Mistaken Love by MzKISSEShere

5/28/13
HarryPotterFanfiction.com :: 80,000 Harry potter stories and podcasts
You are viewing a story from harrypotterfanfiction.com Mistaken Love by mzKISSEShere View Online Format: Novel Chapters: 11 Word Count: 43,723 Status: WIP Rating: Mature Warnings: Strong Language, Strong Violence, Scenes of a Sexual Nature, Substance Use or Abuse, Genres: Drama, Romance, Action/Adventure Characters: Harry, Ron, Hermione, Snape, Lucius, Voldemort, Draco, Ginny, OC, OtherCanon Pairings: Ron/Hermione, Draco/OC, Harry/OC, Other Pairing First Published: 04/25/2006 Last Chapter: 07/11/2007 Last Updated: 07/11/2007 Summary: The school year is ending and Hogwarts may not be reopening. Harry's working through the pain from the break up with Ginny and the death of Dumbledore. After the funeral, he runs into an unexpected girl and is left with an impression to follow her. Who is this unknown girl and where is she leading Harry? Emotions are spilling and curiosity is in the air as Harry's sixth year at Hogwarts of Witchcraft and Wizardry is at its end.
Chapter 1: Confessions with Darkness [View Online] [Printer Friendly Version of This Chapter] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Harry stood, watching the white tomb lower down into the ground. He grasped his hand tightly around the fake locket that rested in his hand. A tear trickled down his cheek and he continued to stare at the tomb that held the greatest man he ever knew. The funeral was over and everyone started to head back into the castle, hoping they would be able to feel at home again. Dumbledore was gone and so was the spirit of Hogwarts. Saddened faces entered through the great oak doors and walked the hallways. All students were to return home the following day, a week earlier than expected. Certain circumstances caused parents to send owls to the new headmistress, Minerva McGonagall, complaining that Hogwarts was no longer safe without Dumbledore. Harry remained behind and witnessed the final burial of the mentor he had now lost. Teachers did a sweeping motion with their wands and all the seats vanished from sight. The flowers that once rested at the side of the tomb were now neatly placed above the grave. It was all over and the feeling finally sunk into Harry. He was all alone and had no one else to help him through the toughest part of his life.
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Ron and Hermione were back in the Gryffindor common room, by the request of Harry. He needed time to himself; he needed time to grieve. When Harry felt that he was completely alone, he walked over to Dumbledores grave and sat on the grass beside the newly added mound of dirt. He carefully swept his hand over the soil and began to cry. Harry buried his face into his hands and hid his tears from the world around him. Twenty minutes passed and Harry was laying on his back, staring into the sky. The sun was bright, which made his eyes water. Tears stopped falling and he wiped his eyes one last time. Harry only allowed grief to take over him for twenty minutes, no more, no less. He knew keeping his emotions in would allow the pain to swallow him whole. Lifting himself up by his arms, Harry stood and decided to head back to meet his two best friends, which are probably worried about him. He will only be gone from the school when none here are loyal to him, this thought ran through Harrys head as he walked the halls of Hogwarts, his home. Harry made his way toward the moving staircases that would lead him to the Gryffindor common room. Still lost in his thoughts, he wasnt paying full attention to the things or people that surrounded him. Before he knew it, Harry ran into a girl, whom he knocked down. Im so sorry, Harry apologized and offered his hand to help her up. He noticed that she had puffy red eyes and tears streaming down her face. Harry didnt recognize her nor did he know who she was, but she looked incredibly beautiful. Her long brown hair was to her shoulders and covered her face purposely. Behind the forming tears, you were able to catch a glimpse of her dark, honey-brown eyes. She was around Harrys age and yet Harry had never seen her around Hogwarts before. Its okay, she replied, wiping the tears from her cheeks. She took his hand and was lifted onto her feet by Harrys strength. Do you go to Hogwarts? Harry asked, curious to know why she was here. No, I dont, she said, not wanting to stick around to talk to Harry. Why are you here? Harry tired not to be rude, but she was giving him a slight attitude. You know what, I should get going. Ill see you around, Harry. By the time Harry was able to say another word she was out of sight. He wondered who she was and how she knew his name. It was common for strangers to know Harrys name, but she left an impression that made Harry follow her back out of Hogwarts. She couldnt have gone that far, Harry thought as he wandered out to the grass area. Spotting her by Dumbledores grave, Harry moved slowly toward her and glanced around to see if anyone could identify her. When he turned his attention back, she was gone. Harry spun around, scanning the lake and the grass fields, trying to see if she was anywhere close to the school. Apart from some students enjoying their last day at Hogwarts, Harry saw no one. She completely disappeared, which made no sense; Apparating wasnt possible. One place he didnt look was the forbidden forest. It was the only escape other than jumping into the lake. Harry made his way into the forest, glancing back at Hogwarts in hesitation. She was only a girl, but something about her was odd and he wanted to find out what. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I wonder where Harry is, Ron said as he placed his cleansweep into his trunk.
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He should have been here by now, Hermione stood by the window, searching for Harry on the grounds of Hogwarts. Ron was in the boys dormitory packing at last minute with Hermione keeping him company. During the funeral, they were, of course, there for Harry, but they didnt seem to help much through his pain. Harry asked them to give him time alone after the funeral and they respected what he wanted. Hermione didnt want to leave Harrys side, though Ron knew it was for the best. Harrys probably taking a walk around the school, you know, to say good-bye, Ron assumed, denying the fact Harry might be missing. Maybe youre right, but Harry never left us hanging like this before. Hermione let out a sigh and continued, I know we said were going with him back to Godrics Hollow, but not returning to Hogwarts? Dont you think thats kind of rash? Hermione, its Harry, he knows what hes doing. No one asked you to come with us. Ron! Dont be ridiculous, of course Im coming! Im just Scared? Ron finished. Hermione fell silent and turned her attention back out the window. Who wouldnt be scared if they were going to hunt down Voldemort? Im with Harry and Ron and thats all that matters, then why am I so scared? Its not about Voldemort, its something else, but what? All these thoughts were flowing through her head as she stared into the pink and orange sky. Taking the silence as a yes, Ron closed his trunk and went over to Hermione. He wrapped his arms around her waist and held her close. Its going to be okay, he whispered into her ear and kissed her softly on the cheek. She pulled away from Ron. Is it really? Everything is chaotic right now; with Harry, with Hogwarts, and with us. How is it going to be okay? Whats wrong with us? Ron retorted, slightly confused. After the whole incident with Lavender and him, Ron acknowledged that he always had feelings for Hermione. Although he was rude to her and acted as a jerk, he somehow developed an attachment to her. We arent even together! You never told me how you felt about me nor did I to you. And now were acting like were a couple? It doesnt work this way, Ron. You want to know what Im feeling? We were just in a near death situation when we were fighting those Death Eaters. I was so scared of losing you. I dont want to regret not telling Ron broke off, unsure of what to say. Tell me what? I love you, Hermione. I always have, Ron moved closer to her, wanting to hold her in his arms. Hermione stared into his eyes, letting his affections for her sink in. Ron has always been a good liar and she was always able to tell when he lied, but this time Hermione knew he wasnt. She couldnt let this happen, not here, not now. Ron, we cant be together. Harry needs both of us. Starting a relationship right now would be selfish and more dangerous than you know. Her voice sounded soft and sad, her heart was breaking from the
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confession she was holding in. She loves him too. I understand. I just dont want us to be too late. What if something happens to you? I wont be able to live without you. Ron turned away from Hermione and paced the room with his head down. You wont lose me, not ever. Hermione walked over to him and held his hand. Ill wait for you, Hermione. As long as it takes, after Voldemort is gone, we can be together. Hermione smiled and fell into Rons arms. Ron embraced her with his warmth and comfort, letting her know he will love her forever. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The sun was slowly setting above the dark forest as Harry ran faster through the trees. He still wasnt able to see her, but he sensed which way she went. Darkness was now taking over and soon enough the forest became black. Harry stopped running and took out his wand. Lumos, his wand tip lit up with a bright light. Breathing heavily, he looked over his surroundings to choose another way to go. Four paths stood in front of Harry, all having no difference among each other. He looked hastily over the paths, trying to distinguish any movement up ahead. Once Harry had no luck, he took out his map and pointed the light toward it. Searching for anyone walking in the forest, he spotted a dot moving through the third path just ahead of him. Above the dot it showed a name floating upon it, Bethany Taylor. Bethany Taylor? Who the bloody hell is that? These questions ran through Harrys head, thinking if he ever heard that name before, but nothing came to mind. His attention was back on the map and he watched to dot move further down the path. He ran his finger up the second path on the map and saw a connection to the third path. It was much shorter then the one this girl, Bethany, took, so he decided he would be able to catch up to her by taking it. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Bethany continued to travel down the path with a blind sight. She had no wand, meaning she had no light. Taking this journey more then once, Bethany basically memorized where she was going, so she had no worries of getting lost. What concerned her was if someone or something attacks her. Her wand disappeared after Harry ran into her, leading to the conclusion of it falling out when she was on the ground. Bethany noticed it was gone when it became dark and she wasnt able to find it for use. This is taking too long. I should have hit the end of the path by now, Bethany thought. She figured out that she was on the wrong path when too much time passed by. Bethany began to retrace her steps as she turned back around. A rustle of leaves was heard at the right of her. She focused her eye sight toward the darkness that was making the noise. Taking a step forward, she felt someone grab her by the arm and push her up against a nearby tree. Trying to scream as loud as she could, Bethanys mouth was covered. Her muffled sounds werent as loud as she wanted them to be. Bethany struggled to release her arm from the grip of the person holding her, but it was too tight. She started to attempt another scream until the person holding her spoke. Be quiet! A boys voice whispered through Bethanys ears. Bethany recognized him at once, it was Harry. She gave him a confused look and felt his hand on her mouth lowering.
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Let go of my Bethany fought against Harrys strength to get free, but failed. Shut up! Harry hissed, not letting Bethany finish. The sound of rustling leaves continued just a few feet away. Someone was there and was making their way toward Harry and Bethany. Bethany felt Harry move closer to her, forcing his body to hers. His breaths were heavy and slow, she felt his chest rise and fall as he inhaled and exhaled. Harrys hand was still pinning her arm to the tree. She sensed him turning his head, trying to get a better sight of where the noise was coming from. Bethany stood still, not wanting to get spotted. Footsteps were coming nearer and her heart started beating faster. Bethany grasped her free hand onto his muscular shoulder. Harrys grip on her other arm began to loosen. She stared into Harrys eyes and lifted her arm to his chest, pulling him closer to her. Two men burst through the shadowed bushes and paused in front of the tree Harry and Bethany were behind. I told you, Crabbe, no ones here. Are you sure the Dark Lord said this specific place? one of the men spoke in a deep voice, muffled by a mask over his face; no doubt the mask of a Death Eater. Positive, he ordered for us to follow the second path up ahead until we hit this opening, the other man replied. He could have mentioned the third path You idiot, Goyle hit Crabbe upside his head. Is it the third or second path? I dont remember! Crabbe retorted angrily. If we get punished for this, I swear Ill kill you. Goyle stalked down another path and Crabbe followed miserably. Harry pushed himself away from Bethany and started toward the opening. Harry, wait! Bethany said, grabbing his arm. They might still be around. I dont think so, if they are as dense as the Crabbe and Goyle I know, they would be gone. Harry jerked his arm away from Bethany and walked into the opening surrounded by trees. You know who they are, right? Bethany asked, coming up into the opening after Harry. Death Eaters. Why would they be here? How on Earth would I know? Youre the famous Harry Potter, why dont you figure it out. Bethany noticed that Harry wasnt paying attention to what she was saying. Instead, he was staring at her at her very oddly, in a creepy way. Why did you come in the forest alone? Harry asked in suspicion. Funny, I was about to ask you the same question, Bethany answered coldly. Were you here to meet them? Harry motioned to the path Crabbe and Goyle disappeared into. Are you seriously asking if Im a Death Eater? Maybe I am, Bethany, Harry replied. Bethany saw that he was gripping his wand rather tightly.
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How you know my name? Bethany shot at Harry. Answer my question, he demanded, ignoring Bethanys question. If I was a Death Eater, which Im not, wouldnt I have done something to you when you knocked me over at Hogwarts? Exactly, we were at Hogwarts. Thats why you didnt do anything. He really is paranoid, Bethany thought, glaring at Harry in shock. I dont have to take this from you, Im leaving. Bethany turned her back toward Harry and began to walk away. Harry caught her left arm and pulled her to him. He lifted up her sleeve and saw it was bare. Are you happy now? Sorry if I couldnt be a Death Eater for you to capture and bring in to the Ministry. I guess you just have to find your glory somewhere else. Bethany forced her arm away from Harrys grasp and shoved him away from her. Why are you always looking for something to fight? Harry felt embarrassed. Never once was he wrong about accusing someone of being evil or full of Dark Magic. Maybe it was the whole thing about trusting Snape and witnessing him kill Dumbledore in front of his own eyes. Im sorry, Harry aggrieved. I haven't been myself lately. After the death of I dont need to hear youre life story, Bethany interrupted. Just pretend you didnt see me and we never met, okay? Bethany walked off into the darkness, leaving Harry behind. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter 2: Surprises, Tears and Madness [View Online] [Printer Friendly Version of This Chapter] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Draco, come now. Lucius stood in the doorway of young Malfoys room. He looked grim and spoke in a deep, strict voice. The robe he wore was colored black with the lining of green. His blond, silvery long hair hung loosely over his stiff shoulders. With the help of the Dementors, he was freed from Azkaban. After the night at the Ministry, Voldemort had the Dementors converted to his side, just as Dumbledore predicted. Along with Lucius, others escaped as well to join their master. Father, Draco spoke in a soft, weak voice, I know I disappointed you, I am sorry. He was not fed for weeks and was not allowed to leave his room. After the incident with Dumbledore, his father wasnt able to look him in the eyes without disgust. Draco recalled what happened that night. He stood with his wand in front of a helpless old man. All he had to do was kill him with a simple curse, but something stopped him. Every word Dumbledore spoke convinced Draco that he was able to be protected with his mother. He wanted to be free from his
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father; serving the Dark Lord was something he did not desire. The choices were given to him: become a Death Eater, or side with Dumbledore. What made him hesitate was the knowledge that he would die either way. Apologizing for your stupidity, Draco? You are pathetic and idiotic. Allowing Severus to perform the task that was given directly to you is shameful. Lucius walked over to his son and grabbed a hold of his arm. Snape just wanted my glory. I was fine without him! Draco shouted angrily as he was forced to follow along the side of his father. If it hadnt been for him, the Dark Lord would have killed you. In spite of the way everything turned out, you are going to be given another chance. Dumbledore is, in fact, dead; he was powerful, and now he is nothing. Lucius guided Draco toward the drawing room down the hall. I have been given another chance? Draco asked, I do not understand, father. You will soon see. Lucius reached the door with his grip on Draco. With his free hand, he turned the serpent shaped door knob and pushed the door open. The room was dark with little light from candles that were floating in midair. Live portraits of ancestors from many centuries ago were hung on along the walls. The flooring was made of a sleek marble that reflected a shadow of the whole room by the soft lighting. A circle was formed in the center of the room by masked figures. Lucius, the Dark Lord will be arriving shortly, a mans voice spoke from one of the Death Eaters in the circle. Thank you, Amycus, Lucius replied, Where are Crabbe and Goyle? They should be leaving the forest soon, Amycus answered. What are they doing in the forest? Lucius asked in complete confusion. The Dark Lord sent them to retrieve someone to join our ceremony tonight. This someone; who is he? Lucius, are you feeling threatened that someone may be replacing you? Amycus grinned. Why would I, the Dark Lords closest follower, be threatened by some fool he is bringing in? Lucius commenced, I will never be replaced. The Dark Lord reclaimed me from Azkaban. He knows that I am the one who brought in the most followers to him. Is that right? A woman at the left of Amycus took a step forward. You brought followers that fail the tasks given to them. May I recall your son, Draco? The womens eyes narrowed as she stared in the direction of Draco. Alecto, my son has much to learn, Lucius agreed, gripping Dracos shoulder more tightly, It was his first task and he hesitated. I am not proud of his actions, but he is still much use to the Dark Lord. Use to the Dark Lord? What the hell does that mean? Draco stood quietly, lost in his own mind. He was half listening to the conversation his father was having with the other Death Eaters until his name was mentioned. Everything was happening too fast for him. All he remembered was his father in Azkaban and him being locked in his room. Draco didnt care if he had to live in his room for the rest of
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his life, at least he wouldnt have to face Voldemort. Ha! Your son is not of any use, and neither are you, Alecto laughed. Why, Lucius? Why are you trying so hard to be the Dark Lords favorite when it is too late? Your own son ruined your chances of staying in a high position in the circle of Death Eaters. Lucius grew angry and irritated. He drew out his wand and directed it toward the woman. You have no idea what youre in for, he victimized. Alecto unmasked herself. She had dark circle under her eyes and scars healed around her neck and cheeks. Besides the elements that she had received from becoming a Death Eater, she was very pretty. Oh, Im so scared, she said sarcastically. Alecto didnt even bother to strike out her wand. You wouldnt hurt me Lucius, with the history we had, you cant. Dracos attention was now fully on his father and Alecto. He wasnt the only one watching, but all the Death Eaters had also turned their attention on the pair of them. Do not bring the past to the future, Alecto, Lucius tone lost its anger and became nervous. His eyes shot from his son and to the other Death Eaters, I remember nothing. I would never have thought to hear those words speak from your mouth, Alectos face grew hurt and her eyes reflected pain. Lucius turned away from her and placed his wand back inside his robe. No one spoke, not even Draco. My father with Alecto? This was no surprise to him. Draco always knew his father did not care for his mother; or him, for that matter. He was, however, curious to know when it happened. The silence was broken by two loud cracks made from the arrival of Crabbe and Goyle Apparating into the room. They were out of breath and wore pale faces. The Dark Lord, Goyle spoke in agony and pain, he will not be present The Death Eaters stared at each other and slowly, one by one they Apparated out of the room. They had no reason in staying without the presence of Voldemort at the ceremony. Goyle, Crabbe, Lucius and Draco were left alone. Lucius walked over to Crabbe and kicked him hard in the ribs. Who were you ordered to retrieve? Crabbe howled in pain and curled up into a shrimp-like posture. He remained quiet. I asked, who!? Lucius lifted his wand, Crucio! The screams of pain echoed through Dracos ears. He stood, watching his father torture the answer from these two helpless men. It made him sick, but he continued his gaze without a word spoken. We have been tortured by the Dark Lord himself for our failure. More pain forced onto us would not help you in acquiring our responses to your questions, Goyle said, gasping for air. Lucius grew angry and pointed his wand upon Crabbe and Goyle. Cru She was not there! Crabbe cried, not able to withstand anymore pain.
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She? Who is she? Lucius asked earnestly. Crabbe ignored Lucius and darted his eyes toward Draco. She was not there, he repeated. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ HEY! Where are you going? Bethany! Harry called, racing after her. Harry came to his senses after Bethany walked away from him. He knew that she wouldnt be able to get out of the forest without him; he had a map plus a wand. Yet, deep down, he was the one who needed her help. The map only covered so much of the forest resulting that he was way out of bounds. Harry didnt know which path would lead him out of the forest and back to Hogwarts. His only chance of getting out was Bethany, and she didnt want anything to do with him. Can you wait just one second? he asked, catching up to Bethany and following behind her. Bethany turned around unexpectedly and Harry ran into her. Just leave me alone! Is that so hard to understand? She continued walking without an answer. Im slow at comprehending things, I cant help it, said Harry, where are you going? To the Netherlands, Bethany answer ironically, where do you think? Well, Im no genius, but didnt we come from that way? Harry pointed at a path they just passed by. Youre right, Bethany came to a halt and turned to Harry, you are no genius. Im not the one who came in here without a wand, Harry retorted. Thats your fault. Youre the one who knocked me over. Thats when I lost it! Bethany looked furious and began walking once again. Wait, Harry grabbed her hand arm and swung her around, why cant we just talk? Talk about what, exactly? The weather? I think its around 54 degrees, what about you? Okay, I get it, Bethany. You dont like me, but you have to live with it. No, I dont! Bethany cried, I have a choice to not have you in my life, but for some reason you just keep butting in. Harry was surprised by Bethanys yelling. He couldnt understand why she hated him so much. Besides accusing her of being a Death Eater, he didnt do anything wrong. Maybe I just got on her bad side, he thought. I told you that I was sorry about the whole Death Eater thing. What more do you want? Harry asked. I want you to stay the hell away from me. Its hard enough that I just lost someone I loved and now I have to get you off my back, Bethany shouted as her eyes began to water. She freed her arm from Harrys grip and covered her face with her hands. Bethany, I didnt know, Harry said gravely. Harry didnt mean to make Bethany cry. He became nervous and had no idea what to do. As he stood there, he began to think of a way to make things better. Ill just walk away slowly and shell just stop crying. Or, I can crack a joke and make her laugh. God, Im stupid! Harry decided it was best to stay
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and talk things out; it would let him get to know her better. Of course you didnt know, no one does. Bethany slowly brought herself to the ground and sat in a position with her knees to her chest. She rested her head on her arms, covering her face. Harry seated himself next to her, You shouldnt keep what youre feeling bottled up. The pain will just hurt more. I should know, I lost someone recently too. Actually, Ive been having the worst day of my life. Harry tilted his head, getting a better look at Bethany. Why is that? Bethany asked, appearing to be holding back her tears. Well, lets start from the top of the list. I witnessed the murder of Dumbledore, I broke up with my girlfriend, Im lost in a forest and, oh yeah, someones trying to kill me. Ill switch lives with you any day. Bethany lifted her head and faced Harry, No, you wouldnt. You dont know anything about me or my life. What makes you think your life sucks more than mine? Youre right, I dont know anything about you, and dont assume that you know anything about me either. Just because Im Harry Potter doesnt mean everything written about me is true. So, you didnt really save the Sorcerers Stone, or Ginny Weasley from the Chamber of Secrets? Or, you cant actually perform a Patronus and you didnt win the Triwizard Tournament? At the Ministry, you werent one of the six students who fought against Death Eaters and you arent the boy who is destined to kill Voldemort? Youre saying these are all rumors? said Bethany. Alight, alight. You win. You know everything about me and I know nothing about you. Happy? I never said that I know everything about you, Bethany replied, I just know some things. My grandfather talks about you a lot. Your grandfather? Whos your grandfather? Harry asked curiously. Bethanys eyes wandered away from Harry and focused on the bright moon just over them. Dumbledore. Albus Dumbledore is my grandfather. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ We are here tonight to say good-bye to those we have lost. Two nights ago, Professor Dumbledore was murdered. We all grieve for him as well as the Aurors who died, fighting along side with him. Ending this year would be incomplete without our beloved headmaster, but it would be more painful for him to have died in vain. Professor McGonagall stood on the podium of the Great Hall. She faced the sorrow eyes of the students that glared back at her. With the last day at Hogwarts ending, she held the end of the year feast that mourned the loss of Dumbledore. The presence of Albus Dumbledore still lives in this school. Many of you are expecting to return for another year to learn and others are doubtful of the protection of Hogwarts. As the headmistress, I am sorry to say that we will not be returning. Hogwarts of Witchcraft and Wizardry will not be reopening next fall. Noises of gasps and angered shouts were heard from the students. Some banged their fists onto the table and others fell into tears. The closing of Hogwarts meant the loss of friendships, relationships, close bonding and most of all the loss of learning. Professor McGonagall continued her speech as the students listened.
