****
Harry Potter and the Rise of the Dark Lord
By: LogicalRaven

****



!!!HAPPY NEW YEARS!!!
Because I will be celebrating the birth of 2004, I won't be updating tomorrow…
Sorry I didn't get to put in any author's notes in the last chapter, it was done in a bit of a rush. The last line of the previous chapter is up, I can't believe I missed it.

"A shiver ran up his spine as a glimmer of red reflected over her eyes."

I know, I know, Ginny can't be evil. I promise it will come together. I'm still a loyal Cho/Harry fic writer, but I need the tension between Harry and Ginny for an upcoming event in this story. All of my characters are going through an extremely rough time right now, and all of them are going to have to make some serious decision in the final chapters of my story.

I wasn't going to put the fire whiskey thing in because it isn't very Rowlings, BUT if you remember in OotP, Ron was pretty keen on trying some at the Hog Head, that is where that came from. And lets face it, these kids are seventeen years old. They aren't angels after all. Thanks for all the support on this story, you guys are truly inspirational.

Read and Review
Nothing is My Own…

****

All The Sanity in Me




Three weeks of endless torture was followed by the announcement by Professor McGonagall that classes would finally resume, and life would again come to some order. The new security measures were stricter and more fierce than any that had every been place in the halls of Hogwarts. The stench of fear littered the school. Professors, who had once seemed so confident and brave, barely spoke above a whisper. Even the painting that decorate the school walls seemed silent and still these days.

"Mr. Potter," Professor Flitwick shouted passing a letter over to Harry. Owl post was even depressing. The amazing birds no longer were allowed to make their dramatic deliveries. Each letter was searched before delivery and now the professors had taken up postal duties.

"Cho?" Hermione asked with a grin as she nibbled on her bacon.

Harry nodded, "She was up for her second assessment last week."

"I'm sure she did fine," Hermione assured.

"That's what I'm afraid of," Harry said with a frown, opening the back of his letter.

Dear Harry,

Well, I did it. I'm now a rank II Auror in Training. I received my first badge, in the long line of badges I've yet to receive. I can't help but miss you and Hogwarts dearly. I would do anything to still be there to see your smiling face. It's funny how in times of great peril we remember little things we seem to normally take for granted.

Eros and I are traveling someplace I cannot reveal, and I'm not sure when I'll be able to write you again. Due to the loss of several of my fellow Aurors, my training schedule is becoming much more vigorous. I can't believe how dark everything is right now, it seems hopeless doesn't it? Just the thought of you keeps me going each day.

I also won't be able to receive any of your letters until I return to the Academy, so if I write you and neglect something you wrote me, you'll know why. I received a letter from my cousin Paul the other day. He says that Hogwarts in unrecognizable from the hallways that were so full of spirit and cheer just a short while ago. I can't even imagine Hogwarts being so miserable. Please don't let the new restrictions get to you, follow the rules and remain safe for me.

I saw my first real battle the other day, and a man I didn't even know died in my hands. It was horrible, but it reminded what I'm fighting for. I want to be happy again. I want to be with you. If I never get to say it again, know that I love you with all my heart. Please keep me and everyone else fighting in the tragedy in your mind and wish us a speedy homecoming.

Forever Yours,

Cho


Harry sighed as he felt a overwhelming lull settle over him. He should be proud that Cho had passed her Rank II, but he wasn't. Now she was traveling somewhere unknown battling God knows what.

"Is she okay?" Hermione questioned.

Harry folded the letter and placed in back into his pocket, "I hope so."

Ron placed a hand on Harry's shoulder, but didn't say anything to encourage him to keep his spirits up. Since Harry had announced that Dumbledore was dying, the hope in Ron's eyes had also faded.

"At least we have class Monday, if I have to go another week in that stupid common room I'm going to mutiny ," Pavarti said annoyingly.

"Here, here!" Seamus chimed in, the look of utter disgust from the news of his parents death had not faded from his face.

Neville looked at Harry with a questioned expression, "Have you talked to Dumbledore lately Harry, does he know what's going on?"

"No Neville, I haven't," Harry confessed, not lifting his face from his plate.

"Well, things have been pretty ridiculous. My mum said things weren't even this bad during the last rising," Lavender said in a shrill. "She said things are much worse now."

