(Countercursed: Growing Up)
Chapter 8: Coming back, and setting up
~*~Harry's group~*~
The hospital wing was silent and dark. Many of the beds were occupied. The moon poured a dim beam of light through the open window, across the bed holding Harry Potter. His eyes were closed, but he wasn't sleeping. His own thoughts picked at his mind. He'd killed someone, he become a murderer. He rolled over and buried his head in the pillow, guilt flowing over him. Suddenly voices could be heard from outside the door
"Are you sure?"
Came the worried voice of Dumbledore
"Yes, that's what they heard"
Replied what sounded like Cassi. There was a sigh from Dumbledore
"Go get Ginny Weasley, please Cassi"
Footsteps echoed through the once quiet halls and Dumbledore pushed the door open. Dim light illuminated all the beds. The closest one held Fred Weasley. In a chair beside the bed sat Charlie Weasley, his head resting on the side of the bed, lines of worry on his sleeping face. The next bed held George Weasley, who was snoring rather loudly. Beside him were Justin Flinch-Fletchy, Severus Snape, then Riley. All were sleeping peacefully. In the last bed was Harry, Sirius at his feet, as a dog. Dumbledore could tell Harry wasn't sleeping. He was too tense. Dumbledore glided to the boy's side and placed a hand on his arm
"Harry"
He whispered. Harry didn't move, not wanting to talk about what happened today. Of course he knew Dumbledore wouldn't give up until he did. After a moment Harry rolled over and pulled himself up in the bed, his troubled eyes locking with Dumbledore's. Dumbledore sat on the edge of the bed, careful not to disturb Sirius.
"What happened? You have to tell me Harry, I must know"
Harry sighed
"Everything went to plan Professor. We caught all the death eaters we could, and we left, that's all"
He whispered
"That is NOT all Harry and you know it. Tell me, if you bottle it up you'll just feel worse"
Harry turned away from Dumbledore. The moonlight reflected in his eyes. Dumbledore could see tears glistening in them. Slowly Harry slid out of the bed
"I killed him Professor"
He muttered
"He was torturing Fred and I tried everything I could think of. He dodged everything I threw at him. If I hadn't done anything it would have killed Fred. I thought of the first spell he couldn't dodge quick enough, and.."
Harry's voice cracked
"And I killed him. I killed him. I'm no better than Voldemort was"
Dumbledore saw the tears sliding down Harry's cheeks as he stared out the window. Dumbledore stood and walked to his side
"Your are nothing like Voldemort Harry, and let me tell you why"
He moved and stood directly in front of Harry his piercing blue eyes searching Harry's red and puffy green ones
"Unlike Voldemort and all his supporters, you came back here, not celebrating your kill, not laughing at how foolish the man you killed had been, but grieving because you feel terribly guilty. If you wouldn't have killed him, you would have lost someone good, someone fighting for a good cause. It is never right to take another's life, but given the circumstances, you did the right thing. Imagine what would have happened if Fred had died, Harry. All of the Weasley's, what they would have had to suffer, you yourself would have suffered far worse if he had died, because instead of telling yourself you murdered this death eater, you would be telling yourself you murdered your friend. Telling yourself that if only you would have killed him you could have saved part of your family. Now tell me Harry, how is it that you are anything like Voldemort was?"
Harry was silent for a long time. He only tore his gaze away from Dumbledore when the door opened and Ginny walked in. As soon as she saw Harry she ran to him, hugging him tightly
"I couldn't sleep I was so worried. I just sat in the common room, waiting for them to come and tell me you were okay! And you are"
Ginny was now sobbing, holding onto Harry for dear life. Harry held her tight and Dumbledore just smiled. Ginny's sobs awoke Sirius. He looked at Ginny, sobbing in Harry's arms, and Harry, his eyes red and puffy. Then changed and looked at Dumbledore
"What did you do?"
He hissed, his eyes dancing. Dumbledore chuckled
"I told Harry was nothing like Voldemort, brought Ginny into the room and let the two go at it. I think Harry understands now that he had to kill the death eater, and I think Ginny is going to have a hard time for the next few months with Harry going on raids and all"
"She's not the only one, and I'll be with him"
Sirius answered, getting off the bed and stretching. The door behind them squeaked and Sirius and Dumbledore turned. (Harry and Ginny were a little pre-occupied) In the door way stood Nathan, Lia, and Andy, all looking worried at the site of all the people in the beds. Snape, who had been watching the whole scene unfold, rolled his eyes and sat up. The three students looked fearfully at him and he again rolled his eyes
"Oh come on in"
He hissed. They grinned and shot into the room. Harry turned around just in time to catch Lia who had launched herself into his arms. Harry chuckled and hugged her tightly. Snape got out of bed and padded over to the group
"Slumber party is it?"
He asked, raising his eyebrows
"Oh yes Professor!"
Ginny said, grinning
"Weren't you invited?"
Snape had to fight back a smile, knowing that this girl would never have said anything of the sort to him two, even one year ago.
"Was the raid successful?"
Nathan asked, turning his gaze to Sirius. Sirius nodded
"If you mean did we kick serious death eater ass, yes, of course it was successful"
Nathan giggled
"That's about what I was asking"
"Oh, a party?"
Came a quiet voice. Everyone turned. Riley was smiling at them from her bed, and past her Justin and George were up.
"We're waking everyone up here!"
Sirius cried. Suddenly the door at the other end of the room opened and Madam Pomphrey walked in. She stared at them shocked for a moment then
"What on earth are all of you doing out of bed!? It's passed visitor hours! Get back in bed this instant! Who woke all of you up?!"
