Chapter 4
Even when it felt like Dumbledore’s eyes were drilling a hole into his skull, the rest of the summer break managed to be fun. Molly (who seemed to realize that they should get to do more than clean all summer) and Sirius used an incredible bit of magic to make their tiny backyard bigger, filling it with a small garden full of muggle and magical plants and a Quidditch Pitch that was much like the one at Hogwarts. Suddenly, there was some form of quidditch being played every day; Bill and Charlie even joined in when they came down for a weekend, and sometimes Hermione and Percy would join when coxed. Then, they’d make a Fortescue’s trip for an after-match treat. Excluding Dumbledore’s visits for meetings (and the usually heavy politically inclined meetings themselves), Grimmauld Place had become a perfect little bubble and he didn’t want to leave. Going back to Hogwarts meant enduring Dumbledore (the man has tried to get him alone all summer since the day they all learned the harsh truth, and Harry didn’t think the old man would leave him alone just because school started), a new defense Professor (at the rate things were going, this yet unknown teacher might try to kill him, too), and a race-against-time, save the world disaster that would involve him yet again.
Not to mention a series of weird dreams that Harry just knew had something to do with Voldemort. He almost always had those dreams that made him feel like he was never quite rested enough. In first year, it was these that helped him realize it was not Snape, but Quirrel, the night before everything happened-though Ron hadn’t believed him until Harry came face to face with the two-faced man. It was how he learned that someone was going to enter him into the Triwizard Tournament the previous year, though since the old Headmaster hadn’t believed him (or maybe that was what he wanted to happen), there was nothing to be done but to let it play out.
He never wrote his real dreams in the Dream Journal for Trelawney’s class. They scared him too much. Maybe it’s a good thing he won’t have Divination this year. There was also his weird affiliation with water…
The sound of a bowl being set down pulled Harry from his thoughts. The Weasley matriarch raised her eyebrows as he caught her eye, telling him to eat. He responded by putting his spoon in the oatmeal and stirring it needlessly, not really interested in eating. It was the second to last day of the summer. Today, instead of quidditch matches or an ice cream trip, they were to pack their suitcases up and then head back to the Burrow since a Ministry vehicle was apparently picking them up the following morning-Molly insisted that the car couldn’t pick all of them up at a publicly muggle residence, especially since the place is under a Fidelus. Which meant that it was his last morning to have breakfast with Sirius.
THWACK!
“Oh, Errol…” Molly Weasley sighed as she opened the kitchen window, gently picking up the old owl as three more followed inside depositing three copies of the Daily Prophet to Harry, Hermione, Ron, and Sirius, before flying back out. Ron’s owl Pig, who was sitting on the redhead’s shoulder, squaked indignantly. Harry felt the color drain from his face when he glanced at the headline. Hermione gasped softly as Molly screamed.
Mass Azkaban Breakout
Written by Agnes Foster, Junior reporter
On Tuesday 29th August, Devon Reed-one of the few rotating guards who works in the prison alongside the dementors-knew it was going to be a bad day when three of his colleagues were found dead by the front staircase. A fourth was found later, by an empty and open cell. “I will admit that I was running late for my shift.” He said sheepishly at the beginning of the interview. “But if I had been on time? I’d probably be dead, like my other mates had been.” It has been reported that at least 8 escaped. All are convicted death eaters. When I asked how exactly the prisoners escaped, he said he didn’t know. “Had to have been an inside job, though, because I saw one of the escapees apparate out. Normally wouldn’t be possible with all the wards we keep on the place. And I didnotice the dementors were nowhere to be found.”
The names of the escapees:
Bellatrix Lestrange
Thorfinn Rowle
Rodolphus Lestrange
Augustus Rookwood
Rabastan Lestrange
Evan Rosier
Antonin Dolohov
Walden Macnair
Harry looked up as he finished reading. The tense silence in the kitchen was palpable, noticeably different from the idle chatter that was present before the owls flew-or crashed, in Errol’s case-through the window. Hermione’s nose was nearly touching the front page, her eyes narrowed, lips in a frown. Fred and George were looking at the paper brought by Errol with Ginny and their mother, all talking in hushed whispers.
