Chapter 15
A Promise Given
Chapter Fifteen
Harry trudged up the spiral staircase to the sixth-year dormitory with his fellow Gryffindors after the long feast, the lingering warmth of good food and laughter settling over them all. The familiar red and gold of the room greeted them as they spilled in, laughing and chattering. The heavy curtains around each bed were neatly drawn back, their trunks resting at the foot of each bed just as always. This place, their shared space, felt more like home with each passing year, grounding them after a summer full of...well, for Harry, it had been anything but ordinary.
Neville flopped onto his bed with a contented sigh. "Best feast yet, I reckon,” he said, a sleepy smile stretching across his face. "They must have added extra honey to the treacle tart."
“You say that every year,” Dean chuckled, kicking off his shoes and sprawling out with his arms stretched wide. “But it was good. Though I think the real highlight was Professor Slughorn stuffing his own face faster than Ron."
Harry laughed as he grabbed his pajamas from the top of his trunk, tossing them onto his bed. Seamus was already halfway changed, muttering about the Beauxbatons girls he’d met on holiday, while Dean teased him about his French accent. Finally, they all settled into their beds, the room falling into that comfortable quiet that only existed at the end of long, satisfying days.
Harry threw his pajama bottoms, ruffling his hair as he settled down. But as he tugged his bed curtains shut, Seamus’s voice cut through the calm.
"Cor, Harry,” he said with a mischievous grin, leaning out from his bed. “You going to save some girls for the rest of us this year, or are we all doomed to live in your shadow?” nodding at Harry’s torso. Whilst Harry was never going to be “big” his chest and shoulders had filled out nicely and the faint lines of abdominals were starting to show
Harry felt a surge of heat rise to his cheeks and rolled his eyes. “Oh, shut it, Seamus,” he replied with a mock groan, smothering a grin as he threw his pillow in the Irishman’s direction. “Get some sleep before you make more of a fool of yourself.”
As Harry settled into his bed, he found his thoughts wandering back to the Great Hall earlier that evening.
He had spent a good part of the feast scanning the Slytherin table when he thought no one would notice, his gaze drifting over the crowd until he finally caught sight of Daphne Greengrass. She had been leaning in to talk with her younger sister, Astoria, and another Slytherin girl he vaguely remembered as Tracey Davies. Daphne’s face held her usual calm, composed look, but every now and then, she would smile—a small, private smile—at something her sister had said.
Just as he was about to look away, she raised her eyes from the conversation, and for a brief, startling moment, they locked with his. Harry felt his face flush and quickly looked back down at his plate, hoping she hadn’t noticed his awkward staring. He could almost feel the heat creeping up his neck just thinking about it.
For a moment, he considered the rest of the Slytherin table, noticing how different it looked now compared to previous years. His eyes had landed on Malfoy, who wasn’t his usual smug self. Instead, Draco sat quietly between Crabbe and Goyle, his face set in a sullen frown as he prodded his food, looking lost in thought. There was no usual air of superiority, no sneering glances in Harry’s direction. Seeing him like that was strange, as though something had punctured his typical bravado.
Shaking off the thought, Harry shifted in bed, the warmth and quiet of the room settling around him. But as he lay back, something hard jabbed into his shoulder blade. Frowning, he twisted, feeling along the mattress. His fingers closed around a smooth, leather-bound object wedged between the folds of his bedcovers. He pulled it out, blinking in surprise as he looked at it.
It was an old, worn book, its cover plain except for a name etched across the front in faded golden letters: Amelia Wellesley.
“Where’d you come from?” he murmured, running his fingers over the embossed letters. He was sure he hadn’t brought this book with him, and he definitely hadn’t noticed it when he first got into bed. The binding looked weathered but well cared-for, as though it had been used and valued over many years. Curious, he brushed a speck of dust from the cover.
As his fingers passed over the name, a faint symbol on the front flared to life, glowing with an eerie, soft blue light. It was a spiral shape with intricate lines winding inward, nothing like any magical marking he’d seen before. Harry leaned in, his heart pounding a little faster. The symbol seemed to pulse, almost alive, before dimming again into obscurity, as if it had simply wanted to be acknowledged.
As Harry’s fingers rested on the book, the symbol glowed brighter, its blue light flooding the darkness around him and then suddenly the book swung open. His vision blurred, and suddenly, images flashed before his eyes in rapid succession, each one more vivid than the last.
He saw a massive, fire-breathing dragon swooping down upon a carriage, its leathery wings casting shadows over a rugged landscape. The beast roared, flames spilling from its jaws as passengers inside the carriage shielded themselves, clinging to the sides to avoid its talons.
