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❝ Be prepared. . . Everything is about to change. . . ❞
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"𝖄ES," 𝕳ARRY 𝕽EPLIED, his voice filled with a mix of excitement and disbelief. "Haven't you been listening? I saw me and Crystal, but I thought it was my dad and Aunt Avi! It's okay, no one saw!"
Hermione couldn't help but be in awe of their extraordinary feat. "Harry, Crysie, I can't believe it. . . You conjured up a Patronus that drove away all those dementors! That's very, very advanced magic. . ."
“I knew I could do it this time,” Crystal said, feeling a surge of confidence, “I’d already done it. . . Does that make sense?”
Harry shared the same sentiment, his eyes reflecting a deep understanding. He nodded in agreement, acknowledging that he, too, had felt the same sense of familiarity and assurance.
“I don’t know — look at Snape!”
Together they peered around the bush at the other bank. Snape had regained consciousness. He was conjuring stretchers and lifting the limp forms of Harry, Crystal, Hermione, and Black onto them. A fourth stretcher, no doubt bearing Ron, was already floating at his side. Then, wand held out infront of him, he moved them away toward the castle.
“Right, it’s nearly time,” said Hermione tensely, looking at her watch. “We’ve got about forty-five minutes until Dumbledore locks the door to the hospital wing. We’ve got to rescue Sirius and get back into the ward before anybody realizes we’re missing. . . ”
"You guys carry on, I have got something very important to do. Meet me near the hospital door when it's time." Crystal declared suddenly, taking a few steps backward from Harry and Hermione. Her eyes held a determined gleam.
"Crystal, no, you can't do this," Harry moved after her slowly.
"I know you guys can do it without me. Just let Mr. Black know that he can expect to hear from me within two days!"
With those words, she swiftly turned and broke into a sprint, her figure rapidly receding as she headed back toward the castle.
A sense of urgency hung in the air as Hermione voiced her concern, her voice laced with worry. "She's going towards the castle! I hope she doesn't encounter Professor Lupin on her way in these woods!"
"Crystal! Just don't get killed or I'll kill you myself!" Harry couldn't help but shout after Crystal, with concern.
Hermione, still perplexed, wondered aloud, "What do you reckon she's going to do?"
"Don't ask me!" Harry's frustration evident in his tone, replied bitterly, "Has she ever told me anything? She has this notion of keeping things secret not just from you but me too,"
"Oh, Harry. . . " Hermione said with empathy, "I know you like her but maybe— just give her some time—"
"Like her? Who? Me? No, of course not!" Harry instantly denied.
"Who are you lying to? Me or yourself?" Hermione confronted, "Your actions speak louder than your words, Harry. When those dementors were closing in, you instinctively thought and moved to protect her first before anything!"
Harry's heart thudded in his chest, his inner turmoil apparent as he wrestled with the bare truth Hermione slapped him on his face. He reluctantly revealed his inner conflict.
"That's—no, it's not like that! I'm with Rozelle now—tell you what—do you think I'd like a girl like her who doesn't have a free moment for herself, who is ominously unpredictable and secretive about the things she does—on top of that her being the Head of the Calisto is a lot to deal with! I don't want to get into any of that mess—never. Not possible!" Harry's words flowed with an urgency that betrayed his efforts to convince himself.
"Are you listening yourself? Please, Harry, open your eyes," Hermione continued to challenge him, "I've said this before but I noticed that you and Crystal started acting strangely around time you began dating Rozelle—and today when you were talking to Crystal like how you guys used to—I could see that you were genuinely happy after months. I'm just wondering, what could possibly happen for you both act strange?"
Harry's heart was drumming against his ribs as though a deer caught under the glaring headlights pointing straight at him. He was contemplating whether he should tell her the truth or not—
“Look!” Hermione whispered. “Who’s that? Someone’s coming back out of the castle!”
He let out a silent sigh of relief as Hermione's attention was diverted, and a weight seemed to lift from his shoulders, if only briefly.
Harry stared through the darkness in the direction she pointed. The man was hurrying across thegrounds, toward one of the entrances. Something shiny glinted in his belt.
“Macnair!” said Harry. “The executioner! He’s gone to get thedementors! This is it, Hermione —”
Hermione put her hands on Buckbeak’s back and Harry gave her a legup. Then he placed his foot on one of the lower branches of the bush andclimbed up in front of her.
"Ready?" Harry said as he pulled Buckbeak’s rope back using it like reins. He nudged Buckbeak’s sides with his heels and Buckbeak soared straight into the dark air.
◆◇◆◇◆
"How did you survive, Peter? One minute—let me close the door," Professor McGonagall's voice was gentle, her brow furrowed with concern. Peter had regained consciousness and sat with his shoulders hunched near the crackling fireplace in a armchair.
Crystal remained hidden, her invisibility cloak rendering her camouflaged within the dimly lit office. She slipped into the room just as Professor McGonagall moved to close the door, her breath slowing to silence. She watched, her heart pounding in rhythm with the tense atmosphere. Fudge was already present in the room, and they both sat across from Peter in the chair.
Crystal remained hidden, the Disillusionment Charm rendering her camouflaged within the dimly lit office of Professor McGonagall where Peter Pettigrew was taken. She stealthily slipped into the room just as Professor McGonagall moved to shut the door. She held her breath in just as the Professor just passed by her. Fudge was already present in the room, and they both sat across from Pettigrew in the chair.
