Chapter 13: The Knights' Reach is FarNotes:This Chapter and the next are being released back to back. I wanted to keep them in the same chapter, but it got too big. I had really been stubborn in wanting to limit the number of chapters before ending first year for some reason. I just couldn't in the end. This chapter would have been 11k to 12k words alone. I figured that was too much for people in one chunk.
Chapter Text"You're sure about this?" a girl's voice asked another girl as they met in an abandoned classroom. The two were often seen together and even consider themselves friends, but some discussions had to be carefully shared privately.
"Yes. I am. You've felt his power. You know what they're like," the other replied.
"I know… It's just… He hangs around that muggleborn… He was raised by muggles too," the first girl said unsurely. The circumstance meant she would have to be very careful here, given her family's status and certain beliefs of those around them.
"A true Slytherin doesn't fully discount muggleborns. Why limit yourself that much? You don't have to think they're the greatest thing in the world or what not, but discounting them is stupid. Especially considering how smart Hermione is. Most of Slytherin at least leaves her alone and keeps away. Besides, very few, if any, don't have muggle blood or muggleborn blood in them now. Even your family, if you go far enough back, married muggleborns," the second girl said.
She gave a scoff. "For all his bluster, Draco's family were huge proponents against the Statute of Secrecy. They loved intermingling with muggles. Anyone who knows their actual history, instead of just the Malfoy family recent beliefs, is aware of this."
"I'm just nervous. Okay? I'm worried. It is Harry Potter. The-Boy-Who-Lived. The one who defeated the Dark Lord. The Champion of the Light. His views aren't easy to figure out with a couple of exceptions. Everyone was sure he would go to Gryffindor and that group always does what they can to show they're the light side and the so-called good guys. That doesn't exactly make things easy for me," the first girl said.
"And yet… he went to Hufflepuff. Even Draco is on relatively decent terms with him. I suppose I can still understand your concerns. If you want to back out now you can, but I'm not… You know why," the second girl said.
"I'm in this with you. You know why I find our decision a bit difficult. My family never really got fully on board with that lot. We kept purposefully in the middle, even if we privately alluded to being on their side. We don't act foolishly… I worry what could happen if I'm found out in the wrong circumstances here. It doesn't matter if they leave Hermione alone. If I seem too friendly with her, it will still reflect badly on me," the first girl said.
"Considering who raised Harry and what they're like… I'm pretty sure you'll be okay. They know how to keep things under wraps and use caution. They can work from the shadows when needed. It's only been a few years and already their reach is much further than one would think," the second said.
She then held a thoughtful look and said, "Harry may not even realize how far it goes yet, and he's seen as pretty high up in the group despite his age. That's before even count our world. There aren't many aligned with the Knights yet, but there are some who are with him, even if informally for the moment. You can still approach Harry at the very least considering he's on decent terms with enough of our house."
"Let's just do this, okay... When will we approach him?" the first girl asked. She knew her friend was speaking the truth, but she was still wary of it all. This was not something to take lightly.
"After the next DADA class," was the answer given as the two finished their discussion and went back to their dorm.
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Both girls were a bit nervous with what they were doing. Some in the Snake Pit wouldn't appreciate what they were planning. It didn't matter both girls in their own ways knew where things were ultimately going. It was still going to be tough if they were found out at an inopportune moment.
The family of the second girl had received a very rare gift and that was how she knew where things were most likely going. They were given one of the clearest prophecies ever delivered. It told them:
The Knight will rise from the Muggle Streets. The Badgers will rise with him to show their true worth. It begins when the boy who defeated the Unnamed One dons Yellow and Black instead of Red and Gold.
The Green and Silver Eagle, wielding Wand and Sword, will not survive should they oppose the Knight from the Streets. The Eagle will instead rise further than ever before… should it join him.
The Knight will rise from the Muggle Streets. The Badger will rise with him. The Eagle will choose its fate. The Unnamed One will rise anew, but experience a final lasting death equal to seven.
To the second girl's family, it was clear where their fate lay. Their family's symbol was an eagle wielding a wand and sword. She was in the house of silver and green, Slytherin. They were sure Harry was the Knight, especially considering what they knew of him and his background. The fact he went to Hufflepuff instead of Gryffindor fulfilled that last descriptor.
Her family agreed their fate was tied to his. They were taking a risk, because the prophecy stated they would only fall if they opposed him. They could stay out of whatever would come entirely and be just fine. However, Slytherins were ambitious. Rising further than ever before really spoke to them. It promised untold opportunity never seen since ancient times, when their family's exceptional craft was highly valued. They had still managed fairly well for themselves, but this seemed too good an opportunity to pass up.
The Unnamed One was clearly Voldemort. It was obvious he would return to anyone with half a brain. The prophecy she figured made clear Harry would again defeat him… so long as he didn't die first. After all, you could bypass a prophecy by removing one of the components of it. Prophecies were not the law, but they could be a rather strong guideline.
The only part her family had little understanding about was the last line. The part about Voldemort supposedly experiencing death equal to seven. Seven was a magically significant number. It was the most powerful number. Perhaps it meant Voldemort's death would be that magical and that powerful to their world. They weren't sure what it meant. The girl would keep it in mind though. The final part of the prophecy might not make sense until later. Prophecies were like that at times.
The first girl to speak, who was more nervous about their plan, also knew where things were most likely going, but it was complicated and much less clear in her mind. She had felt Harry's magic and its power. Her own magic was saying he was the key to her future, but she didn't know in what way. Perhaps following him would lead her to the future. Perhaps keeping an eye on him would do it. Maybe he would have to die for her future to come about and she had to be close to him for it to matter in her life. She didn't think it was that last possibility, but she had few clues so far.
She knew he was important for her future and that was why she agreed to this, even if it was nerve wracking for her. Up to this point, things had been easy. They kept their distance and observed Harry. They hadn't interacted with him anymore than the next Slytherin.
Now, they were going to approach him and more clearly align themselves with him, even if she still left it mostly ambiguous. Her magic told her this was the point of no return. She just wished it would tell her more about how things will play out and put her mind at ease. Her family knew better than most how to listen to magic, but it was never clear cut or easy. She also wasn't as skilled in such matters compared to her parents and older family members, but they couldn't help much here. The way she knew how to listen to magic was more personal apart from being able to sense other's magic. It was difficult to have others help you when that was the case.
