Author Note: I am sorry for the delay in the posting of this chapter. I had a lot of things to do these past few days, and was unable to find the time to type it up. So to make up for it I made this chapter a bit longer than the usual length. I hope you enjoy this chapter.
Notations: /Thoughts/
^Phoenix Language^
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The room fell deadly silent; everyone was holding their breath from what they just heard from Hermione. She answered Dumbledore's question so softly that it was just above a whisper, but to everyone in the room it was like someone shouted in their ears. It was so quiet, that if someone dropped a pin outside in the hall you would be able to hear. After about a few minutes, Dumbledore broke the silence.
"Ms. Granger, are you absolutely certain about that?" In the back of his mind he was hoping that she might have misinterpreted the dream, and be wrong. Hermione didn't answer at first she just stayed there, laying on the bed next to Harry watching him. Finally she sat up a bit not looking at Dumbledore at first and slowly raised her head and looked into his blue eyes. Dumbledore didn't need anymore evident to convince himself, of what Hermione saw and just told them was true. The truth could be clearly seen in her eyes as tears were still coming, down her face. Hermione was about to explain about the massacre, when Dumbledore stopped her. "Ms. Granger, you don't have to tell us anything, until your ready."
"No. I have to tell you now while I can. If I don't, I am not sure that I'll able to talk about it later, and by than it maybe too late." Hermione answered shaking her head. Dumbledore eyed her for a moment and then nodded his head for her to continue. Hermione took a deep breath and slowly started telling everyone in the room, about what she saw in Harry's dream on the massacre. She told them about the smoke from the fires, the smell of blood in the air, and finally the bodies that littered the corridors. Hermione also told them, that when it started she saw Harry running down the corridor saying, 'No. No. Not again. Not this dream again.' Which meant that he has had this dream for possibly quite some time, which would explain his behavior and physical condition. She gave them every possible detail that she could remember and muster out of her mouth, without losing her stomach. Hermione told them that it appeared that 'all' students and teachers were lost in the attack. She decided to leave out the part where, Voldemort killed her personally in front of Harry. Finally when Hermione neared the end she paused, uncertain on how she should tell everyone in the room the last part. Dumbledore sensed Hermione's uneasiness and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. Hermione visibly relaxed a bit, before continuing. She told them about how the bodies stood up and started walking up to Harry who was on the floor and crying. Than just like the graveyard nightmare, everyone started accusing Harry of their deaths, and that it was his fault for everything that had happen to them. She told them that Harry tried to plead and defend himself from their accusations, but they wouldn't listen. Finally when Harry couldn't take it anymore and had completely breakdown. Just took their accusations in full belief. After Hermione had finished telling what she saw in Harry's dreams, she lay back down on Harry's bed and held his hand.
Everyone in the room was in completely and utter shock from what Hermione just told them. The hospital wing was completely silent; the only noise now was the gentle breeze that sweep through the open windows from outside. None of them had any clue as to how bad Harry was suffering from nightmares. Half of the staff was crying from hearing what happened in his nightmare about the school and how terrible it must have been for Harry, while the other half were trying to comfort them still in shock. All they could do was watch the young 15-year-old Harry Potter as he lay there in the bed suffering from the pain of his nightmares. Many couldn't understand why Harry didn't just tell someone about the nightmare, but only a few in the room knew his reasons for hiding it from them. Harry's two best friends, Sirius, and Dumbledore were the only people who knew why Harry didn't tell anyone. Harry was always to worried about other people's well being that he would rather suffer from the pain of keep the nightmare secret than let anyone else know, which would possibly start a panic.
"Hermione do you know when the attack might have taken place?" Dumbledore asked.
"No. I don't." She answered softly, shaking her head. Dumbledore nodded in thanks.
Dumbledore cleared his throat to get everyone's attention. "If all of you will follow me please, we need to discuss what we just heard." He turned his attention to the two students. "Ron? Hermione could you please stay here, and keep Mr. Potter company? Should by chance he awaken come and get us immediately. Understood?" They nodded in understanding, while Dumbledore started walking to Poppy's office since it was sufficient enough in size to accommodate all of the staff members including the Order members.
Once they were in the office their meeting began. The first thing the adults discussed was whether the information they heard from Hermione about Harry's nightmare. They all agreed that since the Dark Lord was back, they would take Harry's dream seriously. Severus informed them that he hasn't heard of the Voldemort making any plans on attack the school, but he reminded them that he doesn't trust him that much right now. So he could've been planning to attack the school, for a while now if Harry's dreams are true. This didn't ease everyone's nervousness, so they started discussing what they could do to protect the school. The teachers agreed that they would not tell the students and pretend that everything was perfectly normal as much as possible, while they prepared. The question of Aurors coming to the school to help protect it, came up but they didn't hold much hope for that. Since the Aurors work for the Ministry, they report under the Minister and if he notices them asking for Aurors he might get suspicious. And there was the possibility that a Death Eater might report to Voldemort of what they were doing and he might move ahead of his schedule and attack before they arrive. But Moody, Fletcher, and Mr. Weasley said that they would go back to the Ministry and try to get some Aurors to come to the school, without arousing to much attention. Dumbledore thanked them and wished them luck. They decided that they should check to see how Harry's friends are doing since it was already well pass midnight.
Ron just sat there in his chair looking at his friend, Harry. He didn't know what to think, especially after hearing what he was keeping from everyone about his nightmare. He never thought that Harry would hide something that painful and serious from him and Hermione. But he knew that's how Harry was, he always keep his pain and secrets carefully hidden, unless it was really big than they would notice something. But he would still deny it. So Ron just continued staring at Harry wondering how much pain was he enduring to keep everyone safe.
Hermione was on Harry's hospital bed laying next to him, watching him carefully. She too never realized just how painful Harry's nightmares were; she knew that they were bad, but never to the degree that she witnessed. Seeing everyone you ever knew killed and murdered before you, and then all of them blaming you for their deaths would be traumatizing to anyone. But it was Harry who was experiencing these things. Hermione couldn't imagine how he felt every time he closed his eyes or how he felt see the bodies and then walk around the school everyday and see the same people alive and enjoying life. Hermione slowly ran her fingers through his long hair, hoping to comfort his pain even though he was asleep.
Just than the adults came out of Madam Pomfrey's office, and gathered around Harry bed again. Dumbledore told them to head back to the quarters, since it was already late into the night. After everyone left Dumbledore, Sirius, Ron, and Hermione were the only ones that didn't leave the room. They remained silent for a few minutes, as they watched Harry chest raise and fall steadily.
"Ron? Hermione?" Dumbledore called softly getting their attention. "It's very late right now and it's already early Friday morning, I think you two should bead back to your dormitories." He raised his hand to stop them from protest before they could say a word. "I know two want to stay here with Harry, but it would be best that you try to get some sleep. If what Poppy said was true, than it is unlikely that Harry would be awakening up anytime soon so he won't be going anywhere. Please go back to your dormitories and rest? If he wakes up at anytime I will go and retrieve you." Ron and Hermione seemed to be thinking it over which didn't bother Dumbledore at all. After about a minute of pondering Ron stood up and nodded to Dumbledore and Sirius. He turned his attention to Hermione to see what she decided. Hermione really didn't want to leave Harry, but she knew that it wouldn't do her any good if she stayed up all night and didn't try to get some sleep. Harry would probably scold her if he found out what she did; this brought the smallest of smiles on her face. She knew that Harry would do that, since he didn't like people worrying about him. Hermione slowly sat up and moved herself off of Harry's bed. She turned around and looked at him carefully making sure that he was as comfortably as possible. Lowering her head to his she kissed his forehead, and stood up again. She turned around slowly started walking to the door with Ron following right behind her.
