On the Precipice

As anticipated, classes the next day were much the same. The professors wanted reassurance that Harry would be able to catch up with the rest of the class. McGonagall or Snape must have relayed the conversation they had in Dumbledore’s office since Harry felt their attention on him. Not wanting to give them an excuse, Harry stuck to his initial plan but didn’t pretend to struggle as much as he’d originally intended. He’d hoped this would alleviate any concerns, but several professors cautioned him not to overextend himself. Harry felt like he was doomed whether he performed well or poorly.

 “Excellent Harry! Excellent. Not that I doubted you,” Slughorn said when he saw Harry’s perfectly brewed potion.

“Thank you, sir,” Harry responded.

“I’m happy to see you’re readjusting, but you know I’d understand if you needed some time. Don’t push yourself too much. I know you’re an excellent brewer,” Slughorn said. Harry could read between the lines. If Harry asked, Slughorn would be willing to do Harry a favour by being more lenient with coursework than usual. Harry tried not to grimace. He knew the professor only made the offer because Harry was still someone he wanted to ‘collect’. Harry might have gone to prison, but his reputation was currently good with the media, so he was still desirable. Unlike Draco, who Slughorn avoided because someone he was related to was in Azkaban.

“I appreciate that sir, but I shouldn’t have a problem in your class. You always make potions so interesting. I wouldn’t want to miss anything,” Harry said. He knew he laid it on thick with Slughorn, but the man wasn’t be suspicious at the flattery. With Harry’s other professors, Harry was more subtle when hinting that he liked their subject enough that it wouldn’t be too strenuous for him to catch up. So far, his professors took him at his word, believing he shared their love and enthusiasm for the subject regardless of how much Harry might have shown in the past. He did have a renewed interest in learning all magical fields, but he certainly embellished for their benefit.

“Of course, Harry. I wouldn’t expect any less from one of my star pupils!” Slughorn complimented. Harry smiled until the professor moved on to check on someone else’s potion. With Slughorn out of the way, Harry noticed Zabini had been watching the exchange. He raised his eyebrows at Harry. Harry’s attempts at manipulation were probably too blunt for a seasoned Slytherin, but Slughorn’s ego was big enough that it worked. Still, Harry blushed at being caught, though he only sent a shrug as a response.

The students watched him almost as much as the professors. In particular, Harry noticed he constantly had one of the Slytherin boys’ attention on him at any given moment. He didn’t think they went so far as to schedule who would watch Harry when, but whenever he looked their way, one of them was looking back. His stomach fluttered each time it was Draco who caught his eye. He tried not to preen too much if it happened while a professor was complimenting his spell work. If there was one upside to the whole nightmare it was that he was hopefully impressing Draco. But even with that unforeseen benefit, the attention from everyone was starting to get to him. It was stressful and bordering on annoying considering he felt like he never got a moment of peace between the students and professors. Harry reluctantly felt guilty as he wondered if this was what he’d made Draco feel all year… not that he’d stop watching him any time soon.

With even more assignments by the end of the day, Harry planned spend another night in the library. Ron bemoaned wasting a Friday night on homework, but his pity at the pile of work Harry had collected meant that Ron didn’t try to distract Harry with a more amusing way to spend the evening.

Harry’s trek to the library was derailed when he spotted a surprisingly familiar face in Hogwarts’ halls.

“Isn’t that your judicial-wizard?” asked Hermione and gestured to where the man had stopped to talk to a younger Slytherin.

“Yeah,” replied Harry in surprise.

“What’s he doing here?” asked Ron.

“I mailed him last night. Maybe he came to answer in person?” Harry wondered aloud. Hermione asked him what he’d mailed about, but Harry had already moved away and towards Hale.

“Er, Reginald?” Harry said. He felt awkward interrupting their conversation, but was too hopeful to walk on by.

“Harry, just the man I wanted to see,” Hale said with a large smile. “This is my son, Dazhbog,” he introduced, and Harry tried to keep a straight-face at the somewhat pretentious name. The two students said hello politely. Harry had not thought too much about Hale’s children, though he vaguely recalled the man being concerned about them when Umbridge’s actions had come to light. Harry wasn’t too surprised to learn the man’s son was in Slytherin. He assumed it was Hale’s house as well.

“Are you here about my letter?” Harry asked once the standard pleasantries were done.

“In part. I was also hoping I could ask you a few questions,” Hale said.

“Of course,” Harry said.

“And here I thought you came to see me,” teased Hale’s son.

“That’s just an added bonus. I’d hoped to see at least one of you. Otherwise, I would have asked Harry to come to the off-”

“Dad!” a happy voice called out before Hale was jumped by a first year Gryffindor. The two said their hellos before Hale introduce his youngest, Regina. It surprised Harry more to learn Hale had a daughter in Gryffindor than to realize he’d named her after himself.

“I didn’t realize you had a daughter in Gryffindor,” Harry said.

