For the next week, Harry checked everything at least twice before touching or consuming everything to the point where Ron said he was being too paranoid. The castle seemed gloomy for the next couple of days, with the loss of Nott like it had been with Cedric even if he didn't have many acquaintances.
Harry was dreading his detention with Snape, struggling what to write in his essay. He had written about the consequence of using spells he didn't know about in duelling but that's was the only thing he could really write about without making it personal. How was he supposed to explain to someone who hated him the reasons he had to conceal himself in so many ways just to live? How was he supposed to say to Snape he wasn't arrogant; just that Snape was blind? How was he supposed to explain when the person didn't know his fate? Harry had managed to write three feet but he couldn't put any more words onto the parchment to let what his soul really desired to express. It would only end up with more people dead.
On Sunday evening, after a depressing week of events, Harry was stood outside the dungeon door holding his hand up to knock the door. Taking a deep breath he knocked on the door, focusing on the pebbles on the floor.
"Enter," A silky voice commanded. Harry walked in with the piece of essay in his hand, looking up to Snape who sat at his desk, most likely marking students papers. He closed the door behind him, waiting for further instructions. After a moment of silence, Snape finally looked up, placing his quill down. "It seems that Potter has for once managed to succeed in reading the time." Harry and Snape made eye connection and Snape wanted to look through Potters mind searching for the answers which he had made him dwell over many times but knew it would be inhumane. Snape inspected Potter from head to toe taking in the bold arrogant way he stood with his eyes raised at him and the piece of parchment which he assumed to be the essay he set him, crawled around his fingers.
"This is my essay that you set me," Harry said walking forward and placing the paper on Snape's desk. He had found it to accomplish such a task nonetheless he still had done it though giving it a personal edge towards Snape. He hoped Snape wouldn't take it as something too personal but knew he wouldn't be able to directly answer the questions he had set him. He stepped back, keeping an eye, on Snape. When Snape knew he wouldn't speak anymore he began giving instructions for the detention.
"I would like you to clean all these cauldrons for now," he said looking towards the sink. Harry nodded his head walking over to the sink to begin. Snape stared at him contently watching how he began washing the cauldrons as though it was a common occurrence for him, rubbing the sponge with the cauldron. Looking back at the desk now he picked up the scroll Potter had given him, opening It up in front of him. Dipping some red ink onto the quill he began reading the essay. He had read through the first part of the essay of using unknown spells but what interested Snape the most was what came after; What Potter had written about hiding and lying to his teachers.
You may wonder why I might be hiding or lying about many aspects which as you may have noticed as you have said in your words, but sometimes you can only understand something by reading through all the pages in a book rather than just staring at its cover. What may be lies to you, could be an alternative reality for someone else, an escape for them from the place where you may safe. When you see something hiding it may be because a piece of its mosaic is lost, but a beautiful piece of mosaic is only composed of million pieces broken glued together. However, sometimes even the most beautiful objects tend to break and never look the same again.
If I was hiding something or lying wouldn't it be exaggerated on my face as you have always said that I have been wearing my heart on my sleeve? I don't think, as you have made clear, that I can hide my emotions from someone like you or the headmaster. So unless your observations abilities are starting to lack, I don't seem to be hiding anything from you. Besides even If I was lying, somethings as best remained hidden and covered where no one can see the monsters, horrors or pain. While you may assume I am lying or hiding something, maybe it is you who is lying to yourself and not letting yourself open your eyes?
As for being arrogant and it prevailing to be destructive of me, it's probably something I have inherited as you seem to have managed to remind me countless times. And while it may be destructive for you, giving you a headache or another reason to give me detention, it sometimes can lead to success while those times, which only you seem to see, can lead to mines and others destruction. While you may call it arrogance, it tends to be something different that you seem to see as a curtain of arrogance so the real question comes to be: am I really arrogant or are you just blinded by prejudice and the figures of my parents to see pass who I really am and not a carbon copy of James Potter?
When Harry had written his answer to the second and third part of the assignment, he had bared in mind what he had witnessed last year in Snape's Pensieve, knowing something had occurred between Snape and his parents. He knew the only way to keep Snape out of his business would be to subtly strike his nerve without trying to insinuate something as he had done with their occlumeny lessons.
Harry kept glancing at Snape once he saw he had begun to read his essay. He hoped Snape wouldn't take his essay extensively subjective but knew it would not be the most promising end, even though no emotion was written in Snape's face.
Snape wanted to scream at Potter for what he had written. Making such accusations of him when he never understood anything. He hadn't even known what happened between him, Lily and Potter. He was no better than his father acting like him and making such indictments just like his father. But what questioned Snape most was the first part- about why he was lying and what he was hiding. He seemed to have answered the question without really answering it. It spoke in riddles giving nothing away but leaving so many ideas. Potter talking about mosaic. Snape scoffed. Who knew he could be so poetic and critical of Snape.
"Mr Potter," Harry turned around a ladle and sponge still in his hand. "When I asked for you to answer the three questions I gave you I did not imply to express your opinion or to insult me. Equally, you have not answered the questions adequately and to its purpose rather vaguely." The theatrics Potter used reminded Snape of himself and the way he spoke towards his acquaintances; it was a rather Slytherin way. So far Potter seemed calm, as though he didn't care, the posture of his face careless. Snape looked back to the parchment scanning across the lines again."It seems you are trying to indicate that you are broken, damaged... Abused," Snape said raising his eyebrows. Harry dropped the ladle, snapping his eyes up to Snape who had a subtle smirk on his face. Snape noticed the way his face flashed with various emotions, all too quickly. First fear, then embarrassment and then hatred, until it finally landed on anger.
"How dare you, accuse me of something like that. You seem to be forgetting who I am and what type of luxury life I have. I can tell you that I have competition with Draco in that matter." Harry wanted to throw up with the lies he was spitting out to Snape but knew he couldn't find out knowing how he was. He would probably tell all the Slytherins and make it the headlines.