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Down one of the four long tables sat Hermione, Ron, and Ginny. They were upset with the news of Hogwarts not reopening and realized it was something that had to be done. Barely listening to the continued speech, they began to talk amongst themselves. It had to happen, Hogwarts is targeted by Voldemort. Without Dumbledore, the school has no chances of surviving, said Hermione glumly. I cant believe it. I still cant believe it; this isnt happening, Ginny collapsed her face into her hands. Dont worry, Ginny, its not like Hogwarts is going to be closed forever, Ron hugged his sister. When everything is back to normal, the school will reopen. Right, Hermione? I hope so, Ron, she answered with a concerned look. They began to get lost in their thoughts. Professor McGonagall ended her speech and everyone clapped. Food appeared on the table and all the students began eating. Hermione, Ron and Ginny werent hungry and they decided to head back to the Common Room. The three of them climbed the staircase that led them to the Gryffindor Common Room. Ron gave the password to the Fat Lady and entered as Hermione and Ginny followed behind him. Each of them sunk into a cozy chair, admiring the Common Room one last time in silence. Ginnys eyes wandered over to the couch where she and Harry once fell asleep together on. She remembered that she waited for him to return from detentions with Snape and accidentally dozed off. When she awoke in the middle of the night Harry was beside her with his arms around her. Tears were slowly forming in her eyes. She couldnt understand why Harry broke up with her. All the danger Harry could put her in didnt matter to her. The only thing she wanted was to be with Harry. Ginny awoke from her memories when she noticed something. Wheres Harry? she asked, breaking the silence between them. Ron and Hermione looked at each other and stared back at Ginny. They couldnt tell her that Harry never showed up after Dumbledores funeral or that they think hes missing. Neither of them knew where he was and neither of them wanted to tell Ginny. Well, where is he? Ginny asked again. She noticed something wasnt right from the faces Hermione and Ron wore. Ginny, you shouldnt worry. You know Harry, he always disappears and comes back, Ron responded, not really answering Ginnys question. What do you mean? Harry disappeared? Ginnys voice increased slightly as she spoke. What Ron meant is that Harry went somewhere, and we dont know exactly where, Hermione said dubiously. So, you just didnt bother to find him? cried Ginny, What if hes in danger? What if hes hurt? I told you, Ron answered, its Harry. Hes Ronald Weasley, do not say that Harry is fine! You and Hermione dont even care. If you did, then you would be with him right now, wouldnt you? Ginny jumped off the chair and onto her feet, Im going to go look for him. Ron stood up from his seat and moved toward Ginny. He was furious with Ginnys stubbornness. She
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loved Harry, and Ron knew it every time Ginny talked about him, but it wasnt an excuse to go chasing after him when she could get herself into serious danger. Ginny, wait, you just cant go looking for him. You have no idea where to start, Hermione said, pushing Ron away from Ginny. Ill carry her to her room and lock her until shes thirty! Hermione, let go of me! Ron shouted, trying to make his way around Hermione. THAT IS IT! Hermione shouted irritably, you two are the most impossibly insane people I know and love. Were going But Ron began to complain, but was cut off by Hermione. I said, Ron, were going to find Harry together. Its either we go together or we dont go at all, Ginny. Ginny looked over at Ron, then to Hermione. She had no time to argue back, knowing they would never let her go on her own. Her main concern was to find Harry and make sure hes okay, but something in the back of her mind was telling her that it was a bad idea. Fine, whatever, said Ginny abruptly, can we just go? Hermione nodded and dragged Ron up to his and Harrys dormitory to retrieve Harrys Invisibility Cloak. They knew Harry hadnt taken it with him because he wasnt sensible enough to. Less then five minutes later, Ron, Hermione and Ginny were under the cloak making their way out of Hogwarts, having no clue of where to start looking. What they did know was that everyone will be on a train, leaving Hogwarts tomorrow afternoon and they wouldnt be on it. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Chapter 3: The Search and the Plan [View Online] [Printer Friendly Version of This Chapter] --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Well, Albus Dumbledore was my grandfather. Bethany stood and walked away from Harry. She didnt want to see his reaction. Why? Why did I tell him? Bethany thought as she made her way further from Harry. Her eyes were slowly forming tears, but she held them back. Crying for her deceased grandfather was something she didnt want to do again. The pain was too much for her to handle and she knew if she started crying now the tears will never stop falling. Albus Dumbledore? Harry said in an uncertain tone, The Albus Dumbledore? Recent Headmaster of Hogwarts? The man that was buried today? The Albus Dumbledore that was murdered by Snape? The murder that I witnessed? Harry finished quietly. Yes, hes my grandfather, Bethany replied faintly. Is it so hard to believe? She turned toward Harry and saw his face expression. His bright green eyes reflected disbelief and shock. Bethany became angry at the fact that Harry didnt believe her. Looking away furiously, she focused her attention toward the sky. The stars shimmered through the dark grey clouds that were moving in fast and the moon was beginning to be swallowed by them. A chill went through her body and she felt that the rain was only just a few minutes away.
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Well, how do I know youre not lying? He never mentioned he had a daughter or a granddaughter. How do I know I can trust you? Harry asked tensely. You came looking for me, didnt you? Youre the one who followed me into a deserted forest in the middle of the night. If you didnt trust me, then why did you follow me alone? Bethany said, irritated. I really dont care if you trust me or not, but Im not lying. Why werent you at the funeral? Harrys question brought Bethany heartache. She had her reasons for not attending the funeral. Bethany never told anyone about her grandfather. The only people who knew were the teachers at Hogwarts and no one else. Her whole life was kept a secret for her protection. Dumbledore was everything to her; he was the only person she trusted. Now that Bethany lost him, she didnt know what else to do. She decided that Harry had no business in knowing any of this. Does it really matter, Harry? Hes gone and hes not coming back. Specks of rain drops began to fall. Soon enough, water was pouring down. Rumbling thunder was flashing through the dark sky as the rain continued to drown the forest. Bethany didnt notice the rain, nor did she care. She wasnt one of those girls who worried about their appearance twenty-four seven. Her hair soon became soaked from the tears that fell from the sky. Bethany ran her hands through her hair and glanced over at Harry, catching his stare. Why do want to know so much about my life? Bethany shouted over the roar of the storm. Were here arent we? Alone, and forgotten by everyone else. You know all about me, dont I have the right to know at least a little about you? When Bethany didnt answer, Harry paused and changed the subject. The storm is going to last all night and we wont be able to make it back to Hogwarts, Harry continued. He stood up from the water filled ground and slopped over puddles to get to Bethany, Wouldnt it be better to know more about each other? I see no point, Bethany said indignantly. Its not like were going to see each other again after we get back and go our separate ways. How do you know Im not going the same way as you? So youre just going to follow me around now? Thats kind of creepy, even for you, Harry. I know you like me and all, but isnt it a little too early for you to start stalking me? I never knew a girl could be so conceited, said Harry. Well, you havent had a lot of experience with girls then. Are you saying that Im unattractive? No, I didnt say you were unattractive. Youre a bit annoying though, Bethany laughed. She noticed that she smiled for the first time in a long while. Something about Harry made her feel comfortable and enabled her to let go of all her problems. Im not annoying! As a matter of fact, I am attractive. I have had experience with girls and they are nothing like you, Harry interpreted. Bethany snorted with laughter, If they were like me, they wouldnt have gone out with you.
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I would be surprised if any guy would have considered you as a girlfriend. I mean, come on, youre stubborn, rude, mean, selfish and a brat. All turn offs to guys. Well, you wouldnt know, would you? So, Im right, you never had a boyfriend, Harry said with a triumph tone in his voice. Bethany smiled and faced the sky, letting the rain fall onto her face. I cant believe he just asked if I had a boyfriend, she thought humorously. She stared back at Harry who was still awaiting an answer. I had a boyfriend. Things didnt work out, Bethany responded unrepentantly. Harrys eyebrows rose in surprise, Who? Are you always this nosy? You dont see me asking about you and Ginny. And you know about Ginny, how? Harry, did you know that every issue of Witch Weekly has an article about you? Its either on your love life or the way you style your hair. Harry grinned, And you read these articles because? Because my life is utterly boring, Bethany answered wryly. She broke into a smile and Harry returned one back. Both of them fell silent. The conversation about relationships seemed to end as the rain grew harder and the sound of thunder increased. They began to wander around the forest trying to find a place to stay dry, away from the rain. They spotted a rushing creek running down into a large lake. At first, they thought they made it back to Hogwarts, but realized it was just one of many lakes found in the Forbidden Forest. As their eyes roamed around the beautiful sight, they came across a small mountain with a large cave opening. When they reached the entrance of the cave, Bethany spotted Harry watching her. What? she asked ruthlessly. Ladies first, Harry amused. Are you serious? Its pitch black in there, what if I never come out or its a human eating cave? Bethany retorted as she examined the opening of the cave. Wow, I thought you werent scared of anything, Bethany. Maybe I was wrong. Im not scared of anything! Im just not stupid. Fine, Ill go in. The guy always dies first, right? No, the stupid person does, and its clearly you, Bethany said, watching him take a few steps forward with his grip around his wand. Tell Ginny I love her if I never come back out, said Harry scarcely. Consider it done. Bethany caught a smile from Harry and saw him disappear into the cave. Oh God, please let him come back out, she whispered to herself. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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Ginny, where do you think youre going? Ron asked, watching his sister glace from the Black Lake to the Forbidden Forest. Ginny, Ron and Hermione were searching the grounds of Hogwarts for Harry in the middle of the night. Dark clouds were above them and the icy wind blew through the Invisibility Cloak. Tired and wanting to go back to sleep, they still had no luck on locating Harry. Im finding Harry, what do you think? Ginny answered irritably. Maybe hes in the school, Hermione insisted. We searched everywhere in Hogwarts, hes not there. Ginny took a couple steps toward the lake and switched her direction to the forest. He went in here. Thunder was heard and Ron gave a startled jump. Rain drops began to fall and Ginny made her way toward the darkened trees. Oh no, youre not going in there! Ron said as he held Ginny back by her robe. Ron, let go of me. Im almost sixteen, stop trying to protect me! Shes right, you know, Hermione muttered in Rons ear. I dont care! Im not letting my little sister into that forest! Gigantic spiders live there, who knows, with Aragog dead there might be a bigger one, said Ron crossly. Well, if protecting her is your responsibility, you arent doing a really good job. Ginny left half way through your sentence, Hermione replied. Why doesnt Ginny ever listen to me? Ron walked passed Hermione and into the forest after Ginny as Hermione followed. Harry would have found a place to keep warm and dry, Hermione said, sloshing mud behind Ron. Ginny led the way deeper into the forest as Hermione and Ron tried to keep up. She took long strides between each of her paces and swung tree branches here and there. Her mind was set on finding Harry, making sure he was okay and then beating the crap out him. It hurt her that Harry didnt bother to tell anyone where he was going, especially her. Nothing made sense. Harry wasnt the type of person who would leave without a trace. Well, maybe he was, but this time was different. Yeah, like a cave or something, right? Ginnys strides grew longer and her speed increased. Ginny, would you slow down? I think were already covered in enough mud! Ron bellowed fiercely. I told you I wanted to go alone! If you and Hermione cant keep up then go back. Im better off! How can you say that, Ginny? The storm is getting worse and its going to last all night, you cant be in here alone, Hermione retorted, concerned. Im fine! Ginny cried. I could just carry her back against her will, Ron suggested to Hermione. Ron, she can take you, Hermione whispered back, grinning. They all continued through the endless forest having no idea of which direction to go.
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ What are you blabbing about, Crabbe? Draco asked dispassionately. He stood in front Crabbe and Goyle who were helpless and on the floor, at his feet. Draco was furious; he didnt want to admit that he knew what Crabbe was talking about. He felt his fathers suspicious eyes were staring at him. Draco did not dare to make eye contact with his father. Knowing that his father was very well taught Legilimency by the Dark Lord himself, Draco wouldnt let him take the chance to delve into his mind and his secrets. The Dark Lord knows, Draco Crabbe replied wearily. Crabbe, shut your mouth, hell kill us! Goyle hissed. Master will do no such thing, Goyle! He was the one who The Dark Lord will not kill us, you fool. You know who will, Goyle shot his eyes toward Lucius and Draco. That is enough. Crabbe, Goyle, what are you talking about? Lucius asked, darting his eyes at the pair of them. I want to know now or death is something you will have in the next few minutes. The Dark Lord told us not to speak of it, Goyle cried. You are not speaking to the Dark Lord, you are speaking to me, Lucius retorted, annoyed. Draco saw his father raise his wand. The door was only a few feet away, it was the only escape he had. He didnt want to be apart of this, he didnt want his father to know. Crabbe gave his cover away and Draco knew that if he is not to leave his father now, he will have to tell his father everything. He slowly inched his way toward the door and laid his hand on the door knob. Dracos eyes were still watching his father. This was his only chance and he needed to wait for the right moment. Do not make me repeat myself, Lucius said. Kill us, we do not care, Goyle insisted. The Dark Lord will not be happy with two of his followers dead, and you know that, Lucius. Crabbe whimpered when Lucius came to face him. You feel the same way, Crabbe? Are you willing to die to protect this secret ? Crabbe nodded his head in silence. Then so be it, Lucius concluded. Avada Kedavra! A flash of green light shimmered throughout the room and that was Dracos cue. He wrenched the door open and ran down the hall. Draco! Come back here now! Lucius shouted furiously. Draco heard his father running after him and he increased his speed. Do not disobey me after all I have done for you, I will not hesitate to attack! Draco ignored his fathers fuming threats. He closed his eyes tightly and allowed thoughts to run through his head. Think, anywhere away from my father and away from this life. Just take me
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anywhere. With a crack, Draco disappeared. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Master, what is it? Severus Snape stood at the side of Voldemort in a dungeon below many grounds. The place was shadowed with very little light which made the room appear larger. At the right of Snape, barred rooms existed where prisoner were held captive if needed to be. The ceiling was high and the room consisted of no windows. Even though no air was circulated from the outside to the inside, the dungeon was freezing cold. Snape watched his master clasp his hand over the Dark Mark that stained his left arm. What do you feel, Severus? Voldemort asked. He felt his left arm burn. Not knowing what it meant, he turned to his master. It burns, Snape replied hesitantly. Yes, and? Snape pushed his left arms sleeve and ran his right hand over the brightly, colored green skull and snake, I do not understand. Why did it change to such a color? Crabbe and Goyle are dead, the green represents the death of one of our own, Voldemort answer simply. But they are with Lucius, Snape discerned. Yes, they were with Lucius. He killed them. Master, why would Lucius kill people he brought to you as followers? You know why, Severus. The plan, Snape thought. He finally understood, Lucius knows about our plan. No, Crabbe and Goyle died because they will not tell him. Draco must have Fled? Yes, he did, Voldemort said. He is faithful; he obeys me more than his own father. And you know this all, master? Snape inquired. I have a great mind, I know everything. Then Lucius knows nothing about our plan? Correct, and it will stay this way. But master, why? What has he done to be abandoned by his son and you? Severus, he was reckless that night at the Ministry. He must be punished. Snape nodded.
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There was a loud crack and a woman Apparated in front of Voldemort. She kneeled onto her right knee and bent into a bow. Master, she greeted. Alecto, Voldemort replied back. I did not call you, why are you here? Alecto lifted herself from the floor and turned to Snape, I must have a word with my husband. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Chapter 4: The Difference Between Free Will and Force [View Online] [Printer Friendly Version of This Chapter] Hogwarts was gleaming with sunlight as the clouds parted after a rain storm. Students wandered the grounds of Hogwarts on an early Saturday afternoon. A group of chattering Slytherins passed a girl, who was in her sixth year, sitting alone with a book across her lap near a small spout of a Whomping Willow. She wore a dirty, black colored robe with an old Hogwarts crest on the right side of her chest. Her long, jet black hair covered most of her face and hid her away from other people. They turned their heads toward her and whispered something to each other. Laughter sprung out of the group and they continued walking away. Alecto watched the backs of the Slytherins disappear behind the great oak doors of the castle. A tear slowly formed and she wiped it with the sleeve of her robe. She stood up and walked toward the large stadium that was a few yards away from her. She entered the Quidditch field, hoping to be alone. Once she found herself in the middle of the field she heard a boys voice speak from above her. Hey, James! Whos that girl that just walked onto the field? Alecto searched the sky and saw a handsome boy riding a broom with a Quaffle in his hand. She glanced over to the end of the field and saw James Potter with his messy hair and round glasses. I dont know Sirius, but she is kind of hot! James yelled across the field. Sirius sped toward James and did a stunt by diving toward the ground and pulling back up smoothly with a charming smile on his face. Alecto saw him stare at her to see her reaction; obviously checking if his showing off impressed her. She gave him a disgusted look and turned to walk away. Wait! Sirius cried. Forget it, Padfoot! Shes mine! James motioned his broom toward Alecto and gathered speed. Hey! I saw her first! Sirius claimed. You have Lily, remember? We arent officially together, James replied, theres still plenty of James to go around. Sirius laughed and chased after James. Alecto saw James land on the ground followed by Sirius. She knew who they were and knew if they got close enough they wouldnt want anything to do with her. Breaking into a run, she passed the doors that led into Hogwarts and made her way into the Forbidden Forest. Alecto hid herself behind a tree and sat on the ground with her legs to her chest, making herself small. After ten minutes she peeked out from the tree and saw that James and Sirius went back into Hogwarts and forgot all about her. She tied her hair into a messy ponytail and wiped the sweat from her face. Still tired from running, she sprawled her long, skinny legs out and messaged the cramps
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out of them. A couple of minutes passed and she felt that someone was watching her. As she lifted her head, she saw a tall boy about her age emerge from trees just a few yards away from her. He had stiff shoulders and muscular arms that swung by his hips as he walked toward her. His face wore a stern look and his blond hair came down passed his shoulders. Alecto Carrow? the boy asked. Alecto stood up, Whos asking? The boy stopped in front of an opening that was a path back to Hogwarts. He gazed into her eyes with an expressionless stare. Youre brother is in trouble. My brother, Amycus? He is foolish for everything he does. I do not care about him. He is dying, the boy said flatly. Alecto stared at the boy in silence. She did not know if it was true or just a lame joke that he and his friends made up to have a laugh at. Where is he? she demanded. Ill take you to him, the boy replied. Alecto did not move. I know you do not trust me, but right now your brother needs you. If you do not wish to come then do not follow me. The boy turned and walked through the opening. Alecto thought for second, If he was telling the truth and Amycus does need me, I have to follow him, but if he is lying I can handle the humiliation anyway. Amycus is my brother She paced slowly after him and kept her distance. The boy glanced behind him and Alecto caught his stare. She pulled the hair tie out of her ponytail and allowed her hair to cover her face once again. You look prettier with you hair up and out of your face, the boy said with his gaze still on Alecto. Why do you care? Alecto snapped. I mean, you dont even know me and I dont know you." The boy came to a halt and turned around. My name is Lucius Malfoy and I care because I like you. Alecto awoke from her dream with the image of Lucius still in her mind. She lifted her head from the table she slept at to regain her strength back from the long journey she took. As she stretched out her back that ached from the position she slept in, she rubbed the tiredness from her eyes. Her eye sight was blurred for a few minutes as she brought her hands down to her side. Once she was able to see clearly, she stood up and glanced around the room. A fireplace was at the right of her, unlit, with a pile of ashes waiting to be cleaned. Following her glance was a window half open, allowing the air and the moonlight to come in. Alecto took a few steps toward the window and gazed out. She saw that she was in a room many stories high from the ground and mostly likely from the dungeons where Snape was. Alecto knew that Snape was angry with her for interrupting a conversation between him and the Dark
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Lord. She still felt the bruise on her right arm left my Snape dragging her into this room, his room. Never meaning to disturb them, she had vital information that Snape needed to know. Although Snape never took Alecto seriously, she was still determined to tell him. She ran her hand up and down her right arm, feeling the bruise that was there. A tear fell from her eye and she wiped it away quickly, not wanting to bring back the other bad memories she and her husband had. Her heart ached as she pushed the memories and the pain away. She knew that her false love for Snape wasnt going to hold much longer. Minutes passed and she turned her attention back to the room. Alecto retraced her steps back to the table and the bookshelf that was behind it. She scanned the shelf and the many books that were placed there in alphabetical order. Her hands ran across each book until she found one that interested her. Pulling the book into her hands, she brought it over to the table and flipped it open. She continued flipping through the pages until she found what she was look for. Leaving the book on the table, she walked over a cabinet that was marked ingredients. Alecto rummaged through the cabinet taking a bottle from the top shelf, then the middle and then the bottom shelf. She left the cabinet and returned back to the table and took out her wand. With a swift movement with her wand and an incantation spoken from under her breath, a cauldron appeared. She ran her finger down the page of the book that was still open on the table and started added ingredients into the cauldron. A half an hour later, the cauldron contained a pink solution that was still steaming with sparks sprinkling into the air. Alecto opened a drawer from under the table and took out a small vile and began to fill it with the potion. Finally screwing the cap on, she turned to the cauldron and made it disappear. She placed the vile on the table and cleaned the rest of the ingredients she didnt use. As she placed the bottles back in to the cabinet the room door swung open, causing her to drop the last bottle she held in her hand. I expect that you will be cleaning that up? Snape walked through the door and gave a disdainful look toward his wife. Is the potion done? Alecto turned her head toward the table and nodded at the vile that was now colored pink from the potion that filled it. Good, he picked the vile up and slid it into his pocket. Ill be back and make sure you dont leave here, the Dark Lord doesnt want anyone ruining the plan. With another dispassionate look at Alecto, he left. Alecto slowly cleaned up the mess from the bottle she dropped. She then walked over to the book and closed it. The title, Love Potions , gleamed in scarlet red letters that stretched across the book. After lifting the book back onto the shelf, she turned and picked up her traveling cloak from the chair. Wrapping herself with her cloak, she opened the room door and looked back at the room that was considered to be her cage. With hesitation, she walked out and closed the door behind her. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Draco opened his grey eyes and the moonlight reflected off them. After taking a deep breath and exhaling, he allowed his eyes to wander around. Trees were everywhere and the ground was soft with wet soil and dirt. He looked above him and into the sky. The dark grey clouds were slowly parting after soaking everything with its rain drops. A few seconds passed and Draco turned his attention toward a bright yellow light coming from the East. There stood Hogwarts with a light shining off the Astronomy Tower. He wished that he was there, in his dormitory, sound asleep, and having no care in the world. He wished he was there, waiting for the next day to take the train back to the Manor, where it was only
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him and his mother with his father still imprisoned at Azkaban. He wished that he had never been given any orders from Voldemort or forced to become a Death Eater. All Draco wanted was to be a normal and not have a whole future planned out for him. Although he wished for all this, you dont always get what you want. Continuing to stare at Hogwarts, he felt the wind seep through the leaves of the trees and penetrate his blonde hair. He turned away from the school and realized that he would never be able to go back or show his face inside the castle ever again. After acknowledging the fact that Hogwarts was to the East of him, he figured he was in the Forbidden Forest. He then had to decide where he was going to go. Draco knew he was far from the Manor and from his father, and he was completely happy of that. Hogwarts was off the list of places to go and home was as well. The only place left was to stay in the forest and wander. He knew where he was and the ways out of the forest, but before he was able to determine where to go, Draco felt something inside his conscience pull him Westward. He followed his instinct and it led him toward an opening with many trees surrounding it. The opening seemed familiar to him, but he couldnt quiet put his finger on it. Just then he heard voices and he listened to them, hoping it was someone he knew. Im fine! a girl cried. I could just carry her back against her will another voice spoke that belonged to a boy. Ron, she can take you, a girl said, different from the first. Draco couldnt believe how unlucky he was. It was Rons voice. This is not good Where there is Weasley, theres Granger and Potter close by. He knew who the voices belonged to, but they werent people he wanted to see at the moment. Still visible from standing in the middle of the opening, Draco turned to leave a different way, but something stopped him. That same pull inside of him forced him to stay. He heard them approaching closer and finally, he was able to see them. Ginny was in front of the group and Hermione and Ron were behind her; no Harry in sight. Draco stared at the three and Ginny caught his stare. They stood there looking at each other for awhile until Ginny was shoved aside by Ron. Ill rip him apart with my bare hands! Just let me at him! Ron was closing in on Draco, but Draco did not move an inch. Ron! Stop! Youre not a murderer! Hermione cried desperately, putting herself between Ron and Draco. Hermione Granger, a Mudblood, is defending me? Something is very wrong, Draco thought, still standing in the same place. Do you know who he is, Hermione? Hes responsible for Dumbledores death! Hes a Death Eater for god sakes! Ron shouted in reply. Actually Weasley, I dont have the mark on my left arm, therefore Im not a Death Eater. You should really brush up on your History. Draco spoke for the first time and was shocked to hear his own voice. Ron glared over at him, Oh, so just because you arent a Death Eater youre not responsible for killing Dumbledore? Draco stayed silent. He knew that no words would change what he has done. Dumbledore offered to help him escape from a life he wished he never had gotten involved with, but Draco couldnt just back
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out, he had to follow orders or he would be killed. After Dumbledore was murdered by Snape, everything that happened was a blur to Draco. He could barely remember how he ended up back in his room. The next thing he knew was his father bursting into his room and dragging him in front of a group of Death Eaters. Who was he to think that Ron or Hermione or Ginny to understand why he did what he did? Only one person knew, but that person was no where near, or so he thought. Draco decided that if Ron wasnt going to hit him anytime soon, he would just walk away, pretending he never saw them in the first place. No stupid remarks or excuses, Malfoy? You cant find anything to say to deny what you did? Thats what I thought, you useless bastard. Ron raised his wand and leveled it to Dracos chest. Wait, this time it wasnt Hermione, but Ginny who protested. She walked up to Draco and looked into his grey, helpless eyes. Why did you do it? Why did you have to kill him? Draco was shocked that out of everyone in the whole world, Ginny was the one who asked this question. He hesitated before answering, thinking if he should really tell the truth. Because Are you serious, Ginny? He killed him because he felt like it, Ron exclaimed in anger. Ron, cant you just shut up. What are you going to do to him? Kill him? You would never kill anyone, Ron. I know you, Ginny retorted, awaiting an answer from Draco. Ron opened his mouth to say a come back, but closed it, not able to think of one. He knew that Ginny was right. So, why did you? Ginny asked again. He would have killed me, Draco replied simply with no ironic tone. Thats just an excuse, and you know it, Malfoy, Ginny snapped. Draco rolled his eyes, I dont have to tell you why, so just kill me already. I would probably go to a better life then Im in right now, no Weasleys or Mudbloods. He shot a disgusted look at the three of them. Your right, Hell is a much better place for you. See, Ginny, he even gives us permission, Ron said, already thinking of what spell to use. No, Ron. I want to know why. Ginny continued to stare at Draco. Look, Im evil, Im a bad guy, whatever reason I give, youre not going to believe me. Try us, Hermione pressed on. Draco looked over at Ron and saw that he was eager to know his answer also. He sighed, The original plan was not for me to kill Dumbledore, I was only supposed to raid Hogwarts and have Dumbledore weakened. I had no knowledge of how Dumbledore was hurt or that the Dark Lord ordered Snape to kill him. I was left out of the loop. If I was assigned to kill Dumbledore, I wouldnt have for reasons Im not going to say. I didnt know you would sink so low that you would actually try to make us believe you are innocent. Ron was at his limits with his patients. He struck out his wand and darted forward to Draco, Sectum Expelliarmus!
