Harry woke up around 7:40 am, glad to be in his room rather than the dormitory. The sleep had been rather fun as he got to see that beautiful snake like creature again. Then the dream had switched to the Fire Realm and he met Embera, who was beautiful as ever. There he talked with her for sometime before the dream faded away and he woke up to the sound of his alarm blaring.
He got up and stretched before going to the window to see the garden. Hilda, Midge and Trinket were tending to the garden below. Harry smiled at the familiar scene. He then proceeded to take a set of casual clothes from his closet and headed to the bathroom to get fresh. After a long shower, he got out refreshed and changed into the new pair of clothes. The black t-shirt, along with the black jeans and sneakers, made a great contrast with his eyes and made him stand out.
Refreshed, he headed downstairs to say goodbye before he went back to Hogwarts. Petunia was bustling in the kitchen with Dinky helping her. Abigail in her seat at the dinning table sleeping. Vernon seemed to have left early morning to somewhere.
"Morning Mum!" Harry said as he entered the kitchen. Petunia turned around to see that Harry was dressed in all blacks. "Meeting someone special, Harry?", she teased him.
Harry chuckled, "Nope, just celebrating my freedom from the classes." He sat down near Abigail and ruffled her hair. "Morning sleepyhead."
Abigail mumbled sleepily, "Mornim..bwoher..." Harry chuckled, "Wake up Abby...I am leaving."
Petunia turned around, "Eat your breakfast before you go." Harry shook his head, "I can't mum, I'll have to appear in the Great Hall for breakfast since I didn't appear for dinner yesterday." He ruffled Abigail's hair again. "I can't let anyone suspect anything."
Petunia nodded but was sad. Abigail who was now awake looked at Harry, "Will you come back soon?" Harry smiled and flicked her nose, "Before you even know it." Abigail scowled at that but hugged him tightly, "Come back soon okay."
Harry smiled and hugged her back, "I promise." He then turned to Petunia, "Mum, tell Dad that I'll owl him the list of ingredients when I finalise it." Petunia nodded as she put down a couple of eggs and sausages on a plate. Harry grabbed a sausage and bit off half of it. "Alright then, see you soon." with that he Disapparated without a sound.
Harry appeared in his empty dormitory and popped the rest of the sausage in his mouth before he fixed his bed. He removed the pillows and bolsters that he had placed to make it look like he was sleeping. Then he headed down to the Great Hall for breakfast. On the way he looked at the clock in the common room which read 8:36 am. Well at least he was not that late, not that he had any classes to attend.
As he neared the Great Hall he could hear the chatter and clatter coming from the Great Hall. He entered the Great Hall to see that it was still bustling with students still having their breakfast. He quickly made his way towards the Gryffindor table.
"Morning, Harry!" Hermione called out, waving him over.
"Morning, Hermione. Morning, Ron," Harry replied, taking a seat next to them.
"Ron said that you don't have to attend classes anymore Harry," Hermione said. Harry nodded, "Yeah, I talked with Dumbledore and he agreed to give me time off to work on the personal project."
Ron asked, "What personal project is it? The same potion that you were working that day?"
Harry shook his head as he pulled some sausages and eggs onto his plate. "No it's a different one. That potion is done already. I just have to test it out which I think I'll be able to do it tomorrow or day-after tomorrow."
"So what's the new project then?" Hermione asked as she started cutting up her French toast. Harry shoved some eggs and pieces of sausage into his mouth. He chewed and answered, "Its a potion too but I have still not decided what kind of potion. I mean I have many ideas but I need to fix one so I'll probably would be doing that today."
Ron and Hermione looked intrigued. Harry dropped his voice, "Also there is something important I came across yesterday. I want to talk to you guys about it after class."
Both of them nodded, and Hermione asked, "What is it about?"
Harry whispered back, "I might be related to your dream Hermione. The one with the stone and Dumbledore"
Both Ron and Hermione's eyes went wide. They didn't know what to say and they were very eager to know. But they were getting late for the classes so they took their leave. Harry stayed back and enjoyed his breakfast. After having his fill, he got up and made his way to back to the common room. As he entered the room, he saw that Percy was sitting on the desk writing something. He moved closer, "Hi Percy, you don't have classes?"
