A/N – Okies, here's the chapter. A slightly longer one… Enjoy!..
Chapter 54 – Intended
Harry woke up to find himself surrounded.
"Don't move Harry Potter! Not one inch!" Yelled a familiar voice.
Startled, Harry froze, allowing only his eyes to flutter open.
"Don't shoot!" He exclaimed, a grin forming on his face.
"I believe that speech requires movement, wouldn't you agree George?"
"Quite right Fred. What do you propose we do?"
"I think a punishment is in order."
"I agree… Tarantallegra!"
"Aaaargh!" Yelled Harry clutching his sides as he was hit by the twins' tickling charms. "Please! Stop! I surrender!"
"You hear that Fred? He surrenders!" Said George in fake astonishment.
"Maybe he will submit to our demands then. What do you say Harry boy?" Questioned the other twin leaning towards Harry's tear-stained face.
"Anything… Just… Please stop!" Blurted out Harry amid his fits of laughter.
Suddenly the tickling stopped and Harry noticed that Hermione, Ron and Neville were also in the room arms crossed looking down at him.
"Here are the demands." Said Ron, as Harry scrambled into a sitting position.
"One. You will never again go off on an adventure without informing someone here so that we can actually get some sleep without worrying." Said Neville grinning.
"Two. You will not let said dangerous and life-endangering missions impede your schooling." Added Hermione with a wink.
"And third. You are obliged to test every one of Fred and George's creations by the end of this weekend in return for all the panicking and confusion you left us in!" Said Ron giving Harry a playful punch on the arm.
Harry grinned up at his friends and he felt like grabbing them all into one huge hug.
"As it seems I have no alternative… I accept!" He replied, and they all laughed.
"So, Harry. I guess we'd better give you your homework assignments now. You're going to have a hell of a job getting through them all. Hermione made sure to write down every single one." Said Neville pulling a massive pile of parchments out from the corner.
"Bloody hell Hermione!" Moaned Harry in amazement.
"All part of the agreement you just made Harry old chum." Chuckled Fred mischievously.
"Anyway, we'll leave you to it then." Said Hermione grinning. "If you need any help we'll be back to see you later."
"Good luck mate!" Said Ron pulling a face at the bundle.
"You want something to help sustain you, try these." Said George slipping some suspect looking sweets onto the bed.
"No Thankyou! I think I'll need all my limbs to get through this lot if you don't mind!" Said Harry laughing.
As they left the room Harry sighed and fell back against his pillow with a big grin on his face. At last some things were getting back to normal!
*~~~*~~~*~~~*
Elsewhere in the castle however, the mood was more sombre.
Arabella Figg, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin and Albus Dumbledore were all sat in the Gryffindor chambers in tight conversation.
"We can't trust Pettigrew. How many times will I have to tell you that!" Said Sirius heatedly on the verge of pulling his hair out.
Arabella pinched her mouth up tight trying not to let her anger get the better of her.
"You think I don't remember how he betrayed us Sirius?" She mumbled gruffly.
"Calm down you two. It's not like there's anything we can do about it now." Said Remus sensibly holding his hands up.
"Quite right Remus. And besides we have other things to discuss. It seems that the rebellion within the Death Eater ranks was not confined to Peter."
Said Dumbledore twirling his wand thoughtfully.
"Yes indeed. From what I've understood and seen of everything that has happened. Not only Peter Pettigrew, but also Mundungus Fletcher and Mr Equuleus."
Sirius' frowning deepened.
"I never thought Procyon would have ended up in that situation to begin with. All he's ever cared about is quidditch." He mumbled.
"I'm sorry Sirius." Said Arabella squeezing his hand.
"It's okay. It's not even like we were close cousins. It's just… We played together as kids and, what with our names being chosen especially by our mothers. It's just odd is all." Said Sirius shrugging his shoulders.
"Well, the funeral arrangements have been made by the ministry. I believe Arthur Weasley made sure of that." Said Dumbledore
"What with all the chaos at ministry headquarters I'm not surprised." Added Lupin shaking his head. "Do you know when Minister Fudge is going to come back from his 'health break'?"
Dumbledore's eyes twinkled suddenly and although he didn't say anything everyone got the feeling that the old man was up to something.
"No idea Remus." He answered.
"I wouldn't be surprised if he came back if Peter makes his appearance." Said Arabella.
"More likely that would make him run away even further!" Snorted Sirius derisively.
*~~~*~~~*~~~*
Lucius Malfoy shivered as he pushed through the undergrowth.
He didn't dare go back to his home now. Not after what he'd just seen.
When the thought of Crabbe and Goyle's deaths ran through his mind yet again he shivered even more. He'd always enjoyed the feeling of power he'd gotten from their subservience to him. But now they were gone. Killed by the evilest Dark Lord imaginable.
