Harry Potter and the Elemental Prophecy Chapter 2: The trouble begins, a harry potter fanfic

Harry Potter and the Elemental Prophecy

And trouble begins...

Disclaimer: I don't claim to own anything that JKR, or any other artists/authors/books/sites own, whatever I make up, I own..I'm making no money for this so don't sue me..

PS: I've now decided to put a copyright on my trademark trail away dots grins I'm told that we're attached at the hip. Do you think that's true? sideways glance at padfoot

Authors Notes:

I'm lucky that as a Senior around here I - in needing only 1 full credit to graduate - have very little homework, in fact, I'm going into my 3rd full week of school, have taken on Piano lessons for the 6th straight year, have fought off a cold (but the cough still lingers...), have taken up forensics, and still have at least 6 to 7 hours to write when I get home, plus I write in 1st-4th hours, lunch and 6th, which is why I have really high hopes for this story. Because of all my free time! Lol.

I owe every single bit of this story to Enya at the moment, because with her and Enigma i got the last, oh, 10 pages of chapter 1 written?

In this chapter, if it doesn't take itself over too much, you can expect, a trip to Hogsmeade, meeting of two new friends, an encounter that's just itching to happen as we speak, and a dream or two strewn about. I really can't tell you what to expect, because even I don't know, I just let this thing write itself..

So, really all I can say is. Enjoy.

Replies to my reviews :D

firetigress: sorry about the wait (of what..3 days?) here's the next chapter for ya! :D Enjoy!

DarkWhispers: I'm glad you love long chapters, cause with the exception of chapter three I believe they will be "long" chapters..

Ms. Padfoot: I know you're about ready to kill me as it is, but hey, and you say you'll love it, but I seem to remember a little silent treatment from you, and yes I agree he seems to have had more than enough shares of being smacked over the head evil grin

JaimeKay: ducks the mouse and keyboard just in time Ah, yes..what can I say? I loved the review, seemed a little "unfinished" but hey, sounds like mine. Well, here's the next chapter, probably just as evil. Chapter 3's already written so when I have chapter 4 nearly done it'll go up.

I want to thank all 4 of you for being my first reviewers! I really appreciate it!
And Padfoot, thank you for putting up with me and my trail away dots… grins and pats her hip never go anywhere without em.

Now you can enjoy chapter 2 ^_^

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With an almighty lurch consciousness came slamming back to Harry, so much so that he let out a sharp gasp then a moan as the pain came right back with it.

"Shh, Harry? Are you awake?" a female's voice protruded into his thoughts, pulling him to full awareness, which wasn't necessarily a good thing.

The first thing he noticed was that he hadn't been out for too long, perhaps about 10 maybe 15 minutes, because he could hear a good argument going on upstairs, but decided to concentrate on something else besides raised voices, like where he was.

Where am I? Well, from what little I can see without my glasses, I'm on a couch, hey this looks familiar, but why would I be at..his thoughts trailed off when he realized he was at Mrs. Figgs. "Why am I here?" he asked softly.

"You're away from your relatives, don't worry everything's alright now.." the woman said softly and he moved to sit up but she stopped him by gently putting weight on his chest. "You need to stay down..here." she said and put his glasses back and everything came back into sharp view.

"But why am I at Mrs. Figg's house, she's not a witch, is she?"

"Of course she is, now you just calm down, that'll make at least two of us who are level headed at the moment, you should get some rest, we can talk more later..here." she said and lifted a goblet to his lips he looked at her suspiciously but drank anyways and immediately his eyes grew heavy and he was whisked back into sweet nothingness.

------

It was with the next awakening that he was better acclimated to the situation, and therefore prepared to deal with whatever pains bothered him, or questions for that matter.

This time it was silent, and nobody else was in the living room with him. He mentally examined himself, pain in his back, throbbing in his left upper arm, dull pain between his eyes (marking the beginning of a headache), and the pain in the back of his head, as well as stinging from his leg..yeah this was a good day indeed, or night.. Wait, what time of day was it anyway?

Anybody else around here? He wondered to himself and moved, albeit painfully to a somewhat sitting position and looked around. He noted vaguely that his head was bandaged, which must have been to stop the bleeding. His arm was still untreated but that he could deal with. "Hello?" he asked aloud.

Still, silence. This was getting unnerving. Where was everybody? Alright, body..think you can agree with me for a few minutes? Well, we'll see then hm? With that he swung his feet over the edge of the couch and slowly sat up, then with his good arm pushed himself up to a standing position and winced as a shiver of pain ran up his spine again. Right then, on the count of three we'll move right? Right.

He started walking towards the hallway but stopped when he heard voices from upstairs, he strained to listen.

