Chapter 7: Christmas
The Hogsmeade weekend came quickly. The days flew by in a mixture of happiness and sadness. Ron was still upset that Harry had not supported him in attacking Malfoy and not even the kind and supporting words of Hermione could even change his mind. To Harry, Ron was acting like a spoilt child, but he refused to admit that he was wrong and Harry was right. Dean suggested that it was perhaps Ron wanted to be known as a 'hero' instead of the 'side-kick'. Harry dismissed this. Did Ron really want what he had? Did Ron want his parents dead? The Prophecy looming over him? The complications of his and Voldemort's connection? Did Ron want all that?
Though Ron wouldn't speak to him, Harry did try to get along with him. He tried speaking and making conversation but Ron would not comply, neither would he do as Hermione asked: put the whole thing behind him so that his and Harry's friendship could continue. It was hurting Hermione now that Ron was acting like an idiot.
Harry, honestly didn't care. He would let Ron deal with it on his own terms.
Saturday 29th dawned.
The day Bonnie was due to come was at last here. Harry was excited. He couldn't wait to meet her again.
That morning he dressed in the finest Muggle clothes he owned and walked through the castle, breakfasted, and then went by himself to Hogsmeade. Hermione was going with Ron so he left them at the Gryffindor house table.
He was due to meet her at 10AM at the station and took a route through Hogsmeade. He began to get nervous as the time passed. Students willowed around the shops looking in and buying, while Harry waited.
At 10AM he was standing on the platform waiting for the train to arrive. As the clock struck ten, a train drew up, red carriages behind it. Bonnie Wright stepped off. She wore beige trousers; with a white t-shirt; and a blue jacket on top. Her hair flew in the gentle wind.
Harry smiled and walked towards her; Bonnie ran, and they hugged when they reached each other. "Oh, Harry," Bonnie whispered, "I missed you," she kissed him gently.
"I missed you too," Harry murmured, "I wish I could see you every day."
"So do I, but alas it cannot be." Bonnie replied.
Harry took her hand and led her into Hogsmeade.
"Harry?" Ron asked, "Are you alright?"
"Do I look alright?" Harry snapped. He turned to look at Ron. His face was red, tears fell from his eyes. It was his fault. His fault. "I killed her, Ron, I killed her!"
"You didn't," Ron replied gently.
"How do you know? Bonnie's dead because of me!" Harry shouted. Anger was bursting forth, threatening to consume him.
"Mr. Potter. Mr Weasley."
Both boys looked up to see Professor McGonagall looking at them. "Everything will be fine. Miss Granger and Miss Wright are safe. Madam Pomfrey has cured them both. They will remain in the hospital wing until we are sure that the curses used on them have not affected them."
Harry and Ron nodded, relief flooding through them.
McGonagall went away towards Gryffindor Tower. Everyone was anxiously waiting news of those injured in the attack.
Ron turned to Harry. "Before we get in another argument, I just want to say I'm sorry for being such a jerk and thinking you are wrong. I suppose being head-boy does that to you."
"I suppose." Harry replied.
At least Bonnie was still alive. It had happened all so quickly...
/Harry's memory - POV/
Bonnie and I walked through the streets of Hogsmeade taking our time to explore the village. I lead her down an alley way which will take us back to the main stretch of the road through. Suddenly everything goes cold. I feel weird and then my scar flares. I fall to the ground in agony wondering why.
Bonnie grabs me surprised. "Harry?" she asks in a weird sort of voice, obviously scared.
"My scar. It hurts." I hiss.
And then laughter, laughter I would not rather have heard came to me. Voldemort.
"Mr. Potter and Miss Wright. What a pleasure to meet you."
Standing in front of us, wand raised was Voldemort himself. His eyes glared red, and a grin spread across his face as he saw Bonnie. Terror settled itself in the pit of my stomach.
"Let us see you suffer, Potter!" Voldemort hissed, before he raised his wand and shouted 'AVADA KEDAVRA!"
A jet of green light shot towards Bonnie, but I couldn't do anything. I screamed 'No!'
Yet someone pushed Bonnie away in time. The jet of green light fled into the air.
