Title: The Sides of Fear (20/?)
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 20
Christmas At The Burrow

Harry was up in Gryffindor Tower alone as the rest of them had gone home for the holidays. Ron had tried to convince Harry to come with him anyway, but Hermione had insisted it would be too dangerous. Harry agreed reluctantly, but it was all up to Dumbledore. If things went well he would at least be able to spend Christmas at the Burrow. Ron had even told him that Bill and Charlie would be home for Christmas. He would have liked to talk to them again and get to know them better. Perhaps he would get the chance.

He was trying to concentrate on his Divination homework, but all he could think of then were the sparkling dots he had seen in the crystal ball. Trelawney's "prediction" was a bit unnerving as well. Not that she never said he was going to die, but this time she had given him another cryptic message, just as she had last year. He shuddered as his mind drifted back to that fateful night at the cemetery where Voldemort had regained form. Frustrated he got up and left for the kitchen. He knew what would come, but when?

***

The Hogwart's Express was getting close to pulling in at King's Cross, and Ron and Hermione had been sitting next to each other quietly for almost the whole trip. Ginny had eyed them suspiciously before walking out to leave the two lovebirds alone. She had found another compartment that was empty and she settled down in her thoughts.

The year had started out so well. This summer Harry had actually talked to her and sometimes...he had even looked at her. Then we kissed. Well, I kissed him I suppose. Gryffindor blood indeed. Then he had kissed me. It had been so wonderful, but in between it had all hit a sour note. He had told everyone he liked Cho Chang. She was not sure whether or not to believe everything in the Witch Weekly magazines, but that day in the corridors...they way they had been holding onto each other...then the kiss. Sure, it was nothing like her and Harry had shared, but...it was just different. Thinking of it made her feel queasy.

What could she do? Harry Potter would never see her for who she was. It was time for her to forget about him. Who cares about Harry Potter? Cho Chang does I know that for sure. Ginny pulled her knees up to her chest trying hard not to cry. She would not shed another tear for him. No more. He was after all just a boy. Then again, maybe there was still hope. Maybe, she could make him see. If he comes for Christmas I will have a chance. The thought made her smile and she could see the train was pulling into King's Cross. One more try. Yes, one more.

***

Ron and Hermione were busy trying to get their trunks down from the overhead compartment when Ginny came back to get hers. After a few choice words from Ron, and scolding from Hermione, they managed to drag their trunks out and on to the platform. Ron went to get carts for them and soon they found themselves in front of Mr. Weasley and Mr. and Mrs. Granger at King's Cross.

"I guess I'll see you in a few weeks then."

"Yes. My parents and I are visiting one of my cousins and we'll be gone for the holidays. I'll write you though."

They were both looking down and they could see their hands reaching for each others and finally finding their mark. Ron squeezed her hand gently.

"I'll write too. Hopefully Harry can come. I didn't like to leave him alone."

"You have to write me if he comes."

"Hermione, I...we should go."

Mr. Granger was looking at his watch and he excused himself as he said he had to go put more money into the parking meter. Mr. Weasley looked like a little child as he wanted to go with him and see how it all worked.

"Well, I'll see you in two weeks then," said Ron still holding on to Hermione's hands for dear life.

"Ron, I think I like you," whispered Hermione before planting a kiss on his lips. He could feel himself reddening all the way to the tips of his hair. She stood back and smiled at him.

"I think...I like you...too," he replied before she said goodbye and walked off with her mother. Ron had a silly grin on his face, and he swore he could hear music playing. It all came to a screeching halt when he turned around and saw the faces of the twins. They looked much like they had when Ginny had told them about Percy's girlfriend, only worse. It was going to be a very long Christmas.

***

If Ron thought King's Cross had been bad it was nothing compared to his welcome from his mother. He had come in through the door sulking a bit for not having any of his friends there when he almost ran into someone. It was his mother and she had a strange smile on her face. The rest of them had come in through the door, but quickly retreated as they saw their mother's face. She had turned to Ron and said, "Ron, let's talk in the kitchen."

All of a sudden the letter he had received after he had punched Harry was fresh in his mind. He braced himself for the storm.

"Ron, do you know what I wanted to talk to you about?" asked Mrs. Weasley in a soft voice.

"I...think so," replied Ron. He did not like the way she was acting. He would prefer it if she was yelling at him.

"What do think it is?" she said still with an eerie smile.

"Ehm...it's about that letter you sent me since I hit Harry."

