Sooner or Later
By: AngelDusterBuster
Disclaimer: Let's face it. We all know I don't own any of the characters from the Harry Potter books. So if you see something here that was ever mentioned in the books remember that I was only given the material I didn't create it!
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Chapter Fourteen: Meet Sarah
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SURPRISE ATTACK AT THE MINISTRY
BY: Rebecca Edwards
Late last night the school governors, and Minister of Magic were to meet for a meeting regarding an issue at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. But the business meeting soon turned into a war in which everyone there fought for their lives.
The details have not been released but it is said to be the work of the earlier known dark wizard who called himself, Voldemort.
Perhaps the worst of it all is the deaths. This surprise attack killed three people. Two school governors, and Headmaster of Hogwarts, Albus Dumbledore.
Mr. Fudge refused to comment on the situation, however Lucius Malfoy father of a student at Hogwarts was available. His words were, "Everyone at the ministry had been denying any dark activity. This attack was certainly preventable, and all three men will be missed"
Whether this has anything to do with Mr. Fudge's lack of cooperation with the press, we shall soon find out. Dates and times for memorial services soon to come.
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The news had shocked the world overnight. The loveable headmaster of Hogwarts was gone leaving the school under high security even so. But as for Harry who'd been out for the past two days, the news shocked him more than anyone could've imagined.
"Harry you have to eat something", Hermione shoved a plate in front of him, "you don't want to end up back in the hospital wing"
"She's right you know", Dean Thomas took a seat next to Hermione, "they'll send you straight back"
"They could've at least canceled classes…how are we supposed to concentrate", Ron frowned looking over at Harry, Come on Harry…at least talk to us"
"I'm guessing they want to put our minds on something. The teachers aren't in their right minds themselves though", Hermione shrugged, "I just can't believe he's gone"
Harry couldn't handle listening to them all. He jumped up from the table hoping for once he wouldn't be followed. All he really wanted was some time alone. Some time to think things through.
"Harry wait up!", Hermione squealed quickly racing toward him, "where are you going?"
"Don't know", Harry muttered knowing Hermione would keep following him anyway.
Checking her watch Hermione sighed, "we have class in ten minutes…how about we go get our things?"
**************
First class of the morning had been DADA. Now Harry had started going back with everyone else in the class again long ago, but he still hated any time that he had to see Professor Sanibel.
Class had gone as usual. Hermione would raise her hand answering questions. But the mood in the room was horrible. Not a happy face in sight.
Harry went to every one of his classes, but that didn't mean he participated. But nobody was going to say anything either, after everything Harry had been and was going through. Dumbledore had been his mentor, his teacher. Someone that Harry would never forget.
"Harry I need to speak with you after class", Professor Sanibel tapped him on the shoulder catching him in one of his daydreaming moments.
Harry nodded. Ron gave him a worried glance, "Harry you do realize you just agreed to a meeting with Professor Sanibel don't you?"
Harry shrugged so Ron decided to carry on the conversation, "You know usually I wouldn't be the one to say this but…were looking at April now Harry. And you…your looking at not graduating if you don't make up some assignments"
Harry shrugged again. Ron groaned, "Harry snap out of it…don't you want to graduate?"
"Ron", Hermione nudged him, "Come help me over here"
"Hermione I'm talking to Harry", Ron snapped.
"Ron…come here", Hermione pulled her friend over to her side, "Lay off him just a little okay?"
"I'm just worried about him…I'm trying to be a good friend", Ron slammed his book shut, "It's almost time to go. He doesn't even realize little things like that anymore!"
Hermione and Ron both looked over at Harry who was now doodling on the white spots in his book.
"Why doesn't Sirius talk to him…they really haven't talked since Harry woke up", Hermione suddenly agreed with Ron, "someone has to do the dirty deed…and he won't listen to us"
"Summarize chapter fifteen for next time class", Professor Sanibel barely had to raise her voice one bit for the class to hear, "and do try to cheer up a bit"
"Harry", Hermione grabbed his quill from him, "Class is over"
"Oh", Harry muttered tearing it back from Hermione's hand. He started packing his things when Professor Sanibel confronted him.
"Harry…I've noticed your missing quite a few assignments", Professor Sanibel pulled up a chair next to Harry, "are you having troubles?"
Harry shook his head. It wasn't that he didn't understand, defense was his best class. He just didn't do them.
"Sirius should be here any second", she tried to grasp Harry's attention.
But even that didn't work anymore. Harry only nodded. He didn't even look up when two feet advanced toward them.
"Harry", Sirius too pulled up a chair next to him, "Harry grieving isn't a bad thing…but not talking to anyone that is"
Harry looked up at Sirius but remained silent.
