A/N: Well this chapter certainly took me a long time to finish. Yes.........Well
an IMPORTANT AUTHOR'S NOTE HERE. After this chapter, I'm planning on taking
a break from writing. I'll probably start again once school starts (I'll
have more time to write then.........since I'll be cooped up in my room, I'm not
allowed to go on the computer once school starts you see). So that's all I
have to say! I WILL continue with this story, so don't worry, I WILL come
back.
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"Insane! Absolutely insane!" McNair exclaimed.
Voldemort's piercing gaze settled on the Death Eater who was now cowering, wishing he could shrink away. Voicing their opinion was one thing, but disagreeing with the Dark Lord? It was something a person would do, only if they wanted to die early in life.
"Say that again," Voldemort threatened. "I dare you."
"I-I mean that uh y-you know how alert the people are now, if-if we set a date and actually tell them, they'll have everything ready to go!"
"I never said that we will attack on the exact date now did I?"
Many Death Eaters shook their heads no, and paid close attention to what Voldemort had to say next.
"Well give them a date and they'll be on their tails ready to attack when we come. But we wont. Let them wait about 4 or 5 days and they'll retreat. Then we'll attack," Voldemort said, petting Nagani's scaly head. "Well? Don't you agree with me?"
The look on Voldemort's face made McNair quickly nod, agreeing with the Dark Lord.
"Lucius," Voldemort called out.
"Yes my Lord?" Lucius bowed.
"When can I expect young Malfoy to receive the Dark Mark?"
"Soon my Lord, he's still not ready yet."
"Have you spoken to him?"
"Yes, a few days ago."
Voldemort rubbed his pale knuckles, flexing his brittle fingers, "Ready or not, he will have the Mark burned upon him soon. Of course, even without the mark, he will still fight on our side no?"
"Of course, he may not have the Dark Mark, but he will still remain faithful to the Dark Lord."
"Good, good........."
As Draco walked past his father's office after a evening of flying around in the outdoor mini Quidditch field, he heard most of what was said during the meeting. But he was missing the most important information; it was the date Voldemort have chosen. He clenched his fists; Voldemort actually thinks he can outsmart the people at Hogwarts? Most likely, Dumbledore will have many people stand guard for a week, a month the latest. There was a pop and Star the house elf appeared by Draco's side.
"Master must not nose in during the meeting!" Star squeaked horrified.
"It's my house, I can do whatever I please," Draco hissed.
"Master must not be angry at Star! Mistress told me to make sure master don't walk in during the meeting!"
"I'm only listening!"
"The-The D-ark Lord will know," Star said, her eyes widening. "And Star will get sacked at once! Star wont have anywhere to go if she gets sacked. Poor Froad, no one will be able to look after him!"
"All right, just, shush. I'll go up to my room okay," Draco said, calming the frightened house elf down.
Star hiccupped and smiled up at the blonde.
"Master is considerate and kind," Star said sniffing before disappearing.
Draco blushed, usually he would avoid the house elves, but in order to shut Star up he had to agree with her. But receiving a compliment from a house elf? That's something very new. He had no choice but to return to his bedroom. His legs were itching to walk back and listen to Voldemort's plans some more, but he knew he mustn't. So to kill the urge, Draco took out a quill and wrote a letter to Dumbledore, explaining what he heard. With a glance down the hall to make sure no Death Eater will walk in on him, he head towards the owlery. The owlery wasn't as big as the one in Hogwarts, but it'll do. He chose his eagle owl, and tied the letter around Zero's leg. There was a pop and someone appeared behind Draco. Draco turned around, wand ready in his hand.
Professor Snape yanked his wand from his hand, and thrusted a letter into his palm instead. Draco's heart quickened excitedly when he noticed Harry's handwriting.
"Potter was stupid enough to use his own owl, he should know by now Voldemort can recognize his owl," Professor Snape drawled. "So I made his owl give me the letter instead."
Thanking Snape by throwing his arms over him, and giving him a quick squeeze before hurrying out of the owlery. Snape stood stunned for a moment, registering the hug he just received. Draco never seemed like the type to hug someone with glee. With a loud pop, a bat flew up to rest on one of the ceiling bars.
***************************************************
Hermione tried knocking on the boy's room to wake Ron and Harry up, but it made no difference, the 2 boys continued sleeping on. Sighing huffily, she whipped out her wand and pointed it at the door.
