Title: The Sides of Fear (3/?)
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 will try to post at least one chapter every week, but hopefully I'll be able to post more than that. Thanks for the reviews.
Maddy: Another chapter up just for you
Nemo: You're right. But they have to get from Little Whinging to Ottery St. Catchpole.

The Sides of Fear

Chapter 3
Tails and Donkey Ears

Severus Snape was walking towards Dumbledore's office when he ran into Minerva McGonagall causing her to fall flat on her back.

"Watch where you're going Minerva," sneered Snape.

"What? I have never..." flustered McGonagall

"Precisely" said Snape walking past her.

"Severus! I demand an apology!" cried McGonogall as she was getting up from the floor, but he was already gone.

Snape walked into Dumbledore's office and saw the Headmaster sitting at his desk studying what seemed to be a Muggle newspaper. Dumbledore looked up with a tired look.

"Ah, Severus. How are you? Anything new to report?" Dumbledore asked.

"Voldemort has been able to locate and acquire the Chalice," said Snape quickly.

"Yes, I know Severus. I read all about the theft in the London Times. It's quite incredible how little Muggle's know about magic, yet they report vigorously when there has been a, shall we say, curious event." Dumbledore said with a sligh smile forming on his lips.

"Then you know what he intends to do with it," added Snape.

"Yes, Severus. I knew this day would come, but I was hoping it would be later. Very well, it is time for us to prepare our students for the inevitable," sighed Dumbledore.

"I suppose that's why you hired the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher," said Snape irritated.

"Now, now Severus. You know as well as I do that I need you to teach Potions. You are one of the best, if not the best, student of Potions to ever attend Hogwarts,"

Snape couldn't help but smile at the compliment. He had always wanted the Defense Against the Dark Arts position, but he did love Potions.

"Next time you are looking for a new teacher Albus, talk to me first...and that should be next year if we keep up our traditions" sneered Snape as he turned to leave.

"There is one more thing before you go," said Dumbledore. "I need you to help out our new member with certain Potions to keep her...healthy," added Dumbledore.

Snape only nodded as he whirled out of the office muttering to himself.

"If anyone finds out about this I'll be receiving complaints from every parent and Ministry member," thought Dumbledore. "I hope he is ready for this year, or else there is not much hope for us."

Fawkes flew over to Dumbledore and was looking around anxiously. "Even you can sense something evil is upon us," said Dumbledore stroking Fawkes gently. "I just hope he is ready," whispered Dumbledore again.

***

Hermione had just got back from Bulgaria and it was time for her to go visit her friends at the Burrow. She had been owling Harry and Ginny all summer, but Ron had been a different matter. As soon as she had made it clear she was going to Bulgaria to visit Viktor, Ron had stopped owling her. She had only received an answer to her owl reading:

Hermione,

I'll see you at King's Cross.

Ron

She had been really hurt by Ron's letter. Usually they would all meet at the Burrow to celebrate Harry's birthday, but this summer Ron hadn't even invited her. It had been Ginny who had written to her asking her to come. She had of course had a wonderful time in Bulgaria with her parents and Viktor. They had gone to see most of the sights and she had brought home several books on the history of Durmstrang and Bulgaria. The new food and people had been a great experience. Viktor had wanted to spend all of his time with Hermione, and since she needed a translator it was a simple choice. They had gone out to watch the sunsets and the stars on several occasions, and that had been when they had a more serious talk.

"Herm-own-ninny, I really like you,"

"I like you too Viktor" Hermione said still looking at the stars.

"I've been thinking about going to Hogvarts," Viktor stammered.

Hermione turned to look at him.

"Really? But why? I mean, you really like it here."

"Vell, I was thinking it vould be a good...experience" Viktor said looking down.

Hermione could tell there was something he wasn't telling her.

"And, vell, I was hoping to spend some more time vith you,"

"Oh...ooh" Hermione was blushing.

"It vas just a thought," tried Viktor again.

"I think it would be great idea for you to come to Hogwarts. Think of all the friends you would make," said Hermione now trying hard not to look at Viktor.

