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

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First let me again apologize for getting suspended from fanfiction.net. Luckily, I've written two chapter since my suspension, so here is the first one, and I'll publish the second one tomorrow.

This is a set-up chapter. I can't wait till the next one, we finally get into the interesting stuff…..I hope you guys are still enjoying this piece, it has been kind of dark and slow to take off, but things are rolling better now. I'm would love to update daily, but I've been so busy with work I've barely had time to breath. It took every ounce of energy left in me to update today….Well, thanks again guys…and keep reading

Read and Review
Nothing is my Own

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The Path You Choose



Harry popped out of his bed with a loud thud as he slipped to the floor. His heart was racing as the images of Draco Malfoy's lifeless body flashed through his mind. It was the same image that had played out each night in his dreams since Halloween.

Everyone had thought Harry's hex on Malfoy was hilarious, everyone but Malfoy. It had taken nearly a month for the swelling to subside, and his puff face still showed visible proof of the curse. Amazingly, nobody had turned Harry in. Basically because everyone in that room would probably be facing suspension or worse, expulsion, if any such incident was report.

Malfoy had apparently told Madame Pomfrey that he had eaten a cursed creampuff. At least that was the rumor going around the school. Meanwhile, as the onset of Christmas approaching the "mutiny" scheme had gone to an entirely new level. Students had been given a new found goal as more and more classes were being skipped, and more and more projects were being forgotten. Over half the students at Hogwarts were endanger of failing out entirely. Nobody was even attending Professor Binns class anymore not even the first years, though he hardly noticed.

Professor McGonagall had a look of soak frustration etched on her face. It didn't matter what she threaten, nothing seemed to waiver the students determination. Students from previous years were taking the famous Weasley remedies to fake illnesses, and some were just using spells to make themselves break out in bumps and fevers. Madame Pomfrey had been quoted saying, "She had never seen so many ill students in all her life."

From the attitudes of the students, you would think Umbridge had been renamed Headmistress instead of McGonagall. It didn't matter to Harry anymore, with the strange dreams he had been having, it was probably better that he was being watched strictly. Unlike he normally felt, the thought of hexing and causing him pain brought Harry not even the slightly inkling of remorse. In all honestly, he wanted to see Malfoy cry, to wallow begging for mercy.

Harry shook his head violently as a smile cracked on his lips as he thought of Malfoy begging for his life lingered in his mind.

'What's happening to me?' Harry thought miserable to himself forcing the smile off his face.

The dreams were unlike anything he had every experience before, so vivid and lifelike. It took nearly twenty minuets after his first dream to convince himself he hadn't killed someone again. He could actually feel the wand vibrate in his hands as he shot the fire of green out of the end. His ribs actually hurt from the insane laughter that followed his kill.

Harry's mouth felt very dry as he pulled himself to his feet. He needed something to drink. He slowly walked down the halls to the boys' bathroom. The cold stone floor stung his bare feet as he open the door to the echo filled room.

He stared at his reflection in the mirror as he splashed the cold water over his face followed by a gulp of water from his cupped hands. He looked like the living dead. His skin was as pale as white paper and if he was seeing thing right, his green eyes were starting to fade into a pale yellow.

Yellow. Harry pried his eyes open examining the green of his eyes even closer. He wasn't seeing things, the color was definitely changing. He blinked hard and splashed another handful of water over his face. He leaned over the edge of the sink panting in nervousness. What if he was turning? What if Moody was right?

After a few seconds of ignoring his reflection he turned his head back up towards the mirror. He barely recognized the person staring back at him. His eyes were now glowing a deep gold. He startled slamming his eyes shut. When he reopened them they were again a emerald green.

Harry turned the facet of streaming water off and proceeded back to his room, catching one last glance in the mirror. He hadn't bothered to look at the time, but he had a feeling that it was probably somewhere nearing four or five in the morning as the mist of twilight beamed from the views of the windows.

His bedroom was messy and foreign as Harry pushed his way through his door. The first thing that caught his eyes when he scanned the room was a bird the size on a eagle sitting on his desk, then he saw a sight was wasn't expecting.

"You have to fight it Harry," Dumbledore said in a slowly raspy whisper. "I know what's happening to you, and you have to fight it?"

Harry stared dumbfounded at his old Headmaster, a million questions were racing through his mind.

Dumbledore wasn't smiling, he had a look of hate and determination on his face.

"What are you doing here sir?" Harry finally stammered.

Dumbledore frowned, "He's trying to turn you. I know what he's plaguing your dreams with, and he's right Occlemency won't help with what he's doing."

"How?" Harry started.

"He's tried that trick with me many times, but he learned that I would not be turned," Dumbledore said in a dangerous tone.

