Deceiving Magic's Child

"He sent me this,"... Buckbeak isn't dangerous. "

"He is," Amos said. "While I agree he shouldn't be executed, it doesn't change the fact that he is an XXX beast. They are dangerous, not the most dangerous, of course, but dangerous enough. You should never underestimate the dangers involved when engaging with creatures."

"Malfoy's dad's frightened the Committee into it,"... and they were scared.

Amos glared at the girl. He was not a doddery old fool.

There'll be an appeal, though... I'll help. "

Sirius rolled his eyes.

"Oh, Ron!"... Finally, Hermione drew away.

Sirius tried not to let his exasperation show. It was like Harry was the side piece in the Ron and Hermione show. They were so bloody dramatic.

"Ron, I'm really, really sorry about Scabbers... might get me an owl now. "

Molly and Arthur exchanged a look. Where had Ron's owl come from?

The safety measures imposed on the students... exac'ly what he told 'em. . . "

Lucius nodded. The man wasn't wrong. That was a fair summation. But it wasn't because he'd threatened them or anything. He'd just made a reasonable case, unlike Mr Hagrid. He really should have hired a lawyer. He really should look at how much the man was paid. Perhaps he couldn't afford it. That needed to be fixed. Everyone should be able to afford legal representation when they needed it.

"There's still the appeal!"... "That Committee's in Lucius Malfoy's pocket.

Both Amos and Lucius glared at that. It wasn't true. Lucius had to admit he had some help from Macnair but beyond that it had all been down to the case he had put before the committee.

I'm jus' gonna make sure the rest o' Beaky's... "Look at him blubber!"

Draco groaned. This was all so embarrassing.

Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle... all the strength she could muster.

"HERMIONE!" Both Mrs Grangers looked horrified. What had gotten into her?

Narcissa made a face half way between impressed and disgusted. On one side, she thought her son might well deserve it but still, muggle violence was just too uncouth.

Malfoy staggered... Hermione raised her hand again.

"Once was quite enough, Miss Granger," Lucius said coolly. While he understood the girl's anger - righteous indignation even - there was really no excuse for such violence.

"Don't you dare call Hagrid pathetic... Hermione pulled out her wand.

Lucius felt his pulse tick in his temple. This was exhausting. Every part of him felt the need to defend his son, even if he was an evil little toerag or whatever Miss Granger had been planning to call him.

Malfoy stepped backward... disappeared into the passageway to the dungeons.

The teachers looked scandalised. How had they never known about this?

"Hermione!"... because I can't stand it if Slytherin wins!"

Her words diffused some of the tension in the chamber.

"We're due in Charms,"... we've already divided into pairs -"

"Huh?" George frowned. "Where's Hermione?"

Harry and Ron hurried to a desk... But Hermione didn't turn up all lesson.

Hermione's parents glanced her way, clearly concerned.

"She could've done with a Cheering Charm... hurried upstairs toward Gryffindor Tower.

Lucius looked at his son in suspicion. He wouldn't put it past him.

They passed the security trolls... which lesson have we got now?"

Everyone stared at Hermione in disbelief.

"Divination... "You were with us till we were right outside the classroom!"

"I'm a tad disappointed you boys didn't work out she was using a time turner," Bill said.

"I didn't even know they existed," Harry said.

"I don't believe it!"... I'll see you in Divination!"

The mind healers shared a look. She had definitely bit off more than she could chew. It was understandable. She had the stress of a very heavy school timetable, helping Hagrid with his case, and the argument with Ron. It was a lot for a fourteen year old to deal with.

Hermione joined them... Professor Flitwick hinted they might!"

Flitwick frowned. If he'd realised she was so stressed, he'd have offered her an additional lesson to make up for the missed one.

Together they climbed the ladder... "I was getting sick of her flinching every time she looked at my hands. "

Sirius could understand that. It would get old quickly.

"Good day to you!"... I am anxious to give you sufficient practice. "

Minerva rolled her eyes.

Hermione snorted.

"Well, honestly... Harry and Ron choked back laughs.

Mrs Granger grimaced. "Hermione," she chided softly, "she's still your teacher."

It was hard to tell... some of you will see before the end of the class. "

Luna sat forward. She was quite good at this.

And so they began... Hermione kept tutting.

Albus frowned. "I'm a little disappointed in the three of you. While I agree that if you do not have the gift, it is most likely a waste of time to study Divination. It is still a branch of magic that deserves respect."

Hermione looked especially distraught at his words.

"Seen anything yet?"... I could be catching up on Cheering Charms -"

Professor Trelawney tutted.

Professor Trelawney rustled past... There's going to be loads of fog tonight."

