My reviews have dropped, so I'm assuming you guys didn't like the previous
chapter...I hope you'll like this one better, I do at least...Thanks again
to all my readers out there..
Read and Review Nothing is My Own
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Chapter Fifteen: A Letter from the One Most Hated
The weeks were passing quickly at Hogwarts. Halloween and come and gone and the onset of November had brought an early snow to the grounds. It seemed almost sinful that the student were not allowed to play in the pristine white paradise.
There wasn't much to do these days. With Quidditch being cancelled for the season and tight guards surrounding the castle wall, it seemed like a prison. All it needed we're a few Dementors to wander the halls and suck the happiness out of everyone to make it as desolate at Azakaban. The students inside had contracted some of the worst cases of cabin fever imaginable, and with Fred and George's new catalogs, the pranks were at a all time high.
Harry almost split his gut when someone placed a dung bomb in Professor McGonagall's seat one day before Transfiguration. She had jumped up so quickly her bun had collapsed, and her pasty white face glowed red with fury. Since nobody would confess to the crime, she assigned lines to the whole class that day. Although most students detested doing line, the expression on her face when she sat on her little surprise was worth it.
Visits to Hagrid were out of the question. No students were permitted to leave the interior of the castle. It saddened the sixth year Gryffindor students to be departed from their favorite game keeper, although the monsters from his class weren't exactly missed. Rumor was he was planning on hatching another dragon egg this semester in the name of higher learning. Which explained why he had been so upset when the class had been canceled.
Although Harry had a special place in his heart for dragons after he had to face the Hungarian Horntail his fourth year, he didn't particular want to see another one any time soon. And the memory of Norbert was exactly easy to forget about.
Harry smiled inwardly as he walked with Hermione and Ron to the library. With the boredom of Hogwarts spreading like the plague, the library had become a very popular hangout. Also a whole slew of clubs had been started, including a chess club, which Ron was relishing in.
A list of newly formed clubs papered the announcement board in place of Hogmeade trips and Quidditch matches. So many new activities that nobody wanted to participate in. There was a indoor Herbology reading club, a Magical History Society, the Seers Association, and (the one that cause Harry to flinch with disgust) Pureblood's United.
The DA was still mostly kept under wraps, and as far as Harry was concerned, not excepting new members. He liked having a little secrecy, plus he didn't want to be the center of attention again, not when he was finally starting to be ignore by his fellow peers. Five years of finger pointing and behind the back whispering had made Harry tired of interacting with his fellow students. He had enough friends and wasn't in a hurry to make any new ones.
The most exciting part of Harry's life at the moment were those midnight rendezvous with Pavarti Patil. It wasn't what it sound like, she wasn't his scarlet woman or anything. Just an unbiased friend to talk to. Although she had annoyed him severely in the past with her giggling and unimportant conversations, her innocents made her appealing somehow.
She was also off limits, since she was dating one of Harry's DA members, Terry Boots. Cho was right Terry, he wasn't a bad guy, and Harry often had to remind himself of this when he saw Pavarti and Terry holding hands while walking to class. In truth he was the bad guy in this situation.
How he had convinced himself that Pavarti was Terry's during the day but his at night mystified him. He knew he shouldn't keep meeting her, but every time when she would approach and whisper that phrase into his ear, he obediently awoke just as the clock struck midnight. It was exciting, an adventure in which nobody would die.
"Harry, did you hear what I said," Hermione said staring at him in frustration, he had been daydreaming again.
She placed her arms across her chest and let out a sigh of frustration. Her bushy hair and toned down a bit with her age, but it still was characteristically Hermione, making her head look a bit to large. When she got upset her hair seemed to puff a bit like a Kimono Dragon, which Harry couldn't help but laugh at.
"I'm sorry Hermione, I honestly wasn't paying attention," he confessed trying to suppress his chuckle.
She closed her book loudly, "never mind, I'm going back to the common room."
"What is her problem lately?" Harry hissed eyeing her angrily as she stormed out of the library.
Ron shook his head, "mate, do you honestly think I'd figure Hermione out when you can't?"
The library was abnormally steamy due to the excess of students who were crammed into it tonight. With all the studying that was going on this year, it would be a record high on academic scores.
Ron glanced at the clock above the librarian's desk, "I better get to the Chess Club meeting, sure you don't want to come along?"
Harry shook his head, "not really in the mood for chess tonight, thanks anyways."
Ron shrugged and gathered his books, "see you later on tonight then."
Harry tried to read up on his potions, since he was the lowest marked student in the class. He was convinced that Snape was intentionally making the class harder so he would fall behind. That would give Snape an excuse to throw him out, and without potions Harry could never be an Auror.
