****
Harry Potter and the Rise of the Dark Lord by: Logical Raven
**** Well, I'm sorry I wasn't able to update last night. I score keep basketball games on Monday and Wednesday, so I won't be updating tomorrow either. Well, maybe I will, my boss will be out of town after all (evil smirk.)
I honestly don't know why you guys are being so wonderful to me. Your comments have been more than overwhelming. I think I'm pretty sure how the story is going to go, but I'm still playing it by ear a bit, so if I wander astray just yell at me.
By the way..any of you guys know the Greek Mythology about Eros? (The Romans stole him and renamed him Cupid.) It is one of my favorites so, naturally I stole the name. Without further ado.
Read and Review Nothing is my Own.
****
The Returning of the Marauder Map
The next three days were literally hell for Harry Potter. Cho wasn't the only one who had decided to stay at Grimmauld Place, Eros Raymer was always dropping by to pay his apprentice a visit unannounced. Cho didn't find Raymer's behavior the least bit odd.
She was absolutely gloating in the excess of attention from Harry, who was showering her affection. She had given him a restricted book set as a belated birthday gift, and Harry had told her probably a hundred times how much he loved it.
It wasn't that he really love it, he just wanted to make sure he was rubbing it in Raymer's face, that Cho had given him a gift. Raymer apparently didn't take subtle hints. He was always telling Cho how stunning she was looking, or entertaining her with charms or spells.
Cho wasn't the only one in the Noble House of Black to be taken by Raymer's charm. Hermione had practically turned into a tomatoes when Raymer presented her with a solitary rose from the end of his wand, telling her how A Winter's Tale was one of his favorite Shakespearian pieces.
"What the hell is he talking about? Who is Shakespearian?" Ron has asked as he watched Eros hatefully.
Harry had almost choked on his stew at dinner the previous night when Eros had taken Mrs. Weasley's hand, kissed it and told her what a magnificent chef she was. The women always seemed to have the same reaction. They'd blush, then giggle, and say something along the lines of a muttered thank- you.
"I don't see what they see in him, he's such a prat," Ron snapped throwing down his card from the chocolate frog he had just eaten. Harry sneered, "The last thing I want to think about right now it Raymer." "Did you see what he did with my mum last night? It's just disgusting how fake he is, and the women, they just eat it up!" Ron continued, ignoring Harry's protest. "At least he isn't after your girl. He practically told me he's pursuing Cho. Did you hear him this morning, 'Oh Cho, you look more beautiful than Aphrodite'," Harry mocked. "Did you see him give Hermione that rose? I can't believe the nerve of that guy. It isn't like she doesn't already have two guys on her plate," Ron added.
It seemed most of the men agreed, Eros Raymer the III was the most arrogant, fake prat they had ever had the misfortune to meet. Even Mr. Weasley seemed to cringe when Eros had kissed Mrs. Weasley's hand.
"Speaking of, where is Cho?" Ron asked moving one of his chess pieces. Harry sighed, "Downstairs with Hermione and Ginny. It is the first time all day I've been able to get away from her. Every time I turn around, Eros Raymer is goggling her." "I'm sorry mate, we could always put a hex on him or something," Ron offered. "I don't think that would help my chances of getting into Auror training," Harry said flatly.
To be completely honest, Harry wasn't even positive he still wanted to be an Auror. He had been batting Death Eaters and other monsters since his first year at Hogwarts, and he was sick of it. Plus, the thought of having to work with wizards like Raymer made his stomach turn.
"I'm going to go get something to drink out of the kitchen, I've suddenly developed a bad taste in my mouth, do you want anything?" Harry asked. "Nah, aren't you going to move before you go?" Ron questioned eyeing Harry's chess pieces.
Harry reached down and moved one of his bishops and ran out the door. By the triumph laugh that he heard from Ron, it apparently wasn't a wise mood. The Order's Headquarters was still empty compared to the pervious year, but slowly Harry had started seeing more faces he recognized. He greeted Tonks in the parlor and Professor McGonagall in the living area. He was about to push open the kitchen door, when heard that dreadfully charming voice.
