Hey gang i'm back again and i know its been ages but im here now

Its chapter seven

Disclaimer: You should know by now that i own nothing but the plot, Myra and Beck and don't pretend to own anything else.

Its chapter seven and to be honest i'm not sure what to think of it. i really need your help here guys because i really have no clue what to make of it. It needed to be part of the plot but im not sure i should have done it this way... Anyway please tell me what you think. Thanx.

Phoenix-ice-tears: My one and only reviewer for the chapter thanx for your on going support. I'm so pleased you're enjoying reading the stroy. I'm sorry its been so long in coming but the next chapter is here and i ask you to read on...

Dumbledore's Secret

Chapter Seven: The Will Of The Snake

"Remus you should return to the Order." Myra said gently. Remus looked up from where he had been watching Harry sleep.

It had been five days since the attack on the school and Harry hadn't woken up. Nor had even shown signs of waking. No one could understand it.

Worse sill no one could help him.

"No way Myra. I wasn't there when he needed help I'm not leaving him now no matter what you say."

Myra nodded. She could understand that. She herself was still kicking herself after the break in and couldn't believe she hadn't been there to help.

Another frequent visitor had been Herminone.

She and Ron had hardly left the Hospital wing using any excuse to come up and visit him. There had been a steady trickle of visitors.

Most were from the DA and many Myra had recognised from those who had helped Harry in the Room Of Requirement. Most of those that had been admitted to the hospital wing had been allowed to leave there was only one other, Marie Stubs. Who was still in the hospital wing and whom Ron seemed to be quite taken with. She was sitting up and would also soon be free to go.

She was asking frequently about how Harry was. It seemed Harry had more well wishers than he believed. But then again now the truth was out that could be expected. Plus of course the whole thing was a complete secret, which of course meant everyone now knew about it.

The school hadn't suffered as much damage as Myra, Dumbledore had expected. The Room Of Requirement had suffered damage but had repaired itself and was back to its former glory.

Myra, Beck and Dumbledore had also been round to inspect the enchantments on the castle and while much of it was in order the whole West side of the castle was a shambles. The Order's top priority now was to repair the damage through the castle seemed to be doing everything in its power to repair itself.

And all the while Harry slept on. Everything they had tried had failed to wake him and he often jack hammered off the bed as though in pain and Myra felt like screaming.

Remus looked like he was going to pass out. Myra hated feeling so useless. She couldn't help him and couldn't face that for the first time in her life she was being forced to be a by stander. She hadn't been able to help Harry in the fight and she was just as useless now.

She never wanted to leave the hospital wing but she was still expected to keep up appearances. There was a spy at large somewhere in the castle and no one could know her true identity.

Or her true purpose for being here.

Appearances were everything, especially with Harry under and unable to defend himself. The door to the hospital wing swung open and Myra looked up. Dumbledore swept into the hospital wing and said, "Myra any change?" Myra bit her lip and shook her head.

"Then you must return to classes." She wanted to argue but she knew that it was for the best. She nodded. "Yes Professor." With one more swift look at Harry and a squeeze of his hand she left the hospital wing.

Dumbledore turned to Remus and he said, "No." Without even looking up. He never took his eyes off Harry willing him to wake up. He had to wake up. "Remus, I would never ask that of you." Dumbledore said gently. We're all worried for him."

"I know the Order needs me but I can't leave him. Does Molly and Arthur know yet?" Dumbledore nodded gravely. "So does every witch and wizard in the country. Many want to take the students home. But the students have shown extraordinary resilience. They're scared but they don't want to leave." "Has Molly left for Hogwarts yet?" Remus said looking up at last.

"She is working for the Order and so hasn't been able to leave. And I managed to dissuade her from doing so. There is nothing any of us can do now but wait for Harry to find his own way back."

Dumbledore looked down at Harry. He had watched Harry go through so many trials and obstacles he couldn't help but wonder if this was just another. Dumbledore loved Harry. It was true. He loved him like the son he never had yet he still couldn't help him.

It truly was up to Harry to find his own way out of this. The door to the hospital wing opened and Herminone came in. Dumbledore expected Ron to follow her but no, she was alone. He smiled at her and she said, "I'm ill." Remus said, "Of course. Would you like us to leave? I have to speak to professor Dumbledore." Before Herminone could argue they left.

