Harry Potter and the Year that Changed Everything

Harry Potter and the Year That Changed Everything (8)

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Chapter Eight: Farther Than An Eternity

A stunned silence fell over the entire great hall as Dumbledore walked over and sat down next to Professor Snape, waved at them all as if just now meeting them, and then returned to his previous position at the podium. Laughter broke out from many of the students at the little show.

"So, with the appointment of myself, this will mean that the position of Headmaster will be split between myself and my Deputy Headmistress, Professor McGonagall."

Silence again hung in the air as the students processed all the changes that would be taking place this year and what it all meant. Then, as Professor Dumbledore seemed ready to speak again, a single person in the hall began to clap their hands. It was Luna, and she didn't seem to mind in the slightest that she was the only person doing so. She did not, however, remain alone for long.

As most of the rest of the students in the hall merely looked at her in the way they usually looked at the highly eccentric girl, the sounds of more clapping could be heard as her five closest friends from the Gryffindor table joined her. This caused the rest of their table and most everyone else in the hall, save for a major portion of the Slytherins, to join in as well. As the clapping died down, Dumbledore beamed out at them all once again.

"Thank you all for the kind vote of confidence. I admit to being more familiar with teaching Transfiguration, but I can honestly say that I know a thing or two about defending oneself from the power of the Dark Arts. Also, as the Muggle schools have a gifted program for the more advanced students, I will be having my own version that will focus more on the actual usage and learning of Defensive magic, as well as the history and theory of the art. But, alas, I have kept you all from your beds for long enough. Classes begin in the morning; so do try to enjoy your last night of freedom as best you can. Goodnight!"

And, just like that, Harry's final welcoming feast was over. Most of the first year students were eager to see their rooms, while the bulk of the seventh years seemed to want to stay where they were, the idea of starting on their final year giving them all mixed emotions. The group of six came together in the middle of the hall. Harry motioned for them all to huddle up.

"Well, with Dumbledore as the new Defense teacher, I shouldn't have to worry about doing the spells in class anymore. And it sounds to me like he's implementing his own version of the DA for the more advanced students. I remember there was a gifted program at the Muggle school I went to before here. Dudley was in a special class, but I don't think it was for the gifted kids. I remember one time they called Aunt Petunia to come fetch him because he had drank an entire bottle of glue."

The rest of the group laughed at this as Hermione looked over at their previous year's Defense instructor.

"Mr. Filch wasn't too bad last year, but I am really excited to have the opportunity to learn under Professor Dumbledore himself! It's been a long time since he's taught. Can you imagine anyone more knowledgeable about Defense than he is? What an honor to learn under someone that has actually faced Voldemort more than once and lived to tell about it! There aren't many witches or wizards alive that can say that!"

Ron laughed.

"Yeah, well, apart from Harry here, who has faced him almost as often as I've had hot dinners. Filch wasn't bad, but at least with Dumbledore we'll get someone who can actually do the things he's talking about. And hey, can you believe that about Dobby and Winky? I didn't even know house elves could get married. And what about Winky being in the club before they got married! I never thought Dobby had it in him. Filch going back to caretaker will be good. I mean, Dobby and Winky were really great with the floors and everything from your knee down, but they weren't so good on the ceilings, and that's where the...uh, never mind."

Ron blushed slightly as Ginny grinned at him.

"Gee, what's wrong, Ron? Oh, I know, it's those evil spider webs, isn't it? Hmmm, do you think Aragog might have left one here? I've heard that magical spiders can live for a really long time. There might still be a few crawling around here somewhere. Oh, and you do sleep with your mouth open, don't you?"

Ron went from red to green as the thoughts of another encounter with any of the giant spider's brethren caused his heart to beat as if Hermione and he were snogging. The thought of snogging her seemed to calm him down a bit, but he still felt as if something was crawling on him. Neville laughed at his friendÕs obvious discomfort and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.

"Don't worry, Ron. Filch would have found them by now if there were any. I hate to break this up, but Harry and Hermione need to start getting the first years up to the tower, and I'm guessing that Harry might want to say a more private goodnight to Luna first."

Harry and Luna both blushed slightly as the rest of the group gave them some space. Harry then grabbed both of Luna's hands and looked into her beautiful eyes.

"I'm going to miss you tonight."

