Let Slip the Dogs of War
(A sequel to "The Wisdom to Know the Difference")
by Balizabeth
Disclaimer- I am making no profit whatsoever from this fic, and I own none of the characters. I have borrowed the term "Istari" from the infamous J.R.R Tolkein, but that's about it. Suing me is a waste of your money and my time. Besides, you'll not get a cent out of me! I work at a daycare! I'm poor!
"With Ate by his side come hot from hell,
Shall in these confines with a monarch's voice
Cry 'Havoc,' and let slip the dogs of war;
That this foul deed shall smell above the earth
With carrion men, groaning for burial."
-William Shakespeare,
The Tragedy of Julius Caesar
Act III, scene i
************************************************************************
Harry and his friends all streamed into the Great Hall, and headed for the Gryffindor table. The Hall was almost full already, and Harry did not fail to notice the prolonged glances in his direction, nor the hushed voices that followed his as he walked past groups of other students. Harry tightened his jaw, and, resolving to ignore it strode forward with Ron and Hermione as they sat down with their fellow Gryffindors.
As he sat down, there were friendly calls of,
"Hey Harry! How was your break?"
"Enjoy your summer?"
"Hope you're ready for Quidditch- the Cup is ours for sure!"
'At least the people in my House are treating me normally,' Harry thought as he waited with the others for Professor McGonagall to lead the first year students into the Hall. He was relieved that some of the students were treating him normally. 'Although,' he thought bitterly, 'I doubt I can expect the same from the Slytherins.' But, in all fairness, the Slytherins had never treated Harry with respect, so he would not be missing out on much.
A sudden flurry of movement announced the arrival of the first years, ready to be Sorted. Professor McGonagall walked up and placed the infamous Sorting Hat on the table. Harry soon became distracted by his hunger, and therefore was not listening as the rip near the brim of the hat opened and the hat started to sing. Harry glanced over at Ron, and he could tell by the gloomy way Ron was staring at his empty plate that his friend was not paying attention to the song, either.
As the Hat finished with a few high-pitched, warbling, notes, there was some polite applause, and the Sorting Ceremony officially started. As McGonagall called out names, Harry inspected the new group of students. They all looked frightened, as he remembered being. Although perhaps some of that had to do with dark things that had been happening lately...
With great effort, Harry turned his mind away from these thoughts. 'One night,' he told himself, 'you deserve at least one night of not thinking about Voldemort or Death Eaters. Just enjoy it while it lasts.' Harry turned his attention back to the Sorting as "Gamble, Abigail" became a new Gryffindor. He was applauding when suddenly he realized something. There seemed to be fewer first years that any of the other years that he could remember. He leaned over and whispered in Hermione's ear,
"D'you notice that there aren't a lot of first years? Why do you think that is?" Hermione glanced at him, then whispered back,
"I was just thinking the same thing. Perhaps," here she swallowed nervously, as if she didn't want to mention something, "it's because of...well, you know...the attacks. Maybe parents are afraid to send their children here. Or maybe it's something as simple as a population difference. Maybe there just aren't as many twelve year-olds. I don't know-" Hermione was cut off as the Ceremony ended and Albus Dumbledore stood up to make his welcoming speech.
