Harry Potter and Gaining Momentum
Profoundness
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you on your recent actions -- not only towards our cause, but also for the sake
of the overall care of the Wizarding world. Many people tend to overlook the
needs of the minority when thinking of the bigger picture," Albus said in
praise, just after they appeared in Diagon Alley.
Harry
nodded his acceptance. After a thoughtful pause, he finally explained his feelings.
"I feel obligated," he said shortly. Albus looked intrigued at this.
He peered over his glasses at Harry expectantly.
"Care
to expand on that, Harry?" Albus finally asked. Harry glanced at the old
wizard long enough to catch his eye and then looked away. He knew Dumbledore
thought he probably felt obligated because of the war, the Prophecy, or even
perhaps because he was the one who got Fudge booted out of the Ministry; but
actually, it had nothing to do with any of this. The truth was, even if Harry
did not come out on top when it came to the final battle with Riddle, he
believed that he'd feel better dying as long as he knew that he had at least
contributed something, no matter how small, to the Wizarding world.
"The
way I see it, the wizarding world fails to keep a
werewolf from suffering his initial bite, so it's our obligation to take care
of the matter after the fact. We, the wizarding
world, prefer to stay ignorant. We like to believe that what we don't know
doesn't bother us, and what we can't see won't hurt us. By doing this, we tend
to look only at the better part of our institution, and turn a blind eye to the
slum. Take Diagon Alley, for instance," Harry said, waving a hand before
him. "If it were attacked, we'd protect what we considered most valuable:
Gringotts and the main drag. But we'd probably leave Knockturn
Alley unprotected. Sure, we might station guards at the entrance; they would be
there to keep people from Diagon Alley from going in. But in doing this, we'd
also be keeping those from Knockturn Alley from
getting out, into Diagon Alley -- however unintended that was. How many people
do you think would care if this happened?" Harry asked rhetorically;
Dumbledore just nodded, so Harry continued: "So we protect what is good,
or what we perceive as good -- and valuable, and leave the 'slum' to fend for
itself. We stay ignorant… blissfully."
"That
was quite profound, Harry. I've seen this myself, of course; but to actually
hear someone else say it, to voice it, makes me feel as if I've not been as
ignored as I thought. People, not just wizards and witches, can be very
narrow-minded. We like to follow what the voice of authority tells us, and
ignore the person that stands outside the crowd and protests. By doing so, many
miss a side of the argument that could be very important," Dumbledore said
with a tinge of pride in his voice.
"Yes,
I saw what happened when Fudge ignored your advice on taking the Dementors from
Azkaban. They too are a minority; they even could have been useful to us. We
could have even relocated them somewhere else; but because we ignored them and
just expected them to continue what they were doing, we lost them when a better
option came along -- for them, that is."
always please everyone. There will be cases where both you and the opposing
party will have to come to a compromise; I actually hope that most cases are
taken care of in this manner. Sometimes a middle ground is the only way to
settle things. Again, take the Deors,ors, for instance. Had we stationed them
as guards at a larger prison, like the one I had in mind for all
Europe
there would have been enough souls for the Dementors to feed from, and the urge
to flee to Voldemort wouldn't have been so great. This is what I mean by middle
ground. In doing this, if we would have shared just one prison, it would have
also made for stronger connections between us and other ministries, and ties to
other peoples, such as the French and Italians; and the threat of Voldemort
could have been reduced due to joint action between the ministries,"
Dumbledore explained.
"So
why wasn't this prison ever built?"
"After
the first war with Lord Voldemort, everyone, as you said before, turned a blind
eye. They convinced themselves that he was really dead,
and that their society could again turn away and not have to worry about such
things as prisons. They concentrated on building the Ministry back up, and on
finding replacements for all that was lost during the war. No one wanted to
think that it might happen again. They didn't want to believe that the
he explained.
"Blind
eye to the 'slum'," Harry muttered. "Build the valuable back up and
leave the underprivileged to do for themselves, so that when Voldemort did rise
again, it would be easier to take the slum back, shape it to his need, and then
attack what was valuable by using it as a weapon."
