Harry Potter and the return of the Dementors

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--------Chapter 3---------

There was a faint "pop" in Hermione's room in the morning, and it was enough to wake up a half-dozing Hermione. Looking around the room, she realised that she recognised the creature that had Apparated into her room. Nudging Ron, who also woke up, Hermione went over to talk to Dobby.

"Dobby is wanting to remind Harry Potter and his friends that they have to go back to Hogwarts today," he said to her in a small voice, noting that Harry was still asleep.

Hermione replied, "Thank you Dobby, we'll get to King's Cross for the school train on time."

Then Ron had an idea. Remembering an incident in the boy's dorm at Christmas last year, Ron asked Dobby, "Dobby, could you do me a favour?"

Hermione looked disgusted.

"Oh Hermione, he doesn't have to do it if he doesn't want to. I'm just asking him if he wants to play a trick on Harry." Ron glanced at the still asleep Harry, while Hermione cheered up.

Ron continued, "Harry sleeps like a rock doesn't he? Didn't say much either last night, only talking about the Dursleys. No wonder Sirius found it so easy to abduct him...."

Hermione stifled a laugh, while Dobby looked shocked. "Harry Potter is being abducted this holidays?"

Ron replied, "Dobby, its OK. Harry is fine, or I think he is. I need your help in trying to cheer him up a bit."

Dobby and Hermione smiled. Dobby spoke, "What is Harry's friend asking Dobby to do to Harry Potter?"

Ron answered, "Nothing much Dobby. I just want you to stand on Harry's chest and look closely into his eyes."

Dobby replied, "OK! Dobby is going!"

Dobby ran across the room and stood on Harry's chest, as asked by Ron. Harry groaned, but Dobby stayed on his chest. Eventually, Harry woke up, and saw a large pair of green eyes staring down at him....

"Ahhh!" Harry half shouted, shocked. Dobby jumped off Harry, and ran across the room to Ron and Hermione. By the time Harry had put his glasses on, all three were chuckling at Harry.

"Dobby!" Harry gasped. "I told you NOT to do that last year...."

Dobby replied, "It was your friend's idea, his way of waking Harry Potter up for Hogwarts." Dobby stole a glance at Ron, which was enough to incriminate him, in Harry's mind.

"Ron, any reason you think I needed to be frightened out of my wits in the morning? You could have just woken me up...." Harry had not quite recovered from his early morning shock.

"Harry," Ron said wisely, "that wouldn't have been funny."

Harry looked around the room quickly. Glancing nervously from side to side, Harry didn't know what was coming his direction next. Hermione, sensing Harry's discomfort at what happened, added, "Sorry if you didn't find that funny. Maybe you've had one shock too many this holidays."

But Harry didn't hear a word she was saying, he was completely lost in his thoughts, and totally oblivious of everything around him. Harry sat on his mattress, silently, seemingly looking into thin air.

'I'll be lucky to live through this year,' Harry's brain was telling him. 'If not, then I'll be able to see Cedric and tell him how sorry I am about him dying at the end of the Triwizard Tournament'. 'Why does everything always seem to happen to me?' his brain added.

Harry was forced out of his thoughts. Hermione was shaking him gently, while Ron and Dobby were looking on, from their faces it was obvious that they were concerned.

"Harry, Harry, Harry," she was repeating his name over and over again. Harry snapped back into reality. He looked into Hermione's concerned eyes, as if to say - "I'm OK."

"Ah, finally, you're back," Hermione said, with a sigh of relief.

"I didn't go anywhere..." Harry was going to argue with her.

"OK Harry," Hermione said gently. But there was something else in her voice.

"If you're perfectly OK, could you explain why you were sitting there absolutely oblivious for the last fifteen minutes?"

"Er, I didn't think it was that long, and I don't think I was totally oblivious," Harry said simply.

"Then Harry, what were you doing the last fifteen minutes?" Ron asked.

"Thinking", Harry replied, feeling rather evasive at the moment.

"Harry Potter," Hermione had a fierce look in her eyes. Harry's mind also said 'Harry, you're in big trouble now. She's used your full name...' "That has got to be the lamest excuse I have ever seen! Thinking! You!" Hermione stared at him. Harry faltered.

