Kiss From a Rose
Disclaimer: I do not own anything that contains any of J.K. Rowling's work, she by far is much more experienced in writing then I am at the current moment. This is her universe that I am using to produce works like Kiss from a Rose. It seems that my Beta-Reader has left me for a week, so this is an edited chapter by me and it isn't going to be good.
Chapter 7 – The Alliance
DADA was Harry's favorite class and now with Moody there teaching it, it was even better and a hell of a lot better then Umbridge and her ministry ideas of what Defense against the Dark arts should be. Experience was the best weapon against anything, everyone knew that, well everyone except the ministry. Harry knew that only by teaching theory and not experience the ministry was weakening the wizardry species. The trio walked out of the class together, both Ron and Harry had been trying to comfort Hermione on her failed attempt to create her otter patronus charm but to no avail she just wouldn't quit accusing herself that she had failed. Harry told her that its only natural to make mistakes, but still she wouldn't listen, he walked with Hermione and Ron towards Professor Binns class and for the first time Harry convinced himself that history was important. He couldn't understand it when he had first came to the school, but now he understood for some reason why history was important. It was for people to never make the same mistakes twice and to look through into the future because it showed what might come. He chuckled to himself thinking that he just might be on the verge of insanity but that was quickly put to rest as he took a seat on Hermione side which was closes on to Binns. Students filtered into the class silently and quickly taking there seats and waiting for the teacher who happen not to come on time. This was certainly a surprise because it was now two teachers who had not arrived on time for there class. Like most of the students Ron was praying silently under his breath hoping that the old ghost would not come to the class, but like usual that motion was set aside just as Binns floated through the wall and opened the dusty old book settling onto of the stand in the middle of the room. Binns took a look around before starting to recite from the book, then Harry thought, big mistake; history is still history and still boring.
Fortunately for Harry and Ron it had been a short class and probably fortunate for everyone else they didn't need to put up with boring Binns for that long. Hermione though in a better mood after taking almost ten feet of notes still cursed herself in her thoughts from what Harry could tell, he didn't like it one bit, but what was he going to do, tell her that what she's saying in her head is wrong. Those thoughts were promptly set aside just as the lunch bell had went off and the announcement by Ron that he could eat a cow for lunch. Harry looked to them and told them that he wasn't hungry and was going to the commons to gather his transfiguration book, Hermione didn't seem to take the news lightly and looked at Harry who smiled awkwardly before taking off in a sprint. In no time he had arrived in front of the fat lady's portrait who, to Harry's dismay was gone and no where to be found in the other portraits. All Harry could say was 'dammit under his breath as he looked at the other pictures on the walls. It was just then an idea came into his head, Lily told him that Vampires did not follow mortal or wizardry rules, wouldn't that mean he could pass through a wall? It was thought Harry liked for many reason not just to get into the commons, he stood there looking at the portrait, it's lifelessness, it's hallow frame, and was deciding weather to take the chance and walk through. Was it so easy to be mistaken, Harry thought to himself, what if he got stuck in between the wall, wouldn't that be a sight to see? He needed to get in there for the transfiguration book since it was the only book he happened not to pick up before. It was now or never Harry thought as he slowly started to move closer to the wall he closed his eyes and reminded himself that reality is not real and it is only what he makes of it. He was going to pass through the wall because he was a vampire and they were not restricted to rules and regulations of the mind. His feet moved closer and inched closer he could feel his nose touch the painting, he stretched out his hands to feel the painting, and that's when it happened. The portrait swung open from the inside striking Harry flat on the nose sending him back to the ground launching his books, quills, and ink into the air falling a few feet away. Then appeared was strangely looking boy, Neville Longbottom, another student in Harry's level, he stared at Harry for a moment before opening his mouth and talking.
"You ok Harry?" Neville asked while stretching out his hand to help Harry up.
"Yea, fine and dandy." Harry tried to keep his temper inside himself while dusting his robes off.
