Chapter 6  Retorak

 

So... he was caught out of bed at one in the morning by Arrowny... who now not only knows about Harry’s invisibility cloak... but the Marauders Map as well. Harry really wishes he’d had the chance to wipe the map clear before Arrowny picked it up... but since he didn’t, he gets to just sit there, in the teachers office, and watch as the map is examined from every angle.

 

Looking around the room, Harry could see only three things that showed it to be anything more than a book storage room... there was a small stand in the corner, upon which the sword Sky Render was currently perched, and a small picture frame containing a muggle photograph of four people, all of whom looked rather uncomfortable with the prospects of having a picture taken. There was Ryan Arrowny, in his usual jean jacket, a taller man with spiked black hair wearing a long black coat and holding a staff of some sort... another tall, but extremely thin man with almost no hair, holding a battle axe, and a shorter man with a long pike type weapon in his hand. The final personal effect was another photograph... of a girl with long dark brown hair. She looks to be only about a year or two older than Harry.

 

“This is an interesting map, Harry. Don’t suppose you’d tell me where you got it?”

 

Harry just shakes his head... he really doesn’t feel like telling any single part of the history of the map.

 

“Okay then... how about the cloak... anything to add about it?”

 

Again, he shakes his head.

 

“You’re not helping yourself out here, Harry.”

“With all due respect, sir... I’m tired... it’s late... so, please just give me my detention... and take away the house points... and let me get to bed.” It’s not really true... Harry doesn’t feel at all like sleeping... he still has to process the conversation that he just had with Sirius.

 

“I’m not giving you detention, Harry.”

Harry was shocked, to say the least. He’d been caught red handed breaking a rule... that was detention worthy for sure.

 

“What?... Sorry, I mean...

...

...

What?! Why not?”

 

“I don’t think you have any respect for the rules of this institution... and forcing you to serve detention won’t change that.”

“No respect?!... I have respect!”

 

“No, Harry... you don’t. I’ve read your file... I know all about your past rule breakings. You’ve never shown respect.”

 

“My file?”

 

“Well... not your official file, of course... Dumbledore keeps those to himself. But, Professor Snape was kind enough to provide me with his own records of what he calls the ‘trouble makers’ in the school. Yours was at the top of the pile, and it was by far the largest.”

 

He was outraged! Snape has been keeping personal files on him during his time at Hogwarts! There had to be some sort of Wizard law against this kind of thing.

 

“There’s even a newspaper clipping in there about you, your friend Ron... and a flying Ford Angelina... now that... that made me laugh. But the point is, Harry... you don’t care about the rules here... and thus, detentions do nothing to break your poor habits. As a matter of school policy, I have to take points away from you... I think Professor McGonagall took fifty for being out after hours back in your first year, right? So, I’ll stick with that as a good number. But, the giving of detentions is solely up to the school official that catches the rule breaker... and as I see it... it wouldn’t do you any good anyway.”

 

“Okay... so... can I take my stuff and go?” Apparently he’d said something funny... because Arrowny start chuckling.

 

“You’re free to go... but this stuff... it stays. Detentions don’t work for you, Harry... but if I keep these things, then maybe you’ll get the picture.”

 

“What? You can’t do that!”

 

“Oh... I’m pretty sure I can.”

 

But Harry knew something that Arrowny didn’t... Dumbledore wanted him to have those items. The headmaster had sent the cloak to him twice, and he knew about the map and had never asked Harry to turn it in.

 

“I’ll go over your head.”

 

“And I might accidentally mistake these two things as kindling for my fire. I’m kinda the new law around here, Harry... the sooner you understand that fact... the better things will be for you.”

 

“Are you threatening me?” Harry suddenly felt very uncomfortable here. He was sitting in a closed room with a man who could obviously fight and apparently didn’t like him to much.

 

“Threatening you? That’s laughable. I don’t make threats, Harry... it’s just not in my nature.

 

Why? Am I scaring you?”

 

Harry tries his best to keep his breaths even... he was a little frightened... but he didn’t want this guy to know it.

 

“I’m not scared of you. You’ve read the file... I’ve fought Voldemort four times... you’re just a muggle with a big knife. Why would I be afraid of you?”

 

Arrowny smiles a wicked looking smile... worthy of any evil look even Lucius Malfoy had ever given.

 

“Voldemort... Voldemort. You know, kid... Voldemort is little more than a monster of the week compared to some of the things out there. You fought a wizard... good on you. When you beat up a god... I’ll be impressed. Until then... child... keep in line.

 

Go back to bed.”

 

Harry didn’t object... but he kept his eyes locked on Arrowny as he backed towards the office door. Once he gets into the hallway, he leans back against the nearest wall. He’s got so much on his mind... firstly... he needs to process what Sirius told him... and secondly... he needs to figure out how Arrowny managed to hide his presence on the Marauders Map.

