The first few weeks were spent similarly to this with them all tying to pass through lessons each day; the snide remarks from Snape were the same and Professor Stalkerhouse's distastful replies made everyone want to strangle him. The rest of the teachers kept to themselves allowing eveyone to pass through lessons and barely get themselves out of homework. It was all repetitive with numerous ocassions of Harry almost being poisoned and Hermione getting on Harry's tail for changing his habits to those that were undesired. Dumbledore's lessons became more frequent intriguing Harry to Riddle's past noticing how similar yet different their lives were.
The only thing that seemed different apart from Malfoy's new attire was probably Snape's behaviour towards him now, which was still questioning. Snape now still picked on him even more than ever now that Harry wasn't retaliating back but the thing that questioned everyone the most was the way Snape looked at Potter as though Snape knew Harry was hiding a big secret. The stares Snape would give during lunches and in corridors amplified the doubts Harry had about Snape and knew he would have to be even more careful around him.
Harry knew that Snape along with the other death eaters were suffering immensely from the psychopath who said he was merciful and yet majority ended in shreds along with Harry feeling the side effects and if Snape wasn't such a bully then maybe Harry would have sympathised more but in the end he always treat Harry like dirt, making him only feel slightly sorry for what he has to go through and endure.
His dreams and visions got no better, rather more intense now and occlumency was only doing so much. Most of his nights were spent studying now or just contemplating everything about life, wanting to end it all. There really was no point anymore.
On the evening of Friday, the golden trio was sat around the fire in the common room all just talking.
"I mean there's nothing new happening so far," Ron said while he was completing a piece of homework.
"He's just waiting for his current affairs to come to an end to make his next moves," Harry replied staring into the fire. "I need to get poisoned whether it be being killed or drastically harmed and Dumbledore needs to die so that he can plan taking over Britain,"
"We'll all just have to make sure to thwart his plans untill we can kill him" Hermione said. Harry lost him self to his thoughts consumed by the murder he would have to partake in or die in.
"Harry. Harry," Hermione called pulling him back from his thoughts. "you've been day dreaming for the past five minutes. What's wrong?" Everything Harry thought.
"Nothing Hermione, I'm just tired," Harry lied.
"You know we'll always be here for you for anything you need." Hermione said in her concerned voice.
"Yeah mate, you have been acting quite strange and you have been quiter lately." Ron spoke up.
"Its nothing, seriously. I'm just tired; I'll probably go to bed a bit earlier today." Harry could see they both weren't fully convinced but at this point he knew it was hard keeping up his normal face considering all the traumatic things he would witness on a daily basis and the anti-cruciatus potion could only be consumed so much.
"How many ways have you almost been poisoned so far?" Ron questioned.
"There's the food, my water, my book, the seat, and those potion fumes that time," Harry counted raising a finger at each point. It was fascinating how these possible to be death eaters had miserably failed, resulting in their parents being punished as Harry would see in his visions .
"Who knows what they're going to do next to try to poison you though," Ron said trying to think of new ideas.
"But you must be careful, Harry," Hermione pleaded. "What if this person does find a way around to poison you," Harry deep down didn't mind if he got poisoned as he didn't see no point in life anymore but knew he would have to defeat Voldemort first.
"Don't worry, I'll be extra careful," Harry said, dismissing the topic. For the next half an hour the three of them talked about the on goings in Hogwarts and Harry couldn't believe that nearly one and half month had already passed.
"I'm going off to bed now, see you lot tomorrow." Harry later said putting a book back in his bag. Once Harry got ready for bed and was about to settle in, Ron appeared in the dormitory also and began to change.
Once the night sky had been poisoned with darkness sleep over came Harry and he no longer knew where his surroundings were.
A large oval table was filled with black figures, all heads bowed down in submission, no one attempting to act out of order. A huge crackling fire illuminated the room providing heat to everyone. Only one looked out of place with his snake resting around him and only he spoke.
"My dear, dear followers," Voldemort said to everyone. "Things are going slow for some and yet you all seem to aimlessly loose opportunities to make our cause and purpose known. McBillen how are the raids across England going now? I hoe there's some improvement." One of the brown headed men looked up his hands wrapped around and answered.
"My lord, there have been more raids recently and more deaths especially of the filthy muggles."
"Very well however I will be expecting more as our message needs to come through quicker." Voldemort looked around, assessing the rest of the death eaters and who to discuss what with next. Luckily it seemed McBillen had escaped the wrath if the cruciatus curse and wouldn't be withering in pain today.
"Ah, Narcissa," Voldemort hissed. A pale woman who once had a glowing araua to her face looked up. "And how is your son's mission coming along? I've not heard much movement from his actions."