"Alohomora," Hermione muttered.
The door clicked opened and Hermione opened it, stepping into the pigsty. She almost fell down, after stepping on Dean's muggle skateboard. If it wasn't for Ron's broom hanging in mid-air, she would have knocked her head on Neville's toad Trevor's tank.
"Come on, wake up!" Hermione shouted.
No movement form any of the beds.
Hermione glared as Ron turned so he was facing away from her. She pointed her wand and pointed it at the windows, muttering a few chosen words, the curtains flung aside. Sunlight poured into the room, lighting it up. Many of them groaned and threw the covers (and pillows) over their heads.
"Accio pillow! Accio blanket!" Hermione yelled, and at once all the pillow and blankets flew across the room to land at her feet.
"Oy! I'm naked here!" Seamus hollered, but he didn't seem to mind much.
Hermione rolled her eyes and threw a pillow at Seamus. She walked over to Ron.
"Morning honey," Ron said smiling cheekily.
Hermione smiled, but the smile disappeared quickly.
"Get up, we're 3 minutes late."
"What a shame," Dean said groggily from his bed.
Harry rubbed his eyes and put on his glasses.
"We're in our boxers, do you mind?" Harry mumbled.
"2 minutes, hurry up!" Hermione said leaving.
The boys quickly pulled on a sweater and jeans and hurried out of the door. Hermione had already left, for she was nowhere to be found in the common room. Instead, she was waiting for them outside in the hallway.
"Where is this training thing held," Ron asked.
"Follow me," Hermione said walking briskly. "No time to explain, you'll know once we get there."
Harry wasn't surprised when Hermione led them to the Potion's classroom, for he has seen Draco during his training. But what surprised him was to see their ex-Defence Against Dark Arts teacher explaining the property of a spell to the many students. The room itself seemed to have expanded to fit the large turn out. More desks were scattered among the room, and the students were all listening to Remus Lupin with rapt attention. The whole deal about Remus being a werewolf didn't seem to bother them anymore. What was more surprising was to see several Slytherin's there as well. Snape stood beside Remus, glaring at a specific person once in a while.
Dumbledore kindly smiled at the 5 of them when they entered, and motioned for them to sit down. Now that Harry had a better view of Remus, he noticed the blood-shot eyes and unkempt robes. The last time he saw him, Remus looked healthy, now he seems to be lacking of proper slumber. But Harry hasn't seen him after last year. Harry sometimes wondered where he has fled to, but every time he thought about him, his Godfather's face would swim into view in his mind. He tried his best to get over another loved one's death, and had succeeded. But he was vulnerable in his sleep. It is the only time of the day where Harry cannot control what he is thinking. Nightmares haunted him as he watched Sirius leave him alone in the darkness.
"So pair up and let's try out the spell," Remus said finishing his mini lesson.
Harry, who hasn't been paying attention, paired up with Hermione. Ron insisted, for he didn't want to hurt Hermione with any of the spells he uses.
"What exactly are we doing?" Harry asked.
"A reflecting spell," Hermione said briskly, raising her wand. "I'll go first. Just cast any spell on me."
Harry nodded. Once Remus indicated they may start, Harry yelled out the first word that came to his mind.
"DRACO!" Harry yelled, pointing his wand at Hermione.
A loud roaring sound filled the room and from Harry's trembling wand emitted a dragon. It snapped its jaws at Hermione who dropped her wand in surprise, backing up. Harry had no idea what he has just done, but who knew "Draco" would be a spell of some sort? All eyes were on the dragon, no one dared to neither move nor speak. It was when the dragon lunged at Hermione; Remus cast a spell and the dragon faded slowly away. Hermione's knee gave out as she slid to the ground; Ron quickly rushed towards her. People started talking once more. Harry was in shock, how did this happen?
"Harry, are you all right?" Dumbledore asked.
Harry nodded, throat dry. Finally with some steady breathing he asked, "What happened?"
"The word Draco means Dragon in Latin. I have never heard of a spell like that, and I have lived for quite a while now."
B-But.........could it have hurt Hermione?"
"If you use you're eyes Potter, you would know it was only an image," Professor Snape lazily drawled. "It could not have even hurt a flea."