"Yes...friends," said Viktor with a low voice.

Hermione hadn't known what else to say. It was obvious that Viktor had wanted to be more than friends, but she wasn't ready for it. Or maybe she wasn't ready for him. In any case it had been a wonderful vacation and now she was ready to see her friends again. She had been really worried about Ginny. She knew that Harry would be safe with the Dursleys, but Ginny had begun to have nightmares about the Chamber of Secrets and Tom Riddle. She hadn't talked to much about it in her letters, but Hermione knew that Ginny was not feeling good. "Only a certain scruffy-looking boy could make her feel a lot better," thought Hermione smiling. She heard a noise from downstairs, followed by her mother's scream. Mr. Weasley had decided to use Floo powder. She made her way downstairs to say hello and to her amusement she could hear her parents and Mr. Weasley in a conversation about eckeltricity and how light switches were fascinating. Mr. Weasley's hobby was to find out more about every single Muggle thing.

"Hermione, are you ready yet?" called her mom clearly wanting to be saved.

"I'm right here mom," she said.

"Well, Hermione. You've grown quite a bit. I'm sure the boys will be glad to see you again," said Mr. Weasley still flicking the light switch. "Incredible," he said to himself.

Hermione giggled as she said goodbye to her parents and stepped into the green flames.

"The Burrow," Hermione said, and before she knew it she was spinning around wildly only to come crashing into the Weasley's kitchen.

***

"I'm sure I never invited her," snorted Ron.

Ron had just heard that Hermione was coming to visit and his father had gone off to get her.

"Well I did!" Ginny replied.

"Well, then YOU can keep her company," added Ron.

"I will you stup..."

"Virginia Anne Weasley! Watch your language," Mrs. Weasley said with her booming voice.

"But mum, he's being a complete prat!" cried Ginny.

"That's your last warning!" Mrs. Weasley said.

Ron stuck out his tongue at his sister when he thought his mom wasn't looking.

"That goes for you too young man," she said with her back still facing Ron as she walked out the front door to feed the chickens.

"I don't know how she does it," said Ron. "It's like she has eyes in the back of her head."

Harry chuckled as he got up to go get his broom. "It was a nice day to go flying," he thought.

No sooner had he grabbed his broom when flames arose from the kitchen fireplace, and with a loud bang Hermione came flying out landing hard on the floor.

Ginny rushed over to help her up with Hermione mumbling her thoughts on Floo Powder. It was something they both agreed on thought Harry. As soon as Hermione had got her bearings she turned and hugged Ginny.

"Ginny, I'm so glad to see you again. Are you feeling alright?" she added.

"I'm feeling great Mione. A lot better in fact" Ginny said with a slight blush.

Hermione knew better than to go on. That would have to wait until they were alone in Ginny's room.

"Harry, you look great. Did you go to a gym during the summer?"

"Not really. The Dursleys had me work so hard that I guess I must've developed some muscles," grinned Harry.

"Where's Ron?" she asked.

Both Harry and Ginny turned around only to see Ron walking out to help Mrs. Weasley with the chickens. They looked back at Hermione who had a hurt look on her face.

"Don't worry Mione," said Ginny taking her hand. "He'll come around. He's just being a stupid prat"

"I HEARD THAT!" came Mrs. Weasley's voice from the garden.

Ginny let out a squeek, grabbed Hermione, and ran up to her room, slamming the door shut. Mrs. Weasley walked into the kitchen, looked around, then turned to the stairs.

"She really does have special abilities," thought Harry as he heard Mrs. Weasley stomping up the stairs to have a talk with Ginny. He decided to go out and help Ron with the chickens.

***

Harry could feel the light coming through the window as he turned around to get his glasses.

"SURPRISE!"

Harry lost the grip on his glasses as he turned around only to see Ron, Fred, George, Hermione, Ginny standing right next to his bed. They were wearing Muggle party hats and Fred and George were blowing streamers into Ron's ears. He sat up rubbing his eyes. Ginny had come up to give him his glasses.

"Thanks, Gin" he said.

