Hatred's Prisoner

by OrcaPotter

The Renee Chronicles: Novel Two. Renee is kidnapped and no one knows where she is; Hogwarts now has to host every magical child in Britain, and Harry is loaded with more responsibilities than he can handle; while trying to figure out where Renee is. Ca

2. Chapters 5-8

A/N: Series two of the Renee Chronicles contines with chapters 5-8! Enjoy! And, beware of typos, I know about them, sorry.
DISCLAIMER: I only own Renee and everyone who is not from the HP books!

Chapter Five: Boggart Group


Renee, I'm not giving up.

Harry was standing surrounded by a silver mist, blinking away the moisture that gathered on his eyelids.

Oh, Harry. I don't want you to.

Renee stepped out suddenly from the mist, her eyes met his. Harry ran out and embraced her in a tight hug.

I won't let you go!

Nor do I want you to do that either.

Harry noticed that she was deathly cold and shaking.

Renee, you're ill.

Renee's gentle laugh rang through the air.

I'll survive.

Are you sure you don't know where you are?

Yes, Voldemort has me engulfed in complete darkness. The only light I have comes from my wand which he has cursed.

Tears began to form in Harry's eyes.

That monster... I'll kill him if it's the last thing I do!

Renee pulled back to look directly into Harry's eyes, fear washing over her face.

He'll kill you before you can reach me! You must'nt come and find me yourself... no matter how much I want you to.

Harry grabbed her shoulders tightly and leaned his head against hers.

I'll find a way.

Renee gave an exhausted smile and kissed him gently.

You're so stubborn.

Harry smiled himself and kissed her back.

I am when it comes to the ones I love, and I love you most of all.

They hugged each other tightly, not wanting to let go.

I'm so cold, Harry.

You can't loose hope, Renee. Never loose hope. I'll find you.

Suddenly, Renee was gone. The mist was slowly dissapeering.

Renee! Renee!

"Harry, Harry time to wake up!"

"Renee! Renee, come back!"

Harry's eyes shot open. Sirius was standing over him, a guilty look on his face.

"Oh, Harry, I'm sorry."

Harry rubbed his eyes, sighing.

"That's alright Sirius, She... she still does'nt know."

He swung his feet out of bed. It was the next morning after finding out that Peter Pettigrew had escaped prison. He was in Azkaban, but the Dementors were now under Voldemort's power and they let him and all the other prisoners go. Renee's oldest brother, James Springs, and his team of American Special Service Wizards were out looking. As well as the Australian Magical League and some Irish aurors. Fletcher and the other aurors that were once a group with Harry's father were out as well.

Sirius handed Harry some brand new robes.

"Hogwarts will be filled with kids any time now," Sirius smiled proudly at him. "All the Prefects must be ready."

That snapped Harry awake fully.

"That's... that's right." He muttered. Getting dressed, Harry noticed that it was 5:30 AM. "Why so early?"

"It's going to take a while to get everyone here. The Hogwarts Express is going to have to make more than one trip. Others will be traveling by Port Keys and Floo Powder." Sirius hesitated a momment. "The Death Eaters have found more victims, so everyone is in a state of mad panic to make sure all the children are safe. It's... it's never been this bad."

Harry straightend his robes out and brushed at his messy, black hair. It refused to stay tame and Harry gave up.

"I don't know why I bother," He muttered.

Sirius laughed.

"You dad said that all the time," He turned from Harry and reached for a small box he had in his robe pocket. Opening it up, it revealed a golden letter P. Sirius pinned it neatly on Harry's new robes. "There!"

Harry looked down at the golden letter, feeling he aged ten years. He turned to the mirror and looked himself over. Sirius placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Your parents would be so proud," He whispered. "I know I am."

Harry beamed, almost sadly.

"I wish... I wish they could see me." He whispered, embarrassed.

Sirius looked at him seriously, but with kindess in his eyes.

"Oh, but they can, Harry. I know they can."

Harry smiled sadly, and turned from the mirror. Sirius looked him over another time and nodded. He started to shake his head suddenly in disbelief though.

"You must of grown five inches since the beginning of summer, look at you! You're so tall that we are almost at eye level!"

Harry looked back at the mirror, comparing his height with Sirius. It shocked Harry that he was right. When he first met Sirius three years ago, Sirius seemed so much bigger than he was. While Harry was still thin, he was now tall enough to look Sirius straight in the eyes.

"Your dad was almost an inch taller than me, no doubt that you'll be as tall as him in no time!" He glanced at his watch. "We better get downstairs, Harry. McGonagall wants to explain to you your responsibilities."

Sirius and Harry left the Gryffindor house and made way downstairs. Already, voices rang out through the halls, hurried and anxious. By the time they made it into the Great Hall, all the Hogwarts Professors and at least fifty people from the Ministry of Magic were conversing and preparing. Some people stopped to gawk at Harry as they walked past to the professors. Others greeted him politely.

"What happened to Mr. Fudge?" Harry whispered in Sirius ear.

"Did'nt you know? He was fired, Arthur Weasley is now Minister of Magic."

"Really? I did'nt know... Ron never told me. You never told me!"

Sirius shrugged apologetically.

"Sorry, with all that is going on it never occurred to me."

Sure enough, looking very important, Mr. Weasley was standing next to Dumbledore and the other professors. Flanked by Timothy Springs, who must of been promoted up with him. He seemed real tired, but his face showed determination. When Harry and Sirius came into view, all the professors, Mr. Weasley, and Timothy looked to them.

"Ah, there you are Harry." Dumbledore smiled.

"Congratulations," Mr. Weasley beamed at him.

"Thank you, sir."

Professor McGonagall stepped forward, a small proud smile on her face.

"Well, Mr. Potter... looks like you will carry on the tradition for your family. Being a Prefect is an important responsibility. Are you ready to accept these responsibilities?"

"Yes, Professor." Harry straightened up.

"Very well then, here is a list of what you'll be in charge of." She handed him a sealed Hogwarts envelope and bowed her head. Harry did the same as he took it from her.

"Review it quickly, Harry. You'll be needed very shortly. The first load of students and children arrives in ten minutes." Dumbledore said.

Harry nodded and left the adults to disscuss amongst themselves. He found a quiet corner and opened the letter.

RESPONSIBILITIES FOR PREFECTS
HOGWARTS SCHOOL OF WITCHCRAFT AND WIZARDRY
1996-1997
You are required to wear your Prefect badge at all times. You must enforce rules and regulations upon your peers and report any problems to the Head Boy or Girl or any Hogwarts professor. At the start of each day, it is your responsibility to hand out schedules to all of those in your house. Passwords to your common room will be disclosed to you and all other Prefects of your house at the end of the Start of Term feast. The password to the Prefects bathroom and lounge will be told to you after the start of term.
Dear Mr. Potter,
You and the other Prefects of the school will be assigned an additional group of younger children that are not students to be in charge of. Your group name is "Boggart" and you are to be in charge of all those in your group. You will oversee their meals and make sure that they report to the designated area to stay for the day. Also, you are to make sure that they get to their sleeping quarters promptly.
If you have any problems, please contact me.

Professor McGonagall
Minerva McGonagall
Deputy Headmistress


Harry folded the letter and put it in his pocket. He sighed, his mind wandering to Renee again, for the dull pain in his scar had returned. An ache ran through his body and he shivered, feeling suddenly cold.

Voldemort was torturing Renee again.

Anger welled up inside of him and his hands were clenched into fists.

"Harry? Harry, you need to go to your post. The train has arrived."

He spun around to face Sirius, who's expression turned worried.

"Are you alright?"

Harry began to nod, but then shook his head.

"Sirius, he's torturing her again. I can't stand this... she's not going to last much longer."

Sirius sighed, looking helpless.

"The aurors are trying their best, they'll find her soon."

"I'd rather have you out looking for her Sirius, I know you would find her."

Sirius shook his head.

"Harry, you need to go to your post. It's the sign that says 'Boggarts'."

Harry did'nt have time to argue, for Sirius had grabbed his arm and was leading him through the scattering crowd of Ministry workers who were going out too to meet up with the train.

Once outside, he could hear the steam shooting off from the Hogwarts Express. Kids dressed in black robes, wearing hats, were filing either into the boats with Hagrid or into the horseless carraiges.

"The younger, non-students, will be let off the train shortly. All the Prefects have been assigned a group, and there are more Prefects than usual this year to handle the job. I believe Gryffindor has four." Sirius said, leading him over to a sign that said "Boggarts".

"A Ministry member has a list of all of those in your group, you'll be in charge of twenty children."

"TWENTY?" Harry shouted.

"Don't worry, I'm sure you can handle it. Besides, it's only at meals mainly. You just have to make sure they get to their supervised room before you get to your first class, then retrieve them at the end of the day. All the non-students will be sleeping in a supervised hallway, so you gather your group together at the start of each day and at the end." Sirius laughed.

"I was kinda hoping classes would be canceled..." Harry whispered. Sirius heard him and laughed again.

"You wish,"

"HARRY! HARRY, OH HARRY!"

Harry spun around to see two people running towards him. It was Hermione and Ron, both holding hands.

A grin errupting on his face, Harry was unable to say anything as both Hermione and Ron hit him full force with a hug.

"Oh, Harry! Thank God you are alright!" Hermione pratically sobbed.

"I can't believe this, Harry... I just can't believe this." Ron said. His voice was deeper than Harry remembered, it was amazing how quickly they had changed since they last saw each other a little more than a month before. They parted to look over each other.

