Chapter Twenty Two
Albus Dumbledore was not an easy man to shock. When he had been in his office and the wards for the Slytherin Dungeons had shrilled, he had taken a quick look at them to make sure they weren't malfunctioning then he had ran out of his office and to the Common Rooms as fast as he could…and for an 156 year old man he could run. When he got their Professor Skye Moon, the Head of Slytherin, was already waiting. The blond haired witch had nodded at him and together they had entered the Common room with wands out. Needless to say they had both been shocked.
Professor Skye Moon was lying down on her bed, reading the newest edition of Potions Monthly. She smoothed a piece of blonde hair from her blue eyes before looking sharply up at the sound of a shrill. She frowned and stood, heading towards the spindly instrument on her bookshelf. She gasped as it indicated a high level of magical energies being used in the Slytherin Dungeons. This could mean that students were either playing about with magic's they shouldn't be or that somehow a full duel was going on. At the time she had wondered briefly if somehow a Death Eater had gotten in and were attacking but when she arrived at the Common Rooms and walked in with Dumbledore she was pissed to find the common room destroyed.
Albus surveyed the room with a grave expression, deliberately ignoring the students, who were shuffling back and looking guilty. A large shield shimmered as it retracted and Albus saw Narcissa Black fall heavily down. Her sister, Bellatrix was there to catch her and she pulled her to the couch where Severus Snape and Louise Zabini were sitting on. All students looked worse for wear and Albus saw several unconscious students or students with blood running down their heads or limbs. With a click of his fingers he summoned a house elf.
"Yes Sir?" came a small squeak as a small house elf, even for house elf standards popped in.
"Please inform Poppy that her services are required in the Slytherin Common Room." Albus said politely.
"Blenka will do that Sir!" The house elf, Blenka said enthusiastically. She popped out of view, presumably to the hospital wing.
Harry winced slightly as he saw the cold look in Dumbledore's eye as he surveyed the area again. This was not going to be good. Harry looked around at what he had dubbed, 'The rebels'. All of the 1st and 2nd years were okay but most of the third years were out and the 5th years and two seventh years were puffing and holding various afflictions and wounds. The 6th years seemed fine and Harry saw them resting on the couch.
"So, could anyone please explain what happened here?" Professor Moon said angrily. Her blue eyes flashed and she drew herself up. "How could you be so irresponsible?" she shrieked.
Rodolphus sneered as the Mudblood professor started lecturing the Slytherin Common room. She had no right to interfere in Pureblood business. He spied Dumbledore just standing there and surveying the room in a disappointing way. Rodolphus sneered again. That old Muggle loving fool should stay out of here.
"And Mr. Lestrange, get that smirk off your face!" Moon shouted in anger. Rodolphus complied but sneered when her back was turned. He turned to the cause of all his problems. Riddle was looking calm and not even exhausted. Rodolphus growled lightly and next to him his twin brother, Rabastan, who had just been revived, gave him a look of understanding.
"Don't worry Bro," Rabastan whispered. "We'll get him." Rodolphus smiled before smirking at Riddle then turning away.
Albus Dumbledore finally heard the pop that indicated that Blenka had returned with Poppy. Poppy gasped as she saw the hurt students and she immediately leapt into action.
"Alright! Everyone who is hurt raise his or her hands." She ordered. After the hands were raised she gestured to Professor Moon, who aimed her wand and muttered. "Wingardium Leviosa!" The students levitated and slowly, Poppy and Moon trailed out of the room with over a third of the house hovering behind them. The rest of the house looked at Dumbledore as he cleared his throat.
"I would like to know exactly what happened here." Albus said calmly. The twinkle was gone from his eyes and he looked at a 4th year that was standing near Rodolphus Lestrange. With a quick mental shove he slyly shifted through the memories. Once Albus was done he retreated and looked around. The 4th year had been unconscious most of the time so he didn't know much but it was enough for Albus to guess.
"So, you decided to have an illegal duel." Albus stated, not asked. The students shifted and Albus suddenly saw how they were separated. There was a horde of uniformed and armored students at one side of the room with most of the senior students. On the other side there was Harry Riddle and every single first and second year. Albus knew that none of the first years were total purebloods and he was quick to make the connection.
"I am disappointed that prejudice has led to this. I am taking off 700 points from Slytherin. As I am unable to determine what exactly happened I will leave it at that. However, if something like this happens again or if I see any student using harmful magic on another then I will have no choice but expel you. Alas, the day is dark when a house turns on itself." Albus finished off. He walked to the entrance then turned around.
"I believe it is time for bed. You have lessons tomorrow." And with that Albus left, leaving a house in turmoil.
Harry relaxed a fraction when Albus left and turned to the First and Second years. "Time for bed." He said in a gentle voice. Slowly the younger students left, leaving behind a first year girl with brown hair and brown eyes. She walked to Harry.
"Excuse me?" she said in a meek voice. Harry turned from his repair as he tried to fix what had happened to the furniture. It was a lost cause.
"Yes?" Harry questioned. The girl blushed.
"Could…you please tell me where the toilets are?" she said and cringed as she finished it. Harry frowned slightly and took a quick peek in her mind. She had met some other Slytherin's who had been extremely unkind to her as she was a Muggle-born. Harry's eyes softened and he knelt down and put a hand on her shoulder.
"See that doorway over there?" he asked gently. The girl nodded, pigtails flying.
"Well turn left their then twist the snake head protruding from the wall. The toilet will appear." Harry explained. The girl nodded.
"Thank you!" she said and made her way over. Harry called out after her.
"The girl toilets are on the left, wouldn't want you going to the guy toilets, eh?" Harry said, voice full of mirth.
The girl giggled and left the common room. Harry turned back to his work to find several eyes on him.
"What?" he asked.
Narcissa stared in amazement as Harry produced a real smile, not a smirk or a sneer but a smile of happiness and comfort. This was the first time she had ever seen him so relaxed. When he turned back she raised an eyebrow at him.
"What?" he asked. Narcissa shook her head and gestured towards Lestrange. Harry nodded back and turned. The Hierarchy was berating its members for losing as Harry watched. Rabastan caught his eye and nudged Rodolphus, who stepped forward. Out of the corner of Harry's eye he could see Snape, Zabini and the Black sister's stand up, tense and alert. They were the only ones left of the rebels still in and Rodolphus still had his guard. Both sides tensed as their Lord (Rodolphus) and their friend (Harry) glared at each other.
"So Riddle. Do you think that this changes anything?"
Harry spoke up calmly. "I think it does."
"Nothing has changed. I own Slytherin house. Soon, you will be crushed. You are nothing, Riddle, Nothing!" Rodolphus spat out.
"We shall see." Harry said. With a gesture the remaining sixth years put away their wands.
"Go to bed, you look like you need some rest." Harry said.
Snape nodded slightly and walked off. The rebels had overtaken the 1st, 2nd, 3rd year rooms and a prefect room as well. The Hierarchy had gotten the rest so the elder students would have to share rooms. Zabini trailed after him and soon it was only himself, Bellatrix and Narcissa. Rodolphus also gestured at the rest of the Hierarchy save Nott, Rabastan and Regulus left. Soon, it was what was considered later on the inner circle of the two groups standing in the empty room.
Rodolphus without warning raised his wand. "Stupefy!" he shouted and a red beam flashed. Harry raised his wand and pointed it towards the curse. As the curse hit the tip it struggled to get around it before Harry hurled it back. Rodolphus waved his wand and the curse scorched the wall. Rodolphus glared before walking to the staircase with his two lackeys trailing behind him.
Harry relaxed and turned to the two sisters.
"Well Harry," Bellatrix said thoughtfully. "I have to admit that you have caused more shit here in one day than anyone else has in years."
"It was impressive." Narcissa said. "I didn't think that we would get so many on our side."
Harry nodded. "It was a bit of a hindrance though," he commented. "Having to guard so many younger students but it was worth it. They will get older and lead the house soon and then the Hierarchy will be dead."