Well, there goes my hope for a peaceful year.” Harry frowned, deciding then and there to abandon all pretense of eating his nearly untouched food and pushing away his plate.
“Mate, you may be the ‘Boy-Who-Lived’, but you’re also the ‘Boy-Who-Throws-Himself-Into-Dangerous-Situations’.” Ron laughed. “I don’t think you are ever going to get a peaceful year.”
“I didn’t have a choice last year, if that’s what you’re implying.”
“Didn’t you face Voldemort BY YOURSELF in first year?!” Sirius interrupted before the redhead could answer. He’d been looking over Harry’s shoulder at the article.
“Well, nobody else was taking the threat seriously!”
“And it happened again the next year.” Hermione stated matter of factly, not even looking up from the paper.
“Just checking.”
“Oh sweet Merlin.” Hermione said suddenly. “Look at what it says underneath Bellatrix’s picture.”
Indeed, at the bottom of the article, were mugshots of each person, along with a caption stating what they’d been known for. Harry looked down again at the paper to read: “Bellatrix Lestrange neè Black, alongside husband Rabastan Lestrange and brother-in-law Rodolphus Lestrange, are responsible for the torture of Alice and Frank Longbottom (which resulted in the loss of the victim’s memories and a life-long stay in St. Mungo’s Janus Thickley ward).”
“Poor Nev.”
“This is something he probably didn’t want anyone to know.” Harry frowned. “And now everyone knows.”
“She’s my cousin, you know.” Sirius sighed, speaking up for the first time. “Bella made family parties absolutely unbearable. Utter nightmare, she is. I hate her. The day she dies, I’ll be celebrating so hard, they’ll hear me all the way in the US.”
Hermione giggled. “And then, because you’re still a convict, you’ll be arrested.”
“Bugger.” Sirius winked. “Did you know she wanted Lucius Malfoy first? Exactly what she wanted in a husband, I imagine. But he fell for her sister, Narcissa, and she got the Lestrange boy instead.”
“Wait…” Harry said slowly. “That makes her Malfoy’s aunt.”
Ron shuddered at his nod. “That almost makes me feel bad for the slimy snake. Clearly, he wins the “Worst Aunt Ever” award.”
“Well, get up and get goin’, you lot!” Molly interrupted suddenly. Her face was pale as a ghost and her hands shook as she levitated empty plates away. “Make sure your trunks are fully packed!”
Harry didn’t stay to hear the rising groans and general noises of complaints, instead opting to leave before Molly could nag him about hardly eating.
—
From the moment he woke up, the air was thick with tension. Maybe it’s because of yesterday’s article.
As long as a crazy House-Elf didn’t block the barrier into the magical world, and not a peep was spoken about a magical goblet, today would be fine. He hoped.
Magic always found a way to surprise him, even when he thought it wouldn’t-the trunk to the tiny Ministry car didn’t look like it would fit even half of their luggage, yet it fit it all with room to spare!
“They gave us a BMW E30!” Arthur came up behind Harry, Ron, and Hermione, grinning. “Pretty spiffy if you ask me!”
“I will file that under Useless information I will never again need to know.” Ron muttered under his breath, causing the other two to giggle.
As they approached the car, someone opened the door from the inside. Harry grinned softly. “Professor Snape?”
Though the man had appeared for the weekly scheduled Order meetings, Harry hadn’t had a real opportunity to talk to the man since he informed him of Petunia’s death & Vernon’s escape.
A small part of him wondered if he actually just hated Harry and only took him from the Dursley’s because he had to…because it was his “civic duty”, because he was in the “right place, right time” and saw a drowning kid who needed saving. Because what if he wasn’t really important after all? But he wouldn’t have told Harry about his aunt and uncle otherwise, would he? Maybe he felt like he owed him that-
“Mr. Potter.” The man’s voice pulled Harry from his spiraling thoughts. Though the way Snape greeted him so nonchalantly, there was a small smile on his face and he looked pleased. Maybe he’s glad to see me? Ginny, Fred, George, and Percy climbed in, heading to the front row. Then, Ron and Hermione filed in, followed by Snape and then at last, Harry, putting him between the Potions Master and the window. Molly and Arthur slid in up front with the driver and Professor Flitwick, who fell into conversation as the car pulled away from The Burrow.
