Harry Potter: The Rise Chapter 20: Scorched, a harry potter fanfic

Chapter 20: Scorched

I do not own Harry Potter

Author's Notes:

A notable time jump in this chapter. But this gives me the opportunity to incorporate Sirius into the story more substantially, which I've seen many of you want. Besides, as far as I know, I am not missing out any major events in this jump.

Padfoot returns!

Next Chapter - The Truth About Sirius Black

Enjoy!

A few weeks ago, inside the Chamber of Secrets

"You know I'm trying to fight Dementors, right? Fire? Seriously?" Harry asked skeptically

"Seriously" Salazar stated simply

"If its that easy then why even bother with the patronus?"

"I never said it was easy." Slytherin highlighted "The patronus proved to be increasingly difficult in wartime. The general glumness and personal tragedy made it even harder to conjure them. It was clear an alternative was needed. During the First War of Civilizations, fought between humans and 'monsters', the Dementors joined the latter. Several great minds of the realm, including myself were summoned to act as advisors and inventors. I alongside the Greek mage Harabolos lead a team which succeeded in solving the 'Patronus Problem', as it was called back then."

"Wait" interjected Harry "so there's been another solution for an entire millennium?!"

Instead of answering, Salazar simply folded his arms and gazed back at his mentee.

Harry stared back confusedly for a few seconds, before...

"Oh, right... interrupted you..." he awkwardly staggered, looking sheepish.

Salazar rolled his eyes and gave out a long sigh before picking up where he left off

"Yes, there is another alternative" the founder affirmed "But it is hardly as elegant as the patronus. Speaking of the spell, you are aware how the patronus is a projection powered by happiness and hope?"

Harry gave a nod in response and continued to listen intently

"Well our spell was the anti-thesis. We were intrigued by the influence of one's emotions on the success of the spell. We thought, if 'positive' emotions could be used in a spell, then why not the so called 'negative' ones too... We created a spell fueled by anger, frustration...hate... all moods much more in line with the mood of the time, and hence, much easily usable by the common fighters. A convenient solution...in theory."

Salazar took a pause, as if looking for ways to best describe what he wanted to say. He looked visibly strained, as if haunted recalling the ordeal.

"...In reality, I had just made the biggest mistake of my life." he declared painfully

"What happened?"

"Our experiment had stagnated. 14 months in, and neither had we found a dementor-specific spell like the patronus, or something with the appropriate power to at least kill one. In a eureka moment, I suggested to Harabolos that we at focus our efforts on power rather than specificity, so as to have something to pitch to the monarchs financing our research. Considering our line of thought, I proposed we have the most sadistic men in existence help in our trials..."

"They definitely had the best chance to materialize what you wanted... did it work?" asked Harry

"Exceptionally"

"But - ooooh" expressed Harry, piecing together what might have gone wrong

"Yes. My speculation was correct. Too correct. Harabolos secured the participation of an old imprisoned war criminal. He botched the execution... To this day I'm not sure what exactly caused the divergence from our formula, though I strongly suspect Harabolos intended the botch. Whatever it was, that convict accidentally created a walking catastrophe. A ravaging fire broke out, so intense that even my research partner and myself couldn't contain it. It didn't just scorch everything in its path, it annihilated it out of existence. You may know it as -"

"-fiendfyre!" hollered Harry

"Fiendfyre" repeated Salazar with a head shake. "The perfect storm that was created leads me to believe Harabolos INTENDED for the botch to happen... perhaps he created the variation but didn't want to risk testing it on himself... I can never know for sure. All I know is I triggered the chain of events that lead to the creation of the most destructive spell in history." declared a demented Salazar

On one hand Harry wanted to blame and berate Salazar, but on the other he knew it was an accident, and Slytherin looked genuinely appalled at the result. And in any case, it didn't look like Harry could bring any realization to the ancient wizard that he hadn't already experienced.

"You know I think you're right" agreed Harry "That worked out too well to be an accident. Even if you gave the idea, you really couldn't have known what would happen... so stop being such a loser!" said Harry, trying to cheer up the upset founder.

"You lecturing people on feeling guilty about things outside your control?" Salazar replied with a raised eyebrow "Ironic. But thank you for your words, they're a much kinder response than most would give... It is what it is, even if I know I am not to blame, the guilt will stick with me... "

"What happened next?" Harry asked, not willing to talk anymore about what Slytherin had just said, for he knew exactly what he was talking about.