"OK, daydreaming then," Harry corrected himself, but this was also a evasive move.

"Don't get all evasive on me Harry. You are now going to tell me exactly why you spent fifteen minutes totally oblivious to the world, or I promise that I will force-feed you Truth Potion to get the truth!"

"Not now Hermione. Later," Harry thought that maybe she'd forget over breakfast.

"Now Harry, or you get Truth Potion," Hermione said in a menacing voice.

'Checkmate,' Harry's mind told him.

Harry buried his face in his hands, and tucked his legs up, so that he was in a ball. He couldn't take any more.

Hermione went up to Harry's mattress, put her hand under his chin, moved his head up so his eyes were facing hers, and looked into them.

"Why Harry?" Hermione's tone had softened up some. She seemed sympathetic. That was enough for Harry. He buried his face into her chest. "Oh Harry, what's wrong? why does everything happen to you all the time?"

Hermione's sudden change of tone caught Harry off guard. "Oh Hermione," Harry blurted, "its all my fault..."

Hermione looked at Ron, who was obviously worried about Harry as well. Ron, however, had a feeling what this was about. He, out of Harry's vision, mouthed 'Cedric' to Hermione, who nodded.

Hermione looked back at Harry and said, "No Harry, its not your fault. You had no control over those events." Looking at Harry's distraught but puzzled state, she added, "this is about Cedric, right?"

Harry nodded glumly. "Hermione," he said, on the verge of tears. "It IS my fault. You see, you'd probably agree that it was my fault if you knew what happened..."

"As far as I can tell Harry, you weren't at fault. Correct me if I'm wrong here, but the cup was a portkey. As soon as you were transported on the other side, Cedric was killed by Voldemort, you were used to bring Voldemort back to his body, and then you dueled with him, and escaped. You didn't kill Cedric, Harry. Voldemort did."

"That's what happened after we were transported...but I had already condemned Cedric before that....in the maze...Cedric at the cup first...arguing who should take the cup...wanted me to take it...I wanted him to take it...stalemate just metres from the cup...my stupid idea to tie for the cup...Portkey..." at this point, what was left in Harry disintegrated, and Harry lay down on his mattress, buried his face into his pillow, and cried into it.

Hermione looked at Harry, and then looked at Ron. Both seemed to be affected at what Harry had just said. Hermione went over to Ron and said quietly, "I hope getting it off his chest helps, I've never seen Harry like this before, and I don't really want to again." Ron nodded. Dobby disappeared, crying, with a 'crack'. Hermione then went back to the completely overcome Harry, sat beside him and absently ran her hands through his hair. She hoped that Harry would feel better soon.

Mrs Granger opened the door. Upon seeing Harry, Hermione and Ron, she shot a look in Harry's direction, and then Ron's. She shut the door again. Ron quietly crossed the room and went to talk to Mrs Granger.

Mrs Granger was outside, looking worried. When Ron emerged, she said, "What's wrong with Harry?"

Ron replied, "Harry thinks that he's responsible for Cedric Diggory's death. He feels really guilty and its really getting to him. Hermione's trying to comfort him, but I'm not sure how successful she'll be..."

Mrs Granger nodded. "I suppose that you three want to be left alone for a while.

When Harry's ready, you three better come and eat breakfast. We've got a bit of

time, don't worry. We can go to King's Cross after you finish eating."

Ron nodded and said, "If you don't mind, Mrs Granger, I'll check on how Harry's Doing."

Mrs Granger smiled and nodded. "Harry needs his friends right now," she added before moving away.

Ron went back into the room. Harry had stopped crying into his pillow, which was soaked with tears. Although he was sitting up, he still had a look of extreme sadness and guilt on his face. Hermione was trying to comfort him the best she could.

"I'm sorry I did that," Harry said softly, "really sorry". Hermione and Ron could both see that Harry meant it.

"Its OK Harry. Feeling better now that you've got it off your chest?" Hermione asked Harry

"I feel better," Harry admitted, "but no less guilty. That will stay with me for the rest of my life."

