Chapter 13: Losses and Triumphs
It was fairly early when Harry woke up the next again morning - especially for a Saturday, but this was no ordinary day. A grin spread across Harry's face as he remembered the finer points of last night; Sirius was here - at Hogwarts - and he was staying, and of course Ali - she had kissed him. It was only a peck on the cheek, but Harry couldn't have been happier.
"Harry?" it was Ron, who was looking quite surprised to see Harry awake and sitting up so early, "What're you so happy about?"
"Well.I get to see Sirius today and um." he wanted to tell Ron about what had happened last night with Ali; he just couldn't seem to find the words.
"Something happened with Ali didn't it?" persisted Ron, suddenly remembering that he had waited up for about half an hour to talk to Harry - but he hadn't appeared.
"Well, it wasn't a big deal really, but we got back to the common room, and she asked how I knew Sirius, and that led to me telling the whole third year story - which led to me telling her all the stories from Hogwarts. I mean everything - even about the Department of Mysteries - though not about the prophecy, I thought that might, I dunno, scare her off or something" he said with a hollow laugh, trying to distract Ron from the blush rising in his cheeks. "But she did say she wanted to do it again sometime..."
Ron looked at Harry searchingly, quite taken back; 'he had told her everything?' it wasn't like Harry to be as bluntly honest with anyone, sometimes not even him or Hermione, and Ali? He had only known her for a few weeks, and he had barely spoken to her. Nevertheless he smiled - he was happy for Harry - it would do him good to be, well, 'normal' for once. "So are you going to see her today?"
"Obviously" returned Harry with a smirk, "we have Quidditch practice after breakfast! The first match against Slytherin is only a few weeks away, and we cannot lose!"
"Calm down Harry - the team's great - just look at the new players we got!" Ron enthused
"Yeah, you're right" said Harry, still smiling - he didn't think anything could bring him down today - "Come on, let's go get some breakfast"
**************************************************************************** ************************************
Harry and Ron were waiting in the common room for Hermione, but they needn't have bothered, when she came downstairs she was smiling and laughing, deep in discussion with Ali and Ginny, the three of whom were becoming closer and closer. The girls walked straight past without as much as acknowledging the boys, and after the scolding Ron had received for not noticing Hermione he didn't appreciate it.
"Hermione?" he started, tapping her shoulder, looking slightly frustrated "don't I even get a 'good morning'?" he continued when she turned round,
"Of course you do," she replied, kissing him lightly, erasing all signs of frustration from his face, "now.I'm kind of in the middle of something here..so I'll talk to you later, okay?"
He was going to protest, but he couldn't ignore the pleading look in her eyes, and simply shrugged in reply, turning to Harry, who was looking slightly ill,
"What's up with you?" asked Ron, baffled
"Nothing really.it's just them.and their discussing.and their giggling.what are they talking about anyway?" he demanded
"I wish I knew" replied Ron, a wistful look glazing his eyes
"It must be us" declared Harry, "else we would be allowed to hear it!"
"I know" Ron looked thoughtful, "When did Hermione become.well.such a girl?"
"I have no idea" replied Harry, "its strange though isn't it? I mean her having girl friends? It was always the three of us.and it still is of course.but it's like.different"
"She's growing up" said Ron, his ears reddening, because of both how 'old' that sounded, and the thoughts that flashed through his mind, detailing the various ways in which she had grown up.
"Mm" Harry murmured his agreement, both boys became lost in thought, when suddenly Harry remembered what they had been about to do. "Weren't we going to get breakfast?"
"What?" Ron glanced up, drawn away from his musings, "Oh yeah, let's go"
**************************************************************************** ************************************
Harry and Ron were among the last few students to enter the great hall, and Harry glanced round puzzled; there were still a considerable number of empty places around the hall, 'maybe they all slept in?' No, that didn't seem right, the air around them was tense, Harry couldn't place what it was, but something wasn't right. He continued over to the Griffindor table, and sat down opposite Ron who had taken his usual place next to Hermione, he didn't even notice that he was sitting next to Ali until,
"Morning Harry" she said smiling at him,
"Oh, uh, morning Ali" he spluttered, blushing the whole time.
Harry looked around the rest of the table; the uneasy feeling was still present, and he noticed that Seamus was missing; confused he looked to Dean, Seamus' best friend for an explanation,
"Where's Seamus, Dean?" Harry definitely didn't expect the reaction he got; Dean's face twisted with emotion as he replied,
"Seamus had to go home.his family was attacked.his dad got killed.his mum wanted him with her."
"Oh" said Harry, kicking himself for even asking, why did he always put his foot in it?
Ginny, who was sitting next to Dean, reached out and squeezed his hand supportively, wrapping her other arm around his waist, a display that usually would have irritated Ron, today however he barely even noticed. Hermione looked over towards Harry
"There were lots more attacks yesterday and last night" she said looking pained, "He's not even targeting specific people, anyone will do; he just wants to kill,"
Harry paled and his eyes widened in surprise, this was bad; he wasn't sure what he had expected but it wasn't this, he supposed he subconsciously thought it would be just like last year, a few mysterious disappearances, the odd death here and there, but over the course of two days Voldemort had killed several maybe even hundreds of wizards. And morbid as the thought was the only thing Harry could think of is 'and this is only the beginning'.
