Title: The Sides of Fear (8/?)
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 am really sorry that I haven't written for a long time, but I've been really sick, and there was a death in my family. After that I didn't really feel like writing anymore, but I'll try to write at least one more chapter this week. Thank you again for all the reviews, and your patience.

The Sides of Fear

Chapter 8
Pain and Potatoes

Harry had not heard from Sirius for a while, and he was beginning to get worried. He decided to go up to the Owlery during lunch, and send Sirius a quick note. Harry sat down with his bag and took out some parchment and a quill.

Dear Sirius,

I hope everything is fine since I haven't heard from you for a while. Almost everything is going well here. First of all I've been made Quidditch Captain, and the twins are calling me Oliver Wood Jr. Apparently I learned more from Oliver than I thought. We had to have try-outs for a new Keeper since Oliver left two years ago, and it turns out there'll be another Weasley on the team. I'll bet you thought I'm talking about Ron, but it was Ginny that impressed me the most. The thing is we had to vote. Since I'm the captain I had the deciding vote. Let's just say Ron didn't take it well. He's actually not talking to me anymore. To make things worse Hermione and Ron are not talking to each other. It's all because Fleur Delacour and Viktor Krum are here. I hope I never start acting like those two are. I'm actually spending more time alone or with Ginny because Ron and Hermione can't stand being with me together. It's very confusing right now.

I haven't heard any news about Voldemort, and I haven't had any dreams for a long time. This might sound a bit strange, but it worries me when there are no news about Voldemort or the Death Eaters.

Well, I have to go to class. Write back soon.

Harry

Harry stood up and walked over to Hedwig who was ready to deliver the message. As he walked down to Charms class he began to think about Voldemort again. It had been strangely quiet the past weeks. There had been no news about attacks or actual sightings of Death Eaters. After hearing about all of the attacks during the summer it was beginning to worry him that nothing was happening at the moment. It could only mean one thing. Voldemort was getting ready to make a serious attack. The most obvious target would be Hogwarts, but for some reason it would not be something Voldemort would do.

"Harry, hurry up!"

Harry looked up to see Hermione gesticulating wildly as the last students filed into the classroom. He quickly dropped his train of thought, and made his way into Professor Flitwick's class.

***

A light was shining in an old abandoned lighthouse close to the cliffs of Dover. Inside a man was quietly reading the Daily Prophet while drinking the contents of a smoking goblet. All of a sudden a white owl came flying in through the window and landed on the table right in front of Remus Lupin. He quickly recognized the owl, taking the parchment off and giving Hedwig some water and food.

"Sirius!"

"Yes?" came a drowsy voice from the next door room.

"You have a letter from Harry," said Sirius getting back to his paper.

There was a loud noise as the door flew open revealing a tired-looking Sirius Black.

"Where is it?" said Sirius squinting trying to adjust to the light.

"It's right there on the table," Sirius said gesturing at the letter.

Sirius sat down and grabbed the letter reading it anxiously. By now Remus was growing more interested in the letter as he had not heard anything from Harry for quite a while. When Sirius finally finished the letter he let out a quiet laugh.

"What's so amusing?"

"Read it yourself," said Sirius handing over the letter.

Remus quickly read the letter and looked up.

"I think my godson and his friends are having some trouble growing up," chuckled Sirius.

"For once he's having some 'normal' problems in his life."

"Let's just hope he doesn't do what James did," said Sirius smiling at the memory of his best friend.

"Or you," added Remus laughing.

"I guess I did my fair share," Sirius said leaning back in his seat.

"I'd say you were the scourge of Hogwarts."

Both of them laughed as they recollected the past, and all of Sirius' strolls by the lake and embarrassing moments. As the laughter died down Remus suddenly looked worried.

"I'm worried about the rest of his letter though," said Remus frowning.

"Me too. It's too quiet out there."

"Severus told me some news when I picked up this," said Remus holding up the goblet. "He was kind enough to give me some more information concerning the Chalice."

"What did he say?"

"It turns out Dumbledore believes the fourth element is kept safely at Hogwarts."

Sirius stood up and started walking around in the room.

"Let me get this straight," said Sirius still pacing. "The Chalice is the first element. The Dagger is the second, and Harry is the third."

"So far, so good."

"Then what is the fourth element?"

"I don't know Sirius," Remus said, "Severus didn't tell me, and I don't think even he knows."

"Whatever it is, Dumbledore had better not let Voldemort get his hands on it," said Sirius sitting down again running his hand across his face. "If he does, we're doomed."

"Not if he's ready."

"You know as well as I do he's not!" yelled Sirius.

"Calm down," Remus said. "Have more faith in him than that."

"You're right," said Sirius, "I'm sorry I yelled at you."

"You'd better write Harry back to settle his nerves."

"Yeah, you're right. I'll get right to it."

