Chapter twenty-one- The Killing Curse
"Sirius, tell me its not true," Harry said, his mouth hanging open. Sirius gave him a look, which Harry read clearly as "I wish it weren't true". Harry sat there, gazing into the fire, in which his godfather's head looked back at him. Even though Harry had hated the Dursleys, for the sixteen years of torture they had put him through, he hardly could find anything to hate about them now, especially now that Lord Voldemort had them in custody.
"It's very strange that Voldemort would kidnap Muggles," Ron said, as he looked from Harry to Sirius.
"That's what I said, but he probably thinks he can smoke Harry out if he kidnaps his family." Sirius said. "And, while we are on that subject Harry, I want you to promise me that you are not going to do anything rash! Do not go looking for your aunt and uncle!"
Harry, who had not been paying attention, because a thought emerged into his head, nodded.
"Well, I'm going to get out of here. I'll keep lookout if anything else suspicious turns up. Don't forget you can send me owls now, and I'll be sending them as much as possible. Keep your heads up, and continue learning everything Professor Kevin teaches you," Sirius said, and with a small pop, his face vanished from the fire, turning them into the orange flames they once were.
Harry was still gazing into the fireplace, unaware that Ron and Hermione were staring at him, nor did he care. A rush of anger surged inside of him, as he turned away from the fire, and looked down at the rug. However, a thought continued to roll over his mind over and over again, and it seemed hard to get rid of it. He remembered his conversation last year, after he had returned from the Ministry of Magic, with Dumbledore. He remembered Dumbledore telling him something, something about Harry having to return to the Dursley's every summer. Dumbledore had told him that the blood that Aunt Pertunia shared with Harry's mother, served as a protection over Four Privet Drive, so that Voldemort could not penetrate that house. Had Voldemort figured out a way to by-pass that defense?
"Harry," Hermione called. Harry snapped back into the present time, and saw that both Ron and Hermione were packing their things away. "Are you coming to bed?"
"Yeah" said Harry, his mouth and throat feeling dry. "In a minute"
Hermione and Ron did not respond. Perhaps, they figured it was best to leave him alone at this point. Ron patted Harry on the back and headed up the stairs to the boys' dormitories, while Hermione went to the girls' dormitories. Harry heard two doors close, before his scar burned white hot, and Harry tried to suppress the pain, but it was unbearable. Harry felt every muscle in his body flare up, and he did not know how to by-pass the pain of the scar. Then, quite suddenly, the pain stopped, and Harry who was now teary-eyed looked around the dark common room once more, to only find Crookshanks staring at him from the sofa.
It had just occurred to Harry, that Voldemort was experiencing a powerful sense of anger, as though something had gone completely wrong. He had not had a chance to see anything, but Harry could have guessed that whatever had just happened, had caused Voldemort to be angrier than he has ever been in the past six years. Harry felt it was time for him to go to bed. He threw his things back into his bag, stroked Crookshanks behind the ear, and headed up to the boys' dormitory.
The room was dark, and the moon shone its way inside, providing an eerie glow near the window. Seamus, Dean and Neville were asleep, because Harry could make out their snores, but Ron was sitting up, leaning on the wall of his bed with his arms behind his head, staring directly at the door, as though waiting for Harry to enter.
"Are you alright?" Ron whispered, sitting up right when Harry entered.
"Yeah. I'll be alright"
"Alright, but if you need to talk, I'm here for you,"
"Thanks" said Harry, though he it came out through a forced voice. Ron turned over, and laid down to fall asleep. Harry then slipped off his robes, and changed into his pajamas. He could just make out his reflection in the long mirror and saw how skinny he was. He told himself silently, that he would rise early tomorrow, to take a morning jog. He climbed into his four poster, and laid down to sleep, his scar prickling slightly.
The next morning, Harry had found that he had awakened at six-thirty. He found it difficult to sleep, because he continually had nightmares of the Dursley's being tortured, and even had one nightmare where Voldemort transfigured the Dursley's into large cows. (Although it sounded more like a dream to Harry)
Harry then looked around, and saw that the sun was beginning to rise lazily over the mountains, and that an early morning mist had engulfed the grounds. He decided that he would live up to his pact he made with himself last night, and take a jog. He opened his trunk quietly (because he was the only one awake) and rummaged through it, and at the very bottom, found a pair of sweats. He slipped them on, and put on a blue T-shirt. (He stuck his wand in his pocket). He then stuck his hand out of the open window, and found that it was a warm spring morning, so a cloak wasn't needed. He then put on his trainers, and crept quietly out of the dormitory.
The common room fire was not roaring this morning, and Harry guessed that a house-elf must have put the fire out during the course of the night. Harry walked across the common room, and crept out the portrait hole. He then headed down the half-lit corridor, and towards the marble stairs. The minute he reached the stairs, he ran directly into Mr. Filch, who in no doubt was prowling around, and it seemed that he was in luck, because he had caught someone.
