Title: The Sides of Fear (2/?)
Author: Azeroth
Author E-mail: mrlindberg3h@yahoo.com
Category: Mystery, Drama, Action/Adventure, Romance
Keywords: Harry, Ginny, Voldemort, Chalice
Rating: PG-13
Spoilers: For all four books
Summary: Harry begins his fifth year at Hogwarts with a female Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, feelings of guilt for Cedric Diggory's death, and looking for someone to share his emotions with. Voldemort has steadily begun to build his reign of terror as a sense of urgency and vigilance goes through Hogwarts and the rest of the wizarding world.
Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.

A/N: I hope this makes you happy "Bucky" and "MissLaine"

The Sides of Fear

Chapter 2
Changing Relationships

The landscape looked beautiful as the sun was throwing shadows around every tree giving shade to animals seeking refuge from the heat. Harry blinked as Ron's voice broke through his serene trance.

"Harry, I said what do you think about this Krum business?" asked Ron.

Harry couldn't help but smile as Ron was eager to hear Harry condemn Hermione's decision to go visit Viktor Krum in Bulgaria. During the Tri-Wizard tournament they had become very good friends and there had been some tension between Ron and Hermione after Krum had invited Hermione to visit him in Bulgaria. Ron had showed how much he disapproved of the whole idea and the Yule Ball hadn't really helped the issue. Harry had not thought about it before last year, but it was clear Ron and Hermione liked each other more than friends. Harry thought he would torture his friend for a bit.

"Well, I think it's great to see Hermione broaden her views by going to Bulgaria. After all, Dumbledore said that we had to form relationships across all borders" Harry said with a straight face.

"I can't believe you Harry!" Ron cried. "If you think having Hermione go off to see that...that Krum fella is good for relations then why wo..."

Ron was interrupted by Harry and Ginny rolling around in their seats laughing. Ron's face and ears turned a bright red as he frowned.

"What are you two laughing about?" Ron asked with a slightly irritated voice.

"You and Hermione" Harry said between laughs. "It is so obvious Ron."

"What are you talking about?" Ron said.

The irritation was gone and Ron was starting to look worried that his "secret" might be out.

"Oh never mind" Harry said wiping the tears from his face.

He hadn't laughed this hard during the whole summer with the Dursleys. As Ron turned his attention to Ginny there was no doubt she knew all too well how her brother and Hermione felt. Harry shot a glance at Ginny who was having a hard time stifling her laughter Harry couldn't help but start laughing again. Stunned by the simultaneous laughter from his best friend and his sister Ron was beginning to lose his temper.

"What are you laughing about? I want to know what's so funny!"

Ron's face was now beet red and his hair looked like it was on fire. Thankfully for the travelers they were just pulling in to Ottery St. Catchpole as Ron decided to leave the two alone in their amusement.

***

As they got off the bus Mr. Weasley was waiting for them in his new Muggle car. Harry remembered the fate of the previously enchanted car that he and Ron had used to fly to Hogwarts at the beginning of their second year. That was the time he had learned about Howlers.

"Ah, Harry. It's wonderful to see you again" said Mr. Weasley smiling.

Arthur Weasley looked tired as he had been working late nights at the Ministry of Magic. The escalation of Voldemort's activities had led to long days and nights especially because Minister Fudge refused to believe Voldemort had returned. Harry knew that he and Mrs. Weasley would try to keep up a good mood with Harry at the Burrow. They had almost become his mother and father now Harry thought as he stepped off the bus dragging his trunk.

"It's great to see you too Mr. Weasley" Harry said flashing a smile.

"I am so excited about your trip. Now Ron, Ginny, you have to tell me all about this bus and how it works." Mr. Weasley said in an excited voice.

While Ginny explained to her father how the bus worked and all about the fare Harry was busy trying to calm down Hedwig. She hadn't been able to fly freely at the Dursleys' and it seemed like she could sense her opportunity to fly. After a few minutes Harry was able to subdue Hedwig. Before he knew it he could see the Burrow coming up. Just as they pulled up there was a loud explosion from the house followed by the all too familiar voice of Mrs. Weasley.