"Ron! You're a Prefect too?" Harry shouted, noticing the Prefect badge on Ron's new robes.

"And you're one too!" He said, pointing to Harry's badge.

Sirius, sighing, stepped between them.

"So sorry to break this up, but all of you need to be at your posts. They are letting the children out now."

Ron and Hermione frowned.

"I got the 'Unicorns'." Hermione said.

"And I got the 'Trolls'." Ron muttered. "They better not act like trolls, if you ask me."

Hermione smiled at Harry, and she grabbed Ron's hand and led them off.

"We'll talk later!"

"Bye!" Harry called after them, his heart aching with seeing them holding hands. It made him miss Renee even more.

Sirius straightened Harry's badge and dusted off his robes.

"I'm going inside now, if you need help just holler." He hugged Harry and left, leaving Harry uneasy as he watched small children pour out of the Hogwarts Express. Four kids were already marching towards him, and Harry stood up straight.

"Here goes nothing..." He whispered to himself.

Leading the way was a girl who looked about eight years old, followed closely by three boys who looked like triplets. Each of them had light brown hair and amber eyes. The girl was blonde and had brown eyes. All of them were wearing grey overcoats.

They stopped at Harry's feet, staring open mouthed at him. Harry shifted from foot to foot uneasily in the silence.

"Er... hello. Are all of you in the Boggart group?" He asked them.

The girl nodded slowly.

"Are you really... Harry Potter?" She gasped.

Harry ran his hand through his hair.

"Well, yeah. What's your name?"

"Ashlie, Ashlie Taft. These are my brothers Tod, Will, and Jake. They are five years old and I'm eight and a half."

Harry looked at the list he was given.

"Alright, just stay here by the Boggart sign. Everything will be explained to you once everyone is here."

Still staring at Harry like he was someone of awesome power, Ashlie shepherd her brothers behind him. More kids were streaming in his direction.

"Look! It really is Harry Potter!"

"Wow! I'm in Harry Potter's group!"

"No way You-Know-Who can get us now, Harry Potter will protect us."

Harry blushed a deep red as they checked in one by one. The Hogwarts Express was empty, but children were spilling out from all directions. Some came from Port Keys, others were comming with Floo Powder. Soon, his group reached sixteen. The rest would come with the next load off of the Hogwarts Express. All of the kids looked up at Harry like some idol.

Great, twenty Colin Creevys. Harry thought to himself.

Standing there, surrounded by sixteen open mouthed youngsters, Harry began to grow nervous. What was he soposed to do while they waited for the rest of the group? He caught sight of Professor McGonagall, who was looking over the groups.

"Professor! Professor McGonagall!" Harry yelled to her. She looked up at him and looked amused.

"Yes, Mr. Potter?"

"Er.. what do I do now?" He whispered to her.

She looked at him and laughed.

"Anything, just keep them busy until everyone has arrived."

She left and Harry turned back to his group.

"So... er..." He muttered.

"Tell us how you beat You-Know-Who the first time, Harry!" Cried one of the little boys.

"Yeah!"

"No, ask him if he plays Quidditch!"

"How'd you beat the dragon at the Triwizard Cup, Harry?"

"Does your scar still hurt?"

"Why do you wear glasses?" A little girl asked him, innocently tugging at his robes.

"Er... I umm... oh boy." Harry felt overwelmed.

"C'mon Harry, tell us something!" Cried one of the older boys, impatiently.

"How 'bout a riddle?" He suddenly asked.

This shut the kids up.

"Er..." Harry searched his mind for a riddle. The only one he could remember at the momment was one that Dudley, his fat cousin, would ask his parents all the time. "Alright, listen carefully now. What is it that you throw away the outside, cook the inside, then eat the outside, then throw away the inside?"

All the kids looked up at him, clueless.

That'll keep them busy. Harry laughed to himself.

"Everything alright, Harry?"

Harry turned to see Timothy Springs. He gave him a small smile and looked over his group.

"Looks like it," He said.

"Er.. hello Mr. Springs."

"Just call me Timothy, Harry. It's alright."

"Oh, ok." Harry looked back at his puzzled group, pleased that they were actually trying to figure out the answer.

"I was... wondering, if you don't mind if I ask. Have you... have you heard of my sister lately?" He looked at Harry, his eyes pleading.

Harry sighed.

"Yes,"

"How... how is she?"

Harry hesitated, not sure if he wanted to tell Renee's brother that she was very ill and hurt, still unaware of where she was.

"She.. she's staying hopeful." It was all he could say.

Timothy's shoulders sagged, but nodded appreciatively.

"If anything happens, you will let me know... won't you?"

Harry nodded.

"Alright well, I'll leave you to your duties. Good luck." He walked off and Harry turned back to his group.

"Well?"

"We give up!" Cried the girl named Ashlie.

"Yeah, we can't figure it out."



Hours and hours past, and the Hogwarts Express still did not show. Finnally, when dusk came Professor McGonagall's voice rang through the countryside in an all-call.

"All groups are to report to the Great Hall for instructions!"

Where are the other children? Harry thought to himself. He sighed and clapped his hands together.

"Er... now let's all stay together, don't loose one another. We are going to the Great Hall now, so stay close to me."

He grabbed the sign that said "Boggart" after seeing the other groups leaving with their signs, and he led the sixteen frightened children up the steps and into the castle. Falling in line behind a stream of small bodies with Prefects and Ministry members towering over them, they slowly made way into the much-more crowded Great Hall.

All the Hogwarts students were chatting nervously amongst themselves, each house at their tables. Yet the tables were pushed off to the side and the young children were being led into rows, sitting on the floor as if for some elementary school assembly. Harry led his group into a row and made them sit down. Looking around to see what else he had to do, he noticed Ron and Hermione's group a little ways off, they were standing and holding their group's sign. Harry did the same as they waved at him.

"Everything fine, Harry?"

Sirius had suddenly appeared at Harry's side.

"So far," Harry muttered.

"Welcome, everyone!" Boomed a voice. Professor Dumbledore had appeared at the professor's table, flanked by all the professors and half of the Ministry. "We shall get everyone settled as soon as possible, so I must address the youngsters first." He smiled down on the little kids.

"I know this is most undoubtably frightening, but all of you are safe here. Each of you belong to a group, led by a Hogwarts Prefect or a member of the Ministry of Magic. You must obey everything they say, and stay within your group. Your group leader will explain your routine." He looked up and gave the house tables a commanding stare.

"Students of Hogwarts should note not to cause trouble with the younger children. They will be staying in the hallways, so unauthorized students wandering the halls after classes and at night will have severe consequences. The roles of Prefects still attain to you, so give them the respect they deserve. They have a lot more on their shoulders than ever before. When they are done attending their groups, they will give out class schedules. Tonight, after they settle their groups in, they will escort you to your house and give you the password."

"Alright children, off to bed!" Dumbledore clapped his hands together and a Ministry member went to each group.

"Harry Potter?" Asked a rather beat looking man.

"Yes?"

"Come this way, keep your group together now."

The man began to walk off and Harry paniced to get the sleepy and overwelmed children on their feet.

"C'mon guys! Get up now, we gotta go!"

Slowly, the children got up and made a make-shift line behind Harry and the sign as Harry tried to catch up to the man that was leading them. They followed him up the stairway to the third floor where the hallway was covered in sleeping bags.

"Take your sign and make a place for your group at the end of the hallway here. I shall be taking over your group durring your classes in the empty classroom on the fifth floor, next to the portrait of the Wise Witch. They are to be there promptly at 9:30 AM and you are to pick them up at 6:00 PM for dinner. The children will be having lunch in the classroom." The man said.

"Oh, by the way, my name is Shawn Howell." He added.

He turned to leave but Harry stopped him.

"When will the rest of my group arrive, my list has twenty names?"

Shawn Howell gave him an uncertain look, hesitated, then dragged Harry out of earshot of the children.

"The Hogwarts Express was seized by Death Eaters and Dementors halfway here... I... I'm afraid that..." He choked on his sentence then sighed. "Don't ask me, it was... it was terrible. Perhaps the Headmaster is best to tell you." Shawn left in a hurry, leaving Harry stunned and gaping in his wake. He snapped back when a little girl tugged on his robes.

"Mr. Potter? Harry? I'm sleepy." She rubbed at her eyes.

Harry swallowed, then grabbed the Boggart sign tightly and led them to the end of the hallway. Without hesitation, the children slipped under the covers of the sleeping bags and fell asleep almost instantly. Harry blew the surrounding candles out and made way to go back downstairs when he felt another tug at his robes.

"Yes?"

It was the same little girl.

"I'm scared, I want my mommy and daddy."

Harry took a deep breath, not sure at all at what to do. Hermione would be better at consoling her. He knelt down anyway to her level.

"What's your name again?"

"Mary, Mary Peacecraft."

"Well Mary, there is nothing to be afraid of here. This is Hogwarts! You'll be surrounded by people who will protect you and Professor Dumbledore is making sure everything is alright."

"Will you protect me if the bad wizards come?" She asked, her eyes big and wide.

Harry hesitated.

"Of course, yeah. I'll protect you."

Mary's face lit up and she threw herself on Harry, giving him a hug.

"Thank you, Harry Potter."

"No problem, now you better get to sleep." He led her over to her sleeping bag and she got under the covers. "Not to worry now, everything's going to be fine." She yawned and closed her eyes, and Harry tiptoed out of the hallway.
****

Renee was getting worse.