"Really Potter," Snape sneered. Then what else are you trying to suggest. Do not fool yourself into thinking that I did not see the glamours that were removed in the headmaster's office. It seems that is where this conversation needs to go, though I know they obviously spoil you rotten," Knowing Snape was only doing this to allow him to head at such a direction he immediately put his occlumency shields up, calming himself. Snape stared at Potter waiting for an angry response but what he saw was Potters muscles relax too quickly. As though... he was able to place some occlumency shields up. But that was impossible, Snape knew. He wasn't able to accomplish such a difficult art.
"That will be unnecessary sir," Harry said coolly. "I don't know what you saw in Dumbledores office but if you think they were glamourous you can check for your self and remove them and yes you're right," he said confidently. He knew Snape wouldn't be able to take anything off as he had adapted the spell into allowing only the caster to remove the glamour before its time expired. Snape pointed his wand at Harry, though no words came out of his mouth. They stayed in this position until Snape began getting indignant about nothing working. "As for any other bold ideas, you know I am fawned over and abuse isn't in my dictionary, so I don't know where you're getting that idea from." Harry placed the sponge down walking towards the door when Snape whipped his wand out locking the door. Harry carried on walking towards the door, placing his wand around the knob to feel what spell was used.
"Don't be surprised when the headmaster finds out about your irrational behaviour, " Snape hissed. Harry looked over glaring at him, while slightly pulling out his wand enough from his sleeve so that he could open the door, figuring out what locking charm Snape had used as to counter charm it. Harry silently said the countercharm opening the door and bailing out. He knew it was a very advance one which Harry hadn't been able to master yet but the countercharm required less practice than the spell to master.
Snape was shocked, to say the least, that Potter had easily opened the door with no effort. He saw no wand or movement of lip and yet Potter had managed to get out. Snape knew the spell he'd used to lock Potter in was developed to such a degree that a seventh year would struggle to learn such a charm or it's countercurse.
Snape placed all the papers away keeping Potters essay safe, before heading to the sink to see how much and how well Potter had cleaned up. Most of the cauldrons were clean with only a few left, leaving Snape impressed by how much he had been able to accomplish in a short amount of time which many students couldn't clean that many so while it being extremely clean. Not knowing what to make of the boy, he decided to take the night in, heading for his bed.
Harry made it to the common room with still the common room half-filled. Heading to where Ron and Hermione he chose to call it a night and wished them both goodnight, going to bed before anyone was there but not before all his spells were up.
Harry lay on his bed thinking once again about his life. He knew while Hermione and Ron had picked up his differences this year from the way he didn't talk as much to the way he was distant and lost himself to thoughts, Hermione had voiced her concerns but Harry could brush it aside by saying because his Godfather had just recently died. She still occasionally commented about his minuscule amount of food intake but even then he could just say he didn't have an appetite. But Snape had it the needle on the point. He knew he had barely covered his tracks but of course, Snape could decipher them most hidden of things. In the end, there was no point in telling him when his life was short-lived for and he would have exposed him anyways. Everyone's expectations were too high for him and he would have to maintain that until he could finally die.
Night washed over him, leaving him in an opaque slumber. It wouldn't last long because when he woke up from the sounds of birds tweaking, he felt barely refreshed, though better than he had in a while. Cleaning himself up, he headed down to the empty common room in his uniform and bag, picking out a book to read as to pass time.
By half-past seven, Hermione had come down followed by Ron a little while later, when they all headed down to the hall. Harry looked up noticing Dumbledore, for the first time after a couple of days, was sat in his seat his deathly hand resting on the table. Snape was sat next to him whispering furiously, while Dumbledore kept a calm gaze, looking around at everyone.
Harry knew Snape would keep his word and tell Dumbledore about what had happened in their detention, which is why Harry decided to keep a low profile today. Even if he hadn't yet, he didn't want Snape to be reminded of the incident. Harry put some cereal in his bowl but for the most part but he kept playing around with it.
"Is everything alright?" Hermione asked. "You're not eating much; your playing around with it." Harry stood his spoon up in his bowl looking up to Hermione.
"Yes, I'm just not feeling that hungry, that's all," Harry said wearily.
"You didn't tell us what the bat made you do for detention. You came back earlier than expected, considering his detentions." Harry wasn't about to tell what happened because of the essay because he didn't want to give them any ideas. Instead, he just said:
"He made me do the washing up with the cauldrons and stuff. There wasn't that much this time so it didn't take as long."
"Well at least you didn't have to stay with the dungeon bat for too long so he could turn you into a potion," Ron said with a grin.
"Yeah," was all Harry could say with half the energy Ron was giving out. Hermione still kept giving him concerned glances but didn't say anything more.
Their lessons went smoothly, until transfiguration when Professor McGonagall called Harry back to stay behind to have a word. Ron and Hermione said they would both wait at the door, leaving Harry in the deserted room with McGonagall. Harry walked up to the deputy's table looking at her.
"Mr Potter, the headmaster has requested your presence in his office now, so I suggest you go now," Harry gave a curt nod and walked out of the room to where Ron and Hermione were waiting.
"Dumbledore's called me to his office. You to go to dinner and I'll catch up with you later." Harry told them leaving them to go to the hall. Harry made his way to the gargoyles giving the password to come in. Knocking he waited to be gained entrance. He hoped it hadn't had to do anything with Snape and him but his hopes were low.
"Come in," A cheery voice said. Harry walked in looking up to see who was stood beside Dumbledore. Indeed as Harry had assumed Snape was stood, scowling at Potter. Harry took a seat opposite Dumbledore, trying to steer clear of Snape. Once everything was set and silence held in the air, Dumbledore spoke up once again.
"Do you know why you're here, Harry?" Dumbledore questioned. Harry just shrugged even though he had a shrewd idea why he was called the day after Snape had threatened to send him to Dumbledore. "As you may know Professor Snape had brought it to my attention that he may have evidence of you may be wearing glamour. Now I don't know what Severus had seen on you at the moment when you where both here last, however, the assignment he showed me and what he had made of it is what has me distressed the most. Before I continue is there anything you would like to tell me, Harry?" Harry contemplated his answers, deciding what to say.
