Harry Potter and the Battle of Hogwarts

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Chapter Ten

The Centaur's Agreement

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“Harry Potter.” The solid centaur said his voice deep and strong. Harry felt his blood run cold and he scrambled back, so he was leaning against the tree. His body was so weak from the Cruciatus Curse, and he didn't think he could fight off a whole herd of centaurs; especially not when fifteen arrows were pointing at his head.

He didn't trust himself to speak, so he merely nodded, his eyes glued to Hermione lying motionless through the many legs of the creatures. The lead centaur's eyes followed his gaze and a strange smile grew at his lips.

“She lives, young one.” It said, as Harry released a breath he wasn't aware he had been holding. He caught sight of Neville and Ron a fair distance away, pinned against the tree barricade. Both their faces were pale and staring at the many arrows aiming for their heads.

Taking a deep breath, he turned his gaze back to the centaur in front of him, wondering what they were going to do. But before he could speak, the centaur started before him.

“We have heard of you many a times, Harry Potter. We have followed your battles through the stars, and watched as your journey unfolds. And we have seen your track lead into our forest too many times. If it were not for your purpose in this life, we would have to punish you for your ignorance of our set rules. But, your friends do not have a higher purpose in the world. Maybe if we take them, you will finally see that we only want to be left alone.”

The words struck at Harry like a dagger. “So what your saying is because I have this prophecy hanging over me, you will free me and kill my friends?” Harry hissed in outrage. The centaur stamped its foot with annoyance.

“That is exactly what I am saying, Prophesized One. You have wandered into our woods one too many times, and it is time you paid for your mistakes.”

“No.” Harry said, stepping out from the shadow of the wooden wall. A few more arrows were drawn, but he ignored them, intent on having his say. “This forest isn't yours. It belongs to all the creatures living here. You may think you own every single tree in here, but it doesn't mean you do. You only live here, because Dumbledore allows you to.” There were many outraged cries form the herd, and the ground thumped with their beating hooves. The tall centaur before him shook its head, its dark mane and body rippling in fury.

“You think you have the right to tell us these things, Harry Potter? Your meagre human intelligence does not even rate to our high intellect. We see things in the heavens, as they happen in the future. We know all about your miserable little life, and it would not take long to end it right here.” The centaur's eyes were blazing, and its teeth were bared in a savage anger. Harry momentarily felt scared, but after a glance at his terrified friends, he pushed down his fear.

“But you don't dare. Because, if you can read the heavens as you say, then you would know all about my destiny. I am the only one that can defeat Voldemort. The only one who can stop this war. And if you can see into the future, you would know that if you killed me, you would really be killing yourselves. Voldemort hasn't harmed you yet because you are so close to Hogwarts and Dumbledore. But it's only a matter of time before he comes here and destroys your own lives as he has so many others.

“You hide out in your precious woods because you're scared of what's out there. You don't want anyone coming in here because you fear them. You don't want the darkness of the world to ruin your simple race. But it's too late. The war has already begun, and nothing you do in here will stop Voldemort coming to destroy you and your families. And your high intellect will not stop him from killing you.

“So don't tell me not to come in here to save my friends, time after time again, when you do nothing to protect your own families.” Harry said in a loud voice, anger, pain and a wild sense of right blazing from his eyes. Ron and Neville were staring at him in awe, and Harry gulped in regret; he had forgotten Neville was there. And now he knew of the prophecy.

“Arrogant boy!” the lead centaur snarled, rearing up on his hind legs. But Harry saw fear in his dark eyes, and he smiled grimly. “By stopping the humans from entering our forest, we are protecting our race! But you continue to disregard our orders, and we must stop anymore from harming our young!” Many other centaurs agreed loudly with the choice words of their leader, and he turned his eyes down on Harry.

“No. By stopping us from entering the forest, you are endangering your herd even more! We are not the bad guys here! Voldemort is! We are only trying to stop this war and the Death Eaters from destroying everything! Can't you see it? By blocking all contact with Dumbledore, you're leaving yourselves wide open for an attack from Voldemort! Didn't you just see the Death Eater's in the forest? I only came in here to help Hagrid, because I knew something had happened to him! You can't punish my friends or me from trying to protect our families!” Harry shouted, standing forward and pushing back the herd by a few steps.

