Disclaimer: I don't own any of these characters, so please don't sue!
A/N: Hi guys! Well, I'm in a very giving mood, seeing as it's Christmas! So here's another chapter for you all! Thanks so much for reviewing! I'm juss over 200 reviews right now, and I'm BEYOND estatic! Thank you so much! You've really made my Christmas a happy one! Enjoy this chapter, and don't forget to review!
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanza...Happy Holidays, and hope you all have a very happy and prosperous New Year! Enjoy!
*********
~~~
"Lucious, tell me. What is your plan?" The bitter voice returned.
"It's very simple," Lucious' dark figure stepped out from the shadows.
"I can easily get into Hogwarts. I'll take the boy when he's alone."
"And if that fails?"
"It won't master, but if for some odd reason it does, I'll take the next best thing; the girl," Lucious said in a harsh whisper.
"What girl?"
"The mudblood."
The figure of the crisp voice slammed his fists on the table.
"I don't WANT the mudblood! I WANT the BOY!!"
Lucious' eyes flickered with slight fear, but quickly regained composure.
"The mudblood is to lure the boy. He wouldn't let the girl die. He loves her too much. She's like the sister he never had."
"Very well. Don't fail me Lucious."
~~~
Harry awoke once more sweating heavily, his scar pounding with hurt. This time the dream was more vivid, so real. Harry knew that Voldemort would strike again, and if they couldn't take him, they'd take Hermione. He had to do anything in his power to save Hermione. He couldn't, no, he wouldn't put her like in danger. This was the second dream since two months ago, when he had the first. He couldn't tell where Voldemort and Lucious were hidden, and he couldn't decipher exactly when they would strike. His mind was working so hard, he became tired again and went back to sleep, only to wake three hours later for school.
"Hey Ron," Harry grumbled as Ron came back from the bathroom.
"Yeah Harry?"
"I had another one," Harry told his best friend. Ron understood and sat on the edge of his bed, waiting to hear more.
"They're planning on taking me. Ron you've GOT to keep this to yourself. You CANNOT tell ANYONE! Not Hermione, not Dumbledore, NO ONE!! Got it?" Harry stressed. Ron nodded.
"But Harry, Hermione could help out!"
"NO!" Harry knew he couldn't involve Hermione, and he refused to tell Ron about Hermione being included in the danger, knowing Ron would be worried.
"The less people know, the less people are going to get hurt. They only want me. If I go, no one has to know," Harry went on.
"Who exactly is "they"?" Ron questioned.
"Voldemort and Lucious," Harry answered.
"And you think you can take on THOSE two?!" Ron exclaimed, turning red with anger,"Harry, I'm NOT going to let you do that alone!"
"Ron! It's the only way! I've lived through Voldemort throwing the Avada curse at me once already. I think I can handle it this time!"
"First of all, it was ONLY him! Not him AND Lucious! And secondly, you living through that curse was a FLUKE!" Ron yelled.
"A FLUKE?! What about the basilisk and Tom Riddle?"
"Fawkes came and helped you!"
"What about the Triwizard Tournament and Cedric being murdered in front of my eyes? And what about at the Minestry of Mysteries? Huh? What about THOSE times?"
Ron sighed, knowing he couldn't say anything to change Harry's mind.
"All I'm saying is that it's going to be dangerous Harry. Far more dangerous than you can imagine. At least if Hermione and Dumbledore knew-" Ron was interrupted.
"No Ron. You don't understand. Each year, someone I care for gets involved and is put into grave danger. First year it was you in wizards chess, second year it was Ginny, third year it was all of us, fourthy year I let Cedric die-" Harry's solemn voice filled the room.
"It wasn't your fault Cedric died Harry."
"Yes it was, Cedric told me to take the cup, but I was a fool and said no. I had to be the better person, I said that both of us should take it," Harry explained.
"You didn't know," Ron said.
"But I know now." Harry got up and headed out to the bathroom, leaving Ron alone to think about the conversation as he put on his school robes. He decided not to tell Hermione or Dumbledore, he couldn't betray his best friend, especially since Harry needed him the most now. Ron vowed to keep an eye on Harry every second of the day, making sure it was hard for the Dark Lord and Lucious to get their hands on him.