"Ah, Potter!" he hissed. "Out of bed I see?"
"Yeah, and I'm not out of bounds," Harry said, sounding as though he had just put Filch back in his place.
Filch started opening his mouth, and then closed it again. Harry, who felt he had nothing more to say, continued to walk down the stairs, leaving Filch standing in his spot, looking twice as ugly as before. Harry reached the silent entrance hall, but suddenly heard footsteps. Who else could be up at this time? Professor Dumbledore swept from a corridor and turned directly into Harry.
"Harry?" he asked, amazed.
"Hello Professor," said Harry.
"I see I am not the only one awake at this hour. What's the matter?" Dumbledore asked, calmly.
"Nothing, sir" said Harry. "I was just going to go jogging,"
Dumbledore smiled. "I see. A wizard who stays in shape is probably a wizard who has a lot on his mind."
Harry, who was suddenly confused, remembered something he wanted to ask Dumbledore. "Sir, I have a-"
"a question about your aunt and uncle's disappearance?" Dumbledore asked, finishing the sentence.
"You know?"
"Yes. I have read the Daily Prophet and I saw that your aunt and uncle were kidnapped. It is a tragic event, because it seems Voldemort has found a flaw in my defense. You see Harry, that defense only activates itself when you arrive there every summer, so whenever you return back to Hogwarts, that defense lets itself down until you return" he explained, looking Harry directly in the eyes.
Harry figured this was probably the cause of the kidnapping. "Sir, I don't know what I should do. I mean, I'm scared, and I have never been scared before,"
"That is understandable, but I assure you, nothing is going to happen to them Harry, trust me. You just worry about your schooling, and Quidditch" Dumbledore said. He gave Harry's shoulder a quick squeeze, and began to climb the stairs to the second floor. Harry, who now felt relieved, found no use in worrying anymore. He turned and headed out the front doors, onto the misty grounds.
The sun had now fully risen over the mountains and seemed to be burning the mist away. The grass was soft, and wet and the sound of chirping birds could be heard from some of the beech trees. The Castle never looked so admiring to Harry, as he looked up at it, and then began to jog around the castle. He felt his heart rate increase rapidly, but felt that jogging was not hard at all. He ran around one side of the castle, and without notice, crashed into something.
Ron was dressed in a hooded sweatshirt, and sweat pants, and his hair looked sweaty, as though he had been running for hours. He looked mildly surprised to see Harry, and Harry returned the expression.
"R-Ron!"
"H-Harry! W-What are you d-doing out here so early?" Ron asked, nervously.
"I was going jogging. What are you doing out here so early?"
"I was doing the same. Is this your first time?" asked Ron.
Harry nodded.
"Oh. I've been doing this for months. Its very helpful" Ron said.
Harry had never known this. Perhaps it was because he had always awakened later than Ron, so he never had gotten the opportunity to see him leaving the dormitory. The two of them, set off in a slow walk around the castle.
"You're interested in working out too?" Ron asked.
"Yeah. I just feel like I need to, you know"
"I know what you mean. Percy struck me with inspiration, so I figured I could try it and I've been seeing good improvement. I'm probably stronger than Fred and George," Ron said, grinning. Harry grinned too.
"Does Hermione know?"
"No" said Ron quickly. "And please don't tell her. She'd probably go into frenzy about it. She says she likes me the way I am, but I don't believe that. I want to look like I can protect her and you as well. I'm always the one being cast to the side-"
Harry looked up at him. "That's not true Ron," he said. "You're never cast to the side-"
"No no, I mean when Fred, George and Percy used to be here. I was always the 'Younger Brother' so I feel that now that they're gone, and it's just me and Ginny, maybe I can gain some glory,"
Harry smiled. He had never seen Ron this confidant before. It was Thoroughly amazing to Harry. They continued walking around for about another hour, and when Seven-Thirty came around, they suggested they should get back up to their dormitory, and get ready for class. They returned to the castle, and climbed back up to the seventh floor, delivered the password to the fat lady, and climbed inside the common room. They went back up to the boys' dormitory, washed, changed and set out for the common room once more, all in the time of forty-five minutes.
At around eight thirty, the common room burst into life as students began coming downstairs, fully dressed, and heading down to the Great Hall, many students waving at Harry and Ron. Hermione descended the stairs, and they all headed down to the Great Hall. The bright sunlight from outside burst through the high windows in the hall, illuminating it, and providing a sort of warmth that calmed the soul.
"Morning!" said Cho, as she swooped down beside Harry and kissed him.