Hermione stood with her wand raised, Ron just behind her. By now other students could be seen screaming and fleeing. None of them was going to help, save for Hermione and Ron.
Bonnie was crying. She was scared. I hug her, trying to comfort her.
Voldemort shouted: 'CRUCIO!" His wand was pointed at Bonnie and she began to scream in pain.
"STOP IT!" I shout. But he wouldn't.
Without thinking I grab my own wand, my scar still throbbing, I pointed it at the Dark Lord and shouted 'IMPEDIMENTA!" Voldemort flew away screeching.
Hermione and Ron ran forward, fear littered across their faces, but they began to rain spells down on Voldemort, headless of the danger. I look at Bonnie. She is barely breathing, tears leak from her eyes, and she falls limp in my arms.
Hermione falls to the ground, blood spilling from her head. Voldemort advances on Ron. I grab my own wand but then a voice echoes behind Voldemort; he halts.
"Leave Tom."
It is Dumbledore and he looks furious.
I look at Bonnie. I realise that I've killed her by being me. I've killed her. I sob.
/End of Harry's POV/
Harry and Ron walked into the hospital wing to see Bonnie and Hermione. They lay on separate beds, unconscious but looking perfectly well. They sat down next to them waiting for them to wake.
Dumbledore was still in the hospital wing speaking to Madam Pomfrey about Bonnie and Hermione. Once had finished he walked over to Harry and gave him an encouraging smile.
Harry barely noticed but he spoke up as the headmaster walked away. "How did Voldemort know where we were? Surely he wouldn't be able to get here, would he?"
"Voldemort has been intercepting your letters to Bonnie, gathering information. When he realised you were in love he decided to attack you, to kill Bonnie, making you suffer. He wanted you to lose everyone that you love. As to finding you in Hogsmeade, he had a Death Eater on the prowl on the streets, one who is adapt at hiding themselves very well. He was tracking you hoping to get you when you were not around students. If you had not taken turns down the alleyway Voldemort wouldn't have been able to attack you. Voldemort knew he couldn't be caught because you don't know the signal to bring Aurors to you, and most of all, they wouldn't have come. Someone else at the time was running interference so Voldemort could kill Bonnie; the Aurors were concentrating at that place. I knew something was up. I decided to go into Hogsmeade and I found students running for their lives. It was easy to locate you. Voldemort apparated into the area when you were not looking to catch you by surprise."
"Professor, is Bonnie safe?"
Dumbledore shook his head sadly. "No. I will perform the Fidelius Charm upon her and her family. I will be the secret keeper like I am to the Dursley's. Harry, in order to keep Bonnie safe, you must break up your relationship with her. She is in grave danger if you keep seeing her. I know you love her but it will be for the best. When you leave Hogwarts you will be able to see her again, but while she lives with her parents she is in danger of death, as long as Voldemort knows you love her. I am sorry to ask this of you Harry."
Harry looked crest-fallen. How could he break up with Bonnie? The woman he loved?
Claire found Harry leaving the hospital wing. She had been terribly upset when she'd heard about her sister's condition from McGonagall. Harry had just finished talking to Bonnie as she'd woken up a few hours ago, with a slight head-ache. With a heavy heart he had told her he had to break up with her for her safety. Harry had walked out before Bonnie could shed tears. The words that he had said had broken Bonnie's heart.
/Flashback/
Bonnie stared at Harry as if he was mad. "I can't leave you Harry, to face this burden alone."
"I know," Harry whispered back, "but it's because of me that you were attacked. I don't want to see you hurt. I don't want to see you die because of me. I love you so much, but to protect you, I cannot see you anymore."
Tears were forming in her eyes. Harry felt sad.
"Our love cannot last while Voldemort is on the loose. I'm sorry, Bonnie, but we must end it for your safety."
He leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. Tears fall.
"I'll never forget you, Harry." Bonnie murmured as Harry turned and left.
/End Flashback/
Claire found Harry with tears in his eyes. She looked at him feeling sorry.
"Harry! What's up? Is it Bonnie?" Claire asked.
Harry struggled for words, but then he broke down, tears falling from his eyes. Claire took his hand and led him to a secluded classroom. "I...broke up with Bonnie. I love her badly, Claire, but to protect her I can't see her anymore."
