Chapter three
Harry, Hermione and Ron were walking down to Hagrid's that morning. They had'nt seen him in a while so decided to visit. As they approached his house they saw him outside with Sirius. They were talking about something. As they approached Hagrid turned and smiled. "Ello Harry, Ron, Hermione. What are you three doin ter day?" He asked and sat down on the steps.
"Nothing." Harry said and looked at Sirius. "What are you two doing?" He looked at Sirius for a moment.
"Sirius here was askin questions about some o' the creatures I take care of. You need a Care for Magical Creatures teacher. I am takin my game keeper job back. Professor Lupin is comin ter take his old job and Sirius decided to take over mine." Hagrid explained.
"Don't worry Hermione, you still have to turn in your report." Sirius said and smiled. "I did'nt to much care for the Defense Against the Dark Arts job. I like animals better." He looked around and then at Harry. For some reason Harry thought there was another reason. Sirius would love that job. "Where is your new friend?"
"She has kept to herself since the thing in Potions." Harry said and looked at Ron and Hermione.
"What thing in Potions?" Hagrid asked and folded his arms. "If ya callin Professor Snape a thing ya need ter take it back."
Ron smiled. "Us call Professor Snape a thing?" He looked at Harry and Hermione. "Never."
"Are ya goin ter tell me?" Hagrid asked and looked at the three of them.
"Malfoy decided to get back at Cathren and put a boggart in the closet. When she opened the door it turned into Voldemort." Harry said and looked at them. Sirius and Hagrid looked at each other but, did'nt seemed surprised.
"That Malfoy is goin ter get it one day." Hagrid said and nodded. "Well you three best get goin. Don't want ter be outside now days."
The three of them turned and began to walk back up to the castle. Hermione looked at them. "Do you find it odd that they were not concerned about the Voldemort thing. It was as if they expected it." She said and shook her head. "I think before this year is over were going to be up to our detective work again."
"Figures, just one year I wish we were'nt having to do it." Harry said and looked a head.
"Has any one heard anything about Voldemort at all." Hermione asked and looked at Harry.
Ron shook his head. "Do either of you know how to say the words You Know Who?" He asked and looked at Hermione.
"Fear of a name only increases the fear of the thing itself." Hermione said and smiled. "You should know that dear."
Harry looked around. He saw Cathren sitting under a tree. She had her eyes closed, he thought she was a sleep. She then opened up her book and began to read. She seemed bored. "Hey, you two go on in I'll be there in a minute."
"What are you going to do?" Ron asked and folded his arms.
"I'm going to see if I can cheer Cathren up a bit." Harry said and walked passed them to the tree.
As he made it to the tree Cathren looked up. She smiled a slight smile and then looked at her watch. "Oh, I did'nt realize it was this late. I should'nt be out here." She stood up quickly.
"Want to walk with me into the Great Hall?" Harry asked and held out his hand.
Cathren looked at his hand then looked around. As if she was expecting some one to pop out any moment. "Thanks." She said and he helped her up. She grabbed her books and pulled them together. "So I have'nt talked to you in a while. I mean having a conversation."
"Yeah." Harry said and nodded. He did'nt really know what to say. He wondered if he should ask her about Voldemort. "Are you ok, I mean you seemed pretty scared about the boggart thing." He said and looked at her.
"I'm fine." She said and smiled a weak smile. "Thank you for asking and thank you for killing the darned thing."
Harry nodded. He was bursting to ask her. "Cathren?" He asked and she looked at him. "Have you ever met... Voldemort?"
Cathren's expression changed. She seemed uneasy. Clearly she had either met him or seen him. "Never." She said dryly. "I have heard of him." She was hiding something. What would she be hiding? She stopped and turned to him. "Harry, I forgot I have something I need to do."
"Cathren you can tell me what ever it is that is bothering you. I of all people would understand when it comes to Voldemort. You can tell me." Harry said and put a hand on her shoulder.
Her eyes went empty, her expression, blank. In a hollow tone she said, "No I can't." She then turned and walked off quickly. As she did a paper fell out of her book. She never stopped. Harry lifted it up. It was a news paper clipping. He read it to himself.
Aurors are still silent even after recent events. They have not commented on the mysterious death of four professors at Night Owl School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Later the bodies of Calvin and Evaly West were found in there home. Three students are still missing after something, that has not yet been determined, happened at the school. Ministry officials are not commenting on the events. But, we believe it is connected with the kidnapping and attempted murder of Cathren West. She was taken after her parents were killed and found near by in a shack badly hurt. It appears that two wizards were searching for the girl and ran two men off from the sight. Ministry officials still will not confirm if this is the work of the newly restored Lord Voldemort or not.