"Dead?" Bellatrix echoed. "You're going to kill…?"
"No!" Harry exclaimed. "I meant it wouldn't exist."
"Oh, right!" Bellatrix said.
"Nice dueling by the way, both of you." Harry praised. Narcissa sniffed.
"We're Blacks," She said and flipped her hair over her shoulder. "We're good at everything."
Bellatrix rolled her eyes and gave a fake groan. "Shut up Cissa!" she said lightly.
Harry laughed, a true laugh that he hadn't experienced since the holidays with Lily. "I think we should go to bed," he said, amusement in his voice.
"Cool," Bellatrix said. "Anyway, the prefect room is for you." She said and turned to leave.
"What?" Harry exclaimed. "Why?"
Narcissa sighed. "Don't be an idiot. You're the leader of the, or so I've heard us been called, the Rebels. Of course you would get such a room."
"Wait a minute, who made me leader?" Harry asked confusedly.
"You did. When you stood up for yourself and others you made yourself a leader." Bellatrix stated as if Harry was crazy.
"I don't want to be the leader!" Harry growled out.
"Tough!" Narcissa and Bellatrix shot back and with two identical grins of mischief, the girls left Harry standing in the middle of the room.
"Women!" Harry muttered and trudged up to his room. When he walked in the room he stopped. It was a dark silver walled room with a King size bed with green hangings. There was a fireplace in the centre and 4 armchairs.
"On second thoughts, maybe this won't be so bad." Harry mused out loud and walked to the bed. His trunk was on it and Harry quickly checked to make sure the locks were still charmed before he changed and hopped in, instantly drifting off.
Ch: 22-26
Chapter Twenty Three
Harry woke up with a start as something heavy banged on his door. He lay in bed a little while longer and the banger got louder. Yawning, he struggled up and quickly put on some clean robes. Grabbing his wand and his books, he opened the latch and dissembled the locking charms and protective wards.
"I'm up, I'm up!" Harry complained as he tried to wipe the sleep out of his eyes.
"Sure you were." Narcissa said. "Its time for breakfast, are you planning on eating today?"
Harry shot her a look. "I'm coming." Narcissa smirked in reply and strode down the stairs with Harry in tow. The common room was looking good as new. Students were milling around it and Harry could see the line where they didn't cross. Harry's group were on one side of the room with the fireplace and Rodolphus' group were on the other side where the majority of the dorms were. Glares were sent each way and Harry could see that the 1st and 2nd years were guarded by the 3rd years while they went down for Breakfast and the few senior students were trailing behind, their hands ready on their wands.
Bellatrix looked up from her chair and bound up. Snape and Zabini looked up as they heard Bella's exclamation.
"Good Morning Harry!" She said brightly.
"Morning." Harry replied. Snape and Zabini stood as well.
"I never think we had a chance to introduce ourselves." Snape said. His greasy hair wasn't very greasy and Harry figured it must be from the Potion fumes he constantly worked over.
"I'm Severus Snape." Severus introduced and stuck out his hand. Harry eyed it and shook it.
"Harry Riddle." Harry said quietly.
"I figured that." Severus sneered. Harry rolled his eyes and turned to Zabini. The petite girl with brown bouncing hair and blue eyes stuck out her hand as well.
"Louise Gideon, now Zabini." She said in a crisp tone. Harry nodded and took her hand and pressed his lips to her knuckles.
"A pleasure to meet you." Harry formally said as his pureblood etiquette springing up from the lessons Thomas had learnt when he was a student. Zabini smiled.
"A polite man, are you not?" Louise smiled. Harry smirked.
"Thank you." He said and nodded in the direction of the other dorms, where Nott, Rabastan, Rodolphus and Regulus had strode out with their expensive robes, identical sneers of superiority and giggling girls on the end of their arms.
"What do you make of that?" Harry asked.
Narcissa observed them for a minute. "They look tense but I think that they feel as if they won last night." She said carefully, her pale blue eyes scrutinizing them closely.
"Won? They got their arse kicked!" Bellatrix said and met Rodolphus' eye. She flipped him the finger and he flushed before sending a look of hatred her way. She brushed it off with well eased practiced
"Maybe they think that they have the advantage?" Louise reflected.
"They're cocky." Snape said and sent a glare their way. "Anyway, I'm heading off to breakfast." He turned around, robes billowing and strode out of the room with his cloak flapping like a bat.
"I wonder if he spells that cloak to do that?" Bellatrix unintentionally voiced Harry's thoughts. Louise snorted.
"Nah, I know for a fact that he does that naturally." She said with amusement laced in her voice.
Harry watched in caution as the Hierarchy members left the common room, leaving the four 6th years alone.
"Suppose we should rock down for breakfast?" Bella asked. Harry nodded and walked out in a brisk walk, black cloak gliding along the ground like it was a sleek shadow. He made an impressive figure and the other three followed after him, closing the common room.
"I wonder if he spells his cloak to do that?" Bella asked again, this time referring to Harry.
"What do you think?" Narcissa asked scornfully before walking ahead, catching with Louise who was walking behind Zabini. Bella stood there for a moment then frowned and shook her head.
"Nah, probably not." She muttered and with violet eyes shining in amusement, she ran up.
"Hey! Wait for me!" she called.
Harry waited just outside the Great Hall. With a deep breath, he entered and strode towards the table. The other houses weren't aware of what had happened last night but their were rumors being spread even now about an event in the Slytherin House which had caused them to lose 700 points. Slytherin was at –700 right now and other houses were gloating over this. When Harry entered, he made his way for the Slytherin table and sat down at the end, with Rodolphus at the other. Even the dumbest person could tell something was up. 2/3rds of the Slytherin population were at one end and there was a large empty space at the centre of the table then the rest at the other ends.
At the Gryffindor table James Potter watched the Slytherin table with confusion.
"Ah…Moony? Is that normal?" He asked and ruffled his hair. Next to him, Remus looked up from his book and turned his amber eyes to where James was indicating.
"I don't know." Remus said and went back to his book. Sirius laughed in glee.
"Look! –700 points already!" He gloated. James's eyes widened and he took in the Giant hourglass representing the Slytherin.
"Wonder what they did?" Peter squeaked. James frowned.
"I'll bet my broomstick that it has to do with the seating arrangements." He said. No one took him up so James went back to his favorite hobby, Lily-watching.
Lily smiled as she caught Harry's eye and he smiled back. She tucked away her book and walked over to the table.
"Hey!" she said brightly.
"Hi Lily." Harry greeted and moved aside for her to sit down.
"Thanks." Lily thanked Harry and started to grab a plate to eat from. "So, I heard this rumor about a duel in the Slytherin Common room. Somehow I got this weird idea that this was all your fault." Lily assumed.
"Guilty as charged." Harry confessed. "Apparently my ideas and their ideas conflicted so there was a…minor dispute."
"That's an understatement." Narcissa drawled. "Considering it was a 40 minute full out duel between both sides."
Lily blinked in astonishment. "You had a duel?" She asked. "In a common room?"
Harry nodded and Lily sighed.
"Always getting in trouble." She said despairingly.
"Not my fault this time." Harry grumbled under his breath. Lily narrowed her eyes.
"Well…Maybe it was." Harry relented under her gaze. It was hard for him to lie to her, even such petty matters like this when she used those eyes…his eyes.
"See, that wasn't so hard." Lily teased and nudged Harry. Harry rolled his eyes and grinned and Lily grinned back. Narcissa and Bellatrix exchanged looks and stood.
"Well, I have Charms so I better get going." Bellatrix said and waved. She bounced out of the room leaving a staring Harry and Lily.
"Is she always this hyper?" Lily asked Narcissa in an undertone.
"Unfortunately." Narcissa replied.
Harry and Lily walked to the Library. Narcissa had ancient Runes and they had a free study period. Harry never elected for another subject so he just took Care of Magical Creatures and Lily dropped Arithmancy after her OWL's, because she had scored an O in her NEWT's. Lily was a very bright witch indeed.