Professor Dumbledore was dressed for the occasion in dark blue robes. He looked a bit more haggard, a bit more weary than usual, but only people like Harry who knew the Headmaster fairly well could see it. As usual, there was a benevolent twinkle in his eyes as he surveyed his new students, but it seemed a bit duller, a bit more hidden behind his many worries than it had in years past. Nevertheless, he did look happy to see his students returning for another year. He smiled down at them and said,
"Welcome back to Hogwarts. I trust that you all enjoyed your holiday, and are now ready for serious studies and work." Here there were several good-natured groans from the students, and Dumbledore's eyes twinkled down at them. "Hmm, perhaps not. However, school has started once again, and we must go over certain things." Everyone in the audience shifted uncomfortably at his words and grave tone, for they knew that he would most likely address the current state of affairs in the wizarding world. "As I am sure you all know, there were several attacks on wizarding families a week ago, and the Dark Mark was left over the scenes. I am sure you remember my parting speech last year, and these current events only prove what we already knew: Voldemort has indeed risen, and seems bent on regaining the power he had before his defeat." There were several murmurs of protest and disbelief, but Dumbledore held up one hand, and said, "This may be hard to accept, but we must. Knowing that there is danger is the first step in protecting yourself against it. I will do everything in my power to keep you safe while you are at Hogwarts, as will all of the other teachers. In return, I ask several things, and for your safety, you *must* obey them. Number one, all students will stay on the castle grounds, and avoid going outside the castle at all costs. Travel outside only for classes, not for social visits. Number two, Quidditch will be postponed until further notice." There were many angry voices and shouts, but the Headmaster ignored them and continued, "I hope that we will be able to renew our Quidditch season as soon as the proper charms and wards are in place around the field. It is for your safety that we are doing this. The last thing that I ask of you is to try and carry on as normal. This will be difficult, especially with the changes, but we will not let Voldemort have the pleasure of knowing that we are living in fear. That is what he wants most." Dumbledore looked at them sharply, then said, "We have lost one student to the Dark Lord. I will not let him take another."
The words weighed heavily on the students, particularly those who were sitting at the Hufflepuff table. The death of Cedric Diggory still stung in many hearts.
"But now," the Headmaster continued, "let us get started on our feast, for classes start tomorrow and we want to be well-fed and rested!" He clapped his hands, and food filled the tables as the students began talking amongst themselves, the words of their headmaster still in the backs of their heads.
***********************************************************************
After they had eaten their fill, the young witches and wizards filed out of the Great Hall, led by the prefects. The Head Boy and Girl were at the front of the crowd; two students from Ravenclaw whom Harry did not recognize. As he was searching for Ron and Hermione, who had somehow gotten lost behind him, he heard a voice from several feet away.
"Don't know what Dumbledore's thinking, really. There's not much he can do- The Dark Lord is back, and nothing will stand in his way. He'll take care of the fool, and all the other mudbloods and muggle-lovers. And Potter, of course." Harry knew whom that voice belonged to. Malfoy. He was standing surround by all of his mindless Slytherin cronies. He was also projecting his voice to be sure Harry could hear him. Harry felt a cold anger wash over him. Malfoy wanted to get a reaction from him? Fine. Ron wasn't here this time to fight Malfoy for him, and Harry was glad. Gone were the days when he would ignore Malfoy's taunts, his slander. The anger, the rage inside Harry built up as he started towards Malfoy. He didn't notice Ron and Hermione calling him, he didn't notice Ron running up to him, and putting a hand on the sleeve of his robes. He barely heard Ron when he said gruffly,
"Harry, come on, we'll deal with him later. There are tons of people about, you'll get in trouble. Let's just go-" Annoyed, Harry lifted up one hand to interrupt Ron, but he didn't get the chance. Ron was thrown backward by some invisible force. He hit the ground on his backside harmlessly, but looked very stunned. 'How did that happen?' he wondered. 'Harry didn't even touch me...'
By now Harry had reached Malfoy, who was observing him with a self-satisfied sneer. He hadn't seen what happened to Ron.
"What is it, Potter? Did I say something to offend you? I was only telling the truth. Your mudblood friend Granger really doesn't have much time left."
"Shut up, Malfoy," Harry hissed, as the anger inside him boiled. He could feel it growing, getting bigger inside of him. He felt like he would explode if it didn't stop, it was growing and growing...
"No, Potter, I don't think I will. You see, I am just trying to help you accept that-" Malfoy never finished the sentence. Harry raised on hand as if to push him but that hand never connected with Malfoy's body. When Harry's hand was in mid-air, Malfoy went flying backward with a strength that made everyone gasp. It was as if an invisible rope was viciously pulling him with and incredible speed until-thud! - Malfoy smacked into the wall and slumped down, unconscious.
