The Legacy of the Founders :: By: JoC a.k.a JkReviewer
::
Chapter X – The tongue and mind of the Serpent's chosen
It was late afternoon, and Harry was in the library looking up various spells and counter-jinxes. Although be was probably a far better duellist that Malfoy, he couldn't take any chances. Who knew what kind of Dark Magic he had learned by now?
He had already looked through such books as: Outwit your outwitted opponent, Unexpected attacks of the Dark kind and Jinx that Counter-jinx, but he still felt that he needed one more. He scanned the titles quickly from one end to the other in height with his eyes, but none caught his interest. He had already been here for little over three hours and he had only memorized three new spells – and he needed time to practice them too.
"Maybe I should ask Madam Pince…" he muttered to no one in particular. To normal students it might have seemed like a good idea, but Harry was pretty sure the head librarian of Hogwarts wasn't too keen on helping him! "Why ask her, when you can ask me?" a hissing voice said suddenly. Harry spun around, but no other student, or teacher for that matter, was within thirty feet of him, and the voice had come from just beside him.
"Over here…" the voice hissed again. It sounded like it came from the bookshelf itself. Maybe they had talking books in the normal section too, Harry wondered. He walked slowly down the row of books, looking closely at each one he passed. No signs of a mouth or anything that could talk. His eyes stopped on a big green book, with no title. He took it out, and turned it over. No title on the cover either, just the same green scale like surface. "Strange…" he said to the book, feeling awkward as he actually expected an answer. Nothing happened though and Harry was about to put the book back again, when the voice spoke. "Not really… I take it that he hasn't told you much about me?" a voice that seemed to be coming from within the book said. "Well, he was sort of mad anyway!"
Questions filled Harry's mind and for the first time since the encounter in the bathroom, his mind was on other things than Draco Malfoy. "What… Who are you?" he asked the book slowly. He looked around quickly, looking for possible eavesdroppers before turning back for the answer. "Who am I?" the book said in a tone that soundly highly amused. "My, my manners still haven't been re-introduced. Your predecessor said the exact same thing…"
Harry couldn't quite figure out which question to ask first. He made his way over to a small table in the corner, placing the book before him. It might wonder other people if they saw him from afar, why he hadn't even opened the book yet – but what did they know?
"I'm Harry…" he began, not wanting enclose his full name to a book. The words of Mr. Weasley about not thrusting something unless you knew the mind behind it were echoing in his mind. "6th year Griffindor!" No sound came for a while, and Harry started to wonder whether or not he had imagined the book talking before.
"Well, that's a first! A Griffindor you say?" the book replied sounding somewhat amused, but with a hint of surprise. "I must say that this is most unexpected, and it quite alters everything. Usually the heirs of the Serpent are always in Slytherin!" Harry sat back, shocked at what this book was implying.
"I'm not the heir of any serpent!" he almost screamed at the book. The thought itself too disgusting to even think at that moment. The book started laughing softly, in a sort of manic way. Harry was close to loosing his temper, when it finally stopped. "Well… 'Harry', my name is Corax and believe me when I say that I have been waiting aeons to meet you!"
Harry was frozen. The countless thoughts in his head seemed to suck out the energy used to move his limbs and for what seemed like a day or two he just sat there – looking, wondering, doubting. The fact that certain things could talk was common knowledge in the Wizardry world, but still this book managed to rob him of both the freedom of speech and thought.
"Your reactions young Griffindor, is as mine ones were…" the book said breaking the silence. "I take it you have a lot of questions, just as I once had – but all will be answered in time!"
"This, young Harry is my story, maybe you will understand more when I am finished…" the book said, it's voice now clearer than before. Harry nodded slowly to signal that he was up to speed, not giving it a second thought that it couldn't see him. The book suddenly flipped open, displaying the first page. It was completely blank, except for a small headline that said: "Corax Animus 1st November". Slowly an invisible pen started writing across the page in a must unusual pattern, which after a while began to form words for Harry to read.
This is the story of me, Corax Beatus, as I know it, recorded today The 1st of November of the year 1127. Yesterday, was a day of enlightenment to me, but for the purpose of understanding this tale better, I must begin were it all began – my birth.