“We are only trying to stop the Death Eaters from killing anyone else. And that includes the creatures of this forest. We would gladly come to your aid if you were being invaded, but you still don't help us because you're too arrogant to see the bigger picture! Hagrid's been protecting you and your herd for years, and now you turn your back on him and try to kill him! All he has ever done to you is help you! All he ever does is help the creatures in this forest! And all you have ever done is hurt him and everyone else! You even tried to kill a member of your herd because he believed in Hagrid, and tried to help him when all you wanted to do was hurt him! I don't understand how you could just throw out a member of your family when he did nothing but repay the many debts you owe Hagrid!

“You tell us that we are savage creatures, that we don't understand the higher workings of the world! Well, do you know what? You don't know anything! If it wasn't for Hagrid, and Dumbledore and even me and my friends, you wouldn't even me alive to live through this war! Voldemort would have had your leathery hides a long time ago. So don't blame us for harming your young and race, when it's actually yourself who is putting them in danger!”

The clearing was silent apart from Harry's ragged breath. After his long speech and the Cruciatus Curse, he felt incredibly exhausted. All eyes were on his, including Hermione, who had woken and was staring at him through the many legs of the centaurs. His heart pounded in his chest and his hand was sweaty as he clamped his wand.

All arrows were still pointed at his head, including the ones that had previously been aiming for Ron and Neville. Harry was relived that they were in no immediate danger of being speared, and decided that it wouldn't be so bad to be killed if they managed to escape. But just when he thought they were going to release the arrows into his sweaty skin, the lead centaur placed his back over his shoulder. Others followed his lead, all eyes still glued on Harry's astonished face.

Ron was looking a brilliant shade of green as he watched the arrows be unloaded and placed back into their wooden enclosures. Neville was pale and he looked ready to faint. And Hermione…Hermione was staring awed through the many hoofed feet, her mouth hanging open in disbelief. Harry was no better. He seriously thought he was going to be dead about fifteen times from all arrows.

But now -- now he wasn't too sure what was going on. All the weapons had been lowered and secured back onto the centaur's human like torsos. And all the intelligent eyes of the half horse-half man creatures were still staring at Harry, many showing fear, shock and puzzlement.

Then, one by one, the centaur's heads bowed, including that of the leader. Harry and his friends stood speechless, unmoving and numb. Never had a centaur shown respect to a human before. Never.

The lead centaur raised its head, dark eyes glistening. “Harry Potter. You truly are the one with the power to defeat the Dark Lord. The fates have chosen wisely. Your words have opened up my eyes to the true side of things, and for that, I am thankful. My name is Judas, Leader of the Forbidden Clan, and we will aid you in the war. And only you.”

Harry stood still, not daring make a noise or large movement. Were they serious? There was a thick silence, in which Harry could hear Hermione's heavy breathing even over that of the centaurs. Making up his mind, Harry drew himself to his full height, still a few inches shorter than Ron; even after the summer and his growth spurt, his redheaded friend was still the taller of the two.

“Would you be able to help us get Hagrid up to the castle? I'm afraid he's too big for us to move alone.” He had mustered up all his courage to say these words, and he was afraid they would be rejected. Surprisingly, Judas smiled and nodded, moving aside. The herd parted, giving Harry view to the large, bloodied form of Hagrid, with Grawp a few paces away. They both were breathing unsteadily, even though the giant was in a better shape than his older, much smaller, brother.

Harry hurried through the gap, and collapsed on the ground by his old friend. Hagrid looked even worse than the last time Harry checked on him, and the puddle of blood the forest floor had expanded.

“Ron, Neville, can you help he levitate him high enough to rest on their backs?” Harry asked, as Ron and Neville broke out of their trance and moved forward, a little less energetic than Harry had.

