Chapter 21: Moonage Daydream
Harry blinked and the next two weeks had flown by. With the help of their newest course books- and the extras they picked out- Hermione and he had enough to keep themselves busy for the remaining two weeks, though not all of them were helpful.
"I can't believe it!" Hermione slammed Travels with Trolls down. "There isn't a useful bit of information in this book!"
"Told you," Harry said, prompting Hermione to glare at him. "They're basically fiction novels. He's so vague about how did everything that I wonder if he actually did do them.
"But that's… that's so… dishonest," Hermione huffed out. "To think an author would do that!"
"If I wanted to be famous, that's what I would do," Harry said. "Just make up some fantastical stories from faraway lands, publish it in a book. Suddenly (Harry snapped his fingers) I'm famous."
"That's all good and fine but to think he'd able to TEACH!"
To have an author be dishonest, to have a book not be truth, was at odds with her entire world view.
"We'll just have to do it ourselves, like we do with Potions," Harry said while he picked up a book.
"I skimmed the books and thought they were useless so I sent Hedwig out for this," Harry handed her the book.
On a black leather cover she read Defending for the defenseless.
"It's second copy of the one Neville gave me for my birthday. This goes through basic defense spells like expelliarmus and protego," Harry explained. "It also has other spells that could be helpful."
Moving to sit next to her, Harry opened the book to different sections.
"Here's the leg-locker. If your enemy can't move their feet apart, it is harder for them to dodge. Then Immobulus and its variations. Immobulus prevents the individual from moving at all while Moblicorpus allows you to levitate them off the ground.
Harry kept flipping pages.
"Then there's Impedimenta which slows down enemies or projectiles. Next to that you have Confrigo and Bombarda for exploding objects. Confrigo is a fiery explosion while Bombarda creates more shrapnel and here's other curses to bludgeon an enemy. This one here," he pointed to a page. "Is a piercing hex. Requires a lot of control that one, the book says. If you aim improperly you will kill the person."
"Wow, Harry," Hermione was amazed. "This is really in depth. It'll take us years to learn all these!"
"This book even has a section on shielding," Harry kept flipping through pages Apparently if you time your wand motions exactly, you can deflect spells rather than having a shield absorb them. The incantion is Deflecto.
"No use tiring yourself out shielding when you can simply deflect minor hexes and jinxes but you have to have excellent reflexes and timing. But the benefit is the motion is a simple sweep and the direction you sweep is the direction you'll deflect."
"Fascinating," Hermione was flipping through the pages, eagerly drinking in the knowledge.
"I was thinking this could be advantageous," Harry said. "If we're ever surrounded, we could use this to deflect spells into our enemies, forcing them to shield or maybe even take them down with friendly fire."
"Oh!" Harry flipped to another section. "There's another section about defending your area. Look here: this is a list of spells to make an area secure. They aren't perfect but it would be a good option if anyone ever has to go on the run.
"During the last war, a lot of muggleborn-sorry First Gens- had to go on the run, lest they be captured and interrogated for 'stealing magic.' I figure if there is another war, it would be good to teach this to as may First Gens as we possibly can."
"You are amazing, Harry Potter," Hermione loved the thought that he had put into this.
"If Lockhart is going to be useless then we cannot afford to be," Harry said simply. "I bought this for you so can have one."
"Harry…" Hermione whined.
"It isn't a gift," Harry said. "You said you would be with me every step of the way. If you're going to be at my side through everything, we must work together to be as much of a force as we can be."
"Stronger together?" Hermione offered her usual phrase.
"Stronger together," Harry replied in kind.
Finally, September 1 arrived and they were heading back to Hogwarts again. Since it was a Tuesday, Richard and Helen were booked up solid. They only had enough time to drop the kids off at the station before heading to work. Even though they were plenty early, Harry and Hermione didn't mind. They found a place serving tea in King's Cross and sat down to watch all the people head in to work.
At 10, they made their way to the platform. Walking forward, heading toward the barrier. Right before, the hair on Harry's arms stood on end. He tried to brake but it was too late.
WHAM! Both their carts slammed into the solid wall. Hedwig's cage fell, leading to raucous screeches from the bird.
"Oy! What's all this then?" A guard walked over.
"Sorry, sir," Harry said. "We lost control of our carts."
"I'll say," he walked closer. "Which train are you boarding? Where are your parents?"
Hermione shifted uncomfortably and Harry retreated a few steps.
"Not to worry, officer," a familiar voice cut in. "I have them."
Harry looked up to see Amelia standing there with Susan.
"These yours then?" The officer asked.
"They are with me, yes. Thank you for your care, you best be off now."
He tipped his cap and moved along.
"Thank you, Auntie Amelia," Harry let out a heavy breath. "I wasn't sure how I would answer those questions. What are you doing here, though?"
"When you mentioned there being a possible threat to the school and a mildly unhinged house elf, I took extra precautions."
Drawing her wand, Amelia waved it in a complicated pattern and suddenly everyone was made to walk around the pillar.
"Hmm…" she waved again at the barrier. "Looks like someone has frozen it. An easy enough fix though,"
After a few moments, the barrier was unfrozen, allowing Harry, Hermione and Susan to move on through. Saying farewell to Amelia, who promised to say behind to make sure the barrier didn't freeze back up.
Moving through the train, they noticed a lot of compartments starting to fill in. A third of the way down the train they found a small girl with blonde hair sitting alone in a compartment. She was reading an odd magazine and kicking her feet in the air.
"Do you mind if we join you?" Harry asked.
"Not at all," the girl put down her paper and locked each of them in an odd gaze. Her protuberant silver-blue eyes gave her an airy, aloof look. "The nargles told me to expect company."
"Well you might be joined by a few more, if that is okay?" Hermione asked.
"Oh the plimpies said that would happen. Though they never said how many."
Reeling from this girl, a slightly dazed Hermione sat down across from her as Harry stowed their trunks overhead. It was at this point that Hermione noticed Susan's owl, a black screech owl.
"Oh I didn't know you had an owl," Hermione commented. The owl had luminous yellow eyes that searched out the compartment.
"This is Icarus," Susan said. "I named him that because his feathers look like he flew too close to the sun and got burned."
Hermione giggled as Icarus looked over at Hedwig. Screeching to get her attention, Hedwig locked him with a look that, for an owl, seemed ambivalent. Turning on her perch, she put her head under her wing and fell asleep.
