Legacy
Legacy
Chapter 6-
Fear
Ok, this chapter is a lot longer than the others are and it also took me along time to publish. I apologize for that, there may be some errors in it, if so, just point them out and they'll be fixed ASAP. Some of this chapter seems unexplained or unlikely but it'll be explained it upcoming chapters. Be patient and please, please, please REVIEW AND MAKE SUGGESTIONS!
The next morning, Harry awoke before Chloe, he silently dressed and headed for Dumbledore's office. He intended to explain Chloe's appearance at Hogwarts the night before and to tell him of the black owl's haunting message. Peeves the poltergeist was blocking the corridor leading to Dumbledore's office and he looked to be in an especially mischievous mood. Harry attempted to get around the floating and bobbing Peeves but failed, he breathed an exasperated sigh, "I've got no time for this Peeves, I need Dumbledore's help." Peeves merely cackled and continued blocking the corridor, "Peeves MOVE NOW!, " shouted Harry as he tried to run past the poltergeist. "Potter's not as fast on solid ground as he is in mid air!," taunted Peeves, he then broke into a fit of laughter but abruptly stopped as the bloody baron appeared. Harry wasn't usually too pleased to bump into the bloody baron, but his presence was welcome now. Peeves disappeared in a puff of smoke as the bloody baron approached and Harry ran down the corridor towards the gargoyle statue that stood guard in front of Dumbledore's office. Luckily, the password hadn't been changed since Harry had last visited Dumbledore here. "Cockroach cluster," said Harry and the gargoyle sprang aside admitting Harry into the office. He climbed the spiral stairs and knocked on the headmaster's door. "Come in" came Dumbledore's aged voice. Harry pushed open the oak door and entered Dumbledore's circular office, it looked the same since his last visit. "How can I help you, Harry? asked Dumbledore. Harry slunk into the chair in front of Dumbledore, the office was a bit far from Gryffindor tower.
"Professor, something has happened and we need your help."
"Go ahead," said Dumbledore, turning his attention to Harry.
"Well, last night a girl arrived in Gryffindor tower by means of floo powder-her name is Chloe and she's in great danger..."
Harry explained the entire story to Dumbledore, saving the letter part for last. He neglected to mention one thing, the amulet.
At the mention of the black owl Dumbledore's eyes shone and he suddenly became quite grave looking.
As Harry's story came to a close Dumbledore stood up and began pacing his office, deep in thought.
"What should we do, Professor?," asked Harry, looking nervous at the headmaster's reaction.
Dumbledore sighed deeply and asked to speak with Chloe when she awoke. Harry stood and started to leave when Dumbledore stopped him.
"Harry, do you know what it means for a black owl to appear on the grounds?"
"No, I don't.." said Harry, looking startled.
"Well, this is not good, not good at all, I fear I shall have to contact the minister of magic about this, once a black owl invades the school grounds on the night of a full moon, the protective barrier that shields hogwart's from evil fades and allows evil onto the grounds...I'm going to have to ask you to stay inside, don't leave Gryffindor tower if possible."
"But professor-" started Harry but he was interrupted.
"Harry, dementors will have to be called onto the grounds, I hate to have to do this but this sort of situation calls for drastic action, and dementors are indeed drastic."
Harry nodded and left the office. Dementors were horrible creatures, feeding off the fears and emotions of humans. On numerous occasions, Harry had had bad experiences with dementors, experiences he'd never want to relive. But with Voldemort able to set foot on school grounds this was just a safety precaution and if Dumbledore didn't suggest it, the minister of magic would insist hogwart's be closed until the barrier restored itself.
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Chloe was walking through some sort of plush growth, an overgrown forest. The soft moss sank easily under her shoes with each step. There was a clearing up ahead, moonlight shone through the thick tree limbs lighting fragments of the forest floor like shards of a broken mirror. Faintly, a cold laugh could be heard coming from the clearing. Chloe approached, undaunted by the mirthless laughter which was rising as she neared. Animals could be heard shifting about the forest on either side of her path and the laughter grew still. She stepped into the clearing at last and her eyes adjusted to the brightness, there was much more light here since there were no trees to block of the moonbeams.
