Chapter Three- Ki and Quidditch
The next morning Harry woke up very early. He groaned and put his glasses on. He almost screamed. In front of him was a small green creature dressed very strange and wearing a tea cozy on it's head. Harry smiled and said:
- Hello, Dobby!
- Mr. Harry Potter! Dobby is so happy to see you, Dobby is almost crying!
- How are you Dobby?
- Oh, Dobby is ok Mr. Harry Potter. Dobby just wanted to wish Harry Potter luck in the new year. Mr. Harry Potter must also know that he is well protected and has nothing to worry about.
- Thank you, Dobby. I will remember that.
Dobby smiled delighted and then said:
- Dobby has to go now Mr. Harry Potter.
- Bye Dobby!
- Good bye Mr. Harry Potter.
Dobby disappeared. Harry got dressed and went down in the common room where, to his surprise he found Hermione. She had fixed herself, probably by magic a cup of cocoa and was staring into the fire.
- Hi. Harry said.
- Good morning Harry!
- What are you doing up so early?
- Don't know... I just couldn't sleep... What about you?
- Dobby...
Hermione smiled.
- Want a cup of cocoa?
- Yes, please.
Harry sunk into a chair in front of Hermione and took his cup, which Hermione indeed had summoned by magic on the table.
- What do you think about Ron? Hermione suddenly asked.
- What do you mean?
- Nothing...It's just that... He seems different and...Dunno...
- You don't like him?
- On the contrary. I like him but something has changed.
A strange light shone in Hermione's eyes. Harry looked puzzled for a moment and then smiled:
- You "like" him...
Hermione blushed but didn't say anything, as Ron was just coming down the staircase.
- Morning!
- Hey!
They talked for a little while as the common room started to fill with people. And then Ron said:
- Come, let's go down!
- No, wait! answered Harry. We still have to wait for Helena.
Soon, Helena appeared and they all walked together to the Great Hall. There, professor McGonnagal handed them their schedules and then she told Helena that her "exams" will take place it the headmaster's office during the lunch brake. After professor McGonnagal left, Ron asked Helena:
- Why did Dumbledore say you're going to have to pass some exams? I thought they were "writing" the knowledge into your head...
- Yeah, but think of how you reacted when I told you that and picture the reaction of the school...
- Oh... Harry what do we have today?
Harry shot a dark look towards Ron and said:
- Double potions with the Slytherins...
Ron groaned...
- And Divination. Luckily, between the two we have Care of magical creatures.
- I wonder what strange creatures Hagrid found this time...
- Well, let's hope they're not too dangerous!
After breakfast, Harry, Ron, Hermione joined the stream of students out of the Hall. Helena said she had to prepare herself for the exam and left for Gryffindor tower. Soon, Harry and the other Gryffindor 5th years were in front of Snape's dungeon. They were soon joined by the Slytherins and they entered the dungeon. Snape arrived soon. He shot a nasty look towards the Gryffindors and then his eyes rested upon Harry. He had a strange look on his face. The loathing was still there but there was something else... Snape looked away quickly as if he was afraid Harry might petrify him with his look. The potions class went on as usual with a small difference. Snape wasn't as nasty towards Harry as he usually was. That helped a bit. They were studying the mind-focusing potion. It was pretty difficult to brew but it was very useful. A wizard imbued with mind-focus could concentrate on casting spells even if he was wounded or tired. Not even Hermione succeeded to complete her potion as she had to stop from time to time to remember the ingredients. But Harry seemed driven by an unknown force. He knew exactly when, where and what ingredients were necessary and he was the only one to complete the potion by the end of the two hours. As they were heading towards the Great Hall, Ron asked Harry:
- How the hell did you know all that stuff about mind-focusing potions?
- I don't know...Harry answered. I really don't.
- What's up? You look like you've seen a ghost! Ron said as Harry approached Gryffindor table a few minutes later.
- Nothing...
Harry ate quickly barely hearing what Ron and Hermione were talking. After lunch they joined the Gryffindors and headed towards Hagrid's cabin. Hagrid was expecting them smiling cheerfully.
- What's up Hagrid? asked Harry.
- Yeh'll see, Yeh'll see. Just wait fer the Slytherins to get here and we'll start!
The Slytherins appeared soon and Hagrid drove them towards the Forbidden Forest. At the edge of the forest they saw a small garden surrounded by a fence. The grass was burnt all around the garden and something was squirming in the middle of it. Hagrid told them all to stop and then he waved in the direction of the garden and said:
- Careful everyone, Norbert doesn't like visitors. So don' go too close or you'll get a pretty nasty burn!
Harry, Ron and Hermione almost went white. So did Malfoy. They approached the fence and indeed there, in the middle of the garden, a small, lizard-like Dragon was trying to aim a mouthful of fire at a small, unlucky worm. It looked much like the Hungarian Horntail but there was something about it that made it different. Harry moved closer to Hagrid and said:
- Hagrid...But...I thought Norbert...
- This is not thee Norbert, Harry! I just called him that way. Hatched this mornin'!
- Wow, Hagrid! He's wicked! Ron called as the small Dragon aimed perfectly, transforming the poor worm into a pile of smoking ash. Everyone agreed with him.
- This is a Romanian Darkblood. It's very much alike the Hungarian Horntail, cause they're cousins. There are a few small differences though...Does anyone know what they are?
Hermione's hand shot into the air.
- Yes, Hermione?
- The Romanian Darkblood is well known for its very powerful blood. The potions obtained from it are much more powerful then any other dragon-blood potions.
- Very well Hermione! And now please take out yer parchments and quills and observe!
The lesson went on very well and at the end, Harry, Ron and Hermione stood behind to congratulate Hagrid on the great lesson he had prepared. Then, Ron and Harry separated from Hermione who had Arithmancy and headed towards Divination. Soon, they were in the dark, warm room of professor Trelawny who emerged from behind some curtains.
- Welcome, welcome back. she said in her misty tone. This year we will concern ourselves with the subtle art of card reading, also known as Tarot. This is perhaps the most difficult branch of Divination and it requires intense concentration and attention. Please, she said looking at Parvati, deliver a deck of cards to each desk. You will be working in pairs. Take out your books and at page 254 you will find the chapter dedicated to the deciphering of the symbols.
Soon, Ron had spread all the cards in front of Harry and was trying to understand what they meant. Professor Trelawny glided soon towards them and stared at the cards. And, as Harry expected, she went white and said:
- Oh my god! Dear boy! I see grave dangers in your future!
- Tell me something I don't know...answered Harry sarcastically.
- You must never joke with such signs! I see a women...probably a girl that's fallen in love with you.
Harry blushed as the class roared with laughter.
- Yeah! That's a great danger there! said Ron.
- But there's also a trial! You will have to pass a difficult task! And there's also Death!
Parvati and Lavender screamed. Ron smiled at Harry and shook his head. The class went on as usual. At the end, professor Trelawny gave them an essay about the symbols of the cards and then Harry separated from Ron and went towards professor McGonnagal's study.
There he found Fred, George and the other Quidditch team-members.
- Have you any idea why McGonnagal called us? asked Fred.
- Dunno...answered Harry. Guess it's because we need another Keeper and team-captain...
- Yeah...that should be it...
Soon, McGonnagal arrived and invited them into the study. It was a small room, with a desk and some chairs. A fire was cracking merrily in the fireplace.
- Please sit down. What I want to discuss with you is of course the future of our Quidditch team. Mr. Wood must be replaced and we need a new team captain. I expect suggestions...
