Sorry haven't updated for a couple of days. Been to the coast and now raring to go! OK, hope you like this one!

Chapter 9 - Mark of trouble

Harry had had trouble getting to sleep that night. He felt terrible and betrayed. How could no one had told him? They had watched him walk around the place where his parents had died and not said a word? The anger was building inside him. Which room? His mind was wandering now. Which room was it? Maybe that meeting room which had once been a bedroom. He rolled over listening to Ron snore in the next bed. What was it with Ron too? He had stopped him from attacking Malfoy but why? He looked at the clock. 4.15am. He had to try to get some sleep as he had potions in the morning and the last thing he needed was to be to tired to concentrate. Snape would just love a reason to fail him. He suddenly thought - he hadn't even asked the others what their OWL results were. Would he still be in potions with Hermione? He hoped against hope that he would be. Finally he dozed off slowly back to sleep but revisited the house again in his dreams.

He awoke again to someone pulling at him. "Gerroff!!" he mumbled kicking at the person. "Harry" Neville yelled. "You'll be late for potions, come on!" "Have you got potions?" Harry asked Neville, bleary eyed. Neville laughed, "You gotta be joking! I just scrapped an acceptable! I've got Divination. But you better hurry, come on!!"

Harry got out of bed and dressed as fast as he could. He glanced up and saw Ron putting his shoes on. He swallowed and unsure, asked him "Have you got Potions with me". "Yes" Ron snapped back "Why, surprised I managed to pass are you? I think you'll find I was always better at potions then you." Harry just gaped at him and the spun him round. "WHAT is your problem? I've said I'm really SORRY about Percy, what more do you expect me to say?" Ron shoved Harry away from him. "Don't touch me!" Ron yelled back. "Don't you understand, there is nothing you CAN say. I should have listened to Percy about you! If I had, then he would still be alive. I hate you Potter! Now get away from me!! Ron then sent Harry sprawling into his bedside desk and everything fell to the ground with a crash. Seamus rushed over. "What the hell is going on?" He shouted. Harry was holding on to the desk for support, panting. Ron was stood there, fists clenched. Harry was the first to recover. "Nothing Seamus, everything is fine," he answered, holding his arm, which was burning again. "Have you and Dean got potions?" "Yeah, unfortunately!" "Then lets go" Harry said quickly. Seamus called to Dean, who joined them. They both glanced to Ron who was now looking the other way, picking his things up off the floor. "Come on" Harry said quickly and the three of them left. Ron turned and watched them go and quickly rubbed his eyes as a tear rolled down his face.

Harry, Seamus and Dean soon arrived outside Potions class, awaiting the arrival of Professor Snape with expected dread. Hermione was already there and moved towards Harry, smiling. She glanced around and looked back at Harry. "Where's Ron" she asked and then added - "Harry, there is blood on your hand." He looked down and then wiped the blood on his robes. "That would be Ron pushing me around in the dorm," he told her, scowling. She shook her head in despair, touched his hand and stroked it. He suddenly realised how much better his hand felt and took hers. She smiled shyly at him. They both looked around and saw Ron, who had been watching them. When he saw them look at him, he glared and turned away but couldn't remove the jealous look on his face quickly enough.

At the moment, Malfoy and Selina, flanked by Crabbe and Goyle, came striding up the corridor, pushing anyone who dared to be in their path out of the way. "Why Potter!" Malfoy exclaimed, noticing straightaway that Harry still had hold of Hermione's hand. "Don't tell me you fancy the mudblood!" Harry took a step towards him but Hermione gripped his hand tighter and gave him a warning look. Both Malfoy and Selina laughed at him. They too were holding hands. Hermione then turned to them both. "Malfoy, I'm not surprised you've decided to pull Selina, after all, you were after her aunt all last year weren't you?" The Gryffindors howled with laughter. Harry gazed at Hermione. It wasn't often he saw her THAT angry. "Oh and Selina," Hermione went on, "how is your Aunt? Still terrified of horses?" She then made Click clack noises and again all the Gryffindors laughed. Hermione then went quiet and moved closer to Malfoy so only he could hear her. "You'd better leave Harry alone Draco, or I will get very angry. You may be good at the Cruciatus curse but I'd bet I'm better, what do you reckon?" Malfoy went a bit red and glared at Hermione. "Some day, Mudblood" he snarled, "some day!" He then pulled Selina away, who was also looking daggers at Hermione. "An interesting speech Miss Granger," a cold voice said from behind Harry. "But teasing a young man who has recently lost his Father is not very nice is it? Ten points from Gryffindor and it will be 20 more Potter, if you say ONE word!" Snape then snarled at Harry and strode into the Dungeon, all the students slowly following him in. Harry noticed that Ron walked in with Malfoy and frowned.