"What do you want to do?" Lily asked Harry when they reached the Library. They sat down and Harry stared out of the window while Lily fiddled with her bag.
"I don't know." Harry commented and twirled his wand between his fingers. Lily said nothing of the little quirk and began reading her Charms Master book. Harry stopped twirling his wand and started tapping it on the table.
Tap. Tap. Tap. Tap. Tap.
Lily gritted her teeth but said nothing. Harry continued absently tapping as he stared idly out of the window. Soon Lily shut her book with a snap.
"Do you mind?" she said sarcastically. Harry stopped tapping and raised an eyebrow.
"Nah." Harry replied and started tapping again.
Lily sighed and went back to her book. Harry continued looking out the window before stopping and turning to Lily.
"How about a practice?" He asked. Lily's eyes brightened and she shut her book. She stood and pulled up Harry and began dragging him along.
"So that's a yes?" Harry questioned. Ignoring Lily's glare he guided her to a suitcase and began marching up to the seventh floor.
"I want to try a few new curses out, and this neat little charm that gives you two left feet." Lily rambled. Harry shot her an amused look and she flushed. He reached the corridor he was planning and walked past the statue. He stopped, changed direction, and turned around, leaving a confused Lily behind.
"Hey!" Ignoring Lily's cry he strode to the other corner, leaving Lily to run up. He stopped suddenly and Lily collided with his back. She fell back and only Harry's grip on her arm stopped her from falling gracefully on her butt. Harry smirked and grabbed her hand walked the other way again, dragging Lily behind him.
"What the hell are you doing?" Lily burst out in anger, her emerald eyes beginning to flash. Harry ignored her again and reached the corner for the third and final time. He turned and pointed to a section of the wall.
"Watch." He instructed. Lily complied and soon she gasped as a door appeared out of nowhere.
"Cool." She breathed. Harry opened the door and led her in. The Room of Requirement had taken the shape of a large room with nothing in it.
"What is this place?" Lily asked.
"This." Harry explained. "Is the Room of Requirement. You walk pass the statue three times concentrating on what you want and the room provides it for you."
"Wow." Was Lily's only reply. She had just suddenly realized that Harry's hand still held hers. She was suddenly aware of the warm, rough grip that held her pale hand. Harry's thumb was unconsciously tracing a pattern in her hand. The thumb was sending a flush through her body and electric-like shocks of pleasure were being produced.
Harry was aware when Lily gripped his hand tighter before she relaxed into his grip. He uncomfortably was aware of how soft her hand felt before he dropped it and stared at her awkwardly. He was aware of the tension in the room and cleared his throat uneasily.
"So, what do you want to learn?" Harry asked.
Lily snapped out of her daze at the sound of Harry's voice. "Um..." she began and shook her head.
"I want to increase the power in my curses." She said. Harry smiled and Lily tried not to stare as the look of pain and loneliness left his face, leaving him looking like a normal 16-year-old guy. Correction, a handsome 16-year-old guy.
"That's easy to do." Harry said. "Most people have a limit of power they can use. Yours is average but you have an affinity for charms that most don't."
"What about you? What is your limit?" Lily asked and Harry ducked his head.
"Well…" he hesitated.
"Come on!" Lily pressed.
"Well, I would have to say that my power is higher than average." Harry said, stating the facts, not gloating.
"So, putting aside your humbleness you're trying say that you're very powerful." Lily said.
Harry's mouth dropped. "Hey!" he exclaimed. "What do you mean by that?"
"Well, you don't give enough credit to yourself. So I have to exaggerate what you say to get the truth." Lily said matter of factly. "Now you were saying?"
Harry scowled but obliged. "Curses can be heightened by three ways. Number one is emotion. If you are angry you can increase the power of the curse or if you are feeling happy or loved you can increase the power as well. However the true masters use a combination of both. Hate and Love are polar opposites so when they are combined it's like putting Sodium in water. A big boom."
Lily looked interested. "And the other two ways?"
"Well, the one other ways is natural age. You get more powerful with age until you reach your peak at 17. Then there are several Dark Rituals to increase your power. They have risks though. If you don't have enough will power then you succumb to the hate and rage that is required to do them. Then you turn insane like Thomas."
Lily nodded thoughtfully. "Shall we try some curses then?" Harry asked.
Lily grinned.
Chapter Twenty Four
Lily settled in to a dueling position and concentrated. She breathed deep and aimed her wand at Harry. "stupefy!" she said and a red beam lanced at Harry.
Harry just raised his wand and the curse curved and fizzled out when it impacted on a wall. "You need more emotion." Harry instructed. Lily frowned and sighed. She settled herself in a dueling position and again she aimed her wand.
"Stupefy!" she muttered again and Harry deflected the curse with little ease.
"More Emotion!" Harry said.
"Stupefy!" Lily said. Harry deflected it yet again.
"More!" Harry said urgently. Lily glared.
"I'm trying, okay!" She snapped.
"I don't give a crap about 'trying'." Harry snapped back. "Losers whine about trying while winners get the gold! Your trying is pathetic. Can't you do anything right or are you just a stupid little Mudblood like everybody says."
Lily flinched and stepped back. She raised her wand in anger and in a short jerky movement she shouted. "STUPEFY!" Her wand buckled and for the first time Lily felt the power of hatred flow through her veins. A huge beam the size of a person lanced towards Harry. Harry took a step backwards and with a clear voice he uttered.
"Protego!"
The shield was leaving his wand when it met the Stupefy and for a moment the offending curse tried to struggle forward but was pushed back into oblivion as the shield urged forward.
Lily suddenly felt weak as if all her strength had left her and she dropped to her knees in exhaustion and let go of her wand. It clattered to the ground and rolled towards Harry where it stopped. Lily's eyes were shining from unshed tears from Harry's hurtful words. She felt a hand on her shoulder and looked up into Harry's eyes, which were glimmering with sadness.
Harry picked up Lily's wand and walked over. He saw the hurt and lost expression on her face and winced. He reached over and put a comforting hand on her shoulder.
Lily looked up and Harry almost cried out loud from what his sentence had done to her.
"I'm sorry for what I said." Harry murmured softly. "I had to get you angry and hurt so you could realize what could happen. I never meant anything."
Lily nodded slowly and tried to struggle up. Harry held her down.
"Whoa, calm down. After your first time of trying out emotional power boosting you should be tired. Lets not overdo it." Harry bent down and helped her up. She leant on him and slowly Harry led her to a couch that had just appeared out of thin air courtesy of the Room of Requirement. He sat down with her and waited for her to speak.
Lily drew in a breath and wiped her eyes. "I'm sorry for overreacting." She said softly. Harry shook his head.
"It was my fault. I shouldn't have insulted you like that." Harry protested.
"No, I knew what I was agreeing to when I asked for your help." Lily stated. Harry sighed.
"Want to continue?" He asked. Lily nodded.
"A real duel." She said firmly. Harry's eyebrows rose.
"Excluding the Killing curse or any curse that leave damage for longer than 30 minutes." Lily bargained.
"Deal." Harry said and stood up. With a concentrated thought to the room, it shifted again. There was a standard 4m by 16m dueling strip. Apart from that, there was nothing except walls. He strode up to one end and waited for Lily to do the same. She repeated Harry's movements then bowed. Harry bowed back. When Harry sent another thought to the room, a large crack, not unlike popping a paper bag rang through the room.
"Stupefy!" Lily said, jabbing her wand in Harry's direction. The red beam seared through the air was slightly more powerful than she was used to. Harry calmly ducked and waved his wand in response.
"Astempte!" he muttered and a bronze dome formed around him, which sizzled the next two curses.
"Expelliarmus!" Harry shout out and Lily stepped aside.
"Obliviate!" She returned and Harry quickly warded a shield around himself to block himself from the Memory curse. He had no desire to become like that incompetent Lockhart.