Harry sighed, "I'm trying, I don't know what's happening to me?"

"I told you once that we all must make choices in our lives. Right now is the time for you to make a choice. Your path can lead you two ways, and Tom is going to tempt you to take the way he desires you take. Now it is up to you to decide," Dumbledore said breathing even harder.

"I killed her sir," Harry almost whispered, "I can't stop thinking about it…"

"And it makes you feel such joy as you picture her mutilated body dying," Dumbledore finished, his once sparkling eyes were hiding behind dark clouds.

"Yes," Harry confessed, feeling his heard stop in his chest for an instant.

"It's time you know the truth about Voldemort Harry, a truth that I sometimes forget," Dumbledore sighed.

Harry frowned, "I already know his father was a muggle. I already know that our childhood were similar…"

"You are walking down an identical path in this cycle of history. Tom had the same opportunity as you, he could have done wonderful things, but he choose to use his gift for greatness to fulfill his own need for power. He used his unforgivable curses because it quenches his need for power, to watch those around him suffer. You also enjoy this power over others," Dumbledore said slowly.

Harry started to protest, but suddenly remember his sore ribs. Dumbledore was right, there was some thrill in powering over others.

Dumbledore let a few haggard coughs escape his cracked lips, "I won't be around much longer Harry, and I fear I am leaving you at the most delicate moment. Promise me you'll remember what we're fighting for in this war. Don't let those who have passed memory be in vain, don't let everything I've shared with you be forgotten. I've taught many students during my days here at Hogwarts, but none were more like a son to me than you."

Harry voice caught in his throat.

"Remember Harry, they're your dreams, you have the power to control them," Dumbledore said as a smile finally appeared on his face.

"Will I ever see you again?" Harry said quickly as Dumbledore rose to his feet.

Dumbledore let a slight giggle slip, "No, I think it's time for my exit, by part in this story is complete. I've done all that I can do, the rest is up to you."
Harry didn't move, part of him wanted to grab his old Headmaster and beg him not to go.

"You will take care of Fawks, he needs four drops of rain a day to keep his diet sound," Dumbledore stroked his bird one last time, "I think I may pay a visit to the Caribbean, I hear it is quite lovely this time of year."

Walking in a rough stagger he made his way over to Harry and did the most uncharacteristic thing Harry could ever remember him doing. He embraced him into a firm hug, "Goodluck Harry, you have my complete faith."

Like a cool summer breeze, Dumbledore was gone. Harry's room was dark and empty once again. Fawks let out a few notes they fell with Harry's tears, things would never be the same again.

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That day Harry decided to skip his classes, he just wasn't in the mood to attend, but the song of the Phoenix had lifted his spirits so the day wasn't a total loss. The afternoon was long as Harry read one of the books Remus and Sirius had given him for Christmas a couple years back. Ginny plopped down on the couch next to Harry and sighed. The two of them, along with the rest of the common room, should have been in class, but they were doing their part in the mutiny.

"Ron got a date," Ginny muttered crossing her arms across her chest.

Harry eyed her questionable, "Who?"

Ginny shrugged, "I have no idea, he asked some Hufflepuff during lunch, Lavender just told me."

"Isn't that a good thing?" Harry continued, now grinning at Ginny frustration.

"No, it isn't fair. Do you have any idea what would happen if I brought a date to Bill's wedding?" Ginny vented.

Harry shook his head.

"I have six brothers, you can imagine for yourself," Ginny said coldly.

"I'm sure they wouldn't behave too badly if you brought a date, " Harry jeered, noticing Dean's crooked nose, a reminder of the time Ron had broken it after he dumped Ginny, out of the corner of his eye.

Ginny sighed, "I guess it doesn't matter anyways, I can't…" she trailed off.

"Can't what?" Harry asked.

She shrugged, "The person I'd like to ask wouldn't go with me anyways."

"Ginny, any guy would be lucky to go with you, I'm sure anybody would be flattered if you asked them," Harry said with a warm smile.

She forced a smile, "No, he's already interested in somebody else, but it doesn't matter."

Harry suddenly felt uncomfortable, "So are you going alone?"

"I thought about asking Terry from Ravenclaw, we always got along when I was dating Michael, but he's dating Sarah Winn, you know the forth year Gryffindor," Ginny sighed again.

Harry shook his head as he thought about how stupid he was feeling, Ginny wasn't interested in him again, she was interested in Terry Boot, "I'm sorry Gin, surely there is somebody else you'd like to take."

Ginny blushed slightly, "Maybe I'll just invite Neville, I mean he did take me to the Yule Ball."

"If it makes you feel any better, I'll be there solo also," Harry said placing his hand on her knee.

Ginny frowned, "Still haven't heard from Cho huh?"

Harry shook his head.

