Strange Potter

"I will end you for this." 

Harry was almost afraid of that threat. Almost.

"You can't put it off forever."

"You know I can't stand doing it!"

"Everyone has to face their fears one day," Harry argued back.

"Not this!"

"You ran after a troll but this scares you?"

"That's completely different!" She tried to argue.

"Fine. Hermione Granger Girl-Who-Ran-Away because she was too scared." Harry said dramatically.

For a moment she had Snape's glare aimed at him. If she could do it then he would probably be set ablaze by that look.

Harry just stared back. Neither one blinking or giving an inch.

"I guess you don't want one of Doc's books after all..." He shrugged.

"You wouldn't!" She said in horror.

"Hermione as one of my best friends you need to understand one thing about me." Harry smiled. "I don't bluff."

Hermione growled at him but grabbed the broom. "I hate you."

"Hate me all you want I will help you fly." He declared.

The two were on the Quidditch field after practice. Harry had to practically drag her over and the argument had been going on for at least twenty minutes. 

Neville had stayed in the common room to finish his potion essay so it was just the two of them.

Harry had to beg Hooch to let him help Hermione but she finally relented and was on the condition, that she was watching the whole time.

"Alright now mount the broom." Harry began.

"I know that!!"

"Shouting isn't going to get me to quit. Look at Snape. It didn't work for him."

"Ahh!" She let out and put herself on the broom.

"Okay now hold tight." 

She wasn't expecting him to get on it behind her!

"What are you doing?" She turned her head to look at him as he sat.

"Now you know you won't fall." He explained as he grabbed around her and held the broom. "Just hold on."

Hermione felt the broom raise and immediately shut her eyes.

I'm going to kill him!! This is awful!!

"I heard that." He smirked. "Powerful emotions remember? And we both know you won't kill me."

"I'm bloody well thinking about it!!"

"Wow. Did you just curse? I'm a bad influence on you."

"Shut it!!"

Harry had to stop himself from laughing. They were very close on the broom and she instinctively put her back against his chest.

"Hermione I won't let you fall. I promise. And if you do somehow fall I'll catch you." He reassured her.

Hermione was breathing hard and clinching the broom in a death grip.

"Hermione I know you're afraid. I can feel it. Take some deep breaths then try to open your eyes when you can."

Hermione began working on getting her heart rate down as she took long slow breaths.

"Well, you're calming down. Ready to open your eyes yet?"

"No."

"Hermione..."

"Fine..."

She peeked out and saw they were about ten feet in the air. She shut them tight and squeaked out.

"Don't look down right away. Look forward. Come on you can do this. You're a witch!"

"And they call me pushy...." She mumbled.

"I can hear you."

"Good!"

Harry rolled his eye but thought of something. He slowly steered the broom to look at the castle while flying up some more.

"What are you doing?!"

"Just open again but look ahead. Trust me."

Hermione was wondering if friends were overrated but she did trust him...

She forced herself to open her eyes and saw the castle with the lake in view. It was an incredible sight.

"Wow...that's beautiful."

"You can't get a view like this on the ground." 

"It is kind of nice..."

"See." He smiled. "Now you steer us around. Take it slow. I'll take over if it gets too bad okay?"

"...Okay."

Hooch watched from the ground. They were higher than she would like but Potter's abilities were top-notch.

"Do you let usually your first years fly together?" An old voice asked.

"Occasionally," Hooch smirked. "Mr. Potter is assisting Miss. Granger on her fear of flying."

"Is that what that is?" McGonagall smirked back.

The two professors watched the children flying in silence for a few minutes.

"Ten gallons by the end of 7th year," Hooch spoke after a few moments passed.

"For?"

"The pool I know you have to go," Hooch answered. 

"Together or engaged?"

"Engaged."

"I'll put you down." The Head of Lions smiled.

About an hour later the two landed. Hermione was better but still uncomfortable. She felt immediately relieved when she touched the ground.

"Still hate me?" 

"Yes." She said as she hopped off the broom and walked back to the dorm. He is infuriating and brilliant at the same time...

Harry just shook his head with a grin while walking next to her.

"I didn't ask before, but how does your emotional magic part work?"