"I tried to convince Harabolos to shut down the project and walk away" distant looking Salazar continued "Once I realized he did not share my conscience, I attempted to stop him by force... He got the better of me"

"Why didn't he kill you?"

"Because he didn't beat me in battle... just in my own game - cunning"

Flashback

|Aretuza Research Station |Oxford |Medieval England |

"Stand down" Salazar aid with a tone finality, his wand aimed towards his estranged companion

"Fool! We stand at a transformative moment in wizard kind! Think of what we could do with such power at our disposal! Do you truly wish to turn your back on this momentous occasion!"

"I am thinking exactly that. Think what could happen if such destructive knowledge fell into the wrong hands! Has this war not provided enough bloodshed already?" pleaded Salazar

"Narrow minded" dismissed Harabolos "Not only could we end this war before Samhain, we could decimate even the Muggle armadas in the blink of an eye!"

"And our own!" cried Salazar

Harabolos seemed to consider what Salazar had said to him. "You are correct. We must not publicize this knowledge. Forgive my moment of foolish indulgence" he said solemnly, before he began to retreat towards his study.

"Halt" called out Salazar, wand still pointed at his research partner

"Yes?" came an innocent response

"Saying you will not publicize it is the same as you destroying it. You plan on using it for yourself, don't you?" damned Salazar

Harabolos gave what could only be described as a truly disturbing grin "Cunning, aren't you?"

"Stand down. Final warn-"

The entire room was engulfed by Fiendfyre. While his back was turned, the Greek wizard had discreetly cast an imperious curse at the convict that lay depleted and forgotten on the cold floor of their laboratory.

Fiendfyre now separated the two former collaborators, and threatened to spread to the rest of the facility at any moment.

"What now, friend? Pursue me or let dozens of wizards and countless valuable works to perish?" he posed the question with a smirk.

Salazar gave a frustrated snarl before making the only choice his conscience allowed him to make, as he rushed to the exit, and launched messenger patronuses ordering evacuation.

A victorious Harabolos calmly went the opposite way, callously ignoring his test volunteer's cries for help, and on his way to collect whatever he needed from his private study. He apparated soon after, eager to perfect the accidentally created spell.

"Cunning, aren't you?" he said to himself

Present Day

"We escaped as soon as we could... I requested an audience with the kings the next day"

"What'd they say?" prodded Harry

"I was disgraced" Salazar said bitterly "They needed a scapegoat for the failed experiment, and my head was served on a platter. I was put on trial, alongside my fugitive partner."

"Trial?! For what!" an indignant Harry protested "For working on a project they sanctioned?! Or for working with a power-hungry psychopath THEY hired?!"

"Prolonging their reigns was their biggest priority... what if the people found out the spell that would wreak such unimaginable havoc was a creation of imperial actions? They had to have some sort of proof of taking cognizance of the matter."

"My partner was declared a fugitive, vaguely charged with 'gross misconduct' during the mission" sneered Salazar "Speaking of the man" he added casually "you may know him by a new name he fashioned himself... Herpo"

"Your partner was Herpo the foul!?" came a comically outraged reaction

"Not for several years did he have that name... but yes. I helped one of the most notorious wizards in history create the most infamous spell there is" he declared in self-damnation

Harry blabbered for a few seconds, unable to form a coherent sentence, before managing "You know he's literally the boogeyman of the wizarding world right?!"

"He was one of Riddle's idols. The first man in history to create a horcrux... and a fellow parselmouth, credited with having bred the first basilisk"

"Of courrrrssse the parselmouth was a psychotic tyrant!" Harry mock groaned "Really need to reform this club"

"Ah yes, your ghastly sense of humor. And here I was beginning to like you" snarked Slytherin

" You wouldn't know humor if it came back as your dead basilisk and bit you...That reminds me, he bred the first basilisk? Did you ask him to give you one? Ya know, as a courtesy for gifting him Fiendfyre" humored Harry with a chuckle

"Actually he did" Salazar remarked "Got it a few days after the trial. 'Basilisk egg. We're even.' is more or less what the note said" he said at once, categorically ignoring the befuddled expression on his student's face.

"That- You know what, not even gonna question it" sighed Harry

"It proved to be useful too. Twice it came to the rescue of the castle when it was attacked during the Second War of Civilizations. My basilisk had more to do with the defeat of the orcs' charge than the chivalry of the Auror Corps... the numbers they lost in that battle played a significant role in their eventual extinction. Perhaps a posthumous award - The Order of Merlin, was it, is in order?" he ended with an uncharacteristic chortle

"How did I ever beat that thing" marveled Harry "Not regretting it one bit though" he added hastily "Anyway, what happened to you?"