Inside, Harry sat in his normal seat but Hermione sat beside him instead of Ron. Ron took the desk beside Hermione. Snape stood at the front of class, sneering at everyone. "Welcome to your new Portions class. I was very surprised that so many of you received such satisfactory grades (his eyes lingered on Harry) and am very pleased to have got rid of some, shall we say, dead wood. "Longbottom", said Malfoy in a loud voice and all the Slytherins laughed, Selina especially. Snape's lips curled. "Yes indeed," he said. Harry glared at him, he couldn't think of one likeable thing about Severus Snape. He had despised Harry's father, which Harry had seen last year and due to Harry being James son, had also always despised Harry. Snape was continuing "This years studies will be extremely harder than anything you have done before and if anyone believes they are not up to scratch, must leave my classroom now, as I refuse to teach anyone who is not totally committed to achieving their best possible NEWT grade. Is that totally understand?" he hissed and the class muttered their acknowledgement. "Good", he said unkindly. "You will today attempt to mix an Invisibility potion. This is very advanced and I believe not above any of you - he smirked at Harry - "well, maybe above "some" of you. I am aware certain members of us have an invisibility cloak. Those of us who do not important enough to own such belongings have to turn ourselves invisible the hard way". All the Slytherins chuckled. Snape turned his back on Harry who was glaring at him. Snape headed up the classroom. "All ingredients are on the black board and I will be testing each of you on your mixture at the end of the lesson. Be aware that if any of the ingredients are not put in to your cauldron exactly as I have described, there will be some very unsatisfactory results. Should this occur, I will be very displeased. You may begin."

The lesson started off reasonably well. Harry was very careful to do everything Snape had advised them to do; there was no way he was going to let the long nosed greasy git make fun of him again. He looked over at Hermione who gave him a friendly smile. It seemed all was ok there too. He stole a glance at Ron who again looked very miserable. Good, Harry thought, he had tried really hard and Ron had spat on him. Well, if that's what Ron wants, so be it. He returned to concentrating on his mixture. "Hermione, hissed Seamus, "could you just check this for me?" Hermione made sure Snape was up the other on of the class and had nipped to Seamus' desk. Harry noticed her gaze at the yellowing liquid and give Seamus the thumbs up. She then hurried back to her desk and got there just as Shape glared over at Harry and her. Harry added his last ingredient, "powdered Gemstone" and stirred his potion clockwise twice and then anti clockwise once. He watched Hermione do the same thing and she nodded to him. He watched his mixture go a greeny yellow and waited for the rest of the class to complete as well, praying it was the right colour.

He heard a gasp from beside him and looked at Hermione. She was staring at her mixture in horror. Harry, want colour has yours gone? "greeny yellow, why, is that wrong." She looked at him worriedly. "No, its right but mine has gone bright pink" she hissed. She looked at it again, swallowed then cried, "Harry get down!" And then her cauldron exploded, just missing Harry and Hermione but soaking Dean and Seamus to the skin in thick pink slime. They sat open mouthed and gazed first at Hermione and then at themselves in shock. "Hermione Granger!" shouted Snape as he rushed towards her. "What did I tell you? Do exactly as I directed, you stupid girl. Too busy concentrating on immature crushes weren't you?" And he jerked his head in Harry's direction. Hermione was close to tears. "Look at the state of this room!" Hermione stammered "But Sir, I did everything that was on the board just as you wrote it Sir" then she went quiet as Snape slowly moved closer to her. "I see, so it was my instructions that were incorrect was it? Then tell me girl, why you added moonstone when Gemstone was quite obviously written instead?" Hermione gazed at the bottle in her hand and indeed, it was the wrong ingredient. She looked back at him in fear. "Get out, you little fool and you will have detention tomorrow evening. 30 points from Gryffindor, now get out of my sight!!" Hermione gave a loud sob and turned and fled. Snape waved his wand at the mess on the floor and it disappeared. Harry was staring at him with hatred. He then glanced at Ron, who too had managed to completely avoid any of the mess. He wouldn't meet Harry's eyes. Harry frowned, understanding. Selina and Malfoy both winked at Harry and he tried to ignore them. Why would Ron mess up Hermione's potion? It made no sense. He would find out though, he swore that. He poured some of his potion into a vial and waited for Snape to get to him, dread rising in him.

