Harry Potter and the Unfulfilled Prophecy (Book 6)

[crocodile]

Hi, I will be writing a fanfic that revolves around Harry's 6th year at Hogwarts. This is a first attempt at a fanfic.

The usual disclaimer, I, as much as I'd like to, do not own Harry Potter or any of JKR's ideas.

OK, please post feedback when u finish reading.

[crocodile]

Harry Potter and the Unfulfilled Prophecy

Year Six at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

Chapter One

Death Eaters at Large

Another normal, boring day of the summer was drawing to an end. A 16-year-old boy inside the smallest bedroom in number 4, Privet Drive lay motionlessly on his bed. Harry Potter was thinking about – well, what else could he be thinking about but his godfather Sirius?

In the past two weeks that Harry came back to Privet Drive for the summer holidays, the only thing he could think of was Sirius. It was entirely my fault that Sirius died, Harry thought miserably. If I hadn’t been stupid enough to believe that dream, if I had learned Occlumency, Sirius wouldn’t be dead. Harry was filled with grief and guilt. He knew the mistake he made could never be corrected, he knew he would never see Sirius again.

Harry closed his eyes, he had had enough, he wanted out, out and away from this world. First, his parents were murdered when he was a baby, now he had lost the closest thing to a parent he has ever known of, too. Tears filled Harry’s eyes as he thought.

Why am I the one that have to go through all this? Why do I, out of all people, have to endure the pain? It isn’t fair, why can’t it be someone else? His thoughts were, however, interrupted by Aunt Petunia’s voice.

“Get down here! You lazy, good for nothing boy! I want you to clean the kitchen windows before dinner.”

Harry got up from his bed and slowly walked downstairs. The Dursleys have been fairly kind to him this summer, due to Mad-Eye Moody’s warning. Although he was not spared from chores, at least he wasn’t locked inside his bedroom or deprived of meals. Dudley has been avoiding Harry, due to events of last summer. It wasn’t any hard work, since Harry spent most of his time in his bedroom grieving Sirius. For the next half an hour Harry scrubbed the kitchen window clean. It was an easy job; his hands seemed to be scrubbing automatically while his mind dwelled on Sirius.

Aunt Petunia served salad for dinner. Dudley was still on diet and he had won the title of Junior Heavyweight Interschool Boxing Champion of the Southeast two years in a row now. Of course, Dudley and his gang retained their hobby of vandalizing parks, beating up kids, etc., etc.

After dinner, Uncle Vernon turned on the TV to watch the 7:00 news. Harry made for his bedroom but stopped abruptly when he heard:

“—And now for the most mysterious, there has been a mass murder in Queen Elizabeth Park in London today. Witnesses claim that a band of unknown criminals wearing masks and cloaks appeared out of the thin air. Eleven people were killed, including three children. The mystery lies with how the victims were killed. A team of doctors examined the bodies and reported that they were not shot, stabbed, strangled, or, in any other way harmed. As a matter of fact, they all seem to be in perfect health, apart from the fact that they’re all dead. What’s more, a sign of a skull with a serpent coming out of its mouth hovered above the crime scene for hours before it finally vanished. How it was conjured is unknown. It looks to be a new kind of fireworks that lasts for hours. The police are currently investigating the matter. Anyone with any information to offer should contact them immediately. We will have an update as soon as we get more information; and now Tim with the weather.”

Harry froze on the stairs. The Muggles might not realize it, but Lord Voldemort’s Death Eaters had killed all of these people. A second later Harry rushed to his bedroom, lay again on his bed, his mind racing. Death Eaters killed eleven people. That’s the first time they have mass murdered since Voldemort’s return. He should have expected something like this, but he was too busy grieving Sirius. Why did they kill all these innocent people at a park? Were they doing it for fun, like the last time Voldemort was in power? Or were there something they wanted? Last year, Voldemort didn’t want to draw attention to himself. Does this mean he’s in the open now? What are his plans? What are Dumbledore and the Order doing? Questions exploded in Harry’s mind. It were as if the death of Sirius had isolated Harry from the rest of the world while the Death Eater’s killings had shocked Harry back to his senses.

Harry’s remembered what Dumbledore had told him last year in his office. Harry was the one with the power to vanquish Voldemort. He had to either kill or be killed…

Harry got up from his bed, walked over to his desk, and started to write a letter to his best friends Ron and Hermione. They’ve written a lot of letters to him in the past two weeks, clearly concerned with how he’s doing after Sirius’ death. Their letters were empty of any news of Voldemort or the Order’s plans, presumably fearing they might be intercepted. But from the hints they gave, Harry deduced that Hermione had joined Ron at the Order Headquarters only one week into the holidays.

Harry found himself missing them; and not just Ron and Hermoine, but all of the Weasleys, Hagrid, Lupin, Moody, and Tonks, all of the people who cared about him. He wanted to have them at his side again. After two weeks of wanting to be left alone, he now suddenly came to realization that he can’t isolate himself forever. He needed someone to talk to, badly, about Sirius and about the prophecy. And now he was also anxious about Voldemort’s news.

Harry picked up a quill and thought. What would he write? He can’t ask about Voldemort, knowing they won’t be able to answer.


Dear Ron and Hermoine:

It’s OK here. The Dursleys aren’t too horrible to me this summer. I’m sorry that I didn’t write to you as much as I should have. I’m going through a tough time and wanted to be alone.

However, I no longer feel that way. In the two weeks that I stayed in my room I have found that isolating myself and not moving on isn’t the answer. So I’m writing to you to ask if you have any plans to have me removed from Privet Drive? This place is very unpleasant and I’d like very much to see you all again. I believe that your presence can help me through this.

I would understand, though, if Dumbledore wants me to stay, as this is the safest place for me.

Say hello to everyone for me.

Really miss you, and still beating myself up for Sirius,

Harry

Harry reread the letter; it looked all right. He rolled up the parchment, and carried it to Hedwig, who was fast asleep in her cage. Harry nudged her gently. “I need you to take this to Ron and Hermione, OK?” said Harry. Hedwig hooted softly, extended her leg for Harry to tie the letter, flapped her wings, and was off. Harry watched her go, then again lay on his bed and drifted into an uneasy sleep.

[crocodile]

Chapter Two

Number Twelve, Grimmuald Place, Revisited

The owl delivering the Daily Prophet next morning at six o’clock waked Harry. He paid the owl, and instead of throwing the paper aside, like he had done every morning this summer, Harry grabbed for it. The headline news was no surprise.

Mass Murder of Muggles in London
Believed to be the Work of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named

Ministry of Magic Fails to Stop Death Eaters

You-Know-Who’s followers (Death Eaters) murdered 11 Muggles yesterday noon at a Muggle park. The Dark Mark was seen for hours above the crime scene before Ministry Officials finally arrived to Vanish it.

The Ministry of Magic not only failed to prevent the murder, they neither knew about it nor arrived at the park to take control until hours after the killings. By the time Ministry Officials got there, all Death Eaters have Disapparated. Muggle law enforcers (please-men) have started an investigation and the incident has been aired on Muggle news. None of the Death Eater have been captured or identified. Memory wipe of Muggles proved to be impossible because of the huge number of Muggles aware of the crime.

The Muggle Prime Minister is furious at Cornelius Fudge for the lack of security. But it’s not only Muggles who’s angry with him, the wizarding community proved to be just as upset. First, Fudge failed to acknowledge the return of You-Know-Who, now, all he said to the reporters concerning the murder of Muggles was “We are doing everything we can and we beg everyone to remain calm.”

The current Minister is rapidly losing popularity. A recent poll showed that 73% of the wizarding population is dissatisfied with him and would prefer Fudge to step down.

Harry studied the black and white picture of the Dark Mark. It looks like the Ministry is losing control over the Death Eaters. Just as Harry was finishing studying the picture, Hedwig flew across the open window and dropped a note from Ron on Harry’s bed.

Harry—

I don’t know if you know already, Death Eaters murdered 11 Muggles yesterday.

Someone will be contacting you about your leaving Privet Drive shortly.

Ron

‘Someone will be contacting you about your leaving Privet Drive shortly’? What did that mean?

“Up, get up! Breakfast is ready!” Came Aunt Petunia’s voice from outside Harry’s door.

Aunt Petunia gave everyone a piece of toast and a quarter of a grapefruit for breakfast. Harry was halfway through his toast when the doorbell rang. Uncle Vernon answered it.

Two minutes later he came back with an old, ordinary-looking book in his hand. “Here,” said Uncle Vernon, throwing the book to Harry, “Mrs. Figg said that you wanted to borrow it.” Harry stared at the book with, full of confusion. He had never asked to borrow anything from his old, batty neighbor Mrs. Figg. Why would she give him a book? Unless…

Harry finished his breakfast and went back to his bedroom with Mrs. Figg’s book. He opened it, inside was a note written in haste. It said—

We will be picking you up today at nine o’clock PM.

Burn this immediately.

Good, Harry thought, at least I’m getting out of here. He put the note into his jean pocket because he can’t think of anyway to burn it without the Dursleys accusing him of setting the house on fire. Then he slowly started to pack.

It was eight fifty; Harry was sitting on his bed, waiting for nine o’clock to come. All of his things were packed in his trunk, and Hedwig in her cage. At precisely nine, Harry heard a loud “crack”. From his bedroom window, Harry could barely make out the images of Lupin, Moody, Tonks, and another wizard he didn’t recognize on the doorstep of number four. Lupin knocked the door. Harry went downstairs to get it but Uncle Vernon got there first.

“WHAT ARE YOU LOT DOING HERE? LEAVE MY FAMILY ALONE! I DON’T WANT TO BE SEEN WITH YOU ON MY DOORSTEP! WE HAVEN’T MISTREARED POTTER!” Harry heard Uncle Vernon yell.

“No, we’re here to take him away,” said Lupin.

“What? Great, so he’s leaving,” said Uncle Vernon happily.

The four wizards stepped inside. Lupin stood closest to Harry. He was wearing black, shabby robes. He looked tired but delighted to see Harry.

“How are you?” Lupin asked Harry.

“Fine,” Harry lied; he was anything but fine.

“All packed?” Asked Lupin.

“Yeah.”

“I’ll get your trunk,” said Moody, and he walked upstairs, his magical eye zooming around.

“Wotcher, Harry,” said Tonks, she had long black hair today.

“Hi,” Harry replied.

“Hello Harry, I haven’t seen you since Triwizard,” said the forth wizard. Harry turned to him, his was—Victor Krum.

“Hi Victor, what are you doing here?” A surprised Harry asked.

“Well, I’ve come to work for the Order, and I’ve been offered a position on England’s National Quidditch Team,” said Victor, “Fleur Delacour is in the Order too.”

“Well, let’s go,” said Moody, who was back with Harry’s trunk floating in midair and Hedwig in his hand.

“How are we getting—brooms, I guess,” said Harry as he noticed they were all carrying a broomstick.

Tonks nodded, “afraid it’s still the only way. You can’t Apparate, the Floo Network and Porkeys are being watched by You-Know-Who’s spies inside the Ministry.”

Lupin handed Harry his Firebolt. “Yours, I believe, all punishments passed by that Umbridge have been lifted.” Lupin said with obvious disgust in his voice.

Harry took the broomstick. He was happy his lifelong ban from Quidditch was lifted, but the broom reminded him of Sirius. They went to the backyard and mounted their brooms. Moody Disillutioned Harry, strapped Hedwig and the trunk to the back of his broomstick, and said: “Potter, listen up, we don’t break ranks for anything, if one of us die, the rest keep flying, got it?”

“Stop that, Mad-Eye, you sound like you know we’ll be dying,” said Tonks.

Moody eyed her angrily.

Just then, Uncle Vernon came out of nowhere.

“WAIT JUST A MOMENT, I WILL NOT HAVE YOU LOT FLYING AWAY FROM MY HOUSE! YOU WILL LEAVE BY NORMAL WAYS OF TRAVEL!”

“Do you want me to hex you, Dursley?” Growled Moody.

“DO NOT THREATEN ME!” Roared Uncle Vernon.

“Chill out, Uncle Vernon, or the neighbors will notice,” said Harry. The five of them kicked off the ground and soared up the sky, leaving Uncle Vernon shouting furiously on the ground.

If felt like they had been flying for eternity. Moody shouted instruction like last year. Harry felt like he was an auto-flying machine. Without any brain activity, he followed Tonks (who was in front of him) until they landed in Grimmuad Place, between numbers eleven and thirteen. As they walked toward the space between numbers eleven and thirteen, a door emerged, and then slowly, the house came into view.

Lupin knocked the door. It was opened by Mrs. Weasley. “About time, I was getting worried,” she said.

“Mad-Eye made us double back to make sure we weren’t being followed,” said Tonks, throwing Moody a dirty look.

Moody opened his mouth but was silenced by Mrs. Weasley, who leaned over to give Harry a big hug and accidentally hitting Moody in the ribs. “It’s so wonderful to see you, Harry, dear,” she said.

Harry walked inside; the house hadn’t changed much since Harry was there last year. The hallway was still dark and gloomy with the serpent shaped chandelier. He was only three steps into the house when Tonks tripped over the umbrella stand.

“Tonks!” Yelled Mrs. Weasley.

“I’m so sorry!”

“TRAITORS, MUDBLOODS, RUINING MY HOUSE,” Mrs. Black’s portrait started.

Lupin and Krum started to struggle with the curtains.

Evidently having heard Mrs. Black’s screams, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny ran down the stairs. For the second time in five minutes, Harry was grabbed and hugged, this time by Hermione.

“LET’S GO UPSTAIRS!” Shouted Ron over Mrs. Black. Harry dragged his trunk and Hedwig, and followed Ron upstairs into the bedroom they stayed last summer. Ginny closed the door. Harry sank into a chair.

“How are you?” Ginny asked.

“Not good,” Harry said truthfully.

“We’re here for you, mate,” said Ron.

“I know,” said Harry, trying to smile.

“So, what have I missed?” Harry asked, changing the subject.

“A lot, considering you’ve only been away for two weeks,” said Hermione.

Ginny nodded, “first, there’s been a 180 degree turnaround in the Ministry’s attitude. Literally Fudge is doing everything Dumbledore tells him to do.”

Harry remembered the Daily Prophet’s article. Fudge was in danger of losing is position.

“So the Ministry’s on our side now? What’s Voldemort doing? Why did the Death Eaters murder these muggles? What—

But Hermione cut him off. “Whoa, one at a time, Harry. Yeah, the Ministry’s on our side. Have you been reading the Daily Prophet? Everybody is furious at them for not listening to you and Dumbledore. The Aurors are working 24 hours to chase Death Eaters. Only problem is all dementors have left Azkaban and with other Death Eater’s help, there’s almost one jailbreak a day. The dementors themselves are becoming a problem. They’re totally out of control, and they’re trying to get people’s souls. There’s been five attempts in the past two weeks.”

“So why did Voldemort kill these Muggles?” Harry asked.

“We don’t know, but we think it’s because the Death Eaters and You-Know-Who are really happy about something that they killed all these people as some sort of celebration,” said Ron.

“Use his name already, Ron, Ginny does,” said Hermione.

Harry looked at Ginny and she blushed.

“What’s he so happy about?” Harry asked, turning back to Ron.

“We have no idea, mom still doesn’t tell us a thing,” said Ron sadly.

“Yeah, but we do know that the Death Eaters’ attack was a real shock to the Order. They had no idea whatsoever about it beforehand. And after, Dumbledore and the others were really worried about you. We overheard them saying that your aunt and uncle’s house isn’t safe anymore, and they wanted you to come here ASAP, incase Voldemort attacks,” said Ginny, “and I think they were relieved by your last letter because they thought you might not want to come after… after what happened.”

What could have Voldemort found that made him so happy? Why wasn’t Privet Drive safe for him anymore? Harry made a mental note to ask Lupin or Dumbledore.

“Did you meet Krum?” Asked Ron.

“Yeah, how come he’s in the Order?” Harry asked.

“The Ministry have given all other countries official warnings of Voldemort’s return, and Victor wanted to do something about it so he asked Dumbledore and he let him join. Then the National Quidditch Team asked if he wanted to take the position of Seeker when they heard he came to England,” said Hermione.

“But how did he knew about the Order?” Asked Harry, last time he checked, the Order of the Phoenix was a secret organization.

“He didn’t, but everyone knows Dumbledore is working against Voldemort, so he would be the right person to ask if you wanted to do something,” said Hermione.

“Fleur Delacour is here, too,” said Ron, “Bill converted her.”

“Some reunion,” Harry said, remembering the Triwizard Tournament.

“Amelia, Christina, and Jeff Bones joined the Order as well, they said it was for their family,” said Hermione, “Christina and Jeff are Susan’s parents,” she added.

“And the Macmillans, too,” added Ron.

“Yeah, so did Fred and George. They’re of age and have left school. Even mom can’t stop them. Too bad even they won’t tell us anything,” Ginny said with some disappointment in her voice.

There was a knock on the door and Mrs. Weasley’s head came in. “Dinner’s ready, come on down.”

Moody, Tonks, Lupin, Hagrid, all the Wealseys, Victor, and Fleur were all there for dinner. Fleur greeted Harry cheerfully; Harry noticed her English was indeed much better than it had been when they last met. Harry was surprised to see Charlie, who was supposed to be in Romania, there. But he said that as all other countries have been given official warnings, there’s no need to stay. Although he misses the dragons, the Order needs as many people as possible. Hagrid greeted Harry warmly and asked how he was doing. Harry, Ron, Hermione and Hagrid had a long conversation about next year’s lessons through dinner. Harry scanned the table when Hermione, Ron, and Hagrid started arguing about Chimeras.

Bill, Charlie, Victor, and Fleur were whispering about something together. Ginny and Tonks were discussing the newest hit song form the Weird Sisters. Moody, Lupin, Mr. And Mrs. Weasley were talking about the Death Eater’s attack on the Muggles.

“Nice to see you, Harry, mate,” said Fred as the twins took seats next to Harry.

“Hi, how’s business?” Harry asked.

“Fabulous,” said Fred.

“Absolutely gorgeous,” said George.

“As our financial baker you will be pleased to know that your investment has been most successful,” said Fred.

“You have to come and see it, Harry, it’s brilliant. If it weren’t for you, it never would have been possible,” said George.

“Bed time for you four, up you go, Ron, Hermione, Harry, and Ginny,” said Mrs. Weasley commandingly. They all groaned.

Bill, Charlie, Fleur, and Victor all stood up. “We’d better get going,” said Bill.

“Yes, be careful,” said Mrs. Weasley.

“Where are you going?” Ron asked.

“Stuff for the Order,” said Bill simply.

“See you, Harry,” said Fleur, smiling at him.

With a loud “crack” they Disaparated.

“To bed you go,” said Mrs. Weasley.

The four of them got up and walked upstairs.

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[crocodile]

Chapter 3

The Last Will of Sirius Black

Harry was in the Department of Mysteries; they were in the veil room. He was struggling to fight off the Death Eaters. Sirius, Lupin, Tonks, Moody, and Kingsley arrived. Lestrange shot a Stunning Spell at Sirius but missed. Sirius laughed.

“Come on, you can do better than that!” yelled Sirius.

A second jet of light hit Sirius on the chest. His eyes widened with shock. It was like watching a slow motion film; Sirius’ body fell slowly through the veil…

Harry sat up, not again, he thought to himself, why do I keep on dreaming about it? Indeed, Harry had had the same dream at least three times a week this summer. Ah, but you know why, a voice in his head answered, Sirius died because of you. Don’t think about it, Harry told himself.

Harry got up slowly and dressed. He checked his watch; it was only five thirty. Ron was still asleep, and by the sound of it, no one was up yet. Harry slowly descended the stairs, intending to go to the kitchen and grab some breakfast. The kitchen was deserted when Harry reached it. He looked around, suddenly, all desires for food vanished from his mind. His head was filled with images and memories of Sirius.

Being in Sirius’ old house was too much for Harry. It reminded him of Sirius so much. When he was in Privet Drive, Harry thought being back with his friends would help him, but he found it extremely hard to talk to anyone. It’s been a week since Harry arrived at Grimmauld Place. To keep his mind off Sirius, Harry kept himself busy by finishing all of his homework. Ron, Hermione, and Ginny followed Harry’s lead in not mentioning Sirius. Lupin, however, tried several times to get Harry to talk about it, but Harry found excuses to get away quickly. Order members came and went regularly. Harry met Kingsley Shacklebolt, Mundungus Fletcher, both of Ernie Macmallion’s parents, and a lot of other members. He also saw Professor McGonagall and Snape. It was a good thing Snape stayed for only a moment and he didn’t notice Harry.

Harry was still in his own head when Mr. and Mrs. Weasley came into the kitchen.

“Good morning, Harry, you’re up early,” said Mr. Weasley cheerfully.

“You don’t look like you’ve had breakfast Harry,” said Mrs. Weasley, “What would you like?”

“Just toast, thanks,” said Harry. He checked his watch, and couldn’t believe he spent one hour sitting in the kitchen thinking about Sirius.

Mrs. Weasley gave Harry two pieces of toast with an egg and two sausages. “I really don’t think you’re eating enough, Harry,” she said.

Harry was halfway through his breakfast when Ron, Hermione, and Ginny entered the kitchen. They sat down next to Harry.

“What date is today?” asked Hermione.

“July 25th,” said Ginny.

“O.W.L. results should arrive any day, I can’t wait!” said Hermione.

“Are you crazy, Hermione? The later they come, the better!” Ron said staring at Hermione.

Harry felt his heart sank, he had completely forgotten about O.W.L. results. If he didn’t get an outstanding in Potions, his ambitions in becoming an Auror would perish. And he was almost sure he didn’t achieve and O.

“Crack” Lupin Apparated into the kitchen.

“Remus, care for some breakfast?” asked Mrs. Weasley.

“No thanks, Molly, I’ve already eaten,” said Lupin. “Arthur, Sturgis is going to be busy, I’ll go with you instead. Also, Dumbledore just called a meeting tonight.” said Lupin turning to Mr. Weasley.

“Where? Going where?” asked Ron automatically.

Lupin smiled at him, “Order business.”

“Fine, keep all the secrets you want, I don’t care about what you’re up to anyways,” said Ron.

Ginny giggled.

“Is it time to go?” asked Mr. Weasley.

“Almost,” said Lupin, “we’ll go after you finish breakfast.

“How are you feeling, Harry?”

“Fine, professor,” lied Harry.

“Harry, I haven’t taught you in a long time, please call me Remus, or Moony,” said Lupin.

“What? OK, pro- I mean Remus,” said Harry.

“I know it’s hard, Harry, but you have to move on, I’m sure Sirius wouldn’t want you to—

“Remus, drop it, OK?” said Harry, ruder than he meant.

“Very well…Arthur you finished? Let’s go then.”

Crack.

It was almost dinnertime. Harry and Ron were playing Wizard’s Chess. Ginny was helping Harry, but Ron had won five times in a row all the same.

“Knight to E4, checkmate, Harry,” said Ron.

“Let’s play again, I don’t believe I can’t win for just once,” said Harry.

“OK, pawn to C2.”

“Hmm… where should I move? Ginny any idea?” asked Harry.

“Um, it’s only the second move, it doesn’t really matter,” said Ginny.

“Yeah it does, Ron starts scheming from the first move,” said Harry.

Suddenly Harry remembered something.

“Ron, what happened to Kreacher?”

Ron smashed Harry’s bishop.

“Oh, that nutter, he was still here when we came, muttering under his breath. One day, Lupin got angry because Kreacher was muttering about how he…you know…helped to kill Sirius. Anyways, Lupin lost his temper and hit Kreacher with a couple of curses—

“Lupin? Lupin hit Kreacher with a couple of curses?” said Harry incredulously. Lupin was the least person likely to do such a thing.

“Yeah, hard to imagine, eh?” Ron said raising an eyebrow, “anyways, then if you’ll believe it, Kreacher actually fought back! He can do magic and real damage! Lupin was bleeding, but of course, in the end Kreacher was hit with so many curses, and he fled to the attic and hid there. We found him a week later, dead. Lupin’s curses injured him too badly. Served him right,” Ron finished.

“Ron, it did not serve him right—

“Hermione, you’re impossible, how can you stick up for him after what he did?” asked Ron, pretending to be curious.

“It wasn’t his fault! He was brainwashed by his masters!” exclaimed Hermione.

There was a knock on the door, Mrs. Weasley’s head came in. “Harry, Professor Dumbledore is downstairs in the kitchen, he’d like a word.”

Harry entered the kitchen. Dumbledore, Lupin, and to Harry’s surprise Amelia Bones were sitting at the table.

“Harry, have a seat, please,” said Dumbledore when he saw Harry enter.

Harry sat down next to Lupin. Crookshanks curled up in Harry’s lap.

“Harry, we’re here to discuss Sirius’ will,” Dumbledore said quietly, “it’s best to get it over with.”

Harry was taken aback. He hadn’t had a single about Sirius leaving a will.

“Amelia?”

Madame Bones took out a roll of parchment. She tapped it with her wand. It unrolled; Sirius’ voice filled the room.

I, Sirius Black, leave this as my only legal will. Right, so…the Black family house located at number 12, Grimmauld Place, London, is to go to Harry James Potter. Although I doubt that he’ll want it. Any belongings I might have are to go to Harry as well. Half of the gold in my Gringotts vault is to go to Harry, and the other to Remus J. Lupin, so hopefully he can by some new robes. Sirius let out a bark-like laugh. That’s all.

The voice died. Harry couldn’t speak.

“I think that was very clear,” said Madame Bones, “the gold has already been transferred as requested. As for the property, it’s legally yours, Harry, as are everything Sirius might have left behind. I’m sorry for his death.

“Even though, I’m glad to inform you that the Ministry has looked into evidence provided by Professor Dumbledore and has cleared Sirius’ name, it will be announced tomorrow.”

Harry didn’t know what to make of it, so he simply nodded.

“I think I better get going,” said Madame Bones. Crack.

“Harry, now that this house is yours, I’d like to ask your permission to let us continue using it as headquarters of the Order,” said Dumbledore, surveying Harry closely through his spectacles.

“What? Oh, sure,” said Harry distractedly.

“Harry, Sirius’ death wasn’t your fault, you mustn’t blame yourself,” said Dumbledore.

“Yeah, it is,” Harry replied sadly, looking straight into Dumbledore’s eyes. “Sirius died because I was a complete idiot.”

“Harry, you went to the Department of Mysteries because you loved Sirius, there is no fault in that. Voldemort is the one who should take responsibility,” said Lupin sharply.

