Harry Potter and the Thunderstruck Muggles(01) - Sahits

It was indeed near midnight when Samantha said, "Let's give it a break for today, Harry ... Ifyou'll come tomorrow, you'll find me here as promised - except then I might squeeze you a bitharder - there were a few empty spots in your story, and I'll be damned if they don't fit exactlyyour shape ... By the way, how are you travelling?""Apparition - and a short walk because it works only outside the Hogwarts sphere. The trainplatform is the closest point for jumping.""Apparition, huh? ... Quite a habit for sixth-years, and I better don't ask for your license ..."Harry interrupted her with a beaming. "You may - it's two weeks old, signed by the LawEnforcement Squad chief personally.""Then he must be a relative of yours."Naturally, from a corrupt sheriff's deputy. "No," protested Harry, "but he's my godfather.Well, at least I'd stand any test or exam."Samantha nodded. "No doubt ... See ya' tomorrow."The next day Harry came back, early enough for a real training session in the hall. Samanthawas interested to join, until she realized what it meant to go through the basics - walking,falling, balance. Then she said, "Come to think of it, Harry - if you find a shortcut to somenice kicks, gimme a call. Otherwise, you'll find me outside."Harry had brought a large salad bowl - green food seemed a bit scarce on Samantha's table.He said, "Please don't tell Dobby - he'll be deeply insulted to hear I came to Hogwarts withfood from outside.""Dobby?"And this was the opening for today's contribution of stories. For Harry, it felt strange howeasily he could talk about his own roles in the encounters with Voldemort, with LuciusMalfoy, even his time in Privet Drive. There was something in Samantha which understood,and weighed, offering sympathy without pity, acknowledgment without admiration.When he talked about the Dursleys, Samantha's eyes looked at him as if to say, Tough, hon -at least, you weren't beaten up, or just a bit by Dudley and his scums. When he talked aboutthe fight deep down in the Hogwarts dungeons to rescue Ginny, the same eyes said, Good job,buddy, they were relying on you, and you didn't let them hang - I hadn't expected less.Samantha looked far too young for appearing motherly, Harry didn't feel like confiding in her- just presenting the facts, trading a story or two for a T-bone steak, and if he didn't get two ofthem in return, then only because he was stuffed to the limit after the first.These eyes ... They had seen the bad, and they had seen the worse, were able to recognizequality, could laugh while that big mouth didn't move.When he told about the exam patrol and the scene with Firenze in the Forbidden Forest,Samantha's calmness was gone. "Centaurs - and one of them is your pal? ... Harry, you justgot yourself a job."12