“Ursula is too. Only one out of three children in Slytherin,” Hale bemoaned, “my wife won that contest.”

“Your wife is in Gryffindor too?” Harry asked.

“She’s the epitome of Gryffindor. Fiercest woman I know,” Hale said with pride. Harry smiled at the obvious affection the man had for his wife. His stomach did that fluttering thing as he considered the proof that a Gryffindor and Slytherin had been able to make it long term. Even if Harry put aside the whole Death Eater business, he and Draco had many problems, some of which stemmed from their school houses. If Hale and his wife could make it work, perhaps that meant that he and Draco had a chance too.

The sound of someone clearing their throat had Harry glancing behind him. He saw Ron and Hermione hovering awkwardly behind him.

“Oh! Sorry. Hermione, Ron, this is my judicial-wizard Reginald Hale,” Harry introduced them. Hale recognized Hermione’s name from her letters and thanked her for sharing some interesting reading material. With a pleased smile, Hermione launched into a comparison between wizard and muggle laws that she found interesting. Harry had no idea what she was talking about, but he was amused to see Hale’s surprise at her eagerness turn into genuine interest in the subject.

“She’s totally going to be a judicial-witch,” said Ron to Harry.

“Me too,” said Regina with pride. Even though Hale was focused on Hermione, he must have heard her because he put an arm around his daughter and drew her closer at the declaration.

“Mr. Hale, I wasn’t aware we had an appointment,” came Snape’s sneering voice from behind Harry.

“As much as I enjoy your company, Professor, I’m here today for Mr. Potter,” said Hale easily.

“And is Professor McGonagall aware of this appointment?” asked Snape.

“No need to bother her over a couple of outstanding forms. I figured it would be less disruptive to come see Harry after his classes than to have him come to me during standard office hours. Unless of course, you feel you can spare him during the hours your class?” Hale asked. Snape made a hmmm sound in response.

“I see… well, if you’d like to use my office…” Snape drawled. It couldn’t be a more obvious attempt for the man to snoop on their meeting.

“No need. Perhaps you’re right after all and there isn’t a need for a formal sit-down. I shouldn’t take too much of Harry’s time. But perhaps, Harry, you’ll humour me and walk with me to the gates,” Hale said.

“Of course,” Harry said before Snape could respond to that.

“It was nice meeting you Miss Granger and Mr. Weasley,” Hale said pleasantly before scooping up his daughter in a hug that lifted her feet off the ground. “Goodbye my Munchkin. D, get ready because I’m about to embarrass you in front of your friends,” Hale said before giving his son a hug too. Harry couldn’t help but smile at the softer side of Hale.

Snape looked like he wanted to join Harry and Hale as they left, but he had no reason to do so. Nor could he prevent Harry from walking towards the gates with Hale. Harry told Ron and Hermione he’d meet them in the library later before walking in step with Hale out the school. Hale asked a few generic pleasantry questions while they navigated away from the crowd. The man hadn’t failed to notice their audience and their excitement as news spread that Hale was Harry’s judicial-wizard. Fortunately, no one immediately followed them outside, so they felt comfortable stopping in an alcove not too far from the entrance where they were protected from the cold wind.

“So, what did you really want to talk about? Or do you actually have some forms for me?” asked Harry.

“There are two things you need to sign, but you could do so later and mail them to me. I mostly came to talk about your plans for improving Azkaban, and to see if you would be willing to testify on Albert’s behalf,” Hale explained.

“Me? What could I say?” Harry asked. He wasn’t opposed but didn’t see how he’d be able to help.

“I was hoping to get your perspective on the night Albert and the others were arrested,” Hale said.

“Alright… but I don’t see how that will help,” Harry stated.

“It might not, but I figured it won’t hurt me to try. If I can’t use anything you say, then I’m no worse off. But if there’s something there, well, to be blunt, your word will go a long way right now,” Hale explained. Harry still wasn’t seeing how anything he said would help. It wasn’t like Albert could pretend he didn’t have dark mark. Still, he told Hale he had no problem with it and gave permission to record his answers with the same quill that was used when he’d been interviewed in prison.

It only took a few questions for Harry to get the general sense of what Hale was trying to tease out. The man focused on getting Harry to describe whether the Death Eaters had been aggressive or reluctant. He asked whether Harry recalled anyone trying to minimize the damage.

Unfortunately, Harry’s testimony was limited by his inability to confidently say what Albert had done or said that night as most of the Death Eaters wore masks. Harry had only really been able to recognize Bellatrix and Lucius.

“Who would you say was the leader?” asked Hale.

“Well, the others followed Bellatrix’s orders… but they also respected what Lucius said…” Harry said hesitantly as he didn’t know which scenario helped Hale more.

“Would it be fair to say Bellatrix Lestrange’s orders were aggressive and without consideration for the damage she caused to those around her?” asked Hale.

