OK, few more people to thank today. First of all

Yoshi - Thanks as always mate. I always enjoy reading your reviews and hope you keep them coming. Angeltears and Dreamer - Thanks again for reviewing. Tell me what you think of this chapter. Sew2100 - Thanks for your comments. I like that you reviewed after reading each chapter! Hope you enjoy the rest. Emerald Earth - I know there are some grammar/spelling issues and I would be very keen on getting a "Beta" reviewer, only I don't know what they are! Please could you email me and let me know how to go about getting one? Thanks. This is my first fan fic so I'm not clued up! Anyway, I'm pleased you like my story and hope you keep reviewing. I liked your comments, really helpful, at times critical but not rude. Thank you. Danyell - Thanks for reviewing, hope you do so again.

Last but definitely not least .

Dark Lady of Slytherin - Who is Mary Sue?

Ok, soz people. Back to the story - enjoy!!!

Chapter 15 - Decisions

Harry sat on the steps leading up to the school for a while, unsure of what he should do. Part of him was saying that Rosenna was fibbing, there was no way she could get to Hermione. The other part of him was saying, you know how strong she is, how can you be so sure? But what could he do? He couldn't leave Hagrid in that Forest to rot, and he had to tell someone about Luna.

As soon as he thought of Luna, he felt sick. He knew he would be charged with murder for what happened to her. Rosenna used HIS wand, HIS body! How would he ever convince anyone of the truth? He slowly got to his feet, rubbing his scar. It had been prickling for a while now. He knew Voldemort was happy. He obviously thought things were going very well for him and his Lady. Harry walked to the front door. He wouldn't be able to cope if anything happened to Hermione but he wanted Hagrid safe too. He'd made up his mind. He would do as Rosenna said, he wouldn't tell a thing - but there were other ways.

He rushed in to the school banged the door and flew towards the dungeons. He knew what he was going to do and the idea filled him with dread, going to THIS person for help but he had no choice. He was running as fast as he could when a sneering voice yelled out to him.

"Where do you think you are off to, Potter?" Harry stopped and turned, Malfoy was stood a few steps behind him, wand out. Selina was with him, smirking.

"I don't think that is any of your business," Harry snapped back.

Malfoy smiled and pointed to the badge on his front. "Beg to differ scarhead, but it IS my business." Selina giggled. Harry just glared as Malfoy continued, very much enjoying himself. "I'm a prefect, which you are not. I'm allowed down here, which you are not. I'm allowed to hand out punishments to naughty students who are out of their beds at night, you are not. Therefore, Potter, I will be reporting you to my Head of House and you had better tell me what you are doing or I will have you scrubbing toilets with Filch for a week!" Selina squealed and clapped her hands in glee.

Harry felt so much hatred for Malfoy, it was eating him up. All he wanted to do was grab his wand and jinx Malfoy, his mouth and his pathetic girlfriend as far away from him as possible. How could Dumbledore have kept Malfoy a prefect when he knew what he was? He may as well have let Voldemort have run of the place! And, Harry thought bitterly, he had still decided that Harry had enough on his plate already without being a prefect. Harry snorted to himself. He had two evil beings in his head, he could cope with telling off some brats. He shook himself away from his thoughts and turned once again to face Malfoy.

"I've come to see Snape, Malfoy, he is expecting me," Harry said quietly, just about keeping his temper under control.

"That's Professor Snape to you," Malfoy said, waving a finger in Harry's face. "Manners Potter!" Harry wanted to hit out at that sneering face so badly but he stopped himself. He thought of Hagrid and kept a fixed smile on his face.

"Well, Professor Snape won't want to see you Potter, he's busy, so bog off!" Selina laughed at this, her hand on Malfoys arm. Harry could tell that Malfoy was acting so badly because he was trying to impress her and Harry could also see that it was working.

Just at that moment, Snape appeared behind Malfoy and raised his eyebrows at the little group in front of him. "What is happening here?" Snape enquired to Malfoy.

"Potter was wandering about out of bed, Sir, I took away some house points but he refused to leave." Malfoy then glared at Potter but Harry could see he was excited, obviously expecting Snape to give out some horrible punishment. Selina was looking expectantly at Snape too. Snape gave her a look of strong dislike, then turned to Harry.