The clearing was empty at first glance but a figure was seen in the far corner, standing rather still and waiting. The laughter abruptly stopped when Chloe spotted the figure and she moved forward. The winded picked up and ruffled Chloe's hair as she walked, the figure remained unmoving and soon took shape. It was a woman, her chestnut brown hair was pulled up into a messy bun and she wore a long, flowing green cloak. Chloe tried to recall where she'd seen her before, then she remembered, this woman was her mother. Realization dawned on Chloe's face and the cloaked woman began to cry. "Mom," Chloe tried to say but no sound came out, just air. Her mother shook her head when Chloe tried to speak again and more tears streaked her face, slowly she rose a delicate hand from under the cloak and pointed to her neck, sobbing quietly. Chloe didn't understand and tried to speak again but was only able to mouth words. The laughter started again, this time louder than before and Chloe was thrown back. Her mother continued pointed at her throat as the laughter reached a crescendo, Chloe struggled to her feet and ran toward her mother. She kept running but she never seemed to reach her despite the short distance, the laughter was deafening now and her mother shrieked before dissolving into a puff of smoke, a dark shadow appeared where her mother had been. Slowly the shadow took the form of a man, tall and thin, cruel looking, he was laughing but just before he took full form Chloe was thrown back again. This time she was thrown back into reality. She sat bolt upright in bed and rubbed her eyes.
Chloe pulled back the red, velvety curtains from the four-poster and blinked in the harsh daylight that was filtering in from the narrow windows. She walked over to the mirror and inspected her appearance. Her hair had come undone from the braid it was once in and her tee shirt and jeans were rumpled, she sighed at her mottled reflection and was about to turn away when she noticed how brightly the amulet around her neck was glowing. "Weird," she muttered to herself before grabbing a pair of jeans and a sweater from her overnight bag. She crossed the dormitory to the dimly lit bathroom and turned on the shower water. As the water was heating up she removed her watch, bracelet and an opal ring and placed them on the counter as she fumbled with the clasp of her necklace. After several minutes of trying to undo the clasp she gave up, "must be jammed, ah well, hope it won't rust," she thought as she stepped into the shower.
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Harry stopped by the Great Hall to bring some breakfast up to Chloe, he didn't want to stay downstairs since he was the only 7th year Gryffindor to be left behind from the trip. After grabbing a few servings of toast and eggs he headed back toward the door, careful to avoid Malfoy's outstretched foot, all he needed was to fall in front of the Slytherins and be splattered with eggs so early in the morning.
He started climbing the stairs, careful not to drop anything on the way, Harry was just about at the top when he felt a sudden chill behind him. He whirred around on the stairs and came face to face with Severus Snape, his least favorite Hogwarts teacher. Harry didn't say anything and tried to continue on his way when Snape stopped him.
"What are you up to, Potter?" asked Snape as he eyed the armful of food Harry was carrying.
"N-Nothing, Professor" said Harry, trying to keep on Snape's good side.
"You've got a lot of food there for just yourself…all of your little friends are away, shame you had to miss that little field trip, Potter." Snape's lips curled into a thin smile. "You're rather scrawny, Potter, I doubt you're intending on downing all that food on you own."
"I'm just hungry, that's all.." retorted Harry, trying to sound casual, as if he always ate 2 breakfasts.
"Who are you hiding?" asked Snape suspiciously.
Harry was beginning to lose his patience, "I'm NOT up to anything! I'm just hungry, ok?!"
"I bet…well, if you're that hungry perhaps you should eat right away, the Great Hall is much closer, why don't you eat there?" It was obvious that Snape wasn't going to let Harry go.
"I'd really rather eat in my common room, thank you." Harry did his best to not sound strained.
"Come along, Potter, I want to see you eat all of that on your own."
Feeling defeated, Harry followed Snape back to the Great Hall and sat down rather tensely.
"Well, go on then, eat up."
Harry eyed the mountain of eggs and toast before him before taking a small bite, he really wasn't hungry at all.
Snape didn't look like he was about to leave. A hush fell over the Great Hall as Dumbledore signaled all teachers to the front table. He was going to make an announcement. Harry felt grateful for whatever news was coming, Snape was out of his hair for the moment and he wouldn't have to devour all the food on his own.
Dumbledore stood up at the teacher's table. "Students, a matter of great importance needs to be addressed." Dumbledore halted, looking around gravely. "I'm sorry to say that dementors will have to be called to the school yet again." The hall broke out into angry chatter and the headmaster signaled for silence again. "I cannot explain this matter as of now, but these actions are being taken to ensure everyone's safety. The dementors will be arriving this afternoon and no one is to leave this castle for any reason. I do hope this matter is cleared up within a few days, but until then classes will be canceled." Harry gaped at Dumbledore, he didn't know Chloe's problems would affect the school this greatly. He gathered up the remainder of breakfast and quietly slipped away and back to Gryffindor Tower.
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Chloe stepped out of the shower and dressed quickly. She suddenly felt short of breath and she noticed the amulet glowing brighter than usual under her sweater. The glow faded and she caught her breath again. She gave herself a little shake and replaced her other jewelry.
