The Calm before the Storm

Here\'s another chapter for you all.

Disclaimer: I don’t own Harry Potter.

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Chapter 11 - It’s Quidditch Time

Harry woke up in the infirmary four days after the attack. The first thing he saw was the stone ceiling of the infirmary above him but it was immediately replaced by a familiar bushy head of brown hair and Hermione’s worried face.

“Harry your awake,” Hermione cried as she enveloped him into a hug.
“Just in time too mate,” Ron said stepping up beside the bed, “We’ve got our first quidditch match of the season against Slytherin tomorrow.”
“Ronald Weasley can you think of nothing else,” Hermione exclaimed angrily, “Harry could have been killed.”
“Not likely,” Ron said grinning, “It’s not that easy to get rid of Harry. Right mate?”
“How is Tempest?” Harry groaned as he sat up, “Was anyone hurt?”
“Just a few broken bones was the worst anyone got,” Hermione told him, “Tempest is fine. She woke up yesterday. She’s outside waiting for Charlie to come get the three Dragons from outside.”
“What about the one that got into the Great Hall?” Harry asked pushing back the sheet, slipping out of the bed and looking around for his clothes.
Hermione frowned, understanding what he was doing, but grabbed Harry’s clothes and robes and handed them to him anyway, before grabbing Ron by the arm and dragging him away. She pulled the privacy curtains around Harry’s bed so no-one could see.
“It’s in pieces mate. You and Tempest were bloody awesome. Turned it to stone in mid air, no wands either. The whole school‘s been talking about it,” Ron said continuing their talk through the screens unable to see Harry when he flinched from hearing he had performed wandless magic, “When you two came crashing through the window you had everyone scared out of their minds that you were dead but then when you two moved every just seemed to snap out of it and panic. With Dumbledore not there the Professors were having a right time keeping the students calm. I still can‘t believe Dumbledore just up and disappeared like that.”
“He probably had good reason to Ron anyway Remus has been beside him self with worry. He wouldn’t leave your and Tempest’s sides. Dumbledore had to cast Pertrificus Totalus on him then levitate him out of the infirmary before he‘d get any rest,” Hermione scolded, “What possessed you to go outside and fight anyway?”

Harry walked out from behind the privacy curtains pushing them back. The pajamas he had been wearing were folded and sitting on the bed.

“Do you guys know what that purple and black shield thing in front of Tempest was?” Harry asked ignoring Hermione‘s question.
“That was a soul shield,” Dumbledore said as he walked towards them.
“Really. It‘s so rare,” Hermione gasped.
“What’s a soul shield?” Harry asked and Ron nodded wanting to know as well.
“A soul shield is created when a person is willing to die to protect someone so their life force leaves their body and becomes a shield,” Hermione explained.
“You see Harry, Tempest was willing to die to see that you lived,” Dumbledore said softly, “Exactly like your mother but because your mother was protecting you from the killing curse she unfortunately perished.”
Harry’s eyes widened and he asked in a whisper, “Why?”
“That is a story for another day. It is my belief that you were sneaking out of the infirmary so you could make your way outside,” Dumbledore said brightly.
“I wasn’t sneaking sir,” Harry grumbled blushing making the Headmaster chuckle.

They made their way outside and found Tempest talking to a newly arrived Charlie Weasley by the Dragon statues.

“They’re stone statues,” Charlie stated looking at them blankly.
“They’re real Dragons just turned to stone statues,” Tempest explained exasperated, “Hungarian Horntails.”
“I know they’re Horntails the question is why are they statues?” Charlie asked.
“They attacked the school,” Tempest replied infuriated with all the questions, she knew Charlie was doing it on purpose and was about ready to hit him.
“Why’d they attack the school?” Charlie asked.
“You’re the Dragon expert brightspark, you tell me,” Tempest said glaring at the redhead beside her.

Harry chuckled at this causing the two to turn their attention towards him.

“Hello you lot. Harry, I heard you and my good buddy Tempest here had some fun with these guys,” Charlie said nodding his head towards the Dragons and grinning.
“I wouldn’t say fun,” Harry said grimacing.
“How are you feeling?” Tempest asked softly.
“Pretty good. My body just aches all over is all,” Harry replied.

