Chapter 12
Dear Harry,
It’s boring around here without you. Ron’s been moping and it’s hardly as fun
to prank him.
Yeah, he didn’t even try to avoid the last one.
Also, Hermione and Draco have gotten real, real cozy. Who would’ve thought?
Well, I did say they spent a lot of time studying together.
Harry and Ronnikins studied together and they don’t want to snog… Do you?
Don’t be daft. Our dear Harry would never go and fall for anyone
without telling us. Right?
Anyways. We’re pretty sure Draco and Hermione fancy each other and it’s only
a matter of time.
Speaking of fancying people,
The Durmstrang and Beauxbatons students have arrived and you’ll
never guess who was with them. Victor Krum!
Oh, and everyone’s going mad for the Delacour girl. she’s alright I suppose.
Bit highbrow for us.
But there’s no accounting for taste.
Anyways! They’re all here to participate in the tournament. Each school
can gave one champion, and McGonagall made an age line, so all
participants have to be over the age of 17 to participate.
Doesn’t seem fair. We will be 17 this year, but it has to be before the
draw.
But don’t worry. We have a plan for that.
And don’t worry, we’ll be fine.
Unless worrying brings you back of course.
In which case, worry away.
Also, can you believe that anyone who does get in has to deal with dragons?
Do you think it’s a fight or something else? What was it the dragons
at the reserve said? Gotta say, the Ministry is as mad as Dumbles if
the thing it’s a good idea to pit students against dragons.
Nothing else is really new here. How’s everything with Newt? Hope you’re
having fun.
Even though we miss you and wish you were here so we weren’t
so bored.
Write back soon,
Fred andGeorge
Harry grinned as he skimmed the letter over again. He missed Fred and George, and couldn’t help but laugh that they kept their twin speak up even through letters. Though he was used to it by now, it still made him feel unbearably fond.
Putting their letter aside for now, he ripped open the one from Ron.
Hi Harry,
Hogwarts isn’t the same without you. Hermione and Draco are driving me
barmy with all the studying. Terms barely started!
The other schools are here. I know the twins told you about them, but it’s
still pretty cool.
Maybe we could meet in Hogsmeade sometime?
See you,
Ron
Ron’s note was to be expected, and he decided he’d talk to Newt later about visiting Hogsmeade sooner than later. He reached for the next envelope.
Dear Harry,
I hope you’ve been keeping up with your studied! I’ve included a list
of all the topics being covered this year to help with your self study. I
can already tell this year will be difficult - what with all the tournament
nonsense.
Honestly, who thought it was a good idea to endanger students like this?
Not to mention how it disrupts the curriculum. You’d think they didn’t
care at all about our education.
Ron says he’s asked you to meet us in Hogsmeade one weekend! Oh,
that would be so exciting!
Hope to hear from you soon!
Hermione
He glanced at the list she’d included and was glad that he’d already listed the majority of it on his own plan as well. The few things that were missing weren’t things he was overly worried about anyways. After all, he didn’t think he needed to also study the care of magical creatures content, not with who he was travelling with. Furthermore, he intended to delve into a much deeper study of runes this year.
He reached for the next envelope.
Harry,
For once, the incredibly dangerous event is happening without
you present. It’s a shame though, since that Potter luck of yours
always let’s you away mostly unharmed. The same can’t be said
for the rest of these fools.
There aren’t many Slytherins who will be entering.
“Eternal Glory” like this is not what we require to be recognized.
It’s a far more Gryffindor trait.
Since I won’t be seeing you at school, perhaps we can arrange
something for over the holidays, though Mother says we may have
guests.
Enjoy your travels.
Draco
Harry frowned down at Draco’s letter, lip catching between his teeth as he read it over again. It was far too formal. Draco never wrote or spoke like this. Not unless -
He shot to his feet, disrupting the occamy that had been napping in his lap.
“Sorry!” He apologized quickly, settling it back into its nest before hurrying towards Newt’s cabin. He found the man brewing at the desk, and waited, anxious, until Newt acknowledged him. He knew how difficult potions could be.
There was a puff of blue smoke and then Newt hummed in satisfaction, turning to face Harry.
“What is it, Harry?”
In answer, Harry offered the letter from Draco. As Newt read it, Harry wrung his hands.
“Something’s wrong. I just know it. Draco’s never so formal with me unless he has to be, and if he has to be, that means something’s happening.” Harry explained, and watched Newt frown as he read over the letter again.
“This is Draco Malfoy, is it not?” Newt asked, and Harry nodded. “You are aware that his father, though it’s not public knowledge, had ties to the one they called Voldemort.” There wasn’t even an ounce of hesitation in Newt’s voice when he said the name. Harry nodded again.
“Right then. Write to your aunt. Any company he could mean is probably not the pleasant sort. If she can arrange with his mother to keep him away during the holidays, that would be best.”
Harry scrambled for paper and Newt watched him, still holding the letter from Draco. He wondered how he’d managed to once again end up more or less in the middle of wizarding conflict, but he knew he couldn’t - no - wouldn’t do anything to change it.
>>>
“What do you know about Kelpies?” Newt asked as they made their way through the woods, side by side. Harry perked up.
“They’re Celtic in origin, right?”
Newt hummed in agreement.
“They take the form of a horse, though myths say they can also take the shape of a handsome man.” Harry replied dutifully. Newt’s lips quirked in a small smile.
“The very old ones, yes.”
“Well, don’t they drown people? Lure people in and drown them?” Harry frowned, thoughtful. “Do they eat the people they drown at least?”
Newt gave a startled laugh that had Harry flushing.
“It’s a reasonable question.” He protested. “There’s a big difference between a creature killing for pleasure and killing for food.”
“Indeed.” Newt agreed, still smiling. Silence followed as they both continued through the woods, heading towards the large pond that was said to have a Kelpie problem.
“Do you think my friends will be safe?” Harry murmured then, earning a look of concern.
“Why wouldn’t they be?”
“Because bad things always come for me.” Harry admitted softly. “But that’s okay because I can handle it. But since I’m not there, what if it goes after them instead? What if whatever it is hurts them on purpose?”
“Like a threat.” Newt concluded for him. He sighed, weary. Then, he stopped, turning to meet Harry’s gaze head on.
“I know what it is to be convinced that a certain course of action is the only course, but Harry, the road to hell is paved with good intentions. You can only do what you think is right. Trust yourself, but trust your friends as well. If they knew you allowed yourself to be hurt to protect them, how would they feel?”
“Furious.” Harry conceded, shoulders slumping. Newt reached out to him his shoulders a squeeze. Then, he brightened.
“I have an idea.” Newt announced, reaching into his pocket and brandishing a quill and parchment. “Now would be the perfect time to further sever your ties with Hogwarts, and I have more than a few contact at Ilvermory.”