My father abandoned my mother and me before I was born, and I was raised as what she knew and was: A wizard, a Ravenclaw. Everyday she would make me read, harnessing my love for books and studying – and I have thanked her for it everyday. For I am now, a student of Rowena just like she was years before, and I am blessed by good friends and a loving girlfriend.
On the day that came before this, I received a letter from a person I never wanted to hear from: My Father. He told me how he never knew I existed, but now as he had gotten old he wanted to meet - to tell me the story of my legacy and of my brother. As it turned out both he and I were in fact direct descendants of the great Salazar Slytherin. I was told to clear out all my belongings at Hogwarts and meet my father in his mansion, where he would train us in the arts of the serpent.
I of course refused, and now I hope to never hear from him again. Even though I refused any of the information in the letter, it still helps clarify certain secrets that I have kept from everyone I know.
I am, and have always been a Parseltongue, a fact I discovered in a Care for Magical Creatures class in my third year. I have spoken with the headmaster about this, which might seem strange in your eyes, but he and I are close friends – and he assured me, even though I had my doubts, that have and will always be a Ravenclaw.
I went to sleep; feeling very confused, and had the most peculiar dream I have ever had. I was in a huge chamber with three doors, each leading a different way out. On the floor, in the middle of the room was the Hogwarts crest or something that greatly resembled it. Instead of ceiling, some kind of blue pool of magical energy silent rolled across the top of the chamber. A woman's voice spoke to me and welcomed me... and that is when I woke up.
I feel that this chamber holds a very important meaning and I intend to discover it, and place all my knowledge in this magical diary. My sweet Griffin gave me this, and it holds many wondrous abilities – that I'm sure you the reader of this will cherish as much as I has.
I have decided to leave this book at Hogwarts, stuffed in with the other books. To anyone but the speakers of the serpent it will be a blank notebook, that cannot be removed – but to us, it will be a passed down tome of knowledge.
- Corax Beatus
Suddenly the book closed again and an eerie silence followed, what must have been an outtake of Corax's diary. Harry didn't know what too say. He still had loads of unanswered questions, but in the back of his head, he was beginning to understand some of what Corax had meant, even though it was still at a very subconscious level.
"I know how you must fell after reading this…" the voice of Corax said with a hint of sadness. "Usually the heirs of Slytherin are the darkest of Wizards, and then what do you get? A quidditch happy, in love Ravenclaw prefect!" The book many a funny noise that sounding a laugh, badly hidden in a cough. "Well, Harry tell me a little bit more about you… I hope and fear that we have a lot in common."
Although very confused by the latter comment, Harry did start telling a bit about himself, but nothing that wouldn't show in a detailed school report. Corax was silent during the entire retelling, only giving of comments of approval or even a small laugh. When he came to the explanation about how he became a Parseltongue Corax simply sighed and said: "Again…" before letting Harry continue on with the story. He didn't want to question Corax just now about that, and so the retelling moved on to Dudley and the Dursleys and Harry's childhood.
"… but I didn't make prefect like you!" Harry ended. He was beginning to trust and like Corax and his book more than he would have expected. But they seemed so alike, although he had lived over eight centuries ago, and was a Ravenclaw instead of a Griffindor. "What about love Harry?" Corax's voice suddenly said, sounding very sincere. "Is there a special girl in your life, like there was in mine?"
For some unknown reason Harry blushed a bit by being asked so directly, but he still managed a smile (even though the book still had no eyes). Just thinking about her these days made him all warm and fuzzy. "There is one, yes. A Ravenclaw 7th year girl – Cho Chang!" Harry managed, trying his best not sounding like a fool. The book starting laughing softly, causing Harry's smile to widen even more.
"We are more alike then I could ever have imagined Harry. But I hope that there is one difference to separate us…" Corax said, leaving Harry utterly confused. He seemed like a great guy, so what could this difference be? "What is that?" he replied, a slight frown appearing on his face.
Someone suddenly tapped Harry on his shoulder sending cold shivers down his spine. He spun around to fast for his legs and balance to follow and fell sideways over the chair, landing with a loud noise on his bookbag.
"I know I'm wonderful but I hope you haven't gone completely crazy from missing me for a couple of hours!" he heard his beautiful girlfriend say, before chuckling slightly. He looked up to see her smiling widely, a slight frown on her face indicating that she was confused by his actions. She extended her hand and helped him to his feet. "Ehh… I was just…" he began but she cut him off. "…talking to a book?"
