CHAPTER 17
WHAT DOES HE WANT?
A man sat in a black, leather, high-backed chair, his cold, hard features emphasised by the flickering firelight. His fingers were steepled under his chin and he stared coldly, with an expresion of comtempt on his face into the fireplace, as though waiting for something, or someone. A snake slithered across the dusty floor, leaving a shiny wooden surface in its trail.
Suddenly the flames in the fire glowed bright green and the man's face was illuminated, with a ghostly quality, his skin was tightly drawn across his face and two menacing red eyes glinted dangerously in the direction of a hooded figure that had just emerged from the fireplace.
''Gilbert.'' The man said, without rising from his chair.
''Master.....Master.'' Gilbert said quietly, rushing forward and kissing the hems of his masters robes, then retreating on his knees, not wanting to look up into the cold, unforgiving face of his master, Lord Voldemort, knowing that he had failed him yet again.
''Did you get it?'' Voldemort spat, his eyes narrowing.
''Well............no....I...I......the boy......he said...he said he didn't...know......what I was....talking about.'' Gilbert stuttered, the Dark Lords presence had this effect on every single on of his followers. He had the ability to turn them all into gibbering idiots, without so much as saying a complete sentence.
''Did you try and *persuade* him to tell you.'' Voldemort asked, knowing the answer.
''What.....do....you......mean..how could....I.....he didn't....know.'' Gilbert answered, flinching as though he knew what was coming, he knew he had failed his master.
'''HE COULD'VE KNOWN, HE COULD HAVE BEEN LYING TO YOU.'' Voldemort shouted maniacally. ''You should've tortured him, I find that after a few rounds of 'Crucio' people are usually more willing to talk.'' he continued, lowering his voice, making him sound twice as terrifying as he did when he shouted.
''I....I.....didn't think......my Lord...please forgive me.'' Gilbert begged, knowing the consequence's for failing the Dark Lord. ''I beg of you my Lord.''
''Well it's obvious you didn't think, but I'm afraid I cannot tolerate failure.'' Voldemort said slowly, a slight grin spreading across his thin, hard lips.
''Please master no.......please no.'' Gilbert cried.
''Crucio''
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Harry Potter woke up suddenly with a sharp, searing pain across his forehead, he clutched his hand to his throbbing forehead. ''He's angry'' he said to himself as he sat up suddenly and reached for his glasses. He rubbed at his scar, although it did nothing to ease the pain, someone was being tortured, a Death Eater was being tortured for a making mistake, a mistake that they had made that night.
''You ok babe?'' Ginny asked sleepily as she felt Harry sit up violently.
''No, my scar is hurting, Voldemort is torturing a Death Eater right now.'' Harry answered honestly.
''Do you know why?'' Ginny asked tentatively, her brow creased in confusion.
''For making a mistake, that's all I know, he's blocked his mind off now.'' Harry answered.
''Do you think it has anything to do with the attacks?'' Ginny asked as she lovingly stroked the back of his hand that wasn't rubbing furiously at his forehead.
''Yeah, I think it does.'' Harry answered confidently, ''I'll go to Dumbledore first thing in the morning.''
''Ok babe, are you alright now?''
''Yeah, lets go back to sleep.'' Harry answered as he kissed Ginny swiftly on the lips and lay back down to try and get to sleep, although it was along time before he eventually got to sleep as the pain in his scar didn't subside for over an hour, the man had certainly displeased Voldemort, Harry thought to himself.
The next morning all students were woken up by the sound of announcement, reverbarating off the stony castle walls.
''ALL STUDENTS PLEASE HEAD TO YOUR COMMON ROOMS AND REMAIN THERE UNTIL YOU HAVE BEEN ADDRESSED BY YOUR HEAD OF HOUSE, DO NOT LEAVE THE COMMON ROOM.''
Harry, Ginny, Ron and Hermione met up outside their private rooms and headed quickly and curiously to the Gryffindor common room where they were met with every Gryffindor looking nervous and scared, and wondering why they were woken up at six in the morning and why they weren't allowed to leave the common room.
''Hey Dean.'' Harry called over to his classmate, ''Where's Neville?''
''I don't know, he wasn't in his bed I thought he'd already be down here.'' Dean replied, from his seat on the sofa next to Seamus Finnigan, who was staring hungrily at Laender Brown.
''He'll probably be here soon.'' Harry replied, although it wasn't like Neville to be up and about so early, let alone to miss an important announcement.