Peter shrunk into his seat not meeting their eyes. He couldn't seem to form words and broke into tears.
"It was h-horrible," he croaked, "I thought I was going to die there but in that sudden moment as self defense I transformed—I didn't perform it perfectly in urgency and lost my thumb—and then I fell into a sewer as I tranformed into a rat,"
Crystal's expression contorted as she felt a wave of disgust at his lies but remained as still as a statue, her mind and body locked in place.
"My my, you were saved by luck!" Fudge said, his surprise evident, "I couldn't imagine if you were not an animagus—although illegal; you'd have lost your life!"
"But I don't understand, Peter," Professor McGonagall pressed, leaning forward. "Why did you never revealed that you are alive?"
"I was afraid—I knew Azkaban could not stop him—Sirius—he knows dark arts, the cursed magic—I feared that if I revealed myself, he would find me and kill me—" Peter said, cowering back with a shiver.
"Now now, you're safe. Where were you all this time?" Fudge asked, his expression filled with pity for the small man.
"I- I was with a family, acting as their pet," he stammered.
"Which family, Peter?" McGonagall's voice carried a hint of urgency.
"W-W-Weasleys," Pettigrew admitted, tears streaming down his face.
"Oh my! Were you the rat that belonged to Mister Ronald Weasley?" Professor McGonagall gasped, her eyes widening. "How did they find you?"
Peter's breakdown intensified, his sobs racking his small form akin to a rat in human form. Crystal irritated at this point, wanted to atleast punch him in her otherwise calm mind but thought better of it.
"B-Believe me," he said between gasps, "That night still haunts me. When I chased after him—I never wanted those innocent Muggle to die—I tried to stop him—but he killed everyone—" he choked out.
A sudden knock on the door made the Minister sigh in frustration.
"We understand the pain you went through all these years, Peter," Fudge said, his tone softened. "However, we need to keep you with us for a few more days for further questions and procedure. Take some rest and stay here for now."
Fudge moved to open the door and saw Snape standing there.
"Minister, Black has been captured and locked upstairs. The Headmaster is with him." Snape reported. "Shall we proceed?"
"Excellent work, Snape!" Fudge praised, "But before anything else, I want to ensure the safety of Crystal Calisto and Harry Potter. We must be certain they are unharmed. The public will accuse us endlessly if Black's actions today have harmed them in any way. In the meantime, you can brief me on the situation as we make our way to the Hospital Wing."
Snape nodded and glanced around the room, his gaze falling suspiciously on Pettigrew, who avoided making eye contact, especially with him.
"Come, Snape," Fudge beckoned as he left the office, and Snape followed. Crystal finally let out a soft sigh of relief, her heart rate returning to normal.
With a final, uncertain look at Pettigrew, Crystal discreetly exited the office and trailed behind the Minister and Snape, maintaining a safe distance. Amidst the unfolding events, the one person she couldn't quite grasp was Snape.
Her intuition told her that Snape knew something, possibly had a connection with Pettigrew, but she couldn't pinpoint it. Her list of individuals and families connected to Voldemort was growing, and she realized she needed to be more proactive in completing it.
By the time they reached the door of the Hospital wing entrance, Snape went on a seemingly endless string of self-compliments, highlighting his non-existent bravery and intelligence. The more she heard him, Crystal was teetering on the brink of developing an intense headache to add to her already throbbing wound.
"WHAT?" Harry's voice came from inside and the two entered the ward.
Crystal halted just outside the door, listening to the commotion within. She scanned the corridor for any sign of her friends, but they hadn't arrived yet.
She wasn't sure of the exact time, but rough calculations suggested it was close to 11:55 when she saw Dumbledore enter the ward and Fudge and Snape left, shortly.
"Where are you guys—" She muttered a bit concerned and as she turned around, she saw them.
Harry and Hermione, panting and exhausted after dealing with various obstacles in the guise of Snape, the Minister, and Peeves, had finally reached the end of the corridor leading to the hospital wing entrance with a minute in hand.
Harry and Hermione, after finally dealing with all the obstacles in disguise of Snape, Minister and Peeves and with one minute in hand, had somehow reached the end of the corridor with the hospital wing entrance, huffing and panting.
"Took you guys long," Crystal said as she released the charm on herself. "We just have about one or two minutes, Dumbledore is in there,"
"Crysie!" Hermione exclaimed.
"Thank Merlin, you're here," Harry said with relief.
"So?" Crystal inquired, and they nodded, confirming their success. She nodded back in appreciation.
“Okay — so we can still hear Dumbledore,” said Hermione tensely. “Come on, Crysie!Harry!”
They crept along the corridor. The door opened. Dumbledore’s backappeared.
“I am going to lock you in,” they heard him saying. “It is five minutes to midnight. Miss Granger, three turns should do it. Good luck.”
Dumbledore backed out of the room, closed the door, and took out hiswand to magically lock it.
Crystal rushed forward. Harry and Hermione followed, a hint of panic in their movements.
Dumbledore looked at them, and a wide smile appeared under the long silver mustache. “Well?” he said quietly.
“We did it!” said Harry breathlessly. “Sirius has gone, on Buckbeak. . . ”
Dumbledore beamed at them, then turned to Crystal with a meaningful look. She tapped the side of her head twice in response.
