Harry Potter and the Curse of the Gypsy

Author's Note: I know this story is a tad cliché in some places, I hope you can forgive me. It's taken a long time to get to this point but things are going to seriously speed up after this, starting after my Christmas chapter. This fan fiction is most likely going to end at thirty chapters, so I've got about two-thirds of it done. Hope you've like it so far!

Disclaimer: If Harry Potter was mine I'd be rich. I'm not rich.

Chapter Twenty-Three

Despite the interruption in the middle of their interrogation, as always Snape was not one to forget that he had assigned both Cory and Harry detentions. This was why, on a chilly Saturday evening, both were to be founding heading up from the Potions dungeon, their robes filthy. Cory winced as she rubbed her hands together.

"I can't believe he actually made me cut up that whole barrel of frog spawn." She said with irritation. "Those things are tiny...I must have nicked my fingers at least twenty times."

"At least you didn't have to clean up in his office. Trying to get those guts and things off of his floor with something slimy staring at you the entire time..."

"Yeah." Cory snorted. "And then there's all those weird things the slimy creature keeps in his jars." Cory sneered. Harry struggled to contain his laughter.

They parted briefly before meeting up together with Ron and Hermione back in the Gryffindor common room. They were sitting around a table, engaged in a partner's game of wizard chess (Hermione and Ron against Harry and Cory), ignoring Fred and George's taunts.

"What do we do now?" Cory hissed as Ron took their queen smugly, Hermione grinning as if she had made the move herself.

Harry shrugged...chess wasn't exactly his game. Cory stared intently at the board for a moment before directing her bishop. She smiled at Ron. "Check."

Ron sneered back at her before directing his queen to the side. He grinned broadly. "Checkmate."

"What?" Cory stared at the board and finally shook his head. "Okay, all right, you win." She sighed and leaned back. "You got me, Ronniekins."

Ron frowned. "Please don't call me that." He said with irritation.

"Whatever you say, Wheezy." She sighed. "That was a great game, but I'm tired. And bored...is there anything to do?" she moaned.

"Nope, not really." Harry frowned. "This was a scheduled Hogsmeade weekend, but it got taken away, of course."

"Too bad." Cory said. "I'm itching to get away from the castle."

"But you won't try anything, will you?" Hermione said suddenly, glaring at Harry, who appeared as if he had just had a burst of inspiration. "You'll stay here, won't you?"

"I wasn't going to suggest we all head down to the village, Hermione." Harry said darkly. "But maybe we could go and visit Hagrid for a little while."

"Yeah, I guess we could." Ron said, standing and stretching. "It's been a long time since we've visited him." After a moment of organization, the group headed down and out of the castle, carefully avoiding teachers...now wasn't the time to get in trouble, especially with Snape in a particularly vindictive mood.

"It's cold." Ron said.

"I didn't realize that, thank you for informing us." Cory said, shivering as she wrapped her arms around her.

They finally came to Hagrid's cabin. Harry had just raised his hand to knock when they heard a muffled shout from inside. "Shh!" Harry said. "I think there's more than just Hagrid in there."

"I'll take a look." Cory hissed. She slinked over and took a quick glance in the window, paling when she went back over to the rest. "It's all of them...Snape, Sirius, Remus, Hagrid, Dumbledore...even Figg."

"They must be having a meeting of some sort." Harry said. "Come on, let's..." but he froze before he could tell them they should go, because he suddenly heard his name come up. He raised his hand to quiet the rest and took a place under the window. In a flash, the rest of them were positioned near him, listening intently to what was being said.

"We cannot take any risks. Isabelle is an intelligent woman...there is not a doubt in my mind that she has others working with her."

"Harry isn't safe, no matter what you do, Albus." Figg said irritably. "As long as that gypsy girl is around."

"Now, Arabella, we cannot jump to conclusions." Dumbledore said sternly. "Miss Johnson has never shown any signs of...what she is. I have monitored her closely, believe me."

"But can you be sure it isn't a front?" she said harshly. "I tell you, she isn't what she says she is. That girl is lying."

"She is capable of it, no doubt." Said Snape coolly. "But I know what my...what Isabelle is like. It is highly unlikely that she would choose a fifteen-year-old girl to be her spy. No, I assure you, Cory Johnson is just yet another member of the Harry Potter fan club."

"That's nice of you to say." Sneered Sirius. "Come off it, Snape."

"I would advise you to hold your tongue, Sirius." Dumbledore said warningly. "And you as well, Severus. As I have constantly had to remind you, we are all on the same side."

"All I have to say is this...those who we have believed loyal in the past have often turned out to be less than that. Especially where Harry Potter is concerned...if I were that boy, by now I would be unable to trust even my closest friend." Figg said in exasperation.

"But Harry isn't like that, Arabella. He is intelligent, and loyal to those he cares about...and even, I am sure, those that he does not care for." He added, looking pointedly at Snape. "He knows that, in the future, there will be those that turn on him. And I assure you, when that time comes, he will be prepared."

Harry, who had been taking a quick glance through the window, saw Dumbledore's eyes flicker in his direction. Quickly, he pulled back down out of sight.