"Oh." Harry was surprised by the question. "That's...that's strange to explain. Well, imagine if you felt emotions but they weren't yours. Like you can tell when someone is angry and all of a sudden you're angry too. Even if you were happy and cheerful before."

She scrunched her face at the thought. "That sounds bad. How do you deal with it?"

"A lot of time and practice. When I was small it was really bad. Doc said the magics together make it more potent than for Wanda so it affects me more. But I've learned how to separate others from myself. Now, while I can feel them it doesn't change my mood." He explained. "If it wasn't for Wanda I don't think I would be allowed anywhere near a school or even outside. It was bad when I was a toddler."

"What happened?"

"I had some nightmares that almost leveled the house. Wanda blocked them. Then there were a few times when I felt someone's anger and it made me throw some tantrums that would have been worse than a bomb if she hadn't been there. She's...really been the third mum to me. I'm lucky to have her."

"She probably feels like the lucky one." Hermione smiled. "I've seen how both her and Miss. Romanoff look at you. They're proud."

"I'm proud to have them. Grateful."

As they started back into the school they switched subjects. It wasn't even school-related that they talked about and Hermione was enjoying it.

The old gentleman stood when he heard the door. This wasn’t an easy place to find so he immediately went for one of his special concoctions. 

With the last few places, he had moved around to hide from whoever was searching for the stone. It had him a bit more paranoid. 

The glass jar held a very potent form of potion. The perfect amount blended over years. One hit and the individual wouldn't be getting up.

He held the jar behind himself and carefully opened the door. 

"Nicholas Flamel." The man with gray on his sides and a goatee wasn't asking him.

"Yes."

"Dr. Stephen Strange."

Nicholas relaxed a little at the name. "Dr. Strange. Unexpected. Come in." He slid the jar to the counter.

"Thank you. First I want to say what a pleasure it is to meet you, Mr. Flamel." As he offered his hand.

"The same to you Dr. Strange." Nicholas shook his hand. "Although I was saddened by the news of Fiona's passing."

"Fiona?"

Nicholas smirked. "You didn't think she was born with the name The Ancient One did you?"

"Ah. So I take it you knew her well?"

"We had a 'history' about two centuries ago. Give or take a decade. Time is an odd thing to keep track of for a person like me." He chuckled. "Care to sit?" 

Stephen took the offered seat at the table. "Mr. Flamel I'll cut straight to the point of my visiting you if that's alright with you."

"Please do and just Nicholas please."

"Very well Nicholas. Why did you give Dumbledore your stone to hide in Hogwarts?"

The aged man showed a brief look of surprise. "I guess I shouldn't be too bewildered by you discovering that. Can I assume it is still with Albus?"

"I have no desire for it Nicholas. I've seen the cost of immorality. But I would like to know why."

Nicholas sighed. "Do you know how many times someone has attempted to steal my greatest creation?"

"Not off hand."

"I've lost count. The past few years have caused uneasiness. Something has been to my many residents looking for it. Whatever it was going through my defenses like tissue paper." He explained. "So as a precaution I had it moved to Gringotts."

"I heard of the break-in."

"Luckily Albus suspected it wouldn't be safe there for long and had it brought to his school."

"He believes it's Voldemort doesn't he?"

"That is his suspension yes." Nicholas nodded.

"So someone with no body and limited abilities has his sights set on the stone. If he gets it how long would it take for him to regain his power?"

"Careful brewing and the right combination...maybe a year."

"So Dumbledore is hoping to slow down his return." He knew there were other ways for the disembodied spirit to come back but this would be the fastest. "Alright I see his point but why would he put it in Hogwarts?"

"You've been there Dr. Strange. The wards and defenses are some of the most secure around. With the benefit of Albus being there, it would be foolish to attempt to take it there."

"Because Voldemort is afraid of him?"

"Exactly."

"While I can see his point. What justification is there to endanger the students?"

"Endanger?"

"He announced the corridor where he is hiding the stone was off-limits to anyone who did wish to die a painful death. Then had a Cerberus put there."

That raised Nicholas's eyebrows. "Albus always had a different definition of subtle..." He sighed. "The child always had to blow up the cauldron before learning. I knew nothing about that. He told me he was taking steps to guard it but I didn't know of an actual guard dog."

"So he withheld even from you. That doesn't surprise me."

