A/N: Fly, you fools! Muahahaha. I will be taking excessive liberties with Canon this chapter. You have been warned. Also to those who are like "Why isn't Harry going after the Horcruxes? Or saving Sirius?" well quite frankly, he knows that he can't right now. Sirius only found Harry after he blew up his Aunt Marge. Harry doesn't live there anymore, so short of walking around there in the odd hope that Sirius would be looking there he doesn't have a way to track him down. And the Horcruxes foiled even Dumbledore, and led to the man's death. He doesn't actually know where the Cave is, he was Apparated there. He doesn't have access to the Gringotts Vault or Grimmauld currently. And the Gaunt Ring was what had beaten Dumbledore. Plus to top all of that off Nagini is out there somewhere god knows where. So in my attempt to make this realistic dark vibe, where does all of that fit in? Also someone stated that Astoria wouldn't have been born by the time that Voldemort came back. I fixed her birthsign revealed in Chapter 16, it was supposed to be Libra. She was born in September 1981 in this story, just before Voldemort's fall. The timeline fits.
Patch 1.1: This chapter and the next are rewritten as there was a lot of negativity with the direction I took Pettigrew. If it had been a small portion of my readers I would have ignored it but the reviews were overwhelmingly negative and I'd be crazy not to take that into account. Bear in mind Pettigrew will be smarter/ more evil but I will be steering clear of certain triggering events like that in the future. I love you all too much not to do that.
And Away We Go!
Chapter 21: Choices, and What We Have to Live With.
"Why aren't we both getting on?" Katie cried at Harry as Harry forced her to mount the broom.
Quest Started! Stop the invasion of Hogwarts! Rewards: **** Bonus: Prevent the students from being harmed!
"Please Katie, go get a Professor. There are other students out here so I'm going to distract them." Harry whirled as the sound of multiple footfalls crashing through underbrush came from the woodline. Cursing himself for lending his Nimbus to Oliver, Harry took a deep breath to center himself.
"Go Katie! Find a Professor! NOW!" Harry pushed the girl and Katie finally took to the skies. "Tell them Fenrir Greyback and his pack are on the grounds!"
Harry looked up to confirm Katie was headed to the castle. Good, at least that was one less person at risk. Harry cast Sonorous and yelled which caused his voice to boom across the grounds, "Hagrid! Werewolves!"
Cancelling the spell Harry took a look at the woodline. He could hear the Werewolves break through the underbrush and saw when they broke out into the open ground. Harry cursed. The map had shown 12, but Fenrir must have had some out of range. Making quick connections in his head as to why the intrusion wasn't stopped by the Dementors… oh no. Harry looked up.
"Fuck! Dobby! Dolly!" Harry bit out. Up above him were a swarm of Dementors, and they were descending. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.
"Dobby! Brooms! Dolly, get Dumbledore and let him know there are Werewolves on the grounds and 16 students! GO!" Harry watched them both pop away.
Pause!
"FUCK! FUCK! FUCK!" Harry panicked in the peace of the Pause. This was too much. There was a swarm of Dementors above him and at least 20 Werewolves just ahead of him already on the grounds. And he had still heard noises from the woodline, so maybe more on the way. He needed to think. Or just sit forever in this Pause, enjoying his last seconds of life. If he was susceptible to the Dementors Harry knew he would be royally fucked.
Harry took as deep a breath as he could within the Pause and exhaled slowly. "Calm down" he told himself.
Pulling up his Character Sheet Harry stared at it hard. He spoke to himself just to keep his thoughts straight "2 Stat Points. Strength? Constitution? Willpower? Constitution."
Harry placed the Points, and watched his Health go up 50 Points. Not much, but might help him. He had debated Magic just for some extra casting power but the 1 Point increase result for the 2 Points he had didn't seem like it would affect much.
"5 Perk Points. What should I place these in? Let's see. Child of Prophecy: You are blessed with a mission, and Fate has decreed it to come to pass. +10 Luck when facing enemies not related to Voldemort. Well, fuck. Voldemort is sure to be involved in this attack somehow. Harry Hunted: A childhood spent running from Dudley has made you more evasive. +10 to Dodge. Tempting, if I weren't dealing with such a swarm." Harry scrolled down some more, most of the Perks available had nothing to do with his current situation and involved options that boosted Reputation Gains or Social Skills.. Harry eventually decided on Natural Mage: You are in tune with the flows of Magic. +10 to Wandless Magic. +5 to Magicka Regeneration. +5 to Ritual Magic if done at a Nexus of Power.
"Feats next. At least I have some good Points here. 4 of them. Let's see, let's see. Cursed Shield: You have built up a natural defense against most curses. +10 Difficulty Rating for Curses to affect you. Unpredictable results. You're getting added, maybe you'll prevent me from getting Lycanthropy" Harry chuckled at the futility of that thought.
"Next up. Hmm. Merlin, I really don't have many Feats unlocked. Uhhh, Sword Arm: Your dominant arm that you wield a sword with has +2 Strength. Currently Affects Left Arm. Subject to change. No, that won't really help here. If I can help it I'd like them to not even get near me. Oooo, what is this. Magical Pulse: Your magical power is extreme, when you flare your aura you can choose to also push back physical objects and creatures and weak spells. Costs 50 Magicka. That might help actually. Alright, you're added. Never seen a Feat with an active effect like that before. Ohhhh hohoho, Merry Christmas to me! Spellblade: Similar to the Class Specialization Eldritch Knight, this allows you to channel spells through your Sword. Sword must be magical in its own right. Only able to channel spells which you can cast Wandlessly. Alright, one more. Wanker? Are you fucking kidding me Fate? Why is this a Feat?!" Harry desperately wanted to pinch the bridge of his nose. Wanker: Enhances… certain activities and grants +5 Stamina Regeneration. That was it. Fate thinks she's funny.
"I'm going to choose to ignore that. Let's see. Oooo. Sorcerer Extraordinaire: You have Specialized in Learning but this Specializes in Mastering. Spells are Mastered sooner. With Spellblade I'll be able to channel more spells. Best option I have right now since WANKER WON'T HELP ME" Harry yelled that into the pause, hoping that Fate was watching somewhere.
"Alright. 1 Skill Point. Fat lot of good you'll do. Pranking has a Boon though, might as well spend that since I', here. Man. You really have nothing applicable to this situation. I guess I'll go with Get out of Jail: Your Lying, Negotiation, and Diplomacy Skills are at a +10 when avoiding Detention. Ugh. Escaping I really wish you weren't at 23, I feel like you'd be helpful here. Hmmm, Logistics is 24 though… No. Might as well save it" Harry willed away the Sheet and let himself relax a bit.
