Well that certainly was an interesting previous chapter! I thank you all
for reviewing.sniff I feel so loved!! *Neo- Kitty
Loved? Why? ~Pippin
Pippin! #Merry
What!? I just wanted to know! ~Pippin
You should be nicer to her you know. #Merry
Yeah, you should considering that right now I control your destiny. (Rolls up sleeves and cracks knuckles menacingly.) And you don't want me to bring out my ultimate weapon. * Neo- Kitty
Ultimate weapon? What does she mean by ultimate weapon? (Whispering to Merry.) ~Pippin
(Shrugs) I don't know? #Merry
Prepare to quake in fear! Behold! (Whips out secret weapon.) The spatula of doom! *Neo- Kitty
A spatula? That's not a weapon it's a utensil you use it to make pancakes.
~ Pippin
(Getting angry.) This is no utensil it has many powers would you like me to show you? *Neo- Kitty
Not really. (Nervously inches away.) ~ Pippin
Oh no you don't! (Raises spatula and comes charging at him ready to strike.) *Neo- Kitty
Stay away! (Runs like crazy.) ~Pippin
(Sighs as he watches them run past.) I guess I'll do the disclaimer. (Brings out flash cards to read.) Neo- Kitty does not own Harry Potter, The Lord of the Rings, or The Frying Pan of Doom who is a cousin to her spatula. (Watches as Pippin ducks the on coming spatula.) Well they look like they'll be awhile so I'll introduce the chapter too. Hope you enjoy it! #Merry
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\ This line was made courtesy of Merry (You owe me!)
(Where we left off.)
There was a scar on Draco's wrist. Hermione gasped, "Who did that?"
Draco didn't answer and they were all silent.
"It looks like something," Ron murmured suddenly. "Fire I think."
It was like someone had flipped a switch in Harry's mind. Flashes of the dream returned once more after Ron had made that innocent comment. He staggered a bit and felt darkness creep up on him.
Draco looked at Harry and whispered, "Are you alright?"
Harry looked at him and he felt the hairs stand up on the back of his neck. His eyes seemed to be glowing.
"Silver flames," Harry whispered. "The first is found." Then his eyes darkened and he collapsed on the floor with a dull thud.
(Continued)
Ron sprang from his bed and knelt by his friend. Hermione came to kneel beside him. Draco stood where he was speechless.
"I think he's just unconscious," Hermione whispered. "Oh, and of course me without my wand! I could wake him up if I had it."
Draco snapped out of his stupor upon hearing this. He moved towards the trio and cautiously brought out his wand.
Ron looked at him warily but didn't say anything to stop him.
Taking that as a good sign Draco pointed his wand at Harry and murmured the charm.
The emerald eyes fluttered open and Harry gave a moan.
"Oh Harry!" Hermione cried out grabbing him in a fierce hug.
Harry awkwardly hugged her back shooting a confused look at Ron and Draco.
Draco looked back just as confused as he was. Why did it seem so weird to Harry for Hermione to be concerned. He had, after all, just fainted. Well he did say something first then fainted. Realization hit Draco like a cold slap.
"Hermione," He murmured softly. "He doesn't remember what just happened."
"What do you mean he doesn't remember?" Ron asked as he stood up from his kneeling position eyeing Draco suspiciously.
Hermione had released Harry and was staring up at Draco. "How can he not remember?"
"Remember what?" Harry was thoroughly confused by now.
"See," Draco pointed at Harry.
Ron looked down at Harry then kneeled once more. Once he was eye level with his friend he studied his face.
Harry Potter had but one clear window into the secrets of his soul. His eyes. They would always tell you how Harry truly felt no matter what his outer appearance seemed to say. Right now they were cloudy hazy from the disorientation of being unconscious but a minute ago right before he had fallen they had been something completely different.
"They were glowing just like before." Ron murmured quietly.
Harry furrowed his brow and questioned, "Before?"
"In our first divination class this year." Ron began, "When we studied mirrors. You said you saw something but when you were about to tell me what it was Trelawney came over. After she left I asked you what you had seen and you just stared at me, but your eyes were glowing just like they were a second ago. You came around a moment later and when I asked you what you were talking about earlier you had no idea what I meant. You had forgotten it all." He paused a moment, "Like something had wiped it clean from your memory."
"It makes sense," Draco thoughtfully stroked his chin as he spoke.
"What makes sense?" Hermione asked him as she rose from her place on the floor.
"Well in that book we found in the library it said that seers often forget things they see." Draco answered. "Though I doubt the vision is wiped from the memory it is most likely stored for later."
"Kind of like the way muggle computers store files." Ron added slowly.
Draco and Hermione gave him curious looks.
"My Dad found some books about muggle inventions at the library. I was bored so I read them. They were kind of interesting actually." Ron supplied meekly.
Harry gazed back at his friends and whispered softly, "Stored away like a computer.and like computers something must be triggered to access the memory." Harry thought a moment then it hit him, "In the library when I said remember that triggered the memory from class and this morning when I found this." He stood up and grabbed the book off Hermione's bed. He gently pulled his letter out and showed the others. "This triggered the memory of the dream I had this morning."
"Dream?" Hermione queried softly as she took the letter out of his hands. "What dream?"
"It's not important yet. What is important is what I just forgot." He smiled as he offered a hand to Ron who was still on the floor. "And I know just how to remember."
"What if you faint again?" Draco asked surprising himself with his own concern.
Ron was obviously surprised as well because he almost lost his grip on Harry's hand when Draco said this.
"Don't worry." Harry stated smiling I don't plan on it. "Now to trigger the memory. Hermione can you please tell me last the first word I said to you before I fainted."
Looking a bit unsure Hermione nodded as she folded the letter she had been trying to make sense out of.
"Wait," Draco cut in before she could speak. "We should write down what he says."
Ron looked at Draco then nodded. "Good idea we might need it written down." He stated grudgingly.