Harry put his hand down, horror-struck. He was breathing heavily, and he suddenly felt weak, drained. There was no more anger inside of him, only emptiness. The rage that had threatened to consume him only moments before was gone, leaving only exhaustion in its wake.
Harry looked up at the faces that were staring in disbelief. His mind was reeling. 'What happened?' he thought, 'Malfoy- how did I do that? I moved my hand, and he just flew and-Oh my God! Ron-' Harry turned around, and saw Hermione staring in shock, one hand over her mouth. Ron had gotten to his feet and was just behind her, his face pale, his eyes wide. Harry dashed over, put on arm on Ron's shoulder.
"Oh, Merlin, Ron, are you all right? I swear, I don't know what happened, I didn't mean to, I swear, I swear-" He was getting hysterical and he knew it. He needed to calm down. He took a few deep, shaky breaths. Ron managed to say,
"I know Harry- let's just go, come on, let's go to the common room," He looked over at everyone else, "Go on! Go to your Houses, go on!" Two prefects belatedly rushed forward, and demanded to know what had happened. Of course they had seen it, but refused to believe their eyes. One of them spoke up,
"Thirty points from Gryffindor for fighting, Potter. I'm going to have to tell the Headmaster about this-" Harry nodded numbly. He was still in shock. Maybe Dumbledore would be able to explain this. "The rest of you, just leave! Go to your common rooms, there is nothing more to see here! Someone take Malfoy up to the infirmary, and ten points from Slytherin for provoking the fight."
Reluctantly, the crowd dispersed, and everyone headed back to their respective Houses. Hermione, sensing that Harry was still in shock, put her hand on his arm and helped him up the stairs to the Gryffindor common room, with Ron on Harry's other side. When they reached the portrait of the Fat Lady, Hermione said,
"Sindarin!" And the painting swung forward, permitting them inside. Harry briefly wondered how Hermione knew the password, then realized that she was now a prefect. Not that it was any surprise. It was probably shock that had kept her from taking action at the fight earlier.
The common room was buzzing with the news of what had just happened. As soon as the trio stepped through the portrait hole, however, there was silence. A few of the younger students chanced timid glances Harry's way, and then looked away uncomfortably. The first years looked downright terrified.
'Not that I can blame them,' Harry thought wryly. First, the attacks, the new, enchanting school and then the 'famous' Harry Potter attacks a student without laying his hands on him. What a jolly school year they're in for.' At this moment, the twelve-something people in the common room decided that they would be better off in their dormitories, and walked up the stairs. Ron, Harry and Hermione were left alone in front of the giant fireplace. Harry still felt utterly exhausted, and he began to shake slightly. He quickly dropped onto one of the armchairs until he collapsed. His sudden movement jarred Hermione into speech,
"Harry! Are you all right? What- what just happened in there?" She sounded mostly worried, and a little scared. Harry had just knocked Malfoy out with a wave of his hand. He now looked ver shaky and tired, almost as if the attack had drained him of all his energy. Ron added,
"That was incredible, Harry! Have you ever done that before?" Harry shook his head slowly, looking up at them.
"Never," he said hoarsely. I don't know where that came from. I was just so mad, and I went to push and he just went flying- I swear, I didn't mean for that to happen. I don't even know *why* it happened. It scared me. And Ron- I'm sorry, I didn't mean to hurt you. You're all right, aren't you?" Harry looked anxiously at his friend. Whatever had happened to him had made him hurt Ron. Whatever it was, it couldn't be a good thing.
"Forget it, Harry, I'm fine," Ron said, brushing it off, "I know you didn't mean it. I wasn't even hurt, so don't worry. I do want to know what's going on with you, though."
Hermione broke in briskly, her tone and manner all business,
"So do I Ron, but I think what Harry needs now, what we all need now is some sleep. I'm sure Dumbledore will want to talk to Harry tomorrow, and he will know what's going on. We have classes tomorrow, so we might as well try to get some rest. I'll see you in the morning." She turned around and headed up the stairs to her dormitory; the boys to theirs.