Angelina Johnson spoke first:
- Professor, I suggest that we take Fred and George as the new team captains... They have some idea about tactics and stuff...
- Agreed. Does anyone have anything to say against that?
Fred and George grinned broadly towards Angelina.
- Ok, now back to the main point. Who's going to be the new keeper?
- Well, said Harry, I suggest we place an announcement and see who's interested...
- Good idea... Well then, I guess that's it! You can go to dinner now.
Fred, George and the others left but Harry stood behind.
- Yes, Potter? Is there any problem?
- No professor...I just...wanted to know how Helena did on her exam.
- She did fine. By now she should be in her bed, resting. It was an exhausting experience...
- Experience?
- Yes...She told us that you, Weasley and Granger know.
- So...She's fine...She knows everything?
- Yes.
- Ok, thank you professor...
- Don't mention it.
- Good night professor.
- Good night.
Harry left professor McGonnagal's study strangely happy. Soon he reached the Great Hall. He joined Ron and Hermione at the Gryffindor table and told them what McGonnagal had told him.
- So she passed the "test"...
- Yeah. Can't wait to see her in the morning!
- Wonder why they didn't "write" the knowledge for all 7 years into her mind...
- McGonnagal said it was an exhausting experience. Probably her mind couldn't support so much "data" inscribed at once... And maybe she wants to go to school...
- Harry, nobody wants to go to school! said Ron seriously.
- Ron! That's not true! replied Hermione...
Harry didn't hear the rest. The room became a blur again, like in the night of the Sorting. And then everything melted and Harry found himself on the mysterious corridor again. Behind him the desk with the needle was lying untouched. In front of him, Harry saw a wooden door. He approached it carefully. It was locked. He knocked... No one answered. Then he realized somehow, that he had to open the door with his mind. He stared at it but it was too big and he didn't know on what part of it to concentrate. And then he had an idea. He looked through the keyhole. He saw a dark room and someone... someone strangely familiar. He concentrated on the keyhole. But then he realized he needed some kind of concentration method. The first thing that came into him mind was the "Alohomora" charm. He stared at the keyhole, concentrated hard on it and then whispered:" Alohomora!" He felt the power within him growing as he was pronouncing the word and with the last syllable, the door opened and the room behind it filled with light. Harry looked around. At his left and right there were two doors and in front of him another two. The door to his right was a metal door with gold markings on its edge. The one at the left was made of some sort of white material that resembled fog. One of the doors in front of him was small but seemed very solid and the other was simply huge made entirely of gold with some sort of platinum writing and strange, silver drawings on it. And in the middle of the room there was a person. Harry recognized her at once. His eyes filled with tears as he fought to keep them back. She smiled at him and Harry ran straight into her arms.
- Mom! he whispered, tears running freely down his face...
- Harry...
Moments passed and Harry couldn't let his mother go. Finally, after a few minutes, Lily pushed him gently away and said:
- I'm so glad to see you, Harry!
- Mom....is it really you? How can this be?
- Actually, Harry, I am only a mental image of your mother. I'm not real...
- What? No! You must be!
- No. I can't. But we have no time for this now! In a few moments you will step out of this trance. You must prepare for the next time! Seek the Order of the Phoenix Harry! They will help you!
- But wait! What is this place?
- I can't tell you that, Harry. You must find that out alone! But don't forget! Prepare for the next trance!
The image of the room began to blur. Harry wanted to say something but the image of his mother dressed in a green robe and with a badge on her chest that read: "Order of the Phoenix- Archmage" disappeared and Harry found himself facing Ron and Hermione.
- Harry! Harry! He's back! Harry can you hear me? Hermione asked.
- Hermione, Ron? Yes...I'm fine... I just...
Harry was sitting on his chair. A group of Gryffindors were looking puzzled at him.
- I'm ok...
The Gryffindors went back to their seats but were still eyeing him with interest. He turned towards Ron and Hermione and said:
- Come, let's go back to the common room. I'll tell you everything there.
Soon they were sitting in front of the fire in the Gryffindor common room and Harry was telling them what he had experienced.
- The Order of the Phoenix? Never heard of it...said Ron.
- Well, I did. But I can't remember where I've seen it before...
- We should go to the library! There must be something about that there. said Hermione.
- I don't know... But it's worth a try...
- Yeah... You said your mother told you to prepare?
- Yeah...
- But how to prepare?
- Dunno...I guess... I should try moving objects with my mind...
- Yeah... You're right! Here, move this!
Hermione took a pin out of her hair and put it on the table. Harry concentrated. But the pin didn't move. Then he remembered how useful the "Alohomora" charm had proven itself. He began concentrating and then he whispered: "Wingardium Leviosa". And indeed he felt the power within him rise and the pin floated for a few moments above the table. Ron and Hermione's eyes widened. And suddenly, Harry felt a great panic sweeping over him and let the pin go. He realized he was not prepared for what was happening to him. Followed by Ron and Hermione's puzzled looks, Harry left the common room and ran up to the boys dormitories.
The next morning Harry woke up and saw Ron getting ready to go down to the common room.
- Ron... he said.
- Harry! 'Morning!
- Why me?
- What? What do you mean?
- Why should I have to go through these things? Why me?
- I don't know, Harry. But what I do know is that you shouldn't fight it back. Do you believe in destiny?
- No.
- Neither do I. But I believe that each of us has a mission in life. And I think we should try to fulfill it, whatever the circumstances.
Harry thought for a moment and then he said:
- When did you get so smart?
Ron smiled mysteriously and disappeared through the door. Harry got dressed and went after him. In the common room he found Ron sitting in front of the fire. Soon, Hermione and Helena joined them.
- So... How's life? asked Ron.
- Great! answered Helena. The things they've written are so interesting! The only problem is I still have difficulty at casting spells...
- By the way! Where's your wand? asked Harry.
Indeed, Helena had never appeared with a wand.
- Oh...., she said mysteriously, I don't need a wand!
- What? Harry and Ron pronounced at the same time.
Helena raised her right arm and said: "Lumos". And indeed her hand filled with a bright light.
- Wicked! said Ron.
- Thanks!
Harry looked at her. She suddenly turned and faced him. A smile spread across her face and then she said:
- Oh, I'm so happy!
And then she jumped and hugged him. Harry blushed and Ron and Hermione looked away. Soon, Helena let Harry go and then she said:
- Sorry about that... So, shall we go to breakfast?
- Yeah, sure! I'm starving! answered Ron.
Down at the Gryffindor table Harry saw Fred and George concentrating on a bit of parchment. Thinking it's something about their joke shop, he approached them.
- Hey! What are you doing?
- Hi Harry! We were just composing the text of the announcement for the Quidditch team! McGonnagal forgot to tell us that we need new Chasers...
- Yeah! You're right! So, when's the selection taking place?
- Saturday. We've booked the Quidditch field. I hope the Slytherins won't interfere...
- We'll make sure they won't! grinned George.
Harry smiled and returned to where Ron was sitting.
- Saturday we're going to choose the new seekers and keeper. Wanna come?
- Hell, yeah! I'll apply for the keeper position!
- Hey, I want to be a chaser! said Helena to Harry's amazement.
- Really? Do you know the rules?
- Of course! I always loved Quidditch!
- Cool! Then give it a shot! Do you have a broom?
- Yeah...But I'll have to write to my mother to send it to me...It's a Nimbus 2002!
- Really? I didn't know they continued the series....
- Well, they did. Of course, the Firebolt is still better, but I don't want to be a Seeker...