Sirius took out a piece of parchment, a quill, and began writing. Remus turned back to his newspaper, but felt an urge to look up into the sky. Soon it would be time for him to become a werewolf again. He hated the taste of the Wolfsbane Potion, but the transforming without it was unthinkable. The pain would be so severe that he doubted he would be able to survive it anymore. He remembered what he had seen in the Mirror of Erised. He sighed as his dreams of a future disappeared as quickly as the clouds moved away to reveal a bright glowing Mars.

"Mars has been glowing bright often," he thought to himself. "Let's just hope it's a good omen."

***

There were only slight glimmers of light shining down on the Quidditch field as the new Gryffindor team took the field for their first practice together. Fred and George had calmed down considerably, and had accepted the fact that their little sister would be their Keeper. A few deadly looks from Angelina had swayed Fred, and in turn George. Harry felt right at home, and he was beginning to feel like any normal student at Hogwarts. No Voldemort, no searing pains in his scar, and the Quidditch Cup to concentrate on. His biggest problem was to get Hermione and Ron to speak to each other again. At the end of practice Harry told the rest of them there would be early mornings for them for the rest of the year. This was of course met by groans from everyone on the team. Just as they were about to head up for breakfast a girl was coming down to the Quidditch field. When she came closer Harry could see it was Cho Chang.

He had barely seen her since he got back to Hogwarts, and in all honesty he had been relieved not having to approach her. Now it seemed inevitable as she strode up to the huddle.

"Hi everybody," said Cho eyeing each of the players. "I'd like to speak to Harry for a moment...alone."

They all looked at Harry who told the rest of them he would meet up with them at breakfast. Ginny reluctantly left with the others, and she was obviously worried about what would happen. Harry and Cho watched them ascend the stairs to Hogwarts before they turned to each other.

"Harry, I've been meaning to talk to you since we got back," started Cho, "but I just couldn't...it..."

That was all it took for Cho to start crying. Harry did not know what to do, but he walked up and held her in his arms. Her head rested on his shoulder as her crying subsided. After what seemed an eternity Cho finally broke the silence with a strained laugh. Harry was now completely confused. Cho looked up as Harry let go of her.

"This wasn't exactly what I had planned," said Cho in between sobs. "I told myself I would stride down here, and tell you how I felt. I promised myself I wouldn't cry. So much for that."

Harry looked at her, and finally got the courage to ask her the question that had been going through his head since last year.

"Do you blame me for what happened to Cedric?" said Harry looking down at his feet as he finished the question.

"I did for a long time, but during the summer I finally realized you would have given your life to protect Cedric. Still, part of me, deep down, still feels there could have been something you could've done to save him."

There was silence as Cho's words sank into Harry's mind.

"I know it's not fair to you, but I..." Cho faltered as she tried to continue. "I just don't know if I can ever forgive you Harry...which is why I want you to try to stay away from me as much as possible."

With that Cho turned around leaving Harry standing alone on the Quidditch field as the sun was coming up. For just a short time he had felt like there was nothing to worry about. Seeing Cho and hearing how she felt had brought back all the memories from the Triwizard Tournament. A cold breeze stirred Harry from his thoughts, and he hurried up to the Great Hall.

***

Ginny had been the last person to go up the stairs, and before she went in she had shot a glance down at the field. She had seen Harry holding Cho in his arms, and feelings of jealousy arouse in her mind. She had turned around not wanting to see any more, and quickly walked in and sat down at the breakfast table.

"Of course she would want to talk about what happened last year," she thought, "it only makes sense. Besides, why would he be interested in her anymore? I mean, she's just beautiful, and he asked her to the Yule Ball. Why would he like her? As convincing as that was..."

"Ginny?"

"Huh?"

"Are you going to eat all of that?" asked Hermione staring at Ginny's plate that was overflowing with eggs and toast.

"Umm, yeah, really hungry. Quidditch does that to you," said Ginny hastily trying to act as if eating 8 eggs and 12 pieces of toast was normal.

Hermione just looked at Ginny in disbelief, trying to find something else to say. At that moment Cho walked into the Great Hall looking upset, and with slightly red eyes. Shortly after Harry came running in quickly settling down at the table across from Ginny. Before Ginny could say anything Harry's eyes stopped to rest on her plate.

"Hungry?" Harry asked with raised eyebrows.

"Yeah, need lots of energy to keep up with everyone," said Ginny trying to act casual.

"I guess so," said Harry as he bit into a piece of toast.

"Great, that was just great Virginia Weasley," thought Ginny as she tried to subtly throw a few eggs on the floor.

At that moment there was a familiar noise of wings flapping, and owls came flying into the Great Hall. Hedwig landed right by Harry's plate, and Harry relieved Hedwig of the parchment and opened it.