"Good Morning," Harry said, as he helped himself to some eggs and kippers. Hermione was making a cup of coffee, and Ron was eating a few grapes. Hermione side-glanced at him but decided she didn't want to say anything to him.
As they all ate quietly, swooshing noises came from above, as a hundred owls soared into the Great Hall, carrying parcels, mail and newspapers. A Screech owl landed in front of Hermione, carrying a bundle of mail from her parents. Pig flew down excitedly carrying bits of mail for Ron. Ron made occasional swaps at him trying to knock him out of the air, but Pig zoomed away hooting happily. However, Hedwig did not land in front of Harry. He felt an odd feeling in his stomach, and continued to eat. A tawny flew down, clutching a Daily Prophet in its beak for Hermione. She deposited a bronze Knut into the little pouch tied to it, and it flew away. Hermione unrolled the paper, and let out a shrill cry.
"What's up?" Cho asked.
Hermione turned the paper around to face them and Harry's heart sank. He was staring at five covered bodies, and saw some familiar Aurors standing near them talking, investigating the scene. The headline read: "Wizard Family killed. You-Know-Who behind deadly attacks".
"Go on, read the article," Harry said quietly. Hermione turned the paper back towards her, and began to read it aloud.
Last Night, the Ministry of Magic and some fellow Aurors stumbled upon a gruesome scene, which left the Ministry to believe You-Know-Who, is even deadlier than before. An entire wizarding family (Names are disclosed by Ministry of Magic) was found murdered within their home, with the Dark Mark
(Sign of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named) hovered above the house. The deadly attack came just a few hours after the Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge signed new legislation giving the Aurors special powers which permits them to Kill an of You-Know-Who's supporters if caught convicted of Dark Magic. Needless to say, the Ministry of Magic believes that by giving the Aurors
these privileges, it will cause You-Know-Who's supporters to turn themselves in, to spare themselves being killed. The Minister of Magic, and his assistant Minister of Magic Arthur Weasley were available for comment
last night, and had this to say to public; "We know this is a terrible time for us all. We want the wizarding public to be assured that we are doing everything in our power to stop You-Know-
Who from gaining the sort of power he had over Fifteen years ago" said
Arthur Weasley, who looked tired and flustered from reporters. A private funeral is being held for the wizarding family tomorrow, at noon.
And the minute Hermione had finished reading the letter, Harry connected the burning scar from last night, with Voldemorts emotions. Voldemort was upset because of the new Ministry legislation for the Aurors. Harry gulped down a few mouthfuls of eggs, and did not speak.
"Harry, are you alright?" Cho asked.
Harry looked up at her. "I'm fine"
She stared at him, and found no point in arguing. Before long, it was time for their first class; History of Magic. However, something crossed the Harry's mind the minute he had got up from the table. Kevin was here, at Hogwarts. He could've payed him a little visit, and found out stuff about Voldemort.
"I've just remembered. McGonagall wanted to see me this morning. Auror stuff" Harry lied, standing up, and snatching up his bag.
Hermione nodded. "We'll tell Binns where you are then," she said. Harry swept from the Great Hall faster than a summoning charm, and dashed back to Gryffindor Tower. When he reached the fat lady, she frowned.
"Aren't you supposed to be in class?" she asked suspiciously.
"Salamander Juice"
She swung the portrait open, and Harry clambered through-CRASH!
He had just crashed into the last person he wanted to see. Professor McGonagall. She was carrying a large stack of parchment, which was now fluttering towards the floor, because he knocked into her. She was wearing Acid green robes, and her pointed green hat. She looked down at him, as he picked himself up from the floor.
"Potter!" she snapped. "What in the name of Merlin are you doing up here?"
Harry started picking up his books, as McGonagall whipped out her wand, waved it and her papers flew back into her hand neatly.
"I-I left some thing in my dormitory" he said nervously.
She raised an eyebrow at him, but said nothing. She did however change the subject.
"I just want you to know Potter, that Professor Dumbledore and the rest of the order are trying our best to save your Aunt and Uncle. You do not need to worry one bit," she said, giving him a smile. Harry nodded, and watched her retreat out of the common room. He hurried up to his dorm, opened his trunk and snatched the Invisibility Cloak from out of it. He stuffed it in his bag, and headed back down and out of the common room. Suddenly, he forgot he was missing the Marauders Map. He went back, retrieved it and left the Gryffindor Common room. He climbed through the portrait hole, and emerged out into the corridor, which was noisy (Peeves was slamming visors on the statues). When he was well out of the fat lady's sight, he slipped the Cloak over himself. He took the Marauders Map out of his bag, tapped it, muttered the famous phrase, and the map burst to life, with lines criss- crossing everywhere, and tiny dots moving everywhere. The names were written beside them.