Harry didn’t reply, partly because he didn’t want to start a debate, partly because he was a little irritated. He didn’t want a lecture from Dumbledore or Lupin; he wanted to be back in his bedroom.

“I know it’s tough, it’s one of the toughest things one can experience in this life time. But you have to get on with your life, Harry. It does not do to dwell on the past. Especially you, now that you know what destiny awaits you,” said Dumbledore. He looked old and tired.

At the mention of the prophecy, Harry can’t help but feel angry. It was so unfair, he was destined to kill or be killed. Why isn’t it someone else? Anyone else. Stupid prophecy, you ruined my life.

Dumbledore continued, “Harry, I must ask you to take private lessons with me so you can learn advanced magic that will enable you to fulfill the prophecy. If there’s no problem we will begin next week.”

Private lessons? No way, Harry thought, not right now. I have too many things in my head to worry about. What can I learn with this state of mind?

“Professor, I think…I can’t learn anything right now…I mean…I just…don’t …feel like it,” said Harry.

“Harry, I understand, but Voldemort is trying harder than ever to kill you. We must act as fast as possible. The entire wizard kind depends on you, Harry.”

Harry didn’t know why, but a feeling of anger surged through him. He didn’t want to be the one with the power of vanquish to Dark Lord.

“No,” Harry said firmly, “not now.”

“Voldemort is seeking desperately to kill you—

Harry didn’t intend to, but he was shouting.

“LET HIM THEN, THIS HELL OF A LIFE ISN’T WORTH LIVING ANYWAYS!”

Before neither Dumbledore nor Lupin could say another word, Harry strode out of the kitchen.

Seeing Ron, Hermione, and Ginny at the door with an Extendable Ear didn’t improve his mood at all.

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[crocodile]

Chapter 4

O. W. L. Results

“Harry, I really think you should take these lessons Dumbledore has to teach!” said Hermione for the twentieth time the next morning.

“Harry, I think Hermione’s right,” said Ginny.

“If Dumbledore thinks you need them, then you probably do, mate,” said Ron.

Harry didn’t answer. They were right, he knew. But…a strong voice in his head is saying no. Why not? He asked himself. Harry thought hard, and then realization dawned, because he didn’t want this. He wanted to escape. These lessons were another step to make the prophecy, the destiny, the fate, final.

“Let’s go downstairs for breakfast,” said Harry.

But as soon as they reached the kitchen, Harry wished he hadn’t suggested it. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Lupin, and Tonks were sitting at the table. He had barely sat down when Lupin started, “Harry—

Harry was trying to think of an excuse to leave when an owl flew into the kitchen and dropped four letters.

“O. W. L.!” Hermione shrieked. She grabbed her letter.

Harry took his letter and opened it. The first piece of paper contained the usual reminder that term starts on Sep. 1st. He unfolded a second piece of parchment.

Dear Mr. Potter:

We are pleased to you of your Ordinary Wizarding Level examination results.

Evaluation:

90%-100% Outstanding
80%-89% Exceeds Expectations
70%-79% Acceptable
60%-69% Poor
0%-59% Dreadful

Astronomy 80% Exceeds Expectations
*Score revised due to special circumstances.
Care of Magical Creatures 94% Outstanding

Charms 90% Outstanding

Defense Against the Darks Arts 101% Outstanding

Divination 73% Acceptable

Herbology 87% Exceeds Expectations

History of Magic 62% Poor

Potions 87% Exceeds Expectations

Transfiguration 86% Exceeds Expectations

Total—9 O. W. L.s

*One O.W.L. is earned by achieving one Acceptable or higher grade. Every three Outstandings earns one extra O.W.L. 12 O.W.L. s is the maximum; any scores over 12 O.W.L.s will be adjusted.

N.E.W.T. classes you may attend are listed below. Please choose a maximum of 6 subjects and have this returned by no later than Aug. 1.

Astronomy
Care of Magical Creatures
Charms
Defense Against the Dark Arts
Divination
Herbology
Potions
Transfiguration

Harry’s heart sank when he saw he didn’t get an O in Potions, but was confused when he saw Potions in his list of N.E.W.T. subjects.

“How come I can take Potions if I only got an E?” Harry wondered aloud.

“I think Snape changed his policies this year,” said Lupin.

“Why?” asked Harry, surprised.

“I heard him saying how terrible this year’s O.W.L. results are, apparently only one student achieved an O,” said Lupin with a smile.

Looking back to his paper, Harry thought he did very well. Way better than he had expected. Harry couldn’t believe his luck in Potions. Having passed Divination was surprising too. The exam had gone horrible and Harry didn’t see anything in the crystal ball. Harry didn’t care for not passing History of Magic; he didn’t even finish the exam.

“How did you two do?” asked Hermione.

Harry swapped papers with her and smiled when he saw Hermione’s grades.

Arithmancy 99% Outstanding

Astronomy 80% Exceeds Expectations
*Scores revised due to special circumstances.

Care of Magical Creatures 97% Outstanding

Charms 98% Outstanding

Defense Against the Dark Arts 97% Outstanding

Herbology 97% Outstanding

History of Magic 95% Outstanding

Potions 96% Outstanding

Study of Ancient Runes 96% Outstanding

Transfiguration 96% Outstanding

Total—12 O.W.L.s

Ron’s were pretty much the same as his own.

Astronomy 80% Exceeds Expectations
*Scores revised due to special circumstances.

Care of Magical Creatures 92% Outstanding

Charms 88% Exceeds Expectations

Defense Against the Dark Arts 92% Outstanding

Divination 75% Acceptable

Herbology 87% Exceeds Expectations

History of Magic 78% Acceptable

Potions 84% Exceeds Expectations

Transfigurations 87% Exceeds Expectations

Total—9 O.W.L.s

“Well, 9 O.W.L.s is pretty good you two, could’ve been better, though,” said Hermione.

“Are you kidding, Hermione? We got 9 O.W.L.s! How much better can it be?” said Ron disbelievingly.

“Hermione, your standards are just too high for us,” said Harry happily, “you’re the only student who got O in Potions this year.”

“Good thing that is,” said Ron, “Harry and I can continue Potions even though we go Es. Not that I want another two years with Snape.”

“Why do you want Potions?” asked Tonks.

“Ron and I want to become Aurors,” said Harry.

“I’m sure you’d make excellent Aurors, Harry,” said Lupin, beaming.

Harry smiled at him.

“Great, maybe you can work with me,” said Tonks.

“Well done, everyone,” said Mrs. Weasley after reading all the results.

“Yes, especially you, Hermione, I’ve never seen O.W.L. scores this high. If 12 isn’t the maximum, you’d get 13,” said Mr. Weasley.

Hermione blushed.

“What’s do you want to do after Hogwarts, Hermione?” asked Tonks.

“SPEW?” asked Ron, grinning.

But Hermione was too busy looking at her OWL results paper to reply.

“We can only choose 6 N.E.W.T. subjects?” she asked, thunderstruck.

“Yes, I think that’s always been the rule. Six is the maximum,” said Mr. Weasley.

“But I can’t drop any of my subjects!” Hermione exclaimed.

“I think you’ll have to, Hermione,” said Lupin.

Harry looked back at his paper and checked Charms, Transfiguration, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Potions, and Care of Magical Creatures. Then he paused; did he need another subject? I’m definitely dropping Divination and History of Magic, Harry thought, and Astronomy is pretty pointless, but Herbology?

“Do I need Herbology for becoming an Auror?” Harry asked Tonks.

“It’s not required, but I’d say you’ll find it useful,” said Tonks.

“Tonks if right, recognizing different magical plants can be very helpful in an Auror’s work,” said Lupin.

Taking their advice, Harry checked Herbology and sent the letter back. Ron chose all the same subjects as Harry. Then they amused themselves by watching Hermione struggling to pick which subjects to drop. In the end she decided to drop Astronomy, History of Magic, Study of Ancient Runes, and Herbology. Harry and Ron were sorry to see Hermione dropping Herbology. (They won’t get her help.) But Hermione absolutely refused to drop Arithmancy instead.

After breakfast, Ginny, who had been quiet the whole time, had something to say.

“Mom, they…made me…prefect,” she stuttered, holding up a badge identical to Ron and Hermione’s.

Before anyone could respond, there was a loud crack and the twins Apparated into the kitchen. They saw Ginny holding the badge.

“Ginny,” yelped Fred, “you’re not—

Ginny nodded.

“No way!” yelled George, “you can’t, it’s—

Before George could finish, Mrs. Weasley grabbed Ginny and hugged her. “Oh, it’s so wonderful,” she said, “what would you like, an owl?”

“What? Oh, I’ll pick later, mom.”

“Oh, this is so wonderful,” Mrs. Weasley said again.

“It is not wonderful, it’s outrageous!” said George, “Ginny you can’t be prefect!”

“George’s right, you can’t be! No, the shame, all of our siblings have been made prefects!” said Fred, looking furious.

“You two! Ginny they’re just jealous! Well done,” said Hermione.

“Congratulations, Ginny,” said Harry smiling, “I guess Fred and George and I are just next door neighbors.”

Ginny blushed.

Everyone congratulated her except for the twins.

“Harry, mate you’re the only one in your right mind,” said Fred.

“Yeah, you’re the only smart one, Harry,” said George, “anyways, we just came to ask if you got your booklists yet, and apparently you have. So you can come to Diagon Ally to see our shop.”

“Sure, I can’t wait,” said Harry, grinning broadly.

“Great, how about tomorrow?” asked Fred.

“I don’t think so,” said Lupin.

“Why not, Remus?” Harry asked.

“Because the Order is too busy to give you a guard,” said Lupin apologetically.

“What? We don’t need a guard,” said Ron.

“Yes, you do,” said Mr. Weasley, “it’s too dangerous.”

“Says who?” asked Fred

“Dumbledore said they’re not to leave this house in the meeting yesterday when you two were way. It’s too dangerous,” said Mr. Weasley.

“What? But they have to see the shop, dad,” said George.

“Dad, I want to go, I’ve been in this house for ages,” said Ron.

“Me too,” said Ginny, “I want to see Fred and George’s store.”

The whole table plunged into a heated argument.

“What if the Death Eaters attack?” asked Mrs. Weasley.

“I don’t care!” yelled Fred, “Harry has to see it! He made it possible.”

“Now that you’re I the Order you need to show responsibilities,” said Lupin, “would you rather Harry be killed by Death Eaters?”

“Death Eaters won’t attack us in Diagon Ally,” said Ron, “there’ll be too many people around.”

Harry didn’t hear the rest. Anger swirled inside him again. He wasn’t even allowed to visit Diagon Ally because of this prophecy. His anger was more than what could be expressed by words.

Harry coughed loudly for attention. Everyone turned to look at him. “I want to see Professor Dumbledore about this, now,” Harry said quietly, his face cold and emotionless. It was an order, not a request.

“Harry, Professor Dumbledore is extremely busy,” said Mrs. Weasley, “he is at the Ministry of Magic right now, maybe you can ask him later.”

“I said now, Mrs. Weasley.” Harry was burning with anger inside, but he wasn’t going to show that. He kept his voice as cold as possible. Perhaps Harry imagined it, but there seem to be a glitch of fear from everyone as he spoke.

The fireplace in the kitchen burst with green flames and Dumbledore stepped through.

“Ah, Professor Dumbledore you’re here early, Harry was just asking to see you,” said Mrs. Weasley.

“I finished the business rather quickly, Molly,” said Dumbledore, “yes Harry?”

Harry turned to stare at Dumbledore. “Professor, I would like to go to Diagon Ally,” Harry said in the same cold voice.

“I’m afraid Harry, that—

“I’ll make a deal with you,” Harry interrupted, “you let me visit Diagon Ally, with or without a guard, and I agree to take those lessons you mentioned yesterday.” Harry’s tone was still very cold.

There was a long silence. Nobody said anything. Then, Dumbledore finally broke it.

“Agreed.”

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People, would you please gave me some feedback? I don't care good or bad, just something! I don't know if I should keep writing it cause I'm not getting feedback. :upset:

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Chapter 5

Weasley’s Wizarding Wheezes

Harry, Ron, Hermione, Ginny, and Mrs. Weasley were finishing lunch in the Leaky Cauldron.

“OK, let’s go,” said Mrs. Weasley as they stepped into the courtyard. “Meet in Fred and George’s shop in two hours. Be careful, everyone.” Harry could tell that Mrs. Weasley was very tense, as though afraid Death Eaters might appear any second. But he wasn’t worrying about the possibility of an attack—Harry was too happy about the fact that he was outside.

Harry enjoyed the warmth of sunlight on his face as Mrs. Weasley and Ginny headed for Magical Menagerie. (Ginny wanted a pet as reward for becoming prefect.)

“Let’s go the Flourish and Blotts first,” said Hermione.

“OK,” said Harry and Ron together.

This is wonderful, Harry thought as he walked down Diagon Alley with Ron and Hermione. If feels as if I’m free from all of my troubles. Harry decided that he should come outdoors more often.

Two hours quickly passed. The three of them bought new books, robes, and other school supplies. Ron was able to buy brand new books and robes this year because Fred and George had paid for them. After they had done their shopping, Harry, Ron, and Hermione stopped at Florean Fortescue’s Ice Cream Parlor and enjoyed three extremely large ice cream cones while relaxing in the sunlight.

Harry was in a really good mood. He hadn’t been this happy since Sirius’ death. But even so, Harry couldn’t help but notice that he seemed to the only one who’s so cheerful. The witches and wizards in Diagon Alley all seemed to be tense just like Mrs. Weasley. But at least Ron was particularly happy as well.

“It’s all thanks to you that we can come, Harry,” said Ron, “the deal with Dumbledore was brilliant.”

“No problem,” said Harry.

“Yeah, it’s really nice, but still, what if Death Eaters do attack?” asked Hermione uncertainly.

“Hermione, Death Eaters don’t know that I’m here. We used Muggle transportation all the way. Unless they’re watching that, there’s no way they’d know,” Harry said.

“I suppose…Harry, what did you do when you bargained with Dumbledore?” asked Hermione.

“What? I didn’t do anything, I just told him I’ll make a deal. You were there, you heard me,” said Harry, bewildered.

“I heard you, but you…were…different. I mean, you were…scary,” said Hermione.

“What do you mean?” Harry asked, frowning slightly.

“It’s…I don’t know, you were just…scary…and powerful,” she said, looking slightly apprehensive.

“You know, Hermione’s right, you sounded really powerful,” said Ron.

“OK, I sounded really scary and powerful. You know this doesn’t make sense at all. I was just really angry at the time,” Harry said, shrugging, “anyways, let’s go, it’s been two hours and ten minutes.”

As they headed for number ninety-three, Harry saw in distance a familiar figure buying robes in Madame Malkin’s Robes for All Occasions. It was Percy. Harry gave Ron a nudge in the ribs and pointed in Percy’s direction.

“Percy? What’s he buying robes for?” said Ron.

Harry could tell from Ron’s tone that he hasn’t forgiven Percy.

“Has he apologized?” Harry asked.

“No, he’s too proud for that,” said Ron disgustedly, “even when Fudge is begging Dumbledore for forgiveness, come on, let’s go.”

When they reached number ninety-three, Harry saw that the building was strawberry shaped and painted red. The words ‘Wealsey’s Wizarding Wheezes’ were written in gold on the wall. Harry, Ron, and Hermione stepped inside. Harry looked around; the shop was filled with people. The whole shop was strawberry shaped and red. Every single one of Fred and George’s inventions were on sale. There were countless products, all the twin’s ingenious inventions such as Fake Wands, Portable Swamps, Skiving Snackboxes, Extendable Ears, and things Harry has never seen before were all stacked neatly on strawberry shaped shelves.

“Hey, Harry!” called the twins from behind the strawberry shaped counter.

“Hi, wow, it’s really great. I never thought you invented this much stuff,” Harry said, smiling.

“All because of you, mate,” said Fred.

“Business is so successful, we’re constantly on the verge of running out,” said George, grinning.

“I’m not surprised,” said Harry.

Mrs. Weasley and Ginny arrived ten minutes later. Ginny was carrying a snow-white rabbit.

Everyone was very impressed with both the store and the products, even Mrs. Weasley and Hermione. By the time they left, Harry, Ron, and Ginny were all carrying a large bag full of Fred and George’s inventions. Hermione, who had congratulated the twins earnestly of their success, didn’t buy anything.

Harry’s happiness lasted the whole day. Even after they returned to Grimmuald Place. He spent the rest of the day playing Wizard’s Chess and Gobstones with Ron while Hermione started reading all of her new books. Ginny spent the afternoon trying to name her new rabbit, in the end, she decided on Sunny. By the time Harry went to bed, he had decided that life was finally getting better for him.

How very wrong he was.

The next morning, Harry was the first to get up among the teenagers as usual. His happiness from the day before evaporated as soon as he went downstairs for breakfast. Harry was surprised to see the kitchen very crowded; there were more than thirty people. The whole Order seemed to be there. Before he could say a thing Lupin handed him the Daily Prophet.

He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named’s Followers Murdered Two Wizards

Yesterday midnight, You Know Who’s followers murdered two wizards/witches. Six Death Eaters attacked and killed Emmeline Vance, and her husband Duncan Vance. The Ministry of Magic has yet again failed to prevent the murder.

Albus Dumbledore and a band of wizards arrived moments after the murder in a too late rescue attempt. They fought a battle with the Death Eaters and captured one of them—Rodolphus Lestrange. Who have been sent to Azkaban. Dumbledore and Fudge have both been unavailable for comment. The Ministry has released no further information. Please expect an up date very soon as we receive more intelligence.

The Vances are among the first wizards You-Know-Who has murdered since his return. It is apparent that the reign of terror You-Know-Who caused sixteen years ago is to replay itself.

“Oh, my god.”


Thanks to the people who left feedback. This chapter is shorter than usual, I will write a long one tomorrow if I get feedback. I must again beg everyone who read this to leave me some feedback, PLEASE! http://www.cosforums.com/showthread...4844#post704844

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OK, Chapter 6 is finally up. Please note that I have NOT stopped writing. I hope you enjoy. Apparently there was something wrong with the feedback link in some of the posts. I don't know what, but I hope this link works. http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?t=21540
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Chapter Six

Lessons with Dumbledore

Harry handed the newspaper back to Lupin. He remembered Emmeline Vance; he met her last year. She was one of the Advance Guard. Harry felt bitter. Why did they have to die? Cedric Diggory, Sirius, these Muggles, and the Vances, what right did Voldemort have to take their lives?

“Breakfast, Harry?” asked Mrs. Weasley, who looked near tears.

“Yeah, thanks,” said Harry even though he didn’t feel like eating at all.

Harry sat down next to Lupin and looked around the table. Every Order member he knew (except for Snape), and a lot that he didn’t, were all eating. All of them looked grave and solemn.

“Why’s so many people here?” he asked.

“We had a long meeting yesterday night, lasted until half an hour ago, actually,” said Lupin.

Lupin seemed to be expecting more questions from Harry. But Harry looked down at his untouched sausages and didn’t say anything. He suddenly felt angry with himself. People are dying out there trying to fight Voldemort. He, the only one who could stop him, was doing noting but being angry at the prophecy? Like it or not, Harry, your destiny has been chosen for you, you need to accept it if you don’t want Voldemort to achieve world domination. That thought squashed the tiny appetite Harry still had out of him. Pushing his sausages away, Harry got up and left the kitchen.

Harry went into the deserted drawing room and sank into an armchair. He began, for what must have been the hundredth time that summer, to think about Sirius, and the prophecy. But before he got lost in his head again, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny came in.

“Here you are, Harry,” said Ron, “we’ve just heard.”

“Poor people,” said Hermione tearfully.

Harry nodded grimly.

The three of them settled into empty armchairs.

“Dumbledore said that he’ll meet you in the kitchen at seven for your lesson, Harry,” said Hermione.

Harry nodded.

“I can’t wait until term starts,” said Ron, “it’s so depressing in this house.” Harry had to agree with him. He was sick of Grimmuald Place.

“I can,” said Ginny, “it’s OWL year for me.”

“It’ll be OK Ginny,” said Hermione, “you just need to study a bit.”

“A bit? Hermione, we studied like house elves for these exams!” cried Ron.

“I wonder who’s going to be the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher?” said Ginny, preventing Ron and Hermione to start bickering again.

“Whoever it is, he’d better be good,” said Ron.

“Yeah, just look at the Defense Against the Dark Arts teachers we’ve had,” said Harry, “but I’ll take anyone that’s better than Umbridge.”

“I wonder…Dumbledore didn’t seem to have as much trouble this year,” said Hermione thoughtfully, “I mean, booklists arrived on time and everything. And whoever it is assigned us that ‘Advanced Defense Methods Against the Dark Arts’ which seem to be quite a reasonable book.”

“Guess we’ll have to wait to find out,” said Harry, thinking that whoever it is, he can’t possibly be worse than Umbridge.

“Want to play chess, Harry?” asked Ron.

“No, I’m kind of tired of losing,” said Harry, smiling.

“OK, Hermione, what about you?”

“Um, I want to finish reading chapter three of ‘Standard Book of Spells, NEWT Level’ but I suppose one game wouldn’t hurt,” said Hermione.

Hermione lost three times in a row.

“Harry, you seem really down,” said Ginny caringly as they watched Ron and Hermione in fierce combat.

“How can I not be?” Harry replied, surprised at what Ginny said.

“If you ever want someone to talk to, I mean other than Ron and Hermione, you know I’m always here for you.” Ginny said, full of concern. “Because you can’t just bottle yourself up.”

Harry looked at Ginny; she was…different. She was older, mature, and more beautiful. Harry must’ve missed it, but somewhere in the years, Ginny had grown up. She wasn’t some eleven-year-old girl anymore.

He looked into her eyes, such beautiful sky blue eyes.

“I know,” he said softly.

“Promise you’ll talk to me?”

“Yeah.”

Ginny smiled and turned back to the chess game. Both Ron and Hermione were too absorbed into the game to notice Harry and Ginny’s conversation.

“It’s a shame Ron hasn’t got the guts to ask Hermione out,” said Ginny after a while.

“What!” Harry was startled.

“Come on, Harry, even you should know. Ron’s liked Hermione for ages! And unless you’re completely ignorant, you would know. Especially since you’re with them all the time.”

Ron and Hermione were still completely unaware of their surroundings.

Harry thought about what Ginny said. Stretching his memory back to his last miserable year at Hogwarts. Ron did seem to like Hermione. Ginny was right, he should have noticed. The way Ron and Hermione bickered all day, the way they supported each other, how Ron was angry when Hermione wrote to Krum… Now that he comes to think of it, Ron and Hermione must’ve spent a great deal of time together last year. Especially when he was all terrible with them. Harry felt guilty.

“Yeah, I guess,” said Harry, smiling. “So is there any chance in them?”

“I don’t know, it all depends on Hermione, she doesn’t seem to fancy Ron,” said Ginny thoughtfully.

“Is Krum still after Hermione?” asked Harry.

Ginny laughed, “Harry, you’re really out of date now. Krum got over Hermione ages ago.”

The rest of the day passed with a huge volume of Order members coming and going.

At seven o’clock, Harry walked into the kitchen. Dumbledore was already there. He smiled as Harry walked in.

“Hello, Harry,” said Dumbledore.

“Hi, professor,” said Harry, feeling a bit nervous.

“Well, let’s get started. I think we should get a couple of things done first. Which are Apparation and Occlumency,” said Dumbledore.

“Don’t you have to be seventeen to Apparate? And I’m not allowed to do any magic outside Hogwarts, right?” asked Harry uncertainly.

“I’ve talked with the Minister of Magic and he has agreed to make a special case. Apparation will make traveling much easier for you, and I think it’ll prove useful in the coming year,” said Dumbledore.

“Oh.”

“It’s quite easy, actually,” said Dumbledore, “I’m hoping you would be able to master it soon because we need to work on your Occlumency, and as I’m sure Miss Granger has already told you, you cannot Apparate in Hogwarts.

“You need to have a clear mind in order to Apparate. All you have to do is concentrate on the place you want to go. It will help if you have a mental image of that place. Now, form a mental image of your bedroom upstairs.”

Harry focused on the bedroom, the beds, the window, the chairs, and the portrait of Phineas Nigellus.

“Now, concentrate on being there.”

Harry imagined himself inside the room.

“Clear all other thoughts, focus all of your energy on Disapparating.”

Harry did so. He heard a loud ‘crack’, he didn’t feel anything, a second later he found himself on the bottom of the stairs. Harry walked back to the kitchen.

“Well?” asked Dumbledore, his eyes twinkling behind the spectacles.

“I ended up on the bottom of the stairs,” said Harry, laughing.

“That’s great for a first try,” said Dumbledore, smiling.

Harry tried and tried to Apparate into his bedroom. He appeared all over the house: the drawing room, the attic, the backyard etc., etc. After and hour, Harry thought he was extremely lucky not to have Apparated into some weird places that he’s never seen before. But Dumbledore said that was because he was close to mastering it.

“Ah, I think that’s enough for today, Harry, I’ll see you next Monday,” said Dumbledore at the end of the hour.

“Ok, professor,” said Harry.

Dumbledore looked amused, “that was most interesting, I haven’t taught in thirty-two years.”

Harry smiled and started to walk out of the kitchen. When he got to the door he turned back. “Oh, and professor, sorry about the um…deal.”

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MERRY CHRISTMAS! :)

Chapter Seven

Return to Hogwarts

The rest of the summer was uneventful and passed in a blur. Harry had completely forgotten about his birthday and was surprised when he received presents from all of his friends. He mustered Apparation thoroughly by the end of August, to which Dumbledore was delighted and Hermione extremely jealous.

On August thirty-first, Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny spent the whole day packing their trunks, checking and double-checking they haven’t forgotten anything. The Ministry had provided two Muggle cars for their transportation this year. Harry’s mood was unusually high—he was finally going back to Hogwarts.

At nine-forty next morning, Harry settled to the back of a Muggle car with Ron. Hermione and Ginny were traveling in the other car. Harry was so happy that he didn’t even mind the ten Order members that went with them. Nothing happened during the trip and nobody talked much. Except for Pig who hooted excitedly non-stop in his cage.

They arrived at King’s Cross at nine-fifty. One by one, the pack of witches and wizards disappeared through the gateway between platforms nine and ten. The scarlet Hogwarts Express stood at platform nine and three quarters, which was packed with witches and wizards saying goodbye to their children.

“Everyone be careful, have fun at school,” said Mr. Weasley when everyone had crossed the barrier.