"Almost everyone of your teachers has approached me saying the same thing Harry", Sirius kept repeating Harry's name hoping to catch his attention, "He hasn't turned an assignment in forever. He doesn't even try to concentrate in class. If he doesn't ace his exams he'll fail. You do understand what that means don't you Harry?"
"I'm not stupid if that's what you mean", Harry finally spoke throwing his things into his backpack.
"We know you aren't stupid Harry--"
"No that's right. You've already filled that position", Harry through his backpack on rushing out of the room.
Relieved nobody was waiting or following him Harry took a deep breath. He almost didn't know how to react to being alone anymore. But it didn't last for long.
"What do you mean we have to forfeit!", Ron's voice rang around the corner.
Harry froze in place peering around the corner. He could see Professor McGonagall and a furious Ron.
"Were two players short. Although it hasn't been determined whether or not games will even continue", McGonagall explained, "I'll keep you posted"
"Alright", Ron sighed as the two separated. Harry could've sworn Ron had looked right at him, but instead he kept walking.
Knowing he would never be alone if he went to the common room, Harry began walking. He had no clue where he was going, but he kept walking. The headmasters last words to him filling his mind.
"You're the toughest student in this school Harry. If anyone can get through it, you can"
The words repeated through his mind over and over. Harry tried to shake the feeling off.
Deep in thought he hadn't heard the footsteps behind him. He jumped up when he felt a hand on his shoulder, "Potter go back to your common room if you don't have a class"
Startled Harry looked up, "I didn't know we weren't even allowed to walk the corridors any longer"
"You are. But its best if you don't allow your mind to take over you", Professor Snape motioned for Harry to follow him.
"I can make it there myself", Harry protested.
"Harry! There you are--", Sirius have rushing toward him.
Harry groaned in annoyance, "Please get him away from me"
"What?", Snape looked down at Harry curiously.
"Oh…I ah…didn't mean to say that out loud", Harry turned red.
Surprisingly Snape stepped out in front of Harry, "Did you need Potter for something Black? Because he needs to get to class"
Both Harry and Sirius stared at Snape with amazement. This was the same Snape that constantly let Harry know how much he hated him. The same Snape with a grudge for his father.
Sirius didn't take it well, "Excuse me? This is my godson and…"
"Just shut up Black. Harry doesn't need you to be on him with your criticism right now. So if you don't have anything important to say we'll be off", Snape stared at Sirius who couldn't believe his ears.
"Get over here Harry", Sirius snapped angrily, "Right now"
"Harry graduates soon which I'm sure you've reminded him. You may be able to rule him around for another month or two but soon Black, he'll be out on his own. And whether or not he's going to let you be apart of the rest of his life rests on every word that's coming from your mouth"
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When Harry rushed to bed that night, hoping to avoid Ron and Hermione, he quickly pulled the curtain around his bed.
But sure enough he heard Ron's footsteps, "Harry?"
Harry remained silent.
"Give it up already", Ron ignored the curtains dragging his friend out of his bed.
"Ron!", Harry groaned hitting the ground, "Bloody hell what's your problem!"
"Come on", Ron pulled Harry up, "I need to talk to you"
Pulling Harry along with him down the stairs, all eyes were on the two of them.
"RON!", Harry tried to pull away. But a few things weren't helping. He was still gradually getting back to his normal self, hadn't eaten properly in over a week, along with lack of rest.
Hermione came into view as the two of them reached the corridor outside the common room. It was obvious the two had something up their sleeve.
"Maybe we should go in a classroom or something", Ron muttered to Hermione.
"You know I'm feeling a little light-headed", Harry rubbed his eyes.
Hermione studied him for a moment, "We just want to talk to you Harry"
"What'd I do?", Harry muttered.
"Come on let's go somewhere more private", Ron and Hermione pulled their friend along with them.
Finally they turned inside a dark classroom. Each shivered a little, as it wasn't as friendly as it looked in the day time.
"Okay", Ron said uncomfortably as the three of them each took a seat, "You know that we try to support you in everyway possible. Right?"
Harry kept his eyes on the desk below him nodding.
"But right now we think your handling this loss the wrong way", Hermione joined in wishing Harry would look at her, "Blocking everyone out isn't going to help. Everyone's going through the same emotions Harry. Everyone's going through the same grieving process"
"I know that!", Harry jumped up, "I'm not that dense"
"Please just hear us out Harry", Hermione sighed with relief when Harry sat back down, "we want to help you"
"There's nothing you can do. You don't understand", Harry finally looked up.