"Oh, and let's not forget the incident with Draco Malfoy."

"How?"

"Dumbledore."

Ron swallowed feeling his throat constrict.

"WHAT DID YOU THINK YOU WERE DOING? OBVIOUSLY YOU DIDN'T THINK AT ALL. YOUR FATHER AND I DIDN'T RAISE YOU TO BE SOME SORT OF BRAWLER. RIGHT ASHAMED OF YOU I WAS. THEN YOU GO AND FIGHT WITH THAT MALFOY BOY!" she took a deep breath and continued. "DON'T YOU WORRY ABOUT NOT HAVING ANYTHING TO DO DURING THE HOLIDAYS. I'LL KEEP YOU BUSY."

Ron liked the smiling Mrs. Weasley better.

"And if we hear anything of the sort you won't have to worry about the rest of your life," she hissed before tromping out into the garden where the rest of the family was waiting.

Ron's head was still ringing and a few minutes later the twins popped their heads in.

"Oi, Ron. That was quite a show," grinned Fred.

"Yeah, we thought Mum might actually make the house crumble," added George.

"Hope you're feeling better though."

"Thanks."

"Besides, wouldn't want your girlfriend to see you in lace robes again," laughed George pursed his lips.

"Ronniekins has a girlfriend. Just wait until I tell Bill and Charlie. They'll be in fine form," smiled Fred.

"How many times have you been snogging little brother? More importantly...where?"

"Shut up."

"Aw, I think we struck a nerve dear brother."

"We're sorry...luvvy."

"Yeah, really sorry...snoglips."

"Shut up!"

"Hey, no need to be rude. If you're going to act like that we'll just go upstairs...and tell Bill and Charlie."

The twins disappeared up the stairs and he could hear them yelling for their older brothers that they had great news.

"Gits," grumbled Ron.

Meanwhile Ginny was unpacking, but her mind was still dwelling on Harry. She slumped down on the floor against the bed trying to gather her thoughts. It was no use trying to tell herself she did not care about him. She did care. Not in just a friendly manner, but she knew that he was the only one that could make her happy. She could hear her mother's voice telling her that there was no possible way for her to know that at her age. Maybe that was it. Maybe she was too young to understand anything.

"I'm a coward. I need to tell him how I feel. If I don't then he'll never know. He's obviously too daft to see it. Maybe I have to make him see. Yes that's what I'll do. Definitely," she said out loud. She was determined to tell him during Christmas.

If he comes, she thought wishing Harry would never set foot at the Burrow for Christmas.

***

Harry's visit to Dobby had been rather enjoyable as one of the elves had felt inclined to tell him that they had seen Ron and Hermione together on several occasions. They had mostly been engaged in "inappropriate activities" as the elves put it. Leaving the kitchen Harry thought about his two best friends finally admitting to themselves what everyone else had seen coming for a long time.

Things will be different now. I know it shouldn't be, but it will.

Harry felt a sting of envy, but it was quickly replaced by the joy for his friends. They were probably the only person that could stand the other for an extended period of time, even though it looked like they always fought. Harry liked Hermione as a friend, but at times she could get to be a bit too much. He remembered last year when he and Ron had not spoken to each other and he really needed to get away from Hermione. It was the same with Ron. As much as he was great friend some of his bantering would get to be draining.

It was strangely nice to be alone in Gryffindor Tower and Harry spent most of his days either studying, flying, or writing to people who owled him. Hermione was off with her parents at her cousin's house and she was having "a smashing" time. Although she did sound a bit disappointed she would not see Ron for a couple of weeks. Ron was complaining how he the twins would pester him all day long since finding out about him and Hermione. He even tried to ask Mrs. Weasley if he could go back to Hogwarts and spend Christmas with Harry. He had only gotten a duster shoved in his hand as a response.

Sirius had written him back and told him he would be unavailable for a while as there were certain things he needed to take care of that required for him to lay low. He had told Harry that so far things were going well, and that he should not worry about what was happening. Sirius claimed it was absolutely normal for a boy to feel strange about being around girls when he first actually looked at them as girls. Harry had grinned as he remembered Ron's little scene with Hermione before the Yule Ball.

There was another owl waiting for Harry as he came down for breakfast a couple of days later. He had never seen the owl before and it was not a school owl. He unrolled the parchment. It was from Cho.