"Nail
on the head, Harry," Dumbledore commented gravely.
"Yes,
ignorance is bliss -- until it turns around and bites you on the
laughed at this.
"Yes,
and while we're touching on politics, I must also tell you that while the
Muggles seem to discriminate between those in government and the common folk,
so does the Wizarding world. In this world, just like in the Muggle world, you
have to be someone to be recognized by the voice of authority. I had to defeat
Grindelwald to gain my stature within the tight circles of the Ministry. Money
also comes into play here a lot, too. Those who have the financial means to
keep the government well-funded, don't need to actually
do anything to be well-known.
"Take
the Malfoys, for example: you've seen the pull that
Lucius Malfoy had in the ministry; I shouldn't have to tell you that galleons
were probably exchanged for stalled bills, and probably even vetoed laws.
simply because his family had plenty of gold to spread around, and some of that
went to the Ministry. Dolores jumped at the opportunity to have young Draco on
her little squad. She was no doubt hoping that word would get back to his
father, who would make a nice contribution to the ministry, and thus give Fudge
a stronger push to keep her at Hogwarts."
"Why
is it all so twisted?" Harry asked, floored at the small revelation.
"Politics
will always be underhanded and twisted, Harry. Many see it as merely a means to
an end; but the majority of office holders see it as power. Fudge was the best
example of this. I, myself, would sometimes be willing to twist a few arms if
it were going to loosen a law or rewrite others; I've even done so a couple of
times. But, just as every friend has a foe, so too every action has a reaction.
Thus, I chose to keep my hand out of drastic politics unless absolutely
necessary. I tend to keep a cleaner conscience this way. Though, bear in mind,
it will always be beneficial to know the laws and how the government works.
Intervention is sometimes necessary," Dumbledore advised.
"Sometimes
like a knife in the heart," Harry said sarcastically, referring to all the
laws Lucius probably stalled or totally put off with his gracious
contributions. Harry had a fleeting feeling that a lot of these had to do with
werewolves. Draco seemerrierrified of them.
"Well
put, my boy, well put," Albus commented, grinning. He clapped Harry on the
shoulder like a grandfather would. "What do you say we actually get into
the bank? It's looking like rain," Albus said, looking up. Harry nodded.
Throughout
their conversation, they had turned to a more leisurely stroll, and had even
paused to speak. As they picked their pace back up, Harry finally took the time
to actually look around at the Alley. Harry had the slight urge to snort at the
reality of what they'd just discussed. There were witches and wizards scurrying
about, getting their evening chores or last minute shopping done for the day.
No one was alert, with a wand at hand or even in close view. They were
ignorant… they chose to be. Just before Christmas there had been many attacks.
Though not many were made upon the Wizarding world, there were more than enough
on the Muggles. Thousands were lost, too, when Voldemort ordered the Dementors
into the Muggle primary schools to suck souls from the defenseless children.
But, of course, this didn't affect those in the Wizarding world; so therefore,
it was no bark off their wands. This greatly angered Harry.
"May
I help you, Headmaster, Mr. Potter?" the Goblin at the desk inquired after
he noticed Albus and Harry had just stepped up to the counter.
"Yes,
I'd like to give authoriza for for a credit account at the Hogsmeade Apothecary
for M.I.S.S.E.D.; and I'd like to open a new business account," Harry
said.
The goblin looked slightly
surprised for a moment before stammering, "Of, o-of course s-sir." He
started shuffling papers he apparently had been working on, and set them aside
in a neat stack. "If you'll just sign this, I'll fill the rest of it out
later. It will give the authorization you requested." Harry took the paper
and looked it over quickly, to see it was only a form of transaction, before he
signed it with the offered quill and handed it back.
"Thank
you."
"Of
course," the goblin answered, seemingly getting his emotions back in
order. "May I ask the name of the new business?"
"
asked, looking up at Dumbledore, who looked thoughtful for a moment before he
nodded that he agreed on the name.
"And
what will this business do?"
hopefully be headed by Potions Master Severus Snape, but I haven't approached
him on the subject yet," Harry said sheepishly. The goblin nodded and
wrote something down.
