Chapter 15 *Deception*
"Do you think he did it?" Lavender Brown asked as she sat down on Ron's lap near the blazing fire.
"Yes," he replied, absent-mindedly stroking Lavender's blonde hair.
"What's wrong, babe?" she asked, noticing how Ron seemed to be much more mellow than usual.
Ron looked up at her. "Do you think we'll ever have that?" he asked, running a finger across her lips.
"Have what?" Lavender asked, confused.
"What Harry and Hermione have? That love that seems to make them glow. The way they just know what the other is thinking or if one of them is in trouble or scared? The way you just know that they have a special bond that can't ever be broken no matter what happens? Like their souls are connected."
Lavender smiled at her boyfriend, surprised at his poetic choice of words. "Ronald Weasley, are you jealous?"
Ron laughed. "No, honey. I've never been jealous of them no matter what anyone thinks. I think they deserve each other. I was just thinking, though. What is it like to have what they have? Will we ever have that?"
She lowered her face towards him and kissed him very softly on the lips. "If you want to, we can have what they have," she whispered in his ear.
"Do you love me?" Ron asked, his lips leaning against hers. He smiled at her knowing that the question would annoy her but needing to know nonetheless.
"Ronald Weasley, if I have to ...." Lavender was about to go into one of her How-Many-Times-Do-I-Have-To-Tell-You lectures but Ron shushed her by pressing his lips firmly against hers.
"I love you, too," he chuckled, pulling her down on the couch with him.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
As Harry watched Hermione sleep next to him (they had somehow ended up on his bed) and ran gentle fingers across her face, he didn't think it was possible to love her anymore than he already did.
But as Hermione's eyes fluttered open and she murmured, "Hey you," with a sleepy smile, his heart seemed to thud against his chest with love he didn't know existed.
"I love you," he whispered and pulled her closer to him until their bodies touched.
She leaned her head against his shoulder, making small circles on his chest. "I love you, too."
"Sleep well?" he asked, running tan fingers through her tangled hair.
"You know, I don't think I've ever slept so peacefully."
"That's because I'm so soft and cuddly," Harry said with a sly smile.
"No, I just think your bed is more comfortable than mine," Hermione replied, with an equally sly smile.
"Oh, well if that's the case, than I suggest you leave," he said, trying hard to sound serious.
Hermione raised her head to stare at him with wide eyes. "You're not serious? How will you keep warm without me, huh?" she asked, catching on.
"Cho said she would be glad to fill in whenever I needed a replacement."
"Good luck with that one," she said with a laugh. "Hey, there's a letter on the dresser," she said suddenly, reaching over him to get at it.
"Who's it from?" she asked, as Harry opened up the thin piece of parchment.
"Sirius," Harry replied, chewing his bottom lip. "Do you think something happened to him?"
"Well, we won't know until we read it, now will we?" Hermione answered, then took the letter out of Harry's shaking hands and leaned back into him, so they could both read it.
Dear Harry:
How are you? I hope you're doing fine. Don't worry, I'm fine, I just wanted to let you know not to worry -- yet. I won't lie to you, Harry. Things are looking grim for us. Voldemort has become powerful in what seems a matter of months. Small villages and towns are destroyed. Muggles and Wizards alike have been killed for just being in the wrong place at the wrong time. We, Hagrid and I, have not found him, yet. We are hot on his trail though, and I promise I will try to be home at Christmas. It will be our first and I want to make it memorable. Say hello to Ron and Hermione for me. And Harry, please watch her. Voldemort is more against muggle- borns than ever. Take care and don't go looking for trouble. Hogwart's might not be as safe as before but it is still the safest place to be. Remember, I love you and will try my hardest to be home for Christmas.
All my love,
Sirius
P.S. Congratulations to you and Hermione. Your parents would be so proud.
For a minute neither of them spoke, Sirius' words floating through their heads, filling them with dread and happiness at the same time.
"Are you okay?" Hermione finally broke the silence, looking up to see the expression on his face.
Harry didn't speak for a moment then looked down at her with sad eyes. "Maybe we shouldn't go through with this. It's too dangerous. I would be putting you in too much danger and it's not worth it."