By: Oliver Green
Harry looked up and at Cathren as she entered the castle. What was she hiding? What happened to her? He contemplated the idea weather to run and tell Ron and Hermione.
"Whats wrong Harry?" Sirius asked. He came up beside him. He looked down and saw the paper. "Don't dig any further, Harry. You'll only hurt her more."
"Whats going on Sirius?" Harry asked and looked at him.
"That I can not tell you. I ask you, though, to wait until something actually happens before you dig in. I know you will eventually. You have your father in you." Sirius said and smiled.
Harry did'nt know what he meant, but had a feeling he would find out soon. "I'm starving." Harry said and smiled at his Godfather. "Lets go eat."
"Ok." Sirius said and nodded. He looked at Harry closely. "What is it? You seem worried."
"Its just its so quite. I mean, Voldemort is at full power and has'nt tried to kill me this summer or at school, yet." Harry said and shook his head. Its almost like his wish had come true.
"Well one reason he probably did'nt try and 'get' you this summer is because Professor Dumbledore put trusted people to watch over you. As for the school part. You've only been here for two months." Sirius said and smiled. "Harry in the next few weeks, I have a feeling your going to be hearing allot about Voldemort. Remus is teaching you about everything evil. Enjoy the peace. Now... lets eat."
Harry and his Godfather walked up the steps and into his home. Harry folded the peace of paper and put it in his pocket. He and Sirius separated. He took his seat at the teachers table and Harry at the Gryffindor table.
*
The days flew by and the first day of Quiditch came. Cathren had'nt spoken to him in a long time as a friend. The only time she ever spoke to him was during practice. He did'nt know what to say to her. Should I apoligies? He did'nt know really what to do.
Harry looked around for the snitch then focused his eyes on the team. They were doing great. They lead Slytherin by twenty points. Ron and Cathren were working hard to keep the Bludgers away. He looked in the stands. Hagrid, Sirius and Lupin were standing together watching. Hermione was with them. Harry looked around for the snitch. Then a sharp pain seared through his head. He let go of his broom with one hand and put it to his for head. He winced with pain.
"Something wrong scar head?" Malfoy asked as he pulled up beside him. He smiled as he glared at Harry.
Harry looked around for the snitch, paying no mind to Draco. He wanted to win this game. But, the burning in his scar never went away. He did'nt know what to do about it. He found now days he did not know what to do allot. Everything seemed to be flying past him at incredible speed and he could do nothing to stop it. He wished he could press pause and get one person to explain what was going on.
As he thought Harry saw a glint of gold out of the corner of his eye. Harry turned his Firebolt to look at where he had seen it. He saw the snitch and took off at full speed. Malfoy must have seen his movement and followed close behind. Harry flew up and followed the snitch then he went side ways. Malfoy on his tale, but not for long. Ron was a head of them and knocked a Bludger right at Harry. Harry flew down and the Bludger went passed him and soared right for Draco. Draco flew side ways and missed the Bludger barely, it hit his foot as he turned.
As Draco went the other way Harry reached his hand out for the snitch. As he did something streaked passed him. It was a green flash of light. Harry rushed forward and grabbed the snitch. There was another flash of green light near him. There were a couple of people yelling. He looked around. What was happening? Harry heard some one call his name. He looked for the source. Cathren was rushing towards him as fast as she could fly.
"Get out of the air!" She yelled and spun to miss a green flash. "Harry, now!" She was almost pleading with him. Then a green light hit the back of her broom. At the same time she jumped forward. Harry flew by with his hand out as she fell. She grabbed it and swung herself up and onto his broom. Three teachers were already on the ground waiting for them.
Harry looked around as they touched down. "What the hell is going on?" He asked and looked at her. "Are you ok?"
"I'm fine, nothing like the killing curse directed at you to wake you up good in the afternoon." She said and looked at him closely. She seemed half amused about something. "Are you?" She asked him softly.
"Yeah." Harry said and shook his head. "The killing curse?" He asked now aware of the situation. He looked up to the Gryffindor section to find that Lupin and Sirius were gone. McGonagall ran up to him.
"Potter are you ok?" She asked and looked him up and down to make sure he was. "Miss West, Mr. Potter I insist you come with me."
"Why?" Harry found himself asking. He looked at Cathren. She seemed to understand. The only time they ever asked him to go some where, he was either in trouble or some thing had happened. The first thought that ran through his mind was something had happened to Sirius. But, why then would they want Cathren to come along to?
"We need to put you two some where safe and now. Come along or I'll make a stretcher to carry you." She said and turned quickly. Harry and Cathren followed her quietly. She led them to a room under the Quiditch field. He had never been here. McGonagall opened up the door and stepped to the side. "Go in." She said and looked at them.