"And
would you like to put funds into the account ahead of time?"
"Yes;
one million galleons should be sufficient until it gets off the ground. Tell
me, do you happen to have a real estate division?" Harry asked out of
curiosity. He knew there were banks that dealt in real estate in the Muggle
world, but didn't know how it worked in the Wizarding world.
"Yes.
We can show you some different locations, or choose one on your behalf. We
would of course need a detailed description of what was needed and such, but
the process is relatively short and easy," the goblin answered. Harry
thought for a second. He really didn't have time to go shopping, and to Harry
it didn't really matter where it was located; it was only going to be used as a
research facility.
"Go
ahead and choose on my behalf. I'll need a very spacious building that can be
separated into divisions, so that each potions master will have his own office
and work place. I'll need store-rooms, and a main
office for Severus," Harry rattled off, as gob goblin wrote furiously.
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you do that also?" Harry asked, now completely floored. He never realized
that Gringotts had such extensive service.
would make a special effort our bur behalf, Mr. Potter," the goblin said
in a whisper. Harry smiled and nodded in thanks.
nice grade cauldrons, stirring spoons, and work tables. A
desk for each office space, as well as chairs. They'll need ingredients
and vials and such. Would it be too much to just ask whomever does the
purchasing to estimate how much of each ingredient and what ingredients to buy?
It would sure save Severus some time. Perhaps a floo should be set up for fast
travel to the Apothecary. And you may as well set up accounts with local
Apothecaries while you're at it. You know what… just do what needs to be
and comfortable," Harry summed up, a bit embarrassed that he hadn't
thought this through further. He could have sworn the Goblin grinned at him.
trust," Dumbledore piped up, seeing the grinning goblin, "that you'll
do young Mr. Potter right, after all his strife with his previous
company." He looked over his glasses to give the goblin a pointed look.
course… we'll keep records of all purchases. Will payroll be taken out of this
account, or would you like to set up a sub-account for that?"
Severus to keep track of payroll and purchasing. I guess he could hire someone
do tdo that for him… it doesn't really matter to me. I'm just interested in
getting good potions masters who will research an alternative for the
but ended more to himself.
all seems to be in order then. Just sign here… here… and here; and we'll finish
the rest." Harry did as he was told and signed the three different forms.
One was the real estate form, one was for the purchasing, and the last was
another authorization for a credit account at the Apothecaries. He gave the
forms and quill back to the goblin before he and Dumbledore finally made to
leave.
making it out onto the cobblestone street again, Harry and Dumbledore reverted
back to their leisurely pace.
there anywhere else you needed to visit while we're here?" Albus asked Harry.
Harry nodded, but didn't say where he was going. Nor did Dumbledore ask; he
just followed. Harry turned around the next slight bend and made his way to a
familiar old shop with a sign just above the door that read: 'Ollivander's:
Makers of Fine Wands since 382 BC.' He walked in to find Mr. Ollivander sitting
behind his counter, whittling a stick of red wood.
pleasure?" he asked in his strange way.
came to donate once more," Harry said, waltzing up to the counter. Mr.
Ollivander's eyes grew wide at this.
phoenix feather?" he said almost greedily.
but it's not from a Fire Phoenix, but a Snow Phoenix. It was given to me
recently, and I really have no use for it; so I'm donating it to you for a
special wand," Harry lied smoothly -- maybe too smoothly.
because of my form, I can relate to other phoenixes a bit easier. One gifted me
with one of late, and I really hao uso use for it myself. I have a feeling that
by the time I'm done donating, you may very well have a feather from a Treasure
Phoenix, too. I've had plans to meet this phoenix, but have not as of
yet." In truth, Harry had yet to be able to turn into the Treasure
Phoenix. This slightly discouraged him; after all, he had received the gifts
from the phoenix forms.
you have any special request for this wand?" Ollivander asked as he took
the feather that Harry had pre-plucked. Harry shook his head.
make sure that the wood is strong. Perhaps even use the Osage Orange wood
again," he said, and Ollivander just nodded absently as he stroked and
examined the feather.
there anything you wanted in return, Mr. Potter?" he asked. He was looking
at Harry warily, as if he feared the price was going to be much too high.
one request: you charge the fee of making the wand to me, and let the chosen
person have the wand for the normal price," Harry said. Ollivander nodded
vigorously before he slipped the feather into a glass case and under the
counter. "Have you finished the last wand yet?"
yes, Mr. Potter. Spectacular specimen it is. Would you like to have a
gander?"