Hermione sat up on her knees and turned to face him, the sheet falling in a pile around her waist. "Don't you dare back out on me, Harry Potter! I will not leave your side, danger or no danger. I knew what I was getting myself into from the very beginning. And to me, you're very worth it," she leaned closer and took his face between her hands. "Listen to me, baby. We: you, Ron, and I, have always been there for each other. If it weren't for you I would be dead right now," at these words, Hermione's eyes misted over but she refused to break down in tears. "I love you. You mean the world to me and without you in it, it wouldn't be the same. Please don't think that by staying away you're protecting us. Never ever think you drag us into danger because we willingly follow you. Harry, you're my best friend, my confidante, and my fiance, and I intend on spending the rest of my life with you. Got it?" she finished, breathless.
Harry broke out into an amazing smile, sending warmth coursing through her body. "You're amazing, do you know that? I don't know what I would do without you and I don't want to find out," he pulled her to him and kissed her soundly on the lips.
Hermione laughed and wrapped her arms tightly around his neck, inhaling his scent. "And if I ever hear you say anything like that again, I think I'll have to beat you until you regain your senses."
Harry didn't answer, his lips had traveled from her lips to her throat. And as he kissed a sensitive part under her ear, she groaned.
Though she wanted to stay that way forever, Hermione pushed him away gently. "We really should go down to breakfast. People will start to worry. Besides, I'm starving!" she said this just as her stomach grumbled, causing them both to laugh.
"Oh, all right ..." he said, reluctantly, getting up and helping Hermione to her feet.
They got dressed and stepped out of their secluded world, immediately being bombarded with questions.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Did you ask her?"
"How was it?"
"Was it romantic?"
"Did you cry?"
"Did she say no?"
"What did you do after?"
Harry and Hermione ducked under arms and finally reached the couch where Ron was cracking up. "Well, you might as well answer them. They won't go away, believe me I tried," he told them, smiling widely.
Harry and Hermione stood up and faced the group of curious Gryffindors.
"Yes, I asked her and she said yes," Harry answered.
"It was very romantic and I did cry," Hermione answered.
"And what we did after is our own business," They both answered, smiling broadly.
The common room erupted into cheers and congratulations could be heard from miles away. "Geesh, how many people did you tell?" Hermione whispered in Harry's ear so he could hear her.
"I only told Sirius, Hagrid, Dumbledore, Ron, and Lavender," Harry whispered back. "I don't know how they all found out."
At this they both looked over at Lavender who blushed sheepishly. "I couldn't help it!"
Hermione laughed. "Come on, Lav. Let's go down to the Great Hall," she linked arms with her friend and they headed out of the room, the boys following behind them.
"Wow, you must have been busy last night, Herm. You're eating faster than I am!" Ron commented, making Hermione blush crimson.
"Shut-up, Ron!" Hermione snapped then looked at Harry with narrowed eyes as he was trying hard not to laugh. "Guys. They are so immature."
Ron leaned over the table to whisper something to Harry. "Was it good?"
"Ron!" Hermione and Lavender cried, horrified.
"None of your business!" Hermione told him.
But when she wasn't looking, Ron glanced at Harry who gave a slight nod, making Ron laugh harder.
Hermione was about to comment but the two friends stood up. "Sorry, Herm, practice," Ron said, jumping back to avoid Lavender's slap.
Harry bent down to kiss her. "I'll see you in a bit, okay?"
"Harry, I have a bad feeling about this," Hermione confided, suddenly turning serious.
"About what, love?" he asked, looking a bit concerned.
"About you going to practice. Maybe you shouldn't ..." she didn't know why but her heart started to thud painfully against her chest.
"Herm, he's the captain, he has to go. You must be doing something right, Potter, because she can't even go a couple of hours without you!" Ron joked but saw how serious and scared Hermione looked. "Hon, nothings going to happen," he said, seriously, looking at Lavender for some explanation but she only shrugged.
Harry pulled her into a corner so they could have more privacy "Baby, what's wrong? I'll miss you, too, but I have to go ..."
Hermione shook her head. "No, it's not that. Well, I mean, I'll miss you, but that's not it. I have this feeling ..." she knew she wasn't making any sense and the confused look on Harry's face proved it.
"What kind of feeling?"
"Just please be careful, okay? I don't want anything to happen to you. I wish I could come and watch but McGonagall wants me to tutor a first year who's having trouble. Ugh ..." she groaned.
