Title: The Sides of Fear (22/?)
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 22
Taking A Chance

The clouds over Wolverhampton were grey and threatened to unload more snow on the bustling pedestrians. Harry was yet to fly through any bad weather, although it was quite cold. The chill of winter grabbed a hold of him once more and he felt a shiver run down his spine. He tried desperately to rub himself warm with one hand, but it was no use. He had flown halfway across England with one thought in his mind. The Burrow.

It was all his fault. If he had never become Ron's friend nothing would have happened to the Weasleys. Now Bill was dead and he had almost been responsible for Ginny's death. He swallowed hard as he felt the anger well up once more. It was no use. No matter where Harry was someone else would suffer at the hands of Voldemort. He would continue his reign of terror until finally Dumbledore would let Harry face him. This would just speed up the inevitable. Sooner or later they would have to meet, and if it would help the people he cared about Harry would rather face Voldemort sooner than later.

"Kill the spare."

"Avada Kedavra!"

Harry had relived that moment every night during the summer, and it was coming back with full force now. For a few months he had been able to sleep soundly, but the peacefulness was gone. The wind was hitting him full force and he clenched his eyes shut and held up his arm to shield him. Cedric's ghastly face appeared as he did so and he snapped open his eyes only to feel them start to tear up from the wind. He closed his eyes again and this time the image of Bill and Charlie fighting with hovering tables splashed against the back of his eyelids. He remembered how much fun they had at the Burrow, and how all of the Weasleys seemed to generate energy from each other when the whole family was together. That would never happen again.

He kept his eyes closed wishing this would just be another nightmare, and when he opened his eyes he would wake up in his bed sweating like he always did. He did not feel the harsh wind or the cold air anymore and for a second he thought it all might actually be a dream. Slowly he let his eyes open up expecting to see the ceiling of the Gryffindor dormitory, but instead he was greeted by the sight of something else that was familiar. Ottery St. Catchpole.

***

An owl had been fluttering by Ron's window for several minutes trying to get in, but he was having no luck getting Ron's attention. Finally it seemed like Ron broke out of his apathy and went over to the window to let the owl in. It soared into the room and flitted around a few times before coming to a rest on Ron's bed. There was a letter attached to the owl and Ron gently took it off before the owl left to go back to its owner. He unrolled the parchment and read,

Ron,

I'll be at the Burrow as soon as possible.

Hermione

Ron let out a snort wondering how Hermione could have got a hold of an owl since she had left hers at home. Even more impressive was how she knew what had happened. She was an incredible witch. Ron walked out of his room and down the stairs, and just as he was about to enter the kitchen there was a knock on the door. He hesitated for a moment not wanting to hear any more news, but reluctantly sauntered over to the door and opened it.

"Harry?"

Outside a shivering Harry was standing clutching his broomstick in one hand and his invisibility cloak draped over his shoulders.

"What are you doing here?" yelled Ron, knowing how dangerous it was for Harry to leave Hogwarts.

"N-N-Nice to s-s-s-see you too," said Harry through chattering teeth.

"I didn't mean it that way, but what are you doing here? You're not supposed to leave Hogwarts."

"I j-just needed to come," Harry answered, trying to swallow the lump that had been stuck in his throat since morning. Ron just stared at him.

"Can I come in?"

Ron stepped aside still a bit dumbstruck and let Harry settle down in the kitchen.

"You look horrible," said Ron.

"Thanks. Flying across England on a broomstick will do that to you."

Ron frowned a bit. "Well, it's good to have you here. Mum and Dad..." Ron stopped talking and turned away from Harry.

Harry saw Ron's shoulders shake a little and he could hear him trying to stifle his tears. Harry let his eyes drift towards the table and he could feel the tears he had been suppressing starting to come out. He had to leave. He did not belong here, especially since it was all his fault that his best friend was standing over by the sink crying. He did not know how he would find Voldemort, but it would probably be Voldemort who found him instead. He stood up and started walking towards the door.