"I think your talent is immeasurable, you'll probably score higher than I did on your first term assessment. You have it all Cho, beauty, brains."
"Hello," Harry greeted as he pushed the kitchen door open.
"Harry," Cho replied brightly, "I thought you were upstairs playing a game of chess with Ron.
Harry forced as smile as he eyed Eros Raymer. Taking a deep breath he looked back over at Cho.
"I missed you, so I thought I'd come down stairs and see if you wanted to come hang out with us," Harry lied. "Oh, I'd love to, but I really needed to talk to Master Raymer about my upcoming assessment," Cho answered.
Harry could have drawn his wand and wiped that smug grin right off Raymer's face. Luckily for Harry, Cho approached him and gave him a kiss on the cheek.
"I'll be up shortly, tell Ron he still owes me a game of chess," Cho whispered lightly.
Raymer cleared his throat, "Like I was saying Cho. You have nothing to worry about with your assessment. We can set up additional meetings during your two week reflection time. I promise I'm not going to let you fail at this. I can come by tomorrow morning and we can work on it until lunch."
Harry pulled the kitchen door closed behind him before allowed himself to hear Cho's answer. How could she be so naïve. Everytime Harry had confronted her about Raymer she simply replied, "Oh Harry, are you jealous of my mentor?" Harry wanted so badly to look at her and say "YES!" but pride would keep him from being honest.
"I hate this place," Harry said sharply to himself as he kicked the first step on the stairwell. "Girl trouble?"
Harry turned around to see the grinning face of his former Defense Against the Dark Arts Teacher, December O'Riley.
"Is it that obvious?" Harry retorted. "Your father use to carry the same look," December replied. Harry took a deep breath, "How could you let a creep like Raymer into Auror training?" December had to laugh, "Raymer is a delightful young man. Sometimes he's a bit too charming for his own good, but he is one the best we've got. When push come to shove, Raymer is someone you can trust to be behind you when the situation turns dark." "I'd rather trust my back to a snake," Harry spat.
O'Riley scanning the room and then gave Harry a wink, "I think I have something that might make you feel a little better."
Slowly she pulled out a piece of old parchment that Harry recognized at once.
"Where did you find it?" Harry said excitedly. "Shhh. Keep your voice down. Dumbledore would have my head if he knew I was giving it back to you," she urged, nodding him to come take a seat with her on the couch.
"So, you are giving it back to me?" Harry verified. "Only if you promise not to wander outside the grounds. I know what this map shows, and you have to swear you'll only use it in when you really need to get away from."
"Get away from what?" Harry urged. December sighed, "Harry, I don't know how to tell you this, so I'm just going to be frank. Fudge has told us to keep constant tabs on you this year. You'll have a overseer who will accompany you everywhere. You won't be allowed to visit the lavatory without an escort. I protested, told Fudge he was mad, but he is still the Minister of Magic."
Harry face turned to one of pure disgust. How dare Fudge request something so ludicrous. He was going to be prisoner, he could already hear the taunts of Malfoy.
"Dumbledore and I have carefully selected the Aurors who will be at Hogwarts this year, and I'm positive their going to give you space, but in the same regards they have to follow their orders. Kingley Shacklebolt volunteered to be in charge of the assignment, and Tonks did also, but her shifts are limited due to the responsibility of teaching Transfiguration class," O'Riley continued.
"So I'm going to be prisoner, their going to go with me to the bathroom?" Harry asked amazed. "Will I not have any privacy?"
"I'm going to petition the board to lighten the supervision to only outside outings such as Quidditch practice and game and Hogmeade visits," December said holding up her hands, "But that meeting won't take place until the end of September."
"Does Dumbledore know your giving this back to me?" Harry questioned skeptically. "Oh course he doesn't! And you're not to breath a word of it to anymore, and definitely don't use it in anymore DA missions."
"I heard Lupin is coming back to teach Defense again," Harry continued, choosing to ignore her comment about the DA.
O'Riley nodded, "He's been asked to, but he hasn't made up his mind whether or not he will. It is actually Lupin who found the map again, seems to always come back to him. We were cleaning up after the battle, and Remus found it on one of the fallen Death Eaters. He gave it to me to give back to you."