They used the Levitation Spell to float Hagrid onto the centaur's backs, and Harry left Ron and Neville to keep it partially up, to stop the full wait of the half-giant from breaking the centaurs' spines. When he was sure they were okay, h sped over to Hermione who was looking a little worse than the students were. She was breathing heavily, with a cut on her head drooling blood through her hair and down her cheek. Her bottom lip was split and her left eye was swelling quite quickly. Harry bent down beside her, feeling incredibly ill and guilty for her condition.

“Are you alright?” he asked her, placing a hand on her cheek. She smiled unsteadily up at him but winced, holding her side.

“I'll be OK, once I'm in the Hospital Wing. Did they get away?” Hermione asked with a grimace. Harry looked over to where the Death Eater he had stunned had been lying, to find him gone.

“Yes, they did.” He answered with a sigh. “But that doesn't matter now. What does matter is getting you up to the school. C'mon, I'll pick you up.” He said, sliding a hand beneath her knees and one around her waist.

“Why don't you levitate me?” she asked, a look cross between pain and confusion playing in her eyes. Harry smiled grimly.

“I'm afraid if I levitate you, the spell may fall. I'm a little too tired to use magic.” He answered, standing shakily, and moving her into a more comfortable position. She burrowed her head under his chin and closed her eyes, her arms wrapped around his neck. Harry moved slowly over to where Ron and Neville were standing, wands out, pointing to Hagrid resting smoothly on the centaur's backs.

“Are we ready to go?” Harry asked with a pained expression, feeling something sharp poking him in the ribs. He ignored it as Ron nodded, staring at Hermione with a strange expression on his face. “Let's go, then.”

The trip over the tree barricade was difficult work. It took all Ron and Neville's energy to lift the large man over the wooden wall without letting their concentration falter. Harry had a little more trouble, trying to climb over the barricade with no hands. Hermione told him more than once that she could walk, but he only said it was fine and kept going, knowing if he stopped, he wouldn't be able to start again. Finally, they reached the top of the wall and the descent was a little easier.

The walk back through the dark forest was a hard one. Harry almost dropped Hermione twice when he had to duck a low slinging branch, or when he tripped over a protruding root. The centaurs, Ron and Neville were leading the way, with Harry struggling behind. They moved at a steady pace, only stopping to adjust the weight of Hagrid or wait for Harry to catch up.

Excruciatingly slow, the trees started to thin out, and the thin rays of sunlight began to filter through the canopy of green leaves and stretching branches. By the time he started to recognize the track they were on, Harry was incredibly tired. Hermione seemed to grow heavier each step he took, dragging him closer to the ground. But still he kept up with the others, needing to get his friend to the infirmary.

Suddenly, the dirt track opened up, revealing the clear sky and grounds of Hogwarts. The centaurs spilled out onto the lush green grass, with Ron and Neville slowly lowering Hagrid to the ground. Harry soon left the dark of the forest and blinked in the sudden burst of daylight. Hermione squirmed in his arms, her eyes finally opening to look around.

Their Care of Magical Creatures class was scattered randomly over the lawn in front of Hagrid's small cabin. Some had even stripped down to their shirts and pants, as the heat of the sun was quite hot. Many heads turned to watch them as they paused on the grass to catch their breath. And slowly, people realised that something was wrong and immediately stood and hurried over to them. Harry slowly set Hermione's feet on the ground, though she kept her hands around his neck, and his were still wrapped around her waist. Both were supporting the other.

“I'll go get Dumbledore!” Dean Thomas said as he hurried up the lawns, not looking back. He became a black figure as he disappeared inside the great doors.

Question upon question came upon them and Harry groaned into Hermione's bushy hair. He could feel her shoulders shake with her chuckling and he only shook his head. Many people stood a fair way back, still cautious of the centaurs. But Judas came forward, bowing his head with respect.

“Here I shall leave you, Harry Potter. I thank you for your words of wisdom, and remember, we will be here if anything arises. I will keep my eye on the heavens, and keep you informed of their progress.” Harry slowly let go of Hermione, making sure she was steady, before approaching the tall centaur.

He extended a hand shakily, gaining a few puzzled looks by both students and centaurs. A smile broke out on Judas's smooth face and he clasped Harry's hand with both of his own.