It looked like many families had had the same idea as Seamus', when the owl's arrived with the morning post several people looked distraught and stumbled out of the hall to their respective dorms. Families just wanted their family close; in case anything did happen. Harry couldn't help but feel they were being a little stupid; if Hogwarts wasn't safe where was? Then he thought about it and realised that Voldemort was after him, and he was at Hogwarts, so it was perfectly understandable why people wouldn't want their children there. Harry was overwhelmed with guilt; people had to leave this school, the place they all loved so much, all because of him. Just by being there he was ruining things for other people.
"Harry?" Are you okay?" asked Ron concerned, Harry had paled considerably and was now staring at the food in front of him like it was the most exquisite delicacy he had ever seen, when in reality it was a few slices of toast.
"What?" he said, looking up, disconcerted,
"I asked if you were alright," replied Ron, his concern growing
"Oh, yeah I'm fine" replied Harry, forcing his mouth into a smile that never even threatened to reach his eyes. They gave away his pain and anxiety, which both Ron and Hermione noted disapprovingly - Harry was blaming himself - again.
"Harry" began Hermione sternly, "don't you dare think of blaming yourself or feeling guilty about this."
"I'm not" Harry protested, then he saw the sceptical looks from his friends and gave up the act, "ok, maybe I am, but why shouldn't I? Hogwarts is the safest place in the wizarding world but because of me people are having to leave!" The people sitting around him merely stared on in disbelief, at a complete loss for words, "What?" demanded Harry, "its true isn't it? People don't want their kids here because I am. Voldemort wants to kill me, and I'm here, which means he'll probably end up here at some point, so people are removing their children!"
"Harry" interrupted Ginny, "last night Voldemort randomly murdered countless wizards! Do you really think anywhere can count as safe now?"
"Well, no, I guess not" said Harry sheepishly,
"People just want the ones they care about close, so that if they're in danger they'll be together and they can fight for each other," said Ali, speaking up for the first time since the awful news.
An awkward silence befell the group, and they finished breakfast in relative quiet; a scenario becoming all too familiar for everyone's liking. Ginny and Ali were right, Harry knew they were, that didn't remove the guilt though, he doubted anything would. It did dull it slightly, leaving Harry feeling slightly numb and empty. Watching others leave the Great Hall he saw that their stance mirrored his mind set, defeated, beaten, and hurt. Almost everyone had been effected by the attacks, even if only indirectly. It was all because of one wizard - if he was even still human enough to be called that - Voldemort. Harry was finally beginning to understand just how bad things were going to get - he could see why people had been so happy years ago when Voldemort vanished, he was even beginning to see why Fudge was so reluctant to admit that Voldemort was back, he grimaced, and decided there and then - this thing was going to end - soon.
"Harry?" This time it was Ai drawing him away from his thoughts. Looking around he saw they were the only two left. "Um.we have practice now, and everyone else is heading down to the pitch."
"Oh right, of course" he said standing up quickly
"Um, Harry." she started looking up at him, her violet eyes shimmering as they anxiously met his own
"Yeah?" he replied breathlessly, she was standing really close to him, and when she looked at him like that he felt as though she could see right into his soul,
"Are you okay? I mean really okay?" she asked
"Yes" he replied, there was no need to burden her with his worries
"Harry.please trust me.you can tell me what's wrong"
"There isn't anything wrong" he said defensively,
"I know there is.being part fairy means I pick up on the feelings of people around me, if they're particularly strong, and I can feel the worry on your mind, tell me, and let me help."
"I, um, we have to go to practice" he finished desperately
She looked hurt, "okay" she replied as she turned to leave the Hall.
He hated to see the pain in her eyes, he couldn't bear hurting her, "But, um, maybe we could talk after?" he trailed off
She smiled and her eyes lit up, "Sure!" and they headed down to the Quidditch pitch.
Practice went well, the new team fitted together perfectly and everyone got on, making training fun. Ron had immeasurably improved since last year, the new beaters seemed to share some kind of mental link that made them seamless, the Chasers were all fantastic flyers and handled the quaffle superbly. Harry couldn't have hoped for a better team. In the air, watching them practice, focussing mainly on Ali, air rushing through his hair, Harry was happy; truly happy. In the air the troubles of life on the ground diminished, they seemed trivial and unimportant, all that mattered was him, his firebolt, and of course the golden snitch. Continuing to survey practice he noticed Hermione was watching from the stands and he grinned at her, she smiled warmly back and pointed towards Hagrid's hut. When Harry looked closely enough at the window he was sure he could make out the shape of a large black dog - Padfoot. He grinned again - this was what life should be like- no Voldemort - no Death Eaters - just family and friends - where everyone could be happy.
Harry was quickly jolted back to reality when he saw a small group moving towards them dressed in green and carrying brooms, he might've guessed - the Slytherin's. He glared at them and was suddenly overcome with a sense of curiosity - their old captain, Marcus Flint had left too - who would replace him. Harry flew down towards the advancing group, and was met by whom else, the new team captain - Draco Malfoy.
"So.you're the best they could do for Captain Potter?" sneered Malfoy, he turned to face his team mates, "winning the cup shouldn't be a problem then should it?"