 

Unfortunately, he really doesn’t have that kind of time... Gryffindor has Quidditch team tryouts tomorrow evening, and he really needs to get some sleep.

 

*        *        *        *        *        *

 

Harry sits in the Gryffindor locker room at the Quidditch pitch, thinking just how glad he is that there were only tryouts today, and not an actual practice... or worse yet, a game. He is absolutely exhausted! Between the meeting with Arrowny last night, Hagrid’s new ‘pets’ in Care of Magical Creatures this morning... he could barely blink without dozing off.

 

Each student in sixth year was given one of Hagrid’s new creatures to take care of... well, not given in the way that they get to bring them back to their room that... that would be really funny considering the Chocobos are about three meters tall... but they have to go down to the pen and feed it, and walk it, and make sure it’s happy. The walking part would probably be the hardest part... seeing as how the giant, yellow birds have a nearly endless amount of energy. Hagrid had said that they can be used for transportation, kind of like horses except they’re a lot faster.

 

But the tryouts were okay, even though last years loss of the Weasley twins, Angelina, Alicia, and Katie meant they had to replace five of seven team members... Harry and Colin Creevey had a heck of a time sorting through all the applicants. Harry still has trouble believing that the little annoying camera kid actually has some talent as keeper. As expected, Ron made beater, along with Alexander Tipping, a second year boy. Ethan Giles, and Rupert Rayne, and a small girl, Constance Berkley, all in second year, were selected as chasers. Harry realizes that they might have some problems with the fact that most of the team are rookies... but that’ll pay off in years to come with the teamwork they’ll learn.

 

Harry changes into his school robes, and heads out of the pitch to meet up with Ron and Hermione... and when he finds them, they’re in the middle of one of they’re usual rows. And the current topic of choice is, of course, Draco.

 

“Hermione, I will NOT talk to him! There’s no way in HELL!”

 

“Ron, GET OVER IT! It wouldn’t kill you to be nice to him!”

 

“It might! He is a MALFOY after all!”

 

“You need to get past his name, Ron. There’s more to him to know than that.”

 

“Hermione... I am not INTERESTED IN KNOWING IT!”

 

Harry walks up to them.

 

“Guys... what’s going on.”

 

Ron just stares angrily at Hermione. Harry notices that his friend’s fists are clenched at his sides...

 

“Nothing, Harry... nothing at all. Hermione here was just telling me what I should do with my life. I’m going to bed...”

 

Ron storms off toward the castle. Harry stays with Hermione, who looks about ready to cry. He sets his hand on her shoulder...

 

“Hermione... what’s going on?”

 

“He’s just so... stubborn. I just... I just wanted him to be nice for a change.”

 

“What do you mean?”

 

Hermione sighs...

 

“It’s a Hogsmeade weekend... the first of the year. I was talking to Draco about it... he said he’s not going... because he doesn’t think that anybody wants him to. I just thought it would be nice if... if maybe he came with us.”

 

“Oh... and you told this to Ron...” Harry can’t help but think how lucky it is that Ron didn’t just literally explode on the spot.

 

“Well... not... not exactly. I kind of told Ron that it would be really nice if he was the one who asks Draco to join us.” She starts to cry. Harry can kind of understand her side of things... after all, she and Draco are getting along well together... but, he could also understand why Ron was so mad. Draco Malfoy has been the bane of Ron’s existence for five full years.

 

“Hermione... you and Draco... what’s... you know... what’s between you?”

 

To his surprise, she giggles a little bit, and playfully hits him on the arm.

 

“It’s not like that, Harry. We’re not... together. We’re friends... like you and I are... nothing more. I just think it would be nice if you and Ron could... maybe... accept Draco as a friend.”

 

“Hermione... you know what we think of him... what he’s done to us over the years... the things he’s done to our friends... Hagrid... Neville.” Hermione stares sadly at him... and she still has that teary eyed look. Harry sighs...

 

“Okay... okay. He’s being nice this year... or, at least, he’s less mean. He’s being a friend to you... so... I guess... I could give him a chance.”

 

She jumps forward and wraps her arms around him.

 

“Thank you. But... what about Ron?”

 

“I’ll talk to him... I’m not making any promises... but I’ll try.”

 

“Do you think he’ll listen?”

 

Harry shrugs his shoulders. Hermione nods...

 

“It’s a little much to ask for, isn’t it...”

 

“It won’t hurt to try though. Come on... let’s go back to the common room.”

 

They head off toward the castle, talking at length about, among other things, the seemingly endless Weasley stubbornness.

 

*        *        *        *        *        *

 

Later that evening, Harry gets his chance to talk to Ron. He finds his friend sitting alone in the corner of the common room when he made a late night venture to find a book that he’d left behind earlier that day.

