"What do you mean you sent it to her?" "I'm sorry father. Had I known
he had needed it, I would not have," "Yes I understand that, but why send
it to her in the first place?" "Well, I thought that I would poison her
mind. I know I should not have taken it,"
Lucoius Malfoy glared at his son before him. "Draco, I would have
expected better from you. Sometimes I wonder if you really are my son. But
no permanant harm has been done. Yes. . . Perhaps it is all for the better.
This way the girl has to be the sacrafice. I'm sure the Dark Lord will
desipointed it could not have been Potter, but you say the Mudblood and he
are friends?" Draco nodded. Lucious smiled a bit. "Well, use your head next
time," he sighed and his head vanished from the Slytherin Common room's
fire.
Harry stared down at the parchment Hermione had shoved under his nose. It read;
Bring the Veridian Green. fi you chose to ignore the warning we will fetch it. LORD VOLDEMORT ALWAYS PREVAILS
Harry's hands shook. Hermione Took the parchment back and handed it to Ron. his face was as white as glass as he gave it back to her. she stared down at it for a moment before letting out a yelp. the parchment burst into flame and withered on the floor where she dropped it. They recieved a few strange looks from some people in the common room but no one came over to investigate. "Harry what do I do?" Hermione whispered. Harry shook his head. "I'm going to the library," Hermione said as she stood up and headed towards the portrait hole. "Wait," Ron said and he bounded up the boys dormitory stairs. He came back a moment later carrying Harry's invisibility cloak. "Do you want us to come?" he asked quietly. Hermione shook her head. "I'll be back before morning," she said in a voice very unlike her own. A few people were still left in the common room, so Hermione shoved the cloak into her robes and headed swiftly out the portrait hole. She ran down the corridor and threw on the ivisibility cloak. She met no one in the corridors, which she used to her advantage and ran. She quickly found the books she was looking for; Soul Searching.
Harry woke before the sun rose that morning. He dimly remember dragging himself into bed last night after waiting up for Hermione. When she did not return he figured he'd sleep and talk to her in the morning. He walked down the stairs into the common room and looked around. There was no fire in the grate and no signs of anyone awake yet. He peered up the stairs to the girls dormitory. He listened for any noise and decided to check whether Hermione was back himself. He climbed very slowly to the top of the stairs. He winced as one of the stairs gave a tremendous creak. He stood still a moment and listened, and started off again when he heard nothing. He causiously opened the door labled "fifth years". He looked around and saw Lavender and Parvati sleeping in beds to the far right. Harry looked over to Hermione's and his heart sunk when he saw it was still made and empty. He crept back down the stairs and climbed out the portrait hole. The fat lady gave a grunt in her sleep as it slid shut. Harry was sure he wouldn't get in any real trouble if a teacher walked by, but he kept his ears sharp just incase. He made his way to the library and peaked in. Everything was dark. He stepped in and walked around to the back behind the bookshelves. Sure enough, there was Hermione sound asleep on top of a book. The ivisibility cloak, having slipped off, lay on the floor. Harry shook her shoulder lightly. She mumbled something and moved her head. "Hermione, wake up!" Harry shook again. She lifted her head and opened her eyes. "What time is it?" she asked groggily. "A little past four. C'mon back to the common room," Hermione nodded and closed the book. She shoved it back into it's shelf and followed Harry out of the library. "Are you alright? You're dead pale," he said as he gently laid a hand on her shoulder. She nodded and walked a little slower. He noticed her clutching something in her hand. "What's that?" he asked motioning towards it. She stopped walking and opened her fist. Inside was the necklace with the green stone. "It's the Veridian Green," she whispered. Harry's eyes widened. "You mean this is what Voldemort wants?" he asked. She nodded. "Who sent it to you?" Hermione just looked away and shook her head. Harry felt extremely sorry for her just then. Her lip trembled as she looked hard at the floor. He slowly put his arms around her and she buried her face in his shoulder. She shook as she cried silently. "I'm so scared Harry. I'm not brave like you," she whispered. Harry tried to speak, but the words would not come. They seperated and Hermione wiped tears from her face. Harry tugged lightly on her sleeve. "Let's keep moving," Hermione nodded. They made their way up to Gryffindor tower and through the portrait hole. "If you'd like to sleep, I'll tell the teachers that you don't feel well," Harry said softly. She nodded. "Thank you. Good night," Her gazed lingered on him a moment longer before she climbed the stairs to her dormitory. Hermione's mind spun with a million different thoughts. She couldn't think why someone would send her the Veridian Green. She hadn't even known it still existed. She hoped that they only wanted the necklace. . .
