AN: I usually do not leave these notes and maybe I should but I had to thank everyone who took the time to review the story so far your words are very encouraging. Thank you! I also want to let you know that I am gratified that many of you share my sense of humor (evil chuckle) and I hope that I can continue to surprise and delight you with this story. 'Nuff said.
Chapter 13: Maiden Flight
Harry winced as he entered his dorm room as quietly as he could. All his efforts were in vain, Seamus and Dean had waited up for him. He shuffled for the sanctuary of his bed as quickly as possible.
"John Wayne," Dean said as he looked Harry over appraisingly.
"Nah, the Duke has a cooler walk than that. Ben Johnson, maybe," chuckled Seamus.
Neville looked up from his Herbology book, "What are you two on about?"
"Fuck you guys! Not you Neville," Harry croaked as he eased himself into his bed. He settled himself as delicately as possible.
The curtains on Ron's bed had been closed but as Harry finally settled himself on his bed, Ron's curtains opened. "Not again," Ron said seeing Harry's grimace.
"Thanks for keeping quiet, Ron" Harry hissed.
"I didn't say anything, I didn't have to. This is what, the third time this week you've been like this?" Ron sighed in exasperation. "Just tell her, Harry. She'll understand. This is Hermione, you know. She's probably read a book about it." He turned his head and smirked at the sound of Dean and Seamus laughing together quietly. He sat up leaned towards Harry and whispered, "Don't listen to those guys. Seriously, if you don't tell her, I will. I can't stand seeing you in pain like this."
Ron's face was oddly tense as he finished and for a moment, Harry thought Ron would actually tell Hermione about Harry's little problem. Then a thought struck him. "My concerned friend." In a more sarcastic tone Harry continued, "Who just happens to also be the Keeper of our Quidditch team and who couldn't possibly be more concerned that his team's Seeker will not be able to compete at his optimum level for the upcoming Finals, could he?" Harry smiled.
Ron sat back and clutched at his chest feigning shock, "I'm hurt that you would even suggest such a thing." Ron smiled as well and straightened up. Dropping his voice once again to a whisper he said, "Seriously, tell her. Pleasant dreams." He gave Harry one last smirk and shut his curtains.
Harry swung his legs into his bed and closed his curtains. He lay for a moment thinking if he should tell Hermione or not. That would be one hell of a conversation. Listen, Hermione. We can't snog for too long otherwise I'll get all worked up and my balls will hurt. Harry groaned in embarrassment just thinking about it. He quickly decided that some things were better left unsaid. He pushed the idea out of his mind, performed his mind clearing exercises and quickly fell asleep.
Harry was as happy as he'd ever been in his life, even with his little problem. The weather seemed to be effected by Harry's good mood and it began to look like there would be an early spring this year. As the days got warmer, Harry began to put pressure on Hermione to go flying with him. Hermione would not be budged; she simply refused to be swayed by Harry's gentle coaxing and kept insisting it was still too cold to fly. Harry was beginning to think that she was trying to put off their little excursion for as long as possible. For the life of him, Harry just could not figure out why.
Harry wasn't the only Hogwarts student who looked longingly out of classroom windows at the sea of budding greenery. Dean had even tried to start an impromptu football game one particularly beautiful day. Many students had decided to take their lunches outside to eat on the school grounds so there were dozens of potential players. Dean had transfigured his pencil box into a serviceable football and then spent over an hour trying to explain to the assembled wizard born why football was played without magic, wands, or hands and only one ball. It was a disaster.
It was the week before the Easter holiday when the first green shoots emerged from the dark furrowed soil of Hagrid's garden. In Potions class, Harry and Ron had actually managed to brew a perfect Darkvision Potion without Hermione's help. They were all suitably impressed. Neville, however, was not so lucky. This time, Neville's concoction melted his cauldron, ate through the table, and bored a sizeable hole in the stone floor before Professor Snape vanished the mess with a sneer and a casual wave of his wand. Neville was given detention for Friday night which meant that Neville would miss the Hogwarts Express back to Kings Cross and would have to stay at school over the holidays. This wasn't really a bad thing since the Gryffindor Quidditch team and many of their most dedicated supporters were staying for the holiday as well.
Hermione would also be staying at Hogwarts over the holiday and because of the unseasonably fine weather Harry was finally able to talk her into flying with him on Friday after dinner. Hermione seemed less than enthusiastic but Harry thought she might just be a little nervous. Harry was so excited about finally going flying with Hermione that the rest of the week's classes passed in an excited blur.