When Ron and Harry walked into their room, Dean, Neville, and Seamus looked up from where they were talking. Harry could tell from their faces that, thankfully, they would not say anything about his encounter with Malfoy. Instead, Seamus said,
"What about the whole Quidditch thing, eh? Think we'll be able to play soon?" Quidditch! With the whole excitement of the evening, Harry had nearly forgotten. He cast the thought out of his mind. The first thing he wanted to know was what was going on with him. Then, he could worry about Quidditch. He sincerely hoped that they would be able to continue the season. Quidditch was one of the few things that helped him be distracted from everything. Belatedly, he realized that Seamus was waiting for some kind of response.
"I'm sure we'll be able to play sooner or later. I wouldn't worry," he comforted his disappointed friend. The boys all nodded looking somewhat relieved. Dean grinned, saying,
"All right, then. Goodnight, everyone." All the boys changed and climbed into their beds. As Harry stretched out under the luxurious comforter, he thought about everything that had happened in the past week.
It wasn't until a full hour later, his mind still lost in thoughts of Dark Lords and strange powers, that there was something different about the atmosphere in the room. There was no heavy, deep breathing, or rustling of sheets.
It was then that he realized that each and every boy in the room was lying, as he was, wide-awake, lost in their thoughts, and praying for sleep to come.
************************************************************************
Well! Aren't you all lucky ducks! I typed the first two chapters at once, so you get two chapters posted in two days! Enjoy it, folks. I think this is the longest chapter I have ever done...
Anyway, the plot thickens! What are these strange powers? Next chapter Harry will meet with Dumbledore, write to Sirius, and start his classes. Fun, fun, fun!
I thought that Dumbledore's speech here was a bit unbelievable, but he is a very hard character to write. So wise and mysterious...and I just couldn't bring myself to do a Sorting Hat song! I know, I know, my excuse of Harry being distracted was lame, but I am not very creative. I also apologize for the Quidditch, but it will come back later in the story. Harry needs his Quidditch, it's part of who he is!
This fic is a lot harder to write than "Wisdom". There are so many little things about the plot that I have to work in now that they are at school but in "Wisdom" it was summer vacation and much easier. I cannot tell you how much revision this chapter has gone through, and I bet there are still so many holes...ack...I'm sorry! I wanted this chapter to be an introductory to what will be happening for the rest of the story, but I think it came out as just being boring...a lot of talk, not much action or anything exciting. It's so hard to make it seem realistic yet not-boring at the same time. I keep having this sinking feeling I am failing miserably. Sorry, all you nice readers and reviewers *Balizabeth pouts*...
Here's a hint for the future- we will find out a lot more about Malfoy and what makes him tick. It's gonna get wild, folks, so hold on to your seats!
Thanks to my reviewers-
Giesbrecht- yay! A kindred Tolkein spirit! It will be explained later why Harry didn't dream of the attacks, it's not a very complex answer at all, but there will be one. I am trying very hard to keep Hermione real. I just feel like I don't know her as well as Ron and Harry. Thank you for reviewing, and for your encouragement!
Moonlight- I am getting this out pretty fast, but remember- it was previously typed a few days ago! I am spoiling you guys! Thanks for reviewing!
Stonehenge- thank you! I don't know what else to say...
WhetherRose- hahaha, what are we thinking, dumping all of this hard work on ourselves? We must enjoy stress or something...Thank you so much for your continuous reviewing and your compliments- you always keep me motivated!
Jagged Edge- I hope I beat my record, too! But don't worry, I won't be withholding the story if I don't get my way...thanks for reviewing!
Scribe- glad you enjoyed the last one! I hope you like this one as much!
CatalinaRose- yup, there may be some Hr/R in here if I can manage it, but it definitely won't be a major part. Thanks!
Now, wouldn't you like a nice note from the author? If so, review, and I will post a cute little message just for you, like all of these other wonderful people...*Balizabeth smiles sweetly...or what she thinks is sweetly.... she isn't very good at coaxing people...* Anyway, press that little button and help me out! Thanks for reading, and hopefully reviewing!