"Okay let me get a quill then," Hermione mumbled as she began rooting around the things on her bedside table. After gathering a quill and fresh ink- bottle she unfolded the letter and prepared to write. She then asked, "Ready?"
Harry nodded and seated himself on the end of Ron's bed while the two other boys stood waiting.
"Silver." Hermione whispered quill poised and ready.
"Flames the first is found," Harry finished for her. He then shuddered and closed his eyes. Visions hit him cold eyes, eyes as gray and hard as steel. Harsh words reached his mind making him wince. Harry was experiencing someone else's memories.
'Who is that person?' Harry thought, 'and more importantly whose memories are these?'
Slowly Harry sifted through the jumble of images and came up with something that made sense. The eyes belonged to a man a father. He was berating someone, his son, for being weak to soft to stand the pains of others. Someone whom was a shame to his family and didn't deserve his surname that was. Malfoy. Flames terrible yet wonderful flames enveloped all and the scenes changed.
It was a clearing with trees surrounding it. It looked like someone had been camping here and had left. No wait they hadn't left they had an accident. Towards the middle of the area was a circle of charred turf and in the center the sad remains of a camp- fire stood out. Amidst the dead flora a figure was barely noticeable he was burned beyond recognition. Draco. The only thing that showed he was alive was the steady rise and fall of his chest. His left arm was draped across his face and looked like he had thrown it up in a defense against the blaze.
To anyone who saw this it would look like he had gone camping and got burned by his own fire. Anyone, that is, who didn't know what really had occurred. Harry realized then that that was exactly what Mr. Malfoy was counting on when he set the "camp" up.
An unusual stirring caught Harry's eye and he looked closer at the badly injured boy. He was indeed moving. His arm came off his face and he gave a sharp hiss as it hit the ground. After opening his eyes he gently turned his head trying to understand where he was. Realization showed clearly on his features as his gray eyes widened in fear.
Harry could hardly bear to watch; so this was what changed Draco. This was why he wanted help. The thought of death had made the mightiest of dragons fall.
Suddenly a new look shined in the eyes that had just been fearful. Defiance. He was going to live to spite those that wanted him dead. Carefully he turned over to lie on his stomach. Then he slowly began to drag himself to the tent that had been set up. Upon reaching it he got inside and found his hope. His trunk had been left inside it along with all his other school things including his wand. He rooted through his trunk cringing in pain but refusing to give up. After finding a quill and parchment he wrote a short note asking Dumbledore for help.
Then he gingerly picked up the ash rod that was his wand and held it close to his heart. This one thing would hopefully save his life. He began to cast the few healing charms he knew. No less then five minutes later an owl swooped in bearing a letter sealed by the ministry of magic. Draco smirked and quickly scooped up the letter he had written to the Headmaster of Hogwarts. The owl looked him over then accepted the parcel and instructions. As soon as it swooped out Draco knew that he had done all he could hopefully his plan would work. Then his strength finally gave out and he succumbed to the darkness.
Harry watched the prone boy, as time seemed to slip by. The sun faded and the world became dark, night had fallen.
A soft pop caught Harry's attention and he turned to see three figures standing in the clearing. One of the three examined the remains of the campfire while the other two went to investigate the tent. A familiar voice gave an exclamation of shock. It was Professor McGonagall. Harry looked closely at the second figure in the tent that was bending down to examine the injured boy. Professor Snape cast a few charms then carefully picked up his student. McGonagall followed him out of the tent after she took care of Draco's trunk. Snape made his way over to the person by the fire. The figure stood up and turned to look at the potions master. Professor Dumbledore's twinkling eyes looked dull as he looked at Draco.
"We will take him back with us." The headmaster stated gravely though his voice sounded muffled.
"What about his family?" Professor McGonagall queried in the same faraway voice.
"We should wait until he had recovered to inform them." Snape stated softly as he shifted the weight of the boy in his arms.
Dumbledore nodded then as one all three of them apparated away leaving the deserted camp behind.
Suddenly Harry was in a round room it was one he knew well. This was Dumbledore's office. He heard a soft sigh and realized the Headmaster was in his chair with Fawkes on his knee.
A small rapping noise came from the door.
Dumbledore had a ghost of a smile on his face as he called out, "Come in."
A blonde- haired boy walked in quickly. Draco looked a lot better than the last time Harry had seen him. There was no trace of his previous burns. The only thing that looked out of place was the bandage on his left wrist.
"Ah Draco I see Severus got you my message." Dumbledore stated softly as he stroked Fawkes.
"Yes sir but," he cut off.
"Yes," Dumbledore prodded gently.
"I don't want him to know I'm okay." The words rushed out and Draco looked horrified after he had said them.
"Are you sure?" The headmaster queried.
Draco glared at the floor a moment then stated in sure voice, "I'm sure."
"Alright," Dumbledore smiled at him.
"Is that all you needed Professor?" Draco asked somewhat awkwardly.
"Yes, unless you need something." The headmaster stated.
"Uh well," Draco was at loss. "I don't think I need anything really." He finally managed to stutter this.
"Very well good day Draco," Dumbledore smiled.
"Good bye Professor." Draco mumbled as he got up to leave. He reached for the door- knob then let his hand drop. "Professor, who do you go to for help?" He asked timidly.
"Someone who knows a lot about what I need help with. Why?" Dumbledore's eyes twinkled as he answered.
"No reason." Draco murmured as he opened the door and left.
The head master watched his student walk out and smiled at his phoenix. "You know Fawkes I think that things will get better for him." He stroked the bird as he spoke, "Yes, a lot better."
Then the scene shifted once more and Harry realized that he was in the library. Draco was seated by one of the windows looking through books nonchalantly. However other things were on his mind.
