Chapter 15
Voldermorts weakness
"Where is he, where is he." Came the shouts from Voldermort as the smoke completely dissipated, and Harry did not resurface. "There is no way he could be strong enough to break our charm. Not after what my beloved has done to him." Voldermort shouted turning on both Draco, and Lucius.
"Crucio" he shouted, as the two servants fell to the ground screaming in pain. "Where is he." Voldemort was beyond rage. "M-m-master, please. Lucius screamed, and Voldemort only let up as Muirnin placed a hand on his arm and pointed to Cho, who was now screaming in pain.
"Mater, look. The fool released the potion before it was completely absorbed. It is designed to turn ones mind, and incomplete the poisons used will surly kill her. She will not last the night" Muirnin laughed, she had foolishly walked into the cell, and placed a hand on Cho's stomach.
The second the cold and clammy hand of Voldermorts queen touched the delicate, and exposed skin of Cho, Cho reacted reaching for the knife tucked in the women's cloak, and spinning off the bed she stood up knife at Muirnins throat, with her arms pinned behind her.
"No" Voldermort hissed stumbling back a few steps, and reaching for his wand. "Don't even try it Riddle, one move from you, and I kill your precious queen" Cho spoke, her voice echoed through the cell as not her own, but that of Harry's.
"Potter, how is this possible" Voldermort hissed pulling his wand slowly, as Muirnin gasped, for each small movement Voldermort made, Cho followed, the blade now entering Muirnin's collarbone.
"I warn you Riddle if you continue to draw that wand I will not hesitate to drive this knife into her chest." Cho spoke, again it was Harry's voice that seemingly amplified, filled the room. 'Tell me, what have you done to Cho, what was the potion you used?" Harry asked, as a small smile crept across Voldermorts face.
"Miss Chang will die before the sun rises tomorrow Potter, and there is nothing you can do to stop it." Voldermort hissed, and Harry pushed the blade he was holding further into Muirnin, and she screamed out for it was slowly killing her.
"You take my queen, and I will take yours." Came Harry's voice once again. Cho was now on the move, and pulling Muirnin along with her, she had reached the steps where both Draco, and Lucius still lay gasping for breath.
"It seems Potter, that this time you hold all the cards. Lets make a deal, you lower your blade, and I will lower my wand. Voldermort spoke, and for the first time in his life, Harry actually saw a bit of fear in Voldermorts eyes. "I have a better deal for you." Harry spoke; all the while Cho lifted Muirnin off the ground, Harry's strength was now flowing through her.
"You tell me what potion Cho has running through her, I step out of this room, and we meet another time to finish this." "Very Well Potter, the potion is "Zalafonia" Voldemort answered. The moment it took Harry to memorize the name, Voldemort had pulled his wand, and firing a stunning spell at his Queen, Muirnin fell to the ground, and Cho's body was suddenly exposed.
"Aveda Kedavara" Voldermort hissed seconds later, his plan to turn Harry to his side, and use him as bait for Dumbledore had failed for the last time.
Transforming into her Phoenix, Cho easily dodged the killing curse Voldemort had sent, and with a blinding flash of white light, where once flew a brilliant Blue Phoenix, stood Harry Potter holding the unconscious Cho Chang in his arms.
"Until we meet again Riddle" Harry answered, the cockiness in his voice was very evident. Summoning his wand with a wave of his had, and laughing out loud with a voice uncommon for him, Harry slammed the medal cell doors closed, and apparated out of Malfoy manor.
Being that Harry had not fully recovered from whatever had been done to him, he was unable to make the full apparation to Hogwarts. Instead, Harry chose a location much closer, and appeared in the middle of the leaky cauldron.
To Harry the trip to the leaky cauldron almost knocked him unconscious. Whatever potions he had been given over the past weeks had done enough damage to his body that every time he would use magic, he would loose a small amount of his power.
Realizing that he was running short on time, and that he would need to get Cho to Hogwarts immediately. "If I can make it to Hogsmeade, I can carry her the rest of the way to Hogwarts" Harry thought as he placed Cho down next to the Diagon Alley exit, and walked around the bend toward the bar.
Entering the small, yet normally crowded bar, Harry expected to see many wizards enjoying a good drink, and laughter like he normally did, but instead of the warm inviting glow of the fireplace, and the merry sound of people enjoying an early morning butterbeer, Harry was meet with a sight of utter carnage. Many wizard's, witches, and even children lay dead on the floor, and what looked to be a looming green Hugh, filled the air.
"Voldemort" Harry hissed realizing that this passage was blocked. "If only I." He thought, as he quickly moved to pick Cho up. Hoping that Diagon Alley had not been hit too hard, Harry was once again surprised, for most of the village lay in ruins, and fires blazed through every building other than Gringotts.
"What happened here?" Harry asked looking around with aw. Unable to pull his eyes of the figures of witches robed in red phoenix cloaks, Harry ran to the closest one, only to scream out in pure rage as he turned over the slain Percy Weasley.
"This can't be happening, this can't be happening" Harry muttered to himself weeping for the loss of a close friend. Placing his hand over Percy's eyes, and closing his eyelids, Harry was suddenly struck with a type of vision, and pictured the odd laugh of the death eater that had cast the killing spell Harry became furious.
"I know that laugh" Harry thought to himself standing with Cho still in his arms. Realizing by the amplified voices coming from Knuckturn Alley that they were in serious danger, Harry took one last look at the scene before him before he and Cho vanished with a burst of both wind and Fire.
"Mr. Potter, Miss Chang, ohh thank Merlin" Harry heard as he tumbled to the ground, and landed hard on his knees. Hearing the sound of distant battle, and struggling to keep his eyes from closing, Harry made out what looked to be clean white beds, and a terrified looking Madame Pomfrey through his blurring vision.
"Zalafonia," Harry shouted. his voice cracked, and he caughed. Hoping and praying that Madame Pomfrey heard him, Harry finally allowed his exhaustion to overcome him, and without enough strength to move Cho from his lap, Harry felt his eyes gloss over, and felt the bone in his cheek break as his body completely gave away, and his face smacked the cold stone floor of the hospital wing.
"Zalafonia" he screamed one last time allowing his mind to drift into the black abyss that was pulling at it so desperately.
Although Harry felt his eyelids close, and saw the world in which he knew become an enslavement of Darkness, His ears had suddenly magnified his ability to hear. "Ohh God, please tell me he didn't say Zalafonia," Harry heard Madame Pomfrey say as a feeling as if he was floating could be felt, although he could not see what was happening to his body.
"I will need to summon the potions master." He heard her say as the sounds of her fleeting footsteps echoed through his ears, pounding at his very soul. Suddenly thrust into complete silence, Harry was at aw for what was happening.
"Where am I" Harry shouted, regretting it almost instantly as his magnified voice caused his head to throb. "Help me" he whispered this time, praying that someone could here him, and that he was not imagining this.