They laughed automatically, as Malfoy sent a scathing look towards Harry.
"Well seeing as we've won the cup every year since Harry joined the team" interjected Ron fuming, "I'd say you have a pretty big problem,"
Malfoy faltered for a split second as the truth hit home but quickly regained his composure, scowling "Not if you haven't learnt to catch the quaffle yet we haven't Weasley"
"Well, it's a good thing I have then isn't it" snapped Ron, flushing scarlet
"Let's face it Malfoy" spat Jenny, who had also appeared behind Harry along with the rest of the team "You know just as well as we do that you're going to lose so why bother with this pathetic nonsense?"
"And just who are you?" he replied coolly, staring her down with a steely gaze
"Jenny Taylor - beater" she replied just as coolly, "You might want to watch your back when we face each other in a few weeks"
"A girl? As a beater?" Malfoy smirked "Crabbe and Goyle will flatten you, precious"
"You'd better hope so" she replied menacingly
"Oh I think I can deal with you" he countered, an evil grin spreading across his pale face,
"A bit sure of yourself, aren't you?" she remarked, stepping forward, ignoring her brother's hand pulling her back,
"I don't see anything to fear" he said casually, discreetly reaching for his wand,
"Then maybe you should open your eyes!" she declared as she threw her foot forward, kicking him, right between the legs,
Malfoy's eyes widened in horror as he collapsed to the group, cursing. The whole Griffindor team burst out laughing, seeing Malfoy on the ground defenceless was not an everyday occurrence after all.
Crabbe, Goyle and some other brainless muscle started to move forwards, advancing threateningly on the Griffindor's, all of whom drew their wands except for Ali. She stepped forward and muttered something under her breath, and in an instant a violet barrier separated them from their attackers. Goyle tried to keep walking straight through it but was violently thrown backwards when he hit it.
Ali smiled with satisfaction as the Griffindor's looked on in amazement. "Can we help you with something Malfoy?"
"Yes" he muttered, climbing onto his feet, wincing as he stood, "We have permission to use the pitch just now" he smirked, flashing a slip signed by Snape in front of them. Ali turned to face her team and they quickly decided what to do - let the Slytherin's have the pitch, after all they were practically finished anyway.and this way, they left as the winners.
"Fine" Harry replied breezily taking charge again, "After all you need all the practice you can get!" and with that the Griffindor's headed to the changing rooms grinning - the barrier staying between them and their rivals.
"That" remarked Ron "was the best practice ever!" not surprisingly, everyone agreed.
**************************************************************************** ************************************
When they left the changing rooms they found Hermione waiting for them, "That was brilliant!" she enthused, "how did you create that barrier Ali?"
Ali looked around to check who was there before she replied, "It's fairy magic, it's not that great really, it only works if the opposition believe in it, if any of them had believed they could cross they would've."
"Lucky for us they're all idiots then" giggled Ginny
"So." began Ron, looking around, "What do you guys want to do now?"
"Well, I've got to go and see Dean" replied Ginny, a concerned look flashing onto her face, "he was really close to the Finnegan's, what happened hit him quite hard,"
The group simply nodded understandingly, and Ginny headed up to the castle. Ron looked searchingly at the others.
"Well, um." began Harry blushing slightly, "I kind of promised to talk to Ali for a bit."
Ali grinned at him, glad he hadn't changed his mind. Ron sighed out of what appeared to Harry to be relief, so.he wanted some time alone with Hermione? Harry smirked, and Ron blushed slightly before looking pointedly at Ali and smirking back at Harry.
Harry blushed again, "So I'll see you guys at lunch then?"
"Yes" replied Hermione smiling, as Ron put his arm around her and they sauntered back to the castle.
"So." said Harry, focussing on Ali, "Where do you want to talk?"
"Well, it had better be private right?" she said thoughtfully,
Harry nodded, "How about we go down to the lake? There's not really anyone around there,"
She smiled up at him, and he grinned back as they headed over there. They passed Hagrid's hut on the way and as they did Hagrid called Harry over, he looked round, and seeing Hagrid's expression reluctantly made his way over there.
"Harry, I, um, need to have a word.inside" he looked desperate, so Harry agreed,
"Ali, could you wait here for a sec? I won't be long"
"Yeah, sure" she replied, looking slightly dejected
Harry smiled reassuringly at her, and then followed Hagrid inside. Sirius was there waiting for him.
"Hey, Harry!" he grinned
"Hi" said Harry, smiling almost fully
"What?" asked Sirius, noticing the slight hostility
"Nothing," said Harry, "It's just I was kind of busy."
"Oh yeah?" said Sirius a mischievous grin breaking onto his face, "doing what?"
"Umm." Harry blushed, "Keeping a promise."
"Oh I see" said Sirius, with a knowing smile that caused Harry to blush even more furiously, "I won't keep you then."
Harry saw the disappointment in Sirius' eyes as he said that, "It's not that I don't want to see you" he added earnestly, "it's just, well."
"I know, I know" said Sirius grinning again, "what're you doing this afternoon?"
"Not got any plans" said Harry
"Good" replied Sirius, "How about you come and visit me after lunch?"
"Yeah, cool" said Harry enthusiastically, "Where are you staying? Here?"
