Title: The Sides of Fear (24/?)
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 24
The Boggart

The usual quiet grounds of Hogwarts were bustling with noise as the Gryffindor Quidditch team was getting some last minute practice in before the game against Slytherin. Fred and George were flying around hitting a Bludger back and forth between them while Ginny and Ron were being peppered by the Chasers. Harry had let the Snitch out and he had managed to catch it twice so far. Quidditch practice had not come soon enough for the Weasleys and Harry. It had given them something to focus on, and even Ron had wanted to come out in the morning and practice. No one had objected.

At the sight of the glittering Snitch he went into a forceful dive finding himself grasping on to the small golden ball. It had escaped everyone's attention besides Hermione who was sitting down on the ground where the snow had been cleared off. Deciding that he had enough practice, Harry flew down next to Hermione and put away the Snitch.

"See anything interesting?" he asked casually sitting down next to her. "Or should I say, anyone?" Hermione blushed.

"Harry, I wanted to talk to you about that, but," she broke off. "After what happened I didn't really think it was a good time. I just wanted to make sure you were all right with this."

"Why wouldn't I be? Everyone with a pair of eyes and a perfectly good brain knew it was going to happen sooner or later. I guess that's why Ron and you didn't see it," laughed Harry. Hermione swatted his arm playfully.

"Well then, I suppose there's no need for me to say anything else. Since you're so clever and all," she said mockingly.

Both of them laughed heartily as they continued to watch the rest of the team.

"I'm worried about them," Hermione said not taking her eyes off the players.

"Who? Ron?"

"All of them. They're not the same anymore. I mean, of course they're not going to be the same, but they're very different." Hermione paused for a moment turning around to face Harry. "I'm not so worried about Fred and George since they have each other to confide in, but Ron..." she trailed off. "He tries to act like nothing ever happened. I know he doesn't want to talk about it, but I can tell he thinks about it constantly. He thinks I can't tell, or maybe he doesn't care that I can," she said sadly.

"He does the same with me. All he wants to talk about is homework or Quidditch."

"I'm just worried he'll do something. On the way back to Hogwarts when Malfoy came into our compartment I thought Ron was going to seriously hurt him. I've never seen him like that. It really scared me."

"We'll just have to keep an eye on him, won't we?" said Harry, patting Hermione on the back. She looked back at him and gave him a quick nod.

"I'm worried about two other people though," Hermione said suddenly.

"Who?"

"Ginny...and you, Harry."

"Me? Why would you be worried about me?" said Harry unconvincingly, turning away from her.

"I know you better than you think Harry Potter," replied Hermione sternly. She lowered her voice before continuing. "I know you blame yourself for what happened with Bill. Just like you did with Cedric and," she paused, "and with Ginny." Harry's head snapped back towards Hermione. "I know you Harry."

"What is it with everyone saying that they know how I feel? Nobody knows...nobody," hissed Harry.

"Someone might."

"Yes, I'm sure everyone at Hogwarts knows what it's like to be Voldemort's prime target, and always having to be responsible for someone else's death. It's just every day business in the life of a Hogwarts student isn't it?" Hermione shrank back a little. "You think you know? Do you?" Hermione shook her head.

"I told you...nobody knows how it feels."

"I don't know how you feel Harry, but I know what it feels like to feel responsible for another person's death." Harry was going to challenge her statement, but Hermione kept on. "When I woke up and I heard what had happened to Colin I felt horrible. No, worse than that. I felt like I should have died instead. It should have been me, and not Colin," whispered Hermione as her lips trembled. "I know what it feels like Harry, and someone else knows what it's like to be up against Voldemort. You're just too selfish to see it...or care."

Hermione got on her feet quickly and ran up towards the castle leaving Harry sitting on the ground alone in his thoughts.

***

The following morning the usual Friday schedule ensued and Harry found himself distracted by the words of Hermione. For once he found himself deep in thought in History of Magic, but the sleepy atmosphere of Professor Binns' class was replaced by a grueling class in Defense Against the Dark Arts. Supper was a welcome break for the day.

