The Apprentice Piece
by Jardyn39
Part One of "The Apprentice Piece"
Chapter 6: Harbinger
Professor McGonagall's predictions concerning the trip into the forest had been entirely correct. Hagrid, as a special treat on account that Harry was to join them, had decided that they were going to track a Manticore that he was fairly sure was hiding deep in the forest.
Professor Dumbledore had confided to Harry that it was highly unlikely that there really was a Manticore in the forest, and that they would probably just spend the time traipsing through the forest. However, on the third night they had heard an extraordinary roar that came out of the darkness.
"Hagrid," Dumbledore had said seriously, "that actually sounded like a Manticore."
Hagrid had just nodded quickly with a grin as he grabbed his crossbolt and pointed into the darkness. There was another roar and Hagrid pointed over to his right. Dumbledore placed a finger to his lips indicating for Harry not to speak and then held up two fingers to Hagrid. Hagrid smiled and shook his head. He held up three fingers indicating the number of Manticores out there.
They had not gone to sleep that night. Each kept watch intently until just before dawn Hagrid silently grabbed Harry's shoulder and pointed out into the half light. It was an extraordinary sight. A pride of three adult Manticores and two small cubs passed by them. One of the cubs looked like it wanted to explore closer to the camp but one of the adults quickly picked it up and brought it back to the others. All of them had blood stains around their mouths, they had clearly had a successful night's hunting.
They had kept silent for a long time after the pride had disappeared from view. Eventually Hagrid gave a great sigh. "Now tha' were some'ink special. Really rare, 'Arry, to see a pride."
They packed up the camp and started off for the edge of the forest. They had not gone far, though, when Hagrid froze and drew his crossbow up.
"The Manticores?" Harry asked quietly.
"No," whispered Dumbledore. Harry heard no noise but suddenly both Dumbledore and Hagrid looked in the same direction to a spot far to behind them. They nodded to each other and all three of them proceeded with Dumbledore taking the lead and Hagrid walking backwards at the rear. Harry had no idea what was back there but he knew it must be something dangerous. He never did see what it was though and soon they were out of the forest and heading for Hogsmeade.
*
Harry waited on the station platform waiting for the train to arrive. He was looking forward to seeing Ron and Hermione again. He was sporting a bandaged arm covering a souvenir of his hunting trip with Hagrid and Professor Dumbledore. He had emerged from the forest completely unscathed but unfortunately Hagrid had given him a light pat on the back while he re-told of their adventure to the drunken regulars in the Hogs Head tavern. Harry had been propelled across the bar and had cut himself on a glass.
All three of them had sniggered while Madam Pomfrey told them all off, which was as soon as they had got back to the castle.
As Harry sat on a bench on the station platform he thought back to the hunting trip. He hadn't really spoken that much to Dumbledore. He had listened to both his and Hagrid's anecdotes about past adventures and was pleased to feel included. They appeared to have been going on these short trips ever since Hagrid's father had died. Harry jumped as Fawkes materialised in a flash of red and gold flames. Singing, Fawkes flew along the platform and handed on the bench beside Harry.
"Hello Fawkes. It that a message for me?"
Fawkes dropped the scroll he was carrying and took off in a flash. Harry opened the scroll and read the message.
Harry,
By the time the train arrives I believe a gentleman will have made his way to the station platform. His name is Harbinger and carries a black cane with a carved white top.
Please bring him directly to my office. He may be reluctant to come.
Regards,
AD
Harry looked around. No-one else was on the platform. He got up and was about to look around when he heard the train whistle. They had arrived.
*
Harry pushed his way through the crowd, occasionally saying hello as he passed people. He didn't see Ron, Hermione or any of the others but he had thought he had seen an unfamiliar hat at the far end of the platform.
As the throng cleared he saw a man in a green travelling cloak waiting to board the train. He had a black cane.
Harry walked towards to the far end of the platform. When he'd got two-thirds of the way the crowd cleared and Harry sped up.
Something caught his attention from inside the train. Harry stopped, curious to know why there were still students on the train. Something about their whispered laughs told him they were up to no good.
Harry withdrew his wand and entered the carriage a couple of doors down and made his way quietly along the corridor. There were three of them that he recognised as from Ravenclaw House. They had opened a trunk and were rifling through the contents.
His suspicions were confirmed when he heard one of them say, "Luny's going to have to start term without a few things."
"I don't thing so," said Harry. All three span around and groped for their wands.
"Accio," said Harry almost lazily and he caught all three wands in his spare hand.
"I suggest you repack Luna's trunk," he said and they hurried to obey. When it was done, they turned back to Harry, visibly shaking and darting nervous looks at his wand.
"I want to make something very clear," said Harry calmly. "No-one deserves having their things tampered with or taken."
"It was just a joke," blurted out one.
"I'm not laughing. Luna Lovegood is a friend of mine. If any of her things go missing from now on, I'll be holding you three responsible. I suggest you get up to the school before I change my mind about punishing you."
"Can we have our wands back?"