"Potter, go back to your dormitory now before you make things worse for yourself. And remember, even you are not important enough to walk around the school at night. Now, go." Snape stared at Harry, who refused to move. "I need some remedial Potions, Sir," Harry said calmly, his eyes not leaving Snape's face. Snape blinked, glanced at the two Slytherins, and then said to Harry in a funny voice, "Now? I was at my office two hours ago Potter but you chose not to turn up. Why?" Harry didn't answer but continued to look unblinkingly at Snape. Snape watched him for a moment then turned back to his students. "Draco, Miss Umbridge, it would be best if you moved along now. I must give Potter his extra lesson. Now, if you please." Malfoy and Selina were starring at Snape in disbelieving horror.

"B-but Sir," Malfoy stammered, "Potter shouldn't be out of bed now. You can't give him lessons now, it's against the rules." Snape spun round on Malfoy and grabbed his collar. Malfoy jumped ten foot in the air.

"NEVER tell me my job again Malfoy, ever. I am the professor here, not you. You will do as I say and leave NOW! Do you understand me?" Malfoy was looking at Snape as if he couldn't believe his ears. Snape sticking up for Potter, over him? James Potters son? Lord Voldemort would hear of this! Selina was giving Snape one of her nastiest looks, which she had obviously inherited from her Aunt. Snape saw, released Malfoy and turned to her. "As for you, Miss Umbridge, Malfoy is a prefect and has a right to be out of bed at this hour, you on the other hand, do not. If I catch you out and about at this time again, I will be forced to dock Slytherin of house points and you will be in detention with me for 2 weeks. Do you hear me?" Selina was lost for words and Malfoy was in shock. Snape had never threatened to take points away from his own house before. Malfoy pulled Selina's arm and then, without another look at Harry or Snape, they both strode away.

Harry turned to Snape, speechless. Snape looked at him for a moment then beckoned Harry into his office. They walked in together and Snape closed the door. He gestured to Harry to sit down. Harry did so, then waited.

"Well, Potter. You wanted a lesson now, will you tell me why?" Harry got to his feet, pulling his wand out. Snape seemed to eye it nervously. Harry knew he was surprised at his behaviour. "I'm ready Professor, let's start." Snape gazed at Harry for a moment, then slowly stood up and faced Harry. "Very well Potter, prepare yourself - one, two, three - Legilimens!" Harry took a step back as he felt Snape attempting to enter his mind. Harry didn't want Snape to see everything, only Hagrids disappearance. He allowed Snape in, and flashed the images of Hagrid running back into the Forest into Snape's head. As Snape then attempted to delve further into Harry's memories, Harry was fighting him. He wanted Snape out. He didn't want to let him see - "My sweet," a voice said in Harry's head. "You are mine now, you cannot fight me." Harry then let out a cry and forced Snape away. He heard a yell and quickly opened his eyes. The force of his mind had sent Snape flying into his desk. Snape stared at Harry. "Who ." he began but Harry interrupted him. "You know now, please go." Snape kept his eyes on Harry for a moment longer then quickly said "I cannot go into the Forest now, Potter. It is dark and the centaurs are killing any human like creature. I will go tomorrow. You will go back to bed at once" Harry stood frozen to the spot. "He could be dead out there!" Snape merely glanced in Harry's direction. "If that is true, then I won't be able to help him. I felt the urgency in your head Potter, and the fact you wish me not to inform the Head Master." Snape paused and Harry looked at him, waiting. "This I will not do, for now, but you WILL go to bed. I will search for Hagrid tomorrow. You have my word." Harry knew there was nothing he could do. He turned and walked out of Snape's office, praying that he had done the right thing.

Harry went back to his dormitory as quickly as he could. He didn't want to bump into Malfoy, Selina or any other prefects again. He was very nervous, constantly glancing over his shoulder. What if he should have gone to McGonagall, or Professor Flitwick? What if Snape didn't help Hagrid. Hagrid would die and it would be all his, Harry's, fault.

Harry finally arrived back in his common room and gasped in shock when Hermione walked out straight in front of him.

"Where have you been Harry, I know you've been gone hours." Hermione looked furious and Harry's heart sank.

"I'm sorry Hermione, I can't tell you where I've been. I'm tired though, I'm going to bed." He went to push past her but she grabbed his arm.

"If you start acting as crazy as Ron, and as secretive, then I WILL go mad Harry, I swear. Now, tell me where you've been all this time, PLEASE! She added that last word pleadingly and there were tears in her eyes. Harry's heart hurt but what could he do? He refused to put Hermione in any further danger then she was already in. He gave her a quick look and said "I'm sorry Hermione," pulled out of her grip and rushed to his dormitory.