Tempest nodded then turned back to Charlie.

“So Mr. Dragon Expert you think you can take them to Romania?” Tempest asked.
Charlie nodded saying, “No problem. Mind you I’m thinking of leaving one here for Hagrid. He’s always wanted a Dragon for a pet.”
“Don’t you dare,” Tempest warned.
“I’m afraid a Dragon in a school isn’t a good idea Mr.Weasley,” Dumbledore chuckled.
“Don’t worry the guys and I will take them off your hands,” Charlie said indicating the rest of the group that was with him, who were checking over the Dragons.
“Brilliant,” Tempest said grinning.
“Hey Charlie,” Ron said, “You and Tempest seem to be all buddy-buddy. Do you know each other or something.”
“We do. I met Tempest when I was at school,” Charlie said grinning at Tempest who smirked back.
“I thought so,” Hermione said, “Remember Ron. I told you Tempest graduated from here when she was nine.”
“Oh yeah,” Ron said, “But that must of meant you started when you were two,”
“No. I was five when I started. I did first, second and third years in the first year, fourth and fifth the year after and sixth and seventh in the last two,” Tempest said shifting uncomfortably from foot to foot because of the eyes on her.
“Wow,” Ron exclaimed.
“That’s amazing,” Hermione gushed.
“Yes well enough about that,” Tempest said blushing

One of the men with Charlie approached putting an end to conversation.
“It’ll be best if we move them tonight,” the man said to Charlie.
“Right we’ll do it tonight then,” Charlie said giving a final nod.

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Harry looked at the scarlet robed group assembled before him in the Gryffindor changing rooms.
It was the next day and time for the game against Slytherin.
Ron, Fred and George were sitting at the back of the room while Ginny, Seamus and another fifth year girl name Christina Merriweather sat right in front of him.

“Alright guys and girls we’ve got in some good practice sessions. I know Slytherin is a tough team to beat but I’m sure we can do it. Also I want you to be careful and keep your eyes open, I have a feeling Grint’s going to try and cripple us early on,” Harry said, “All I can ask is you try your best.”

They all stood and Harry led them out onto the field to be met by thunderous cheers.
Harry looked up to where the teachers were seated and saw Remus and Tempest sitting together with Severus.
Reaching the center of the field they stood opposite the Slytherin team. Grint sneered at him and was about to say something but was stopped when Madam Hooch came to stand beside them.

“Alright make this a good clean game,” Madam Hooch stated more to Grint then Harry, “Now shake hands.”

Harry stepped forward and clasped the hand that Grint had extended. He felt Grint squeeze his hand hard trying to hurt him. Harry smirked and squeezed back letting a little wandless magic loose to zap the Slytherin.
Harry smirked in satisfaction when Grint pulled his hand back and shook it.

“Mount your brooms,” Madam Hooch said.

Harry mounted his Firebolt and rose into the air Draco was directly opposite him while the rest of the two teams were below him.
Madam Hooch opened the chest and the bludgers burst out knocking the snitch in an attempt to get out first.
Harry watched as the snitch flew up and disappeared into the clouds above them to hide.
Madam Hooch grabbed the Quaffle out of the chest and threw it up in the air blowing her silver whistle, starting the game.
Harry immediately blocked out the commentary and looked around for the snitch. At one point Harry caught a flash in the teachers stand but when he looked the snitch wasn’t there. Looking around he spotted Draco flying near the Slytherin stands looking for the snitch as well.
Catching a flash of gold out of the corner of his eye Harry snapped his head round just in time to see the snitch dive behind the Gryffindor stands. Harry sped off towards the stands and dived behind it knowing that Draco would probably be heading in his direction.
Harry chased after the snitch, which flew along behind the stands until it veered right, back onto the field making him almost collide with Fred who had just sent a bludger at Grint.
Yelling a ‘sorry’ over his shoulder at Fred he continued to speed after the snitch the flash of green and blonde out of the corner of his left eye confirming that Draco was right behind him.
Harry finally caught up to the snitch in front of the teachers stand. He was just about to clasp his hand around it when there was a flash in front of him and a large figure flew into him, from underneath, knocking him unconscious.

