Author: Azeroth
Author E-mail: [email protected]
Category: Mystery, Drama, Action/Adventure, Romance
Keywords: Harry, Ginny, Voldemort, Chalice
Rating: PG-13
Spoilers: For all four books
Summary: Harry begins his fifth year at Hogwarts with a female Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, feelings of guilt for Cedric Diggory's death, and looking for someone to share his emotions with. Voldemort has steadily begun to build his reign of terror as a sense of urgency and vigilance goes through Hogwarts and the rest of the wizarding world.
Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.
The Sides of Fear
Chapter 1
Water and Carrots
It had been another horrible summer with the Dursleys. As Harry gritted his teeth trying to remove an enormous rock from his Aunt Petunia's garden he could hear the backdoor open.
"Are you finished getting the garden ready?" yelled Uncle Vernon.
Harry let go of the iron-bar lever, wiped the sweat off his forehead, and turned around with a flushed face.
"No, I can't move this stupid rock." answered Harry.
What he really wanted to say was "Of course I'm not done you fat, old, stupid git. It's too heavy and even if by some miracle I could get it out of the hole I would still need your bleedin' help." Harry knew better than to aggravate Uncle Vernon.
"Well, get a move on then boy! Your Aunt Petunia wants to get started on her garden so she can grow her own vegetables for Dudley" snarled Uncle Vernon.
"Hurry up Dad! We're going to be late for the movie," cried Dudley.
"When we get back I want the garden finished and this...mess cleaned up," said Uncle Vernon.
As the door slammed shut Harry couldn't help but smile. Poor Dudley he thought. Ever since last summer's failed diet the Dursleys had made sure there was nothing that could possibly make Dudley gain any more weight. They had even started going through Dudley's room in order to confiscate anything they considered unhealthy. Even if Harry was miserable eating cauliflower and brussels sprouts he knew that it was worse for Dudley. Uncle Vernon hadn't been too happy finding out that if Dudley was on a strict diet so was the rest of the household on number four, Privet Drive.
The most satisfying moment so far during the summer had been Dudley's birthday. The "feast" had consisted of carrots, lettuce, and a tangy glass of freshly squeezed orange juice. As much as Harry enjoyed seeing Dudley miserable he had seriously started questioning whether or not he should suggest that Dudley started exercising instead of just trying to eat what Uncle Vernon called "rabbit food."
It was the beginning of July and it had been a scorching summer as Little Whinging, and the rest of England for that matter, had shattered temperature records. Even though Harry only had Muggle newspapers and television news he had read all about the sudden unexplained kidnappings during the summer. Voldemort had begun his rise to power once again and his ultimate goal would be to finish what he started by killing The-Boy-Who-Lived. Even though Voldemort had been busy accumulating a large number of Death Eaters and, for those who chose not to join him, victims Harry had been spared from nightmares. Once in a while he had felt his scar sting for a moment, but it had stopped as quickly as it had started. He figured Voldemort himself must be laying low and letting his servants do the dirty work.
As the sun continued to beat down Harry tried to budge the gigantic rock to no avail. With a frustrated sigh Harry let go of the iron-bar lever and decided to take a break. Harry went into the kitchen to get a glass of water, the only allowed beverage, and a carrot. At least he wasn't going to develop into a chubby wizard he thought merrily to himself. As he walked by the mirror in the hallway he stopped to look at himself.
"Well Harry. Another birthday is coming up and it looks like you'll be spending it eating avocados and tomatoes" he said quietly to himself.
He was soaking with sweat and he decided to go change his T-shirt and take a quick shower. The Dursleys wouldn't be home for a while so he had time to relax for a few minutes.
After the shower Harry stood in front of the mirror in the bathroom trying to fix his hair. If there was one thing he had not yet mastered it was to control his hair. It seemed to have a mind of its own. No matter what he did it ended up sticking out here and there. After a few minutes of trying to tame his hair he gave up with a loud sigh.
"I'll have to ask Hermione about a spell for my hair when I see her" he muttered.