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Rons wand flew out of his hand and landed a few feet away from him. He looked over at Draco and saw that he hadnt moved and his eyes narrowed toward his sister. I believe him, said Ginny, holding her wand which was directed at Ron. Draco didnt understand what was going on. He was standing there, in front of them. He heard everything and saw everything, but he still couldnt understand. The gits little sister actually believes me Now, I know Im totally losing it. You what?! Rons face was slowly turning red and Hermione swore she saw a little steam come out of his ears. I believe him, Ginny repeated. Ginny, I dont think Hermione began to state her opinion until Ginny cut her off. Theres something about him, something that has changed. He didnt know about the plan and I believe that Voldemort had his reasons for not telling Malfoy, but I dont know why. You do though, dont you, Malfoy? Draco was stunned for a second and was ruminating how Ginny knew so much. He didnt want to answer her, but he did know why he was kept out of the entire plan. That pull inside him erupted again and was pushing his instincts to tell her. This time, he refused to give in. No, I dont know. I guess he didnt trust me, he responded imperatively. Who would? Ron mumbled to himself. Ginny was able to tell that Draco was lying at this time, but she did not force an answer from him. You know the way around the forest; youre going to help us find Harry. Im going to help you find Harry? Draco asked hoarsely. Yes, hes somewhere in the forest and hes lost. Youre going to help us find him. Ginny went over and picked up Rons wand from the floor and returned it to him. Okay, now I have to draw the line somewhere. He is not going with us, Ginny. How can you trust him? How can you actually believe him? Ron took his wand from Ginny and stuffed it into his back pocket, forgetting his grudge against Draco. I dont care anymore. I dont care that he is a liar, a bad guy, a git, a bastard or whatever you want to call him, Ron. He knows the forest. He uses it to communicate with Voldemort and for hiding. Malfoy doesnt have to tell me this because I know. Voldemort used me before, back in my second year. I awoke in the forest at times with no clue of how I got there. All I want to do is find Harry and if I have to use Malfoy then so be it. Ginny grabbed Malfoy by the arm and began to walk out of the opening. Ron turned to Hermione, A little help, please! I dont know what you want me to do, Ron. Shes right Hermione said with an Im sorry look on her face. Ron sighed and took Hermione by the hand and followed Ginny and Draco. Dont I get any say in this? Draco asked as he was dragged along by Ginny. No, Ginny, Hermione and Ron answered in unison.
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Harry entered the cave gingerly, gripping his wand tighter. Darkness fell over his eyes as he continued deeper into the cave. After he walked a few yards, he felt the ground steeping lower until he landed himself into, what seemed like, water. The water was only one or two feet high and it barely reached his knees. Uncertain that the water would go any deeper, Harry held out his wand. Lumos, his wand tip ignited with a soft, white light. Harry lifted his wand higher to see his surrounding and where exactly he was. He was only able to see a few feet around him. The caves top was made too high for him to actually see what was above, but he was able to look into the water. It was oddly colored black. Harry didnt believe his eyes; he saw his reflection clearly as if the water was like a mirror. As he examined his reflection a bright orange light appeared and caused the water to sparkle like glass. Harry glanced ahead of him; another opening was sitting on a platform four feet above the water where the light was shining from. Slowly, he made his way across the pool of water, toward the light. He approached the platform and lifted himself up onto it. Once he was able to swing his legs over the edge, Harry laid on his back to catch his breath. Why am I here? he asked himself. I should be at Hogwarts with Hermione and Ron and with Ginny. At the thought of Ginnys name, Harry felt his heart skip a beat. Ginny How could I be so stupid? I just left, without telling anyone. He let out a long sigh and allowed his back to rise from the ground. Harry noticed that the light shown more brightly when he turned his head over to the opening. It was only a few yards away from him now and Harry was able to see the light flash. He immediately stood up and concentrated on the light as he grasped his wand. The light flickered again, allowing Harry to see a shadow of a person. He moved a little closer to the opening to capture another glimpse of the shadow. This time Harry was able to see it clearly. The shadow was short and plump, giving off a vaguely similar appearance to someone Harry knew. Being a shadow and all, he wasnt able to actually identify who it was. He took a couple more steps closer and found himself standing at the opening. Harry felt his body being forced in like metal drawn to a magnet. When he was fully in, he was thrown against the wall by such force that he was unable to breath for a few second. Chains erupted from the wall and pinned his hands and legs against the rocky surface, causing him to drop his wand. Harry caught his breath and scanned his surroundings. A fire was lit in the middle of floor which caused the light he was following. Smoke was ejected from a cauldron that was hanging over the open fire and the scent of rotting eggs and garbage soaked the air. His eyes soon led him to a man standing at the far end of the cave who was holding a thick, green book in his left hand. It is nice to see you again, Mr. Potter. I have been expecting you, the mans voice was squeaky and unsteady. He placed the book on the floor and walked toward Harry. Stretching out his right hand, he picked up Harrys wand from the ground. A shimmer of light reflected off his hand. He finally stood up and Harry was able to see his right hand was solid silver. You, Harry said, leveling his eyes to the Death Eater in front of him. Me, Wormtail replied with a grin across his face. Who did you expect? The Dark Lord, himself? Well, with his past records, I thought he would want to give off a more intimidating personality, but I was wrong. He decides to send his most pathetic follower to kill me. Wormtail lifted his silver hand and clenched it in midair. Immediately, it felt as though Wormtails hand was clenched around Harrys throat instead of thin air. He could hardly breathe from the pressure. He
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watched Wormtail lower his hand and the force around his neck stopped. Pathetic, am I? The Dark Lord gave me more power, stronger power. Do not underestimate me, Harry Potter, I can kill you at this very moment, but I am not going to. Although I am tempted, the Dark Lord did not order me to do so. Wormtail turned away from Harry and faced the caldron. He whispered a few incantations to himself and did motions with his hands. The liquid inside the caldron turned to a puke green color then turned to black. He then conjured up a goblet and began to fill it with the liquid. Carefully, he raised the goblet in the air and presented it in front of Harry. So, he sent you here to have a tea party with me? Harry asked wryly. Wingardium Leviosa, Worm tail recited. Harry watched the goblet levitate from Wormtails hand and hover level to his mouth. Does he seriously think Im going to drink this at my own will? Harry thought hurmorously. He felt his right hand unbind from the chain and fall to the side of his hip. Drink it, said Wormtail tonelessly. Harry snorted. I would rather cut off my own right hand. Since you did that already, how about you drink this, Harry motioned to the goblet, and tell me which one feels better. Crucio! The torture spell hit Harry in the chest and a burst of pain shot through ever muscle in his body. He bit down on his lip to keep from screaming. There was no use, the pain was too much. Harry was able to hear his scream echo from the cave walls. His voice slowly faded from his last echo and he gazed upon Wormtail. Is that all youve got? I do not have time for this! Drink it, NOW! Wormtail roared. Im never going to get out of here. Maybe I should just drink it. Whats the worse that can happen? It can kill me. Well duh Harry closed his eyes and began to ruminate. He knew Wormtail was watching him carefully, but he didnt care. Bethany might come looking for me if I stall him long enough. Yeah, right, like she really cares if I come back out or not. Harry opened his eyes and he saw Wormtail lifting his wand, ready to send another torture curse at Harry. Okay, Ill drink it, Harry said diplomatically. Wormtail restrained his wand as he watched Harry closely. Harry took the goblet with his right hand and lifted it up to his mouth. What is it going to do to me? asked Harry before he allowed the liquid to touch his lips. Wormtail smiled silence. Harry hesitated and then remembered something Wormtail said to him. Harry Potter, I can kill you at this very moment, but I am not going to. Although I am tempted, the Dark Lord did not order me to do so. Whatever this liquid was, he knew that it wouldnt kill him, but it would do something bad. He didnt care, what would happen that can make things anymore worse? Harry lost everything; his family, his friends and Ginny. Ginny was all he wanted; love was what he needed, but Voldemort took
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it from him. This made Harry angry and encouraged him to throw the goblet across the room, except he didnt. He stared at Wormtail and drifted his eyes at the goblet. The black liquid was swirling in the goblet and still gave off that disgusting smell. Imperio, Wormtail hissed. Harry felt his right hand jerk up and pour the liquid into his mouth. Once the liquid hit his tongue he was able to taste it. It tasted more disgusting than it looked. The taste was bitter and was mixed with a hint of blood. Harry gagged and coughed but the liquid refused to be pushed back out of his mouth. The hot liquid flowed through his body and burned in his stomach. His vision blurred and he felt his eye lids grow heavy and fall over his eyes. A few seconds passed, what felt like hours to Harry, when he opened his eyes again. Wormtail was still standing in the same position he was at. He was grinning and very giddy. Harry felt something different in the cave; something that changed. His eyes wandered over at the opening and he saw Bethany standing there, looking awestruck from what she had just witnessed. The last thing Harry saw was Bethany hitting the wall next to him and chains pinning her arms and legs down. Then his body gave up on him and he blacked out.
Chapter 5: Unpredictable Things [View Online] [Printer Friendly Version of This Chapter] -----------------------------------------It was a cold, foggy night as Harry was wandering aimlessly through a grave yard which was very familiar to him. The wind was blowing hard against his skin and sweeping over his hair. He heard the rustling of leaves that caught his attention, causing him look to over his shoulder. Nothing, there was no one. He continued to walk and he passed by a tomb stone that read, Tom Riddle. Harry suddenly realized where he was. This was the place where he was two years ago, where Cedric Diggory was murdered. He recalled that night in his mind as he closed his eyes. That was the first time he ever witnessed a murder, a murder that ended up with an innocent boys death. Harry opened his eyes to stop the memory from replaying in his mind; he just didnt want to remember. He continued pacing around the cemetery, not having slightest clue of what he was looking for. She will come, do not worry. A cold, icy voice echoed through the darkness of the graveyard. On instinct, Harry whipped out his wand and he then turned in the direction of where he heard the voice, but, again, he saw no one. Instead, he saw a large, antique mansion. He squinted his eyes to get a better look at the house and he began to walk toward it. Master, do you really trust her to follow the plan? another man spoke in reply. His voice was shaky and full of fear. Harry had a feeling that he was on the right path. His scar pickled with pain as he got closer to the house. A light was shining through the crack of a door, allowing Harry to see the two men to whom the voices belonged to. A pale, skeleton-like man was seated in a cushioned chair. His red eyes were narrow and were glaring down at a small, stubby man at the foot of him. My plan will succeed, Wormtail, Voldemort emphasized. She will be able to do it, she will not disappoint me. B-but, my D-dark Lord, you barely know her. H-how do you know she is loyal? Wormtail stuttered.
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Do not question me! I know what I am doing! Voldemorts anger was expressed in his voice. His temper rose and Harry felt it. Blinding pain struck across Harrys scar. It burned so bad that Harry fell to his knees and clenched his forehead with his hand. He screamed for the pain to stop, not caring who heard him. Harry felt the gaze on him, the red eyes watching him. He leveled his gaze with Voldemorts and the pain grew to be intense, then, all of sudden, he was pulled back to reality. Harry, HARRY!! Wake up! Harry shot up from the ground, as he did a white blade of pain shot through him as if a knife was driven into his rib cage. He knew something was broken. His eyes were watery and pain was felt throughout his body. His back ached, his arms were sore and he felt the numbness in his legs. He heard his heart pounding against the inside of his chest and his heavy breaths. Harry saw a blurry outline of Bethany crouching over him with his glasses in her right hand. Bethany was drenched in water. Her clothes were soaked and her hair was in curly, wet locks that hung around her shoulders. Her face was pale and cold from the icy wind that swept through the air. Harry felt her hand on his as she handed him back his glasses and a shiver went up his spine. Bethanys skin was unbelievably freezing and was far below the normal body temperature. Once Harry brought his glasses to his eyes and placed them on the bridge of his nose, he was able to see Bethany clearly. She gave off a worried appearance, which was odd to Harry, considering she didnt like him very much. Her brown eyes were staring at him tensely as she waited for him to show any indication that he was okay. What happened? Harry asked wearily. Well, you were unconscious and then you started screaming out of the blue, Bethany elaborated. It kind of freaked me out. Harry clenched his ribs, as he tried to stand up. I meant, what happened in the cave, he scowled. I wouldnt do that if I were you, Bethany said sternly. She watched Harry rise I few inches from the ground and lose his balance. Quickly, she reached out and grabbed his arm to help him back down. I told you! Stay still. You broke one of your rib bones. Just one? It feels like someone crushed my entire rib cage, Harry retorted, having a hard time breathing without pain erupting in is lower chest. Bethany stood up and walked over to the lake. She tore off a sleeve of her robe and drenched it in the freezing water. Harry examined her carefully; she dipped the piece of fabric in and out of the water without a flinch. The water must have been ice cold and yet Bethany touched it like it was nothing. Harry kept his gaze on her as she returned with the damp cloth in her hand. Take off your robe and your shirt, Bethany stipulated. W-what? said Harry unnervingly. I need to stop the bleeding or youll die. So, you have the option to take off your shirt or die, undergoing a lot of pain. Harry looked down at his shirt and he realized that it was soaked in blood. He slowly loosened his robe off his shoulders and untangled himself from it. Then, he placed it to the side of him and worked on his shirt. He pushed up his shirt to his chest, exposing a massive, bruised gash in the center of where his rib cage was and cuts surrounding it. Harry winced at the sight of his own injury as he took off his shirt and added it to the pile with his robe.
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Bethany knelt down beside Harry and brought the damp cloth closer to his wound. Wait, Harry grabbed Bethanys hand, stopping her before the cloth touched him. Ill do it. Bethany glared at him for awhile, shrugged her shoulders and handed him the cloth. Suit yourself Harry took the cloth and began to dab it around his cut. Bethany watched him amusingly as signs of pain reflected off his face. Do you find something funny? Harry asked irritably. Yes, the fact that youre clearly in pain and wont let me help you amuses me. Does it? Harry said through his clenched teeth. Bethany grinned. I offered to help, but for some reason, boys never like to admit they need it. Harry shot her a grim look and became frustrated with Bethany. He accidentally took out his anger on his injury by applying too much pressure. A throbbing pain exploded from his ribs, causing him to curse under his breath. He continuously gasped for air, hoping the pain would disappear. Bethany sighed, Here, give it to me. She took the cloth from Harry and moved closer to him. I dont understand why you couldnt just let me help you in the beginning. Boys are stupid. She lightly touched Harrys cut with the cloth and applied pressure softly. Harry grimaced and shut his eyes, waiting for the pain to worsen, but it didnt. A few seconds passed and he opened his eyes. Bethany was still carefully aiding his wound and instead of feeling the blinding pain he had, Harry felt the strain of pain lessen. Harry gazed at Bethany with interest. How did you do that? Bethany looked over at Harry and smiled. Do what? It doesnt hurt as much anymore Its called first aid response, Bethany laughed. You learned first aid response? Im not a normal witch, Harry. I went to Muggle school for a couple of years. I can heal the wounded without a wand, of course it cant compare to magic, but its good enough. Wow, another thing I learned about Bethany Taylor. Shes a Muggle-born, Harry said surprisingly. Bethany squeezed the cloth over his bruise and cool water trickled onto his gash and his cuts surrounding it. It stung Harry, but he remained silent. What makes you think Im a Muggle-born? Bethany asked curiously. Well, you said you went to a Muggle school. I just assumed that you were a Muggle-born. Youre not? Bethany shook her head, Nope, Im not a Muggle-born; Im a pure-blood witch. I went to Muggle school because my Gramps wanted me to. Oh, yeah, Dumbledore was into a lot of Muggle stuff. More than other wizards and witches anyway.
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Bethany closed her eyes and turned her attention back to mending Harrys broken rib. Harry knew he said something wrong when he noticed Bethanys smile fade a little. Bethany, are you okay? Im not the one who broke two of my rib bones, and youre asking if Im okay. Two? I thought you said I broke only one, Harry said, horrified. Bethany rolled her eyes. After I felt around, it seems like you broke two. Is it serious? In the Muggle world, yes, but in the Wizarding world, no. One thing for sure is that you need to get to a Healer, and fast, Bethany analyzed. Okay, well, back to the question. Are you okay? Bethany ignored Harrys question and continued to diagnose Harry. I was able to stop the bleeding, but without a wand I cant do much more. Although, I can wrap the gash, covering it so it wont get infected. It would keep it clean, so you wont die anytime soon. Other then that, you Bethany! Harry cried, trying to stop Bethany from rambling. Yeah, what? You dont have to yell at me. Im sitting right next to you. Well, you left me no choice, Harry snapped. I would have shoved you or something, but at the moment I cant move without feeling pain. Were you listening to anything I was saying? I dont know why you stopped me in the middle of an explanation about your health, Harry. I dont care about my damn health. I know something is wrong with you, Bethany, and youre keeping it from me. Nothing is wrong! Bethany screamed. Youre lying! Harry replied back, matching Bethanys tone. How is it that we managed to escape from Wormtail and landed ourselves outside the cave? Why didnt he kill us or send us to Voldemort? Two of my rib bones are completely snapped in half and I dont even remember how it happened. And can you tell me why youre a soaking wet? At least tell me that, so I know youre not going to faint on me anytime soon. Harry, I Bethany began to answer, but Harry continued talking, cutting Bethany off. I mean, when I touched you, it was like touching ice. How do you still have your regular skin color? Your skin should be blue. The lake water must have been freezing and you touched it like it was nothing. Are you some kind of evil, magical, water demon or something? If you are, I would like to know before you eat me or cut me up into pieces. Bethany waited a few seconds before she spoke. Are you done? No, as a matter of fact, Im just getting started. How did you kn Okay, I think you asked a million questions and youre not letting me answer any of them. So, its my turn to cut you off and hear my own voice for a change. Bethany paused and waited to see if Harry
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would respond, but he stayed silent. I dont know how we got out of the cave. I woke up next to you in the same spot were in right now. I dont know why Wormtail didnt do anything to us and I dont know how I got soaked in water. The last thing I remember is watching you drink that potion and then I was thrown against the wall. And to answer youre last question; no, Im not an evil, magical, water demon, Im just Bethany. Got it? Bethany caught her breath and stared at Harry firmly. She knew that Harry would shout back or scream something at her and she was ready to argue back. Time passed and yet Harry still said nothing. Harry seemed to be deep in his thoughts until his bright, green eyes met with Bethanys soft, brown eyes. Are you cold? He asked, smiling with his eyes still glued with Bethanys. What? Bethany looked confused and irritated at the same time. Are you cold? Harry repeated. Im wet and a storm just passed. The weather isnt really agreeing with me to dry my clothes. Do you think Im cold? Bethany answered flatly. Its hard to tell, your stubbornness conflicts with the way I read your emotions. Harry reached over to his pile of clothes and grabbed his robe. Here, take it, he threw his robe to Bethany and she caught it. Its dry and it will keep you warm. Youre the one thats shirtless. You keep it, Bethany replied, handing him back his robe. Harry shook his head, No, keep it. I wasnt soaked in water from head to toe. Fine, but you have to let me wrap your cut or its going to get infected. Youre the doctor, Harry grinned. Bethany smiled and began to take off her water-soaked robe. Under her robe, she wore a white blouse with a black, thin strapped tank top underneath that. She took Harrys robe and enclosed herself in it. Then, she took her wet robe and began tear it apart. Harry watched her strangely, wondering what on earth she was doing. Minutes passed and Bethany finally held up what was left of her robe. Harry saw that Bethany made her robe into a long sting-like bandage and was impressed. Clever, Harry commented to Bethany. Thank you, but it comes with a price. You owe me a new robe. Saving my life is priceless, Harry snickered. Hmmm, that reminds me, you owe me a wand too. Oh, and on top of that, you owe me for saving your life. Bethany held one of the ends of the torn up robe to Harrys chest and began wrapping it around him while moving downward, over his gash. She ran her hands repeatedly across his lower chest and wound, making sure the bandage was fitted correctly. Harry started laughing and swatted Bethanys hand way. Im ticklish, Harry pointed out. I think I can finish wrapping myself up, it doesnt seem that hard. There you go on the whole boys dont need help thing again. Whats with that? Bethany speculated, handing Harry the rest of the bandaging.
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Its a guy thing, Bethany. We are sworn to secrecy not to tell girls. I think you are just Bethany broke off and became suddenly quiet. Bethany? What is it? Harry saw that Bethanys eyes focus on something behind him. He watched her expression change from a gentle smile to a mirthless, appalled look. Her eyes gave off unconvinced gaze, leaving Harry dubious of what was behind him. Harry wasnt able to turn around fully which disabled him to seek out his curiosity of what Bethany was staring at. He then caught a reflected emotion from Bethanys eyes. He recognized this look before; a look he once stared at in a mirror. It was wretched and terse and it reminded Harry of his own loss of love. Bethany? Harry said serenely, Do you see something? Bethany nodded her head and inhaled softly. As she exhaled unsteady breaths, she whispered a name faintly, Draco ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Ginny continually tugged at Dracos sleeve, urging him to decide which path to take. With Hermione and Ron behind them, they stood at a fork that was split into four paths. Draco was examining each path carefully and closely as Ginny stood there, tapping her foot impatiently. Hermione was handling Rons compliments about Draco and kept them away from Ginny. Cant we just take any path and see where it leads? Ginny asked Draco irritably. Draco shot a grim look at her. Youre the one who told me to find Potter for you. Thats what Im doing, but we can try your way if you want to actually get lost in the forest. I dont mind, I have nowhere to be. Well I know we should be on a train going back home three hours from now, Ron interrupted. Hermione gave Ron an annoyed look and dragged him away from Ginny and Draco. Your brother is a git, you know that? Draco implied, turning his attention back to observing the paths. He just wants to get back home, Ginny sighed. She brought herself down the floor and buried her face into her hands. Her eyes were sore with dark circles under them caused by lack of sleep. Ginny rubbed her eyes softly and let out a silent yawn. Six hours passed and we still cant find him Where are you, Harry? She closed her eyes, trying to fight the tiredness that was taking over her body. Can I ask you a question? Draco said, taking a seat next to Ginny. If I said no, would you still ask me? Draco smirked. Yeah, but, for once, I was attempting to be nice. Youre not made out to be nice, Draco True. Im made out of good looks and great charms. Thats why all the girls want me. Oh please, Ginny cried. Why must you be so arrogant? Its a turn off to girls, you know.
