Harry potter and the Time of Retirement
Everything related to Harry Potter belongs to JKR
Chapter 21
A full week had passed since his meeting with the twins and there was still no answer from them; even so, Harry was not worried yet. From all the stares they were throwing at him it was obvious they were still pondering what to do and he still had some time left before he truly needed the map.
In fact he was just coming back from one evening spent in the Room of Requirements, taking care of some final addictions to his potion, and could tell that it would be another ten, maybe twenty days before it was ready. Hopefully – to make it uncolored and odorless he had to make some untested-yet adjustment, after all, so he was unsure of the exact time.
'Slow and steady and all that trash' was Harry's attitude about work.
Still, everything was going reasonably well, if he could say so himself: his plans were slowly but surely being completed; the students at the school seemed happy and safe, Hagrid was delighted in showing off to the student body his now hatched dragon cub – gaining unexpected respect from professor Kettleburn, according to his stories - and his classmates remained mostly friendly and focused on the coming exams. It was normal school time at its finest.
'Boring is good, and safe' thought Harry, a wry smile on his face. Adventures made for a great tale to tell after you survived them, but easygoing days had a quality all of their own.
Entering inside Hufflepuff's common room, he saw his year mates bundled together around a couple of tables covered in books and notes. After a second of indecision, he approached them.
Susan and Hannah seemed busy repeating each other something about Transfiguration; Sally-Anne, Ernie and Justin were busy writing something that, judging from the length, was Potions; finally, Wayne and Zacharias were busy reading, on their own, some heavy-looking books.
"Studying?" asked Harry to Wayne, sitting down next to him.
"History, yes. I can't take it" answered him.
"Even without Binns teaching it?"
"Yes! This is mostly trash. Who cares about wizards of the past?" complained Wayne.
"Some didn't even do something useful, they are famous because they were weird" added Zacharias from his couch.
"You are talking about that Uric guy, are you?" asked Harry.
"….stupid subject" said Wayne finally.
"Harry, Animagi are part of Transfiguration or not?" asked Hannah from her corner.
"All magic that transforms something is related to it, Hannah. Even Animagus and Werevolves" said Harry.
"Wait, really? Shouldn't they be able to turn with some counter spell then?" asked Susan.
"Maybe, but one should create it" said Harry "which is not easy, Werewolves are like that because of a magical illness, not a curse proper."
"Disgusting creatures" said Zacharias.
"I think they are cool. Turning into a wolf…" said Justin, while almost everyone else stared incredulously at him.
"This is weird even for you" said finally Ernie, shaking his head.
"Yes, Justin. I mean… werewolves" said Megan, disgust clearly on her face.
"Didn't you all say you wanted to become that Animagi thing, eventually? Seems pretty similar to me" said Justin, unconcerned of the disbelieving stare around him.
"Wow" commented Wayne.
"What the…" said Ernie.
"You are crazy, Justin! Being Animagi is a sign of talent, think of McGonagall" said Zacharias.
"Yes, Justin. This time you are dead wrong" said Hannah, while all the other girls seemed to approve, except Sally-Anne who remained expressionless.
"I just think you are all just being wizardly again" said Justin ironically "Harry, come on, give me an hand. You must have seen some werewolf movie too, right?"
"I did, but that's hardly the point" said Harry shaking his head. Half-smiling, though.
"Please tell me you don't agree with this muggleblood, Potter" said coldly Zacharias.
"Muggle… blood? Nevermind. I am not sure. One of my dad's friend was a werewolf, and I heard only good stories about him" said Harry.
"Come on" said Megan, obviously not believing him.
"He wasn't violent? Really?" asked Hannah.
"Nope. Well, he tried to kill someone once but it was Snape, so I'll grant him a pass" said Harry, an amused smile on his lips. A couple of the others giggled.
"Ok, that's fun, but still!" said Ernie.
"Did he really try to kill him, Harry?" asked Justin, troubled.
"Yes. They can't control themselves, that's why they are scary. Being good people most of the time is not enough" said Harry.
"There you are. They are monsters" said Zacharias.
"That's unfair, Zach. But yes, I wouldn't want one around" said Wayne.