Remus and Dumbledore smiled as they left the hospital wing talking. Remus believing that if anyone could wake Harry up it would be Herminone. She had kept her secret so long that now it just wasn't possible anymore.

Remus and Dumbledore talked late and then Remus returned to the Order. He really was needed in the next mission so knowing there was nothing else he could do for Harry he left.

Dumbledore promised to alert him and the rest of the Order if Harry's condition changed in the slightest.

Dumbledore sighed. Harry had a lot to learn about who he was and the power he held and maybe when he woke up this time Dumbledore would not omit any details.

Harry's power was growing and he needed to be aware of it. He needed to be ready. It wouldn't be long before he wouldn't need a wand to practice magic. There had only been four people in wizarding history powerful enough to focus their magic with out the need of a wand.

Godric Gyffindor

Helga Hufflepuff

Rowena Ravenclaw

Salazar Slytherin

And now Harry Potter would join their ranks.

He one of the most powerful wizards in the world and he was only sixteen. What's more he was not even aware of it.

But soon his power would be unlocked and god help the person who was caught in its way.

Dumbledore knew Harry would do great things. He would win the war but did the trials he have to face first have to be so hard? He shook his head and called for Myra.

They needed to check the Wards.

Herminone walked into the hospital wing as Remus and Dumbledore left. It was one of the rare occasions when she was actually alone. Ron had failed to make it but she couldn't blame his either.

Marie had left the hospital wing that afternoon. Ron had been ecstatic and so when he and Marie were speaking in the Grand Hall she had come here. She sat beside Harry and took his hand.

She wanted to be alone with Harry and for that reason she was pleased Ron was busy talking to Marie. It seemed possessive. Ron was Harry's friend as much as Herminone was but she couldn't help it.

She squeezed his hand tight.

She wouldn't have dreamed of it had he been awake. But all she wanted to do was help him wake up. "You have to wake up Harry." She said barely keeping her voice even. "You hear me? You have to wake up."

Harry himself was in a world fit only for nightmare. And no matter what he did he couldn't wake himself up. This place had to be a nightmare because there was no way a place like this could be real. It was an evil place and one he really didn't want to be anywhere near.

Apparently he didn't have a choice. And that wasn't fair. It hurt so much. He was in a world of Nightmare and death and the feeling that he was being left to rot wouldn't leave him.

He didn't know how he had got here but one thing was for certain he didn't like it and he certainly wasn't staying here. He had better things to do. Like make sure Hogwarts remained safe for his friends.

So what if he had a hero complex? He openly admitted this now but that hero complex had saved a fair few people in the past and not so long ago so they shouldn't be complaining. Of course people did. Because no matter what he did he couldn't do right for doing wrong.

He was either the blasted Boy-Who-Lived or he was a raving liar. And if Harry had the choice he wouldn't be any. It just wasn't fair. Why him? He'd have given anything to be normal. But his life wasn't normal. Not even by wizarding standards and that's what the voices he could hear seemed to be playing on.

His fear of fear.

His fear of failure.

And now he couldn't escape either. He just wanted to get out of this place. Why were they keeping him here? He didn't understand. He didn't want to be here. His fear took over him and he lost his fight for consciousness even in this world.

Herminone grasped Harry's hand until her knuckles turned white. He convulsed from some invisible pain and she held on tears falling down her face. "Harry, please,"

She sobbed feeling so helpless she didn't know what to do. She couldn't return to the school now. She'd stay here until someone moved her.

"Harry," She sobbed. "I'm begging you wake up."

Harry clawed out of the darkness at the sound of a voice he knew. He couldn't place it just then but he knew it meant the world to him. It gave him the strength he needed to carry on fighting.

It felt like he was climbing a sheer cliff. One that seemed to go on and on right into the clouds. But he felt his magic, that he had feared had died when he was thrown into this place, surged up and propelled him on. He would no be beaten.

He would not stay here.

He climbed into the clouds and a gold light seemed to engulf him.

The power of the One has been granted…

A voice echoed in Harry's head.

He felt confused and disorientated but he kept going. He couldn't have stopped now had he wanted to.

Harry felt blinded by the glare. Then he was out.

He was free.