"Where's Hermoine?' Ron asked that morning at breakfast. "She's asleep," Harry answered. "I found her in the library at about four," He lowered his voice. "And the Veridian Green. It's that necklace she got. Doesn't make sense why she would have it though," Ron bit his lip. "Did she say anything else about it?" he asked. Harry shook his head. "I didn't want to push her. She didn't seem to want to talk about it much. But she'll tell us when she wants to," Professor McGonagall stood and cleared her throat. Everyone looked up. "Excuse me. There has been a conference called in the Ministry of Magic. Someone of the teachers have been asked to attend. We therefore ask your pardon, but there will be no classes for the day," There was a loud cheer from the students. Everyone started to talk excitedly about what they would do and how lucky they were becuase they didn't happen to finish their homework. Harry sighed with relief. It would be good to have time off. Perhaps no one would want to hang around in the common rrom. After all, it was the beggining of April and the sun was shining. Harry was just thinking about getting a nap in when a wooshing filled the hall. A thousand owls swooped in and began delivering parcels to various students. Harry instictively looked for any sign of white among the owls but didn't spot any. However., he did recieve a rolled up piece of parchment from a tiny brown minute owl.
Harry unrolled it and found it was from Sirius.
Dear, Harry, Hope you're well. I am writing to tell you that you should stay inside the castle today on your day off. Dumbledore told me about the meeting they are holding about the murder the other night. We both agree it would be better for you to not go outside unless you are with a teacher. There was a second sighting of Voldemort yesterday in Hogsmede. If you notice anything at all, go to one of the teachers and owl me immediately. Send my regards to Ron and Hermione. Keep safe. Sirus
Harry nudged Ron and handed him the letter. Ron sighed as he passed it back to Harry. "Blimey. Have you told him about Hermione's letter yet?" Harry shook his head. "I don't want to worry him any more than he is now. Besides, Dumbledore is here," Harry said and glanced up at the teachers table to where Dumbldore normally sat. He found himself looking at an empty chair. "Er, Harry? He left for that conference for the Ministry of Magic, Remember?" Ron said Harry nodded. "Oh, right," He pushed in his chair and stood. "I'm not hungry. I think I'll go see if Hermione's awake," Harry didn't wait for a response. He walked briskly out of the hall and started up the stairs towards Gryffindor tower.
Harry opened the door to the girl's dormitory very slowly and stepped inside. He jumped back as Hermione jerked her head up to look at him. "Harry! You nearly scared me to death!" she gasped. "What time is it? Shouldn't you be in class?" Harry shook his head and explained about the meeting at the Ministry. "Oh good," she said. "Then I won't miss any homework," "Did you get any sleep?" Harry asked. Hermione sat up and shrugged. "Not much. It's hard to sleep with so much on your mind," Harry nodded. "May I ask what exactly you found out in that book you were reading last night?" Hermione looked down at her knees. "Well, I just need a little more time to think it over. Anyways, we should probably wait for Ron before I explain anything," Hermione looked up at him. "You don't mind do you?" she asked hopefully. Harry smiled and sat down at the edge of her bed. "Of course not. I just need to know one thing," he said slowly. Hermione looked back down at her knees. "I need to know whether or not you plan to tell Dumbledore about all this," he said softly. "You know, he could help you," Harry added hopfully. Hermoine nodded. "I've been thinking about that. I'll talk to him as soon as I can," she sighed. Harry smiled and took up her hand. "I know everything will work out, just don't loose faith," He could tell Hermione was fighting back tears. She wiped her eyes and nodded. "Thank you," she said meekly. He stood up and made his way to the door. "Will you be down any time soon?," he asked. Hermione shrugged. "I think I'm going to try and get a few more hours of sleep in. I'm dead tired," Harry smiled and nodded. "We'll be right in the common room if you need anything," Harry closed the door to the dormitory and walked slowly back down the staircase. He ran straight into Ron as he emerged into the common room. "Blimey Harry! Watch out! You nearly gave me a heartattack," Ron said and shook his head. "Is she awake?" Harry nodded. "But she is going to try and get a little more sleep. She said she didn't want to tell us about what she found out just yet," Ron nodded, a little disappointed.
