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THE VEELA AND HER LION
🕑 Added 2022-10-01 14:20:11 +0000 UTCChapter 5- The Veela
He continued to land blows accurately and nimbly at the punching bag that was hanging from the tree. It was a good thing that he picked up physical fighting. Learning boxing did come very handy.
He was drenched in sweat and he had to pull his shirt off from where it clung to his body. Exercising had become a daily routine for Harry and it had yielded fantastic results. It did wonders to his stamina and helped him stay strong in a duel. These days he doesn't tire at all and that was a good thing.
When his thoughts strayed, he found himself thinking about Snape's class. He had potions today and with his history with the man, he was sure that he would be in a pretty foul mood for the rest of the day.
He heard a small rustle behind him and he turned around with his wand raised.
A young silvery blonde haired girl stood frozen in spot, her hands raised in surrender. She had a camera hanging across her neck.
Harry felt that this girl seemed vaguely familiar.
"Hello?" The girl seemed to have either zoned out or she had froze in fear.
He put his wand down. He felt a faint tug on his mental shields, but he ignored it with nary a glance.
"Miss?" He called out once more, breaking the girl from her trance.
"Are you alright? Is there anything I can help you with?" He asked. The girl who was staring at him suddenly went pink on her face.
"No…" she shook her head. "I just wanted to take a picture of the sunrise."
Harry couldn't fault the girl. The sunrise and sunset over the Black lake was beautiful. He heard the girl clicking a few more pictures.
She stared at Harry for a few moments. "I didn't know that the British Wizards worked out." She pointed out.
Harry shrugged as he wiped the beads of sweat over his brow. “Most don’t.” Was his curt reply.
“My sister is one of you fitness freaks as well.” The girl said. “But she doesn’t work out like you. Just a few laps and a few weights.” She pointed out.
“You have a nice body.” The girl blurted out and slapped a hand on her face as her face became tomato red.
Harry couldn’t stop but blush slightly. “Thank you..” He rubbed the back of his neck in embarrassment.
The girl cleared her throat. “Uh..Delacour. Gabriel Delacour.” The girl finally introduced herself.
“Harry Potter.” He laughed mentally as the girl froze on spot, not surprisingly recognizing his name. “Hello?” He waved his hand again, disturbing the girl from her thoughts.
“Uhm…desole.” She slipped back to French and Harry was saved only because of Narcissa’s training.
Harry waved her apology off. “Don’t be. If I am able to catch the eye of a beautiful young lady, then I would say that me working out has paid me back, extensively.” He grinned as the girl blushed once more, before clearing her throat.
“You said something about your sister. How old is she?” Harry questioned.
“Oh you met her yesterday.” At Harry’s frown, she continued. “At dinner, remember? The one that asked for the bouillabaisse?” Harry’s eyes widened as his memory flitted back to the beautiful girl he had spoken to the day before. She had been a constant in that head of his.
The beautiful silver blonde hair, those eyes. Those eyes were like a never ending ocean. He was drawn to them without even trying to. Her pink lips, cute nose.
Gabrielle watched the Potter heir being lost in thought. She smiled at his reaction and had expected it. She had watched their interaction with interest yesterday. Her sister had the ability to turn any teenager into a blubbering mess, with just a smile. Being Veelas they were used to having boys staring and drooling at them. Yesterday, her sister came across a boy who not only was in control of his senses, but actually joked with her.
When Fleur returned to her seat, Gabrielle didn’t need to try hard to see her sister sneaking peeks at the boy subtly. She was surprised. Fleur never cared about boys. Why would she, when none of them would hold a conversation with her without trying to grope her or stare at her bust or drool at her? This boy was a cause for curiosity to her sister and she couldn’t fault her. He was handsome.
“She is your sister…?” Harry trailed off. Gabrielle nodded. “Fleur Delacour.” He shook his head and looked back at the girl.
“Sorry. I need to get back to my dorm. I have a class very soon and I need to get there in time before that overgrown bat decides to torture me.”
The girl’s expression gained one of confusion. “I don’t understand.”
“Ah..you haven’t met our potions professor. Charming guy.” He muttered, his voice bland and straight. “See you around.” Harry whispered as he waved goodbye and left, with the girl walking back to her carriage.