Harry said. He was very interested in what the wand looked like.
walked out from behind the counter and across the store to a small glass case,
waist high but only about four feet wide. He walked around the back of it and
muttered something, pointing his wand, before he opened it and took a felt case
out. He opened it as if it encased the most valuable of diamonds. Inside was
one of the most beautiful wands Harry had ever seen. It was made of Osage
lacquer on it, it made the grain appear red. It was truly beautiful.
I?" Harry asked, reaching for the wand. Ollivander glanced at Harry for a
second as he hesitated.
course," he said, shaking his head a bit. He looked to be trying to shake
off the idea of Harry stealing the precious object. Harry picked up the wand and
rolled it around in his fingertips. It was definitely strong, Harry could not
only see, but also sense that. The only thing that surprised Harry about the
wand was how heavy it was.
it the wood that makes it this heavy?"
no, Mr. Potter," he said, whispering. "There is a small diamond in
the core of the wand, just above the feather. It sits between two gold rods,
which accounts for the weight. Due to towerower of the feather, its magic was
too wild; so I had to put in a jewel to make the focus stronger. It will only
choose a strong wizard, that much can be assured."
us hope that wizard doesn't succumb to the dark," Albus said, speaking for
the first time.
Headmaster… indeed," Ollivander said gravely. That was the first real sign
of emotion he'd ever seen the old man show. When Ollivander spoke again, he was
looking at Harry as if he weren't sure he should. "Mr. Potter?"
Harry said, giving the man an odd look.
have been… rumors… that you've successfully forged a staff," Ollivander
said hesitantly. Harry smiled at this.
gets around fast. Granted, it's been done since the day I got the materials;
but I never thought anyone outside Hogwarts would know," Harry said,
amused.
I'm sure if you think it through, the answer as to why anyone would know would
be quite evident," the headmaster spoke up. Harry just
quirked an eyebrow at him. "You must always remember that the walls
of Hogwarts have ears and eyes." Harry actually laughed while he nodded,
agreeing.
if it's not too much trouble, could you bring it in some time for me to
inspect? It's been so long since I've seen one. Albus here would never listen
to me when I tried to persuade him to forge one; always insisted he felt better
with a small wand."
I can show it to you now," Harry said, waving a hand and letting the ring
on his finger morph into his beautiful, phoenix-themed staff.
Mr. Potter, this is quite impressive!" Ollivander said, walking around
Harry and the staff. Harry noticed that he didn't reach for it as everyone else
did; wise choice. "Charms?"
signature," Harry said shortly. He liked his staff, and didn't mind other
seeing it; but knowing exactly what charms were on it was a somewhat private
matter to Harry.
you've put on your staff. There are ways to take them off… no matter how
powerful they are. And may I say, yours looks like one of the most powerful
I've seen. Sturdy, but with a fluid grace," Ollivander rattled off. The
headmaster was nodding to agree.
Harry, we really must be going if you are to start those potions tonight,"
Albus said. Harry waved his hand again and let the staff morph back into the
ring on his hand.
day out had occurred two weeks ago, and Harry had yet to take his mind off the
new wand and what it would look like. He felt strangely connected to it after
he had touched it. It was as if a part of him longed to have the wand… to be
complete. He wasn't sure why, but Harry was sure it was because a grand amount
of his magic was in that feather.
they arrived back at the Headmaster's office, they'd gone over summer and
seventh-year plans. Dumbledore had been owling
friends, acquaintances and colleagues of his around the world that he was
bringing to Hogwarts to help train Harry. His training would start this summer,
and wouldn't end until Albus saw fit, or until he had to fight Voldemort his
last time. From what Dumbledore had told him, not one person had yet refused
their services to Harry.
would be apprenticing under eleven different witches and wizards:
Mr. Clyde Clause, who would help Harry hone his scanning gift and his
gift to see magic.