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I thought I was the one asking the question, Draco said dispiritedly. Ginny shrugged and stared into his grey eyes. She thought she would see a cold, sinister stare, but Dracos eyes were nothing like that. They were dispassionate and wearily. She knew that she wasnt the only who was tired and didnt have much sleep lately. So, back to me asking you a question; why are you the only one who cares so much about finding Potter? I mean Weasley and Granger dont seem that into it. Draco nodded his head toward Ron and Hermione who were hand in hand, walking a few paces here and there which were yards away from him and Ginny. They care, Ginny protested. They are here with me, doesnt that mean anything? Not really, I mean they seem lost in their own world. You, on the other hand, are struggling in yours, Draco replied deliberately. Draco, I dont have time for this, Ginny said flatly as she stood up and dusted her robes with her hands. Time means nothing when youre trying to run from something you cant. Trust me, I know. Fear only makes you weaker. Its what my father always says. Firstly, I dont care what your father says. Secondly, I dont know what the hell youre talking about, and lastly, dont say you know me and try to tell me what Im feeling because youre wrong, Ginny admonished. Youre scared, Draco accentuated. Harry is out there; on his own, Ginny shouted violently, pointing to the fork with the four paths. Of course Im scared, dont you know anything about love? Arent you scared of anything? Hermione and Ron were now staring at Ginny and Draco from a distance away. They were silent and kept out of the conversation. Fear is born from caring, Draco answered tonelessly. I care for nothing. Ginny stared at him sternly. She didnt understand how someone could be so cold hearted and sad. There was always family or friends whenever she felt alone or just needed comfort. Ginny realized that Draco had neither friends nor family. His father was in prison, his mother is probably with Voldemort and his friends were mostly all evil. For the first time in her life, she felt sorry for him. She felt sorry for this boy who is destined to become a Death Eater, a boy who took part of Dumbledores murder. What are you thinking, Ginny? she asked herself, still staring at Draco. Minutes passed and Ginny knew she must have looked stupid for not replying, but she was still lost in her thoughts. Hes a Malfoy! How could I be sorry for him? Ginny tore her gaze from Draco and began to walk toward the paths where Hermione and Ron stood. I know what youre thinking, Draco commenced, causing Ginny to stop and turn her attention towards him. I never asked you to string me along on this trip. I never asked you to trust me, but you do. I havent figured out why you would, it makes me feel like Im losing my touch. What makes you think I trust you? Ginny snapped. Well, the words I believe you kind of refers to trust, Draco elaborated. He stood up, towering over Ginny, making it look as if he has a better advantage of winning this fight. I said I believed that you didnt intentionally kill Dumbledore, but that does not, at all, mean that I
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trust you. Youre so full of it, Draco. Draco gazed at Ginny for a few seconds, hunching his angular shoulders. He then subsided and forfeited the fight. Does this mean we can get rid of him? Ron whispered to Hermione. Hermione rolled her eyes and shushed him. Back to finding Harry, said Ginny, turning her attention to the four paths. Since Draco doesnt know which one Harry took, well just He took the second path from the left, Draco announced. The third leads to the same place, but its longer, so take your pick. You knew which path it was all along and you didnt tell me? Ginny appraised. What fun would that be? Draco laughed. He made his way toward the second path, on his way he patted Ginny on the back for his amusement. Ginny hissed a profound word at him and followed Draco as Hermione and Ron trudged along. Dawn was approaching and the sun was slowly rising over the tops of the trees. The light orange, marbled sky was visible through the clouds as it stretched from the sun to an immeasurable distance across the sky. Warmth from the heat of the sun dried the damp floors from a previous rain storm that night. The air was fresh with the scent of morning dew and was seeping through the grass. They arrived at an opening that was surrounded by many pine and oak trees. Ginny watched Draco walk into the opening and bend down to touch the floor. He swept his hand across the dirt and then stood up. She followed him as he walked to the opposite edge of the opening and examined the floor closely. Great, Malfoy led us to a dead end, can we go back now? Ron shouted, standing in the middle of the opening with Hermione. Ginny, maybe we should go back. Harry might have returned back to Hogwarts while we were out here looking for him, Hermione suggested. Ginny ignored Hermione and Ron and continued to watch Draco. She finally saw what he was looking for; footprints. There were two pairs of them, leading into a stream of trees. The rain must have made the ground muddy and dried it over night, said Ginny as she bent down and ran her fingers over the footprints. Ginny! Did you hear what we said? Ron asked, making his way toward Draco and Ginny. Theres nothing here, Hermione said, coming up behind Ron. Thats where youre wrong, Granger. And here I thought you were clever, Draco scoffed, pointing to the footprints. They could be left by anyone, Hermione observed. STOP, just stop, Ginny cried. An emotion took over her, leaving anger and hatred in her. Ginny was tired and the constant nagging of Hermione and Ron, the bottled up frustration blew up inside of her.
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You two dont care about finding Harry! Draco was right; I am the only one who is really looking for him. I just dont understand what is wrong with you two. Do you even care about him? Do you care if hes okay? Of course we do, Ginny! Ron replied, angrily. Hermione and I know why Harry left! He wanted to be alone! Away from us, away from you and away from Hogwarts. This is why he left! You dont know that, Ginny screamed. Harry told you nothing! He told me nothing... Ron fell silent. Hermione went over to Ginny and wrapped her arms around her. I know you love him, Ginny. Were going to find him Dont worry. Ron walked over to the two girls he loved most in the world and embraced them tightly. Im sorry, Ginny. Im being a prat, I know. Ginny gave her a brother a weak smile. Apology accepted. Draco let out a fake cough and everyone looked over at him. Not to intrude on the warm, friendly moment, but I dont want to stand here all day and watch you people work out all your problems. God knows it will take years. So, to push along, I thought you would like to know where Potter headed. And it doesnt look like he went alone. What do you mean, Malfoy? Ron retorted. There are two pairs of footprints, Ginny answered in a soft voice. I guess the theory of him wanting to be alone is out of the picture, Draco said, following the footprints with Hermione, Ron and Ginny after him. I never thought Potter had enough guts to lie to all of you. Ginnys heart clutched and her face saddened. Draco was right, hes always right. He didnt lie, Hermione argued. He just didnt tell us where he was going. Oh, and that makes a huge difference, Draco mocked humorously. Why dont you shut it Malfoy, no one asked you, Ron said, looking as if he had a hard time keeping his fist down. Draco stopped walking and he turned to Ron. How about we have a go, Weasley? Just you and me. No teachers, no Potter to the rescue you. Whats holding you back? Ron took a step toward him and lifted his fist. Draco stood there, ready to take the hit. A smirk swept across Dracos face and Ron yearned to hit him. Then, laughter echoed through the trees. Ron heard it and he lowered his fist. Hermione and Ginny heard it also and the three of them recognized it at once. It was Harrys. They began running into a clearing they saw up ahead. Draco followed along, looking slightly confused. Hey, wait up! Whats the matter with Draco didnt finish. He reached the clearing behind Ron, Hermione and Ginny. A large cave sat at the edge of a lake. The water of the lake gleamed and rejected the light of the sun, causing it to bounce back into the sky. A couple feet from the opening of the cave sat two
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people, a boy and a girl. They were talking until the girl spotted them. She stared at them with her gaze stretching from Hermione, Ron to Ginny until her eyes fell on Draco. Ron, Ginny, and Hermione ran toward Harry. Ginny glanced back at Draco, wanting to thank him for his help, but Dracos gaze was on the girl. Draco caught the girls stare and held it for a second. He then closed his eyes and turned away; leaving Harry, Ron, Hermione, Ginny and the girl he once knew and loved and then forgotten. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~` Lucius forced his way through the thick, black dungeon doors when he reached the end of the dimly lit corridor. The dungeon was filled with blackness with no source of light. Lucius felt the Dark Lords presence in the room and the mark among his left arm burned. He took lengthy strides across the floor of the large room, creating echoes from his footsteps. His vision was absorbed by the darkness until he hit a flight of stairs that led to a platform which held a tall, jeweled throne-like chair. A pair of red slit-cut eyes was gazed upon his steadily. Lucius made his way up the stairs and kneeled down onto the platform, in front of the Dark Lord. He waited for his master to speak first, knowing he was in for a punishment for losing Draco and killing Crabbe and Goyle under his uncontrollable temper. Youve come at last, Lucius, Voldemort hissed softly. Candles lit up faintly, giving the room dusky lighting. Lucius lifted his head and leveled his eyes with the Dark Lord. A stinging pain from his left arm tormented his thoughts. Pain always meant something was wrong; something that was done wrong. I am not a coward. I face my punishment with pride, Lucius replied imperceptibly. Ah, I see And I would punish you for what? My Dark Lord, I killed two of your followers. I allowed my son to escape. I am a failure. Lucius, Lucius Voldemort stood from his chair and continually shook his head. You worry too much about disappointing me. Lucius seemed confused and did not understand why the Dark Lord was so lenient. He was forced to stand when Voldemort motioned his hand for him to follow down the stairs by his side. Lucius walked beside his master toward the barred section of the dungeon where people are to be held captive. Crabbe and Goyle have always been useless to me. Killing them made no difference. What concerns me is your temper, Voldemort said dispassionately. My Lord, my temper will change, Lucius informed. Yes, well, that will not bring your son back, will it? Lucius turned a light shade of red before replying. Anger bubbled up inside of him. He knew Draco was hiding something and so were Crabbe and Goyle. He ran. I was not able to stop him, Lucius said rather quickly, not wanting the dwell on the subject. He paused for the Dark Lord to answer him, but did not. There was something suspicious about him before he ran off. This suspicion was unusual in what way, Lucius? Draco became skittish when Crabbe and Goyle arrived. They said something to him which made him uncomfortable.
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A blinding pain erupted from the mark on Luciuss arm. The Dark Lords anger triggered the intense burn that was felt by all his followers. Lucius realized he said something wrong. What did they say to him? Voldemort barked. Before Lucius was able to answer someone Apparated into the room, producing a loud echo of a crack. Lucius felt Voldemorts fury slowly calm when he laid his eyes on the man who just entered the room. He was short and stubby with small, watery eyes; unmistakably Wormtail. He was jittery and nervous as he made his way toward the Dark Lord. M-my Lord, I come bearing g-good news, Wormtail stuttered hysterically. Yes, go on Voldemort said impatiently. Wormtails eyes drifted to Lucius and mumbled something timidly. He will be told presently. Just give me the information, Voldemort raged. Wormtail whimpered and nodded. The plan was successful, master. The potion is running through his blood. But there was a little interruption An interruption? the Dark Lord repeated crossly. Lucius stood silently. He was completely lost with what Wormtail was informing the Dark Lord about. He then realized a plan was occurring right in front of him and he did not have the slightest clue. All the secrets around him and the secrets his son knew were told to Wormtail, Crabbe, Goyle, and most likely to most of the Death Eaters, but not to him. This infuriated him. He was the one who was most loyal to the Dark Lord; he was the one who sacrificed his own son for the Dark Lords aide. However, Lucius remained silent. He was eager to know more about the plan and did not wish to interrupt the Dark Lord, who was already angry. Only a small interruption Wormtail muttered. What kind of interruption? Voldemort roared fiercely. Wormtail began to moan and mumble to himself. He then replied to his master, He was not alone. Voldemorts eyes blazed with fiery seethe. He did not reply to Wormtail, but instead ignored him. He turned to Lucius. You must find your son, now, Voldemort ordered. And do not fail me, Lucius. But, my Lord, I do not know where to begin. Then I suggest you use your head and this, Voldemort swept his wand across one of the barred cell and a women appeared. She had long silver blond hair and was extraordinarily beautiful. Her blue eyes were unreadable as she stood in front of Lucius with her gaze on him. Narcissa, Lucius said unemotionally. She replied with a silent stare. Your son cares for her more than you do, Lucius. He only obeys you to protect his mother. Make sure
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he knows where she is and how she got here, Voldemort said. Lucius nodded and Disapparated without another look at his wife. --------------------------------------------------------------------Chapter 6: Truths Untold [View Online] [Printer Friendly Version of This Chapter] -----------------------------------------------------------------------------Alecto held her breath as she quietly entered through two large, iron doors and toward an entry way into a vast foyer which walls were painted charcoal gray. The floor was lined with a green, velvet rug that stretched from the entrance and down a long hall. She made her way into the other room where a three story staircase stood. The roof of the house was so high up the soft lit candles held in the chandelier sparkled like stars. She began to walk up the flights of steps, leading her to the second level of the manor. Live paintings of famous wizards and witches watched her as she climbed each step. Alecto glided her hand across each painting, admiring the captions she read from the attached golden plates of each one. When she reached the second level and the last painting at the top of the stairs, she stopped and observed the painting closely. The painting was of a man who was half standing tall and half leaning on a brightly gleaming sword. His eyes were cold and evil and his stare sent a chill up Alectos spine. He was dressed in long, silk robes that were colored green with an outlining of black. At his neck, a silver chain hung freely down to his chest. Alecto moved closer and noticed the chain was a serpent which held a locket in its mouth. The man in the painting shifted unexpectedly and Alecto retreated from the painting. He smirked at her as if he was planning something evil. Alecto moved her gaze to the gold plate engraved with the caption: Salazar Slytherin, the greatest founder of Hogwarts. She then tore he eyes from the painting and continued on. The second story walls were painted a dark forest green. Candles were lit and hung on elegant steel holders that were appended to the walls. Alecto passed by each door until she came to one located deep down in the corridor. She twisted the snake-like doorknob and entered the room. It looked exactly the same as it did when she was last there with the others. The difference was that it was only her. Alecto expected for some Death Eaters to be present in the room, but no one was there. Amycus? Alecto asked unsteadily to the empty drawing room. Avery? Bella? Nott? Alecto waited for a response, but her echo was all she heard. She backtracked out of the room and decided to ascend to the next floor of the manor. As she roamed throughout the enormous house, she continued to call out names, hoping for a reply. Rodolphus? Jugson? Dolohov... Greyback? She said hesitantly, not wanting to resort to his name. ANYONE? Alecto cried out of frustration. Still, no one answered her. She finally gave up and turned back around to exit the house. Once she did, she found herself facing a door ajar. In the room, something shimmered through the crack of the door which caught her attention. Alecto deliberately pushed the door open and walked inside. Within clear view, a glass case holding a fine crafted sword, sat on a high pedestal in the middle of the room. The hilt of the sword was solid gold with historic engravings of Slytherin all around. Small, jade colored diamonds formed a chained line surrounding the guard that connected the shoulder of the blade to the hilt. At the very top of the sword, the pommel was a serpent structured out of delicately cut crystal. On the blade, translucent letters were shown gracefully in vertical text forming the name Slytherin.
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Alecto recognized the sword from the painting of Slytherin she passed by when she was at the top of the staircase. The sword was alluring to her and she longed to touch it. She moved closer to the case and ran her hands over the glass, trying to find an opening. Once she did, Alecto opened the case and reached out cautiously, inching her way to touch the hilt. Dont, a voice instructed in a patronizing tone. Alecto darted her eyes from the sword and focused them on the man who stood in the doorway of the room. He had the same pale, pointed face and identical cold, gray eyes Alecto has always known. She saw him in many different ways that no one had. The way he looked when he was sad, worried, and in love. After the night she left him, he never expressed any of those emotions again. All she saw him as now was a man who cared only about himself and his loyalty to the Dark Lord. She only saw him as Lucius Malfoy, nothing more and nothing less. Dont touch it, Lucius repeated. It will burn your hand and we dont want that do we? Lucius, I didnt mean to pry around your house, Alecto assured him as she drew her hand back, away from the sword. I was looking for my brother, Amycus. Yes, well, as you can see, no one is currently home, he implied sharply. Alecto watched Lucius stride across the room and toward the glass case of where she stood. She kept her gaze on him as he sealed the sword back in the case, isolating it from the world. Why do you have a sword you cannot touch or use for that matter? Alecto asked, curious about the sword. It does not burn everyone, it allows one person to handle it and that would be the heir of Slytherin. Of course, you already know that this is Slytherins sword. I know Gryffindor created and possessed a sword, but I did not know Slytherin claimed one. Alecto paused for a second before she continued. If the heir of Slytherin could only use it, I still see no reason why you acquire it. I have a reason for each of the artifacts I own, Alecto. You of all people know this, Lucius replied nonchalantly. You are not the heir of Slytherin, Lucius, I know that. Although, you collecting every piece of history of him does not make you his heir and therefore you have a reasonless sword. Am I correct? Alecto said. Lucius formed a slight smile which was caught by Alectos sideways glance. I know who the sword belongs to and who can use it; this is why I have it. My task is to keep it until the heir is ready to handle it himself. Its not easy, as you know, the sword is very tempting. I tried once or twice to hold it, Lucius held out his hand and allowed Alecto to examine his scar, it was not very satisfying. Alecto stroked his hand gently, tracing the identical engravings of the hilt left on his hand as a scar. She felt him staring at her and in the back of her mind she didnt want him to stop. The way he used to make her feel came rushing back with memories Alecto always kept hidden away from the world and herself. She forced herself not to look up; knowing that if their eyes met everything from the past would replay itself. She withdrew her hand from his skin and turned away. I should be going, she said, pacing toward the door. Please, dont, Lucius entreated. I need your help.
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Alectos footsteps came to a halt, but she did not face him. He has taken Narcissa and expects me to find my son by using her as captive, Lucius continued. I dont know where to look. Draco Apparated before I was able to perform Legilimency on him. There was a long silence until Alecto responded deferentially. No, Lucius. You never needed my help. It is all just in your mind. Whatever the Dark Lord assigns you to do does not involve me. I am not involved in your family, Alecto turned and looked into his gray, uneasy eyes, or your life anymore. Her vision watered, but Alecto held back her tears. She left without another look at the man she once loved so much that her heart ached with pain, the man who loved her the same way and the man of whom she was torn away from. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Draco? How the bloody hell does she know Malfoy? Harry thought blankly, wanting to know if he was hallucinating. Maybe shes talking about another Draco. How many Dracos are there in the world? Harry shifted his body a little to move closer to Bethany, trying to get in better earshot. Shooting pains were sent across his ribs, but he ignored the agony and turned his attention more fully on Bethany. What did you say? Harry asked, checking if he heard her correctly. Bethany did not answer. Harry saw that her eyes were still unfocused on him and more focused on the person who stood behind him. He wanted to wave his hand in front of her face to get her attention, but at the moment he did not want to risk breaking something else in his body. Yelling was out of the question, since he knew Bethany was going through some kind of trance. Her breaths were unsteady and she looked pale around her cheeks. Before he was able to call out to Bethany again, he heard footsteps running toward him. They sounded offbeat and Harry assumed it belonged to more than one person. He turned his head slightly and he saw her . She gave off a glowing light as the sun rose up in her background. Her flaming red hair was swaying behind her as she closed in on him. Ginny, Harry said in disbelief. Harry! Ginny exclaimed, flinging her arms around him. I was so worried that something horrible happened to you. Harry embraced Ginny warmly. He felt the discomfort from his wound, but holding Ginny in his arms was worth it. When Ginny finally pulled away from him, he stared into her bright, brown eyes and remembered how much he loved her. Harry also remembered how he left her with no explanation and all he wanted to do was apologize for everything he put her through. Youre hurt, Ginny pointed out as she ran her hand over his bandaged rib cage. Ill survive, Harry insured her. Hermione and Ron finally came up behind Ginny and Harry, looking grateful that Harry was okay. You look like hell, mate, Ron said, patting Harry on the back. Thanks for the indication, Harry deluded. What happened? Hermione asked anxiously, tightly wrapping her arms around Harry. You had all of us worried.
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Im sorry, Harry apologized gravely. I didnt mean to just take off without saying anything. Last night was just hectic. Hectic, Ginny repeated, how? Harry engaged into the story of what happened inside the cave with Wormtail and how he was forced to drink the disgusting potion by the Imperius Curse. He then told them how he didnt know what caused his injury and how he didnt know why he was left outside the cave. By their facial expressions, Harry was able to tell that they all seemed horrified by the story and concerned at the same time for his own health. You drank a potion made by Wormtail, Ron said hoarsely, seating himself on the ground next to Hermione who was examining Harrys bandaged wound. I was forced to drink it, Harry corrected. I didnt have a choice; I was bounded to the wall. What was I supposed to do? Hurl it across the cave when he unarmed your hands, Ron mumbled softly. Youre feeling okay though, right? Ginny asked frantically, who was sitting on the other side of Harry, opposite of where Hermione was. I mean you dont seem different after you drank it. Im fine, Harry replied. Really I am Hermione, could you please stop stabbing me in the lower chest area. I broke two of my ribs, its as simple as that. Im sorry, Harry. I was just checking if the wound was aided correctly and it is. Did you clean the wound and bandage it yourself? Hermione questioned. Harry always knew Hermione was a future Healer in some way. She knew how to cure anything magically possible. He referred back to the question she asked him. That was when he realized Bethany was the one who helped him. Harry scanned his eyes around him and his surroundings, but Bethany was no where to be seen. He felt himself get up without knowing his body responded on its own. Harry! Hermione cried, grabbing a hold of his arm to help him stand. What are you doing? You have to stay still or youll damage your ribs permanently. Ron and Ginny rose with them with angst looks. Wheres Bethany? Harry asked. Bethany? Ron reiterated skeptically. The girl who was here, with me, Harry clarified, still searching apprehensively over the area. Where could she be? Where would she go? Why didnt I notice she was gone until now? Its been hours since I last looked at her. Questions and concerns swarmed around Harrys head hysterically. He blamed himself for losing Bethany and not paying attention to her after Hermione, Ron and Ginny arrived. The last time he saw her was when she was talking to him and suddenly stopped. Then it hit Harry, Draco, she said Draco. She must have seen him and went after him. But why would Draco be in the forest, unless You brought Malfoy with you to come find me? Harry asked intensely. Hermione and Ron exchanged nervous looks for a second and then turned to look at Ginny crossly. Harry waited for his answer, knowing it was going to come from Ginny.
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Harry, he knew his way around the forest. It was the only way we would be able to find you, Ginny pleaded. I know you dont trust him, but Youre right, Ginny, Harry said with fury. I dont trust him and I dont like him very much either. Other than the fact he killed Dumbledore, he loathes me just as much as I do him. There are no buts, why would you even consider asking him to help you find me? Did it occur to you what would happen if I actually saw him here and if I were in good health, I would kill him with my bare hands? Minutes passed and no one said a word. The sun was fully raised in the middle of the sky, blazing heat in all courses. Its light touched every grass in the opening of where Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny stood. The lake water shimmered beautifully like glass when light touches its surface. Sturdy winds swayed the trees from side to side as the flow of air changed its direction every few seconds. The morning was a stunning sight for anyone who wanted to enjoy it. White, fluffy clouds raced across the bright blue, summer sky every now and again. Only an invisible grey cloud hovered over the four friends who stood in silence with anger, rage, and anxiety. He didnt kill Dumbledore, Ginny finally spoke in a flat tone, breaking the long stillness. Not a smart move Gin, Ron hissed in her ear. Hermione nudged him hard and he fell silent. You think he wasnt responsible for Dumbledores death? Harry asked Ginny in repulsive manner. He wasnt the one who pointed the wand at him and said the curse. Snape was the one who killed him, not Malfoy, Ginny conveyed furiously. You can be stubborn, Harry, and not trust him, but I do. Harry couldnt believe what he was hearing. He didnt understand how anyone could trust Malfoy. After all the taunting and bullshit the trio had to take from him, Ginny trusts him. The whole concept of Malfoy actually being good and trusting made no sense to Harry whatsoever. Harry knew Malfoy was the evil the day he met him in Madam Malkins shop trying on his first ever Hogwarts robes. With Ginny trusting his worst enemy ever, Harry was infuriated more than he was when he knew about Malfoy helping his friends find him. Ginny, of all people, had to go and become buddy-buddy with Malfoy. Harry thought it was a way that Ginny used to get back at him for breaking up with her. This stayed in Harrys mind for a split second before he realized that Ginny wasnt that kind of girl. Ginny wouldnt lie about these sorts of things either just to get him angry, although it is working significantly. Harry pulled out of his thoughts and turned to Hermione and Ron. Do you trust him too? he asked, not quite angrily as he would if he spoke to Ginny. Im with you a 100 percent, mate, Ron said amusingly to lighten up the mood. I was going to start a fight with him, you know, but we heard you and Harry, Hermione cut in, before Ron was able to retell a long story, just because Malfoy is an arse it doesnt mean he is untrustworthy. I dont trust him like Ginny does, but you know and I know that he wouldnt have killed Dumbledore. He did kill Dumbledore! Harry shouted fiercely as if heat inflamed his eyes. He sent the wine to Dumbledore, almost killing Ron because he was stupid enough to give it to Slughorn. It was Malfoy who put Katie and Rosmerta under the Imperius Curse to get the necklace into the wrong hands, again almost killing someone, and he was the one who brought the Death Eaters into Hogwarts where one of them attack Bill, your brother," Harry imparted to Ginny and Ron, rather harshly. Harry took a breath and finally fell to the floor. Snape killed Dumbledore, but Malfoy was the one who planned it all, Harry finished in a low, distressed tone.