“Be double careful, watch your steps, don’t do anything rash, and bear in mind the enemy is watching all channels of communication, CONSTANT VILGILANCE!” barked Moody.

“When will you learn to talk like a normal person, Mad-Eye?” asked Tonks conversationally, “it was great meeting you again, see you soon.”

Mrs. Weasley hugged everyone.

“Ah, it feels so despairing to see you leaving and be left behind,” said George sarcastically.

“Aye, aye,” said Fred, “we miss causing mayhem at school so much.”

“Enough, you two,” said Mrs. Weasley, “you better get aboard. Train could be leaving any moment.”

Ron, Hermione, and Ginny dragged their trunks and pets toward the train after some final goodbyes. Harry made to follow them, but Lupin held him back.

“Harry, Sirius told me he gave you that old two-way mirror, do you still have it?” asked Lupin.

“Mirror? What—oh, yeah,” said Harry.

“Good, I’ve got the other one, if you need to contact us, use the mirror, don’t use owls, OK?” said Lupin.

“Sure,” said Harry.

“Have a good year and look after yourself,” said Lupin, squeezing Harry’s shoulder.

“Don’t worry, I will,” said Harry, “ bye, see you.”

Harry found Ron, Hermione, and Ginny waiting for him on the train. Slowly the Hogwarts Express began to move, they waved as the figures on the platform grew smaller and smaller. Harry distantly heard Fred yell, “We’ll send you free Weasley’s Wizarding Wheezes products, Harry!”

“We’d better go,” said Hermione, clutching Crookshanks.

“Stupid prefect meeting,” said Ron bitterly.

“You three go ahead, I’ll save you seats,” said Harry.

“OK, see you later,” they said together.

Harry dragged his trunk and started searching for an empty compartment. Harry couldn’t help noticing that he attracted lots of stares as he walked. At the end of the train there was an almost-empty compartment with only Neville Longbottom in it. Harry walked inside.

“Hi, Neville, mind if I sit here?” asked Harry.

“Hey, Harry, not at all.” said Neville cheerfully.

Harry sat down in the seat across Neville.

“Have a good summer?” asked Neville.

“No, it was lousy,” said Harry.

“Same here, my gran won’t let me go outside because of You-Know-Who,” said Neville sadly. “So I was stuck inside for two months.”

Harry felt sorry for Neville, he knew very well how being stuck in a place felt.

“How was your OWLs?” asked Harry, not wanting to explain why his summer was lousy.

“Six OWLs, what about you?”

“I got nine,” said Harry. “ What NEWT subjects are you taking?”

“Herbology, Transfiguration, Charms, Defense Against the Dark Arts, and Care of Magical Creatures,” said Neville, “can you believe I got into all of those NEWT classes?”

“Well done,” said Harry, grinning.

“Thanks to you, actually, that I got an ‘E’ in Defense Against the Dark Arts OWL,” said Neville, “what about you? What subjects are you taking?”

“The same as you, plus Potions,” said Harry.

“Potions? What are you taking that for?” asked Neville.

“Required for Auror, I’ve got to put up another two years with Snape,” said Harry.

Harry talked with Neville for the next hour. Suddenly, the compartment door slid open and about fifteen people squeezed in. They were all DA members.

“Hey, Harry, we’re just here to ask if there’s going to be any DA meetings this year,” said Katie Bell.

“Because we loved them and we’d all be very disappointed if they stop,” said Anthony Goldstein.

Harry wasn’t sure about the answer, if they had a good Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher this year, it probably wouldn’t be needed. The members all went berserk when Harry told them there might not be meetings this year.

“But can we just do it for fun? I mean it was so enjoyable!” said Hannah Abbott and Susan Bones, who seemed desperate.

“You-Know-Who’s returned, we have to practice every chance we get!” argued Ernie Macmallion.

“Come on, Harry, we can do it, right?” said Dean Thomas.

“They’re right, Harry, DA was the only thing I looked forward to last year, with Umbridge and OWL,” agreed Neville.

“Come on, Harry, please?” asked Colin and Dennis Creevey pleadingly.

“Why is it so crowded here?” Hermione’s voice asked.

“Hi, Hermione, Ron, Ginny, we’re trying to make Harry organize more DA meetings,” said Michael Corner.

“Well, we’ll decide when we meet the new teacher,” said Hermione.

“But—

“No buts, now everyone return to their seats!” said Hermione commandingly.

Hermione, Ron, and Ginny took seats beside Harry and Neville when the crowd of people had gone.

“I’m so hungry, stupid Prefect meeting,” said Ron, grabbing a Chocolate Frog.

“You’re always hungry, and Prefect meetings are not stupid,” said Hermione.

“Yeah, they are, Hermione,” said Ginny irritably. “It’s been only an hour and I hate it already.”

“Welcome to the club,” said Ron through a mouthful of Cauldron Cakes.

After barely ten minutes, the compartment door slid open again. This time Luna Lovegood came in. She was dreamy as usual, holding a magazine called The Quibbler.

“Hello,” she said in her usual dreamy voice, “I thought I’d ask you if there’s going to be anymore DA meetings, because they were rather enjoyable, you see.”

“We’ll tell you after we’ve met the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher,” said Harry automatically.

“Alright then,” said Luna, dreamy as ever, “bye.”

And she walked away.

“Queer, that one is,” said Ron.

“We know,” said Ginny.

“You know I never thought DA would be this successful when I first got the idea,” said Hermione.

The compartment door slid open once again, but this time, someone far less welcome came in—Draco Malfoy with Crabbe and Goyle.

“Tsk, tsk, look that we have here, Potty, two Weasels, Mudblood Granger, and brainless Longbottom,” sneered Malfoy. Crabbe and Goyle chuckled stupidly.

“I heard those brothers of yours finally got some gold, Weasel, going to worship them forever, are you?” Malfoy continued. “And you, Potty? Did that pathetic godfather of yours leave you any gold?”

Ron stood up but was pulled down by Hermione.

“Don’t, he’s not worth it,” said Hermione.

“Get out of here, Malfoy,” said Harry angrily.

“Ah, don’t you order me around, Potty, or you’ll get detention,” smirked Malfoy. “So, are you scared? The Dark Lord is after you.”

“Do you suffer from memory losses, Malfoy? Because in case you forgot, Voldemort’s been after me for sixteen years. And I don’t need you to warn me,” said Harry.

Malfoy stopped smirking. “You won’t be talking for long, Potter, believe me, you’ll end up like your worthless parents and godfather soon enough.”

“Get the hell out of here,” said Harry threateningly. His fingers gripping his wand inside his pocket, feeling anger surge through him once again.

Malfoy’s expression suddenly changed into something Harry didn’t recognize…what was it? Was it fear? A moment later Malfoy hurried out of the compartment followed by Crabbe and Goyle.

“Malfoy, the git, I hate him—what?” Ron, Hermione, Ginny, and Neville were all looking at him strangely.

“That was impressive,” said Neville in awe.

“What are you talking about? I just told him to get out,” said Harry, confused.

“But you sounded so powerful,” said Neville.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” asked Harry.

“I don’t know, there was power in your words,” said Neville.

“It was just like when you made that deal with Dumbledore, Harry,” said Hermione anxiously.

“Oh, whatever, what to you say to a game of chess, Ron?” asked Harry.

“Sure,” said Ron.

Harry had only lost two times when the compartment door slid open yet again.

“Um…hi…Harry,” a small voice said, it was Cho Chang. She was very nervous. “Um…Harry, can I…um (she seemed to be battling with herself about something) …ne…never mind.”

Cho turned and practically ran out of the compartment.

“What’s up with her?” said Ron.

“Ron, you are so dumb, can’t you tell? She wanted to talk with Harry,” said Hermione impatiently.

“Then why didn’t she?” asked Ron.

“Ron, how dumb are you? Because she can’t decide what to say to Harry!” said Hermione.

“And why would that be?”

“Because…put yourself in her position, Ron! You’ve just broken up with Michael Corner, you haven’t gotten over Cedric’s death yet, you really like Harry, but last year you were so stupid and couldn’t stop crying, your friend betrayed Harry, etc., etc, what would you do?”

“If I got into that position I’d die,” said Ron matter-of-factly.

After another hour the Hogwarts Express finally arrived at the dingy Hogsmeade Station. Harry and company got off the train and searched for an empty carriage.

“First Years, over here please,” shouted Hagrid.

“Hey Hagrid,” called Harry, waving.

“Hey, Harry,” Hagrid waved back.

Harry, Ron, Hermione, Ginny and Neville got into a carriage together. They talked as the carriages slowly moved up the road and the school grounds. In a few minutes they reached the stone steps that led up to the oak front doors. Harry got off the carriage and walked into the cool evening air. Following the swarm of students, he proceeded into the Entrance Hall, which was lighted with torches.

Thousands of candles floating in midair illuminated the Great Hall. The four long house tables were starting to get crowded with students. Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Neville found seats beside Dean and Seamus while Ginny went to sit with some Fifth Year girls.

“They’d better hurry up with the sorting,” said Ron as soon as they settled down, “I’m starving.”

“You always are,” said Hermione irritably.


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HOPE U ALL HAD A GREAT X-MAS, CHAP. 8 IS UP, PLS OH PLS LEAVE FEEDBACK, THANK YOU!

Chapter Eight

Daughter of the Death Eaters

Harry looked up at the High table. Professor Dumbledore, who was wearing gleaming sky blue robes, was talking to Professor Flitwick. On the other side of Dumbledore sat a very young woman in an elegant red robe. She had long blonde hair with black highlights. Her big black eyes were surveying the students with mild interest.

“Is that the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher?” asked Ron, glancing at the woman.

“Has to be,” said Harry.

“I hope she’s a good teacher,” said Hermione.

The doors from the Entrance Hall opened and Professor McGonagall, carrying a stool and the Sorting Hat, led the scared-looking first years up to the High table. She placed the hat on the stool. The school waited for the Sorting hat to start singing.

Once again the time has arrived
For the students to be Sorted
It is with great regret that I must
Separate you into the quartet
For grave danger confronts you
And I fear that Sorting
Will only increase the peril ahead
Long ago when I was made
The Hogwarts four were united
Then the friendships failed
Daring Gryffindor and bold Slytherin
Once the best of friends
Became the worst of foes
Now younglings hear me out
Though split you all are
Ways must be found for you to unite again
Within the walls of Hogwarts
The grudge between Gryffindor and Slytherin
Must be mended
Forget ye differences and form alliances
For only then can ye emerge victorious
In these evil, evil fights.

The song died and the Hat became motionless once again. There was scattered applause, a number of people were whispering to their neighbors.

“The Hat’s gone nuts,” said Ron.

“Yeah,” said Harry, “ ‘the grudge between Gryffindor and Slytherin must be mended’? It needs a bracing reality check.”

“I tend to agree with the Hat,” said Hermione, “we must unite together to fight Voldemort.”

“Fight You-Know-Who? Hermione, you need a bracing reality check. The Slytherins support You-Know-Who,” said Ron.

“Well, not all of them, and we should try to recruit them to our side,” said Hermione.

“Go recruit Malfoy then,” said Ron.

Hermione glared at him.

Professor McGonagall had begun calling names.

“Anderson, Jessica.”

A tiny girl walked nervously to the stool. She sat down, and put the hat on with trembling hands.

A moment later, the hat shouted:

“RAVENCLAW!”

“Baggins, Jay.”

“SLYTHERIN!”

After half an hour the First-Years were all Sorted. (“Finally!” said Ron.) Professor Dumbledore stood up.

“I see that you all wish to first digest the feast and then listen to my boring notices. So, tuck in,” said Dumbledore with a wink.

The feast appeared on all of the tables and Ron immediately began to stuff himself. Harry looked back at the High table; the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher was talking to Professor McGonagall. For some reason, Harry had a bad feeling about this young woman.

When the feast was over, Dumbledore got to his feet.

“Welcome to another year at Hogwarts,” he said, “in light of Lord Voldemort’s return, I shall ask all of you to be extra cautious. In the difficult time ahead of us, friendships and loyalties will be tested now more than ever.”

Whispers broke out as Dumbledore paused. Many stares were turned to Harry.

“Now, let me continue with the usual start of term notices. First-Years will note that the Forbidden Forest is, as its name says, forbidden to all students. Mr. Filch has asked me to remind you yet again that magic is not permitted in corridors between classes. The number of forbidden items inside this castle has been increased to seven hundred and eighty-five. The full list can be checked on Mr. Filch’s office door.

“As usual, we have a new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher this year. I am delighted to introduce Alexia Navarro. Professor Navarro has kindly agreed to take the post despite the general belief that it’s jinxed.”

Professor Dumbledore sat down and began to clap. The staff members followed. But the students all seem to be stunned at the announcement of their new teacher. A few of them looked confused at the general reaction, Harry among them.

“What’s wrong?” Harry asked, utterly bewildered.

“Oh my god,” Ron said, he looked like he’s just seen a Crumple-Horned Snorkack.

“What?” asked Harry.

“Alexia Navarro,” said Ron.

“So? Who is she?” asked Harry, getting a little impatient.

“She’s Ashley and Darryl Navarro’s daughter,” said Ron breathlessly.

“Who are they?” asked Harry, annoyed.

“Harry, don’t you know? Dad told me all about them. The Navarros were huge supporters of You-Know-Who. The pair of them were You-Know-Who’s most able and loyal Death Eaters. They created almost as much terror as You-Know-Who. They murdered countless Muggles and killed at least twenty wizarding families. The McKinnons, the Prewetts, just to name a few. The Ministry put up a 50,000 Galleon bounty on them. Aurors were given permission to kill them on the spot. Their pictures were all over the Daily Prophet, second most wanted wizards, right after You-Know-Who.” Ron finished, looking at Harry.

“What happened to them?” asked Harry.

“Just a year before You-Know-Who’s downfall, they were killed by ten Aurors. And then the Ministry found they had left a daughter. She was adopted by some relative of hers in the US,” said Ron.

“Why would Dumbledore hire two Death Eater’s daughter?” asked Harry.

“You’re not being fair to her,” injected Hermione. “You can’t judge her by her parents. Just because they were Death Eaters doesn’t mean she’s bad.”

All around them, students were beginning to pile out of the Great Hall and almost everyone were whispering.

“Ron, we need to show the First-Years where to go,” said Hermione.

Ron groaned, “see you, Harry,” he said.

Harry walked dully toward the Gryffindor tower, deep in thought. Was Professor Navarro a Death Eater, like her parents? No, impossible, Dumbledore wouldn’t have hired her if she’s working for Voldemort. But then, why had Harry felt unease around her? It didn’t have anything to do with his scar. A sixth sense was telling Harry Professor Navarro wasn’t a person to trust. Am I just being paranoid like Moody? Harry asked himself. No, said a voice in the back of his head. Be careful around her. Why? Harry asked himself, he didn’t know. It was just a feeling.

Harry reached the portrait of the Fat Lady and realized he didn’t know the password.

“Harry!”

Harry turned to see Dean Thomas running toward him.

“The password is ‘Cheering Charm’,” he said.

“Thanks,” said Harry as they climbed through the Portrait Hole.

“No problem,” he said.

The Gryffindor common room was as welcoming as ever. All of the Gryffindors seem to be up discussing Professor Navarro. Too tired to listen to the crimes of Ashley and Darryl Navarro, Harry went straight to the dormitories and Dean followed. Neville and Seamus were already there. They were too, talking about Professor Navarro.

“Hey Harry, Dean, can you two believe Alexia Navarro is the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher?” said Neville.

“Why can’t we give her a break? We haven’t even been in her class yet,” said Dean fairly.

“Give her a break? Dean, you’re Muggle-born, you don’t understand. The Navarros were—

“You-Know-Who’s supporters, I know,” said Dean.

“Not just You-Know-Who’s supporters, they were ruthless! They killed countless people! They played a huge part in You-Know-Who’s coming to power! Seeing them was as good as seeing You-Know-Who!” cried Seamus.

“OK, that doesn’t mean their daughter will be the same, and Dumbledore wouldn’t hire her if she is,” said Dean.

“I think she’s in league with You-Know-Who. Look, he’s just returned to power, and she lived in the US all her life, why would she come to Britain now if not to join You-Know-Who?” said Ron, who had just returned from prefect duties.

“Maybe to fight You-Know-Who?” asked Dean.

“Impossible,” said Seamus.

“Not likely,” said Neville and Ron.

“What do you think, Harry?” asked Dean.

“I don’t know,” said Harry, “but we’re going to find out soon.”

“If you ask me, we’ll be needing DA again this year,” said Ron.

“We’ll see when we’ve attended her class,” said Harry, “anyways, I’m going to bed, so tired.”

Harry changed into his pajamas and lay down on his bed, still wondering about the new professor. Was she a Death Eater?

Harry was in the Department of Mysteries; they were in the veil room. He was struggling to fight off the Death Eaters. Sirius, Lupin, Tonks, Moody, and Kingsley arrived. Lestrange shot a Stunning Spell at Sirius but missed. Sirius laughed.

“Come on, you can do better than that!” yelled Sirius.

A second jet of light hit Sirius on the chest. His eyes widened with shock. It was like watching a slow motion film; Sirius’ body fell slowly through the veil…

The veil disappeared; the Whomping Willow replaced it. Under the tree stood Professor Navarro, she was bleeding. Her hands were covered in blood. Her hair was a mess, she was shouting. Suddenly a jet of green light hit her in the chest. She fell to the ground, her body lifeless.

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HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!

Chapter Nine

Professor Navarro

Harry woke up next morning, feeling uneasy. What was that dream about? Did it mean anything? He knew it didn’t have anything to do with Voldemort, simply because his scar hadn’t hurt. Was he seeing the future? No way, thought Harry, if I could get glimpses of the future, why can’t I see anything in the stupid crystal balls? God, why does nothing normal happen to me?

Five minutes later, Harry was heading to the Great Hall for breakfast with Ron and Hermione.

“Bloody hell, Harry, Trelawney’ll be losing her job soon,” said Ron when Harry told them about the dream.

Hermione scowled, “Ron, this is serious. If Harry is getting premonitions, we need to do something.”

“What do you suggest we do? Guard the Whomping Willow?” asked Ron.

Hermione glared at him.

“It could be just a dream, Hermione,” said Harry.

“Yes, but it’s a bit odd, don’t you think? Of all the things to dream about…and it wasn’t totally bizarre like some normal dreams are. I think you should tell Dumbledore, Harry,” said Hermione.

“Yeah, I’ll tell Dumbledore tomorrow,” said Harry. He had lessons with the headmaster tomorrow evening.

The Great Hall was full of students when the three of them entered. Many of them were shooting Professor Navarro menacing looks.

“Really! They’re all being so unfair. Professor Navarro hasn’t done anything to deserve being treated like this,” said Hermione as they found seats next to Parvati Patil and Lavender Brown.

“Believe me Hermione, she hasn’t, but she will,” said Parvati darkly.

“How do you know?” asked Hermione.

“Wait and see,” said Lavender, “I’ll bet my last Knut she’s working for You-Know-Who.”

Parvati nodded. “Anyways, we’ve got to meet Professor Trelawney, see you,” she said and departed with Lavender.

Harry glanced at Professor Navarro. She was wearing the same red robe as yesterday.

“Dumbledore trusts her, she can’t be a Death Eater,” said Hermione, more to herself than to anyone else.

“Yeah, but Dumbledore hired Quirrell, he also hired that fraud Lockhart, that imposter Moody fooled him, and he trusts slimy Snape. Dumbledore needs better judgments,” said Ron.

Before Hermione could answer, the morning post arrived. About a hundred owls rushed into the Great Hall delivering letters and packages. A brown owl dived down to Hermione and dropped a copy of the Daily Prophet. She paid the owl and disappeared behind newspaper.

“Anything Voldemort-related?” asked Harry after a while.

“Yeah, but nothing major. There’s been another jailbreak from Azkaban, three Death Eaters escaped. But that’s not uncommon now. People are becoming more and more unsatisfied with Fudge, that’s old news too. And the bass player in the Weird Sisters got a divorce,” said Hermione, putting the paper down.

Harry was finishing his toasts when Professor McGonagall handed out sixth years’ schedules. Harry looked at his, for Monday, he had double Transfiguration, Charms, and double Defense Against the Dark Arts.

“We have fewer classes and more free time this year,” said Ron happily as he scanned his schedule.

“We’re in NEWT classes, Ron, naturally we’ll need more time to study,” said Hermione.

“There are definitely some improvements, no Binns and no Trelawney this year,” said Harry.

“Yeah, come on, lets’ go, we don’t want to be late for McGonagall’s class,” said Ron.

The Gryffindor sixth years had Transfiguration with the Ravenclaws. Professor McGonagall’s class was even more difficult than usual.

“Welcome to NEWT Transfigurations,” said Professor McGonagall, “all of you in this class have achieved an ‘E’ or better on your Transfiguration OWL. And I congratulate you on your success.” She paused and surveyed the class.

“However, this is no time to relax. You will be facing NEWT exams next year and you must be fully prepared for them. You will find my classes to be even more difficult and I expect all of you to put your best efforts into your work.

“This year we’ll be working on Conjuring Spells and human Transfiguration; and for a few of you who can manage it, Animagi Studies. We’ll be spending the first half of the term on Conjuring Spells and the second half on human Transfiguration.

“You’ll be conjuring cups and vases first, then moving on to chairs, tables and other larger objects. After that we shall start on conjuring animals. You will find living things are considerably harder to conjure than non-living things. Today, we’ll be starting on conjuring vases.”

For the next hour the class copied down complicated notes on Conjuring Spells. When they had finally finished taking notes, the students began attempting to conjure a vase.

“Cotius,” said Harry, flicking his wand for the fifteenth time. Nothing happened.

“This is getting nowhere,” said Ron gloomily, flicking his own wand. It was true. Forty minutes had past and only Hermione had conjured a perfect vase on her sixth try. Everyone else had conjured nothing but air.

“Cotius,” said Hermione. Another elegant vase appeared on her desk.

“Stop showing-off, Hermione,” said Ron irritably.

“Another ten points to Gryffindor, Miss Granger,” said Professor McGonagall.

“Cotius,” said Harry for the sixteenth time. To his great surprise, a glass vase appeared on his desk. It wasn’t nearly as pretty as Hermione’s but he was the second person in the class to actually conjure something.

“Excellent, Potter, ten points to Gryffindor,” said Professor McGonagall.

By the end of the class, three Ravenclaws: (probably because of the Ravenclaws’ generally sharp brain.) Anthony Goldstein, Terry Boot, and a girl Harry didn’t know managed to conjure up vases similar to his. To Harry’s delight, the five of them were not given homework. Everyone else received homework of practice Conjuring Spells. Professor McGonagall dismissed the class when the bell rang, but she held Harry back.

“Potter, can I have a word, please,” said Professor McGonagall.

Wondering what Professor McGonagall could possibly want with him, Harry doubled back and walked toward her desk.

“Potter, as you know, Angelina Johnson has left Hogwarts last year. Which means Gryffindor needs a new Quidditch captain this year. Miss Bell has turned down the offer that leaves you as the next candidate for captain since you’ve been on the team the longest. What do you say?”

“Erm…Sure, I’d love be captain,” said Harry.

“Excellent, as captain you’ll be responsible for organizing try-outs and practices. To book the pitch, simply contact Madam Hooch. Try hard to keep the trophy in my office, will you Potter? I’d hate to have to hand it over, especially to Severus Snape,” said Professor McGonagall and she smiled. “Well, you’d better hurry, you don’t want to be late for your next class.”

Harry walked out the classroom, smiling to himself. He was Quidditch captain for Gryffindor! Life isn’t that bad after all, thought Harry.

“What did McGonagall want?” asked Ron as they headed for the Charms classroom.

“She made me Quidditch captain,” said Harry happily.

“Brilliant! I knew it! Well done, mate,” said Ron excitedly.

“Congratulations, Harry,” said Hermione.

“Thanks,” said Harry.

“This is great!” said Ron, “when do you want the Chaser try-out to be?”

“I don’t know, probably Friday, I’ll have to check with Madam Hooch and book the pitch,” said Harry.

The sixth year Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs spent their first NEWT Charms class learning the Multiplying Charm. “The Multiplying Charm can only be used on non-living objects. It is impossible to Multiply living things,” said Professor Flitwick, standing on the pile of books as usual, “incase some of you get the idea, a certain Mr. Weasley tried so a couple of years back. Now, the Multiplying Charm is very difficult. In order to receive the exact reproduction of an item one needs extreme practice and study.”

And Harry found him right. By the end of the class only Hermione successfully multiplied the fork they were working on. Ernie Macmaillion produced a plain rectangular piece of metal that does not look like a fork in any way. Hermione was the only one not given homework. Everyone else was assigned to read the chapter on Multiplying Charm, summarized it, and practice the charm.

Lunch in the Great Hall was pleasant. Harry was finishing his pie when Hermione raised a very unexpected subject. “Harry, I’ve been meaning to ask you for weeks,” she said, “you know that night when we used the Extendable Ears to listen to Sirius’ will, when Dumbledore asked you to have lessons with him, he mentioned a prophecy being fulfilled, what was he talking about?”

Harry choked on his pie. He didn’t even realize that they had heard Dumbledore mentioning the prophecy. What’s he going to tell them? He didn’t want to see the horrors on their faces when they realize their best friend was prophesized to kill or be killed. Harry studied his fingers, unsure what to say.

“Hey, you three,” said a voice.

“What’s up, Ginny? You don’t look happy,” said Ron.

Harry looked up and saw that Ginny had just took a seat next to Hermione. He was grateful for her timely arrival and relieved that he didn’t have to tell Ron and Hermione what the prophecy said yet.

“Dean and I just broke up,” said Ginny gloomily.

“How come?” asked Hermione.

Ginny shrugged. “I guess we just don’t like each other that much. I mean we’re still friends, but we’re not meant to be together, I suppose.”

“Well, he wasn’t good enough for you anyways,” said Ron. “Choose someone better, next time.”

“And who do you suggest, Ron?” asked Ginny interestedly.

Everyone laughed. After lunch, Harry, Ron, and Hermione headed for their first Defense Against the Dark Arts class with Professor Navarro. To Harry’s relief Hermione didn’t mention the prophecy again, but he knew he had to tell them soon. Hermione was too smart to be fooled for long anyways.

Professor Navarro wasn’t there when they arrived at the classroom. However, Malfoy, Crabbe, Goyal, and the rest of the Slytherins were there.

“Hey, look, it’s Potty, Weasel, and the Mudblood!” called Malfoy as soon as Harry, Ron, and Hermione arrived.