Harry pushed open the door labeled "7th years" and entered his dormitory. Chloe's bag lay open near his trunk, the picture of her smiling mom was poking out the top. He was about to pick it up to inspect it again, but a slight noise behind him told him Chloe was there, he didn't want to be caught poking through her personal things, but there was something about that picture…
"Wow, thanks, I'm famished," said Chloe, gesturing to the toast and eggs Harry had set on his trunk.
"Sure" he said, nodding, "sorry we haven't a table up here, I wasn't sure if you'd like to eat downstairs or not."
"No, no, this is fine, I'm a little shy, anyway."
"Yes, well, shall we eat, then?" asked Harry, taking a seat on the floor near the trunk. Chloe sat too. Harry told Chloe of the announcement he'd heard at breakfast. Chloe shifted and looked worried.
"Um, Harry?"
"Yeah?" he answered, looking up from his breakfast.
"Well, about the whole "soulmate thing", we don't really know each other, and this is all moving too fast…I just want to apologize for showing up here and causing such a ruckus and-"
"No, no, don't worry, strange things always happen around here, it's a wizarding school, what can you expect…besides…I like having you here…" Harry blushed slightly after saying this, he was astounded at his own nerve.
Chloe laughed and they both felt much more comfortable. Soon, they were having a conversation and they found out a lot more about each other.
"You really put lemon juice on French fries?!" asked Harry, "I thought I was the only one!"
"And I thought I was the only one who loved peanut butter ice cream" she said, laughing.
It was nearly evening before they finally stood up, stretching their legs from sitting on the stone floor. Harry glanced at the clock above Ron's four poster, "Wow, look at the time, I'd better take these plates down to the great hall, it's dinner time anyway." "C'mon, we'll get dinner while we're down there."
Chloe followed Harry to the door but he had stopped suddenly. "Something's wrong," he said, pulling out his wand. A cold had suddenly crept over the dormitory and the setting sun cast eerie rays of red light onto the floor, the room appeared to be growing darker despite the rays of sun. "Stay back" demanded Harry as his reached for the doorknob. It was icily cold under his grip as he flung open the door.
Four dementors stood in the doorway, each pointing a knarled, bony finger at Chloe's throat.
Sorry for the cliffhanger, this is the part where you REVIEW! See ya next chapter…
Legacy
Chapter 6-
Fear
Ok, this chapter is a lot longer than the others are and it also took me along time to publish. I apologize for that, there may be some errors in it, if so, just point them out and they'll be fixed ASAP. Some of this chapter seems unexplained or unlikely but it'll be explained it upcoming chapters. Be patient and please, please, please REVIEW AND MAKE SUGGESTIONS!
The next morning, Harry awoke before Chloe, he silently dressed and headed for Dumbledore's office. He intended to explain Chloe's appearance at Hogwarts the night before and to tell him of the black owl's haunting message. Peeves the poltergeist was blocking the corridor leading to Dumbledore's office and he looked to be in an especially mischievous mood. Harry attempted to get around the floating and bobbing Peeves but failed, he breathed an exasperated sigh, "I've got no time for this Peeves, I need Dumbledore's help." Peeves merely cackled and continued blocking the corridor, "Peeves MOVE NOW!, " shouted Harry as he tried to run past the poltergeist. "Potter's not as fast on solid ground as he is in mid air!," taunted Peeves, he then broke into a fit of laughter but abruptly stopped as the bloody baron appeared. Harry wasn't usually too pleased to bump into the bloody baron, but his presence was welcome now. Peeves disappeared in a puff of smoke as the bloody baron approached and Harry ran down the corridor towards the gargoyle statue that stood guard in front of Dumbledore's office. Luckily, the password hadn't been changed since Harry had last visited Dumbledore here. "Cockroach cluster," said Harry and the gargoyle sprang aside admitting Harry into the office. He climbed the spiral stairs and knocked on the headmaster's door. "Come in" came Dumbledore's aged voice. Harry pushed open the oak door and entered Dumbledore's circular office, it looked the same since his last visit. "How can I help you, Harry? asked Dumbledore. Harry slunk into the chair in front of Dumbledore, the office was a bit far from Gryffindor tower.
"Professor, something has happened and we need your help."
"Go ahead," said Dumbledore, turning his attention to Harry.
"Well, last night a girl arrived in Gryffindor tower by means of floo powder-her name is Chloe and she's in great danger..."
Harry explained the entire story to Dumbledore, saving the letter part for last. He neglected to mention one thing, the amulet.
At the mention of the black owl Dumbledore's eyes shone and he suddenly became quite grave looking.