Dear Harry,

I'm so glad we were able to work things out before I left for the holidays. After I found out that you of all people had saved me I felt so horrible. There I was, still holding you responsible for those articles and Cedric.

Harry winced as he read Cedric's name, but continued to read.

That was probably insensitive of me. I would really like to talk to you about what happened, but I understand if you don't want to. As far as I'm concerned you never did anything to him.

So far I'm not having a great time. I would much rather be at Hogwarts spending time with you. Maybe us becoming friends will have more effect on Roger than the articles did. He actually suggested that I flirt with you during the game to get your attention away from the Snitch. That was supposed to be a secret I suppose, but as long as you don't tell him he'll never know. I guess all Quidditch Captains are mad.

Write to me soon,
Cho

She did not mention anything about the kiss on the cheek, but then again Hermione had given him at the end of last year as well. This one had been a bit different though. Harry felt his cheek where Cho had kissed him. She had said they were friends now. Harry felt an urge to write back to her and he ate his breakfast as fast as he could. Just as he was about to leave Dumbledore walked up to him.

"Harry, I need to speak to you for a moment."

"Yes professor."

They walked out of the Great Hall together and Harry followed him up to his office.

"Harry, as you know Mr. Weasley has asked me whether or not you will be able to join them for Christmas celebrations." Harry nodded. "There are some very disturbing events, but I see no harm in letting you use the Floo network to spend Christmas Day with the Weasleys."

Harry felt like he wanted to jump up and scream out his joy. Dumbledore saw this and his eyes twinkled as a smile grew on his face.

"However, there are a few safety precautions that need to be taken. First, you will only be able to Floo back to Hogwarts at a specific time as I do not want to leave it open for anyone else but you. Secondly, because of that you will need something that can bring you back if anything should happen."

Dumbledore handed Harry a vial that contained a silver feather.

"The silver feather is a Portkey that will take you to the grounds of Hogwarts. Since you are familiar with how it works there is no need for an explanation. It is imperative that you keep this close wherever you go. I suggest you attach it to this," said Dumbledore holding out a necklace.

"I already have a necklace," said Harry pulling it out from inside his robes. "Can I use this instead?"

"Of course. That is quite a pendant Harry."

"It was a gift," said Harry quickly not wanting it to seem like he bought necklaces for himself.

"I guessed as much. May I ask who gave it to you?"

"Ginny gave it to me, sir."

"Ah, Ms. Weasley. That explains the snake. She is quite astounding that little girl. She is one of the few to escape from Voldemort. Of course, you know all about that." Harry blushed.

"I suppose you will want to tell your friend Mr. Weasley about the good news," Dumbledore smiled.

"Yes professor," said Harry jumping out of his chair and heading for the door. Just as the door was closing Harry popped his head back in. "Thank you professor."

"You're very welcome."

Harry ran up to his room to write a letter to Ron and tell him about the good news. After finishing with his letter he walked up to the owlery and sent it off with one of the shool owls. Harry had taken to not correspond with Hedwig anymore with anything that might endanger him or anyone else. It was safer this way although Hedwig was seemingly upset for not being the only owl to deliver Harry's letters. On his way back he felt like he had forgotten about something, but could not think of what.

***

It was Christmas Eve and the Burrow was bustling with noise as everyone in the family had something to do. It turned out to be quite a gathering as Percy's girlfriend Penelope was coming over to spend half of they day with them. Mrs. Weasley had been very pleased about that. She had gone on and on about what a nice girl she was to show Percy how much he meant to her.

Ginny was helping Mrs. Weasley in the kitchen with the preparation of the food. Fred and George were "helping" Charlie decorate the tree by putting some of their new inventions in the tree disguised as normal ornaments. Bill and Percy were sitting at the kitchen table discussing politics of all things. Ginny never thought she would see anyone discuss politics with Percy in the household, and least of all Bill. She grinned as she glanced over at her two brothers who were as different as day and night. Percy was tall, but she knew how fussy and proper he always acted and looked. Bill on the other hand could care less about his appearance. He was wearing a pair of faded pants and his long hair was out of its ponytail. Her mother had commented on it as always, and Bill had just laughed.

Ron had been busy shoveling snow all day before coming inside to clean the house. Her mother had given her a stern talking to about her participation in the fight with Malfoy, but she had been a bit easier on her. She had given Ginny kitchen duty for the holidays, and it gave her some protection from the evil doings of Fred and George.