"I was unofficially barred from ever being employed by any of those monarchs, lost out on an honor my own king was slated to bestow me with, the project was disavowed and I was forbidden from ever mentioning it, in person or will" Salazar especially emphasized the last part

The Gryffindor caught onto what he was thinking "... but they said nothing about you telling someone as a painting" he said with a grin

"Correct" appreciated Salazar "And neither did they bar me from pursuing the already done work... such was the hasty nature of the hearing. I am pleased to tell you I secretly finished the original project "

Harry jolted his neck upwards "Its complete?!" he asked anxiously, not willing to risk another confrontation with a dementor to luck

Slytherin grin grew even wider "It is. Following the war, and a harsh treaty, dementors seized to be a problem... at least until the ministry foolishly decided to incorporate them into their prison structure. But in my time, with my project having been disavowed, I had no reason or obligation to turn over my work. That is why you are unaware of it... Oh, and they never said anything about SOMEONE ELSE mentioning...or say publishing it" he said, positively delighted "So feel free to use it in public if necessary."

"Can we try your spell first?" asked Harry "I've been trying the patronus since the summer"

"I was going to suggest the same" agreed Salazar "The only drawback is that it is not exclusive to dementors, so you will still need to be careful while using it... which we can rectify with practice... We can always come back to the patronus later."

"So what do I need to get started?"

Present Day

Learning the alternate to the patronus was by no means easy. It required immense effort and precision. Additionally, by the very nature of the spell, safety was an issue. So, before Harry could even start to learn the spell, he had a lot of pre-prep to do. One of those was the construction of an anti-fire rune mechanism, to flog the chamber with water in case the spell went wrong. That also meant creation of an activation mechanism, in this case a button, and learning the out of syllabus Agumenti spell, to have a reliable and close-by source of water for the rune.

It was a long, tedious and complicated task, but Harry, guided by his 3 mentors form the beyond, managed to create a workable model.

Moreover, the ever resourceful Harry found a way to re-purpose it for his class.

"Mr. Potter. Please come to the podium with your project" called out the voice of Bathsheba Babbling from the first seat in the class.

"Yes Miss" Harry called out, swiftly getting up form his seat and moving towards the designated spot, facing a 30-strong class, the lowest for a course in their year.

"So, Mr. Potter" Professor Babbling asked, more inquisitive than intimidating "What is your project?"

"I have created a fire-fighting system ma'am" the student answered crisply

"A bold choice. Any inspiration for the project?"

While the honest answer would have been 'I didn't wanna risk burning myself to a crisp trying to learn how to kill evil soul-sucking demons', but Harry had a much more friendly and charming answer.

"Forest fires are a huge problem in both our world, and the Muggle one. Sometimes they destroy hundreds of acres worth of trees which create the oxygen for us to breathe in and house countless species of animals. They are an environmental catastrophe which, in my opinion, that doesn't get enough attention. A concept called 'Climate Change' is leading to more and more of these, and governments across the globe are having trouble keeping up. Even magic can't restore the damage done, since the flora and fauna are already dead. A recent fire in the Shoshone National Park in the state of Wyoming, MACUSA drew my interest in the matter. This project is a miniature, and hopefully practical model of 24/7 fire-fighters to prevent loss of biodiversity."

Professor Babbling looked pleasantly surprised and discreetly made some sort of symbol in her sheet. There was even some polite applause from the class, mostly from muggleborn or muggle-raised children.

"A succinct explanation. As someone who is very much aware of muggle-affairs, allow me to complement the utility and potential of your project. Well done!"

"Thank you miss" Harry curtsied with a smile and a small bow. 'Am I resourceful or what?'

"But now for the most important part" Babbling started at once "The performance"

"Fairly uncomplicated miss" Harry replied "It detects fire... fire - not smoke and releases water based on how intense a fire it detects and locks onto the source." he explained

"Simple yet effective" complimented the Runes professor "And what of storage Mr. Potter? Seeing that your conduit is not bigger than a brick, I'm guessing expansion charms?"

"No, miss" the Gryffindor contradicted "That's where my second rune comes in. This conduit is just a detector" he continued as he unholstered his wand and waved it to turn the runestone over, revealing what a distinct design as compared to the other three sides.