Sirius struggled to hold in a snort and a side eye at Severus showed his shoulders were shaking slightly in suppressed laughter.

Both Harry and Hermione... my dear, stalking toward you, growing ever closer. . . the Gr -"

Sirius smirked. That was no grim! It was him. Or you know, Trelawney was a great big fraud.

"Oh, for goodness' sake!"... Grim again!"

Mrs Granger glared at her daughter. "You better apologise to your teacher."

Hermione looked like she wanted to argue. But gave in, sighing. She got to her feet, bowed to the divination professor and said, "I apologise, Professor, for being disruptive in class."

Mrs Granger raised an eyebrow. "And?"

"And," Hermione pouted, "for being disrespectful."

Professor Trelawney nodded in acknowledgement.

Professor Trelawney raised her enormous eyes... whose mind was so hopelessly mundane. "

The Slytherins in the chamber sniggered.

There was a moment's silence. Then -... "I give up! I'm leaving!"

Mrs Granger - both young and old - looked at their daughter in shock.

And to the whole class's amazement... You said it ages ago, Professor!"

Professor Trelawney looked momentarily smug.

Professor Trelawney gave her a dewy smile... The Inner Eye can be a burden, you know. . . "

Luna nodded in agreement. It really was a burden.

Lavender and Parvati looked deeply impressed... with the Quidditch final drawing ever nearer.

Hermione frowned. She hadn't realised Harry was so bothered by the grim. She'd been so focused on how stupid she thought it was that she'd not even considered that Harry might be genuinely concerned.

The Easter holidays were not exactly relaxing... "The exams are ages away, what're they playing at?"

The teachers rolled their eyes. They had no idea. It would only get worse the closer they got to their OWLs.

But nobody had as much to do as Hermione... seemed constantly close to tears.

Minerva grimaced. She should have noticed that.

Ron had taken over responsibility... "I KNOW, OLIVER!" Harry yelled.

Everyone was surprised that Harry had yelled at his captain, even if they thought Oliver had it coming.

The whole of Gryffindor House... even Wood, wanted to win as much as he did.

Oliver was pretty sure he had wanted it more. It had been his last chance.

The enmity between Harry and Malfoy... wormed his way out of punishment.

"Yes, that was quite impressive," Severus said, not quite believing himself that it had happened.

Harry hadn't forgotten Malfoy's attempt... beat Malfoy in front of the entire school.

"Don't blame you," Sirius said softly.

Never, in anyone's memory,... leeks sprouting out of their ears.

A couple people chuckled at that. It could have been worse. It would have been worse in Sirius's time at Hogwarts.

Harry was having a particularly bad time of it... in case the Slytherins tried to put him out of action.

The Gryffindors all grinned. They'd worked hard to keep their seeker safe.

The whole of Gryffindor House took up the challenge enthusiastically... check that it was still there.

Claudius sighed. That was a sign of just how much having it taken away had affected Harry.

All usual pursuits were abandoned... "I can't work, I can't concentrate," she said nervously.

No one could quite believe it.

There was a great deal of noise... fighting to get out of his stomach.

Sirius grinned. This was how school was supposed to be. Stressing about exams and quidditch games.

"You're going to be fine,"... "Team! Bed!"

"Good idea," Remus said. "An early night is just what you need."

Harry slept badly... the match riding dragons.

"You know," Ron said, "your dreams are sort of... Well, like prophecies."

"What?" Harry gaped at him.

"Think about it. That one about the Turban talking? Voldie was in Quirrell's turban, the one chasing something silvery with hooves through the forest, that sounds awfully like what happened in the Forest of Dean and this one, well, you did fly against a dragon in fourth year."

Harry and Hermione both stared at Ron. He couldn't be right, could he? Professor Trelawney looked suddenly interested and Harry didn't think that was a good thing.

He was flying at breakneck speed... woke with a start.

A couple people laughed.

It was a few seconds before... conditions for the match would be perfect.

"Good. That's good," Sirius smiled.

Harry set down his goblet... prowling across the silvery lawn.

Oh no, Sirius thought. Please not now.

Harry dashed to his bedside table... It was only Crookshanks. . .

Sirius sighed in relief. He didn't want Harry worrying about Grims right before his big match.

Or was it only Crookshanks?... how could it be an omen of Harry's death?

Sirius blinked. Had he befriended the cat? It wouldn't be the first time.

"Ron!"... Crookshanks and the dog had vanished.

Ron frowned. He couldn't remember this at all.

Harry climbed onto the windowsill... A loud snore told him Ron had fallen asleep again.

Sirius rolled his eyes. Some help he'd been.