Chapter 1: Stop, Drop, and Seizure

A/N: The names of each chapter have nothing to do with the actual story. The names are just random things from my head. Also, each update will be 5,000+ words plus to keep you all happy (and I'm going to try and keep it fast). Well, I hope you enjoy!

A/N(2): I just revised this chapter a little because there was some grammar mistakes. I want to thank Sara who found all the mistakes.

"You know Hermione, some of us don't have the brain capacity to remember our Potions book word for word!" Exclaimed a furious Ron as he glared at Hermione, who was sitting on a chair across the table. Ron, Harry, and Hermione were all seated around a table in the Gryffindor common room, finishing up their Potions essays. Actually, only Harry and Ron were working on it, seeing as Hermione had finished an hour ago.

Scowling at Ron's remark, Hermione slammed her Potions book onto the table and stood up, "Well, I'm going to bed, seeing as no one here appreciates my help at this time!" And with those words she stormed off to the sixth year dormitory. Ron had an angry look on his face, while Harry just sat back and took it all in. To Harry, this was all normal. Since the beginning of the year everyone, not just Ron and Hermione, had been getting more agitated at everything and everyone. Harry believed this was because of the return of the Dark Lord. The weight of death in every article and dark wizards around every corner was enough to drive everyone mad.

Chewing on his quill, Harry pondered on when the end of the war would be. Or, as it should be stated, when he was going to defeat the Dark Lord. Ron and Hermione had both been shocked at hearing the prophecy when Harry had decided to tell them. Well, Hermione wasn't too shocked, as she had already figured out as much. Ron was a little more clueless, so it came at him like a bludger to the stomach. The two had both vowed to stick with him even after that though, which is where Harry was surprised.

Harry quickly shook his head free of the thoughts as he realized he had almost dripped ink on his essay. He looked at the almost finished essay, which was supposed to be three feet. It was kind of depressing to look at his, considering it was only two feet. Ron wasn't much better off though, as his was only a foot and a half.

"Hey, mate!" Ron's voice came from Harry's side, snapping him back to attention once again. "Stop day dreaming, we need to finish this so Snape doesn't decide to scalp us..."

"Scalp... Na, more like decapitate," Replied Harry with a huge grin as he dipped his quill into the ink bottle and added another important piece of information.

Ron gave a great shudder, "I don't even want to think about what part he'd decapitate..." After saying that, Ron refocused attention on the parchment before him. And within an hour the two were finished with their essays. Their work wasn't O material, but it was sure to pass. After stuffing the work into their bags, they shuffled up the stairs and fell asleep as soon as they slipped into their pajamas and fell on the bed.

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"WAKE UP YOU GREAT SOD!" A voice boomed as Harry felt hands shaking him back and forth in his bed.

"'S to early..." Mumbled Harry as he rolled over onto his stomach. The person continued to yell and shake him, when suddenly Harry was graced with ice cold water.

"AHHH!" Yelled Harry as the water hit his head. He jumped up and hit his head on one of the bed posts. After falling back to his bed, Harry sat up and scanned the room for the person who had dared to dump water on him. Then Harry saw Ron with his wand, trying his hardest to look innocent.

After getting off the bed, Harry proceeded to chase Ron the room before Dean started yelling again, "STOP! Harry, Ron did that because we really needed you to wake up. Dumbledore said he wants everyone in the Great Hall as soon as possible. I wouldn't be surprised if they sent us home..."

"Stop being a twit," Replied Harry as he settled down. "Hogwarts is the safest place for all of us right now."

"Agreed," Said Ron after he was done catching his breath. "But some of the blokes running around think otherwise. I'm surprised we're all still here."

Harry ran his fingers threw his hair and walked over to the tall mirror to try and make himself a little presentable before going down to the Great Hall for some breakfast. The task at hand was useless, and he gave up at a few seconds and followed Ron down to the Great Hall. They didn't see many students on the way down, which meant most of the other students were already down there. Finally, the two came to the Great Hall and took a seat across from Hermione, who was scanning over one of her homework assignments. Ron piled bacon and toast onto his plate while Harry looked up at Dumbledore, who seemed to be getting ready to stand and make an announcement. After a few minutes, he finally did.

