Title: The Sides of Fear
(9/?)
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.
The Sides of Fear
Chapter 9
Losing a Friend
It was their first weekend to go to Hogsmeade, and Hermione's birthday was coming up in a few days. Harry had been so busy with Quidditch and school that he almost forgot about it. It was Ginny who had asked him what he was giving Hermione on her birthday. She had rolled her eyes at him mumbling something about "boys and Quidditch." He had no idea what to buy, and he had decided to ask for some help. As he walked into the Common Room he surveyed the room looking for his target. She was sitting in the corner apparently busy writing another essay for one of her classes. He decided to sneak up on her. When he was right behind her he stopped.
"Ahem," Harry coughed loudly.
"Harry!" yelled Ginny fumbling with her quill and inkbottle.
Harry couldn't help but laugh as Ginny tried to catch her rolling inkbottle. When she finally caught it she was sprawled out on the floor, and her hair in a tangle. She blew her hair out of her face, and looked up at Harry who was trying to suppress his laughter.
"Harry Potter, don't you ever do that again," growled Ginny, "or I'll have to get you back."
"I'm not scared of you Virginia Weasley," said Harry playing along.
"Oh, you would be if you knew me well enough."
"I'll take my chances," grinned Harry.
Ginny gathered up her things and settled down in the same position as Harry had found her in.
"Um, Ginny," began Harry, "I wanted to ask you for a favor."
"Well, ask away," said Ginny, focused on her work.
"Well, Hogsmeade is coming up this weekend and I need to buy Hermione something."
"I know that," said Ginny smiling, "I'm the one that reminded you."
"Right, anyway, I was wondering, you know, if...well...would you go with me to Hogsmeade and help me out?" stuttered Harry.
Ginny stopped what she was doing and looked up at Harry.
"Sure," she said calmly.
"Oh, alright. I'll meet you here on Saturday then."
"Sounds like a plan to me," added Ginny, "now let me get back to my work."
"Right, well thanks," said Harry as he made to go up to his room.
At that moment Ron and Fleur came through the doorway. Ron immediately saw Harry and Ginny together, and walked up to them.
"What's going on here?" he asked angrily.
"Nothing," said Ginny, "now go away, I'm trying to do my work."
"It looked like you two were having quite a chat," continued Ron. "What exactly were you talking about?"
Harry was getting tired of the way Ron had been acting since the Quidditch try-outs.
"It's really none of your business, but we were talking about Hermione," snapped Harry.
"What about her?"
"Well, since you don't know, or care," said Harry with gritted teeth, "I suppose I should tell you her birthday is coming up."
Ron's face went blank, but was replaced by the all too familiar shade of furious red.
"Well, she's got her Vicky to take care of her doesn't she?" yelled Ron slamming his fist into the wall next to Harry. "So why should I care?"
"You really are stupid," replied Harry.
Harry barely had time to finish his sentence before he was tackled to the floor by Ron. Harry tried to roll Ron over, and they proceeded to roll all over the floor hitting each other every now and then. Fleur and Ginny were yelling and trying to separate them, but the two boys were intent on letting the other know just how they felt. They were interrupted by a familiar voice.
"Mr. Potter, Mr. Weasley!" yelled McGonagall. "What is going on here?"
Everybody stopped in their tracks and looked at Minerva McGonagall whose lip was twitching furiously. Ron let go of Harry and they both stood up slowly with blood running down their faces.
"Ms. Weasley," said McGonagall sharply, "please tell me what happened before all of you are given detention for the rest of the year."
"I..." began Ginny.
"Harry was insul..." started Ron, before he was interrupted by McGonogall.
"MR. WEASLEY! I suggest you let your sister speak before you lose more points for your House."
"Yes, Professor," replied Ron letting his head drop.
"Go ahead Ms. Weasley," said McGonogall in her usual tone.
"Well, Harry and I were having a discussion when my brother came barging in."
Ron started to open his mouth, but McGonagall gave him a stare that could have made a Skrewt recoil with fear.
"Mr. Potter and Mr. Weasley, you are to report to my office on Saturday morning to serve your detention."
