Harry Potter and all related Characters belong to JK Rowling
Chapter 13 - Malfoy, A Motorbike and Marauders - Part 2
Between tossing sausages and some chicken drumstick they'd found in the basket to Buckbeak, Harry and Hermione now settled under an old oak tree and began tucking into the picnic themselves as the sun shone brightly overhead, with Harry looking on with amusement as Hermione carefully picked out slices of cucumber out a tuna sandwich when suddenly a cry of `Fore!' filled the air and then next second Harry gave a yelp of pain as something struck him on the side of his head.
"Harry?!" squeaked Hermione in alarm. "Are you alright?"
"I'm fine," Harry reassured her as he jumped to his feet and first looked skywards then looked down at the ground and then saw a small white ball lying in some tall grass. And it wasn't any ordinary ball.
It was a golf ball.
"Harry?" said Hermione with an odd expression as Harry picked the ball. "What is it?"
"I don't know," said Harry turning to her. "We're not near the school boundaries are we?"
"Not as far as I know," said Hermione with a puzzled frown. "Why do you…" But before she could finish her eyes widened and her mouth clamped tight shut as she stared past Harry at something behind him.
"Ah Harry," said a familiar voice. "Sorry to interrupt."
Harry turned and almost at once felt his own eyes widen and mouth snap closed as he felt a loud laugh bubble up in his throat as Albus Dumbledore strolled into the clearing.
It wasn't however the sudden arrival of Dumbledore that Harry found so funny. It was how the Headmaster was dressed.
He was dressed in lime green socks, purple plus-fours, a light blue shirt with frilly cuffs, an old fashioned Gryffindor tie and a yellow and orange vertically striped tank top. The only thing he was wearing that was remotely wizard-like was his smoking cap that was bright red and was decorated with Golden Phoenixes.
"Something wrong Harry?" asked Dumbledore with a small tilt of his head, his eyes twinkling brightly.
Harry, not trusting himself to speak, merely shook his head. Dumbledore chuckled then nodded at the golf ball Harry was holding.
"May I have my ball back please Harry?"
"Of course Sir," squeaked Harry in a strangled voice and handed Dumbledore the ball.
"Hmm, one penalty shot I believe," sighed Dumbledore as he placed the ball back on the ground then looked towards the left of the clearing causing Harry and Hermione to turn in the same direction where they could now see a flag fluttering on a small patch of lighter grass.
"A six iron I should think," said the Headmaster and with that a club appeared in his hand before turning to Harry and Hermione.
"Would you mind standing back a moment while I take my shot?"
Both teenagers quickly stepped back and Dumbledore took a firm stance and then swung his club and sent the ball flying through the air straight towards the flag.
"By Jove!" exclaimed Dumbledore turning to Harry and Hermione with a bright smile. "I do believe I've got it!" He now turned back to the flag and gave a nod of approval. "Yes, I do believe I've got it." The club then disappeared before Dumbledore turned back to the pair and looked at them over the top of his glasses.
"Well, sorry to interrupt and I'll see you tonight," and after give Buckbeak a quick pat he headed down the path leaving them alone in the clearing again.
Slowly Hermione and Harry turned to each other and then burst into laughter as they slid to the floor, Hermione resting her head on Harry's shoulder as they shook with mirth.
"Did…did you see his socks?" snorted Harry as tears rolled down his face.
"Yes!" gagged Hermione. "I thought I might need sunglasses if I'd looked at them any longer. But what about his shirt?"
"Reminded me of Ron's from the Yule Ball!" snorted Harry. Here the pair met each others gaze then dissolved into several minutes of uncontrollable laughter whilst Buckbeak looked on with a curious expression before walking over to the basket and helping himself to a Pumpkin Pie, an act that caught the two teenagers attention.
"Hey!" cried Harry with a chuckle. "Leave that alone you rascal! That's ours!" Buckbeak merely stared at him before cawing loudly and pawing at the ground.
"No," said Hermione firmly. "You've had all your getting. Now go on, shoo!"
Buckbeak gave her one last reproachful look that gave another loud caw before walking over to another of the large oaks that were dotted around the clearing and lying down in the shade.
"Honestly," sighed Hermione. "He's worse than Ron! At least Ron would have asked!"
"Don't worry," said Harry. "We've still got the cherry one!
"True enough," sighed Hermione as Harry retrieved the pie and quickly cut a couple of slice one of which he now handed to Hermione whilst taking the other for himself.