Then, in a swift change, he was in Hogsmeade, where a gigantic troll tore through the village streets. Its club smashed against stone buildings, sending debris flying as villagers and students alike scrambled to get out of its path. The air was thick with smoke and panic, but amidst it all, he caught sight of a figure racing toward the creature, wand raised defiantly.
The scene shifted again to a clearing in the forest, where the same figure crouched beside a captured hippogriff, undoing the creature's chains while casting wary glances over their shoulder. There was an urgency to their movements, and Harry felt the tension as if it were his own—danger was nearby, and they were trying to free the beast before it was too late.
The next flash showed a dragon’s egg, heavy and speckled, held in careful hands. He felt the awe and responsibility in the air as the egg was placed gently in a nest, the egg pulsing with a life force that seemed almost tangible.
More images filled his mind—a phoenix, its feathers shimmering with a radiant red and gold glow, perched high in a hidden cavern. It let out a low, haunting cry as the same figure cautiously approached, their expression filled with wonder and quiet reverence.
Then, a grand, dark chamber, intricately lined with Slytherin’s serpentine carvings. The figure was there, moving with purpose, their footsteps echoing as they revealed ancient secrets hidden within Hogwarts, a place he could almost sense lay forgotten.
In the next instant, he heard a voice filled with desperation—a call that seemed to plead, “No! Sebastian! Don’t do it!” It echoed through a hollow darkness, and Harry felt a chill, knowing that whatever “it” was, it held dire consequences.
The darkness transformed into a flickering scene of inferi, pale and lifeless, surging forward in the eerie green glow of a swampy underground. The figure battled fiercely, their wand casting spells to push the creatures back, but the sheer force of their numbers made Harry’s heart pound in dread.
Then, there was a giant, ferocious dragon—a goblin, twisted into a monstrous form of scales and fury. He could feel the terror and determination as the figure faced down this terrifying creature, their eyes narrowed with resolve.
The final image was of a weathered man with kind, tired eyes, who spoke in a somber tone that lingered in the air, “Remember… there are those who walk the path of power and those who walk the path of purpose. Never forget where yours leads you.” His words echoed, leaving a haunting resonance.
And then, at last, he saw her—the young woman with intense brown eyes and golden-blonde hair, her face softened with understanding. She looked directly at him, and her gaze was full of emotion: courage, sorrow, and something akin to hope. Before he could understand it, everything went black.
Harry blinked, gasping as he returned to the darkness of his dormitory. The symbol on the book had dimmed, but the images were still vivid in his mind, each scene leaving a mark as though they were more than mere visions. They felt real, urgent, as though they had been waiting—somehow—for him.
…
After a healthy lunch, Harry and Hermione made their way through the bustling corridors of Hogwarts, heading toward their first Ancient Runes class of the year. The morning had been packed with Charms and Transfiguration, where Harry had surprised even Hermione with his rapid grasp of their new spells. In Charms, he’d summoned objects with ease, his wandwork swift and confident. Transfiguration had gone similarly well, with Harry even managing a partial Vanishment on his first few tries—an advanced task that typically gave most students trouble. The events of the night before still weighed on him. He had tried to open the book again but it didn’t budge and no visions came, but he would try again to open the book tonight and see if anything else came of it.
“Honestly, Harry,” Hermione marveled as they walked, her tone equal parts impressed and curious, “you’re picking up these spells so quickly! That practice over the summer has done wonders!”
“Something like that,” Harry replied with a grin, evading the details of his intensive training. "Guess I’ve got the motivation this year."
Hermione shot him an approving look. “You’ve always been talented Harry, though it would be unfair to suggest you were lazy with something trying to kill you each year! Do you want to pair up in Ancient Runes? I know there’s a lot to catch up on.”
Harry glanced at her, then shook his head. “Actually, I’m paired with Daphne Greengrass.”
Hermione’s brows lifted slightly, though she nodded in understanding. “Daphne’s a solid choice,” she said thoughtfully. “One of the best in the year in Runes, if I remember right. It’ll be good for you two to work together.” She gave him a small smile as they reached the quiet corridor leading to the Ancient Runes classroom on the fifth floor.
“Thought you’d be more concerned about me being paired with her?” he replied.
“I’m not Ron or the rest of the house, Harry. Malfoy is a moron, as are his two stooges and Pansy but the rest seem nice enough” Hermione replied.
“Umm, guess I never paid much attention”
“Well it seems you're starting so keep it up” the bushy-haired witch winked.