He didn't know what to say, how much had she heard? He could try bluffing with the legendary 'What do you mean?' but she might get upset. She did know that he was a Parseltongue didn't she? Maybe he could hold back some of the truth and tell her later – it seemed like the best bet at the moment, considering that the frown on her face was getting deeper every second.
"Cho… You know of my… ehh … special ability, don't you?" he started nervously, eyeing her for a response. She looked a little bit confused by this. "Which one?" she replied, her voice a bit shaky. Harry never realised before, that there was probably tons of rumours flying around about him, and even though he and Cho had told each other almost everything – he wasn't sure if she knew of the various powers and troubles in Harry's life.
"I'm a Parseltongue…" he stated barely above a whisper so that no-one else than her would hear it. At first she seemed shocked, but then she calmed down again just as quickly. She nodded slowly, still somewhat confused Harry guessed. "This is a magical journal, that is custom made for Parseltongues…" he continued, pointing at the closed green book. She turned slowly, probably fearing that the book was a snake that would attack her. But it didn't. Harry realised that he would have to change the subject now, if he was too save them both from the strange silence.
"I have been in the library to research some duelling spells for my battle!" he suddenly said, causing her to turn focus back to him. She looked very frightened, until he realised his mistake and corrected it. "…with Malfoy!" This last comment seemed to ease her nerves back to normal, and a small evil small spread across her lips.
"Really? Then don't just stand around we got to prepare so that you can win for sure." Cho said, looking very eager and actually a bit sinister Harry noted. "I'll get my notes…" and with that she was of. For a moment Harry had expected the whole Hermione lecture from his girlfriend, but Cho too seemed to want to settle some scores with Draco "Death eater wannabe" Malfoy.
"You girlfriend I presume…" Corax said from the table, in his amused hissing voice. First now Harry realised that he had probably been speaking in parseltongue the whole time. Strange how you don't know, he thought to himself before answering. "Yeah – she went to get her notes!"
"I know Harry… Although I only , in this form, speak Parseltongue, I am quite capable of understanding both English, Welsh and some Nordic dialects." The book said, with a proud voice. "Why did you not tell me about this battle of honour Harry? This book would be most helpful because, as I said, it is a passed down tome of knowledge. Each student that have had this book in possession have added a few extra spells and hexes each time." It paused, probably to give Harry time to understand what this meant. "Unfortunately most of them have been Slytherins but not all their spells have been dark magic. Ask this book whatever question or topic you would prefer and I shall help you find what you need!"
Harry thought for a moment; the opportunities were endless – but for now he would have to do with: "Duelling magic". The book opened again, this time in the middle. A date (some three hundred years ago) was in the top left corner otherwise it was blank. Suddenly lines started to form again while Corax spoke.
"Ahh yes! I knew you would pick that one, although the possibilities were quite intimidating weren't they?" he said not waiting for an answer. "I was quite the dueller myself, so maybe I will teach you a few tricks and pointers. First of all I need to know exactly what you are looking for… Attack spells, Shields, Charms, Area Hexes… pick one!"
The strange library silence returned as Harry used a few minutes to think through all the spells he intended to use. 'The Disarming spell', 'the Knock out spell', 'the Banishing spell', 'the Shield spell' and the two new ones he had looked up: 'The sticky floor spell' and the 'blinding light spell'! It was always troublesome to think of something you didn't know, he thought while giving of a small shrug. Corax seemed to take his silence for what it was, a lack of answer.
"I presume you know the regular spells like Expelliarmus and Protego?" Harry nodded and gave an affirmative sound. "Good, well then I can really work with you… Bring me and a training partner to an empty room – I'll show you some of my tricks!"
* * *
Fifteen minutes later, Harry opened a very dusty door on the seventh floor. He remembered hiding here once, and although there was some furniture at the far end of the room – it seemed empty enough for training. He had left a note behind, enchanting it to escape anyone's hands but Cho's, telling her t meet him here. Out of the various rubble and dusty furniture Harry found a small table to put Corax on. "Right, how will you be able to give me instructions if you cant see what I'm doing?" Harry asked – noticing this little problem just now. "You know I can't talk to you when she is here!"
