Chapter 12
Harry was enjoying a rare moment of peace at the lake sitting on the shore with Luna pulling up strands of grace while Neville paced in the shallows reading the herbology book given to him by Mad-Eye after that dreadful first lesson. He could vaguely hear the crunch of leaves and twigs up the hill behind him, signaling the end of his peace and the approach of yet another problem he would be forced to solve. He tilted his head to the sky, rolling his neck to the side to glance at Luna.
“This is going to ruin the rest of the day for me isn’t it?”
“The rest of the week.”
“Fuck.”
Luna nodded empathetically. “At least you’re never bored.”
“At least there’s that.”
Harry sighed to himself before standing up and brushing himself off walking in the direction of the crunching leaves. He walks about 50 paces before coming across the harbinger of doom, Ginny, who skips the final few steps towards him bouncing on the balls of her feet.
“Finally I’ve been looking for you since breakfast. Hagrid’s looking for you.”
“Hagrid? Why is he looking for me?”
“Don’t know and I don’t particularly care either. One of the firsties was talking about it on their way to breakfast. Apparently Hagrid saw them in the halls leaving the tower and thought they’d be able to find you before he could. I offered to take the task off their hands since the poor things were practically shaking at the idea of talking to you.” Here Ginny rolls her eyes as if she herself hadn’t been petrified of meeting him when she was a first year.
“Well message received. Did Hagrid happen to mention a time? Or place?”
Ginny raises a brow and stares for a long moment after he asks this.
“Point taken it’s Hagrid so of course he didn’t. Forget I asked. Thanks Gin sorry to make you search the whole castle for me just needed a break you know?”
“Oh trust me I get it. I need a break just listening to these idiots I can’t imagine being the one talked about.”
“And Gin? Just because your brother is a raging git doesn’t mean we can’t be friends yeah?”
“Yeah yeah you big sap. No go find Hagrid before you get all teary eyed and start trying to braid my hair.”
“I know you’re allergic to emotions oh fiercest of the Weasleys. Luna and Neville are down the hill if you want to try to wrangle them inside the castle for food. I don’t think Neville has put that new book down since it was given to him. I’m worried he’s going to start taking that thing everywhere with him.”
Ginny shoots him a salute with two of her fingers, “Later Scarface. Good luck!”
Harry rolls his eyes before making his way the rest of the way to the castle. If he wants to find Hagrid before dinner he’ll have to start looking now.
Halfway to the castle he remembers the existence of his newest family member who has been skulking around mapping the corridors and stalking the castles inhabitants. Surely if anyone would know where he could find Hagrid at this time it would be him. He takes out the stark phone given to him by Tony, made specifically for him to get past the castles wards, shooting a text to his foster brother. A reply comes almost instantaneously. Green house eight. Harry shoots back a thank you and pockets his phone after he sees a thumbs up from Shouta. Greenhouse right is one of the newer ones built in the last century or so and therefore attached through an outside entrance instead of the main entrance in central hall.
Inside the greenhouse Hagrid is helping Professor Sprout re-fertilize the magic sensitive plants. The half giant turns as he hears the door open, pouring a decent amount of the fertilize on the ground in front of him as he does so. The sound of a lowly muttered curse sounds throughout the room as Hagrid turns back to the plant he was working on finishing the bag before picking up what he can of the spilled fertilizer. He finishes right as Harry gets to the bottom of the staircase turning to stare at him with a bright smile and spread hands.
“Harry! What are you doing here so early? We weren’t supposed to meet ‘til tonight.”
“Hey Hagrid. Unfortunately the message failed to include a time or place to meet you. Figured I’d better find you now so I can ask.”
“I knew I was forgettin’ somethin’. Well not to worry just meet me at the edge of the forbidden forest right after dinner. Where the bridge is.”
“And you can’t just tell me whatever it is right now?”
“Fraid not. But don’t you worry everything will be perfectly safe. And it’ll be worth it.”
“Fine fine I get it. Keep your secrets Hagrid. I’ll see you tonight then?”
“Attaboy Harry. That’s a good lad see you tonight! Now where was that broom.”
Harry shakes his head walking back up the stairs to leave the greenhouse. As he starts the trek back to the courtyard he spots Hermione locked into conversation with Viktor Krum. Now that the two of them had been spending time together you couldn’t see one without the other. The two usually spending time trading stories or teaching each other the languages they speak, on the colder days they sat in the library often joined by either Luna or Theodore Nott. Today the weather was more favorable so the two sat on one of the benches scattered across the courtyard locked into conversation over an older looking book. Harry turned his eyes to either side of them, catching a glimpse of fiery red hair just to the left. Ron had proven how jealous of a person he is, even more now that Hermione and Viktor have sparked up a friendship. His face was redder than his hair and steam was practically pouring from his ears, reminiscent of eating the black pepper Bertie Botts Beans. His eyes glaring at them from the other side of the courtyard, despite them not being able to see him he looked at them with an intensity like he expected them to turn around and fall at his feet for forgiveness. Harry shook his head in disappointment before walking towards Hermione and Viktor.
“So then Luna snuck up behind him, yelled about an infestation of garpdies and shoved him into the lake. He came up covered in seaweed and mud and smelled like rotten fish for almost a week no matter what spells he used or how many times he showered. Professor Snape actually gave him a pass to leave the classroom and not come back until the stench had left since it was affecting the delicate potions he had brewing.”
“All this to test a potion you were trying to recreate from this book?” Viktor asked in his thick accent. Hermione nodded in confirmation trying to stifle the giggles rising up her throat. “Your creativity truly is astounding. No wonder everyone calls you the smartest witch here.”
Hermione practically beamed at the older student, face flushing in pride before her eyes caught sight of Harry coming up the hill towards them. “Harry! We were just talking about you!”
“Oh I heard. Do you really have to tell everyone that story specifically? It’s so embarrassing and I can still vaguely smell the fish whenever someone talks about it.”