"Where is my uncle?" Cathren asked before she walked into the room.
"He is dealing with your attackers." McGonagall said and looked at Harry. "Go in, you will be safe here." She said and Harry stepped in. McGonagall shut the door and magically sealed it.
Harry turned to Cathren. She was sitting on the floor with her back against the wall. She looked up at him. "Thank you." She said and looked back at the floor. "I'm not used to all this damsel in distress thing. Its seems to come more and more now days. Thank you any way."
"It was nothing." Harry said and stepped forward. "What happened out there? I was'nt paying attention." He admitted.
"Two Death Eaters were standing out side the Quiditch feild. You were high enough for a target. I saw the green light and flew up to distract them, so you could get away. It seems they recidnised me and bam, I'm trying out free falling... again." She said and pulled off her gloves. "Although I've done that before and would very much like to spare myself the fun again."
"Why would they be after you, why would they recidnise you? Cathren, you can tell me." Harry said and sat on the floor in front of her. She shook her head half smiling half scowling.
"Thats just it, I can't yet. I don't know if they reminisced me at all, I might have been in the way." She said and looked at him. "Harry, trust me when I say I will tell you when the time is right. Now is not the time. It is to early."
"Why, what is so important? What are you hiding? Why would Voldemort want you dead?" Harry said and found he was losing his temper. "Why would he kill your parents and the teachers at your school?"
At the mention of her parents he saw that same blank expression. "I should have known the famous Harry Potter and his detective friends would find out sooner or later. I wondered where that clipping had went." She said and folded her arms.
"You dropped it when you hurried away the last day you spoke to me as a friend." Harry said and looked at her. She was starring at the floor.
"Its not that I did'nt want to be friends with you, its just I don't like talking about it. It brings up bad memories." She said and let out a sigh. "But, I guess there is no getting around it. It is amazing the things you stumble up on when you ease drop. Me and three of my friends heard of you when we were little. We heard one of our teachers speaking with a man, we could'nt see his face, he was planing your death with our teacher. We were caught. My three friends died and four teachers died trying to help me escape. I went home to find my house recked and my parents dead. Voldemort's smiling face was standing in my living room with my teacher. If you read the article you know what happened next." She said and stood up.
"All that over you over hearing them?" Harry asked amazed Voldemort would go through the trouble just for one girl.
"I'm sure there was more to it. Maybe he was bored or something." She said and shook her head. "You would have thought I would keep my sarcastic remarks to myself when standing before him. But, no I had to open my mouth." She said and turned away. "Well, there you go Harry." She said in a soft voice. "Dumbledore is the only family I have left. Now he is outside fighting, probably, because of me. I don't want to lose another family member or friend because of me."
"I think we have something in common." Harry said gravely. But, the story to him did not fit. Why go to the trouble to kill her or torture her? Did Voldemort really just do it when he was bored?
The door opened and Dumbledore, followed by Sirius strolled in. Ron and Hermione came in after them. Cathren turned around. "Are they gone?" She asked and looked at her great great Granduncle.
"They left as soon as Sirius and I headed out of the Quiditch arena." Albus said and stepped forward. "Are you two ok?" He asked and looked at the two of them. They both nodded. "Well, lets get back to the castle."
"Sorry to worry the two of you." Sirius said and smiled.
"That was amazing, Harry!" Ron said and smiled. "Swoop and you got her."
"If you were'nt the excellent flier you were she would be dead. You both were pretty high up." Hermione said. She was as enthusiastic as Ron.
Dumbledore was talking to Cathren about something. She was nodding and putting her hand on her head and pulling it down to her mouth as if she was frustrated.
"Harry, the good news is you won the Quiditch game. I'm glad to see you fly like your dad." Sirius said, smiling in a proud way. He put a hand on Harry's shoulder and squeezed.
"Thanks Sirius." Harry said beaming. He was glad Sirius was proud of him. But, that did'nt damper the thought on his mind. He now had some one in his life Voldemort had hurt worse than him. He did'nt know why. But, he knew he would soon.
Three days later every one had forgotten about the incident. Cathren had turned friendly again. She and Hermione were heading to the library together it seemed every day. Although that was'nt unusual for Hermione. But, all four began to notice things. The paper had stopped coming. Hogsmead trips were going every other weekend and rotated every now and then.
Something did'nt seem quite right. At least to Harry. But, he began to enjoy Care of Magical Creatures class. Not that Hagrid was'nt a good teacher. It was just they had less bitings with Sirius.
Professor Lupin stood in the front of the class. In the days that passed they had learned counter curses for most curses. He had some of the names wrote on the board. All except the killing curse because there was no counter for that. Professor Lupin sat on the edge of his desk and looked at the class of Gryffindors. "I have a question for you. Out of the list, tell me which curse would you, if you had the choice, not get hit by? Which is worst?"
