Disclaimer: I no own, you no sue!
Me: (walks into bathroom and turns on light. About to shut the door)
Jenova: RAWR!
Me: (feels hands on my back) AHHHHH!!
Cloud: (in bedroom next door to the bathroom) (snickers)
Me: (nearly has a heart attack) IM SORRY! I didn't know anyone was in here! (runs back into Cloud's room to see Cloud laughing) b-but the …I…what?...the lights were off…
Cloud: you should knock next time. The lights were probably off 'cause she had a headache. (gives me the you-idiot stare)
Me: …oh…
All: R/R minna-san. Onigai?
(Harry's P.O.V. refers back to chapter 6 and continues to chapter 9)
I had noticed something was wrong from the very start. I don't know if anyone else realized it, but I did. Ed was acting strangely. He has become somewhat of a recluse as of late. He hasn't been eating, and if the dark bags under his eyes are any indication at all, he hasn't been sleeping either. Yet, he hasn't fallen behind in any of his classes; in fact, he's still at the top along with Hermione. I'm worried about him though.
One day when Draco and I were sitting placidly by the lake, I brought up Ed's condition, and HE even agreed with me! If something like this is even catching Draco's eye, then we've got a problem.
I didn't, however, voice my concerns about him. Draco's already pale face has become even paler as the days pass by. He also doesn't look too well. He has hardly been eating or sleeping. Come to think of it, neither have I.
Most of my time has been consumed with unfair detentions with that TOAD and secretly organizing a club called the D.A. in which I teach students how to better defend themselves.
Those are two of the main reasons, but unfortunately they aren't the only ones. On one hand I've got Dumbledore who's ignoring me, Snape trying to invade my mind, and all the while, Voldamort (sp?) is growing stronger! I know he's searching for something, though I'm not quite sure what. I'm not even sure I want the occlumency lessons because they may prevent me from using my dreams to see what Voldamort is planning and stopping his plans every step of the way.
I sighed as I stood up. Draco looked at me questioningly from the ground, and I quickly explained that I had a class soon and I had to grab my supplies from my dorm.
I ran swiftly back to the castle and up a few dozen flights of stairs until I reached the portrait of the fat lady.
"Password?"
"…uh…" I stammered stupidly as I tried to remember the eluding password.
"…is it…alchemy circle…?"
The portrait hole swung open in response. I took the initiative and ran through the empty common room and up the boys' staircase to the fifth floor wing. My hand was reaching for the door when I heard hard breathing and thumping noises. I immediately whipped out my wand with my right hand, my left on the door knob. I opened the door and pointed my wand at….Ed? I stared at him as he stared back. It took my mind a second to realize that he was on the floor reaching for a rag. Another moment of stretched eternity passed by as I then let my eyes follow the tip of Ed's fingers down towards his other arm, which he was cradling. My eyes widened in shock at the sight of bright red. I snapped into action. I grabbed the cloth and bandaged his wrist. Once the task was finished, I lapsed into silence, perhaps hoping for an explanation. An awkward silence filled the air, and the tension was so strong I could probably cut it with a knife. After what seemed like a lifetime, he spoke. The sound of his voice zapped me back into the present and my eyes focused back onto him. However, he wouldn't meet my gaze.
"…Um, please don't tell anyone."
He didn't say anything else.
I stared at him and a rush of angry confusion flashed through my eyes, before they quickly turned to pity and then sympathy. I might not have gone to such an extent as he had, but I knew the dark feelings that overwhelmed him. I had to deal with such depression all summer long, after Cedric….
"No! Don't look at me like that….I just…look I have my reasons ok?" He said this nervously almost agitatedly.
I was snapped back from my morbid thoughts. It took me a moment to process what he said before it sunk in.
I guess I still looked troubled because the next thing he said was:
"If it makes ya feel any better, I didn't mean to go so deep…" He trailed off until the last part was barely a whisper.
Again the anger swelled up before I quickly hid it. He didn't need my anger to add onto his already heavy load. It was obvious that he was in immense pain, not just physical.
Also, when our eyes locked onto each others', it was like looking in a mirror. I think he realized that too.
Although I hated knowing that a friend of mine was doing this to himself, I also knew that people deal with problems in their own ways.
"Don't worry, I won't tell anyone, unless you go too far again. Deal?"
He looked relieved and nodded back quickly.
And, as if nothing had happened, I helped him clean up and together we headed to class.
As class progressed, I kept glancing at Ed in concern. It seemed like he could barely keep conscious. Though, given that the subject was History of Magic, I wasn't quite sure if it was the class or the blood loss.
I think he's started to notice my concern…Good! Hopefully, he'll stop.
Next class was Alchemy with Professor Mustang.
I still kept sending worried glances Ed's way, but I don't think he noticed. I guess he was too preoccupied by trying to stay awake. Well, maybe it wasn't the classes…
I think Professor Mustang noticed my concern though. His eyes looked calculating but he quickly hid it and continued on with his lecture.
After classes I picked at my supper and then went to bed early.
Ed was already in bed, apparently asleep.
