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!
Chapter Sixteen: The Worst Nightmare Of All (Is Real)
"HARRY!", Sirius yelled loudly shaking the boy awake, "Harry wake up!"
Harry groaned out loud. When he finally opened his eyes he couldn't place where he was. When he heard Sirius' voice he was quickly reminded.
"Harry are you alright?", Sirius stared down at his godson a frightened look on his face.
Harry who was paler that a Hogwarts ghost finally found his voice, "I'll be okay"
Sirius grabbed a washcloth from the bathroom running it under cold water. Placing it on Harry's head, Harry tossed it of.
"Harry calm down", Sirius handed it back to him, "Your just a little warm that's all"
Harry gave a half smile, "Sorry I just…little shook up"
"Care to talk about it?", Sirius sat down next to Harry.
Harry shrugged, "There's nothing to say. I keep having the same dream over and over"
"You know it's not true don't you?", Sirius questioned propping up a pillow for Harry to lean against.
"Sure I do but it's still not a very pleasant dream to have every night", Harry half joked.
"I wish I knew what to do Harry", Sirius sighed, "I really thought…oh I don't know…that just me being here would stop it. That's obviously not true"
"I'll get through it Sirius", Harry yawned, "It usually only happens once a night…I should be fine now. Go back to bed"
"Do you ever stop worrying about others long enough to take care of yourself?", Sirius laughed.
"Sirius if I ever did that you'd know something was extremely wrong"
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"You still look terrible", Ron was kind enough to point out to Harry the next morning, "Why won't they just make an exception for you with the sleeping potion thing"
"Because there's side affects", Hermione took her usual seat new seat next to Ron, "but you really do look err…under the weather"
"Let me know when you two are done picking apart my appearance would ya?", Harry dropped his backpack to the ground sitting behind Ron.
"Mind if I sit here?", Harry jumped up when he heard a soft voice beside him.
"Oh…yeah…I mean no you can sit there", Harry stumbled ignoring the face Ron was giving him.
"How'd you sleep last night?", Sarah began unloading her books from her own backpack.
"Most people ask so how are you today?", Harry began, "You ask how'd you sleep…but the answer is fine"
"Liar", Sarah rolled her eyes at Harry, "I'm not as stupid as you think I am"
"When did I ever doubt your intelligence?", Harry smiled at Sarah before looking up when he saw Professor McGonagall enter the room.
"Settle down class you have graduated yet", Professor McGonagall yelled over the voices of the seventh years, "although some of you seem to think you have. You still have exams coming up and many of you are unprepared, in fact I know less then half of this class has probably even studied"
Hermione frowned at the thought whispering to Ron, "You studied right?"
"Your teachers have appointed me to address the issue that senioritis as Headmaster. Winston referred to it as is not something to come down with. Your lives are about to begin. We can only teach you so much at Hogwarts. I'm sorry to break the news to you but party time is over. No more late night quiddich victory parties. No more midnight strolls when you shouldn't be out in the first place. It's time you all come to terms with the fact that this time next year, you won't be here"
For the rest of the class period everyone remained silent. And for the first time Harry and his fellow classmates were hit with reality. There time left at Hogwarts was short and a reunion was years away. Soon the people they saw everyday for the past seven years would no longer be apart of their lives. Just a memory of their childhood years, and for some people they would never see again.
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Hermione was greatly affected by Professor McGonagall's speech and she wasn't shy to let her two best friends know.
"Promise me something", Hermione cornered Harry and Ron late that night, "Promise me that we'll stay in touch. I don't want to lose either of you, you're my best friends…practically my only friends"
Ron put his arm around Hermione who had tears pouring down her face, "Hermione of course we'll stay in touch. We'll probably see each other all the time…at least I hope so"
"If you two are you going to start making out again please let me know", Harry started to walk away.
"Potter!", Hermione yelled, "get your butt back other here"
Harry laughed, "Since when do I take orders from you?"
"Well actually now that I think about it…you never have. I mean you chased after Malfoy during our flying lesson when I clearly told you not to", Hermione pushed away the tears.
"Don't cry yet Hermione", Harry pleaded, "we still have a few weeks…you'll be insane by then"
"Oh that's nice Harry!", Hermione through a pretend punch at her friend, "you always do know what to say to make me feel so much better!"