Harry frowned. "Hey, everything is going to be fine. But I'll be careful, you too, okay?" he hugged her tightly and waited a few minutes until she relaxed. "I love you."
"I love you, too," she said and watched as he disappeared out the door with Ron.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Okay, five minute break!" Harry called out across the Quidditch field, watching as his team caught all the balls; the snitch already in his hand.
"We are going to kick Hufflepuff's arse," Ron said, coming down to stand next to Harry.
"Uh huh ..." he mumbled, biting his bottom lip and staring at the Dark Mark, it almost seemed natural against the gray sky.
"Still worried about Hermione?" Ron asked, as they headed towards the locker room.
Harry nodded and turned to his friend. "Do you think something's going to happen? She seemed pretty scared ..."
Ron shook his head, causing red strands of hair to fall in front of his eyes. "No, I think she's still a bit paranoid because of Parzatti. I swear, if I ever see him again, I'm going to blast that bastard to pieces," Ron growled, the name leaving a bad taste in his mouth.
"You know, I haven't seen him ever since Sirius and Hagrid left. You don't think he's planning on doing something, do you? Maybe I should go check on her," Harry said, frowning. The thought of Anthony hurting Hermione again, made his blood boil.
"I doubt if he'll try anything now, but you should go see if she's all right. If you see Lavender, tell her that our dinner date is still on," Ron said.
"Are you planning on asking her?" Harry asked, grabbing his wand just in case.
Ron's eyes glowed. "Yeah. But not now though. Two engagements in two days is a bit much."
Harry laughed as he made his way towards the castle. Everything's going to be fine, he told himself, even though he picked up his pace.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Let me go!" Harry growled, looking at the person who he despised as much as Voldemort.
"Temper, temper, Potter," Anthony drawled, smiling evilly at him. "I told you, not until I get what I want. And I can't very well get her with you in the way. And the easiest way to get her," he said, strolling over to Harry and plucking some of his jet black hairs, "is to look like you."
"You wouldn't dare."
"Actually, I would. I've had this polyjuice potion ready for weeks and all I needed was something of yours. Now that I have that, I can become you and get to the mudblood easier. Revenge is sweet," he sneered, pressing his face close to Harry's. "Won't it be fun to play with her head."
"Don't you dare touch her!" Harry shouted, rage flowing through every bone in his body. He struggled against the rope that had him tied against a thick tree. "Do anything to me, but leave Hermione alone!"
"Nope, no can do. Voldemort wants you, I just want the mudblood. Won't it be great when the great Potter is murdered by his own fiance?" Anthony asked, with a laugh that sent shivers down Harry's spine. "Or, maybe we should torture her in front of your eyes and then kill you. It'll be fun to see the look on your face when I tear her heart out in front of you," his voice was so cold, it was scary.
"I swear, when I get my hands on you, I'll ..."
"You'll what, Potter? Kill me by showing me your scar?" he laughed as he picked up Harry's wand off the ground. Anthony had captured him so suddenly, Harry had no time to defend himself.
"Please, just leave her alone. What has she ever done to you?" Harry pleaded.
Anthony's laugh stopped and his lazy smile faded. His icy blue eyes narrowed and he scowled at Harry. "What has she ever done to me, Potter? She thought she could stick me in that muggle jail and that'd be the end! I don't think so. No one leaves me, I leave them! No, she will not get away with all the humiliation she gave me. I will see her dead even if I have to die also!" he came closer and poked Harry hard in the chest. "Isn't it horrible knowing that I'll be sleeping with the mudblood? Just wait until she realizes her sweet little Potty isn't so sweet anymore!" with that he swallowed the thick liquid before Harry could have a chance to comment.
Right before Harry's eyes, Anthony turned into him. Green eyes stared into green. "Parzatti ..."
"Shut it, Potter! Don't try to escape or cry for help, neither will work. I have to go. Have fun, " he said with a cruel laugh and disappeared in a billow of dark robes.
Harry banged his head against the tree trunk, furious at himself. "Oh God, Hermione ..." tears gathered in his eyes. Hermione was in danger and it was his fault. He wasn't even man enough to protect her let alone save her.
"I'm so sorry, baby ...."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Where could he have gone?" Ron asked, worry evident in his voice.