“Oh poor traumatized Harry.” Hermione coos teasingly, “would you prefer I use one of the other stories in my arsenal? There’s so many options after all.”
Harry blanched, turning panicked eyes from Viktor to Hermione and back. “No, nope, no thank you. You’re absolutely right this one is so funny and definitely the best option to tell people. Keep doing as you will.”
“I knew you’d see it my way, glad we could agree.” Hermione smirked towards him briefly. “Anyways formal introductions Viktor this is Harry Potter my absolute best friend. Harry this is Viktor. Don’t let his reputation fool you he plays the fool because he likes keeping expectations low but he’s probably one of the smartest students I’ve ever spoken to.”
“You’ll be smarter than me in no time Hermione, but I thank you for the high praise. It is nice to meet you Harry officially that is. I was appalled that they would allow a child to participate in the tournament. Especially considering how deadly it had been in the past.”
“Thanks. At least some students understand my hesitation.”
“Hermione has been telling me all about you, and how you all became friends. Though I’m still confused how the angry one fits into the dynamic?”
“Angry one?” Hermione turned to look towards the direction Viktor had nodded. Ron stands just as he had when Harry was walking up the hill. Arms crossed, glaring harshly yet expectantly at all three students, body as tense as a bow string. “Ron?” Hermione rolled her eyes, “at first he was just Harry’s friend. He actively tormented me because he was annoyed by how smart I was and how well I was doing in lessons. Then the whole troll incident happened and we were all three of us hanging out trying to solve this mystery around Nicholas Flamel. The chess situation happened at the end of the year and it caused some manner of panic and trauma bonding to happen between the three of us when first Ron almost died and then Harry. Second year didn’t help the trauma bonding honestly with the whole student body being scared of being petrified. I got petrified halfway through that year and Ron barely batted an eye besides how mad he was that quidditch was cancelled. Third year is where we should have realized exactly what he was like. Ron had this pet rat that came from his older brothers, and third year is when my parents finally let me get Krookshanks. Ron’s pet kept disappearing that year, wandering out of the dorm rooms and the common areas and he automatically kept blaming Krookshanks and me. Yelling at me at all times of day about how irresponsible I was letting my cat go about as he pleases and injure other peoples animals. Any conversation we had always turned back to his rat and ended with one of us storming off. Overall he just became difficult and a bully. Some stuff happened at the end of that year that caused him to realize that Krookshanks hadn’t killed his cat and he apologized. We should have realized he was just a jealous ass. This summer was mostly fine. We went to the Quidditch World Cup, great job by the way you played that very well. The Triwizard Tournament was announced and Ron was so angry that he couldn’t enter his name. That got worse when Harry’s name came out of the cup since Ron refuses to believe that Harry didn’t enter his name. Harry has been sleeping in the common room every night since Ron and Seamus play off of each others rage and it makes the dorm so toxic. Sometimes it gets bad enough that Neville joins him as well. I guess I’m glad we’re seeing his true colors now.”
“I am sorry you’re losing such a close friend. It must be hard no matter how often he was horrible to you.”
“Well of course there are memories that are going to hurt worse now since he’s no longer our friend but in the long run I’ll be glad we stopped being friends now rather than four years down the road when we graduate.”
“You have a point. Four years from now you’d probably be inseparable given the atmosphere surrounding the wizarding world at the moment no matter how terribly he acted towards you.” The three wizards jump, their wants sliding into their hands to point at the newcomer before their minds could catch up to what they were doing, “Woah easy there just me” Shouta said raising his hands in the universal sign of ‘I come in peace’
“Shouta! You can’t just sneak up on us like that! You almost gave me a heart attack.” Harry and Hermione pocket their wands, Viktor following suit after a minute.
“Sorry my fault. Forgot that tensions were a little high at the moment. Won’t happen again.” Harry and Shouta nodded at each other before turning to the other two.
“Viktor this is Shouta. He’s my cousin turned foster brother. Shouta this is Viktor Krum, seeker for the Bulgarian professional quidditch team and the triwizard champion for Durmstrang.”
“It’s nice to meet you Viktor. Sorry again for sneaking up on you guys I’m used to stealth training and that doesn’t always translate well to high tension areas.”
“It was no problem. Very nice to meet you.”
“To get to the point of my arrival, dad wants us to meet him in McGonagall’s office for tea before dinner. Apparently he’s having a meeting with Dumbledore and wants to convene about what happens during it.”
“Just ten minutes. One of these days I’ll get ten minutes of being a normal teenager without the world imploding around me.”
“You and me both. Sadly that day is not today. Nice meeting you Viktor. Hermione a pleasure as always. See you guys around.”
“See you Shouta.”
“It was nice to meet you friend. I hope we shall see each other again soon.”
With that shouta and Harry begin walking inside the castle Shouta and Harry comparing notes or the secret tunnels within the school to find the fastest way to the professor's office Needless to say the two boys made it in record time to the transfiguration classroom. They opened the door to McGonagall's office to find her sat at a small round table near the floo surrounded by a spread of different cakes and finger foods. Three porcelain cups rest on coasters at the table and one hilariously oversized coffee mug obviously laid out tor Tony. The two boys greet the professor warmly, sitting down at the two open chairs on the side of the table farthest from the floo. Harry picks up his teacup, watching as his preferred tea starts filling his cup without prompting. Three and a half years surrounded by magic and he is still sometimes filled with awe at what it is capable of. He turns to look at Shouta to see his reaction and is pleased by the look of wonder etched onto the other students' normally stoic face. The three of them exchange pleasant small talk while waiting for the last member of their party to show up. It's no more than two minutes before the door swings open and a snarling Tony stalls in, prowling through the room reminiscent at a caged tiger.
"Tony?" There's silence even after Minerva spoke his name. His pacing not stopping even as his countenance became more vicious and agitated.