Luna grinned shyly.

"Me too. Maybe sometime we could slip out and walk around the lake. Being Head Boy, you can be out as late as you want and I could fit under your invisibility cloak. We could even take a picnic with us and lay out under the stars."

Harry's smile widened.

"I see you've thought about this! Well, I'm glad, because it sounds brilliant. Once I figure out my Head duties and class schedules, we'll figure something out. We'll make the time to see each other, ok? I love you, Luna."

Luna's shy smile turned into one of unrestrained joy.

"And I love you, Harry. I know we'll both be busy, but as ling as we have each other in our hearts, we'll be fine. Now, you'd better go and take the first years up to Gryffindor tower. I'll see you at breakfast, love."

Luna then leaned in towards his left cheek before Harry caught her by the side of the face and directed her towards his mouth. The surprised look on her face quickly turned to one of the utmost contentment as she lost herself in the passionate kiss. When it finally ended due to oxygen constraints she looked even more dazed than usual, while Harry looked as if he could drive out every dementor in existence. A light coughing sound interrupted their dream-like state. Ginny was now standing there staring at the both of them.

"Uh, guys, if you two are done making out with one another, we really do need to be going. Harry, you need to round up the first years. And Luna, you need, well, you could probably use a cold shower."

Everyone laughed at this and Harry finally did make his way over to rejoin Hermione so that they could usher the students to Gryffindor tower. With one last look at her boyfriend, Luna also turned away and headed towards Ravenclaw tower. As she reached her staircase, she heard someone call out to her. Unfortunately, it was not someone she would have wanted to talk to.

"Hey, Loony, no Potter to moon over I see."

Luna turned around and, instead of the angry or frightened look that the speaker had wanted to see, began laughing.

"Moon...Luna...that's so funny! I still say that you are a poet at heart, Draco."

The blonde haired Slytherin, along with his ever-present Neanderthal bookends, stepped closer to her as their faces turned harder. Draco looked at her as if she were a mudblood asking him out on a date.

"Shut up, you stupid bitch! Why Hogwarts allows the mentally retarded like you to go here, I'll never know. You don't have your five buddies here to help you now, do you? All of you are going to get what's coming to you. The Dark Lord will have the pleasure of killing you all, but that doesn't mean I can't have fun with you beforehand. I hadn't really decided yet whom I'd go after first, but you just topped the list. Besides, now that Potter has ditched you, you really have no importance anymore, do you?"

Crabbe and Goyle laughed stupidly as Luna found it harder to keep her calm. In truth, if she'd had a couple shots of Ogden's in her, somebody would have been laid out by now. Instead, she continued to smile at them all as if she hadn't a care in the world.

"Oh, Draco. Everyone is important: You, me, Vincent, Gregory, Harry, Ronald, and everyone else. All of our lives connect with one another in a million different ways. A loss of any one of us affects a great many more. And, as for Harry, well, he hasn't ditched me. In fact, we're getting along quite well."

An evil sneer appeared on Draco's pale face.

"Oh, is that so? Strange then that he would take off with Granger and leave you on your own like this. What's wrong, Loony? No wait let me guess. You and Potty spent the summer together with the rest of your pathetic friends at that sty the Weasley's call a home. He does that every summer, doesn't he? Well, I guess even that poor excuse for a family is better than none at all. And I bet while you were there you threw yourself at him enough that he finally took pity on you and took away your innocence. It's just a shame he couldn't take your diseased mind along with it. God, I don't know who to feel sorry for the most. I guess it would be you, since at least Potty finally got a leg over with a pureblood. So, after that you thought he loved you, didn't you? I bet Potty bolted as soon as he got his trousers back on, right back to Granger. They probably hit the sheets that same night. And now, here you are, still thinking that Potty gives a damn about you. Wake up, Loony! Potty and that slut, Granger, have been together since day one. At least you aren't alone in your humiliation. Ginny and Cho got the same treatment, didn't they? An Asian, a red head, and a head case, I guess Potty just likes something a little exotic once in a while, eh?"

Luna's face began to harden. This was her greatest weakness. She had never cared what other people thought or said about her, but Harry was a different matter. She loved him more than anything else in the world. An attack on him was an attack on her very heart. She was just starting to think of what to do next when she noticed three more people approaching them. This sight, however, managed to put the smile back on her face and the warm feeling of security in her heart. The group of Slytherins, oblivious to the people approaching, frowned at Luna's return to her previous dreamy state. Draco took another menacing step towards her.

