I Cannot Tell A Lie

~* Hey everyone, just like to note to Dark Lulu, if you're reading this, thank you very much for your offer, but I already have a Beta reader (I feel bad), and I think that one should be enough or it will all get confusing. *~

Chapter 7 ~ Is There Another Way?

Harry was in the library for the ninth time that week (a record), and he still had found nothing. How did Hermione do it? He thought, remembering how Hermione used to go to the Library and come back minutes later with the answer they needed.

Harry put the book he was looking at (The Rise and Fall of the Dark Arts) on the desk, and gave up, walking out of the library.

'If Dumbledore couldn't find another way, then what makes me think I can find another way?' Harry said aloud to himself. 'I can't have Hermione killed.' He said as if him saying it made the statement final.

Harry wanted to talk to Ron about the matter, but Ron was slowly, but surely, distancing himself from Harry each and every day. Harry's red headed friend was becoming more friendly with Dean and Seamus, leaving Harry out of the picture. Dean and Seamus, being the nice Gryffindors they were, always tried to include Harry, but Ron kept pushing them away from Harry, exploiting him as though he was some kind of freak.

Harry had no one, but wait, there was someone. Ginny Weasley. He would tell her everything. She was quite curious and upset over Hermione being sent to Azkaban, and she had no idea why poor Hermione had to go.

Harry hurried to the Gryffindor Common Room to try to find Ginny. He didn't see her in the Common Room, and he strongly suspected she was up in her room. He grabbed a Gryffindor in Ginny's year named Maria Brently.

'Maria, would you go up to your room and see if Ginny's there? If she is, would you please tell her that Harry wants to talk to her in the Common Room as soon as possible?' Harry asked Maria. Maria looked as if she was star-struck, having finally been adressed by Harry Potter, the guy who was famous. Maria nodded quickly, and hurried up the girls staircase.

A few minutes later, Maria came back down, alone.

'She's not there Harry, sorry.' Maria said, and headed back up the girls staircase.

Harry sighed. He needed someone to talk to. All the people around him were beginning to suspect that Hermione's dissapearance had something to do with Harry, so many people were avoiding him.

At that moment, Dumbledore walked into the Gryffindor Common Room. Harry looked up surprised to see the Headmaster.

'Harry, I'd like a word with you over here please.' Dumbledore motioned to an empty corner of the common room, and Harry walked over to him.

'Yes Headmaster?' Harry said timidly.

'I have done some more research on this issue of yours, and I have found that there is another way to relieve you of your mark, without killing Hermione.' Dumbledore said. Harry couldn't have looked happier if he tried.

'What is it Professor?' Harry asked, unable to hide his joy.

'You have to convince her to turn to the good side, and your mark will fade.' Dumbledore said.

'Can I go to Azkaban and see her?' Harry asked.

'That appears to be the only way you will be able to talk with her.' Dumbledore continued.

'Then it's settled? When can I go?' Harry said eagerly.

'You actually want to go to Azkaban?' Dumbledore asked.

'If it'll help Hermione.' Harry replied.

'Alright then, you may go this weekend.' Dumbledore told Harry. 'But I am not happy about your decision.'

'That's fine.' Harry said. 'Thanks Professor.'

Dumbledore walked out of the Gryffindor Common Room, leaving Harry with his good news. Harry was thinking about how he would convince Hermione to turn to the good side again. So far he had nothing but his and Ron's friendship, but he was sure he'd think of something which Hermione would be unable to refuse.

~***~

That week passed rather slower than usual for Harry. He knew it was because he was looking forward to seeing Hermione again. Harry couldn't help but feel a little nervous when Saturday came. There was no Quidditch match, so Harry had the whole day to convince Hermione to turn good again. He only hoped his plan would work.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*

~* I'm sorry that chapter was short, but I've been leaving everyone hanging by not writing something, so I thought, better a short chapter than no chapter at all. In the next chapter, you'll find out what happens in Azkaban! Please R&R! *~

~Gryffindor Gal~