[-] [-] [-]
Harry and Hannah were sitting alone in the living room of their dorm. It was rare for just the two of them to be there like this. Hannah had been alone with Susan plenty just as Harry had been alone with Hermione plenty. The four of them also spent a lot of time all together, but this was a rare occurrence. However, Harry took this as a chance to talk to Hannah as just Hannah, so to speak, and not Hannah and Susan.
"So, Hannah," he started.
Hannah blushed at realizing they were actually alone together. That slight tug she sometimes felt around him was a bit stronger than usual like this. "Yes, Harry?" she asked trying her best to sound her usual self.
"After a semester and a half, what do you think of Hogwarts? Is it everything you thought it would be? I've never really thought much on what Hogwarts is to magicals who grew up in the Wizarding world," Harry said.
Hannah relaxed, even though she hadn't looked tense. This question was something she felt easy talking about, even when alone with a boy like Harry. "It has been amazing and interesting. I've heard so many stories about it from family members and it got really annoying at times because they never told me about the sorting. It was always, 'You'll see. Wouldn't want to spoil the surprise,' and stuff like that," she said with a mock adult voice.
Harry gave a chuckle. "You can do the same to any children you have when you're older. Maybe even any younger cousins you have now," he said.
Hannah gave a giggle. "Oh, I intend to. I actually have a couple of younger cousins who won't be attending until close to when I graduate. I might just pull a leaf out of the Twins' book and do like they did with Ron. I can't believe he actually seemed to have bought the whole wrestle a troll in your small clothes idea," she said giggling again. Many had overheard Ron's little comment about that while they waited to be sorted.
Harry nodded to that and laughed. "I don't either. Then again I guess you just want to believe your older siblings. It isn't exactly the same, but I know a lot of the younger boys in the Rust District look up to me and Burns," he said.
"My younger cousins are the same way with me. It isn't wrong I want to tease them a little though. Is it?" Hannah asked. It was something she sometimes wondered about, especially when her mom told her to be a good example for them. That wasn't a lot of fun though. She wasn't the type to always be super serious all of the time. That was more Susan and she still knew how to have fun.
Harry shrugged in response. "I don't know them, so I can't really say. I don't think it's too bad every now and then. I'd say just don't make it a habit and don't be too mean. I'm far from an expert though," he said.
Hannah gave an exaggerated gasp. "The Boy Who Lived isn't an instant expert at everything?" she asked him teasingly.
Harry shook his head and rolled his eyes. Hannah giggled again.
"I think you have a good guess here at least. I do like to be the fun cousin, but I'm careful to make sure I know when to be serious. I can't stand seeing them upset," Hannah said with a sad look at that last thought.
"Sounds like you've got the right idea then," Harry said with a supportive smile. Hannah quickly smiled again.
"What's it like for you?" Hannah asked.
"Hogwarts is amazing! It's like stepping into a different world completely. Especially after the troll on Halloween, even if we went straight to the common room. There's also Norbert. Magic, Trolls, and Dragons were things only seen in books, movies and tv shows before I came here. It still feels very different, even after having a semester and a half under my belt," Harry said.
"Do you worry about the others back home?" Hannah asked.
"I do, but this is part of who I am and I know Boss and the others will keep everyone safe. I also don't really have too much of a choice," he said. There were reasons wizard and witch children learned about magic. Harry shot her an easy grin as he added, "Even if I probably would have still said yes to learning magic."
Hannah giggled to that and smiled brighter.
"I'm glad to be in a house that holds the same values I do in high regard. That has probably helped a lot in making me feel more at home here," Harry said.
"Hufflepuff has done the same for me. I'm not sure what it would be like if I was in another house. I really like the whole RA thing, even if Tonks has to worry about NEWTs and not just us," Hannah said.
She then sighed a little. "It does at times feel a little too normal for me now. A little bit of a letdown in that regard I guess. Maybe I put too much stock in the romanticized tales my parents and other family members shared about their time here," Hannah admitted.
Harry looked to her with a raised eyebrow. "Are you saying raising and helping smuggle an illegal dragon out of Hogwarts is boring?" Harry asked her.
Hannah laughed to that. "That was a bit exciting, but it was you, Tonks and Hermione who did the actual smuggling. I just helped raise it," she said with a small smile.
Harry nodded to that. "Fair point. I'll make sure to bring you along next time I do something like that. Be warned… You brought this upon yourself. Keep that in mind when the time comes," Harry said giving her a smirk.
Hannah blushed and giggled. "Got it," she easily answered. She then looked from side to side as she leaned in and stage whispered to Harry. "When's your next big adventure then? Are we going to train trolls to dance? You know like Barnabas the Barmy in that tapestry? Will we smuggle two dragons at once? Maybe train trolls to do synchronized flying while riding on dragons?" she asked with a big smile.
Harry laughed. "Those are some big goals. Maybe we should take baby steps?" he asked. He then put on a mock thinking face. "I think we should first start with getting the enchanted ceiling to put on a planetarium show. We can get it to show everyone a Supernova! Then we can train three dragons to do tricks on command and finally the dancing trolls," Harry said.
He then gave an excited look. "How about dancing trolls on top of trained dragons?" he asked.
Hannah was in disbelief before she started to laugh. "And you said I had big goals," she said shaking her head. She then looked to him and asked, "What is a Supernova exactly?"
"That's a bit surprising… I thought Astronomy was close to being at about the same level of study, if not further along than the muggle side," Harry mused.
Hannah gave him a look telling him to answer the question already. She didn't want to get lost in his musings and make her wait for a proper answer.
"It's what muggles call it when stars explode. Supernovas are really huge and seemingly rare. In the past, they have been seen here on Earth, even without a telescope. We know this due to written records from the past. Outer Space is actually interesting and hard to grasp at times. Sorry about my distracted comment. I don't know what all the wizarding world knows about stars and such yet," Harry said.
Hannah nodded to show she didn't take offense and he needn't worry. "We usually just know about their alignment and how they can affect ritual magic. Then there is Divination, which is about reading the stars and finding out about the future… usually in a very roundabout and vague manner. Even people who thoroughly believe in Divination, find that aspect hard to have faith in," she explained to him.
"That is interesting. Muggles have different uses for the stars, but similar, I guess in that they learned alignments and such. In the past, sailors used to navigate by the stars on clear nights. We usually study them more out of curiosity and such now for the most part. One thing that is really hard to think about is how it's possible most of the stars we see at night, no longer exist," Harry said.