"Did your whacked out mind blow a fuse, or something? It looked like we were getting to you, Loony. Was it Potter? Didn't you understand what you were to him? You were just an opportunity for him to shag someone different for a change. It must get boring for him to stick Granger all the time. He left you quick enough, didn't he? What happened? Did you refuse to do whatever he wanted you to do? You didn't just drop your knickers in the presence of the famous Harry Potter? Or were you just no good in bed? Or maybe it was because Granger has bigger tits than you do?"

Crabbe and Goyle continued to laugh at the insults Draco threw at Luna. Instead of getting upset or foolishly attempting to fight all three of them at once, she merely remained smiling as serenely as if they were discussing flower arranging. Once she noted that the newcomers were in position, she returned her gaze to Draco.

"Well, Hermione is a very nicely built young lady, but that isn't what Harry cares about. He respects me for my mind. For instance, do you know what sound a Haitian Harelip Duck makes?"

Draco stopped laughing and scoffed at her.

"A Haitian what? There's no such thing, freak."

Luna beamed at him

"Yes there is! Harry, would you show Draco what they sound like?"

Upon hearing Harry's name mentioned, Draco spun around to see the boy in question grinning at him. The grin did not appear to contain any warmth of feeling in it. In fact, it looked quite menacing.

"Sure, Luna. They sound like this."

-WACK! -

Harry then proceeded to backhand slap Draco across his jaw with enough force to stagger someone the size of Hagrid. A sickening cracking sound was heard, followed by Draco spitting out four of his teeth, revealing them to be capped. That explains how they were always so white, Harry thought to himself. Draco looked for support from his henchman, but they were both being held at wand point by Ron and Hermione. Harry reached down and picked Draco up by his collar as the blood from his mouth spilled onto his perfectly starched white dress shirt.

"Listen to me, Malfoy. And feel free to tell the rest of your little group of Death Eaters in training. This is our last year here at Hogwarts. Every year that we've been here, we've had to deal with your lot. Well, not this year. I've sent Voldemort running, I've put all your fathers away once and will do it again, and while your lot has been running around the school all these years annoying people, we've been training. Nobody is scared of you anymore, Malfoy. You have no power anymore. You can't run to daddy now, can you? You can't even buy your way out of anything now that the Ministry has seized your familyÕs account. And as for your two trained chimps here, well, they don't look very intimidating now, do they? In fact, it looks like Crabbe may need a change of shorts. I'm terribly sorry that it will most likely throw off his 'days of the week' schedule he has with them."

Draco looked over to his companions to see them both looking frightened at being held at wand point. As Harry had said, Crabbe did appear to be standing in a puddle that had not been there previously, while Goyle nervously looked from Ron to the wand pointing directly at his throat. Draco then returned his still defiant glare back to Harry.

"The Dark Lord will come back, Potter. When he does, you and your friends will pay. My father will be at his right hand, and we will be rewarded at last for our loyalty. Do you honestly think that your pitiful DA club has prepared you for the limitless power he possesses? No man is his equal, and no man can hope to face him and live!"

Harry grabbed him again by his collar and jerked him up slightly so that his feet were a few inches above the ground.

"You need to pay more attention in History of Magic, Malfoy. There has been a wizard that has stood up to him several times and lived: me. We fought to a draw in first year, how do you think I'd do now? Oh, I know he's been getting stronger, but that just makes two of us. I'll put up my mates against his any day. You're on the wrong side, Malfoy. If I was you, and I've never been so glad I'm not, I'd get out while I still could. Isn't that what you Slytherins do best, fend for yourselves? Dumbledore can help you; he can protect you. Once the war starts, it's going to be too late."

Draco's evil glare turned into one of frustration and anger.

"It's already too late! It's too late to change anything now! Our fates are as sealed as yours!"

Harry lowered Draco to the ground. He had been expecting some snide retort from him, not something that sounded like desperation.

"What do you mean? Why is it too late to change anything? How is your fate anything like mine?"

Draco then looked as if he had realized he had said too much and began to back away towards his two cronies.