Madam Miranda Goshawk, who would be teaching Harry every spell
she knew, which was a lot -- considering that she had written every Standard
Book of Spells that Harry had ever had to purchase from Flourish and
and would be teaching Harry scholar-level Defense Against
the Dark Arts.
Mr. Adalbert Waffling, who was
going to be teaching Harry the in-depth theory of magic. This was another
author of one of his textbooks, Magical Theory.
Severus Snape was going to be teaching Harry potions, of course; Harry
already knew that.
Madam Miranda Waltz was going to be teaching Harry how to dance
in different styles. Harry scoffed at this when he first heard; he hated
dancing. But Dumbledore pointed out that dancing would teach him timing, useful
stepping for strategy, and agility when dueling.
Mr. Burk Durkin, who would be Harry's personal trainer. Not only was he
expected to be able to beef Harry up, but also teach him how to wield the
Gryffindor blade he had pulled out of the Sorting Hat in his second year. This
aspect excited Harry. Sword fighting was a nearly lost art in the Wizarding
world.
Beulah Beckman, who was the current world dueling champion, would be
instructing Harry how to duel, and in the different dueling
styles.
Nathan Hopkiss, who would be teaching Harry
every language he knew, which was thirty-four, going on thirty-six. Harry
didn't understand why he needed to know this at first, but Albus had explained
that with Harry being thrown into politics, he'd need to know the languages.
Chan Yono, who would be teaching Harry magical
focus. This would help him with his wandless magic.
Professor Dumbledore himself, who would be teaching Harry
further advanced work in transfiguration, now that he'd finished with Professor
McGonagall.
Aberforth Dumbledore, who would be
teaching Harry wizarding law, culture and ethics.
all of the training was to begin in the summer holidays -- only those Albus
thought Harry could afford to concentrate less on. Mr. Durkin, Beulah Beckman,
Albus, Snape, Madam Miranda Goshawk and Chan Yono
would all be brought to Hogwarts during the summer to live, and would visit
Harry at his home for practice. The others, Aberforth,
Madam Miranda Waltz, Mr. Adalbert Waffling, Mr.
Hogwarts when the term started. It was going to be a year to remember. Harry
thought it odd how seventh year was supposed to be hard anyway -- but on top of
that, Harry had eleven extra lessons! Albus explained that he'd be seeing every
instructor every day for two hours. This was not only because he felt Harry was
running out of time, but also because Harry would still be expected to sit in
and take his N.E.W.T.s at the end of next year. Harry
quickly realized that he'd only be getting four hours of sleep every day, and
stared in shock at Albus; but the twinkling elder just grinned.
Headmaster of Hogwarts and Chief member of the Wizengamot, I've been given…
shall we say… privileges, to make sure you have all the time you need to
train and rest," Albus said, twinkling madly.
no, Harry. Those are only used for small cases, such as those like Miss
Granger's a few years back. No, you will be living every day twice. There is a
very obscure spell that the ministry keeps under close guard. It allows a
person to change any event he or she desires; but the limit is one day back in
history. For example, if I weren't comfortable with you donating that feather
to Ollivander, I could use the spell to go back and relive it -- and in doing
so, refus let let you go to Diagon Alley at all. So you see,
the difference between this and a time turner is that you don't merely go back
in time; you do it all over. And by the way, regrettably, it's impossible to
undo a death this way. Once a soul is gone from this Earth, they cannot
return," Dumbledore explained. Harry thought for a few moments before he
finally spoke.
this confuse the instructors? I mean, if I relive every day, then they'll teach
me the same thing twice, won't they?" he asked.
is a companion spell that I'm using on them as well. Let them handle it as they
will, Harry," Albus said, so as not to divulge too much information to
Harry. Harry presumed that if Dumbledore was keeping something such as a spell
away from Harry, then surely it was of utmost importance that the spells not
get out. Harry gave Albus a nod to show he understood.
training them right now to be able to take care of themselves, but it didn't
seem fair that they would be left out.
after next year your magical skill will be at an unimaginable level. You will
be able to protect your friends. But, as to your real worry, I think most of
them will be more than relieved that they will not have your training schedule.
