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

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Well, here is another forced chapter. I needed something to set up the next scene. I know this chapter is short and pointless (hence the title) but it has its place in this work in progress. Thanks again for all the support. I did want to address a few question before proceeding.

Some of you have made mention that Harry needs to step up to the plate and take the leadership that he's destined for. I agree, but he's only seventeen years old. He isn't ready yet. Also, I can promise that Harry isn't a two timing SOB. You'll discover later what everyone is honestly feeling towards Harry (hint, hint.) and what Harry is also feeling. It's all in the plot. I kinda made a slip up, you guys are right, the house elves would have cleaned up the Slytherin common room, not the Professors. Here's my excuse for why the professors did it. The elves are so occupied with the new duties, since students staying longer in their houses means they make more of a mess, they didn't have time to do all the cleaning (really bad B.S.ing) Well, without futher ado…

Read and Review
Nothing is my own…


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Pointless Prefect Meetings




"Another Prefects meeting, what the bloody hell for?" Ron argued as he and Harry read the announcement board.

Harry shrugged, "Who knows, maybe we'll be finally be able to use the loo again without a teacher's escort."

"I don't know about you, but I can't wait for the blasted year to finally be over," Ron said heavily.

"Like it's much better outside of Hogwarts right now?" Harry retorted.

"Still haven't heard from Cho lately?" Ron asked.

"Its been weeks Ron, and not a blasted word. I asked Kingsley if he had heard anything about Cho or Eros the other day, and he told me that it was classified information. I just wanted to know if she was still bloody alive," Harry spat.

"I'm sure she's fine mate, She said it might be a while before she'd be able to write you, didn't she?" Ron asked with a sincerity in his voice.

Harry sighed, "I'm still having dreams Ron. He's going after her next."

"You don't know that sure. She's an Auror, well one in training anyways. Eros Raymer isn't going to let anything happen to, he fancies her after all," Ron finished.

"That makes me feel tons better," Harry said sarcastically.

"But professor, if I don't get to the library I'm going to fail my NEWTs," Hermione whined as Professor Sprout shook her head, shoving Hermione back into the Gryffindor common room.

"I'm sorry Miss. Granger, but the library is off limits to students right now, it just isn't safe," Professor Sprout said flatly, turning to leave.

Hermione threw her books against the couch, "That is the stupidest rule I've ever heard of."

"You would know, you've memorized all of them," Ron jeered. Hermione gave him a cold look.

"I have a three scroll ancient runes essay due tomorrow, and I can't get the material I need to finish the fourth scroll," Hermione whined.

Harry narrowed his eyes in confusion, "I thought you said it was only a three scroll essay?"

"When have you ever know me to just do the minimum requirement?" Hermione flatly.

The three sat there in a forced silence as a few student passed to go the last place they could, their dormitories.

"Heard of any break out attempts yet?" Ron asked nudging Harry.

"Yea, I'm planning on taking a stroll through the Forest tonight, want to come?" Harry said in a mock serious voice.

"Sounds lovely, maybe we could go visit those lovely spiders again," Ron played along.

Hermione gave a face of disapproval, "I'll take it you two are kidding."

"No, dead serious. I could use a midnight stroll," Harry said defensively.

"Harry Potter, you are not sneaking out of this castle," Hermione started.

Harry held up his hands, "I'm kidding Hermione, Fudge would probably have a heart attack if I tried a stunt like that."

"Why do I get the feeling you purposely are trying to tick off the minister?" Hermione said eyeing Harry suspiciously.

"Because I am. That fat miserable man has me under house arrest. I can't even sneeze without someone asking me if I'm okay. Did you see what he was telling the Daily Prophet, before it was banned from us students? 'Harry is like a son to me' miserable old coot," Harry hissed.

Hermione shook her head, "Everyone is just worried about you. I'm sure Minster Fudge isn't purposely trying to make you miserable."

"Oh open your eyes Hermione, Fudge hates Harry," Ron snapped.