"Ah," sighed Harry with satisfaction after finishing his pie. "Delicious."
"Umhmm," agreed Hermione from beside him and Harry now turned to her and grinned as he saw a smear of cherry jam at the corner of her mouth.
"What?" said Hermione with a frown. "Oh, have I got some on my face?"
"Don't worry, I've got it," said Harry quickly catching her hand that was heading to her mouth and before she could say anything he pressed his lips against hers.
"Mmm," sighed Hermione as Harry pulled away. "Yes, I defiantly like you're way better."
"Thought you would," chuckled Harry pulling her into a hug.
Just then a low rumble filled the air and the pair now turned to see several dark clouds rolling in quickly.
"Oh-oh," said Harry quickly scrambling to his feet and then pulling Hermione up. "We'd better get going!"
"I don't think we're going to get back to the castle in time," replied Hermione eyeing the clouds warily.
"Hagrid's is closer!" said Harry as he picked up the basket.
"Is he there?" asked Hermione turning towards Hagrid's hut and saw the large figure of the Groundskeeper and the smaller but still fairly large form of Fang not to far from the hut. "Oh, yes. I see him!"
"Come on then!" said Harry taking her hand.
"Bye Buckbeak!" called Hermione over her shoulder as they hurried out the clearing. "See you around!"
***
They were about a third of the way to Hagrid's when the clouds opened and the rain came pouring down and even from where they were they could see the small figures of other students who'd been down by the lake or by the castle walls hurrying back through the gate.
"I hope Ron and Luna are Okay," said Hermione. "The East Woods are even further away than we were!"
"They'll be alright," replied Harry. "Hagrid told me once there are some caves in there."
They quickly continued around the lake and were soon stumbling up the steps to Hagrid's front door, which Harry rapped on quickly.
"Hagrid, it's Harry! Let us in please!"
Almost at once the door swung open to reveal Hagrid standing there with a surprised, but pleased look on his face.
"Blimey, where `ave you two been?" he chuckled as he stepped aside to let the bedraggled teenagers in.
"Up in the clearing," replied Harry as he pulled off his spectacles and tried to dry them on his shirt whilst be sniffed at by Fang.
"Ah," said Hagrid. "Take it you saw Beaky then?"
"Yes," replied Hermione as she shivered slightly. "Will he be alright up there?"
"Oh he'll be fine," said Hagrid as he hurried over to a chest and hauled out two gigantic towels, which he now handed to Harry and Hermione. "'Ere, dry yourselves on these!"
"Thanks Hagrid," replied Harry as he took one and wrapped it around Hermione who was dwarfed by it before taking the other one for himself.
"Cuppa tea?" asked Hagrid moving toward the hearth where the kettle was already boiling.
"Oh, yes please!" said Hermione quickly.
"Yeah, thanks Hagrid," added Harry.
The tea was quickly made and Hagrid poured about a third of a mug into two of his own mugs, which he then shrunk with his umbrella so that they were now the right size for Harry and Hermione.
"'Ere you go," he growled cheerfully and handed each of the teenagers a mug.
"Thanks," said Harry as Hagrid turned and picked up the sugar basin between him and Hermione, both of whom were now sitting in Hagrid's armchairs.
For the next hour the three sat sipping tea and eating some biscuits that Molly had sent Hagrid whilst he told Harry and Hermione about the trip he'd taken just before term to Beauxbatons to see Gawp and Madame Maxime.
"Doing right good there he is," chuckled Hagrid. "Followin' me too," he added proudly. "Olympe's got `im working in the grounds doin' odd jobs around the place."
"That's great Hagrid," replied Hermione albeit with a slightly nervous look. "He's…he's not coming back here is he?"
"Maybe, when `e's a little bit more social," said Hagrid not noticing Hermione's face going paler but instead looking up before jumping to his feet, his face crinkled in a broad smile. "'Ere, I think the rain's stopping!"
Harry turned and glanced at the window to see sunlight creeping through whilst Hagrid crossed over to the door and opened it and flooded the cabin with a soft orangey glow before stepping outside.
"Ah," he grunted taking in a deep lungful of air as Harry and Hermione followed him out of the cabin whilst Fang bounded around happily "Nuthing like the smell after a late summer storm!"
"Oh Harry, look at the rainbow," said Hermione pointing to a beautiful rainbow hanging over the lake.
"It surely is," agreed Hagrid who now turned to his two young friends and frowned slightly.