"Flammere Ioblous!" Lily sent out one of her favorite spells, a large fireball erupting from her wand the size of a basketball. It flickered with orange and purple flames.
"Aquarius!" Harry countered. A large wave of water spewed forward and met the fireball head on. The fireball was drenched out and the water steamed and boiled.
"Banisho!" Lily sent a banishing charm on the boiling water that was falling towards the ground. Harry took a startled step back as he swept his wand in a long movement. The boiling water was tugged towards a wall as if attached to a fishing line, splashing on the walls.
"Silpormo!" Lily said again, clearly on the offensive. A large white beam of raw power zapped though the air and sped towards Harry. Harry felt his hair stand up from the power as he stood there and smirked. Lily was testing out her power increasing skills. Harry waited until the last second before he swung his wand in a diagonal movement, the tip touching the curse. The wand glowed white as the curse was sucked in and Harry pivoted on his back foot and spun around, using the momentum to launch the curse back at Lily faster and stronger than ever.
Lily had to throw herself to the ground as her returned curse singer her hair as it passed overhead. She threw out her wand hand and cried. "LUMOS SOLERUM!"
A bright flash lit the area and she scrambled to her feet.
"Protego!" She said startled as a silvery shield deflected a curse sent by Harry.
Harry waved his wand like a whip and a large fiery whip formed at the tip and with a snap of his wrist, bound around Lily and her shield. Lily, confident that her shield would hold, was unprepared when it strained then shattered like tinkling glass and the fiery spell wound around her, slightly burning her. With her arms bound, Harry wasted no time in trying to finish the duel.
"Stupefy!" He muttered. He was not expecting Lily to twist and the spell hit her bounds, causing them to fade in a shower of sparks leaving Lily free.
Lily smirked at Harry. "What, surprised?" she mocked.
"Hardly." Came Harry's dry response. He twirled his wand between his fingers and a small glow started emitting from it. With a cackle of magical energy, Harry flicked his wrist a large glowing circle formed under Lily, who was too surprised to move. The circle sparkled and rays of light began to rise from it. They circled Lily and she suddenly began to feel faint. She dropped to one knee and the next thing she knew was darkness.
Harry waited until Lily had dropped unconscious before releasing the Energy Absorption field. It was not a very useful thing to use in a duel unless you could distract the enemy for two seconds. It may not sound like much but a good dueler could send 5 spells your way in that time. It sucked the magical energy out of you. It was only temporary and a potion could fix you right up but how many people carried a Strength Elixir in their pocket while dueling?
Harry walked over to Lily's body and levitated her to a couch that the Room supplied. He concentrated and soon a small, Smokey flask appeared in his hand. He uncorked it and put three drops in Lily's open mouth.
Lily felt something cool slide down here throat with an odd taste of mint. She opened her eyes and saw an amused looking Harry looking down at her.
"Taste nice?" Harry asked.
"Oh Fuck off Riddle!" she growled and sat up. Harry just snorted in amusement and sat down.
"You did good." He said simply.
"Really?" she asked hopefully.
"Really." Harry reassured. "Don't get me wrong, you couldn't take out a legion of Death Eaters but I'm pretty sure that you could take on at least 8 Death Eater regulars and win."
Lily looked disappointed. Seeing her look, Harry frowned.
"Cheer up. This is your 3rd day back at Hogwarts and you've improved a lot. You got to work for your goals." Harry said, trying to encourage her. Lily brightened up at his praise. She was about to say something when the door to the Room opened and in stepped in some familiar figures.
James Potter snorted with laughter as Sirius did his impersonation of a Death Eater being hit by a bus. Peter laughed as well and Remus just smiled. They were heading towards the Room of Requirement or as it was known to them, the Come and Go Room.
"So it's like this." Sirius joked and waved his arms around in a poor imitation of a Death Eater scratching his head. They opened the door and Sirius stopped midway. The Room had already been set up for another purpose and a dueling platform was in the centre. Over at the end there was a couch with two figures on it, staring at the Marauders with the same Emerald gaze. James only knew one person with that gaze and with the new arrival, now two.
"Hello Lily-Flower!" he greeted enthusiastically. He noticed with a pang of jealousy that Riddle and Evans were sitting rather close and Lily had an arm resting on Harry.
Lily rolled her eyes as the Stooge-Fest entered the room.
"Shit." She muttered. Harry snickered lightly.
"Hello Lily-Flower!" James called out and made their way towards them his hazel eyes flickering slightly on Harry.
"Don't call me that Potter!" Lily sneered in disgust. "What do you want?"
James sighed dramatically. "As usual, I want your beautiful face beneath me scrunched up in pleasure."
Lily snorted. "In your dreams." She said and rolled her eyes at the cheesy pick up line.
Sirius snickered. "Oh, they are. You should here him at night, moaning and clutching his pillow. Why…OW!" Sirius broke off painfully, rubbing his now sore ribs as James jabbed him in the side with his elbow.
"Eww!" Lily shrieked. "I did not need to hear that." She snarled and stood. Harry stood as well, keeping silent as Lily argued with the boys. His gaze rotated over Remus and Peter, the latter cringing from the bright, seemingly inhuman gaze.
"What are you looking at you slimy snake?" Peter said as he diverted his gaze.
"A little coward actually." Harry said calmly.
"Shut up!" Sirius said and strode forward. "Don't diss my friend!"
"I'll do whatever the hell I want." Harry shot back. James growled.
"Listen you Death Eater, I told you to stay away from Lily." He ground out from clenched teeth.
"WHAT!" Lily shouted in anger. James shot her a look.
"Listen babe…I don't think that he's good for you. I think that you should find another boyfriend…like me." James ended, wagging his eyebrows suggestively.
"Excuse me while I go spew up." Lily muttered. "Listen Potter, I find you as attractive as a boil on a Threstals arse."
"Ouch!" Remus said and laughed as James glared out him.
"You're not helping." He whined.
"Are you done?" Harry broke in. "I'd like to leave at some point."
"Shut up Slytherin!" Sirius snarled. He pulled out his wand and leveled it at Harry. Lily reacted automatically and pulled out hers and leveled it at Sirius. Peter drew his and held it between a shaking hand and Lily. Harry flicked his wrist and his wand came zooming from his robes into his hand. James grabbed his and aimed it at Harry while Harry aimed it at Peter. Remus just stood back.
"Come on guys, you'll get in trouble." Remus protested weakly.
Lily reacted first and hit Sirius with a banishing charm. He flew back and thudded towards the ground. Harry jerked his wand and Peter was hit by a concussion curse while Lily deflected a curse from James and banished him back to where Sirius was. Peter feebly tried to curse Harry but the effects of the curse were in place and he dropped his wand.
"You know, on some planet I'm sure that your dueling skills would be quite impressive. Your weak link is that this is Earth." Harry sneered and sent a Stunner at Peter, who collapsed.
James and Sirius staggered up and held their wands out. Harry and Lily faced them. All of them were ready to attack. Remus sighed and leant against the wall.
Chapter Twenty Five
Remus chose to step in at that point. "James, Sirius do you have to do this every time?" he moaned in annoyance. Flicking his wand and mumbling a counter curse, Peter's eyes opened and he staggered up.
"You stupid Slytherin!" Peter squeaked. Harry shot him a glare and Peter flinched and shuffled closer to James.
"You say as if that's an insult." Harry remarked. "You know I do like being a Slytherin."
"Remus, I know you don't like us doing this but Slytherin scum," Here Sirius pointed to Harry. "Deserves to get what is happening to him."
"Again with the Slytherin insult." Harry said.
"May I remind you that he killed that Death Eater in the Hall and he was able to duel Professor Green successfully." Remus said in hopes of them relenting. James remained firm in his stance.
"He stole my Lily!" James growled. Lily stamped her foot.
"I am not your Lily!" she huffed and narrowed her eyes at him.
