Chapter 15
Stiff that was one word that could describe how Harry felt. He thankfully didn't feel pain just very stiff and maybe a bit sore in some spots. For a moment he was very confused, why was he staring at the familiar Hospital wing ceiling? Even with his terrible vision, he would recognize it anywhere, blurry or not. He wanted to move but found that grogginess kept him from moving. Then all at once, it began to flood back to his brain and his eyes widened.
"Daphne!" He yelled out his voice sounding hoarse as he sat bolt right up. That was a mistake as his soreness flared into pain and he groaned in pain.
"Whoa easy there champ." He heard a familiar voice and felt a pair of hands coaxing him back into a laying down position.
"Jones?" He asked looking over making out her hazy form.
"Yup, here drink some of this." She said and held up a cup of water with a straw which he eagerly slurped up. She then handed him his glasses which he thanked her for before putting them on.
"Jones, what happened? I remember the merpeople and... casting my spell but after that it gets foggy." He said and it was true, he remembered the flames and the struggle but after he ordered the beast to take them all out of the lake he couldn't recall.
"Well, after your very incredible performance you passed out. You got Daphne and Fleur's litter sister, her name is Gabrielle by the way, out of the water. After that, it was a bit hectic. They had to clear everyone out Crouch looked like he was about to blow a cauldron with how angry he was and Dumbledore looked like he'd just seen a ghost or something. He wanted to take you away or something even pulled a wand on you. Amelia stunned him and as far as I know, he is still under office arrest. Madam Bones and her Aurors got you to the hospital quickly after that."
Harry nodded Crouch being angry made a little sense, he definitely would've viewed the spell he used as very dark magic. Dumbledore was a surprise and also not a surprise, he had known Dumbledore wanted to get to him but to do it so publicly. It was foolish and not Dumbledore's style, the spell must've rattled him.
"And Daphne? Susan and Hermione? Are they all okay?"
"Yes, they are all fine, after the enchantment lifted Daphne was right as rain just cold. She was more worried about you, and so were Susan and Hermione. Plus there's that." Jones said pointing to the other side of the bed and Harry saw Demona laying next to his bed.
"That beast nearly tore Dumbledore apart but thankfully your girlfriends were able to calm her down." Harry smiled and reached out to pet his companion as she lifted her head before becoming elated at seeing him awake. She released what he could tell was a happy bark but to others would've been a rather guttural and scary sound. She then proceeded to lay her head on his lap and he could hear the thudding of her tail as it whacked the nearby bed pushing them around.
"Thanks, girl I'm alright." He said petting her warm fur.
"Daphne, Susan, and Hermione wanted to be here but after two days McGonagall made them return to their dorms for some proper rest. Now they're in classes and you're stuck with me."
"Two days? How long have I been out?" Jones adopted a mock thinking pose.
"What's today? Tuesday... so about four days." Harry's eyes widened at that.
"Four days!?" He exclaimed and Jones nodded before suddenly looking somber.
"There's something else... your magic... you can't use it." She said her eyes not meeting him as he felt himself go cold. What had happened, he had been training so he could use that spell, and yes while it wasn't ideal conditions he still should've been fine. Did the goblet disqualify him and take his magic?
"For the next three days at least." Jones said as Harry stared at her wide-eyed before he suddenly looked murderous.
"You... YOU!" He could form words as he wanted to reach for her but his soreness won out. "When I can feel my arms again I will strangle you!" He growled and Jones cackled madly.
"Don't threaten me with a good time." She joked as Harry rolled his eyes. He was then surprised when she suddenly wrapped herself around him bringing him in for a hug.
"You really had me worried you know." She said and Harry relaxed into her embrace, idly he wondered if this is what it would've been like to have a proper sibling in his life. They maintained their embrace for a moment before Jones returned to her seat.
"What about the other champions?" He asked.
"Well, as you imagine Fleur was very thankful to you for saving her sister. So were her parents, which by the way are also upset at not only Dumbledore but the whole of the tournament organizers."
"Not that I'm complaining but... why?"
"Turns out that asking the students but not the parents for permission to participate in the task is a big no-no. Especially when one of those people is a little girl who isn't even a student at any of the schools."
"Wait she's not even a student?"
"Nope, Gabrielle is just eight right now. So that's causing a bit of a stir since her father is the French minister." Harry was shocked at that, were the organizers really so arrogant not to even think to ask the parent's permission? Oh, wait of course they were.
"Yeah, so now our Minister, good old Pudge, oh I mean Fudge. He's pretty much up to his neck in shit right now seeing as how he has the French minister, House Belligar, and the House Greengrass ganging up on him. Of course, he's trying to paw off the responsibility towards Dumbledore and the other organizers. Madame Maxime had made it clear that she wanted to use Fleur's date as her hostage for the task, the decision to use her little sister instead was made last-minute without her consent or council. She's still getting some heat but not nearly as much as the others. I don't think Kakaroff cares about it." Jones clarified and Harry felt himself smirk at that.
"Beyond that nothing else matters, the tournament has been temporarily postponed for the time being until they can change out the staff. Unfortunately, they can't just cancel it since you lot are still in magical binding contracts."
"Does it matter? There's nothing after this except the last task and that's not for another three months."
"It's appearances Harry, yeah it means basically nothing but it's just an official thing, for the records." She said and Harry agreed.
"Yeah, So how long is that going to take?"
"Shouldn't be too long, Amelia is pretty much a shoo-in, and from what I hear she's handpicking the others. Don't know if they are going to keep with the original task or not but that's up to them." Harry nodded.
"Ah, I see that you're up, good." They heard a voice say as they turned to see Amelia Bones entering the hospital wing. She strode forward her steps firm and confident her head raised high and back straight. Of all the adults Harry had met in the Wizarding world, so far, Amelia took the prize when it came to respectability and presence.
"We will need a moment Miss Jones, I do believe your free period ended nearly an hour ago." Amelia said and Jones was smart enough not to argue but still made a joke.
"Well, I'm such a good student I don't really need to show up to class anymore, but since you want to talk to your future son-in-law I'll go." Jones said with a grin and dashed out of the Hospital after she finished her sentence. Amelia just rolled her eyes and Harry shook his head, too tired to be embarrassed about the son-in-law comment. Amelia took the seat that Jones occupied before as she looked toward him.
"How are you feeling?" She asked and he smiled.
"Sore and tired but alive... though apparently, I can't use magic for the next few days."
"You can use it, but it is advised that you do not. You stressed your core to the limit, from what I understand Madam Pomfrey said that your performance caused you extreme magical exhaustion. However, after you have recovered you should feel much more powerful. Your core expanded exponentially when you performed that spell. She fully expected it to be completely torn and crippled but apparently, you have been training for this. Thanks to that your core simply expanded instead of exploding. Though you didn't escape unscathed." She said gesturing to his arm which Harry had failed to notice was Bandaged.
"Spell burns, despite Pomfrey's best efforts you will scar." Harry didn't mind that, at least it would be a scar that reminded him of a triumph instead of just pain like his other scars.
"So, I imagine Miss Jones filled you in?" Harry nodded "Good, this is both a good thing and bad thing. It's a good thing because now we can be absolutely sure that Dumbledore will be removed from his position as Headmaster, he can try to twist it however he wants but the act of pulling a wand on a student is not something to just explain away. He's already tried saying that he wanted to check on your condition and ensure your safety but that was beyond his bounds as that is why we had the medical tent. The bad news is that we have to move up our plans, something I wanted to hold off until I gathered as much evidence as I could but it will have to do. Unfortunately, I can't see this case waiting for very long so we will have to act fast. Or rather I will have to act fast."
"What about me?"
