In the Crosshairs
Dragon Voldemort
Chapter 45: Little Teapot
Ghost in the green flame above the small stone changed faces, a face beneath the white sheet that also passed over the Seeker's head.
"Is Wormtail correct?" the Seeker asked, "There's another Hogsmeade weekend?"
"You will NOT take action," the Keeper said, "Know what it took to persuade the shops to let it? A third time would end the tradition, forever."
"You don't understand," the Seeker said, "Potter's alibis earned him some credibility, people forget easily. So we need to remind them."
"Find another way," the Keeper replied, "You have a full bag of tricks at your disposal, I expect to hear of your—I mean Potter's exploits, by tonight."
"Any of the new tricks ready?" the Seeker asked.
"You've got plenty already," the Keeper said.
"How is the fool–in–chief doing?" asked Wormtail.
"He's losing sheep," the Seeker said, "Which is why we need to redouble our efforts, otherwise, kiss this entire gambit goodbye."
Harry fell to the cold pavement as he gripped his scar Wednesday morning, it flared with the searing pain.
"I've asked you before," said the Dark Lord, "Where is Potter?"
"At Hogwarts," said Professor Snape, on his knees before Voldemort.
"What have you been telling Potter?" Voldemort asked.
"Nothing," Professor Snape said, "Nothing apart from the facts he demonstrates."
Harry sensed the images in his Potions master, of Harry before a destroyed potions classroom, of Harry feigning innocence from behind bottle green eyes.
"Where does the Headmaster keep Potter?" Voldemort asked.
"I am not privy to that information," Professor Snape said.
"And you call yourself a spy for me?" Voldemort said, "I'm beginning to have my doubts."
"My loyalty is without a doubt," Professor Snape said.
"Do NOT question me," Voldemort said, "However, you can assure the Headmaster there will be no planned action on my part for this coming weekend in Hogsmeade."
"Count on Potter to be Potter," Professor Snape said, "He will find a way."
"We shall see," Voldemort said, "Don't count on him to spread the holiday cheer in Hogsmeade."
"Dreadful," Professor Snape said.
"Dismissed," Voldemort said.
"HARRY!" Richard shouted as Harry could once again focus on Mars near the Moon.
Harry accepted the pull from Richard's hand, and brushed his shorts as he stood back up.
"You fainted," Richard said.
"No…it's…never mind," Harry said.
Albus Dumbledore watched Harry enter the Headmaster's Office.
"Early?" the Headmaster asked, letting his eyes focus on Harry's bookbag.
"Needed to talk to you," Harry said, "On my run earlier—had another, you know…?"
Albus Dumbledore understood.
"Continue," the Headmaster said.
Harry explained the vision he had seen.
"So I take it that Lord Voldemort does not trust our Potions Master?" Albus Dumbledore asked, before his eyes drifted off to Fawkes.
"Are you paying attention to me?" Harry asked.
"Alas, I am, Harry," Albus Dumbledore said, "Do not mistake my—" Albus moved his eyes fast past Harry, before they went down to Harry's scuffed up shoes. "You ought to think about buffing your shoes from time to time."
"That's not helping," Harry said.
"There are many curious things in this office that can distract you," Albus Dumbledore said, "Let them, Harry."
"But this is about—" Harry started.
"You've eavesdropped on Lord Voldemort on countless occasions, have you not?" Albus Dumbledore asked. His eyes focused on the knot on Harry's tie. "Do you understand the danger if he were to eavesdrop back, through your eyes?"
"Um…" Harry muttered.
"Avoid eye contact with me," said Professor Dumbledore said, "I'd rather not stomach the challenge if I can avoid it. Understood?"
"Suppose so," Harry said, "Should look forward to spreading the holiday cheer in Hogsmeade, though, right?"
"Have a seat," Professor Dumbledore said, "And we can—"
"Headmaster!" said Professor Snape as he entered, "Harboring a fugitive?"
"Pardon?" Albus Dumbledore said.
"Wherever Weasley made out to, I do not know," Professor Snape said, "Minutes ago, I came across Potter and Weasley using swords to assault sixth year Terry Boot who's now in the Hospital Wing. Convenient that Potter planned their little festivity for the first floor, the rapid response saved the Ravenclaw's life."
"I've been here for twenty minutes," Harry said.
"You know the rule," Albus Dumbledore said, "Return on Friday."
"I'll help myself out," Harry said as he turned around.
"That is inappropriate," Professor Snape said, "To let Potter excuse himself—"
"Harry has already departed to serve out his suspension," Professor Dumbledore said.