Remus in the meantime was calming the talkative pupils down, in order to have some proper practice with the reflecting spell. Once it was time to attend breakfast, the students quickly filed out of the room to join the rest of the school in the Great Hall. Dumbledore pulled Harry aside. Ron walked out with his arms around Hermione, trying to calm his shaking girlfriend down. Harry thought it was strange, usually Ron would wait for him, and instead he walked past him without even acknowledging him. Was Ron mad at him? But the dragon didn't do any harm.
Harry turned to Dumbledore who peered back at him with a serious gaze. Snape and Remus stood behind Dumbledore.
"I received some alarming news early in the morning from Mr. Draco Malfoy himself," Dumbledore said, smiling as he noticed Harry grow excited at the mention of the blonde's name. "But it contained some serious issues that cannot be ignored."
"Why? Did something happen to Draco?" Harry asked alarmed.
Noticing Remus's surprised reaction, Harry blushed and calmed his racing heart down. He hasn't told him yet, and it would probably be a good time to confess after.
"Draco is safe in the meantime-"
"What do you mean in the meantime?" Harry demanded.
"Let me finish Harry, why don't you sit down?"
"Just tell me what happened to him!"
"Potter, I do believe the Headmaster is trying to explain. So if you can just keep that mouth shut-"Professor Snape got cut off
"Harry, just listen to what Dumbledore has got to say," Remus said.
Harry nodded and sat down in one of the desks, looking up at Dumbledore.
"Voldemort is planning on a attack. When? I don't have the source for that yet."
"Then shouldn't we all prepare for the attack?"
"Precisely, I want you to take extra training sessions though, starting today," Dumbledore said.
"What about the others?" Harry asked.
"Their training session will remain the same."
"But-"
"I know for a fact the others are managing this very well. They don't need the extra training."
"Then why do I have to?"
Harry was beginning to get angry, he was no different from the other students, and yet Dumbledore is treating him like a 5 year old.
"I'm sure you know, that you're the only Voldemort is after."
Harry nodded silently, knowing where this is going.
"Then you see the reason why I think you need the extra training. I'm doing everything I possibly can to keep Hogwarts a safe place for students."
"Like what?" Harry asked.
"That is something we will discus later on. You'll be able to find out more things," Dumbledore paused. "Severus? Remus? I need to speak to Harry alone for a few minutes."
Snape gladly swept out of the room, but Remus stopped by Harry and cupped him on the shoulder.
"I'll see you tonight then," he spoke before leaving the classroom.
Dumbledore waved his wand and a plate of breakfast appeared before Harry.
"I'm about to show you something but you must promise me to remain calm," Dumbledore waited until Harry agreed. "You better eat, I can hear your stomach growling."
Dumbledore got out a envelope from his robe pocket, taking out a folded letter Harry thought Dumbledore was going to read him something, but instead the letter itself floated to the ground. There was a buzzing sound, before a fuzzy image appeared. It was a hologram of Draco! Harry, who grew excited, knocked the plate of food to the ground by accident. He didn't notice though, his pair of green eyes was set on Draco's image. The image Draco turned around as if checking if anyone is watching. Relief crossed the blonde's face.
"Professor Dumbledore, I'm sure you heard the new about the attack from Severus. That's not the only problem, Voldemort is planning on giving me the Dark mark soon (Harry's jaw dropped open, as he clenched his fist), I'm not sure when. As you can see, I decided to try out this image mail you suggested," Draco's image paused and smiled. "Hi Harry, how are you? I miss you lots. I don't know when I'll be able to return to Hogwarts, but I'm hoping it'll be soon. I heard my mom talking to my father about it." A frown took its place, remembering how his father yelled at his mother for interrupting a meeting.
"Anyway.........Professor Dumbledore, I'm trying my best to find out the exact date, but they don't talk about it much anymore. I'll contact you as soon as I found out though."
There was another buzzing sound and the image disappeared, leaving Harry astonished.
"Can we watch that again?" Harry asked hopefully.
"I'm afraid not. Image mails burn themselves after viewing."
Harry nodded sadly. Just like what Dumbledore said, the letter burst into flames leaving only ashes behind.
"He's going to get the Dark Mark," Harry said incoherently. He glared at Dumbledore. "He's fucking getting the Dark Mark, and you're not DOING ANYTHING?"