"How?!" Hannah asked in awe.
"Muggles have a concept known as light speed. It is the speed at which light travels. Essentially how long it takes for you to perceive light with your eyes from where it originates," Harry said.
"Isn't that instant though?" Hannah asked in confusion.
"Not exactly. When it comes to most of the light you see, whether from candle or wand tip, the calculation is so small it seems that way. We are talking about such a small part of a second that it wouldn't be worth calculating. When it comes to the stars and Outer Space, it is very different. Space is so vast, distance is measured in light years, meaning how far light travels in the span of a year. The closest star, besides the sun, is measured to be a little over four light years away. That means when it comes to that star, we are seeing the light it put out about four years ago," Harry said.
"Wow… That's amazing… I see what you mean then. That also means most of the stars are much further away," Hannah said in awe.
"Yep. Some of them are hundreds of light years away and many are more. That means, theoretically it is possible most of the night sky we see isn't even there anymore," Harry said.
"Wow… I guess in their own way muggles are amazing," Hannah said thinking on what Harry just told her.
"Wizards have magic to explain the world around them. Muggles have Science. Both have things they are right about, and things they are wrong about," Harry said.
"That is interesting. And from what I know of it, shows Muggle Studies here is very wrong," Hannah said with a thoughtful frown.
Harry smiled to her. "Just like how there are things regarding magic muggles are very wrong about," he said.
He wanted to make sure she realized it went both ways and he wasn't harshly judging magic society. Wizards didn't really make a habit of studying muggles because their worlds were so very separated. This was understandable, even if he disagreed with how most of the magic world far too easily dismissed muggles, and in many cases muggleborns as well.
Hannah and Harry continued to discuss other things while they were alone. Hannah found herself enjoying this alone time with Harry more than she thought she would. She saw him as a friend and would enjoy it, she knew that, but she did more than she thought. She hoped maybe she would get more time like this with him in the future. She would try to find some time like this with Hermione as well. She knew them fairly well, but it would good to know them even better.
Hermione was different though. She was usually reading a book or studying when she wasn't with the rest of them. Hannah found her a little difficult and intimidating to dare approach when she got like that. Hermione did do plenty with them all as a group and probably with Harry when they were alone, but she didn't really talk much alone with Hannah or Susan by comparison. Maybe that would slowly change during their years at Hogwarts together.
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Harry had long since come to see DADA as essentially a magic study hall. Hermione even found it difficult to keep on being the good little student in this class. Professor Quirrell didn't even bother to call out students doing something completely different from his lessons, so long as they weren't yelling to each other the whole time. He didn't even get on Lavender's case for bringing Teen Witch Weekly and Young Witch magazines to class. She usually shared them with Parvati and a few other girls from the different houses. Harry was proud he at least used the extra time for something productive like other studies.
When the class ended for the day, Harry told the others to go on without him. He was in the middle of something when class was dismissed and needed extra time to get it all packed up. As he left the class, he quickly noticed two people were following him. They had waited for him in what they thought was out of sight, but he wasn't one of the best Lookouts in the Street Knights for nothing.
After noticing them, he kept walking instead of immediately turning around to confront them. He made sure to take a bit of detour after class this time. He wanted some extra time to think on what he was free studying, or so he wanted his tails to think. He kept looking forward, but mentally rolled his eyes at how obvious they seemed to him. He was wondering if they were being this bad on purpose as a way to show they meant no harm, or if it was completely his own skills letting him clock them so easily.
Harry entered into an empty classroom and turned around to face the door. Two girls from Slytherin entered behind him and thought they did so quietly. After quietly locking the door, they blushed when they turned around and saw an amused Harry Potter watching them. He looked relaxed with his arms folded as he leaned on the desk, but he was ready just in case.
"I'm surprised two Slytherins were following me after class. I'm even more surprised it was you two. What is it you want? Tracey? Pansy?" he asked.
The two were a bit surprised he seemed to have had them figured from the start. They hadn't even noticed it in his behavior. To them, he seemed completely unaware he was being followed, even after he entered the unused classroom.
"Well... You definitely are different, even for a muggle raised," Tracey started as Pansy seemed to stick close to her. She seemed ready in case she needed to act and that got her bonus points in Harry's Books. Slytherin wasn't on bad terms with him, but they never really came to him alone in such a place and she was clearly sticking by her friend just in case.
Harry shrugged. "I haven't exactly had the usual upbringing."
The two girls looked to each other and seemed to steel their nerves. Harry found it odd they seemed so nervous, even for being wary of the person in front of them. He wasn't really trying to intimidate them or anything.
"That's what we're here for…" Pansy started.
"We've actually met before Harry," Tracey started.
"I'm guessing you mean outside of Hogwarts?" Harry asked as they nodded. He took on a thoughtful look and soon seemed to blink as he recognized something. "Huh…" he started as he remembered something from before he started Hogwarts. He wouldn't recognized it back then, but now he knew a little more due to what he and Hermione had been studying together.
"Yeah. We were the two girls you and that other guy helped that day," Pansy said as if answering his unasked question.
"You two look very different. You two didn't even seem the same age with each other at that time," Harry said.
"My house elf gave us powerful glamors, so no one would recognize us. We sort of sneaked out to go and visit the muggle world due to curiosity," Tracey said.
"Not very usual for Slytherins," Harry commented as he relaxed a little, though the girls didn't notice a difference. He had seemed cool, calm, and relaxed from the start to them.
"We aren't usual Slytherins, despite how we may act," Pansy said.
"We also weren't wholly truthful then either," Tracey said.
Harry had a slightly intrigued look as he said, "Now that I think about it again. You two did only say you were from around the area. You weren't specific."
"We couldn't be. Statute of Secrecy and all," Pansy stated.
"So then, what is it you two want?" Harry asked as he motioned for them to relax a little. The two girls followed his lead and were more relieved than they thought they would be.
"We wanted to thank you properly," Pansy said carefully as she looked to Tracey. She wasn't sure how much they would say this time.
Tracey sighed. "I'll just get on with it," she said steeling herself again. "My father was the one who gave your boss his sword."
Harry couldn't hide his surprise at that.