—--&&&-------
“Where have you been?” Fleur Delacour stood imperiously at the door of the dorm. “What did I tell you about wandering off? I was worried, Gabi.” Fleur ground into her sister.
“I just stepped out, Fleur. I wanted some fresh air.” She pacified her sister, removing her camera from around her neck. She placed the camera on a small table and took her wand out.
She went about waving her wand in a pattern that was all too familiar to Fleur.
“What are you developing?” Fleur prodded. “Hush, sister dear.” Gabrielle chastised lightly, not looking up from her work. Fleur tutted, but she didn’t disturb the young girl from her work. Gabrielle, for all her jovial nature, was an extremely diligent worker. She was a perfectionist and her work spoke volumes about her perfection.
A few minutes later, Gabrielle’s cry of a job well done was heard by Fleur. She waited a few seconds so that she cools down first. “Gabi?” She called out.
“What are you so happy about?” She questioned.
Gabrielle eyed her sister mischievously. “Guess who I met a while back outside?” Fleur cocked an eyebrow questioningly. “Who?”
“Harry Potter.” She boomed, taking Fleur by surprise.
“Gabi?” Fleur chastised, a hand on her chest to calm herself. “Calm down, you little harpy.” Fleur insisted, breathing quickly.
“Fleur. It was Harry Potter. The Harry Potter.” She said, excitedly. “I met him, Fleur. I met Harry Potter.” Fleur watched her sister bounce on her feet excitedly.
“Calm down Gabi.” Fleur chastised gently. “You are behaving like a nine year old.” She pointed out. “Papa and mama taught you better than to behave like a crazy fan girl.” She scolded the young girl.
“Now, give me that photograph.” She snatched the photo from the young girl despite her heated protests. She turned away from the girl and took a good look at the picture.
She stared into the most handsome face she had seen in her life. Brilliant green eyes, strong jaws, messy long hair that fell onto his shoulders. When her eyes roved over the entire picture, her cheeks turned pink when she saw his bare body. She licked her lips, a few thoughts playing in her mind that were naughty. It was him! The boy who had pushed away her allure without trying. The boy who had devoured her with his eyes, eyes not full of lust, but full of wonder.
“Where did you take this picture?” Fleur questioned, her eyes not leaving the photo. Gabrielle couldn’t suppress her smirk. Fleur was definitely taken with the boy. She would do what all younger sisters would do to help their elder sisters.
“He was working out.” Gabrielle explained.
“I can see that.” Fleur whispered.
“We talked for a bit. He said something about his potions professor and for some reason, I don’t want to meet that man at all.” Gabrielle frowned.
“Did you catch his name?” Fleur asked.
“Harry Potter.” Fleur sighed in exasperation.
“Gabi, can you please stop with that name. I asked for his name.” She nodded towards the picture in her hand.
“Merlin, Fleur. He is Harry Potter.” Gabrielle explained, frustrated by her sister’s behavior.
Fleur’s eyes widened in surprise. This was Harry Potter? Where was all the extravaganza that many believed he grew up in? Wasn’t he supposed to be a walking Merlin? But he seemed too simple.
“Really?” She was sure that her sister had not heard it. “He is just too plain to be Harry Potter.”
She heard her sister say something, but she was not attentive enough to hear it.
“Fleur?” She turned back to her sister. “Can I have that picture back?” Gabrielle demanded.
She once again looked back down into the photo. She shook her head.
“I don’t think so.” She turned around and walked back into their room, ignoring her protests.
“Be quiet, Gabi. Why do you need his picture?” She questioned turning back one more time.
“Why do you need his photo?” She shot back, and smiled triumphantly when her sister blushed slightly.
“Don’t be ridiculous, sister. I will be returning it back to him.” She defended herself.
—-&&&------
Harry was lost in a book when he felt a weight on his shoulder. He looked down to see a bright mane of red. He smirked when the girl groaned tiredly.
“Good morning.” He greeted, his voice laced with amusement.
“Shut up.” Ginny groaned as she slapped him on his shoulder.
“Aren’t you a morning person?” He teased.
“One word. One more word, Potter and I am going to curse you six ways to Sunday.” Ginny growled as she snatched the toast from his plate.
“I was eating that, Ginny.” Harry protested, but Ginny just flipped him off.
“Morning Harry.” Angelina and Alicia greeted, sitting across from him.