"So he knows I have it again?" Harry questioned. "Yes, so don't go getting any clever ideas," O'Riley warned.
"Harry, I thought you were heading back upstairs to finish your game of chess?" Cho asked as she appeared from the kitchen. Harry forced another smile, "I was just talking to Professor O'Riley, I mean." December O'Riley grinned, "You can call me December. Well, until next year when you start Auror Academy, then you'll call me Master O'Riley."
"Hello Master O'Riley," Cho greeted. "Is Master Raymer still in the kitchen?" December asked. Cho nodded. "Well, I need to have a word with him about his duties," O'Riley said with a grin in Harry's direction, "It was good talking with you Harry. Remember what I told you, okay."
Cho took a seat next to Harry on the couch, eyeing him suspiciously. Guilt must have been plastered all over his face because a moment later she asked.
"What are hidding?" "Nothing," Harry said instantly. Cho bit her bottom lip, "Harry, I know your hiding something in your pocket. I can tell when you're lying to me." "I'm not lying. I really am not hiding anything," Harry lied.
Cho curled up her lip and threw her arms across her chest, "I tell you everything. I thought you trusted me." "So are you meeting with Raymer tomorrow morning?" Harry asked hatefully, wanting to get the pressure off him revealing the Marauder Maps return.
"He's my mentor Harry, please don't be jealous," Cho pleaded. Harry huffed sarcastically, "A real mentor wouldn't act so unprofessionally. I mean honestly who does he think he's kidding. 'Oh Cho you have it all beauty and brain,'" Harry mocked. Cho flared her nose and gave Harry a distasteful look, "Do you realize how ridiculous you sound, honestly."
Harry felt his anger rising in return, "Do you have any idea how ridiculous you look, melting at every damn comment that prat makes in your direction!"
"There isn't anything wrong with being flattered by a compliment!" Cho shrilled.
Harry laughed, "You can't keep your eyes off him! 'Oh Master Raymer, I'm so fortunate to have you as my mentor!' You're are pathetic!"
"He's my mentor! And yes, I am fortunate he selected me!" Cho fussed back. "He's selected you for more than just Auror training," Harry sneered.
"Why don't you just grow-up," she fumed, storming to her feet. "Why don't you quite being a stupid girl!" Harry fussed back.
Cho was glowing red as she fumed up the stairs, not looking back. Harry kept on the couch, staring at her until she disappeared from his sight.
"Good one Harry," he lectured himself, not moving from his seat.
"Is the war over?" Ginny Weasley asked poking her had out of a nearby room. "Ha ha," Harry spat in her direction. "So, you've finally let your jealously get the better of you. If she wanted to be with Raymer she wouldn't be with you right now," Ginny lectured.
"I don't want to talk about it right now Ginny," Harry snapped, refusing to look at her.
"I'm just saying, starting arguments doesn't make much sense. You're just pushing her right into his arms."
Harry groaned, "I don't care. If she wants to be with him, fine by me." "You had it backwards Harry, boys are the stupid one!" Ginny fumed, following in Cho's steps.
The night had turned miserable indeed. After sitting on the couch for an hour in his who misery he had crawled up to his room, and turned in early for the evening. Ron didn't even ask him if he wanted to finish their chess game. Ginny had probably told him about his fight with Cho.
Sometime during the middle of the night, Harry felt a nudge, and he cracked his eyes to a swollen eyed Cho Chang standing over Ron and his bed.
"Cho, what are you doing?" Harry asked, trying to focus on her without his glasses. "I don't like Eros," she sobbed, tears streaming down her face, "I can't help that he's nice to me, I swear it doesn't mean anything ."
Harry sighed, "Don't cry, I guess I just lost my head earlier."
"Oh Harry," Cho cried, flinging herself down around his neck and curling up next to on the bed.
Harry almost laughed, "I can just imagine Ron's face if he wakes up and finds you laying in bed with us." "It isn't like it is the first time I've stayed the night with you," Cho teased, wiping the tears off her face. "No, it's just the first time you've spent the night with me and my best mate," Harry joked, tucking her head under his chin.