"What were you doing so close to the portrait?" Neville inquired while picking up Harry's books and other items that had fallen.
"Trying to get in" Harry replied while grabbing his stuff from Neville who turned to see if the fat lady was there, but just like what Harry saw she was gone. Neville looked confused, why was Harry so close to the wall, did he want to get hit? Harry could hear Neville talking in his head. Harry new he couldn't explain what he was trying to do, in fact he felt kind of stupid trying to walk through walls. He was not a ghost, dead, but not a ghost.
"Right, anyways, I have to go." Neville said in a rush before running down the hall forgetting to hold the door open and letting it slip back to its original state, closed.
"Bloody Hell!" Harry cried before turning back and going to Transfiguration class without his book, noting to himself to find out what the fat lady was doing at that time.
Harry was the first to arrive at the classroom where there sat McGonagall in her chair reading, from what Harry could see was 'The Vampire Lestat'. He shook his head with a chuckle under his breath before taking his seat in the middle of the class room. McGonagall looked up from her book and saw Harry sitting there looking like he was going insane doing nothing but sitting there. A soft smile came but was hidden by the book to Harry, then setting it down she stood up and walked over to Harry.
"Mr. Potter you are quite early today." She spoke with a clear voice that was plain however powerful.
"Yeh well I can't help it if I get around faster now," Harry muttered sarcastically.
"Since you seem to be the only one here, do you mind helping me setting up the class for a demonstration?" McGonagall said making Harry raise a brow.
"What kind of demonstration?" Harry asked while getting up and helping McGonagall move the chairs and tables against the wall.
"Professor Dumbledore has decided to show us his animagus form for those who want to learn, This was a real treat for the students; its not everyday the most powerful wizard of the time showed his animal form." McGonagall stated while waving her wand and clearing up some of the junk that lay on the ground "Also I want to ask if you have started on learning how to become an Animagus?"
"No…" Harry said quietly in shame.
"Well don't worry, I didn't give you a starting point, I think you should start by researching the animal you want to be first. Remember that any type of animal is possible but to become a magical creature you must first understand the following, magic has no bounds of rules." Harry and McGonagall finished putting the tables near the walls just as the first student arrived followed by the rest of the class. Hermione and Ron were among the last to arrive taking there seat next to Harry who sat as close as possible. McGonagall stood in the center looking around the class room checking if everyone was there.
"This is your 6th year, which is far too important just to throw away. What I have planned for today is that I will tell you of the course schedule, expectations of work and your performance on magic. The first two months of this year will be reviewing all old transfigurations, basics. During the winter months we will be learning about the theory, yes I did say theory of magic. And finally we will be ending with prerequisites of learning how to become an animagus." Most of the class had grins on there faces and Harry could hear a few talking quietly to each other about they were going to become dragons or some other magical creature. Obviously McGonagall heard because what was she said next, "Becoming a magical creature is far rare in a Wizard abilities for it requires a certain level of understanding the magical process. So for all those who think they can just close there eyes and think they can be a phoenix or griffin you will have to learn far more then what this school can teach you." She said which quieted down the students. Harry looked at her with some surprise, was he going to learn this, what he wanted to be, he loved the feel of flying maybe a bird of some sort. But he wanted to be useful to, birds of course can be useful but they weren't powerful. Harry broke his train of thought just as McGonagall was announcing what was going to happen today. "I have convinced our headmaster to show us another animagus, for you have seen mine so many times I'm beginning to believe that everyone can only become cats." She chuckled just as the doors opened and walking in was Dumbledore in long flowing blue sparking robes and half moon spectacles which hid his blue eyes.
"Professor," McGonagall said before walking to her desk and taking a seat and watching intently on Dumbledore. His eyes inspected the room, never landing on any particular student but stopped for a second on Harry before traveling to McGonagall.
"So, where shall we start?" Dumbledore folded his hands together and began to change.
Ω
"Wasn't that bloody brilliant! I mean that takes a lot of skill to turn into –"
"Ron you know we can't speak of it outside of the class room." Hermione quickly interrupted.