Harry chuckled
"It's Professor Dumbledore's fault"
He said. Pomphrey looked shocked. Dumbledore blushed
"Sorry Poppy, couldn't wait. Everyone back to bed. Nathan, Lia, Andy, Ginny, please come along"
And he fled the hospital wing quickly, everyone he called in tow. Harry scrambled back to bed. Sirius changed into a dog and lay down at the foot of it. Snape levitated Charlie into a bed, and then went asleep himself. After making sure everyone was in bed, Madam Pomphrey left the room in a huff.
"Old Cow"
Snape muttered. Harry snorted and closed his eyes, suddenly feeling much better.
~*~
The next morning Pomphrey, after a very long final check up, let the group out. They headed towards the great hall, each rather tired, and rather hungry. When they entered the hall no one was there. Breakfast had finished nearly 30 minutes ago, but they had left one table open. Harry was shocked to see Padma standing there, talking with Dumbledore, Cassi, and Lisa. She seemed to be explaining something. Harry ran over, Snape and Sirius bolting after him
"What's wrong Padma? Where are Hermione, Draco, and Remus?"
Harry asked urgently
"They're fine; at least, I think they're fine. They're on their way to Malfoy Manor, after Lucius. Draco told me to contact him in three days time, and that was yesterday. So I have to contact him-"
"Yes, yes, Padma you told me this already"
Dumbledore said calmly
"Did Draco say anything about his plan?"
Padma shook her head
"He just told me to contact him, that's all. Then he'd reply, telling me where they were and what he wanted me to do."
Dumbledore nodded
"We'll have to wait then"
He said, clapping his hands together and turning to the shocked Harry, Sirius, and Snape
"Why don't you all have a seat, and eat, my you look famished Severus, come come"
Dumbledore led Snape away, towards the breakfast table. Harry looked at Sirius
"I'm going to owl them earlier, if they go to Voldemort's castle, it's too dangerous for three people, plus."
Harry paused
"They're up to something. First that troll and the weird fact that it has NO insides, then last night that potion. Justin told me the last ingredient was blood. I just think they're doing something big, something we don't expect, something-"
He paused and confused look appearing on his face, then suddenly his face screwed up in pain and his hands flew to his scar. He crumpled to the floor
"Harry!"
Sirius shouted, dropping to the floor beside him
"Harry!"
The group at the table was now crowding around him. Riley knelt beside him, turning Harry over and laying him on his back. His hands covered his face and he was so tense, then suddenly he relaxed. Riley pried his hands away and saw that he'd passed out. She lifted his bangs and was shocked to see a trickle of blood running down Harry's head, from his scar. She looked up at Dumbledore who looked socked
"Alastor! Filius!"
Dumbledore cried. A distant clunk echoed through the hall and moments later Moody and Flitwick appeared
"Go to the Ministry and check on Voldemort's body"
They both nodded and left
"Cassi! Go to Mundungus and Daniel and warn them quickly"
Cassi reluctantly agreed, and with one last glance at Harry, she too left.
"Severus, owl Draco and tell him to send us those plans now!"
Snape nodded and took off towards the owlry.
"George, go to Hogsmede and tell your brother to pay extra close attention, something is up"
Without a word George was off. Dumbledore knelt beside Harry and brandished his wand
"Enervate"
He whispered solemnly. Harry's eyes shot open. They looked worried and pained. His hand flew to his scar and he rubbed it, feeling the blood he pulled his hand away.
"Albus?"
Harry asked uncertainty in his voice. Dumbledore didn't answer. He and Sirius pulled Harry to his feet.
"Albus, something's wrong"
Harry chocked
"I shouldn't be feeling anything, he's dead, I killed him, I haven't felt anything since that day.nothing, Professor, what's wrong?"
Dumbledore's face was masked with worry
"Sirius, alert the students that all classes are cancelled, Harry, come with me"
Dumbledore led Harry out of the hall quickly. He didn't say anything except the password to his office. Harry felt like he was back at school again. Once inside Dumbledore's office he slammed the door. He sat down quickly and began digging through files that were scattered on his desk. Harry waited patiently, occasionally rubbing his scar which still burned dully. Dumbledore finally seemed to pull out exactly what he was looking for. It was a withered looking scroll. He spread it quickly across his desk. Harry walked over and peered down at it. A confused look appeared on his face. It was in another language. Harry bit his lip nervously, waiting for Dumbledore to say something. Finally Dumbledore looked up, his eyes glazed over.
"We're in trouble Harry"
He said
Duh Harry thought, closing his eyes.
"What kind of trouble Albus?"
"Big trouble"
Harry sighed in annoyance
"Please just tell me what's wrong!"
"He can come back"
Harry paled
"What?"
"I failed to notice this when I first read over the report."
"Report?"
Harry asked, glancing at the scroll
"Yes, the ministry writes everything in Latin so it would take someone a little longer to find out what it says...luckily, I am fluent in Latin"
He said waving his hand aside
"It says here that once he is really gone no evidence will be left to let the world know he was ever there, except for the absence of lives."
Dumbledore trailed off and Harry raised his eye brows
"And?"
"And something was left.why didn't I see it before?"
"What?!"
Harry was very nervous now, not knowing what to expect. Dumbledore sighed and moved towards Harry
"If Voldemort was ever truly gone.this would be gone too"
Dumbledore placed a finger on Harry's scar. Harry frowned. His scar? That made no sense.
"The last of Voldemorts powers were poured into you all those years ago, and the only way of really knowing it is through the scar.that scar, Harry, means Voldemort was never truly dead, and if Lucius got a hold of Voldemort's body."
Dumbledore trailed off
"We're in for another rough one Harry"
Harry scowled. He felt the power bubble inside of him as he dropped into the chair, staring at the floor. Dumbledore suddenly kneeled beside him
"We will stop him"
Dumbledore whispered. Harry's face turned red with anger
"But when Professor?! When! How many more people are going to have to die?! How many more times am I going to have to kill him?!"
