The Night Comes To Light
Harry groaned and rolled his eyes. Reaching forward, he plopped two more pork chops onto his plate and tried to ignore the conversation going on besides him.
"Isn't it beautiful though?.....HEY! watch it! You'll scuff it!" Ron exclaimed, snatching his badge back from Dean Thomas
Harry looked over as Ron buffed his badge and pinned it back on. It was only just yesterday that Dumbledore had made Ron Head Boy of Gryffindor House.But within that time, Ron had managed to inflate his head to the size of a hot air balloon. He hadn't stopped talking about his badge or how much of an honor it was to be named Head Boy or some arrogant thing like that. Harry knew it was just Ron's way of dealing with new found fame, his own moment in the spotlight. But honestly, it was getting on his nerves.
"You act like its a priceless treasure or something," Dean commented as Ron adjusted the badge JUST-so on his cloak.
"Well, it is. Made of gold, look," Ron replied ,polishing the thing to a glistening shine.
"Probably just the coating," Harry put in.
Ron scowled at him. Harry ignored it of course and stood up," C'mon, your majesty. We have to get to practice now."
Ron got up, snatching a few last tarts, and followed Harry out of the Great Hall. As they walked down the squishy grass towards the pitch, Ron asked," Why is practice so late?"
"Its not really practice. We're just meeting up so McGonagal can announce who the new captain is."
Ron furrowed his brow, fussing with his badge still," But I thought they did that before summer."
"Well, we were all SORT of preoccupied with other things. None of the houses announced their Captains...Out of respect I suppose," Harry replied walking up the short flight of stairs to the changing rooms.
Ron followed him inside the room to find the team already assembled, minus Angelina Johnson, Katie Bell and Alicia Spinnet since they had graduated.
Harry plopped down next to Andrew Kirke and Jack Sloper, both beaters and sixth years. Ron had just taken a place besides him when McGonagal walked to the head of the room with a rustle of robes.
Turning to look at the four boys, she started," Well, I know all of this is quite uncustomary, but, as circumstances have occurred we must have our priorities straight. That is why none of the Heads of Houses announced their Captains until this week-"
"Lets just get on with it, Professor. Harry's Captain,right?" Jack interrupted eagerly.
McGonagal's lips thinned as her face grew stern, but quickly softened as a smile broke out on her mouth," Yes, Mr.Potter will be Gryffindor's new Quidditch Captain."
Harry blinked as the three boys patted him heartily in a rush of compliments and congratulations.
Soon Harry found himself back in Gryffindor Tower, celebrating his new appointment in a bevy of custards,cakes, sweets and butterbeer.
"Why are you so shocked?" Ron asked taking a sip of his butterbeer and cramming a chocolate frog in his mouth.
"He's right, Harry. You were a shoe in," Ginny replied sliding her lollipop back in her mouth.
Harry sighed and sloshed his butterbeer around in its tankard," I don't know..I guess I saw it coming. I mean, theres only four people on the team and I'm the only one of those four thats been on the team for more than two years. Its just a lack of options really."
"Oh, come off it, Harry. You deserve Captain, just enjoy it." Andrew said, playfully punching Harry on the arm.
Harry shrugged and let the rest of the Gryffindor House congratulate him the night through. All of it made Harry rather uncomfortable, his modesty shining right through. He honestly had no idea why they were making such a fuss.
It was quite a rambunctious party to say the least. Dean had somehow manipulated a wizard radio to play some Muggle music, so they were now all dancing to some heavily bassed songs.
Harry had just started to reach for a fifth helping of toasted marshmallow cookies when Ginny popped up out of nowhere and grabbed his hand.
"C'mon, Harry. Dance with me," She said with a grin.
"Wait, wha?" Harry managed to stammer before he was dragged to the thick of the dancing Gryffindors.
"Be good you two," Ron called from his spot at the food table as he watched them leave
Harry looked down to see piercing blue eyes gazing up at him.
"Loosen up, Harry. Its not like we're getting married or anything. Its just dancing," Ginny teased, slipping her arms around his neck.
Harry exhaled shakily, suddenly very aware of how close her body was. But Ginny seemed only too in tuned with his nervous thoughts and began to dance as silly as she could manage. It was hard, even for Harry, to not laugh at her. She giggled and squished his face in her hands.
"You ok, now?" She inquired with playful eyes.
