Thank you for reviewing chapter six of HPMMD as of May 12, 2007!!
As always FLAMES ARE WELCOMED! Helps me improve.
I'd like to thank the following reviewers:
Ckarrine. Thank you again for reviewing so much. I'm very grateful
Alaki-chan. Thank you very much again for the review.
DestinyDragon as always, thank you.
And DBZfanalways, thank you.
Note: I shall now be updating every Saturday evening. That's a promise so be looking forward to it.
Thank you again for reviewing and enjoy the seventh chapter of
Harry Potter and the Millennium Darkness!
Chapter 7
Harry wasn't happy. He hadn't been happy at all for the past week and a half. Any unlucky fool sitting behind him wasn't happy either. That was usually Seamus, Dean or if Harry was really unfortunate, a Slytherin. This Slytherin often ended up being Draco Malfoy, making Harry's day even worse.
The cause of this unhappiness?
A Hufflepuff. A certain golden haired Hufflepuff playing host to the Duel champion for the next month and a half. Due to his bet with Seto Kaiba, Jounouchi was unable to find time for Harry. Meaning Harry still bore the fruits of Halloween.
His black tail swished with irritation under the hem of his robe. That's right. Harry still had his cat ears and tail. They were apart of him just as his own arms and eyes. They were just as real as before and were just as alive and sensitive. And they still drew attention to him.
The first few days had been funny for everyone, many girls squealing at him and boys teasing him. Then it just got stupid. Anyone having to sit behind Harry had to look between or around his ears unless they told him. They also had to deal with his tail, which idly swished and batted their ankles without Harry realizing. Hermione and Ron had no problems with it as long as they weren't sitting behind or next to him.
Harry had found it very difficult the first day. He had to go to Remus about his pants. Stuffing his tail inside them was out of the question. It hurt far too much and if he sat on it that was even worse. Remus had taken a few of his pants and cut holes in the back for him. He was unable to do anything with his robes though.
And why having Malfoy sit behind him was so bad you wonder? The blond had a nasty habit of catching his tail under the table and playing with it. Or he would lean forward at random moments and blow cool air into his ears causing him to shriek the first time. The Slytherins found it horrendously funny while Malfoy looked utterly pleased with himself. Even now Draco would torture him, though it had lost its appeal to his classmates. Harry cursed Jounouchi after every class he had with Malfoy. If he were unable to catch Jounouchi any time soon, he'd be stuck with his ears until after Christmas!
Harry collapsed into his seat in the Charms classroom. None of the other students had arrived yet and the room was empty. Harry felt better then he had before lunch. He'd had a nice long nap without any trouble. No one had bothered him and he didn't have to worry about any homework yet.
His ebony black ears perked when he heard another plop down into the seat next to him. He expected it to be Ron, arriving early after a silly argument with Hermione. They'd been doing that a little less then normal after Halloween but it still went on.
It wasn't Ron.
Harry's cheeks flushed pink when a finger traced around the hole of his pants, stroking his soft tail. It reached up under his robe. Those fingers crawled higher, caressing the small of his back under his shirt. He was unable to tuck the damn thing in with his tail there. He peeked through his arms with wide green eyes. Who the hell would-?
His question was answered when he met smirking silver eyes. He mentally groaned. Draco. Those fingers moved again, down past the hem of his pants. Harry's face turned bright red and he sat upright. He shoved the hand out of his robe with a cat like cry, his little fangs glittering. "What the hell Malfoy?" He hissed, glaring at the Slytherin.
The other grinned, laughing deeply. Harry blinked when he lifted his hand, rubbing the tip of his left cat ear. "Still haven't found the mutt?"
"I thought only Kaiba was allowed to call him that?" Harry grunted, trying to worm his ears away from that hand. It felt good but it irritated him to no end to have someone tough his ears. It made his skin crawl in a weird way. Not a bad way but weird. At least when it was draco who was touching them.
"I'm just agreeing with him." Draco stated, capturing the ear again. "I don't know whether I want him to remove them though." Harry grunted, lowering his head to his arms again. He couldn't fight Draco anymore and just let him play with his ear.
"It's irritating that it's a spell Jou made up and the teachers can't figure out how he did it." He sighed, his tail looping its way between Harry and Draco. "And that Kaiba doesn't give him a minute enough to remove them for me." Draco grunted at the statement. Harry sensed the Slytherin's gratitude. He glared up at the blond with those bright green eyes. "And you're just oozing with joy aren't you?"