Hermione stood up with a disgruntled huff, "You're just encouraging him, Ronald."

Harry could help but chuckle as Ron sat with his mouth open as Hermione disappeared up the girls' dormitory stairs.

"Why don't you just confess your love for her and get it over with," Harry laughed.

"Ha ha, very funny Harry," Ron said bitterly. "Let's go play a game of chess in your room, it's too crowded in here."

The two rose from their places on the couch and started towards the boys' dormitories. Pavarti Patil waved over at Harry and Ron with a smile.

"Hey Harry, up for a swim?" she joked.

Harry smiled, "I think I'll pass this time."

"Suit yourself," she shrugged, and turned back to Lavender Brown.

Ron looked at Harry suspiciously, "What was that all about?"

"Nothing, don't worry about it," Harry lied, unable to shake the grin from his face.

It definitely had its benefits being Head Boy. Harry's bedroom was one of the only places left to get any privacy at Hogwarts these days. Ron had practically moved in with Harry. Several of his things were now littering the room, and Ron had taken the liberty to hang several Cannon posters around the room to add 'depth'.

"So, have you heard from your mother about Bill's engagement?" Harry asked.

Ron shrugged, "All I know is that it's suppose to be sometime during our Christmas break. Bill wants all of us in the wedding or something like that. Ginny's been really excited lately, I think Fleur asked her to a bridesmaid of all things."

"I think it's a good idea Bill's get married, it might brighten your mother's spirit a bit," Harry commented.

"But why her, why Fleur? I can't even look at her without turning red. Remember when I asked her to the Yule Ball?" Ron whined.

Harry rolled his eyes, "I'm sure she doesn't even remember that Ron."

"Oh no," Ron said suddenly, throwing his head into his hands.

"What?" Harry asked.

Ron raised his head, "We're going to have to find dates for this thing to, aren't we?"

Harry had to laugh, "I thought you had overcome the fear of asking girls out?"

"Not really, I mean Pavarti kind of came on to me last year, and I never really officially asked Susan out. I just told her we should hang out in Hogmeade," Ron confessed.

Harry took a deep breath and braced for the worst, "Why don't you ask Hermione?"

Ron's eye grew wide, "Are you mad? She'd probably turn me into a toad again."

"She wouldn't. I'm sure she'd be flattered if you asked her to be your date to your brother's wedding," Harry said heavily.

Ron frowned, "I guess you'll be bringing Cho?"

Harry shrugged, "I don't even know if Cho will be back by then."

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The hour passed quickly, and soon Harry and Ron found themselves being followed by Tonks as they walked to the Prefects' lounge. Tonks had gone from being quite friendly to Harry, to not speaking to him barely at all.

"Tonks, you shouldn't look at people like that. It makes them feel uncomfortable," Ron tried to joke.

Tonks frowned, "I wish you two would realize the seriousness of the situation and stop looking at me like I'm the bad guy."

"How would you feel if someone followed you everywhere?" Harry asked suddenly.

Tonks sighed, "If you don't start cooperating we're going to have to confiscate your invisibility cloak."

"You don't even have any proof I've used it this year," Harry defended.

Tonks shook her head.

Professor McGonagall sat in the front of the lounge. Everyone took their seats around her as the called the Prefects' meeting to order.

"You are all probably wondering why I've called this meeting to order," McGonagall commented, looking around the room. "It has come to my attention that the students are finding the new rules and restriction a bit overbearing. I have talked it over with the rest of the facility, and they have agreed to let you students plan some type of event in the Great Hall to take place after the annual Halloween feast."

For the first time in weeks, students actually looked excited as McGonagall continued. "It can't be anything too extraordinary, so that rules out anything like a dance or party. It also has to be contained in the Great Hall and all years must be eligible to attend. I was thinking something along the lines of a book reading."

"No offense Professor, but a book reading? Most of us haven't done anything but read books since the term started," Hannah Abbott voiced.