"Where are you going?"

"I'm going to finish this once and for all," said Harry, grabbing his Firebolt and invisibility cloak.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean no one else will...die...because of me. If Voldemort wants me, he can have me. As long as no one else gets hurt." Ron had cringed as Harry uttered His name, but he had risen to his full stature as things slowly dawned on him.

"Are you telling me you're going after...You-Know-Who?"

"Yeah."

"Alone?"

"Yeah."

"What the bloody hell is wrong with you? Did you really think I would let you go? Alone even! You're out of your bloody mind!"

"What are you going to do to stop me?"

"I'll tell you what I'll do," said Ron walking in between Harry and the door. "I'll stop you right now if I have to."

"Really? Dumbledore couldn't even stop me. What are you going to do?"

"This," said Ron, clenching his fists and hitting Harry in the face for the second time in a few months. Harry felt the familiar pain from Ron's fist as he fell to the floor.

***

Albus Dumbledore was considered to be the only one that could rival the powers of Lord Voldemort, but it seemed he had little power over the fate of the Potter family. He had failed the first time around protecting James and Lily Potter, and he had sworn he would do everything in his power to see to it that Harry would stay safe until the time was at hand.

The anger and desperation he had seen in Harry's eyes reminded him of the night James had tried to sacrifice himself for the safety of his wife and son. The two of them had been sitting outside of Godric's Hollow while Lily was tending to Harry.

"This is what Voldemort wants. You know that James."

"Exactly. That's why I must go."

"You are not ready yet. We are still trying to amass forces to bring him down, and losing you would mean much more than you can possibly imagine. You must do what is best for everyone. Do what is right James."

"That's what I'm trying to do. If I'm gone then the people around...the people I love won't have to suffer anymore. Voldemort won't care about them as long as he has me," said James, letting his head fall down.

Dumbledore took a deep breath. "You are right James. The people you love would be safe as long as Voldemort had you...alive. What happens when he grows tired of torturing you? Do you really believe he would be satisfied with his work? Both Lily and you have seen what he is capable of, and most importantly, his thirst for inflicting pain. He would not stop. You know that," said Dumbledore gravely.

James let out a dejected sigh. "You're right. Foolish of me, really. To think I could stop Voldemort," he huffed derisively.

"There is still a chance my young friend. Remember, as long as there is hope we still have a chance," replied Dumbledore patting James on the back. "You had better get back inside before Lily starts to worry you might have gone off on some insane crusade to fight evil," he said, earning a quiet chuckle from James.

"I'd rather face Voldemort any day than to square off against an angry Lily Potter," said James with a smile curling on his lips.

As he rose to leave Dumbledore asked him the last question he would ever ask James Potter.

"Have you chosen your Secret-Keeper?"

"Yes, it's Sirius Black."

Dumbledore had only nodded in silent agreement as he watched the retreating back of James Potter.

He had failed to protect James and Lily, and now he had not been able to convince their son to wait for the right time. There was no telling where Harry might have gone, but Dumbledore still had hope he would go where his heart was. The silence was broken by the sound of green flames shooting up in the fireplace and the face of Arthur Weasley appeared.

"Albus?"

"Yes, Arthur. I'm here."

"Harry is here at the Burrow."

Dumbledore gave Arthur a relieved smile before answering. "I will be there shortly Arthur. Make sure he does not leave."

"I don't think that will be a problem. He is...unconscious at the moment thanks to my son, Ronald," said Mr. Weasley before the flames ebbed away.

"There is still hope," said Dumbledore to himself before rising from his chair and leaving the office through one of the secret passages.

***

Harry's eyes shot open from the touch of a wet cloth. Ginny Weasley was carefully dabbing his forehead and his sudden movement made her jerk away.

"Sorry, I-I was just..." started Ginny.

"Where am I?"