She was stunned by this news and felt partially angry. Ever since Bonnie and Harry had got together, her older sister had been happy. All the other boy's she had gone out with had never been as special as Harry. And yet, Claire could see that it had pained Harry considerably to do what he had done.
"Why?"
Harry wiped the tears from his face. "To protect Bonnie. Voldemort knows that I love her. He tried to kill her so I could suffer. Bonnie was targeted because I love her. I have to break up with her to protect her."
"But love is powerful."
"Love didn't save my parents did it but it did me. Much as I love Bonnie to no end..." he hesitated, as if trying to fathom out what to say carefully, "...I dare not risk it. Bonnie deserves someone better, someone who is not hunted all the time."
Claire wrapped her arms round Harry. "Bonnie loves you. She's a fighter. She'll fight for you till the end of her life."
Harry closed his eyes. "I know, but no one can help me. Not even Bonnie."
Claire hugged Harry and then he continued on his way to the Gryffindor Common Room while she went to speak to her sister.
Harry remained miserable for many days. Breaking up with Bonnie had torn his heart, yet he resolved to survive the war and go back to Bonnie. He paid little attention to his lessons and ended up losing Gryffindor a few house points, but nothing could cure his aching heart. November came and went. The Quidditch season began. He kept his mind off Bonnie by concentrating on winning Quidditch and also doing his work. He and Ron were now firm friends once again.
Hermione had returned to classes a few days after the attack, better. She still ached. Voldemort had hurled the Crucio Curse at Hermione as well as the Impedimenta Jinx, resulting in her injury.
Throughout the school people looked up at Harry, Ron and Hermione, for they had faced Voldemort and lived. None of them had ever believed it possible but seeing it with their own eyes showed them that what Harry had done, had been real.
As Christmas came and the end of term due near, Harry began to prepare for his holiday. Ron and Hermione were both to Headquarters whereas Harry was going to spend the holiday with Sirius. They made arrangements to meet up on Christmas.
The end of term swiftly approached, and Winter sent in. The Hogwarts grounds were covered in a layer of white. The morning before he left, Harry took a stroll around the grounds, taking in the surroundings. He was still unhappy about Bonnie, but had been able to live with it for now. He wanted to contact her, but knew if he did he would be putting himself in danger.
At last he was on the train heading through the countryside towards London. He hardly talked his mind focused on a question that burned his mind: What would've happened if he'd never gone to Hogwarts? If his mother hadn't gone either? He'd have led a normal life. He sometimes wished he could go back in time to his mother and tell her to not go to Hogwart's because she was doomed to death at an earlier age then she should've been, but Harry had no power over that.
The Weasley's and Sirius were waiting for him on the other side of the barrier. From afar Harry could see Claire's parents, Bonnie was standing behind them. She was looking at Harry. He nodded at her, but she turned her head away. Harry did not look back.
"How was your term?" Molly Weasley asked.
"It was great," Ron said, "Apart from Hogsmeade."
"It was all over the papers." Sirius said.
Harry had seen it. For about a week the Daily Prophet had held articles about the attack on Hogsmeade. Harry, Ron, Hermione, Bonnie and even Claire had been interviewed. A few letters from readers had made their way to Harry and his friends. Mrs Weasley had sent a letter full of emotion explaining how proud she was of them and how she had been scared out of her wits to do anything. Harry felt that Mrs Weasley cared very much about his welfare.
Hermione's parents had not come to greet their daughter as they remained at Headquarters being the only Muggles allowed there. They split up with Harry and Sirius going towards the Ministry of Magic of which they could then use Floo Powder to get to the Potter Mansion.
Within half-an-hour Harry was back in the mansion. It had changed since the summer, mainly because Sirius had decorated it with all sorts of Christmas decorations. The whole house had received the same treatment.
Harry levitated his stuff up to his room, and deposited the trunk by the side of his bed. He placed a photo of Bonnie on the chest of draws and smiled sadly.
"You love her don't you?"
Harry jumped astounded to hear an unfamiliar voice. He turned quickly to see the ghost of Harold Potter, his great grandfather, looking at him, with kind eyes. Harry hadn't seen him since the summer, since when he'd found out that James was dead.