"His first plan will commence in a couple of days, my lord," She shivered.
"Make sure he succeeds then. Crucio," Narcissa dropped to the floor, her screams poisoning eveyone ears. What felt like hours later but was only a few minutes, Voldemort removed the curse from her and allowed her to get back to her seat.
"Severus, how are things faring with Dumbledore." Voldemort hissed to Snape.
"He is still weak and has had to take a day or two off a few times to regain his composure." Voldemort smirked looking up.
"And how are the plans for Potter comimg along?"
"My lord the students have barely come to me to acquire their potions but are still attempting by their own means to poison the boy."
"And then why isn't Potter at my feet," Roared Voldemort.
"The children are trying, my lord but Potter is steps ahead." Snape said in his strong voice; he knew what would be coming soon but kept at his place.
"It's not enough! I gave one simple task of you making sure our young death eaters are able to accomplish their task and yet I still don't have the Potter boy at my feet. CRUCIO." It seemed as though this was the the longest Voldemort had ever held the curse on Snape as five minutes later was still screaming in agony.
What felt like years later, Snape was finally able to regain his composure, spasms still convulsing down his body.
"you all will be having fun with Severus for the next ten minutes to ensure the message has sunk in," growled Voldemort "You will make sure he remains alive and he is in tact to carry on his duties. You may begin." Bellatrix crackled first pointing her wand towards Snape.
"confractus coqueossa," Bellatrix said with a wicked smile. Snape screamed even louder this time, with the feeling as though all his bones had been broken this time and his body boiling in lava. Everyone around them began cheering on encouraging more.
Snape screamed mercilessly as did Harry in his bed tangled in his wet bed sheets.
Harry immediately took an anti cruciatus potion to stop with the after effects of the curse and knew he would have to get up to see how Snape was as it was highly unlikely someone in his condition would be able to successfully apparate.
Running to the toilet, Harry quickly rinsed his face wihout looking at himself, took an anti cruciatus potion, his invisibly cloak and map and headed out of the common room.
Snape was no where to be found on the map at the moment so Harry knew Snape would be arriving soon at the school gates. Running as quietly as he could throughout the halls, Harry noticed the eerie feeling of the place wanting to escape it. The night sky was now filled with twinkling starts lighting up the night but cold rain raced down to the ground wetting everything it could.
As Harry walked out he noticed a quick flash appearing out of no where and the sound of a pop voicing the area.
Snape appeared, covered in his own blood, gashes all over his body. He was uncontrollably shaking; his clothes were soaked and some part of his body were questionable angles. It barely seemed as though he could open his eyes or keep from collapsing from hi sitting position.
Harry, covered in his clock ran up to Snape and began chanting.
"rursuseff undatursanguis, vulnus sanandum, episkey, prope foraminis, aerpulmone adducere," Snape's major wounds had now began to heal and his breathing was much more secure. Harry was thankful he had learnt a few healing spells in cases such as these; the ones he had applied to Snape were more advanced and difficult but he knew Snape required these spells to insure he was stable. Trying to be careful to not remove his cloak, Harry tilted Snape's head slightly and began pouring the anti cruciatus potion down his throat,knowing there wasn't much Snape could do, considering his position. The shivers began lessening now and even though it seemed Snape would soon faint, he would live to see another day.
Snape must have noticed someone other than a signified person was healing him, as when Harry was pouring the potion down his throat, Snape turned towards where Harry was and Harry cloak slipped off. Quickly putting the bottle down that was almost emptying to conceal himself, he hoped he had done it quick enough so that Snape didn't see who he was.
Harry heard quick steps running towards them so turned around to look who it was. Dumbledore ran towards Snape from the castle and bent down towards Snape.
"Severus my boy, what have they done to you? Here drink this." Dumbledore took out a few vials from his pocket and began uncorking them.
"This is a blood replenisher and anti cruciatus potion." Dumbledore began pouring the potions down his throat. As he was about to give Snape the anti cruciatus potion Snape spoke up for the first time.
"I've already had an anti cruciatus potion," he croaked, his voice barely audible. Harry was glad he was under the cloak, in his sweaty body hidden away from everyone. Dumbledore opened the two remaining potion which Snape drank with ease wanting to make a move on.
"you seemed to have healed yourself to safety. How bad was it?"
"Just to remind me," was all Snape said. Dumbledore clearly wanted answers on his healing but Snape wasn't entirely sure what had happened.
"It must have been severely bad if you have to heal yourself before letting me or Poppy tend to you."