"Someone who knows a lot about it." Draco murmured. "Who would that be? It's not like people deal with attempted murder all the time." He paused then when an idea hit him. "Well maybe he would know, but is it worth the time to try and ask him for help. It's not like we've been friends." Draco looked hard at the book he had just pulled off the shelf. 'Well might as well try.' He thought, 'The worst thing he could do is tell me to get lost.' Standing up Draco looked a little bit better as he whispered, "I'll give it a shot. I just hope you'll listen, Harry."
"Harry! Harry! Come on Harry!" his name was ringing in his ears. Suddenly his eyes snapped open and he was looking back at Ron Weasley who had his hands on his shoulders. Ron had been shaking him.
He tried to say he was okay and Ron could let go but obviously his tongue had other ideas. "I saw." He murmured softly.
"Harry." Ron stated nervously as he removed his hands. "Your eyes."
Harry paid no attention and turned his now glowing eyes on Draco. "You suffered." He stated calmly.
Draco cringed knowing what the other boy must have just seen. His hand reached for his left wrist and he caressed the scar without thinking.
"You will find comfort in them you know." Harry told him as he stood up reaching for a candle by the bed. "Tell me you do not love these crimson flames."
Draco looked up at him and gazed at the candle. He could find no words to say.
Ron was standing speechless next to Harry while Hermione was writing furiously. Harry still stood poised with the candle waiting for a response.
Draco shifted nervously watching the candle flame intently. He was afraid of it and yet he yearned to hold it. "Why would I love something my father used to try and kill me with?" He asked softly making Ron gape and Hermione almost drop the quill in surprise.
"Kill you with?" Ron looked at him trying to find some way he could be sure that he was telling the truth.
"Is that what that scar is from?" Hermione asked somewhat timidly.
"Yes," Draco stated shortly. He looked at the skeptical Ron and then suddenly he blurted out. "I know you don't trust me but I'm not lying. He took me with him to one of his meetings. I had to watch as he tortured people. I could not bear it and when we got home my father was so ashamed of me he wanted to disown me. He is loyal to his master and his master wants those who are strong not weak. So he decided to rid himself of me. To cleanse my family name. he tried to kill and almost did. He used a charm that he normally used for starting fires in our hearths. I did not have my wand so I couldn't defend myself. I did the best I could by shielding my face with my arm. Then he set up a fake camp out in the woods by our manor. He left me there and set the place up so it looked like I had done it to myself. I woke up out there in the woods. I got help from the teachers and came here the rest of the summer. I doubt my father knows I'm alive and I'm glad for it." He stated bitterly as he finished his story.
Hermione and Ron looked horrified but Harry gazed at him steadily still holing the candle.
"I know it is confusing but realize in a way the flames saved you. You are here now away from your father safe. They even showed you they cared." Harry stated as he walked closer to Draco and pointed at his wrist.
Draco looked down at his arm. The scar burnt silver into his skin did always comfort him. Perhaps that was why he held it whenever he was thinking about what had happened to him that night.
"Take it." Harry told him firmly as he held the candle out to him.
Draco reached out and took the candle gently into his own hand. Then he suddenly reached up with his left hand to caress the flame.
Hermione cried out softly while Ron gave an exclamation and tried to get over to Draco to stop him.
However, Harry put an arm up to block him and stated softly, "Just watch."
Ron looked uneasily at his friend but held himself back. Hermione had gone over to where Ron and Harry were standing and was now holding on tightly to Ron's arm.
Draco's concentration was solely on the little flame in front of him. His hand was poised right above the flame and now he was hesitant. 'What if I burn myself? I'll get in so much trouble for doing something this stupid.'
Harry smiled and stated, "Go on you know they won't hurt you."
Ron and Hermione looked at Harry like he was crazy but didn't say anything.
Draco looked at him then plunged his hand into the tiny flame. Burning a ripple of sweet fire seemed to pass over Draco. This was a different type of burn though not the harsh fire that had come when his father had tried to kill him. Oh no, this was something different. This was bliss.
Then just a suddenly as it had started it stopped. Someone had pulled his hand from the flame.
"You suffered by them." Harry whispered softly after he yanked Draco from the fire. "Now you find joy in them. You have a great destiny ahead of you." He paused then murmured, "As will the others who suffered by what they will soon come to cherish."
"Who are the others?" Ron asked suddenly coming up beside Harry.
"You will know them soon." Harry smiled his eyes still glowing. "The marks will tell all."
"The marks," Hermione murmured looking at Draco's scarred arm. "You mean scars!" Suddenly she grabbed the bandage around her neck and began yanking it off.
"Hermione what are you doing?" Ron asked.
"Ron, Harry just said that Draco suffered by fire and now we know he must be the one that letter is talking about when it said fire. He also said the others would suffer and the marks would tell. That means lightning, water, earth also have to suffer by their element." She finally managed to pull off the gauze around her neck and she went to a mirror. "We just suffered Ron by water and earth and if my guess is correct we should have."
"Scars," Ron finished as he started to take off his own bandage.
"Look," Hermione stated in awe as she looked at her neck. The gash that Harry had noticed when he found her had turned a sparkly clear color.
"Crystal water," Harry stated. "The second is found."
Draco looked at him but said nothing.
Ron had finished taking off the bandage, "Bloody." He exclaimed receiving a dirty look from Hermione as he did so.
There on his right wrist was a bronze looking scar in the shape of a mountain range.
"Bronze mountains," Harry smiled broadly. "The last is found."
Hermione looked at him puzzled and stated, "Harry the prophecy talks about four people Ron can't be the last."
"Let me see that letter," Draco stated.
Hermione reached over to her bed and gave it to him giving him a puzzled look as she did so. Draco quickly scanned the parchment then found what he was looking for. "Lightning," He stated, "The seer of lightning."
"Found himself this morning." Harry finished quietly as he looked at them. His eyes had stopped glowing.
"Harry." Hermione sighed. "You're back to normal."
"As normal as he gets." Ron joked.
"Thanks Ron." Harry rolled his eyes.