As if answer to his prayer, the world as he knew it begun to change. Instead of consumed by darkness, Harry was suddenly thrust into an alternate realm, where it appeared to him that he was hovering over a large manor in London. The sun was getting close to setting.
"Well, it beats the darkness: Harry thought to himself, wondering where he was and watching as life continued to move on below him. "Hey, hey you." Harry shouted watching as a man dressed in black stepped out from the trees just near the home he was hovering over.
Nothing.
"Hey, can you hear me?" Harry asked as a second man, followed by a third, and a woman suddenly emerged. The four darting across the small grass lawn that led to the back door. Again without warning, Harry's world seemed to change. Realizing that he was in fact simply witnessing this, and not actual there, Harry suddenly felt as if he was falling.
"No, no, no," Harry shouted to himself, praying he would not hit the ground. "Wingardium Leviosa, Wingardium Leviosa" He said out loud, trying with all his might to stop the rapid descent.
Just as he was about to collide with the earth, and just as Harry tried to close his eyes, his descent stopped. Realizing that he was now floating next to the four he had seen in the air, Harry was relieved to see that it was Ron, Hermione, Remus, and Sirius.
"Remus, Sirius, Ron, Hermione." Harry shouted looking into the eyes of Ron. Nothing. "Come on, can you not hear me?" Harry asked as Ron suddenly walked through him, and again Harry realized that he was not there. "Am I dead?" he asked himself, turning and watching Ron slowly creep up the steps. Suddenly Harry realized what was happening, and the second he read the name above the door Ron and the others were about to bust through, He was thrust back into darkness.
"Nooooooooooo" Harry shouted reaching around trying desperately to come in contact with something. He was once again floating, once again trapped in his own mind. "I need to warn them, Voldermort is there." Harry shouted, he needed to warn his friends, he needed to get them away from the Malfoy's. "Hold him down Charlie, he will only hurt himself if he keeps this up." Harry could hear someone suddenly in his mind, and the noise of his booming voice was almost too much for Harry to handle.
"Severus, how is the potion coming along, can you save her?" was the next thing Harry heard. "I do not know Poppy, if it is in fact Zalafonia, then it may be too late." Was Professor Snape's answer, and as these words echoed around him, Harry felt his heart stop.
The next few hours were the most agonizing moments of Harry's life. Unable to do anything other than listen to the commotion of the Hospital, Harry fell deeper and deeper into despair. His beloved Cho was dying, the noises from Snape, the constant sobs from Madame Pomfrey. Harry new what was coming, for as he slipped further, and further from reality, so did Cho.
After what had to have been numerous days, Harry was suddenly thrust into the light. A soft angelic voice was floating to him, and as if pulling him out of a large hole, the darkness around him seemed to vanish. "Harry, come to me Harry" were the soft-spoken words of a women Harry had heard before.
"You have been away from the world for far to long now Harry. They need you." Were the words echoing in his ear, and causing his mind to throb in pain. "Who, who are you?" Harry asked finally gaining control over his vocal cords, and fighting through a cloud of haze, and fog as he made his way toward the angel like voice. "Come to me Harry, and you will see." Was the answer he received, as he finally was able to feel solid ground under his legs, and he stepped through the fog.
"Cho, but how, they said you were d." Harry could not get himself to utter the words. "I am Harry, but I am by my own choice. The potion that I was forced to take was meant to be a permanent form of Imperious. The only way to break it was by choosing death."
"But, we were meant to be together, we were meant to grow old together." Harry answered falling to his knees and weeping for the women standing in front of him. "No Harry, You were born for a greater purposes. I of course choose to play a part of that greater purposes, but I have always know this is what was meant to be, and I made the decision long ago that in death I would finish living through you." She answered walking over to Harry, and placing both hands on his temples.
"Live life to the fullest Harry, do not look back at what could have been, but what is meant to come. I love you Harry James Potter. Remember that always." She whispered as once again, Harry was overcome with such pain and suffering that it felt his entire body was being ripped apart.
"No, I can stop this, we are meant to be." Harry shouted through grinding teeth, as the vision of Cho vanished, and he was once again thrust into darkness. Realizing that he could once again hear voices in the infirmary, Harry closed his tear-stained eyes, and focused on them.
"It is just a spell, some type of dark magic." He thought to himself listening, as Snape seemed to conduct an examination. "I can beat this, I can bring her back." He thought to himself focusing on finding his magical essence, and using it to purge the potion's he had been given from his system.
To say Harry felt Cho with him after that night would be an understatement. Realizing after days of attempting to break the living death draught that he would be unable to do it alone, Harry had decided to focus in on the power of healing he learned from Cho, and was surprised when he found her essence there.
"I choose to play a part of that greeter purpose." Harry was reminded of Cho saying as he found he could access her power, and wield it to work for him. "I will always love you Cho, one day I will reward you for your love, and bring down the dark lord." he told himself, finally gaining enough magical power to bind the dark magic that was holding his body under the spell.
"I will always love you." He said to himself realizing that because she had given herself to death instead of having her life taken from her, that she was gone forever. "I will always love you." He whispered, the mantra was helping in harnessing the power he needed to pass through the shadow world, and step back into his body.
"What day is it?" He asked as he finally sat up in the hospital wing "Harry, Harry, Harry." Was the answer he received, as suddenly he was engulfed in hugs from numerous people that had yet to come into clear view."
"What day is it?" he asked again reaching past the blur of brown hair for his glasses. "Oh Harry, who cares about that." Hermione wept pulling him into her, and burying her face into his chest,
"I do Hermione, I need to know how long Voldermort has been aware of my escape, and I have questions that need answers. First, How is everyone, Sirius, Remus, Ron, and Hermione? Good, you escaped Malfoy Manor. How did you get away from Voldermort when he realized you were there?" Harry asked as his words seemed to startle the group, and all four looked at him confused.
"He was there?" Sirius choked looking at the others, then back to Harry, but how did you know, I mean." Sirius asked, only to stop as Harry put up his hand. "We were there also, but I am not sure for how long." Harry answered looking at the others who looked shocked, but quickly composed themselves.
"Where is Cho, Have you already held the funeral for her?" Harry asked turning to the hospital doors as they swung open, and Dumbledore entered along with Severus. Harry Today is January 15th." Dumbledore said walking over to the bed. "I am sorry to tell you that the funeral was held for Cho over a week ago." Dumbledore answered, and Harry felt the memories of what had happened creep back into his mind.
"H-H-Harry, how is it that you know all of this?" Hermione asked looking pointedly at her friend. "It is a long story Hermione, why don't you all sit down." Harry answered waiting for everyone to summon up a seat, and going into everything that he remembered happening from when he woke up in Malfoy Manor, as well as the visions he received once returning to the Hospital.
"What I don't understand Harry is how were you able to break through the draught of the living dead?" Severus asked after Harry had finished, and everyone was sitting in silence. "Cho" was Harry's simple answer as he once again closed his eyes, and focused in on her essence. The thought of her being a part of him now brought warmth to his mind and body
"That is it, that explains why the wards put in place by Rowena Ravenclaw are still in effect, Cho choose to pass her power to you in order to keep them from Voldermort. Amazing." Dumbledore spoke, standing and walking to the window.