Hermione didn't stop running until she was a long way from the dungeons. She couldn't understand what had happened. She was sure that bottle had said "Gemstone." How could she have got it so wrong? An uncomfortable feeling went through her - Ron. He could have charmed the bottle when she turned to help Seamus behind her. But why, what had she done to him? She decided class must be over by now and decided to head back to the dungeons to meet Harry, she needed to speak to him. She turned around and screamed in horror. Sirius stood in front of her. She backed away from him, shaking her head. He moved closer and put his hand up. "Hermione Granger", he said softly "please do not be afraid, I've come to warn you - for Harry's sake". "What?" she stammered. "I mean why.." he hushed her with another wave of his hand. "You must tell him Hermione, tell him everything is not as it seems. There is great danger for all. He must be kept safe or all will fall." Hermione stared at him, not understanding. "Sirius, this doesn't make any sense, protect who? Harry?" "Go Hermione, time is running out. Go." And Sirius vanished. Hermione just stared open-mouthed at where he had stood, turned and ran.

In potions, Harry was still waiting for Snape to get to his desk. He felt fury when he looked at Ron. He would kill him! OK, he'd lost Percy but Harry had lost so many people himself. He just didn't accept that was reason enough for Ron to act the way he was. Snape was in front of Ron now. Ron merely looked back at the Professor. "Stand" Snape told him and he did as he was told. "Open your mouth Mr Weasley". Ron did so and Snape dropped some of the potion into his mouth and Ron's arms and legs vanished. Harry knew what was coming. At least 5 points were about to be taken from Gryffindor. Instead, to his greatest astonishment Snape said with a small smile, "a good effort Mr Weasley, you needed to stir the mixture more vigorously but still, not bad. A pass for you." Snape then waved his wand and all of Ron reappeared. Harry couldn't believe it. Snape had never been nice to Ron as Ron was Harry's friend. Of course, Harry thought bitterly, he's not my friend now is he? Snape probably knows and this is his way of awarding Ron. Harry glared at Snape as he got to his desk. "Get up Potter and open your mouth now! Snape snapped. Harry sighed and got up. Unlike Ron, all of him vanished except for his feet. "Useless Potter" Snape told him. "You didn't add enough eye of unicorn! 5 points from Gryffindor for your inability to read." Snape waved his wand and Harry stood there once again, his face black with rage. Snape sneered and moved along. He passed all the Slytherins except one - Selina Umbridge. When he got to her desk, he looked at her with distaste. "You are Dolores Umbridge's niece, yes?" he asked her coldly. "I am Professor" she answered and actually gave him a kind of little courtesy! Snape continued to look down his nose at her. "This potion is far to pale, Miss Umbridge. I have no choice but to fail this. You will not vanish at all from this attempt, maybe just go slightly fainter. I warn you, I shall expect better from my NEWT students, especially those in my own house. Do I make myself clear?" Selina expression had changed dramatically and her beautiful face had gone quite twisted and ugly. Harry realised she now resembled her Aunt. She nodded at Snape and turned her back on him. He sneered and then moved on.