''Gin?'' a fifth year called over to her, it was Dana Humphreys, one of Ginny's old roommates.
''Yeah Dana.'' Ginny called back, smiling at her friend.
''Have you seen Colin?'' Dana asked anxiously
''No why, where is he?'' Ginny questionned worridley.
''I don't know, I haven't seen him all morning.''
''Haven't seen who all morning?'' Colin asked as he entered the common room through the portrait of the fat lady.
''You, you fool, where have you been?'' Ginny asked the relief shown clearly on her face, as she slapped Colin lightly on his arm.
''I couldn't sleep so I went for a walk, then I heard the announcement so I came back.'' Colin answered simply. ''Wonder what it's all about?'' he asked lightly. Ginny and Dana just shrugged, they knew that whatever it was, wasn't going to be good news. At that moment Proffesor McGonagall climbed awkwardly through the portarit hole and cleared her throat, and wiped furiously at her eyes that were red and puffy.
''Gryffindors, the reason that you have been asked to remain in your common rooms is because there has been another attack, on a pureblood.'' Harry felt his heart sink, Neville was still missing. ''The student was attacked, late last night in the Charms corridor, and was found this morning by Mr Filch. It is thought that the student was placed under the Imperius curse and was forced to walk to the Charms corridor.'' Mcgonagall let a small sob escape from her before he continued. ''The student that has been attacked, is a Gryffindor sixth year. Neville Longbottom.'' A small gasp escaped all of the Gryffindors as they scanned the room, as though in hope of finding the round faced forgetful boy sitting amongst them, proving Mcgonagall wrong. But to no avail, he was missing, nowhere to be seen. Harry stood stock still, not knowing what to say or do, it wasn't until Mcgonagall started to speak again that he actually broke out of his state of shock. ''All students are to reamin in their common rooms until a thourough search of the castle has been completed. Prefects will be in control and food will be sent up by the house elves shortly.'' And with those final words Mcgonagall departed through the portarait, to help in the exstensive search of all of Hogwarts and its grounds, leaving the Gryffindor tower in shock and fear.
Hermione, Ginny, Lavender and Parvati, set about trying to comfort and reassure the first and second years, who were terrified, some were crying softly while others had formed tight groups and sat huddled in the corners of the common room, jumping if anyone so much as spoke to them. Ron, Harry, Dean and Seamus worked with the seventh year Gryffindors organising the food that had started arriving in the common room through the fireplace, and distributing it to all the students that were to reamain in the common room for the entire day with them. Harry was so busy that day that the pain in his scar that had woken him up so suddenly that night was driven out of his mind as were his plans to see Dumbledore, although one thing was in his mind and that was his need to break the curse on Neville, he would have to think of something. Neville was the nicest boy he knew, he was always sseen as clumsy and careless, and that caused everyone to overlook him, but Harry saw past that and knew that Neville was a true friend. He had stuck with him throught their battle with the Death Eaters in the Department of Mysteries last year, and Harry was as determined to help Neville, as Neville was determined to help Harry the previous year.
By the time the whole castle and grounds had been searched and was deemed safe by Dumbledore, it was nine o'clock at night and the only place the students could go was bed, it had been a very tiring day, as half way through all the seventh year students retreated to the far corner of the common room, leaving the sixth years to try and keep everyone calm. Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny all walked slowly to Ron and Hermione's room, where they sat talking before Harry and Ginny would go back to their own room.
''Poor Neville.'' Ginny muttered as he at down onto the red sofa in front of the fire in Hermione and Ron's room.
''I know.'' Hermione agreed, ''He definately didn't deserve this.''
''No-one does.'' Harry said darkly, a Ginny slipped her arm around his waist, and sat closer to him. ''We have to do something, we can't just sit around and let this keep happening.''
''What do you suggest we do Harry?'' Hermione asked sarcastically, ''Assign everyone a personal bodyguard.'' she knew Harry blamed himself for every bad thing that happened around Hogwarts. ''Look Harry I'm sorry I snapped.'' Hermione said noticing the hurt look on Harry's face. ''but really how can *we* stop this if even Dumbledore can't.''
''I don't know.'' Harry sighed. ''We don't even know what spell is being used.''
''I've got an idea.'' Ginny said enthusiastically, ''It may be a long shot but I think we should start researching the curse, I mean there must be a book in the Library about it, somewhere.''
''No, Hermione would've read it already.'' Ron replied earning a slap from Hermione, but he was soon back in her good books by giving her his puppy dog eyes and saying. ''I'm sorry Mione, I didn't mean it.'' and kissing her softly on her lips, wrapping his arms around her waist as he stood behind her.