"Ahem! I'm sure you've all been re-energized by now, and I'd like to make an announcement," Dumbledore spoke, his voice clear and loud enough for all the students to hear. "As you all know, the Ministry of Magic has accepted the fact that Voldemort has indeed risen once again. But, for once, we have feared the darkness to much. We cannot let this evil bring our moral down! So, I herby announce that a contest will be held within the walls of Hogwarts."

At once everyone started to whisper, and noise filled the room. Dumbledore's voice was drowned out as almost everyone started asking questions at the same time. But, once again, Dumbledore's voice cut through the chatting, "Well, I can't let you leave without telling what the contest is all about! This contest will bring something Hogwarts has missed for years! Music! Now, if you want to know more, then you can ask your head of house or a house prefect. More information will also be posted in your common rooms! Now, off to class!"

After Dumbledore's talking ceased, the scrapping of chairs and the talking of students could be heard.

"So Harry, are you thinking about it?" Ron questioned as the trio made their way out of the Great Hall towards the dungeons.

"How can I think about it when I don't know anything about it?" Harry shot back, while glancing at Hermione who looked as though she was bouncing with anticipation. Harry knew that she had been waiting for the chance to tell them all about the contest, and how she already knew everything about it beforehand.

"If you two want I can tell you about it," Hermione stated, while they made their way down a cold corridor. The three could hear others farther down chatting away. Most likely about the contest.

"Shoot away, because your bound to talk our ears off about it later if not now," Ron replied.

"Well, in the competition you can either sing or play an instrument. Or, if you choose, you can do both. But, you don't have to enter the contest alone. You can also form groups-"

"You mean bands?"

"Yes Ron, bands. Anyways, you have to create your own song to preform for the contest, which will take place near the end of the year." Hermione finished just as they reached the Potions classroom. They entered to find Malfoy chatting away with his bodyguards, and not even noticing his rival enter the room. Harry could clearly hear what they were saying,

"A bloody music contest? Don't you think he's out of his bloody mind?" Malfoy sneered, and his two cronies nodded their heads vigorously. Just then Malfoy noticed Harry watching him. "Well, Potter, don't you have someone else to drool at? I know I'm perfect looking, but I don't swing at that side of the fence."

Immediately, Harry retaliated, "What? Malfoy are you finally admitting your attraction to other men?"

Right when Harry was taunting Malfoy, Professor Snape stalked into the room, "Twenty points from Potter for his dirty mouth."

Malfoy and his followers went to the back of the classroom and took their seats while snickering at Harry as he took his spot next to Ron. Harry ignored Snape as he started writing down the instructions for the Insignia Potion. The rest of the class went by without much incident, with only twenty more points taken from Gryffindor because Harry and Ron's potion was "a shade off color". Harry and Ron had to hold themselves back from pouncing on Snape. Their potion was a light green, and the potion was supposed to be a lush green. That wasn't what unsettled them though. Snape had walked right past Malfoy's pink potion without a word.

When the bell let out a rang Harry let out a relieved sigh as he shoved his notes and his Potions book back into his battered bag. When he finally got out of the room Ron bombarded him with complaints, "I can't believe that slimball! Honestly, "Your potion seems to be a shade to light. That will be twenty points from Gryffindor." His greasy hair must have been plastered over his eyes to have not seen Malfoy's potion..."

After a few minutes of walking, Harry tuned out Ron's endless complaints about their Potions professor. Hermione seemed to be doing the same thing as she stared off into one of the corridors walls as the three made their way to the doors that led to the grounds. Ron seemed to stop his rant once they got outside, seeing as it was a very beautiful and warm day.

Herbology passed quickly enough and soon the three were making their way back to the castle. When they were walking they heard some people behind them talking, "You know, his father will find a way out..."

"That's impossible... The only person ever to break out was-"

"Yes, I know! But if one can break out, so can another. Even if he can't do it by himself, his master will figure out a way to break it wide open-"

"Your insane! There's no possible w-"

"Oh ya? Well, I bet we'll both be on the same page once you get the prophet next week."