He saw that Dumbledore was leaving the Great hall, and heading to his office. McGonagall had made her way down to her classroom, Snape was settling into his class, and many dots were there (one of them being Ginny's) Hermione and Ron were safely inside Professor Binn's room, with many other dots. Harry scanned the map, and saw that Kevin was at the bottom of the castle, under the dungeons. There was two ways down there. Either through a hidden staircase from behind the room of requirement, or from a staircase near Dumbledore's office. Harry chose the staircase behind the room of requirement. He slipped off towards the hallway where the room of requirement was, and proceeded past two statues of trolls clubbing each other. He turned down a dark and damp hallway, and saw a wall. This was a dead end.
The moment he had turned to walk away, the wall slid open. Harry was a little shaken by this, but mustered up some courage. He pulled out his wand and proceeded down the dark stairwell, as the wall slid closed again. The stairwell smelled strongly of something dead, but a cool breeze blew from below.
"Lumos" said Harry as the tip of his wand ignited a beaming light. He continued lower and lower until finally, he knew he was beneath the castle. He checked the Marauders Map once more and found that Kevin was right below him, moving around the room rapidly. He slipped the cloak off, and stuffed it into his bag, while descended deeper and deeper, until finally, he could hear footsteps. He was at the last flight of stairs, and Harry saw that a wall was blocking him. It was solid. He touched it, and saw that his hand went through it. He put his bag down, and slipped through the wall.
The room was dimly lit, with four torches hanging on each wall. There was no sunlight in the room, and the room smelled much better than the Hallway. There was a bed, which looked as though someone had gotten into a fight with it. There was a sink in the center of the room, and it reminded Harry vividly of Moaning Myrtle's bathroom on the second floor. Standing near a wall, was Kevin.
His short spiky black hair was now untidy, and his hazel eyes looked menacing. His jeans and shirt were surprisingly clean. He glared at Harry.
"What do you want?" he asked coldly. Harry checked to see if he was wandless, and confirmed it.
"I want to talk to you. I don't suggest you try anything funny, because I do have a wand," Harry said calmly.
Kevin smirked. "Potter, is that the best way you can fight, with a wand?"
Harry ignored him. "Why is Voldemort so desperate to get into the Fawkes's lair?"
Kevin looked up at him. "What's it to you?"
"He's been killing loads of people, and just last night, he was angry because the Ministry passed a new law giving the Aurors the privilege to kill Death Eaters if necessary"
Kevin's eyes flared. Perhaps Harry had just hit a nerve.
"So, your Ministry can kill death eaters, big deal. My master doesn't even care. I'm his most faithful servant and that's all that matters" said Kevin, his voice ice cold.
"You're also his son" Harry said.
Kevin's eyes met Harry's and it was at this that Kevin's face screwed in intense anger.
"H-How do you know?"
"I figured it out. You remind me so much of Tom Riddle, and it all came together. Its funny, because I never pictured your master having children. He's a dirty great piece of slime-" WHAM!
Kevin's fist collided with Harry's face, and Harry's wand flew out of his hand, directly towards the wall he came through and disappeared. Kevin did not see this, nor did he care, because he now charged at Harry, and head- butted him to the floor, causing Harry to slam to the floor, hard and windswept.
Harry kicked as hard as possible, and managed to kick Kevin off of him. Harry stood up, and punched Kevin squarely in the lip. Kevin took a punch, but Harry ducked, and punched him in the stomach. Kevin leaned over, and Harry kicked him to the floor, where Kevin lay motionless. Harry felt the back of his head, and didn't not feel a bruise or bump. He felt his jaw, and felt blood. It was only a small cut however. Harry turned away from Kevin, and began to walk back to the wall he entered. He was only inches away from it, when two hands closed around his throat.
The hands were strong, remarkably strong. It was Kevin. He had managed to get himself back up, and now he was about to strangle Harry to death. Harry fought as hard as possible to remove the hands, but nothing worked. He could feel Kevin's anger surging to his hands, and since they were closed around Harry's throat, Harry knew that Kevin was not going to let go unless he managed to kill Harry.
"You will not survive Potter. My father has waited years to kill you, and now that I'm doing it for him, he'll finally know that you were never as strong as him. He killed your parents, and next your friends-"
That was it. Harry stretched out his hand, for his wand, and quite suddenly, his wand soared into his hand. Anger beyond anything that he had ever felt rushed through his body. That anger drove Harry to measures he had never known himself to even try. He kicked behind him, turned and said words that he had never expected to say in his life.
"Avada Kedavra"
And what happened next completely scared Harry. A jet of green light erupted from the tip of his wand, soared through Kevin's body, and Harry watched as Kevin's eyes remained solid, as he fell backward to the ground. Harry stood there, his wand still pointing at Kevin, trembling, shaking. His breathing was shallow, his head was spinning. He did not know what to do. Harry had just..
