Chapter 3
The first thing Harry heard when he regained consciousness was several questions asking him if he was alright. He blinked, and the first thing he saw was Percy kneeling before him, checking him over.
"Whoa, don't try to stand up mate. Take it easy," Percy said pushing Harry back slightly into his seat. Harry rubbed his forehead trying to regain composure as he saw all his friends looking at him in worry.
He noticed that the train was moving again before asking what happened "What happened? Who screamed asked?" And everyone looked at each other in confusion.
"No one screamed mate," Ron said. Harry looked confused and glanced at everyone. Ginny and Neville looked very pale while the other three looked shaken but fine nonetheless.
Harry was about to say more but a loud snap interrupted him and he saw Professor Lupin breaking a bar of chocolate "Here, eat it," Lupin said as Harry took the chocolate a bit shaken.
"What was that thing?" Harry asked Lupin not eating the chocolate yet. But his answer didn't come from the professor. It came from the white-haired teen.
"A dementor. Azkaban's guards, he was probably here looking for Black," Percy said as Lupin nodded his head.
"Very well, I would give you points but alas we haven't started the school year," Lupin said standing up "I need to talk to the driver. Percy please make sure he eats it, excuse me," Lupin said before walking away.
Harry looked at Percy in confusion "How does he know your name?" Harry asked and Percy shrugged his shoulders.
"Dunno. Now stop asking me questions and eat the chocolate. I don't want you fainting on us again," Percy said as Harry sighed and took a bite out of the chocolate bar feeling better all of a sudden.
"What happened?" Harry asked after taking a few bites of the chocolate bar.
"Well - that thing- the dementor. It stood there and looked around, at least I think it did, and you-" Ron said before looking at Harry in huge worry. "You went rigid and fell to your seat spazzing out. I thought you were having a fit or something," Ron said as Percy cleared his throat.
"It started kissing you as us wizards call it," Percy said and Harry looked disgusted and confused "In layman's terms it was sucking your soul, bit by bit," Percy said as Harry looked horrified.
"Professor Lupin tried to usher it away but it didn't work. Then he muttered something and a blue mist appeared from his wand and that scared the dementor away," Hermione explained and Harry nodded in understanding.
"It was horrible," Neville said in a voice higher than usual "That cold, it was not natural," Neville said.
"Yeah, it felt like I would never be cheerful again," Ron said as Percy nodded.
"That's what they do. They take your happiest memories away and leave you with the bad ones. Guess that's why Azkaban prisoners go insane," Percy said as he placed a hand on Harry's knee in comfort.
Then Harry saw Ginny curled in a ball in the corner and saw Hermione quickly rushing towards her hugging her trying to comfort her.
Everyone took a seat once again trying to calm themselves down when Professor Lupin came back again "You ate the chocolate, good," Lupin said from the doorway "We'll be at Hogwarts in ten minutes. Are you all right Harry?" Lupin asked as Harry nodded his head wondering how the Professor knew his name.
"I have to check on a friend," Percy said standing up "You're okay?" Percy asked Harry who nodded and just ushered him away telling him not to worry about him.
Harry watched Percy leave and leaned back on his seat. He was tired, who knew that his arrival at Hogwarts. But other than the dementor their trip to Hogwarts was very ordinary.
Same insults by Malfoy on the carriage, the same steps to the grand hall. And a little trip to Madam Pomfrey just to check on him. Like he said nothing major. He and Hermione got to the hall after talking to McGonagall. The sorting ceremony was over and the feast was about to begin. They quickly took a seat where Ron was, he tried to ask what had happened but the headmaster had started speaking.
He started simply by welcoming everyone back and wishing them another good school year. That's when Harry's eyes traveled to the Slytherin table where he found Pery whispering something to another Slytherin.
A tan brown-haired skinny and freckled female student with dark eyes. Both of them had small smiles on their faces and it appeared that they were joking around before Dumbledore had started speaking. And it was as if Percy had felt his stare since he turned and looked at him.
Percy gave him a small smile and a nod before nodding at Dumbledore telling Harry to pay attention "Now, there's a few things I must tell you and one of them is very serious," Dumbledore said clearing his throat.
"As you're well aware because of the Hogwarts Express search, our school will be playing host to the Dementors of Azkaban, who are here on Ministry of Magic Business," Dumbledore said and as he took a pause Harry could sense a hint of anger in the Headmaster about all this situation.
"They're stationed all around the entrance of the school," He continued "And while they're here with us I must make it plain that nobody it's too leave the school grounds without permission," Dumbledore said as he looked around and Harry could've sworn that his eyes rested on the Slytherin table for a moment.
"Dementors are not to be fooled by tricks or charms," He said and then Harry saw Dumbledore resting his eyes on him "Or even Invisibility cloaks," He said and Harry gulped feeling being put on the spot.
He felt someone looking at him and saw Percy tilting his head with a sly smirk on his face. He knew that statement was directed at Harry and he couldn't help but blush in embarrassment.
"It's not in a Dementor's nature to understand pleading or excuses, so make sure not to give them any reason to harm you," Dumbledore said "I look to the prefects and our newest Head Boy and Girl to make sure that no students run afoul to the dementors," Dumbledore said and Harry looked at his hands. He absolutely wanted nothing to do with those creatures, not after what had happened on the train.
"On a happier note," Dumbledore said a bit more cheerily "I would like to present the newest members of our faculty," He said as he looked back to where all the professors were sitting.
"First, Professor Lupin, who was kindly enough to fill the Defense Against the Dark Arts position," Dumbledore said as the shabby-looking Professor stood up to a polite round of applause excluding those who were there in the compartment with him.
Then before the round of applause finished Ron whispered at him telling him to look at Snape. The greasy man always had a scowl on his face, that was usual. But this time his face screamed nothing but loathing and hatred. This couldn't be because Snape was snubbed out of the DADA position. No this kind of hatred stems from something else.