***
A few hours later the Dursleys arrived at Privet Drive only to find Harry still toiling in the garden trying to clean up and put the tools back in the shed. Luckily enough he had been able to move the rock, which meant he would actually be eating supper. Anytime an assignment was not completed Harry would have to spend the rest of the day without food in his room. Little did the Dursleys know that Harry had created his own supply of food in his room. Spending every summer at Privet Drive had taught him that a meal was never guaranteed. At the beginning of the summer he had made small "investments" in food items such as nutrition bars and other non-perishable items.
As Harry slowly made his way into the house he could hear Dudley's whining voice from the kitchen.
"But Mum I need to eat some real food. I'm starving to death. Look at me. I'm falling apart," cried Dudley.
If there was one thing that could be said about Dudley he was not falling apart neither was he starving to death. Harry knew that Dudley found ways to escape from the diet. He wasn't sure how but the diet had no effect on Dudley, which could only mean that food was being supplied to him.
Harry could hear the argument starting and knew better than to walk into the kitchen. Instead of bothering to go down for supper he took another shower, pulled out his A History of Magic, and laid down on his bed to read. As he was reading he came to a section concerning the Killing Curse, Avada Kedavra. Harry's first thought was Cedric Diggory. As much as everyone had tried to reassure him that it wasn't his fault that Cedric had died he couldn't help but feel guilty. If only he would have taken the trophy alone. Cedric would still be alive and things might be different. He had gone over this a million times by now, but he always ended up feeling the same guilt. It pained him to think about the previous year at Hogwarts. He started thinking about Cho Chang. Harry knew that she had liked Cedric, but he had not stopped thinking about her until after what happened during the Tri-Wizard Tournament. He had once had a crush on Cho, but it had been replaced with a sense of sadness and shame. Every time that he had looked at Cho after that night he could only feel shame and guilt. Whatever happened he knew that his feelings for her had disappeared and he was once again alone. Of course he had his friends Ron and Hermione, but he had never felt like he belonged somewhere. He had tried to reassure himself that when he found someone he could share everything with then maybe, just maybe he could be happy.
A familiar sound snapped Harry out of his thoughts as Hedwig came flying in through the window with a piece of parchment around her leg. She landed on Harry's arm and gently nipped at his left hand. Harry knew it had to be from Ron because he had sent a letter asking if he could come stay at the burrow before school started. He quickly opened up the parchment as Hedwig flew into her cage where fresh water waited for her.
Oi Harry,
I talked to Mum about letting you stay here before school starts and she said that it was fine with her. Dad told me he would have to make sure it was alright with Dumbledore. We are expecting an answer any day now. I'll owl you as soon as I know. Maybe you will be able to stay with us for your birthday? We all miss you...especially a special someone.
Cheers,
Ron
As Harry read the last part he flushed a little remembering the singing musical card he had received from Ginny during his second year. "I wish he was mine, he's really divine." Harry chuckled to himself. At least Ginny had been able to talk to him last year without constantly turning red.
Harry quickly took out a piece of parchment and his quill to write a letter to Ron. Just as he was finished with his letter another owl came flying in through the window upsetting Hedwig in her cage. Without any hesitation on the owl's part it budged up to Hedwig in the cage taking a sip of water. Harry knew it had to be an owl from the school since he didn't recognize it. The owl seemed to care less about what Harry was doing when he untied the parchment and promptly settled itself by the window. Harry unrolled the parchment and read it quickly.
Dear Harry,
Mr. Weasley informed me of your plans to stay with them for the rest of the summer and you have my permission to leave for the Burrow at any time after July 24. It is very important you do not leave earlier than that. I have made arrangements for your school supplies list to be sent to the Burrow. Contact me if there is any information you feel needs to be shared.
Sincerely,
Albus Dumbledore
Finally some good news thought Harry. He wasn't sure why he had to stay until July 24, but it would mean that in less than three weeks he would be spending his time relaxing at the Burrow playing Quidditch and Exploding Snap. He turned back his attention to the parchment and wrote back to Ron asking when they would pick him up.
***
The dark silhouette moved swiftly through the forest reaching the already occupied clearing. As Peter Pettigrew walked towards the circle of Death Eaters he made sure he was ready to deliver the chalice. The circle opened up allowing the huddled figure of Pettigrew to walk up to the center of the circle where his master awaited.