“Well done. I think —” He listened intently for any sound within thehospital wing. “Yes, I think you’ve gone too — get inside — I’ll lock you in—”
Harry, Crystal and Hermione slipped back inside the dormitory. It was emptyexcept for Ron, who was still lying motionless in the end bed. As the lockclicked behind them, Harry, Crystal and Hermione crept back to their own beds.
Hermione tucked the Time-Turner back under her robes. A moment later,Madam Pomfrey came striding back out of her office.
“Did I hear the headmaster leaving? Am I allowed to look after mypatients now?”
She was in a very bad mood. Harry, Crystal and Hermione thought it best toaccept their chocolate quietly. Madam Pomfrey stood over them, especially Crystal, makingsure she ate it.
"Madam Pomfrey, won't too many chocolates rot my teeth?" Crystal said quietly.
"No problem, I can fix that in a bit too, Calisto, eat it." Madam Pomfrey put the chocolate in her mouth as she was about to speak again.
But Crystal could hardly swallow. The three werewaiting, listening, their nerves jangling. . . And then, as Crystal took a fourth piece of chocolate from Madam Pomfrey, they heard a distant roar of fury echoing from somewhere above them. . .
“What was that?” said Madam Pomfrey in alarm.
Now they could hear angry voices, growing louder and louder. MadamPomfrey was staring at the door. Crystal immediately laid down on the bed, covering herself with the blanket.
“Really — they’ll wake everybody up! What do they think they’redoing?”
Harry was trying to hear what the voices were saying. They weredrawing nearer —
“He must have Disapparated, Severus. We should have left somebody inthe room with him. When this gets out —”
“HE DIDN’T DISAPPARATE!” Snape roared, now very close at hand.“YOU CAN’T APPARATE OR DISAPPARATE INSIDE THIS CASTLE!THIS — HAS — SOMETHING — TO — DO — WITH — CALISTO — AND — POTTER!”
“Severus — be reasonable — Crystal and Harry has been locked up —”
BAM.
The door of the hospital wing burst open.
Fudge, Snape, and Dumbledore came striding into the ward. Dumbledorealone looked calm. Indeed, he looked as though he was quite enjoyinghimself. Fudge appeared angry. But Snape was beside himself.
“OUT WITH IT, YOU BOTH, CALISTO AND POTTER!” he bellowed. “WHAT DID YOU DO?”
“Professor Snape!” shrieked Madam Pomfrey. “Control yourself!”
“See here, Snape, be reasonable,” said Fudge. “This door’s been locked,we just saw —”
“THEY HELPED HIM ESCAPE, I KNOW IT!” Snape howled, pointingat Harry, Crystal and Hermione. His face was twisted; spit was flying from hismouth.
"Urgh, my head. . . It's so noisy that I'm feeling dizziness. . . " Crystal groaned, clutching her head. Harry and Hermione exchanged eye rolls.
“Calm down, Snape!” Fudge barked. “You’re talking nonsense! Look at their condition! Do you think this frail little girl can even walk a meter without support?”
Crystal had to restrain herself from delivering an instant retort and send him flying to the opposite wall.
“YOU DON’T KNOW THESE TWO! THEY'RE CLEVER!” shrieked Snape. “THEY DID IT, IKNOW THEY DID IT —”
“That will do, Severus,” said Dumbledore quietly. “Think about what youare saying. This door has been locked since I left the ward ten minutes ago. Madam Pomfrey, have these students left their beds?”
“Of course not!” said Madam Pomfrey, bristling. “I would have heard them!”
“Well, there you have it, Severus,” said Dumbledore calmly. “Unless youare suggesting that Crystal, Harry and Hermione are able to be in two places at once,I’m afraid I don’t see any point in troubling them further.”
Snape stood there, seething, staring from Fudge, who looked thoroughly shocked at his behavior, to Dumbledore, whose eyes were twinkling behind his glasses. Snape whirled about, robes swishing behind him, and stormed out of the ward.
“Fellow seems quite unbalanced,” said Fudge, staring after him. “I’dwatch out for him if I were you, Dumbledore.”
Crystal, for once, found herself in surprising agreement with Fudge.
“Oh, he’s not unbalanced,” said Dumbledore quietly. “He’s just suffered a severe disappointment.”
“He’s not the only one!” puffed Fudge. “The Daily Prophet’s going to have a field day! We had Black cornered and he slipped through our fingers yet again! All it needs now is for the story of that hippogriff’s escape to get out, and I’ll be a laughing stock! Well. . . I’d better go and notify the Ministry. . .”
“And the dementors?” said Dumbledore. “They’ll be removed from theschool, I trust?”
“Oh yes, they’ll have to go,” said Fudge, running his fingers distractedly through his hair. “Never dreamed they’d attempt to administer the Kiss on an innocent boy. . . and the Head of Calisto. . . Completely out of control. . . no, I’ll have them packed off back to Azkaban tonight. . . Perhaps we should think about dragons at the school entrance. . . ”
“Hagrid would like that,” said Dumbledore, smiling at Harry, Crystal and Hermione. Crystal blinked, dragons were not a good option as well.
As he and Fudge left the dormitory, Madam Pomfrey hurried to the door and locked it again. Muttering angrily to herself, she headed back to her office.
There was a low moan from the other end of the ward. Ron had woken up. They could see him sitting up, rubbing his head, looking around.