"And for our second appointment," Dumbledore said as the applause died down "I'm sorry to tell you that our Care for Magical Creatures' teacher, Professor Kettleburn, has decided to retire at the end of last year," He said before smiling brightly "However I'm please to announce that the position will be filled by our very own Rubeus Hagrid, who has agreed to take the role alongside his gamekeeping duties," Dumbledore said and as soon as he finished the roaring excitement from the Gryffindors made itself present.
Hagrid had to be pushed by McGonagall to stand up and he did a bit messy and shyly as the applause was greater than everyone had ever heard.
Harry didn't bother to hear the rest, he wanted to finish eating as fast as he could. He needed to congratulate his friend. A sentiment that Ron and Hermione seem to share.
They finished their meals at incredible speeds and made their way to the teacher's table. They congratulated Hagrid on his new position much to the half-giant embarrassment.
Hagrid got emotional at the huge welcoming and McGonagall ushered them away as the feast was nearing its end.
The trio soon joined the Gryffindors on the staircase down to the common room. And as Harry entered it and climbed up to his dormitory where his friends were unpacking their things. He couldn't help but feel glad he was home at last.
Next day
Hermione was running late, something unusual for her. But it was the first time she used the artifact McGonagall had given her. It would take some time to get used to but that wasn't her main concern right now. Her main concern was to get to the Arithmancy classroom on time.
She got there in a rush and saw that most students were already there. There were no Gryffindors in sight as most of them had taken Divination as their electives. She recognized a few Hufflepuffs, these being Susan Bones and Hanna Abbot while the other two she didn't recognize.
Then there was Padma Patil. Parvati's twin from Ravenclaw joined by Sue Li another Ravenclaw student. Both Girls were sitting together on a two-seated desk talking amicably same as Susan and Hanna.
There were also some other Ravenclaw's students but she didn't remember their names. But the biggest divide she saw was from the Slytherins. There were four of them. Two boys were sitting together but weren't talking. The first one was a tanned and brown-skinned quiet boy with deep black hair. His brown eyes were transfixed in a book on the table.
The other one was a brown-haired teen with a freckled pale face. His dark eyes showed how bored he was. He connected eyes with Hermione for a moment and she was ready to see the disgust she was so used to but there she only saw indifference.
Next was one of the most beautiful girls she had ever seen. She had silk long blond hair that made Hermione a bit self-conscious for a bit. She was skinny, even her robes couldn't hide that and her pale white skin seemed to shine a bit. The girl met Hermione's eyes for a moment and brown eyes met cold blue eyes that looked at her in curiosity. And before the other girl broke the stare, Hermione, for whatever reason, noticed a bit of sadness behind those eyes. She was sitting all alone and perhaps if she wasn't a Slytherin she would've taken a seat next to her.
And there was also another reason she didn't. It was because of the last Slytherin there, one who seemed to be purposefully sitting the farthest he could from his other house-mates. The only person she actually knew in that classroom.
So she went ahead and approached Percy, who noticed her and gave her a small tired smile "Is this seat taken?" Hermione asked and Percy shook his head.
"No, not all," Percy said as Hermione took a seat next to him "Sitting with an evil snake, pretty brave of you," Percy said a bit cheekily and Hermione rolled her eyes and couldn't help but join the fun.
"Well, I'm a Gryffindor aren't I?" Hermione said getting a snort out of Percy "Where's Aurora?" She asked and Percy yawned.
"Back in the common room, since we have Care of Magical Creatures today, I didn't want her to bring her to such a wild environment," Percy said rubbing his eyes "Besides I wanted her to get used to the common room first," He said as Hermione nodded in understanding.
Then she noticed the small eye bags under his eyes "Are you okay? You seem tired," She said a bit worried and Percy nodded his head.
"I'm fine, I just kept reading a book instead of sleeping and now I'm paying the price," Percy said with a yawn "And there was no coffee for breakfast," Percy said as Hermione leaned forward a bit.
"What kind of book?" She asked her curiosity up the roof.
"A book about magical trees. Mostly the ones they use for wands," Percy said rubbing the back of his head and trying to hold another yawn un-successfully.
"What for?" She asked and Percy looked thoughtful for a moment before leaning towards her.
"I found these drawings in my mother's stuff a while ago. And there's this drawing of a white oak that has no information whatsoever," Percy said and Hermione could see his frustration.
"Do you have any picture of the drawing with you?" She asked and Percy shook his head.
"I don't but I can draw it. I remember it quite well. But why?" He asked in curiosity and she shrugged her shoulders.
"Perhaps I can check the library in case I see it and find some information," She said as if it was a simple manner not realizing that for Percy that meant a lot.
"You really don't have to. I don't want to unload something on you. You must be pretty busy already," Percy said trying to convince her that she didn't have to help. He really didn't want to bother her with this.
"I know," She said putting a hand over his "But I want to," She said and Percy blinked a bit before chuckling lightly.
"Very well, give me a moment then," He said as he leaned forward into the desk and started drawing on a piece of paper. And as he leaned forward she noticed the blond girl looking at them with a bit of a frown on her face. She noticed Hermione's look and turned around but she could see the girl fist tighten in what seemed to be anger.
She ignored that for now and watched Percy draw on the paper "It sort of looks like this, with the fallen leaves and all. Just imagine it in white," He said as Percy handed her the drawing. She leaned over trying to get a better look.
"You're a good artist," Hermione complimented getting a small blush out of Percy. She went over the drawing and to her it seemed like a normal drawing of an oak. But what caught her eye was the unrecognizable language below it "What's this?" She said pointing at the language.
"Dunno. I first thought they were runes but they didn't like any of the runes from the books," Percy said rubbing his chin "Then I thought they were some sort of Nordic language but that was a dead end as well," He said and Hermione looked closer.
"It is a language, the patterns are too long to be runes," Hermione said as Percy nodded agreeing with her "But I don't recognize it. Although, this drawing could be an emblem? Or a house sigil perhaps?" Hermione asked and Percy blinked a few times.
"What makes you say that?" He asked and Hermione asked for the quill he had used to draw the oak.
"If you draw a pentagon around it. Doesn't it seem like a house crest?" She said and Percy's eyes grew big.
"It does. What didn't I think of this before?" Percy asked a bit frustrated "It doesn't look like the ones I know," He said and Hermione frowned a bit.
