Well here is a nice long chapter because I haven't updated in a while. Hope you enjoy it! I like it!
And a disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any Harry Potter related material! Oh, but I can say that I own Ella and Edward and Geraldine…I wish to disown Geraldine…
HARRY
POTTER
- AND THE STAFF OF VIGOR
~ ~ !!! ~ ~
CHAPTER 14: PLANNING YOUR FUNERAL
Harry woke up and moaned. He looked around the room and was surprised to discover he was in his dorm room. Ron was in his own bed and breathing softly, the light from the rising sun casting a yellow glow around him. Harry sat up and yawned. He was a little confused. He could recall briefly the image of the Hospital Wing...Ron and Hermione's faces...Madam Pomfrey in the background shaking her head about something and now he was here.
"Ron." Harry whispered. Ron kept sleeping. He got off his bed and walked steadily over to his friend.
"Ron!" Harry said louder this time and shoved Ron's still figure.
"Stay back thee vengeful evil!" Ron exclaimed sitting up. Harry grinned a little.
"I'm staying back, no worries." He assured him. Ron shook his head.
"Harry," He frowned and glanced at the rising sun and then back at his friend, "Harry why are you up? Do you know how early it is?"
"Vague idea." Harry shrugged. Ron groaned.
"I'm tired," He laid back down, "Let me sleep."
"I remember somewhat that you woke me up very early on Christmas day yesterday." Harry reprimanded him. Ron sat up again slowly, he was awake now.
"Christmas was four days ago."
Harry's eyes widened, "What?"
"You've...been...well sleeping. Hermione reckons that your last dream drained you." Ron told him. Harry sighed.
"I see."
"Wh-" Ron stopped to yawn, "What did you dream about this time?"
"Same thing, longer though. Have I really been asleep for four days?" Harry wondered.
"Yeah. They let you come up here to sleep for the last few days because Madam Pomfrey is cleaning the Hospital Wing for students because classes are starting again in a week." Ron explained. Harry nodded.
"Has anything happened while I've been asleep?"
"No," Ron scowled, "Hermione's dragged me to the library every day to research that bloody Staff of Vigor."
"Huh?" Harry wandered why that sounded familiar.
"It's the thing you said when you woke up...before you went to sleep again. 'The Staff of Vigor' you said. God you looked freaky. You were waving around you arms like a crazed Wizard or something. I was ready to send you off to St Mungo's." Ron shook his head.
"No you weren't." Harry grinned.
"Yeah, I wasn't. But because of that we've been sneaking out all night to go to that other library and we spend most of the day in the normal one." Ron sighed.
"Sorry bout that." Harry patted Ron on the shoulder.
"It's alright, you'll be joining us until school starts again." Ron smiled when Harry grimaced.
"I'm starving." Harry said suddenly.
"Tell me about it." Ron nodded fervently. Harry rolled his eyes.
"You daft person. I haven't eaten in four days." Harry reminded him. Ron looked sheepish.
"Yeah...er...that's what I meant," Ron gazed outside at the early morning sun, "Fancy a game of chess though? I doubt breakfast will be ready for about an hour yet."
"Sure." Harry watched Ron set up the board game and proceeded to play enthusiastically, even though he knew he wouldn't win.
* * * *
"Full yet?" Ron wondered. Harry shook his head vigorously and stuffed some more food in his mouth. Ron laughed.
"That's your fourth plate of food. If you reach seven you've broken the Weasley breakfast record." Ron said proudly, indicating that he was the one that held it.
"I don't know," Harry said thoughtfully, "I might just beat it."
But when he had finished his plate he realised that he wouldn't be beating any food eating records anytime soon in his young life.
"Harry!" He heard a voice exclaim. Harry swung around in his seat and was crushed into a vivacious hug from a familiar head of bushy hair.
"Hey Hermione." He muttered, glad to see her. She pulled away and was smiling with a few tears of relief in her eyes.
"I was so worried. You'd never been asleep that long before." She told him grinning. Harry shrugged.
"I'm ok though. So no problem." He smiled back. Hermione sat down slowly next to him and gave Ron a cheerful smile.
"Morning Ron." She said brightly. Harry swore the tips of Ron's ears went red.
"Morning Gorgeou-" He coughed and glanced at Harry briefly, "Hermione. Morning Hermione."
She frowned a little, "Okay then."
"So what have you been up to?" Harry asked her.
"We've been in the library. But I think that might have to stop because classes are starting again soon and we need to prepare ourselves. Exams are coming up." She told him, reaching over and picking some toast off Ron's plate. Harry knew if he'd tried that Ron would have hurt him. Ron was very protective of his food.
"You find anything?" Harry said hopefully. Hermione smiled a little.
"Yes, I did."
Ron gaped, "What? When?"
"Last night. I knew you wouldn't want to go out again and I could very well do without your sadistic attitude for just one night, and I found out about the Staff and why it was put away and what is does. A little bit anyway." Hermione sniffed. Ron shrugged, he didn't really care he'd missed out on researching.