They had all returned from the break and waited patiently for Harry but after ten minutes they knew something was wrong.
"Maybe he got carried away with Hermione?" Seamus suggested, causing everyone to snigger.
"No ..." Ron said. "Do you think something happened to him?"
They shook their heads, no one knew what could have possibly kept Harry away for this long.
"Maybe we should tell McGonagall," Ginny suggested.
"Tell her what, Weasley?"
The team turned around and saw Harry's look-alike strolling towards them. "What are you all gaping at? Get a move on! We don't have all day you know!"
Ron looked at him with puzzlement. Harry never called Ginny by her last name. He was also not so rude ... Oh, you're just being paranoid, Ron! he scolded himself. That was Harry, his best friend.
"You great git! You hit the bludger, you don't chase it!" Ron heard Harry shout coldly, making Ginny's chin tremble.
Ron's eyes narrowed, there was something wrong ... Harry had never shouted at Ginny or at anyone for that matter.
That's Harry, my best friend? My arse.
A.N: Hey, I'm back! I hope everyone had a great Christmas! Okay, I'm going to make this short 'cause no one reads these anyway (though, I do) ...
This was not the best chapter -- so I'm sorry it doesn't live up to Chapter 15 (I don't know how I'm going to top that ). It was pretty long though, so I hope that helps a bit. Anyway, on to the reviews:
MaRiAn the LiBrArIaN: I hope you're feeling better!! I didn't want to make you cry! Thanks so much for your review! It meant a lot!
Avril's worst nightmare: Wow! You printed it out? Geesh ... Um, I'm glad you like it? Lol. Okay, to answer your question. I know that I said Hermione sent Harry unmeltable chocolates 'cause the Dursleys wouldn't let him have anything good but then I said that Harry lived with Sirius. Harry IS living with Sirius so forget all about the Dursleys. I made a mistake -- it happens to everyone. I actually corrected myself in an author's note in one of the beginning chapters -- but no one reads those .... Anyway, sorry for the confusion and thanx for reviewing!
To the rest of my reviewers, thanks so much!! I love you guys! Now that you're done reading this, REVIEW! The more reviews the faster I update!
Have a happy New Year!
Sweetie
"Do you think he did it?" Lavender Brown asked as she sat down on Ron's lap near the blazing fire.
"Yes," he replied, absent-mindedly stroking Lavender's blonde hair.
"What's wrong, babe?" she asked, noticing how Ron seemed to be much more mellow than usual.
Ron looked up at her. "Do you think we'll ever have that?" he asked, running a finger across her lips.
"Have what?" Lavender asked, confused.
"What Harry and Hermione have? That love that seems to make them glow. The way they just know what the other is thinking or if one of them is in trouble or scared? The way you just know that they have a special bond that can't ever be broken no matter what happens? Like their souls are connected."
Lavender smiled at her boyfriend, surprised at his poetic choice of words. "Ronald Weasley, are you jealous?"
Ron laughed. "No, honey. I've never been jealous of them no matter what anyone thinks. I think they deserve each other. I was just thinking, though. What is it like to have what they have? Will we ever have that?"
She lowered her face towards him and kissed him very softly on the lips. "If you want to, we can have what they have," she whispered in his ear.
"Do you love me?" Ron asked, his lips leaning against hers. He smiled at her knowing that the question would annoy her but needing to know nonetheless.
"Ronald Weasley, if I have to ...." Lavender was about to go into one of her How-Many-Times-Do-I-Have-To-Tell-You lectures but Ron shushed her by pressing his lips firmly against hers.
"I love you, too," he chuckled, pulling her down on the couch with him.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
As Harry watched Hermione sleep next to him (they had somehow ended up on his bed) and ran gentle fingers across her face, he didn't think it was possible to love her anymore than he already did.
But as Hermione's eyes fluttered open and she murmured, "Hey you," with a sleepy smile, his heart seemed to thud against his chest with love he didn't know existed.
"I love you," he whispered and pulled her closer to him until their bodies touched.
She leaned her head against his shoulder, making small circles on his chest. "I love you, too."
"Sleep well?" he asked, running tan fingers through her tangled hair.
"You know, I don't think I've ever slept so peacefully."
"That's because I'm so soft and cuddly," Harry said with a sly smile.