"Well, we could always go together to keep each other company," Ginny said casually.

Harry froze for a second then blinked, "Yea, that sounds okay…"

"Only if you want to, I don't want Cho getting upset or anything," Ginny added, holding her hands up.

Harry forced a smile, "I'm sure Cho will be perfectly fine with the idea, it you were Hermione or Parvati it might be a different story."

Ginny pulled Harry into a brief hug, slipping a kiss onto his cheek, "Thanks Harry, I'm sure we'll have a wonderful time."

"Of course we will," Harry agreed, feeling a tickle slip into his stomach, he knew just as well as Ginny was thinking right, Cho wouldn't like the idea one bit.

Only four days left till Christmas break, only four days left before Harry would be heading to the Burrows and facing his dreaded cousin. Although Harry didn't like the idea, Mrs. Weasley had said in her letter that Dudley was more than welcome to come along with Harry for the holidays. Obviously she didn't know Dudley Dursley very well.

Ginny smiled as she tore her face away from Harry, her cheeks matched the color of her hair.

"I've gotta go," she suddenly said rising from her seat, "I'll see you later…..Harry."

Harry slowly watched her disappear towards the girls dormitory stairs, his fingers slowly wandered to the spot on his face where she had let her lips brush.

"That is so wrong," Parvati teased from across the room, "Mr. Potter what would your little lady say?"

"I haven't the slightly clue what you're talking about," Harry said looking slightly puzzled by the accusation.

Parvati grinned and approached the couch, "Oh come off it Harry, I've seen that look before, you're smitten."

"I am not," Harry defended lightly turning his attention away from Parvati, "and you haven't seen that look before."

"Parvati, sometimes I wish we could just hide down here forever," Parvati said in a mock Harry voice, quoting one of his lines to her from the previous year when they had their fling.

"Shut-up, that isn't even funny," Harry said rolling his eyes with a snicker.

Parvati just laughed , "It's okay to be tempted by another girl," she gingerly touched his arm, "It's completely natural."

"And you're next in line to date me," Harry said suddenly, giving her sarcastic grin.

Parvati looked at him frankly, "Actually you've blown your chance with me, tired of waiting for you to come around you know."

"Oh really," Harry said arching his eyebrows.

Parvati nodded, "Really, I'm dating Ernie Macmillian from Hufflepuff, he drowns me in attention and he isn't dating a former Asian Ravenclaw I know."

"You're dating Ernie now?" Harry asked slightly shocked, "he never seemed like your type."

"Surely you know me by now Potter? I love a challenge, and me dating Ernie is driving Hannah absolutely crazy," Parvati said coolly.

Harry laughed, "So, if you had of caught me, you'd probably have just gotten bored."

Parvati's face suddenly grew serious, "No, I think it would have been different with you."

Harry suddenly lost his voice, he wasn't sure how to respond.

Parvati's nose suddenly crinkled, "On the other hand, you were a horrid kisser. I probably would haven't gotten bored."

"Ha, ha, very funny," Harry grinned, "I was a horrid kisser?"

"See you do care what I think about you," she accused with a playful shove.

Harry held his hands up, "You caught me."

"So, are you going to dump your previous Cho Chang for Ginny Weasley?" Parvati asked as she got herself comfortable for a long conversation.

"No," Harry said instantly, "Me and Cho are doing wonderful, besides the fact I haven't heard from her going on two months now."

"Slightly bitter are we?" she jeered, "I just noticed you staring at Ginny the other day at lunch, and everybody knows she's laid off guys and focused all her energy in waiting on you. Michael Corner told me she use to never shut-up about you," Parvati continued.

Harry shook his head, "You love to start trouble don't you?"

Parvati grinned leaning her head back, "What can I say, I'm good at it."

"Ginny is like a sister to me, besides she's the one who got me a Cho together in the first place," Harry argued.

"Typically, she obviously was trying to get over you by eliminating you from her radar. Apparently it didn't work," Parvati explained as only she could.

"You're wrong. I'm not a nutter, do you have any idea what Ron would do if something ever did happen between me and Ginny?" Harry said wishing she would stop her devil advocacy.

"Denial, it's the first sigh," Parvati sneered ignoring Harry's attempts.

"It's pointless arguing with you, do you know that?" Harry finally conceded, signaling the end of the conversation.

Parvati smiled in victory, "Just remember to invite me to the Weasley/Potter wedding."

"You're are truly the best part of my day," Harry said sarcastically, closing his eyes and preparing to catch up on some badly needed sleep.

As Parvati's voice slowly faded out, Dumbledore's words came back into his mind. If he did dream, they were his, he could and would control them. He may be presented with the same choice as Voldemort, but he wasn't following that road, not without a fight. A fight that we would rather die than