Before long, the compartment was filled when Neville and Hannah joined them. Luna looked around the compartment, observing every occupant in turn.
"Oh hello, Luna," Neville said. "I didn't realize you were here. How are you?"
"Oh I am fine, thank you Neville," the girl replied. "Daddy and I went searching for the Snorkack again but couldn't find it again."
"Snorkack?" Harry asked.
"Crumple-Horned Snorkack," Luna said with a smile. "They are supposed to be rare and impossible to spot. Daddy and I go looking for them every year. We searched through the Swedish woods but didn't find them."
"They're not real, Luna," Susan said. "They're mythological creatures; they don't exist."
"Oh yes they do."
"Prove they exist," Hermione said.
"Prove they don't," Harry added. "Growing up, we were told that Unicorns and Centaurs were mythical and didn't exist. What if this is just like that?"
"You are an odd one, Harry Potter," Luna's mask fell for a second as relief showed on her face. "Nothing like what the Wrackspurts say you are."
"Well… thank you?" Harry didn't know how to respond. "I never introduced myself. Harry Potter, miss…"
Harry extended a hand which Luna daintily shook.
"Luna Lovegood, though most people call me Loony," her airy voice returned to full force.
"Why do that call you that?" Harry probed.
"Well probably because I am," Luna said. "My dad runs the Quibbler and we search for many, many fantastical creatures. Most people think I am…odd."
"Most people think I'm the Boy-Who-Lived," Harry said. "But I'm simply Harry, in spite of what others think."
"You are an odd one, Harry Potter," Luna said.
"That's true, Luna," Neville chuckled. "You don't even know the half of it. Odd is being generous."
"Oi!" Harry shouted to general laughter.
"Luna lives by us," Neville said before introducing everyone else. "This is Hannah Abbott, Susan Bones and Hermione Granger. All of you? This is Luna Lovegood."
"Good to meet you, Luna," Hermione offered a hand. "I am sorry if I offended you earlier."
"Oh you just have your head full with blizzing whingies," she said. "Maybe one day they will clear and you can begin to believe in the Snorkacks."
Before Hermione could respond, the door slammed open.
"There you are!" Ron Weasley was out of breath as it appeared he was running to the station. "I've been looking all over! What are you doing sitting with Loony?"
Harry narrowed his eyes. Time to nip this in the bud, he thought.
"We were just introduced to LUNA," Harry put some steel into his voice. "She's actually quite friendly."
"Yeah but she's so…odd," Ron sneered a little.
"No odder than a boy who only talks Quidditch and chess," Harry shot back.
"Or plants and dirt," Neville offered.
"Or books," Hermione and Susan said at the same time. Hermione looked at Susan, winked and said "jinx."
"We are all odd, or LOONY, in our ways," Harry said. "Either embrace it and celebrate it or move along."
"Whatever, guys," Ron said as he moved to find Dean and Seamus.
"Thank you," Luna's mask fell again. "That was a nice thing to say. I wonder if I'll have any friends like you do, Harry Potter."
"Just Harry," he replied with a smile. "To my friends, it is just Harry."
It took all of Luna's control to keep from cracking.
"Thank you, Harry," Luna smiled, leading Hermione to reach over and squeeze Harry's hand, offering a smile to him as well. At that the train started to pull away, heading back toward Hogwarts. Suddenly, Harry needed to use the restroom. Popping out to take care of his sudden need, Harry walked to the restroom. On the way back someone called out.
"Potter!" Harry looked over his shoulder to see an irate Greg Goyle. "What the fuck was that!? You offer us friendship but then ignore us all summer long!? We wrote to you and you never responded."
"Whoa guys," Harry held up his hands and backpedaled. "I apologize for any perceived insult. At the beginning of summer, I had a visit from a house elf. He told me not to come back, took some rather extreme steps to make sure that didn't happen. One of the ways he did that was to block my mail from getting to me.
"I was serious when I talked about friendship and I've even had a conversation with Susan Bones about finding a space wherein we can spend time together outside of classes. A combination study hall and all-purpose common room. I like the Gryffindor one but it's hard to spend time with students from other house."
Crabbe visibly relaxed.
"I am sorry, Harry," he said. "We have had a… difficult summer. Our fathers gravitated between trying to have us manipulate you to get closer to you and pressuring us to cut off ties."
"My father has threatened to disown me," Goyle said. "We were hoping to get your help and advice."
"What did you do since you did not hear from me?" Harry asked.
"Only what a true Slytherin would do," Crabbe smirked. "We told our fathers what they wanted to hear. We said we'd stay close to you and try to bring you to their side, their viewpoint."
"Exceptionally smart," Harry said. "If you need anything special from me, let me know."
"Will do," Goyle said. "I'm glad you weren't just leading us on. I'd really hate to be known as the guy who beat up the Boy-Who-Lived."
Laughing Harry walked back toward his compartment. On the way, he spotted Ginny in a compartment talking to the small blonde boy Harry met in Diagon. When he was within sight, he groaned seeing a blonde head of Harry. He was just close enough to hear his pestilent voice.
"Where's Potter, Mudblood?"
"Why so interested, Malfoy? Don't tell me you're becoming… attracted to the Boy-Who-Lived?" Hermione's voice was laced with sarcasm.
"I'm not a poofter, mudblood!"
"So you're just here for, what, verbal sparring matches?"
"I'm also intrigued to know that," Harry stepped closer. "Why are you so focused on me?"
"I… well…" Draco stammered. "It's time you learned your place in this world is all. You and your mudblood, both!"
"Wow Draco," Harry leaned into the doorframe of the compartment. "You just play all the hits don't you? I think you need to add more material to your repertoire."
"You just don't know anything," Draco spat. "Cavorting with blood traitors and mudbloods. I gave you an opportunity last year and you spat in my face."
"You told me to come be your friend and drop the company I was with. I still shook your hand and treated you with more respect than you treated my company. Since then, you have antagonized Hermione and me like it was your mission."
"There's more to life than bitter pettiness," Harry said. "All it has given you is fewer friends. Now buzz off and let us finish the trip free of your presence. Seriously the fumes you are emitting are toxic."
Draco huffed and stormed off.
"I really wish he'd learn," Harry groaned as he took a seat in the compartment.
"I don't," Neville said through laughter. "You dismantling his arguments and dismissing him is the highlight of my day. Nobody gets under his skin the way you do. For everyone else it's 'my father will hear about this' but you put him off his game so much he forgets."