Harry then added, "However short that may be." At this, Hermione looked at Ron, and they silently agreed that somebody would

have to keep an eye out for Harry at school. They didn't want any 'accidents' to

happen to Harry while he was alone... The three got changed quickly into their Hogwarts robes and went to eat

breakfast. Harry was about to say that he wasn't hungry, but he saw the wisdom of avoiding to say this, and ate a piece of toast. He noticed that Hermione and Ron were shooting him glances throughout breakfast.

The trip to King's Cross was filled with partially successful attempts by Ron and Hermione to engage Harry in conversation. And whenever Harry threatened to drop off into his thoughts, one of them would find a way to distract him, even resorting to pulling his hair once. Eventually, they reached King's Cross. After bidding farewell to Mrs Granger, the three crossed through the barrier and onto Platform 9 3/4. They were half an hour early for the train, and were approached by Professor McGonagall.

"Do you two mind if I talk to Potter here for a while?" she said to Hermione and Ron.

"No," they replied in unison, moving away, but not out of sight.

"Potter. You've been through a pretty stressful time recently, with the tournament and the holidays. I didn't get around to asking you at your party, but you've been nominated for Prefect - we didn't send letters out this year. Do you want to do it?"

Harry thought for a moment, and said, "If you trust that I'll do a good job, then I'll do it. If you think that someone else is better then give it to them."

"Good. Is there something you want to ask me at all?" Professor McGonagall asked Harry.

In fact, there was. But not about being a prefect. Checking that both Hermione and Ron were out of earshot, Harry composed himself and asked "Will you help me train as an Animagus?"

Professor McGonagall looked surprised. "Harry, I'm very surprised that you asked. Most people decide that illegal is the best way to do it. But if you have the aptitude for it, which I don't doubt, then I will train you."

"Thank you, Professor McGonagall," Harry said simply Professor McGonagall then said, "Is there any reason why you would want to train as an Animagus?"

Harry replied, "In the current climate, I thought that it would be a useful skill. And also I have reason to think that being an animagus protects you from some of the harm of the dementors"

Professor McGonagall said, "Very well Potter, I will see you when we get to Hogwarts. I will inform the Headmaster of your intention, and get underway as soon as possible". She could hardly hide the excitement in her voice.

Harry smiled at Professor McGonagall.

Hermione came over to Harry and said, "So she's told you? She told me at the party. Congratulations."

Harry asked suspiciously, "You're a prefect as well, right? There's no way a prat like me could get prefect and you not..."

Hermione smiled. This was more like the Harry she knew for the last four years. "Yes," she said, "I'm prefect as well. So's Ron. Professor McGonagall thought that we worked well as a team. We're the three from Gryffindor. Unless you declined."

"I didn't," Harry said simply.

"Did McGonagall say anything else?" Hermione asked.

"She offered to help me with Transfiguration," Harry replied. It wasn't exactly a lie. Harry hoped that it wasn't too hard, but he knew that it might be.

It hit Harry just then. Professor McGonagall had called him 'Harry' in that conversation instead of the usual 'Potter'. Harry smiled as Hermione led him and Ron towards the Prefect carriage of the train. When they reached the compartment with 'Gryffindor' on the door, they opened it and went in. All three were

surprised to see someone else in the compartment.

"Hello Hermione, Ron," the man said simply, "my name is Thomas Grey. I'm the new Defense against the Dark Arts professor."

Upon seeing Harry, however, Professor Grey faltered. "And this would be..."

Professor Grey looked at Harry, Hermione and Ron for an answer.

"Yes," Ron said simply, "that's really Harry Potter. Well at least I think he is.

If he's not, he's been a pretty good actor...."

At this, Hermione and Harry started laughing. "Don't worry, Ron," Harry said, "I'm really me". Ron grinned at Harry. But Professor Grey had a confused look on his face.

"How curious!" Professor Grey muttered to himself.

Hermione asked, "Anything wrong with Harry, Professor Grey?" Hermione asked. She was interested in what Professor Grey found so curious with Harry. They hadn't really received the same reaction from the mysterious Professor.

"No, Hermione," Professor Grey explained further. "You probably don't know this, but I'm a part-time Auror. On top of that, I can read people's minds."

