A/N: Someone mentioned to me that I should use a disclaimer in my story. Well I didn't bother about it till now but here it is finally.
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter and neither all the other characters. Most of them are JK Rowling's property. I'm just using them in a plot using the figments of my imagination. So please don't sue me for using these characters. So don't go about stealing my plot because I own it.
A/N: All right hope you like this chapter. They are getting longer every day. Very soon it's going to take me quite some time to update. Especially the next chapter is going to take some time. It will contain sensitive stuff, a world of Romance and sex. I don't think I'm quite upto the task of writing about sex, though I did write a couple of porno flicks, but that was two years back. So, it's gonna take some time. Hope you enjoy till then.
A few of my faithful reviwers have also been saying that the story which started with a bang is turning dull and boring. Well, I'll tell this. The character Harry Weasley is a bit complex and it is hence taking some time to frame it properly. That's why I'm delving into the school life of that particular boy. He is going to take an important part in the Finale of the story.
Again a couple of reviewers have stated that I should refer Harry Potter by 'Potter' when Patterson is around. My answer to that is the same. Patterson is a decietful character. He is wearing a mask of good and he is picking up important information to fight against the good. I personally like to think Harry as a good character and that's why I'm referring him as a separate identity. It'll allow me to frame his character.
Lastly I noticed a particular review which stated that the reviwer wanted Harry to stay dark and do not turn good. Is that what most of you guys want? I wouldn't mind an answer. So the next time you review also voice your opinion on this sensitive matter. I, personally would like an angst ending though, mind you.
On a happier note, I have finally got myself a beta reader. He's been a great help. Hopefully the future chapters may come out faster as I will now be able to type faster and I won't have to look back for errors. Thanks a lot, Erundil.
Lastly about the Review situation, well it certainly has improved but it still isn't quite up to the mark. I mean I've been working on this story all the time. The entire leisure time that I have at my disposal, I've been typing this story. But things have been looking good for me over last two chapters. hopefully they will keep improving. So without any more words, just R/R.
Lastly, to the wonderful Reviwers:
Chaotic-Lord: Thanks for the review. I'm sorry but you'll have to put up with the little Harry for quite some time. Don't worry I'll add the real Harry's POV occasionally.
heedless One: Thanks for the review.
AutumnKate: You wanted to see Harry/Cho together? You wanted to see some 'HOT' stuff? Well you're in luck because the next chapter is going to be filled with it. A decent chapter might fulfill your needs for an R-Rated story, I'm sure. Well keep reading and keep reviewing.
HoshHikari4ever: Yup. That's correct but he's going to tell that to someone else first........
Slacker1: Thanks for the advice. Yeah, after turning it off my reviews have indeed increased. I know it's been boring but hold on to your hats, it's just going to start getting violent. I don't think I can answer that question about Harry/Cho just yet? As for as Ron/Hermione/Charlie is concerned, well they will see their error of the ways eventually but that is quite a long way off.
the reader: Thanks for the review. Harry and Cho will be meeting each other in an upcoming chapter but Cho is definitely not going to follow Harry's footsteps. I can gurantee you this much.
Enigma: Thanks for the review.
ChromeMage: Thanks for the review. You'll be getting more POV in the next chapters.
Anonymus: Thanks for the review but please use a name next time. Even if you do not have a Fan Fiction Account, you can still use a nickname.
Attacks and Hogsmeade
The next morning breakfast was going on as usual. Harry was groaning about getting up early. Justin was looking feverishly at his time table and Alice was at the end of the Gryffindor table. She wasn't looking at him. He saw that she had a set jaw. There were dark patches under her eyes which indicated that she hadn't had a good night's sleep and she probably was crying.
Instantly there was a pang of guilt. He hadn't sincerely meant any of those words he had said to her last night. She had been selfish, but he had told her vulgar things and he was ashamed of himself now. He felt that it was necessary to apologise to her.
"You should really apologise to her now, shouldn't you? I know that you didn't mean any of that stuff to her. She had been a prat of lately but still she's your sister."
"I know Justin. I must have been really angry at her to even think of calling her a - a - . Well a you-know-what. I just don't think I am capable of facing her face to face. I am so, so embarrassed. It's just..."
"Well go on, speak with her. You can't ignore her all along. You'll have to speak to her sooner or later. Delaying the inevitable is just going to make matters worse."
"I guess you're right." Harry spoke warily. He got up and went over to speak with her.
