Let Slip the Dogs of War

by Balizabeth

"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

*

"Sindarin" Harry whispered the password, and the Fat Lady swung obligingly forward. He looked around the Common Room as he entered…it appeared to be deserted. The fire crackled softly, casting eerie shadows that danced on the walls. Harry made his way towards the staircase, then heard a soft murmur from one of the couches, and the creaking of springs as someone turned in their sleep.

Harry cast one glance up the stairs, longing for his bed, then curiosity got the better of him, and he crept towards the couch. Who would be sleeping in the Common Room, when they could sleep in their comfortable beds? As he neared the couch, his question was answered. Lying there were Ron and Hermione. Hermione was stretched out, her head on top of Ron's lap. In her sleep she looked blissful and unconcerned. Ron's head was leaning against the headrest, and looking far less comfortable than Hermione. His right hand lay on top of Hermione's head, and in his sleep he gently stroked her hair with his fingers. Harry looked as his friends, resting there so peacefully- and, well, intimately. He was too tired at this point to consider whether Ron and Hermione would finally get together. He didn't know whether he should leave them be, or wake them so they could sleep in their beds. His mind was made up for him when Ron gave a low groan, stretched his arms, and then opened his eyes. The sight of his weary friend greeted him. He blinked, then being careful to not wake Hermione, he said,

"Harry, mate- where did you go? I heard McGonagall come in and get you- is she even allowed to come into our dormitory?- anyway, I went and got Hermione, and we came down here to wait for you…and, well, I guess we just fell asleep. So, what's going on?" Harry was stopped from replying when Hermione also woke. She sat up, her cheeks tinting a graceful pink- probably because she just woke up in Ron's lap. Gathering herself, she exclaimed,

"Oh, Harry! I was so worried! Ron and I, we didn't know where you had gone, and it was so late- Harry, you look terribly exhausted. What did Professor McGonagall want? Is there something wrong?"

Under his friends' expectant and concerned faces, Harry was tempted to make some excuse, got to bed, and explain everything later. But this past summer had taught him something. Talking-although unpleasant at the moment-would be better for all involved. And he owed them something. Out of worry for him, they had gone downstairs to wait for him to return. Friends like that were few and far between. He owed them the favor that was not given to him- he owed them the truth, as he knew it. So, with a deep breath and a resigned voice, (he couldn't help that) he told them everything, starting at the moment he had entered Dumbledore's office.

They were silent through the whole thing, save for when Hermione gave a gasp of recognition when she heard the word "Istari". When he was done, they said nothing- it was clear that they had plenty to say, but they weren't quite sure how to say it. Finally, Ron, his face rather pale, spoke up. His voice held a distinct tremor in it.

"Harry- Harry. Wow. Mate- I don't know. I mean, I can believe it, now that Dumbledore has said something. Well, we have always known there was something. Your patronus- and last year. (here Ron winced at the mention of the TriWizard Tournament, as did Harry) Vol- You -Know- Who came after you when you were just a baby. Still- that's a hell of a thing to keep from you. And it's just something else, isn't it?" Ron's voice began to rise, "Just one more reason for You- Know-Who to speed up the pace! Harry- I'm sorry. I wanted you to have a normal year this year. I mean, as normal as possible. I'm sorry. If I could take it from you I would. I'm sorry."

By this time, Harry had turned his face away from Ron, afraid that he would see the tears that threatened to fall. He realized that this thing- this power- would not affect just him. It would affect Ron, Hermione, Sirius- everyone he knew. Just look at Ron- he felt pain for him. "No one should have to feel my pain but myself" Harry whispered to himself. Then, realizing that silence could only hurt the situation, he looked at his friend, and said,

"Thank you, Ron. But, you know, you can't take it from me. It's my own. I am an Istari-" Harry realized with a start that this was the first time he had confirmed his new identity aloud- "and I have to take the power alone. But, I could use your help. You and Hermione. Please, will you help me?"

At his plea, Hermione was finally stirred into speech. This call for help from the boy who thought he was a burden, who usually dealt with his pain in silence, tore at her heart. She rushed forward, and threw her arms around him.

"Oh, Harry, of course we will help you. Whatever you need, we will help you. First thing tommorow, I am going down to the library, and I'll look up everything about the Istari. I already have a book, you know- I'll lend it to you, it talks about everything that has to do with ancient magic, and we'll-" Hermione was interrupted from her babbling by a finger placed on her lips. She looked up, and saw Ron, grinning.