"Perhaps it is one of an old family. The library should have something that could point us in the right direction," Hermione said and Percy looked at her in confusion.
"Us?" He asked conveying his confusion.
"Yes, I want to help," She said with an eager smile. There was a puzzle to be solved and she was eager to get her hands on it "That's of course if you want my help," She said backtracking a bit remembering that sometimes her eagerness could disturb others to be put lightly.
"Well, if you want help who am I to stop you," Percy said as he rubbed his face "Merlin knows I could use some help. Three years of researching has gotten me nowhere," Percy said much to Hermione's excitement.
"Then before Care of Magical Creatures, we should hit the library, to try and find something," Hermione said and Percy smiled at her in thankfulness he nodded agreeing with her but before he could say anything more the Arithmancy professor walked in.
"Settle in class," Septima Vector, the Arithmancy professor said rubbing her forehead, she was one of the youngest faculty members in Hogwarts from what Hermione knew. So she was eager to see what the class had in store.
"So, welcome to Arithmancy, where we'll explore the mathematics and engineering behind spell creations," She said taking a seat on the teacher's desk "It is my hope that by the time you're taking your OWLs in your fifth year, you have already a spell or two created in your repertoire," She said much to the excitement of the class.
Then Hermione saw the Professor rubbing her head once more and she couldn't help but speak her concerns up "Um, professor," She said as Professor Vector glanced at her "Are you alright? You seem hurt," She said and the professor chuckled.
"I'm all right, just word of advice," She said finally centering herself "Never go out drinking with our gamekeeper, that man can out-drink the whole Three Broomsticks bar by himself," She said getting chuckles out of the class.
"Now first things first classroom rules," She said as the classroom settled in and listened to her "Punctuality is something I pried on. So if you're, let's say, ten minutes late. Then don't bother entering the classroom. You may ask other students for that day's work but I will not let you in, okay?" She said as the students nodded. It seems a bit harsh but it was fair overall. You lived in the same place where classes were given, you have no reason to get late.
"Secondly, you may only speak when I address you. Speak out of turn and I will remove so many house-points that you'll have to spend the remaining school year to try and recover half of them," She said glaring a bit at them "You're fifteen and well grown now. This is a classroom and not a playground. I will not have any ruckus or something along those lines here. Understood?" She said as the whole classroom nodded their heads.
"Which brings me to my next point. House rivalry," Septima said looking at the Slytherins and Gryffindor in the classroom "I know house pride is a huge deal. I also went here as well, but as I grew older I realized that the whole rivalry between houses is just plain moronic," She said as she crossed her arms and looked at the teens with narrowed eyes.
"I hate to break it to you, but houses don't matter much outside Hogwarts. Other than small talk it has no uses," She explained "When I was an unspeakable, I was tasked to train two new prospects that I had to turn down. Want to know why?" She said as the teens leaned closely wanting to know the reason.
"I turned them down because they refused to work together. Both adults I might add, couldn't cooperate because one was Gryffindor and the other one was Slytherin," She said with a sigh "Now I wonder, would you risk your future, just because you can see past a pair of color palettes? She asked rhetorically leaving the students with much to ponder.
"I for one don't want to waste my time teaching students that will do so," Septima said and the glare returned "So, if I catch you fighting between anyone in this classroom, house-mates or not. I will throw you out the class, and tell McGonagall to change your electives," She said much to the horror of some students there.
"We're here to learn, and I believe that such egregious acts have to be met with more egregious consequences. And losing house points as a punishment doesn't seem to working, so I'm left with these procedures," Septima said as some of the more confrontational students gulped a bit.
"If you don't agree with these rules, then there's the door," She said but no one moved she waited a moment to see if someone would leave. When no one did she nodded and brought out a pouch.
"Good, you've made a good choice," She said as she took out two pieces of paper from the pouch "From now on each term work will be done in pairs with every pair hanging around before the second term starts. And I will choose the pairs," She said as some of the students groaned.
"Shush it, teamwork is essential in our world. If you can't do it here then you've no shot out there," She said as she looked at the paper "Daphne Greengrass and Hermione Granger you will be team one, please raise your hands in case you don't know who the other is," She said as Hermione raised her hand and she saw the blond girl from before raising her hand.
"I'll see you later," She said putting a hand on his shoulder before walking towards Daphne with her stuff "Hello, I'm Hermione, I look forward to working with you," She said, and Daphne looked at her thoughtfully.
Hermione thought back on how annoyed she looked at her before but it seemed that Hermione passed some sort of test as her blue eyes seemed to slowly lose their coldness "I as well Granger, please take a seat," She said as Hermione did so "I must apologize for earlier, I didn't mean to look at you annoyed," She said as Hermione looked at her in curiosity.
"Why were you if you don't mind me asking?" She asked and Daphne sighed as she looked at Percy who was laughing and chuckling with Susan Bones. Hermione glanced at where she was looking as well and her eyes grew big "Oh I see," She said and for a moment Daphne looked a bit embarrassed.
"No, it's not like that," Daphne said getting her blush under control "He was my best friend, but I did something that might have broken that friendship. And I don't know whether it will be fixed or not," She said and Hermione could feel her pain a bit. So she, being the emotional support person she was, hesitantly put a hand on Daphne's shoulder.
"Perhaps a conversation will help," Hermione said and Daphne sighed "Sometimes talking can help to fix a relationship of any kind," She said and Daphne giggled a bit.
"Perhaps you're right Granger," Daphne said with a bit of a small smile.
"Please call me Hermione," She said having learned a bit of pureblood attitude from meeting Percy before "We're supposed to be partners after all," She said amusing the blond girl a bit.
And both girls started getting to know one another they missed how Percy glanced at them with a small smile on his face. He felt glad that Daphne was getting out of her shell. But before Daphne could see how he felt Percy went back on speaking with Susan.
Then class began and Hermione, being the study nerd she was, paid close attention. It didn't matter that she had made a new friend in the class she would not fail to take notes and participate in class. It was not in her nature.