"Snape tried implying that I was abused which is absurd when I just politely wanted to say to him to mind his own business because it doesn't concern if I happen to be lying when no one else has been any such things. And if I really was being abused wouldn't you know by now, sir." Harry said pointedly at Dumbledore looking him in the eye. Harry was sure Dumbledore knew what had been going on in that house since his letter was written the cupboard under the stairs and McGonagall had even told the headmaster that those muggles were the worst types.
"The headmaster does not have time to fawn over all your actions and to keep an eye an on you only when there is a war going on." Snape hissed. So this was it? Harry thought. He undoubtedly was a pawn in this war and as long as he was able to play his part it didn't matter if he was damaged or partially broken, as long as he could do his part.
"I never said he did." Harry hissed back. "Besides why do you care. It's not like you give a toss about what happens to me; just something to entertain your Slytherins."
"I have never said I hate you," Snape roared back. Harry scoffed muttering:
"Actions speak louder than words. You can't get over the hate between my dad and you,"
"How dare you, you insolent little brat," Snape howled at him, rearing up to him. Harry strengthened his occlumency shields trying not to show the fear that was beginning to crawl up to him. "You spoilt piece of space, acting exactly like your father."
"That's enough now," Dumbledore firmly said. Snape stopped abruptly looking up to the headmaster still scrawling at him. "Regardless of how Mr Potter acts, he is still not his father," he said looking towards Snape "And Harry Severus does not hate you. It is his job to make sure all his students are safe and not being harmed in any way and to care about all of them. Severus is not what he seems on the outer shell so it's not wise for anyone to make any assumptions of how anyone is." Dumbledore ended his dialogue his stern but calm voice, making his point clear. Snape was looking daggers at the headmaster and smirking at Harry while Harry wanted to scream at Dumbledore for once again backing Snape up.
"All things said, Harry, Is there anyone abusing you or are sick? You have been more down lately. If Professor Snape did see you face correctly at that time, then it will require me taking you to the hospital wing even if I have to force you to." Dumbledore said carefully. Harry was starting to panic in the inside knowing if Madam Pomfrey did the right spells she would find out how he truly looked beneath. He pushed his back into the chair where the infection was wanting to stroke it. He knew it was going worse but didn't know how to explain how such a mark, with the certain belt pattern, happened across his back.
"No Sir... If I was wearing anything like glamour, then wouldn't you have noticed because it is really advance to make it look natural or that's what Professor Flitwick said," Harry stuttered trying to find more points.
"Be that it may be, even things tend to escape my notice boy," Dumbledore replied.
"Besides Madam Pomfrey would have picked up something by now and no I'm not abused in any form which is not the reason why I've not fully been my self lately," Harry lied. "Things happened last summer if you remember and I did lose a lot from my mistake including my last chance of family other than the Dursleys." He avoided mentioning Sirius' name as to not being any profound emotions or to memories, though thoughts of him lingered. Dumbledore remained silent looking at Snape, seeming to have a silent conversation between the two of them. Harry wanting to break this awkwardness spoke up.
"If there is nothing else to make clear, can I go back because I have a lot of homework to catch up on," Harry made the excuse. Dumbledore sighed, looking down at the boy.
"You may go but I want you to remember that I will always be here for id you need to talk to me about anything." Harry nodded picking his bag up.
"Goodbye sir," Harry said before heading out of the door.
"Bye, my boy," Dumbledore said back. Once Dumbledore knew Harry had gone off and was out of ears reach he spoke up to Severus.
"I don't know if I keep seeing the glamour because one moment I see something and the next it gone. That's not how it's supposed to be," Dumbledore sighed placing his hands on his face.
"Leave it to Potter to defy the rules. Be as it may, sir, I know the boy is hiding something."
"If his face is truly as you showed me in the pensieve, then there is more to the boy. Like that he looked like he is dead on his feet."
"What are you going to do about it headmaster?" Snape questioned.
"I'll leave it to the Christmas holidays as it's not that far away to see if he wants to give any answers but after that, I'll most likely have to find a way to get the truth out of him,"
."Very well headmaster, I'll see you later on," Snape said taking a handful of Floo powder and heading for the fire. Calling for his quarters he vanished into the flames.
Harry headed to the common room where he saw Ron and Hermione sat together, going up to them.
"Harry you've been gone for a while. What did Dumbledore call you for?" Hermione asked.
"Snape snitched saying I wasn't doing his detentions properly or paying attention in lessons so he reported me and we had a lengthy... talk as to whether I was actually doing that."
"That greasy git. He's really on your tail. He's probably just waffling," Ron said his voice raised. Harry shrugged his shoulders.
"Yeah but it's all fine, Dumbledore kept the bat under control," Harry lied, not wanting to tell the truth to his friends. He just couldn't. Harry took out his books and parchment to begin his homework as Ron and Hermione we're doing. All three of them sat there for the next to hours focusing on their homework, with minimal talk. Once everyone slowly started dispersing away to their dormitories, Ron closed his book, having enough of the work, Out of all of them he'd done the least not knowing what to do half the time. Harry closely followed, shutting his books and rubbing his eyes.
"Come, Harry," Ron said getting up. Harry closely pursued getting up and placing his books in his bags. Both boys wished Hermione a goodnight and headed for their dormitory, leaving Hermione to her own work.
Harry went to the bathroom, shutting the door behind him. Starting into the mirror he removed the glamour, staring at a pale sullen face, with comes still sticking out. Some mear had come back to his face but it still wasn't enough to consider it healthy. The dark shadows under his eyes still resided, the same as ever and the pale, sunken skin still had most of the scars it hid, though now it was only reminiscent of what had totally happened. He ran his hand on his back feeling for the red, bumpy, saw skin that went on half his back, knowing not much had changed. Sighing he once again placed the glamour on, concealing his sporadic self.