"Hurry up sleepy head" Ron chuckled. "Mum's got a birthday cake for you downstairs and I'm hungry."

Everyone filed out of the room as Harry got up to get dressed. When he came downstairs the kitchen had banners hanging from the ceiling saying "Happy Birthday Oh Heir of Slytherin!" This was no doubt the works of the twins. Mrs. Weasley gave both of them a stern look as they quickly dodged out her reach. Everyone sat down around the table to have a piece of the chocolate cake Mrs. Weasley had made. Unfortunately for everyone the twins had been up to their usual mischief. As soon as everyone had eaten their marzipan flower there was a loud "poof" and everyone had sprouted a tail and donkey ears. Mrs. Weasley was not amused as she grabbed a hold of Fred and George and forcefed them some of their own marzipan flowers. When it was time for Harry to open up his gifts two owls came flying through the window landing on the table. Harry knew that one was probably from Hagrid because it was a school owl. He had never seen the other owl, but he suspected it was from Sirius.

His first gift was from Hermione who had bought him a book on Bulgarian Quidditch players and their moves. He saw Ron's disapproving frown at the sight of the cover featuring Viktor Krum. Next up was Fred and George. They gently put their present on the table and stepped back a few steps. Harry knew better than to trust anything that the twins gave him so he opened it up slowly and turned his head away just before some gray smoke came out of the box. When the smoke had cleared so had the twins. Harry looked around to see the rest of them with bright red chicken feathers. Inside the box was a wooden box that said "Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes Wooden Wonderbox." It had every single item the twins had invented with suitable descriptions to the effects of everything.

"I wish those two would spend more time studying instead of trying to blow up the house," grumbled Mrs. Weasley.

Ron stepped forward with a small package that was from the Weasley family. Harry opened it up and found a photo album with pictures of him with the rest of the Weasleys. It was hard for him to hold back the tears as he looked through the album seeing all nine of the Weasleys in one picture waving madly. Even Bill and Charlie were in the picture.

"Thank you so much," Harry said hugging everyone. "You don't know how much this means to me"

Harry opened up Hagrid's package and in it was a book called Ferocious Animals Who Are Nice: Unless They Bite Your Head Off. There was also a note wishing Harry a Happy Birthday. The last package only had a short note on it saying "Happy Birthday Harry. Wish I was there. This will help you in your classes." Hermione and Harry exchanged glances only confirming that it was from Sirius. Inside was a black book with the title The Dark Arts: A History. There was an awkward silence in the kitchen as Harry quickly took the book under his arm and turned to Ron.

"Will you help me get all this up to my room?" Harry asked prodding Ron in the side.

"Sure...yes of course. We'll be right back down" Ron said as the boys scurried up the stairs.

"Mum's not too happy about that book you know" said Ron sitting down on his bed.

"I wonder why Sirius sent me that book" said Harry looking puzzled.

"He just wants you to be prepared that's all" Ron answered. "Let's go out and play some Quidditch"

They grabbed their brooms and went outside to find the twins.

***

Hermione and Ginny had spent the rest of the afternoon by the lake and sitting in Ginny's room talking. After a few games of Quidditch with the twins, Harry and Ron made their way up to Ron's room. When they walked into the room Harry saw a small emerald green package on his bed.

"What's that?" asked Ron.

"I don't know" said Harry picking up the package.

"Who's it from?"

"It doesn't say" Harry answered as he was opening up the package.

Inside was a little velvet blue box with a small note attached to it.

Happy Birthday Harry,

I found this at an old antique store in town. The salesman said it would bring you good luck. I hope you like it.

Love,
Ginny

He opened up the box and inside was a necklace with a pendant that looked like the snake that had been guarding the entrance to the Chamber of Secrets. It had bright red eyes made out of rubies and a body that was curled up looking like it was guarding something.

"That must've cost a fortune" gasped Ron.

"I can't accept this" said Harry quietly. "I'll go talk to Ginny about it."

"I wouldn't do that if I were you" said Ron grabbing hold of Harry's left arm.

