Fight For Her

Fight For Her

Chapter 1

The Floods

Nearly Headless Nick hovered beside the fireplace in the Gryffindor Common room. It was a fairly clear night in June, and if one looked up in the great hall, no doubt there would be stars upon stars in the dark, unlimited violet.

Perhaps a shooting star, the faint twinkling of Venus and the enchanting patterns and characters in the sky.

All Gryffindors had gathered in the stuffy common room that evening. Earlier that day a notice had been posted on the doors of the dormitories. "9 PM Gryffindor common room. The next step."

A week ago this notice would have seemed extremely unusual, almost as unusual as the colour Neville had once managed to make his Croak Pot Potion. Snape was not pleased. Dean however was delighted by the event. Harry often recalled his precise words. "Neville, mate! You've discovered a new colour! Name it the 'Dean'!" But recently, life had been turned topsy turvey and really rather soggy.

As Hermione joined Ron and Harry sitting on the staircase at the back of the crowds, Nearly Headless Nick cleared his throat.

"Right. Now is everyone here?" He called. He soon got some clever replies and took no notice of them. He had learnt what many teachers would never learn in all their years of teaching: The best way to control teenagers... is not to.

"As you know, Hogwarts has had an incredibly tiresome few days. In the floods Mrs Tralawnys charms and sensitive practice objects were all terribly harmed, not to mention the damage done to the hall, all corridor space, the Charms room and Potions room."

On cue, many people cheered for Professor Snape's misfortune. The culprit was well known all around the school for the recent disasters, not that it was surprising when names were revealed. Dennis Creevey whom had always thought himself smart and talented as well as a typical joker (not a good combination) had successfully created the perfect Side-Climbing Sea. It was more powerful than he expected, and within hours the whole of Hogwarts was walled by waves and salty water. Such a horrific mess had been created, which of course led to horrific punishments. Dennis was banned from all outings, Quidditch matches and other luxuries for the next two years of school at Hogwarts. As well as carrying all damaged paintings from around the school to the Quidditch fields to dry off single handedly, though the worst part one would imagine is the telling off from most of the paintings.

Nick continued speaking to the crowds.

"So, workers from the Ministry will be refurbishing the entire school soon. That leaves you folks with very little to do. We have contacted all parents with details of what has happened, and all years will be collected from Platform 9 3/4 tomorrow evening."

There were some cheers from the younger years as they started congratulating friends. But the top year, Harry's year, over took the noise with complaints and challenges.

"But the Hogsmeade trip! We were going to leave tomorrow!"

"We've been looking forward to it for ages!"

The top year began crowding in around Nick demanding a reason. He hovered higher above and pushed them away.

"However!" He began loudly. "The Hogsmeade trip for the top year in all houses is not only still on offer, but there is a brand new summer camp based on a popular Muggle children's camp, in place of the Shrieking Shack. I'm sure you have all been informed of the demolition to the Shack. You have been offered to stay there for two full weeks while we return Hogwarts back to its previous beauty."

The top year was speechless. Hermione looked at Parvati and Lavender and broke out in screeches of giggles while the boys shared high fives. After a while of rapturous celebrations, Hermione asked a few questions. She had always been a girl of organization, and often required informing of all plans.

"How do we travel there? The Hogwarts Express will be busy with the younger years," she asked.

"That is where my dear friend Rufus comes in," he replied with a grin. At that mention, a head appeared in the fireplace amongst the flames. A face that every child at Hogwarts recognized and worshiped, Rufus, the keeper of Honeydukes.

He nodded a greeting to a few of the nearest pupils.

"Rufus here has offered to lend us his fireplace so we might travel by floo powder!" Said the grinning head of Nick as it wobbled.

"And of course you may visit Honeydukes before your journey through Hogsmeade to the camp! Stock up on all the midnight feasts!" Rufus offered. He smiled and his rosy cheeks and bald head shone like a chocolate frog might melt on a summer picnic.

A cheer of thank you's reached the fire and ecstatic grins filled the room.

"So all!" Nick finished up. "I recommend you all go and get a good night sleep so you can get up early and pack in the morning. The house elves will bring a small breakfast to your dormitories and advise you pack in the morning. At 12 midday tomorrow, meet here in the common room. All be ready!"

And as the last words were said, every one dashed to their dormitories to dream of the next two weeks glories.