Harry Potter and the Rise of the Dark Lord
By: LogicalRaven
****
Sorry about the delay in updating. It has been quite crazy lately around here. I've been so busy with work that I haven't even had time to think. I'm cranking out about six press releases a day, so I haven't been much in the writing spirit. Forgive me….I'll try to update soon this time.
Read and Review
Nothing is My Own
****
Executing the Plan
Professor McGonagall help up her hand in an effortless attempt to stop the pleading of Head Girl Padma Patil.
"But Professors, practically every house has expressed a serious lack of motivation. You've taken away all our privileges. We don't have Hogmeade any longer, we can't play Quidditch. What is the point of even striving me make Prefect, you can't use the lounge or bathroom. I must protest. Harry and I both agree that these restrictions and rules should be reevaluated for the sake of the students," Padma continued relentlessly, she recited it as if it were a rehearsed speech, hitting each point repeatedly.
"I understand what you're saying Miss. Patil, but my hands are tied until we get official word from the ministry that all is safe," McGonagall explained, looking completely annoyed.
Padma narrowed her eyes, "Then the students are going to strike. If you think last term was bad, you haven't even begun to imagine the word in the hall. How is it going to look when every forth year refused to take their OWLs and every seventh year refused to take their NEWTs. I've even heard talk about the Herbology club chaining themselves to the Great Hall doors in protest. Not to mention the Society for the Magical Creatures is talking about smuggling in dragon eggs and setting them loose."
McGonagall took her glasses off and rubbed the edge of her nose, "What would you suggest I do Miss Patil? Jeopardize the safety and reputation of this school because a few students are unhappy about not having Quidditch or Hogmeade?"
"Not a few students, every student. It isn't one house, or one year, it's the entire school. We're tired of being treated like ignorant students," Harry finally voiced.
"Well if both of you are so convinced that all turmoil will unleash if not negotiated I suppose I'll have to review you're demands," McGonagall conceded.
Padma grinned, "We want roaming privileges and curfews set for the entire student body. We're tired of having to escorted to all meals and classes by Prefects."
"I'll discuss it with the board," McGonagall nodded.
"We'd like Quidditch back…" Harry said quickly, knowing that was impossible.
"And we want privacy back in the mail system. I also think it fair to allow the Heads and Prefects full access to all previous privileges," Padma added.
"Don't ask for too much, do you?" McGonagall sighed. "I don't know what I can promise, but I'll see what can be arranged, until them all former rules will be enforce. Prefect patrols will resume effectively immediately."
The two exited the Head Mistress's office feeling slightly satisfied, at least McGonagall was going to think their demands over.
"So is the Society of Magical Creatures really talking about smuggling in dragon eggs?" Harry asked feeling slightly perplexed.
Padma grinned, "No, I just threw it in for color."
"Nice touch, I think the thought of dragons running around the halls might have given McGonagall a change of heart," Harry laughed, remembering his Head Mistress's face.
"Well, we're not done yet. Even if she doesn't lift the restrictions I think it's time we plan our next move," Padma nodded determinately.
"You mean sneaking into Hogmeade?" Harry asked.
Padma nodded, "Yes, I know we've had some time away from Hogwarts to catch up on what's going on, but I seriously doubt whether or not McGongall is going to lighten up the mail privileges. I think we should meet tonight in the Room of Requirements."
Harry fumbled around in his bag and handed her his invisibility cloak, "Here, you guys use this to get there. We'll use the map."
"Then it's set, we meet tonight at midnight," Padma said with a affirming nod, shoving his cloak into her bag.
****
Harry scanned the Gryffindor common room. He really wasn't sure he even wanted to go through with Padma's plan. He had only spoken to Ron and Hermione about it once, and he hadn't even mentioned it to Neville or Ginny.
"Parvati!" Harry called spotting Padma's twin across the room.
Parvati smiled, "So, is it a go tonight?"