He took a seat in front of her. But he didn't catch her attention. She didn't look up from the text she was reading. He took a deep breath and went over all that he intended to tell her.
"Alice, I..." he began.
But he never got to complete what he was about to say.
There was a loud scream from the Ravenclaw table. It was soon followed by another loud scream from the Hufflepuff table. Soon the Great Hall was filled with screams all round. Harry appeared confused. He jerked his towards the source of the scream but each time he would try to trace the source of the shriek there would be another one.
Before he could ponder about the topic more Professor McGonagall's voice echoed throughout the Hall.
"SILENCE"
"Everyone will remain seated in their tables. Only those who have received the black owls will follow me out of the Hall. Everyone else will remain seated."
Justin had also joined Harry and Alice now.
"What did she mean by black owls?" he queried.
"Not a clue mate."
Alice just huffed. Harry looked at her. She had looked up when she heard the shrieks and Harry had seen the horrified look on her face. But as soon McGonagall had spoken she had turned back to sulking.
"Alice will you quit acting like a silly girl? Look I'm sorry about what I told you last night. I know it had gone too far. I shouldn't have even dreamed of addressing you like that. I'm really sorry. Please forgive me."
Alice looked up from her book and eyed Harry closely. Her eyes were cold and devoid of any emotion. Harry tried to put up the best guilt stricken face that he could manage. He hoped that would manage it, but he was wrong.
"You think that saying sorry would make everything right Harry, do you? You do not understand feelings Harry and that's why you will still remain a child. As far as your apology is concerned did you think I would forget it so easily? I'm not stupid you know. I know you don't forget that too easily. I'm not going to be fooled by that face of yours because I know you made that up so that I can pity you. Well then Harry you are so wrong. I know that you still think me of as an ugly bitch, so I would probably not be fraternising with you."
She stood up and closed her book and walked away leaving two eleven year old wizards open mouthed. Harry tried to call for her, but Justin spoke softly.
"Don't Harry. She isn't ready to forget you yet. She'll talk to you about it when she's ready in her own time. Before that ignore her, or else you'll be causing her more pain."
Harry tried to call her once more but in vain. Alice had already disappeared through the door. Harry gave a loud sigh and his shoulders stooped.
"This hasn't happened before. We had loads of quarrels earlier but we always made them up very soon. This is the first time that she refused an apology. I guess I hurt her more than I ever imagined to. Damn, Justin, I'm pathetic. Why did it happen in the first place? I'm such a loser. She must really hate me now."
"Don't worry Harry. She'll come around. Time is a great healer. Give her some time and soon she'll be speaking with you."
"I really hope so."
Soon the first years were standing outside the school for their first flying lesson.
They lined along the lawns of Hogwarts castle. On the lawn there were around twenty broomsticks lying on the ground. Most of them were very old and looked battered, the twigs on the tail were pointing out at odd angles.
Ron Weasley the celebrated keeper of England stepped forward into the bright sun. Most of the girls of Hogwarts oohed at the sight of the red haired freckled faced Keeper. He gave them a warm smile. Alice scowled at all the girls. Ron was clothed in quidditch attire.
"Most of you have been on a broom before. So that shouldn't be much of a problem. I'll be basically guiding you to ride the broom properly. However there are important things to discuss than flying lessons. The Headmistress has asked every teacher to speak to the students about this morning's incident. You'll see that quite a few of your fellow students are not present here. They are mourning over their great loss right now in secluded chamber in the school. Last night there was an attack on the Ministry of Magic. A great number of wizards and witches were gravely injured and many perished in that attack. The owls that you saw today are called black owls. They are black in colour. Black as the night with a red ribbon around their necks. They were used during the last war and they are specifically used to deliver messages of death and tragedies. This morning at breakfast thirty students received death owls."
There was a collective gasp.
"I must request you not to ask your friends any questions about this matter. It is rather sensitive and I would like it if you let them speak about it in their own time."
"And now to the Flying Lessons. Step up to your broom and place your wand hand over it and speak out 'UP'. Now when you say 'UP' the broom should zoom up to your open palm of your wand hand. Remember the sooner your broom comes up the better you are at flying."
There were a series of shouts across the lawns.
Ron looked around the assembled class of first years and was pleased to see that only Harry had managed to get his broom up in his hand. Most of them were having problems. Alice's broom didn't even bother to move even though she was bellowing it at the top of her voice. She was so much like Hermione, Ron thought.