The classroom door, embellished with carved symbols that hinted at the ancient magic within, swung open with a creak. Inside. The room wasn’t crowded—Ancient Runes was a challenging option that drew only the most dedicated students. Harry recognised a handful of his classmates, including Padma Patil and Blaise Zabini. Daphne was already seated near the front of the room, her parchment and quill neatly set out. She looked up as they entered, giving him a nod that he returned as he made his way to the seat beside her.
Professor Babbling entered, bringing with her a stack of rune tablets that she placed at the front of the room with a soft thud. With a wave of her wand, she projected a large diagram of Elder Futhark runes onto the board.
“Welcome, all,” she began, her voice carrying a gentle authority. “Today we’ll focus on protective runes, starting with Algiz—a rune known for its guidance and shielding properties. Take a good look at your copies,” she continued as she passed out small sheets of parchment. “I want each of you to analyse the rune’s structure and interpret why it embodies protection.”
Harry examined the rune in front of him, its angular lines jagged yet balanced, creating a symbol that seemed both ancient and purposeful. He glanced at Daphne, who was already studying the symbol with a look of calm focus, her brow slightly furrowed.
“Here,” she murmured, pointing to the shape of the rune’s main line. “See this? It’s meant to symbolise a protective branch, like a tree shielding from above. There’s almost a sense of strength and protection in its form.”
Harry nodded, appreciating her insight. They’d covered this over the summer, but seeing it in class felt different, more tangible. “Makes sense,” he replied, his voice low. “You explained it this way once, I remember. The protection part isn’t just a shield; it’s almost like a guide.”
Daphne’s lips quirked in a brief smile, and she turned back to her parchment, her quill scratching as she made notes. “You picked it up well,” she said in an approving tone, continuing to annotate her page without missing a beat.
Around them, the room buzzed quietly as students delved into their own analyses of the rune. The classroom had an atmosphere of focused calm, the weight of ancient knowledge hanging in the air. Harry found himself genuinely invested, more engaged in the study of Ancient Runes than he’d expected to be when Sirius had decided he was to take on the subject. It helped, he admitted to himself, having Daphne as a study partner.
As the lesson progressed, Professor Babbling assigned each pair the task of drawing connections between Algiz and similar protective runes. “Focus on runic associations that reinforce or enhance protection,” she explained, her gaze sharp but encouraging. “For instance, how Algiz might resonate with Isa’s calming influence or Tiwaz’s structure of justice and defense.”
Harry looked down at his parchment, taking in the array of symbols. Beside him, Daphne was already leaning forward, studying the protective runes they had to compare, her quill jotting down notes. “If Algiz is like a branch providing shelter, maybe combining it with Berkano—the rune symbolising growth—could represent protection through nurturing, almost like a parent shielding a child,” she mused, half to herself.
Harry considered this, then traced the Berkano rune beside Algiz on his parchment. “And if we added Eihwaz, it might give that growth protection a sense of balance—like a tree strong enough to resist the storm but still flexible.”
Daphne paused, looking at him with something close to surprise. “That’s actually...quite insightful,” she said, a hint of admiration in her voice. “Eihwaz is often tied to endurance, but I hadn’t thought of using it to imply flexibility in the face of danger.”
They sketched the three runes together, forming a sequence where Algiz branched into Berkano and was balanced by Eihwaz. It felt like a strong combination, each rune strengthening the others in a protective sequence that suggested both defense and growth.
Professor Babbling approached and peered over their work, her expression shifting from curious to impressed as she examined the sequence of runes they’d connected. “Very interesting interpretation, Mr. Potter and Miss Greengrass,” she said, nodding approvingly. “The pairing with Eihwaz is clever—it transforms the protection of Algiz into something resilient and adaptable. This is the kind of depth I hoped to see. I see pairing you two together was the right choice ”
Harry felt a small surge of pride and turned to see Daphne looking at him with genuine admiration. She quickly returned to her parchment, but not before murmuring, “Good work, Potter.” There was a warmth in her tone, a quiet acknowledgment that made him smile despite himself.
“Couldn’t have done it without your pointers,” he replied, his voice low enough for only her to hear. Earning a light bump from her leg under the table which after they shared a brief conspiratorial look, the whole experience was rather thrilling for him.
Professor Babbling moved to the front of the classroom, a pleased yet thoughtful expression crossed her face. With a flick of her wand, words appeared on the blackboard in flowing script:
Magical Combat Defensive Runes.
The class stilled as her voice rose clearly over them. “This year, our project will center on an applied and, I believe, highly relevant area of study,” she began, her gaze sweeping across the students. “We’ll be using runes to create a runic chain which focuses on defense”
Harry felt Daphne shift slightly beside him, her focus intense.