"I cannot believe..the state of, it's just so.." that was the voice of the woman from before.

"Talk much Bell?" the teasing voice of--Sirius? What's he doing here? He wondered to mentally.

"Well, Albus should be here soon enough and, blimey I just cannot believe what, that..Muggle did to Harry. His own family! it's terrible, just because he's a little different." That was definitely Remus, and Harry knew exactly what he was thinking at the moment, considering how long he'd gone through the torture of being discriminated against for being a werewolf, he was obviously sympathetic.

Great, just what I need...more sympathy..he thought to himself but stopped when he heard the voices coming closer, and down the stairwell. Uh..oh..

"Do you suppose Dumbledore knew--Oh! Harry.. wait, Harry! what are you doing up?" the woman, Bell..bell..why did that sound familiar..Think Harry..Bell, the old crowd..then, suddenly it clicked, Arabella! "You're Arabella Figg!!" he exclaimed ignoring her attempts to get him back to the couch.

"Come on Harry.." Sirius said as he smirked at Arabella and took his godson by the shoulders gently steering him back to the couch then sitting him down.

"What are you doing here Sirius?"
"What are you doing up Harry?" the two asked at once then fell silent and stared at each other for a second.

"You first."

"He wasn't supposed to be here in the first place, he was supposed to stay back at the cottage." Remus replied when there was no reply. "But no, he had to come, out of pure curiosity."

"So?" challenged the aforementioned godfather who then turned to Harry. "Your turn."

"I was-" A little scared? "Curious, nobody else was around when I woke up, so I decided to look around." was the simple reply.

"And you thought that wise, after..what happened this morning?" Arabella quizzed gently.

"I-" he started a response but it faded when he looked into her sapphire eyes. "I'm sorry." was all he could muster up.

"You've no reason to be sorry Harry." another voice broke his gaze from the older woman's eyes, causing him to look up.

"Professor Dumbledore?"

"Yes, I..got here as soon as I possibly could." the elder wizard said softly as he surveyed the boy whom he considered a grandson sorrowfully. "Truly I never could have imagined.."

"Nobody could have Albus." Arabella murmured and offered him her seat as she stood.

"Harry, I must deeply apologize for allowing this to go on for as long as it has.."

"What? oh, oh wait. No, it-it was never." he stopped suddenly as his eyes misted in deep thought.

"It was never what Harry?" Sirius prodded gently ignoring a glare from Remus.

"Nothing, nevermind." he muttered, "can we please just drop it?"

"Har-" Sirius started but a sharp look from Remus finally shut him up.

"Of course we can..but Harry, know that if you need to talk--" Arabella started.

"I know, I can always come to any of you, don't worry." he said putting forth a smile that even he somewhat believed true.

"Now about living arrangements." Albus started but was cut off by nearly everybody in the room speaking at once.

"I will not have him back there."

"He can stay with me." followed immediately by "You don't have a place, you live with me."

"If you'll let me continue." he raised his voice slightly and settled the now three bickering friends and cast a small smile in Harry's direction. "I was going to say, it is no longer safe for him to return to his relative's and he shall be staying with Arabella for the rest of the summer, barring further complications of course." this was said with a hint of both humor and seriousness.

Sirius grudgingly agreed only after being assured that he could visit from time to time, and Remus heartily agreed while Arabella just smiled warmly at Harry and nodded.

"Then, Remus, Sirius if you'll accompany me, I have a task I must ask you two to perform for me." he said and stood up, smiling at Arabella.

Remus smiled at Harry assuringly, while Sirius came down for as firm a hug as he could manage. "You ever need to talk you know where to find me.." he whispered, the anger in his eyes betraying the smile on his face.

"I know Sirius, and thank you."

With that all three left through the fire leaving Harry and Arabella alone.

"Well.." he started suddenly unsure of what to say.

"You don't have to be talkative right now, child, don't worry. Would you like something to drink or eat before I go and fix up the bedroom you'll be staying in?" she asked as she sat down next to him.

"Well, this is going to seem weird, but..Lemon and honeysuckle tea would be nice."

Her eyebrows raised. "So I see not everything about visiting my mother was a horrible experience was it now."

"You're mother? Mrs. Figg?"

"Yeah, Arcane Mercedes Figg, played the part of a muggle well.." she then trailed off and her mouth twitched slightly. "Too well if you ask me, took me nearly two days to clean this bloody place, and still I'm not done, honestly.." she stopped and laughed as if to some silent joke.

"Mind my asking what's so amusing?" Harry asked.

"My mum, never you mind Harry, I'll go start on that tea for you, but I want you to lay down, please?"

He smiled and complied suddenly feeling a warm comfort from this place he'd call home for the whole of 9 weeks.