With another wave, the conduit separated into two pieces, both with multiple crests and troughs that made them look like puzzle pieces that fit together perfectly. The bark-colored piece is the sensor, with detection spells good for about six months, after which they'll need to be re-applied. The second part is the actual 'fire-fighter'. It is connected to a second rune placed in a water-tank, and currently works for a distance of 5 kilometers, which you are free to verify. The detector rune activates the 'fountain' rune as I call it."

Harry could tell that Babbling was thoroughly impressed, as were his classmates for that matter. The Professor conducted a quick test on the rune and found they worked as advertised. "My my, Mr. Potter. You've really hit it out of the park on this one! Excellent project, well done!"

The Gryffindor was pleased with himself as he walked off to polite applause from his comrades. Just seconds later, the bell rang, signaling the end of the session. He was greeted just outside of the classroom by Hermione "Harry, that was brilliant! Surely Babbling will give you full marks!"

"Thanks, Hermione, you were great too!" While she seemed happy for him, he could tell she knew she was outdone by him on this evaluation and didn't like it one bit. He decided not to sour her, and consequentially his, mood for the rest of the day and started looking for ways to change the topic.

"That's 25% of our final grade... I hope she's not marking relatively I'm in trouble! Yours was way better!" she fumbled neurotically

"Hermione there is no relative marking" he reassured "Believe me, everyone would be in big trouble if that were the case and you pulled off 102% on Transfiguration!" he said with a laugh

"Why fire safety though?" she asked

"Well there was thing on BBC I saw back in the summer... Anyway, full steam ahead for Quidditch now!" he exclaimed

"Right, the 'Halloween Showdown'" Hermione said, making air quotes "...Hufflepuff were trounced by the EXACT same players not 4 months ago! Honestly, what do they expect!"

"I wouldn't be too confident" Harry said at once "Diggory's put together a pretty solid team this year... 4 new players"

"How does it matter!" jumped in Ron, arriving onto the scene

"Hello to you too, Ronald" said Hermione "and I wasn't aware Hufflepuff had an overhaul?" she questioned

"Uh-huh" confirmed Harry "Their old captain gave up his position, and Diggory won a vote to become the new skipper. One of their beaters and the seeker graduated, and Diggory additionally brought in two new Chasers, and took the seeker position himself. Gryffindor turned it around with 3 new players - me, Bell and Alicia. Hufflepuff has three new players too - four if you count Diggory in a new spot."

Ron let out a whistle "Not the same Hufflepuff, apparently they're killing it in practice too"

"Hmph, well it won't matter, would it?" Hermione attempted at encouraging the Gryffindor seeker "Gryffindor has the best seeker Hogwarts has seen in years, don't they?" she remarked with a nudge to the raven-haired of the three

"5-0, invincible in official competition!" proclaimed Ron, playfully thumping Harry's shoulders, as he often did.

However, this time, Harry hissed in pain.

"Harry, are you alright?" asked a concerned Hermione

"What? Me? Yeah, I'm good just... cramps in training" he muttered, attempting to hide his discomfort.

The spell Harry had been working on was notoriously hard to control. Like the patronus, it too presented its unique challenges, but a lack of progress in the patronus had forced him to explore the option. He had burnt himself multiple times already, the latest being on his shoulders, which still hadn't recovered.

Harry had once turned up to Flitwick's dueling class with a burnt and bandaged left hand, which sparked skepticism from the Charms master, prompting him to stop practicing it entirely 2 days before his lessons. Add to that breaks he was forced to take to heal from the self-inflicted damage, and time already passed in creating the rune system, and he was in no position to safely use it against dementors any time soon.

Unfortunately, circumstances would force his hand.

"Thank you for coming and welcome to the opener of the 1993 Quidditch Season!" boomed Lee Jordan's voice around the stadium "It is POURING here today, but that won't break our spirits, will it, people?"

The audience in approval, not to be deterred, even if they wouldn't be able to see the day's action. The Hogwarts intelligentsia were fanatically devoted to the sport.

"I have it on good authority that Professor Snape wanted to cancel today's match, so there's another reason to hate the - just kidding Professor!"

"Jordan the weather has he positively infuriated already! I do not have the patience to deal with your hooliganism!" barked McGonagall

"Introducing first!" transitioned Lee "They're the dark horses! They're the hipster's bet! They're the badgers resurrected! Wizards, give it up for the team of McIntyre, Smith, Humberston, Paul, Cavendish, Stokes AAANNNNDDD Diggory - HUFFLEPUFF"

Harry watched from the other side of the tunnel as his opponents took flight one by one, determined looks on their faces. Hufflepuff had finished rock-bottom three years running, and this new team looked determined to change that. He also noticed Lee had complimented them generously... unless you wore green, he was actually quite unbiased.