"I was just losing a lot of blood," Snape said though his voice wasn't very convincing. Harry could tell Snape was trying to understand what had just transpired before Dumbledore appeared so Harry hoped he hadn't seen him. Knowing he was in capable hands, Harry headed off to his common room, once he saw Dumbledore taking Snape back into the castle.
The trip into the castle, to his dwelling was a silent affair with Dumbledore. Snape decided to give his support in the moringin with his well earnt reast when he would be much better. His mind seemed to be occupied with other matters now. He knew someone had healed him as soon as he had came. Someone was waiting for him when he arrived. Someone who he thought may have been Potter.
He may have been hallucinating but Snape was sure it was Potter's face he'd seen when he turned to see who was helping him. But how would Potter know that he would be there in such a state and to heal him? If it was to Potter he was sure he would let him suffer and die. After all, Snape had treated him like dirt for the past five years. It would make sense as Potter was probably underneath that dreaded cloak, hiding himself.
When he had glimpsed the boy's face Snape was sure this was a demented version of Potter. He looked too ill to be the same person. His eyes were sunk in as though he hadn'tslept in w, showing the horrors he had witnessed while the pale complexion he saw from the light looked as though the boy was sick. Hi bonny face had lost all its meat and glow stained with fading marks. This couldn't be the normal Potter who looked normal now staring at him like a dead man with all the extra knowledge and knowing what potions he would require.
Placing a hand around the vial, Potter had abruptly left when he heard Dumbledore approach, Snape picked it up and took it wanting to examine the remains of the potion late on. If it really was Potter how had he aqquired such a potion and had needed the necessity of knowing such a potion, when it wasn't commanly know? Who brewed it and how did Potter know that Snape would need it unless he was having his visions? But Dumbledore had asked him and Potter said it was of no cause so realistically Potter shouldn't have seen in the visions. Then what was Potter doing - if it really was him - at such a late hour, when he shoud have been asleep? The spells used to heal him, he knew where very advanced, with a few of them being taught in the final year of healing as they were that complex. Considering the spells used on him it couldn't be Potter as he didmt have that type of knowledge yet I sounded exactly like him when the person spoke. So who was it really? It all no longer made sense. Potter seemed to be acting strangely with his improvements to potions now and his calm demur; even with the possibility of him helping him in such a state.
In the common room now Harry sighed with relief that nothing long lasting had happened with Snape because in the end it was his fault Snape had to go and spy for the light as Voldemort wanted Harry.
Going into the lavatory, Harry washed his hands cleaning the residue blood off his hand from Snape's neck. Looking up to the mirror, Harry noticed his glamour had come off. When did his glamour come off? Harry thought; hopefully Snape hadn't seen his true face if he'd seen him at all.
Looking back at himself now, Harry noted the dark circles that consumed most of his face darkening his eyes. A finger print bruise had almost faded yet the skin looked slightly darker than his normal skin colour. His skin was sunk into his bones, illuminating his facual structure. The pale skin looked whiter than paper with blotches of yellow. Harry sighed and waved his hand applying the glamour wandlessly as he had now done many times. The sullen face now changed into one with a lot more colour and meat while the eyes gave a more radiant turn.
Harry looked back now and fully aunk in what he had seen. So many of the innocent children were expected to things that no one should do at such an age while others got in trouble for actions they did not commit. Harry didn't understand what anyone saw in Voldemort but felt sorry for all those that wher now regretting it. He knew he would have to speal with Draco first to make sense of his plans and hipefully not to harm anyone.
He was still shaking from the trauma he had just witnessed but in the end this was a commom occurance. Wanting to take a dreamless sleep potion, Harry noticed he wouldn't be able to take one as he'd already taken too much this weak. Heading down to the common room with a healing book, Harry sat at the closest comfy seat next to the fire beginning to read his book.
Harry was lucky he knew the spells he had but was sure he needed to brush up on such spells as it would be needed in the future. While he knew he could always learn something in defence Harry had just finished the two books he had taken out of the restricted section in the beginning of the year and returned them last night once absorbing all the information in. Harry could tell now that his magic had inproved drastically without using a wand and doing it silently as he was able to do much more defensive and offensive spells silently than before.
Untill the sun rose, Harry stayed in the same chair and read through the book, trying out new spells from time to time. When he knew students would be rising, Harry went back to his dormitory putting the book back and headed to bed. He lay in bed waiting for eveyone to wake up so he could get out, not wanting anyone to get suspicious of his activities.
When finally everyone began to get up and Ron brought his presence back to the world, Harry got up to get ready. Making sure his glamour was secure, the golden trio headed for the great hall where breakfast was being served.