"'Ere, hang about, I've just remembered. I've got something that belongs to you `Arry!"
"You have?" said Harry with a puzzled look.
"Yeah, I've got it in me shed!" said Hagrid nodding and with that he hurried over to the large storage shed that stood just behind his hut.
"What's he talking about?" asked Hermione over the crashing and banging sounds of Hagrid searching the shed. "What's he got of yours?"
"I don't know," admitted Harry trying to rack his brain. What was Hagrid talking about, what did he have of….
Suddenly something clicked in Harry's brain as he remembered back to Mr Broomgate's Office when he and Dumbledore had gone to the reading of Sirius's will.
"It would appear that Sirius left you all his personal affects including that infernal motorbike of his."
Harry now felt a grin tugging at his lips.
"What?" asked Hermione tilting her head slightly. "Harry?"
"Oh, nothing," said Harry quickly trying to keep an innocent look on his face.
"Harry James Potter!" muttered Hermione suspiciously. "You know don't you? Tell me!"
Luckily Harry was saved from replying as Hagrid's voice suddenly gave a yell of triumph and a moment later emerged from the shed pushing something.
"Oh no!" whimpered Hermione, her face going pale. "No, no, no!"
"'Ere you go `Arry," said Hagrid cheerfully not noticing the growing look of horror and dismay on Hermione's face. "It needs a little bit of work. `Asn't been used in a while. And it might need its flying charms re-done."
"Flying charms!" exclaimed Hermione in horror. "Don't…don't tell me Sirius flew that thing?!"
"Yup," said Hagrid still oblivious to Hermione's distress. "So did I for that matter. This was the bike I rescue `Arry on." Harry meanwhile looked at the bike with a mixture of nervousness and excitement.
"How fast is it Hagrid?" he asked.
"Pretty fast," replied Hagrid. "Not as fast as say your Firebolt that's for sure, but it `ain't no slouch!"
"But it's dangerous!" cried Hermione in despair. Here Hagrid turned to her with an odd look.
"It's no more dangerous than a broom `Ermione," he said.
"Yes, but…" started Hermione.
"'Ermione," said Hagrid calmly. "It were Dumbledore who told me to give the bike back to `Arry. Do you really think he'd have told me to do that if he didn't think `Arry couldn't `andle it?" For a moment Hermione just looked at Hagrid then gave a sigh.
"I guess," she admitted reluctantly but still looked slightly uneasy. Harry now quickly took her hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze and she now turned and smiled timidly at him before Harry turned back to Hagrid.
"So what needs doing?" he asked.
"Well," said Hagrid with a small shrug. "I'm not really up on Muggle things like this but I've got a mate in the village, Walter Willows, he's a Muggle-Born whose Dad was a Mechanic. Anyway, Walter actually trained as a mechanic himself after Hogwarts so he knows his stuff! I can ask him to take a look at it, he owes me a favour."
"Thanks," said Harry as he now released Hermione's hand and walked over to the bike.
"'Ere, why don't you sit on it?" suggested Hagrid. Harry hesitated briefly and then shot a glance at Hermione who gave him a weak smile.
"Go on," she said. "You know you want to!"
Harry shot her an appreciated smile then turned to the bike and mounted the bike. It seemed alright if a little big, a fact Harry now voiced to Hagrid.
"Oh, I probably didn't shrink it fully from when I used it," grunted Hagrid apologetically. "Don't worry, Walter will be able to fix that!"
"Oh, Okay," said Harry and dismounted the bike which Hagrid now returned to the shed.
"Anyway," said the Giant clapping his hands together. "Come on, let's go `ave another cuppa!"
***
It was just gone four when Harry and Hermione left Hagrid's and made their way up back towards the castle. As they walked Harry noticed Hermione biting her bottom lip nervously and kept glancing at him.
"What?" asked Harry. "Come on Hermione, I know something's bothering you. What is it?" The truth was he already had an idea what was worrying Hermione but he knew she needed to get it off her chest which was exactly what she now did.
"Harry, promise me, PROMISE ME, that you won't ride that…that…"
"Bike?" supplied Harry grinning inwardly whilst Hermione managed an embarrassed nod, her cheeks going slightly pink before continuing.
"Promise me you won't ride that bike unless Hagrid's around!"
"Alright," said Harry.
"I mean," continue Hermione oblivious to Harry's promise. "I know Hagrid said its safe but…well, brooms were built to fly, bikes weren't!"
