Forsaken
folder
Harry Potter › Het - Male/Female
Rating:
Adult +
Chapters:
50
Views:
2,159
Reviews:
4
Recommended:
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Currently Reading:
0
Category:
Harry Potter › Het - Male/Female
Rating:
Adult +
Chapters:
50
Views:
2,159
Reviews:
4
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
0
Disclaimer:
I do not own Harry Potter, nor any of the characters from the books or movies. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.
Back to School
Chapter 25 - Back to School
Harry opened the small black box and touched his wand to the delicate, silver Celtic cross that hung on a thin chain. It glowed a bright pink. He shut the lid
and attached a small parchment with Pansy’s name to the box with a length of black ribbon.
“That’s all of them,” he said, looking up at Severus who stood at the end of his bed. “What time is it?” Severus slid his hand into his pocket and pulled out his
silver pocket watch.
“Ten-thirty,” he said quietly. He took a drink of his tea as he replaced his watch in his pocket. “Your trunk’s ready?”
“Yes,” said Harry distractedly. He carefully set four black boxes into his knapsack, having already given Ginny her necklace, along with the Marauder’s
Map and a few vials of various potions they had left over, his shrunken trunk sitting in the front pocket.
The necklaces had actually been Ginny’s idea. Harry and Severus had spent the last couple of days thinking of ways Harry could call meetings without
drawing unnecessary attention to themselves, especially since Blaise, Pansy, and Caitlyn - who had said yes to joining the day after Harry had met with the
other two Slytherins - would be under constant scrutiny. Severus had modified the Protean charm to where each necklace wearer had a corresponding
color which, when the wearer was in danger or needed the others in a hurry, would alert the others to who was in trouble and direct them to their
approximate location when the charm was activated. This same charm also allowed Harry to call secret meetings in a discrete way. The chains were kept
fairly long so that the crosses could be hidden under robes. The boys’ crosses were a bit heavier, and strung on thicker chains, while the girls’ were smaller
and lighter.
Harry flipped over the flap on his bag and ran his hand through his still-damp hair, looking around his abnormally clean room.
“You have all your books?” asked Severus, chiding himself for the inanity of his words. “Your clothes? A winter cloak?”
“Yes,” said Harry wearily. “You triple-checked my trunk, remember?”
“Ah, yes,” said Severus softly. Harry lifted the strap of his bag over his head, slinging it over his shoulder. He grinned half-heartedly as he walked slowly
from the room. Severus followed him silently, trying vainly to hide his worry and concern under a blank mask. He set his mug on the table in the sitting room
and escorted Harry out the front door, walking slowly down to the bridge.
“Be on your guard,” said Severus quietly. “You will have more than just the Council and the Aurors keeping tabs on you and the others.” Harry
nodded.
“Only patronus me in the mornings,” continued Severus. “Nights will be too risky, especially considering the mood the Dark Lord is in at the moment. I will
expect the first one tomorrow morning.” Harry frowned.
“Why in the morning?” he asked in confusion. Severus raised an eyebrow at him.
“I would like to know who my replacement is,” he said with a smirk. Harry grinned.
“Right,” he said. Severus sighed softly as they reached the other side of the bridge. He ruffled Harry’s hair, cupping the boy’s neck in his hand.
“I will see you in a few months,” he said reluctantly. Harry sobered a little and nodded. They stood in front of each other awkwardly before Severus
scoffed.
“Come here, child,” he murmured. He wrapped his arms around Harry, resting his cheek against the mop of black hair. He pulled away gently and smiled
softly at him.
“Please remember to eat and sleep while you’re at school,” he said teasingly, lifting up Harry’s glowing face. “Now go. Kingsley’s waiting on you.”
“Bye,” said Harry. With a quick spin, he disappeared with a soft pop.
~+~
Harry reappeared directly on the platform, the red steam engine before him. His apparating startled two second years standing next to the apparition point.
He completely ignored them, his eyes roving over the many wary and openly frightened faces. He met a pair of eyes set in a dark face and nodded curtly.
Kingsley smirked at him and jerked his head slightly. Harry casually made his way over to him, waving at a few acquaintances as he passed.
“Hey there, kid,” said Kingsley, shaking Harry’s hand. “You’re looking a bit better than the last time I saw you.”
“Thanks,” said Harry. “I think.” Kingsley chuckled softly.
“I was wondering if you were going to show up at 10:59 just to spite her,” he said a bit quieter, pulling Harry farther away from the crowds.
“I thought about it, actually,” muttered Harry, “but I was advised that it wouldn’t be the wisest course of action at this point.”