"Albus means well, but I'm afraid he's reached the age he can no longer see the trees through the forest. Or the animals and plants with them."

"Seeing the bigger picture is what a leader is supposed to do, but he isn't just the guy fighting against Voldemort. He is a Headmaster. That is the job he seems to love and yet he's failing it because he won't put the school first."

"I will have to have words with Albus. He's always been brilliant but as I said he has difficulty learning from his mistakes. I hoped he would grow out of it."

"Unfortunately his past experiences only seemed to make him believe he is the only one who can be right."

"Has the Cerberus been removed?"

"It has, but I don't know what else he had planned to guard the stone."

"Thank you for bringing this to my attention. I will make sure Albus understands my disappointment with him."

"That would be interesting to watch."

"Where do you think he learned it from?" Nicholas smiled.

"I don't have the authority to remove the stone from there since he's not breaking any rules against having it but if something happens because of it being there..."

"I do trust Albus but I fully understand what you are saying."

Stephen looked at his watch. "This had been a pleasant conversation Nicholas, but unfortunately I have another appointment to make."

"Thank you for informing me of this. I will send a letter to Albus letting him know of our conversation and his poor judgment."

"Thank you."

Stephen was nearing the door when a question stopped him.

"Did she...were you there when she passed?"

Strange turned back to the man. "To the end."

"Was she ready?" 

"She accepted it, but she held on to every last second."

Nicholas gave a small laugh at that. "That sounds like her."

Harry was floating around the castle in his Astral form, while his body was taking notes of different classes around the castle when he overheard talk between some of the ghosts.

"The Headless Hunt will never accept you, Nick."

"Surley a small flap can be..."

"You already know the truth of that Nick. I'm sorry."

Nick sighed as the other ghost flew off.

Harry stopped at the sight. He could help Nick but that would mean showing himself...

Sod it.

Harry slipped out of the plane and floated behind Nick.

"Hey, Nick."

The ghost spun around and found a very dead-looking Harry Potter.

"Mr. Potter?! What happened? You...my boy no." The ghost was nearing tears. Well, the tears a ghost can produce.

"I'm not dead Nick. This is just my soul outside my body. I can put it back."

"What? What magic does this?"

"A special kind. It's very rare."

"This is extraordinary." Nick floated to Harry. "Are you sure you aren't dead?"

"I'm not. I'm currently a few classrooms away exploring. But you can't go telling anyone about this."

"Why ever not? This magic is revolutionary. It could change the very nature of what is understood and taught here."

"There's a lot of reasons Nick, but please don't tell anyone. I really shouldn't be showing you but I think I can help you. Do you want to be a part of the 'Hunt'? I can make it happen."

"You...you can separate this cursed flap that has haunted me since the death?" 

"On one condition. You do not tell anyone about me. Even the Headmaster. Deal?"

Nick looked conflicted but said. "My boy if you truly finish this decapitated then my lips will be sealed to all, forever."

"Okay." Harry motioned for him to kneel and grabbed his head. "Alright, this is going to be a little gross..."

With a quick yank, the flap of skin broke and Nick's head was fully removed.

"...THANK YOU!!" The head exclaimed as Harry held it. "That flap had been hindering me for centuries!"

"Happy to help Nick." As he handed the head to the body.

"Don't worry about your secret Harry my boy. It will stay between us for as long as I am dead."

"I appreciate that. But, wait what if you somehow come back to life?" He teased.

"I believe I'll have much bigger concerns than your strange magic." The head laughed as his arms put it on his shoulders. "I can't wait to see the look on Sir Patrick Delaney-Podmore face!"

Harry laughed. His body came running around the corner, before everyone else, and the two merged back together.

"In all my years..."

"It's not likely you'll see it again after me," Harry told him. "Take care, Headless Nick."

While Harry was 'playing' with ghosts Neville was with Hermione in the back of the library.

"Okay, there are two ways of teaching Occlumency." He explained "There's the easy way, and the long, hard way.  The long hard way involves meditation to sort through your mind, moving your memories into 'files', which you then lock behind shields. This can take a while, but the results are the stronger of the choices."

"And the 'easy' one?"

"The other way is quicker, brutal, and not very effective. The teacher repeatedly attacks the mind, so that the body can build a natural defense against intrusions. But during the process, the teacher is attacking the student over and over again."