"'Mione," said Harry quickly taking her small hands in his. "I said yes. I won't ride the bike unless Hagrid's with me Okay?"
"Oh," said Hermione quietly going even pinker, then slowly a small smile crossed her face. "Thank you Harry."
"No problem," said Harry quickly glancing around then placing a chaste kiss on her forehead. "Anyway, come on," he said and with that they turned and head towards the gates where the sounds of people laughing and shouting could be heard again as the students once more poured into the grounds.
***
After stopping off at the kitchens to return the basket, Harry and Hermione made their way back to the Common Room which was, despite the recent rain, still fairly deserted apart from the Creevey brothers and Colin's best friend Miles Cobbleton who were sitting in the corner by the door leading to the boys Dorm and Ginny and Dean who were sitting in one of the bay window whilst Seamus was lounging in one of the old high back chairs.
"Hey you two," called Seamus on seeing them. "Over here!"
"Hi Guys," said Harry with a grin as he and Hermione sat down on one of the couches. "What's up?"
"Oh, nothing much," growled Seamus who looked pretty miserable. "But maybe that you two are `ere these two will stop make bloody goo-goo eyes at each other!"
"Hey, it's not my fault you and Megan had another fight!" groused Dean whilst Ginny shot a knowing grin at Harry and Hermione, both of who squirmed a little under her gaze whilst Seamus gave a snort before turning to them.
"So anyway, what have you two been up today?"
"Oh, nothing much," said Harry quickly whilst Hermione ducked her head. "Took a walk around the lake, went to see Hagrid…."
"Wait a mo," said Seamus with a frown. "Did you say you took a walk around the lake? You must `ave done that a few times if yea just getting back!"
"Well…eh…" stammered Harry but at this moment the Portrait swung open and someone came hopping through the entrance whistling happily.
"Neville!" called Ginny quickly causing Neville to stop whistling and turn toward them, a broad grin on his face.
"Hey guys," he said walking over, his hands in his pockets. "What's going on?"
"Nothing much," said Dean with a grunt. "Seamus was just moaning about how he's not got a…. Nev, what's that on your face?"
"What?" exclaimed Neville suddenly looking a little flustered while Seamus shifted his gaze so quickly from Hermione and Harry to Neville that Harry was sure he heard the Irish boy's neck snap.
"Is…is that lipstick? Nev, you sly dog!" exclaimed Dean grinning broadly. Neville meanwhile went as red a beetroot.
"Oh this is bloody marvellous," grumbled Seamus jumping to his feet with an annoyed look on his face. "Even Neville's getting some!" And with that he stormed out of the Common Room slamming the Portrait behind him.
"Oookay," said Harry slowly as the muffed sound of the Fat Lady swearing at Seamus came from the direction of the portrait hole. "What was all that about?"
"Oh, him and Megan had another fight this Morning," said Ginny with a sigh.
"Not again," sighed Neville as he slumped into the seat Seamus vacated. Harry meanwhile was feeling a little confused.
"Who's Megan?" he whispered to Hermione.
"Megan Jones," replied Hermione under her breath. "From Ravenclaw."
"Do I know her?" asked Harry with a frown.
"No," said Hermione. "I only know her because she's in my Ancient Runes class."
"Oh," said Harry. "So, eh, what were they fighting about anyway?"
"Who knows with that pair," snorted Dean. "Anyway, they'll sort it out. They always do!" He then turned back to Neville, a grin once more on his face.
"So, come on Nev. Whose the lucky girl?"
"Dean!" hissed Ginny elbowing him in the ribs as Neville went red ago. "Leave him alone!"
"Oh come on Gin," said Dean turning to her. "It's a fair question!"
"It's none of your business!" countered Ginny. "And if you ask Neville about it again I'll bat-bogey you, whether you're my boyfriend or not!"
"You…you wouldn't!" exclaimed Dean in shock.
"Wanna try?!" asked Ginny and began reaching into her robes. Here Dean jumped to his feet, his dark features paling significantly.
"Eh, I'd…I'd better go and find Seamus! Make sure he's not doing anything stupid! I'll see you guys at dinner!" And with that he turned and hurried out the Portrait Hole.
"Thanks Ginny," said a clear relieved Neville with an appreciative smile.
"No problem," said Ginny before turning to Harry and Hermione with a wicked grin.
"So, WHAT did you two get up to today?"
***
"Where do you think Ron and Luna have got to?" asked Neville as the four left the Common Room and began making their way down to dinner.