"Postponed or not, you are still contracted meaning you can't stray too far from Hogwarts grounds. I will have to take as many of your memories as I can for the trial but you will not be able to attend."
"What about his other positions?" Harry asked and Amelia rubbed her eyes and sighed loudly.
"As I said, I would've liked to have more time. The Supreme Mugwump position is rather secure since I can think of some people who would do well in the position and none of the Dark families would be too interested in it since it's much harder and more dangerous to use bribes on the global wizarding stage. In their eyes, the risk far outweighs the possible benefits. Now the Chief Warlock position is the issue that is a key position in our ministry and if someone like Lucious gets their claws in it then expect wave after wave of Pure-blood focused legislation coming out." Amelia explained.
"What about you? Couldn't you take the positions? Dumbledore had all three of them at the same time." Harry asked.
"Yes, I could but it wouldn't go through, Having three positions of such power was unheard of until Dumbledore he only got it since he was seen as a war hero and at the time the dark families knew to keep their mouths shut after Grindelwald's defeat. I could maybe secure the Chief Warlock position but that leaves the Mugwump as well as the Head of Hogwarts open. Now the Leadership of Hogwarts will most likely fall to McGonagall, at least temporarily. There will be a discussion for all the teachers but I don't expect any of them to be let go." Harry was glad to hear that besides Snape he didn't feel any animosity toward the other teachers. And even he and Snape were even starting to become at least courteous to each other.
"So then it's the Mugwump then?"
"Yes, like I said none of the Dark families would be too interested in that position. A lot of work for very little profit and no proper Pureblood wants to actually earn what they have or want. Though I will keep my eye on it. Now that's just towards Albus and the shitstorm coming his way. Now as for your Godfather and yourself that's another Hiccup. We haven't heard from you Godfather, you did send that Elf you told me about to him yes?"
"Yes, he hasn't come back yet?" Amelia shook her head.
"No, he hasn't, what were your exact orders to him?" She asked and Harry thought about it before realizing what the issue must've been.
"Dobby?" He called out and with a pop, the excitable Elf appeared before him on the foot of his bed. Demona regarded Dobby for a moment before closing her eyes, content to rest her head upon Harry's lap.
"Yes, Master Harry?" Dobby asked eager to carry out any task that Harry could give him.
"My letter to Sirius did you deliver it?"
"Oh yes, but Master Harry Potter was not alone at all these past few days, Dobby would've been seen."
"Did he give a reply?" Dobby nodded enthusiastically.
"Oh yes, He was quite eager." Dobby said pulling an envelope from his pillowcase shirt. Harry felt a bit guilty at that, remembering what Daphne had said about treating elves.
"Thank you, Dobby. Say how about we get you some better clothes soon?" Dobby seemed appalled at the idea.
"H-Has Dobby done something bad? I am so so sorry Great and Powerful Harry Potter I am so so sorry!" He began to wail as his eyes began to fill with tears.
"No! Not like that, I meant for yourself like a better shirt." Harry said quickly and Dobby sniffled.
"O-oh I s-see, Dobby be silly of course the most gracious and honorable Harry Potter would offer such things." He said wiping his eyes.
"Harry focus, on the letter." Amelia said trying to get the conversation back on track and Harry nodded. He quickly opened it and read its contents.
"He's on board, obviously, he says he is readily awaiting your visit. He's included his current lodgings." Harry said handing the letter over to Amelia who took it and read it.
"That's good, I wanted to get this all over in one fell swoop but that's going to be tricky." Amelia sat and thought for a moment before pulling out her wand and clearing the parchment of the contents. She then conjured a quill and had it begin writing on the page. Once that was done she folded it and summoned the envelope before resealing it.
"Dobby take this to Black and have him follow the instructions to the letter." Dobby looked at her before looking at Harry.
"Do as she says, and be careful." Harry said and Dobby nodded before taking the letter. He quickly popped away to complete his task.
"What did you write?"
"It's better if you don't know if you do someone could read your mind and get the information. Beyond that when you are fit and fully recovered we are going to have to step aside and comb through your memories. The ones you presented to me already are fine but my niece is out of practice. Understood?"
"Yes ma'am." Harry said and Amelia nodded.
"Harry, I haven't had this conversation with you since we have been meeting on a professional level, however since I may lose the chance with the coming chaos I am going to say it now. Susan is my niece and since her parents died I have come to view her as a daughter. My only daughter and she is more important to me than anything in this life." Amelia's eyes became narrow and her face became hard.
"I will not question her decisions or try to control her life unless it's for her protection. So let me make it clear, I am very good at my job. I know all the tips and tricks that people use to try to hide their crimes. Meaning I know exactly what to do to ensure that I am never caught if I don't want to be." She said ominously and Harry audibly gulped as Amelia relaxed and nodded. She rose and made her way out.
"Oh, one more thing. I know you're young but please, at least wait until after you graduated before making me a Grandma." Harry's eyes went wide as he spluttered but Amelia was out the door before he could make a reply.
Meanwhile, Jones had made her way through corridors the students making their way to the Great Hall for Dinner. She was glad for being a seventh year since with her schedule she could spend most of her time looking after Harry. She would be sure to tease his girlfriends about that. Jones often was surprised by just how quickly she had come to care about Harry and just how much. At first, she was just happy to get to know him and be friends but now she felt protective of him.
He was turning into the little brother that she never knew she wanted. Smiling to herself she entered the hall the atmosphere still had a tense feeling to it. Most of the students were just curious about what was going to happen since Dumbledore hadn't been seen since Amelia had stunned him. Most were confused but those that listened to the rumors had an idea.
Thankfully the Teachers were keeping it together but even for all their age and wisdom even they couldn't keep the uncertainty out of their voices or eyes at times. But Jones wasn't really worried about that, her friends were safe and this was her last year anyway and she had her NEWTS in the bag. Coming up to the Slytherin she sat next to Tracey who was accompanied by the rest of their friends.
"Hey Jones, how is he?" Hermione asked and Jones smiled.
"Just fine, he's up..." she didn't get another word out as Daphne, Hermione, and Susan all shot to their feet and rushed to the Hospital Wing.
"Rude..." She mumbled as she started loading her plate with food.
"Did you tell him?" Blaise asked and she nodded.
"Yeah, I filled him in, surprisingly he didn't seem all that shocked about Dumbledore pulling a wand on him."
"Well, what do you expect, Something has been going on with those four and I'm not just talking about their relationship. Not to mention that all of the sudden extra security shows up led by the head of the DMLE herself?"
"Wait why does that matter?" Neville asked not following.
"You need to open up your eyes, young Gryffindor. Make connections, observe the variables." Jones said sagely and her fellow Slytherins just rolled their eyes.
"It's just odd how there just suddenly this random increase of security lead by Amelia Bones, Susan's Aunt, who is currently dating Harry Potter who has been Dumbledore's special little Gryffindor Golden boy. Now he doesn't even look at the Professor."
"You don't think he did anything, do you? I mean it's Dumbledore."
"And that's why you were red instead of green. It's okay though you look better in red." Tracey said affectionately running her fingers through his hair.
"People can change Neville, and if you're not in Gryffindor then Dumbledore doesn't favor you all that much. In any event, it's just a hunch one we will need to confirm with Harry when he's able." Blaise said Neville had never really thought about it but now that they brought it up Dumbledore did seem to be more interested in the Gryffindor house as opposed to the others. It was something to ponder.
With the girls, they were rushing down the corridors passing Amelia on their way. Susan slowed to greet her Aunt but Amelia just nodded and told her to go on. It wasn't long before they arrived seeing Harry flexing his wand hand, or trying to at least. They could see that he was straining to himself in the attempt. Demona as ever was by his side.