"So where should Pomfrey send her appreciation to Potter for job security?" Professor Snape asked.
"He will be back in time to spread holiday cheer in Hogsmeade," Professor Dumbledore said, "It would also be best if you inquire with Potter, on his return, to those special lessons we had discussed."
"Any lessons will do Potter no good until he appreciates the peril of his situation," Professor Snape said, "As to the one in the Hospital Wing—"
"He will survive," said Professor Dumbledore.
Harry landed back in Gia's bedroom, not more than an hour after he had left. He pulled his shirt off, along with his shorts and shoes and trousers. He went down the stairs in his green underwear. Andy pushed at him as she came up the stairs, she was in skimpy attire.
"Hey!" Harry exclaimed.
"Sorry, thought you were—never mind," Andy said, "Want to see my new ride?"
"Huh?" Harry asked, felt obliged to feign an interest.
"Home so soon?" Andy asked as they went to the front door.
"Suspended," Harry said.
"I'm not the only one!" Andy shouted as they went out.
Red, and in the driveway, a jaguar on the front hood, and the convertible with black leather had its top down.
"Nice," Harry said, "Wonder if it's faster than—never mind. Your Mum never said—"
"Supposed to be a Christmas surprise, for me," Andy said.
"Really?" Harry asked, "You're fourteen—"
"Going on old enough!" Andy snapped.
Harry's mind drifted fast to Gia, his legs failed to respond to his call to stop, instead, they propelled him faster than he'd seen himself run. Foot after foot, Harry felt himself being pulled rather than running, not the first time. Over the bridge across the brook, Harry did not remember closing the distance, as he fell through, dropped white rubble from the ruined ceiling panel, as he fell into the cubicle, as Gia sat on the toilet.
"Harry!" Gia whispered, "What—"
"Dunno," Harry said as he realized he must be in the girl's lavatory, in his green jockey underwear, "Not complaining."
Harry lifted the latch, let himself out of the cubicle. He waved as he passed Jen and another girl, and left the lavatory into the crowded hallway. Black fur rubbed against Harry's legs, and Harry patted Snuffles on the head.
"Harry!" came the holler.
Harry glanced, the glint from metal on her hat, Kristen came over dressed in her police uniform.
"Didn't expect you here," Kristen said, "Best for you to be here like that?"
"Um…fine," Harry said, before he thought about it, "Nice car."
"What car?" Kristen said.
"Meant the one in your driveway," Harry said, "Ant said you were giving it—"
"Talk about it later," Kristen said as she left.
"What's that about?" Gia asked, inches from Harry.
"Somehow I doubt she'd be giving Ant a car," Harry said as he walked with Gia, "Where to next?"
"Chemistry," Gia said.
"Like potions?" Harry asked.
"Similar," Gia replied.
They went outside, into the cool air, when an owl dropped a letter to Harry, along with a quill.
"You know better—" Gia started.
"Dunno," Harry said as he felt the compulsion, to open the envelope, took the quill and signed the blank sheets of paper. The envelope sealed itself back up, and the owl flew away.
"No more owls at school," Gia said as they came to the portable classroom.
Harry entered with Gia into the classroom. Despite being solely in his green underwear, Harry felt comfortable being with Gia as she went through her day.
"Thanks Dobby," Harry said Friday at noon as he slipped into the kitchens.
"Dobby is pleased to help Harry Potter," Dobby said.
Ron and Hermione followed to the tables beneath the ones above, the ceiling seemingly transparent to the Great Hall above. Professor Dumbledore steadied himself on his cane as he rose at the staff table.
"I have a special announcement," the Headmaster said, "As a courtesy, the Minister for Magic will give it, to have you spread the holiday cheer in Hogsmeade."
Sky blue robes, the Minister tapped his foot impatiently as the old mad took his time to sit back down. The Minister came to podium, and faced the Great Hall.
"It took a lot of persuasion," the Minister for Magic said, "However, their desire to not end a tradition on an account of a few bad actors allowed for this to happen. Given that the end of term is next week and you'll be off to return to your families for the winter holiday break, they reluctantly agreed. I am pleased to announce that most Hogwarts students will be allowed to partake in another trip to Hogsmeade, to gather presents for relatives and friends of your homes. Madam Rosmerta is even offering a discount on Butterbeer, seems she's got too much and would be happy for us to relieve her of that burden."
"Suppose that's good," Ron said.
"To those wishing to stir up trouble," Minister Fallerschain said, "The entire force of Aurors and other law enforcement personnel from the Ministry for Magic will be stationed around the village for the duration of the weekend. Take my advice and do not litter."