"You love her, don't you?" the ghost repeated.
"Yes," Harry replied, "a lot."
Harold nodded. "Much like James did with Lily. I always promised myself I'd look after them, but I failed, but perhaps I can look after you."
Harry didn't have the heart to tell him that he could die at the hands of Voldemort. The ghost probably knew that. "That would be nice." He stammered.
"Um...how old was my father when you died?" Harry asked.
"I lived until 1979. James was twenty."
"A year before I was born." Harry muttered.
"I miss James a lot. He was a great kid. Always helpful and willing to do anything for anyone. I heard from Sirius that James died to protect you and Lily. Was that right?"
"Yes," Harry said, "he fought Voldemort to give my mum time to run. I wish I could have known them."
"They were great people." Harold replied.
Harry smiled sadly. "I know."
"And you are great to. Probably more powerful then James and Lily combined. I am really proud to have a great grandson like you."
Harry was pleased with the statement but couldn't help wondering if his parents were truly proud of him.
Christmas Day dawned bright and early for Harry. He woke about 7:30 excited that he would be able to see Ron and Hermione that day. The Weasley's and Grangers were coming for dinner.
Harry dressed smartly in Wizard robes, combed his hair so that it lay partially flat on his head before springing up again. He ruffled it with his hand making his hair worse. It stuck up in all directions but looking at himself in the mirror made Harry see that he was a proper young man, whether or not his hair was messy or not. He had grown quite tall in the past few years, his hair a bit longer, and he'd fattened out a bit since the summer.
Sirius was already up getting things ready. Even looking at him, Harry knew he was nervous, mainly because it was his first Christmas being free. Harry left opening his parents to that afternoon when the other's arrived. He was not too excited but felt it would be polite.
He helped Sirius with the cooking that morning and also helped his Godfather get ready and make himself look presentable. Sirius, after-all, had to meet Hermione's parents as well, and didn't want them to think he was insane as some people still assumed he was.
The Weasley's and Granger's arrived together at 12:30 PM. As Hermione's parents were Muggles, they could not apparate to the house, so they had taken the Granger's car. Hermione and her mother and father, with Ron and Mr Weasley came by car. This had given Mr Weasley a chance to see the workings of a Muggle car. Ginny had been able to squeeze in as well as she was not old enough to apparate, though it had been really uncomfortable.
The rest of the Weasley's had apparated at 12:25 just outside the Potter estate, meeting the Granger's on their way up the drive to the house.
Harry opened the door and led them inside showing them around the house while Sirius was busy trying to put out the small Kitchen fire he had accidentally started when cooking. His excuse was that he was 'off'.
After sitting through a lovely meal and making a good impression the Weasley's; the Grangers'; Harry and Sirius sat down to open presents. Part way through the commotion the ghost of Harold Potter decided to make an appearance, therefore scaring the Grangers.
Neither of them had seen a ghost though Hermione had told them all about them. They had never expected to actually see one.
"Harold, we agreed that you would not disturb us today." Sirius scowled.
It looked like Harold had meant to remain quiet.
Harry took pity. "Don't be so harsh. He just wanted to be with us. He is part of my family. I know Hermione's parents haven't see a ghost before but now they have," he turned to the others who were looking at him expectantly, "well, this is my great-grandfather Harold Potter. He didn't pass on when he died. I met him last summer when he thought I was James."
"You look just like him except that your hair is messier then his!" Hermione said, "and you have your mother's eyes as well."
"I am sorry if I scared anyone but I didn't know what to do. Its so nice to see this house full of laughing, joking people again." Harold explained.
"When was the last time there were people here?" Ginny asked.
"1978. My son Christopher and his wife Natalie were killed the same time I was in 1979. Christopher and Natalie went into hiding with me. Voldemort was after James and Lily by that time. All of the Potters were in danger. Voldemort found us a few weeks later. This house hasn't been lived in for many, many years. I never knew James and Lily had been killed, never knew Harry existed. But I am glad I have had the chance to meet you. I always wondered what had happened."
"What was Christmas like in the old days?" Harry asked. "I mean with my dad?"