Harry was walking silently to the school grounds, as he had Care of Magical Creatures there. Ron and Hermione were bickering behind him, something about the divination calls. These had become the norm, so he had gotten pretty used to tuning out their bickering.
And as he got closer to the class he noticed a familiar set of three heads and realized that this class would be shared with the Slytherins. He grew frustrated, he didn't want to share Hagrid's class with those assholes but then his eyes brighten when he saw a familiar white-haired hair.
Percy was sitting on a rock far away from the group of Slytherins, talking to the girl he had seen at the welcoming feast. Percy noticed Harry's stare and waved at him. Harry figured out what the hell and waved to him, as Hermione and Ron followed closely.
"Hey," Harry said as Percy smiled at him and both of them bumped fists. He nodded at the girl who had a curious look on her face.
"Why does he look depressed?" Percy asked noticing the long face of Ron. Harry looked back and sighed.
"It appears I'm going to die," He said with a shrug as if wasn't the biggest deal in the world.
Ron frowned and shrike at him "Those things are not to be messed Harry," He whispered forcefully and Harry just couldn't be bothered.
Percy looked confused and the other girl offered him an answer "Trelawney saw the Grimm in his leaves. An omen of death she said, baloney if you ask me," She said and Percy snorted when he saw Hermione agreeing with her.
"Now don't be too hasty Trace," Percy said as Tracey, his friend looked at him confused "While Trelawney is not well in the head," Percy said to the amusement of the group "Divination is a great powerful magic. If you have the gift that's it," Percy said and Harry scoffed.
"Do you really believe that?" Harry asked and Percy looked at him while tilting his head "Reading something that hasn't happened with leaves and lines. Sounds stupid," Harry said and Percy gave him a small smirk.
"You're overestimating magic, Harry. Trelawney doesn't have the gift so that's why she resorts to these types of tricks, but don't underestimate those who do have it," Percy said as Harry rolled his eyes.
"And you're saying you have it?" Hermione asked in genuine curiosity. He gave her a sly smile before closing his eyes and pretending to focus hard.
"I see something no wait, someone, a green-eyed man," Percy said as Ron and Hermione looked at Harry in curiosity while the jet-black-haired teen looked annoyed "He's experiencing tremendous pain, inflicted by someone whom he thought he could trust," Percy said letting a huff of air pretending that had tired him much to the amusement of Tracey.
"Really? You're resorting to these jokes? I thought-," He said but before he could finish he winced as Percy flicked a finger on Harry's forehead "Ouch! What was that for!?" He asked as Percy gave him a sly small smile.
"Oh will you look at that, my prophecy came true," Percy said before looking at his hands "Perhaps I do have the gift after all," Percy said much to Harry's annoyance. The Gryffindor tried to strike Percy back but the white-haired teen dodged away with a chuckle.
"You know he won't be happy about you being friends with him," She said as Percy shrugged his shoulders as he moved back avoiding another attack from Harry.
"Malfoy? I'm done caring what he thinks," Percy said as the Gryffindor trio grew confused and Harry stopped trying to hit him. There was something else besides that they were hiding under those sentences "You?" He asked and Tracey scoffed.
"I couldn't care less," she said as Percy smirked widely. Then, for a brief moment, Hermione saw Daphne there, looking at them with a melancholy look. She tilted her head, inviting her here, but Daphne just shook her head. It seemed Hermione would need a more direct approach.
"Ah, Hermione," Percy said, getting the nerdy Gryffindor's attention "Thanks for your help in the Library, even if we didn't find anything," he said, and Harry noticed how confused she looked, which also Percy noticed.
"Um, yeah, sure. I'm glad to be of help," she said, and Percy frowned for a bit. But before he could express his curiosity, a booming voice interrupted them.
"C'mon gather around!" Hagrid said as he rounded up the class "Got a real treat for yeh, follow me," Hagrid said and Harry for a moment got scared thinking he might lead them to the dark forest but let out a breath in relief when he led them through the edges of the forest and into an empty padlock.
"That's it make sure yeh can see," Hagrid said as everyone gathered around the fence "Now firs thing yeh want is to open yer books-," He started saying but was interrupted by Malfoy.
"How?" The blond twat as Harry had grown to call him drawled out.
"Eh?" Hagrid said confused but before Malfoy could clarify Percy spoke up.
"What page professor?" Percy asked with his book open much to the surprise of everyone there.
"Ah right, page thirteen," Hagrid said as he walked forward leaving the group unattended for a moment.
"How the hell did you open it!?" Tracey asked shocked and Percy looked at her confused.
"Oh, you just have to stroke it on the spine to calm them down, like a pet," Percy said showing the whole classroom by calming Tracey's book down "The clerk who sold it to me explained it. After I ask her of course," He said as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.
"There's even a note on dragons," Percy said excitedly showing Tracey the page he was referring to. He then looked at Hagrid, who had come back as the class started opening their books "Is there a chance we could see Dragons Professor?" Percy asked a bit excitedly but Hagrid shot it down.
"Sorry lad, dragons only live in shelters in Scandinavia or the wild, I don't have any," Hagrid said getting Percy a little downcast "But I have something better for yeh," Hagrid said and some squeals from girls could be heard all around.
Harry saw these creatures and the first thing he could think was that they looked abnormal. They had bodies of horses all around except they had the front legs of giant eagles as well as wings of the same category. Their heads were eagle-like with bright orange eyes and black sclera. Each of their creature's necks had a chain attached around them and it ended in the hands of Hagrid.
And as Hagrid led these creatures into the padlock Harry felt himself shaken by Percy "Hippogriffs! Oh my god!" Percy said with shiny eyes as Harry chuckled at his friend's excitement. Seems that his hobby was shining through here as well.
"Beautiful aren't they?" Hagrid said and Harry could see the beauty of them once you looked past the weirdness between the two animal mixtures "So, if yeh want to come nearer," Hagrid said and no one did except the trio of Gryffindors and Percy the latter practically sprinted to the fence to get a better look.
"Now the firs thing you want to know about Hippogriffs is that they're proud creatures," Hagrid said "Proud creatures, don't ever insult them or it may be the last thing yeh do," Hagrid said and Harry noticed Malfoy and his cronies not paying attention. He got worried they might try and do something to disrupt the class.