 

Ron was just sitting there, staring at the bright fire. Harry sits down on a nearby chair, and clears his throat to announce his presence. Ron turns around...

 

“Harry... NO! I know what you’re going to ask... and NO! I will not ask Malfoy to join us for the Hogsmeade trip. I’m not going to give in to her this time.”

 

“Ron... she just wants her friends to have some fun.”

 

“Since when are THEY friends?”

 

“Since sometime last year. Listen, Ron... Hermione’s really upset about this. She just thinks it would be... nice... since you’re really the only one that has a big problem with Draco... if you were the one who asks him to join us.”

“Oh! You don’t have a problem with him anymore, is that it!?”

 

“Well... not that much. Even you’ve got to admit... he’s gotten better this year.”

 

“You’re forgetting that argument that I had with him on the first day... in Potions.”

 

“You mean the one that YOU started?”

 

Ron starts to say something... but thinks better of it.

 

“Listen, Ron... even if you don’t want to do it... think of Hermione. Do it as a favour for her.”

 

“That’s kind of unfair you know... playing off of... well... you know... you do know, right?”

 

Harry smiles and nods. He knows exactly what Ron’s trying to say, but he really isn’t mean enough to make him say it out loud.

 

“So... you’ll do it?”

 

“Yeah... fine... I’ll do it... but I won’t pretend to like it!”

 

“Okay... I don’t think ‘Mione would expect you to turn around just that quickly. She’ll really appreciate this you know...”

 

“She’d better... me... asking a Malfoy to spend time with us! I never thought I’d live to see the day...”

 

*        *        *        *        *        *

 

Breakfast the next day is a loud event, as all students third year and above are anxious to get out to the village for the first time of the year. The trio arrive in the Great Hall after most of their school mates... apparently Ron had a hard time getting to sleep last night... the very thought of talking civilly to Draco kept him awake, and he had slept in a little longer than he meant to.

 

As soon as they step into the Hall, Hermione nudges Ron in the side, and points over to the Slytherin table where Draco is sitting, having breakfast with Arrowny.

 

“Now’s your chance, Ron. Look, he’s not even around other students... just Ryan. You won’t get a better opportunity.”

 

“Yeah... okay... fine.”

 

Up until this point, Harry still thought that Ron would back out... but it looks like he’s going to go through with it.

 

Ron walks up to the Slytherin table, and stops a few feet away from Draco and Ryan. He clears his throat, and waits until they turn.

 

“Um... Draco... were you... that is... are you planning going into the... ah... into the village today?”

 

Harry almost laughs at how uncomfortable Ron looks. He’s sweating... his hands are shaking, and he keeps running them through his hair. Hermione does give a little chuckle which she quickly turns into a cough. Draco looks confused...

 

“Well... not really. Why do you want to know?”

 

“Um... we... that is to say... I was wondering... if you wanted to join us... Hermione, Harry... and me... when we go... to the village... so do you?”

 

Draco and Ryan exchange surprised glances before Draco turns back to Ron and manages to sputter out an answer.

 

“Y-yeah... okay... sure. I’ll go with you guys.”

“Okay then...”

 

“Yeah... okay then...”

 

“Good...”

 

“Yeah... good...”

 

There’s a few awkward moments as Ron and Draco just glance around the Hall wondering what to do next. Luckily for them, Hermione is so happy that they managed to talk without coming to blows that she just runs over and pulls Ron into a hug. Harry just laughs... and heads over to the Gryffindor table to eat.

 

After breakfast, Harry, Ron and Hermione meet up with Draco in the Entrance Hall, and wait in line with the other students for Filch to check their names off of the list.

 

The trip to the village is silent... none of them want to disturb the temporary peace between Ron and Draco. It only takes them a few minutes to make the journey, and soon enough they’re standing in the village, surrounded by wizards and witches and magic shops and, at the end of the street, a ‘haunted house’.

 

“Well,” Hermione links her arm with Ron’s, “where should we go first?”

 

Without any hesitation, all three boys answer...

 

“Honeydukes!” Harry smiles a little at the fact that Draco answered exactly the same way that he and Ron had. Also, Harry notices the fact that when Hermione had taken hold of Ron’s arm, Draco didn’t even give them a second look. Maybe... maybe there really isn’t anything more than friendship between her and the blond Slytherin. At least Ron’ll be happy about that.

 

The remarkable scent of candy and chocolate hits them hard once they enter the shop. As usual, the place is full of students stocking up on Chocolate Frogs and Pepper Imps. Ron and Hermione head off toward the back wall to look at some of the exotic selections, leaving Harry and Draco to browse through the assorted chocolate treats. Harry looks around, and is surprised by the person who’s standing by the counter talking with one of the shop’s employees.

 

It’s Arrowny... still in his muggle clothing... and with his sword strapped to his lower back.