With that McGonagall turned around sharply and left the room. As soon as the door had closed Ron stormed up the staircase giving Harry a push on his way up. Fleur left the room silently as she made her way up to her room.
"I guess I can't get anything for Hermione now," said Harry as he sat down on the sofa.
Ginny sat down next to him letting out a sigh.
"Well, if you want me to I'll find something for you. It's the least I can do to redeem the Weasley name," added Ginny pulling a face.
"Well, it's not your fault your brother doesn't use his only brain cell," said Harry shaking his head.
"It's just too bad because I was looking forward to..." started Harry before he corrected himself, "...to go down to Hogsmeade and have a Butterbeer."
"I'll bring one back just for you then Harry," said Ginny getting off the sofa and putting her things in her bag.
"Thanks Ginny, I don't know what I would do without you," smiled Harry.
***
Hermione was surrounded by books at her usual table in the library. Madam Pince had almost decided to just reserve it for Hogwart's own student librarian. With a frustrated sigh Hermione let one of the books drop on the table earning her a "sssh" from Madam Pince. Just as she was about to leave Ginny walked in asking for books about protective charms and amulets. After she had been given directions of where to find her books she turned around only to find Hermione in her usual spot.
"What are you doing here...again," said Ginny smiling.
"I just thought I'd get caught up with studying for my O.W.L.s," sighed Hermione, "but I can't seem to concentrate."
"Hermione Granger? Not being able to concentrate? We'd better get Rita Skeeter here," laughed Ginny.
They both started laughing, and apparently it was a little too loud as Madam Pince gave them another "sssh."
"So, what's the matter?" asked Ginny, sitting down next to Hermione.
"Well...I...I just feel horrible."
"What happened?"
"It's about Viktor," started Hermione, "I'm not being fair to him."
"He feels differently about me," she continued, "I don't feel the same way about him, and..."
All of a sudden Hermione started sobbing, and Ginny took her into a hug. After a few minutes Hermione had calmed down and was able to continue on with their conversation.
"I never thought I'd be like that," sniffed Hermione.
"Now, you have to tell me what you mean," said Ginny.
"I thought that if I got Ron jealous he would say or do something," said Hermione, sitting up, "but instead he went to that...Veela," Hermione added with disgust in her voice. "Everything just went wrong, and now I'm going to have to tell Viktor all about it...and Ron hates me."
"Ron can be pretty thick-headed, but judging from what just happened up in the Common Room I'd say he still cares a lot about you."
Hermione looked up at Ginny.
"What happened?" she asked eagerly.
"Well, Harry and Ron both got detention this weekend for fighting with each other over you, " Ginny said grinning.
"Over me?" said Hermione putting her hands to her face.
"It was actually about your birthday," added Ginny. "My stupid brother was acting like the stupid prat he is and Harry called him on it."
"You should have seen their faces when McGonagall walked in," said Ginny laughing.
Hermione gave a strained laugh, but was eager to find out more details. The two girls huddled together behind the books, and continued talking about how to solve the problem with the red haired stupid prat.
***
It was Saturday morning and the sun was doing its best to warm up the chilly morning. Harry and Ron had not spoken after the incident, and as they were waiting for Professor McGonagall to come back to her office they were still not talking. Ron was paying great attention to a brick on the wall, and Harry was fervently studying his right foot. They both turned around as the door swung open.
"Please, do sit down," said McGonagall sharply.
"Now, I have heard accounts from Ms. Weasley and Ms. Delacour, and both of you will serve weekend detentions for the next four weeks."
"Fou..."started Ron
"Did I hear five?" said McGonagall her lips in a thin line. "Five weeks it is then, and 50 points deducted from your House...each."
"Yes, Professor," said the two boys in glum unison.
"Report to Filch in one hour, and he will take care of you. Hopefully this will make you think twice about getting into a scuffle."
"Yes, Professor."
"You may leave," added McGonagall turning her attention to a stack of essays needing to be corrected.
Harry and Ron got up and left the office heading for the Gryffindor Common Room to change into suitable attire.
"Thanks for the extra week, Ronald," mumbled Harry just loud enough for Ron to hear.
"Watch it, Potter," snapped Ron, "or I'll have to knock you down again."
"Just try it."