Ron raised his hand. "The Imperious curse. They could control you, make you do things." He said and looked at Hermione as if wondering if he was right.
"That is right." Lupin said and nodded. "Yes Mr. Potter?" He said noticing Harry's hand up.
"The Curcaites." Harry said and glanced at Cathren. Her hand went down.
"Ah, yes." Lupin said and nodded. "Was that the one you had picked Miss West?"
"Yes sir." She said calmly.
"Why would you pick that one, explain your reasons." Professor Lupin said and looked at them in turn. "Mr. Potter you first."
"Because of the pain." Harry said and noticed his three friends looked at him. "It spreads through every part of your body and does'nt stop until the person with the wand decides." As he told this Lupin nodded.
"Cathren do you have anything to add?" Lupin asked and looked at her.
"It has also been known to create insanity and kill a person. But also people who have been hit with the curse to many times can go into a state of disorient. Also even if the curse is held on you for a second the feeling would last quite a while after." She said and Hemione nodded with Professor Lupin.
"Excellent. Fifty for Gryffindor." Professor Lupin said and stood up. "Now I would like the papers Professor Black assigned turned into me in another month. Hermione you may be through but I will take them up in a month." He said and smiled. "Class dismissed."
Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Cathren stood up and walked towards Lupin. He waved his wand and the chalkboard erased. He put his wand away in his cloak and turned to them. "Yes?" He asked and smiled at the four of them.
"Oh, professor I was wondering if I could borrow the book that Professor Black read out of?" Hermione asked and jumped at the startling response from Cathren.
"No!" She said and then eased back a little. "I mean, there is another one in the library I'm sure. We have to be heading that way any way." All three friends were looking at her including the shocked professor. "Its just, its so much fun when your looking for a book. Come on Hermione will you come help me look... for... a book?" She was almost insisting.
Hermione shook the shocked impression off her face and her eyes narrowed then returned to normal. "Sure." She said and looked back at Professor Lupin. "Hold the book for me Professor Lupin."
"Will do Hermione." Lupin said and shook his head.
"Thank you Professor. Come on Cathren lets go see if the book is in the library." Hermione and Cathren walked side by side out of the class room.
"Wounder what bug crawled up her skirt." Ron said shaking his head.
"I do hope you meant that to lighten the mood, because honestly I've never heard that term before." Lupin said smiling a broud smile. "Well boys what can I do for you. I am your last class so you have all the time in the world. Until dinner of course."
"Well, we really just decided to say hey. I mean we hardly talked." Harry said and sat on the top of a table. "We really needed you here the past two years." He turned and sat on the top of the table. "Especially during my fourth year."
"I heard about that." Lupin said and nodded. "I believe if I was here that would have been different. But Voldemort must be buying his time. I have'nt heard anything at all about 'accidents.'" Accidents were the ministry words to explain Voldemort's games. "You know come to think of it I have'nt heard much of anything at all. Have any of you received a news paper lately?"
"No." Ron said and looked at him. "I thought it was just my owl. Bloody bird really is whacked up. Takes detours I think."
"No its not your bird Ron. I really don't think any one has gotten any papers lately." Lupin said and ran his fingers through his hair. "So how do you like the new girl. Is she friendly?"
"Ya, at least when you don't as questions about her parents." Ron muttered and sat down beside Harry. "She is fun to hang around. She told us stories about her janitor. They are hilarious. The poor man was in a war and now thinks monkeys are out to get him. Something that had to do with the war being in the jungle and the enemy was called monkeys. I don't know, but they are so funny."
"I can understand why she would get a little disturbed by you asking questions about her parents. They after all recently died in an accident." Lupin said and looked at him.
Ya right an accident. Anything that has the name Voldemort in it is not an accident. Harry just wished he new more. It seemed something was'nt right with the whole situation.
"Ya, I know." Ron said and rubbed his shoulder. "Are you coming to the Quiditch game tomorrow?"
"I am, I'll be the one watching the gates. Can't be to careful after last time remember?" Lupin said with half amusement in his tone. "What are you going to do about Cathren and a broom?"
"She said she would take care of that." Harry said with a sigh. "I hope it is here by tomorrow."
"Me to, but at least we know if she falls off her broom her hero will be there to save her." Ron said and smiled. He had picked with Harry so far about him liking Cathren. The truth was he did'nt have feelings for her in that way. He did'nt really no if he thought of her as a friend. He did'nt know how he thought of her.
"Don't get me started on you and Hermione." Harry said and smiled a sly smile. "Well lets get to dinner."
