Chapter 23: The Hall of Adversity

Chapter 23: The Hall of Adversity

"But how did you know this?" Albus Dumbledore asked, alone in his office with the four friends.

"Well…" Harry paused a moment, "We cast the revero dentinu spell."

"With Draco, too?"

"Well, yeah."

"Now that is indeed interesting," Dumbledore said with a smile, "You're father and his friends casted the same spell, Harry. However, they never even considered letting Professor Snape in."

"Well, Snape wasn't exactly in danger for his life," Harry said, a little more scornfully than he had meant, "Oh, I'm sorry, Professor. This just has me a bit on edge."

"Understandable. Now, what did you feel again?"

"We don't have time for repeating things! Draco's in danger!"

"Harry, try to relax. We don't even know if it's Voldemort who has him. It could have been some students, or he could have found some creature in the Forbidden Forest-"

"Or he could be going through excruciating torture as we speak! He could even be dead!"

"Harry," Ron said, putting his hand on the boy's shoulder, "There is nothing we can do right now. Besides, if he were in pain, we could feel it."

"Harry's freaking out, and Ron's being the voice of reason," Azar whispered to Hermione, "Why do people always switch personalities when someone disappears?"

"Oh," Hermione gasped suddenly, eyes going wide.

"Ah," Azar said, clutching her chair tightly.

"What is it?" Dumbledore asked in concern.

"Pain," Hermione whispered.

"Draco," Azar muttered.

Ron had such a wonderful response to that, but decided to keep his mouth shut considering.

"I don't feel him," he said instead.

"Me either," Harry furrowed his brow.

"Can you feel where he is?" Dumbledore questioned earnestly.

"N-no," Hermione answered, "It's too far. I can barely feel it as it is."

"Why can they feel it and we can't?" Harry said, closing his eyes and trying to feel any pain.

"Whose hands was Draco holding when you did the spell?"

"Azar and…Hermione's…" Harry answered, "You mean, those we were next to will feel us stronger than others?"

"Yes."

"He's gone," Azar sighed.

The three men looked over at her, slightly terrified.

"I mean the feeling!" Azar said hastily, "Not him, the feeling's gone."

"But what if it's both?" Hermione whispered.

****

"Incoming," Azar said, wincing slightly.

"I wish you two didn't need to go through this," Harry said, squeezing her hand.

"It's actually okay," she sighed, "Especially compared to what Draco must be going through. At least we know he's alive."

Harry and Azar walked down the corridors, heading for the classes in which they'd take the O.W.L. test. Draco had been gone over a week, and though the Ministry had stepped in on the search, it had been to no avail. It was hard for the four friends to even imagine taking the tests under such stress.

"Well, I'm headed for Arithmacy," Azar smiled, "Think you'll be able to live throw taking Snape's portion?"

"As able as a snowman can live in a furnace."

She smiled. "Well, he's acting strange again today."

"Oh, fuuun."

"Good luck, Harry legs," she said, giving him a small kiss.

"You, too, Zarina."

When Harry entered the dungeon-like classroom, he found Ron and Hermione already there. Hermione looked about as happy as a five-year-old at an extremely long wedding. Ron, however, was practically grinning.

"Oh, I don't want to be here," Hermione groaned, "I don't want to have to deal with Snape."

"Azar said he's acting strange again," Harry said.

Though neither of his friends saw it, Ron smiled knowingly.

"What," Hermione asked, "another wand up his butt?"

"I don't know, she-"

"Good morning, class!"

Snape had just burst through the door, a bright smile on his face. His voice had a sing-songy air.

"And how are you all doing? Ready for the test?"

No one answered, everyone but Ron staring with wide eyes.

"Don't you worry, now. It's not as hard as you might think."

As Snape passed out the Ordinary Wizarding Level Test, Level 2, Harry noticed Ron's smile.

"Do you know something we don't?" Harry asked in a whisper.

"Ah, ah, ah, Mr. Potter," Snape said, wagging a finger, "Be a good boy now. No talking to friends while the test is out, I'm afraid."

Snape walked on after patting Harry on the head.

"I'll tell you at dinner," Ron mouthed to Harry.

"Okay, Ron, what's up?" Hermione asked once they had met up at the Gryffindor table.