After Ron and Hermione left the Hospital wing, there was only Dumbledore and Sirius left in the room. Dumbledore sighed heavily and took a seat next to Harry's bed. Dumbledore removed his glasses and pinched the bridge of his nose, while Sirius walked over to stand next to Harry's bed. Both of them were thinking of what had happened just from yesterday afternoon, with Harry's mysterious magical surge to finally discovering what he had been hiding from them about his nightmare. It was far too much to take in and think about within one night. Dumbledore put his glasses back on and checked the time. Breakfast was going to be served in just under fives hours, and right now there was no way possible that he was going to be able to fall asleep now. So both Dumbledore and Sirius stayed by Harry's bed to watch over him. Several times he groaned a little and shifted a bit in the bed, but he remained asleep, which both the men were grateful for since Harry really needed it.
"I guess it was a good thing that Hermione did the Dream Meld spell. If she hadn't we might have never known what Harry was keeping from us." Sirius said breaking the moment of silence.
"Yes, it is. But I'm not so sure if the results are better than if we never knew." Dumbledore replied.
"What do you mean?" Sirius asked.
"What she described to us would traumatic for anyone. If you saw the murders and deaths of your entire school as she has through Harry's dreams, wouldn't you be traumatized? Harry has been through so much he's almost used to it, not that it's a good thing. But for someone like her I'm not so sure. Nobody has really ever experienced what Harry goes through in his nightmares and the few of us who do know from watching him and from what little he tells us, it is very terrifying. I fear Ms. Granger will be needing sometime to get over what she saw in the dream, since she visually experienced it." Sirius now saw what Dumbledore meant, he couldn't imagine the sort of things that Hermione saw, it certainly must have been very graphic since while she was telling everyone about it she had to paused a few moments. / I guess trying to remember things like that can be very traumatizing. / He thought to himself for a moment.
"Sirius can I ask you something?" asked Dumbledore softly, looking up at Sirius. Sirius nodded seeing that this was going to be a sensitive topic. "Do you think that Harry might have came to us earlier if he knew about me?" Sirius was surprised that this was what his old Headmaster wanted to talk about. True he himself never knew that Albus Dumbledore was the grandfather to Harry Potter 'The Boy who Lived' his godson, til after he escaped from Azkaban. He found out after having a meeting with Dumbledore some time after Harry's third year, he was a shocked to say the lease. He asked him why he never told Harry before, and why he just didn't take him instead of leaving him with his muggle relatives. Dumbledore never gave him an answer, but Sirius wasn't going to push him anymore since he respected his privacy. Sirius pondered for a moment before answering.
"Truthfully, Albus. I really don't know. In some way it might have, but somehow I really don't think so. He would much rather burden the pain of keeping things like this nightmare from us, than having us worry. You know how he is, sometimes I think he's too noble for his own good." Sirius answered sadly looking at Harry, and seeing the result of the burden and pain that his godson carries.
"I wish I did tell him. We might have been able to avoid this. But I'm not certain I should tell him now, or at least not until things settle down." Dumbledore replied, turning away from Harry feeling ashamed.
"You don't know if he would've told you, even if you did tell him. Albus, you did what you thought was right. You wanted to wait for the right time to tell Harry. But as I see it there is never going to be the 'right time'. I suggest that when Harry does wake up you tell him right away." Sirius said encouragingly, as he turned around to with him since he had never seen Albus like this before.
"But won't he be upset, when I tell him that I'm his grandfather?" Dumbledore asked worriedly. The air in the room suddenly seemed to become very tense and filled with a strange power, but he ignored it dismissing it as him being nervous.
"Yes, that's a possibility. But I'm sure that after he settles a bit and after you explain your reason that he'll understand. Don't worry so much." Sirius said trying to sound optimistic. All glass windows in the Hospital wing suddenly exploded with a resounding BOOM. Dumbledore and Sirius dropped to the ground to cover themselves from the flying shards of broken glass flying everywhere. After all the glass that was flying around in the Hospital wing settled on the floor, both Dumbledore and Sirius slowly pulled themselves up both wondering, 'What in Merlin's name just happened?'.
"Both of you have a lot of explaining to do." Said an angry cold voice behind them, a voice that they were all too familiar with, it was Harry's voice. Both of them went very pale as they slowly turned around. Their eyes came to see Harry was setting up on his bed staring at them. Harry's face was contorted showing angry and they could see in his eyes so many emotions on it, there was no way to count them all. His looked very tired, as he still had the dark circles under his eyes. His face was slightly pale from not eating in the past few days, and his clothes sagged a bit on his shoulders. Finally his face settled to one of angry.
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Harry could feel himself slowly becoming aware of his surroundings. His eyes felt suddenly heavy and his body felt so exhausted, but his mind felt woke awake unlike his body. He could feel himself in a reasonable soft bed and he recognized the smell of the place. / Great! I back in the Hospital wing. I should just move in here already, I'm certainly in here enough times. / He growled to himself, he didn't try to move since his body didn't appear to be complying. So he tried to remember what the strange 'vision' he decided to call it was about. / Oh no, I turning into that old bat Trelawney. That can't be good? But that was certainly weird. /
Harry was brought out of his thoughts by the voices of Professor Dumbledore and Sirius. / What are they doing here? / Harry decided that he wouldn't show that he was awake, he always wondered what people talked about as he slept. So he just kept still and listened to their conversation. Which turned out to be a bad idea as he heard them talk about what Hermione did involving the Dream Meld spell. Harry was needless to say shocked that she would do something like that. / Why did Hermione do that? She had absolutely to right to do that! / Harry thought angrily, but something in his mind wasn't really angry with her. He did worry a lot of people by not telling anyone. And it kept reminding him that at least now they know. But Harry wasn't listening to that part of his mind. / How could they do this to me? I trusted them and they do this. They just went ahead like I'm an exhibit that they can just go and take a look. / He was brought out of his thoughts again as Dumbledore and Sirius continued their conversation.
Harry heard them talking about something that they were hiding from him. / Now what else are they hiding from me?! / He heard them talking about what would have happened if they told him earlier, and if they could've avoided him being in the Hospital wing. / It's nice to see that they are so concerned about me. / He though sarcastically. Than Harry finally heard those words uttered from Dumbledore's mouth, 'But won't he be upset, when I tell him that I'm his grandfather?' / WHAT?! / Was all Harry could think of when he heard those words, it suddenly seemed like time froze at that moment. Harry though quickly shook it off; he didn't know whether to be angry, happy, or anything at all. Then the memories of his life with the Dursley's zipped through his mind. / Won't I be upset? What do they think I'll be? Of course I'll be! / Harry thought harshly as a strange feeling came over him and his body didn't feel tired anymore, and then he heard Sirius's 'cheery' response. Once Harry heard that he would 'understand' and that he wouldn't be upset, he couldn't take it anymore. With that he stood up in his bed. He wasn't even aware that the glass windows in the room shattered, he just watched the two men dropped to the floor. After they stood up he spoke, "You two have a lot of explaining to do."
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"Harry you awake!" Sirius shouted he was surprised since he wasn't supposed to wake up for quite some time. Harry slowly turned his eyes to him, which were completely devoid of emotion.
"That much is obvious." He replied coldly. He slowly crawled out of bed, completely oblivious to how tired his tired and sore his body really was. Once he was standing next to his bed he looked directly at the two men. In his mind these two men were the only ones that he trusted most out of any adults he had ever known. But right now, he felt so betrayed by them that he couldn't trust anything that they said to him anymore. First his friends go behind his back and look into his head, and now he finds out that he still has a living relative that didn't even bother to try and take him in. Dumbledore and Sirius could clearly see in Harry's eyes that he was hurt.