"Do you have the chalice?" asked Voldemort not even turning around to face his servant.
"Yes my lord. It was easier than I expected. The Muggle guards di..."
"Silence!" snarled Voldemort as he spun around.
"Did you leave any trace that might link the theft to us?"
"No, my lord. I followed your directions and used only Muggle methods to steal the chalice" lied Pettigrew.
"You used no magic Wormtail?" Voldemort focused on the crouching Pettigrew.
"N-no, my lord. No ma..."
"Crucio"
Wormtail let out a scream that made the rest of the Death Eaters cringe. Voldemort was not letting his servant escape from the immense pain of the Cruciatus Curse.
"You can't lie to me Wormtail. You have failed me once again. Only your blind faith and your 'sacrifice' will save you from your appropriate punishment" hissed Voldemort.
"Anything my lord" whimpered Wormtail.
"The boy grows stronger every day. Every minute he spends under Dumbledore's tutelage only increases his knowledge. We need to act now. If you treasure your life you will bring Harry Potter to me," hissed Voldemort.
"Yes, my lord. It will be done."
Harry awoke drenched in sweat. His scar was throbbing with pain and as he looked into the mirror in his room he could see it glowing dark crimson red. The dreams were back!
***
Harry wasn't sure what part the chalice had played, but he was convinced it must have something to do with Voldemort's favorite "hobby", killing Harry. He had received a reply from Ron a few weeks ago telling him they would pick him up on July 25. Ron had left out the method of transportation, but Harry was fairly sure it would be going by Floo Powder. Harry was not very fond of Floo Powder remembering his first experience that led him to Knockturn Alley. As the final day for the summer with the Dursleys drew near it was apparent that Uncle Vernon had mixed feelings about Harry leaving. Of course he couldn't be happier to see Harry leave Privet Drive, but he also knew he would not be able to find cheaper labor than Harry. All Harry had got for his troubles were some carrots and an occasional glass of water. Having Harry leave them was obviously winning as Uncle Vernon had a strange smile on his face the day before Harry was supposed to leave.
Since it was the last day for Harry with the Dursleys, Uncle Vernon had decided to give Harry even more work and less to eat. As pearls of sweat continued to form on every inch of Harry's body Dudley came parading out through the backdoor with a glass of orange juice in his hand. He sat down in the shade and watched Harry with a grin on his face. Dudley had been doing this all summer as nothing else was giving him much joy. At least he could watch someone else struggling with work that never seemed to have an end. With a final grunt Harry threw some dirt in the dodgy wheelbarrow along with the shovel. His work was finally done. Dudley had disappeared to his room a long time ago, probably busy eating some of his hidden chocolate. When Harry came out of the shed he slowly looked around in the backyard. The garden looked ready to bloom on its own as the flowers and vegetables Harry had planted were starting to stick up. Quite proud of himself Harry went up to his room to get ready for dinner. It was time for "The Last Supper."
Dinner had been unbearable, as Uncle Vernon had spent the whole time with and evil smirk on his face. Harry wasn't sure if he had ever seen his Uncle that "happy" in his life. It would probably be ten times worse when it finally came time for Harry to leave the Dursleys for his seventh year at Hogwarts. It seemed far away to Harry. Most students wonder if they will pass their O.W.L.s and N.E.W.T.s, but Harry was more worried about just surviving for his seventh and final year. As midnight grew closer he wondered how the Weasleys were going to pick him up. Ron had refused to answer as he said it would be a surprise. Harry only had one wish. Please don't let it be Floo Powder.
***
Minerva McGonogall was walking with great haste through the halls of Hogwarts barely slowing down as she reached the door to Dumbledore's office. "Vomit Flavor Beans" said McGonagall as the door slowly opened. She stormed into the office expecting to find Dumbledore seated at his desk, but all she found was Fawkes sitting on his perch accompanied by the Sorting Hat. The Headmaster was nowhere to be seen. Just as she was about to leave a part of the wall swung open and in stepped Dumbledore looking merry.
"Ah, Minerva. What do I owe the honor of your presence for?" said Dumbledore with a slight smile on his face.