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Hermione did not reply back to Harry nor did Ginny or Ron. When Harry gathered back up his strength, he rose from the ground and caught Rons arm before he fell back down. Lets go, Ron. Wherere we going? Ron asked confusingly. To find Bethany, Harry responded simply, tugging at Ron to help him walk away from Hermione and Ginny. Ron slowly began to guide Harry away, but he still had his eyes on Hermione and Ginny who was watching them depart. He showed a sign of hesitation that Harry caught instinctively. Harry refused to go back, he was angry at Hermione for taking Ginnys side in this argument. He was angry at Ginny for bringing up the idea of trusting Malfoy in the first place. All he wanted to do was find Bethany and get back to Hogwarts and on the train back to the Dursleys, then to the Burrow for Bill and Fleurs and to whatever is left for him back at Godrics Hollow. He knew that things werent going to be the same as he turned his back away from Hermione and Ginny. This fight ruined the road up ahead for him, Ron and Hermione. Ginny never said she was going to be with them, though he was the one who refused for her to go because of her safety. A thought of the trio splitting up occurred in Harrys mind and it didnt disappear. He was scared that a permanent, fine line was drawn between Ron and him, and Hermione and Ginny. This gave him the urge to want to go back and discuss the whole Malfoy issue again, but nothing was going to be resolved because of their stubbornness. So, were just going to leave them back there? Ron asked. Harry snapped out of his trance of thoughts and noticed that he and Ron only moved a few yards away from Hermione and Ginny. Yeah, we are. I just need to think through the whole Malfoy issue and they do too. Well all be okay after a little bit of thinking, Harry said in a convincing tone. Ron still looked doubtful, but he continued to walk without another word to Harry. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I cant believe they just left us, Hermione said angrily to Ginny. Never once in my life have I seen Ron and Harry walk away from us Were not following them, I hope they know that, Ginny mentioned obstinately. Who is Bethany anyway? Why is Harry so eager to find her? I dont even remember seeing her when we ran up to Harry, Hermione replied, not answering any of Ginnys invidious questions. Why would he follow her in the forest? It makes no sense, Hermione. Well, whoever she is, she must have meant something to Harry. I mean look at him, Hermione nodded slightly toward the two figures that were walking up ahead, he has two broken ribs and hes still up and about looking for her. Ginny didnt respond, she was furious with Harry for his stupidity for following a stranger into a forest and almost being killed by a Death Eater. Adding to that list, she was angry at him for the argument between them. She didnt expect Harry to bring up Bill, but he did and that was what hurt her the most. Mentioning the trusting issue with Malfoy wasnt the best thing to do when Ginny realized that the fight had a huge effect. Hermione was right; Harry and Ron never turned their backs on her and Hermione nor have they ever teamed up against them.
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Everything seemed all out of proportion when Ginny sat back and thought this through. The war between Malfoy and Harry occurred throughout the years Ginny knew Harry. She was always on his side, but this time she was on Dracos and she knew trusting Draco hurt Harry above all. There was no particular reason why Ginny actually trusted Draco, it was just a gut feeling she had and went with. All he had to do was find Harry and he was free to go. Ginny didnt understand was why her conscience was still telling her to look for him to really find out the truth and it drove her mad. She continued to watch Harry and Ron grow smaller and smaller as they walked back toward the forest and the way back to Hogwarts. Ginny noticed that Hermione was acting strange. She saw that Hermiones eyes werent on Ron and Harry, but they were darting from side to side as thought she was looking for someone. Ginny, wheres Malfoy? Hermione asked. The last time I saw him was over by the path that leads into the trees, where we came from. Thats where I last saw him too. Do you think he Disapparated? Maybe, but why would he? Where would he go? Hermione questioned rhetorically. When I was running toward Harry I remember I glanced back at him and he was staring at the girl, Bethany. He might have gone somewhere with her, Ginny assumed. If he did, Harry would come face to face with him when he does find Bethany. I dont think that is something we want, Ginny. So, youre saying we should follow Ron and Harry to stop an upcoming fight between Malfoy and him that we dont want to happen? Yes, Hermione answered plainly. Hermione, you know that is the exact opposite thing I want to do right now. Yeah, but you have to do it anyway because you love Harry even though currently youre mad at him. Ginny heaved a heavy sigh as she admired the magnificent nature that was formed around her. She watched the heat from the sun gently grazed across the flowers, causing them to open into a breathtaking sight. Her long, faming hair whipped her face as the wind violently brushed through it. Ginny took a long, hard look at the wonderful scenery, absorbing it as a mental picture in her mind. She then turned to Hermione and shot her a grim look. Lets go, Ginny scoffed. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chapter 7: Like Father, Like Son [View Online] [Printer Friendly Version of This Chapter] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Bethany watched Draco turn away and disappear into the swarm of trees. She looked past Harry and the other three figures running towards her. Her conscience urged her to follow Draco, but she forced herself to keep still. As much as she didnt want to, her body reacted by itself, pulling her up onto her feet and towards the full grown trees that acted as vanishing curtains.
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Tentatively, she began to pace her way across the grass path that routed into the trees. The sun continued to rise higher and higher, still unnoticed by the others. Ripples formed in the lake water, reflecting tiny sparkles and adding to the spectacular summer scene. Warm, summer winds rushed past Bethanys face and through her hair. She felt as though it was a sign telling her to turn back around. Bethany continued to make her way in the direction of the trees, wondering how far she had to walk before she collided with Draco. She hoped she wouldnt be able to find him, wishing that he had Disapparated a great distance from her. Her heart had melted away the moment her eyes met his. Bethany was capable of handling her parents death, her grandfathers death and having her whole life kept a secret, but confronting the one person who she deeply loved that betrayed her, she couldnt cope with. The trees narrowed as she reached the entrance of the leafy forest. Bethany decided she would just head back to Hogwarts, not wanting to start a conversation that would only end in tears. No truth of what happened that night is worth the replaying of painful memories and the heartache of love. As she moved into the shadows of the trees which kept the sunlight from reaching the ground, she came to a sudden halt. There, she faced a flaw in her plan that she had wished to avoid. Standing in front of her was the one person in the world she least wanted to see: Draco Malfoy. He was leaning on a nearby tree, his eyes fixed on the ground. He didnt seem to notice Bethany until a few minutes had passed. His silver blond hair slightly covered his face, hiding an appalled look identical to the one Bethany had worn back when she first saw him positioned behind Harry. Bethany felt her heart clench and beat a little faster when his eyes looked up. She could practically feel his stare grazing her face like a touch. The sensation caused her to long for it, but yet she feared it at the same time. Her eyes met his gray ones, and she stared hard into them, hoping that he would turn and walk away. Nothing happened; their eyes kept still for minutes, enduring the memories that were playing silently in their minds. Bethany finally turned her head, breaking the connection they had. I thought you left, she said after a long silence. Draco pushed himself away from the tree and stood his ground with his eyes still on Bethany. Well, you thought wrong, he replied coldly, as if she meant nothing to him. Bethany shifted her eyes back to his and held his gaze for a second before pulling away. It seems as though my thoughts are always wrong. They were clearly wrong about you. Her words struck Draco hard, causing his face to wither slightly, reflecting a bit of hurt. He said nothing in reply, continuing to stare deeply into her eyes. Bethany did not know whether she should say anything or just continue walking. The only important thing was to keep her gaze out of his. His eyes were what always got her to lose her breathe for seconds at a time. One look from him would cause an uncontrollable longing for his kiss. Thoughts of hatred entered her mind as she stood still. Her grandfathers murderer stood before her, and yet she did nothing. All of her instincts screamed to make him suffer, hit him, yell at him, hurt him in any way but she just could not do it. Her heart was still in his hands, and she had no power to retrieve it from him. She decided to continue walking back to Hogwarts before tears formed in her eyes. Tears would only make her seem weak in front of Draco. Bethany had nothing to say to him that would make her pain go away or to make her heartache disappear. She kept her head down and her eyes covered with her locks of wet hair. The only hope she had was that he would not stop her. But it was only seconds before Dracos hands collided with Bethanys arms, preventing her from continuing. He positioned himself between her and the path back to Hogwarts. Bethany Let me go, Draco, Bethany said, not wanting to hear what he had to say.
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Draco held her arms tighter. No. The last time I let you go, I didnt see you for months. Dont do this; dont walk away. You havent heard what happened. I cant lose you. Bethany, I lo Bethany raised her head and stared angrily into his eyes. Dont you dare say that you love me, Draco. Dont speak to me as if we are still together, and dont tell me what I have or have not heard. Her voice was fierce and heated. She tried to pull away from Dracos hold, but failed miserably. Her mind would not give her the strength to fight him. Bethany felt as though she did not want to fight him. So, you hear that I killed Dumbledore and you believe it? You wont even let me explain what happened? Draco asked, matching Bethanys furious tone. No; I will not give you the chance to throw excuses at me and lie your way out of taking responsibility for killing my grandfather. You killed him! You murdered him after you promised me nothing would happen. You promised you would stop taking orders from Voldemort. Tears began to run down Bethanys face as she waited for him to respond. The sun was now fully gleaming in the sky. There was still a slight cold in the rain-scented wind that was typical after a night storm. It blew the leaves viciously, causing the sound of tingling and leaves scraping the dirt. Sunlight was still unable to reach the floor of the forest, and the trees shadows caused darkness around Bethany and Draco. Draco loosened his grip on Bethany and caressed her hands into his. Bethany allowed him to fumble with her hands, enjoying his touch and remembering what it was like to feel his hands running up and down her back those nights when they were together. She then, finally, pulled her hands from his and wiped the tears from her face. Draco let out a sigh. I need you to believe me, Bethany. I did not kill your grandfather. Bethany shook her head slowly. How can you lie to me? Every time you lie, it hurts me, Draco. Every time you break a promise, I die a little. Dont you get it? I cant stand here and talk to you without feeling pain. Im not lying to you! Draco cried out with frustration. He ran his hand through his unusually untidy blond hair and rubbed the tiredness from his eyes. Bethany was able to see he had not gotten much sleep after the incident. The dark circles under Dracos eyes concerned her, but she refused to show her sympathy. Her own tiredness had shown under her own eyes. Now that she thought about it, she had been up for the last seventy-two hours, either grieving for her grandfather or running around with Harry. Bethany knew that even if she were able to rest, she would not be able to sleep for long. Something or someone was always calling for her, and she had to answer. Draco filled the space between himself and Bethany. I promised that I would not hurt your grandfather, and I didnt. The Dark Lord gave me orders. I had to carry them out, or he would have killed me. You know it and I know it. He ordered Snape to kill Dumbledore without my knowledge. Bethany, everything I did was for us. Please believe me. I dont know what to believe, Bethany whispered softly. Draco reached out his hand, drew a wet tendril of hair away from Bethanys face and stroked the line of her cheekbone. Bethany showed no hesitation as she pressed her cheek into his hand. The warmth of his palm made her want to believe that everything he said was true, but her heart was still unable to forgive him. He was still the person who had hurt all those people innocent people when he allowed Death Eaters into Hogwarts just to make it seem as though he was trying to kill Dumbledore. Bethany, he knows about us, Draco said wearily. He has known for the longest time. It was the only
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reason why he sent me after your grandfather, Her gaze of disbelief locked with his eyes. How? Bethany asked faintly. He is the Dark Lord. You are his flesh and blood. We couldnt have kept this from him any longer than we already have. Hes your grandfather, Bethany. Your blood lines connect with his. Draco replied. Suddenly, from only a few paces away, they heard the sound of a branch breaking. Bethany turned to face the direction of the noise, and there stood Harry and Ron with Hermione and Ginny only a few feet behind them. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ He closed the door behind him with disgust, leaving his wife in the room. Snape saw no point in ordering her to stay in the room when he knew she would not. He did not care; the Dark Lords flawless plan was going well and no one would be able to ruin it, not even Harry Potter. Snape straightened his coat and slid his hands into the pockets. He felt the warm vial of potion as he began to make his way back to the dungeons. Curved halls and endless stairwells directed the way around the enormous mansion. It was rustic and antique, built well back in the ages. The colourings of the walls were black, as was everything else. The lighting was soft and gentle, making it difficult to find your way around if you were lost. Darkness was one word to describe the lair of Lord Voldemort and his followers. It was not a welcoming place, and you would not get the feeling of warmth when inside. Temperatures were kept close to the point of where water freezes and colder in the dungeons. Snape had already reached the top of the staircase that would lead him to the wooden doors of the dungeons. It was a grand staircase that when looking down over the rail, all you would be able to see is darkness. Snape was not even a fourth of the way down when he began to feel the temperatures drop slightly every hundred steps. He was alone, a welcome rarity, for either the Dark Lord, Death Eaters, or Alecto had been accompanying him for the past three days. This time alone permitted him to gather his thoughts, and finally allowed himself to recall what happened the night Albus Dumbledore was murdered. By him. His only thought was that even if he were able to change the past, he would still do exactly what he had done. Snape was under oath to complete orders given to him directly from Voldemort. He had had trouble in helping Draco weaken Dumbledore, but killing him was simple. Snape hated Dumbledore enough to betray him easily. Everyone believed that he was against the Dark Lord, and it was not easy to keep up the act. The years-long plan had succeeded, and his loyalty is now fully endowed to Voldemort. The doors of the dungeons were now visible from the last flight of stairs that Snape was currently descending. Once he reached the hard, stone floor, he grasped the ice-cold handles of the wooden doors and threw them open. He took a few steps into the vast room, causing the chandelier above to ignite with softly glowing candles. Snape made his way toward the large throne-like chair sitting on a low podium in the middle of the room. He climbed the four steps onto the podium and bowed slightly before greeting his master. My Dark Lord, Snape said as he rose from his bow. Voldemort sat stiffly in his chair with his eyes closed. Severus, I specifically asked to be left alone. What must be so important that you would disobey me? Voldemort hissed. His anger caused his red eyes to open and show his burning rage. I am sorry, Master, but there is something you must know. You asked me to inform you when it was ready, Severus replied gravely.
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You must have it with you, I suppose? Voldemort asked suddenly. He stood and walked over to Snape rather promptly as if he now understood the importance of the disturbance. Snape reached into the pocket of his coat and pulled out the vial filled with pink liquid, which he presented to his master. Voldemort took it gracefully out of Snapes hand and held it between his index finger and thumb. He flipped it up and down, testing if the potion was real. He then shifted his eyes toward Snape. Alecto did a fine job. I am surprised she has outdone you, Severus. To think you married a potions master like yourself; it is quite amusing. From the tone of Voldemorts voice, he was no longer angry, but content. Snapes lips pursed and formed a tight, thin line. His eyebrows narrowed, giving off the expression of repulsion. The thought of Alecto outdoing his skills in potions left him with jealousy in his eyes. He seemed furious enough to reply with an irritated response, but he held his tongue. The last thing he wanted to do was infuriate the Dark Lord once again. Now, now, Severus; theres no need to think I dont appreciate what you have done. Without you, Dumbledore would still be alive. Without you, my plan would not have succeeded. Voldemort began to descend down from the podium and pace around the room. On the other hand, Alecto has done a great deal also. She has shown great potential. Without her, my plan would not have succeeded as well. Snape followed by the side of Voldemort with a grim look on his face. He said nothing in reply, but only waited for the Dark Lord to finish ranting about his plan. It is time to move on, he whispered abruptly. The second part of our plan will not succeed without Alecto and her potions. We must not lose what we have so far. Severus, I need you to get this potion into her body. Voldemort handed the glass vial to Snape and stared at him violently with impulsive eyes. My Lord, she is growing. Her powers are strong. Do you really believe it is wise to continue? She will find out and turn on you. This is a flaw you must consider. Snape did not retrieve the vial from Voldemorts hand. He only stood in front of him, warning him about possibilities that were most likely going to occur. The Dark Lord was silent for few moments, taking time to ponder. He then shoved the potion into Snapes chest. Give it to her. That is an order. Do not ever question my decisions. His voice was gruesome, matching his eyes that were threatening and fiery. Snape did not need to be told twice. He grasped the potion in his hand and bent his back into a deep bow. In seconds, he Disapparated without another reply to the Dark Lord. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Lucius watched Alecto turn away from him. The last words she had said to him were still echoing in his mind. Pain erupted in his heart, threatening to rip apart. His heart could not watch her walk away again. He followed Alecto out of the room and caught her arm before she was able to Disapparate. Dont leave, he said intently as he swung her around. Alecto eyes were watery, but no tears had fallen. She stared hard into his gray eyes with silence. I cant watch you walk away again. Dont make me watch you. Alecto, Im asking you not to leave me. Luciuss voice was desperate and unusual. He had never heard himself speak to anyone in this way before, a way that causes the wall around his
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heart to lower, allowing him to care, to love. Alecto was the only person who had been able to bring this wall down. Lucius held her arm tighter and gradually brought his free hand to her face. He stroked her cheekbone with his thumb, longing to kiss her. Alecto did not move away or flinch. She stood still, permitting him to do what ever he wanted. You lost the privilege to ask anything from me a long time ago, Lucius. Her voice was even and dispassionate. You dont think I know that? You mean everything to me. I gave you everything, and yet you left without a reason. It wasnt fair, Alecto. You knew that I loved you. I still love you. Lucius let go of her arm and grasped her waist. He slowly pulled her close to him. This time Alecto pulled away from him. Tears now ran freely down her face. You did not understand what was happening in my life. I had no other choice. There was only one door, and I was being shoved through it. Alectos voice was hard and fierce. Her eyes burned with fury. I never wanted to leave you, Lucius. How could you ever think that? She turned away from him and began to walk back toward the staircase. Lucius wanted to stop her, but he did not know how. Standing in front of her with no meaningful words would not stop her from walking away. He watched her for what seemed like hours, though it was only a few seconds. A memory from his past came rushing back to him. It replayed inside his mind as if he was reliving it. A handsome young man, in his sixth year, walked out into the garden area of the magnificent school. He wore a heavy, expensive fur coat with the colours of Slytherin. Under the coat, was a very fancy, black and white dress robe that was probably less than half the price of the coat. Lucius was alone, and he wanted to stay that way. He always dreaded parties, balls and formal get-togethers. He was there only because he was forced to by the crowd of Death Eaters he chose to be apart of. The beautiful full moon shone in the sky, as if it had been hung there by a line of connecting stars. The only essence of light came from the elegant moon and stars glowing in the darkness. The only flaw to the wonderful view a white-frosted forest and sparkling stars was the cold, although without it the sight would not have been possible. All of a sudden, a beam of light burst from the doors of the Great Hall. A young woman, the same age as Lucius, walked out in a spectacular, rose-red dress. She looked ravishing and even more so than that. The dress was cut to fit her body curves precisely. It flowed gracefully behind her as she made her way toward Lucius. Lucius looked up to see Alecto walking towards him, rather than away. She looked stunning, with her hair up and soft curls dangling down. He positioned his body to face her as she approached him. All he wanted to do was hold her in his arms and kiss her, but he restrained himself. I saw you walk out, Alecto said as she brushed snow off Luciuss coat. What was I supposed to do? Watch you and Sirius Black snogging on the dance floor? Lucius tried his hardest to respond with wrath, but he was not able to when his eyes were connected with hers. Alecto smiled. He asked me to dance and I said yes. I only danced with him to make half the girls in there jealous. I didnt know the jealousy spread to you. Lucius looked offended for a second, but then his grim look broke into a supple smile. I was not jealous. I just didnt want his grubby hands on my girlfriend, he asserted. Lucius moved closer to Alecto and held her waist gingerly, feeling the silk of her dress and warmth of her body. He stared into her eyes, losing himself in her beauty. Before he was able to lean in and kiss her, Alecto placed her hand on his chest.
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Anyone could see us out here. Its not safe, she protested half-heartedly. Lucius closed his eyes. He had prayed that she would not say those words to him, but she did. He sighed and replied, Im tired of hiding my love for you. I dont see why Amycus should care if were together. I love you, Alecto. You mean everything me. Do you still love me? Alecto moved her hands up his arms and to his face. She cupped his jaw line and brought him closer to her. Of course I love you, she whispered. Lucius filled the inches of space between them and gently pressed his lips to hers. Warmth spread throughout his body as he kissed her more passionately and she reciprocated. He held her waist tighter, bringing her closer to him and not ever wanting to let go. Now Lucius stood here, watching Alecto the only person he had ever truly loved walk away from him. He had let her go once, and it was the most regrettable thing he had done. He knew that if he let her go this time, his heart would not be able to reassemble itself. Do you still love me? Lucius asked in an abrupt and intense tone. Alecto stopped and stood still for a moment before answering him. Does my answer really mean anything? she replied with a question. She did not turn to face Lucius, which made it harder for him to read her feelings. He kept his eyes on her, hoping she would turn around. It would mean everything, Lucius resonated. Alecto turned to face him and stared into his eyes as he stared back. She then began to move towards him and soon broke into a run. Alecto collided with Lucius and they kissed leisurely. Lucius ran his hand up her back and into her hair. He then cupped her face and brought her close to him. Alecto moaned into his mouth, allowing him to push her back into the wall. Lucius trailed his kisses down her neck as she arched her head up, giving him more room. Grasping her wrists, he pinned them to the wall, sliding them up above her head. Lucius pressed his body closer to Alectos as he began to kiss her lips again. He swept his tongue across the bottom of her lip, waiting for her to let him in. Alecto gasped as she felt Luciuss body pressure into hers. She felt his kisses wanting more from her and she permitted it. As she parted her lips, Lucius ran his tongue against hers and their tongues battled. A loud crack interrupted the noises of gasps and groans, causing Lucius and Alecto to break apart. Down the hall stood a man with greasy hair and a grim expression, staring at the pair of them. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Chapter 8: The Calm Before a Storm [View Online] [Printer Friendly Version of This Chapter] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Harry stared hard at the sight of Bethany in the arms of Draco. A rush of jealously erupted in his stomach as he watched Draco pull Bethany closer to him. His body was telling him to run towards Bethany and pull her away from Draco, but from the state he was in, he was not even able to stand on his own. His arm was around Ron, who was his only support of being held upright. Harry wanted to
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move closer into talking range with Bethany, wanting to ask her what the hell was going on between her and Draco. Surely, Draco was not the ex-boyfriend she was talking about and comparing Harry to him. It was impossible, but yet there in front of him was the proof that it was not impossible at all. Before Harry was able to say a word, he heard Draco speak. He is the Dark Lord. You are his flesh and blood. We couldnt have kept this from him any longer than we already have. Hes your grandfather, Bethany. Your blood lines connect with his. Harry could not believe what heard. Bethany is the granddaughter of Voldemort and Dumbledore? She carries his blood in her veins. How could I be so stupid to trust her? This thought of anger flowed throughout his body, giving him the strength to walk forward towards Bethany. Ron had a shocked expression on his face as he watched Harry move further away from him. Sounds of voices and footsteps came up behind Ron, but Harry did not notice. He was still making his way towards Bethany, not knowing what he would say or do when he approached her. He was only a few yards from her when he stepped on a branch, creating a soft, echoing crack. Harry saw Bethany turn her head and face him with unsteady eyes. Her face held a somewhat scared expression with her eyes full of guilt. Harry? Bethany said with a tremble in her voice. What are you doing here? Harry gazed at her in silence. He felt that if he said anything now, he would muster up more anger and begin screaming at Bethany. Bottling up his anger was a horrible thing to do and Harry knew it, but he did not want to say anything he would regret. He stood still, watching Bethany pull herself away from Dracos arms. Harry assumed she did not want him to see her with Draco. It humoured him for a few seconds before he snapped back to reality. Bethany was still standing in front of him, and he knew Ron was somewhere behind him. He felt like an idiot not being able to respond to Bethany, although she did not deserve to be responded to. Harry, its not what you think. I can explain every Bethany began to assure Harry, but he interrupted her. You have no idea what Im thinking right now, Bethany. Harrys tone was harsh and furious. How could you not tell me Voldemort is your grandfather or the fact that your boyfriend is the murderer of Dumbledore? Draco is not my boyfriend nor is he the murderer of Dumbledore. I admit he has done unforgivable things, Harry, but he did not kill my grandfather. Are you serious? Ron exclaimed from behind Harry, causing everyone to turn and face him. Dumbledore and Voldemort are your grandfathers? Ron! Hermione cried, having come just in that moment with Ginny next to her. That is a rude thing to ask! Well, we have no idea who she is, Ginny whispered to Hermione. Still, her grandfather just died, it is a ghastly thing to say to her, Hermione answered back. Whoa, just wait a minute. The Weasel and his sister, plus the Mudblood and you, Potter, have no reason to be even asking Bethany anything. It is none of you guys business, Draco spat at all of them. Shut your mouth, Malfoy. You act as if it is your fucking business, Harry argued back.