Harry nodded, "We're going to the Room of Requirements at midnight, be in the, common room around 11:45."
Parvati grinned, "Have you told the rest of the group?"
Harry shook his head, "Not yet."
"Can Lavender…"
"No," Harry said instantly, "We have enough as it is."
Harry turned quickly noticing Neville sitting over in his usual corner, pruning his growing collections of plants.
"How was your holiday?" Harry greeted, trying to look casual.
Neville grinned, "Alright, your?"
"Could have been better I suppose. Actually Neville, I wanted to ask you something," Harry said quickly hoping to avoid the small talk.
Neville smiled, "What is it Harry?"
"Remember how you said you wanted to help me go after Voldemort?"
Neville smile faded, "Yes I do."
"Well, I'm not going after Voldemort, but me and Padma Patil are planning on making a stand against the ministry and staff keeping us in the dark here at Hogwarts. We're planning on sneaking into Hogmeade to find out what the hell is going on."
Neville narrowed his eyes in confusion, "How? When?"
"We're meeting tonight, and I'd like you come," Harry said lowering his voice slightly.
Neville nodded, "I'm in, where are we meeting?"
"Just be in the common room around 11:45," Harry told him, patting his shoulder as he began to search the common room once again.
Ginny was over the fire chatting with a Gryffindor fifth year about OWLs when Harry approached.
"Hey Ginny, can I have a word with you?" Harry asked swallowed nervously, but not understanding why.
The girl Ginny was chatting with let out a fit of giggles that received a scolding look.
"Sure Harry," Ginny said slowly, not taking her eyes off her giggling friend.
Harry pulled her out of earshot and lowered his voice to barely above a whisper, "Padma and I are getting a group of former DA members together to sneak into Hogmeade."
"Why?" Ginny asked looking puzzled.
"Because we're tired on being kept in the dark. We want to know what's going on. I was wondering if you'd be interested in joining us?" Harry said quickly, noticing how the fifth year was straining to hear what they were saying.
"I don't know Harry, it seems rather dangerous doesn't it?" Ginny asked.
Harry nodded, "Yes, but what is worse, being caught completely off guard like we were last year? Listen if you're interested just meet me down in the common room around 11:45 okay?"
Ginny blushed slightly at Harry words but nodded.
Harry started to search the common room once more when he spotted Hermione sitting at her study table alone. Her warning from the last time Harry has presented the idea to her was still fresh in his mind.
"Hey Hermione," Harry greeted taking a seat in front of her, he'd have to feel her out before deciding to tell her about the meeting.
Hermione sighed, "Has Ron said anything to you?"
"About?" Harry pushed.
Hermione shrugged, "Maybe I'm just being silly, but I think he's hurt about me being with Viktor at the wedding. We're just friends, Viktor knows that."
"Does Ron?" Harry questioned.
Hermione sighed, "I'm not going to deny it to you because I know you're too clever to fall for my denials. I care about Ron, more than I should as a friend. BUT I can't keeping playing silly little games with him. Either we get everything out in the open and sort through it, or I'm calling it quits."
"Hermione, you and Ron are best friends," Harry started.
"Use to be Harry. We barely speak anymore, and when we do it's just because we're bickering. You haven't been around much lately, I guess you just haven't noticed that our friendship has fallen apart," Hermione said heavily, turning back to her book.
"Ron cares about Hermione, even if he is too pig headed to admit it. I know it would break his heart if you called it quits," Harry assured.
"Maybe we're too old to play this stupid game of make believe anymore. I mean how many people do you know have had the same best friend since they were eleven? We're growing up and growing apart," Hermione stated frankly, trying her best to refrain from showing emotions.
"What?" Harry asked confused.
"Oh stop playing dumb, it doesn't suit you. You're going to finish Hogwarts and start Auror training. We'll hardly see you once that happens, and keeping on the path you and Cho are going, well we soon won't be the most important people in your life anymore."