“What — what happened?” he groaned. “Harry? Why are we in here? Where’s Sirius? Where’s Lupin? What’s going on?”
Harry, Crystal, and Hermione exchanged glances, silently deciding who would take on the task of explaining the situation.
“You explain,” said Harry to Hermione, helping himself to some more chocolate. Crystal couldn't help but chuckle at the ever-evolving range of expressions on Ron's face.
◆◇◆◇◆
When Harry, Crystal, Ron, and Hermione left the hospital wing at noon the nextday, it was to find an almost deserted castle. Crystal forced herself back to her schedule and gave some extra time on work considering her plans for the summer.
The sweltering heat and the end of the exams meant that everyone was taking full advantage of another Hogsmeade visit. Neither Ron nor Hermione felt like going, however, they and Harry wandered onto the grounds, still talking about the extraordinary events of the previous night and wondering where Sirius and Buckbeak were now.
Sitting near the lake, watching the giant squid waving its tentacles lazily above the water, they came to know from Hagrid that Lupin had resigned and unfortunately leaving the school.
Harry scrambled to his feet.
“I’m going to see him,” he said to Ron and Hermione.
“But if he’s resigned —”
“— doesn’t sound like there’s anything we can do —”
“I don’t care. I still want to see him. I’ll meet you back here.”
Lupin’s office door stood ajar, and Crystal had already arrived, perched on the edge of his desk. Their expressions hinted at a serious conversation. Beside his desk, the grindylow’s empty tank stood sentinel next to Lupin's well-worn and battered suitcase, which lay open and nearly brimming with its contents. Lupin was engrossed in something on his desk and only looked up when Harry's knock echoed through the room.
"And he's here!" Crystal beamed. "Hey, Harry!"
“We saw you coming,” said Lupin, smiling. He pointed to the parchment hehad been poring over. It was the Marauder’s Map.
"I have to go now, Mr. Lupin." Crystal announced, sliding down from the desk. "see you later, Harry,"
"Crystal, may I send my response later?" Lupin inquired, and Crystal nodded in agreement, leaving Harry puzzled about their conversation.
"Goodbye, Professor," Crystal said with a parting smile as she shook his hand.
"Goodbye, Crystal," Lupin replied, returning her smile. Crystal then turned on her heels and gracefully exited the room.
◆◇◆◇◆
Nobody at Hogwarts now knew the truth of what had happened the night that Sirius and Buckbeak vanished, along Pettigrew's hidden existence. Just five individuals knew the whole truth, Harry, Crystal, Ron,Hermione, Zachary (who had learned from Crystal), and Professor Dumbledore.
The exam results came out on the last day of term. Harry, Crystal, Ron, and Hermione had passed every subject. Harry was amazed that he had got through Potions and got higher position than Crystal. The mystery of Crystal having identical marks in all her subjects remained unsolved by everyone but Harry.
As the Hogwarts Express pulled out of the station the next morning, Hermione gave them some surprising news.
“I went to see Professor McGonagall this morning, just before breakfast. I’ve decided to drop Muggle Studies.”
“But you passed your exam with three hundred and twenty percent!” exclaimedRon.
“I know,” sighed Hermione, “but I can’t stand another year like this one. That Time-Turner, it was driving me mad. I’ve handed it in. Without Muggle Studies and Divination, I’ll be able to have a normal schedule again.”
“I still can’t believe you didn’t tell us about it,” said Ron grumbled.“We’re supposed to be your friends.”
“I promised I wouldn’t tell anyone,” said Hermione severely. She looked around at Crystal, who was watching Hogwarts disappear from view behind a mountain.
“Oh, cheer up, Crysie!” Hermione said softly.
“I’m okay,” Crystal replied without taking her eyes off the window. “Just thinking about the holidays.”
“Yeah, I’ve been thinking about them too,” Ron chimed in. “Crysie, you’ve got to come and stay with us this time. I’ll fix it up with Mum and Dad, then I’ll call you. I know how to use a fellytone now —”
“A telephone, Ron,” corrected Hermione. “Honestly, you should take Muggle Studies next year. . .”
Ron ignored her.
“It’s the Quidditch World Cup this summer! How about it, Harry, Crysie? Come and stay, and we’ll go and see it! Dad can usually get tickets from work.”
"I will think about it and let you know later. . . and don't write to me this summer. . . I won't be there to reply to them. . . I'm going to a lot busy," Crystal lazily stated.
"But why?" Hermione inquired, her expression one of sadness.
Crystal replied briefly, avoiding their gaze. "I can't say much, but I'm going to be busy."
Harry sensed something was amiss, but his attention was diverted by the loud voices and he noticed Rozelle and her group passing by their compartment.
"Excuse me, there's one last thing I need to do this year," he said and followed after her.
"Rozelle! Wait!" Harry said, hurrying to catch up with Rozelle.
Rozelle spun around, her brow arched as she studied him with an air of arrogance.
"So," she declared with a haughty tone to her friends, "What did I tell you guys? He's finally here to apologize. You know what? I might consider forgiving him, considering I still love—"
Harry couldn't help but snort, then breaking into hearty laughter. Rozelle's expression falter.
"What's so funny?" Rozelle asked, clearly perplexed.
"Can I have a private word with her? Thanks," Harry said, addressing the two girls accompanying Rozelle. They exchanged glances, and Rozelle nodded, signaling them to leave.
"Could I have a moment alone with Rozelle, please?"