Her fever made her either brake out into a sweat or shiver with a chill. Moving was difficult, for every bone in her body ached. Her cough was wet, her lungs were filled with liquid and stabbing at her chest with every breath. The burn on her right hand made it hard to touch anything, not that there was much to touch.

Surrounded by darkness, her wand was the only source of little light. It teased her, hanging by itself in the air. That was what caused the burn on her hand.

Dispite all this, she was determined to find a way out. When not crying silently in pain and not being tormented by Voldemort, she thought hard about how she could escape. Renee often felt hope flood through her, which she felt was sent from Harry. His love was always there and that was what kept her going.

There is a way through. Renee thought to herself. It's got to be an illusion. If I concentrate hard enough on blocking the barrier out, perhaps I can pass through.

Renee spent what felt like hours, building strength both mentally and physically. As long as Voldemort stayed away, she could try to pass through. She concentrated on the thought of escaping, running to Harry. How surprised he would be to see her! His laugh ringing pleasently in her ears and his gentle kiss against her cheek.

Finnally, she was ready. Slowly, her body screaming in pain, she fought her way onto her feet. Feeling light headed and dizzy, Renee staggered a few steps. Gathering herself, she took all the strength she built up mentally and focused completely on stepping out of darkness. Through the solid barrier and into light, she focused on that fact.

I can do this. There IS no barrier. There is no wall. Go to Harry, Harry's waiting! I'll just walk through, for there is nothing there.

Arms at her sides, and drawing each breath delicately into her pained lungs, she closed her eyes and slowly walked in a straight line.

There is nothing there. I'm going out now.

Renee kept walking... and kept walking... and kept walking until she bumped softly into something.

Oh, oh noo... I was so close, I thought for sure that I-

Renee opened her pained eyes and light blinded her. Blinking rapidly, her eyes slowly adjusted and she found herself in a fire lit room. It looked like a basement of some sort. Slowly, she turned to look back behind her and she saw nothing but the back of the stone-walled basement. Water was dripping from the ceiling, and the stone ground was wet. There was no barrier, and no darkness at all. Renee's wand still hung in mid-air. It was all a spell, a spell to keep her confined. There was'nt any prison at all, it was all in Renee's mind. To an outsider, they would see Renee lying on the stone floor, bound by nothing and no darkness.

Straining her ears, she listened for anyone close by. The evil vibes she would get off of Voldemort were not strong. Still uneasy and woozy on her feet, Renee walked to the foot of some stairs that led out of the basement. She grabbed the railing for balance and took one step at a time, making her weak body even more tired.

Once at the top, she slowly and carefully opened the door. A musty smell hit her congested nose. She found herself stepping out into a dimly lit hallway of an old house. Pictures hung from the walls and the carpet runner beneath her feet looked like it was covered in dust an inch thick. It was much warmer, however than in the basement.

Then, suddenly, fear and malice enveloped her like an evil blanket.

Voldemort. He was close by.

I got to get out of here! Renee screamed in her head.

Going as fast as she could, wheezing and stifling coughs that stabbed her lungs, Renee dashed down the hallway. Looking into doors and trying to see out of windows, she found nothing but empty rooms and darkness outside. Soon, she came out into what appeared to be the foyer of the house. No one was anywhere. The house looked like it had been deserted a long time, except for the evil vibes of Voldemort, that was creeping closer upon her. Renee made a mad grab for the front door, swinging it open gently so that if Voldemort was near, he would not hear. When she stepped out into the chilled, misty air, she could see a large lawn in the front and lights in the distance that made it look like a town.

"You were right, you are smarter than you seem..."

Renee whipped around. Standing before her was Voldemort. His slit of a mouth was spread in an evil grin and his blood-red eyes glowed with malice.

Forgetting how weak she was and that she did not have her wand, instinctually, Renee grabbed for her wand. All she managed was to tangle herself in her robes. Voldemort broke out into an ear-wrenching laugh.

It's my only hope...

Renee, pumped with adrenaline and fear, broke out into a lapping run through the door. Stumbling on the grass and moaning in pain, she tried to find a place to hide. No use.

"I would'nt exert yourself too much, Springs. You don't want to be dead already when you see your Etam Luos for the last time!" He stepped out from the door and pointed his wand straight at Renee.

Nooooo! Harry!

"Stupify!"


Chapter Six: Debts Must Be Repaid


"Ahh!"

"What is it Harry?!"

Harry had woken up screaming, his whole body was aching and it was hard for him to breath.

"Are you alright, Harry?" Ron asked him, drawing his curtains back. Dean and Seamus were behind him, looking real concerned.

Harry was taking deep breaths, the pain seeping slowly away.

"Er... yeah, yeah I'm ok. Bad... bad dream I guess." He said, shakily.

Dean and Seamus nodded sympathetically, and went back to bed. Ron was not convinced however, and stayed perched in his spot.

"It's Renee, is'nt it?"

Harry nodded, rubbing his arms.

"I can feel her pain and emotions. Sometimes, we can even talk with each other, through dreams. I've been trying to see if she could find out where she is, but she does'nt know. She's really sick, Ron. Renee does'nt have much longer."

"I know you want to look for her, Harry, but it's too dangerous. You know it's a trap! I mean, if Hermione was captured, I would feel the same way as you do. But..." Ron stopped.

"Ron, you would go out for her anyway, you know it."

Ron blushed.

"I don't know what to do for you Harry, but give you my support."

He drew the curtain back and went to bed, leaving Harry sitting up in the darkness.

I've got to keep talking with her, it's the only way to keep her with me. He thought to himself, laying down. After a long while, he fell asleep.


Harry? Harry, are you there?

Harry found himself surrounded by mist again, Renee's voice was echoing around him.

Renee! Yes, I'm here! Where are you?

Slowly appearing before him, was a pale and weak Renee.

Harry, oh Harry... there you are.

Renee began to stumble and fall, Harry quickly grabbed her but she kept falling, and he sunk to the misty ground with her, cradling her head gently.

Renee, you've got to stay strong. He said to her voicelessly, pleading.

Harry, just... just hold me a minute.

They sat there together, Harry caressing her brown hair and holding her close. She was very cold, and her forehead was sweating with fever. Apparently, the pneumonia was effecting her mentally now. After several minutes, Renee spoke voicelessly.

Harry, I know some more about where I am.

Harry's eyes widened with hope.

Tell me.

The darkness... it's... it's an illusion. A spell done by Voldemort. I managed to get through it, and I found myself in a basement of an old house. I got out and ran through the house, even opening the front door. It's in an old village of some sort. With a big lawn that has'nt been attended to for over a year it seems. Before I could get away, Voldemort... got me again.

Harry hugged her tightly.

It'll be Ok now, we'll be able to find you.

No, no you must'nt come, Harry! As much as I want you to, you can't! I will not see you killed!

Renee coughed violently and Harry rubbed her back, gently, wiping the tears trickling from her face. He was'nt going to obey, he had to find her.

She looked him straight in his eyes, her's pleading severely.

Promise... promise me, Harry, that you will not come for me. For if you do, Voldemort's plan will succeed, and both of us will die. Promise me, Harry!

You know I can't.

Please! Please, Harry!

I'm not going to lose you... I'm not going to let Voldemort have you any longer!

They were both crying, Renee began having trouble breathing.

Harry, I love you... I don't want you dead!

I love you too... but if I continue to stand by and do nothing you will die!

Harry... I... I'm as good as dead. Only you can break the barrier leading to the house... and I'm not having you come and get me.

Harry wiped her eyes, then his, kissing her gently.

I'm coming for you, and that's final!

Oh, Harry... noo.

The mist around them seemed to dissapeer, and Harry felt himself loosing his grip on Renee. Suddenly, he awoke in his bed.

"It's up to me," He whispered.

Jumping out of bed and whipping his clothes on, pinning his Prefect badge to his robes, Harry flew out of the dorms, grabbing his invisibility cloak. As he ran down the stairs, Harry began to fling the cloak on when he suddenly ran into something.

Sirius Black stood before him, a sad look on his face.

"Harry, you know you can't." He said gently.

"I'm the only one that can save her, Sirius. Please... please let me go!" Harry said angerly, trying to push his way past.

Sirius grabbed his arms gently, Harry pulling away annoyed.

"The aurors are doing their best. Trust them, they will find her soon! It's too dangerous for you out there, the trap is set for you. You find her you die."

Harry's anger ebbed away into desperation.

"Please, Sirius... please! She's dieing!" His eyes welled up with tears.

Sirius embraced him in a hug, and Harry broke down.

"I'm sorry, Harry. But you can't."

"She's dieing, Sirius. I'm losing her... my true love." Harry sobbed into Sirius's shoulder.

Sirius pulled him back and pointed to the gold chain Harry wore on top of his shirt. He took it and placed it under his collar and Harry felt a warmth spread through him.

"Remember what Dumbledore gave you, this will bring you hope in times of need."

Indeed, Harry felt as if a ray of light was shown upon him... and thing's looked brighter. He smiled weakly, blinking away the shedded tears.

"Now," Sirius said, turning Harry back up the stairs. "You go and hold that happiball I gave you, and things will look better in the morning."

Harry nodded slowly, and made his way back to his room. Sirius watched him go, muttering to himself. Harry knew, that Sirius knew that the morning would not be so bright.


The children in Harry's group behaved well overnight, and Harry collected them for breakfast. Trampling along in a straight line behind him, they made their way for the Great Hall.

"Well, look... if it is'nt Prefect Potter and his little gang of babies."