"Were not giving you a choice Harry. We don't care how much you hate us for it. You are going to get through this, you are going to graduate, and you're going to have a bright future. So starting tomorrow, were going to talk to each of your teachers. Your going to get your make up assignments. And Ron and I both are going to do everything possible to get you caught up", Hermione continued with a smile, "We love you Harry. Were not going to let you give up, just as you've never let us"
Harry swallowed hard. His head was spinning in circles. "Maybe I just don't care anymore. Voldemort's still out there, and I'm expected to defeat him. Everyone expects it of me. My future if picked"
"That is not true and you know it!", Ron stood up, "You pick your future. You decide who your going to be. Once you walk out those doors they can't make you do anything anymore. Now are you going to let us help you or not!"
Harry paused for a moment. His mind was racing in all directions. First he looked at Ron. Then Hermione, "Yes"
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Weeks later, Harry could barely remember the state Professor Dumbledore's death had left him in. Catching up had been very difficult. He'd been in and out of extra lessons with his teachers a dozen times. And with graduation now just around the corner, there was only one obstacle left to get through. And her name, Sarah Winston.
It had been a Friday morning, during breakfast to be exact when the news came through. A new headmaster had been chosen, and would be introduced today.
"Could I have everyone's attention!", Professor Sanibel shouted above the noise in the room, "Today is a very special day. Today we'd like to introduce to you our new headmaster. As Hogwarts begins it's next stage of life, we'd like to take a moment to remember Professor Dumbledore. All the lives he touched, including many of our own. But we should also be excited because the next stage of the history of Hogwarts, is about to begin. So I'm pleased to introduce to you Headmaster Winston!"
The Great Hall erupted with applause as Professor Sanibel returned to her seat. A man much younger then Albus Dumbledore took the stand.
"Wow, quite the warm welcoming", Professor Winston smiled, "Now I know you all want to get to your classes so I won't take up more than a minute of your time. I look forward to being your headmaster for your years to come at Hogwarts. And as for the seventh years, I hope you enjoy your last few weeks as students at Hogwarts. At this time I would also like to introduce to you my daughter. Sarah honey stand up"
A young women looking about the age of Hermione grinned standing up.
"She's a seventh year as well. She'll be spending her last weeks here. But as promised I won't keep you, so on to your lessons!"
"I wonder if she'll be in any of our classes", Hermione muttered glancing up from her book.
"I hope so", Ron grinned, "she's really pretty…"
"Oh shut up!", Hermione rolled her eyes, "Only you…Harry would never say that"
"What?", Harry looked up not having been listening to Ron and Hermione.
"Pay attention Harry…honestly get your head out of the clouds", Hermione laughed gathering her things together, "I'll meet you two at class, need to have a quick word with Professor McGonagall!"
Ron rolled his eyes as Hermione ran off, "Geeze were almost done and she's still trying to get more homework to do…"
Harry couldn't help but laugh, "That's Hermione for you. But we better get going…don't want to be late for class"
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"That was great wasn't it Hermione? She knew something you didn't!", Ron blurted out as the three walked out of Transfiguration class together.
"Hey Harry", Sarah Winston squeezed between Hermione and Harry.
"Uh…hi", Harry stared down at the shorter girl awkwardly.
"I'm Sarah Winston…remember?", Sarah giggled grabbing Harry's hand, "Come here I want to show you something--"
Before he could react Harry felt himself being pulled away from his friends, "Hey wait a second…I really don't even know you"
"I'm Sarah….your Harry", Sarah laughed a huge smile on her face, "so do you have a girlfriend?"
"Your not too shy are you…", Harry big his lip.
"I was being polite. I know you don't", Sarah rolled his eyes, "ever kissed a girl Harry?"
Harry took a step back, "You're being quite rude you know!"
"Sorry…I forget I'm at a new school now. You people are less forward…", Sarah thought out loud, "In Jersey if you like a guy you just go up and let him know"
"I may not have a girlfriend…how do I put it nicely…forward isn't a good thing around here", Harry turned to walk away.
"Come on…don't get mad. I didn't mean it that way", Sarah followed Harry.
"Look I know your type, so just give it up and leave me alone", Harry waved Sarah away.
"My type? Excuse me? That's the lowest thing a guy could say…but look we've only known each other a matter of minutes and we already have a story! This is the beginning of a beautiful friendship Harry! Maybe even more…"
"Bloody hell….how dense are you? Can't you take a hint?", Harry turned around to face Sarah again.
"What's the hint? I didn't catch it…", Sarah joked, "and I'm curious since you know me so well. What's my type?"
"Well I'm guessing you went out with every guy at your last school. Broke a few hearts…got into a lot of trouble. Something I don't need help with…never really have known a real true friendship. Need I continue?", Harry smiled.
"That was fairly predictable", Sarah shrugged, "My turn. Perfect little Harry, does everything he's told. Never had a girlfriend. Never been kissed. Every parents dream boyfriend for their daughter. And I'm guessing you've never had sex"
"You've had sex!", Harry exclaimed louder than he meant too.