Harry noticed this time not only his plate was poisoned but also the food surrounding it. These people were desperate and wanted to accomplish Voldemort's mission. vanishing the food ooking up now Harry noticed Snape wasn't at at the staff table or any where in the hall. Would he be able to teach today, though Harry.
"Who are you looking for," Questioned Hermione.
"oh, no one," Harry briskly said resting his eyes on Malfoy. He knew he would have to speak to him because looking at the reaction of Malfoy reading the letter he had sent, it was obvious that he had been warned to act upon his mission.
It was October thirty first which meant for Harry that it was just another reminder of the sacrifices other people had made for him to live. while everyone else would be enjoying the night with sweets and dressing in costumes. Harry knew it would be the best time to talk with Malfoy while everyone was at the feast to try to make Draco think of his actions before doing anything rash.
While Harry was lost in his thoughts. Snape walked into the hall, slightly limping. Harry looked at Snape and it seemed as though nothing had transpired the night before. His head was held up I'm his usual manner and his figure was dressed as it usually did. Snapes robes billowed behimg him as usual and he sat on his seat besides the headmaster. Snape's eyes rested on Potter who held his gaze slightly examining Snape. You couldn't tell if anything was different and yet Harry knew Snape was still in pain.
Snape looked at Potter with his usual menacing stare, trying to scare him away, yet the arrogant boy kept looking at him as though he had no authority. The image of the suffering boy was no longer there but yet the common everyday boy who had seen sleep regularly and ate like a normal person looked up on him. Snaoe thought there might have been glamour on his face like Snape had done to hide his scares yet that type of magic was impossible for Potter considerimg the way he had been going so for with majority of his lessons. Potter now looked away back to his friends beginning to talk.
Snape was certain it could have not been Potter who had helped him now because he didn't have the ability to do such an act; nor did the boy look the same so Snape was sure it was a fragment of his imagination. If it had indeed been Potter, by now the whole school would have known of his current status and his ability die to Potters arrogance, yet everyone seemed to begin their day as usual with no particular news regarding the potions master.
Harry, meanwhile knew he would have to find a way to contact Malfoy to talk to him so decided to owl him a message to meet up. Deciding to do it now, he knew he would have to escape his friends without making them suspicious.
"Guys, you lot head off to lesson. I've got a quick letter to send so I'll meet up with you in class,"
"Alright, but be quick Harry. You don't want to be late for lesson." Hermione said.
"Don't worry, I shouldn't be," replied Harry and headed out of the hall. Going to the owlery, Harry was happy he didn't encounter anyone who he didn't want to meet; he knew he wouldnt be able to use his owl to send a message to Malfoy, so decided to see which owl he would use once he got there. Taking a quill and a peice of parchment from his bag, Harry dipped some into the quill and began writing.
Malfoy,
Meet me at the same place we met last time near the end of the feast today.
your acquaintance,
Who knows your plans. H.
Harry looked around trying to decide which owl would b best to deliver the message. His eyes were on a brown barn owl when he saw a black silky owl perched on top of a log with the Malgpy symbol imprinted on it. Harry thought it must have been Malfoy's family owl as he had seen it once or twice bring letters to Malfoy with his family treat.
Rolling the massage up, Harry went up to the owl and stroked it.
"I know you aren't my owl but I want you to send this message to Draco and Draco only. Make sure no one else reads it." It seemed as though the owl had understood as it made a cooting sound and flew off.
Looking at his watch now, Harry noticed there was five minutes left till lessons started and knew he wouldn't want to make Snape angry this morning as he would most likely not be in a good mood.
Racing down the halls and stairs, Harry just made it on time at the last second, panting heavily. Everyone was already seated talking amongst themselves when Snape decided to get up and begin the lesson.
"Well it seems Potter has decided to grace his presence with us." Harry went and sat inbetween Hermione and Ron who were starting forward. Harry looked at Malfoy's direction and noticed he had the note in his hand. Clearly he had read it. Malfoy was looking at him as though he knew something so Harry was certain he had gained and understood who the message was from. " Today, you all, in silence, be answering these questions on the board to my satisfaction." He waved his wand to the board and the questions appeared. "You may now begin," Eveyone began copying the questions down and answering them. Harry noticed that this time Snape had sat down behind his desk, marking some papers not scrolling like he usually did. His eyes looked tired and he didn't walk around the classroom scrowling like he usually did. Snape didn't say anything to Potter like he usually did lost in his own thoughts. The lesson was spent similarity to this with everyone's heads down writing on their parchment untill the bell went off.
Harry, Hermione and Ron headed out as soon as the lesson ended deciding to take the long route to their next lesson. Up untill lunch everyone just wanted the day to pass by most of them excited for the feast.