"Harry.........I can't do anything, we cannot simply just barge in there and stop Voldemort from doing so."
"Then tell me something you CAN do."
"I know you're shocked from the news, but you have to remain calm. Draco is bidding time; the mark might not even be burned upon him."
"You don't know that for sure," Harry mumbled angrily.
"That's right, I don't know," Dumbledore said gently. "I know you miss Draco, but you cannot let that interfere with your training. You have to focus your mind."
Harry sighed, "I know, but he practically lives in my mind."
"Just try focussing harder, well off you go then. You need a proper meal," Dumbledore said smiling down at the knocked over plate.
Harry muttered a sorry and was about to bend down and pick it up, but Dumbledore cleaned the mess up with a wave from his wand.
"Remember to focus Harry, have a good day."
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"INGEMINO!"
Where a statue stood, now has a copy of itself beside it. Only flaw was the copy was missing a chunk of stone.
"It's.........getting there," Remus said casually before flashing Harry an encouraging smile. "Just a few more practices or two, and you'll master it right away."
Harry smiled back. He kept his mind clear of any intruding thoughts. It worked and Harry successfully mastered 3 spells today. Exhausted, Harry collapsed on the armchair in the Divintion classroom. Professor Trewlawny gladly lend her classroom for the private training session, for her "Inner Eye" told her she must do so, in order to get a great reward.
Remus sat down on one of the pouffes.
"Harry, I'm not trying t nose in on your business, but I would like to know why this Malfoy kid mean so much to you."
Time to confess. Harry took a shuddering breath and told Remus straight out that he was gay. Remus looked at Harry surprised, he wasn't expecting Harry to say something like that. He thought maybe Malfoy and Harry found each other in a new friendship.
"Well," Remus said curtly and smiled at Harry. "Only if you're happy, other then that, I have no objections whatsoever."
"I'm very happy. I've never been so happy in my whole life," Harry said.
"Good, well you must not have known this, and since it looks as if it's the time for me to tell you. Harry, your godfather, Sirius," Remus said his voice breaking at the mention of Sirius. "He was bi."
Harry's eyes widened, "Are you serious?"
Nodding, Remus continued, "He found out in his sixth year. And, I have always known I was gay. Starting from second year, I have always been attracted to Sirius. So on our last year at Hogwarts, we started dating. We drifted apart at your father's wedding. It was when you were 3 months old I got caught up with him.........but then-"
"When I was 1, Voldemort attacked didn't he?" Harry spoke in a soft tone.
"Yes. The incident with Peter happened, forcing Sirius to flee from the Ministry-"
"And in my 3rd year, you re-united with him........."
"Yes."
There was a silence, and Harry can hear the buzzing of a fly near by. He pointed his wand at it and muttered, "Ingemino" The fly sort of did a loop in the air and started twitching. Finally, another form of the fly appeared. Harry was trying to block out what happened in his fifth year. Somehow Remus knew what Harry was thinking, but the intense look upon Harry's face.
"Do you want to talk about it?" Remus asked gently.
"No."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes."
"Well.........We're done for the day. I'll see you tomorrow morning and at 9 at night."
"Yeah," Harry said. "Night."
Harry got up from the armchair. It was as if someone suddenly turned the classroom around. Through Harry's eyes, the room was spinning. He clutched the nearest thing next to him to steady himself. The room was spinning faster and faster until it dissolved into pitch darkness. Harry blinked, what was going on? Amidst the darkness, there was a closed gate. Harry walked towards it and curiously flung it open. The room turned cold and a fog was filling his mind. He could hear a rattling breath and many people shouting. The room focussed itself and Harry was now standing in Azkaban. Rows of cells after cells burst opened and the prisoner's escaped. Some people that were wearing dark grey robes started stunning as many prisoner's as possible, but masked figures stunned anyone who tried attacking.
Dementors.........they were all huddled up behind a man with a snake like face, and gleaming red eyes.
"Kill the aurors," he spoke.
The Dementors immediately glided towards the aurors, and swooped down on them, lifting back their hoods. Screams of panicking people and running footsteps were all Harry could hear. He tried to move to help the people, but his feet wouldn't work. The scene dissolved and Harry found himself lying on the floor in the Divintion classroom, with Remus kneeling beside him.