He chuckled softly and nodded, admitting defeat to how ridiculous he was. The next moment, they were both dancing crazily to the series of songs, scaring most of the people around them
Harry found himself forgetting everything and simply enjoying the evening. And to his complete surprise, it was young Ginny Weasley who got him there. Little Ginny Weasley.
//-------
"Harry?"
Harry looked up from the dark stone floor and into his best friend's concerned face.His shoulders heaved as he hastily shoved away a stray tear.
Ron crouched down and sat besides Harry's spot in the corner of the balcony. He glanced up and got an eyeful of the black sky, white specks spread all over like his freckles. Looking back down, Ron tried to see Harry's face through his long, black hair.
"I was wondering where you went to...The party ended about ten minutes ago," Ron informed him.
Harry stirred, rubbing his bare arms against the icy wind," What time is it?"
"Around three.."
Harry nodded a little and looked down at the goosebumps raising all over his skin.
"Whats wrong, 'arry?"
"Nothing."
"Bullshit."
Harry looked quickly at Ron in surprise," What? Since when did you start cursing?"
"Don't change the subject. Whats wrong, Harry?" Ron said firmly
"Alot..." Harry mumbled
"Look...Harry,I've been wondering for awhile now...You know that night last year? At the beginning of June?" Ron asked quietly
Harry nodded.
"What happened? I mean...I know a very rough summary of it..You met with some demon, killed him, met Voldemort and fought him..Thats it though. ..What HAPPENED?"
"Do you really want to know?" Harry questioned turning to look at his redheaded friend.
"Yes...All of it."
"Alright...well...After killing Asmodeus,this King of all Demons reincarnation that specializes in destroying marriages and destruction in general, I had ran with Hermonie towards a clearing.Thats where I found Voldemort and all of his Death-Eaters..."
- - - -
It was only too late that Harry realized who was in the light when arms came thrashing around him and yanked him forward.
He stumbled and fell to the ground where he was jerked back up painfully and slammed against another tree. He grunted and winced as very tight ropes were instantly drawn around his body.
"Ah.Our guest of honor has arrived..."
- - - -
"He proceeded in telling me how he had slipped some Possession Draught into Hermione's drink while she was out with Viktor, and ever since then she'd been changing...He used her...Her cleverness and knowledge of me to create my downfall."
"But it didn't work...You survived..." Ron whispered as Harry paused.
"Yeah...I survived..."
- - - -
She shouted," Avada Kedavra!"
He raced forward and threw himself to the ground, scrambling frantically to the form. Harry gathered it into his arms, ignoring his broken bones, and looked down into the pale and lifeless face of Cienna. His heart shattered and died as he clung to her.
- - - -
"She killed her...Hermione killed Cienna, like it was nothing...I knew at that moment that she wasn't my best friend I've known for six years anymore. She was in his complete control..."
"You'll find her, Harry. I know it. You'll find her and you'll save her." Ron said.
"I swear on my life I will...I won't lose her too..."
Ron wrapped an arm around Harry, hugging him loosely as he began to cry silently. "Keep going."
Harry took a deep, shuttering breath and continued," Well...After Cienna's funeral, of course I was curious as to how I managed to survive Voldemort... AGAIN. Turns out this black shadow he kept passing over me was something called The Evil Eye...Its old magic, which he had evidently been practicing JUST for me."
"How sweet of him," Ron huffed sarcastically.
"The Evil Eye apparently has numerous effects on its victim. All depends on how powerful the user is and what they want to do to their target...Voldemort's was obviously...death. Mine to be specific. But it didn't work."
"Why?"
Harry got to his feet and began to pace, shoving his hands in his pockets to avoid the numbing cold now biting his fingertips," From what Dumbledore and Tonks told me of The Evil Eye, there're ways to deflect the curse...'member that ol' frog I found in the forest?"
Ron nodded as Harry pulled the jeweled frog from beneath his shirt.
"Well, turns out...This was one of those. It protected me from Voldemort's eye, thats why I felt nothing more than a cool breeze...Thats why I walked away with only a few scars.."
"Wow..." Ron breathed, looking straight ahead.
Harry sighed heavily and looked down at him. Walking over, he kneeled down infront of Ron," Is Percy ok?"
Ron jerked his gaze up and frowned," How'd you know?"
"I have my ways," Harry replied simply.
Ron shifted," Yeah. Bit banged up, but just fine. His ego was more damaged than himself."
"What do you mean?"
"Well, Percy was pretty ashamed of himself for not being able to defend himself with those Death-Eaters. Seems he thought he could've fought back." Ron replied.
Harry couldn't help but smirk." Arrogant git."