"Can I talk to her alone for once? Thanks," Harry turned to the two girls beside her. They exchanged a glance, and with Rozelle's reluctant consent, they left.
"Sorry—but I'm not sorry because I believe neither of us love each other—" Harry confessed, his voice steadier now.
"Oh, who forced you to think so? The girl who sticks to you like glue?" Rozelle scoffed mockingly.
"No one but I, myself, was forcing my brain and heart in this relationship to cover up a mistake I made, a mistake I couldn't get my mind off—I am, in fact, very sorry for that. I shouldn't have gave you false hope," Harry admitted.
"What are you trying to say?" Rozelle's expression shifted from arrogance to confusion.
"Let's end this," Harry said plainly.
"What?"
"You heard me,"
"You—Are you breaking up with me?"
"Yes,"
"You can't—"
"Yes, I can,"
"How dare you use me—you assh*le!" Rozelle's anger flared, and she lashed out, striking Harry's cheek. Harry's head recoiled towards the left, his hand instinctively reaching for the stinging spot. After a moment of shock, he gathered himself and met her gaze.
"Woah, I have to admit I deserved that," Harry said, pulling his hand away to reveal the red marks left by her fingers. "But you used me as well, didn't you? The famous Harry Potter, a perfect boyfriend as a show off material to the entire school and that entourage of yours. I realized that way too late," Rozelle's expression turned into a confused one, "Now now, if you give me that look I will want slap you back. But I won't, I was raised to not lay a hand on girls without their permission, especially violently."
Rozelle's eyes glistened with unshed tears, her arrogance crumbling.
"Harry, you can't be serious, right?" Rozelle choked out, her voice trembling. "We love each other, we kissed—"
"Come on, it was just kiss; we didn't go any further, did we?"
"And it was just a kiss with Crystal too, was it not?"
Harry was momentarily stunned, his thoughts racing. How did she find out? That was the only question on his mind.
"Rozelle Ainsworth. Are you a stalker?" Harry asked incredulously.
"Did you kiss her or not? Answer me honestly."
". . . I am not obligated to answer you questions that might breach Crystal's privacy—"
"Yeah not obligated, and who knows how further you went with her—she sure knows how to lure guys in—"
"I won't tolerate you talking dirty about someone so pure!" Harry snapped his voice dangerously low, his tone serious, "Answer my question, did you used to stalk me?"
"So what if I did? I was watching you study but when you suddenly leaned down to kiss her, I was so furious. Not only that, you pulled her in your lap. The way you looked at her. The way you kissed her so passionately. You were never like that when you were with me. You're always different with her! Always side with her! You're not her boyfriend!" Rozelle accused, her voice trembling with a mix of anger and hurt. "You love her, Harry. You always have.
"I don't. Don't put words in my mouth,"
"Why won't you admit it, you do love that, b!tch,"
"If you call her that one more time you're going to regret your life," Harry warned, his fists clenched. "I can have Crystal deport you back to where you were kicked out from. Just one word from her is enough to end you," Rozelle looked surprised, "Yes, no need to be so surprised, I know everything. Thanks to Calisto's intel, I have known for a few weeks why you transferred to Hogwarts. Remember? I told you before not to get into her bad books,"
"Oh so what, you're threatening me for her now? What does she have that I don't? Tell me, huh? I'm as beautiful as she is, my grades surpass hers, and I'm popular too. I've everything she has but I don't understand where I'm lacking—"
"You really want me tell you?" Harry said, his tone laced with essence of mockery. "First of all, comparing yourself to her at all times is ridiculous. Second, have you ever taken a good look that girl? Damn, she is an absolute goddess when it comes to beauty both outside and inside. And you know? Your inner self is way too ugly. Third, Crystal won't sit in exam for more than half an hour because she has other work to do but she still get good grades. A hardworking girl she is. And at last, you don't stand a chance if you compare popularity just because you are a bit popular in school because of this fake beauty with caked makeup. My Crystal is globally renowned in the Wizarding World for who she is. What are you compared to her?"
"IT'S ALWAYS 'MY CRYSTAL THIS, MY CRYSTAL THAT'! YOU'RE ALWAYS LIKE THAT!" Rozelle erupted in frustration.
"That's because I've told you she's like my family, and I'm proud of my friend as a friend." Harry retorted. "Speaking of friends, I'm aware you have issues with Hermione too. Just so you know, by repeatedly questioning these things to me, you've demonstrated an IQ of about one-hundredth of hers and Crystal's combined. Now go figure, what you're lacking, you toxic b!tch."
"What did you just call me?" Rozelle snapped.
"Why? Did it hurt when you got the same medicine?"
Tears welled up in Rozelle's eyes.
"Harry. . . Please don't be like this," Rozelle sobbed, her anger dissolving into sorrow. "I'm sorry for everything, sorry for hitting you so hard, just please, listen—"
"Act like a fifteen years old and look what's ahead of you." Harry advised sternly. "You have OWLs next year, it's better that we don't cross each other's paths. And crying won't work on me anymore. It's making you look pathetic so stop it,"
"Harry, please, I'll apologize to Crystal as well—" Rozelle attempted to reach for Harry's hand, but he deftly evaded her touch.
"No, don't touch me. It's too late for that. Goodbye, Rozelle Ainsworth, never talk to you again." Harry said, turning away and leaving her behind.