“Tony” she tried again more firm this time. When this still didn't garner a response from the irate man Minerva sighed deeply, grabbing a scone of the table in front as her, launching it at Tony's Forehead. She must've used magic to ensure her aim because the scone hit Tony in the center at his forehead, pinging off with a soft plop.
Tony remained in place for another second blinking in confusion, " Did you just throw a scone at me?”
McGonagall smiled, "and if I did? It worked didn’t it?"
Tony shook his head righting his rumpled suit, "Right about that. Your boss is a complete ass you now?"
"Trust me I am well aware but tell me how specifically he managed to get you this irate.”
“Better question would be what didn't he do. I had a meeting with him earlier, Fucker spelled the tea and the lemon cakes he offered thinking I wouldn't notice. He tried a low level compulsion to get me to eat and drink and got aggressive when it obviously was not working. The old coot is trying to figure out the loop hole in the contract so Harry doesn't know what the first challenge is. Honestly it's pretty fuching ridiculous but not unexpected. What was unexpected was his unusual interest in my son. He acted all grandfatherly and concerned, slipping in subtle Spells trying to get me to tell all of his information. Apparently a child who is able to enter Hogwarts even without the proper level of magical ability without causing any of his wards to go off is cause for concern.” Tony's hands began running through his hair again, pulling harshly at the strands. “And then the man had the audacity to tell me he owled the headmistress of the school Harry was entered under and told her not to come. That this whole situation is just some misunderstanding, like a child's life doesn't hang in the balance I expected the manipulation but the audacity is it's own issue and it's almost worse than dealing with Politicians I swear to god.”
"Slow down Tony. Dumbledore wanted to know more about Shouta? What specifically?"
"How we're related, where he came from, where the name we gave him to use came from. Why he isn't more widely known. And that was all before the compulsion and pressing for more personal information. Honestly the man gave serious creep vibes. I dont know how he's been allowed to run a school full of children this long.”
“Is that all you remember him asking you?"
“He asked how Shouta got the last name.” Tony's eyes widened “He knew i was a matriarchal line.” McGonagall and Tony shared a horrified glance. " Fuck! Fuck fuck. God damnit how did I forget! Minnie if he knows it's a .. matriarchal line..”
“Then he might know exactly why it's a matriarchal line as well. He probably knew from the minute you got onto the grounds with Shouta exactly what kind of power he possesses and now he knows why as well. You'd better owl that headmistress, it looks like we'll need far more support than we first realized."
"Fuck. Fuck fuck fuck okay. We've been through worse we'll figure this out too.”
“Why don't you have a seat dear. Though I find it blasphemous you do have coffee waiting for you with our tea cakes. Enjoy a few minutes with your family before the chaos renews.”
*You're right Minnie. Anyways i Children enough about your creepy headmaster for now, how have your days been? Shouta you finish your map?”
Not quite. Getting close but those stupid stairs know. I'm trying to get up the fourth floor south wing and they refuse to let me pass. They keep moving while I'm on them so I end up on the seventh floor east wing. I honestly don't know how these kids make it anywhere on time with staircases like this.”
“Honestly. It’s a mystery to us too. Sometimes we don’t make ut on time because of the stairs changing and we just have to deal with the point loss or detention.” Harry shrugged nonchalantly “It’s even worse it they're mad at you.”
"The stairs can be mad at you?”
"Yeah. Everything in the castle is kind or alive in some way. Not to mention the portraits and the ghosts love to gossip so if you anger one eventually one of the other things in the castle will get you back.”
“The castle itself is a marvel of magic,” Tony continued "It is a sentient being because of the magic used when it was created and because of the centuries of magical knowledge passed down throughout the years. You don't see it very often anymore but magic has been known to create sentience in inanimate objects before.”
"Fascinating.” There was plain awe in Shouta's face as he said this. An itch in his eyes and hands that screamed of his want to research this further. Harry had never seen anything like it before and it was giving him warm floaty feelings he usually only got when around Luna and Hermione.
“You know if you want to learn more. Hermione is a well of information about almost everything magic history related. I'm sure she’d be more than happy to show you anything else you'd live to know."
"That sounds great, thanks Harry.”
"Don't thank me yet. You have no idea the can of worms you just unleashed upon yourself. Hermione takes learning very seriously.”
“As she should. Information is one of the most powerful tools someone can have. If you don't take that seriously what hope do you have of surviving." The longer Shouta spoke the more horrified Harry became. His eyes widened, his nose scrunched up beneath the bridge of his glasses, his body leaning further and further away from shouta.
"Merlins beard there's two of them.” The horror was so clear in Harry's voice as he spoke that the other three occupants could do nothing else but laugh.
Almost two hours had passed by the time the four were ready to separate to go about business before dinner. Harry had let McGonagall know that he was meeting Hagrid after dinner, and knowing the giant he would likely be out past curfew. McGonagall only sighed before handing him a permission slip in case he was stopped by anyone else. Looking out the window Harry decided that he had enough time before dinner to head down to Hogsmeade through the secret tunnel beneath the three-eyed witch statue. He needed to buy more parchment and ink, a few more Quills are always helpful, and he might as well get some treacle tart and a couple cauldron cakes for the girls. There was no point in going to Quality Quidditch Supplies since quidditch wasn't happening this year, so Harry decided his final stop would be the Magical Menagerie to pick up treats for Hedwig and for Krookshanks. The last time Harry had come to Hogsmeade and hadn't brought anything back for the cat, his left shoes kept disappearing then reappearing filled with hairballs and dead mice. Overall not an appalling experience for him, so he'd learned his lesson and made sure to pick up Krookshanks favorite treats every time he left the castle.
Harry finished his shopping right as the sky turned from an orangey - blue to a dark purple signalling the start of dinner back at the castle. Harry wasn't in much of a rush to get back, he'd be able to stop by the kitchens later if he was hungry and it had been awhile since he stopped by to see Dobby and Winky. He decided to leave the items he bought in the twins room, less chance of it getting maliciously destroy there than if he left it in his room. Once everything was put away and spelled to remain invisible to everyone but him and the twins, he headed back down to the great hall. As usual Ron was seated with Dean and Seamus as for away from their old corner of table as he could possibly be without sitting with the first years.