"Sirius, tell me its not true," Harry said, his mouth hanging open. Sirius gave him a look, which Harry read clearly as "I wish it weren't true". Harry sat there, gazing into the fire, in which his godfather's head looked back at him. Even though Harry had hated the Dursleys, for the sixteen years of torture they had put him through, he hardly could find anything to hate about them now, especially now that Lord Voldemort had them in custody.
"It's very strange that Voldemort would kidnap Muggles," Ron said, as he looked from Harry to Sirius.
"That's what I said, but he probably thinks he can smoke Harry out if he kidnaps his family." Sirius said. "And, while we are on that subject Harry, I want you to promise me that you are not going to do anything rash! Do not go looking for your aunt and uncle!"
Harry, who had not been paying attention, because a thought emerged into his head, nodded.
"Well, I'm going to get out of here. I'll keep lookout if anything else suspicious turns up. Don't forget you can send me owls now, and I'll be sending them as much as possible. Keep your heads up, and continue learning everything Professor Kevin teaches you," Sirius said, and with a small pop, his face vanished from the fire, turning them into the orange flames they once were.
Harry was still gazing into the fireplace, unaware that Ron and Hermione were staring at him, nor did he care. A rush of anger surged inside of him, as he turned away from the fire, and looked down at the rug. However, a thought continued to roll over his mind over and over again, and it seemed hard to get rid of it. He remembered his conversation last year, after he had returned from the Ministry of Magic, with Dumbledore. He remembered Dumbledore telling him something, something about Harry having to return to the Dursley's every summer. Dumbledore had told him that the blood that Aunt Pertunia shared with Harry's mother, served as a protection over Four Privet Drive, so that Voldemort could not penetrate that house. Had Voldemort figured out a way to by-pass that defense?
"Harry," Hermione called. Harry snapped back into the present time, and saw that both Ron and Hermione were packing their things away. "Are you coming to bed?"
"Yeah" said Harry, his mouth and throat feeling dry. "In a minute"
Hermione and Ron did not respond. Perhaps, they figured it was best to leave him alone at this point. Ron patted Harry on the back and headed up the stairs to the boys' dormitories, while Hermione went to the girls' dormitories. Harry heard two doors close, before his scar burned white hot, and Harry tried to suppress the pain, but it was unbearable. Harry felt every muscle in his body flare up, and he did not know how to by-pass the pain of the scar. Then, quite suddenly, the pain stopped, and Harry who was now teary-eyed looked around the dark common room once more, to only find Crookshanks staring at him from the sofa.
It had just occurred to Harry, that Voldemort was experiencing a powerful sense of anger, as though something had gone completely wrong. He had not had a chance to see anything, but Harry could have guessed that whatever had just happened, had caused Voldemort to be angrier than he has ever been in the past six years. Harry felt it was time for him to go to bed. He threw his things back into his bag, stroked Crookshanks behind the ear, and headed up to the boys' dormitory.
The room was dark, and the moon shone its way inside, providing an eerie glow near the window. Seamus, Dean and Neville were asleep, because Harry could make out their snores, but Ron was sitting up, leaning on the wall of his bed with his arms behind his head, staring directly at the door, as though waiting for Harry to enter.
"Are you alright?" Ron whispered, sitting up right when Harry entered.
"Yeah. I'll be alright"
"Alright, but if you need to talk, I'm here for you,"
"Thanks" said Harry, though he it came out through a forced voice. Ron turned over, and laid down to fall asleep. Harry then slipped off his robes, and changed into his pajamas. He could just make out his reflection in the long mirror and saw how skinny he was. He told himself silently, that he would rise early tomorrow, to take a morning jog. He climbed into his four poster, and laid down to sleep, his scar prickling slightly.
The next morning, Harry had found that he had awakened at six-thirty. He found it difficult to sleep, because he continually had nightmares of the Dursley's being tortured, and even had one nightmare where Voldemort transfigured the Dursley's into large cows. (Although it sounded more like a dream to Harry)
Harry then looked around, and saw that the sun was beginning to rise lazily over the mountains, and that an early morning mist had engulfed the grounds. He decided that he would live up to his pact he made with himself last night, and take a jog. He opened his trunk quietly (because he was the only one awake) and rummaged through it, and at the very bottom, found a pair of sweats. He slipped them on, and put on a blue T-shirt. (He stuck his wand in his pocket). He then stuck his hand out of the open window, and found that it was a warm spring morning, so a cloak wasn't needed. He then put on his trainers, and crept quietly out of the dormitory.
The common room fire was not roaring this morning, and Harry guessed that a house-elf must have put the fire out during the course of the night. Harry walked across the common room, and crept out the portrait hole. He then headed down the half-lit corridor, and towards the marble stairs. The minute he reached the stairs, he ran directly into Mr. Filch, who in no doubt was prowling around, and it seemed that he was in luck, because he had caught someone.