"Harry!" They called as he looked over and his face lit up with a smile when he saw them.
"Hey." He greeted them as they came over to embrace him tightly. He tried his best to return their embrace but he still felt very stiff.
"How's your arm? No dizziness, lightheadedness?" Daphne began to ask and Harry shook his head.
"No, I just feel stiff and a bit sore." Daphne nodded and then came forward to claim his lips in a searing kiss. Harry was surprised at first but began to return her kiss in kind.
"That's for saving me." She then slapped him upside the head.
"And that's for putting yourself in the hospital unconscious for three days." Harry nodded at that with a sheepish smile.
"Yeah, okay fair."
"Harry, what exactly happened down there? And where did that... Dragon come from?" Hermione asked as Demona came up to her nudging her with her nose in greeting and she patted the large Hellhound.
"Well, the rune spell you guys thought up worked perfectly. I was on my way when I noticed Fleur in trouble. She was being swarmed by the Grindylows, I managed to scare them off but her bubble was popped and I sent her back to the surface. After that I think I was hunted by something, I never actually saw it but thankfully it lost interest. After that, I found the merfolk village and went to save Daphne but then I noticed Fleur's sister and well..."
"Couldn't leave a cute girl all alone down there?" Susan asked with a playful smile which Harry responded by shaking his head with a chuckle.
"She's eight, and the Merfolk were acting, a little too happy about her being left behind."
"That doesn't surprise me, the Merfolk and Veela enclaves have a long and bloody history. It's settled somewhat with Veela integrating with magical society more and more but the animosity is still there." Hermione explained.
"That also explains why Fleur was taken down so easily. She might've been way out of her element in that task but still, a couple of Grindylows shouldn't have been able to overwhelm her so easily." Susan said.
"Her little sister was taken by probably the worst possible creatures that she could've come into contact with. I'd be surprised if she even understood what she agreed to when the organizers asked for her to participate." Daphne said.
"Yeah, so I wasn't leaving her there. When I stunned them and went for her they began to attack. It was pretty chaotic from there, I kept a shield up and got Gabrielle free. I tried getting to the surface but then this big Merman came and kept knocking me around. The fight must've been taking longer than I thought because I realized my Gillyweed transformation was ending. I'm not that good of a swimmer even with the fins helping me out. So I had to think of something and... well I thought of using the spell you guys saw. From the book that I can't talk about."
"I thought so, it was amazing but a bit frightening as well." Susan said remembering the beautiful yet also haunting flames and the terrifying skeletal form of the beast within.
"It wasn't the ideal way I wanted to attempt that spell but I couldn't think of anything else."
"Did you try to use Ascendio on yourself? Shoot to the surface?" Hermione asked her arms crossed. She already knew the answer but it was still satisfying to see his eyes widen in surprise before he winced about not thinking of it.
"It's over, nothing you can do to change it now." Hermione sighed. She then came forward to kiss him it was short and sweet but still made Harry's spine tingle. Susan followed her example being a little deeper than Hermione but still short.
"We're just glad you're okay, my Aunty told you about what happened right? She's already talked to us about it." Susan said and Harry nodded.
"Yeah, she told me that Dumbledore's trial is going to be happening soon and he's most likely going to be removed from his positions. I can't participate though since I'm still bound to the tournament." The girls nodded.
"Right, but we will be going, she wants us to be witnesses for the case she's building. She has to move quickly to put it all together but she can do it." Susan said having full confidence in her Aunt.
"Let's hope we get a Headmaster that doesn't show such blatant favoritism. Wouldn't that be something?" Daphne said and Hermione nodded. She didn't notice it before but the more she looked back on it the more she realized that any other student wouldn't have gotten as many lucky breaks as they have.
"Do you think one of the other Professors will become headmaster then?" Susan asked.
"Amelia said that most likely McGonagall would take over while Dumbledore is in this situation. Though whether or not she sticks around is the question."
"I think Flitwick would be the best candidate for Headmaster." Daphne said and Hermione looked at her.
"Why do you say that?"
"Because he is fair and is just as willing to reward others from other Houses as much as he is to take points away from his own. Though that also means that Ravenclaw students have gotten rather good at hiding anything they do that could lose them points. It's quite impressive." Daphne said with a tone of slight admiration at the end.
"Mister Potter, good to see you awake." The group heard the familiar voice of Madame Pomfrey. She had entered the Hospital wing having finished her dinner.
"I bet, after four days." Harry joked. Pomfrey gathered a few things and held her wand at the ready. The girls moved away to give the healer her room Demona melted into his shadow to get out of the way.
She then began to poke and prod him, examining his body for any injuries that weren't apparent while he was asleep. She then began diagnosing him with magic.
"Thankfully your core is settling nicely, though I want to be absolutely sure so no magic until this weekend, at least. Can you handle that?" Pomfrey asked and Harry nodded.
"I will, Good. Miss Greengrass why don't you come over here and help me with getting Mister Potter on his feet." Daphne quickly came to his side as she and Pomfrey helped him swing around to the side of his bed. After that, he gingerly slid down to the cold stone floor and his legs wobbled feeling more like jelly as opposed to meat and bone. He almost fell over but Daphne and Pomfrey kept him steady.
"Any Pain? Discomfort?" Pomfrey asked.
"No, I just feel stiff and a bit sore."
"Alright, Miss Greengrass what advice would you give Mister Potter to help with these issues."
"I believe a single dose of potion to alleviate the soreness, nothing strong, I would suggest the Wiggenweld potion. After that, a series of stretches and everyday exercises to help revitalize the stiff muscles that are not too strenuous."
"I agree, I expect you three will be able to help him with this?" Pomfrey asked addressing all three girls who nodded readily. Pomfrey released her hold on him and Hermione came up to take her place. She then went to her office and quickly returned with a wavey potion bottle filled with light green liquid.
"Here you are, I believe Miss Greengrass can lead it from here." Pomfrey and Daphne nodded to her as the healer went to her office. They helped Harry back to the bed as he downed the bitter potion slightly shivering as he did.
"Don't be a baby." Daphne said taking the empty bottle from him. Thankfully the potion worked quickly as he could feel the soreness melt away from him and a sort of cool wave ran through him before relaxing him with a pleasantly warm feeling. He tried standing again and found that it was easier than before but he still felt stiff.
"I thought you said that being a Healer was your plan B after being an enchantress?" Harry asked.
"Just because it's not my main goal doesn't mean I'm going to shirk my studies for it." She said as Harry began doing some stretches that he would usually use to warm up for Quidditch.
"Okay let me see your hands." Daphne said and Harry did so. "Squeeze." He did flexing his hands into fists, not as tight as they usually were but better than what he was able to do a moment ago. "Relax." He opened his hands and she flipped them to face up and put her own hands on his.
"I'm going to push down, resist me." She then pressed down on his hands and he could feel the strain as he resisted going up his arm into his bicep. She then flipped their hands "Now push down." He did so feeling it more in his tricep instead.
"How's that feel?"
"Still a bit tight but not as much as before."
"And your hand? No pain other than soreness?" Harry shook his head.
"No." She then began to press on his bandaged arm looking for any points of tenderness. After finding none she nodded.
"We can probably take it off if you want. Or do you like the bandaged look?" She teased and the other girls giggled.
"He does pull it off well, doesn't he? He's bandaged up enough times." Hermione said as Harry just chuckled. Daphne then found the point where the Bandage was tucked and undid it and began to unwrap his arm. Once they were done Harry had wondered how his scar would look but he didn't expect it to look like it did.
It began in his palm almost looking like a burn mark but it forked out into spindly almost wicked-looking strands that wove around his hand through the fingers and to the back before traveling over his wrist and spiraling up his. To him, it almost seemed to make a sort of chain pattern as it did so and it ended just before his elbow.