"No, no" said Sirius, "At the end of the corridor where Dumbledore's office is there's a portrait of a mermaid, that's where my room is, the password's 'Padfoot'."
Harry grinned, "Okay, I'll see you later then?"
"See you!" called Sirius as Harry sped towards the door; "If you can tear yourself away!" he teased, and saw enough of Harry's face to tell he was blushing as he pulled the door shut.
"Hey!" he called to Ali, who was grinning at him as he approached, "sorry about that!"
"It's okay" she replied, her eyes sparkling as she smiled, sending shivers through Harry's body, "What did he want anyway?"
"Oh, Sirius wants to see me later" said Harry still smiling,
"So, "Ali continued, after nodding her acknowledgement, "What was bothering you earlier?"
"Oh, that, it was just that I feel so guilty about anything to do with Voldemort, I mean it was my blood that resurrected him!"
She looked mildly surprised, "Harry, it's not your fault he's back. He's evil, if he hadn't come back that way, he would've found another way."
"Yeah I know" replied Harry, "and I'm fine with it most of the time, it's just when something like last night happens I feel responsible"
She hugged him, "You don't have to" she said reassuringly,
"I know," he said "and thanks" Her arm was still wrapped around him, so he moved his and put it around her waist, they sat comfortably in comfortable silence.
"so." Harry began, "are you going to tell me about you?"
"There's not that much to tell" she said blushing, 'she looks so cute when she blushes' Harry noted, "I've not had any great adventures like you have."
"So?" said Harry, "tell me about being a fairy.I didn't even know they existed!"
"Okay" she smiled and took a deep breath, "there aren't that many fairies left but all my mums side of the family are fairies. I grew up around them, and fairy magic was normal to me though many witches and wizards find it strange. The basic abilities fairies have are; they can tell if someone is telling the truth it works similarly to Legillimancy, so most fairies have an aptitude for that as well as Occlumency."
"Just rub it in why don't you" said Harry, pretending to look hurt,
She smiled and continued, "They also have the ability to be invisible. Most fairies are strong healers, and have a connection to one element in particular. Mine is air, probably why I'm so comfortable flying. Anyway the one thing Voldemort doesn't seem to know about fairies is that their magic is completely pure. I think that's something to do with why we can see through lies, but anyway it means that we cannot use Dark magic, if we tried our powers would leave us."
Harry looked taken back, "So what, you'd be a Muggle?"
"Maybe not me, because I'm half and half, my dad's wizard magic might stay with me, but trust me I don't intend to find out." She grinned at him,
"Good" he replied smiling back, "So what was your life like before Hogwarts?"
Her grin faded at this, obviously remembering her parents and the fact they were dead,
Harry mentally kicked himself for the second time that day; He had a habit of putting his foot in it! "You don't have to talk about it if you don't want" he said, pulling her closer,
"No, it's okay" she replied, "I don't mind." She smiled reassuringly at him, "I lived with mum and dad in a small village, mostly full of fairies but with a few muggles and wizards. My aunt lived next door. It was a basic normal life in a small village, up until my parents got killed. I can remember that night so well. I was sitting by the fire reading, mum and dad were chatting on the couch, when out of nowhere, He appeared. He was disgusting and he talked for what seemed like forever, telling mum why she should join him, but she wouldn't so he drew his wand and sent the killing curse towards her, but dad jumped in front. Mum just stood staring at him, in shock, so Voldemort killed her too, then Aunt Caighlynne came in, with the rest of the villagers and seeing how badly outnumbered he was, he left. My Aunt hugged me and we just cried in each others arms for hours." Tears were forming in her eyes again, and Harry gingerly brushed them away, eyes full of compassion searching hers.
She smiled at him gratefully and continued, "Then I went to live with my aunt, but we couldn't stay in the village, too many reminders. So Caighlynne applied for the job at Hogwarts. And well, you know the rest."
"I'm glad you're here" he said honestly, moving closer to her; her eyes were magnetic, they were pulling him in.
"So am I" she said shyly, as she moved closer to him as well, their lips met, lightly at first, both of them a little surprised, but after a few seconds they pressed harder and more passionately. It was a few minutes before they pulled apart, reluctantly. Harry's eyes fixed on Ali, his heart was racing, and his stomach was doing flips; this was the best feeling in the world. Ali smiled shyly at him, her eyes glittering mischievously. It was all the encouragement he needed; he leaned over and kissed her again, nerves and worries forgotten, all that mattered was this moment.
**************************************************************************** ************************************
A/N: I did mean to include Harry's catch up chat with Sirius in this chapter, but I it was long enough and I thought that was a good place to end it. So Harry and Ali are finally together! Yay!
Hope you all enjoyed this!
Please Review!! - Hope to hear from you all soon, in the meantime Happy Reading, Love Believe!
Replies -
I-love-sirus73 - So glad you like it - hope you enjoy the rest too!
Dreamer43 - The wait is over, lol. Thanks for reviewing so often - it means a lot!
Weaver of Words - I aim to please - Harry and Ali are together! - Thanks for the review!
Anna L. Black - As always thanks. Good question, I had kind of forgotten her - oops! - I will write it in soon, whenever there's a chance!
Hplova4eva - Yet again - thank you so much, hope to hear from you again!