"No," said Harry, pocketing them, "you'll have to apologise to Luna first."
Harry watched as the three looked at each other until one of them shrugged and left. The other two followed.
Harry stepped out of the carriage hoping Harbinger was still there. However he found himself facing him as soon as he exited. Harry wondered how much of the exchange Harbinger had heard.
"Excuse me, are you Mr Harbinger?"
He looked at Harry in surprise but said nothing. Harry saw that his cane had a carved white handle.
"Professor Dumbledore, the Headmaster of Hogwarts, asked me to bring you to his office," said Harry.
"How did he know I would be here?" asked Harbinger.
"He didn't say. The carriages are this way. Shall be go? My name's Harry, by the way."
Harbinger continued to question Harry all along the platform and delayed getting into the carriage. Unfortunately, Harry could provide few answers. Harbinger patted the Thestral closest him absently, still clearly wary of going up to the castle.
After some more gentle persuasion, Harbinger finally agreed and they took the last carriage up to the castle.
*
Harry took Mr Harbinger up the steps and into the entrance hall. They could hear all the students in the Great Hall. They went straight up to the Headmaster's office.
As they approached the Headmaster's office they found Dumbledore waiting.
"Welcome back to Hogwarts."
"Hello, Professor," said Harbinger as they shook hands.
"This is Harry Potter, James Potter's son."
Harbinger politely nodded to Harry but did not react as most wizards did when they met him. He did not stare at Harry's scar.
"Harry's mother was Lily. You may remember her as Lily Evans," continued Dumbledore.
Harbinger did stare at Harry this time.
"Lily? You're Lily's son?" He looked quite shocked.
Harry nodded.
"Harry, would you please go down to the Great Hall and bring Professor Flitwick up to my office. We'll wait for you upstairs."
*
Harry went down to Great Hall wondering how Harbinger came to know his mother. He met Professor Flitwick coming out of the Great Hall.
"Have you seen the Headmaster, Harry? The sorting hat is entertaining the students with a selection of jokes and songs before the sorting." Harry heard a roar of laughter erupt from the hall. "Oh dear, Professor McGonagall will explode if it gets any ruder!" squeaked the Professor.
"The Headmaster asked me to bring you up to his office, Sir"
Flitwick looked surprised but followed Harry. The Professor gave the password and they rode the moving circular stairs up to the Headmaster's office.
As soon as they knocked on the door it opened and they were greeted by Dumbledore who welcomed them in. Harry saw Harbinger rise from his chair and turn towards them.
Flitwick froze as soon as he saw Harbinger. They stared at each other for a second before Harbinger dropped to one knee and bowed.
"Forgive me," said Harbinger and Harry looked up at Dumbledore who was looking very seriously at the scene before them.
"My boy! Welcome back."
Harbinger looked up. Both of them had tears in their eyes as they embraced.
Dumbledore smiled and said quietly to Harry, "Let's go down. They'll join us later."
*
"Professor who was that?" asked Harry as soon as they exited the office.
Dumbledore about to answer when they heard crashing coming from an empty classroom.
"Peeves! Come out here," Dumbledore commanded.
Peeves appeared looking murderous. Harry assumed he wasn't invited to the feast again.
"Come with us, Peeves," Dumbledore said menacingly. Peeves suddenly looked worried.
Dumbledore swept down and into the Great Hall at a quick pace. He had said nothing and Harry assumed he was very angry. Harry practically had to run to keep up and Peeves followed muttering simpering apologies that Dumbledore did not acknowledge. Peeves stopped outside the hall and peered in. Harry went in to find a seat next to Ron and Hermione.
"My apologies. I was detained welcoming another guest," announced Dumbledore as soon as he got to his chair. "Before we begin the sorting I would just like to pay tribute to someone who showed great loyalty to the school last year and I didn't have an opportunity to thank him properly. Peeves, I would like very much if you would consent to join us as our guest of honour."
Peeves looked thunderstruck. So did Filtch.
Peeves floated over to the head table.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you Peeves," said Dumbledore clapping. The whole hall erupted with claps, cheers and laughs. Even Professor McGonagall was smiling and clapping.
When Peeves was seated the sorting began.
*
As soon as the food appeared on the plates the volume of noise in the Great Hall increased significantly. Harry had found an empty place at the Gryffindor table opposite Ron and Hermione. Unfortunately he was sitting between the Creevey brothers.
"Harry, we're going to try out for the Quidditch team this year!"
"That's great Colin. I hope you and Denis get picked."
"The thing is," asked Denis, "we were hoping you would practice with us, before the try-outs I mean."
"Er, sure."
"We were talking to some others on the train, Harry. Would it be okay if we asked them too?" asked Colin.
"They aren't all from Gryffindor though," said Denis.
"It doesn't matter," said Harry tucking into his food. "How about Saturday? Find out if the Quidditch pitch is free and let everyone know, okay?"
Harry noticed Ron frowning at him. "What?" he asked, looking down to see if he had dropped food down himself.