~Harry Potter and the Rise of the Dark Lord~
by: LogicalRaven


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Surprise!! I got back early tonight, and decided to finish another chapter. Thanks for all the support again!
This is kind of a dramatic chapter, and I'm trying to set the scene. Let me know what you guys think..

Read and Review
Nothing is My Own

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Responsibility of the Heads




"Mr. Potter, Miss Patil could I have a word with you please," Professor McGonagall looked like she was on a verge of breaking down herself.

Fifty-one letters had been delivered by the Ministries' News. The Great Hall was finally showing signs of normality. There were fifty-one morning students in Hogwarts this dark night.

Harry felt goose bumps cover his pale skin, as his eyes searched the Great Hall for his best friend, Ron. The black letter the owl had delivered rested in Harry's hands. Ron face had fallen when the owl swooped and he had turned away from his fate and ran.

To Mr. Ronald Weasley
Hogwart's School of Witch Craft and Wizardry
Gryffindor House


Harry had shook as he fought his urge to tear the letter open. The Weasleys were the closest thing to family he had ever had, and the thought that one of them had fallen was crushing.

He had tried to go after Ron, but his Head partner, Padma Patil and collapsed at the exact moment Ron had run. An owl had delivered a letter to her as well. In the confusion, Harry had lost sight of Ron. The professors were mingling through the Great Hall, trying their best to comfort the morning students. Even Professor Severus Snape had a look of sincerity etched on his face that cold evening.

"We're coming professor," Harry nodded towards McGonagall.

Padma Patil continued shaking, her hand clamps around a black envelope, now stained with tears. Her tan complexion was missing of all its color.

"Are you okay Padma?" Harry asked.

"No," she sobbed, throwing her face into her hands, again, "How could they kill my nephew, he was only four years old."

Harry tried to comfort her the best he knew how, but with all the grief around him he was completely and totally overwhelmed. He caught Hermione out of the corner of his eye trying to comfort a hysterical looking Ginny Weasley, and Harry's thought raced back to finding Ron.

"Mr. Potter please," McGonagall said swiftly, giving Harry and Padma an urgent glare.

Harry kept his arm around a sobbing Padma Patil's shoulders as they followed their headmistress out of earshot of other students.

"As you might have notices this is a serious tragedy in our world, and I'm afraid the true magnitude of this attack has not yet been revealed. Dumbledore is on his way to make an announcement to the students. I need you two to hold an emergency Prefects' meeting and order the Prefects to give council to all those who are grieving. Madame Pomfrey is available if any serious situations should arise. Also, the Prefect should notify their houses about Dumbledore's announcement. It is to take place in exactly three hours," McGonagall face softened, "I realize that both of you are suffering from loss at the moment, but you must pull yourselves together. You are the Heads of the student body and must set an example. Now is not the time to grieve."

With that McGonagall turned on her heels and stormed over to Professor Snape, whispering something into his ear.

"Where is Odin?" called the urgent voice of Tonks, causing Harry to flinch. He was obviously busted, seeming he had ditched his monitors earlier that evening.
"I'm not sure. I didn't see him when I left," Harry tried, but Tonks looked at him skeptically.

"Well, I don't have time to act as your monitor right now. Go find Odin, he's probably still in front of the Gryffindor house, waiting for you," she sighed.

"Professor McGonagall just told us we have to organize an emergency Prefect meeting. I don't have time to go find my stupid Monitor," Harry spat, seizing Padma's hand and pushing past a dumbfounded looking Tonks.

Padma lowered her head, as her sobs lessen slightly, "I'm sorry."

"I'll go find the Hufflepuff and Gryffindor Prefects, you go find the Ravenclaw and Slytherins Prefects. Tell them to report to the lounge immediately," Harry said sharply, rearing on Padma.

"I'm sorry," she whimpered again, before nodding in agreement.

Harry felt bad for leaving her, but he soon found himself walking quickly to the Gryffindor house. As he entered he felt his heart aching in his chest, the same ach he had once felt at the mention of his Godfather's name. The same pain that kept him from looking into a silvery liquid that swirled in a pensive in his room.

Ginny Weasley was sobbing gently into Hermione Granger's lap, and Hermione tired to comfort her by stroking her red locks.

"What happened?" Harry asked, his voice catching in his throat.

Hermione looked at him, tears glistening behind her eyes. She held up a black envelope. Her face told Harry she didn't have the heart to vocalize the news in front of Ginny.

From the Ministry of Magic



It is with deep regret that we are to inform you that a member of your family was slain this evening. Percy Aldler Weasley, was found at the residence of Allice Kanes, 144 Willow Banks, London.

It is believes he was a victim of the Imperious Curse, and was murdered during the attack by Death Eaters. We are sincerely regretful, and send our deepest remorse.

Sincerely,

Harbor Jacobson
Secretary of Internal Relations




Percy Weasley had been taken under the Imperious Curse on an attack against Ministry the previous year. Nobody had heard about his whereabouts since his disappearance, but Harry knew it had never been far from any of the Weasley's minds.

"Mum is going to be so upset," Ginny finally choked out, her body trembling.

"I'm so sorry Ginny," Harry said, closing his eyes. He felt terrible and guilty. If it had to be any of the Weasleys, he was glad it was Percy. Just thinking such a harsh thought, made Harry sick with himself.