 

“Don’t you have any muggle candy?”

 

“Like what, Sir?”

 

“Like... Nibs... or... or... OH!, do you have any M&M’s?”

 

“I’m afraid I don’t know what those are, Sir?”

 

“WHAT!? You... don’t... KNOW what M&M’s are? How can you call yourself a candy shop?”

 

“Well... we don’t really carry any muggle candy Sir.”

 

“Okay... okay. Do you have anything that even remotely resembles muggle candy? Like... something that doesn’t move around... or anything else weird like that?”

 

Draco walks up behind Arrowny and taps him on the shoulder.

 

“Hey, Ryan.”

 

“Draco... how’re you doing?”

 

“Fine, fine...”

 

Draco turns to the employee.

 

“Don’t you guys keep a few containers of candy that haven’t been charmed yet in the back of the store?”

 

“Well... at the moment, all we have is some gummy worms that haven’t had the wriggling charm put on them yet.”

 

Draco looks at Ryan, who shakes his head...

 

“No... thank you. But, if you ever get some M&M’s... send me an owl... okay?”

 

Ryan and Draco turn away and head back over to where Harry is standing. He really tries not to... but he just can’t help looking with contempt at Arrowny. There’s just too much mystery around him.

 

Apparently Draco noticed the look.

 

“Something wrong, Harry?”

 

“I don’t think Mister Potter is very fond of me, Draco. I found him breaking a rule the other night... and he doesn’t really like the punishment.”

 

Draco glances back and forth between the two of them. Harry looks like he wants to hit Ryan... and, if the rumours about the teachers fighting skills are true, it really wouldn’t be a good idea.

 

“Okay then... um... perhaps we should get out of this very crowded building... get some fresh air maybe? Have you ever been in Hogsmeade before, Ryan?”

 

“Nope... anything else of interest here?”

 

“Well... there’s a pub... and a magic supply shop that sells potion ingredients and quills and such.”

 

“That sounds good.... the supply shop... let’s go there.”

 

They left Honeydukes and headed down the street, with Harry wondering the entire time why he didn’t just stay with Ron and Hermione in the sweet shop. They were just about to enter Dervish and Banges when they heard a scream... and the sound of glass shattering...

 

Harry and Draco both turn, wands at the ready, towards the Three Broomsticks just in time to see Madam Rosmerta land hard on the ground after being thrown through the front window. A quick glance told Harry that she was still breathing... but she looked like she’d gone ten rounds with a Norwegian Ridgeback. She was covered in blood from head to toe, and one of her arms was most definitely broken. Harry looks to the broken window of the pub to see what it was that had attacked her... and if he’d ever, in his life, felt the urge to run away... it was now.

 

The thing looked like a mass of moving rock that had been moulded into a slightly human shape. It was nearly as tall as Hagrid, and it looked to be just as strong, if not stronger, than the giant... plus... it looks really, really mean. There are large spikes of rock sticking out of its elbows and knees, as well as smaller spines at its knuckles... and its head was toped off with a crown of points. Its skin is dirt brown, with small streaks of clay red running through it. I didn’t take Harry long to decide that he really didn’t like the look of this thing.

 

It starts to walk forward, stepping over the window frame, and reaches out to grab Rosmerta. Harry and Draco shout out at the same time...

 

“STUPIFY!” The light from their wands hits the creature’s chest... but rather than stunning it, the attack only makes it madder. Harry and Draco are pulled back by Arrowny.

 

“Don’t bother guys... it’s a Retorak demon. Its skin is resistant to magical energies. But you stopped it from attacking the girl... so good on you. Now... grab her, and get away from here. This could get messy.”

 

Arrowny rushes forward, jumps high in the air, and lands a great kick in the Retorak’s chest. The demon barely moves from the blow, but Ryan lands face first on the ground with a loud thud. He flops over onto his back.

 

“Okay... that didn’t work!”

 

The Retorak swings down at Ryan’s head, but he quickly rolls away, and the creature’s fist only hits the dirt of the road. He kicks out, catching it across the face with his foot. The attack didn’t really hurt the thing, but it did get his attention.

 

Arrowny does a fancy little kick flip back to his feet, and takes off running in the direction of Dervish and Banges, as everybody else in the village runs back down the street in the direction of Honeydukes. Harry and Draco take the opening to check on Rosmerta. As Harry thought... she’s still breathing, but her pulse is quite week. Harry looks at Draco...

 

“Is it safe to move her?”

 

Draco glances over his shoulder just in time to see Arrowny get thrown to the ground again by the Retorak.

 

“It’s safer than leaving her this close to that thing.”

 

They conjure a stretcher and lift Rosmerta onto it. As quickly as they can they move down the street to the front of the candy shop, just in time to run into Hermione and Ron.