"Yes." Draco said with a grin. "Personally I can't see how you can hang out with that trash. Weasley is better then that American dog." Draco muttered, leaning back in his seat. He took to stroking the end of Harry's tail instead. He loved feeling the soft fur in his hands.
"So I have a different sense of company. You wouldn't catch me hanging around two idiots like Crabbe and Goyle." Draco rolled his eyes.
"I have very little choice in that matter. They would fall apart if I weren't around." Harry snorted in response.
"People will be coming soon. You should move." Harry muttered half-heartedly. As much as he hated having something that amused Draco at his expense, he found himself wanting Draco sitting with him.
"Why?" Draco asked as if it meant nothing. Harry looked up at him with confusion.
"I didn't think you wanted people to see you talking civilly with Harry Potter." Draco shrugged as a few Slytherins entered. Blaise Zabini came and sat next to Draco, Crabbe and Goyle sitting in the row behind. A few Gryffindors entered followed by a Ravenclaw and two Hufflepuffs. Then Ron entered, plopping down next to Harry. He seemed unfazed by the Slytherins on the opposite side.
Hermione didn't see them either simply because the quarrel had been so bad she refused to sit near Ron. So at the moment this was Harry's life. Just as weird and unpredictable as always. Throughout the rest of class Malfoy played with his tail, either out of sheer boredom or just to annoy him, Harry wasn't sure anymore. After a few more classes it was time for dinner.
"Are you going to see Madam Pomfrey Harry?" Hermione asked when Harry finished eating. He nodded, rubbing an itch bugging his left cat ear.
"Yeah. Need to check my weight and such." He muttered. It would be his first check up for the last three weeks.
"You want someone to go with you?" Ginny asked, watching Ron wearily as he scarfed at his food.
"No. It's just little stuff." Harry said as he stood. "I'll see you guys back at the common room." He said before leaving them. His tail twitched back and forth behind him, causing a few stray glances his way. It wasn't such an attention grabber anymore. Harry whistled idly as he made his way toward the hospital wing.
When he entered, Madam Pomfrey was helping a first year from another house. He seemed to have a bad stomach bug and was emptying his gut into a pail. Harry pitied him as he glanced around. He took note of a third year that was waiting to have his broken wrist mended.
Then something caught his eye. A boy was lying in a far bed. He looked dead. There was not a bit of color in his cheeks and he was barely moving. Harry frowned. It looked familiar but how? Where had he seen a person like that before?
St. Mongos! The wizarding hospital. There had been others like that in one room closed off from the rest. Harry had glimpsed it. It had held about ten people just like this boy in the same strange coma. It was just like the story Jounouchi had told him.
"Mr. Potter!" Harry shook his head, looking up to see Madam Pomfrey frowning at him. "Come along." She grabbed him by the shoulder, glancing toward the frozen student as she turned him
"What happened to him, Madam Pomfrey?" He muttered as she ushered him onto the scales.
"Never you mind Mr. Potter. Nothing serious." She muttered. Her eyes spoke differently. Madam Pomfrey rarely looked worried. Only when she didn't know what to do about someone. Only when she couldn't help someone. Harry stayed quiet, allowing the woman to do her work. It was dark when they finished.
Madam Pomfrey wrote out an admit slip if he ran into any teachers or Head Boys or Girls. Harry stuffed it in his pocket and took his leave. The corridors were slowly becoming dark, lamps putting themselves out.
Some portraits were already sleeping, others heading back to their own frames. A young girl dressed in pink waved happily at him as he passed her. An old wizard grumbled at him about being about. Harry didn't bother with the admit slip. He turned the corner and luck was not on his side.
Professor Severus Snape glared down at him. Harry stepped back, gazing up at the man through his bangs. He had never trusted the potions teacher and now more then ever. "Going somewhere Potter?" Snape hissed. Harry reached into his pocket and produced the slip. Snape did not take it but glared at the signature of the nurse. "Hurry up." He snarled before stepping aside.
Harry hurried by him and turned another corner. He climbed a flight of stairs and entered another corridor. Unfortunately it wasn't the one he wanted. He cursed when he realized where he was. It was the right of the third floor. Though the stone had been removed after is first year of school, the corridor had remained out of bounds to students. Harry knew Fluffy still resided here, often seeing Hagrid venture up this way. That was one of the only reasons Hagrid ever entered the castle.