When Harry opened the door to the compartment where his friends were, he was surprised to see a tiny owl that looked like a very fluffy Snitch, zooming around their compartment. Cash hooted in sync with the tiny owl as though an owl music party was going on. Hedwig, a bit displeased, clicked her beak with a sort of dignity, a sign of disapproval in both of them.
Crookshanks sat up in his seat, following the owl with his great yellow eyes. Ron, noticing this, snatched the owl safely out of harm’s way.
"Come in quickly, it's from him," Hermione ushered him in a hushed voice.
"Who?" Harry asked confused as he took a seat near window opposite of Crystal.
"Your Godfather," Crystal said quietly as she showed the letter addressed to him and Crystal. He took a glance, and shouted, “It’s from Sirius!”
"Don't announce it!" Crystal warned.
The letter told them the whereabouts of Sirius. He was planning to show a glimpse of himself in a Muggle place far away from Hogwarts so that the security is lifted from school. He and Buckbeak would be hiding near the forest of Calisto Mansion later and Harry's firebolt was sent by him.
There was another piece ofparchment in enclosed in an envelope. Crystal read it.
I, Sirius Black, Crystal Calisto's legal father, hereby give her permissionto visit Hogsmeade on weekends.
“Brilliant, Crys! That’ll be good enough for Dumbledore! We all get to hang out together now!” said Harry happily. He lookedback at Sirius’s letter. “Hang on, there’s a P.S. . . ”
I thought your friend Ron might like to keep this owl, as it’s my fault heno longer has a rat.
Ron’s eyes widened. The minute owl was still hooting excitedly.
“Keep him?” he said uncertainly. He looked closely at the owl for amoment; then, to their great surprise, he held him out forCrookshanks to sniff.
“What do’you reckon?” Ron asked the cat. “Definitely an owl?”
Crookshanks purred.
“That’s good enough for me,” said Ron happily. “He’s mine.”
"Harry, turn your face to the window," Crystal said, her eyes tinged with concern. Perplexed, Harry complied. Crystal's gaze widened as she noticed the red finger marks on his cheek. "Did you get in a fight? Who did this to you? Does it hurt?"
"Ah, this, I broke up with Rozelle," Harry replied, gently touching his cheek. "I have Zachary to thank for the advice,"
"What kind of advice led to a slap?" Hermione inquired.
"To fight fire with fire," Harry chuckled.
"Meaning?" Crystal arched an eyebrow in confusion.
"Meaning, I gave her a taste of her own medicine and a dose of reality," Harry explained, laughing to himself. "I feel so good now, like refreshing good,"
"Harry, seriously advising you to not take Zach's advice, especially when it comes to dating. He is like a playboy and flirts around with a lot of people," Crystal warned. Just then, the compartment door slid open, and a voice shouted.
"How dare you!"
"How dare you, I'm your boss," Crystal replied.
"I mean how can I dare?"
Crystal smirked. "Ah, forget it. Take a seat and tell us the names of the people you spent this whole week with." She cast a silencing spell inside the compartment. "Lemme give you guys a heads up that there were three in total, in my knowledge."
"THREE GIRLS?" Hermione exclaimed.
"Actually, two girls and a guy," Crystal clarified.
"A GUY TOO?" Ron was astonished.
Zachary ran his hand through his hair with a smug grin. "Well, what can I say? Whether it's boys or girls, left or right, they all seem to be charmed by this handsome face. Actually, the count is four,"
"Four. . . " Crystal muttered, shaking her head.
"Mate, your advice earned me this," Harry said, gesturing to his cheek.
"Some girls normally tend to be violent, it happens, mate. No issues." Zachary replied.
Before they knew it, they had arrived at King’s Cross station. Even though Crystal didn't show any acknowledgment of Sirius as her legal father, the letter was still clutched tightly in her hand as she, Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Zachary, along with Fred and George who joined them, passed through the barrier of platform nine and three-quarters.
“I’ll call about the World Cup!” Ron yelled after Harry as he and Crystal bid him and Hermione good-bye. They wheeled their trolleys, which carried their trunks, Hedwig’s cage, and Cash's cage.
Harry spotted his parents right away. He grabbed Crystal's wrist and rushed toward them. James and Lily embraced them warmly, planting kisses on the tops of their heads. However, this moment was short-lived due to a cough from behind them.
AHEM!
Crystal turned around recognizing them well. It was the Hudsons. Uncle Jared, Aunt Jasmine and surprisingly Aunt Miranda was with them. They hadn't changed a bit, in fact, it looked like they had put on more weight except Aunt Jasmine.
"Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Hudson. What brings you here?" Crystal inquired.
"To take you, of course," Aunt Miranda stated as if it was obvious.
"I distinctly recall saying that I'd never be returning to your home when I left," Crystal replied calmly. She sensed something fishy.
"Look, girl—" Aunt Miranda stepped closer, but Lily blocked her path. "Out of the way—we just want her back!"
"What for? She won't be going anywhere with you," Lily declared, looking at the woman twice her size.
"Really now? I'll sue you for kidnapping the girl—"
"Go ahead, we have enough evidence of abuse on our Crystal," James chimed in, supporting his wife.
"What abuse? That's teaching manners. Who are you? Don't you know this girl is mentally ill? She attends a mental school—"
"Aunt Lily, Uncle James," Crystal interrupted when she realized that Aunt Miranda still didn't know about Magic. It could be risky if the Potters spoke something suspicious, "Please, give me a few minutes. I'll handle this."