Hermione looked horrified at that. "Let's not do that one!"

"I won't anyway. Dad said for that one the teacher has to have absolutely no care for the person being taught. It rarely works and always causes more harm than good to the person."

"That's horrible."

"Yep. So let's go over the longer but better method."

"Here?"

"We can go over the techniques to get a base but you should be in a quiet place where you're most relaxed..." Neville remembered where they were. "Yeah here's probably that place for you." He smiled.

 "Ha, ha." She smiled back.

A few days later and it was time. Slytherin vs Gryffindor Quidditch match.

But before the game, Harry had a deal to finish.

"Hey, Fred and George," Harry called the two over.

"I'm George," Fred said.

"No, you're Fred," Harry smirked.

"Are you sure about that?" Both of them smirked back.

"Yes," Harry said with full confidence.

Both of them squinted at his correct assumption.

"Lucky guess."

"Completely pure luck." George agreed. 

"Right. Look before we go to the pitch I have something to show you. Follow me." Harry took off running.

"Is he leading us into a trap?"

"Possibly. But where's the sense of adventure?"

"Well let's go!" 

The twins took off after the younger year.

The three stopped at the edge of the stands for the audience. Where Harry let out a loud whistle.

"Boys." Sirius and Remus came around the corner.

"We understand you wanted to meet us." Remus smiled.

"Fred, George." Harry motioned. "I give you Padfoot and Moony."

Both teens froze in wonder.

"Please no bowing," Remus said.

"Suit yourself Moony. Please bow away."

They did just that.

"Padfoot!"

"Moony!!"

"The Men!"

"The Legends!!!"

"Alright, that's enough." Remus pulled them back up to their feet after a few minutes. "So you two had Prong's old map? And from what McGonagall told us you are a bit of troublemaker."

"Then you heard right," George said. "This is the greatest honor we could imagine. Please pass on your secrets!"

"We live to carry on the legacy of the Marauders," Fred said.

"Now boys." Sirius chuckled. "Some secrets are only passed to the family. But I suppose we could grant them the rank of honor nephews?"

"They would have to prove that they are indeed worthy Sirius." Remus chuckled back.

"Name it!"

"We stand ready to answer any challenge!"

"Careful these two have ideas that scare even me sometimes." Harry laughed.

"Don't go spoiling things like that Harry." Sirius smiled. 

"So you're Padfoot," Fred noted. "And your Moony. James Potter was Prongs."

"That means Wormtail was..." George realized who it was.

"Don't bring him up around them." Harry quickly said.

"Oh right." 

"It's fine boys," Remus said as he tried to steer Sirius's glare at the name away. "So tell us about some of your' adventures'."

The twins had to be practically dragged to the pitch by Oliver when he came looking for them a time later.

"Harry we'll be in the stands with Regulus and Natasha. Remember if you lose don't bother coming home." Sirius said. Harry's glare made him smile. "Go out there and show them how good I know you are. You know I'm cheering for you."

"Cheer when you see me with the Snitch." Harry smiled and started to go join the rest of the team.

"Wanda says she is sorry she had to miss today." Remus pulled Hary back.

"I know," Harry said. "She's an Avenger. I think I can forgive a missed game or two if she's saving the world." Luckily mum retired from active duty. Now she's more of a manager.

The match was underway. Harry was flying high in his search for the Snitch.  Brooms and players flying by at Mach speed. Bludgers zipping by just as fast. 

This was one area he firmly embraced the magical side of himself. He would take this over football any day.

Down in the stands Sirius was next to Natasha as they watched. Regulus was looking all around and trying to find the Snitch before Harry did. Just to say he did.

In the student section, Neville was cheering and calling as the Gryffindor team was moving to the lead.

Hermione was next to him. She would probably never be a fan of the game but that didn't mean she didn't support her friends. Or her house and she did find it exciting to cheer.

Harry flew threw the air searching every inch of the sky he could for his target. But then his broom started shaking and moving all around him. 

What?! Shite!!

Harry held on as a rogue Bludger flew past him. Then another. He ducked past it and fell off his seat. Now he was holding on to his out-of-control broom from below.

Both Bludgers were circling back and coming for him again!

He pulled himself up as one flew past his leg and barely missed the second one going past his shoulder.