"Can't they really heal?" asked Sally-Anne, a sad expression on her face. For a second no one answered. Then Zacharias turned to Harry "Come on, Potter, be the Granger of the situation".
At this, most of the kids laughed a little. Harry smiled too, no matter how mean spirited the comment actually was.
"They can't, Sally. There is a potion that keeps them sane as a wolf too, but it's very hard to prepare" said Harry.
"Poor guys" said Sally-Anne, only to turn red when some of the others stared at her.
"Don't you start being weird too, Sally" said Susan – a fake worried expression on her face, while Hannah and Megan giggled.
"Hey!" complained Justin.
Ten days after his meeting with the twins Harry had exhausted his patience so, during lunch time, he tried to approach them. They looked nervous, but resigned, and told him that they would talk after dinner.
Satisfied, Harry spent the rest of the day completing his classes and chores only to wait at dinner's time for the twins to call him, or leave the hall. They did the latter, while gesturing at Harry to follow them, and so Harry did – all the way up to the third floor's forbidden corridor.
"Weird place to go" said Harry, in place of a greeting.
"Yeah, well, we wanted no one around" said one of the twins.
"And so long as Filch's cat doesn't spot you, no one comes here anymore" said the other.
"True enough. So, any update?" asked Harry.
"Yes, Potter. We… we were actually deciding how to break the news to you" said one.
"We wanted it to be a surprise, you know" said the others.
"Aaaand?" said Harry, waving his hand.
One of the twins seemed to harden himself, and finally spoke "We already recovered it from Filch's office, Harry."
"Yes" started the other, still looking unsure "No offense, but it was easier to just do it by ourselves, without you."
"You are only a first year, Potter."
"A good one, Ron says, but still a kid."
Harry remained silent for a second. 'Well, this was a possibility' he thought deciding to take their lies positively.
"It's sad I couldn't come but my heirloom is all that matters. Give it here" he said, while reaching out.
Hesitantly, the twins handed over a piece of parchment.
"Can you show us how to use it, Harry?" said one in a weird tone.
"You promised that you would let us borrow it, after all" concluded the other, folding his arms.
"A deal is a deal, don't worry" said Harry, taking out his wand "If I am not mistaken, you must touch it with your wand while saying…."
"I solemnly swear that I am up to no good" stated clearly Harry, while tapping the map – which immediately activated. At this, the twins seemed to deflate a little.
'Eh, sorry boys' thought Harry. Mentally shrugging, he offered the map to the twins – that unfortunately could not really hide the disappointment from their faces.
"Wow, this map looks great Harry" said one.
"Yeah. Kudos to your dad" said the other.
"Thank you. As promised, you can use this once in a while, just ask me for it" said Harry taking it back.
"Sure."
"Thanks."
"Better leave now, before someone arrives and scolds us" said Harry, deactivating the map and placing it carefully folded inside his robes. "Unless there is anything you want to tell me" he concluded, leading them away from the forbidden hallway.
"Out of curiosity, Harry" started one.
"Who was your father?" asked the other.
"Who was my – ah, sure. Prongs, he is Prongs" said the other.
"You know who the others are, too?" asked one of the twins.
"They were apparently famous at the time, you know?" said the other.
"I heard some of their stories. And i know their names, but I never met any of them" said Harry.
"Oh."
"It's a bit sad."
"Who knows where they are now?" said Harry, in an cold voice. The twins exchanged a look, thinking who knows what, but they could hardly imagine Harry's current feelings about the Marauders.
'Quartet of idiots' thought Harry, sighing 'One more disappointing than the other. You too dad'.
"I would like to know more about them, Harry" said one of the twins.
"If you ever have the time, tell us your stories ok?" said the other.
Meanwhile, they arrived at the stairs – packed full with Gryffindors and Ravenclaws going back to their common rooms after dinner had concluded for everyone.
"See you around, Harry" greeted him one of the twins.
"Don't forget our deal" said the others, nodding at him with his head.
Done with them himself, Harry started walking downstairs towards his common room – only to be stopped almost immediately by Ron, who was flanked by Seamus, Neville and Dean.
"Hi Harry" he said.
"Hello Ron" said Harry without stopping. Too bad Ron tapped him on the arm, leaving him no choice.
"Harry, what were you doing with my brothers?" asked Ron.