Ron instantly pulled out his wand and pointed it at Malfoy, “you dare call Hermione a Mudblood one more time and I’ll jinx you to hell.”

“Oh, really, Weasel? Sticking up for Granger are you? Is she your girlfriend or something? I thought even you wouldn’t sunk low enough to date a Mudblood,” said Malfoy, sneering.

Ron raised his wand, but Hermione pushed it away, giving him a warning look. Harry, on the other hand, didn’t help Hermione to restrain Ron, but took out his own wand and pointed at Malfoy as well.

“Shut up, Malfoy, I’m warning you,” said Harry quietly.

“Harry!” hissed Hermione, pushing Harry’s wand away as well.

Malfoy laughed loudly. “What’s wrong, Mudblood, you don’t want your boyfriends to defend you?”

“Leave Hermione along, Malfoy!” said Dean Thomas, who was watching.

“Shut up, Thomas, you’re a Mudblood too,” said Malfoy.

“Keep calling people Mudbloods and I’ll crack your head open,” said Seamus Finnigan aggressively.

Crabbe and Goyal cracked their knuckles. Seamus was hopeless in a wrestle against one of them, not to mention two.

Malfoy sneered. “Want to try?” he asked.

“You’re nothing but talk, Malfoy. All you do is hide behind those cronies of yours,” said Neville Longbottom.

“Alright, people, enough fighting. That was very interesting to watch. Now can everyone find a seat and sit down?” said a voice in American accent. Everyone jumped. Professor Navarro was standing near the blackboard, looking amused. Slowly, the class recovered from the shock and took seats.

Harry looked at the professor. She was moderately tall and very thin. Her long hair was tied back into a ponytail. Her face was warm and innocent, just like a little girl. She was barely in her early twenties. Harry couldn’t help but notice that she was stunningly beautiful. As a matter of fact, Harry wondered why he hadn’t noticed that before. But buried deep behind her big black eyes, there was darkness. It was as if her gorgeous face was a mask, hiding the evil within.

Be cautious around her, she is much more than what she appears to be. The voice in Harry’s head said again. Oh, shut up, Harry told that voice. His thoughts drifted to the dream he had the previous night, was Professor Navarro destined to die under the Whomping Willow?

“Ok, guys,” Professor Navarro had begun speaking. The class exchanged looks, when did a teacher use the phrase ‘Ok, guys’?

“Professor Dumbledore told me all about what happened to your previous Defense Against the Dark Arts teachers. I do hope that I’ll still be alive and well after this year.” The students exchanged more glances, Harry saw Ron raising an eyebrow. Was that a joke?

“Now, some of you have achieved very high scores on the Defense Against the Dark Arts OWL despite your poor teacher last year, while others were not so satisfactory. So I thought today we’ll just see what you can do. Everyone find a partner and start practicing whatever curses and jinxes that you know. I’ll be walking around and observing.”

Harry partnered with Ron while Hermione went with Neville.

“Expelliarmus,” Harry shouted, pointing his wand at Ron.

“Impedimenta,” shouted Ron.

Harry was knocked back. Ron seized his chance and cried “Stupefy.” But Harry was faster. “Protego,” he yelled. Ron was hit by his own Stunning Spell.

Harry was delighted to see the Gryffindors, who had all been in DA, doing much better than the Slytherins. Professor Navarro walked around as the class practiced various curses and jinxes. She smiled when she reached Harry and Ron. Her smile was dazzling. It was very beautiful. In fact, Harry thought it was the most beautiful smile he had ever seen, until he saw something wrong with it.

Her eyes were not a part of the smile. Professor Navarro was sweet and beautiful—except for her eyes. For a moment Harry’s bright green once met with her black ones. They were cold and dark. Out of them Harry could see pure evil.

“What do you think?” asked Ron as soon as they left Professor Navarro’s classroom.

“She seems like an OK teacher,” said Hermione, “but there’s something wrong with her.”

“You got that right,” said Harry, “did you see her eyes?”

Ron and Hermione both nodded.

“I wonder why? They don’t seem to fit with the rest of her at all,” said Hermione.

“Maybe because she’s actually working for You-Know-Who?” asked Ron.

“I don’t know,” said Hermione, “she could be, but it’s more complicated than just that. Normally a person can control how their eyes look.”

“Harry, Maybe you can ask Dumbledore tomorrow when you tell him about that dream. Let’s not worry about it now,” said Ron. “This is so brilliant, it’s only three and classes have ended already.”

“Ron, we have homework to do. We do need to study, this year is going to be tough,” snapped Hermione.

Ron and Hermione bickered all the way up to Gryffindor Tower.

“Cheering Charm,” said Harry, and the portrait swung open.

Later that day, Harry sat in the common room by himself, staring into space. (Ron and Hermione both had prefect duties.) He remembered how Sirius popped into the fire to talk to him last year. Harry turned to look at the fire, half expecting to find Sirius smiling at him. But nothing was there. Don’t be stupid, he’s dead, Harry told himself.

After a while, Harry’s thoughts traveled to the mystery of Professor Navarro. Just then, Harry thought of something. He sprinted up to his dormitory; it was deserted this early in the afternoon. Harry opened his trunk and looked for it. There, shattered, was the two-way mirror Sirius had given him.

“Reparo,” he said. The mirror was instantly fixed.

“Remus Lupin,” Harry whispered. A second later Lupin appeared in the mirror.

“Hi, Harry, what’s up?” he asked, smiling.

“Nothing much. I’ve been made Quidditch captain,” said Harry, grinning.

“Well done, nothing surprising though. James would’ve been proud,” he said, beaming.

“Thanks, we have a new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher this year,” said Harry.

Lupin’s smile fell a little. “Ah, I take it you’ve met your cousin.”

THANKS FOR READING, FEEDBACK PLS PLS PLS PLS AND PLS. I NEED TO KNOW WHAT YOU THINK OF THIS CHAPTER. IF I DO NOT GET AT LEAST TWO FEEDBACK FROM TWO DIFF PEOPLE I WILL NOT BE UPDATING! :sad:

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Guys, I hate to ask again, but can you please please please read and review the last chapter? I really need to know what you think of it. :upset:

I enjoyed writing this a lot and I've started on chapter ten, but I need to know that you people think of it so far.

Also I'll be trilled if you can give me some advices on how to write better. Is it too boring? Does it need more action? Is it too long, etc. If you have any opinion at all please let me know.

Thank you

PS. Chapter Ten will be up in the next couple of days if I get feedback.

Feedback follow the link below.

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BACK TO SCHOOL TOMORROW. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
:upset: :upset: :upset: :upset: :upset: :upset: :upset: :upset: :upset: :upset: :upset: :upset: :upset: :upset: :upset: :upset: :upset: :upset: :upset: :upset: :upset:

Chapter Ten

Occlumency, Again

“Wha…what?” Harry stared at Remus.

“Oh yes, I remember James’ big sister well,” said Remus with a sigh. “Ashley Potter was three years older than us. We used to play tricks on her all the time. She was Head Girl and top student. I remember James complaining about his parents’ constant lectures on how good his big sister was and how she never gets into trouble. But even though, Ashley was the best sister anyone could hope to have. She was always there for James when he needed her. Ashley was amazingly kind to us, too. She never got angry with the pranks we pulled on her, she just laughed with us and complimented on our intelligence and creativity.”

“How did she become a Death Eater?” asked Harry.

“That’s a very good question, Harry. We don’t really know what happened. It was the year we left Hogwarts, we were only seventeen and Ashley was twenty. The war with Voldemort reached its peak that year. Dumbledore asked all of us to join the Order and we all jumped at the opportunity. At first, Ashley was just like the rest of us, working against tirelessly Voldemort. Then all of a sudden she began acting very strangely. She would sit in a place for hours and not talk to anyone. We all thought it was because of the war. People were getting killed everyday; it was enough to drive anyone crazy.

“Then, one day, she went home and told her parents that she was pregnant, and that she was moving out. That was a real shock; the Ashley we knew would never do such a thing. We asked who the father was and she said it wasn’t any of our business. Then we asked where was she going and she said that wasn’t any of our business either. Anyways, she packed all her stuff and just Apparated before we could grasp the situation.

“Next time we saw her was two days later, she was with a dozen Death Eaters, wearing masks and torturing Muggles. After that, Ashley changed into a monster: torture, murder, you name it. James had a major breakdown; he would never have imagined Ashley to become a Death Eater. Of course, none of us would have ever imagined it either, but it hit James the hardest. He locked himself up for a week, refusing to eat. None of us could get him to come out; we thought he was a goner, until Lily threatened to break up with him if he didn’t come out. Then, after two years, Ashley was killed by Aurors, she was only twenty-two at the time.” Remus finished, his eyes were shining with tears.

“I’m so sorry,” said Harry, trying to comprehend the story.

“It’s all right, it’s just sad…you know, of all the people to turn to the Dark Side, Ashley was just…anyways, how is her daughter?” asked Remus.

“Strange,” said Harry.

“What do you mean?” asked Remus.

“Well, actually I was hoping you could tell me about her. She’s— Remus?”

Lupin had disappeared from the mirror.

“Remus?” Harry asked again.

“Moony, you there?”

No reply came. What could have happened? Harry wondered.

“Remus, answer me,” Harry tried one more time.

Nothing.

Slowly Harry put the mirror back into his trunk.

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” said a stunned Ron.

It was the next morning, Harry, Ron, and Hermione were having breakfast in the Great Hall. Harry had just finished telling them what Remus said last night.

“Oh, my god, Harry, this is so…” Hermione trailed off.

“Yeah, I know,” Harry glanced at the High Table; Professor Navarro was chatting with Professor Sprout.

“I can’t believe it, Harry. Ashley Navarro, the mass murderer, for real this time, your aunt?” said Ron, looking dumbfounded.

Harry had a hard time believing this story too, his father’s sister, Harry’s aunt, a Death Eater? Not just any Death Eater, but one of the most feared, one of the most loyal to Voldemort, one that killed the most people. What on earth could have caused her to turn to the Dark Side? And what the heck is up with Professor Navarro’s eyes? Great, Harry thought as he tackled his bacon. Just when I thought my life couldn’t get more complicated.

“I can’t believe it,” said Ron again. “Your aunt? Professor Navarro your cousin? How many more things about you don’t we know, Harry?”

Hermione frowned, “I know, we’ve known you for years, but you always have surprises for us, Harry. But what’s nagging me most is why would Lupin suddenly disappear from the mirror?” she said. “Oh, there’s so many things that we don’t know about!”

“Yeah, we now officially live in the Matrix,” said Harry.

Hermione smiled weakly. Ron was very confused. “What? What does math have to do with this?” he asked.

“Never mind, Ron, what classes have we got today?” asked Harry.

Before Ron could answer, around a hundred owls flew into the Great Hall, delivering mail. Hermione shrieked as soon as she got her copy of the Daily Prophet.

“What’s wrong, Hermione?” asked Ron.

“Look,” said Hermione, laying the paper on the table.

Harry leaned over to read.

He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named does it, Again!

Following the murder of the Vances and eleven Muggles in July, He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named continues his life of crime yesterday by murdering Elphias Doge, 39, and Hestia Jones, 37.

He-Who-Must-Not-Named, along with about twenty Death Eaters and around fifty dementors, attacked the village of Little Hangleton yesterday afternoon. Little Hangleton is a Muggle village with no wizarding residence. It is believed that He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named and his followers intended to kill all of the Muggle residence of the village. Reason being is unknown. Albus Dumbledore, headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, arrived with thirty Aurors and a band wizards in time to stop the massacre.

However, crossfire took place, killing Elphias and Hestia, who were both associates of Albus Dumbledore. “It is with great regret that I must confirm the death of Elphias Doge and Hestia Jones and,” says Cornelius Fudge, Minister of Magic. “With even greater regret that I must confirm that none of the Death Eaters were captured. We are doing everything we can to stop Lord…Thingy and we beg the everyone to remain calm.”

The Ministry of Magic awarded Doge and Jones Order of Merlin, First Class, to honor their heroic death against You-Know-Who. Ministry officials have modified the memory of all Muggles who witnessed the incident. Fortunately this time, the Muggle please-men were not informed.

“Oh, no, they were both in the Order,” whispered Hermione.

Ron nodded, “I can’t believe it,” he said shakily, “counting from this summer, he’s killed fifteen people already.”

Harry looked around the Great Hall, students were all either reading the Daily Prophet or anxiously discussing yesterday’s murder with their neighbors. The Slytherins, however, acted as though nothing had happened. Up at the High Table, Professor Dumbledore was whispering urgently to Professor McGonagall and Hagrid. Professor Flitwick and Professor Sprout were both staring wide-eyed at the Daily Prophet. Professor Navarro, however, was calming drinking pumpkin juice, looking not at all concerned.

“That’s why Lupin went away and didn’t come back,” said Hermione.

“What?” asked Harry and Ron together.

“The attack took place yesterday afternoon, that’s around the time Harry was talking to him. He must have gotten an urgent message and left immediately,” said Hermione.

“You think he was in the fight yesterday?” asked Harry.

“I’m sure of it,” said Hermione.

“I'm glad he's OK. Oh, how many more are going to die before this is over?” said Harry, looking stricken.

“That’s the way it is, Harry, there’s always casualties in a war,” said Hermione in a small voice.

“What classes do we have today?” asked Harry again, changing the subject.

“Double Herbology, Care of Magical Creatures, and Double Potions,” said Ron.

After breakfast, Harry and Ron headed for Double Herbology while Hermione went to her Arithmancy class. Double Herbology passed without incident.

Only thirteen people (none of them were Slytherin) signed up for NEWT Care of Magical Creatures so there was only one class. The class spent an hour feeding different foods to young chimeras; luckily they were not able to breath fire yet.

Harry spent lunch dreading double Potions, wondering what would Snape say when Harry turned up in his classroom. Only ten students signed up for NEWT Potions. Harry, Ron, and Hermione were the only Gryffindors. Ernie Macmillan was the only Hufflepuff, and the rest were Slytherins.

“Find a seat,” said Snape coldly.

Harry, Ron, and Hermione found seats in the back of the room with Ernie.

“I am absolutely disgusted by this year’s OWL results,” said Snape. “Never in all my time at Hogwarts have I seen OWL scores this low. Those of you who didn’t achieve an ‘O’ and are sitting in this room now, prepare yourself because I don’t expect you to pass in this subject.”

Snape stopped and looked around; Harry tried his best to be invisible, with little success.

“Potter, what are you doing here?” whispered Snape coldly, his voice barely audible.

Here we go again, Harry thought. He forced himself to look into Snape’s cold eyes.

“I’m here for class,” he said through gritted teeth.

“And what makes you think you’re good enough for NEWT Potions?” asked Snape, his eyes glittering dangerously, as though ready to strike.

Harry saw Malfoy sneer. “Because Potions was listed in my choice of NEWT classes.”

“I wonder how did that happen? There must’ve been a mistake of some sort, a student like you would never be able achieve an ‘A’ in my subject,” said Snape, sneering.

Harry wanted to take out his wand and jinx Snape, what right did he have to hate me? Harry thought viciously, as if my life isn’t bad enough! Why did I sign up for this anyways? I’m getting out of here right now!

No, Harry, this is exactly what Snape want, keep your cool and don’t lose your temper! Said another part of Harry.

Harry glared at Snape, “you can go to the Ministry and complain about it, meanwhile, my score is an ‘E’, like almost everyone here,” said Harry coldly, almost as cold as Snape.

“Five points from Gryffindor for being here, Potter.” Snape turned and started issuing instructions; clearly disappointed that Harry didn’t lose his temper. To Harry’s relief, the rest of the class passed without further torment from Snape.

“Chocolate Frogs. Fizzing Whizbee. Sherbet Lemon. No? OK, Cockroach Cluster. Sugar Quill. Oh, come on, move it!”

Harry was outside Dumbledore’s office for his lesson. But unfortunately, he had forgotten to ask for the password.

“Arrrggg…come on, I’ve named about all of the candy that exist!” said Harry to the gargoyle after five minutes. “Wait, what about Fainting Fancies? Fever Fudge? Nosebleed Nougat? Puking Pastilles? No? Arrrggg… Mars Bars! Skittles! M&M! Fruit by the Foot! Twix!” That was dumb, Dumbledore doesn’t eat Muggle candy, Harry thought.

Suddenly, the gargoyle sprang to life and leapt aside. “Twix? You’ve got to be kidding!”

Harry sprinted up the stone staircase and knocked at the polished oak door. “Come in,” Harry heard Dumbledore say. Harry turned the brass knob and walked inside. Dumbledore sat in his desk, his eyes twinkling as usual. On his desk, Harry spotted a box of Twix. The image of Dumbledore peeling Twix’s plastic wrappers rolled into Harry’s head. Unable to contain himself, Harry burst out laughing.

“I’m…haha…sorry…sir…hahaha…” Harry stopped himself by biting his lips. “Hem, hem, sorry, professor.”

“It’s quite all right, Harry,” said Dumbledore, smiling. “May I ask what do you find so amusing?”

“Twix,” said Harry, grinning.

“Ah, yes, I find them very tasty. These Muggles sure know what they’re doing, don’t they?” said Dumbledore.

“Yeah, they used to be one of Dudley’s favorites, until he landed in diet,” said Harry, feeling the surge to laugh again.

“No doubt he misses them. Well, let’s go back to business, shall we? I must once again, compliment you on how quickly you have mastered Apparation, great job, Harry. We shall spend some time to patch up your Occlumency, I know you don’t like it, Harry, but you’ll be needing it, incase Voldemort ever decide to try to invade into your mind again,” said Dumbledore.

Harry nodded.

“You know the drill, Harry, take our your wand,” said Dumbledore, standing up and reaching into his pockets to pull out a wand.

Harry reached into his pockets and pulled out his wand. He and Dumbledore both raised them.

“Good Lord, you’re not dueling, are you?” yelled a portrait on the wall.

“Calm down, Dippet, no, we are not dueling,” said Dumbledore.

“Good, just make sure you don’t damage my portrait.” Several other portraits nodded in agreement.

“Ready, Harry?” asked Dumbledore politely.

“Yeah,” Harry lied, when was he ever ready to have someone breaking into his mind?

“Let go of all emotions, calm yourself…”

Harry did what he was told.

“On the count of three, one, two, three…Legiliemens.”

Harry was eleven; he was in a zoo, talking to a snake… He was in a bathroom, the entrance to the Chamber of Secrets swan open… He was in a graveyard; Cedric Diggory lay beside him, lifeless… He was in the Department of Mysteries; Sirius was slowly falling through the veil…

Harry concentrated, no, you’re not watching my memories, he thought. They are MINE! Get out of my head. The image of the veil room started to dissolve, and then it flung back into focus again. No, no, Harry thought… It started to dissolve again…and it did not come back, a smiling Albus Dumbledore replaced it.

“Bravo, Harry, you managed to stop me, have some Twix…”

After an hour of Occlumency, Harry turned to leave Dumbledore’s office, then he remembered something.

“Professor, I um, had a dream the day before yesterday…” Harry told Dumbledore about the dream. “Does it mean anything?” asked Harry when he finished.

“I’m not sure,” said Dumbledore thoughtfully… “Harry, have you had visions like that before?”

“No,” said Harry, “nothing, except for the Voldemort ones.”

“Mm… you know, I think you might be seeing the future. Don’t trouble yourself about it too much, Harry, I’ll see that Professor Navarro is well protected,” said Dumbledore.

Harry considered for a moment whether or not to ask Dumbledore about Professor Navarro. But before he could decide, a new question surfaced from his mind.

“Sir, I was wondering… Voldemort, what is he up to? My scar hasn’t been hurting all summer, ” Harry said, wondering what Dumbledore would say.

“Ah, I’m sorry to say I can’t be certain. It looks like he has gone back to killing people… You have heard of the news today? Two more he’s killed. I do believe that he has closed his mind to you, for now. I think he wants to give you a false sense of security. I’m sure, however, that he has started on a new plan to kill you,” said Dumbledore.

“What plan?” asked Harry quickly.

“I’m sorry to say that I have no idea. Don’t be too worried Harry, you’re perfectly protected in Hogwarts. Just make sure you’re alert and be prepared for him,” said Dumbledore, surveying Harry closely through.

Great, more plans to kill me, what is he going to do this time? Harry thought as he descended the stone steps that led to Dumbledore’s office. Dumbledore doesn’t know what is he planning… When am I going to actually have a normal life?

Taking another bite from the Twix Dumbledore gave him; Harry decided he’d go see Madam Hooch about the Chaser try-outs.

I MUST BEG FOR FEEDBACK, AS USUAL. PLS OH PLS TELL ME IF YOU LIKED THIS CHAPTER. IF YOU DIDN'T, THEN TELL ME TOO. FOLLOW THIS LINK...
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HI ALL, CHAPTER 11 IS UP, FINALLY. IT'S TAKEN A LONG TIME CAUSE I HAD A LOT OF HW. ANYWAYS, PLS, PLS, PLS, GIVE ME FEEDBACK ;)

Chapter Eleven

Chaser Try-Out & DA Recalled

The rest of the week passed peacefully for Harry, or, as peacefully as it could be. Professor McGonagall had given them huge piles of homework as usual. Professor Snape was as foul as ever. Professor Navarro had proved herself to be an able teacher. Following her first lesson, she set her NEWT class to practice various curses and jinxes. Harry knew all of them, so he spent most of Professor Navarro’s classes wondering about the mystery of her eyes and the fact that she’s his cousin. Harry wondered why no one mentioned Ashley before. But than again, he couldn’t remember a time when there was need to mention her. Harry had also wondered about Voldemort’s plan that Dumbledore had mentioned, but decided not to worry about it as worrying won’t stop Voldemort from killing him.

The murder of Elphias Doge and Hestia Jones became the sole topic of conversation within the castle. Students can be found anxiously discussing the case, and fear of Lord Voldemort seems to increase.

“My God, we’re all doomed, You-Know-Who won’t stop until he’s got us all—

“I can’t believe it, he just kills, like that—

“No one is safe, our only chance is to escape to another planet—

Remarks such as those were not unusual. Even teachers seem to be more tense than usual. Much to Harry’s annoyance, the stares and whispers he attracted also seem to double. Everyone turned to stare at him as he passed corridors, as though they were expecting him to do something extraordinary. But as Hermione pointed out, this wasn’t strange at all. Harry was the only one who saw Lord Voldemort return, and the one to stop Voldemort the last time he was in power.

Harry was in a good mood on Saturday morning as he walked down to the Great Hall for breakfast with Ron and Hermione. Because not only did Saturday mean a break from classes, but also Harry had scheduled the Chaser try-out this afternoon. His happiness fell as a group of second year Ravenclaws stared and pointed at him. Harry glared at them as he walked pass, can’t I be happy for just one whole day?

Breakfast took his good mood completely away from Harry. But he had expected nothing less; it’s been like this since Tuesday. Everyone stared, pointed, and whispered as he tried his best to ignore them.

“Why can’t they give me a break?” asked Harry bitterly.

“Because you’re the ‘famous Harry Potter,’” said Ron, smirking.

Harry glared at him.

“Only joking.”

Hermione sighed, “they’re scared of Voldemort, obviously, and Harry you seem to have this weird connection with him. I just wish they’d remember Hogwarts is perfectly safe. Come on, lets get out of here. Lets…visit Hagrid.”

“Yeah,” said Harry, instantly abandoning his untouched breakfast.

Ron toke a long look at his food before following suit. About four hundred eyes followed the three of them out of the Great Hall.

Harry knocked the door as they reached Hagrid’s cabin. Seconds later it was opened by none other than Hagrid, wearing a big smile.

“Hello, you three, been wondering when were you coming to see me, come on in,” said Hagrid.

“Hi, Hagrid,” chorused the three together, stepping inside.

“Want some tea?” asked Hagrid.

“Yeah, thanks,” said Harry.

“So, how was your first week back?” asked Hagrid as he poured tea into mugs.

“Terrible,” said Harry.

“How come?” Hagrid asked.

“Because of the murder on Tuesday, everyone’s staring at me wherever I go. It’s driving me mad,” said Harry, taking a sip from his cup.

“Ah, poor folks. They were good people, I knew them for a long time,” said Hagrid sadly. “It must be terrible for you, Harry, to have them staring at you like that. It’s not like you don’t have enough problems already.”

Harry smiled grimly at Hagrid. “How was your summer?” Harry asked, changing the subject.

“I’ve been busy most of the time, did some things for Dumbledore, and been looking after Grawp, mostly,” said Hagrid.

“How is Grawp, Hagrid?” asked Hermione uncertainly.

“Oh, he’s doing mighty well, Hermione. I think he’s finally fitting in with his new environment, see. He’s getting along with the other creatures and such, and he’s stopped ripping out trees.

“That’s great. Hagrid, I was wondering, can you tell me about Professor Navarro, my cousin?” asked Harry.

Hagrid looked at Harry strangely.

“Ah, we don’t know much about her, except that she’s Ashley’s kid,” said Hagrid.

“Who’s we?” asked Harry.

“Dumbledore and the staff. Anyways, what happened was Dumbledore got an application for the job really early in the summer. We were all surprised; naturally, we thought no one would want the job for sure. And it turned out to be her, she said that she just moved here from US and needed a job.

That’s as far as I know, some of the teachers were against hiring her, afraid that she’s a Death Eater. And I must say, she is a little weird. Anyways, Dumbledore thought she deserved to have a chance and hired her.”

“Does she know Harry’s her cousin?” asked Hermione.

“I don’t know but I’d say she doesn’t. If she does she’s not likely to acknowledge it. Alexia completely avoids mentioning her family,” said Hagrid.

“Do you know what’s wrong with her eyes, Hagrid?” asked Harry.

Hagrid shook his head. “No, it’s been troubling some of the teachers as well. They say it proves that she’s working for You-Know-Who. No one knows what it means, not even Dumbledore, but he says not to worry about it. So, don’t you trouble yourselves.

“Anyways, I heard you’ve been made Quidditich captain, Harry,” said Hagrid, Harry wondered whether he changed the subject on purpose.

Harry, Ron, and Hermione spent the whole morning at Hagrid’s. At noon, the three of them walked back to the castle and entered the Great Hall for lunch. On their way, Harry spotted the notice board and saw that their first Hogsmeade visit was scheduled for September 24th.

“That’s only two and half weeks away, excellent,” said Ron.

At four in the afternoon, Harry and Ron said goodbye to Hermione and headed for the Quidditich pitch.