Eventually after a few more fruitless attempts everyone had managed to get a hold of their broom. Even Alice, though she needed a little help from Ron.
"OK. Now that everyone has a broom, mount them. Soon you'll be in air experiencing your first true joy of flying on a true broom. Swing your legs over the broom and grip it tightly with both your hands. Wait for my whistle and then you kick off from the ground. The broom will take you up in the air. You will be flying only about ten feet above the ground, since these brooms are very old and as you might see they are not in very good shape. Anyways, I doubt if any of you will be able to take them above that level. Unless you're a true good flier you're not going higher than that."
"OK Ready. One... Two... Three"
There was a sharp whistle and all of them rose in the air. Like Ron had said almost all of them remained hovering a few feet above the ground. Only Harry managed higher. In fact he managed to fly pretty high. He soared in air. Even Ron gasped. He expected Harry to do better than the rest but not this good. In fact Harry was handling the broom just like a quidditch broom. Only thing is, it was a little slower. All the school brooms were Comets, they were dead slow. But even then Harry seemed to be communicating with his broom. He elegantly flew through the air the wind blowing his hair. He felt another enthralling experience. This was life. This was what made his life good.
He flew for some more time. He watched his fellow class mates hovering way below him. He watched Justin trying to get his broom to fly higher and Alice trying to hang on to her broom as it threatened to tip her off. He watched his dad looking up to the sky and waving him to come down. He breathed a sigh and rose a few more feet and then plunged to a nosedive. He had wanted to do that ever since Professor Patterson did it in his first day at Hogwarts. This was the perfect opportunity. Who knows, if he could successfully make it then he might be in the quidditch team even skipping the tryouts. That way his mother couldn't stop him even if she tried too.
Ron watched in horror as his son rose a few more feet and then plunge into a steep dive. He had never been taught about diving by either him or Fred and George. Neither of them were excellent fliers and neither of them were seekers. Only good seekers could remain unscathed after coming out of a successful dive. Neither of them was any good at it. Harry had been taught about Chaser formations and Keeper tactics. Fred and George had taught him about Beaters. They hadn't imagined him to be a seeker at any rate. Everyone hoped him to be a Keeper just like Ron or a Chaser.
Ron saw as time seemed to slow down. He watched Harry's face full of concentration as he plummeted towards the ground at breakneck speed. He was going to hit the ground. He watched his mouth hanging open frantically waving his hands trying to signal his son to pull out of the dive, but Harry's concentration never wavered. His eyes were still focusing on the ground and his jaw was set. He was going to crash. Ron hid his face in his hands unable to look and waiting for the inevitable sound of a crash. Precious moments passed by but no sound came. Curious he looked up and saw his son looking at him a broad smile etched on his face.
Harry flew faster and faster till he was barely a few feet from the ground. Then as if on cue he pulled up his handle and pulled out of the dive. In a moment he had slowed down his speed and landed with a soft thud on the ground. He looked up at his classmates who were looking at him with there jaws hanging open. Justin was stunned and even Alice looked as if he had risen from the dead. His dad looked up and he started to grin.
"That was very impressive, Harry. Now if all of you don't mind you ca go up to the castle, Harry follow me."
Justin waved Harry goodbye.
"Harry get the broom you're using and follow me."
"Where are we going dad?" his voice sounded nervous as Ron led him towards the Dark Forest.
"We are just going to get some opinion of the most prolific seeker in our family."
Harry was even more confused.
Ron went towards the hut near the boundary of the forest and knocked.
The door opened and a red headed face looked at him.
"UNCLE CHARLIE!!!"
There was a shriek from young Harry.
"Hello there nephew, hello Ron. What brings you to my haven?"
"My dear son does."
"He does. So what have you been up to young Harry? Breaking more rules?"
They entered the hut and each of them had a seat.
"Er - no. Charlie I just took them for a flying lesson and Harry just pulled out of a fifty foot dive using a school broom."
"WHAT!!!!"
Charlie nearly fell of his chair.
"HE - HE did?"
"Absolutely. And as you're best seeker around here for at least a hundred miles, I came here to have some advice."
"Wow! Harry this is big. I always knew you were destined to be a good flier but a seeker. So Ron what are you going to do about it?"
"I don't know. You're the expert in this business. You should tell me what has to be done."
"Oh, all right then. I say Gryffindor hasn't won the Quidditch Cup in years. So, Harry how would you like to be a part of the Gryffindor quidditch team?"