"Yeh have to wait for them to make the firs move," Hagrid said and Harry could practically feel the excitement from Percy "It's polite yeh see. Yeh walk and yeh bow, and if he bows back then yeh good to pet hi. But if he doesn't, then yeh better back away quickly," He said as most of the class paid attention.
"Now, who wants ter go first?" Hagrid said and even Ron and Hermione seemed apprehensive like the rest of the class. The hippogriffs flapped their wings and looked massive so no wonder why no one wanted to do it.
Well, no one except two people "I'll do it," Harry and Percy said at the same time raising their hands equally. Harry wanted to help Hagrid with the class and after the Gnolls this was nothing. And he didn't need to be a telepath to understand why Percy wanted to go, he loved magical creatures. He wouldn't pass on this opportunity.
"Harry, remember the tea leaves!" Lavender whispered at him but he didn't care. Percy had already jumped the fence and he would be damn if he would let Percy jump in ahead of him.
"Right lads come here'" Hagrid said as he led them towards two Hippogriffs. One was a silver feather and the other had dark blue feathers.
"This is Buckbeak and Shadow, the oldest of their packs," Hagrid said removing the chains of the creatures' necks. "Easy there, now don't break contact, look into their eyes calmly," Hagrid said as Harry looked at the grey one while Percy looked at the blue one.
"Now don't blink, they don't trust someone who blinks," Hagrid said as Harry wondered if it was real or if Hagrid was messing with them "Now bow, slowly," Hagrid said as the boys slowly bowed their heads.
For a moment the Hippogriffs didn't move and Harry wondered if they were doing it right but then the Hippogriffs bowed back "Well done!" Hagrid said as the teens lifted their heads "Well go on, yeh can pet them now," Hagrid said and Percy didn't waste any moment petting the beak of the blue creature.
Harry did the same with Buckbeak albeit a bit more slowly. Both teens were wrapped in the beauty of the creatures as they ignored everything around them. That's it until he felt Harry carry him "How about a ride now," Hagrid said placing Harry on top of the grey Hippogriff and noticing that Percy was already on top of his. "Well off you go," He said as he slapped the creatures, and off they went.
Harry hated it right off the bat. It was uncomfortable and rough nothing like flying a broom and the same couldn't be said of his Slytherin friend. Percy was loving every second of it. Screaming in excitement and laughing all around. Seems his friend had a wilder spirit than him.
It wasn't a long trip as the Hippogriffs after a short moment landed back down. Harry practically fell off the animal while Percy jumped looking at him in amusement "Well done both of yer," Hagrid said before facing the classroom "Who's next?" He said as Percy helped Harry up.
"Fun trip?" Percy asked a bit amused and Harry frowned at him jokingly.
"Fuck off," Harry said as he and Percy joined Hermione, Ron, and Tracey as it was their turn now to Pert Shadow.
Most of the class went smoothly right up till the end. Malfoy must've said something to annoy Buckbeak because, in the blink of an eye, Harry heard and saw Malfoy on the ground whining and holding his arm as some drops of blood came out of it.
Hagrid quickly rushed to Malfoy and carried him back to the castle. To the infirmary to be precise. Harry looked at Percy concerned. Percy had a frown on his face and the reason behind this. Malfoy was going to make this a big deal, he just hoped it wouldn't be too much of a big deal.
He made a huge deal out of it. Malfoy was a huge prat but today he was even a huger one. He was milking his injury to no end. And had made Potions hellish. A thing that Harry didn't think possible.
Snape had woken with a grudge it appears so and Harry wondered if he should be grateful that today's grudge wasn't aimed at him or not. Besides him, Neville seemed to be the one who received the most sneers from the greasy professor.
He was just glad that the class was over and that they were heading to DADA, he almost forgot that he shared that class with Slytherins. But he wouldn't let that be a detriment to his excitement.
The trio of Gryffindors were walking upstairs when they heard someone rushing towards them. Harry turned around first and saw Percy walking in a trot towards them "Percy? Did you need something?" Harry asked as Percy moved a hand upwards.
"Yeah just give me a moment, you guys sure went out there quick," Percy said catching his breath for a bit before looking at Hermione "I need ask something to Hermione. A private matter," He said as Harry and Hermione looked intrigued. But not Ron, no, he looked with a face of mistrust. He didn't like that Percy wanted to speak to Hermione one bit.
"What for? If you want to talk to her you can talk here," Ron said as Percy narrowed his eyes for a moment in frustration and annoyance just brief enough for Harry to see.
"I'm gonna ask her for a date. Happy?" Percy said annoyed much to the embarrassment of the trio. Hermione quickly walked down and grabbed Percy's hand while he led him down.
"We'll catch up with you later," Hermione called out as Harry chuckled at her redness. Then he noticed Ron glaring ahead and Harry rolled his eyes.
"What now?" He asked as he started walking forward.
"I don't trust him. Why the sudden interest in you and Hermione?" Ron said as Harry had to force himself to listen. Yesterday and the day before were like this, Ron complaining of how Percy couldn't be trusted "I'm telling you. He must be working for Malfoy to get some dirt on you, slimy snakes are not to be trusted," Ron said as Harry sighed and nodded.
He was too frustrated to deal with it so he just kept quiet and let Ron rambled on how Percy was evil.
Back with the other two. Hermione had led Percy to the other end of the stairways going around in opposite directions as Ron and Harry. She noticed the grip she had on his hand and let go a bit embarrassed. She looked up and noticed a certain someone looking at her from Percy's neck in curiosity. "Hello Aurora," She said with a smile as the black snake hissed at her as a hello "You brought her today?" She asked and Percy nodded his head.
"I'm showing her around," Percy said as a joke much to Hermione's amusement.
"So, I'm guessing you don't really want to ask me on a date right?" She asked and Percy frowned a bit. He wondered why she put herself down so easily but put it behind him for later.
"No, not really. Though perhaps we could get back on that another time?" Percy asked tilting his head and smiling at her a bit cheekily.