“Yes. She’s a fanatic. She wanted the orb so she’d impress Vol-sorry, You-Know-Who,” Harry answered.

“From what you saw that night, did you get the impression she was willing to use any means?”

“Yes.”

“Even if it harmed school children?” confirmed Hale.

“I don’t think our ages mattered,” Harry said. It was obvious Hale was setting up Bellatrix to be the villain. Harry didn’t have a problem supporting that considering his history with the woman, though he hoped Rodolphus would forgive him. He told Hale the spells he remembered her casting at him and his friends. He briefly and painfully recounted what happened when she killed Sirius, and how happy she’d been.

“And Lucius? Did he act the same way as Bellatrix?” asked Hale.

“No… he, well, he told Bellatrix not to curse us,” Harry said. He knew it was more to preserve the orb than any concern for their wellbeing, but he saw how Hale would reframe what had happened. With Bellatrix as the villainous leader, the others were helpless not to follow orders, however reluctantly, though they tried to stop any harm from occurring to the hapless children. Harry tried to answer Hale’s question with this idea in mind. He knew his friends wouldn’t be happy if they found out Harry was willingly going along with it, but perhaps he could pretend his words had been twisted if it became an issue.

Harry’s testimony was hindered by not knowing who each Death Eater was. Hale described their masks, but a good chunk of that night happened so fast that Harry couldn’t be sure which Death Eater had said or done something in particular. He was able to confirm a couple of events that Albert had described, but Hale didn’t look as pleased as he’d been when Harry confidently spoke about Lucius.

“Would it help to see my memory of that night? Well, er, parts of it anyway?” Harry asked. He knew the full scene of that night might work against Albert and the others, but Harry could concentrate on a few moments that were tame or supported Hale’s angle.

“You’d be willing?” asked Hale in surprise.

“If it would help. I know the ministry isn’t keen on accepting memories as evidence,” Harry said.

“When it suits their agenda, they don’t have a problem with it. But otherwise, no, they don’t normally allow it without causing trouble for the witch or wizard that supplied the memory… but we have a unique situation. The ministry has gotten so much bad press with your trial that I believe very few of them would want to risk dragging you in the mud again… of course, it’s still a risk. Runecraft will pick at your testimony regardless…” Hale mused.

“Would I have to go back to court?” Harry asked.

“Most likely. I’ll try to avoid it, but it’s likely they will ask to see you at least once. It won’t do them any favours to keep you from school for an extended period of time… but, I’m sure they will want to hear your testimony directly this time. My quill can only write down what you say, but they’re well aware that I could selectively choose sections of the transcript,” Hale said with a smirk that indicated to Harry that he’d be doing just that.

“Even if I don’t use the memory as evidence, it will still help me,” Hale said, getting back to Harry’s offer. “At the very least, I’d know what to ask or avoid, and get a sense of what the ministry might try to drag up against my clients,” Hale said.

As Hale hadn’t expected Harry to offer the memory, he didn’t have an empty bottle on hand.

“I suppose this will have to do,” Hale said as he poured a headache relief potion on the ground. He cleaned out the residue and dried the bottle with a couple of spells. “Ready?”

Harry focused on the parts of that night that were the most likely to fit with Hale’s plan.

“I really do appreciate this, Harry,” the man said once the memories were bottled.

“It’s no problem. Really,” Harry reassured him. He honestly didn’t know how Hale would make it work, but a large part of Harry hoped it was successful. Death Eater or not, Albert was his friend and Harry had no desire to keep in him Azkaban.

Hale’s eyes trailed over Harry’s shoulder and the man frowned at something back at the castle. Harry turned expecting to see Snape hovering nearby. Instead it was Draco and Nott standing near Hogwarts’ front steps, doing little to hide the fact they were watching Harry and Hale.

“That’s Draco Malfoy and Theodore Nott,” Harry told him.

“Ah,” was Hale’s response and he stopped frowning at their audience. He carefully tucked away Harry’s memories and the written statements. He handed Harry the two forms he’d mentioned and waved a third scroll of parchment in the direction of the castle.

“Do you want to continue our conversation here or keep moving?” he asked. Harry didn’t really mind having Draco and Nott watching them. If Sirius had been given a trial, Harry would have spied on anyone providing information for his case too. Harry probably wouldn’t have kept a respectful distance either. Unfortunately, Draco and Nott weren’t the only people to consider.

“Maybe keep moving in case Snape went to fetch McGonagall,” Harry said. Hale nodded and the two of them continued to walk towards the gate.

Hale handed him the third scroll, which contained a list of government policies surrounding Azkaban, with some added explanations in plain language. Hale also included a list of seemingly random topics, but he indicated how they indirectly impacted the prisoners in Azkaban.

“It’s a place to start,” Hale offered. Harry thanked him but was boggled by how Hale thought this was only the start. There was so much information on the scroll that Harry didn’t know how he’d address it all, let alone whatever else Hale thought he might need to look into.