"Man I can't wait until Auntie gets to nail his dad," Susan said. "Then he might be less of a berk."
"She won't be able to," Luna said without looking up. "Not as long as he's so close to the minister. Malfoy is the secret agent in Minister Fudge's Rotfang Conspiracy."
The other compartment members looked at one another and laughed.
"Oh Luna," Harry said laughing. "I don't know half of what you said but Merlin do I like the way you say it."
At Harry's comment, Luna joined in on the laughter, filling the compartment with raucous laughter as they postulated all the devious ways Lucius was working the Minister. They only stopped to buy the usual treats from the trolley.
"I imagine it has to be something to do with his hair," Neville said, wiping a tear from his eyes. "I don't even think his first name is Lucius; I think he changed because it sounds like luscious."
Between gales of laughter, Hermione looked out the window.
"Merlin's pants!" She shouted. "We're almost there!"
Neville and Harry stepped out to let the ladies change and they swapped places after. Before long, they stepped off the train onto the platform.
"Firs' years! Firs' years!" Hagrid called.
"That's Hagrid," Harry said to Luna. "He takes care of the grounds. He will take you to the school for the first time.
"Don't worry about the sorting," Harry continued. Luna was tough to read but when you learned her tics, it became easier. Harry could tell she was nervous. "It's all very basic and no matter which house you're in, we will still be friends."
Together they moved with a little more pep in Luna's step. She was, in fact, skipping she was so happy. As they were about to part, Harry froze. In front of the carriages stood some scary skeletal-looking horse creatures with wings. Looking around, he saw that Hermione saw them too.
"Oh you can see the Thestrals?" Luna asked. "Aren't they beautiful."
"Have they always been here?" Harry asked aloud.
"They have for me," Neville said.
"Why didn't I notice them before?" Harry wondered.
"Only those who have seen death can see them," Luna said, simply. "For me, it was my mum…. Two years ago."
Hermione took pity on the young waif and wrapped her in a signature Hermione hug.
"I'm so sorry, Luna," she said. "Last year, we saw one of our professors die. Though I guess we weren't paying attention last summer when we took the carriages away from the school."
"Right!" Harry said. "We should have seen them then."
"Well don't worry," Luna said. "You're just as sane as I am."
Laughing her own special laugh, Luna skipped off toward the boats, leaving a pensive Harry and Hermione behind. On the trip up, they were joined by Ron who was talking about Ginny.
"So I told her she had to answer the riddle of the Sphinx to get sorted!" Ron burst out laughing.
"Ronald!" Hermione said. "Is this a family tradition?"
"Pretty much," Ron said.
"And wasn't that wonderful for you last year?" Harry asked.
"It was hilarious!" Ron said. "You know… later on… after."
"So you decided your sister should get the same experience?"
"Basically, yeah," Ron said, making Harry and Hermione roll their eyes. "Come on, I want to get good seats for the sorting!"
Sitting in the Great Hall, Harry, Hermione, Neville and Ron, Harry leaving a little space to his left, all sat down together as Professor McGonagall lead a host of first years into the hall. Setting the hat on the stool, the hat sang its song and the sorting began in earnest.
"Creevey, Colin!"
The blonde boy from Diagon stepped through the group and hoisted himself, literally because he was so small, onto the stool. The hat took a full minute before shouting.
"GRYFFINDOR!"
Harry clapped for their newest housemate. Colin bounced off the stool and bounded toward the table.
"Harry!" He waived energetically. "I'm in the same house as the great Harry Potter!"
Harry blushed as the small boy heaped praise on him, suddenly becoming very interested in the next sorting of a boy to Hufflepuff.
Soon it was time for Luna. Daintily, she sat on the stool and saw the hat drop over her eyes. They waited… and waited… until.
"FINE! If that's what you want…" the hat actually sounded annoyed.
"GRYFFINDOR!" the hat called out.
Serenely, Luna slipped off the stool and flounced toward Gryffindor to general applause.
"Loony? A Gryff?" Ron was incredulous.
"Didn't you see?" Harry said. "Luna debated with the hat, frustrated it. Only a Gryffindor would do that. Also, you need to knock it off with the Loony business."
"But…"
"But nothing," Harry was firm. "Call her by her name, as you would any other housemate."
Whatever reply Ron was going to say, he swallowed it as the girl sat down next to Harry.
"Congratulations, Luna!" Harry said.
"Thank you, Harry," Luna said. "The hat was quite resolute that I belonged in Ravenclaw but I decided I belonged with my friends instead."
"You would have been a wonderful Ravenclaw," Hermione said. "The hat tried to put me there too until finally landing on Gryffindor."
They turned back to watch the rest of the sorting ending with Ginny who was promptly sorted into Gryffindor. Sitting down with the recently-sorted Demelza Robbins, Ginny took to staring at Harry. Between her staring and Colin constantly trying to get his attention, Harry was rather uncomfortable.
Dumbledore stood, offered his usual welcome and the feast began. After the desserts finally faded from view, Dumbledore welcomed his students back, reminding them about the Forbidden Forest. At that, the prefects stood and called the first years to them, leading them toward their respective common rooms. Harry was about to head up when Professor McGonagall called for him.
"Mr Potter!" she said. "Professor Dumbledore has requested you and Miss Granger to meet him in his office."
"Will you come as well?" He asked.
"Of course. It is my job as your head of house," she gave a small smile. "And your guardian."
Together, they walked on, toward the Headmaster's office, ready to face whatever awaited them.
(A/N: Luna is my second favorite HP character and so I couldn't resist bringing her in early. Honestly, she's as much a delight to write as she is to read.
I debated back and forth between Ravenclaw and Gryffindor but her spending the train ride with Harry and co. I figured she'd want to be in Gryffindor with them.
Moonage Daydream by David Bowie is a track title I think is so perfectly Luna.)
Chapter 22: Little Lies
The staircase stopped spinning and the trio ended up looking at the dark cherry wood door beyond which waited the headmaster.
"Good evening, Harry, Miss Granger," Dumbledore said from behind his desk. He was stroking the beautiful Phoenix who sat on his desk. "I trust your feast was enjoyable."
"Yes sir," Harry said stiffly, his eyes taking in the room, especially the bird.
"This is Fawkes," Dumbledore introduced his bird. "He is my familiar. One of the best familiars anyone could ask for.