Ron was laying on his bed reading a Quidditch magazine when Harry came out. Harry looked at him steering himself to his bed and drawing his curtains up. Placing his spells up, he knocked himself out, losing himself the glooming night.
The wind blew everywhere, waves splashing onto the boulders that were unwelcomed guests, residing around. Rain raced down, hitting its members solely into the murky foreboding sea. Dark figures stood behind him waiting for instruction, while darkness enveloped them all. The elevated, foreboding stubbornly edifice suffered from it's internal and external components, guarding them and itself against adversaries who wanted to damage the structure.
"My followers, as soon as I cast the spell I want you all to assist as many as you can to come back to me. Kill those who defy you or come in your way," A silky, snakey voice echoed throughout. Hails abrupted, destroying the silence in the midst. An arm with a wand pointed towards the grimy inky atmosphere, lightening departing from the wand. It hit the night sky reflecting back onto the rectangular tower which began crumbling from its substantial structure. The swaying waves now splashed violently wetting their surroundings, drowning the gravels.
The black figures charged forward, heading for the convicts who seemed perplexed and alleviated of their sovereignty, indebted to them when they pulled out various objects pulling them into a void on nothingness to a place if vitality and autonomy.
Spells flew around attacking various opponents, stunning them, freezing them and even killing some. All while he stood there smiling. Slowly walking up he headed to where one of his death eaters where amid a fierce duel, both hands wrapped around their wands, moving side by side. Looking down toward the Auror he sadistically smiled, laughing at the man.
"You can try all you like but you will all fail," He said pointing his wand at the short Auror who kept most his focus on the other death eater. A jet of green light erupted from the wand, landing the man dead on the floor, no more breaths accomplishing to come and go from his mouth. "We have what we need. Let us leave," the deep voice echoed throughout the land, leaving the place in ruins. Pointing his wand up to the poisoning black sky, he echoed "Mosemordre," sending his sign to the sky and leaving the place back to its dreadful silence until there was no recognition of life left.
Harry awoke panting, indirect pain running throughout his body. Getting up, he slightly opened the curtains noticing how the morning sun had finally found the end of the earth, meeting together, in its firey soothing colours. Heading for the bathroom, he washed his face, his body, this time shaking out of fear.
He didn't know what to make of the dream or a nightmare it could have been called. If it really was true, then Harry would be sure to know in a couple of hours, most probable to be headlines. There wouldn't be much to do now to report such a dream even if there were over a hundred convicts lose when it had already happened and those in the right authorities had most likely been informed. If this was just a decoy, he didn't know whether it was his own nightmares from what had happened last year, coming back again or a false vision. Harry doubted though it to be a false vision considering his occlumency were up.
"Mate wake up. You're going to be late for breakfast," Ron shook Harry. Harry peeked his eyes open letting only little light come in but turned to his other side. Harry wanted to be left alone but knew he couldn't skip the day. Getting up he got dressed and came down, going to where Ron and Hermione were waiting for them.
The journey down to the hall was a quiet affair. Harry didn't know whether to bring up what he had seen last night so waited until he could see the headlines before giving out any information.
Sitting down on the Gryffindor table anxiously waiting for the newspaper, Harry poured himself some orange juice looking up to the head table. Dumbledore looked distressed but Harry didn't know whether it was due to a breakout or some other reason. He was due to find out when the owls came into the hall with their morning post, handling their recipients their deliveries.
Harry uneasily watched as the usual barn owl came towards Hermione, with the morning newspaper, hooked to its feet landing itself on the table. She unhooked the newspaper, paying the owl, just before it flew off. As she unrolled it, it was egregious as to whether Harry dream was an insight through Voldemorts eyes or just a dream.
"What!" Hermione screeched as she laid out the newspaper. The exact way Harry had seen Azkaban in his dream was imprinted onto the paper, flashing back at them. 'Mass breakout' the headline read in bold letters with smaller pictures of various people. What caught Harry's eyes though was a picture of a certain blonde man starting up to them from the photo. Lucius Malfoy had been one of the many convicts to escape. Harry looked over to the Slytherin table where Malfoy was sat who also had the newspaper opened on the table. His eyes glistened with grief more than anything else with a little bit of maybe fear and relief. Harry looked at this slightly confused at why he would seem to be letting such emotions show through but turned back around to read the report
It had undoubtedly been a vision from Voldemort's perspective, telling the truth and as it said it said it was an attack from the death eaters taking away multiple criminals to a place unknown.
Losing his appetite to eat now, Harry put his spoon down and got up deciding to preside to lesson with Hermione and Ron behind him.
The rest of the day had a gloomy presence on it with everyone whispering about the breakout. No one seemed to be able to focus on their tasks in hand, their mind fogged with fear and discontentment. When Ron went off to Quidditch practice in the evening, his early entrance was no surprise as when his head hung low, and his eyes were saturated in disappointment, Hermione came up to him, galloping him into a tight hug.
"It's not the same anymore, Quidditch. Everyone is lost to their own thoughts." Ron looped onto the empty seat, soughing. Harry knew he could no longer say much considering him not being in the team anymore, but in the end, there was no point.
"You've got the game against Slytherin tomorrow anyways; you will all destroy them like easy cos their so effortless and you lot are better than them," Harry said to Ron trying to console him. From just nodded his head not agreeing with Harry's words.
"We all may as well go to bed a bit early today if you've got the game tomorrow." Hermione voiced, shutting her book. They got up, packing up, hugging each other until Ron, Harry and Hermione went their own ways.
The night was fruitful for Harry, allowing him an amicable sleep without interruptions. As for Ron, his snores were unheard of, leaving him to toss and turn.
Hermione and Harry were sat on the Gryffindor table both eating their lunch while surrounded by the lions cheering for their team. Harry looked around looking for Ron but he still did not seem to be here.
"Have you seen the Slytherin team; they're so trash," Dean said looking at Harry. Harry shook his head sending a questioning face at him.
"It some seventh-year guy who is the captain and the two sloths Crabbe and Goyle for beaters, Malfoy is a seeker and I think two fifth years."