"We should go," Harry said.
"Blimey!" Ron said, "After last time we didn't?"
"Then they're be two of us," Harry said, "Undeniable."
"You're expecting—" Hermione started.
"Entire Ministry force there?" Harry said, "Maybe that'll scare them away, and I'd like a case of Butterbeer. Not strong stuff, but still."
"I've also observed a general state of decay at Hogwarts when it comes to discipline," Minister Fallerschain said, "Therefore, on a trial basis, some Aurors may be visiting Hogwarts to help enforce it. Please give them the same warm courtesy you will give to any member of staff."
"Great," Ron muttered.
"The entire world values our students, our children," the Minister of Magic said, "For you carry the future of all wizard kind. Good luck, and your first butterbeer at The Three Broomsticks tomorrow is on me."
Cheers and applause.
"We're going?" Hermione asked.
"I'm bringing Gia—think we can avoid the others," Harry said, "You're welcome to come, or not."
Dressed in his ski suit, Harry walked away from the Hogwarts castle around noon Saturday morning. Gia, Ron, and Hermione were with him as they went along the path lit by multiple colored candles to either side. Past the popcorn chains on the wrought iron gate, they came to Hogsmeade.
"Daring," Hermione said.
"We were cleared," Harry said.
"Don't say I didn't warn you," Hermione replied.
As they approached The Three Broomsticks an auror cleared his throat, pointed to the notice posted on the door.
=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=
NOTICE
The following persons are prohibited from Hogsmeade:
Harry James Potter
Ronald Bilius Weasley
Hermione Jane Granger
Gia Marie Prescott
Prohibited people attempting entry to Hogsmeade establishments are subject to arrest, monetary forfeiture, and imprisonment.
"Blimey!" Harry exclaimed as they turned around, "Wish they could've sent us—"
"With a trial?" Hermione stammered, "Exactly how much notice did you think we needed?"
Harry led the way, returned to Hogwarts.
"It's unfair," Gia said , "The way they're treating—"
"Story of my—" Harry started.
"Me?" Gia asked.
"Utterly unfair," Harry said, "Good."
"I'm unfair?" Gia asked.
"Beauty, personality, much better than fair," Harry said, "It's very unfair and I like it."
"Let that slip as a compliment," Gia said.
"I'm trying," Harry said.
"Romeo and Juliet," Hermione said.
"Who?" Ron asked as they reached the front steps.
"Back so early?" Filch asked, as he guarded the front castle door, Mrs. Norris in his arms, "My, we are in trouble, aren't we?"
"No," Harry said, "And mind us."
They climbed the marble staircase, Harry already wanted to take his jacket off, felt too hot inside.
"I'd really like to do nothing," Harry said as they walked along the third floor corridor.
"Figures," Hermione said.
"Sounds good," Ron said, "Nothing."
Stone turned into a highly polished door in a previously solid bit of the wall of the corridor. Ron shrugged, pulled on the brass handle. Inside, a cozy room with black walls, a padded floor, and a crystal orb
"Don't know about this," Hermione said.
Harry doubled back out, glanced at the corridor, and entered the room.
"Seems harmless," Ron said as Harry took off his ski jacket.
"If we don't like it," Harry said as he laid his jacket on the floor, "We'll go home."
"The lock," Gia said.
Hermione turned the key in the lock, removed it, and the door vanished as it sealed them in. The black crystal orb projected enough light onto the ceiling for them to see Harry.
"If you'd like to go home and listen to Kristen chew Ant out for forging signatures at the Jaguar dealership," Harry said, "We've got the Portkeys."
Ron pulled his jacket off, and laid down on the floor.
"I'm floating," Ron said, on his back.
Harry rolled his ski jacket into a pillow. He used it as he laid on his back. Gia laid next to Harry.
"Could veg out all day," Gia said.
"Why not?" Ron asked, "What does that thing do?"
Harry grabbed the black crystal orb, held it above him. He felt the tendrils, the ones that reached into his mind as the Sorting Hat would do, tendrils that sought out direction. The room went dark and their perception of time blurred.
"Could've warned—" Hermione started before a brief scream.
Harry felt the feet, of her falling, onto him.
"Sensory deprivation?" Gia asked.
"Hey!" Harry exclaimed as a knee knocked the orb out of Harry's hands.
Gia grabbed it.
"Any thought to the holidays?" Hermione asked.
"Wanna try skiing?" Ron asked.
"He wants to fly," Gia said, "Richard does the real flying."