"At the Burrow. Ron must've hit you hard. You bumped your head against the stairs," she said, letting a finger trace over his swelling bruise. Harry felt like an electric current had shot through his head as she continued to let her finger play over his forehead. Harry closed his eyes afraid to look at Ginny.

Stop being such an idiot. It's just Ginny. It's just Ginny...It's just Ginny...Ginny...

He felt his forehead throbbing and his face was beginning to feel warm. As if realising what she was doing, Ginny retracted her hand slowly and turned away from him. Harry was relieved to see Mr. Weasley and Ron come walking into the living room saving him from any more awkward moments with Ginny. Harry got on his feet and stood eye to eye with Ron and Mr. Weasley.

"Where do you think you're going?" asked Ron.

"To finish it," replied Harry angrily. He felt a hand on his shoulder and he was about to swat it away when he saw that it was not Ron who had put his hand on Harry. Mr. Weasley wore the same empty look he had seen on Cedric's parents.

"Harry, I won't let you leave," he said quietly, but steadfast. "This family has suffered enough for one day. We've already lost one in our family, and I don't intend to lose another."

Harry felt his head spinning as Mr. Weasley's words tried to sink in. He would not let him go because he thought Harry was...part of the family. Harry felt himself tremble as he felt Ron come over and embrace him. He remembered seeing the tears in Ginny's eyes before she took him in as well. They stood in the middle of the living room clutching onto one another for what seemed an eternity. Harry was crying and for the first time in his life he did so without fear. They finally separated and the shared look from Mr. Weasley, Ron, and Ginny told Harry he was truly part of the family.

Mr. Weasley reluctantly disrupted the moment to inform Harry of Dumbledore's imminent arrival. "Harry, I contacted Dumbledore to let him know that you are here at the Burrow. He will be arriving shortly to make sure you get back safely." Harry nodded as he sat down next to Ron.

Harry suddenly realised Ginny was gone and as he looked out the window he could see her heading across the garden.

"Where's Ginny going?" he asked Ron, worried that something might happen to her being all alone.

"She just needs to go and have some time alone I think. Imagine that. A Weasley who doesn't want to share their feelings with everyone," he said with a half-hearted crooked grin.

"Ron. I'm really sorry about...Bill."

Ron swallowed loudly before answering. "Well, I suppose it was only a matter of time. You know, some people said we were lucky not to lose anyone the last time...You-Know-Who was gaining power. At least that's what we heard growing up. I'll bet they're feeling good right at this moment," he growled. "I didn't really know though."

"Know what?"

"That Bill was...you know...helping Dumbledore fighting...them. That's probably why it all happened. He must've made some of them really mad."

All of a sudden things started falling into place for Harry. "When did you say Bill came home to England?"

"I don't really remember. I suppose it was before Halloween sometime. I'm not sure though. Why do you want to know?"

"Because Si...Snuffles said he had been to Egypt on a mission to protect someone, and that was a couple of weeks before Halloween. He must've been there to protect Bill. That's why he came home."

"So what?"

"That means Snuffles might know who exactly was responsible for what happened. We could find him and..."

"Stop right there Harry. You're not suggesting we go out and..."

"All I'm saying is it would be good to know who we're working against."

Ron looked like he was thinking hard about what Harry had just said and he finally nodded in agreement. As if on cue the tall figure of the Headmaster appeared in the hallway looking very relieved to see Harry once again.

"Once again Harry I must ask for some of your time...alone," said Dumbledore directing Harry outside.

Once outside Dumbledore began speaking.

"I was glad to hear from Mr. Weasley that you had taken it upon yourself to decide not to face Voldemort quite yet. Glad and relieved."

"Sir, it wasn't exactly my decision."

"Yes, Mr. Weasley mentioned something about your friend Mr. Ronald Weasley to have something to do with your "decision" to stay here," replied Dumbledore with a smile. "He is quite a friend. Remember Harry, you will need your friends and perhaps even your enemies once the time comes."

"Yes sir. I'll listen to your advice from now on."