It was useless, reading this potions book was like reading Latin, it just didn't make any sense. He'd just have to get Hermione to decipher it later. He closed his books and left the abnormally hot atmosphere of the library breathing a sigh of relief as he entered the cool corridor.
He glanced at his watch, still four hours till curfew. If he went back to the Gryffindor common room he'd be forced to sit around and read again. And he couldn't handle anymore reading right now. Wandering the halls was risky, if he ran into Snape he'd certainly lose points from Gryffindor, and without Quidditch it was going to take a miracle to win the house cup this year. The Ravenclaws were already 150 points ahead of every other house.
Oh how he longed to go outside for just a few minutes. He could almost imagine the cold air blowing though his untamable hair, making him chill to the bone. As his feet started moving forward, his mind still hadn't decided on what to do or where to go.
Ron was at his chess meeting, Hermione was having one of her moments, Ginny was probably somewhere with Dean, there was nobody to hang out with. He suddenly found himself wishing it were midnight and he down in the common room snuggled up with Pavarti.
"No Harry," he scolded himself, "you can't do that anymore."
Even though he was whipping himself for thinking about Pavarti Patil he was smiling. What he would give to have her turn the corner at that very moment. With no options left he found himself in front of the Gryffindor common room.
"Whomping Willow," he stated flatly to the Portrait of the Fat Lady.
"You look rather lonely tonight Mr. Potter," she inquired.
Harry shrugged, "cabin fever I guess."
"Indeed," she flung herself open allowing him access to his house. On a typical night at six O'clock the common room would be empty, but not with all the new prisons enforcements taking effect. Those who couldn't handle the heat of the overcrowded library were seeking an end to their boredom in the common room. Neville Longbottom was nursing his new plant, and after scanning the room seemed Harry's best option for conversation.
"Hey Neville, new plant?" Harry asked as he approached.
"My Grams felt bad for me when they cancelled Herbology, so she got me this Toothy Weed, isn't it beautiful?" Neville replied fondling his spiky yellow plant.
Harry understood why Neville's Grams might feel sorry for him. Herbology was really the only subject Neville was ever any good at.
Harry narrowed his eyes and watched the plant suspiciously, "it doesn't spit up anything does it?"
Neville pondered the question for a moment, "I don't know, I can try and see if it will."
Harry grabbed Neville's arm before he could pull out his wand and experiment, "that's okay, maybe we shouldn't stress it out."
Neville shrugged, "what's wrong with Hermione, I tried to say hi to her earlier and she grunted strangely muttered something about men and dash off up-stairs."
Harry tried not to smile, "she's mad at me for ignoring her earlier."
"Touchy, isn't she."
Harry talked with Neville for about thirty more minuets about his new plant, before finally making an excuse about needing to do some homework. He found a quiet spot over near the fire, away from the swarming first and second years. Reluctantly he pulled out his potions book again and tried another desperate attempt at understanding it.
"I wish Hermione wasn't in one of her moods," Harry said quietly to himself.
** Yellow Snapalion is rare weed from the Outer Woods of Bulgaria. It's proper name is Ylooamious Snammpionaious, it has many uses in Agaistain Potions and Hillipotious Brews.**
"What the bloody hell is a Agaistain Potion or a Hillipotious Brew?" Harry said feeling a growing frustration.
"Studying?" said a sweet voice from behind him.
Although he felt an overwhelming sense of dread when he saw Pavarti Patil's smirking face, he couldn't help but smile, "attempting to."
"What are you reading," she said making small talk.
Harry lifted his book and let her read the spine.
"Interesting, I love to hear about it. Tonight maybe?"
He started to protest but she raised a finger to her lips to quite him, "I'll see you tonight then."
She walked away before he could get in another word, and a strange sensation of excitement built in his chest as he watched her walk away.
"You can't meet Harry," Hermione lectured as she suddenly appeared from a shadow.
He tried to look innocent, "what are you talking about."
"You might be able to fool Terry, Ron and even Ginny, but I know what your doing. I'm not an idiot," she informed him in her strictest voice.
"We're just friends," Harry tried again for the innocent routine.
Hermione took a seat next to him a shook her head, "do I really look that naïve?"
Harry knew that she had his number, somehow she could always see right though him. "I'm not doing anything wrong Hermione, she came on to me."
She shook her head suddenly, "what about Cho?"
He suddenly felt an overwhelming urge to runway, "what about her?"
"She's sitting in a hospital wing, unconscious because she sacrificed herself for you, and your off playing Romeo betraying her memory!" she spat.