"No, I just think your bed is more comfortable than mine," Hermione replied, with an equally sly smile.
"Oh, well if that's the case, than I suggest you leave," he said, trying hard to sound serious.
Hermione raised her head to stare at him with wide eyes. "You're not serious? How will you keep warm without me, huh?" she asked, catching on.
"Cho said she would be glad to fill in whenever I needed a replacement."
"Good luck with that one," she said with a laugh. "Hey, there's a letter on the dresser," she said suddenly, reaching over him to get at it.
"Who's it from?" she asked, as Harry opened up the thin piece of parchment.
"Sirius," Harry replied, chewing his bottom lip. "Do you think something happened to him?"
"Well, we won't know until we read it, now will we?" Hermione answered, then took the letter out of Harry's shaking hands and leaned back into him, so they could both read it.
Dear Harry:
How are you? I hope you're doing fine. Don't worry, I'm fine, I just wanted to let you know not to worry -- yet. I won't lie to you, Harry. Things are looking grim for us. Voldemort has become powerful in what seems a matter of months. Small villages and towns are destroyed. Muggles and Wizards alike have been killed for just being in the wrong place at the wrong time. We, Hagrid and I, have not found him, yet. We are hot on his trail though, and I promise I will try to be home at Christmas. It will be our first and I want to make it memorable. Say hello to Ron and Hermione for me. And Harry, please watch her. Voldemort is more against muggle- borns than ever. Take care and don't go looking for trouble. Hogwart's might not be as safe as before but it is still the safest place to be. Remember, I love you and will try my hardest to be home for Christmas.
All my love,
Sirius
P.S. Congratulations to you and Hermione. Your parents would be so proud.
For a minute neither of them spoke, Sirius' words floating through their heads, filling them with dread and happiness at the same time.
"Are you okay?" Hermione finally broke the silence, looking up to see the expression on his face.
Harry didn't speak for a moment then looked down at her with sad eyes. "Maybe we shouldn't go through with this. It's too dangerous. I would be putting you in too much danger and it's not worth it."
Hermione sat up on her knees and turned to face him, the sheet falling in a pile around her waist. "Don't you dare back out on me, Harry Potter! I will not leave your side, danger or no danger. I knew what I was getting myself into from the very beginning. And to me, you're very worth it," she leaned closer and took his face between her hands. "Listen to me, baby. We: you, Ron, and I, have always been there for each other. If it weren't for you I would be dead right now," at these words, Hermione's eyes misted over but she refused to break down in tears. "I love you. You mean the world to me and without you in it, it wouldn't be the same. Please don't think that by staying away you're protecting us. Never ever think you drag us into danger because we willingly follow you. Harry, you're my best friend, my confidante, and my fiance, and I intend on spending the rest of my life with you. Got it?" she finished, breathless.
Harry broke out into an amazing smile, sending warmth coursing through her body. "You're amazing, do you know that? I don't know what I would do without you and I don't want to find out," he pulled her to him and kissed her soundly on the lips.
Hermione laughed and wrapped her arms tightly around his neck, inhaling his scent. "And if I ever hear you say anything like that again, I think I'll have to beat you until you regain your senses."
Harry didn't answer, his lips had traveled from her lips to her throat. And as he kissed a sensitive part under her ear, she groaned.
Though she wanted to stay that way forever, Hermione pushed him away gently. "We really should go down to breakfast. People will start to worry. Besides, I'm starving!" she said this just as her stomach grumbled, causing them both to laugh.
"Oh, all right ..." he said, reluctantly, getting up and helping Hermione to her feet.
They got dressed and stepped out of their secluded world, immediately being bombarded with questions.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Did you ask her?"
"How was it?"
"Was it romantic?"
"Did you cry?"
"Did she say no?"
"What did you do after?"
Harry and Hermione ducked under arms and finally reached the couch where Ron was cracking up. "Well, you might as well answer them. They won't go away, believe me I tried," he told them, smiling widely.
Harry and Hermione stood up and faced the group of curious Gryffindors.
"Yes, I asked her and she said yes," Harry answered.
"It was very romantic and I did cry," Hermione answered.
"And what we did after is our own business," They both answered, smiling broadly.
The common room erupted into cheers and congratulations could be heard from miles away. "Geesh, how many people did you tell?" Hermione whispered in Harry's ear so he could hear her.