Harry stood
"I hate this. I hate the fact that this.gutless.murder has so much power over us, and it only makes it worse because I have failed to kill him about as many times as he's failed to kill me!"
Suddenly the door was flung open and Flitwick and Moody clambered in
"Gone"
Moody wheezed, putting all his weight on his newly acquired cane.
"Shit"
Harry muttered under his breath, starting to pace Dumbledore's office. They were silent for a few minutes when Cassi came flying into the room
"I warned them.but something's wrong, they were so, reserved, and Fletcher wouldn't tell me where Evans was"
Dumbledore let out a short sigh
"We will just have to wait for Draco's reply then"
~*~Ron's Group~*~
Ron sat stiffly on the couch; he'd been doing that a lot recently. Minerva and Oliver were following the death eater around. He had been much more active recently, selling more of his illegal potion ingredients. Many more of his death eater buddies had been visiting him too and that made everyone nervous. Suddenly he heard a loud banging on the door. He was up in seconds, wand in hand. Angelina, Laura and Arabella came flying out of the back room. Ron ran over to the door and pulled it open. He was surprised to see George standing in the doorway
"George?"
He breathed. George smiled slightly
"Can I come in?"
Ron nodded and allowed his brother in. Angelina threw herself at George
"GEORGE!"
She cried, smothering him a friendly kisses. Ron rolled his eyes
"Angelina, let go"
George said, chuckling slightly. He managed to pry Angelina off of him
"I'm here with a message from Dumbledore"
Immediately everyone was silent
"Harry collapsed in the Great Hall today, his scar-"
"Harry?! He's alright then, about the death eater?"
George nodded
"Yeah, but I think you know who might be back"
"WHAT?!"
"Well, Harry's scar doesn't act up unless you know who is around"
Silence filled the room. No one moved for a moment. Ron was deathly white, Arabella was absentmindedly chewing her bottom lip, and Angelina, who was still holding onto George, had her mouth hanging open. Then quiet voices could be heard coming towards the house
"It was blood Minerva!"
Came a mans voice, obviously Oliver's
"We have to sneak into his house; you don't know who that blood could be from"
"An animal-"
"That was human blood Minerva"
The door opened and the two entered. McGonagall had her brown hair hanging loosely over her shoulders. She was wearing sky blue robes that flattered her very nicely. Ron had made a crack the other day about her being hot and had received a rather long lecture about how he should treat his elders. It had amused everyone in the room except Ron. Oliver looked highly annoyed. He looked up and his eyes widened
"Weasley?"
He asked shocked. Minerva's head shot toward George and Angelina who were still wrapped around each other. George blushed, and Angelina giggled
"Er, hello Professor and Oliver"
He said
"I was just told to tell you to be careful"
He said, turning back to Ron
"Good luck"
Then he disparated.
~*~Daniel's Group~*~
Daniel was lying in the corner of a dungeon cell he'd been kept in for two days. He was covered in blood and his right arm was bent out in a strange angle. He'd only seen two people since he arrived, Lucius Malfoy, sadly, and the death eater that had caught him in the first place. Strangely he didn't have a name. He didn't know what the other death eaters called him; he never really paid any attention. Daniel shifted slightly so that he could see the door. A small piece of moldy bread and a glass of water were sitting there. He rolled his eyes, they had been drugged all the food and water with some potion since his first day in. It was really sad how the death eater thought he was so thick. With one glance at the food he could tell that it was doused in something. Daniel slowly crawled over to the plate and grabbed hold of the bread and water. He pulled off some crumbs and left them on the floor before crawling over to a small window and tossing the water and bread out. He rolled the plate and cup back towards the door and slumped into the corner once again He sat there for hours, trying to come up with a way to escape. He needed James there, James or Sirius, or Remus.any of them would have been good.they would be able to get out of here. Suddenly Daniel could here quiet voices and pounding of feet moving down the hall way. They were coming closer
"They haven't come to get him, they haven't even tried"
No reply
"Should we kill him?"
"No, I don't think they are coming, but, we should keep him alive, he could be of use later.he is Potter's uncle."
The foot steps stopped right outside Daniels door
"Yes Master"
Master?! Daniel thought. The door started to creak open and two people stepped in. Daniel's jaw dropped
"Oh dear god"
~*~Draco's Group~*~
With a pop the group appeared in the middle of a dense forest. Remus immediately drew his wand and began to search the surrounding area, leaving Draco and Hermione alone. The stood in silence for a moment. Hermione turned to look at Draco, who looked rather uncomfortable. She opened her mouth to speak when an owl came zooming into the clearing at ungodly speeds. It hit Draco in the chest and fell to the ground, out cold. Hermione and Draco glanced at each other, before they both kneeled beside the unconscious creature. Draco took the letter it was carrying and opened it. As he read, his eye grew larger and larger. Hermione just stared at him, waiting. Finally Draco transfigured two rocks into a bottle of ink and a quill before writing furiously on the other side of the parchment. He woke up the owl and quickly sent it off.
"Draco?"
Hermione whispered. Draco turned to look at her
"It was from Snape.it seems Harry collapsed in the hall today, his scar nearly ripped in half. Snape thinks that Voldemort might be behind it."
Hermione gapped at him
"But.but, Draco.You-know.Voldemort.is dead"
Draco shook his head
"We think he's dead.but you never know about him"
Again they were both silent. The silence was broken only when Remus came rushing back into the clearing.