Harry stopped dead, the kids behind him doing the same, and turned to face Draco Malfoy, Crabb, and Goyle. Draco was wearing a Prefect badge too, but his group was no where in sight.

"Where's your group, Malfoy? Or did you loose them before you even found them?" Harry hissed.

"Well would'nt you like to know, Potter. My group just so happens to consist of ten year olds, more than capable of taking care of themselves." Draco sneered.

"You know you are'nt supposed to leave them alone when they are'nt being watched in their classroom!" Harry scolded.

"Perfect Prefect Potter! Playing by the rules are we? Everyone knows the reason why you were made a Prefect... to keep you out of the way!" Draco laughed.

Harry steamed.

"Harry, I'm hungry," Mary Peacecraft was tugging at his robes again. Harry held out his hand to silence her.

"What do you mean, Malfoy?" Harry hissed.

Draco folded his arms and gave Harry a "well-duhh!" expression.

"Your precious American, that's what I mean. So you won't go off and get your famous butt killed looking for that girl. She's as good as dead, anyway. Not that it's much of a loss at all."

Harry exploded, the kids in his group took three steps back from him.

"HOW DARE YOU INSULT RENEE!" Harry bellowed, whipping out his wand. He was about to shout out a spell that would cause boils to errupt all over Draco, but a side glance at his group of small children stopped him. They were looking at him with fear. Cursing himself, Harry rattled his mind in an instant for a spell that would get his message across without doing harm to Malfoy, even though he wanted to so much. But it was what Renee would have wanted him to do.

"Silenciousa!" Harry cried.

Red sparks shot out from Harry's wand and hit Draco, but nothing happened, he did'nt even flinch. Crabb and Goyle broke out into laughter and Draco's mouth formed a large sneer. Harry watched him intently as Draco tried to move his mouth to say something, but could'nt. His hands went up to his mouth and his eyes went real wide with anger. Crabb and Goyle stopped laughing as Draco began to moan angerly.

Harry, smiling, bent down to his group, who were edging closer for a better look at Draco.

"If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all." He said to them. Turning back to an enraged Draco, who was jumping up and down, mouth sealed shut, Harry laughed as he led his group by to the Great Hall.


Harry settled his group in with their breakfast, and sat down at the Gryffindor table with Ron and Hermione.

"How's it going with your groups, guys?" He asked, spooning oatmeal into a bowl.

"There's this one boy who continues to call me 'speckles'." Groaned Ron. Harry laughed.

"I have complete control of my group, they behave real well." Hermione said, proudly.

Harry nodded.

"Mine's fine, I got to teach them a little something about taking care of bullies not too long ago." Harry said casually.

Both Hermione and Ron stared at him.

"What did you do?" Hermione's voice was scolding.

"Yeah, what'd you do, Harry?" Ron asked excitedly.

Harry shrugged, stuffing a spoonful of oatmeal in his mouth.

"Just ran into Draco... he... er... said some things that made me mad."

"Like what?" Ron pressed. Harry gave him a stare.

"I'd rather not... talk about it."

Hermione stared at him a momment, then realization dawned on her face. She shook her head and her eyes narrowed.

"That good-for-nothing jerk, no respect!"

Ron realized what she meant and nodded.

"I hope you got him good for it, Harry." He muttered to him.

Harry continued to eat, trying to forget about everything. Yet, it was impossible. He kept hearing Malfoy's words echo in his head.

To keep you out of the way. To keep your famous butt safe.

Anger began to well up in him again.

Harry, promise me that you won't come and find me. Please, Harry!

I can't Renee, I can't. Harry argued in his mind with the echos that tortured him.

"Harry?"

"WHAT?" Harry snapped.

Ron recoiled as if he was hit in the face, a surprised expression in his eyes.

"Oh, sorry Ron. I'm... I'm just preoccupied." Harry said gently.

Ron nodded, but stood up, grabbing Hermione's hand.

"It's time to go, Harry. We'll see you in Care of Magical Creatures." They left, holding hands to gather their groups. Harry finished his meal and got up for his.


"Where are we going, Harry?" Mary asked him as they walked up to the fifth floor.

"Taking you to your room, while I'm in school." Harry answered, absently.

His mind was running through thoughts at a mile a minute. Is that really the reason why I'm a Prefect? To keep me busy so that I won't go out and find Renee? Harry thought to himself, rounding a corner on the fifth floor. Do they really think that this would keep me from Renee?

"Mister Harry?" Called a voice.

"Huh?" Harry stopped stupidly in his tracks, looking behind him.

"Er... are'nt we supposed to be back there?" Asked a boy called Scott.

"What?" Harry asked, shaking his head to clear it.

"Our classroom? Is'nt it next to the portrait of the Wise Witch? Well, was'nt that portrait we passed her?" He pointed behind him.

"Oh, yeah... yeah that's right." Harry led them back where an open door was waiting and the portrait of an old witch was eyeing him studiously. Shawn Howell appeared in the doorframe, an annoyed expression across his face.

"You're late." He muttered.

"Sorry," Harry said. He ushered the children inside and once they were settled, Harry turned to leave.

"Make sure you get them pomptly at 6:00, or they won't get dinner at all." Shawn scolded.

"Yes, sir." Harry sighed.

The door closed loudly behind him and Harry turned to leave when a voice stopped him.

"He who let's obstacles stand in his way allows doom to knock at his heart."

Harry spun around. No one was there but the portait of the Wise Witch. She was looking at him curiously.

"What?" He whispered to her.

She stared at him, an amused look in her eyes.

"Those who ignore destiny ensures chaos."

"I don't quite understand," Harry said.

The witch squinted at him, looking at him closely.

"If you continue to let others stand in your way, you will lose what is closest to your heart. Listen to your soul, it will tell you what to do. It knows."

"You mean...?" Harry whispered.

The witch nodded.

"Follow your heart, your soul will guide you to destiny."

Without another word, Harry found himself walking back down the hallway to class.


"There ye'h are, 'Arry!" Hagrid boomed, seeing Harry approach the class. "If it was'n 'da firs' day I would take points. C'mon, join 'yer schoolmates." He pointed to Hermione and Ron, who were standing over a crate. They waved him over and Harry came to Ron's side.

"What on earth are these?" Harry asked Ron, pointing to a small, bald and floppy eared creature.

"Woxos." Ron said.

"Woxos?" Harry countered.

"Native to Ireland," Hermione explained. "They eat mushroom roots and have a nasty odor when they breath." She frowned.

Leaning closer, careful not to get too close, Harry inspected the creature. It looked up at him and panted. Sure enough, a smell like raw sewage welled up the box and Harry coughed in response.

"Don't say we did'nt warn you," Ron said, laughing.

Harry rubbed his nose as Hagrid boomed out instructions.

"Yer to take yer woxo out an' try to groom it-"

"Groom it, how?" Sneered a voice. Draco Malfoy, who hated Hagrid, was tapping his left foot and kicking the box with the other. "There's no hair to groom."

Hagrid gave him an annoyed look.

"They should of lef' yer' mouth stuck, Malfoy. Anyway, yeh' wax it. Keep's ther' skin 'ealthy."

Draco blushed angerly.

Some people giggled as Hagrid demonstrated on a large woxo.

"See? Now, you try."

Ron gingerly picked up the woxo. Immediately, it began to squirm. Hermione quickly opened a jar of "Woxo Wax". Harry, disgustedly, dug his left hand in the jar and tried to rub it on the woxo's back. Hermione joined him as Ron struggled to keep the creature still.

"Hold still, you bald... bald thing!" He muttered.

The woxo let out a muffled scream and lept out of Ron's arms before he could tighten his grip. It ran off through the grass and Ron, Hermione, and Harry ran after it.

"Hagrid!" Cried Hermione, but he was too busy with the other groups. They were having simular problems.

"Where'd it go?!" Ron shouted.

"I don't know!" Harry answered.

"Well, split up and look for it!" Hermione ordered, and they ran off in different directions, skimming the woods.

Harry's path led him far from the class, but he could still hear Ron's shouts.

"Here, woxo, woxo, woxo!" Ron cried, far off. "C'mon you stupid thing!"

Harry laughed as he walked out further and further, seeming to follow a trail in the grass. When he heard no one, and was out of sight of the class, he decided to give up and turn back. He took one step before a rustle of leaves stopped him.

"Hello?" Harry whispered.

No response.

He shrugged and started to walk back again, before he was stopped by a voice.

"I've come for my debt to be repaid."

A chill ran down Harry's spine. Slowly, he turned around to face a small, hooded figure. Beady black eyes leered from under the hood, a shadow of a mad grin just visible.

"You..." Harry whispered.

The figure drew back the hood to reveal none-other-than Peter Pettigrew. He had gone to jail a few months back for admitting to killing thirteen muggles, betraying Lily and James Potter, and staging his own death to cover it up. Nicknamed Wormtail, he was Voldemort's servant. He brought Voldemort back to full power using his own hand and Harry's blood two years before. When Harry, first met him, Harry had saved his life from Lupin and Sirius, who were going to kill him for betraying Lily and James. This made Wormtail in his debt. Harry had thought that he had repaid his debt when he admitted everything at Sirius's trial, but as he was being dragged away to Azkaban, Wormtail crowed that Harry was now in his debt. Harry still had not figured out how.

"You owe me," Wormtail squeaked.

Harry slowly shook his head.

"No," He whispered. "No, you repaid your debt to me at Sirius's trial. I owe you nothing!"