“Morning, ladies.” He smiled at the girls who had been nothing short of sisters for him, since the day he joined them on the quidditch team.
“First class of the day and with Moody no less. I just can’t wait.” Angelina spoke as she started eating.
“I have Snape.” Harry muttered as he turned around to see if the man was present.
He received sympathetic looks from the others, and it was very much appreciated. A single minute spent along with that man in class was torture. Mentally.
“You are in for a long day, Harry.” Alicia winced. Harry’s spat with Snape was legendary around Hogwarts. Harry just shrugged. The two girls noticed Ginny eating sleepily.
“Oii Ginny.” Angelina called out causing the young girl to jerk in her seat and look around frantically. She glared at the older girl who was trying hard to look innocent.
Ginny was about to retort when she noticed somebody walking through the doors of the Great Hall. Harry was back in his book, and he failed to notice the person.
The Great Hall became quiet when Fleur Delacour stepped into the hall. She scanned the hall for a particular face, but she failed to identify the person she was here to see. She walked towards the table that she had met him at yesterday. Once again, she felt the eyes of the Great Hall on her. She fought the urge to curse out loud.
She let her vision rove over the table of students clad in red and gold. At the center of the table, she found the person she was looking for. She quickened her pace as she began moving towards Harry Potter.
Ginny tapped Harry on his shoulder. “Harry?” At his questioning hum, she continued.
“That girl from yesterday is coming over here.” When she received no answer, she turned around to see him lost in his book. She slapped him gently on his head.
“What?” Harry looked up in a flash. Ginny was glaring at him. She discreetly pointed behind her. Harry’s eyes widened when he saw Fleur Delacour walking towards, what was supposed to be him. And just like that, she was standing in front of him, a gentle smile on her face. Once his eyes met hers, Harry felt the distinct feeling of losing himself in their depths. He composed himself, not wanting to make a fool of himself in front of the girl.
“Mr.Potter.” The girl greeted him. Harry smiled back at the girl. “Ms.Delacour. Good morning. What can I do for you?” The girl retrieved what seemed like a photograph and handed it over.
Harry frowned as he saw himself in his photo.
“I am sorry about Gabrielle. She has a weird urge to cause trouble to everyone around her.” She apologized. Harry remembered the young girl he spoke to this morning. She took his picture.
“Ahh. Don’t be. She did tell me that she was taking the picture of the sunrise over the Black Lake.” He placed the picture on the table.
“Oh forgive my manners. Please sit.” He held out his hand for the girl to take. He didn’t think that her face could blossom any more as he asked her to sit down. She reached out to take his hand and Harry positively shuddered when her warm fingers encircled his hand. She sat down next to him.
“Thank you, Mr.Potter.” She nodded at him. “Once again, I apologize in place of Gabrielle.”
Harry shook his head. “Please. I don’t mind it, as long as she keeps it with her and doesn’t circulate it around.”
“Holy Merlin!” Angelina exclaimed. Harry and Fleur turned to the dark skinned girl sitting from across them. She was staring at Harry’s picture. “Where did that little Harry go? He was certainly not ripped to this extent.” She exclaimed.
Harry’s face burnt with a mixture of embarrassment and pride.
“You look yummy, Harry.” She winked back at Harry.
He held his hand out. “Give me that.”
Angelina though, was having none of it. She passed the picture to Alicia and then Ginny.
“Wow, Potter. That certainly is impressive.” Ginny muttered, shooting a smile at Harry.
Harry face palmed before turning back to Fleur. “You should have let your sister keep it. That girl over there can’t keep it to herself to save her life.” He groaned pointing at Ginny.
Fleur smiled. “Gabrielle is no different. Your photo would have been all over the Beauxbatons carriage had she had her way.” Harry’s horrific expression was too much for the girls, who began laughing.
‘God how does she manage to make her laugh attractive?’ Harry shuddered pleasantly. She pushed a strand of her hair behind her ear. Harry’s breath hitched in his chest at that particular action. He felt a pleasant sensation stir from deep inside his heart.
“Don’t worry, ‘Arry. I won’t let Gabrielle do something like that.” Harry felt that sensation stir again when she butchered his name. Fleur realized what she had said and flushed brightly.
“I…I apologize.” She began, but Ginny broke in. “Oh it’s no problem. I don’t think he is opposed to it.” She said. Harry didn’t bother gracing her statement with an answer.