“What brings you here, Snape?” Ron sounded slightly suspicious, a complete 180 from his behavior towards the Potions Master the night before.
Privately, Harry was wondering the same thing, though in a much nicer tone, of course. It had made sense for the man to have already been there last night after the Order meeting-
“I came here of my own volition to protect you and your family, of course.”
“Just you?” He asked snarkily, raising an eyebrow.
“Did you not see Filius up front with your parents? If that isn’t enough for you, do not worry, because there will be more of my friends at the station.”
“Professor Flitwick.” Hermione clarified at Ron’s confused glance.
“Thank you, Professor, for going out of your way to do this. We know you must be very busy.” Ron grumbled awkwardly after she nudged him.
“Indeed I am.”
Silence reigned for a short time between the four of them again, and Harry turned to the window, watching the trees fly past in a blur.
“I never did properly thank you for what you did for me at the beginning of the summer, and for telling me about my relatives last night.” He didn’t turn away from the window, but he knew the older man heard him.
“I still wish you had let me destroy your despicable relatives for what they did to you.”
Harry turned back to look at Snape. “I’m not letting you go to Azkaban because of me.”
“Because of you?” Snape snorted. “You’re not that special, Potter. It would be my choices and mine alone that send me to prison. Nothing you did would affect that.”
“It would have been a choice that was made because of me.”
“But a mere hypothetical we needn’t concern ourselves with, as it did not happen.” He reminded Harry softly. “Even if it had, I would have been at peace with my consequence, as I know it was done for a good reason. A muggle prison sentence is the least of what your relatives deserve.”
The station was in plain sight now, and he felt both a rush of excitement at going back to Hogwarts, the one place he seemed to belong to in the world, and nerves at seeing Dumbledore again. They hadn’t spoken since that night-not that the older Wizard hadn’t tried, but Harry had been at the end of many disapproving looks from the man.
“Have you spoken to Dumbledore at all?”
“Not closely, no. He still believes it was best that you stayed with the Dursley’s.”
“I’m beginning to wonder if the “familial magic bond” isn’t the only reason he wanted me to stay there.” Harry admitted softly.
“Yes.” Snape mused softly. “But if that’s true, what else is he hiding?”
The driver pulled into the parking lot, choosing a spot near the front. They hurriedly exited the vehicle and pulled their luggage from the trunk. Flitwick greeted him, Hermione, and the other Weasley’s as they started toward the station.
Harry looked at his watch, grinning cheekily at Fred, George, Ginny, and Ron, who had chosen to lag behind while Percy and the other adults went on ahead. “I bet being fifteen minutes early is a new record for you lot, huh?”
Back in first year, he’d nearly been four whole hours early. The Dursley’s couldn’t wait to be rid of him, although he did hear Uncle Vernon muttering something about “needing to find a new punching bag” as they passed a gym on the way to King’s Cross.
“You didn’t even make the train in second year.” One of the twins pointed out, laughing.” Ron’s ears turned red. “That wasn’t mine or Harry’s fault, remember?”
“Oh yeah, some insane elf called Dobby.” “Didn’t you say that the elf also tried to kill you with a Bludger?”
“That he did, Freddie. Harry also had a run in with Hagrid’s spiders-“
“-Where I almost died, too!” Ron interrupted.
“-And a troll-“
“-I was there, too-“ Hermione interjected this time.
“-And a werewolf, which wasn’t entirely Lupin’s fault-“
“-And Harry had to kill a basilisk-“
“-Don’t forget the dragons or the merpeople-“
“Gee, Harry, creatures really don’t seem to like you, do they? “I wonder what it’ll be this year?!”
“FRED! GEORGE!” Molly interrupted from just ahead. “Your turn to go through!”
Indeed, Percy Weasley was no longer with the group of adults and was instead facing the Hogwarts Express.