"Oy, Hermione, I bet Harry and I didn't see that coming. Library research? What's come over you, then?" Hermione allowed herself a smile, and Harry choked back a bit of laughter. Oh, it was so good to hear him laugh… Suddenly, something Harry had said struck her. Why hadn't they noticed it before? She directed her attention to Harry once more, and asked quizzically,

"Harry? Dumbledore said there was three other Istari born this century besides you. One of them is You-Know-Who. The other…well, it's likely Dumbledore, isn't it? So, who is the other one? Do you think they are at Hogwarts?" Harry shook his head.

"D'unno, Hermione. I don't think Dumbledore would tell me, anyway. But, I am supposed to go see him tomorrow- to talk about my…powers. I can ask him. I have to go anyway, I promised Sirius I would." Already he was cringing at the thought of going back to the Headmaster's office, and talking about something he would rather pretend didn't exist. The mention of his godfather's name perked his friend's interests, and Ron said excitedly,

"Siriu- Snuffles? He's here then? D'you think we could go visit him sometime?"

Harry gave a short smile, saying, "Sure, I'll ask him next time I see him- although, I don't know how long he is going to be here." Harry gave a great yawn, and staggered on his feet. Fatigue was now overcoming him in waves. He would have fallen if Ron hadn't caught his elbow. Ron pulled him. Harry leaned against Ron's side. His eyes were closed, and dimly he heard Ron say,

"Woah, mate. You alright?"

"I think he is just tired, Ron- maybe the wandless magic has drained him. It's also- Merlin, is that the real time? Ron, it's nearly three in the morning. Come on, I'll help you carry him upstairs- we have to be ready for classes in four hours!"

Hermione helped Ron carry Harry up the stairs, and then went into her own dormitory. She gave one last look at the boy's fifth-year room as the door closed, and smiled, although her eyes held a note of sadness.

Before Harry totally gave way to sleep, he felt Ron put him in his bed, and take off his shirt and shoes. He heard Ron murmur,

"Good thing you're a light one, Harry- although that's probably more of the Dursley's than yourself. Sleep well, mate. See you in the morning." Ron pulled the comforter over his sleeping friend, and then crawled into his own bed. Whatever came, they would deal with it in the morning.

*

Draco was woken when a magnificent falcon landed on his lap. It carried a letter. He recognized it at once at the Malfoy post-bird- no owl for the Malfoys- and they certainly would not deliver letters in the morning like every other post- animal. With trembling fingers, Draco reached out for the letter. Once he had it, the falcon flew to the nightstand, and watched him with ruthless eyes. Draco had a horrible feeling that he knew what the letter said. Sure enough, it was written in his father bold script. It read,

Draco,

The Master has called you. In two day's, I will arrive at Hogwarts to take you home for a few days. Think up whatever excuse that you like to get out, just be ready when I arrive. I will put up with the delay.

Lucius Malfoy

Once he had finished reading the letter, the falcon flew away. Of course, his father would not expect a response. He had given orders, and he would be obeyed.

Draco sighed. Were he not a Malfoy, he might have cried. He had been called. Two days…there was only one thing he could do. He climbed out of his bed, and headed down the dark halls of Hogwarts. Two days…

***

Well!

Another chapter, done. I hope you are terribly excited. I have a definite plan of what I want to happen now, it is just a matter of when I have time to type it. I have a wretchedly long Christmas list, and a very demanding family. Let's not even talk about school…

This chapter was fun for me to write- my favorite part is the whole Ron/Hermione/Harry interaction. I could just see them carrying Harry up to bed…at least I can. Can you guys?

Expect to see Draco around more, I am building him up as we go…

I think Harry might have adjusted to this whole thing too quickly, but I don't want to dwell on it for three chapters….ack! This whole writing process is excruciating….

A million, gazillion thanks to everyone who reviewed! As for those who didn't, what is YOUR excuse?

WhetherRose- ah, persistent nature. You got one, too? Mine will destroy me eventually..I'm glad you like the drama. The star thing was incredible to write. Even I thought it was halfway decent! Have I reviewed your new chapter yet? God, I don't think I have! So sorry! I will try to do that today! Ack, I am so awful…

Moonlight- yeah…I am a horrible updater. Sorry!

T.H- I love Sirius…he is an incredible guy…I hope he gets more time in Book Five…anyway, your compliments will go to my head! I am truly flattered. Thank you muse!

Story Spindler- merci beaucoup. I am feeling much better- thanks for the review!

Thank you, all! I hope this one lived up to your hopes and dreams! *sniggers*

Cheers,

Balizabeth!