 

“Oh... my... god...” Hermione’s statement pretty much sums up the feelings of everybody who has gathered around the entrance of Honeydukes.

 

Meanwhile, outside Dervish and Banges, Arrowny dodges another swing by the Retorak. He kicks the demon in the leg, bringing it down to one knee. He spins around, and hits it in the side of the head with the back of his hand. He tries to kick it in the face, but it blocks his foot, and punches him in the chest. If anybody had been near the fight... they would have heard Ryan’s ribs crack under the force of the fist.

 

The Retorak wraps his hand around Arrowny’s throat, and lifts him high into the air before throwing him hard through the front door of the magical supplies shop. Ryan’s back slams into one of the potion ingredient shelves. He pushes himself back up to his feet, and his eyes fall on the small glass containers filled with fine powder of various colours in front of him.

 

“Salts...”

 

And then something connects inside him. He grabs one of the jars, labelled ‘KCl’ and slips it into his jacket pocket. Quickly scanning the labels, he finds a glass container of regular rock salt, and dumps the contents. He tries to stretch from side to side, but as he expected, his broken ribs prevent a great range of motion. He walks back out the front door, and looks around for the Retorak. Screams from down the street tell him where he’ll find it.

 

“Damn!”

 

Ryan runs toward the crowd of people outside Honeydukes, but with his injury, he’s not fast enough to catch up with the demon. Hermione and Ron both try to use a spell to slow it down, but they have no more luck than Harry and Draco had earlier. The Retorak swings and bats the three boys away... and grabs Hermione by the throat. Arrowny reaches the group just in time to stop Draco and Ron from trying to get Hermione out of the creature’s clutches.

 

“It’ll kill her if you try. Just calm down.”

 

The Retorak backs away from the group, slowly heading back down the street.

 

“He’s right... I will kill her...” Its voice is deep and scratchy. It looks right at Arrowny. “I know what you are... who you fight for... I just want to get away from here... if you let me go... she may live.”

 

Arrowny keeps his eyes locked on the Retorak... ready to strike if need be. He whispers to Draco...

 

“Remember how they said they had some gummy worms in the back?”

 

Draco looks confused... “Yeah... but this isn’t the time to worry about candy!”

 

Ryan passes Draco the empty rock salt container.

 

“Fill this up with them.” Draco still looks very confused he opens his mouth to ask again, but Ryan cuts him off. “Draco... just do it. Trust me.”

 

He nods, and runs into the candy shop. Arrowny starts to walk slowly toward the Retorak, which, in turn, backs away, still dragging Hermione by the neck. It raises its giant, rocky hand, and points straight at him.

 

“Are you going to let me go... or are you willing to be responsible for this girl’s death?”

 

“Well... that all comes down to simple logic, doesn’t it? If you kill her... I’ll kill you before you get away. But, if I let you go... then you’ll just go on to kill, what... ten... a hundred more people? The good of the many must always out weigh the good of the few... or the one. Yeah... it’s cliché... but it’s true.”

 

Draco rushes back outside with the gummy filled jar. He passes it to Arrowny before stepping back in line with Ron and Harry, who looked about ready to curse Ryan into oblivion.

 

“What are you planning to do, Arrowny?! You aren’t serious about that ‘good of the many’ stuff, are you?”

 

“Calm down, Harry... this is a hostage situation, in case you haven’t noticed.” The teachers tone was anything but calming. He sounds almost... sadistic.

 

“I realize that... but it’s OUR friend that’s the hostage. Mind letting us in on the plan?”

 

“The plan... Mister Potter... is to follow the first rule of hostage negotiation.

 

Kill the hostage.”

 

It all happens so fast that Harry barely has time to process the statement... even the Retorak looks surprised! Before he, Ron and Draco could even think about trying something to stop him, Arrowny had, in one swift motion, pulled a small throwing knife from inside his jacket, and hurled it right at Hermione.

 

She screams... and her body goes limp in the demon’s hands. Arrowny rushes forward, kicking it hard in the chest, causing it to stumble back a few paces. Harry just watches on, helpless to do anything. And then the strangest thing happens... he looks up at Arrowny as he’s fighting the demon... and sees that both of the teacher’s hands are on fire! There was a small glass jar in each of his palms, engulfed in flames.

 

Arrowny gives the demon another kick, making sure that it’s far enough away from the crowd of people... and then throws one of the glass jars. It hits the Retorak’s rock like chest, and shatters, covering the demon in a sticky, rainbow coloured substance... melted gummy worms.

 

Ryan smiles as he throws the other glass container, which now contains a clear liquid... the fire in his hand was hot enough to melt its contents. The glass shatters on impact, and when the clear liquid hits the multi coloured gummy liquid... what a sight to see!