"Harry? Let me explain please?" Dumbledore started carefully, as he knew Harry was right now very distressed. Harry just turned his attention to him.
"WHY? WHY SHOULD I LISTEN TO YOU? SO YOU CAN LIE TO ME SOMEMORE!" Harry yelled back angrily. "I TRUSTED YOU! I TRUSTED BOTH OF YOU THE MOST!" He continued. "I trusted you…" He said again in a much softer voice, as he grabbed a hold of the side of the bed to remain standing. When Dumbledore and Sirius moved towards him to give him a hand but Harry immediately jumped out of their reach. When he looked at them again, his face was still expressing his anger but now his eyes had tears in them that were slowly making their way down his face.
"Harry, let us help you?" Sirius said as he tried again to get close to Harry. Harry ducked under his arm and was now standing in the middle of the room.
"No! I won't listen to any more lies. I have been lied to enough in my life. And I don't need anymore or anyone's help." Harry said in a sadden voice as he slowly backed up towards the door.
"Harry? Please?" Dumbledore tried as he and Sirius cautiously made their way to Harry to calm him down, as they didn't want to startle him.
"NO!" Harry shouted, and suddenly Dumbledore and Sirius were frozen in their places. They were unable to move any part of body; it was like they were completely paralyzed. Both of them were startled by what just happened and quickly turned their eyes to see if the other was in a similar state. Their eyes widen in shock as they saw each other surrounded by a white glow, they eyes turned back to Harry. Suddenly Harry turned and ran straight out of the door of the Hospital wing leaving the two men standing in the middle of the room.
A few minutes after Harry left, Dumbledore and Sirius were suddenly released from their paralyzed state. They shook their heads to clear their thoughts at what just happened, and to stretch out and kinks they had from standing in that position. After they were done, they just stared at the spot where Harry was standing. Both of them knew that this wasn't good. Too many things were happening for Harry at once, and right now it appeared to them that he might not want to be around anyone. As it appears that he has lost trust in everyone, even them. Dumbledore turned to Sirius with a sadden expression.
"Sirius, please inform the Order of what happened? While I inform the staff, and Harry's friends when they arrive for breakfast in the Great Hall." He requested, Sirius looked at him but didn't argue, he knew that Dumbledore was worried about Harry as well. But neither of them knew where Harry was at the moment and that he probably wants to be left only for now.
Sirius left and went to inform the Order members, while Dumbledore went to the Staff Quarters. Dumbledore informed them of what happened in the hospital wing, but chose to leave out about him being Harry's grandfather. He suspected that Harry probably heard the part of what Hermione and the Dream Meld spell, which would particularly explain his behavior. The Hogwarts staff were now even more worried as just a few hours ago Harry was in the Hospital wing recovering from his nightmares, and now he was somewhere in the castle alone, and just to top it all off You-Know-Who might be coming very soon to attack the school based on Harry's dream. Dumbledore asked them to try and act casual, as if nothing was different. Also as they went about their day to try and keep an eye out for Harry should they see him. The staff agreed immediately and went to prepare for their lessons for the day.
During breakfast Dumbledore waited for Harry's friends, Ron and Hermione to arrive to give them the grave news. Once they arrived and had their breakfast, he called them up and told them what he told the staff. Hermione got very scared that Harry suddenly ran off hearing about what she did, and figured that he probably wouldn't be very happy right now. Ron was silent through the conversation, but he was worried also. Both of them were told to try and go about their day like normal, and not to worry but to also keep an eye out for Harry and to inform a professor should they see him.
However Ron and Hermione had the hardest time trying to act normal like it was just another day of school. It was especially hard for Hermione as she was really worried about Harry. They noticed that the professors were a little tense during their lessons since they heard about Harry's dream about the possible attack, from her. But nobody saw Harry the entire day even through dinner no one had seen him. Sirius went around the school as 'Snuffles' trying to pick up Harry's scent but it was no use with all of the students running around the place, and the Marauder's Map no where to be found in Harry's trunk. During dinner, Dumbledore reminded them that tomorrow was Halloween, and that there was going to be the feast and the dance after it. All of the students chatted happily about it except Ron and Hermione. Ron tried to put on a happy face and carry a conversation about it with the rest of the Gryffindors, but Hermione was completely quiet, as she didn't want to talk to anyone except Harry.
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Harry ran to the Gryffindor tower after leaving the Hospital wing at a sprint not stopping for anything. He would have ran through the Fat Lady portrait if he didn't yell out the password from down the hall. He jumped up the stair to the dormitories and grabbed his invisibility cloak, the 'Forbidden Shield book', and the map. He threw the cloak over himself as he ran back out of the tower; he knew only one place where he would be left only, the Astronomy tower.
Once he arrived there he threw off the cloak and dropped to his knees and leaned up against the wall. There he let as much of his pain as he could handle, out and cried. He didn't know how long he cried only that he must have been a long time as the sun was already moving across the sky. He wiped his tear stricken face as best as he could. Suddenly Harry had the usual feeling that he was being watched, he looked around to see if there was anyone else up there with him. It turned out the Fawkes was standing in front of Harry, from where he was sitting on the floor. Harry was startle that the phoenix was right there in front of him and nearly jumped out of his skin, but calmed down when he realized it was on Fawkes.
^Are you all right?^ The phoenix asked as he tilted his head sideward watching Harry intently. Harry on the other was staring at the phoenix wondering if he really had lost his mind. / Did I just hear Fawkes talk to me? /
^Fawkes? Did you just talk to me?^ Harry asked in curiosity, but only to gasp when a quivering note came out instead of a voice.
^Yes, Harry I did.^ Fawkes replied, and if was possible for a phoenix it appeared that he smirked.
^Fawkes? How am I able to do this?^ Harry asked again wondering if he really had lost it.
^It is one of your new abilities. One of many that you'll get in time. Don't you remember back earlier during the summer that you and I had a very small conversation in the Hospital wing?^ The phoenix asked clearly amused by Harry's curiosity. Harry thought back to that time and could remember vaguely about. So Harry just nodded to the phoenix, though still very confused at exactly how he was able to understand and talk to Fawkes. ^Don't worry I know that you are very confused right now. But everything will be explained very soon. You just have to be patient. I am sorry that I cannot tell you more though. I would gladly tell you more, but I was asked not to tell anything more than I really have too.^
^Let me guess your wonderful master Dumbledore told you not to say anything. Right?^ Harry scowled, remembering that Dumbledore lied to him and he probably had even his own pet phoenix keep secrets from him.
^Actually. No. It wasn't my master, Albus Dumbledore. The one who asked that I not tell you, is someone you already now or more precisely someone who you will now in time.^ Fawkes trilled, in amusement. Harry looked back at the phoenix and a thought popped into his head.
^Um? Fawkes, if I'm able to talk and understand you, how come during the past few nights I didn't?^ Harry asked. Fawkes thought about how he could answer. After thinking of an answer, he quickly fluttered into Harry's lap to explain.
^I am sorry Harry, but like I said earlier. I can't tell you anything. But please trust me in that, everything will be made clear very soon.^ Fawkes replied, his eyes asking Harry to trust him. Harry stared into his eyes, seeing if there was truth behind what he said. All Harry found was just that, truth. Harry decided that they would drop the subject and talk about something else. After a few more minutes of silence Fawkes spoke up.
^You know, Albus really does care for you.^ Harry angry started up again, but it stopped before it reached the boiling point. Harry sighed heavily.
^Yeah right, if that's true why didn't he keep me instead of sending me to live with the Dursleys.^ Harry said harshly, as his eyes started to water.
^Harry, I know your hurt. But he does care for you greatly, and I will not try to explain why Albus did what he did. That is between you and him.^ The phoenix trilled. After a minute of thinking, Harry made his decision.