Fred seemed to tighten his knuckles on the cart’s handle and took off at a run. He was going, going, going- And then he was gone, likely waiting for his twin on the other side. George started off with a more relaxed walk, and as he got closer to the wall, he went faster, and faster, until he was running, and then- He disappeared, joining his brother on the other side. Ginny quickly followed, her long red hair soon invisible to all on the muggle side.
Harry tightened his grip on the handle, ready to leave the muggle world behind for another year. Then there was a crash, and a large blue thing fell through the ceiling with a loud crash.
The last month had been rather quiet, which would usually keep Percy on his toes. But between the lack of dreams, monster attacks, and living in a world he didn’t even know existed until a month ago— Diagon Alley was like he had stepped into another time, with its old cobblestone streets, brick buildings, and lamp posts. From the moment the brick entrance opened up, the undercurrents of magic in the air was clear, alongside the joy and excitement all the other patrons so clearly felt. It was nothing like New York, nothing like London outside of the Leaky Cauldron. Even that old pub was filled with magic. All had been silent. That silence should have worried him, knowing their enemies were probably plotting something.
But upon waking up this morning, the air felt…different. It was like some sort of dark magic or…something had been suddenly activated, like the rest of the world knew they were leaving for Hogwarts this very day.
One minute they were talking about the article Tom the barman showed them before they left, and waiting for a family of redheads, a bushy brown haired girl, and a dark-haired boy to cross the threshold of the platform, next thing they knew, the Minotaur was crashing through the ceiling and headed straight for them.
“Why does it seem like this guy is only dead for a couple of years at a time?”
“Even death can’t hold back a grudge, I suppose.” Annabeth winked, pulling out her dagger and running ahead of Percy toward the beast.
“Ron, I’m telling you, it’s not a dragon-“
Interesting. So the Famous Harry Potter can see through the Mist.
Percy overheard two of the other adults with them-a shorter, white-haired man in green, and a tall, dark-haired man in back robes-swarming the three teenagers, talking about side along apparition.
“No! I’m supposed to help!”
Percy thought that maybe he could do a repeat of what he did when he was 12-he just really wanted to make it to the train on time-but that plan was proverbially flushed down the down the toilet when he heard a pair of feet behind him, echoed by frustrated calls of “Harry!”
“You’re really better off-“
The boy-he recognized Harry immediately from the cave drawing-narrowed his eyes at the creature and pulled out his wand. He raised his arm, pointing at the monster, and opened his mouth to speak- All of a sudden, water was pouring out of bathrooms, from the pipes, and even the emergency sprinklers in the ceilings. The room was half flooded before Percy could even move. The Minotaur, seemingly not used to standing in a roomful of water, fell back with a thud, sending a wave of water through the room again. Nico, who was closest to the it, stabbed the struggling monster with his knife, and it exploded into a shower of golden dust. Once that was done, the water began to recede, leaving the muggles, his friends, and Harry Potter’s entourage, soaking wet.
It was a mystery to Percy (and Nico, Will, and Annabeth judging by their faces) how the green eyed boy managed to stay as dry as Percy himself was. And where that water came from….Percy hadn’t done it, he would have known if he had.
It was then that he noticed the muggles around them, all of whom were soaked from head to toe and freaking out. It wasn’t a problem he or any of the others could fix, though. The other boy was currently staring down at his dry shirt in shock, as were his friends.
“Percy-“
“That wasn’t me. I don’t know where it came from, but we can talk about it on the train!”
Behind Will and Nico, there was a team of security guards running this way, eyes locked on the them. Harry and his friends must have seen them too, because they followed behind.
“Did we just break the Statute of Secrecy?”
I hope not. As (one of) the new kids, that’s the worst way to start off the school year.
“What’s all this “we” business, Harry James Potter?”
“I thought we were in this together, Mione?”
“Not if it keeps me from being Minister for Magic one day!”
“How much time til we’re supposed to be on the train?!” Nico asked.
“Five minutes!” Annabeth replied.
“Two at a time, you lot!” A stout, redheaded woman declared. Percy knew it was means for her group, but Percy and his friends complied anyway.