Dear Harry,

I haven't been able to write to you because we have been on the move. There has been increased interest in me, and I've had to watch my communications more carefully. Remember not to send Hedwig again as it might arouse suspicion.

Congratulations on becoming Captain of the Quidditch team. I was happy to see that the team will continue on with its tradition of having insane Captains who don't understand what sleeping in means. I wish I could be there to watch you play, but I don't think my situation will allow me to come. I'll bet Ron wasn't too happy with you voting for his sister. How is he taking it? I know he has the famous Weasley temper.

I couldn't help but laugh as I read your letter. I suspected there was something between Ron and Hermione, but I guess only time will tell what happens. They kind of remind me of a close friend of mine who always used to say the wrong things to girls. Don't worry about them. They'll figure it out sooner or later. So you're spending more time with Ginny Weasley? Do I sense my godfatherly duties calling to talk to you about the birds and the bees?

There have been no news about His movements, but you're right. It scares me when I hear nothing. Especially since there have been so many incidents during the summer. I'm glad to hear that you haven't had any dreams lately, but don't forget "constant vigilance." If anything happens, or if you have any dreams you have to go tell Dumbledore. It's very important that the Headmaster knows everything he needs to defend you, and the rest of the Wizarding world. Don't trust anyone else but Dumbledore. As far as I know His circle of servants has increased dramatically, and I fear there might be several of them working for him at Hogwarts.

I'll try to write back soon. Remember to trust Dumbledore with everything.

Hermione and Ginny had watched Harry carefully as he read the letter, and Harry gave Hermione a glance that confirmed her suspicions. Harry did not know whether or not to tell Ginny about Sirius, but he decided that he would tell her when the time was right. He quickly folded up the unsigned letter, and shoved it into his pocket before getting back to his breakfast.

Ginny wanted to ask Harry who the letter was from, but decided not to. She turned her attention back to her plate and played around with her eggs by making a smiling face with three eggs. As she looked up from her plate she saw Harry staring across the table at Cho. "Just great," she thought as she stabbed her fork into an egg, and shoveled it into her mouth.

***

Ever since the first class Professor Miala had insisted on all students learning the Patronus spell before they proceeded any further. By now most of the class had been able to summon a fairly misty Patronus. To everyone's surprise Neville had been the first to succeed in conjuring a real Patronus. Only three days in a silver Gryffin had shot out from his wand. If the rest of the class was surprised, Neville was in shock. Miala had awarded Gryffindor 20 points for having the first student to successfully conjure a Patronus. Instead of having Harry and Neville practise their Patronus, they were helping the rest of the students. Luckily for Harry he had not been forced to help out Draco, because the latter had been able to conjure a Patronus resembling a dragon.

Hermione was really struggling, and Harry had taken it upon himself to help her. After a long hour of casting the Patronus spell the whole class left the room completely drained barely making it to lunch. Hermione ate a quick lunch with Viktor, and set off to the library to see if there was anything she had missed when it came to the Patronus spell. Harry looked down the table where Ron and Fleur were sitting. Ron was still not talking to Harry, and it was beginning to resemble what had happened during the Triwizard tournament. There was no way that Ron was going to come talk to Harry at the moment, so the only thing he could do was wait for Ron to calm down and realize what a git he was.

He looked across the table at Ginny, and caught himself looking at her red hair that was struggling to free itself from the bun. A piece of mashed potatoes was on her left cheek, and he had a sudden urge not to tell her. All of a sudden he remembered the poem that Ginny had written to him during his second year, and he chuckled quietly to himself.

"What are you laughing at," frowned Ginny. "Is something wrong with my hair?"

Harry was taken aback and stumbled out a "No."

"Well, what are you laughing at then?"

"Oh, I was just thinking about something," said Harry, "something only I and another person remember."

"Are you sure I don't have a pea on my forehead?" said Ginny wiping her forehead.

Harry didn't know what possessed him to do what he did next. He leaned over and gently wiped off the mashed potatoes from Ginny's left cheek.

"You had some potatoes on your cheek," said Harry as he wiped off his hand trying to hide his reddening face.

"Thanks for telling me," blushed Ginny, "I would've looked pretty stupid with food on my face."

"To be honest I thought about not telling you," said Harry still feeling his cheeks burning slightly.

"You've been around Fred and George too much, and I don't like it," smirked Ginny wiping her face with a napkin. "Just to be safe."

There was another awkward silence between them.

"I guess I'll see you later," said Harry getting up fumbling with his books.

"Yeah, have a great day," replied Ginny busying herself with her own books.

As Ginny walked to her next class she touched her left cheek. Harry Potter just touched me, she thought. Don't start with this again, said another voice in her head. He was only wiping food off your face, not holding you tightly. She went into her Transfiguration class still thinking about Harry Potter, the Boy Who Wiped Potatoes Off Her Face.

End of Chapter 8