Chapter Twenty; Waking To A Nightmare
Had it been at all possible, Harry would have left the castle right there and then. But darkness was falling rapidly. He couldn't risk it; not right now. He'd have to wait until morning to find Sirius. Using one of the secret passages was a bad idea. There was the possibility that Allison could know about any one of them. So how else could he sneak out? More importantly, how was he going to convince Sirius that his girlfriend might well be a Death Eater out for his godson's blood? If only Remus would get back sooner, he'd back him up. The thought of waiting for him did cross Harry's mind but was dismissed quickly enough. There just wasn't enough time.
Harry tossed and turned all night, unable to sleep. Finally, he couldn't take it just lying there; sleep just wouldn't come. Silently, he pulled his Invisibility Cloak out from under his bed, put it on and headed downstairs to the common room. Once there, he made his way over to the staircase leading up to the girls' dormitories.
'Hope Hermione's awake,' Harry muttered to himself as he located the correct dorm.
She wasn't awake, nor was she an easy person to wake up. Harry gently shook her shoulder to begin with but she stayed fast asleep. So he shook her shoulder slightly harder, whispering her name. She simply rolled over, pulling the covers up to her chin, dead to the world.
Harry was about to give up and go back to bed when Crookshanks wriggled out from under Lavender's bed. Whether or not the cat could see Harry, he did seem to be aware that someone wanted his owner to wake up; so he obliged. The cat draped himself around Hermione's shoulders, mewed in her ear and gently batted her face with a paw. Hermione scrunched up her face and gave an inaudible groan.
'Hermione! Wake up!' Harry whispered.
'Uurrgh.' She sat up, bleary eyed with her bushy hair sticking up in all directions. Yawning, she rubbed the sleep out of her eyes. 'Someone there?' she murmured.
'Yeah, it's me.' Harry slipped the Cloak off his head.
Hermione stared, suddenly much more awake.
'Harry! What are you doing in here?' She demanded angrily, modestly pulling the bed covers up over her chest. 'This is the girls dorm, or had you forgotten?'
'Sorry, but I needed to ask you something.'
'This had better be good.'
'It's about this talisman.' Harry fingered it. He didn't want to take it off, not just yet anyway. 'I know that Professor Torr can track me through this with that ring of hers,' Hermione nodded. 'So, I was wondering if you knew of something that'll distort the connection – make it harder for her to tell where I am.'
'Well, it shouldn't be too difficult, but-' she gave Harry a sidelong look. 'Why would you want to do that?'
Harry sighed. He might as well explain it to Hermione now, and then she could tell Ron in the morning.
'I'm going to see Sirius. I need to convince him that Professor Torr isn't who she appears to be.'
'But Harry, you really don't have any solid proof,' said Hermione gently. 'I know we have bits and pieces but in all honesty it doesn't add up to much.'
'I know that, I've just got to get him to listen to me. Try to get through to him.'
Hermione looked somewhat doubtful.
'And before you start on about it being against the rules, I'm going to be as quick as I can. Straight there, straight back.'
'It's not as though I'll be able to convince you not to go.' Hermione held out her hand. 'Give me the talisman; I'll see what I can do.'
*
Harry did manage to get a few hours sleep, but not before figuring out exactly what he was going to do. It wasn't a brilliant plan considering how many things could go wrong, but he had no idea how else to do it. One of the biggest problems was skiving Transfiguration right after Herbology. With a bit of luck he would be back in no time, probably get at least a weeks worth of detentions, but it would be more than worth it, if he could talk to Sirius.
The talisman would send out a false signal once he was off the grounds thanks to Hermione. Professor Torr would assume that he was still in lesson, never knowing that he'd done a runner.
The biggest problem of all was, of course, convincing Sirius. For everything else Harry had something that vaguely resembled a well thought out plan. Yet everything Harry wanted to say to his godfather just seemed to go round and round his brain and then get lost on the way to his mouth.
*
Over breakfast the following morning, Hermione explained to Ron what Harry was intending to do. Harry didn't have to look at Ron to know what his reaction was. Initially against the going out alone part, but essentially he knew better than to argue with him. Harry's mind was firmly made up and wasn't open to persuasion.