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Harry shifted his eyes at Bethany and saw she was quite pale and slightly shivering. Her eyes were watery and her lips were turning a light purplish blue. He knew something was wrong with her and she needed to be in the hospital wing. All his anger and fury turned to concern and worry. Before he was able to attempt to help Bethany, a dizziness over came him. His vision blurred and his legs became unstable. He fell to his knees. Harry! Ginny, Hermione, and Ron exclaimed. Harry saw his friends gather and hover around him, but he looked passed them. He saw Bethany on the ground with her eyes closed. Draco was crouched over her and trying to revive her consciousness. Harry watched Dracos facial expression fill with fear, which surprised him significantly. A sound of thudding footsteps was coming towards them, becoming louder and heavier as they came closer. Within seconds, the source of the footsteps stood in front of several trees and near a path that leads back to Hogwarts. Merlins beard, what the bloody hell is goin on? Harry heard Hagrids voice not far from where he was. He saw Hagrids giant shadow close in on him, but he was not able to make out his face. His eyesight began to blur once again, and Harry was not able to recollect his vision. The muscles in his body began to strain, creating an unbelievable pain he was powerless to resist. Harry then collapsed into unconsciousness. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Draco sat alone on the top of the roof in a small room with steel bars as a door. He never imagined he would be sitting in a room where prisoners were held. It was unmistakably the worst day of his life. The person he loves most in the world is in the hospital wing, and he is locked up for a crime he did not commit. The sun was still gleaming, visible over the treetops of the forest. Sunlight streaked through the bars of Dracos cell, flickering now and then with shifting clouds in the sky. It was mid-morning; in only a couple of hours students would be filing onto the Hogwarts Express and traveling back to platform nine and three-quarters to go home. Even though Draco didnt have a home to go back to, he still did not want to stay in a prison at an empty Hogwarts. He would rather be next to Bethanys bedside, holding her hand and waiting for her eyes to open, but that was a slim to none chance. Draco let out a heavy sigh and buried his face in his hands. The only thing left to do before the Professors figured out what to do with him was to sit alone and think. He began to try to recall what happened after Hagrid appeared. It was hard since there had been so much commotion everywhere. His focus was only on Bethany after she had lost her balance and fallen to the ground. He had heard Harrys name being screamed, but he did not care enough to see what had happened to him. The last thing Draco remembered was being bound together with vines by a spell and shoved into a cell by Hagrid as Harry and Bethany were surrounded by Hogwarts professors and taken to the hospital wing. The last words Bethany had said before she lost consciousness were still echoing in Dracos mind. Draco is not my boyfriend Those words stung his heart with great pain, and he hoped it was not true. He knew his mistakes were unforgivable, but for Bethany to leave him he just did not want to believe it. The night he had chosen to allow the Death Eaters into Hogwarts was the night Draco had to decide whether it was the right thing to do. He did not know Dumbledore would end up dead or that Bethany would leave him. At that time, it was just a choice that only affected him and whether or not he would die. Every memory seemed to haunt Draco as he sat there alone with his thoughts. Reality came back to him when he heard clanking caused by someone hitting the bars of his cell with their wand. Draco looked up and saw, not a professor or a Ministry personnel, but Ginny Weasley staring at him with sympathy in her eyes.
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Came to gloat? Im surprised your weasel of a brother didnt come by himself, Draco scowled. No, I didnt come to gloat, and people are forbidden to visit prisoners that are being held, Ginny replied coldly. If no one is allowed to talk to me, then why are you here, Weasley? Draco asked in a bitter manner. Well, I thought you would like some company, Ginny snapped. In my opinion, I dont think you should even be in here, like the others do. It was my mistake then, to think you were worth standing up for, even against Harry. Draco felt as if he had been slapped in the face. He was left speechless as he watched Ginny turn away and move towards the stairs that descended back down into the school. Half of him wanted to call her name and stop Ginny from leaving him alone once again, and the other half was too proud to admit he was lonely. But his loneliness overpowered him, and wanting to figure out what made Ginny different from the others, he found himself calling out after her, which surprised himself more than it surprised Ginny. Wait, Weasley, come back, Draco hollered, just before Ginny began to descend the steps. Ginny stopped and turned to face him. As Draco let out a sigh, he began to apologise unwillingly. Look, Im Im s-sorry I was a a An arse, Ginny finished brightly. Draco shot her a grim stare. I was going to say I was a bit rude, but saying Im an arse pretty much sums it up. Yes, well you are that times a hundred. Im just trying to be nice if I wasnt I would have called you a fu Okay, no need to explain, Draco interposed, not allowing Ginny to finish. Ginny shrugged her shoulders and walked back over to Draco. She sat herself down on the ground next to Dracos cell and brought her legs close her body. Draco stared at Ginny, watching her hug her knees tightly and rest her chin on top of her folded arms. So Draco started uneasily, trying to make conversation. Ginny turned to look at him. So she replied, mocking Dracos tone of awkwardness. You know, mocking is the same thing as gloating, Draco emphasised. I thought you were trying to make me feel better. Fine, Ill start us on a topic. How do you know Bethany? Ginny asked flatly. Draco stared at her crossly. He refused to answer that question or any question concerning Bethany. He wanted to forget about Bethany, and he had for the first few minutes when Ginny distracted him. After the mentioning of her name, Dracos heart began to fill with sorrow and pain, but he hid it from Ginny. His face was still expressionless and he fought hard to keep it that way. I dont know Bethany, Draco lied, horribly. Oh, so you were just holding a complete stranger in your arms and gazing helplessly into her eyes? Ginny said, amused. Okay, now we are done. You can go back to Weasel and Mudblood now.
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Why cant you just call them by their names? Its not difficult. It seems as though you only called them that so you can make yourself feel superior. You should wake up to the real world, Draco, not everything revolves around you, Ginny ended acidly. I dont care about them and how they feel. I mean, why should I? Why should I care about anyone but myself? Its an unfair world were living in. You say Im not awake, but I am. Im awake, and all I see is nothingness, Draco responded in an unusually civil way. People cant live without someone to care about. Its a part of human nature we all have: caring. You lied to me when you said you didnt care about anyone back in the forest. You told me that fear was born from caring, and you do care, you care about her . I saw the way you looked at her, the way you acted when she collapsed. You were scared. Draco turned away. He was tired of talking to Ginny. The way she made him feel, the way she talked, the way she told the truth, made him want to bury himself inside a hole and live in it forever. Bethany is your something and after she left, all you saw was nothingness. You love her, dont you? Ginny lifted herself from the ground and wrapped her hands around two of the steel bars that caged Draco in his cell. I told you to go away. Dont you have anyone to bother? Draco retorted, ignoring the question Ginny asked him. Ron and Hermione are together in Neverland currently, and Harry is in the hospital wing, unconscious, Ginny replied meekly. You still didnt answer my question. They ditched you to be together? Some friends they are, Draco admonished. I understand. They love each other and want to be together. Is that such a bad thing? Love is a fake, it cuts and burns and makes wounds that dont ever heal. Do you think its a good thing? Draco shot back in an irritable voice. Well, you cant expect it to be perfect. Theres nothing perfect in this world, Draco. Theres only life. Draco said nothing in return. He remained silent for a few minutes before he heard Ginnys walking away. He knew she was tired of trying to convince him the world wasnt against him. Before Ginny was able to reach the top of the stairs that would take her back inside Hogwarts, Draco turned around. How did you get up here? he asked, curious of how Ginny got passed the guards which were positioned near the door entrance to the rooftop. Ginny stopped and turned to face Draco. I used Harrys Invisibility Cloak. Hermione, Ron and I took it with us when we went to go search for him in the forest. In other words, you stole it, Draco elaborated. We more like borrowed it, Ginny corrected. The way Bethany took your heart is considered stealing. Draco shifted his eyes away from Ginnys before he answered her. She didnt steal it. I gave it to her as she gave hers to me. I do love her. The question is; does she still love me? Ginny sighed and began to descend the stairs. Dont make it a question, Draco. Make it a fact. Then she was gone.
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Bethany awoke to find herself in an uncomfortable bed with plain white sheets. She knew exactly where she was: the hospital wing. As she propped herself up with her elbows, her eyes wandered around the room. All of the beds around her were empty except for the one on her right. Harry was lying in that bed; his eyes fixed on the ceiling above him, causing him to appear lost in thought. The window above Bethanys head was open, letting in the air that smelled of grass and the faint sound of winds rushing pass the frame of the window. The rays of the sun shone through the glass, lighting the room a bright yellow. Heat from the sun mixed with the harsh winds, creating a warm breeze for a beautiful day. Clouds hovered in the sky, rearranging here and there from the force of the winds. Bethany did not know whether to talk to Harry or not. She knew he had to be angry with her still. Everything she had kept a secret all her life came pouring out that moment they all stood in the forest. She could not have prevented it from happening after what Draco had said. Bethany hoped Harry hadnt heard what he had said, but Harry did, and it gone downhill from there. She had felt herself slowly losing consciousness, but was helpless when trying to fight it. Before she knew it, she had fallen to the ground as everything around her disappeared into blackness. And now here she was, at Hogwarts, in the hospital wing with Harry beside her. She looked over at Harry once again, trying to see if he showed any sign of movement. Nothing. Harry didnt move a centimetre. Bethany wasnt sure he even blinked. His eyes were still wide open, staring into oblivion. She began to fear he was brain dead or some such thing. Bethany shifted to her side and held herself up with her arm, facing Harry. Psst, Harry, Bethany whispered violently, trying to get his attention. Harry? Are you okay? Talk to me. Harry kept still for a few seconds before he blinked and turned his head slightly towards Bethany. Im okay, he said dully. Bethany wanted to reply, but as she watched him turn his head back and stare at the ceiling again, she decided not to. She feared that Harry wouldnt ever want to speak to her. The way he answered her seemed dispassionate and heartless, causing her to feel a bit of hurt. Bethany was left clueless, not knowing what else to do. She had already tried talking to him; doing anything rash would just make Harry even angrier. I dont hate you, Harry said after minutes of silence passed. I mean, forgive me for not being cheerful and all, but you do deserve the cold shoulder. Harrys voice surprised Bethany. She gazed at him as he continued to stare into nothingness, still speaking to her. I know what I did was horrible, but you have to understand, Harry, it isnt easy telling people that your grandfather is Voldemort. The way you handled the news about Dumbledore being my grandfather was shocking enough. How was I supposed to tell you the darkest wizard in the world, whos trying to kill you, is my grandfather? Bethany asked firmly. Harry swiftly turned his head and faced her. I understand why you would be scared. Its the lying part that got to me. Okay, well, you werent actually lying, but you werent telling the whole truth either. I wouldnt have judged you based on who your grandfather is. Youd be surprised how many people do, Bethany responded glumly. Im so sorry you had to find out the way you did, Harry. By Draco, I mean.
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Dont get me started on him, Harry warned. You said youd explain everything. Start explaining. Bethany sighed and turned away. She chose not to look at Harry as she began her story about her past. My parents were both Death Eaters. And when I mean both, I mean my mother, Rachelle, who was Dumbledores daughter. So, Dumbledore had a daughter no one knew about? People knew about her, but only the bad things. My grandfather Dumbledore, not Voldemort forced too much pressure on my mother to be someone she wasnt. He wanted her to be his prodigy because everyone expected her to be. My mother fought him with hatred and refused to be someone she wasnt. Finally, she was so angry she wanted to hurt my grandfather the way he hurt her. She became a Death Eater, Harry said, thinking aloud. Bethany shook her head. She ran away from him and the life she was meant to live. Along the way, she met Lex or rather, Alexander. He was Voldemorts son, his heir, his only child. Okay, this is too unreal. Voldemort having a son? You got to be kidding me. This is my past, Harry. It may sound unrealistic, but its not, no matter how much I wish it were. Bethany paused few a few seconds before continuing. My mother didnt know Lex was Voldemorts son. If she knew, I doubt it would have made a difference in her decision. She fell in love with him, and like most Shakespearean love stories, there was a tragic ending. Once my mother found out who my dad really was, she was already pregnant with me. She had no other choice than to stay with him and become a Death Eater. So, your mum was just another person Voldemort wanted recruited to his side? Somewhat, I guess, Bethany said unsurely. What I do know is that Voldemort didnt know my mother was Dumbledores daughter until Lex told him, which was after I was born. Voldemort would have killed my mum if my dad didnt tell him. Your dad, Lex, was he anything like his father? Harry asked curiously. To tell you the truth, I dont know. He had my mum; he loved my mum. Dont you see, this thing between my dad choosing to be with my mum was not planned. My dad loved her. He really loved her, and to me, that is one thing Voldemort never was able to do love. Bethany fumbled with her hands, still avoiding Harrys glances at her, as she took a few seconds to recollect her past. After I was born and Voldemort acknowledged I was the granddaughter of Dumbledore and the daughter of his own son, I was to be his heir. You, youre meant to be his heir? Im sorry, Bethany, but it is hard to believe Voldemort wants a girl to be his heir. No offence to you or anything. Harry said amusedly. Yeah, well, youre right. He doesnt want a girl to be his heir. He wants my son to be his heir. Bethany finally looked over at Harry. She saw his eyes full of disbelief and astonishment. He was upright, sitting and staring at her as if he waited for a just kidding from Bethany. Wait, wait, hold on a minute. Are you telling me youre p-pregnant with Dracos son? Bethany smiled and began to laugh. No, no, no, Im not pregnant, nor is Draco ever going to be the father of my child. I told you, hes not my boyfriend. Anymore, Harry added. Hes not your boyfriend anymore.
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Bethanys smile faded and she turned away from Harry. She didnt want to linger on thoughts of Draco. Thinking about him only made pain strike her heart and made her eyes water. Bethany didnt want to cry, not in front of Harry, anyhow. In order to take her mind off Draco, she decided to continue with her story before Harry starts to ask more question about Draco. Anyway, Bethany said as she turned back to face Harry. Voldemort wanted to brand me with his Dark Mark, but my parents refused. They wanted me to be out of his control. They loved me. They wanted me to be able to choose what I wanted when both of them were never able to. My parents betrayed Voldemort and left to find Dumbledore. They knew that it would be only a matter of hours before Voldemort would find them and kill them. When my parents found Dumbledore, they left me with him. Dumbledore promised to protect me and give me the freedom of choices he didnt give to my mum. My parents left Dumbledore and ran as far away as possible for my safety. When Voldemort found them, nothing stopped him from killing them. Dumbledore tried to convince them to stay and allow him to protect them, but they refused. They didnt want me to grow up looking over my shoulder. So in the end, I grew up with my grandfather, went to muggle school for a couple of years and when he decided to take the freedom of being at a regular school from me, he home schooled me, and kept my life a secret so I could be safe. Bethany saw Harrys reaction when she finally ended her story. He seemed confused, but yet able to accept her past. Minutes of silence passed, and Harry said nothing. Bethany began to believe that he didnt want to be nosy and ask questions even though she was perfectly fine with it. Harry, are you freaked out about me now? Bethany asked, breaking the stillness. Harry didnt respond. Instead, he rose up from his bed and walked over the Bethany. No, I still think youre stubborn and a bit of a brat, Harry assured, taking a seat next to Bethany on her bed. Good to know, Bethany smiled. I dont want you to feel sorry for me just because I lost everyone in my life. Im like you, Harry. I lost my parents the same way you did, and I dont like feel sorry for people, so I treat you the way that I want you to treat me. You want me to treat you like crap? I do not treat you like crap! Bethany said in a surprised tone. Im just not too concerned about your feelings. Its the same thing, Harry emphasised Bethany smiled at Harry as he returned a grin back. For the first time, in a very long time, Bethany felt happy. Her laughter with Harry and her smiles created feelings she always longed for, feelings she hadnt experienced in a long time. The only time she had ever felt this way was when she was with Draco. Draco always made her laugh and smile just by saying the simplest things. Bethanys happiness from being with Harry was one of the things that led her to believe Harry had more in common with Draco than he realised. Bethany turned towards the window and stared out onto the courtyard of Hogwarts. The fields of grass were filled with students filing out of the school and making their way towards the Hogsmeade station to ride the train back home. As she watched them, Bethany felt lost and slightly lonely. Now that her grandfather was gone, she had no one to go home to, no family, nothing but emptiness. Her eyes began to water, and she tried hard to stop her tears from releasing. Bethany began to think about what she had said to Harry, and crying in front of him would only result in him feeling sorry for her. She didnt want that, nor did she want to think about the future. You okay? Harry asked. Youre kind of quiet.
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Bethany didnt realise that minutes had passed as she thought to herself. She snapped back to reality and faced Harry. Im fine, just thinking. I really dont remember what happened in the forest, Bethany said, trying to change the subject. How are your friends? Ron and Hermione are okay, and theyre wandering around school together. I dont think they went to the Hogsmeade station with the other students. They should be waiting for me, and now that I think about it, I have no idea where Ginny is, Harry replied. Well, its good to know your friends are okay. So, is Draco I mean, how is he, or where is he? Bethany asked reluctantly. You know what, dont answer that. Okay, I wont. Only because I dont know where he is or how he is. Its okay to still care, Bethany. Care about Draco. Bethany stared into Harrys eyes and saw he was being serious. She knew Harry hated him, but something had made him say those things about Draco. Maybe it was because Harry knew she had a past relationship with him or that she still loves him in some way. Bethany had never spoken about Draco to anyone, not even her own grandfather. And now she had an urge to tell Harry the worst person in the world to talk to about Draco. Can I ask you something? Harrys voice held a stern tone that caught Bethanys attention. How do you know Draco? Well, where do you think I lived all my life when Dumbledore was at Hogwarts? Uh, in a homeless shelter? Harry humoured. No, Bethany replied tensely. I was living here, at Hogwarts, with my grandfather. No one knew it except Professor McGonagall, Professor Snape, and Hagrid. You were at Hogwarts, and no student ever saw you? I didnt attend any classes because my grandfather didnt want me to, but other students saw me. I just looked like another student. No one came up to me and asked Hey, are you Dumbledores granddaughter? So, I just pretended I belonged, Bethany said. I met Draco at Hogwarts during his fourth year. So, that explains a lot. Thats why you said you were home schooled. Hogwarts is your home, Harry concluded. Basically, it is my home, but now that its closing, there is no such thing as a home for me. I have nowhere to go, and Draco is out of my life by my choice. The feeling of despair crept back into Bethanys heart again. She closed her eyes and brought her hands to her face. Tears didnt form, but her body language told Harry she was more than alone. Bethany rubbed her eyes and began to take her hands away from her face. She felt Harrys arm resting on her shoulder, enclosing her and pulling her closer to him. As she leaned her head onto his shoulder, Harry comforted her. You can come with me, Harry offered gently. Im going with Ron, Ginny, and Hermione to the Burrow the Weasleys house. Rons brother, Bill, is getting married. Youre welcomed to come, if you have nowhere else to go. I know that youre busy and all, he ended sarcastically. I dont want to be a burden with my stubbornness, Bethany responded in a humourous manner.