"Yeah, why was Snape acting sweeter than Lockhart on Valentine's Day?"

Ron smiled. "I didn't use all the Solution on Malfoy, you know."

Hermione gaped. "You didn't!"

"Of course I didn't," Ron said, "I couldn't even slip that stuff to Malfoy without him seeing; I had no hope giving it to Snape."

Harry and Hermione looked extremely confused.

"But you just said-"

"I didn't give it to him, but that doesn't mean he didn't get it."

"Huh?"

"I had an accomplice," Ron smiled, nodding his head to the staff table.

Harry and Hermione looked up. Dumbledore was looking extremely innocent at the moment. He glanced at the two and gave them a subtle wink.

"You've got to be kidding me!" Hermione said, gaping.

"Nope."

"He is the coolest headmaster of all time," Harry laughed, shaking his head.

"Was there ever any doubt?" Ron smiled.

"Hey guys," Dean said, sitting across from him. Seamus took a seat right next to him.

"Was that a strange potions class, or what?" Seamus grinned, shaking his head.

"Yeah. How long do you think Snape'll stay like that?" Dean chaffed.

"One week," Ron answered.

"Hypothetical question, but good answer," Dean smiled, "Hey, party tonight, right? We can't just let the end of tests go out with a flop."

"Sounds good to me."

"Well, not me."

Azar had just walked up, leaning on Harry's back. "I've missed out on enough parties. Besides, why wait until night?"

"You mean," Hermione gaped, "right now?"

"Yep."

"But what if we get in trouble?"

"What are they gonna do to us? It's the end of the term, after all."

"They'll take away points, that's what they'll do."

"Er…yeah, okay, I'll give ya that one, Herm."

"I've got an idea," Harry said, "Why don't you come to our party?"

"Really?"

"Uh, Harry," Dean said, giving a slight cough.

"What?"

Dean glanced at Seamus, who answered for him. "We…can't have her knowing Gryffindor's password."

"What's the difference? It's the end-of-term, so she'll only know it for a little while."

"I think what Seamus is trying to say," Hermione interjected a little hesitantly, "is that…we want to keep this among Gryffindors."

"What do you mean? Azar's one of your best friends."

"Azar, this isn't meant as any offense to you," Ron said, "but we like to do things just as a house every once in a while."

"I can't believe you guys!" Harry practically yelled, "What's wrong with an inter-house party?"

"We're proud to be Gryffindors, Harry."

"So am I, but that doesn't mean I have to be a housist bigot!"

"Oh, don't argue for my sake, Harry," Azar said softly, "I think I can live without attending a Gryffindor shindig. Maybe I'll ask Slytherin. I'm sure they'd be willing to have an inter-house party."

With that, she turned on her heel and walked away.

Ron was gawking. "Now that was a little below the belt."

"What did you expect?" Harry asked, scowling slightly.

"Well, it is our common room, after all," Seamus said quietly.

"Why doesn't Ravenclaw have their own party?" Hermione suggested.

"Yeah, this is a Gryffindor party," Ron said.

"Oh, oh I see. How stupid of me. We couldn't have a Ravenclaw at our party, after all," Harry said, looking straight at Ron, eyes narrowing, "Hey, I know. Why don't we have a pureblood party, hm? I'd be willing to go to that. Oh, but wait, my mom was a mudblood. I guess that means you're just too good for me."

Harry stood up sharply and stomped out of the hall, leaving his friends gaping.

****

The light in the dormitory began to fade as Harry lie on his back, absentmindedly tossing his Sneak-O-Scope up. His face wore a frown, for he was still angry. Yet, it wasn't so much that he was angry with his friends than with himself, for down in the Great Hall he had almost said, "At least she's not a Slytherin." Such a thought had never bothered him before, but now…now was different.

"Harry?" Ron called suddenly, jiggling the doorknob. Harry just went on tossing the Sneak-O-Scope.

"The door's locked, Harry."

"Then why don't you unlock it, Mr. Pureblood."

"My wand's in there."

"So now you know what it's like to be a muggle."

"Harry," Ron said, "I… Harry, I wanted to say I'm sorry. We all are. We weren't even thinking. But you had a point, and we know that we were wrong."

"That's the first intelligent thing you've said all day," Harry said, still tossing the Sneak-O-Scope.