"New captain and seeker Diggory leads a fresh-faced team. They're determined to reverse their house's fortunes, but also inexperienced... will mere pre-season training prove to be enough? Because they are up against a team widely acknowledged to be the best this institution has seen in years... taking flight are the reigning champions - Wood, Bell, Johnson, Spinnet, Weasley, Wealsey, AAAAAAANNNNNNNNND Potter! Presenting to you - GRRRYYYIIINNNFFFINDOR!"

There was an extra panache in Lee's voice as he introduced his house-mates. This very same team had ended Gryffindor's agonizing drought in the championship. This was a remarkable third consecutive season with the same starting seven, but sadly their final, since Wood would be graduating this year. This only stood to raise the stakes for the Reds, who were eager to give the cult hero a deserving send off.

Taking flight once his name was announced, Harry took in the drastically different playing conditions than the ones he was used to playing under, at least in official matches. Every match he had played so far had featured clear blue skies and a cool, relaxing wind.

Today could not have been more different. Dark grey clouds stretched all across the horizon. The wind was violent and creating turbulence in their flight, and the rain was preventing them from seeing any more than the end of their brooms.

Madam Hooch kicked off the game, and they were underway.

It was easily the toughest game Harry had ever played. Not only was it nigh impossible to see the snitch, he also had to rely mostly on his hearing for any bludgers that may be onto him. Harry and Cedric hovered above the pitch in close proximity, neither willing to risk leaving the snitch to the other on their own... not in these conditions, where spottings were so rare.

Speaking of his rival, Harry had to say Diggory was no slouch. While he was tall for a seeker, he more than made up for the deficiencies induced by his height with physicality and maneuvering. Harry even took time to study his pattern, considering he himself was transitioning from a short, lean stature to what was looking to be a tall and imposing figure. The average height of a 13 year old British boy was under 5 ft 2. Harry was already 5 ft 3. The pair of rituals he had done back in June were working as advertised.

The first 15 minutes were a wild goose chase with Harry only occasionally spotting the snitch, before losing it within moments. Thankfully his rival seeker seemed to be encountering the same problem. If anything, it was almost certainly even worse for Cedric, considering Harry's enhanced eyesight.

The Gryffindor's odds would further improve when he would come across Hermione in the stands, who applied an Impervious charm on his goggles, significantly boosting his visibility.

However, very much against the odds, it was Cedric that spotted the snitch in a catchable position. At first, the younger of the two thought that it might be a feint, but chose not to risk it. A wise decision, since Cedric had indeed seen the snitch. The third-year started playing catch up to the Hufflepuff, both seekers haphazardly zooming across the field in pursuit.

As the seconds ticked on, Harry started to catch up, having the chaser's advantage. They were now neck and neck, soaring upwards in the steps of the golden snitch's flight, when suddenly visibility became the least of Harry's worries.

He was hit with a paralyzing chill.

Dementors.

In the blink of an eye, Harry lost all perception of the snitch and Diggory, as he began falling into a twice-familiar trance.

'Step aside, foolish girl!' rang the cold, high voice of Lord Voldemort.

He could feel his grip on the handle loosening. They were currently about 200 feet in the air... he was going to plummet to his death if he didn't act soon.

The third time proved to be the charm for the victim, as he realized this time he wasn't helpless. He had a spell to fightback... which he hadn't perfected.

He had to make a decision soon, otherwise it would be taken from his hands entirely. On one hand he could risk firing a spell which he knew he didn't have full control over, and had already injured him several times.

Or he could just let gravity take him and hope someone saves him.

Hell no.

He was going to fight.

With a flick of the wrist his wand slid into his right hand.

'Avada Kedavra!'

A jet of green light struck Lily Potter squarely on her chest, as she fell onto the ground lifeless.

Voldemort sneered and moved past the lifeless body, eyeing his final victim

'H-'

Harry snapped back into reality. He quickly snapped his fingers shut to prevent his wand from falling from his grip entirely, before realizing he had almost fallen off his broom. He couldn't even make out what direction he was flying in.