The plan was simple enough. Once the Gryffindors were dismissed from their first lesson, Herbology, Harry would slip away behind the greenhouses and enter the forest. From there he would summon his broomstick and fly to Hogsmeade to confront Sirius. Harry could only hope that Sirius would listen to him. Would he even want to talk to him or would he just refuse to believe him?
Harry glared at the phoney professor at the staff table. Smiling and laughing with Professor Sinistra, you wouldn't believe at first glance that she was anything but a normal young woman. It made Harry sick to his stomach that she had fooled Sirius so easily.
Forcing himself to stay focused, Harry went over his 'escape' plan one more time.
To ensure that no one saw a rider-less broomstick flying towards the forest, Harry had secured the Invisibility Cloak to it the night before and placed it on the dormitory window ledge. One problem solved, just a few hundred more to get through.
*
Ron and Hermione didn't even bother trying to convince Harry not to sneak out of school; instead they resigned themselves to the task of explaining his absence from lessons until he got back.
'We can't say you've gone to the hospital wing because Professor McGonagall will check,' said Ron as they headed for Greenhouse Three.
'Well, say I've gone to fetch my homework or something.'
'The best we can do is distract her from noticing that you're not coming to Transfiguration at all,' said Hermione, disapproval evident from her tone of voice. 'You will try to be quick, won't you Harry? Because people are going to think something's happened and-'
'Hermione,' Harry butted in. 'I'll try but I can't promise I'll be back in time. I have to make Sirius believe me and I won't be back until then.'
This statement and the look of determination on his face only increased the concern that Ron and Hermione felt for Harry. Even under normal circumstances, leaving Hogwarts grounds without permission was dangerous. But to attempt it with Death Eaters possibly lurking around and contacting an escaped convicted murderer? If Harry got hurt or captured or - Hermione firmly pushed the thought away. She didn't want to think about it.
*
Normally, Herbology lessons passed quite quickly, but today Harry was sure that someone was making the clocks run backwards. Every time he checked his watch, the hands either hadn't moved or appeared to have shifted back a minute.
After what felt like an eternity, the bell rang. As the students filed out and began to head for the castle, Harry hung back on the pretence of tying his shoelace before slipping around the back of the next greenhouse, out of sight of Professor Sprout. Ron and Hermione walked straight up to the castle without even daring to look back to see if Harry had made it into the forest.
'Do you think he'll be alright, Ron?' Hermione whispered nervously as they entered the Entrance Hall.
'Of course he will!' said Ron, almost forcibly. 'This is Harry we're talking about. He can take care of himself ... he'll be fine ... right?'
Liar.
*
Under the cover of the huge, towering trees, Harry watched as the students disappeared into the castle. Once the doors had closed behind them, Harry pulled out his wand. Taking a deep, calming breath, he raised his wand, focused hard and shouted 'Accio Firebolt!'
Harry stood still as a statue, waiting, listening.
With a sudden whoosh, Harry heard something flash past him and stop. Stuffing his wand back inside his robes, Harry stepped forward, reaching out with both hands, trying to find the broomstick. After a minute of blind fumbling through the air, his hands closed over something solid. Harry tugged the Cloak off the broomstick and put it on. Swinging a leg over the Firebolt, Harry shot a nervous glance over the greenhouses then at Hagrid's cabin before reminding himself that no one could see him now. After making sure that the broom was also completely hidden from sight, Harry took off and headed over the lawns, over the gateway and straight for Hogsmeade. He kept only about ten metres off the ground but poured on the speed and in no time at all was soaring over the crowds in the High Street of Hogsmeade.
*
Back at Hogwarts, Hermione was trying to convince Professor McGonagall that Harry had gone to fetch his homework from Gryffindor Tower. She didn't take it very well at all. She pursed her lips disapprovingly and told Hermione to take her seat; they would begin the lesson without him. But when Harry failed to show up after waiting twenty minutes, Professor McGonagall sent Dean to find him.
Ron sat fidgeting at the back of the classroom, casting worried glances out of the window at the forest.
*
Although the journey to Hogsmeade was quick, Harry had to spend more than a quarter of an hour searching for the Three Broomsticks. Everything looked different from the air and Harry swore he must have flown right past the pub twice without realising it.
Deciding to chance it, Harry flew lower, barely a few inches above the crowd below. Able to get his bearings at last, Harry quickly headed for the correct street.
'Finally!' he muttered, catching sight of the tavern.