"Mmmhh. Just stuff, Ron" answered eventually Harry.
"You can't tell?" insisted Ron.
"Ask them yourself. If they answer, I don't mind."
"Oh. You know, if you need help, you can just ask us" said Ron slightly bitterly. His classmates started walking again upstairs, chatting between themselves.
"I know, Ron. I only needed someone older, nothing more" said Harry.
"Sure. Just be wary, they like to prank people if they can" said Ron, a bit sadly, nodding at Harry probably as a goodbye. Before he left Harry, impulsively, spoke again.
"Ron, I am going to the groundskeeeper's tomorrow evening. Want to come?"
"What? Sure. But why?" he asked perplexed.
"You were at all his lessons, Kettleburn said the dragon is about to be sent away..." left unfinished Harry. His mind remained blank, but Harry was actually feeling a bit of pity for his old friend, and his complicated relationship with his brother's shadows.
"That would be great… ok! Thanks Harry. Who else is coming?"
"The two of us, but feel free to invite some other Gryffindor if they want to come" said Harry.
"Maybe i… no, they are not that much interested" said Ron immediately. Harry smiled indulgently, recognizing what the boy in front of him was probably thinking.
"Ok then, meet me tomorrow after the last class at the entrance."
"Sure! See you tomorrow, Harry" said Ron happily, who waited for him to wave his hand as a goodbye before leaving for Gryffindor's common room.
Slowly, Harry walked to his own house room already a bit regretting what he had just done. He knew how much Ron felt average compared with his brothers, but still….
'Meh, it is only an evening' thought conclusively Harry. One small good deed, in the memory of his old friend, he could survive that.
The evening after, another day of classes completed – with their ever increasing pressure over the coming exams, at least for his year mates – Harry met up with Ron at the castle's entrance. Outside, it was already darkening.
"Hey Harry!" said friendly Ron.
"Hi Ron. Let's go" said Harry, leading the way.
"So, how long have you known the groundskeeper?"
"Six, seven months? He was the one to bring me my letter."
"In person? That's cool, even if it was only him. In my family we just receive an owl."
"It was more about me being half-blood. Muggleborns in general receive a visit from the professors, I believe."
"Oh. True, you were raised by muggles, right? Are they weird?" asked Ron.
"Eh" snorted lightly Harry "They are not really normal even by muggle's standards."
"I wonder how they are" said perplexed Ron.
Meanwhile, they had arrived at Hagrid's hut so Harry did not answer but just knocked on the door. The usual barks from Fang, and a peculiar screech, could be heard coming from inside before Hagrid appeared in the door step.
"Who's… oh, Harry. Welcome. And there is a friend with yeh" he said, while sizing up Ron.
"Hi Hagrid" – "Hello sir" said the two first year, before they were allowed inside. Quickly, they sat down at the table. Fang was in his usual corner while the dragon cub, now quite large, crouched over his space near the fire pit. Hagrid himself was wearing some huge, and tarnished, gloves and sported some painful-looking red scratches on his face. His eyes looked red, too.
"Harry, I am always happy to see you, but this is a really sad day yeh' know?" started the groundskeeper, sniffing a little.
"Norbert has grown so fast" answered simply Harry, eyeing the cub. Ron looked like he was quite perplexed.
"Norbert? Wait, you mean the dragon?"
Hagrid eyed the small boy again. It was not hard to identify him for someone versed in magical families, even if Ron had not been present for all of his lessons.
"You are the last of the Weasley, right? Of the boys, at least. I met them all, the twins more than I wanted" said grouchily the groundskeeper.
"Ron is really fond of Norbert, Hagrid, that's why I asked him to come" said Harry. At these words, the huge men turned definitely more friendly towards the slightly chastised Gryffindor.
"Well, I am sure you are all right too, like most of your brothers. Wanna pet him?" offered Hagrid. Ron's face perked up at the offer and was about to stand up, but Harry grabbed his arm.
"Ron, don't you remember Hagrid and Kettleburn's lessons? Dragons bite, and Norbert has poisonous fangs."
"I know, I know! But when will I have another chance?" said Ron, cautiously approaching Norbert who stared at him, but otherwise did nothing.