The day passed incredibly fast, in spite of the long Transfiguration lesson, and soon Harry and the others were entering Gryffindor common room after dinner. There they found all the Gryffindors gathered around the announcement posted by Fred and George.
- Hey, Helena! I suddenly remembered I forgot to ask you how come you know so much about Quidditch? I thought you only found out about Hogwarts this year... said Harry.
- Well, actually I got my letter when I was 11 and since then I had time to prepare...
- What? And you didn't come then to Hogwarts? Why?
- It's a long story... Let's just say that I had to complete my studies at my old school.
Harry looked at her amazed as she hugged him again and then ran up the staircase to the girls dormitories.
- Great girl... whispered Ron into his ear and then they both went to the boys dormitory.
The next day was a special one. They had double Defense against the Dark Arts. Harry, Ron and Hermione caught the front seats, and Helena stood behind Harry. The moment the bell rang, Professor Mariko Murasama opened the door and entered the class. A wave of energy seemed to follow her. Harry felt the energy within him rise too as she looked straight at him.
- Harry Potter... I was looking forward to meeting you.
Harry couldn't think of anything to say. Professor Murasama continued:
- I wish to talk to you after we finish.
Mariko Murasama advanced to her desk and sat down.
- Good morning everyone, and welcome to the first Defense against the Dark Arts lesson. My name is Mariko Murasama, but you can call me Mariko-San. This year we will be studying the protection against energy curses. Does anyone know what those are?
Hermione raised her hand and so did Helena.
- I know you know that Helena, Professor Mariko-San smiled. What's your name miss?
- Hermione Granger, Professor. The energy curses are some of the most powerful curses that exist. They can do major damage on vast areas. Luckily, they have two disadvantages. One is that their speed is low. A "standard" energy sphere practically crawls to the target. The other disadvantage is that they can be deflected by certain shield-charms.
- Very well! 10 points to Gryffindor. Indeed that's about all the theory you have to know about energy curses. Now...Does anyone except Helena know how to cast an energy sphere?
Everyone looked at Helena who blushed. Hermione raised her hand.
- Professor Mariko-San...I can try...
- Ok, then. Go ahead! Curse me.
- You, professor?
- Yes! I'll cast a shield charm if I feel your sphere is too strong.
Hermione blushed and, shivering slightly grabbed her wand, raised it and clearly pronounced the words: "Vis Orbis!" And suddenly, at the tip of her wand a small white-gray semi-transparent sphere appeared. Then it slowly started towards Mariko-San, but soon it began to fade away and it disappeared.
-Well done Hermione! Next time, try to concentrate harder.
Hermione sat down and Mariko-San said:
- Helena, would you please try it too?
- Yes, professor.
Helena stood up, raised her hand and closed her eyes. Harry could feel something like electricity running through his hair. He realized that Helena must be pretty powerful. And then she whispered firmly: "Vis Orbis!" A sphere, slightly bigger than Hermione's and clearly denser appeared in her hand and then it started slowly towards Mariko-San. When the sphere was only one meter away from her, professor Mariko-San raised her hand and shouted: "Praesidium!"
And then something like a big, transparent energy-blanket erupted from her hand. The sphere touched it, creating small waves upon its surface and then they both disappeared.
- Very well, Helena? I see you had a pretty good training! Who was your sensei?
Helena smiled and then said:
- Haruna Yoshimoto-sama!
- Well, that explains it all. Thank you, you may sit down now. Hermione, would you like to try the sphere again?
- I'm not sure professor...
- Come, don't worry. Just dismiss any other thought from your mind and concentrate your entire energy into the sphere.
Hermione stood up again, raised her wand and closed her eyes. Then suddenly she opened them. A firm expression was marked on her face as she clearly pronounced: "Vis Orbis!" This time, the sphere was as big as Helena's but not as dense. Mariko-San raised her hand again and said: "Absorbere Tenebrosus" Black lightning bolts appeared along her hand. A few Gryffindors gasped. Hermione's sphere touched it and was quickly absorbed by the dark bolts. Mariko-San lowered her hand and the bolts disappeared.
- Excellent, Hermione. 10 points to Gryffindor for you and Helena. Now, what you have just witnessed were two ways of getting rid of an Energy Sphere. The first one I used is a common Shield-Charm. It works in almost any case, as long as you can concentrate hard enough. In the first term we will learn it. The second charm I used is an absorption charm. It only works when your energy is..."compatible" with the energy of the caster.
Suddenly, Harry had an idea. He raised his hand.
- Yes, Harry?
- Professor...um...Could I try the charm too?
Mariko-San seemed to consider the idea for a minute and then smiled and said:
- Of course.
Harry stood up. He felt strangely calm. He could feel his power, he had the sensation he could almost touch it. He raised his wand. Small white threads of light appeared on it. Mariko-San's eyes widened. Harry heard her scream from somewhere far away: "RUN!!!" All Gryffindor's remained thunderstruck for a moment and then they followed Mariko-San who had left the class-room. "Vis Orbis" Harry said. And suddenly, a sphere twice as big as Helena's appeared at the tip of his wand. White lightning bolts were circling around it. On the corridor, all Gryffindors gathered around Mariko-San who raised her wand and screamed: "PRAESIDIUM!" And then, the sphere touched the blackboard. Harry was thrown back by the explosion. The light blinded him. The sound deafened him. Intense heat hit him in the face and he felt incredible pressure crushing him. And then, suddenly, it was all over. As the dust cleared, everyone saw that the wall with the blackboard had disappeared and behind it, a very shaken-looking Draco Malfoy was sitting on a toilet with water pouring from somewhere above over his head.
Mariko-San stood up and with a wave of her wand, removed the pieces of wall from her robe. The shield had partially protected the Gryffindors and now they were all standing up, and looking around scared. Malfoy began to shiver uncontrollably and fell face-forward into a small puddle. Mariko-San ran towards him and conjured a stretcher. Then she asked Neville and Dean Thomas to go with Malfoy to Madam Pomfrey. Then she walked towards Harry.
- Well, I should have known you can do it... But remember, for the future...Never release your whole power at once unless you want to do major damage.
Harry smiled but then pain shot through his arm, and he realized it was broken.
- I'll try, professor...but... I didn't mean it to be that powerful...
- Don't worry. It was only an accident. I believe you need some medical attention too...Mariko-San said. Well then, Helena, would you please escort Harry to the Hospital Wing?
- Sure, professor.
As they left, Harry and Helena could hear Mariko-San talking to the teachers that had arrived to see what had happened.
- That was some Energy Sphere, Harry! Helena said.
- Thanks... I don't really know how I did it... but I think I'll never do it again!
Helena smiled and said:
- Let's hope you won't have too...
Soon, they reached the hospital wing. On a bed, Harry saw Malfoy, babbling incoherently. Neville was drinking a red potion from a flask sitting on another bed. Madam Pomfrey appeared suddenly from her office and screamed as she saw Harry:
- You! You did this? I should've known! Come here, let's see what we can do about your arm...
Soon, Harry's arm was ok, and he was drinking the same red potion Madam Pomfrey had given Neville. Helena was sitting next to him.
- So...How was Professor Mariko-San's shield?
- It was very good! It protected us from the blast but someone tripped and we all fell over him...
Harry laughed and Madam Pomfrey shot an angry look towards him. And then he hugged Helena feeling a strange warmness spreading all over his body.