Harry guided the broom down swiftly and dismounted at the entrance. He was just about to push open when the door when he stopped himself. Since entering the wizarding world he had yet to see a door open of its own accord. It would undoubtedly be looked upon as slightly suspicious. Harry therefore waited to one side of the door, waiting for a customer to approach.
He was in luck. A pair of elderly witches was coming straight towards him, carrying bags of shopping. As they stepped up to the door, someone opened it from the inside. A kindly voice said, 'Oh, pardon me, ladies.'
The elderly witches thanked the wizard as he stepped back, holding the door open for them. Falling into step behind them, Harry slipped inside, sidestepping to avoid the wizard as he left, shutting the door.
The pub wasn't as crowded as Harry feared it might have been. The milling crowd still posed a problem, however. Clutching the Cloak tightly around himself, Harry slowly made his way across the room, keeping to the wall and slipping between tables whenever possible.
Reaching the staircase behind the bar, Harry ducked under Madam Rosemerta's arms as she strode past, two large trays of drinks in her hands. The stairs creaked slightly as he hurried up them. The landing was dimly lit and deserted. Not taking any chances, Harry flattened himself to the wall, edging down the corridor towards room 5.
At the door, Harry raised his hand to knock when he hesitated. What if Sirius was still mad at him? As much as Harry loved his godfather, he knew Sirius had a fiery temper that was best avoided if at all possible. Hand suspended in midair, Harry suddenly felt that maybe this was a bad idea.
Harry gave himself a mental slap. He had to talk to him! Professor Torr was bad news and Sirius couldn't see that. Harry had to sort this out. He quickly rapped on the door before he could change his mind again.
There was no answer. Pressing his ear to the door, Harry heard nothing. Grabbing the handle, he gave the password, and opened the door. Quickly, Harry stepped into the room, closed the door and pulled off the Cloak.
'Sirius?' he called, a little hesitantly. 'Are you in here?'
No answer.
Harry edged further into the room, peering round the bathroom door. There was no one around. Except –
'Hello, there. Didn't expect to see you here again.'
The mirror sounded in a pleasant enough mood and Harry wasted no time in enquiring as to his godfather's whereabouts.
'Again?' the mirror asked. 'You do realise that it's the parent's responsibility to know where the child is, not the other way around?'
'I wouldn't really know,' said Harry coldly. 'Mine are dead. Sirius is the only family I have, so if you've any idea where he is, I'd like to know, please.'
'Er, he went out about half an hour ago. He shouldn't be long. He's never gone for more than two hours at a time. You want to sit and wait for him? I can keep you company … I'm not planning on going anywhere.'
Harry nodded, sombrely, and sat down on the bed to wait.
*
Professor McGonagall glared at Ron and Hermione sternly. Dean had returned without Harry, claiming that Harry hadn't been in the Tower. A quick word with the Fat Lady was enough to confirm this and Professor McGonagall took Ron and Hermione straight to her office once class was over.
'Well?' she asked, shifting her gaze from one student to the other and back again. 'Where is Harry?'
Ron and Hermione exchanged nervous glances but didn't speak.
'Let's try again,' she said coldly. 'Was Harry in Herbology with you this morning?'
A pause, then -
'Yes, Professor.' said Ron quietly.
'And did he come back to the castle at the end of the lesson?'
No answer.
'I'll take your silence as a no then, shall I?' Hermione looked up from her lap, looking quite scared. 'I'm fully aware that you're hiding something, otherwise you would tell me where Harry is. Now, I must express my concern because if Harry is in any danger, we can't help him if we don't know where he is.'
'But we don't know where he is either, Professor!' Hermione ventured, which in a way was true, since they had no idea if Harry had reached Hogsmeade or not. 'He said he'd forgotten his homework and was going back to Gryffindor Tower to get it. We haven't seen him since!'
Ron nodded vigorously in agreement, hoping that Harry was having better luck than they were.
*
Harry sat on the edge of the bed, only half listening to the mirror's idle chatter. He was going over what he wanted to say to Sirius, but each time he tried, the words came out sounding hollow and without meaning.
Harry checked his watch and grimaced. Transfiguration was just about to end. He couldn't risk missing Potions as well, although the idea was very much appealing. However, Harry stayed where he was. He might not get another chance to talk to Sirius and he needed to see him to set the record straight.