It was about seven o'clock when Hermione finally emerged from the girls' dormitory. She looked pale as a ghost and she had big bags under her eyes. She sat down in a chair next to Harry and folded her legs beneath her. "Get any sleep?" Ron asked quietly. "Some," Hermione answered. "Do you feel okay?" Harry inquired. "Fine," was her responce. "Do you feel like talking at all?" Ron asked. Hermione opened her mouth to answer just as a tremendous boom shook the castle. Harry jumped to his feet. "What the bloody hell?" Ron murmered. A second boom, not as loud this time, shook the paintings on the walls. Hermione's eyes were big and her body trembled as she sat frozen in her seat. Harry saw that she had something clutched in her fist. He turned quickly towards her. "Hurry!" he said quickly. "What did you find in that book Hermione?" Hermione opened and closed her mouth several times as she stared straight ahead. "Hermione!" Harry said urgently as another boom shook the floors and several students screamed. He grabbed ahold of her shoulders. "You have to tell me what you found in that book!" Hermione shut her eyes tightly and whispered something Harry didn't hear. "What?" "The Sacrafice," she whispered hoarsly. "Dra`ga morte`" Harry threw a desperate look at Ron who nodded and ran up to the boys dormitory. Another boom resounded through-out the castle. "I can't understand what you're saying!" Harry said as he gave her shoulders a shake. "Soul, Dra`ga, Veridian Green," she rambled. Harry threw his arms around her instead and held her as she shook. Ron returned a moment later with a Mardurers Map. "It's Wormtail. Look, he's broken a gap in the wall here by the doors. He's heading this way," Harry paled. He grabbed Hermione and Ron's hands and pulled them out into the corridor. He glanced down at the map and ran in the other direction. It seemed that Wormtail could tell just where they were. A few more booms announced that he was getting nearer. Hermione was hardly moving her feet, or perhaps it was that she was scared, but Harry dragged her along as he went. He stopped at a dark corridor and glanced down it. This was the way to Dumbledore's office. "C'mon!" he yelled as he started off. He tried to pull Hermione by her hand, but it seemed her legs would not move. "Hermione! Move!" Harry said horrified. A tear made its way down her cheek. "The sacrafice has been chosen," she mumbled. Harry grabbed her around the waist and threw her over his shoulder. He ran with all his might down the corridor. He could see the stone gargoyl getting closer. Ron panted as he struggled to keep up. Harry locked his eyes on the gargoyl and gasp as Ron shouted, "Harry! Watch out!" A violent blast issued from the wall to his right and the three were thrown back onto the floor. Ron looked over to Hermione. Her eyes were glazed over and her face paler than white snow. Wormtail stepped through the rubble and stood in front of Hermione. "Where is the necklace girl?" he sneered. Hermione's eyes snapped to the man standing in front of her. Harry saw her fist tighten as she tried to push herself back. Wormtail grabbed her wrist and Hermoine let out a shriek of pain and surprise. "Let go of the necklace you bitch!" he spat at her. Harry jumped up and threw himself on top on Wormtail. "Let go of her you bloody bastard!" Ron screamed and he attempted to grab him around the neck.