"We've always specialized in enchanting items, muggle or otherwise, even if most things like that are illegal now. You also saved us that day. My dad keeps tabs on the muggle world unlike most wizards and witches, especially after the time he was helped by Jett. He told me to keep an eye out for you once you came to Hogwarts. He wanted me to approach you, if it wouldn't be too much trouble, such as you being Gryffindor or something. He wanted me to say we remember what the Knights have done for us and consider ourselves friends or allies… and such. This is a bit awkward," she said with a frown in thought.
"Not really a conversation that couldn't be," Harry said in a friendly manner causing her to smile a little. "That explains you. What about you though, Pansy?" he asked looking to her. "I get the feeling it is more than just a proper thanks with you as well."
Pansy sighed. "It is hard to fully explain. I also don't get everything about it either… Do you know about magic calling to you?" she asked carefully. She wasn't very hopeful this would make sense to Harry. It was not a concept explored much by most even in their world.
She was surprised, as was Tracey, when Harry nodded. "I do. I kind of sense something when it comes to Hermione. She has unintentionally hinted at something similar in her case as well," he said. He was going to be careful with details here. He would also mention to Hermione later it wasn't just them that felt this magic calling, even if it may not be the same as Pansy's experience.
"That's unexpected. Makes things a bit easier," Pansy started. She took in a deep breath and let it out. "My family is gifted in listening to magic like that. It isn't easy or very clear, but we are aware of it. My magic has sort of called to you. I don't know what all it means. Just that something important is there for me. It is still odd to explain. I first felt it back during that first meeting…" she said.
"I feel I owe you a bit of an apology, Pansy. I sort of in an unfair way wrote you off. It was partly because of how you act around Draco. No offense was meant, but I'm sorry for that," Harry said.
Tracey actually giggled as she looked to Pansy and said, "It is understandable given how she acts publicly."
Pansy frowned to her and tossed her hair back. "Yeah well… I am betrothed to him," she said.
"Betrothed?" Harry asked in question.
"Not fully. Our families have a marriage contract between Draco and I. It is kind of an old practice. They left it openish, but I still have to give it a solid try. For better or worse, Draco doesn't exactly have to do the same in return," Pansy said.
Tracey teased her as she said, "It doesn't hurt that he is kind of handsome though."
Pansy blushed to that but remained silent.
"Not that I have a problem with girls chatting about such things, but what all does this mean exactly?" Harry asked. "This meeting," he clarified.
"It means. You have allies in Slytherin who aren't just on decent or respectable terms with you. We don't know what all you plan for your time in the magical world, but we both agree with the whole Street Knights thing," Tracey said.
"You also are a very powerful figure in our world… Even if you don't fully understand it yet. We are Slytherins. Since you aren't a Gryffindor, who automatically hate us, we want to be on better terms… For now, at least," Pansy said.
"What does this have to do with me not being in Gryffindor?" Harry asked. He had a feeling, but wanted their answer.
"You aren't as foolish as they are. You are a Knight and a Hufflepuff. The whole loyalty to those who deserve it thing," Tracey said while leaving out the matter regarding the prophecy. That was a discussion for a later time.
Harry nodded. "I guess I get it. I'm not about to try and stab you two in the back like might be possible if I was in Slytherin. I'm also not naïve, given my background. Gryffindors do seem rather gun-ho about the whole light and dark thing. I know life isn't that simple," he said.
The two girls nodded in agreement with his answer.
"But. Like you said. Loyalty to those who deserve it. I am not about to give it out easily, and I am careful even after giving it. I don't know you two very well yet, but I won't say no to getting to know you and others better. We will have to see about the loyalty thing later. I'm not sure what to expect, but I can see the benefits to having allies in Slytherin, if not friends," Harry said.
He stood up and offered a hand to the two girls. "Let us agree to give each other a chance. Just make sure we slowly become acquainted in front of the others. I'm sure you two know the things I will not appreciate by this point. Despite how some have acted, I'm aware neither of you two have ever openly held something too much against Hermione or my other friends in Hufflepuff," he said.
"Things will be difficult there for me… Given my connection to Draco and my family's status, but I will behave at least. He is partly changing as well. Hopefully it sticks and he doesn't keep too much with his father's beliefs. That would be best for this arrangement," Pansy said as she shook Harry's hand.
She kept her self under control as her magic buzzed around her and she knew this truly was a point of no return. It also told her she was making the right choice. Harry may not know what he plans to do with the wizarding world yet, but he was going to change things she could tell. Being on his side was the best course of action, even if it would be difficult at times.
"We are Slytherins. And unlike some others… We know how to be careful and subtle around people. I only hope I prove to be deserving of loyalty to you and have it in return," Tracey said as she took Harry's hand in turn. She felt right doing this. She felt even better about this decision.
"Well then. I guess I will see you two around," Harry said as they all carefully exited the unused classroom separately. The two Slytherin girls would show they were forming some kind of relationship with Harry in front of others, but they did not need rumors about leaving an unused classroom with him making the rounds. The fact they were both pretty and from families with certain status, while one was betrothed on top of that, wouldn't help matters in that regard.
[-] [-] [-]
Tracey was happy with how this first meeting turned out. She felt this was the start of something great for them all. She knew her dad would be proud about her taking this first step. Other steps would come, but this was the most important for now.
Pansy hoped things would work out well for them. She hoped magic would start speaking to her more clearly about how to proceed here. She also really hoped the slight changes she was seeing in Draco were a good sign. She didn't want to have to part from him due to his following in his father's steps.
Her family didn't really like the whole blood purity thing, but they did want to keep traditions strong. Sadly, the ones who seemed most concerned about that were in the pure blood camp as well. It didn't matter if it was more often than not an excuse those people hid behind. It was an excuse the group really played up to in their actions and the policy changes they pushed for. That was why her family stayed close to them, even if they didn't fully follow their ideology. There weren't really other options.
Wizarding politics was divided into three camps. The Light side and the Dark side were the most proponent. The third was the Neutral Camp. The Dark Side was about many things including tradition. The Light Side didn't care so much about keeping the past alive. They mostly acted like all they cared about was change. The Neutral Camp was mostly a group who, more often than not, abstained from voting or took a 'wait and see' approach. They were ineffectual or used as a safety net while members voted all over the place. Pansy could sense Harry would eventually really shake things up. After making her choice in taking his hand, her magic again teased her with vague whispered hints of something powerful forming around Harry. Something she was a part of now.
" Please Draco… Don't let me down here, " Pansy thought to herself as she made her way back with Tracey. She really did want things to work out with him.