They started to fly at him again when the twins flew in hitting the balls back. 

"What the bloody hell is going on?" Fred mounted a defense around the seeker.

"They're bewitched." George hit the other again.

Harry was happy they were keeping the Bludgers away but it didn't fix his broom problems as he tried to hold on. His eyes started glowing red but he forced himself to stop.

Too many people. I can't...

Down below Hermione watched her friend frantically bouncing as his broom and the Bludgers kept at it.

She looked all around knowing someone had to the doing this. When she looked over at the stands she saw Snape. He was chanting something. Without breaking eye contact!

"It's Snape." She whispered to Neville. "He's hexing Harry's broom."

"Bloody Git!" Neville growled. "Let's go!"

The two took off.

Sirius watched. Harry's broom was going crazy! 

"What the hell is happening?!" Natasha knew Harry was too good to not be able to control his broom.

"Someone is hexing it! " He answered and pulled his wand.

"Sirius." Remus grabbed his arm. "He's too far away and you'll never get a clear shot from here."

"Dad!" Regulus pointed as Harry was down to one hand holding him to the broom.

Under the bleachers, Neville and Hermione rushed to the section Snape was in. Hermione saw the man's robe. One simple spell and it was a blaze.

Up on the stands, smoke rose from Snape's robes.

"Fire!"

Snape broke eye contact as he realized he was the one of fire. He stomped on his robe as the rest of the crowd tripped over themselves in moving away from the fire.

The shaking stopped but the Bludgers kept coming. 

"Reducto!" Two voices said at the same time.

Both Fred and George managed to pull the wands and fired at the Bludgers before they could get close to Harry again.

The balls exploded and pieces rained down onto the pitch.

"You okay Harry?" Fred called.

Harry mounted his broom nodding then saw the Snitch flying past his face. He took off, meeting the other Seeker in a tight chase after the small ball.

The two found themselves against the wall of the stands with Harry against it.

Regulus ran down to the edge with his parents just to see Harry and Higgs fly by. "Go Harry!!!"

The other seeker sneered at him and went wide then tried to slam him into the wall. 

The key word is tried. Because Harry knew exactly what he was planning and ducked just as he would hit. Sending the other player crashing into the wall and down to the pitch. 

"So  after that obvious and disgusting bit of cheating.."

‘Jordan!’ growled Professor McGonagall.

"I mean, after that open and revolting foul"

 "Jordan, I’m warning you!"

"All right, all right. Higgs nearly kills the Gryffindor Seeker, which could happen to anyone, I’m sure".

Harry had no one next to him now and the Snitch was in sight. It flew straight up with him behind it then did a complete U-turn and dived towards the ground.

Okay! Time to do something stupid. Sorry, mum.

In the stands, Natasha had the intuition of what he was about to do. "If he..."

Harry jumped off his broom and grabbed the ball mid-fall. His Nimbus flew back under and Harry landed back on it. Holding the snitch high.

"Potters caught the snitch! Gryffindor wins!!"

The crowd erupted. 

Sirius was laughing but Natasha didn't look at pleased as he.

"He gets that from you." She said.

"Me?! Which of us has jumped out of airplanes without a parachute?" He raised his eyebrow at her.

"I knew better than to tell you that story." She sighed but smiled at the sight as Harry came down.

Harry landed at his cheering house. The team picked him up and his name was chanted over and over.

Harry smiled but was looking around. He saw a lot of the spectators gathered around Snape.

Then he peeked and saw Hermione and Neville running out beneath the bleachers.

Hmm. What happened there? 

"Harry!!!" 

He saw Regulus bolting towards him.

"That was amazing!"

"That was reckless." Natasha corrected.

"It was pure Prongs," Remus noted.

"That was all of them," Sirus said. "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine Sirius." Harry looked at Natasha. "Promise. But what was that?"

"That's something we need to discuss with Albus."

"Yes, we do," Natasha said.

"Harry!" Neville and Hermione came down to the pitch. "Wicked work mate."

"You jumped off your broom?!" Hermione had the same look as Natasha.

"It worked." He reasoned.

"Ahh! One day your gravestone will say 'It Didn't Work.'"

"Well...probably." He shrugged.

Hermione turned to Natasha. "How do you deal with that?"