It was fairly early when Harry woke up the next again morning - especially for a Saturday, but this was no ordinary day. A grin spread across Harry's face as he remembered the finer points of last night; Sirius was here - at Hogwarts - and he was staying, and of course Ali - she had kissed him. It was only a peck on the cheek, but Harry couldn't have been happier.
"Harry?" it was Ron, who was looking quite surprised to see Harry awake and sitting up so early, "What're you so happy about?"
"Well.I get to see Sirius today and um." he wanted to tell Ron about what had happened last night with Ali; he just couldn't seem to find the words.
"Something happened with Ali didn't it?" persisted Ron, suddenly remembering that he had waited up for about half an hour to talk to Harry - but he hadn't appeared.
"Well, it wasn't a big deal really, but we got back to the common room, and she asked how I knew Sirius, and that led to me telling the whole third year story - which led to me telling her all the stories from Hogwarts. I mean everything - even about the Department of Mysteries - though not about the prophecy, I thought that might, I dunno, scare her off or something" he said with a hollow laugh, trying to distract Ron from the blush rising in his cheeks. "But she did say she wanted to do it again sometime..."
Ron looked at Harry searchingly, quite taken back; 'he had told her everything?' it wasn't like Harry to be as bluntly honest with anyone, sometimes not even him or Hermione, and Ali? He had only known her for a few weeks, and he had barely spoken to her. Nevertheless he smiled - he was happy for Harry - it would do him good to be, well, 'normal' for once. "So are you going to see her today?"
"Obviously" returned Harry with a smirk, "we have Quidditch practice after breakfast! The first match against Slytherin is only a few weeks away, and we cannot lose!"
"Calm down Harry - the team's great - just look at the new players we got!" Ron enthused
"Yeah, you're right" said Harry, still smiling - he didn't think anything could bring him down today - "Come on, let's go get some breakfast"
**************************************************************************** ************************************
Harry and Ron were waiting in the common room for Hermione, but they needn't have bothered, when she came downstairs she was smiling and laughing, deep in discussion with Ali and Ginny, the three of whom were becoming closer and closer. The girls walked straight past without as much as acknowledging the boys, and after the scolding Ron had received for not noticing Hermione he didn't appreciate it.
"Hermione?" he started, tapping her shoulder, looking slightly frustrated "don't I even get a 'good morning'?" he continued when she turned round,
"Of course you do," she replied, kissing him lightly, erasing all signs of frustration from his face, "now.I'm kind of in the middle of something here..so I'll talk to you later, okay?"
He was going to protest, but he couldn't ignore the pleading look in her eyes, and simply shrugged in reply, turning to Harry, who was looking slightly ill,
"What's up with you?" asked Ron, baffled
"Nothing really.it's just them.and their discussing.and their giggling.what are they talking about anyway?" he demanded
"I wish I knew" replied Ron, a wistful look glazing his eyes
"It must be us" declared Harry, "else we would be allowed to hear it!"
"I know" Ron looked thoughtful, "When did Hermione become.well.such a girl?"
"I have no idea" replied Harry, "its strange though isn't it? I mean her having girl friends? It was always the three of us.and it still is of course.but it's like.different"
"She's growing up" said Ron, his ears reddening, because of both how 'old' that sounded, and the thoughts that flashed through his mind, detailing the various ways in which she had grown up.
"Mm" Harry murmured his agreement, both boys became lost in thought, when suddenly Harry remembered what they had been about to do. "Weren't we going to get breakfast?"
"What?" Ron glanced up, drawn away from his musings, "Oh yeah, let's go"
**************************************************************************** ************************************
Harry and Ron were among the last few students to enter the great hall, and Harry glanced round puzzled; there were still a considerable number of empty places around the hall, 'maybe they all slept in?' No, that didn't seem right, the air around them was tense, Harry couldn't place what it was, but something wasn't right. He continued over to the Griffindor table, and sat down opposite Ron who had taken his usual place next to Hermione, he didn't even notice that he was sitting next to Ali until,
"Morning Harry" she said smiling at him,
"Oh, uh, morning Ali" he spluttered, blushing the whole time.
Harry looked around the rest of the table; the uneasy feeling was still present, and he noticed that Seamus was missing; confused he looked to Dean, Seamus' best friend for an explanation,
"Where's Seamus, Dean?" Harry definitely didn't expect the reaction he got; Dean's face twisted with emotion as he replied,
"Seamus had to go home.his family was attacked.his dad got killed.his mum wanted him with her."
"Oh" said Harry, kicking himself for even asking, why did he always put his foot in it?
Ginny, who was sitting next to Dean, reached out and squeezed his hand supportively, wrapping her other arm around his waist, a display that usually would have irritated Ron, today however he barely even noticed. Hermione looked over towards Harry
"There were lots more attacks yesterday and last night" she said looking pained, "He's not even targeting specific people, anyone will do; he just wants to kill,"
Harry paled and his eyes widened in surprise, this was bad; he wasn't sure what he had expected but it wasn't this, he supposed he subconsciously thought it would be just like last year, a few mysterious disappearances, the odd death here and there, but over the course of two days Voldemort had killed several maybe even hundreds of wizards. And morbid as the thought was the only thing Harry could think of is 'and this is only the beginning'.