“Thanks for your help.” Harry said with an uncertain smile, only noticing, as he looked out at the lead centaur, that his glass lenses were shattered.

“No, the gratitude is all mine. Until next time, farewell, Prophesized One.” Judas said the last bit in a mere whisper, so no others could hear it. Harry inclined his head and watched as the centaurs disappear back into the forest they loved so much. He made his way back to Hermione's side, slipping an arm around her shoulders, so they could lean on one another. Ron and Neville stood pale beside Hagrid's large form, all five of them surrounded by their classmates.

It took a few minutes before they looked up to see Dean running quickly down the emerald slopes, three professors trailing closely. Harry was surprised to see Dumbledore and professors McGonagall and Flitwick, scurrying towards them in their thick work robes.

“What happened here?” the headmaster asked, bending down to check Hagrid's pulse and many wounds.

“Death Eaters. In the forest, sir.” Harry said, giving Dumbledore a stare that said he would tell him the rest later. The headmaster nodded once in answer, and quickly pulled out his wand with the other two professors.

“Class dismissed. Please go back to your dormitories and speak to no one to what you have seen. All will be explained at dinner this evening.” Dumbledore said as the students nodded and backed off, as the teachers pushed the levitating half-giant forward, Harry, Ron, Hermione and Neville following closely.

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It took almost an hour of Madam Pomfrey's time to heal most cuts on Hagrid's large body. Professor Dumbledore was currently in the forest tending to Grawp. Harry was extremely reluctant to tell the headmaster about Hagrid's half-brother, but thought that the giant's health was more important. Dumbledore had looked momentarily disappointed before disappearing back into the swaying trees, telling them he expected them in his office in two hours time.

Harry sat comfortably on his hospital cot, watching Madam Pomfrey tend to Hermione's head wound, and check her heart rate and temperature. The nurse seemed satisfied that nothing else was wrong with her and turned her attention to Harry. Ron and Neville had been released half an hour earlier, having only suffered minor cuts and bruises. They had said they would be up soon with food as Lunch had already started.

Harry shrunk under the intense stare Madam Pomfrey was giving him as she stalked closer, her wand in hand. “Mr Potter. This is the second time in less than a week that you have been in here with injuries! Can't I keep you out of here for one month, or is that too much to ask? Now, what have you done to yourself this time?” the witch said, examining Harry's eyes, ears, and feeling over his head. Harry half closed his eyes in drowsiness.

“Ahh…a Cruciatus for a few minutes, a couple of cuts - that's about all.” Harry answered, ignoring the startled looks on both Hermione and Pomfrey's faces at the mention of him being under Crucio. Thankfully, they didn't say anything, and the healer continued to check his body. When her hands pushed on his chest, Harry let out a gasp, as pain shot through his chest and spine.

“Mr Potter, why didn't you tell me you have a chest wound?” the nurse said tutting. “Remove your shirt, please.” Harry felt his face flush, and he glanced at Hermione whose face had gone pink.

“Erm - OK.” Harry said, reaching up to pull off his shirt. But it was too painful to do so. Madam Pomfrey took pity on him and helped him out of his bloodied and torn shirt, his robes having been discarded long ago. Everyone gasped when they looked at his chest. On his right side, straight atop his ribcage, was a greenish-purple bruise, that was spread across a few inches in either direction. A lump had risen in the middle of it, and Harry was startled to find it move when he breathed in and out.

“This is a broken rib, Mr Potter. You were incredibly lucky that it did not puncture your lung, a few millimetres to one side and it would have. Now, how did you say this happened?” she asked, staring warily at Harry's injured chest.

“I don't know! I think it must have happened when I dived out of the way of a spell. I thought I heard something crack.” Harry said with a lopsided grin, as both the nurse and Hermione pursed their lips.

“You should have said it hurt when you carried me!” Hermione cried a pained look on her face. Harry let his smile fall and his eyes filled with compassion.

“It didn't hurt, Hermione. Even if it did, I wouldn't have let you walk out of there in the shape you were.” Harry said with a determined nod, as Hermione's face grew red.