(A sequel to "The Wisdom to Know the Difference")
by Balizabeth
Disclaimer- I am making no profit whatsoever from this fic, and I own none of the characters. I have borrowed the term "Istari" from the infamous J.R.R Tolkein, but that's about it. Suing me is a waste of your money and my time. Besides, you'll not get a cent out of me! I work at a daycare! I'm poor!
"With Ate by his side come hot from hell,
Shall in these confines with a monarch's voice
Cry 'Havoc,' and let slip the dogs of war;
That this foul deed shall smell above the earth
With carrion men, groaning for burial."
-William Shakespeare,
The Tragedy of Julius Caesar
Act III, scene i
************************************************************************
Harry and his friends all streamed into the Great Hall, and headed for the Gryffindor table. The Hall was almost full already, and Harry did not fail to notice the prolonged glances in his direction, nor the hushed voices that followed his as he walked past groups of other students. Harry tightened his jaw, and, resolving to ignore it strode forward with Ron and Hermione as they sat down with their fellow Gryffindors.
As he sat down, there were friendly calls of,
"Hey Harry! How was your break?"
"Enjoy your summer?"
"Hope you're ready for Quidditch- the Cup is ours for sure!"
'At least the people in my House are treating me normally,' Harry thought as he waited with the others for Professor McGonagall to lead the first year students into the Hall. He was relieved that some of the students were treating him normally. 'Although,' he thought bitterly, 'I doubt I can expect the same from the Slytherins.' But, in all fairness, the Slytherins had never treated Harry with respect, so he would not be missing out on much.
A sudden flurry of movement announced the arrival of the first years, ready to be Sorted. Professor McGonagall walked up and placed the infamous Sorting Hat on the table. Harry soon became distracted by his hunger, and therefore was not listening as the rip near the brim of the hat opened and the hat started to sing. Harry glanced over at Ron, and he could tell by the gloomy way Ron was staring at his empty plate that his friend was not paying attention to the song, either.
As the Hat finished with a few high-pitched, warbling, notes, there was some polite applause, and the Sorting Ceremony officially started. As McGonagall called out names, Harry inspected the new group of students. They all looked frightened, as he remembered being. Although perhaps some of that had to do with dark things that had been happening lately...
With great effort, Harry turned his mind away from these thoughts. 'One night,' he told himself, 'you deserve at least one night of not thinking about Voldemort or Death Eaters. Just enjoy it while it lasts.' Harry turned his attention back to the Sorting as "Gamble, Abigail" became a new Gryffindor. He was applauding when suddenly he realized something. There seemed to be fewer first years that any of the other years that he could remember. He leaned over and whispered in Hermione's ear,
"D'you notice that there aren't a lot of first years? Why do you think that is?" Hermione glanced at him, then whispered back,
"I was just thinking the same thing. Perhaps," here she swallowed nervously, as if she didn't want to mention something, "it's because of...well, you know...the attacks. Maybe parents are afraid to send their children here. Or maybe it's something as simple as a population difference. Maybe there just aren't as many twelve year-olds. I don't know-" Hermione was cut off as the Ceremony ended and Albus Dumbledore stood up to make his welcoming speech.