"Harry!" Remus's voice seemed so distant that it only echoed.
Harry tried to speak, but as soon as he worked up enough strength, he fainted.........
A/N: Hehe! I'm so evil =] Well.........remember to review! I'll update once school starts!
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"Insane! Absolutely insane!" McNair exclaimed.
Voldemort's piercing gaze settled on the Death Eater who was now cowering, wishing he could shrink away. Voicing their opinion was one thing, but disagreeing with the Dark Lord? It was something a person would do, only if they wanted to die early in life.
"Say that again," Voldemort threatened. "I dare you."
"I-I mean that uh y-you know how alert the people are now, if-if we set a date and actually tell them, they'll have everything ready to go!"
"I never said that we will attack on the exact date now did I?"
Many Death Eaters shook their heads no, and paid close attention to what Voldemort had to say next.
"Well give them a date and they'll be on their tails ready to attack when we come. But we wont. Let them wait about 4 or 5 days and they'll retreat. Then we'll attack," Voldemort said, petting Nagani's scaly head. "Well? Don't you agree with me?"
The look on Voldemort's face made McNair quickly nod, agreeing with the Dark Lord.
"Lucius," Voldemort called out.
"Yes my Lord?" Lucius bowed.
"When can I expect young Malfoy to receive the Dark Mark?"
"Soon my Lord, he's still not ready yet."
"Have you spoken to him?"
"Yes, a few days ago."
Voldemort rubbed his pale knuckles, flexing his brittle fingers, "Ready or not, he will have the Mark burned upon him soon. Of course, even without the mark, he will still fight on our side no?"
"Of course, he may not have the Dark Mark, but he will still remain faithful to the Dark Lord."
"Good, good........."
As Draco walked past his father's office after a evening of flying around in the outdoor mini Quidditch field, he heard most of what was said during the meeting. But he was missing the most important information; it was the date Voldemort have chosen. He clenched his fists; Voldemort actually thinks he can outsmart the people at Hogwarts? Most likely, Dumbledore will have many people stand guard for a week, a month the latest. There was a pop and Star the house elf appeared by Draco's side.
"Master must not nose in during the meeting!" Star squeaked horrified.
"It's my house, I can do whatever I please," Draco hissed.
"Master must not be angry at Star! Mistress told me to make sure master don't walk in during the meeting!"
"I'm only listening!"
"The-The D-ark Lord will know," Star said, her eyes widening. "And Star will get sacked at once! Star wont have anywhere to go if she gets sacked. Poor Froad, no one will be able to look after him!"
"All right, just, shush. I'll go up to my room okay," Draco said, calming the frightened house elf down.
Star hiccupped and smiled up at the blonde.
"Master is considerate and kind," Star said sniffing before disappearing.
Draco blushed, usually he would avoid the house elves, but in order to shut Star up he had to agree with her. But receiving a compliment from a house elf? That's something very new. He had no choice but to return to his bedroom. His legs were itching to walk back and listen to Voldemort's plans some more, but he knew he mustn't. So to kill the urge, Draco took out a quill and wrote a letter to Dumbledore, explaining what he heard. With a glance down the hall to make sure no Death Eater will walk in on him, he head towards the owlery. The owlery wasn't as big as the one in Hogwarts, but it'll do. He chose his eagle owl, and tied the letter around Zero's leg. There was a pop and someone appeared behind Draco. Draco turned around, wand ready in his hand.
Professor Snape yanked his wand from his hand, and thrusted a letter into his palm instead. Draco's heart quickened excitedly when he noticed Harry's handwriting.
"Potter was stupid enough to use his own owl, he should know by now Voldemort can recognize his owl," Professor Snape drawled. "So I made his owl give me the letter instead."
Thanking Snape by throwing his arms over him, and giving him a quick squeeze before hurrying out of the owlery. Snape stood stunned for a moment, registering the hug he just received. Draco never seemed like the type to hug someone with glee. With a loud pop, a bat flew up to rest on one of the ceiling bars.
***************************************************
Hermione tried knocking on the boy's room to wake Ron and Harry up, but it made no difference, the 2 boys continued sleeping on. Sighing huffily, she whipped out her wand and pointed it at the door.
"Alohomora," Hermione muttered.
