron asked, from the table.
"Suppose people are relieved," Harry said, as he stood there, arms crossed. He leaned back against the post of his four poster bed, crossed his legs.
Owls came in, delivered letters to Hermione while Hermione took in The Daily Prophet and Witch Weekly.
"Blimey!" Ron exclaimed, "Dragon Shit!"
"Oh, my," Hermione said as she read the The Daily Prophet.
=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=
Tuesday, 15 October, 1996
The Daily Prophet
Fallerschain Combats Insurance Fraud
In the spirit of Fallerschain's bid to root out corruption, investigations have led to Arnold Weasley. Weasley, a disgraced ex–employee of the Ministry who has committed an egregious case of Insurance Fraud. Weasley recently filed an insurance claim for the collapse of his residence when it was clear to have been of shoddy construction and poorly maintained, waiting to fall down. In connection to this, Fallerschain fired his Executive Assistant Peter Weasley as an accomplice to the crime.
"Lemme quote Dad," Ron said, as he read his letter, aloud.
=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=
Ron
The insurance claim on the burrow was rejected and referred to the Minister of Magic himself; unusual in that this is normally the affairs of the goblins. I was personally interviewed, however the Minister did not believe my testimony. He's on a crusade to eradicate corruption, this claim is purportedly a prime example of it—he's trying to set an example for his zero tolerance policy. I do not know what could have been wrong; the burrow was clearly destroyed, sure, not a palace, but that was reflected in the claim.
The Minister overreacted, he fired Percy on the spot; Percy had no opportunity to defend himself as he was given a Silencing charm. I'm going to see if I can calm Percy.
Dad
"Bollocks!" Harry exclaimed.
"At least Fred and George are better on it," Ron said, "Listen to this."
=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=
Ron
Hear about Percy getting fired? Or the insurance claim? Read the Daily Prophet.
Percy tried to avoid Dad; but Dad is Dad. They passed in Diagon Alley, Fred foolishly wagered on Percy. An argument ensued with cursing, quite a scene. Took three members of the Magical Law Enforcement Service and Amelia Bones herself to restore order.
Maybe George or maybe Fred or maybe both
P.S. A curse is enclosed that you'll appreciate.
Ron's eyes went over to Hermione, trained on her exposed bosom, and he drooled.
"Hey!" Hermione snapped.
Harry pointed at the remaining unopened letter, an entire roll of parchment. Ron's eyes nearly glazed over as he read it to himself.
"In short," Ron said, "Dad's a screw up and failure, I should dump you as a friend and distance myself as much as I can, and Percy seems to be forgiving the Minister for firing him. Of more interest is that the Minister is going to officially proclaim You–Know–Who as dead—"
"Voldemort isn't dead," Harry said.
"Don't you think I know that?" Ron said, "Anyways, they're going to cite the lack of activities as evidence—" Ron unfurled the parchment "—wasted a bunch of parchment—"
"Interesting that they seem to be sweeping this under the carpet—" Hermione said.
"He's a politician," Ron said, "Declaring You–Know–Who dead does appease people. Kinda like saying Mission Accomplished even though it isn't."
Ring!
It was the afternoon, their Care of Magical Creatures was officially over, however, nobody had left the classroom, as cracks were already forming on some of the eggs.
"I'll be a moment." Hagrid left the room.
"Heard Elder Weaselbee is claiming accident," Malfoy sneered, "Ronasty's sneezing in a cold, blustery, excuse for a pigsty—"
As the snickering from the other students reverberated through the room, Ron lunged for Malfoy. Harry restrained and held Ron firm.
"Ain't worth it," Harry whispered.
"Or—" Malfoy said, "I suppose it might have been Potter and Weaselbee on a rickety trough—"
"Belt it!" Harry pushed Ron aside, stood toe to toe with Malfoy, his hand gripping the hilt of his wand.
"Do not order me about!" Malfoy spat on Harry's feet.
"Do not insult me," Harry warned, his green eyes were holding steady into Malfoy's gray eyes.
Neither watched their eggs, as Malfoy's had finished hatching, and the dragonling curious about its surroundings; it found Malfoy's right hand, and bit.
"Ow! Ow!" Malfoy exclaimed. Malfoy's left hand quickly wrapped his right as he turned away from Harry. Malfoy's foot positioned itself, and he kicked at the dragon.
"Best see Pomfrey—" Harry said.
"Injuries in this oaf's class—" Malfoy sneered.
"Quit then," Harry said, "Stop whining—unless you don't have the guts—"
"Never, ever, dictate terms to me Potter." Malfoy spat, again, at Harry's feet.
"Belt it or bug off!" Harry said, wand aimed, "If you'll excuse me, I have an egg to tend to."
Harry stepped back, turned around, watched the cracks starting on his egg. Malfoy scampered out, along with most of the other students, which left Harry with Ron and Hermione. Harry pulled off his shirt. Ron took the hint, pulled his off.