“Now, I need you to stay still for this, Mr Potter. So, please lay back while I get the proper potions.” The school nurse disappeared into her office as Harry groaned, lying back as she had told him to do.

“Not more potions.” He grumbled angrily.

“Yes, more potions.” Madam Pomfrey said, walking back into the room. Harry felt his face flush. He didn't know he had said it that loud. “Potions and a tight bandage are the only things that will fix this, so stop complaining; it's for your own good.” Harry caught Hermione smirk at him from her own bed before silence reined.

Both potions he took were disgusting, and he almost choked on the Pain-Numbing Potion. He had had to lift his arms steadily as the nurse wrapped a white bandage tightly around his middle and over one shoulder to stop it from slipping down.

“Now, if you just stay still for thirty minutes, your bones should be set enough for you to meet the headmaster. But I must ask you both to return here for tonight, so I can keep my eye on you.” Madam Pomfrey said, pumping Harry's pillow before pushing him back, with a small smile gracing her lips.

“I should name this ward after you, Mr Potter, because of the many times you are in here,” she said as Harry's face grew red and he mumbled angrily. “Please be quiet and don't move until I say you can.”

Once the nurse had disappeared back into her office, Hermione turned to him, an innocent look on her face. “The Potter Wing, hey?” she said with a cheeky grin as Harry threw her a disgusted look. She startled laughing before a pained look came upon her face, and she gasped, clutching her stomach. Harry's smile vanished.

“Are you OK?” he said quickly, making ready to spring form his own bed to help her. She held up a hand to stop him.

“I'm fine,” she breathed. “Just a bit sore from one of Lestrange's punches. Madam Pomfrey said it might be tender for a little while. Nothing I can't handle.” Hermione smiled at him, though Harry could tell it was fake. They spent their time in mostly silence, listening to the many voices ringing up from the Great Hall. Hermione tried to maintain a brave face, smiling whenever she caught Harry looking. But he continued to watch her long after she looked away, and a hole of guilt was slowly gnawing its way through his heart.

He had known it was a trap, but still he sent Hagrid in there by himself. Why hadn't he been more cautious? Why hadn't he told Dumbledore or someone else?

Because you're still angry with the headmaster. A voice said in the back of his head. Harry's brow furrowed with confusion.

Because you're still angry with him for keeping the prophecy from you.

Maybe. Harry answered that familiar voice with a sigh. But I still should have told someone else instead of sending Hagrid in there by himself.

Yes, you should have.

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Harry, Hermione, Ron and Neville stood in front of the stone gargoyle. They had just finished eating a small lunch, and it was time for their appointment with Dumbledore. The others were incredibly nervous, this being their first trip into the headmaster's office. Neville looked ready to wet himself.

“Sugar Quills.” Harry said. The stone gargoyle sprang to life, jumping aside, revealing the rotating staircase leading to Dumbledore's office. He looked to his friends and smiled at their awed faces, before leading them up. It took a few seconds before they stepped of at the landing before the tall oak, double doors. A griffin knocker glittered in the candlelight. Harry slammed it against the wood three times, waiting for a response. As if on que, the door opened, allowing them entrance.

The settings of the familiar, circular office came into view as Harry walked in. The many odd instruments had been replaced, although some spaces had been left. Harry felt a pang of guilt, remembering his loss of temper at the end of the previous year, after Sirius's `supposed' death. He still felt it was worth it, hearing the silver instruments crack and shatter against the walls. It relieved his anger slightly, though the pain was still there.

Harry spotted Fawkes on his gold stand on the side and made his way over, a grin playing on is lips. “Hello, boy.” Harry cooed, stroking the phoenix on its scarlet head. Fawkes whistled softly, his large eyes closing in content. Hermione was over at the bookshelf, her mouth hanging open at the many exotic titles. Ron was inspecting a spindly silver object sitting on a long bench, while Neville was staring around the room in awe.

Hermione soon tore herself away from the many books, and joined Harry patting the large bird. But something caught Harry's eyes, glittering majestically in a glass case behind the headmaster's desk. Harry's feet pulled him over to it, his eyes wide and staring. He stopped in front of the cabinet, his reflection staring back out at him. But he stared passed his bespectacled self, straight at Gryffindor's Sword.