"I have known of great witches in my life, but very few powerful enough to do that Harry." Dumbledore spoke, and Harry noticed the twinkle in his eye return. "The wards put in place by Rowena, Professor, sir." Harry said speaking to Dumbledore." "Call me Albus Harry, we have talked about this." Dumbledore laughed waving away Harry's politeness."
"Yes Sir, but what I meant to ask is that did every founder put up wards around the castle, and if so, would I be correct in assuming that if Cho had not given her power to me, then Voldermort would gain the power he needs to take down Hogwarts.
"Yes Harry, that is exactly what it means. You see when both you and Cho went missing I was very worried that Voldermort had in fact won. Had he killed even one of you Hogwarts would never be safe enough for students to return. Now that I know he can only bring down a few of the wards with his own power." Dumbledore paused, and Harry answered for him.
"Means that unless he kills you, or me Hogwarts is again the safest place in the wizarding world, and you can bring back the students." He finished looking at Hermione who had just taken a seat next to him. "Yes Harry, Soon I will draft the letters to bring back the students, but more importantly, with the knowledge of your escape, and the fact that although we have lost part of the Hogwarts lineage forever, Voldermort has lost much more, for your assumed death has sent the wizarding world into chaos, and with the knowledge that he has not won, and in fact failed to kill you once again, Hopefully the spirit to fight back will be reborn." Dumbledore finished standing.
"Albus, before you go." Harry spoke giving Hermione, Ron, and Sirius a quick hug, for they were preparing to leave, and give him time to recover. "Well, if you would hang around for a minute, I still need to clear up a few things." Harry said watching as the room became quiet, and all but Dumbledore left
"Ah, much better I assume. Tell me Harry what other questions do you have?" Dumbledore asked taking a seat next to Harry, and meeting eye to eye with his student.
"First thing Albus, Summon the remaining Order Members, we must begin training in more than dueling with wands." Harry spoke to Albus's mind, no words would carry by voice during this conversation.
"Second sir, well actually I am not sure if this can be done, but the Weasley's. They are not safe; first it was Ginny, and now Percy. Voldermort knows that I consider them my family. He will use that against me now that we have found a weakness of his own. I want them to be moved either here to Hogwarts, or into my parents home. Likewise, I want Both Percy, and Ginny's bodies to be moved to our family cemetery. There I can protect them like I have done with both my parents." Harry spoke wiping a tear away.
"I will have Ron contact them immediately Harry." Dumbledore answered. It was evident that Harry was acting as the leader of the order, and not just as a student who would normally not be giving his headmaster orders.
"And third?" Dumbledore asked sensing Harry was not finished. "Well, this is more of a comment then a question sir. Ever since the time I entered the cells of the Malfoy's I have been feeling, well feeling kind of weak. Although I had the knowledge of how to break the spell caused by the draught of the living death, it took me quiet some time to gather enough magical power to get ride of it. Since then I feel a little stronger, but I tried to summon my glasses without my wand when I woke up, and failed. Albus to me that is simple magic, and now I cannot do it."
Dumbledore looked at Harry with a mixture of feelings showing through his eyes. Finally after thinking about it for a while he decided to believe that it would pass with rest, and promising to do research on this. Dumbledore again stood..
Residing that research would be enough, Harry laid his head back down on the pillow, and after consuming the potion for a dreamless sleep, He found himself drifting away almost instantly into peaceful slumber.
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The next few weeks came and went with Harry still in the hospital wing. Although he had full control over his mind again, the spells Voldemort had used on him were still causing some problems, and Harry was slowly gaining control of both his physical strength, as well as his magical strength.
Word had quickly spread throughout the world that he had in fact survived another attempt from Voldermort to take his life, and although Voldermort continued to thrash out at the wizarding world, order begun to take place once again in the Ministry of Magic, as well as the needed preparations for the return of students had been made.
Finally after being able to spend the entire day awake with both Ron, and Hermione, Madame Pomfrey gave Harry the all clear to leave the hospital, and with only a weekend away from the return of students. To Harry the timing could not have been better.
"Damn that hospital wing, I swear, the next time I have to see white curtains I better be dying." Harry shouted taking a small fall down the stairs that lead to the marauders hall. "Harry, lets hope you don't end up in the hospital wing again for a long time. I promised Hermione that I would not leave your side again. Malfoy would not have been able to hex you had I been there as well." Ron spoke helping his friend off the cold stone floor, and draping one of Harry's arms over his shoulders.
"Ron, Voldermort will either succeed in becoming immortal, or I will succeed in taking that away. When the time comes I can't think of a better person than you behind me." Harry spoke after the two had entered his room, and Harry sat on his bed looking around at all of the things he wished he had the day he was taken.
"You can count on me being there Harry. I have some choice curses saved up for just that day." Ron growled reaching for the sword of Godric Gryffindor that still sat on Harry's wall, and pulling it down.
"One of these days mate, I will cheer when I see you wielding this sword in one hand, and casting Voldermort down with the other." He finished handing the sword to Harry who placed the tip between his feet, and rested his head on the end of the hilt
"If I live long enough to see that day Ron, if I live long enough." Harry answered, and the two sat in silence for the rest of the night.
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When School was back in session February first, Harry was relieved to get out of the confines of his room, and back to class. Although he did not enjoy the Holidays, and was still using a staff to walk with, Harry enjoyed the welcome back feast and even smiled for the first time in weeks when Neville spilled a picture of pumpkin juice all over Millicent, Crabb, and Goyle.
"Thanks Neville, I needed that." Harry crocked out after swallowing a piece of chicken. "Anytime Harry, anytime." Neville laughed ducking a few curses sent his way, and taking a seat in front of Harry. "It's good to hear that the rumors weren't true. Grams was petrified that they were. To be honest mate, I was a little worried myself." Neville said taking another pitcher of juice, and filling his mug.
Harry however didn't respond to this. Even though he was feeling much better, and was getting along without assistance, he still did not feel up to talking about it.
Just then Dumbledore stood from his seat at the head table, while Professor McGonagall tapped her glass. "Quiet please." She spoke successfully bringing the chatter to a halt. "Professor Dumbledore wishes to make a few start of term announcements."
"Welcome students to a new term here at Hogwarts." He started of smiling as the crowd broke out in applause. "Yes, yes we are just as excited to fill those empty minds with knowledge, but first." He spoke raising his voice above the whispers, and gaining the attention of each, and every student. "I have a few announcements to make."
"First off as all of you are aware, the end of our first term ended abruptly as two of our own fell victim to a trap, and were taken from within our very halls." He spoke, looking first to Harry, and then over to the Slytherin table where many of the students sat with smug looks across their faces.
"One of the two taken was unable to make it back to Hogwarts with her life, and at this time we will mourn here death." He continued raising his hands, and with a flash the house banners were changed to black.