"Well? What does it do?" Harry asked eagerly. Hermione's smile dropped off her face immediately and she gazed down at her lap.
"Nothing good Harry." She said quietly. Ron smiled at her gently.
"Come on Hermione." He urged her. She sighed.
"It was put away because it was a weapon of destruction. It made people kill each other." Hermione said slowly.
Harry let out a breath, "How?"
"Oh it's just awful! They get a spell cast on them from the Staff and the person just goes crazy. They want power and nothing but power and they think the way to do it is by killing people. They kill their families and their friends..." She choked on a sob and regained her composure before continuing, "It was created by Sly of Gren. He wanted followers...and that's how he intended to get them I suppose. The power of the Staff is very old."
"Then what happened?" Ron wondered softly. Hermione sighed.
"Sly was murdered by some of the people he had used the power of the Staff on. Then Moor and Rak, you remember me telling you about them, they hid the Staff in the cave, sealed it and that's the end of that." Hermione took a deep breath and waited a response.
"They didn't destroy it?" Harry was incredulous. Hermione shook her head.
"I guess they didn't want to. It's very powerful." She said dismally. Ron frowned.
"Bastards. We're going to have to deal with this because of them." He scowled. A smile tugged at the corners of Hermione's mouth.
"Not now Ron. I've talked to Dumbledore and he's planning something. For the moment we need to prepare for classes." She insisted. Ron's scowl remained planted on his face.
* * * *
A week into classes and Harry was already wishing it was the holidays again. The workload was just simply depressing and the classes Harry had with Ellanora were now very awkward. Knowing how much he liked her made him unsure of how to act. She didn't seem too keen to talk to him anymore and that just made him slightly more sullen.
Harry entered his Potions class with a look of determination on his face. He was going to talk to her today. Yes, he was. He made his way over to her briskly. Ellanora was staring at the wall; her old habit seemed to have returned.
"Hey." Harry greeted her sitting down. She was startled and turned to stare at him.
"Hello." She said softly. Harry glanced down at her lips and shuffled away, blushing furiously. He was glad when Snape entered the classroom. Until he spoke.
"Class! Attention! Dammit! Attention!" Snape snarled, "Pensieve Potions out! We're doing this now. And if you happen to be partnered with someone you don't like or trust. Then too bad!"
Harry had never seen the class move so fast. Ellanora stayed seated so Harry thought he had to get the Potion. He stood up as soon as Snape made his way over to their table and glared down at Ellanora.
"I think that is quite enough Miss Egon! I am sick of your behaviour in my class!" Snape snapped. Ellanora's eyes widened and Harry was equally surprised. Snape never talked to her like that; he was always slightly kind to her.
"Excuse me Sir?" Ellanora asked quietly. Snape stiffened.
"You heard me. Up and move. Now!" He growled. She frowned at him and stood up. She was rather tall for a girl but Snape towered over her effortlessly.
"I said now Egon." Snape demanded angrily. Ellanora walked out from behind her table and made to walk to where the Potions were stored before she turned briefly.
"Love is patient, love is kind. Remember Sir." She recited a little of Professor Treen's poem before turning around again and heading to the Potion rack. Harry tried not to smile as Snape's face turned red and he mouthed wordlessly at his student's back. Ellanora returned with the Potion and Snape was still staring at her.
"Is there a problem Sir?" She wondered icily.
"Don't talk to me like that. Do your work." Snape retreated to his desk and Ellanora divided their Potion into two flasks.
"Brilliant." Harry told her, "Hitting Snape where it hurts."
"Thanks," She smiled a little, "But I feel awful for saying it. He's just always been so nice to me before."
"Nice?" Harry scoffed. She nodded and turned her attention to their Potion.
"Memory review huh?" She examined it warily. Harry did the same.
"Don't laugh if you see an ugly, skinny little kid getting beat up by his rather fat cousin alright?" Harry told her mildly.
"Okay. And don't you judge if you see a snotty, spoilt little girl being cruel to people okay?" She smiled. Harry returned it and they both simultaneously gulped down the Potion. Harry grabbed his stomach immediately feeling like he might throw up. Ellanora did the same.
"Do you think we made this right?" She wondered her face pale, "Because I think we might have put too much newt tail in it."
Harry was about to agree with her concept when she faded from his view and was replaced with a vast amount of whiteness. Harry frowned when the whiteness began to take form, gradually colour and shapes came into view. He saw a little girl with big blue eyes and her brown hair up in pigtails laughing and giggling with a little blonde boy as they ran down Diagon Alley. The image was soon replaced and Harry found himself in a hospital. He could recognize Ellanora now; she was about six or seven and was holding a small baby, a beaming smile planted on her face. The memory lingered for a minute before Harry was met with several more different ones. Ellanora with a young boy, most likely Edward but with brown hair, yelling at him and holding a broken broom in his face while her brother's expression remained unfazed. Ellanora standing nervously behind everyone at Hogwarts when she started her first year. Ellanora flying around with a man that could only be her father while a beautiful woman watched them from the ground. He saw her running into the Forbidden Forest in distress and stumbling into the fairy area she had shown him, where tentatively fairies came out and surrounded her. He saw her holding her sobbing brother, yelling at Malfoy on the night of the battle, the body of the Deatheater she had killed and then he saw her dancing with him at the Christmas Ball. Harry smiled a little as the memory faded and he saw a few others. He saw her in her room staring at a Christmas tree in the corner alone, wandering in the company of the fairies once more and finally he saw her sitting in the Hospital Wing watching him. Harry felt dizzy as the view returned to the familiarity of the Dungeons and Ellanora was standing in front of him, in her present form, bent over and panting.