"Oh they'll turn up," said Hermione with a grin "You know Ron. His stomach is better than any watch. Once it starts demanding to be fed he'll be back." Here Ginny sniggered whilst Harry and Neville laughed as they continued on their way to the Great Hall where they met a happier looking Seamus and Dean who grinned nervously at Ginny as she sat down beside him and place a small kiss on his cheek before turning to Seamus.
"I take it by the look on your face you and Megan have kissed and made up." Here Seamus shrugged.
"We ain't kissed but she's talkin' to me again," he said smiling ruefully.
"What were you fighting about anyway?" asked Neville curiously. Here Seamus blushed and he shifted uncomfortably.
"Well…I…eh," he stammered.
"You can't remember can you," said Hermione with a broad grin. Here Seamus merely sighed and nodded.
"Smooth mate," snorted Harry.
"Yeah alright," sighed Seamus. Just then however his luck took a turn for the better as Dean suddenly sat bolt upright with a puzzled frown on his face.
"What the heck happened to those two?" he said to no one in particular. Everyone glance at him briefly then turned to see Ron and Luna standing in the doorway of the Great Hall kissing, both looking as if they'd been dragged through a hedge backwards.
"What on earth!" exclaimed Hermione. "What have those two been doing!"
"Dunno, but I could have a guess!" chuckled Seamus causing Ginny to slap him on the back of the head whilst Hermione gave a scandalised gasp.
"Seamus Finnegan!"
"What?" protested Seamus as he reached up and rubbed his head where Ginny had clipped him. "What did I say?"
"You know damn well you pervert!" growled Ginny.
"Oh come on," said Dean with a snort. "Don't tell me the same thought hadn't crossed either of your minds!"
Here the girls shared a look and both redden.
"Exactly," said Dean with a grin as he folded his arms across his chest.
"Watch it," said Harry quietly. "He's coming over!"
"Hey guys," said a broad grinning Ron as he flopped in between Hermione and Neville a few moments later.
"Hi Ron," replied Neville. "Good day?"
"Yeah," said Ron as he began to help himself to some bangers and mash when he saw the looks that Ginny and Hermione were giving him. "What?"
"Do you know what you look like?" exclaimed Ginny.
"Oh," said Ron, a sheepish grin crossing his face. "Yeah, maybe I should have tidied up a bit first!"
"You think?" chuckled Harry.
"What happened to you anyway?" asked Hermione. "You look like you brought half the East Wood back with you!"
"Well you can't exactly go up to Wood Nymphs and say `Can I please take your photo Miss Nymph'," replied Ron. "We spent most of the day hiding in bushes!"
"Oh, so that's what they call it these days," said Dean grinning broadly causing Seamus and Neville to snigger whilst Harry smirked with amusement. Ron now shot the other three boys an odd look before comprehension dawned on his face.
"You dirty minded buggers!" he snorted, albeit with a smirk on face.
"Well what do you expect when you come in looking like that!" retorted Dean. "Besides, we weren't the only ones! The girls thought you had too!" Here Ron stared at Dean for a moment then turned and stared first Hermione and then Ginny.
"Gee, thanks for the vote of confidence girls!" he snorted.
"Well what are we meant to think when you coming in here bring half a ton of undergrowth with you?" said Hermione as she reached up and pulled a twig out of Ron's hair.
"Alright, alright," said Ron quickly. "I promise to be more careful in future alright?"
Hermione gave a satisfied nod then pulled out her wand and quickly muttered "Scourgify," under her breath and all the twigs, leaves and grass stains vanished.
"Thanks," muttered Ron through a mouthful of mash.
"My pleasure," replied Hermione before turning and exchanging grins with Harry.
***
"So where are you lot going?" asked Dean after dinner as he and Seamus stood with Harry, Hermione, Ron, Ginny and Neville as they waited for Luna.
"To see Dumbledore," replied Ginny truthfully.
"What about?" asked Dean curiously.
"Is it about what happened at the Ministry," asked Seamus eagerly. Here Ginny stiffened and Neville paled whilst Ron and Hermione shot worried looks at Harry. Harry however remained calm and shrugged.
"Sorry guys, can't talk about it!"
"Aw come on Harry," said Seamus. "Give us something will you?"
"He said we can't talk about it!" snapped Ginny shooting a look at Dean. "Can't you get that through your thick head!"