A nervous laugh rattled from Wormtail.

"Oh, but I had already paid the debt to you for saving my life before then."

"What do you mean?" Harry countered.

"How else would you have escaped Voldemort with your Etam Luos months ago? It was I that you heard give you your chance to escape!"

Harry, silent, remembered that horrible night when he encountered Voldemort again. He and Renee had heard a voice that told them what to do, and it allowed them to escape. Slowly, he nodded.

"So," Harry whispered. "You cleared Sirius to put myself in your debt. Most likely knowing that Voldemort would gain control of the Dementors and you would be let free shortly afterwards."

"You're smart. You're father was smart too, I admired him for that." Wormtail admitted.

"Don't you dare mention my father, you filth!" Harry hissed, enraged. "It's because of you that my parents are dead!"

Wormtail flinched slightly, but his mad grin returned and his eyes filled with evil pleasure.

"Now I've come to demand my payment," He whispered, maliciously at Harry. This frightened Harry greater, for Wormtail was always scared and weak. But it was if he was a different person, or being controled by someone else. By Voldemort most likely or his time in Azkaban, it can drive a wizard mad.

Harry stepped back, searching his robes for his wand.

"I can call for my Godfather," He warned. "I may not be able to take you, but he sure can."

Wormtail shook his head impatiently, but his eyes widened with fear.

"A wizard always repays his debts, it's a power deeper than one can touch." He said.

"What do I have that you could possibly want," Harry whispered. "My life?"

Wormtail wheezed, trying to laugh but he failed.

"Oh, no. Not your life, but my masters'."

Harry's mouth gaped open, shocked.

"You... you want me to kill Voldemort for you? That's what will pay the debt?"

Wormtail nodded slowly, a dangerous look on his face that Harry had never seen before.

"But... but why? He's your master, if he found out that you wanted him dead he'd kill you in an instant." Harry said, suspiciously.

Eyes dangerously wide, Wormtail shook his head.

"No, I'm too important to him." He looked over his shoulder, a frightened squeal bubbled up in his throat. "I don't have much time, the Dementors are with me and if they come closer to Hogwarts grounds we'll be detected."

"What makes you think I won't tell, that I won't yell out right now and the whole Ministry won't come pouring out of the castle? What makes you think that I won't call my Godfather, Sirius Black?" Harry accused

Wormtail eyed him, urgency in his voice.

"Because I know where your Etam Luos is,"

Harry nearly dropped his wand.

"You're going to tell me?" He whispered, suspicious still.

"No," Wormtail shook his head. "But I will give you a clue."

"Oh, well that'll do me good!" Harry yelled, angry at this run-around.

"If I told you straight out where she was I would be suspected. My master thinks that Renee will lead you to her simply by the fact that you two are soul mates, that you can feel each other out. If that was true, you would have already found her. You get the better end of the deal, your debt gets paid and you get your Etam Luos back."

Harry stared at him, thinking it over.

"With Voldemort as powerful as he is now, I doubt I can kill him alone."

"You can't. But you and your Etam Luos can. That's what he is so afraid of now, he will surely die if both of you try to kill him."

"But even together, Renee and I can't kill him." Harry sighed.

"Not yet, but you will." Wormtail said, a dangerous tone in his voice. He turned around again and moaned once more.

"It's now or never, do you want the clue? Make up your mind, I must go!" He squealed.

"Yes," Harry said, cautiously.

"I'll only say this once," He squeaked, hurriedly. "Your Etam Luos is being held in an old house, surrounded by a dead garden, in the town of the hanged man. Only you can pass the gate!"

"Town of the hanged man?" Harry whispered.

"You have until your eighteenth year to fulfill your debt to me," Wormtail pulled his hood back over his head. "Good luck."

"Wait a minute," Harry was confused. But he was already gone, disappearing into the woods.

"HARRY!" He heard Ron searching for him, and Harry slowly went to meet him.

Town of the hanged man? Harry thought to himself. Is that a Riddle?

"There you are, Harry!" Hermione shouted to him. As she ran closer, her face grew concerned. "What is it, Harry? You're all flush."

"What happened? You've been gone ages and we found the woxo a long time ago!" Ron asked, slapping Harry's shoulder.

Harry shook his head.

"Tell us, Harry. Please?" Hermione grabbed his arm gently.

He looked at them both, pain in his heart at seeing them as a couple. It made him miss Renee even more.

"I'm a step closer to finding Renee."


Chapter Seven: Avoiding Obstacles


Ron and Hermione exchanged glances, giving each other sympathetic looks. They shook their heads and stared at Harry solemnly.

"Harry, you know you are'nt to go out looking for her. The Ministry and everyone else is doing their best job at finding her." Hermione said, quietly.

"If they were doing their best job, she would have already been found! She's been gone for nearly three weeks!" Harry snapped, impatiently. Hermione jumped at his hostile response and Ron rubbed her arm affectionately.

"Harry, we realize how you feel, but you can't-"

"I can't stand back and let everyone else do everything for me any longer! I'm the only one who can reach her! Voldemort has a spell around Renee that only I can penetrate! Even if the aurors or the Ministry finds her they won't be able to get to her, no matter how powerful they are!" Harry shouted angerly. He turned and fast-walked to the castle.

"Where are you going?" Shouted Ron after him, angry at Harry's outburst.

"To get my Invisibility cloak... and find Renee." He muttered back.

"You can't go, Harry!" Hermione shouted desperately at him.

"You're as good as dead if you do!" Ron yelled.

Harry stopped abruptly and turned around, his face very flush and sweat pouring down his face.

"I've been as good as dead for six years! I was as good as dead at a year old! If I've survived Voldemort this long, I can survive long enough to save the girl I love." He turned back to the castle and ran, leaving a helpless Ron and Hermione behind him.

Harry ran up into the castle and flew down halls and up stairwells. He rushed past suits of armor and portraits of puzzled wizards. Not watching where he was going, Harry tripped over his own feet, sprawling out onto the floor and cursing himself.

"What was THAT?!" Cried a cranky voice.

"Filch!" Harry whispered under his breath.

Mr. Filch, the janitor, and his pet cat, Mrs. Norris, stalked the halls and looked for any excuse to punish a student. Harry did'nt think to remember that classes were still in session, and he was sure that Filch would not approve of someone running down the halls when they should of been in class. Even with Harry being a Prefect, he would be stopped.

"Someone is running in the halls, my sweet. Since Peeves was exiled my work has become dull. Well, sniff 'em out, we'll get 'em."

Harry scrambled to his feet and searched the hall frantically for a place to hide. He dashed behind a suit of armor, but he had grown so much that what would normally be a perfect hiding spot for a twelve year old was now rediculously obvious with a sixteen year old behind it. Harry tried to shrink into the shadows, but it was no use.

The soft patter of paws came stalking down the hall. Mrs. Norris sniffed the air as Harry tried his best to blend into the wall and hold his breath.

"Well, my sweet? Any luck?" Filch came loping beside her, looking down with a mischievous grin.

"Meow." The cat cooed, and her large eyes stared directly at Harry's hiding space. Flich followed her gaze, his grin becoming broader.

"Well done, sweetheart!" He crowed. Filch suddenly seemed to jump immediately from where he was standing to right in front of the suit of armor. Harry gulped as his wrinkled and callused hand reached into the shadow and grabbed at Harry's hair.

"Ah hah!" Filch bellowed, the sound echoing down the hall. Harry was yanked from his squatting position behind the suit of armor by his hair.

"Oww!" Harry yelled angerly.

"So, Potter! Out to cause noise in the halls durring classes? Think being a Prefect will excuse you? Oh, no... no, your fun stops here. I'm taking you to see your head of house, maybe she'll reconsider your position as a Prefect now!" Filch let go of Harry's hair, but grabbed his robes hastily instead, and began to drag him down the halls.

"I don't have time for this," Harry hissed angerly. "It's an emergency, a matter of life and death!"

Filch paid no attention, shaking his head and continuing to drag him towards Professor McGonagall's office. Harry tried to pull away, but the old man kept a strong hold.

"Please!" Harry began to beg. "Please, I need to go. A life is at stake!"

"Rubbish," Filch muttered. "Troublemakers are full of such lies!"

"What's going on here?" Inquired an annoyed voice from inside McGonagall's office that they were approaching. Filch dragged Harry inside to face Professor McGonagall, who wore a mixed expression.

"Found Potter here running down the halls durring class, Professor." Filch said, triumphantly.

McGonagall gave Harry an inquisitive stare.

"Leave us, Mr. Filch."

Filch's triumphant face fell, and he stormed out of the office as if he was told Christmas was canceled. McGonagall shook her head and motioned for Harry to sit down.

"What's wrong, Mr. Potter?" She asked, sitting behind her desk.

Harry, hesitating to sit down, did so on the edge of a huge armchair that faced the Professor's desk. He stared at his feet, not sure if he should tell McGonagall the truth.

"You can't go, Harry. I forbid it." She said simply, realizing Harry's silence.

"But, Professor I-"

"No, Harry. That's final. The order comes from the Headmaster."

Harry could'nt contain his anger. He stood bolt upright and his face became flush again with rage.

"I'm sick and tired of people sheltering me from what is inevitable! You know I am the only one that can save Renee! Having aurors and such out looking is pointless if they can't get past the gate! You can't control destiny, and destiny has it that I be with Renee! She's too young to die, and she will if I keep letting people stand in my way. You heard Mr. Cott, the only way for Voldemort to be defeated is if Renee and I battle him together. If she dies, then we all do. You must let me go!" He shouted, panting.