The door handle rattled. Harry sat up sharply as the door swung open. A huge, bear-like black dog with pale eyes stuck its head inside. Sirius. He froze as he caught sight of Harry. Shouldering the door open, Sirius hurried inside, turned, shouldered the door shut, and then transformed back into human form in the blink of an eye.
'Harry! What are you doing here? Are you alright?' Sirius hurried over, looking gravely concerned.
Harry suddenly felt a great deal calmer than before. Sirius was worried about his godson, Harry was thrilled to see him, and everything seemed perfectly normal between them.
For all of about two seconds.
'No, I'm not alright.' Harry stood up and tried to look Sirius straight in the eyes but then his mouth went dry. Come on, say it!
Sirius didn't say anything. He was watching Harry anxiously. Harry's nerve almost failed him at that point but the words came tumbling out of his mouth without conscious thought.
'It's about Professor Torr.'
The expression on Sirius' face changed from concern to exasperation faster than he could transform.
'Harry-'
'Sirius, listen to me!' Harry was nearly shouting, taking himself and Sirius by surprise. He had to say this whether Sirius wanted to hear it or not. 'She's not who you think she is! Tia Torr isn't even her real name; it's Allison DeVice! Do you remember her from school? You dated her during your sixth year!'
Sirius' face blanched at the mention of his ex-girlfriend's name.
'How do you ...'
'Remus told me. I know about why you broke up with her and what she did to Remus afterwards.'
Sirius mouthed silently. He stared at Harry, his expression difficult to read. Harry ploughed on, afraid that if Sirius interrupted, he wouldn't be able to explain everything.
'She lied to you about everything! You can't trust her! Even the Kneazle recognised her as being untrustworthy!' Sirius turned away from him, shaking his head. 'Sirius, you've got to believe me!' Harry was starting to feel desperate. What else could he possibly say? 'She's evil, Sirius, she's a Dea-'
Harry's words died on his tongue as a sudden burst of horrific pain shot through his head - his scar!
He cried out in agony, clutching his head. His vision clouded over, his legs gave way beneath him as he fell forward, only dimly aware of Sirius catching hold of him, calling his name ...
A thick blue-green mist surged around him, swirling round and round at high speeds as though he were within a violent windstorm. The roar of the wind pounded his eardrums, the kaleidoscope of colours making his head spin and his stomach churn.
Then, all at once, all sound ceased.
Silence.
Deathly silence.
Broken by a spine tingling, nerving racking high cackle; a hollow laugh that resonated through Harry's body. A pulsing throb emanated from his scar, coursing painfully through his body.
Two enormous eyes loomed out of the darkness beyond the storm clouds. Deep scarlet with hideous cat-like iris in each eye flashed like lightning right in front of Harry. Within them Harry could see what he recognised as Hogwarts castle, silhouetted against a glowing full moon.
Then the eyes vanished as fast as they'd appeared to be replaced by the imposing sight of a dark, formidable fortress perched on a bleak, barren rock surrounded by a surging, storm tossed grey ocean.
Darkness, despair and misery just emanated from it, so powerful that Harry could almost see it, touch it. A wave of coldness washed over him with sudden realisation.
The Azkaban Fortress.
Moaning and shrieking of the prisoners carried on the wind. The cries of the guilty and those of the innocent; who could tell the difference?
A black mass surged out of the main gates, marching slowly in organised rows. Rows upon rows of advancing Dementors. Hoods low over their faces, a deep rasping sound echoing from the soulless depths.
Harry was not aware of his body. All he knew was the bleak emotions the Dementors induced upon his mind.
One Dementor paused and pulled off its black hood. The hideous, half rotted face with the shapeless, soul-sucking mouth, morphed into human form.
Wormtail.
Staring straight into Harry's eyes, he gave a twisted smile and, using a silver hand, rolled up the left sleeve of his robes.
The Dark Mark filled the whole of Harry's vision. Blood red, then burnt black. In an instant it was composed of emerald green stars with a real snake slithering out of its gaping moth.
With an ominous hiss, the snake lunged for Harry, fangs exposed …
'Harry! Can you hear me? Harry!'
Harry's eyes snapped open, then he closed then again with a grimace. His head felt as though it'd been hit with a ton of bricks. Repeatedly.