“I bet,” murmured Kingsley. “Well, I guess I better patronus the Wicked Witch and let her know that you’re here, and early no less.” Harry smirked at him,
catching the use of the nickname he’d taken to using when referring to McGonagall.
“I figure I can give her five minutes in exchange for all the hell I’m going to give her during term,” said Harry breezily. Kingsley’s face fell a little.
“Shit,” he muttered tiredly. “You’re going to make me work, aren’t you?” Harry patted his shoulder.
“Wouldn’t want you to get bored,” he said cheekily. Kingsley ruefully shook his head.
“You know, he’s rubbed off on you,” said Kingsley, walking back towards the train. “And I haven’t decided if that’s a good or bad thing.”
“Probably both,” said Harry, grinning. “I’ll see you later. I’ve got to find Ginny.”
“Being ditched for a girl,” muttered Kingsley loudly. “What is the world coming to?”
“Well, to be honest,” said Harry conspiratorially, leaning back towards Kingsley. “She’s much better looking than you are.” Kingsley rolled his eyes.
“Get out of here before I hex you,” he said, giving Harry a playful shove. Harry waved at him as he scanned the crowd once again, this time looking for
bright red hair. He spotted her ponytail next to a mass of brown curls and groaned softly, not wanting to deal with Hermione right now. He meandered
through the crowd and grabbed Ginny’s hand, pulling her quickly towards him.
“Hey,” he said softly in her ear. Ginny smiled. She turned around and wrapped her arms around his neck. He pulled her further away from Hermione, who
was distracted helping first years onto the train.
“Hi,” she said. “I am so glad to see you. I was really close to killing Ron.”
“Really?” he asked, frowning. “Why?”
“Other than his and Hermione’s very elaborate theories on why all Slytherins are stupid Death Eaters,” muttered Ginny bitterly, sliding her hands down to
rest his chest, “he’s bloody pissed that we’re going out again.”
“I had a feeling he might be a bit upset about that,” said Harry sadly. He brushed an errant strand of her hair away from her face.
“Stop it,” she said firmly. “I’ve made my choice. Ron can just get over himself.” Harry smiled as she looked over her shoulder. “Pansy wrote me a few days
ago and told me about your meeting.”
“I’m sorry for not going to get you,” said Harry. “It just kind of - happened. Spur of the moment.”
“I was just letting you know,” she said. She stood up on her toes and lightly kissed his cheek. “I’m not mad at you. Anyway, you won’t make a habit of
leaving me out of things. Will you?” Harry’s eyebrows rose.
“Absolutely not,” he murmured. “I may be stupid, but I’m not that stupid.” Ginny laughed at him and picked up Hedwig’s cage sitting on top of her trunk
behind her. Harry grabbed the handle of her trunk and pulled it towards the back of the train. He pretended not to see Hermione wave at him as he flicked
his wand into his hand and levitated her trunk up onto the rack near the ceiling.
“God, I can’t wait to be of age,” said Ginny, throwing herself into the seat. Harry smiled sympathetically at her.
“Well, I hope your seventeenth birthday is better than mine was,” he muttered under his breath. They both turned towards the door as someone knocked
softly on the doorframe.
“This seat free?” asked Neville, pointing to the empty seat. His face became very serious. “You two aren’t going to snog the whole time, are you?”
“Get in here, Neville,” said Harry. He flicked his wand and levitated Neville’s trunk out of the hallway. “Shut the door, will you?”
“Sure,” said Neville. He slid the door closed right as Ron and Hermione walked in front of their compartment. Ginny gave Harry a warning glance as Ron
opened the door again.
“Ginny, what in the hell are you doing?” asked Ron sharply, glaring at Harry. “Didn’t we talk about this?”
“No,” she said through her teeth. “You shouted at me. There was no talking.”
“Is there a problem, Ron?” asked Harry. Hermione sighed loudly, earning herself a glare from Ron.
“Yeah, actually,” he said menacingly. “There is. And it’s with you dating my sister, Potter.” Harry pretended to be slightly shocked.
“Well,” said Harry cautiously. “I think Ginny is more than capable of making her own decisions, don’t you?” He smirked a little at seeing Ron’s face turn
red.
“Oh, for heaven’s sake, Ron,” said Hermione wearily. “Just drop it. You’re not going to change either of their minds.” Ron tried to take a step into the
compartment. Neville shot up and stood beside Harry, blocking his entrance.
“Stay out of this, Neville,” growled Ron, pushing Neville back. To his surprise, Neville pushed him back.
“You wanna start something, Ron?” asked Neville loudly. Ron growled softly and pulled his arm back.