"What happened there?" Draco asked softly. "You didn't seem like yourself. You were more. well I'm not sure how to describe it."
"I know it was almost like." Hermione broke off thoughtfully.
"What they mean is it was like you weren't the one talking." Ron stated as he sat down on his bed. "You follow me?"
"Yeah." Harry sighed rubbing his for head as he did so. "I follow you."
"Maybe it has something to do with your abilities." Hermione suggested hopefully.
"She's right." Draco nodded.
"Yeah or you could be going crazy mate." Ron chortled.
"Ha, ha." Harry growled at him as he grabbed a pillow and chucked it at his friend.
"Oh stop it." Hermione scolded them. "We have other things to worry about."
"Yeah, like how are we going to deal with this new." He lifted his wrist showing them his scar. "Well we could say oddity.
"Well we could always cover our scars like Draco did." Ron suggested.
"We could but don't you think it would look a bit odd for Hermione to wear a scarf all the time." Harry stated.
"It was just a suggestion." Ron defended himself.
"I have one question before we get deeper into this." Hermione cut in. Then turning towards Harry she asked, "Harry what did you do this morning to discover this."
"Oh that." Harry had hoped they would avoid this subject. "Well you see this morning I had a dream that woke me up. Basically it was about all the things that I wrote on that letter. You know, the silver flames stuff. Anyway in the dream it told me I was lightning. So after I woke up I realized it was storming outside. By then I had forgotten the dream and thought that woke me up so I decided to get up. That's when I found the letter that helped me remember the dream. That's when I wrote the extra information on the letter after that I decided to go outside and experiment."
"Harry you could have been caught!" Hermione interjected.
"I was wearing my cloak." Harry reassured her, "Well anyway I finally made it outside and went to the quidditch field. Then I sort of talked to the storm."
"You talked to the storm." Ron gaped at him.
"How?" Draco asked.
"I just talked to it." He shifted uncomfortably. "And you know it wasn't just one voice it was tons all talking together. I realized the time and ran back inside since I had to meet Draco. That was when I almost ran into Snape."
"Snape? What was he doing?" Hermione asked.
"He was going to talk to Dumbledore." Harry murmured. "He knew someone had been tampering with the storm."
"You're sure." Draco stated seriously.
"He was thinking about it." Harry sighed. "Now I will have to be a lot more careful if I'm going to go out in the storms again."
"Sounds like we will all have to be careful." Ron stated. "Could you imagine if someone saw Draco stick his hand in fire. They would freak out."
"What's worse is then everyone would know what we could do." Hermione whispered. "Whatever we might be able to do that is."
"Right and that's exactly what we don't need. The best thing to do is to avoid your element." Harry stated firmly.
"How can I avoid Earth?" Ron asked helplessly. "It's everywhere."
"The same problem with water and fire." Draco chimed in.
"Then we'll just have to learn to control these powers." Harry murmured. "We can do it early when no one else is up."
"I know a place we can train. There is a classroom that no one uses on the third floor." Draco suggested helpfully.
"Good idea." Harry smiled.
"Harry," Ron asked seriously. "Do you think we can do this? You know conquer the darkness of our world."
"Yeah this is a little much for fifteen- year olds." Draco stated.
"Maybe we should let the adults handle it Harry. What if this prophecy is wrong?" Hermione whispered.
Harry looked at them then murmured. "What if they can't help? The adults won't always be there Hermione. Trust me I know. True I know we aren't super heroes. I know that only too well." He paused a moment. "You know what though I'm not going to give up. We have a gift here one that may save lives. I don't know about you but I'm not going to give up before I've even tried."
"I'll stay with you," Hermione whispered.
"You can count on me." Ron confirmed.
"Might as well." Draco tried to sound nonchalant.
"Thanks I know I'll need you." Harry smiled. "I'm only human after all."
"That's right Harry Potter," Ron walked over to him. "Don't you forget it either." He nudged him as he spoke.
Suddenly a loud snap echoed in the wing and Ron was thrown back on his bed.
"Ron!" Harry exclaimed as he rushed to his side.
"What just happened?" Madame Pomfrey rushed out of her office to see what the commotion was.
"Nothing," Ron stated. "It was nothing we're a' okay."
The nurse scowled at Draco and Harry but let it be. She was about to go back in her office when she noticed that Ron and Hermione were missing their bandages.
"You should not have taken those off without my permission." She scolded as she bustled over. "Why in the world would you take them off anyway?"
"Uh well you see." Hermione was at a loss.
"They said that it itched," Draco covered for her. "I remembered that letting a wound get oxygen often relieves the irritation."
The nurse looked at him a moment then nodded. Finally she turned and went back to her office.
There was a collective sigh from the whole group.
"Good thinking their Ma. I mean Draco." Ron caught himself.
"No problem." Draco shook it off.
"Ron what just happened before she came out here." Hermione asked curiously.
"Well," Ron stated looking towards Harry. "He shocked me."
***
Sorry that it took so long to get up this chapter but it's done! Hurray! Anyway please review. Thanks! *Neo- Kitty (Taking small break from chasing Pippin.)
You're lucky she quit I think she was going to catch you. #Merry
Talk about it! (Gasping for air.) I hope that doesn't start again. ~Pippin
Okay thank you Tima for reviewing! Oh and I did go and read your story I even reviewed. I did it before you told me to so don't be mad at me.
Crab Apple Fairy I am sorry I have not gotten around to reviewing your latest chapters. Forgive me! Anyway your story is still written in a nice style but I felt a little nauseous after all that Harry torture. Give him a little break!
Gryffindor! Well here it is. I hope you like it. Oh and of course I know who you are!!!
