A Rider's Legacy

Chapter 20:

Hry's temper was already in a delicate position, due to his next lesson being potions. But he had to take several deep breaths when he saw Malfoy and his posses' latest display of "maturity".
"Seriously." He muttered as he saw the Support Cedric Digory badges turn to Potter Stinks. "Is this the best insult you could come up with?"
"Yes, very funny." Hermione added sarcastically.
Malfoy sneered at Hermione.
"Would you like one Granger?" He sneered, holding one out to her. "But do be careful not to touch my hand, I did just wash them, and I would hate to get them dirty by touching a..."
"Don't you even think about finishing that sentence." Harry growled, his hand subconsciously moving towards his wand.
"Harry." Hermione hissed in worry.
Harry merely shook his head. It was one thing to insult him, it was an entirely different thing to insult someone he cared about. He looked over to Ron, who's face had turned red, and who's hand was also on his wand.
"Go ahead Potter." Malfoy sneered quietly, drawing his wand. "Think you're so special..."
Both he and Malfoy shouted their spells at the same time.
What happened next was a complete accident. The two jets of light hit each other, and ricocheted in different directions. Harry's spell hit Goyle, and Malfoy's hit Hermione.
Hurrying to his best friend’s side with Ron at his heels, Harry didn’t spare a glance in Goyle’s direction, his priority being Hermione’s wellbeing. She was covering her mouth and he felt his ever-present anger rear up its ugly head at the tears pooling in her beautiful brown eyes. It vanished seconds later, giving way to concern for his visibly hurt and mortified friend.
"Hermione, are you okay?"
Hermione shook her head desperately, tears now rolling down her cheeks.
"Sorry, stupid question." Harry said in reply. “Is there anything I can do to help?”
"What is the meaning of this?"
All the students in the corridor turned to see Snape taking in the scene, his expression stony as always, which only faltered when his gaze landed on Harry.
Harry went to answer, but Malfoy beat him to the punch.
"Potter cursed Goyle."
"Technically speaking, I was aiming for Malfoy." Harry retorted, doing his best to remain calm. "Which I would not have done if Malfoy hadn’t thought it smart to try and insult my best friend in the most disgusting way possible."
Snape's gaze flicked away from him, as it had done for the past two weeks; Murtagh's little night time visit was still affecting him strongly it seemed.
"Someone get Goyle up to the hospital wing, immediately." The man snapped dourly
"What about Hermione?" Harry asked.
Snape's gaze yet again flicked to him, before quickly moving away.
"Fine."
Harry turned to Ron as he slipped an arm around Hermione’s shoulders.
"I’ve got this. You?"
Ron snorted wryly.
"Don’t worry, I’ll be fine going to class and I won’t explode at the Slytherins if that’s what you mean."
Harry nodded.
"Thanks."
Helping Hermione up the stairs, he decided to wait until they were out of the dungeons to check on the witch again. As soon as they were back in the light of the entrance hall, he turned to Hermione and noticed something poking past her hands, that were still covering her mouth.
"Hermione?" Harry asked. "Hermione, can you please take your hands away from your mouth, just so I can see..."
Hermione shook her head.
"Hermione, please, it will be okay. Please, just trust me. I just want to see what damage Malfoy has done before we go see Madame Pomfrey.“
After a few more seconds, Hermione slowly lowered her hands and he carefully kept his automatic wince of sympathy off his face. Her two front teeth had grown to more strongly resemble a rabbit's teeth.
Harry sucked in a few deep breaths, before clutching Hermione's hands in his own.
"It's okay." He said comfortingly. "We are going to take you to Madame Pomfrey, and she will fix you up. Everything will be okay. And hey, maybe after this I can convince my Father and Eragon to lend you some of their books."
Hermione's expression brightened slightly.
Harry chuckled. Hermione hardly needed his help in asking the two elder riders for books. Every time he took Hermione and Ron down to the clearing, his book-loving friend would ask Murtagh question after question, until the rider had decided it would be easier to just loan the witch some books so she could get the information on her own. And ever since Eragon arrived, he and Hermione had been having very, very long discussions about their two different forms of magic.
Harry turned his mind back to the present.
"You're going to want something to cover up your teeth, judging by how hard you tried to cover your mouth with your hands." He said.
He rummaged through his bag for a few seconds, before pulling out his winter scarf.
“Here, this should help until we get to the hospital wing." He said, wrapping the scarf around the lower part of Hermione's face.
Hermione squeezed his hand in appreciation, and they continued their journey to the hospital wing.