Her magic was saying there was a chance things would. Pansy tried to help that chance without overplaying her hand. She knew doing so would be a bad idea. Push too hard and Draco would choose his father's side out of stubbornness and defensive sense. Push just enough and allow the right amount of his own choice, and Draco could really change the Malfoy family. Harry seemed to realize something similar to that, if what she saw between him and Draco was anything to go by.
She really hoped things played out the best way for her. She hated how it seemed for now Harry had to be the one who could make it happen or not. She hoped her time to help with Draco's change would come. Tracey teased Pansy about being okay with the betrothal due to his looks and that was part of it. She also felt through magic he could end up being the best for her own future as a wife and mother. There was also the fact she enjoyed her time with Draco when he wasn't being too much The Prince of Slytherin House.
Harry wondered what would become of this new development in his life. He had no idea he would meet anyone at all related to the Street Knights in the Magical World, apart from those he introduced to them. He also wasn't fully clear what to make of them mentioning he was powerful in their world. He had ideas, but felt it would take that visit to Gringotts over the summer to really understand.
As Harry lay in bed that night, he thought over the meeting again. " I guess I should start thinking about what I want to do in Magical World some. Boss might have known this was coming in some way, given a few of the things he said to me before starting Hogwarts, " Harry thought. Whatever was the case, he still had time before he could start acting on all of that, so Harry finally drifted off to sleep that night.
Chapter 14: Rounding out the YearChapter TextAs the second half of the school year continued to march onward, Hannah found herself looking up at the enchanted ceiling during dinner in contemplation from time to time. More specifically, she was contemplating the stars it reflected. That conversation with Harry had really gotten her thinking.
She told him ritual magic was a huge part of why they studied the stars and their movements. She hadn't told him how ritual magic was far less prevalent than it used to be and many felt Astronomy was only still studied out of routine. Many felt the only importance left was studying the moon and its phases. Ritual magic was powerful, but much of it was lost now or in ways simplified, even if that meant it was less powerful.
There were other rituals seen as useless now and no longer had any effect when it came to magic. You could practice one of these rituals but it would no longer work, even if the main stars were still around to be used. This lessening of magical effect was noticed by their world at large, but the reason behind it, or if it mattered at all, was heavily debated.
Most thought the lessening of magical power was just the natural order of things. Others felt it was because spells had been refined and wand making advanced enough, power wasn't as needed as it used to be. There was also how some of the more powerful feats of magic of old served little purpose. For instance, why would you need to levitate a whole building?
Some thought this lessening happened because magic became too diluted over the ages. Those people usually believed it was due to the loss of blood purity. Some went even further and blamed it on muggleborns and claimed there was a finite amount to magic overall and muggleborns were essentially stealing it from true magicals. They weren't too vocal about this in polite society, but even Hannah knew some of the gossip in those camps. She, like many others, felt they were only muttering such beliefs now because You-Know-Who lost in the end.
Now, Hannah thought there might be more to the loss of ritual magic strength. Harry mentioning how stars were hundreds and thousands of these light years away and may no longer exist despite being visible, really got her thinking. She was wondering if there were stars required for some of these rituals that no longer existed and weren't even visible now. Perhaps, these stars were just not seen as important to be mentioned at the time of a ritual's first use, but actually were unknowingly vital to its success.
This theory she had of overlooked stars caused Hannah to wonder if there was even more to magic that was overlooked. Maybe more ancient magics thought to be lost, or no longer effective had factors people didn't know existed in the past. " Maybe there is still very much more to magic that we don't know. Maybe there was much more to everything ," Hannah thought to herself.
Hannah sighed as she ended her musings. She had a feeling she now knew more of what Harry meant about Space being hard to grasp. It was very much unknown and thinking on it was fascinating, but left you questioning even more in general. Hannah was glad for their discussion though. She now had some different goals on what she wanted to accomplish later in her life. She wanted to look more at overlooked aspects of magic. She wasn't sure what to think about having such a goal already. She wasn't even finished with her first year.
" Is it a good thing? Or a bad thing to decide such things when I'm barely twelve? " she thought to herself. Hermione would probably say it was a good thing. Others would probably say she was thinking too much about the future and needed to lighten up. Susan could go either way, but would say it was up to her alone. That answer was true, but not helpful. Hannah would have to ask Harry what he thought on the matter some other time.
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"So… I have to ask," started Hermione. She was a bit nervous for this. It was unusual for her to actually have time like this with these two people. It had been slowly happening more often as of yet. Hermione also wasn't entirely sure this wasn't something calculated.
"What is Potions class like for you two and your house?" Hermione asked.
"It is very important. It is kind of an unspoken rule Slytherins make sure they do really well in Potions. Professor Snape is our Head of House and it would be seen as an insult to everyone else if a Slytherin did terrible in Potions, compared to how they do in other classes," Pansy said.
She and Tracey were visiting with Harry and the others. They made sure it was in a way that wouldn't get too much unwarranted attention. Pansy was being very careful about it. She sort of took on a lecture tone when talking with them, if not slightly condescending when others were around. In truth, she was happy for this. Her family did believe part of the answer to preserving traditions was sharing them with muggleborns. Unfortunately, the only people who would push anything dealing with traditions saw it was purely up to muggleborns to figure this out on their own and right away. Actively helping them was seen as a big no-no.
It was rather intriguing how little the Light Alliance put into action when it came to helping muggleborns in such regards. They more often than not merely talked about how welcoming wizarding society should be to muggleborns. When it came to action, they left muggleborns to do their own thing for the most part. The Light side might act this way because they feel any efforts they put forth would be met with too much push back. This was very likely true, but Pansy felt that wasn't a reason not to try a little. She also felt if they weren't so opposed to all that was "Light and Dark" stuff, inroads could have been made and the push back lessened.
"That means when it comes to Crabbe and Goyle, passing is all they have to achieve," Tracey said with a giggle. Everyone knew those two were just muscle pretty much. They knew some magic, but were far from bright. Tracey was taking less caution when it came to interacting with Hermione and the others. Pansy was envious in a way that her friend didn't have to use as much caution.
"What about how he treats Gryffindor?" Susan asked.
"That's easier to answer than they would say. They don't really try hard in the class. They feel Professor Snape's preference for his house extends to grading as well. They always complain about how unfair he is and how Dumbledore always vouched for him and that made it so he didn't even get in trouble for his treatment of them," Tracey said.