"Ginny will crush Malfoy easily," Harry cheerily said. He looked over at Ginny who had just walked in her firey sunset hair running from her back and face. He smiled back at her as she was giving eye contact and came up to them, sitting next to Harry.
"Hiya, you all seem excited,"
"Yeah, we were just saying how you are going to easily smash Draco in the game."
"It still would have been better if you played though. I'm much better as a beater than seeker." Harry shrugged his shoulders looking down at his plate. His heart wasn't into Quidditch no longer. He didn't enjoy it much but there wasn't much in life that he did actually enjoy. They all sat eating in silence until Ron came into the table looking paler than usual.
"Ron, are you okay?" Hermione voiced in concern.
"Yeah, I'm just a bit nervous," Ron replied, sitting down, though he didn't put anything into his plate.
"Come on, eat something, you can't play on an empty stomach," Harry suggested. Ron picked up a piece of bread though he still didn't put it in his mouth, breaking it with his hands.
Half an hour later, Hermione and Harry, we're sat in the sidelines watching the Gryffindors and Slytherins were side by side, shaking hands. Lee was sat with McGonagall beginning to commentate on the game.
"It seems that Harry Potter has chosen to come off the team this time. What a surprise this time considering Potter has never been off the team." Harry looked around knowing that many people didn't know hed resigned from the team, especially those that were expecting him to play. "Let's see if the Slytherins can adapt to this sudden change to maybe once win the game, or will they have to use their deceptive ways to attempt to win the game," By now McGonagall was giving fierce glares to him for his accusations language but it was obvious there was a hint of the agreement there as well.
"I want a clean game, no dirty play and all be safe," Madam Hooch blew her whistle and the two teams were off.
"Amith passes Davidson it seems he may have a chance of shooting and here goes... Ooh, it seems Smith was able to take the quaffle of the Slytherins and now heading for the goals aaaand Gryffindor is in lead by ten points." The Gryffindors were cheering by now, some of them out of their seats. "The Slytherins again are in possession of the quaffle heading for the Gryffindor goal post but it seems Weasley is still on his toes. He's stopped them once again." The crowd broke out in delights all singing Weasley is our king.
"Weasley has passed it back to his team once again letting them head to the direction of the Slytherin goal post. It seems that the lions might have a chance again if the Slytherins aren't trying." Everyone was frantically watching to see what was happening and whether they would score. "Oof, that's some nasty buldger sent from Crabbe. It seems that not all understood Madam Hooch's words. Lucky Smith is still in his seat after having difficulty getting back on his seat but the Slytherins now have the quaffle." Harry enjoyed the new perception of the game just watching it from the sidelines. It was interesting to see how lost Malfoy looked in trying I find the snitch while Ginny was keeping an eye out.
"We're actually doing good. I don't know what Ron was complaining about." Harry said to Hermione. She nodded at him, her piercing eyes on Ron.
"He can be a bit nervous, that's all," Hermione replied. Harry continued watching the game with tremendous contentment.
"It seems Ginny Weasley has seen something and is heading down. It's not clear whether Malfoy has seen something or is just following Weasley but he is catching up," Lee commented. Harry had also noticed what Ginny was after and was concentrating on the little flying ball that was speeding around when a frigid, raw wind swept around him, dropping the temperature drastically. Harry looked around to see if Dumbledore was in the stands but couldn't see him in the teacher's section, beginning to panic in case trouble was coming.
He looked around to see the source of the change but all was visible were the depressing grey clouds that lurked over the sky and pounding rain that came roaring down with it. Harry pulled his wand out holding it out. He noticed that other people had recognized the change and were also looking around. The teachers now had their wands out pointing it into the air.
Madam Hooch blew her whistle, calling down the players when over a dozen dementors came hovering into the pitch, freezing anything they came nearby. The students began running out of the stands, heading for the school, while Harry and the teachers had produced their patronuses trying to holding as many back. Harry noticed that a few members of Dumbledore's army had also stayed behind, casting their patronuses and assisting to send students back, plastering a small smile on his face, with a beacon of pride that rose in his chest.
Most of the dementors had begun retreating away, with the exception of a few which they were all attempting to tackle. Harry glanced over at Hermione noticing her spell had begun wavering as the dementor came closer. Her eyes began sinking in, and her arm kept drooping down; Harry knew what it would do to her If she didn't protect her self. Pulling his stag away from the dementor that was not escaping form him, he dragged his wand towards Hermione creating a shield around her while the stag fought the dementor away.
After, a mass of power taken away from him, did the dementor retreat, steering away from Hogwarts grounds. He couldn't this anymore. It had taken him everything to keep that Patronus up bringing back the pain in his life, the deaths he had caused, the pain his 'family' brought upon him and the visions he witnessed throughout the nights. He knew he couldn't do this much longer. He would be better off dead.
Harry now felt colder than ever, struggling to keep his eyes open as the original dementor he was fighting before was trying to suck his soul up. He couldn't pull his wand up o fight back. All he wondered whether it would be painful this way, if his soul was gone and if he could see his parents again.
After a fruitless attempt, Harrys eyes gave in and a doe or what he thought looked like a doe, galloped around him before he passed out to the darkness, after seeing the blue smoke and hearimg his mother's pleas.
Bright streaks of light, broke through his eyes, forcing him to open his eyes silently. His body was resting on something soft and smooth wanting him to snuggle in even more. He caught a glimpse of multiple people, knowing he would have to open his eyes fully.
"Harry, you awake," a soft, sweet voice asked.
"Yes," he croaked, finally opening his eyes. He smiled ar Ginny who had tears pooled in her eyes. Harry looked around seeing Hermione who was still weeping, her head hung low and Ron just looked at him with concern. Most of the DA was there all staring up at him. "I'm fine. Look I'm alive, there's nothing to worry about," Harry tried saying without making wavering his voice, making sure there was no hint of disappointment.
"Oh but Harry, it was my fault. If I was able to hold my Patronus for long enough then you wouldn't have had to fight mines," Hermione wept.