Corax seemed to ponder the question for a few seconds, maybe realising that Harry had a point. Suddenly the book made a short jump directly skywards, and started spinning very fast. Harry, too confused to do anything, just stood back and watched as the velocity of the book greatly intensified, and small shards of magical energy surrounded it. A shell was slowly forming around it, and the second it completed the spinning came to a halt, as the book fell back on the table.
"This book was imbued with certain powers, and although I could never see I do have a great sense of reality. With this little enchantment I can now sense where everything and everybody is, and what they are doing!" Corax said with a dull announcers voice. Just that instant the door opened and Cho peeked through, before entering completely. She looked just as eager as when she left the library, and with her she had brought what looked like ten books and endless roles of parchment.
"Oh don't worry these are just for ideas and general duel rules!" she explained, when she saw his look of bewilderment. She started humming a tune, like if she was doing some gardening work as she got herself into ready position. She lifted her hand high and beamed at Harry. "So what do you want to begin with?"
For little over an hour they trained the two battle spells Harry had looked up. They had started out with the Sticky floor spell and since Cho already knew this one, Harry managed to perfect it pretty quick. "You just have to think of some jelly-like substance. Like glue or Jam, and then say the incantation: 'Lentesco'." She motioned for him to try it on her. He closed his eyes, imagining a toast with strawberry jam. "Ummm…." He started, noticing he was pretty hungry. "Lentesco"
The floor around Cho's feet suddenly glowed and when she tried moving her legs it looked like she was dragging part of the floor after her. Again she beamed at him. "Good work Harry… Although it is a very basic spell, and therefore it is also very easy to dispel!" she said, pointing her wand to the floor muttering a few words. "What else did you have in mind?"
The 'Blinding light' spell was more difficult that the other one, and it took almost fifteen minutes for Harry even to summon enough light to lit up the room. Basically it was a combination of a conjuring spell and a targeting spell. First you would create the light orb, and then direct it towards the eyes of your enemy. For duel purposes, some wizard in the middle age had melted the two incantations together – Cho explained. Her Ravenclaw 'genetics' became very obvious in times like these Harry noted.
"Caecus Candeo" he yelled, pointing his wand at Cho. Disappointingly, only what seemed like a firefly erupted from his wand and Cho didn't even blink when it hit her. "Hmm… Maybe you try another one, this one isn't going anywhere at the moment!" Harry was about to object that they should give it more time, when he heard a soft hissing attention noise coming from the book. As casual as he could, he made his way closer – trying not to look to suspicious.
"I know of a spell, which would help you greatly… if you are interested!" Harry nodded, but then noticed that Cho was watching he turned it into an "I-am-thinking" frown. "Teach me…" he hissed out of the corner of his mouth.
The one Corax knew was called 'Dublica' and was a very complex charm spell. It involved not only precise hand motions, but a special pronunciation and a focused mind as well. "Focus your mind on your self, empty your head of everything and everyone else and say 'Dublicas'!"
But that was easier said than done Harry thought. How was he supposed to empty his mind when a beautiful girl, who happened to be his girlfriend, was only five feet away? "There are other things I rather be doing!" he suddenly said, not realising it was out loud. Cho blushed, and approached him, smiling seductively. "Really Mr. Potter like what…" she continued, running her hand through his hair. He could fell his tired muscles start to relax, but stopped himself at the last moment. He gentle pushed her away, shaking her head.
"Sorry – but I have to get this right!" he said, letting a loud sigh escape him. "Later then…" she said, voicing his thoughts. They both smiled stupidly for a few seconds before Harry was brought back, by a clearing of a throat (or whatever a book has) by Corax. In times like these Harry appreciated dedication, but all he really wanted was a few hours alone with Cho instead of a book.
"Again… Focus on yourself and say the incantation!" he sneered, not sounding like he wanted to waste too much time on this particular spell. Again, easier said than done. How were you supposed to think about yourself? "Too bad I'm not a self-centred person," he thought sarcastically. "That would have helped!" After many ideas on how to think about himself, he concluded that seeing his reflection in the mirror would be sufficient.