"They fail to realize even if Professor Dumbledore vouched for Professor Snape back after the war, he still has to uphold some standards when it comes to grading at the very least," Pansy said with a huff.
"Most seem to come to realize this during second or third year, from what I know," Tracey added.
"That is something we sort of figured out, but still wanted to actually know," Harry said.
"I suppose that is true. Though Professor Snape is far from invoking kindness, he has been fair to me. I'm supposedly the worst thing ever according to some Slytherins and he still grades fairly enough," Hermione said with a frown. Things were getting better in that regard with the Slytherins, at least when it came to the ones who talked to Harry from time to time. Others still made it obvious they wished she never returned after Christmas.
"You would think it was more obvious to others. Professor Snape has been here for several years now, and Aurors require a NEWT in Potions. You don't have just Slytherins running around as Aurors. In fact, I think there are fewer of them than the other houses," Susan said in musing.
"How many actually care about the whole blood purity thing?" Hannah asked.
Harry also seemed very keen on hearing their answer. He was waiting till later to ask such a question, but he wanted to know what they said. He just figured it would be best to ask something like that in a much more private setting.
Tracey and Pansy gave frowns to each other. Tracey sighed. "Not as many as you would think apart from when it comes to marriage and continuing their lines. Sadly, the ones who are more vocal about such things are powerful politically and financially," she answered in a low tone.
"What are your thoughts on such things?" Hermione asked pointedly at Pansy.
"Hermione…" Harry warned her quietly. There was nothing wrong with asking questions in general, but Hermione just made it much more personal.
"I have to know…" Hermione answered quietly in an apologetic tone.
Pansy frowned at her. She knew this would come up eventually. She had hoped the Brightest Witch of her Age, would have the foresight to broach this subject far more carefully than this. She remained outwardly silent for a moment. She had to figure out how best to answer this.
"My family cares very much for Tradition, especially when it comes to important matters such as marriage. We are also aware, despite what we may or may not think, that our family tree, as most of the purest, does have the occasional muggleborn in it," Pansy said.
Hermione was in though on that. It was a very good non-answer. She was trying to figure out what Pansy meant by it.
"I do warn you, Hermione Granger, even the Lightest of the so-called 'Light Families' care to a degree about their background and lineage. They may not be actively against muggleborns, but they aren't all exactly banging down the doors to be involved with or marry them," Pansy said.
"Think about Ernie," Susan suggested quietly. He took pride in his family coming from a long line of Pure blood magicals, but he was still friendly to Hermione and Justin was his best friend.
Hermione was in thought.
Pansy gave a scoff. "Even the muggle loving fools of Weasley are considered a pure blood family and have been for a long history. Even if they are seen as Blood Traitors, they usually end up marrying pure or half bloods," she said.
She then gave a slightly malicious smile that wasn't aimed at Hermione, the frizzy haired girl could tell at least. It was fully aimed at the Weasley family. Hermione was frowning deeply in response. She was pretty sure Pansy was acting that way towards them because she was so close to Draco.
However, Pansy's words were something she found surprising.
"Most of those families also share much the same attitude towards Squibs that those they would call the worst of worst have. If you ever happen to become friends with those of the Weasley family, or on good speaking terms with them, ask about their cousin whose an accountant. Gossip regarding old wizarding families, both great and small, is well circulated. It isn't too far of a stretch to guess what they say might have more of a lip service element to it than they claim," Pansy said.
Hermione didn't expect that considering what she heard of the Weasleys. They always seemed to take pride in being so-called Blood traitors. She also heard Ron a few times talking about how much his dad loved muggle things. She knew what Squibs were and what they were thought of by the Slytherin families. She wondered if maybe this was Pansy being Pansy and not part of the whole Draco vs. Ron thing extending to her. When Hermione happened to look to the side, she was further surprised to see the inclined heads of both Hannah and Susan as they avoided eye contact. That was more telling to Hermione on what the truth was.
"Both worlds have problems. Both worlds have less than great views on certain aspects. Muggles aren't perfect and neither are magicals," Harry said in a bid of easing the building tension. This caused the others to relax as they realized he had a point.
Pansy seemed to be in thought. "That is partly what I was pointing out. It isn't simple. It isn't a question that should so easily be asked as a possible accusation. Perhaps I did go a little too far in answering that question," she admitted.
She did have to be Pansy, but she possibly crossed a line. This is why she wished Draco would make up his mind, or her magic would be clearer in speaking to her. She wanted to no longer have to worry about such things. She could play the role, but she didn't like it. Maybe one day she could at least take a break from it.
Hermione was in thought. She was about to say something, but chose not to say it. "Perhaps the fact she didn't out right proudly proclaim she was a blood purist is a sign, " she thought. She would think on it more and pay closer attention. Maybe she did need to be more careful with such a question. Harry had warned her, but she continued forward regardless on the subject. "Maybe I'm trying to skip straight to running instead of walking with them, " Hermione thought. They were still fairly new in interacting with each other. Harry usually seemed to have a good idea about this stuff and didn't seem to make social mistakes. She wished she had such a gift.
Hannah decided it was her turn to move their talk along. "What is your History class like?" she asked.
"The Gryffindors use it for sleep, gossip or to study something else entirely. Our house is usually attentive. Many use it as practice for when they later take up their lordship or ladyship duties," Tracey answered first.
Pansy smiled and added in a friendlier tone, perhaps as a way to show she meant no harm earlier, and said, "The Wizengamot may be where laws are made, but most of the time it is optional and sessions are usually people prattling on and on about one mundane topic or another. A good lord or lady, a good Slytherin, will attend all sessions and use them as a chance to study the other members. You can learn a lot from members during such sessions. Professor Binns' boring and monotone lessons are perfect practice for this."
"Some will take notes as practice for paying full attention, despite how boring they think something is," Tracey added.
"Others will use it as a way to practice observing other witches and wizards. The furthest along will both take notes and observe the others at the same time. Many of us are taught the importance of multi-tasking," Pansy said.
Their conversations continued a bit longer. It was mostly the Hufflepuff's asking questions, but eventually the Slytherins had their turn. Most of the questions they asked were questions you usually asked someone you were just starting to get to know. Tracey and Pansy had been in contact with Harry for a while now, but they were getting to better know the other girls.