She ran through it alongside the lanky dark-haired man beside her. Percy and Annabeth ran in together, Nico and Will coming in close behind them.
The large red and black train was gorgeous, all sleek and shiny and roaring with life. On the platform, families were everywhere, some in robes and ties, others in t-shirts and jeans.
Harry and the redheaded teen followed behind them, with ‘Mione bringing up the rear just as the whistle of the train blew.
“Just in time, cos we thought-“
“Maybe a crazy house elf blocked the door again.” The redheaded twins from earlier were laughing.
“Believe it or not, it was crazier than that.” Harry chuckled.
“There was a dragon-“
“Ron, I swear in my life that it wasn’t a dragon!” Harry promised his friend, eyes looking kind of wild.
“Just…find us on the train, and we’ll tell you.” Percy exchanged glances with Annabeth. If he knew it wasn’t a dragon… Between that and the water, he had a pretty good guess of what was going on. But it didn’t make a whole lot of sense to him.
Quickly, all of them climbed the train, the twins scurrying off, saying something about “Letting a friend know they made it”. Near the end of the train, the four of them-at some point, they were separated from Harry and his friends-found a place to themselves, collapsing on the seats.
“I didn’t make the water appear.”
“Then how-“
“I think it was the Potter kid. From what I heard him saying, he can either see through the Mist, or he doesn’t need the Mist at all.”
“So you’re thinking he might be one of us.” Annabeth stated.
“Yeah. More than that, I think he might be a son of Poseidon.”
“Another child of the Big Three-just what we need.” She sighed. But I think you’re right, because he looks exactly like you.”
“He doesn’t look like me at all!”
“Percy, he could be your twin!”
“But why hasn’t he been claimed before now?” Will interrupted.
“There’s a lot of Half-Bloods out there. Even with the promise made to Percy and to all of us, I’m sure one could have slipped through the cracks.”
“A child that powerful? Who acted like he’s never seen a monster in his life?! I doubt it.” Nico said.
“Maybe his magic masks the scent. That’s what my mom thinks the magic did for me, anyway.”
“So, has anyone l had a dream lately?” Percy asked.
“No, and it’s been heaven.” Nico said cheerfully.
”I think it’s kind of odd, actually.” Annabeth said thoughtfully. “You think the magic of Diagon and the Leaky Cauldron repelled them?
“No, because I had one last night.” Percy replied. “Listen…”
— —
Across the room sat an old Wizard behind a desk covered in parchment, many quills, a small bedside reading lamp, and for some reason, a box of Muggle Lemon Drops. Percy had no idea as to why he would choose a No-maj (Annabeth told him that the British name is muggle?) sweet,especially the worst one. The older man had a long white beard that reached his waist, and long white hair to match. On the bridge of his nose sat a pair of half-moon spectacles, which only enlarged the mischievous twinkle in his eyes.
“Albus Dumbledore.” A mysterious voice said suddenly. He looked around wildly, unsure where the booming voice was coming from. Evidently the man called Dumbledore did, for he slowly got up from his chair, walking somewhere behind him until he came to kneel before the fireplace.
“Hello, Cornelius.”
“Dumbledore, may I step through?”
“Certainly.”
The stranger, stepping through the fireplace, wore a set of dark green robes, wheich perfectly accented his dark green eyes, and he had a handlebar mustache. He pulled out a slightly bent ebony wand, casting a spell to get the soot off his robes.
“Evening, Albus.”
“Welcome to my office, Minister. Let’s take a seat, shall we?” Dumbledore invited, turning to his desk, and gesturing to the plush chair across from it. “Would you like some tea?”
“No, thank you.”
The Headmaster went on to make only one cup of tea for himself, filling it with enough sugar to kill a horse, as the Minister spoke.
“Have you found a Professor to fill the Defense Against The Dark Arts position yet?”
“Ah, right down to business, I see. No, I’m still working on that, but rest assured the position will be filled before the year begins.” Dumbledore gave the visitor a placating smile, already seemingly frustrated by what was to come.
“What if I told you I already have someone for you?”