Finally, after what seemed like 6 hours instead of 2, Snape announced, "Class dismissed." Ron headed of immediately and Harry gave chase. He grabbed him just down the hall, out of Snape's earshot. "You did that didn't you, you messed up Hermione's mixture somehow. I want to know why." Ron's ears went pink and he pushed Harry away. "It wasn't me, it's not my fault she did her potion wrong." Harry frowned, he was still very angry. "OK, then why was Snape so pleased with you" "I don't know Potter, maybe it was because I worked hard that lesson, unlike you," Harry grabbed for his wand, as did Ron. "I don't know what is with you Weasley, but I'm not taking any more of your crap!" Someone got in between them. "Stop it" Ginny Weasley yelled "Both of you". Ron glared at his little sister but he seemed unable to shout at her. "Fine, Potter will be pleased you saved him Ginny" and with that turned on his heel, putting his wand away. Harry shouted after him "Who would have thought you'd turn about to be another Malfoy, Ron". Ron didn't reply. "What was all that about" Ginny asked Harry. "Nothing Ginny", he said, "just leave it ok" and he marched away, still fuming.

Ron was walking slowly, thinking. Malfoy had told him to charm the label on Hermione's bottle. He had promised him some lessons if he did as he said, and ruining one class for Hermione seemed not a bad swap. Now though, he felt awful. Hermione has been so upset and Harry so angry. He didn't really want to keep this up but he knew he had too. Malfoy was the only one who would help him. He was just deciding what he would do in the two-hour break for lunch when someone called his name. He turned around and sighed. It was only Loony Lovegood. "Hi Luna, what do you want", he asked her. She looked him up and down. "You are Ron aren't you?" She asked him. "Erm, yes, I think so," he answered. "Right, I can talk to you then." She said quietly. "OK Luna, what's wrong," he asked wearily. "Harry is your friend. He would help you, whatever was wrong. Not everyone here are your friends, they don't want to help you. Don't do anything stupid Ron", she finished her eyes on him. "OK Luna, I won't," He then added to her in a hissed voice, "You should watch your own back, not mine." He started to turn away. "Ron, I could help you," Luna called. "Keep away from me Luna," he called back. "For your own good."

Harry was halfway to the Common room when the voice he despised called to him again. "Potter, I need a word". Harry cursed under his breath and turned round to face Snape. "Yes Professor?" Snape eyed him. "I tried to speak to you at the end of my class but you seemed to be in a hurry. Any problems you wish to tell me about?" Harry said nothing "Thought not" Snape said, a nasty look on his face. "It seems the Headmaster wishes us to continue our Occlumency lessons." Harry frowned and Snape noticed. "Yes Potter, that was my reaction too. But the Headmaster is most anxious. Therefore, you will come to my office from tomorrow everyday until I am satisfied you have mastered Occlumency enough." Harry was not happy. Dumbledore knew what a disaster these lessons had been last year and had admitted to Harry it was a mistake to get Snape to teach him. "I think Dumbledore would prefer" Harry started but Snape interrupted him. "Professor Dumbledore trusts my ability to teach you this Potter. He taught me after all." Harry was surprised at this. Snape knew he had said too much. "Enough, you will be at my office at 8.00pm. Do not be late!" And with that Snape turned and disappeared downstairs.

Harry stood where he was for a moment. Why would Dumbledore teach Snape Occlumency? Did Voldemort try to enter Snape's mind as well? Harry was still pondering this when someone touched his shoulder. He spun round, wand at the ready. "God Harry, you are jumpy!" exclaimed Cho Chang who had backed away from him quickly. "Oh, sorry Cho", how are you"? He said hurriedly, putting his wand away. "I'm ok, I wanted to see you to say I'm sorry about last year. I was an idiot," she added quietly. Harry felt uncomfortable. "That's fine Cho, really. I was really moody last year, not at my best either." "Yes, but you didn't keep dissolving into tears did you?" She smiled. He grinned back. "No that's true, anyway forget it ok, I'm happy to be friends." He turned to go but Cho grabbed his arm. "That's just it Harry, I'd like to be more then friends. I do really like you. I know I told you that last year but I really do mean it." Her eyes were staring in to his. Harry was aware how lovely looking she was as she stepped towards him. He hesitated but wasn't sure why. "Erm, listen Cho, I'm sorry but this isn't really what I need right now." Cho looked hurt but smiled. "I don't blame you, I'll give you time but think about it ok? She kissed him on the cheek. There was a moments quiet, then Cho said "So, you playing Quidditch again?" Harry suddenly remembered he had been thrown off the team last year but that had been by Umbridge, he was sure everything was ok now. "Yeah, I guess so, haven't heard differently anyway. You?" Cho grinned "Oh yes, I know I was awful last year but I've been practising really hard and Ravenclaw haven't been doing any tryouts for a new one so I guess we'll still be against each other." She laughed. Harry smiled back but suddenly gasped from the pain in his right arm. "You alright Harry" Cho said with concern "Yeah, I'm fine" Harry lied but he turned away from Cho when he felt his right arm move without him wanting it too. He realised it was trying to get his wand. The urge to attack Cho was unbearable. He fought with all his might then turned around. "I'll catch you later Cho" Harry called after her as he headed off as fast as he could.