"We could have a costume party," Colin Creevy suggested.

McGonagall shook her head, "I'm afraid not Mr. Creevy, that would completely counter our security measures."

"Why don't we just sit around and stare at each other," Harry muttered bitterly.

"Did you say something Mr. Potter?" McGonagall caught.

Harry narrowed his eyes, "I said why don't we just fly around the Great Hall and chase each other on our brooms."

It was absurd suggestion, but everyone's eyes lit up as Harry made mention of flying.

"That is a bloody brilliant idea. We can't have outside Quidditch, but we can have like a miniature Quidditch festival in the Great Hall," Ron exclaimed.

"Absolutely not, I'm not allowing the student to turn the Great Hall into a Quidditch stadium.

"But Professor, it could be well organized, and everyone could attend," Hermione added.

"I agree with Granger. We could bring out a few school brooms and have races, and Quaffle throws, and even a Snitch catch," Ernie Macmillian pleaded.

"I said it had to be simple, that does not sound simple Mr. Macmillian," McGonagall said strictly.

Theresa Crabtree, a Hufflepuff fifth year Prefect raised her hand, "I don't think it would be unorganized. We could have the professors guarding the doors to make sure nobody left without permission. Or the Aurors that follow Harry Potter could guard the doors."

"I'll run it by the staff, but I don't see how such an event is even probable. I suggest you all get together and think of some logical ideas and we'll have another Prefects meeting tomorrow evening to set up a planning schedule," McGonagall conceded.

"Now on to more important duties. We've had some reports of students being out past curfew. The other evening someone broke into the Prefects' bathroom and flooded the entire fifth floor corridor, which later resulted in the flooding of the Slytherins' house. I finally must concede that us Professor cannot provide adequate coverage of the hall enforcements, so the Prefects and Heads will resume their patrolling duties. I will post a copy of your patrolling schedule on your common room announcement boards. Anyone found in the hallways without permission will be automatically assigned a months worth of detention on the first offense, and suspended from school on the second, no exceptions. The rules are clear, nobody is allowed in the hallways without the company of a professor after five O'clock., Students should only be going to classes during the day time hours, and Prefects should still be escorting houses to and from dinner meals."

"How much longer are these rules going to enforced?" Paul Keebler from Ravenclaw asked.

"Indefinitely," McGonagall said with a frown. "Remember tomorrow night meet back here at the same time to discuss plans for after the Halloween feast."

The students started to stand and collect in their groups to head back to their houses. Out of the corner of his eye, Harry noticed Malfoy looking at him coldly.

"Having pleasant dreams scar face?" Malfoy hissed in Harry's ear as he passed.

"Malfoy! Tell your master he's wasting his time," Harry said coldly, causing Professor McGonagall to look up.

"Mr. Potter, a word please," she bellowed.

Malfoy snickered as Harry tore his eyes off his cold face and approached their Headmistress.

"Harry, as Head Boy such outbursts are unacceptable," McGonagall lectured in a hushed whisper.

Harry bit his lip, "But professor."

"I don't want to hear any excuses, if you don't start acting more responsible, I'm going to have to take away your badge," McGonagall said flatly.

Harry stared at Professor McGonagall for a moment and finally decided to ask the question that had been haunting his mind.

"Is Professor Dumbledore dead?" Harry said suddenly, causing McGonagall to look at him with surprise. She started to open her mouth then closed it again.

"Voldemort knows," Harry continued.

McGonagall fell back into her seat, "No Harry, Professor Dumbledore is not dead, though we fear the end is very near."

"What's wrong with him?" Harry asked, not taking his off his professor.

McGonagall smiled, "He's an old man Harry, he can't live forever no matter how much we wish he could. I suppose there isn't any point in keeping you from him any longer, since you obviously already know the truth."

"Why did you keep it from me?" Harry asked bitterly.

McGonagall's face grew dark, "Because we were afraid that Voldemort would find out, but as you have clearly stated, he already knows."