^You're right. I am hurt that he didn't tell me sooner, but I'm sure he has his reasons. I will talk to him and allow him to explain, but not right now.^ He replied, and Fawkes seemed satisfied with his answered and sang a song to help Harry relax.
Harry spent the rest of the day up on the Astronomy tower, since it wasn't used during the day for obvious reasons. Harry just thought about everything that's happened since the start of the term in September. So many things have happened that, he couldn't believe it. At about lunchtime Harry stomach gave the biggest growl that anyone could have ever heard. Harry blushed in embarrassment, as Fawkes seemed a little amused by his stomach since he was sitting right next to it. He quickly threw the invisibility cloak over himself and made his way to the kitchens. When he arrived he was plowed by Dobby's tight hug in his midsection. Dobby informed Harry that the teachers were looking for him, but he asked Dobby to not tell anyone in that he was there. Dobby was worried why Harry was asking that, but he respect Harry greatly and complied with his requested. Harry asked if he could have something to drink and fruit to eat. Since he didn't think he could hold anything like meat down in his stomach. After Dobby retrieved the items, Harry practically inhaled all of it as he realized that he must have been really hungry. After finishing Harry felt a lot better at actually having something in his stomach, he thanked Dobby and said good-bye as he left. But as he turned around in the corner of eye, he could have sworn that saw Dobby smile and 'bow' to him like someone would to a person of great social status almost like royalty. But Harry just shook it off as nothing and continued out and headed back up to the Astronomy tower.
The next morning was Saturday, and it was Halloween. On this particular day Harry was just finishing getting dressed after his 'very' early morning shower. He had spent the entire day and night up on the Astronomy tower, with Fawkes. Harry didn't do much except read the Forbidden Shields book and talk to Fawkes about, just about anything ranging from school, quidditch, and how the world is today. Harry even learned that Fawkes was around even before the Founders of the Hogwarts were, but he wouldn't say anymore on that. Since apparently Fawkes didn't like being reminded that he's old. Harry couldn't help but laugh at the phoenix. Harry made sure that he had everything on especially his phoenix amulet; he grabbed the Forbidden Shield book, and a clock to keep warm during the night before he left, to head back to the Astronomy tower where he knew Fawkes would be waiting for him. For some reason today Harry felt unusually nervous and jumpy. He didn't know why but he didn't like it.
Throughout the day everyone was eagerly awaiting the Halloween feast and dance, later that night. That is everyone except Ron, Hermione, the Hogwarts staff, and the Order members. None of them had seen Harry since Thursday night, and they were really starting to worry. Ron kept reminding Hermione that Harry would be all right and that he'll turn up soon. However Hermione wasn't as easily convinced, but she kept it to herself as she didn't want to dampen Ron's attempts to cheer her up.
Finally it was time for the Halloween feast to start, and all the Gryffindors started to head for the Great Hall. Ron was one of the last to leave and was about to exit the portrait hole, when he noticed Hermione was sitting in one comfy chair in front of the fireplace. As he went over there, he noticed that Crookshanks was with her sitting in her lap.
"Hermione? Are you going to the Halloween feast?" He asked.
"No, I don't feel like going. You go on and have fun, don't let me keep you." She replied, in a forced cheerful voice.
"Hermione, just come down to the Great Hall for at least a little while." Ron encouraged. But Hermione shook her head; she really didn't feel like having fun. It just wouldn't be the same without Harry if it were just her and Ron.
"No, go on already. I think I'll just stay here, maybe I'll read a book or something." She said trying to sound convincing. Ron saw that there was no way of getting her to change her mind, so he nodded and left the common room. Hermione sat there for about another hour doing absolutely nothing, except staring at the fire and thinking about Harry. She knew that he was probably angry with her for casting the Dream Meld spell, and looking into his dream. But she kept reminding herself that she did it to help him and that it was going to be all right. Hermione took a deep breath and released it slowly. Crookshanks now turned his attention to her, to see what she was thinking. Hermione looked down at her cat and saw that he was gazing intently at her as if asking, 'what's wrong?'. Hermione shook her head and started thinking about Harry again.
"I wonder Harry is right now?" She asked to no one in particular. Suddenly Crookshanks jumped off her lap and walked up to the door and scratched it as if trying to get out. Hermione was a little curious as to why Crookshanks want to go out, but she got up anyway and opened the portrait hole for him. When he was about halfway through it he clamped his jaws onto the bottom of her pants and tugged. Hermione was now really wondering what was wrong with her cat. "Do you want me to follow you?" She asked looking down at him. Crookshanks let go and started walking down the stairs. Hermione figured that, that was a 'yes'.
Hermione followed closely behind Crookshanks in the corridors, and eventually recognized that the path they were taking was going to lead them to he Astronomy tower. / Why is Crookshanks going to the Astronomy tower? / She wondered, since the Astronomy Tower was a well known place where couples spend late nights together. Hermione continued to follow him up the long staircase until finally they were up on the top and onto the Astronomy tower deck. Crookshanks had already gone through the door and vanished. Hermione slowly pushed door open slowly not making a sound. On the deck Hermione could see all of the grounds of Hogwarts, there was a full moon shining brightly in the sky providing more than enough light to see in the dark, and there was gentle cool breeze blowing through. Hermione slowly started walking around the deck to see where Crookshanks had gone. When she turned around, she not only saw Crookshanks sitting on the low wall but also Fawkes, Dumbledore's pet phoenix. But what caught her attention was the lone person facing the grounds with his back to her and his long black hair that was in a ponytail slowly moving due to the breeze. She knew who that person was it was. It was Harry.
Harry was keeping a watchful eye out on the grounds his instincts told him that something was going to happen tonight, he had a feeling he knew what it was but he was praying that it wasn't that. He noticed suddenly that Crookshanks was there with him and Fawkes. Harry smiled at the ginger cat, but something in the cat's eyes told him something else. He looked curiously at the cat than Fawkes who was next him. He could see in the reflection of Fawkes's black eyes someone walk out on to the Astronomy deck, he recognized the person instantly, it was Hermione. Seeing her brought back the conversation he heard exchanged between Dumbledore and Sirius about her casting the Dream Meld spell on him to see into his dreams. He didn't like what she did and his face darkened a little and turned his attention back to the grounds.
Hermione hadn't said anything as she just stared at Harry, wondering why he was here of all places. While at the same time she was mentally kicking herself, for not guessing that Harry was hiding here, after all why would you look for a person here at a place where couples come. Harry sensing that Hermione wasn't going to start, he decided he would. "What are you doing here, Hermione?" Not turning around to face her.
Hermione was startled that he knew that she was there behind him and the cold voice he used. She didn't know what to say at that moment. Whether to ask if he was all right or apologize for casting that spell. Finally Hermione just took a deep breath, "I was worried about you." Silence.
"That's nice. It's so nice to see people worried about me, especially when I can trust them. You know trust, don't you Hermione. 'Trust' is the something that friends are suppose to have amongst themselves, where you could share your secrets with, and at the same time trust them not to go snooping around in their head." Harry responded coldly. Hermione cringed at how Harry's voice was, she could tell that he wasn't too happy with what she did but she had to explain herself.
"I know Harry. I am sorry that I cast that spell, to see what you were dreaming about. But I was worried about you. Every time I saw you, you looked scared and in pain. I wanted to help you get through with whatever you were dreaming about, that's why I cast that Dream Meld spell. I thought if I saw what you were dreaming about I could, help you." She replied, however quivering at the end as she remembered the nightmare.
"Yeah, you wanted to help me. You wanted to see what I was dreaming about, and you got it. Now I bet you wish that you didn't cast the spell." Harry said, his tone now void of emotion. "Right?"