“Ron!” cried Hermione sharply as she grabbed his other arm and pulled him back.
“Well, well,” said Harry dangerously, his temper in full force. “I wonder what McGonagall would say if she knew her new Head Boy was starting fights on
the train.” He turned around. “Hedwig, you up for a little trip?” The owl hooted excitedly at him.
“Harry, you’re making things worse,” hissed Hermione, still valiantly trying to keep Ron from physically attacking Neville.
“I am perfectly aware that I’m making it worse, Hermione,” said Harry in exasperation. “That’s the point, though you’re really ruining the whole effect here.”
Her jaw dropped slightly, her grip on Ron loosening momentarily. Ron pulled his arm back and took a swing at Neville. Fast as lightning, Ron was thrown
against the corridor wall, falling heavily to the floor. Kingsley raised his hand at the Aurors behind him watching the altercation, stopping them from breaking
up the fight unless it was really necessary.
“Ron?” said Hermione worriedly as she knelt down beside him. “Are you okay?” Several heads popped out of the neighboring compartments, staring in
shock at Harry leaning casually in the doorway resheathing his wand.
“He’s fine, Hermione,” said Harry coldly as Ron gave his head a shake. “It was just a Banishing charm. I also hit the wall with a Cushioning charm. If
anything’s damaged, it’s just his pride.” He looked up and nodded his chin at Blaise and Pansy standing behind Hermione.
“Pansy, are you seeing this?” said Blaise smugly. “Gryffindors fighting themselves.” He grinned smugly at Harry. “Slytherin might actually have a shot at the
House Cup this year, eh Potter?” Harry chuckled at him.
“Bit of wishful thinking on your part, don’t you think, Zabini?” teased Harry. Blaise shrugged his shoulder.
“A guy can dream,” he muttered as Hermione pulled Ron up off the floor. Ron sneered hatefully at the two Slytherins.
“Where’s Malfoy, Zabini?” he shouted hotly. “You going after Harry since your leader is a coward?” The next instant found him against the wall with Blaise
pressing his wand firmly into his chest, Blaise’s hand wrapped firmly around Ron’s neck.
“Shut the fuck up, Weasley,” he said forcefully. “Don’t you know it’s bad luck to speak ill of the dead?”
“It’s his own fault,” said Hermione condescendingly. “What did he expect to get for taking the Mark?” Blaise glared murderously at her. Harry caught
Kingsley’s gaze and put his hand on Blaise’s shoulder.
“Let him go,” muttered Harry. “We’re attracting some unwanted attention.”
“Fuck you,” hissed Blaise hatefully, his gaze still on Hermione’s face. “Fuck you both.” He violently shrugged Harry’s hand off his shoulder and stormed off
down the corridor. Ron and Hermione looked to Pansy, whose bottom lip was trembling uncontrollably as tears streamed down her face. Neville quickly
pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and offered it to her, gently pulling her into the compartment with himself and Ginny.
“You know what, Hermione,” said Harry bitterly as he shut the compartment door slightly. “If we had given Malfoy a chance before last year, do you think
he still would have turned to Voldemort? Hm? If anybody would have talked to him and actually gotten to know him, do you think he might have turned to
Dumbledore before that night, when it was already too late?” He raised his voice a little, spotting more and more heads in the hallway.
“Voldemort thrives on our hate and arrogance,” he said clearly, addressing anyone and everyone who could hear him. “He picks on kids who are
desperate for help, who have no way out except through him. They are lied to, they are forced to do things they would never in a million years do on their
own, and what is their reward? They are abandoned by all of their friends and they are killed in horrific ways.” He turned back to Hermione and Ron.
“I was there, Hermione. I saw him lower his wand and how scared he was even after Dumbledore was disarmed. And he didn’t cast the curse. So
don’t pretend like you know everything that’s going on, because quite frankly you don’t have a damn clue.” He turned his back on their furious faces and
stepped back into the compartment, shutting the door firmly behind him. He sat down next to Neville and rested his arms on his legs.
“I’m so sorry about them,” he said softly, watching as Pansy quickly wiped her eyes with the handkerchief in her hand. “Just ignore them. They’re idiots.”
Ginny rubbed her back and gently tucked a strand of dark brown hair behind the girl’s ear.
“Come on,” said Ginny, standing up from the seat. “Let’s go find Cate and Blaise.” Harry grabbed her sleeve and reached for his bag. He took out three
boxes and handed them to her. Ginny looked at them and nodded, slipping them into her pocket as she and Pansy left. The door slid shut behind them.
Harry held out a box to Neville.