"Okay, Harry, what's the plan here? Dobby is getting some brooms, and Dolly is getting Dumbledore. Why wasn't the Headmaster alerted to the Werewolf's appearance? Oh, he probably ignored the Ward thinking it was Remus. Speaking of which, why the hell is Fenrir even here? This definitely hadn't happened before. Was it something I did? Can't think like that Harry. You have 16 Students out here. 2 over by the Lake, upper years probably snogging. Merlin, I hope they have their pants up. Then Luna is apparently walking near the woodline, at least she was a ways away from the pack, but these Dementors complicate things. They'll go for her for sure. Draco and his goons. They probably thought they were going to be funny and sneak up on me on my way back to the Castle. And more than a few Firsties, or I just don't recognize their names. They're too spread out for Dobby and Dolly to track them down and get them to the Castle. When Dumbledore gets here, he may be able to Apparate a few but… No, we need to stop the Pack. I can already tell that a few are going to be breaking off. Collateral, likely to convince Fenrir to even go with this brazen attack. Okay. Deep breath. Let's fucking do this. Merlin, don't let anyone die." Harry took a deep breath.
Unpause!
***Break***
The Rat had been watching the powerful boy since the train, and thanked his lucky stars that he had thought to modify the Marauder's Map when he spotted the Twins with it in their First Year when he was still Percy's pet. It had been a harrowing 15 seconds when the boy had used the Map after receiving it from the twins but Peter was relieved to see proof that his modification worked as the rat had been a mere 10 feet away.
"Will it work?" Lucius asked Peter, looking down on the scene below from the Astronomy Tower. The Rat had informed Lucius of the plans Harry had that night and had at the man's request used the Shrieking Shack entrance to sneak Lucius into the Castle. Luckily the man was rich enough to afford a couple Invisibility Cloaks.
"You're the one that wanted to kill him, this is your plan. So will it work is a question you need to answer. I'm risking my cover here." Peter stated to Lucius in a disdainful tone. He had always felt that Lucius was too puffed up for someone who couldn't even make it into Voldemort's Death Heralds.
"Do not use that tone with me, rat. Potter has become dangerous to our position. This needs to succeed." Lucius warned Peter, ineffectively if Peter's blank stare was any indication.
They both looked down at Harry's small form across the grounds. Lucius had cursed when Harry had summoned a broom from nowhere but the noble boy had given it to the girl. That would be his downfall. Most adults died to a single Dementor or a single Werewolf. Harry Potter was facing much more than that. Nevermind the boy's call for the half-breed Hagrid, that would just ensure one more victim tonight. Lucius cursed again when 2 Elves appeared ahead of him. He couldn't make out the orders from his height, but they popped away.
"Cunning, Mr. Potter. But Dumbledore is away on business tonight and will take some time to reach you" Lucius praised himself for pulling the Headmaster away from the school long enough for their plan.
"Fenrir seems excited. He must be relishing the idea of adding more children to his pack tonight. It's always been impressive that he was able to bring together such a large group of monsters" Peter commented idly, as the first Werewolves broke from the treeline.
***Break***
"To the Courtyard! RUN! Werewolves on the grounds! Run!" Harry screamed as he sprinted. The growl from above made him take aim over his shoulder and Banish the Werewolf that had leaped at him. The Werewolf shot into the air like a rocket. He heard the thud as it landed but focused on running instead. Something like that wouldn't stop it for long. A Pulse of his magic stopped 2 more from scratching him and Harry thanked his luck that such a feat had been available.
"Dobby! I don't care if you don't have them all! I need you!" Harry yelled into the air, and Dobby appeared just ahead holding 5 Brooms. Harry jumped and willed 4 into his Hotbar before mounting the other in a smooth motion.
"Luna! By the trees! Get her inside!" Harry yelled at the elf and pointed in the direction his Map had indicated. Harry rolled the broom to dodge a swipe from another Werewolf. The pop notified him that the Elf had gone to follow his orders. Harry kept low, the Dementors above complicated any high flying. But the speed of his Nimbus definitely helped and he was able to break ahead of the pack. He glanced over his shoulder and cursed. There must be 50 or so.
Casting Sonorous once more, Harry yelled out instructions. He just hoped they would listen. "Hagrid! Bar your door! There's too many! I've got them busy! Find a way to contact the Professors inside! Draco! Run to the Courtyard! First Years gather up!"
***Break***
Lucius paled when he heard his son's name. What… why… Why was his son outside!
"Call off the attack," Lucius whispered. When Peter didn't respond Lucius looked at him with a hint of desperation and yelled, "Call off the attack!"
"We both know that's not possible. We brought Fenrir here but he will leave when he chooses and not a second before." Peter reminded the man coolly, not even flinching when the man grabbed his collar. "I'd advise you to figure out a way to get your boy, if you want to have an heir by the time the night is done."
Lucius gave a sneering growl and dropped him. His motion to pull his mask down and Unshrink a broom from his pocket made Lucius miss the smile Peter gave as he brushed imaginary dust from his clothes. "Better hurry, Lucius. I see that your boy isn't that fast."
Lucius jumped from the edge of the tower, and Peter chuckled. The bratty kid might not survive. Boohoo. Kids who listen to mysterious notes deserve to die. Peter sat on the edge of the tower and swung his feet as he watched the action unfold below. Luckily the Dementors were distracted by the intense fright of the students below, or he wouldn't be having so much fun.
"Are you down there as well, Sirius?" Peter asked no one.
***Break***
"Expecto Patronum!" Harry's Basilisk came to bear and struck out at the Swarm above him, knocking a few back and sending them away for a moment. The wolves below howled up at him and he had to toe a fine line to try and keep both groups under control. The Basilisk disappeared in favor of a pair of Defodios fired at a Werewolf that had broken from the pack. The Werewolf howled in pain as his leg gave out and he tumbled, twin holes through his thigh and knee. The Werewolf would heal though, they always did.
Harry shot off toward a cluster of students, First Years judging by the heights. They were huddled together in fright, watching the bloodthirsty group of Werewolves howling into the night. Harry saw one Werewolf who seemed drawn in by the veritable feast the children would provide. Harry timed a Bludgeoning Hex as he flew over and with a nod of satisfaction sent the Werewolf's head slamming into the ground mid-run. Harry dismounted in the air after slowing, and landed with a tumble and roll to appear in front of the students facing the mob. The Dementors had trouble adjusting to his change of direction and were slow to follow. The wolves had no such issues.
"Stay behind me! Dolly!" Harry fired spells with abandon into the mob of Werewolves, spells flying forth with incredible speed and accuracy. It slowed them just long enough for Harry to hear a pop of arrival and a few shouts of surprise from the cluster of students behind him.
Charms Skill has increased! It is now 59!
Defensive Spells Skill has increased! It is now 34!
Silent Casting Skill has increased! It is now 9!
Silent Casting Skill has increased! It is now 10!
"Dumbledore is on his way, Master Harry! He was at the Ministry" Dolly called out to him and Harry nodded but didn't turn around. He wondered why Dumbledore hadn't come back with her but put the thought from his mind. A hot wave of Incendio ignited the grass ahead and gave him just enough of a reprieve to talk.
"Can you take the students inside?" Harry asked and resumed casting spells while he waited for a response. He didn't see Dolly look around at the shivering and whimpering students surrounding her, a fierce look of determination on her face as her maternal side flared up inside of her. House Elves struggled to Side Along multiple targets through wards and even more so in such a short time frame. But Dolly would do it. Dolly had to do it.
Silent Casting Skill has increased! It is now 11!
"3 trips" Dolly said with determination.