Right after supper Harry found himself wandering the halls, and eventually he ended up walking outside where the evening chill met him with brute force. He was about to turn around and head back when he thought he saw someone, or something sitting down by a tree not too far off. Curiosity got the best of him as he closed in on the huddled up person quietly. As he got closer he could see the flaming red hair that could only belong to a Weasley, and in this case the youngest one.

At that moment Ginny turned her head and saw Harry. Their eyes met and Harry was drawn in, and soon found himself settling down next to her.

"What are you doing out here?" he asked stupidly.

"I just wanted to get away for a while. I needed some time alone."

"Do you want me to leave?"

"It's all right. As long as you don't bother me like Ron," she said a bit testily.

"What about Ron?"

"Oh, Ron's up to his usual "big brother" act. He thinks there's something wrong with me again." Ginny shook her head. "He thinks I'm still hung up on what happened with Bill. He said it's not good to think about it all the time." Her voice had a hint of anger in it. "Well, I'm sorry if I can't be like him and just forget anything ever happened. He doesn't even care that Bill's gone. He just wants to forget about the whole thing!" she said, throwing her hands up in the air. "And then he has the nerve to say, and I quote 'You're blaming yourself for Bill. Stop it. Right now.' What a bloody idiot. He doesn't know how I feel. Moron."

"That's not fair Ginny. You know Ron's as upset as you are. He just doesn't show it the same way."

"Well the least he could do is not forget about Bill."

"He's not forgotten..."

"Are you going to start on me too?"

"No, I was ju..."

"Oh, shut up and leave me alone. What should I have expected? You're his best friend. Of course you're going to take his side."

"I'm not taking anybody's side. You're being ridiculous when you say Ron doesn't care about Bill anymore. Besides, you're not the only one with that problem." Ginny raised an eyebrow skeptically. "Hermione's been on about it ever since Quidditch practice yesterday. She keeps following me around trying to tell me that I'm not responsible for anything. It's getting to be a little annoying quite frankly. So there, you're not the only one being harassed, but I can see you want to be alone so goodbye," he said sharply.

Ginny's mouth had gradually opened and after Harry had finished her mouth was hanging wide open. She slowly closed her mouth and shook her head as her body started to tremble, but instead of crying Harry heard her laugh. When she looked at him again she was smiling broadly.

"What?"

"Don't you get it? They've been doing this for the sole purpose of this moment."

"I don't understand."

"Ron couldn't think of this himself. It must've been Hermione who figured all of this out."

"Figured what out?"

Ginny gave him a lopsided smile. "Let me guess what else Hermione said to you. She told you that someone else knows exactly how you feel, and that same person knows what it's like to face death."

"How did you...?"

"Because Ron told me the exact same thing. He was going on and on about this mystery person. Of course, Hermione put him up to it, no doubt."

Harry felt slightly annoyed by the fact that he still did not understand what was going on.

"Honestly Harry, you're almost as thick as my brother." Harry frowned as Ginny took a deep breath. "They think you are the person that knows how I feel and vice versa."

Harry sat there for a moment trying to take in what she had said, and suddenly he realised what was going on.

"That's what Hermione meant by saying that someone knew what it was like to go up against Voldemort," he exclaimed triumphantly. Ginny smiled at him and shook her head again in disbelief.

"Bravo, Harry," she teased.

"Sorry for not being as quick as you are," he replied mockingly before they both burst out laughing.

When they finally settled down they were sitting so close to each other that their shoulders were touching. Neither of them paid any attention to it.

"Do you still feel like you're responsible?" asked Ginny.

Harry gave her a short nod.

"Me too," she said.

This short exchange, albeit sparse in words, made it clear to both of them there was someone else who knew what the other was going through. Wanting to get away from the subject altogether Harry tried to strike up a different conversation.

"So who are you going to the Ball with?" Harry thought he saw her cringe, but she quickly replied.

"No one. At least, no one's asked me yet. Besides, I don't really have anything to wear. I suppose if someone actually asked me I would just use the one from last year. It's not like Mum and Dad could buy me a new one even if it was for my birthday."

"Your birthday?"

"My birthday is on February fourth, but I doubt there will be a lot of fuss about it. Not that I'd want it anyway."