Harry just wanted him to cut to the chase, interesting as Fawkes was.
"Professor McGonagall told us you'd like to speak with us?"
"Yes," Dumbledore began sadly. "First, to Miss Granger, I am very glad for the help you have given Harry over the last year. Especially this summer. You have been helped him more than anyone has, that includes myself."
"Harry is my friend," Hermione said plainly. "I know he would do the same for me."
Dumbledore nodded and turned to Harry.
"I must apologize for my role in putting you in that… situation," he said. "I hope Minerva is taking care of you, better care than I did."
"She is, sir," Harry said, waiting for Dumbledore to get to the point he called them for.
"Last year," Dumbledore began slowly. "You asked me why Voldemort targeted you and your parents. I told you I did not think you were ready for the answer but Minerva has reminded me that secrets help nobody.
"14 years ago, I was interviewing staff for the coming year at Hogwarts. I needed to fill two positions: Potions and Divination. If you aren't aware, Divination is the study of divining the future. In the wizarding world, there are seers who can see the future. They are rare but they do exist. Those who have visions create prophecies. Now, the study of Divination is an inexact science and their prophecies are always more than a little vague.
"At my interview for the position was going poorly until my interviewee went into a trance."
Dumbledore pulled a blue orb out of his pocket.
"She made this prophecy," Dumbledore explained as he handed the orb to Harry.
As soon as Harry touched it, the orb glowed hot and turned from blue to yellow. A gypsy-looking woman with large glasses floated out of the dust and started speaking.
"The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches... born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies... and the Dark Lord will mark him as his equal, but he will have power the Dark Lord knows not... and either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives... the one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord will be born as the seventh month dies..."
Harry sat in silence, looking at the orb, absorbing the message he heard.
"A spy of Voldemort's overheard the prophecy but only the first half. Shortly thereafter, he went after you. He could have chosen Neville Longbottom as the prophecy could have applied to you but he chose you.
So as you can see you have quite the burden on you, Harry," Dumbledore said morosely. "I didn't want to burden this with you so soon but now that you know I can train-"
"No." Harry's voice was firm.
"Excuse me?" Dumbledore was flabbergasted.
"I don't want you to train me," Harry said plainly. "I don't trust you. You've kept too many secrets and let too many things happen to me. I think you'd just see me as a weapon. I will continue to train with Professor Flitwick and, if she'll allow, Professor McGonagall.
"I know what is expected of me. Whether I believe in this prophecy or not is irrelevant; Voldemort does. He will keep coming after me. If he can't get to me, he will go after my friends and allies. One of us will have to kill the other, not because of the prophecy but because Voldemort can't believe I beat him. He probably believes it was me because he can't fathom that it was my mother. I can't change that; all I can do is prepare the best I can so that I stand a chance when next we meet.
"Thank you for your honesty, Professor. I would like to think we could build a bridge toward a relationship but right now I don't think that would be best for me."
"Harry, there's so much I could teach you…" Dumbeldore reasoned.
"Yes, professor." Harry replied. He wasn't angry but his voice was hardened steel. "But there's a lot you need to learn as well. You've relied upon you and you alone for too long. No man is an island and I certainly am going to work on becoming stronger but my greatest strength is other people.
"Professor Flitwick told us last year that Voldemort became so powerful because he isolated and divided us," Harry said. "I will endeavor to make it so he cannot do that again. Voldemort is powerful but he is one man who acts as an individual. I could tell that with Quirrell. Quirrell was just a means to an end, Voldemort did not care for his life.
"Perhaps one day I can train with you but today is not that day. With the help of Professors Flitwick and McGonagall and the steady helping hand of my best friend, I will continue to train and grow but I won't let it consume my humanity. The prophecy says I will have a power that he knows not. You think that power is love; I think it is friendship. Voldemort might have followers but does he have friends? A follower will follow only as long as it benefits them; a friend will follow no matter what the benefits might be."
"Very wise words and wise thinking, Mr. Potter," McGonagall said, a note of pride in her voice. "We will work together and if he does return, he will be very sorry that he did."
"Exactly right," Hermione nodded. "Stronger together, right?"
"Stronger together," Harry nodded and all three heads turned back toward Dumbledore.
"Well the offer still stands," Dumbledore folded his hands.
"Thank you professor," Harry said. "First things first would be to build trust between us and, to be honest, that is going to take a long, long time."
"Very well, Harry," Dumbeldore sighed. "I would ask that you do not disclose the contents of the prophecy to-"
"No." Harry said again. "No secrets. I am not going to shout it from the top of Big Ben but I will inform my friends, and Professor Flitwick, of the target that is on my back. They deserve to know. The only part Voldemort doesn't know is the "Power he knows not' and Voldy is too arrogant to consider that another would be anywhere near his power, let alone have power he doesn't.
"I won't quote the prophecy word-for-word but I will let them know."
"Very well," Dumbledore said. "You talked of building trust. Perhaps this will be a good place to start."
Dumbledore withdrew his wand and tapped a drawer. He opened it and withdrew something. In his hand was a sheet of muggle paper. Harry could see the curvy "Harry" written on it.
"Minerva tells me she gave you a letter written to you by your father. Your mother wrote another such letter. I am not sure who she intended to get it but, sadly, I found this in the cottage the night they were attacked. She mentions the prophecy so I wanted to give this to you when I felt you were ready."
Dumbledore extended the letter to Harry. When he did, he heard a loud snap and his bookshelves all disappeared, making the books all fall in on one another.
"You…" Harry was seething. "You kept the ONLY letter that I would EVER get from my MOTHER because it held information you did not DEEM me ready for."
Harry did not shout, his voice was barely above a whisper but every word was coated in barbed wire.
"I did not want to burden…"
"Enough! You didn't want to burden me but yet you also didn't think about my well being! You left me at a house where I systematically mentally, emotionally and physically abused. You talk of burdens. By keeping me there, you put the burden of growing up on me. By not checking up, you put my welfare into the hands of creatures so detestable that they locked me in a GOD DAMN CUPBOARD."
Harry couldn't hold back anymore. His voice climbed as he spoke, ending in him shouting.
"Burdens… I am already burdened enough, thank you very much. I thank every deity ever worshipped that Hermione was the one to find me and help me at the station that day. Without her…" Harry shuddered. Standing up, he snapped the letter out of his hand. "Thank you for the letter. Now it is probably best we spend some time apart."
