Unleashed Shadows: Chapter Five
* *
Author's Note: I don't really have much to say, except thanks to reviewers, even my old ones. =). Future chapters will also be A LOT less dark, and more fun.
I think I said most of what I wanted to say in Chapter Four's Author's Note, so I guess we head straight into the story. Oh, rating now changed to PG-13.
Thank to REVEIWERS!!!
Disclaimer: Characters: not mine. Plot: pretty much mine. Sue: don't even think about it, you're wasting time.
// is for italics, and FB are for flashbacks, which you might find will be occurring more and more in later chapters.
** *
It had been almost a week since Harry's last nightmare, and the Boy Who Lived couldn't help but be relieved he was finally allowed to leave the Hospital Wing, on the grounds that he would return immediately if he felt 'uncomfortable' in any way. Being trapped inside the four white walls of the Infirmary, with the smell of disinfectant from every corner twenty-four hours a day could drive anyone crazy. Harry couldn't help but wonder if some of St Mungo's patients had been subjected to this /before/ they became patients. He would have to ask someone someday, he thought vaguely.
He reached down, folding his clothing and putting them in his trunk. Somehow his entire Quidditch items collection (along with Ron's) had managed to find its way down to the Hospital Wing. The floor beside his hospital bed was littered with an old chessboard and some scattered pieces, his and Ron's joint collection of Wizard and Witches Cards along with his school books and bits and pieces of parchments.
"My Divination Assignment!" He cried triumphantly to no one in particular, as he picked up a rather dusty piece of parchment from under his Monster Book of Monsters (no longer belted together, and no longer snapping).
During Harry's stay in the Hospital Wing, Hermione had been quite 'helpful' and had visited every one of Harry's classes after hers, asking for his homework. She had even dared go up to Professor Snape, who for reasons unknown, turned her down the first time and did not reply to the matter again. Perhaps he cared. or perhaps he was just a stubborn bastard who would not give Hermione the time of day.
But although Harry appreciated Hermione's thoughtfulness, he couldn't help but feel slightly put-off every afternoon Hermione turned up with a bundle of books, papers and parchment. He also couldn't help but feel that Hermione took amusement in bringing him a ton of work every day.
FLSHBK
"Harry!" Hermione's voice was cheerful and bright as she strolled into the Hospital Wing, "how you feeling?"
"Fine." It was routine. Harry would reply the same everyday and then Hermione would rattle off the subjects she had collected homework for.
"Care of Magical Creatures. Tranfiguration ... Divination . that old bat gave me a lecture the moment I walked in, ignored the whole thing.."
Harry tried to suppress a grin, but was unsuccessful. Hermione glanced up and grinned back. "Can't imagine why you would continue that subject. It's bad enough for me seeing her about once a month, once a term if I'm lucky, but you even manage take her damned lesson! If you had any sense, you would've had dropped it when you had the chance! I left that trap door open those years ago so that you would walk out too, you know."
This time Harry looked up in surprise, but Hermione was busy checking off her list. "No Potions again. Snape was in a bad mood today, I didn't ask him. he would refuse me anyway. You don't do Arithmacy do you?. oh no. that's me.. Oh, it's the full moon. Professor Lupin wasn't in class. we had Mrs. Figg fill in. first time I've had her this year. pretty nice actually. You knew her, didn't you?"
Harry nodded as he reflected over the last two statements. Arabella Figg, now a substitute teacher, had been the same Mrs. Figg he lived next door to. Except now, she was a powerful witch teaching at Hogwarts. Still had her cats though, Harry noted.
As for Remus Lupin, officially invited back to teaching Hogwarts by Professor Dumbledore (and a great deal of students) last year, was now a permanent teacher at this School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The Shrieking Shack however, was still avoided at all times. For reasons only he and a couple other people, including Harry, Ron and Hermione, knew.
ENDFB
Harry threw the rest of his stuff into his trunk and prepared to lug it up the winding staircase to his room. Even the thought of it made his arms hurt.
"Harry!"
Harry let go of the handle and turned.
"Ron!"
"How's it going?"
"It's ok," Harry replied, smiling. "Here's your chess set."
