Chapter 78
Chapter : In the Hospital Wing
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Harry's POV
I woke up with a dull throb in my head, the familiar sterile scent of the hospital wing filling my nose. It was starting to feel like a second home. Opening my eyes, I could make out the blurred shapes of Madam Pomfrey bustling about, muttering something under her breath about “reckless boys and brooms.”
It wasn’t long before Sirius and Marlene showed up, worry etched onto both their faces. I’d always thought of Sirius as this rebellious, fun-loving godfather, but today he looked more severe, pacing by my bed before he stopped, crossing his arms.
"Harry," he started, his voice a mix of concern and irritation, "you know, if you keep this up, I might just have to ground you."
I stared at him in shock. "Ground me?" The idea of Sirius Black grounding someone seemed almost… comical. But his face was serious, and I realized just how worried he must’ve been to watch me fly toward the clouds during that rainstorm, right into the path of those Dementors.
Marlene, standing beside him, laid a gentle hand on his arm. "He’s only worried, Harry. That was… well, it was dangerous, even by your standards," she said, her eyes softening as she looked at me. "You gave us all quite the scare."
After some more back-and-forth, Sirius relaxed a bit, though he made me promise to be more careful. It felt nice, in a strange way, to know that they both cared so much. It made Hogwarts feel even more like a real home.
Dumbledore visited next. He spoke in riddles, as usual, and I tried my best to make sense of his words. Something about “the strength found in unexpected places” and “light that repels even the darkest shadows.” He seemed to be implying something, though I couldn’t quite work it out. His piercing gaze lingered on me for a moment, as if he was searching for something, before he offered me a quiet smile and left.
Finally, after what seemed like hours, Alex and my other friends arrived, armed with smiles and good-natured ribbing. They’d managed to persuade Madam Pomfrey to let them visit, though she kept a close eye on us.
"Harry," Hermione scolded, her brow furrowed, "I know you’re a Gryffindor, but chasing the Snitch right into a Dementor attack is a bit much, don’t you think?"
Daphne, who was standing beside her, crossed her arms. "She’s right. Honestly, what were you thinking?"
I sighed, scratching my head. “I wasn’t… I didn’t expect them to show up on the pitch. Besides, Alex gave me that device. It worked, didn’t it?”
Alex grinned, though there was a flicker of worry in his eyes. "It worked, yeah. But maybe next time we could think up a plan that doesn’t involve you risking your neck."
We all laughed, though I could tell they were still a bit shaken. Talking with them lifted my spirits, reminding me that, even with Voldemort and the Dementors hanging over us, I wasn’t facing any of this alone.
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Daily Prophet Article: Dementors Attack at Hogwarts Quidditch Match
HOGWARTS—Chaos ensued at a recent Quidditch match between Gryffindor and Hufflepuff as Dementors descended onto the pitch, leading to a near-catastrophe. Harry Potter, the Boy-Who-Lived, was affected by the Dementors but managed to fend them off using a magical device reportedly crafted by a talented student.
Minister Fudge has yet to make a statement, though sources suggest the Dementors were stationed on Hogwarts grounds as an added measure of security. Many parents are calling for an immediate reevaluation of Dementor presence at Hogwarts.
Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts, commented: “The presence of Dementors was uncalled for. Hogwarts will take every measure to ensure the safety of its students.”
In a display of solidarity, students across houses are rallying to master the Patronus Charm, inspired by recent events.
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Quibbler Article: Dementors Vanquished at Hogwarts! Who’s Behind the Light?
In an extraordinary turn of events, our sources reveal that Dementors invading Hogwarts were destroyed by a blinding light of positive energy! Speculation abounds—was it the Boy-Who-Lived, or perhaps a hidden hero among us?
Witnesses say the light seemed to repel the Dementors with such force that some disintegrated completely. Is this the dawn of a new age of magic? Or a hidden artifact of ancient times making its way back to us?
Stay tuned for more updates on this curious incident!
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Alex’s POV
After the chaos of the Quidditch match, it didn’t take long for word to reach Dumbledore. His summons arrived by owl, and I soon found myself standing outside the stone gargoyle that guarded his office.
“Sherbet Lemon,” I muttered, and the gargoyle slid aside, revealing the spiral staircase. Climbing it, I prepared myself for what I knew would be a probing conversation.
Inside, Dumbledore waited by his desk, his hands clasped in front of him. The warm, flickering glow of the torches cast a golden light on Fawkes, who observed me with an almost knowing look.
“So, Mr. Black,” Dumbledore began with a gentle smile. “It seems your inventive nature has made quite the impact. Your magical projector is a marvel in itself, but this—this light used against the Dementors—is of a different caliber.”
I inclined my head. “I just wanted to help, Professor. It seemed like the best solution at the time.”
Dumbledore’s eyes sparkled with curiosity. “And your knowledge of… advanced magical devices. Tell me, Alex, have you ever heard of the Philosopher’s Stone?”
I felt a subtle tug in my mind—Legilimency. Keeping my barriers firm, I kept my expression neutral and replied, “The Philosopher’s Stone? I’m familiar with it, mostly through tales of Nicholas Flamel’s work. I’ve always admired his alchemical research and would love to study alchemy if given the chance.”
Dumbledore’s gaze lingered on me, thoughtful but still warm. Finally, I reached into my robe pocket and held out a small, dark stone. “In fact, I found something I thought you might want to see.”
His eyes widened slightly as I offered him the Resurrection Stone. “This… how did you…?”
“I found it in the Black family manor,” I explained calmly. “Knowing the legend, I realized this was best in your hands, Professor. I don’t want my godfather tempted by something this dangerous. It’s… cursed, isn’t it?”
Dumbledore nodded slowly, his gaze softening as he took the stone, his fingers brushing over its surface. He looked almost wistful. “Thank you, Alex. And for what it’s worth, you have a gift. Perhaps, in time, you’ll find Flamel a willing teacher.”
He didn’t push further, and I took my leave, satisfied that I’d managed to deflect his probing. But as I left, I couldn’t shake the feeling that this was only the beginning.
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Dumbledore’s POV
After Alex departed, I stayed seated, my gaze drifting to the Resurrection Stone in my hand. How intriguing that he’d found it and returned it, aware of its dangers. There was a deep intelligence in that boy, tempered with caution—a rare combination.
As I pondered his abilities and his actions, the door opened, and Severus entered, his usual dour expression in place.
“You wished to speak, Headmaster?”
“Yes, Severus.” I looked up, placing the stone back in a small, hidden drawer. “Alex Black… he possesses remarkable talent. His inventions and the light against the Dementors—there’s more to him than meets the eye.”
Snape’s eyes narrowed. “You believe he’s a threat?”
“Not yet,” I murmured. “But there’s something unusual about his insight. He seems to possess knowledge beyond his years, yet he wields it with care.”
Snape frowned. “And if he grows reckless? His power is already attracting attention.”
“That is precisely why I’m watching him, Severus. For now, I’ll give him the freedom he’s earned.” I sighed, looking toward Fawkes, who ruffled his feathers in silent agreement. “But we must keep a close watch. The future of our world may very well depend on it.”