 

Bright blue light flashes across the Retorak’s chest, and small explosions sound out over the screams of the demon. It looks like lightening dancing across the beast’s body. And when the light show ends... the Retorak still stands before the crowd... but it is injured. Steam is billowing out of a gapping wound in its chest.

 

Arrowny pulls Sky Render from his back.

 

“I really... REALLY hate this part...” He breaths in deep, steadying himself, before lunging forward, and plunging his hand into the creatures wound. He winces in pain as the flesh of his arm sizzles within the body of the Retorak. It looks at him with shocked eyes... and he smiles.

 

“Blizzard...”

 

The demon cries out as the frost rapidly spreads over its body. Its joints become stiff, and it stops moving. Eventually the cold reaches its head... and the screaming stops. Arrowny slowly pulls his hand from the body. He looks straight at the demon’s face... and swings hard with his sword, lopping its head off at the neck.

 

“I hope that’s the last time I ever have to do that...”

 

Harry, Ron and Draco finally feel able to move... and they rush forward to where Hermione’s body lays on the ground. Harry can’t bring himself to check on her... but Draco can. The blond reaches down, and turns her over onto her back... and finds himself enveloped in a great hug.

 

“Is it dead?!”

 

All three boys stare as Hermione looks around at the crowd of people. Her eyes fall on the severed head of the Retorak, and she gives a small squeal of delight.

 

“Oh, it IS dead! I thought for sure it was going to kill me.”

 

“Her-Hermione?! You’re alive?!” Ron blinks in confusion. Arrowny walks up beside him, his left arm tucked against his chest. Harry sees that the skin on his hand is badly burnt.

 

“Of course she’s alive. I needed her to get out of the way.” He helps Draco lift her to her feet. “I just wanted the Retorak to think she was dead, so that it’d drop her.” Draco pulls his hand away from her, and is surprised to see a small smear of blood on his fingers. Harry checks the side of Hermione’s robes, and finds a trickle of blood flowing from her abdomen.

 

“You... did you actually hit her with the knife?” He can feel himself getting angry...

 

“It had to look real. The demon would know if there wasn’t any blood... it can smell.”

 

“You... THREW A KNIFE AT HER!”

 

“Harry... clam down.” Hermione puts her hand on his shoulder, trying to get him to see reason. “Look... Ryan’s hurt, and Rosmerta really needs some medical attention. Let’s call the Auror’s in. They can look after her, and we can go back to Hogwarts. Madam Pomfrey can surely take care of Ryan.”

 

“And you too! You need to get that cut looked at.” The concern in Ron’s voice makes Harry back down. It is more important that they get somebody to look after their injuries, after all.

 

*        *        *        *        *        *

 

It took them a little while to get back to the castle... the Auror’s insisted that they stay behind and answer a few questions. But, after all the talk, Madam Rosmerta was taken to a wizards hospital in London, and the students were sent back to Hogwarts. Professor Dumbledore was waiting at the front doors for a report by Arrowny... and upon seeing the teacher’s injuries, he insisted that they talk in the hospital wing so Madam Pomfrey could tend to the wounds.

 

So, there they are... Harry, Ron, Draco and Professor Dumbledore are standing off to the side of the Hospital Wing, while Hermione and Arrowny are each sitting on a bed, with Madam Pomfrey fussing over their cuts and bruises.

 

“Mister Arrowny, do sit still!” Pomfrey was growing more and more impatient with the teacher, as he again pulls his burnt arm out of her reach.

 

“Look... deal with Hermione’s cut first, then you can worry about me.”

 

“She has a small laceration on her side... you have third degree burns on your arm... I assure you, it is far more important that you be treated first. Now... SIT STILL!”

 

Dumbledore steps forward...

 

“Perhaps, Ryan... you could tell me what happened today while Poppy looks after your arm?”

 

Ryan nods...

 

“Of course.

 

The village was attacked by a Retorak demon. I killed it... took its head. My guess is that this one was living in the forest for a while now... and it just decided to come out and play with the nice people.”

 

“I have a question...” Everybody turns to look at Ron, “Why didn’t our spells work on it? We tried the stunning charm... but, nothing happened.”

 

Draco steps up beside the redhead, nodding...

 

“And while we’re on the subject... what was with that lightshow? If magic can’t hurt it... why could that? Why’d you send me off to get you a handful of gummy worms? Why’d you throw a knife at Hermione? And, how the hell did you do the fire thing with your hands, not to mention the whole ‘turning the rock thing into a block of ice’ trick?”

 

Dumbledore starts to laugh... he walks over to Arrowny and places his hand on the teacher’s shoulder.

 

“I told you, young man... I told you that you would not be able to make it through the year without exposing your powers. You should have listened to me.”

 

“Yeah... well... I guess maybe you were right. Okay then... what do you want me to do about it?”

 

“Give me your full report.”

 

“Here?” Ryan looks around questionably at the gathered students. “Now?”