Harry didn't want to take the chance of Filch finding him here so he didn't go back. There was an exit down the corridor that was a shortcut up toward the portrait of the Fat Lady. Harry closed the door soundlessly and made his way into the dark corridor. The lamps did not light as he made his way along the statues and items lining the walls.
The corridor reached high and wide. Half way the wall became windows, moonlight flooding in. Harry shivered. A sudden draft fell upon him. His cat ears dipped back, nestling into his ebony hair. His tail curled up under his robes.
He slowly made his way through the streams of moonlight. It was familiar. Far too familiar. His heart began to pound. His mind was screaming at him, telling him to turn back. He had an admit slip. Filch couldn't object. But he didn't stop. His feet kept moving forward.
Sobbing. Sobbing filled the corridor, echoing and bouncing off the walls. It too was familiar. Harry's green eyes widened but he shuffled forward. He wanted to help. He wanted to help the crying creature. Something was dripping. Splattering upon the stone floor. Harry's shoe slipped a bit. He glanced down.
Blood. There was blood on the floor.
The sobbing grew louder. Harry stepped back, lifting his head. He was there. Standing at the end of the hall. Shadows danced and swirled behind him, lashing out at his white skin. His hair was like snow, painting streaks on his face with blood. Tears fell from his eyes like rain.
Harry's heart sank into his stomach with fear and sorrow. Blood dripped down the boys face and arms. He was dressed in black, just like in Harry's dreams. Harry's lungs tired to suck in air, his tongue swelling. He couldn't breath. Couldn't think. His body was screaming, telling his to run. Run away as fast as possible. But he couldn't.
The boy was holding something. Hugging it. Gold. It was glittering in the moonlight. A large golden charm tied around his neck with a cord. A Ring. With an eye in the center. He was hugging it as if nothing else mattered. Not even his wounds.
Emerald green eyes gazed through red tipped white bangs. They were haunting, sad eyes filled with crystal tears.
"Help me…"
The shadows became a rampant fury, swallowing up the boy. Then it lashed at Harry. Finally Harry pulled in air, his body able to move. He jumped back and let a scream break free, filling the air.
Everything went black.
"Harry. Harry wake up. Harry!" A distant voice was calling him. Whimpers came also, filled with worry and sadness. Harry groaned, trying to move. His whole body protested, his muscles screaming in pain. He didn't want to move. He didn't want to wake up. But he voices wouldn't stop. "Come on now Harry." The voice was familiar, soft. Male. Something wet stroked his cheek. It was warm, as was the misty hot breath panting against his wet cheek.
"Snuffles." Harry groaned causing the other male to chuckle. His jade green eyes fluttered open. He was greeted with soft gray eyes. They were tired, his light brown bangs falling over them. "Remus you need a hair cut." The teacher laughed again, smiling down at him. Harry glanced around, everything blurry and meshed together. He found his black-rimmed glasses held out before him. He took them, slipping them on. "Where…?"
"My room. I didn't think we should worry Madam Pomfrey." Remus said. Snuffles snorted, glaring up at Remus. "And Sirius didn't want you there. He's very worried. He wouldn't have been able to watch you in the hospital wing." Harry smiled weakly, running his hand through Snuffles' messy black fur. "Harry what on earth happened to you?"
Harry looked up at Remus in confusion. He moved to sit up but just a twitch and his body cried out in protest. He then saw why. His entire body was covered with bandages covering cuts and scratches. None of them was life threatening but some were deep and bleeding and caused his body to ache. They were even all over his face and neck. His hands were wrapped completely and up around his wrists.
"What happened?" He whispered to himself, trying to remember. He couldn't remember.
"That's what we'd like to know." Remus muttered seriously. "Snuffles found you unconscious and bleeding on the third floor. Ron had come to get you thinking you'd stopped by to visit after your appointment with Madam Pomfrey. Why were you up there?"
Harry tried to remember, digging into his mind to try to find it. It made his head hurt to remember. He groaned, rubbing his forehead. There were bandages there too. "Can't remember. Blurry." He muttered. Remus nodded.
"Well just relax then. It's not to far from breakfast so I'll go get you something." Harry nodded the best he could. Snuffles remained as Remus left the room. He whimpered, turning his worried dark eyes onto Harry.
"I'm fine. I don't know what happened. But thank you for finding me." Snuffles licked Harry's face again causing the boy to laugh. "I should probably get ready for classes too." Harry said, sitting up. He bit his lower lip, trying not to cry out as he turned and tried to stand off the bed. Snuffles was on his feet, barking at Harry. He shoved at the boy gently, pushing him back onto the bed. Harry cried out.