''That's a good idea Gin, but really it would take us ages to read through every single book in the Library.'' Harry said sadly, ''there are too many books and not enough of us.''
''But what if we get everyone in the DA to help out as well, I mean if there are more of us looking, there's more chance of us finding something, anything.'' Ginny said hopefully.
''Great idea Gin, Harry can announce it in the next meeting, we are bound to find something soon.'' Hermione gushed, as she ran over and hugged her friend.
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Christmas came and went at Hogwarts, with no sign of a counter curse to awake the trapped students from their bubbles. Every single member of the DA was searching methodically through every book that they could get their hands on from the Library and from any teachers. There had been more attacks on children, outside of Hogwarts, there had been two attacks on students from Beauxbatons and three attacks on children that were too young to even attend school. None of the teachers had come up with a way to prevent these attacks or to even protect the students that were being targetted, as no-one had any idea about why they were being targetted. It was a total mystery, the only people who knew why the attacks were happening, were the people who were lying, dead to the world in bubbles.
It was a cold, January morning when Harry, Ginny, Hermione and Ron headed into the Great Hall for breakfast on a typical Saturday, that would consist of an almost whole day in the Library reading through the few books that hadn't already been checked by one member of the DA. Harry sat down and looked up instinctively as the hundreds of post owls flew through the large window in the roof of the Great Hall, Hedwig wasn't there and he knew she wouldn't be afterall he had no-one outside of Hogwarts to write to anymore, it was just an old habit. Hermione recieved her usual copy of the Daily Prophet, and she paid the owl and set about reading the front page her eyes wide and expression one of pure shock.
BUBBLE VICTIM DEAD!
Silvia Kaster one of the latest victims in a series of attacks, where the victims are trapped inside an unbreakable buuble, filled with a silvery liquid that emits a soft, white glow, was found dead inside her bubble last night.
In a shocking turn of events, Silvia, the person who has been under the curse for the shortest amount of time, has died first. This causes us to believe that the curse was not what killed her, there is another reason for her death. She was discovered this morning, with all of the liquid in her bubble completly drained out and the white glow, extinguished. Rumours that You-Know-Who is behind this have also been confirmed as the Dark Mark was found by her parents on returning to their home late last night.
Silvia Kaster aged five, was one of many children to be truck by the bubble charm a it i now being called by Minitry Officials. The only connections between all victims are that they are all under the age of eighteen and they are all pureblood wizards or witches. There are no other connections, which is why no-one knows who is going to be targetted next. But I would advise evrybody to be on the lookout for anything suspicious, and to remain alert. You-Know-Who is back.
Miranda Appleby (Daily Prophet)
''Oh No, read this guys.'' Hermione said as she handed the paper over to Harry and Ginny, glancing over at Ron who had paled suddenly after reading the arcticle over Hermiones shoulder.
''Oh my God, he died, but why? Why wa he the only one who died?'' Ginny aked, trembling slightly, no-one had ever thought that any of the children would actually die.
''Dumbledore.'' Harry said suddenly, causing his friends to give him a few strange looks. ''I have to tell Dumbledore about my scar.''
''You didn't tell him.'' Hermione half shouted at him incredulously.
''Well I had a lot on my mind that day.'' Harry said bitterly, remembering Mcgonagall entering the common room to tell them that Neille had been attacked. ''I'm going to go and see him now.''
''You can't go now Harry, we have to look in the library before it gets too full.'' Ron argued. ''You'll have to go later on, I mean a couple of hours won't make a difference will it.''
''No I suppose not.'' Harry sighed, as he got up and headed off to the library with his friend, for another day of pouring over old spell books, looking for a curse that remotely resembled the one Neville was under.
After a whole day in the library reading, old spell books cover to cover, looking for anything that would help all the children under the bubble curse. Harry decided that he had, had enough for the day, how could he possibly help when the words that he was looking at now started to reemble scatchy spiders crawling over the page. He thought that he would go up to Dumbledore's office before going to the Great Hall to have ome food, so he parted from Ron, Hermione and Ginny in the Entrance Hall and started to walk up the sweeping staircase to Dumbledore's office.
He walked to Dumbledores office without even noticing where he was going, and it wasn't until he reached the stone gargoyle that he remembered that he didn't have the password,m so he started firing random passwords at the gargoyle hoping that it would come to life and spring aside as it uually did.