It was still unclear to Lucius who or what had been possessing the Boy Who Lived. But he wasn't so gullible to believe that Harry had been acting of his own free will. He'd seen nothing of the unassuming, magnanimous boy that he'd met before. The monstrous creature that had decimated half of the Death Eater ranks was a well-rehearsed killer and a menacing presence.
After he'd woken up to find himself completely alone in the abandoned fortress of Azkaban Lucius had decided to go to Hogwarts, take his son, and run.
Running from who or what Lucius wasn't quite sure, but all that he could think to do was get as far away as possible from everything.
And so he was, walking alone under the gentle moonlight with his once fine black robes hanging in tatters and his grey eyes alight with fear and uncertainty.
That was how he was… But then he was found.
"Hold it right there!" Yelled the man jumping out at him with his wand brandished in front of him.
Lucius stopped still and for once he didn't dare move.
"Lucius Malfoy. Where do you think you are going?" Said the man, whose voice was cold and unforgiving.
"I… I… To Hogwarts, to… um, to see my son." Mumbled Lucius scowling with anger at the realisation that he was scared of his dark assailant.
"Oh really? Well, perhaps you need a reminder of where you should be going."
Lucius stepped back away from the stranger whose face he had yet to glimpse.
"Crucio!" Cried the cold voice.
The unforgivable curse didn't come from his wand, it was shot from his hand. But pain hit Lucius Malfoy hard in the chest before he could even realise it.
*~~~*~~~*~~~*
Harry had only just picked up the first piece of parchment from the pile which was headed 'Potions – Assignment One' When the pain shot through his scar.
By a stroke of luck, or perhaps not, Snape was passing by at that moment and heard Harry's muffled yell.
"Potter? What's wrong with… Oh dear. I'll summon Madam Pomfrey immediately." Said the potions master after poking his head inside the room.
"No! Professor wait!" Gasped Harry, clutching his forehead. "It's already dulling down."
"Very well." Said Snape watching him closely.
When Harry eventually stopped squinting from the pain Snape nodded and turned to leave.
"Thankyou Professor." Said Harry quietly as if it was an effort.
"What exactly for Potter?" Said Snape suddenly from his position frozen on the spot by the door. "Do you mean, Thankyou for the grievous bodily injury I gave you? Or for leaving you to fend for yourself in Azkaban? Or for letting you duel the dark lord yet again… Or is it just Thankyou for sparing you Poppy Pomfrey's fussing?"
Professor Snape's fists had clenched at his sides and his voice had gotten more and more constricted.
Harry blinked and rubbed his head again.
"Are you being serious Professor?" He asked feeling slightly angry.
Snape turned around and Harry could see confusion, frustration and certainly… although he was trying to hide it, there was guilt, in the dark eyes that glared back at him.
"I mean. You're trying to apologise to me. Are you?" Said Harry slightly nervously.
"I suppose I do owe you an apology." said Snape although he seemed to have to force the words out.
"But you don't!" Said Harry suddenly leaping out of bed.
"You saved my life! Again! It's me who should be sorry! I blew your cover as a spy! You risked your life! You saved the only family I have, the Weasleys! You stopped me from becoming a murderer! I owe you everything Professor! You owe me nothing!"
Snape couldn't mask his surprise at Harry's sudden angry outburst but he did have the grace to accept Harry's thanks and excuse himself quickly before Harry fell back into bed feeling exhausted and dizzy as he tried to ignore the lingering pain from his scar.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
A/N – So there you have it!
Hope it wasn't too long of a wait.
Next chapter will have some H/G. And also that idiot of a Minister returns.
Thanks to everyone who has reviewed! It's amazing reading all of your comments! I'll answer some of your questions here…
I'm not altogether sure how many chapters are left… We'll just have to wait and see, but it won't be loads, certainly no more than 10.
There will hopefully be a sequel, but no promises! I think I deserve a bit of a break… besides if I decide after reading the REAL fifth book that I don't want to write the sequel to this then I probably wont.
Animechic24, yeah sure! I'd love to collaborate with someone! Any ideas? Just e-mail me with anything and we can get something started k? (dreadlockanoj@hotmail.com)
Voldie is in the next chapter and he's not a happy bunny
Raven of Death – I am honoured! Thankyou!
Ginny Potter –yes I remember you! Thanks for reviewing.
Lana Potter – Thanks very much for that multitude of reviews! I'm glad you've enjoyed it so far!
Blue Ice – Another page full of reviews from a single person! Wow. Thanks! I don't mind being called names in that way… shows that I'm doing my job right!
Okies! One last plea!
I would be very grateful if a few of you would take the time to have a look at my sister's fic (penname 'angie potter').
It's called 'Harry Potter and the Old Crowd' and I think it's amazing!
(I know I'm biased but I know good writing and it's a good read!)
http://www.fanfiction.net/read.php?storyid=322949
THANKYOU ALL!!!
luv
jona
xxx
Chapter 54 – Intended
Harry woke up to find himself surrounded.
