Title: The Sides of Fear (10/?)
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.

Pronunciation Guide:
Sissiah (Si-sigh-a)
Gaimun (Guy-mun)
Pereux (Pe-ro)

The Sides of Fear

Chapter 10
The Beginning

"My Lord, the first step has been taken as you ordered."

"Excellent. Were you able to dispense of both of them?"

"N-no my lord, we did not have time before help for the students arrived," whimpered the Death Eater cowering from the expected punishment.

Instead of fury there was a sense of satisfaction in the eyes of Voldemort. He was studiously looking over his wand possibly trying to choose the appropriate punishment.

"Very well, no harm done. It is all for the better, prolonging the suffering and fear," said Voldemort nonchalantly with a smile forming on his lips.

Without a word the Death Eater made to leave the room, relieved he had escaped the wrath of his master. Barely had he turned his back to his master when he heard a whisper coming from behind. With a loud cry he sank to the floor as Voldemort was now applying the Cruciatus Curse on him.

"My dear Goyle, you disappoint me," sighed Voldemort. "Did you really think I would let your failure go without consequences?"

"N-n-no m-my Lord," gasped Goyle through gritted teeth.

Only moments later Voldemort let his wand rest by his side letting his servant get up from the floor on unsteady legs.

"Tell your son not to disappoint me as you have, or else more...severe measures will have to be taken."

"Yes my Lord."

A loud noise stirred Harry from his dream and he shot open his eyes only to find himself in the all too familiar infirmary. He looked over and the sight quickly cleared any thoughts of his dream. Viktor Krum had come crashing through the doors carrying Hermione who showed no signs of life. Harry could see Ginny following closely behind accompanied by several other students carrying their own load. Madam Pomfrey quickly directed everyone to a bed, and Harry rushed over to Hermione's side with Ron who had been sitting next to Harry's bed.

"What happened?" asked Harry, looking at Ginny who was unable to answer.

"There vas an attack in Hogsmeade," came Viktor's voice, "and several students vere injured. Honeydukes vas destroyed, but I managed to get Hermione out."

Madam Pomfrey had come up and was checking Hermione who was now breathing, albeit very faint. She already had her wand drawn, and was drawing circles in the air above Hermione. The dark blue sparks from the tip of the wand slowly fell on Hermione who began to breathe more regularly, and slowly regaining some of her color.

"Is she going to be alright?" asked Ron holding on to Hermione's hand in a tight grip. If circumstances would have been different he would have been given a hard time by Harry, but the gravity of the situation did not allow for it.

"She will be fine. What she needs now is rest," replied Madam Pomfrey, "and speaking of which, all of you need to leave."

"But..." started Viktor before he was interrupted by Madam Pomfrey.

"No 'buts', now shoo."

They all knew better than not to argue with the spirited Madam Pomfrey, and reluctantly the four of them turned around to leave.

"Mr. Potter, where do you think you're going?"

"Uh, well you told us to leave," said Harry.

"You are still under my care, so would you be so kind as to get back into bed. Now," she said sternly looking from Harry to his bed.

"Don't worry, I'll keep an eye on Hermione," said Harry making his way back to bed as Viktor, Ron, and Ginny slowly left the infirmary.

***

As the Great Hall filled with students there were loud discussions about what had happened. Numbers of how many had been injured were circulating, as well as rumors of how many had been killed. For the first time this year Ron sat down next to Viktor with Ginny. Viktor made no attempt of even acknowledging their presence, his focus on a blank spot on the wall on the other side of the Great Hall. Before Ron could make an attempt to talk to Viktor the faculty of Hogwarts came through the door lead by Dumbledore. The once stirring Hall went silent as Dumbledore made his way up to the front of the room where he turned around to face the students. He looked very tired as he began to speak.

"As all of you know there was an attack in Hogsmeade today. Rumors have circulated who was behind the attack, and it is true the perpetrators were Death Eaters," said Dumbledore as the Hall erupted in a buzz, only to quiet down for Dumbledore to continue.

"Several students were injured, and," Dumbledore paused, "and sadly one of those injured lost their life."

At this moment every student in the Great Hall were looking around to find out if their friends were accounted for. Ginny who had been in a state of shock was now looking around seeming to miss someone.

"At the first onslaught of the Death Eaters...Colin Creevey was hit by the Avada Kedavra Curse trying to step in between another student and a Death Eater."

Ginny burst into tears as she flung herself onto Ron. Dennis Creevey who had been looking around trying to spot his brother had turned white letting his tears flow freely.