Harry snapped the letter out of Dumbledore's hand, turned and almost stormed out of the office. A small distraught gasping sound made him turn back: Dumbledore was weeping. Dumbledore sat at his desk, holding a picture. He looked the very physical embodiment of broken.
"Oh Harry," Dumbledore cried. "I am so sorry. Years ago, I was young and brilliant. Everyone wanted to hear from the Great Albus Dumbledore. The man with 12 Outstandings on his N.E. . The scholar, the genius, the next coming of Merlin. Oh how the public loved me.
"Right when it seemed I had everything I wanted, tragedy hit. My sister had been attacked by muggles many years ago and it caused her to dam up her magic. She became an Obscurial, an extremely powerful, destructive force of magic. For years, my mother took care of her. She kept her locked in the house for her protection."
Dumbledore spat the last word.
"Then, when I was just about to explore the world and magic itself, my mother died. I was selfish… and bitter. I felt like I had been robbed of my future. Because I was the oldest and my brother Aberforth was still in school, it fell to me to care for her.
"Around that time, I fell in love with another wizard: Gellert Grindelwald."
Harry and Hermione gasped.
"Oh it was wonderful. He was just as brilliant as me, as driven. Together we dreamt of a world where magicals were superior to muggles in every way. Gellert called it the Greater Good. I was young, foolish and lonely. I allowed Gellert to lead me down a path I knew was wrong but so much of it excited me. With the world catering to the Greater Good, my sister need not be hidden away. I could have been free of my obligations.
"In my furor, I neglected my brother and sister. I never noticed my sister getting worse and worse; I didn't care. One day my brother Abe came home and chewed me out. Gellert was over and Abe just shouted at both of us for our delusions of grandeur. Gellert didn't like that. Not at all.
"Gellert drew his wand. I knew there was darkness in Gellert but I ignored it. At the time he drew his wand, I could ignore it no longer. Soon, all three of us were dueling, none of us noticing my sister stepping into the room. She screamed for us to stop, begged me with her last breath. I don't know who actually ended up doing it but… next thing I knew, Gellert is fleeing, Abe is crying, cradling my sister in his arms and I'm… numb.
"For the longest time, I have worried, feared that it was me; that I killed my sister. Ever since then, I knew that power was not for me. It would have turned me into a wizard just like Gellert.
"I buried my sister, took the post at Hogwarts and never again wished for a spot where I would have power over another. Then, Voldemort happened and everyone wanted me to do something, to become the leader. Regrettably I took the positions as Chief Warlock and Chief Mugwump because I knew if I did not, someone else would take it; someone who did not have the best intentions. Yet I took them and even as guarded as I have been, they still warped my mind.
"You, Harry, are the true leader the wizarding world needs. I offered to train you and you turned it down. You spoke of allies and friendship. Even at 12, you are twice the man I will ever be. And what did I do? I sent you to that place, all because I thought it would do the most good.
Without thinking, I slipped into the Greatest Good again and again a young life is tarnished because of it. I'm so sorry Harry. I'm so sorry."
Silence reigned in the office, interrupted only by Dumbledore's sobs, until Harry spoke.
"That right there," Harry gestured toward the headmaster. "That's how you build trust, Professor. Up to this point, I never knew you to have a human moment. For the first time, you are a real person with real problems and a real history. Trust is a long way away but this, this right here, is the first step. The letter would have been nice but to be real, to be vulnerable. That's real trust. That's asking the other person not to judge you or use your worst moments as a weapon to kill you.
"Thank you, Professor, for everything you shared. I think I will head to bed now."
And together with Hermione, Harry headed toward Gryffindor tower, absorbing everything that just happened.
Chapter 23: Days Gone By
Slowly, Harry trudged back toward Gryffindor tower, Hermione keeping a concerned, companionable silence beside him. Harry ran his fingers over the smooth surface of the prophecy in his left hand and the rough parchment of his right.
Before the stairs up to the tower, Hermione grabbed Harry and pulled him into an abandoned room, the same one they used for Harry to read his dad's father.
"How are you?" Hermione gazed at Harry intensely.
"I'm fine," Harry deflected.
"You're not fine," Hermione said. "I'm not fine and none of that conversation was relevant to me personally."
"It's not like I learned anything groundbreaking," Harry said. "I knew Voldemort was after me. But to have my parents killed because of me? That stings, I won't lie. It makes me hate him a little. He wanted to kill a baby and got what he deserved."
Tears fell from his eyes as Hermione wrapped him up in a tight hug.
"What will he do next time?" Harry asked quietly. "Who will he go after next time?"
"Everyone he would go after, you have taken steps to protect. Anyway, it's something to tackle at a later date. It doesn't help to think about it now."
"Then there's this," Harry held his mothers letter. "Dumbledore held on to it. I can't believe it…"
"At least you got it now," Hermione gently took the letter and started to open it. "Imagine if Dumbledore waited a few years…"
Slowly, Harry read the letter from his mother.
My baby boy,
I can't believe I am writing this. Right now you are asleep in your crib and I am writing a letter to you in case I die. It makes me feel ancient but I guess that's what you get when you piss of maniacal overlord. I love you so much my son, my darling baby. You have my eyes (apologies to the girls' hearts you're going to break) and so much of your father…
A while back, Albus Dumbledore came to us and told us there was a prophecy regarding you and Voldemort. I don't know the specifics but I do know that it is something of a you-or-him scenario and I have to tell you: my money's on you. I am working on something that could possibly save your life, at a terrible cost. Hopefully I don't need to use it.
I might be biased but you are destined for great things. Just remember to build a strong group around you. Make it impossible for Voldemort to get to you without going through an entire army.
During school, he was rising to power and I saw it firsthand. Within the school, everyone doubted if their friends were really Death Eaters (what he calls his servants) or not. Doubt was everywhere and you could tell those who were falling. One of my friends, Severus, was very in with that crowd. He never subscribed to their pureblood mania but he was tight with those who were. In school, I think our friendship was the only thing that kept him from crossing over completely.
One day, I helped rescue from him your father and his friends. On that day, he did something inexcusable and I couldn't ignore his shift toward the dark anymore. Our friendship died that day. Then, when your father stopped being an arrogant pillock (he would tell you as much) and I fell in love with him, I felt Severus' bitterness.