"Now I didn't say that did I? But anyway I'm pretty close aren't I?", Sarah blurted out.
"You've had sex?", Harry repeated again.
"Harry I was kidding", Sarah grinned, "Lighten up. Anyway…do you believe in love at first sight?"
"Don't even go there. You and me will never ever be anything close to an item", Harry stated harshly.
"I wouldn't be so sure. We've only just met, you can't say that yet", Sarah reminded Harry.
"First impressions. Those I believe in", Harry started walking again.
"It's supposed to be the girl running away from the guy you know", Sarah ran out in front of him.
"Fine", Harry froze in place, "Run in whatever direction you want. Just let me be!"
"No you see then you're supposed to chase after me", Sarah nodded at Harry, "Ready?"
"There is no way--"
"Catch me if you can!", Sarah ran to the left.
"Sarah!", Harry shouted, "Don't go that way….were not allowed up there! Ugh…you are so stupid!"
Rushing up the staircase Sarah had just run up, Harry spotted her turning down a corner in the corridor.
"SARAH", Harry yelled, "This isn't funny….your not supposed to be up here!"
"Oh lighten up already!", Sarah came running around the corner throwing her arms around Harry, "it's a school what are they going to have a three headed dog locked up somewhere?"
"Believe it or not yes", Harry nodded, "Dealt with that thing first year"
Sarah paused for a moment, "Oh…I get it. Your joking right?"
"Nope…oh and if you go in Myrtle's bathroom you can get into the Chamber of Secrets", Harry added for his own pleasure.
"Ooo show me show me!", Sarah pleaded.
"The Chamber of Secrets? What are you insane?", Harry shook his head, "Retard…"
"Freak"
"Idiot"
"Dork"
"Fine I'll be the mature one!", Harry sighed, "now come on before we both get detention for being up here"
"Wait wait…I heard something", Sarah walked over to a small doorway.
"Its in your head. I'm leaving now…"
"Okay "
"You know I can't leave until I know you did", Harry yawned, "come on let's go"
"Oh look a handle", Sarah exclaimed, "Shall I open it?"
"I'm leaving"
"Then go already", Sarah shrugged him off.
"Fine"
"Fine"
"Bye"
"Bye"
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With an enormous headache Harry had finally made his way back to the common room. Ron and Hermione were waiting for him. Except the two of them only had good things to say. Which annoyed Harry greatly, "What are you talking about! That girl had to have been the most annoying person I have ever met in my life!"
"What'd she do?", Ron questioned.
"She's annoying", Harry blurted out.
"So is Ron but we still love him", Hermione couldn't resist for saying.
"HEY!", Ron shouted, "That was not necessary"
"Oh you know I'm kidding", Hermione rolled her eyes,.
"Would you two please listen", Harry groaned, "your worse then--"
"Don't say it", Hermione interrupted, "he might be right around the corner for all you know. And what's with you? You aren't looking too good"
"Just didn't sleep well last night", Harry yawned.
"Believe me I know. I heard you up all night", Ron rolled his eyes, "why don't you just get a sleeping potion or something…"
"I don't want to talk about it", Harry snapped.
"Harry maybe you should tell someone about your dreams at least", Hermione suggested, "they obviously bother you"
"They'd bother you too", Harry insisted.
"But I would've talked to Professor McGonagall or someone. You refuse to get help", Hermione added.
"Let it alone alright?", Harry grew tense.
"Am I sensing a group hug?", Ron groaned, "give it up Hermione when stupid over there figures out how simple his problem is to solve, then he'll take care of it. Until then let him suffer"
"What a beautiful friendship you two have", Hermione mocked Ron, "Until then let him suffer"
Harry stood up leaving Ron and Hermione to argue.
"GROUP HUG!", Hermione shouted practically knocking Harry over as she rushed toward him, "Ron get over here!"
"Enjoy yourselves", Ron waved at Harry.
"It was cute when we were younger but now…come on this is lame", Harry snapped coldly.
"It's either this or you go talk to someone", Hermione pushed Harry away, "I'm guessing what you'll pick"
"Fine….fine. I'll go get a stupid sleeping potion. And then you'll both leave me alone. Is the clear?", Harry looked from Ron to Hermione back to Ron again.
"Fine. But I'm coming with you…I don't want Hermione to hug attack me either"
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Author's Note:
Well I did it! Got another chapter up…and I worked my butt of to do it. So now that's it for at least a week. Hope you appreciate the extra chapter!
AngelDusterBuster
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Oh and be sure to thank the following people for this update coming up so incredibly fast:
Hermione Cartwright
Lady of Arundel
Jordan123
Mrs. Moony
Silvermoon
Lei Dumbledore
anaticulapraecantrix
darkphoenix
Pip
Arwena
Star Light
Harrystwin
Ciria
Hermione Potter
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