Maelstrom of Destiny

Chapter One: Of Toast

Harry Potter yawned. It was quite early in the morning and he was sitting in the Great Hall eating breakfast. On one side of him, Hermione Granger was reading the Daily Prophet, absently eating an apple as her amber eyes darted across the pages. On his other side, Ron Weasley shoveled food into his mouth like it was going out of style.

“Oi, ‘Arry,” he mumbled, crumbs spewing from his lips. “Pass the jam, yeah?”

Harry sighed, brushing himself off as he handed over the jam. He then turned his attention to the two golden-brown pieces of toast in front of him. He picked up a knife, carefully spreading raspberry jam over his perfectly toasted bread.

“Harry!” A squeal precluded a petite redheaded form flying into him.

“Oof!” he grunted, glasses askew. Ginny Weasley blushed furiously.

“Oh, sorry, Harry,” she said in a tiny voice. Harry smiled kindly at her, straightening himself.

“It’s okay, Gin,” he said.

Ginny grinned. “I just wanted to wish you luck on your Quidditch match today!”

Ron grunted, piling his plate with his third helping of eggs. “What about me?” he grumbled. “I’m on the team, too, you know. Not to mention your brother.”

Ginny wrinkled her nose at him. “You eat like a pig.”

Ron shrugged. “Just building up my appetite,” he said, mouth full of bran muffin. “Need all my energy if we’re going to kick Slytherin’s arses.”

Harry chuckled, turning back to his toast. He picked up a piece.

“Oh!” Hermione suddenly gasped, startling Ginny, who fell into Harry again. Harry dropped his toast.

“Sorry again,” Ginny mumbled. Harry brushed himself off, retrieving his breakfast and placing it back on his plate.

“What’s wrong?” he asked Hermione.

“Look here,” she replied, showing him an article.

Mysterious Ship Washes Up On Shores of Azkaban, Ministry Baffled

By: Priscilla Langlock

Ministry officials are bewildered today at the appearance of a ship on the shores of Azkaban. Aurors promptly appeared at the scene, where it is reported several arrests were made. While no names have been released, there have been reports that the intruders do not appear to be of magical blood. However, we are reminded that muggles cannot find Azkaban, which is also Unplottable.

The Minister of Magic, Corneilus Fudge, fears this was an attempted escape plan gone awry. 

“It must be powerful Dark magic.”

The Department of Aurors had no comment..

Harry frowned. “That’s a bit odd.”

Ron looked confused. “How can they be muggles but not be muggles?”

Hermione pursed her lips thoughtfully. “I don’t know, but it’s interesting…they think it was an escape attempt? For convicted Death Eaters, maybe? Harry, has your scar been hurting lately?”

Harry shook his head, his messy black hair flopping into his emerald eyes. “Not any more than usual, no.”

Hermione shook her head. “I don’t know, then.”

Ron shrugged. “Eh, they caught the buggers, so I wouldn’t worry. I’ll owl Dad and see if he knows anything about it.”

Hermione nodded. “Good idea. So have either of you finished Professor Flitwick’s essay on the importance of hand motions in charms?”

Ron groaned dramatically. “Not at breakfast, Hermione! Honestly, how am I supposed to concentrate on my meal with you trying to shove knowledge down my throat?”

Hermione’s eyes flashed. “You seem to be ‘concentrating’ on your meal perfectly fine, Ronald.”

Ron started to retort, by was stopped by Ginny’s gasp.

“Oi, Harry, Ron! Game time!”

Harry had been deep in thought, staring absently at a jug of pumpkin juice, and he started at Ginny’s reminder. Hurriedly, he went to grab his toast, only to see his plate empty. Confused, he turned to Ron just as his friend shoved the remainder of Harry’s breakfast into his mouth.

“C’mon, mate!” Ron said, swallowing. “Game time!”

Harry cast one last sad look at his empty plate before following Ron out.