M.I.A Here is more of my story! You're welcome! *Neo- Kitty
Better get a head start. (Whispering to Pip.) #Merry
Huh! ~Pippin
Oh yeah you are so going to get it! *Neo- Kitty
(Sighs once more as they run off.) Please review! Thanks and see you next chapter! #Merry
Loved? Why? ~Pippin
Pippin! #Merry
What!? I just wanted to know! ~Pippin
You should be nicer to her you know. #Merry
Yeah, you should considering that right now I control your destiny. (Rolls up sleeves and cracks knuckles menacingly.) And you don't want me to bring out my ultimate weapon. * Neo- Kitty
Ultimate weapon? What does she mean by ultimate weapon? (Whispering to Merry.) ~Pippin
(Shrugs) I don't know? #Merry
Prepare to quake in fear! Behold! (Whips out secret weapon.) The spatula of doom! *Neo- Kitty
A spatula? That's not a weapon it's a utensil you use it to make pancakes.
~ Pippin
(Getting angry.) This is no utensil it has many powers would you like me to show you? *Neo- Kitty
Not really. (Nervously inches away.) ~ Pippin
Oh no you don't! (Raises spatula and comes charging at him ready to strike.) *Neo- Kitty
Stay away! (Runs like crazy.) ~Pippin
(Sighs as he watches them run past.) I guess I'll do the disclaimer. (Brings out flash cards to read.) Neo- Kitty does not own Harry Potter, The Lord of the Rings, or The Frying Pan of Doom who is a cousin to her spatula. (Watches as Pippin ducks the on coming spatula.) Well they look like they'll be awhile so I'll introduce the chapter too. Hope you enjoy it! #Merry
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\ This line was made courtesy of Merry (You owe me!)
(Where we left off.)
There was a scar on Draco's wrist. Hermione gasped, "Who did that?"
Draco didn't answer and they were all silent.
"It looks like something," Ron murmured suddenly. "Fire I think."
It was like someone had flipped a switch in Harry's mind. Flashes of the dream returned once more after Ron had made that innocent comment. He staggered a bit and felt darkness creep up on him.
Draco looked at Harry and whispered, "Are you alright?"
Harry looked at him and he felt the hairs stand up on the back of his neck. His eyes seemed to be glowing.
"Silver flames," Harry whispered. "The first is found." Then his eyes darkened and he collapsed on the floor with a dull thud.
(Continued)
Ron sprang from his bed and knelt by his friend. Hermione came to kneel beside him. Draco stood where he was speechless.
"I think he's just unconscious," Hermione whispered. "Oh, and of course me without my wand! I could wake him up if I had it."
Draco snapped out of his stupor upon hearing this. He moved towards the trio and cautiously brought out his wand.
Ron looked at him warily but didn't say anything to stop him.
Taking that as a good sign Draco pointed his wand at Harry and murmured the charm.
The emerald eyes fluttered open and Harry gave a moan.
"Oh Harry!" Hermione cried out grabbing him in a fierce hug.
Harry awkwardly hugged her back shooting a confused look at Ron and Draco.
Draco looked back just as confused as he was. Why did it seem so weird to Harry for Hermione to be concerned. He had, after all, just fainted. Well he did say something first then fainted. Realization hit Draco like a cold slap.
"Hermione," He murmured softly. "He doesn't remember what just happened."
"What do you mean he doesn't remember?" Ron asked as he stood up from his kneeling position eyeing Draco suspiciously.
Hermione had released Harry and was staring up at Draco. "How can he not remember?"
"Remember what?" Harry was thoroughly confused by now.
"See," Draco pointed at Harry.
Ron looked down at Harry then kneeled once more. Once he was eye level with his friend he studied his face.
Harry Potter had but one clear window into the secrets of his soul. His eyes. They would always tell you how Harry truly felt no matter what his outer appearance seemed to say. Right now they were cloudy hazy from the disorientation of being unconscious but a minute ago right before he had fallen they had been something completely different.
"They were glowing just like before." Ron murmured quietly.
Harry furrowed his brow and questioned, "Before?"
"In our first divination class this year." Ron began, "When we studied mirrors. You said you saw something but when you were about to tell me what it was Trelawney came over. After she left I asked you what you had seen and you just stared at me, but your eyes were glowing just like they were a second ago. You came around a moment later and when I asked you what you were talking about earlier you had no idea what I meant. You had forgotten it all." He paused a moment, "Like something had wiped it clean from your memory."
"It makes sense," Draco thoughtfully stroked his chin as he spoke.
"What makes sense?" Hermione asked him as she rose from her place on the floor.
"Well in that book we found in the library it said that seers often forget things they see." Draco answered. "Though I doubt the vision is wiped from the memory it is most likely stored for later."
"Kind of like the way muggle computers store files." Ron added slowly.
Draco and Hermione gave him curious looks.
"My Dad found some books about muggle inventions at the library. I was bored so I read them. They were kind of interesting actually." Ron supplied meekly.
Harry gazed back at his friends and whispered softly, "Stored away like a computer.and like computers something must be triggered to access the memory." Harry thought a moment then it hit him, "In the library when I said remember that triggered the memory from class and this morning when I found this." He stood up and grabbed the book off Hermione's bed. He gently pulled his letter out and showed the others. "This triggered the memory of the dream I had this morning."
"Dream?" Hermione queried softly as she took the letter out of his hands. "What dream?"
"It's not important yet. What is important is what I just forgot." He smiled as he offered a hand to Ron who was still on the floor. "And I know just how to remember."
"What if you faint again?" Draco asked surprising himself with his own concern.
Ron was obviously surprised as well because he almost lost his grip on Harry's hand when Draco said this.
"Don't worry." Harry stated smiling I don't plan on it. "Now to trigger the memory. Hermione can you please tell me last the first word I said to you before I fainted."
Looking a bit unsure Hermione nodded as she folded the letter she had been trying to make sense out of.
"Wait," Draco cut in before she could speak. "We should write down what he says."
Ron looked at Draco then nodded. "Good idea we might need it written down." He stated grudgingly.
