Re:HP-A New Life

I am 15 chapters ahead on my patreón, check it out if you are interested.

https://www.patréon.com/emperordragon

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Chapter Forty Five: Shadows of Concern

The Great Hall buzzed with animated chatter as students speculated about the dramatic events that had unfolded earlier that day. The story of the dementors attacking the Hogwarts Express and Harry Potter fending them off with a powerful Patronus had spread like wildfire, each retelling growing more elaborate. Whispers of admiration and awe rippled through the hall as eyes darted toward the Slytherin table, where Harry sat quietly, eating his dinner.

Rose, sitting beside him, leaned in with a mischievous grin. "You're quite the celebrity now, Harry. Everyone's talking about you."

Harry rolled his eyes, taking a sip of pumpkin juice. "I'd rather they didn't. It wasn't exactly a fun experience."

Neville, seated across from him, nodded in agreement. "Still, what you did was incredible. I don't know anyone else our age who could cast a Patronus, let alone one strong enough to drive off three dementors."

Hermione, ever the inquisitive mind, couldn't help but interject. "It's extraordinary, Harry. I mean, the Patronus Charm is advanced magic. Most wizards don't learn it until much later, and even then, it's difficult to master."

Harry shifted uncomfortably in his seat, the weight of their admiration making him feel conspicuous. "I just did what I had to do. Let's not make a big deal out of it."

Ron, always quick to lighten the mood, smirked. "Too late, mate. You're officially a hero. Just wait until the next issue of the Daily Prophet."

As the conversation continued around him, Harry couldn't shake the feeling of unease that had settled in his chest. The incident on the train wasn't just a random attack; it felt targeted. His thoughts were interrupted by the arrival of his mother, Lily, who placed a gentle hand on his shoulder.

"Harry, come with me. The Headmaster wants to see you," she said, her voice calm but tinged with a subtle edge of concern.

Harry nodded, setting his utensils down and following his mother out of the Great Hall. The murmurs around him grew louder as students craned their necks to watch him leave. The walk to the Headmaster's office was quiet, the only sound the soft echo of their footsteps against the stone floor. Harry could sense his mother's worry, even though she maintained a composed exterior for his sake.

Upon reaching the entrance to Dumbledore's office, Lily murmured the password—"Lemon Drop"—and the gargoyle sprang aside, revealing the spiral staircase. Together, they ascended to the top, where the Headmaster's office awaited.

Inside, the atmosphere was tense. Albus Dumbledore sat behind his desk, his expression serene but his eyes sharp and calculating. Alastor Moody stood near the fireplace, his magical eye whirring as it scanned the room, while Amelia Bones, Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, leaned against a bookshelf, her gaze fixed on Harry.

"Ah, Harry," Dumbledore greeted with a nod, gesturing for him to take a seat. "We were just discussing the unfortunate events on the train. Please, tell us everything you remember."

Harry recounted the incident, describing the sudden halt of the train, the encroaching chill of the dementors, and his use of the Patronus Charm to drive them away. He detailed how he had found the driver unconscious and how he had ensured the train resumed its journey safely.

Amelia listened intently, her brow furrowed in thought. "It's concerning that dementors would target the Hogwarts Express, especially with such precision. They seemed to be heading directly for your compartment, Harry. Have you noticed anything unusual before this?"

Harry shook his head. "No, nothing out of the ordinary. It all happened so fast."

Moody's magical eye swiveled to focus on Harry. "The Patronus Charm is no easy feat, especially for someone your age. How did you learn it?"

Harry met Moody's gaze steadily. "My father sometimes sends messages home using his Patronus when he's busy at the office. I got curious about how it worked, so I read about it in a book and practiced until I could cast it."

Dumbledore's eyes twinkled with approval. "A most admirable initiative, Harry. It is fortunate you did, for without your intervention, the outcome could have been far worse."

He turned to the others. "Given the circumstances, I believe it is prudent to reward Harry's exceptional spellwork. Fifty points to Slytherin for his bravery and skill."

Harry felt a slight flush of pride at the Headmaster's praise but remained focused on the seriousness of the situation. After a few more questions, Dumbledore dismissed Harry, allowing him to return to the common room. As Harry left, he could hear the adults continue their discussion.

Amelia's voice carried a note of urgency. "This is the second major incident after the troll, and both times, Harry was involved. It's too much of a coincidence. We need to increase security and find out who is behind these attacks."

Moody grunted in agreement. "I'll stay at the school for the time being. We need to get to the bottom of this before it escalates."

As the office door closed behind him, Harry exhaled deeply, the weight of the situation pressing down on him. The walk back to the common room was quieter, his mind racing with thoughts of the attacks and the ominous feeling that they were far from over. But for now, he resolved to focus on the present and enjoy the rest of the evening with Hedwig.