Ron accepted the box Harry handed him and sat down on the closest bed. "Finally let out, huh?"
"YEAH. You wouldn't know how boring it is in here. Not to mention the smell of all those medical potions."
Ron grinned. "I would know. I was here half the time."
Harry grinned back. "So, what classes have we got with you and Hermione?"
"Everything." Ron said simply. "I checked this morning. Except Hermione has two more electives than us I think. She still has a normal timetable, so that means on Wednesdays and Fridays, sixth and seventh periods are free."
Harry looked thoughtful. "Is the pitch--"
"Full? I already checked. On Wednesdays Slytherin's got it so we don't even have to bother. Friday's though, it's empty in sixth."
He received a nod in reply, "That's good."
"Yeah. It's pretty good, except. . ."
"Except what?"
"Potions. With Slytherin."
It was amazing the effect those three words could've had on a person. Harry groaned loudly and almost cursed. But no one would've blamed him (except perhaps Snape), because everyone knew that the Potion's Professor had been in an especially sour mood since the end of fourth year. And everyone also knew that a room full of Slytherins and Griffindors couldn't, and wouldn't lighten anyone up.
"It's going to be like old days."
"Yeah, but the old days weren't really that great you know. And it hasn't really been that long since Fourth Year."
"I know. It just seems like it. You know, with all that's been going on."
Harry's looked thoughtful, "I guess." Then, quickly changing the subject, he looked back at Ron with a wide grin. "So. . . any news about the Keeper?"
"NO. . ." Ron whined, "It's been AGES. . ."
"Well, you got my vote," Harry said, "Not that I was being biased or anything just 'cause you're my friend."
"WELL? What about you? What's happening with the Quidditch Captain votes?"
"Well we can't start them until we have a Keeper. Meaning you better vote for me when you get Keeper position."
"We'll see." Ron grinned slyly.
Harry shot Ron a daring stare, "You wouldn't dare vote for Fred or George."
"Well, they're really good beaters, you know. And what about Angeline? I hear, she's already got a place in one of the International teams for after she finishes school."
"You wouldn't dare," Harry repeated.
Ron didn't reply and turned to face the windows.
Harry raised an eyebrow. "I'll hex you," he said suddenly.
Ron spun around and grinned. "Oh, come off it. I was only joking."
"I wasn't," Harry said seriously, but inside he exploded with laughter at the shocked expression on his best-friend's face.
~
"Haha. That was NOT funny, Harry. I thought you were serious. Seriously." Ron said as they climbed the extremely long staircase to the Gryffindor tower.
"Oh, come of it. I was only joking," Harry imitated.
"Again: haha."
A few moments passed in silence. Slowly, they trudged up the stairs, hoping with every step, their staircase wouldn't change. It had already been three times they had to go back, or wait, for the staircase to change again.
"I don't get why the houselves don't take your stuff. Isn't that what they're supposed to do?"
"Stop complaining Ron. You're not the one carrying the stuff. And it you tell Hermione that, she'll kill you."
"I know. Don't tell her. If you do, she'll probably start with the S.P.E.W thing again." Ron groaned at the thought, "And we'll have to wear those badges." He made a face.
Harry grinned inwardly. "Where's Hermione now?"
Ron shrugged, "Probably the library, she's always there."
"We'll look for her after we get this stuff upstairs."
"We?" Ron said innocently. He patted Harry on the back, "It's not my fault we can't do magic in the corridors. 'Cause if we could, I would help you."
Harry shook his head, "Well at least take your chess set back," Harry said, indicating the black box that had /mysteriously/ found it's was back into Harry's trunk.
Ron grumbled a little, but took the box back anyway.
"I don't see why you're complaining, Weasley." Harry protested as he heaved his overfilled trunk up another step. Just as the staircase changed.
Both boys groaned.
***
Well that was Chapter Five. Please Review. =)
Thanks to ALL reviewers. . .it means SO much. Seriously. SPECIAL THANKS TO: t.a.g, for subject advice. It's nice someone bothered to tell me what I was doing wrong. Thanks! (Changes have been made, hope they're ok.)