"Yeah but…"
"Leave it Seamus," said Dean quickly. "Their not gonna tell us. Come on, let's get back to the Common Room!"
"But…"
"Seamus! Trust me on this, leave it!" growled Dean firmly. Seamus shot a puzzled look at Dean then gave a sigh and nodded.
"Aye, alright," he sighed reluctantly before heading for the stairs. Dean meanwhile turned back to the others.
"Sorry `bout that," he muttered.
"No problem," replied Harry with a grin at which Dean grinned back.
"See you later," added Ginny before planting a quick kiss on Dean's cheek causing Ron to scowl as Dean now hurried after Seamus.
"Why does she have to kiss him right in front of me?" he muttered under his breath so only Harry and Hermione could hear.
"Probably because she knows how much it annoys you," replied Hermione with a grin.
"Oh that's right, rub it in!" grumbled Ron sulkily.
"Hey, cheer up mate," said Harry quickly trying to avoid an argument. "Here comes Luna!"
Almost instantaneously the scowl vanished to be replaced by a broad and rather goofy grin as Ron turned to see his girlfriend making her way from the Great Hall towards them.
"Hey Luna," called Ginny cheerfully.
"Hello," replied Luna before turning to Ron at which both blushed albeit with smiles on their faces.
"Come on then," said Ron quickly grabbing Luna's hand. "Let's go." And with that the pair hurried towards stairs.
"You lot coming?" called Ron looking over his shoulder towards Harry and the others.
"What did those get up to?" muttered Ginny with a frown.
"Do you really want to know?" chuckled Harry as they hurried after Ron and Luna.
"Probably not," admitted Ginny. "Not unless I want some pretty disturbing nightmares!"
***
Harry wasn't at all surprised to find Dumbledore and the other three Professors waiting for them when they reached the DADA Classroom despite the fact that he'd seen them all still at the table when they'd left a few minutes earlier. Hermione and Luna didn't show any surprise either but Ron, Ginny and Neville all stopped dead and shot puzzled looks at Harry as they made their way to the front of the room.
"Ah," said Dumbledore smiling broadly. "Here you are, and early to. Excellent, now please be seated and we'll get down to business."
Harry and the others now sat down at the first row of desks whilst Stoutbridge and Hedges moved over to one side of the room. Gringle meanwhile leaned back on the Teacher's desk whilst Dumbledore moved in front of Harry and the others.
"I have asked you all here tonight as I have decided to reform a…a club. A very special club that hasn't existed for fifty years… at least not officially." Here he paused and met Harry's curious gaze.
"I have decided to reform the Marauders."
Harry's eyes almost popped out of his head at this and he felt Hermione grab his arm. Dumbledore's smile merely widened.
"I take it by the reaction of some of you that this name is not unfamiliar." It wasn't a question but a statement.
"No Sir," replied Harry truthfully. "That's what Dad, Remus, Sirius and….Wormtail called themselves."
"Ever wonder where they got the name?" asked Dumbledore, his eyes twinkling merrily."
"I never really thought about it," replied Harry with a shrug.
"They got it because your Father overheard a conversation between your Grandfather and two of the men in this room," said Gringle with a chuckle. "Of course James didn't know what the Marauders were either, just that his father had been one. But he liked the name and adopted it for him and his friends."
"So what…or who are the Marauders?" asked Ron hesitantly.
"A defence club," said Stoutbridge. "Picked by the Headmaster or Headmistress for advanced training."
"Of course, as they were unofficial your father and the others never received this," added Dumbledore. "And before you ask Miss Granger the Marauders were a secret group. That's why you'd have never read about them. Traditionally they'd have been picked from the 7th years although not always and as I said back at Grimmauld Place you six are an exceptional group who have proven that you have what it takes to be a Marauder and it was not a difficult decision for me to decide to give you extra training."
"I think it's time we show them Albus," said Gringle suddenly and Dumbledore nodded.
"Indeed," he said and walked towards a bookcase at the rear of the classroom before turning back to face Harry and the others.
"Salazar Slytherin was not the only founder to build a secret chamber. The other three founders built one specifically for the Marauders." And with that he now reached up and pulled down on a torch bracket and immediately a deep rumble filled the room followed quickly by the sound of stone grinding against stone until finally there was audible click and the book case now slowly lowered into the ground revealing a staircase going down.
"This way," said Dumbledore and he now started down the stairs with Harry and the others hurrying after him whilst Gringle, Stoutbridge and Hedges brought up the rear.