"No, Crystal, they—"
"It's okay. I think they're on to something. I need to clear it up," Crystal reassured them. She then instructed Zachary, "Zach, no need to follow me. Could you check if our car is here?"
"Sure," Zachary reluctantly agreed, he was eyeing the Hudsons suspiciously.
Crystal led the Hudsons to a more private spot behind a wall.
"Are you sure it's okay to let her go alone?" Harry expressed his concern.
"We're here, son, don't worry," James reassured him.
"We won't let them take her," Lily added determinedly.
"Harry!" a voice called out, causing his face to stiffen. He looked at her, raging inside.
"I told you not to—" Harry began.
"Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Potter! I'm Rozelle, Harry's girlfriend!" Rozelle introduced herself with enthusiasm as though nothing happened before. James and Lily exchanged puzzled glances before greeting her.
"Ex. Ex girlfriend." Harry corrected her. "Mum, Dad, give me a moment," He grabbed Rozelle's arm and pulled her aside to the far end of a parallel wall where Crystal went. He could see Crystal and her Aunt's family having a heated conversation behind other end.
"At least you touched me," Rozelle giggled, but Harry immediately let go of her. "Harry, please—"
"Don't be creepy. And don't you understand the meaning of break up? I don't want to be with you, so don't try to introduce yourself as my girlfriend, especially to my parents!" Harry hissed. "They were not supposed to know I was dating someone, especially Dad,"
Harry knew his father would ask him a lot of questions, and many of them would be embarrassing enough to dig a hole six feet below and hide.
"I'm sorry, I thought you told them about us, like I did to my parents." Rozelle said.
"God, no! Not everyone is like you telling people around!" Harry exclaimed in frustration.
"What can I do to get you back, babe—"
"Seriously? Can't you understand? And don't 'babe' me, I really hate it," Harry snapped.
"Okay, fine, Harry—"
Rozelle stopped when she noticed that Harry wasn't listening. His eyebrows were furrowed as he watched something. She turned around just in time to witness a plump lady slap Crystal hard across the cheek. The blow was so forceful that Crystal was knocked to the ground. In an instant, Harry ran past Rozelle to Crystal's side, wrapping an arm around her and helping her to her feet. Looking at them, Rozelle finally gave up. She came to understand that, no matter what she did, Harry would never return to her.
"Crys! Are you okay?" Harry asked, concern evident in his eyes, as he looked at the side of her face, which was red, and the corner of her lip, which was bleeding slightly due to a small cut.
"What is this? Don't you know how to talk civilly?" Harry shouted at the Hudsons as he held Crystal protectively by his side.
"Boy! Stay out of it! The girl can't just walk away after all the things my brother did for her! She has to pay!" Aunt Miranda barked back. Lily and James had followed to check on Crystal as she was taking too much time to return.
"Leave it, Miran," Uncle Jared muttered, looking quite embarrassed, but his sister was stubborn.
"You're asking her for money? Shame on you!" Harry said disgustedly. "Did you forget what you did to her? What about the abuse she went through? She didn't have proper clothes, bruises, I used to see cuts on these delicate fingers, her hands used to be so rough that I dreaded it'd bleed, and last year, you burned her hand!"
"Boy! If she can't do the chores properly then she deserves punishment and each punishment is a lesson learned," Aunt Miranda replied shamelessly, "She is mentally slow than the kids her age, that's why she needs to taught in a way she'd remember for a long time,"
"That's it! We will see you in court now," Lily said furiously. "You dared to lay a hand on her in front of all these people. God knows what you did to her when she was with you. Jasmine, I really didn't expect this from you and your family; it's very disappointing."
Aunt Jasmine averted her eyes, unable to look at the Potters and Crystal.
"Do you know this woman, Jasmine?" Aunt Miranda asked Jasmine with suspicion. She shook her head.
"Let's end this here. I offered ten percent earlier, but after this behavior, the amount is zero. If you walk away quietly right now, I'll let you go. If not, then you will make me do something you'll regret," Crystal finally warned.
"Fifty percent and no less—"
"Miran, please, let's just leave," Jasmine pleaded, sounding a bit panicked. "It's not necessary."
"This girl hid a whole bank worth of money passed down her. We are just asking for fifty percent which is ours—"
"The whole hundred is mine but the prison is going to be yours." Crystal declared sternly.
"Miran," Jared said firmly, "Enough. Let's leave,"
The lady seemed to give up, and with a disdainful look at Crystal, she turned around and walked away. Both Jared and Jasmine followed her.
As it was getting late James and Lily made sure that Crystal was okay before starting for their home.
"Harry, let's go, I've routine checkup to do," Lily said.
"One minute, mum," Harry replied, "You both go ahead; I'll follow you,"
James and Lily nodded and, after patting Crystal on the shoulder, they started walking towards the exit pushing his trolley. Harry turned to Crystal.
"Hey, I've been wondering what you're doing this summer that's keeping you so busy that you can't send a letter or call," Harry asked. Crystal glanced around and pulled Harry to the side, out of sight.
"Don't tell anyone," Crystal leaned in a bit closer to him and whispered, "I'm going on a trip for a few days."
"Alone?"
"Yes, please. I don't want people to know where I am. I want some peace time with myself."