Percy looked up from his parchment, adjusting his glasses. "Oh, hello Harry. No, I have a free period this morning. I'm just finishing up some notes since the exams are near."
Harry nodded, "Got it. Mind if I sit here for a bit? I've got some time to kill."
"Of course, go ahead," Percy replied, returning to his notes. Then he looked up again as if he was registering Harry for the first time. "Don't you have classes?"
"No... I got permission to skip classes from Dumbledore." Harry said as he sat down in a nearby chair. He pulled one of the books Percy was not using to see what he was dealing with. Seemed like a lot of theory was asked in the exams for fourth year. Harry felt that it was rather stupid that they were asking for this much useless theory rather than asking the concept behind the spells. Then again, people always did tend to overlook the concept behind the spells.
Percy cleared his throat, "Dumbledore gave you permission to skip classes? That's weird."
Harry smiled, "Not at all, I just asked permission to tackle a private project of mine which when I explained to Dumbledore, he was more than ready to give me time off."
Percy looked impressed, "Must be a pretty cool project." He said as he put his quill on the table. Harry shrugged, "Maybe maybe not. We won't know until I can finish it." Percy nodded as he understood that Harry didn't want to talk about the project details.
"Say Percy, one day if you have to choose between family or wealth. What would you choose?", Harry asked suddenly. Considering what the future Percy does, Harry wanted to know the answer early so that he may be able to change him for the better.
Percy was caught off-guard with that question. He looked at Harry with an intense gaze before his gaze went glazy as he tried to picture the situation. Since childhood he had faced the family's financial situation and he never got to enjoy certain things like the wealthy kids did. Sure he understood his family's condition and didn't blame them but he too wanted to have a good childhood like the rich kids. So keeping that in mind the choice should be wealth right?
Then he remembered, why he was working this hard. He was working himself to the bones in hopes of getting a god job so he could support his family. Will he really choose wealth over his family? If so then why had he been working so hard? Was it really worth it to be wealthy at the cost of his family? What would he do with all the riches if he had to abandon his family?
"Family...I'll choose my family," Percy replied with a stoic expression. Harry smiled, at least so far he was on the right track.
"Why do you ask?" Percy asked Harry. Harry shrugged, "Just a question don't think too much about it."
Percy was not convinced, "What would you choose? Wealth or Family?"
Harry replied without hesitation, "Family...I'll choose my family over anything and everything, regardless of what it is." Percy nodded as he saw the clear distinction in Harry's eyes. He had known that Harry would choose his family without question. He still had dreams about that day in Romanian Dragon Reserve. The day Harry almost killed a dragon just because his mother and sister were almost hurt by it. The sentence Harry had spoken in that grave voice still gave him chills when he thought about it. "How dare you try to take the people I love from me?" This sentence was not just a question but also a threat. The sentence had an inevitable grey truth behind it; Harry would kill anyone who dared to harm his family.
The more chilling fact was that no one would be able to stop him. There were no wizards who could render a dragon incapable of moving just with magical pressure.
"I see," Percy replied. "You are incredibly fond of you family aren't you..."
Harry smiled and said softly, "Like you wouldn't believe..."
Percy saw the smile and couldn't help smiling himself. It showed the clear affection he held for his family. "So what do you plan on doing for the entire day, now that you don't have to deal with classes?"
Harry thought about it for a while before answering, "Don't know...apart from researching on my project, I'll probably go down to meet Hagrid. It's been a while since I saw him."
Percy cocked his head, "You would visit Hagrid?" This was the first time he was hearing someone say this after Charlie. Harry nodded, "Yeah, he is an incredible company. Also I get to learn more about creatures from him."
"Huh..." Percy managed to say. Harry then took the transfiguration book and pointed to Percy. "You know Percy, if you understand the concept behind the spell then you will find it easy to learn the theory. Like what was the spells intention and why we couldn't use any other spell for it."