At this, Hermione, Harry and Ron looked at each other. They didn't know it was possible.

"Yes, Hermione, it IS possible. That's how I knew your names before you introduced yourselves. This is where Harry comes in. I can't read his mind - there seems to be some sort of barrier, it's all foggy in there. I can see his emotion, but not what he is thinking. Oh, and yes, Hermione, it is something I was born with, it can't be learned. I found it very useful in exams...."

Hermione, who in fact was thinking of the possibility of being taught, was surprised. It was Harry that spoke first.

"Er, Professor Grey," Harry started

"Yes Harry?" Professor Grey was very interested with Harry. He genuinely didn't know what Harry was going to ask, which was, for him, a new experience.

"Maybe you can read my mind. I'm sure Hermione and Ron will agree, I'm definitely not the smartest person around at Hogwarts - and my mind goes all foggy sometimes, especially in exams..."

Hermione and Ron laughed. Professor Grey looked bemused. Harry looked at Hermione and Ron. "Did I say something stupid again?" Harry asked jokingly, very unsuccessfully stifling a laugh. Professor Grey also started laughing, recovering to say.

"You three really do have a sense of humour. Getting rare in these times, must say. I've also been told of your exploits at Hogwarts."

At this point, an owl flew into the carriage window, carrying what was unmistakably the Daily Prophet. Hermione paid the owl and opened the paper. Looking at the headline, Hermione showed the paper to Ron, and, after they exchanged looks, Hermione buried the paper behind all the trunks they had brought to Hogwarts.

"Exactly what was on that paper Hermione?" Professor Grey asked. Hermione's mind raced. 'DEMENTORS TO "GUARD HOGWARTS LIKE AZKABAN,' the headline had read. It wasn't exactly something that she wanted to show Harry, not yet anyway.

"OK then Hermione," Professor Grey said, "you do know that Harry's obviously going to find out in the near future anyway..."

Hermione nodded. "I'm sure Harry will be fine. He just went through quite a lot this morning, and he's still in recovery."

But Harry had other ideas. Without warning, he had drawn his wand, pointed it at the trunks, and said calmly, 'Accio Daily Prophet', the newspaper flying through the air, and being caught by Harry, who made to read it...

"Accio glasses!" It was Hermione. Harry found suddenly that the newspaper went all fuzzy as his glasses went flying off his face and into Hermione's hand. Ron crossed the room and then pulled the newspaper out of Harry's hand. Harry's wand came with it. Hermione playfully poked Harry under his ribs.

It must have been a result of his childhood, and the fact that Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon had never played with Harry, because although Harry had found out that he had an unusually high pain tolerance, and a strong mind, he had absolutely no tolerance for being tickled. Hermione's playful jab caused Harry to instantly ball up in his seat, giggling. After the tickling had worn off, Harry started feeling miserable for himself. He also felt horribly defenseless, without his glasses and his wand.

"You'll have to tell Harry you know. You may as well not let him find out the hard way. He's feeling pretty miserable over there," Professor Grey said. Hermione nodded at him, and crossed the compartment to where Harry was sitting, still curled up in a tight ball, his knees to his chest. When she got in front of Harry she looked at him.

Harry didn't know what was coming next. Having already been disarmed by Hermione and Ron, he sat, fearful of what Hermione was going to subject him to now... "Oh Harry!" Hermione said sympathetically, reading the look of fear in Harry's eyes. "As if I'm going to attack you...". Hermione threw her arms around Harry, who now felt very small and compressed as she hugged him. Hermione watched as the expression on Harry's face changed from fear to relief.

"Ahh...that's better," Hermione said. "You know something Harry? You look completely different without glasses." Hermione was seemingly examining Harry, looking now at his green eyes.

"You know something Hermione?" Harry replied. "You look completely different as well without my glasses. All fuzzy around the edges...."

Harry then added, "Uh Hermione, I'm really OK you know. You can tell me what's on the paper. And can I have my glasses and wand back?"

Hermione smiled. "Harry, the paper was saying that the Dementors are coming back to Hogwarts...."