As Harry's story came to a close Dumbledore stood up and began pacing his office, deep in thought.
"What should we do, Professor?," asked Harry, looking nervous at the headmaster's reaction.
Dumbledore sighed deeply and asked to speak with Chloe when she awoke. Harry stood and started to leave when Dumbledore stopped him.
"Harry, do you know what it means for a black owl to appear on the grounds?"
"No, I don't.." said Harry, looking startled.
"Well, this is not good, not good at all, I fear I shall have to contact the minister of magic about this, once a black owl invades the school grounds on the night of a full moon, the protective barrier that shields hogwart's from evil fades and allows evil onto the grounds...I'm going to have to ask you to stay inside, don't leave Gryffindor tower if possible."
"But professor-" started Harry but he was interrupted.
"Harry, dementors will have to be called onto the grounds, I hate to have to do this but this sort of situation calls for drastic action, and dementors are indeed drastic."
Harry nodded and left the office. Dementors were horrible creatures, feeding off the fears and emotions of humans. On numerous occasions, Harry had had bad experiences with dementors, experiences he'd never want to relive. But with Voldemort able to set foot on school grounds this was just a safety precaution and if Dumbledore didn't suggest it, the minister of magic would insist hogwart's be closed until the barrier restored itself.
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Chloe was walking through some sort of plush growth, an overgrown forest. The soft moss sank easily under her shoes with each step. There was a clearing up ahead, moonlight shone through the thick tree limbs lighting fragments of the forest floor like shards of a broken mirror. Faintly, a cold laugh could be heard coming from the clearing. Chloe approached, undaunted by the mirthless laughter which was rising as she neared. Animals could be heard shifting about the forest on either side of her path and the laughter grew still. She stepped into the clearing at last and her eyes adjusted to the brightness, there was much more light here since there were no trees to block of the moonbeams.
The clearing was empty at first glance but a figure was seen in the far corner, standing rather still and waiting. The laughter abruptly stopped when Chloe spotted the figure and she moved forward. The winded picked up and ruffled Chloe's hair as she walked, the figure remained unmoving and soon took shape. It was a woman, her chestnut brown hair was pulled up into a messy bun and she wore a long, flowing green cloak. Chloe tried to recall where she'd seen her before, then she remembered, this woman was her mother. Realization dawned on Chloe's face and the cloaked woman began to cry. "Mom," Chloe tried to say but no sound came out, just air. Her mother shook her head when Chloe tried to speak again and more tears streaked her face, slowly she rose a delicate hand from under the cloak and pointed to her neck, sobbing quietly. Chloe didn't understand and tried to speak again but was only able to mouth words. The laughter started again, this time louder than before and Chloe was thrown back. Her mother continued pointed at her throat as the laughter reached a crescendo, Chloe struggled to her feet and ran toward her mother. She kept running but she never seemed to reach her despite the short distance, the laughter was deafening now and her mother shrieked before dissolving into a puff of smoke, a dark shadow appeared where her mother had been. Slowly the shadow took the form of a man, tall and thin, cruel looking, he was laughing but just before he took full form Chloe was thrown back again. This time she was thrown back into reality. She sat bolt upright in bed and rubbed her eyes.
Chloe pulled back the red, velvety curtains from the four-poster and blinked in the harsh daylight that was filtering in from the narrow windows. She walked over to the mirror and inspected her appearance. Her hair had come undone from the braid it was once in and her tee shirt and jeans were rumpled, she sighed at her mottled reflection and was about to turn away when she noticed how brightly the amulet around her neck was glowing. "Weird," she muttered to herself before grabbing a pair of jeans and a sweater from her overnight bag. She crossed the dormitory to the dimly lit bathroom and turned on the shower water. As the water was heating up she removed her watch, bracelet and an opal ring and placed them on the counter as she fumbled with the clasp of her necklace. After several minutes of trying to undo the clasp she gave up, "must be jammed, ah well, hope it won't rust," she thought as she stepped into the shower.
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Harry stopped by the Great Hall to bring some breakfast up to Chloe, he didn't want to stay downstairs since he was the only 7th year Gryffindor to be left behind from the trip. After grabbing a few servings of toast and eggs he headed back toward the door, careful to avoid Malfoy's outstretched foot, all he needed was to fall in front of the Slytherins and be splattered with eggs so early in the morning.
He started climbing the stairs, careful not to drop anything on the way, Harry was just about at the top when he felt a sudden chill behind him. He whirred around on the stairs and came face to face with Severus Snape, his least favorite Hogwarts teacher. Harry didn't say anything and tried to continue on his way when Snape stopped him.