Professor Dumbledore was dressed for the occasion in dark blue robes. He looked a bit more haggard, a bit more weary than usual, but only people like Harry who knew the Headmaster fairly well could see it. As usual, there was a benevolent twinkle in his eyes as he surveyed his new students, but it seemed a bit duller, a bit more hidden behind his many worries than it had in years past. Nevertheless, he did look happy to see his students returning for another year. He smiled down at them and said,
"Welcome back to Hogwarts. I trust that you all enjoyed your holiday, and are now ready for serious studies and work." Here there were several good-natured groans from the students, and Dumbledore's eyes twinkled down at them. "Hmm, perhaps not. However, school has started once again, and we must go over certain things." Everyone in the audience shifted uncomfortably at his words and grave tone, for they knew that he would most likely address the current state of affairs in the wizarding world. "As I am sure you all know, there were several attacks on wizarding families a week ago, and the Dark Mark was left over the scenes. I am sure you remember my parting speech last year, and these current events only prove what we already knew: Voldemort has indeed risen, and seems bent on regaining the power he had before his defeat." There were several murmurs of protest and disbelief, but Dumbledore held up one hand, and said, "This may be hard to accept, but we must. Knowing that there is danger is the first step in protecting yourself against it. I will do everything in my power to keep you safe while you are at Hogwarts, as will all of the other teachers. In return, I ask several things, and for your safety, you *must* obey them. Number one, all students will stay on the castle grounds, and avoid going outside the castle at all costs. Travel outside only for classes, not for social visits. Number two, Quidditch will be postponed until further notice." There were many angry voices and shouts, but the Headmaster ignored them and continued, "I hope that we will be able to renew our Quidditch season as soon as the proper charms and wards are in place around the field. It is for your safety that we are doing this. The last thing that I ask of you is to try and carry on as normal. This will be difficult, especially with the changes, but we will not let Voldemort have the pleasure of knowing that we are living in fear. That is what he wants most." Dumbledore looked at them sharply, then said, "We have lost one student to the Dark Lord. I will not let him take another."
The words weighed heavily on the students, particularly those who were sitting at the Hufflepuff table. The death of Cedric Diggory still stung in many hearts.
"But now," the Headmaster continued, "let us get started on our feast, for classes start tomorrow and we want to be well-fed and rested!" He clapped his hands, and food filled the tables as the students began talking amongst themselves, the words of their headmaster still in the backs of their heads.
***********************************************************************
After they had eaten their fill, the young witches and wizards filed out of the Great Hall, led by the prefects. The Head Boy and Girl were at the front of the crowd; two students from Ravenclaw whom Harry did not recognize. As he was searching for Ron and Hermione, who had somehow gotten lost behind him, he heard a voice from several feet away.
"Don't know what Dumbledore's thinking, really. There's not much he can do- The Dark Lord is back, and nothing will stand in his way. He'll take care of the fool, and all the other mudbloods and muggle-lovers. And Potter, of course." Harry knew whom that voice belonged to. Malfoy. He was standing surround by all of his mindless Slytherin cronies. He was also projecting his voice to be sure Harry could hear him. Harry felt a cold anger wash over him. Malfoy wanted to get a reaction from him? Fine. Ron wasn't here this time to fight Malfoy for him, and Harry was glad. Gone were the days when he would ignore Malfoy's taunts, his slander. The anger, the rage inside Harry built up as he started towards Malfoy. He didn't notice Ron and Hermione calling him, he didn't notice Ron running up to him, and putting a hand on the sleeve of his robes. He barely heard Ron when he said gruffly,
"Harry, come on, we'll deal with him later. There are tons of people about, you'll get in trouble. Let's just go-" Annoyed, Harry lifted up one hand to interrupt Ron, but he didn't get the chance. Ron was thrown backward by some invisible force. He hit the ground on his backside harmlessly, but looked very stunned. 'How did that happen?' he wondered. 'Harry didn't even touch me...'
By now Harry had reached Malfoy, who was observing him with a self-satisfied sneer. He hadn't seen what happened to Ron.
"What is it, Potter? Did I say something to offend you? I was only telling the truth. Your mudblood friend Granger really doesn't have much time left."
"Shut up, Malfoy," Harry hissed, as the anger inside him boiled. He could feel it growing, getting bigger inside of him. He felt like he would explode if it didn't stop, it was growing and growing...
"No, Potter, I don't think I will. You see, I am just trying to help you accept that-" Malfoy never finished the sentence. Harry raised on hand as if to push him but that hand never connected with Malfoy's body. When Harry's hand was in mid-air, Malfoy went flying backward with a strength that made everyone gasp. It was as if an invisible rope was viciously pulling him with and incredible speed until-thud! - Malfoy smacked into the wall and slumped down, unconscious.