"It's okay. I'm as healthy as everyone here." Harry replied wanted her to be quite. Madam Pomfrey barged into the room, with a block of chocolate, looking daggers at all of them.
"Finally you're awake," Madam Pomfrey said coming up to him. "Here eat this," she insisted, shoving the bar of chocolate his face. He opened the bar of chocolate waiting for Madam Pomfrey to speak. "I'm going to check you up and then you will stay here until the evening when I will dismiss you," she sternly said, glaring at him. "The rest of you head back to where you're supposed to be," Everyone apart from Ron, Hermione and Ginny who was still squeezing his hand got up and after saying their goodbyes steered themselves out of the infirmary.
"You three have ten more minutes and them I except you out," Madam Pomfrey said heading out of the infirmary.
Harry looked towards the three of them, noticing they all seemed jumpy. Not knowing what to do to be taken out of the awkward situation, he began questioning them.
"So what happened, after I you know?" Ron spoke up first answering the question.
"We all got sent to the hall and Professor McGonagall made us all settle down. They gave us all chocolate and made sure we all there and okay. Snape brought you and Hemione back to the hospital wing and Madam Pomfrey just checked on Hermione, making sure she was fine, while we all just waited for you to wake up. They sent us back to the dormitories but some of us came back to check on you,"
"Snape brought me back?" Harry questioned mildly shocked.
"Yeah, Professor Snape," Hermione gave a pointed look at Ron, "Brought us to the infirmary and once he made sure he was okay then he went off to call Professor Dumbledore. Professor Dumbledore just came back p, made sure everything was in order before going to report to the ministry." Hermione explained.
"What did Madam Pomfrey say about you? Was anyone else hurt?" Harry enquired. This time Ginny spoke answering the first past of the question.
"Everyone luckily escaped on time so none of the dementors could do any harm to them as so many of us had our patronuses conjured."
"As for me, Madam Pomfrey has told me to rest to keep it on the safe side." Hermione solemnly said. Rom grinned at them, knowing, Hermione was disappointed with her instructions.
"You guys might as well head off to rest," he smiled slightly. "I'll only be in here for a couple more hours,"
"Are you sure, Harry?" Ginny asked.
"Yeah, Madam Pomfrey only gave you lot ten minutes anyways. She'll be coming soon to tell you off," He grinned.
"Okay, bye then," The three of them said, leading themselves out of the hospital wing. Harry lay in his bed, displeased more than ever. Why couldn't things go the way he wanted them to? Losing himself to brood about, Harry lost himself to a fitful sleep.
The sun had come out unlike before, with the white clouds barely peaking out. No wetness dared to prove it's existence keeping the landscape dry. The halls were slightly more deserted than usual but it was conceivably due to the current events, leaving the students to their dormitories. Ginny walked past the hall entrance to the entrance outside, her hair running down as it had done before. She seemed to be disturbed but it was unrecognisable whether it was due to recent events or something else. Determined eyes watched she walked out, unaware of her surroundings. A black figure followed behind, his wand pointed out near her back. "Well done, Severus," he said quietly to himself. They both walked up to the edge of the forest, one walking with purposeful strides while the other was trembling.
"My Lord?" Snape said out loud into the forest just outside the apparation point.
"Severus, good job. Bring her over the apparation point so I can take her." Snape walked slightly forward with Ginny whose eyes held fear.
"Here is the blood traitor. It sees Potter has a tendency with her so it would deem t be the best option," Snape notified the dark lord.
"It seems we will be having fun today. You will be rewarded, greatly," Severus nodded his head toward him, keeping his head low. Snape turned back walking towards the castle, leaving Voldemort to apparate with Ginny Weasley.
Harry woke up, with a sense of terror and uncertainty running through him. Instantly removing the covers he got up getting out of the room knowing he wasn't supposed to be out of bed yet. Harry wanted to head straight to Malfoy Manor where Voldemort was usually residing but didn't want to make the same mistake he had with Sirius if what he has seen was real. Choosing to see if indeed Ginny was certainly out of the grounds, he raced to the dormitory, panting the password.
Harry walked in searching for her. Resting his eyes where Ron and Hermione we're resting he bailed himself to them, still frantically searching for Ginny.
"Where's Ginny?" he gasped out.
"She went with Luna to the library. She should be coming back now. Did Madam Pomfrey let you out?" Ron questioned.
"There's no time to explain. Come with me now," Harry said turning around. Hermione who was laying on the sofa got up and the three of them directed themselves to the library as fast as they could. "I don't know if it was true or not but I saw Ginny being kidnapped," As soon as Ron heard that he began running towards the library. As they entered Luna just came out speaking to herself. "Luna, Where's Ginny," Hary asked.
"Oh, she went a few moments ago back to her common room." The three of them turned back around, running in the other direction.
"Ginny usually goes this way back to the common room," Hermione explained leading the way. The ran to near the entrance when Harry's eyes lay on a streak of orange, blazing hair whip around from the corner. Dashing up to her he pulled her arm.
"Ginny?" Harry uncertainly said. "Are you okay?"
"Yes, what's happened? You all look like you got chased by a lion.
"Oh, you're okay," Harry said with relief wrapping her around tightly. Ginny was confused at why they were acting in such a strange way until Luna came up to them.
"Trust is something to be considered, even if it a from the unlikeliest people because you never know what they can bring," Luna said dreamily. Harry pulled back from Ginny looking at Luna.
"The walls built can tend to crumble apart if you don't check on them regularly, especially if you don't look at them in devastating times," Luna said pointedly looking at Harry though there was no hint of accusation. Harry's eyes widened in realisation even though no one else seemed to have realised and were confused at her words. Did Luna think he saw this because he had forgotten to apply his occlumency shields as he was so lost in himself at the time? Was that the reason why he had seen something similar to what had occurred with Sirius? Vigorously shaking his head, he looked up when Luna began speaking again. "I'll be heading off now before I meet someone I wouldn't like who might not be all it seems," she said cheerily, skipping off.