 

“Yes... you’d might as well. I’m rather confident that these four would have eventually worked out the facts of your... abilities.”

 

“Well, I have other work to do,” Madam Pomfrey whispers to the Headmaster, “so I’ll just be in my office. Ryan will be fine, the healing potion just needs a few minutes to take effect, and the ribs will be tender for a few hours. By the time you’re all done talking he should be fine.”

 

“Thank you, Poppy.” The matron nods and heads to her office. “Okay Ryan... go ahead.”

 

Arrowny flexes his injured arm, relieved to find that the pain has subsided. He still looks hesitant to tell what really happened, but...

 

“The Retorak attacked the woman... I’m not quite sure why... and it was about to kill her when Draco and Harry tried some magic. But, since the Retorak’s skin is resistant to magical energies, it didn’t do anything but piss it off. It did make for a good distraction, though. It came at them, and I was able to get its attention, so that they could get the woman to safety.

 

I fought with it for a while before it threw me into the supplies shop... where I picked up a container of potassium chloride.”

 

“But, what does that have to do with the fight?” Ron’s confusion is quite evident in his voice.

 

“I’ll get to that... be patient.

 

So... I followed the thing back down the street, and sent Draco off to get some gummy worms. It grabbed Hermione as a hostage, thinking that I’d back off...” He gives a small chuckle... “but it didn’t work. I threw one of my knives, and hit Hermione in the side, just enough to draw a bit of blood” He turns to her, “Sorry about that, by the way.”

 

Hermione just nods, and he continues.

 

“The Retorak can smell blood, and if I really was going to trick it into thinking I’d killed her, there needed to be fresh blood. The trick worked... and I saw an opening. I melted the gummy worms, and the KCl... and I threw it at the demon.”

 

Draco steps forward.

 

“Yeah, but... how did you melt the stuff? And... what made that lightshow?”

 

“The... um... lightshow, as you put it... was just energy that was released when the carbon to carbon atomic bonds in the gummy worms were broken by the chemical reaction with the KCl.”

 

“But, didn’t you just say that the Retorak’s skin is resistant to energy?”

 

“No... I said it was resistant to magic! This wasn’t sorcery... it was science... there’s a big difference. Magical energies are different. You should learn the difference... it could be important someday.

 

So, anyway... the explosion was enough to break its chest open, and let me freeze if from the inside out. Then I was able to cut off its head... and that’s that.”

 

“Okay, but back to my questions,” Draco’s getting more and more impatient by the minute, “how did you melt the stuff? And along the same lines... how... and why, did you freeze it?”

 

Ryan takes a deep breath before answering...

 

“The same way you would... I used magic.”

 

There is a collective gasp from the four students. Hermione just shakes her head...

 

“You’re a muggle... you can’t use magic... you told us that you can’t use magic!”

 

“No... what I said was, that by your ministry’s laws, I’m a muggle because I can’t do wand magic... I never said anything about other magics. I used a low level fire spell to melt the gummy worms and the salt... and a blizzard spell to freeze the thing... which I had to do because, even with a sword as strong as Sky Render, I can’t cut through its rocky skin unless it’s frozen.

 

You see... the Retorak’s circulation system doesn’t pump blood like a human's... but rather a very hot substance. If you freeze its ‘blood’, you can cut it up with a normal weapon. Does that answer your ‘why’ question, Draco?”

 

“Sure it does... but we’re WAY beyond that now. How the hell can you use magic?”

 

“Well... I think Harry should be able to answer that.”

 

All eyes fall on Harry... who has absolutely no idea what Arrowny’s talking about. He just blinks stupidly for a few seconds...

 

“I... I should be able to answer?! How... why?”

 

Arrowny just shakes his head...

 

“Harry... what did you draw as your project topic?”

 

Hermione’s eyes widen in understanding.

 

“You mean, you ARE related to that Relm Arrowny?!  Well... that explains a lot.” Harry looks questionably to Ron and Draco... and is happy to see by their expressions that he isn’t the only one who doesn’t get the connection. Hermione also notices the looks, and rolls her eyes.

 

“Honestly... am I the only one who does the readings for class? Relm Arrowny is one of the warriors whom were infused with magical powers by the Espers... powers which get passed down through a family line. But, I was lead to believe that those powers were supposed to totally breed out after one thousand years or so. How is it possible that you would still have magic at all after over nine thousand years?”

 

Ryan suddenly becomes very serious. He stares down at the floor for a little while...

 

“I’m just lucky, I guess.”

 

He jumps off the bed, and groans as his feet hit the floor. “Pomfrey wasn’t kidding about the tenderness thing. I think I should maybe... go have a small coma or something. I’ll catch up with everybody later... maybe...”

 

He drags his feet as he leaves the hospital wing. After he’s out of earshot, Draco turns to the group, laughing... but only just a little.