''Sugar Quill, Fizzing Whizbee, Cockroach Cluster, Acid Pop, Butterbeer, Liquorice Wand, Bertie Botts Every Flavour Beans, Chocolate Frog, Cauldron Cake, Gingerbread, Pumkin Pasty.'' he shouted at the gragoyle, with no effect whatsoever.
''Pear drops'' came a voice from behind Harry that he immedeately recognised as the voice of Proffeor Dumbledore.
''Oh....Proffessor.....I was just .....I needed to talk to you.'' Harry stammered, feeling lightly embarassed that Dumbledore had caught him trying to get into his office.
''I understand Harry.'' Dumbledore said as he ushered Harry onto the rotating staircase that had appeared when the gargoyle stepped aside upon hearing the password.
When Harry reached Dumbledore office, he noticed that all the whirring, spinning objects found in Dumbledores office had been replaced after Harry had broken them all in a fit of rage the previous year, when hearing that Sirius was really gone. Not wanting to remember the worst day of his life, the day that he lost the only person he had ever really loved, his only family he had ever known, Harry took a seat opposite from Dumbledore and launched into the story of his scar hurting, many nights ago.
''So, he was being punished for making a mistake?'' Dumbledore asked Harry calmly, after listening to the whole story, Harry nodded in agreement.
''I think it must've been a mistake in the attack on Neville or something to do with Neville because we heard of Neville's attack the next day.'' Harry suggested. ''Why are these people being targetted?'' Harry asked, hoping for an honest answer, but at that moment a tawny owl flew through the window and landed gracefully on Dumbledores desk, holding out a letter that was attached to its scaly leg. Dumbledore read the letter swiftly and let out a groan.
''What is it Proffessor?'' Harry asked timidly, not sure if Dumbledore would mind being asked about a personal letter, it appears that he didn't as he shook his head and answered wearily.
''Silvia Kaster's parents have both been found dead, with a Dark Mark over the house that they were staying in.'' Dumbledore sighed.
''But why, why are they all dying?'' Harry asked feeling powerless to help.
''I have a theory on that but it hasn't been proved.'' Dumbledore said as he began pacing the floor of his office. ''I think that Voldemort want something from each of these families, and he is blackmailing them by cursing their children. The one thing parents will place above all others, so he can get what he wants, and until he does these students will remain under the charm, unless we can find a counter curse.''
''But why are they getting killed?'' Harry asked, not really understanding everything.
''Because the family must not have had the thing he wanted, or they may have given him what they thought to be real but was actually a fake, that would've made him very angry and he would've killed all the family.'' Dumbledore paused and stroked Fawkes absent mindedly. ''That is my theory anyway, now if you'll excuse me Harry I have a lot of work to be getting on with.''
''Yes of course Proffessor.'' Harry said as he got up and left Dumbledores office and ran to tell Hermione, Ron and Ginny what Dumbledore had just told him.
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The next morning Hermione lay in bed with her eyes closed, againt the sunlight that was streaming into her room. Her mind still reeling from Dumbledore's theory, it made perfect sense now, but what did he want? Why did he want it? She slowly opened her eyes, blinking against the brightness of her room, she leaned over to wake up Ron but saw that he was not there, her heart skipped a beat, had Ron been attacked? Where was he? She rushed over to her dressing table and propped up againt the mirror was note.
*Mione
Had to go to Quidditch training early, the new captain is a real slave driver! I'll miss you. Love you loads Ron x x x x x x x x*
She looked next to the note and saw that there was a single red rose, she smiled to herself, she never knew Ron could be so sweet, een in light of all of the recent panic, he still found time to make romantic gesture and to be sweet to her. Hermione knew that deep down Ron was worrying about his family, they were pure bloods they could just as eaily be attacked next, if only they knew what Voldemort wanted from each of the families. Hermione resolved to start researching, what all the families could all posses that the Voldemort would want, as soon as she got out of the shower.
Before she left her bedroom, she left a note to Ron in the place his note had been left.
*Ronnie
Thank you for the rose it was really sweet of you, I missed you too. I'm in the Library now. Love you loads Mione x x x x x x P.S I'll have a word with your horrible captain later. x x*
(A.N Thank you loads to all the people who have faithfully reviewed this story, I'm gald you enjoy reading it as much as enjoy writing it. I have planned out the ending to this story and all I need to do is write it. There will also be a twist at the end, I don't think anyone'll be able to guess what, well I hope not anyway!! NEXT CHAPTER - more of Hermiones diary!!!! yay!)