You may not be that fond of me after next year yourself," Albus said with
a small chuckle.
keep reminding me that it's all for the best," Harry said, grinning. Albus
had been on the wrong end of Harry's temper more than once now; and it seemed
as if, by the way Albus was speaking, he expected to be in the same position
again.
Harry; always," Albus said, nodding. "But --" he said in a more
grave voice, "this is not the whole reason I wanted to speak with you,
Harry."
was attacked." It was a statement, not a question. Anyone that could
actually read Dumbledore's face would know that when he took on that face, when
his eyes stopped twinkling, or when his voice sounded as worn as old leather,
something was wrong.
afraid we've seen our first series of attacks within the Wizarding world. I
found it ironic earlier when you were speaking of it; but I chose not to tell
you while we were out. I wanted you to be able to carry out your errands
without your mind being clouded with worry," he said.
and Colin's parents were attacked last night; they lost a father. They were the
only ones from your house. Two Muggle-borns from
Hufflepuff both lost some of their immediate family. One was Justin Finch-
named Rose Zeller; she lost a younger sibling and an older Muggle brother that
were both home while her parents were out. She'll be an only child now."
this way in the last war?"
was worse. Pure- and Half-bloods were killed merely for believing that witches
and wizards of pure blood were not supreme. This is only the beginning, H.
T.
The real terror is about to begin. Soon, I daresay, we'll be seeing mass
attacks on important institutions of wizarding
society, and prominent families will start losing loved ones. Most likely,
though, are the disappearances. In the last war we were losing Ministry
officials faster than we could replace them. It was his way of destabilizing
the Ministry. We can expect this before the mass attacks; he'll first want to
weaken his largest threat, and make it vulnerable.
one from Ravenclaw lost anyone?" Harry asked. Dumbledore looked at him
intently for a moment before answering.
lost our Britain-Japanese diplomat. His wife was a Muggle, though his first
wife wasn't. Cho Chang's father was lost."
was sitting on the shore of the lake, deep in thought, and wondering where his
relationship with Draco was going to go. He really cared for Draco; but at the
same time, so much was at stake when it came to their relationship. Even
thought the majority of the school knew they were no longer enemies, they
didn't know the full extent of the relationship. The only people who did were
Harry's close friends, and the majority of the staff.
Pomfrey had indeed told the Headmaster that Pansy would be infertile for the
next three years. Pansy was absolutely devastated, and walked around much of
the time crying on one of her dorm-mates' shoulders. Draco had decided that he
would act as if he had come into his heritage, and had chosen Harry to be his
mate. Pansy couldn't argue with that, because she couldn't give him a child.
The only part of this plan that scared Harry was the part where everyone was
going to know. He didn't mind so much that everyone would know; it was what
everyone would do if they knew.
got up from the thawing ground and dusted off his bum before removing his
cloak. The sun was beating down early this year, and cloaks were being put back
into school trunks sooner than usual. It was only mid-April, and spring looked
to be imitating summertime. He prayed it wouldn't be another scorching summer
at
decided to stay with Severus for the summer, because Dumbledore was putting up
wards over the Snape manor, where they'd be staying some of the time. The
majority of their holiday would be spent in the castle, which was heavily
warded anyway.
had sent a letter by floo for Harry, by way of Remus. It asked if he would
return to
the summer. He had intended to anyway; but apparently she thought he was going
to be staying at
instead. He had every intention of renewing the wards and protection around his
aunt's house for her protection anyway; but it was good to know he was wanted.
had had a phoenix-burning last week, and it was the first time he'd brought
himself out of the transformation by himself. Dumbledore predicted, with his
training configured into this, that he'd have another one about July or early
August. Harry didn't really know how to feel about a burning at
Drive
protection just in case the protection around the residence was affected by it.