Breakfast was quiet that morning, as Hermione didn't show up. Harry ate quickly, looking over new quidditch plays for that nights game.
"So what's the new play?" Ron asked curiously, breaking the silence.
"I'm going to have Ginny fake throw the Quaffle to Natalie, who'll be to her right, but she'll really throw it to Lavender, who'll be coming up from behind," Harry explained, showing Ron the play with moving stick diagrams.
"Think it'll work?" Harry looked at Ron.
"Yeah, because Hufflepuff just got new beaters, and what I heard is that the beaters remain mostley by their Keeper, so I don't think it'll be too hard to get by the two new beaters, who haven't gotten much training," Ron said.
"Who are the new beaters?" Harry asked.
"Kevin Whitby and Owen Cauldwell, sixth years," Ron answered.
"How long have they been on the team, and where'd you find this out?"
"They've been on for less than a week, and I overheard Justin talking to Susan Bones to see if they found replacements," Ron told Harry. Harry's eyes gleamed with happiness.
"Good job Ron!" Harry praised. He stood up and said, "Ok, Gryffindor Quidditch players, after school straight to the common room got it?"
Everyone nodded, then he and Ron left for their classes. The two wizards satrestlessly throughout their classes, wanting the day to end so badly. Finally as they sat in Transfiguration the final bell rang (A/N: Does anyone know if Hogwarts even has a bell?!). Harry grabbed his books and sprinted out of the room.
"Hurry up Ron!"
"Coming!" Ron said, picking up his books. Just as he headed out the door, he turned back.
"Hermione! You coming to the game?" He asked, looking at her.
"Of course!" She exclaimed. He flashed her a smile then dashed out, "See ya then!"
Hermione dropped her books off in her room, then headed towards the quidditch pitch, where the two teams were already warming up. Hermione found a seat next to Parvati and Neville and anxiously awaited for the start of the game.
"Alright, I want a clean game understood?" Madam Hooch blew her whistle.
"And they're off!" Colin Creevey's voice boomed from the annoncer's box.
"There goes Hannah Abbott with the Quaffle in hand, she passes it to the open Ernie Macmillian-OH! Pass intercepted by Gryffindor's Natalie McDonald! Boy is she really flying! She passes it to Ginny Weasley, who dodges a Bludger from new Hufflepuff Beater Owen Cauldwell. Ginny shots...she SCORES! 10-0 for Gryffindor!" Colin said, his voice bouncing with expression. Harry's broom hovered about the action, his eyes scanning the field for the GOlden Snitch. Justin Finch-Fletchley was nearby doing the same as Hufflepuff's Susan Bones scored, tying the game at 10 apiece.
Fifteen minutes later, with no Snitch in sight, Hufflepuff led 10-40.
"Come on now Gryffindors!" Harry yelled, "Ron, Seamus, where's the defense? TIME OUT!"
Madam Hooch blew her whistle and Harry huddled his team together.
"Chasers," he started, looking at Ginny, Natalie and Lavender, "You're too clase together, spread out somemore! Get open! Ron, Seamus, don't be going easy with them! You were put on his team to BEAT the Bludgers, not TAP them! And Dean, you gotta keep your eyes on the ball man, okay? I want everyone in position for our play alright?" Harry ordered.
"Nat, you know where you'll be? Gin? Lavender?" Harry asked.
"Yup," the three girls answered.
"Alright then, let's go out there! We can beat them! I know we can!"
The Gryffindor team hustled back into position and the game got underway.
"The Gryffindors need to score a few or get the Snitch in order to win this one!" Colin called out.
"Do it!" Harry yelled from atop. Lavender passed teh Quaffle on to Ginny, who sped up, flying through the other players. She looked at Natalie, who flew near her.
"Ready Nat?" Ginny called.
"I'm open!" Natale replied. As everyone watched Ginny prepare to throw to Natalie, Ginny caught everyone by surprise as she threw backwards to where Laveder was advancing. Lavender, now with the Quaffle, dove under GInny and shot it past Laura Madley, Hufflepuff's Keeper. The scarlet and gold sea of Gryffindor supporters errupted in loud cheers.
"What a play! What a play by Gryffinor Chasers Ginny, Natalie and Lavender!" Colin screamed in excitement, jumping from his seat.