Harry sat next to Hermione, holding her hand comfortingly, as Madame Pomfrey held a mirror in front of the witch's face and told her to say when to stop. Slowly, Hermione's teeth began to shrink. Harry was surprised when Hermione did not tell Madame Pomfrey to stop once her teeth were back to their original size, but wisely kept his mouth shut when, she sent him a look that told him to remain silent. In the end, Hermione's teeth ended up being smaller than they once were. They had always been slightly longer than Hermione seemed to like, but Harry never thought she would actually be willing to use magic to shrink them.

Once they left the hospital wing, Harry gently took Hermione's hand in have and led her to the nearest alcove which lay beh a tapestry. He wished to talk to her about her teeth without being court out of class.
"Hermione, why didn't you tell Pomfrey to stop when your teeth had returned to normal?" He asked.
Hermione merely shrugged.
"Well, you know how I've never liked the size of my teeth. I just thought, why not take advantage of this opportunity and, well... The only reason why I haven't tried it before was because my parents are dentists, and I don't think they would be too happy to learn I tried messing around with my teeth."
Harry stared at her in surprise. He knew that, beneath her intelligent and logical exterior, Hermione was very sensitive and could be subconscious over her appearance, but he never thought she would go so far as to willingly alter her body.
"Look, I'm not going to criticize your decision." He began. "It was your choice, but... I still feel like this wasn't exactly necessary."
Hermione shrugged.
"It might not have been necessary, but I... Well, I guess I've had enough of having uneven teeth. Not exactly the most attractive image."
Harry clasped her hand in his and stared into her brown eyes.
"I know you've always felt subconscious about your appearance." He began diplomatically. "But I've never seen anything wrong with how you look."
Hermione's face noticeably turned pink.
"Really?"
Harry nodded.
"Hermione, you are the most intelligent person I know. Not only that, but you are brave, and kind, and... It's that, not your physical appearance that makes you..."
He stopped himself before he admitted to finding her beautiful. He suddenly noticed just how close they were, and his face immediately flushed as red as Colaen.
He pulled as far away as the alcove would allow, releasing Hermione's hand and clearing his throat awkwardly.
"Anyway," He cleared his throat. "What's done is done, but please, I don't know what I would do without that familiar bush."
"Oh, like you're one to talk." Hermione said jokingly. "Your hair is just as untameable as mine."
"Yeah well," Harry retorted. "I think it's gotten easier to manage since I've been growing it out."
They both laughed. However, the moment was interrupted by someone awkwardly clearing their throat.
"Urmm... Harry?"
They both turned to see little Colin Creevey staring at them, the tapestry having been pushed asside.
"Oh, hey Colin." Harry greeted. "Shouldn't you be in class?"
"I was asked to find you." The boy squeaked. "All... all champions are required to meet with the judges for... for something... I think it involves photos."
Harry sighed internally. The last thing he needed right now was a photoshoot. The presence of a photograph, and consequently of the press, could very well mean that the Triwizard Tournament was getting some coverage, probably international with his terrible luck. He didn’t want the entire world to think he was a spoiled, entitled, attention seeking and stealing brat who would willingly enter a death tournament in his desperation for more fame.
"Fine." He sighed in resignation. He turned to Hermione as they both climbed out of ⠮ alcove.
"Will you be okay?"
Hermione nodded.
"It's probably too late to go to Potions, so I might just go to the library."
Harry nodded.
"Okay. See you."
Once Hermione had disappeared around a corner, Colin turned to him.

"Was I interrupting something?"
“What?! No, not at all!““ Harry said quickly.
"You sure?" The boy asked with a skeptical frown. "Because it looked like..."
"Colin, please, don’t go there." Harry interrupted irritably.
Thankfully the younger wizard took the hint, and remained uncharacteristically silent for the rest of the journey.