McGonagall's eyes narrowed, her voice a deadly calm.

"If you go you both will be killed,"

"You forget who we are!" Harry fumed.

"Both of you are not powerful enough to stop him yet! You are still too young! Renee is most likely too weak for a battle with him... you would have to face him alone." McGonagall's voice raised higher.

"I've faced him alone five times already. I drained him of his powers as a baby, battled him over the Sorceror's stone at eleven, faced his teenaged self at twelve, dueled with him at fourteen, and held him off at fifteen. If I managed all that, I can face him again at sixteen."

"Voldemort is ten times more powerful now than ever before! Even stronger than he was a few months ago. His allies are coming out of hiding, he has the Dementors at his aide, and his power is already spreading overseas. I'm afraid you won't survive another encounter alone." McGonagall's voice was a camand, a hidden message underneath saying that he would be stopped if he tried to leave.

"You underestimate me," Harry hissed, and without warning, he turned to walk out.

"STOP!" McGonagall shouted, angerly.

Harry did'nt look back, he turned the door knob. Before McGonagall flew from her desk, Harry bumped into someone as he opened the door. Sirius Black.

"Harry..." His voice was stern.

"Please, let me go." Harry whispered, suddenly feeling defeated.

"You know I can't." Sirius said.

"Please!" Harry's eyes began to tear, the anger ebbing away by overwelming sadness.

"I'm sorry, Harry." Sirius shook his head, helplessness in his eyes.

Harry shifted his weight from foot to foot anxiously, tears begining to run without control down his cheeks. Sirius immediately grabbed him in a tight hug, and Harry began to sob silently. They stood there a while, Harry was'nt sure how long. After some time, when the tears dried up from Harry's eyes and he could'nt shed any more, McGonagall placed her hand gently on his shoulder.

"I'm very, very sorry Harry. But I'm afraid I have no choice. You will be watched at all times. You'll be able to go about your duties as Prefect, but someone will be supervising you."

"I'll do it," Sirius said, without hesitating.

Harry was unable to say or do anything. He simply stared into nothing, feeling like he'd lost everything. The one person he loved most in the world would die because of him. Harry did'nt realize that he was being led out of McGonagall's office, down the hall. Nor did he notice when he bumped into a concerned Ron and Hermione as classes changed. He simply sat, trapped in the dispair of his mind, for the rest of the day. Sirius silently led him to where he needed to go, at his side at all times. Harry did'nt care. He did'nt care about anything. He simply felt, felt that he had sentenced Renee to her death, abandoning her. The pain returned to his body, making him feel even worse, as Renee's emotions and agony returned after a day's absence.

When it came time to collect his group of children, Sirius and Harry walked silently down the hall to the door where they were. Harry opened the door and was greeted by a grunt. Shawn Howell ushered the kids out without hesitation and slammed the door in his face once all of them were through. Harry was too depressed to care. As he turned to leave, the children watching him cautiously, Harry saw out of the corner of his eye the portrait of the Wise Witch. She was shaking her head sadly, looking dissapointed at him.

"Time shows no mercy for life," She whispered.

Harry simply stared at her.

"I'm a failure," He muttered, starting to walk off since Sirius was watching him curiously.

"Hope hangs about you and you ignore it. There is always hope. You must overcome your obstacles and seek out what you long for. Or it will be too late." The portrait hushed as Sirius walked closer, and Harry, still staring at the witch, began to walk off.

"What is it, Harry?" He asked him.

Harry just shook his head and continued to lead his silent group to dinner.


For two days, Harry was watched over like a ticking bomb. Rumors spread of what happened between him and Professor McGonagall, only enforced when they saw Sirius around him. People avoided his gaze as Harry and Sirius would head down the hallways together, flanked by Ron and Hermione. They stayed supportive, but the vibe Harry gave off durring their free time led them both to go off alone. The children in his group refused to speak to him if they could manage it, and gave him no fuss when they were led to bed or to their classroom. Yet, this did'nt phase little Mary Peacecraft. She tugged at Harry's robes again before bed the second day.

"Yes?" Harry croaked, looking down at her with tired eyes.

"What's wrong?" She asked in a small voice.

Harry just shook his head, slightly annoyed.

Mary looked ashamed, as if she did something wrong, but looked up at him with concern in her eyes.

"Maybe I could fix it,"

"Fix what?" Harry asked, puzzled.

"Fix what's wrong." Mary said to him.

He looked at her, slightly surprised, and shook his head again.

"I'm afraid it's nothing you can fix,"

"Then why don't you fix it?" She asked, innocently.

Harry looked off into space again, sighing.

"The grown-ups won't let me." He said simply.

Mary looked to where he was looking, which was at nothing , and placed her small hand on Harry's arm.

"You hurt inside," She whispered. "The hurt won't go away until you fix it."

Harry looked quickly at her, startled at what she said. Certainly a little girl her age would not say something like that. But then again, she was a magical child, and magical children do possess powers.

"Only you can fix it," She whispered again. "Don't let the grown-ups keep you from what you got to do." Smiling, she removed her hand from his arm and crawled into her sleeping bag. Harry stared, shocked, for a long time. It was'nt until Sirius touched his shoulder that he moved.

Don't let the grown-ups keep you from what you want to do. Harry repeated the words in his head as he walked with Sirius up to Gryffindor tower. You must overcome your obstacles and seek out what you long for. The Wise Witch had told him something simular before.

I've got to find a way out. I must start looking tonight, I won't let anyone stand in my way anymore... no matter who they are. Harry thought to himself. With a determined look on his face and following Sirius after telling the portrait of the Fat Lady the password, he went up to bed with a plan.


Sirius slept in the common room. Ron, Seamus, Dean, and Neville were deep sleepers. Harry was laying on his bed, the curtains drawn, still fully dressed. He waited until 2 AM, when he was sure the whole castle would be asleep... except for Filch and Mrs. Norris, and the ghosts. Harry deliberated with himself if he should write a note, so as not to cause a panic with the students over if he was kidnapped or not.

Quietly rummaging through his homework, Harry found a blank piece of parchment and a quill. He wrote a quick note.


I will return shortly with Renee. Do not underestimate me, and do not worry.
Harry


He placed it on his pillow, then slowly opened his trunk to reveal his prized possession. Resting neatly inside, was Harry's broomstick, the Firebolt. Harry was the talented Quidditch seeker for the Gryffindor team, and Sirius had given it to him three years ago for Christmas. It was state-of-the-art and Harry treated it like gold.

Placing the Firebolt quietly on his bed, Harry searched the trunk for the other item he needed. His father's invisibility cloak. When he found the familiar liquidy material, Harry quickly grabbed the Marauder's Map and his wand, stuffed them in his robe pocket and gathered his broomstick and slung the cloak over his shoulder. He tip-toed out of the dorm room and down the stairs to the common room. Sirius was fast asleep in a huge armchair beside the fireplace, his feet propped up on another arm chair.

Feeling guilty for running out on his Godfather after he had tried so hard to protect Harry, he almost said good-bye. But that would wake him, and even with the invisibility cloak on, Sirius would know that Harry was making a run for it.

Harry drew the cloak over him and his broomstick, then quietly opened the back of the Fat Lady's portrait.

"Who's.... who's that?" Snorted the Fat Lady, her eyes not even half open.

Harry did'nt answer, but crept down the stairs. He pulled out the Marauder's Map, which showed him every passageway in Hogwarts and where everyone was. Filch and Mrs. Norris were at the other end of the castle. He had a free path to the One-eyed Witch's statue.

Once there, he stuffed the map in his pocket again, tapped the statue's hump and muttered "Dissendium!". The hump moved aside to reveal a passageway. With a quick glance over his shoulder, he began to jump in, before a quiet sigh stopped him.

Harry nearly fell down, the invisibility cloak threatening to fall off. His broomstick, however, fell with a loud thud. Instinctually, Harry whipped out the Marauder's Map again. The dot appearing beside him belonged to Professor Dumbledore. Only, Harry had looked at it momments before, and he was in his study then.

"Pro... Professor?" Harry stuttered.

Dumbledore came into view, a tired look on his face. Harry remembered that he could see or at least tell that he was under his invisibility cloak.

"I'm not going to stop you, Harry." He said quietly.

Harry was silent a momment, shocked.

"You're... you're not?"

Dumbledore shook his head, sighing.

"This is your decision. I realize that you are mature enough now to make the choice. After no luck of finding Renee so far, I'm willing to accept what I was trying to ignore all this time. Only you can save her."

Harry, not quite sure of what to say, slowly pulled the cloak off of him.

"Thank you... Professor Dumbledore."

Before he realized what he was doing, Harry quickly embraced Dumbledore in a hug. The old wizard was startled, but hugged him gently back. Harry had grown so much since they first met, and the bond between them was strong.

"Good luck, Harry." Dumbledore whispered, pride in his voice.

Harry smiled and withdrew, picking up his broomstick and stuffing the map back in his pocket. He slung the invisibility cloak over his shoulder once more and climbed into the passageway. Before he slipped out of view, Harry called back.

"I'll be back soon, with Renee."


Chapter Eight: The Search


"YOU LET HIM GO?!"

Dumbledore sighed deeply. Sirius Black had ran into his office early that morning, when he found Harry's note. He was full of anger and worry, waving Harry's note in Dumbledore's face.

"YOU LET HIM GO?!" He bellowed again.

"Calm down, Sirius. Yes, I let him go."