No one was there yet. So Harry and Ron mounted their brooms and soared into the air. Instantly, Harry felt the wonderful feeling of flying. Here, all of his troubles were forgotten. There were no Voldemort, no prophecy, only the cool air brushing against his hair.

“HEY, GET DOWN!” Harry heard someone shout. He looked at the ground and spotted a small crowd of people waving. Harry saw Ron diving and followed suit.

Harry scanned the crowd as soon as he reached the ground, wondering who turned up for the try-outs. Katie Bell, Andrew Kirke and Jack Sloper were standing with their broomsticks. Around them stood six people, each with broomstick in hand: Ginny, Colin Creevey, Seamus Finnigan, a girl and two boys that Harry didn’t know.

“Um…hi, everyone,” said Harry, slightly nervous. “First things first, can you tell me your names and what year you’re in if I don’t already know you?”

“I’m Natalie McDonald, and I’m in third year,” said the girl.

“Jason Turner,” said a boy, “and that’s Eric Magee. We’re both in fourth year.”

“OK, as you know, we’re looking for two Chasers today. There are six of you, so can you please divide into two teams of three,” said Harry.

Ginny, Natalie and Colin teamed up, Jason, Eric, and Seamus went together.

“All right, Katie, go with Seamus’ team and I’ll play with Ginny’s. So that’s four against four. You two,” said Harry, indicating Andrew and Jack, “get the Bludgers and try to knock out players in random, that way we’ll see how good is their Bludger-dodging skill. Ron, of course, will be guarding the goal posts. Ready? Let’s go.”

Eleven brooms soared into the sky. Katie was first to get the Quaffle. She passed it to Eric, who headed for the goal but was stopped by Ron. After ten minutes of passing, shooting, and Jake Sloper accidentally dropping his bat, Ginny scored the first goal. After that, no one seems to be able to penetrate Ron’s amazing Keeper skills and Harry realized just how good Ron is. It was as if Ron knew where the Quaffle would appear, he blocked the Chasers’ various attempts to score again, again, and again. Until Katie Bell cried in frustration and caught Ron by surprise by flying over the goal posts and throwing the Quaffle under her. Ginny borrowed this technique and scored again after five minutes.

After forty minutes Harry called a stop. He discussed with the team members, and Ginny was obviously the best of the six. They decided to pick Jason Turner as the other Chaser because he seemed to be a better flyer than the rest.

“OK, you’ve all done very well,” Harry said. “It’s been difficult for us to pick. But congratulations, Ginny and Jason, you two made the team. The rest of you, keep on training and try-out next year. Team practice next Friday.”

Harry, Ron, and Ginny headed back to Gryffindor tower together.

“Yes! I made the team,” said Ginny happily.

“You were bound to, Ginny, you’re a really good flyer,” said Harry, beaming at her.

“Thanks Harry,” said Ginny smiling.

Harry looked at Ginny, her flaming red hair and ocean blue eyes made her look so beautiful. Noticing his gaze, Ginny turned away. Harry lowered his head and studied his shoes, embarrassed. The rest of the trip was silent.

“Cheering Charm,” said Ron as they reached the portrait the Fat Lady.

They found Hermione sitting in a corner, waiting for them.

“How was the try-out? Did you make the team, Ginny?” she asked as soon as the three of them sat down.

“Yep, I’m on the team, again,” said Ginny proudly.

“Congratulations, who’s the other Chaser?” asked Hermione.

“A fourth-year called Jason Turner, he’s a pretty decent flyer,” said Harry.

“Good, listen, I’ve been thinking lately, and I talked to some of the DA members. And we think that we should let the meetings continue. I know Professor Navarro is a good teacher, but look at the atmosphere in this castle; everyone is panicking because Voldemort is active and killing again. DA meetings would help to calm them, and help them realize that they’re not sitting ducks completely helpless waiting for Voldemort to kill them. Besides, with Voldemort killing people at this speed, we really need everyone to be able to defend themselves, and the normal Defense Against the Dark Arts classes might not be enough,” said Hermione, glancing at them.

Harry thought about it, it made sense all right. Voldemort is in the open, everyone needs as much practice as they can get. And Hermione was right, everybody were panicking, the DA meetings would help to calm them down.

“You’re right,” said Harry.

Ron and Ginny both nodded.

“Also, I think we should recruit more members, anyone who wants to learn some extra defense should be able to join,” said Hermione.

“How do we get new members?” asked Ron.

“Don’t worry, I’ll put up posters on notice boards,” said Hermione. “All we need is a time for the meeting.”

“How about tomorrow evening at five, in the Room of Requirement?” asked Ginny.

“Sounds good,” said Ron and Harry.

“It’s settled then,” said Hermione.

The next day at five, about forty people gathered in the Room of Requirement. All of last year’s members were present (except for Marietta), as well as a dozen newcomers. Harry scanned the new members. Jason Turner and Eric Magee were both here. Two Ravenclaw sixth year girls whom Harry didn’t know, three first year Hufflepuff boys, a girl Harry recalled as Natalie McDonald, a Ravenclaw first year, and three second year Hufflepuff boys. Everyone stared up at Harry when they had settled down. Not knowing what they’re expecting, Harry looked at Hermione. She nodded and started speaking.

“Hi everyone,” she said surveying the room. “To our new members, welcome to the DA. We’ve decided to recall the DA meetings because of Lord Voldemort’s recent actions. We think that it’ll be good to everyone if we have some extra practices at Defense Against the Dark Arts, so you’ll be ready if Voldemort or his Death Eaters ever attack you.”

“Hear, hear,” said Ernie Macmillan, “now that You-Know-Who’s active, we’ll really need the practice.”

All of the people nodded their heads grimly in agreement. There was a solemn silence.

“Well, look on the bright side, at least I’ll have something enjoyable to do this year,” said Colin Creevey. Harry wasn’t surprised at this statement—Colin was in his OWL year.

“OK, everyone,” said Harry, “we’ll just review the things we did last year first today. And next time we’ll get back to the Patronuses.” (“Wow, they’re working on real Patronuses,” said Jason Turner, clearly impressed. Several other new members muttered in awe.) “If you’re new, you have a lot of catching up to do. Pair up, get into a dueling position and practice any curses or jinxes, this is the same as dueling except for you are not trying to harm your opponents.”

Everyone divided into pairs and started shouting different curses and jinxes. Ginny shrieked “YES!” as she successfully Stunned Hermione. Terry Boot produced such a good Reductor Curse that it went through Michael Corner’s Shielding Charm and sent him flying across the room. Other member’s jinxes were just as satisfactory. Harry watched the DA members’ performance with pride.

It turned out that the new members did have a huge pile of catching up to do. Harry set them aside and gave them separate instructions. At the end of the hour, one of the sixth year Ravenclaws—Lisa Turpin, had successfully mastered five different curses. Natalie McDonald had Stunned Jason Turner and Jessica Anderson (a first year Ravenclaw) had mastered the Disarming Spell. Others also made very good progress.

Everyone groaned with disappointment when Harry blew his whistle and announced the meeting was over.

“Already? No way!” yelled Pavarti Patil.

“Are you sure your watch is right?” asked Dean Thomas.

“When is the next meeting?” asked Hannah Abbot eagerly.

Hermione passed out DA coins to all of the new members so they would know when was the next meeting.

“That was really good,” she said satisfactorily when everyone had left.

“Yeah, it was great,” said Harry happily.

“Let’s go back to the Common Room, want a game of chess, Harry?” asked Ron.

“No, he doesn’t, we need to go to the library and research for Snape’s essay,” said Hermione.

Harry remembered the unpleasant essay Snape had assigned last class. Ron groaned. “Can’t we do it tomorrow?” he asked.

“No, it needs a lot of researching, I’ve looked over countless books and still not much information. If you do it tomorrow, you won’t finish,” said Hermione.

Harry, Ron, and Hermione headed for the library grimly. They chose seats at the back of the library and sank themselves into boring, big Potion books.

“This is no good,” said Hermione after an hour, “I can’t find anything useful. Did you?”

“No,” said Harry, throwing away the book he was reading.

“There is nothing to find in those books, Snape assigned this essay so we would fail,” said Ron.

Hermione glared at him.

“I’ll get more books,” said Harry, standing up.

Harry walked past five rows and stopped at the Potions section. He browsed the bookshelves without interest. ‘A Guide to Everyday Potions’ doesn’t seem helpful, thought Harry, but he grabbed it anyways. ‘Potions—What do You Need to Know’ doesn’t look any good either, but Harry took it all the same. ‘A Survival Guide to Potions Class’ I’m a flobberworm if this book is helpful, thought Harry, but whatever, Harry took it from the shelf.

After having taken around twenty books, Harry headed back to the table where Ron and Hermione were sitting; knowing none of his books would be useful. He opened his mouth and was going to tell them he was back. But what he heard almost made him drop the huge stack of books.

“I really like you too, Ron, I just never realized it.”

“Do you want to go to Hogsmeade with me?” Harry could feel him holding his breath.

“Ron, I’d love to, but Harry…

“You don’t have to worry about me,” said Harry.

PLS PLS PLS PLS PLS GIVE FEEDBACK, WON'T UPDATE UNLESS HAVE ENOUGH FEEDBACK, FOLLOW THIS LINK:

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OK, PEOPLE, FIRST UPDATE IN AGES. I'M SO SORRY, I HAD TO FINISH A STUPID DEBATE ON SCHOOL UNIFORMS.

ANYWAYS, ENJOY, AND AS ALWAYS I BEG FOR FEEDBACK.

ALSO, A COUPLE OF SPELLS YOU WILL SEE IN THIS CHAPTER ARE BORROWED FORM PLAYMAKER9'S EXCELLENT FANFIC NAMED HARRY POTTER AND THE POWER OF ATLANTIS, HARRY POTTER AND THE GRYFFINDOR SWORD.

MY B-DAY IS ONLY ONE WEEK AWAY!!! I SHALL BE FOURTEEN ON THE 29TH!!! YAY!!! :birthday:

Chapter Twelve

Abduction

Ron and Hermione both jumped then stared at Harry in horror.

BANG

Harry had dropped the twenty books he was carrying to the floor, due to the fact that he was laughing so hard. Harry clutched the nearest bookshelf for support while Ron and Hermione continued to look petrified. People all around them had turned to stare at Harry’s weird behavior.

“WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU’RE DOING, LAUGHING LIKE A MANIAC IN A LIBRARY AND DROPPING ALL THOSE BOOKS? GET OUT OF HERE NOW!” screamed Madame Prince at the top of her lungs.

*

Harry, Ron, and Hermione grew busier as September slowly passed by. Harry now had Quidditich practices, DA sessions, his lessons with Dumbledore, plus all of his homework to be occupied with.

Harry thought the Gryffindor team had a very good chance of winning against Slytherin. Ron’s performance was better than the best. Katie, Ginny, and Jason were all doing a superb job. Andrew and Jack, however, were not so satisfactory. Although they had improved tremendously, they still couldn’t get the Bludgers to go where they want it to be. But their chances were not threatened, Crabbe and Goyle were undoubtedly worse than Andrew and Jack.

The DA sessions were going swell. Three quarter of the members could now produce a corporeal Patronus, to which Harry was extremely proud of. Harry’s Occlumency sessions with Dumbledore was going unexpectedly well, too. To Harry’s surprise, he had actually succeeded in keeping Dumbledore out of his mind most of the time. The Headmaster was jubilant and told Harry they’d move on very soon.

Harry’s NEWT classes were not going as bad as they could be. Although they had a lot of hard work, it wasn’t as hard as last year’s OWL studies. Hermione, however, had obsessed herself with NEWT exam practice papers. She spent almost all of their free time on these worksheets. Harry and Ron tried to tell her that the exams don’t come until next year, but Hermione insisted that ‘next year’ was very soon.

Ever after the incident in the library, Harry noticed Ron and Hermione had been trying very hard to put up an act that everything was normal and they didn’t like each other. To which Harry found extremely amusing, until he got annoyed with them and told them flatly that he didn’t mind them together at all. When Harry asked them when did they find out they liked each other, Ron said since in their third year he had had a crush on Hermione, while Hermione said that she had always kind of liked Ron ever since she met him, but hadn’t known it until now.

Harry thought that life was improving tremendously for him. Although he would still dreamed about the Department of Mysteries and trouble himself with the prophecy, he was enjoying life at Hogwarts despite himself, especially without OWL and Umbridge. Besides, Voldemort hadn’t killed anyone since Doge and Jones. The atmosphere at Hogwarts seems to go back to normal and everyone had stopped staring at Harry.

“What’s that supposed to be, Potter?” asked a menacing Snape, looking into Harry’s cauldron. It was Friday evening; Harry was in Snape’s dungeons, sitting through yet another dreaded Potions class.

“The Cure of Matiqua,” said Harry stiffly.

“Which is supposed to be dark blue, not black,” whispered Snape.

Malfoy gave Harry a nasty smile.

“Not that I expected anything more from you, Potter, with your slow brain,” said Snape with a sneer. He waved his wand and Harry’s cauldron was empty.

“Slimy Snape” said Harry through gritted teeth as they sat down for dinner in the Great Hall.

“Look on the bright side, Harry, Hogsmeade tomorrow,” said Ron.

Harry smirked; he knew why Ron was looking forward to Hogsmeade.

“Harry, are you sure you’re OK with this?” asked Hermione.

Harry sighed, “how many time do I have to tell you yes, Hermione?” he asked with a smile. “I want a full report on what you did, though.” Harry added.

“Oh, no, we’re getting even more homework, when is it due, sir?” asked Ron sarcastically.

“Monday, three rows of parchment,” said Harry.

“I’d better finish Snape’s today so I can work on yours,” said Ron.

“Yeah, you’d better, if you don’t you’ll get detention,” said Harry.

“Yes, Professor Potter,” said Ron.

And they burst out laughing.

The sun shined brightly the next morning. After breakfast, Harry said goodbye to Ron and Hermione and headed for Hogsmeade on his own. The village was beautiful that day; Harry wondered what were Ron and Hermione doing as he ambled down the road. It felt rather odd. He had never been in Hogsmeade without Ron or Hermione before. But Harry didn’t mind being alone; it was rather…peaceful.

At midday, Harry went to the Three Broomsticks for a butterbeer. As soon as he walked inside, he spotted Ginny Weasley drinking butterbeer by herself. She waved and mentioned for him to sit with her.

“Hey,” said Ginny, smiling.

“Hi,” said Harry, sitting down.

“Where’s Ron and Hermione?” asked Ginny.

“They’re on a date,” said Harry.

“They’re WHAT?” asked Ginny, shocked. “They’re going out with each other?”

“Um, yeah…” And Harry told her about the library incident.

“I am so going to KILL Hermione, she didn’t tell me!” said Ginny indignantly after Harry had finished.

“I am so going to kill her,” said Ginny murderously.

“Don’t,” advised Harry.

Ginny took a sip of butterbeer. Then, suddenly, her expression of anguish was replaced by a huge grin.

“Oh, Ron and Hermione are just made for each other. They’re perfect together. I’ve been waiting forever for this,” she said happily, and she started to giggle.

Ginny looks even prettier when she’s laughing, thought Harry. At that precise moment, Harry felt a sharp pain in his scar. It happened, so sudden, yet so intense. “Ag,” Harry clapped his hand to his forehead to lessen the pain.

“Are you all right, Harry?” asked Ginny, sounding concerned.

“Yeah, yeah, I’m OK, stupid scar,” said Harry.

What on earth? Thought Harry, my scar haven’t hurt since last year… What was going on? Was Voldemort feeling a very strong emotion? Or am I in danger? Is Voldemort planning to kill me? Well, of course I’m in danger and of course Voldemort is planning to kill me, I have the prophecy to thank for.

“Harry, I’m talking to you, are you listening?” asked Ginny timidly.

“Huh? Oh, sorry, Gin,” mumbled Harry, embarrassed.

“I was asking, is something wrong?” said Ginny patiently.

“Oh…no, there’s nothing wrong,” said Harry.

Harry’s mind was traveling in the prophecy. “…the one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches as the seventh month dies…he will have the power the Dark Lord knows not…either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives…”

“Either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives.”

“Harry, hello, are you here?” asked Ginny.

“What? Oh, sorry,” mumbled Harry, even more embarrassed the second time.

“All right, spit it out,” said Ginny.

“What?” asked Harry, confused.

“Something’s troubling you, what is it?” asked Ginny.

“Nothing is—

“You can’t fool me, there’s something wrong and it’s bothering you. What is it?” asked Ginny again.

Harry didn’t answer, tell Ginny about the prophecy? No way.

“Uh… nothing’s bothering me. You were great at last Quidditich practice, the cup’s in the bag this year,” said Harry, trying to change the subject.

“Mr. Potter, it’s no use. I know something’s amiss and I’m not leaving until I know what,” said Ginny.

Harry didn’t respond, but started to study his fingers.

“Harry, back in Grimmuald Place, you promised to talk to me, remember?” asked Ginny tentatively.

Harry tore his eyes away from his fingers and gazed at Ginny. Her face wore a determined expression. Harry wondered, could he tell her? Would she be terrified if she knew? Harry looked into her eyes. His emerald green met with her ocean blue. Harry didn’t know how he knew, but it was enough that he knew Ginny would understand. She wouldn’t be frightened. Besides, a promise is a promise.

Slowly, Harry recounted what happened after he got out of the Ministry of Magic. What happened in Dumbledore’s office, the pensieve, and the prophecy.

“…I didn’t even tell Ron and Hermione,” finished Harry.

Ginny didn’t look scared. There was silence for a long time. Finally, Ginny broke it.

“Harry, I’m so sorry, I totally understand why you didn’t tell anyone,” said Ginny. “I, I shouldn’t have made you tell me… Harry, this is horrible, how can you… How can… So this is why Voldemort’s always wanted kill you.”

“It’s OK, Ginny. I’m all right,” said Harry absentmindedly. In truth, Harry was relieved that Ginny didn’t look horrified. But he was also feeling relieved for another reason—it feels so much better now that someone knew about the prophecy. It was as if a huge stone in his stomach disappeared.

“Harry, are you mad at me?” asked Ginny.

“Why could I be mad at you?” asked Harry, confused.

“Because I made you tell me this,” said Ginny uncertainly.

“No, Gin, I’m not mad at you. It feels better, actually, to have told someone,” Harry attempted a smile, failing dismally.

Ginny looked relieved. There was another silence. Then, Ginny spoke.

“Harry, will you tell Ron and Hermione?” she asked, watching Harry closely.

Harry sighed, “I don’t know,” he said.

“Do me a favor, Mr. Potter, tell them. Tell them as soon as you get to see them,” said Ginny.

“But—

“No but, Harry. I admit that I don’t know how horrible it is and I don’t know how you feel. I never will know, neither will Ron and Hermione. Because we don’t have prophecies made about us. But we’re your friends; we’ll help you, every step of the way. No matter how hard it gets. Don’t forget that, Harry, you have a family at Hogwarts. We’ll always love you. And besides, Hermione’s been suspecting something for months.”

Harry was speechless. He knew she was right. When had Ron and Hermione not risked their lives in those dangerous adventures they had together? When had they not helped him when he needed it? Harry felt guilty; he should have told them about the prophecy, they deserved to know.

Harry nodded mutely at Ginny, who smiled grimly. Another silence followed. After a few minutes, Ginny checked her watch and shrieked.

“Harry, I’m so sorry, but I got to meet someone, I’m already late,” she said and ran out of the door.

Harry watched her go, her red hair swirling gracefully behind her. He sat by himself for some time, and then Harry walked out into the afternoon air. He wandered through the streets, not really going anywhere.

Harry wondered how he was going to tell Ron and Hermione about the prophecy. He’d tell them tomorrow, after they’d reported to him about their date. Having that decided, Harry’s mind wondered to Ginny. That girl is so… beautiful. There’s no other word for it. Harry liked Ginny’s company; she was so easy to talk with. And she had somehow convinced him to tell her about the prophecy…

Wait, Harry, you don’t like her, do you? Harry asked himself in alarm. He couldn’t answer that question. Ginny had always been around and Harry had always seen her as Ron’s little sister. He had never thought that he might fall for Ginny. Harry knew Ginny had once fancied him, but that was a long time ago, she didn’t like him anymore…

The sun slowly started to sink and midday turned into afternoon. Harry thought that he’d better start back to the school. He looked around and saw he was at the very edge of the village. There were no people in sight, and buildings were scarce. He was near the cave that Sirius had once hid in. Harry was astounded, he hadn’t even been aware that his feet had carried him here.

The moment Harry turned, he heard a series of POP and CRACK.

About two dozen Death Eaters surrounded him, all of them with wands pointed at Harry. Reflexively Harry drew out his wand.

“Well, well, Potter, we meet again,” said a gleeful voice; it belonged to Bellatrix Lestrange.

Hatred rose in Harry so intense that he wanted to kill her. Harry turned where the voice had come from. He could see Bellatrix’s glinting eyes behind the mask. They deepened Harry’s hatred.

“How are you, Potter? Grieving for Black?” sneered a voice Harry knew belonged Lucius Malfoy.

“Oooo, yes, how I enjoyed killing my dear cousin,” said Bellatrix, and she laughed. Many of the Death Eaters joined her.

Harry stood in the middle of the ring, feeling the hatred within him about to explode. He pointed his wand at Bellatrix. Kill her! His head screamed. No! Said another part of him, this isn’t something you would do, Harry!

Before Harry had done anything, Lucius Malfoy spoke.

“Now, Potter, wand down and come with us.”

“Come with you?” said Harry, his wand still pointing at Bellatrix.

“Yes, Potter, come with us,” said Malfoy.

“Why?” asked Harry, playing for time.

Malfoy smiled behind his mask, “because you have an appointment with the Dark Lord.”

“And you honestly think that I’d come?” asked Harry.

“Well, I thought you were smarter than this, but if you’re dumb enough not to come willingly, CRUCIO!” cried Malfoy.

But Harry was ready; he ducked and dodged the curse.

“Missed,” said Harry mockingly.

“CRUCIO!” this time, Malfoy wasn’t the only one who shouted the curse. More than twenty jets of light sped straight for Harry. But before any of them reached Harry, there was a POP and he was gone.

Harry took a deep, steadying breath. He had just Apparated into the Shrieking Shack. Harry’s heart was pounding madly over what just happened; if Dumbledore didn’t teach him how to Apparate, he would be dead. No, the Death Eaters only wanted to bring him to Voldemort…

Part of Harry was angry with himself, why hadn’t he killed Bellatrix? He had the chance! Harry took another deep breath and he headed for the secret tunnel in the Shack that leaded to Hogwarts. He needed to see Dumbledore, now.

But before had taken a step, he heard another series of CRACK and POP, the Death Eaters were Apparating into the Shrieking Shack. “CAPETARO!” shouted around ten voices; Harry was caught by the anti-Apparation jinx. In a minute he was surrounded again by twenty-something Death Eaters.

“Well, well, you can’t Apparate anymore, Potter,” said Malfoy. “We didn’t expect that, but no matter, our friend Wormtail here suggested you would come here. I understand there’s some sort of secret passage up to the school here, correct?”

A small man beside Malfoy stepped forward. Harry knew who he was. They stared at each other for a long moment; neither of them spoke.

Then, “game’s over, Potter, come with us,” said Malfoy.

Harry raised his wand, preparing to fight.

POP, CRACK, POP

Harry turned to see Lupin, Moody, Tonks, Kingsley, Krum, Bill, Fleur, Fred, George, and Charlie Apparating into the shack.

The fighting immediately began. Each member of the Order was dueling with Death Eaters. Spells were flying everywhere. The already destroyed furniture was blown up and caught flames.

Harry realized with a sinking heart that the Order was outnumbered two to one by the Death Eaters. “Harry, GET OUT OF HERE!” yelled Remus, dueling a Death Eater. Harry wanted to stay, but he obediently headed for the school.

Headed for the school or not, Harry certainly wasn’t going to get to Hogwarts. A Death Eater blocked his way.

“Stupefy!” shouted Harry.

“Protego,” said the Death Eater, it was a women’s voice Harry didn’t recognize.

Harry dodged the rebounded Stunning Spell.

“Crucio!” she shouted while Harry yelled “Expelliarms!”

BANG

An explosion took place as the two spells hit each other in midair.

“Crucio!” shouted the Death Eater again.

The pain hit Harry. He collapsed to the ground, screaming. The Order members turned and tried to get to him, but other Death Eaters intercepted them. After only a few seconds the women lifted the curse. Harry looked up at her in surprise.

The curse had hit him, but it wasn’t nearly as powerful as the Cruciatus Curses he had endured before. Still lying on the ground, Harry gripped his wand tightly and aimed a Stunning Spell at her. She stepped left to dodge it, but the spell hit a small portion of her face and her mask was blown off.

Harry stared open-mouthed at his opponent unmasked. She was Professor Navarro. No, she wasn’t, she didn’t have the mysterious eyes. In their place was a pair of brilliant green eyes identical to his own. They stared at each other; both too shocked to do anything.

The woman was about twenty years old. Her face was exactly the same as Alexia Navarro’s. Her green eyes looked strange, Harry had been used to the black ones. The only other thing that identified Professor Navarro apart from her was her hair. Instead of being a brunette like Professor Navarro, she was a redhead.

They continued to stare at each other. An eternity seems to have past.

“ANGEL, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?” screamed the anguish voice of Lucius Malfoy, who was dueling Kingsley.

As if snapped back into her senses, Angel raised her wand. “Rictify!” she shouted.

The shouting and screaming of the duels around him seem to grow distant. Angel’s image became unfocused. Harry closed his eyes and knew no more.

OK, PLS PLS PLS PLS LEAVE FEEDBACK. I REALLY REALLY NEED THEM TO BE MOTIVATED. FOLLOW THIS LINK...

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[crocodile]

Hey guys and gals, sorry this isn't an update and instead it's a plea for feedback. I'm really sorry but feedback has been somewhat lacking for the last two chapters and I'm kinda losing confidence in my writing. Am I losing all of my readers? Have I bored you? If so, PLS let me know and I'll do my best to make this story interesting. I've got all sorts of stuff planned...

So, yeah, basically I'm asking all of u to leave feedback. Again.

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THANK YOU...

[crocodile]

THIS CHAPTER IS A BIT RUSHED BECAUSE I DIDN'T WANT TO BE TORTURED BY THE CRUCIATUS CURSE.

LORDS AND LADIES, TODAY I AM FOURTEEN.