"To Cho Change. Head girl, Ravenclaw Prefect, Heir to one of the founders of this school, and a great friend to many of you here." He spoke raising his cup, and hearing Cho's name spoken by everyone in the hall other than the Slytherins.
"As many of you knew Cho was the last remaining Heir to Rowena Ravenclaw, here death could have been the end of Hogwarts as we know it, however she choose to give up her life in the battle for what is right, rather than give into the temptation that Voldermort, and his followers looked to imprison her with." Dumbledore spoke, his words echoing through the hall, for other than the tears, and quiet sobs of those closest to Cho, the great hall was completely quiet.
"Know this, we have added numerous more precautions to ward off any attempts at a repeat of what happened last term. ANY STUDENT CAUGHT CONSPIRING TO HELP IN AN UBDUCTION OF ANYTYPE." Dumbledore almost shouted pronouncing each word very clearly. "Will result in immediate removal from this school." He finished, once again staring down the Slytherins, and raising his glass.
"Now, on another note" he spoke, trying to lighten the mood. "I am pleased to announce that we have two new teachers joining our staff, as well as two new subjects. First, know that these subjects are available to only fifth years and above. Students wishing to attend must maintain their current marks in each of their classes, as well as receive written consent from their parents prior to the first class."
At this Harry begun to wonder what types of classes would be taught, but more importantly, for the first time since entering the great Hall, Harry begun to scan the staff table for new faces.
"Our first new instructor is Charlie Weasley." Dumbledore spoke pointing to the red headed man sitting next to Sirius, who stood. Ron, Hermione, and Harry all let out a gasp as they realized what Dumbledore had said, and standing with a number of Gryffindors, the trio begun to cheer adamantly.
"Yes, yes, we are very lucky to have such a qualified individual teaching here at Hogwarts. After graduating top of his class, and Head boy here at Hogwarts, Charlie has spent the last 12 years studying Dragons, Vampires, Werewolves, and Accromantula in Romania. He will be teaching " The Study of dangerous, and Dark Creatures." Dumbledore spoke smiling as some students, who looked shocked at the course he mentioned, while others, mostly girls, looked on their new professor with raised eyebrows.
"Our next teacher is none other than Charlie's brother Bill Weasley. Bill has spent the last ten or so years with the bank of Gringotts as a charms breaker. He will be taking over for Miss Arabella Figg in DADA, as she has accepted my offer to teach Medical Healing. All those students interested in the medical field will probably be interested in this class." He spoke again pointing out where both Miss Figg, and Bill Weasley stood.
Again like Charlie, the entire Gryffindor table stood and cheered. It was known that the Weasley brothers were excellent quidditch players, and both of Ron's brothers carried with them a since of Power, and earned respect.
Unlike Charlie however, the Slytherin table decided to voice their feelings, and neither Ron, nor Harry could stand by just listening to their snide remarks. "Eat Slugs" Ron shouted, turning on the group that included Draco Malfoy himself. Moments later the group of six Slytherins that surrounded Malfoy jumped back as Draco begun to burp slugs like Ron had during his second year.
"Now, now Mr. Weasley" Dumbledore spoke smiling down at Ron, who still stood wand aimed directly at Malfoy. "That is quiet enough. Gryffindor will loose 25 points for that attack, and you will serve 1 week worth of Detention." He finished walking down to where Malfoy burped up his tenth slug, and removed the hex.
"As the entire Gryffindor table turned to glare at Ron, Harry had to hold back his urge to do much worse to Malfoy.
"Best 25 points I ever lost" Ron shouted taking a seat next to Harry, and placing a hand on his best friends arm. "This is only the beginning." He whispered to Harry as the great hall broke into fits of hysteria. "Thank you Mr. Weasley for that entertainment" Dumbledore announced successfully bringing the laughter to a minimum. "I do however have two more items of business that I must discuss before I release you for the night." Dumbledore continued resuming his position as headmaster, and standing once again at the head table.
"Unfortunately with the threat of Voldermort, all Hogsmeade visits have been cancelled. Hogsmeade being vulnerable to attack places you as students to close to danger, and I am unwilling to allow that to happen."
"Finally" Dumbledore spoke speaking over the students that were waiting to get to bed. "The new minister of Magic has granted me the service of a ten aurors, who will help insure that the dorm rooms are protected at all times. Notice the ten men at the back of the hall." He paused addressing the ten men that had silently been eating at the rear of the great Hall.
"You are to treat them with the same respect you would a teacher. Note, with Aurors roaming the halls during the evenings, any students caught out of bed after hours will receive 2 weeks of detention, and possible charges with the MOM."
Waving his hands, and clearing the tables of the deserts that had remained, Dumbledore bid the students of Hogwarts a good night, and quietly the great hall emptied until the only students left were Harry, Ron, and Hermione.
"How are you feeling mate?" Ron asked as the three stood, and begun to make there way to the anteroom. Harry a little slower, for he relied heavily on his staff. "I am still a bit tired I guess. Although I really enjoyed tonight, it has taken its toll." Harry responded putting a little of his weight on Ron. "It will get better Harry, I promise. The pain will go away as well as the grief." Ron replied quietly as the three stopped to talk with Ron's brothers.
"Why didn't you two tell me you would be here?" Ron asked as both Charlie, and Bill turned to see their younger, yet taller brother standing behind them. "Ron, Harry, Hermione. Good to see you three how was the food." Charlie asked grinning at the trio, and motioning for them to follow them into the back room.
"It was as good as ever." Harry responded picking up his staff, and walking to the back room with a slight limp. "So, you didn't answer Ron's question, why leave us in the dark huh?" Harry asked again as the group of five stepped into the fire, and spoke the password that would transfer them to the Marauders common room.
"Well, to be honest, Dumbledore just asked us a few days ago." Bill answered, as they stepped out of the fire, and joined both Remus, and Sirius on the couches in front of the large hearth. "You three are planning on taking Study Of Dangerous Creatures, aren't you?" Charlie asked looking at the three.
Harry and Ron simply looked at each other, and broke out in a fit of hysteria. "What, what's so funny?" Charlie asked slightly offended. "Don't take it wrong mate, we will most defiantly participate in your class, its just that with Hagrid teaching Care of Magical Creatures, it is like having a double dose of Dangerous Creatures." Harry answered coughing up a small amount of blood, and waving off the hands the immediately reached out to help him.
"Harry, don't you think it is time you see Madame Pomfrey again." Hermione asked Helping Harry stand from the deep leather couches. "No Hermione, I am alright, just overdid myself today." Harry answered looking at the other six in the room. "I think I just need to lie down. Goodnight" He responded walking by himself through the large common room, and past both Hermione's, and Ron's room. When he reached Cho's old room, Harry stopped.
"Not yet." He whispered out loud brushing a hand on the door, and whipping away a pesky tear. "I am not ready for that yet." He said to himself forcing his body to move on, and finally kicking open his door where he fell into his bed almost immediately.