Tempest had seen the Wyvern just before it had hit Harry and stood up. When it hit Harry, knocking him off his broom, she threw her robes off and ran down the steps to the guard rail at the front of the stands. Jumping up on it she launched herself at Harry grabbing him around the waist.
Hermione who was watching from the Gryffindor stands screamed and watched as the two plummeted towards the ground. She covered her eyes with her hands and buried her head into Neville’s shoulder.

“Hermione look,” Hermione heard Neville gasp.

Uncovering her eyes she looked and saw that two black wings had sprouted from Tempest’s back and were now lifting her and Harry back up into the air.

“Watch out,” Dean yelled and launched himself at Hermione and Neville pushing them down to the ground as a Wyvern flew directly above them.

Screams filled the air as four more Wyverns appeared taking the total up to six.
Tempest flew over to where Fred and George were hovering with Draco.

“Here take him,” Tempest said handing Harry to Draco, who took the unconscious boy from her and cradled the limp body close to his own with one arm, using the other to balance them on the broom. Turning to Fred and George she said, “Round up the other players and protect them. Use the Protezione Ribollire spell.”

Fred and George nodded and flew towards the other players, Fred heading towards the left, George to the right.
Tempest cast the spell around Draco and Harry with a wave of her hand.

“You’ll be fine. I’m trusting you to take care of him,” Tempest said to Draco.

Draco nodded and gripped Harry closer.
Looking around Tempest saw that Dumbledore had cast a spell so that the students in the stands would be safe and that Fred and George had rounded up all the players and they were safe.
Tempest ducked as one of the Wyvern flew at her. Turning to watch the one that had just missed her she reached into the pocket of the jeans she was wearing and pulled out her wand.

“Lumos,” Tempest said.

The end of Tempest wand lit up drawing the attention of the Wyvern to her. Waving her wand back and forth she took off in the direction of The Forbidden Forest.
Draco watched her go, the Wyverns chasing after her. Leaning forward, being careful not to jolt or drop Harry, he headed the broom towards the ground.
Reaching the ground he let the broom drop from his grasp and lifted Harry up bridal style. He ran to where Severus and Remus were waving at him.

“Take him up to the infirmary. Stay with him until we get there,” Severus said to Draco.
“Yes sir,” Draco replied and took off in the direction of the school.

When he got to the infirmary he ran in and placed Harry on one of the beds, calling for Madam Pomfrey.

“What is it?” Madam Pomfrey asked coming out of her office.
“We were attacked by Wyvern during the game,” Draco explained, “Harry’s unconscious and I think a few of the other players were hurt.”
“Oh dear,” Madam Pomfrey said as she ran over and started to check Harry for any injuries.

Draco watched the medi-witch work, making sure to keep out of her way.

“He’s got a mild concussion,” Madam Pomfrey said, “He’ll be alright now Mr. Malfoy you may leave.”
“I promised I’d watch over him and not leave his side,” Draco said not moving.
“Who did you make this promise too?” Madam Pomfrey asked astounded that Draco would even consider watching over Harry.
“My godfather and Tempest,” Draco replied.
“Alright. I’m going to put these privacy curtains around. Don’t let anyone near him, not even his friends,” Madam Pomfrey said before pulling the curtains around and going back to her office.

Over the next few hours Draco heard many students come and go. None were seriously hurt but they told Madam Pomfrey how most of the professors had headed into the Forbidden Forest.
Draco walked back to the bed after listening in to what the latest student had to say. Harry was still out cold and the professors had yet to return.
Draco started to pace back and forth at the end of the bed.

“Malfoy could you stop that you’re making me dizzy,” Harry groaned out.

Draco swung around and looked at the now conscious Harry Potter.

“Thanks,” Harry said trying to sit up.
“Whoa Potter not so fast,” Draco said walking up beside the bed and pushing Harry back down.
“What happened?” Harry asked, “The last thing I remember was a flash of some kind and then nothing.”
“You had a collision with a Wyvern,” Draco explained, “About six of them attacked the game. Tempest lured them away into the Forbidden Forest. Her and the rest of the Professors haven‘t returned yet from what I‘ve heard.”
“What are Wyvern’s,” Harry asked trying to sit up again.
“Potter don’t move,” Draco growled and pushed Harry back down then continued on with a very brief description, “Wyvern’s are flying serpents. They spit acid and are attracted to shiny things and artificial lights.”
“Oh okay then,” Harry said looking at Draco.