After finishing his potion, Harry and Helena returned to the class which was now, thanks to Mariko-San's magical knowledge, like new. As the hour was almost over, Maiko-San dismissed all Gryffindors. Harry stood for a moment behind, as if he wanted to ask her something, but then grabbed his things and followed Helena out of the room.
The rest of the week passed in a flash and one day Harry woke up realizing it was the day of the team-selection. He got dressed, grabbed his Firebolt and went down to breakfast. There he found Helena. Her Nimbus 2002 was placed on the table in front of her and she seemed to be concentrating very hard. Harry stood next to her and grabbed a piece of toast.
- Ready for the selection? he asked.
- Absolutely.
- Where are Ron and Hermione?
- They went down to the Quidditch field.
- Well, then we should follow them.
- Sure. Let's go.
Helena grabbed her broom and together they walked to the field. There, Harry could see Ron doing laps around the field, closely followed by Fred and George. Some other Gryffindors were already on the ground and Harry recognized Colin Creevy amongst them. An evil grin appeared on Harry's face and he said:
- Let's scare them!
Helena grinned back and they both mounted their brooms and took off. Harry had almost forgotten how good flying felt. He looked around and saw the Hogwarts grounds, the Forbidden Forest, the Lake and finally the castle. And then he dived. The Gryffindors gathered on the field screamed and ran away. Only Colin Creevy remained where he was. He looked up and smiled at Harry. Harry frowned. This wasn't what he expected. In the last moment he pulled out of the dive, followed closely by Helena. Then he floated slowly towards Fred and George. The Gryffindors were cheering loudly and as Harry approached the twins, George said:
- Great dive! You should try it on Malfoy!
- That's what I intend to do, only that...I think he's "temporary disabled"
Fred and George laughed and then Ron said:
- So, shouldn't we start?
-Yeah.
They dived and landed next to the Gryffindors. The selection ended only at noon and the best chasers were Sandra Jones( a 4th year cute girl ), Colin Creevy and Helena. Ron was selected keeper after catching spectacularly 90% of all the Quaffles he had to catch.
They spent the afternoon discussing tactics and by nine o'clock in the evening, the new Gryffindor Quidditch team was ready...to begin training. They decided that training sessions should take place Wednesday evening and Saturday morning. After that, they all went to sleep. Harry stood for a minute in his bed looking at the curtains and thinking of Helena. And then he fell asleep......and he was flying on his Firebolt. He was above a great sea, probably the ocean and in front of him an island appeared. On this island there was a great, dark-gray building, very sinister looking. As he approached it, Harry saw a sign with the name of the place on it. For a moment his heart stopped beating and he almost fell off the broom. The sign read: "Azkaban Fortress". Harry tried to turn around but something told him not to. The broom took him through a window into a great hall. Harry didn't understand what its purpose within a prison was, but he didn't have time to think. Because at the end of the hall, on a dark-green throne he recognized Lord Voldemort. He was surrounded by death eaters and the hall was full of Dementors. And somewhere behind Voldemort's chair, Harry recognized the shape of a woman, as he had only seen in his schoolbooks...a Banshee. Pain shot through his scar and he fell off his broom. Slowly he succeeded to get up. He looked at Voldemort. In front of him, there was a man.. He was dressed in a black robe. The hood covered his head and his hands were covered by the sleeves. Voldemort looked at him for a moment and then said:
- High Priest! I am pleased to see you...
- I'm sure you are... answered the High Priest in a cold, low voice, filled with hatred. The death-eaters behind Voldemort raised their wands and one of them moved a step closer to the High Priest and said:
- Watch your tone when you're speaking to the Dark Lord!
- Crabbe, Crabbe! Please excuse him, High Priest. He's just a bit...overzealous. Now, Crabbe, we're able to distinguish a friend from a foe! All of you, keep your wands to yourselves! Now, High Priest, tell me why you're here?
- I have come to talk to you Wizard. About our deal! Is our man in place?
- Yes. You may remove the conditioning.
- Good.
The High Priest suddenly sat down on the carpet and assumed a lotus position. Then, threads of light began to surround him as they had done with Helena in the train during the journey. Slowly he lifted himself from the ground and stopped about a meter above it. He floated for about a minute and then he opened his eyes and straightened himself. The light threads disappeared.
- It's done.
- So the boy will be dead soon?
- As soon as possible.
The High Priest headed for the window and ten looked behind and said:
- After all this is over, we'll meet again Wizard!
Voldemort smiled darkly:
- I'm sure we will, High Priest!
And then, with a blinding flash of light, the High Priest disappeared. Voldemort closed his eyes for a moment and then someone entered through a door behind the throne. The man approached Voldemort.
- Ah, my trusted servant! What news do you bring to me?
- It worked. Our man at Hogwarts...changed.
- Excellent. Well done.
The death-eater bowed and then he walked to the side of the throne and sat down on a chair next to his master. Suddenly, Voldemort's face darkened with an evil grin as he said:
- Crabbe, will you please come here?
Crabbe obeyed surprisingly fast considering his size.
- You pig! Voldemort said in a very low and very threatening voice. You could've ruined my whole plan! Remember next time, don't do anything unless I tell you to!
Voldemort raised his wand. "Crucio!" he said. As Crabbe's body began to twist under the influence of the spell, Harry's scar exploded. And through the blinding pain, Harry had time to notice only one more thing. The death eater who had seated himself next to Voldemort had removed his hood. Harry woke up screaming. His scar was still burning on his forehead. But even so, the face of the man under that hood was the only thing in Harry's mind. It was something unbelievable. But he was sure of what he had seen. There, on that chair, second in command and most trusted man of Lord Voldemort was Barty Crouch.
- Harry? What's up?
Ron's voice was sleepy and Harry answered, panting:
- Nothing, you can go back to sleep.
Slowly, Harry got out of his bed. His knees were shaking. How could Voldemort do that? How could Crouch be alive? Slowly, Harry descended to the common room and sat in front of the fire. He couldn't shake the intense fear that he felt. Voldemort had his powers back and was more terrifying than ever. And he had someone at Hogwarts...Someone who was going to try to kill him... Suddenly he felt another presence within the room. His heart began to beat faster. He had forgotten his wand up in the dormitories. Slowly he turned around. A warm hand rested upon his shoulder. It was Helena.
- So... What happened? she asked.
- What do you mean?
- Why are you so scared?
- What? I'm not scared! Harry lied.
Helena smiled mysteriously.
- Don't lie to me! Tell me, what's bothering you?
- I...It's just... I just had a dream about Voldemort...
- Oh, come on! It was only a nightmare!
- No. A strange thing is happening to me. I sometimes...see, during my sleep, what Voldemort's doing. Usually when he's feeling particularly murderous. It's like a vision...
- So...It wasn't a nightmare?
- I'm not sure... Probably not.
- And what did he say?
- He said... I don't know, it was weird.
Harry told her everything he had seen. And then he told her about Barty Crouch and the Dementor's kiss.
- Worse than dead... And now he's back... Helena whispered in a state of shock.
- Yes...And that's what I don't understand.
Harry felt strangely calm. Now that he had told someone about what he had seen, he had the sensation that they somehow had passed. He realized that he is safe within Hogwarts, and that no one could touch him as long as Dumbledore was around. He looked at Helena. Her skin seemed so soft... Her eyes were so black... Helena smiled and then she said:
- You have the most beautiful green eyes I've ever seen...
Slowly, she stretched her hand and touched his cheek. Harry took her hand and kissed it. Then he looked into her eyes. Slowly, they came closer and closer. Then they both closed their eyes and kissed...