“Are you saying you did my job for me, Minister? The headmaster’s eyes twinkled dangerously.
“No! No, indeed Albus! I’m only hoping to make your job just a bit easier.” The Minister answered, smiling coldly
“Ah! Well, thank you, indeed, for your offer, but I must kindly decline. I am currently waiting on a few calls back, you see.”
“Ah, well, I tried to be polite, but it seems like the time for pleasantries has long since passed, Albus.” He leaned towards the Headmaster and spoke in a low, dangerous voice. “You misunderstood me, Headmaster. There are a few…lose screws that need to be righted around here, and I intend to see that done. I hope that my gift to you will be..welcome.”
“I see.” The old man seemed to know he was being threatened. The tension in the room was palpable. “Why don’t you go back to your office, Cornelius? This conversation seems to be finished, and it is getting awfully late.”
“Your new employee will be here shortly, I’d expect.” Fudge gave another fake smile as he stood. “Have a pleasant night.”
And then the world around Percy went black, and for a moment, he fell freely through the tangible darkness until landing on hard tile.
Percy looked up to find a large white office covered in parchments stapled to the wall. Most were wanted posters, bearing a photograph of a man or woman, followed by the words, “WANTED: known murderer and Death Eater to You-Know-Who” underneath. A few had a large red X and the words, “IN AZKABAN” or “DECEASED” stamped on them, though one or two had the word “INNOCENT” in its place. The same man from before-Minister Fudge, as he’d declared himself-was seated at a desk in the center of the room, a stack full of parchments before him. He leaned back into his chair, lost in deep thought.
Behind him, the door opened. A short woman with short red hair, small lips, and covered head to toe in pink waddled in.
“You wished to see me, Minister?” She asked, bringing the Minister back to the present. Her voice sounded like a high-pitched squeak followed by nails on a chalkboard. It sent chills down Percy’s spine. She sat down in the seat across from the man and leaned forward.
“Yes, good morning, Dolores.”
“Good morning, Minister Fudge.”
“Would you like some tea?”
“Yes, thank you, Minister Fudge.” He took his wand out of his pocket, waved it wordlessly, and soon two mugs of steaming hot tea sat before the pair.
“Sugar?”
“No.” The two sugars he had hovering in the air floated into his cup. Fudge leaned forward in his chair.
“You know that Hogwarts is looking for a new Defense Against The Dark Arts teacher yet again.” She nodded once, leaning forward eagerly.
“You know I don’t particularly like how Dumbledore is running the place. The Prophet itself is calling him a “blubbering old fool” and I happen to agree, not to mention that he is listening to the word of a fifteen year old who says that You-Know-Who is back.” She nodded again.
“Albus Dumbledore is…losing his touch.” Minister Fudge said delicately.“I want you to fill the role and keep an eye on him, as well as his Golden Boy, and take whatever measures you feelare necessary.”
The Umbridge woman bowed her head in what looked like excitement. “I would be only too glad to, Minister.” Then, the world went black.
“So what does this mean?” Annabeth asked.
Nico grimaced. “I don’t know, but can’t be anything good.”
“Luna, may we join you?”
Harry liked Luna, he really did. But this compartment had been their last hope, and he really wanted to talk to Hermione and Ron alone about what just happened, because what the fuck was that?
“Hi! I knew I’d be seeing you soon!” She said things like that often, vague comments that made one wonder if she could see the future. It was a bit off-putting sometimes, that and the mentions of her “invisible” creatures, but Harry liked the sense of wonder and curiosity the girl brought, even if not many other people did. He highly doubted that she knew some called her “Loony” behind her back, not that he tolerated hearing it, of course.
“How was your summer?”
The young Ravenclaw was already wearing her robes-taking advantage of an empty compartment. She’d already adorned her black witch’s hat, and had added a pair of radish earrings and a corkscrew necklace.
“It was great! Daddy and I went to Australia, where the Crumple Horned Snorkacks were rumored to be hiding.”
“….Did you find them?” Hermione asked conversationally, feigning interest.