Now Hermione was uncertainly on how to answer that question, since 'yes' her brain was telling her that wished she didn't cast that spell, but her heart was telling her that she did it because she cared. She didn't even notice that during their short exchange of words that she was slowly towards Harry, because when she looked up she was right behind him. However Harry didn't acknowledge her presents, he just continued to stare out on to the grounds.
"Truthfully. Truthfully I don't know. A part of does wish that I didn't cast that spell." Hermione replied solemnly.
"See I was right. You got more than what you bargained for." Harry replied, still not looking at her.
"Yes, but at the same time I don't regret it. I did because I really was worried about you. I cared too much for you to see you suffer like that. That's why…" She stopped when she heard Harry laughing. Hermione stared at Harry wondering what was so funny. Harry leaned forward on the wall in front of him placing his hands as if to support himself. Hermione was now confused as to what Harry was doing and feeling right now, she stepped to stand beside him facing him. She couldn't see his face and his laughter slowly died down, but he still didn't face her.
"You cared about me? Why? Why should anyone care about me?" Harry asked suspiciously.
"Harry, I do care about you. And everyone cares about you, that's why we want to help you. That's why Dumbledore…"
"DON'T! Don't you dare say he cares about me, because he doesn't!" Harry interrupted.
"Harry, what are you talking about? Of course he cares about you." She started but was interrupted again.
"No, he doesn't Hermione. I have had even of his lies." A small sob escaped his mouth, but he was determined not to cry. But he was slowly losing the battle. "I lied to me Hermione, he's kept a secret from me my entire life. One that could've made my life a lot less painful and miserable." Hermione couldn't help but wonder what Dumbledore could have kept from Harry that would make him like this. She looked down at the stonewall that Harry was leaning on and noticed with the help of the moonlight. There was collection of wet spots on it, like rain drops but it wasn't raining. It was than that she realized that it was teardrops, Harry was crying. Finally it was than that Harry turned to look at her. Hermione saw that Harry appeared to have been crying for quite a while, his eyes showed pain and sadness. Harry eyes connected with hers, "And you know what else? To top it all off Sirius knew about it." More tears started to come down, and Harry finally couldn't take it anymore and freely cried, collapsing to the ground with his head in his hands.
Hermione didn't know what to do, till suddenly the scene in Harry's nightmare where he was in this exact position taking all the blame of everyone's death flashed in her mind. She had never seen him cry like this, she had always seen him as the brave one, and he never let his emotions out that much, he always kept them hidden. She did the first thing that she thought that would comfort him to show that she did care about him. She quickly kneeled down beside him and wrapped her arms around him and hugged him to show that she did care.
Harry at first didn't know what to do when he felt Hermione wrap her arms around him. He wanted to push her away, but something was stopping him. Harry felt that nobody cared about him; as far back as he could remember the Dursleys drilled this idea into his head. Till Hagrid finally showed up that faithful day, and told him what he really was. Since that day he felt like he really belong somewhere and people cared. But this believe was seriously put to the test like second year, when everyone thought he was the heir to Slytherin all because he could talk parseltongue. And then there was last year when many people thought entered himself in he Triwizard Tournament even Ron didn't believe him. Ron didn't even care until after the first task when he had to challenge the Horntail dragon. And there's was how everyone believed it was his destiny to stop Voldemort, or at least those who believe that he returned. It was starting to feel like he was just a 'weapon'. He was there just to fight and defeat the dark wizard and than later forgotten, that was what he was starting to feel like since so many people were expecting so much of him. And now he finds out he has another living relative, one of the few adults that he ever trusted in his life, Albus Dumbledore. He still had a hard time accepting what he heard Albus Dumbledore was his grandfather. His own grandfather couldn't even tell him the truth about who he really was. It was than that Harry finally believed that nobody cared, but here was Hermione trying to show she did care. His arms moved from his face and ever so slowly wrapped themselves around Hermione. Silently he thanked her for caring and he forgave her as all of his angry towards her casting the Dream Meld spell disappeared.
Hermione was startled for a second when she felt Harry's arms wrap around her waist but didn't show it. She knew Harry need someone there right now just to hold him and for him to hold, and she wasn't going to stop him. She was going to allow him as much time as he needed. Both of them held each other a quite a while before either of them moved. After Harry calmed down a bit he sat up and leaned against the wall, and Hermione sat next to him up against the wall as well.
"Do you want to talk about it?" Hermione asked, with care showing in her eyes. Harry looked at her, to see the care in her eyes and he smiled. But he wasn't ready to tell anyone about Dumbledore being his grandfather; he wanted to talk to him about it first before he told anyone else.
"No, at least not yet anyway. But I will in time." Harry replied softly. Hermione could tell that Harry was touched by her concern from his smile. It was the first real smile that she had seen in a while, and she knew from what he said that he would tell her no matter what. Hermione returned his smile and nodded in understanding. Both of them stared into each other's eyes for a while, completely lost in them as everything around them seem to have dissolved away. Fawkes flapped his wings, which brought them out of their peaceful gaze. Harry and Hermione blushed a little when they realized that they were staring at each other, but neither of them saw the others face. Harry stood up and Hermione followed.
"Harry, have you been here everyday?" Hermione asked breaking the silence. Harry gave a small smile at her question.
"Yes, I came up here every night since that night of the Quidditch game party." He replied. "At the time I was angry about what I thought about you and Ron. And I had a lot of other things on my mind, which I sure you know now." He looked at Hermione knowing. She nodded knowing that he was talking about the nightmare. "Truthfully I don't know why I chose this place. I guess with the open night sky and the cool air around me, I just felt more at peace here."
"Do you think we should go down to the Great Hall or head back down to the Gryffindor common room since it's getting late?" Hermione asked after a moment of silence.
"No I want to stay up here a while longer." Harry answered shaking his head, as he sat down on the wall, where Fawkes and Crookshanks were still sitting. "But you can go back if you want to. Don't let me keep you? By the way why aren't you down at the Halloween feast or by now the dance?" He asked.
"I didn't want to go. I was to worried about you to feel like having fun." She answered, truthfully. Harry smiled at her again, and she blushed slightly at his smile, as she couldn't help it.
"Thank you." He replied. He turned his attention back to the school grounds again and silenced returned. A few more minutes passed with Harry and Hermione standing on the Astronomy tower deck. Harry looking out on the grounds like a scout, and Hermione watching him with a smile. She was happy to see that her and Harry are okay again. She wanted to tell her about her feelings for him badly, but she knew that he was going through a lot right now. She wasn't sure if it was just a simple crush that she had for him, or if it was something more. And she knew from Ron that Harry had feelings for her, but that couldn't have changed with everything that has happened since that night. At the same time Harry was thinking about the same thing, as Hermione. But for him it was about the way that he acted towards her, that he wasn't sure if telling her was a good idea.
A cold breeze blew pass the tower deck, and Hermione shivered from it. Harry noticing that she was shaking stood up for a moment from the wall to remove his clock, before sitting back down. He pulled Hermione to him and wrapped her in the already warm cloak snuggly, before wrapping his arms around her to help her get warm. Hermione was a little surprised that Harry didn't remove his arms from around her at first, but when he didn't she didn't complain. She sighed from the gentle warmth as she wrapped her arms around his midsection and laid her head on his chest.
Harry was needless to say surprised, by what she was doing but he liked it. He felt happy holding Hermione close to him and her doing the same. It reminded him of the unicorn ride in Hagrid's class, as it felt good to be held by her. Harry moved one arm down to her waist to pull her closer while his other one held her head to his chest gentle running his hand over her hair. Both of them closed their eyes in content simply enjoying each other's embrace and warmth they were giving. As they stood there in each other's arm not having a care in the world, Fawkes and Crookshanks were watching with a smile on their faces, if that was possible for the two animals.