The next morning Harry woke up very early. He groaned and put his glasses on. He almost screamed. In front of him was a small green creature dressed very strange and wearing a tea cozy on it's head. Harry smiled and said:
- Hello, Dobby!
- Mr. Harry Potter! Dobby is so happy to see you, Dobby is almost crying!
- How are you Dobby?
- Oh, Dobby is ok Mr. Harry Potter. Dobby just wanted to wish Harry Potter luck in the new year. Mr. Harry Potter must also know that he is well protected and has nothing to worry about.
- Thank you, Dobby. I will remember that.
Dobby smiled delighted and then said:
- Dobby has to go now Mr. Harry Potter.
- Bye Dobby!
- Good bye Mr. Harry Potter.
Dobby disappeared. Harry got dressed and went down in the common room where, to his surprise he found Hermione. She had fixed herself, probably by magic a cup of cocoa and was staring into the fire.
- Hi. Harry said.
- Good morning Harry!
- What are you doing up so early?
- Don't know... I just couldn't sleep... What about you?
- Dobby...
Hermione smiled.
- Want a cup of cocoa?
- Yes, please.
Harry sunk into a chair in front of Hermione and took his cup, which Hermione indeed had summoned by magic on the table.
- What do you think about Ron? Hermione suddenly asked.
- What do you mean?
- Nothing...It's just that... He seems different and...Dunno...
- You don't like him?
- On the contrary. I like him but something has changed.
A strange light shone in Hermione's eyes. Harry looked puzzled for a moment and then smiled:
- You "like" him...
Hermione blushed but didn't say anything, as Ron was just coming down the staircase.
- Morning!
- Hey!
They talked for a little while as the common room started to fill with people. And then Ron said:
- Come, let's go down!
- No, wait! answered Harry. We still have to wait for Helena.
Soon, Helena appeared and they all walked together to the Great Hall. There, professor McGonnagal handed them their schedules and then she told Helena that her "exams" will take place it the headmaster's office during the lunch brake. After professor McGonnagal left, Ron asked Helena:
- Why did Dumbledore say you're going to have to pass some exams? I thought they were "writing" the knowledge into your head...
- Yeah, but think of how you reacted when I told you that and picture the reaction of the school...
- Oh... Harry what do we have today?
Harry shot a dark look towards Ron and said:
- Double potions with the Slytherins...
Ron groaned...
- And Divination. Luckily, between the two we have Care of magical creatures.
- I wonder what strange creatures Hagrid found this time...
- Well, let's hope they're not too dangerous!
After breakfast, Harry, Ron, Hermione joined the stream of students out of the Hall. Helena said she had to prepare herself for the exam and left for Gryffindor tower. Soon, Harry and the other Gryffindor 5th years were in front of Snape's dungeon. They were soon joined by the Slytherins and they entered the dungeon. Snape arrived soon. He shot a nasty look towards the Gryffindors and then his eyes rested upon Harry. He had a strange look on his face. The loathing was still there but there was something else... Snape looked away quickly as if he was afraid Harry might petrify him with his look. The potions class went on as usual with a small difference. Snape wasn't as nasty towards Harry as he usually was. That helped a bit. They were studying the mind-focusing potion. It was pretty difficult to brew but it was very useful. A wizard imbued with mind-focus could concentrate on casting spells even if he was wounded or tired. Not even Hermione succeeded to complete her potion as she had to stop from time to time to remember the ingredients. But Harry seemed driven by an unknown force. He knew exactly when, where and what ingredients were necessary and he was the only one to complete the potion by the end of the two hours. As they were heading towards the Great Hall, Ron asked Harry:
- How the hell did you know all that stuff about mind-focusing potions?
- I don't know...Harry answered. I really don't.
- What's up? You look like you've seen a ghost! Ron said as Harry approached Gryffindor table a few minutes later.
- Nothing...
Harry ate quickly barely hearing what Ron and Hermione were talking. After lunch they joined the Gryffindors and headed towards Hagrid's cabin. Hagrid was expecting them smiling cheerfully.
- What's up Hagrid? asked Harry.
- Yeh'll see, Yeh'll see. Just wait fer the Slytherins to get here and we'll start!
The Slytherins appeared soon and Hagrid drove them towards the Forbidden Forest. At the edge of the forest they saw a small garden surrounded by a fence. The grass was burnt all around the garden and something was squirming in the middle of it. Hagrid told them all to stop and then he waved in the direction of the garden and said:
- Careful everyone, Norbert doesn't like visitors. So don' go too close or you'll get a pretty nasty burn!
Harry, Ron and Hermione almost went white. So did Malfoy. They approached the fence and indeed there, in the middle of the garden, a small, lizard-like Dragon was trying to aim a mouthful of fire at a small, unlucky worm. It looked much like the Hungarian Horntail but there was something about it that made it different. Harry moved closer to Hagrid and said:
- Hagrid...But...I thought Norbert...
- This is not thee Norbert, Harry! I just called him that way. Hatched this mornin'!
- Wow, Hagrid! He's wicked! Ron called as the small Dragon aimed perfectly, transforming the poor worm into a pile of smoking ash. Everyone agreed with him.
- This is a Romanian Darkblood. It's very much alike the Hungarian Horntail, cause they're cousins. There are a few small differences though...Does anyone know what they are?
Hermione's hand shot into the air.
- Yes, Hermione?
- The Romanian Darkblood is well known for its very powerful blood. The potions obtained from it are much more powerful then any other dragon-blood potions.
- Very well Hermione! And now please take out yer parchments and quills and observe!
The lesson went on very well and at the end, Harry, Ron and Hermione stood behind to congratulate Hagrid on the great lesson he had prepared. Then, Ron and Harry separated from Hermione who had Arithmancy and headed towards Divination. Soon, they were in the dark, warm room of professor Trelawny who emerged from behind some curtains.
- Welcome, welcome back. she said in her misty tone. This year we will concern ourselves with the subtle art of card reading, also known as Tarot. This is perhaps the most difficult branch of Divination and it requires intense concentration and attention. Please, she said looking at Parvati, deliver a deck of cards to each desk. You will be working in pairs. Take out your books and at page 254 you will find the chapter dedicated to the deciphering of the symbols.
Soon, Ron had spread all the cards in front of Harry and was trying to understand what they meant. Professor Trelawny glided soon towards them and stared at the cards. And, as Harry expected, she went white and said:
- Oh my god! Dear boy! I see grave dangers in your future!
- Tell me something I don't know...answered Harry sarcastically.
- You must never joke with such signs! I see a women...probably a girl that's fallen in love with you.
Harry blushed as the class roared with laughter.
- Yeah! That's a great danger there! said Ron.
- But there's also a trial! You will have to pass a difficult task! And there's also Death!
Parvati and Lavender screamed. Ron smiled at Harry and shook his head. The class went on as usual. At the end, professor Trelawny gave them an essay about the symbols of the cards and then Harry separated from Ron and went towards professor McGonnagal's study.
There he found Fred, George and the other Quidditch team-members.
- Have you any idea why McGonnagal called us? asked Fred.
- Dunno...answered Harry. Guess it's because we need another Keeper and team-captain...
- Yeah...that should be it...
Soon, McGonnagal arrived and invited them into the study. It was a small room, with a desk and some chairs. A fire was cracking merrily in the fireplace.
- Please sit down. What I want to discuss with you is of course the future of our Quidditch team. Mr. Wood must be replaced and we need a new team captain. I expect suggestions...