Wormtail yelled in rage and sent them both flying into the wall with his silver hand. Harry gasped as the wind was knocked from his lungs. He felt blood trickle down his head. They fell to the ground and Harry spat some blood from his mouth. He tried to get up as he heard Hermoine scream in anger, but his vision was beginning to fade and the sounds around him getting fainter. "Soul Searching!" he heard Hermione shriek. "Soul Searching!" Blackness overtook him.
Harry stared down at the parchment Hermione had shoved under his nose. It read;
Bring the Veridian Green. fi you chose to ignore the warning we will fetch it. LORD VOLDEMORT ALWAYS PREVAILS
Harry's hands shook. Hermione Took the parchment back and handed it to Ron. his face was as white as glass as he gave it back to her. she stared down at it for a moment before letting out a yelp. the parchment burst into flame and withered on the floor where she dropped it. They recieved a few strange looks from some people in the common room but no one came over to investigate. "Harry what do I do?" Hermione whispered. Harry shook his head. "I'm going to the library," Hermione said as she stood up and headed towards the portrait hole. "Wait," Ron said and he bounded up the boys dormitory stairs. He came back a moment later carrying Harry's invisibility cloak. "Do you want us to come?" he asked quietly. Hermione shook her head. "I'll be back before morning," she said in a voice very unlike her own. A few people were still left in the common room, so Hermione shoved the cloak into her robes and headed swiftly out the portrait hole. She ran down the corridor and threw on the ivisibility cloak. She met no one in the corridors, which she used to her advantage and ran. She quickly found the books she was looking for; Soul Searching.
Harry woke before the sun rose that morning. He dimly remember dragging himself into bed last night after waiting up for Hermione. When she did not return he figured he'd sleep and talk to her in the morning. He walked down the stairs into the common room and looked around. There was no fire in the grate and no signs of anyone awake yet. He peered up the stairs to the girls dormitory. He listened for any noise and decided to check whether Hermione was back himself. He climbed very slowly to the top of the stairs. He winced as one of the stairs gave a tremendous creak. He stood still a moment and listened, and started off again when he heard nothing. He causiously opened the door labled "fifth years". He looked around and saw Lavender and Parvati sleeping in beds to the far right. Harry looked over to Hermione's and his heart sunk when he saw it was still made and empty. He crept back down the stairs and climbed out the portrait hole. The fat lady gave a grunt in her sleep as it slid shut. Harry was sure he wouldn't get in any real trouble if a teacher walked by, but he kept his ears sharp just incase. He made his way to the library and peaked in. Everything was dark. He stepped in and walked around to the back behind the bookshelves. Sure enough, there was Hermione sound asleep on top of a book. The ivisibility cloak, having slipped off, lay on the floor. Harry shook her shoulder lightly. She mumbled something and moved her head. "Hermione, wake up!" Harry shook again. She lifted her head and opened her eyes. "What time is it?" she asked groggily. "A little past four. C'mon back to the common room," Hermione nodded and closed the book. She shoved it back into it's shelf and followed Harry out of the library. "Are you alright? You're dead pale," he said as he gently laid a hand on her shoulder. She nodded and walked a little slower. He noticed her clutching something in her hand. "What's that?" he asked motioning towards it. She stopped walking and opened her fist. Inside was the necklace with the green stone. "It's the Veridian Green," she whispered. Harry's eyes widened. "You mean this is what Voldemort wants?" he asked. She nodded. "Who sent it to you?" Hermione just looked away and shook her head. Harry felt extremely sorry for her just then. Her lip trembled as she looked hard at the floor. He slowly put his arms around her and she buried her face in his shoulder. She shook as she cried silently. "I'm so scared Harry. I'm not brave like you," she whispered. Harry tried to speak, but the words would not come. They seperated and Hermione wiped tears from her face. Harry tugged lightly on her sleeve. "Let's keep moving," Hermione nodded. They made their way up to Gryffindor tower and through the portrait hole. "If you'd like to sleep, I'll tell the teachers that you don't feel well," Harry said softly. She nodded. "Thank you. Good night," Her gazed lingered on him a moment longer before she climbed the stairs to her dormitory. Hermione's mind spun with a million different thoughts. She couldn't think why someone would send her the Veridian Green. She hadn't even known it still existed. She hoped that they only wanted the necklace. . .