Friday was, as expected, another beautiful day. At dinner, Harry noticed that Hermione was only picking at her food. He told her that they didn't have to go out flying, he was sure that they could find something to do. Hermione smiled and relaxed a little but stated that she had to admit that she was excited about flying her very own broom for the first time. She said she was just a little nervous because Harry was such a good flier and she didn't want to make a fool of herself. Ron suddenly decided to be helpful and ask where they were going to fly. When asked why he was interested, he said that he and some of the other DA members wanted to be on hand in case someone needed a cushioning charm. Harry gave him a sour look, Hermione slapped him playfully on the shoulder and Katie led Ron away by the ear before he made a bigger arse of himself.
Having been denied his fun teasing Harry and Hermione, Ron turned his attention to Neville who was sitting at dinner in stony silence. He had detention that evening with Snape and Ron was unable to lift his spirits. Neville soon stood and left, "to get it over with," he'd said. He shuffled along the Gryffindor table with the air of someone being led to their doom. His housemates called encouragements to him as he passed.
After dinner, Harry and Hermione went to their dorms to change from their school robes and then met in the common room with their broomsticks. Harry's Firebolt was very similar to Hermione's new Sparrow 420 in looks but since the Firebolt was a racing broom Harry would have to remember to take it easy and not zip around like a dragonfly on speed. They walked hand in hand downstairs and out the Great Hall. They had decided to start on the Quidditch pitch since there would be no obstacles to worry about and then go exploring from there if they felt like it.
They walked out onto the pitch and Harry immediately mounted his broom and kicked off. He hovered in place about ten feet above the ground and waited for Hermione. Hermione had worn jeans as she thought sitting astride the broomstick would make her more stable than sitting sidesaddle. She mounted her broom and with a deep breath kicked off and rose unsteadily to meet Harry.
At first, they stayed low and flew slow circles around the pitch. Harry noticed that Hermione was gripping her broomstick so tightly that her knuckles were white so he tried everything he could think of to get her to relax. Harry finally asked her if she was afraid of falling off. She replied with a scornful glare.
"I don't know why you're afraid to fall," Harry called to her. "You've seen me fall plenty of times and nothing really bad has happened to me."
Harry was right; Hermione was quite a good flier. She just lacked experience and confidence but she seemed to be getting the hang of things. It was time for a little showing off. Harry suddenly swung in close to Hermione, gave her a playful swat on her pert little bottom, and called "Tag!" as he sped off. Moments later, they were streaking around the pitch in a game of tag and laughing like loons.
aH
Their game had taken them away from the Quidditch pitch and high over the Forbidden Forest. The sun had already set and it was starting to get too dark to fly safely. Harry and Hermione flew hand in hand, their faces flushed and smiling. They had just turned to head back towards the castle when a dark blur came arrowing at them from out of the night sky.
Harry squinted at the shape, "What is that?"
Then he heard Ron's voice, "Haaaaarrrreeeeeeeeeeeeeee!" The shape plunged suddenly and collided with the closer of two other dark shapes skimming the tops of the trees that neither Harry nor Hermione had noticed. Ron impacted with the closer shape with a sickening crunch ramming one of two people coming towards Harry and Hermione on broomsticks. They twisted violently in mid-air, and then they disengaged. One shape stayed on his broom. The second fell, arms and legs flailing wildly, and crashed through the forest canopy. The two unknown shapes converged and continued on their way. It was obvious by their size that neither of them were Ron.
Harry didn't even remember drawing his wand. He cast the first spell that came to mind. "EFFERVOMORDAX!" Harry bellowed and the night was suddenly lit by a hundred hissing white sparks that shot unerringly to strike at the two figures. One of the two unknown wizards grunted in pain, the other was able to erect some kind of shield that the swarm of sparks splashed against harmlessly.
Hermione had not been idle. As Harry drew breath to cast yet another spell at the fleeing figures, the bright red streak of a stunning spell shot from behind and above him and slammed into a hastily erected shield around the wizard Harry had hit.
The two black cloaked figures never slowed as they lowered themselves on their broomsticks and flew in the direction of Hogsmeade as fast as they could. They were moving fast but Harry knew he was faster. "Hermione, see if you can find Ron. I'm going after them." Without waiting for an answer, Harry pulled his broom around and rocketed off in pursuit. In the gathering darkness Harry could barely see the black shapes in front of him but he knew he was gaining on them. As he closed on his quarry, Harry pointed his wand at the closer of the two targets and blasted off three quick stunning spells. Before any of the spells could hit, Harry heard the distinctive CRACK of a wizard disapparating and suddenly both broomsticks were rider less and drifting gently towards the forest. Harry cursed under his breath as he turned to head back to Hermione.