Chapter Thirteen

Sister

Harry was in the Department of Mysteries; they were in the veil room. He was struggling to fight off the Death Eaters. Sirius, Lupin, Tonks, Moody, and Kingsley arrived. Lestrange shot a Stunning Spell at Sirius but missed. Sirius laughed.

“Come on, you can do better than that!” yelled Sirius.

A second jet of light hit Sirius on the chest. His eyes widened with shock. It was like watching a slow motion film; Sirius’ body fell slowly through the veil…

“No,” Harry murmured, “No…”

Harry’s eyes flapped open. A puff-eyed Ginny was the first thing he saw, she looked as if she’d been crying. Harry closed his eyes and reopened them. Ron and Hermione came into view, Ron was as white as a ghost and Hermione looked stricken.

“Ron, he’s awake!” whispered Hermione, breaking into tears.

“Harry, are you OK? Hermione, don’t cry,” said Ron.

“Oh, Harry, thank God you’re awake,” said Ginny, breaking into tears as well.

“Someone get Dumbledore,” said Hermione between sobs.

“I, I’ll go,” said Ron, heading toward the door.

“How are you feeling, Harry?” asked Hermione, having managed to stop crying.

“Head…headache,” said Harry weakly.

Hermione instantly reached for a Potion on Harry’s bedside and handed it to him. Harry took the bottle and drank the Potion. Almost immediately, the headache was gone and his vision became better focused. He was lying on a bed in the hospital wing.

“Thanks… what happened?” asked Harry.

Before Hermione answered, Ron was back in the room with Dumbledore, McGonagall, and Remus Lupin.

“Harry! You’re OK,” said Lupin hoarsely.

“Potter, you’re awake, thank goodness,” said Professor McGonagall, looking extremely relieved.

“Harry, are you all right?” asked Dumbledore, studying Harry through his half-moon spectacles.

“Yeah, yeah, I’m fine,” said Harry.

“Excellent,” said Dumbledore.

“Professor, what happened?” asked Harry.

“Right after you passed out, I arrived at the Shrieking Shack and the Death Eaters fled,” said Dumbledore.

Harry nodded, “what time is it?” he asked.

“It is September 24th, ten o’clock in the evening,” said Professor McGonagall.

“Harry, we captured one of the Death Eaters,” said Dumbledore.

“Who?” Harry asked quickly.

“She calls herself Angel,” said Dumbledore.

Memory flowed into his head; Lucius Malfoy had called the woman who knocked him out Angel. She bore a striking resemblance to Professor Navarro…

“Where is she?” asked Harry.

“She is currently in Professor Snape’s office, she will be sent to the Ministry of Magic tomorrow,’ said Dumbledore. “Harry, do you wish to meet her?”

“Huh?” asked Harry.

“She’s your half-sister,” said Dumbledore quietly.

There was silence for a minute.

“What?” asked Hermione finally, Harry jumped, he had forgotten she was in the room.

“You’d better see for yourself, we’ll be in Professor Snape’s office,” said Dumbledore and he turned to leave, followed by Professor McGonagall and Lupin.

Harry stared at Dumbledore as he left. What had he just said?

“Um, Harry? Let’s go,” said Ron.

Ron helped Harry into his robes and the four of them walked to Professor Snape’s office. Harry’s head pounded as he followed Ron, Hermione, and Ginny.

“She’s your half-sister.”

Ginny knocked the door when they reached Snape’s office. Professor McGonagall opened it and they walked inside.

Dumbledore and Snape were sitting in chairs near the fire. Lupin was pacing around the office. Sitting in a corner on the floor, was Angel. Her hands and feet were bound with ropes. She was dressed in a torn standard Death Eater robe. Her red hair was all messed up; there was a bruise on her forehead that was bleeding badly. Her expression was perfectly calm.

Dumbledore raised his wand and conjured four chairs. The confused teenagers sat down and waited.

“What now?” asked Angel, her voice calm, careless, even.

“How can this be? You’re dead!” exclaimed Lupin, stopping at the middle of the room, staring at Angel.

“Yeah, right, I’m dead, whatever, can you sit down? You’re making me dizzy,” said Angel.

Lupin sat down in a chair.

“Thanks,” said Angel.

“Will you talk?” asked Dumbledore, “we don’t have to hand you over to the Ministry, you know.”

“My name is Angel. I’m nineteen. I grew up in New York City. My favorite color is black. I have a crush on Orlando Bloom. What else do you want to know?” said Angel, a touch of irritation in her voice.

“You’re Muggle born?” asked Hermione. Everyone turned to stare at her.

“No, I know Orlando Bloom because American wizards are extremely Muggle-fied,” said Angel, with slight surprise.

“Stop this nonsense right now,” whispered a menacing Snape.

“Got a problem with me? You can just let me go,” said Angel.

“Listen, tomorrow you will be handed over to the Ministry. Where they will send you to Azkaban without a trail. Here’s your chance to prevent that,” said Professor McGonagall, her voice expressionless.

“Thanks for you concern, but I won’t be sent to Azkaban, I assure you,” said Angel.

“I hate to interrupt, but can someone explain about the sister thing?” asked Harry, who was getting very confused in his chair.

“Yes,” said Lupin, looking at Harry in the eyes. “Eighteen years ago, your mother was captured by a Death Eater in the name of Darryl Navarro. And err; he took advantage of Lily. And she was pregnant with his child. The baby died about a month after birth. But apparently, she didn’t dye because she’s sitting right here.”

Harry was practically petrified. He mush have heard wrong. “What?” was all Harry could manage.

“How can you be sure she’s the child?” asked Ginny, who looked sick.

“She has Lily’s eyes, Darryl’s face, and we ran a test on her blood. There’s no mistake,” said Professor McGonagall.

“You have got to be kidding me,” said Harry, beginning to think maybe this is all a dream.

“No, we are not kidding you, Harry,” said Dumbledore with a sigh.

There was silence for a long time. Harry’s head was hurting again, how can this be? This was simply impossible.

“I’ll ask you one more time Angel,” said Professor McGonagall. “Explain your actions.”

“We’re been here a million times, there’s nothing to explain. I’m a Death Eater; I’m a criminal. Accept that,” said Angel quietly.

“No,” said Remus, “I refuse to believe Lily’s daughter would serve Voldemort.”

“Too bad,” said Angel.

“Very well. Ministry officials will arrive at six tomorrow,” said Dumbledore.

“Dumbledore—

“Remus, it’s no use.”

Lupin looked at the floor, blinked back tears, and nodded.

“Minerva, can you get the four of them to their dormitories?” asked Dumbledore.

“Of course,” said Professor McGonagall.

Harry quietly followed Professor McGonagall up to Gryffindor tower, his head spinning. Without talking to Ron, Hermione, or Ginny, Harry changed into his pajamas and went to bed, within half a minute he fell asleep.

Harry woke at twelve the next morning; he supposed it was because he was so tired. Everyone whispered and pointed at him as Harry walked to the Great Hall. He found Ron and Hermione eating lunch. Harry sat next to them and started on a breakfast-lunch.

“Feeling better?” asked Hermione.

“Yeah,” said Harry.

“We’re so sorry, Harry,” said Hermione.

“What?” asked Harry, confused.

“If Ron and I haven’t been going out, we’d have been with you when you were attacked,” said Hermione.

“This is ridiculous, don’t you dare blame yourself for this, you didn’t have anything to do with it,” said Harry.

“But—

“No but, it’s not your fault, end of story,” said Harry.

Hermione first looked surprised, after a moment, she smiled.

“Ron, can you pass the chicken? I’m starving,” said Harry.

“For the first time, I’m not the one who’s starving,” said Ron.

But before Ron could touch the chicken plate, Professor McGonagall was standing beside the benches.

“Potter, Weasley, Granger, follow me,” she said sternly.

Harry, Ron, and Hermione exchanged looks before standing up. They followed the Professor into her office.

“The headmaster has instructed me to inform you that Angel had escaped from Hogwarts yesterday night, and she left a note,” said Professor McGonagall. She handed Harry a piece of parchment. Words were written in beautiful handwriting.

Good luck next time.

Angel

P.S. Your hospitality was horrible.


FEEDBACK, FEEDBACK, FEEDBACK, PLEASE TELL ME THIS CHAP ISN'T AS BAD AS I THINK IT IS. IF IT IS TELL ME TOO.
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[crocodile]

I know this chapter is way overdue, but it's finally here. I don't think I've done a fabulous job on it, but I can't delay it any longer.

Chapter Fourteen

The War Begins

Harry was very moody on Monday morning as he headed for breakfast with Ron and Hermione. He was yet again overwhelmed by his endless troubles. Harry’s thoughts could not part from what happened over the weekend. He never even dreamed that he might have a sister…

Double Transfiguration passed more quickly than it usually would have. Harry didn’t hear a word Professor McGonagall said. The rest of the day passed quickly, too. Before he knew it, it was eight and Harry was sitting in the Common Room, pretending to be working on homework.

“Harry, are you all right?” asked Hermione.

Harry looked up, “Huh? Yeah, I’m err, fine,” said Harry.

“You keep on staring at the same point on your book,” said Hermione.

“Oh, err, I don’t feel like working,” said Harry, throwing away his book.

“Maybe you should go to the hospital wing again,” said Ron, who had also abandoned his homework.

“No, I’m fine,” repeated Harry.

Hermione closed her book. “Harry, are you thinking about Angel?”

“…Yeah… I never thought I had more relatives, you know.”

“Harry, I’m so sorry. I…this is horrible, your life is a big mess…” Hermione trailed off.

Harry smiled weakly.

“It’s tough, mate, but we’re here for you,” said Ron.

“Thanks, I know you are,” said Harry, again trying to smile.

There was silence for some time, but Hermione broke it.

“I’ve been wondering about Angel. She seemed so calm and careless in Professor Snape’s office. As if she was sure she could escape. How did she escape anyways?” said Hermione thoughtfully.

“Maybe she Apparated,” said Ron.

Hermione, instead of exploding and shout at Ron, laughed. “Ron, you can’t Apparate in Hogwarts!” she said.

There was another silence in which all three of them thought about ways Angel could have used to escape. But none came up.

“It looks like Voldemort’s recruited some new followers,” said Hermione after a while.

“Yeah…” said Harry.

“Why do I get the feeling that this war’s going to really start soon?” asked Ron.

“Ron’s right, Voldemort’s just started,” said Hermione, looking worried.

“There’s Dumbledore and the Order,” said Harry.

“Yeah, but Voldemort still causes enough damage,” said Hermione.

“Let’s not worry about it too much, enjoy life while you can,” said Ron.

“Yeah, so… what did you guys do on Saturday? Ron, you have your report written?” asked Harry. At his own mention of Saturday Harry remembered his conversation with Ginny.

Ron and Hermione both blushed. “We went to a concert and had dinner,” mumbled Ron shortly.

Harry smirked, “Have a good time?”

“It was great,” said Hermione, “what did you do?”

Harry hesitated for a moment. And said in a determined voice, “I want to tell you something.”

“Shoot,” said Ron.

“Voldemort wanted to kill me when I was one because…

*

By Friday, the story of Harry being attacked in Hogsmeade had spread throughout Hogwarts. Students whispered and pointed at Harry as he passed through the corridors and hallways. But that didn’t bother Harry as much as it usually would have. What was more bothersome was that the pupils’ fear of Lord Voldemort had doubled. From what Harry heard, a great many students have decided to give up their Hogsmeade weekends in order to prevent being attacked.

Ginny was right. Ron and Hermione handled the prophecy better than Harry had expected. Hermione cried a little, but apart from that, everything was normal. Both Ron and Hermione had become extra-nice to Harry. Harry felt as if huge stone in his stomach had disappeared. He was so relieved that he could talk to Ron and Hermione freely about the prophecy. And Harry knew that Ron and Hermione would help him through all of it.

During Friday lunch, Harry, Ron, and Hermione headed for the library. Harry and Ron both needed to finish the Potions essay which was due right after lunch. In the hall they saw Luna Lovegood talking toward them.

“Hello, Ronald,” said Luna dreamily.

“Err, hi,” replied Ron awkwardly.

“Goodbye,” said Luna and she walked off.

“What the bloody hell is wrong with her?” said Ron.

“Language, Ron,” said Hermione disapprovingly.

The three of them set for the library again.

“Hermione, please let me see your essay, I’m only two inches short,” said Ron, staring at a piece of parchment.

“No Ron, you need to do it yourself,” said Hermione. “Shouldn’t have left it this late should you?”

“Yes, I’m done,” said Harry, setting down his quill.

The bell rang and Ron stuck his unfinished essay into his bag, groaning. The three of them headed gloomily toward Snape’s classroom.

“Oooo, it’s ugly, mud-blood Granger with her boyfriends!” exclaimed Pansy Pakinson as soon as Harry, Ron and Hermione reached the dungeons. The surrounding Slytherin girls howled with laughter.

Hermione narrowed her eyes, her expression like an eagle ready to strike.

“Well, hello to you too, Pansy, what about you? Has Malfoy asked you out yet?” said Hermione in a loud voice. Harry and Ron both laughed hard. Pansy Pakinson looked as if she’d been slapped in the face. She looked around for someone to help her, and help came.

“Fifteen points from Gryffindor, Granger, sit down,” said Snape coldly. “Today we will be continuing the Tafinio Solution. If you have done the work correctly last class, your potion should be deep purple. The instructions, on the blackboard, carry on.”

Harry looked at his potion with relief, with Hermione’s help; his potion was the right color. Harry had just begun to pour his potion into his cauldron when Malfoy turned around.

“Hey, Potty, I hear you had another run-in with the Dark Lord’s servants,” whispered Malfoy.

“What do you care, Malfoy?” asked Harry, continuing to pour his potion.

“They missed you this time, that crook Dumbledore came to save your butt, didn’t he?” asked Malfoy.

“You want to get to the point, Malfoy?” asked Harry, his temper rising.

“Impatient, are we? Don’t worry, your time will come soon enough, the Dark Lord will put you to your place, Potter,” said Malfoy.

“Oh, yeah? I’ve escaped him so many times I scarcely care anymore,” lied Harry.

“How dare you, Potter? Remember, you will die,” whispered Malfoy and he turned back around.

“Do you think he knows what he’s talking about?” asked Harry.

“No, he’s just bluffing,” said Hermione.

“I don’t know, his father is a Death Eater, isn’t he?” said Ron.

“Weasley, there will be no talking in this class, five points from Gryffindor,” said Snape from his desk.

Ron gritted his teeth.

After Potions, Harry, Ron, and Hermione spent the rest of the afternoon with Hagrid. Who kept on reminding Harry to be triply careful. When they got back to Gryffindor Tower, Hedwig was waiting for Harry; a parcel tied on her legs. Harry opened the parcel, wondering who was it from. A note fell out and the three of them bent over to look read it.

Dearest Harry, Ron, and Hermione

We promised mom and dad to tell you that you must be very careful from now on and not put yourselves into any trouble.

Now, let us present our newest invention, the (uh, we haven’t came up with a name yet, so) anyways, this invention is a sort of spying-gadget. See the little button sized silvery sphere? Put it wherever you want to spy on, it will take the shape of its environment, so if you put it on the floor it will look like a part of the floor. It will then send video of everything that happened at that place to the notebook.

To set the sphere, just put it wherever you want and tap it with your wand. To view the video, just tap your wand on the notebook. Now, if you want to reset the sphere, just tap wherever you put it and it and it’ll turn back into a sphere, take it and set it in a new place.

You have one of the only sets since we will not be distributing this product in our store. (Doubt the Ministry will approve.)

Use it to spy on Snape, please.

Fred and George Weasley

PS the notebook will recognize your wands, if any other wands taps it, only Transfiguration notes will appear.

In the parcel, there was a silvery sphere and an ordinary looking notebook.

“Wow, they’re brilliant,” said Ron, “how can we get this into Snape’s office?”

“Get a detention?” asked Harry.

“You guys, you’re not seriously thinking of using it, are you?” asked Hermione, alarmed.

“Yes, we are,” said Ron.

“No, you’re not, I’m going to turn these into Professor McGonagall,” said Hermione.

“No, you’re not, we’re going to use it on Snape,” said Ron.

“And if you get caught?” asked Hermione.

“The sphere thing takes the shape of its surroundings, who will know?” asked Ron.

“Harry, give me these,” said Hermione.

“No, I’m keeping them,” said Harry.

“I’ll tell Professor McGonagall,” said Hermione.

“No, you’re not, we’re using it on Snape,” said Ron.

“OK, OK, let’s make a deal, OK? Ron, we’re NOT using it on Snape, Hermione, you’re NOT telling Professor McGonagall, I’ll be keeping the sphere. Alright?” asked Harry.

Ron and Hermione both agreed reluctantly.

The weekend passed peacefully with a great Quidditich practice and an excellent DA session.

On Monday, the morning mail brought a bit of unwelcome news.

Hermione shrieked when she saw the headline of the Daily Prophet, knocking over plates and goblets, she hurriedly lay the newspaper on the table. The first thing that caught Harry’s eye was a huge picture of a Dark Mark.

Mass Muggle Torturing and Murdering all Across Britain, He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named Says it’s Only a Warm-up

Yesterday afternoon, at around 9:00 PM He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named spread a ring of terror. Death Eaters appeared in London, Kent, and Manchester, to torture and kill Muggles at will. Approximately thirty-five Death Eaters Apparated into the cities and killed at random. A total of 21 Muggles were killed, 62 tortured, and countless homes destroyed.

It is believed that there was no motivation for the massacre but You-Know-Who’s hatred toward the Muggle Community.

The Dark Mark rose in the sky at all of the cities attacked. Ministry Officials have set memory charms on all surviving Muggles. No Death Eaters were identified. The whole Ministry is currently doing all it can to stop You-Know-Who, but is it enough? Since the return of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, there have been thirty-six deaths in total (32 Muggles and 4 wizards) and counting.

Already He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named plans another attack. A letter was sent to the Ministry of Magic this morning, it said

“This is only a warm-up; the wrath of the Dark Lord shall conquer all.”

The entire wizarding community is in chaos, just as it had been when You-Know-Who was in power sixteen years ago. The Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge, have been unavailable for comment.

For more please turn to Page 2

Harry stared wide-eyed at the paper, not believing what he just read. TEENTY-ONE PEOPLE! In a single night! How can that be? Harry knew Voldemort was evil, but TWENTY-ONE people in a single night, how can anyone do such a thing?

Hermione was sobbing uncontrollably on Ron’s shoulder, Ron seemed to be unaware of the rest of the world; he just stared into space, like he’s been hypnotized. Around the hall, many of the students were crying like Hermione, and some just looking petrified.

A tear-stained Ginny came over to Harry and before he knew it, she was crying all over him.

*

Angel stared out of her window and sighed, when am I going to be able to live in peace? When will this nightmare end? I shouldn’t have come to this goddamned place. I should’ve known better after all the history classes. I shouldn’t have thought so high of myself. I should have asked someone for help instead of taking this risk. I shouldn’t have let her date Will in the first place. If only I can turn back time!

Angel’s mind traveled to the memory of yesterday night, she broke down and cried.

Twenty minutes later, Angel commended herself to stop sobbing; she turned on the music and tried to feel better.

Feedback PLEASE, thank you...

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[crocodile]

CAN SOMEONE PLEASE DELETE THIS POST? I ACCIDENTALLY DOUBLE POSTED.

[crocodile]

CAN SOMEONE PLEASE DELETE THIS POST? I ACCIDENTALLY DOUBLE POSTED.

[crocodile]

OK, GUYS, HERE'S AN UPDATE. PLEASE LEAVE FEEDBACK!!! Otherwise I won't continue.

Chapter Fifteen

Gryffindor Versus Slytherin

October came and went quickly, the weather was getting colder and Halloween was around the corner.

The Gryffindor versus Slytherin match was scheduled in less than three weeks. The competition between the two houses was at its height. Like very other year, Slytherins threatened, jinxed, and teased Gryffindor team members mercilessly. Harry and his team were determined to win.

Snitch in hand, Harry watched with satisfaction as his three Chasers handled the Quaffle expertly. Katie passed the red ball to Jason, who headed for the goal posts. Ron was ready to block it, but in the last second, he passed it to Ginny, who took the advantage and shot from the other direction. Ron groaned as the Quaffle went through the hoop.

“Ron, what are you not happy about?” asked Ginny.

“Yeah, two hours and only, what, six goals?” asked Katie, “and you’re still groaning.”

“Exactly, the way you act, you sound as if you’ve let the Quaffle in every time,” said Jason.

“Hey, three against one, not fair,” said Ron.

“Alright, you three, stop the Ron-bashing,” said Harry, “that’s it for today, you guys were great, I’m sure we can win against Slytherin.”

“I can’t wait to beat Slytherin,” said Ron.

“Yeah, me too,” said Ginny.

“Same here.”

“Me three.”

“Four.”

“Five.”

“Six.”

Harry laughed, “looks like everyone’s determined.” With the slightest touch, his Firebolt began to descend.

“What time is it?” asked Ginny as Harry and Ron walked with her up the Gryffindor Tower.

“Seven thirty,” said Harry, “why?”

“To see if I still have time to finish three essays, each from McGonagall, Navarro, and Snape. Seriously, I’m studying like a house-elf for the OWLs,” said Ginny.

“Ah, I feel sorry for you, sis,” said Ron sympathetically.

“Would you like to finish my homework for me?” asked Ginny.

“Uh, I think I’ll pass on that,” said Ron.

“Password?” asked the Fat Lady.

“Polyjuice Potion,” said Harry automatically.

Hermione was waiting for them in a corner, reading a huge book.

“How’d it go?” she asked as soon as they sat down.

“Excellent,” said Harry, “the cup’s in the bag this year.”

“You’d better win, that cow Pansy Pakinson is becoming unbearable, I don’t know what I’ll do if we lost at Quidditich,” said Hermione.

“Yeah, Malfoy too,” said Harry.

“So, who’s going to Hogsmeade tomorrow?” asked Ginny.

“I don’t think I will, half of the stores are closed, including Honeydukes,” said Ron, “besides, I’ve got some homework to finish.”

“I’m not going, might run into Death Eaters again,” said Harry.

“Well there’s not much point going by myself,” said Hermione.

“I’m staying too, homework, homework,” said Ginny.

“You know, I’m surprised they haven’t canceled the visits. I mean, with all the Death Eater attacks? Since October first, there have been three attacks in Hogsmeade and two in Diagon Alley. Two dead and five with lifetime injuries, plus three dementor situations. You’d think that’s enough for the admin to cancel the visits permanently,” said Ron.

“Yeah, plus most stores are closed. Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley are like ghost towns now, with almost no one selling and no one buying,” said Ginny.

“Everyone’s afraid to go outdoors,” said Harry, “in case you run into Death Eaters.”
“Yeah, I can’t believe this, in two months, everyone in the wizarding community is living in fear,” said Hermione sadly.

“At least there’s still the Halloween feast to look forward to,” said Harry.

“Well, I’d love to stay and chat, but I’ve got three essays to finish,” said Ginny, standing up.

“Why don’t we start homework too?” asked Hermione as she watched Ginny walk up to the girl’s dormitory.

“No, I don’t feel like it,” said Harry.

“Come on, Harry, the sooner we finish, the sooner we can stop worrying about them,” said Ron.

“Ron’s right, Harry,” said Hermione.

Harry looked at them as if he’d never seen them before. “What are you two, a team now?”

“Great minds work alike,” said Hermione.

“I liked you better when you were fighting,” said Harry, taking out a Defense Against the Dark Arts essay from his school bag.

*

“Today, as you know, we will be dueling. You all should know many curses and jinxes by now, so this is a chance for you to demonstrate how well you can use them in time of need. You will be graded on how well your curses are cast, your knowledge of counter curses, your reflexes, and your ability to take action under pressure. You have practiced for two weeks so I believe this will not be a challenge for you.”

Professor Navarro was sitting at her desk with a thin smile. Her black eyes as troublesome as ever.

“Now, here’s your opponents and the order in which you will duel,” she waved her wand, and names appeared on the blackboard. “Please note that they were chosen at random.”

Harry looked at the blackboard.

1. Pansy Parkinson and Seamus Finnigan

2. Gregory Goyle and Vincent Crabbe

3. Hermione Granger and Harry Potter

4. Dean Thomas and Lavender Brown

5. Parvati Patil and Ronald Weasley

6. Neville Longbottom and Draco Malfoy

“You have two minutes to prepare yourselves,” said Professor Navarro.

“Hey, it’s you and me, Harry,” said Hermione.

“Yeah,” said Harry. He looked around the room, some were confident while others were anxious. Neville looked very nervous, Harry checked the board and saw that he was dueling Malfoy.

“Alright, your time is up, Mr. Finnigan and Miss Parkinson please step forward,” said Professor Navarro.

Seamus and Pansy both stood up and walked to the middle of the classroom.

“Wands at ready,” both raised their wands.

“Bow,” Seamus bowed while Pansy hardly bent her neck.

“Stupefy!” shouted Seamus.

Pansy dodged the spell. “Furnunculus!”

In less than three seconds Seamus was covered in boils. “Nunculus!” Seamus muttered the counter curse.

“Petrificus Totalus!” shouted Pansy.

“Pretago!” yelled Seamus and Pansy was knocked out by the full-body bind.

There was a light round of applause. Professor Navarro revived Pansy and jotted something down in her notes before starting the next duel. The duel between Crabbe and Goyle was a bit of a joke. Neither of them had managed to correctly cast a curse or counter curse. Crabbe somehow turned Goyle’s robes yellow and Goyle somehow created a flood inside the classroom.

Third up were Harry and Hermione. Harry was confident, after all, this was his best subject, but than again, his opponent was Hermione. Best not be too optimistic.

“Wands at ready,” Harry tightly gripped his wand.

“Bow…and begin.”

“Expelliarmus!” Hermione cast her first spell.

“Protago!” Harry yelled the first thing that came to his mind. The red jet of light headed straight for Hermione.

“Finite!” shouted Hermione and the Disarming Charm stopped in its tracks. “Petrificus Totalus!”

Harry quickly dodged the spell. “Stupefy!”

“Protago!”

“Impedimenta!”

“Locomotor Mortis!”

Before Harry knew it, his legs were locked together by the Leg-Lock Curse.

“Furnunculus!” yelled Harry and Hermione was covered in boils.

Both of them took two seconds to mutter the counter curses.

“Tarantallegra!” yelled Hermione.

“Finite! Ritusempra!” Harry cried out the Tickling Charm.

But Hermione stopped it.

“Stupefy!” shouted Harry, at the same time, Hermione cried “Reducto!”