"That's just a little over a week from now," Harry said, feeling a bit bad for not even knowing when her birthday was. As if reading his mind Ginny answered.

"You don't have to worry about it. Not too many people know when my birthday is."

"Does Hermione know?"

"Of course."

"What about the rest of the Gryffindor girls?"

"They know."

"And the boys?"

"I think most of them know because of Neville."

"So everyone knows except for me. Aren't I a nice friend?" grumbled Harry.

"Don't be so hard on yourself Harry. It's only a birthday, nothing more. Besides, there are more important things than that, and I'm sure you have more important things to think about than my birthday," she said matter-of-factly.

"You make it sound like you're not important, but," Harry paused, "but you are."

"You think I'm important?" she said trying to sound calm.

"Of course you are. You're my best friend's little sister. Of course you're important."

"I suppose," she said dejected by the fact she was now "the little sister" again.

The conversation had struck a sour note and Harry tried to lighten things up.

"So what do you think we should do to get back at Ron and Hermione?"

Ginny's face lit up. "I don't know...yet, but I'll think of something. Sometimes I wonder how it could happen."

"What?"

"How the cleverest witch ever to grace the grounds of Hogwarts could end up with my prat of a brother," she said smiling.

***

The stadium was filled with a chorus of chants for Gryffindor and Slytherin and it rose to a roar as the players came zipping out onto the field.

"And here are the players for Gryffindor," echoed Lee's voice, "followed by the less than admirable Slytherin team. Thankfully enough Ravenclaw already pulverized them as decency once again conque..."

"Jordan!"

Lee waved her off as the Slytherins, led by Draco Malfoy, flew around the stadium much to the delight of their supporters. As the cheers subsided the captains, Harry and Draco, met in the center of the pitch where Madam Hooch was waiting for them. Draco was wearing a content smirk as Madam Hooch began talking.

"I will not tolerate any foul play and any such methods will be punished. Both of you gentlemen know the rules. Shake hands, and let's have a good game."

Harry extended his hand and Draco, still sporting an ugly smirk, gripped Harry's hand forcefully.

"Good luck...Potter," he drawled before he turned around laughing. Harry wondered what could possibly make Malfoy look so confident. He must have something up his sleeve, but what?

Harry did not have any time to contemplate what Malfoy had planned as the whistle blew and the game began. They had played against the Slytherin Beaters Derrick and Bole on several occasions, but this time they were playing a more aggresive game than ever.

"Angelina Johnson with the Quaffle. Beautiful pass to Spinnet who swerves to avoid a Bludger. Pritchard is able to take possession of the Quaffle. Slytherin are on the attack and Warrington is able to get off a shot easily saved by Ginny Weasley. Gryffindor once again as Spinnet leads the attack. She has Bell to her right. Clever move executing a one-two with Bell. She's in on Plaugher and Gryffindor scores! 10-0 as the beautiful Katie Bell notches one up for her team. If you know French, Belle means beauty, and I must say that I think she is quite a..."

"Jordan, I'm warning you," cried McGonagall.

"And what's this? Slytherin take a time-out already? This is highly unusual. Perhaps someone is hurt."

Malfoy had called a time-out and the Slytherin team was huddled together on the far side of the pitch. Malfoy was gesticulating wildly and it almost looked like there was going to be a mutiny. Finally, their Captain must have said something to get everyone along the same line as they broke out of their formation and proceeded to take their places in the air. Meanwhile the Gryffindor team had been as confused as the rest of the stadium and Harry had told everyone to watch out as he knew not to take Malfoy's added confidence lightly.

"There's the whistle to resume play and they're off once again. Warrington with the Quaffle and - wait Malfoy is closing in on the Gryffindor goal with Warrington alongside Boyle who knocks the Bludger his way. Malfoy aims the Bludger with the back of his broom towards Ginny Weasley. Warrington scores as Weasley barely escapes the onslaught of the Bludger. Dirty play from the Slytherin Captain, but what can be expected from someone like him? Potter and the rest of the Gryffindor team is upset, but there are no rules against a player using their broom to direct a Bludger away from them."

"You dirty..."

"Now, now Weasels. Calm down. I was just trying to avoid the Bludger," smirked Malfoy as he soared away laughing.