Angelina Johnson spoke first:
- Professor, I suggest that we take Fred and George as the new team captains... They have some idea about tactics and stuff...
- Agreed. Does anyone have anything to say against that?
Fred and George grinned broadly towards Angelina.
- Ok, now back to the main point. Who's going to be the new keeper?
- Well, said Harry, I suggest we place an announcement and see who's interested...
- Good idea... Well then, I guess that's it! You can go to dinner now.
Fred, George and the others left but Harry stood behind.
- Yes, Potter? Is there any problem?
- No professor...I just...wanted to know how Helena did on her exam.
- She did fine. By now she should be in her bed, resting. It was an exhausting experience...
- Experience?
- Yes...She told us that you, Weasley and Granger know.
- So...She's fine...She knows everything?
- Yes.
- Ok, thank you professor...
- Don't mention it.
- Good night professor.
- Good night.
Harry left professor McGonnagal's study strangely happy. Soon he reached the Great Hall. He joined Ron and Hermione at the Gryffindor table and told them what McGonnagal had told him.
- So she passed the "test"...
- Yeah. Can't wait to see her in the morning!
- Wonder why they didn't "write" the knowledge for all 7 years into her mind...
- McGonnagal said it was an exhausting experience. Probably her mind couldn't support so much "data" inscribed at once... And maybe she wants to go to school...
- Harry, nobody wants to go to school! said Ron seriously.
- Ron! That's not true! replied Hermione...
Harry didn't hear the rest. The room became a blur again, like in the night of the Sorting. And then everything melted and Harry found himself on the mysterious corridor again. Behind him the desk with the needle was lying untouched. In front of him, Harry saw a wooden door. He approached it carefully. It was locked. He knocked... No one answered. Then he realized somehow, that he had to open the door with his mind. He stared at it but it was too big and he didn't know on what part of it to concentrate. And then he had an idea. He looked through the keyhole. He saw a dark room and someone... someone strangely familiar. He concentrated on the keyhole. But then he realized he needed some kind of concentration method. The first thing that came into him mind was the "Alohomora" charm. He stared at the keyhole, concentrated hard on it and then whispered:" Alohomora!" He felt the power within him growing as he was pronouncing the word and with the last syllable, the door opened and the room behind it filled with light. Harry looked around. At his left and right there were two doors and in front of him another two. The door to his right was a metal door with gold markings on its edge. The one at the left was made of some sort of white material that resembled fog. One of the doors in front of him was small but seemed very solid and the other was simply huge made entirely of gold with some sort of platinum writing and strange, silver drawings on it. And in the middle of the room there was a person. Harry recognized her at once. His eyes filled with tears as he fought to keep them back. She smiled at him and Harry ran straight into her arms.
- Mom! he whispered, tears running freely down his face...
- Harry...
Moments passed and Harry couldn't let his mother go. Finally, after a few minutes, Lily pushed him gently away and said:
- I'm so glad to see you, Harry!
- Mom....is it really you? How can this be?
- Actually, Harry, I am only a mental image of your mother. I'm not real...
- What? No! You must be!
- No. I can't. But we have no time for this now! In a few moments you will step out of this trance. You must prepare for the next time! Seek the Order of the Phoenix Harry! They will help you!
- But wait! What is this place?
- I can't tell you that, Harry. You must find that out alone! But don't forget! Prepare for the next trance!
The image of the room began to blur. Harry wanted to say something but the image of his mother dressed in a green robe and with a badge on her chest that read: "Order of the Phoenix- Archmage" disappeared and Harry found himself facing Ron and Hermione.
- Harry! Harry! He's back! Harry can you hear me? Hermione asked.
- Hermione, Ron? Yes...I'm fine... I just...
Harry was sitting on his chair. A group of Gryffindors were looking puzzled at him.
- I'm ok...
The Gryffindors went back to their seats but were still eyeing him with interest. He turned towards Ron and Hermione and said:
- Come, let's go back to the common room. I'll tell you everything there.
Soon they were sitting in front of the fire in the Gryffindor common room and Harry was telling them what he had experienced.
- The Order of the Phoenix? Never heard of it...said Ron.
- Well, I did. But I can't remember where I've seen it before...
- We should go to the library! There must be something about that there. said Hermione.
- I don't know... But it's worth a try...
- Yeah... You said your mother told you to prepare?
- Yeah...
- But how to prepare?
- Dunno...I guess... I should try moving objects with my mind...
- Yeah... You're right! Here, move this!
Hermione took a pin out of her hair and put it on the table. Harry concentrated. But the pin didn't move. Then he remembered how useful the "Alohomora" charm had proven itself. He began concentrating and then he whispered: "Wingardium Leviosa". And indeed he felt the power within him rise and the pin floated for a few moments above the table. Ron and Hermione's eyes widened. And suddenly, Harry felt a great panic sweeping over him and let the pin go. He realized he was not prepared for what was happening to him. Followed by Ron and Hermione's puzzled looks, Harry left the common room and ran up to the boys dormitories.
The next morning Harry woke up and saw Ron getting ready to go down to the common room.
- Ron... he said.
- Harry! 'Morning!
- Why me?
- What? What do you mean?
- Why should I have to go through these things? Why me?
- I don't know, Harry. But what I do know is that you shouldn't fight it back. Do you believe in destiny?
- No.
- Neither do I. But I believe that each of us has a mission in life. And I think we should try to fulfill it, whatever the circumstances.
Harry thought for a moment and then he said:
- When did you get so smart?
Ron smiled mysteriously and disappeared through the door. Harry got dressed and went after him. In the common room he found Ron sitting in front of the fire. Soon, Hermione and Helena joined them.
- So... How's life? asked Ron.
- Great! answered Helena. The things they've written are so interesting! The only problem is I still have difficulty at casting spells...
- By the way! Where's your wand? asked Harry.
Indeed, Helena had never appeared with a wand.
- Oh...., she said mysteriously, I don't need a wand!
- What? Harry and Ron pronounced at the same time.
Helena raised her right arm and said: "Lumos". And indeed her hand filled with a bright light.
- Wicked! said Ron.
- Thanks!
Harry looked at her. She suddenly turned and faced him. A smile spread across her face and then she said:
- Oh, I'm so happy!
And then she jumped and hugged him. Harry blushed and Ron and Hermione looked away. Soon, Helena let Harry go and then she said:
- Sorry about that... So, shall we go to breakfast?
- Yeah, sure! I'm starving! answered Ron.
Down at the Gryffindor table Harry saw Fred and George concentrating on a bit of parchment. Thinking it's something about their joke shop, he approached them.
- Hey! What are you doing?
- Hi Harry! We were just composing the text of the announcement for the Quidditch team! McGonnagal forgot to tell us that we need new Chasers...
- Yeah! You're right! So, when's the selection taking place?
- Saturday. We've booked the Quidditch field. I hope the Slytherins won't interfere...
- We'll make sure they won't! grinned George.
Harry smiled and returned to where Ron was sitting.
- Saturday we're going to choose the new seekers and keeper. Wanna come?
- Hell, yeah! I'll apply for the keeper position!
- Hey, I want to be a chaser! said Helena to Harry's amazement.
- Really? Do you know the rules?
- Of course! I always loved Quidditch!
- Cool! Then give it a shot! Do you have a broom?
- Yeah...But I'll have to write to my mother to send it to me...It's a Nimbus 2002!
- Really? I didn't know they continued the series....
- Well, they did. Of course, the Firebolt is still better, but I don't want to be a Seeker...