The two spells collided in mid-air and explosion took place. The smoke blinded Harry’s eyes and made him cough. Harry couldn’t see at thing, the smoke slowly started to clear, but Harry’s vision was still poor. He could distantly hear Hermione coughing.

Then, out of nowhere, a jet of red light hit Harry, and his wand flied out of his hand.

Focusing his vision, Harry saw Hermione holding his wand in triumph.

Hermione was about to finish the duel when Harry’s mouth said “Accio Wand!” Harry wasn’t sure why he said that, it’s not as if it’d work, it just came out automatically.

To everyone’s astonishment, his wand flied out of Hermione’s hand and Harry raised a numb hand to catch it. Hermione looked thunderstruck, so did everyone else in the room.

Harry stared at his wand, recovering, he stuttered, “Stu...Stupefy!”

Hermione was still too startled to move and the Stunning Spell caught her full power.

“Bravo, bravo, excellent, Mr. Potter and Miss Granger,” said Professor Navarro after she revived Hermione, “Twenty points to Gryffindor.”

The whole class, including Hermione were still staring at Harry in astonishment. Professor Navarro, however, didn’t seem troubled by Harry’s absurd spell. The next two duels were not exciting, apart from Ron wining by setting Parvati’s robes on fire. Harry took in a sharp breath as the final duel approached. Neville was more nervous than ever, Malfoy’s expression clearly told everyone Neville was in trouble as the two of them walked into the center of the classroom.

“Wands ready…bow…and begin.”

“Stupefy!” Malfoy cried.

The spell missed Neville by less than an inch.

“Stupefy!” shouted Malfoy again.

Neville dodged the spell.

“STUPEFY!” yelled Malfoy exasperatedly.

Neville dodged the spell but he was knocked off of his feet.

Malfoy sneered.

Harry was getting worried as he watched, he can’t let Malfoy win, that way Neville’ll never stand up to him. Malfoy aimed yet another Stunning Spell at Neville, Malfoy was sneering and Neville was on the floor, unable to move.

“Come on, Neville, you can win this!” Harry almost shouted.

As if this was a cue, Neville raised his wand and yelled “Protago!” Malfoy was so surprised that he was stunned, literarily.

“That was an excellent lesson, I’m so happy Neville won against Malfoy, now he can stand up for himself,” said Hermione as they walked out of Professor Navarro’s classroom fifteen minutes later.
“Yeah, that is going to wipe the sneer off Malfoy’s face for some time,” said Ron.

“Yeah, you know, we’re actually getting a pretty decent Defense Against the Arts teacher this year,” said Harry.

“Yeah, but still, there’s the eyes to consider and your dream at the beginning of the term. Oh, I wish I knew what’s up with her eyes already, it’s so weird… anyways, how did you do that Harry?” asked Hermione.

“Do what?”

“Summoning your wand without a wand!” said Hermione, as though it was obvious.

“I don’t know,” said Harry, “I said the spell automatically, I was as surprised as anyone when the wand came.”

“It was really neat, mate,” said Ron, smiling.

“Thanks,” said Harry.

“It’s a really rare power to be able to perform any magic without a wand. Let alone a Summoning Charm, which is pretty complicated,” said Hermione, “I have to check my books.”

*

Harry stared at his breakfast. His first Quidditch match this year was going to start in less than thirty minutes. Even though he was pretty sure they could win, he was still a little nervous—this was the first Quidditch match with him as captain.

“I’m sure we’ll be able to win, Harry, don’t worry,” said Ron confidently.

“Yeah, we’ve got the best team in the school,” said Ginny.

‘I know, I’m just nervous because I’m captain, you know…”

“You’ll be alright, Harry,” said Hermione.

“Hey, Potty, ready to lose?” asked Malfoy, with Crabbe and Goyle behind him.

“Yeah right, Malfoy, you’re as bad in Quidditch as you are in dueling,” said Neville, who was sitting a couple of seats from Harry.

Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny exploded with laughter.

Malfoy looked more angry than ever before, “you’ll pay for this, Longbottom,” he said and walked away.

“Come on, it’s time to go,” said Ginny as they recovered.

“Yeah,” said Harry, standing up, the three of them said goodbye to Hermione and headed for the changing rooms. Many Gryffindors and some Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws wished Harry good luck on the way.

“Alright, team, this is it,” said Harry, feeling dumb that he used the line Oliver Wood used in his first year.

“The big one,” said Katie Bell.

Harry and Katie laughed while the rest of the team looked confused.

“Alright, I’m no good at giving speeches, so everyone just be calm, do your best, and have fun,” said Harry.

Everyone nodded and headed for the field, “and good luck,” said Harry as they reached the stadium.

“We don’t need luck, we have skill,” said Ginny; Harry looked into her eyes; Ginny was so beautiful.

The crowed cheered as the two teams walked to the center of the field. Madam Hooch was in the center waiting for them.

“Captains shake hands,” said Madam Hooch, Harry’s fingers were almost crushed by the Slytherin captain Montague’s ‘handshake’, but he did not wince.

“Everyone in position, and NO cheating,” said Madam Hooch.

Madam Hooch blew her whistle and fourteen brooms kicked into the air.

“…And they are off,” said Seamus Finnigan, who had taken over the commentary from Lee Jordan. “Bell in possession of the Quaffle, nice reverse-pass to Turner, Turner heads for the goal, he’s passed Montague… ah, intercepted by Warrington, Warrington of Slytherin in possession of the Quaffle. Warrington passes to Pucey; Pucey dodges a Bludger, passes Weasley and heads for the goal. Pucey shoots, COME ON, RON! YES, a spectacular save by Gryffindor Keeper Ron Weasley.”

Harry listened to the commentary while circling the pitch in search of the Snitch. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see Malfoy do exactly the same.

“Jason Turner of Gryffindor in possession of the Quaffle. He dodges a Bludger from the big and stupid Crabbe, DIDN’T MEAN THAT PROFESSOR! Turner passes fat and dumb Warrington, WON’T HAPPEN AGAIN PROFESSOR MCGONAGALL! Nice pass from Turner to Ginny Weasley of Gryffindor. Weasley heads for the goal dodges Bludger from Goyle, passes to Bell, and back to Weasley again, Weasley ready to shoot, GO GINNY! YES! GINNY WEASLEY SCORES! TEN TO NIL FOR GRYFFINDOR! TAKE THAT, YOU SLIMY SLYTHERINS! I’M SORRY PROFESSOR!”

There was a huge boo from the Slytherin end, but the cheer from the rest of the school had drowned it. Harry beamed with happiness as Ginny scored the first goal. Surveying the pitch for the snitch, Harry saw Malfoy with a disgusted face.

“Slytherin in possession of the Quaffle, that’s Pucey of Slytherin, nice Bludger by Jack Slope of Gryffindor, and Bell in possession of the Quaffle… HOW DARE YOU SON OF A…”

Seamus’ furious yell was silenced by Professor McGongall; but Harry was with Seamus, Crabbe had hit Katie Bell in the head with his club and Katie’s forehead was bleeding furiously. She had to be sent to the hospital wing immediately. Three fourth of the school were shouting in furious voices. Madam Hooch awarded the Gryffindor team a penalty, but it was hardly fair compared to losing a player.

“Alright, after the disgusting cheating from the Slytherin, Turner takes the penalty for Gryffindor. AND HE MAKES IT! TWENTY NIL TO GRYFFINDOR!”

After forty minutes into the game, Gryffindor was leading seventy-ten, mainly due to Ron’s many phenomenal saves. Harry was circling the pitch for any sign of gold and Malfoy was doing the same, but the Snitch was nowhere to be seen.

“…Warrington in possession of the Quaffle, he’s passed both Weasley and Turner. Dodges a Bludger and he’s got a clear shot. Save it, Ron!”

Harry watched from the other end of the field as Warrington get go of the Quaffle, but Ron was ready to save it. Ron reached out to grab the Quaffle.

The crowd gasped in terror. Montague had seized Ron’s neck from behind and pulled him off his broom with all his might. Ron was falling to the ground, gaining speed every second. He was a hundred feet from the ground, seventy, fifty, thirty, ten. Harry flied to the other end as fast as his Firebolt would carry him, the crowd and Seamus were screaming but Harry heard neither. All he cared was to get to Ron on time and pull him onto his broom. But he was too late. Ron had hit the ground with a ‘THUD’.

Heart pounding madly, Harry landed next to Ron. Fearing the worst, he bent over and pulled Ron into his arms. Ron was unconscious but breathing weakly. His face was white as a ghost. Harry could tell he was in critical condition. Seconds later all of the Gryffindor team was at his side, Ginny was sobbing madly and looking horrified. Hermione ran as fast as she could toward Ron, crying as well.

“Leave him along, all of you, I will take him to the Hospital Wing immediately!” shouted Professor McGonagall. She conjured a stretcher and magically put Ron onto it. She ran up to the castle with Ron floating in midair in front of her. The team and Hermione rushed behind Professor McGonagall, but were stopped by Madam Hooch.

“The match needs to continue,” said Madam Hooch.

“What? Ron’s dying!” screamed Harry.

“Yes, but I’m afraid rules are rules. You can play or forfeit the match,” said Madam Hooch.

Harry was just about to say that he didn’t give a **** about the match when Ginny said shakily “we’ll play.”

“What?” said Harry incredulously.

“I want to win the match, I know Ron would want us to win. I want to show the Slytherins,” said Ginny, crying but determined.

“You guys continue the match, I’ll go to the Hospital Wing,” said Hermione, who was also tear-stained.

“Alright, we’ll play,” said Harry to Madam Hooch.

Missing a Keeper and a Chaser, the Gryffindor team soared up the stadium. Harry felt hatred like never before toward the Slytherins. He knew he HAD to win the game, for Ron.

“The game resumes, Weasley in possession of the Quaffle…”

After ten minutes, the score stood as ninety-fifty. Without a Keeper and only two Chasers, the Slytherins had the advantage. Harry felt his insides burn as Montague scored again. Out of the corner of his eye, Harry saw Malfoy flying toward him.

“How are you feeling, Potter?” sneered Malfoy. “Your friend Weasel is about to snuff it.”

It was all Harry could do to stop himself from strangling Malfoy.

“It’s really a shame, you know…”

Near the Slytherin goalposts, Harry saw, unmistakably, the Golden Snitch. It had finally appeared for the first time in this match. Excitement rose in Harry. He instantly turned his Firebolt toward the Snitch and took off. Malfoy had also seen the Snitch and he was hot on Harry’s tail.

“Faster,” urged Harry.

WHAM

A Bludger, hit by Crabbe, collided with Harry’s arm. Pain pierced through him. Harry was sure his arm was broken. With a triumph grin, Malfoy took the lead and headed toward the Snitch.

Panic rose in Harry. With his good arm, Harry took off with his Firebolt again. Malfoy was ten feet ahead of him. “Come on…” Harry was slowly catching up with Malfoy, but the Snitch was only five feet away. He was level with Malfoy, they both reached out, hoping to get the Snitch. Malfoy was closer, he pushed Harry’s arm out of the way, his fingertips touched the golden ball.

WHAM

A Bludger, hit by Goyle, collided with Malfoy’s back. Malfoy lost balance on this broom. As he struggled to remain on his broom, Harry’s hand closed around the Golden Snitch.

The stadium erupted in cheers. Gryffindor had won, two hundred and twenty to sixty.

To keep you all reading, I have decided to give you a preview of upcoming chapters.

-Aftermath of the Quidditich match
-There is ball at Hogwarts
-Major girl problems for Harry
-The Dark Lord shall strike again
-Harry spends his worst Chrismas
-Harry becomes more powerful
-Snape and Harry have a row
-Harry comes face to face with Angel
-Angel reveiws her secrets

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[crocodile]

It's been a while but there's the next chap.

Chapter Sixteen

Sweet Sixteen

“Do you think he’s alright?”

“I don’t know…”

“He looks white as chalk.”

“God, please…”

“Don’t cry, Hermione, you’re going to make me cry again.”

“I…I…ca…can’t…so…sorry.”

“Oh…Ron…God…”

“I don’t know what I’ll do if—

“Shut up, he’s waking up.”

“Oh my god…”

“Is he OK?”

“Shut up.”

Ron slowly lifted his eyelids.

“Ron, Ron, you’re awake!” Hermione said breathlessly. She instantly leaned over and started kissing him on the lips.

“Uh, Hermione, it might be a good idea to let him breathe first,” said Harry awkwardly.

Hermione pulled away, “yes, I’m sorry, it’s just so good to see you awake, Ron.”

“Wa…water,” stammered Ron with tremendous effort.

Harry, Hermione, and Ginny all clumsily rushed to get a cup of water, resulting in two broken glasses and a ton of spilled water.

“Oh, Reparo,” hissed Hermione, the broken pieces instantly flew together, good as new.

Ron slowly drank the water.

“Thank god you’re OK, Ron, that ******* Montague pulled you off your broom. You fell for like a hundred feet. We thought you were…” Hermione briefed the events.

“The… match, what happened?” asked Ron anxiously.

“We won, Ron, I got the Snitch after you fell, we won two hundred and twenty to sixty,” said Harry hurriedly.

Ron looked relieved. “How long have I been here?” he asked.

“Two days,” said Ginny.

“This is outrageous, the Slytherin team should be banned from playing after this,” said Hermione furiously, for about the twentieth time in the two days.

“I hate the Slytherins, all of them,” said Harry through gritted teeth.

“There are just jealous that we have the best team in the school,” said Ginny, “and they have nothing but money bags and muscles.”

“Talk about it, I only got the Snitch because Goyle was stupid enough to hit Malfoy with a Bludger,” said Harry, “I suppose I should thank him.”

“You three need to get out now, the poor boy needs rest,” Madam Pomfrey said commandingly. Harry, Hermione, and Ginny left reluctantly after saying goodbye to Ron.

*

“Today we will be conjuring rabbits, now, the rabbit is extremely hard to conjure as it is a vertebrate. So I don’t expect many of you to succeed today. Now, you know the incantation and you have the notes, yes, Miss Brown?”

“Professor, when will we be done with the Conjuring Spell?” asked Lavender, speaking on behave of the whole class, for everyone was tired of the Conjuring Spell, they have been doing it for almost three months.

“We will be done with it when everyone in this class manages to conjure a healthy pig, and I suggest you focus on your work, Miss Brown, the snails you conjured all seem to die within thirty minutes,” said Professor McGonagall.

The class gloomily started to conjure rabbits, to no avail, with the exception, of course, of Hermione.

“Oh, it’s so cute, it’s a shame it disappears after a day,” said Hermione, patting her beautiful rabbit.

“Well, yeah, they’re cuter than cats, maybe you should get one of these and sell Crookshanks,” teased Ron.

“Nonsense, Crookshanks is much better, but they beat Pig,” said Hermione.

“No way, Sirius gave me Pig, and I still can’t do it,” muttered Ron angrily.

“You have to concentrate, and don’t move your wand too fast,” said Hermione.

“You’ve missed four classes, Ron, and I can’t do it either,” said Harry.

After an eternity of saying “Cotius,” the lunch bell rang and the whole class hurriedly rushed out of the classroom, thankful that they finally get a break.

“Potter, Weasley, I need a word please,” said Professor McGonagall.

Harry and Ron retraced their steps and headed for Professor McGonagall’s desk.

“Potter, Weasley, I want to congratulate you two on your excellent match,” said Professor McGonagall with a rare smile.

“Thanks, Professor,” said Harry and Ron, returning the smile.

“Weasley, are you all right?” asked Professor McGonagall.

“Yeah, I’m fine,” said Ron, “even Madam Pomfrey says so.”

“That’s excellent. I would like to inform you that Montague has been asked to leave the Slytherin team after the outrageous offence.”

That’s good, thought Harry, although he thought Montague deserved to be sent to Azkaban.

“And Professor Snape has named Draco Malfoy as Slytherin’s new captain,” said Professor McGonagall.

“Mal, Malfoy?”

“Yes, Potter, Malfoy. I advise you two not to be antagonizing toward the Slytherins, we have enough fighting as it is.”

“Malfoy bought the position, I’m sure of it!” said Hermione indignantly as they sat down for lunch.

“Of course he bought it, he’s no good at seeking, and he bought onto the team in the first place,” said Harry through gritted teeth.

“What are you two so upset about? This is the perfect opportunity. Harry can beat Malfoy for the cup,” said Ron.

“Ron, are you all right?” asked Parvati Patil, who just arrived.

“Yeah, I’m fine,” said Ron.

Ever since Ron left the hospital, countless Gryffindors, Ravenclaws, and Hufflepuffs have came to ask if he was all right and tell Ron he was great.

“That’s only because you’re lucky, weasel,” said a cold voice.

Harry, Ron, Hermione turned around, and saw Malfoy with Crabbe and Goyle.

“What do you want?” asked Harry aggressively, resisting the temptation of jinxing Malfoy.

“Have you heard, Potter, I’m the new captain of the Slytherin Quidditch team,” said Malfoy with a sneer.

“And how much did you pay for it, Malfoy?” asked Hermione.

“Watch your mouth, Mudblood, all three of you haven’t got long to live,” said Malfoy and he walked away with the goons Crabbe and Goyle.

“Git, he keeps on giving us these pointless death threats,” said Harry.

“Should we report it to McGonagall?” asked Ron.

“No, there’s not much point,” said Hermione.

“Come on, let’s just eat,” said Harry.

Suddenly, about a hundred owls soared into the Great Hall.

“That’s odd, mail comes in the morning, doesn’t it?” asked Hermione.

Before anyone could answer, an owl had already dropped the Daily Prophet on Hermione’s lap.

“Oh, no, no, no,” muttered Hermione, her eyes widened.

“What is it?” asked Harry.

But Harry already knew the answer.

Death Eater Attack in Hogsmeade

Today morning at ten o’clock, fifteen Death Eaters and seven dementors broke into three homes in Hogsmeade. Four wizards/witches were killed and two lost their souls to the dementors; all three houses were destroyed. Muggle-born wizard occupied all three of the houses broken into; again, there was no motivation and the attack was random.

This is the fourth attack in Hogsmeade since the return of You-Know-Who. The death toll since You-Know-Who’s return is catastrophic. The most recent attack has lead to the closure of six more stores in Hogsmeade village. The tension in the wizarding community continues to build up. Fear of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named increased dramatically over the last three months.

This recent attack has also lead the Wizengamot to vote non-confidence in Cornelius Fudge, Minister of Magic’s leadership. “If Fudge’s government is incapable of action, than I suggest new leadership be elected to lead us through these troublesome times,” said Wizengamot elder Tiberius Ogden.

The Wizengamot will meet next week to discuss capable candidates for a new Minister of Magic.

“Oh my goddess,” whispered Hermione breathlessly, “another one, this soon!”

“I don’t get it, what is Voldemort trying to achieve by this?” asked Ron, frustrated.

*

“Now, be careful, all of you, don’t scratch its neck, Ron,” said Hagrid, watching his NEWT Care of Magical Creatures class trying to feed squirming baby sphinxes.

Harry remembered the Third Task in the Triwizard Tournament as he patted the tiny sphinx’s head. Unlike the creature Harry had encountered in the Task, the little furball in his hands was like a kitten. As a matter of fact, if Harry didn’t know it was a sphinx, he would have most certainly mistaken it for a kitten. According to Hagrid, sphinxes don’t develop high intelligence until the age of seven, so this little cute thing had long way to go before it can talk.

As the class struggled to force the sphinxes eat something, Harry made his way up to Hagrid.

“Hey Hagrid,” said Harry, watching Hermione helping Parvati.

“Hiya, Harry, haven’t talked to you for some time,” said Hagrid.

“I’m sorry, Hagrid, been kind of busy lately, Quidditch, DA and Dumbledore’s increasing lesson times,” said Harry apologetically.

“It’s all right, Harry,” said Hagrid.

There was a silence and the two of them studied the tiny sphinx’s eyes.

“So, how’s Grawp?” asked Harry.

“Oh, he’s fine, he’s made friends with Aragog,” said Hagrid.

“He’s WHAT?” asked Harry incredulously; the thought of the huge spider gave him the creeps. “Hagrid, did you see the paper today?” asked Harry hurriedly, changing the subject, feeling that he didn’t want to know more about Grawp.

“Yeah, I have,” said Hagrid gravely, “this is just like last time.”

“Is it?”

“Yeah, the Order is becoming frustrated, there’s not much we can do to stop the attacks,” said Hagrid heavily.

The bell rang and the class hurried to get back to the castle.

“I’ll come and visit on Saturday,” said Harry, giving Hagrid a smile.

“See you, Harry,” said Hagrid, smiling back.

When Harry, Ron, and Hermione reached the castle, they found many people crowded at the notice board at the Entrance Hall.

“What’s going on?” asked Harry.

“Maybe they’ve finally canceled the Hogsmeade visits,” said Ron.

“Let’s go have a look,” said Hermione.

Harry squinted up behind a group of excited fourth-years and read:

Winter Ball at Hogwarts

To lift the gloomy atmosphere that surround us, the Hogwarts administration has decided to host a Winter Ball. It will take place on December the seventeenth, in the Great Hall, from seven till midnight. The ball will be open to all Fourth Years and above; younger students may attend given that an older student invites them.

Deputy Headmistress,
Professor M. McGonagall

“A ball? ‘To lift the gloomy atmosphere that surround us?’ Whose idea is this?” asked Ron, furrowing his brow.

“Well, it’s likely to work, I mean, it’ll take many people’s mind off of Voldemort for some time,” said Hermione reasonably.

Harry felt sure that a ball couldn’t possibly take his mind off of Voldemort. Lately, whenever Voldemort’s Death Eaters attack and kills people, Harry had been feeling guilty. He was the only one that could defeat Voldemort, and he was doing nothing to stop Voldemort killing all of these innocent people. Harry knew it wasn’t his fault, Hermione, Ron, Lupin, and Dumbledore had all assured him that it wasn’t, but still…

Harry suddenly remembered the Yule Ball that took place in his fourth year. Back then; he had wanted to go with Cho Chang so badly. But, now he found himself not at all eager to ask the beautiful Cho for a date. For a second Harry wondered if he did want to ask any girl to the ball, and for some reasons unknown, an image with red hair, and blue eyes, the image of Ginny Weasley rolled into his head. ‘What on earth? Ridiculous,’ thought Harry and he banished the image.

“So, are you going?” asked Harry when the three of them had reached the Gryffindor Common Room.

“Well, a ball to ‘lift the gloomy atmosphere’ is such a lousy idea, and I’m horrible at dancing, but on second thought, Hermione, do you want to go to the ball with me?” asked Ron casually.

“Of course,” said a smiling Hermione, giving Ron a kiss.

*

“Did you see the paper today?” asked Harry and Remus at the same time.

“Yes,” said Remus heavily, “and don’t blame yourself.”

“Is that all you’re going to say?” asked Harry, staring into the mirror.

“There’s always casualties in a war, Harry,” said Remus.

“Yeah, casualties, casualties, that just sound so…casual. Twice a month you’re going to open up the damned Daily Prophet and find someone’s been killed. And you know what? You can do nothing about it. You know the Daily Prophet has only three pages on murders now, and at the beginning the whole paper’s devoted to it? It’s just getting… scarily casual.”

“I know how you feel, Harry, believe me, it’s the same as the first time, everyday you’re afraid someone close to you will be the next victim. And when they weren’t, you take a breath of relief and then feel sorry for whoever died or disappeared that day. And then, the tension starts again and you’re scared your friends will be tomorrow’s victims,” said Remus with a sour expression.

“Do you have any idea who might be the next Minister of Magic?” asked Harry, remembering about the non-confidence vote.

“No, they’re accepting applications now, no word from anyone yet.”

For a brief moment the two of them gazed at each other, both lost in thought.

“Remus, Hogwarts is hosting a Winter Ball, it’s supposed to make us feel better,” said Harry.

Suddenly Remus smiled, “really?” he asked eagerly, “they did one of those last time, too, we were in the Seventh Year and that’s when Lily finally agreed to go out with James, he was so excited that he didn’t sleep for two days.”

“What?”

“Oh yeah, that Ball was Lily and James’ first date.”

“What happened?” asked Harry, interested.

“Voldemort was at the height of power in our Seventh Year, death, kidnapping, disappearance were everyday events. And that’s when James and Sirius started to behave and take things seriously. They helped many students whose relatives were killed to recover, they cheered up those in great distress and did a lot of things to make life better for everyone. It impressed Lily a lot, she never thought brats like them were capable of something so human,” said Remus, grinning broadly.

Harry smiled, his first true smile in a long time. So his father wasn’t a good for nothing show-off after all.

“Harry, I’ve got to go now, see you later, OK?” asked Remus, still smiling.

“Sure, bye, Moony.”

“Bye.”

Harry put the old mirror in his trunk and checked his watch; he was five minutes late for the DA meeting. Hurriedly he sprinted down the staircase, pushed open the portrait hole and headed for the Room of Requirement.

“Hi, sorry I’m late,” said Harry as he closed the door behind him. Taking his usual seat in front of everyone, he surveyed the faces looking up at him. They were anxious, frightened, and uncertain, of, of course, Voldemort.

“What happened today is just one more reason for us to work harder against Voldemort, OK?” asked Harry.

Everyone flinched when the name was mentioned, but everyone nodded.

“OK, I think we should learn how to conjure a shield that blocks powerful spells. It’s a lot more powerful than ‘Protago’ and a lot harder to conjure. If conjured powerfully, it can block almost all spells except ‘Avada Kadavra’. How good it is usually depend on how powerful the wizard casting it is. The incantation is ‘Cilacicus’. I’ll do a demo—

Harry took out his wand, muttered ‘Cilacicus,’ and flicked his wand in a complicated movement. A shield immediately appeared; identical to the one Dumbledore had conjured in his duel with Voldemort last June. Dumbledore had taught him the spell weeks ago.

“The wand movement is rather hard…”

An hour quickly passed, and they had made some progress in the spell. Harry had thought it not very difficult, but it seemed that even Hermione was having some troubles.

“Stop!” shouted Harry, ‘I really need a whistle’ he thought, as the Creevey brothers seemed not to hear him.

“We’ll leave it for today,” said Harry, Susan Bones immediately groaned.

“You don’t want to be caught by Filch for being out of bed, do you?” he asked.

“No, but still,” said Susan reluctantly pocketing her wand.

One by one the DA members filed out of the room. Until only Harry, Ron, Hermione, and, surprisingly, Cho Chang, were left.

Harry, Ron, and Hermione were just going to leave when Cho called, “Harry…can I have a word, please?”

Bewildered, Harry told Ron and Hermione to go on.