"But - but I haven't been to the tryouts yet."
Harry tried to keep his face as serious as possible. He knew his plan was working like a gem. He had wanted this to happen and he had done it.
"Don't worry about the tryouts Harry. They can be overlooked under special circumstances and blimey this is one of them. Not even I could dream about pulling out of a fifty foot dive in a school broom on my first training lesson at Hogwarts."
"And that's saying something, son. Your uncle here was the best seeker in the family. If you are in the trophy room you'll find all kinds of trophies relating to flying and quidditch with his name on. He was legendary and he could've played for England had he not gone off chasing dragons in Romania."
"Wow." The praise escaped his lips. He didn't know his uncle was such a good flier.
"Stop it Ron. You're embarrassing me." Charlie spoke blushing.
"And speaking of school brooms are you sure this one is one? Because it showed tremendous acceleration. I don't think any school broom is capable of such acceleration, no matter how good the flier is. Could you please check it out for me?"
"Sure thing Ron."
Charlie picked up his broom and prodded it with his wand. The broom glowed violently before falling from his grasp onto the ground. All the three of them watched as the broom become longer and the colour of the handle changed. The twigs started to become straight. Gold letters started to form on the handle of the broom.
It read "NIMBUS TWO THOUSAND AND THREE."
"Harry that's - that's your broom isn't it? You brought it with you?" Ron's voice sounded hollow. He sounded anguished.
"Um - yeah I figured that I may get a chance to get in the quidditch team."
"Harry, much it annoys me say it like your mum, but you have broken a very serious school rule and you could have been expelled for sure if this thing went up to the headmistress. But that was indeed some real cool flying anyway."
Harry looked up. He thought that he had broken his father's trust but he had complimented him. That's what is so cool about his dad. He wasn't serious like his mum and always looked on the bright side of everything.
"Gee thanks dad."
"Well I think a toast is in order."
Charlie brought out three glasses and a bottle of butterbeer. He poured out the foamy liquid and said.
"To, my dearest nephew the newest member of the Gryffindor quidditch team."
Harry smiled and made a mental note to thank a certain Professor the first chance he got.
"SEEKER!!!"
"Shh. Keep your voice down. I just got the news. No one is supposed to know that yet."
"Ok, but wow. I mean getting chance in the quidditch team is great but seeker. You must be real good. Hell you're good. I saw you today. That was some serious piece of cool flying."
"Thanks for the compliment, but I had help. Big help."
The two boys were sitting in the back of the Defence against the Dark Arts Class. It was just after their flying lesson and Harry had just told him of his 'little' achievement.
"What help? Who helped you?"
"Well you're looking at him right now."
"Who?"
Justin looked clearly confused. He glanced around the class and eventually his gaze landed on Professor Patterson, now teaching about the wand movement in the disarming spell, and then back at Harry. His eyes became very round.
"Yo - you mean to say - you mean to say that Pro - Professor Patterson helped you?"
"Didn't take you long enough did it?"
"Why didn't you tell me? I could've also used some help."
"I wasn't supposed to. It was a secret." He sighed and began to tell everything to Justin about his little training lesson.
Soon the bell rang. Everybody started to walk away from the class but Harry decided to linger behind. Soon everybody was gone and Harry was again alone with his Defence Professor in his classroom.
"You seem to make a habit of staying behind in my class, don't you? So, I guess you won't need any extra flying lessons from me. Congratulations, Harry on making it to the team. Hope you help win the cup. I can tell that I will be supporting the lions for the cup."
"Thank you Professor for everything"
"Thanks for what?"
"The broom switch and showing me those awesome moves"
He saw as his Professor laughed.
"So, you figured it out didn't you? It's an ingenious way the young mind works Harry. I showed you that dive and that particular feint. You saw it then and showered me with praises. But I knew how determined you were to get in to the quidditch team. So I did that particular feint that day. In order you get to do that dive properly I transfigured your broom to a school broom and placed a magnet charm on it, such that you'll only get to use the broom and no one else. But no matter what Harry it was you who managed to do it and no one else. It was your determination that made you succeed. And nothing is more than that. I knew it was probably the safest way to get you into the team without breaking much school rules as I know your mum well enough to say that she wouldn't have allowed you at the tryouts.
"The Gryffindor seekers have always been excellent. They always managed to excel at that position in the team. The legendary Charlie Wesley, your uncle and of course Harry Potter are a few to name. You know Harry Potter also got into the quidditch team in a very similar circumstance. I know him well enough to say that he would have been also happy for you, wherever he is."