Fleur smiled shyly at him. “I need to go.” She said, standing up from the table.
Harry stood up as well. “Let me walk you out.” He held out his arm. Fleur stepped closer to him and locked her arm with his. The two left the Great Hall quickly.
“Look at that.” Alicia said, after the two had left. “Little Harry beefed up and grabbed a Veela.” The three shared a laugh between them. “She is equally attracted to him. Those quick glances and deliberate butchering might fool him, but not me.” Alicia continued.
“Okay. I’ll make a bet.” Ginny began. “Five galleons say they will be together by the end of the year.” She placed five galleons on the table.
Angelina placed five more galleons on the table. “Nah. It might take longer. I wager that it will be by the start of the next Hogwarts year.”
Alicia grinned. “You are fools.” She placed five galleons of her own on the table. “Mark my words. Either by Christmas or new year, the two of them would be dating.”
—-&&&----
“How do you like the castle?” Harry questioned as they walked through the courtyard.
Fleur shrugged. “It’s good.”
“Just good?” She nodded. “I am sorry, but Beaubaxtons is much grander compared to this…” Her nose crinkled as if she smelt something unpleasant. “Cold and damp castle.”
She noticed his frown and immediately made to explain herself.
“I am sorry, ‘Arry. I didn’t mean to offend you. It’s just that the year has not yet reached the end and it is already very cold. France is warm most of the year. And especially for someone like me, too much cold just becomes an obstacle.”
“Someone like you?” Harry frowned, not getting what she was talking about, but they were interrupted by a group of boys who Harry recognised as seventh year Ravenclaws.
He recognised Roger Davies. He stood in front of the group and smiled charmingly at Fleur.
“Ms.Delacour.” He greeted the girl with a bow. “My name is Roger Davies.” He introduced himself. “I wanted to show you around Hogwarts.” He offered his hand thinking that she would take it.
Fleur though, tightened her hold on Harry’s arm. “I am sorry, Mr.Davies. ‘Arry is showing me around, aren’t you, ‘Arry?” She turned to him, smiling questioningly. Harry nodded, though he didn’t speak a word. What he did notice was the expression of the boys in front of them.
There were five of them including Davies, and four of the boys seemed to have zoned out. He noticed that their eyes were glazed over and they seemed to be staring slack jawed at Fleur.
“That boy?” Davies laughed. “Please, Ms.Delacour. I can assure you that I would be a better company than that kid.” He winked at the girl.
Harry felt a prickling sensation in his head. At that particular moment, Harry felt that Fleur was the most beautiful woman in the world. He wanted to get down on his knees and worship her. Just when the sensation began to grow, Harry pulled himself back to his senses. He forced down his mental shields. What was happening?
Of course he knew that Fleur was beautiful. He would be blind to not think so. But getting down on his knees. No. He wanted to question her, but he remained quiet.
When he noticed Davies, he almost burst into laughter. He was drooling all over himself and his eyes had glazed over. Harry was disgusted by that. He would have said something, but Fleur beat him to it.
“Come, ‘Arry.” She pulled him away from the others.
They walked quietly for a few minutes until Harry spoke. “What….”
“You wanted to know why I said, ‘someone like me,’ didn’t you?” She seemed to hesitate for a few moments. “I am a veela, ‘Arry.” She whispered.
Harry was surprised for a few seconds before he shook his head. “Ok…?”
“I would understand if you want nothing to do with me. I will get out of your hair.”
“Now why would I want to do that?” He questioned the girl.”You are a veela, but I don’t understand what the big deal is. You are human right?” The girl nodded, still in surprise.
“I don’t know what being a veela entails. I am sorry, but I haven’t spent much time reading about them. Why would you want to get out of my hair?” He questioned.
“Did you feel the need to impress me, a few minutes back? Did you feel a pleasant sensation at the back of your head?” When he nodded, she chuckled sadly. “That was my handiwork.”
“Us veela have a special ability. We have this natural allure that will lead to all the weaker minds to go cross eyed and drool, like you noticed.” She explained. “Sadly, that is why people hate us. Women usually don’t like us. They think that we steal their boyfriends or husbands. Men, lust after us.” Harry felt for the woman.