"The castle is less than 100 yards away to the north.the death eaters will be patrolling here soon I'm sure, we need to hide somewhere"
He said quickly. Hermione nodded and pointed her wand at Remus
"The best way to hide in a forest is to blend"
She said, smiling. With a wave of her wand she turned Remus into a small squirrel. Remus seemed to glare at her for a moment before running up at tree and seating himself on a branch. Hermione then turned to Draco
"And now"
She said, again waving her wand. In seconds a small white ferret sat at her feet. She knew Draco would get her for that one. She turned into a falcon, took Draco in her talons, then flew up beside Remus. She released Draco beside Remus then soared above the trees to get a better look out. When she broke through the trees she got a look at the castle and the surrounding grounds. As soon as she got high enough a sight that terrified her to the core met her small eyes. Oh no were the only words able to force themselves into her mind.
~*~Molly and Arthur's group~*~
Molly Weasley was pacing back and forth in the small bedroom, occasionally running her fingers through her hair. Her husband was seated on the bed not to far away, watching her. Suddenly Molly stopped pacing
"I'm worried Arthur"
She said in a quiet voice. Mr. Weasley didn't reply
"I'm worried about all of them. There's no telling what the Dark Lord is planning and we're all right in the middle of it.especially Harry"
Again she began to pace. Arthur stood slowly and walked towards his wife. He wrapped his arms protectively around her.
"Molly"
He whispered
"Harry had always been in the middle of things, and so have Ron and Hermione. We can do nothing to help them right now. Ron is only an apparition away, Harry is safe at Hogwarts, and Hermione is with Draco.they'll all be fine"
"Fine now!"
Molly cried
"But you know Harry will go on a raid soon, or Hermione will get caught, or Hogsmede will be attacked. God knows what could happen to my children!"
Tears began to cascade down Mrs. Weasley's cheeks
"I don't know what to do anymore Arthur! The wizarding world is worse off than it has been in years, even with You-know-who destroyed! We'll never safe. I just want my children to grow up, get married, have kids and be happy. And even if this ends, you know that every slight movement in the darkness and any loud explosion will shake them up. I don't want any of the people I care about to end up like Alastor Moody! And if things keep going the way they're going, they'll either end up like him or not end up at all!"
Molly looked hard into Arthur's eyes
"We owe it to ourselves to protect them."
She took Arthur's hand in hers and squeezed it
"We owe it to Lily and James."
Arthur was silent. He'd know James Potter relatively well. The Weasley family, excluding Ron and Ginny, had attended The Potter wedding. Arthur had always admired James, for his talent and his courage. James was one of the best Aurors in the field, coming to a very close second with Sirius Black. Unknown too many, Sirius had been the top Auror from the first year he'd started training to the day he was convicted. That, he was sure, was why everyone believed him guilty. He had the power to rival any wizard, minus Harry, Dumbledore and Voldemort. He was less worried about Harry because Sirius was with him. Out of all the people Arthur knew, he didn't think anyone would make a better father, or a better god father for that matter, than Sirius Black. He had a great sense of humor, but what 'serious' when need be. He could protect his family; he was a wonderful teacher and friend. Harry was lucky to have him. Arthur let out a short sigh
"They'll be fine Molly"
~*~Harry's group~*~
Harry sat calmly beside the lake, his cloak wrapped tightly around him. The sun was setting in the distance, sending red rays of light across the ancient castle. Harry's mind was reeling with thoughts of this morning. Dumbledore thinks Voldemort is back.what he'd said made sense, but Harry didn't want to believe it. He sighed loudly and picked up a small rock, tossing it forcefully into the water.
"Bloody Voldemort"
He sneered, bowing his head. He sat in silence for a moment; only the distant cracking of a branch brought him back to reality. He glanced behind him and saw Nathan walking slowly towards him. Harry smiled slightly and turned back to the lake. After a few seconds, Nathan took a seat beside him.
"What's wrong, Harry?"
He asked, cocking his head to the side. Harry glanced at him, chewing his bottom lip. He finally decided he'd tell Nathan.he believed fully that Nathan could handle it.
"Voldemort's back"
He said bluntly. Nathan gave no reply. His mouth fell open his eyes widening
"Dumbledore says that if Voldemort was ever really gone my scar would disappear"
Harry lifted up his bangs
"It's still there"
Harry again bowed his head
"Hermione, Remus, and Draco are at the castle, Daniel and his group are in the forest surrounding the castle, and we're going to go to the castle and help Draco out. And if Voldemort's there"
Harry shrugged
"I don't know how many more times I can kill the bastard"
Nathan was silent for a moment then
"When I was a kid my Mum would read to me the story of Harry Potter.I always envisioned you as this macho guy, 10 feet tall, rippling muscles, kick ass attitude.me and my friends used to play games, and I was always Harry Potter, and I always defeated the monsters. Then one day, you were in the paper, and I looked at you, I think you were like in fourth year.and you looked so normal.and I asked my Mum if this was really you, and she said yes.so then when I came to Hogwarts, I expected to see some scrawny little boy.and, lemmie tell you, your no scrawny little boy. Anyway, moral of a 12 year olds story.what I envisioned you to be when I was young is what you are now.I mean, you always win, your Harry Potter.and there will always be people there to help you out! Voldemort should the one upset that's he's alive, cause he should know you'll just kill him again and again until he's gone for good.but you have to fight him.you have to because your Harry Potter, and you'll always come out on top"
Nathan was smiling now
"So go to the castle, and kick the bas- sorry -the wako's butt! But be careful all the same, Lia would kill me if she knew I told you to go!"
Suddenly Harry began to laugh. Nathan frowned
"What?"
"I can't believe you just said all that to me, like my father and you could be like, my little brother! I got good advice from a 12 year old!"
Harry stood and patted Nathan's head
"Thanks for the -umph-"
An owl collided with Harry and they both fell to the floor. The owl looked dead. Harry picked it up gently and took the note; he handed the owl to Nathan and started to read the note
Professor -
Come to the castle tomorrow around noon, storm the castle, we'll get Lucius, we just need a distraction, good luck
Draco
Harry stared at the note before taking off towards the castle, Nathan in tow.the attack was tomorrow.