"I'll get him if it's the last thing I do," growled George as Fred nodded.

"Fred, George. There was nothing illegal about what he did," said Harry.

"Are you trying to defend that...that..."

"No, but Malfoy is only doing this to get us to lose our temper. He knows that's the only way they can win. If we stay calm and proceed with our game plan there's nothing they can do to stop us from winning. Right Alicia?" said Ginny.

Alicia looked at him then finally nodded. "She's right George. Let's just go out there and knock their socks off shall we?"

The twins looked at each of their team mates before they gave them a reluctant nod, walking off muttering how they would aim for Malfoy any chance they got.

"Are you all right Gin?" asked Harry as they made their way back to their positions.

"Yeah, just a bit surprised is all. Didn't really expect that, and I don't want it to happen again," she smiled. "So go get the Snitch before anything else happens."

"Yes, m'am," Harry replied jokingly.

The play resumed and the Gryffindor team found itself swarmed as Malfoy had taken it upon himself to act as a third Beater. Whenever he got a chance he would meet a Bludger head on and whack it in the direction of one of the Gryffindor players. Fred and George were getting increasingly agitated and every Bludger they hit was aimed at Malfoy who laughed as he swerved away from each of their attempts. However, as much as Malfoy tried to interfere the Gryffindor Chasers were much too good and Slytherin soon found themselves falling hopelessly behind.

"And Gryffindor adds another ten points as Angelina Johnson scores to make the score 80-20. It looks like Slytherin will have to crawl back to their dungeons again in their usual position of shame. Pritchard with a weak shot at Weasley who saves it easily."

Right as Ginny was getting ready to put the Quaffle back into play something hit her head on. She was barely able to hang on to her broom with one hand and one of her legs hooked around the broom. Roars of anger broke out from the Gryffindor supporters as Madam Hooch blew her whistle loudly.

"FOUL! Penalty to Gryffindor. I have never seen such lewd behavior before. Mr. Malfoy, you had better have a good explanation for this," she yelled.

"I thought I saw the Snitch right by her ear," said Malfoy innocently.

"There was no Snitch near her you..."

"Mr. Potter. Your team has been awarded a penalty and Mr. Malfoy," she said turning to face Malfoy, "I'll be keeping a close eye on you. No more of your...mistakes."

"I'm sorry Madam Hooch," said Malfoy, but as soon as Madam Hooch had turned around he gave Harry one of his infamous smirks.

"After that disgusting display of conduct I think it's safe to say that Slytherin have sunk to a new level of filthy, cheating, disgusting behavior."

For once McGonagall was not protesting Jordan's choice of words.

"Alicia Spinnet with the penalty and...90-20 Gryffindor! Just reward and punishment!"

As the play continued Malfoy had stopped being the third Beater and he had started to concentrate on following Harry around. There was no doubt in Harry's mind that Malfoy probably had something else planned, and the sooner the game ended the better.

"Pritchard avoids Bell. Passes to...no, fakes the pass and he goes on alone. He's getting within range."

By now Harry had blocked out Jordan's voice as he was zooming towards the Snitch. It was hovering just above the ground below the Gryffindor goalposts. He looked back briefly and saw that Malfoy was close behind him, but strangely enough he was smiling. Suddenly, Harry became aware of Jordan's alarmed voice.

"And Pritchard is getting closer, but...he's not shooting. He rams into Ginny Weasley right as he shoots - misses - she's lost control of her broom. She's falling!"

Harry turned his head and could see Ginny falling down facing a hard, if not deadly, fall. It looked like Pritchard had knocked her out as her limbs were at her side lifeless. In an instant Harry pulled out of his dive and pressed himself against his Firebolt. The crowd was now on their feet as they watched in horror. Harry felt the wind crashing against his face as time seemed to slow down as he edged closer to Ginny. The rest of the players had frozen in their spots as they watched a red blur zip across the ground and meet the falling Gryffindor Keeper a few feet off the ground. The Firebolt hit it's back end on the ground causing the two tangled bodies to tumble onto the ground.

Harry rolled over only to find himself looking at the lifeless face of Ginny Weasley. Out of nowhere he heard Madam Hooch blow her whistle.