"McGonagall has ordered me and Padma to hold an emergency Prefects' meeting. I need you guys to go to the Prefects' lounge as soon as you can," Harry said softly, wishing he didn't have to deliver such news at the moment.

"I don't know where Ron is," Hermione said suddenly, as if she was reading Harry's mind.

Harry nodded, "I'll go check the map upstairs. I have a feeling I'm going to need it more than once tonight."

"The map?" Hermione questioned.

Harry looked at her, "It's a long story. I'll tell you about it later."


Harry ran quickly up the boys dormitory stairs, when the sound of shattering glass caught his ear. As he peeked his head into the seventy year boys' dorm, he caught sight of a raging Seamus Finnigan.

"Are you okay mate?" Harry asked.

"My parents. Their dead!" he shrilled holding up his own black letter.

Harry approached Seamus pulling him into a brother hug. Seamus broke down into his shoulder.

"It's going to be okay," Harry tired.

Seamus pulled back and slammed his fist into the nearby wall, "Dean. He stormed out of here a few minuets ago. They killed his sister. She wasn't even a witch, she was just a muggle."

"A lot of people grieving losses tonight," Harry tried, but found himself at a loss for words.

"Why? Why is this happening?" Seamus asked, hot tears streaming down his face.

"I don't know," Harry confessed.

Seamus looked at him in disbelief, "The Daily Prophet is saying you're our only hope. If you don't know what hope do we have?"

"Dumbledore is on his way, and he's making some kind of announcement. I'm sure he'll be able to tell us something," Harry tired.

"Dumbledore? I don't care about Dumbledore! My parents are dead, and he couldn't do a thing to save them!" Seamus shrilled.

"Seamus, I know if Dumbledore could have done something he would have," Harry defended.

"GET OUT!" Seamus shrilled, "LEAVE ME ALONE!"

Harry left as Seamus shattered another picture against the walls. He heard the young Irish boy fall to the floor in tears as he walked away from the room. He understood that kind of pain, he knew it would get better. Even if it never did fade.

Once he reached his private room, he pulled Marauder Map out.

"I solemnly swear I'm up to no good," Harry muttered, feeling like he was on the verge of tears himself.

It took a moment to sort through all the dots, but finally he spotted the one labeled R. Weasley. Ron was in the Gryffindor Quidditch locker room, alone. Harry felt a urge of panic rise up his chest, he could imagine Ron taking off on his broom to avenge Percy's death. The panic subsided when he saw the dot wasn't anywhere near the broom storage; Also the black letter in Harry's pocket told him that Ron didn't even know which family member of his had fallen.

"He's in the Gryffindor Quidditch locker room," Harry said as he reappeared back into the common room.

Hermione looked up from her position on the couch. Ginny was still crying in her lap.

"I'll go get him," Ginny tried, her tear stained face making it's ghostly appearance.

Hermione gave Ginny a hug, "No, I'll go find him. You go help Harry find the rest of the Prefects."

"Come on Ginny," Harry said softly, helping her up from the couch.
Harry scanned the map in a desperate attempt to locate the Hufflepuff and Gryffindor Prefects. It was impossible to locate everyone. Harry couldn't believe some of the outrageous places his students were hiding.

Hannah Abbott was in the Prefects' bathroom. Colin Creevy was is some room on the first floor corridor, Harry didn't even know existed.

"It could take hours to round everyone up," Ginny said hopelessly, he eyes still wet with tears.

Harry walked over to the annoucnement board and placed up a notice.

Special Announcement in the Great Hall at One O'Clock sharp. All students are required to attend.



"That's all we can do," Harry said with a shrug, "I hope Padma has had more success."

Harry led Ginny out of the Gryffindor common room. Odin Blackfoot was standing about ten feet away from the Fat Lady with his head turned. Harry didn't even bother getting his attention as he walked the opposite way down the hall.

"I can't believe Percy is dead. I…" Ginny started mumbling, looking blankly at the corridor in front of him. "I never got to tell him I forgive him."

Harry pulled Ginny close to him, in a half embrace, "I'm sure he knew Ginny."

The Prefects who had arrived looked completely exhausted. Only about 7 out of 23 had shown up.

"I don't think we have time to wait for the rest of the Prefects to show up," Harry started, lowering his head. "Albus Dumbledore will be here in about an hour and a half. He's got a special announcement and all students are required to attend. Professor McGonagall has order us to instruct all the Prefects to act as consoler to their particular house. If you see any serious situation arise, you are to take your house member to Madame Pomfrey."

"Don't look so scared Potter. You're suppose to be setting a good example," Malfoy hissed daringly.

"I trust you'll do a far more superior job in comforting those who have loss within your own house," Harry said flatly.

Malfoy laughed, "Did a Weasley get killed? Don't worry, there still plenty of them left."

"Go to Hell Malfoy," Ginny snapped, looking at Malfoy dangerously.

"That's enough Draco, now isn't the time," Harry warned.

Draco sneered, "You're wrong, now is the perfect time."

Suddenly Malfoy let out a loud cry as bat flew out of his nose. Harry turned quickly to see a fuming Ginny Weasley with her wand drawn. The bat boggies were attacking Draco with swift aggression.

"You're right Malfoy, perfect timing," Ginny sneered, placing her wand back into her robes.