The day passed incredibly fast, in spite of the long Transfiguration lesson, and soon Harry and the others were entering Gryffindor common room after dinner. There they found all the Gryffindors gathered around the announcement posted by Fred and George.
- Hey, Helena! I suddenly remembered I forgot to ask you how come you know so much about Quidditch? I thought you only found out about Hogwarts this year... said Harry.
- Well, actually I got my letter when I was 11 and since then I had time to prepare...
- What? And you didn't come then to Hogwarts? Why?
- It's a long story... Let's just say that I had to complete my studies at my old school.
Harry looked at her amazed as she hugged him again and then ran up the staircase to the girls dormitories.
- Great girl... whispered Ron into his ear and then they both went to the boys dormitory.
The next day was a special one. They had double Defense against the Dark Arts. Harry, Ron and Hermione caught the front seats, and Helena stood behind Harry. The moment the bell rang, Professor Mariko Murasama opened the door and entered the class. A wave of energy seemed to follow her. Harry felt the energy within him rise too as she looked straight at him.
- Harry Potter... I was looking forward to meeting you.
Harry couldn't think of anything to say. Professor Murasama continued:
- I wish to talk to you after we finish.
Mariko Murasama advanced to her desk and sat down.
- Good morning everyone, and welcome to the first Defense against the Dark Arts lesson. My name is Mariko Murasama, but you can call me Mariko-San. This year we will be studying the protection against energy curses. Does anyone know what those are?
Hermione raised her hand and so did Helena.
- I know you know that Helena, Professor Mariko-San smiled. What's your name miss?
- Hermione Granger, Professor. The energy curses are some of the most powerful curses that exist. They can do major damage on vast areas. Luckily, they have two disadvantages. One is that their speed is low. A "standard" energy sphere practically crawls to the target. The other disadvantage is that they can be deflected by certain shield-charms.
- Very well! 10 points to Gryffindor. Indeed that's about all the theory you have to know about energy curses. Now...Does anyone except Helena know how to cast an energy sphere?
Everyone looked at Helena who blushed. Hermione raised her hand.
- Professor Mariko-San...I can try...
- Ok, then. Go ahead! Curse me.
- You, professor?
- Yes! I'll cast a shield charm if I feel your sphere is too strong.
Hermione blushed and, shivering slightly grabbed her wand, raised it and clearly pronounced the words: "Vis Orbis!" And suddenly, at the tip of her wand a small white-gray semi-transparent sphere appeared. Then it slowly started towards Mariko-San, but soon it began to fade away and it disappeared.
-Well done Hermione! Next time, try to concentrate harder.
Hermione sat down and Mariko-San said:
- Helena, would you please try it too?
- Yes, professor.
Helena stood up, raised her hand and closed her eyes. Harry could feel something like electricity running through his hair. He realized that Helena must be pretty powerful. And then she whispered firmly: "Vis Orbis!" A sphere, slightly bigger than Hermione's and clearly denser appeared in her hand and then it started slowly towards Mariko-San. When the sphere was only one meter away from her, professor Mariko-San raised her hand and shouted: "Praesidium!"
And then something like a big, transparent energy-blanket erupted from her hand. The sphere touched it, creating small waves upon its surface and then they both disappeared.
- Very well, Helena? I see you had a pretty good training! Who was your sensei?
Helena smiled and then said:
- Haruna Yoshimoto-sama!
- Well, that explains it all. Thank you, you may sit down now. Hermione, would you like to try the sphere again?
- I'm not sure professor...
- Come, don't worry. Just dismiss any other thought from your mind and concentrate your entire energy into the sphere.
Hermione stood up again, raised her wand and closed her eyes. Then suddenly she opened them. A firm expression was marked on her face as she clearly pronounced: "Vis Orbis!" This time, the sphere was as big as Helena's but not as dense. Mariko-San raised her hand again and said: "Absorbere Tenebrosus" Black lightning bolts appeared along her hand. A few Gryffindors gasped. Hermione's sphere touched it and was quickly absorbed by the dark bolts. Mariko-San lowered her hand and the bolts disappeared.
- Excellent, Hermione. 10 points to Gryffindor for you and Helena. Now, what you have just witnessed were two ways of getting rid of an Energy Sphere. The first one I used is a common Shield-Charm. It works in almost any case, as long as you can concentrate hard enough. In the first term we will learn it. The second charm I used is an absorption charm. It only works when your energy is..."compatible" with the energy of the caster.
Suddenly, Harry had an idea. He raised his hand.
- Yes, Harry?
- Professor...um...Could I try the charm too?
Mariko-San seemed to consider the idea for a minute and then smiled and said:
- Of course.
Harry stood up. He felt strangely calm. He could feel his power, he had the sensation he could almost touch it. He raised his wand. Small white threads of light appeared on it. Mariko-San's eyes widened. Harry heard her scream from somewhere far away: "RUN!!!" All Gryffindor's remained thunderstruck for a moment and then they followed Mariko-San who had left the class-room. "Vis Orbis" Harry said. And suddenly, a sphere twice as big as Helena's appeared at the tip of his wand. White lightning bolts were circling around it. On the corridor, all Gryffindors gathered around Mariko-San who raised her wand and screamed: "PRAESIDIUM!" And then, the sphere touched the blackboard. Harry was thrown back by the explosion. The light blinded him. The sound deafened him. Intense heat hit him in the face and he felt incredible pressure crushing him. And then, suddenly, it was all over. As the dust cleared, everyone saw that the wall with the blackboard had disappeared and behind it, a very shaken-looking Draco Malfoy was sitting on a toilet with water pouring from somewhere above over his head.
Mariko-San stood up and with a wave of her wand, removed the pieces of wall from her robe. The shield had partially protected the Gryffindors and now they were all standing up, and looking around scared. Malfoy began to shiver uncontrollably and fell face-forward into a small puddle. Mariko-San ran towards him and conjured a stretcher. Then she asked Neville and Dean Thomas to go with Malfoy to Madam Pomfrey. Then she walked towards Harry.
- Well, I should have known you can do it... But remember, for the future...Never release your whole power at once unless you want to do major damage.
Harry smiled but then pain shot through his arm, and he realized it was broken.
- I'll try, professor...but... I didn't mean it to be that powerful...
- Don't worry. It was only an accident. I believe you need some medical attention too...Mariko-San said. Well then, Helena, would you please escort Harry to the Hospital Wing?
- Sure, professor.
As they left, Harry and Helena could hear Mariko-San talking to the teachers that had arrived to see what had happened.
- That was some Energy Sphere, Harry! Helena said.
- Thanks... I don't really know how I did it... but I think I'll never do it again!
Helena smiled and said:
- Let's hope you won't have too...
Soon, they reached the hospital wing. On a bed, Harry saw Malfoy, babbling incoherently. Neville was drinking a red potion from a flask sitting on another bed. Madam Pomfrey appeared suddenly from her office and screamed as she saw Harry:
- You! You did this? I should've known! Come here, let's see what we can do about your arm...
Soon, Harry's arm was ok, and he was drinking the same red potion Madam Pomfrey had given Neville. Helena was sitting next to him.
- So...How was Professor Mariko-San's shield?
- It was very good! It protected us from the blast but someone tripped and we all fell over him...
Harry laughed and Madam Pomfrey shot an angry look towards him. And then he hugged Helena feeling a strange warmness spreading all over his body.