The voices slowly died out as the trio quickened their pace. Harry immediately started to discuss what they had just heard, "So who do you think they're talking about? What if someone's trying to break into Azkaban?"

Hermione scowled. "Harry, you know that's one of the most secure places ever to have been built!"

"Yes, but I'm sure Voldemort can do it! He's done things that you've said were impossible before."

Hermione rolled her eyes, and they walked in silence the rest of the way to the Great Hall. The trio sat across from Ginny and Neville who were both discussing the contest. Harry listened in interest as Ginny spoke, "I'm thinking of entering... But I'm not sure if I should embarrass myself singing, or learn how to play an instrument."

Ron snorted, "You embarrass yourself singing? Your not that bad!"

Ginny glared at Ron from across the table, "Oh, and how do you know that?"

"Mum left the Wizarding Wireless out in the living room and I happened to hear you singing along once."

"Your horrible Ron! Your just lying so you can see me get booed off stage!" Ginny retaliated, by the words didn't come out as harsh sounding as she had wanted them to. Ron just remained silent with a knowing smirk on his face as Hermione jumped into the conversation.

"So Harry, do you plan on doing anything?" She asked as she picked up an apple from the center of the table.

Needless to say, Harry was surprised by the question. Could he enter the competition? After thinking it over for a few moments Harry let out a sad sigh, "No, I really don't have any talent in that area really..."

Neville jumped into the conversation then, "Oh, come on Harry! This isn't about talent really. This is just a competition to take our mind off of things and have some fun."

"He's right Harry, we all need something to get our minds off the war for a little while, "Ginny put-in. She then directed her attention back down at the parchment in front of her. What she was writing Harry didn't know.

Letting out another sigh Harry shook his head, "I really don't think I'd-"

"Argh, Harry! Just give it some thought, won't you?" Hermione said, with a hint of annoyance in her voice. After a few moments Harry finally agreed to give it some thought. Finishing their lunches, Harry, Ron, and Hermione made their way to Transfiguration to start another round of mind-boring classes once again. After classes were done Harry made his way out to the lake to get some privacy. He sat down under a tree next to the lake shore and started to reflect on his day. This was a normal routine since the beginning of the year. After Sirius' death Harry decided he'd rather get away from people then confront them, and that need brought him to the lake. He gazed into the uneven waters as pictures of him on a stage trying to sing. The crowd going wild and throwing fruit at him because his voice cracked. After pursuing the day-nightmare for a few minutes Harry shook his head and got the bad images out of his head.

"Chocolate Frog for your thoughts?" A soft voice came from behind Harry. Looking over his shoulder, Harry saw Ginny standing there with a worried look on her face.

"Ginny, what are you doing out here? It's getting pretty dark," Harry said, his voice was calm. He was right though, the sky was gradually being enveloped by a dark shade of blue.

Wrapping her arms around herself Ginny sat down next to Harry, "Oh, Hermione sent me out here-"

Harry cut her off, "Tell Hermione to stay out of my business. This doesn't concern her, or anyone else."

Ginny glared at him hard, "I'm not coming out here just because of Hermione! Everyone in the castle has noticed your dark mood! If you would just get your head out of your arse you would see that the world isn't revolving around you."

Harry stood up quickly, with a sad look in his eyes, "I'm aware of that. But, right now I want to be alone."

With that he walked away, leaving a hard faced Ginny. As he slowly made his way towards the castle he wished he could stop feeling this way. He didn't want to before, because he felt that if he stopped feeling the sadness, then Sirius would disappear and he would forget his Godfather. But, he realized that Sirius wouldn't want him to act like this. Suddenly, with a hard determination, Harry turned around and started back towards Ginny. Once he reached the red haired girl he sat down next to her.

Ginny through him a questioning look, "Back to throw another tantrum?"

Harry's determination was slowly slipping away, being replaced with a swirl of thoughts. What was he supposed to say? How was he supposed to let go? "I err.. Ginny can I talk to you about him?"

"Sirius?"

"Yes..." He said, his voice was filled with pain.

"Well, okay. Shoot away."