Harry slowly opened his eyes. His vision was blurry, someone had removed his glasses but as he became aware of where he was.

The hospital wing.

Typical.

His favourite place in the school, or so it would seem.

Yeah.

Right.

He then realised someone was holding his hand. He looked up and realised it was Herminone. Her bushy hair was bouncing round her shoulders. His heart lifted. Herminone was here.

"Herminone?" He asked.

Damn it! Was that his voice?

Herminone hadn't moved since Professor Dumbledore and Remus had left her an hour earlier. She clung to his hand as if her touch could wake him up. She was going insane.

He had saved them all. How could he just go and leave them when he had taught them to fight?

She couldn't let him.

She wouldn't let him.

"Herminone?" he asked.

It was mealtime down in the Great Hall. Ron was talking to Marie who had joined the Gryffindors as most of the DA were planning another visit to see Harry. Herminone hadn't appeared in the Hall but everyone knew where she would be.

"Has she told him yet?" Marie asked. She had only seen them together once or twice or passed the Golden Trio in the hallways but she had worked out what most of the Gyffindors had worked out in their fifth year. Herminone was besotted with Harry.

"You are kidding me right?" Ron asked. "It's taking them forever. I mean granted Harry has more on his mind than his next girlfriend but he is so protective of Herminone. Everyone knows apart from them! Its so stupid!" Ron had given up trying to help him. He loved Harry like a brother but sometimes he missed the things that were right in front of him.

The Castle was on edge. Everyone knew of the tried and failed attack on the school and of the stand made by certain members of the DA. Mostly because those that had left before the fight had told everyone.

Those that had taken part simply said they were following Harry's lead. Ron had to laugh at this because Ron knew if Harry knew all the praise he was getting he would tell everyone that he had had help.

But the only reason he had had help was because he showed them how. Ron was enjoying the attention he was getting from Marie. If all truth was told he really liked her.

He just wasn't ready to tell her that yet.

Besides he wasn't sure it was a good idea anyway because although she seemed willing enough to talk to him and be friends with him who was to say that she actually liked him the way he wanted her too?

Better not say anything and enjoy her company for the time being.

Across the hall from the Gryffindors the Slytherins were deep in conversation or rather the Slytherin sixth years were deep in conversation. Troy was trying to look nonchalant and talk to Kevin, Jenny, and Gilly while listen in their conversation.

He kept getting annoyed sneers from one Draco Malfoy every time he loudly asked his friends if they were going to go and see if Harry was ok with the others.

Troy knew Draco was up to something he had been planning something big for about a month. But Troy had yet to figure out what it was. In the end figuring it could wait until later Troy turned his full attention to Kevin and discussed quietly what they could do to help the DA.

Draco Malfoy was out to get Harry. But he was out to get him on his own. He didn't plan to explain anything to any of the other Sytherins not even Crabbe and Golye. This was his revenge and it was his honour.

He had received a coded letter from his father telling him that he and escaped Askaban and that the Dark Lord wanted Potter. Together they had hatched a plan.

Lucius' attempt on the school had failed to succeed Harry had been too strong. Even Potter wasn't really aware of just how strong he was and what's more he helped the others join in and defeat the attack.

So now it was up to Draco to do it while Potter was weak. Draco hadn't known of the attack on the school and himself thought it had been foolhardy. But his plan would succeed. He had heard talk from Weasel that Harry had been in a coma since the attack.

All Draco had to do was get around the round the clock watch he seemed to have. His father was right in that Potter was more protected than even seemed to be aware.

He had got another owl from his father this morning telling him that today was the day so now he was making small talk until it was time to put his plan into action.

Half way through dinner he excused himself and made his way to the hospital wing. No one saw him and no one questioned him.

This was his revenge and he would take it gladly. Potter would pay for what he did to his father.

He kept to the edges of the walls where the shadows were thickest. He didn't have an invisibility cloak though he suspected Potter had one. He didn't need one his footfalls were silent and we was able to work and proceed in silence.

The darkness was enough invisibility. He reached the hospital wing without mishap. He peered through the door. Excellent there was only Potter and the Mudblood in there.

This was going to be easy.

He opened the door.

Herminone looked up as a croaky voice said her name. She knew that voice. She looked up and Harry was staring groggily at her. "Harry?" She asked. "Hey," He whispered.