"Hufflepuffs! Get Sprout and get the Elves from the Kitchens! Yellow uniforms first Dolly!" Harry ordered and began firing spells once more when the Wolves passed his line of fire. The group was closing in fast. 3 trips would take too long, and Harry almost wanted to order her not to do it knowing what it would cost her. His Elf's determined voice prevented him from doing anything to stop her. Dolly popped away with 3 students out of the 7 gathered. Harry debated for a moment giving them brooms but they hadn't even had their first Flying Class yet, a thought that made him roar in anger at the Wolves ahead. The Sword of Gryffindor appeared in his hand and he started slowly stepping back as he cast, the group behind him getting the idea and stepping with him. Another 2 pops let him know that more of the students had left. A quick glance showed him a Ravenclaw and a Gryffindor.
A Werewolf dodged Harry's spell that he misfired when he glanced back, and the furry beast jumped. Harry cursed and swung the Sword with a spell in mind.
Magicka too low! Bombarda Spell failed!
Harry cursed silently. He was basically out of Magicka. As if in slow motion Harry followed through with the swing though, and grimaced when the Werewolf's weight came across. Harry roared and rotated his body hard, and with a yip of pain that was cut off the Werewolf's head came off the shoulders. The world seemed to resume its normal speed and the students behind him cried in fright at the almost shower of blood as the Werewolf Harry had just beheaded tumbled past them. Harry wanted to apologize for the gruesome scene but the alternative was much worse.
The group behind the Werewolf was almost upon them when a pop behind Harry let him know that Dolly had returned. Harry rolled to the side and mounted his broom once more. He met the young Gryffindor's awestruck eyes as the boy was whisked away by Dolly.
Flying once more, Harry set off. 10 out of 16 saved. A cry of fright from the waterline sent Harry careening through the pack of wolves that were between him and the water. He dodged left and right, but hissed when a claw caught his cheek. Harry waited until he broke through the group to check his Health and Notifications.
390 out of 400.
Cursed Claw mitigated! No permanent scarring!
Well he probably had Cursed Shield to thank for that, but Harry doubted that it would work against a bite. Harry shot off towards the water where it seemed like a pair of upper years were desperately trying to run from a group of 5 Dementors.
"Expecto Patronum!" Harry cried out. His Basilisk almost made it to the group when it flickered out.
Magicka too low! Spell dropped!
"Fuck." Harry said, and he went with Plan Stupid. Willing away his broom Harry fell through the air. The Sword of Gryffindor was swung with both hands and a defiant roar as Harry spun in the air. There was a faint hiss as the enchanted blade raked across the chests of the 5 Dementors as Harry passed them. They screeched at him in their unearthly wail, and Harry couldn't hear anything except ringing after a moment. The water was getting close though so Harry once more brought his Nimbus to bear and mounted it. The pair of upper years, Harry noticed, had used the opportunity and were hiding near a large rock. He almost wondered why they weren't running but then noticed the pack of Wolves desperate to catch up to him. Harry caught a flash of silver as he looked towards the castle, and was confused. Who was that?
***Break***
Lucius was not a skilled flyer. He knew how to, as any educated Wizard would of course, but he rarely put himself on a broom. But the danger to his precious Draco ignited a courage and protectiveness that Lucius rarely displayed. So with shaking hands the blonde had mounted his broom after his stomach wrenching dive from the Astronomy Tower. He didn't know where his boy was, but Lucius would find him. He had to find him.
"Draco!" Lucius called out. His masked face whirled around, searching desperately. Harry seemed to be more formidable than Lucius had even realized, as the boy impressively used a broom he had seemingly procured once more from nowhere and like a reckless shepherd kept the Werewolves into a semi-organized pack below him.
"Draco!" Lucius cried out once more as he sped across the grounds. Lucius's mind was well protected, service to Lord Voldemort demanded such skill, but as he neared the pack of Dementors he had trouble keeping his head straight.
"Draco!" Tears fell from behind the silver Death Eater mask, dark memories from Lucius's past coming to mind as he still neared the mob of Dementors. An impressively bright ethereal snake struck from Harry's wand and Lucius felt a moment of clarity as even from this distance he could feel the energy from the Patronus. This let him change directions, thinking that surely his boy had headed for the Courtyard as Potter had yelled out. He searched around desperately, trying to catch a glimpse of a blonde somewhere. There! Lucius dived.
***Break***
Harry settled onto the rock, and glared defiantly at the approaching groups. "Can you fly?"
"W-w-what?" Asked the girl below him, the boy was curled up crying. Both were shivering.
"Can you fly?" Harry asked again. Then cursed.
"Fuck it. Dobby!" Dobby appeared as he always did when Harry called. The male House Elf was more rested and had only Side-Alonged one person Harry rationalized to himself.
"Take these two to the Infirmary." Dobby popped away with the pair. Harry sighed. The brooms had been a decent idea, but with the Dementors he doubted anyone besides himself would be able to manage flying around in this mess.
A Sonorous cast with his sparse Magicka. "Come on you mangy mutts! I'm down here! Tasty tasty child! Come and get it!"
The Werewolf pack heard him and some broke off, but Harry again caught a flash of silver in the distance near the Courtyard, his Seeker eyes keen to such metallic flashes. The rest of the Werewolf pack and a large group of the Dementors were headed over there as well. Harry took a leap from the rock and sped off through the air once more. He watched his Magicka closely, and tried in vain to get it to recharge faster. He was kicking himself for not further exploring the idea of Magicka Potions and vowed to get into the Forest soon and stock up on as many of the magical plants used in that recipe as the Forest and Game would let him have.
Harry rocketed through the air and dodged a swipe from the largest Werewolf he had ever seen. Fenrir. Harry looked back as he passed, and glared at the beast of a man. "Fuck yourself, Greyback!"
Like a streak, Harry zipped through the air. He spurred his Nimbus on faster, and felt it give a shake beneath him. Rebellious brat, Harry thought and willed it back into his Inventory in favor of another. This one had yet to be put through the strain yet and accepted the speed readily. He got closer, and felt his stomach drop as he observed the scene ahead. A Death Eater. Standing defiantly in front of the cluster of Draco, Crabbe, Goyle, and Pansy. The Death Eater was firing spells at the Werewolves while trying to push the prone kids behind him, a limp apparent in his halting backsteps. A broken broom lay on the ground ahead, broken somehow.
***Break***
There! Lucius dived. The speed was more than he was used to, and Lucius cursed when he saw his boy, his Draco, cowering in fright against an oncoming Werewolf. Lucius roared defiance and guided the broom into the side of the Werewolf, spellcasting from the back of a speeding broom required more skill than Lucius trusted himself with at the moment. The broom shattered, and the impact sent Lucius and the Werewolf tumbling. Lucius protected his face as he rolled through the wet grass, but felt a crack as his shin impacted a rock. Letting loose a cry of pain as the tumble slowed but still aggravated the now broken leg Lucius sent a Descendo at the Werewolf that had recovered well and was currently diving at him. Shooting spells from a broom, no. Shooting them from the ground? Lucius had that skill in spades.
The Werewolf slammed into the ground with a crunch, the spell bringing him down with startling speed. A Banish onto the crumpled form sent it flying and Lucius struggled to his feet. He limped towards the students who screamed at his mask in fright.
"Draco!" Lucius cried out, the words strained by the pain of his leg.