“The parchment explains everything,” he said. “Make sure to burn it when you’ve got it memorized.”
“Oh great,” muttered Neville morosely as he pulled the note loose from the box. “More stuff to memorize.” Harry grinned at him and sat back in his seat,
watching the last few buildings and houses disappear behind forests of trees.
The rest of the trip was terribly dull. Harry and Ginny took turns napping, while Neville read his Herbology text. Harry saw several Aurors pass by the
door, each one pausing at their door and looking in before walking past. He ignored them, running his fingers through Ginny’s hair splayed across his lap
as he stared out the window.
The proof of Ron and Hermione’s feelings towards the Slytherins had been the twisting of the knife in his chest. He thought he had prepared himself over the
past few months for the possible loss of their support, but to have it so clearly displayed in public weighed heavily on his mind. He looked over at Neville’s
pensive face, giving him a small grin when the boy met his gaze.
Neville smiled back hesitantly. He sighed to himself as Harry turned back to the window, a wave of jealousy rushing through him suddenly at watching him
and Ginny. They were so comfortable with each other - like they were made for one another. He shifted around in the seat, lifting his legs up onto the
cushion. He pulled off his jacket and bunched it up for a pillow as he stretched out, losing himself in thoughts of his own. A pair of dark, mahogany eyes set in
a porcelain face flashed through his mind. He closed his eyes and smiled to himself, remembering the tingling of his skin when her hand brushed his as she
came into the compartment. His wishful thinking came to a screeching halt, his eyes popping open. He snorted softly and shook his head.
She would never date someone like me anyway, he thought, picking at his shirt. I’m a walking bundle of awkwardness. He glanced again at
Harry, envying the suaveness and confidence that seemed to have increased tenfold since last May. He closed his eyes as the familiar feelings of
inadequacy washed over him, cloaking him in a silent depression.
~+~
The Express pulled into Hogsmeade a little before six. Harry pulled his miniature trunk out of his bag and restored it to its normal size as he stepped off the
train. The platform at the station was its usual mass chaos, with the black and green uniformed Aurors watching warily as the students got off the train.
He, Ginny and Neville shared a carriage. A thought occurred to him as he stared at the gaunt thestral while he stepped up into the carriage behind
Neville.
“You know,” he said quietly as he shut the door. “I haven’t seen Luna at all, have you?”
“She’s not here,” said Ginny sadly. “She wrote me right after term ended and told me her dad was moving to right outside Paris. She transferred to
Beauxbatons.” Harry sighed.
“Well, at least she’ll be safer there,” he muttered to himself. A few minutes later, they found themselves at the huge front doors of the castle. Harry got out of
the carriage and groaned.
“What?” asked Neville quietly, getting out after him. Harry turned back to help Ginny down.
“The Wicked Witch,” said Harry quietly. Ginny glanced at the doors and snorted in laughter. Harry sighed and took the handle of his trunk, gently pushing
his way into the queue to get inside the Entrance Hall. He completely ignored the pair of black eyes boring holes in his skull as he set his trunk next to the
others.
He walked into the Great Hall and over to the far side, sitting near the end of the Gryffindor table farthest from the staff table. He glanced quickly at the staff
table and froze. He looked again, focusing his green eyes on the auburn-haired woman chatting amicably with Madam Pince. Despite the woman's hair
color, he recognized her immediately.
“Damn it!” he muttered angrily. He rested his elbows on the table and cradled his head in his hands.
“What are you complaining about now?” hissed Ginny out of the corner of her mouth. Harry leaned forward, motioning for Neville to lean in.
“That woman with the red hair,” he whispered quietly. “I met her about a month ago. She’s Raven’s ex-girlfriend, an undercover Auror.”
“The new Defense prof, you think?” asked Neville softly. Harry threw his hands up and ruffled his hair roughly.
“Are you sure it’s her?” said Ginny skeptically. The woman in question - as if she knew someone was talking about her - looked directly at them. She
smirked at Harry and turned back to the stoic librarian to her left.
“Oh yeah, I’m sure,” muttered Harry. Their conversation was interrupted by the procession of frightened first years, led into the hall by the diminutive
Professor Flitwick. He set the Sorting Hat on a three-legged stool in front of the eleven-year-olds and stepped back.
The Hat sang a familiar song, warning everyone of the dangers of discord and disharmony. The first years were quickly sorted, as there were very few of
them to join the semi-empty tables. Harry sighed sadly. He lost himself in his thoughts again, mechanically filling his plate a few minutes later when the tables
were loaded down with every dish imaginable.
Here’s to another year, he toasted silently as he lifted his glass of pumpkin juice to his lips.