"Ginny, I don't want to walk around with remorse on my face! But I don't want to forget him at the same time..." Harry's voice trailed off as he looked at the orange sky on the horizon before him.

Ginny was silent, and was at a loss for words. Instead she wrapped her arms around Harry as Harry started to cry. For him, it was the first him he had cried over Sirius' death. After the losing him, Harry didn't have the time required to morn over the death of his mentor. So, for the first time, Harry let his anguish out and cried into Ginny's shoulder for a few minutes before he pulled back. Quickly, Harry stood up, "I-I'm so sorry! I-I didn't mean to..."

Ginny half-smiled, "What are you apologizing for?"

"I, err... I cried on your shoulder. I'm sorry you had to see that," Harry whispered as he frantically tried to wipe away the remaining tears with his sleeves.

Laughing, Ginny smacked him in the arm, "Aww, it's okay! You should try it with Ron, I'm sure he'd avoid you for days!"

The little joke relieved the tension between the two, and finally Harry spoke again, "You know, that felt good... I feel like I got a ton off my shoulder-"

Ginny cut him off, "Enough to walk into Potions with a smile and greet Snape?"

"NO! I'd have to have the head taken off my shoulders too." Harry joked, a grin appearing on his face. His depressed mood sinking away with each passing moment. Just then he realized how much he had messed up. All he had to do was let his sorrows out to get ride of the feeling. The sorrow wasn't completely gone, but it had subsided. Ginny realized Harry was in deep thought, so she remained silent. Suddenly Harry started speaking again, but this time in a more somber mood, "Ginny... Thanks for this. You have no idea how much this did for me..."

Once again, Ginny took Harry into a hug, "No problem... If you ever need to let something out just talk to me. I'm always willing to listen you know. As long as you don't confess your love for Malfoy or Snape then I'm fine."

Harry let out a laugh and laid back onto the grass and looked up at the now starry sky. For some reason, the dark canopy of black calmed him. Beside him, Ginny had done the same. The two remained silent as they both thought back on what had just taken place. Harry was glad that he now had a friend who he could talk to about his problems and not get a thousand questions. And Ginny was glad that she wasn't just Ron's sister to Harry now.

After a while of staring at the white stars in the sky Harry stood up and stretched, and then offered Ginny a hand. After he helped her up, he spoke, "Thanks for all of this."

"You already told me that! Come on, we need to get back before Ron and Hermione throw a fit and eat our souls because we worried them so much." Ginny replied with a lopsided grin.

"Pfft, Ron probably thinks we were snogging or something," Harry joked as they made their way to the entrance to the castle.

"That's what I plan on telling him if he rambled off a thousand questions. That'll shut him up good!"

"Ha! Ya, and I'll end up being hung from a quidditch pole when he gets his wits about him again." Harry laughed.

"Nah, I bet he'll poison you, then he'll hang you."

"Thanks for the support." Harry said as the two reached the portrait of the fat lady, who was currently reading a book titled, "Losing Weight Like Magic". She seemed quiet embarrassed as Harry said the password, "Blood Lollipop."

The portrait scowled as she let the two Hogwarts students into the common room. When Harry and Ginny got inside they found a very worried looking Hermione and Ron.

"Where have you two been!" Ron growled as he spotted the two. "Me and Hermione have been pulling our hair out mate!"

Ginny scowled at her older brother, "You sound like mum! We were just snogging by the lake! What's so wrong with that? At least we weren't shagging in the water."

Right away Ron's eyes widen and started to pop out, and he turned to Harry, "WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN DOING TO MY SISTER!"

The yelling coming from Ron was enough to wake up the whole castle. Hermione stepped forward and grabbed on his arm, trying to calm him down a little bit. The yelling surprised Harry a bit, and he glanced sideways at Ginny with a look of a deer in the headlights. The grin on Ginny's face grew wider as she mouthed, 'Play along' to Harry. The same that was on Ginny's face appeared on Harry's as he looked back to Ron, "You know Ron... Ginny has the best-"

"HARRY!" Hermione screeched with a red face. When Harry looked away from Ron, who was now more red then his hair, he saw Ginny was still grinning evilly but had a surprised look apparent on her features.