“Can you get to Hogsmeade this weekend? I know a reporter that would love to interview you on this topic. He’d be fair too,” Hale reassured. Harry knew the reporters still wanted him to comment on his stay in Azkaban, and Harry honestly hated it. If Hale knew one that would let the focus be on prison reform rather than Harry specifically, then Harry was all for it.

“OK. If the professors don’t let me go to the village, I can just meet you here,” Harry said and gestured to the gate.

“That actually might be better. Less chance of having people stick around and eavesdrop,” Hale mused. He said he’d follow up with a letter for the day and time, but he imagined his reporter friend would be eager to meet Harry as soon as possible. Harry agreed and once again thanked Hale for the list he’d given.

“What you’re trying to accomplish… it won’t be easy,” Hale warned.

“I know,” Harry said. If he hadn’t realized before, he now had an intimidating list of policies to let him know exactly how challenging it was going to be. “I might not make a difference at all. I just…” Harry trailed off with a big sigh.

“I’m happy to help where I can. Let me know if you want to know more about a particular policy. Or if you need help contacting key people,” Hale offered. “To be honest, I’m eager to see how you’ll shake things up.”

By the time Harry and Hale said their goodbyes and Harry returned to the school, Draco and Nott had left.

“So, what did Hale want?” asked Ron once Harry made his way to the library. Harry decided not to mention testifying for Albert. It probably wasn’t something he could hide, but he wanted to avoid that argument for a long as he could.

“Apparently this is a place to start, if I want to address prison reform,” Harry said and placed Hale’s scroll on the table.

“Why would you want to do that?” asked Ron. Harry tensed.

“Because Azkaban is a shitty place,” Harry said.

“Well, yeah. And everything you said about it sucks… but that’s for… for people like you and Sirius who shouldn’t have been placed there to begin with… but Harry, it is a prison…” Ron said slowly. Harry knew this sentiment would be the biggest challenge he’ll face. The wizengamot had basically said the same thing when Harry had brought it up during his trial.

“Look, I know the prisoners have done some horrible things,” Harry figured he might as well get that out of the way first. “Some of them murdered people, tortured them… cast unforgivables,” Harry said, not denying his own crimes even if Ron felt Harry shouldn’t have gone to prison to begin with, “but they’re still people.”

“People that should be punished for what they’ve done,” Ron insisted.

“Ok, but you can punish them without… without taking everything. I’m not saying we should turn each cell into some sort of… luxury hotel, but do they have to do anything they can to make sure we’re miserable?” Harry asked.

Ron and Hermione traded looks, both noting the ‘we’ Harry had used. Ron shifted uneasily as he didn’t want to advocate for harsh punishments when it was his best mate that suffered through them.

“… and why is it OK to hurt prisoners? Why is someone like B-, like Burke rewarded for hurting people? Why does he get to walk free while doing the exact same thing some of the prisoners were arrested for?” asked Harry.

“Harry,” Hermione said with sympathy and held his hand. “What Burke did was not OK. He should never have been hired, so maybe better screening for guards should be implemented. But Burke was the exception. That’s not… unless he wasn’t the exception?” Hermione asked, suddenly fearing how commonplace Burke’s behaviour was.

“No one was as bad a Burke, but… some do hurt prisoners, most just say mean things or ignore you… which means they ignored what Burke did,” Harry said. He knew that some guards might have stood idle because they feared Burke rather than from genuine malicious intent. But the result was the same for Harry either way.

“Alright, maybe, maybe some better workers, or what’s it called… sensitivity training? Yeah, maybe that’d be alright?” Ron said. Harry didn’t know what to do with that. He knew Ron was trying, maybe even genuinely supported his own suggestions, but Harry knew he was still skeptical on how much the prison should change. Harry didn’t know how he’d convince the public if he couldn’t even convince his best mates.

“That’s just one part of it. It’s not just about the guards. They’re part of a system that needs to change,” Harry said with a sigh. An awkward silence fell. Harry pulled Hale’s scroll close and started to read through it.

“What’s your plan?” asked Hermione. When Harry glanced up at her, he knew she was trying to be supportive.

“Hale is contacting a reporter he knows. I’m going to give an interview, try to appeal to the public… not that I even know where to start. There’s just so much,” Harry said with a gesture to the scroll.

“May I?” Hermione asked. Harry let her read it over.

“Some of these are pretty vague… that leaves a lot of wiggle room for someone to… take advantage,” Hermione admitted with a frown. It wasn’t quite the support Harry had hoped for, but it was a start. Hopefully he could get her to see how people have taken advantage of that wiggle room. Harry wanted to convince her that it wasn’t just the phrasing of the laws and policies that needed to change, but the intent as well.

Hermione helped him plan a few talking points for the interview. Harry was worried since he couldn’t possibly remember every policy and relevant law, but Hermione assured him that he didn’t need to for that interview. The reporter was more likely to be interested in Harry’s experiences. They just needed to plan which ones related to the problematic policies.