Harry Potter and the Rise of the Dark Lord by: Logical Raven
**** Well, I'm sorry I wasn't able to update last night. I score keep basketball games on Monday and Wednesday, so I won't be updating tomorrow either. Well, maybe I will, my boss will be out of town after all (evil smirk.)
I honestly don't know why you guys are being so wonderful to me. Your comments have been more than overwhelming. I think I'm pretty sure how the story is going to go, but I'm still playing it by ear a bit, so if I wander astray just yell at me.
By the way..any of you guys know the Greek Mythology about Eros? (The Romans stole him and renamed him Cupid.) It is one of my favorites so, naturally I stole the name. Without further ado.
Read and Review Nothing is my Own.
****
The Returning of the Marauder Map
The next three days were literally hell for Harry Potter. Cho wasn't the only one who had decided to stay at Grimmauld Place, Eros Raymer was always dropping by to pay his apprentice a visit unannounced. Cho didn't find Raymer's behavior the least bit odd.
She was absolutely gloating in the excess of attention from Harry, who was showering her affection. She had given him a restricted book set as a belated birthday gift, and Harry had told her probably a hundred times how much he loved it.
It wasn't that he really love it, he just wanted to make sure he was rubbing it in Raymer's face, that Cho had given him a gift. Raymer apparently didn't take subtle hints. He was always telling Cho how stunning she was looking, or entertaining her with charms or spells.
Cho wasn't the only one in the Noble House of Black to be taken by Raymer's charm. Hermione had practically turned into a tomatoes when Raymer presented her with a solitary rose from the end of his wand, telling her how A Winter's Tale was one of his favorite Shakespearian pieces.
"What the hell is he talking about? Who is Shakespearian?" Ron has asked as he watched Eros hatefully.
Harry had almost choked on his stew at dinner the previous night when Eros had taken Mrs. Weasley's hand, kissed it and told her what a magnificent chef she was. The women always seemed to have the same reaction. They'd blush, then giggle, and say something along the lines of a muttered thank- you.
"I don't see what they see in him, he's such a prat," Ron snapped throwing down his card from the chocolate frog he had just eaten. Harry sneered, "The last thing I want to think about right now it Raymer." "Did you see what he did with my mum last night? It's just disgusting how fake he is, and the women, they just eat it up!" Ron continued, ignoring Harry's protest. "At least he isn't after your girl. He practically told me he's pursuing Cho. Did you hear him this morning, 'Oh Cho, you look more beautiful than Aphrodite'," Harry mocked. "Did you see him give Hermione that rose? I can't believe the nerve of that guy. It isn't like she doesn't already have two guys on her plate," Ron added.
It seemed most of the men agreed, Eros Raymer the III was the most arrogant, fake prat they had ever had the misfortune to meet. Even Mr. Weasley seemed to cringe when Eros had kissed Mrs. Weasley's hand.
"Speaking of, where is Cho?" Ron asked moving one of his chess pieces. Harry sighed, "Downstairs with Hermione and Ginny. It is the first time all day I've been able to get away from her. Every time I turn around, Eros Raymer is goggling her." "I'm sorry mate, we could always put a hex on him or something," Ron offered. "I don't think that would help my chances of getting into Auror training," Harry said flatly.
To be completely honest, Harry wasn't even positive he still wanted to be an Auror. He had been batting Death Eaters and other monsters since his first year at Hogwarts, and he was sick of it. Plus, the thought of having to work with wizards like Raymer made his stomach turn.
"I'm going to go get something to drink out of the kitchen, I've suddenly developed a bad taste in my mouth, do you want anything?" Harry asked. "Nah, aren't you going to move before you go?" Ron questioned eyeing Harry's chess pieces.
Harry reached down and moved one of his bishops and ran out the door. By the triumph laugh that he heard from Ron, it apparently wasn't a wise mood. The Order's Headquarters was still empty compared to the pervious year, but slowly Harry had started seeing more faces he recognized. He greeted Tonks in the parlor and Professor McGonagall in the living area. He was about to push open the kitchen door, when heard that dreadfully charming voice.
