Chapter Four: Trial and Error

It wasn't until a week later until Harry woke up to see Dumbledore sitting next to him.

"Good afternoon, Harry," said Dumbledore.

Harry stared at him for one minute, than looked away. Harry felt like he had in his 2nd year at Hogwarts when Dumbledore was disappointed at him for causing lots of trouble. But Dumbledore seemed to read Harry's mind.

"Harry,' he said slowly, "Cedric Diggory's and Colin Creevey's death was no ones fault except Lord Voldemort and his follower's. I, along with the other teachers have put the school and the surrounding grounds under a charm, so no Voldemort and no death eater can enter." Dumbledore looked at him with his sparkling, blue eyes.

Harry finally looked up at Dumbledore for some time before he spoke. "What happened?"

"After you left, we took Colin here and called his parents. Dennis came up to say goodbye to his brother, but requested that he would stay here. Professor McGonagall and Professor Sprout took his body back to his parents. I than returned to the great hall and explained what had happened- from Hermione and Ron's perspective…" Dumbledore gave a sideways glance at Harry, as though he would tell him something, but he didn't, so he went on: by that time, we were able to usher all students to bed. Professor McGonagall and Professor Sprout had just returned and was talking to myself and Professor Snape inside the entrance hall, when Miss Granger and Mr Weasley came down just after midnight because they were concerned and worried you had not yet returned. We set up a search party and looked all throughout the castle, but as it was too dark. We had to wait until daybreak before searching outside. Just after lunchtime, Mr Weasley and Miss Granger came rushing to our table and,' his face quivered like he was holding in a smile, "slammed your map of Hogwarts on the table. We had to get Mr George and Fred Weasley to show us how to use it. When we got to the Quidditch stands, you were weak and barely breathing,' he closed his eyes for a while before opening them again,' Madame Pomfrey said it was a panic and stress attack that led you into a coma. I decided to let you wake up on your own so your body could calm down and wake when you were ready.' Harry glanced at the mountain pile of sweets and Dumbledore smiled. 'As you have previously experienced, what happened that night is a complete secret so, naturally, the whole school knows."

It took a while for it to sink in because he felt very tired. "Professor- I knew it was going to happen.' Dumbledore raised an eyebrow. 'I think now, instead of watching what is actually happening at the same time that I am dreaming it. I get premonitions. And when I was at the feast and noticed- noticed Colin wasn't there. I looked as Dennis and it was like it flashed in front of me. Then when I got there, I did not even try and stop the figure as they flew off.' Dumbledore opened his mouth to speak but thought better of it and closed his mouth again. 'That's what makes it worse, sir. That's why it's my fault."

"No Harry. You must understand this. The events that you see that are taking place, might be taking place right now or taking place in two months. You do not have the power to control time, thus cannot be held responsible. Do you understand, Harry?"

Some pain lifted but not all. He still felt guilty for Cedric's death. But said, "Yes sir."



As it neared Halloween, things did seem to change a little, with the Gryffindor house staying by his side. But he knew his teachers were worried. He heard that even Snape was concerned. He knew his grades were going down. He knew his teachers were being more lenient with him. It bothered him intensely, that they had insisted on tagging along after him, keeping a watchful eye on him at all times. 'They are still,' thought Harry dully, 'concerned about my mental health.'

Everyone was quite full and tired after dinner in the great hall.

Night had fallen and the enchanted ceiling was beautifully clear and serene, velvet blue splashed with diamond-like stars.

Harry leaned back in his seat and smiled as he surveyed the table. He felt, really, at though these people were his family.

Dumbledore rose, when dinner was finished, which was unusual. "One announcement," he said holding a jewel encrusted goblet up in one hand, "for those of you in your fourth year or older, we have a special treat; you have all been invited to the first ever annual Hogsmeade ball!"

There was a murmur that rippled through the crowd instantly. Some of the talk was excited, some worried. Harry, himself felt the latter. A ball? He didn't want to do something so formal.

"Now, I don't want you to worry or fret and what not… you need no escorts if you wish, they simply wish to have some young people from our school there…" he said comfortingly, "this is all. Good night and since we have no bed bugs here, I assure you that they will not bite!"

There was a gentle laughter this time, like a bubbling stream.

As Harry and the other fifth year Gryffindor settled into bed, the dying talk turned to the ball.

Are you guys going with anyone?" Ron asked, burrowing beneath his sheets and punching his pillow.

Seamus shrugged "I asked Parvati-

Dean cut in "So did I, but you know girls. She wouldn't stop giggling-

"Yeah and she said she'll tell us tommorow."

Harry mumbled from his pillow, "Than good luck to both of you."

Dean laughed "Thanks. But I think Seamus will need it more than me (Shutup! Seamus exclaimed)…what about you, Harry, are you going with anyone? I think Ginny Weasley likes you…a lot." He had to emphasize the last word.

"No, No, she doesn't, I mean, like me…" Harry said a little to quickly and loudly, "I mean, uh, I don't think so."

Ron suddenly gushed out "I'm taking Hermione."

"That's great, Ron." Harry said enthusiastically.

"You're going, right Harry? Asked Ron.

"Er…well, uh…I don't know." Harry volunteered meekly.

"Oh come on, Harry, think it over, okay?"

He nodded.

The lights went out and they all drifted to sleep. Harry was last to doze off.