* * *
Harry, Hermione and Ron were walking down to Hagrid's that morning. They had'nt seen him in a while so decided to visit. As they approached his house they saw him outside with Sirius. They were talking about something. As they approached Hagrid turned and smiled. "Ello Harry, Ron, Hermione. What are you three doin ter day?" He asked and sat down on the steps.
"Nothing." Harry said and looked at Sirius. "What are you two doing?" He looked at Sirius for a moment.
"Sirius here was askin questions about some o' the creatures I take care of. You need a Care for Magical Creatures teacher. I am takin my game keeper job back. Professor Lupin is comin ter take his old job and Sirius decided to take over mine." Hagrid explained.
"Don't worry Hermione, you still have to turn in your report." Sirius said and smiled. "I did'nt to much care for the Defense Against the Dark Arts job. I like animals better." He looked around and then at Harry. For some reason Harry thought there was another reason. Sirius would love that job. "Where is your new friend?"
"She has kept to herself since the thing in Potions." Harry said and looked at Ron and Hermione.
"What thing in Potions?" Hagrid asked and folded his arms. "If ya callin Professor Snape a thing ya need ter take it back."
Ron smiled. "Us call Professor Snape a thing?" He looked at Harry and Hermione. "Never."
"Are ya goin ter tell me?" Hagrid asked and looked at the three of them.
"Malfoy decided to get back at Cathren and put a boggart in the closet. When she opened the door it turned into Voldemort." Harry said and looked at them. Sirius and Hagrid looked at each other but, did'nt seemed surprised.
"That Malfoy is goin ter get it one day." Hagrid said and nodded. "Well you three best get goin. Don't want ter be outside now days."
The three of them turned and began to walk back up to the castle. Hermione looked at them. "Do you find it odd that they were not concerned about the Voldemort thing. It was as if they expected it." She said and shook her head. "I think before this year is over were going to be up to our detective work again."
"Figures, just one year I wish we were'nt having to do it." Harry said and looked a head.
"Has any one heard anything about Voldemort at all." Hermione asked and looked at Harry.
Ron shook his head. "Do either of you know how to say the words You Know Who?" He asked and looked at Hermione.
"Fear of a name only increases the fear of the thing itself." Hermione said and smiled. "You should know that dear."
Harry looked around. He saw Cathren sitting under a tree. She had her eyes closed, he thought she was a sleep. She then opened up her book and began to read. She seemed bored. "Hey, you two go on in I'll be there in a minute."
"What are you going to do?" Ron asked and folded his arms.
"I'm going to see if I can cheer Cathren up a bit." Harry said and walked passed them to the tree.
As he made it to the tree Cathren looked up. She smiled a slight smile and then looked at her watch. "Oh, I did'nt realize it was this late. I should'nt be out here." She stood up quickly.
"Want to walk with me into the Great Hall?" Harry asked and held out his hand.
Cathren looked at his hand then looked around. As if she was expecting some one to pop out any moment. "Thanks." She said and he helped her up. She grabbed her books and pulled them together. "So I have'nt talked to you in a while. I mean having a conversation."
"Yeah." Harry said and nodded. He did'nt really know what to say. He wondered if he should ask her about Voldemort. "Are you ok, I mean you seemed pretty scared about the boggart thing." He said and looked at her.
"I'm fine." She said and smiled a weak smile. "Thank you for asking and thank you for killing the darned thing."
Harry nodded. He was bursting to ask her. "Cathren?" He asked and she looked at him. "Have you ever met... Voldemort?"
Cathren's expression changed. She seemed uneasy. Clearly she had either met him or seen him. "Never." She said dryly. "I have heard of him." She was hiding something. What would she be hiding? She stopped and turned to him. "Harry, I forgot I have something I need to do."
"Cathren you can tell me what ever it is that is bothering you. I of all people would understand when it comes to Voldemort. You can tell me." Harry said and put a hand on her shoulder.
Her eyes went empty, her expression, blank. In a hollow tone she said, "No I can't." She then turned and walked off quickly. As she did a paper fell out of her book. She never stopped. Harry lifted it up. It was a news paper clipping. He read it to himself.
Aurors are still silent even after recent events. They have not commented on the mysterious death of four professors at Night Owl School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Later the bodies of Calvin and Evaly West were found in there home. Three students are still missing after something, that has not yet been determined, happened at the school. Ministry officials are not commenting on the events. But, we believe it is connected with the kidnapping and attempted murder of Cathren West. She was taken after her parents were killed and found near by in a shack badly hurt. It appears that two wizards were searching for the girl and ran two men off from the sight. Ministry officials still will not confirm if this is the work of the newly restored Lord Voldemort or not.