"You know Harry Potter?"
"Just a bit
"Anyways, congratulations again. Now head off to your class before you are late."
"Professor..."
"Yes Harry"
"How did you find me the other day, at the pitch? It's not that go out to the pitch so often."
"Harry, I have four great friends who can help me find about anything and anyone here at Hogwarts."
"Really?"
"Yeah, with Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot and Prongs around you can find anyone at any place."
"Moony, Wormtail, Pad - hang on. You know about it don't you? You know about the map?"
Professor Patterson's eyebrow furrowed.
"You know about the map? How did you get it?"
"My uncles gave them to me."
"Your uncles? They would be Fred and George Weasley wouldn't they? Yes they were fascinating when it came to breaking school rules. My friends Monny, Wormtail, Padfoot and Prongs could've given them a run for their money."
"You know them? Moony, Worm..."
His Professor cut him short.
"We've met. Tell me Harry do you know the fascinating history behind the map?"
Harry nodded.
"You don't? Well that explains it. Your parents wouldn't certainly want that told, would they?"
"Yeah, they - hang on, you said my parents would tell the history about the map, but it was my uncles who gave them to me."
His face sported confusion. His Professor blushed
"Looks like I've given away a lot of secrets for today. Come on now off you go to your class."
Suddenly the answer dawned on Harry. It was simple.
"It was him, wasn't it?"
"Pardon me?"
"Harry Potter? It boiled down to him didn't it? My uncles knew about the map more than anyone because they used it extensively but my parents like every other thing knew about its history and they didn't tell me about it as it was related to him, their best friend at school. That's why they were so furious when they handed over the map to me. It's all making sense now."
He looked up at his Professor for confirmation but he saw that he was furious.
He held a triumphant smile on his face.
"I was right wasn't I?"
He spoke as he was manhandled out of the class by his Professor.
"AHHHHHHHH"
"Feel any pain muggle, or should I help you with a little more pain."
The poor old man muttered something incoherent.
"What I can't hear you? Shouldn't you think about a little more pain would be nice? Crucio!"
Yet again the man screamed his lungs out. The pain was incomprehensible. It was pain beyond anything he had ever felt. His bones ached and his lungs gasped for need of air. He felt his blood capillaries slowly burst open under the torture he was subjected to.
Then just as it had come the pain subsided.
"Tell me muggle, do you want any more of this pain or should we finish this fast? Answer me muggle, do you want any more pain? Answer me, IMPERIO!"
The man was in no mood for answering that question. They had murdered his son and his wife. They had raped his daughter repeatedly before killing her. They said that she was becoming less fun. These men were cold blooded murderers. They wore black cloaks and wore masks to cover their faces. It was as if they were member of some cult. They kept referring to him and his family as 'muggle'. Why? Was it some form of a code word or something? But what amazed him was their ability to cause such excruciating pain with the help of a simple wooden stick barely a foot long.
"Yes, Please torture me." He couldn't believe what he was saying. It was as if the words were made to come out of his mouth.
The man who was speaking with him sneered.
"Very well muggle, I see that you are not content with our display it and you want pain. Then feel it. CRUCIO!"
Yet again he felt it. Pain beyond pain. This time blood started to seep through his nose and mouth. His eyes became bloodshot and even his ears seemed to be seeping blood. He screamed with all his might till his voice became harsh. Yet again the pain stopped quite suddenly.
"Why are you doing this to me you bloody son of a bitch? You piece of horse shit. Why did have to destroy my family you bloody fucking stinking bitch? Kill me you stinking vermin before I beat the crap out of you."
"Tsk - tsk. Language muggle. I suggest you wash your mouth...or better still did you ask me to kill you? Does that mean you're growing tired of our little chat? It's fine with me if you want to die. AVADA KEDAVRA!"
A huge jet of green light flashed from the man's wand and the old man fell down to the floor lifeless.
"That was impressive and highly entertaining. Well done Draco. Very soon you would be getting the Dark Lord's favours."
"Thanks Father."
A group of wizards walked out of a house in the middle of London. The house that they had just been
to, now looked ransacked. The Dark Mark hovered above it.
Before anybody could see them, they were gone with a resounding pop' sound.