The blonde was pacing again. Harry followed his progress back and forth, back and forth until the queasy feeling in his stomach got to much for him to ignore.
Harry pushed himself up into a sitting position attracting Draco’s attention.

“Potter how many times do I have to tell you lay down,” Draco growled making his way back over to Harry, “If you continue to disobey I’ll bind you to that bed.”
“Yeah well your pacing was making me feel sick,” Harry grumbled as Draco once again pushed him back down onto the bed, “I had to sit up.”

The two just stared at each other.

“Poppy come immediately,” Remus’s voice sounded through the infirmary.

Hearing Remus’s voice Harry immediately sat up making the blonde growl.

“Please Draco I’ve got to see him,” Harry pleaded with the blonde not even registering the fact that he had used the blonde‘s first name.

Draco sighed and nodded helping Harry to stand and exit from behind the privacy curtains.

“I’m fine stop your fussing,” Tempest scolded as she leaned heavily on Remus and Severus.

The white shirt she had been wearing now had a giant blood stain on the front, a few scratches littered her face and a large cut above her right eye leaked blood down the side of her face and into her eye blurring her vision.
Madam Pomfrey strode out of her office and took in the scene.

“Mr. Potter back to bed. Severus, Remus put her on that bed,” she said quickly taking charge.

Severus and Remus helped Tempest over to the bed and Severus lifted her up onto it.

“Like I said don’t worry about it,” Tempest huffed glaring warily at the medi-witch that was approaching her.
“Hush,” Madam Pomfrey scolded, “It is obvious that it needs to be healed.”

Madam Pomfrey reached out and started to undo the bottom buttons on Tempest’s shirt before peeling it back.
A gash on her abdomen was the cause of all the blood. It was seven inches long, located just below her belly button.

“Here hold the shirt out of the way while I go get a healing potion for this and Mr. Potter I thought I told you to get back to bed,” Madam Pomfrey told Remus before scolding Harry who was leaning on Draco to keep from collapsing.

Even though his head was spinning Harry could only stare at Tempest. The black wings protruding from her back capturing his attention.

“What are those?” Harry asked enthralled.
“These?” Tempest asked flapping them as if she was getting dust off them, “Wings. Standard issue for all Protectorate members.”
“You’re in the Guardian Protectorate?” Draco asked.
“Yeah been so for about five years now,” Tempest said turning to Remus, “That’s right isn’t it?”
“About that,” Remus said nodding.
“You don’t have to answer but that other scar. How’d you get that?” Draco asked after spotting the three inch white scar on her right ribs.
“Actually Draco I have your father to thank for that one,” Tempest said smirking.
“My father,” Draco said surprised.
“Yes. You see he and I didn’t see eye to eye on a certain decision he made a short while back. Next time you see him ask him how the scar on his chest is,” Tempest snickered.
“You gave him that scar?” Draco asked astonished having seen the scar, that lay over his heart, once, “When I asked him how he got he wouldn’t tell me.”
“We got into a fight and while we were fighting I was so intent on cutting out his heart that my magic decided it was going to try and do just that,” Tempest said.
“What were you fighting about?” Harry asked.
“That’s between him and I,” Tempest stated.
“But why keep it. You could have had it healed in a second,” Draco asked.
“Mine’s in honor of a great fight,” Tempest said, “Your fathers can’t be healed unless he fulfills the spell I put on it.”
“What was that?” Draco asked.
“That too is between him and I,” Tempest replied.

Madam Pomfrey chose that time to return holding three potion vials and a wand in her hand.
Tempest caught sight of a familiar green liquid in one of the vials and started backing away from the advancing medi-witch.

“Oh no-no-no. Get that stuff away from me,” Tempest growled turning and attempting to dive from the bed and escape.

Remus however knew that this was going to happen and grabbed hold of Tempest’s shoulders and pinned them to the bed. Severus grabbed her legs so she couldn’t wiggle off the bed.