Blurred colors formed on the ceiling, red and green and blue ornaments flew past, away from a Christmas tree. Green and Blue ornaments merged together while the red shot off to become a small point of light. Moons rotated about as the blue and green Earth faded as they zoomed out, out of the star system, out of a nebulous galaxy, and out to a galactic supercluster.
"Astronomy?" Ron said, "Of all the things, astronomy?"
It zoomed back inward, to a spiral galaxy, zoomed into a collapsing super red dwarf that produced a supernovae, the matter imploded into a black hole.
"Hope that's not your thoughts on life," Ron said.
They swirled around, orbited the black hole, dropping fast through the swirl of gas about the event horizon before they found themselves staring at the small singularity at the center. It morphed, the singularity turned into an atom, the outermost electron dropped a shell and caused a photon of light to escape.
"Nice," Hermione said.
Hurling through space, the photon traveled, into the solar system, past the rings of Saturn, and it headed for a bright blue marble. It grazed the atmosphere, missed the planet, to come to an orbiting satellite. The photo reflected, bounced on the moon, before it refracted through the atmosphere into the night. It ricocheted on a stop sign, to be absorbed by the dark road asphalt.
"Here!" Ron exclaimed as he grabbed the orb and threw it at Hermione.
Four horses fair, galloped along the sand of the desert. Four riders, of Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Gia upon the bare backs. Hoofs of the shoe cladden feet echoed in their heads as they raced toward the fort. Over the bridge covering the moat, they soared through the opening with a crossed gate that closed behind them.
Into a chamber, Gia and Hermione stopped, while the horses of Harry and Ron stumbled. Harry and Ron sailed over the pit that surrounded an arch on a platform, an unsupported arch with a curtain. Harry and Ron collided.
"NO!" Hermione shouted.
"Hermione?" Ron asked.
Harry turned.
"Sorry, a nightmare, nothing," Hermione said.
Harry sensed the lie.
"What's this?" Ron asked.
"You're lost, never to return," Hermione said, "Sorry, this wasn't supposed to show our fears!"
Harry sat up.
"You're afraid you're going to lose us?" Harry asked.
"It's irrational, it's just a nightmare," Hermione said.
"You recognized this—" Harry started.
"No!" Hermione said, "I won't have you go chasing it!"
"Why'd I chase it?" Harry asked.
"Can't this thing do more?" Ron blurted.
"Your turn," Hermione said as she handed the orb over to Harry, "See if you come up with something better."
Harry gazed into the orb, tried to find something better, when he realized it latched onto that memory. Before Harry could stop, the ceiling had already changed, and showed it as he remembered it.
Vertical wood on a crib, from the perspective of a toddler. Lily Potter with her similar bottle green eyes, ran into the nursery.
"Lily!" came the shout from another room, "Take Harry and go! It's him! Go! Run! I'll hold him off."
Sounds, sounds of a person stumbling in the other room became dominant. A door was blown open, a high–pitched cackling laughter pierced through them.
"Avada Kedavra!"
With a thud, a lifeless body with black hair tumbled through the door and hit the floor. Lily Potter reached for the baby in the crib, however, Voldemort came in first. He raised his long wand upon them, his red eyes focused upon his prey.
"Not Harry!" Lily screamed, pleaded, "Not Harry, please not Harry!"
"Stand aside, you silly girl!" Voldemort ordered, "Stand aside, now."
"Not Harry, please me, take me, kill me instead," Lily pleaded, "Not Harry! Please … have mercy … have mercy."
"He is to be killed," Voldemort said, "Try to save your neck you fool, there is still one who'd have you."
"Not Harry!" Lily pleaded, "Not Harry! Please — I'll do anything —"
"Stand aside," Voldemort commanded, "Stand aside, girl!"
"No," Lily protested as she shielded herself with the baby, "Not Harry!"
"Avada Kedavra!"
A scream, a final scream, came from the youthful witch, only several years out of Hogwarts herself. Green death expelled itself toward Lily Potter, the sickly curse shot out of Voldemort's yew wand, and extinguished the life within before her corpse fell. That phoenix feather came to point at the toddler, the red eyes focused with intent.
"Avada Kedavra!"
Less friendly than a hose of ice cold water, the wand opened up to let its torrent of green hatred bent upon them. Blackness overtook them until a piercing scream filled the room. Eyes bolted open to see Petunia Dursley staring down, screaming in horror at the sight of the baby left on her doorstep.
Hermione trembled, shivered.
"Can you try for something more wholesome?" Ron asked.
"That was—" Gia started.