"Where is he, where is he." Came the shouts from Voldermort as the smoke completely dissipated, and Harry did not resurface. "There is no way he could be strong enough to break our charm. Not after what my beloved has done to him." Voldermort shouted turning on both Draco, and Lucius.
"Crucio" he shouted, as the two servants fell to the ground screaming in pain. "Where is he." Voldemort was beyond rage. "M-m-master, please. Lucius screamed, and Voldemort only let up as Muirnin placed a hand on his arm and pointed to Cho, who was now screaming in pain.
"Mater, look. The fool released the potion before it was completely absorbed. It is designed to turn ones mind, and incomplete the poisons used will surly kill her. She will not last the night" Muirnin laughed, she had foolishly walked into the cell, and placed a hand on Cho's stomach.
The second the cold and clammy hand of Voldermorts queen touched the delicate, and exposed skin of Cho, Cho reacted reaching for the knife tucked in the women's cloak, and spinning off the bed she stood up knife at Muirnins throat, with her arms pinned behind her.
"No" Voldermort hissed stumbling back a few steps, and reaching for his wand. "Don't even try it Riddle, one move from you, and I kill your precious queen" Cho spoke, her voice echoed through the cell as not her own, but that of Harry's.
"Potter, how is this possible" Voldermort hissed pulling his wand slowly, as Muirnin gasped, for each small movement Voldermort made, Cho followed, the blade now entering Muirnin's collarbone.
"I warn you Riddle if you continue to draw that wand I will not hesitate to drive this knife into her chest." Cho spoke, again it was Harry's voice that seemingly amplified, filled the room. 'Tell me, what have you done to Cho, what was the potion you used?" Harry asked, as a small smile crept across Voldermorts face.
"Miss Chang will die before the sun rises tomorrow Potter, and there is nothing you can do to stop it." Voldermort hissed, and Harry pushed the blade he was holding further into Muirnin, and she screamed out for it was slowly killing her.
"You take my queen, and I will take yours." Came Harry's voice once again. Cho was now on the move, and pulling Muirnin along with her, she had reached the steps where both Draco, and Lucius still lay gasping for breath.
"It seems Potter, that this time you hold all the cards. Lets make a deal, you lower your blade, and I will lower my wand. Voldermort spoke, and for the first time in his life, Harry actually saw a bit of fear in Voldermorts eyes. "I have a better deal for you." Harry spoke; all the while Cho lifted Muirnin off the ground, Harry's strength was now flowing through her.
"You tell me what potion Cho has running through her, I step out of this room, and we meet another time to finish this." "Very Well Potter, the potion is "Zalafonia" Voldemort answered. The moment it took Harry to memorize the name, Voldemort had pulled his wand, and firing a stunning spell at his Queen, Muirnin fell to the ground, and Cho's body was suddenly exposed.
"Aveda Kedavara" Voldermort hissed seconds later, his plan to turn Harry to his side, and use him as bait for Dumbledore had failed for the last time.
Transforming into her Phoenix, Cho easily dodged the killing curse Voldemort had sent, and with a blinding flash of white light, where once flew a brilliant Blue Phoenix, stood Harry Potter holding the unconscious Cho Chang in his arms.
"Until we meet again Riddle" Harry answered, the cockiness in his voice was very evident. Summoning his wand with a wave of his had, and laughing out loud with a voice uncommon for him, Harry slammed the medal cell doors closed, and apparated out of Malfoy manor.
Being that Harry had not fully recovered from whatever had been done to him, he was unable to make the full apparation to Hogwarts. Instead, Harry chose a location much closer, and appeared in the middle of the leaky cauldron.
To Harry the trip to the leaky cauldron almost knocked him unconscious. Whatever potions he had been given over the past weeks had done enough damage to his body that every time he would use magic, he would loose a small amount of his power.
Realizing that he was running short on time, and that he would need to get Cho to Hogwarts immediately. "If I can make it to Hogsmeade, I can carry her the rest of the way to Hogwarts" Harry thought as he placed Cho down next to the Diagon Alley exit, and walked around the bend toward the bar.
Entering the small, yet normally crowded bar, Harry expected to see many wizards enjoying a good drink, and laughter like he normally did, but instead of the warm inviting glow of the fireplace, and the merry sound of people enjoying an early morning butterbeer, Harry was meet with a sight of utter carnage. Many wizard's, witches, and even children lay dead on the floor, and what looked to be a looming green Hugh, filled the air.
"Voldemort" Harry hissed realizing that this passage was blocked. "If only I." He thought, as he quickly moved to pick Cho up. Hoping that Diagon Alley had not been hit too hard, Harry was once again surprised, for most of the village lay in ruins, and fires blazed through every building other than Gringotts.
"What happened here?" Harry asked looking around with aw. Unable to pull his eyes of the figures of witches robed in red phoenix cloaks, Harry ran to the closest one, only to scream out in pure rage as he turned over the slain Percy Weasley.
"This can't be happening, this can't be happening" Harry muttered to himself weeping for the loss of a close friend. Placing his hand over Percy's eyes, and closing his eyelids, Harry was suddenly struck with a type of vision, and pictured the odd laugh of the death eater that had cast the killing spell Harry became furious.
"I know that laugh" Harry thought to himself standing with Cho still in his arms. Realizing by the amplified voices coming from Knuckturn Alley that they were in serious danger, Harry took one last look at the scene before him before he and Cho vanished with a burst of both wind and Fire.
"Mr. Potter, Miss Chang, ohh thank Merlin" Harry heard as he tumbled to the ground, and landed hard on his knees. Hearing the sound of distant battle, and struggling to keep his eyes from closing, Harry made out what looked to be clean white beds, and a terrified looking Madame Pomfrey through his blurring vision.
"Zalafonia," Harry shouted. his voice cracked, and he caughed. Hoping and praying that Madame Pomfrey heard him, Harry finally allowed his exhaustion to overcome him, and without enough strength to move Cho from his lap, Harry felt his eyes gloss over, and felt the bone in his cheek break as his body completely gave away, and his face smacked the cold stone floor of the hospital wing.
"Zalafonia" he screamed one last time allowing his mind to drift into the black abyss that was pulling at it so desperately.
Although Harry felt his eyelids close, and saw the world in which he knew become an enslavement of Darkness, His ears had suddenly magnified his ability to hear. "Ohh God, please tell me he didn't say Zalafonia," Harry heard Madame Pomfrey say as a feeling as if he was floating could be felt, although he could not see what was happening to his body.
"I will need to summon the potions master." He heard her say as the sounds of her fleeting footsteps echoed through his ears, pounding at his very soul. Suddenly thrust into complete silence, Harry was at aw for what was happening.
"Where am I" Harry shouted, regretting it almost instantly as his magnified voice caused his head to throb. "Help me" he whispered this time, praying that someone could here him, and that he was not imagining this.