"The score is 20-40 now! Gryffindor only two goals from tieing the game! OH! What a block from Dean! Preventing Hufflepuff from leading much more."
Harry found it hard to concentrate on finding the Golden Snitch as he watched his teammates fighting hard. After Gryffindor had scored, now only needing one goal to tie, Harry caught a golden gleam come from below. He looked at Justin, who hadn't noticed it and quickly dove to where the Golden Snitch was floating.
"It looks like Harry Potter has found the Snitch!" Colin annonced loudly. Justin immediately dove down in search of the Snitch after hearing the news.
"Bloody hell Colin! You couldn't have just kept your mouth shut for a few more seconds," Harry mumbled as he looked behind him to where Justin was coming closer. Harry stretched his arm as far as he could to grab the Snitch. He could feel its fluttering wings at his fingertips, but the Golden Snitch took a tight turn to avoid hitting the stands. Harry yelled in frustration as he pulled his broom from smashing the stands. He glanced up at Justin, who now had the advantage. Harry flew slowly behind Justin, trying to analyse the movements of the Snitch and predict its next move.
"Come on broom! Just a bit faster now!" Harry edged his broom on, taking a different route to the Snitch. Justin was still closer, and Harry could hear the cheers as Gryffindor had tied the game.
"Come on Harry!" Hermione screamed from her seat. Harry looked up as his stared were met by Justin's. Harry's green eyes and Justin's brown eyes wore the same expression, wanting the same thing.
"It's anybody's game now!" Colin yelled. With an extra boast, Harry caught the Snitch and dove quickly out of the way to avoid crashing into Justin.
"HARRY'S CAUGHT THE SNITCH!! The Gryffindor's WIN!!" Colin exclaimed. Harry landed his broom and was met by exstatic teammates.
"Nice catch Harry!" Ron patted him on the back.
"Thanks, but you guys did fabulous on the play! You couldn't have done it better!" Harry beamed, proud of his team. Hermione joined the celebration on the field, congratulating them on a game well played. She stayed awhile to chat with her friends, but soon headed back to the tower to start on her homework. She didn't see Draco in their common room, and noticed that his door was open, but lights off.
"Must be in the Slytherin common room," she said aloud.
Little did she know, he was actually sitting alone in the dark, against the lonely oak tree overlooking the Hogwarts lake.
"Good evening Draco," the familiar smooth voice caused Draco to turn around. His father was dressed in another expensive black cloak, his dark figure resting on the shiny black cane. Draco stood up instantly, facing his father.
"What are you doing here?" Draco sneered.
"Well, I was in town doing business and I thought I should stop by and say hello to my son," Lucious' voice hid something.
"What business are you doing here?"
"Oh, the same old stuff, you know;...trading," the moon caught Lucious' grey eyes, giving them an eery glow, "But seeing as I am clearly unwanted here-"
"Bloody right you're not wanted here," Draco spat out.
"My my Draco, you've really changed. I don't know whether it's for the good or bad," Lucious spoke, "Hmm...I do wonder though..."
Lucious stopped and stepped closer to Draco, nover taking his eyes off his son. He was practially nose-to-nose when he began to speak again.
"...WHAT caused this change," Lucious gave a vile smile then turned his back to leave.
"Goodbye now Draco, I'll see you soon."
Draco's heart beat fast, a single sweat drop trickled down the side of his face. He stood there paralysed as he watched his father's tall figure grow smaller into the distance. Once the shadow disappeared into the night, Draco ran like a mad man into the castle. He wasn't sure if his father knew about Hermione, but he wasn't taking any chances. He spat out the password before he was in front of the portrait and looked around, frantically searching for Hermione. He burst through all the doors on the main floor, accidently running into a table, cursing out loud. Her bedroom door clicked open and he looked up at the emmerging figure.
*********
...omg how could that be? Well you gotta review in order to find out! The more reviews I get, the faster I shall put up the new chapter! If you have any suggestions or comments, please fell free to email me: babyt_3@hotmail.com , but please tell me you're from ff.net in the subject title, so that I don't mistake your e-mail for junk mail...thanks and happy holidays! Enjoy them and stay safe!!! Ciao! (don't forget to review!)