She snorted as a small blush adorned her cheeks "Perhaps. So, what did you want to ask me?" Hermione wondered and that's when Percy's eyes turned serious.
"First, who am I speaking to? The before or after one?" He asked a bit cryptically but Hermione understood completely. She tried to avoid the topic as best she could at first.
"W-what do you mean?" Hermione asked with a bit of a stutter behind her words. Percy narrowed his eyes at her for a moment.
"You know well what I'm talking about. So, before or after the time turner?" He asked and Hermione sighed no point in pretending now.
"After, I switched right after runes and before potions," She said and Percy nodded in understanding "How did you know?" She asked trying to figure out when and where she had slipped off.
"Arithmancy is at the same time as Divination, that was my first clue. My second clue was that you didn't remember our time in our library yesterday at Care in Magical Creatures," Percy said as Hermione cursed internally for her slip off "And, you seemed busier than usual," Percy said with a shrug.
She sighed and then glanced forward "I thought no one would notice. And you did in the first day," Hermione said a bit defeated but slightly impressed.
"Well you're many things Hermione but unnoticeable isn't one of them," Percy said and Hermione blushed once again while hitting his arm a bit "I just noticed something strange and put two and two together," He said with a shrug and Hermione glanced at him.
"Are you gonna tell?" She asked and felt glad when she saw him shaking his head.
"No, that's your business," Percy said before looking at her with worry "I just wanted to tell you to be careful, time traveling is quite a dangerous thing," Percy said and Hermione squeezed his arm in a sign of thanks.
"Thank you, but I got it under control. No need to worry," She said reassuringly and Percy nodded his head figuring that's that.
"If I could offer advice, leave yourself notes when you turn time," Percy said as Hermione grew curious "When you turn there are practically two Hermione's out there. I'm guessing in the future you just go to the classes that the past you hasn't gone am I right?" He asked as she nodded her head. "Then the past you needs to know the details the future you has done, otherwise past you will be taken aback by certain things," He said, and Hermione blinked realizing what he meant.
"Like our time in the library, I see," Hermione said and Percy nodded his head "I'll think of it," She said.
"Of course, if you need anything concerning the time turner please don't hesitate to ask me," Percy said with a kind smile. She really appreciated his help.
"Thank you, Percy, really," She said truly appreciating his sentiment but then she offered him a sly smile "But I'm not so dumb not to realize that you separate me from the other two for something else," She said and Percy chuckled a bit.
"How shrewd of you," He said and Hermione beamed a bit at the praise "You're right. I did want to ask something from you," He said and Hermione looked at him expectantly.
"I was thinking of your adventures of the previous school years, and something keeps bugging me," Percy said as Hermione tilted her head in curiosity "That many occurrences, in so little time," Percy said scratching his chin "You know the saying, once's a coincidence," Percy said and Hermione nodded her head.
"Twice is a pattern," Hermione said with a nod "So what can I help you with? I thought Harry went over them already hasn't he?" She asked and Percy nodded his head.
"He did but the devil is in the details you see," Percy said as he looked forward "And I got the feeling that Harry glossed over some important facts just because he didn't consider them important," Percy said as Hermione sighed but nodded.
"He tends to do that," Hermione said a bit tiredly. That's what's one of her friend's habits that she didn't like.
"So, I was wondering if you could write me all the things you guys went through, with every detail that you can find," Percy said as Hermione frowned and looked down "I can pay you if you think it's too much work," He said and she shook her head.
"You don't need to pay me I'll do it. But can I just know the reason behind this request?" She asked and Percy scratched the back of his head.
"Well, you're my friends. Both you and Harry," He said and Hermione's eyes grew big for a bit "And the thought of my friends being in danger while I'm doing nothing doesn't sit right with me," Percy said and Hermione beamed at him.
"You're very kind Percy," She said getting a small blush on the teen's cheeks "Give me a week okay? I'll get you the information," She said as Percy gave her a small smile "Merlin knows that we could use an outsider's perspective on things," She said as they got to the classroom.
Their conversation quieted down as they entered the classroom. They quickly found Harry and walked up to them missing how Malfoy noticed them walking together with a sneer on his face.
Percy gave Ron a polite nod and ignored the narrowed eyes directed at him "Did she say yes?" Harry asked cheekily and Percy snorted.
"No she didn't, she stomped my heart," Percy said pretending to be melancholy "Your friend can be pretty harsh you know that," Percy said and chuckled a bit when a bright red Hermione slapped his arm.
"Shut up," She said glancing at Lavender and Parvati hoping they hadn't heard that. She didn't want any rumors spreading around like that.
"How's Hagrid?" He asked changing the topic and showing concern for the trio's oldest friend
"Distraught," Harry said and then noticed Percy's friend approaching them "But we talked to him yesterday and he seems to be recovering," Harry said as he saw Percy nodding at Tracey before the Slytherin girl struck up a conversation with Hermione.
"Well I'm glad he's okay," Percy said before putting a hand on Harry's shoulder and clearly noticing how Ron rolled his eyes.
Then Harry leaned over and whispered something to Percy "Seamus told me they've spotted Sirius Black, not far from here," Harry said as Percy's eyes grew big.
"Really?" Percy asked surprised and Harry nodded "He's got ambition I'll grant him that," Percy said before looking at Harry in concern "Keep your wand under your pillow, Harry," He said and Harry looked confused.
"Think he can break in here?" Harry asked and Percy shrugged his shoulders.
"He shouldn't but considering your past experiences," Percy said in a whisper "I wouldn't say no to extra protection," He said and Harry nodded his head.
"You're probably right," Harry said. He knew that it would be best not to tempt fate considering his track record. He wanted to continue chatting but then Professor Lupin came out of his office.
"Hello, please put your books away, today will be a practical lesson," He said moving his wand around as he moved the desk and chairs to the walls to create some space "Please get closer so that you can get a better view," He said as the class gathered around the professor and saw him pulling a closet with his wand. A closet that seemed to have something inside waiting to get out.