WHAT DOES HE WANT?
A man sat in a black, leather, high-backed chair, his cold, hard features emphasised by the flickering firelight. His fingers were steepled under his chin and he stared coldly, with an expresion of comtempt on his face into the fireplace, as though waiting for something, or someone. A snake slithered across the dusty floor, leaving a shiny wooden surface in its trail.
Suddenly the flames in the fire glowed bright green and the man's face was illuminated, with a ghostly quality, his skin was tightly drawn across his face and two menacing red eyes glinted dangerously in the direction of a hooded figure that had just emerged from the fireplace.
''Gilbert.'' The man said, without rising from his chair.
''Master.....Master.'' Gilbert said quietly, rushing forward and kissing the hems of his masters robes, then retreating on his knees, not wanting to look up into the cold, unforgiving face of his master, Lord Voldemort, knowing that he had failed him yet again.
''Did you get it?'' Voldemort spat, his eyes narrowing.
''Well............no....I...I......the boy......he said...he said he didn't...know......what I was....talking about.'' Gilbert stuttered, the Dark Lords presence had this effect on every single on of his followers. He had the ability to turn them all into gibbering idiots, without so much as saying a complete sentence.
''Did you try and *persuade* him to tell you.'' Voldemort asked, knowing the answer.
''What.....do....you......mean..how could....I.....he didn't....know.'' Gilbert answered, flinching as though he knew what was coming, he knew he had failed his master.
'''HE COULD'VE KNOWN, HE COULD HAVE BEEN LYING TO YOU.'' Voldemort shouted maniacally. ''You should've tortured him, I find that after a few rounds of 'Crucio' people are usually more willing to talk.'' he continued, lowering his voice, making him sound twice as terrifying as he did when he shouted.
''I....I.....didn't think......my Lord...please forgive me.'' Gilbert begged, knowing the consequence's for failing the Dark Lord. ''I beg of you my Lord.''
''Well it's obvious you didn't think, but I'm afraid I cannot tolerate failure.'' Voldemort said slowly, a slight grin spreading across his thin, hard lips.
''Please master no.......please no.'' Gilbert cried.
''Crucio''
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Harry Potter woke up suddenly with a sharp, searing pain across his forehead, he clutched his hand to his throbbing forehead. ''He's angry'' he said to himself as he sat up suddenly and reached for his glasses. He rubbed at his scar, although it did nothing to ease the pain, someone was being tortured, a Death Eater was being tortured for a making mistake, a mistake that they had made that night.
''You ok babe?'' Ginny asked sleepily as she felt Harry sit up violently.
''No, my scar is hurting, Voldemort is torturing a Death Eater right now.'' Harry answered honestly.
''Do you know why?'' Ginny asked tentatively, her brow creased in confusion.
''For making a mistake, that's all I know, he's blocked his mind off now.'' Harry answered.
''Do you think it has anything to do with the attacks?'' Ginny asked as she lovingly stroked the back of his hand that wasn't rubbing furiously at his forehead.
''Yeah, I think it does.'' Harry answered confidently, ''I'll go to Dumbledore first thing in the morning.''
''Ok babe, are you alright now?''
''Yeah, lets go back to sleep.'' Harry answered as he kissed Ginny swiftly on the lips and lay back down to try and get to sleep, although it was along time before he eventually got to sleep as the pain in his scar didn't subside for over an hour, the man had certainly displeased Voldemort, Harry thought to himself.
The next morning all students were woken up by the sound of announcement, reverbarating off the stony castle walls.
''ALL STUDENTS PLEASE HEAD TO YOUR COMMON ROOMS AND REMAIN THERE UNTIL YOU HAVE BEEN ADDRESSED BY YOUR HEAD OF HOUSE, DO NOT LEAVE THE COMMON ROOM.''
Harry, Ginny, Ron and Hermione met up outside their private rooms and headed quickly and curiously to the Gryffindor common room where they were met with every Gryffindor looking nervous and scared, and wondering why they were woken up at six in the morning and why they weren't allowed to leave the common room.
''Hey Dean.'' Harry called over to his classmate, ''Where's Neville?''
''I don't know, he wasn't in his bed I thought he'd already be down here.'' Dean replied, from his seat on the sofa next to Seamus Finnigan, who was staring hungrily at Laender Brown.
''He'll probably be here soon.'' Harry replied, although it wasn't like Neville to be up and about so early, let alone to miss an important announcement.
''Gin?'' a fifth year called over to her, it was Dana Humphreys, one of Ginny's old roommates.