Just as they were about to get into another fight there was a familiar voice.
"Soooo, Potty and Weasel are having relationship problems," drawled Draco earning a chuckle from Crabbe and Goyle.
"Malfoy, just go hide behind your daddy and his money," said Ron as he pushed himself past Harry and Draco.
"Well, well, Potter," tutted Draco, "I told you to choose your friends carefully."
"Sod off, Malfoy, before I turn you into a ferret," said Harry drawing out his wand.
The three boys stepped back quickly, and turned around heading for Hogsmeade. When Harry got up to the Common Room he saw Ginny waiting for him. Harry ran up to his room and grabbed a handful of galleons. When he came downstairs Ginny was talking to Colin Creevey.
"Hi Harry," said Colin, looking extremely happy.
"Hi Colin," Harry said nonchalantly, "here's the money Ginny."
"Do I have the freedom to buy anything I want?" asked Ginny with a wicked smile.
"Well, I don't really have any other options, but I have faith in your judgement."
"Don't worry, Harry. I'll get her something she'll never forget," added Ginny as she followed Colin out the doorway.
There was no time to waste for Harry as he hurried up to his room to get changed and meet up with Filch to serve his detention.
***
There was no doubt Filch was enjoying having two students stay behind during the weekend when they could be down in Hogsmeade enjoying a Butterbeer or two. Not only was he grinning widely, but Harry could have sworn he was singing and skipping down the hall with Mrs. Norris after the work orders had been handed out. The two of them were to scrub every single staircase, and dust off all the paintings. There would be no magic involved, and the two boys picked up a their dusters and began their work.
They kept working for what seemed eternity and neither one of them had said a word since Filch left them. After they had managed to dust off the portraits it was time for them to start with the stairs. On their way back from getting water and soap Ron finally said something.
"She hates me, doesn't she?"
"What?" said Harry surprised.
"Hermione, she hates me," said Ron glumly, "I know I would."
"Well, no offense, but you're not the brightest of the lot," added Harry smiling a little.
Ron did not respond and there was silence again as the boys started in on the grubby stairs. Two staircases later they were starting to get sick of working. They trudged back to get some new water and Ron continued where they had left off.
"None taken."
"Huh?"
"I mean I didn't take any offense to what you said," mumbled Ron, "about me being daft."
"Oh," said Harry stunned by his friend's bluntness.
"I don't know what came over me," continued Ron, "I know you only did what was best for the team, but..."
At this Ron's voice trailed off, and Harry knew how difficult it must be for Ron to say all this.
"Harry, can you forgive me? I'm so sorry for everything. It was just...nothing was going the way I had planned it."
"Ron, you're my best friend. Of course I forgive you," said Harry.
There was a tense moment as they both focused on scrubbing the stairs again.
"Well, what do you suppose is going to happen in our first game?" asked Harry.
"All I know is that Hufflepuff is not doing well without Ced..." started Ron before he realized what he had just said.
"I'm sorry Harry," began Ron, "I didn't mean to..."
"It's alright Ron," said Harry to his friend who looked like he had made another major mistake. "Besides, that's what Cho wanted to talk to me about after Quidditch practice."
"What did she say?"
"She basically told me she blames me for Cedrick's death, and that she would appreciate it if I stayed away from her."
"How are you taking all this?"
"Well, come to think of it, not too well. At first I guess I was shocked, but now I feel even worse about the whole deal."
"But it wasn't your fault Harry," Ron said shaking his head.
"I know, but I should just have taken the trophy instead of sharing it. If I would've done that Cedrick would still be alive," Harry sighed.
It was obvious Harry did not want to talk about it any further so Ron went back to scrubbing the steps diligently. They went up to fill up their buckets again, and Harry was just about to say something to Ron when he felt a surge of pain running through his scar. Losing his grip on his bucket he fell down on the floor writhing in pain. He could hear Ron calling him, but the pain was so intense that he was unable make out what Ron was saying. He remembered hearing Ron say something about Dumbledore before the pain took over, and lay a veil of darkness over his body and mind.
***
"My Lord, your orders have been executed."
"Good, now all we have to do is wait for the results," hissed Voldemort. "You may begin the next step."