The door clicked opened and Hermione opened it, stepping into the pigsty. She almost fell down, after stepping on Dean's muggle skateboard. If it wasn't for Ron's broom hanging in mid-air, she would have knocked her head on Neville's toad Trevor's tank.
"Come on, wake up!" Hermione shouted.
No movement form any of the beds.
Hermione glared as Ron turned so he was facing away from her. She pointed her wand and pointed it at the windows, muttering a few chosen words, the curtains flung aside. Sunlight poured into the room, lighting it up. Many of them groaned and threw the covers (and pillows) over their heads.
"Accio pillow! Accio blanket!" Hermione yelled, and at once all the pillow and blankets flew across the room to land at her feet.
"Oy! I'm naked here!" Seamus hollered, but he didn't seem to mind much.
Hermione rolled her eyes and threw a pillow at Seamus. She walked over to Ron.
"Morning honey," Ron said smiling cheekily.
Hermione smiled, but the smile disappeared quickly.
"Get up, we're 3 minutes late."
"What a shame," Dean said groggily from his bed.
Harry rubbed his eyes and put on his glasses.
"We're in our boxers, do you mind?" Harry mumbled.
"2 minutes, hurry up!" Hermione said leaving.
The boys quickly pulled on a sweater and jeans and hurried out of the door. Hermione had already left, for she was nowhere to be found in the common room. Instead, she was waiting for them outside in the hallway.
"Where is this training thing held," Ron asked.
"Follow me," Hermione said walking briskly. "No time to explain, you'll know once we get there."
Harry wasn't surprised when Hermione led them to the Potion's classroom, for he has seen Draco during his training. But what surprised him was to see their ex-Defence Against Dark Arts teacher explaining the property of a spell to the many students. The room itself seemed to have expanded to fit the large turn out. More desks were scattered among the room, and the students were all listening to Remus Lupin with rapt attention. The whole deal about Remus being a werewolf didn't seem to bother them anymore. What was more surprising was to see several Slytherin's there as well. Snape stood beside Remus, glaring at a specific person once in a while.
Dumbledore kindly smiled at the 5 of them when they entered, and motioned for them to sit down. Now that Harry had a better view of Remus, he noticed the blood-shot eyes and unkempt robes. The last time he saw him, Remus looked healthy, now he seems to be lacking of proper slumber. But Harry hasn't seen him after last year. Harry sometimes wondered where he has fled to, but every time he thought about him, his Godfather's face would swim into view in his mind. He tried his best to get over another loved one's death, and had succeeded. But he was vulnerable in his sleep. It is the only time of the day where Harry cannot control what he is thinking. Nightmares haunted him as he watched Sirius leave him alone in the darkness.
"So pair up and let's try out the spell," Remus said finishing his mini lesson.
Harry, who hasn't been paying attention, paired up with Hermione. Ron insisted, for he didn't want to hurt Hermione with any of the spells he uses.
"What exactly are we doing?" Harry asked.
"A reflecting spell," Hermione said briskly, raising her wand. "I'll go first. Just cast any spell on me."
Harry nodded. Once Remus indicated they may start, Harry yelled out the first word that came to his mind.
"DRACO!" Harry yelled, pointing his wand at Hermione.
A loud roaring sound filled the room and from Harry's trembling wand emitted a dragon. It snapped its jaws at Hermione who dropped her wand in surprise, backing up. Harry had no idea what he has just done, but who knew "Draco" would be a spell of some sort? All eyes were on the dragon, no one dared to neither move nor speak. It was when the dragon lunged at Hermione; Remus cast a spell and the dragon faded slowly away. Hermione's knee gave out as she slid to the ground; Ron quickly rushed towards her. People started talking once more. Harry was in shock, how did this happen?
"Harry, are you all right?" Dumbledore asked.
Harry nodded, throat dry. Finally with some steady breathing he asked, "What happened?"
"The word Draco means Dragon in Latin. I have never heard of a spell like that, and I have lived for quite a while now."
B-But.........could it have hurt Hermione?"
"If you use you're eyes Potter, you would know it was only an image," Professor Snape lazily drawled. "It could not have even hurt a flea."
