Chapter 4
Chapter 4
Hermione stepped out of the medical tent with a blank face. Immediately, Tracey Davis, Daphne Greengrass and Blaise Zabini fell into step at her flanks. Blaise stood to her left, while Tracey and Daphne walked at her right, the quartet moving away from the arena and staying well away from the crowd now flowing back into the castle. Hermione’s wand flew from her sleeve and spun into her fingers, the witch twirling it so fast it was little more then a blur of wood.
Magic surrounded the group instantly, several spells cast by the dancing motions of her wand tip. After all the seemingly idle movements were anything but, her wand constantly roaming through the patterns necessary for a whole variety of defensive and offensive spells. Everyone in Slytherin recognized that fact by now as well as what it meant.
“Good work with the confidence potion Blaise, it likely saved his life.” Hermione stated calmly, giving her friend a small nod of appreciation and a quick smile before her face smoothed over again. A few more members of the study group joined them as they reached one of the many courtyards within Hogwart’s crumbling inner walls. Amber eyes roamed the decaying stone with open disgust and she sneered at the ruins. “Look at this. With magic, professionals could fix this all in a few hours, we could repair it in a day.”
“But the magicals are content to live among their own decay. Generations of using magic for their every whim, of knowing nothing harder then lifting a length of wood and giving it a wave have created a culture of corruption, incompetence and stagnation.” Hermione’s voice was perfectly level, but her tone was ice. Four jets of light fired from the tip of her wand, one to each corner of the courtyard. Wards sprung into existence immediately, gently nudging away anyone who thought of heading to the courtyard while simultaneously hiding them from all five senses and obscuring any magic cast within.
Hermione turned on her study group, or really just the older members as well as a few younger members who had reason to be here. Almost everyone present was muggle-born or muggle raised with only four exceptions, but that was fine, Hermione wouldn’t make the same mistakes as the blood purists. She wouldn’t become some kind of anti-pure-blood, another racist created by spite rather then false superiority. She was better than that.
“I’ve finished gathering information and can now confirm several things. Before anyone asks, I’d like to remind all of you that this is spoken in confidence. Not a word gets out, is that understood?” Hermione looked around at the collection of students, her eyes moving from Terry Boot’s grim face to Justin Finch-Fletchley’s determined frown. Everyone nodded and she could see the resolve in their eyes. Several present had been petrified in her second year and Hermione knew that all of them were just itching for a chance to fight back against the Heir and his discount Nazi followers.
“First, I have confirmed is that someone is trying to kill Harry Potter. The chain link that snapped was weakened beforehand. Fortunately he survived but I can now state beyond a shadow of a doubt we have a murderer in the castle.” Hermione’s words didn’t send a ripple of fear through the young wixen before her. Instead backs straightened, eyes narrowed and fists clenched. Everyone knew that only one kind of person would be after Harry Potter and they all had a bone to pick with such folk. “The second is that Harry Potter is an abuse victim and several of the professors know.”
That got a reaction. Anger and horror appeared on the faces looking back at the young prodigy and she grimaced, nodding as she twirled her wand. It was a habit she’d developed both for self defense and partially for intimidation. She’d gotten the idea from a muggle friend of hers, but instead of twirling a butterfly knife, Hermione stuck with her wand. The added bonus of training her hand eye coordination and reflexes was nice as well.
“I can independently confirm that. Harry stayed at our house once, before my first year.” Ginny piped up and explained how Harry had been rescued from a barren room with bars on the windows and dozens of locks. How he’d been in rags and sporting bruises when he’d reached her home. She even added a few comments about how he always flinched away from contact.
“He does seem very shy as well.” Blaise added on, his face becoming thoughtful as he continued. “A lot of purebloods think he is arrogant but it’s just ignorance of our customs and etiquette combined with obvious social anxiety.” Blaise had been raised to be socially perceptive, his mother placing an emphasis on reading others and a room at large, a skill that now came in handy. “He shows all the signs of the kind of woman my madre would take under her wing. She loathes abusers.”
“He really doesn’t like being reminded that he’s famous.” Colin added, looking slightly guilty. He’d realized that after first year, but still felt embarrassed whenever he remembered how he’d hounded the boy for pictures and autographs. “What do we do?”