"You have to wait until your of drinking age for that answer." She smirked.

"Ah. Understood." Hermione smirked back.

"Somebody hexed Harry's broom and sent those Bludgers after him," Sirius growled.

"The matter is being investigated, Sirius."

"And?" Natasha raised her eyebrows. 

"Unfortunately the Bludgers were destroyed by the twins and I was unable to test them for the spells but I suspect that they were cursed before the match. It would be too difficult to hex both of them and the broom at the same time." He explained. "Harry's broom has been checked but the hex must have been done at the time of match. With so many spectators it has been difficult to clear everyone."

"Do you have any suspects?" She asked.

"I wish I did." He replied. "This could be an attempt on Harry's life or it could be a foolish and dangerous prank by a student."

"Prank?" Sirius barked back.

"Come now, Sirius. You did some worse things in here and you know it." He saw the anger in the man's face. "I'm not downplaying the risk Harry faced. I'm just saying the number of people who could have done it is too many to get a good idea of a suspect."

"You know I'm not one to agree with him but he's right," Stephen spoke. He had arrived as soon as he was available. "Besides if this was an attempt to kill Harry. It was a poor one. I mean I question Dumbledore's decisions but even he wouldn't let Harry fall to his death. Nor would the other Professors."

"I would argue about Snape but I do agree with the rest." Sirius sighed.

"Sirius..." Dumbledore was about to defend Snape and even bring up the counter curse he was doing but the animosity they held towards Severus would probably make them believe he had cast the curse.

"So Harry should just be worried every time he's playing?" Natasha glared at the man.

"No. I believe have a solution. One I'm sure you're going to like." Strange smiled. "Someone to watch over the games in the future. Someone who would be able to counter any further attempt."

At that, another portal opened. This one was not like anything Dumbledore had seen from Strange. His seemed to cut through the air and join two different areas. 

This one looked like it was warping the very world around it. Then a woman stepped out of the red portal next.

"You must be Headmaster Dumbledore." The woman eyed him. "My name is Wanda." Her eyes glowed red as she spoke. She was not happy and if she hadn't been preoccupied with something then she wouldn't have missed the match. "My 'nephew' seems to be having a difficult time here..."

Dumbledore suddenly felt very uncomfortable. This woman was looking at him as if she was staring into his very soul.

"I can't believe you set Snape on fire." Neville laughed.

"It was the best distraction I could think of." She argued quietly.

"It bloody worked!" Neville snickered.

"Language." She said dismissively.

"Already got a mum thanks." The boy waved off.

She huffed but looked at Harry. "I can't believe Professor Snape would try to hurt you like that."

"I'm not sure it was him."

"Harry I saw him. For it to work you can't break eye contact. Snape wasn't blinking."

"Snape is a giant baby and spoiled brat but he's not so stupid to risk Sirius and Dr. Stranges wrath."

"I know what I saw," Hermione said.

"I'm not arguing about that. Just something is off about this. Can we agree about that?"

Snape wouldn't try to kill me in such an open way. That would risk himself too much. If there's one thing that man wouldn't risk, it's losing the most important person in his life. Himself.

"If not him, then who?"

"Draco's father was at the game too," Neville said. "Could be he was doing something to that we didn't see."

"Why? Sure Malfoy is a prat but why would his dad try to kill Harry?" Hermione asked. "Besides I saw Snape."

"One Lucius is a very petty person. Me getting hurt or killed would hurt Sirius, the guy who cost him the Black fortune and influence. Two I'm not saying Snape isn't the most likely guy because he is. But mum taught me never to assume. There's a lot about this that doesn't make sense."

"I think we can all agree there," Neville said.

Hermione nodded along but kept thinking. Why would Snape try to kill Harry? Is he that petty of a man? But if he wasn't...then what was he doing?

"Potter." 

Harry and the rest had just left their last class of the day. The thrill of yesterday's game was past and he was looking forward to the next. When the voice stopped him.

"Hello, Zabini."

"That was impressive work yesterday. I'm not happy Slytherin lost but even I can admit you're the superior player. This time." Blaise had a hint of a smile at that.

"Hopefully the next games will prove the same."

"Against the Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs? That won't surprise me the least."

"Off chance would you be willing to say anything about the hex on my broom? I'm not accusing you or your house but I was wondering what the Slytherin have to say."