"What are you up to, Potter?" asked Snape as he eyed the armful of food Harry was carrying.
"N-Nothing, Professor" said Harry, trying to keep on Snape's good side.
"You've got a lot of food there for just yourself…all of your little friends are away, shame you had to miss that little field trip, Potter." Snape's lips curled into a thin smile. "You're rather scrawny, Potter, I doubt you're intending on downing all that food on you own."
"I'm just hungry, that's all.." retorted Harry, trying to sound casual, as if he always ate 2 breakfasts.
"Who are you hiding?" asked Snape suspiciously.
Harry was beginning to lose his patience, "I'm NOT up to anything! I'm just hungry, ok?!"
"I bet…well, if you're that hungry perhaps you should eat right away, the Great Hall is much closer, why don't you eat there?" It was obvious that Snape wasn't going to let Harry go.
"I'd really rather eat in my common room, thank you." Harry did his best to not sound strained.
"Come along, Potter, I want to see you eat all of that on your own."
Feeling defeated, Harry followed Snape back to the Great Hall and sat down rather tensely.
"Well, go on then, eat up."
Harry eyed the mountain of eggs and toast before him before taking a small bite, he really wasn't hungry at all.
Snape didn't look like he was about to leave. A hush fell over the Great Hall as Dumbledore signaled all teachers to the front table. He was going to make an announcement. Harry felt grateful for whatever news was coming, Snape was out of his hair for the moment and he wouldn't have to devour all the food on his own.
Dumbledore stood up at the teacher's table. "Students, a matter of great importance needs to be addressed." Dumbledore halted, looking around gravely. "I'm sorry to say that dementors will have to be called to the school yet again." The hall broke out into angry chatter and the headmaster signaled for silence again. "I cannot explain this matter as of now, but these actions are being taken to ensure everyone's safety. The dementors will be arriving this afternoon and no one is to leave this castle for any reason. I do hope this matter is cleared up within a few days, but until then classes will be canceled." Harry gaped at Dumbledore, he didn't know Chloe's problems would affect the school this greatly. He gathered up the remainder of breakfast and quietly slipped away and back to Gryffindor Tower.
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Chloe stepped out of the shower and dressed quickly. She suddenly felt short of breath and she noticed the amulet glowing brighter than usual under her sweater. The glow faded and she caught her breath again. She gave herself a little shake and replaced her other jewelry.
Harry pushed open the door labeled "7th years" and entered his dormitory. Chloe's bag lay open near his trunk, the picture of her smiling mom was poking out the top. He was about to pick it up to inspect it again, but a slight noise behind him told him Chloe was there, he didn't want to be caught poking through her personal things, but there was something about that picture…
"Wow, thanks, I'm famished," said Chloe, gesturing to the toast and eggs Harry had set on his trunk.
"Sure" he said, nodding, "sorry we haven't a table up here, I wasn't sure if you'd like to eat downstairs or not."
"No, no, this is fine, I'm a little shy, anyway."
"Yes, well, shall we eat, then?" asked Harry, taking a seat on the floor near the trunk. Chloe sat too. Harry told Chloe of the announcement he'd heard at breakfast. Chloe shifted and looked worried.
"Um, Harry?"
"Yeah?" he answered, looking up from his breakfast.
"Well, about the whole "soulmate thing", we don't really know each other, and this is all moving too fast…I just want to apologize for showing up here and causing such a ruckus and-"
"No, no, don't worry, strange things always happen around here, it's a wizarding school, what can you expect…besides…I like having you here…" Harry blushed slightly after saying this, he was astounded at his own nerve.
Chloe laughed and they both felt much more comfortable. Soon, they were having a conversation and they found out a lot more about each other.
"You really put lemon juice on French fries?!" asked Harry, "I thought I was the only one!"
"And I thought I was the only one who loved peanut butter ice cream" she said, laughing.
It was nearly evening before they finally stood up, stretching their legs from sitting on the stone floor. Harry glanced at the clock above Ron's four poster, "Wow, look at the time, I'd better take these plates down to the great hall, it's dinner time anyway." "C'mon, we'll get dinner while we're down there."
Chloe followed Harry to the door but he had stopped suddenly. "Something's wrong," he said, pulling out his wand. A cold had suddenly crept over the dormitory and the setting sun cast eerie rays of red light onto the floor, the room appeared to be growing darker despite the rays of sun. "Stay back" demanded Harry as his reached for the doorknob. It was icily cold under his grip as he flung open the door.
Four dementors stood in the doorway, each pointing a knarled, bony finger at Chloe's throat.
Sorry for the cliffhanger, this is the part where you REVIEW! See ya next chapter…