The class took a step back at the sudden hit. Professor Lupin looked at the class with a small smile before glancing back at the wardrobe "No need to worry," He said beaming at the scared class "It's only a boggart after all," He said, and those who knew what that was hissed in fright.
"A hippogriff and a boggart back to back, this year rules," Percy whispered to himself, and Harry, who heard him, couldn't help but agree with him.
"Bogarts like dark enclosed spaces" Professor Lupin started explaining "Wardrobes like this one, gaps between the bed. I once saw one lodge in a grandfather clock," He explained and Harry saw Percy taking mental notes.
"So, the question is. What is a boggart?" Lupin asked and Hermione's hand shot up in the air as usual. But, much to Harry's surprise, Percy's hand did as well. The professor nodded at Hemione who looked at Percy almost triumphantly.
She went on to explain that the Boggart was a shape-shifter type of creature and how it took the shape of what it thought would fright its victim the most.
The professor went on to explain how the boggart hadn't changed form yet and alluded to one advantage this group may have. One that Harry pointed out. He said that since there were a lot of them the creature would have trouble adopting a form.
Professor Lupin smiled at him and nodded before he taught them how to pronounce the spell to fight the creature. Then he approached a student who looked so frightened and nervous that you could almost see him vibrating where he was. This student was Neville Longbottom.
Lupin asked him for his help and questioned him on what scared him the most. And considering the previous class it was no wonder why Neville said that Professor Snape was his greatest fear much to the laughter of the Gryffindors and some Slytherins.
Then the professor started asking Neville about the outfits his grandmother wore. Seeing as they were old clothes Professor Lupin asked Neville to Picture Professor Snape wearing those clothes.
He then asked the rest of the class to picture what they feared the most and think about how it would make them laugh. Harry thought about Voldemort for a second but then his mind went to that Dementor from the train. And couldn't help but shiver a bit.
Then it began. Professor Lupin opened the wardrobe and the Boggart immediately went after Neville and turned quickly into Professor Snape.
Neville, even though he looked frightened, didn't have any problem turning the boggart into something funny, and the classroom was quickly filled with laughter. And so it went.
It stopped in front of several students the ones Harry managed to get a good view of Ron's, Seamus's, and Parvatti's. Those being a Spider, a Banshee, and a Mummy respectively. Then the creature jumped to where Harry and Percy were and it seemed to be deciding on which of the two teens to attack first.
In front of them, Harry could see a blue-darkish shadow that carried that same cold he felt back then on the train. But in the middle of the mist, he saw a bright red spark threatening to turn into a red flame. He then noticed Percy's arms tensing a bit and reaching for his wand but neither of them could fight the boggart as Professor Lupin grabbed the attention of the creature away from the teens.
Both Harry and Percy frowned wondering why the professor had taken the creature away from them.
Lupin asked Neville for help once more and both of them put the boggart away back into the wardrobe once more. The professor gave points to various students of the class before finishing the class while giving them little homework to do.
Harry felt frustrated and looked at the professor wondering why he had intervened. Then he felt someone touching his shoulder. He looked up and saw Percy nodding at the exit of the classroom telling him that they needed to leave.
"Are you alright? You seem frustrated," Percy asked as soon as they left the classroom Hermione and Tracy were talking just up ahead while Ron trailed behind them.
"I'm just wondering why Professor Lupin intervened that's all," Harry said and Percy shrugged his shoulders.
"Maybe he was worried that your fear would scare the others. I would've done so considering your track record," Percy said with a hint of mirth in his voice and Harry couldn't help but agree with him "What were you picturing?" Percy asked and Harry looked forward.
"Dementors," Harry said before looking back at Percy "And you?" Harry asked. He was a bit worried about what he saw back then in the class. Percy's tightened fists came back to his mind.
"Fire," Percy said much to the surprise of Harry "Wild and untamed fire," He clarified and Harry could see some sorrow behind those purple eyes.
Then before he could wonder further on what that was Tracey and Hermione joined them "We should get going, we have transfiguration next," She said and Percy nodded before looking back at Harry.
"I'll see you later," Percy said and Harry saw him leaving. His mind was clouded by uncertainty. Before he joined Hermione's and Ron's conversation he stared at his newfound friend in worry.
Slytherin Common Room Later in the Night.
Daphne Greengrass was a logical person, she found a problem and always resolved it in the most methodical way possible.
It didn't always work for her but it was a plan that carried her life the safest it could be. A passive view on life. But as she had said it didn't always work. And right now it was one of those moments it wasn't working.
Here she was in the common room working on some homework when Malfoy barged in demanding to know where Percy was. But when no one could give him a straight answer he started berating Tracey about consorting with those dirty Gryffindors and Mud-bloods.
But no matter what he said Tracey remained silent reading her magazine. Malfoy was losing it and Daphne was scared that he could throw a spell at her friend. He wasn't even pretending to be hurt anymore.
Then she held her breath when she saw Tracy standing up and looking at Malfoy with a bored pair of eyes "Are you done?" She asked as Malfoy gave her a sneer "Whoever I choose to be friends with is my business Draco," She said as she picked up her magazine "You don't have any say on that," She said as she walked past him.
"So you'll follow Nyx's example and make friends with mud-bloods and half-bloods?" Malfoy asked annoyed "Why are you so eager to follow that loner instead of someone better?" Malfoy said a bit cocky and Tracy snorted before glancing back at him.
"Because there's no one else to choose from," Tracy said before giving Malfoy a disgusted-filled sneer "At least not within your circle," She said, and Malfoy frowned at her with hatred.
"Careful, you do not wish to cross me, my-" He started saying and Tracy snorted interrupting him.
"Let me guess, your father will hear about this," Tracy said sarcastically and then stepped up to Malfoy and glared at him face to face "Your dear old man ran my father into Germany so I'm familiar with your family's slimy ways of doing business," She said taking a step forward making Malfoy gulped while taking a step back.
"I got nothing left to lose and you have nothing to give me, so no, I will never follow you Draco. There is just nothing to gain by doing so," She said before giving him a sick and wicked smile and then she leaned in "And I'm not the only one who's starting to notice it," She said and Malfoy looked around and saw Blaise and Theo looking at him with bored stares. It was clear they were getting bored of him.