Every student would remain positively afraid now of the mail. They were all hoping that the black owls wouldn't land in front of them. Each day about twenty students received black owls. Only a few have remained who hadn't received any black owls. The Daily Prophet would report most of the killings but due to the gruesome pictures that they published nowadays about the site of the attack Professor McGonagall had banned them. Good thing too. Many students would simply throw up at the sight of the photographs.
Now only the black owls were their to inform the students of their tragedies. A few students have received multiple owls. It only made matters worse. It was on one such day that Professor Patterson went up the revolving staircase up to the Headmistress' office. He knocked and a stern voice sounded from within.
"Enter"
"Headmistress."
"Yes Henry. Is there something you wish to tell me?"
"No. I just wanted you to inform that I would need a few boggarts for my lesson with the second and first years."
"It will be taken care of, Henry. I must say you have performed remarkably well. Considering the fact that you are teaching for the first time and that too in dire circumstances, I must say you are doing really well. Hermione told me that the sixth and seventh years knew enough spells to duel a qualified auror. You have really performed beyond all expectations."
Henry blushed.
"Why thank you Headmistress I am most honoured by that compliment."
"Is there anything you would like to tell me Henry?"
Henry nodded and prepared to leave the room.
He was about to open the door when he spoke up.
"Yes, in fact there is something you can help me with. I am asking you Professor to grant permission for a Hogsmeade visit this weekend."
"Well Henry, there is indeed one before Halloween..."
Henry cut in.
"For all students from first to seventh years. Let me finish first then you can give your views to the matter."
Minerva McGonagall had appeared to argue but stopped and waited for him to finish.
"Headmistress, in these dire circumstances there is desperate need to break the gloom. I don't remember Hogwarts being this much gloomy during my years of visit. Students nowadays cry their eyes out in the lavatories and in the corridors not to mention their speechless expressions filled with horror when they receive the black owls. Quidditch is the only thing that may lift the gloom but as you know the first match is still more than a month away and neither of the teams has practiced much so that they would be fit to play a full scale House match. That's why I'm suggesting this special Hogsmeade visit. I know it could be dangerous but listen; I've given this matter a thought. The students need to seek comfort in the arms of their relatives and their loved ones. So I'm asking you to let the students write home to their respective guardians to meet them in Hogsmeade just for that particular day. A few hours with their blood relations will heal their wound considerably and they would seek condolence from the people they love the most. We can always ask the Ministry for an additional bit of security on that particular day so that everything goes on in accordance."
The Headmistress of Hogwarts looked at his newest teacher eye to eye for a long time. Finally she nodded.
"As I had said earlier, Henry you have raised in these dark times remarkably. I myself have been thinking along the same lines to cheer things up in the school but I must say I couldn't have come up with a better idea myself. And since you've given much thought about this I must say that your plan does look quite full proof to me. I would speak with Professor Dumbledore for their approval in this matter which I very much think they would agree upon. I'll call a teachers meeting tonight where we would discuss this topic. You may leave now."
"Thank you Headmistress."
He got up from his chair and left the room. As he came down the revolving staircase he laughed mutely.
"Fool Proof Plan!!! You'll never know what hit you. The plan has a great big hole right where it starts and no one can notice that. Hogsmeade will burn with my flame. I will relinquish all my rage on that place."
He continued to laugh silently as he made his way to the class.
"Headmistress, I presume you called this meeting?"
Professor Snape's silky voice sounded through the air.
"Yes Severus. I did."
"Henry here had the idea to lighten things up. I myself have been bothered about it since the day the black owls started coming. But he was the first to bring forth this idea in front of me."
She paused and looked towards Henry and he nodded.
"Well let's hear this idea of Patterson's and see if it's any good." Snape replied.
"I'm planning on a Hogsmeade visit this weekend so that students can meet up with their guardians and comfort each other."
There was a sharp intake of breath all around the room and a few teachers gasped.
"You can't be serious Professor McGonagall. With all the dark activity going around how can you think about a Hogsmeade visit?"
"Although I hate to agree with Granger, it appears for once she is using her brain and is speaking sense."
Snape curtly replied.
"You take that slimeball, before I make that sallow face purple." Ron growled.
He had his wand out and he was pointing it at Snape.
"Ronald, Severus" McGonagall's voice rose.
Both of them narrowed their eyes and backed out.
"Now as I was saying I've talked to Albus and he also agrees upon the fact that it is a very good idea. As far as security is concerned rest assured that there won't any slippage of that. There would be Order members and Ministry Aurors in plain clothing as well as in proper authorised uniform. So now you'll agree with me that no stones are being left unturned and the visit will be most peaceful and it will lift the highly dampened spirits in the castle."