"Thank you very much." she said and hopped up quickly and started for the kitchen, returning only 10 minutes later with a steaming cup of tea.

"Thanks." he said and took it from her and took a sip letting the warmth it bred spread through his body as he closed his eyes happily.

"You should thank my mother, that's her own special blend-Lemon and Honeysuckle with a hint of a special ingredient.." Arabella smiled again and after confirming he didn't need anything else hurried upstairs leaving Harry alone with his tea, and thoughts.

------

It was a bit longer before Harry saw Arabella again, about two and a half hours if the clock on the wall was correct, by then the tea had been finished, the magazine on the table "Witches Fashion Weekly" had been read through, twice, and Harry had wandered about the room (albeit painfully) 6 times at odd intervals.

"Well, there, all finished, come on up Harry." the elder witch said as she ushered him up the stairwell and to the second room on the right.

Upon looking in Harry stared, it was amazing. A regular type bed was decorated with Gryffindor colors, Crimson Red and Gold lining, there was a desk next to the bed just under a large window that was currently opened, the deep blue curtains where nearly motionless save for the occasional flutter in the rather cool breeze as moonlight poured in illuminating the hard wood floors and the closet on the other side of the room. A shelf was opposite of the bed next to the entrance of the room that held various books, quills, parchments, and pictures, as well as a few medallions.

"It was my sons room when he stayed here, moved out only recently, of both mine and my mothers homes, graduated from Hogwarts a couple years ago, spoke rather avidly of you of course, you're flying skills and all." she said smiling. "He was a proud Gryffindor, even if he wasn't a Prefect or Head Boy."

"This room is great Arabella, I mean, it's absolutely amazing." Harry said as he walked in further and looked at her.

"Well, I really didn't need to change too much, just get clean sheets and dust, Merlins beard, just when I thought I had finished dusting it seems another layer or two have settled in. Anyways, I hope the room is to your liking, and you can call me Bell if you wish." she chuckled. "Nickname from way back."

Harry noticed his trunk and things in the corner next to the desk and he smiled. "Alright, thank you again Ar..Bell."

"Well, you really should get to bed, I'm going to mix up a quick potion for you and I expect you to take it. It's for the pain, it'll help you get to sleep." she said sternly. "And you can write to your friends later on, it's nearly midnight..I want you to rest up you hear? Because soon enough I'll be taking you to Diagon Alley to get your stuff."

"Alright.." he replied and when she left slowly got ready for bed, his arm was swollen that was the first thing he noticed, he probably should tell Arabella, but she's already got enough to worry about, besides it's not that bad..is it?

Soon enough she returned with a goblet of indigo potion in her hands, and she set it handed it to him once he had settled into bed. "Now, you'll be needing to take this for at least the next month or so if you want to move around, maybe more depending on how well all your, ahem, wounds heal." she said raising an eyebrow again as if lost in her own thoughts.

"Yes ma'am." Harry replied and surveyed the potion, but swallowed the whole thing within three drinks and lay down again as a particular warm dulling feeling swept through the entirety of his body, as if a blanket was wrapped about him, dampening all the pain. He fought to stay awake and realized that she must have slipped a drop or two of sleep potion into it, the last thing he saw was her shutting the door before the blissful darkness surrounded him and he slipped into sleep.

Upon opening his eyes Harry realized he was no longer within the safe confines of Mrs. Figgs house, but in a dark forest, with a particularly dreary atmosphere.

Taking in the scene of twisted roots, and freshly fallen leaves that crackled and crunched softly around him he noticed immediately that something was definitely wrong, a sense of foreboding was the first thing he felt as he swiftly surveyed where he was and caught sight of a shadow as it disappeared behind another tree. But suddenly he heard something, a whisper, so soft and misleading that it could have easily been mistaken for a winds caress.

Without warning the shadows shifted, as if by their own will and the whisper was heard again, a little louder, but farther away, he started towards it curiosity taking over any sense of judgment.

After a while of walking, as he unconsciously studied the raggedness of his breath, he sighed and stopped to lean near a tree.

But when his eyes curiously wandered to his support he all but threw himself backwards with a startled cry.

For there, shrouded in shadows and a murky glow, was the body of Cedric Diggory, eyes wide with inconceivable surprise, the look he wore at death.

"No.." he whispered. "God no, not this, not now.." he stumbled backwards again closing his eyes and averted his gaze.

He could almost hear the accusing voice of the boys lost soul, charging him with the murder, and sentencing him to sufferance for his crime.

"Please no, Cedric I'm-I'm sorry, I know I should have taken the cup.." he muttered, then felt an intense chill run through his body, engulfing him before he fell to the ground unable to move at all.