"Here let me try again", Harry said thoughtfully, "I think I saw this in a movie somewhere…It's just a phase in your life ending a very--"
"Oh please", Ron burst out laughing, "if that isn't the stupidest thing that's ever come out of your mouth"
Hermione shook her head in disagreement, "No there's been stupider…like the time Harry said Hi my names Harry Potter. Really he should've said, ready for the biggest adventure of you life? For the next seven years I'll constantly keep you on your toes, and you life may even be on the line a few times. But let's be friends forever!"
"Oh yes much better than you who should've said something like this. Hi I'm Hermione and I'm going to try to prevent you from having any against the rules fun…and we should research everything before we do it!", Harry defended himself.
"Hahah", Hermione smiled, "so are you leaving again tonight?"
"Yeah", Harry nodded, "it's much less embarrassing…and I don't want to hear anything about it okay?"
"I'm just worried about you", Hermione shrugged.
"Well don't be. If you haven't noticed there isn't much I can't handle anymore", Harry gave Hermione friendly push.
"Except Sarah?", Ron blurted out.
"And you…", Harry turned to Ron, "I'm going to talk to you about that later"
"Have a good night Harry", Ron pushed his friend away from them, "get some sleep!"
Harry turned around and nodded. He waved one more time before disappearing for the night.
***********
Ron and Hermione walked down to the Great Hall the next morning ready to tackle whichever way Harry's night had went. But instead they got to tackle something else.
"Where's your third?", Draco Malfoy stepped out in front of them.
"What do you want Malfoy?", Ron groaned, "I really don't feel like dealing with your stupidity this early in the morning"
"Where's Potter? It's a simple question", Draco pointed behind him to show his usual sidekick/bodyguards weren't there.
"Well Malfoy--", Ron started before Hermione stepped in front of him.
"What Ron is trying to say is. Saying where's your third doesn't exactly work very well. Which we have no intentions of telling you because you probably only want to torment him", Hermione glared at Draco.
"Nice look Granger", Draco rolled his eyes, "Look Potter owes me a favor for saving his life and all. Well I need a favor"
"Always has to be something in it for you huh?", Ron through his hands in the air.
"Fine I'll find him myself", Draco smiled.
"What do you have up your sleeve Malfoy?", Hermione surprised Ron when she shouted.
"That is between Harry and myself", Draco started to walk away, "and since you don't wish to help me then I don't think I need to tell you"
"You wouldn't tell us either way", Ron grabbed Hermione's hand "come on let's go find Harry ourselves"
"Somebody looking for me?", Harry's voice came from then end of the hallway.
"Potter! Just the loser I was looking for", Draco rushed over toward Harry.
"Breakfast is almost over can't this wait? I'd hate to have to kick your ass in front of the whole school", Harry started walking toward Ron and Hermione.
"If you remember correctly Potter and I'm sure you do…you owe me a certain favor yet", Draco grabbed Harry's arm, "Walk with me, talk with me"
"Leave Harry alone", Ron let go of Hermione's hand ready to punch Draco any minute.
"What do you want Malfoy?", Harry pulled away looking up uneasily when he saw the Great Hall doors open and students pouring out.
"Well since you asked. There's a certain someone I've had my eye on", Draco circled around Harry, "All you have to do is find out what she thinks of me, and get her to go on a date with me"
"Who?", Harry kept his eyes on Malfoy.
"Oh guess I left that little detail out…", Draco paused for a minute, "Sarah Winston"
Harry turned red, "No"
"Didn't I save your life?", Draco noticed the crowd forming around them, "Oh I get it you just didn't tell anyone that part did you Potter? Didn't want everyone to know evil old Malfoy saved your pitiful life"
Harry bit his lip unsure of what to say, "Shut up Malfoy"
"There's only one way to shut me up", Draco nodded.
"Fine", Harry sighed heavily, "I'll do it"
"That's better", Draco shoved past Harry, "Then you'll get back to me tonight?"
"Whatever", Harry shrugged.
"Have a good day", Draco ginned obviously enjoying the moment.
After Draco left and the crowd had cleared Harry stood in the middle of the hall. Ron and Hermione slowly advanced on him.
"Harry…are you okay?", Hermione swallowed hard.
"He doesn't really like her", Harry shook his head, "Somehow he found out. And how do you think that is Ron?"
"Harry I…I didn't tell anyone honest", Ron shook his head, "I don't know how he found out…I'm sorry"
"Me too", Harry took a deep breath, "Look I…I guess I'll see you later"
"You don't believe me do you?", Ron asked.