“Well, the others can fuck off.” Fleur stumbled in shock at his words. “People must appreciate Fleur. If they can’t, something is seriously wrong with them. People just can’t blame you for their shortcomings, especially for blaming it on something as natural as your allure. You should stop blaming yourself.”
“I don’t. People sometimes act insignificant. But when I have genuine friends, I fear their reactions. I have lost a number of good friends just because of me being a Veela.” She looked away.
“Thanks ‘Arry. You have been very patient. I shouldn’t keep you waiting.”
Harry smiled. “I’ll see you around, I guess.”
Fleur’s smile was once again, heart warming. “Oh you will. You surely will.” She waved as she walked away.
Harry turned back to the castle. He needed to get back to Snape’s class. He was late. He rushed back to the class and ran down towards the dungeons. He stepped into the classroom and he was met with Snape’s venomous gaze upon him.
“Ah…our celebrity finally graces us with his presence.” He sneered at Harry. “That is ten points from Gryffindor for your late arrival, Potter. Go take a seat.” Harry made to move towards Ron, who waved him on. Harry was about to join him when Snape stopped him.
“Let’s do something different, Potter. Why don’t you go and join Mr.Nott?” Harry grit his teeth but complied, not wanting to fight with the man.
"Somehow, you manage to annoy him every time, Potter." Nott chuckled as Harry stood next to the boy. Harry grinned.
"That's his way of expressing love. His undying support to the Boy- Who- Lived." Harry whispered sarcastically.
"Yeah." Nott snorted. "And Dumbledore is not crazy at all."
Harry chuckled. "Good one."
The two boys began working on the potion. Harry found it easy to work with the boy. He was witty and very good with his work.
"I advise you to take caution, Mr.Nott. Potter will bring you down along with himself with his incompetence." Snape drawled, appearing out of nowhere.
"I don't think so, Professor. He was the one who completed the potion. I just chopped and procured the ingredients.” Snape’s face looked like he had sucked on a lemon.
“Then it was a good thing that you didn’t waste your efforts on a spoiled potion, Mr.Nott. This potion is a waste.” He waved his wand and cleared away the potion.
Nott observed Harry’s hand tightening on the desk. His knuckles had gone white and his clenched jaw indicated the boy’s anger.
He watched the boy exhale slowly. “Do you want me to repeat it again, Professor?” Harry questioned, his tone not giving away anything that he was feeling. Snape stared hard at Harry. He finally sneered and walked away.
“It is the end of the class, Potter. Don’t bother. With your abysmal skills, you will cause more damage than good.” He snarked.
“And twenty points from Gryffindor, for sabotaging the potion of another student. Get out Potter.”
Harry stared at Snape. Their eyes met and none were able to prevent the staring contest that ensured. Snape looked away, feeling uneasy about that stare. “I said get out, Potter.” He boomed, catching the others by surprise.
Harry slowly packed away his things and left the room as quickly as possible. He slowly made it out of the castle and towards the Black lake. He sat down on the shore, under a tree and stared across the lake.
He pulled a cigar out of his inner robes and lit it. A huff and puff later, he had calmed down as much as possible. The man will die by his hands. He had no doubts about that. One day, he will break and when he does, not even Dumbledore would be able to save him.
—--&&&------
“Snape is the biggest git I have ever seen in my life.” Ron growled as they walked to the charms classroom.
Harry stifled a groan. “Stop it already Ron. We know that. It was unfair, I get it. Let’s move on.” He snapped as annoyance made its way to his face.
They stopped outside the charms classroom and waited for the Ravenclaws to arrive. They did a few minutes later. Just when they were about to go into the classroom, Harry heard a voice.
“ ‘Arry.”
Harry’s head whipped around to the sound of his name being butchered.
A group of students clad in Beauxbatons blue arrived slowly towards the classroom. Harry immediately sought Fleur. She was the one who called him that way.
Fleur smiled as she stepped closer to the young man.
“Fleur? What are you doing here?” Harry questioned in surprise and confusion.
“We were asked to attend this class by Professor Conrad, our charms master.” She explained.
Harry nodded. He turned around, but he was met with the sight of Ron staring slack- jawed at Fleur. Harry was disgusted to see Ron drooling at her. He looked back at Fleur and he caught onto her disgusted expression. He slapped his friend on the back of his head.
“Get a grip on yourself.” Harry hissed. “I apologize, Fleur.”