Then Malfoy breathed when he saw Tracy leaving the area. His hand went immediately to his wand with the intent of throwing a spell at her but a bored voice spoke up in a drawl interrupting his actions.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you," Blaise drawled out without looking at Malfoy. The blond teen glared at Blaise as Tracy disappeared from the area.
"Why not?" He asked annoyed. He clearly hated that most of the Slytherins outside his circle were starting to disagree with him.
"Nyx has shown himself to be a vindictive person. Hurting her would do you no good," Blaise said as Theo leaned forward.
"Or have you forgotten what he did to the twins last year?" He said as Malfoy tched in annoyance and looked down "We all know you have a big mouth Malfoy, and with Nyx," Theo said before looking at Blaise.
"We will do nothing to stand in his way, it would do us no good," Blaise said simply and Malfoy huffed.
"When did you all start bending at Nyx's will?" Malfoy asked annoyed and was surprised to hear both boys snorts and chuckles of amusement.
"That's the thing Draco," Theo said with a smile leaning back on his chair.
"We only follow those who have higher power, and right now," Blaise said returning to his book "Neither of you has it, so while won't follow him. Neither will we follow you," He said as Malfoy grumbled and went away to complain to Crabbe and Goyle if Daphne was guessing correctly.
But Daphne didn't care about that. His friends were getting bold and they were risking their lives by angering Malfoy. It went against the plan of laying low that they had. So she rushed as quickly as she could back to the girl's dormitory.
There she found Tracy in her bed back again reading the magazine once again "What were you thinking Trace!? Going against Malfoy like that!?" She asked in a frightened voice and Tracy just glanced at her and didn't offer any comment.
"Do you have a death wish or something?" Daphne Asked and Tracey scoffed and rolled her eyes.
"Why do you care?" She said in a cold voice that shocked Daphne a bit "You made it quite clear that you don't care what we think didn't you?" She said bored and Daphne grumbled and looked at the floor frustrated.
"Just please be careful Tracy, I cannot afford to lose you," She said before she started walking away but Tracy stopped her before she could go away.
"But you can afford to give yourself away huh?" Tracey said as Daphne's eyes grew wide and turned around "You really could never figure me or Percy out. Why would you think we'll be okay with you sacrificing yourself?" She said and Daphne was out of words but before she could argue for herself Tracy closed the curtains of her bed.
"Leave me alone Daph, you seem to be an expert on that," Tracy said and Daphne looked at the ground frustrated and with tears in her eyes. But then a ray of moonlight hit her and suddenly she felt a bit lighter. She turned to the window and looked at the moon and felt as if it was trying to comfort her.
She rubbed off her tears and let a small smile. She didn't know why but the moonlight let her feel a bit better.
And perhaps it was after all it was doing the same to a guy that was traveling the grounds near the lake right now. This guy was Percy, who was exploring the grounds at night. Just as he always did. And as always, the moon lighted his path.
He was nearing the grounds when he heard it. A soft melodic hum that immediately captured his attention. He followed the hum as best as he could as memories started flowing through his mind. Memories that brought small tears to his eyes.
So here he was walking the edges of the lake with teary eyes. And then he found the source of the hum.
And later in the future, he would recall this meeting with fondness. A meeting that would forever change his life. For you see, on top of what seemed to be a rock formation, a girl with sliver-platinum blond hair was sitting there humming this beautiful melody with her eyes closed. She had a white silk pale skin that reflected the moonlight quite easily.
She was wearing the school uniform but what caught his attention was the fact that she was missing her shoes. And he wondered if it was by choice or something else. Then his previous sadness made itself present as he sniffed some tears away.
And because of that, he gained the attention of the girl. She opened her eyes and Percy caught his first glimpse of those beautiful grey eyes that would forever make him get lost looking at them.
"Hi," The girl said looking at him with a small smile and bringing his legs up to her chest.
"Hello," He said not sure on what else could he say.
"You have tears in your eyes. Are you okay? Did perhaps the Nargles attack you while you weren't looking? They tend to do that," She said and Percy looked at her confused before rubbing the tears off his eyes.
"Nargles? No. I was just moved by your melody," He said as the girl beamed at him for a moment "You have a beautiful voice," He remarked and the girl gave him a smile of appreciation
"Why thank you," She said before putting her wonder-filled grey eyes on him "Care to join me up here. The moon is beautiful today," She said looking up at the bright white orb in the sky.
Percy looked up as well and for whatever reason he decided to join her up there. He sat next to her and she moved closer to him his shoulder touching hers practically "It's beautiful isn't it," She said and Percy looked at her for a moment.
"What is?" He asked as she leaned forward and pointed at the night sky.
"Up there, where thoughts and prayers are the only things capable of reaching. The tears of Selûne," She said and Percy was marbled by her wonder and eager expression.
"The lady of night and silver? Most don't know of her. They have forgotten her," He remarked and she looked at him with a dreamy look on her face.
"Most of us have forgotten many things. But her presence is all around us, don't you agree, Nyx?" She said as a small smile appeared on her face but this dreamy look prevailed.
He chuckled a bit, he had to admit he was out of his depth a bit with this girl in front of him but he didn't seem to mind "I do," He said simply not giving much away "Though it seems I'm at a disadvantage. As I do not know who you are," He said and the girl just continued to smile.
"How inconsiderate of me," She said and put her hand in front of her. Then Percy's breath hitched as her dreamy eyes turned normal, almost serious in the blink of an eye "I'm Luna Lovegood. Pleasure to meet you Dragonborn," She said and Percy's eyes immediately grew big in surprise.
How did she know? That was the thing he was wondering. But then the moonlight hit both of them and suddenly his eyes transformed into his red ones. But surprisingly enough so did hers.
They turned from grey to a color that mirrored that one of a rainbow. They were purple, blue, green, red, yellow and dark. And the colors kept moving around as a white shine appeared from time to time.
And as red eyes met rainbow-colored eyes he couldn't help but smile as he took her hand kissed her knuckles and said "The pleasure is all mine, Fairy,"
End of Chapter 3