Harry hardened his tone, "I'm not playing Romeo! I never asked her to attack the Dementors."
Hermione tried to regain her cool, "so she doesn't mean anything to you."
Harry didn't answer, he didn't want to answer.
"Here, an owl delivered this for you. I found him sitting on the couch when I arrived," Hermione said tossing a letter towards Harry.
Feeling a strange bit of relief knowing she hadn't intentional being spying on him, "who's it from?"
"I don't know, I didn't open it," Hermione said suddenly.
He turned the letter over, but there was no address, "what kind of owl was it, a ministry owl?"
"I don't think so, a strange looking scrawny looking bird, as soon as he saw me he flew away."
Harry slowly began to peel the seal back on the envelope as he pulled out a sloppy written letter. As he began to read the first words his heart turned to stone.
Harry,
Forgive me for this letter being so sudden and quick. I'm not the monster you've made me out to be. You don't know the whole story between your father and I. I owe you my life, and I intend to repay that debt to you now. I am risking my life sending this to you. Voldemort is planning a terrible attack, many will die. You must leave Hogwarts.
Peter Pettigrew
He barely made it though the letter one time before shredding it in his hand and flinging it into the fire. "HOW DARE HE!" Harry shrilled.
"You've got to tell Dumbledore," Hermione interjected, she had been reading over his shoulder.
"Never, that is what he wants me to do! Put more of my friends in danger, play mind games with me. Their just trying to lure me out of Hogwarts so Voldemort can kill me," Harry argued.
"I think Dumbledore needs to know Pettigrew made contact with you," Hermione continued.
Harry eyed her amazed, "how can you be so naïve? He's a traitor! He sent Sirius to Azkaban and he killed my parents. Do you honestly think he'd risk his life for mine?"
Hermione bit her lip, "I suppose not, but I just have a feeling Harry."
"No, this stays between you and me. Voldemort isn't going to trick me again," he said forcefully.
"Fine," Hermione said suddenly, "I won't say a word if you promise not to sneak down here to meet Pavarti any more.
"That's blackmail!" Harry protested.
Hermione stood firm, "call it what you will, promise me or I'll march straight to Dumbledore's office this very second."
Harry thought about calling her bluff, but he knew that determination in Hermione's eyes, she wasn't playing. He had no choice but to give in to her demands.
Read and Review Nothing is My Own
************************************************************************
Chapter Fifteen: A Letter from the One Most Hated
The weeks were passing quickly at Hogwarts. Halloween and come and gone and the onset of November had brought an early snow to the grounds. It seemed almost sinful that the student were not allowed to play in the pristine white paradise.
There wasn't much to do these days. With Quidditch being cancelled for the season and tight guards surrounding the castle wall, it seemed like a prison. All it needed we're a few Dementors to wander the halls and suck the happiness out of everyone to make it as desolate at Azakaban. The students inside had contracted some of the worst cases of cabin fever imaginable, and with Fred and George's new catalogs, the pranks were at a all time high.
Harry almost split his gut when someone placed a dung bomb in Professor McGonagall's seat one day before Transfiguration. She had jumped up so quickly her bun had collapsed, and her pasty white face glowed red with fury. Since nobody would confess to the crime, she assigned lines to the whole class that day. Although most students detested doing line, the expression on her face when she sat on her little surprise was worth it.
Visits to Hagrid were out of the question. No students were permitted to leave the interior of the castle. It saddened the sixth year Gryffindor students to be departed from their favorite game keeper, although the monsters from his class weren't exactly missed. Rumor was he was planning on hatching another dragon egg this semester in the name of higher learning. Which explained why he had been so upset when the class had been canceled.
Although Harry had a special place in his heart for dragons after he had to face the Hungarian Horntail his fourth year, he didn't particular want to see another one any time soon. And the memory of Norbert was exactly easy to forget about.
Harry smiled inwardly as he walked with Hermione and Ron to the library. With the boredom of Hogwarts spreading like the plague, the library had become a very popular hangout. Also a whole slew of clubs had been started, including a chess club, which Ron was relishing in.
A list of newly formed clubs papered the announcement board in place of Hogmeade trips and Quidditch matches. So many new activities that nobody wanted to participate in. There was a indoor Herbology reading club, a Magical History Society, the Seers Association, and (the one that cause Harry to flinch with disgust) Pureblood's United.