It was now Ginny's turn to torment Ron, "Well Harry, I'll see you tomorrow. Same spot! Night!"

And with that Ginny bounded up the stairs towards her dormitory before Ron could release his fury on her. After she was gone, Harry turned towards Ron and Hermione with a leap of courage. Then, without a word, Ron scowled then stomped up to the sixth year boys dormitory. Harry let out a sigh and sat down on the nearest couch. He looked over at Hermione who was staring at him with her arms crossed, when finally she spoke up, "So what were you two doing?"

Some of Harry's fun fled at the question. "Well you should know, your the one who sent Ginny to talk to me didn't you?"

Right away Hermione got a look of confusion at the words. "I didn't send her to do anything Harry!"

It took a few minutes for Harry to digest what that meant. Had Ginny really wanted to help him that much? Why did she want to cover that up though? "Really? I guess that's a relief... But why did Ginny lie about that?"

A smile crept onto Hermione's lips. "I think you can figure that out by yourself, because right now I'm dead tired! I've got a lot of studying to do tomorrow anyways. Good night Harry."

"G'night Hermione," Harry replied as Hermione headed towards her dormitory. After he heard the door above close, he turned his attention to the fire and let himself get mesmerized by it's flames. His thoughts lingered on the mystery of Ginny and the newly-announced music competition. Why had Ginny lied about why she had come to see him? Did she care more than she put out? Did she lie because she didn't want him to know how much she cared? Harry tried frantically to get the questions out of his head. It's not like the answers were findable without actually asking. With one last glance at the fire Harry stood up and headed towards the boys dormitory.

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"Come on! Food!" Ron exclaimed while Harry scrambled to get his Hogwarts robes on. To Harry, Ron's mood was very odd. Last night he had been seething mad, but now he was bouncing with joy and yearning for food. And that meant a very happy Ron indeed. After Harry finally fit his right arm into the robes the two made their way down to the common room to find Hermione waiting for them impatiently, with her foot tapping the ground. The three quickly greeted each other lazily and made their way down to the Great Hall for breakfast. When they got there they found Ginny chatting to Neville once again.

"Harry!" Ginny greeted as he sat down across from her.

"Hey," said a sleepy looking Harry. His eyes had dark circles around them, and his hair was sticking up in every direction. It was obvious that he wasn't fully awake just yet.

"Guess what? I'm going to learn how to play guitar for the contest!" The red heads happiness was radiating off of her as she made the announcement.

Ron suddenly cut into the conversation, "Uh, sorry to burst your bubble Gin, but you don't know the first thing about playing any instrument."

"Why don't you shove your breakfast where the sun doesn't shine," Ginny said harshly. "I'm going to pick up my guitar and some books at the next Hogsmeade visit."

"And where are you getting the money?"

"Mum and Dad said they'd pay for it all. It's nothing to worry over, 'cause Dad just got that promotion, remember?" Ginny replied while she pilled some pancakes onto her plate.

"I'm planning on entering too!" Neville said with excitement and nervousness apparent in his voice. "Gran' says I have a decent voice."

Next to Harry, Ron was coughing into his pumpkin juice, trying not laugh at what Neville had just said. A few other people that heard Neville had disbelieving looks on their faces, and some were holding back laughs like Ron was currently doing. Neville was completely oblivious to all the peoples reactions around him. Harry decided to try and keep his attention off the others while they regained their bearings, "Err, that's great Neville, I'm sure you'll do great."

"Thanks Harry!" Neville exclaimed with joy, his face beaming. Following that, he got up and told them all he was going to head towards the Green Houses to give Professor Sprout some extra credit. After he was gone the regular conversations resumed.

"Harry, have you given the competition any thought yet?" Hermione questioned.

The question made Harry start to feel guilty. Last night he had tried to give it some thought but Ginny's odd behavior had taken up his mind. "Not really, but I am trying. I promise!"

Just then Ron popped a muffin into his mouth and started to talk, "I've 'een 'hinking 'bout it!"

A dirty look was shot at Ron from Hermione's direction, and she started to scold him. "Ron! That's really disgusting, sometimes I wonder..."