Harry became even more irritated than he already was when, as soon as he walked into the room, his suspicions were proven to be correct; there was a reporter from the Daily Prophet in attendance with a photographer on the woman’s heels. However, he was relieved to discover that this was not the sole reason for this event. Apparently, Olivander the wand maker had come to assess the champions’ wands. He was ready to patiently wait for the weighing of the wands to begin and to get the photos out of the way. Unfortunately, nothing could ever go his way. The reporter, Rita Skeeter, dragged him out of the main room for a private interview.
He was now sitting in a cupboard of all places, way too close to the domineering witch for comfort.
He had already been feeling more irritated than usual because of the confrontation from earlier that had ended up hurting Hermione in the crossfire. Now he was also feeling extremely uncomfortable with his current location. Not that he was claustrophobic, he was fine with some small spaces. However, he specifically hated being in cupboards. It brought back bad memories of long, cold, dark, lonely nights, with no food or water. Of wanting someone to come and take him away from his horrible situation.
And then there was the woman who was completely invading his personal spaces, and bombarding him with question after question. All this combined to bring back his uncontrollable rage.
"Look," He finally snapped. "I couldn't care less about this bloody death tournament. I don't know how my parents would feel, seeing as they are dead. But I'm pretty sure they would not be too happy that I have, yet again, been thrown into danger against my will."
He clenched his fist. This was not exactly true. He knew full well how worried his father was, and he assumed his other two parents would feel the same.
"One year." He growled, slightly forgetting who exactly was in the cupboard with him. "One bloody year. That's all I asked for. A year where something wasn't trying to kill me. But do you think I got what I wanted? No. Because nothing can ever go right for me."
"What do you mean?" Skeeter asked. "Surely Hogwarts is the safest place in all of magical Britain, if not the world?"
Harry snorted.
"If this is safe, then I would hate to see what the rest of the world looks like."
A small part of him knew he shouldn't be doing this, that he should think before he spoke. But oh, how good it felt to get this off of his chest. For over two weeks, if not longer, this frustration had been building inside of him. He had of course expressed his feelings to his friends and family, but this felt so different. Saying this all at once, it was like a heavy weight had been lifted from his chest.
It was only later, once they had left the cupboard, and he saw Skeeter's satisfied smirk that he realised the mistake he made. Now that his anger had for the most part melted away, he could once again think logically. And the first thing he thought was:
Oh, bloody hell.