"Sirius! I have to get dressed!" Harry shouted. Snuffled growled, snorting at the boy. He shoved Harry back with his nose, causing him to fall backward on the mattress. Harry gave a frustrated sigh, smacking the bed. "You're irritating." By the time Remus returned Harry was still half pinned to the mattress, Snuffles looming over him with a paw on his chest to gently keep him there.
Remus laughed softly as he set the tray of breakfast down. There was enough for three people. "Eat up. I didn't think you wanted to miss classes again." Remus said as Harry took a slice of toast. Sirius grinned when he was presented with hot oatmeal topped with cinnamon.
"Again?" Harry repeated over his toast. "How long have I been asleep?"
"Three days." Sirius muttered. Harry's ears shot up into the air from is ruffled ebony hair, the fur of his tail bristling.
"What! No! I've missed that much school and no one's noticed?" Harry cried.
"Professor Itshar has reassured everyone you're perfectly fine, just taking a short break." Remus reassured him with a smile. "Now eat. You'll need your strength."
Remus had never been more right. Harry was almost knocked over by the onslaught of questions he was attacked with during his first class. Harry thanked god his school uniform and robes covered most of his body. It was easy to tuck his hands into the large sleeves, avoiding questioning eyes. Unfortunately nothing could hide his face.
"Oh Harry what happened to you?" Hermione muttered again, her fingers lightly brushing the bandage on his right cheek. He pulled away, offering her a reassuring smile.
"It's nothing bad Hermione, I promise. I just fell down a flight of stairs. It moved on me and I lost my balance." He lied. He knew it was a lie. Something had been in that corridor that night. Something deadly. Whatever it was, it didn't like Harry. So he avoided the third floor, getting past it as quickly as possible. He didn't know what was there but he didn't want to remember. It wasn't until lunch when Harry finally got a moment of peace. He didn't have the stomach to eat, his body aching from his wounds. He had every intention of napping on a library bench where no one could find him.
"Potter!" Harry stopped, glancing back. A mass of blond came running his way down the hall. His green eyes narrowed, his fur bristling with anger. He resisted the urge to hiss as the Hufflepuff stopped before him, panting. "Finally! Stupid Kaiba won't let me go."
"And it's thanks to you and that bet I've been stuck with these ears all December!" Harry yowled, his tail swishing back and forth furiously. Jounouchi laughed sheepishly, ruffling his blond hair.
"I'm sorry Potter. I had to sneak out or else Kaiba would've-"
"Mutt!" A voice rang through the hall, causing Jounouchi to jump into the air.
"Got to go Potter!" Harry cried out as Jounouchi shuttled past him.
"No! Jou! Wait!" Harry coughed, watching the blonde fad away down the hall. "What about my ears?" He muttered to himself. Seto Kaiba went stomping past him, his blue eyes narrowed with fury. No wonder Jounouchi was running. Harry's cat ears fell as he slunk off toward the library for that nap. It wasn't worth it right now.
The rest of the day went by like before, Harry to tired to argue with all the questions. He just didn't answer. When lessons ended, he headed up to Lupin's classroom. There he found Remus cleaning up the last of his things, Sirius lounging in one of the desks with a bored expression.
"Harry." Remus greeted with a worried look in his eyes. "You're white." Harry shrugged, plopping down near Sirius and letting his head fall into his arms. "Are you sick?" Harry shook his head in his arms.
"I have a headache and I'm really tired." He muttered through his sleeves. "I don't want to go to the dorms. Everyone still has a lot of questions. I have a lot of questions."
"That's alright. You can stay here tonight." Remus said, finishing up his cleaning. "Sirius and I were going to go out for a walk. We'll be out near all night." Harry looked up through his bangs uncertainly.
"Really?" Remus nodded with a smile.
"I'll have Dobby get your things from your room and you can take a shower." Remus said as Sirius changed back into a dog. The teacher ruffled the canine's fur with a smile. "Get some rest Harry." The teen nodded, heading up to the bedroom. The teacher's chambers were interesting. Lupin's was the only he'd actually visited but Harry couldn't imagine what the others looked like. Harry knew from the Marauder's Map Dumbledor's was above his study.
Remus' bedroom was simple but elegant, just like his country home. There was a beautiful oak dresser in one corner and a matching desk resting under a window with a view down to the lake. The bed was a four-poster king with soft green and blue covers with deep pine green curtains. His trunk sat at the foot of the bed, a pair of cushions resting on top for seating. In the drawer of the night table was a small album. Similar to Harry's, it was filled with moving and stationary photos of Sirius Black, James Potter, Lily Evans (before and after marrying his father), Remus and Peter Pettigrew.