"Father?" Draco replied in a tearful whisper, confusion appearing on his face, "What are you doing here?"
"Nevermind that. Hush boy! Get behind me!" Lucius stepped in front of the group, ignoring the blood on his son's robes. He noted with detachment from the current situation that Pansy, Crabbe, and Goyle all were crying hysterically. Pathetic. Draco collapsed as the Dementors got closer. Lucius faced the oncoming horde, and stood tall. A wide Sectumsempra halted the group for but a moment, and even took a leg or two.
***Break***
Harry ignored the mask. Whoever this was, they were protecting the students. He had his suspicion, due to just who was being protected, but Harry ignored that as well. Enemy of my enemy and all that, for now at least. Harry halted the broom and dismounted on top of one of the pillars in the Courtyard. Just because the Death Eater was protecting students didn't mean Harry was going to land next to them. He observed the scene. The Dementors were closing in fast. The Werewolves were hungry. Harry took but a moment to pull out the Marauder's map. A pause turned a quick scan into a thorough one showing Draco, Pansy, Crabbe, Goyle, and Lucius Malfoy just under him. That answered that. A quick scan of the grounds revealed no other students on the grounds on this side of the Castle. Hagrid was in his hut, hopefully with a loaded crossbow aimed at the door. Thank you Hagrid for trusting in me, Harry thought sincerely. He knew it must be killing the kind hearted man to not be out here, but Harry also knew that this number of Werewolves would definitely overwhelm Hagrid.
Unpause!
Harry willed the Map away, and glanced at his Magicka. 340 out of 625. Not terrible, but not great. Harry drew his bow and willed 2 Silver Bars from his Inventory into his hands. He Transfigured the bars into 30 arrowheads and let them rest at his feet on the pillar. His quiver appeared and Harry Wandlessly switched the arrow tips out before loading them into a Quiver that he equipped with a thought. Harry nocked an arrow and took aim.
The arrow whistled through the air and speared a running Werewolf in the chest. The silver caused the Werewolf to scrabble desperately at the wound and it collapsed in agony. 3 more arrows found their marks.
Archery Skill has increased! It is now 32!
The Wolves were too close now, and Harry grabbed the arrows remaining and dropped them over the edge of the pillar before jumping down. A quick Summon of his broom prevented injury, and he also sent the Quiver and Bow away, and he alighted upon the ground with a whisper next to Lucius.
"Take it." Harry dropped the broom next to Lucius. The man was hardly a trustworthy individual, but Harry knew that without him that the Slytherins behind him would have likely died already. He owed him just a small favor, and Harry's pride refused to let him be indebted even in a roundabout way to the man. The arrows stabbed into the ground and Harry used Waddiwasi to fire one from the ground and into the oncoming horde. "Take the broom!"
"I'm not leaving." Lucius's voice was firm but pained. "What are you doing here, Potter"
"Same as you, I suspect. Waddiwasi! Preventing harm. Waddiwasi! I'm surprised you Waddiwasi haven't stabbed me Waddiwasi in the back yet. Waddiwasi!" Harry cast in between his words, and the spell was reliable both in its force and accuracy. To think a simple pranking charm typically used for wads of gum would be so useful here. The Castle door behind them boomed open, and Harry glanced at the noise. Relief flooded him as Hogwarts House Elves stepped out. Sprout, McGonagall, Snape, and Flitwick all stepped out as well leading Babbling, Burbage, Vector, and the rest of the Professors.
"Last chance, Malfoy," Harry said, and kicked the broom closer subtly. Lucius glanced at the Professors and cursed. He bent to pick the broom up and Harry stunned the man, not ignoring the chance to capture a Death Eater now that reinforcements were here
Lying Skill has increased! It is now 16!
Harry intoned, "Expecto Patronum!"
This time he kept the spell up long enough to fully bring forth the snake. It measured 30 feet long with about a foot diameter. With it fully separated from his wand the Snake slithered through the air into the Horde of Dementors.
Harry, alone now, held off the horde of Werewolves just long enough for the Hogwarts House Elves to join the fray. Patronus spells zoomed over their heads from the Professors, and along with Harry's Basilisk sent the mass of Dementors away. The Elves Apparated away, using their agile and small forms to simply slap the Wolves and teleport them about 50 feet into the air and over the grounds and then Apparating away as they fell. It was a clever tactic, Harry had to admit, able to hear the crunch of bone as the Werewolves literally rained down in the distance.
Harry sighed in relief as no Werewolves were nearby any longer, their numbers dwarfed by the horde of Elves. Some of them were unmoving ahead of him, arrows sticking from their still forms. Harry collapsed onto his butt, and stared up at the sky. Despite the trouble it had brought that night, he couldn't deny that the moon was very beautiful. He brought his attention back down to the grounds where the Wolves responded to a howl from Fenrir and fled into the woodline. Harry glared at the immense Werewolf who stopped to look up at him. Greyback may be a monster, but his mastery over his Wolf side was unquestioned as Harry could see an almost human intelligence staring at him through the dark eyes.
Quest Completed! Stop the invasion of Hogwarts! Bonus failed! Draco Malfoy bitten! Rewards: 16,000 Exp! 50 Skill Points. Silver Enchantment applied to the Sword of Gryffindor. 20 Respecialize Points Unlocked!
Ding! Level Up! You are now level 11! 22 Skill Points awarded! 23 Skill Points unused.
Silver Enchantment, huh? Harry glanced at his Sword as he Summoned it. That would have come in handy before but at least now he had it in case something like this ever happened again. And a Level Up, though a lackluster one.
"Mr. Potter! Are you alright?" Came the call of McGonagall as the woman bustled forth at the sight of one of her Lions sitting in front of 4 collapsed students and a stunned Death Eater.
Harry glanced back at his Head of House and stood up, willing away the Sword and his Wand in favor of brushing off his cold butt. The ground had been wet. "I'm alright Professor. These 4 are the last ones out here."
McGonagall rushed forth at his words, as did Snape. "What happened?"
"Werewolves came from the woodline. Likely let in by this Death Eater. I was with Katie Bell at the time and sent her ahead with my Firebolt. I had noticed a few other students nearby and like a stupid crazy person went to go help." Harry said nonchalantly. The excitement had dulled his mood as the adrenaline faded from him. He wasn't tired of course and yet he was at the same time.
"And you are sure that this is all of them? Mipsy! Search the grounds." McGonagall ordered her favorite Elf into action. The Elf popped away with a few others. Harry silently appraised his Head of House, having expected more pushback for him even being out here fighting.
Harry knew they wouldn't find anyone, but without revealing the Marauder's Map he couldn't tell Minerva that. Snape sneered at the boy half-heartedly and checked on Draco. A few Potion vials appeared in the man's hand from his pockets, and Harry glanced at them just long enough to Identify them as Calming Draughts with his Mage Sight.
"The Dementors had gotten pretty close, they'll likely need Pomfrey" was all Harry said to the Potions Master.
Snape nodded curtly, and used the Hover Charm with Flitwick, Burbage, and Vector to lead the unconscious forms inside. It appeared worry for his Snakes prevented even the great Severus Snape from ignoring Harry's words.
