Midnight In Hogwarts | Harry Potter FanFiction

Capitulum Nonum

For the next two weeks, Harry fell into the pattern of training, reading, talking with his guardians, training, talking with his friends, reading, and, finally, sleeping. His strength had returned allowing his training to increase a few levels but it still remained easier than what he was capable of. The topic of returning to school hadn't been brought up often and Sirius had made an effort of being less hostile when it had been. It was now more of a reluctant acceptance. The three of them knew Harry would have to return to Hogwarts they just didn't voice their thoughts.

Remus' recovery was still slow but he was now able to stay awake for nearly an entire day without needed sleep. Any sort of physical activity still drained him though, which was frustrating since Remus insisted on being present for Harry's training sessions. Harry didn't mind. Remus always seemed to notice the little things and point them out rather than let Sirius have Harry learn through trial and error, something that annoyed Sirius to no end.

Everything had seemed to fall back to normal which was odd considering everything that had happened. Harry knew he was grounded but, so far, nothing had been said to what the grounding would entail. He wasn't allowed to go anywhere but that wasn't anything new. That was the way it had been last summer and it was more for his protection than punishment. His friends were allowed to visit every few days which kept Harry up-to-date with all of the happenings at the Burrow. Harry was also informed on the happenings at the Ministry from Ron and Hermione who had a tendency to eavesdrop on Mr. and Mrs. Weasley late at night. Evidently, the Minister still desperately wanted to meet with Harry which wasn't anything new. From what he had learned about Rufus Scrimgeour, Harry knew the man only wanted to use him for the Ministry's gain and he wasn't going to be a part of that.

Harry had also learned quite a bit about wartime in the wizarding world. He had learned about Inferi which were corpses that had been bewitched to do a Dark wizard's bidding. Voldemort had used them in the last war and was bound to use them in this one. He had also learned that the Dementors had left Azkaban, joined Voldemort and were currently breeding, something he really could have lived without knowing. That was just disgusting to even think about. Harry had also been given a purple leaflet which was the Ministry's guide to protection against dark forces although it should have been called: 'Wartime for Dummies'. There was really nothing helpful in the leaflet. It could have been summarized on one page by saying 'if you notice something isn't right, run for your life and call for help'.

Sirius and Remus had a good laugh when Harry voiced his opinion. They didn't think the leaflet was helpful either. That had been one of the more humorous of discussions. Truthfully, Harry didn't know what he would have done without Sirius and Remus insisting he talk about everything on his mind, including the Prophecy. It had been those talks with Sirius and Remus that had helped Harry the most. His self doubt was slowly fading, which was noticed by everyone. He was slowly turning back to the Harry Potter that they had known before the end of the previous term.

With only ten days until the start of the term, the entire wizarding world was growing anxious. There were articles everyday in the 'Daily Prophet' concerning 'The Chosen One's' recovery and his the reasoning for his seclusion from the public eye. Some claimed that Voldemort had tortured Harry into insanity while others believed that Harry had been physically disfigured and was too ashamed to show his face. Sirius and Remus did what they could to keep Harry from reading the 'Daily Prophet' but that didn't stop Harry from overhearing Sirius ranting about nosy reporters and selfish politicians.

The time the three of them had been dreading came that evening at dinner when Professor Dumbledore arrived. No one had to say anything. They just shared a look and knew it was no use debating it. However, Sirius and Remus had a few requests to ensure Harry's safety. To start off, Harry wouldn't be riding on the Hogwarts Express on September 1st and the public would know that to avoid another attack on the train. Second, until Remus recovered completely, Sirius would take Remus' place as Hogwarts councilor and Remus would come to Hogwarts since he was still under Madam Pomfrey's care. Thirdly, if danger were to arise, Harry would have means to escape. Harry's legacy pendants would be made into a portkey that was password activated to bring Harry to Black Manor. Dumbledore agreed to provide an additional portkey that would transport Harry to the Headmaster's office. Lastly, Sirius and Remus were to be consulted regarding any decision that involved Harry whether it involved a punishment, the Ministry, or the press.