Seeing the worried look on her face, Harry said, "It'll be OK. I survived through third year with them. I can conjure a Patronus now, I'll be fine. Anyhow, I already knew. I overheard someone talking at that party you had at your place Hermione."

Hermione said, "I hope you're OK Harry, I really do."

"I hope that you're OK as well Ron," Hermione added. "I couldn't bear to lose either of you...you're like family you know."

Hermione then turned back to Harry. Getting his wand from Ron, she handed it back to Harry. But she didn't give Harry his glasses back just yet.

"Not yet Harry", she said, holding his glasses "You look really nice without glasses, and I've never seen you without glasses except when you're asleep."

"Are you saying that I look ugly with my glasses on?" Harry asked, laughing.

"No!" Hermione exclaimed. Then she started laughing as well. "You look different without glasses, that's all." Hermione handed Harry back his glasses.

"You know Harry, I might just get the urge to steal your glasses again one day...maybe I'll give you contacts for Christmas."

At this point, the train pulled into Hogsmeade station, and Professor Grey, Harry, Hermione and Ron got out onto the platform.

Hagrid smiled at Harry when he was shouting "Firs' years over here" directing them to the boats which would bring them over the lake to Hogwarts. Harry got into the carriage with Ron and Hermione and made the trip to Hogwarts in it like all students second year and above.

Having taken their seats at the Gryffindor table, they waited expectantly for the Sorting. Ron, as usual, was looking forward more to the feast. The sorting went as planned, the hat singing its song, and the first years came up one by one until Professor McGonagall called...

"Potter, Timothy!"

The young boy reminded Harry of himself when he was being sorted. He was visibly very nervous and slightly scared at the proposition of being sorted.

'Do I have any other relatives?' Harry thought to himself. Hermione and Ron prodded Harry.

"Hey, is he a cousin or anything?" Ron asked Harry.

Harry replied, "I'm not sure. He has the same last name as me, but I didn't know I had any relatives. Besides the Dursleys that is."

"GRYFFINDOR!" The Hat shouted.

Hermione said, "You won't have to wait long." Timothy Potter walked towards the Gryffindor table, and took his seat next to Harry.

"Hello. You OK there?" Harry asked Tim. Tim was still very nervous.

"Um..yeah, I'm fine, just a little nervous I suppose." Tim's accent was unmistakably Australian.

"Are you Australian?" Harry asked Tim.

"Yep. My uncle got transferred here to work for the ministry, so I'm going to school here." Feeling the need to explain something else to Harry, Tim said, "I'm not a relative of Harry Potter's. Well I don't think I am, even though I have the same last name. Is it true that he goes to Hogwarts too?"

Ron chortled behind Harry. Harry said simply, "Yes, I was wondering if you were some distant relative of mine."

The look on Tim's face turned to one of surprise. "You're Harry?"

Harry laughed. As did Ron and Hermione. Hermione spoke up first.

"Yeah, that's Harry. You know, you're the only person that hasn't recognised Harry immediately. Harry doesn't mind. Actually I think he rather enjoyed it...

Harry hates being famous."

"Right as usual Hermione," Harry said happily. He turned to Tim.

"Hey Tim, can I ask you a favour?" Harry asked

"Yeah, sure Harry," Tim said

"Er.." Harry didn't know how to put this. He didn't want another Colin Creevey following him around. One was enough.

Tim, sensing discomfort said, "You want me to see you as normal?"

Harry nodded, smiling. "I really hate being famous you know."

Tim smiled. "You really don't seem the type anyway, no offense Harry. I met Gilderoy Lockhart before I came here. He's got his memory back now. Lockhart's a nightmare, trying to sign everything..." Tim seemed to remember something. "I'll bet my whole Gringotts account that Lockhart roped you into that photo in the bookshop in the Daily Prophet a couple of years back."

Harry laughed. "Yeah, he did. He used to teach here. He was an absolute nightmare"

Ron decided to add, "Not that he knew anything as well. Then he decided to try to erase my and Harry's memories"

Tim looked shocked "Is that how he lost his memory? Did the charm bounce off you like....you know..."

Harry replied, "No, not like that. The wand was broken and it backfired on Lockhart."

"OK," Tim said. "I can't believe he tried that!"