"Not too bad." Harry said feeling the texture, it was odd but he would get used to it.
"I think we would all prefer that you don't get any more scars." Susan said with the other two nodding in agreement. Harry didn't feel shame about his scar, he felt a bit of pride knowing that he managed to save someone that had become so close to him, this scar was something he could wear with honor.
Unlike his other scars.
Looking at the girls and seeing their care, kindness, and concern for him filled him with such warmth and he could feel a sort of tug. He knew what it was, it was Demona urging him to share, to open up.
"Susan, Daphne, Hermione. There is something I want to tell you. And I should do it now before anything else happens." He said walking back over to his bed. The girls noticed his somber and nervous tone and stayed quiet waiting for him to begin. He then took a deep breath and began to tell them about his life with the Dursleys.
He told them of the cramped cupboard under the stairs, the endless chores that they would continually lump onto him. His treatment was no better than a slave. The pain he would feel going to bed starving as sometimes the Dursleys would just ignore his need for food leaving not even scraps for him to eat. It was the reason his growth was so stunted and why he was rather scrawny by comparison to others his age. He also told them of the times that his uncle would get drunk and... violent.
At those times even if Harry would do everything correctly Vernon would hit him anyway.
"If... If he was especially mean then he would get his belt. One with studs." Harry explained talking about it making his chest feel tight. He then began to remove his shirt and exposed himself and turned to show his back. He could hear the audible gasp from the girls, he knew what they were seeing. The lash marks stretched hideously across his back. Not from any Dragon, or spell, just from one angry fat muggle that had nothing better to do. Maybe that's what made them worse, the fact that there was no reason for them.
"I've... I've never told anyone this." His words felt heavy in his mouth like he should be ashamed of this story of what happened to him even if he himself did nothing wrong. He suddenly felt soft fingers trace some of the scars on his back, the touch warm to his skin.
"I thought I... I thought I had an idea but I never..." Hermione whispered out shocked at what she had learned. She had known that Harry's home life was anything but happy, a fact she had never liked. But to think it was so abusive, it made her sick. To think her best friend was holding onto something so horrid for so long.
Susan was in a similar position to Hermione, she might not have had the same history but with the image she had of Harry, she would never have guessed what his life truly was like. She reached around and brought Harry to her embracing him tightly.
Daphne was silent as she rose but instead of going to Harry, she went to Pomfrey.
"Madam Pomfrey." she addressed when she entered her office.
"Yes?" She asked looking up from her papers.
"Did you know about Harry?"
"About what specifically?"
"His scars and how he got them?" Daphne asked her voice remaining even and not betraying the emotions that were swirling inside of her.
"I do know of them, from what I understand young Mister Potter had a terrible accident when he was younger." As Pomfrey spoke Daphne noticed a slight glaze cover her eyes for a moment and she nearly erupted. Just how deep did Dumbledore's manipulations go!? And to what end!?
"Madam it wasn't an accident, he's been abused at home! Just look at him!" She shouted.
"Now that's not true, I am quite sure it was an accident." She said though she sounded almost practiced like this was a rehearsed line.
"Alright, what kind of accident?"
"I'm sorry?"
"You've seen the scars, what kind of accident could've caused those kinds of scars?" Daphne challenged and she could see Pomfreys eyes twitch slightly.
"Well, I am not quite so sure, I'm not so familiar with how muggles society is built or all their strange ways." The explanation was so pathetically weak that it hurt.
"No, you're a Healer, you've dealt with hundreds of students who were muggle-born or Half-blood and raised in the muggle world. Of all those cases did you come across any single one of them that had marks like that across the back?" Daphne could see a flicker of recognition race through the healer's eyes.
"Yes... from muggle-borns... two." Pomfrey said and Daphne could see her eyes dilating.
"And how did they get such scars?"
"T-they... they were..." Pomfrey suddenly held her head in pain before she suddenly began retching and Daphne quickly backed away as Madam Pomfrey emptied the contents of her stomach on the floor. The putrid smell made Daphne reel and once she was sure Pomfrey was done she vanished the contents.
Pomfrey then raised her head her eyes wide as if someone had just woke her with a cold douse of water.
"Miss Greengrass?" She asked and Daphne nodded before helping the Healer to her feet. She took a moment to collect her thoughts before looking livid.
"I can't believe... how dare he!"
"Madam Pomfrey, what do you remeber?"
"Everything, The first time Harry was brought to my attention and I noticed his scars I went to Albus. The next thing I know Harry is no longer a concern for me beyond the average attention I afford any student."
"Legillimency?"
"Yes, if my headache is anything to go by. And most likely compulsion potions hidden in my food or drink." Pomfrey then wobbly made her way to her potion cupboard and pulled out a thin vial with a clear liquid within it. She drank it and took a deep breath.
"That should fight the effects in my system. Come I need to see Mister Potter." She said with Daphne following her out of the office. They came upon the scene of Hermione and Susan embracing him and showing him support and comfort.
"Ladies I need to ask you to give me some room." Hermione and Susan looked to her but obliged. "Mister Potter... Harry, I am so sorry. I should've taken care of this a long time ago." She said as she laid Harry down on his back.
"What are you talking about? What happened?" He asked, Pomfrey had seen his scars already they weren't new for her.
"Who has a grey beard, wrinkly arse, and is proving time and time again that he is nothing more than a manipulation piece of Hyppogriff shite!" Daphne growled.
"Dumbledore?" Hermione asked as Pomfrey began to chant some spells as a gentle greenish-blue aura washed over Harry's back.
"She was compelled to ignore his scars and their origin." She explained.
"Why? What does he gain from that?" Susan asked and Harry was curious too.
"I don't know."
"Well, what about the image?" Harry asked.
"What do you mean?"
"Well, It wouldn't due for people to figure out that the future weapon of the light was broken." He said and the girls scowled.
"Harry you are not broken! Never say that." Hermione said heatedly.
"Mister Potter please remain still." Pomfrey instructed as she summoned a vial of some cream substance. She then began to apply it all over his back focusing on the scars themselves. Daphne quickly came over to help.
"I don't think that's the reason Harry, yeah it could be but... I don't know there's something else we're not seeing." Hermione said.
"Maybe we'll find out at the trial because if they rule out Veritaserum I'll shove it down his throat myself." Daphne hissed as she finished applying the ointment. Pomfrey then summoned some bandages and guided Harry to rest on his knees and lift his arms while she and Daphne wrapped him up.
"Keep this on and by tomorrow morning I promise you those scars will be gone." She said and Harry felt elation run through him.
"Really?"
"Yes, I should've done this as soon as I saw it." She shook her head. Harry hadn't imagined what it would be like to get rid of those scars, the knowledge that they would soon be gone felt like someone had lifted a weight he didn't even know he was holding. He let out a deep shuttering breath. Daphne grabbed his hand and offered him a supportive smile.
"Harry, You can return to your dorm or stay here overnight, I believe I have something that Madam Bones would love to hear." Pomfrey said making sure the Bandages were secure before she left. The room was quiet for a moment before Susan spoke up.
"Are you okay?" She asked sitting on his bed followed closely by Hermione and Daphne. Harry nodded just taking it in for a moment.
"It just doesn't seem real." he said and the girls embraced him.
"You'll never have to go back there again." Hermione said she could feel his shaky breaths as he took in that fact.
"Anywhere you want to go, anywhere you want to stay and we will help you with every step." Susan said. Then they just sat there Harry feeling nothing but warmth and love from their embraces. He felt the first few tears trickle out of his eyes as he basked in the love in the warmth.