In the hall now, the gryffindor table was mostly filled, with everyone chatting. Harry, Hermione and Ron walked up to where Ginny and Luna were sitting and sat accordingly. Harry knew Ginny had broken up with Dean and didn't know why this information made him happy. Looking at her now his stomach started doing flips , especially when she smiled at him. Her rosy lips were soft with a tender shine to them making them look more attractive.
"Hey Harry," Ginny said, pulling Harry out of his thoughts.
"Hi Ginny," Harry grinned at her. Checking the food and clearing any that had poison on it, they began piling food onto their plates. They began discussing quiddich when Ron started bouncing up and down because he was on the quiddich team and was captain.
"Well done mate," Harry said, genuinely happy for his success. "Make sure you beat Snape's arse and let that cup be ours." Harry cheered.
"Honestly I can't believe Mcgonagall actually let me be captain but our team is pretty decent." Ron said
"Yeah, well at least I know Ginny will do a great job replacing me," Harry said with a grin, looking at Ginny. Ginny was happy for the position she was in but still preferred if Harry was seeker.
"Harry it would have been much better if you -" however Ginny was interrupted by some havoc appearing at the doors of the hall.
"At least I know how to keep my students safe!" bellowed professor Stalkerhouse.
"So sentimental Professor, yet you seem to be arrogant enough to assume such things," Snape said in his sankey voice and strolled towards the head table with a smirk.
"Oh my god, Harry I forgot to tell you," Ron said excitedly while looking at Snape. "Some of the slytherins were saying earlier, that Stalkerhouse wants to become head of slytherin and is trying to fight for the position." Harry raised his eyebrows bemusedly, looking at Snape. It was iconic how Snape was able to argue about such a trivial thing when last night he was barely to breath.
Once lunch was over, everyone headed for their lessons though no one really paid attention. While most were distracted by the feast that would be commencing later on, Harry was distracted wandering what to say to Malfoy. He knew he would have to warn him not to do anything dangerous without supplying him how he had obtain such information.
In the hall now, pumpkins with delightful faces floated above the air while spooky decorations, covered the walls. Everyone was chatting boisterously waiting for Dumbledore to start the feast. Harry kept glancing over at the slytherin table, over to where Malfoy sat, who looked considerably more tense and paler than usual. He was lost in a dais consumed by his thoughts.
"Welcome everyone," Dumbledore rose his eyes twinkling unusually. "Hope you all have had a splendid day and made the most of it. I don't want you all to be put off my talking so I would like you all to begin." Dumbledore raised his hands and various sweet foods appeared onto the tables. Harry noticed a few people were missing from the hall yet no one seemed to notice whether it was a cause for concern. At least it would have made Harry's departure easier and less noticable.
Looking up to his watch now, Harry was looking over at Malfoy's table where he seemed to be trying to escape his peers. He still looked pale and wary of his actions but there wasn't much holding him back. As soon as Malfoy headed out of the hall while everyone was chatting, Harry knew he would have to quickly escape his friends if he wanted to catch up with Malfoy.
"Guys I'm going to catch up with you lot in a bit probably I'm the forms. Don't worry." Hermione and Ron nodded their heads and headed out of the hall. Harry knew if he would want to discretely want to catch up to Draco, his only option would be taking the short cut across the tunnel to be ahead. Scurrying up, Harry climbed the stairs reaching the astronomy tower just before Malfoy had.
Once Malfoy came. he crossed his arms and raised his brows. Clearly he didn't want to be here. Harry was turned to the other side facing towards the stars on the balcony.
"I know what you're expected to do very soon." Harry said silently and wandlessly casting some privacy charms, making sure Malfoy wouldn't notice. "But you should know by now nothing will work."
"And what would you know, Potter," Malfoy sneered, obviously displeased by Potter's words.
"Let us just say I know what your mother wrote to you this morning." Harry said calmly. Eventhough they were both in the dark, Harry could feel Malfoy had gone more pale than he currently was.
"Of course it was just a letter asking of my wellbeing, not that you would understand with your parents dead." Malfoy replied.
"Yet it seemed to have a message along the lines of how Voldemort wants you to attempt your mission which you know for a fact will fail." Harry turned around now, raising his eyebrows.
"I told you Potter to stay out of my way and what ever I do," hissed Malfoy slowly turning red.
"You have not considered the option I have given you," stated Harry, looking at Draco now.
"How will he or anyone be able to help me"
"you wouldn't know untill you ask, now would you?"