"Where's Hermoine?' Ron asked that morning at breakfast. "She's asleep," Harry answered. "I found her in the library at about four," He lowered his voice. "And the Veridian Green. It's that necklace she got. Doesn't make sense why she would have it though," Ron bit his lip. "Did she say anything else about it?" he asked. Harry shook his head. "I didn't want to push her. She didn't seem to want to talk about it much. But she'll tell us when she wants to," Professor McGonagall stood and cleared her throat. Everyone looked up. "Excuse me. There has been a conference called in the Ministry of Magic. Someone of the teachers have been asked to attend. We therefore ask your pardon, but there will be no classes for the day," There was a loud cheer from the students. Everyone started to talk excitedly about what they would do and how lucky they were becuase they didn't happen to finish their homework. Harry sighed with relief. It would be good to have time off. Perhaps no one would want to hang around in the common rrom. After all, it was the beggining of April and the sun was shining. Harry was just thinking about getting a nap in when a wooshing filled the hall. A thousand owls swooped in and began delivering parcels to various students. Harry instictively looked for any sign of white among the owls but didn't spot any. However., he did recieve a rolled up piece of parchment from a tiny brown minute owl.
Harry unrolled it and found it was from Sirius.
Dear, Harry, Hope you're well. I am writing to tell you that you should stay inside the castle today on your day off. Dumbledore told me about the meeting they are holding about the murder the other night. We both agree it would be better for you to not go outside unless you are with a teacher. There was a second sighting of Voldemort yesterday in Hogsmede. If you notice anything at all, go to one of the teachers and owl me immediately. Send my regards to Ron and Hermione. Keep safe. Sirus
Harry nudged Ron and handed him the letter. Ron sighed as he passed it back to Harry. "Blimey. Have you told him about Hermione's letter yet?" Harry shook his head. "I don't want to worry him any more than he is now. Besides, Dumbledore is here," Harry said and glanced up at the teachers table to where Dumbldore normally sat. He found himself looking at an empty chair. "Er, Harry? He left for that conference for the Ministry of Magic, Remember?" Ron said Harry nodded. "Oh, right," He pushed in his chair and stood. "I'm not hungry. I think I'll go see if Hermione's awake," Harry didn't wait for a response. He walked briskly out of the hall and started up the stairs towards Gryffindor tower.
Harry opened the door to the girl's dormitory very slowly and stepped inside. He jumped back as Hermione jerked her head up to look at him. "Harry! You nearly scared me to death!" she gasped. "What time is it? Shouldn't you be in class?" Harry shook his head and explained about the meeting at the Ministry. "Oh good," she said. "Then I won't miss any homework," "Did you get any sleep?" Harry asked. Hermione sat up and shrugged. "Not much. It's hard to sleep with so much on your mind," Harry nodded. "May I ask what exactly you found out in that book you were reading last night?" Hermione looked down at her knees. "Well, I just need a little more time to think it over. Anyways, we should probably wait for Ron before I explain anything," Hermione looked up at him. "You don't mind do you?" she asked hopefully. Harry smiled and sat down at the edge of her bed. "Of course not. I just need to know one thing," he said slowly. Hermione looked back down at her knees. "I need to know whether or not you plan to tell Dumbledore about all this," he said softly. "You know, he could help you," Harry added hopfully. Hermoine nodded. "I've been thinking about that. I'll talk to him as soon as I can," she sighed. Harry smiled and took up her hand. "I know everything will work out, just don't loose faith," He could tell Hermione was fighting back tears. She wiped her eyes and nodded. "Thank you," she said meekly. He stood up and made his way to the door. "Will you be down any time soon?," he asked. Hermione shrugged. "I think I'm going to try and get a few more hours of sleep in. I'm dead tired," Harry smiled and nodded. "We'll be right in the common room if you need anything," Harry closed the door to the dormitory and walked slowly back down the staircase. He ran straight into Ron as he emerged into the common room. "Blimey Harry! Watch out! You nearly gave me a heartattack," Ron said and shook his head. "Is she awake?" Harry nodded. "But she is going to try and get a little more sleep. She said she didn't want to tell us about what she found out just yet," Ron nodded, a little disappointed.