"Can't stop it," Harry advised as the image changed.
Backed up against a corner of the fence in the pouring rain, near the car on Number 4 Privet Drive, the view shook as Dudley punched and kicked the nine year old; Harry's wrists restrained behind him. Dudley backed up, picked up a stone, and threw it at Harry. Harry's eyes moved from Dudley's nice and proper clothing down to his bleeding bare leg with the new cut on his shin.
"Orphan can't afford proper clothes!" Dudley said as he ground his shoes at the collection of rags—Harry's ripped and torn clothes, ones already removed from Harry, into the dirt and pavement.
"Good Dudley!" Uncle Vernon shouted out the window, "Teach him!"
"But—" Harry protested.
Dudley threw another stone, aimed at Harry's head. Harry blacked out, when he came to in the kitchen, his back on the floor.
"Ungrateful scum antagonizing my little boy," Aunt Petunia said as she rubbed salt into Harry's wounds, "No orphanage would even take you."
Aunt Petunia chased the salt with iodine before using duct tape as bandaging.
"Serves the boy right," Uncle Vernon said to Dudley, "Keep teaching him manners and respect for all that we provide for him…a leech that can't even dress properly." Dudley gave a kick to Harry's side. "Come boy!"
This young Harry jumped up at Vernon's bark, as he was led to the cupboard door.
"My clothes!" Harry protested.
"Later," Uncle Vernon said as he shoved Harry into the tiny space, "If you behave."
Harry watched those beady eyes glance at him through the grill of the vent as the deadbolt slid into place to lock him in.
"This isn't relaxing me in the slightest," Hermione said.
"Sorry," Harry said, "Part of—"
"Give it back to her," Ron said.
Harry handed the orb back to Hermione, who peered into it.
A gymnasium, painted in orange and yellow, crowded with eight–year–olds. A younger Gia was one of several who surrounded a younger Hermione. In the corner, two ladies discussed something with an occasional glance out to their charges.
"Look at the freak!" A short boy with curly brown hair said, "A walking encyclopedia!"
"A teachers pet!" the younger Gia taunted.
"Can't even jump a rope," another girl said.
"Can't believe we were that mean to you," the current Gia said.
Again, their view changed.
A ten year old Hermione brought her horse, Diego, to a slow trot in front of her mother in the large rink lined with a white fence.
"Having fun?" asked Lina Granger.
"Can't I bring him?" Hermione asked, "Didn't you—?"
"Your letter said an owl, a cat, or a toad," Linda said, "They replied to my inquiry that a horse is out of the question, your dormitory would be too small to properly board it."
Tears clouded the vision as the young Hermione cried. Diego bolted forward, ran fast, hooves against the ground, faster than Linda could chase. Diego bucked and Hermione flew; she landed hard onto the ground on her back.
"Ow.." Hermione muttered.
Linda came back into view.
"Are you alright?" Linda asked.
Ten year old Hermione shook as she stood, sore.
"When did you meet the boys?" Gia asked.
"Trevor—can't find Trevor," exclaimed a chubby faced Neville on the Hogwarts Express.
Hermione left her compartment, walked along the corridor as the train moved north. A few compartments up, she spotted two boys in one, surrounded by sweets on their benches. Bottle green eyes, a scar on his forehead, she opened the door.
Harry, Ron, and Gia kept watching, from Hermione's perspective, of the rest of the trip, Harry's standing up to Malfoy, to her chastising Ron in Charms over his spell, along with his comment after class.
"Sorry about that," Ron said.
"Water under the troll infested bridge," Hermione replied.
It changed to her watching Harry jumping onto the Troll in the lavatory.
"They've not stayed out of the girls lavatory, have they?" Gia asked.
"No," Hermione said.
Imagery and the vision continued thorugh their first year at Hogwarts before they came to the second year with the slugs coming out of Ron's mouth.
"Still disgusting," Ron said, "I can taste the slime."
It continued, including the rogue Bludger, brewing the polyjuice potion in the second floor girls lavatory, and into the demeantors of the third year. Her and Harry's breaking of Sirius out of his cell, rescuing him with Buckbeak.
…
Hours had already passed, and Ron watched as Harry entered the maze of the Triwizard cup.
"Interesting Puzzle," Gia said.
"This—it's not fun," Ron replied.
Harry remained silent.
Crowded stands of the Quidditch Pitch, Ron next to Hermione, as they watched the maze, as Harry and Cedric reached for the Triwizard Cup. Both vanished, murmurs and whisperings swept the stands.