"Did anybody get a copy of the Daily Prophet?" Seamus asked, sorting through his mail.

Hermione shook her head, "I'm sure the Professors are keeping them out of our grasp. They want to keep us calm, and I'm sure there isn't any good news being reported right now."

"They act like we're a bunch of kids or something," Harry said bitterly.

Neville forced a smile, "My Grandmum said that they just don't want us to worry about what's going on with you know who right now."

"How can we not be concerned. People are dying out there," Ginny mumbled, shaking her head.

"Do you think he who must not be named will attack the school again this year?" Pavarti asked suddenly.

Harry frowned, "I'm sure Voldemort will try if he's given the opportunity."

"Do you ever wonder what happened to Luna Lovegood?" Lavender suddenly brought up.

"Good ridden to that psychopath. Serves her right if the Dark Lord uses her for target practice," Ron said snidely.

"Ron," Hermione said sternly, "You remember what Dumbledore told Harry."

"Dumbledore…" Ron started bitterly.

"Has a lot on his mind," Harry finished abruptly, giving Ron a dangerous look.

Seamus looked at Harry skeptically, "Speaking of Dumbledore, when are we starting up the DA again?"

"We're not," Harry said instantly, "If it wasn't for the DA, Dennis Creevy wouldn't be dead."

Colin lifted his head from the opposite end of the table at the mention of his brother's name, but didn't say anything.

"Oh come off it Harry. If it wasn't for the DA, more of us would probably be dead," Seamus said angrily.

Harry felt that familiar sense of anger rising in him again, "Don't you get it? Don't you see the connection? Luna knows who was in the DA, she knows who's already opposing her master before we even get out of Hogwarts. So does Draco and half the house of Slytherin. You're all on his list, I bet he tries to kill you before you're out even a year. He won't stop there, he won't stop till every single person in your family is DEAD!"

"Harry," Hermione said on the brink of tears.

Harry sighed, "I'm sorry, but it's the truth. Voldemort is ruthless, and there isn't anyone strong enough to oppose him."

"There's Dumbledore," Neville said confidently.

"NO," Harry yelled, "Not this time."

Harry slumped down in his seat, his fellow Gryffindor staring at him in half shock, and fear. Seamus had said it earlier, they all thought Harry was their only hope. That was the load the Ministry had been feeding the magical world after all.

"Prefects, please escort your house back to their common rooms at this time," McGonagall announced rising from her seat.

The students began to stand as the rows of students started to filter out.

"Harry, I know about the prophecy. The whole prophecy," Neville said quickly, grabbing Harry's robe and holding him back from the group a bit.

Harry looked bemused, "How?"

"My Grandmum told me this summer. He ruined my life too," Neville said softly.

"Neville, this isn't your fight," Harry said sternly, watching Neville's eyes closely.

"It could have been me. I was born on the same day as you, and my parents defied him three times. I want to be with you when you face him. I know your going to go after him eventually, I see it your eyes. You're full of anger and hate right now," Neville continued.

Harry frowned, "Neville, even if I wanted to. It would be suicidal to go after Voldemort. I can't defeat him, I don't know how."

"But the prophecy says the one born as the seventh month dies will have the power to vanquish him. What if your aren't the one the prophecy is talking about, what if I'm the one who's suppose to defeat him," Neville said suddenly, his voice was slightly shaking.

"You aren't . You're grandmother probably didn't know the last part. 'The Dark Lord will mark him his equal'," Harry said flatly, raising his hair off his forehead and showing Neville his scar. "He marked me, not you."

"I know I'm not the most clever or talented wizard at Hogwarts. I know I'll never be an Auror like my parents, and that I'd probably be more of a burden in a battle than a help, but I want to fight Harry. I want to avenge what he did to my parents," Neville said as his eyes started misting with tears.

Neville wiped his eyes with the back of his robes, "I want to kill Lestrange, I want her to suffer."

"So do I ," Harry said, the cackling laugh of Bellatrix ringing in his memory as he saw Sirius flying through the tattered Torto Death veil played in his eyelids as he shut his eyes.

"Seamus is right, you have to start the DA back up," Neville urged.

Harry forced a sarcastic grin, "Even if I wanted to, I can't."
He motioned to his monitor, Kingsley Shacklebolt, "I can't do anything right now, and I guarantee McGonagall isn't going to be to keen on started that particular club back up again this year."