friends had thrown themselves, in practically all their spare time, into trying
to find out what the blue rune on Harry's back was. They were determined to
find out before the end of the term. Harry really didn't care; after all, it
wasn't as if it were doing him any harm not knowing. Luna didn't seem to be
putting a lot of effort into the research, and usually ended up showing them
runes that she could see animals in. They eventually stopped telling her they
were going to the library to do research. Harry found this funny, but never
said anything. Leave it to Luna, he thought. Harry actually figured it was from
his mother's side of the family somehow, because of remarks his aunt had made
in the past, but didn't think too hard on it. Perhaps now that Petunia was a bit
looser around magic, he'd get some information out of her this summer.
was now allowed to drive; and because he was almost of age, Smeltings
was now allowing him to commute from home to school every day. He was beginning
to fall out of his stage as Little Whinging
protector, and had even gotten a girlfriend named
From the letter Petunia had sent him,
a lovely girl, just right for her Duddikins. Harry
wondered what type of person would date his cousin. He was really overweight,
and very bossy. Harry hoped that the fact that he had a girlfriend meant these
negative attributes were changing. If they were together much longer, Petunia
planned on telling the girl about Harry, so that when he came home from school
he wouldn't surprise her by accidentally doing magic in her presence. It warmed
his heart a bit to know that Petunia wasn't afraid of telling the girl. Sure,
she was probably leery about doing so; but she wasn't trying to keep it
hush-hush any longer either.
made it to the castle and walked into the Entrance Hall to find it half-crowded
with students. He immediately wondered why they were all gathered there, and
why they weren't out enjoying the evening weather.
going on?" he asked a girl who looked about second-year. She was short,
and had her blond locks tied up neatly in a ponytail.
duel broke out in the Great Hall. Professor Sinistra
and Professor Snape are trying to get it under control," she
half-whispered to him, trying to see around those in front of him.
you know who it was between?"
and Slytherin, of course," she said, turning and looking at him. She gave
a gasp when she realized whom he was, and started to stammer an apology; but Harry
shook his head that it wasn't necessary, and strode between the students who
had gathered to try and help stop the fray.
made it to the front to see Ron, Hermione, Neville, Ginny, Luna, Seamus, Dean
and Draco all having it out with Pansy, Millicent, Crabbe,
Goyle, and about ten others Harry didn't know. It was
immediately evident -- to Harry, at least -- that his friends weren't doing
nearly as much damage as they could have. Truth be told, it looked more than
anything like they were just trying to defend themselves. Snape was
unconscious, and Professor Sinistra just kept yelling
for them to stop, and to cease fire. Neither side was listening. Bringing his
staff out, Harry walked a little ways into the room before letting it morph
into its true form.
Harry muttered, while bouncing the butt of his staff on the stone floor of the
hall. All magic within the hall stopped. Both sides were left looking like
idiots, as they were pointing, flicking, and yelling without anything
happening. Letting go of his staff, he muttered again and it turned back into
the ring that it usually appeared as. He strode forward aoundounded on his
friends.
are you doing?!" he yelled. They all had the good grace to look sheepish
-- aside from Luna, who looked unfazed.
er, they were talking about you," Ron said,
casting a vicious glare at the Slytherins.
do you mean, and? They were talking about you and Draco! So we told them to
mind their own business. Then they started throwing hexes, so we threw some
back!" Ron said, getting angry.
there any way you could have avoided the situation?" Harry snapped. None
of them answered, and Harry stepped closer to the small group. "I did not
teach you to do wandless magic and make your spells stronger with Occlumency,
just to have you battling it out with other houses. It was for protection
against Death Eaters," he whispered fiercely.
of them are probably Death Eaters," Ginny said nastily, as she
looked at the opposing group.
they are students first. Hermione, I'm really disappointed in you. You should
have given out detentions before you threw even one hex!"
know," she said guiltily.