"Here, kid, give'im these pieces of meat" said Hagrid, offering Ron a basket full of it. He took it, and started feeding the dragon cub.
"Yeah, like that. Eh, you are as good as your brother Charlie" said Hagrid. Ron, though, was so busy he did not hear the comment.
"So, Hagrid, about Norbert?" asked Harry
"Oh. Yeah, he's supposed to leave in three days. I tried to ask for more time, but Dumbledore himsel' said we are pushing it now" said the men, sitting at the table and keeping his head down.
"I see" said Harry simply, while watching Ron and keeping an hand on his wand. Hagrid did not answer.
"Where is he going, anyway? Somewhere near?"
"A dragon reserve in central Europe. Don't remember where – I am still going to visit him there, of course" said Hagrid.
"Central Europe? Could be the one where my brother Charlie works, you know?" said Ron.
"Maybe. I would be happy knowing he has friendly faces around him – in case the other dragons boss him around" said worriedly Hagrid, watching the dragon again.
"He'll be fine, you raised him well. Everyone's was impressed by your part of the classes, Hagrid, as much as with Kettleburn" said Harry.
"Really?" asked Hagrid, finally smiling.
"Oh yeah, no one thought you could do such a good job!" said enthusiastically Ron, only to turn a little red when he caught Hagrid's dropping face "Ehm, I meant it in a good way" he said hurriedly, turning towards them. The dragon screeched, protesting for the sudden lack of food.
"Mmmhh. Anyway, yes, Kettleburn was really satisfied. In fact, he suggested that he could start training me to take his place, next year!" said happily the huge man.
"I can see you as a professor, Hagrid. You just need to learn how to handle a bunch of kids" said Harry smiling.
"Ow, come on Harry, he is already good enough! And what do you mean, a bunch of kids? You are younger than me" complained Ron, folding his arms. The dragon tried to reach the now unavailable meat, but Ron's arms stopped him.
"I think I'll be all right, Harry. How hard can it be?" said Hagrid.
Coincidentally that was the moment the dragon, annoyed, screeched again and tried to bite Ron's arm. Harry, that had been expecting it for a while, cast "Accio" and all but dragged Ron on the opposite side of the table like a rag doll.
"You have the knowledge, all right" said Harry to the surprised groundskeeper, while placing his wand back into his robes "but a good teacher has other qualities, too." Meanwhile, Ron was moaning on the floor.
"I would have preferred the bite, Harry" he complained, moaning and rubbing his head.
"Yeh wouldn't. And… you are smart Harry, maybe yeh'r right. I'll ask Kettleburn about it" said Hagrid, standing up and recovering the scattered pieces of meat – those that were not already being munched on by Norbert.
"We brought enough chaos here, i would say" said Harry standing up. Ron followed suit, although he rose from the floor.
"Nah, yeh'r always welcome at me Harry. And make sure to come back in three days, to give Norbert a final greeting" said Hagrid, but without turning.
"Bye Hagrid. Bye Norbert" said unsure Ron.
"Good night Hagrid" said Harry, opening the door ad walking out. It was pitch black, with only the lights of the castle showing where it exactly was.
"He is weird, but ok I guess" said finally Ron, once they were a little far from the hut.
"He is" said simply Harry, having exhausted his desire to chat.
"Thanks for inviting me, Harry. Oh, and for the dragon thing too" said Ron.
"It's ok, no big deal. And you were right, who knows when we will see another dragon?"
"Right! Well, to be honest, my family is planning to visit Charlie eventually" said sheepishly Ron.
"Charlie. Both you and Hagrid kept naming him. Your… brother?" questioned Harry in a puzzled voice.
"Yes, one of the many. I have five older brothers, and one little sister. You know she is a fan of yours?"
"Is that why you invited me at your home, back at Malfoy's party?" asked ironically Harry, slightly in a good mood again.
"No! I just... wanted to balance his invite. You should not trust Slytherins, Harry."
"I am an Hufflepuff, I can't help it" said Harry, laughing softly. Roan just groaned.
Meanwhile, they were back at the castle.
"That's it. See you in class, Ron" said Harry, stepping back towards his own common room.
"Thanks again, Harry. Good night" said Ron smiling, and waving his hand.