The DA was still mostly kept under wraps, and as far as Harry was concerned, not excepting new members. He liked having a little secrecy, plus he didn't want to be the center of attention again, not when he was finally starting to be ignore by his fellow peers. Five years of finger pointing and behind the back whispering had made Harry tired of interacting with his fellow students. He had enough friends and wasn't in a hurry to make any new ones.
The most exciting part of Harry's life at the moment were those midnight rendezvous with Pavarti Patil. It wasn't what it sound like, she wasn't his scarlet woman or anything. Just an unbiased friend to talk to. Although she had annoyed him severely in the past with her giggling and unimportant conversations, her innocents made her appealing somehow.
She was also off limits, since she was dating one of Harry's DA members, Terry Boots. Cho was right Terry, he wasn't a bad guy, and Harry often had to remind himself of this when he saw Pavarti and Terry holding hands while walking to class. In truth he was the bad guy in this situation.
How he had convinced himself that Pavarti was Terry's during the day but his at night mystified him. He knew he shouldn't keep meeting her, but every time when she would approach and whisper that phrase into his ear, he obediently awoke just as the clock struck midnight. It was exciting, an adventure in which nobody would die.
"Harry, did you hear what I said," Hermione said staring at him in frustration, he had been daydreaming again.
She placed her arms across her chest and let out a sigh of frustration. Her bushy hair and toned down a bit with her age, but it still was characteristically Hermione, making her head look a bit to large. When she got upset her hair seemed to puff a bit like a Kimono Dragon, which Harry couldn't help but laugh at.
"I'm sorry Hermione, I honestly wasn't paying attention," he confessed trying to suppress his chuckle.
She closed her book loudly, "never mind, I'm going back to the common room."
"What is her problem lately?" Harry hissed eyeing her angrily as she stormed out of the library.
Ron shook his head, "mate, do you honestly think I'd figure Hermione out when you can't?"
The library was abnormally steamy due to the excess of students who were crammed into it tonight. With all the studying that was going on this year, it would be a record high on academic scores.
Ron glanced at the clock above the librarian's desk, "I better get to the Chess Club meeting, sure you don't want to come along?"
Harry shook his head, "not really in the mood for chess tonight, thanks anyways."
Ron shrugged and gathered his books, "see you later on tonight then."
Harry tried to read up on his potions, since he was the lowest marked student in the class. He was convinced that Snape was intentionally making the class harder so he would fall behind. That would give Snape an excuse to throw him out, and without potions Harry could never be an Auror.
It was useless, reading this potions book was like reading Latin, it just didn't make any sense. He'd just have to get Hermione to decipher it later. He closed his books and left the abnormally hot atmosphere of the library breathing a sigh of relief as he entered the cool corridor.
He glanced at his watch, still four hours till curfew. If he went back to the Gryffindor common room he'd be forced to sit around and read again. And he couldn't handle anymore reading right now. Wandering the halls was risky, if he ran into Snape he'd certainly lose points from Gryffindor, and without Quidditch it was going to take a miracle to win the house cup this year. The Ravenclaws were already 150 points ahead of every other house.
Oh how he longed to go outside for just a few minutes. He could almost imagine the cold air blowing though his untamable hair, making him chill to the bone. As his feet started moving forward, his mind still hadn't decided on what to do or where to go.
Ron was at his chess meeting, Hermione was having one of her moments, Ginny was probably somewhere with Dean, there was nobody to hang out with. He suddenly found himself wishing it were midnight and he down in the common room snuggled up with Pavarti.
"No Harry," he scolded himself, "you can't do that anymore."
Even though he was whipping himself for thinking about Pavarti Patil he was smiling. What he would give to have her turn the corner at that very moment. With no options left he found himself in front of the Gryffindor common room.
"Whomping Willow," he stated flatly to the Portrait of the Fat Lady.
"You look rather lonely tonight Mr. Potter," she inquired.
Harry shrugged, "cabin fever I guess."
"Indeed," she flung herself open allowing him access to his house. On a typical night at six O'clock the common room would be empty, but not with all the new prisons enforcements taking effect. Those who couldn't handle the heat of the overcrowded library were seeking an end to their boredom in the common room. Neville Longbottom was nursing his new plant, and after scanning the room seemed Harry's best option for conversation.
"Hey Neville, new plant?" Harry asked as he approached.
"My Grams felt bad for me when they cancelled Herbology, so she got me this Toothy Weed, isn't it beautiful?" Neville replied fondling his spiky yellow plant.
Harry understood why Neville's Grams might feel sorry for him. Herbology was really the only subject Neville was ever any good at.
Harry narrowed his eyes and watched the plant suspiciously, "it doesn't spit up anything does it?"
Neville pondered the question for a moment, "I don't know, I can try and see if it will."