''Yeah Dana.'' Ginny called back, smiling at her friend.
''Have you seen Colin?'' Dana asked anxiously
''No why, where is he?'' Ginny questionned worridley.
''I don't know, I haven't seen him all morning.''
''Haven't seen who all morning?'' Colin asked as he entered the common room through the portrait of the fat lady.
''You, you fool, where have you been?'' Ginny asked the relief shown clearly on her face, as she slapped Colin lightly on his arm.
''I couldn't sleep so I went for a walk, then I heard the announcement so I came back.'' Colin answered simply. ''Wonder what it's all about?'' he asked lightly. Ginny and Dana just shrugged, they knew that whatever it was, wasn't going to be good news. At that moment Proffesor McGonagall climbed awkwardly through the portarit hole and cleared her throat, and wiped furiously at her eyes that were red and puffy.
''Gryffindors, the reason that you have been asked to remain in your common rooms is because there has been another attack, on a pureblood.'' Harry felt his heart sink, Neville was still missing. ''The student was attacked, late last night in the Charms corridor, and was found this morning by Mr Filch. It is thought that the student was placed under the Imperius curse and was forced to walk to the Charms corridor.'' Mcgonagall let a small sob escape from her before he continued. ''The student that has been attacked, is a Gryffindor sixth year. Neville Longbottom.'' A small gasp escaped all of the Gryffindors as they scanned the room, as though in hope of finding the round faced forgetful boy sitting amongst them, proving Mcgonagall wrong. But to no avail, he was missing, nowhere to be seen. Harry stood stock still, not knowing what to say or do, it wasn't until Mcgonagall started to speak again that he actually broke out of his state of shock. ''All students are to reamin in their common rooms until a thourough search of the castle has been completed. Prefects will be in control and food will be sent up by the house elves shortly.'' And with those final words Mcgonagall departed through the portarait, to help in the exstensive search of all of Hogwarts and its grounds, leaving the Gryffindor tower in shock and fear.
Hermione, Ginny, Lavender and Parvati, set about trying to comfort and reassure the first and second years, who were terrified, some were crying softly while others had formed tight groups and sat huddled in the corners of the common room, jumping if anyone so much as spoke to them. Ron, Harry, Dean and Seamus worked with the seventh year Gryffindors organising the food that had started arriving in the common room through the fireplace, and distributing it to all the students that were to reamain in the common room for the entire day with them. Harry was so busy that day that the pain in his scar that had woken him up so suddenly that night was driven out of his mind as were his plans to see Dumbledore, although one thing was in his mind and that was his need to break the curse on Neville, he would have to think of something. Neville was the nicest boy he knew, he was always sseen as clumsy and careless, and that caused everyone to overlook him, but Harry saw past that and knew that Neville was a true friend. He had stuck with him throught their battle with the Death Eaters in the Department of Mysteries last year, and Harry was as determined to help Neville, as Neville was determined to help Harry the previous year.
By the time the whole castle and grounds had been searched and was deemed safe by Dumbledore, it was nine o'clock at night and the only place the students could go was bed, it had been a very tiring day, as half way through all the seventh year students retreated to the far corner of the common room, leaving the sixth years to try and keep everyone calm. Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny all walked slowly to Ron and Hermione's room, where they sat talking before Harry and Ginny would go back to their own room.
''Poor Neville.'' Ginny muttered as he at down onto the red sofa in front of the fire in Hermione and Ron's room.
''I know.'' Hermione agreed, ''He definately didn't deserve this.''
''No-one does.'' Harry said darkly, a Ginny slipped her arm around his waist, and sat closer to him. ''We have to do something, we can't just sit around and let this keep happening.''
''What do you suggest we do Harry?'' Hermione asked sarcastically, ''Assign everyone a personal bodyguard.'' she knew Harry blamed himself for every bad thing that happened around Hogwarts. ''Look Harry I'm sorry I snapped.'' Hermione said noticing the hurt look on Harry's face. ''but really how can *we* stop this if even Dumbledore can't.''
''I don't know.'' Harry sighed. ''We don't even know what spell is being used.''
''I've got an idea.'' Ginny said enthusiastically, ''It may be a long shot but I think we should start researching the curse, I mean there must be a book in the Library about it, somewhere.''
''No, Hermione would've read it already.'' Ron replied earning a slap from Hermione, but he was soon back in her good books by giving her his puppy dog eyes and saying. ''I'm sorry Mione, I didn't mean it.'' and kissing her softly on her lips, wrapping his arms around her waist as he stood behind her.