“The Elder Futhark,” she continued, “is one of the oldest known runic alphabets, and among its many symbols are several that amplify protection and defense. You will work in pairs to design a secure magical cipher system using this runic set, where each symbol and word will have defensive intent woven into the encryption.”
Hermione’s hand shot up, and Professor Babbling nodded for her to speak. “Professor, does this mean we’ll be applying protection spells alongside the runes themselves?”
“Exactly, Miss Granger. This project will blend elements of Charms and Ancient Runes, and it will require you to deepen your understanding of how defensive magic can be embedded within language itself. Each rune must be chosen carefully, as it will carry both symbolic meaning and protective magic. The strength of your encryption will rely on your knowledge of both runes and their applications in warding and defense.”
A murmur spread through the class as the students took in the gravity of the assignment. Professor Babbling continued, “In past centuries, this very cipher method has been used, especially in times of war. Each group’s task will be to construct a protective cipher that, in a real-world application, could shield information, a person or an object from those who use to access or harm”
Harry exchanged a look with Daphne, and a glint of understanding passed between them.
Professor Babbling reached for a stack of parchment slips on her desk. “The pairs have been pre-assigned,” she said, handing them out with a swift wave of her wand. When Harry’s parchment drifted down to him, he was pleased, if unsurprised, to see Daphne’s name beside his. She gave him a small smile, already glancing at her notes as she prepared for the challenge.
“The project will span the school year,” Professor Babbling announced. “You will have time to work together both in and outside of class, as this will demand not only technical skill but also an appreciation for the defensive properties in each rune’s structure. By the end of the year, you will demonstrate your cipher and prove its effectiveness.”
Her expression softened slightly as she concluded. “I hope you’ll approach this not merely as an academic exercise but as a way to honor the importance of protective magic in our world.
“Well, Potter, looks like it’s you and me,” Daphne said, a hint of a smile playing at her lips.
“Such a surprising outcome,” he smirked back. “Shall we meet up later, maybe in a few days with some ideas? I’ve got a few already.”
She arched an eyebrow, intrigued. “Care to share any of them now?”
Harry adopted a formal tone. “Wouldn’t dream of it,” he replied with mock seriousness before his expression turned thoughtful. “But I was wondering… aurors and other magical folk rely on shielding charms to block spells, which makes sense. But what if clothing itself could be charmed or runed to act as armor? You know, like Muggle soldiers’ armor—protective but easy to wear.”
Daphne’s gaze shifted to him, intrigued, the spark of curiosity in her eyes. “Magic largely makes metal and cloth redundant for protection, though,” she replied thoughtfully. “I’ve not heard of clothing that can act as armor.”
“True,” Harry said, nodding. “But think about it—Muggle technology evolved past chain mail and plate armor. Materials like kevlar are lightweight and strong enough to resist small-arms fire. Maybe there’s a magical equivalent, something adaptable but protective.”
Daphne tapped her quill against her parchment, looking deep in thought. “It’s interesting,” she admitted. “Creating a defensive rune set that could be embedded into fabric could, theoretically, offer some protection, even if not as strong as wards. But it’s uncharted territory, I think.”
Harry’s eyes lit up as he nodded. “Uncharted is the fun part. But we can brainstorm more ideas later,” he added, a glint of excitement in his tone.
Daphne nodded, smirking. “Fair enough. We’ll bring our best ideas when we’re ready. But don’t get too ahead of yourself, Potter.”
“Wouldn’t dream of it,” he replied, amused. “I imagine we might need to go to Hogsmead for some additional supplies, there are likely to be some failed attempts with the current rune tablets I’ve bought,” he pondered.
“We?” she smirked.
“It's a team project right?”
“Are you asking me on a date to Hogsmead Mr Potter under the guise of supply purchase? that's very forward but very Slytherin of you” she whispered. Rather than blushing Harry smiled, causing the blonde to falter just a little.
“And that is presumptuous Miss Greengrass” he replied casually, and watched in amusement as he noted a faint flushing of her skin. “That and I was originally going to be placed into Slytherin”
Daphne’s eyes narrowed. “You were almost placed in Slytherin?”
“The Sorting Hat suggested it, but I’d just met Malfoy and didn’t fancy sharing a common room.”
Daphne rolled her eyes with a small chuckle. “So, instead of the hero of the wizarding world, Slytherin got—”
“A ferret.”
She snorted. “Rather unfair to ferrets, don’t you think?”
“Quite,” Harry agreed, “they don’t deserve that association.”
“True,” she muttered, still smirking, before Hermione’s enthusiastic voice broke in.