"Never mind, Potter. It doesn't matter. Nothing does. It's too late for all of us. It's not a question of what will happen, but when it will. When that time comes, all of us will be involved. Have your fun with the mudblood and the lunatic while you can, Potty. You've got bigger problems than the three of us to worry about. Come on, you two."

Draco then grabbed Crabbe and Goyle by their chunky arms and walked them off in the direction of the dungeons. Before they were out of sight, Harry yelled at them.

"I meant what I said, Malfoy. If you mess with one of us, you will answer to all of us."

Draco stopped and turned to face him, his face expressionless.

"I meant what I said as well, Potter. Your time is running out, all of you. Concentrate on my friends and me if you want, but we are only a small part of a much larger whole. You have been warned."

Harry looked back at him, his face as hard as stone.

"So have you, Malfoy. So have you."

**********

The rest of that first week went by fairly quietly for the group. The Slytherins had made no further attempt at harming any of them and Harry, in return, made sure that none of his friends did anything to antagonize them. Classes, however, were not nearly as tranquil for them.

Since the four seventh years of the group were all going to pursue a career in being an Auror, they had all their classes together. One week they would have one-hour classes every day, while the next week they would have two days worth of 2 1/2 hour intensive applied sessions. The worst part of this was that every other week they faced the intensive classes of Potions and Transfiguration back to back. It was on those days that the four of them would most often spend the next few hours after the classes were over to recuperate from them. Of course, the following weeks combination of Auror Training and Charms wasn't any better. The intensive class sessions were unlike anything they had faced before, causing Harry to wonder if there were more factors to Fred and George's daring daylight escape during their seventh year than just Umbridge.

For Charms, the longer classes meant they were usually placed into groups to work on one of three divisions of spells. One group would work on offensive charms, such as incapacitation hexes, defensive charms, such as shielding charms, or other practical charms, such as general to medium level healing spells. To everyone's slight surprise, Ron showed a greater aptitude towards the subject than he had in the past, and was even asked by Professor Flitwick to be his seventh year tutor for the year. This meant that he would help out with any first through third year that needed any extra help. The last Weasley to be a seventh year tutor had been Percy, and he had been the one for Potions. Ron hoped that Fred and George would never find out about this, as they would undoubtedly give him a very hard time about it.

In Potions, still under the menacing glares of Professor Snape, the longer sessions were used to work on more complicated potions than they had ever worked on before. To none of their surprise, the potion's master started them off with the horribly difficult task of making wolf's bane potion, with the promise of Veritaserum as their next product. Harry, remembering the threat Snape had made to him in his fourth year, shuddered to think of what he would do with the supply they would soon be making for him. He made a mental note to be extra vigilant over his beverages for the rest of the year. For the job of seventh year tutor, Snape, as could be expected, selected Draco Malfoy. Hermione gave a mirthless laugh when the professor announced his decision in class, along with muttering something under her breath that sounded like, "those poor first years."

Despite being their head of house, Professor McGonagall gave the four of them no special or lenient treatment. Unlike in years past, there was no option for not managing a transfiguration and taking a zero. Seventh year Transfiguration meant that the students were now required to change inanimate objects into not just one living creature, but a variety of them. They were also trained to detect when items had been transfigured, and how to change the items back to their original forms. Professor McGonagall stressed to them that this ability would prove invaluable in their career as an Auror, since evidence of a crime was very rarely left behind, or at least not in it's original state. It was also explained that, since all magic left behind a trace of the witch or wizard who had performed it, the Auror who was highly skilled in transfiguration could often discern who had performed it, thereby speeding along the investigation dramatically. Despite her mounting duties as Head Girl, Hermione was thrilled to accept the position of Transfiguration tutor.

Even the normally jovial and liberal minded Professor Sprout rode them hard. In the line of duty as an Auror, they would need a good working knowledge of Herbology to help them determine what might have been used to hurt or kill someone. They also discovered that there was more than one variety of Devil's Snare, along with a host of other seemingly devoutly evil plants. With the lone exception of Neville, the entire class was usually a mass of scars and minor burns after each of the applied sessions, making the choice of him as the year's tutor for the subject possibly the easiest decision any of the Professor's had to make. In fact, Ginny was heard to exclaim one evening, that to keep Neville's attention she might have to dye her hair green. This caused Neville, a closet hentai fan, to blush quite violently and develop a stutter that lasted several days.