"He risked his own life to save another," continued Dumbledore. "Bravery of this magnitude show all of us why he was in Gryffindor. As we did last year, we shall raise our glasses in honor of Colin Creevey, and the utmost bravery he showed when it was needed."

At this Dumbledore raised his glass high in the air, and most of the students followed. Only Draco and a few other Slytherins kept their glasses down. It seemed all too familiar to Ron as echoes of Colin's name reverberated around the Great Hall.

"In a time in which people and wizards alike fear only for themselves, Colin showed not only bravery, but also showed us all what a person is willing to risk for a friend. Many of you recollect seeing Colin with his camera in hand taking pictures at the most unexpected moments."

A few subdued chuckles were heard as the students remembered some of their moments with Colin and his camera.

"That is how I want you to remember Colin. The smiling boy we all knew who possessed more courage, loyalty, and bravery than most of us will be able to display. In his honor I raise my glass again," Dumbledore said once again raising his glass being joined by the rest of the Great Hall.

***

After dinner was over most of the students had already left the Great Hall when Draco came sauntering up to the Gryffindor table with Crabbe and Goyle by his side.

"I heard all about your Mudblood friend and how she got what she deserved," drawled Draco.

"Shut it Malfoy, or else," growled Ron.

"Too bad about Creevey I suppose," continued Draco not taking notice of Ron's warning. "I guess any Gryffindor will do, but I was rather hoping it would be your Mudblood friend."

Before anyone had time to react both Ron and Ginny threw themselves on Draco pushing him down on the floor. Ron who was both taller and stronger than Draco had the upper hand, and begun to punch Draco violently while Ginny clawed at his face. Crabbe and Goyle had been taken by surprise, but were now trying to drag Ron and Ginny off Draco. Just as Ron was about to deliver another blow he heard Dumbledore's voice.

"Mr. Weasley, would you please be so kind as to let go of Mr. Malfoy."

Ron stopped in mid-air with his punch, looked at Dumbledore and back at Malfoy, before he decided to get up. Ginny had already freed herself from Goyle's grip on her by kicking him on his shins. Draco got up slowly, with blood dripping from his mouth, waving away the helping hands of Crabbe.

"Watch it...Weasley...or I might just have to put you in your rightful place," snarled Draco, wiping some blood on the sleeve of his robe.

"Mr. Malfoy, that will be enough. Both of you are to report to me tomorrow morning. There will be no more fighting within the halls of Hogwarts. Is that understood?" said Dumbledore, raising his voice.

Without an answer, Draco left the Great Hall sulking with his entourage trailing behind him. Dumbledore turned to face Ron.

"Mr. Weasley, I expect more from you than this. Your father is a dear friend of mine, and you would be wise to show his intelligence and calm behavior. And you Ms. Weasley would do well to do the same," added Dumbledore.

Ron did not know what to say so he decided to opt for the best, and only, answer he could come up with.

"Yes, Professor," said both Ron and Ginny.

"Very well, I suppose you two want to go up and check on your friends. I will tell Madam Pomfrey it is quite alright for you to spend a few minutes with Ms. Granger and Mr. Potter."

"Thank you Professor."

Ron and Ginny ran out of the Hall and headed straight for the infirmary where Harry was out of his bed sitting by Hermione's side with Viktor. Ron could feel his temper start to flare again, but it was quickly subdued by the look on Harry's face. They both sat down next to Hermione getting an approving nod from Madam Pomfrey.

"Viktor already told me about Colin," murmured Harry trying hard not to look up.

"I wonder who he tried to save from the Death Eater," said Ron quietly.

"Didn't Viktor tell you? Colin saved Hermione's life," said Harry, looking up at Ron who was stunned.

***

The crimson red light from the sunset produced a wonderful sight as it hit the library of Malfoy Manor. Narcissa was sitting at one of the tables looking through a picture album. She stopped turning the pages as a photograph filled her with fond memories. Her mother and father were sitting on a blanket feeding each other an assortment of fruits. Sissiah and Gaimun Pereux were a perfect couple, and the birth of their daughter, Narcissa, had only strengthened their bond. The wind was taking hold of her mother's hair as the waves came crashing onto the cliffs of Dover. They had been so happy. The three of them.

She reluctantly turned the page and she knew, from looking through the album hundreds of times, what would come next. Her father was sitting alone in their old kitchen where Narcissa had grown up for most of her life. This was after her mother had left them to live with another man. A Muggle of all things. They had started a new family and their son, Paul Hennington, had been raised without knowing anything about his wizard heritage.