Ron, I know you have a fuse about a millir lor long, but you should have
ri
right there behind her helping. Not a hex should have been thrown. Ginny, Luna
and Draco, all of you are prefects for your houses too!" Harry was
shouting now, and getting dangerously closer to losing his temper. It infuriated
him that after all their training, and having developed the ability to control
their emotions better with Occlumency, they still ended up in a duel before
assessing the situation.
sorry, Harry; we weren't thinking," Hermione began, but Harry cut her off.
know you weren't thinking, because I had to stop the duel!" Harry was
all-out yelling now. "Do not come to me again asking for extra tuition,
because apparently you're going to use it to get into trivial squabbles with members
of other houses!" Two windows in the Great Hall shattered, and the ceiling
overhead turned a mixture of dark grey and red. It looked as if it were a storm
of fire.
NOTHING!" he shouted at Ron, his eyes flashing gold for a moment. There
was more shattering around the hall, and several students screamed.
Harry's attention snapped from his friends to his Potions Professor.
he bit back dangerously.
Snape said silkily and curtly. For some odd reason, that seemed to do the
trick. It was as if being reminded that he'd lost his temper helped him gain it
back. He closed his eyes and took deeeatheaths while counting. His friends were
now cowering away from him, and there were a few first years he could hear
crying within the crowd. He felt slightly like a hypocrite: he had just been
admonishing them for losing their tempers, and he had lost his. Harry opened
his eyes and looked back at Severus.
he said quietly. Snape didn't respond; he only gave Harry a swift nod before
moving to the students of his own house to berate them. Harry looked around and
saw that in front of the crowd stood Dumbledore and McGonagall. He could tell
Dumbledore was holding a magical barrier just in front of the students. He
looked at Dumbledore oddly for a moment, before turning back to his friends.
"I'm sorry I lost my temper. I guess I felt that you were taking advantage
of the help I've given you over the past term. I shouldn't have gotten so
mad."
harm done, mate," Ron said, trying to sound light; but Harry could tell he
was still shaky.
I practically called you unworthy of being a prefect," Harry said, looking
at Hermione. She tried to shrug casually.
were right; we didn't think. It's just that as soon as I heard what they were
saying, I was just waiting for one of them to throw a curse," she said.
were they saying that was so bad?"
were telling Draco that his mate was going to be the death of him at first. In
the end, they were practically saying they were going to be the ones handing
out that death. I just lost it," she said.
guess I should thank you for standing up for Draco and me," Harry said
sheepishly.
thanks needed; it's what friends do," Ginny piped up.
also let one another know when they've gone too far," Neville broke in.
"We deserved the tongue-lashing."
they know now?" he asked looking at Draco. He nodded. Harry ran a hand
through his hair. "The Prophet is going to have a field day with
this."
just couldn't take their swaying anymore. They were constantly trying to get
close to me, hoping they were still my mates." Harry nodded in
understanding.
A kind voice said from behind him. Harry turned around to see Professors
McGonagall and Dumbledore.
was told you put a ward on the Great Hall," Albus mentioned. Harry looked
almost embarrassed at this.
involved in a magical battle. Professor Snape was already unconscious, and
Professor Sinistra was only yelling. I couldn't think
of anything else to do to stop them," Harry explained.
"That was not the problem, Harry. I quite agree with your methods. The
reason I mentioned this was because I was told you used your staff to do
this."
Sir," Harry said, not really seeing the reason behind the questioning.
"Am I not allowed to use the staff?"
no, Harry, it's not that," Albus said, glancing at McGonagall. "The
fact that you unconsciously tore a staff-created ward down, wordlessly and
wandlessly, when you got angry was the reason I asked. You shattered the
windows and changed the ceiling," Albus reminded him.
Harry looked up to see the ceiling returned to normal.
think maybe your training will start at the beginning of the summer, rather
than the middle, as I had planned."
understand, Sir," Harry said, inclining his head a bit.
six will also do well not to get him worked up, or give him a reason to
be," McGonagall finally spoke up, looking at the others. They all looked
guilty as it was, so the Professor's words didn't really get a reaction, just a
varied chorus and echoes of 'Yes, Professor.'
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