"What happened? … Are they alright? … Wasn't aware of another task…"
Steadily the noise grew louder and louder, people demanded to know where they had gone. Maybe fifteen or twenty minutes later, purple sparks shot up out of Professor Dumbledore's wand, accompanied by a rather large bang.
"Quiet!" Professor Dumbledore said, his voice amplified by his wand, "We are assessing the situation."
Seemed to calm the crowd a bit, the noise in the stands mellowed.
"Where's Harry?" Ron asked.
"Dunno—" Hermione blotted a tear, "Dunno."
Murmurs returned fast when Harry reappeared at the edge of the maze, about an hour after his disappearance. The crowd ignored the tearful boy, instead focused on the lifeless Cedric. "He's dead! … Cedric Diggory! Dead!"
"STOP Hermione!" the current Ron snapped.
"What…?" Hermione asked, as they both glanced at Harry, shaking and squirming.
"Harry?" Gia asked, her fingers reached for his left earlobe.
Ron grabbed the orb, shoved it into Harry's trembling hands over his scar. Harry's bottle green eyes fluttered around before they latched onto the orb, and the ceiling changed.
"Harry—" Hermione said.
"It's happening, like now," Ron said, glancing at Harry's fondling of the scar.
Severus Snape was escorted by Wormtail and two clocked figures as he walked into a room with thirteen mirrors focused back to the center. Voldemort flirted his vision from the white masks onto the Potions Master. Professor Snape kept his focus upon the ground before the Dark Lord.
"You disappoint me," Voldemort said.
"I was summoned," Snape replied.
"Your task was simple—watch Potter," Voldemort said, "Yet, Potter spewed knowledge of a certain bet to The Daily Prophet and your loyalty become suspect."
"Potter has not revealed—" Snape started.
"Excuses!" Wormtail said, "He expected Potter to confess!"
"Even that pathetic creature understands," Voldemort said, "You knew Potter was suspended for a week, yet you failed to provide any intelligence."
"The Headmaster did not—" Snape started.
"Expecting a reprieve because that old fool didn't instruct you to hint at the trap that had been laid?" Voldemort said, "I had to personally intercede to prevent that trap from succeeding. Do you even have an apology."
"If I knew the operation—" Snape started.
"And provide it to that fool like you spouted off my jingle about spreading the holiday cheer in Hogsmeade?" Voldemort said, "To hear my words being parroted in The Daily Prophet told me that you're the leak."
"I'm not, the Headmaster—" Snape started.
"That fool is not in my employ, you are," Voldemort said as he drew his wand, "I've had enough of your petty excuses."
"I shall do better—" Snape started.
"Silence unless it's your scream!" Voldemort said, his wand leveled.
Severus Snape remained on his knees before the Dark Lord, betrayed no signs of trembling.
"Avada Carmel Corn!"
Severus Snape blinked at the yew wand that remained idle.
Harry snickered.
"Shall I?" Wormtail asked.
Wormtail, with the wand in his hand, though, paused. Both Wormtail and Snape watched, not the face of Voldemort, but on the lower robes. Voldemort put his left hand on his hip, extended his right arm kinked at the elbow, and sang.
=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=
I'm a little teapot, short and stout;
Here is my handle, here is my spout;
When I get all steamed up, hear me shout;
Just tip me over and pour me out!
Harry laughed and laughed.
"Harry?!" Ron asked.
"Fascinating," Voldemort said, "Your blunder has brought me the answer. Your death is postponed Severus, for now, and I understand your task will soon become easier to perform. Dismissed."
Snape turned, left the room.
"Interesting room," Harry said as he bolted to a sitting position, his bottle green eyes went as red as they went wide.
"Harry?" Hermione asked.
"Mudblood—should've expected as much," Harry's voice said, "Potter's pathetic gang of misfits, including a Blood Traitor and a Muggle cow or snake fodder."
Ron understood the threat, the warnings that Harry had tried to conceal, the one that Professor Dumbledore had been worried about; it had materialized as Harry's hands moved fast.
"Har…" Hermione managed as Harry's hands reached around her throat. She shrieked before the hands tightened.
Ron pounced, pushed Harry, and pinned Harry to the floor. Ron knees went on top of Harry's hands, Gia held Harry's feet. Ron aimed his wand at Harry's head.
"Kill me Weasley!" Harry said, "Be the hero!"
"What's happening?" Gia asked.
"Focus on him," Ron said, "He's being possessed!"
Ron felt the struggle, as Hermione joined Gia in holding the legs down. Hands squirmed, tried to wiggle; Ron planted his left hand across Harry's throat, wand still aimed. Ron tried to avoid those reddened green eyes.