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Harry laughed. Just say youll come. Alright, Ill come, but only if Draco isnt there. Dont worry, Bethany. Draco wont be anywhere near the Burrow. Trust me, Harry assured her confidently. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Chapter 9: Thundering Decisions Strike [View Online] [Printer Friendly Version of This Chapter] -----------------------------------------------The redness had seeped from the day and night was arranging itself, staining and dyeing the evening purple and bluish black. Emptiness veiled over the fields of Hogwarts and the corridors were left deserted. Hours had passed since the students had left the school and journeyed home on the Hogwarts Express. The weather was acting quite strangely once again. Clouds were hovering, turning a slight gray, indicating a storm was near. Summer storms were uncommon in London, but since Voldemort had returned, anything uncommon had a reason. Ron stared out the window of his dormitory as he watched clouds continuously dance around in the color-changing sky. He felt relieved to be back at Hogwarts after the chaos that happened in the forest. Hermione was still angry at him, but it was fixable, after giving her some alone time. A faint breeze blew into the room, causing Ron to reach out and close the window. As he locked the latch which held the windowpane closed, he spotted someone outside, near the Black Lake. She had bushy brown hair wrapped into a solid bun. Ron knew instantly it was Hermione, and he felt an urge to go to her. He watched her pace around the lakeside and pick up a rock here and there to throw into the water. It had been only a couple hours since they last talked. Thinking that a couple hours away from each other was enough, Ron turned away from the window and began to head down the staircase to the common room. It was only seconds before he finished descending the last few steps and found himself face to face with someone he did not expect. Hey there, little brother, where are you off to in such a hurry? Ron looked up to see his brother, George, and his other brother, Fred, behind him. They seemed taller for some reason and beamed at him with wide grins. Ron became irritated at the fact his brothers were able to smile so broadly after what happened with Dumbledore. He shoved himself past his brothers and continued to walk toward the portrait hole. I have things to do, Ron replied with his back facing his brothers. Whats the rush? We arent leaving for home until after dinner, George said. Everyone is going into the Great Hall, including the teachers havent left yet and some members of the Order. Yeah Ron, dont you want to spend some time with your brothers? Fred joked amusedly. Charlie will be back at the Burrow soon. Mum just got an owl from him. It will be just like old times. Ron turned back to the twins swiftly. Dont you get it? Dumbledore is dead, and you two are still joking around. Can you two be serious for once? Dumbledore wouldnt want us to mourn for him. He always told us to bring humor into the world, and were respecting his wishes, Fred shot back at Ron, returning the same furious tone. We understand
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what is going on, Ron. We arent as dim-witted as you think we are. Rons fury began to die down little by little. His breaths that were short and fast began to slow down after minutes of silence passed. He avoided eye contact with his brothers for a while before he heard them speaking to him again. Look at you, Ron. Youre all grown up and serious, George speculated. Now it seems that youre the older brother. Yeah, Fred complied. What happened to you? You used to be cool. Ron broke into a smile and went over to his brothers. He was never so glad to have brothers. Having a big family always annoyed Ron with hand-me-downs and being poor, but having brothers to be there when he needed them to be was worth the suffering of old, tattered robes and used, falling-apart books. When Ron reached his two brothers, he wrapped his arms around them as they did the same. He hugged them quickly, not wanting to show off his sensitive side, as did his brothers. Where are Mum, Dad, and Ginny? Ron asked, backing himself away from Fred and George after releasing them. Dad is with some of the teachers and members of the Order. Ginny is probably wandering around Hogwarts, depressed that its closing down, and Mum is with Bill and Fleur in the hospital wing. He is supposedly ready to leave the depressing place, but Mum forbids it. She refuses to allow Bill to walk at all or even barely get up from his bed. I think she believes Bill lost his senses to move, George replied risibly. Sounds like Mum, Ron said with a grin. Is Harry still there? Did he wake up? Maybe I should go see him before dinner. Ron began to make his way back to the portrait hole once again, but Fred stopped him. Harry wasnt there when we went to visit Bill. Madam Pomfrey said he left a while ago. George and I thought he went to see you, so we came to find you two. Guess we were wrong. Ron started to wonder why Harry would just up and leave. Even though he had done it before, it did not make senses for him to leave a second time. It struck him that Bethany had been with him in the hospital wing. She must have taken him somewhere as she had the first time. Ron was infuriated once again at the fact that this girl, who was a stranger not just to him, but most likely to Harry also, was causing Harry to leave his best friends. Then he remembered that Hermione was still down by the lake, alone and unaware that Harry was possibly missing yet again. Before he jumped to any conclusions, he asked his brothers for some clarification. Did you two see a girl in the hospital wing? Brown hair, pretty, no one you ever met before? Ron asked earnestly. Her name is Bethany, if you two had happened to hear her name and where she went. Nope, never heard of her nor seen her. Only Mum, Dad, Bill, and Fleur were in the hospital wing, George answered, shaking his head at the same time. Me neither. Why would you care, Ron? I heard you were with Hermione, Fred sniggered. I just do, Ron yelled fumingly as he pushed the portrait door open and walked out with the only thought of getting to Hermione on his mind. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Ron strode through the corridors of Hogwarts in a quick manner, trying not to miss out on finding Hermione. He knew she was still by the lake, but she could have left during the time he met up with
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Fred and George. Thoughts of her entered his mind as he left the staircases and passed by the Great Hall. She cant still be angry with me, Ron pondered. She had to know I left because Harry needed me. What was I supposed to do? Say, No Harry, go find Bethany by yourself and while youre at it, try not to die. Ron turned the corner and began walk out the grand, oak doors of the Hogwarts entrance and onto the fields of grass. It was now completely dark and the sun was nowhere to be seen. The moon appeared as a perfect circle, so full of light that all the edges of things had an amber cast. A violent breeze swept through the grass, leaving a crisp fragrance with a hint of rain-scent, most likely foreshadowing a few showers shortly to come. Overhead, the sky was slowly being filled with grey clouds, drifting in from nowhere. The stars above shimmered softly, having no clue they were soon to be darkened. Ron spotted imprints in the grass as he made his way out toward the field and away from the oak doors. The prints were leading off to two different paths. Some were heading toward the gates of the Quidditch field and the others were toward the Black Lake. He noticed that the ones paving in the direction of the Quidditch field belonged to more than one person, possibly two. Ron of course followed the impressions that routed to the Black Lake, knowing for sure they were Hermiones, but as he followed them he could not help to think about who would be at the Quidditch field at this time. Three minutes passed before Ron was able to see Hermione at a distance. She was sitting by the lakeside, staring into the water. Ron observed the way she sat with her knees tucked into her chest and her arms wrapped tightly around them. It was cold and Ron assumed it was Hermiones way to keep warm other than going back inside Hogwarts. He approached her silently enough to not draw attention to himself. As he took in a breath before he spoke, Ron heard sobbing coming from Hermione. He did not understand why on earth she would be crying, but he was about to find out. Hermione, is everything okay? Ron asked, bringing himself down and seating himself next to her. I come bearing a white flag as a sign of me surrendering. She quickly wiped away the tears on her cheeks and turned to face Ron. You were never that good in battle. I knew you were going to surrender in no time. Hermione gave him a weak smile as she tried to hide her red-shot eyes. I know something is wrong, Hermione. You dont have to hide it from me, Ron said, concerned. Hermione rested her chin on her folded arms and allowed loose strings of wavy hair to fall onto her face. She continued to stare into the water as she spoke to Ron. Im just thinking about the future: Harrys future, your familys future, and our future. I guess it brought tears to my eyes. Dont you ever think about the future? Ron lifted his arm to Hermiones shoulder and enclosed her into his chest. At times I stare off into space and think about what will happen to all of us in the battle with Voldemort. I think about what will happen after it is all over and wonder if we will all survive and what will happen if we dont. Sometimes I feel as though I will lose you, Hermione, and my mind shuts down at that moment. I cant bring myself to picture my life without you, so I stop myself from thinking about the future. Were living in the present right now, and thats all I really want to do. I dont want to think about a future that might become true, I want to live this life, this moment, and this time with you. Hermione drifted her eyes over to Rons and held his gaze. She raised herself from the ground to touch her lips with his and slowly they kissed softly and gently. Ron brought his hands down to Hermiones waist and caressed her tenderly. Hermione flung her arms around Rons neck and forced herself closer to him. It was minutes before they broke apart and the feelings of misery entered their hearts and minds. Oh Ron, we cant. You know why we cant do this. Its too dangerous.
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I know the way I feel about you, Hermione, Ron retorted intensely. I want this, I want to be with you, and I know, inside your heart, you want to me with me. I love you, and Voldemort is not going to take that away from me, from us. Hermione stared hard into his eyes before responding to him. If were in a battle, and I tell you to leave me to protect someone else, you have to. Promise me. Our love cant affect us when were fighting or we will both die. Youre asking me to promise to abandon you when youre in need. How am I supposed to keep that promise? Ron, please trust me, just promise, Hermione pleaded tearfully. Ron touched the side of her face lightly with his hand, lifting her stings of loose hair away, and kissed her cheek. I promise, he whispered into her ear faintly. He then carefully laid his back against ground and allowed Hermione to rest her head on his chest. He enfolded her into his arms, keeping her close as they looked up at the night sky, hoping to find some clue of their futures written magically in the stars. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Harry felt the wind hit his face violently. He soared through the sky fast enough to feel the icy breeze numb his hands and face. His eyes closed as he swept across the field, doing every turn and dive naturally. The numbness throughout his body caused him to feel nothing and that was all he wanted to feel. Harry refused to open his eyes, knowing he would have to leave this world of nothingness to relive his current life. He did a fierce dive toward the ground, gripping harder onto the handle of his Firebolt. A clench erupted in his stomach as he dropped full speed and that was what Harry loved to feel as he flew. Nothing in the world mattered to him when he was hundreds of feet above the ground, away from reality. Life was inevitable and Harry knew he would have to face his life sooner or later. After a few hours of flying, he landed gently on the field and made his way up the stands. Harry climbed up the stairs, all the way to the top, where Bethany sat. She was wrapped in a gleaming silver cloak with a silk black scarf hanging around her neck. Harry placed his Firebolt on the ground and seated himself next to her. Youre good, Bethany said, nodding toward his broom. I still dont think it was smart of you to fly after you had broken a couple of ribs, but you went and did it anyway. Thanks, Harry replied with a grin. Id go crazy if I didnt fly every once in a while. I guess the feeling it gives me helps me relax. I cant explain it. Have you ever flown before? Me? Bethany laughed. My grandfather is Dumbledore. Whenever I picked up a broom, it was for sweeping. So, youve never ridden one ever? Harry asked in disbelief. Nope, but the way you describe it makes me want to try it. Watching you makes me want to try it. You have no idea, Bethany. Bethany smiled at him as she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. Oh, I almost forgot to give this back to you, she said, handing him something she had taken out of her robe.
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My wand, Harry said, taking it from her. Where did you find it? I thought I lost it when I was the cave. It was in your robe that you gave me to keep warm, remember? Thats weird. I dropped it when I was chained to the wall. How did it get back into my robe? Harry ruminated with a confused expression shown on his face. Beats me, but at least you got yours back. I still havent found mine yet, Bethany amused. Yeah, sorry about that, Harry apologized sympathetically. Im sure someone must have found it and gave it to Professor McGonagall. We can check right now if you want. Harry stood up and walked toward the stairs leading back to the front gates of the field. He didnt notice Bethany wasnt following until he looked back and saw she still hadnt risen from her seat. Actually, I kind of like it out here, even though it is a bit cold, Bethany said. I mean, I dont need my wand right now, at this very moment. Were still on Hogwarts grounds, no worries. Bethany, were already half an hour late for the last feast that is going on in the Great Hall. Everyone is there and I think we should be there too and plus, youre recovering from a serious cold, you shouldnt even be out here. Harry stared suspiciously at Bethany for a few seconds, trying to read her thoughts. She seemed not so thrilled to go to dinner or back inside Hogwarts. Maybe it brings back painful memories, Harry thought. She did just lose her grandfather. He felt the same in one way or another, but going back inside Hogwarts reminded him of Dumbledore in a noble way, not the way Bethany probably remembered. The black sky with streaks of moonlight finally let out its tears as misty rain drops fell from the grey clouds. It was not hard or flooding, but more like a drizzle than rain. Harry watched Bethany stand up and make her way towards him. She said nothing, but he was able to tell something was wrong. By the time she reached him, she glanced at him for a split second before passing by him and walking away in the directions of the gates. Are you coming, Harry? Bethany asked, without stopping to wait for him. Once Harry caught up with her, he took her arm gently, stopping her and turning her to face him. Look, we dont have to go back if you dont want to. I understand if you would rather stay here; Im just worried about you. You fell unconscious in the middle of the forest when you said you were fine. Dont worry about me, Im fine, Bethany assured him. I know I said I was fine before, but really, I dont feel like Im going to collapse on you anytime soon. Anyway, I think I should go in and meet everyone; you know, members of the Order, people. Besides, I have to go back in either now or later, might as well go in with you. Harry nodded his head and released her arm. They walked through the gates of the Quidditch field and followed the path back into the school. Silence stood between as they crossed the grounds of Hogwarts together only catching each others quick looks from the corners of their eyes and slight smiles here and there. It was not long until they were able to see the lights of Hogwarts, gleaming out from the open oak doors. Hey, Harry, a distant voice called. Harry scanned his eyes over the grounds and found Hermione and Ron, looking as if they were just returning to Hogwarts from the Black Lake.
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What were you doing at the Quidditch field this late? Hermione asked curiously, giving him an eyebrow frown. Dont tell me you were flying right after Madam Pomfrey released you! Well, you see, Hermione Harry began, trying to think up an excuse before Ron ended up filling in his sentence. He wanted to fly before we have to go back to the Burrow. Let him fly, Hermione. Hermione shot Ron an irritated glare and stormed into Hogwarts without another word. You gotta stop taking my side, Ron, Harry advised with a grin. Yeah, I know, but come on, you were just flying! And here she and I thought you went missing again, Ron scorned and then within seconds he was gone, racing after Hermione. I dont know what Ill do without them, Harry said, half laughing. He looked over at Bethany and saw that her mind had gone elsewhere. She stood there with her eyes fixed on the sky above with the twinkling stars and beautifully filled moon. Harry touched her shoulder lightly and felt Bethany grabbed his hand abruptly, gripping it hard. You scared me, Harry. Well, I see that and feel it, Harry gritted through his teeth. Youre kind of still grasping my hand a little bit hard. Oh, Im sorry, Bethany apologized as she freed Harrys hand from her clasp. I think Im going to go walk around the school for a bit. Ill come find you later. Bethany, wait! What about dinner? Harry cried after her, seeing that she already made her way down the hall and was disappearing around the corner. Harry was left in a confused state of mind. He did not understand why Bethany bailed on him with no warning sign at all. She had always been a difficult person to read ever since Harry met her, but it never stopped him from not wanting to get to know her. If anything, it made him more eager to find out things about her. Harry took a few steps through the oak doors and onto the marble floored foyer of Hogwarts. There, he caught a glimpse of what seemed like Ginnys fiery red hair drifting behind her after leaving the Great Hall and moving quickly out of sight towards the end of the corridor. Right then and there, Harry broke into a run to find Ginny, wanting to relieve the urge in the pit of his stomach to finally talk to her. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I just dont think he should be in there. Why do you say that? Tonks asked curiously. You do know his past, Ginny. Ginny let out a heavy sigh and looked down at her plate. It was full of deliciously made food, but she did not have the appetite to eat much. She kept thinking about Draco and how alone he was up on the rooftop, locked up. Thoughts of him continued to wander throughout her mind after the conversation she had with him. Ginny just could not push him out of her head as much as she wanted to. She had the feeling that it was her responsibility to prove that Draco was not guilty and it was not an easy thing to do. Tonks sat across from her, blooming with bright purple hair. Next to Tonks sat Lupin in deep conversation with Hagrid, probably talking about what should happen now after Dumbledores death. Down the table was Professor McGonagall, the Weasley twins, Bill (surprisingly), Fleur, and Ginnys
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parents. Harry, Ron, and Hermione were nowhere in sight, nor was Bethany. Food was spread out, positioned in the middle of one of the four house tables. The Great Hall was decorated with black, representing the recent lost of a great Headmaster. Up above, the ceiling was dark and grey, imitating the depressing sky outside. I do know his past, Ginny replied dispassionately. I believe the past shouldnt represent who a person is now. He was forced to do what he did. You know his father, Tonks. If anyone had a father like Lucius, of course they will be required to obey orders from Voldemort. Yes, that is true, but it does not give us the right to let him go. He has to be presented in a hearing for the Ministry. The Order does not have the power to decide whether someone should go free or not, Tonks said as she took her goblet and sipped a bit of wine. But the Ministry is corrupted! They arrested innocent people! If they get their hands on a Malfoy he just wont survive. Ginny stared hard into Tonks eyes, hoping she understood what position Draco was in. Lupin broke off the conversation with Hagrid and turned to face Ginny. I know what you mean, Ginny. I admit Draco is not guilty for Dumbledores death, but you must agree with me that he has done wrong. Ginny nodded her head. I know he has, but if he gets the Kiss for it, it isnt right. Dumbledore believed Draco wouldnt have killed him and he was right. He tried to offer Draco help, why cant we do the same now? It is what Dumbledore would have wanted. How do we know Draco wont run once we release him? Lupin inquired. Trust is not a kind of thing you put into Malfoys. We can put him under probation with the Order, Ginny recommended. Someone can watch over him for a while. Hes pretty much alone anyway. I doubt he would go back to father. Im just worried he might go looking for his mum. Ginny, Lupin chuckled. Which member of the Order would carry the responsibility to look after a prisoner? We just dont have that kind of place or time. He can stay at the Burrow, Ginny insisted earnestly. Im sure Bill and Fleur wont mind having him during their wedding. I dont think that is a wise idea, Tonks warned. Your mum will be furious and your father hates Malfoys enough. They will understand. Please, you have to let him go. Ill look after him. I can tell what he is going through; I understand him. Just dont take him to the Ministry, Ginny implored. Ginny, youre asking us to allow a prisoner to go free. Do you know what kind of trouble we would be in? Lupin asked cautiously. You have to think about what would happen to the Order. Im just trying to save an innocent person from persecution. Is that so wrong? Lupin scoffed, Draco is anything but innocent. He may not have killed Dumbledore, but for everything else he has done, innocent is not what he is. Lupin rose from the table and made his way over to Professor McGonagall and sat down by her. Ginny knew Lupin had given up on convincing her that Draco deserved to be sent to the Ministry, but the urge to fight for him still did not leave her body. She felt that she needed to be alone, maybe have another talk with Draco. Before she was able to decide, she felt someone touch her hand. Ginny looked up and saw Tonks smiling at her.
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Ill talk to him, Ginny, Tonks said. Lupin knows Draco will be sentenced to receive the Kiss if he attends a hearing. Deep in his heart, Lupin will not allow that to happen. Just give it time. Ginny returned a warm smile to Tonks as she nodded in agreement. She then stood and walked out of the Great Hall and down the corridor that led to the staircases. A two-way hall appeared in front of her path. To the right of her was the entrance to the rooftop where Draco was and on her left was the stairs back to the Gryffindor common room. She stood in one place for a few moments, not sure of which passage to take. Ginny? Ginny turned around to see who called her name, although she already knew who it was just by the tone of their voice. It was Harry, standing not too far from the Great Hall. He seemed tired by the look in his eyes and a bit weak from the way he stood. Ginny didnt know whether she should go hug him or walk away in the opposite direction. She was no longer angry with him, but she still did not change her mind about Draco either. Moments passed before Harry began to walk towards her. Ginny did not move nor did she say anything. Once Harry reached her, she felt his arms close in around her. He embraced her fragilely, not wanting to bring pain to his healing ribs. Ginny returned the hug and then pulled away from him. She stared into his exhausted, bright green eyes and smiled. I was worried about you, Ginny informed him. I couldnt bear to sit next to you in the hospital wing. I didnt like seeing you the way you were. I thought you were still furious with me, Harry replied bleakly. I dont like this feeling. This feeling in my gut, knowing we are angry with each other. We never fought before. Yeah, I know. I dont like it either, Ginny concurred. Harry let out a sigh, and Ginny was able to feel the warmth of his exhale. We should talk, Harry said. About us, I mean. Ginny nodded silently. She saw Harry reach out his hand and she took it accordingly, without taking a second to think about it. His hand was soft and gentle, just as she remembered it. Together, they walked up the staircase and disappeared behind the portrait of the Fat Lady. ------------------------------------------------------Chapter 10: Roars and Silence [View Online] [Printer Friendly Version of This Chapter] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Im going to miss this place, Harry said as he swept his eyes around the Gryffindor common room. Hey, do you remember? This is the exact spot where we had our first kiss. Harry stood a few feet in front of the portrait hole, staring at Ginny who was sitting in one of the armchairs nearby. Yeah, Ginny grinned. I cant believe you did it in front of everyone. Well, I dont recall you pulling away from me when I did. Harry heard Ginny giggle as he walked towards her and sat in the armchair next to her. He watched her play with strands of her fiery red hair in between her fingers as she smiled and caught his stare. The gaze between them held for seconds before Ginny turned away. Harry then shifted his eyes and
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looked at the clock above the fireplace to check the time. It was a little past nine and everyone remained in the Great Hall, chatting and sipping coffee after the end-of-year feast. Rumbling and roars were heard through the windows of the common room. They were loud, threatening to split the sky open and allow fire to fall from above. The rain did not lighten. It fell heavier by second, adding inches of water to the flooded grounds of Hogwarts. Hows Bill? Harry asked, not yet ready to mention the unavoidable subject of his feelings toward Ginny. Hes doing great, Ginny replied. He left the hospital wing to attend the feast. Mum wasnt too happy. Makes sense, Harry laughed. So, why did you leave dinner so early? Oh, I wasnt that hungry, Ginny said discreetly. You didnt eat anything the whole day, how werent you hungry? Ginny shrugged her shoulders. I just wasnt. Harry scrunched his eyebrows at her, giving Ginny an awkward look. He knew something was off about her, but Harry did not want to ask. Another fight was not what he needed right now. Where did you come from before you spotted me in the corridor? asked Ginny, taking the spotlight off her. I was at the Quidditch field flying my Firebolt. I wanted some air after being in the hospital wing for so long. Wasnt that kind of dangerous? I mean, you broke two of your ribs and you decided to go fly at night alone? I wasnt alone, Harry assured. I was with Bethany. Oh Harry took Ginnys oh as a sign to drop the topic of Bethany. Two hours had passed since he and Ginny had entered the common room, and they had not exchanged one word about their relationship. Moments of silence presented themselves, but every time Harry wanted to say what was on his mind he simply choked. Harry inhaled, hoping his voice wouldnt crack on him this time. Ginny I think I know, Ginny said, not allowing Harry to finish. I saw it in your eyes when you came to me and told me you wanted to talk. Youve been avoiding it ever since we got here. You saw what? I read your eyes, Harry. Youre the kind of person who looks for redemption in everything. Harry smiled for a second at the fact that Ginny knew him so well. He then sighed softly and said, I just feel as though weve been through so much, and I want you to know that you mean everything to me, Ginny. Minutes passed and Ginny did not say anything. Harry began to breathe shorter breaths, thinking Ginny did not feel the same way he did. It was then after she spoke that Harry felt a sense of relief and
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warmth, happiness. Harry, when they carried you into the hospital wing from the forest, I thought I had lost you. What I felt was the worst feeling in the world, and I never knew how much you meant to me until that moment. Were more than friends; our relationship is more than just being girlfriend and boyfriend. Harry, I want you to know that I know who I am to you, even though you cant explain it. Harry dragged his eyes over Ginnys face and realised she was beaming at him. He grinned and leaned over to her. As he reached and touched her cheek, Harry kissed her lightly on the forehead. I was never good enough for you anyway, Harry amused. I never deserved you. Ginny shook her head gently. No, we just didnt fit. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Alecto turned and faced her husband, watching him make his way towards her and Lucius. Her mind began racing when Snape finally approached her. He held a nasty look of fury, causing him to seem fierce and angry. But then again, he always looked that way, Alecto mused. Images of Snape watching her and Lucius made her sick to the stomach. All she thought about was what Snape would do. He had never loved her and she knew it. So he wouldnt be jealous, would he? Alecto asked herself. Jealousy was not what Alecto worried about. Snape would not care about what she did or with whom she did it as long as she made the potions he asked her to. What she did worry about was one person in particular, the person who did care about what she did and especially who she did it with. Alectos brother, Amycus, had his reasons that forced her with Snape against her own will and she never had the courage to stand up to someone who carries her own blood. Then why is he here? Alecto wondered as she stared at Snape closely, trying to interpret the suspicion in his eyes. She felt Lucius take her by the arm and move her behind him as though he was afraid Snape would hurt her. At that moment, Snape smirked and scoffed, May I remind you, Lucius, that is my dear wife behind you. I never knew you were so smart, Severus. I guess the hair makes you look a bit unintelligent, Lucius replied flatly. How is Narcissa? Snape asked rhetorically. You have been in a cell before in Azkaban; you should know how it feels. Alecto should also; she has been married to you for quite sometime, Lucius shot back. Azkaban? What is Narcissa doing in Azkaban? Alecto wondered. She remembered Lucius telling her that the Dark Lord has taken her captive, but to put her in Azkaban? Alecto felt the wrongness in the whole situation. Narcissa has done nothing but mother Luciuss son, and for that she is punished? The injustice Narcissa faced pained Alecto, but she knew she was powerless in helping her in any way. Ah, I see that Alecto still comes first to you. Snape paced around Lucius and Alecto with his arms across his chest. Once Alecto and I were married you chose Narcissa as your second and she is still your second. What a shame. I wonder what your son will think about his own father abandoning his mother in Azkaban. As Snape stepped past Alecto, she awoke from her thoughts. She saw a glitter of pink in the pocket of his coat, which caused her to realise who Snape was searching for, but she still did not understand why he was at the Malfoy Manor.