"Sure you are." James said patiently, as if explaining a problem to a small child.
Lily growled and steadied her wand. Sirius, seeing this raised his wand.
"Oh no we don't. Expelliarmus!" he shouted.
Lily sidestepped the curse and aimed her wand at Sirius. Before she was able to curse him, Remus spoke up again.
"Come on guys, we'll be late." He said, and tried to usher them out the door.
"Relax Remus!" James laughed. "We'll be there on time."
Remus sighed and backed away.
"Fine." He muttered and scratched his head in a strangely canine sort of way. "I'm not getting involved though."
"We didn't expect it my dear Moony." Sirius said and smirked at Harry. "Anyway, got any last words, Snake-boy."
"Snake-boy, Slytherin, Slytherin scum, what part of… 'I Like Being A Slytherin' don't you understand?" Harry said sarcastically. "Is it that hard to process it through your ugly heads?"
Silence filled the room. Then two consecutive events happened. James growled with anger and Sirius farted.
Silence once again filled the room. But for a totally different reason than the first silence.
"Ewww!" Lily moaned in disgust as a disgusting stench filled the room. Harry gagged and James punched Sirius on the shoulder.
"That wasn't cool Padfoot!" James complained and cast a bubblehead charm on himself. Harry and Lily followed suit while Peter twitched his nose like the rat he is. Sirius just sniffed and shrugged. "Doesn't smell too bad." He said.
Harry rolled his eyes. "Can we leave now?" he drawled. James focused his attention on him again.
"Oh no you don't. We're going to teach you a lesson or two on respect for your betters." James drawled out.
"Betters? You think you're our betters?" Lily snarled out. "More like our betters in being arseholes."
Sirius growled and aimed his wand. "Stupefy!" Harry swept his wand and an invisible force repelled the stunning hex.
James flicked his wand and shouted. "Aquarius!" A huge wave of water gushed out of his wand and swept towards Harry. Lily stepped forward while Harry sent a large ball of flames at Sirius to dispel the water.
"Stay out of this Evans!" James shouted as he ducked his own attack, which had been rebounded back onto him.
"Shut up!" Lily snapped and aimed her wand. "Silpormo!" she said and a beam of white, sparkling magic shot out from her wand and collided with a wave of magic from James. James may have been an arrogant git but he was no doubt powerful.
Sirius performed a complex wand movement and bought his wand down. A thin, blue line hit the couch and it shimmered and slowly morphed into a huge pit bulldog. Snarling, the transfigured dog leapt at Harry, who ducked quickly as the beast flew overhead. He scrambled up and muttered a shield charm just in time to catch the hex aimed at him. With a whip-like motion he waved his wand and the dog, was propelled through the air with a whine and into the wall. Harry turned back to Sirius and sidestepped to avoid a hair coloring charm that would leave his hair red and gold for 4 weeks.
"Immobolous!" Sirius shouted and Harry conjured a shield. The curse ricocheted off and left a scorch mark in the wall as it hit. Peter chose to come in at this time.
"Stupefy!" He squeaked. Harry dodged the stunner and swished his wand.
"Wingardium Leviosa!" he muttered and Peter gave an incoherent yell as he was lifted from his feet.
"Stupefy! Expelliarmus! Ashrenk! Minikilo!" Sirius snapped out, sending a rapid supply of curses. While sending out curses at a rapid speed, it diminished their power. It was hard to concentrate on curses long enough to hold them at full strength. Though Harry knew Voldemort and Dumbledore could rapid fire their curses at full power and he himself could do it to some extent.
Harry smiled and said. "Accio!" Peter flew from his levitated position and was yanked right in front of the spells. All four hit Peter and his wand was ripped from his hand, he was knocked unconscious, his left arm became a paw and somehow his right arm and right leg swapped positions.
Sirius growled at the state of his friend. "You'll pay for that Riddle!"
Harry smirked. "Stupefy!" He muttered. Sirius weaved in a protection ward, a particularly dark one that he probably learnt at the Black family Manor. The stunning hex was dispelled, leaving Sirius unharmed in a blanket of dark grey magic.
"Very disappointing Black. I thought only Slytherins used dark magic." Harry mocked. He leveled his wand and aimed it at Sirius, who had raised his wand as well.
"TORMENTA!" Sirius screamed and a black, sickly looking pain curse erupted from his wand, fuelled by Sirius's anger.
"OBLIVIONA!" Harry shouted in response. A pillar of light erupted from his wand and met the dark curse head on. Harry's curse was a very powerful curse designed in smashing things down, in this case a shield.
The two curses met and a resounding boom occurred before Harry's curse swept on, leaving tendrils of Sirius's now dispelled curse in the air. Sirius's eyes widened and he gave a shout as the curse struck his protection ward and broke it down in a chalkboard-scratching sort of noise. Sirius was protected from most of the blast but he was propelled backwards and onto the ground.
"Stupefy!" Harry muttered and Sirius rolled over, avoiding the curse. Harry waved his wand and Sirius was yanked off the ground and flew into a wall with a sickening crunch.
"Expelliarmus!" Harry muttered and this time Sirius was too dazed to move. His wand was ripped from his grasp and into Harry's hand. He struggled up and looked at Harry's face.
"Stupid Slytherin!" he muttered and Harry gave a short laugh.
"Sore Loser." Harry muttered back and turned around. This gave Sirius the chance to perform the only wandless magic he knew.
"REDUCTO!" Sirius boomed and he put his remaining strength in the curse. From his outstretched hand came an average size Reductor curse. With Wandless magic, it was hard to do both magically and physically and even the simplest spells took a huge amount of power. There was an easy limit you could do with Wandless magic, as the body didn't take well with large amounts of magic flowing through it without a channel. Many wizards and witches have killed themselves due to magical poisoning. Voldemort could do a lot of wandless magic due to the rituals he had performed but Dumbledore could do a few simple spells, like Harry.
Harry whirled and his eyes widened. He wasn't expecting wandless magic from the Gryffindor and he was too slow in blocking it.
The curse hit Harry in the left shoulder, tearing through his school robes and into his flesh. Harry gave a cry of pain as he was shoved backwards and took a look at his shoulder. It was dripping with blood and Harry could see his bone, which had been shattered. Harry turned to Sirius, all thoughts of going easy on his Godfather went out of his mind. He raised his good arm and pointed it at Sirius.
"This is how you do Wandless Magic!" He snarled. His hand glowed, and a glowing ball of magic the size of a 20-cent piece appeared, sparkling with magical energy. He flipped it in his hand and lobbed it at Sirius, who was too exhausted to move.
The Ball of magic hit Sirius, and he screamed in pain as it exploded in a burst of magical energy, dancing on his skin. In truth it was nothing more than a 20-volt ball of electricity, but damn! Electricity hurts like a bitch man!
Harry clicked his finger and iron rope appeared from nowhere, chaining Sirius up. Harry growled in annoyance as his shoulder let out a throb of pain.
"Shit, that's going to hurt in the morning." Harry moaned to himself. He blinked then frowned. "Wait, it already is morning!" he said, and then moaned again. "I did not just contradict myself." A loud crack echoed through the room and he turned to find the source of the noise.
Meanwhile, Lily was sparring curses and words with the Gryffindor god, James Potter.
"Really Evans!" James laughed as he conjured a shield that stopped Lily's latest curse. "I know you like me but pain isn't as kinky to me as it is to you!" Lily snarled and flipped her wand in anger.
James yelped as a wave of magic washed over him. "Geez!" he said out loud. "If it's going to be like that then I'm afraid I'm not going to be easy on you." He shook his head sorrowfully.
"Don't worry. I'm sure that the Nurse won't mind fixing you up!" Lily mocked then swished her wand. James ankles glowed and he jumped up until the glow stopped leaving nothing different
"Well that was useless!" James laughed then tried to walk forward. "What the…?" he gasped as he couldn't walk properly. He bent down and lifted his robes.