"Slytherin wins, 170-90!"

Harry's face snapped back in her direction and he saw Malfoy circling the stadium holding the Snitch in one hand and clutching the other into a balled up fist, raising it high in the air. Malfoy looked down on the ground in Harry's and Ginny's direction and as their eyes met his smile grew into a laugh. That was the last thing Harry saw of Malfoy as his team and the rest of the Gryffindors crowded around him and the unconscious Ginny.

***

Luckily for Ginny, Harry had broken her fall and she was soon on her feet again even though Madam Pomfrey insisted she stay in the Hospital Wing for the rest of the evening. Ron, Fred, and George had been furious after the game and they were now planning their revenge.

"We'll just wait for him in the corridors and then we'll jump him," said Fred.

"Then we'll drag him outside and throw him into the lake," added George.

"But before that we'll break every bloody bone in his body," growled Ron.

"You'll be expelled if you do," huffed Hermione.

"I don't care. He's gone too far this time," yelled Ron.

"He's just hoping you'll do something stupid," replied Hermione immediately regretting her choice of words.

"Stupid? If you think I'm going to stand by and watch him almost kill my little sister then you're wrong. I don't care if I get expelled as long as Malfoy and his Slytherin henchmen get what they deserve."

"But..."

"Oh shut it Hermione! Don't you ever know when to stop talking? Everyone doesn't need your advice, and right now I really don't need you to tell me what to do," Ron bellowed. Hermione looked shocked as did the rest of them.

"I...I...suppose if you don't need me anymore...I'll...I'll just leave you alone since I apparently can't shut up," she said, her voice trembling. "Goodbye Ron, and good luck getting expelled." She ran out of the Hospital Wing tears streaming down her cheeks. Ron turned to face the accusing looks from Harry, Ginny, and the twins.

"What?"

"Ron, if you don't go after her and tell her you're sorry I swear I won't speak to you again. You're not yourself anymore. You've changed, and I don't like it," said Harry.

"Yeah Ron. We know Hermione can be a know-it-all, but she was just trying to help. She's right as well. There's no sense in us getting expelled over a git like Malfoy," Fred said.

"Fred! Watch your language. We've got a little sister present," said George ruffling Ginny's hair.

"Oh please," sighed Ginny, swatting away George's hand.

"Oh c'mon. How can you...Harry...she..."

"Ron. I mean it. I'm not going to speak to you ever again if you don't go and tell her how sorry you are."

"And don't forget how much of a git you are," chimed George.

"And how incredibly thick you are," echoed Fred.

"And how..."

"All right. Enough, I get the point. Fine, fine. I'll tell her I'm sorry," grumbled Ron as he dragged himself out through the door.

Ron's best guess was that Hermione had fled to either one of two places. The library or Gryffindor Tower. He went to the library first and he was relieved to find her buried in a book seemingly oblivious to her surroundings. She was flipping the pages furiously, which almost made Ron turn around, but remembering Harry's words he took a deep breath before striding over to Hermione.

"Hermione?"

Hermione stopped flipping the pages for a split second, but resumed her incessant flipping with even greater fervour.

"I'm sorry."

She ignored him completely as she pretended not to hear him.

"What do you want me to say? All I can say is that I'm really, really, sorry. Everyone makes mistakes sometimes, and I guess I can be a bit stupid as well sometimes. Will you please forgive me? I won't expect you to talk to me, and not even forgive me right away. Just say that you'll think about it. I'm really sorry Hermione."

"Ron, that really wasn't very nice of you to say. Do you really think I talk to much?"

"No, I just said that because...I was angry at Malfoy, angry at Pritchard, angry about...Bill," said Ron, his voice trailing off into a whisper.

Hermione put her hand on his arm. "I know you're angry Ron, but you've changed so much. I don't even know if I know you any more. You would never had said those things to me before. Not like that. Not with so much anger. What's happened to you?"

"I don't know Hermione, I really don't. It's just...it's just not fair. It's not fair," he said feeling tears welling up inside of him. Hermione pulled him down next to her as they embraced affectionately. They both knew something had changed their lives forever, but for the moment they would try to take one step at a time beginning with reconciling and trying to figure out a way to deal with the unforeseen changes that had come and the unpredictable future.