The years that followed had been filled with sorrow as she watched her father go on a downward spiral finally reaching the end of his sanity on her fifteenth birthday. She woke up when her father came storming into her bedroom with a wild haunted look on his face.

"They're after me...they're coming for me," cried Gaimun, grabbing hold of Narcissa's shoulders. "Oh, what have I done...what have I done?"

Gaimun embraced his daughter as he continued to let tears fall down his face. A few moments later loud popping noises were heard coming from the hallway. He let go of Narcissa and spun around to face the Aurors. Instead of waiting for the door to come crashing down, he quickly grabbed something from behind a painting on the wall.

"Narcissa! Hurry! We have to leave...grab a hold of this and hold on tight," said Gaimun, holding out a necklace with a pendant.

As she and her father grabbed the pendant she felt a strange tugging. They left the realm of their house and they were going through a world with vivid colors that were swirling in the wind. Their journey came to an end as quickly as it had begun. She found herself standing by an enormous tower with dark hooded figures encroaching on them. She heard her father speak to one of them, and moments later she found herself standing in front of the wizard who had caused a great deal of pain and suffering. Her father had stepped forward and given himself to the Dark Lord, and the smell of burnt flesh accompanied by the piercing scream of her father had forever been etched in her mind.

Now that they were safe her father sat her down and began to explain what had happened earlier. The fear she had seen in her father's eyes were gone and had been replaced by anger.

"I-I killed her...her and that Muggle filth," spat Gaimun. "She betrayed our kind and left me for...for a Muggle. She got what she deserved."

Narcissa was unable to speak. For all those years she had seen her father grow more reclusive and his heart had been filled with anger. He had spent endless nights talking to himself, and in his mind he must have come to the conclusion to join the Dark Lord and his quest to destroy the world of any Muggle loving wizards.

"I tried to kill the boy, but the Aurors must have been in the area scanning for any unusual activity. They would not take kindly to the use of the Forbidden Curse. The Dark Lord helped me...he gave me this Portkey to use after I had finished my task," said Gaimun, holding out the necklace.

"Narcissa?"

The sudden voice made Narcissa jump as her husband was standing in the doorway with a blank expression on his face. He came up behind her and let his hands fall on her shoulders.

"What are you...Aah, your family history. So tragic," sighed Lucius, tracing his finger on her cheek. "Let's just hope your family traits have been wiped away...for your sake."

Narcissa slowly closed the album and left the haunting memories to join her husband for dinner.

***

Dumbledore was sitting in his office when one of the bookshelves swung open to reveal a secret passageway. Out stepped a short man with broad shoulders and dark curly hair. He looked tired and pale. Had it not been for his dark complexion he would have been as white as a sheet. He dusted himself off and looked up at Dumbledore who was smiling broadly.

"Ashmir! It is so good to see you again!" said Dumbledore as he got up from his chair and rushed over to embrace his friend.

"Albus, it has been far too long. I am sad to see the circumstances that bring us back together."

"We must weigh the good against the bad. We have finally begun to mend the rifts that begun after the first retreat of Voldemort," said Dumbledore, inviting Ashmir to sit down across from him.

"Thanks to Hagrid we have been able to regain the confidence of the Giants, and he also acquired the guardian for the Dagger. However, I still have questions concerning the fourth element," continued Dumbledore.

"We can not be sure as to the actual fourth element. The scrolls were lost a long time ago, but my people have told me what they believe it is," said Ashmir gravely.

"Ashmir, I am also worried about the students and their families. Earlier today there was a Death Eater attack in Hogsmeade. One of our students were killed, and several others are badly injured. One of my most trusted operatives should be joining us any minute now."

The door swung open and in stepped an out of breath Arabella Figg.

"I'm sorry if I'm late, but there was the business of setting up more protective charms around Hogsmeade," Arabella said weakly, looking at Ashmir.

"Arabella, this is Ashmir. He is a friend of mine who is an expert in ancient artifacts. He is here to lend us a helping hand, as well as establish a connection with the Middle East wizarding community. Seeing as we need all the help we can get."

"So it is as we feared then?" asked Arabella.

"I believe this was the first attempt by Voldemort to find out exactly what it would take to..."

Green smoke came out of the fireplace as the face of Remus Lupin appeared.

"Albus, we just received your message. What do you want us to do?"

