Harry potter and the Time of Retirement
Everything related to Harry Potter belongs to JKR
Chapter 77 – Year 4
"This concludes our tour" said, quietly, the Durmstrang student. "You are welcome now to walk around our ship, so long as you don't enter inside our private rooms or the office of Principal Karkaroff. There are wards, so heed this order."
"Mister Friendship" commented Justin in a low voice, as the older boy turned and left without a word more. "I wonder if their smiles freeze too in their school."
"Come on, they have been welcoming enough" said Ernie, while looking out of a small, circular hatch. "And I enjoyed this visit. It's my first time inside a ship."
"I feel a little sick" said Hannah, closing her eyes.
"You gotta be kidding" said Megan, scoffing. "We are sailing in a lake. This bathtub is barely moving."
"I still feel bad" countered Hannah, glaring at Megan.
"Get out on the deck, Hannah. Some fresh air might help you" said Harry, himself busy examining the wide mess hall in which they had been left – them and all the other 4th year students.
It was a normal saturday, and the various "activities" promoted by the combined faculties of the three schools continued unabated. In fact, after the first trial, they even got more frequent.
They didn't have joint classes yet, even if some of the head of houses had hinted at them. But each professors dedicated some time here and there to the differences between the various way each school applied magic, and Hooch had promoted already a couple friendly, champions-free, quidditch matches with mixed teams from all three schools.
The tour of Durmstrang's ship was part of it. With an hour dedicated to each year of Hogwarts – and one specifically for Beauxbatons – it was supposed to take all day; Hogwarts' 4th year students getting the midday slot, right after lunch.
"Do you think next week will be Beauxbaton's time to host us?" asked Sally to Harry, stepping closer to him. Meanwhile, all the other students were mixing with each other, talking or walking away to other corners of the ship.
"Maybe" said Harry. "I am not sure their carriage is all that interesting, to be honest. Not compared to a ship, or our castle."
"Don't be so sure" said Sally. "I spoke with some of their girls, they said it's a real palace inside. A smaller version of how their school is."
"And their school is?" asked Harry, intrigued.
"If you ask them, much prettier than ours" answered Sally, rolling her eyes. "Several beautiful palaces between the mountain, with juuust the prettiest fountain in the middle."
"Eh" laughed softly Harry. "I don't care what they say. I prefer Hogwarts."
"Their uniforms are a bit better, though" said Sally, only for Harry to laugh even more in return. "Not if you are a man. Plus, they keep shivering even when they are indoor. Here in Scotland those could be summer uniforms at best, if you ask me."
"I would never ask you for fashion advices, Harry" teased him Sally, smiling. "What are those two doing?" she asked, suddenly. Harry turned, and saw one of the Ravenclaws, Michael Corner, being all but surrounded by the Gryffindor girls – with Ron in the background, whistling and hooting.
As they watched, Lavender shook her head and took a step back, immediately surrounded by the other girls. Corner, desolate, turned and walked away with some of the other boys from Ravenclaw patting his back or making jokes.
"I think she just asked Lavender out. Maybe for the ball" said Harry.
"He should have checked with her friends, first" argued Sally. "Lavender is already going with Seamus, he asked her last week already."
"If you try directly, though, you are showing courage" said Harry, nodding slightly. "Nothing worse for a boy to slime around and act all subtle if he likes a girl."
"Bold words, for someone that is not planning to do that himself" said Sally, giggling.
"If I was planning to ask a girl out, I would do exactly what Michael just did" countered Harry with a shrug. "He did nothing to be ashamed of."
"They will tease him, though" said Sally.
"Probably" admitted Harry. "And what about you, did anyone ask you to the ball already?"
"Yes, a 6th year student from Gryffindor. I said no" she answered, moving her gaze away.
"I thought you wanted to go" said Harry, surprised.
"I still want to" admitted Sally "but he was… it almost seemed like he was asking randomly. Barely introduced himself, too. Wasn't that cute either."
"Poor sod" said Harry, evenly. "Maybe in his year all girls are taken already, and he has no idea whom to ask."
"Maybe, but that is so not my problem" said Sally, rolling her eyes. "Maybe I should go and console Michael, you know? He is not bad looking."
"Go get him, tiger" said Harry. Looking at her, though, he could see some irritation in her eyes. He kept smiling, until she sighed and left. Harry just shook his head.
'These kids are going crazy over this ball' he thought, amused. He could almost see all their hormones floating in the air. Finally he walked out of the hall, climbing a wooden stairway towards the main deck.