 

“I’d better go and make sure he doesn’t collapse before he gets back to the dorm.” He gives a small smirk to Hermione before following the teacher. Hermione gets up, and takes Ron by the arm.

 

“Are you coming back to the Tower, Harry?”

 

“No, I’ll see you two later.” They leave, and Harry turns around to see Professor Dumbledore... his hand in the small container that Madam Pomfrey keeps her emergency chocolate... looking quite like a child who was just caught sneaking one to many cookies.

 

“You know, Professor... I don’t think Madam Pomfrey would approve of that.”

 

“Well then, Harry... it would be best if we kept it a secret... don’t you think?” The old wizard gives a small chuckle as he pops a small piece of chocolate into his mouth. “Delicious... she always steals the best chocolate for her supplies. She even found out about a case of Hershey bars I had sneaked into the castle last year... it was all I could do to talk her into letting me have just one.” The old wizard sits on the edge of one of the beds. “So, young man... I assume, by the fact that you chose to remain here rather than head back to your dormitory with the others, that you have something on your mind. Care to share?”

 

Harry nods. He had learned, last year, that it’s best to bring any concerns he has straight to Dumbledore, rather than let them fester inside. Dumbledore had even made that whole ‘this is your battle as much, if not more, than anybody’s’ speech.

 

“Actually, Sir... I was wondering... about Mister Arrowny.”

 

“I think he’s fitting in quite well here.”

 

“Well... that’s not it. I’m wondering... do you trust him?”

 

There is only a moment’s hesitation before the Headmaster responds...

 

“Yes.”

 

“May I ask why?”

 

“You may ask... but, as was our original agreement, I have the right to withhold the answer. I have my reasons, Harry... but, I’m curious as to why you felt the need to ask in the first place. Do you have reason not to trust him?”

 

“I’m not sure if I don’t trust him... or if I just don’t like him.”

 

“There is quite a difference between those two, Harry. I hope that you can work out exactly which one you are really feeling.”

 

Dumbledore stands, and places a hand on Harry’s shoulder.

 

“Listen, Harry... there are a few hours of daylight left, and I understand that you have a Chocobo that needs looking after if you’re to win that race that Hagrid’s been talking about. Why don’t you go to the paddock and see how the poor thing is doing... and take some time to collect your thoughts. Perhaps the fresh air will do you good.”

 

With one last nod, Dumbledore leaves the hospital wing, leaving Harry all alone in the large, rather intimidating, room. Deciding that the Headmaster was probably right, he decides to head out and check on Swift, his Chocobo.

 

He tries to stay away from other students as he leaves the castle, hoping to avoid questions about the events in the village, and soon enough he finds himself standing in front of the paddock, holding a chopped Phasana Green, and coaxing the near horse size fowl to eat.

 

“Come on now... we’ll never win the race if you don’t eat.”

 

With a high pitched affectionate squawk, the animal takes a bit of the greens from Harry’s outstretched hand, and munches away happily. Harry smiles as the Chocobo feeds... and then something catches his eye.

 

A glint of red in the darkness of the nearby forest... the crimson robes of the Protector, standing just within the confines of the forest. Harry checks around to make sure nobody, Hagrid in particular, is around before walking around the paddock... slowly moving to the edge of the school grounds.

 

The Protector raises a hand, beckoning the boy closer. Harry approaches... cautiously... keeping sure to stay on his side of the mystical barrier.

 

“I... I didn’t think I’d see you again... so soon, that is. And, there’s still daylight... isn’t this a bit of a risk? What if you’re seen?”

 

“It is unavoidable. I need to know... Harry, have you made a decision as to whether or not you will help me?”

 

“I... don’t know.”

 

The Protector nods...

 

“I understand. It is not an easy thing to decide. I have new information, Harry... information about the agent of evil that is currently within the walls of Hogwarts. I do not wish to get you involved... but I wish for you to be safe.

 

The Dark Lord has hired a mercenary... a demon hunter from overseas. Rumour has it that this person has powers... real magical powers. He is a strong warrior...”

 

It takes Harry a few moments to process this...

 

Demon hunter...

 

From overseas...

 

Real magical powers...

 

Strong warrior...

 

“Oh my god...” He knew it! He just knew that there was a reason he didn’t trust Arrowny! “I know! I know who it is!”

 

“I was hoping that you would.”

 

Harry’s mind is racing. How could Dumbledore be blind to this? Of course, Quirrell and the fake Moody were at Hogwarts for a full year before anybody figured out which side they were on. Is it really that much of a stretch to believe that Arrowny is any different?

 

So, Harry makes a decision... a decision that will more than likely throw him right in the middle of all the trouble... right where he usually finds himself anyway. He raises his head to look at the Protector... confidence in his eyes...

 

“I’ll help you.”