Ron came in and sat down at the table looking tired and dirty. He had been sweeping and scrubbing the floors and the last thing he wanted to hear was a discussion on Apparation policy.

"Percy, it's not very reasonable for witches and wizards to have to go through all the hassle the Ministry has decided to enact at the moment. Besides, it doesn't do any good. Anyone can slip in without those bumbling idiots at the Ministry noticing it. Present company excluded," Bill said heatedly.

"What you might call unnecessary is indeed of great importance to all those involved. Mr. Fudge says that the screening process works as well as anything else."

"That's my point. It works just as well as not doing anything. So what's the point in doing it at all?"

The two of them were both balling their fists and their hue had changed into a slight reddish color.

"Well, Mr. Fudge..."

"Are you sure Penelope knows about your fascination with this Cornelius Fudge? You might want to inform her of your very personal relationship with him before she begins to think she's first on your list."

"Bill! That was very inappropriate. Apologize immediately," scolded Mrs. Weasley.

"Percy has no idea what he's talking about. He's as blind as the rest of them. If he can't see that then I refuse to apologize. Thanks to the Ministry a great deal of witches and wizards have fallen victim to the Death Eaters and Voldemort."

Everyone stopped what they were doing and they all stared at Bill. Even Fred, George, and Charlie came in from the living room.

"Did you just say..."

"Yes Fred. Voldemort," said Bill. Mrs. Weasley drew her hand to cover her mouth in fear while the rest of them cringed. The only ones that did not seem phased were Bill and Ginny.

"Fine. You-Know-Who is out there and all this collecting of information by the Ministry is only giving him and his followers more power. They know where everyone is and the Ministry and its officials are working with him," Bill yelled.

"Nonsense," huffed Percy as he stood up looking much like Mr. Fudge had when he had denied Voldemort's existence. "Voldemort is long gone and Mr. Fudge says those who..." Bill groaned loudly out of frustration, but Percy continued. "those who believe it to be true belong at St. Mungo's. There is no proof of anything some people say, except so-called personal accounts."

"Are you calling the people who have seen their families killed by Voldemort liars?" screamed Bill.

"If that's what you say, then yes. I don't believe it for a second. Maybe the murderers were imposters trying to make it look like it was Him."

"You're just as bad as everyone else," growled Bill as he pushed his way past Percy, grabbed his coat, and walked outside into the cold.

Percy looked furious and he excused himself and went up to his room.

"Merry Christmas," grumbled Ron earning a glare from his mother.

***

It was Christmas Day and Harry was standing by the fireplace in Dumbledore's office ready to leave for the Burrow. He had remembered to write back to Cho the day before and he thought he had kept it very pleasant. Very "friendly."

"Now remember Harry. I will be expecting you back at eleven this evening. The clock at the Burrow has been adjusted accordingly and you will have exactly fifteen seconds after it has struck twelve to get back here. After that I will assume something else has happened to hinder your arrival, and measures will be taken to find you. If for some reason your stay is voluntary, then please see to it to inform me as quickly as possible. Then use your Portkey. Do not lose it. With it, anyone can come into Hogwarts. If you lose it you have to tell me. I will close the hole." Dumbledore straightened up. "Now, I believe they're waiting for you. Have a merry Christmas Harry, and I'll see you again at eleven."

"Thanks professor," said Harry throwing some Floo powder into the fire and stepping into the the green flames.

"The Burrow" he said loudly making sure he pronounced it correctly.

He felt himself whirl around before coming to an abrupt stop and flying out of the fireplace at the Burrow. The whole family was waiting anxiously for him and Mrs. Weasley was the first one to get hold of him. One by one the Weasleys gave him a pat on the back or a handshake. Harry noticed that Bill and Percy were avoiding each other, and occasionally staring at one another with anger. Ron took Harry up to his room.

"What's with Bill and Percy?"

"Oh, they had a bit of an argument last night," sighed Ron. "Over Ministry policies of all things."

"What? Bill talked to Percy about the Ministry?"

"Yeah, he was pretty upset about it too. He even...he even said...You-Know-Who's name. His real name," Ron shuddered.

"You mean V..."

"Don't say it Harry. I don't want to hear it."

"Did Bill say why he was so upset?"

"Well, not really. I mean, he said that the Ministry was already serving You-Know-Who, and that everyone at the Ministry were, and I quote, bumbling idiots. He also said some mean things about Percy and Penelope. All in all, it was a pretty horrid affair altogether," Ron looked a bit glum. "But it's all going to be better now that you're here. We even waited to open our presents. So hurry up you slug because now that you're here presents are fair game." smiled Ron running downstairs.

