TheUnwillingChosenOne Uploaded!

Not Every Fight Ends In A Victory

As promised, after dinner Harry helped Luna look for his missing possessions. They mostly just wandered around near Ravenclaw tower talking about all sorts of different magical creatures. It was a relaxing stroll until three fifth years tried to jump them. Harry yanked Luna out of the way of the first hex.

"Luna, go get Professor Flitwick. Go!"

Harry focused on dodging and keeping the hexes and spells from hitting Luna as she made a break for Flitwick's office. They got hit by a severing charm, cutting into their shoulder. They ignored the pain that radiated through their body as they dived out of the way of another hex. They could feel themself slowing down as the pain started to really register.

They heard the spell hit its mark more than felt it: the pale green light struck their chest and propelled them backwards, down the staircase behind them. Reaching out for something to grab onto, the world faded away after they hit the first few steps and tumbled down. The last thing they fully registered was a shriek from one or their attackers and yelling.

Professor Flitwick and Luna had arrived from the other end of the hall just in time to watch Harry get pushed backwards. The attackers didn't have a chance to run as Flitwick hit each of them with a stunner before rushing down the stairs to check on his injured student. Luna, on the other hand, viciously kicked one of the girls in the side as she passed.

Harry lay prone at the bottom, a halo of blood, and shirt dyed red. Flitwick cast as many healing spells as he could in an attempt to keep the child stable while they were transported to the infirmary. With that, Flitwick cast the levitation charm on Harry, three petrificus totalus's, and hurried to the infirmary.

They were awoken to the sounds of yelling and growling. Sirius and Snape were easy to make out amid the raised voices and Professor Lupin was the only one who would be growling. The person, persons?, being yelled at hadn't spoken yet. The next thing they noticed was the pervasive smell of cleaning spells and products, which answered where they were. Before they could ponder more on their current residence, Sirius had gotten louder.

"I want you to do your damn job! My godchild was attacked by a couple of fifth years! He had a goddamn concussion! I want to see a suitable punishment!"

"Now Sirius -"

"No! Either those girls are punished or I'm pulling Harry out of Hogwarts! I am officially Lord Black, so getting magic tutors would be more than easy! And if they want to go to a school then Durmstrang or Beauxbatons would be lucky to have them!"

"If Harry and Sirius leave, then I'll be going with them," Lupin's eyes still glowed the fierce amber color of his wolf, who was beyond pissed at not being able to protect his pup. "I don't care that the attackers were girls, they were three fifth years against one third and second year!"

"I will also be resigning if Harry is pulled out. After all, the vow is still in place." Snape's cool tone caused Dumbledore to flinch, he couldn't afford to lose his potion's master and Harry.

"Harry should be the one to decide their punishments. We shall simply wait until he wakes."

"I think a few weeks detention with Professor Snape, 30 points lost, and an essay on anti-bullying and why they should have basic empathy to people who are different from them," Harry ignored Pomphreys fussing while forcing themselves into a sitting position. "I don't think they should be expelled, but they should most definitely get a harsh punishment. Make them into an example so no one else tried to bully the younger years."

Harry suddenly was fighting with Madam Pomphrey, trying to get up out of the bed. They ignored the other adults who tried to get them back on the cot. Despite the sudden dizziness, they managed to stand up and take a few steps before Professor Snape scooped them up and dropped them back onto the bed.

"How is Luna, is he alright? He didn't get hit by any of the spells, right?"

"Mr. Lovegood is fine. He didn't receive any injuries except a few small bruises on his arm from where you pulled him back." They were forced back under the covers on the cot and given a dreamless sleep potion.

Sirius, Snape, and Lupin practically chased Dumbledore back up to his office to continue their yelling match and make sure the old man followed the punishment Harry gave the girls. They were still debating on whether or not to talk to Harry about transferring out, or perhaps testing out if they thought they could do so.

"Now then, Harry shall stay at Hogwarts and the girls will be suitably punished," Dumbledore spoke after finally arriving at his office, smug in the fact that his weapon would stay within reach.

"Actually, we'll still be talking to Harry and see if they want to stay in Hogwarts. It's their decision and they should be allowed to make choices that will make you happy!"

"Now Sirius, you can't truly wish to pull Harry away from his friends? A growing boy needs to have his friends with him!"

"Do you honestly believe that Granger and Weasley wouldn't follow Potter if they were to leave?" Snape's cutting remark caused Dumbledore to glare at him. "I know that if Potter leaves, so will a great many of the other students."

"I'm sure Harry will choose to stay in Hogwarts, but if you feel as if the conversation is necessary then I cannot stop you. Though, I must ask that you do not try to influence his decision."

The meeting came to an end and the other three men left the room, leaving an angry and frustrated Dumbledore. If Harry were to learn to truly defend themself, then they would be less likely to become the martyr they needed to be. Voldemort needed to die and Harry was the prophesied savior!

Dumbledore had done a mountain of research after last year's incident with Riddle's diary. He knew what it was and what Harry was. Harry needed to die! And if the child wouldn't walk to their death, then he would need to take a few drastic measures. Perhaps a few compulsions and control spells would be enough to keep the child in line.

He didn't want to do this, he didn't want to turn to dark magic and control. He didn't! But it was for the greater good, even if no one else could see that. He moved to his seat and began to write up the marriage contract to Ginny Weasley: the two teens would learn to love each other, he was sure of it.

Unknown to the old coot, Aspen had been napping in the rafters of his office; he had found that the space above the phoenix was always really warm and comfortable. He quickly left the office to inform his speaker about the old man's furious mumblings and plans. Dumbledore was going to rue the day he messed with his speaker!