Harry put his hand down, horror-struck. He was breathing heavily, and he suddenly felt weak, drained. There was no more anger inside of him, only emptiness. The rage that had threatened to consume him only moments before was gone, leaving only exhaustion in its wake.
Harry looked up at the faces that were staring in disbelief. His mind was reeling. 'What happened?' he thought, 'Malfoy- how did I do that? I moved my hand, and he just flew and-Oh my God! Ron-' Harry turned around, and saw Hermione staring in shock, one hand over her mouth. Ron had gotten to his feet and was just behind her, his face pale, his eyes wide. Harry dashed over, put on arm on Ron's shoulder.
"Oh, Merlin, Ron, are you all right? I swear, I don't know what happened, I didn't mean to, I swear, I swear-" He was getting hysterical and he knew it. He needed to calm down. He took a few deep, shaky breaths. Ron managed to say,
"I know Harry- let's just go, come on, let's go to the common room," He looked over at everyone else, "Go on! Go to your Houses, go on!" Two prefects belatedly rushed forward, and demanded to know what had happened. Of course they had seen it, but refused to believe their eyes. One of them spoke up,
"Thirty points from Gryffindor for fighting, Potter. I'm going to have to tell the Headmaster about this-" Harry nodded numbly. He was still in shock. Maybe Dumbledore would be able to explain this. "The rest of you, just leave! Go to your common rooms, there is nothing more to see here! Someone take Malfoy up to the infirmary, and ten points from Slytherin for provoking the fight."
Reluctantly, the crowd dispersed, and everyone headed back to their respective Houses. Hermione, sensing that Harry was still in shock, put her hand on his arm and helped him up the stairs to the Gryffindor common room, with Ron on Harry's other side. When they reached the portrait of the Fat Lady, Hermione said,
"Sindarin!" And the painting swung forward, permitting them inside. Harry briefly wondered how Hermione knew the password, then realized that she was now a prefect. Not that it was any surprise. It was probably shock that had kept her from taking action at the fight earlier.
The common room was buzzing with the news of what had just happened. As soon as the trio stepped through the portrait hole, however, there was silence. A few of the younger students chanced timid glances Harry's way, and then looked away uncomfortably. The first years looked downright terrified.
'Not that I can blame them,' Harry thought wryly. First, the attacks, the new, enchanting school and then the 'famous' Harry Potter attacks a student without laying his hands on him. What a jolly school year they're in for.' At this moment, the twelve-something people in the common room decided that they would be better off in their dormitories, and walked up the stairs. Ron, Harry and Hermione were left alone in front of the giant fireplace. Harry still felt utterly exhausted, and he began to shake slightly. He quickly dropped onto one of the armchairs until he collapsed. His sudden movement jarred Hermione into speech,
"Harry! Are you all right? What- what just happened in there?" She sounded mostly worried, and a little scared. Harry had just knocked Malfoy out with a wave of his hand. He now looked ver shaky and tired, almost as if the attack had drained him of all his energy. Ron added,
"That was incredible, Harry! Have you ever done that before?" Harry shook his head slowly, looking up at them.
"Never," he said hoarsely. I don't know where that came from. I was just so mad, and I went to push and he just went flying- I swear, I didn't mean for that to happen. I don't even know *why* it happened. It scared me. And Ron- I'm sorry, I didn't mean to hurt you. You're all right, aren't you?" Harry looked anxiously at his friend. Whatever had happened to him had made him hurt Ron. Whatever it was, it couldn't be a good thing.
"Forget it, Harry, I'm fine," Ron said, brushing it off, "I know you didn't mean it. I wasn't even hurt, so don't worry. I do want to know what's going on with you, though."
Hermione broke in briskly, her tone and manner all business,
"So do I Ron, but I think what Harry needs now, what we all need now is some sleep. I'm sure Dumbledore will want to talk to Harry tomorrow, and he will know what's going on. We have classes tomorrow, so we might as well try to get some rest. I'll see you in the morning." She turned around and headed up the stairs to her dormitory; the boys to theirs.