As if answer to his prayer, the world as he knew it begun to change. Instead of consumed by darkness, Harry was suddenly thrust into an alternate realm, where it appeared to him that he was hovering over a large manor in London. The sun was getting close to setting.
"Well, it beats the darkness: Harry thought to himself, wondering where he was and watching as life continued to move on below him. "Hey, hey you." Harry shouted watching as a man dressed in black stepped out from the trees just near the home he was hovering over.
Nothing.
"Hey, can you hear me?" Harry asked as a second man, followed by a third, and a woman suddenly emerged. The four darting across the small grass lawn that led to the back door. Again without warning, Harry's world seemed to change. Realizing that he was in fact simply witnessing this, and not actual there, Harry suddenly felt as if he was falling.
"No, no, no," Harry shouted to himself, praying he would not hit the ground. "Wingardium Leviosa, Wingardium Leviosa" He said out loud, trying with all his might to stop the rapid descent.
Just as he was about to collide with the earth, and just as Harry tried to close his eyes, his descent stopped. Realizing that he was now floating next to the four he had seen in the air, Harry was relieved to see that it was Ron, Hermione, Remus, and Sirius.
"Remus, Sirius, Ron, Hermione." Harry shouted looking into the eyes of Ron. Nothing. "Come on, can you not hear me?" Harry asked as Ron suddenly walked through him, and again Harry realized that he was not there. "Am I dead?" he asked himself, turning and watching Ron slowly creep up the steps. Suddenly Harry realized what was happening, and the second he read the name above the door Ron and the others were about to bust through, He was thrust back into darkness.
"Nooooooooooo" Harry shouted reaching around trying desperately to come in contact with something. He was once again floating, once again trapped in his own mind. "I need to warn them, Voldermort is there." Harry shouted, he needed to warn his friends, he needed to get them away from the Malfoy's. "Hold him down Charlie, he will only hurt himself if he keeps this up." Harry could hear someone suddenly in his mind, and the noise of his booming voice was almost too much for Harry to handle.
"Severus, how is the potion coming along, can you save her?" was the next thing Harry heard. "I do not know Poppy, if it is in fact Zalafonia, then it may be too late." Was Professor Snape's answer, and as these words echoed around him, Harry felt his heart stop.
The next few hours were the most agonizing moments of Harry's life. Unable to do anything other than listen to the commotion of the Hospital, Harry fell deeper and deeper into despair. His beloved Cho was dying, the noises from Snape, the constant sobs from Madame Pomfrey. Harry new what was coming, for as he slipped further, and further from reality, so did Cho.
After what had to have been numerous days, Harry was suddenly thrust into the light. A soft angelic voice was floating to him, and as if pulling him out of a large hole, the darkness around him seemed to vanish. "Harry, come to me Harry" were the soft-spoken words of a women Harry had heard before.
"You have been away from the world for far to long now Harry. They need you." Were the words echoing in his ear, and causing his mind to throb in pain. "Who, who are you?" Harry asked finally gaining control over his vocal cords, and fighting through a cloud of haze, and fog as he made his way toward the angel like voice. "Come to me Harry, and you will see." Was the answer he received, as he finally was able to feel solid ground under his legs, and he stepped through the fog.
"Cho, but how, they said you were d." Harry could not get himself to utter the words. "I am Harry, but I am by my own choice. The potion that I was forced to take was meant to be a permanent form of Imperious. The only way to break it was by choosing death."
"But, we were meant to be together, we were meant to grow old together." Harry answered falling to his knees and weeping for the women standing in front of him. "No Harry, You were born for a greater purposes. I of course choose to play a part of that greater purposes, but I have always know this is what was meant to be, and I made the decision long ago that in death I would finish living through you." She answered walking over to Harry, and placing both hands on his temples.
"Live life to the fullest Harry, do not look back at what could have been, but what is meant to come. I love you Harry James Potter. Remember that always." She whispered as once again, Harry was overcome with such pain and suffering that it felt his entire body was being ripped apart.
"No, I can stop this, we are meant to be." Harry shouted through grinding teeth, as the vision of Cho vanished, and he was once again thrust into darkness. Realizing that he could once again hear voices in the infirmary, Harry closed his tear-stained eyes, and focused on them.
"It is just a spell, some type of dark magic." He thought to himself listening, as Snape seemed to conduct an examination. "I can beat this, I can bring her back." He thought to himself focusing on finding his magical essence, and using it to purge the potion's he had been given from his system.
To say Harry felt Cho with him after that night would be an understatement. Realizing after days of attempting to break the living death draught that he would be unable to do it alone, Harry had decided to focus in on the power of healing he learned from Cho, and was surprised when he found her essence there.
"I choose to play a part of that greeter purpose." Harry was reminded of Cho saying as he found he could access her power, and wield it to work for him. "I will always love you Cho, one day I will reward you for your love, and bring down the dark lord." he told himself, finally gaining enough magical power to bind the dark magic that was holding his body under the spell.
"I will always love you." He said to himself realizing that because she had given herself to death instead of having her life taken from her, that she was gone forever. "I will always love you." He whispered, the mantra was helping in harnessing the power he needed to pass through the shadow world, and step back into his body.
"What day is it?" He asked as he finally sat up in the hospital wing "Harry, Harry, Harry." Was the answer he received, as suddenly he was engulfed in hugs from numerous people that had yet to come into clear view."
"What day is it?" he asked again reaching past the blur of brown hair for his glasses. "Oh Harry, who cares about that." Hermione wept pulling him into her, and burying her face into his chest,
"I do Hermione, I need to know how long Voldermort has been aware of my escape, and I have questions that need answers. First, How is everyone, Sirius, Remus, Ron, and Hermione? Good, you escaped Malfoy Manor. How did you get away from Voldermort when he realized you were there?" Harry asked as his words seemed to startle the group, and all four looked at him confused.
"He was there?" Sirius choked looking at the others, then back to Harry, but how did you know, I mean." Sirius asked, only to stop as Harry put up his hand. "We were there also, but I am not sure for how long." Harry answered looking at the others who looked shocked, but quickly composed themselves.
"Where is Cho, Have you already held the funeral for her?" Harry asked turning to the hospital doors as they swung open, and Dumbledore entered along with Severus. Harry Today is January 15th." Dumbledore said walking over to the bed. "I am sorry to tell you that the funeral was held for Cho over a week ago." Dumbledore answered, and Harry felt the memories of what had happened creep back into his mind.
"H-H-Harry, how is it that you know all of this?" Hermione asked looking pointedly at her friend. "It is a long story Hermione, why don't you all sit down." Harry answered waiting for everyone to summon up a seat, and going into everything that he remembered happening from when he woke up in Malfoy Manor, as well as the visions he received once returning to the Hospital.
"What I don't understand Harry is how were you able to break through the draught of the living dead?" Severus asked after Harry had finished, and everyone was sitting in silence. "Cho" was Harry's simple answer as he once again closed his eyes, and focused in on her essence. The thought of her being a part of him now brought warmth to his mind and body
"That is it, that explains why the wards put in place by Rowena Ravenclaw are still in effect, Cho choose to pass her power to you in order to keep them from Voldermort. Amazing." Dumbledore spoke, standing and walking to the window.