He knew she wasn’t the biggest fan of Luna, only putting up with her because both he and Ginny both liked her. In fact, he was surprised Ginny hadn’t found her by now. The two were awfully close…
“Yes, but you’ll have to wait until the newest edition of the Quibbler to find out more! I can get an early copy from Daddy if you like.” The young blonde grinned.
“No, that’s okay, thank you though.”
Suddenly, the blonde’s body became rigid, almost like stone. Her eyes turned brighter, and a coiling green mist filled the room. Luna’s mouth moved to speak, but it wasn’t her bright, cheerful voice that came out; instead it was a deep, gravely voice that chilled him to the bone. And when he realized it was a prophecy, the hair on the back of his neck stood up, his green eyes wide.
Three meets four from beyond the border
As chaos unravels within the Order
The blessed son uncovers secrets
While a Lord seeks to regain his footing
And a friend turns foe, while foe becomes f-f-frrriieeennnndddd—
The last word came out in a harsh stutter, long and slow, like it was a car slamming on its brakes. Harry stood, taking out his wand.
“R-Rennervate” It took a second, but Luna came to, cheerful grin and the usual bright sparkle in her blue eyes. When she looked up at Harry, the 4th year looked like she had a moment of dawning comprehension, but before any of them could ask about it, it was gone.
“Lu?!” Harry asked again a bit uncertainly. “Are you okay?’
It was clear that when the little 4th year came back to herself, she had no real idea what had happened. But he’d half expected that to be the case.
“I’m lovely, Harry!” But I think I should go find Ginny now. See you at the Feast!”
The little ravenclaw grinned brightly, skipping out of the compartment.
“I think she’s a true Seer.” Hermione blinked twice disbelievingly.
“W-what?!” Ron choked. “You-the girl who thinks Divination is a bunch of bullshit-which I don’t disagree-think we’ve stumbled upon a true Seer?”
“It was just like when Trelawney gave that prophecy about Sirius in third year…” Harry nodded in agreement. “And obviously all of that came true, which means that she’s a Seer, and if that’s true, then so is Luna…”
“That’s a lot of jumping to conclusions there, mate. I think you’ve both gone mental.”
It was then that the corridor opened, and the three stood up.
“Anything off the trolley, dears?”
Harry pulled a small pile of Galleons and Knuts from his pocket, buying some Licorice Wands, a few Chocolate Frogs, and a handful of Bertie Botts Every Flavor Beans. They sat down again, Hermione looking rather disgusted as Ron bit the head off a Chocolate Frog.
“So-“
“YES!” Ron cried, interrupting whatever the brown haired witch was about to say. “I’ve done it! I finally completed my Chocolate Frog card collection!”
“Congratulations,” Hermione said sarcastically. “What are you going to do with your life now?”
“Oi, shut up.”
Harry snickered. “Who’ve you got?”
“Devlin Whitehorn!” He showed off the card enthusiastically. “He was a broom-maker and founder of the Nimbus Racing Broom Company!”
“Ironic that you never got that card until now, considering how much you love quidditch.” Hermione snorted.
“Almost nobody gets this card.” Ron defended. “It’s super rare!”
“How do I already have one, then?” Harry asked teasingly.
“Cause you’re lucky, Mr. Youngest-Seeker-In-A-Century.”
Hermione snickered.
“So what was that? Ron asked, tearing off a piece of licorice and popping it into his mouth. “At Kings Cross, with the water, and the dragon?”
“Once again, I promise you that it’s not a dragon!”
“Then what was it?”
“I don’t know, but if Charlie were here, he would agree that it wasn’t a dragon!” Harry insisted stubbornly. “It had too many horns to be a dragon. And it had two legs instead of a tail!”
“Too many? It only had one! And-“
“Whatever it was, it definitely set a bad omen for the year.”
“First it was seers and now you believe in omens?” Ron raised a disbelieving eyebrow. “Who are you, and what have you done with Hermione?”
She rolled her eyes. “First chance I get, I’m going to go to the library and research this.”
“And I bet you’ll drag us with you.” Ron sighed.
”So, round of Bertie’s? Harry grinned. “The first to spit it out loses.”