They had a pretty decent outline by the time they stopped for supper. Which made Harry feel better when he received a letter from Hale saying the interview was set for Saturday.

“Are you sure about this Harry?” Ron asked with a frown.

“Yes,” Harry said resolutely. “Look, I get it, I do. When someone hurts you, it’s normal to want them to suffer in some way… but I don’t think Azkaban, at least as it is now, is the solution. However we respond as a society to crime… well, it shouldn’t be that…”

“Not even for Umbridge?” asked Ron. At Harry’s surprise, he elaborated, “people are saying she’ll likely be arrested for what she did last year.”

Harry frowned. He was ashamed to admit that part of him wanted her to suffer despite everything he just said.

“Even Umbridge,” Harry decided. Harry didn’t have an answer for how everyone should react to her crimes, but he knew the current system wasn’t it. It no longer fit Harry’s idea of justice.

“Bloody hell,” Ron said before heaving a giant sigh. “Alright… how can I help?”

“What?” Harry asked in surprise.

“Mate, if Azkaban is so bad that even Umbridge doesn’t deserve it, then it probably really is too much,” Ron said. Harry blinked a few times at Ron’s sudden agreement, but it was a huge weigh off Harry’s shoulders when he realized Ron was genuinely on board to help Harry with his Goliath-sized campaign for prison reform.

Harry went right back to the library after he ate. Ron and Hermione dutifully followed him. They hadn’t even finished pulling out all of their books before someone pulled out the chair next to Harry and joined them.

“What do you want?” asked Ron rudely. Harry turned to the boy next to him with surprise. He too wondered why Nott was sitting with them, though Harry wasn’t as affronted by this as Ron.

“Relax Weasley. I’m here for Potter,” Nott said. His comment did not settle Ron in the least.

“Er, ok?” Harry responded.

“I propose a trade. Apparently, my father was teaching you introductory Alchemy. I can help you continue your studies. In turn, you can help me with Defense,” Nott proposed.

“How do you know about that?” asked Ron suspiciously. Harry’s eyes widened as it could only have been through Albert’s letter. Harry still hadn’t told Ron and Hermione about the letters since he would have to explain everything, and now wasn’t the time to get into all that.

“Er, Hale is his dad’s judicial-wizard too,” Harry said. The statement wasn’t a lie, though Harry knew they wouldn’t appreciate an intentional misdirection either. Harry wanted them to assume Hale had told Nott while he was visiting the school. He was certain Nott caught on, as he let the statement stand with a minor smirk he quickly repressed.

“That sounds like a reasonable trade,” Harry said as he tried to quickly move the conversation along before Ron or Hermione could ask more questions. At Harry’s acceptance, Nott started pulling out his own school supplies.

“Harry… shouldn’t we finish the outline since your meeting is now set for tomorrow?” Hermione said. She wanted to encourage Nott to leave but didn’t want to be overtly rude about it.

“Outline?” asked Nott curiously. Harry bit his lip as he considered his options. He didn’t know Nott as well as his father, so it would be stupid to instantly trust him. But Harry didn’t get the sense that Nott was at their table for any nefarious purpose. He didn’t think there would be any harm in telling Nott, especially since it impacted his father.

“I have an interview set for tomorrow with a reporter,” Harry said after he decided to be honest and upfront with Nott.

“About your stay in Azkaban?” asked Nott.

“Sort of. I want to focus on the need for prison reform,” Harry said. He felt himself flush at Nott’s intense stare, and waited to be scoffed at.

“Can I help?” Nott asked after he considered Harry’s words.

“Harry, he just wants to tell all his Slytherin friends,” Ron warned.

“They would hardly protest,” Nott pointed out. Harry considered both points. He didn’t want too many people knowing about the interview before it happened, but he didn’t care if Nott told his roommates either.

Harry passed Nott the outline he and Hermione had started. Nott looked it over carefully. He offered only a couple of suggestions, but even Hermione agreed they should be added so Ron didn’t accuse their classmate of sabotaging them. Nott asked a few questions about some of the points, and it dawned on Harry he was trying to ask about his dad without being direct. Hermione’s suspicion softened once she realized it too.

Once they were all satisfied with the outline – though Harry was still very nervous – Harry did help Nott with Defense. It worked well considering it gave Harry ideas on what he could include in his own assignments for Snape. In return, Nott and Harry briefly went over the introductory alchemy Harry picked up from Albert. Nott promised to give him a couple of books to help him continue with his studies. Seeing Harry’s less than enthusiastic expression at book learning, Nott promised to go over the content with him as well. Harry happily agreed and was even looking forward to it despite being overworked while he caught up on his missed school assignments.