~*~Harry's group~*~
The hospital wing was silent and dark. Many of the beds were occupied. The moon poured a dim beam of light through the open window, across the bed holding Harry Potter. His eyes were closed, but he wasn't sleeping. His own thoughts picked at his mind. He'd killed someone, he become a murderer. He rolled over and buried his head in the pillow, guilt flowing over him. Suddenly voices could be heard from outside the door
"Are you sure?"
Came the worried voice of Dumbledore
"Yes, that's what they heard"
Replied what sounded like Cassi. There was a sigh from Dumbledore
"Go get Ginny Weasley, please Cassi"
Footsteps echoed through the once quiet halls and Dumbledore pushed the door open. Dim light illuminated all the beds. The closest one held Fred Weasley. In a chair beside the bed sat Charlie Weasley, his head resting on the side of the bed, lines of worry on his sleeping face. The next bed held George Weasley, who was snoring rather loudly. Beside him were Justin Flinch-Fletchy, Severus Snape, then Riley. All were sleeping peacefully. In the last bed was Harry, Sirius at his feet, as a dog. Dumbledore could tell Harry wasn't sleeping. He was too tense. Dumbledore glided to the boy's side and placed a hand on his arm
"Harry"
He whispered. Harry didn't move, not wanting to talk about what happened today. Of course he knew Dumbledore wouldn't give up until he did. After a moment Harry rolled over and pulled himself up in the bed, his troubled eyes locking with Dumbledore's. Dumbledore sat on the edge of the bed, careful not to disturb Sirius.
"What happened? You have to tell me Harry, I must know"
Harry sighed
"Everything went to plan Professor. We caught all the death eaters we could, and we left, that's all"
He whispered
"That is NOT all Harry and you know it. Tell me, if you bottle it up you'll just feel worse"
Harry turned away from Dumbledore. The moonlight reflected in his eyes. Dumbledore could see tears glistening in them. Slowly Harry slid out of the bed
"I killed him Professor"
He muttered
"He was torturing Fred and I tried everything I could think of. He dodged everything I threw at him. If I hadn't done anything it would have killed Fred. I thought of the first spell he couldn't dodge quick enough, and.."
Harry's voice cracked
"And I killed him. I killed him. I'm no better than Voldemort was"
Dumbledore saw the tears sliding down Harry's cheeks as he stared out the window. Dumbledore stood and walked to his side
"Your are nothing like Voldemort Harry, and let me tell you why"
He moved and stood directly in front of Harry his piercing blue eyes searching Harry's red and puffy green ones
"Unlike Voldemort and all his supporters, you came back here, not celebrating your kill, not laughing at how foolish the man you killed had been, but grieving because you feel terribly guilty. If you wouldn't have killed him, you would have lost someone good, someone fighting for a good cause. It is never right to take another's life, but given the circumstances, you did the right thing. Imagine what would have happened if Fred had died, Harry. All of the Weasley's, what they would have had to suffer, you yourself would have suffered far worse if he had died, because instead of telling yourself you murdered this death eater, you would be telling yourself you murdered your friend. Telling yourself that if only you would have killed him you could have saved part of your family. Now tell me Harry, how is it that you are anything like Voldemort was?"
Harry was silent for a long time. He only tore his gaze away from Dumbledore when the door opened and Ginny walked in. As soon as she saw Harry she ran to him, hugging him tightly
"I couldn't sleep I was so worried. I just sat in the common room, waiting for them to come and tell me you were okay! And you are"
Ginny was now sobbing, holding onto Harry for dear life. Harry held her tight and Dumbledore just smiled. Ginny's sobs awoke Sirius. He looked at Ginny, sobbing in Harry's arms, and Harry, his eyes red and puffy. Then changed and looked at Dumbledore
"What did you do?"
He hissed, his eyes dancing. Dumbledore chuckled
"I told Harry was nothing like Voldemort, brought Ginny into the room and let the two go at it. I think Harry understands now that he had to kill the death eater, and I think Ginny is going to have a hard time for the next few months with Harry going on raids and all"
"She's not the only one, and I'll be with him"
Sirius answered, getting off the bed and stretching. The door behind them squeaked and Sirius and Dumbledore turned. (Harry and Ginny were a little pre-occupied) In the door way stood Nathan, Lia, and Andy, all looking worried at the site of all the people in the beds. Snape, who had been watching the whole scene unfold, rolled his eyes and sat up. The three students looked fearfully at him and he again rolled his eyes
"Oh come on in"
He hissed. They grinned and shot into the room. Harry turned around just in time to catch Lia who had launched herself into his arms. Harry chuckled and hugged her tightly. Snape got out of bed and padded over to the group
"Slumber party is it?"
He asked, raising his eyebrows
"Oh yes Professor!"
Ginny said, grinning
"Weren't you invited?"
Snape had to fight back a smile, knowing that this girl would never have said anything of the sort to him two, even one year ago.
"Was the raid successful?"
Nathan asked, turning his gaze to Sirius. Sirius nodded
"If you mean did we kick serious death eater ass, yes, of course it was successful"
Nathan giggled
"That's about what I was asking"
"Oh, a party?"
Came a quiet voice. Everyone turned. Riley was smiling at them from her bed, and past her Justin and George were up.
"We're waking everyone up here!"
Sirius cried. Suddenly the door at the other end of the room opened and Madam Pomphrey walked in. She stared at them shocked for a moment then
"What on earth are all of you doing out of bed!? It's passed visitor hours! Get back in bed this instant! Who woke all of you up?!"