Percy thought about it and nodded, "I'll try thinking about it..." Harry put down the book and got up, "Also magic is more than just means of getting things done easily or making things convenient. Read the book I gave you for Christmas in your free time. You might find valuable insight in it."
Percy looked at Harry with a thoughtful expression, nodding as he took in his advice. "I'll do that. Thanks, Harry. You've given me a lot to think about."
Harry smiled and patted Percy on the shoulder. "Anytime, Percy. Remember, magic is as much about understanding as it is about power."
With that, Harry left the common room and headed down towards Hagrid's hut. The weather was perfect with a slight breeze that kept blowing periodically. He could smell some wild flowers on the breeze.
As he approached Hagrid's hut, he saw the giant of a man tending to his garden. Fang, Hagrid's massive boarhound, was lounging nearby, soaking up the sun.
"Morning, Hagrid!" Harry called out.
Hagrid looked up and beamed when he saw Harry. "Morning, Harry! What brings yeh down here?"
Harry grinned as he approached. "Just thought I'd drop by and say hello. I have some free time today."
"Well, tha's great! Come on in, I've jus' put on a pot o' tea," Hagrid said, ushering Harry inside.
The interior of Hagrid's hut was cluttered as always. Harry took a seat at the large wooden table while Hagrid poured them both a cup of tea.
"So, how's school treatin' yeh?" Hagrid asked, settling down across from Harry.
"It's been good. Dumbledore gave me some time off to work on a personal project," Harry replied, taking a sip of his tea.
"Really now? Must be somethin' special fer Dumbledore to give yeh time off," Hagrid said with a knowing smile.
Harry nodded. "It is. It's something I've been wanting to work on for a while. But enough about that, how have you been, Hagrid?"
"Oh, yeh know, same ol' same ol'. Lookin' after the creatures, keepin' the grounds in shape. Been workin' with some new magical plants lately, tryin' to get 'em to grow," Hagrid replied, his eyes lighting up with excitement.
Harry listened to him intently as Hagrid talked about various things. It was necessary to keep a bond with him since he was a good person that stood by Harry till the end. Also for now, the dragon egg was something that was necessary to keep an eye for. It could land Hagrid in trouble if they didn't send it away.
Suddenly a thing clicked in Harry's mind as Hagrid talked about magical creatures. Say if Myrtle was to give a statement that it was not an Acromantula that killed her, could it help reverse Hagrid's expulsion? Certainly possible right? After all Myrtle clearly remembered what killed her according to what he had read in the second book, that accompanied by Dumbledore and his influence could definitely help reopen the case and get Hagrid's name cleared. And about the Acromantula, Harry was sure he would manipulate the Aurors and the Ministry to certain degree specially when its Fudge.
Harry smirked, as the idea sprang to life and every possible outcome was Hagrid's expulsion being reversed. He asked Hagrid, "Say Hagrid, you got expelled from Hogwarts right?"
Hagrid seemed taken aback at Harry's question and became a bit uncomfortable. "Aye, I did, in me third year," he admitted, shifting his weight uneasily.
Harry nodded in understanding and then changed the topic to something different. After a while, he asked Hagrid, "Hypothetically, Hagrid, if yeh were called back to Hogwarts to complete yer schooling, what would yeh do?"
Hagrid seemed shocked by this question again. "Blimey, Harry, that's a right shocker," he said, his eyes widening. "I... I wanted nothin' more than to complete me education. I'd love ter do it. Always felt like I missed out on somethin' important."
He sighed heavily. "But it's jus' a dream. Would never happen in real life, would it?"
Then he went on a rant about how generous Albus Dumbledore was for letting him stay as the Gamekeeper. "Dumbledore, now there's a man with a heart o' gold. Took me in when no one else would, gave me a home an' a purpose. I owe him everythin', Harry. Everythin'."
Harry nodded. There was no stopping when Hagrid started talking about Dumbledore. This man practically considers him his god. Then again Harry understood from where he is coming from because Hagrid was a half-giant so everything was particularly difficult for him and Dumbledore did give him a livelihood when no one else could.