She smiled jovially. “It’s fine. Come.” She stepped closer to him and grabbed his arm and led him inside. The two charms professors stood at the front of the room and the students took their seats.
Fleur and Harry sat down at the end of the classroom. Flitwick began in his squeaky voice as everyone took their seats. “Welcome students. Professor Conrad and I decided to conduct this class together.”
Many of the fourth years were confused. What did seventh years have to do with them? Why were they having class with NEWT students?
"I know that many of you are wondering what you are doing with NEWT students. The answer is the Patronus Charm."
Harry's eyes widened considerably, as excited whisperings were heard around the classroom. He knew where this was going and he had to get away from this room. He slowly slid out of his seat.
"Fleur? The blonde turned to Harry. "I have to leave. I'll see you later." He began to silently escape the room.
" 'Arry?" Fleur questioned in surprise. "Where are you going?"
Harry shrugged. "I'm…I will tell you later." He whispered and just when he reached the door, he was called out.
"Mr.Potter?" Flitwick called out.
"Tch…" Harry cursed before turning back to face the front of the class. The French students began pointing and whispering at the name that was famous all around in France too.
"Where are you off to?" Flitwick questioned and Harry was sure that he saw the man's eyes twinkle with mischief. Harry raised his hand to say something, but he didn’t. He just pointed at the door. Flitwick shook his head. “Come on up, Mr.Potter.” Harry sighed.
He walked up to the man and stood next to him. “Mr.Potter here is the owner of one of the most powerful patronus I have ever had the privilege to see.” Harry was sure that every eye was on him. He had guessed that this was what would happen and he really didn’t want this.
Fleur had a look of shock and was that interest he detected? He bared a fleeting glance towards Hermione and she was doubtful. One person in particular was vocal in his disbelief. A Frenchman stood up and stared at Harry in disdain.
“This little boy, can do a patronus charm of all things? You don’t need to lie to flaunt his name, professor. Please don’t disrespect us by comparing us with that boy.”
Flitwick expected Harry to say something. He waited for a few moments and when Harry didn’t seem like answering the question, he nodded towards Harry, conveying what was expected of him. He had no choice.
“Expecto Patronum.” Harry spoke quietly. Despite everything else, Harry loved the Patronus charm. Everytime he used that spell, he felt a sense of satisfaction.
As the thestral manifested from his wand, standing tall and proud, Harry couldn’t help but smile in happiness. The huge thestral was almost blinding and the students had to cover their eyes before they could open their eyes to observe the patronus.
Gasps and shrieks of surprise were heard all over the classroom. He noticed Fleur’s surprised expression and Hermione’s shock. The boy who was speaking a lot had sat down, with a dumbstruck expression on his face.
Harry held out his hand and the thestral pranced upto him and nuzzled its head against his palm. It was a beautiful sight. “I never get tired of watching your patronus, Mr.Potter. That is a masterful piece of magic. Two hundred points to Gryffindor.” Harry let the thestral prance around the room for a few minutes before flicking his wand and finishing it off.
“That was a brilliant display, Monsieur Potter. Master Flitwick was right. That is a very powerful piece of magic. If you don’t mind me asking, Monsieur, what steps do you follow?”
“We already know that a Patronus is a powerful intent based magic. It is a spell purely based on your feelings. Your emotions.” The entire class was listening intently. “People just read that a patronus is a happy memory. But most don’t understand that a patronus is purely based on your strongest emotion. It can be anything. It can be anything ranging from a powerful memory or a powerful imagination. The feelings behind that emotion determines the power of your patronus. The stronger the emotion, the more powerful your patronus.” Harry explained.
“As wonderful an explanation as any, Mr.Potter.” Harry heard the voice of Albus Dumbledore, his eyes twinkling madly. “People fail to recognise the true intention behind the ability to conjure a patronus. Keep up the good work, Mr.Potter.”
Harry nodded his thanks to the appreciation by the Headmaster. It was always good to be appreciated by the aged man. Dumbledore had that ability to just make you feel like a small kid with his words and at the same time make you feel like an adult with his words. Words have power people say and people like Dumbledore surely knows the power of such words. The man didn't live a century and achieve all that he had without learning how to speak.
Harry slowly went back to his seat and sat down. He hoped for a peaceful year. Judging by the first few days at Hogwarts, he really asked for too much.
TBC—----------