"Okay let me get a quill then," Hermione mumbled as she began rooting around the things on her bedside table. After gathering a quill and fresh ink- bottle she unfolded the letter and prepared to write. She then asked, "Ready?"
Harry nodded and seated himself on the end of Ron's bed while the two other boys stood waiting.
"Silver." Hermione whispered quill poised and ready.
"Flames the first is found," Harry finished for her. He then shuddered and closed his eyes. Visions hit him cold eyes, eyes as gray and hard as steel. Harsh words reached his mind making him wince. Harry was experiencing someone else's memories.
'Who is that person?' Harry thought, 'and more importantly whose memories are these?'
Slowly Harry sifted through the jumble of images and came up with something that made sense. The eyes belonged to a man a father. He was berating someone, his son, for being weak to soft to stand the pains of others. Someone whom was a shame to his family and didn't deserve his surname that was. Malfoy. Flames terrible yet wonderful flames enveloped all and the scenes changed.
It was a clearing with trees surrounding it. It looked like someone had been camping here and had left. No wait they hadn't left they had an accident. Towards the middle of the area was a circle of charred turf and in the center the sad remains of a camp- fire stood out. Amidst the dead flora a figure was barely noticeable he was burned beyond recognition. Draco. The only thing that showed he was alive was the steady rise and fall of his chest. His left arm was draped across his face and looked like he had thrown it up in a defense against the blaze.
To anyone who saw this it would look like he had gone camping and got burned by his own fire. Anyone, that is, who didn't know what really had occurred. Harry realized then that that was exactly what Mr. Malfoy was counting on when he set the "camp" up.
An unusual stirring caught Harry's eye and he looked closer at the badly injured boy. He was indeed moving. His arm came off his face and he gave a sharp hiss as it hit the ground. After opening his eyes he gently turned his head trying to understand where he was. Realization showed clearly on his features as his gray eyes widened in fear.
Harry could hardly bear to watch; so this was what changed Draco. This was why he wanted help. The thought of death had made the mightiest of dragons fall.
Suddenly a new look shined in the eyes that had just been fearful. Defiance. He was going to live to spite those that wanted him dead. Carefully he turned over to lie on his stomach. Then he slowly began to drag himself to the tent that had been set up. Upon reaching it he got inside and found his hope. His trunk had been left inside it along with all his other school things including his wand. He rooted through his trunk cringing in pain but refusing to give up. After finding a quill and parchment he wrote a short note asking Dumbledore for help.
Then he gingerly picked up the ash rod that was his wand and held it close to his heart. This one thing would hopefully save his life. He began to cast the few healing charms he knew. No less then five minutes later an owl swooped in bearing a letter sealed by the ministry of magic. Draco smirked and quickly scooped up the letter he had written to the Headmaster of Hogwarts. The owl looked him over then accepted the parcel and instructions. As soon as it swooped out Draco knew that he had done all he could hopefully his plan would work. Then his strength finally gave out and he succumbed to the darkness.
Harry watched the prone boy, as time seemed to slip by. The sun faded and the world became dark, night had fallen.
A soft pop caught Harry's attention and he turned to see three figures standing in the clearing. One of the three examined the remains of the campfire while the other two went to investigate the tent. A familiar voice gave an exclamation of shock. It was Professor McGonagall. Harry looked closely at the second figure in the tent that was bending down to examine the injured boy. Professor Snape cast a few charms then carefully picked up his student. McGonagall followed him out of the tent after she took care of Draco's trunk. Snape made his way over to the person by the fire. The figure stood up and turned to look at the potions master. Professor Dumbledore's twinkling eyes looked dull as he looked at Draco.
"We will take him back with us." The headmaster stated gravely though his voice sounded muffled.
"What about his family?" Professor McGonagall queried in the same faraway voice.
"We should wait until he had recovered to inform them." Snape stated softly as he shifted the weight of the boy in his arms.
Dumbledore nodded then as one all three of them apparated away leaving the deserted camp behind.
Suddenly Harry was in a round room it was one he knew well. This was Dumbledore's office. He heard a soft sigh and realized the Headmaster was in his chair with Fawkes on his knee.
A small rapping noise came from the door.
Dumbledore had a ghost of a smile on his face as he called out, "Come in."
A blonde- haired boy walked in quickly. Draco looked a lot better than the last time Harry had seen him. There was no trace of his previous burns. The only thing that looked out of place was the bandage on his left wrist.
"Ah Draco I see Severus got you my message." Dumbledore stated softly as he stroked Fawkes.
"Yes sir but," he cut off.
"Yes," Dumbledore prodded gently.
"I don't want him to know I'm okay." The words rushed out and Draco looked horrified after he had said them.
"Are you sure?" The headmaster queried.
Draco glared at the floor a moment then stated in sure voice, "I'm sure."
"Alright," Dumbledore smiled at him.
"Is that all you needed Professor?" Draco asked somewhat awkwardly.
"Yes, unless you need something." The headmaster stated.
"Uh well," Draco was at loss. "I don't think I need anything really." He finally managed to stutter this.
"Very well good day Draco," Dumbledore smiled.
"Good bye Professor." Draco mumbled as he got up to leave. He reached for the door- knob then let his hand drop. "Professor, who do you go to for help?" He asked timidly.
"Someone who knows a lot about what I need help with. Why?" Dumbledore's eyes twinkled as he answered.
"No reason." Draco murmured as he opened the door and left.
The head master watched his student walk out and smiled at his phoenix. "You know Fawkes I think that things will get better for him." He stroked the bird as he spoke, "Yes, a lot better."
Then the scene shifted once more and Harry realized that he was in the library. Draco was seated by one of the windows looking through books nonchalantly. However other things were on his mind.