DumbledoreÕs class was, they all agreed, the most amazing experience they could have imagined. His scope of knowledge in their normal class sessions was awe inspiring, while their longer applied sessions with him made them all look at their abilities in a whole new light. Apart from their third year with Lupin, the students had never even had a better than average instructor in Defense, and now they had a true master. All of them, without exception, showed improvement and more confidence in their abilities. Even Draco couldnÕt find anything to complain about. Harry, who was by far the best student in the subject, threw himself into the course with all his strength and determination and was beginning to do things most of the other professors could not. Dumbledore making him the subjectÕs tutor was not only due to him being the best man for the job, but also so that he could give him even more advanced training. He also worked with Harry on the advanced training of the other students who showed greater aptitude in the subject. Dumbledore worried that it would be too much for Harry, but the boy seemed able to handle more and more. If the HeadmasterÕs theories were correct, Harry would soon be able to handle a great deal more, and would be called upon to do so.

Auror training was another chance for their head of house to push them towards their highest potential. To the foolish students that thought being an Auror was all mystery and adventure, they received a rude awakening. A percentage of them switched to other fields of study after a short time. A large part of the job involved research, and there were also endless procedures and rules to learn and abide by. The paperwork seemed never ending, and the prospect of sitting at a stakeout for hours and hours only to have it prove to be a false alarm did nothing to make it seem more appealing. However, for those who saw it as a very real way of fighting evil and helping the entirety of the magical world, there was no greater career they could have. Naturally, the four best-known Gryffindor friends showed great promise and were well adapted for their future goals. And, although she never let them know it at the time, Professor McGonagall could not have been prouder of them.

After the stresses of classes, the chance to get up on a broom caused Harry to rush through his breakfast even faster than Ron on the morning of the Gryffindor team try-outs. He loved Luna with all his heart, but there was still a part of him that could only be reached when he was in the air. In fact, if he could just find a way to combine the two, well, those thoughts could be saved for another time.

Professor McGonagall had talked with Harry beforehand, so the only thing left to do now was to pick the players. With the increased certainty that Harry would actually be on the team this year, a great deal more people turned out to try their luck. And, as it was last year, Harry gave them all an equal opportunity to show their skill level.

Ron was still by far the best-qualified Keeper, despite an unexpected challenge from a first year who would definitely be ready to play next year. The Creevy brothers once again filled the two Beater positions, as they informed Harry that they had been practicing all summer by throwing milk bottles at one another and hitting them with a cricket bat. Apart from each of them sustaining a moderately serious concussion, they said they were raring to go. Harry had to admire their enthusiasm, along with their obvious ability to take a clout to the head.

The future of the squad was further enhanced by the promising play of a first year Irish girl by the name of Deirdre McIntyre. If she continued to show improvement, Harry felt that she could be the next years Keeper. If so, she would be the first second year female Keeper for Gryffindor since Professor McGonagall herself.

The major portion of those trying out for the squad was in competition for the three Chaser positions. Neither Parvarti nor Lavender tried out this year, leaving Ginny the only hold over from last yearÕs team. The two vacant slots were filled this year by Dean Thomas, who had finally gotten over his crush on Ginny, thanks to his new girlfriend, Lavender, and, to most everyoneÕs amazement, Neville. As it turned out, Ginny had been secretly training him over the summer in the hope of getting him on the team with her. Harry was pleased to see four members of his close group of friends on the team with him, and felt even better about the announcement he was about to make to them.

ÒOk team, well done. Dean, Neville, welcome to the team. You both have become really good fliers in the past year. The rest of you lot havenÕt lost a step, either. Now, I have an important announcement to make. IÕve talked with McGonagall, and we are both in agreement about this. I may have picked the team this year, but I would now like to introduce you all to this yearÕs Quidditch captain, Ronald Weasley.Ó

Nobody said anything for a full two minutes. Ron expected someone to say it was a joke. Everyone, including himself, thought that Harry would naturally be the captain again this year. The sound of clapping brought them all back to reality. Hermione had come down on the pitch and was clapping along with a smiling Harry. Ginny and Neville soon followed suit, along with the Creevy brothers and Dean. Ron simply stared in stunned disbelief for a while before a smile began to break out on his face.