Harry took out his presents from his bag. He had bought Ron some assorted sweets as well as a couple of ink bottles and quills. Ron had dropped his inkbottles one by one and he was down to his last. The other was for Ginny. It was a Quidditch book filled with moves and exercises for Keepers. It had been difficult finding something for Ginny, but he had decided to give her something that reflected how their relationship had grown. Actually there had been no relationship before. Now he considered her to be a friend. Not as close as Ron and Hermione, but then again there would never be anyone as close to him as those two. He thought a book would tell her he considered her to be just that. A friend.

He grabbed all the presents and ran downstairs into the living room. Everyone was busy opening theirs and Harry handed over his while locating his own. Dumbledore must have seen to it that gifts were delivered to the Burrow as he noticed packages from Hagrid, Sirius, and the Dursleys. The Dursleys had given him the tag from a mattress, which Harry flicked into the fire.

He opened up his gift from Mrs. Weasley and he had gotten another sweater, but this time it was not green. It was dark blue with an H in the middle.

"Thanks Mrs. Weasley," he said smiling. "It's really nice of you to give me a sweater every year."

"Oh, don't thank me. Thank Ginny."

Harry turned to Ginny who was blushing furiously.

"Thanks," he said flashing her one of his brilliant smiles that made her weak in the knees. She just gave a half-hearted smile back.

Ron had given him a Chudley Cannons scarf that was the same color as Ron's room. At least I'll never get lost in the dark anymore, he thought. Hermione had given him a book. No surprise there. He looked at the cover and it read, A Complete Unauthorized Unabridged History of the Life of Godric Gryffindor by Belrun Beckerin. How did she know? Of course, it's Hermione.

Hagrid had sent him a book about Moldavian beasts. Harry grinned as he read Hagrid's note.

Happy Christmas Harry,

I found this book and I thought it might help you when I come back. I can't tell you when I'll be back, but it won't be too long I hope. It's Hogwart's business.

Hagrid

P.S. Don't tell anyone I sent this to you.

Hagrid had always been great at keeping secrets Harry thought as he opened up the present from Sirius. All that was in it was a piece of parchment. Harry looked in the box to see if he might have missed anything, but the parchment and a note was all that was in there. Harry picked up the note.

Happy Christmas Handsome Harry,

Take this out when you get back to Hogwarts on December 28 at ten in the morning.

Sirius

Harry frowned at the note and the parchment, but stowed away the note and the parchment in his pocket. There was one more present left. It was from Ginny. He opened it up and there was a picture of him, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny sitting at the table in the Great Hall. It must have been taken on the first night back to school. Harry was laughing at something Ron had said while Hermione was looking at Ron with wide eyes. Harry saw Ginny laugh as well, but at the end he saw her stiffen. He wondered why that was and made sure to remember to ask her later on.

Everyone piled into the kitchen and bread rolls flew threw the air as Mrs. Weasley tried to settle everyone down. Penelope had arrived a little after Harry and Mrs. Weasley was busy praising her for having the courage to come to the Burrow for Christmas. Percy and Bill were still sitting far away from each other and Penelope had made an effort to reconcile, but neither of them would say a word.

Later on it was time to eat. The food was delicious and after they were done Ron suggested they play a game of Quidditch since Bill and Charlie were home. When they came out they noticed there was an odd number of players, but it was quickly solved as Bill said he would sit out the first game. Harry, Ron, and Fred were on one team while Charlie, Ginny, and George were on the other. To make it more fun neither player would be in their normal position. Fred and George were Keepers while the rest played as Chasers. They had decided not to use a Snitch or Bludgers.

Harry was surprised to see how good Charlie was as a Chaser. He knew he had been a good Seeker, but he must have practiced a lot to such an excellent Chaser as well. He found himself losing the first game and he traded with Bill so he could sit out a game. They switched the teams around so Bill became the Keeper and Fred and Ginny played as that team's Chasers. As he watched the others play his eyes strayed to Ginny. Her face had a look of pure concentration as she passed the Quaffle to Fred who scored past Charlie

She laughed heartily and Harry found himself staring at her with his mouth wide open. It reminded him of the summer he had spent with them and when he had realized she had changed since their second year. She was not just Ron's little sister with a crush on Harry. She was a friend. Harry closed his mouth feeling like the fact that she was now his friend bothered him. There was no reason for that. She had finally begun speaking to him, and she had even dared to kiss him.