Later, Harry informed the other Riders and dragons of what his anger had done this time.
"Seriously?" Brinla asked in surprise. "Was it truly wise to lose your temper in front of someone who's task is to spread information to the public?"
“Well I didn’t exactly do it on purpose.“ Harry argued.
"Still, this may be more dangerous than any physical injuries you could inflict." Hurzomna observed.
Murtagh frowned in concern. It was true. Words and information could often be far more dangerous than any weapon. And with what Harry had just revealed...
"Well," He began. "With what Harry had said, it would be logical to assume that the person who will be most affected by this information spreading around is Dumbledore."
They all nodded. Harry chuckled dryly.
"I'm pretty sure I just accidentally destroyed Dumbledore's whole career." He muttered. "But he'll probably somehow find a way to salvage the situation."
Later, when Murtagh managed to get some time alone with his son, he sat down next to the young man, who was reading.
"Are you alright?" He asked.
Harry sighed and put the book down.
"Yeah, I guess." He said. "I'm sorry about... You know..."
Murtagh put a comforting hand on his shoulder.
"It is fine." He said gently. "As long as you did not reveal anything about the Riders..."
"No, of course not." Harry replied quickly. "I only talked about how Hogwarts was definitely not the safest place ever."
He sighed.
"I hope I didn't do too much damage." He muttered. "I was just so angry, especially after what happened earlier..."
"What happened earlier?" Murtagh asked.
Harry's eyes widened.
"Oh, right, I guess I forgot to tell you."
He rolled his eyes.
"It all started just before Potions. Malfoy and the rest of the Slytherins have yet again shown their "maturity". They made these stupid badges that say "Potter stinks". Seriously, that was the best insult they could come up with."
Harry sighed.
"But then we got into an argument, and Malfoy almost called Hermione a... You know... And well, one thing led to another and..."
"You did not get into trouble, did you?" Murtagh asked.
"No, no." Harry assured quickly. "We both threw spells at each other, but they didn't hit the intended targets. Mine hit Goyle, and Malfoy's hit Hermione."
Murtagh frowned in concern.
"Is she alright?"
Harry nodded.
"Yeah, all that happened was that her teeth began to grow longer than they already were. But Hermione was still pretty upset. I was able to somewhat comfort her, I think. I at least managed to calm her down long enough to get her to the hospital wing."
Murtagh smiled.
"Oh, did you now?"
Harry groaned.
"Please stop." He said with a groan. "It doesn't mean anything."
"That is not what it looks like to me." Murtagh retorted. "Harry, it is obvious you have feelings for her. And I have seen how the two of you interact. It is clear she could very well be feeling the same way."
"Not this again." Harry muttered.
"I am only trying to help you." Murtagh replied. "It is never wise to suppress your feelings like this. Why won't you admit how you feel?"
"Because I don't want to lose her!" Harry exclaimed, his eyes wide and his fists clenched.
He sucked in several deep breaths.
"Hermione was one of my first friends." He continued. "She has always stood by me, even when she and Ron were dragged into dangerous situations because of my terrible luck. Even after we had an argument over a broom of all things. I just feel... Different, when I'm with her. I feel... Feel like I have finally found someone who understands me... And I... I'm afraid that... That if I do make a move, that I admit how much I... I like her... That I think she is the most beautiful person, inside and out... That I... That I just want to be with her... And if something goes wrong... then we could never go back to how it was..."
Murtagh could see it clearly. It was glaringly obvious now he thought about it. His son had faced dangers greater than anyone his age should face. And yet, due to his loveless childhood, he clung to whatever affection he could and was afraid to take any risks that may cause him to lose what he had.
He wrapped his arm around his son.
"I understand how you feel." He said. "You would not believe how terrified I was when I realised how I felt about your mother."
He smiled sadly.
"However, Thorn convinced me to take the risk. Because some things are just worth the risk."
Harry sighed.
"I just... Don't know how." He said quietly with a sigh. "And anyway, even if I managed to tell her how I feel, there is one small problem."
"What is it?" Murtagh asked.
"I'm a Dragon Rider." Harry replied. "I'm going to live for a very, very long time. And Hermione... While witches and wizards do live longer than normal humans, she will still grow old and eventually die, while I'll be young forever."
He sighed.
"It just wouldn't be fairfare for her."
"Maybe I can help."
Father and son jumped in surprise, and turned to see Eragon standing not too far away.
"Eragon," Murtagh growled to his brother. "Were you eavesdropping?"
Eragon at least had the decency to look sheepish.
"I could not help but overhear the conversation." He admitted. "However, I might have a solution to this problem concerning Hermione's mortality."
"What is it?" Harry asked.
"Well," Eragon began. "You see, before leaving the Academy I thought it may be interesting to see if any more wizards would be seen as worthy to..."
"Oh, bloody hell." Harry muttered. "You brought the eggs along? Seriously?"
"Maybe?" Eragon admitted.
"This is the first I have heard about this." Murtagh muttered, narrowing his eyes at his brother, who shifted uncomfortably.
"I assure you, they are perfectly safe." Eragon assured the two others. "Anyway, what I am saying is, why not have Hermione tested?"
Harry and Murtagh frowned in thought.
"Well, I do not see why not. It sounds like a good idea to me." He began. “If anyone's worthy of being a Rider, it's Hermione." He added with a nod. "I could talk to her about it... But I'll also include Ron. I mean, I really don't want to leave him out of this."
Murtagh and Eragon nodded.
"You do what you feel best." Murtagh replied. "And Harry?"
"Yeah?"
Murtagh squeezed his shoulder.
"Do not be afraid of how you feel." He said. "Sometimes taking that risk is worth it."
Harry nodded.
"Thanks." He replied.

Later that night, after everyone had gone to bed, Harry sat down with Ron and Hermione in the empty common -room.
"I have something very important to discuss with you." He began.
"What is it?" Hermione asked with slight concern.
"Nothing bad," Harry said quickly. "Just... Something that might be very good."
"Well come on, just say it."
Harry sucked in a nervous breath.
"Well, you see, Eragon had had the brilliant idea to bring the eggs of the Riders along, because he wanted to see if any more wizards could become Riders and... Well..."
Hermione gasped, and Ron's eyes wentwere wide.
"Bloody hell." The red-head said in shock. "You... You're not saying that..."
Harry raised a hand.
"Now, there is no guarantee that an egg will actually hatch for you, but I personally think if I can become a Rider, then chances are, you will be too. I just thought... Maybe you would like the opportunity. I mean, Colaen is possibly one of the best things that has ever happened to me... And I would love for the two of you to experience it. Now don't make a decision right away. This is a very big responsibility, and more, it will be your lives. You can take as long as you want..."
"Oh, thank you Harry." Hermione said, a wide smile on her face.
"Yeah this is just... Bloody hell." Ron added in amazement.
Harry smiled.
"Just tell me when you feel ready, and we can have you tested."
Harry was happy. He would love to have his two closest friends as Riders. He felt they deserved it, just as much, if not more, than he did.