Soon a figure, the same figure he thought he'd seen before appeared, this time closer, cloaked in darkness and a dagger in their hand. He tried to back up, but he only found himself frozen to the spot, a hidden terror in his eyes as they drew closer. For a moment he could have sworn he could the person whisper, "Murderer" but had no time to think because before he could react he saw the eyes of the shadow, intense ice blue and shimmering in the pale moonlight, no sign of hatred, no sign of peace.. and with that realization came the action of a swing with the dagger as they brought it down towards Harry.

"Nooo!!!!"

The sound reverberated off the walls as Harry shot up in bed, shivering violently as he wrapped his arms around himself struggling to control his breathing.

Silence reigned for a moment and he thought at first that nothing had changed, until Arabella suddenly burst through the door looking terribly distraught wand clutched tightly in her hand, until she saw Harry, who then hurriedly dropped his arms to his side.

"What happened? Harry, what's the matter?"

"Nothing.." he said rather unconvincingly.

"I don't believe that, and you know it. " she said as she went the side of his bed and sat down looking at him sadly, as the pre-dawn shadows played across his face adding, what had to be too many years to his adolescent face, but as he shifted they were gone.

"It was just a dream." wasn't it? His scar didn't hurt in the least, not even a headache, the pain potion was still in effect as well. "Just a dream." He repeated, mostly trying to assure himself.

"Care to tell me about it?" Arabella asked softly.

"Not particularly.."

Getting a semi-defeated look she ventured one more question. "Does it, have to do with yesterday's events?"

This seemed to be a good way to avoid any further questioning so he nodded slowly, avoiding eye contact.

And it seemed to be a good answer because she pulled him into a hug. "That's understandable dear, truly it is..Would you like a dreamless sleep potion?" she offered.

"No..no that's alright Bell. I'm pretty sure it won't happen again."

Skepticism graced her features but she accepted his word and stood up and walked to the door, turning around she cast him another questioning gaze then left.

Harry lay back down again, and fell into a timid sleep, not even realizing that for those few minutes his eyesight, just after waking, was crystal clear, without his glasses.

-----

The next few weeks almost flew by, spending most of his time in bed (with his glasses on), or lounging on the couch downstairs and reading and counting the days till his 15th birthday, which would be coming in about 3 days, and thankfully it was a rare occurrence, the dreams, and his scar, which tended to tingle or throb slightly every so often kept to a minimum as well.

Except for one vision type dream, which he forgot, it involved (if he really struggled to remember) a little girl..and a boy with light brown hair, and pain. Other than that, he just got a headache..so he put it to the back of his mind.

"So, Harry, you feeling up to a trip to Diagon Alley?" Arabella asked as she flounced into the room at 9:30 that Friday morning.

"Yeah, I am actually, too bad we couldn't invite Ron and Hermione..I wonder where they've gotten to." he wondered aloud.

"Don't worry, you sent a letter to Hermione a week ago right? well wasn't it you who told me she was going to visit that friend of hers? Victor Krum was it? Wouldn't it take a while to for Hedwig to get there, and certainly she'd need a rest." Arabella soothed, quelling the sudden concern rising from her young charge.

"That's true, I guess I should have thought of that sooner." and with that he stood up and looked around. "How are we getting there?" he asked.

"Floo Powder." came the simple reply, which was accompanied by a groan on Harry's part. "Oh, come now Harry, it's the quickest way to get there. Besides we're already connected, so don't even try to talk your way out of it." she said as he opened his mouth to argue.

He glared at her mock evilly and sighed inwardly as she waved her wand at the empty fireplace, "Incendio." with that a fire sprang up and she pulled a little pouch off the top of the fireplace and offered it to Harry, who silently took some of the powder.. "Here, to the leaky cauldron Harry."

"Right then.." he threw the powder in and the flames flared to a emerald green and he stepped in, feeling the warmth surround him. "The Leaky Cauldron!" and immediately he began tumbling through the Floo system, various fireplaces passing by, and when it became too much for him he closed his eyes and then stopped himself by grabbing onto the sides of the Fireplace that he stumbled out of, and nearly fell, but succeeded in not.

Coughing he brushed himself off as the chatter in the room died and he looked up, wipe some soot off his face, smiled a little the people in the room who then went back to talking as Arabella appeared with a pop next to him.

"Oh sure, you can apparate..." he muttered but she merely smiled and wiped some more soot off his shoulders and led him towards the back room with a smile and wave to Tom.

Tapping the brick three times, the doorway to Diagon Alley appeared and they stopped and looked around.

"Wait, Bell.." Harry suddenly said in realization, he hadn't gotten his letter.