"Harry explain from the beginning what happened and why you are all like this." Ginny requested and Hermione nodded her head as well.
"Well he was looking at Snape who had a wand pointed at you and you were walking looking like you were going to your death sentence. It was definitely Snape who..."
"Who, what? What was Snape indefinitely up to ?" A deep silky voice asked making all four heads snap up, their eyes popping out.
"Nothing," Harry stuttered applying his topmost occlumency shield on to make sure his face wouldn't betray him. "I was just being updated as to what happened after I was affected by the dementors," he smoothly lied. The rest of them put their heads down not wanting to show their faces to Snape.
"Is that so?" Snape said raising his eyebrows. "I don't recall you having confirmation as to being out of the infirmary,"
"I needed to get a new a set of robes," He prevaricated again. Hermione looked up at him, her face in slight surprise.
"It seems necessary to converse with Madam Pomfrey to determine where you should be,"
"That won't be necessary," Ginny spoke for the first time. "We'll bring your robes. You might as well head back."
"So, what is the factual reason for you not following orders or are you just being an arrogant brat who is not prone to following rules." Harry remained silent keeping himself calm. He knew Snape was just trying to provoke him. "And what necessity does it impose to be back chatting about me?" Snape hissed.
"No one was backchatting. Like I said they were just telling me how you heroically saved my life," Harry replied sarcastically.
"It seems thirty points ought to be taken from Gryffindor for Potter's incompetent direction of residence and for lying. As for the rest of you, five points will be removed for assisting him in not allowing rules and orders." They all looked up with faces of objection but by the look of Snape's face, they remained silent.
"Head back to your common room now, otherwise people will think you are up to something," Hermione, Ron and Ginny turned towards the direction of the Gryffindor common room while Hardy remained in place. "Mr Potter, I will accompany you to the hospital as you seem to be incompetent in being at the right place," Harry wanted to rant at Snape but decided to keep up with Snape's strides which he barely managed to maintain in doing.
Just as they walked into the hospital wing, madam Pomfrey walked up to them her face laced with worry and relief.
"Mr Potter, you seem to not be able to follow the most simple instructions. I was about to inform the teachers that you had gone missing from the infirmary. Thank you, Severus, for bringing him," Snape gave a curt nod, eyeing potter with contempt.
"You will be serving detention with me in two days at eight o'clock for not heeding to instructions and for indefinitely lying," Harry glared at Snape who had just swiftly strode of unbeknownst to Harry in the direction of the headmaster's office.
"Now Mr Potter, how are you feeling?" the matron asked.
"I'm fine," he replied.
"Are you sure? No pains, no dizziness?" she worriedly asked.
"No nothing like that. I'm really fine," he assuringly said.
"Have a chocolate bar," she passed him chocolate. "If you feel anything different and I mean anything I would like you to come to the hospital wing straight away," Harry convincingly nodded. "Next time I want you to follow instructions otherwise I will stick you to the bed, you were only wanted for another hour until I was certain you were fine."
"Yes Madam Pomfrey, bye," he said leading himself out of the place. Harry headed for the common room looking back at the occurrences. How many more people was he going to get fooled by until he got himself and others hurt? And what was Luna trying to indicate about trust? There weren't many he could trust because they were all adults. They all reacted the same way. They all were the same.
Giving the password the entrance he headed for his dormitory but was called over by Ron, Hermione and Ginny who were sat around secretly.
"Harry, come over," Ron said waving his hand over. He reluctantly walked over his head hung low and sat down at the empty seat. Harry had a feeling they still wanted a recollection as to what really happened but didn't want to talk about it much.
"So are you going to explain to us what fully happened, now that Snape ist clawing around?" He sighed, silently putting up a silencing charm before he spoke again. He knew his friends wouldn't leave him without an explanation.
"Yeah, so it was Snape who I saw taking Ginny out of the grounds into the forbidden forest and I was watching the two of them from Voldemorts perspective. They walked to the forbidden forest and Snape handed you over," He looked at Ginny who was listening invariably. "to Voldemort. Voldemort was happy and impressed with Snape and said he would reward him before he apparated away with you, Ginny," Hermione put her hands to face, looking stupefied.
"Why did he send you a vision like that?" She questioned. Harry just shrugged his shoulders even though he had a shrewd feeling it had something similar to do with what the attentions were with Sirius.
"Don't you think you should go to tell Professor Dumbledore about this, it's probably something serious." Harry immediately shaped his head knowing Dumbledore would force him to resume occlumency lesson and that was something he couldn't afford enlightening Snape about.
"No Hermione, not this time; there's not much he could do anyway." he covered up.
"Maybe he'll help you with occlumency now, considering this is most likely from the dark lord," Harry one she was right but how was he supposed to explain how he had managed to obtain his occlumency shields without a supervisor or had managed to successfully do it this time when he'd failed miserably last time.
"It's not like It would help me," he replied wanting to dismiss the conversation.
"You never know, it may-" Hermione was interrupted by Collin who was calling out for Harry's name, not knowing they had put up a silencing spell around them. Harry removed the spell, with the rest unaware, looking back at Collin.
"What is it, Collin?" he asked.
"Professor Dumbledore is calling you to his office," he said waving a piece of paper. Harry sighed, not having the energy to deal with anyone else.
"He didn't say when?" Harry hoped it was for another day but was expecting a more recent answer.
"He said now," Harry slapped his knees, getting up.
"Right, I'll be going then. You lot don't wait for me. I don't know how long it's going to take." They all nodded staring as he went out of the common room thought the portrait.
Harry waited outside the door waiting to be gained entrance. Dumbledore seemed to be speaking with someone but Harry couldn't make out what he was saying or who the other person was. Finally, cessation came, allowing the headmaster to gain entrance into the headmaster's office.
"Come in. Ah, Harry my boy, would you like to have a lemon drop," Dumbledore asked putting the bowl of lemon drops in his face as Harry sat down the seat ahead.