"Look, what's the big deal?! We made a mistake, okay? It's nothing to get this upset about."

Harry forgot about the Sneak-O-Scope, standing up and looking angrily at the door. "Yes, Ron, it is! When people begin to think they are better than others, that's when someone like Voldemort can gain power! Sure favoring a house isn't that bad, but that leads to more bigotry! We've got to fight that, not embrace it, or even allow it!"

"Well don't you pretend you're Mr. Perfect!" Ron yelled back, "You've put Slytherin down more than once!"

"And I wish with all my might that I could take it back. I was ignorant, but now I know that such biasness only makes Voldemort stronger," Harry sighed, leaning against the door.

"Believe me, Harry, we're sorry," Ron said quietly, "If I could take it back, I would. Azar's a great person, and I know I must have hurt her, too. I just… Can you forgive me?"

Harry thought a moment, then unlocked the door. He rested his hand on the knob, thinking, and then took a deep breath and opened the door firmly.

"Ron, I-"

"Aaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh!"

Ron hadn't been expecting the door to open. It had swung out and hit him off balance, causing him to tumble down the stairs.

"Ron!" Harry yelled, rushing after the boy.

Ron came to a rough stop at the bottom of the stairs, lying at an odd angle. He wasn't moving.

"Ron!" Hermione exclaimed, rushing over to the boy.

"I've killed him!" Harry cried, getting to the bottom of the stairs, "Oh God, I've killed him!"

"Harry…" Hermione said softly in an almost pleading tone.

"I opened the door to quick; he was behind it; he fell. I didn't mean to," Harry said in broken breaths.

Neville pushed his way through the growing crowd of Gryffindors and crouched next to Ron.

"He's still breathing, but he's got a good cut on his forehead. Don't touch him; something might be broken. Let's just get a stretcher and get him to the hospital wing quick."

Neville took charge, magicking a stretcher so he could take Ron. Harry and Hermione followed.

Harry and Hermione sat outside the hospital wing in silence.

"I just can't believe it," Harry muttered.

Hermione placed her hand on his shoulder comfortingly. Suddenly Azar came rushing up the hall.

"Harry, Hermione…" she said, "Neville just told me. Is he okay?"

"Not sure yet."

"I can't believe the last thing we were doing was arguing!" Harry exclaimed, running his hands through his hair.

"Hey, don't knock yourself out about it," Azar said, Hermione giving her a glare, "Oh, sorry. Wrong choice of words."

Just then, Madam Pomfrey opened the door. Harry and Hermione stood up hurriedly.

"He's okay," she said quickly, "Just a few bruises and a cut on the head. He's awake now, but-"

She didn't have time to finish, for the three rushed passed her. Ron looked up as they entered. He didn't look much worse for the wear, only a bandage around his head. Everyone was silent, as if they were afraid the slightest noise might damage him. He looked at each of them, raising an eyebrow, and then he smiled.

"Whee."

"Oh Ron!" Hermione laughed, practically jumping on him as tears streamed down her cheeks.

"Whoa, easy, Hermione," he smiled, "Glad to see you, too."

"Ron, I'm so sorry," Harry whispered.

"Ah, don't worry about. I didn't mind too much. I'll tell you this; seeing a door come at me and then watching the world going in circles is something I'm not going to forget any time soon."

"I forgive you, Ron. That's what I was going to say. I know you didn't mean anything by it."

Ron smiled at his friend, then turned his attention back to Hermione. Azar tapped Harry's shoulder, indicating the door.

"What do you say we go for a walk?" she whispered.

Harry smiled, nodding. They headed out into the hall, Azar slipping a hand around Harry's waist. They walked in silence until they got to the Entrance Hall, going outside.

"Interesting night, eh?" Azar said quietly.

"Very interesting," Harry said, placing his hand on her shoulder.

"What were you two arguing about?"

"Well, you," Harry smiled slightly.

"I guess I was pretty crude at dinner," she said, giving a small laugh.

"You had every right to be. They were wrong, and I think I was able to make them see that."

Azar sighed, looking up. "It's a beautiful night. Don't you just love warm summer evenings?"

"Normally I don't really think about it, but yes, they are pretty wonderful."