Rubies and gems lay encrusted into the golden handle, glittering like many beautiful eyes. His eyes trailed up to the hilt, where the ancient wizard's name was carved into the shining metal. The blade was long and powerful, once covered in the dark blood of Slytherin's Basilisk when Harry had speared it in the Chamber of Secrets. It was now so smooth and spotless that Harry could see his own green eyes shining back up at him, matching the line of emerald stones lining the top of the handle.

He stood so entranced with the, magnificent weapon, that he hadn't noticed Albus Dumbledore step into the office, and make his way up to the black-haired boy. Harry only spotted him when the old wizard's reflection appeared behind his own in the clear class.

“Professor Dumbledore!” Harry said, startled. The old man only smiled, his own eyes staring at the sword, a twinkle present in their clear depths.

”Harry.” He said turning his bearded face o his student. “It has been four years since you pulled the sword from the sorting hat, and no one is sure how you did it.”

“But you said only a true Gryffindor could do it?” Harry said, feeling his cheeks grow warm. Dumbledore smiled a distant look in his eyes.

“That I did, dear boy; that I did. Now, please, take a seat.” The headmaster said and with a wave of his hand, four plush, blue armchairs appeared on the other side of his large desk. Harry nodded, and walked over and sat in the spot between Ron and Hermione, Neville on the other side of Hermione. Dumbledore sat staring at the sword for a few more seconds, his back on Harry and the others, before turning and sitting also.

There was silence for a few minutes, as Dumbledore looked at each of them over his half moon spectacles. Harry stared at him back, glad that this year, he could look in the headmaster's comforting eyes. Due to the threat of Voldemort possessing him last year, Harry was unable to look in Dumbledore's eyes without feeling an unusual amount of hatred rise inside him.

But due to his being possessed by the Dark Lord in the Atrium of the Ministry of Magic the previous year, there was no longer the threat of Harry being possessed completely. Harry had found a way to totally block Voldemort from taking over his body. Dumbledore had said it had to do with the `powers he knows not' residing inside him. Harry knew though, that it was love that protected him. When he had thought of his parents and Sirius, and seeing them again, love had coursed through his body. Voldemort, being a creature of fear and hatred, had been forced out of Harry's mind, due to immense pain.

“Would one of you care to explain about what you were doing in the forest and how you knew there were Death Eaters in there?” The headmaster said, placing his hands calmly together in front of him. Harry decided to tell him of his dream, hanging his head in shame when he came to the part about sending Hagrid in. Hermione, sensing his anguish, continued. What she was unable to explain the bits after she had been knocked unconscious, so Harry picked back up.

He told how Lestrange had tried to place a portkey in his hand that would have transported him to Voldemort. He told how Neville was going to save him when the centaurs had appeared. At these words, Dumbledore's eyes widened in curiosity and he leant forward a little more. Harry told of his debate with them as accurately as he could, with Ron and Neville filling in other details.

When he finished up with them on the grounds and Dean running to fetch them, a nervous silence filled thew office. Even Fawkes remained silent and all the portraits stared soundlessly down at the headmaster and students. When the silence got too uncomfortable, Hermione spoke.

“Sir, how did they get out of the forest? You can't Apparate or Disapparate on school grounds.” She blurted, her eyes shining with fear. Harry mentally hit himself on the head. Why didn't I think of that?

The headmaster's eyes landed on Hermione, and a small smile crept onto his face. “I'm glad you noted this, Hermione. And your answer - I do not know.” A resigned look appeared on Dumbledore's face as he removed his glasses, and cleaned them on the front of his robe. When he had them once more on his nose, the smile had vanished from his face.

“I believe Voldemort has found a way around my wards surrounding the castle and grounds. I have already contacted the Ministry, and sent for the right people to meet me here later this afternoon. I have been working on an Advanced Shield Charm and Anti-Apparation Charms to place around the school's perimeter and the grounds. I believe Voldemort only lowered it over the forest, as the Dark Magic surrounding it has weakened my charms, making it easier for him to break through. I am only glad that no serous injuries were sustained today.” Here, his eyes landed on Harry, who sank lower in his soft armchair.