-Baby T
A/N: Hi guys! Well, I'm in a very giving mood, seeing as it's Christmas! So here's another chapter for you all! Thanks so much for reviewing! I'm juss over 200 reviews right now, and I'm BEYOND estatic! Thank you so much! You've really made my Christmas a happy one! Enjoy this chapter, and don't forget to review!
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanza...Happy Holidays, and hope you all have a very happy and prosperous New Year! Enjoy!
*********
~~~
"Lucious, tell me. What is your plan?" The bitter voice returned.
"It's very simple," Lucious' dark figure stepped out from the shadows.
"I can easily get into Hogwarts. I'll take the boy when he's alone."
"And if that fails?"
"It won't master, but if for some odd reason it does, I'll take the next best thing; the girl," Lucious said in a harsh whisper.
"What girl?"
"The mudblood."
The figure of the crisp voice slammed his fists on the table.
"I don't WANT the mudblood! I WANT the BOY!!"
Lucious' eyes flickered with slight fear, but quickly regained composure.
"The mudblood is to lure the boy. He wouldn't let the girl die. He loves her too much. She's like the sister he never had."
"Very well. Don't fail me Lucious."
~~~
Harry awoke once more sweating heavily, his scar pounding with hurt. This time the dream was more vivid, so real. Harry knew that Voldemort would strike again, and if they couldn't take him, they'd take Hermione. He had to do anything in his power to save Hermione. He couldn't, no, he wouldn't put her like in danger. This was the second dream since two months ago, when he had the first. He couldn't tell where Voldemort and Lucious were hidden, and he couldn't decipher exactly when they would strike. His mind was working so hard, he became tired again and went back to sleep, only to wake three hours later for school.
"Hey Ron," Harry grumbled as Ron came back from the bathroom.
"Yeah Harry?"
"I had another one," Harry told his best friend. Ron understood and sat on the edge of his bed, waiting to hear more.
"They're planning on taking me. Ron you've GOT to keep this to yourself. You CANNOT tell ANYONE! Not Hermione, not Dumbledore, NO ONE!! Got it?" Harry stressed. Ron nodded.
"But Harry, Hermione could help out!"
"NO!" Harry knew he couldn't involve Hermione, and he refused to tell Ron about Hermione being included in the danger, knowing Ron would be worried.
"The less people know, the less people are going to get hurt. They only want me. If I go, no one has to know," Harry went on.
"Who exactly is "they"?" Ron questioned.
"Voldemort and Lucious," Harry answered.
"And you think you can take on THOSE two?!" Ron exclaimed, turning red with anger,"Harry, I'm NOT going to let you do that alone!"
"Ron! It's the only way! I've lived through Voldemort throwing the Avada curse at me once already. I think I can handle it this time!"
"First of all, it was ONLY him! Not him AND Lucious! And secondly, you living through that curse was a FLUKE!" Ron yelled.
"A FLUKE?! What about the basilisk and Tom Riddle?"
"Fawkes came and helped you!"
"What about the Triwizard Tournament and Cedric being murdered in front of my eyes? And what about at the Minestry of Mysteries? Huh? What about THOSE times?"
Ron sighed, knowing he couldn't say anything to change Harry's mind.
"All I'm saying is that it's going to be dangerous Harry. Far more dangerous than you can imagine. At least if Hermione and Dumbledore knew-" Ron was interrupted.
"No Ron. You don't understand. Each year, someone I care for gets involved and is put into grave danger. First year it was you in wizards chess, second year it was Ginny, third year it was all of us, fourthy year I let Cedric die-" Harry's solemn voice filled the room.
"It wasn't your fault Cedric died Harry."
"Yes it was, Cedric told me to take the cup, but I was a fool and said no. I had to be the better person, I said that both of us should take it," Harry explained.
"You didn't know," Ron said.
"But I know now." Harry got up and headed out to the bathroom, leaving Ron alone to think about the conversation as he put on his school robes. He decided not to tell Hermione or Dumbledore, he couldn't betray his best friend, especially since Harry needed him the most now. Ron vowed to keep an eye on Harry every second of the day, making sure it was hard for the Dark Lord and Lucious to get their hands on him.