"Well, it's too much. I would feel bad knowing that Ginny spent a fortune on my birtday gift"

"Harry, if you did give it back Ginny would be furious, and most of all hurt" Ron added. "You haven't seen her when she gets mad, but once Charlie tried to give back his gift and I don't even think I've seen Mum that mad"

Harry stood holding the necklace.

"I guess I do want to live to see another day" Harry said smirking.

Meanwhile Hermione and Ginny were sitting in their room talking about all the things Hermione had experienced in Bulgaria. Finally the topic landed on Viktor.

"Sooo, how do you feel about Viktor?" asked Ginny slyly.

"I really like him. He's a great friend" said Hermione.

"Just as a friend?"

"Well, yes. I like him a lot" added Hermione looking slightly tense.

"I see" said Ginny giggling.

Hermione went red all the way up to the roots of her hair as Ginny was trying to keep her laughter down by burying her face in her pillow.

"What about you and Harry?" said Hermione in an effort to stop Ginny from attracting too much attention.

Ginny stopped laughing and sat up quickly.

"What about Harry?" asked Ginny with her ears already pink.

"Well, I've seen how you look at him. Like I said, he looks like he worked out quite a lot wouldn't you say?" teased Hermione.

"Wha...we...I..." sputtered Ginny turning a bright shade of red.

It was Hermione's turn to put her face into her pillow as she was laughing so hard that the whole bed shook.

"It's not funny" scowled Ginny.

"I'm sorry Gin" Hermione said wiping the tears off her face. "It's just that I know how you feel"

Ginny looked at Hermione and said,

"Boys"

They both started laughing and they had a hard time trying to stop.

Harry and Ron could hear the girls laughing.

"What do you suppose they're laughing about?" asked Ron.

"Probably you and your crush on Hermione" said Harry.

"What crush? What are you talking about?" Ron tried to keep a straight face.

"G'night Ron"

"Yeah, g'night Harry"

It had become a little ritual for Harry to tease Ron about his obvious crush on Hermione. Before he went to sleep he put on the necklace that Ginny had given him. He looked at it and he could see the eyes glowing thanks to the light of full moon. He felt strangely serene and he knew that there would be no nightmares tonight. As Harry fell asleep the ruby eyes were glowing even stronger as they seemed to sense the prescence of something.

***

A large black snake with a diamond-patterned tail turned around to head for the clearing in the forest by the Burrow. A Death Eater was standing in the clearing holding a silver key. As soon as he saw the snake coming out of the forest he quickly walked over to the marked spot. A second later the Death Eater and the snake were gone.

Voldemort was standing by his throne as the Death Eater and the snake apparated behind him in the middle of the room.

"Leave us" Voldemort said.

The Death Eater bowed and made his way out through the chamber.

"What did you see Nagini?" hissed Voldemort.

"Interesting," said Voldemort. "This might prove more difficult than I expected"

Voldemort sat down on his throne with Nagini curling around the foot of the throne. Voldemort picked up the chalice on the table next to him.

"The Potter boy is proving to be a worthy enemy, Nagini" Voldemort said in Parseltongue. "But he is not ready to face his fears yet."

Voldemort set down the chalice and gently rubbed Nagini.

"He's not ready yet" Voldemort said letting out a laugh.

Voldemort was interrupted by two people walking into the chamber.

"My lord. You wanted to see us?"

"Yes Lucius. Do you have what I asked for?" Voldemort said.

"Yes my lord. He is here" Lucius said turning to the figure next to him.

"I am pleased to see you have chosen to make the right choice" Voldemort said as he stood up and walked over to the two figures. "You will serve me well, better than your father ever did" sneered Voldemort.

"Yes my lord" said Draco Malfoy still holding his head low.

"Do you know what you are supposed to do?" asked Voldemort.

"Yes my lord. We will bring him too you. We will not fail you. I will not fail you" Draco added.

"Your father knows what happens to people who fail me," hissed Voldemort. "But I can see that there is more in you than meets the eye. You will be useful to me" finished Voldemort grinning madly.

End of Chapter 3