As opposed to what was going on in the Hospital Dumbledores' office held a very different atmosphere. Currently, the old man was at his desk, it was cleared and the drawers were emptied and his wand had been confiscated. He thought to use Fawks to teleport away but the bird was resisting his commands.
He also was not alone seeing as he had to Auror's in his office as well with two wands trained on him ready to stun him at a moment's notice. He cursed, if Nymphadora or Shacklebolt he would've had some inside help. He didn't recognize these two Aurors and they were completely silent. His attempts at legilimency were resoundingly rebuffed. Amelia had done her homework.
His musings were interrupted as the door to his office opened. Looking up he saw Amelia walk into his office.
"You know the more I dig the more I find, there is just so much about you that you have worked very hard to make sure no one knew." She said fingering through some papers she had on hand. "Not to mention the many, many issues and surprisingly bare reports when it comes to Hogwarts, especially when Mister Potter began attending." She said as one of the Aurors conjured a chair for her to sit on.
"Amelia..."
"That's Madam Bones." She smoothly corrected and if it bothered Dumbledore was annoyed by it he didn't show it.
"Madam Bones, I assure you what occurred on the lake was merely a severe understanding."
"I'm sure."
"Yes, I was merely concerned for Harry's safety."
"Mister Potter." She corrected again.
"Yes, in any event, I had not even cast a spell so you stunned me without purpose."
"I have plenty of cause to stun you when a nonmedical official pulls out their wand and points it at an unconscious student and begins raving that he needs to take him away."
"I admit I conducted myself oddly but surely you can understand they were extreme circumstances."
"yes, a circumstance that you and the other organizers helped to create when you kidnapped children and placed them at the bottom of the Black Lake."
"Amelia..."
"Madam Bones." She corrected this time with more force.
"Madam Bones... to say we kidnapped those children is a vast overstatement, we asked them to participate."
"In a blood sport, and it doesn't matter if you asked or not. Plenty of Psychos have asked children to hope in the carriage and the children agreed that doesn't mean that it all of a sudden isn't kidnapping." She said as Dumbledore sighed.
"Madam Bones, I assure you those children were very safe. They would not have come to any harm."
"I'd work on that defense if I were you because it's easier to tear apart than a piece of wet parchment."
"We had the situation well under control. In fact, if young Harry didn't antagonize the Merfolk there would have been no issue."
"Mister Potter." She said emphasizing the proper way to address Harry in the professional setting. Though it wasn't just for that reason, Albus liked to show he had power by not giving people proper respect and referring to them with their first name. She did not play that game.
"And Mister Potter reacted perfectly within his rights, he was in hostile territory with two captive children who were being held hostage by individuals who have no authority or clearance to be anywhere near said children."
"Again I can assure you that no..."
"Higgs do you hear that?" Amelia suddenly asked one of her Aurors who smirked.
"I think I do Director."
"Hear what?" Dumbledore asked.
"A broken record that keeps on repeating itself." Amelia asked referring to Dumbledore. "I am well aware of how your assurances go Dumbledore. I'm sure you did a great job assuring the teachers that the monster that plagued the school during Harry's second year was something that could be handled. How did they take the news that it was a Basilisk?" She asked as one of the Aurors broke focus for a moment.
"A Basilisk?" he asked "There was a Basilisk in the school!?" He exclaimed and Amelia nodded.
"Indeed, and from what I have been able to find Dumbledore knew about it as well."
"You knew?" He growled. "You... Bastard! My kids go here!" He raged as Amelia raised her hand and the Auror quieted but lost none of his rage.
"Madam Bones, that was..."
"No, I've heard enough. Just understand that this is just going to be another point on a long list that I have against you. All of which will be coming to the light in your coming trial, the outcome of which is looking rather black for you." Amelia said before rising and the Auror who conjured the chair vanished it.
Dumbledore, to his credit, kept his head and didn't show any outward sign that what Amelia had said affected him. It wasn't hard, however, all that has been on his mind for the past four days were the flames. Those haunting azure flames and the black skeletal beast that resided within. Seeing that magic made every sense or reason leave Dumbledore and that moment of sheer panic and mania had caused him to blunder badly.
He had seen that spell before, only once and performed by only one man.
_SCENE_
Welp, here it is chapter 15, we getting things going. Dumbledore panicked and I think we know why but don't say it yet for the people who haven't guessed it.
Chapter 16
"Come on Harry last one." Hermione said handing him a potion vial. Harry shivered, he swore having to down so many potions was the worst and they got more bitter the more he did it. Taking the potion vial he made a disgusted face. He downed the potion, just as bitter as all the others and it caused him to shiver in discomfort.
"See it's not that bad." Daphne said as she took the empty bottle and put it in a case with four other empty vials. The group was currently sitting in the classroom Harry used for training. The days had passed slowly for him but thankfully Hermione, Susan, and Daphne had kept him company. They were fully ready to skip classes, even if Hermione nearly broke out in a rash at the thought. Harry had assured them he would be fine on his own and encouraged them to keep on attending. Usually, his friends stopped by every once in a while when they could. Jones was the most constant visitor giving her a free schedule.
Even some of his Quidditch teammates had come around to check in on him which was nice. Dinners were awkward given the circumstances but Harry didn't put much thought into it. Dumbledore had been taken from school grounds and placed in Ministry custody so McGonagall had been appointed as Temporary Headmistress for the time being.
Amelia had combed Dumbledore's office and left nothing untouched. Everything was searched and if it was deemed evidence or useful in the case it was confiscated. Harry wondered what the office looked like now but he imagined it probably was a mix of messy and empty. When she was satisfied with the state of the physical evidence she moved on to him. They spent nearly three hours together where she combed through his memories completely with his permission.
She didn't leave a single metaphorical stone unturned as she looked for the smallest details. Any proof of Legilimency beyond what occurred recently, any further instances of manipulations, even something as small as just spending a little too much time on Harry. Once she was satisfied she then had him show her to the Chamber of Secrets. She was shocked to see the Basilisk in person, the memories gave her an idea but seeing the beast in the flesh was something else. She had told Harry she would request Gringotts to collect the beast on his behalf. Seeing as he was the one to slay the beast he had full rights to the corpse. She did request that he loan her the head for the upcoming trial. Harry was more than happy to oblige and give Amelia anything she needed. After that, she returned to the Ministry to keep an eye on Dumbledore not trusting him to be out of her sight. Though she did leave behind a contingency of Aurors to keep an eye on things.
She would return after the trial whatever the outcome to head the tournament organization for the last task. In her absence, she had appointed Alastor Moody to act as head for the time being along with Barty Crouch who retained his position by the skin of his teeth from what Harry heard though Amelia and Moody were keeping a tight leash. As well as a few other officials Harry was not familiar with.
Madame Maxime and Kakaroff had been removed from organizer positions but retained their positions as Judges but they wouldn't have any say in the tasks only the performances. Dumbledore had been replaced by Flitwick to be the Judge from Hogwarts while McGonagall lead the school. Flitwick was a good choice as he was fair and had no favorites in this tournament seeing as the two Hogwarts champions weren't in his house of Ravenclaw.
Beyond that nothing progressed with the tournament, none of the champions knew what the last task was going to be and now it might have been completely changed from what it initially was going to be.
As for the potions he was having to take, with Madam Pomfrey free of her compulsions she took it upon herself to see to Harry's return to the peak physical condition that he was supposed to be at. That meant a full regiment of physical exercises and a full menu of specially made potions to help make up for lost nutrients and bring back up to what a healthy fourteen-year-old like him should be.
"It'll be worth it, you'll see." Daphne said pushing the case off to the side. "My father had to do a similar regiment when he was released from Azkaban. Shouldn't take more than a few weeks, a month at most, to get you to where you should be."