"Oh My God!" Herminone gasped one hand flying to her mouth. She hadn't let go of Harry's other hand. "You're awake." She launched herself at him holding him tightly around the neck.

"Yeah, so it would appear." Harry said smiling. "We've been so worried about you." Herminone said

Harry frowned at that. "Do I even want to know how long I've been out?" "Five days." She whispered. Harry fell back against his pillows. "Damn it to hell and back." He muttered. "You have got to be kidding me!"

He looked up at Herminone and realised she had been crying. She nodded. "It's been five days since the attack."

Without thinking about it he reached up and wiped her tears away. She stiffened and then sighed. "I promised I'd never let you see me cry again." She whispered.

"Why?" Harry asked quietly. "Because I don't want you to think me weak." Herminone whispered. "You're one of the strongest people I know Herminone." Harry said seriously. "Just because you cry does not mean you're weak." Herminone hugged him again.

He always knew just want to say.

Just then Harry stiffened and said, "Herminone you need to leave. Now." She looked down at him confused and said, "Why?" Then she stiffened as a voice said, "Stufey!" She crippled as the red beam of the curse hit her and fell to the floor.

Harry bolted upright and dived at Malfoy knocking his wand out of his grasp. "I'm going to kill you!" Draco gasped in surprise as Harry's body hit his and they hit the floor hard.

They grappled on the floor each trying to get a good hold of the other. Harry saw Draco groping for his wand and tried to get there first but Draco snatched it up and pointed it at Harry's throat.

"I don't have to deliver you in pristine condition Potter." He said his voice vicious. Harry cursed at him. "Language Potter." Malfoy scolded. "Piss off Malfoy. You think you're so big and great but all you are is Daddy's little puppet."

"SHUT UP!" Malfoy screamed

Harry had to think fast. There was no way he would beat Malfoy. He was just too weak all he could do was gloat him into making mistakes.

And leave as many clues for Dumbledore to find and work out what had happened. He grabbed his wand and shot red sparks at the window. The glass shattered as the sparks fired into the sky.

Draco began to panic. Now people would see the sparks! It was not meant to be this way. He was meant to have control.

"Losing your nerve Malfoy?" Harry snapped through his cut lip. He swiped the blood away. He saw Draco make another grab for his wand but didn't manage to get in his way

"Stufey!" Malfoy screamed. Harry was still laughing as the curse hit him. He blacked out. Malfoy pushed Harry off him. And pulled himself up. He brushed himself down and spat at Harry,

"I am not a puppet Potter! I am going to be rewarded beyond anyone in the Death Eater ranks. I am bringing the Dark Lord you!" He wiped away the blood from his nose.

Of course Harry didn't talk back he was slumped forward. Yet Draco felt as if he had just lost the fight.

He had had to fight for this win, for this victory. He had won. He would have all the Death Eaters looking at him in awe. He had captured the great Harry Potter.

He was the one stood over Potter with all the power yet looking down at the boy laid on the floor he seemed to have no control at all. He shook his head to replace his defeatist attitude and pocketed both his and Harry's wand and then covered Harry in a invisibility cloak his father had sent him and set off for the secret passage that lead to Hosmeade.

He had won. Not Potter.

Yet he still couldn't shake the feeling it was the other way round.

Myra paced the Wards outside Hogwarts itself trying to rectify the damage that Hogwarts itself had failed to mend. It was almost midnight and she was out in the grounds so not as to arouse suspicion being seen by another pupil.

She reached for the wards and felt their pull but it felt so brittle and tired. This was defiantly not a good thing. Sure they were stronger than your conventional wards but Hogwarts was not a conventional place.

It was the strong hold of the Light and if Hogwarts fell…Well Myra didn't even want to have to think about it. The horror the wizarding world would suffer would be unbelievable.

Myra shuddered to think just how close they really had come to losing Hogwarts and it had been the will of the students that it had survived. The students had stood together to keep their school safe.

As Myra was patching together the Wards she felt a shift in her being. She whipped round and saw red sparks fly into the sky and explode over her head.

"Harry…" She whispered. He was in trouble. She dropped everything and headed for the Hospital Wing.

What she saw when she got there made her blood run cold. They had failed him. Again.