"While you've got the chance!" Harry said, "Kill me Weasley! Kill me and be done with it!"
Ropes from Hermione's wand bound Harry's legs. Gia moved to Harry's head and she rubbed his earlobes.
"HARRY!" Gia shouted.
"Pathetic…" Harry's voice drifted off.
It went dark as the orb stopped; light grew around the edges of the room.
"Ta," Harry said.
"Seeing Dumbledore—" Ron started as he stood.
"Over something so trivial?" Harry asked.
"You were possessed!" Hermione exclaimed.
"We're carrying you," Ron said as he leaned over.
Ron grabbed Harry, slung his friend over the shoulder. Ron walked for the door. Gia and Hermione gathered the ski jackets, ran to catch up.
Barely a minute had passed since Albus Dumbledore swore he had closed his eyes when he heard the alarm. He grabbed his cane as the mattress tilted itself upward, candles lit themselves up. He paused at the window, the one that peered down at the stairs that ascended from the stone gargoyle.
"Can an old man get at least an hour of rest per night?" Albus Dumbledore asked Fawkes.
Ron came up the stairs first, Harry slung on the shoulder. Severus Snape came up next.
"Wait here Potter," Professor Snape said, "I have an urgent matter—"
"Think we share in that matter," Harry said as Ron let him down, "Room with thirteen mirrors."
Harry entered first into the Headmaster's office. Ron, Hermione, and Gia joined Professor Snape. Albus Dumbledore made it to the door of his private quarters, waited to listen.
"I told you Potter—" Professor Snape started.
"Avada Carmel Corn?" Harry asked.
"How?!" Professor Snape stammered.
"I do believe, as Harry stated, that your matters might indeed be related," Albus Dumbledore said as he slowly came out of his quarters. His hand shook on the handrail as he slowly went down the stairs.
"Voldemort was about to kill Professor Snape!" Hermione said.
Albus Dumbledore took a minute to steady himself with the back of his chair behind the desk; though, he caught the glare that Professor Snape gave toward Hermione. Harry, though, leaned forward.
"It's about my—" Harry whispered, fingers at his scar.
"Harry," Albus Dumbledore said, "I suggest you start at the beginning."
"After trying Hogsmeade this morning—" Harry started.
"That was yesterday," Professor Snape said, dryly, "It's nearly midnight."
"Must've lost track of time." Harry explained about the room and the orb. "My scar—you know how it is…"
"Is that power maniac the best this world has to offer?" Gia asked.
It took Albus Dumbledore a minute to formulate a response to a valid question, one that he didn't want to answer in the affirmative.
"It offers much more, much better, and it's quite wonderful," Albus Dumbledore said, "I hope Harry gets the proper opportunity to show you the best of it."
"Right before…" Ron said, "It showed us a room with a bunch of mirrors, and that's when Snape showed up."
"Voldemort wasn't happy with their teacher," Gia said, "He was about to…"
"He was about to kill him," Harry said, "Kill Snape, so I…"
"Your doing Potter?" Professor Snape asked.
Albus Dumbledore had to know, had to risk that Tom Riddle was ignoring Harry at the moment, and studied those bottle green eyes, could see the candles in his mind.
"Voldemort fumbled it, the curse," Hermione said, "The killing curse."
"Don't forget the singing," Gia said.
"Singing?" Albus Dumbledore asked, forgave the interruption of his rest for this tale.
"I didn't think it through," Harry said, "After getting him to fumble the curse, I got Voldemort to sing a nursery rhyme, before…before…"
Albus Dumbledore sensed the shame within Harry.
"You–know–who possessed him, tried to kill Hermione," Ron said, "We managed to fend him off, but—he knows about it."
"You're right to be worried, Mr. Weasley," Albus Dumbledore said, "I suggest you get adequate rest for tomorrow's lessons. Thank you for coming to me. Severus, stay for a moment."
Harry turned around, followed by Ron, Hermione, and Gia, left the office. Albus Dumbledore's eyes turned to Professor Snape.
"It appears that you owe another debt to Mr. Potter," Albus Dumbledore said, "I am curious to his selection of nursery rhymes."
"I'm a little teapot," Professor Snape spat.
"I take it, you're not up for an encore?" Albus Dumbledore asked.
"No," Professor Snape said.
"Clearly," Albus Dumbledore said, "Mr. Potter is in need of Occlumency training. Prepare a curriculum for his winter holiday."
Ron had his foot on the table Monday morning as he clipped his toenails.