It looked like many families had had the same idea as Seamus', when the owl's arrived with the morning post several people looked distraught and stumbled out of the hall to their respective dorms. Families just wanted their family close; in case anything did happen. Harry couldn't help but feel they were being a little stupid; if Hogwarts wasn't safe where was? Then he thought about it and realised that Voldemort was after him, and he was at Hogwarts, so it was perfectly understandable why people wouldn't want their children there. Harry was overwhelmed with guilt; people had to leave this school, the place they all loved so much, all because of him. Just by being there he was ruining things for other people.
"Harry?" Are you okay?" asked Ron concerned, Harry had paled considerably and was now staring at the food in front of him like it was the most exquisite delicacy he had ever seen, when in reality it was a few slices of toast.
"What?" he said, looking up, disconcerted,
"I asked if you were alright," replied Ron, his concern growing
"Oh, yeah I'm fine" replied Harry, forcing his mouth into a smile that never even threatened to reach his eyes. They gave away his pain and anxiety, which both Ron and Hermione noted disapprovingly - Harry was blaming himself - again.
"Harry" began Hermione sternly, "don't you dare think of blaming yourself or feeling guilty about this."
"I'm not" Harry protested, then he saw the sceptical looks from his friends and gave up the act, "ok, maybe I am, but why shouldn't I? Hogwarts is the safest place in the wizarding world but because of me people are having to leave!" The people sitting around him merely stared on in disbelief, at a complete loss for words, "What?" demanded Harry, "its true isn't it? People don't want their kids here because I am. Voldemort wants to kill me, and I'm here, which means he'll probably end up here at some point, so people are removing their children!"
"Harry" interrupted Ginny, "last night Voldemort randomly murdered countless wizards! Do you really think anywhere can count as safe now?"
"Well, no, I guess not" said Harry sheepishly,
"People just want the ones they care about close, so that if they're in danger they'll be together and they can fight for each other," said Ali, speaking up for the first time since the awful news.
An awkward silence befell the group, and they finished breakfast in relative quiet; a scenario becoming all too familiar for everyone's liking. Ginny and Ali were right, Harry knew they were, that didn't remove the guilt though, he doubted anything would. It did dull it slightly, leaving Harry feeling slightly numb and empty. Watching others leave the Great Hall he saw that their stance mirrored his mind set, defeated, beaten, and hurt. Almost everyone had been effected by the attacks, even if only indirectly. It was all because of one wizard - if he was even still human enough to be called that - Voldemort. Harry was finally beginning to understand just how bad things were going to get - he could see why people had been so happy years ago when Voldemort vanished, he was even beginning to see why Fudge was so reluctant to admit that Voldemort was back, he grimaced, and decided there and then - this thing was going to end - soon.
"Harry?" This time it was Ai drawing him away from his thoughts. Looking around he saw they were the only two left. "Um.we have practice now, and everyone else is heading down to the pitch."
"Oh right, of course" he said standing up quickly
"Um, Harry." she started looking up at him, her violet eyes shimmering as they anxiously met his own
"Yeah?" he replied breathlessly, she was standing really close to him, and when she looked at him like that he felt as though she could see right into his soul,
"Are you okay? I mean really okay?" she asked
"Yes" he replied, there was no need to burden her with his worries
"Harry.please trust me.you can tell me what's wrong"
"There isn't anything wrong" he said defensively,
"I know there is.being part fairy means I pick up on the feelings of people around me, if they're particularly strong, and I can feel the worry on your mind, tell me, and let me help."
"I, um, we have to go to practice" he finished desperately
She looked hurt, "okay" she replied as she turned to leave the Hall.
He hated to see the pain in her eyes, he couldn't bear hurting her, "But, um, maybe we could talk after?" he trailed off
She smiled and her eyes lit up, "Sure!" and they headed down to the Quidditch pitch.
Practice went well, the new team fitted together perfectly and everyone got on, making training fun. Ron had immeasurably improved since last year, the new beaters seemed to share some kind of mental link that made them seamless, the Chasers were all fantastic flyers and handled the quaffle superbly. Harry couldn't have hoped for a better team. In the air, watching them practice, focussing mainly on Ali, air rushing through his hair, Harry was happy; truly happy. In the air the troubles of life on the ground diminished, they seemed trivial and unimportant, all that mattered was him, his firebolt, and of course the golden snitch. Continuing to survey practice he noticed Hermione was watching from the stands and he grinned at her, she smiled warmly back and pointed towards Hagrid's hut. When Harry looked closely enough at the window he was sure he could make out the shape of a large black dog - Padfoot. He grinned again - this was what life should be like- no Voldemort - no Death Eaters - just family and friends - where everyone could be happy.
Harry was quickly jolted back to reality when he saw a small group moving towards them dressed in green and carrying brooms, he might've guessed - the Slytherin's. He glared at them and was suddenly overcome with a sense of curiosity - their old captain, Marcus Flint had left too - who would replace him. Harry flew down towards the advancing group, and was met by whom else, the new team captain - Draco Malfoy.
"So.you're the best they could do for Captain Potter?" sneered Malfoy, he turned to face his team mates, "winning the cup shouldn't be a problem then should it?"