"Oh I highly doubt that." Harry was about to protest but Dumbledore kept on. "It would be foolish of me to say that I know what is best for you. Only you can decide that, and in order to do so you must use your heart and your knowledge. Do not always trust an old wizard just because he has a long beard and speaks slowly," said Dumbledore with mirth.

Harry just smiled as they continued to walk across the garden. He was always amazed at how beautiful a place the Burrow was. It was so different from living with the Dursleys. Here he was always welcome. He was part of a family.

"I have decided it is in your best interest to stay with the Weasleys for the night, but I must insist that we return to Hogwarts in the morning."

"Yes sir. Thank you," said Harry.

"There is no need to thank me Harry. However, I must see to it that appropriate wards are set in place for the time being. Will you be returning to the Burrow with me now?"

"Is it all right if I go for a short walk Headmaster?"

"Of course, but I want you to have this Portkey once again," said Dumbledore, handing over the same vial he had given Harry before. "It will once again take you back to Hogwarts, and Harry...I understand that you will need some time alone. Just remember that you have your friends."

Dumbledore smiled at Harry before heading back to the Burrow, no doubt to deliver the message that Harry would stay for the night. Meanwhile, Harry continued in the direction of the lake and upon his arrival he could make out a small figure by a tree. He grabbed a hold of the vial ready to travel back to Hogwarts, but as he drew closer he could make out the familiar shape of Ginny Weasley. He loosened his grip of the vial and crept closer to where she was sitting. She was hugging her knees tightly, sobbing, and looked like she did not want anyone to disturb her. He broke off his stride and slowly backed away, but in doing so he stepped on a twig that broke. Ginny's head whirled around and Harry could see her tear-stricken face tremble at the sight of him.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to disturb you," he said, already turning around to run back to the Burrow.

"Don't go."

He looked back at her. She was looking at him with pleading eyes.

"Please don't go. I...I..." she broke down in tears again and Harry rushed up to her. He held her in his arms as she clung on to him with both her arms, all the while drowning Harry in tears.

***

Ginny had left Harry and Ron alone as the embrace they had shared had made her thoughts drift back to Harry. She had scolded herself for even having those thoughts as her mind should be concentrated on Bill. Her brother was dead and all she could think about was Harry. She found herself standing by the oak tree as she had done so many times before, but this time Bill was not waiting for her. He would never sit there and they would never have any more conversations together.

She slumped down against the tree and buried her head against her knees. She remembered the very first time Bill had taken her to his favorite place. She had only been five years old.

Ginny was clinging to her older brother's hand as they strode across the fields heading towards the lake.

"Where are we going?"

"Just a little bit further Ginny. We're almost there."

They had reached an old oak tree that looked like it had seen better days. It had a broken branch, and most of the leaves were brown. Bill had come to a halt by it and he was looking at it proudly.

"This is my special place Ginny," he said pointing at the tree.

"What's so special about it? Is it magic?"

"No, it's not magic, but sometimes I almost think it is. This is where I go whenever I need to be alone for a while. I found it one time when Charlie and I were out playing around. We were in our tree climbing phase then. That's why that branch over there is broken. I was trying to show off to Charlie and I guess I weighed too much so the branch just broke. I broke my left leg and Mum was furious that we had been climbing trees so far away from the house," laughed Bill.

"It's really beautiful, but why are you showing it to me?"

"I wanted to share this with you Ginny. I know it's difficult for you to only have brothers, and I suppose I thought you might need a place where you could be alone." Ginny looked at him quizzically. "I guess it was silly, really," said Bill, shrugging his shoulders.

"No, it's not silly. I love it. It's so...nice and quiet. Not like Fred and George." They both laughed.

As their laughter subsided Bill looked at her with a wry smile.

"Would you like me to teach you how to climb trees?" he asked.

"Yes, yes, yes...but don't you think Mum would get mad at us like she did with you and Charlie?"