"I don't care Potter, what ever I do, do not interrupt me or stop me. You don't know what your doing here. Any acts I do.. tomorow or the day after or ever. All you need to do is watch your own tail,"
"Just know that I can't actively allow you to harm someone which can be prevented." Harry ended and Malfoy swished off to the staircase below, escaping Potter's presence.
Harry stayed on the astronomy tower for a while, looking up to the stars wondering all that he had lost and what there was to loose in the future. Looking back he knew Malgoy was also no different to him; they were both pawns being used in each side of the war, both wanting accomplishments. They both wanted it to survive. To end.
On this night his parents sacrificed themselves, just so he could live and to this day he had never truly lived. It wasn't as though as he couldn't.
Sighing, Harry turned back to the staircase and headed back to the dormitory. Everyone should have been in their common rooms or going to it. so Harry decided to head back not wanting to attract any unnecessary attention.
In the gryffindor common room now, Hermione and Ron were both sat huddled against each other talking. As soon as they saw they broke apart demanding an explanation.
"Where did you go Harry?" Hermione questioned at Harry.
"I told you I had something to do," Harry said wearily.
"What's wrong, Harry. You keep hiding things from us and you've not been yourself this whole year." Hermione voiced her concerns wanting answers.
"I've told you it's just a few things that had popped up but it's all fine. It doesn't matter anymore." How was he supposed to tell his friends that Malfoy didn't want anyone to know of their communication.
"Mate you need to open up it's not good for you," Ron now spoke for the first time. Harry was getting frustrated now that they just couldn't leave him alone.
"look its nothing, let's just leave this now." Hermione was now looking at him with fearful eyes, wanting him to say more. "At least we get to go to Hogsmede tomorrow. Maybe we can start our Christmas shopping." Harry said, trying to change the subject. "come lets get to bed," without waiting for them Harry headed to his dormitory going to the toilet.
He noticed his scars now were slowly reducing. Though for those he wasn't able to heal in time, the scars were now coming along nicely leaving darker skin around it. Feeling his back for any bumps from wounds he could only find one near his nape. It still seemed sore and Harry hoped the mark wouldn't turn into an infection because he wouldn't know how to explain such a wound.
Reapplying his glamour, Harry headed back to bed attempting to go to sleep. His night was filled with images of people hurt, places compromised and a world where destruction was the only answer. Sighing, Harry headed out of bed early and sat in the common room, the couch nearest to the fire place; taking a book out majority of his early morning was spent reading the book or pondering on Malfoy's words. He really didn't want to go to go to Hogsmede but knew he had to keep appearances.
Soon after everything was soaked in the morning sunshine, people began popping up and down everyone thrilled, there were no lessons today and would finally be able to get out of the school for the first time this year. Hermione, as expected popped into the common room well before Ron had even stirred, ready for the day.
"Morning Harry," Hermione yawned, rubbing her eyes.
"Morning, good sleep?"
"yeah, I'll probably study, before we go Hogsmede," she said sitting next to Harry.
"I'll most likely join you then after breakfast." They both were sat down, lost in their own thoughts when Ron made an appearance down the stairs, in his pyjamas.
"And I thought I was early. What you two doing up? We don't even have lesson today."
"Nothing, we just woke up waiting for you," Ron looked wearily at both of them, clearly thinking something else. Not wanting Ron to make any wrong assumptions, Harry spoke up trying to distract him of his thoughts.
"You say we woke up early. Why you up so early."
"Oh I wanted to eat. I'm hungry," The three of them chuckled knowing Ron's attire.
"well you may as well get ready so we can go down to eat." Ron scurried upstairs changing his pyjamas while Harry and Hermione waited lost in their own thoughts. Five minutes later Ron came down dressed in a top and some jeans.
In the hall now, it wasn't as busy as usual with some choosing to stay in bed while others decided to wander. The three of them sat down next to Luna on who was reading the quibbler.
"Hi Luna," Harry said pulling Luna out of her reading.
"Hi, Harry, you seem to lost in others words," Luna said dreamly. Harry shrugged and sat down feeling as though Luna knew the twist he was in with Malfoy's words. Harry checked his food again, excepting it to come as red as usual, however this time it didn't. That was strange, Harry thought. Lookes like the person or people know that the food poisoning wouldn't work. Harry cautiously placed some food onto his plate and again checked his food. Still the food hadn't been contaminated. Looking at Hermione and Ron they both just shrugged. All of them were perplexed that their food hadn't been touched as it was now a routine, but all of a sudden it was all fine.