Harry chuckled
"It's Professor Dumbledore's fault"
He said. Pomphrey looked shocked. Dumbledore blushed
"Sorry Poppy, couldn't wait. Everyone back to bed. Nathan, Lia, Andy, Ginny, please come along"
And he fled the hospital wing quickly, everyone he called in tow. Harry scrambled back to bed. Sirius changed into a dog and lay down at the foot of it. Snape levitated Charlie into a bed, and then went asleep himself. After making sure everyone was in bed, Madam Pomphrey left the room in a huff.
"Old Cow"
Snape muttered. Harry snorted and closed his eyes, suddenly feeling much better.
~*~
The next morning Pomphrey, after a very long final check up, let the group out. They headed towards the great hall, each rather tired, and rather hungry. When they entered the hall no one was there. Breakfast had finished nearly 30 minutes ago, but they had left one table open. Harry was shocked to see Padma standing there, talking with Dumbledore, Cassi, and Lisa. She seemed to be explaining something. Harry ran over, Snape and Sirius bolting after him
"What's wrong Padma? Where are Hermione, Draco, and Remus?"
Harry asked urgently
"They're fine; at least, I think they're fine. They're on their way to Malfoy Manor, after Lucius. Draco told me to contact him in three days time, and that was yesterday. So I have to contact him-"
"Yes, yes, Padma you told me this already"
Dumbledore said calmly
"Did Draco say anything about his plan?"
Padma shook her head
"He just told me to contact him, that's all. Then he'd reply, telling me where they were and what he wanted me to do."
Dumbledore nodded
"We'll have to wait then"
He said, clapping his hands together and turning to the shocked Harry, Sirius, and Snape
"Why don't you all have a seat, and eat, my you look famished Severus, come come"
Dumbledore led Snape away, towards the breakfast table. Harry looked at Sirius
"I'm going to owl them earlier, if they go to Voldemort's castle, it's too dangerous for three people, plus."
Harry paused
"They're up to something. First that troll and the weird fact that it has NO insides, then last night that potion. Justin told me the last ingredient was blood. I just think they're doing something big, something we don't expect, something-"
He paused and confused look appearing on his face, then suddenly his face screwed up in pain and his hands flew to his scar. He crumpled to the floor
"Harry!"
Sirius shouted, dropping to the floor beside him
"Harry!"
The group at the table was now crowding around him. Riley knelt beside him, turning Harry over and laying him on his back. His hands covered his face and he was so tense, then suddenly he relaxed. Riley pried his hands away and saw that he'd passed out. She lifted his bangs and was shocked to see a trickle of blood running down Harry's head, from his scar. She looked up at Dumbledore who looked socked
"Alastor! Filius!"
Dumbledore cried. A distant clunk echoed through the hall and moments later Moody and Flitwick appeared
"Go to the Ministry and check on Voldemort's body"
They both nodded and left
"Cassi! Go to Mundungus and Daniel and warn them quickly"
Cassi reluctantly agreed, and with one last glance at Harry, she too left.
"Severus, owl Draco and tell him to send us those plans now!"
Snape nodded and took off towards the owlry.
"George, go to Hogsmede and tell your brother to pay extra close attention, something is up"
Without a word George was off. Dumbledore knelt beside Harry and brandished his wand
"Enervate"
He whispered solemnly. Harry's eyes shot open. They looked worried and pained. His hand flew to his scar and he rubbed it, feeling the blood he pulled his hand away.
"Albus?"
Harry asked uncertainty in his voice. Dumbledore didn't answer. He and Sirius pulled Harry to his feet.
"Albus, something's wrong"
Harry chocked
"I shouldn't be feeling anything, he's dead, I killed him, I haven't felt anything since that day.nothing, Professor, what's wrong?"
Dumbledore's face was masked with worry
"Sirius, alert the students that all classes are cancelled, Harry, come with me"
Dumbledore led Harry out of the hall quickly. He didn't say anything except the password to his office. Harry felt like he was back at school again. Once inside Dumbledore's office he slammed the door. He sat down quickly and began digging through files that were scattered on his desk. Harry waited patiently, occasionally rubbing his scar which still burned dully. Dumbledore finally seemed to pull out exactly what he was looking for. It was a withered looking scroll. He spread it quickly across his desk. Harry walked over and peered down at it. A confused look appeared on his face. It was in another language. Harry bit his lip nervously, waiting for Dumbledore to say something. Finally Dumbledore looked up, his eyes glazed over.
"We're in trouble Harry"
He said
Duh Harry thought, closing his eyes.
"What kind of trouble Albus?"
"Big trouble"
Harry sighed in annoyance
"Please just tell me what's wrong!"
"He can come back"
Harry paled
"What?"
"I failed to notice this when I first read over the report."
"Report?"
Harry asked, glancing at the scroll
"Yes, the ministry writes everything in Latin so it would take someone a little longer to find out what it says...luckily, I am fluent in Latin"
He said waving his hand aside
"It says here that once he is really gone no evidence will be left to let the world know he was ever there, except for the absence of lives."
Dumbledore trailed off and Harry raised his eye brows
"And?"
"And something was left.why didn't I see it before?"
"What?!"
Harry was very nervous now, not knowing what to expect. Dumbledore sighed and moved towards Harry
"If Voldemort was ever truly gone.this would be gone too"
Dumbledore placed a finger on Harry's scar. Harry frowned. His scar? That made no sense.
"The last of Voldemorts powers were poured into you all those years ago, and the only way of really knowing it is through the scar.that scar, Harry, means Voldemort was never truly dead, and if Lucius got a hold of Voldemort's body."
Dumbledore trailed off
"We're in for another rough one Harry"
Harry scowled. He felt the power bubble inside of him as he dropped into the chair, staring at the floor. Dumbledore suddenly kneeled beside him
"We will stop him"
Dumbledore whispered. Harry's face turned red with anger
"But when Professor?! When! How many more people are going to have to die?! How many more times am I going to have to kill him?!"