Harry managed to shake his head, "I'm in a daze right now…don't really know what to think. All I know is Malfoy is blackmailing me and I'm sure there's more where that came from. So no I'm not accusing you of anything"
"Harry…I don't know what to say…I-"
"Please Hermione…I just want to be alone", Harry frowned walking away.
"Let him", Ron grabbed Hermione's hand again, "sometimes its best just to let him sort through his thoughts on his own"
"I really hate Malfoy", Hermione shivered.
"Bloody hell….Harry was finally on the right track. Now Malfoy has to come along and screw it up", Ron slammed his hand against the wall.
"Well hello to you too", came a voice from behind them.
Ron turned red with embarrassment, "Oh…Professor Lupin what are you doing here?"
"Actually I'm here to talk to Harry…but is there something bothering you two?", Remus looked the two over, "you both look like you just survived another troll"
"In a way we did", Hermione sighed, "Malfoy's blackmailing Harry"
"Harry but….I just spoke with Harry yesterday he didn't say anything", Remus looked puzzled.
"That's because it just happened", Ron pointed in the direction Harry went.
"Care to tell me what's going on?", Remus looked from Ron to Hermione.
"It's sort of a long story", Hermione shrugged.
"Well I sort of have some time"
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"Sarah!", Harry called out when he finally found her in the library.
"Harry!", Sarah exclaimed seeing an out of breath Harry slam down beside her, "What's wrong?"
"I have to talk to you about something", Harry said through a pounding headache he now had.
"Hey are you alright?", Sarah put her hand on Harry's forehead, "You look a little pale"
"I'm fine", Harry shook his head, "Whatcha doing?"
"Studying for exams", Sarah pointed at her books, "but I'm guessing that's not what you're here to ask me about"
"What are you feelings on going out with immature seventh years?", Harry hesitated when asking.
"Harry your not immature", Sarah laughed slightly.
"There's this person I know…that likes you. He wants to know what you think of him", Harry blurted out.
"Harry I think you know my feelings about you Sarah rolled her eyes, "Is this how you always ask girls out??"
Harry suddenly realized what Sarah was thinking, "No! Really it's not me…my friend….er this person-"
"This is a really pathetic way to ask me out Harry", Sarah scooped up her things, "If you wouldn't come out right away but…this is pathetic Harry. I thought higher of you then this, but quite obviously you're not the boy I thought you were. I can't believe I ever thought you were for even one second"
"Sarah wait!", Harry rushed after her.
"No Harry just…no", Sarah slammed the library doors closed.
"Well that didn't go to well did it?", Harry heard a voice from next to him.
"You!", Harry jumped up startled, "Thank you for saving my life okay? I'm eternally grateful…but now your messing with it. And I'm not about to let you do that"
"Potter I have years worth of secrets and gossip. I could ruin you", Draco replied.
"Well then go ahead because I'm not doing this. I'm not going to be your little servant. I have nothing to hide", Harry put his hand on the handle of the door, "so just leave me alone"
"Fine then…I just might let slip the fact that you wake up practically crying from nightmares every night….or about the time you had a go with suicide. Must I go on?", Draco grabbed a piece of parchment he had in his pocket, "I bet the reporters would love to get there hands on this kind of juicy information. Bet that'll get you the vote into office"
"You wouldn't…"
"I think you know I would. So are you ready for a second go?", Draco asked.
"Anything but this. Can't you come up with something else? You've already made her hate me wasn't that your plan?", Harry blurted out.
"Are you accusing me of only doing this to annoy you?", Draco asked innocently.
"Yes!", Harry shouted.
"You have a week", Draco stuck his hand out.
Reluctant Harry shut his eyes before he too stuck his hand out.
Shaking Harry's hand Draco looked quite pleased, "It's a deal then. Nice doing business with you"
"Whatever", Harry hurried away. He wasn't sure exactly where he was going but he knew one thing was for sure. Draco Malfoy was about to ruin his life.
**************
"You really scared us running off like that", Hermione jumped at the chance to let some anger out later that day.
"Sorry", Harry said not looking up from his book.
"Your studying?", Hermione asked amazed.
"Yep", Harry nodded pointing at his book.
"But you never study until a week before exams…you still have a week to do whatever it is you and Ron do while I study", Hermione knelt down next to Harry.
"So I'm getting a head start", Harry turned the page, "is that so wrong?"