***

The following morning Ginny was released from the Hospital Wing and Ron had gone up to take her down to breakfast. Harry and Hermione were waiting for them in the Great Hall when they heard Ron's voice echo through the halls.

"What was he doing there?"

"It's none of your business!"

Ginny came walking into the Great Hall at a rapid pace followed by Ron who stormed past a couple of first years almost knocking them over.

"Yes it is!"

"NO IT'S NOT!" yelled Ginny turning on her heel.

"Where do you think you're going?"

"I'm not hungry anymore!"

Ginny walked out of the room as the first years who Ron had almost knocked over jumped out of her way as she looked ready to demolish anything in her path. Ron sat down across from Harry looking annoyed to say the least.

"What was that all about?" asked Harry.

"Listen to this. I go up there to see her and take her down to breakfast when I run into," he paused, "that Ravenclaw Chaser, Entwhistle."

"So? He was probably just going down for breakfast," said Hermione taking a sip of pumpkin juice.

"That's what I thought too, but then I remembered the three of them always do things together. It's something about functioning together as one or something silly like that," said Ron rolling his eyes.

"Some think that Triumvirate..." started Hermione.

"Anyway, as I was saying I remembered seeing McCann and Ketcham down at the Ravenclaw table when I left the two of you there so I thought it was strange that he wasn't with them. I didn't think much of it though, that is until I got up to the Hospital Wing."

Harry and Hermione exchanged glances thinking Ron was going off on one of his wild scenarios again. Ron continued without hesitation.

"So I get up there and Ginny's waiting for me. I walk in there and all of a sudden Madam Pomfrey comes scuttling out of her office. She goes 'Another visitor Miss Weasley? That's two in just a few minutes. Well you can go, but be careful.' So I ask Ginny who else was up here as I know Fred and George weren't coming up. She says it was no one important, which of course only makes me more curious."

"Honestly Ron. Did it ever occur to you that Ginny might not need your help?"

Ron looked at Hermione incredulously as if what she was saying was against everything he knew.

Hermione looked at him then groaned. "Continue."

"So I ask her again and finally, just to shut me up, she tells me Entwhistle was the one who visited her," Ron said raising his eyebrows and nodding at Harry and Hermione who were beginning to doubt their friend's sanity. "So I continue to ask her what he wanted and that's when we came down here. Now do you see why I'm worried?"

"Uh, Ron. You know, you might take Hermione's advice on this one," said Harry.

"What? Just leave it alone? Let her take care of it herself? Not a chance mate. She needs me," said Ron thumping himself on the chest. Hermione let out a snort of laughter, spraying pumpkin juice all over the table.

"I think what Hermione's trying to say," said Harry, trying to hold back a chuckle, "is that Ginny doesn't need you to tell her what to do anymore."

"But I'm her brother. It's my job."

"Have it your way Ron, but don't tell us we didn't warn you. She can be as deadly as her brother," laughed Harry as the three of them continued to eat.

Later that evening Ron came flying through the portrait hole running over where Harry and Hermione were sitting. Hermione was engulfed in her Arithmancy book and Harry was trying to finish up an essay on the importance of two-headed goblins for Professor Binn's class.

"I found out what Entwhistle wanted," Ron said with an air of victory. Harry looked up from his parchment and Hermione peered over the top of her book.

"I already know," said Hermione as she flopped the book up in front of her face.

"You do?"

"She already told me."

"Do you know Harry?" said Ron, hoping he could share his triumph with someone. Harry shook his head to Ron's delight.

"I was walking by the library when I heard some Ravenclaw girls talking about the Ball. They were going on and on about who they'd like to go with and all that ridiculous stuff." Hermione huffed from behind her book, but Ron ignored it, or he did not hear it. "So I was minding my own business when I hear them say Entwhistle's name. Then they say he's already asked someone to the Ball, and that she accepted. Guess who he asked?" Ron did not give Harry a chance to answer as he blurted out the answer. "Ginny! He asked Ginny to the Ball. Can you believe it?"

"Well, why not?" answered Hermione.