"I wonder if you'll be taller?" Susan wondered out loud.
"You think I'm short?" Harry asked and Susan shook her head.
"Not really, but I heard that sometimes people who take these potions usually grow about an inch or two by the end." She explained.
"And you haven't been eating right at home so I think your growth was probably severely stunted. So you could shoot up a foot after this is over." Hermione guessed and Daphne nodded.
"It's possible." Harry thought about it and did like the idea of being taller.
"That'd be nice." He said as he began to do his stretches some with Daphne's help to make sure he was getting a full range of motion.
"After this, you'll probably feel a lot stronger and faster too since you'll be building up some muscle mass from your exercises and since you'll be getting the proper nutrients you'll be able to retain it." Daphne said as she helped him stretch downwards to touch his toes.
"Six-pack here I come!" He jokingly cheered. The girls laughed at that as they finished up the stretches and began doing basic exercises. Nothing too strenuous just simple pushups and situps with Hermione bringing some others that she knew of from Muggle routines such as planks and lunges. The girls had decided to join him in his routine to show their support.
"You know after this you can try some spells, Pomfrey gave you the clear." Susan said which got Harry excited, He had been itching to cast a spell. After training with magic so intensely nearly every day for this tournament it felt odd to go without it for so long. The group continued their exercises before they heard a knock on the door.
"'Arry?" He heard the familiar voice of his fellow champion.
"Come in Fleur." He said and the door opened seeing the ever enchanting face of the Veela. She smiled at him and the group.
"Sorry to interrupt, I know you are still in the process of recovering." She said but Harry waved her off.
"It's fine."
"I just wanted to properly thank you for what you did, for me and my family." She said bowing her head with a curtsey. Harry smiled and nodded.
"It's okay Fleur, I'm sure anyone else would've done the same." Fleur shook her head at that.
"I am not so sure, you risked not only your own life but even that which you love just to save my sister as well."
"She was a little girl, who should not have even been picked in the first place."
"Oui, but I still thank you and know that mon Papa will aid you with anything you may need."
"Merci." Harry thanked her for using french which delighted Fleur very much.
"There is someone else who would like to thank you. Allez, il attend." She spoke and a shy-looking Gabrielle poked her head around the door frame before stepping in hiding slightly behind her sister. Harry smiled brightly at her as she buried her red face in Fleur's skirt.
"Gabrielle." She urged the smaller girl in front as she stood fiddling with the hem of her skirt.
"Merci de m'avoir sauvé." She spoke quietly, Harry could guess what she was saying but didn't understand french.
"Gabrielle, Anglaise" She urged and Gabrielle blushed.
"T'ank 'ou for saving me." She tried her accent thick, she wasn't as practiced as her older sister. She then jumped forward to wrap Harry in a hug which he returned. She then bolted out of the room much to the amusement of her sister.
"I believe she may have a crush on you, again merci 'Arry, I am in your debt. Anything you need just ask." She said giving him a polite kiss on the cheek before following her sister out of the room.
"Well, I thought Hermione was the only one we had to bring in, guess we got to make two more spots for a couple of Veela sisters." Daphne said to Susan with a sigh and Harry just rolled his eyes.
"I think you three are all I could ever need." He assured and went over to his bag to get his wand. He had put it away so as to not be tempted to use magic until he was cleared but now it felt very comfortable and right in his hand.
"Okay, why don't we start with something simple, Lumos." Hermione suggested. Harry nodded and cast the spell, he then had to cover his eyes along with the girls as they were not prepared for the blinding shine that erupted from his wand.
"Nox!" Harry shouted and the light vanished.
"Wow!" Susan exclaimed rubbing her eyes and blinking rapidly.
"I think my magic is in proper working order."
"That was way too bright." Hemione said as her vision began to return to her.
"I guess that my magic got a bit of a kick to it now." Harry said and Daphne nodded.
"It's probably not going to be that intense for long though, your core is still a bit unstable so it'll probably get back under control in a few days." Daphne observed.
"So should I hold off on casting then?" Harry asked but was relieved when Daphne shook her head.
"No, this is good using magic will get your body used to its new limits so you should go ahead and practice."
"Right, hey do you think this will affect Demona at all?" Hermione wondered and Harry hadn't thought about that, Demona had become accustomed to this dimension so she didn't have to rely on him for her magic but they still shared the connection and it was still strong.
"Well, let's see." Harry said as Demona manifested from his shadow. He petted her affectionately as the girls moved behind the pair to not be in any danger, However, he decided to not command her to do anything.
"You know what never mind, cause if she is more powerful then she could accidentally blow a hole in the wall." He said a bit sheepishly and Demona whined at not being able to have some fun.
"Sorry girl maybe when we're outside." She began to wag her tail as she suddenly dissipated into smoke and melted back into his shadow. Except something happened that Harry did not expect. He felt like someone had ripped the floor out from under him and he saw his girlfriends reach for him in surprise before he found himself in a dark space the only forms of light being suddenly flecks or tongues of flame whipping out from the smokey surroundings.
He was only in the realm for a moment before he suddenly found himself on his back no longer in the classroom but instead on the edge of the forbidden forest in the shadow of a tree the castle in view and a cloudy sky overhead. Harry jerked up in surprise and looked around and saw an excited Demona. Once it clicked in his head what just happened he grinned.
"Since when could you do that!?" He exclaimed excitedly as he began to shower Demona with pets and pats. He didn't spend too much time reveling though since he probably scared his girlfriends with his sudden disappearance.
"We'll come back later, can you take us back?" He asked and Demona lowered herself so he could climb on her back. She jumped up and when she hit the ground she met nothing as both melted into the shadow of the tree and just like before Harry found himself in the same dark shadowy realm as before. They remained for a moment before they popped back out in the classroom surprising the girls who were at the door ready to go look for him.
"That's new." He said as he slid off Demona's back the girls came up to him to check on him.
"How'd you do that?" Hermione asked and Harry looked to Demona and mentally asked her but all he received was just an exciting rush from Demona.
"Not sure, we have to try this out though, It's so much better than the Floo or Portkey." He said, whenever he tried those kinds of magical travel he always felt sick or dizzy and they all seemed to hate him since he had yet to step out of a Floo fire instead always seemed to be tossed out.
"Where did you go?" Susan asked.
"The edge of the Forbidden Forest." Harry answered surprising the girls.
"That's pretty far." Susan said and Harry looked down at his shadow and stepped away from Demona. He then tried to focus on what it felt like to fall through the shadow but nothing happened.
"Well, I can't do it by myself." He went back to Demona and placed a hand on her he gave her a quick mental image of the outside of the classroom and just like before he felt weightless and was in the same dark space. They stayed for only a moment as they reappeared on the wall opposite the classroom in between two windows that created a shadow on the floor. Harry laughed a bit to himself in amazement. Going forward he re-entered the classroom.
"This is brilliant." He grinned to himself.
"It is, you're not supposed to be able to apparate in this school, the only form of magical travel that works are brooms and the Floo but only when it's unlocked." Hermione said.
"Elves can apparate." Susan pointed out.
"Elven magic is different from ours plus if the Elves couldn't apparate it would make their jobs much harder. Also I don't think it's a form of Apparating." Daphne said coming forward. "Apparating has a certain feel and look to it. That wasn't Apparating, it's just what Demona has always done, only this time with Harry."
"Do you think it's only me? Can she take others?" Harry wondered Hermione stepped forward.