Breakfast was quiet that morning, as Hermione didn't show up. Harry ate quickly, looking over new quidditch plays for that nights game.
"So what's the new play?" Ron asked curiously, breaking the silence.
"I'm going to have Ginny fake throw the Quaffle to Natalie, who'll be to her right, but she'll really throw it to Lavender, who'll be coming up from behind," Harry explained, showing Ron the play with moving stick diagrams.
"Think it'll work?" Harry looked at Ron.
"Yeah, because Hufflepuff just got new beaters, and what I heard is that the beaters remain mostley by their Keeper, so I don't think it'll be too hard to get by the two new beaters, who haven't gotten much training," Ron said.
"Who are the new beaters?" Harry asked.
"Kevin Whitby and Owen Cauldwell, sixth years," Ron answered.
"How long have they been on the team, and where'd you find this out?"
"They've been on for less than a week, and I overheard Justin talking to Susan Bones to see if they found replacements," Ron told Harry. Harry's eyes gleamed with happiness.
"Good job Ron!" Harry praised. He stood up and said, "Ok, Gryffindor Quidditch players, after school straight to the common room got it?"
Everyone nodded, then he and Ron left for their classes. The two wizards satrestlessly throughout their classes, wanting the day to end so badly. Finally as they sat in Transfiguration the final bell rang (A/N: Does anyone know if Hogwarts even has a bell?!). Harry grabbed his books and sprinted out of the room.
"Hurry up Ron!"
"Coming!" Ron said, picking up his books. Just as he headed out the door, he turned back.
"Hermione! You coming to the game?" He asked, looking at her.
"Of course!" She exclaimed. He flashed her a smile then dashed out, "See ya then!"
Hermione dropped her books off in her room, then headed towards the quidditch pitch, where the two teams were already warming up. Hermione found a seat next to Parvati and Neville and anxiously awaited for the start of the game.
"Alright, I want a clean game understood?" Madam Hooch blew her whistle.
"And they're off!" Colin Creevey's voice boomed from the annoncer's box.
"There goes Hannah Abbott with the Quaffle in hand, she passes it to the open Ernie Macmillian-OH! Pass intercepted by Gryffindor's Natalie McDonald! Boy is she really flying! She passes it to Ginny Weasley, who dodges a Bludger from new Hufflepuff Beater Owen Cauldwell. Ginny shots...she SCORES! 10-0 for Gryffindor!" Colin said, his voice bouncing with expression. Harry's broom hovered about the action, his eyes scanning the field for the GOlden Snitch. Justin Finch-Fletchley was nearby doing the same as Hufflepuff's Susan Bones scored, tying the game at 10 apiece.
Fifteen minutes later, with no Snitch in sight, Hufflepuff led 10-40.
"Come on now Gryffindors!" Harry yelled, "Ron, Seamus, where's the defense? TIME OUT!"
Madam Hooch blew her whistle and Harry huddled his team together.
"Chasers," he started, looking at Ginny, Natalie and Lavender, "You're too clase together, spread out somemore! Get open! Ron, Seamus, don't be going easy with them! You were put on his team to BEAT the Bludgers, not TAP them! And Dean, you gotta keep your eyes on the ball man, okay? I want everyone in position for our play alright?" Harry ordered.
"Nat, you know where you'll be? Gin? Lavender?" Harry asked.
"Yup," the three girls answered.
"Alright then, let's go out there! We can beat them! I know we can!"
The Gryffindor team hustled back into position and the game got underway.
"The Gryffindors need to score a few or get the Snitch in order to win this one!" Colin called out.
"Do it!" Harry yelled from atop. Lavender passed teh Quaffle on to Ginny, who sped up, flying through the other players. She looked at Natalie, who flew near her.
"Ready Nat?" Ginny called.
"I'm open!" Natale replied. As everyone watched Ginny prepare to throw to Natalie, Ginny caught everyone by surprise as she threw backwards to where Laveder was advancing. Lavender, now with the Quaffle, dove under GInny and shot it past Laura Madley, Hufflepuff's Keeper. The scarlet and gold sea of Gryffindor supporters errupted in loud cheers.
"What a play! What a play by Gryffinor Chasers Ginny, Natalie and Lavender!" Colin screamed in excitement, jumping from his seat.