'Harry, are you alright?'
Sirius' face swam into focus as Harry slowly opened his eyes. Sirius was white with shock, bending over him. The lightning scar was burning painfully but Harry ignored it and tried to sit up.
'Whoa! Lie still.' Sirius held him firmly. 'You might hurt yourself. You scared me half to death -'
'Voldemort,' Harry croaked, trying to hold onto the images as they threatened to slip away.
Sirius froze.
'What?'
'Voldemort … he's coming … Hogwarts … he's going to attack Hogwarts!'
'Slow down, Harry. Take a few deep breaths,' Sirius gently helped Harry up into a sitting position, holding him against his chest. Harry couldn't stop shivering, whether it was from fear or shock he couldn't tell. All he knew was that everyone was in danger.
He had to warn them. Fast.
Holding onto Sirius, Harry quickly described the vision with as much detail as possible.
'I saw the full moon … that's tonight, the attack's tonight! Have to warn them …'
Harry scrambled to his feet, helped up by Sirius.
'Right, Harry take your broom, get back to Hogwarts and warn Dumbledore. There's not enough time to evacuate the school, they'll have to brace themselves for an attack. I'll take Buckbeak and get Remus - he can't be far off.' Sirius flung open the window.
'But-but the full moon-'
'It's not for hours yet, don't worry.'
Harry grabbed his Firebolt and mounted it, the Cloak in his robe pocket.
'Are you sure you're feeling well enough to fly?' Sirius asked.
Harry nodded, still ignoring the throbbing of his scar.
'Okay, now get going,'
And he gave Harry a hug. A little surprised, but suddenly feeling a lot better, Harry returned the hug.
Sirius slowly let go of him and ushered him to the window. Kicking off from the ground, Harry ducked his head and flew out the window. Hovering just outside, he looked over his shoulder to see his godfather transform, leap out of the window and jump onto the low roof of the stable block. Dropping to the ground, he ran inside, barking loudly. Within minutes, Buckbeak came trotting out, Sirius, in human form once more, on his back. Spreading his huge wings, Buckbeak broke into a run and launched himself up into the air.
Harry rose with them up into the sky, riding the air currents to quickly gain height.
Harry and Sirius exchanged a final glance, then separated; Harry to the north and Sirius to the south, both of them flying as fast as they could.
Both of them praying that they wouldn't be too late.
*
To Be Continued
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Please review
All comments and constructive criticism are greatly appreciated.
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Authors Notes
Christy – You wonderful person! You gave me my 100th review! *gives Christy a big hug* Thank you, thank you, thank you! That really made my day! ^_^
Hpdigigal – No, unfortunately I am not the Goddess of Literature, JK Rowling. *sigh* I'd dearly love to lay claim to creating Harry Potter but I can't; I'm merely a very obsessed fan who loves to write with her characters. Glad you like the fic that much to ask me though! ^_^
Evol norgara – Yep, I read Tarot. Not brilliantly but I read them. ^_^ Oh I would love for Quidditch to be real! I think I'd play Chaser or Keeper. I'd never make a good Seeker; my eyesight's awful and there's no way you'd get me flying around trying to hit those cannonballs they call Bludgers!
Evil spapple pie – You have no idea how long it took me to figure out Harry's reading! I had my Tarot deck all over my room, constantly referring to notes and books. I was so glad when I'd finally managed it. Ooooh, I really can't say if you're right or not! *struggles not to say anything* Okay, you're closer than you were before, but her motives aren't fully explained for at least a few more chapters.
Lil Lupin – Tarot cards are great to play around with, so long as you have a decent deck. I waited months to get hold my current deck; the Dragon Tarot, (You've seen me use it in chapter 9 of the SF, haven't you?) There's an awful lot to try and remember but it's all good fun. Have a go if you can get hold of a good deck. Just a word of advice; try to get one that has pictures on the Minor Arcana cards, rather than those that just show 4 cups on the Four of Cups card; you'll never remember what they mean that way!
Dragon-gurl – Glad you like it so far! ^_^
Von – Okay, don't worry about any uneventful chapters, now everything just gets up and goes! Lot more action coming up in the remaining chapters. Change for the better in the family situation? Yeah, Harry's probably praying day and night for the Dursley's to kick him out! ^_^ Have to wait and see what the outcome is.