Harry grabbed Neville's arm before he could pull out his wand and experiment, "that's okay, maybe we shouldn't stress it out."
Neville shrugged, "what's wrong with Hermione, I tried to say hi to her earlier and she grunted strangely muttered something about men and dash off up-stairs."
Harry tried not to smile, "she's mad at me for ignoring her earlier."
"Touchy, isn't she."
Harry talked with Neville for about thirty more minuets about his new plant, before finally making an excuse about needing to do some homework. He found a quiet spot over near the fire, away from the swarming first and second years. Reluctantly he pulled out his potions book again and tried another desperate attempt at understanding it.
"I wish Hermione wasn't in one of her moods," Harry said quietly to himself.
** Yellow Snapalion is rare weed from the Outer Woods of Bulgaria. It's proper name is Ylooamious Snammpionaious, it has many uses in Agaistain Potions and Hillipotious Brews.**
"What the bloody hell is a Agaistain Potion or a Hillipotious Brew?" Harry said feeling a growing frustration.
"Studying?" said a sweet voice from behind him.
Although he felt an overwhelming sense of dread when he saw Pavarti Patil's smirking face, he couldn't help but smile, "attempting to."
"What are you reading," she said making small talk.
Harry lifted his book and let her read the spine.
"Interesting, I love to hear about it. Tonight maybe?"
He started to protest but she raised a finger to her lips to quite him, "I'll see you tonight then."
She walked away before he could get in another word, and a strange sensation of excitement built in his chest as he watched her walk away.
"You can't meet Harry," Hermione lectured as she suddenly appeared from a shadow.
He tried to look innocent, "what are you talking about."
"You might be able to fool Terry, Ron and even Ginny, but I know what your doing. I'm not an idiot," she informed him in her strictest voice.
"We're just friends," Harry tried again for the innocent routine.
Hermione took a seat next to him a shook her head, "do I really look that naïve?"
Harry knew that she had his number, somehow she could always see right though him. "I'm not doing anything wrong Hermione, she came on to me."
She shook her head suddenly, "what about Cho?"
He suddenly felt an overwhelming urge to runway, "what about her?"
"She's sitting in a hospital wing, unconscious because she sacrificed herself for you, and your off playing Romeo betraying her memory!" she spat.
Harry hardened his tone, "I'm not playing Romeo! I never asked her to attack the Dementors."
Hermione tried to regain her cool, "so she doesn't mean anything to you."
Harry didn't answer, he didn't want to answer.
"Here, an owl delivered this for you. I found him sitting on the couch when I arrived," Hermione said tossing a letter towards Harry.
Feeling a strange bit of relief knowing she hadn't intentional being spying on him, "who's it from?"
"I don't know, I didn't open it," Hermione said suddenly.
He turned the letter over, but there was no address, "what kind of owl was it, a ministry owl?"
"I don't think so, a strange looking scrawny looking bird, as soon as he saw me he flew away."
Harry slowly began to peel the seal back on the envelope as he pulled out a sloppy written letter. As he began to read the first words his heart turned to stone.
Harry,
Forgive me for this letter being so sudden and quick. I'm not the monster you've made me out to be. You don't know the whole story between your father and I. I owe you my life, and I intend to repay that debt to you now. I am risking my life sending this to you. Voldemort is planning a terrible attack, many will die. You must leave Hogwarts.
Peter Pettigrew
He barely made it though the letter one time before shredding it in his hand and flinging it into the fire. "HOW DARE HE!" Harry shrilled.
"You've got to tell Dumbledore," Hermione interjected, she had been reading over his shoulder.
"Never, that is what he wants me to do! Put more of my friends in danger, play mind games with me. Their just trying to lure me out of Hogwarts so Voldemort can kill me," Harry argued.
"I think Dumbledore needs to know Pettigrew made contact with you," Hermione continued.
Harry eyed her amazed, "how can you be so naïve? He's a traitor! He sent Sirius to Azkaban and he killed my parents. Do you honestly think he'd risk his life for mine?"
Hermione bit her lip, "I suppose not, but I just have a feeling Harry."
"No, this stays between you and me. Voldemort isn't going to trick me again," he said forcefully.
"Fine," Hermione said suddenly, "I won't say a word if you promise not to sneak down here to meet Pavarti any more.
"That's blackmail!" Harry protested.
Hermione stood firm, "call it what you will, promise me or I'll march straight to Dumbledore's office this very second."
Harry thought about calling her bluff, but he knew that determination in Hermione's eyes, she wasn't playing. He had no choice but to give in to her demands.