"What about you, Mr. Potter?" McGonagall asked. She was organizing Hooch, Sinistra, Sprout to the task of floating the corpses of the Werewolves into a small mound in the center of the grounds.
"I'm largely unaffected, Professor. Not sure why. My Patronus helped a lot though." Harry lied easily, and waved away Babbling who had lifted his arm to check for wounds.
"Are you injured?" Babbling said.
"No. Sheer dumb luck seems to be my forte, eh Professor?" Harry joked to McGonagall who glared at him in return.
"This is no time for jokes, Mr. Potter" Came a voice from behind them. Harry glanced over and saw Albus standing in the doorway of his school. The man walked with strong strides towards them. With his foot, Albus lifted Lucius's mask just enough for him alone to see the face and bound the man tightly.
"Hey-o, Albus," Harry ignored the man's words and gave a jaunty wave. "I suppose you'll want to see me in your office?"
"That might be for the best, Mr. Potter. Minnie, I trust you'll be able to manage things out here." Dumbledore looked at the grounds. Smoke came from a wide line in the distance, and there were gouges taken from the earth in various spots. The man raised his wand high and with a smooth wave returned the grounds to their former glory. The Headmaster eyed the pile of corpses of the Werewolves Harry had taken out, and glanced at the boy. Harry didn't fight Albus as the man grabbed his arm tightly and they Apparated away with a pop, Lucius in tow.
***Break***
"Please have a seat, Mr. Potter," Albus said as he settled into the chair behind his desk and held his head for a moment.
"Certainly." Harry said, and grabbed a Lemon Drop before he settled into the comfy armchair that Dumbledore had conjured upon their arrival. He looked around the room in interest, as he always did when he was in the Headmaster's office.
"What happened tonight Mr. Potter? All of it." Dumbledore said and adjusted his glasses as he sat back up.
"Well… I was taking a walk with Katie Bell after dinner. We had walked around the lake a bit, and were talking. We had picked a comfy spot near a boulder, and settled down for just a few minutes before Katie drew my attention to some eyes watching us from the woodline. I tried to be nonchalant and lead us both back to the Castle when the first wolf howl sounded. I suppose you'll want to see this." Harry pulled out the Map and stood up. Albus Harry could trust with a measure of discretion about the Map.
"I had thought that maybe the eyes were Sirius Black. I solemnly swear that I am up to no good. This Map, made by my father, shows the names of people throughout the Castle. When I looked at it I saw the name Fenrir Greyback as well as a few others. I of course knew this name to be synonymous with extreme danger, and checked the grounds. There I saw a couple upper years, they're in the infirmary, as well as 9 First Years. I also saw Luna Lovegood, Draco Malfoy, Vincent Crabbe, Gregory Goyle, and Pansy Parkinson. 16 in total not including myself or Katie." Harry handed the Map to Albus so he could see its function.
"This is exemplary work. Homonculous Charm by the look of it though detailed with an intimate knowledge of the school." Albus commented on the Map in wonder, forgetting for just a moment that he was interrogating Harry.
"Yeah, it was definitely a life saver tonight. So I sent Katie ahead with my Firebolt to alert the Professors. I knew that the Werewolves were likely after me, so I chose to stay behind. If I had fled it would have put the other students at risk." Harry defended his reasoning for his actions.
Albus nodded but also wanted to speak for just a moment, "I understand your desire to protect the Students, Harry. I just wish it hadn't come at the cost of so many lives tonight."
Harry flinched at the reminder of the Werewolves who he had killed. They had been monsters in that moment, but in all likelihood were forced into their actions by the depravity and oppressive leadership of Fenrir Greyback. "I know… I… I tried not to use lethal force, but there were around 50. Without matching that force with some of my own I likely wouldn't have been able to save the students. Especially towards the end, any of them that I Banished or pushed back simply got back up a moment later as though nothing had happened."
Albus stared at the boy intensely. He could understand the reasoning and saw for himself the regret on Harry's face and in his words. He nodded fondly, "I can't fault your actions, Harry. Too many lives hung in the balance. You went with the best option available, I'm sure. Please, continue though."
Harry sighed and took a deep breath, "After Katie took off, I ran towards the First Years. They were top priority as least likely to be able to defend themselves for even a moment they… they're just kids. I called for Dobby, my House Elf, to bring me some brooms from home so that I could go faster when I noticed the Dementors coming onto the grounds from above. Dolly, well, I'm sure you met her tonight."
Albus nodded, and his heart twinged heavily at Harry pointing out how close some First Years had come to death tonight, "Exemplary thinking, enlisting the help of House Elves. Yes, Dolly found me on the way to the Ministry. I would have come back with her but I knew that the Dementors would also jump at the opportunity provided by an attack on the school. You'll be relieved to know that they are being removed from the grounds and border as we speak. The risk was too great, tonight showed that, and I was able to convince Cornelius to call them off."
"I was wondering why you didn't come back with her. I'm glad that it was for a good reason," Harry nodded, though he was still frustrated that he had had to fight so hard in lieu of Dumbledore's absence.
"My apologies Harry, I know that it must have been hard to count on my aid but it was needed elsewhere. I had hoped to prevent the Dementors from coming onto the grounds at all, but I'm sorry that I was not fast enough" Albus was sincere in his words, Harry could tell.
Harry waved away the apology, "I understand. They wasted no time coming onto the grounds with the Werewolves, and that's hardly your fault. It's mostly mine, in my haste I neglected to include the Dementors in Dolly's message."
Albus sighed heavily, "Do not take the blame of what happened tonight onto your shoulders Harry. As Headmaster I should have responded quicker. I considered the Dementors the greater threats tonight, underestimating Fenrir once again and his ability to rally the Werewolf population as an Alpha."
Harry accepted the words. "I know I shouldn't I just… If I had been one second slower… No, I can't think like that. I've come far enough that I wasn't one second slower. With Dobby bringing me my brooms I was able to make it to the First Years. I ordered Dobby to get Luna Lovegood who was near the woodline inside. I called Dolly and had her Apparate the 9 students behind me inside. It took 3 trips Professor… Dolly... Dolly must be in so much pain…"
Harry gripped his hair in frustration. Side-Along Apparation for an Elf taxed them, especially through wards they were not keyed into, in a physical manner. And for Dolly to do it 3 times with so many students she must have been in agony but hadn't once let out a sound. Tears tickled his eyes. Albus let the boy have his moment, tears tickling his own eyes at the bravery of Harry's Elves and the boy's heartfelt worry about that Elf.
Harry took a shuddering breath once more to collect himself, "They are all safe though, and I was able to hold the Werewolves off long enough for her to complete the trips. With that done I headed to the 2 upper years, since they were furthest from the Castle. Some Dementors were upon them and I had Dobby bring them up to the Castle when they couldn't fly. He's a bit stronger as my Head Elf but I'm sure he's hurt as well… But I couldn't think about that because I saw that Draco Malfoy and his friends were unable to make it to the Castle. A Death Eater was there, likely the instigator in all of this, protecting them. It's Lucius Malfoy, sir, I'm sure you're already aware of that."
"Yes, though I am surprised to hear that he was protecting the students. Likely due to young Draco's presence" Albus stared at the unconscious man they both had left on the floor.