Luna sat with her back to the table, a spoon piled high with some sort of pudding precariously balanced on her nose as Hermiane read from a spiral notebook next to her A glance next to her showed exactly where she got the notebook from. Shouta sat next to her reading over her shoulder as she furiously scribbled words down on the notebooks pages with a muggle pen. By the looks of it the pen was an expensive one, sleeu silver with a pointed tip not dissimilar from the quills they used at Hogwarts. Harry couldn't see it from this far away but he would bet his entire inheritance that the pen was monogrammed as well given the father of the boy it belonged to.
Luna was of course the first one to notice him approaching and started waving at him, moving the spoon back and forth across her face like a dangerous and messy see-saw. Hermione was far too engrossed in her note taking to notice anything beyond the words on the paper, which was not unusual. Shouta turned at Luna's waving and leaned back from his spot over Hermione's shoulder to give his own wave. Harry tilted his head towards him before squeezing on the other side of Luna across from the two book nerds.
“You two are freaks. Who willingly brings extra work with them to dinner?”
"You just don't appreciate our combined genius Harry. Don't worry Shouta just because he doesn't appreciate Just how inventive you are doesn't mean we're au line that. In fact I'm quite looking forward to us putting our minds together. It's sure to be thrilling."
"I also look forward to collaborating. You should meet my panciple. He's an agent of chaos. You'd like him and he'd want to test your brain capacity.”
“Sounds vaguely concerning but I'm in!”
“Shouta don't forget to warn her about what Nezu is, if she isn't told ahead of time she'll be quite shocked.” Luna piped in from next to Harry.
“I feel like I Should be shocked you know what he is but I feel like it's that seer blood my father was talking about.”
“Very astute. Don't worry I won't tell anyone.”
"Thanks Luna.
“I feel like you two are being dramatic. What could possibly be the reason for this caution regarding a principal you obviously like?”
“He's a stout.”
“A stout?” Hermione blinks, “like the animal?"
“Exactly. Although he does like to pretend he's a chimera. He's not, he's just dramatic like that.”
“How does a stout run a School?
"Surprisingly easy actually. It's more a Question ot why is he only running a school and not the whole government. He says the chaos, I think he's just biding his time.”
"But he's a stout. Wait he can talk?"
"Yes? How else would he run a school?
“I thought it was like those cats that are made into train conductors because they live at the train station.”
"I'm so telling him you said that. This day is great and that is the funniest thing I've ever heard.”
"Thanks I think but I'm still confused."
“If you guys have somewhere less public we can talk more later.”
“Yeah there's a corner of the library we warded we can
meet there later.”
“Not me friends I've got a half-giant to meet in the forest. Luna any chance you could tell me what this mystery meeting is about?” Harry turned to the blonde as he asked. Luna only shook her head before motioning to Zip her lips. Harry sighed. "Yeah should've seen that coming. Anyways you guys enjoy your discussion tonight. Hermione don't wait up I probably won't be back until late and yes I did get a permission slip from McGonagall to be out past curfew.”
“Who would've known, I guess you can teach an old dog new tricks afterall.” Luna and Hermione fall into peals of laughter at that comment drawing the attention from the rest of the table. Harry rolled his eyes good naturedly, smiling as he lifted the spoon off of Luna's nose before it could fall on her lap. Right as he was about to put the spoon back down on the table, Harry felt something thick and cold slide down his head leaving a trail of thick slime though his hair and down his casual robes. The laughter from the girls stop as does most of the noise in the hall. You could hear a pin drop in the suffocating silence that followed.
Harry Just blinks before slowly turning around to gall see who had poured their food on him, unsurprised to see Ron and Seamus standing behind him. Their smirks said every thing even though the two of them didn't speak right away.
Harry debated with himself over reacting to their display, deciding it wasn't worth it. He took a breathe prepared to brush them off when Ron spoke over him,
"Sorry did we mess up perfect Potters hair?" Ron and Seamus let out snorts of laughter as the entire hall waited with baited breath for Harry to respond.
"This isn't worth wasting my breath on. Hermione, Luna good night enjoy the library. Shouta I'll probably see you tomorrow.” Harry pushed himself off the bench purposefully avoiding Ron and Seamus by walking the long way around the tables to leave the great hall. As he walked past the tables students began to whisper to each other, voices growing louder until it reaches a cacophony as he uses his magic to slam open the doors to the great hall. He hears footsteps rushing behind him, figuring it to be either his foster brother or his friends he slows down his pace hardly registering that he had almost been running the whole time.
“Potter.” Harry almost bolts again. Instead he slows his steps even more, waiting for Malfoy to catch up.
"What do you want Malfoy? Rub it in my face that no one believes me? Go ahead I have no fucks left to give today so its your only chance without me cursing you.”
"No that's not what I wanted. Bloody hell will you just turn around?”
Harry whirled around to face Malfoy, a snarl preparing to cross his face. He pauses when he sees the other boy's face.
"I don't have the energy Malfoy so if you're going to say something please make it quick."
"Thank you. I was trying to tell you I know a place you could clean up in peace. I can't imagine going back to your dorm is what you want to do right now.”
“I'd love to see what trick you're spent your precious time plotting but I've got a million other things I'd rather be doing than getting humiliated again. Maybe tomorrow.” Harry starts walking away again before he feels a firm tug at his wrist. "Merlins balls you're persistent today but please. I'm asking nicely for once, just leave me alone Malfoy.”
“Not a trick this time Potter. I swear. I just. I realized that this year maybe we should call a truce. Temporary of course. It's no fun to poke fun at someone who doesn't have the energy to fight back.”
Harry searched the boy's face looking for any hint of decestion. Finding none he sags slightly against the blonde, nodds Shallowly.
