Somewhere Safe - Chapter 45

The next week was spent exploring the Chamber of Secrets. They had to suspend classes for the first couple of days since no one could concentrate on anything else. Unfortunately, there wasn't a secret library, or hidden stash of forgotten magic. In fact, the chamber was more akin to a bunker. They had found multiple entrances scattered around the castle. Euryale explained that in times of conflict, or in case the castle was under siege, the passages would open to the students. The Chamber was connected to the magic of Hogwarts and could house the students safely for over two months. It was also set with supplies for close to double the current number.

Euryale was a crucial piece in the puzzle. Hogwarts would alert her and then she would activate the security measures. From there, the basilisk would emerge from the Chamber to defend the castle. It made Harry wonder what would have happened in the other world with Euryale dead. No one would be there to activate the protections or open the safety passages. The students and staff would have been completely unaware that a safe space was so close. It was a shame, but he didn't think anyone would be crazy enough to attack Hogwarts. The minions of Voldemort that weren't in prison were doing just fine without their Dark Lord to spur them on.

Plus, it helped that Voldemort had been captured in the other world. The relief was soured a little considering the Dark Lord was only found once Harry had vanished. He would probably still be in the shadows making plans if things hadn't changed.

Hagrid was ecstatic with the new addition to the Hogwarts population. The half-giant couldn't speak to the snake exactly, but she understood what he was saying. They had one-sided conversations with Euryale replying in body language and variations of hissing. It was rather impressive the amount of emotion that a giant snake could express.

The two-day break was much needed with the impending arrival of the other schools. Dueling now had daily practices, as did Quidditch. He assumed the students doing Broom Racing were too, but he didn't know anyone who was interested in it. While taking part in Quidditch and Dueling was doable, if you didn't care about sleep, free time, or your mental health, it was impossible to also do racing short of a time turner. It did sound fun. He would have to try to watch a couple once things got started. The Tournament was set up to foster connections between the countries, as well as make a lot of money. There was no way the people who organized it would arrange it so any of the events would be double-booked. That would be throwing away copious amounts of gold.

Thankfully, there was still time for the coven. He had only gone on an actual date with Delphi and Padma. Harry hid his chuckle as he made his way to check the schedule. Katie was listed for today and tomorrow was Lavender.

He was still adjusting to how dating worked. Changing worlds had taken what little he did know and tossed it out the window. With witches outnumbering wizards, they were the ones who usually planned the dates and all that.

"Hey, Katie," Harry called as she stumbled into the common area. "Are you up for your date tonight?"

She flashed him a tired smile.

"I wouldn't miss it," she said. "Just need a shower first. Then we can get going."

Harry smiled back at her. He decided a shower was a good idea. The dueling practices didn't seem as demanding as Quidditch, but he thought that had to do with the coaches. Professor Riddle and Flitwick handled the training for the school duelists while Quidditch had opted for student. Oliver had graduated last year, but whoever had been voted in as captain was just as fanatical.

He took a quick, hot shower and waited for Katie to finish up in the common area. Padma, Delphi, Miranda, and Hermione had created a study area where the coven gathered for homework. The only subject he was having an issue with was World History. It wasn't so much difficult as simply being a vast amount of knowledge. Not only did he have to learn about this entire new world, but he had to adjust to the differences as well. The subject covered some pieces of Muggle history as well. While Harry hadn't spent a lot of time in mundane schools, he did learn enough to make things confusing. Different names, dates, and all those little things.

Harry watched the assembled coven with a soft smile on his face. They were working together like they had been friends for years. He wondered if there was something magical about a coven that smoothed things over. There hadn't been a ritual or anything like that for it to form, so he wasn't sure. Considering the population disparity, it could just be the fact that they didn't have to compete romantically.

"Hey, Harry," Katie approached him with a tired smile on her face.

"Hey," he replied with a smile of his own.

"I had planned on taking you flying," Katie sat down beside him. "That was before I spent the last few hours being run around by a mad woman. Is it ok if we do something else?"

"Of course," Harry said. "I'd like you to enjoy the date too. What did you have in mind?"