The next morning, the consequences of Harry's little outburst became all too apparent. From the moment that a copy of the "Daily Prophet" landed in front of Hermione, Harry felt a sudden pit of dread in his stomach.
"Here we go." He said nervously. "Let's see what I've done this time."
He and Ron lent in to hear Hermione read the article.

My dear readers,
When I first entered Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry, I intended to report on the Triwizard tournament, and, more specifically, the mystery behind the surprise fourth champion of Harry Potter...

"Oh, for the love of," Harry muttered. "Hasn't she ever heard of confidentiallity?"

However, when I went to interview young Mr Potter, he revealed to me information which was so alarming, I could not simply go another moment without informing you all. It would seem that Hogwarts is not as safe as we have been led to believe...

The article continued with a somewhat accurate summary of the past three years, with various alterations and slight embellishments.
"Oh, bloody hell." Harry said weakly.
Both his friends clutched his hands comfortingly.

After much thought, I have come to the conclusion that perhaps Albus Dumbledore, the Headmaster of Hogwarts, has been neglectful of his duties. After all, a responsible headmaster would have prevented these dangers, and not left it to the students to solve on their own. A responsible headmaster would have informed the parents and guardians of their students of anything that may have happened to their children. Do any of you remember hearing of a three-headed dog in the school? Do any of you remember being informed of the mysterious chamber of secrets being opened? Do any of you remember learning of the negative effects dementors had been having on the students?
So I leave you with this question, dear readers. Should it be time for Albus Dumbledore to step aside, and let another, more responsible headmaster or headmistress take the lead...?

Harry groaned and held his head in his hands.
"Yeah, I've really, really messed up."
Hermione patted his shoulder.
"I'm sure everything will be fine." She soothed.
"Errr, I would maybe rethink that." Ron said nervously.
Harry looked up to see...
"Isn't that your family's owl?" Harry asked.
"Yeah, but look what he's carrying." Ron said, now sounding absolutely terrified.
Harry could feel his own heart beating rapidly in fear. For the owl held a red envelope, and was heading straight for Dumbledore.
"That's Mum, I know it is." Ron hissed.
The three of them watched nervously as the owl landed in front of Dumbledore, and the headmaster opened the envelope in apparent calmness.
"Albus Dumbledore!" Mrs Weasley's voice echoed throughout the hall.
Harry could see Ron's face becoming as red as his hair, and he was slowly sliding underneath the table in embarrassment.
"How could you be so irresponsible!" The howler continued. "Arthur and I were horrified when our daughter almost died in the chamber..."
Harry heard Ginny groaning in embarrassment, and he could see the other three Weasley siblings shrinking in their seats with burning faces.
"But now I see that all of my children have been in danger just by being there! How dare you not inform us of the danger they were in, especially Ron. Almost killed by a giant chess set! Which brings me to another point. How could you be so neglectful that poor Harry had to solve all of your problems for you...!"
"Oh, come on." Harry muttered, his own face growing hot.
He began to sink down in his seat, and landed under the table to meet the four Weasleys. Harry chuckled sheepishly.
"Well... I suppose you know why I've called this meeting." He said nervously.
They all glared at him.
"You just had to open your big mouth." Ginny growled.
"Errr, sorry?" Harry replied. "It was an accident."
"Errr, guys?"
They all looked up to see Neville poking his head underneath the table.
"It looks like more howlers have come, and they are all for Dumbledore."
"How many?" Harry asked.
"A lot." Neville replied nervously.
They all exchanged a look.
"Well, I don't know about you," Fred began.
"But it would appear it is time for a tactical retreat." George continued.
They all quickly crawled out from under the table, to see they were not alone in their thoughts. There was a great stampede to leave the Great Hall.
The last students and teachers had just left the doors, when there was a great explosion of sound. The ground shook with several loud voices which echoed off of the stones.
"Hey, did anyone see Dumbledore leave the Great Hall?" Ron asked.
"Maybe he got lost in the crowd." Hermione suggested.
Harry frowned.
"Yeah, but I think he would be noticeable with his bright sense of fashion."
He commented.
It was only later that they learnt, apparently, Dumbledore had been magically glued to his seat. They didn't know who had done this, but Harry thought he saw a satisfied smile on Professor McGonagall's face.