“Let me go. Keep that stuff away from me,” Tempest yelled wiggling and squirming to get away.

Madam Pomfrey shook her head and uncorked the vial with the green liquid. She then carefully poured it directly onto the gash.
Tempest let out a noise that sounded like a cross between a scream and a hiccup. Tears sprung to her eyes before she squeezed them tightly shut.

Severus let go of her and stepped back beside Draco and Harry. They watched as Remus brushed the hair out of her face and whispered soothingly to her.

“Why is she acting like that,” Draco asked.
Severus snorted, “Because it hurts. Usually you would be given a pain potion before its applied but being… well… being what Tempest is the pain potion nullifies the healing potions effect so the healing potion has to be put on first.”
“How painful is it?” Harry asked worried.
“Ask Lupin. He’ll tell you,” Severus replied.

Harry moved towards the bed Draco still holding him up. He was feeling really dizzy but he didn’t care. Reaching out he uncurled one of Tempest hands, that was gripping the sheet, and held it in one of his own.
Tempest opened one of her eyes to look at him and gave his hand a squeeze.

“You can take this now,” Madam Pomfrey said handing her the pain potion.

Tempest took it, her hand shaking, and downed it quickly.
Madam Pomfrey gave her another vial, which acted like an antibiotic, which Tempest downed as well.
Madam Pomfrey then proceeded to use her wand to clean not only gash but the cut and scratches as well. A bandage was then wrapped around the gash.

“I’ll keep you and Mr. Potter here overnight,” Madam Pomfrey stated to Tempest.

Harry and Tempest nodded.

Suddenly Remus’s and Tempest’s heads shot up so they were looking at the door. Tempest’s wings disappeared in an instant and Remus moved to block Draco from view.
A few seconds later the infirmary door opened and Blaise entered with Dumbledore.
Remus and Tempest immediately relaxed.

“How are they Poppy?” Dumbledore asked looking from Harry to Tempest.
“Mr. Potter has a mild concussion,” Madam Pomfrey replied, “And Tempest will heal in the next few hours. I’ll shall keep them in overnight for observation.”
“Very well then,” Dumbledore said.

Blaise had walked over to stand next to Draco who was still holding Harry.

“Headmaster, Malfoy told me that Wyvern’s were attracted to shiny things. Twice during the game I saw flashes from the teachers stand,” Harry said, “One was right before I got hit.”

Draco and Blaise looked at Harry in shock for a second before turning to look at the headmaster.

“Well that confirms it. We have a spy for Voldermort amongst the faculty,” Dumbledore said seriously.

Silence rained until Blaise cleared his throat. He and Draco were in shock. Dumbledore was talking about matters of Voldermort in front of a Death Eater and two children of Death Eaters.

“Oh boys I forgot you were here,” Dumbledore said looking at Draco and Blaise his eyes twinkling, “This information doesn’t leave the room okay.”

Draco and Blaise looked at Severus, who nodded at them, before nodding themselves.

“Very good,” Dumbledore said.

Harry suddenly had a bad dizzy spell, that had his vision fading and his knees going weak, so he leaned even heavier on Draco groaning.

“You alright Potter?” Draco asked looking at Harry, “No. Your not. We should get you back to bed before you pass out,”

Draco started to lead Harry towards his infirmary bed. Blaise followed them and pushed the privacy curtains away.
Draco helped Harry onto the bed, placing a soft kiss on the now semi-conscious boy’s forehead before Blaise pulled back the privacy curtains.

“We’d better be getting back before someone comes looking for us,” Draco said to Blaise.

Blaise nodded his agreement.

“Professors, Headmaster,” Draco said in farewell.

Tempest and Remus waved goodbye while Severus nodded his farewell.

“Farewell boys,” Dumbledore said cheerily.

Draco and Blaise left the infirmary.

“You seemed content holding Potter,” Blaise smirked.
“Shut up Blaise,” Draco growled but a soft blush was evident on his face, “Anyway there is some things we need to discuss.”
“Like what?” Blaise asked.
“For one the fact that Tempest is from the Guardian Protectorate and second is my godfathers alliance with Potter,” Draco said.

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Okay that was longer than previous chapters anyway. Well what do we think so far? Please Review