Taking him for example, I kicked of my shoes and burrowed myself under my covers, and quickly resumed the land of dreams. Halfway through the night, my slumber was abruptly (and thankfully) awakened by yelling.
I blearily rubbed my eyes, while simultaneously trying to rid myself of the fading nightmare.
I pulled on my glasses and glanced up to see Professor Mustang with Ed's wrist held tightly in his hand.
"Com'on Ed, let's get you to the infirmary to try and stop the flow of blood."
As I sat up, their figures were already heading out the door.
Others around me were also waking up in confusion, all except Ron. Man, he can sleep through ANYTHING.
After telling the rest of the guys an excuse (I had tripped over a trunk) they accepted the explanation without question and fell right back to sleep.
I sighed. Well, at least I know the professor will take care of Ed.
With this knowledge, I slowly drifted back to sleep.
(Still Harry's P.O.V.: Chapter 7)
The next day I awoke to the dim light of my four-poster bed (I had wrapped the curtains around it so that the sunlight wouldn't blind me).
I stuck my hand out to grab my glasses from atop of my dresser and then pulled apart the curtains. I focused my gaze onto the empty bed to my right. I sighed. I guess it wasn't a dream… Well, on the bright side, at least he's in good hands. Hm…maybe I should check up on him later today. I can even bring him all of the homework (plus if I don't, I know Hermione will make me (sweatdrops)).
After classes were over, I went to the hospital wing to check up on Ed. He was strapped down to the bed and he was still asleep (unconscious). I sighed again. God I seem to be doing that a lot lately. I let my eyes travel subconsciously down to his wrists. Luckily, there wasn't any blood, and all that remained of the cuts were faint pale scars. Well, at least he can't hurt himself this way.
I put down the assignments that he had missed onto the dresser next to his bed and left.
Writers block free zone (lol I always wanted to do that . )
(Still Harry's P.O.V.: Chapter 8)
All throughout classes and Umbridge…god I hated that witch!...my mind was preoccupied. I kept worrying about Ed. I wanted to know how he was doing. I know Hermione was worried too because she kept glancing at her watch (I don't know if she has a watch or not, but in my story she does). I guess my anxiety was showing because Draco kept shooting me concerned glances. Finally, class was over, and Hermione, Ron, and I decided to check up on him again. Draco was following us at a distance in an attempt for the others to not take notice. I don't think they even realized he was following us. When we reached the hospital wing, we were about to open the door, when we heard yelling inside. Well, I guess he's awake now. I know we shouldn't have eavesdropped, but we wouldn't be us if we didn't. We inched forward and put three pairs of extendable ears, compliments from Fred and George, to the door.
"It's just…Al…."
It was Ed talking.
"It's my fault he's dead. If it wasn't for me HE'D still be alive. Dammit all Mustang. If it wasn't for me, HE'D still have a body!"
Wait a minute…who's dead? Did Ed kill somebody? Should we trust him? Is he one of Voldemort's followers?
"Why?"
"Why HIM and not ME!"
Oh. I guess he isn't one of his followers. It sounds like he lost someone dear to him and he's blaming himself for the death….I know how that feels…Cedric…
"I should never have dragged him into any of this. Why should he always be the one to suffer for my stupidity? Why? It's not fair! It's not equivalent!"
We could hear his shouts ebbing to wild sobs.
"Edward…" We jumped at the sound of Professor Mustang's voice.
"I know it's hard to understand, but it's not your fault. True, you have made some stupid mistakes, but it was Alphonse's choice to go along with your mistakes. And…Do you really think HE would be happy with you right now? If he saw you, do you think that he would be happy? If you truly believe this, then fine. I do care for you, but if you really think that this is what Alphonse wants, then I'm not going to interfere. However, if you do go through with this, I won't ever forgive you and I don't think your brother will either."
We inched our ears away for a moment.
I turned to Hermione.
"So, Ed's been hurting himself all this time because he feels guilty that this Alphonse person died?"
"I guess so," Hermione replied.
We stared at each other for another moment before putting the extendable ears back.
"I love you." They both said in unison.
Oh man! What did we stumble over?! I didn't really have a problem with the statement because Draco and I…and by the looks of it, Hermione didn't really mind either. I guess she was more relieved that he had someone to be so supportive of him during such a hard time. Ron on the other hand…he looked aghast. Great (sarc)! If he acts this way towards Ed, just wait 'til he finds out about Draco and me. (I know that it should be Draco and I, but this is in person's perspective speaking, not a grammar book.)
We decided that we should leave and come back another time. Hopefully Ron'll get over his shock and won't despise Ed because of his preference in relationships.
(Harry's POV)
I thought it was just shock that kept that look on Ron's face, but to my sinking heart, I was wrong. He was disgusted with it all. He kept bringing it up:
"Can you guys believe it?!"
"Yes!" we replied, exasperated.
"But I mean, bloody hell! He's gay?!"
Hermione and I shared a look.
"We know!" We said in unison. I turned to my best friend, "Ron, can you PLEASE give it a rest?" I gave him a withering look, and somehow he seemed to get it. He dropped it.
"Ok."
"Thanks"
I got up from my seat in the common room, grabbed my things and turned back to meet their questioning stares.