"Of course not but…it's just a little scary", Hermione admitted putting a hand on Harry's forehead, "well your not warm so that can only mean one thing"
"I didn't ask for a doctor Hermione, I'm just trying to study", Harry slammed his book shut, "But that's obviously not going to happen"
"It's just Malfoy. You've never let him get to you like this before", Hermione noted following Harry who was advancing toward the stairs to the boys dormitory.
"Well now he's messing with my future, its different", Harry started up the stairs.
"You mean Sarah?", Hermione followed.
Harry started to nod before he answered, "No now he's messing with more then that. I'm going to tell Remus I can't run with him, Malfoy has to much dirt on me"
"Harry what is going on!", Hermione grabbed his arm causing him to drop everything he was holding.
"Bloody hell Hermione leave me alone!", Harry swore bending down to pick his things up.
"Something else happened right?", Hermione put a hand on Harry's shoulder hoping to attract his attention.
"Well Sarah thinks I was to big of a baby to straight forward ask her out….so now she hates me. And I'm supposed to get her to go out with Malfoy by the end of the week or I'm pretty much screwed. I can't do that to Remus. It's not fair", Harry took a deep breath.
"Ugh!", Hermione screamed, "That asshole…I never thought Malfoy would stoop to this level…oh Harry what is it?"
Harry who had been staring at Hermione oddly laughed, "I've never heard you swear"
"He's going to wish he never messed with you", Hermione shook her head.
"Hermione don't get involved", Harry pleaded, "He'll blackmail you somehow too"
Hermione sighed sitting on the step next to Harry, "Your right"
"One of these days I don't care what the consequences are…I'm going to get Malfoy back for everything he's ever done to us. Starting with day one moving to now", Harry said furiously.
"That's what he wants you to do", Hermione spoke, "He wants you to snap. He thinks he has you either way. Don't you see?"
"I only see one thing. And that's me not ruining one of my dad's best friends career", Harry bit his lip.
"He wouldn't want you to…in fact I know he's not going to let you drop out for something like this", Hermione added, "He was here today. Ron and me told him…told him what was going on"
"I have to study", Harry stood up.
"Fine", Hermione snapped, "go hid in your books, but take it from someone who's been there. You can't hide forever"
"What's going on?", Footsteps came up the stairs.
"Absolutely nothing", Hermione stormed down the stairs.
"Not even going to ask", Dean shook his head, "Is it safe to go up and get something?"
Hermione nodded sadly, "He's probably not going to talk to you anyway"
********************
"Hermione what did you do to him?", Ron whispered that evening at supper, "I mean I figured he was still thinking I was guilty but…why is he mad at you now?"
"Because I said some things he didn't want to hear", Hermione looked on the opposite side of the table where Harry was seated by himself.
"Good going now he hates us both", Ron sighed, "I didn't tell anyone honest"
"I know that…and Harry knows that deep down too. He just doesn't know who to blame so he's looking at the obvious. But I've been thinking…how would Malfoy know that? How does Malfoy know all these things about Harry?", Hermione questioned.
"You know what…your right", Ron nodded, "Something's up"
"The problem is…how do we figure out the source? Someone in the Gryffindor house is letting him in on this information…but who?", Hermione stared down at her food.
Ron turned white, "Ginny"
"Where?", Hermione looked around.
"No I mean Ginny…she's been angry with Harry every since well you know. I know it was a long time ago but…Harry yelled at her. Ginny took it really personally", Ron swallowed hard.
"You must be wrong…Ginny she'd never do that", Hermione shook her head.
"I'm going to find her", Ron stood up looking around.
"Well it isn't going to take long", Hermione pointed at the doors, "she just walked in"
"Ginny!", Ron yelled, "We need to talk"
"Um…okay", Ginny walked over toward Ron and Hermione.
"I'm only going to ask you once and I'm going to just be straight forward. Have you been leaking information about Harry to Malfoy?", Ron snapped.
"How could you even accuse me of that!", Ginny stared at her brother furiously, "What suddenly golden boy is more trustworthy that your very own sister?"
"I think I have my answer", Ron sat back down.
"What do you mean?", Ginny spoke frantically.
"I'm sure you'll hear from mom and dad later today", Ron glared at his sister, "I should've known…you were stupid once and four years later you still are"
"Ron!", Hermione jumped in, "What I'm guessing he means is….why? Why would you do this to Harry?"
"If I can't have Harry nobody can", Ginny turned to walk away.