After a while, Harry asked, "Hagrid, have you ever come across any three-headed dog. I read about one yesterday in the Library. Do they really exist?"
Hagrid's eyes twinkled with excitement. "Ah, yeh mean Fluffy! Aye, they exist alright. Got 'im from a Greek chappie I met in the pub. Fluffy's a right good guard dog, loyal as anythin'. But yeh don' wanna mess with 'im if yeh don' know how to calm 'im down."
Harry showed interest even though he already knew Fluffy. "Fluffy? You have a three-headed dog named Fluffy?"
"Sure do," Hagrid said proudly. "Keeps out all sorts o' trouble. Jus' play a bit o' music an' he'll fall right asleep, no problem."
Harry whistled. "That's incredible, Hagrid. I've never heard anything like that before."
Hagrid beamed. "Oh, there's all sorts o' magical creatures out there, Harry. Jus' gotta know where to look an' how to handle 'em. I've always had a knack fer it, yeh see."
"Can I see it someday? Is it here at Hogwarts?", Harry asked.
Hagrid became visibly uncomfortable at Harry's request. "Uh, well, yeh see, Fluffy's, er, busy this year," he stammered. "Lent 'im to someone fer guardin' somethin' important. Yeh might have to wait until next year ter see 'im."
Harry nodded, understanding the real reason but keeping it to himself. "I understand, Hagrid. Maybe next year then."
"Yeah, maybe next year," Hagrid repeated, looking relieved. "But there's plenty o' other creatures yeh can see. I've got some nifflers, bowtruckles, an' a whole bunch o' interesting critters 'round here."
"That's great, Hagrid. But I think I'll have to take a rain check today," Harry smiled as he got up to leave.
"No problem, Harry. Yeh know where ter find me if yeh ever want to chat or see some critters," Hagrid said warmly.
Harry nodded, "Thanks, Hagrid. I'll see you around." With that, he left the hut and started walking back towards the castle.
As he walked back he thought about the plan to clear Hagrid's name. He really didn't see any flaw in the plan apart from that toad "Umbridge". He had really hated her when he read the books and that feeling is still not gone. Maybe if he could deal with her somehow before dealing with Fudge then it would be easier to dethrone Fudge. Not that it was very had to dethrone Fudge right now. All he would have to do is just prove how Lucious has been bribing Fudge.
He stood by the lake watching the Giant Squid float around lazily near the surface. He sat down under a tree and pulled out his broom from his pouch, the one he didn't use for Quidditch. He had wanted to do experiments on it forever but never got started. Now that he thought about it, as Abigail had asked, can brooms work under water? He looked at the lake, it was a nice opportunity to test it out. Should he?
Harry pondered for a moment, then decided to give it a try. The idea of riding a broom underwater was too intriguing to pass up. He stoop up, took a deep breath, and cast a Bubble-Head Charm on himself. Then he mounted his broom and kicked off the ground into the air.
He shot up in the air and then turned around and dived towards the lake. As he approached the water, he slowed his descent, hovering just above the surface for a moment before plunging in. The cold water enveloped him immediately, but the Bubble-Head Charm allowed him to breathe and allowed him to see clearly. Harry pushed the broom forward, expecting it to glide through the water as smoothly as it did through the air.
However, he quickly realized it didn't work the way he imagined it would. The broom didn't respond at all. He tried to adjust his grip and angle, but it was no use—the broom simply wasn't designed for underwater travel. Frustrated but not willing to give up just yet, Harry experimented with different techniques, hoping to find a way to make it work. He tried to ascend, descend, and even perform a few simple loops, but each attempt only confirmed that the broom was not built for underwater adventures.
After several minutes of futile attempts, Harry sighed and decided to call it quits. He swam back to the surface with his broom in his hand. Walking onto the shore, he removed the Bubble-Head Charm and shook his head in disappointment.
"Well, that didn't go as planned," he muttered to himself. "Guess we'll have to stick to the air."