"Someone who knows a lot about it." Draco murmured. "Who would that be? It's not like people deal with attempted murder all the time." He paused then when an idea hit him. "Well maybe he would know, but is it worth the time to try and ask him for help. It's not like we've been friends." Draco looked hard at the book he had just pulled off the shelf. 'Well might as well try.' He thought, 'The worst thing he could do is tell me to get lost.' Standing up Draco looked a little bit better as he whispered, "I'll give it a shot. I just hope you'll listen, Harry."
"Harry! Harry! Come on Harry!" his name was ringing in his ears. Suddenly his eyes snapped open and he was looking back at Ron Weasley who had his hands on his shoulders. Ron had been shaking him.
He tried to say he was okay and Ron could let go but obviously his tongue had other ideas. "I saw." He murmured softly.
"Harry." Ron stated nervously as he removed his hands. "Your eyes."
Harry paid no attention and turned his now glowing eyes on Draco. "You suffered." He stated calmly.
Draco cringed knowing what the other boy must have just seen. His hand reached for his left wrist and he caressed the scar without thinking.
"You will find comfort in them you know." Harry told him as he stood up reaching for a candle by the bed. "Tell me you do not love these crimson flames."
Draco looked up at him and gazed at the candle. He could find no words to say.
Ron was standing speechless next to Harry while Hermione was writing furiously. Harry still stood poised with the candle waiting for a response.
Draco shifted nervously watching the candle flame intently. He was afraid of it and yet he yearned to hold it. "Why would I love something my father used to try and kill me with?" He asked softly making Ron gape and Hermione almost drop the quill in surprise.
"Kill you with?" Ron looked at him trying to find some way he could be sure that he was telling the truth.
"Is that what that scar is from?" Hermione asked somewhat timidly.
"Yes," Draco stated shortly. He looked at the skeptical Ron and then suddenly he blurted out. "I know you don't trust me but I'm not lying. He took me with him to one of his meetings. I had to watch as he tortured people. I could not bear it and when we got home my father was so ashamed of me he wanted to disown me. He is loyal to his master and his master wants those who are strong not weak. So he decided to rid himself of me. To cleanse my family name. he tried to kill and almost did. He used a charm that he normally used for starting fires in our hearths. I did not have my wand so I couldn't defend myself. I did the best I could by shielding my face with my arm. Then he set up a fake camp out in the woods by our manor. He left me there and set the place up so it looked like I had done it to myself. I woke up out there in the woods. I got help from the teachers and came here the rest of the summer. I doubt my father knows I'm alive and I'm glad for it." He stated bitterly as he finished his story.
Hermione and Ron looked horrified but Harry gazed at him steadily still holing the candle.
"I know it is confusing but realize in a way the flames saved you. You are here now away from your father safe. They even showed you they cared." Harry stated as he walked closer to Draco and pointed at his wrist.
Draco looked down at his arm. The scar burnt silver into his skin did always comfort him. Perhaps that was why he held it whenever he was thinking about what had happened to him that night.
"Take it." Harry told him firmly as he held the candle out to him.
Draco reached out and took the candle gently into his own hand. Then he suddenly reached up with his left hand to caress the flame.
Hermione cried out softly while Ron gave an exclamation and tried to get over to Draco to stop him.
However, Harry put an arm up to block him and stated softly, "Just watch."
Ron looked uneasily at his friend but held himself back. Hermione had gone over to where Ron and Harry were standing and was now holding on tightly to Ron's arm.
Draco's concentration was solely on the little flame in front of him. His hand was poised right above the flame and now he was hesitant. 'What if I burn myself? I'll get in so much trouble for doing something this stupid.'
Harry smiled and stated, "Go on you know they won't hurt you."
Ron and Hermione looked at Harry like he was crazy but didn't say anything.
Draco looked at him then plunged his hand into the tiny flame. Burning a ripple of sweet fire seemed to pass over Draco. This was a different type of burn though not the harsh fire that had come when his father had tried to kill him. Oh no, this was something different. This was bliss.
Then just a suddenly as it had started it stopped. Someone had pulled his hand from the flame.
"You suffered by them." Harry whispered softly after he yanked Draco from the fire. "Now you find joy in them. You have a great destiny ahead of you." He paused then murmured, "As will the others who suffered by what they will soon come to cherish."
"Who are the others?" Ron asked suddenly coming up beside Harry.
"You will know them soon." Harry smiled his eyes still glowing. "The marks will tell all."
"The marks," Hermione murmured looking at Draco's scarred arm. "You mean scars!" Suddenly she grabbed the bandage around her neck and began yanking it off.
"Hermione what are you doing?" Ron asked.
"Ron, Harry just said that Draco suffered by fire and now we know he must be the one that letter is talking about when it said fire. He also said the others would suffer and the marks would tell. That means lightning, water, earth also have to suffer by their element." She finally managed to pull off the gauze around her neck and she went to a mirror. "We just suffered Ron by water and earth and if my guess is correct we should have."
"Scars," Ron finished as he started to take off his own bandage.
"Look," Hermione stated in awe as she looked at her neck. The gash that Harry had noticed when he found her had turned a sparkly clear color.
"Crystal water," Harry stated. "The second is found."
Draco looked at him but said nothing.
Ron had finished taking off the bandage, "Bloody." He exclaimed receiving a dirty look from Hermione as he did so.
There on his right wrist was a bronze looking scar in the shape of a mountain range.
"Bronze mountains," Harry smiled broadly. "The last is found."
Hermione looked at him puzzled and stated, "Harry the prophecy talks about four people Ron can't be the last."
"Let me see that letter," Draco stated.
Hermione reached over to her bed and gave it to him giving him a puzzled look as she did so. Draco quickly scanned the parchment then found what he was looking for. "Lightning," He stated, "The seer of lightning."
"Found himself this morning." Harry finished quietly as he looked at them. His eyes had stopped glowing.
"Harry." Hermione sighed. "You're back to normal."
"As normal as he gets." Ron joked.
"Thanks Ron." Harry rolled his eyes.
"What happened there?" Draco asked softly. "You didn't seem like yourself. You were more. well I'm not sure how to describe it."