“Fine. Fine, but I swear Maltay if this is a trich. I'll make you regret it.”
"No tricks. Not this time, promise. Follow me.”
The two boys begin walking through the halls. After a few minutes of navigating the hallways Harry notices that the direction they're walking ends in the astronomy wing.
“You know there's an easier way to get rid of me, you don’t have to throw me from the astronomy tower.”
Malfoy rolled his eyes, though Harry was close enough and knew him well enough by this point that he could see the small curl of his lip signifying his amusement.
“If I wanted to kill you Potter I wouldn't choose something as mundane as a small fall from the astronomy tower."
“Good to know your flair for the dramatics is consistent in every aspect of your life."
“You call it dramatics. I call it appropriate behavior for my station.”
The two boys share a quick laugh neither noticing that they still maintained their hold on each other’s hand. Thẹ two kept walking for a few minutes until they came across the hallway that housed the tapestry of trolls doing ballet. Malfoy dropped his hand, seemingly unconsciously, before beginning to ace back and forth in front of the tapestry. Harry was just about to Question Malfov's sanity or lack thereof, when an ornate door appeared in front of them. Intricate metalwork twisting around itself to form a vine-live door before an apple shaped door handle appeared as the finishing touch. Harry's yaw dropped open slightly with awe.
“How did you do that?"
"You saw me Potter. Or is your eyesight so bad that even those glasses can't help you?"
"No you arse. How did you know that was there?"
"Family secret I'm afraid. Don't worry though you can use it at anytime. I'll even show you how to use it, but not until I after you’re clean of that filth.”
Harry rolled his eyes at the obvious disgust in Malforis voice. "Thanks Malfoy. "
"The room has everything you need. I'll wait out here Potter." Harry nodded in thanks before slipping into the room. He could tell as soon as he walked in that the room was made by magic. A large tub sat in the middle of the room, though calling it a tub was generous Harry thought. It was more like a pond, large enough to fit most of the boys dormitory with spare room Harry was willing to bet. Malfoy was right when he said the room would have everything he needed, there were washcloths, soap bars of different shapes and scents, and even spare clothes off to the side on a bench. The room appeared as if made from an outcropping of rocks at a hot spring. Wet stones made up the walls leaving a smell not unlike a rainstorm on pavement. There was a waterfall running down the rocks into the pool. As Harry got into the water a single thought had steam billowing out from the pool. Harry relaxed into the warm water, feeling far less tense than he had in months.
As much as he wanted to, he knew he couldn't take too long in the bath since Malfoy was waiting for him outside. He washed up as fast as he could before getting out into the warm air and getting dressed. A tray appeared beside him with a plate of biscuits and a bottle of water. He grabbed both, thanking the room in his head, and men left promising to come back again if only to enjoy this relaxation for longer. He stepped out into the hallway the door to the room closing behind him before melting back into the stones.
Malfoy stood against the wall next to him, twirling his wand between his fingers .
"Thanks again Malfoy. I can honestly say this is the best I've felt in months.”
Malfoy's head turned toward him as he spoke, the wand flitting between his fingers seconds before slipping back into its holster.
"Don't mention it Potter. Now I believe I did promise to tell you how to get into the room on your own.”
“I believe that was mentioned yeah.”
"You've got to imagine what you want. You don't have to imagine every detail, but it does help. Hold that image in your mind as you pass in front of the wall. The door will start to appear once the room knows what you want. Some people will say that it's after the third turn of pacing but I've found that what matters more is how clear you are in what you want. The more the room has to work with the quicker the door appears and vice versa. Why don't you give it a go now so I know you understand?”
Harry nodded to himself, walking up to the wall and trying to decide what he wanted the room to become. He pictured it clearly in his head, a room with tall glass ceilings letting in light from a never changing full moon. Rows and rows of tall bookshelves where Hermione could happily be lost for ages. A crackling fireplace warming the room as it gave the space a homey-Smokey scent. Harry held the image in his mind as he turned on his heel and began pacing before the wall. He imagined sounds from a forest filling the air. The creaking of ancient branches reaching high above the windows, the sounds of birds and squirrels hopping through a forest floor. The quiet trickle of a stream and the splash as the water falls off the rocks and into a waiting pond below. It was on his second turn of the hallway that he heard the unmistakable sound of stone pushing against metal. A door appeared before him, a golden-brown metal, worn looking and aged started filling the space between the moving stones. What could only be described as strands of molten metal twisted around each other, becoming like plaits to form the frame for the door. Pillars began to form from more of these liquid strands of metal, forming the body of the doors. Celtic knots and twining branches began to form in the center of these pillars, all facing towards the middle of these doors, reaching high to the peak of the arched Frame. The stone began to thin around the metal becoming similar to frosted glass. Finally a pitch black handle appears jutting out from the mid-point of the two doors, jagged almost as if it was cut from stone right before being placed upon the door. Harry reached out to open the newly finished room, right as his hand touched the door handle, a jagged edge cut his palm.
"Ah!" Harry pulled his hand away from the handle as he felt the sting of the cut.
Malfoy came looking over his Shoulder as Harry recoiled from the door.
“What happened?"
“I don't know I went to grab the handle and it cut me.”
The two teenagers turn to the handle and watch in shock as the bright red of Harry’s blood is absorbed into the black handle. The door gives a shudder as a ripple a what could only be magic passes over it. Harry glances down at his hand and sees the cut completely healed and the blood gone as if it had never happened.
“That was weird.”
“Yeah.”
There was a pause
“Try again?"
“Yeah.” Harry nodded.
"Good. Get on with it Potter." Harry reached out again, wary of the door handle in case it now had a taste for his blood. However this time as he reached out and grabbed the handle he did not feel the sting of being cut, rather a warm feeling spread from his hand where he grabbed the handle throughout his whole body. The door pushed open on its own after a second of him holding the handle. They walked through the archway and immediately noticed when stone gave way to marble flooring.