Harry stood
"I hate this. I hate the fact that this.gutless.murder has so much power over us, and it only makes it worse because I have failed to kill him about as many times as he's failed to kill me!"
Suddenly the door was flung open and Flitwick and Moody clambered in
"Gone"
Moody wheezed, putting all his weight on his newly acquired cane.
"Shit"
Harry muttered under his breath, starting to pace Dumbledore's office. They were silent for a few minutes when Cassi came flying into the room
"I warned them.but something's wrong, they were so, reserved, and Fletcher wouldn't tell me where Evans was"
Dumbledore let out a short sigh
"We will just have to wait for Draco's reply then"
~*~Ron's Group~*~
Ron sat stiffly on the couch; he'd been doing that a lot recently. Minerva and Oliver were following the death eater around. He had been much more active recently, selling more of his illegal potion ingredients. Many more of his death eater buddies had been visiting him too and that made everyone nervous. Suddenly he heard a loud banging on the door. He was up in seconds, wand in hand. Angelina, Laura and Arabella came flying out of the back room. Ron ran over to the door and pulled it open. He was surprised to see George standing in the doorway
"George?"
He breathed. George smiled slightly
"Can I come in?"
Ron nodded and allowed his brother in. Angelina threw herself at George
"GEORGE!"
She cried, smothering him a friendly kisses. Ron rolled his eyes
"Angelina, let go"
George said, chuckling slightly. He managed to pry Angelina off of him
"I'm here with a message from Dumbledore"
Immediately everyone was silent
"Harry collapsed in the Great Hall today, his scar-"
"Harry?! He's alright then, about the death eater?"
George nodded
"Yeah, but I think you know who might be back"
"WHAT?!"
"Well, Harry's scar doesn't act up unless you know who is around"
Silence filled the room. No one moved for a moment. Ron was deathly white, Arabella was absentmindedly chewing her bottom lip, and Angelina, who was still holding onto George, had her mouth hanging open. Then quiet voices could be heard coming towards the house
"It was blood Minerva!"
Came a mans voice, obviously Oliver's
"We have to sneak into his house; you don't know who that blood could be from"
"An animal-"
"That was human blood Minerva"
The door opened and the two entered. McGonagall had her brown hair hanging loosely over her shoulders. She was wearing sky blue robes that flattered her very nicely. Ron had made a crack the other day about her being hot and had received a rather long lecture about how he should treat his elders. It had amused everyone in the room except Ron. Oliver looked highly annoyed. He looked up and his eyes widened
"Weasley?"
He asked shocked. Minerva's head shot toward George and Angelina who were still wrapped around each other. George blushed, and Angelina giggled
"Er, hello Professor and Oliver"
He said
"I was just told to tell you to be careful"
He said, turning back to Ron
"Good luck"
Then he disparated.
~*~Daniel's Group~*~
Daniel was lying in the corner of a dungeon cell he'd been kept in for two days. He was covered in blood and his right arm was bent out in a strange angle. He'd only seen two people since he arrived, Lucius Malfoy, sadly, and the death eater that had caught him in the first place. Strangely he didn't have a name. He didn't know what the other death eaters called him; he never really paid any attention. Daniel shifted slightly so that he could see the door. A small piece of moldy bread and a glass of water were sitting there. He rolled his eyes, they had been drugged all the food and water with some potion since his first day in. It was really sad how the death eater thought he was so thick. With one glance at the food he could tell that it was doused in something. Daniel slowly crawled over to the plate and grabbed hold of the bread and water. He pulled off some crumbs and left them on the floor before crawling over to a small window and tossing the water and bread out. He rolled the plate and cup back towards the door and slumped into the corner once again He sat there for hours, trying to come up with a way to escape. He needed James there, James or Sirius, or Remus.any of them would have been good.they would be able to get out of here. Suddenly Daniel could here quiet voices and pounding of feet moving down the hall way. They were coming closer
"They haven't come to get him, they haven't even tried"
No reply
"Should we kill him?"
"No, I don't think they are coming, but, we should keep him alive, he could be of use later.he is Potter's uncle."
The foot steps stopped right outside Daniels door
"Yes Master"
Master?! Daniel thought. The door started to creak open and two people stepped in. Daniel's jaw dropped
"Oh dear god"
~*~Draco's Group~*~
With a pop the group appeared in the middle of a dense forest. Remus immediately drew his wand and began to search the surrounding area, leaving Draco and Hermione alone. The stood in silence for a moment. Hermione turned to look at Draco, who looked rather uncomfortable. She opened her mouth to speak when an owl came zooming into the clearing at ungodly speeds. It hit Draco in the chest and fell to the ground, out cold. Hermione and Draco glanced at each other, before they both kneeled beside the unconscious creature. Draco took the letter it was carrying and opened it. As he read, his eye grew larger and larger. Hermione just stared at him, waiting. Finally Draco transfigured two rocks into a bottle of ink and a quill before writing furiously on the other side of the parchment. He woke up the owl and quickly sent it off.
"Draco?"
Hermione whispered. Draco turned to look at her
"It was from Snape.it seems Harry collapsed in the hall today, his scar nearly ripped in half. Snape thinks that Voldemort might be behind it."
Hermione gapped at him
"But.but, Draco.You-know.Voldemort.is dead"
Draco shook his head
"We think he's dead.but you never know about him"
Again they were both silent. The silence was broken only when Remus came rushing back into the clearing.