"I'd love to stay and watch," Hermione said as she tried to ventilate her sweat soaked shirt, "I'd rather get some other essays—"
"They're about to hatch," Harry said, as he ignored the sweat dripping from his bangs.
"I can't focus here," Hermione said, her eyes glanced at Ron's bare chest, "I'll be in the library."
"Stay safe," Harry said.
"You know me," Hermione said, "Later."
Hermione grabbed her bookbag, left. Cracks continued until an appendage pushed out a bit of the shell.
"A leg—" Harry pointed at the eggs. "Practice with them.'
"W–What—?!" Ron stammered.
"In lieu of brooms—"
"Hagrid Jr—" Ron shook his head, his eyes focused on Harry's serious face "—you'd toast the opponents."
The common welsh green dragon, one leg at a time, crept out of the egg. With a push, the small, brown with green spotted dragon emerged. Harry scratched under the ears with his gloved hand, the dragon leaned into the scratching.
"Hello Maverick."
"Maverick?!" Ron stammered, "You're naming—"
"Everybody's got to have a name," Harry said, "Maybe Maverick wants to see Noigate—"
"Blimey!" Ron looked at Harry in disbelief.
Harry scratched Maverick, cuddled him a bit; he grabbed a lamb chop and fed it to Maverick along with some hot chili peppers.
"You seem harmless," Harry said to Maverick, "Maybe get you a bed in the dormitory."
"Um Harry," Ron said, "You're going off the deep end—"
Harry shrugged his shoulders, looked into those wide eyes of Maverick, eyes of admiration to Harry.
"Compared to Voldemort," Harry said, "Maverick's friendly."
Harry scratched some more, tickled under Maverick's chin.
"Rest are hatching," Ron said, "Maybe we should, like, leave this to Hagrid."
"What?!" Harry said, "Maverick'd get lonely without me."
"Harry," Ron muttered.
Harry gave Maverick a few more scratches and fed another lamb chop.
"See you tomorrow Maverick," Harry said, "I've got a date."
Harry jumped from the snicker behind him. Albus Dumbledore stood there.
"I apologize if I startled you," Professor Dumbledore while his eyes studied the dragons, "It is uncommon for a wizard to watch a dragon hatch."
"It is cool," Harry said.
"Hagrid has a unique appreciation for creatures," Professor Dumbledore said, "I'm glad you see it too."
"Yeah," Harry replied, "Time to go."
Harry grabbed his shirt before he took out his Portkey, activated it. He felt the tug on his bookbag, thought nothing of it as the Portkey pulled him away from Hogwarts.
Ron sorted through the dragonlings in the Dragon Nest at Hogwarts the next morning.
"Twenty nine," Ron said.
"Thirty eggs," Hagrid said, confused, "All eggs good."
"You're sure?" Ron asked.
"I counted em myself," Hagrid said, "Thanks Ron—I'll figure it out."
Ron grabbed his Firebolt.
"It's not in your hut, is it?" Ron asked.
"Ron!" Hagrid said, "You know me."
"We do," Ron said, giving a grin, "Hope you find it, I'll ask Harry."
"Yeh do that," Hagrid said.
Ron left the classroom, to the back door of the corridor, and mounted his Firebolt. Ron flew in the chilly wind, up to the dormitory.
"You just had to," Hermione said.
"They're dragons," Ron said.
"I'm getting my clothes," Hermione said as she left the dormitory.
Ron knew she was miffed as she had some of her clothes in his trunk, but dismissed it. Instead, Ron sat down at the table, ate of the sausages and the cauldron cakes coming to it.
Whump! Whump!
Ron understood the thuds came from Harry's four poster bed"
"Oh, Harry," Ron said, "Hagrid's short a dragon and he assured me it isn't in his hut."
Harry snickered as he climbed out of his four poster, behind him came Maverick hopping down.
"Wha—" Ron stammered.
"Dunno how," Harry said, "He somehow followed me last night."
"Hagrid—you know the Polyjuice Potion is—" Ron said.
"I'm—" Harry started.
"Ron—Harry!" Hermione entered the dormitory, her eyes were fixed upon the dragon.
"Mental." Ron trained his eyes at Hermione, and nodded his head toward Harry. "Bloke swore dragon just showed up at home—"
"Dragons in a muggle house?" Hermione said, "Do you know how dangerous—"
"Isn't Maverick adorable?" Harry gave Maverick a hug.
"Maverick?!" Hermione stammered.
"Who is hungry." Harry escorted Maverick out of the dormitory.
Hermione glared at Ron.
"What did I do?" Ron snapped.
SLAP!
"You ought to know better!" Hermione left the dormitory.
Ron rubbed his reddened cheek as he grabbed his Firebolt and left. Ron caught up with Harry as made it to the ground floor, came in together into the Dragon Nest. Hagrid spied Harry, beamed.
"Maverick, eh?" Hagrid asked.
"He's got to have a name," Harry said.
Maverick joined in with the rest of the dragonlings trying to set fire to the stonework.
Date: Tue Jan 15 20:44:27 2019