"Why? Why did you let him go? He'll be killed for sure!" Sirius wailed.

"We knew from the start that Harry would be the only one to find Renee. It's part of his destiny, Sirius. We can't control that. I left it up to Harry to decide, and he knew what he had to do." Dumbledore looked exhausted.

"I know Harry has met with Voldemort many times before, surviving each time when a normal adult wizard would not, but you know how powerful Voldemort is now! Harry does'nt stand a chance!" Sirius looked at Dumbledore pleadingly.

"I'm afraid it's out of our hands, Sirius. Destiny has it that Harry be with Renee, no doubt to bring the final fall of Voldemort. If Renee does not survive, Voldemort will never be stopped. It seems only she and Harry can save us."

"But they are only children!" Sirius whined.

Dumbledore shook his head.

"Adults tend to underestimate children, and we must remember that Harry and Renee are teenagers. They will both graduate next year, Harry a full-grown wizard and Renee a full-grown witch. I believe they are mature enough to handle this situation, especially Harry. He's had a life that you or I can't begin to imagine. Together they may be the greatest magical couple ever to live." He smiled a bit, giving Sirius an amused grin. "No doubt we'll have another Mr. and Mrs. Potter."

Sirius sighed, sitting down on one of Dumbledore's armchairs, and placed his face in his hands.

"I feel so helpless, I promised to take care of him."

Dumbledore smiled and walked over to him, placing a hand on Sirius's shoulder.

"You are taking care of him, but there is only so much that any type of father can do." He sighed, walking back to his desk. "What you can do is follow him, I've already alerted all the teams and the Ministry that Harry's out. Don't stop him, but help him if you can. From what Harry found out, only he can reach her, so you can only go so far."

Sirius nodded, getting to his feet. He slowly turned to leave before Dumbledore stopped him.

"And Sirius, there's a surprise waiting for you at the castle gates."

With a quizzical expression on his face, Sirius left the office. As he made his way downstairs and through hallways, students stopped to stare. Sirius did'nt know if it was because of who he was or if they knew that he was going to look for Harry. He paid no attention and reached the main doors that led outside. Before he got one foot out the door, a yell stopped him.

"Sirius! Wait!"

Sirius looked back to see Ron and Hermione bounding towards him.

"Wait!" They cried again.

"Yes?" Sirius asked as they came to face him.

Ron was panting too hard, so Hermione spoke for them.

"Bring Harry and Renee back safely," She gasped.

"Yeah," Ron managed to say. "Alive."

Sirius smiled and gave them a "don't worry" expression.

"Stay out of trouble," He said, turning to leave.

"Speak for yourself!" Ron muttered after him.

Sirius laughed and the doors closed behind him. As he approached the castle gates, his expression turned from amusement to utter disbelief. Propped on it's side, metal gleaming in the morning sun, was his beloved flying motorcycle.

"How...?" He whispered, running his hands over the smooth leather seats and the polished handlebars.

"Kept it all these years," Muttered a voice.

Sirius turned to see Hagrid leaning against the castle gates, a grin on his face.

"'Bout time I returned it 'ter it's owner."

"I never thought I'd see this again." Sirius whispered.

"Start 'er up. I'm sure she works swell still."

Sirius beamed at him, swinging his leg over the side of the bike and turning on the ignition. The familiar crack and purr of the engine roared in his ears. Hagrid shook his head and waved his hand at the gust of smog that rose from the muffler.

"Bring 'Arry and Renee home safe now!" Hagrid yelled over the engine.

"Don't worry! We'll be back soon." Sirius cried out, as he flipped the switch on the handlebar labled "fly". The bike rose into the air and he revved up the engine. With a final wave, Sirius flew off, not sure of what to expect.
****


Harry had walked through Hogsmeade for two hours that morning, thinking he would get another clue as to where Renee was. It would of been too simple for Hogsmeade to be the "town of the hanged man", so he tried to find someone awake that could give him a clue. To Harry's dissapointment, the town was nearly deserted. The only people left, and awake, resided in the Three Broomsticks bar. He stepped in cautiously, searching the bar for someone he could ask. However, everyone there was drunk... the bar tender and all the maids were gone, the drunken wizards making a free lance over the alcoholic beer. Harry knew that he would'nt get a satisfactory answer from any of them, so he left.

Harry left Hogsmeade, but he was not sure where he was going. He had never been out of Hogsmeade or Hogwarts, and both places were at least a hundred miles from London. It was a day's travel by train to get there. It was now 4 AM, and Harry decided that the quickest way to get anywhere was to ride his broom. He swung his Firebolt off his shoulder and mounted it. Taking off into the moon-lit sky, he went west.

The sun was now rising, and Harry was'nt sure how far he had traveled before he landed his broom for a rest. He found a clearing in some woods and sat down underneath a huge oak tree. Leaning against it, he closed his eyes and instantly fell asleep out of exhaustion.

Renee? Renee, are you there?

Harry was again surrounded by the now familiar silver mist that accompanied his mental meetings with Renee.

Renee? He called again, in the voiceless speach that was thought.

Harry?

Renee! Where are you?

Her "voice" was distant and weak, she did not appear and Harry paniced to find her.

Renee, where are you? Renee?

Harry... Harry, I...

Renee! He yelled out to her, swatting the silver mist that remained thick in his eyes. Frustraited that he could not see her, Harry's worry grew.

So... so cold.

Renee! Stay with me now! I won't leave you.

So...

He could feel her slipping away.

No! Renee! I need you to help me, I'm looking for you and I don't know where to look! Can you give me a direction?

No response.

Renee! Harry cried, tears begining to form in his eyes. Renee, please answer me!

I love you... Harry. Her voice echoed from far away, weakly.

NO! Don't you start, Renee. I'm going to get you, you... you gotta hold on! We can get through this, I WILL find you! He began to cry, and he shouted angerly.

But the mist retreated from him, as he shouted out in protest.

Harry woke. The sun was beaming down on him, morning in full swing. He fell forward on his face to the ground, and sobbed. When the tears where cried out to the point where he could'nt shed more, he sat up. Something thumped on his chest and he looked down to see what it was.

Gleaming in the sunlight was the Golden Chain of Hope that Dumbledore had given him for his birthday. Harry kept forgeting that he had it, it's power useless because it always found itself on top of Harry's shirt. He dropped it down his shirt and the warm metal radiated on his chest. Almost instantly, Harry felt better. Suddenly, things seemed to look alright. Confidence, and of course, hope, flowed from the chain and into Harry's heart.

"I will find her, we'll be together before the day is through." He stood up, wiping the old tears from his cheeks. Picking up his broom, he mounted it and rose into the air. But suddenly, Harry remembered that he did'nt know which direction to go to. His heart began to sink again. Yet, just as he was almost back to the state of mind he was in, Harry felt something tugging at him. Searching around him, he saw nothing. Whatever it was, it kept tugging at him, trying to pull him north.

Without a word, and an unknown understanding, Harry flew off in the direction he was being pulled. The feeling of being drawn by something was still there and Harry made no attempt to pull free. He just knew that he was supposed to follow.


Harry did'nt know how long he traveled, but he kept clear of all muggle towns and roads. Staying close to wooded areas, he flew until the sun was half set in the sky. Harry began to grow tired again.

Whatever it was that was pulling Harry stopped. The sudden release startled Harry and he stumbled on his broom. Slowly, he decended down and landed in another clearing.

Dispite how tired he was, Harry did not want to delay any further. Renee would not last any longer. He needed to find her before the day was through. Without hesitation, Harry decided to walk a while in the direction he was being pulled.

For three hours, judging by the position of the sun, Harry walked on. He encountered a few houses along the way, each one deserted. Hungry, thirsty, and fatigued, Harry began to loose hope once more. Each time, he placed the chain tighter to himself, and it helped.

Yet it was'nt enough. When the sun set hours later, Harry began to stagger. He grew weak and Renee's pain and suffering began to radiate into him. However, it was stronger then it was when he was at Hogwarts, which told him he was close. Only this kept him from stopping. It also told him that she was alive, yet, not for much longer.

When the moon came out and the stars dotted the black sky, Harry could'nt go any further. He fell to his knees with a loud and defeated grunt.

"I... I can't stop..." He moaned, panting. "Got to... got to save Renee."

Harry tried to crawl, but he collapsed after only going a few feet.

"Must... keep... going!" He cried. Begining to cry once more, he cursed himself. He rolled onto his back and stared at the night sky.

"I'm so, so sorry, Renee." He whispered. "I've failed you."

His vision began to blur, feeling himself loose consciousness. All he could hear was his defeated moans and cries. Just before he let himself go, giving up, he saw a shadow come over him.

As the shadow leaned closer to him, he could make out that it was a woman, with long hair. He felt himself being lifted from the ground.

"Renee?" He whispered, but before he could get a reply, he past out.


"Renee..."

"Shhh, quiet now."

"I have to... I have to find her, she's dieing!"

Harry felt warm, surrounded by something soft. He could feel something damp being pressed against his forehead. The crackle of a fire was nearby and he could sense steam in the air.

Slowly, Harry opened his eyes. They were all fuzzy, for his glasses were off, and all he could make out were shapes. The outline of someone was sitting next to him, and Harry could now tell that he was on a soft bed, covered in a blanket.

"There we are now," Said a woman's voice, kindly. Her voice was young and seemingly beautiful, as if she sung every word. Harry's eyes began to focus and he began to see her clearly. She continued to dab at his head with a damp cloth.