"Don't worry, I have it here Harry. Got it a couple days ago, and then completely forgot about it. Oh, you've been made a prefect by the way." she said absently as she read over the letter and list silently.

"Wait, what?" Harry said shocked.

"Yeah, Prefect, congratulations." she said brightly as she looked at him then muttered something. "We'll be having to get you some new clothes, can't have you wearing that blasted stuff your relative's made you wear, and I believe some new robes, you grown much since last year?"

"No, not really, maybe an inch or two." he replied sullenly.

"That'll change soon dear, trust me, soon as we get you fed up well enough, you'll grow." she reassured.

Another thing occured to Harry as she spoke softly mostly reading the letter., "Wait, how did YOU get my letter and not me."

"Well you received it last week, and for some reason you slept for a day and a half, I do believe it was the fact you helped me in the garden, exhausted yourself I dare say. But, well..oh I'll just out and say it." she said and got a little closer and whispered softly. "I'm the newest Defense Against the Dark Arts professor this year." though she conveniently left out another half of that.

After a moment of silence he grinned and then sighed again. "Tell Dumbledore I don't want to be a prefect, offer it to Ron, in fact I'd prefer if he gave it to Ron and not me."

This made Arabella get a thoughtful look and she nodded. "Right, I'll definitely do that. Ok?"

"Sounds good."

"We'll get your books first alright? Follow me." with that they set off, talking about the coming school year, or anything in particular.

--------

It took nearly four hours but they finally got everything, including new potions supplies for Professor Snape's class, as well as some extra's she was sure Harry would need. New robes, and another package which she kept secret from him, and new clothes, sweaters, trainers, jumpers..everything.

"Really Bell, I should pay you back for all this." Harry said as he thankfully placed his stuff down on a table.

"No, you shouldn't. You're not the only one with a small fortune, besides you're under my care, you're my charge, if I wish to spoil you a little, who should you be to argue." she said matter-of-factly and smiled.

This caused him to laugh a little, "True, guess I shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth hm?"

And every time he tried to catch a peek at one of the books she had bought, which had an interesting binding, and was surely not on the list, she'd distract him.

So, by the time they returned back to her house that day, Harry was exhausted once again and he let himself collapse onto the couch, and before Arabella could even get fully out of the fireplace he'd fallen into a, thankfully, dreamless sleep.

-------

His birthday had come and gone thankfully uneventful, no terrible nightmares, no waking up at midnight or so with the empty feeling he usually got. He found out not too long after he'd woken up that day that the extra package was a new set of Dress Robes, particularly elegant; Pure white with Gold Trim and foreign designs that he couldn't make out.

She'd given them to him as his old robes, had, yes shrunk since the last time he'd warn them, "plus," she added as he tried them on that very same day. "These were your fathers favorite colors."

That had stopped him dead in his tracks, a strange feeling rushed to his chest, it wasn't painful, more like...melancholy. Another James Potter will be seen now at the next Ball.. he thought to himself as he put the robes in his trunk, ran a hand through his messy black hair and took his homework downstairs, and, as she'd offered over a rather lavish meal for the two of them (as well as cake) , studied over some of the subjects, such as potions, which he finally caught up in, and DADA, which he naturally exelled at, was just a basic run down of certain facts and theories.

All in all, for a change, it was a pretty normal birthday. Which was both good and bad, in Harry's opinion.

-----

August 2nd brought some excellent news. "Fancy a trip to Hogsmeade today Harry?" Arabella had asked him as he groggily entered the kitchen that morning.

"Yeah, that'd be great!" he said then perked up again when he saw two letters sitting on the table next to breakfast, as well as a sleepy Hedwig. "Hedwig!" he exclaimed as he sat down, she hooted sleepily. "You can go sleep now, alright? Take a nice long nap.." he said soothingly as he ran a hand through her soft feathers. She hooted again, dipped her beak in his juice and took off.

Arabella smiled at him over her cup of tea, "Well, you going to open them?"

He took a bite of toast and then opened the first one, which had Hermione's neat writing.

Dear Harry,

I'm terribly sorry about not getting back to you sooner than right now, if you get this after your birthday, Happy belated birthday! It looks like Hedwigs really tired, after all the trip must have been excruciatingly long for her, so I'll give you your present on the Hogwarts express alright?

Have you heard from Snuffles or Ron yet? He didn't seem very talkative in his last reply I sent from Viktors place, by the way, again if you get this after your birthday I'm probably back home. We were only staying until July 30th. It was simply divine here, if a little cool. I'll tell you all about it when I next see you alright?

I hope this letter finds you well Harry, I really miss you a lot.