Severus was my first friend in the magical world. It made it easier to take my sister's ostracization. He was kind to me, helped me learn to feel the magic within me and helped me brew better Potions.
Last I heard, he had joined up and taken the mark. I hope he regrets it, really I do. He used to be such a sweet boy but I don't know where that boy went. I would like to think he is still in there somewhere.
In your time at Hogwarts, you will make friends and you will make enemies. In my year at Hogwarts I met Alice who would eventually marry Frank Longbottom. Hopefully you are able to get to know her as she is your godmother. I know I'll always miss her laugh as it would brighten the entire castle. On the other end, I had the severe displeasure to meet a woman name Delores Umbridge. Oh how I hated her. Every day she disparaged my blood, my upbringing, everything to try to get to me. Oh how I would love to make that toad croak…
Anyways, when I look back on my time at Hogwarts, I only remember the good times, the best people. Ideally you're in my lap reading this letter and we are laughing but if not, I hope you are being raised well. If not, I am coming back to take chunks out of Sirius' hide. Say hello to Alice for me.
I love you so much, Harry. Be kind, study hard and always remember that we both love you with our entire being.
All my love,
Lily
Harry reached the end, tears falling freely. As nice as it was to read, it still hurt that he would never get to know his mother. All he had was a collection of pictures, this letter and his green eyes.
"Do you think she means Snape?" Harry wondered aloud.
"Severus is a rather unique name," Hermione's brain churned on the possibilities. "Maybe that's why Professor Snape tried to save you last year… and also why he hates you.
"It seems like he was very close with your mum and seeing her fall for his archrival must have been very hard to take," Hermione continued to talk, Harry nodding along.
"Well regardless, we should be careful around him," Harry said. "If he was a Death Eater, there's no guarantee he's reformed. He could just be biding his time. What do you make of this mention of Sirius?"
"No idea. Maybe Professor McGonagall would know," Hermione yawned. "Come on, it's late. We should get to bed."
Slowly they walked up to the portrait of the Fat Lady.
She gave him one last hug before heading toward her dorm.
"Good night, Harry," Hermione said just before she moved out of sight.
"Sleep well, Hermione," Harry said. He went up, found his trunk at the foot of his bed. Opening it, he placed the orb inside before placing the letter with his father's. Everyone was fast asleep by the time he rolled onto his bed. He lay there, staring up at the ceiling, pondering everything he heard tonight.
First the prophecy, then Dumbledore's past and finally his mum's letter. Was Snape really her friend? How did Harry feel about Albus Dumbledore? Did he even stand a chance against Voldemort? He's survived twice because of his mother and a lot of luck. How long would his luck hold out?
He ran his hands over the lightning bolt scar, pondering his life if he didn't have it. Before he realized it, the sun was rising and he hadn't slept a wink.
It's going to be a long day, he told himself as he got ready to start the day. Stepping off the stairs into the common room, a cranky Harry was met with an over-exuberant blonde boy.
"Harry!" The boy ran up. "Can you believe we're in the same house? Oh this is so exciting! I get to learn magic with THE Harry Potter."
"Colin," Harry tried to calm him down but that was like calming down a Golden Retriever with a tennis ball. "How are you this morning?"
Even to himself, Harry noticed his stiff tone of voice.
"Oh I'm wonderful! I can't wait to get started! They say Transfiguration is tough but I can't wait to try. Is it true about Professor Snape? Oh and what about Charms? Do you know…
"Colin!" Harry snapped which made the boy back off, an abashed look on his face. "Sorry, it's been a rough night. Can you slow down for me?"
"No it's okay," the boy hung his head and walked out the portrait hole.
"You're amazing with the younger ones," came Hermione's voice, a small smile on her face. "Another couple encounters like that, they'll make you a prefect for sure."
"I should go apologize," Harry admitted. "I didn't mean to snap at him."
"You look terrible," Hermione looked Harry in the eyes. "Did you sleep well? Or at all?"
"Course I did," Harry replied, avoiding eye contact.
"Don't lie to me, Harry Potter," Hermione narrowed her eyes. "You always deflect when you're upset."
Harry let out a heavy sigh.
"Okay, I didn't sleep," he admitted. "I went up to bed and just couldn't fall asleep. Spent the whole night thinking over everything and before I knew it, the sun was rising. I'll be fine, really. I'm just processing a lot of new information. I feel like the world is different than it was yesterday and it'll never be the same again."
"Change happens whether we want it or not. I am just glad Dumbledore told you now so you have time to deal with it," Hermione said. "Let's head down to breakfast. Some food will do you some good."
Together they stepped through the portrait hole and navigated their way down to the Great Hall, using all the shortcuts they had learned through the previous year.
"Remember a year ago?" Hermione mused aloud. "Trying to find our way down?"
"Sinking into a step and then falling down the stairs?" Harry smiled. "No I can't say I remember that in perfect detail."
Hermione laughed as they stepped through the doorway into the Great Hall. Harry looked up and saw Colin's blonde head sitting halfway down the table. He was eating alone, looking morose.
Without thinking, Harry moved to the space across from him.
"Do you mind if I sit here?" Harry asked. Colin nodded slowly. "Colin, I am sorry for snapping at you. I didn't sleep well last night and I took out my frustration on you."
"That's okay," Colin played it off. "I know I was asking so many stupid questions and I'm sure it annoyed you. It's not the first time, you don't have to apologize."
"Yes I do," Harry stated plainly. "You were excited for your first day and I reacted poorly. I am sorry. Can you forgive me?"
"Yes, Harry," Colin smiled. "You are forgiven."
"And if you have questions," Harry gestured toward Hermione. "You should ask her. This is Hermione Granger: smartest witch of the age, top of the class and my best friend."
"Really?" Colin said. "What's it like being best friend of the Boy-Who-Lived?"
"It's never boring, I can assure you that," Hermione playfully poked Harry with her elbow. "And he doesn't love being called the Boy-Who-Lived, for what it's worth. Just stick with Harry."
Colin nodded and they struck up a quick conversation about Hogwarts and its classes. While Colin talked, Hermione poured Harry a cup of coffee.
"To help you stay awake today," she whispered. Harry gagged at his first sip before adding enough cream and sugar to make the bitter liquid palatable.
"I have one last question, a request actually," Colin asked tentatively. "Would you might taking a photo with me? I am taking a series of photos of the castle to send home and I'd love to have a photo with you in it."