"You gave me two left feet?" James said incredulously. Lily snickered.
"Not so funny when you're the one being humiliated, is it?" Lily said. She flicked her wand and James's hair glowed, then grew down to his waist and changed to a silver-green mix of highlights. James felt his hair and pulled a strand of it out.
"WHAT!" he roared. He muttered "Finite Incanterum!" and his ankles were fixed but the hair remained the same.
"That's It!" James growled in anger. "No one stuffs with me and gets away with it!" He raised his wand and with a deep arc, he waved it while muttering. The effects were apparent as several animals including a turkey; two sheep and a lion were transfigured from their surrounding.
James launched a volley of spells at Lily, who muttered a charm. The spells hit a glowing purple barrier, paused, and then recoiled back onto James at high speed. Luckily for James, his animals dove in front of him, colliding with the spells. James waved his wand again. A shower of silver sparks flickered through the air and onto Lily's shield…and right through it. Lily gasped and turned her head while muttered a physical shield spell. There were two types of shields, magical and physical. Magical, as implied only stopped magic but could not stop physical objects. Same for physical except reversed. The rightly woven wards could stop both magical and physical attacks.
Lily put up the shield but some of the silver shower made it through and gashed into Lily's cheek. She flinched as she realized that they were sharp needles and gasped as one sliced through her ear.
"ARGH!" She shrieked in pain, blood dripping down her cheek. She ducked another curse and aimed her wand. With short, jerky movements she sent a powerful dark curse in the form of a purple flame at James.
James muttered. "Protego!" but was still knocked over by the force of the curse. Lily raised her wand again and shouted in rage. "INCENDIO!"
A splatter of flames enveloped James and he yelped in pain. Muttering a flame freezing charm he swept his wand and suddenly the air grew denser. It began to shimmer like diamonds and Lily realized what was going on just in time. James had transfigured the water droplets into shards of ice. She weaved in a ward just as James screamed a banishing charm, sending the mini-icicles at Lily. They clattered off the ward, shattering on impact or falling to the ground. Lily found herself impressed by the complex transfiguration.
James tried to break through her warding and Lily felt herself strain to keep it up.
"Stupefy!" James shouted. The hex nullified on impact.
"Reducto!" James tried again and yet again the ward held up.
James took a deep breath and steadied himself. Lily, seeing James preparing for it strengthened her ward and got ready to launch an attack right after.
"MULTIPLUS STUPEFY!" Shouted James. His wand glowed and James was visibly jerked as 6 large red beams of magic erupted and slammed right into Lily's ward. It groaned in stress of the opposing magic and Lily broke it and ducked. The Stunners arced over her head and Lily counter attacked. With a snarl, she sent a volley of spells at James.
"Stupefy! Expelliarmus! Flammere Ioblous! Reducto! Lumos Solerum! Incendio! Aquarius! Silpormo! Silpormo! Tente! Aspillarius!" Lily rattled off. The effects were instantaneous. James groaned and covered his eyes as he was temporarily blinded. He staggered and set up a ward and a shield. The Reducto curse tore through the shield and shattered on the ward. The Fireball and the Incendio curse mixed and splattered on the ward, setting it alight. The Ward finally collapsed under the two Silpormo curses. James was hit in the face by a wave of water and failed to see the disarming hex before his wand was ripped forcibly from his grasp. He was then hit head on with a Stunner and was smashed into a wall with a sickening crunch. The acidic curse splashed on his leg, melting his robe leg and burning skin and his arm was twisted with such force that a loud crack issued through the room.
"Ow." Harry stated, as he saw James lying in a crumpled heap. Lily smirked at James and pressed her hand gingerly to her cheek.
"You okay?" He asked her in concern. Lily shrugged.
"I'll be fine." She said carelessly. Harry frowned.
"I don't think so. You're going to the hospital wind." Harry ordered. Lily groaned.
"If I go, then so do you!" she said firmly. Harry raised an eyebrow until she pointed to his shoulder.
"Oh." Harry said. "Fine." As they made there way out of the room, they saw Remus reading a book. He looked up as they approached.
"Done yet." The werewolf mildly said, as if seeing his friends get beaten up was a daily occurrence.
"Well, if I have another chance I'd like another go at Potter." Lily mumbled. Harry snickered.
"Later Remus." Was all he said as he walked arm in arm to the hospital wing with Lily.
"…So, I smashed though his ward and launched him into the wall." Lily was saying excitedly as they entered the hospital wing. It was the same as ever, the white walls, the bed, the white roof, the smell of disinfectant, the white floor, the bedpans the white…well, a lot of white stuff.
"What happened here?" Madame Pomfrey gasped as she saw the blood soaked figures. Harry took a quick second to study her. She was younger, (well obviously) with blonde hair with a few streaks of grey.
Lily looked wordlessly to Harry who explained. "Marauders." Was all he said as an explanation. The Madame however clucked her tongue.
"Those irresponsible boys. I am sick of cleaning up after them." She muttered as she forced Harry and Lily into a bed.
"Hold still." She ordered and she ran the length of her wand up and down Harry's wound. After a few charms, the wound closed up, leaving a dull ache.
"Here." She instructed. "Drink this." She handed Harry a bottle and Harry swallowed it down. The ache grew duller and duller until it was non-existent.
"That looks nasty." Pomfrey commented as she closed up the wounds on Lily's face.
"Hurts like hell." Lily agreed. Pomfrey scowled.
"So you say the Marauders did this? Wouldn't be the first time you've been in here Miss Evans but to pick on the new kid as well?" she muttered.
"Well, they'll be here soon for you to fix their wounds." Harry said. Pomfrey sighed.
"Children these days! Fighting one another in these dark times! Still, what goes around come around…" She trailed off. Harry exchanged a look with Lily and they rose.
"Oh no you don't." Pomfrey said.
"Come on, we're fine!" Lily protested as she was ushered back into sitting down.
"No you don't. I want you to stay this afternoon so I can make sure that they're no side effects." Pomfrey scolded.
Harry chose to intervene. "There won't be any side effects under your brilliant skills Madame." He said silkily. Madame Pomfrey blushed and with a wave of her hand she dismissed them.
"Thank you for your help." Harry said as they were leaving. "Hopefully we won't see you for a while."
"I wouldn't be so sure about that Mr. Riddle. I had a large amount of Slytherins come in last night talking about a duel of massive proportions. And to think you've only been here three days and already stirring up trouble. Then again, Slytherin has gone to the rats lately. I'm almost ashamed to admit that it was my former house." She murmured.
"You were a Slytherin!" Lily gasped.
"Of course. Is that a problem?" Madame Pomfrey asked.
"No, it's just that you seem so…nice, I guess." Lily replied carefully.
"Well, as I said before, the Slytherin house has gone to the rats. You'll be a good influence on them Mr. Riddle, I think. Befriending the outcasts and dating a Muggleborn Ravenclaw."
Harry blushed, a very rare occurrence of him showing emotion. "We're not dating." He protested.
"Then why have you held her hand for the past 5 minutes?" Madame Pomfrey asked slyly.
Lily blushed and quickly released his hand. "We better get going." She mumbled. Harry followed her out of the Hospital wing. She stopped him and looked at him in the eyes.
"Thank you." She said.
"For what?" Harry questioned.
"For everything, for being my friend, helping me with my spells, just being you." Lily said. She reached forward and gently pressed her lips against Harry's. After a few seconds she pulled back and smiled, her eyes lighting up her whole face.
"I better go get my books for class. See ya!" Lily said cheerfully and walked off.
Harry just stared after her.
Things have just gotten even more complicated.
Chapter Twenty Six
Harry's thoughts were in turmoil when he made his way in the Great Hall. As he steered himself to the Slytherin table he noticed with that Lily wasn't sitting at the Ravenclaw table. In fact, she wasn't even in the hall. Harry quickly pushed his thoughts away from the red head and sat down.