At the bottom of the stairs was a wide, well lit passage on the walls of which were mounted small portraits of groups of young wizards and witches in groups of four, six and occasionally eight and always wearing the colours of Gryffindor, Hufflepuff or Ravenclaw who would smile, nod and occasionally waved or call out a greeting towards Dumbledore who would nod and return the greeting whilst at the end of the corridor Harry saw a single portrait of a man in red robes.
"The Marauders of the past," said the Headmaster without looking back. "Some of the finest wizards and witches Hogwarts has ever produced. Several former Headmasters and Headmistresses have been Marauders during their time here as have several Ministers of Magic."
"Were you one Sir?" asked Ginny from just behind Harry causing Dumbledore to stop and turn towards them with a smile and a twinkle that seemed even brighter than usually.
"Oh yes Miss Weasley, I was a Marauder, an honour I shared Wilhelmina Lufkin, Englebert Muldoon and Agatha Plumsbury, all three of whom I'm happy to say are still very much alive." Here he turned to the pictures on the wall and began perusing the pictures on the right hand side of the corridor at which Harry now noticed that the portraits had now been replace by Wizarding photos with the figures waving and smiling at them.
"Now, where are we?" murmured Dumbledore as he continued to examine the pictures. "Ah yes, here we are!" He now stepped aside and Harry and the others gather round the picture to take a look at it.
The younger Albus Dumbledore was easily recognisable even without his long beard and hair; the twinkling in his eyes gave him away. Next to him was a small witch with a friendly, if somewhat nervous face and long dark hair. Beside her stood another witch who was slightly taller with a slightly haughty expression although Harry could see a twinkling in her eyes similar to Dumbledore's and finally was a plump and very cheerfully looking wizard with a dark mop of hair, crooked spectacles and a grin so big that Harry was sure the man's face must have been sore.
"The only complete Marauders still left," added Gringle solemnly from behind them.
"Indeed," agreed Dumbledore with a sad sigh.
"Harry," called Stoutbridge. "Come and take a look at this one!" Harry and the others now turned to see Stoutbridge and Hedges a little further down on the opposite side of the corridor, both looking at another photo. This one was of four young wizards, three of whom Harry and the others recognised at once as the men currently with them. The fourth young man however was not someone Harry recognised. He had neat black hair, a broad smile, and a slightly wonky nose."
"Whose that guy then?" asked Ron peering carefully at the fourth figure who was currently giving `bunny ears' to a considerably more hairy young version of Hedges.
"Good grief Ron!" exclaimed Hermione. "It's Harry's Grandfather isn't it? The Professors told us upstairs he'd been one!"
"Oh, yeah," muttered Ron looking slightly embarrassed at his mistake.
"Yup," replied Hedges as Harry leaned in to get a closer look at his Grandfather. "That's Emric, one of the best to! None of us could beat him in a duel!"
"Thaddeus here was the closest!" added Stoutbridge with a wry grin.
"Don't listen to these two," snorted Gringle. "They got him occasionally."
"'Occasionally' being it!" retorted Stoutbridge with an equally forceful snort.
"I think," said Dumbledore it a slightly raised but clearly amused voice. "That we should move on."
The group now continued down the corridor until they were stood in front of the portrait on the end wall. Harry could now see the man had shoulder length grey hair and a small, neat beard with friendly brown eyes. On the left breast of his robes was a single golden lion and almost at once Harry had a feeling he knew who this was a portrait of. A fact confirmed a moment later by Dumbledore as he stepped up to the figure.
"Good evening Godric."
"Albus," replied Godric Gryffindor with a broad smile and a slight bow. "It's been too long."
"It has," agreed Dumbledore. "But unfortunately my reason for being here is not social." Here Gryffindor's face creased into a grim look.
"Yes, I have felt the Darkness," he said slowly. "Salazar's heir is once more on the rise."
"Indeed," said Dumbledore. "And thereforth I have decided to reform the Marauders."
Here Gryffindor gave a small nod before speaking.
"Then let the new Marauders step forward and be recognised."
Dumbledore immediately stepped aside and turned to his students and gave a small nod before Harry and the others shuffled forward nervously as Gryffindor looked down at them.
"They look a little young Albus," he said softly.
"Indeed, but what they lack in years they make up for in courage," replied Dumbledore as he moved behind the six. "Especially Harry," he added placing a hand on Harry's shoulder.