"I didn't know you came to the Hospital Wing." Harry whispered after a few moments when they had both calmed down. She blushed a little.
"I didn't tell anyone. I only did when Ron and Hermione weren't there." She shrugged as if it was nothing.
"Why?" Harry asked quietly. Ellanora bit her bottom lip.
"I just heard you were in bad form. That's all." She muttered.
"Oh." He'd hoped for something a little more elaborate.
They stood silently for a moment before Harry's curiosity got the better of him.
"What did you see?" He wondered, keen to know. Ellanora looked distressed and sighed.
"I saw too much Harry. I saw you, Ron and Hermione a lot. There was you when you were little all alone and a woman who you live with. I saw a dark man dying in the middle of a battle and you fighting Voldemort lots of times and...and a house," She was puzzled, "A house where you were with Ron and Hermione and Ginny and lots of adults."
"Oh," Harry coughed knowing she had seen Sirius's house, "That's just Ron's house. We go there on the holidays sometimes. I'm...I'm sorry you had to see Voldemort though."
"Sorry for me?" She asked lightly, "I feel sorry for him. That is one ugly man."
Harry laughed, "I saw you and your family a bit."
"Oh," She stirred uneasily now, "Like what?"
"Just you flying. There was a really long one. You were about six I think and holding a baby at St Mungo's..." Harry trailed off. Ellanora smiled.
"That's when Edward was born. He was some sort of medical marvel. I thought I was never going to get a sibling and when came along I was so happy." She said fondly.
"Yeah, you looked it." Harry nodded.
"Any other important memory?" Ellanora asked, her uneasiness returning. Harry smiled fondly now.
"The ball...when you and I danced."
"Oh...well that was some nice...music. The music was good." She blushed a little. Harry settled it then. He was going to ask her.
"Ella-" He began but Snape interrupted him.
"Class over. I want you to research and write three feet of parchment on how to protect yourselves from having your memories viewed. Class dismissed!" Snape snapped. Harry frowned, memories must take longer to view than they seemed when they were watched. Ellanora stood up.
"No wait." Harry grabbed her arm to stop her from moving away. She smiled down at him.
"Yes?" She shook her head and moved away.
"I...this isn't easy for me," Harry told her and continued when she nodded in reply, "Now I was wondering if you wanted to go for a walk with me on the weekend? You know, before all the Dueling Competition havoc starts next week...and then we have the Quidditch match against your House and I doubt there will be anytime to hang out..."
"A walk?" She pulled an amused face.
"More than that. A date." Harry said quickly. Her amusement disappeared.
"No." Ellanora shook her head.
"Why not?" Harry frowned.
"I don't like you like that Harry. I'm not interested." She said slowly, her cheeks pink.
"But...but I thought you did." He was embarrassed now.
"I'm sorry if you misunderstood. But...I...don't and I...um, have to go." She looked very apologetic as she left the room.
"Dammit." Harry seethed. He kicked his stool over and sighed before picking it up and putting it back and cleaning up the mess they had left from their Potion. If she didn't like him he would just have to get over it then.
* * * *
"Impedimenta!" Harry exclaimed jumping to his feet and thrusting his wand out in front of him. He watched with relief as Gregory Goyle slumped to the ground. He had been worried for a minute there. Goyle had shot out a series of spells at vast speeds and Harry had been too busy dodging them to attack. He had managed to perform his spell just in time though.
"POTTER VERSE GOYLE! WINNER POTTER!" Madam Hooch, the flying coach, yelled out above the small crowd that had gathered to watch the competition. The Dueling Competition was being held in the Great Hall. Three long tables had been arranged so that three duels could be carried out at the same time and the crowds divided themselves amoung the tables, depending on which fight they wished to watch.
Harry grinned and jumped down off the table. So far he had beaten Dean, Seamus, a boy from Ravenclaw called Mathew Mainland, two Hufflepuff boys whose names he couldn't remember, Crabbe and now Goyle. Ron walked over to him and clapped him on the back.
"Good on you. Now all you have to beat is Neville and Malfoy and you've won." Ron told him grinning. Harry frowned.
"I don't really want to fight Neville." He muttered. Ron sighed.
"He'll be fine. Don't worry," Ron pushed him forward, "Come on. We can watch Ella now. She's fighting Pansy."
"I don't know." Harry said. He really didn't want to.
"Come on. You saw how Pansy treated her when she signed up for this. You can't say you don't want to see her kick her as-" Ron turned but Harry was already disappearing into the crowd. Sighing Ron made his way over to the table where Ellanora was fighting.