It was some time later before either of them started thinking about anything again. / I like this being in his arms. No, that doesn't sound right. No, I love this. I love the way he holds me, so gentle and warm. I love hi… / Hermione thought, as her eyes shot open. It was then that she realized that it wasn't a simple crush that she had for him. No, she had fallen for her best friend, Harry Potter. Hermione made the decision to tell him than, even if he didn't fell the same.
At the same time Harry was thinking the same thing. / She always been there for me, and I couldn't never ask more of her. And now here she is in my arms, and I couldn't be happier. I love you, Hermio… / Harry thoughts stopped when he said that to himself. He realized that he had fallen for his best friend, Hermione Granger. He was brought out of his train of thought when Hermione started to move but still remaining in their embrace. He looked down to see her looking intently up at him.
"Harry, there's something I have to tell you." She said nervously looking back down. " Harry, I…" She stopped. "I… I…. I lo…" She tried again, but for some reason she just couldn't get the words to come out, even though she wanted to say them.
Harry noticing that she wanted to say something important, he waited patiently. But every time she tried she would start to stutter, which she never did. Harry slowly moved his hand and gentle cupped her chin and made her look at him. He looked directly into her eyes. "Hermione, what is it that you want to say?" he asked tenderly.
Hermione couldn't help but melt at the sound of his tender voice and gentle eyes looking back at her. She brought her head back down on his chest again, and whispered. "I love you."
Harry's brain seemed to suddenly stop from functioning for a few seconds and his heart skipped a few beats. He couldn't believe what he just heard, Hermione loved him and it didn't sound like 'love' as in friends. / Did I just hear her correctly? She loves me. Can she really love me? / Harry's memory recalled all the times she was there for him like last year. Than it played when they were riding the unicorn how she held on to him, and when she fell off the unicorn on to him and nearly kissed until the unicorn interrupted them. And just earlier this when they held each other. / Yes, she does and I love her. / Harry thought happily. Hermione who was waiting for Harry's reaction to what she said. But when she didn't receive any she feared that he didn't have the same feelings and moved out of their embrace keeping her eyes on the ground.
"I'm sorry for telling you that I love you, Harry. But I wanted you to know. Even though you don't feel the same for me. I hope we can still be…" Hermione stopped when Harry pulled her back into the embrace. She didn't know what to do at first, but melted again into the warm embrace from Harry.
"Hermione?" Harry called softly. They separated a little bit so they could look at each other. Harry smiled brightly at Hermione. "Hermione, there's something that I have to tell you also?" She could see the happiness and love in his eyes, and she knew instantly that he did share her feelings. But she needed to hear those words, and she smiled back at him in anticipation. Harry continued to smile at her, seeing that she knew what he was about to say. "Hermione, I…. Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh!!!"
Harry screamed and clamped both of his hands on his forehead, and shutting his eyes tight. It felt like someone thrust a white-hot poker into his forehead, and his skull was about to be split open. He collapsed deck floor still clutching his forehead and screaming. Hermione jumped back when Harry screamed in her face and was about to yell at him for doing that, but stopped herself when she saw his was clutching his scar. / Oh no! / She quickly ran to his side and tried to help him but she didn't know what to do. Finally after about a minute Harry stopped screaming and started breathing normally with sweat running down his face and his eyes remained closed. "Harry, are you okay?" she asked worriedly.
Harry eyes shot opened and sat up instantly. He quickly looked out at the open school grounds, "Oh no, they're here." Harry quickly sprinted for the door and disappeared through it leaving a confused Hermione. She replayed in her head what he just said, than quickly realized what he meant by that. / Oh no. / "HARRY, WAIT?" She screamed and quickly chased after him.
Harry jumped the stairs of the Astronomy tower 5 to 6 at a time, and sprinted down the corridors of the school. Everyone to him was a blur of color, as he pulled out his wand and headed for the Great Hall. / I've got to warn the professors! / He though as he came up the door leading to the Great Hall. He rammed himself into the doors throwing them open, and making them bang loudly against the wall on the other side. He didn't even notice that dance music and those dancing stopped when the doors banged open, with everyone looking at him. Once he was able to stop himself from falling flat on his face from hitting the doors he shouted, "PROFESSORS!!!"
Suddenly there was an explosion from outside and the Great Hall shook slightly, making everyone scream. Dumbledore instantly stood up when Harry appeared at the doors, he could see the fear in his eyes even though they were at opposite ends of the Great Hall. He was about to ask him what was wrong, when Harry shouted at them to get their attention and then with explosion outside, he knew instantly what was happening. All the students started running round scared, and he and the other professors gathered around him.
"Professor Sprout! Professor Sinistra! Stay here and try to calm the students! The rest of you follow me!" Dumbledore ordered. He turned around see where Harry was, but couldn't see him anywhere however he had a feeling he knew where he was going. He and the other professors made their way through the students quickly, and when they got to the door saw Hermione coming down the hall.
"Professor?! Where's Harry?" Her voice clearly showed she was afraid for him. They could hear the sound of two heavy doors slamming closed together coming from down the hall, and Dumbledore knew that was the sound of the huge entrance doors. He immediately broke into a sprint to the doors followed by Hermione and the other professors.
Harry ran out of the Great Hall, when the students started running around he headed for the entrance hall. Once outside he pushed the two massive doors closed. After slamming them shut, he aimed his wand at them and cast the strongest magical locking charm that he knew. Once that was done, he turned and ran out onto the grounds. When he was about 20 meters away from the castle he turned around facing the school and took out the Shield book. He turned the to the page with the Shield of Light. He followed the instructions after pocketing his wand. With one hand holding the book, he used the other one to cast the shield. He chanted it, but nothing happened. / Oh no! Nothing happened! / He tried again for the second time but again nothing happened. Harry was hysterical now as he fell to his knees. He turned and looked over his shoulder where he could see what looked like 20 figures dressed in black robes running up to the school from the Forbidden forest. Harry turned to look back up at the school to see the professors had removed his locking charm on the entrance doors and were running towards him with their wands out. / No I can't let you fight. I won't let them harm you or anyone. / Harry sat up straight still on his knees, with determination showing in his face and eyes. Harry took a deep breath and looked back at the book and raised his hand again.
"By the power of my mind
Through the power of my soul…" A strong wind started to pick up around Harry and he could feel energy starting to course through him. And his voice was starting to move with the winds enhancing it, to more like an echo even though he was speaking in a normal tone.
"I call upon the Light of my desire
To protect those from evil…" The winds continued to pick up and a white light started to appear on the ground a little in front of him. The light was about six inches in diameter, but the glow from it made it appear even larger. He could hear both groups of people getting closer to him, he had to finish cast it before he could worry about the Death Eaters.
Dumbledore and the others were sprinting to where they could see Harry standing and doing something. As they made their way there, Dumbledore notice the wind picked up, a strange energy build up coming from somewhere, and a voice coming from the wind. It was than that he noticed Harry reading from a book, and a strange white glow appearing on the ground in front of him. Dumbledore suddenly feared he knew what Harry was trying to cast, / Oh Merlin, don't tell me he's casting that shield, please? / He only hoped it wasn't that as he increased his speed.
"I invoke the Shield of Light!" Harry shouted that last part of the incantation. He felt a rush of energy run through his body and out, as he felt like he suddenly had three quidditch practices in a row.
"HARRY! NO!" Dumbledore yelled, but it was too late.