He felt terrible but he would try to make it up to her tomorrow. They would be going into Hogsmeade and Hermione had promised to accompany him, which he was surprisingly flattered about. He hoped she hadn't changed her mind. Harry climbed into his bed, no one else in the room was awake. He looked at Ron for a moment, then, very slowly, went off to sleep.

Harry awoke the next morning to find the sun beating down on him. He remembered straight away the events of the day before. He tried not to think about Hagrid. He hoped Snape was good to his word but knew there was nothing he could do at that moment. He yawned and stretched. He called out a hello to Neville, then turned around quickly when there was no reply. Harry said a very rude word in shock and leapt out of bed. Everyone else was already up and gone. He glanced at his watch. It was 10.10am, he was supposed to have met Hermione on the front steps 10 minutes ago! He raced around the dorm, getting washed and dressed as quickly as possible and then legged out of the room, running as fast as he could.

He skidded to a halt in the front entrance ten minutes later, panting. He caught his breath and straightened his clothes. Harry then opened the front door and rushed down. Hermione was sat on the step, staring into space. When she saw Harry, she stood up but didn't smile.

Harry ran down to her. "I'm so sorry I'm late, Hermione. I slept in."

Hermione gave him a look, which told Harry that she didn't accept this as a good enough explanation.

"I'm not surprised after the late night you had last night. Oh, don't worry Harry, I'm not going to ask where you were, I know that's none of my business. Shall we go?" She then walked on ahead of him without waiting for a reply. Harry called out, rushing to catch up with her. "Honestly Hermione, I really am sorry." Hermione didn't answer him, but secretly, she smiled. Harry decided at that moment not to tell her about Hagrid until he had heard from Snape, it would only worry her.

It took her a few minutes to stop punishing Harry but eventually, she did start talking to him properly again and even held his hand. Harry now had a grin as wide as the Cheshire Cat's on his face. They wandered around for a while, looking at the Quidditch shops and Hermione insisted on going into a shop that sold hundreds of schoolbooks. She also stayed in there for 40 minutes. Harry, thinking that he had rode his luck already, didn't complain once. Hermione decided that he had had enough and they finally left. Hermione had brought 6 new big books, which Harry was carrying.

"Where shall we go now, I know a lovely little coffee place ."

"NO!" Harry shouted his reply to this a little too abruptly and Hermione smiled to herself. "Erm," Harry stammered, "Why don't we go to The Three Broomsticks, I like it in there, it's, you know, cosy." Hermione chuckled under her breath then grinned at him. "Sounds great," she answered and they headed away though the streets.

They stayed in the 3 Broomsticks for a couple of hours. Harry really enjoyed their chat. Compared to Cho, Hermione was such better company. He always knew what to say to her, no uncomfortable pauses in their conversations. They both agreed that they had spent enough time in there and decided to go back to school, especially when an army of seventh year Slytherins arrived. They thought it best to get out as fast as possible, especially as it seemed the Slytherins were big enough to be able to order "proper" drinks. They walked out of the pub and started their quick walk back to school, hand in hand. They were laughing and agreeing that they had both had great morning. Harry was smiling down at Hermione's happy face and realised how pretty she was. He hesitated for only a moment then leant forward towards her lips .

Suddenly, a scream filled the air. They both looked at each other, then ran in the direction of it. They rounded a corner and saw Cho Chang being pushed around by Selina Umbridge, Pansy Parkinson and Millicent Bulstrode. Selina was pulling her hands away from her face and yelling "Come on, give us a look then Cho, it's really attractive honestly. You want Potter don't you? Well, Potter likes girls with big teeth - really!" The others howled with laughter, and then pushed Cho to the ground and Selina actually kicked her. Harry let go of Hermione's hand and ran towards the group. He grabbed hold of Selina and pushed her away from Cho. Selina crashed into Millicent and both the girls fell to the ground. Selina looked up at Harry as she got to her feet and a very evil look appeared on her face.