"He was. I knew I couldn't take the man in a duel, and he did perform ably. I tricked him though by pretending to lend him my broom to escape when the Professors showed up. Stunner to the back when he went to pick it up." Harry admitted his deception.
"Cunning trick, Mr. Potter. And a good capture. Are you willing to testify as to his presence? The mask and a Priori Incantato will likely suffice but your word could bring it the rest of the way home." Albus asked the boy.
"He tried to kill me, Professor. And almost got a number of lives caught up in the attempt. I am sure that if Heir Malfoy had not been present then he would not have interfered at all." Harry said this with vehemence and had to resist the urge to kick the bound man next to them.
"True. Thank you." Albus said and Harry nodded in response, eyes full of justice. "Anything else?"
"Actually, Sir. Draco Malfoy was bitten. I noticed the blood on his robes and checked myself. One of them must have gotten a graze in but the wound was superficial. Do you need me to stay for any statements when you bring the Aurors in?" Harry asked.
"I think that would be most helpful, Mr. Potter. And let me just say that if you keep this up the school will likely need to put together a new trophy room for your plaques of Special Services. You did a lot of good tonight, Harry." Albus had stood up when he had started speaking, and was smiling kindly when he placed a warm hand on Harry's shoulder as he walked to the fireplace. Harry grinned up at the grandfatherly figure.
***Break***
Amelia Bones stepped through the green flames and into the Headmaster's Office. "Hello, Albus. I have Proudfoot and Shacklebolt coming through just behind."
Albus shook the woman's firm hand, and let her pass fully into the room. "Of course, Amelia. Thank you for your fast response."
"It's not every day we get a report of an assault of any level on Hogwarts. Least of all after it's already over. We'd been getting reports from the school for the past 15 minutes as students poked their heads into our fireplaces, you're lucky you got through." Amelia stopped in surprise when she noticed Harry stand up from his armchair that had been blocking him from view.
"Hello, Madam Bones. Lord Harry Potter." Harry shook the woman's hand, knowing her not to be the bow and knuckle kiss type, and Amelia was surprised at the firmness and calluses she felt.
The whoosh of arrival interrupted them as Kingsley and John came through the Floo. Amelia's demeanor shifted into command mode and her tone was authoritative and her orders concise. "Shack! Secure this Death Eater. Proudfoot, I want you to head to the Infirmary. Get statements."
Both men nodded and Proudfoot headed out of the Office. Kingsley walked over to Malfoy with long strides and checked Lucius's pockets and took his wand as well as any jewelry. He took the mask off to check the mouth and then started. "It's Lucius Malfoy, ma'am!"
"I don't give a rat's ass if it's Merlin himself! Finish securing him! Albus, why do you have a student here?" Amelia asked Albus as the Headmaster walked away from the fire where he had been standing.
"Young Harry here is the reason that the Infirmary is being used to treat Dementor exposure and only 1 Werewolf bite" Albus responded with a small smile of pride.
Amelia gaped. She had been told that there were Werewolves on the grounds but only one bite? She turned to observe the boy. He was tall for his age, and built well. He also had an air of power and confidence well beyond his years. He would make a fine Auror she thought to herself.
"I'm impressed, Lord Potter. I'd heard of your skills through the grapevine but didn't put much stock in them. My apologies" Amelia wasn't one for idle gossip. She trusted cold hard facts, and the fact was that she had thought that St. Mungo's would be busy tonight.
"None taken. Nice to know some people don't buy into everything they hear." Harry said with a grin. He had always liked Amelia Bones but never really got a chance to interact with her before. He had grieved the loss of a good ally in 6th year when she had been killed, presumably by Voldemort himself, as the woman had a strong moral code and iron will.
"He's secure, ma'am" Shacklebolt's voice came across the room easily, as it had the quality to carry itself.
"Good. Let's wake him up. Enervate!" Amelia had her wand in hand faster than even Harry could see, and the spell impacted Lucius who groaned at being woken up.
"What is this? Let me go!" Lucius raged against his bindings, he was still on his back and didn't notice the others present at first. His eyes met Harry's in a cold rage as the boy walked by. The boy had tricked him and he had fallen for it easily.
"You tricked me!" Lucius bit out at the boy. He was caught because of it and Lucius knew no amount of bribes was going to be saving him this time. And no Dark Lord to feign Imperius under.
"You tried to kill me." Harry said in a bored tone and through another Lemon Drop that he had taken from Albus's desk. "You're lucky I only stunned you"
Amelia's respect of the boy rose a bit at his easy threat. "Lord Malfoy. You're under arrest for terroristic acts, attempted murder, and a list of other charges I don't feel like getting into right now. Do you have anything you want to say?"
"Eat shit, Bl-" The man choked on his words when Harry idly tossed a lemon drop into his open mouth.
Harry let out a surprised chuckle, "Sorry! Sorry, I really didn't think that would go in. I'll behave myself"
Albus chuckled as well but subtly moved his Lemon Drop supply away from the boy as he settled into his seat. Amelia eyed Harry with a stern eye making it clear she wouldn't be having anymore shenanigans. She levitated the piece of candy from the man's mouth and restored his breath.
"Let's try that again. Lord Malfoy, do you have anything to say?" Amelia asked firmly.
"No." Lucius said. Harry saw what the man was planning though as his cheeks moved. Harry spelled his mouth open with a wave of his hand.
"I've waited a long time to see you bite your tongue, Malfoy. Never thought I'd be stopping you today." Harry said calmly.
"Thank you for that, Lord Potter. Let's get him up Shack. Albus?" At her tone Albus conjured a wooden chair with a silent wave of his wand. Kingsley hefted the man up and put him in the chair. Amelia walked up and pulled out a vial of Veritaserum.
"Are you sure you want a student to be here for this, Amelia?" Dumbledore asked the woman when he saw the vial.
"You're the one who had him here. And he just stopped Lord Malfoy from biting his tongue. It wouldn't have stopped us interrogating as we could have just spelled it back on, but it's clear that Lord Potter wants to be here in a Lord capacity so I'll make an exception." Amelia eyed the bound blonde coldly and dropped 3 drops onto the man's tongue.
"Article 5.2 of Search and Seizure in the Case of Lords. If the apprehended attempts to bite their tongue off to avoid questioning, the use of Veritaserum is allowed to prevent further attempts before Trial. You should know this, Lord Malfoy." Amelia said to the man, calmly. Malfoy gave no indication he had heard her as his eyes glazed over. Amelia nodded to Harry who dropped his spell. A good Auror indeed. Wandless magic at his age.
"What is your name?" Amelia began.
"Lucius Abraxas Malfoy." Lucius stated with no emotion.
"How did you make it onto the grounds?" Amelia asked the bound blonde.
Lucius appeared to be trying to fight the Veritaserum and ground out, "Shrieking. Shack. Tunnel. Under. Whomping. Willow."
Harry nodded to himself. That'd be how he would get in and out of the school. Remus took his potion in his quarters these days, he knew, otherwise Lucius might have found more than he bargained for within the decrepit building.
Amelia glanced at Albus, who nodded. "Interesting. Did you receive inside help?"
"Yes," Lucius said though he appeared to be struggling harder.
"Who helped you?" Amelia asked.