"The score is 20-40 now! Gryffindor only two goals from tieing the game! OH! What a block from Dean! Preventing Hufflepuff from leading much more."
Harry found it hard to concentrate on finding the Golden Snitch as he watched his teammates fighting hard. After Gryffindor had scored, now only needing one goal to tie, Harry caught a golden gleam come from below. He looked at Justin, who hadn't noticed it and quickly dove to where the Golden Snitch was floating.
"It looks like Harry Potter has found the Snitch!" Colin annonced loudly. Justin immediately dove down in search of the Snitch after hearing the news.
"Bloody hell Colin! You couldn't have just kept your mouth shut for a few more seconds," Harry mumbled as he looked behind him to where Justin was coming closer. Harry stretched his arm as far as he could to grab the Snitch. He could feel its fluttering wings at his fingertips, but the Golden Snitch took a tight turn to avoid hitting the stands. Harry yelled in frustration as he pulled his broom from smashing the stands. He glanced up at Justin, who now had the advantage. Harry flew slowly behind Justin, trying to analyse the movements of the Snitch and predict its next move.
"Come on broom! Just a bit faster now!" Harry edged his broom on, taking a different route to the Snitch. Justin was still closer, and Harry could hear the cheers as Gryffindor had tied the game.
"Come on Harry!" Hermione screamed from her seat. Harry looked up as his stared were met by Justin's. Harry's green eyes and Justin's brown eyes wore the same expression, wanting the same thing.
"It's anybody's game now!" Colin yelled. With an extra boast, Harry caught the Snitch and dove quickly out of the way to avoid crashing into Justin.
"HARRY'S CAUGHT THE SNITCH!! The Gryffindor's WIN!!" Colin exclaimed. Harry landed his broom and was met by exstatic teammates.
"Nice catch Harry!" Ron patted him on the back.
"Thanks, but you guys did fabulous on the play! You couldn't have done it better!" Harry beamed, proud of his team. Hermione joined the celebration on the field, congratulating them on a game well played. She stayed awhile to chat with her friends, but soon headed back to the tower to start on her homework. She didn't see Draco in their common room, and noticed that his door was open, but lights off.
"Must be in the Slytherin common room," she said aloud.
Little did she know, he was actually sitting alone in the dark, against the lonely oak tree overlooking the Hogwarts lake.
"Good evening Draco," the familiar smooth voice caused Draco to turn around. His father was dressed in another expensive black cloak, his dark figure resting on the shiny black cane. Draco stood up instantly, facing his father.
"What are you doing here?" Draco sneered.
"Well, I was in town doing business and I thought I should stop by and say hello to my son," Lucious' voice hid something.
"What business are you doing here?"
"Oh, the same old stuff, you know;...trading," the moon caught Lucious' grey eyes, giving them an eery glow, "But seeing as I am clearly unwanted here-"
"Bloody right you're not wanted here," Draco spat out.
"My my Draco, you've really changed. I don't know whether it's for the good or bad," Lucious spoke, "Hmm...I do wonder though..."
Lucious stopped and stepped closer to Draco, nover taking his eyes off his son. He was practially nose-to-nose when he began to speak again.
"...WHAT caused this change," Lucious gave a vile smile then turned his back to leave.
"Goodbye now Draco, I'll see you soon."
Draco's heart beat fast, a single sweat drop trickled down the side of his face. He stood there paralysed as he watched his father's tall figure grow smaller into the distance. Once the shadow disappeared into the night, Draco ran like a mad man into the castle. He wasn't sure if his father knew about Hermione, but he wasn't taking any chances. He spat out the password before he was in front of the portrait and looked around, frantically searching for Hermione. He burst through all the doors on the main floor, accidently running into a table, cursing out loud. Her bedroom door clicked open and he looked up at the emmerging figure.
*********
...omg how could that be? Well you gotta review in order to find out! The more reviews I get, the faster I shall put up the new chapter! If you have any suggestions or comments, please fell free to email me: babyt_3@hotmail.com , but please tell me you're from ff.net in the subject title, so that I don't mistake your e-mail for junk mail...thanks and happy holidays! Enjoy them and stay safe!!! Ciao! (don't forget to review!)
-Baby T