"Well, let's test it." Hermione said as Harry stepped away and she placed her hand on Demona and Harry gave the mental command, Seeing it from the outside was interesting as He saw that while Demona reverted to her smokey flamed form the shadowy smoke wrapped itself around Hermione before both melted into the shadow and a second later they appeared in the same shadow outside the classroom as before. Hermione looked a bit dizzy and wobbly. Harry quickly came forward to help her out.
"I fell a bit sick." She said as she leaned down leaning on her knees and taking a few deep breaths.
"Really? I didn't feel anything at all." Harry said rubbing soothing circles on her back as she steadied herself.
"It's probably because you're bonded to her so you're more attuned with her magic. Since Hermione isn't she doesn't have that advantage." Daphne observed.
"Sorry about that." Harry apologized and Hermione shook her head standing back up.
"It's alright Harry, but this is still incredible. You have to wait till after the tournament to really test it but this will be a huge help in the final task." She said.
"Well, maybe, we don't even know what the last task is going to be."
"Whatever it is, being able to teleport is always going to be an advantage." Susan said. The group continued to talk a bit before they felt it was time to head out. Harry began to gather his things and walked out with his girlfriends. As they passed some students Harry noticed how he could see the difference of opinions amongst the student body. Those that thought he was framing Dumbledore or something always gave him glares as he passed. Those that were undecided simply glanced at him choosing to remain neutral. Those that believed him or were in the know simply gave him nods or treated him as normal.
That was something else, he came clean with his friends. Since Dumbledore was in custody there was no more risk to them so he told them everything. Jones as one might have expected took it in stride. Blaise, Tracey listened and using logic and the evidence presented agreed with him.
Others like Neville were a bit harder to convince, which wasn't a surprise since most of the people who didn't believe in Harry came from Gryffindor which was Dumbledore's favored house. But luckily Neville trusted Harry and believed him. Ron of course was a complete pain, he had confronted Harry spouting some nonsense about how Daphne had used the imperious on him or something. Luckily he wasn't so stupid as to try something since he still remembered that Harry had a huge Hellhound ready to strike at any given moment.
Not that Harry would order her to kill him, Ron might be acting like a git but Harry wasn't a murderer. Still, a giant Hellhound was a good deterrent. But that didn't stop Ron from talking about Harry to others. Malfoy was the confusing cause, on one hand, he hated Harry and after the night of the Ball, the feeling was most assuredly mutual. But now there seemed to be an air of respect for what Harry had started. That alone made Harry want to back off the whole plan and just let Dumbledore back. Not that he would of course.
Entering the Great Hall he saw his friends sitting around the Slytherin table engaged in a conversation. Taking a look around Harry was pleased to see that others appeared to follow his group's example. Students from different houses had moved to be closer to their friends. It was mainly the upperclassmen but it was still setting an example for the younger generation.
"Harry, how you doing?" Jones asked as they took their seats at the table.
"Good, Great actually."
"That's good, how's the magic?"
"Little overpowered at the moment but it's settling." Harry said and Jones nodded.
"Hey mate, they got a date for Dumbledore's trial." Blaise said as He handed him this morning's paper. And sure enough, there on the front page was Dumbledore still in his usual robes though he was chained up. Above his head were the bold wordsDumbledore, Savior turned Betrayer!? After that, there was an informational note telling the readers that the trial would take place this Saturday. The article that followed was written by Rita Skeeter and it was mainly fanciful and meant to build up tension for the upcoming trial. She couldn't outright claim if he was innocent or guilty. Though as Harry read he did see a few things that she wrote down that she definitely shouldn't have known. Such as his use of snakes to gather information. The only people that knew about that were his girlfriends and Amelia. He hadn't even told his friends yet.
"Okay this is getting annoying, how does she know this?" He asked as he leaned over to Hermione and showed her the article and pointed out the details that she definitely shouldn't know.
"This is just like our first date if she keeps mouthing off these details she could risk the whole trial. Our biggest advantage is for Dumbledore to have little to no idea of the charges that are being brought against him." Daphne said irritated. Rita's desire for a juicy story could through their whole plan into jeopardy.
"I wouldn't worry about it too much, my Aunt is there and she knows better than to give Dumbledore access to any information. But it's still annoying." Susan said just as miffed as the others.
"Wait she talks about the interview you did with Madam Bones. How did she know about that?" Hermione asked knowing that Amelia went to great lengths to ensure that the information didn't get out.
"I don't know, but she's starting to become a problem." Harry said and Jones suddenly grinned.
"Say the word and I'll make sure that she takes a nice long vacation." She cackled evilly and Harry rolled his eyes.
"Sure Jones, sure."
"Oh, I'll do it! Just watch me!"
"I'm sure."
"I'm vicious! You don't even know."
"I fear for the people of the world when you finally graduate." Harry said with a mock somber tone as the duo was quiet for a moment before they burst out laughing.
"In all seriousness, we need to keep an eye out. Rita can't just run her mouth it'll just cause more problems." Daphne said as she smiled at Harry's and Jones's antics.
"Agreed." Hermione her mind running a mile a minute trying to figure out how Rita could've gotten the information without being caught.
"Just another thing to add to the Pile huh?" Tracey said as Neville looked uncomfortable.
"You alright Nev?" Harry asked noticing his discomfort.
"Y-yeah, it's just... It is still a bit strange. He was such a Hero." Neville explained, that he grew up with stories of how Dumbledore fought Grindelwald and won. He was a hero to many people, to see him in a bad light just felt wrong to him.
"It's alright, It'll probably feel a little strange for a while, but that's to be expected. You trusted him after all." Tracey said grabbing Neville's hand. Neville cracked a small smile at that and nodded in thanks. The group talked a bit more before McGonagall walked to the podium and gathered the attention of the students to her.
"Good Evening Students, I understand that we have had a rough couple of days. And with the news of... Professor Dumbledor's upcoming trial I understand that many of you will need time to process. So classes will be canceled for this week and we will resume this coming Monday. If any of you feel the need to talk I urge you to seek out your heads of house as we are all ready to hear you out. While these are trying times, I must implore you to stay strong. I believe in each and every one of you and now more than ever we must remain united and support each other." McGonagall said before stepping down.
"She's not doing too bad as Headmistress." Susan observed getting nods from the group.
"I like how she's actually encouraging unity in the school. Think people will listen?" Tracey said.
"I think they already are." Harry said once again seeing the students sitting at different tables.
"Look at us, a bunch of trendsetters!" Jones cheered. The night went by calmly enough the atmosphere in the castle was still tense. The other school's students didn't stick around much as they stayed on either their ship for Durmstrand or the carriage for Beuxbaton. The group remained together for some time before Harry and his girlfriends separated to head to the hospital wing.
When they arrived Madam Pomfrey greeted them.
"Mister Potter good. Remove your shirt." She instructed and Harry did so not feeling so self-conscious now. While his regiment was still early it was already bearing fruit. He didn't look so deathly thin now and his scars had all but disappeared. He was amazed as that fact alone made him feel light as a feather.
"Miss Greengrass you can begin removing his bandages." Pomfrey said and the Slytherin girl nodded as she began to tug at the wrap before it came loose. He raised his arms to be out of her way and eventually she had a wad of bandages around her hand which she placed on a nearby stand. She then observed him from the back along with Hermione and Susan and they all felt elated at seeing that the scars were nearly gone, practically invisible at this point. He wouldn't need the cream anymore as they would fade naturally.
"They're gone." Hermione told him and Harry felt a rush of warmth flood him and it leaked through his bond as Demona returned it. Such simple words but they carried more impact than anyone could've understood. Especially for him. Harry turned and reached for Hermione who delivered the news and brought her into a Kiss. At first, she was surprised before melting into it and when they separated her eyes fluttered and a smile grew on her face.