Harry saw the helpful look on the boy's face and relented, nodded his assent.
"On one condition," Harry said. "I'd like you to take a photo of me and my friends as well. Would that be possible?"
Colin nodded and they started to put a real effort into breakfast when a small red head plopped down next to Colin.
"Good morning, Ginny," Harry said.
"Morning," the girl squeaked. Even though she wouldn't speak, she did stare at him in a way that made him uncomfortable. Sensing his discomfort, Hermione ate her breakfast quickly, finishing just as McGonagall dropped off their new schedules.
"Starting with Transfiguration and Charms," Hermione said. "Potions on Friday again. Herbology and Defense the other days. Not bad"
Harry looked across the table at the blonde boy and got an idea.
"Hey Colin? You want to learn a faster way to the common room?"
"Yes!" Colin said. "I was lucky to remember how to get back down. The prefect Alicia was really good about getting us to remember the way but it felt like it took forever."
Together Harry, Hermione and Colin stood, leaving a disappointed Ginny behind them.
"I'll grab my camera and we can take the photos, okay?" Colin said. "Would you mind signing one?"
"Signed photos?" Harry groaned as Draco's voice announced his detestable reference. "You're giving away signed photos?"
"Why, Draco?" Harry shot back. "Are you looking to buy one? Hoping to put one by your bed so you can remember me?"
"No I think he wants a poster that he can pin above his bed," Hermione joined in.
"Well if you want," Colin caught on quickly. "I could get one of him looking at you longingly. It wouldn't be a big deal."
Malfoy scoffed and moved off into the hall.
"Nice one, Colin" Harry laughed. "That was Draco Malfoy. Ignore whatever he says, okay? As for pictures, how about we do it later in the week, when we have more time?"
Shortly before classes were due to start, Harry and Hermione met up with Colin, Luna and another first year, Demelza Robins, whom they showed the way to Charms before heading to McGonagall's classroom.
Classes were much the same as the previous year. Charms was fun, Transfiguration taxing, Herbology messy and Potions annoying. Worst of all was defense, however.
"Welcome to Defense of the Dark Arts," Lockhart smiled from the head of the class. He had a covered cage rattling next to him. "Rather Defense Against the Dark Arts. I am Gilderoy Lockhart, though you obviously know who I am, let's see how well you actually know me."
He passed out a sheet of parchment with 30 questions on it, all pertaining to himself. After 10, Harry gave up and just wrote as many scathing answers as he preferred. He particularly enjoyed Lockharts face when he read his answers, specifically his response to "Where does Gilderoy keep his wand?" to which Harry wrote "his ass."
"Tsk, tsk," Lockhart shook his head. "Many of you forgot my favorite color is lilac. Though congratulations to Miss Granger. You got every question right."
Hermione looked torn between pleased from being complimented and annoyed at the contents of said test.
"Now that you know me," Lockhart smiled again, making Harry want to throw something at him. "It is time for me to get to know you."
With a flourish, he pulled the cover off the cage to reveal small sprite=looking creatures.
"Pixies?" Seamus said. "That's all!?"
"Don't let their looks fool you. Awfully tricky these can be. Let's see what you do with them!"
He opened the cage and let the creatures loose. Chaos reigned in the classroom. 10 pixies descended on Ron, picking him up and hoisting him onto the chandelier.
"Don't worry, I'm on the way," Lockhart rushed forward and flourished his wand.
"Stupefy!" He shouted. Except with his wand flourishes, he had his wand pointed at himself and knocked himself out cold, falling hard on top of his wand.
Harry rolled his eyes and looked to Hermione.
"Guess this is as good a time as any to practice some our new spells," he smiled at her. "Immobulus!"
A few pixies froze in midair.
"Incarcerous," Hermione bound the pixies Harry froze. Sensing a new target, the pixies descended on the two.
"Impedimenta," Harry cast, slowing the group.
"Bombarda!" Neville shouted, pushing the pixies back with a sickening crunch.
"You've been practicing," Harry looked over his shoulder and smiled at the blonde boy.
"Just be glad I'm not using Confrigo," Neville gave Harry a rakish smile as he stepped close to Harry as the three developed quick chemistry and before long, all the pixies had been subdued.
"Idiot," Daphne said, extricating herself from underneath the desk. "Didn't even teach us a spell to take care of them."
She walked up to the trio picking up the pixies.
"Potter," she said, plainly. "You and Granger seemed to know what to do. Would you mind teaching the rest of us? Lockhart might be pretty but it turns out he's just pretty dumb."
"Blimey," Crabbe said. "You two are quite the thing to see in action. I would very much like to learn this."
"We'll talk to Professor McGonagall," Harry said. "Susan Bones and I thought Lockhart might be like this so we are talking about doing something similar as we did with Potions."
"You just love it, don't you Potter?" Draco sneered. "All these extra classes just to make yourself look smart."
"I do like knowing how to defend myself," Harry said plainly. "It's a good skill we all should learn and we won't learn it from him."
Harry pointed to the teacher who was still unconscious.
"Anyone who wants to learn would be welcome. Even you, Draco."
"This is fun and all but can someone get me the fuck down!" Ron shouted from the chandelier.
"Language, Ronald," Hermione said. A simple Wingardium Leviosa later, Hermione smirked at the irony, and Ron was once again on the ground.
Leaving the classroom, Harry headed toward McGonagall's office and soon, the Defense Association was formed with McGonagall herself overseeing the group. She even found an unused room on the third floor that would work for their needs. It was a huge room longer than it was wide with big windows. Thanks to the quick work of Professor Flitwick, he added a few fountains and some benches around the perimeter, to create a soothing place to relax while keeping the middle open for the Defense Association to duel. In short, it provided a gathering place for everyone outside of class, whether to study or just relax with students from other houses.
The only rule to the room was no fighting, wands or otherwise, outside the Defense Association meetings. Hermione was the one to christen the room Geneva after she had shot down Harry's idea of 10 Forward.
"Ugh!" She facepalmed hard at his suggestion. "Leave it my father to corrupt you. Star Wars, Star Trek, Top Gun…. What's next?"
"I like Geneva, personally," Neville said. "It fits what we're going for better."
"Fine…" Harry huffed before everyone else agreed to the name. Between Quidditch, the Defense Association, the Potions Club and their sessions with Flitwick, Harry realized his time was going to become tight and that was before he was awakened on Saturday at dawn by his Quidditch captain..