Ron swallowed the remaining food in his mouth, "Don't get your knickers in a bunch! Besides, I've already heard this speech more'n a dozen times!"

"And you don't ever consider the words that you've heard more then a dozen times?" She asked, and Harry started to laugh at Ron's confused look. "Honestly Ron..."

The two continued to bicker as they finished up their breakfast and headed towards the Charms classroom. The rest of the day passed by in a flash, and before Harry knew it classes were over and he was sitting in the library because Hermione wanted them to get in some 'Quality studying time'. How she got Ron to agree was a complete mystery to Harry.

"Err, what's that thingy?" Ron asked as he pointed to an obscure picture in a book he was reading with the title, 'Shadows, and the Things You Don't Want to Know About That's In Them'. Hermione was currently looking for another book, so Harry was the only one to reply to the question.

A lopsided grin appeared on Harry's face as he answered, "It's probably a creature that lives in a shadow that you don't want to know about."

"Thanks for that mate," Ron said sarcastically.

"No problem."

"I just noticed that Hermione's more useful then you sometimes."

"Oh, thanks a ton!" Harry said, while grinning. Quickly, Harry slammed the book in his hands shut and attempted to whack Ron in the side of the head.

"BLOODY HELL!" Ron screamed as he fell out of his chair trying to dodge it. His attempt was fruitless in the end when his elbow hit a book on the edge of the table and it fell and slammed into his jaw. Once again he yelled, "BLOODY HELL!"

In an instance Madam Pince was upon the two of them and shoeing them out of the library. Hermione had just emerged with the book she was looking for and had no choice but to follow the two out of the library. The two boys explained what had happened once they were out of the library completely. Hermione was scowling as they tried to decided what to do with the rest of their days. Harry and Ron decided on flying around on the pitch while Hermione would read in the stands. The trio went to the common room first to collect their brooms and get any books Hermione would need. When they were heading out of the portrait Ginny spotted them and grabbed her own broom and went with them.

Harry let out a sigh of relief when he pushed off the grassy ground and felt the cool breeze on his face. It had been awhile since he had last felt the effects of flying... Of being free. Quidditch had been canceled once again because some of the teachers thought there was already enough strain on the students, and it also took a lot out of the teachers time as well. And at the moment, a lot of the teachers were involved with the Order of the Phoenix and needed all the time they could get.

"Oi, Harry! Catch!" Ginny yelled as she threw a quaffle as hard as she could at him. With the reflexes of a seeker, Harry quickly spun around and brought his hands up to catch the quaffle. As soon as it touched his hands, Harry hurled it at Ron, who was flying circles around the quidditch poles. Harry didn't yell a warning and the red quidditch ball hit Ron in the stomach.

"AHHHH!" Ron yelled as he started flying wildly towards one of the quidditch poles. Before he had time to regain control the broom crashed into the pole and sent Ron flying threw the hoop. He quickly put his arms in front of him to prevent his head from hitting the ground first. But Harry was already there and caught Ron easily.

"Oh, one point Harry, zero Ron," Harry laughed as he dropped Ron on the ground. He saw Ron's look of fury and started to explain, "Don't worry, I wouldn't have done that if you were going to get hurt..."

"Blood hell Harry, that scared the quidditch out of me for a few seconds!" Ron yelled as he flailed his arms around wildly. Ginny landed next to him just then and started to laugh uncontrollably.

"That was bloody brilliant Harry!" She laughed, holding a stitch in her side. Just then Hermione came running up with a very small grin at the corner of her mouth.

"Ron, are you all right! At first I thought you were going to smack into the pole! Guess your lucky there was a hoop there," She said, still trying to suppress a smile.

A few minutes passed before Ron calmed down, and soon enough the four students were headed back to the Gryffindor common room to get some rest. Harry stayed back once again to watch the fire again. His thoughts finally settled on the competition. Now that the pain of Sirius' death was easing up Harry's view on things started to change. For once things started to look... Enjoyable. After an hour of letting his mind wander he decided to go to bed. And as he passed into the world of dreams he couldn't help but think, 'Maybe it'd be fun...'