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The time is ticking, Lucius. The Dark Lord does not have the patience to wait for his orders to be done. Lets hope you find Draco before I do or it would be back to Azkaban to join your wife. Snape turned his back toward Lucius and Alecto and walked back down the hall. Oh, and Alecto, Ill be seeing your brother very soon, Snape said cautiously, and as he faced her for a split second and with another crack, he was gone. A feeling of anxiety was at the pit of Alectos stomach when she watched Snape disappear. It was only a matter of time before Amycus would find her and force her to do what she hated to do the most. She looked over at Lucius, glancing at his expression. His face was ridged and serious, not pained or worried. The colour in his cheeks were drained of pink and replaced with a kind of whiteness. There was a long silence before Alecto spoke. Why would he be looking for Draco? she asked, not expecting an answer from Lucius. I must find him, said Lucius sternly, walking away from Alecto and toward the staircase. For his own well-being or your own? Alecto watched Lucius stop and turn back around. She saw Luciuss eyes light up and strike a grim stare at her. They were cold and sinister, not as they were before. She could not help to think how easily it was for Lucius to change himself completely right in front of her eyes. Minutes ago, he was the man she loved, and now he was just like all the other Death Eaters. Hes not just my son, Alecto. He is more valuable than that, and when the Dark Lord gets him in his possession, Draco will no longer be known as my son or a Malfoy, Lucius conveyed. I dont understand, Alecto said with a confused tone. You do not need to. What I need you to do is to help me find him. Please, Alecto, right now it isnt about me and you or even Narcissa, its about Draco. Alecto gazed at Lucius and watched him hold his hand up, waiting for her to take it. She felt herself walk over to him, not having the control over her body. The thoughts of her brother flowed out of her mind as if she chose Lucius over him. Alecto then approached him and gripped firmly onto his hand as she stared into his eyes that reflected a man she knew not of, but yet loved unconditionally. Then, they were gone. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The room was quiet and peaceful just like she remembered it the first day she walked in. It was large and circular, full of whizzing noises and tinkling caused by the odd objects on the shelves and tables. She spotted the enormous, claw-footed desk in the middle of the floor where an emerald chair was placed behind it, empty and bare. Her stare drifted around the room, catching sights of the Sorting Hat and Gryffindors gleaming sword upon the shelves she once dusted and cleaned. Beyond her gazes, her eyes fell on the wall that held the portraits of old headmasters and headmistresses. She made her way toward the portraits and stood in front of one in particular, the most recent one. As she ran her hands down the frame, she touched the golden plate engraved with the name: Albus Dumbledore. Tears slowly fell from her eyes and drifted off her cheeks to her chin. I miss you, Gramps, Bethany whispered softly to herself. Bethany turned away, no longer wanting to see the twinkle in her grandfathers eyes. She approached the empty golden perch where Fawkes once stood when he was flaming a beautiful red and orange as a phoenix should. After some time, Bethany made her way to one side of the circular room and placed the palm of her hand on a specific spot on the wall. Silently, stairs unfolded step by step from midair,
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leading to a doorway that had just appeared. As Bethany walked up the stairs, each step after her disappeared, leaving no traces of another room above the office. Once she entered through the doorway, she found herself in the room she had lived in most of her life. It contained a large bed, centred in the middle, and many shelves of books. A number of the books were of potions and spells, but the others were recommended to be read by her grandfather. Nearby her bed was a small table where pictures were placed of her parents and herself as a baby. One of the many was of the three of them outside of Hogwarts, smiling and waving. Bethany went over to her bed and sat down. It was then when she heard voices echo from the office below her. Now, Remus, are you sure about this? The Ministry will not be too happy. Minerva, you must understand what will happen if he is turned in to the Ministry. Ah, yes, when was the last time the Ministry ever took our side. Mad-Eye, they have good reason to doubt us. What we are doing is plain and simple. We are allowing a prisoner to go free. Well, I think he has a better chance surviving in front of the Ministry than wandering free and waiting for the evil bastard to hunt him down. You know as well as I, Remus, no one can escape death if Voldemort wants you dead. Alastor has a point; he needs to be in hiding. Do not worry, Minerva. Someone has already stepped forward with an offer. You are now head councilwomen of the Order; we need you to direct the voting. All you have to do is say yes. The voices stopped and silence was present. Bethany only heard the sounds of the silver instruments whirling down below. She began to panic, thinking they must have discovered someone was listening in on them somehow. Minutes passed of stillness until she heard Professor McGonagall speak. Albus had a reason to offer help to him before he died. I believe he saw some kind of good within him. Say no more, Minerva. Im on my way to the roof. Alastor, are you coming? Hmm? Oh, yeah, sorry, Remus, my mind was somewhere else. Im coming. Ill inform the others it is time to leave Hogwarts. Molly has been eager to get her children home after the whole ordeal. Remus, please stay alert with the storm. It has been growing heavy rapidly, most unusual. Bethany heard their footsteps exit the office and slowly die away. She waited a few minutes before descending from her room and slipping out of the office. As she walked through the halls abruptly, trying to find Harry, she could not help but have thoughts of Draco floating around in her mind and wonder whether or not it was him they were talking about. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Come on, Hermione, you cant be mad at me forever, Ron said as he followed her around the corner of a corridor. Im sorry. I didnt mean to take Harrys side. So you dont mean to take Harrys all the time?
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Ron sighed and finally reached for Hermiones arm and swung her around gently. He caught her waist and brought her close to him. Then, he kissed her gently on the lips and smiled. Ron stared into Hermiones eyes, hoping they would change from anger to forgiveness, but they didnt. That was when he realised kissing a girl does not make an argument disappear as it used to with Lavender. Ron felt Hermione push away from him with much force. She stormed up the stairs to the portrait of the Fat Lady and turned to face Ron before entering the common room. I cant believe you! she said in a furious tone and then she stepped inside, slamming the portrait closed quite hard. Ron chased after Hermione, miserably climbing the stairs. Once he reached the Fat Lady, he gave the password and waited for her to open. Men never seem to learn, she said, swinging outward, allowing Ron to enter. Ron became irritated as he walked through the portrait hole, mumbling and cursing to himself. He did not seem to notice who was in the common room when he had gone in until he heard Harry. I see you and Hermione still didnt make up. And I see you and Ginny did, Ron said, spotting Ginny sitting in an armchair next to Harry. Did you guys see She went up to her dormitory, Ginny answered before Ron was able to finish. She did not seem happy at all. A bit of advice, Ron, the girl is always right, said Harry humorously. Ron nodded slightly. Oh, I almost forgot, Lupin was looking for you, Ginny. He asked me to tell you to meet him at the staircase near the entrance to the roof. Hmm, I better get going then, said Ginny, waving goodbye to Harry and Ron. I wonder what that is about. Who cares, Harry, Ron exclaimed. Im in a crisis here. Just tell her she was right and do it quick. I want to leave to you-know-where soon. Yeah, yeah, yeah, Ron replied dispassionately. Well get there, dont worry. And do you really think Hermione will be so stubborn and refuse to go just because shes angry at me? Well Never mind, forget I asked, Ron said, knowing what Harry would say to annoy him. Right then, Ron heard an unfamiliar voice come up from behind him. Harry? Ron turned around and spotted Bethany just entering through the portrait hole. How did you get in here? I came in when Ginny left, she pointed out in a soft, quiet voice. Ron watched her scan the common room with her eyes. He knew she was looking for Harry and he had the urge to push her back out the portrait hole. It bothered him that Bethany and Harry were spending
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a lot more time together. Ron barely knew her and the fact that Harry didnt know her well either bothered him most. What does Harry see in her? Ron thought, suspicious that Bethany had more to her than what she is letting on. Maybe you should go talk to Hermione, Ron, Harry said, causing Ron to drop his thoughts about Bethany and turn to look at Harry. Oh yeah, Im going ... Ron slowly climbed up the stairs to the girls dormitory. He winded around the corner only slightly and came to a stop. He stood there silently, waiting for Harry to say something. So, are you ready to go? Harry asked Bethany. A burst of anger inflamed Rons heart as he coiled his hand into a fist. How can Harry trust her to come with us? Yeah, theres just one more thing I have to do before we leave, Bethany answered. Okay, well, Ron and Hermione are coming too. Everyone else is going back to the Burrow, so well see them when we get there. Bethany, are you sure youre okay with coming? I know I asked you to, but you still dont have to go. Harry, I want to go and Im just not saying it because I feel that youre forcing me to. I want to be there for you like you were for me when my grandfather died. Ron finally heard enough. He had an impulse to sneak a peek at Harry and Bethany to see if they were hugging or having an intimate moment. It made him sick just to think of it, let alone see it. Ron decided for the sake of not being caught, he continued upstairs with his hand still tightened into a fist of anger. --------------------------------------------------------------------------This chapter was shorter than I wanted it to be. Hopefully it held up with my other chapters! Please Review! I always write better with them! They encourage me! =]
Chapter 11: The Storm [View Online] [Printer Friendly Version of This Chapter] -------------------------------------------------------Hermione slammed the door behind her fiercely once she entered her dormitory. As she made her way toward the window next to her bed, she pulled the hair-tie out from her bun, allowing her thick, bushy hair to fall onto her face. She reached for the handle of the frame and pushed the window open. Icecold air rushed past her face as it entered the room violently, blowing her hair like smoke in every direction. Hermione pushed herself against the window sill and stuck her head out the window, inhaling steadily. She closed her eyes and exhaled as rain drops from the roof above fell and dripped on her face. Hermione absorbed the rushing sound of the rain pouring from the sky and hitting the ground. Her fury died down as she listened to the rain pounding against the stone walls of Hogwarts. She opened her eyes and glanced at the sky above her. It was still gloomy with thick, gray clouds still draining themselves of water. Hermione watched the rain for a few minutes longer until she sighed and pulled herself back into the room.
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At that moment, Ron entered the room with an irritated expression on his face. Hermione grabbed a towel sitting on her trunk and wiped down her face. She watched Ron walk over to her bed and sit down without having spoken a word to her. A feeling of anger erupted in her stomach. How can he be irritated at me? she asked herself as she went over to Ron, waiting for him to speak to her. Im sorry, Hermione, Ron said apologetically. Youre not supposed to be in the girls dormitory. Hermione, I screwed up and I hate it when were like this. Even when we were just friends, I didnt like being angry with you. Im sorry. She looked into his eyes and noticed that his face no longer held an annoyed look, but an expression of tiredness. Hermione could not help but forgive him over a matter which was not as big of a deal as she made it to be. I guess I was being stubborn with the issue of you choosing Harry over me. I know he is your best friend. No, Ron said, I dont want you to apologize to me. You didnt do anything wrong. Youre my best friend too, and most of all, youre my girlfriend. Youre the only girl I ever really loved. I was wrong, not you. Hermione smiled at him weakly, Im your girlfriend? she asked. Yeah, youre my girlfriend, Ron grinned. Hermione saw Rons face light up, causing her stomach to do a little flip, a feeling she loved to feel every time she was with him. She watched Ron reach for her hand and pull her close to him. As she gripped onto his hand, she took a few steps forward and found herself looking down at Ron, who was sitting on the bed with his arms around her waist. She ran her hand through his hair and bent down to meet his lips with hers. Only a few seconds passed before they broke apart, hearing a soft knock at the door. Hermione stood up straight and made her way over to the door. Once she opened it, she saw Bethany dressed in a pair of jeans and a t-shirt, her eyes expressionless with a mix of tiredness. Im sorry to bother you, but I was wondering I could maybe talk to you and Ron? Bethany asked as she peeked inside at Ron sitting on the bed with an aggravated expression on his face. Hermione looked over her shoulder at Ron for a second before responding to Bethany. She did not consider the fact that Ron was shaking his head no when she already nodded her head yes to Bethany. Sure, come in, Hermione said, moving aside to allow Bethany into the room. It wont take long, I swear, said Bethany. I just wanted to straighten some things out. Im sure you do, Ron muttered under his breath, because youre so smart and pretty, and a bestfriend-snatching bit Hermione nudged Ron hard in his ribs as she sat down next to him on her bed. She watched Bethany pace around the room before actually standing in front of her and Ron. She noticed that Ron was becoming annoyed again by the posture of his folded arms across his chest. He seemed now to be rubbing his ribs where she had nudged him in silence, waiting for Bethany to speak. Okay, Bethany said, positioning herself before Ron and Hermione. I know Ive been taking a lot of Harrys time and that you both think Im a bad person who is trying to take Harry away.
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We dont think that, Hermione denied immediately. Speak for yourself, Ron said aloud, causing Hermione to nudge him once again. Im not trying to brainwash Harry into running away with me or something. After the recent loss of my grandfather, its hard to find where I belong. Im just looking for someone to understand what Im going through, and Harry understands. Hes the only one who does. Bethany, we can help too, Hermione said. She turned to Ron and stared at him for a few seconds, waiting for him to say something. Oh, yeah we can help too, said Ron grudgingly. Ron, I know you dont like me, Bethany said flatly, and you dont have to pretend you do. All my life, I had no friends, and I grew up not caring what other people thought. I had my grandfather and he was all I really needed. I was destined to be alone after my parents death. I knew that when time went by, my grandfather wouldnt be around forever. Id understand if you dont want me to go with you, Harry, and Hermione. I dont want to be where I dont belong. Hermione looked over and Ron and saw that he was speechless. She had nothing to say to Bethany. After everything they had been though last night in the forest, she had always blamed it on Bethany. Hate was not a word Hermione liked to use, but she did feel some irritation towards Bethany when Harry went missing. Discovering that Bethany had no one left in her life made Hermione want to make her belong with herself, Ron, and Harry. She knew how Harry had felt most of his life with no parents, and she did not want Bethany to feel that way now. All that was left was to make Ron see it her way, but before she could, she heard Rons voice. So, you and Draco were a thing in the past? Ron asked freely. Hermione was horrified by the question Ron asked. She flashed an angry glare at him before returning her eyes to Bethany. She had to admit she wanted to know the answer to the question, too. Yes, Bethany replied assertively. Draco and I had something not a lot of people get to have in their lifetime. It was real, but its all in the past. Im not going to deny ever loving him because I did and now, my feelings for him just dont exist. Its as simple as that. It was silent for a few minutes before anyone spoke. Hermione glanced over at the clock and saw it was already ten till eleven. She knew that Harry must be waiting downstairs for them, and she knew how important it was to leave soon. She decided to wrap things up and end the awkward silence between the three of them. Well, I think its about time to go, Hermione said as she rose from the bed. Dont you think so, Ron? She watched Rons eyes run over to the clock, and he rose from the bed also. Yeah, Ron agreed. I think we should get going. Hermione walked toward the door and pulled it open. After walking out, she waited at the edge of the staircase for Ron. She positioned her body along the line of the doorway, watching Ron make his way to her. Hermione then saw him turn around and look over at Bethany, who had not moved a single inch from where she stood. Hey, you coming? Ron asked Bethany. Hermione saw Bethany look over at her and Ron for a few seconds before following Ron out the door. Hermione then smiled and wrapped her arms around Ron as the three of them descended the stairs into the common room where Harry waited for them to leave for the place where this journey all
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began. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ How is it that all the children managed to disappear right after dinner? Professor McGonagall said as she walked with Remus and Mad-Eye down the corridors of Hogwarts. She glanced at every passing intersection, searching for anyone in sight. The halls were deserted and silence was all that was around. As the three teachers continued to make their way to the entrance to the roof, they spotted a ginger-haired girl standing next to the staircase that leads to the cells positioned on the rooftop. Ah, Miss Weasley, I take it you received my message from your brother? Remus asked, approaching her with a smile. Yes, Professor, Ginny replied, returning a grin. All right then, lets get moving before the storm picks up anymore than it already has, Mad-Eye suggested, already climbing the steps. Pardon me, Alastor, but I would like to ask Miss Weasley something before you three part. Ginny turned toward Professor McGonagall before ascending the staircase. Yes, Professor? I was wondering if you knew where your brothers were, along with Miss Granger and Mr. Potter. It seems that your parents are having a hard time collecting them, Professor McGonagall said. When I left the common room to come here, Harry, Hermione, and Ron were still there. I doubt theyve left, Professor. Ah, thank you, Miss Weasley. Ill be going. Be sure to let me know if you three have any trouble. Professor McGonagalls voice faded away as she walked down the corridor leading to the Gryffindor common room and turned the corner. Shall we? Professor Lupin asked, allowing Ginny to walk ahead of him. The three of them ascended the staircase and reached the iron door of the entrance to the roof. Mad-Eye grabbed the handle and twisted it gently. Seconds later, the heavy door flew open, banging against the stone wall of the rooftop. The violent winds whipped through their robes and pushed them a few steps back. Once they were able to withstand the winds, they walked out onto the roof. The storm was louder outside and more sickening to be in than to watch from the windows inside. The rain was picking up, coming down in large, silver-black sheets, causing visibility to become difficult. Dark gray clouds covered the skies, leaving no sign of stars or even the moon. Mad-Eye slowly made his way first toward Dracos cell, followed closely by Ginny and Lupin. As they approached the cell, the storm grew stronger and the rain came down faster. Lupin made his way in front of Mad-Eye and gripped onto the cell bars. He stuck his hand into the pocket of his clock and took out an old, iron key. He pushed it into the keyhole of the cell and turned it until a click was heard. Mad-Eye pulled the bars of the cell open and reached in for Draco. In a split second, they all ran across the rooftop and back into the safety of Hogwarts walls. Lupin quickly closed the door and locked the latch as the others took a breath of air. Ginny looked over at Draco and watched him wipe his face with his robe. His silver hair shone clean and bright and curved in damp tendrils against his temple. I was wondering when you guys were going to come to get me: before or after I was fried like a
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chicken by the lightening, Draco said, twisting the sleeves of his robe and watching the water sputter out. You better watch it, boy, youre still under the surveillance of the Order, Mad-Eye said, violently pointing his finger at Draco. I think we should be going now, Lupin said. Your parents are waiting for you and Draco and its getting late. Draco turned around and saw that Lupin was talking to Ginny. What? Why would they be waiting for me? Because youre coming with us, Ginny informed him. Unless you would rather go to Azkaban. Its your choice. Mad-Eye, Lupin, and Ginny began to walk down the corridor towards Professor McGonagalls office. Draco stood where he was, speechless at the fact he would be on his way to the Burrow with Ginny and five other redheaded boys. Not to mention Hermione and Harry coming along also. Seconds later, Draco began to follow Ginny, Lupin, and Mad-Eye, frustrated with the only two choices he had. Do I at least get my own room? Its a full house, but I promise you wont be sharing with Harry, Ginny laughed. Once they reached Professor McGonagalls office, it was already eleven. Inside the office, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley were sitting in two cushioned chairs across from an empty chair behind a very large desk, and the twins, Bill, and Fleur were wandering throughout the office. On the desk was an aged teapot, ready to transport everyone back to the Burrow. I assume everything is in order, Remus, Mr. Weasley asked, looking over at Draco. Yes, Arthur, Lupin responded. Has Minerva collected everyone yet? No, Mrs. Weasley said. Harry, Hermione, and Ron decided they will be arriving separately. And that is fine with you, Molly? Mad-Eye asked in a surprised tone. Yes, Mrs. Weasley mumbled unconvincingly and then stood and walked over to the twins. There is still one order we must straighten out, Lupin said. I was wondering if you and Molly could take care of it for us. What would that be? Mr. Weasley asked, rising from his seat and walking over to them. You see, after the death of Dumbledore, we still dont know what yet to do with his granddaughter. She was discharged from the hospital wing hours ago with no major harm done. With Hogwarts closing, she has no where to stay, and in addition to that, we have no idea where she is, Lupin explained. Dracos attention was now on the three men talking near by. He knew they were talking about Bethany and was happy to hear that she was okay. A part of him hoped that Mr. Weasley would take her in to live at the Burrow so he would not be so alone with people who hates him. On the other hand, she wasnt too happy with him at the moment. Its already pretty crowded back home, Remus, Mr. Weasley said, scratching his head. But I guess we can make room. We are, after all, living at the Burrow. I knew I could count on you, Arthur, Lupin smiled. I guess then, were ready to
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Draco cleared his throat slightly, which cause Lupin to stop talking and Mr. Weasley to look over at him. I would like to uhhh thank you, umm M-Mr. Weasley for allowing me to st-stay with you and M-Mrs. Weasley for the time being. It was dead silent and everyone was looking over at Draco. The twins held their hands over their mouths, trying so hard not to laugh. Draco felt uncomfortable, but the silence was broke by Ginny. Mum, I think we should go, Ginny said, urging her mother toward the Portkey sitting on the table. Oh yes, Mrs. Weasley said. Now, everyone gather around, come now. Dont be shy. She smiled at Draco as she stretched her arm toward him, welcoming him to a spot next to Ginny. Oh wait, what about Bethany? Lupin asked, before everyone touched the teapot. You need not worry about her, Professor McGonagall said as she just stepped through the door. She is with Mr. Potter, Mr. Weasley, and Miss Granger. You may all leave. Lupin nodded and turned back to the Portkey. Mad-Eye and I will be seeing you at the Orders next meeting, Minerva. Professor McGonagall waved her hand and nodded her head as she watched them all slowly disappear in front of her, leaving her the last person in Hogwarts. Then she turned and walked to the fireplace, threw in some Floo powder, and disappeared with a flash of emerald green light. From then on, Hogwarts was to be remained unused and empty, without another single soul to enter the great oak doors ever again. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The swirling began and the four of them were sucked into a whirlwind, transporting them to a whole other place than the Gryffindor common room. Once they landed, it took them a moment to catch their breath after landing on top of each other. Hermione and Ron were off to the side, landing next to a willow tree, which had barely any leaves. Bethany and Harry were placed in the front yard, near the heavily destroyed fence running around what was left of the house. They joined each other under the tree Hermione and Ron were already by. It kept them somewhat dry, rather than standing out in the rain. As they stood together, they turned and looked at the pieces of the only house that remained in Godrics Hollow. Half of the roof was caved in and the sides of the house were covered with ivy. The windows were boarded up and the front door was x-ed out with wooden planks. There was no longer life at the house of Lily and James Potter. Memories had been ripped from its foundation after the deaths of the both of them. No one had been there since the night of their murders, until now. Harry began to walk toward the termite-eaten porch and up the steps to the front door. He pulled off the wood as Hermione, Ron, and Bethany walked up behind him. The door creaked softly when Harry grasped the doorknob and pulled it open. He walked in with his friends following closely behind him. Flashes of green light painted over his inner eye lids, slowly replaying every memory he could remember from that night. He roamed the house a little, stopping at pictures he saw on the fireplace of himself and his parents. The pain, the feeling of missing them, crawled back into his heart and sat there heavily. Harry could no longer bear looking at the pictures or standing in the house where his parents were murdered. He ran out the back door and took in a deep breath of the cold, night air. The rain lightened up for the first time in hours and the clouds were turning back to a white color. They moved back and the sky began to clear, revealing the full moon and specks of stars. Harry looked up and gazed at the moon for a while before realizing where he was. He felt Ron put his hand
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on his shoulder and Hermione leaning her head on his other. Harry finally looked ahead of him and saw two tomb stones marked with his parents names. He closed his eyes for a few seconds and then moved forward. Ron, Hermione, and Bethany stayed a distance away, watching Harry from afar. When Harry reached his parents graves, he knelt down and touched them gently. He ran he hand over the engravings of their names. He then put his hand into his pocket and pulled out a small mirror. It was cracked in many places and had been put back together in a timeconsuming manner. Harry placed in on his fathers grave and covered it was a bit of dirt. So you and Sirius will never be separated, Harry whispered. Then he stood up and touched the tomb stones one last time and walked back over to his friends. Harry nodded his head and the others did the same in agreement. They all retraced their steps back through the house and out the front door. Once again, they were swirling back in the air, leaving Godrics Hollow, with only Harry knowing where they would be going next. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ So, do you have any house elves around here? Draco asked as he jumped onto what he called his bed for the next couple of weeks, hopefully days. Ginny watched him from the doorway, giving him a disgusted look at the question he asked her. She was somewhat irritated with him and it had not even been an hour since they arrived. They toured the kitchen, living room, the bathrooms, and lastly the room Draco would be staying in. He complained about not having golden utensils or dragon skin sofas, and no bathtub he could call his own. There was not one thing Draco did not comment about, and Ginny was just fed up with it. Look, Ginny snapped, at least you arent living in a cell, alright? Whoa, whoa, whoa, Draco said, holding up his hands. You dont have to give me attitude, okay? I just asked a simple question. Ginny sighed angrily and began to storm down the hall, away from Dracos room. She could not understand why she had ever thought this idea was going to work. Draco actually being civil while living here? Impossible! Ginny thought to herself, furious that she had ever come up with this idea. She was only a few steps away from going down the stairs when she heard Draco calling out her name. Ginny glanced down the hall and saw Draco sticking his head out of his room, telling her to come back. Come on, Weasley, Im sorry. Can you just come back so we can talk? Draco yelled down the hall at Ginny. Why should I? All we would be talking about is how the sheets youre sleeping on arent Egyptian cotton, said Ginny, rolling her eyes at him. Look, Ginny, I was just joking with all that stuff. Maybe I just wanted to make you laugh a little since your friends abandoned you, Draco fought back. Ginny stood where she was for a while, thinking about what he just said. It was true; she felt some kind of abandonment from Harry, Ron, and Hermione. They had said nothing to her about arriving separately to the Burrow. The question that burned inside her was why they hadnt ask her to go with them. She ran her hand through her hair and walked back to Dracos room. Ginny sat on the bed next to him and looked at him for a few seconds before noticing the pleased expression on his face. So, you have no idea where they went? asked Draco as he examined the sheets on the bed. Ginny shook her head.
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Well, they probably had a reason for not taking you. Maybe they No, they had no reason, Ginny said, looking down at her hands folded on her lap. They just didnt want me to go. End of story. Come on, Ginny, just because this happened once, it doesnt mean youre out of the group. Heck, at least they dont hate you! Draco, if you were half as nice to them as you are to me, they would at least be civil with you. Why do I need them if I have you? You get me. Were friends, right? Ginny was surprised at what Draco said. She laughed a little to herself. At that point, she saw Dracos eyes light up, proud that he made her laugh. She smiled at him, hoping she was not hallucinating this new Draco in her mind. We are, now, on a first-name base. I think it is safe to say we are fri Ginny stopped in the middle of the sentence when she noticed Harry at the door way of the room, staring at them in horror. Ron and Hermione were behind him with the same expression on their faces. Her smile faded and she now had blankness in her eyes. She did not know what to say or what to do. Harrys face just said it all. The storm was here and it was not going to end prettily. ---------------------------------------------------http://www.harrypotterfanfiction.com
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