"Don't move Harry Potter! Not one inch!" Yelled a familiar voice.
Startled, Harry froze, allowing only his eyes to flutter open.
"Don't shoot!" He exclaimed, a grin forming on his face.
"I believe that speech requires movement, wouldn't you agree George?"
"Quite right Fred. What do you propose we do?"
"I think a punishment is in order."
"I agree… Tarantallegra!"
"Aaaargh!" Yelled Harry clutching his sides as he was hit by the twins' tickling charms. "Please! Stop! I surrender!"
"You hear that Fred? He surrenders!" Said George in fake astonishment.
"Maybe he will submit to our demands then. What do you say Harry boy?" Questioned the other twin leaning towards Harry's tear-stained face.
"Anything… Just… Please stop!" Blurted out Harry amid his fits of laughter.
Suddenly the tickling stopped and Harry noticed that Hermione, Ron and Neville were also in the room arms crossed looking down at him.
"Here are the demands." Said Ron, as Harry scrambled into a sitting position.
"One. You will never again go off on an adventure without informing someone here so that we can actually get some sleep without worrying." Said Neville grinning.
"Two. You will not let said dangerous and life-endangering missions impede your schooling." Added Hermione with a wink.
"And third. You are obliged to test every one of Fred and George's creations by the end of this weekend in return for all the panicking and confusion you left us in!" Said Ron giving Harry a playful punch on the arm.
Harry grinned up at his friends and he felt like grabbing them all into one huge hug.
"As it seems I have no alternative… I accept!" He replied, and they all laughed.
"So, Harry. I guess we'd better give you your homework assignments now. You're going to have a hell of a job getting through them all. Hermione made sure to write down every single one." Said Neville pulling a massive pile of parchments out from the corner.
"Bloody hell Hermione!" Moaned Harry in amazement.
"All part of the agreement you just made Harry old chum." Chuckled Fred mischievously.
"Anyway, we'll leave you to it then." Said Hermione grinning. "If you need any help we'll be back to see you later."
"Good luck mate!" Said Ron pulling a face at the bundle.
"You want something to help sustain you, try these." Said George slipping some suspect looking sweets onto the bed.
"No Thankyou! I think I'll need all my limbs to get through this lot if you don't mind!" Said Harry laughing.
As they left the room Harry sighed and fell back against his pillow with a big grin on his face. At last some things were getting back to normal!
*~~~*~~~*~~~*
Elsewhere in the castle however, the mood was more sombre.
Arabella Figg, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin and Albus Dumbledore were all sat in the Gryffindor chambers in tight conversation.
"We can't trust Pettigrew. How many times will I have to tell you that!" Said Sirius heatedly on the verge of pulling his hair out.
Arabella pinched her mouth up tight trying not to let her anger get the better of her.
"You think I don't remember how he betrayed us Sirius?" She mumbled gruffly.
"Calm down you two. It's not like there's anything we can do about it now." Said Remus sensibly holding his hands up.
"Quite right Remus. And besides we have other things to discuss. It seems that the rebellion within the Death Eater ranks was not confined to Peter."
Said Dumbledore twirling his wand thoughtfully.
"Yes indeed. From what I've understood and seen of everything that has happened. Not only Peter Pettigrew, but also Mundungus Fletcher and Mr Equuleus."
Sirius' frowning deepened.
"I never thought Procyon would have ended up in that situation to begin with. All he's ever cared about is quidditch." He mumbled.
"I'm sorry Sirius." Said Arabella squeezing his hand.
"It's okay. It's not even like we were close cousins. It's just… We played together as kids and, what with our names being chosen especially by our mothers. It's just odd is all." Said Sirius shrugging his shoulders.
"Well, the funeral arrangements have been made by the ministry. I believe Arthur Weasley made sure of that." Said Dumbledore
"What with all the chaos at ministry headquarters I'm not surprised." Added Lupin shaking his head. "Do you know when Minister Fudge is going to come back from his 'health break'?"
Dumbledore's eyes twinkled suddenly and although he didn't say anything everyone got the feeling that the old man was up to something.
"No idea Remus." He answered.
"I wouldn't be surprised if he came back if Peter makes his appearance." Said Arabella.
"More likely that would make him run away even further!" Snorted Sirius derisively.
*~~~*~~~*~~~*
Lucius Malfoy shivered as he pushed through the undergrowth.
He didn't dare go back to his home now. Not after what he'd just seen.
When the thought of Crabbe and Goyle's deaths ran through his mind yet again he shivered even more. He'd always enjoyed the feeling of power he'd gotten from their subservience to him. But now they were gone. Killed by the evilest Dark Lord imaginable.