"I only told Sirius, Hagrid, Dumbledore, Ron, and Lavender," Harry whispered back. "I don't know how they all found out."
At this they both looked over at Lavender who blushed sheepishly. "I couldn't help it!"
Hermione laughed. "Come on, Lav. Let's go down to the Great Hall," she linked arms with her friend and they headed out of the room, the boys following behind them.
"Wow, you must have been busy last night, Herm. You're eating faster than I am!" Ron commented, making Hermione blush crimson.
"Shut-up, Ron!" Hermione snapped then looked at Harry with narrowed eyes as he was trying hard not to laugh. "Guys. They are so immature."
Ron leaned over the table to whisper something to Harry. "Was it good?"
"Ron!" Hermione and Lavender cried, horrified.
"None of your business!" Hermione told him.
But when she wasn't looking, Ron glanced at Harry who gave a slight nod, making Ron laugh harder.
Hermione was about to comment but the two friends stood up. "Sorry, Herm, practice," Ron said, jumping back to avoid Lavender's slap.
Harry bent down to kiss her. "I'll see you in a bit, okay?"
"Harry, I have a bad feeling about this," Hermione confided, suddenly turning serious.
"About what, love?" he asked, looking a bit concerned.
"About you going to practice. Maybe you shouldn't ..." she didn't know why but her heart started to thud painfully against her chest.
"Herm, he's the captain, he has to go. You must be doing something right, Potter, because she can't even go a couple of hours without you!" Ron joked but saw how serious and scared Hermione looked. "Hon, nothings going to happen," he said, seriously, looking at Lavender for some explanation but she only shrugged.
Harry pulled her into a corner so they could have more privacy "Baby, what's wrong? I'll miss you, too, but I have to go ..."
Hermione shook her head. "No, it's not that. Well, I mean, I'll miss you, but that's not it. I have this feeling ..." she knew she wasn't making any sense and the confused look on Harry's face proved it.
"What kind of feeling?"
"Just please be careful, okay? I don't want anything to happen to you. I wish I could come and watch but McGonagall wants me to tutor a first year who's having trouble. Ugh ..." she groaned.
Harry frowned. "Hey, everything is going to be fine. But I'll be careful, you too, okay?" he hugged her tightly and waited a few minutes until she relaxed. "I love you."
"I love you, too," she said and watched as he disappeared out the door with Ron.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Okay, five minute break!" Harry called out across the Quidditch field, watching as his team caught all the balls; the snitch already in his hand.
"We are going to kick Hufflepuff's arse," Ron said, coming down to stand next to Harry.
"Uh huh ..." he mumbled, biting his bottom lip and staring at the Dark Mark, it almost seemed natural against the gray sky.
"Still worried about Hermione?" Ron asked, as they headed towards the locker room.
Harry nodded and turned to his friend. "Do you think something's going to happen? She seemed pretty scared ..."
Ron shook his head, causing red strands of hair to fall in front of his eyes. "No, I think she's still a bit paranoid because of Parzatti. I swear, if I ever see him again, I'm going to blast that bastard to pieces," Ron growled, the name leaving a bad taste in his mouth.
"You know, I haven't seen him ever since Sirius and Hagrid left. You don't think he's planning on doing something, do you? Maybe I should go check on her," Harry said, frowning. The thought of Anthony hurting Hermione again, made his blood boil.
"I doubt if he'll try anything now, but you should go see if she's all right. If you see Lavender, tell her that our dinner date is still on," Ron said.
"Are you planning on asking her?" Harry asked, grabbing his wand just in case.
Ron's eyes glowed. "Yeah. But not now though. Two engagements in two days is a bit much."
Harry laughed as he made his way towards the castle. Everything's going to be fine, he told himself, even though he picked up his pace.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Let me go!" Harry growled, looking at the person who he despised as much as Voldemort.
"Temper, temper, Potter," Anthony drawled, smiling evilly at him. "I told you, not until I get what I want. And I can't very well get her with you in the way. And the easiest way to get her," he said, strolling over to Harry and plucking some of his jet black hairs, "is to look like you."
"You wouldn't dare."
"Actually, I would. I've had this polyjuice potion ready for weeks and all I needed was something of yours. Now that I have that, I can become you and get to the mudblood easier. Revenge is sweet," he sneered, pressing his face close to Harry's. "Won't it be fun to play with her head."