"She would...if she found out. But who's going to tell her? I'm not," smiled Bill.

"I won't," replied Ginny with glee as her brother swung her up on one the lower branches.

"Sometimes you just have to take a chance Ginny. Even if it means you could get into trouble later on," he said laughing as he swung himself up into the tree climbing to the very top.

From then on the old oak tree had become their special place where they would spend time together away from the noisy Burrow. Even after Bill had gone away to work for Gringotts in Egypt, Ginny had continued to go back to their meeting place. She gazed over where the broken branch had been. Once Bill had become skilled enough in Herbology he had tried to mend the dying tree. He had been successful in saving it, but the branch had only grown back partly. Ginny thought Bill had done it on purpose as he wanted to keep the mark of his escapades.

All of a sudden her train of thought had been interrupted by a breaking sound. She had whipped her head around only to find Harry staring at her with what looked like fear. She felt the wind chill her face and suddenly she was made aware that she must have been crying for quite some time.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to disturb you." Harry looked uncomfortable as he started to turn around and leave.

"Don't go," she heard herself say. He stopped and looked at her. "Please don't go. I...I..." She could not hold back the tears, and as she felt them streaming down her face she was suddenly in Harry's arms. For a moment she froze, but immediately let go as she clung on to him with ferocity. She needed to have someone with her, at least for now. She knew she would regret letting Harry see her this way, but it was no use trying to hide it. She wiped her face against his chest trying to salvage what pride she had left.

"Ginny, I'm so sorry for...I..."

"What are you sorry for?"

"I...It could've been avoided if only..." he broke off. "If only I would've taken Cedric's place. It should've been me, and if so Bill would still be alive."

Ginny flew out of Harry's arms her face filled with anger. "Stop it! Stop blaming yourself for everything. You didn't kill Bill. You didn't kill Cedric. You didn't kill...your mother and father. So stop being so noble. Arrghh!" she groaned flipping her head back. Harry had never seen her like this, and least of all talk to him like this. "When are you ever going to understand that the only thing you have control over are your own choices. So stop being such a git and stop feeling sorry for yourself!"

Ginny was breathing rapidly and Harry was stunned by what she had just said. Suddenly Ginny realised what she had just done and she covered her mouth with her hand looking like she was ready to cry again.

"Oh I'm so sorry Harry. I didn't mean it. I...Oh no," she cried trying to run away from Harry, but a pleading voice stopped her progress.

"Please don't go Ginny. You're right."

She snapped her head around and as their eyes met she lost herself in the whirlpool of his deep, green eyes. Her mind was screaming at her to turn away and run to the house, but her body had a mind of its own. She felt the cold impact of the snow as she sat down next to Harry, their eyes still locked.

"You're right you know. I guess...we don't really have any control, but...I can't help it. Somehow, deep down, I know it's because of me," he sighed.

"Harry, I feel the same way about Bill. I keep thinking there was something I could've done to prevent what happened. Something. Anything. I think...anyone...who experiences a loss feels responsible...that they should've done something," she said looking out over the frozen lake.

"But it's hard to...let go."

"You don't have to let go Harry. The memories you have of people are what matters. If you live in the past you'll miss so much and...you might forget to live," she answered a bit tentatively.

"What do I have to live for? A final conflict with Voldemort? Watching more people die and suffer? Not much of a life is it?"

"You're acting like a pathetic little child. Stop feeling sorry for yourself and look around you. You have so many people that care for you, and all you can think of is how bad things are. Don't think you're at this alone. You're part of a family now, and that's not the way we do it. We band together no matter what happens. That's how we find strength. No matter how tight for money we were, we always made it through by sticking together. Not by feeling sorry for ourselves."

"That's easy for you to say! You're not responsible for the death of four people!"

"FINE! Tell me how you're responsible for everything."

Harry was taken aback by the tone of her voice, but he managed to regain his previous train of thought.

"Well, let's start with Cedric since that's pretty obvious. I made him take the Triwizard Cup with me..."