"Is it safe to go alone?"
"Trust me, it's fine. They'd be tracking my location,"
"Okay. For how many days?"
"Just a week. No more than that. I am leaving today late evening as I can't afford to be away for more than a week, or else work is going to turn into a disaster."
"I'll call your telephone after a week. Make sure you answer, or else I'll be at the Mansion."
"Fine," Crystal said with a low chuckle.
"I've to go now. Give a me quick hug," He said, spreading his arms.
Crystal smiled and ran into his arms; Harry held her tightly.
"I don't want to let you go now." Harry whispered, "Just promise me that you will be safe and you won't do anything dangerous."
Crystal nodded, and Harry squeezed her one last time before letting her go. He gently placed his palm on her red cheek.
"And put an ice pack on this as soon as you reach the Mansion," Harry's fingers gently travelled across to her lower lip, which had a slight cut. He wiped the blood at the corner of her lip with his thumb and suddenly, in a swift movement, pulled her chin towards him. He tilted his head slightly and leaned down to place a light kiss on her red cheek.
"Harry?" Crystal looked up at him surprised as he pulled away.
"Nothing," Harry said quietly before turning away from her, "See you, take care,"
"Bye. . ." Crystal replied, watching Harry's back as her hand reached for her cheek. She shook her head to push her thoughts away and looked around. "Now, where is this Zach? I sent him to check on the car; did he stop to build one from scratch?"
Crystal pulled her luggage and settled onto a nearby bench, facing the platform. She absentmindedly observed the people on the opposite platform when someone across from her caught her attention. A man on the opposite platform was staring at her, and Crystal couldn't look away from his intense gaze.
Suddenly, a train zoomed past between them, and Crystal heard a voice amid the noise of the train. At first, she thought she might have imagined it, but no... the voice seemed to echo in her brain, in her surroundings.
Be prepared. . .
Everything is about to change, Pr—
Everything is about to change. . .
Crystal eyes remained fixed on the spot where the man had stood, as though she could see through the passing train. She hadn't heard the name he was addressing clearly, but she was certain it wasn't hers. So, who was the voice addressing, and why was she hearing it?
As the train left the tracks between them, no one stood there. Crystal looked both ways down the platform, but the man had vanished into thin air.
Was it her imagination?
Why was the mysterious man staring at her of all people?
"Who the hell was it?" Crystal muttered bewildered. "What's going to change? Why me?"
Life is a maze of several crossroads, at the end of which lie several arcane truths waiting to be uncovered and enforce enough impact to change a normal life.
And now. . . Someone had warned her. . .
To beware. . .
Because everything is going to change. . .
◆◇◆◇◆
A week and a few days later.
At Potters Home.
.
.
.
.
"Did she pick up?" Lily asked anxiously, her eyes locked onto Harry as he shook his head, still holding the telephone receiver near his ear. This time, he dialed a different number and listened intently for a response from the other end.
"Jonathan! Thank goodness, this is Harry," Harry spoke into the phone, and Lily rushed to his side, clutching the edge of his shirt.
"Hello, Young Master, Harry. How are you—" came the voice from the other side.
"Is Crystal there?" Harry asked desperately, his voice slightly quivering with concern.
There was a disconcerting silence on the other end, and Harry continued, the worry evident in his tone.
"Jona, please tell me, it's almost two weeks—ten days to be exact—and this newspaper—The Daily Prophet—they're saying that she did some fraud and now she is missing or escaped, is that true?"
It felt as if the world had gone silent, and Harry, for a second, thought that he might have been disconnected. However, there was no beep indicating that. Jonathan was simply silent on the other end.
"Jona! Please tell us that she is okay!" Lily's voice pleaded, her eyes filled with tears as she gripped Harry's arm tightly. Then, after a deep sigh, Jonathan finally spoke.
"That news is not true," he said, relief washing over Harry and Lily.
"Thank goodness—" Harry began to say but was interrupted.
"But it's true that we are unable to locate Miss Crystal ever since she left. . ." Jonathan's voice trailed off, and the room fell into a heavy silence.
"I sent Zachary with her. . ." Jonathan continued, his voice laden with concern, "We can say that both are missing at the moment. . ."
-: ✧ :-
End of year 3. . .
Date: 09/30/2023.
-: ✧ :-
A/n:-
That marks the end of the third year— phew— that was long. Took so much time to edit and proofread, I've nine drafts of each chapter as I edit to give you guys my best chapter ever.
Sorry for not updating this again last week, as you know my exams, work and life kept me busy. Good news that today was my last day of both exams and internship, yay! Imma sleep all day today~ hehehehehehe—ahem—
So coming back to this book, stay tuned for next year and if you do like this book and if you want to hear about when I will be coming back with the new chapters then give me a follow.
Guys, if you really like this book, please at least give me a hint by voting the chapters, that way I'd be motivated and confident to write more knowing that people want me to complete it. It's hard and sometimes frustrating to write English when it's not the first language, you know XD.
Year four is 25% drafted, 75% is just playing in the memory disk of my brain. I wish I could attach a computer in my head that would draft it all :D
So, Ending with drama and cliffhanger. Keep thinking what's gonna happen!
Don't forget me!
And keep following this book.
Do leave a reminder on my message board to update from time to time.
Love you all.
Thank you!!
Goodbye,
Cia.
PS: what do you think is gonna happen tho? Any thoughts? :0