"I know it was almost like." Hermione broke off thoughtfully.
"What they mean is it was like you weren't the one talking." Ron stated as he sat down on his bed. "You follow me?"
"Yeah." Harry sighed rubbing his for head as he did so. "I follow you."
"Maybe it has something to do with your abilities." Hermione suggested hopefully.
"She's right." Draco nodded.
"Yeah or you could be going crazy mate." Ron chortled.
"Ha, ha." Harry growled at him as he grabbed a pillow and chucked it at his friend.
"Oh stop it." Hermione scolded them. "We have other things to worry about."
"Yeah, like how are we going to deal with this new." He lifted his wrist showing them his scar. "Well we could say oddity.
"Well we could always cover our scars like Draco did." Ron suggested.
"We could but don't you think it would look a bit odd for Hermione to wear a scarf all the time." Harry stated.
"It was just a suggestion." Ron defended himself.
"I have one question before we get deeper into this." Hermione cut in. Then turning towards Harry she asked, "Harry what did you do this morning to discover this."
"Oh that." Harry had hoped they would avoid this subject. "Well you see this morning I had a dream that woke me up. Basically it was about all the things that I wrote on that letter. You know, the silver flames stuff. Anyway in the dream it told me I was lightning. So after I woke up I realized it was storming outside. By then I had forgotten the dream and thought that woke me up so I decided to get up. That's when I found the letter that helped me remember the dream. That's when I wrote the extra information on the letter after that I decided to go outside and experiment."
"Harry you could have been caught!" Hermione interjected.
"I was wearing my cloak." Harry reassured her, "Well anyway I finally made it outside and went to the quidditch field. Then I sort of talked to the storm."
"You talked to the storm." Ron gaped at him.
"How?" Draco asked.
"I just talked to it." He shifted uncomfortably. "And you know it wasn't just one voice it was tons all talking together. I realized the time and ran back inside since I had to meet Draco. That was when I almost ran into Snape."
"Snape? What was he doing?" Hermione asked.
"He was going to talk to Dumbledore." Harry murmured. "He knew someone had been tampering with the storm."
"You're sure." Draco stated seriously.
"He was thinking about it." Harry sighed. "Now I will have to be a lot more careful if I'm going to go out in the storms again."
"Sounds like we will all have to be careful." Ron stated. "Could you imagine if someone saw Draco stick his hand in fire. They would freak out."
"What's worse is then everyone would know what we could do." Hermione whispered. "Whatever we might be able to do that is."
"Right and that's exactly what we don't need. The best thing to do is to avoid your element." Harry stated firmly.
"How can I avoid Earth?" Ron asked helplessly. "It's everywhere."
"The same problem with water and fire." Draco chimed in.
"Then we'll just have to learn to control these powers." Harry murmured. "We can do it early when no one else is up."
"I know a place we can train. There is a classroom that no one uses on the third floor." Draco suggested helpfully.
"Good idea." Harry smiled.
"Harry," Ron asked seriously. "Do you think we can do this? You know conquer the darkness of our world."
"Yeah this is a little much for fifteen- year olds." Draco stated.
"Maybe we should let the adults handle it Harry. What if this prophecy is wrong?" Hermione whispered.
Harry looked at them then murmured. "What if they can't help? The adults won't always be there Hermione. Trust me I know. True I know we aren't super heroes. I know that only too well." He paused a moment. "You know what though I'm not going to give up. We have a gift here one that may save lives. I don't know about you but I'm not going to give up before I've even tried."
"I'll stay with you," Hermione whispered.
"You can count on me." Ron confirmed.
"Might as well." Draco tried to sound nonchalant.
"Thanks I know I'll need you." Harry smiled. "I'm only human after all."
"That's right Harry Potter," Ron walked over to him. "Don't you forget it either." He nudged him as he spoke.
Suddenly a loud snap echoed in the wing and Ron was thrown back on his bed.
"Ron!" Harry exclaimed as he rushed to his side.
"What just happened?" Madame Pomfrey rushed out of her office to see what the commotion was.
"Nothing," Ron stated. "It was nothing we're a' okay."
The nurse scowled at Draco and Harry but let it be. She was about to go back in her office when she noticed that Ron and Hermione were missing their bandages.
"You should not have taken those off without my permission." She scolded as she bustled over. "Why in the world would you take them off anyway?"
"Uh well you see." Hermione was at a loss.
"They said that it itched," Draco covered for her. "I remembered that letting a wound get oxygen often relieves the irritation."
The nurse looked at him a moment then nodded. Finally she turned and went back to her office.
There was a collective sigh from the whole group.
"Good thinking their Ma. I mean Draco." Ron caught himself.
"No problem." Draco shook it off.
"Ron what just happened before she came out here." Hermione asked curiously.
"Well," Ron stated looking towards Harry. "He shocked me."
***
Sorry that it took so long to get up this chapter but it's done! Hurray! Anyway please review. Thanks! *Neo- Kitty (Taking small break from chasing Pippin.)
You're lucky she quit I think she was going to catch you. #Merry
Talk about it! (Gasping for air.) I hope that doesn't start again. ~Pippin
Okay thank you Tima for reviewing! Oh and I did go and read your story I even reviewed. I did it before you told me to so don't be mad at me.
Crab Apple Fairy I am sorry I have not gotten around to reviewing your latest chapters. Forgive me! Anyway your story is still written in a nice style but I felt a little nauseous after all that Harry torture. Give him a little break!
Gryffindor! Well here it is. I hope you like it. Oh and of course I know who you are!!!
M.I.A Here is more of my story! You're welcome! *Neo- Kitty
Better get a head start. (Whispering to Pip.) #Merry
Huh! ~Pippin
Oh yeah you are so going to get it! *Neo- Kitty
(Sighs once more as they run off.) Please review! Thanks and see you next chapter! #Merry