"He could've refused," interrupted Ginny.

"But I insisted that he take it..."

"That was his choice, not yours."

"I should've known something bad was going to happen, and I should've shielded him."

"Don't be ridiculous," she snorted. "What's next? You teaching Divination?"

"But..."

"No, I don't agree with you. It was Cedric's choice not yours. Next!"

"Hey that's not fair," he shouted.

"Too bad. Next."

Harry narrowed his eyes as he found Ginny less amicable to be around than before.

"All right. My parents died because of me, because they wanted to keep me safe," he said triumphantly.

"Exactly..."

"Ha!"

"Exactly, but they wanted to do that. They chose to protect you."

Harry was getting increasingly agitated, but he did not know whether it was because Ginny was being stubborn or because what she was saying began to make some sense.

"And don't even try saying that you're to blame for Bill dying," she put her hand up to silence Harry's protest, "because you're not. We all make our choices in life and we have to live with them."

"But I'm still responsible. It's my fault," said Harry a bit uncertain.

Ginny could hear the doubt creep into his voice and she continued. "So if I twist my ankle on my way back to the house it'll be your fault?"

"Yes...no...yes...I mean...it's not the same."

"What makes it different? I was here with you. If I hadn't talked to you I would've never twisted my ankle."

"That's not fair. You don't know if it would've happened even if I never came out here," he protested.

"Precisely," she said with an air of triumph.

Harry had walked into a trap and he wanted to hit his head against the tree trunk repeatedly. He did not want what she had said to make sense, but little by little he had begun to see how other peoples' lives were not his responsibility. He let his mouth close as his head and shoulders dropped.

"You're right Ginny," he whispered.

"I am? I mean...of course I am."

Harry looked at her with a crooked smile and they both turned their attention to the lake. The wind was picking up and the snow drifts along the banks were diminishing as they moved across the ice.

"Pathetic little child, huh?" said Harry raising his eyebrows.

Ginny coloured. "I didn't really mean it," she tried.

"No, I was being pathetic I suppose. Selfish too."

"Harry..."

"I know, I know...stop feeling sorry for myself," he said rolling his eyes, but smiling.

"Are you making fun of me?"

"No, I wouldn't dare to. I might get another one of your long speeches then," he replied with another smile.

"Watch it Harry Potter, or I might just have to hex you."

"Please, anything but a speech," he laughed.

His laughter was interrupted by a snowball abruptly hitting his face, and when he cleared the remains off his face he could see Ginny juggling another ready to fire at any moment. He lunged at her trying to stuff snow in her face. She had been taken by surprise and they were rolling around in the snow trying to get the best of one another.

When they finally came to a stop Harry found himself on top of Ginny whose hair was full of snow. She was laughing loudly and he felt mesmerized by the sound of it. He felt himself lean in closer and Ginny's laughter had disappeared. She was looking at him with wide eyes as he drew nearer. They were so close together that Harry could almost feel their lips touching. Ginny had closed her eyes and Harry did the same. Time stood still as Harry's lips sank closer and closer to Ginny's.

Harry heard a distant voice. "Harry! Where are you?" He thought it was all just a dream, but the voice came into sharper focus.

"Harry! Come on. We're getting worried. Harry!" yelled Ron.

Harry blinked and sat up trying to straighten himself up. He helped Ginny up before alerting Ron to where they were. He came running up to the two of them.

"You had us worried. Thought you got lost or something."

"No, I was just talking to Ginny for a little while," replied Harry, still feeling a bit dizzy.

Ron looked at the two of them. "Why do you have snow all over you? Both of you," he said with a hint of suspicion.

"We were just...discussing how pathetic people can be," answered Harry, giving Ginny a wink. She bit her lip trying not to start laughing. Ron looked at the two of them with a disapproving look, but decided not to make any harsh judgements. He had done that enough already and it had only given him trouble.

"C'mon, let's get back to the house. It's freezing out here."