He put his broom beside him and sat down. He quickly cast a drying charm on himself to dry up his wet clothes and shoes. He cast another drying charm on his broom to get rid of any water on it. Well at least he found out that brooms don't work underwater.
He sat there for a while longer thinking about which potion he should develop first. Thinking about it, he really is annoyed with having to wear glasses and then again he really needed the ability to speak Parseltongue. Revising the recipes, to make the Eye-Sight Correcting Potion he would need the basilisk venom as the potion destroyed the eyes from the inside before rebuilding it. As he thought about the process, a shiver ran down his spine. He had experienced a lot of pain but getting his eyes destroyed from the inside would be a pain on the next level.
He decided it. He would be making the potion that will allow him to speak Parseltongue. Dealing with the basilisk before the next year should be the best course of action. He tried to remember all the ingredients he would require to make the potion. Boomslang Skin, Snake Venom, Essence of Dittany, Phoenix Feather, Unicorn Hair, Moonstone Powder, Parsley Root, Hissroot, Phoenix Tears, Dragon Heartstring, Mandrake Root, and Snakeweed. Considering all the ingredients, it would be perhaps the most expensive potion he has ever made.
He would have to write to Vernon regarding the ingredients. For the Phoenix feathers and tears, he could try to ask Fawx, hopefully he would not deny. Thinking about all the ingredients, Harry understood why the potion disappeared from the world. The ingredients are too hard to acquire unless you are loaded with money or have necessary connections to get the ingredients. The Phoenix feather and tears would be used to modify the potion to make it's effects permanent.
Harry pulled out a pocket watch from his pouch and checked the time. It was already 12:45 pm. Realising he spent almost his entire morning outside the castle he decided to head back. He stuffed his broom back into the pouch along with the pocket watch, and made his way back into the castle.
As he walked back, his stomach rumbled. Harry decided that he would have lunch first before he went back to the common room to write to Vernon.
Walking into the Great Hall he noticed that it was still relatively empty as the students were yet to return from their classes. Harry sat down on the empty Gryffindor table and started piling food on his plate. He grabbed some roast lamb and gravy first.
As Harry started eating, the hall started filling as the students arrived from their classes. Halfway through his lunch, Ron and Hermione arrived and sat down beside him.
"How was classes?", Harry asked as he took a large burrito for himself. Ron sighed as he pulled some drumstick onto his plate, "Not great. Lucky you! Not having to be in classes anymore"
Hermione countered, "You are only saying that because we have an assignment to submit tomorrow."
Harry chuckled as they started their banter again. Hermione turned to him after getting some food on her plate, "What did you do, Harry?"
"I talked with Percy for a while in the common room. Then I went down to visit Hagrid for a while." Harry explained as he took a sip of juice. "Stayed there for quite a while talking to him."
Ron and Hermione both started eating. "What did you talk to him about?" Ron asked with his mouth full.
"Manners, Ron", Hermione snapped. "Don't talk with food in your mouth!"
Harry explained, "I was trying to find out about creatures Hagrid had taken care of. And I was right." He sipped on his juice before continuing. He dropped his voice to a whisper, "Remember the three headed dog on the third floor corridor?"
"Yeah, almost ended our lives before we got to second yeah," Ron said. "What about it?"
"Well that dog's name if Fluffy and he is Hagrid's pet," Harry said. Ron dropped his chicken leg. "He named that Fluffy?"
"Yeah, don't ask me." Harry said as he grabbed a piece of apple pie. Ron looked at Hermione, "Did it look Fluffy to you Hermione?" He asked in disbelief. Hermione tried not to laugh as she replied, "No, it certainly did not look fluffy," she agreed, glancing at Harry.
Harry took another sip of his juice before responding. "Well, Fluffy is guarding something very important. Hagrid let it slip when I was asking him if I can see Fluffy."
Ron leaned in closer, his curiosity piqued. "Guarding what?"
Harry lowered his voice further, ensuring no one else could hear. "I think Fluffy is guarding the entrance to the place where the Sorcerer's Stone is being kept."