"Hey Harry!" Bellatrix said. She was talking animatedly with Narcissa and swiveled around to face him.
"Hello." Narcissa said quietly and took a sip from her goblet. Harry nodded back in response.
"Riddle." Snape said in an oddly neutral voice as he glanced from his spot next to Zabini. Harry was still not accustomed to speaking with Snape without Snape sneering, insulting or glaring at Harry.
"Snape." Harry acknowledged. Zabini looked up.
"Hi!" she said and smiled. Harry gave a smile back. Zabini was quiet but very outspoken once you got to know her.
"So, what do we have next?" Harry asked Narcissa. The blonde flipped her hair over her shoulder and glanced down at her timetable.
"We have Care of Magical Creatures." She said. Harry smiled in thanks and started devouring his food. His shoulder gave a twinge now and then and his thoughts briefly wondered to the Marauders. He glanced at the Gryffindor table to see them muttering in low voices.
James felt a pair of eyes on him and he looked up from his discussion of retribution against Riddle and his Lily-flower. He normally wouldn't prank Lily because that would just make her more reluctant for her to date him but he had to show her that no one messed with him and got away with it. He shuddered as those green eyes bore into him. He flipped the finger and Riddle grinned. After giving him a sarcastic wave, Riddle turned back to his food leaving James angrier than he was before.
Harry finished his lunch and as a gong echoed in the Great hall signifying that it was time for next class, he stood with Narcissa, Bellatrix, Snape and Zabini. Bellatrix gave a wave as she moved off to DADA. Harry felt a jolt as he was roughly pushed passed and he turned to see Rodolphus, Rabastan and Regulus standing there.
"I think I need to go clean myself, the Mudblood just touched me." Regulus sneered. Rabastan laughed and Rodolphus smirked.
"Better hurry, he looks infectious!" Rabastan gasped out and they broke into another round of laughter.
"That's rich, coming from you!" Narcissa said, annoyed at the arrogant trio.
"Shut it cousin!" Regulus sneered. "I have informed the family of your treason, I think you will not be happy when you arrive there for Christmas."
Narcissa paled at the threat and Snape stepped forward.
"I wonder how many cocks you had to suck to get this high up on the Hierarchy." He said silkily and smirked at Regulus' outraged expression.
"How dare you…you…" Regulus growled in anger. Rabastan frowned.
"Bit rich coming from you Snape. The only reason you ever got as high as you did because we wanted a bit of a laugh." He shot out.
"Oh stuff it Rabbi-Rabastan," Zabini cut in.
"How dare you imply that I'm one of those Jewish Mudblood wizards?" Rabastan snarled.
"So, not only a Death Eater, but a Nazi as well." Narcissa murmured.
"I don't know Narcissa." Zabini smirked. "Maybe they're a bit confused. I mean, with the amount of brains they have anyone would be confused to wonder how they learnt how to read."
"Fuck off!" Rabastan shouted, drawing whatever attention wasn't on the little fight to them.
"I'm disappointed. Using a Muggle insult, I think that you're half-blood master would be disappointed. Maybe he won't let you play with your dolls as a punishment." Harry said.
"Why you!" Rabastan drew his wand. Harry quickly drew his and pointed it at his head. Rodolphus drew his and aimed it at Harry's head while Regulus pointed his at Snape, who had his wand ready to curse as will. Narcissa and Zabini also drew their wands and leveled them at nearby lackeys for the Hierarchy.
"Don't think about it." Harry said, eyeing Rodolphus. Rodolphus smirked.
"Not much you can do about it." He replied.
"Is there a problem here gentleman?" came an old voice. Harry shifted his head to see Dumbledore standing there. An inexperienced dueler would see that Dumbledore looked relaxed, with his beard swaying gently and his blue eyes twinkling but Harry and Rodolphus could see the tense muscles ready to spring into action the moment things got out of hand.
"No problem Headmaster." Rodolphus ground out and lowered his wand. Harry did the same and soon all wands were put away, but close enough to retaliate if the other side did something stupid. "We were just leaving."
"I was just instructing Rodolphus and Rabastan in the errors of keeping their wands in the back pockets. If they're not careful, they'll blow themselves up with a careless mistake and knowing those two…" Harry trailed off, leaving the rest of the sentence finish. Rodolphus stiffened with rage but one look at the Headmaster ceased any action he may have taken against Harry. He gave one last sneer to Harry and left the Hall.
"I suggest that you head to class Mr. Riddle. Also, I might remind you that you have a meeting with me tonight at 8:00pm." Dumbledore said with his eyes twinkling as he struggled not to laugh at Rodolphus' outraged expression as he had left the hall. As a Headmaster, he was supposed to be impartial but some Purebloods he met were just…well words not to be used around kids.
"Ah yes, you wanted me to meet you to make sure I have everything I need. I remember you saying this when I got here." Harry said making sure his voice was loud enough to dispel any muttered conversations about why Dumbledore would want to see him.
"I would love to stay and chat but I believe that I need to get back some paperwork. Good Day." Dumbledore said and walked out of the hall.
"Shall we?" Harry asked Narcissa. She nodded and they walked out with Snape and Zabini at their sides.
James watched Riddle and his little gang walk out. As they left, he turned to Moony and said the one thing that was on everyone's minds from what they had witnessed. "What the hell was that?"
Harry made it down to Hagrid's hut just on time. He spied Lily waiting for him and gave her a smile. She smiled back and Harry couldn't help but noticing how her hair swayed in front of her shoulders. She had chosen not to wear a ponytail for COMC and her hair was lying past her shoulders and just next to her…
'Don't go there Harry' he reminded himself firmly.
Professor Kettleburn cleared his throat impatiently. "Welcome to another class of Care of Magical creatures. Today we will be meeting some of the most divine seers alive."
"Seers? I thought this was Care of Magical Creatures, not divination." Zabini muttered to Snape. Snape sighed impatiently. "He's talking about Centaurs." He rolled his obsidian eyes.
"That's right Mr. Snape." Kettleburn said loudly. Snape flushed from having been overheard. "We will be going into the Forbidden Forest so stay wary. A great many creatures live in there and most of them aren't friendly. Hagrid will be leading the way." He gestured to Hagrid, who looked younger (obviously as this is a Time travel story) His beard wasn't as wild and his hair was actually tamed a lot more than it would be.
"Righ't, All of ya listen up." Hagrid bellowed. "'re going in the Forbidden Forest. A lot of its inhabitants are ruddy dangerous so keep your mouths shut and ya eyes open." Hagrid loaded his crossbow and many students fingered their wands.
Harry glanced around as they entered the Forbidden Forest. There wasn't much sunlight that got past the old, gnarled trees. Now and then a lone wolf would howl a long mournful howl that would send shivers up many students spine. Harry noticed that Nott was glancing around nervously as if expecting to be attacked any second and looked like he was going to wet his pants.
"Scary, eh?" Zabini whispered to Harry. He shook his head. "Ooh, a Gryffindor are we?" she mocked. Narcissa scoffed at the remark.
"Harry's pure Slytherin." She said arrogantly. Harry just smirked. If only they knew. Then again, she might be right, as he was able to manipulate the Sorting Hat to put him in Gryffindor in the first place.
After a 20-minute walk, the class came to a small clearing in the middle of the forest. Sunlight shined in here past the trees and Harry could hear a faint trickling that indicated that a river or a stream was nearby. Hagrid stopped in the clearing.
"All right. This is where we will be meeten' them. Bunch of Ruddy star gazers." Hagrid muttered. He looked around and pulled a pocket watch out of his pocket.
"They're late." He mumbled to himself. Harry looked around with his wand close. He hadn't forgotten the last time he had been in here and the reception he had gotten from the centaurs. He hoped that they weren't as human hating as they were in the future.
A rustle in the trees alerted Hagrid and the students and they slowly stood. Harry reached for his wand and held it casually in front of him while most of the students did the same. Hagrid cocked his crossbow and aimed it at the bush from where the rustle came from.