"Ah, Potter!" he hissed. "Out of bed I see?"
"Yeah, and I'm not out of bounds," Harry said, sounding as though he had just put Filch back in his place.
Filch started opening his mouth, and then closed it again. Harry, who felt he had nothing more to say, continued to walk down the stairs, leaving Filch standing in his spot, looking twice as ugly as before. Harry reached the silent entrance hall, but suddenly heard footsteps. Who else could be up at this time? Professor Dumbledore swept from a corridor and turned directly into Harry.
"Harry?" he asked, amazed.
"Hello Professor," said Harry.
"I see I am not the only one awake at this hour. What's the matter?" Dumbledore asked, calmly.
"Nothing, sir" said Harry. "I was just going to go jogging,"
Dumbledore smiled. "I see. A wizard who stays in shape is probably a wizard who has a lot on his mind."
Harry, who was suddenly confused, remembered something he wanted to ask Dumbledore. "Sir, I have a-"
"a question about your aunt and uncle's disappearance?" Dumbledore asked, finishing the sentence.
"You know?"
"Yes. I have read the Daily Prophet and I saw that your aunt and uncle were kidnapped. It is a tragic event, because it seems Voldemort has found a flaw in my defense. You see Harry, that defense only activates itself when you arrive there every summer, so whenever you return back to Hogwarts, that defense lets itself down until you return" he explained, looking Harry directly in the eyes.
Harry figured this was probably the cause of the kidnapping. "Sir, I don't know what I should do. I mean, I'm scared, and I have never been scared before,"
"That is understandable, but I assure you, nothing is going to happen to them Harry, trust me. You just worry about your schooling, and Quidditch" Dumbledore said. He gave Harry's shoulder a quick squeeze, and began to climb the stairs to the second floor. Harry, who now felt relieved, found no use in worrying anymore. He turned and headed out the front doors, onto the misty grounds.
The sun had now fully risen over the mountains and seemed to be burning the mist away. The grass was soft, and wet and the sound of chirping birds could be heard from some of the beech trees. The Castle never looked so admiring to Harry, as he looked up at it, and then began to jog around the castle. He felt his heart rate increase rapidly, but felt that jogging was not hard at all. He ran around one side of the castle, and without notice, crashed into something.
Ron was dressed in a hooded sweatshirt, and sweat pants, and his hair looked sweaty, as though he had been running for hours. He looked mildly surprised to see Harry, and Harry returned the expression.
"R-Ron!"
"H-Harry! W-What are you d-doing out here so early?" Ron asked, nervously.
"I was going jogging. What are you doing out here so early?"
"I was doing the same. Is this your first time?" asked Ron.
Harry nodded.
"Oh. I've been doing this for months. Its very helpful" Ron said.
Harry had never known this. Perhaps it was because he had always awakened later than Ron, so he never had gotten the opportunity to see him leaving the dormitory. The two of them, set off in a slow walk around the castle.
"You're interested in working out too?" Ron asked.
"Yeah. I just feel like I need to, you know"
"I know what you mean. Percy struck me with inspiration, so I figured I could try it and I've been seeing good improvement. I'm probably stronger than Fred and George," Ron said, grinning. Harry grinned too.
"Does Hermione know?"
"No" said Ron quickly. "And please don't tell her. She'd probably go into frenzy about it. She says she likes me the way I am, but I don't believe that. I want to look like I can protect her and you as well. I'm always the one being cast to the side-"
Harry looked up at him. "That's not true Ron," he said. "You're never cast to the side-"
"No no, I mean when Fred, George and Percy used to be here. I was always the 'Younger Brother' so I feel that now that they're gone, and it's just me and Ginny, maybe I can gain some glory,"
Harry smiled. He had never seen Ron this confidant before. It was Thoroughly amazing to Harry. They continued walking around for about another hour, and when Seven-Thirty came around, they suggested they should get back up to their dormitory, and get ready for class. They returned to the castle, and climbed back up to the seventh floor, delivered the password to the fat lady, and climbed inside the common room. They went back up to the boys' dormitory, washed, changed and set out for the common room once more, all in the time of forty-five minutes.
At around eight thirty, the common room burst into life as students began coming downstairs, fully dressed, and heading down to the Great Hall, many students waving at Harry and Ron. Hermione descended the stairs, and they all headed down to the Great Hall. The bright sunlight from outside burst through the high windows in the hall, illuminating it, and providing a sort of warmth that calmed the soul.
"Morning!" said Cho, as she swooped down beside Harry and kissed him.