"Wazzup," Harry said, sleepily.
"Come on," Wood said. "Practice."
Shaking the cobwebs out of his brain, Harry showered before grabbing his Nimbus and pulled out his Quidditch practice robe, languidly moving down the stairs. He made it into the locker room to find the twins leaning on one another, Fred snoring as George kept him from falling over. Katie was staring very intently at the floor while Angelina kept poking Alicia awake.
"Harry!" Oliver was the only one chipper. "Come in! Come in! I was just telling the team I've devised a whole series of new moves! We missed the cup by this much" (he held up his thumb and forefinger) "so that means we have to work twice as hard."
The next half hour, Wood showed them diagram after diagram, each one more boring than the next. Finally, he told them to mount up. Glad to be out of the locker room, Harry stepped out onto the pitch. It rained the previous night and the pitch was a little muddy from the moisture sticking to it.
"Haven't you finished?" Hermione asked from the stands. Sitting next to her was the entire second year plus Luna, Ginny and Colin with his camera.
"Haven't even started," Harry yawned. "Wood's been going over strategy."
Turning away, Harry threw his broom out in front of him, shouting "up!" as he ran toward it. Mounting it on the fly, Harry's senses came to full alert. Feeling the wind whipping through his hair made him feel free. Performing a series of loops and rolls, Harry formed up with the rest of his teammates. He could hear Colin snapping pictures.
"What's with the camera?" Oliver said. "He's not a Slytherin spy, is he?"
"No, he's a Gryffindor," Harry said. "He's taking pictures to send home. Actually we should have him do team photos at some point, now that I think of it."
"And Slytherin doesn't need a spy," George said. "They're over there."
Harry turned to see seven green-clad individuals were strutting onto the field.
"What's this Flint?" Wood demanded as the Gryffindors flew down and dismounted their brooms. "I booked the pitch for this time slot!"
"We've been given special permission from Professor Snape," Flint thrust a small strip of parchment into Wood's chest. "To train our new seeker."
On cue, the team parted to show the blonde locks of Draco Malfoy.
Of course it's Malfoy, Harry thought as he saw the other Gryffindors flocking toward the teams, Hermione in the lead.
"That's not all," Flint sneered in triumph. As one, every Slytherin player turned their brooms. Nimbus 2001, every broom read. "A donation from Malfoy's father."
"Aren't they nice, Potter?" Draco drawled. "Top of the line. Outstrips the previous model in speed and those Cleansweeps? They'll look like butterflies next to these hawks."
"Well at least they didn't have to buy their way onto the team," Hermione shot at Draco. "It's a shame that you can't buy talent."
"Close your mouth when you're talking to me, you filthy little mudblood," Draco shouted.
The Weasleys, Ron included, surged forward only to be held back by the chasers. Draco took the advantage and stepped toward Hermione, not recognizing the latter had her wand drawn. Hermione whispered a tripping jinx, causing Draco to fall face-first onto the pitch. Caked in mud, he advanced on her once again, causing Harry to step in front of her.
"I'll get you for that you filthy mudblood," Draco said, wiping the mud from his face.
"Talk about being filthy, mudface," Hermione spat back.
"Oh Draco, is that how you keep your skin looking so radiant?" Lavender called out. "I haven't tried that; how does the mud work with opening your pores."
At that moment, who should appear but Lockhart.
"What seems to be the issue?" Lockhart examined Draco's face. "Oh taking my skincare suggestions to heart, are we? Though I think you should probably use my special face mask product. The mud here is fine but my product is guaranteed to make your skin ALMOST as good as mine"
The Gryffindors were all doubled over in laughter as Draco and the Slytherins all retreated.
"Hermione…" Fred called out. "You have to tell us your secret. We never had a prank so well executed."
"Well tragedy plus time equals comedy," Hermione said, wiping the tears from her eyes. "I honestly didn't plan on the who Lavender-Lockhart angle but I admit it was rather… satisfying."
"Oh lord," Oliver pinched the bridge of his nose. "If this keeps up, Gryffindor won't be safe from anyone.
Without the distraction of the Slytherins, the Gryffindor team held their normal practice and redoubled their efforts after seeing their rivals' brooms. After practice, Harry went up to Fred and George.
"Fred? George?" he got their attention. "How old are your brooms?"
"About as old as the school brooms, I'd say," Fred grimaced. It was an exaggeration but not by much. "Why do you ask?"
"Well…" Harry made sure they were alone. "I was hoping we could go into business or rather… I could fund yours. I've heard some of the things you're working on in the common room?"
"You have?" George asked.
"How?" Fred.
"I learned last year that when you were quiet that you were working and when you were quiet, so was the common room," Harry explained. "With the quiet, I could hear some of what you are working on. It sounds promising.
"After giving Gringotts an idea that made a good bit of money, I thought it would be good to be on the lookout for more opportunities. I assume you're working on a joke shop, right?"
"Remind me not to underestimate you, Harry," George smiled at him. "We think Zonko's is getting too comfortable. They haven't developed anything new a decade and we want to change that. What do you have in mind?"
"I'll contact Gripclaw and have him do an investment fund for you of a couple hundred galleons. In addition, I'll buy a couple of the new Cleansweep brooms for you. They won't be a Nimbus but…"
"Nimbuses are great for Seekers and not bad for Chasers but they're not the best for Beaters," Fred said. "A good Beater broom should be more balanced than speedy."
"Well then, I'll send a letter to Gringotts and get this all set up."
"Thank you, Harry," the twins said simultaneously.
"We wanted to open our own shop but we were trying to figure out a way to build any capital to do it," Fred added.
"Our family is great but…" George started.
"Money is tight, for sure," Fred finished.
"Just remember to work hard cause I'd like to see a return on my investment, okay?" The next thing Harry knew, the twins were speeding off, filled with mischievous glee.
"Why do I fear you just woke a dragon and filled it with glorious purpose?" Hermione asked.
"Probably because I have," Harry smiled. "Don't worry, as an investor, they won't want to do anything to piss me off and pranking you would DEFINITELY piss me off."
Hermione rolled her eyes as they walked toward the Great Hall for the last bit of breakfast.
(A/N: Okay so in subsequent chapters, I am going to have Hogwarts revolt against Lockhart, similar to Umbridge and I was hoping for suggestions for pranks someone might pull on him. I have a few but I'm guessing you all have some excellent ideas.)