Chapter 24
Chapter 24
Hermione returns to the kitchens in two days time. Winky is sober and properly dressed in a blue sundress with pink polka dots. When she sees Hermione she hurries to gather a simple tea service for her new mistress.
‘Thank you Winky. Are you feeling better?’
‘Yes, Missy Lyra. I feels much betters.’
‘Good. Thank you for the tea we have much to discuss. I will need you to tell me if what I am asking of you won't work or is not possible. Do you understand?’
‘I thinks so Missy Lyra. I can say it’s not ok?’
‘Yes, at any time. Preferably when we are alone but I won’t stop you from speaking your mind.
‘This be new to Winky. May take practice.’
‘I understand. No one is to know you are my elf. Unless I introduce you specifically.’
‘Yes, Missy Lyra.’
‘When away from Hogwarts we will have more people watching me. Can you read and write?’
‘A little?’
‘Do any other elves?’
‘Dobby does.’
‘Can he teach you? I will pay him for his services.’
‘I will ask.’
‘If you can learn, you can leave a note somewhere, I can find it and I can call you when I am alone.’
‘Yes, Missy Lyra.’
‘Do you have any questions?’
‘Not… now…’
‘Don’t push yourself. I understand that I am asking you to change your way of thinking. I may need you to deliver mail for me as mine keeps getting intercepted. Do you have any limitations?’
‘Persons may know I’m yous elf if i brings thems notes.’
‘That is true. We will only send notes to trusted people then.’
*.*
Humble Headmaster or Terrifying Tyrant?
There are many who have fallen under the guidance of albus. It is common knowledge that dumb defeated grindlewalk but have you heard the whole story? It's been said that Gellert and Albus were romantically entwined. That battle that led to the defeat? That could easily have been a lovers spat. What was Grindelwald doing that caused Dumbledore to ‘defeat’ him? Remember it is always the victor who dictates the story told for the history books. You can never tell how far his reach will stretch.
More recently Albus and former auror moody have been becoming closer as the years continue. How close? Well that could be a matter of opinion. These two men are often seen conversing about a variety of topics.sources say these men seem rather close. Albus did hire this long time friend for extra security for the triwizard tournament and there are reports that Moody spent an exceptional amount of time being persuaded to accept the post. Just what kind of persuasion was required? With a former auror as an ally one must ask, just what is Albus capable of? Who else does he count as an ally?
*.*
Neville notices Harry hanging out with Ron.
‘Hey, how is Hermione today? I haven't seen her since breakfast.’
‘How should I know? It's not my job to watch her.’
‘I thought you were still friends at least.’
Conflicting emotions war behind Harry's eyes, when he blinks they are gone and Harry turns away from the conversation. Neville doesn't know how to react to that so he walks away. When he gets back to his room he finds the jar he stored the remains of Ron's broken potion and pockets it.
*.*
‘Madam pomfrey? Can you identify a potion by sight or possibly smell?’
‘Depending on the potion, why do you ask?’
‘I startled someone and they dropped this potion. I was hoping to identify it so I could replace it. It seems rather important to them.’
‘I see. I think you would be better off asking Professor Snape. He is familiar with a wider variety of potions than I am.’
‘I understand thank you.’
‘Have a nice day.’
*.*
‘Professor, may I ask you something, if you are busy sir I can come back another time.’
‘You are here now Longbottom. No need to waste my time on two separate occasions.’
‘I wondered if you could help me identify a potion. There was a mishap and I wanted to replace it.’
Of course there was a mishap. Do you have a sample of this potion or am I supposed to start guessing?’
‘Here it is sir.’ When Neville hands over the jar containing the potions remains Snape's face hardens before he becomes dismissive again.
‘Well? I clearly need to run tests before I can give you any answers. Come to my office on Monday before dinner, with any luck I shall have some answers for you.’
Neville walks out of the classroom in such a hurry he didn't notice the person walking down the hall, until he collided with her. As they stumble, Nev wraps his arms around her supple form and steadys them both. Tracy looks over her shoulder at the muscular body currently wrapped around her.