"Because, she's...she's my little sister that's why. Who'd want to take her to the Ball except Neville?" sputtered Ron.

"There are plenty of boys that would love to take her to the Ball, but someone scared them off," said Hermione pointedly.

"Well, as soon as she gets back here I'm telling her she can't go with him."

"And why not? Is it because she might be fraternizing with the enemy?" replied Hermione with a voice dripping with sarcasm.

"Yes, that and...well, I've heard things about Entwhistle. His family is rich so he thinks he's entitled to certain things, and he might think one of those things is Ginny."

"She can take care of herself, Ron."

Ron rubbed his chin deep in thought. "I know," he burst out. "Harry, why don't you ask her instead. I know I can trust you to keep an eye on her and not try any funny business."

Hermione looked up from her book seemingly interested in the new direction the conversation was heading.

"Yes, why don't you Harry?" she said with a knowing look.

"No, I...I couldn't do that. Besides she's already going with Entwhistle and I'm...well...going with Cho," Harry said.

"So you've already said yes to Cho?" said Ron sounding a bit disappointed.

"Not exactly, but..."

"So why not?"

"Well, Entwhistle already asked her, and she's your sister. I couldn't take your sister to the Ball."

"What? She's not good enough for you or something?"

"No, not like that. I mean it would just be strange. I mean...oh just drop it Ron. Hermione's right. She can take care of herself and I'm sure Entwhistle isn't as bad as you think."

"Maybe Neville will ask her again. I'll have to go find him," said Ron as he rushed up the stairs to see if Neville was in his room.

Hermione dropped her book on her lap and looked at Harry.

"So you're really taking Cho to the Ball then?"

"I suppose. I haven't really thought about it that much, besides it's really too late to ask anyone else isn't it?"

Hermione shrugged her shoulders. "Perhaps. You never know until you ask someone though, do you?"

"It's probably best if I ask Cho to go with me then, don't you think?"

"Perhaps." Harry was beginning to get annoyed by her answers.

"Do you think I should ask her personally?"

"Perhaps."

"Thanks a lot Hermione. You've been a big help," he said gathering up his essay and walking out through the door to find Cho.

Hermione was shook her head in amusement as she watched her friend struggle through the door with parchment hanging dangerously loose from his bag.

Harry knew that the best place to start looking for any Ravenclaw would be the library. He was surprised to see that it was fairly empty, but in the next moment he was thankful there were not too many people there. He saw Cho's flowing black hair hunched over a book at one of the tables at the far end of the library and Harry approached her silently.

"Cho?" he said softly, not wanting to frighten her.

She turned her head slowly and when she saw who it was her face lit up into a smile. "Harry, I haven't seen you for a while."

"I came to talk to you about this whole...Ball thing."

Her smile faded a bit. "You don't want to go with me right? I understand," she said looking down.

"No, no. I wanted to tell you how sorry I am for not letting you know sooner. You probably had a dozen other people ask you."

"You'd be surprised what kind of a reputation the death of your previous boyfriend gives you. I doubt anyone would've asked me."

"I just wanted to say that I'd like to take you to the Ball, Cho."

"You would?"

"Of course. Will you go with me?" asked Harry.

"I asked you in the first place Harry, so of course my answer is yes," she said getting up and hugging Harry who promptly turned a shade of red as a few Ravenclaw girls started giggling and whispering behind them. Harry felt like he had just made a big mistake, and he was surely going to regret it somehow.

***

The following morning at breakfast an unfamiliar owl came fluttering down delivering a letter addressed to Harry. The big news that Harry Potter was "off the market" had already spread around Hogwarts and Harry wished for nothing else to draw any attention to himself or Cho. He opened up the letter and read.

Be at the door of the room three doors down from your Potions dungeon at 8 o'clock tonight. The proper arrangements have been made.

There was no name, but one glance up at the professors' table made it clear to Harry that Dumbledore had sent it. Tonight he would find out what he feared the most. Harry was glad it would be with someone he trusted completely since he had no idea what to expect. He folded up the letter and stuffed it in his pocket, continuing to eat. He had gone down before Hermione and Ron, who was still trying to convince Ginny not to go with Entwhistle. Ron had decided to confront Ginny about it again before breakfast, and Hermione had no doubt thought it would be a good idea for her to stay behind and do the peace negotiations.

