Here is the third chapter. Do let me know your thoughts, feedback, and any suggestions for improvement. Your support means a lot!

Posted: July 25, 2024


Chapter 3: The Classes II

If anyone were to ask what Harry's favorite place in Hogwarts was, the library would be his answer. It was the second week of September, and Harry was sitting in a secluded corner, his spot.

The classes were going as he had expected. Professor McGonagall had started on Vanishing Spells and the intricate details involved in transforming living creatures. Charms with Professor Flitwick had begun with the revision of spells they had been taught till now including summoning and banishing charm, he hoped that half goblin would soon start something interesting.

Defense Against the Dark Arts was turning out to be the worst class. Potions was the usual nightmare with Snape.

'That Umbridge is certainly planning something,' Harry thought. From what he had heard from others, she seemed to be trying to goad Longbottom into making mistakes, setting him up for some sort of trouble.


Standing up, having done for the day, he walked out of the library, giving Madam Pince a respectful bow. It was after dinner, and there was still some time until curfew. 'I can visit Helena,' he thought.

Walking towards the Astronomy Tower, a place he usually found her or where she often revealed herself, Harry climbed the steps, feeling the cool night air as he reached the top. The stars were beginning to twinkle in the darkening sky, and the silhouette of the Black Lake reflected the crescent moon.

He searched the area, looking out of the window and waiting for her to arrive. The gentle breeze touched him, and the tranquility of the moment allowed Harry to relax.

"What brings you here today, Harry?" He heard the voice of his favorite ghost.

He turned and saw the said ghost, Helena Ravenclaw. She was a tall and elegant figure, draped in a flowing silver gown that shimmered like moonlight. Her long, dark hair cascaded down her back, and her eyes held an ethereal glow, reflecting centuries of wisdom and sorrow.

Smiling with a playful smirk on his face, he replied, "My, my, Helena, am I disturbing you so much that you immediately ask me such a question?"

The ghost wasn't amused and shook her head. Seeing he would get no amusing reply from her, he continued, "I just came to meet you. Besides, someone has to keep you company; otherwise, you will become lonely again," he spoke with a light tone.

"Says the loneliest person in the current student batch," Helena snarked back playfully.

"What can I say? I enjoy your company better than anyone else's," he replied playfully.

The ghost didn't reply but silently stood beside him, looking out of the tower window.

They stood there in silence reigning between them for a few minutes, "I heard he's back. It won't be long before he makes a move on Hogwarts," Helena spoke, breaking the silence. There was some sort of hidden pain in her voice.

"That's why I plan to leave this country as soon as possible. I have no desire to involve myself in the brewing war," he replied. From the moment it was confirmed by Dumbledore that Voldemort was back, Harry had decided he would leave the country. But he hadn't completed his O.W.L.s, and no one decent would hire him or give him any value if he didn't even have those. After eavesdropping on Order meetings, he had concluded that while Voldemort was back, he was still preparing, which meant Harry still had time.

"Oh, I hadn't thought you would decide not to fight," Helena spoke. There was surprise in her voice, and was it some sort of sadness he saw flicker on her face?

"Well, war is not good. My parents fought it, and saw where it led them. My godfather was wrongly incarcerated before they found out he was innocent after six years. See what happened to their charge, There was no one to take care of him." Harry spoke as early childhood years played at the forefront of his mind "I have no plans to fight. Besides, what can a wizard still in school contribute to a war?" he added.

Helena nodded and smiled. "That is so like you—such a calm and logical decision. I can support that."

They stood there for a moment, silently gazing out at the serene landscape of broke the silence, "You know, sometimes I wonder if it's worth it, running away. But then I think about the chaos of the war. I just want to live a normal life, without all this chaos and explore the magic. Maybe if I had been more skilled and knowledgeable I would have decided to give some contribution but for now there is nothing I can do about it."


It was Thursday, and Ancient Runes was on the schedule for today. Along with Care of Magical Creatures, it was one of Harry's elective courses. Last week, Professor Babbling had given a brief introduction on what they would be doing this year, including the study of advanced rune translations and the practical applications of runes in magical artifacts.

Professor Babbling sat behind her desk, her long, dark hair neatly tied back, and her robes looked a bit ruffled but that had always been the case with her. The classroom was filled with shelves of ancient texts and rune-inscribed artifacts.

Harry took his seat in the third row. Unlike other classes, Ancient Runes had students from all four houses. He could already see Granger sitting in the front row, partnering with Patil, the Ravenclaw twin. Nearby, Susan Bones was partnering with Hannah Abbott. Terry Boot from his house was working with Zacharias Smith. From Slytherin, Tracey Davis and Blaise Zabini were seated in one corner, before he could continue observing his classmates for the subject his eyes landed on his partner for this class, Daphne Greengrass.

"Potter," she spoke as she took a seat beside him.

"Greengrass," he replied.

Professor Babbling stood up and addressed the class. "Good morning, everyone. Today, we will be diving into the study of Norse runes, focusing on the Elder Futhark. This ancient alphabet consists of 24 runes, each with its own meaning and magical properties. Our goal is to understand the significance of each rune and how they can be used in modern spellwork and enchantments. For example, the rune 'Fehu,' symbolizing wealth and prosperity, can be used in enchantments to attract financial success. We will also look at the practical applications of runes in protective wards and charms."

As she lectured, Professor Babbling demonstrated the runes on the board, their meanings, and their practical uses in various magical contexts.


After the lecture, as the students were packing up their things, Greengrass turned to Harry. "So, do you plan on studying for the runes project?"

Harry looked at her and then nodded. "I will be at the library after dinner," he spoke understanding her intention. 'I need a partner for the project anyway'," he thought.

Greengrass gave a small nod. "Alright, I'll meet you there."

Harry collected his things and headed out of the classroom. Ancient Runes was challenging, but he found it fascinating. The complexity and depth of runic magic intrigued him.

They had to make a project this year and having a competent partner like Greengrass might actually make the project more manageable.


So, this was for the third chapter. I will try to come up with the next one soon…. Hopefully. I appreciate any feedback and constructive criticism you can offer. Thank you for taking the time to read my story!