* *
Author's Note: I don't really have much to say, except thanks to reviewers, even my old ones. =). Future chapters will also be A LOT less dark, and more fun.
I think I said most of what I wanted to say in Chapter Four's Author's Note, so I guess we head straight into the story. Oh, rating now changed to PG-13.
Thank to REVEIWERS!!!
Disclaimer: Characters: not mine. Plot: pretty much mine. Sue: don't even think about it, you're wasting time.
// is for italics, and FB are for flashbacks, which you might find will be occurring more and more in later chapters.
** *
It had been almost a week since Harry's last nightmare, and the Boy Who Lived couldn't help but be relieved he was finally allowed to leave the Hospital Wing, on the grounds that he would return immediately if he felt 'uncomfortable' in any way. Being trapped inside the four white walls of the Infirmary, with the smell of disinfectant from every corner twenty-four hours a day could drive anyone crazy. Harry couldn't help but wonder if some of St Mungo's patients had been subjected to this /before/ they became patients. He would have to ask someone someday, he thought vaguely.
He reached down, folding his clothing and putting them in his trunk. Somehow his entire Quidditch items collection (along with Ron's) had managed to find its way down to the Hospital Wing. The floor beside his hospital bed was littered with an old chessboard and some scattered pieces, his and Ron's joint collection of Wizard and Witches Cards along with his school books and bits and pieces of parchments.
"My Divination Assignment!" He cried triumphantly to no one in particular, as he picked up a rather dusty piece of parchment from under his Monster Book of Monsters (no longer belted together, and no longer snapping).
During Harry's stay in the Hospital Wing, Hermione had been quite 'helpful' and had visited every one of Harry's classes after hers, asking for his homework. She had even dared go up to Professor Snape, who for reasons unknown, turned her down the first time and did not reply to the matter again. Perhaps he cared. or perhaps he was just a stubborn bastard who would not give Hermione the time of day.
But although Harry appreciated Hermione's thoughtfulness, he couldn't help but feel slightly put-off every afternoon Hermione turned up with a bundle of books, papers and parchment. He also couldn't help but feel that Hermione took amusement in bringing him a ton of work every day.
FLSHBK
"Harry!" Hermione's voice was cheerful and bright as she strolled into the Hospital Wing, "how you feeling?"
"Fine." It was routine. Harry would reply the same everyday and then Hermione would rattle off the subjects she had collected homework for.
"Care of Magical Creatures. Tranfiguration ... Divination . that old bat gave me a lecture the moment I walked in, ignored the whole thing.."
Harry tried to suppress a grin, but was unsuccessful. Hermione glanced up and grinned back. "Can't imagine why you would continue that subject. It's bad enough for me seeing her about once a month, once a term if I'm lucky, but you even manage take her damned lesson! If you had any sense, you would've had dropped it when you had the chance! I left that trap door open those years ago so that you would walk out too, you know."
This time Harry looked up in surprise, but Hermione was busy checking off her list. "No Potions again. Snape was in a bad mood today, I didn't ask him. he would refuse me anyway. You don't do Arithmacy do you?. oh no. that's me.. Oh, it's the full moon. Professor Lupin wasn't in class. we had Mrs. Figg fill in. first time I've had her this year. pretty nice actually. You knew her, didn't you?"
Harry nodded as he reflected over the last two statements. Arabella Figg, now a substitute teacher, had been the same Mrs. Figg he lived next door to. Except now, she was a powerful witch teaching at Hogwarts. Still had her cats though, Harry noted.
As for Remus Lupin, officially invited back to teaching Hogwarts by Professor Dumbledore (and a great deal of students) last year, was now a permanent teacher at this School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The Shrieking Shack however, was still avoided at all times. For reasons only he and a couple other people, including Harry, Ron and Hermione, knew.
ENDFB
Harry threw the rest of his stuff into his trunk and prepared to lug it up the winding staircase to his room. Even the thought of it made his arms hurt.
"Harry!"
Harry let go of the handle and turned.
"Ron!"
"How's it going?"
"It's ok," Harry replied, smiling. "Here's your chess set."