"W-w-wormtail" Lucius struggled in vain to fight the liquid, and Harry inhaled sharply at the name.
"That mean something to you, Lord Potter?" Amelia asked the young Lord while she dropped one more drop of Veritaserum onto Lucius's tongue.
Harry panicked for a moment at the question. But then remembered the Marauder's Map, which he had just shown to Albus. "Yes, actually. It's just not a name I ever expected to come out of Lord Malfoy's mouth. Umm… Well I'll just come out and say it, that name is a nickname for one of my father's school friends. Peter Pettigrew."
It was Amelia's turn to gasp, "Peter Pettigrew is dead."
"You don't have to tell me that, but you can ask him" Harry pointed at Lucius.
"Is Wormtail an alias for Peter Pettigrew?" Amelia asked and Lucius responded "Yes."
"Is the Wormtail that helped you onto the grounds Peter Pettigrew?" Amelia asked urgently.
"Y-yes." Lucius tried to stop himself. Amelia reeled back. A million scenarios went through her head.
"Lord Potter I'm going to need every bit of information you know about Wormtail." Madam Bones conjured a high-backed chair of her own and sat down after stunning Lucius once more. Harry began with the limited information that he knew and that wouldn't bring up too many questions about his knowledge of someone he had never technically met.
***Break***
"Animagi. Interesting. Shack. I want a tight border around the school but be discreet. We also need to check in with Hogsmeade to ensure no attack was made there." Kingsley nodded and headed for the Fireplace.
Harry eyed his pocket for just a moment in indecision, and then once more brought out the Map. "This might help, Madam Bones. I solemnly swear that I am up to no good. This is the Marauder's Map, you can see the name Wormtail here at the top, it was made by my father and his friends. It shows everyone on the grounds and in the Castle."
Harry placed the map, fully unfurled, on a table between them that he conjured with a silent wave of his wand. Albus stood up and walked over to sit with them as he couldn't see from his desk. Once more, Harry's magical prowess impressed Amelia Bones.
"An impressive conjuration." she commented idly then checked out the map.
They were silent for a moment, all of them looking intensely for the name Peter Pettigrew yet nowhere they looked could they find the name. It made Harry nervous. But they pressed on and Albus sent a few Professors to the village as well to assist with going door to door and checking on the citizens there.
The name was nowhere to be found, meaning that either Pettigrew was off the grounds or had used inside knowledge to hide from the Map, Harry thought to himself. It also appeared that more than a few students were out past curfew but Albus ignored that from his position staring at the Map as well.
"He's not here." Harry said after a moment longer, and the 2 adults nodded in agreement.
"A pity." Albus said sincerely, his normally kind blue eyes flaring in anger at another past student revealing a dark and dangerous side.
"Keep an eye out for him and call me as soon as he shows up" Amelia stated firmly. She wanted to get to the bottom of this lest Pettigrew get away with more than he already had. The knowledge that the presumed dead Pettigrew was in fact alive put a lot of things into place for her, she had always thought that Sirius's betrayal was a little fishy, and she knew that she had a lot of arguing with Fudge in her future. Amelia locked eyes with both Dumbledore and Harry in turn, until they nodded their understanding. She nodded in return.
"I will be checking on Proudfoot and Shack. I'll be sending a memo with court details before the end of the night Albus." Amelia grimaced slightly, another sleepless night.
"Thank you. And I think that I saw young Susan near the Kitchens." Albus commented idly, gesturing at the Map that Harry was rolling up and storing once more. Amelia smiled slightly at the small hint to see her niece, a visitation that would likely give her the energy and peace of mind to get through the night ahead.
***Break***
The Common Room exploded into noise as soon as Harry stepped inside. It was about an hour after curfew and most of the students had been concerned when Harry had not come back after the battle. But seeing the tall redhead step through the entrance, with only a scratch on his cheek, prompted the students into cheering.
"Harry!" Katie yelled from her place on the couch and ran over to give him a tight hug. Her eyes had tear stains, as did more than a few others Harry noted.
"Katie, I'm alright but if you keep squeezing me like that I might not be" Harry struggled out. The 4th year had quite the grip.
"Shut up." Katie said to him in a low tone. Harry chuckled and returned the hug. Fred and George stepped up and clapped him on the back, carting a few cases of chilled butterbeer from their room. Angelina and Alicia joined into the hug and Harry almost choked from the force if the idea of being surrounded by cute girls didn't bolster him.
"Guys, what is happening right now?" Harry addressed the room. There were smiling faces everywhere, and the butterbeers were passed out.
"You did another stupid heroic thing, Harry" Hermione said to Harry with a smile, she rescued Harry from his dogpile and motioned to a seat. "Most of the school is talking about it. They swarmed the upper walkways to watch when the first howls were heard in the hallways. Pretty much the whole school saw or has heard about what you did."
"What?" Harry asked in disbelief. The whole school?
"Single handedly thwarting a Werewolf attack on the first day of school, Harry? People were bound to see it" Even Astoria chimed in.
Bollocks. Harry grimaced, he hadn't wanted people to see that. Didn't even occur to him that of course the school had heard the series of howls from Fenrir's pack. He had killed people and the Gryffindors wanted to drink in his honor. The mere thought made him sick.
"No. We're not celebrating this." Harry said firmly, and his voice cut through the building excitement with an efficiency that would have made McGonagall quite impressed. "I did what I had to do. Nothing more. I'm going to bed."
***Break***
"Lord Potter is certainly a lot more than he appears" Amelia stated later that night, having returned to the office to collect Lucius who had remained incapacitated while Albus had filed the appropriate paperwork to streamline the man's impending trial. They would need to rush the date to avoid the press or any ulterior plans involving what would surely be a trial full of revelations.
"Indeed. He is most impressive, a newer side to the young man I will admit but he has displayed restraint and wisdom beyond his years to offset his apparently sudden growth" Albus commented proudly as he rolled up the last form and spelled it through the active Floo to the Ministry.
"It certainly didn't feel sudden to a 3rd party. Wandless Magic and Conjuration at 13, not even mentioning the spellwork he must have displayed tonight to ward off the attack. What are your plans for him?" Amelia cut to the chase while coyly sipping on the tea provided by one of the Hogwarts Elves. She knew that Albus always took an interest in talented students with her school years in the Dueling Club that Albus had started in the face of her own considerable talents to promote her growth coming to mind.
Albus regarded Amelia with a shrewd look. She didn't miss much. A quality that had spearheaded her meteoric rise through the ranks of the DMLE. He slipped a Lemon Drop into his mouth to avoid answering for a moment.
"Currently he is a year ahead in Runes. I had hoped to get a scope of his skills this year, as I said this side that he has brought public since the duel with Jackson is new to even me. He certainly didn't show this level of skill last year though I will admit I know very little of his time in the Chamber, just the bare details. If he performed ably I was going to offer him the chance to sit his OWLs either this summer or the end of next year depending on his performance in his classes. Now though? I will admit I am at a loss as to how to proceed to best allow his growth." Albus pondered the thought now that it had been brought up once more. Just how far ahead was the young boy? Combat Magic seemed to be his forte but Harry displayed knowledge of other topics as well. He was also emancipated and had already notched 2 very impressive accomplishments under his belt, along with a few other more minor things like the small assault on Diagon Alley.