“I’ll get there, but there is one last thing I need to mention.” Hermione stated calmly, her eyes moving over everyone present. “We have an enemy in the castle, an abuse victim in our midst but as the saying goes, when it rains, it pours.” Hermione snatched her wand and slapped the tip against her palm. “The dark mark is coming back. After the bastard’s death it faded, nearly disappearing but now it’s visible again.” Hermione’s smile was sadistic and whoever provided that information had not done so willingly. “He’s coming back, which means war is on the horizon.”
“Should I tell my parents?” Justin asked and Hermione considered his question. The Finch-Fletchleys were both wealthy and very well connected politically. He could easily have that information in the hands of a few dozen MPs but they’d no doubt be obliviated before any good could come of it. Still it was an option and if played correctly, one that could make a world of difference.
“Capo?” Blaise asked nervously, looking at the curly haired witch who had fallen utterly silent. Hermione stood perfectly still, eyes distant as her mind ripped the problem apart from a dozen different angles before repeating the process, each time factoring in different variables and outcomes.
“We’ll have to go about this right. We want to avoid panic but getting the word out will save lives.” Hermione slapped the tip of her wand against her left palm a second time. The three other Slytherins knew she wasn’t about to crucio anyone present but the gesture still sent a shiver down their backs. They’d seen it before after all. “We’ll put together a presentation. A charmed letter that will carry the relevant information. Ginny, think Fred and George would be willing to get up to some paid mischief?”
“The book of Admittance?” Ginny drew the conclusion quickly and Hermione nodded in confirmation. “What do you want with it?”
“List of muggleborns for the last, oh, fifty years. And I’ll want them to place this,” Hermione flicked out a playing card, angling it so everyone could see the laughing joker on its front. “Underneath it. I might not be able to interfere with the book but if Hogwarts falls, I’m not letting them hunt down children.”
“And what about us?” Terry asked and Hermione’s eyes snapped to the boy, a violent smirk splitting her lips and revealing her magically perfect teeth.
“I thought that was obvious? We’re going to wipe them out.” Hermione stated confidently, her blood thirsty grin spreading like wildfire among those present. At her sides, Tracey smirked excitedly while the two Slytherin pure-bloods, both members of historically neutral houses exchanged glances, silently confirming with each other that they were all in. The magical world had fallen too far, too much knowledge had been lost and their numbers were a pale shadow of what they once were. Hogwarts had been built for thousands of students, at least four hundred a year with dozens of teachers and classes but it had all faded away. Only a revolution would save their world and neither Voldemort nor Dumbledore would offer them that.
***
Harry wasn’t even surprised when he woke up in his bed in the hospital wing. He’d been injured so often there was even a plaque overhead stating this specific bed was reserved for him. The boy-who-lived let out an exhausted sigh, the empty ache just behind his navel throbbing angrily. It was agony but he’d been hurt worse many times over so he simply ignored the pain and looked around.
Light spilled in through the hospital wing’s arched windows and Madam Pomfrey was already on her way over holding a tray with a plate of food and several potion vials set on top of it. The witch put the tray down before handing Harry the potions and fixed him with a stern look.
“You exhausted your magical core with that stunt Mr. Potter and terrified the entire school while you were at it. I hope you’ve learned your lesson?” Madam Pomfrey asked as Harry downed the potions and grimaced at their vile taste. He could feel the effects immediately though, the emptiness within him receding slightly and the pain dulling significantly. “Magical exhaustion is no joke, Ms. Granger was right when she said you used everything. If you’d went any further you could have knocked yourself out on the spot or died.”
“Better than being eaten by a dragon.” Harry rasped as the door to the hospital wing swung open. Harry looked up and spotted Ginny and Colin walking in. The two immediately made their way over to him, ignoring the look Madam Pomfrey sent them as they sat down. “Hey guys.”
“First, that was terrifying please never do that again.” Ginny stated seriously before smiling. “Second congrats on taking first place in the tournament.”
“What?” Harry looked to Colin, expecting him to laugh or imply it was a joke but the boy merely nodded. “How?”
“Krum lost points for destroying some of the dragon’s eggs. Fleur lost points for taking so long and getting injured. Cedric got injured but was the fastest besides you so he’s second place. As for you, oh, you know, you only terrified a dragon into submission. Of course you’re bloody first Harry! I know you don’t like the attention but damn if you don’t deserve respect for that.” Colin patted Harry on the shoulder and grinned. Harry blinked and realized he had in fact terrified a dragon into submission. His previous realization also came back to him as well; he had friends.