"FRED, GEORGE! I thought I told you there will be no more of your inventions in this house!"

A few seconds later the door was flung open as the twins were fleeing for their lives. They ran past the car, with a quick "hello" to Harry, heading for sanctuary down by the lake. Harry couldn't help but wonder whether or not the money he had given them had been a good investment for the rest of the Weasley family. Molly Weasley came stomping out through the door with an angry look on her face. Scanning the area she could see the backs of the twins as she turned to the car.

"Harry!" she cried out.

"Hi Mrs. Weasley" Harry said bracing himself for the hug.

"It's so good to see you again. Sometimes I wish we could trade you for two of ours" Mrs. Weasley said with a slight frown on her face.

"We couldn't do that to anyone. That would be cruel" said Ginny with a wicked smile playing on her face.

Harry was surprised by the sudden burst of confidence and turned to look at Ginny with his mouth wide open. Ginny felt him staring at him and turned to look at him.

"I wouldn't mind trading though" she said slightly blushing.

"Now, now" said Mr. Weasley. "I'm sure they know what they will have to do when they get back"

"Let's get all of you inside. I'm sure you're all hungry after such a long trip" Mrs. Weasley said in a lighter voice.

With Harry and Ron carrying the trunk up to the Burrow Mrs. Weasley was making comments on how the Dursleys must not have fed Harry enough during the summer with the carrots and all.

"Finally home" thought Harry as he made his way up to Ron's bedroom.

***

"My lord. You wanted to see me"

"Yes Lucius. It is time you began to fulfill your promise to me" Voldemort said facing away.

"Yes my lord. I am ready to do my part. Th-there will be no mistakes this time my lord" stuttered Lucius.

"There had better not be. For your own sake, and your family" hissed Voldemort.

"I assure you my lord. I am ready and so is my son. He will do what I tell him to do" said Lucius.

"Lucius. Don't disappoint me again. I have already forgiven you for your lack of conviction during my absence. I will not be so forgiving again." Voldemort said in a whisper.

"Thank you my lord. I will not fail you this time" Lucius said as he made his way out of the room.

Voldemort stood looking up into the sky. Mars was glowing bright red and it was time for Harry Potter to face his worst fear. Voldemort held up the chalice, slowly turning it around, gazing at its beauty. Finally he would have his revenge. The Potter boy would die and with it he would once again rise and become the ruler of the wizarding world.

"It is time for you to face your real fears boy" Voldemort whispered to himself with a smile. "This time you won't escape"

***

Ever since Harry had arrived at the Burrow the scar had begun to wake him up during the night. He knew that everyone in the house knew what was going on, but no one wanted to pressure Harry into talking about it. It was time for breakfast and Harry got dressed and walked down to the kitchen where the rest of the Weasley family was sitting around the breakfast table. That was all but Fred and George who were standing over by the counter doing dishes. Harry could only smile as he thought about what had happened when the twins had finally decided to come back to the Burrow following their little "accident." If they thought their mother would have calmed down by then they were sorely mistaken. Harry had figured they would try to sneak in later at night, but he also knew that Mrs. Weasley was patiently staying up guarding the staircase. Everyone in the house had woken up as Mrs. Weasley's thundering voice broke the silence of the night. Harry couldn't imagine a Howler being worse than the earful the twins had received upon their return. After what seemed like an hour of yelling he had heard the twins walk up the stairs slowly and going into their room to avoid any further damage to their hearing.

Everybody looked up at Harry as he came down smiling. Harry's smile seemed to have a positive effect on the morning as even Fred and George were allowed to sit down and eat. As soon as breakfast was done Harry and Ron went outside to play some Quidditch. Harry knew that Ron wanted desperately to be the new Keeper for Gryffindor. As they took out their brooms and Quaffle Ginny came walking out the door with her broom in hand.

"Do you mind if I play with you?" she asked timidly.

"Not at all Gin" said Harry before Ron could start protesting.

"Thanks Harry" Ginny said smiling.