She finished and to Henry's delight all the teachers slowly nodded their heads in agreement.
Before leaving however Hermione whispered in McGonagall's ear.
"I've got a bad feeling about this Professor. I've got nothing against Professor Patterson, I know he's brilliant but shouldn't you think a bit more before going forward with such a bold move?
"Rest assured Hermione. I'll do my very best to see to it that the students don't get in harm's way. As far as Henry is concerned rest assured he'll be no harm. Dumbledore trusts him and I know he won't trust many people in this dark period. Know that the safety of the students is my primary concern."
"I know Professor but..."
"Don't fret yourself on these petty matters, Hermione. Go to bed. Get a good night's rest."
"You have been impressive for the last week. Indeed I'm impressed. Lucius you've done well. But it's time for the most important attack of all.
"Yes, I have received news from my most trusted servant that there is going to be a surprise Hogsmeade visit next weekend. I've been waiting so long for this. I think it's finally time to strike Dumbledore where he thinks most protected. The entire Hogsmeade visit has been kept secret. But the wretched old fool is in for a surprise. He thinks he is so clever leading that secret society of his against me, well very soon my trusted servant will be spying for that society as well. Then all hell will break loose on that crone. Death Eaters, you know what's expected of you. Torture everyone you can lay your eyes on but do not give them the pleasure of dying...
"Now leave."
"Soon Dumbledore's in for a shocker. Ha Ha Ha!!!"
He started laughing. Maniacal laughter reached his ears echoing through the empty house.
The next morning there was a great deal of enthusiasm. For starters there weren't any black owls. Next, there was a new notice on the notice board, stating that there would be a Hogsmeade visit this weekend. The notice stated that due to the terrible events of ate the school has allowed students to meet up with their loved ones in this hour of tragedy.
There was a mad rush for quills and parchment I the Great Hall. Every student wanted to write to their guardians to persuade them to come to Hogsmeade.
"What do you reckon Harry?"
"Well, as far as I know none of my loved ones are dead as I haven't received any black owls and moreover our parents and guardians are just sitting across the table. So there is no need to write to them. Also they are teachers here, so they probably know more about it than anyone else."
"Yeah, I reckon you're correct."
"Come on lets go."
Soon there was a mad rush towards the owlery. Everyone wanted their parents and guardians to receive the owls as fast as possible.
"Line up everyone. You'll lead to the village in groups."
Cho's voice sounded over the murmurs.
It was nearly forty minutes before the last group headed for the wizarding village.
"Wow, this job is troublesome" the young Professor thought.
She wrapped herself with her cloak and headed out to the village. Her eyes caught many known faces. There were teachers all around the place. Aurors, Order members were swarming the place. And if that wasn't enough there were some people in normal clothing trying to merge themselves in the midst of emotional students and their guardians. She felt sure that they were aurors under normal clothing. Her eyes also landed upon a few Order members who were acting as undercover operatives. Surely he wouldn't attack under this strong vigilance.
But it didn't matter to him anymore did it. He could kill any number of people with a single curse. Killing people was no longer his game right now. She remembered the words Dumbledore had said the day she had returned to Hogwarts. She remembered that he had said that he wanted to hurt people yet he wanted them to stay alive.
She shook her head. She mustn't think about him right now. She went towards The Three Broomsticks. She entered the pub. It was filled with many happy faces. She looked around and recognized many of her students. She smiled warmly at all of them. Some of them wished her 'good morning'. She went to a secluded corner and ordered herself a Fire Whisky. She slowly drank from her glass. Occasionally she would look up and see all the happy faces of the students around her. It reminded of her days at Hogwarts with a certain dark haired, green eyed boy. He had stolen her heart. Rather she had given her heart to him. They were destined for each other. They were to be together for all eternity. Instead he turned her back to him. Still ten years later she was still so in love with him. All the people had made her believe that he was a traitor to the entire magical world. Yet she had never believed. She never did.
"Stop it. Get him out of your head. He turned out to be a bastard. Still you love him." A small voice in the back of her head told her. But she listened as the voice grew weaker. She let her love and passion overcome her consciousness. The Fire Whisky was taking its toll. Her lips parted with a smile as she looked back at the bar. There were so many happy smiling faces there. She closed her eyes and memories of her visit with a certain dark haired boy came flooding back..........