“Yeah?” asked Harry politely.

“Harry, I’m really sorry for…what happened last year,” said Cho, extremely nervous.

“It’s OK,” said Harry confusedly, why did she bring that up out of the blue?

“I…I was wondering…I’ve been wanting to ask since the beginning of the year…if you’re still interested…I really, really like you…and if you are, the ball coming in two weeks…” said Cho, more nervous than ever.

Harry was completely caught off guard. What on earth? He was stunned for a moment. Did he want to go out with Cho again? Cho was very pretty, and she was a nice girl, if she’d gotten over Cedric…Why not? Suddenly, Ginny’s picture popped into Harry’s head. But Harry quickly chased it away.

“Yeah, sure, I’d like that,” said Harry, smiling.

All you Cho haters, my apologies.

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[crocodile]

A/N: THIS IS DIFFERENT FROM MY NORMAL CHAPTERS. IT IS A LOT SHORTER AND WRITTEN FROM A DIFF. POINT OF VIEW.

Chapter Seventeen

Snake or Lion?

I woke with a start from a nightmare. I looked around my room, remembered the horrible situation that I’m in, and wished I were back in the nightmare. Oh, if only I can just escape from this horrid. I seriously considered jumping from the window of my fifty-seven stories high apartment. But I chickened out; I guess I’m still scared to die even when I constantly accompany the Dark Lord and am in danger every second.

My lips twitched into a smile despite myself. It’s a wonder I’ve survived this far. But is there any point at all in continuing this horrible life? When I look ahead, all I see is the Dark Lord dominating the earth and Bellatrix Lestrange complaining about my attitude. How could I have let myself into such trouble?

Involuntarily I got up and dressed. How I wished to stay in bed and never get up again. As I was going to go and buy some breakfast from the Chinese restaurant two blocks away, the Dark Mark on my forearm burned with pain. Oh great, the Dark Lord won’t even let us have breakfast. I lifted my sleeve and saw the picture of a serpent coming out of a skull’s mouth burning red. This tattoo was probably the only cool bit of my life here. I mean, it looked even better than the old pirate symbol with the skull and crossbones.

Hastily I grabbed a piece of the leftover pie and Apparated.

I assumed my place in the circle of Death Eaters. Hurriedly I stuffed the whole piece of pie into my mouth and tried to swallow it all.

“Welcome, my faithful servants,” said a cold voice. That voice still gave me the creeps; it makes you feel so vulnerable.

All of the Death Eaters lowered their head and bowed. Naturally I did the same. Luckily, with all the lowered heads, I was able to swallow the pie without anyone noticing.

“We have made progress, Potter will be mine by Christmas,” said the Dark Lord. “The Servant I placed at Hogwarts is most loyal and successful.”

The servant at Hogwarts, Alexia, my sister, the reason I’m here.

“Your plan is most ingenious, my Lord, I would never have been able to come up with it myself,” said Lucius Malfoy.

I resisted the temptation to rebuke at Malfoy. If the Dark Lord ever shows any sign of weakness, Malfoy will be the first to go to the other side. Well, technically, I would be the first, but I don’t like to think myself as a part them.

“That is why I am in command, Lucius,” said the cold voice.

“Of course, my Lord,” said Malfoy.

“Now, you know what must be done for my plan to succeed. Wormtail, Angel, you have the ultimate chance to serve you Lord.”

I simply nodded my head and looked somber while the stupid idiot Wormtail thanked the Dark Lord endlessly for this ‘great chance.’ I hated to go on a mission with the moron. Why can’t I do it on my own? How Wormtail got to be an Animagus is the mystery of the century. Seriously, how come people like Malfoy and Lestrange, who’s normally the smartest, didn’t get to be Animagus. It would be better to be with Lestrange than Wormtail, at least she might be of some help. But unfortunately only Animagi can do what the Dark Lord’s asking.

Ten minutes later I was walking down Hogsmeade with Wormtail. My stomach growled, reminding me that I hadn’t eaten a proper breakfast. And it was twelve o’clock, lunchtime. Wormtail had no intention of eating, he was too nervous, afraid to screw this up.

“Let’s find a place to transform,” squeaked Wormtail.

“No way,” I said, grinning mischievously, “we have plenty of time to get Hogwarts and Potter. You can find a place to transform. I am going to get lunch. See you in an hour.”

Smiling sweetly, I instantly Apparated back into my New York apartment. It’s still hard to believe that Scotland and New York is only ‘an Apparation’ away.

I found my car keys and took my time to drive to China Town.

As I walked into my favorite Chinese restaurant, a waitress appeared and asked in heavy Cantonese accent, “how many?”

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[crocodile]

Hey, guys and gals, sorry this chapter took so long, took me a long time to get the idea, anyways, FEEBACK PLEASE!!!!!

Chapter Eighteen

Rat and Dove

The students of Hogwarts became more and more excited as the ball approached. There were no more attacks from Lord Voldemort, so there was nothing to spoil the fun. Well, that is, except for Potions class.

“Potter, why is your Potion red and not yellow?” asked Snape silkily.

“I don’t know, sir,” said Harry truthfully.

Snape whipped his wand and Harry’s cauldron was emptied. “Ten points from Gryffindor, Potter, you have twenty minutes to redo your potion correctly, or it will be fifty.”

All of the Slytherins sneered at Harry.

Harry was very glad when Potions class ended. As Harry sat down at the Gryffindor table with Ron and Hermione, Cho gave him a smile from the Ravenclaw table. Harry smiled back.

Ron and Hermione exchanged looks.

“What?” Harry asked.

“Nothing,” said the both of them in unison.

Harry rolled his eyes, “what?” he asked again.

“Nothing,” said them again.

“Fine, be that way,” said Harry, helping himself to fried chicken.

Ron and Hermione exchanged looks again.

“What?” asked Harry irritably, “and don’t you dare say nothing.”

“Well…” began Hermione.

“Well what? Really, what is up with you two?”

“You and Cho…” started Ron.

“Yeah? What about us?”

“Harry, do you think it’ll work between you two?” blurted Hermione.

“Why not?”

“Well, because…”

“Because what?”

“Because…”

“Alright, what’s going on?” asked Harry.

“Nothing…”

“I know something’s wrong, just tell me what,” said Harry, looking from Ron to Hermione.

Hermione looked like she was about to reveal some secret information, but Ron gave her a warning look that clearly told her not to.

“What aren’t you telling me?” asked Harry, “we’re supposed to be best friends.”

A very awkward silence followed, only to be broken by Parvati and Lavender; who joined the trio and steered the conversation.


*

The day of the Winter Ball arrived with much anticipation. The excited students of Hogwarts compared last minute notes on what to wear, what the hairstyle, etc. Even Hermione was very enthusiastic and conferred with Parvati and Lavender about dresses. Hermione didn’t read the Daily Prophet that day, so none of the trio saw the very disturbing article that was on the second page.

New York Girl Killed by the Killing Curse in June

Has the Power of You-Know-Who Reached America?

The Daily Prophet can exclusively reveal that six months ago, on June 5th, a young 19-year-old witch in New York City was killed by the Killing Curse.

Muggles found her body in an abandoned warehouse and called the please-men. The please-men couldn’t find a death cause and the American Ministry of Magic became suspicious. After investigations, the American Ministry of Magic confirmed that ‘Avada Kadavera’ had killed her.

The victim was identified as Dawn Lewis, a former student at New York Institute of Witchcraft and Wizardry and a Muggle-born.

The question remains as to who was her killer. The investigations undertaken by the American Ministry have been fruitless. With the return of You-Know-Who, we mush ask ourselves, has his reign of terror crossed the borders of Britain?

*

At seven o’clock, Harry, Ron and Hermione walked through the portrait hole and headed toward the Great Hall with the other Gryffindors. Harry was in the green dress-robe that he wore two years ago to the Yule Ball. He had spent an hour to try to make his hair lie flat, with no success. Ron was in a brand new deep blue and lace-less robe that Fred and George had bought him. Hermione was wearing a pretty scarlet dress-robe. Her hair was amazingly straight; half was gracefully tied into several braids while the rest were left open. Harry was again amazed at how good Hermione looked.

When they reached the Entrance Hall, Harry saw Cho waiting for him.

“See you later,” said Harry to Ron and Hermione and he made his way up to Cho. She was wearing a light purple dress robe and her elegant black hair was resting on her shoulders. Harry thought she looked more gorgeous than ever.

“Hey,” said Harry.

“Hi,” said Cho, smiling.

“You look great,” said Harry.

“Thanks, shall we?” asked Cho, extending her hand.

“Course,” said Harry, taking her hand.

As Harry walked across the Entrance Hall with Cho, he spotted Seamus with Lavender and Dean with Susan Bones. Harry also saw Malfoy with Pansy Parkinson. As Harry entered the Great Hall, he saw that it was decorated with thousands of flowers, trees, and tropical plants. Roses, tulips, lilies, and flowers of every color covered the walls of the Great Hall. Vines dangled from the ceiling, many trees were cut into the shapes of animals and people. The four House Tables were gone, replaced by many smaller ones, some seating a couple, while others seating a dozen.

Harry and Cho chose seats that were close to the front. Dinner was soon served, Harry and Cho talked happily throughout the meal. Before Harry knew it, dinner was over and everyone’s attention was turned to a raising platform with guitars, basses, and a set of drum on it. Dumbledore had again booked the Weird Sisters for the ball.

“Ooo, we get to see Roxanne Glesby,” said Cho excitedly.

“What?” asked Harry.

“She’s just joined the Weird Sisters after one of them retired, she’s supposed to be really good. You’re not into music, are you, Harry?” said Cho.

“No,” said Harry truthfully.

The students applauded enthusiastically as the Weird Sisters walked onto the stage. This must be Roxanne. Thought Harry as the last of the singers appeared. Unlike the rest of the band, she was not hairy at all; her blonde hair was tied into a ponytail on the back of her head. Also unlike the rest, her clothing was not torn. She was wearing a very tight and very revealing dress.

The Weird Sisters picked up a very fast tune.

“This is one of the best songs ever,” whispered Cho.

As the intro ended, Roxanne Glesby began to sing. She is good, thought Harry. Roxanne had a great voice and good control. The melody was charming and well played. Roxanne was a great performer on stage. With her blonde hair and superb dance steps, Harry thought she was a bit like Britney Spears.

The audience clapped wildly after the song ended, Harry among them.

“Told you it was good, want to dance?” asked Cho as the Weird Sisters began to play a new tune.

“OK.”

At first, Harry thought it was extremely difficult not to trip. But Harry started enjoying it after a while. Cho seemed to be thoroughly enjoying herself. Ron and Hermione were dancing nearby, both of them beaming. Professor Dumbledore was dancing with Professor Sinistra. Harry also spotted Parvati Patil dancing with someone Harry didn’t know.

“Let’s sit down,” said Harry as the fifth song reached its end.

“OK.”

As Cho headed for a table filled with her giggling-friends, “I’ll get some drinks, be right back,” said Harry, hoping to avoid them.

Harry took as long as he could to reach the drink table. As he reached for butterbeers, someone suddenly bumped into him.

“Oh, I’m so sorry,” said a voice.

“It’s…OK,” said Harry, and he realized he was talking to Roxanne Glesby.

“Wait a second, did I just bump into Harry Potter?” asked Roxanne, looking at Harry curiously.

“Yeah,” said Harry, moving his bangs so his scar would be covered.

“Nice meeting you,” said Roxanne, “today must be my lucky day.”

“Nice to meet you too, you sing great,” said Harry. Upon close observation, Harry thought Roxanne was a very pretty girl and she couldn’t be more than twenty. As Harry gazed upon her, he thought there was something very familiar about her. Yet, he couldn’t quite place it. He’d seen her before, he knew it, but where?

“I was wondering, Mr. Potter, if you’d accompany me for a walk outside,” said Roxanne, smiling seductively, she moved up close to Harry and put one of her arms around his shoulder.

“I don’t think so,” said Harry, although he was kind of tempted.

Roxanne’s smile suddenly turned from seductive to dangerous. She withdrew her arm, “I insist, Mr. Potter,” she said. Slowly, she lifted her sleeve. To Harry’s horror, burned onto her forearm, was the Dark Mark.

For a moment Harry was frozen.

“And if you don’t, Mr. Potter, let’s just say there are so many innocent teenagers to kill at this moment,” said Roxanne, looking around the hall.

“And you’ll get caught immediately,” said Harry.

“No, I won’t, but let’s not go into that, say I will, but nothing can bring back the dead, can they?” asked Roxanne, her face stony now.

“Alright,” said Harry, his mind racing.

“Good,” said Roxanne. Smiling again, she wrapped her arm around his neck and steered Harry out of the Great Hall.

The Entrance Hall was deserted when Harry entered. Harry slowly reached inside his robes for his wand, hoping Roxanne wouldn’t notice. Roxanne still had her arm wrapped around Harry and was still smiling sweetly, but now she also had her other hand gripped on her wand, which was pointed to Harry’s neck.

“Out,” said Roxanne, as they reached the oak front doors.

“How?” asked Harry, the doors weren’t open.

“Don’t get any ideas,” said Roxanne as she let go of Harry, lowered her wand, and made to open the doors.

As she turned back, Harry just had time to take out his wand. He pointed it straight at her heart.

A look of irritation crept over Roxanne’s face. Before Harry knew what was happening, he’s been kicked on the hard on the face and his wand dropped to the ground. Roxanne bent over to pick up the wand and pocketed it.

“Get up,” she said, with her wand pointed at him.

Harry got up, and was instantly bounded by ropes shot out of Roxanne’s wand. Harry followed her out into the cool night air. Roxanne led Harry all the way to the Whomping Willow, which was strangely still.

“Hello? You gone?” asked Roxanne.

Suddenly, Harry saw a man taking shape. He became larger, larger, and larger, until Harry recognized him as Peter Pettigrew.

“The tree’s frozen,” said Wormtail.

“Yes, I can see that, let’s go,” said Roxanne.

But Harry wouldn’t budge.

“Move it,” snarled Wormtail, taking out his wand.

“No, I’m not leaving Hogwarts,” said Harry, his head beating madly.

“Oh really?” asked Wormtail. “Crucio!”

Harry prepared himself for the pain, but before the curse hit him, he was shoved out of the way by Roxanne.

“You idiot,” said Roxanne, “you want him screaming and draw attention?”

“Look at him, daring to defy me!” cried Wormtail.

“Shut, Oh, god, these contacts are killing me!” said Roxanne. She started rubbing her eyes furiously. After a long time, she looked up, satisfied. “Finally, I thought they would drive me blind. Too bad they’re all broken, cost me fifty buck.”

Harry saw, to his astonishment, the blue eyes were replaced by brilliant green. And the familiar picture clicked into place.

“You’re Angel!” he said hoarsely, unable to believe she was his own sister.

“This disguise is good, hum?” asked Angel.

Thud.

Harry was hit in the back of the head by a powerful blow from Angel and dropped into unconsciousness.

“Are we going to carry him all the way?” asked Wormtail.

Angel gave him a menacing glare. “Wingardium Leviosa, oh, and by the way, can you take him to the Shrieking Shack where all the others are waiting for us yourself? I’ve got something to do.”

Before Wormtail could answer, Angel had transformed into a dove and soared into the sky. Flying was on of the things Angel dearly loved. That would probably explain why her Animagus form was a dove.

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[crocodile]

Hey, guys, new update! Yay! I'm sorry for the long wait. :rotfl:

Chapter Nineteen

Prisoner

Harry opened his eyes; he was lying facedown on a cold, hard stone floor. With some effort Harry pulled himself into a sitting position and studied his surroundings with difficulty because his glasses were broken. He was in what seemed to be a prison cell. The floor and the walls were all made of gigantic stones. There was a door on his right, made out of wood. The cell was about thirty feet high; Harry could scarcely see the ceiling, which was also made of huge stone blocks. There was a small window about the size of a Quaffle on one of the walls. It was located about ten feet above Harry’s reach.

Judging by the light that came through the window, it was around dawn. Harry checked his watch. It said six o’clock. Harry remembered he was knocked out at around nine, so for it to be six, he would have been unconscious for approximately nine hours, or probably more than one day.

Slowly, Harry recounted the events that had happened. He was at the Winter Ball at Hogwarts and was kidnapped by two Death Eaters, namely, Angel and Wormtail. Somehow they had got into Hogwarts without anyone noticing. Harry didn’t know where he was, but why he was there was clear, he was captured by Lord Voldemort and imprisoned in a cell. But why would Voldemort not kill him and instead lock him up? Maybe he wanted to kill me while I was conscious, Harry thought.

This is no time to wonder why I’m still alive, Harry told himself. I have to get out of here. And almost immediately, Harry turned to look at the window. The first look told Harry escape was impossible; the window was far too high above him and way too small for him to crawl out.

Impulsively, Harry got to his feet and walked toward the door. He pushed it; it was locked, just as he knew it would be. He studied the door; it was a big block of wood with no doorknob or lock. Harry sat down behind the door, he wondered if the Order knew where he was and whether they would come for him.

Harry checked his pockets for anything that might help him to escape. His wand was naturally missing. He had seven Galleons, nine Sickles, and three Knuts in his moneybag. Various possessions include an Extendable Ear, a Twix chocolate bar, an opened pack of Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans, two pieces of parchment with Transfiguration notes on them, and a bag of Dungbomb. None of these seem useful, Harry thought.

Time slowly tickled by as Harry sat on the floor and stared into space. He spent hours imagining what lay ahead of him. Harry was apprehensive, what is Voldemort waiting for? Why hadn’t he killed him yet? Harry wondered if he had any chance of being rescued, would Dumbledore know where he was?

Oh, great, Harry, look what you’ve got yourself into, again. Harry thought miserably, he knew he would die soon, he knew he didn’t have long to live. Strangely, Harry found himself not fearing death. He would see Sirius again, he would see his parents, and all of the miseries in life would come to an end, no more burdens to carry, it would be peace, at last. And as time past, Harry waited, for death.

Harry didn’t know when it happened. All he remembers is that the door of his cell banged open, two Death Eaters barged in, tied him with ropes, and strode him out of the cell.

“Where are you taking me?” Harry remembered himself asking.

They didn’t answer. Harry remembered walking through a very long hallway with stonewalls and dimly lit by serpent shaped torches. The Death Eaters led Harry into a very large chamber about the size of the Hogwarts Great Hall. The room was at least twenty feet high. The walls were also made of huge stones. It was also lit by serpent shaped torches; there were beautiful arches one would expect to see in a cathedral. There were also many paintings and mosaics on the wall. Harry didn’t look at them in detail. The chamber seemed to be very old-fashioned and must have been built for a long time.

In the middle of the room there were a large circle formed by Death Eaters. All of who wearing masks and they looked as if they were waiting for something. The two Death Eaters steered Harry into the middle of the circle and took their place.

Harry looked from one Death Eater to another, his heart beating madly.

“Welcome, Harry Potter,” said a cold, high-pitched voice. Harry’s body went cold and numb. This is where his life will end.

Slowly, Harry turned to where the voice came from. There, about ten feet behind the Death Eaters, was a large chair made of gold and decorated with beautiful jewels. It looked rather like a throne. On it, sat a dark silhouette wearing a simple black robe and a black hood. The simplicity of the person’s clothing rather stood out against the luxuries of the chair.

“We meet again,” said Lord Voldemort.

Harry’s blood froze; his mind was completely shut down.

“You have escaped from me a grand total of five times, way too many,” said Lord Voldemort.

“But I have yet again captured you, my boy. And this time, through careful planning, under the very nose of the Muggle-loving fool Albus Dumbledore. And here we are again, Harry Potter. Let’s see if you can conjure up another miraculous escape, shall we?”

There was a light round of laughter from the Death Eaters.

“Now, Harry, let’s get down to business, shall we? Tell me, are you afraid to die?” asked Voldemort in a deadly whisper.

“No,” said Harry firmly, taking a deep breath and trying to control himself.

The Death Eaters laughed again, louder this time.

“Well, well, well, perhaps not, so let’s have a little fun before that comes, eh?” asked Lord Voldemort. He rose from the throne and walked into the ring of Death Eaters until he was in the middle of the circle, facing Harry and with Death Eaters surrounding them.

“Let’s, see, what shall I start with? Oh, yes, crucio,” said Voldemort softly.

A thousand white-hot knives cut into Harry’s skin. Harry no longer remembered who he was or where he was, all he wanted was it to end. The pain was so intense, Harry could feel his head bursting; he could hear his own blood-curdling scream. It lasted for more than Harry could remember; he wanted it to end more than he ever wanted anything in his life.

And than, it ended. Harry was lying on the ground, shaking uncontrollably. The Death Eaters laughed ruthlessly.

“Let’s have a break, shall we?” asked Voldemort. “Are you in pain, Harry?”

Harry would very much liked to say no, but none of his body parts seemed to be under his control. Then slowly, Harry could feel his body starting to calm and the uncontrollable shaking seemed to recover. But just as Harry started to catch his breath, he was hit again by the Crutiatus Curse. This time was a hundred times worse than the first, Harry screamed and screamed.

Then Voldemort lifted the curse again. “Let’s let you to catch your breath, shall we?” asked Voldemort.

Harry felt that all of the life in his body had been sucked out of him. Every millimeter of him was in screaming was pain. He had never been hit by the Cruciatus Curse this badly in his life. His eyes became unfocused and the room around him blurred. He could scarcely make out the image of Lord Voldemort.

Slowly the image in front of him became even more unfocused. Than, he heard Voldemort speak again.

“Harry, Harry, Harry, how do you feel now? This is what you receive for escaping me so many times. For leading people to believe that you were stronger than me. Merely killing you is no longer enough. I will torture you again and again until you beg me to end your life. Crucio”

No words could describe the pain Harry felt. He so desperately wanted to die. Surely death could be no worse than this? He felt an irresistible urge to beg for death. He wanted his life to end. Just ask; just ask him to kill you, a voice in Harry’s mind said. Harry didn’t know what was holding him back, but he knew he couldn’t give Voldemort this satisfaction.

Than, the room became back and Harry fainted.

*

God **** it. Now what am I going to do? I can’t let the Potter boy die. Stop, stop, don’t think about it. I don’t know what I’m going to do anymore. What am I going to do? What can I do?

With an enormous effort I calmed myself. I took a shower and lye in bed, and tried to think about it reasonably. Reasonably? Is there any reason when it comes to this huge mess? Well, I really think I have split personality now. One part of me wants to save the Potter boy; the other wants me to leave him alone.

Why can’t you just leave him, Angel? Asked one voice.

Are you willing to let an innocent sixteen-year old suffer like that? And don’t call yourself Angel, that’s not your name and you know it, said the other.

You’ve let so many others die, what’s so special about the boy? And I kind of like the name.

I slowly played with my flaming red hair as I thought more about it.

The boy’s the only one that can stop the Dark Lord.

That doesn’t make anything different.

Yes, it does!

No, it doesn’t!

Oh, my goddess, look at what you’ve turned into. You are letting people die and suffer before your very eyes. What happened to the old you? You used to be smart, nice, and good!

This was the only path, was there any alternative? You did this for Alexia so stop blaming yourself for it.

All right, back to the Potter boy issue. I can’t possibly let him die; I’m the only one who can save him.

What does it matter if the Potter boy dies or not?

It matters because one, he’s just an innocent kid; two, he’s the only one that can defeat the Dark Lord, you idiot!

I argued with myself for at least an hour, my head spinning and hurting from the extreme thinking. I’m so torn apart. I simply can’t leave the Potter boy dead, and if I save him, I might screw myself. What on earth am I going to do?

I don’t know why, but I started to cry.

*

Hours later I still haven’t decided on the Potter boy issue. My head is a mess and I can’t think straight. So, I decided to get out of the place and breathe some fresh air. Is there any fresh air in Manhattan? I doubt it; the air is so badly polluted.

I was starting the engine in my car five minutes later. Not really going anywhere, I exited from the underground parking lot and entered the traffic. For half an hour I just went around in circles and listened to the radio, trying not to think about anything. When the DJ on the radio announced that it was midnight, I decided this was going nowhere and took a turn on a small road I’ve never been to nor noticed before.

Another half an hour past and somehow, I’m in a dark and small alleyway with a dead-end. How I got here I have no idea. I’ve never seen this part of town before. I stopped the car and looked around. The alley was very dim lit and the buildings seemed old and withered. There were many garbage cans and the ground was full of garbage. Either the garbage man was on strike or there were people digging through them looking for things.

Just as I decided to get out of there and retrace my steps back, there was a light tap at my window and a dark, thin figure came into view. Not wanting to be recognized, I grabbed my sunglasses and put them on. Then, I opened my window.

“You seem lost, missy,” said the person.

“I’m fine,” said I. The guy had very dirty and messy hair. His clothing was very old and dirty. He was nothing buy skin and bones. I thought he was one of those homeless people in Manhattan.

“Are you sure you won’t like some assistant?” he asked in a hoarse voice.

“I’m fine,” said I, attempting to close my window.

But he put both of his hands on my window and stopped it from closing.

“Hey, hands off my car!” I barked, reaching into my pocket for my wand, just in case.

“One second, miss, I thought I’d give you a gift,” said the man. He handed a very dirty package through my window. I took it. I opened it and saw a bottle with some clear and transparent liquid in it rather like water. There was also a syringe.

“What the hell?” I asked.

“It’s morphine, when you’re down, miss,” said the person.

“You’re crazy if you think I’m going to take this. I’m not a drug addict,” said I. Unable to believe what fool I’ve run into. I was starting to laugh. But the person had already disappeared. I threw the package onto the passenger seat and went home.

When I got there, I took the bottle and syringe and put them into the bathroom cabinet. I don’t know why I didn’t throw it away. Seriously, it’s not like I’m going to do drugs, that’s crazy. I mean, I could become addicted and there would be unthinkable consequences.

I knew I’ve ran into some weird part of the city and there must be where drug addicts dwelt. I knew the guy either thought I was there to get drugs or he wanted me to get curious and try the thing and get addicted and look for him for more and then he’ll ask for thousands of dollars. Stupid Muggle. I mean, I’m not that stupid. Then why didn’t I throw away the **** thing? Maybe you think it could become useful. Doesn’t morphine makes you feel good and forget your troubles? Don’t be stupid; I’m not hopeless enough do to drugs. Not yet.

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[crocodile]

Hi, all. I know this story haven't been updated in ages. I apologize. I'm sorry to say that I'm having a bit of a writer's block and I'm very busy at the moment...However, rest assured that this story will be updated, eventually.

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