They laughed automatically, as Malfoy sent a scathing look towards Harry.
"Well seeing as we've won the cup every year since Harry joined the team" interjected Ron fuming, "I'd say you have a pretty big problem,"
Malfoy faltered for a split second as the truth hit home but quickly regained his composure, scowling "Not if you haven't learnt to catch the quaffle yet we haven't Weasley"
"Well, it's a good thing I have then isn't it" snapped Ron, flushing scarlet
"Let's face it Malfoy" spat Jenny, who had also appeared behind Harry along with the rest of the team "You know just as well as we do that you're going to lose so why bother with this pathetic nonsense?"
"And just who are you?" he replied coolly, staring her down with a steely gaze
"Jenny Taylor - beater" she replied just as coolly, "You might want to watch your back when we face each other in a few weeks"
"A girl? As a beater?" Malfoy smirked "Crabbe and Goyle will flatten you, precious"
"You'd better hope so" she replied menacingly
"Oh I think I can deal with you" he countered, an evil grin spreading across his pale face,
"A bit sure of yourself, aren't you?" she remarked, stepping forward, ignoring her brother's hand pulling her back,
"I don't see anything to fear" he said casually, discreetly reaching for his wand,
"Then maybe you should open your eyes!" she declared as she threw her foot forward, kicking him, right between the legs,
Malfoy's eyes widened in horror as he collapsed to the group, cursing. The whole Griffindor team burst out laughing, seeing Malfoy on the ground defenceless was not an everyday occurrence after all.
Crabbe, Goyle and some other brainless muscle started to move forwards, advancing threateningly on the Griffindor's, all of whom drew their wands except for Ali. She stepped forward and muttered something under her breath, and in an instant a violet barrier separated them from their attackers. Goyle tried to keep walking straight through it but was violently thrown backwards when he hit it.
Ali smiled with satisfaction as the Griffindor's looked on in amazement. "Can we help you with something Malfoy?"
"Yes" he muttered, climbing onto his feet, wincing as he stood, "We have permission to use the pitch just now" he smirked, flashing a slip signed by Snape in front of them. Ali turned to face her team and they quickly decided what to do - let the Slytherin's have the pitch, after all they were practically finished anyway.and this way, they left as the winners.
"Fine" Harry replied breezily taking charge again, "After all you need all the practice you can get!" and with that the Griffindor's headed to the changing rooms grinning - the barrier staying between them and their rivals.
"That" remarked Ron "was the best practice ever!" not surprisingly, everyone agreed.
**************************************************************************** ************************************
When they left the changing rooms they found Hermione waiting for them, "That was brilliant!" she enthused, "how did you create that barrier Ali?"
Ali looked around to check who was there before she replied, "It's fairy magic, it's not that great really, it only works if the opposition believe in it, if any of them had believed they could cross they would've."
"Lucky for us they're all idiots then" giggled Ginny
"So." began Ron, looking around, "What do you guys want to do now?"
"Well, I've got to go and see Dean" replied Ginny, a concerned look flashing onto her face, "he was really close to the Finnegan's, what happened hit him quite hard,"
The group simply nodded understandingly, and Ginny headed up to the castle. Ron looked searchingly at the others.
"Well, um." began Harry blushing slightly, "I kind of promised to talk to Ali for a bit."
Ali grinned at him, glad he hadn't changed his mind. Ron sighed out of what appeared to Harry to be relief, so.he wanted some time alone with Hermione? Harry smirked, and Ron blushed slightly before looking pointedly at Ali and smirking back at Harry.
Harry blushed again, "So I'll see you guys at lunch then?"
"Yes" replied Hermione smiling, as Ron put his arm around her and they sauntered back to the castle.
"So." said Harry, focussing on Ali, "Where do you want to talk?"
"Well, it had better be private right?" she said thoughtfully,
Harry nodded, "How about we go down to the lake? There's not really anyone around there,"
She smiled up at him, and he grinned back as they headed over there. They passed Hagrid's hut on the way and as they did Hagrid called Harry over, he looked round, and seeing Hagrid's expression reluctantly made his way over there.
"Harry, I, um, need to have a word.inside" he looked desperate, so Harry agreed,
"Ali, could you wait here for a sec? I won't be long"
"Yeah, sure" she replied, looking slightly dejected
Harry smiled reassuringly at her, and then followed Hagrid inside. Sirius was there waiting for him.
"Hey, Harry!" he grinned
"Hi" said Harry, smiling almost fully
"What?" asked Sirius, noticing the slight hostility
"Nothing," said Harry, "It's just I was kind of busy."
"Oh yeah?" said Sirius a mischievous grin breaking onto his face, "doing what?"
"Umm." Harry blushed, "Keeping a promise."
"Oh I see" said Sirius, with a knowing smile that caused Harry to blush even more furiously, "I won't keep you then."
Harry saw the disappointment in Sirius' eyes as he said that, "It's not that I don't want to see you" he added earnestly, "it's just, well."
"I know, I know" said Sirius grinning again, "what're you doing this afternoon?"
"Not got any plans" said Harry
"Good" replied Sirius, "How about you come and visit me after lunch?"
"Yeah, cool" said Harry enthusiastically, "Where are you staying? Here?"