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The year was slowly marching towards the end it seemed. It then chose to speed up far too quickly for everyone when exams were coming around. Hannah was again glad to have Hermione as a friend. The frizzy haired girl came up with the perfect study schedules for exams and learned how and where to include breaks using Harry's examples from earlier in the year when the made such schedules.
Because of the schedules, Hannah did not end up having a break down as she was sure she would otherwise. Several students had break downs and some did better at handling exam time than others. One thing Susan, Hannah, Tracey and even Pansy noticed; was how it was surprisingly the muggleborns who seemed to take things the best.
"Why is that?" Pansy asked one day as this was mentioned.
"Muggles have formal schooling for six years before Hogwarts starts. We learn Math, Science, Reading, Writing, Language and more. Exams like this are already common to us by the time we come here," Hermione explained.
"I've heard most magicals are home schooled by their family or tutors if they can afford them. The advantage I can see to something like that is you can go at your own pace. The downside is you don't have experience at a formal test setting in school. Tutors may test you, but it isn't the same as having an end of the year school wide test. Is that correct?" Harry asked.
"Pretty much. I guess I can see why they seem to handle it better in that case," Pansy admitted with a frown and sounding more placating then truly understanding. She had to seem a little reluctant in her answer, just in case someone was overhearing.
The Slytherin girls had spent more time with the others since their first round of questioning. Hermione learned how to work with them and the importance of Pansy's demeanor towards her and Harry. She had seen the real Pansy from time to time, but it was still something rare. In a way, she was publicly trying to treat Pany as Harry sometimes did Draco, friendly if a little distant at times. Hermione supposed it was an apt comparison. It also allowed Pansy to keep appearances as needed with her fellow Slytherins.
Tracey on the other hand didn't really need to worry about that as much. She was more open, if still guarded as a Slytherin would be even around their friends. Tracey's position was fine so long as she didn't start braiding Hermione's hair in the middle of the Great Hall or making a show of hugging her a lot. Hermione did learn to deal with it in the best way she could. Tracey and Pansy were her first friends not into hugs. Mostly because she had limited experience with friends in general and her first friends had no problem with her hugging nature.
Hannah and Susan had it much easier when it came to Pansy and Tracey. Both were from the wizarding world and at least weren't seen as the worst of Blood Traitors. Susan also had bonus points in her favor, since Pansy could write off any overly friendly interaction as building an in-way to the Head of the DMLE through her niece. This was even more acceptable given Madam Bones saw Susan as her own daughter and closest family.
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The Hufflepuffs hadn't really thought too much more on Flamel and the stone for most of the year once they figured out who Flamel was. It wasn't until after exams the subjects came up again. It was when they were all meeting in a way that allowed Pansy to be Pansy instead of Pure-Blood Princess Pansy Betrothed to Draco, Heir of the Malfoy Family. The group had just been sharing some of the more adventurous aspects of their year.
Tracey and Pansy had their fair share in the form of plotting comeuppance for deserving members of their house. It was more of a cloak and dagger thrill kind of adventure from the Hufflepuffs. However, the two Slytherin girls would admit piecing together the puzzle around the out of bounds third floor corridor and smuggling an illegal baby dragon off the premises, kind of out ranked their year adventure wise.
"Really?! Fluffy?" Pansy asked still in shock at the overly cute name for a giant three headed dog. The Hufflepuffs all four chuckled to that and nodded. They all had the same reaction to first learning his name.
"Hagrid is great and all, but he really as a skewed view on magical beasts. He is also very loyal to Dumbledore, but he is good sorts. He does to an extent know not to share some secrets with the Headmaster. He knows I'm a Street Knight and has even met a lot of them at my Birthday Party last summer. It happened after we returned from shopping in Diagon Alley. Despite that, Dumbledore seems to still believe I'm with my Aunt and Uncle, since he hasn't said anything about it. I'm sure I would have been called to his office at least once if he knew truth. I haven't been with them since I was eight years old," Harry said. He then had a thought cross his mind thinking again on Hagrid, but left it to the side for the moment.
"I still can't believe he had a baby dragon and wanted to raise it in his hut… It's made wood! How'd even get one in the first place… They're hard to find even through illegal means," Tracey said shaking her head as the others chuckled.
Hermione's eyes then momentarily lit up as it seemed she figured out what Harry did. She was about to say something, but Harry discreetly reached over and squeezed her leg real quick indicating to her not to say anything at the moment. Hermione gave him a quick look, but it lasted only a second and she understood the message. It seemed Harry didn't think this was Tracey's and Pansy's business.
They talked a little longer before both Slytherin girls left so as not to have been gone for too long. As she left, Pansy quickly said, "By the way, Harry. Draco asked me to pass along a message to you in case I meant you first. Even if you aren't trying out for Seeker, he still wants to race you for fun on brooms more meant for such things next year."
Harry chuckled. "I'll think about it. That is still next year. I also wish him luck with his big plan, but I'll still root for Hufflepuff when they play Slytherin," he said.
"Naturally. It would be boring if you rooted for Slytherin during such matches. He wouldn't have a chance to boast when he catches the snitch first otherwise," Pansy said with a teasing smirk. Harry gave a chuckle and shook his head.
Once both girls left, Hermione looked to him. He nodded. "I was thinking about that too. We know someone is trying to get the stone and they are being mostly meticulous with their approach. No doubt they would have learned about Fluffy and Hagrid isn't shy about his love for dragons. He causally told Jett and me about it when we first met," he said.
Hannah and Susan then gasped in comprehension as well. They were both a little ashamed they didn't think of that sooner. Susan was especially disappointed. She usually considers herself a little bit of an amateur detective, even if she doesn't want to be an Auror.
Harry sensed this and smiled to them. "Don't feel down about it. Hermione and I both just now figured it out," he said to them.
"And we're supposed to be the top of our year," Hermione said in comfort smiling to her other friends. She then turned serious and asked, "Should we go and ask him?"
Harry took in a deep breath and let it out. "I suppose so. If we can figure out who is going after it, we can try to start professors McGonagall and Dumbledore and maybe even Snape down the right path to finding who it is," Harry said.
"Let's go then. The sooner the better," Hermione said.
"Why is it you didn't say something while Pansy and Tracey were here?" Hannah asked as they got up.
"I felt it was kind of our business to see through to the end. I do trust them to an extent, but I haven't fully figured out the best way to handle them just yet. People have different needs and could require a different approach, even on the same matters. It is one of Boss' most important lessons he gave me," Harry said in answer as they left for Hagrid's.