In the open, the view was quite nice: Durmstrang had "sailed" the ship during the trip, probably to offer something extra to its visitors, and they were now slowly moving back towards the shore. It wasn't quite exactly how it looked from the small boats in the 1st year voyage, but it was great in its own way. The lack of a lighted-up castle was more than made up by the chance of seeing openly the countryside in daytime from the center of the lake, something Harry hadn't experienced often.
From the corner of his eyes Harry noticed a small group approaching. Checking quickly how many other students were around, he turned and put on a nice smile. "Draco, hello."
"Potter, hi. Did you like the tour?" asked Malfoy, smiling himself.
"I did. I am not sure I would like to sleep in this ship for months, but as a day tour I am certainly impressed."
"They still do it, and it fits their style" said Malfoy. "My father was sorely tempted to send me to Durmstrang, and not Hogwarts, once. They take the studying of magic much more seriously there, especially the dark arts. They are not sheltered as much as us."
"How come you are here, then?" asked Harry, turning back towards the lake – but making sure to keep them all in his sight.
"My mother. She didn't want to have me so distant, and I understand why. It is hard enough to see her, and my father, at Hogsmeade…" said Malfoy, placing himself next to Harry, while Crabb and Goyle stayed behind. Surprisingly, Greengrass and Parkinson remained with them, even if staying silent.
"Still, it would be nice to have some competent professors for once" continued on Malfoy. "I swear Snape might be the only worthwhile one we have."
"Yes" he said Harry, diplomatically. "He certainly knows how to brew."
"Nevermind. What about the show from before? Did you see what Corner did?" asked Malfoy, scoffing.
"Everyone is searching for an escort, lately" answered Harry, sighing. "He might have done it too publicly. And you, do you have someone for the ball already?"
"Pansy granted me the honor of accepting my invite" said Malfoy, his head high and proud. "What about you, instead? Anyone?"
"No, not yet. I am not even sure I want to go with anyone, to be honest" said Harry, only for Malfoy to smirk in his face.
"It is a social duty, Potter. Find someone, mingle, dance. Don't be a muggleborn" said Malfoy. "If you are desperate, I can help."
"I thought you had a date already. And I wouldn't go with you anyway" said Harry, smiling, only to stop when Malfoy started showing an offended expression. "Ok, sorry. Just a bad joke. But no, thank you. I am not desperate."
"If you say so" added curtly Malfoy, before smiling once again. "I mean it, though. I heard that Daphne is still without an offer. You should ask her."
"I thought she was going with... Nott" said Harry, frowning and recalling old memories. "And since when do you try to set couples up?"
"Just doing my part to make the event succeed. And no, I am sure she has no escort yet. Plus, we haven't seen you much around us true wizards, lately" insisted Malfoy, only for Harry to look carefully at him, unsure of the boy's true intentions. At them, especially Parkinson and Greengrass in the background, who were apparently talking among themselves but were clearly close enough to eavesdrop.
"I'll think about it" said Harry, eventually. "Thanks."
"You should…" started Malfoy, before stopping. "Ah, what the hell. Just consider it. See you around, Potter."
"See you around, Malfoy" answered Harry, surprised by the quick goodbye. He watched their whole group walk away… only for Greengrass to stop after a while, remaining behind. Harry kept looking at the lake, keeping her in his sight as she turned around and walked back to him. Soon, she was placing her hand on his arm.
"Harry, could we talk for a second?" she asked.
Harry turned completely, looking at her. She had a hesitant expression on her face, her hands placed politely in her lap.
"Sure" said Harry. "What is it?"
"We really haven't talked much, lately" started Daphne. "A shame, we were all happy to see a proper wizard come back to Hogwarts."
"We haven't" said Harry "but seems like everyone is busy lately. Between the tournament and other stuff…"
"Like this Yule Ball" she continued. "A lot of new couples will be formed at it. Some will last for long after it, too."
"Yes, probably" commented Harry, again looking at the lake. After a bit of silence, she restarted.
"I heard you are not planning to participate" she said, only for Harry to shake his head.
"I will attend, of course. Everyone who can will be there, and food and music should be great. Or so the rumors say."
"Most of us will go with someone else, though" she said, taking a step closer. "To be able to dance, too."
"And you all should" said Harry, smiling. "Malfoy said you have no escort yet, and I could put in a good word with Justin if you'll tkae him. Or Wayne, he doesn't seem too interested but if you ask, maybe…"
"Honestly? I hoped the two of us could go together" she said, continuing instantly as Harry had scoffed and opened his mouth. "And before you say no, I need a favor out of you."