"You're telling me..But, he's back at home getting nursed and pampered by Mum."
"I'm sorry, Ron."
Ron frowned harder staring at Harry confused," What? Why?"
"Because..It seems I'm just a walking disaster. If you hadn't known me, you're family would be fine..."
"Oh, thats just a load of nonsense. It was fate, Harry...We were meant to be friends...We all were MEANT to be fighting at your side." Ron said ,finally catching his friend's fleeting eye.
"I..I don't know..." Harry muttered, straightening up and looked out at the distant pitch.
"Well, I do. I believe in you Harry Potter. We all do...Through thick and thin, we'll stick by you.I know you'll pull us through and defeat that monster, Voldemort." Ron stated passionately.
Harry rubbed his arms with hesitation, feeling his bones sting with the memory of being broken. With a sigh, he turned back to Ron, smiling small," Thanks, Ron."
Ron smiled standing up and patting Harry's shoulder," Thats what I'm here for, mate. Lord knows what an emotional mess you'd be without me."
Harry smirked softly and slugged his arm," Hey now. I'd be just fine."
"Right. Do you even remember the summer before our fifth year? That whole temper tantrum you threw." Ron said with a smile.
"Oh, shut up. I was stressed," Harry replied, crossing his arms.
"Stressed, ok, whatever you say," Ron said crossing the balcony towards the stairs. "How did you get up here anyway?"
"Alohomora," Harry answered, following.
Ron chuckled and started down the staircase from the Astronomy Tower. Harry made to follow when he felt a breath on his neck. He spun around, seeing nothing but air. Reaching up, he rubbed his neck where he felt the breath and looked about him. Dawn could be felt as it started to kiss the night with a tiny gray blush. Shaking his head, Harry turned and followed Ron.
Just as his foot hit the 1st step down, a voice whispered closely in his ear," The answer is in the riddle."
Harry whipped his head back to see the same nothing. His heart was thudding madly as he peered about. Not bothering to stop and investigate who or what it was, he flew down the stairs and caught up with Ron in the hall
Meanwhile on the balcony, the breeze shifted, as if a person made of cold air disappeared around a corner. But it didn't disappear, it simply relocated itself in Harry's bedroom to sit upon its usual chair and watch over him while he slept.
Harry groaned and rolled his eyes. Reaching forward, he plopped two more pork chops onto his plate and tried to ignore the conversation going on besides him.
"Isn't it beautiful though?.....HEY! watch it! You'll scuff it!" Ron exclaimed, snatching his badge back from Dean Thomas
Harry looked over as Ron buffed his badge and pinned it back on. It was only just yesterday that Dumbledore had made Ron Head Boy of Gryffindor House.But within that time, Ron had managed to inflate his head to the size of a hot air balloon. He hadn't stopped talking about his badge or how much of an honor it was to be named Head Boy or some arrogant thing like that. Harry knew it was just Ron's way of dealing with new found fame, his own moment in the spotlight. But honestly, it was getting on his nerves.
"You act like its a priceless treasure or something," Dean commented as Ron adjusted the badge JUST-so on his cloak.
"Well, it is. Made of gold, look," Ron replied ,polishing the thing to a glistening shine.
"Probably just the coating," Harry put in.
Ron scowled at him. Harry ignored it of course and stood up," C'mon, your majesty. We have to get to practice now."
Ron got up, snatching a few last tarts, and followed Harry out of the Great Hall. As they walked down the squishy grass towards the pitch, Ron asked," Why is practice so late?"
"Its not really practice. We're just meeting up so McGonagal can announce who the new captain is."
Ron furrowed his brow, fussing with his badge still," But I thought they did that before summer."
"Well, we were all SORT of preoccupied with other things. None of the houses announced their Captains...Out of respect I suppose," Harry replied walking up the short flight of stairs to the changing rooms.
Ron followed him inside the room to find the team already assembled, minus Angelina Johnson, Katie Bell and Alicia Spinnet since they had graduated.
Harry plopped down next to Andrew Kirke and Jack Sloper, both beaters and sixth years. Ron had just taken a place besides him when McGonagal walked to the head of the room with a rustle of robes.
Turning to look at the four boys, she started," Well, I know all of this is quite uncustomary, but, as circumstances have occurred we must have our priorities straight. That is why none of the Heads of Houses announced their Captains until this week-"
"Lets just get on with it, Professor. Harry's Captain,right?" Jack interrupted eagerly.