"I have known of great witches in my life, but very few powerful enough to do that Harry." Dumbledore spoke, and Harry noticed the twinkle in his eye return. "The wards put in place by Rowena, Professor, sir." Harry said speaking to Dumbledore." "Call me Albus Harry, we have talked about this." Dumbledore laughed waving away Harry's politeness."
"Yes Sir, but what I meant to ask is that did every founder put up wards around the castle, and if so, would I be correct in assuming that if Cho had not given her power to me, then Voldermort would gain the power he needs to take down Hogwarts.
"Yes Harry, that is exactly what it means. You see when both you and Cho went missing I was very worried that Voldermort had in fact won. Had he killed even one of you Hogwarts would never be safe enough for students to return. Now that I know he can only bring down a few of the wards with his own power." Dumbledore paused, and Harry answered for him.
"Means that unless he kills you, or me Hogwarts is again the safest place in the wizarding world, and you can bring back the students." He finished looking at Hermione who had just taken a seat next to him. "Yes Harry, Soon I will draft the letters to bring back the students, but more importantly, with the knowledge of your escape, and the fact that although we have lost part of the Hogwarts lineage forever, Voldermort has lost much more, for your assumed death has sent the wizarding world into chaos, and with the knowledge that he has not won, and in fact failed to kill you once again, Hopefully the spirit to fight back will be reborn." Dumbledore finished standing.
"Albus, before you go." Harry spoke giving Hermione, Ron, and Sirius a quick hug, for they were preparing to leave, and give him time to recover. "Well, if you would hang around for a minute, I still need to clear up a few things." Harry said watching as the room became quiet, and all but Dumbledore left
"Ah, much better I assume. Tell me Harry what other questions do you have?" Dumbledore asked taking a seat next to Harry, and meeting eye to eye with his student.
"First thing Albus, Summon the remaining Order Members, we must begin training in more than dueling with wands." Harry spoke to Albus's mind, no words would carry by voice during this conversation.
"Second sir, well actually I am not sure if this can be done, but the Weasley's. They are not safe; first it was Ginny, and now Percy. Voldermort knows that I consider them my family. He will use that against me now that we have found a weakness of his own. I want them to be moved either here to Hogwarts, or into my parents home. Likewise, I want Both Percy, and Ginny's bodies to be moved to our family cemetery. There I can protect them like I have done with both my parents." Harry spoke wiping a tear away.
"I will have Ron contact them immediately Harry." Dumbledore answered. It was evident that Harry was acting as the leader of the order, and not just as a student who would normally not be giving his headmaster orders.
"And third?" Dumbledore asked sensing Harry was not finished. "Well, this is more of a comment then a question sir. Ever since the time I entered the cells of the Malfoy's I have been feeling, well feeling kind of weak. Although I had the knowledge of how to break the spell caused by the draught of the living death, it took me quiet some time to gather enough magical power to get ride of it. Since then I feel a little stronger, but I tried to summon my glasses without my wand when I woke up, and failed. Albus to me that is simple magic, and now I cannot do it."
Dumbledore looked at Harry with a mixture of feelings showing through his eyes. Finally after thinking about it for a while he decided to believe that it would pass with rest, and promising to do research on this. Dumbledore again stood..
Residing that research would be enough, Harry laid his head back down on the pillow, and after consuming the potion for a dreamless sleep, He found himself drifting away almost instantly into peaceful slumber.
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The next few weeks came and went with Harry still in the hospital wing. Although he had full control over his mind again, the spells Voldemort had used on him were still causing some problems, and Harry was slowly gaining control of both his physical strength, as well as his magical strength.
Word had quickly spread throughout the world that he had in fact survived another attempt from Voldermort to take his life, and although Voldermort continued to thrash out at the wizarding world, order begun to take place once again in the Ministry of Magic, as well as the needed preparations for the return of students had been made.
Finally after being able to spend the entire day awake with both Ron, and Hermione, Madame Pomfrey gave Harry the all clear to leave the hospital, and with only a weekend away from the return of students. To Harry the timing could not have been better.
"Damn that hospital wing, I swear, the next time I have to see white curtains I better be dying." Harry shouted taking a small fall down the stairs that lead to the marauders hall. "Harry, lets hope you don't end up in the hospital wing again for a long time. I promised Hermione that I would not leave your side again. Malfoy would not have been able to hex you had I been there as well." Ron spoke helping his friend off the cold stone floor, and draping one of Harry's arms over his shoulders.
"Ron, Voldermort will either succeed in becoming immortal, or I will succeed in taking that away. When the time comes I can't think of a better person than you behind me." Harry spoke after the two had entered his room, and Harry sat on his bed looking around at all of the things he wished he had the day he was taken.
"You can count on me being there Harry. I have some choice curses saved up for just that day." Ron growled reaching for the sword of Godric Gryffindor that still sat on Harry's wall, and pulling it down.
"One of these days mate, I will cheer when I see you wielding this sword in one hand, and casting Voldermort down with the other." He finished handing the sword to Harry who placed the tip between his feet, and rested his head on the end of the hilt
"If I live long enough to see that day Ron, if I live long enough." Harry answered, and the two sat in silence for the rest of the night.
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When School was back in session February first, Harry was relieved to get out of the confines of his room, and back to class. Although he did not enjoy the Holidays, and was still using a staff to walk with, Harry enjoyed the welcome back feast and even smiled for the first time in weeks when Neville spilled a picture of pumpkin juice all over Millicent, Crabb, and Goyle.
"Thanks Neville, I needed that." Harry crocked out after swallowing a piece of chicken. "Anytime Harry, anytime." Neville laughed ducking a few curses sent his way, and taking a seat in front of Harry. "It's good to hear that the rumors weren't true. Grams was petrified that they were. To be honest mate, I was a little worried myself." Neville said taking another pitcher of juice, and filling his mug.
Harry however didn't respond to this. Even though he was feeling much better, and was getting along without assistance, he still did not feel up to talking about it.
Just then Dumbledore stood from his seat at the head table, while Professor McGonagall tapped her glass. "Quiet please." She spoke successfully bringing the chatter to a halt. "Professor Dumbledore wishes to make a few start of term announcements."
"Welcome students to a new term here at Hogwarts." He started of smiling as the crowd broke out in applause. "Yes, yes we are just as excited to fill those empty minds with knowledge, but first." He spoke raising his voice above the whispers, and gaining the attention of each, and every student. "I have a few announcements to make."
"First off as all of you are aware, the end of our first term ended abruptly as two of our own fell victim to a trap, and were taken from within our very halls." He spoke, looking first to Harry, and then over to the Slytherin table where many of the students sat with smug looks across their faces.
"One of the two taken was unable to make it back to Hogwarts with her life, and at this time we will mourn here death." He continued raising his hands, and with a flash the house banners were changed to black.