Realizing he had to act now, he concentrated as hard as he could, trying to push out the memory he was being forced to relive. Once he had a semblance of control over his mind, he started thinking of everything that made him mad. He pictured Vernon throwing him into the cupboard, he recalled walking back alone from school to avoid meeting Dudley on the way, he recollected the cold treatment given to him when they found out he was a parselmouth, he remembered Snape's taunting of his father, and most of all he ironically held onto the memory the dementors were giving him - Voldemort murdering his family.

He combined all of his frustration and anger and focused, pointing his wand as far away from himself as he could, and chanted "Ufferni Cynndaredd!"

Blue, scorching hot flames materialized, lashing out violently, particularly where there were dementors.

In the blink of an eye, the tables had turned. As the dementors frantically scurried away, they were met with Harry's new spell, literally translating to 'hell's fury'. Azkaban's guards were met with the brilliance of one of Hogwarts' founders, and his newest apprentice. It was the first time Harry realized the potential he held, as he watched wide-eyed how while magic was beautiful, it could be equally cruel.

Down in the stands, Dumbledore had been confused to see Harry and Cedric veer off their course so awkwardly. By the time he realized what was happening, it was too late - the dementors were already swarming the Gryffindor seeker. He rushed to the railing and prepared to fire a patronus, eyes closed in concentration, only to have his focus broken as he heard a violent crackle in the air.

He watched motionlessly as dementors were swarmed by a fire acting as if it were sentient, able to see where the monstrous beings were.

He noticed Harry teetering on his broom, and realized he was having a hard time controlling what he had just unleashed.

"Severus!" he called to his Potions Master, who was in the same stand as him

"Headmaster" Snape mumbled, drawing his own wand in case the fires spread to their stand

"Conjure a shield and start evacuating the students!" he ordered at once, hurrying down to the pitch without a glance back.

Harry's luck finally ran out.

He was caught by a wave himself, and screamed in pain as the flames scorched through the fabric of his jersey as if it weren't even there, and burnt his left arm and torso .

It was like getting bitten by the basilisk all over again. That was the only appropriate comparison. He miraculously hung on, but his celebration would be short lived. The smell of burning wood drew his attention, and he turned to see his broom had also caught fire.

He collapsed into free-fall, him hanging on by the skin of his teeth, desperately trying to control the landing.

As he descended, he finally noticed what was going around him. Students were being escorted out, and some teachers, including the air-bound Hooch were trying to contain and lapse the fire, which died out seconds after Harry was no longer casting. There was no source in the air, was it?

He also saw Fred and George circling below him, to catch him in case he fell off.

As Harry circled downwards he knew once again he had to do something or leave it to chance. But this time he found himself putting in a losing effort. Exhausted from the draining spell and in mind-numbing agony from the burns, he found himself powerless to do anything.

"Arresto Momentum!"

Harry's nose-dive slowed down, almost to a halt.

It was Dumbledore, rushing onto the pitch with Madam Pomfrey and her medical assistance in toe.

Fred and George quickly scooped up their teammate, carefully bringing him to the ground, and putting out any residual fires on his badly charred clothing.

"Medic!" they yelled in unison, thankful to see them already on their way.

They took a closer look at their seeker. He had passed out, and only the slow irregular heaving of his chest signaled to them that he was still alive. The injuries, however, were gruesome, especially around his rib cage. They silently thanked the wonders of magic again, because they would otherwise be looking at what would leave lifelong scars.

Harry was placed onto a stretcher and immediately Madam Pomfrey got to work, frantically waving her wand in crisscrossing patterns, accompanied by a horrified Gryffindor Quidditch team, Ron, Hermione and Dumbledore.

Sirius watched the events unfold with fright.

It had all happened so quickly... except that fall, which were easily the longest moments of his life. He inwardly mumbled a thank you to the two boys that had helped him in the air, and swore to thank them, once he could.

Whether the feast was cancelled or not, he needed to sneak in and find Pettigrew. He noticed the orange cat signal him to follow. He eagerly complied. This had gone on for long enough.

But first, a stop to the hospital wing was in order.

End notes:

In hindsight, this chapter seems a tad unnecessary, with how much history I fictionalize, but it does show Harry's lone struggle, which one establishes character, and two, will become a point in his growing distrust of Dumbledore, a major point later in the story. Thirdly, with Pettigrew gone, what could be Sirius' big incentive to sneak into the castle, and force a meet with Harry?

Lastly, its a way of ending the arc of the basilisk story, which always felt incomplete to me.

Took some liberties with the timeline, but this way I got to carry forwards the 'Halloween Curse'.

Thanks for reading!