After finishing his potion, Harry and Helena returned to the class which was now, thanks to Mariko-San's magical knowledge, like new. As the hour was almost over, Maiko-San dismissed all Gryffindors. Harry stood for a moment behind, as if he wanted to ask her something, but then grabbed his things and followed Helena out of the room.
The rest of the week passed in a flash and one day Harry woke up realizing it was the day of the team-selection. He got dressed, grabbed his Firebolt and went down to breakfast. There he found Helena. Her Nimbus 2002 was placed on the table in front of her and she seemed to be concentrating very hard. Harry stood next to her and grabbed a piece of toast.
- Ready for the selection? he asked.
- Absolutely.
- Where are Ron and Hermione?
- They went down to the Quidditch field.
- Well, then we should follow them.
- Sure. Let's go.
Helena grabbed her broom and together they walked to the field. There, Harry could see Ron doing laps around the field, closely followed by Fred and George. Some other Gryffindors were already on the ground and Harry recognized Colin Creevy amongst them. An evil grin appeared on Harry's face and he said:
- Let's scare them!
Helena grinned back and they both mounted their brooms and took off. Harry had almost forgotten how good flying felt. He looked around and saw the Hogwarts grounds, the Forbidden Forest, the Lake and finally the castle. And then he dived. The Gryffindors gathered on the field screamed and ran away. Only Colin Creevy remained where he was. He looked up and smiled at Harry. Harry frowned. This wasn't what he expected. In the last moment he pulled out of the dive, followed closely by Helena. Then he floated slowly towards Fred and George. The Gryffindors were cheering loudly and as Harry approached the twins, George said:
- Great dive! You should try it on Malfoy!
- That's what I intend to do, only that...I think he's "temporary disabled"
Fred and George laughed and then Ron said:
- So, shouldn't we start?
-Yeah.
They dived and landed next to the Gryffindors. The selection ended only at noon and the best chasers were Sandra Jones( a 4th year cute girl ), Colin Creevy and Helena. Ron was selected keeper after catching spectacularly 90% of all the Quaffles he had to catch.
They spent the afternoon discussing tactics and by nine o'clock in the evening, the new Gryffindor Quidditch team was ready...to begin training. They decided that training sessions should take place Wednesday evening and Saturday morning. After that, they all went to sleep. Harry stood for a minute in his bed looking at the curtains and thinking of Helena. And then he fell asleep......and he was flying on his Firebolt. He was above a great sea, probably the ocean and in front of him an island appeared. On this island there was a great, dark-gray building, very sinister looking. As he approached it, Harry saw a sign with the name of the place on it. For a moment his heart stopped beating and he almost fell off the broom. The sign read: "Azkaban Fortress". Harry tried to turn around but something told him not to. The broom took him through a window into a great hall. Harry didn't understand what its purpose within a prison was, but he didn't have time to think. Because at the end of the hall, on a dark-green throne he recognized Lord Voldemort. He was surrounded by death eaters and the hall was full of Dementors. And somewhere behind Voldemort's chair, Harry recognized the shape of a woman, as he had only seen in his schoolbooks...a Banshee. Pain shot through his scar and he fell off his broom. Slowly he succeeded to get up. He looked at Voldemort. In front of him, there was a man.. He was dressed in a black robe. The hood covered his head and his hands were covered by the sleeves. Voldemort looked at him for a moment and then said:
- High Priest! I am pleased to see you...
- I'm sure you are... answered the High Priest in a cold, low voice, filled with hatred. The death-eaters behind Voldemort raised their wands and one of them moved a step closer to the High Priest and said:
- Watch your tone when you're speaking to the Dark Lord!
- Crabbe, Crabbe! Please excuse him, High Priest. He's just a bit...overzealous. Now, Crabbe, we're able to distinguish a friend from a foe! All of you, keep your wands to yourselves! Now, High Priest, tell me why you're here?
- I have come to talk to you Wizard. About our deal! Is our man in place?
- Yes. You may remove the conditioning.
- Good.
The High Priest suddenly sat down on the carpet and assumed a lotus position. Then, threads of light began to surround him as they had done with Helena in the train during the journey. Slowly he lifted himself from the ground and stopped about a meter above it. He floated for about a minute and then he opened his eyes and straightened himself. The light threads disappeared.
- It's done.
- So the boy will be dead soon?
- As soon as possible.
The High Priest headed for the window and ten looked behind and said:
- After all this is over, we'll meet again Wizard!
Voldemort smiled darkly:
- I'm sure we will, High Priest!
And then, with a blinding flash of light, the High Priest disappeared. Voldemort closed his eyes for a moment and then someone entered through a door behind the throne. The man approached Voldemort.
- Ah, my trusted servant! What news do you bring to me?
- It worked. Our man at Hogwarts...changed.
- Excellent. Well done.
The death-eater bowed and then he walked to the side of the throne and sat down on a chair next to his master. Suddenly, Voldemort's face darkened with an evil grin as he said:
- Crabbe, will you please come here?
Crabbe obeyed surprisingly fast considering his size.
- You pig! Voldemort said in a very low and very threatening voice. You could've ruined my whole plan! Remember next time, don't do anything unless I tell you to!
Voldemort raised his wand. "Crucio!" he said. As Crabbe's body began to twist under the influence of the spell, Harry's scar exploded. And through the blinding pain, Harry had time to notice only one more thing. The death eater who had seated himself next to Voldemort had removed his hood. Harry woke up screaming. His scar was still burning on his forehead. But even so, the face of the man under that hood was the only thing in Harry's mind. It was something unbelievable. But he was sure of what he had seen. There, on that chair, second in command and most trusted man of Lord Voldemort was Barty Crouch.
- Harry? What's up?
Ron's voice was sleepy and Harry answered, panting:
- Nothing, you can go back to sleep.
Slowly, Harry got out of his bed. His knees were shaking. How could Voldemort do that? How could Crouch be alive? Slowly, Harry descended to the common room and sat in front of the fire. He couldn't shake the intense fear that he felt. Voldemort had his powers back and was more terrifying than ever. And he had someone at Hogwarts...Someone who was going to try to kill him... Suddenly he felt another presence within the room. His heart began to beat faster. He had forgotten his wand up in the dormitories. Slowly he turned around. A warm hand rested upon his shoulder. It was Helena.
- So... What happened? she asked.
- What do you mean?
- Why are you so scared?
- What? I'm not scared! Harry lied.
Helena smiled mysteriously.
- Don't lie to me! Tell me, what's bothering you?
- I...It's just... I just had a dream about Voldemort...
- Oh, come on! It was only a nightmare!
- No. A strange thing is happening to me. I sometimes...see, during my sleep, what Voldemort's doing. Usually when he's feeling particularly murderous. It's like a vision...
- So...It wasn't a nightmare?
- I'm not sure... Probably not.
- And what did he say?
- He said... I don't know, it was weird.
Harry told her everything he had seen. And then he told her about Barty Crouch and the Dementor's kiss.
- Worse than dead... And now he's back... Helena whispered in a state of shock.
- Yes...And that's what I don't understand.
Harry felt strangely calm. Now that he had told someone about what he had seen, he had the sensation that they somehow had passed. He realized that he is safe within Hogwarts, and that no one could touch him as long as Dumbledore was around. He looked at Helena. Her skin seemed so soft... Her eyes were so black... Helena smiled and then she said:
- You have the most beautiful green eyes I've ever seen...
Slowly, she stretched her hand and touched his cheek. Harry took her hand and kissed it. Then he looked into her eyes. Slowly, they came closer and closer. Then they both closed their eyes and kissed...