Remus in the meantime was calming the talkative pupils down, in order to have some proper practice with the reflecting spell. Once it was time to attend breakfast, the students quickly filed out of the room to join the rest of the school in the Great Hall. Dumbledore pulled Harry aside. Ron walked out with his arms around Hermione, trying to calm his shaking girlfriend down. Harry thought it was strange, usually Ron would wait for him, and instead he walked past him without even acknowledging him. Was Ron mad at him? But the dragon didn't do any harm.
Harry turned to Dumbledore who peered back at him with a serious gaze. Snape and Remus stood behind Dumbledore.
"I received some alarming news early in the morning from Mr. Draco Malfoy himself," Dumbledore said, smiling as he noticed Harry grow excited at the mention of the blonde's name. "But it contained some serious issues that cannot be ignored."
"Why? Did something happen to Draco?" Harry asked alarmed.
Noticing Remus's surprised reaction, Harry blushed and calmed his racing heart down. He hasn't told him yet, and it would probably be a good time to confess after.
"Draco is safe in the meantime-"
"What do you mean in the meantime?" Harry demanded.
"Let me finish Harry, why don't you sit down?"
"Just tell me what happened to him!"
"Potter, I do believe the Headmaster is trying to explain. So if you can just keep that mouth shut-"Professor Snape got cut off
"Harry, just listen to what Dumbledore has got to say," Remus said.
Harry nodded and sat down in one of the desks, looking up at Dumbledore.
"Voldemort is planning on a attack. When? I don't have the source for that yet."
"Then shouldn't we all prepare for the attack?"
"Precisely, I want you to take extra training sessions though, starting today," Dumbledore said.
"What about the others?" Harry asked.
"Their training session will remain the same."
"But-"
"I know for a fact the others are managing this very well. They don't need the extra training."
"Then why do I have to?"
Harry was beginning to get angry, he was no different from the other students, and yet Dumbledore is treating him like a 5 year old.
"I'm sure you know, that you're the only Voldemort is after."
Harry nodded silently, knowing where this is going.
"Then you see the reason why I think you need the extra training. I'm doing everything I possibly can to keep Hogwarts a safe place for students."
"Like what?" Harry asked.
"That is something we will discus later on. You'll be able to find out more things," Dumbledore paused. "Severus? Remus? I need to speak to Harry alone for a few minutes."
Snape gladly swept out of the room, but Remus stopped by Harry and cupped him on the shoulder.
"I'll see you tonight then," he spoke before leaving the classroom.
Dumbledore waved his wand and a plate of breakfast appeared before Harry.
"I'm about to show you something but you must promise me to remain calm," Dumbledore waited until Harry agreed. "You better eat, I can hear your stomach growling."
Dumbledore got out a envelope from his robe pocket, taking out a folded letter Harry thought Dumbledore was going to read him something, but instead the letter itself floated to the ground. There was a buzzing sound, before a fuzzy image appeared. It was a hologram of Draco! Harry, who grew excited, knocked the plate of food to the ground by accident. He didn't notice though, his pair of green eyes was set on Draco's image. The image Draco turned around as if checking if anyone is watching. Relief crossed the blonde's face.
"Professor Dumbledore, I'm sure you heard the new about the attack from Severus. That's not the only problem, Voldemort is planning on giving me the Dark mark soon (Harry's jaw dropped open, as he clenched his fist), I'm not sure when. As you can see, I decided to try out this image mail you suggested," Draco's image paused and smiled. "Hi Harry, how are you? I miss you lots. I don't know when I'll be able to return to Hogwarts, but I'm hoping it'll be soon. I heard my mom talking to my father about it." A frown took its place, remembering how his father yelled at his mother for interrupting a meeting.
"Anyway.........Professor Dumbledore, I'm trying my best to find out the exact date, but they don't talk about it much anymore. I'll contact you as soon as I found out though."
There was another buzzing sound and the image disappeared, leaving Harry astonished.
"Can we watch that again?" Harry asked hopefully.
"I'm afraid not. Image mails burn themselves after viewing."
Harry nodded sadly. Just like what Dumbledore said, the letter burst into flames leaving only ashes behind.
"He's going to get the Dark Mark," Harry said incoherently. He glared at Dumbledore. "He's fucking getting the Dark Mark, and you're not DOING ANYTHING?"
"Harry.........I can't do anything, we cannot simply just barge in there and stop Voldemort from doing so."
"Then tell me something you CAN do."
"I know you're shocked from the news, but you have to remain calm. Draco is bidding time; the mark might not even be burned upon him."