"Look Cho, it's your Knight in shining armour!" Selina also glanced quickly at Hermione. "Oh! But I'm sorry, he's already got his Lady with him!" Harry swung round on Selina and shoved her again. "Get lost will you. You really are a bitch aren't you? I bet your Aunt is so proud." Selina sneered at Harry but didn't reply. Instead, she turned to her silent friends who were obviously waiting for instructions. "Come on girls, let's go find Draco and the others. Too many sad people in this area for me now. Bye bye Cho darling!" Selina and the others then ran off out of sight, laughing.

Hermione glared after her then walked towards Harry, who was helping Cho up and attempting to coax her in showing him her face. "Look, it's ok, really. I won't laugh. Hermione will be able to help you Cho, please look at me." Hermione gave him a look that said otherwise but didn't say anything. Cho slowly raised her head and looked at Harry. Her teeth now resembled vampire fangs. Harry swore under his breath, then led Cho over to Hermione.

Hermione gave him a quizzical look then recoiled at the sight of Cho. A flicker came over Hermione's face and Harry frowned. Hermione turned to Harry. "So, how can I help?" Harry gave her a look and said "You must know the counter curse Hermione, come on!" Hermione tutted, then got her wand out. She waved it and said something under he breath. Cho actually cried out in pain and grabbed her mouth. She sat on the floor, in tears but with a normal mouth once again. Harry looked at Hermione suspiciously. "Is it supposed to hurt?" She gave him a hurt look. "Yes!" He glanced at her one more time then knelt down beside the sobbing Cho on the ground. "You're alright now Cho," he told her patting her arm. "Com on, we should all go back to school." Cho then continued to sob on Harry's arm, making his sleeve all wet. "I - can't - Harry. It - was - too - awful! Please - take - me!" After every word, she sniffed. Hermione was giving her a disgusted look as Harry helped her up. "I better go on ahead with Cho Hermione, you'll be ok won't you." Hermione was fuming but didn't show it. "Oh 'course, no problem. You go on". She then pushed past them and walked away. Cho smiled to herself but continued to sob on Harry's shoulder. Oh - thank - you - Harry! I'm - so - grateful. I - hope - I - didn't - interrupt - you - and - Hermione." She looked up at him with her big, beautiful eyes and snivelled. Harry frowned to himself. "Of course not. It wasn't your fault was it?" She shook her head, then gave him a sweet smile. Harry swallowed and looked at her. She touched his face with her finger, then batted her eyelids at him. He could not get over how sexy she was. They stopped and stared at each other. Cho leant closer to Harry and pulled him towards her. Something was telling him in the back of his mind, don't do it but she looked and smelt so good. He gave in finally and their lips joined and the kiss turned into a full-blown snog. Harry pulled away first and said to Cho. "Lets go." Cho grinned at him and took his hand as they walked to the school together. Cho glanced over her shoulder and blew a silent kiss. Hermione stood behind a wall, watching them go. Tears fell down her cheeks. She turned round and ran blindly when thump! She collided with someone and fell to the ground. She started to stammer an apology then glanced up into Ron's face. "Watch where you are going ." he started then stopped when she saw the state she was in. "What's wrong?" he asked her, concern on his face. Hermione got up glaring then went to run away from him but he grabbed her wrist. "Hermione ." Ron began then stopped. Hermione let out a strangled sob and fell into Ron's arms, crying and crying. Ron hugged her tightly but didn't say a word.

Cho was almost skipping as she strolled along beside Harry. She hadn't noticed that he had dropped her hand, that he hadn't spoken to her for a while. She was overjoyed. She was sure she had won her man back. She tried to take Harry's hand back when he suddenly stopped in front of her. She began to ask him what was wrong when she saw Snape walking towards them. "Potter, come with me." Snape was looking at Harry and Cho noticed Harry had gone very pale. Snape seemed to understand what was wrong with him. "Yes Potter, you must come with me, now." Harry moved towards Snape then turned to Cho. "Find Hermione Cho, tell her to meet me at Professor Dumbledore's office and tell, I'm sorry." Cho stared at Harry questioningly for a moment, saw the despair on his face and turned and ran. Harry turned back to Snape. "It's Hagrid, isn't it?" Snape looked at him. Harry felt tears in his eyes. "Is he alive?" Snape didn't say anything but merely walked to the main door, waiting for Harry to join him. At the moment, Harry made up his mind. He would not let Rosenna and Voldemort win. He was not going to fear them, he would protect Hermione himself if he had do. He walked up the steps. He was going to tell Dumbledore everything. No one else was going to get hurt because of his silence. He slowly followed Snape into the school.