“Harry, isn’t this exciting?” she said, clutching her books to her chest. “A real-world application of runes, and with such relevance! We should start studying the Elder Futhark set right away. We could go to the library, look up additional resources on protective ciphers...”
Harry couldn’t help but chuckle at her enthusiasm. “I think we have time for potions first Hermione!,” he said with a grin. “But, actually—Daphne, allow me to introduce you formally to Hermione here?” He turned, gesturing between the two, as though Hermione and Daphne hadn’t spent the last five years sharing many of the same classrooms.
Hermione, looking a touch surprised, gave Daphne a polite nod. “Oh, right! We really haven’t talked before”
Daphne’s expression was calm, though her gaze softened in greeting. “That’s right. It’s nice to finally talk properly,” she said with a smile, tucking her quill away.
Hermione looked genuinely pleased, her curiosity piqued. “It’s good to meet you too,” she said warmly. “I know you’re one of the best in our year at Ancient Runes, so Harry’s lucky to have you as a partner.”
Daphne gave a slight nod, glancing at Harry with a faint smile. “He seemed to have picked up a lot over the summer despite not doing this before, must have had a good tutor. Professor Babbling’s assignment shouldn’t be too difficult for us to manage.”
“That’s brilliant,” Hermione said with a bright smile, casting Harry an approving look. “If you need any help on the theory side, I’d love to go over it with you both sometime. This project really does sound fascinating.”
“We’ll keep that in mind,” Harry said, sharing a knowing glance with Daphne. “Come on, we'd best get to potions, Hermione. I’ll catch up”
Hermione nodded, looking between the two with an encouraging smile before heading off, no doubt already compiling a reading list for herself. As she left, Harry turned back to Daphne.
“So, meet in the library later?”
“Sounds like a plan,” Daphne agreed, gathering her books and falling into step beside him as they left the classroom, their conversation drifting back to the intricacies of runes as they headed off to potions together.
…
In the dim, amber-lit sanctuary of his office, Albus Dumbledore leaned back in his chair, eyes twinkling with unmistakable amusement as he scanned the front page of the Daily Mail. Spread across the top in lurid, oversized letters was a headline too outrageous to ignore:
Grunnings Manager Runs Nude Down Oxford Street Waving Greenpeace Banner
The photo beneath the headline captured Vernon Dursley in an unflattering mid-sprint, utterly unclothed save for a Union Jack draped around his shoulders like a makeshift cape. He was waving a bright green flag emblazoned with Greenpeace vs. Grunnings, while the expressions on his face and those of the police officers in hot pursuit told the entire chaotic tale.
The article continued beneath the photo in juicy detail, peppered with phrases like “disturbing behaviour” and “spectacle for the ages,” recounting how Vernon had been spotted in the early hours of the morning, racing down Oxford Street, shouting a mix of nonsensical slogans about the environment and his company. Grunnings, his longtime employer, had promptly issued a statement:
“Grunnings deeply regrets the unfortunate incident involving Mr. Vernon Dursley. Effective immediately, Mr. Dursley has been dismissed from his role due to conduct unbecoming of a company representative. We extend our apologies to those affected by this morning’s events.”
We reached out to Mr Dursleys wife for comment but she has since not come back with a response.
An image of the Dursley home was in frame, with a rather horrified Petunia Dursley peeking out of the curtains.
Dumbledore’s smile grew as his eyes fell to the smaller sidebar to the right, which bore the headline:
Local Boy Caught Attempting to Sell Class A Drugs to Primary School Children
This article detailed the arrest of Dudley Dursley after he’d been discovered with a stash of illegal substances, allegedly attempting to “diversify his business ventures” during a summer holiday. Witnesses reported the young man had been detained outside a local primary school in what could only be described as “a misguided attempt at entrepreneurial zeal.”
Setting the paper down with a chuckle, Dumbledore’s eyes moved to the small note tucked alongside the article, a single line in a familiar scrawl:
With love, from the Marauders and Tonks.
Dumbledore raised a brow, contemplating the note with a mix of approval and mirth. He had often wondered how best to make the Dursleys accountable for their treatment of Harry, the years of neglect and scorn they’d heaped upon him. But as he considered the beautifully karmic justice illustrated in these news articles, he admitted to himself that perhaps there were others more adept at doling out fitting consequences.
With a satisfied sigh, he leaned back in his chair, fingers steepled, and murmured to himself, “Perhaps a little mischief goes a long way after all.” He would have to ask what exactly went into this, though perhaps not knowing the illegalities might be a benefit.
Fawkes trilled as if he read the elder wizard’s thoughts.
……
Hope you enjoyed.