By: Oliver Green
Harry looked up and at Cathren as she entered the castle. What was she hiding? What happened to her? He contemplated the idea weather to run and tell Ron and Hermione.
"Whats wrong Harry?" Sirius asked. He came up beside him. He looked down and saw the paper. "Don't dig any further, Harry. You'll only hurt her more."
"Whats going on Sirius?" Harry asked and looked at him.
"That I can not tell you. I ask you, though, to wait until something actually happens before you dig in. I know you will eventually. You have your father in you." Sirius said and smiled.
Harry did'nt know what he meant, but had a feeling he would find out soon. "I'm starving." Harry said and smiled at his Godfather. "Lets go eat."
"Ok." Sirius said and nodded. He looked at Harry closely. "What is it? You seem worried."
"Its just its so quite. I mean, Voldemort is at full power and has'nt tried to kill me this summer or at school, yet." Harry said and shook his head. Its almost like his wish had come true.
"Well one reason he probably did'nt try and 'get' you this summer is because Professor Dumbledore put trusted people to watch over you. As for the school part. You've only been here for two months." Sirius said and smiled. "Harry in the next few weeks, I have a feeling your going to be hearing allot about Voldemort. Remus is teaching you about everything evil. Enjoy the peace. Now... lets eat."
Harry and his Godfather walked up the steps and into his home. Harry folded the peace of paper and put it in his pocket. He and Sirius separated. He took his seat at the teachers table and Harry at the Gryffindor table.
*
The days flew by and the first day of Quiditch came. Cathren had'nt spoken to him in a long time as a friend. The only time she ever spoke to him was during practice. He did'nt know what to say to her. Should I apoligies? He did'nt know really what to do.
Harry looked around for the snitch then focused his eyes on the team. They were doing great. They lead Slytherin by twenty points. Ron and Cathren were working hard to keep the Bludgers away. He looked in the stands. Hagrid, Sirius and Lupin were standing together watching. Hermione was with them. Harry looked around for the snitch. Then a sharp pain seared through his head. He let go of his broom with one hand and put it to his for head. He winced with pain.
"Something wrong scar head?" Malfoy asked as he pulled up beside him. He smiled as he glared at Harry.
Harry looked around for the snitch, paying no mind to Draco. He wanted to win this game. But, the burning in his scar never went away. He did'nt know what to do about it. He found now days he did not know what to do allot. Everything seemed to be flying past him at incredible speed and he could do nothing to stop it. He wished he could press pause and get one person to explain what was going on.
As he thought Harry saw a glint of gold out of the corner of his eye. Harry turned his Firebolt to look at where he had seen it. He saw the snitch and took off at full speed. Malfoy must have seen his movement and followed close behind. Harry flew up and followed the snitch then he went side ways. Malfoy on his tale, but not for long. Ron was a head of them and knocked a Bludger right at Harry. Harry flew down and the Bludger went passed him and soared right for Draco. Draco flew side ways and missed the Bludger barely, it hit his foot as he turned.
As Draco went the other way Harry reached his hand out for the snitch. As he did something streaked passed him. It was a green flash of light. Harry rushed forward and grabbed the snitch. There was another flash of green light near him. There were a couple of people yelling. He looked around. What was happening? Harry heard some one call his name. He looked for the source. Cathren was rushing towards him as fast as she could fly.
"Get out of the air!" She yelled and spun to miss a green flash. "Harry, now!" She was almost pleading with him. Then a green light hit the back of her broom. At the same time she jumped forward. Harry flew by with his hand out as she fell. She grabbed it and swung herself up and onto his broom. Three teachers were already on the ground waiting for them.
Harry looked around as they touched down. "What the hell is going on?" He asked and looked at her. "Are you ok?"
"I'm fine, nothing like the killing curse directed at you to wake you up good in the afternoon." She said and looked at him closely. She seemed half amused about something. "Are you?" She asked him softly.
"Yeah." Harry said and shook his head. "The killing curse?" He asked now aware of the situation. He looked up to the Gryffindor section to find that Lupin and Sirius were gone. McGonagall ran up to him.
"Potter are you ok?" She asked and looked him up and down to make sure he was. "Miss West, Mr. Potter I insist you come with me."
"Why?" Harry found himself asking. He looked at Cathren. She seemed to understand. The only time they ever asked him to go some where, he was either in trouble or some thing had happened. The first thought that ran through his mind was something had happened to Sirius. But, why then would they want Cathren to come along to?
"We need to put you two some where safe and now. Come along or I'll make a stretcher to carry you." She said and turned quickly. Harry and Cathren followed her quietly. She led them to a room under the Quiditch field. He had never been here. McGonagall opened up the door and stepped to the side. "Go in." She said and looked at them.