When Ron and Hermione finally did come down there was no doubt that Ginny had won the battle, but not the war. Ron was bouncing off several new brilliant ideas, but Harry quickly stopped listening as his mind drifted away, only thinking about the coming evening.

"Harry, are you feeling all right?" asked Hermione looking a bit concerned.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Just have a lot on my mind is all. With the Ball and all."

"Thanks a lot Harry. You know, you should've asked Ginny. It would've made things so much easier for me," said Ron.

"I already asked Cho, or she asked me. Besides, what makes you think Ginny would've said yes?"

Ron rolled his eyes. "Everyone knows she's had a huge crush on you ever since...well ever since she saw your beautiful emerald green eyes," chirped Ron, batting his eyelashes. Harry blushed.

"Ron!" scolded Hermione.

"Oh c'mon. It's all just a bit fun, really."

"Ron," warned Hermione.

"All right, all right," muttered Ron. "But it would've made things easier all the same."

The day passed by quickly with the exception of Snape giving him a detention for the evening. Harry realised this must be the work of Dumbledore just to give Harry a reason to be out of Gryffindor Tower late at night. Ron wished Harry good luck with his detention, and Harry made his way down the numerous staircases leading to the Potions dungeon. The dark corridors looked menacing and he thought he could hear indistinguishable noises coming from every corner of dark corridors. As he passed the Potions dungeon he counted the doors, and when he reached the third door he opened it slowly. The room was empty was it not for a wooden crate and a chair with its back facing Harry.

"I'm here professor," said Harry expecting to hear Dumbledore's voice from the chair.

"I can see that Potter. Now let's get to it. I don't have all night, and I especially don't like wasting it with you," sneered Snape.

"Snape?"

"The Headmaster had to leave on urgent business, so he entrusted me with the 'honor' of completing this evenings task. Let's just say I'm as thrilled about it as you are. And that's Professor Snape to you Potter, and don't you forget it. Now let's get started. Come on, don't stand there like you're a decoration. Get up here now Potter."

Harry walked up briskly to the front of the room where the wooden crate was now moving ever so slightly.

"You are familiar with boggarts right Potter?" said Snape with a smirk. Harry nodded. "Then there's no need for me to go over any of the instructions Dumbledore left for me."

With a swish of his wand Snape removed the lid from the crate and the four sides fell to the floor with a thud. Harry was had his wand drawn and he had already begun his movement and forming the word Riddikulus, but he stopped mid-sentence as the emerging form struck him with more fear and confusion than anything he had ever experienced. As the figure approached him he felt his mind reeling and before he knew it his head had hit the floor and the room started spinning. He caught a last glimpse of the figure as he heard Snape cry out Riddikulus, before everything went dark.

~~~~~

A/N: First off I would like to apologize to everyone who have been waiting patiently for this chapter. Surprisingly enough I haven't received any threatening letters or anything of the sort, which I am very happy about. I did not suffer from writer's block, but lack of time and conviction I suppose. Two family members suddenly got very ill and my mind was not able to focus on writing for those two weeks. I would like to thank the people who wrote me e-mails/messages through the message board and wishing my relatives the best of luck. I really appreciate it, and I truly mean that. It meant a lot to me to know that people I hardly know care about my family. Thank you! Besides illness I have been extremely busy leaving me with very little time to actually sit down and write. Blasphemy to some, but that's the way life is. Hopefully the next chapter won't be so long in the making, but I can't promise you a chapter every week because of my busy schedule. I guess that's what happens when you have three jobs. Thanks again, and I hope you enjoyed this chapter. I'd like to see your guesses as to what the boggart turned into. You'll find out in the next chapter, but let's see if anyone can figure it out. I know some of you might have the right idea.

Thank you to the following awesome people who reviewed chapter 23 on the messageboard, e-mail, or at ff.net:
Mary the Kat (Meow), Autistic, Conlan, Elisa Azure, LivelyRach, Lilbluangel25, Terry, Abba, A, teazer, Vanessa, Ivan_K, shadowarwen, Nessie