"Don't you dare touch her!" Harry shouted, rage flowing through every bone in his body. He struggled against the rope that had him tied against a thick tree. "Do anything to me, but leave Hermione alone!"
"Nope, no can do. Voldemort wants you, I just want the mudblood. Won't it be great when the great Potter is murdered by his own fiance?" Anthony asked, with a laugh that sent shivers down Harry's spine. "Or, maybe we should torture her in front of your eyes and then kill you. It'll be fun to see the look on your face when I tear her heart out in front of you," his voice was so cold, it was scary.
"I swear, when I get my hands on you, I'll ..."
"You'll what, Potter? Kill me by showing me your scar?" he laughed as he picked up Harry's wand off the ground. Anthony had captured him so suddenly, Harry had no time to defend himself.
"Please, just leave her alone. What has she ever done to you?" Harry pleaded.
Anthony's laugh stopped and his lazy smile faded. His icy blue eyes narrowed and he scowled at Harry. "What has she ever done to me, Potter? She thought she could stick me in that muggle jail and that'd be the end! I don't think so. No one leaves me, I leave them! No, she will not get away with all the humiliation she gave me. I will see her dead even if I have to die also!" he came closer and poked Harry hard in the chest. "Isn't it horrible knowing that I'll be sleeping with the mudblood? Just wait until she realizes her sweet little Potty isn't so sweet anymore!" with that he swallowed the thick liquid before Harry could have a chance to comment.
Right before Harry's eyes, Anthony turned into him. Green eyes stared into green. "Parzatti ..."
"Shut it, Potter! Don't try to escape or cry for help, neither will work. I have to go. Have fun, " he said with a cruel laugh and disappeared in a billow of dark robes.
Harry banged his head against the tree trunk, furious at himself. "Oh God, Hermione ..." tears gathered in his eyes. Hermione was in danger and it was his fault. He wasn't even man enough to protect her let alone save her.
"I'm so sorry, baby ...."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Where could he have gone?" Ron asked, worry evident in his voice.
They had all returned from the break and waited patiently for Harry but after ten minutes they knew something was wrong.
"Maybe he got carried away with Hermione?" Seamus suggested, causing everyone to snigger.
"No ..." Ron said. "Do you think something happened to him?"
They shook their heads, no one knew what could have possibly kept Harry away for this long.
"Maybe we should tell McGonagall," Ginny suggested.
"Tell her what, Weasley?"
The team turned around and saw Harry's look-alike strolling towards them. "What are you all gaping at? Get a move on! We don't have all day you know!"
Ron looked at him with puzzlement. Harry never called Ginny by her last name. He was also not so rude ... Oh, you're just being paranoid, Ron! he scolded himself. That was Harry, his best friend.
"You great git! You hit the bludger, you don't chase it!" Ron heard Harry shout coldly, making Ginny's chin tremble.
Ron's eyes narrowed, there was something wrong ... Harry had never shouted at Ginny or at anyone for that matter.
That's Harry, my best friend? My arse.
A.N: Hey, I'm back! I hope everyone had a great Christmas! Okay, I'm going to make this short 'cause no one reads these anyway (though, I do) ...
This was not the best chapter -- so I'm sorry it doesn't live up to Chapter 15 (I don't know how I'm going to top that ). It was pretty long though, so I hope that helps a bit. Anyway, on to the reviews:
MaRiAn the LiBrArIaN: I hope you're feeling better!! I didn't want to make you cry! Thanks so much for your review! It meant a lot!
Avril's worst nightmare: Wow! You printed it out? Geesh ... Um, I'm glad you like it? Lol. Okay, to answer your question. I know that I said Hermione sent Harry unmeltable chocolates 'cause the Dursleys wouldn't let him have anything good but then I said that Harry lived with Sirius. Harry IS living with Sirius so forget all about the Dursleys. I made a mistake -- it happens to everyone. I actually corrected myself in an author's note in one of the beginning chapters -- but no one reads those .... Anyway, sorry for the confusion and thanx for reviewing!
To the rest of my reviewers, thanks so much!! I love you guys! Now that you're done reading this, REVIEW! The more reviews the faster I update!
Have a happy New Year!
Sweetie