He then went over to Daphne who did so much work to help him and kissed her. Unlike Hermione, there was no surprise as she wrapped her arms around his neck and brought their bodies closer together. After that, he went to Susan who had been an enormous help with dumbledore, and even brought Amelia into it to help. He brought her in and pulled her close as he kissed her and like Daphne, she wrapped her arms around his neck and melted into it.
"Now now, let's not get carried away," Pomfrey said caring a the same case of potions that Daphne had except with filled ones and she traded them out. Susan and Harry separated but couldn't keep themselves from smiling.
"You can put your shirt back on Mister Potter." Pomfrey said with an amused grin. Harry chuckled a bit before putting his shirt back on.
"It's fine, we can just take it off later, maybe a bit more." She said with a smile and Pomfrey rolled her eyes.
"Miss Greengrass." She warned and Daphne pouted.
"Oh fine."
"Later." Harry said which made Susan and Hermione look at him shocked and Daphne looked elated.
"Aw, You've corrupted him!" Susan joked.
"My efforts paid off!" Daphne cheered and Hermione just shook her head.
Harry was mainly joking but he couldn't deny that the idea of becoming more intimate with his girlfriends had become more and more enticing since he started his new regiment. He had brought it up with Pomfrey previously and she suggested that his stunted growth through malnutrition and home life might've caused some disruptions to his hormones. This would explain why he was interested in girls but not to the same degree other boys his age might be. Now though his body was healing and catching up on lost time. Pomfrey of course warned him and lectured him about certain things after that which left Harry feeling very uncomfortable but he knew she did it for his betterment.
His girlfriends had noticed it too, more and more often they would catch his eyes wandering when they were alone. He always paid attention when they were talking but when they were just relaxing he couldn't help himself. He wasn't becoming a pervert or anything and the girls felt quite flattered by his attention. He was already attracted to them romantically but now it was growing which is a good thing.
Taking the potions Daphne stored them as they left. In truth, with no tournament happening and being unable to properly practice magic until today. The days had fallen into a sluggish lull, which was something that Harry found that he did not like. Being unable to use magic was the biggest torture thankfully his girlfriends had always been there to help him through.
Harry had to think back on that, his girlfriends. Hermione was his best friend, and though he never considered it before, now he wanted to find a way to go back in time just to kick his younger self one good time in the arse for not noticing her sooner. She had been nothing short of amazing in their relationship, they all have. Daphne and Susan, he never would've seen coming. The idea that people might've had a crush on him was... alien was the best way to describe it. But he couldn't be happier that they had approached him, connected with him. He never wanted to live without this feeling ever again. And if all went right with the upcoming trial he wouldn't have to.
He would never have to see or even talk about the Dursleys again. The pain they inflicted was being washed away by those he loved. And the proof of their cruelty to him, that constant reminder any time he laid on his back, was gone. Again thanks to the ones he loved... loved yes but he never said it, not yet.
Harry stopped walking and looked around they were alone in the corridor but this wasn't the right place. He didn't want to make this declaration here. He began to think about where they could go that he could make this a good memory for them.
"Harry is everything alright?" Susan asked as the girls stopped noticing that Harry wasn't moving. He didn't answer at first but then he smiled and nodded.
"Yes, hey follow me there is somewhere I want to go real quick." He said getting odd looks from the girls but he just continued the smile and walked on followed closely by his girlfriends. When they asked where he was going he would just shrug and smile. He lead them through the corridors and up the stairs. After a few twists and turns, the girls began to recognize the path they were taking.
"Harry why are we heading to the Astronomy tower." Hermione asked and he just shrugged. The astronomy tower was the best option he could think of. It was getting late the sun had set so the castle windows would be lit up and offer a wonderful view. He had also learned from Jones when she would hang out with him while he recovered and the girls were in classes, that the Astronomy tower had this neat little feature. Like the great hall, it could magically project celestial objects. This was necessary when you got higher up in the class and Aurora Sinestra liked to give the students a close-up view of what they were studying.
"It's a surprise." Harry answered Hermione as the group continued on reaching the entrance to the Astronomy tower and with a quick unlocking charm they entered. The girls filed in still waiting to figure out what Harry was doing as he began to look around the room.
According to Jones they Professor Sinestra wouldn't be using the projections until their fifth year so non of his girlfriends should know about it. It wasn't long until he found the lever that would activate the projections. Without Professor Sinestra it would just project the Milky way but that would be plenty beautiful for what he wanted to do. He pulled it and just like that there was a dim glow at the center of the room that slowly began to expand outward in a spiral. It grew and grew until it covered the whole room filling it with light.
The girls gasped as they watched and Harry was amazed as well. It was a perfect replica of the Milky Way complete with a slow spin and sparkling lights from the billions of tiny projected stars. Harry made a mental note to thank Jones for this little detail later. He smiled seeing the girl's eyes wide with amazement as they observed the projection. Then Harry approached them with butterflies in his stomach and his heart pounding in his chest.
"Harry this is amazing, though you probably spoiled the surprise for our classes." Hermione said taking in the display. Harry chuckled at that since she was probably right.
"It is amazing, but not amazing as you three." Harry said as all three girls looked at him smiling softly.
"Thanks, Harry, your pretty amazing too." Susan said and Harry nodded.
"Thank you, but let me say this." Harry said and took a deep breath. "I can't tell you how amazing all of you have been. Hermione, you've been there for me since our first year. I should've been a better friend to you back then and not taken so long to realize just how much you mean to me. There were so many times that without you, I think I might've died... or worse gotten expelled." He said with a grin at the end as Hermione cringed but still smiled brightly.
"Daphne, Susan I haven't known you as long as Hermione but you have become just as important to me. When I felt alone and everyone seemed to have turned their backs on me you sought me out. You helped me get through the first task. And you have been by my side helping me ever since. You helped free me from so many shackles... I..." He took a few breaths as he felt tears begin to sting his eyes.
"I honestly don't know what would've happened to me if I hadn't had you three there. You taught me so much, and have shown me what real love feels like. You didn't have to go this far or even stick around but you did even after I told you about my childhood. I felt broken, ashamed but you three showed me that I have nothing to be ashamed about." He said coming closer as Daphne, Susan, and Hermione looked at him with watery smiles. He felt his heart sore as he looked at them and the three words that had been bouncing around his head finally came out.
"I love you. All of you... so much." He said his words ringing in the room. The girls looked at him and slowly their eyes began to widen as what he said sunk in. It was obvious of course, but it is one thing to know and another to actually hear it being said.
Each of them had an idea or random daydream about how they would react. And yet nothing came close to how they felt. It was surreal they felt breathless as they could feel their hearts thudding in their chests. None of them could explain why, they had started kissing and had progressed a good amount in their relationship. Those three simple words, for them to have such an effect... it was too incredible to explain.
Harry began to feel nervous at their silence and began to worry if he might've said it too soon. Did he do something wrong? He was sure that this would be a romantic setting, was it too much? These thoughts were racing through his head before Susan came forward and claimed his lips with her own. It wasn't a deep kiss but he could feel the sincerity, the warmth, the passion behind it. She stepped away, not saying a word as Daphne came forward to kiss him. Again this was not the usual hungry kiss that she liked to do. It was simple and yet just as impactful.
Hermione came up last and brought him to her. Her kisses while always pleasant and lovely he could always sense an air of hesitance in them. More from just appearing proper rather than any doubts. But she let all that go for this she wanted to let him know just how much he meant to her and just what the words he spoke meant to her. When they separated all four of them came together and embraced each other.
They didn't speak, they didn't say a word. They didn't need to, what needed to be spoken had been. Now all that was left was to embrace it fully. Embrace each other and what they had. At this moment a silent promise was shared between the lovers.
Together... Always.