Silently eating now, everyone had their heads down, not sure how to respond to this new development. Whether they going to try a different tactic unlike the previous failures or had better means to poison Harry, Harry knew they wouldn't be able to stop, as Voldemort wanted results soon and would not stop untill he had him at his feet. It would probabaly be safer to keep away from the school.whwre it would be easier for any harm to come from the students rather than Hogmede.
When Harry could no longer eat noticed everyone else was almost finished Harry decided it was best to go.
"Come Hermione, Ron. Lets go to the library for a bit to complete homework before we head off to Hogsmede." Hermione and Ron rose after Harry, nodding their heads to Luna and heading out of the hall. More students were now present, walimg through the hallways of Hogwarts all lost in their own conversation. So far everything looked normal and Hoped nothing major would happen.
Their study session in the library was mostly a quite affair. Nearly all their homework was complete and Ron and Harry managed to put in a quick game of chess just before their trip to Hogsmede. Harry had been defeated abysmally by Ron as usual but it helped Harry to clear him mind. Packing away the three of them headed back to their dormitory to put their books away and headed for the main entrance where there were already a few people waiting for Filch and Mcgonagall. The weather was breezy with the occasional leaf swirling around on the ground with the wind, while everyone had their scarf and hats on.
"Everybody, I want you all to be on your best behaviour as you are representing the school. There will be multiple teachers patrolling the area with you and will ensure you all don't step out of line. Now off you all go and enjoy your time." Mcgonagall appeared saying as such to keep them all in line.
"come on now," growled Filch heading out of the gates. Eveyone began following Filch, all excited to finally get out and maybe do a but of shopping, trying to go faster.
Now out onto the streets of Hosmede, everyone parted into their own little groups heading to various shops. The golden trio headed to the supply store to stock up on their quills and parchment knowing it would be a while since they would come again. Passing by honeydukes, they went inside which wasn't too filled yet by the students and Ron picked out a fair few sweets, taking them to the counter. Harry also took his fair share while Hermione looked around mostly only taking a few treats. They all played for their products and walked out of the store when Hermione forced Ron to come along to the book store where she purchased a few entertaining books and Harry saw a charms book and brought it.
"Come let's go get drinks, we've been in these two stores for like hours," Ron suggested who was peckish. They walked to Hogshead which was very crowded already. Finding a table for four in the corner they all sat down ordering butterbeers for each of themselves. Looking around Harry saw Ginny, however she wasn't by her self. Ginny was sat side by side her lips entangled into Dean's. Hands were all over each other lost into the moment and Harry didn't know how much of it he could really take. It felt like someone had punched him in belly and was strangling him in the neck. He felt something but he wasn't sure what it was. Anger? Jeoulsy? He didn't know but all he wanted to do was seperate the two of them.
"Here you go," said the waitress, forcing Harry to look back Ron and Hermione who were lost in conversation.
"Thank you," said Hermione, the waitress walking off. They all began drinking in silence looking around the place.
"There's- there's some foam on your lips" Ron pointed out. Hermione turned from her seat collecting her sleeve to wipe over her face. She flushed red, keeping her eyes low. Harry watched this scene with amusement. When would they finally understand? Smirking he broke the awkwardness.
"Come let's go," Hermione gulped the rest of her butterbeer and the three of them headed out. It had gotten miserably colder and had started pouring. They all buckled up and had unanimously started walking in the same direction.
"Let's get back. It's too cold and we've got everything we wanted." Hermione suggested, putting her hands into her pockets. They began walking towards the bridge when a scream erupted out of no where. Whipping their heads around to where the scream came from, the three of them saw someone, a student hung into the air, her head snapped back. Harry ran towards the figure, next to a girl who was looking up, in tears, devastated by the occurance.
On the floor layed a package, mostly covered by wrapping paper with a decoration piece laying out. Harry didn't know what had happened and knew he would need to call for help. Conjuring a potion as he had learnt in School, he whispered a message to his stag.
"I want you to go call someone like the headmaster or Mcgonagall or who ever is closest. A student is in danger and is harmed." The stag went off towards the school to its recipient. Just as he had turned his head around to the other girl, he noticed she was about to touch the folder which had the trappings inside it.
"No!" Harry exclaimed. "You don't know what that is or what it can do. What happened?"
"We need to make sure she is ok first," Hermione said her face wrenched with worry.
"I've called for help," Harry said. "Now what happened?"
"I don't know, to be honest. She went to the bathroom and came back with this package saying she had to give it to Professor Dumbledore." She sighed unsure of what to day next. "She was adamant, not to tell me who the package was from, just the she had to give it." Harry knew now that it was Katie Bell from their quiddich team who had been possesed by the object. But this all didn't seem to add up. Why did Katie need to send something so dangerous to Dumbledore? What was she trying to do and how did she get such an artifact? Harry had a strong feeling it had something to with Draco and his mission but had no proof. Only Draco in the current moment was trying actively, to kill Dumbledore so it just had to be him.