"No thank you, sir" he politely declined, shaking his head. Harry looked around the room feeling as though someone else other than Dumbledore was staring at him. Though no one was there, he kept looking at the far corner of the classroom, sensing someone nearby; he still was wondering who Dumbledore was talking to before when Dumbledore pulled him out of his thoughts.
"Harry you must be wondering why I called you here" Harry nodded his head looking at the headmaster now. "I was notified today when I came back that the wards seem to be faltering. I don't know whether this is because of you or your family but it is imperative for you to return to keep the wards us as they are the best source of protection for you." Whatever colour was on Potters face drained instantly making him sink back into his chair.
"When would I have to return?" he asked quietly.
"Well, I think it best you return for the holidays, even just for a couple of days. I've spoken with Molly who was going to welcome you over for the Christmas holidays but I've explained to her plans and she has accepted it."
"How many days would I have to go back for?"
"Well the minimum would be for three days and after that other plans can come into action, unless, of course, Iou wish to stay longer at your relatives home," Harry shook his head immediately, making sure his occlumency shields were up to not let himself break down or to show how much he was reeking in anxiety.
"But is that necessary sir, is there no other way?" he contended.
"Not unless you want your strongest defence to crumble." To be honest he didn't care if the wards were up or not as it didn't make a difference to him as he would always suffer either way. Even if he did have to go for three days, he knew those three days would feel like years.
"After I have stayed for three days, where will I go after that. Can I come back to Hogwarts?" he said hopefully.
"Well considering what had happened today, I was hoping to, Harry," he said folding his hands. "To give you extra lessons from one of our order members. What did happen today, my boy?" he solemnly said. Harry didn't know whether he was talking about the dementor attack or why he was out of the infirmary. Opting to stick with the easy option he decided to talk about the dementor attack.
"I don't know what happened with the dementors sir, I guess I was too distracted and then began panicking because I saw the way Hermione was, which is who I couldn't hold up the Patronus for long enough,"
"Yes, but you were able to manage a couple of hundred dementors in your third year under pressurised circumstances," Dumbledore said sitting back, raising his eyebrows to Harry. Harry just shrugged his shoulders not knowing what to say. "And what transpired in the hospital wing? I came back from hearing what had happened about the dementors and you happened to be out of the hospital wing looking frantic." Harry was starting to panic inside now wondering what other story he could make up about his vision.
"Oh, I umm... was just catching up with my friends because I felt totally fine so I just left." he knew it wasn't very convincing but what else could he say to cover up the panic that had arisen up in him at the time.
"That is understandable but my sources have said you were looking for Ginny Weasley and then began saying Professor Snape was doing something to her," Harry immediately pulled his strongest occlumency shields up not trusting Dumbledore to subtly look in his mind.
"We were just looking for Ginny because I said I would find her once I was out. Snape comes into all this because he apparently brought me to the infirmary when I fainted. There's nothing else to decipher from it," he said stubbornly. Dumbledore regarded him carefully before speaking again.
"Very well, all I wanted to tell you was that you would be going back to your relatives for three days and then will be picked up by an order member who you will reside with until the end of the holidays and will be teaching you various things." Harry wanted to throw up hearing that summarised. He knew those three days would consist of beatings and chores, working his as a slave.
"Who will the order member be and what will I be learning?" he asked hoping it would be someone like Remus.
"Most of your learning will revolve around duelling and learning spells that may be beneficial with other skills while I will also be imploring to use other skills... which help the mental state," Harry froze knowing what Dumbledore was about to say. "As for who is going to teach you it's best we leave that until they pick you up,"
"So I have to learn occlumency again with either you or Snape seen as though you two are the only ones who know occlumency to prepare me enough for the most of the holidays," he exclaimed.
"Now my boy, I'm only doing what is best for you,"
"Well them occlumency will be unnecessary, you know how I was unable to do it last time," he said even though he had his occlumency shields up.
"We'll see about that when the time comes but I don't want you not to tell anyone including Ron and Hermione as it may put many in a detrimental position," Harry wanted to rage at Dumbledore controlling his life once again but knew it wouldn't make a difference. No one listened to him.
"Yes, okay," he said through gritted teeth. "May I go now if you have nothing else to tell me?"
"Very well my boy. Have a good night," he said waving the boy. Harry looked around still feeling a presence starting at him. Not knowing who it was he wished the headmaster a good night with indignance in his voice, slapping the door slightly harder than he had anticipated.
Harry wanted to scream in the deserted corridor even though he knew it wasn't wise. How could Dumbledore control his life in such a way when he knew what happened in that house. Wasn't it enough that he had to go back every summer and endure their wrath? He knew he couldn't have denied coming back to the Dursleys because it would have confirmed the idea that something was going in that house all because of Snape who wanted to play around with him.
Back in Dumbledore's office, dumbledore had his hands over his face wanting to sob but all he did was deeply sigh. The vacant seat was occupied once again but this time by a potions master who was waiting for Dumbledore to speak first.
"I don't know what's happened to that boy anymore. He's changed."
"Did I not say it would be a disastrous idea once he found out whom he would be residing with. The feeling between us entirely mutual and nothing will be possible. Did I not say he was lying? He said to me he was going to het robes but now he just proclaimed to have wandered out wanted to catch up with his peers," he ascertained his previous confession
"It is all confirmed now, Severus. I want you to keep an eye on him still; more so than usual. There's a lot he is concealing. Don't let the rivalry between you and James blind you, Severus."
"The brat is probably just trying to seek attention," he snarled
"And then how do you explain what you saw last time or the way he is distant now?"
"I don't know, it's all presumably a ploy for something else,"
"Don't make excuses for him Severus, if this doesn't change then there will be severe consequences for all, including you." After lookimg at Snape who still doesn't seem convinced he said, "I remember a boy who was once lost and everyone seemed to overlook him because of who he was; he was perishing from all until a certain someone helped him. A certain someone you have made an oath upon. Don't forget he's also Lilys son. If not for me do it for her," Dumbledore ended. Snape froze, his eyes going hard and without another word, he swept out of the room, anger seething out of him.