"You don't know that for sure," Harry mumbled angrily.
"That's right, I don't know," Dumbledore said gently. "I know you miss Draco, but you cannot let that interfere with your training. You have to focus your mind."
Harry sighed, "I know, but he practically lives in my mind."
"Just try focussing harder, well off you go then. You need a proper meal," Dumbledore said smiling down at the knocked over plate.
Harry muttered a sorry and was about to bend down and pick it up, but Dumbledore cleaned the mess up with a wave from his wand.
"Remember to focus Harry, have a good day."
********************************************
"INGEMINO!"
Where a statue stood, now has a copy of itself beside it. Only flaw was the copy was missing a chunk of stone.
"It's.........getting there," Remus said casually before flashing Harry an encouraging smile. "Just a few more practices or two, and you'll master it right away."
Harry smiled back. He kept his mind clear of any intruding thoughts. It worked and Harry successfully mastered 3 spells today. Exhausted, Harry collapsed on the armchair in the Divintion classroom. Professor Trewlawny gladly lend her classroom for the private training session, for her "Inner Eye" told her she must do so, in order to get a great reward.
Remus sat down on one of the pouffes.
"Harry, I'm not trying t nose in on your business, but I would like to know why this Malfoy kid mean so much to you."
Time to confess. Harry took a shuddering breath and told Remus straight out that he was gay. Remus looked at Harry surprised, he wasn't expecting Harry to say something like that. He thought maybe Malfoy and Harry found each other in a new friendship.
"Well," Remus said curtly and smiled at Harry. "Only if you're happy, other then that, I have no objections whatsoever."
"I'm very happy. I've never been so happy in my whole life," Harry said.
"Good, well you must not have known this, and since it looks as if it's the time for me to tell you. Harry, your godfather, Sirius," Remus said his voice breaking at the mention of Sirius. "He was bi."
Harry's eyes widened, "Are you serious?"
Nodding, Remus continued, "He found out in his sixth year. And, I have always known I was gay. Starting from second year, I have always been attracted to Sirius. So on our last year at Hogwarts, we started dating. We drifted apart at your father's wedding. It was when you were 3 months old I got caught up with him.........but then-"
"When I was 1, Voldemort attacked didn't he?" Harry spoke in a soft tone.
"Yes. The incident with Peter happened, forcing Sirius to flee from the Ministry-"
"And in my 3rd year, you re-united with him........."
"Yes."
There was a silence, and Harry can hear the buzzing of a fly near by. He pointed his wand at it and muttered, "Ingemino" The fly sort of did a loop in the air and started twitching. Finally, another form of the fly appeared. Harry was trying to block out what happened in his fifth year. Somehow Remus knew what Harry was thinking, but the intense look upon Harry's face.
"Do you want to talk about it?" Remus asked gently.
"No."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes."
"Well.........We're done for the day. I'll see you tomorrow morning and at 9 at night."
"Yeah," Harry said. "Night."
Harry got up from the armchair. It was as if someone suddenly turned the classroom around. Through Harry's eyes, the room was spinning. He clutched the nearest thing next to him to steady himself. The room was spinning faster and faster until it dissolved into pitch darkness. Harry blinked, what was going on? Amidst the darkness, there was a closed gate. Harry walked towards it and curiously flung it open. The room turned cold and a fog was filling his mind. He could hear a rattling breath and many people shouting. The room focussed itself and Harry was now standing in Azkaban. Rows of cells after cells burst opened and the prisoner's escaped. Some people that were wearing dark grey robes started stunning as many prisoner's as possible, but masked figures stunned anyone who tried attacking.
Dementors.........they were all huddled up behind a man with a snake like face, and gleaming red eyes.
"Kill the aurors," he spoke.
The Dementors immediately glided towards the aurors, and swooped down on them, lifting back their hoods. Screams of panicking people and running footsteps were all Harry could hear. He tried to move to help the people, but his feet wouldn't work. The scene dissolved and Harry found himself lying on the floor in the Divintion classroom, with Remus kneeling beside him.
"Harry!" Remus's voice seemed so distant that it only echoed.
Harry tried to speak, but as soon as he worked up enough strength, he fainted.........
A/N: Hehe! I'm so evil =] Well.........remember to review! I'll update once school starts!