It was still unclear to Lucius who or what had been possessing the Boy Who Lived. But he wasn't so gullible to believe that Harry had been acting of his own free will. He'd seen nothing of the unassuming, magnanimous boy that he'd met before. The monstrous creature that had decimated half of the Death Eater ranks was a well-rehearsed killer and a menacing presence.
After he'd woken up to find himself completely alone in the abandoned fortress of Azkaban Lucius had decided to go to Hogwarts, take his son, and run.
Running from who or what Lucius wasn't quite sure, but all that he could think to do was get as far away as possible from everything.
And so he was, walking alone under the gentle moonlight with his once fine black robes hanging in tatters and his grey eyes alight with fear and uncertainty.
That was how he was… But then he was found.
"Hold it right there!" Yelled the man jumping out at him with his wand brandished in front of him.
Lucius stopped still and for once he didn't dare move.
"Lucius Malfoy. Where do you think you are going?" Said the man, whose voice was cold and unforgiving.
"I… I… To Hogwarts, to… um, to see my son." Mumbled Lucius scowling with anger at the realisation that he was scared of his dark assailant.
"Oh really? Well, perhaps you need a reminder of where you should be going."
Lucius stepped back away from the stranger whose face he had yet to glimpse.
"Crucio!" Cried the cold voice.
The unforgivable curse didn't come from his wand, it was shot from his hand. But pain hit Lucius Malfoy hard in the chest before he could even realise it.
*~~~*~~~*~~~*
Harry had only just picked up the first piece of parchment from the pile which was headed 'Potions – Assignment One' When the pain shot through his scar.
By a stroke of luck, or perhaps not, Snape was passing by at that moment and heard Harry's muffled yell.
"Potter? What's wrong with… Oh dear. I'll summon Madam Pomfrey immediately." Said the potions master after poking his head inside the room.
"No! Professor wait!" Gasped Harry, clutching his forehead. "It's already dulling down."
"Very well." Said Snape watching him closely.
When Harry eventually stopped squinting from the pain Snape nodded and turned to leave.
"Thankyou Professor." Said Harry quietly as if it was an effort.
"What exactly for Potter?" Said Snape suddenly from his position frozen on the spot by the door. "Do you mean, Thankyou for the grievous bodily injury I gave you? Or for leaving you to fend for yourself in Azkaban? Or for letting you duel the dark lord yet again… Or is it just Thankyou for sparing you Poppy Pomfrey's fussing?"
Professor Snape's fists had clenched at his sides and his voice had gotten more and more constricted.
Harry blinked and rubbed his head again.
"Are you being serious Professor?" He asked feeling slightly angry.
Snape turned around and Harry could see confusion, frustration and certainly… although he was trying to hide it, there was guilt, in the dark eyes that glared back at him.
"I mean. You're trying to apologise to me. Are you?" Said Harry slightly nervously.
"I suppose I do owe you an apology." said Snape although he seemed to have to force the words out.
"But you don't!" Said Harry suddenly leaping out of bed.
"You saved my life! Again! It's me who should be sorry! I blew your cover as a spy! You risked your life! You saved the only family I have, the Weasleys! You stopped me from becoming a murderer! I owe you everything Professor! You owe me nothing!"
Snape couldn't mask his surprise at Harry's sudden angry outburst but he did have the grace to accept Harry's thanks and excuse himself quickly before Harry fell back into bed feeling exhausted and dizzy as he tried to ignore the lingering pain from his scar.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
A/N – So there you have it!
Hope it wasn't too long of a wait.
Next chapter will have some H/G. And also that idiot of a Minister returns.
Thanks to everyone who has reviewed! It's amazing reading all of your comments! I'll answer some of your questions here…
I'm not altogether sure how many chapters are left… We'll just have to wait and see, but it won't be loads, certainly no more than 10.
There will hopefully be a sequel, but no promises! I think I deserve a bit of a break… besides if I decide after reading the REAL fifth book that I don't want to write the sequel to this then I probably wont.
Animechic24, yeah sure! I'd love to collaborate with someone! Any ideas? Just e-mail me with anything and we can get something started k? (dreadlockanoj@hotmail.com)
Voldie is in the next chapter and he's not a happy bunny
Raven of Death – I am honoured! Thankyou!
Ginny Potter –yes I remember you! Thanks for reviewing.
Lana Potter – Thanks very much for that multitude of reviews! I'm glad you've enjoyed it so far!
Blue Ice – Another page full of reviews from a single person! Wow. Thanks! I don't mind being called names in that way… shows that I'm doing my job right!
Okies! One last plea!
I would be very grateful if a few of you would take the time to have a look at my sister's fic (penname 'angie potter').
It's called 'Harry Potter and the Old Crowd' and I think it's amazing!
(I know I'm biased but I know good writing and it's a good read!)
http://www.fanfiction.net/read.php?storyid=322949
THANKYOU ALL!!!
luv
jona
xxx