The four of them now heard footsteps approaching towards them and saw along side with Dumbledore, Snape and Mcgonagall where running towards them.
"What has happened? Why is Bell like that?" Dumbledore questioned waving his wand towards Katie, who came flowing down. Her friend began explaining what had occurred from the beginning up untill now, while Harry, Ron and Hermione stood aside. Snape pointed his wand toward the object, revealing a beautiful, green necklace which looked familiar.
"I've seen that necklace before," Hermione whispered to Ron and Harry.
"Yes it was in borgin and Burks. I think this was Draco who tried doing this. It was intended towards Dumbledore." Harry replied back in his quiet voice. Hermione placed her hands over her face speaking.
"Oh my days, Malfoy's mission." she made the connection.
"Exactly," was all Hary said. For a few minutes they all watched while Snape first charmed vigorously on the necklace, to then cover it back in its packaging. Dumbledore and Snape began placing spells on Katie to stabilise her unknown whether she would survive or not. By the end Snape was pouring with sweat while Dumbledore was slightly panting.
"Will she be okay?" Harry asked breaking the silence. Katie's friend was now silent standing the furthest away, still in shock even though Professor Mcgonagall had done her best to settle her down.
"Thankfully, to your quick thinking of sending a patronus and Severus' comprehensive spell work, Katie Bell will be fine however will have to spend a few months in St Mungo's." Harry looked up to Snape now who now looked like he was having an argument with himself, unsure of the conclusion.
"And do you know, how Katie came into this condition?" Harry said having a shrewd idea of how this all had occured.
"This necklace was suppose to kill who ever touched it but Miss Bell was lucky to have just skimmed it with her glove," Harry knew, Snape definitely knew who had done this and what for but he wanted all to be aware.
"Isn't it concerning headmaster that someone is bringing such an object into your school who was supposedly meant to give it to you?"
"That's enough Mr Potter. You all best head back now and keep this all to yourself." Mcgonagall interrupted, her face wrinkled. Snape watched this whole encounter with interest initiating the way Potter was speaking and the tactics he had approached. There was something about the way he spoke. It was very crypted, very... slytherin. However what questioned Snape the most though was how Potter managed to create a full corporeal patronus and send a message with it, which was supposedly only known by a few people. Hermione and Ron started walking off but Harry still wanted to discuss this with Dumbledore.
"Actually Professor Dumbledore, is it possible if I am able to speak with you privately?"
"Of course my boy," Mcgonagall and Snape headed to the side with Bell's body while Ron and Hermione went off to the castle, allowing the two to talk. Silently without a wand Harry put up a quick muffliato discretely, hoping no one would notice.
"Sir, I can't say how, but I know it was Malfoy who set this up,"
"Harry, whether it was Malfoy or not I don't want you to be concerned. You have enough on your shoulders as it is. I already have eyes on Draco and I know what what his motives are so it all handled. I just want you to be careful of yourself and your surroundings rather than Malfoy."
"So you're going to allow him to continue his plans in trying to murder you, yet you have no concern on the students welfare." Harry was getting angry that Dumbledore wasn't regarding any of the students including Draco and was still allowing the dangerous plans to commence.
"Some things are out of my hand and just have to be. However, all my students welfare are considered and I make sure that everything turns out right." Harry knew he wouldn't be able to get anything through to Dumbledore but the most he could do was send his message without making himself looking suspicious.
"Very well. But I am saying is that we cant have you to die. It would he very inconvenient given the circumstances." Harry was eyeing his black hand wanting to ask him what had happened but he he knew, like the previous times Dumbledore would always brush it aside, not telling him. Canceling the spell, Dumbledore went towards Where Snape and Mcgonagall were stood while Harry headed back for the castle.
Little did Harry know though that the original maker of the spell muffliato had recognized that Potter had put up the spell, confused why he would have to do such a thing or how he would know such a spell. Snape was almost certain that Potter had his potions book but knew he couldn't do anything about it; but the real focus was, was was he all wo secretive, all of a sudden?
Back at the castle now Harry headed to the dormitory, fuming silently at Malfoy. How could he be so foolish? What was going through his mind? Screeching, Harry grabbed a quill and parchment stabbing the ink into the parchment.
WE NEED TO TALK IN THE SAME PLACE TONIGHT.
H.
Stabbing the peice of parchment, at the end of the letter, Harry sent the letter off to Malfoy, as soon as he had finished it.