McGonagal's lips thinned as her face grew stern, but quickly softened as a smile broke out on her mouth," Yes, Mr.Potter will be Gryffindor's new Quidditch Captain."
Harry blinked as the three boys patted him heartily in a rush of compliments and congratulations.
Soon Harry found himself back in Gryffindor Tower, celebrating his new appointment in a bevy of custards,cakes, sweets and butterbeer.
"Why are you so shocked?" Ron asked taking a sip of his butterbeer and cramming a chocolate frog in his mouth.
"He's right, Harry. You were a shoe in," Ginny replied sliding her lollipop back in her mouth.
Harry sighed and sloshed his butterbeer around in its tankard," I don't know..I guess I saw it coming. I mean, theres only four people on the team and I'm the only one of those four thats been on the team for more than two years. Its just a lack of options really."
"Oh, come off it, Harry. You deserve Captain, just enjoy it." Andrew said, playfully punching Harry on the arm.
Harry shrugged and let the rest of the Gryffindor House congratulate him the night through. All of it made Harry rather uncomfortable, his modesty shining right through. He honestly had no idea why they were making such a fuss.
It was quite a rambunctious party to say the least. Dean had somehow manipulated a wizard radio to play some Muggle music, so they were now all dancing to some heavily bassed songs.
Harry had just started to reach for a fifth helping of toasted marshmallow cookies when Ginny popped up out of nowhere and grabbed his hand.
"C'mon, Harry. Dance with me," She said with a grin.
"Wait, wha?" Harry managed to stammer before he was dragged to the thick of the dancing Gryffindors.
"Be good you two," Ron called from his spot at the food table as he watched them leave
Harry looked down to see piercing blue eyes gazing up at him.
"Loosen up, Harry. Its not like we're getting married or anything. Its just dancing," Ginny teased, slipping her arms around his neck.
Harry exhaled shakily, suddenly very aware of how close her body was. But Ginny seemed only too in tuned with his nervous thoughts and began to dance as silly as she could manage. It was hard, even for Harry, to not laugh at her. She giggled and squished his face in her hands.
"You ok, now?" She inquired with playful eyes.
He chuckled softly and nodded, admitting defeat to how ridiculous he was. The next moment, they were both dancing crazily to the series of songs, scaring most of the people around them
Harry found himself forgetting everything and simply enjoying the evening. And to his complete surprise, it was young Ginny Weasley who got him there. Little Ginny Weasley.
//-------
"Harry?"
Harry looked up from the dark stone floor and into his best friend's concerned face.His shoulders heaved as he hastily shoved away a stray tear.
Ron crouched down and sat besides Harry's spot in the corner of the balcony. He glanced up and got an eyeful of the black sky, white specks spread all over like his freckles. Looking back down, Ron tried to see Harry's face through his long, black hair.
"I was wondering where you went to...The party ended about ten minutes ago," Ron informed him.
Harry stirred, rubbing his bare arms against the icy wind," What time is it?"
"Around three.."
Harry nodded a little and looked down at the goosebumps raising all over his skin.
"Whats wrong, 'arry?"
"Nothing."
"Bullshit."
Harry looked quickly at Ron in surprise," What? Since when did you start cursing?"
"Don't change the subject. Whats wrong, Harry?" Ron said firmly
"Alot..." Harry mumbled
"Look...Harry,I've been wondering for awhile now...You know that night last year? At the beginning of June?" Ron asked quietly
Harry nodded.
"What happened? I mean...I know a very rough summary of it..You met with some demon, killed him, met Voldemort and fought him..Thats it though. ..What HAPPENED?"
"Do you really want to know?" Harry questioned turning to look at his redheaded friend.
"Yes...All of it."
"Alright...well...After killing Asmodeus,this King of all Demons reincarnation that specializes in destroying marriages and destruction in general, I had ran with Hermonie towards a clearing.Thats where I found Voldemort and all of his Death-Eaters..."
- - - -
It was only too late that Harry realized who was in the light when arms came thrashing around him and yanked him forward.
He stumbled and fell to the ground where he was jerked back up painfully and slammed against another tree. He grunted and winced as very tight ropes were instantly drawn around his body.
"Ah.Our guest of honor has arrived..."
- - - -
"He proceeded in telling me how he had slipped some Possession Draught into Hermione's drink while she was out with Viktor, and ever since then she'd been changing...He used her...Her cleverness and knowledge of me to create my downfall."
"But it didn't work...You survived..." Ron whispered as Harry paused.
"Yeah...I survived..."