Harry watched Ron go and sighed. He didn't want to watch her fight. He didn't want to talk to her, be in her company or even see her. He was having trouble enough as it was forgetting her. He traveled around the crowd a little and found Hermione resting herself in a chair talking to Ginny.
"Hey girls." He greeted them sitting down. They smiled at him.
"How did you go?" Hermione asked him, taking a sip of the drink she had.
"Alright, took a while to get him down...but I won. You?" He wondered. Hermione grinned broadly.
"I knocked out Geraldine Maple within about two seconds," She nodded her head at Ginny, "And you're looking at the Fifth Year Girl's Dueling Competition Champion."
"Wow! Ginny! Way to go!" Harry praised. Ginny blushed and smiled.
"Thanks Harry. It wasn't too hard. There was only about six girls in it." She said modestly.
"Nah, it's no surprise you would win." Harry assured her smiling. He turned to Hermione and added.
"Just two seconds? Wish I'd watched."
"You had your own to fight." She told him glancing down at her watch, "And I have to go. I have to go against someone else."
She stood up and stopped when Harry called after her.
"Who?" He yelled.
"Just Ellanora." Hermione shot back at him hurrying off.
"Just Ella." Harry muttered to himself. Ginny gave him an appraising look.
"Harry, just tell her you like her already." She urged him. Harry frowned.
"I did. I asked her out on a date and she said no."
Ginny was startled, "Oh. Well, I'm sorry then."
Harry shrugged apathetically.
"I really thought something was up with you two." Ginny admitted.
"Apparently not." Harry reprimanded. Ginny bit her bottom lip and stared off into the crowd.
"When are you fighting again?" She wondered.
"About ten minutes. Against Malfoy." Harry said the last bit slowly and watched Ginny carefully. She coughed.
"Beat him down." She said half-heartedly.
"You don't mean that," Harry paused, "I really don't know what is up with you and him Ginny. I don't think you're going to tell me either."
"No, not yet. We're just friends," She blushed a little and stood up as Malfoy approached them, "Hey."
"Malfoy." Harry greeted him icily.
"Pothead." Malfoy snapped rubbing the back of his head.
"I'm fighting you next...what happened?" Harry couldn't help but wonder. Malfoy glared at him.
"Longbottom. I don't know how but he brought me down. Twit." Malfoy scowled. Harry grinned.
"Ah. Good on him." He said happily.
"Shut up." Malfoy warned him icily. Ginny whacked him over the back of the head.
"Ginny!" Malfoy gasped in pain, "I just got hit there."
"Serves you right. I told you not to talk to my friends like that." She frowned. Malfoy sighed and shrugged before turning and walking away. Ginny rolled her eyes and seemed unsure about whether or not to go after him.
"Go on. I'm going to go and watch Hermione." Harry told her. She nodded and they parted ways. Harry walked slowly over to the table where he knew Hermione was, hoping he wouldn't run into Ella. He reached the table and frowned. Hermione was lying down on the floor and Ellanora was at the other end also lying down, looking dazed. He spotted Ron and made his way over to him.
"What happened?" Harry demanded. Ron was laughing.
"Well Ella beat Pansy and then she had to fight Hermione straight after," He took a deep breath and stopped laughing, "They were shooting spells at each other and the next thing you know Hermione's unconscious and Ella falls down and doesn't know what's going on."
"Why is that funny?" Harry wondered.
"It was," Ron was looking worriedly at both girls, "It doesn't seem so funny now."
Dumbledore, who was observing the match, waved his wand and levitated both girls off the table. Harry and Ron ran round the table and over to Hermione who had been levitated into a chair. Dumbledore suppressed a smile.
"I'm not sure who wins. I suppose we will call it a draw," He told them, "Don't worry. They are both fine. Miss Granger should wake up any moment now."
On cue Hermione's eyes fluttered open. Ron reached forward and hugged her while Harry rubbed her arm.
"Did I win?" She asked rubbing her eyes.
"Not really." Ron said soothingly. Hermione jerked up.
"I lost?" She exclaimed.
"No," Harry paused, "It was a draw. You both win."
"Oh." She didn't sound as happy about that. Ron gave her another quick hug and went over to Ellanora who was still in a very dazed state. Hermione was even less happy about that.
"Ron..." Ellanora trailed off, her voice slurred. Ron grinned.
"Hey. You did good." He told her. She frowned and gazed around the Great Hall.
"I did? With what? Ron...why are we in the Great Hall?"
"Um. How about you rest a minute." Ron suggested.
Ellanora nodded and glanced up at Harry, "Hey."
"Hello. I have to go. I'm fighting Malfoy." Harry told them. Before either of his friends could comment Harry had headed into the crowd.
He reached the table and was surprised to find Neville instead of Malfoy. He looked at Madam Hooch.
"What happened?" He asked. She raised an eyebrow.
"Mister Malfoy is currently residing in the Hospital Wing. He's been withdrawn from the competition. Hurry up now. Get on the table and prepare to fight." She informed him.