ÒIÕmÉIÕm the captain?Ó

Harry clapped his oldest friend on the back.

ÒYou sure are, captain. I was going to tell you right away, but I wanted to surprise you with it. Oh, and I hope you donÕt mind me picking the team for you, McGonagall wanted to do that before handing over the captainÕs badge. So, now that I have, I believe this is yours.Ó

Harry then removed the gleaming CaptainÕs badge from his cloak pocket and pinned it on RonÕs robes. The smile on his friendÕs face was one of the widest he had ever seen on him.

ÒI canÕt believe it. IÕm the captain, just like Charlie was. Hermione, did you know about this?Ó

Hermione beamed at him.

ÒOnly since this morning. I made Harry promise not to tell you before this. I wanted to see your face. You really deserve it, Ron. Ooh, IÕm so proud of you!Ó

Hermione then rushed forward and hugged Ron and gave him a kiss on the cheek. Ron responded by blushing slightly and looking up quickly at the sound of his sisterÕs laughing.

ÒShut it, Ginny! Wow, I really am the captain. I have to go owl mum and tell her. Oh, and what about my broom? Is it good enough now? IÕll have to look through the latest catalogs from Firebolt and Nimbus. And what about practices? IÕll have to schedule those, too. Uh, yeah, ok, first practice is next Saturday, early. Two a days start at six a.m. for the morning one, and six p.m. for the evening one. Wait, no, make that seven p.m. for the evening one, that way I donÕt have to rush through my dinner. Harry and I will be working on plays and stuff for the year. We went all the way to the cup last year, and I expect nothing less this year. WeÕll be working hard so that we can play hard. Until then, rest up. YouÕll all need it. Man, IÕve always wanted to give one of those speeches. Come on, Hermione.Ó

Ron then threw is arm around HermioneÕs shoulders and headed back towards the castle. Harry couldnÕt remember seeing his back straighter, or his chin up higher. He smiled and turned back to the remaining members of the team.

ÒWell, you heard the captain. Get some rest. I have a feeling that itÕs going to be another long season.Ó

The rest of the group laughed and followed RonÕs path back towards the castle. As they dispersed, Harry could see a blonde head coming towards him in blue robes. He felt his heart rate increase as his eyes lit up at the sight of her.

ÒSpying on us again, Luna?Ó

The girl laughed.

ÒOops, you caught me. I thought that was very sweet what you did.Ó

ÒWhat do you mean?Ó

ÒGiving Ron the captainÕs job. HeÕs never looked so happy and confident.Ó

ÒHow did you know about that? I only talked with McGonagall last night about it. I didnÕt even tell Hermione until this morning. McGonagall wasnÕt too sold on the idea, but I compromised and told her that I would pick the team and help him out. Hermione was really excited for him, and I knew heÕd always wanted to be the captain of the team, especially since he didnÕt get Head Boy. Besides, IÕve got enough on my plate as it is. Between Head duties, working with Dumbledore on plans for the Advanced Defense lessons, tutoring for him, and trying to keep up with homework, IÕm going to have my hands full just playing Quidditch, let alone run the team. Oh, and then thereÕs the private lessons Dumbledore wants to do with me about these ÒspecialÓ powers I seem to have developed over the summer. I donÕt know how IÕm going to do it all, I really donÕt. I canÕt think of one more thing I could fit into my schedule.Ó

LunaÕs dreamy smile became one of seduction. HarryÕs pulse increased again, causing his heart to sound like a jackhammer to his own ears. She put her arms around him and placed her mouth very close to his ear.

ÒI think I could find something else for you to occupy yourself with, Harry. What do you say to a nice lie down by the lake?Ó

HarryÕs brows furrowed in confusion.

ÒBut, Luna, itÕs three in the afternoon. IÕm not that tired at the moment.Ó

LunaÕs hands dropped a bit lower from the small of his back to hisÉ

ÒNeither am I.Ó

Harry finally managed to catch her drift and took her hand in his. True, they were not the first to find happiness on that cool shore, nor would the be the last. But, for now, they were immersed in their own little world of happiness and contentment. The future was still uncertain, and tomorrow could threaten both their lives, along with the lives of their friends and family. At present, however, the only thing on their minds was their love for each other. A love strong enough to make all their fears and sorrows seem an eternity away, if not farther.