Ron accepted the box Harry handed him and sat down on the closest bed. "Finally let out, huh?"
"YEAH. You wouldn't know how boring it is in here. Not to mention the smell of all those medical potions."
Ron grinned. "I would know. I was here half the time."
Harry grinned back. "So, what classes have we got with you and Hermione?"
"Everything." Ron said simply. "I checked this morning. Except Hermione has two more electives than us I think. She still has a normal timetable, so that means on Wednesdays and Fridays, sixth and seventh periods are free."
Harry looked thoughtful. "Is the pitch--"
"Full? I already checked. On Wednesdays Slytherin's got it so we don't even have to bother. Friday's though, it's empty in sixth."
He received a nod in reply, "That's good."
"Yeah. It's pretty good, except. . ."
"Except what?"
"Potions. With Slytherin."
It was amazing the effect those three words could've had on a person. Harry groaned loudly and almost cursed. But no one would've blamed him (except perhaps Snape), because everyone knew that the Potion's Professor had been in an especially sour mood since the end of fourth year. And everyone also knew that a room full of Slytherins and Griffindors couldn't, and wouldn't lighten anyone up.
"It's going to be like old days."
"Yeah, but the old days weren't really that great you know. And it hasn't really been that long since Fourth Year."
"I know. It just seems like it. You know, with all that's been going on."
Harry's looked thoughtful, "I guess." Then, quickly changing the subject, he looked back at Ron with a wide grin. "So. . . any news about the Keeper?"
"NO. . ." Ron whined, "It's been AGES. . ."
"Well, you got my vote," Harry said, "Not that I was being biased or anything just 'cause you're my friend."
"WELL? What about you? What's happening with the Quidditch Captain votes?"
"Well we can't start them until we have a Keeper. Meaning you better vote for me when you get Keeper position."
"We'll see." Ron grinned slyly.
Harry shot Ron a daring stare, "You wouldn't dare vote for Fred or George."
"Well, they're really good beaters, you know. And what about Angeline? I hear, she's already got a place in one of the International teams for after she finishes school."
"You wouldn't dare," Harry repeated.
Ron didn't reply and turned to face the windows.
Harry raised an eyebrow. "I'll hex you," he said suddenly.
Ron spun around and grinned. "Oh, come off it. I was only joking."
"I wasn't," Harry said seriously, but inside he exploded with laughter at the shocked expression on his best-friend's face.
~
"Haha. That was NOT funny, Harry. I thought you were serious. Seriously." Ron said as they climbed the extremely long staircase to the Gryffindor tower.
"Oh, come of it. I was only joking," Harry imitated.
"Again: haha."
A few moments passed in silence. Slowly, they trudged up the stairs, hoping with every step, their staircase wouldn't change. It had already been three times they had to go back, or wait, for the staircase to change again.
"I don't get why the houselves don't take your stuff. Isn't that what they're supposed to do?"
"Stop complaining Ron. You're not the one carrying the stuff. And it you tell Hermione that, she'll kill you."
"I know. Don't tell her. If you do, she'll probably start with the S.P.E.W thing again." Ron groaned at the thought, "And we'll have to wear those badges." He made a face.
Harry grinned inwardly. "Where's Hermione now?"
Ron shrugged, "Probably the library, she's always there."
"We'll look for her after we get this stuff upstairs."
"We?" Ron said innocently. He patted Harry on the back, "It's not my fault we can't do magic in the corridors. 'Cause if we could, I would help you."
Harry shook his head, "Well at least take your chess set back," Harry said, indicating the black box that had /mysteriously/ found it's was back into Harry's trunk.
Ron grumbled a little, but took the box back anyway.
"I don't see why you're complaining, Weasley." Harry protested as he heaved his overfilled trunk up another step. Just as the staircase changed.
Both boys groaned.
***
Well that was Chapter Five. Please Review. =)
Thanks to ALL reviewers. . .it means SO much. Seriously. SPECIAL THANKS TO: t.a.g, for subject advice. It's nice someone bothered to tell me what I was doing wrong. Thanks! (Changes have been made, hope they're ok.)