“You alright?” Ginny asked, noticing the shift in Harry’s mood. The boy nodded and lifted his glasses, wiping his eyes quickly before letting out a shuddering breath. “You know if you’re not that’s fine too. I mean, I wasn’t alright after my first year…”
“Thanks Ginny, I’m fine though.” Harry lied, unwilling to talk about the messy feelings worming inside of him. Harry felt like he’d break out into a massive grin and then cry himself back to sleep if he opened up. It was a dizzying mix of emotions and he did his best to get them under control before his friends grew anymore concerned.
“Well if you say so.” Ginny conceded, though it was obvious neither she nor Colin believed him. “Anyways, you’re knew to the study group so you wouldn’t know this but we’re going to be doing survival exercises soon.” Ginny explained and Harry blinked, confused. “It’s uh, think of it like a large scale duel with two sides trying to reach specific objectives. We’ll be hosting one exercise a week until winter break.”
“Oh, that’s…” Harry wasn’t sure what to make of that. On the one hand that sounded like a lot of fun. A massive game, kind of like muggle airsoft but on the other hand it did seem kind of dangerous. Then again, they were all friends so he doubted anyone would use anything too dangerous. “Can I join?”
“Of course! But you’ll have to memorize the list of acceptable spells. We don’t want anyone getting too banged up because we can’t set up dueling wards over a large enough area. Maybe one of these years but not yet.” Colin answered, giving Harry a massive smile. “Oh and we’ll be holding our own dueling tournament as well. That one has dueling wards so you can use anything but unforgivables without worrying.”
“Not that anyone would use unforgivables mind you but, figured I should at least mention they’re not allowed.” Colin added quickly, noting Harry’s discomfort. The relief was immediate and Harry gave the boy a slight smile despite his discomfort. “And yes, before you ask you’re welcome to join as well.”
“I’ll look forward to it then.” Harry replied, turning his attention to his breakfast. After a few bites, he noticed the awkward silence and he looked back towards Ginny and Colin who were both wearing strained expressions. “What?”
“It’s…” Ginny trailed off, her lips pressing together and nearly disappearing as she looked away, clearly conflicted. Harry watched as her concern and discomfort transformed into rage and her lips peeled back to reveal her teeth. “It’s Ron. My brother was one of the dragon handlers and Ron was told to tell you about the first task. Suffice to say he didn’t even try. He lied about it too, he’s already bragging that the whole thing was his idea. He even told our parents that.”
“What?” Harry asked and the following silence was deafening. The two third years exchanged looks and Colin grimaced before nodding.
“He’s not exactly bragging about it, not like he normally would be yeah when Gin saw Charlie she asked Ron if he knew anything…” Colin whispered and Harry felt numbness spread through him. Not only had Ron abandoned him, spit on him in his hour of need, he’d left him defenseless. If it hadn’t been for the study group, for Hermione Granger, he’d be dead right now. There was no question about it.
“Madam Pomfrey!” Harry barely heard Ginny’s worried shout. His ears were ringing and he just couldn’t get enough air. Every breath was too thin, never enough, he was drowning surrounded by air. His heart felt like it was going to erupt from his chest while his eyes burned and his throat closed in on itself. He needed to scream, to thrash out but he couldn’t find his voice, words well beyond him at this point. He didn’t see the glass vials around the room explode, sending shrapnel zipping through the air but he did catch the momentary flash of ruby light as Ginny’s expression hardened and her wand drew a vertical slash, then the stunner crashed into him and he was unconscious before he hit the sheets.
***
Two days after the first task, Harry was finally released from the hospital wing. He stepped through the double doors to find Hermione waiting for him. The witch was by herself, a book floating in front of her, though her amber eyes had left it, focusing on Harry the moment he’d stepped through the double doors.
“Figured you could use a friend for your first time back in public.” Hermione said softly nodding towards the Great Hall. “You ready? It’s going to be…” Hermione trailed off and crinkled her nose, obviously concerned for him. Harry nodded, understanding what she meant without need for words. “You going to be able to face the other Gryffindors?”
Harry opened his mouth to answer only to pause. He hadn’t forgot what Ginny said, what Ron had done and the blood drained from his face. A warm hand pulled him from his thoughts and he looked into two kind amber eyes.
“It’s alright if you can’t. I bet you’d get quite the fun reaction if you sat at my table.” Hermione teased, a joking grin tugging at her lips. Harry blinked, surprised by the offer and the memory of the Sorting Hat’s words fluttered through his thoughts. He was supposed to be in Slytherin, with Hermione. Perhaps they would have been friends sooner if he’d listened to the hat, perhaps with her help from the get go, things wouldn’t be so bad right now.