"But how will we be able to fight if we don't know how?" Neville retorted.

Harry sighed, "Lupin is an excellent teacher, and I'm sure he'll have us prepared."


****



It was peaceful in the common room that night, by midnight, almost every student had disappeared into the dormitories. As Harry watched a group of first years pass, he felt pity for them They didn't know how wonderful Hogwarts could really be.

Harry closed his eyes and reflected back through his memories. He remember the first time he played Quidditch against Slytherin. The joy he felt as he clasped his hands around that tiny golden ball for the first time.

He remembered the dragon Norbert, and how he had singed Hagrid's beard. He recalled the first detention with Neville, Hermione and Draco Malfoy. During that detention in the Forbidden Forest, was the first time Harry had caught a glimpse of his nemesis.

He smiled as he thought about the first time he saw Cho, her beautiful smile blending with her blue robes.

"Knock her off her broom."

He smiled as he remember the events of his third year. Ron's pet rat Scabbers, who turned out to be the murderer of his parents. He remember the joy he felt with Sirius had asked him to come live with him, although it was short lived. He remember the Triwizard Tournament, the Yule Ball and first death he truly saw. He still could see the white in Cedric's lifeless eyes. He could still see Sirius flying through the air. He could still see Dennis Creevy collapsing to the ground. He could still hear his mother and father's voice echoing in his memory.

"Harry, are you okay?" Ginny asked looking slightly concerned.

Harry startled, "Fine."

"You looked like you were about to cry," Ginny said softly.

Harry forced a smile, "I was just thinking about some of the things that have happened in this old school. I never imagined my last year would be like this."

"Me neither," Ginny said with a smile.

"I'm worried about Cho to I guess," Harry said suddenly, feeling that tension between him and Ginny growing again.

"Listen Harry, I know you've been avoiding me," she said bluntly.

Harry frowned, "I haven't been avoiding you."

"You mean a lot to me as friend, and a brother. I don't want anything weird between us," Ginny continued.

"Nothing happened between us," Harry said quickly, trying to look sincere.

"I want to thank-you for talking to me the other night. I was feeling pretty down, and I want to thank-you for not taking advantage of that also."

"Ginny, I would never take advantage of you," Harry said, feeling heat rising to his face.

Ginny smiled softly, "I know. It really meant a lot to me that you didn't kiss me. It proves you do truly care about me…like a sister."

"Yea, a sister," Harry stumbled.

Ginny flung her arms around Harry's neck and gave him a quick hug, "Thank-you Harry, I don't know what I'd do if something happened between us and we couldn't talk anymore."

"Me neither," Harry agreed instantly with forced smile.

Ginny quickly glanced around the common room in a desperate search for a topic that could ease the tension that was still growing between the two.

"Is Dean still dating that Hufflepuff girl?" Harry asked, feeling idiotic for bring up such a topic.

Ginny shrugged, "I haven't heard, I suppose they're still dating though. Did you here who fancies Hermione?"

Harry smile faded, "Did Ron tell you?"

"Ron? Oh Harry, that's old news. No, Michael Corner was seen doodling her name in the Ravenclaw common room, so I've heard through the grapevine. He was going to ask her to go with him to Hogmeade, but you know."

Harry chuckled, "It doesn't bother you that your former boyfriend has a crush on Hermione?" Harry asked slightly baffled.

Ginny contemplated for a moment, "Maybe a little, but after all, he dated your girlfriend too."

"Sometimes I forget about that," Harry confessed. "So how does Hermione feel about him?"

"I'm not sure, she's not really let on much about it. I think she's still slightly flustered about the whole Ron thing. Plus she still has Vicktor Krum sitting on the back burner. I've been telling her to be honest with him for ages, but she insist they're just friends," Ginny rambled nervously.

"Be honest with who, Ron or Krum?" Harry retorted.

"Well, both of them. If you have feeling for someone, or don't you should tell them instead of letting situation build to the point it's out of control," Ginny said quickly.

Harry felt her look away quickly and noticed her fidgeting with her fingers. She seemed like she was on the verge of saying something, but he could tell by her facial expression whatever it was, wasn't going to be revealed on this night.