It was about seven o'clock when Hermione finally emerged from the girls' dormitory. She looked pale as a ghost and she had big bags under her eyes. She sat down in a chair next to Harry and folded her legs beneath her. "Get any sleep?" Ron asked quietly. "Some," Hermione answered. "Do you feel okay?" Harry inquired. "Fine," was her responce. "Do you feel like talking at all?" Ron asked. Hermione opened her mouth to answer just as a tremendous boom shook the castle. Harry jumped to his feet. "What the bloody hell?" Ron murmered. A second boom, not as loud this time, shook the paintings on the walls. Hermione's eyes were big and her body trembled as she sat frozen in her seat. Harry saw that she had something clutched in her fist. He turned quickly towards her. "Hurry!" he said quickly. "What did you find in that book Hermione?" Hermione opened and closed her mouth several times as she stared straight ahead. "Hermione!" Harry said urgently as another boom shook the floors and several students screamed. He grabbed ahold of her shoulders. "You have to tell me what you found in that book!" Hermione shut her eyes tightly and whispered something Harry didn't hear. "What?" "The Sacrafice," she whispered hoarsly. "Dra`ga morte`" Harry threw a desperate look at Ron who nodded and ran up to the boys dormitory. Another boom resounded through-out the castle. "I can't understand what you're saying!" Harry said as he gave her shoulders a shake. "Soul, Dra`ga, Veridian Green," she rambled. Harry threw his arms around her instead and held her as she shook. Ron returned a moment later with a Mardurers Map. "It's Wormtail. Look, he's broken a gap in the wall here by the doors. He's heading this way," Harry paled. He grabbed Hermione and Ron's hands and pulled them out into the corridor. He glanced down at the map and ran in the other direction. It seemed that Wormtail could tell just where they were. A few more booms announced that he was getting nearer. Hermione was hardly moving her feet, or perhaps it was that she was scared, but Harry dragged her along as he went. He stopped at a dark corridor and glanced down it. This was the way to Dumbledore's office. "C'mon!" he yelled as he started off. He tried to pull Hermione by her hand, but it seemed her legs would not move. "Hermione! Move!" Harry said horrified. A tear made its way down her cheek. "The sacrafice has been chosen," she mumbled. Harry grabbed her around the waist and threw her over his shoulder. He ran with all his might down the corridor. He could see the stone gargoyl getting closer. Ron panted as he struggled to keep up. Harry locked his eyes on the gargoyl and gasp as Ron shouted, "Harry! Watch out!" A violent blast issued from the wall to his right and the three were thrown back onto the floor. Ron looked over to Hermione. Her eyes were glazed over and her face paler than white snow. Wormtail stepped through the rubble and stood in front of Hermione. "Where is the necklace girl?" he sneered. Hermione's eyes snapped to the man standing in front of her. Harry saw her fist tighten as she tried to push herself back. Wormtail grabbed her wrist and Hermoine let out a shriek of pain and surprise. "Let go of the necklace you bitch!" he spat at her. Harry jumped up and threw himself on top on Wormtail. "Let go of her you bloody bastard!" Ron screamed and he attempted to grab him around the neck.
Wormtail yelled in rage and sent them both flying into the wall with his silver hand. Harry gasped as the wind was knocked from his lungs. He felt blood trickle down his head. They fell to the ground and Harry spat some blood from his mouth. He tried to get up as he heard Hermoine scream in anger, but his vision was beginning to fade and the sounds around him getting fainter. "Soul Searching!" he heard Hermione shriek. "Soul Searching!" Blackness overtook him.