Harry glanced up at Neville who shrugged and smiled. He scrambled onto the table and prepared himself to battle. Neville resumed duel stance as well.
"Now you know the rules," Madam Hooch warned, "You know what spells not to use. Use of them will result in expulsion from the competition! Okay...ready...and...go!"
"Stupefy!" Harry yelled. Neville avoided his spell and shot the same one back at him. Harry crouched down and moved to his left a little.
"Impedimenta!" Neville avoided another spell with ease.
"Expelliarmus!" Neville exclaimed. Harry held his breath as the beam of light from Neville's wand nearly hit him.
He opened his mouth to utter another spell but Neville was too quick for him.
"Accio Wand!" Neville's spell caused Harry's wand to be swiftly extracted from his hands. Neville grinned a little.
"Sorry Harry! Stupefy! Stupefy!" He pointed his wand out at Harry and Harry was hit with the second beam of light. He fell to the ground with a thump, surrounded by darkness and silence.
"Innervate." A voice muttered. Harry's eyes flickered open and he gazed up at Madam Hooch. She smiled kindly.
"Well played Mister Potter." She told him. Harry rolled onto his stomach and pushed himself up weakly.
"Thanks." He mumbled. Neville walked over and held out his hand, helping Harry to his feet.
"Bet you never saw that one coming." Neville told him, grinning.
"Er...I guess I didn't." Harry admitted truthfully.
"I've been practicing all year since I heard about it," Neville lowered his voice, "It really meant a lot to me to win it."
"And you did." Harry told him smiling. He patted him on the shoulder. Madam Hooch smiled and raised her wand to her throat and muttered, 'Sonorus'.
"LONGBOTTOM VERSE POTTER! LONGBOTTOM WINS AND IS THE SIXTH YEAR BOYS' DUELING COMPETITION CHAMPION!" She boomed.
The crowd, which was rather large now, erupted into applause and cheers. Harry clapped along with them and spotted Hermione and Ron in the crowd too who were also applauding loudly. He broke into a smile. Neville really did deserve this.
* * * *
As classes went back to normal Harry began to prepare himself for the Quidditch Match against Hufflepuff. Ron gave them vigorous training sessions for two hours every second day and Harry was beginning to feel very weary.
"Good you guys!" Ron told them after yet another excruciating practice, "Play like that tomorrow and we'll win another game!"
The team groaned in response and divided into small groups as they made their way back to the castle. Ron smiled at Harry.
"Yes?" Harry asked him stretching his arms out in front of him with much effort.
"How was practice?" Ron demanded.
"It was good. Very, very tiring. But good." Harry assured him. Ron's smile widened.
"I'm still not really used to all of this Captain stuff. We have an excellent team though." Ron said brightly as the boys made their way over to the change rooms.
"You're a good Captain Ron. Don't ever think otherwise." Harry told him. Ron laughed for a moment and began to remove his robes.
"I see you are well prepared for the game tomorrow." A deep voice informed them. Ron and Harry jumped and turned around, Ron quickly redoing his robes.
"Professor Dumbledore?" Harry frowned. The Headmaster nodded and stepped into the room. He looked very serious and dismal, Harry noticed. He hadn't seen Dumbledore look like this since the time Harry had portkeyed back to Hogwarts clutching Cedric Diggory's dead body.
"I need to talk to you. Something of great importance has arisen that involves you." Dumbledore said gravely.
"Oh," Ron made for the door, "I'll just go then."
"It also involves you Mister Weasley...and a few others." Dumbledore added solemnly.
"What's the matter?" Harry said hesitantly. It sounded like something bad.
"No need to be concerned for me Harry," Dumbledore said noticing Harry's worried expression, "I'm afraid the concern is for you and your friends."
"Voldemort isn't close is he?" Ron asked edgily, "He's not here...to...to kill us?"
"No. He is not. But I need you to go to him." Dumbledore said directly.
"What?" Harry and Ron exclaimed. Their Headmaster sighed.
"It is not like it sounds. I need you to go and retrieve the Staff of Vigor."
"What?" The boys exclaimed again. Dumbledore nodded.
"I reassure you it is with the greatest regret that I implore you to do so. If there was any other way believe me I would use it...but there is not." He rubbed his face sorrowfully.
Harry sat down on a bench, "I'm not sure I know what you want me...us to do."
"I need all of you to go to the Cave of Eradication and destroy the Staff of Vigor. It is not a simple task, and I promise I will ask no more of you. It just needs to be done." Dumbledore sighed again.
"No," Harry shook his head, "We won't."
"Harry I understand but there is no other way. No one else can. There are reasons behind your dreams that I cannot understand, only that those that were in it are the ones that must go with you." Dumbledore stated.
"You mean Ginny and Hermione too? And Ella and Malfoy? You want me to put them in danger as well? I wouldn't do it myself let alone get them involved!" Harry said angrily.
Dumbledore sat down on the bench and leveled himself with Harry. Harry didn't care what he did or said, there was no way he would be doing what Dumbledore asked.