Different shades of glossy white and gold marble. Veins of greens and blues run throughout the floor, the lamps around the room adding depth to the area, the warmth making it appear as if these veins of blue and green were running streams and not stationary effects. Tall archways decorated every wall in the room showing just how much space the room had compared to what the hallway outside implied. Plants hung down from the tall glass ceilings giving the impression of a tree growing just underneath. Cool blue light from a faux full moos adds a sense of serene and calm to the whole room. Plush chairs huddle against one wall next to a crackling fireplace. The chairs a deep rich brown giving the look of tree bark against the light green walls. Through one of the archways he could just make out stacks of bookshelves and a group of desks congregated in another. A faint whisper of something sweet wafted through the air but Harry was unable to place what it was.
“Not bad Potter. Actually rather impressive.”
“Thanks Malfoy. That's high praise coming from you.”
“Isn't it though. Anyways as much as I'd love tu stick around in here with you, for once no.
Sarcasm there I really want to see more of that library, it is getting Close to curfew so weid better head out.”
“You're right. And Malfoy? "
“Hm?”
“I wouldn't hate letting you stick around while I'm in the
room. As long as the truce stays while we're in there.”
“I think that's rather agreeable Potter.”
"Then we've got a deal. See you around prat.”
"Whatener scar face." Malfoy raised his hands in a parting gesture as he walks towards the dungeons. Harry doesn't let himself watch him for more than a few seconds before walking the opposite direction towards the forest: He slides the cloak on while passing through the hallways, very intent on avoiding the students milling around after supper.
Once he's free of the castle grounds and no longer sees any Hogwarts students meandering about he slides the cloak off tucking it beneath his arm as he enjoyed the fresh air. It's not long before he sees Hagrid’s tall form amidst the trees, Fang as always by his side.
“Harry! You made it. You brought the cloak right?"
Harry held it up in answer.
"Perfect! It's right this way, I’ll let you know when it's time to put the cloak on." Hagrid leads the way further into the forest, stopping after around 10 minutes traversing through the underbrush.
“Alright Harry the cloak. Put the cloak on.”
Harry lets the material slide over his head covering him from head to toe, removing him from view. The forest was unusually warm for both how late it was and the time of year they were in. It felt almost sweltering the further In they went. He turned to ask Hagrid and noticed something he hadn't before,"Hagrid did you slick your hair back?"
"Huh? Yeah I did."
“And is that a flower pinned to your shirt?"
“I just felt like dressing up is all. Now be quiet it's just up ahead.”
The forest was silent for a few more moments then a voice piped up behind them, "Hagrid! What was it you wanted to show me?"
"Olympe! They're magnificent, you'll love them, I just know it.”
Suddenly a cacophony of noise was heard all around them as 1 fire leapt between branches high above their heads. An earth shattering roar split through the previous silence before flames so white they almost burned blue twisted into the air line a tower of heat and destruction.
“Oh Hagrid, you were right. Just look at how big they are! And their scales reflect their fire so well." Harry saw Madame Maxime walk closer to the caged dragons on the left side at his peripheral vision.
"Dragons?" Harry asked as soon as he knew he was out of hearing range of the other Headmistress. "The first task is dragons?"
Hagrid nodded, slightly confused. "Aye. Didn't Ran tell ya that?"
"No. He didn't say a thing. That means he knew?”
“Of course he knew! His brother Charlie bought them from the reserve in Romania. I thought for sure he woulda told you by now. I just figured I'd be showing you which ones you were up against.”
“I didn't know at all. Ron didn’t tell me anything. More importantly, which dragons exactly do we have to look forward to?"
"Well the Chinese Fireball is that wyrm- like one all the way to the left. The Swedish Shortsnout is the tall green one in the center. Sweet those ones are truly. The one sleeping there on the right, that's a Welsh Green.” Another bout of flame followed by a deafeningly loud roar interrupted Hagrid. "Then of course there's the Hungarian Horntail. That une must be a new mum, they're really only this aggressive when nesting and even then it's usually better than this if they’ve done it before.”
Harry ducks back under the invisibility. cloak, waiting for the word from Hagrid that they were returning to the castle. It wasn't too much later that Madame Maxime hinted at returning to Hagricis for a night cap. Hary held in a gag at the blatant flirting between the two half giants. As the trio pass by Hagrid's hut Hagrid waves Madame Maxime inside under the guise of Fang needing to go to the bathroom. Once the door shuts behind her Harry removes the cloak.
"Thanks for telling me Hagrid. It means a lot."
"Not a problem lad. Now you best get back to the castle. Wouldn't want you getting in trouble over this.
“Goodnight Hagrid."
"Night Harry."
A million thoughts fly through Harry's head as he trudged on towards the castle chief among them being that Ran knew , he knew that the first task involved dragons and he didn't say anything. He chose not only to not tell Harry this potentially life saving Information, but he also knew just how dangerous the first task would be and still chose to believe Harry had put his own name in the goblet of fire.
Hermione was right, Ron was really showing just what kind of person he is. Right as Hany was entering the inner courtyard, the door to the castle opened in front of him. Coming out of the door was Snape. Robes billowing behind him, always one for dramatic flair when able.
Snape's eyes snapped immediately to Harry's signature scowl firmly in place, even though his gait paused as if he was conflicted.
"Ah Mister Potter. Always a joy seeing you so late after curfew. Tell me what has you breaking the rules tonight?" Snape raised a singular eyebrow, stopping directly in front of him.
"Actually professor you'll be no doubt overjoyed to know I have permission for once.”
"Oh? And which of your professors have you tricked into giving you permission to cause chaos?"
"Professor McGonagall Sir. I was helping Hagrid with some work on the edge of the forest. "
Harry handed the signed permission slip over to the teacher. His black eyes roamed the page before deeming it satisfactory.
“Well then you best get back to your tower. Wouldn't want you to miss out on any precious beauty sleep would we Potter? And if I catch you again tonight you'll be scrubbing cauldrons for a month, am I clear?"