Hermione then asked, "Tim, you know how you said your uncle got transferred?"

"Yeah," Tim replied.

"Are your parents still in Australia, or did they come as well?"

Tim looked distinctively uncomfortable. "Er...I don't really have parents. I'm an orphan, my parents died when I was young. I live with my Uncle and Aunt now."

Harry looked at him sympathetically.

"Sorry for asking," Hermione said.

Harry added, "Don't worry Tim, you OK?"

"Yeah. Don't really like talking about it," Tim said, cheering up.

"I understand," Harry said simply. Tim looked at him kindly.

"I'm sure you do Harry. My aunt and uncle are really nice though. I've heard that yours are...well.."

Harry said, "Yeah, a bit."

Tim then added, "Did they really starve you to death in the holidays?"

Harry laughed at him. "Tim, could you keep it down a bit? Hermione and Ron," Harry gestured behind him, "have been worrying about me all summer. Hey, I'm still alive talking to you, right?"

"Right," Tim said.

At this, the whole Gryffindor table, and indeed the whole Great Hall, started the feast.

After the feast, Hermione and Ron showed the Gryffindor first years the way to the tower. Harry followed.

"Potter, a word please." It was Professor McGonagall. Both Harry and Tim turned to face her.

"Oh no, keep going Tim, I need to talk to Harry here about something."

As they walked down the corridor, Professor McGonagall said, "I think you'll need this." Professor McGonagall gave Harry his prefect badge.

Harry stuffed it in his pocket. Professor McGonagall said "Wear it Potter, don't put it in your pocket."

Harry sheepishly pinned the badge onto his robes. He wasn't used to it there.

Professor Dumbledore walked up to them.

"Hello Harry, Professor McGonagall has told me of your intention to become an animagus. We shall start training you in your free time. Having noticed that you seem to possess quite skill for wandless magic, I don't think that it would be too hard for someone like yourself. However, we would like to supervise you as it is quite dangerous."

Harry replied, "Thank you Professor Dumbledore."

"I think its time that you returned to Gryffindor Tower Harry. We don't want to be one prefect short do we?" Professor Dumbledore smiled at him.

Harry thanked Professor Dumbledore again and made his way to Gryffindor tower.

Finding the Fat Lady missing, Harry knocked to get into the tower. Hermione and Ron were there showing the first years their dorm. Harry went with Ron to the boy's dorm and went to see if everyone was OK."

One of the first years gasped "Look! It's Harry Potter!" Harry rolled his eyes at Ron, who started laughing. Ron then spoke to the boy, whose name was David West. "You don't want to do that too much. It'll drive Harry insane." The rest of the dorm chuckled.

When everyone was finally changed, and Harry and Ron separated a spirited all-in pillow fight, the first years climbed into bed, and Harry went around the dorm blowing out the candles. Ron sighed, "You could have used your wand Harry".

Harry chuckled. "I was brought up a Muggle. It grows on you."

Ron replied, "I suppose so." After bidding good night to the first years, Harry and Ron went to the fifth year dorm. Seamus was still up.

"So you two are prefects! I'm betting that you'll be slightly more lax than your brother Ron!"

Ron chuckled, "Yeah. Me and Harry will. Dunno about Hermione. As long as McGonagall doesn't roast us for letting too much go, its fine, right Harry?"

Harry grinned. "Right. Don't push it too far or me and Ron will get absolutely roasted."

Seamus grinned, "Deal."

Harry and Ron got changed and climbed into bed. Before long, Hogwarts was asleep.

Harry didn't have a good night's sleep at all. He dreamed of the cup, and the way that the Portkey hooked both him and Cedric and transported them to Voldemort.

"Wands out..." Cedric had said, before Harry heard Voldemort say "Kill the spare!"

There was a flash of green light, and Harry sat up in bed, sweaty, his scar hurting. The fifth year dorm was looking at him.

"You OK Harry?" Ron asked.

"I'm fine," Harry replied. "Bad dream. Don't ask."

Harry lay back down, feeling multiple stares at him. Eventually, he dropped off into a more sedate sleep, not dreaming anything. One by one, the rest of the fifth years dropped off to sleep. Before long, it was morning.