"Did the other world have viewing crystals?" Katie asked.

"I don't think so," Harry answered slowly. "Do you mean a crystal ball?"

"No," Katie chuckled. "Viewing crystals are not crystal balls. Come on, I'll show you."

He had expected Katie to lead him back to her room. Instead, she took him to an area a couple of levels lower on Gryffindor tower. A panoramic landscape of the Forbidden Forest stretched the length of the hallway. The size alone was impressive, but it was the little details that made it truly magical. He could almost see through the trees.

Katie stopped before a section in the painting where a couple of trees made a natural arch. She grabbed one of the lower branches and wiggled it. The path between the arch faded away, revealing a cozy sitting room. Something akin to a hookah sat in the center with a couple of couches arranged around it. Instead of pipes there was a rack of crystals.

"This is a viewing room," Katie explained. "Memories are stored on the crystals to save them for others to see. Basically, it's a bunch of people watching a Quidditch match, duel, or whatever from different angles then they slap all the best bits together."

"Kind of like a movie," Harry suggested.

"Yeah," Katie laughed. "I forgot you were raised Muggle."

"I thought the muggle-born moved to Hogsmeade," Harry said.

"It's an option," Katie clarified. "I want to show you my first Quidditch Match. I mean, the first one I started in. Is that ok?"

"Sure," Harry replied with a smile.

Katie motioned to him to take a seat. She took a couple minutes to search for the crystals before she joined him.

"How does this work?" Harry asked.

"Watch," Katie motioned to the air above the rack.

A thick pane of smoke rose from the mounted crystal. Humanoid forms began to take shape. After a moment it sharpened. It wasn't perfect, more like he was watching through a window rather than being there, but it was still impressive.

"There I am," Katie motioned to a small witch.

"You're so tiny," Harry teased.

"It was third year," Katie pouted. "I hadn't hit my growth spurt yet."

Harry had to admit, this new version of Quidditch was more interesting to watch. With the Snitch being a bonus, rather than the end-all, it made the chasers and keepers more of a driving force. Third Year Katie was good. It was fun to see her nerves fade as the game went on. Her confidence grew each time she scored, dodged a bludger, or made a good pass.

He was so invested in the game that he didn't realize that Katie had fallen asleep against him. She had tucked her head on his shoulder with her face pressed against his neck. Her soft breathing tickled his skin. It was adorable and he didn't want to wake her. Instead, he pulled her close and leaned back against the luxurious cushion. The game ended with Gryffindor victorious. Once the match was over the Cub level teams were replaced with Mid and finally the Top. The set time-limit for each game made it easier to schedule matches, as well as record them.

Katie was still asleep when the crystal finished. The smoke let out a sound like a deflating balloon, jumping her awake. Her face was bright red as she realized where she was and who she was with.

"That wasn't me," she blurted out.

Harry laughed.

"I know," he said when his breathing slowed. "You were asleep before little Katie scored her first goal."

"Oh," Katie's blush faded a little. "Sorry."

"You needed it," Harry squeezed her hand.

"Wood is a madwoman," Katie muttered.

"Wood?" Harry asked.

"Curie Wood," Katie said. "She's the Hogwarts Mid Captain."

"Does she have an older brother?" Harry asked.

"Oliver?" Katie groaned. "Yeah, I thought we were in the clear with him graduating. Turns out his little sister is even worse."

"Yikes," Harry muttered. "In that case, you are forgiven."

"Thanks," Katie rolled her eyes. "Sorry I ruined our date."

"I got to cuddle with a cute girl and watch Quidditch," Harry winked at her. "That's a good date to me."

Katie kissed him on the cheek.

"It would be fun to do this again," Harry said. "Maybe follow Tiny Katie through to present day?"

"We'll see," Katie snuggled close against him. "I could use some real sleep."

Harry wrapped an arm around her. He leaned back in the seat, taking her with him.

"Ok," Harry gently placed a kiss on her lips.

Katie giggled at him as he closed his eyes. She set her head back against his shoulder and did the same.

~
NOTE:
Short one, I know. Moving slow and didn't want to miss a post.