“Crystal sir."
Snape nodded before stalking away towards the other end of the courtyard. Once Harry made it to the Gryffindor common room he was exhausted and more than ready for the day to end. Turning to the back of the room Harry is about to flop face first onto the couch when he spots Hermione curled up on an armchair across from it. He shakes his head fondly before covering her sleeping form with the quilt kept on the couch. Once he was sure she was comfortable and wouldn't wake back up he dropped on the couch and let the exhaustion drag him under.
——————————————————————
Morning came far too soon in Harry's opinion. He groaned as he came to hawareness, body hall falling oft of the couch he was laid on. He turned his head and saw Hermione still peacefully asleep under the quilt. He shoves his hand roughly through his hair, placing his glasses back onto his face and crouching beside Hermione to wake her up. Once she was up they separated to get ready and then walked to breautast together. Hermione told him about the conversations her and Shouta had had last night with Luna about not just Hogwarts history but major wizarding history as well. Harry then told her about what had happened after he left the great hall. As he expected she showed more interest in the library than she did skepticism about Malfoy being the one to show the room to him. They made plans to meet back at the room that afternoon so Hermione would have time to finish the essay for Ancient Runes that was due the next day. The pair split not long after breakfast, Harry heading towards the west side of campus, Hermione to the library on the eastern side of the castle.
Even though quidditch was cancelled this year to make room for the Triwizard Tournament Harry still wanted to go flying. He missed the freedom he felt on a broom, and was planning to spend the morning on a quick flight around the grounds before meeting back up with Hermione. On the way to the quidditch pitch he saw Cedric with his friends on the small quad outside the main bridge.
Harry debated with himself for a moment on whether he should tell Cedric about the first task, then almost hit himself for ever doubting. Dragons were the first task and the sooner Cedric knew the better prepared he would be for the first task. Harry began walking in the direction Cedric was in, intent on getting the message to him as soon as possible so he could go on his flight, when he saw Seamus and Ran leaning against the archway to the Quad blocking his path. Not for the first time Harry cursed whatever god he had offended in a past life for making his current one the butt of every cosmic jole. He took a deep breath to steel himself for the confrontation he was about to put himself through and walked straight up to the other two boys. Seamus saw him first, sending him a dirty look before nudging Ron and pointing back toward him. Once Ron saw him his easy gang body language gave way to a righteous fury that he had no right to be feeling.
“Look here Seamus. Prince Potter is coming. Better move out of his highness' way before we taint his precious air.”
“Look at him not even turning to see you. What can't
be bothered to see us peasants Potter?"
Harry rolled his eyes attempting to push past them.
Seamus and Ron pushed back against him, not letting him leave.
"You too good to hang around us now that you're one of the champions? One bout of tame wasn t enough for you was it? Have to make sure everyone only pays attention to you?" Seamus taunted, poking his finger into Harry's chest with every accusation. "Not gonna answer me Potter?”
"Silent treatments a bit childish for the Saviour isn’t it?
Not like you to not grab everyone's attention Potter.”
"You're a right foul arse Ron Weasley.”
"Yeah, Saint Potter? Anything else you have to say to a poor peasant like me?
"Yeah, stay away from me, and Hermione. We're tired of you being such a stuck up selfish jealous git." Harry finally manages to push past the two of them, hardly noticing how the rest of the corridor had grown silent in the midst of the altercation.
Once Harry makes it over to ledric and his friends he's shaking with rage and disappointment. Cedric pulls him to the side, saying something that Hay isn't capable of hearing through the roar of his blood pounding in his ears. Harry also fails to notice the concerned glance Cedric sends back towards his friends, and the consequent spread out they do after forming a circle around the two champions preventing any other students from coming near. What Harry does begin to register is the feel of Cedric tapping a steady rhythm on his arm. He begins counting the beats unconsciously, matching his breaths to the taps. Slowly noise filters back into his ears, the sound of the wind, of birds, distant chatter of other students. and the sound of deep breathing ledic is making next to him. Once he registers that his breathing has matched with the exaggerated breaths Cedric was talking Harry gasped out one final breath feeling the rest of the would come into focus.
"You back with us Hary?" Cedric asked, concern clear in his voice.
"Yeah. Yeah sorry about that. A little stressed you know?”
Cedric nodded. "I get it we're all a little tense right now. You're feeling better now though yeah?"
"Yeah thanks Cedric. Didn't mean to freak out like that. Anyways, I did come for a reason. I know what the first task is.”
"How did you find out early?"
"Hagrid. It's dragons. I don't know the details yet but I figured even knowing it's dragons would help.”
"It does, thanks Harry. I appreciate you letting me know. Is that all you know?"
“I know what species they are too. There was a Welsh Green, Hungarian Horntail, Chinese Fireball and a Swedish Shortsnout. Hagrid said something about the Horntail being a first time nesting mother, and that's why she's being extra aggressive.”
“Strange that they chose female dragons, especially nesting ones they're known to be more aggressive to potential threats.”
Harry could only shrug since he wouldn't learn anymore details at the task for a day or two.
“I don't know much about dragons so I couldn't tell you. Anyways I'm going for a fly around the castle before my day gets any more ruined. See you Cedric.”
"Bye Harry. And thanks, I appreciate it.”
The two waved goodove to each other before parting ways. Harry continued Walking down the path towards the Quidditch pitch. Harry was only walling for a minute or two when he saw a group of students all Under the base of a large tree. He could vaguely make out the shape of Malfoy sitting atop one at the branches before jumping down at Harry's approach.
Harry could see his lithe form tense slightly as he prepared to jump. Landing elegantly in the center of the group below him. The sun between the branches making his platinum hair shine almost ethereally. He was laughing at something another student had said before looking at something behind Harry with pere disgust. Harry turned to look at whatever had caused that reaction in Malfoy. As soon as he was halfway turned, his back now facing the group, a commotion behind him made him turn back arand. To the right of the group Professor Moody came barreling through an archway waving his wand. Harry followed where his wand was pointing and saw Malfoy no longer in the group. What he did see was a small white ferret Goating in the air.