"Harry?"

"Huh?"

"I've been trying to get your attention for the last minute, but your attention was elsewhere I think," said Charlie with a knowing smile. He just shook his head and patted Harry on the back. After a few more games they went back inside to spend the remaining hours of Christmas Day just relaxing. When they reached the door an owl swooped down and settled in front of Harry. It carried a letter which Harry took from the hooting owl. He recognized Cho's owl.

"Who's that from?" asked Ron.

"It'sfromCho," mumbled Harry.

"Who?"

"Cho," hissed Harry not wanting the rest of them to hear. It was too late for that.

"Cho you say?" said George spritely.

"I thought she didn't want to talk to you," frowned Ron.

"Well, she's been owling me since before the holidays. Let's go," said Harry not wanting to discuss it any further.

"Our Harry's growing up," sighed Fred.

"Soon he'll be snogging like mad," replied George.

"Best give him a map of the good broom closets."

"Stop it, both of you," said Charlie grabbing hold of his younger brothers and pushing them inside. Harry mouthed a "thanks" and Charlie just winked at him.

Harry went up to Ron's room to read the letter from Cho and Ron followed him. He started reading the letter but let it fall to the ground as he read the last sentence.

"What did she say?"

"She...she asked me to the Ball."

***

Ginny had been enjoying herself and the day had started out really well as Harry had given her a present. It was not a wedding ring, but it was a start. At least he had given her something even though it was as just a friend. It was better to have him as a friend than to mean nothing at all to him. After the Quidditch games she had been feeling like she could do anything, and that was when she had decided to tell him. That evening she was going to take him aside and tell him how she felt. That was until he had received a letter from Cho. The air of bravery that had filled her lungs had been knocked out of her with a swift punch symbolized by the letter.

She had tried to convince herself that she was still going to tell him, but in her heart she knew that the chance had passed. There was no way she could gather herself together after seeing the way he tried to keep it a secret from everyone. When she had seen Cho kiss him she had thought there might be a chance they were only friends, but if they had been writing to each other then something else was going on. She excused herself from the living room and wandered up the stairs in a daze and lay down on her bed, burying her face in the pillow. Her tears were soaked up by the pillow and as she tilted her head towards her dresser she pulled out one of the drawers and lifted up the bottom revealing a hidden compartment. In it was a copy of the picture she had given Harry. She held it out and looked at it for a moment before grabbing it with both hands and ripping it over and over again. She let the pieces and her dreams fall on the floor as she once again turned to her pillow.

***

The rest of the evening was a blur to Harry as all he could think about was Cho's letter. She had begun by writing to him about how glad she was that he would tell her all about what had happened at the end of last year, but then she had asked him to go to the Ball with her. She had asked him. Harry did not even remember saying goodbye to everyone before stepping into the flames and arriving in Dumbledore's office. He had bid the Headmaster goodnight and walked off to Gryffindor Tower. After what seemed an eternity he finally fell asleep wondering what to do.

He woke up a bit late and hurried down to the Great Hall for breakfast. The room was unusually loud and Harry went over to one of the Ravenclaw students that had stayed for the holidays as well.

"What's going on?"

"Here. Read this," said the boy, shoving a copy of the Daily Prophet into his hands.

Harry read it and dropped the paper. The front-page headline said, "Ministry Official's Son Murdered."

~~~~~

A/N: I know it's horrible of me to leave you like that, but agony is my friend ^_^ Thank you so much for the reviews that I've gotten in just a couple of days. You guys and gals are the best. Well, I'm off on a short little holiday myself. Don't know when the next chapter will be up, but probably in about a week and a half. Maybe faster. It all depends on when I get back. I have to get this up tonight since I'll be leaving early tomorrow morning. Sorry about not answering your reviews, but if you want the chapter then that's what happens this time. Sorry for that. Don't hang me or Avada Kedavra me...or worse...expel me. Until the next chapter...

P.S. Cactuskitty and Areej. I'll take your chapters with me so I can look at them. I've just been really busy getting ready to move.

Thank you to the following people who were kind enough to review:
Autistic, ol blue eyes, Conlan, earthangel831, sarah, oceansun, gros minou #1, Ivan_K, Abba, Erin, Michaela, AnGeL, Tiah, Cherryblossom