When Harry turned around, he was surprised to see several beams of light dancing over the treetops. As he got closer, he saw that Hermione wasn't alone in her search for Ron. Harry recognized the voices of several of his classmates all calling Ron's name.
Harry flew up to Hermione who was very agitated. "What's going on? Is Ron OK?"
Hermione turned to Harry, "We can't find him. Oh God, Harry! What if he's hurt? Do you think he's alright?"
Harry looked down at the trees, "Ron's tough, he'll be OK. We'll find him."
Suddenly, there was a clamor of voices asking Harry what was going on. Dean, Seamus, Ginny, Katie, and Colin and Dennis Creevey all flew over to Harry speaking at once. Asking if he was OK. Asking if he had caught anyone and asking if he knew who it had been. Before Harry could even begin to sort out what was going on, a commanding voice cut through the night, "Quiet down, quiet down. Is everyone all right?" It was Professor McGonagall sitting stiffly astride a broomstick of her own. Seeing that no one was hurt, she turned her broom around and said, "Everyone follow me back to the school grounds immediately."
"But Professor," Hermione began, "Ron's lost in the forest."
"Members of the faculty will continue the search for him Miss Granger. Now hurry along, all of you." With that she led the students back to the school grounds where she landed stiffly beside Hagrid's house.
Hagrid was outside with Fang, crossbow in hand. "Ev'ryone OK?" Seeing the students all nod, Hagrid turned to Professor McGonagall. "Professor, me and Fang'll find Ron." He turned to head into the forest but stopped suddenly and cocked his head as if listening. "What is that?" Fang's bark boomed out and Hagrid quickly silenced him. Then they all heard it. Something was crashing through the forest coming towards them. Something big and moving fast.
The darkness was suddenly lit by a jarringly bright light that burst from the nearby trees. The source of the light quickly followed smashing through the underbrush at the edge of the forest and rushing towards the gathered faculty and students. Hagrid and Professor McGonagall stepped protectively in front of the students and the turquoise Ford Anglia skidded to a halt a few feet away. The driver's door opened and Ron stepped out looking like he just lost a fight with a rosebush. He grinned, "Evening troops. Did we get 'em?" he asked.
"Ron, you asshole! Are you alright?" Harry asked him. Harry looked over at Professor McGonagall and added, "Sorry Professor."
"No need Mr. Potter. Now that Mr. Weasley has decided to show up, he can join you and Miss Granger in Professor Dumbledore's office. Mr. Longbottom and Professor Snape are already there. This has been a very eventful and confusing evening and I'm sure the Headmaster will need to speak to all of you to get everything sorted out." Professor McGonagall turned to the rest of the group, "Hagrid, there is obviously no longer any need for you to venture into the forest tonight. As for the rest of you, back to Gryffindor House. Come along then, back to the castle." They all said good night to Hagrid and as they turned to follow Professor McGonagall they heard the Ford crashing its way back into the forest.
Harry turned expectantly to Ron as they entered the castle, "What's going on? What happened to Neville?" Harry whispered.
"Dunno," Ron whispered back. "When I saw Neville he was in a panic. He kept yelling for help and that he had been attacked. I figured if someone had broken into Hogwarts, they must be after you so I summoned the Marauder's Map to see where you were and then jumped on my broom and flew to the rescue. I have no idea what happened to Snape."
"Harry," Hermione whispered, "do you think it was Death Eaters?"
Harry shook his head, "I have no idea but I think we're about to find out."
Professor McGonagall had spoken the password to Professor Dumbledore's office and the gargoyle moved aside to reveal the rotating stairway. As they rose, Harry could hear muffled voices speaking excitedly and all at the same time. Professor McGonagall knocked twice on the door to Professor Dumbledore's office, then opened the door and stepped inside. Ron, Harry and Hermione followed.
There were more people in Professor Dumbledore's office than Harry expected. Neville sat in a chair by Professor Dumbledore's desk a forgotten teacup cradled in his hands. He looked very pale and there was a vacant expression on his face. Professor Snape was sitting in a chair beside Neville with a nasty cut on his forehead that was being tended to by Madame Pomfrey. Snape scowled as they entered, Neville didn't react at all, and Madame Pomfrey took one look at Ron and insisted he sit down at once in a chair she conjured. She told Ron that she would take care of him after she was done with Professor Snape. Professor Vigo stood over by the fireplace. He was having a hushed conversation with Professor Dumbledore but they broke off quickly as Professor McGonagall conjured chairs for everyone.