- - - -
She shouted," Avada Kedavra!"
He raced forward and threw himself to the ground, scrambling frantically to the form. Harry gathered it into his arms, ignoring his broken bones, and looked down into the pale and lifeless face of Cienna. His heart shattered and died as he clung to her.
- - - -
"She killed her...Hermione killed Cienna, like it was nothing...I knew at that moment that she wasn't my best friend I've known for six years anymore. She was in his complete control..."
"You'll find her, Harry. I know it. You'll find her and you'll save her." Ron said.
"I swear on my life I will...I won't lose her too..."
Ron wrapped an arm around Harry, hugging him loosely as he began to cry silently. "Keep going."
Harry took a deep, shuttering breath and continued," Well...After Cienna's funeral, of course I was curious as to how I managed to survive Voldemort... AGAIN. Turns out this black shadow he kept passing over me was something called The Evil Eye...Its old magic, which he had evidently been practicing JUST for me."
"How sweet of him," Ron huffed sarcastically.
"The Evil Eye apparently has numerous effects on its victim. All depends on how powerful the user is and what they want to do to their target...Voldemort's was obviously...death. Mine to be specific. But it didn't work."
"Why?"
Harry got to his feet and began to pace, shoving his hands in his pockets to avoid the numbing cold now biting his fingertips," From what Dumbledore and Tonks told me of The Evil Eye, there're ways to deflect the curse...'member that ol' frog I found in the forest?"
Ron nodded as Harry pulled the jeweled frog from beneath his shirt.
"Well, turns out...This was one of those. It protected me from Voldemort's eye, thats why I felt nothing more than a cool breeze...Thats why I walked away with only a few scars.."
"Wow..." Ron breathed, looking straight ahead.
Harry sighed heavily and looked down at him. Walking over, he kneeled down infront of Ron," Is Percy ok?"
Ron jerked his gaze up and frowned," How'd you know?"
"I have my ways," Harry replied simply.
Ron shifted," Yeah. Bit banged up, but just fine. His ego was more damaged than himself."
"What do you mean?"
"Well, Percy was pretty ashamed of himself for not being able to defend himself with those Death-Eaters. Seems he thought he could've fought back." Ron replied.
Harry couldn't help but smirk." Arrogant git."
"You're telling me..But, he's back at home getting nursed and pampered by Mum."
"I'm sorry, Ron."
Ron frowned harder staring at Harry confused," What? Why?"
"Because..It seems I'm just a walking disaster. If you hadn't known me, you're family would be fine..."
"Oh, thats just a load of nonsense. It was fate, Harry...We were meant to be friends...We all were MEANT to be fighting at your side." Ron said ,finally catching his friend's fleeting eye.
"I..I don't know..." Harry muttered, straightening up and looked out at the distant pitch.
"Well, I do. I believe in you Harry Potter. We all do...Through thick and thin, we'll stick by you.I know you'll pull us through and defeat that monster, Voldemort." Ron stated passionately.
Harry rubbed his arms with hesitation, feeling his bones sting with the memory of being broken. With a sigh, he turned back to Ron, smiling small," Thanks, Ron."
Ron smiled standing up and patting Harry's shoulder," Thats what I'm here for, mate. Lord knows what an emotional mess you'd be without me."
Harry smirked softly and slugged his arm," Hey now. I'd be just fine."
"Right. Do you even remember the summer before our fifth year? That whole temper tantrum you threw." Ron said with a smile.
"Oh, shut up. I was stressed," Harry replied, crossing his arms.
"Stressed, ok, whatever you say," Ron said crossing the balcony towards the stairs. "How did you get up here anyway?"
"Alohomora," Harry answered, following.
Ron chuckled and started down the staircase from the Astronomy Tower. Harry made to follow when he felt a breath on his neck. He spun around, seeing nothing but air. Reaching up, he rubbed his neck where he felt the breath and looked about him. Dawn could be felt as it started to kiss the night with a tiny gray blush. Shaking his head, Harry turned and followed Ron.
Just as his foot hit the 1st step down, a voice whispered closely in his ear," The answer is in the riddle."
Harry whipped his head back to see the same nothing. His heart was thudding madly as he peered about. Not bothering to stop and investigate who or what it was, he flew down the stairs and caught up with Ron in the hall
Meanwhile on the balcony, the breeze shifted, as if a person made of cold air disappeared around a corner. But it didn't disappear, it simply relocated itself in Harry's bedroom to sit upon its usual chair and watch over him while he slept.