"That'll teach you to wise someone when their back is turned. You cowardly, weasel little... Moody wept waving his wand around taking the poor -probably Maltoy-fener around with him. McGonagall comes from inside the castle, drawn by all the commotion, pushing through groups of students.
“What is all this ruckus about? Professor Moody? Is that a ferret?"
“Very sharp Professor. I'm teaching a lesson.”
“A lesson? Is that a student?”
"You just said professor, it's a ferret.”
"Professor Moody turn them back now.” Professor
McGonagall was the angriest Harry had ever seen her. Her severe countenance matched the bun atop of her head. Her dark eyes like flint, her mouth in a tight line making the planes of her face appear even more harsh than normal. When Moody didn't comply with her request right away, going so far to ignore it that he brought the Malfoy ferret forward and levitated him down the pants of Crabbe, McGonagall waved her own wand towards the boys. With a wave the ferret was replaced with a disheveled and confused Malfoy. There was raw panic in the other boys features for a brief moment before he regained awareness of his surroundings.
"My father will hear about this!"
"Your father?" Mad-eye snarled, his face living up to his name. “I could tell you stones of your father that would churn even your dark stomach boy!"
Malfoy scrambled backwards, having an obviously hard time regaining his footing, Mad-eye followed his every step bounding towards the boy still half-curled around himself. "Next time think twice before taking such a cowardly route you slimy good for nothing!”
“ALASTOR!” McGonagall steps in front of Mad-eye halting his thunderous footsteps towards Malfoy, allowing the boy to regain his footing and leave the area. “I know that Dumbledore told you that using transfiguration as a punishment is forbidden.”
"It may have been mentioned.”
"You would do well to remember it the next time the urge overcomes you. Now away with all of you!" Me Gonagall swept through the students pushing them away from the spectacle and missing the book Moody sent at her back. Harry was about to continue on to the pitch when he felt an icon grip on his arm, pulling him to a stop.
"With me Potter I have something to show you.”
Harry looked wistfully towards the pitch, knowing instinctually he would not be getting to go on his morning flight, before following behind Moody. The two of them ended up in Moody's office. The room was store as most of the rooms in the castle were, but this room felt different. Darker, more depressing. It was filled with so many different magical objects that Harry had no hope of knowing what they did or how they worked. A large glass sphere sat in the middle of the room across from the desk.
“That's a foe glass. Let's me keep an eye on my enemies. If I can see the whites of their eyes, they're standing right behind me.” Moody lets out a crazed laugh from behind the desk. "Now tell me. How do you plan on dealing with your dragon?"
"I hadn't gotten that far in planning yet.
"Sit." Moody pushed a chair out from across the desk. "You'll need to do better than that if you want to get through this. Moody leaned forward, bracing his arms against the desk, "Diggory was better with most of his spellwork when he was your age than you are, and he's only gotten better. Fleur Delacour may be pretty but she's fiercer competition than any of you and she knows it. Krum may not be all that bright but he's strong and he's fast. All of their head masters are going to be helping them prepare, you've got me.”
‘That,’ Harry thinks to himself ‘may be the scariest thing I've ever heard.’
Harry ended up passively listening to Moody's rant
about constant vigilance and the half formed plans he had started to make to help Harry take down a dragon.
Afterall it wasn't like Harry was going to tell the man that the Headmistress from the school he was entered under was going to be there tonight, or that he had a family now who was more than willing to help him. He didn't get to go on his flight but he did get out of Moody's office with just enough time to meet Hermione at the room. He arrived at the Astronomy wing at the same time as Hermione.
"Hey Harry. You look remarkably less disheveled than I thought you would after flying.”
"That would be because I never got to go."
“Didn’t you leave to go to the pitch right after breakfast?”
"Yup.” Hermione looked so confused by this point.Harry sighed. "I'll tell you but let's go to the room first, I want to sit on something more comfortable than a wooden chair.”
Hermione nodded in agreement so they continued to walk in a companionable silence. As they approached the hallway the room is in Harry begins to feel the same warm feeling from the last time he was in the room, turning the corner entering the hallway Harry noticed the room was already there. The door flat against the wall ready to be opened.
"I thought you had to pace in front of the wall?"
"I did too?"
"Hm.”
“Hermione you know I love you and all your cryptic-ness but I can’t handle a ‘Hm’ right now”
“Just strange is all. It’s not important honestly we have plenty of time to figure that out. Let’s just head inside. I can't wait to see this library you told me about.”
Harry leads Hermione into the room. It looks exactly as he remembered it from the night before, including the blonde Slytherin sitting in one of the corners.
“Malfoy?”
“Potter. You did say the room is neutral ground or was I mistaken?”
“No you’re right. I was just surprised to see you here after what happened earlier.”
“That’s precisely why I came. Wanted to warn you that when Moody saw me take my wand out earlier I wasn’t trying to curse you. Weasley and Finnagan were trying to hex you and I was attempting to throw a protego in your direction. I figured you should know if your roommates are considering harming you when your back is turned.”
“I’m not surprised but thanks for trying to help Malfoy. I’m sorry Mad-eye went insane on you. Are you ok after everything? That looked rough.”
“I’m fine Potter.” Malfoy said harshly. A look of what could only be described as guilt appeared on his face before it shuttered behind his ice cold mask of indifference. “I’m fine. Thank you for your concern but I’d rather not discuss it.”
“No problem. We just came to check out that library in more detail care to join us?”
“That doesn’t sound too detestable. Granger anything specific you’re looking for?”
“Anything on dragons would be preferable considering that’s what they’re using for the first task.”
“I knew Dumbledore was insane but I didn’t realize he was negligent as well. Come on, let's see what the room can show us.”