"Remus, we need you and Sirius to make your way to Egypt as quickly as possible. Go to a place called Egyptian Folklore, and ask for Mahmoubi. He will inform you of the task that lay ahead of you."

"We will leave immediately."

With that Remus' face disappeared and Dumbledore turned his attention back to Ashmir and Arabella.

"I am very grateful for all the work you have done for me during these years," he said to Arabella.

"You know I would do anything for you, especially since the boy is very close to my heart. Besides, I always wanted to have my very own shop," smiled Arabella, trying to lighten the mood.

"Ashmir, I am sure you are tired from your long journey. Would you be so kind as to show our guest the way to his room?" Dumbledore asked, eyeing Arabella.

"I will take him to the usual room on my way out. I still have charms that need to be put in place. Even though I doubt there will be another attack."

"Constant vigilance, my dear. Constant vigilance," said Dumbledore, brows furrowed as he watched the two of them leave.

***

"Sirius, we need to leave immediately," yelled Remus, as he began to get all his things together.

"Where are we going?"

"Our next stop is Egypt. Albus didn't tell me what we were going there for, but I have a feeling I know why. Most likely it has something to do with the attack on Hogsmeade today."

"I'm just so happy Harry was not there. To think what the Death Eaters would have done if..." said Sirius, not being able to finish.

"I know Sirius, but there is no time to dwell on what might have been. What will come, will come," paused Remus, "but we must leave for Egypt."

The two of them got their things together, and stood in the middle of the dimly lit room.

"I'll see you in Egypt then...unless you're split and half of you ends up in France," said Sirius smiling.

"When will you ever learn that I have the brains...and the brute of this team," replied Remus before Apparating from their room.

"Just wait until I get my hands on you Remus," grumbled Sirius as he Apparated leaving behind the message they had received from Dumbledore.

Friends,

There was an attack on Hogsmeade today. Harry was not there. Students were injured and one fatality. Contact me urgently. I have a feeling He will try to strike at the very core of Harry's fears.

A.D.

End of Chapter 10

A/N: Of course I wouldn't kill off Hermione...yet...Now on to the replies to your reviews. I actually didn't think anyone would read my story, but all your kind words and suggestions really encourage me to continue writing. So thank you again.

Bella Black: I can't tell you who or what the fourth element is. It will have to be a surprise to you and everyone else. Hermione is alright as you've read, but we'll see if Ron can get his act together before someone else snags our favorite bossy witch :)

Moonshine: Thanks for the nice comments. As school is over I will be able to work more on my writing. I just have to wait until I get into my writing moods.

Cactuskitty: I'm glad you were able to login. I'm not sure how much my instructions helped. I'm looking forward to reading some of your writing. Drop me a line when you have something published.

Leeva: There is definately a reason for Fleur and Viktor to be in the story. I have planned to write a sixth year and a seventh year fic and they will both play a part in the storyline. You might be right about the fourth element, but we'll just have to wait and see :)

Angel: Thanks for your great encouragement Joanne. I am going to go check out some of your writing. I just haven't had time to do a lot. Just took some days off after school to relax and rest up.

Sherylyn: And I hear we'll be waiting even longer as it seems the book will not be released until this Autumn/Fall at the earliest. A friend of mine's mother owns a bookstore and she has not heard anything so far as to expected release date.

Maddy: I wouldn't know whether or not babysitting is hard work, but if it's anything like being in a classroom all day teaching then I know the feeling. I'm still trying to get to the good part with your poetry. By the looks of it it will be a while, but it will be good...I promise. :)

Nicky: Well, it did take me a bit to update, but I've just been trying to rest up after the end of the school year. Of course I didn't kill off Hermione...even though she isn't my favorite character I wouldn't do that right away...maybe later ;P

Lady Lylia: Thanks...I'm not sure about the pants though, but I will do as they command *starts writing furiously* :)

Katia: Even if the necklace was the last element...I wouldn't say...all I can say is "No Comment"

Niffler86: YEEEEESSS!!! She's alive...like I said before...I'll have to wait a while before I kill off anyone too important...maybe

ChoChang913: Ron and Hermione huh? Well, we'll just see what we can do...or to be more precise, what Ron can do. Thanks for your nice words, and I hope you have a great start on your summer holiday.

Allison M. Potter: Cliffhangers...not fun for you....but a lot of fun for me :) I'll try not to write too many cliffhangers because I kind of hate them too...but they're so much fun to write though.