"How could you possible hire that...that...witch? What were you thinking Albus?" said McGonagall with a scowl.
"I have never questioned your judgement before but..." McGonagall continued.
"Now, now Minerva. No need to use such language. It wasn't easy trying to find a replacement since we seem to have no luck in hiring our Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. She was the only one who was willing to accept," sighed Dumbledore.
"Hmmph!" snorted McGonagall as she turned around and left the Headmaster's office.
Dumbledore could hear her muttering to herself. This will be another interesting year at Hogwarts thought Dumbledore as he took out the Muggle newspaper that contained a front-page story about stolen Egyptian artifacts from a private collector in London. He had read it several times and every time he came to the same conclusion. Voldemort had taken his next step and it was crucial that he took appropriate measures. There were good reasons for hiring the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. It was true she had been one of the few to accept his offer, but she offered special abilities that would help strengthen the resolve of the students at Hogwarts and in particular Harry Potter. "Alea Iacta Est," muttered Dumbledore. That Caesar had been a clever wizard thought Dumbledore. If only he would have been good at divination.
***
Harry awoke the next day in a hurry to pack up all his things. All he knew was that his method of transportation would arrive at 10 in the morning. As the clock struck 9 he was just finishing up packing his trunk and getting Hedwig ready when he heard Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia screaming from Dudley's room.
"Explain yourself Dudley!" roared Uncle Vernon.
All Harry could hear after that was Aunt Petunia sobbing amidst Dudley's whimpering voice while Uncle Vernon stomped through the house looking for more of Dudley's hidden food.
"Just one more hour" said Harry to himself.
Harry spent the last hour trying to figure out what Ron had planned. Before he knew it the clock struck 10 and there was a knock on the door. Harry ran downstairs as fast as he could, but Uncle Vernon was already opening up the door.
"I-Is Harry here?" a young girl's voice asked.
"Who are you?" asked Uncle Vernon with a rude tone of voice.
"I'm a friend of Harry's. I'm here to pick him up. Is he ready?" said the voice again this time a bit more determined.
Harry tried to look around Uncle Vernon, a feat hardly easy, and managed to get a glimpse of strands of red hair. As Uncle Vernon finally stepped aside he could see Ginny Weasley standing on the front steps with a frightened look on her face.
"Ginny?" Harry said with a surprised look on his face.
As their eyes met Ginny's face started turning into the all too familiar Weasley red. She was barely able to look at him.
"Oi Harry!" came a voice behind Ginny.
Harry ran up to the door and saw the freckled face of his friend Ron Weasley. He had grown taller during the summer Harry noticed.
"Ron. It's great to finally see you again. You too Ginny" Harry added quickly shooting a glance at her.
"It's great to see you too Harry" mumbled Ginny, her face glowing a bright shade of red.
"Where is all your stuff?" asked Ron.
"It's upstairs. Will you give me a hand?" said Harry smiling.
The two of them went upstairs as Ginny was left behind. The quickly gathered together all of Harry's belongings and dragged the trunk along with everything else down the stairs and out the door. Harry was about to turn around and say goodbye, but as soon as he had stepped over the threshold the door had been slammed shut and with a loud "click" the door had been locked. Ron, Harry, and Ginny just stared at each other for a second before Harry broke the tension by a contagious laugh. Soon all three of them were standing on the sidewalk when it dawned on Harry.
"How did you get here?" he asked Ron and Ginny.
"Dad told us he wanted us to use some sort of Muggle transportation. He said it was called pudlic transportation," sighed Ron.
"It's PUBLIC transportation," added Ginny shaking her head.
"Whatever it is, it is slow and smelly," said Ron with a frown on his face.
As they made their way to the bus stop they only had to wait for a few minutes for the bus to arrive.
"That'll be 25 pounds sir," said the bus driver.
"Here we go again," said Ron with an indignant sigh.
"Harry, which one do I pay with?" asked Ron.
Harry helped Ron to pay for their tickets and as the bus rolled out of Little Whinging the sun was shining brightly as if welcoming a new beginning.
"Finally" thought Harry as he leaned back into his seat with Ron talking about the Chudley Cannons and Ginny burying her head in a Muggle book.
End of Chapter 1