"Oh. I am listening" said Harry, turning around completely. Hands still in her lap, Greengrass took a big breath before restarting to talk.
"Just like you, I don't want to create expectations" she began. "It is unavoidable with these events. My mother, too, is pressuring me to choose someone."
"And you are choosing me because….?" asked Harry, a deep frown on his eyebrows almost as to underline his confusion.
"Because of who you are and what you said before, I guess" she continued, smiling hesitantly. "I don't want to choose anyone already, not in that sense. So, I need someone of good enough standing that my mother won't chastise me for, but not so good that she will nag me once I tell her nothing came out of the ball. Bonus points if the someone in question understands what I am saying."
"You seem to have thought this through" commented Harry, nodding. "Again, why me? I am confident there is someone else available among your friends and acquaintances."
Daphne shook her head. "No, the list is surprisingly short. You know how few there are of us, each year. Take away muggleborns, those already taken, the many that I just would not want at my arm or I never spoke with in the first place, and those older students that might expect some fun after a date… honestly, you are the best choice."
"How flattering" said Harry, laughing softly. "Nevertheless, I am not interested. No offense, but I would still feel duty bound to give you a good night at the very least. Properly dressing up, witty conversation, dancing, the full set. I am too lazy for that."
"I wouldn't pressure you to go overboard, Potter" she said, but Harry simply turned away again.
"Sorry, no" he concluded. "Try with…" he continued, only to hesitate. "You are right, I have no idea who you could ask if he must be either a pureblood or someone from an old family. Maybe a Ravenclaw? Good luck anyway."
Offended, she turned and took a step away… only to stop. Seconds after, Harry felt her hand on his arm, slowly caressing it. When he looked at her again, puzzled, she was smiling.
"Harry, I am sure we can have a good time together" she continued. "We can come and go as you please, and after the ball we could…" she stopped, seemed to hesitate, then continued with a vacuous smile stuck on her face, her hand moving her hair behind her ear. "We could find some privacy and talk more. Alone. It would be nice. If you want to."
"You just said you wanted to avoid those that expects some fun after the ball" he stated, quietly. She shook her head, and gazed at her feet. "I can make exceptions" she said, eventually, her voice so low it was hard to hear. Harry was silent, thinking, until he sighed.
"I understand, Daphne" he answered. "No need to say anything more. I will be honored to take you to the ball. I'll pick you up at eight p.m. that day?"
"Yes" she said, nodding and still not looking at him. "Thank…" she stopped, sighing. "Thank you."
Neither of them said anything else and soon she turned and left, still not looking at Harry. Harry, silent, just watched her go away with a grimace.
'That was bloody disgusting' he thought, shaking his head. 'Such a young girl. What kind of pressure is she under?'
Leaving the taffrail, he joined back with the other Hufflepuffs who were emerging now from the innards of the ship.
"Guys, I have to rush back to the castle" said Harry the second they were close enough to the dock. "I'll see you in our common room."
"Why such an hurry, Harry?" asked Ernie, smiling. "Did a seagull drop something on your head?"
"Aaahhhrrr, we should send those scurvy birds back to Davy Jones" added Justin, making the group snigger. Even Harry smiled a little.
"This is not a pirate ship, Justin" said Harry, right as the ship stopped. "I have to go. See you all later."
As he got away, he could hear Megan curse at Justin's proclamation that the girls were now kidnapped, but beside producing another small smile he kept walking on. Disembarking from the ship, he quickly took the path towards the castle.
Inside Hogwarts, Harry all but marched straight to the Owlery. As usual, long before he even got close to the top of the west tower he was struck by the smell. Pushing the doors open and walking in, he could also appreciate the general dirtiness of the place.
'One has to wonder where Filch finds the time to chase the students' he thought, distractedly, before walking in. Hedwig fell down on him, and Harry spent some time petting her first and feeding her one of the spare treats available later, but beside that he simply moved on to a desk nearby, conveniently equipped with spare parchments and quills by the school.
"Not today, girl, I am sorry" he said, in a caring voice. "Might be paranoid, but I don't want anyone to know I am sending this message, if I can."
Hedwig, be it because she could really understand his intentions at least or not, hooted unhappily but didn't leave his shoulder. Harry, meanwhile, sat down and started writing.