"They think Cory's a spy?" Hermione said breathlessly. "But...that's absurd!"

Harry shook his head. "No...listen, Figg has been warning me off Cory all year." He got up, out of range of the window, and motioned them to follow him. Quickly they headed back to the castle. When they were far enough inside, he stepped inside an empty classroom, letting the rest follow. Wearily, he sat on a desk.

"Why does she think I'm a traitor?" Cory said, looking nervously at Harry's shadowed face.

"I really don't know...maybe because you're a gypsy. Sirius warned me off you at first because of that, too." Harry sighed, pushing a hand through his hair. "But I do know this...I've been hearing Voldemort in my dreams all year...and he's been talking to somebody."

Hermione and Ron, who had both flinched upon hearing the name, looked at Harry with great worry. "But...what was he saying?"

"They've been talking about keeping the girl away from me...saying they didn't want her telling me the 'secret', but it doesn't matter because whatever it was Dumbledore already told me."

"But I haven't been wanting to tell Harry anything." Cory said anxiously. "What does this all mean?"

"I don't know...all I know is this. Out of four Defense teachers, only one of them hasn't tried to either kill me, or obliterate my memory. Surprisingly, that was the one teacher that was considered the most dangerous, because he was a werewolf."

"Yeah, what a happy teachers reunion we could have." Ron sneered. "Let me see, there's a corpse, a man who's insane, a werewolf, and a soulless body."

Hermione shook her head. "But Figg has been living near you for all your life, Harry. Wouldn't she have tried something? I mean, this whole time she's been protecting you, not trying to kill you."

"Yes, I know." Harry sighed. "So why does she think she has to protect me from Harry."

They all turned to look at Cory, who was standing beside the door, her face drained of color. "She thinks she has to protect you from me because she does." Cory said, shivering.

"What?" Harry said, furrowing his brow. Cory shook her head.

"Nothing." She mumbled, before slipping out of the door.

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"What'd Cory mean, Figg needs to protect you from her?" Ron asked.

"I think there's something wrong with Cory." Hermione sighed. "I mean, she's changed a lot...she used to be more...cunning. Now, she keeps acting like she's afraid of something. And she's being overly nice."

"Yeah, I know." Ron said. "Other than the occasional comment, she's definitely become a lot more pleasant...it's kind of creepy, really." He snorted. Hermione shoved him on the shoulder.

"You're right though." Harry said. "I mean, she was mean, but she was also nice about it, too. Well, except for when we first met her, you know. But it's like somebody has done something to her."

"Maybe somebody has been doing something to her...she started getting like this right after she was attacked, you know." Hermione said quickly.

Harry thought back. "Yeah, you're right." He said suddenly. "Because that was the last outburst type of thing she had...she used to scream at somebody at least once every other day. She doesn't even talk that rudely to Malfoy anymore. And remember how weird she was acting just after Christmas?" he added.

Hermione gave him a nervous nod. "Yeah, I know. I think there's definitely something wrong. Why don't I..."

"Go to the library?" Ron snorted. Hermione scowled.

"No, genius." She sneered. "I was going to say, why don't I talk to her? She might talk to me, I'm the best friend she's got that's a girl."

"You're the only friend she's got that's a girl." Ron said. Harry and Hermione both chose to ignore him.

"I guess you could try talking to her." Harry said. "I just hope it works. If you don't get a chance though, I can do it." he added. "We were going to start on some O.W.L. practice exams tonight."

"You mean you haven't started?" Hermione said, as if in horror.

"Yes, we know, you've been doing yours since last year." Ron sighed. "Hermione, do you ever just breathe?"

"When I get the time." She retorted lightly, picking up her bag. "Now if you'll excuse me, I was going to go and help Neville with his potions essay."

"You mean the one on Mesmerizing Mixtures?" Harry said. "It isn't too hard, for a change."

"Yeah, because you have the gypsy helping you through potions." Ron sneered. "Is there any potions she can't make?"

Harry rolled his eyes. "Listen, tell Cory I'll be in the library at seven if you see her. I'm going to my room."

He picked up his bag and headed towards the doorway. Stepping in, he felt the familiar revolving feeling. He pushed open the old wooden door...but in a moment found he wasn't alone.

Sitting on his bed, a box of tissues at her side, was Cory. She had her legs crossed and her head was bent low so he couldn't see her face, as her hair was falling forward like a thick dark sheet.

"How did you get in here?" he said with confusion.

Cory glanced up quickly. She glanced up...her eyes were red. "I saw you go through a door once...you were mouthing the password without noticing it." she replied. Her voice was hoarse and watery.

"Okay." He replied awkwardly. After a long silence, he said, "Are you all right? Do you need anything."

She shook her head. "No...I just need to...to ask you a question."

Harry gave her an odd look before sitting down next to the bed. "Sure...ask me." He answered.

She looked into his eyes and gave him a sad smile. "You like me, right?"

He felt his jaw drop, stunned. "I...yeah, I do. Of course I do, you're amazing."

She nodded and turned her head away. "Thanks. But...I think you should stop liking me."