"I think your talent is immeasurable, you'll probably score higher than I did on your first term assessment. You have it all Cho, beauty, brains."
"Hello," Harry greeted as he pushed the kitchen door open.
"Harry," Cho replied brightly, "I thought you were upstairs playing a game of chess with Ron.
Harry forced as smile as he eyed Eros Raymer. Taking a deep breath he looked back over at Cho.
"I missed you, so I thought I'd come down stairs and see if you wanted to come hang out with us," Harry lied. "Oh, I'd love to, but I really needed to talk to Master Raymer about my upcoming assessment," Cho answered.
Harry could have drawn his wand and wiped that smug grin right off Raymer's face. Luckily for Harry, Cho approached him and gave him a kiss on the cheek.
"I'll be up shortly, tell Ron he still owes me a game of chess," Cho whispered lightly.
Raymer cleared his throat, "Like I was saying Cho. You have nothing to worry about with your assessment. We can set up additional meetings during your two week reflection time. I promise I'm not going to let you fail at this. I can come by tomorrow morning and we can work on it until lunch."
Harry pulled the kitchen door closed behind him before allowed himself to hear Cho's answer. How could she be so naïve. Everytime Harry had confronted her about Raymer she simply replied, "Oh Harry, are you jealous of my mentor?" Harry wanted so badly to look at her and say "YES!" but pride would keep him from being honest.
"I hate this place," Harry said sharply to himself as he kicked the first step on the stairwell. "Girl trouble?"
Harry turned around to see the grinning face of his former Defense Against the Dark Arts Teacher, December O'Riley.
"Is it that obvious?" Harry retorted. "Your father use to carry the same look," December replied. Harry took a deep breath, "How could you let a creep like Raymer into Auror training?" December had to laugh, "Raymer is a delightful young man. Sometimes he's a bit too charming for his own good, but he is one the best we've got. When push come to shove, Raymer is someone you can trust to be behind you when the situation turns dark." "I'd rather trust my back to a snake," Harry spat.
O'Riley scanning the room and then gave Harry a wink, "I think I have something that might make you feel a little better."
Slowly she pulled out a piece of old parchment that Harry recognized at once.
"Where did you find it?" Harry said excitedly. "Shhh. Keep your voice down. Dumbledore would have my head if he knew I was giving it back to you," she urged, nodding him to come take a seat with her on the couch.
"So, you are giving it back to me?" Harry verified. "Only if you promise not to wander outside the grounds. I know what this map shows, and you have to swear you'll only use it in when you really need to get away from."
"Get away from what?" Harry urged. December sighed, "Harry, I don't know how to tell you this, so I'm just going to be frank. Fudge has told us to keep constant tabs on you this year. You'll have a overseer who will accompany you everywhere. You won't be allowed to visit the lavatory without an escort. I protested, told Fudge he was mad, but he is still the Minister of Magic."
Harry face turned to one of pure disgust. How dare Fudge request something so ludicrous. He was going to be prisoner, he could already hear the taunts of Malfoy.
"Dumbledore and I have carefully selected the Aurors who will be at Hogwarts this year, and I'm positive their going to give you space, but in the same regards they have to follow their orders. Kingley Shacklebolt volunteered to be in charge of the assignment, and Tonks did also, but her shifts are limited due to the responsibility of teaching Transfiguration class," O'Riley continued.
"So I'm going to be prisoner, their going to go with me to the bathroom?" Harry asked amazed. "Will I not have any privacy?"
"I'm going to petition the board to lighten the supervision to only outside outings such as Quidditch practice and game and Hogmeade visits," December said holding up her hands, "But that meeting won't take place until the end of September."
"Does Dumbledore know your giving this back to me?" Harry questioned skeptically. "Oh course he doesn't! And you're not to breath a word of it to anymore, and definitely don't use it in anymore DA missions."
"I heard Lupin is coming back to teach Defense again," Harry continued, choosing to ignore her comment about the DA.
O'Riley nodded, "He's been asked to, but he hasn't made up his mind whether or not he will. It is actually Lupin who found the map again, seems to always come back to him. We were cleaning up after the battle, and Remus found it on one of the fallen Death Eaters. He gave it to me to give back to you."