Harry had found the book at the house and had looked through the pictures for hours. They told him stories about his parents and his godfather's family. In this world they were happy and knew of nothing to come. Harry wished it were real. Wished he could go to that world. A world where he had a family. Where Voldemort did not exist, his parents would be alive; he would have never known the Dursleys and his family had never been betrayed. In this world, the four men were true friends and they were happy.
Harry slipped the book open to a marked page. It was a pair of group photos. The left off all five of them. James had his arms wrapped around Lily from behind, holding her close with unabashed happiness. Sirius had an arm slung around Remus' neck, pulling him into the picture. Peter was on the other side of James and Lily, laughing at his friends. The next picture was just of Remus and Sirius.
Harry could never remember seeing Remus in such peace. His eyes were soft and loving. He looked…normal. He didn't look tired or scared. And Sirius. He looked content. His restlessness had seemed to flood away as he held Remus in his arms. Harry wished he could see that now. He knew they loved one another and were happy now. But there was always that fear looming over their heads. Remus constantly fearing he would eventually wear out his welcome. Sirius always afraid he'd be taken from his only living friend left again.
Harry propped the book open on the nightstand and began changing. He hadn't even seen Dobby. He had been so quiet. The elf was never so quiet unless he had excellent reason. Harry buttoned up his nightshirt and slipped on his pants. He pulled back the covers and wormed his way into the soothing warmth. He was finally able to relax his screaming, aching body. He just now realized how much his hands hurt, all wrapped up and cut.
He wasn't quite sure how it had happened. He couldn't remember. Everything was a blur of shadows and murmurs. Harry's green eyes wavered, exhaustion taking hold of him. He sunk into the softness and let his mind drift.
Blood. Mixed with tears. And white feathers. Chanting filled the air. And sobs. Someone was crying. Sand was under his feet. He couldn't move. His ears were ringing, filled with the strange ancient words and weeping. Shadows lashed around him, cutting at his skin. He wanted to cry in pain, scream for help. He couldn't speak. Nothing would come out.
It all happened in a furious frenzy. He didn't know what was going on. Someone was crying, crying out for help. Someone was hurting him. That voice was in pain. He had to help. He wanted to help.
"GET OUT!" Angry raged, wind lashing through the shadows. Blood splattered into the sand. He felt himself sinking to his knees, unable to hold back his tears. The chanting grew louder and louder, threatening to destroy his ears. He trembled, trying to block out the noise as he was cut and slashed. It was horribly painful.
The sobs turned to agonizing screams. It wouldn't stop. The pain wouldn't stop. Hatred and anger filled the air, choking him of air. The pain was overwhelming. He wanted it to stop. It had to stop. Screams of rage roared down upon him. The shadows suddenly surrounded him like a binding rope, pressing harder and harder. He was dying. He was being smashed alive by walls covered with knives.
It was then he realized the screaming…was him.
Harry lurched forward. Sweat covered his body and brow, dripping into his eyes. A strange warm oozing followed along the curve of his cheek. The boy sucked in air, trying to steady himself. He was shaking. His body wouldn't stop shaking. He lifted a trembling hand to his face. Everything around was blurry. He lightly touched his cheeks and pulled his hands back.
Tears. And blood. His jade green eyes widened. He was bleeding. Harry quickly jumped from the bed, grabbing his glasses. He shoved them on as he dashed for the bathroom. He sobbed, pain pulling at him. It hurt so much to move. His bandages were shredded, wounds reopened and new ones created. Deeper. Filled with fury and hate. Harry sobbed, sinking to the floor.
He curled into a ball against the far corner of the bathroom. He cried, tears rolling down his cheeks. He wanted it to stop. It had to stop. He couldn't continue having these nightmares. Not if they were attacking him! But how? What could he do? He couldn't tell anyone. They'd think he was crazy. Like he was doing it to himself. As if a nightmare could physically wound you.
Harry hugged his knees, clenching his eyes closed against his tears. He wanted it to go away. It had to go away. He squeezed his eyes harder, blurs of color forming shapes.
All he could see was silver eyes.
Disclaimer: I own nothing!
Thank you very much for reading chapter seven of HPMMD!
Again, flames are welcomed as well as pleasant reviews!
Thank you again!
Jo Manta
Edited here