"Slytherins or Malfoy?" Blaise raised his eyebrow. "He and a few of the others were cheering at your 'troubles' but it quickly vanished when you caught the snitch. As far as anyone taking credit...that would be something very foolish to speak of out loud in a dorm room. Wouldn't it?"

"Very true." Harry laughed. 

"I think this might be the longest conversation I've seen between a Gryffindor and a Slytherin that hasn't ended in someone hexing or threatening to go to their father," Hermione observed.

"I think you're right," Neville said. "It's a pleasant change."

"The talks are not over yet," Blaise said with a neutral face.

Harry smirked at that. But a meow and hiss caught their attention.

Mrs. Norris was just a few yards away. Annoyance and anger were radiating off her.

"We should go before Mr.Flich comes looking too," Hermione suggested.

Harry held up his hand and walked toward the angry animal. The cat hissed and clawed as he knelt to her.

"Harry..." Neville warned.

Harry locked eyes with the small animal and both of them flashed red briefly.

Mrs. Norris lost all hostility and began purring against Harry's hand. 

"You're not so bad are you girl?" Harry patted her as he picked her up.

"What the..." Flitch came around the corner and saw the impossible. Mrs. Norris was being held by someone other than him.

"She loves you." Harry motioned to the cat as he handed her over. "But I think you might want to cut back on her sardine snacks. They give her gas."

Mrs. Norris hissed at that.

"Don't give me that. You know it's true." Harry told the cat.

Flitch stood there absolutely confounded by what just happened and didn't even realize the group had walked away from him.

"Potter, what was that?" Blaise asked. He had never seen anyone handle that cat but Flitch.

"Harry's good with animals," Neville answered with a grin... "I didn't know you could work with hellspawn too?"

"Mrs. Norris is just going off her owner. He's a bitter man and twisted. So she takes after him. But they do care deeply for one another."

"You're just full of tricks aren't you Potter?" Blaise said.

"You have no idea." Both Hermione and Neville said at the same time.

"Oh, but we get in trouble when Nevile and I do it?" Harry gave a fake glare at Hermione. Then turned to Neville. "Traitor."

The two laughed and Blaise found himself chuckling at the three.

Harry and his fellow Gryffindors had made it a ritual to go down and see Hagrid once a week. The man loved the company too. They offered to have Blaise join them but he respectfully declined.

But something was off with today's visit.

"Hagrid!" Harry hit the door for the third time.

"Maybe he's busy..." Neville suggested.

The door suddenly opened and Hagrid looked around nervously. 

"Harry good to see ye but it's not a good time..."

Harry managed to catch a glimpse past the huge man and saw the issue.

"Hagrid...tell me that's not what I think it is!"

Hagrid sighed. "Come in quickly!"

The three entered and the other two saw the egg.

"What is that from?" Hermione asked.

"It's a dragon egg isn't it?!" Harry spoke.

"Ey. Won it from a trader. Always wanted a dragon."

"Hagrid you can't have a dragon here!" Neville couldn't believe this. Cerberus and now dragons?! 

"They're just feisty creatures. Nothin ey can't handle."

"Until it burns down the school!" Hermione argued.

The egg began to shake and crack.

"It's time!!" Hagrid took his seat and waited anxiously for the arrival.

The others gathered around and watched as the small wings broke out of the shell. Then the head. Soon the whole small fire-breathing creature was out. It adjusted its eyes to the new world and landed on Hagrid's bearded face.

"Ye look at him! He recognized his mummy!" Hagrid gushed. "I'll call him Norbert."

"This is very irresponsible!" Hermione watched the small beast spit fire on Hagrid's beard!

"Hagrid there's no way the ministry will let you keep a dragon," Harry argued. "And it's a girl by the way."

"How could you tell that?" Hermione asked. 

"Now come on Hermione. I can't reveal all my tricks." He smirked.

The three left the new 'mum' with his girl and walked back to the school.

"This is not going to end well." Neville shook his head.

"It's going to be a disaster!" Hermione agreed. 

"Yeah between Fluffy and now this...Hagrid could get into a lot of trouble. So Norberta has to go."

"Norberta?" Neville raised his eyebrows at the name.

"Female dragon, remember?"