“Harry, I know you have some rightful issues bothering you concerning me, but it must not stop you from telling me things that may help others. This dream, for one. You did the right thing by not charging into the forest by yourself, instead alerting Hagrid of the suspected dangers lurking beyond the tree line. Though, the better thing to have done was contact me, and I would have sent others in with him.” Dumbledore said as Harry nodded sullenly, feeling incredibly guilty and foolish.

“Do not feel bad; things could have been much worse. One good thing that has come from today's excursion is the alliance made with the centaurs. For many years, I have tried convincing them that our side was the one to be fighting for. And for many years, they continued to shake their heads at me and refuse to tale part in any war concerning humans. And in one morning you, a sixteen year old boy, has managed to gain the trust and alliance of the whole herd.” Harry felt his face burn, and he managed a glance up to catch an exceedingly bright twinkle in the old man's eyes. “And that is something to be proud of.”

“I didn't even know what to say!” Harry said in protest. “I only wanted them to see that we meant them no harm, and that we only wanted to get out of there alive!” Dumbledore nodded slowly, a low chuckle growing in his throat.

“And in the process you have done something many have tried to accomplish; without even trying!” Dumbledore said, now grinning broadly. Harry exchanged nervous glances with Ron, who shook his head in astonishment. Hermione was smiling proudly at him, which made his stomach flop in embarrassment.

“First things first. I will need to deduct fifteen points from each of you for going into the forest without consent even after I made myself clear not to go in there in my Welcoming Speech.” The four of them sat speechless, and Harry opened his mouth to protest before Dumbledore shushed him, a twinkle in his eyes. “Now, I will award each of you with fifty points for protecting and saving a professor of this school without thought of injury to yourself. And another fifteen points each for protecting the school from external foes. Oh, and I believe Mr Thomas should be awarded for his fast thinking when others were in pain. Let's see…forty points should do it. Now, that makes it a total of two-hundred and forty points, once the other points have been deducted, to Gryffindor.”

The room was in complete silence. Harry sat in astonished silence, much the same as his friends. In one morning, they had lost sixty points and gained two hundred and forty. All in about two hours. That must be a school record. Harry thought, a grin finally appearing on his face. Dumbledore was smiling merrily, a bright sparkle in his eyes.

“Now that that is over, I must ask Harry and Neville for a private word. Mr Weasley, you may head back to your Dormitory, as Ms Granger must return to the Hospital Wing.” The headmaster said with a smile, as the two of them stood, throwing glances between the two wizards. Harry only smiled; giving Hermione and Ron intent looks which meant `I'll tell you later.' They nodded in acknowledgment, turning back to Dumbledore.

“Thank you, sir.” They said in unison, with them wishing Harry goodbye before exiting the office. The room was lapsed into an anxious silence, with Neville's face covered in a thin sheet of sweat. His pale eyes were wide with nervousness and confusion, moving between Harry and Dumbledore. Harry knew what this was about, and gave the boy an encouraging smile.

“Mr Longbottom, I believe you are aware of the connection between Harry and Voldemort?” the headmaster asked, with a smile. Neville's eyes widened and he nodded, once, turning his head to face Harry, who only grinned.

This will be interesting. He thought with anticipation.

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- Disclaimer -

I do not own Harry Potter and never will.

Hey.

I thought I would end it there, as it was getting a bit long. And I will be explaining about many things in the next chapter: the prophecy, Occlumency, Voldemort, Animagi, Harry's feelings, Death Eaters and some other things.

This was meant to come out Wednesday but I had too much stuff going on, and I wrote most of this in the last few hours…sigh. I've been trying to get a boost of creativity, but it doesn't want to come. I should probably work on Behind Emerald Eyes after this one, or maybe Behind the Eyes. I'm not sure…

Please review and all that, and thanks to everyone who has so far!

Later Days…

DW

PS. How long is this chapter! WOW! LOL.