"What do you mean?" he asked, confused.

"There's some things about me that...that you can't understand." She whispered. "Some things I don't think you should know. And then there are things that...that if you knew, you could never forgive me for."

"What are you talking about?" he said quickly.

"I can't say...not now. Not ever. But promise me one thing." She said as she stood, walking slowly to the door.

"Yes?" Harry said, feeling his own voice go hoarse.

She turned back around, fresh tears in her eyes. "Forgive me." She said softly. Before Harry had a chance to say anything else, she had already gone. Confused, he walked back to the bed and sat down...he was too shocked to even go after her, which he realized after a long moment was what he should have done.

But Cory had seemed so distressed...what had she wanted Harry to forgive her for?

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Invisibility cloak hiding him, Harry walked with determination back down to Hagrid's cabin. He was going to find out what this was all about. He had had enough.

He stormed down the grassy path, intent on his goal. However, for the second time that day his visit to Hagrid was foiled. Once again there were people inside...but this time, it was somebody that seemed to be haunting Harry's footstep...Cornelius Fudge. Hagrid was absent, but Dumbledore was there also.

Harry sighed as he walked slowly to the window, peering in and holding his breath in case anybody should hear him. Fudge was pacing before Hagrid's massive fire, wringing his hat in his hands.

"There isn't anything I can do, Albus." He said sternly. "These attacks weren't the work of one person alone, and he's the only likely suspect..."

"I have told you, Severus Snape is loyal." Dumbledore said icily. There was no sign of his usual merriment.

"But somebody is doing something, and we need answers." Fudge froze suddenly and turned to Dumbledore. "People are dying, Albus. People all over...we've gotten an insane couple in Scotland saying they killed four muggles and a married witch and wizard on the orders of You-Know-Who...if we don't do something..."

"They weren't mad, surely all these deaths...this recent attack on Hogsmeade...surely that must make it clear to you? I ask you now...do not let fear stand in the way of the truth, Cornelius. Yes, with Voldemort returned people will die. Many more will die if we conceal fact."

"But it ISN"T true!" Fudge said loudly. "I don't know who is behind this, but there is nobody at this school more suspect that Severus Snape."

"He is trusted." Dumbledore said in an ominous tone. "It is Isabelle Black that is behind this...she has been seen, by none other than Harry..."

"When will you face facts!" Fudge cried. "Harry Potter is insane! That curse muddled his brains, and now he keeps bringing back taller and taller tales, each more ludicrous than the next! You cannot be lenient with him any longer. He is a danger, Albus...a danger to this school and a danger unto himself!"

"Harry Potter is one of the bravest young wizards I have ever known." Dumbledore said solemnly. "He has what many full-grown wizards could never possess...courage, nobility, and the pure will to do good...do you not see that, Cornelius? Last year, he faced Voldemort knowing he would die...it was only by coincidence that he escaped..."

"Escaped?" snorted Fudge. "He had nothing to escape from. If you had listened to me, you would have made inquiries as to the real story behind what happened. If you had listened to me, you would have asked Harry Potter if he himself did not kill Cedric Diggory!"

At this, Harry felt a swelling of anger within him he had never felt before in his life. Without warning, a glass sitting in Hagrid's cabin exploded into thousands of pieces...Harry had lost control of his senses.

"Did...did you do that, Albus?" Fudge said nervously.

"It appears you lost your temper." Dumbledore said, though Harry could have sworn his gaze quickly flickered to the window Harry was standing at.

Harry felt a prickle of fear up his spine...he turned away slightly, intending to head back up to the castle, when he heard footsteps. He glanced over...Hagrid pulled open the door quickly. Snape was at his side.

Fudge looked over...he paled upon seeing Snape but nodded his head curtly. Snape and Hagrid shared the gesture.

"Now, see here..." Fudge said. "Now, I'm not saying this is definite..." he said quickly...

"What is?" Hagrid said. Dumbledore raised his hand to quiet him.

Fudge ruffled. "But Severus, I must insist you go, at least so we can be sure...you're history counts against you, after all..."

"I have been nothing if not loyal." Snape said in dark tones.

"Certainly, but still..." Fudge gulped. "By all that I understand, you must go..."

"What?" Hagrid said, paling. "Yer not...yer not sendin' him ter Azkaban?"

Fudge shook his head. "I have to do it...hate to, but I have to."

"This is ludicrous." Snape hissed. "When have I had time to go for regular killings in Hogsmeade? You saw yourself, I cleaned up after the last attack."

"Yes, well." Fudge took a shaky breath. "If we find you had no part, you will be released with my full apologies."

"That won't be necessary." Everybody turned. Figg was standing at the door. "I've brought you the real spy."

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Had to leave it there, didn't I? Yeah, I am a mean, mean person. Heh- heh...anyway, thanks for being nice and reviewing and reading and all that, blah-blah...the next chapter will be a real turning point for the story.

I hope you like the way that things are turning out. There isn't really much more to say, except thanks, and I hope you enjoy the rest of the story...only SEVEN more chapters to go...and they'll be coming quick!