"The castle is less than 100 yards away to the north.the death eaters will be patrolling here soon I'm sure, we need to hide somewhere"
He said quickly. Hermione nodded and pointed her wand at Remus
"The best way to hide in a forest is to blend"
She said, smiling. With a wave of her wand she turned Remus into a small squirrel. Remus seemed to glare at her for a moment before running up at tree and seating himself on a branch. Hermione then turned to Draco
"And now"
She said, again waving her wand. In seconds a small white ferret sat at her feet. She knew Draco would get her for that one. She turned into a falcon, took Draco in her talons, then flew up beside Remus. She released Draco beside Remus then soared above the trees to get a better look out. When she broke through the trees she got a look at the castle and the surrounding grounds. As soon as she got high enough a sight that terrified her to the core met her small eyes. Oh no were the only words able to force themselves into her mind.
~*~Molly and Arthur's group~*~
Molly Weasley was pacing back and forth in the small bedroom, occasionally running her fingers through her hair. Her husband was seated on the bed not to far away, watching her. Suddenly Molly stopped pacing
"I'm worried Arthur"
She said in a quiet voice. Mr. Weasley didn't reply
"I'm worried about all of them. There's no telling what the Dark Lord is planning and we're all right in the middle of it.especially Harry"
Again she began to pace. Arthur stood slowly and walked towards his wife. He wrapped his arms protectively around her.
"Molly"
He whispered
"Harry had always been in the middle of things, and so have Ron and Hermione. We can do nothing to help them right now. Ron is only an apparition away, Harry is safe at Hogwarts, and Hermione is with Draco.they'll all be fine"
"Fine now!"
Molly cried
"But you know Harry will go on a raid soon, or Hermione will get caught, or Hogsmede will be attacked. God knows what could happen to my children!"
Tears began to cascade down Mrs. Weasley's cheeks
"I don't know what to do anymore Arthur! The wizarding world is worse off than it has been in years, even with You-know-who destroyed! We'll never safe. I just want my children to grow up, get married, have kids and be happy. And even if this ends, you know that every slight movement in the darkness and any loud explosion will shake them up. I don't want any of the people I care about to end up like Alastor Moody! And if things keep going the way they're going, they'll either end up like him or not end up at all!"
Molly looked hard into Arthur's eyes
"We owe it to ourselves to protect them."
She took Arthur's hand in hers and squeezed it
"We owe it to Lily and James."
Arthur was silent. He'd know James Potter relatively well. The Weasley family, excluding Ron and Ginny, had attended The Potter wedding. Arthur had always admired James, for his talent and his courage. James was one of the best Aurors in the field, coming to a very close second with Sirius Black. Unknown too many, Sirius had been the top Auror from the first year he'd started training to the day he was convicted. That, he was sure, was why everyone believed him guilty. He had the power to rival any wizard, minus Harry, Dumbledore and Voldemort. He was less worried about Harry because Sirius was with him. Out of all the people Arthur knew, he didn't think anyone would make a better father, or a better god father for that matter, than Sirius Black. He had a great sense of humor, but what 'serious' when need be. He could protect his family; he was a wonderful teacher and friend. Harry was lucky to have him. Arthur let out a short sigh
"They'll be fine Molly"
~*~Harry's group~*~
Harry sat calmly beside the lake, his cloak wrapped tightly around him. The sun was setting in the distance, sending red rays of light across the ancient castle. Harry's mind was reeling with thoughts of this morning. Dumbledore thinks Voldemort is back.what he'd said made sense, but Harry didn't want to believe it. He sighed loudly and picked up a small rock, tossing it forcefully into the water.
"Bloody Voldemort"
He sneered, bowing his head. He sat in silence for a moment; only the distant cracking of a branch brought him back to reality. He glanced behind him and saw Nathan walking slowly towards him. Harry smiled slightly and turned back to the lake. After a few seconds, Nathan took a seat beside him.
"What's wrong, Harry?"
He asked, cocking his head to the side. Harry glanced at him, chewing his bottom lip. He finally decided he'd tell Nathan.he believed fully that Nathan could handle it.
"Voldemort's back"
He said bluntly. Nathan gave no reply. His mouth fell open his eyes widening
"Dumbledore says that if Voldemort was ever really gone my scar would disappear"
Harry lifted up his bangs
"It's still there"
Harry again bowed his head
"Hermione, Remus, and Draco are at the castle, Daniel and his group are in the forest surrounding the castle, and we're going to go to the castle and help Draco out. And if Voldemort's there"
Harry shrugged
"I don't know how many more times I can kill the bastard"
Nathan was silent for a moment then
"When I was a kid my Mum would read to me the story of Harry Potter.I always envisioned you as this macho guy, 10 feet tall, rippling muscles, kick ass attitude.me and my friends used to play games, and I was always Harry Potter, and I always defeated the monsters. Then one day, you were in the paper, and I looked at you, I think you were like in fourth year.and you looked so normal.and I asked my Mum if this was really you, and she said yes.so then when I came to Hogwarts, I expected to see some scrawny little boy.and, lemmie tell you, your no scrawny little boy. Anyway, moral of a 12 year olds story.what I envisioned you to be when I was young is what you are now.I mean, you always win, your Harry Potter.and there will always be people there to help you out! Voldemort should the one upset that's he's alive, cause he should know you'll just kill him again and again until he's gone for good.but you have to fight him.you have to because your Harry Potter, and you'll always come out on top"
Nathan was smiling now
"So go to the castle, and kick the bas- sorry -the wako's butt! But be careful all the same, Lia would kill me if she knew I told you to go!"
Suddenly Harry began to laugh. Nathan frowned
"What?"
"I can't believe you just said all that to me, like my father and you could be like, my little brother! I got good advice from a 12 year old!"
Harry stood and patted Nathan's head
"Thanks for the -umph-"
An owl collided with Harry and they both fell to the floor. The owl looked dead. Harry picked it up gently and took the note; he handed the owl to Nathan and started to read the note
Professor -
Come to the castle tomorrow around noon, storm the castle, we'll get Lucius, we just need a distraction, good luck
Draco
Harry stared at the note before taking off towards the castle, Nathan in tow.the attack was tomorrow.