''That's a good idea Gin, but really it would take us ages to read through every single book in the Library.'' Harry said sadly, ''there are too many books and not enough of us.''
''But what if we get everyone in the DA to help out as well, I mean if there are more of us looking, there's more chance of us finding something, anything.'' Ginny said hopefully.
''Great idea Gin, Harry can announce it in the next meeting, we are bound to find something soon.'' Hermione gushed, as she ran over and hugged her friend.
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Christmas came and went at Hogwarts, with no sign of a counter curse to awake the trapped students from their bubbles. Every single member of the DA was searching methodically through every book that they could get their hands on from the Library and from any teachers. There had been more attacks on children, outside of Hogwarts, there had been two attacks on students from Beauxbatons and three attacks on children that were too young to even attend school. None of the teachers had come up with a way to prevent these attacks or to even protect the students that were being targetted, as no-one had any idea about why they were being targetted. It was a total mystery, the only people who knew why the attacks were happening, were the people who were lying, dead to the world in bubbles.
It was a cold, January morning when Harry, Ginny, Hermione and Ron headed into the Great Hall for breakfast on a typical Saturday, that would consist of an almost whole day in the Library reading through the few books that hadn't already been checked by one member of the DA. Harry sat down and looked up instinctively as the hundreds of post owls flew through the large window in the roof of the Great Hall, Hedwig wasn't there and he knew she wouldn't be afterall he had no-one outside of Hogwarts to write to anymore, it was just an old habit. Hermione recieved her usual copy of the Daily Prophet, and she paid the owl and set about reading the front page her eyes wide and expression one of pure shock.
BUBBLE VICTIM DEAD!
Silvia Kaster one of the latest victims in a series of attacks, where the victims are trapped inside an unbreakable buuble, filled with a silvery liquid that emits a soft, white glow, was found dead inside her bubble last night.
In a shocking turn of events, Silvia, the person who has been under the curse for the shortest amount of time, has died first. This causes us to believe that the curse was not what killed her, there is another reason for her death. She was discovered this morning, with all of the liquid in her bubble completly drained out and the white glow, extinguished. Rumours that You-Know-Who is behind this have also been confirmed as the Dark Mark was found by her parents on returning to their home late last night.
Silvia Kaster aged five, was one of many children to be truck by the bubble charm a it i now being called by Minitry Officials. The only connections between all victims are that they are all under the age of eighteen and they are all pureblood wizards or witches. There are no other connections, which is why no-one knows who is going to be targetted next. But I would advise evrybody to be on the lookout for anything suspicious, and to remain alert. You-Know-Who is back.
Miranda Appleby (Daily Prophet)
''Oh No, read this guys.'' Hermione said as she handed the paper over to Harry and Ginny, glancing over at Ron who had paled suddenly after reading the arcticle over Hermiones shoulder.
''Oh my God, he died, but why? Why wa he the only one who died?'' Ginny aked, trembling slightly, no-one had ever thought that any of the children would actually die.
''Dumbledore.'' Harry said suddenly, causing his friends to give him a few strange looks. ''I have to tell Dumbledore about my scar.''
''You didn't tell him.'' Hermione half shouted at him incredulously.
''Well I had a lot on my mind that day.'' Harry said bitterly, remembering Mcgonagall entering the common room to tell them that Neille had been attacked. ''I'm going to go and see him now.''
''You can't go now Harry, we have to look in the library before it gets too full.'' Ron argued. ''You'll have to go later on, I mean a couple of hours won't make a difference will it.''
''No I suppose not.'' Harry sighed, as he got up and headed off to the library with his friend, for another day of pouring over old spell books, looking for a curse that remotely resembled the one Neville was under.
After a whole day in the library reading, old spell books cover to cover, looking for anything that would help all the children under the bubble curse. Harry decided that he had, had enough for the day, how could he possibly help when the words that he was looking at now started to reemble scatchy spiders crawling over the page. He thought that he would go up to Dumbledore's office before going to the Great Hall to have ome food, so he parted from Ron, Hermione and Ginny in the Entrance Hall and started to walk up the sweeping staircase to Dumbledore's office.
He walked to Dumbledores office without even noticing where he was going, and it wasn't until he reached the stone gargoyle that he remembered that he didn't have the password,m so he started firing random passwords at the gargoyle hoping that it would come to life and spring aside as it uually did.