"I just want to stay here for a few more minutes," said Ginny.

"I'm sorry, Dad gave me specific orders..."

"Please?" she pleaded.

Ron rolled his eyes. "Fine, just remember to tell Dad you twisted my arm, all right?" Ginny nodded.

"Let's go Harry."

Harry looked at Ginny who had already sat back down facing the lake. He turned around and followed Ron up the small hill leading up to the Burrow. At the top of the hill he turned around again and took another glance at Ginny. His eyes trailed behind for a moment, but he finally tore himself away from the sight of her. Something strange had just happened, but instead of worrying about it, Harry was smiling.

Meanwhile Ginny was sitting by the tree cursing her stupid brother for having the most inopportune timing in the history of mankind. It had been so close. She had felt his warm breath against her skin and she had closed her eyes wishing, wanting, Harry to kiss her. Then Ron had barged in. She kicked a rock that she had uncovered while clearing a patch from snow.

"Idiot."

As she looked out over the lake once again she heard Bill's voice in her head. "Sometimes you just have to take a chance Ginny...take a chance Ginny...a chance..."

***

"My Lord. Your orders have been carried out successfully. The operative in charge of the network has been eliminated to your satisfaction."

"Did you make sure he was dead?"

"Yes my Lord. I hit him with the Killing Curse right in his chest. I swear by my own life that he is dead."

"Ah, finally someone that can carry out an order when it has been given. Don't you think that is quite refreshing Lucius?" sneered Voldemort, turning towards a kneeling Lucius Malfoy.

"Yes my Lord," he answered, trembling with fury.

"He did not fail me like you did in Egypt. Loyal and true servants do not fail me."

"Yes my Lord."

"My loyal servants are always richly rewarded, and this will not be any different." Voldemort turned to the man wearing the black robes. "Has time changed your desire, or does it remain the same as before?"

"It is the same as always."

"Very well. You shall have what you have desired for so long." Voldemort turned to Lucius once again. "He knows how to serve me well and get things done properly. Then again, you would know, wouldn't you Lucius?" Voldemort said with a satisfied smile. Lucius Malfoy barely nodded. "You know what I will ask of you then?"

"Yes my Lord. It will be done. I give you my word," answered Lucius.

"Your word does not mean as much as it used to, but if you fail to deliver this time around you will be the one to suffer as others have before you," hissed Voldemort menacingly.

"My Lord, may I leave?" said the other man.

"Yes you may. I will call on you again when I need something to be done. Your time draws near and soon you shall get your reward as well as carry out an important part of my plan."

Lucius and the other servant left the room and as they were walking through the corridors Lucius spoke.

"You think you're so clever, don't you?" he hissed.

"Our master seems to think so."

"I warn you. If you breathe as much as a word of this to anyone I'll..."

"You'll do what? You don't scare me Lucius Malfoy. You never did. I will tell whoever I find needs to know this information. The question is what will you do once he finds out?" he laughed.

Lucius glared at the man, his eyes shooting sparks of anger. "We'll see who laughs last," he spat, walking away from any further confrontations. The man was still laughing and it seemed to grow louder the further away Lucius went. The time for reciprocation was steadily drawing near.

***

Dumbledore had positioned wards around the Burrow for hours on end, and when he finally came back in he told Harry everyone would be safe for tonight. He would stay at the Burrow until the morning when the two of them would leave for Hogwarts. Even though he wanted to stay at the Burrow, Harry knew he would put the rest of the Weasleys in further danger by staying. Dumbledore had insisted Harry stay close to him so it was decided that he sleep on the sofa in the living room.

Harry said goodnight to the rest of the family and laid down on the sofa in order to sleep. He found himself tossing and turning as his mind churned the sound of that night at the cemetery over again.

"Kill the spare."

He rubbed his forehead with his clenched fist desperately wanting the nightmares to end.

"Kill the spare."