"Thank you, Minerva. Is that everyone?" At her nod Professor Dumbledore continued, "Well we've been able to trace the route of our uninvited guests but we are still not exactly sure of their intentions. Apparently Honeydukes was broken into and the couple who live above the shop and run it have been murdered. The three intruders then went into Honeyduke's basement and through a concealed trapdoor which opened into a tunnel leading here to Hogwarts. Specifically to a statue of a one eyed humpbacked crone along the third floor corridor. They must have done this while most of the school was at dinner for they then made their way unseen to the dungeons where they attacked Professor Snape in his office. Luckily for Professor Snape, Neville had arrived for his detention before they got there. According to Neville and Professor Snape, the three intruders blew open Professor Snape's office door and started blasting curses at Professor Snape. Neville was able to knock Professor Snape out of the way of the spells but as he fell Professor Snape's head struck the corner of his desk and he received the cut the Madame Pomfrey has just mended."
Professor Dumbledore turned a twinkling smile first to Neville, then to Madame Pomfrey. "While Neville was defending himself and Professor Snape who was dazed by his injury, the energies used in the ensuing spellbattle alerted Professor Vigo that something was amiss. As he went down to the dungeons to investigate, the three intruders turned to escape. Neville was still in pursuit of the trio and at this point he was shouting for help."
Professor Dumbledore turned to Ron, "I think this is where you enter the story Ron. You heard Neville shouting?"
"Yes sir. I heard Neville yelling for help, so I went to see what was wrong. He told me three people in black cloaks and Death Eater masks had attacked him and Professor Snape and that they were still somewhere in the castle."
"What were you doing down in the dungeons, Mr. Weasley?" Snape demanded.
"We were, I mean I was...," Ron squirmed uncomfortably in his chair and it had nothing to do with Madame Pomfrey treating his wounds.
Snape fixed Ron with a cold stare. "Yes, Mr. Weasley," he prompted.
"What difference does it make why he was there, Severus?" Professor Vigo asked coming to Ron's rescue. "The idea that Ron would be helping those who attacked you is absurd."
Snape turned a cold stare on Professor Vigo but before he could say anything Professor Dumbledore settled himself in his chair behind his desk and asked, "What did you do then, Ron?"
"Well I figured if Death Eaters were involved then Harry was probably in trouble. I knew that Harry and Hermione had gone out flying on their broomsticks so I told Neville to find you, Professor. Then I ran back to Gryffindor House. Dean, Seamus, Ginny, Dennis and Colin were in the Common Room so I told them that Death Eaters were on the grounds and after Harry. I ran and got my broom and went out the dormitory window to try to warn Harry before the Death Eaters got him. Everyone else followed as fast as they could."
Professor Dumbledore nodded, "That explains the broken window in Gryffindor Tower." Dumbledore then looked over to Professor Vigo. "While Ron was rallying his classmates, what happened on the stairs?"
"As I was going down the stairs, the Death Eaters were on their way up. They must have heard me coming. Their attack surprised me and I was only able to stop one of them before the other two escaped out into the main floor. Once I had secured the intruder, I had hoped to bring him to you, Professor, for interrogation but it seems the prisoner had other ideas. He said something like, 'The Dark Lord will have his vengeance on the one who has betrayed him.' Then there was a crunching noise and he just ... died. I don't know how he did it. There was no way for him to cast a spell. He must have had a poison capsule in his mouth when I caught him. He was so young, what a waste."
"Have we identified the body?" asked Professor Dumbledore.
"Yes, Headmaster. His name was Marcus Flint. A former student of my own house who graduated a few years ago." Snape answered.
Professor Dumbledore gave Snape a sympathetic look then asked Harry and Hermione what they had seen. Once they had told their story, Dumbledore said, "The two surviving Death Eaters must have known that they would not be able to escape Hogwarts the same way that they entered. We know from our search of the grounds that the school's broom shed was broken into and a pair of brooms was stolen. I would say that it would be safe to assume that the Death Eaters stole the broomsticks to make their escape and while trying to get far enough away from Hogwarts to Disapparate they ran into Harry and Hermione quite by accident. I do not believe that Harry was one of their targets. Had he been, I'm sure that they would have been better prepared to ambush him as they made their escape."
Professor Dumbledore sat in thought for a moment then surveyed the room and said, "I think that the immediate danger has passed so you," he turned to look at Ron, Neville, Hermione and Harry in turn, "may all return to Gryffindor House. Tomorrow we will see what can be done to secure this new passage out of Hogwarts so that the events of this evening do not repeat themselves."