Oh! You'll never guess what! I've been made a prefect!!!! Isn't that great? I was so shocked when I received it, my parents are so proud of me. I hope you had a great birthday, if you can, tell Ron off for me for being such a prat.

Sending all my love,

Hermione,

Harry smiled at this, relieved that she was still alive and well.

"I take it everything's ok with one of your friends?"

"Yup, only problem is seems Ron's being a little prattish towards her. Maybe this letter will explain why." he said and picked up his other friends letter.

Hey Harry,

Can you believe this? Hermione's basically spending the entire summer with Vicky! it's positively the stupidest thing I've ever heard! And of all the nerve, her accusing me of being jealous. Where does she got off hm? I most certainly am not.

Anyways mate, how are you holding up, your last letter sorta sounded a little off sorry it took me so long to reply by the way. Kind of got a little hectic around here after a really interesting prank of Fred and Georges went off in its experimental stage, mum was furious! Everything alright over there? Them muggles aren't giving you any grief are they? I hope not.

Well I'd better be going, Mom wants me downstairs to help with supper.

Oy, and Happy birthday, I don't trust Pig with the present I got you so I'll give it to you on the train, alright?

Ron,

PS: can you believe it? Fred and George got me new dress robes, and something else, I'll tell you about that later as well!

He had to laugh aloud at this letter. He just hoped they patched things up, it's one thing to be without one of your friends, but being thrown into the middle of an all out battle, was even worse.

"What's so funny?"

"Ron and Hermione are arguing, according to Hermione, Ron's jealous of Viktor Krum, the guy she visited for most of the summer. But according to Ron, Hermione's being the prat just by associating with him, and I just want them to stop fighting before they see me, cause I'll be expected to take sides, and either way I'll lose."

"Hmm..sounds like an interesting predicament you got yourself there kid, but it'll all work out, always does, trust me, I have experience in this area of expertise, after all, I had your parents, and godfather for friends as a teen, I'll be back, eat up we're heading to Hogsmeade in an hour and a half through floo, I've got Vi connected already.."

She left him with an earful, and his thoughts jumbled. Her, Sirius and Remus were friends, she just told him she was friends with his parents, and he hadn't asked her about them yet..

That's one thing I can do later then..he resolved as he ate a bit more toast and some of the bacon and eggs before going up and getting ready to go himself.

And within the hour they had both arrived at an unfamiliar house to Harry.

"Vi? Vi, are you here?" Arabella called out as Harry regained his balance.

"I'll be right down Bell!" a muffled voice called from the second floor of the house.

"We should be off in a few minutes ok Harry?" no response. "Harry.." upon turning around she found him staring at a few pictures on the wall.

"Who are they?" he questioned when she came up to his side.

"Anne and Annette, Vi's kids. They're twins and the most adorable girls you'll ever see." Arabella said lovingly and Harry took in the picture. Two brunettes sitting on swings and talking silently between one another, only difference was the girl on the left bore short hair and a braver stature than the girl on the right who's hair tumbled down in thick ringlets framing her face, and she seemed more reserved.

"They look just about 11...are they going to Hogwarts this year?" Harry asked in curiosity. It'd be interesting to see these two in person.

"Yes, they are.." another voice announced from the doorway and both Arabella and Harry looked over to see Vi's (short for Vienna, pronounced Vee) smiling face. "They got their letters a couple of weeks ago and were terribly excited."

"That's wonderful Vi!! Oh, you and Andrew must be so proud. " Arabella added exuberantly.

"Yeah, congratulations." Harry said with a smile.

Vienna examined him closely but never once (to Harry's relief) did her eyes flicker to his forehead. "So Harry, 5th year at Hogwarts this year hm? How the time fly's.." she said smiling fondly as she wandered into the room and gave Arabella a hug.

Suddenly Arabella looked around. "Where are the girls by the way, I wanted to introduce Harry before we set off."

"They're at a friends house just down the way Bell, sorry."

"Oh, well then some other time I suppose. Well come along Harry, don't have very long--" without warning something blew into the window and pelted Arabella in the back of the head. "What?" she asked and caught it. Turned out to be an owl not that different from Rons owl Pig. "Oh dear.." she murmured and took the piece of parchment off the owls leg and it zoomed out of her hand, ricocheted off Harry's head and then burst out the window again.

"Bugger, that hurt.." Harry mumbled and watched as Arabella suddenly went pale and her hands began to shake as the sheaf dropped to the floor. "Bell?" he asked and took a step forward.

"Bella, what's the matter hun?" Vi asked and approached her friend, then picked up the parchment when she received no answers, and gasped and dropped it again as if she'd been burnt. "Oh my god..Arabella!" she exclaimed and pulled her into a tight hug as the other woman's legs went weak.