‘Oh hello Nev.’ She says softly.
‘I'm sorry for bumping into you. Are you alright?’
‘I'm fine. Where are you going so fast?’
‘Away from Snape. I mean nowhere specific. What about you?’
‘I was going for a walk in the forest.’
‘Alone?’ Nev clears his throat. ‘I mean may I accompany you?’
‘I would like that.’
*.*
Harry spends his days in a fog. He is not focusing in classes. He hardly spends any time studying.
‘Hey Harry.’
‘Hi Ron.’
‘Whatcha doing?’
‘Think I'm going to go for a walk.’
‘I'll come with you.’
‘I would like to be alone. See you later.’
Harry turns away and Ron begins counting on his fingers. Suddenly he curses and runs in the direction of Gryffindor Tower. Harry continues walking until he is alone in a corridor. Harry leans his head on the cold stone wall. Someone walks around the corner and nearly runs into Harry.
‘Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't see you there.’
‘It's ok I shouldn't have stopped this close to the corner.’
‘Are you ok?’
‘Not really.’ Harry looks into her beautiful chocolate brown eyes. Daphne Greengrass has always been pretty but today- there are no words to describe.
‘I-’ Harry seems to have forgotten how to form words.
‘Come on, I will get you to Madam Pomfrey.’
Harry shakes his head slowly.
‘Do you need to go to the infirmary?’
‘I don't think so. I … never mind, I’m sure it’s nothing.’
‘What's wrong?’
Harry looks up and sees her concerned look. Harry looks away and clears his throat.
‘N-n-no I think I was just dizzy for a moment. I'm better now.
‘Alright,’ Daph looks at him worriedly. ‘If you insist. I guess I will be on my way.’
‘Where are you headed?’
‘Library. I want to work on my Potions essay.’
‘Mind if I join you?’
‘I'm meeting some friends but sure. As long as nothing causes me to get kicked out of the library.’
‘I promise to be on my best behavior.’
A small smile appears before she turns and begins to walk down the hall.
*.*
Neville climbs the stairs to his dorm and sees Ron hovering around Harry's bed.
‘Hey, Ron.’
Ron jumps as if startled.
‘What's wrong?’
‘Nothing.’ Ron quickly leaves the room and Neville looks around.
There seems to be a drink and some treacle tart on Harry's bedside table. Harry never keeps a snack beside his bed unless he recently returned from the infirmary with an armful of snacks.
‘Ralts?’ Neville whispers.
‘Yes, master?’
‘Take that drink and snack. Store it for me until I say otherwise and replace it as soon as possible.’
‘Something wrong with it?’
‘I don't know. Just hurry please?’
‘Yes, master.’
A soft pop echoes through the room as the small elf disappears. When she returns with a new snack to place by Harry’s bed she has also brought a snack for Nev.
‘Master must eat more.’ Nev walks over to his bed with his snack as he takes a bite to humor the elf.
‘Yes, Ralts. Tell gran I look forward to seeing her over break. Have a nice night.’
Another soft pop sounds as Harry enters the room.
‘You look awfully happy.’
‘Really? I had a nice evening.’
‘Did you? How so?’
‘I spent the evening in the library. Daphne sat next to me and I don't know if it was just relaxing I guess.’
‘That’s great mate.’
‘Who left this by my bed?’
‘Ron was over there when I came in, could’ve been him.’
‘Hmm ok,’ Harry begins to eat the snack.
‘Do you like Daphne?’
Harry chews thoughtfully. ‘Maybe? I’m not sure but I like talking to her. She treats me like I'm a real person, not just a celebrity.’
‘Sounds pretty special. I hope you and her can spend more time together then.’
‘Yeah.’ Harry murmurs. ‘Me too.’
*.*
Mum,
Something is wrong. I left a special snack for Harry by his bed. He ate it but he is acting like he used to again. I had to leave the room for a moment when Neville came in because he caused me to drop a dose last week. I think he may be suspicious. Also I no longer have enough to get through until hols. Please send more.
Ron
*.*