"To Cho Change. Head girl, Ravenclaw Prefect, Heir to one of the founders of this school, and a great friend to many of you here." He spoke raising his cup, and hearing Cho's name spoken by everyone in the hall other than the Slytherins.
"As many of you knew Cho was the last remaining Heir to Rowena Ravenclaw, here death could have been the end of Hogwarts as we know it, however she choose to give up her life in the battle for what is right, rather than give into the temptation that Voldermort, and his followers looked to imprison her with." Dumbledore spoke, his words echoing through the hall, for other than the tears, and quiet sobs of those closest to Cho, the great hall was completely quiet.
"Know this, we have added numerous more precautions to ward off any attempts at a repeat of what happened last term. ANY STUDENT CAUGHT CONSPIRING TO HELP IN AN UBDUCTION OF ANYTYPE." Dumbledore almost shouted pronouncing each word very clearly. "Will result in immediate removal from this school." He finished, once again staring down the Slytherins, and raising his glass.
"Now, on another note" he spoke, trying to lighten the mood. "I am pleased to announce that we have two new teachers joining our staff, as well as two new subjects. First, know that these subjects are available to only fifth years and above. Students wishing to attend must maintain their current marks in each of their classes, as well as receive written consent from their parents prior to the first class."
At this Harry begun to wonder what types of classes would be taught, but more importantly, for the first time since entering the great Hall, Harry begun to scan the staff table for new faces.
"Our first new instructor is Charlie Weasley." Dumbledore spoke pointing to the red headed man sitting next to Sirius, who stood. Ron, Hermione, and Harry all let out a gasp as they realized what Dumbledore had said, and standing with a number of Gryffindors, the trio begun to cheer adamantly.
"Yes, yes, we are very lucky to have such a qualified individual teaching here at Hogwarts. After graduating top of his class, and Head boy here at Hogwarts, Charlie has spent the last 12 years studying Dragons, Vampires, Werewolves, and Accromantula in Romania. He will be teaching " The Study of dangerous, and Dark Creatures." Dumbledore spoke smiling as some students, who looked shocked at the course he mentioned, while others, mostly girls, looked on their new professor with raised eyebrows.
"Our next teacher is none other than Charlie's brother Bill Weasley. Bill has spent the last ten or so years with the bank of Gringotts as a charms breaker. He will be taking over for Miss Arabella Figg in DADA, as she has accepted my offer to teach Medical Healing. All those students interested in the medical field will probably be interested in this class." He spoke again pointing out where both Miss Figg, and Bill Weasley stood.
Again like Charlie, the entire Gryffindor table stood and cheered. It was known that the Weasley brothers were excellent quidditch players, and both of Ron's brothers carried with them a since of Power, and earned respect.
Unlike Charlie however, the Slytherin table decided to voice their feelings, and neither Ron, nor Harry could stand by just listening to their snide remarks. "Eat Slugs" Ron shouted, turning on the group that included Draco Malfoy himself. Moments later the group of six Slytherins that surrounded Malfoy jumped back as Draco begun to burp slugs like Ron had during his second year.
"Now, now Mr. Weasley" Dumbledore spoke smiling down at Ron, who still stood wand aimed directly at Malfoy. "That is quiet enough. Gryffindor will loose 25 points for that attack, and you will serve 1 week worth of Detention." He finished walking down to where Malfoy burped up his tenth slug, and removed the hex.
"As the entire Gryffindor table turned to glare at Ron, Harry had to hold back his urge to do much worse to Malfoy.
"Best 25 points I ever lost" Ron shouted taking a seat next to Harry, and placing a hand on his best friends arm. "This is only the beginning." He whispered to Harry as the great hall broke into fits of hysteria. "Thank you Mr. Weasley for that entertainment" Dumbledore announced successfully bringing the laughter to a minimum. "I do however have two more items of business that I must discuss before I release you for the night." Dumbledore continued resuming his position as headmaster, and standing once again at the head table.
"Unfortunately with the threat of Voldermort, all Hogsmeade visits have been cancelled. Hogsmeade being vulnerable to attack places you as students to close to danger, and I am unwilling to allow that to happen."
"Finally" Dumbledore spoke speaking over the students that were waiting to get to bed. "The new minister of Magic has granted me the service of a ten aurors, who will help insure that the dorm rooms are protected at all times. Notice the ten men at the back of the hall." He paused addressing the ten men that had silently been eating at the rear of the great Hall.
"You are to treat them with the same respect you would a teacher. Note, with Aurors roaming the halls during the evenings, any students caught out of bed after hours will receive 2 weeks of detention, and possible charges with the MOM."
Waving his hands, and clearing the tables of the deserts that had remained, Dumbledore bid the students of Hogwarts a good night, and quietly the great hall emptied until the only students left were Harry, Ron, and Hermione.
"How are you feeling mate?" Ron asked as the three stood, and begun to make there way to the anteroom. Harry a little slower, for he relied heavily on his staff. "I am still a bit tired I guess. Although I really enjoyed tonight, it has taken its toll." Harry responded putting a little of his weight on Ron. "It will get better Harry, I promise. The pain will go away as well as the grief." Ron replied quietly as the three stopped to talk with Ron's brothers.
"Why didn't you two tell me you would be here?" Ron asked as both Charlie, and Bill turned to see their younger, yet taller brother standing behind them. "Ron, Harry, Hermione. Good to see you three how was the food." Charlie asked grinning at the trio, and motioning for them to follow them into the back room.
"It was as good as ever." Harry responded picking up his staff, and walking to the back room with a slight limp. "So, you didn't answer Ron's question, why leave us in the dark huh?" Harry asked again as the group of five stepped into the fire, and spoke the password that would transfer them to the Marauders common room.
"Well, to be honest, Dumbledore just asked us a few days ago." Bill answered, as they stepped out of the fire, and joined both Remus, and Sirius on the couches in front of the large hearth. "You three are planning on taking Study Of Dangerous Creatures, aren't you?" Charlie asked looking at the three.
Harry and Ron simply looked at each other, and broke out in a fit of hysteria. "What, what's so funny?" Charlie asked slightly offended. "Don't take it wrong mate, we will most defiantly participate in your class, its just that with Hagrid teaching Care of Magical Creatures, it is like having a double dose of Dangerous Creatures." Harry answered coughing up a small amount of blood, and waving off the hands the immediately reached out to help him.
"Harry, don't you think it is time you see Madame Pomfrey again." Hermione asked Helping Harry stand from the deep leather couches. "No Hermione, I am alright, just overdid myself today." Harry answered looking at the other six in the room. "I think I just need to lie down. Goodnight" He responded walking by himself through the large common room, and past both Hermione's, and Ron's room. When he reached Cho's old room, Harry stopped.
"Not yet." He whispered out loud brushing a hand on the door, and whipping away a pesky tear. "I am not ready for that yet." He said to himself forcing his body to move on, and finally kicking open his door where he fell into his bed almost immediately.