Cedric's face flashed before him followed by Bill. The setting then changed to the Burrow.

"Kill them," he heard Voldemort's rasping voice say. He saw all of the Weasleys fall to the ground one by one. First Charlie, then Percy followed by Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. The twins tried to protect Ron and Ginny, but Voldemort hit them with the Killing Curse. Ron was the next to fall victim and Harry tried to run in between Voldemort and Ginny, but it was too late. His screams were in vain as the green light shot out of the wand and Harry could only watch in slow-motion as the light hit Ginny head on. Her body fell to the ground with a loud thud.

"Wake up Harry."

Harry sat up straight and Dumbledore was kneeling down next to him. He felt himself breathe heavily as the images and sounds of his nightmare faded away ever so slowly.

"What did you dream Harry?"

"I...I dreamt that Voldemort came to the Burrow and...and killed all of the Weasleys. I tried to stop him, but it was too late...it was too late," whispered Harry.

"It was all just a dream. I suggest you go back to sleep. Try not to worry. I give you my word I will protect you and the Weasleys with my life."

Footsteps were coming down the stairs and Dumbledore rose and went in the same direction. Harry could hear him tell everyone that everything was fine and that they need not worry. He heard Ron trying to protest, but finally it seemed as they were satisfied with whatever information the Headmaster had given them, and they went back to their rooms. Soon thereafter Dumbledore popped his head into the living room and bade Harry a good night's sleep. Sleep did not come soon enough for Harry, but when it arrived he could no longer keep his eyes open and he drifted to sleep.

It was close to three in the morning when a small figure crept along the staircase and into the living room. Slowly, but surely Ginny made her way towards the sleeping heap on the sofa. She stopped a few steps from him hesitating, then closed the gap between them in an instant. She was kneeling down by Harry and she watched as her uneven breath moved strands of Harry's hair from side to side. He stirred slightly and emitted a subdued groan that made Ginny hold her breath and stiffen.

When he came to a rest once again she saw, to her horror, her left hand stretch out only to feel the softness of the tousled hair. She leaned in closer as if bewitched by a spell.

"I wanted...I wanted to say this before," she whispered. "I've wanted to say this for so long now." She was afraid he might wake up, but his deep breaths assured her that he was still sleeping. "I...I..." she broke off biting her lip. "I...love you Harry Potter...I love you...but you'll never see me. Never. But...I'll always be there...because I am, and always will be, in love with you." She felt liberated as she had uttered those words, but at the same time she knew it would never be. She would never tell him to his face because he would reject her. She could never have him, and it was time for her to just be his friend. Nothing more. A friend.

Her hand lingered on his messy hair for a second before she retracted it. She leaned over and gave him a gentle kiss on the head then made her way back to her room upstairs. She had taken her chance and finally told him how she felt even though he had to be asleep for her to do it. She was a coward for doing so and she hated herself for not having the courage of a Gryffindor. If only she would have been willing to risk everything for one moment of glory.

In the darkness a pair of twinkling eyes had been watching her from behind spectacles, and if she would have looked back at the sleeping boy on the sofa she would have seen the moonlight reflect in his wide-open eyes.

~~~~~

A/N: I'm finally done with all the moving business and MSN was kind enough to finally deliver the modem. They changed my username and password, but hey...it's Microsoft. I don't want to keep this very long since I want to get it up quickly. Thank you so much for being so patient and I hope this chapter delivers something for everyone. I know it'll make some of you happy.

Thank you so much to all of the people who reviewed at the messageboard, via e-mail, and at fanfiction.net. I'm sorry that I won't answer your reviews, but I promise I'll do it next time. *Hangs head in shame and eats a Canary Cream*

Thank you to:
CactusKitty, Tiah, earthangel831, LivelyRach, Conlan, Autistic, Nadako, Elisa Azure, Mary, Potterperson, Lilbluangel25, mam434, Pinkmonkey, Nikky, Abba, sk8reagle, fantasy_queen, Seifer