"Should we tell Professor McGonagall? Or the Headmaster."

"It might be bad for Hagrid if they knew," Neville said. "The board is watching very closely and with the Cerberus just gone...they might be forced to report Hagrid."

"He's probably right." Harry agreed. "But I know a way to get the dragon gone and no one being the wiser."

"Wong?" Neville asked.

"Wong." Harry nodded.

"Whose Wong?"

"Dr. Strange's babysitter," Neville smirked.

That night, when everyone was asleep, Harry portaled into the Sanctum.

"Wong!"

Said sorcerer came in from the other room. "Harry. Shouldn't you be in bed?"

"I am." Harry smiled. He left a double of himself in the dorm. 

"You're not trained enough to hold that projection from so far before it drains you!"

"That's why I need to hurry. We need to go to Hogwarts. I need your help sneaking a dragon out."

"A what?!"

"Dragon. You know big scally..."

"Do not get smart with me," Wong warned.

"Always so grumpy." Harry huffed. "Wong the guy who has it is a good person and if I tell the professors he might get in trouble. I can't tell Doc either because he's already upset the guy had a Cerberus there."

"It was his pet too? This man sounds like he deserves any issues he might face." Wong dismissed.

"Wong he's a good guy with a good heart. Just a bit careless when it comes to pets. Please?"

Wong's intense stare only amplified until he let out an annoyed sigh. "I will contact someone in our circle near a reserve. You go back to the school and I will come to get you."

"Thanks, Wong. You're the best."

"Go." 

Harry went back and his double disappeared. About an hour later he and Wong portaled outside Hagrids hut.

"Let me talk to him," Harry said. 

"Be fast. These wizards are foolish and scared easily."

"You remember I'm one of them right?"

"Yes. My point exactly."

Harry rolled his eyes and knocked on the door.

"Back Fang!" Hagrid yelled and opened the door. "Harry?! Ye shouldn't be here after hours." He saw Wong standing there. "Who's that?"

"He's Wong a sorcerer like Dr. Strange. A friend too and someone who can help with your dragon issue."

"Norbert isn't an issue!" He motioned to the sleeping dragon. "He's precious."

"Hagrid what is the ministry going to do when they find out about her?" Harry asked. "You know how some of them feel about dragons. What if they come and decide it would be easier just to put her down?"

"They won't!!" Hagrid shouted. "Dumbledore would never let them!"

"Albus Dumbledore is already on thin ice around here," Wong spoke. "I wouldn't be surprised if someone used your pet to bring his reputation down. Do you want to be responsible for Dumbledore possibly losing his job?"

"He's the greatest Headmaster Hogwarts has ever had!!"

"Hagrid!" Harry stopped him before he went on a rant. "You know Dumbledore has people who don't like him. Like Malfoy. We both know he would use this and have Norberta removed with force. You don't want the little girl to get hurt right?"

Hagrid had tears forming. "They can't. She's done nothing wrong."

"I know that." Harry patted the man's arm. "If we get her to a reserve then she'll be safe and Dumbledore won't have to get involved. You will be protecting both of them." Harry knew that would get him.

"Ey..ey..." Hagrid began crying. 

A few long minutes later Harry managed to calm him down enough to agree. Wong took the sleeping dragon and portaled to the reserve.

"I get the names of her handlers," Harry promised. "You can write and maybe visit her."

Hagrid nodded as he sulked. "Am ey a bad mum?"

"You're protecting her at the cost of your happiness. You're a great mum." Harry smiled and hugged the man.

"Ye're a good tike, Harry." Hagrid managed a smile.

Wong portaled back a short time later. "It's done. The reserve said they would send a letter to you on a later date." He told Hagrid. "Harry we need to get you back to your dorm."

"Right. Take care Hagrid. My friends and I will come back tomorrow. Okay?"

"Ye're welcome anytime Harry. And thank ye." The large man felt a little better but was still upset.

"You're a good guy Hagrid. Goodnight." 

Harry was back in his dorm next.

"Thanks again, Wong."

"Don't get used to this." He warned.

"You love me and you know it."

Wong glared and portaled out.

Harry shook his head before stripping to his boxers and climbing into bed. 

Nick and Hagrid. Pretty good week. Minus the broom and Bludgers...Well, at least Wanda will be at the games from now on.