Suddenly the white light before Harry shot off to his right leaving a trail of white fire behind it. He watched it speed off and arch as it went further down the grounds disappearing behind the castle from view. A few moments later it appeared at his left coming back to the same point from where it started off. Dumbledore and the others were just a few feet from him, when the white light reconnected with its origin point, completing a ring around the castle. The ring flashed a brilliant white light blinding everyone for a second, before it shot upwards towards the sky forming a cylinder. It stayed like that for a few moments before the top part of the cylinder started falling inward connecting above the castle forming a perfect dome of white light. Harry looked at the dome of white light, and he smiled inwardly seeing that the shield worked. He could see it glimmer against the moonlight, and see waves and ripples of energy passing all over the dome in every direction.
"Harry?! Harry, please remove the shield?" Dumbledore demanded. Harry looked up to see Dumbledore, Hermione, and most of the professors standing in front of him on the other side of the shield, all trying to make out what the shield was except Dumbledore. Harry slowly stood up feeling a bit dizzy and tired; leaving the book on the ground, and slowly looked up at him.
"No, Professor. I won't lower the shield." Harry relied firmly. He could see some of the other professors trying to removed the shield with their wands, and others just staring at it in curiosity. He looked back at Dumbledore.
"Harry, please don't do this! You know what will happen if the shield is up for too long, and you don't lower it." Dumbledore begged. But Harry just shook his head slowly and started turning around about to walk down to the Death Eaters.
"Harry, where are you going?" Hermione asked hysterically standing beside Dumbledore.
"Harry, please?" Dumbledore asked again. Harry stopped and turned to face them to see them leaning right up against the shield. He walked right up to the shield.
"I'm sorry Professor, I won't allow Voldemort to hurt or kill anyone anymore. Especially those I care about…" He looked at the other professors, who were looking back at him, than turned his attention to the castle, and then back at Dumbledore. "…or those I love." This time he turned his attention to Hermione at the last part. He could see Hermione was now starting to cry; he smiled at her with all his love shining through his eyes. Harry placed his palm on the shield still looking at Hermione; she too did the same with her palm placing it aligned with his. He slowly turned around and started walking to the Death Eaters that were now only a few meters away. Harry ignored those who were calling his name, begging him to stop.
Finally he was in front of the 20 odd Death Eaters all with their wands out and in the center of them was Voldemort.
"Ah. Harry Potter I see you have come to fight us, by yourself no less. How brave. Yet how foolish." He hissed, smiling evilly.
"Shut up, Tom. I won't allow you to kill anyone at Hogwarts." Harry replied firmly gripping his wand tightly. Voldemort glared at him for using his father's name, but he was going to keep his calm
"I was going to kill everyone till I've found you but seeing as you're here. You've saved me the trouble. How fitting that your death would be on the same night, that I kill your parents. But I might as well kill them anyway since I'm here." He hissed again.
"Shut up! I won't let you kill anyone here, Tom." Harry spat back.
"Don't call me that, Potter." Voldemort scowled at him with his red eyes.
"Why it's your name isn't it?" Harry asked now seeing that Voldemort hated it.
"Enough! I think I'll torture you first before I kill you. All in front of your friends." He pointed his wand at Harry. "Crucio!" Harry dodged it and fired a stunner at him, but one of the Death Eaters jumped in front of him and took the blow. At that point half of the Death Eaters moved and started firing curse at Harry. Harry was thankful for his quickly reflexes thanks to his seeker skills, but he knew that he wasn't going to last for very long. He continued to fire his own curses at the attacking Death Eaters.
Dumbledore and the others with him could do nothing but watch as Harry took on the Death Eaters by himself. By than most of the Order members were there with them watching in horror at what was happening. Many of them asked why aren't they doing anything, but Dumbledore explained why because of the shield. He gave them a brief explanation as to what the shield was and even shared the bit of information about how it's powered. All of them gasped when they heard that and how the only way two ways to bring the shield down was from the caster or when the caster dies, whether by being killed or life force exhaustion. Also by than half of the students were outside while the other half were still inside but looking out through whatever window they could find. Of course most of these students were from Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, and Hufflepuff, since the Slytherins didn't think it was that serious so they stayed in the Great Hall. They were all shocked to see a massive dome of light surrounding the castle and a battle ensuing outside it with Harry Potter fighting a bunch of Death Eaters.
Harry continued to fight the Death Eaters, he had been able to take down five Death Eaters but not with out a few injures from being grazed by a couple of curses. Also he was starting to get really tired, and he realized that the Shield of Light was now starting to affect him. He noticed that the fighting and the waiting Death Eaters with Voldemort moved closer to the dome. Suddenly Harry was hit from behind with the Cruciatus curse by Voldemort. He fell to the ground, with what felt like thousands of hot knives piercing his bones. He tried very hard not to scream out in agony, but it was getting hard. Than the curse was lifted.
"I think I let you watch us kill everyone in that pathetic school before I kill you. What do you think, Potter?" Voldemort teased, signaling the rest of the Death Eaters to aim their wands on the dome.
Harry slowly lifted his head. He knew they were going to use the Killing Curse, and he still wasn't sure if the Shield of Light would hold up against it. He saw them raise their wands. / No! I can't let them kill anyone. I've got to stop them! / He struggled to stand up, but he heard them say the words together. "Avada Kedavra!" The green light shot out of their wands speeding towards the dome. Everyone in the dome screamed and tried to run away.
"NO!" Harry shouted turning his head to the dome as the green light hit the shield, but at that same moment the shield lit up brightly engulfing the Killing Curse and nullifying it. Everyone inside and outside stared in shock that the Killing Curse was stopped. They all knew that nothing could stop the Killing Curse, yet somehow this shield did stop it. Harry could help but laugh loudly, completely forgetting about the pain. / Yes! It worked! It worked! / "You can't hurt them Tom, they're completely protected and safe from you." Harry continued to laugh.
Voldemort glared at Harry angrily who was still on the ground. "Crucio!" Harry thrashed about in pain but he wasn't going to scream, he wasn't going to give Voldemort the satisfaction. "I want to hear to scream in pain, Potter. I want to them to hear you scream in agony." Seeing that Harry wasn't going to do what he said, Voldemort signaled to join him. "Crucio!" They all chorused together. Harry was now experiencing unimaginable pain from the fifteen or sixteen cruciatus curses on him, it felt like his entire body was on fire, knives were being driven into his bones, and being ripped apart all at the same time. He was unable to stop himself from screaming no matter how hard he tried, as he thrashed about on the ground.
Hermione was clearly afraid for Harry, seeing him fight the Death Eaters by himself why maintaining the Shield of Light up to protect everyone and the school. When she saw the Death Eaters fire the Killing Curse she didn't know what to do, she just stood there. Than just a fraction of a second before it hit the shield she heard Harry yell, 'NO!' and then the shield lit up a stopped the curse from killing anyone. She heard from Dumbledore that the shield's strength is determined by the desire or will power of the caster to protect those within it. When Hermione saw the supposed unstoppable curse, stopped she was astounded, she realized that Harry's desire to protect everyone must have been immense to by able to stop not just one killing curse but several fired at once. But now she was showing Harry suffer from fifteen Cruciatus curses on him, she couldn't stand watching him in so much pain and hearing him cry out in agony. But she knew that she like everyone else, they couldn't do anything until the shield was lowered by Harry, so she could do was cry for him and hope. / Please Harry? Don't die on me, Harry? /
Harry as he continued to thrash about on the ground in pain, as by now bruises and deep cuts were starting to appear on him as a result of the curses on him. For a brief second in all the pain he swore he heard Hermione plea. / Hermione? / Harry was really starting to weaken physically and magically as he was under the curse and the draining from the Shield of Light. Harry struggle to look at the Shield and noticed the slight change in it, just before everyone else. / No! / He thought weakly through all the pain.