"Look guys, I've got to go, I'll see you in class."
I needed to talk to Draco, but after Ron's reaction to Ed, I was definitely NOT telling him now!
(Short Ron and Hermione Conversation: 3rd person POV)
"What's eating him?" Ron asked, confused.
Hermione sighed. She had obviously noticed Harry's demeanor and the way he reated to Ron's reaction. She assumed he was having some issues on his sexuality and really needed his friends' support. She made a mental not to talk to him about it in private at some time that week.
"It's nothing Ron. He's probably just stressed out."
Luckily he took that answer and left the subject at that.
(Harry's POV)
I had just talked to Draco. He's so comforting, and he really listens to me when I need an ear. He lets me rant and he tries to soothe me. I guess that's why I love him. He was very sympathetic through my whole ten-minute rant. If I didn't glance at the time, I would have ranted right through potions class. Crap! I had five minutes to get down there. Draco and I both packed our things and raced down to the dungeons. I saw the backs of Ron and Hermione and slipped right behind them with one minute to spare. We entered and my hellish day began.
(TIME LAPSE)
(Still Harry's P.O.V.: Chapter 9)
We had just gotten out of Umbridge's class and me with another week's worth of detentions. Fuck! If it wasn't for the DA and Draco, I might have used one of the harsher spells on her. Ten members of the DA (which I was the leader of) smiled at me mischievously before leaving. They were clutching the "galleons" that Hermione had made. I smiled back at them. These "galleons" were actually the DA (Dumbledore's Army, which is a secret class that I teach/supervise on improving students' defense) communication devises. Hermione thinks of everything! After my detention tonight, I could take my pint-up frustration out on a dummy, while pretending it was Umbridge. I had a DA meeting! With these thoughts in mind, my day suddenly looked more bearable.
(Later that night after his detention…)
We ran. I had no idea that we would get caught! Half-way through our session, the DA doors flew open and our members had to flee. Umbridge's "dogs" (the slythereins and Filch) were streaming in and trying to capture us. Most of us escaped…but as for Hermione, Ron, and me…well…we're now in Professor Dumbledore's office. It didn't look good. Dumbledore just persuaded Umbridge that the DA was all his idea. She ordered some of the Ministry members (and secret members of the Order of the Phoenix) to attack Dumbledore. He knocked them out and with Faux, he vanished with a loud BANG!
We found out that a member of the DA betrayed us. The results would have been pretty funny if the situation were different. She was one of Cho's friends and she had the words, "SNEAK" written across her face. No matter what the professors did, they couldn't figure out how to get it off. Good thinking Hermione! You're brilliant! She got what she deserved. But that still left a huge problem! Dumbledore's gone. And now, SHE's in charge...
The weeks have gone by in a hellish torrent. One stream of hope was that the other professors seemed to hate Umbridge as well and made no effort to hide their displeasure. One example of this was during exams, when Fred and George set some of their special jokes off all over the Hogwarts castle. Umbridge didn't know how to get rid of them either! I almost laughed my head off when Umbridge interrupted Professor McGonagall's class and tried to get her to help get rid of the fireworks, but McGonagall cut her off, ignored her, and continued on with her lecture. That was hilarious!
Back to the present…I was getting worried. I needed to talk to Sirius, but I needed a distraction to use Umbridge's fireplace to get in touch with him.
I planted the distraction and tried to contact Grimmauld (sp?) House but the only one there was Kreature (sp?). He told me that Sirius wasn't there and implied that he was in trouble. My thoughts loomed back to my dreams where he was being held and tortured by Voldemort in the Ministry of Magic. I needed to get there! I needed to save him! Before my thoughts completely consumed me, a hand grabbed me back. I paled. It was Umbridge. I was found out! She tried to trick me into drinking a truth serum, but I dumped it into a plant when she wasn't looking. Stupid toad-faced git! She questioned me and I played the fool for her. She had no idea that I was BS-ing everything and she never found out what I was really doing. I left, free, much to her disappointment. HA! Take that you bitch!
My moment of victory was short-lived as my thoughts drifted back to my previous wonderings. I needed to save my godfather!
Wasting no more time, Hermione, Ron, and (surprisingly) Neville, Ginny, and Luna met me at the edge of the forbidden forest. They were going to help me rescue my godfather. I stared into each of their eyes, the determination almost tangible. I nodded my approval. These were brave people. Comrades. Friends. Looking hard at them, I was proud to have such good friends. We gathered on thestrals, Luna, Neville, and I helped Ron, Hermione and Ginny onto theirs. Then we mounted, and together flew off to the Ministry of Magic. Hold on Sirius. We'll save you.
A/N: How's that for ya? Gomen it took so long. I'm already working on the newest chapter. But, school starts this Monday, August 14, 2008 and I also have a job now. BUT I will update whenever I can!
P.S. To all of those fans that are still waiting for this crappy writer to update, thank you for staying with me. I know it isn't easy to stick with me as fans. Thank you very much! Your reviews mean a lot to me! Especially since ya make me feel like my work is actually decent! DOMO ARIGATO!! (bows)
Well, Til next time, please R&R