"Where is my uncle?" Cathren asked before she walked into the room.
"He is dealing with your attackers." McGonagall said and looked at Harry. "Go in, you will be safe here." She said and Harry stepped in. McGonagall shut the door and magically sealed it.
Harry turned to Cathren. She was sitting on the floor with her back against the wall. She looked up at him. "Thank you." She said and looked back at the floor. "I'm not used to all this damsel in distress thing. Its seems to come more and more now days. Thank you any way."
"It was nothing." Harry said and stepped forward. "What happened out there? I was'nt paying attention." He admitted.
"Two Death Eaters were standing out side the Quiditch feild. You were high enough for a target. I saw the green light and flew up to distract them, so you could get away. It seems they recidnised me and bam, I'm trying out free falling... again." She said and pulled off her gloves. "Although I've done that before and would very much like to spare myself the fun again."
"Why would they be after you, why would they recidnise you? Cathren, you can tell me." Harry said and sat on the floor in front of her. She shook her head half smiling half scowling.
"Thats just it, I can't yet. I don't know if they reminisced me at all, I might have been in the way." She said and looked at him. "Harry, trust me when I say I will tell you when the time is right. Now is not the time. It is to early."
"Why, what is so important? What are you hiding? Why would Voldemort want you dead?" Harry said and found he was losing his temper. "Why would he kill your parents and the teachers at your school?"
At the mention of her parents he saw that same blank expression. "I should have known the famous Harry Potter and his detective friends would find out sooner or later. I wondered where that clipping had went." She said and folded her arms.
"You dropped it when you hurried away the last day you spoke to me as a friend." Harry said and looked at her. She was starring at the floor.
"Its not that I did'nt want to be friends with you, its just I don't like talking about it. It brings up bad memories." She said and let out a sigh. "But, I guess there is no getting around it. It is amazing the things you stumble up on when you ease drop. Me and three of my friends heard of you when we were little. We heard one of our teachers speaking with a man, we could'nt see his face, he was planing your death with our teacher. We were caught. My three friends died and four teachers died trying to help me escape. I went home to find my house recked and my parents dead. Voldemort's smiling face was standing in my living room with my teacher. If you read the article you know what happened next." She said and stood up.
"All that over you over hearing them?" Harry asked amazed Voldemort would go through the trouble just for one girl.
"I'm sure there was more to it. Maybe he was bored or something." She said and shook her head. "You would have thought I would keep my sarcastic remarks to myself when standing before him. But, no I had to open my mouth." She said and turned away. "Well, there you go Harry." She said in a soft voice. "Dumbledore is the only family I have left. Now he is outside fighting, probably, because of me. I don't want to lose another family member or friend because of me."
"I think we have something in common." Harry said gravely. But, the story to him did not fit. Why go to the trouble to kill her or torture her? Did Voldemort really just do it when he was bored?
The door opened and Dumbledore, followed by Sirius strolled in. Ron and Hermione came in after them. Cathren turned around. "Are they gone?" She asked and looked at her great great Granduncle.
"They left as soon as Sirius and I headed out of the Quiditch arena." Albus said and stepped forward. "Are you two ok?" He asked and looked at the two of them. They both nodded. "Well, lets get back to the castle."
"Sorry to worry the two of you." Sirius said and smiled.
"That was amazing, Harry!" Ron said and smiled. "Swoop and you got her."
"If you were'nt the excellent flier you were she would be dead. You both were pretty high up." Hermione said. She was as enthusiastic as Ron.
Dumbledore was talking to Cathren about something. She was nodding and putting her hand on her head and pulling it down to her mouth as if she was frustrated.
"Harry, the good news is you won the Quiditch game. I'm glad to see you fly like your dad." Sirius said, smiling in a proud way. He put a hand on Harry's shoulder and squeezed.
"Thanks Sirius." Harry said beaming. He was glad Sirius was proud of him. But, that did'nt damper the thought on his mind. He now had some one in his life Voldemort had hurt worse than him. He did'nt know why. But, he knew he would soon.
Three days later every one had forgotten about the incident. Cathren had turned friendly again. She and Hermione were heading to the library together it seemed every day. Although that was'nt unusual for Hermione. But, all four began to notice things. The paper had stopped coming. Hogsmead trips were going every other weekend and rotated every now and then.
Something did'nt seem quite right. At least to Harry. But, he began to enjoy Care of Magical Creatures class. Not that Hagrid was'nt a good teacher. It was just they had less bitings with Sirius.
Professor Lupin stood in the front of the class. In the days that passed they had learned counter curses for most curses. He had some of the names wrote on the board. All except the killing curse because there was no counter for that. Professor Lupin sat on the edge of his desk and looked at the class of Gryffindors. "I have a question for you. Out of the list, tell me which curse would you, if you had the choice, not get hit by? Which is worst?"