''Sugar Quill, Fizzing Whizbee, Cockroach Cluster, Acid Pop, Butterbeer, Liquorice Wand, Bertie Botts Every Flavour Beans, Chocolate Frog, Cauldron Cake, Gingerbread, Pumkin Pasty.'' he shouted at the gragoyle, with no effect whatsoever.
''Pear drops'' came a voice from behind Harry that he immedeately recognised as the voice of Proffeor Dumbledore.
''Oh....Proffessor.....I was just .....I needed to talk to you.'' Harry stammered, feeling lightly embarassed that Dumbledore had caught him trying to get into his office.
''I understand Harry.'' Dumbledore said as he ushered Harry onto the rotating staircase that had appeared when the gargoyle stepped aside upon hearing the password.
When Harry reached Dumbledore office, he noticed that all the whirring, spinning objects found in Dumbledores office had been replaced after Harry had broken them all in a fit of rage the previous year, when hearing that Sirius was really gone. Not wanting to remember the worst day of his life, the day that he lost the only person he had ever really loved, his only family he had ever known, Harry took a seat opposite from Dumbledore and launched into the story of his scar hurting, many nights ago.
''So, he was being punished for making a mistake?'' Dumbledore asked Harry calmly, after listening to the whole story, Harry nodded in agreement.
''I think it must've been a mistake in the attack on Neville or something to do with Neville because we heard of Neville's attack the next day.'' Harry suggested. ''Why are these people being targetted?'' Harry asked, hoping for an honest answer, but at that moment a tawny owl flew through the window and landed gracefully on Dumbledores desk, holding out a letter that was attached to its scaly leg. Dumbledore read the letter swiftly and let out a groan.
''What is it Proffessor?'' Harry asked timidly, not sure if Dumbledore would mind being asked about a personal letter, it appears that he didn't as he shook his head and answered wearily.
''Silvia Kaster's parents have both been found dead, with a Dark Mark over the house that they were staying in.'' Dumbledore sighed.
''But why, why are they all dying?'' Harry asked feeling powerless to help.
''I have a theory on that but it hasn't been proved.'' Dumbledore said as he began pacing the floor of his office. ''I think that Voldemort want something from each of these families, and he is blackmailing them by cursing their children. The one thing parents will place above all others, so he can get what he wants, and until he does these students will remain under the charm, unless we can find a counter curse.''
''But why are they getting killed?'' Harry asked, not really understanding everything.
''Because the family must not have had the thing he wanted, or they may have given him what they thought to be real but was actually a fake, that would've made him very angry and he would've killed all the family.'' Dumbledore paused and stroked Fawkes absent mindedly. ''That is my theory anyway, now if you'll excuse me Harry I have a lot of work to be getting on with.''
''Yes of course Proffessor.'' Harry said as he got up and left Dumbledores office and ran to tell Hermione, Ron and Ginny what Dumbledore had just told him.
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The next morning Hermione lay in bed with her eyes closed, againt the sunlight that was streaming into her room. Her mind still reeling from Dumbledore's theory, it made perfect sense now, but what did he want? Why did he want it? She slowly opened her eyes, blinking against the brightness of her room, she leaned over to wake up Ron but saw that he was not there, her heart skipped a beat, had Ron been attacked? Where was he? She rushed over to her dressing table and propped up againt the mirror was note.
*Mione
Had to go to Quidditch training early, the new captain is a real slave driver! I'll miss you. Love you loads Ron x x x x x x x x*
She looked next to the note and saw that there was a single red rose, she smiled to herself, she never knew Ron could be so sweet, een in light of all of the recent panic, he still found time to make romantic gesture and to be sweet to her. Hermione knew that deep down Ron was worrying about his family, they were pure bloods they could just as eaily be attacked next, if only they knew what Voldemort wanted from each of the families. Hermione resolved to start researching, what all the families could all posses that the Voldemort would want, as soon as she got out of the shower.
Before she left her bedroom, she left a note to Ron in the place his note had been left.
*Ronnie
Thank you for the rose it was really sweet of you, I missed you too. I'm in the Library now. Love you loads Mione x x x x x x P.S I'll have a word with your horrible captain later. x x*
(A.N Thank you loads to all the people who have faithfully reviewed this story, I'm gald you enjoy reading it as much as enjoy writing it. I have planned out the ending to this story and all I need to do is write it. There will also be a twist at the end, I don't think anyone'll be able to guess what, well I hope not anyway!! NEXT CHAPTER - more of Hermiones diary!!!! yay!)