"Disgusting—here?" Hermione asked.
"I've nearly finished breakfast," Ron said as he glanced at The Daily Prophet on the table, "What else is there to do until class?"
Harry landed a couple of feet behind Hermione.
Ron took a swig of pumpkin juice, held it in.
"Anything I—" Harry started, his eyes toward the article.
"Some of Skeeter's handiwork on you supposedly sleeping around for better marks," Hermione said, "I mean, our beds aren't really used, and that's not gone unnoticed, so the others are jumping to conclusions—such as Professor Snape—"
Ron spat out his pumpkin juice in a fine spray.
"Well," Hermione said, "Remember Harry stripping in front of the Professor months ago—"
"After Snape blew up Harry's clothes during a headed debate?" Ron asked.
"Fuel for this fire," Hermione said, "A letter to the editor suggested Hagrid. However, Oliver Wood and Professor Dumbledore—mind you, we are in that office quite a bit. Anyways Harry, she's implying your marks are being improved by this, so that needs to be remedied."
"Bloody hell," Harry said.
Ron laughed, caught Harry's glare.
"Need to bone up," Ron said.
Harry snickered.
Ring!
"Charms, right?" Harry asked.
"Don't forget your cap," Hermione said.
"This dusty old thing?" Harry asked as he held it up.
Ron grabbed his, and they left the dormitory.
"It's what a wizard's supposed to wear," Hermione said.
"Funny, I typically don't see it," Harry said.
"True," Ron said, "I mean, have you ever seen Snape wear one?"
"Holding him up as an example?" Hermione asked.
"Lupin, Sirius," Harry said as they crossed the Gryffindor Common Room, "Maybe on Diagon Alley, one or two, but it's a regular hat, if anything."
"Dunno about you…" Ron started, the portrait swung open.
Six yards away, his arms crossed in his Slytherin robes, smug grin on his face beneath the silver hair, Draco Malfoy stood there.
"Excuse—" Harry started as he toward Draco Malfoy.
Ron was shoved to the floor after he had stepped through, along with Hermione, by two Ministry Aurors, Walmer and Langdon, who had been propositioned to either side of the door. A letter was dropped onto Ron and Hermione, before the Aurors grabbed Harry tightly by the arms.
"What the—?" Harry demanded.
"This'll explain," an Auror said as he shoved a letter into Harry's hands.
Wands still aimed, Ron only dared to stand as Harry craned his neck. Bottle green eyes made for Ron's, as they both whispered, "Legilimens!"
"Before I forget," Malfoy boasted, "Let me introduce them—Walmer and Langdon, fine Aurors. And before you protest, this change at Hogwarts is Ministry approved, and better for the both of us."
"This is uncalled for!" Professor McGonagall shouted as she hurried down the corridor toward them.
"Professor McGonagall," Langdon said, "Any staff interfering in this matter will have their employment terminated using the morality clause under the joint authority of the Harry Potter Guidance Committee and the Hogwarts Board of Governors."
"My letter—" Professor McGonagall said as she caught her breath, "Goes against a thousand years of history at Hogwarts and meddling in a student's personal affairs—"
"What's exactly happening?" Harry asked.
"Orders and orders for everybody's best interests," Walmer said.
Walmer pulled Harry along the corridor while Malfoy followed.
"You're so going to like me," Malfoy said to Harry, "You'll see, my Mum knows best."
"Help or kill me," Harry thought.
"Former, not the latter," Ron replied, "We'll find a way."
"Yeah, soon," Harry retorted as his mind drifted away.
"I'm sorry," Professor McGonagall said to Ron and Hermione, "I've never seen this level of abuse in my years. You may as well read your letter."
Ron opened it, Hermione read over his shoulder.
=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=
9 December 1996
Ronald Weasley, Hermione Granger
Your friendships with Harry Potter have been terminated. Failure to keep adequate distance from Harry Potter will be a criminal offense.
Cordially,
Dolores Umbridge, Chair of Harry Potter Guidance Committee
"Bloody Bollocks!" Ron exclaimed.
"We'll help where we can," Professor McGonagall said, "But I'm afraid our hands are tied."
Gia walked along the path that morning, Richard and Jen with her, crossed the footbridge toward the school.
"Look, an owl," Jen said.
Gia spotted the note it carried.
"Carrier—owl?" Jen asked.
Gia took the note addressed to her.
"Go ahead," Gia said.
She opened the letter.
=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=
Gia Prescott
Sorry, gotta breakup, you're not my girlfriend.
Harry Potter
She sat down on the cold grass and cried.