Ron raised his hand. "The Imperious curse. They could control you, make you do things." He said and looked at Hermione as if wondering if he was right.
"That is right." Lupin said and nodded. "Yes Mr. Potter?" He said noticing Harry's hand up.
"The Curcaites." Harry said and glanced at Cathren. Her hand went down.
"Ah, yes." Lupin said and nodded. "Was that the one you had picked Miss West?"
"Yes sir." She said calmly.
"Why would you pick that one, explain your reasons." Professor Lupin said and looked at them in turn. "Mr. Potter you first."
"Because of the pain." Harry said and noticed his three friends looked at him. "It spreads through every part of your body and does'nt stop until the person with the wand decides." As he told this Lupin nodded.
"Cathren do you have anything to add?" Lupin asked and looked at her.
"It has also been known to create insanity and kill a person. But also people who have been hit with the curse to many times can go into a state of disorient. Also even if the curse is held on you for a second the feeling would last quite a while after." She said and Hemione nodded with Professor Lupin.
"Excellent. Fifty for Gryffindor." Professor Lupin said and stood up. "Now I would like the papers Professor Black assigned turned into me in another month. Hermione you may be through but I will take them up in a month." He said and smiled. "Class dismissed."
Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Cathren stood up and walked towards Lupin. He waved his wand and the chalkboard erased. He put his wand away in his cloak and turned to them. "Yes?" He asked and smiled at the four of them.
"Oh, professor I was wondering if I could borrow the book that Professor Black read out of?" Hermione asked and jumped at the startling response from Cathren.
"No!" She said and then eased back a little. "I mean, there is another one in the library I'm sure. We have to be heading that way any way." All three friends were looking at her including the shocked professor. "Its just, its so much fun when your looking for a book. Come on Hermione will you come help me look... for... a book?" She was almost insisting.
Hermione shook the shocked impression off her face and her eyes narrowed then returned to normal. "Sure." She said and looked back at Professor Lupin. "Hold the book for me Professor Lupin."
"Will do Hermione." Lupin said and shook his head.
"Thank you Professor. Come on Cathren lets go see if the book is in the library." Hermione and Cathren walked side by side out of the class room.
"Wounder what bug crawled up her skirt." Ron said shaking his head.
"I do hope you meant that to lighten the mood, because honestly I've never heard that term before." Lupin said smiling a broud smile. "Well boys what can I do for you. I am your last class so you have all the time in the world. Until dinner of course."
"Well, we really just decided to say hey. I mean we hardly talked." Harry said and sat on the top of a table. "We really needed you here the past two years." He turned and sat on the top of the table. "Especially during my fourth year."
"I heard about that." Lupin said and nodded. "I believe if I was here that would have been different. But Voldemort must be buying his time. I have'nt heard anything at all about 'accidents.'" Accidents were the ministry words to explain Voldemort's games. "You know come to think of it I have'nt heard much of anything at all. Have any of you received a news paper lately?"
"No." Ron said and looked at him. "I thought it was just my owl. Bloody bird really is whacked up. Takes detours I think."
"No its not your bird Ron. I really don't think any one has gotten any papers lately." Lupin said and ran his fingers through his hair. "So how do you like the new girl. Is she friendly?"
"Ya, at least when you don't as questions about her parents." Ron muttered and sat down beside Harry. "She is fun to hang around. She told us stories about her janitor. They are hilarious. The poor man was in a war and now thinks monkeys are out to get him. Something that had to do with the war being in the jungle and the enemy was called monkeys. I don't know, but they are so funny."
"I can understand why she would get a little disturbed by you asking questions about her parents. They after all recently died in an accident." Lupin said and looked at him.
Ya right an accident. Anything that has the name Voldemort in it is not an accident. Harry just wished he new more. It seemed something was'nt right with the whole situation.
"Ya, I know." Ron said and rubbed his shoulder. "Are you coming to the Quiditch game tomorrow?"
"I am, I'll be the one watching the gates. Can't be to careful after last time remember?" Lupin said with half amusement in his tone. "What are you going to do about Cathren and a broom?"
"She said she would take care of that." Harry said with a sigh. "I hope it is here by tomorrow."
"Me to, but at least we know if she falls off her broom her hero will be there to save her." Ron said and smiled. He had picked with Harry so far about him liking Cathren. The truth was he did'nt have feelings for her in that way. He did'nt really no if he thought of her as a friend. He did'nt know how he thought of her.
"Don't get me started on you and Hermione." Harry said and smiled a sly smile. "Well lets get to dinner."
* * *