They walked around in silence, just reflecting. Harry suddenly laughed quietly to himself, causing Azar to look up at him.

"What?"

"I was just thinking about the last time I went walking outside alone with a girl."

"And you laughed?"

"Well, I'm not going through that now, so I have a right to laugh. Besides, this is so much like that night, it's just funny."

"Just don't go reminiscing about what might have been, or whatever."

"Oh, I won't. But why not?" he grinned, "Would it kill you if I did?"

Azar slumped to the ground and Harry burst out laughing.

"Very funny, Zarina."

When she didn't move, he nudged her slightly. "You can get up now."

She remained motionless. Panic rushing through him, he knelt next to her and turned her over. She had her eyes closed and showed no signs of life.

"Azar? Azar! Answer me!"

"Harry Potter," came a voice suddenly.

He spun around, looking at a witch he'd never seen before with oval-shaped glasses standing in the shadows of the stands.

"Come here," she said, nodding her head back, "I have something you might have an interest in."

"I don't think so," he answered, backing up uneasily.

"Maybe this'll convince you," she smiled, waving her wand.

Out of nowhere appeared Draco Malfoy. He stumbled, falling to his knees, and then quickly looked up at Harry.

"Help me!" he cried before convulsing with pain.

"Draco!" Harry yelled, launching himself forward.

He came in contact only with the cold grass. Draco had disappeared once more.

"What have you don't with him?!" Harry asked angrily.

"Let's just say a certain powerful Dark Lord has possession of him."

"Let him go!"

"I'm afraid I can't do that. If you come with me, however, I can take you to him."

Harry hesitated, glancing hopefully at the school. To his dismay, no one was in sight.

"Don't even think of getting help," the woman fairly spat, "This is a now-or-never offer. If you refuse…well, your school rival is no more. Choose now, Harry Potter."

Harry felt the sweat come to his brow. He couldn't just let Draco die. But then again, the prospect of meeting Lord Voldemort again was not pleasant.

"What about Azar?" he asked, looking back at the girl.

"She's merely stunned. They'll find her soon enough and she'll be fine, which is more than I can say for dear Draco if you don't come with me."

"I-I…"

"Going once…" she said, putting up her index finger, "Going twice… Gone. Okay, if you really want another death on your conscious…"

"No, wait!" Harry cried, running to her, "I'll go."

The woman grinned, brandishing her wand. "I knew you would. Mortis Transferious!"

And all went black.

****

Harry woke up slowly, unsure of where he was. It looked like the middle of the woods in a clearing. There was a large fire in the center, the only source of light. He sat up, looking around, perplexed. Suddenly, he saw something else giving off light. Draco Malfoy was floating in midair, a white glow all around him. His face was one of complete shock, yet he looked frozen. Harry rushed over to him.

"Ah, ah, ah, I wouldn't do that," came a voice.

Harry spun around, seeing Voldemort wagging a finger warningly. He paused a moment, then quickly grabbed for Draco's hand. The second he touched it, however, he felt a cold sweep over him and pain wrench through his body. He quickly released Draco's hand, falling back in surprise.

"I warned you," Voldemort said with a smile, "Anyone who comes near him will feel much the same thing Draco's going through."

Voldemort walked nearer Draco, a vengeful smile on his lips.

"He's under the Lotis Katura Curse. It works very much like a Dementor's Kiss, except it is much more painful and drawn out. Of course, a family member must agree to it, which was quite easy for Mr. Malfoy. Our little Draco here is in some of the final stages," Voldemort said, a heartless glint in his eye.

"Let him go!" Harry shouted, his eyes flashing.

Voldemort just smiled forebodingly.

Harry thought a moment. How could he get out of this? An idea struck him, but would it work? And would he live through it?

"I challenge you to The Waning Wizards' War," Harry said firmly, "If I win, you let Draco go."

"Why shouldn't I just kill you right now?" he snarled warningly.

"Because then your followers would lose faith," Harry answered in a voice much calmer than he felt, "You want to prove yourself greater than me. What better way than to beat me? If you kill me now, then you will only prove that you are stronger than a defenseless boy."

A flash of hesitation came into Voldemort's eyes. Harry waited for an answer, the silence deafening.

"And when you lose?" he asked

"If I lose, then Draco's soul is yours."