"Oh come off Hermione, you think Draco is going to keep that a secret?" Ron said while walking towards potions. Harry had been quiet and just thinking of what Dumbledore became, it was truly the most beautiful thing he had ever seen.
"No, but that's his choice we need to respect Dumbledore and his wishes not to tell anyone." Hermione said.
"Hermione, I think the world should know about this, it's, it's just almost unimaginable to see one man, do that."
"Ron don't' you think of the consequences of what could happen if the world knew of what he becomes?" Harry could hear Hermione starting to get frustrated and could only bring a smile to his face, he loved to see Hermione that way, for some reason it brought something else into him, something unexplainable.
"But, you as I know that students aren't going to keep it a secret so why can't we say anything it's unfair." Ron blurted Hermione looked at him as if she wasn't seeing the Ron she was dating.
"Ron life isn't fair, that's how it is, we must respect Dumbledore's wishes and not tell, even if other students tell. That's their problem at least we can say to ourselves that we never betrayed Dumbledore's trust." Hermione said almost violently to Ron which told him to just shut up because it was an uphill battle. The trio turned the corner and entered the musty old dungeon class room and took there seats in the back far away from Snape. He hadn't arrived yet along with most of the class. The only person there was Draco who did not have his comrade in arms. He was reading a book that was green and leather bound and small from what Harry could see, Harry then moved his eyes from the book to Draco's head trying to peer into it but it was a miserable attempt as he was hit in the head by Ron.
"Harry what are you doing, day dreaming?" Ron said with a laugh tied to the end.
"Yea, I guess." Harry said trying not to hit Ron back for that. Harry never got another chance to see what the book was because the class came in all at once followed by Snape who took no time in explaining the class schedule, course work, and everything else that was going to Happen that year. The class seemed to only last a minute and before Harry knew it was already time for dinner and studying. Everyone in the class quickly got up with a groan hearing that this course wasn't going to be easy, the class wasn't easy to begin with, not it seemed only to get Harry. Harry told Ron and Hermione to go because he needed to talk to Snape about continuing his Occlumency lessons. Though he didn't think it be important now it still worth learning, he had time, he had lots of time Harry thought when he walked up to Snape who was sitting at his desk cleaning up some papers.
"What do you want Mr. Potter, to look into my memories again?" Snape said with his usual sneer in his voice.
"No, I wanted to know if we are going to continue the Occlumency lessons." Asked Harry.
"I will only continue if you are prepared to do so yourself, but this is only because Dumbledore has asked me, because I would never teach a sniveling brat like yourself on my own free will." Snape looked at Harry.
"But aren't you doing that by teaching this class?" Harry said which made Snape look at him. Snape didn't say anything but get out, yet Harry did not leave, something in his mind told him not to leave until the question was settled. "What are you still doing here Mr. Potter."
"Professor Snape, this is a new day and age, the present not the past, don't pass judgment against me because what of my father did to you. I'm not my father, I am myself, Harry Potter, not James Potter." Harry noted to himself quickly never to do that again, but it felt good, for the first time it felt as if he had been alive again. Strange and odd he deemed but it was for the best he said in his mind. Snape looked at Harry, he did not break smile nor a sneer, his eyes did not say anything to Harry not even his face, it was blank. Harry knew he had gotten to Snape, gotten to at least think about the idea of reason instead of hatred.
"Leave Potter, I will not tell you again." With that said from Snape, Harry left with a clean slate ready to be written again.