"Good Morning," Harry said, as he helped himself to some eggs and kippers. Hermione was making a cup of coffee, and Ron was eating a few grapes. Hermione side-glanced at him but decided she didn't want to say anything to him.
As they all ate quietly, swooshing noises came from above, as a hundred owls soared into the Great Hall, carrying parcels, mail and newspapers. A Screech owl landed in front of Hermione, carrying a bundle of mail from her parents. Pig flew down excitedly carrying bits of mail for Ron. Ron made occasional swaps at him trying to knock him out of the air, but Pig zoomed away hooting happily. However, Hedwig did not land in front of Harry. He felt an odd feeling in his stomach, and continued to eat. A tawny flew down, clutching a Daily Prophet in its beak for Hermione. She deposited a bronze Knut into the little pouch tied to it, and it flew away. Hermione unrolled the paper, and let out a shrill cry.
"What's up?" Cho asked.
Hermione turned the paper around to face them and Harry's heart sank. He was staring at five covered bodies, and saw some familiar Aurors standing near them talking, investigating the scene. The headline read: "Wizard Family killed. You-Know-Who behind deadly attacks".
"Go on, read the article," Harry said quietly. Hermione turned the paper back towards her, and began to read it aloud.
Last Night, the Ministry of Magic and some fellow Aurors stumbled upon a gruesome scene, which left the Ministry to believe You-Know-Who, is even deadlier than before. An entire wizarding family (Names are disclosed by Ministry of Magic) was found murdered within their home, with the Dark Mark
(Sign of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named) hovered above the house. The deadly attack came just a few hours after the Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge signed new legislation giving the Aurors special powers which permits them to Kill an of You-Know-Who's supporters if caught convicted of Dark Magic. Needless to say, the Ministry of Magic believes that by giving the Aurors
these privileges, it will cause You-Know-Who's supporters to turn themselves in, to spare themselves being killed. The Minister of Magic, and his assistant Minister of Magic Arthur Weasley were available for comment
last night, and had this to say to public; "We know this is a terrible time for us all. We want the wizarding public to be assured that we are doing everything in our power to stop You-Know-
Who from gaining the sort of power he had over Fifteen years ago" said
Arthur Weasley, who looked tired and flustered from reporters. A private funeral is being held for the wizarding family tomorrow, at noon.
And the minute Hermione had finished reading the letter, Harry connected the burning scar from last night, with Voldemorts emotions. Voldemort was upset because of the new Ministry legislation for the Aurors. Harry gulped down a few mouthfuls of eggs, and did not speak.
"Harry, are you alright?" Cho asked.
Harry looked up at her. "I'm fine"
She stared at him, and found no point in arguing. Before long, it was time for their first class; History of Magic. However, something crossed the Harry's mind the minute he had got up from the table. Kevin was here, at Hogwarts. He could've payed him a little visit, and found out stuff about Voldemort.
"I've just remembered. McGonagall wanted to see me this morning. Auror stuff" Harry lied, standing up, and snatching up his bag.
Hermione nodded. "We'll tell Binns where you are then," she said. Harry swept from the Great Hall faster than a summoning charm, and dashed back to Gryffindor Tower. When he reached the fat lady, she frowned.
"Aren't you supposed to be in class?" she asked suspiciously.
"Salamander Juice"
She swung the portrait open, and Harry clambered through-CRASH!
He had just crashed into the last person he wanted to see. Professor McGonagall. She was carrying a large stack of parchment, which was now fluttering towards the floor, because he knocked into her. She was wearing Acid green robes, and her pointed green hat. She looked down at him, as he picked himself up from the floor.
"Potter!" she snapped. "What in the name of Merlin are you doing up here?"
Harry started picking up his books, as McGonagall whipped out her wand, waved it and her papers flew back into her hand neatly.
"I-I left some thing in my dormitory" he said nervously.
She raised an eyebrow at him, but said nothing. She did however change the subject.
"I just want you to know Potter, that Professor Dumbledore and the rest of the order are trying our best to save your Aunt and Uncle. You do not need to worry one bit," she said, giving him a smile. Harry nodded, and watched her retreat out of the common room. He hurried up to his dorm, opened his trunk and snatched the Invisibility Cloak from out of it. He stuffed it in his bag, and headed back down and out of the common room. Suddenly, he forgot he was missing the Marauders Map. He went back, retrieved it and left the Gryffindor Common room. He climbed through the portrait hole, and emerged out into the corridor, which was noisy (Peeves was slamming visors on the statues). When he was well out of the fat lady's sight, he slipped the Cloak over himself. He took the Marauders Map out of his bag, tapped it, muttered the famous phrase, and the map burst to life, with lines criss- crossing everywhere, and tiny dots moving everywhere. The names were written beside them.