Harry managed to work through most of those assignments that night after the others went to bed. He was mentally exhausted by the time he flopped onto his bed and pretended to sleep. Despite how boring the reading and assignments were, a part of Harry appreciated the distraction from his own dark thoughts. He worried about what he would do Saturday night since he anticipated being finished with the rest of his schoolwork by then. With nothing occupying his mind, it was likely to wander to topics Harry really didn’t want to think about.

He settled in for another day at the library. Ron and Hermione joined him once again. Harry wasn’t too surprised when Nott joined them a little later as well. Both Ron and Hermione still watched him suspiciously but didn’t protest aloud.

Twenty minutes before the interview, Harry nervously packed up his books. Ron asked if he wanted them to go with him. Even Nott looked like he’d join if Harry requested it. Harry declined. It was going to hard enough to get through without an audience.

He mentally reviewed what he wanted to say as he walked towards the meeting place. He felt confident up until he spotted Hale and another man waiting for him. The second man was a black man roughly around Hale’s age. He was dressed in practical dark grey robes. He held himself in a confident manner without giving off the impression of someone pretentious. He made an interesting contrast standing next to Hale, who even on a casual Saturday managed to embody the wealth and prestige his job afforded him.

Harry second-guessed how wise it was to open up to the press as he walked up to them. This man looked to be the opposite of Rita Skeeter’s in-your-face personality, but that did little to put him at ease. Harry didn’t have a good track record with the press, and it was hard to forget that even though he was the one to request the interview. He knew that whatever would be printed from this meeting, even if it portrayed Harry favourably, would result in the school gossiping about him. They hadn’t exactly stopped watching him, but the novelty of his return had finally started to wear off. He didn’t want to regain that attention.

Hale introduced him as Mr. Lance, and made sure to stress the fact that he had recently won some prestigious award for investigative reporting. Harry made the appropriate impressed noises though he’d never heard of that award before. He knew Hale intended to put Harry at ease with Lance’s obvious competence in his job. But, it was Lance that eventually reassured Harry when he confided that his cousin had been arrested, and subsequently died in Azkaban only seven months into his sentence. Harry felt like Lance shared Harry’s desire for prison reform even if the man hadn’t outright said it.

It wasn’t any easier for Harry to speak about his experiences in Azkaban, even though he’d had practice from speaking to his friends and Hale. Fortunately, Harry was able to focus more on the official policies and only tied in his personal experiences to highlight some of the negative impacts they had on prisoners. Lance recorded everything using the same sort of quill Hale used during their meetings. Harry was reassured that it would be accurate, unlike Rita’s embellishment quill. When they were done, Lance surprised him by suggesting there will be multiple articles printed from this one interview. Harry was worried that meant he wouldn’t get out of the spotlight any time soon, though he understood how it would be hard to cover all the problems in one article.

Harry was surprised to see Nott still at their table when he returned. He had assumed that either Ron would drive him away or Nott wouldn’t voluntarily stick around without Harry there. It made it easier to only have to recount the interview once.

By the end of the day, Harry not only finished his backlog of assignments, but also started moving forward with his alchemy studies thanks to Nott. In return, Harry helped Nott and Ron with their Charms work. Bored, but not wanting Hermione to ask how he managed to complete everything already, Harry decided to read ahead in Defense to make sure Snape couldn’t embarrass him by asking about subjects they hadn’t even covered yet. Before Nott left to return to his common room, Harry asked him if he would be willing to share his old Ancient Runes notes as well so that Harry would have something to do on Sunday while pretending to still catch up on work.

Once everyone else went to sleep, Harry wasn’t sure how to spend his time. He was sick of reading, but playing chess against himself wasn’t sufficiently distracting. In Azkaban, Harry had used his extra time productively by making gifts for the prisoners. He figured now was as good a time as any to get a head start on birthday gifts. Neville’s birthday would be next. Technically Draco’s birthday came before Neville’s, but Harry didn’t know if Draco would even want a present from Harry.

Neville’s present was easy. Harry used his love for herbology as inspiration. Harry started making a fake replica of a mimbulus mimbletonia. With access to pictures of it from his books, Harry was able to make a more realistic copy than he had for Crabbe’s present. It wasn’t until he’d put the finishing touches on it that Harry started to second guess the usefulness of the present. For Crabbe it had been a good idea because the man loved Herbology but was stuck in a rather lifeless place. Neville did not have the same restrictions. He didn’t need a fake plant when he had access to real ones and enjoyed caring for them.

It took Harry awhile to figure it out, but he eventually cut the fake plant in two, hollowed the inside, poked holes where the boils were, added a tiny plug on the bottom and the sealed up the back. He shrunk them down until they fit in the palm of his hand. He transfigured a couple sewing needles into lapel pins and attached them to the back of both. He had a bit of trouble, but eventually figured out how make them responsive so that when someone pressed hard on the front, it would gush out liquid right back at them. Harry tested it with water, though Neville could theoretically put the pus from a real mimbulus mimbletonia in it.

Harry knew it wouldn’t be the most impressive or useful gift Neville would get, but hopefully he’d like them anyway.