Cho stared after him, then shrugged. Harry Potter had always been odd but he was so cute! She was annoyed at herself for driving him away last year. Guess Ill just have to try harder this time round, she said to herself, then turned to head back to her common room, and walked straight in to Hermione. She gasped and dropped her bag. "Now who's jumpy?" Hermione asked her coldly. "Well, you shouldn't stand in people's ways should you?" Cho replied coldly and picked up her books. "What were you talking to Harry about?" Hermione demanded. "None of your business", Cho snapped back. Hermione scowled at her. "Harry is my friend so he IS my business. He has been through enough and doesn't need you playing your little games with him again." "Well", Cho answered, smiling at Hermione now. "I think that's up to Harry don't you?" Hermione glowered at her. "Anyway," Cho continued, still smiling sweetly, "You want to be more than friends with Harry don't you? That really what you are worried about". "Hermione went red and raising her voice said, "don't be ridiculous." Cho laughed at her and started to walk away. "OK, suit yourself" Cho said as she walked. She looked back at Hermione, who glared at her. "As if Harry would be interested in you anyway, I mean, look at you and then look at me." She giggled at Hermione then wandered off. Hermione stared after her and wiped her eyes. She felt oddly empty, then turned and walked slowly back to her common room, her head down.

Harry was rushing along the corridor as fast as he could. What had happened? He wanted to attack Cho then, but why? His arm was still burning and his scar was hurting him too. He felt anger inside him and knew Voldemort was annoyed about something, wherever he was. Harry knew where he had to go, he had to see Dumbledore and show him the mark left by the Ravenscar. He didn't know exactly what was happening, but he wouldn't bet against it being to do with that mark.

He arrived at Dumbledore's door and went to knock but paused when he heard talking inside. He recognised Dumbledore and McGonagall's voices and they were speaking quite loudly. Harry pressed his ear against the door to listen. He heard McGonagall say, "But Albus, are you sure?" Dumbledore answered her with "Yes, Minerva, all the signs point to Harry." "Well, we have to fetch him now" McGonagll said and Harry heard footsteps. He listened even more, trying to pick up every single word. "No Minerva," Dumbledore said "We cannot tell him until we are sure what this will mean. He is in greater danger than ever now and I must protect him, not just for his sake but also for all our sakes. You must not tell the Order yet either Minerva, not until I have prepared everything for what we are going to face. Just keep an eye on him Professor, he must be kept safe, at all costs." Harry then rushed away from the door as the footsteps came closer. The door opened and McGonagall walked out, looking very solemn. Harry watched her go and slipped down the wall on to the floor, head in hands. How much was he supposed to take? What was he being protected for? And what IS he? He wanted to charge in and demand answers from Dumbledore but he couldn't. He realised how tired he was, any hungry and decided to head to the Hall for lunch. He walked ion, lost in thought, until he bumped right into someone. "Sorry he mumbled. "I should think so" came a curt voice. Harry looked into Selina Umbridge's face. His arm burned again and he grabbed it, gasping in pain. "Yes" he heard Selina say quietly. He looked up at her again. She was smiling at him. "It hurts, doesn't it?" He stared at her as she pushed past him and headed out of sight, without saying another word.

Wow, that took me a while to type. Still I hope you enjoyed it. I'll try to get the next chapter posted in the next couple of days. Anyway, please let me know what you think.

Thanks to everyone for their reviews, sorry I can't reply to you all. I'm glad you are enjoying my story.