"Along with yours," Voldemort whispered menacingly.

Harry's heart jumped and he looked at the suspended figure of Draco. He saw the boy that had, for six years, been his archrival; the boy who had given him nothing but trouble; the boy who probably would just leave if their situations were switched. Why should he risk his very soul for him?

But then another side of Harry brought forth different memories. The boy who had apologized for everything he'd ever done; the boy who had asked to be given a chance; the boy who had cried for Ginny Weasley…

Setting his jaw firmly in determination, Harry reached his wand toward Voldemort.

"Agreed."

"Agreed," Voldemort smiled, touching Harry's wand with his own.

A white light grew from where the wands had touched, enveloping the two figures. The air around them seemed to swirl and push, and Harry strained to keep his eyes open. Then it all stopped, and the light disappeared.

Harry opened his eyes slowly, glancing around. Gigantic stone walls stood on top of the granite floor. Tapestries hung from all around, depicting great battles of warriors past. And there, just a few feet from them, stood a wizened old man, his face hidden by a cloak and his hand holding a simple lantern. He walked up to them, slowly shuffling his feet. When he was right next to the two, he stopped and Harry could tell he was looking at them, despite the fact that he couldn't see his face.

"Welcome," rasped the man, "to the Hall of Adversity."

~*~*~

A/N: I'd like to take a moment to refer everyone to chapter some #: Defeat of Grindelwald, if you have questions about the WWW (Waning Wizard's War. ^_^) Hehe, that chapter had more purpose than I let on. Well…there ya go.

Thank you all for reviews!!!

Rogue15: You may find a few characters…spreading their wings, shall we say? The trio, after all, is at a crucial part in maturation, where they 'search for self'. ^_^ Thanks!

Kelly: Happy 12th!!! Thanks! I hope this one was a little longer…

QtPie: ^_^ I'm glad some people enjoyed that. Yeah, poor Draco…his fate is yet undecided. ^_^ Thanks!

Roselyn Riddle: *grins manically* We'll see… Thanks!

Lucky_Woods: Thanks! And you'll find out if you're right when I find out. (Draco isn't in much of a mood to talk right now…)

Jeanne: ^-^ Hurray for cliffies! I just wish I could stick a few more in. ^_^ Thanks!

Julia: Er…actually, right now I'm not really sure what happened myself. I'll have to ask Draco if or when he wakes up. Thanks!

Searing Fire: Thanks! Of course the Marauders don't like Snape. It's fun to have them patronize him. ^_^

Lin-z: Thanks!

Allison: Yes, that was choppy. But I must say, I actually kinda, sorta, maybe like this chapter. ^_^ Yes, I was born in the wrong decade. I belong in "Happy Days". "Oh the cow"? Interesting… O_o Yep, Gryffindors lost. And I'm making no promises about the house cup. *puts bulletproof glass over computer screen* Now let's see ya get to me! You liked the magic in the home scene? Oh, good. There was one line in there I HAD to put in, so I stuck that scene in there and was kind of unsure if it was right. Thanks! (for everything but that "on pain of death and torture from above" thing.)

Raven of Death: ^_^ Many people don't want me to kill off Draco… Be careful. I might just do the opposite to get a reaction. (I'm feeling evil right now…^_^) Ah, school, NO fun. *sigh* Well, thanks!

Jamie: Thanks!

Herm: Hehe, I love cliffies. (As long as I'm writing them and not reading them!) Thanks!

1: Thanks!

Super saya-Jin Gotan: Yep, you rule. ^_^ Now try and translate the whole spell. :D Thanks!

Holli: *grins* Okay, okay, I'll hurry! ^_^ Thanks.

Sweets: Ah, thanks. I'll try to remember that when I'm deciding whether I should try to squeeze unnecessary scenes in. ^_^

Princess: Ah, yes, I'm gonna have fun with that spell. Hurray, I'm making Princess worry! ^_^ Thanks!

Lady Grizabella: Ah, you're lucky this chapter decided to come to me quickly. ^_^ We'll have to wait a while (a long while, possibly) before we find out what happens to Draco. Thanks!

Ahh… Reading reviews does an ego good. ^_^ Thanks everyone!

Be excellent to each other!

-Ady