"Dublicas" he said in a deep voice, pointing the wand at his chest. A strange feeling swarm through him, and before he knew it he felt like he was kicked sideways out of his body. He managed to regain his balance just in time before hitting the wall, and turned to see what had caused the attack. The sight before him, made his mouth fall. It was him – or what is? A loud gasp could be heard from Cho as stood speechless pointing to each of the Harry's in turn. The other Harry stood completely still, looking very determined. Suddenly, an invisible breeze hit the duplication and it started to fade away to nothing.
"Ahh… Yes – very well done Harry! If your thoughts on yourself had been clearer, it would have lasted longer. Next time perhaps!" Corax said, sounding a bit proud but only very sincere. "And remember, when you have conjured the duplication you can control it by thoughts alone – it will not answer voices commands! Oh, and remember this as well: It cannot speak, or touch things – it is nothing more than a vivid mirage!" he continued. Harry nodded and Corax closes himself, obviously thinking that his work was done, but luckily Cho didn't see.
"I could have sworn that was you…" she said, her mouth still hanging open. Harry too had been very surprised by the effect of the spell, but since he was more used to strange and unusual things he didn't show it like she did. She closed her mouth and made a strange wondering smile that he had never seen before. He seized the opportunity, and her moment of confusion to steal a quick kiss.
Cho made a little jump as his lips touched hers, but nonetheless the quickly forgot all about duplication spells and upcoming battles, as Harry's hands found their way up her back. He closed his arms around her and bend down to kiss her neck, making her melt away. Soft moans could be heard escaping her closed halfway mouth and Harry blushed crimson, glad that they were alone. He continued kissing her from one collarbone to another.
Ten minutes later after tidying up their clothes, the lovebirds in questions were making there way towards the astronomy tower, both wearing big smiles and red cheeks. "I wonder why he wants to meet you there…" the invisible voice of Cho whispered. "Slytherins are known to battle dirty, but the tower provides no advantages!"
Cho had insisted on coming with him, but much to Harry's regret (and pleasure in a way) she had done nothing but worry about everything, from the moment they left. Harry had lent her the invisibility cloak so she wouldn't be seen be Malfoy, and although he had greatly emphasized the word 'not' in "Do not interfere", he was happy to have some sort of backup.
He kept saying to himself: "Don't worry Malfoy is a pushover, you have way more experience!" but the prospect of a revenge thirsty darks arts lover, was enough to make him want to sneak around every corner. Not very Griffindor, get yourself together Harry… "If you ask me, I would tell you to get your wand out now and get ready", she continued. "He will probably try to ambush you halfway…"
She sighed loudly, making Harry smile and laugh softly. The fact that she was so worried about him, meant a lot to him. "This is not a laughing matter Harry James Potter!" Cho hissed, in a near perfect imitation of Hermione. He was sure that if she hadn't been invisible, he would have received her most disapproving and worried look.
They continued (or rather Cho did) their safety discussion all the way to the door before the observation Chamber, which was just below the tower. "Cho, really I'm going to be fine – just sto…" but Harry didn't get to finish before she had pulled him into a kiss. At first it was really strange, Harry thought, since she was invisible, but after a short while he managed to get his head in under the cloak, and took the opportunity to deepen the kiss.
"Good luck…" she whispered, trying to look worried, but one of her thoughts betrayed her look. "And give him a beating while you are at it!" The both tried hard to suppress loud laughs, and Harry simply nodded and smiled, before pulling his sleeves up. His drew in a lot of air, trying to calm his nerves, before opening the door halfway.
"Stay hidden" he whispered, trying to look courageous as he walked through the door. This wasn't their arranged meeting point, but between Malfoy's sense of pride and his girlfriend's warnings – he was ready for anything.
A roaring storm had slowly intensified as they walked to the tower, and now it was at maximum power. Two and Three forked lightings, was now constantly battling the raindrops in numbers and the howling wind was right out of a muggle horror movie.
Although feared by some, Harry found a strange calmness and tranquillity in the storm. It match his spirits for battle somehow he thought. A sudden thunder flash not more than two hundred feet from the castle illuminated the ancient room. It was fairly large, with star maps and drawings of constellations covering every wall. Four gigantic pillars held the ceiling in place and provided a natural centre of the room. The middle of the chamber was dimly lit by the midnight sky, shining through a fake hole in the top.
