All the Time in the World

Chapter Thirty Two

"Look at him, the oaf!" Harsh laughter followed the remark. Harry frowned as he looked at the group. They were the people who always hanged around Tom Riddle. There was Ralph McNair, a sixth year, who Harry assumed to be the uncle of Walden McNair, Samuel Bulstrode, a seventh year, Alexis Goyle, who was just as large and gormless as the Goyle who was in Harry's year in his own time and a few others, none of whose names were familiar to Harry.

Harry heard an angry voice from the middle of the group, "Jus' leave me,"

He froze. It couldn't be... could it? There was only one way of making certain. He strode towards the group, wishing Ron and Hermione were with him. But he was on the way back from Quidditch practice and Ron and Hermione might be in the Great Hall.

The only ones who were not surprised at Harry's selection to the team was Harry himself, Ron and Hermione. All the rest of the Slytherins seemed dumbfounded. And Harry's popularity in the House had soared overnight. Riddle seemed quite enthusiastic, but Harry could see the speculation in his eyes. Though their interactions with Riddle were more natural these days, they were yet to break the barriers that he seemed to have erected around himself.

He pushed all that aside as he purposefully went to his Housemates and demanded, "What are you doing?"

McNair gave him a lazy glance. "Stay out of it, Potter. We're just having some fun with a Gryffindor scum."

Harry's insides twisted as he saw the large boy who stood in their middle. Hagrid's fists were clenched, his wand was on the ground and his clothes were torn and muddy.

Harry pulled out his wand. "I suggest you leave him alone."

"And what if we don't, Potter?" asked a fifth year with narrowed eyes. "We don't take orders from you!"

Harry was thinking fast. "I saw Professor Stone coming this way," he said. "Now, if you want to get into trouble with the teachers, that's your lookout." He pocketed his wand and raised his hands. "I couldn't care less who you pick on."

"What's going on here?" For the first time, Harry actually felt relieved to see Tom Riddle.

The group of Slytherins looked uncomfortable.

"Leave him," commanded Riddle. "And come to the common room immediately if you don't want me to report this." He looked at Harry. "You too, Potter."

With a contemptuous glance at Hagrid, Riddle walked off, followed by the rest of the Slytherins.

"Are you all right?" Harry asked. "Why were they attacking you?"

Hagrid shrugged. "They don' like me. Why're ye bein' nice to me? They'll pick on yer next."

Harry picked up Hagrid's wand and handed it over to him. "No, they won't. You better get back to the Great Hall. What were you doing here anyway?"

"Had ter get somethin'," muttered Hagrid, not meeting Harry's eye. "I'll be leavin' then,"

"You do that," said Harry as he too headed back to the school. He went to the Great Hall, to join Ron and Hermione and to get some much needed breakfast.