"I beseech you Harry, please. There is no other way. We will provide numerous items of protection and spells for you. If you don't then I fear Tom Riddle will get his hands on the Staff and I cannot even think about what he will do with it's power..." Dumbledore trailed off, "Perhaps I should let you consider it further. I will leave you alone for a bit."
"No." Ron said quietly, finally speaking up.
"Thanks Ron, it's just too much to ask-" But Ron cut Harry off.
"No I don't need to think about it. I'll do it." Ron stated firmly. Harry gaped.
"You're kidding!"
"I'm not," Ron sighed, "Harry what will happen if Voldemort gets it? The whole Wizarding world will be in danger. If I can somehow stop that...then I will."
"But-" Harry was prepared to argue for hours on end.
"We must have been in your dream for a reason. You dreamt about everything else that happened and if that's all I have to follow then I'll just have faith," Ron turned to Dumbledore, "I'll do it."
"I am very sorry to hear that Mister Weasley but thank you." Dumbledore stood.
"Me too then." Harry muttered. Ron frowned.
"Are you sure?"
"There is no way I am letting you go into this mess alone." Harry told him sincerely. Ron smiled weakly and the boys turned to look up at Dumbledore who seemed more upset that he was previously.
"Very well then," He paused thoughtfully, "Shall I inform the other students involved or would you wish to do so?"
Harry and Ron looked at each other for a minute contemplating.
"We'll do it." Said Harry.
"Yeah," Agreed Ron, "It would be best coming from us."
Dumbledore nodded and quickly exited the room, not wanting to say more in fear that he would retract what he had asked of them because there was ultimately no other way for the Staff of Vigor to be destroyed.
Harry glanced at Ron who was gazing at the ground dumbfounded.
"Are you sure about this?" Harry asked quietly. Ron nodded.
"I'm sure."
"Want to tell Hermione now?"
"No," Ron shook his head, "Let's rest on it and tell her in the morning."
Harry agreed mutely and the boys got changed slowly, contemplating individually what they had gotten themselves into.
* * * *
"You what?" Hermione gasped. Harry sighed.
"We have to-" He began. She frowned.
"I know what you said. I heard every word. I just cannot believe either of you would say you would do such a stupid thing!" She seethed.
Harry hung his head shamefully. It was the following morning and Ron and Harry had approached her at breakfast to tell her. She had seemed in a good mood until they had explained the situation to her. Now, she wasn't so happy.
"Hermione, please don't make it harder than it is." Ron pleaded. Hermione narrowed her eyes on him.
"Don't make it harder?" She scoffed, "Well I don't really care how damned hard I make it. I am not participating in this. And neither of you is either! It's too dangerous. I can't believe Dumbledore would ask such a thing of you!"
Harry groaned, "He didn't seem very thrilled about asking us. We really have no choice."
"You do," Hermione lowered her voice, "Please don't. Please be logical and think about it. It would be like going to your death."
Ron put his hands over his face and laid his head on the table. Hermione stared at him and several minutes passed before she spoke.
"If it's that important," She said gently, "I'll do it."
"I wouldn't want you to Hermione," Ron raised his head and smiled at her apologetically, "But it's not just for us. We're not talking about saving just the school...we're talking about saving the whole Wizarding world."
"I know it's not fair and that it's dangerous and that we have own lives to live but..." Harry trailed off. Hermione nodded and closed her eyes.
"I know. It's okay. I'm still shocked," She opened her eyes and gazed at them, "But I'd do nearly anything for you two. You know that right?"
They nodded solemnly. Hermione cleared her throat.
"And who else is coming?" She wondered.
"I've talked to Ginny," Ron said slowly, "She agreed to come a little too willingly for my liking. She's going to talk to Malfoy and we have to get Ella. That's it. No one else."
"I see," Hermione paused, "What if we can't get them all?"
"We do without. I'm hoping Dumbledore will come over any minute and tell us we don't have to." Harry told her. She smiled a little.
"We can hope."
They talked quietly amongst themselves for the rest of breakfast about how they would go about things until practically everything was planned. They would leave in a week. Harry and Ron would organize what they would take and Hermione would discuss things with Dumbledore. Harry was very nervous and anxious about what they were going to do and was ashamed to know that he also felt a little excited too.
"Oh god!" Ron jumped up and startled his friends, "The match! It's in half an hour!"
"We're planning out funerals practically and he remembers Quidditch." Hermione scoffed. Harry grinned and stood up.
"We'll see you at the match then?" Ron asked before leaving. Hermione nodded and he grinned and ran out of the Great Hall, Harry not far behind him.
* * * *
The Snitch. Where the hell was it? He couldn't see it anywhere and they had been playing the game for nearly an hour now. Harry made for a dive as he thought he spotted a hint of gold but pulled up shortly when he realised it had in fact been the reflection of the sun on a small winged insect.
"What's the matter?" Miranda Twist asked flying by him. She was one of the new beaters for the team, and quite a good one at that.
"Huh?" Harry frowned, he hadn't heard what she had said.
"I said," She repeated hotly, "What is the matter?"
"Nothing. Nothing, why?"