Directly opposite the entrance Harry had used, was another door and beside it (as far as Harry could tell) a picture of an imploding supernova. They sometimes had classes in this room – but only when it was either to clouded, or if the weather was to harsh for outdoor observations on the top.
The hair on the back of Harry's neck was suddenly raised - a thing that had in the past signalled danger. He narrowed his eyes scanning his surroundings for any signs of his adversary. He considered casting a 'lumos' spell but thought better of it since it would ruin his element of surprise. "Where are you Malfoy?" he whispered to the night.
A second immense flash illuminated the room once again, revealing not one – but two shadows, hiding by the pillars furthest away. "Slytherin battle pride, huh Malfoy?" Harry taunted, dodging for the nearest pillar. "Stay clear of the centre…" he whispered to where he hoped Cho would be by now. He could feel the adrenaline pumping through his veins, readying his senses for battle. Slowly, he closed his eyes, focusing everything on 'hearing' his enemies close in on him. Only one pair of footsteps coming closer.
"Hiding are we Potter? So much for Griffindor courage!" he heard a familiar sneering voice, not far away of his left say. "What a fool, giving away his position!" he thought, a wicked smile spreading across his lips. Swiftly, he made a 180-degrees turn and a roll, coming face to face with his nemesis. Not hesitating for a second he roared: "Reducto"
The beam his Malfoy strait in the chest sending him flying across the room, before crash landing at least ten feet away. He didn't even have time to get that stupid smile of his face Harry noticed. "Caecus Candeo" he said casually thinking a delicious jelly bears. The marble floor around the heavy breathing Slytherin glowed red for a second, turning into the glue like substance. Harry's wicked smile reappeared, as he saw Malfoy's knees and wand arm stuck to the floor.
Numerous swear words could be heard as he made his way for cover, and something just as expected: a cry for help, followed by heavy footsteps.
"I can see you brought the goons Malfoy!" he yelled, making disapproving noises as he heard a mutter followed by his archenemy scrambling to his feet.
His pulse going like a battle drum in his head, he focused once more. "Time for action…" he whispered to no one in particular as he rounded the pillar along the wall. Wand held high, he took aim and crossed the room diagonally. "Expelliarmus" The heavy form that could only be Goyle, was sent backwards, his wand flying casually out of his hand, landing some twenty feet behind Harry. No one to waste time he quickly moved on back to cover. A weak mutter could be heard from the other end of the room and Harry turned just in time to see an orange beam soaring towards him. "Protego" he yelled, thanking the higher powers for his quidditch reflexes as the spell rebounded back where it came from.
Loud cries of pain could be heard for a few seconds, but they certainly didn't come from Malfoy. It sounded more like a troll being prodded with sticks all over, and Harry could feel his insides turn. One of his daddy's tricks… Harry thought, but he was too concentrated for basic taunting at this point. He had quickly realised that if Goyle was there so was Crabbe, and he needed to get him out in the open. "Expecto Patronum" he whispered, making the silver white stag appear, lightening up the area. Maybe not the smartest of tricks, he thought, but nothing to do about it now. With his wand his guided the stag to run alongside the walls, turning by each pillar.
And just as predicted – when rounding the second pillar on it's way - a big scream was heard as the slowly running figure of Crabbe appeared with his arms flailing. Determined not to let his opponent's rest his, he crept alongside the shadowy wall trying to sneak closer to his enemies. Out of the corner of his eye he could see Malfoy turning and twisting at the weakest sound, desperately looking for him.
"Silencio" Harry whispered pointing at his feet. He was not more than ten feet away from where the now wand less and de-stunned Goyle stood, gazing stupidly into the darkness opposite Harry's current position. Both he and Crabbe were looking to Malfoy for orders, and this was their weakness in this battle Harry knew.
"Miragio" he yelled as he focused all his thoughts on the top of the astronomy tower. It hit Malfoy square in his face, and suddenly he began running around like chased by something. Goyle, who could do nothing else but to throw him self at Harry, moved quickly (or what is considered quickly in Goyle's world) in on Harry. Not having any immediate wish to examine Goyle's fist closer, he made a quick sidestep and a roll out of the way. "Impedimenta" he hissed quickly making Goyle the human blimp he was be freezing him in mid-air.