They decided to let Ron start out as Keeper with Harry and Ginny playing as Chasers. Harry was amazed by how good Ron was, and he knew that there would be no problem picking their new Keeper for the team. As Harry and Ginny tried their best to score it was obvious that Ron had practiced a lot during the summer. In fact, Oliver Wood might have had a rival for the job if he hadn't graduated. Ginny on the other hand did not look very comfortable playing as Chaser, but there was something about the way she moved in the air. Harry hadn't seen her fly that much, but he was sure she had been practicing during the summer as well. If anything she would make a great Keeper thought Harry to himself.

"Watch out!" cried Ginny.

Harry turned around just in time to see a Bludger come flying straight at him and then everything went black.

***

As Harry came to his senses he could hear Ron's voice.

"You stupid gits. You could've killed him"

"Sorry Ron. We thought we'd see if his reflexes were any good" said Fred looking worried.

"Harry, can you hear me?" asked Ginny.

"I'm alright. Nothing more than a Bludger in the head" groaned Harry.

"Well, if it wasn't for my idiot brothers" Ginny glared at the twins "you wouldn't even be laying here."

"Sorry Harry. We didn't mean to hit you. We're really sorry" George said looking pale.

"We're already in trouble" said Fred. "Just wait until mum finds out about this. We'll be doomed to get dress robes with lace and de-gnoming the garden for the rest of our lives"

"Don't worry. I won't tell your mom about this" said Harry convincingly.

"Thanks Harry. We owe you...again." said both of the twins slightly smiling.

"I guess we should get back so you can lie down for a while and rest, huh?" Ron said.

"I'm alright Ron. Let's just go down to the lake for a bit and relax"

"Are you sure?" Ron said frowning.

"Yes I'm sure. Let's go. I've been wanting to take a swim ever since I got here"

"Well, I suppose I can't let my friend down" said Ron looking happy again.

"Who else wants to come with us to the lake?" asked Harry turning to Ginny and the twins.

"I wouldn't mind going for a swim" said Ginny lowering her head, and twisting her right foot.

"Sorry Harry, can't go. Mum wants us to clean the living room...without magic" said Fred in despair.

They all headed back to the house so they could change clothes. Harry and Ron made it downstairs and were watching the twins on their knees scrubbing the floor. Ron was just about to go get a camera as Ginny came downstairs. Harry's and Ron's jaws almost dropped when they saw what she was wearing. She had a little two-piece bikini on that showed more than it hid. Harry had enough time to stop staring at Ginny before Ron yelled.

"What do you think you're wearing?" said Ron looking cross.

"For your information it's a two-piece bikini" said Ginny with her wicked smile.

"Go back upstairs and put something else on right now!" yelled Ron.

"I will not!"

"Yes you will!"

"Will not"

"Will too"

"Will not"

"Will...Harry, tell her she looks...well...help me out Harry" cried Ron.

Harry didn't know what to say. He couldn't very well say what he really thought as Ron would be ripping his head off. He thought she looked very nice. Almost too nice.

"Well, it seems like Harry doesn't mind so let's just go" said Ginny walking right past her furious brother.

"WAIT! Thanks a lot Harry" grumbled Ron as they made their way out to catch up with Ginny.

***

Ginny couldn't take her eyes of Harry as he was drying off after being in the water for a long time. The sun was slowly setting and the light made Harry's eyes stand out even more. Ginny had been lost in those emerald eyes ever since she had seen the first picture of him. She knew that he had been busy working at the Dursleys', but she was amazed at how much he had grown. He wasn't the thin and lanky Harry Potter anymore. Whatever he had done during the summer had left him looking very good indeed, thought Ginny. She blushed as Harry threw his towel around his neck and was able to turn away to look at a flower between her feet.

"Are you looking at something interesting?" Harry asked.

"Yes-no...I mean yes I was" Ginny said feeling her face going red.

"So what was it?"

"It was just something only I can see" said Ginny still keeping her eyes fixed on the flower.

"I see" said Harry with a smile playing on his face.

Ginny was rescued from further questions as Ron came running up from the lake.

"We should get back to the Burrow. Mum is probably starting to get worried and it's time to eat anyway" said Ron with his stomach grumbling.