"What's going on, what happened?" Harry pressed then grabbed the parchment and read, paling as he did.

Arabella,

I'm terribly sorry to inform you of this in such an impersonal way but Greggory is dead...the village in which he was in was attacked, he was protecting a little girl from a death eater...it was a quick death however, please come to Hogwarts immediately...we must speak.

Albus

He was speechless as he looked up from the note to see the woman whom he considered a friend pulling from the hug and gain control of herself, though she had shed no tears, and then the thought of the dream struck him.

"Bell.."

"I need to go Harry, but you'll have to come with me I believe, I can't send you back to my mothers place." he remained silent and nodded, just wishing that there was something more he could do to help her.

"No Bella he won't come with you. He'll be staying here with me, he's 15 and can take care of himself, besides you know I'm an auror I can take care of him for you. Headmaster Dumbledore obviously wishes to talk to you, and it's private. Harry doesn't need to be there, and he certainly doesn't need to be left at that terribly large school wandering about bored out of his mind, do you dear?" Vienna interrupted and moved behind Harry putting her hands on his shoulders.

"No I don't actually, I mean, I wouldn't want to be a bother to you Bell." he said softly and she just tilted her head.

"You wouldn't be a bother to me Harry, but Vi's got a point..you're a teenager. Besides this'll be the last time I could get you to Hogsmeade, would you mind staying here while I go? And Vi, are you sure you wouldn't mind taking him with you and the girls today? Since I'm assuming you plan on going."

"Don't you worry one bit Arabella Figg, you just go talk to Dumbledore, Harry will be fine and it'll all be well. When do you plan to be back, or should we just have him here for the night." was the only thing Vienna said.

"I don't know, if it's going to be past 9 or 10 tonight I'll just say have him stay here for the time being. I don't know what he wants to talk to me about, unless there's something more about..Greggory that I need to know. I think I know what it's about though." she stopped and again tried to keep herself from crying.

"Then go! And I want to hear about it, if you can tell me that is. And..you have to promise me." she said looking to Harry for a second. "That you'll allow yourself time to grieve..don't put up that brave front you hear?" she chided her friend gently then hugged her.

"I know Vi, I know. Harry, you take care all right? I know this is going to sound like I'm speaking to a child but I want you to listen to everything she says all right? Don't wander, and try not to get into any trouble and I'm sorry for just dropping you like this.." she said casting a small apologetic smile towards him.

"Would you just go? Trust me, you aren't just 'dropping me' go! This is way more important." he said and she smiled gratefully at the two of them then disappeared with a pop.

Vienna then turned to Harry and smiled softly but obviously her mind was elsewhere. "I'll go call the girls give them instructions and all, we can head out early, make yourself comfortable..and there's some butterbeer in the kitchen if you'd like some." she said and then turned around with a wave.

"Ok, and Vi..thanks."

"Thinking nothing of it child.." she said and left him alone, and to his thoughts as he read the note over again, and once more just to be sure. Arabella's son, the one she was obviously so proud of, dead.. all because of Voldemort and his death eaters. At this his insides turned for some reason, but he pushed any bad thoughts out of his mind. For a later time..

---------

Not too much later the two of them set out for the Three Broomsticks, talking about various things.

"Now, I guess I should tell you about the girls. Anne's very straight forward and confrontational, while Annette's kinda shy she's the same as I was as a child. They're both so good though. So if it happens that Anne wants to do one thing and Annette another, I do believe I can trust you to stay with either one. "

"Yes you can." he said just before they entered the familiar building.

"Mom!!" both heard from a booth near the back of the room as two girls came flying forward to throw themselves into their mother in a tight hug.

Laughingly Vienna smiled and returned the hugs. "Hey girls; how are you doing hm? Have fun over at Carries house?" and with their nods stood up. "Good, now I want to introduce somebody, I told you we'd be having company today. Anne, Annette, this is Harry Potter. Harry, these are my girls." she said hugging them to her side.

Both girls eyes lit up at the sight of him, but both remained silent till the short haired one (Anne) came up and shoved her hand out. "I'm Anne Bennings, nice to meet you Harry."

He smiled at this and took her hand shaking it. "Nice to meet you as well Anne, and you too Annette." he added to the girl who sort of smiled shly at him and waved.

"Well alright girls, what do we want to do?"

At this an interesting argument burst out.

"I want to go to that new book store near zonko's!"
"I wanna stay here!"

"No! we're not staying here we've been here for an hour already."
"Well I'm not going into that stupid book store!"
"Well I'm not staying here!"

"Girls girls!" Vi said as she cast Harry a long suffering grin and separated them. "How about this, Anne I'll go with you to the book store, Harry you stay here with Annette." she grinned at him and he nodded.