Harry turned back to face his other opponents, finding Malfoy still running around scared not knowing were he was and Crabbe with a frightened, defeated look on his face. Despite himself, Harry actually took pleasure in battling and the thought of a small laugh coming from him, almost made him through up. Was it wrong to feel this superiority? He shook his head but only for a second, wasting time certainly wasn't a bright idea in the thick of battle.
Crabbe seemed to have got himself somewhat together and was slowly raising his wand, mumbling the start of an incantation. But Harry was faster. "Expelliarmus" he said, knocking away the second goon like he had the first. At his moment, with all three of his opponents unable to fight back it would appear that he had won, but Harry wasn't one to take unnecessary risks at times like these. "Incarcerous" he muttered, suddenly remembering the one thing he had learned from Umbridge last year. Thick robes of dark red and yellow fibres extended from his wand, and with a few detailed hand motions Crabbe was tied down, completely unable to move.
A loud crushing sound from Harry's left told him that Malfoy had collided with a pillar and was now back to normal. He had already gathered enough sense as Harry turned to face him, to launch a spell at Harry. "Petrificus Totalus" Malfoy said with a dry voice, as the jet of magic zoomed closer in on Harry.
"Protego" Harry cried, in the last second, the attack breaking his shield completely. Harry sighed loudly, but it was false security. Too caught up with keeping his eyes on Malfoy Harry had realised that Goyle had been released from the freezing hex, and had many his way around him and had retrieved his wand.
Even though Harry's reflexes were great, he didn't even see this one coming. The spell hit him just under the ribs, making his body lock completely as he toppled backwards. A cry of triumph could be heard from the end in which Malfoy was, and running steps came closer every second. Out of the corner of his eyes Harry could see Malfoy sprint towards him wand held high, muttering a very long incantation that Harry could only presume meant: 'bad times are coming'
Suddenly a faint blue light appeared right in front of Malfoy, and like an almost invisible wall, flattened his nose as he collided right on. Harry knew what had caused this, but now wasn't the time for "thank you" - he still had Goyle to worry about coming in from the other side.
"Come on, come on…" Harry whispered within his head, as his mouth was unable to move. He focused every nerve in his body on moving his wand hand; every thought was bend on getting free. Suddenly, one of his fingers twitched a bit and not a second later, the feeling of being dried up after a bath rushed over him. His muscles relaxed, but only for a second as he rolled sideways – just in time to avoid the curse fired from Goyle's wand. He got half ways up and crawled behind the nearest pillar. He was panting heavily now, and he knew that making that strange escape from the full body bind spell had tapped him of power.
He would have to finish this battle soon, but he wasn't sure if he had power enough to finish them both of in one attack. He closed his eyes; once again hearing his opponents close in on him from different sides. "Only one thing left to try…" he whispered to himself. He focused every thought he could muster on the one time when he truly knew himself – when he was with Cho. Their first kiss popped in his mind, and it was enough to have made him very sentimental and above all happy, if it wasn't for the grave situation he was in now.
"Dublicas" he muttered pointing the wand at himself. Again he felt the strange kick out of his own body, but luckily it kicked him back towards the pillar, instead of out of cover. The illusion was perfect this time, without a visual flaw. Run for the end of the room Harry tried whispering with his mind, his gaze focused on his replica, and to his luck it complied. If he hadn't known better, he would have been scared witless by watching the illusion do its work. Its mimicking abilities were perfect, and it even ran just like him.
Thankfully it was enough to confuse Malfoy and Goyle as they each fired a spell at the illusion. Without knowing why the thought "Dodge" popped in his mind and the replica did a perfect forward roll, avoiding both attacks.
Shaking his head to return to reality he slowly crept around the other way, trying to attack them in the back. Not very Griffindor he thought, but these were drastic times. From the shadows of the pillar he took aim. "Reducto. Expelliarmus" he cried putting his last energy in these spells. They both found their mark perfectly as Goyle was thrown forward colliding with the wall head-on. Malfoy, now wand less was thrown back as well, but he quickly made it to his feet. A look of pure horror could be seen as he looked from one Harry to the other. Both were wearing faces of grim determination, and instead of trying to battle them both Draco Malfoy decided that he had had enough. He turned around and ran as fast as he could towards the entrance Harry hadn't used, forgetting (or not caring) about his bodyguards.