"I suppose that opening the Dueling Club once more wouldn't be out of the question, though I feel that outside of some of the upper years Harry would be hard pressed for significant challenge amongst the student body. His emancipated status could also be abused, though I do not think any student would do so, and any injuries he might cause could bring backlash onto him through the courts if spun with the right thread." Albus tapped his chin and leaned back. Amelia, though many decades his junior, had become quite a good friend in her years in the Ministry and as an ally in the Wizengamot and Albus had always felt he could drop some of the official airs they both put on when conducting business.
"Perhaps a more unique solution then?" Amelia smirked as an idea came to her mind. Albus perked up at the tone and listened in rapt attention as Amelia detailed her idea.
***Break***
Lucius Malfoy Arrested for Assault on Hogwarts!
In what would have normally been a regular first day back to school, we are as surprised as our readers to report the day was anything but regular. Just before curfew, 10 PM, last night while out on a stroll Lord Harry Potter was the first of many to hear Werewolves howling into the night. Not just one or two, readers, but reports of as many as 50 Werewolves were on the grounds of our own Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. This would usually mean that we would be reporting tragedies but in a shocking turn of events there were only 2 injuries to students. A bite of one student, name currently unknown, and a mere scratch to the cheek to one Lord Harry Potter who heroically rallied the Hogwarts Professors while fending off the attack single handedly. Lord Potter has declined a recounting of the events. Our esteemed Amelia Bones has this to say.
"When I received the first Floo call from Hogwarts I was expecting a blood bath, reports of murder, and a long night for our St. Mungo's staff. What I found upon my arrival instead was news that the Werewolves had retreated, the situation had been contained, and Lord Lucius Malfoy had been taken into custody. The DMLE is pleased to report that there were no reports of attacks to citizens of Hogsmeade, thanks to a concerted effort from the Hogwarts Staff and our own Aurors on the scene. What Lord Potter did last night was nothing short of exemplary work."
Lord Potter continues to amaze and impress us all folks. But another Lord has done the opposite. Lord Lucius Malfoy was arrested for wearing the uniform of a Death Eater and admitting, under Veritaserum, that he orchestrated the attack and brought Fenrir and his Werewolves onto the ground. A crime many would have attributed to the depravities of escaped convict Sirius Black who has evaded the summer long manhunt. Head of the DMLE Amelia Bones interrogated Lucius Malfoy herself and a trial has been called for Lucius Malfoy to answer for these crimes. Further information on Page 7 regarding the Lord Malfoy's trial date and format.
***Break***
Breakfast was much the same as the Common Room had been, if even more so from the article in the Daily Prophet. Harry was clapped on the back, thanked, and congratulated. It made him furious. Remus had a guarded look on his face and was eating his breakfast without a word to anyone. It tore Harry up inside, knowing that Remus was one of the lucky ones but one who understood all too well the struggle Werewolves had today. A First Year Gryffindor, the same one Harry had saved, was the final straw for Harry.
"Thank you, Harry! I thought for sure those monsters were going to get me!" The young boy had said. Harry stood up and his fist slammed down on the table hard enough to cause the plates to bounce.
"Enough!" Harry roared in frustration. "Stop bloody thanking me for murder!"
The Great Hall went quiet. The Gryffindors, at least those not in the Hospital Wing last night, had backed off after his words last night, but Harry knew that the rest of the school likely wouldn't follow. He took a deep breath.
"Fenrir Greyback is a monster. Preying on children. On Muggles. Get them young, he would say. Teach them hatred, fear, anger towards Wizards." Harry's words carried easily through the Hall. "Every year more legislation is passed to dehumanize his victims. Fenrir offers them false security, safety. Protection from the bad Wizards who would treat them as less than human. What you all saw last night. What you all want to celebrate and congratulate, was murder. I killed people. Men. Women. Young teens just like us. Hogwarts has been forbidden to teach how to brew the Wolfsbane Potion by legislative actions. Yet, if that Potion was readily available like it should be I would not have had to kill these people. They would not have been so scared for their life that they felt safer following Fenrir. I did what I had to to save the lives I could. Not because I feared them turning into Werewolves. But because they would have felt hated. Less than human. Because all any of you apparently see is someone who changes 1 night out of a month. A condition that is completely manageable if we had a shred of empathy."
Harry felt his anger grow even hotter when he saw Remus tearing up, and he knew he had to drive his point home. "14 Werewolves are dead and buried because of me! People! With dreams ripped away from them by the cruelty of one man! I didn't win! Fenrir still lives! He will turn more people! More children! Who here has a younger sibling? A niece or nephew, a cousin? How will you feel if they get turned next? Are you going to happily eat breakfast and cheer when they get killed because their Pack Leader presses them into a fight? You all make Fenrir's job so easy."
Harry's last words radiated across the room. And the very clear disappointment in Harry's eyes as he cast them around the room was not misunderstood. He glanced at his plate, scattered by his earlier outburst. Harry's appetite was ruined anyways. He moved from the bench and headed for the doors. The Hall doors were closed, but they slammed open when Harry flared his magic as hard as he could.
"Don't those doors open in?" Fred asked George, his voice loud in the silent Hall.
"I think they open both ways now, brother" George said in response.
Albus stood up from his seat with a proud smile. "I want you all to think about Mr. Potter's words, for they have a heavy truth in them. Werewolves are very misunderstood beings. Many Werewolves have led fruitful lives, raised families, and never harmed another person. Great would be the day when that could become the rule, and not the exception. Do not let the fear mongering methods people try to apply to those who suffer from this curse color your opinions. If the Wizarding world could come together in support of those who get bitten, rather than chasing them away with torches and pitchforks, it is likely that the curse itself could be gone within a few generations. What a wonderful event that would be."
With that the Headmaster followed Harry out of the Great Hall, idly repaired the doors as he passed by them. The students he left behind were contemplative and many of them were a bit sheepish as they had not really come to terms with the fact that Harry Potter had killed in their defense last night. Werewolves, but still people, as Harry's words reminded them.
***Break***
"A word, Harry" Dumbledore's firm voice caught up with Harry who had made it to the stairs up the 2nd Floor and prompted the young man to stop and turn. Harry regarded Dumbledore with a detached air, still a bit steamed after his rant but when it was clear that Dumbledore was not here to reprimand him his shoulders lost some of their tension.
"Of course, Professor" Harry said calmly and followed the man down a less used portion of the dungeons. There they stopped at a non-descript door and stepped inside an empy room. Harry glanced around idly and conjured a chair while Dumbledore cast a few Wards on the door.
Harry settled into the chair when Dumbledore's words and actions made him freeze for a split second. "Let's start simply shall we? Tarantellegra"
Harry cursed and rocked the chair back and rolled to a standing position as it fell.
*Fin*
A/N: Hello once more dear readers. For those who read the original Chapter 21 and 22, you'll notice a few scenes from both and the chapter remained largely unchanged with just some additions and some minor edits. I hope to earn back some of those who left after the previous Chapter 22 version, but that remains to be seen. I will also be picking back up the habit of responding to reviews from this chapter onwards if FFnet will allow.
'Til Next Time!