"Sounds fine with me."
"Yeah I'd like that." Annette finally spoke up and looked to Harry with a smile.

"Ok then, it's settled, how about this you two if you get bored of this place just head on over to the book store, or look around, but be careful." she said looking more at Harry than her daughter.

"We will don't worry." and with that reassurance Vi and Anne took off.

"So, what would you like Annette?"

"A Butterbeer please."

He chuckled. "Something tells me that's a favorite of yours hm?"

She nodded vigorously. "Well then, two butterbeers coming right up, head on back to the booth you and your sister had and I'll be right over alright?"

"Kay!" and with that they parted ways and he went over to the bar and stood by a stool waiting for Rosmerta to come over, and when she did she smiled brightly.

"Well goodday to you Harry dear, what can I get you?"

"Two butterbeers please."

"Comin' right up."

With that she went over to the otherside of the bar and that's when Harry noticed somebody next to him suddenly. They didn't make any motion of noticing him, but he got a curious look. Concealed in a deep red cloak the person looked to be about his age, but before he could do anything else two mugs were put infront of him. "Great, thanks." and he handed her some money and just before he could grab the mugs...

"Here, let me get that for you Potter." a cold voice said from next to him and he swiveled around to meet the gaze of two very cruel blue eyes.

"Malfoy.." he said and for some reason, just the sight of his rival made his blood boil, though when he saw another man walk into the bar with long blonde hair he remembered why and his eyes widened slightly.

"So Potter, where's Weasel and your mudblood girlfriend, they get lost or are you actually here on your own."

"Shove off Malfoy." he said and went to grab the mugs but stopped. "What's wrong, not going to fight, is that it Potter? Without your sidekick and girlfriend you're weak hm? Little poster child, plays the hero but is really deep down no more than a weak little incompetant know-nothing with idiots for friends. You disgust me Potter." Draco said scathingly and something in his words hit Harry, or atleast started too. He could feel something in the pit of his stomache, something like anger.

"Oh and what's this?" Draco's eyes slid beside Harry to find a brunette 11 year old standing next to him. "Robbing the cradle now? What she can't be more than 10 or 11, what are you going to tell Granger? You dumped her for a baby, that should make a good story.." he said and started towards Annette but Harry put his arm out emerald eyes narrowing dangerously, a familiar fire burning in his gaze.

At this the person in the cloak pulled Annette back behind them shielding her from the Draco's sight.

"Lay one hand on her Malfoy and I swear you won't live to regret it. " Harry said icily and felt a shift in the air suddenly.

"What kind of an empty threat is that Potter?" Draco said with a harsh laugh as Lucius smiled cruely, a glint in his eye that Harry didn't quite like.

"Harry? what's going on?" Annette asked softly.

"Nothing, would you just go back to the booth I'll take care of this." he said shortly never taking his eyes off Malfoy.

"You know Potter.." Draco said taking a step closer and lowering his voice to a very deadly whisper. "What makes you think you can protect a little girl on. your. own. when you yourself need bodyguards. You're a pathetic, weak little twit with no talent and only your fame to get you by in life. And soon enough that'll fade, just as soon as the dark lord brings you to your death. It's only a matter of time. " his eyes flashed maliciously, daring Harry to react, drawing him to reply.

Give me release, witness me..give me peace..and I wanted to believe that I'd get caught up, when the rage in me subsides... a voice protruded his thoughts, lending to the pent up energy that Harry felt building with each and every taunt from Draco.

In this white wave, I am sinking,In this silence, In this white wave...In this silence...I believe..

He could just feel it, growing ever stronger and begging for release..

His eyes shifted again to Lucius, then to Draco, and he could hear a vague humming accompanying the mysterious tune.. the taunting eyes, the whimpering from Annette, the muttering from the bar..everything seemed to dampen, and he could see a white light in his eyes instead of the room suddenly. The white light and it was growing brighter, pulsing in his view, consuming him till on the outside where everybody else could see his eyes went out of focus and flashed.

Then, in that instant, with that flash, the power that built up, set itself off like an invisible shockwave throughout the room and with the sound like that of a cracking whip glass shattered everywhere like hundreds of explosions in the waves path and Draco himself was flung backwards with a cry as he knocked into his father and fell to the ground unconsious.

In this white wave, you are silent, you are breathing in this white wave.. I am free..

Those words suddenly faded and with that Harry, not noticing the total chaos around him from the blast, or the cloaked figure walk from the bar untouched tumbled backwards into oblvion.

--------

Booya!
*grins broadly*

Those lyrics were from Delerium with the song "Silence"..

So hows that? lol, I think this is a bad trend for Him, going down into darkness..lol.