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If anyone had asked, Harry wouldn't have been able to recollect what happened, after he saw Malfoy's torn robe flying behind him as he ran for safe haven. He didn't even no how got here. To tell you the truth, he didn't even know were here was, but he was pretty sure he had been there before. He had just opened his eyes, and was greeted by complete darkness. But only for a second, as the face of his beautiful girlfriend faded into view. She looked very worried Harry noted.
"Ohh I'm so glad you are awake!" she explained bringing him into a bone-crushing hug. "I was so worried that he had hit you with something before he left!" She released him from the hug and gave him a kiss on his forehead. "You sleep now, I have covered you with the cloak, and I'll be here in the morning to get you out of the common room before the others turn up!"
And with that she got up and made her way for the nearby staircase. "Wait…" he called out, not recognizing the thin raspy voice as his own. "Don't I get a winners kiss?" She turned slowly, a big smile on her face. "Of course!" If phoenix tears were supposed to be healing, they were nothing compared to the kiss of passion two people in the Ravenclaw common room shared that night. It was deep, passionate and seemed filled with fire – rejuvenating more than one tired spirit. Somehow they both knew that this would not be the last time it would feel like this.
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Ok, I now you all hate me now – I promised this would be up yesterday, but I hope you will all forgive me when you see how much I have added!
I decided to make it in one chapter, since the headline fit so nicely. I hope these 7000 words are enough to make you tempers cool down – and I also have a request for all of you who have read my story:
Have many small notes that actually have great thought behind them have you noticed?
I hope you have noticed some of them like a headline or something, because I actually use a lot of time doing this!
Again, sorry about the delay – hope you will all bear with me! I hope the next chapter will be up before the weekend!
Oh, and anyone who would like to re-comment can do so as an anonymous reviewer under the same name, I wont mind
Ohh yeah BTW, thanks everyone! Originally 75 reviews was my goal – yippeeee! Ehem… Yeah?
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Disclaimer: Any one no the combination for J.K.Rowlings safe so that I could 'borrow' the rights to Harry Potter? Anyone?
Anyway, as always: I don't own any thing related to the Potter-universe that you can recognize! It all belongs to da J.K. Rowling woman, man!
Any criticism or comment you might have, about the story, the grammar, my weird sense of humour – I would be happy to hear it!
Respond to reviewers: (thanks y'all :)
mjk306 – glad you liked it, hope you enjoy this extra bit as well!
LogicalRaven – Sorry, sorry! (Hits my self with a big hockey stick! Awwww….) I hope this would ease your pain, but if not please give my any comments or anything! Sorry…. :/
TheLaguna – What's curious? I like to know what people like about the various parts of the chapter… But thanks!
Jazzy D – Hey, that was mean – I thought you meant it! :)
kyi18 – Thanks…. :) The "in laws" will actually play a big part later on. I used this weekend to come up with all sorts of crazy ideas, so bear with me if this goes out of hand! About the x-rated thing: Well, I don't know about that yet – but we'll see!
RezEx – Thanks for praising me for keeping with my style, I needed that. Thankfully the really great stories are also the once who get the most reviews. Like "Promises Unbroken" by Robin4! That one rules, and so does "Betrayal of the best kind" + the sequel! Anyways, thanks for sticking with me :)
PeZ-yUaN – Well thanks I might hold you do that! If you leave you email address I'll send you a mail as soon as I can… Oh, and thanks for liking the story!
Slate07 – Yeah that was strange… Glad you checked anyway so you got to read it!
Olf – Mine too, obviously! =)
Blazinangelwings – Ups! Hehe thanks for pointing it out! I have corrected it, if you check chapter nine! Doh… Anyways, glad you like my replies I will keep doing 'em! First hand experience eh? ;)
Halfpint – Well actually im am her third cousin twice removed, and still I only get an autograph for Christmas! Anyway, thanks – that's a high praise! *Blushes*
CyberdgoZ – This isn't a cheesy love soap opera, thank you very much! But I get your point J
Please review – I like questions and ideas, cuz that way you guys might influence the direction of the story!