"Ah," said Godric, the smile returning to his face. "My own heir. I have heard tales of you Sir and know you for what you are, a true Gryffindor!"
"Th…thank you Sir," stammered Harry, his face suddenly feeling hot. Gryffindor now smiled then reached up and gave his robes a tug.
"You are all hereby accepted as members of the Marauders, Defenders of the Light. Who will be your leader?"
Harry immediately felt all eyes turn to him and after a quickly glance left and then right confirmed this he gave a weak smile towards Gryffindor.
"I guess that's me."
"Very well Harry," said Gryffindor. "Select your password."
Harry thought for a moment then smiled.
"Padfoot, Prongs and Moony," he said firmly. At this the sounds of several suppressed sniggers not only from behind but from beside him filled the corridor while Gryffindor looked on with amusement.
"Very well," he said and with that he swung aside revealing an archway leading to a darkened chamber. "Welcome to the Marauder's Lair."
"Harry," said Dumbledore indicating for Harry to go first. Harry now took a deep breath then quickly shot a look at Hermione who gave him a nervous smile but squeezed his hand. Harry smiled back at her then turned to the darkness and stepped forward with Hermione right beside him.
For a moment nothing happened but then torches began flaring to life and Harry now found himself standing on a balcony overlooking a room similar to the Gryffindor Common Room in size and with a fireplace over which hung the three House Shields of Hufflepuff, Gryffindor and Ravenclaw. The other noticeable difference was that there was no furniture except for a few tall cupboards along the walls.
"Harry, look" said Hermione grabbing his arm pulling Harry's attention first to his girlfriend and then followed her gaze of awe and delight and immediately saw why. Several large bookshelves filled with dusty tomes that Harry guessed were filled with DADA material stood along the walls whilst a small area at the end had several chairs clustered around a second fireplace over which hung a portrait of elderly looking wizard with white hair and a small white beard dressed in green robes who was snoring gently whilst reclining in an armchair.
"Whose that then?" said Ron from behind Harry.
"Edmund Nuttlewick," said Dumbledore. "He was one of the finest Marauders and became the longest serving DADA teacher in Hogwarts history. Ninety-one years I believe."
"It was ninety-three as you know damn well Albus!" said a croaky, softly accented voice and Harry, who'd been looking towards Dumbledore now turned back to see Nuttlewick look down at them. "And I turned down the position of Headmaster six times!" added the ancient wizard with a small smile. "Being head of Gryffindor, that was enough for me!" He now gave a loud yawn and adjusted himself in his chair before looking down at the six students now standing before him.
"So, these are the six who gave young Tom's Death Eaters a run for their money are they?" he said glancing back towards Dumbledore.
"Indeed," replied Dumbledore. Here Nuttlewick nodded. "Never really liked that Tom Riddle," he growled. "Always far too inquisitive about the Dark Arts themselves for my liking." Here he now sighed and then gave his robes a small tug
before turning his gaze to the back of the room where the three Professors were stood.
"And I see Albus, you have chosen three of my own Marauders to train them," he continued with a wry smile. "Although whilst I understand you choosing Thaddeus, my old friend I don't understand why you chose those other two scoundrels!"
"Now just a minute!" protested Hedges. "Scoundrels is a little over the top if you don't mind!"
"Yes, we prefer the term rouges," added Stoutbridge. "It goes so much nicer with suave and handsome!"
"Still as modest as ever too I see," chuckled Nuttlewick as the sound of sniggering filled the room before the former DADA teacher turned to Dumbledore. "No Albus, these two might be rouges but I think you've chosen well."
"Thank you Edmund," said Dumbledore with a slight bow of his head. Nuttlewick nodded then turned and looked down at Harry and the others with a wry smile.
"Rouges they might be but with these two and Professor Gringle teaching you I have no doubt you will succeed in your quest." Here he now paused and took a deep breath and his face now became serious. "But now let this Old Wizard give you some advice that I hope you will take. It is the same advice I gave every one of my Marauders during my time here. Some called it the `Code' but I merely thought it was common sense. Firstly always be true to each other, as long as you are loyal to each other the Darkness cannot break you. Secondly, always have the faith that you will succeed, if your enemies catch even a hint of doubt in you they will take advantage of it. And finally, always listen to your heart." At this his gaze met Harry's who felt a warm surge run through him. Nuttlewick now smiled again and looked at each of them in turn once more.
"I have a good feeling about you six," he said softly. "Yes, a very good feeling indeed!"
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