Both Harry and Ginny laughed as Harry was reminded of how much time Ron spent thinking about when it was time for the next meal. They gathered up their wet towels and started to walk back to the Burrow. Ron was walking briskly leaving Harry and Ginny walking together. After a while they couldn't even see Ron and they were now together alone as the sun was going down. Ginny hadn't said a word so Harry decided to strike up a conversation.

"So what did you see?" Harry asked.

"Huh, what?" Ginny said surprised.

"What did you see down by the lake that no one else can see?" Harry asked again.

"It was nothing really" Ginny lied.

"You can tell me Ginny. I won't think you're crazy. I've seen and heard almost all there is to hear" Harry said flashing a smile as he looked down at Ginny.

Ginny thought she would fall down right there as Harry's smile always made her feel like someone had put the Jelly-Leg Curse on her.

"S-seriously Harry. It was nothing" stammered Ginny.

Harry didn't ask any more questions and they continued walking in silence. This time it was Harry's time to look at Ginny. He was amazed at how little he really knew about her. She had always been around, but he had always thought about her as Ron's little sister, never as Ginny. He had wondered how such a frail little girl had been able to handle the horrible memories of the Chamber of Secrets. He knew that she had been having nightmares because Ron had mentioned it to him when they had been de-gnoming the garden with the twins. He wanted to ask her about it, but he felt it wasn't the right time. I'll do it later, thought Harry. She wasn't a little girl anymore though. Her hair was Weasley red, but she had a shimmer of what looked like gold in her hair. She had really taken him by surprise with her bikini he thought to himself smiling. She had really looked good. "What am I thinking?" thought Harry. "She's Ron's little sister." But she did look very, very nice said a voice in the back of his mind.

"What are you smiling for?" Ginny asked looking at Harry with curiousity.

"Oh...nothing" said Harry feeling his cheeks burn.

Harry turned away quickly as he set his eyes on the Burrow and voices coming from the kitchen. Ginny was sure she had just seen Harry blush. Maybe things would be different this year. Maybe he would finally notice me, she thought to herself as they walked into the kitchen.

***

After dinner Harry and Ron played a game of Wizard Chess leading to a demolishing victory where Ron's rook finished the game by ripping off the head of Harry's king.

"Your pieces are really mean" said Ginny disgusted.

"No they're not. They just play to win" Ron said.

"Want to play again Harry?"

"No thanks Ron. I think my pieces have had enough of a thrashing for one night" Harry sighed. "Besides, it's time to go to bed"

They made their way upstairs with Ginny stopping at the third floor.

"G'night Harry, Ron" said Ginny as she opened up her door.

"G'night Gin" said Harry smiling at her.

"Night Ginny. Get up early tomorrow or you won't be able to come with us to Ottery St. Catchpole."

"I'll be up early. Don't worry" said Ginny yawning.

The boys hurried up to their room and went to bed. Right before Harry was about to turn off the light Ron sat up.

"Harry. What do you really think about Hermione? I mean, how do you feel about her?"

Caught by surprise, Harry sat up looking at Ron.

"What do you mean?" Harry asked.

"Well, I mean...what do you...well...how do you feel about her? I mean, do you like her?" Ron said beginning to change into his usual Hermione-pink color.

"Ooh. I see. Well, I like her as a very good friend" said Harry with a smile forming on his lips.

"That's great Harry!" said Ron a bit too excited as he caught himself. "I mean, that's good I guess" Ron said trying to sound laid back.

"I suppose it is" said Harry. "Since you like her a lot more"

"Yes I supp...what?"

Harry could see Ron's face glowing in the dark and it was all he could do not to burst out laughing at his friend's situation.

"Goodnight Ron" Harry said stiffling a laugh.

"Yeah, goodnight Harry" said Ron trying to hide the worry in his voice.

Ginny was laying awake in her room thinking about the boy she had admired for years. He had started to call her Gin and she really liked the way it sounded. Maybe things were going to be different she thought. Things would change this year. She was sure of it. "Gin" she whispered to herself as she looked out her window. Mars was bright tonight, she thought to herself.

End of Chapter 2