"Yes, when will we initiate contact?"
"Soon, very soon," answered Voldemort, "Now leave me and prepare the rest."
The Death Eater stalked out of the room leaving Lord Voldemort alone on his throne. Minutes passed before another Death Eater Apparated accompanied by Nagini.
"What did you see Nagini?" hissed Voldemort in Parseltongue.
Nagini slithered up to the throne and hissed a reply.
"Very well. It is as I suspected. My sources were indeed truthful," said Voldemort picking up a rat and throwing it down for Nagini to consume, "and they shall be rewarded in time...all in good time."
The Death Eater had been waiting in front of his master, and was anxiously awaiting new orders.
"Lucius, I will leave you in charge of our next endeavor as it will be of great...personal joy...for you," hissed Voldemort.
Lucius looked up at Voldemort smiling madly.
***
At the same time as Harry and Ron were scrubbing the stairs at Hogwarts, Ginny was walking down High Street in Hogsmeade when she noticed a new store called "All The Things You Never Knew You Wanted." She decided to go inside since she really had no idea of what to get for Hermione. She had of course already found her gift, which was a brand new "No-Spill Ink Bottle." As she entered the store she was met by an older lady smelling like cabbage.
"Well, well, if it isn't little Virginia Weasley," said the woman, "but my how you've grown."
"How do you know my name?" asked Ginny nervously.
"Oh, I would say I know most wizards and witches around," added the woman with a huge smile on her face, "but what might you be looking for...young lady?"
"Well, I'm not quite sure to be honest," said Ginny still a bit unnerved by the fact that a complete stranger knew who she was.
"It wouldn't happen to be for Ms. Granger would it?"
Ginny started backing away from the lady edging closer to the door.
"H-how do you know all this?" stuttered Ginny grasping for the doorknob.
"Don't worry, my dear," said the woman. "My name is Mrs. Figg, pleased to meet you again," said the woman holding out her hand.
They did not get any further in their introduction as a loud noise was heard coming from Honeydukes followed by voices screaming in panic. Ginny rushed out through the door and she could see several dark hooded figures closing in on students. Death Eaters...they're here...how? thought Ginny as she saw students falling to the ground one by one as the Death Eaters focused their attention on anyone trying to resist them.
All of a sudden there were several loud popping noises as the staff from Hogwarts Apparated to protect the students. It looked like the Death Eaters had a clear advantage, but as suddenly as they had appeared they disappeared leaving behind a path of destruction. Ginny made her way down High Street and was met by Parvati Patil.
"Ginny, it's horrible," cried Parvati.
"What happened?" yelled Ginny, grabbing hold of Parvati trying to calm her down.
"Death Eaters...out of nowhere...a lot of students are injured...or maybe worse."
Ginny did not hear what Parvati said after that because she saw Viktor climbing out of the demolished Honeydukes carrying a pale Hermione. She ran past Parvati and fought her way through the crowd of people gathered around the disaster area. Viktor was kneeling by Hermione who was not moving or breathing.
"Hermione!" cried Ginny, tears streaming from her face.
End of Chapter 9
A/N: I hope you enjoyed reading the latest installment of "The Sides of Fear." School will be out soon, which means I will be able to spend more time writing. I have not been very good at answering people from their reviews, but that will all change now...hopefully :)
RogueAngel: Who might the fourth element be...or what??? Who knows...well I do :)
linj: Fleur has her reasons for being with Ron...it will all be revealed soon.
Maddy: I'm still working on the coming chapters, but thank you so much for your thoughts. My thoughts go out to you even though it is very late.
Angel: Thank you for your sympathy and kind words.
Munku-JGSPTV: *Watches amused as Munku does her dance* I'm proud to know that I inspire you to do a happy little dance :)
Ekle Ekle: Thanks for the compliment. This is my first time ever trying to write anything resembling a story.
chochang913: You-Know-Who has only begun his plan that will see him rise to power, and getting rid of The-Boy-Who-Lived...maybe...
Allison M Potter: I'm happy to be able to make you laugh. Thank you so much for your nice comments.
niffler86: Thank you, and yes, I will post more soon...very soon...*cackles maniacally like Voldemort*