One gift down, but still two hours to go before Harry had to pretend to be sleeping, Harry pondered what other gifts he could make. Hermione’s birthday was the next one after Neville’s… but Draco’s birthday still came before both of them. Harry didn’t know if Draco would even accept a gift from Harry, assuming Harry made something he felt was good enough to give. He supposed it wouldn’t hurt to create something and decide if it was worthy later.

Perhaps because he’d used Crabbe’s gift as the inspiration for Neville’s, Harry immediately considered the brush and mirror he’d made for Lucius. It felt uninspired to create the same gift, but Harry hoped that like with Neville’s gift, he would figure out a way to make it something unique as he went. He started by changing the design. It would have been a little embarrassing to use a dragon motif. He didn’t think Draco would immediately jump to the conclusion that Harry had a crush, but Harry had gotten used to Mulciber’s teasing that it felt like too big of a statement. Still, Harry thought Draco would appreciate some significant design, so he fashioned the handle of the mirror with peacocks.

Harry spent a significant amount of time nitpicking at the design, but actually was happy with his creation by the time he finally set it down. He started to prepare for making a matching brush, but hesitated. Considering the lifestyle his parents had been able to provide, Draco likely had no shortage of beautiful knickknacks. Harry’s mirror was probably equivalent to a preschooler’s drawing compared to the mirrors Draco could purchase from high end boutiques. Harry sat back with a groan and reconsidered his gift.

He needed to create something impressive without being over the top... except Harry wondered if over the top might be the only way he could impress Draco. Harry internally debated whether he ought to create an entire vanity instead of a small mirror. That would probably get Draco attention... assuming Harry figured out how to send it to him. He didn’t think owls would be able to manage an item that big. As soon as Harry started to consider the logistics of it, it occurred to him that Draco might be more insulted than impressed. With Harry’s luck, Draco would probably think Harry was calling him vain.

Harry sighed and tried to think of a completely different idea. Unfortunately, for every lowkey romantic idea that popped into his head, Harry was able to imagine how Draco could misinterpret Harry’s intentions. Lucius had seemed pleased by the brush and mirror, but that had been in Azkaban. Any gift was probably welcomed just for the novelty of having something pleasant around. Harry wished he could ask Lucius for advice.

Harry suddenly sat up straight as an impossible, ridiculous, but also wonderful idea came to him. He glanced at the mirror he’d just made and knew how he could make it into something Draco would want and not be insulted by. Draco himself had told Harry that what he needed was his father. Harry couldn’t actually bring Lucius to Draco, but if he could somehow connect this mirror to the one he’d given Lucius, then Harry could give him the next best thing. Assuming Harry could make it work. He didn’t know the first thing about creating two-way mirrors, but Harry knew he had to try.

He spent the rest of the night theorizing how it could be done. He thought he could make it work if he had both mirrors in front of him, but he couldn’t puzzle out how to do so at a distance. The only reason he didn’t give up hope was because he used his own blood on Lucius’ mirror to make it permanent. Harry was certain that blood magic might be the key to connecting the two mirrors, but he didn’t know enough to figure out exactly how he can use it for this additional purpose.

Harry attempted one spell. It fortunately did not unintentionally damage the mirror, but he wasn’t surprised when he only saw himself reflected back at him. There was the slight possibility that it worked but Lucius was asleep and didn’t hear his call, but Harry doubted it. Disappointed, Harry returned to his dorm. As he laid in bed pretending to sleep, Harry went over various spells that had similar effects to what he was attempting, but he was fairly certain he wouldn’t be able to tweak or combine them enough to get the desired results. He needed to research it. It was fortunate everyone assumed Harry would spend Sunday in the library catching up on his schoolwork. No one would think anything was amiss if they found him stressed out and desperately researching all day.

And that was exactly how he spent his Sunday. At first neither Ron nor Hermione paid much attention to what he was reading, but Hermione was too observant not notice Harry had been reading up on something they were not covering in their classes. He’d claimed he was merely curious. Hermione did not push him, but she kept eyeballing the textbooks. Harry knew she’d eventually figure out his main interest. It wasn’t that hard since he was looking up how to connect two objects, and several ways to use reflective surfaces for more than primping. He didn’t know what reasoning she’d assume he had, but Harry felt safe that she wouldn’t jump to the conclusion he was trying to contact Lucius.

Nott joined them again. Hermione and Ron both frowned but didn’t outright ask him to leave. Nott had thus far been pleasant and respectful, so they could not shoo him away without appearing like assholes. Ron even relaxed when Nott offered to go over Ron’s essay for Transfiguration. Still, when they both needed to leave to do some prefect duties, they hesitated to leave Harry alone with Nott. He reassured them he’d be fine, but they both looked back uncertainly before they left the library.

“Alright, what are you working on?” Nott asked as soon as they were alone.

“Just curious,” Harry said.