"ALL RIGH', COME OUT NOW WITH YA HANDS OR PAWS WHERE I CAN SEE 'EM!" Hagrid boomed. And from out of the bush stepped 5 centaurs, 3 holding bows with quivers of arrows strapped to their shoulders and two holding swords.
"Would you really shoot me Hagrid?" The leader of them said. Many students tensed at the sight of weapons and Harry saw Nott sneer and muttered something about half-breeds under his breath.
"Firenze!" Hagrid gasped out and lowered his crossbow. "Blimey! Scared the air out 'a me."
"My apologies Hagrid." Firenze said. Harry thought the centaur looked the same but he had no idea about the lifespan of centaurs so…
Firenze looked around at the students. "This must be the 6th Care of Magical Creatures class then."
Hagrid nodded. Firenze continued.
"Let me introduce myself. I am Firenze, one of the hunters from the Sedamo tribe of the North. This is Bane, Ronan. They are also hunters. The other two are Apole and Mayco, Star readers of our tribe."
Harry took a good look at Apole and Mayco. They were both holding swords and Harry could see some runes glinting on them. They were ceremonial weapons. They both had blue eyes with a look of aged wisdom and while Apole had black, shaggy hair that fell to his shoulders, Mayco had short brown hair that grew into sideburns.
Firenze spoke again. "I am sorry for the delay but times are dark in these woods. We have encountered many rabid monsters in here and one can never be too careful."
Hagrid nodded. "Get started 'en?" Firenze nodded.
"Okay class, listen up." Professor Kettleburn said. He had been silent until that point. "We will all have the chance to talk with the Centaur diviners. You need not fear the forest, as Firenze, Ronan and Bane will be patrolling with Hagrid to make sure that nothing hostile comes our way. Be respectful, Centaur magic and divining is very vague, but very precise. Now split up into groups of three."
Harry, Lily and Narcissa spit up from Zabini and Snape, who paired with a Ravenclaw. As they approached Apole, Narcissa fidgeted.
"What's wrong Cissa?" Lily asked in concern. Narcissa shook her head.
"Nothing. I just don't like Seers. I hate knowing that I'm not in control of my own life." She mumbled. Harry nodded.
"Very wise thoughts." He said, his eyes replaying a memory he only would ever see for the rest of his life. Born as the seventh Month dies…He will have a power the Dark Lord knows not…Neither can live while the other survives.
Harry broke out of his thoughts as they approached the wise centaur. He saw a group of students leave with looks of either confusion or wonder on their faces.
"Good Afternoon." Apole said in a deep voice that washed over them. He took a long look at Narcissa and then at the sky, where for some strange reason, there were stars at 2:00 in the afternoon. "Ah, you have troubles indeed. But fear not, your troubles will accumulate but the one you pledge your allegiance to will interfere in your troubles. However, you will lose a part of you in the reclaiming."
"What?" Narcissa asked in dread. The Centaur shook his head.
"I do not know any more than I have told you." He said.
"What troubles then?" Narcissa pressed on.
"I do not know." Apole said. Narcissa growled in frustration. She knew something like this was going to happen. Apole ignored her and turned to Lily. After careful consideration he nodded, satisfied with what he saw.
"You will find love, but there will be fear of the unknown on both parts. There will also be much bloodshed in your future. I sense that Mars will shine brightly on you but fear not, for everything will happen for a reason."
Lily just looked blank and seemed to be processing what she had just heard carefully. Harry took a deep breath. He hoped that the centaur would not reveal anything to the others such as time travel or a prophecy.
Apole turned to Harry and blinked. He frowned then studied Harry carefully, his eyes never leaving the Slytherin. After 5 minutes of constant staring, Harry spoke up.
"What?" Apole did not reply and looked up. The aged centaur seemed to be in dilemma and was frowning quite heavily.
"What is it?" Harry pressed on. He hated not knowing what was going on.
"I find it strange that I can not sense anything regarding your fate in the stars or on your Aura. It is as if that the Fates have not acknowledged your existence or as if you are not meant to exist. You should not be here young child."
"Why shouldn't I be at Hogwarts?" Harry inquired.
"I meant that you shouldn't exist at all. You are an anomaly. Play your steps carefully." Apole finished. Harry just blinked. Apole smiled serenely.
"I sense you know what I am talking about." Apole moved in. "Hide this fact that you hold dear." He whispered. "If the wrong people heard that you were not a planned event in Fate, then some would most definitely be displeased." Apole stood up straight and appeared to be in deep thought.
"All righ't everyone, time ta go." Hagrid boomed out. Harry nodded once at Apole and left the Centaur to his thoughts. As the class left the clearing, Mayco walked up to Apole.
"Did you sense anything unusual about the green-eyed male?" Apole asked. Mayco nodded.
"I sensed nothing, which is unusual even in itself as even a Flobberworm has a destiny. This boy has nothing."
"He has a destiny. He will do something great." Apole said and walked to the hunters.
"We are ready." Apole said. Firenze nodded.
"Was your readings successful?" Firenze asked.
Apole smiled gently. "Yes. They have given us much to think about."
"Much to think about indeed." Mayco echoed. The hunters glanced at each other.
As they were walking back, Harry thought about what the centaur had said. He had no destiny. No purpose in life. He shouldn't even exist. Narcissa, sensing his troubled thoughts and spoke up.
"What was that all about?" she asked, her blue eyes scanning his face.
"Nothing." Harry responded, sneaking a glance at Lily, who stared back at him. They were both thinking the same thoughts. As a time traveler, he was not meant to exist here. That was what the centaur had clarified for him.
"I don't believe you." Narcissa stated as she saw the look between her friends. "But I will respect your need for secrets. Just remember, we write out our own paths and destiny's in our actions and choices." Harry looked at her with a curious calculation.
"You're right." He said.
"When did you get so wise Cissa?" Lily questioned. Narcissa flipped her hair over her shoulder smugly.
"I am always wise." She answered. At Lily's incredulous stare she sighed. "Fine, I read it in a book. Happy?" she asked sarcastically.
"Yep!" Lily replied enthusiastically.
Harry grinned at both girls.
Dinner was a quiet affair with Harry, Bellatrix, Narcissa and Lily eating at one end of the table. There was a noticeable gap in the middle where no one would sit. Harry sat at one end of the table and Rodolphus sat at the other. The tension was high between the rebels and the Hierarchy. So high that even the other houses noticed something.
"Look at that." Remus said as he studied the split between the Slytherins.
"Yeah, I wonder what's going on?" Peter asked. James nodded.
"I bet it has something to do with what happened at lunch." He said thoughtfully. Sirius frowned. "What happened?" he asked curiously.
"You don't know?" Remus asked. Sirius frowned.
"I was in the hospital wing getting fixed up from whatever that bastard Riddle did to me!" Sirius snapped. It was a sore point for him as he was ranked as one of the better duelers in Gryffindor. And indeed he was.
"Well, LeStrange and Riddle almost got into a fight. They had their wands out and everything but Professor Dumbledore showed up." James explained.
"Wow." Sirius said. "I thought Slytherins stuck together."
"Well, those two don't. And it looks like whatever the issue is between them, that half of them agree with Harry and the other half with LeStrange." Remus said.
"Did you just call him Harry?" James asked in amazement. Remus looked anxious.
"Slip of the tongue." He said. Sirius narrowed his eyes but accepted the excuse while James was watching Harry with anger as Lily slapped him on the back in a friendly manner.
"Stupid new kid, stealing my Lily." He mumbled. Remus, Peter and Sirius ignored him. He was always saying stuff like that these days.
"I bet that it started with that 700 point deduction that happened today." Peter spoke up in a slightly squeaky voice. The Marauders frowned at the new enigma. They were broken out of their stupor by James muttered. "Stupid Snakey thief."
"Is snakey even a word?" Sirius asked, amused at his friends state.
"Oh shut up!" James muttered.