“I uh, I’ll sit with Ginny and Colin. Not that I don’t want to sit with you but…” Harry trailed off lamely. Hermione gave him an understanding look as she coaxed him into following her down the hall.
“I understand, you don’t want to be seen sitting with the snakes. It’s going to take years to undo the damage that the Dark Lord and his followers have done to Slytherin’s reputation. The misuse of the Chamber of Secrets certainly didn’t help and the myth that Slytherin hated muggle-born…” Hermione sneered as she walked through the halls. Harry moved at her side, silently listening as the witch trailed off. “Look, just know you’re welcome to sit with me if it gets too much alright? Nobody in Slytherin will say a word.”
“Thanks Hermione,” Harry mumbled as they reached the Great Hall. Harry made his way towards the Gryffindor table expecting Hermione to break off. Instead she walked at his side as he sat down next to Ginny and Colin. Tension suddenly erupted into existence as all eyes in the hall swiveled onto him.
“Hey mate,” Ron’s voice added to the gathering storm. Their fight and falling out had been very public and Harry had heard it making the rounds through the school’s rumor mill. He could feel every soul in the hall, even those from other schools all watching him, waiting for the fireworks. “I uh, I just wanted to say…” Ron trailed off as he seemed to finally notice Hermione. “What are you doing with her?” Ron spat the accusation out angrily, as if he had any right to be mad over who Harry associated with.
For a moment, Harry was back in first year. Draco Malfoy standing before him, offering him a handshake while pontificating about proper types. Ron had been the same, going on about evil snakes and dark wizards. Harry hadn’t realized it, he’d met Ron first but the redhead had been just as vitriolic as Malfoy, just as judgmental.
He remembered Hermione as well, his first meeting with her being her volunteering to help Neville find his missing toad. She had just been trying to help someone, doing something genuinely good without even trying to influence his opinions even after she had realized who he was. She’d repaired his glasses without hesitating and then continued on her journey of helping Neville. Helpful, kind, smart, those words had always described Hermione Granger and yet he’d failed to notice, ignored her existence because of Ron’s influence. She was the wrong sort, a book worm, an enthusiastic student, a slytherin.
“I don’t think who I spend my time with is any of your business.” Harry stated coolly, narrowing his eyes at the redhead. He wasn’t about to lose everything he’d gained over the last month because Ron had a sudden change of heart. He had friends now, he had people who saw him for who he was and while being Ron’s friend had been fun, a month without the redhead had put things into perspective.
“But I’m your best mate! Harry, look I know we had an argument but she’s in Slytherin! A muggle-born! She’s so evil the hat couldn’t put her anywhere else!” Ron all but shouted and Harry felt his temper snap. Magic flowed from his body, his presence suddenly filling the air and the hall went silent. He didn’t see the way the professors tensed, ready to intervene as his magic pressed down on the room.
“You knew about the dragons. You knew what I’d be facing and you said nothing. You even lied to Ginny, you told her you’d helped me. You haven’t spoke a word to me that wasn’t an insult since my name came out of that blasted goblet. You refused to listen when I said I did not put my name in that cup. Do I have to take veritaserum? I’m not lying, someone set me up and you knew I’d be facing dragons! Your older brother was one of the handlers and you kept mum!” Harry didn’t shout but in the deathly silence that permeated the hall his voice carried to all four corners.
For a moment, nobody even breathed as Harry’s hands balled into fists, his presence growing slightly. It was nowhere near as stifling as it’d been during the first task but everyone could remember that pressure, the power the boy-who-lived could command when threatened.
“And now that I’m a hero, that I faced down the dragon and I’m first in the tournament, suddenly you want to be my friend again? Do you think I’m an idiot?” Harry paused making sure he was looking Ron square in the eyes. “I think I can tell the right sort for myself, Weasley.” Harry turned to Hermione and gave her a smile. It was forced, his temper still alive and well but the slight quirk of her lips showed she’d gotten the message. “Thanks for your help Hermione. I’ll see you later?”
“You know where to find me.” Hermione answered softly, brushing a comforting hand over Harry’s shoulder. “If you need anything.”
“Thanks.” Harry knew nothing with the girl came free. If she helped him, he’d have to help her, it was reciprocity. He’d receive what he gave and he’d have to give back in turn. It wasn’t the idealized friendship that people spoke of and from the outside it might even seem cold but as Hermione had said, it ensured nobody would get taken advantage of.