discord.gg/q5KWmtQARF
Join my Discord!
**************
Hannah Abbott approached Harry, her expression a mix of gratitude and concern. She gently held his hand, "Thanks a lot, Harry. If it weren't for you, I don't know what would have happened to Susan."
Harry, with a warm smile, patted Hannah's hand reassuringly. "It was nothing, Hannah. I was just closest. Anyone would have done the same."
Nigel, his voice laced with a hint of amusement, commented in Harry's mind, "Modesty suits you, Master Harry, but let's not undersell your rather spectacular flying skills."
Harry mentally rolled his eyes at Nigel's comment but maintained his composed expression. "I appreciate your kind words, Hannah," he said, turning his attention back to the group.
Neville, who had been quietly observing the conversation, finally spoke up. "It was really brave of you, Harry. I don't think many would have dared to do what you did."
Harry looked at Neville and said, "The hat didn't put me in Gryffindor, Neville, but you." Neville clenched his fist and nodded, a mix of respect and understanding in his eyes. As Tracey and Daphne barraged Harry with questions, Hermione watched from the side, her expression a blend of curiosity and hesitation. Susan, sitting nearby, felt a pang of jealousy, though she couldn't quite understand why.
The atmosphere in the infirmary was lively, with students from different houses interacting more freely than usual, all thanks to the extraordinary event that had unfolded during the flying lesson. Harry's act of bravery had not only saved Susan but also bridged gaps between students who otherwise might never have interacted.
Nigel's voice, always ready with a quip, chimed in Harry's mind. "Ah, look at you, bringing together the houses with your death-defying antics. Who knew that playing the hero would be such a unifying act?"
Harry chuckled softly, a glint of amusement in his eyes. "And this was the fifth bird," he mused to himself. Nigel, now fully grasping the extent of Harry's plan, replied with a mix of admiration and his characteristic sarcasm, "Well, Master Harry, orchestrating events like a seasoned puppeteer, aren't we? Next, you'll be teaching owls to deliver your grand speeches."
The lively chatter in the infirmary was abruptly interrupted as Madam Pomfrey returned, her expression one of stern authority. She shooed the students away, reminding them of the rules and the need for peace in the infirmary. "Out, all of you! Mr. Potter needs his rest, and this isn't a tea party," she said firmly, herding them towards the door.
Susan, who had been quietly sitting, her cheeks still flushed from the earlier events, stood up as she was discharged. Before leaving, she hesitated, then quickly approached Harry. In a swift, shy movement, she leaned in and kissed his cheek, her eyes darting around to see if anyone noticed. Then, with a quick glance at Harry, she darted away, her movements graceful and swift, reminiscent of a startled gazelle.
Harry, slightly taken aback by Susan's impulsive gesture, touched his cheek where she had kissed him. A small smile played on his lips as he watched her leave.
"Well, well, Master Harry, it appears your heroics have not gone unnoticed by the fair damsels of Hogwarts," Nigel commented, a hint of mirth in his voice. "What's next? A fan club?"
Harry shook his head, still smiling. "That doesn't sound so bad. But I doubt it will go that far."
Madam Pomfrey, having successfully cleared the room, returned to Harry's side. "That was quite a scene you caused, Mr. Potter. I hope you are not getting drunk with the fame," she said, her tone softening slightly.
Harry nodded in acknowledgment. "Thank you, Madam Pomfrey. I assure you, I am not reckless."
Madam Pomfrey gave him a skeptical look but didn't press further. She went about her business, ensuring Harry was comfortable and his wounds were healing properly.
As the day turned to evening, Harry lay in the hospital bed, his mind busy with thoughts. The events of the day had unfolded in a way that had far-reaching implications. His daring rescue had not only gained him the admiration and gratitude of his peers but also placed him in a unique position within the dynamics of Hogwarts.
As night fell and the infirmary quieted down, Harry lay in his bed, his thoughts drifting to the various puzzles he was now part of. The Third Floor, the Gringotts break-in, the mysterious item removed from the vault, and now the growing relationships and alliances within Hogwarts. Each piece was a part of a larger puzzle, and Harry was determined to put them together.
As Harry was about to drift off to sleep, the last traces of Madam Pomfrey's salve working its magic on his injuries, he sensed a presence in the room. His instincts, honed by a combination of his unique upbringing and Nigel's tutelage, alerted him to the fact that he was not alone. Casually, he scanned the hospital wing and spotted two redheaded figures lurking in the corner. They were partially obscured by the dim lighting, but their mischievous aura was unmistakable.
Just as Madam Pomfrey retreated into her office, seemingly vanishing into the shadows, the twin Weasleys, Fred and George, materialized beside Harry's bed. Their sudden appearance was so typical of their notorious reputation for pranks and surprises.
"Blimey, look at him, George," Fred whispered theatrically, although loud enough for Harry to hear. "Our very own school hero, laid low by his own daring deeds."
George nodded in mock solemnity, adding, "Indeed, Fred. A broom-wielding knight in shining armor, if ever there was one."
Harry couldn't help but smile at their antics. He had heard of the Weasley twins' reputation for mischief and their flair for the dramatic. This was his first encounter with them, and they lived up to their billing.
"Thanks, I guess," Harry replied, playing along. "But I think 'knight in shining armor' is laying it on a bit thick, don't you?"
Fred grinned, leaning in closer. "Ah, but you see, Potter, in the hallowed halls of Hogwarts, legend grows quicker than a Flobberworm in spring."
George chimed in, "And you, dear Potter, have just fed that legend a rather large meal."
Harry chuckled, then winced slightly as his ribs reminded him of their recent ordeal. "Well, I suppose there are worse things to be known for than saving a classmate."
Nigel's voice murmured in Harry's mind, "Indeed, Master Harry. You could be known for your uncanny ability to find trouble. Oh wait, that seems to be the case as well."
Ignoring Nigel's comment, Harry addressed the twins. "I don't think we've formally met. You're Fred and George Weasley, right?"
The twins bowed theatrically in unison. "At your service," said Fred.
"And at your rescue, should you need a daring escape from the clutches of the infirmary," added George with a wink.
Harry laughed, appreciating their humor. "Well, I'll keep that in mind. But I think Madam Pomfrey might have something to say about that."
Fred glanced towards Madam Pomfrey's office. "Ah, the formidable Madam Pomfrey. A worthy adversary in the battle of boredom."
George nodded sagely. "A veritable dragon guarding her hoard of bedridden treasures."
Fred leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "It is rather curious, Potter, that we spotted you near the forbidden Third Floor corridor six days back."
George continued with a playful click of his tongue. "Tut tut, Potter. You know that place promises a painful death, right?"
Harry was shocked. He had been certain that no one was around when he was near the forbidden Third Floor corridor. His mind, usually so attuned to his surroundings, had been preoccupied with the Compelling Zone, yet he felt confident about the absence of others. How could the twins have known about his presence there? Their specific reference to the date six days prior, the exact time of his visit, ruled out any chance of a random guess.
--
It is the start of the new week. Please support me with Power Stones! Much appreciated!
-----
To Read up to 50 advance Chapters (25 for each novel) and support me...
patreon.com/thefanficgod1
Please drop a comment and like the chapter!