"No, no" said Sirius, "At the end of the corridor where Dumbledore's office is there's a portrait of a mermaid, that's where my room is, the password's 'Padfoot'."
Harry grinned, "Okay, I'll see you later then?"
"See you!" called Sirius as Harry sped towards the door; "If you can tear yourself away!" he teased, and saw enough of Harry's face to tell he was blushing as he pulled the door shut.
"Hey!" he called to Ali, who was grinning at him as he approached, "sorry about that!"
"It's okay" she replied, her eyes sparkling as she smiled, sending shivers through Harry's body, "What did he want anyway?"
"Oh, Sirius wants to see me later" said Harry still smiling,
"So, "Ali continued, after nodding her acknowledgement, "What was bothering you earlier?"
"Oh, that, it was just that I feel so guilty about anything to do with Voldemort, I mean it was my blood that resurrected him!"
She looked mildly surprised, "Harry, it's not your fault he's back. He's evil, if he hadn't come back that way, he would've found another way."
"Yeah I know" replied Harry, "and I'm fine with it most of the time, it's just when something like last night happens I feel responsible"
She hugged him, "You don't have to" she said reassuringly,
"I know," he said "and thanks" Her arm was still wrapped around him, so he moved his and put it around her waist, they sat comfortably in comfortable silence.
"so." Harry began, "are you going to tell me about you?"
"There's not that much to tell" she said blushing, 'she looks so cute when she blushes' Harry noted, "I've not had any great adventures like you have."
"So?" said Harry, "tell me about being a fairy.I didn't even know they existed!"
"Okay" she smiled and took a deep breath, "there aren't that many fairies left but all my mums side of the family are fairies. I grew up around them, and fairy magic was normal to me though many witches and wizards find it strange. The basic abilities fairies have are; they can tell if someone is telling the truth it works similarly to Legillimancy, so most fairies have an aptitude for that as well as Occlumency."
"Just rub it in why don't you" said Harry, pretending to look hurt,
She smiled and continued, "They also have the ability to be invisible. Most fairies are strong healers, and have a connection to one element in particular. Mine is air, probably why I'm so comfortable flying. Anyway the one thing Voldemort doesn't seem to know about fairies is that their magic is completely pure. I think that's something to do with why we can see through lies, but anyway it means that we cannot use Dark magic, if we tried our powers would leave us."
Harry looked taken back, "So what, you'd be a Muggle?"
"Maybe not me, because I'm half and half, my dad's wizard magic might stay with me, but trust me I don't intend to find out." She grinned at him,
"Good" he replied smiling back, "So what was your life like before Hogwarts?"
Her grin faded at this, obviously remembering her parents and the fact they were dead,
Harry mentally kicked himself for the second time that day; He had a habit of putting his foot in it! "You don't have to talk about it if you don't want" he said, pulling her closer,
"No, it's okay" she replied, "I don't mind." She smiled reassuringly at him, "I lived with mum and dad in a small village, mostly full of fairies but with a few muggles and wizards. My aunt lived next door. It was a basic normal life in a small village, up until my parents got killed. I can remember that night so well. I was sitting by the fire reading, mum and dad were chatting on the couch, when out of nowhere, He appeared. He was disgusting and he talked for what seemed like forever, telling mum why she should join him, but she wouldn't so he drew his wand and sent the killing curse towards her, but dad jumped in front. Mum just stood staring at him, in shock, so Voldemort killed her too, then Aunt Caighlynne came in, with the rest of the villagers and seeing how badly outnumbered he was, he left. My Aunt hugged me and we just cried in each others arms for hours." Tears were forming in her eyes again, and Harry gingerly brushed them away, eyes full of compassion searching hers.
She smiled at him gratefully and continued, "Then I went to live with my aunt, but we couldn't stay in the village, too many reminders. So Caighlynne applied for the job at Hogwarts. And well, you know the rest."
"I'm glad you're here" he said honestly, moving closer to her; her eyes were magnetic, they were pulling him in.
"So am I" she said shyly, as she moved closer to him as well, their lips met, lightly at first, both of them a little surprised, but after a few seconds they pressed harder and more passionately. It was a few minutes before they pulled apart, reluctantly. Harry's eyes fixed on Ali, his heart was racing, and his stomach was doing flips; this was the best feeling in the world. Ali smiled shyly at him, her eyes glittering mischievously. It was all the encouragement he needed; he leaned over and kissed her again, nerves and worries forgotten, all that mattered was this moment.
**************************************************************************** ************************************
A/N: I did mean to include Harry's catch up chat with Sirius in this chapter, but I it was long enough and I thought that was a good place to end it. So Harry and Ali are finally together! Yay!
Hope you all enjoyed this!
Please Review!! - Hope to hear from you all soon, in the meantime Happy Reading, Love Believe!
Replies -
I-love-sirus73 - So glad you like it - hope you enjoy the rest too!
Dreamer43 - The wait is over, lol. Thanks for reviewing so often - it means a lot!
Weaver of Words - I aim to please - Harry and Ali are together! - Thanks for the review!
Anna L. Black - As always thanks. Good question, I had kind of forgotten her - oops! - I will write it in soon, whenever there's a chance!
Hplova4eva - Yet again - thank you so much, hope to hear from you again!