He saw that Dumbledore was leaving the Great hall, and heading to his office. McGonagall had made her way down to her classroom, Snape was settling into his class, and many dots were there (one of them being Ginny's) Hermione and Ron were safely inside Professor Binn's room, with many other dots. Harry scanned the map, and saw that Kevin was at the bottom of the castle, under the dungeons. There was two ways down there. Either through a hidden staircase from behind the room of requirement, or from a staircase near Dumbledore's office. Harry chose the staircase behind the room of requirement. He slipped off towards the hallway where the room of requirement was, and proceeded past two statues of trolls clubbing each other. He turned down a dark and damp hallway, and saw a wall. This was a dead end.
The moment he had turned to walk away, the wall slid open. Harry was a little shaken by this, but mustered up some courage. He pulled out his wand and proceeded down the dark stairwell, as the wall slid closed again. The stairwell smelled strongly of something dead, but a cool breeze blew from below.
"Lumos" said Harry as the tip of his wand ignited a beaming light. He continued lower and lower until finally, he knew he was beneath the castle. He checked the Marauders Map once more and found that Kevin was right below him, moving around the room rapidly. He slipped the cloak off, and stuffed it into his bag, while descended deeper and deeper, until finally, he could hear footsteps. He was at the last flight of stairs, and Harry saw that a wall was blocking him. It was solid. He touched it, and saw that his hand went through it. He put his bag down, and slipped through the wall.
The room was dimly lit, with four torches hanging on each wall. There was no sunlight in the room, and the room smelled much better than the Hallway. There was a bed, which looked as though someone had gotten into a fight with it. There was a sink in the center of the room, and it reminded Harry vividly of Moaning Myrtle's bathroom on the second floor. Standing near a wall, was Kevin.
His short spiky black hair was now untidy, and his hazel eyes looked menacing. His jeans and shirt were surprisingly clean. He glared at Harry.
"What do you want?" he asked coldly. Harry checked to see if he was wandless, and confirmed it.
"I want to talk to you. I don't suggest you try anything funny, because I do have a wand," Harry said calmly.
Kevin smirked. "Potter, is that the best way you can fight, with a wand?"
Harry ignored him. "Why is Voldemort so desperate to get into the Fawkes's lair?"
Kevin looked up at him. "What's it to you?"
"He's been killing loads of people, and just last night, he was angry because the Ministry passed a new law giving the Aurors the privilege to kill Death Eaters if necessary"
Kevin's eyes flared. Perhaps Harry had just hit a nerve.
"So, your Ministry can kill death eaters, big deal. My master doesn't even care. I'm his most faithful servant and that's all that matters" said Kevin, his voice ice cold.
"You're also his son" Harry said.
Kevin's eyes met Harry's and it was at this that Kevin's face screwed in intense anger.
"H-How do you know?"
"I figured it out. You remind me so much of Tom Riddle, and it all came together. Its funny, because I never pictured your master having children. He's a dirty great piece of slime-" WHAM!
Kevin's fist collided with Harry's face, and Harry's wand flew out of his hand, directly towards the wall he came through and disappeared. Kevin did not see this, nor did he care, because he now charged at Harry, and head- butted him to the floor, causing Harry to slam to the floor, hard and windswept.
Harry kicked as hard as possible, and managed to kick Kevin off of him. Harry stood up, and punched Kevin squarely in the lip. Kevin took a punch, but Harry ducked, and punched him in the stomach. Kevin leaned over, and Harry kicked him to the floor, where Kevin lay motionless. Harry felt the back of his head, and didn't not feel a bruise or bump. He felt his jaw, and felt blood. It was only a small cut however. Harry turned away from Kevin, and began to walk back to the wall he entered. He was only inches away from it, when two hands closed around his throat.
The hands were strong, remarkably strong. It was Kevin. He had managed to get himself back up, and now he was about to strangle Harry to death. Harry fought as hard as possible to remove the hands, but nothing worked. He could feel Kevin's anger surging to his hands, and since they were closed around Harry's throat, Harry knew that Kevin was not going to let go unless he managed to kill Harry.
"You will not survive Potter. My father has waited years to kill you, and now that I'm doing it for him, he'll finally know that you were never as strong as him. He killed your parents, and next your friends-"
That was it. Harry stretched out his hand, for his wand, and quite suddenly, his wand soared into his hand. Anger beyond anything that he had ever felt rushed through his body. That anger drove Harry to measures he had never known himself to even try. He kicked behind him, turned and said words that he had never expected to say in his life.
"Avada Kedavra"
And what happened next completely scared Harry. A jet of green light erupted from the tip of his wand, soared through Kevin's body, and Harry watched as Kevin's eyes remained solid, as he fell backward to the ground. Harry stood there, his wand still pointing at Kevin, trembling, shaking. His breathing was shallow, his head was spinning. He did not know what to do. Harry had just..