"So he knows I have it again?" Harry questioned. "Yes, so don't go getting any clever ideas," O'Riley warned.
"Harry, I thought you were heading back upstairs to finish your game of chess?" Cho asked as she appeared from the kitchen. Harry forced another smile, "I was just talking to Professor O'Riley, I mean." December O'Riley grinned, "You can call me December. Well, until next year when you start Auror Academy, then you'll call me Master O'Riley."
"Hello Master O'Riley," Cho greeted. "Is Master Raymer still in the kitchen?" December asked. Cho nodded. "Well, I need to have a word with him about his duties," O'Riley said with a grin in Harry's direction, "It was good talking with you Harry. Remember what I told you, okay."
Cho took a seat next to Harry on the couch, eyeing him suspiciously. Guilt must have been plastered all over his face because a moment later she asked.
"What are hidding?" "Nothing," Harry said instantly. Cho bit her bottom lip, "Harry, I know your hiding something in your pocket. I can tell when you're lying to me." "I'm not lying. I really am not hiding anything," Harry lied.
Cho curled up her lip and threw her arms across her chest, "I tell you everything. I thought you trusted me." "So are you meeting with Raymer tomorrow morning?" Harry asked hatefully, wanting to get the pressure off him revealing the Marauder Maps return.
"He's my mentor Harry, please don't be jealous," Cho pleaded. Harry huffed sarcastically, "A real mentor wouldn't act so unprofessionally. I mean honestly who does he think he's kidding. 'Oh Cho you have it all beauty and brain,'" Harry mocked. Cho flared her nose and gave Harry a distasteful look, "Do you realize how ridiculous you sound, honestly."
Harry felt his anger rising in return, "Do you have any idea how ridiculous you look, melting at every damn comment that prat makes in your direction!"
"There isn't anything wrong with being flattered by a compliment!" Cho shrilled.
Harry laughed, "You can't keep your eyes off him! 'Oh Master Raymer, I'm so fortunate to have you as my mentor!' You're are pathetic!"
"He's my mentor! And yes, I am fortunate he selected me!" Cho fussed back. "He's selected you for more than just Auror training," Harry sneered.
"Why don't you just grow-up," she fumed, storming to her feet. "Why don't you quite being a stupid girl!" Harry fussed back.
Cho was glowing red as she fumed up the stairs, not looking back. Harry kept on the couch, staring at her until she disappeared from his sight.
"Good one Harry," he lectured himself, not moving from his seat.
"Is the war over?" Ginny Weasley asked poking her had out of a nearby room. "Ha ha," Harry spat in her direction. "So, you've finally let your jealously get the better of you. If she wanted to be with Raymer she wouldn't be with you right now," Ginny lectured.
"I don't want to talk about it right now Ginny," Harry snapped, refusing to look at her.
"I'm just saying, starting arguments doesn't make much sense. You're just pushing her right into his arms."
Harry groaned, "I don't care. If she wants to be with him, fine by me." "You had it backwards Harry, boys are the stupid one!" Ginny fumed, following in Cho's steps.
The night had turned miserable indeed. After sitting on the couch for an hour in his who misery he had crawled up to his room, and turned in early for the evening. Ron didn't even ask him if he wanted to finish their chess game. Ginny had probably told him about his fight with Cho.
Sometime during the middle of the night, Harry felt a nudge, and he cracked his eyes to a swollen eyed Cho Chang standing over Ron and his bed.
"Cho, what are you doing?" Harry asked, trying to focus on her without his glasses. "I don't like Eros," she sobbed, tears streaming down her face, "I can't help that he's nice to me, I swear it doesn't mean anything ."
Harry sighed, "Don't cry, I guess I just lost my head earlier."
"Oh Harry," Cho cried, flinging herself down around his neck and curling up next to on the bed.
Harry almost laughed, "I can just imagine Ron's face if he wakes up and finds you laying in bed with us." "It isn't like it is the first time I've stayed the night with you," Cho teased, wiping the tears off her face. "No, it's just the first time you've spent the night with me and my best mate," Harry joked, tucking her head under his chin.