“Right,” Nott said and stressed the word. “You know I can’t help you if you don’t let me know what you’re trying to do.”

Harry frowned as he processed the offer. Perhaps Nott thought Harry had picked up a harmless side project and offered his help as a way to extend their mutual tutoring. It was tempting to pretend that was the case so he could get Nott’s help, but that excuse would not hold up once it became clear they were only working with one mirror present.

“Er, I don’t know if this is the best place to discuss this,” Harry stalled.

Nott raised his eyebrows, then quickly cast a privacy charm around their table. Harry thought it over. Telling Nott would be a serious risk. Harry trusted Albert, but he didn’t yet know his son. If he told Nott about his goal, he’d have the power to get Harry in serious trouble. It would also jeopardize Albert. If anyone found Lucius’ mirror or the other gifts, they would all be in trouble. He didn’t think Nott would risk it, but Harry knew that family connections don’t necessarily mean loyalty. The Dursleys taught him that early on.

“You love your dad, right?” Harry asked point blank.

“What?... yes, of course,” Nott said with confusion. Harry studied his face and tried to determine his sincerity.

“If I tell you... er, I’d have to tell you about something that could get him, and others, in trouble,” Harry said. It was the brief flash of concern on Nott’s face before he managed to hide it behind his usual stoic façade that convinced Harry. Nott wouldn’t purposely hurt his father.

“I won’t tell anyone,” Nott said. Harry wasn’t sure if that was true, as he could see Nott wanting to tell his roommates. Though it did seem unlikely he would spread it beyond them. Harry wasn’t sure how trustworthy they all were, but Draco and Crabbe would likely reign in Zabini and Goyle if need be.

“Alright... well, I have- had a two-way mirror. I broke mine, but that’s besides the point. I was thinking about it last night, and I thought... well... it would be a good way to secretly communicate with someone. Er, I have a mirror, a new one that is, and I’m trying to figure out how I can connect it to another one. One that’s far away... in Lucius’ cell to be exact...” Harry haltingly explained.

“Lucius? How does Lucius have a mirror in his cell. No, don’t answer that,” Nott said with wide eyes. Harry was glad he didn’t have to elaborate.

“I think I figured out how to connect two mirrors if they were side-by-side, but it doesn’t work with one mirror being so far away,” Harry explained.

“Why do you think it would even be possible? Without sensing the mirror in some way, how do you expect to be able to cast any spell on it?” Nott asked. Harry bit his lip and observed Nott closely again. He’d gotten this far, and Harry really thought blood magic might be the key, so he wouldn’t get much help from Nott unless he explained at least that much.

“It’s... tied to me,” Harry said, hoping Nott would infer what he meant.

“How?” asked Nott.

“It’s... tied to my blood,” Harry said, voice barely above a whisper despite the privacy spell.

Nott stared at Harry in surprise for a few moments. “I never thought I would actually want to know what happens in Azkaban...” he eventually responded. When Harry opened his mouth to reply, Nott added, “no, don’t tell me that either. I probably shouldn’t know specifics... unless you think it will help with this spell.”

Instead of elaborating, Harry push over a scroll with the theory he had managed to work out last night. “I tried this last night, but it didn’t work,” Harry said. He had tried again in the morning, roughly around the time he thought the prisoners would be eating breakfast, but nothing had happened. Harry only saw himself reflected, and frankly he was tired of looking at his own reflection.

Nott looked it over and nodded a few times. “It might work if you had both mirrors,” he hypothesized.

“Right... this book has some surveillance spells that I thought might be a different way to go about it,” Harry nudged the book in his direction. “Unfortunately, they are either limited by distance or only active for a short amount of time.” He let Nott read the spells.

“They still wouldn’t work without having the other mirror with you,” Nott said.

“I know,” Harry said with a dejected sigh.

“You’re probably right that blood magic might be the key. You won’t find any useful books in the library though. Maybe in the restricted section, but not on the general shelves,” Nott said.

“Right. I thought I’d sneak in tonight and check,” Harry confessed.

“They have alarm and monitoring spells on the books to prevent exactly that,” Nott warned.

“Er, I know. Found that out in first year... the hard way,” Harry said.

“Of course you did,” said Nott with an amused snort. “I might have a book in my dorm. Not sure it’ll help for this particular situation though.”

Nott helped him research the rest of the day, thought he was careful to hide that fact from Hermione once she and Ron returned. A couple of hours later, Harry recalled that Lucius had to keep his mirror small most of the time so the guards wouldn’t find it. Harry didn’t know if that would prevent a connection or at least make it harder to hear when Harry tried to call. He slipped a note to Nott explaining this potential complication. He got another raised eyebrow in return, but Nott went to collect a book on shrinking charms. Hermione thought nothing of it, but Harry didn’t know if that was because she didn’t care what Nott was up to or if she, understandably, did not see how it was connected to Harry’s current research interests.

Unfortunately, despite both their efforts, they found nothing.