Harry made his way up to the commons where he tapped the mantle and Dobby brought his drink but did not stay long and only came back to grab the cup and once again disappear. Harry could sense Dobby's fear, the one he had trusted so much had just drained the blood of Winky the house elf. But Harry knew he couldn't have done it, well to his knowledge at least. Harry then took a seat next to the blazing fire and started to work on homework which actually got smaller then last year. And like last year he didn't feel like doing it, he managed to just sit back and look at the fire, watching the flames lick and whip around each other. A majestic dance of grace and beauty each part knowing all to well of the costly mistake that could happen if they stepped on each others toes. It hadn't been to long when Harry fell into a trance while watching the fire, his eyes didn't move and nor did he, he was hypnotized by it's style. Ron and Hermione had made there way up to the commons and saw Harry there, they called out but they got no response. They walked over and looked at Harry, his eyes stared into the fire his mouth gaping, Hermione waved her hand in front of Harry got no response. Ron snapped his fingers and even said that Quittditch had been cancelled yet that didn't bring him to. Last resort was to move Harry, and even then it took a while for him to wake back up to the real world.
"What's wrong mate?"
"What do you mean?" Harry responded to Ron's question.
"You've been staring at the fire for the past ten minutes probably longer since we just got here ten minutes ago." Hermione said while pushing Ron down into a chair and sitting in his lap kissing him softy and then turning her attention to Harry who was still staring at the fire.
Oh, was all that Harry could say for himself.
"Well, I best get going on my homework," Hermione said before jumping off of Ron and grabbing her bag before walking up to the girls dormitories.
"You up for a game of wizard chess?" Ron asked while looking at Harry who was watching Hermione walk all the way up to the dorms. "Harry?" Harry quickly snapped out of it and smiled before nodding to Ron who quickly gather the board and set it up for the both of them. Even before they could get a game of chess going McGonagall walked in with fury in her eyes and intently focused upon Harry.
"Mr. Potter, please come with me at once." Harry looked at her, then at Ron who looked back.
"Good luck mate." Is all Ron said while Harry followed McGonagall out of the commons and towards Dumbledore's office.
"Is there something wrong?" questioned Harry looked around and noticing that some of the paintings were empty. McGonagall didn't say anything and continued to walk towards Dumbledore's office which was open waiting for Harry and Her. Dumbledore stood looking out towards the grassy knolls glistening in the night's mist, the moon wasn't shining as brightly when Harry was out there but it lit up what wasn't covered by the forest.
"Professor is there something wrong?" Harry asked while taking his normal seat in front of the desk filled with only a few silver trinkets.
"Harry, what were you doing about forty minutes ago?" Dumbledore said with the most serious tone Harry had ever heard. Dumbledore continued to look out the window as if looking for something.
"I was in the commons, watching the fire." Harry said just before the door opened again and Lily walked through with Snape right behind him.
"Thank you Professor Snape, you can leave." Dumbledore said. McGonagall looked at the two vampires, something was wrong just by looking at her eyes Harry thought. Snape left without saying a word closing the door behind him.
"What's this about Harry?" Lily whispered.
"Miss Mora, that is why I brought you up here, is to find out what this is about." McGonagall stated.
"Where were you tonight Miss Mora?" Dumbledore asked again in a seriousness in which Harry had never seen.
"I was in the library studying." Lily said looking contently at the age old wizard who still did not look at the two vampires.
"Well, it seems that a student has been attacked by a vampire about forty minutes ago. Fortunately there has been no human witness; unfortunately the ministry and parents are raising an alarm because of the attack." Dumbledore said before turning around and looking through his half moon spectacles at them. Both Harry and Lily looked at each other in confusion, "I was in the commons; Lily was in the library how are we pose to attack anyone if we knew where we were?" Harry asked.
"That's what we are trying to figure out; there are a few possible answers to this question. A vampire is on the grounds and we cannot find him or one of you is not telling the truth." Dumbledore said all too seriously while taking a seat and folding his hands.
"Could it be Voldemort?" Harry asked and for the first time noticed that no one in the room shuttered at the name.
"I have my suspicious and will be looking into that, but for now I want you to keep and eye out for each other and others around you. Until this vampire is caught you two will be the target once the ministry finds out." Dumbledore quietly stated, "you two may leave, and Harry I remind you that you must stay on the grounds at all times and can only leave with parental permission" Harry nodded and got up along with Lily and walked out the door.