The Shield started to dim a bit and flicker as Harry's energy was starting to run low. Dumbledore, Hermione, and the staff realized that Harry's life and magical energy was starting to waver which meant he wasn't going to last much longer. Voldemort too also saw the flickering of the dome and quickly surmised the Harry Potter was somehow linked to the protection dome. He realized that since he's weakening the dome was also. He smirked knowing. He removed his curse from him and the other Death Eaters followed. Voldemort looked at Harry Potter shaking from the effects of the curse. He looked back up at the dome and surveyed the people watching, till he caught the sight of Potter's mudblood friend, Hermione Granger. Hermione saw the Voldemort was looking right at her and a cold shiver ran down her spine.
Voldemort and his Death Eaters were less than 8ft. from the dome's edge, and it continued to dim and flicker slowly. He smiled knowing that it probably wouldn't be able to stop another barrage of Killing Curses all concentrated on one spot, or what he had in mind at one person. He turned his attention back to Harry still on the ground.
"I just figured it out Potter. You power this protection dome, and somehow you were able to stop the Killing Curse the first time. But now that you are so weak the dome itself it now weaken as well, which means that it won't be able to this time." He hissed softly at Harry. He signaled for the remaining Death Eaters to gather around him, which they did, and gave them their instructions. Which was on his signal fire the Killing curse at Hermione.
Unknown to everyone there Harry noticed way off in the distance at the main gate to the castle he could see a large group of people running to them. Harry at first feared that they were more of Voldemort's Death Eaters, but he would have said something no doubt. He quickly realized that they probably aurors called by one of the professors earlier; he smiled seeing that help was finally here. He attention was brought back to Voldemort when he started talking to him again.
"Well Potter, since your protection dome won't be able to stop all of our curses this time. I'm going to let you have the pleasure of watching one of your precious friends die before you. Say goodbye to your mudblood friend." He spoke in a sinister voice, aiming his wand at Hermione. Who quickly realized that all of the Death Eaters were also aiming their wands at her. She was frozen from fright as she could move at all; it was like her legs were glued to that spot. Then all of them chanted the curse together, "Avada Kedavra!"
Harry's head snapped upwards despite the sharp pain running throughout his body. Everything suddenly seemed to slow down as all movement moved like a movie at 20 times slower than that of normal speed. But Harry minds was working at what felt like 20 times faster. / No! He's going to kill to Hermione! I can't let him! / He thought quickly clutching his wand in his hand. With strength he didn't even know where it was coming from, he jumped up and ran in front of Shield facing the Death Eaters, and placing himself between Hermione and them. "HERMIONE!"
Hermione saw the massive green light heading towards her, and was unable to move. Till suddenly from she heard her name being called. She was about to turn her head to the voice when suddenly the outline of a figure appeared in front of her blocking from the curse. Everything was happening so fast. At first she didn't know who it was but whoever it was, was going to take all fifteen Killing Curse head on to protect her. He instantly realized that it was Harry in front of her. "HARRY! NOOOOOO!" Harry when he heard her voice smiled and closed his eyes, awaiting death.
The moment Hermione screamed, she saw the massive green light of the Killing Curse hit Harry dead on but also at that exact moment she along with everyone else was blinded by a immense flash of white light. When everyone either covered their eyes or turned away from it, Harry was engulfed in a white sphere of energy protecting him from the Killing Curse. Harry at the moment was very absolute calm and peace, than he felt like he was being pulled somewhere. If everyone wasn't currently covering their eyes or turned away the would have noticed the sphere of light suddenly shot upwards forming a column of light into the sky. They would have also noticed that the sky was lit up with the aurora borealis. A few seconds later the sphere in which Harry was in and the column was gone, along with the strange aurora borealis, leaving no trace of Harry Potter anywhere.
When everyone was able to see again they saw that everything was still there. Hermione opened her eyes to see she was still alive and breathing. Suddenly the silence was broken by Voldemort's evil laughing.
"Hahahahaha! Harry Potter is no more!" He cheered out loudly.
Hermione quickly looked at where Harry was standing, only to see he wasn't there. The only thing there was a large dark circle on the grass showing that it had been burned. Hermione couldn't believe it she refused to believe. / No. Harry can't be dead. He just can't be. /
"Now, we'll take care of the rest of you!" Voldemort hissed happily, raising his wand. But he was stopped by one of the Death Eaters when he whispered something in his ear. He turned around to see a group of men heading their way, he figured that they were all aurors and when he turned back to the school he saw all of the professor had their wands out. He quickly decided that a tactical retreat would be good right now. / It's doesn't matter, I did what I want to do. / "I'll leave you for now. I've accomplished what I came here for. Farewell." He disappeared followed by the rest of the Death Eaters.
The professors lowered their wands when the Death Eaters disappeared, sensing that they were safe now. Everyone's attention turned to the Shield when they heard a flickering sound. They looked at it to see it slowly fading away, till finally it was gone. Dumbledore was the first to move raising his hand to where the Shield was previous except to hit something solid, but only came up with open air. Dumbledore's face turned to one of grave and sadness, as he knew the reason why the Shield of Light faded away. It only meant that the caster was no longer with them, which meant the Harry was dead. Hermione quickly ran to the spot where Harry was standing only a few moments ago. When she got to the center of the black circle, she looked around hysterically for him only to see nothing. Her vision started to get blurry from the tears starting to form in her eyes. "HARRY?! HARRY?! HARRY WHERE ARE YOU?!" She called out into the school grounds, until to receive no answer only silence. / No. No. No. / She thought sadly over and over again to herself, as she fell to her knees crying.
The aurors had finally made it up to the castle lead by Mad-Eye Moody only to be met with a massive group of sad and crying students and teachers. He moved up to Dumbledore and asked carefully, "Albus what happened?" Even though he knew the answer, he didn't understand why everyone was so sad. Dumbledore didn't give a respond at first, he only looked up to Moody after awhile. Moody could see the intense emotion in Dumbledore's face all of it sadness, as he was able to see just how old he suddenly appeared.
"He's gone." Was Dumbledore's only answer. Moody was confused as to what Dumbledore meant by that for about a second. He quickly realized that there was someone missing from the group that he would have thought would have been there. Harry Potter was missing, as he couldn't see him anyway. He quickly understood why everyone was there way they were.
Dumbledore slowly walked up to Hermione who was on the ground where Harry was earlier, crying. He kneeled down beside her and placed a comforting hand on her back. Hermione looked up to see it was Dumbledore, with her face completely covered in tears. Her face was asking the question, 'Is he really gone?' She got her answer from the sorrowful look on his old face and the shaking of his head. Hermione couldn't handle it anymore as she completely broke down and dove into Dumbledore's open arms for comfort. That Halloween night was first filled with cheers and fun, but it instantly turned into one of sorrow, loss, and tears. It was a night that Hogwarts would not soon forget.
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Harry felt like he was being pulled by a portkey, or at least something that had a similar feeling to it but he wasn't sure. Finally it stopped when he felt his feet touch the ground again as the light surrounding him slowly disappear. The bliss and peace feeling that he was experiencing earlier was gone, and everything came back in full force. The exhaustion and the pain felt 10 times worst than a few moments ago. His vision was so blurry that he could make out anything, on the fuzzy outline of large objects. He looked up to see the outline of what appeared to be a castle, which he assumed was Hogwarts. He also felt the reassure that everyone was perfectly safe and there was nothing to worry about for now. With that in mind, he eyelids closed and he fell to his knees. He was so exhausted that he was unconscious before his head even hit the soft grass beneath him.
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A/N: I would like to thank Moonlight, The Red Dragons Order, Naia, Fin-Phoenix, crystal wolf, Harry and Hermione's Daughter, Heather, Angelis, fireboltrcr, Mike Potter 2000, cody, prongsjr, solid, Prophetess Of Hearts, E'owyntry the Elf, Princess Hermione, and fefe for review my last chapter. I hope you enjoy this and review it as well.