"You're being very distant and such. I don't even think you're paying attention..." She trailed off as she spun around on her broom and hit a Bludger away from them.
"To the game." She turned back to him and finished her sentence. Harry nodded.
"I am. The Snitch is nowhere." Harry told her.
"Well look harder then. We're winning only by a little bit and Hufflepuff is catching up." She zoomed off to protect to rest of the Chasers and Harry sighed. Snitch...find the Snitch. He circled the Pitch for the tenth time that game and was elated when he finally spotted it, making a direct dive for it. Unfortunately the Hufflepuff seeker, Andrew Moore, saw it too. Harry put his head down and flew as fast as he could towards it. Andrew caught up to him and pushed him aside in an effort to throw Harry off his broom. Why did people always do that to him?
"Stop it!" He yelled. Andrew grinned and pushed him again.
"No!" He yelled back. Harry rolled his eyes and both boys zoomed towards the Snitch. They weren't far off the ground, Harry could feel his feet skimming the tops of the grass. Andrew hit him again and Harry nearly fell off.
"Stop it! You'll make me fall!" He warned. Andrew smiled again, he didn't seem to care. Harry reached out to grab the Snitch. He nearly had it. Just a little further. His fingers were grasping the ends of it when Andrew hit him again and he fell forward off his broom. Despite the fact that he wasn't far from the ground, the fall still hurt.
"Dammit." Harry mumbled rubbing the back of his head. He looked around to see if Andrew was still chasing the Snitch but the boy was hovering a few feet over Harry.
"I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to do that." Andrew insisted.
"I'm sure." Harry grumbled. He sat up and rubbed a sore spot in his back. Madam Hooch was hurrying over to where he was.
"What's happened? Are you alright?" She exclaimed. Harry nodded and continued to rub his back.
"I think I landed on something." He muttered. Madam Hooch observed the ground where he had fallen and promptly put her whistle in her mouth and blew it.
"Game over!", She hollered, "The Snitch is broken! Gryffindor winds 190 to 150!"
Harry turned and gazed down at where he had fallen. There was the Snitch, broken into about seven small golden pieces. Harry groaned.
"Good game." Ron told him, flying down on his broom. Harry pulled a face.
"I broke the Snitch."
"Yeah, but we still won." Ron reminded him. Harry opened his mouth to complain but noted the comment and nodded grinning.
"That was pretty good. I don't think I've seen that before, a player breaking the Snitch I mean." Ron glanced down at the broken winged ball.
"Another day, another disaster." Harry shrugged. Ron smiled.
"It was a hell of a long game."
"I know," Harry nodded solemnly, "To be honest I wasn't really concentrating until the end."
"Me either," Ron sighed and the boys began to make their way to the Changing rooms leaving the hype of the stadium and the cheering Gryffindor's, "I keep thinking about us going to that cave."
"It's too surreal for my liking." Harry shook his head. He still couldn't believe that Dumbledore had asked them such a thing. It just wasn't like the Headmaster to put pressure on them like that, at all.
"I spose. But there's no other way really? So what can you do." Ron said distractedly glancing behind them. Harry looked up and saw Ellanora storming towards them.
"You stupid, moronic git!" She seethed upon reaching them. Harry's eyes widened. Thankfully she was glaring at Ron.
"What?" Ron spluttered, completely taken by surprise.
"You are selfish and I cannot believe you!" She yelled. Ron frowned.
"Is this about the game...because no offense...we won fair and square." Ron said lightly. Ellanora clenched her fists.
"Was it about the game?" She scoffed, "Don't be stupid!"
"Then what?" He asked exasperated.
"I just talked to Hermione. A lovely little chat about some expedition we're supposed to be going on in a few days...in Antarctica!" Ellanora narrowed her eyes on Ron accusingly.
"Ah," Ron coughed, "That."
"Yes that you prat. What's it about?" She crossed her arms over her chest and waited impatiently. Ron glanced up at Harry who shrugged.
"Well you see..." He explained everything to her, especially emphasizing the importance of them all going and how it was for the good of the Wizarding world.
"You have got to be kidding me! We're sixteen year's old! We're practically children. We cannot do something like that." Ellanora shook her head.
"Ella," Harry said gently speaking up, "We are doing that. You don't have to come. It would help if you did, but you don't have to."
"I don't intend to." She snapped. Harry sighed.
"That's up to you."
Her eyes went from Ron to Harry and back to Ron before she stared at the ground and bit her bottom lip. Harry wanted more than anything to reach out and embrace her at that moment, but he knew she wouldn't like it.
"What if I die? Who will look after Eddie then?" She wondered, frowning.
"You won't!" Ron exclaimed, "I wouldn't let that happen."
"Neither would I." Harry agreed.
"I can't believe this," She closed her eyes and sighed, "I'll go. I don't want Voldemort causing more harm than he has."
"Thanks Ella..." Ron went to hug her but she held up her hand.
"I'll go but I'm not happy about it and won't be happy for the whole trip. Now if you will excuse me I am going to go and brood about this for the rest of the day." She turned on her heels and walked briskly away from them. Harry smiled after her, knowing full well she'd be fine tomorrow.
