NOVEL NEXT Chapter 37: White Lies
The week after the dragon's defeat was met with mixed reactions from the three schools. Karkaroff was uncharacteristically biassed towards my performance - that is to say, giving me the same as Krum's - while making sure he was at least amiable in my presence. Durmstrang students were now acknowledging me with a nod whenever one came in contact, otherwise there was no change. All in all, net positive, even if it was due to Whisper's performance.
No, the real annoyance came from the flip-flopping public of Hogwarts. Right after the first task, Ron Weasley gave me a visit and tried to gloss over all the one-sided jealousy he had shown over weeks and be friends with the Boy-Who-Lived again. I refused and walked out with Hermione, ignoring the 'slimy git's thrown my way.
Come to think of it, that particular insult must've originated from Old England's fishery since most native animals aren't quite 'slimy'. This thought earnt a chuckle from Hermione when I shared it with her, though she was still paying quite close attention. Well, the original Harry would've been devastated if he lost his first friend, so really cannot blame her.
As a consequence of this, however, I had little chance to choose and more importantly train with a new summon, which would be the basic Ryze runes and therefore potentially dangerous. Though, I'm reasonably sure the blue mage hadn't carved any of the World Runes onto his body and their powers wouldn't be parasitic, so the change should not be too noticeable. Besides, no need to fuel more of Dumbledore's suspicion and control complex…
"Mr. Potter! A word, if you may."
Speak of the devil. He ignored my silence and guided me (one hand clasped tightly over my shoulder, obviously) towards the Headmaster Office. When I was barely seated, the old man spoke again.
"Harry m'boy! How did you find Hogwarts these last few months? Any incidents I need to know about?"
He eyed me rather thoroughly - hopefully without any more to that - but withdrew when he could not find what he was looking for. I would've bet ten galleons on 'Whisper', but there aren't any to do so.
My silence amused the man for a little while. As that continued, even the great Albus Dumbledore began to look annoyed. I retreated back to my mind to simulate some more painful deaths for Voldy and his pals, which may or may not include a Potions professor who had an obsession with Harry's deceased mother and the scheming bastard opposite myself. Fortunately for the both of us, he did not attempt to breach my mind, not that I gave him the chance to do so discreetly. I coincidentally found that broken nose quite amusing the last few hours spent inspecting it.
The Headmaster was shaking slightly when I stopped being present altogether. Apparently, rage did not make one more careful, for despite potential criminal charges and massive risk of PR disaster, Dumbledore lifted the Elder Wand and whispered 'Legimens' at my direction. I took a tiny mortal-danger chance and slipped my soul out via the shadow, leaving only the shell with Harry's memories inside.
While he stared creepily into the scrawny Mr. Potter, my shadow yanked the wand out of his hand and snapped it before swallowing up that precious self-regenerating batch of precious ingredients in the form of Fawkes. All in that fraction of a moment, just before the Headmaster could realise that two of his most powerful cards, both irreplaceable, were gone.
"Are you feeling alright, sir? Shall I go get Madame Pomphrey?"
I asked in the most Harry-like voice possible. If Dumbledore's intelligence was expected, he would already be constructing the perfect explanation for that disaster, one coincidentally involved not telling his Mind-read victim any information. He shook his head more calmly than I expected and said in that grandfatherly tone.
"Of course not, Harry. Just a small accident, happens to everyone at that age." he chuckled, sounding good-natured to any who missed that ominous twinkle. "Though, do send for Minerva and Severus for me, alright? Off you go then!"
The last syllable was more agitated and I barely held my grin.
"I'll be going then. Thank you, Professor."
Barely had I left the office that muffled chaos could be heard from within. Dumbledore must be throwing a tantrum inside, though much relief for me not fighting the geezer head-on. If even without the wand he's this powerful, I likely won't take him down easily when he possesses it. Especially not if the opponent could be a 'Riddle 2.0' - he's too high and mighty to hand over the Death Stick to a coming Dark Lord, after all.
I pulled myself out of another bashing tirade just as my shadow announced our location: Snape's personal quarters. I knocked loudly and shouted "Master Dumbledore summons Severus Snape to his office!" in the closest house-elf imitation before running off. I gave professor McGonagall the normal version, not that she looked more thrilled, before leaving for my own thing.
Luna popped out of a nearby broom closet and barrelled towards me. She did not look surprised as I 'Arresto Momentum'ed her, rather began with a bright "Hello, Harry."
As uninspired as my reply, I reserve my right to return a "Hello Luna". It's really not everyday you can surprise a cross-dimensional entity.
The girl stared unblinkingly before pointing at the book I had in hand. I should point out that the volume in question was not present in my inventory nor near my persons for as long as I remembered. It read: '101 Creative Curses' and written underneath in fine print, 'for Enemies'.
"Oh, I think you'd find that helpful. Father wouldn't miss that book, it's from our library."
I had an ominous hunch before she even continued with her blank smile.
"Do be safe, alright?"
I knew better to ask if she meant the book or myself attempting those curses. Probably both.
Luna nodded and skipped away.