"Fun. James and Sirius were the worst people to have around on Christmas-"
He was cut off by Sirius. "Hey! That was James not me! I just followed him."
Harry stifled laugh.
"That remains to be seen," Harold replied, "but anyway, everyone in this house celebrated like mad. Christopher and Natalie held a terrific feast! James and Sirius made as much mess as possible, and I do recall when, in the Winter term of their seventh year at Hogwarts, Christopher gave them a bit of Fire whiskey, and ended up getting them drunk out of their minds. Quite funny to watch but never to be in the same room with. Impossible to control where those two."
"You making assumptions." Sirius muttered but no one was listening as Harold began spinning stories about his own youth and then about his son, and finally James. The rest of the afternoon was spent exchanging happy memories. It was one of the best Christmas' Harry had ever had in his life.
A few days later Harry was standing in front of the Veil in the Potter mansion. He thought of a happy memory and walked inside letting the power of Godric Gryffindor flow through his body, protecting him from death. He emerged in the familiar surroundings of the dead world, and saw James and Lily standing beside each other, smiling. He smiled back.
"Mum, dad, it's really good to see you guys," Harry said, "I've missed you."
"So have we," Lily remarked, "Tell us how is our head-boy doing?"
"He's doing fine." Harry smiled.
"What about Christmas?" James asked, "Padfoot didn't get you drunk did he?"
Harry laughed and proceeded to tell his parents about his Christmas.
When he had finished, Lily asked Harry about Bonnie. He regretfully informed them he'd broken up with her because of the threat Voldemort had placed upon her. If James and Lily could've hugged Harry, Harry was sure they would have done.
At least he had Sirius to be comforted by. At least he was still there to help him. James and Lily could only give him words of advice, and never those of love and happiness that he could have if they were still alive.
After a while Harry made his way back out of the Spirit world and into the Potter Mansion, wondering what way his life would turn in the coming year.
James had told him to keep his family as close as possible because uncertain times were coming, times that Harry was sure that he would lose his life in, times that Harry was sure the people he loved most dearly would pay with their lives for defying Voldemort.
He couldn't help but worry that all the people he loved deeply Bonnie, Hermione, Ron, the Weasley's, Lupin and Sirius, would all die at the end, helping to save him, but failing in the attempt.
He feared what Voldemort was going to do.
TBCLittle clue there....but I'm not telling....he.he.he.he.
I feel like being evil. And if all goes to plan we are now half-way through the story. At the moment there is a total of 14 chapters but that might change. Anyway next chapter is entitled: Numerous Mysteries
Review Responses:
Galadriel evenstar: I did try not to hurt Bonnie too much. I know she's sweet and innocent but there are something's that just have to happen. There will be a battle later on starting around chapter 9 and ending at chapter 11, I think. Gruesome injuries? Um...I'll see what I can do. Thank you for the review!
Bahzad: I'm glad you think both my stories are good! I hope that you continue to read! Enjoy!
Got-lotr: Yep, Voldemort is very evil. And please don't give me that image even though I gave it first. I don't know why I said it but I was in a very hyper mood.
LunaShadows: Thank you for the advice about some of the words and the sentence structure. It's just that, that is the way I've been taught at school and its stuck. I'll make amends to the final version when the story is finished. And as you can see, Ron and Harry are now friends, bearing mind they just spent Christmas together. I hope you enjoyed this chapter!
Moon Lace: I'm glad you thought Ron wasn't out of character. I knew that he would react because I'm the same way. I was insulted by this really horrid boy at school who thinks he is 'God's Gift' (and if you are religious in any way and that term offends you then I am truly sorry but I am not religious so its not offensive to me – sorry) but he's stopped now because I stopped reacting to him. I wanted to show that Harry had learnt that reacting only provokes bullies and that he's realised not to do that, while Ron on the other hand would find any insult offensive and would react because he is that type of person. Yes, I will be a staff member to your community, I have already activated the account so when I can I'll add some of my favourite HP stories to the list. I haven't had time to do mine yet, but I will, I mean to. And last of all I'm glad you like RavenGryffendor's stories. I hope you enjoyed this chapter!