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"I can't believe it!" Hermione steamed. "He just blabbed about such a secret in the middle of a bar?! He didn't even try to at least keep it private. Didn't even try to catch a name or any kind of identification from that man? Then he gets mad at us for getting him to say too much?"
She sighed. She didn't hate Hagrid and she kind of understood where he was coming from in how he reacted to them, but he was frustrating at times. All adults were like that though she realized. It was something she started to learn this year at school after being around Harry and the others.
"We know, Hermione," Hannah said. She wasn't steaming, but it was obvious she was upset as well.
"So much for figuring out more to set the professors on the right path…" Susan said with a frown.
"I suppose we can still try, but we shouldn't push it. We will speak to Professor McGonagall first and then Dumbledore if that doesn't work. Chain of command and all of that. Adults really hate it if you circumvent it too eagerly," Harry said.
When they spoke to Professor McGonagall, it did not go well. She didn't take them seriously and claimed she should expel them for even bringing up the stone in the first place. She then dismissed them with a warning. Thus, the Hufflepuff four did not press their luck further with her.
"Dumbledore then?" Hannah asked with a sigh. This was getting more frustrating. It wasn't like they were the Weasley Twins trying to pull a prank.
Harry nodded. "Hopefully it works. At the very least, I have a feeling he would be happy and willing to have a conversation with the boy who lived. He'd really want to look good to the public and playing nice with the savior is a way to do that," he said in a manner that showed he wasn't impressed by that.
"That seems a little…" Hannah started.
"I know. But you forget that Dumbledore is Headmaster. Supreme Wugwump. And Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot. He is as much politician as he is Headmaster, even if he is one the good ones. Admittedly, I'm still not sure about that," Harry said.
Hermione looked about to argue, but gave a slow nod. "He left you with them after all," she said in understanding.
Harry nodded. Dumbledore may have some kind of ulterior motive. Or perhaps all three of his positions stretched him a little too thin and bred an amount of incompetence for at least one of his many duties. Dumbledore may be a good man and even a great man if you asked the right people. He was still one person, no matter how powerful. There was only so much he could do and focus on in life.
"Did ya see that?" Seamus said to Ron and Dean.
"I did. I suppose he does have to get from place to place. But it still is really weird seeing him on a broom…" Dean mused in reply.
"It is also kind of funny. I can just imagine him humming a tune as he flies around for some reason. I mean… He's Dumbledore," Ron said getting a chuckle from the others at the image he gave them.
"Wait! You mean you saw Professor Dumbledore flying away on a broom?" Harry asked.
Ron nodded. "Yeah. Like we said. Strange sight. You'd think he'd Apparate or something instead. Guess he loves a good flight as much as anyone," Ron said.
The girls were more surprised by this than Harry was. Actually, Harry was probably just as surprised as them, but he hid it better. "That is something…" Harry said as he moved them along. They couldn't have an outburst here. Ron might get ideas to do something himself. He seemed to always be eager for adventure around the school, when he wasn't ready to get into it with Malfoy.
Ron also might want to try to save some face considering how poorly Gryffindor did in Quidditch this year, despite his constant belief and claims otherwise. The team still had one more unusually late match in the year for the cup, but unless Gryffindor somehow won by at least 800 points, the winner of the cup was assuredly Slytherin. They just barely scrapped a victory over Hufflepuff, but that essentially won them the final, no matter who they played.
"Great!" Hannah said with a frustrated sigh once they were safely in their dorm room. "Dumbledore's gone… What do we do now?" she asked feeling almost helpless. The stone was going to be stolen and they had no idea by who and no one seemed to take their warnings seriously.
Harry was in thought as he started to pace in the center a little.
"Could we say something to you aunt?" Hermione asked Susan in desperate hope.
Harry paused. That could work if it was possible.
"If we had some kind of evidence apart from seemingly unrelated tidbits and deductive reasoning. If we were Aurors she would tell us to follow our leads and possibly offer help, but she would emphasize the need for evidence. Catching criminals is only half the job. The other is making sure they go away. We aren't even that though," Susan said.
"Tonks?" Hannah suggested feeling maybe there was a desperate strand or two of hope left.
Harry shook his head. "She's still busy with her last NEWT. Plus… She has to think about her future. It would look really bad if she let a bunch of first years drag her along on what looked like a wild goose chase, especially if we are panicking more than needed here. I'd rather someone like her have the chance to become an Auror and do some real good that way," he said.
The girls thought more on what to do after begrudgingly agreeing with him.
Hermione spoke after a moment. "Do we snoop around the castle? Stand guard near the corridor?" she asked. Their options seemed very limited by this point.
Harry was in thought again. "I'm not sure. If it is someone on staff, they could insist we go outside or claim we're up to no good right after finishing exams. Snooping around the castle and following people is suspicious in the first place. McGonagall already gave us a warning. If we aren't careful, she might go through with her warning before we do any good."
"Standing guard would be just as troubling then…" Hannah said.
Harry nodded.
"Are we going to have to go ourselves?" Susan asked rubbing her chin in thought.
The others looked to her.
"We know that this person is being careful, but only to a degree. With Dumbledore out of the castle and most of the professors busy with grading exams or last-minute NEWTs, they have as perfect a shot as possible. I don't think the thief would be as concerned with covering their rearguard," she said.
"They'd either count on no one coming after them, or for the protections to reset behind them, or to finish up before it mattered," Hermione suggested as Susan nodded.
Harry frowned… he didn't really like this, but this was seemingly their only option left.
"Okay. I don't like it… But you might be right. We should go together and be careful. Our goal will be to buy time for the others to show up. There has to be some kind of alarm or something we can possibly trigger that would alert the Professors. Perhaps in their eagerness they will just avoid such things instead of wasting time dismantling them," Harry said.
The others nodded and he could sense how nervous they were. He was nervous too. He gave a wry grin as he said, "You wanted more adventure. Here we have it, Hannah. It isn't dancing trolls on top of flying dragons, but still an adventure."
Hannah laughed to that as a way to break the tension she was feeling. The others soon followed needing the break as much as she did.
"Let's go. We know how to distract Fluffy. I'm pretty sure that obstacle resets itself," Harry said. The girls nodded and they started making their way. Each were hoping they would get there and find out nothing happened. That their fears were unfounded. They weren't counting on it though.