Neither one said anything to each other as they made there way back to the Gryffindor commons. Finally Harry broke the silence just as they reached the entrance to the commons. "I forgot to ask who it was," Harry said under his breath while looking up at the portrait of the fat lady.
"It was Neville Longbottom." Lily said.
"How do you know?" replied Harry.
"Just look into there thoughts, I must say that Dumbledore is much harder to break into but he is getting old and is not as young as he use to be." Lily said before saying the password opening the portrait.
"Well I tend not to look into there thoughts, its private and by doing that I break that privacy." Harry said just as they entered the commons.
"Say what you want Harry, but at one point or another you will find that you must come to terms with both sides of what you are. For one can not live without the other." Lily said before walking up to the girl's dormitory. Harry watched her and did not notice that Hermione had been sitting there listening to there conversation. 'both sides of what you are' Harry thought, what does that mean, he shook his head before walking over the mantle and still did not notice Hermione in the corner watching him from the top of her book. Harry tapped three times and Dobby arrived with a glass cup filled to the brim with blood, Harry took no time in gulping it down and then thanking Dobby who left with an unusual smile. With that finished, Harry noted, it was time for him to get some sleep, he headed to the dorm wondering about who attacked Neville. Hermione got up from her darken corner and walked to the mantle piece and tapped three times just like Harry. Dobby did what he usual did when the mantle piece was tapped three times, he appeared with the glass filled again with blood and looked up in shock to see that it was Hermione, instead of Harry.
"What does Miss Granger want from Dobby?" Dobby said while bowing and trying to hide the cup behind his back.
"What was Harry drinking?" Hermione asked.
"Dobby promise not to tell anyone, Dobby will keep his promise to Harry Potter." Dobby said while clicking his fingers making the cup disappear. Hermione noticed something that Dobby didn't see, "Ok Dobby, thank you, you can leave." Dobby nodded off in a hurry before vanishing. Hermione then kneeled down and wiped up a small drop of the liquid on the ground with her finger before tasting it. Immediately she spit it out in disgust, she couldn't determine what the substance was though thoughts had already been flowing through her mind. She then got and walked towards her book again and going back to reading, pondering on what happen tonight.
Next Chapter – Quidditch
- "Finally, I've won the cup, oh Harry are you going to continue to keep playing Quidditch?"
Please Review --- I will respond to all reviews in my next chapter of Kiss from a Rose.
Important Notice – Along with the help of a reader it comes to my attention that some people might not be able to review this story. The reason being is that I did erase the old Kiss From a Rose files but only replaced them so Fan Fiction's code thinks this is the old Kiss From a Rose. So for all those who can not review, there is only two options, one is e-mail me the review and I will respond like I do to all reviews. Option two is keep reading until a chapter comes out which you can review for. Thank you – Pono-Kyunin
Review Responses –
Amy2k – I like Moody as a teacher, reminds me a military instructor but has a softer side most people do not see. Hence why his Patronus form is a Manatee, a graceful docile water being.
Iknouluvmemuch – I like this one better then the last to, I'm working an a pace which I like and am going to be publishing every Wednesday and Sunday so it's even out and I don't get backed up.
Rvampire – The Old Kiss from a Rose has it's ups, you got to see more fighting action and a Vampire nation. But like you said this one is turning out better, much more stuff is happening which I like.
Arizosa – Thank you. Yes Hermione and Harry are going to be together, but it's a slow and delicate process love just doesn't happen like that. But before this story ends they will be together and in love, though I can't say if it will last I can say she will not be with Ron for the rest of the story.
I poke badgers – Thank you very much, this story is fucking fun to write.
BAD BOY HARRY – Yes they are, in due time. First she has to find out what Harry is so that might take some time up.
Taka ichijouji – I'm going to keep working at this story until it's finished. J
TimGold – Thank you for helping me out on how come some can't review while others can. Also at the current moment a sequel is not at thought (don't want to get ahead of myself) but once this story is finished I will consider writing a sequel.