When Ron and Harry walked into their room, Dean, Neville, and Seamus looked up from where they were talking. Harry could tell from their faces that, thankfully, they would not say anything about his encounter with Malfoy. Instead, Seamus said,
"What about the whole Quidditch thing, eh? Think we'll be able to play soon?" Quidditch! With the whole excitement of the evening, Harry had nearly forgotten. He cast the thought out of his mind. The first thing he wanted to know was what was going on with him. Then, he could worry about Quidditch. He sincerely hoped that they would be able to continue the season. Quidditch was one of the few things that helped him be distracted from everything. Belatedly, he realized that Seamus was waiting for some kind of response.
"I'm sure we'll be able to play sooner or later. I wouldn't worry," he comforted his disappointed friend. The boys all nodded looking somewhat relieved. Dean grinned, saying,
"All right, then. Goodnight, everyone." All the boys changed and climbed into their beds. As Harry stretched out under the luxurious comforter, he thought about everything that had happened in the past week.
It wasn't until a full hour later, his mind still lost in thoughts of Dark Lords and strange powers, that there was something different about the atmosphere in the room. There was no heavy, deep breathing, or rustling of sheets.
It was then that he realized that each and every boy in the room was lying, as he was, wide-awake, lost in their thoughts, and praying for sleep to come.
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Well! Aren't you all lucky ducks! I typed the first two chapters at once, so you get two chapters posted in two days! Enjoy it, folks. I think this is the longest chapter I have ever done...
Anyway, the plot thickens! What are these strange powers? Next chapter Harry will meet with Dumbledore, write to Sirius, and start his classes. Fun, fun, fun!
I thought that Dumbledore's speech here was a bit unbelievable, but he is a very hard character to write. So wise and mysterious...and I just couldn't bring myself to do a Sorting Hat song! I know, I know, my excuse of Harry being distracted was lame, but I am not very creative. I also apologize for the Quidditch, but it will come back later in the story. Harry needs his Quidditch, it's part of who he is!
This fic is a lot harder to write than "Wisdom". There are so many little things about the plot that I have to work in now that they are at school but in "Wisdom" it was summer vacation and much easier. I cannot tell you how much revision this chapter has gone through, and I bet there are still so many holes...ack...I'm sorry! I wanted this chapter to be an introductory to what will be happening for the rest of the story, but I think it came out as just being boring...a lot of talk, not much action or anything exciting. It's so hard to make it seem realistic yet not-boring at the same time. I keep having this sinking feeling I am failing miserably. Sorry, all you nice readers and reviewers *Balizabeth pouts*...
Here's a hint for the future- we will find out a lot more about Malfoy and what makes him tick. It's gonna get wild, folks, so hold on to your seats!
Thanks to my reviewers-
Giesbrecht- yay! A kindred Tolkein spirit! It will be explained later why Harry didn't dream of the attacks, it's not a very complex answer at all, but there will be one. I am trying very hard to keep Hermione real. I just feel like I don't know her as well as Ron and Harry. Thank you for reviewing, and for your encouragement!
Moonlight- I am getting this out pretty fast, but remember- it was previously typed a few days ago! I am spoiling you guys! Thanks for reviewing!
Stonehenge- thank you! I don't know what else to say...
WhetherRose- hahaha, what are we thinking, dumping all of this hard work on ourselves? We must enjoy stress or something...Thank you so much for your continuous reviewing and your compliments- you always keep me motivated!
Jagged Edge- I hope I beat my record, too! But don't worry, I won't be withholding the story if I don't get my way...thanks for reviewing!
Scribe- glad you enjoyed the last one! I hope you like this one as much!
CatalinaRose- yup, there may be some Hr/R in here if I can manage it, but it definitely won't be a major part. Thanks!
Now, wouldn't you like a nice note from the author? If so, review, and I will post a cute little message just for you, like all of these other wonderful people...*Balizabeth smiles sweetly...or what she thinks is sweetly.... she isn't very good at coaxing people...* Anyway, press that little button and help me out! Thanks for reading, and hopefully reviewing!