"Well that's pretty dam selfish!", Ron grabbed his sisters arm, "You realize you're jeopardizing his future don't you? This isn't child stuff anymore Ginny, but because you can't deal with the fact that the rest of us are ready to start our lives doesn't mean you have to ruin ours"
"And I hate to say it Ginny but you've had six years to make a move. Six years!", Hermione chimed in.
"Thanks", Ginny shook her head at Ron.
"What?", Ron blurted out.
"Thanks for showing me what I needed to see"
"Gin? What are you talking about!", Ron called after her.
"She's an angry sixteen year old", Hermione shrugged, "she'll get over it eventually. Right?"
With a hesitant look on his face Ron replied, "Yeah but now the question is….how do we tell Harry everything that's happening…is Ginny's fault?"
"I dunno", Hermione whispered glancing over at Harry, "But I do know that this is far from over. Harry's never going to want to believe that Ginny would sell information to Malfoy"
"She sold him out before remember", Ron interrupted, "I wouldn't be surprised if she's already signed the contract or whatever the heck they do to become death eaters. She's a perfect way to get to Harry"
"Don't say things like that", Hermione bit her lip, "It's to horrible to imagine…Ginny learned her lesson I know she did"
"I don't know Hermione", Ron sighed staring at his sister who had just stormed out of the room, "I just don't know"
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Author's Note:
Whoa look at that…pretty impressive. I got that out two days early and it was pretty long. Least I thought so. If you're a bit confused right now I'll clear things up better next chapter. But if you understood that mouthful….congratulations!
If there's anything specific you want answered let me know so I include it. I might might (no promises being made) get another chapter out by Monday. But I'm not making any promises on that! So until next time…
AngelDusterBuster
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Hermione Cartwright- Well thank you! If you wanted to know…and I'm so sure you did it's "particular" Hahah couldn't resist. But anyway I'll probably talk to you online so see ya then!
A. Reader- I still love that name…Of course eventually I can answer it. Remind to again if I forget…there's so much to include that sometimes details like that…I forget. But feel free to keep me on my toes!
Harrystwin- So now you can all hate me this chapter…hahah I can deal. But really if everything was all happy dandy ever chapter it wouldn't be very interesting. Forgive me!
Mr. Blank (as I'm going to call you)- I just want to take a second to say something. If your going to leave a review like that can't you at least leave a name or email address? It's quite unfair to say something like that and not give me the chance to respond.
Anaticulapraecantrix- Oh! Now I get it…but it's still hard to type! Although now I tend to use copy/paste. Trust Sarah…I'm not going to make her evil. I promise.
Arwena- Do you honestly expect me to tell you? Hahah I take that as a no. And I hope so too! My goal for this story is to beat my biggest accomplishment the number of reviews I got for Shades of Blue and Yellow.
Ciria- Yeah that's the first I mentioned the fact that there will be a sequel. I just wanted to add it to see if anyone noticed! Hahah I'm evil… Yes that is very true. That's what I keep telling myself about book five!
Lucerito-del-alba- Well thank you! I really appreciate that…well thanks for reading and especially for reviewing.
Them Girl- Aww darn now I went and made him sad again. Am I mean or what? Well hope you enjoyed anyway!
Miranda Potter- Well I'm glad I have you hooked…but I hope it doesn't hurt! J/k But in all seriousness I'm glad you like the story…I'm pretty proud of it myself.
Amanda- Thanks!
CNJ- Did I ever mention how much I love your long reviews? Well I do! Dang it I forgot to read your stuff again didn't I? I feel so mean…just keep reminding me eventually I have to remember. But as always thanks a billion for reviewing!
Anti Pasta- I think I got what you wanted to say there! (Really hoping you didn't mean the crap part…hahah) But I've decided to keep things as are.
BookWorm- You must be tired! You forgot the 2000 part! Yes I've typed your name so many times I notice these thing….I'm nuts or something. But I'm glad you enjoyed that chapter!
SaJeHill- Oh okay! I totally understand…that stuff happens to me sometimes too. But I'm glad you figured it out!
Asher- Well I'm glad you finally found one! And I'm also glad to be of service. I apologize for my lack of review but if you noticed there were quite a few before you hahah the sooner your review the more I tend to write.
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Contact Me:
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Until next chapter remember to review this one! The more reviews I get the faster you'll see the next chapter. So why wouldn't you review? Hmm…that sounds pretty good to me!