Sirius
I have news, important ones. Come to Hogsmeade tomorrow, or if you can't write me an appropriate time to call on you.
Harry
"I said no, Hedwig" repeated Harry, as his owl had immediately aimed for the parchment once it was rolled. This time, Hedwig didn't take it calmly and nibbed his finger before flying away. Scowling, Harry called for one of the school owls and sent it on its way.
'Done' he thought, leaving the wide, messy tower. With only a final glance dedicated to Hedwig – who was obviously ignoring him now – he began his climb down.
Stepping inside Hufflepuff's common room, loud chaos welcomed him again. This time, at least, it wasn't hard to understand the source of the excitement: in one corner of the hall, surrounded by several rings of students of all ages, was Cedric Diggory. A completely healed Diggory – at least, no bandages were in sight but Harry still wondered whether his pretty face was now scarred by dragon fire or not.
With a shrug he approached the usual table for his year; only Wayne was there, busy writing, even if the table was covered in books and parchments from several times more students.
"Potter" he said, nodding towards him. "Did you notice Diggory? He is back."
"I saw him" said Harry, sitting down. "What about everyone else?"
"They are somewhere there, listening to him" answered Wayne. "I was too, at the start. He found out the meaning of the Egg."
"Did he? Good for him" said Harry. "How, anyway?"
"Oh, you know how he was hurt and everything, right? Apparently, he was bathing in a special place reserved for Prefects that is always empty with the help of the school's house elves, and one time he decided to bring the bloody item with him."
"I can imagine the rest" commented Harry with a smile, only to receive a sharp glance in return.
"You can, eh? Water is involved. Make it more cryptic next time if you can" said Wayne, shaking his head.
"I also said they didn't need me and I would spoil everyone's fun. Wasn't I right?" asked Harry, pointing at the loud rings of students obviously having the time of their life launching suggestions and talking among them.
"I guess" admitted Wayne. "After Diggory's revelation, they all started to try and guess what that song actually meant. Any advice on that?" he asked, glaring suspiciously at Harry.
"I don't even know what the song says" complained Harry, smiling. "I only recognized it came from merpeople, nothing more."
"Oh, merpeople…" said Wayne, nodding distractedly as he continued writing on his parchment. "Yeah, several of the older students suggested them once they heard how the egg works. And the song is all about reaching the singers, under the ground, to recover something precious they took. Diggory isn't even sure-sure it will be in the water, we are just assuming. Not that i can't imagine where else the task could be."
"He has months left to prepare. Let them have their fun. Why aren't you in the group, anyway?" asked Harry.
"I was at the start, I told you already. I left once everyone started to try and guess blindly. Plenty of empty words if you ask me" he complained, grimacing.
"Cheer up, Wayne" said Harry. "So far, this Tournament has been entertaining enough. It certainly is giving us something to talk about. I do wish we could spend more time with our foreign guests."
"I liked touring Durmstrang's ship, earlier" said Wayne, now smiling. "First time I boarded one, too. Well, except our trips with the school boats on our lake."
"Not exactly the same" agreed Harry with a nod. "I wish they explained how they moved it to our lake in the first place. I saw plenty of ships, bigger than this, in London."
"You did?" asked Wayne, surprised. "Yeah, I heard muggles can create something impressive. Wood before, iron now, right?"
"Sort of" said Harry, shrugging. "Didn't you see any of them on Justin's television?"
"We mostly watched cartoons there, or played videogames" answered Wayne. "There might have been a ship here and there, but nothing realistic. Who cares, anyway?"
"Indeed, who?" admitted Harry, lazily checking the books around him as their conversation died down. Not long after, though, the rest of his year was back, loudly taking their seats and continuing their conversation. With some amusement, Harry noticed how it revolved around Diggory and his task, and how Wayne was scowling and trying to focus on his homeworks.
As the kids around him gossiped and joked around, Harry let his mind wander. If his hunch was correct, the Slytherins were stepping up in pressuring him to be alone with them – their objective even too obvious. 'We must be ready' he thought, considering both himself and whatever Black and Bones were doing on their side. 'I doubt Riddle will grant us the luxury of another end-of-the-year confrontation. I wonder why I always met him at the end of the school year, anyway' he continued thinking with a small scoff. 'I mean, chances are he didn't care about my education, so why?'
As the chatter around him was winding down, and more and more of their group copied suit from Wayne and refocused on their homeworks, Harry decided to follow his example, too. He still had to complete them – hopefully not for much longer, so he thought.