Harry grabbed at his glasses, which was resting next to his head, put them on, and looked at the woman closely. She was very beautiful, suiting her voice perfectly. Her hair was long and an amber brown, she had a slender body and a delicate face. She looked at him kindly with large, blue eyes that reminded him immediately of Renee.

"Renee!" He gasped. "I must find her!" He tried to sit up, but the woman restrained him gently.

"Woa, careful now! You must rest a while, you had a pretty nasty spell out there."

Harry fell back down on a pillow, gasping. The woman brushed his bangs aside and wiped the sweat from his forehead.

"Who... who are you?" Harry whispered, curiously.

She smiled at him.

"My name is Rose, Rose Fergison."

"How... how did I get here?"

Rose continued to wipe his head as she spoke.

"I found you collapsed on the ground not far from my house. You were crying for someone named Renee."

"Renee... I've got to find her! She's being held captive by Voldemort and if I don't get to her soon she'll die!" He tried to sit up again, but Rose withheld him.

"Hold on, you are in no condition for saving anyone but yourself right now. Give yourself some time to recuperate."

"I can't! She's dieing! Let me go," He began to grow angry.

"If you go out the way you are now, Harry, she has no chance." Rose said sternly, but with a sense of parental concern.

Harry stopped fighting to sit up and looked at her.

"How'd you know my name?"

She laughed kindly and got up from the bed, walking over to a stove with a kettle steaming on top.

"First off, everyone knows who you are. Yet, I would know you from a distance, for you look just like James." She turned to him, sadness in her eyes. "And you have your mother's eyes."

"You knew my parents?" He asked, managing to sit up.

Rose nodded, pouring tea into two cups.

"I was close friends with your mother. We did a lot of things together at Hogwarts, shared many secrets." She sighed, walking back over to him and handing him a cup of tea. "Drink, it will help."

Harry sipped quietly at the tea for a while, staring as politely as he could at Rose. She sat across from him in a lumpy armchair, drinking delicately from her own cup. They both studied each other.

"My, how you've grown." She whispered after a while. "The last... the last time I saw your mother was about a month after you were born. She was so happy, it was much better to see her that way after all the stress that both she and James were having with You-Know-Who. You were hardly ever away from her side, she watched you like a hawk. So tiny you were! With your messy black hair..." Rose looked off into the fire. "When I heard what happened, I... I could'nt believe it. I don't think I talked with anyone for months. Soon after, I moved here, away from everyone and everything that reminded me of her." She looked back at him, a faint smile on her face. "Your father was a good man. You look and act just like him," She laughed. "I'm sure both your parents would be proud."

Harry, having drained his tea cup, ran his hand through his hair and pulled the blanket off of him. He swung his feet off the bed and sat there, taking deep breaths.

"I can't thank you enough for your help, but I'm afraid I can't stay any longer. Renee needs me to find her,"

"You love her," Rose said, gently, cocking her head to one side.

Harry smiled faintly.

"Yes, she's... she's my Etam Luos, my true love."

Rose nodded, putting her cup down and standing up.

"Well then, Harry, you must'nt waist any more time then." She helped him to his feet, brushing his hair with her delicate hands.

"You would'nt know anything about the town of the hanged man, would you?" He asked her, hopefully.

She looked at him with a puzzled look.

"Is that the name of the town?"

"Well, I'm not sure. It's a clue I was given," Harry admitted.

Rose studied him, concentration in her eyes.

"I don't know of any towns nearby with a hanged man." She sighed, then stopped suddenly. "Wait a minute, wait... there is a town about fifty miles from here, small, real rural. A muggle town. If I remember right, there's a bar there with a name like that. In fact, I think that's what it is! The Hanged Man! It's the muggle bar there!"

Harry's eyes lit up, excitedly.

"Are you sure?"

"Pretty sure, it's worth a shot!"

Harry hugged her and she embraced him, resting her slender chin on his head.

"Thank you, thank you so much."

"It's the least I can do for Lily's son." She whispered in his ear.

He let go of her, smiling, and went to gather his broom and invisibility cloak. The Marauder's Map was still tucked inside his robes, and the Golden Chain of Hope began to radiate confidence back into him. Rose walked with him to the door.

"Be careful now, Harry. Love can sometimes blind logic." She said, standing before him as he stepped out onto her porch. It was still night, most likely early in the morning. Harry looked at her, gratitude overwelming his emotions.

"I can't begin to thank you enough," He said.

"Don't mention it, I only wish I could do more." The moonlight shone on her beautiful face, making her blue eyes twinkle kindly.

"Will I ever see you again?" He asked her.

She looked at him, a mystical expression on her face.

"Perhaps, Harry. Who knows what fate has in store?"

With a last look of appreciation, Harry mounted his broom and shot up into the air. Rose watched him as he flew off into the night, and Harry felt that nothing could stop him now. Nothing.


Harry felt energized and confident, the chain around his neck making the feelings grow larger and larger. He flew as fast as he could, trees and countryside blazing past him. Staying in the direction Rose had told him to follow, he kept his heart open for any clues from Renee. The pain and suffering was absent, and this frightened Harry... but he refused to let it get him down. The only way for him to find her was to keep positive.

Suddenly, on the horizon, Harry could make out buildings. The closer he got, the more he could make out that it was a small town.

This is it. Harry thought. Renee, I'm here!

Harry began to land, not wanting any muggles to see him flying. He found a spot, surrounded by trees, and touched down there. Swinging his broom over his shoulder and pulling out his invisibility cloak just in case, Harry began to walk in the direction of the town.

"Lumos!" He said to his wand, illuminating the dark wood around him. He walked as quietly as he could, keeping in the direction of the town. After several minutes, Harry began to hear someone moving swiftly over leaves.

Immediately, Harry ducked behind a tree, wanting to avoid muggles at all cost. When the sound stopped, Harry peeked out.

No one but trees was there.

Slowly, Harry got out from behind the tree and resumed on his way. When he heard the sound again, Harry stopped dead. The air seemed to fill with dispair, a gloom settling around him. He began to hear screaming in his head. It meant only one thing.

He was being followed by a Dementor.

Harry blocked out the growing screams in his mind as best as he could, saying the counter spell that made his wand's light go out. He was ready to face the Dementor, for he knew what to do when he encountered one.

Sure enough, when the screams of both his parents and Renee seemed to echo deafening in his mind, the tall, dark and hooded shape appeared suddenly before him.

Harry tried hard to focus on a happy thought, the time when he and Renee went out that night before the end of the school year on his broom. When he was satisfied that he was focused enough, he bellowed,

"Expecto Patronum!"

Instantly, a silver stream of light shot out of Harry's wand, and a brilliant shining stag appeared. It charged at the Dementor, making it back away quickly. The stag chased it off, until Harry could no longer see them. Nervously, Harry waited for the stag to return, and sure enough, it did. It pawed it's hooves at the ground, looking straight at Harry. Harry smiled and nodded appreciatively before the stag dissapeered. His smile faultered, feeling suddenly alone, but turned and walked confidently off toward the town once more.

After a long while, it seemed, Harry finnally reached the edge of the woods and looked upon a sleepy looking town. The vibes in the air were unpleasent, it was deathly silent. Walking slowly along the path into the town, Harry could tell that it was completely deserted. Yet, as he got closer, where he could see into the black windows, Harry could sense that the town was not as deserted as it seemed. Evil lurked there, filling the air and choking his senses. Pain began to throb in his scar, and Harry knew he was where he needed to be. Voldemort was waiting.

Harry continued down the empty street, newspapers blowing across the ground like tumbleweed. The town had been empty for a long while. Before long, up on the right, he could see a sign swinging in time to the wind.


The Hanged Man


The sign read.

The town of the hanged man. Harry thought to himself, pausing to stare into the bar's large window. It was completely dark, and the light from Harry's then lighted wand only reflected off the window to show his reflection.

"Now," Harry said to himself, his voice seeming to stop dead in the air. "To find a house surrounded by a dead garden."

Harry looked around, staring up and down the street. Wandering away from the bar, he continued down past shops and resturaunts, past flats and homes, until he seemed to walk out of the town. Alarmed that he had nearly walked out of the town and saw nothing, Harry frantically searched his surroundings, holding his wand higher.

"Oh, Renee," He whispered. "If only you could lead me further."

Sighing, he decided to leave the town and follow the path he was now standing on. As he got further along, it grew darker and darker. The sky had an overcast, blocking out the moon and stars. Suddenly, out of no where, thunder boomed and lightning flashed across the sky. Rain was comming.

"Great," Harry muttered.

When he had been walking for what seemed like decades, Harry began to panic again.

What if I past it? He asked himself.

It began to pour.

Harry searched his brain for the spell that would repel water from his glasses, but he was too worked up in finding Renee that he could'nt concentrate. He was running out of time.

Fighting the onslaught of water as is came at him, holding his wand out in front of him to illuminate his way, Harry frantically ran through the fresh mud. He was so blind, that he slammed straight into something.

Harry was knocked to the ground, mud splashing all over him. He strained to look up, blinking rapidly to clear his eyes of rain drops.

"Harry," Said a worried voice. "Harry, you're here!"

Harry squinted.

"Hannah? Hannah Cane?"

"Yes, Harry. And no, you have'nt past the house yet." She pulled him to his feet.

"Where is it?" He demanded.

"About eighty yards behind me, but Harry... your task has become more difficult." She said hurridly.

"What? What is it?" He asked.

"Voldemort has my team. Every single one of them."