* * * *
"Tent?" Harry asked, checking to make sure that everything was in order for their trip. Hermione nodded.
"Tent." She repeated weakly.
"And we have enough food and stuff..." Harry wondered. She nodded again.
"I've...I've checked and rechecked and checked again. We're all packed and ready," Her bottom lip trembled, "If only we didn't have to go."
Harry sighed and hugged her.
"I know. We'll be fine. I know we will." He smiled at her calmly. She took a deep breath and looked up as Ron entered the room with Ginny and Malfoy.
"Ready?" Harry asked them. Ginny and Ron nodded and Malfoy scowled.
"I cannot believe I am doing this." He muttered. Ginny glanced up at him and smiled.
"I can." She said softly. Malfoy rolled his eyes and his scowl was replaced with a smirk as he gazed around the room. There were several camping packs full of the necessary items that they would need for the trip. Except that the packs weren't full of normal Muggle camping items. They were packed with all sorts of magical items that would ensure the safest and most comfortable journey for them. That's what Harry hoped anyway.
"So ready to save the world?" Malfoy sneered. Everyone ignored his negative comment and continued to prepare himself or herself. No one talked and the room was filled with an uncomfortable silence.
"You could cut the tension in here with a knife." A voice murmured. Harry looked up and spotted Ellanora at the door. She was gripping the edges of the frame and looked like she might turn around and run from the room at any moment.
"Glad you could make it." Ron smiled at her. She rolled her eyes and bit her bottom lip in a fashion that Harry had come to adore.
"I cannot believe I'm doing this." She sighed, echoing Malfoy only minutes before.
"I don't think any of us can." Hermione told her. The room echoed the opinion. Ellanora nodded and then frowned, turning around to glance down the passageway behind her.
"I keep thinking I hear something." She explained to Ron who was staring at her strangely.
"You didn't get followed?" He asked worriedly, "Because we can't chance anyone seeing us."
"No, I don't think I did." She bit her lip again. Ron went over to her and peered over her shoulder before closing the door halfway behind them.
Ellanora joined the silence of the room and helped the group to steadily prepare for the trip. The tension in the room could certainly be cut with a knife.
"Well," Harry stood up and gazed at them all, everyone was wearing a pack and looked decidedly nervous, "I suppose we're ready then."
"Dumbledore isn't coming," Hermione told them in case they were wondering, "He...he said he couldn't but he wishes us the best of luck and such."
"Right. We'll be need more than luck." Malfoy chided. Ron glared at him.
"I don't want any of that on this trip. It's hard enough as it is." He snapped. Malfoy glared back at him.
"Alright. That means you back off me too Weasel." He growled. Ginny's hand went up and slapped him delicately on the back of the head within a second.
"God Ginny." Malfoy moaned and rubbed the sore spot. Ginny tried to hide a grin and gazed up at him innocently.
"What? I told you I don't want you..." She began.
"Talking to them like that. I know, I know!" Malfoy insisted. Ginny poked her tongue out at him and turned to the group, clapping her hands together.
"I'm ready when you lot are." She told them. Ron frowned.
"I don't like how keen you are about all this."
"Would you rather me cry and yell and fuss?" Ginny asked mildly.
"No." Ron insisted.
"Then don't complain." She retorted. Harry cleared his throat.
"Okay. Are we all ready?" He was met with a few grave nods, "Okay, Hermione. You have the Portkey?"
Hermione was frozen on the spot and it took a gentle nudge from Ron before she turned behind her and indicated to an old, dirty boot.
"Travelling with class." Harry heard Ellanora mutter. He smiled slightly and turned to them again.
"Okay. I need everyone to hold hands just so we wont get lost," He waited patiently as they obeyed, "Alright. I'm sorry about all this. I really am. Just lean in and touch it then."
Harry did the same as everyone else and immediately felt the sickening feeling as he lunged forward headfirst. His feet left the ground and his vision became that of blurred colour. He could feel the presence of his companions but could barely make out their faces as they zoomed and lurched forward. Harry noted that this took longer than it had last time and he was beginning to feel sick. Thankfully he felt his feet finally touch the ground.
He noticed two things straight away. The first was the landscape surrounding him. It consisted of copious iced mountain hills that looked extremely dangerous. He was surrounded by snow and could feel the coldness instantly. With the addition of the softly falling snowflakes around him Harry felt like he was in some kind of foreign, white wonderland. But a deadly wonderland at that.
The second thing he noticed was some incoherent yelling. He turned around and saw Ellanora through the snowflakes fuming at another person. Harry took a step closer and his eyes widened at the figure Ellanora's anger was focused on.
"Edward?"
~ ~ !!! ~ ~
A/N: I hope you all enjoyed this! Just a few more chapters to go…this is strange…I've tried to write stories before but I have never been able to finish them…with this fic though I know exactly where I am going and what is happening!
Speaking of which…
Ahh! The cave! Someone is going to die in the horrible, horrible cave!
Romance…sparks of romance…ahh…what will happen…
Please continue to Review!!!!