Harry raised his brow, "That is the silliest thing I've ever heard you say. You and Ron are like family to me, I'm not going to just disappear."
"Face it Harry, we're not kids anymore. You can quit pretending," Hermione snapped, storming away from her table, leaving nothing behind but Harry and her books.
Harry sat in disbelief as he waited for Hermione to return and explain herself, but she didn't. He glanced at the clock in the common room as it struck ten. He had to find Ron before it got to late, he wasn't sure why, but he had a feeling tonight was not the best time to bring up Padma's plan to Hermione.
Harry pushed his way into his private dormitory where Chu Jung was sitting on Harry's window seal looking very pleased with himself.
"I don't think McGonagall would approve of this personal delivery," Harry told the owl as he untied the parcel from his leg.
The owl hooted softly, not letting his head falter from its high position.
Harry,
I already miss you. I just wanted to tell you I'm taking you're advice and going to visit my parents for awhile. I don't know when I'll be returning to training. My mentor Eros Raymer has taken a turn for the worse, and they don't know if he'll even be able to return to his duties.
I'm actually at St. Mungo right now waiting for the news. I guess sitting here I thought about how terrible you must have felt the night of the wedding. I'm so sorry you had to go through that. I don't know when I'll get to see you again, but it doesn't really matter does it. No matter how soon it is, it won't be soon enough.
Always Yours,
Cho
Harry sighed sitting at his desk. He had a few spare moments and figured he go ahead and write to her while Chu Jung was still waiting.
Cho,
I'm sorry to hear that Raymer's recovery isn't going well. I hope everything is okay.
I miss you too.
I had the strangest conversation with Hermione tonight. She feels like our friendship is falling apart and that nothing will be the same between us when we leave Hogwarts. Any suggestions on what she's talking about?
I can't write much more right now because I'm meeting Padma Patil in a while about a plan some of the DA are working on. I'll explain more when I see you, it's just to risky to write in a letter. I hope to hear from you soon.
Harry
Harry re-read his letter before tying it to Chu Jung's leg. The young owl hooted quickly before dashing out the window to deliver his message. The shop worker was right. The Spectacle Owl definitely was the most loyal.
****
Eleven forty-five approached quickly as the group collected in the common room. Harry was slightly concerned that not everyone in Gryffindor would be off to bed by that time, but Ginny was one step ahead of him. She had posted a rather large notice on the announcement board in McGonagall's handwriting stating that a new enforcement was being implemented. All students had to be in their dormitories by eleven sharp.
"When did McGonagall post that?" Harry asked reading it as it caught his eye.
Ginny grinned, "She didn't."
"Brilliant," Harry said lightly letting a grin spread across his face.
"I told Ron by the way, I figured you'd want him to come to," Ginny said quickly, hoping Harry would signal his approval.
Harry nodded, "Good, I've been looking for him all night."
Neville and Ron can stumbling down the stairs with Parvati close behind.
"Is Hermione coming?" Ron asked.
Harry shook his head, "I didn't tell her. She didn't seem to be in an understanding mood tonight."
He pulled out the Marauder Map and tapped it lightly with his wand, "I solemnly swear I am up to no good."
"Is the ghost clear?" Parvati asked peering over Harry's shoulder.
Harry nodded, "Looks good, we're going to have to take the long route though, Snape is blocking the south stairs."
"Stupid git," Ron muttered hatefully at the mention of Snape's name, "He gave me a weeks worth of detention for walking Megan back to her common room after dinner.
Ginny sighed, "Lets get going then, I don't want to wait around if it's safe to go now."
Parvati muttered the password and much to the objection of the Fat Lady the entrance swung open. The group walked quickly, checking the map every few steps. They had to dodge out of Professor Lupin's way once, but other than that their journey was relatively easy.
The Room of Requirements was just as Harry remembered it. The Ravenclaws showed up moments later. Terry Boot threw the cloak off their heads and folded the slivery material under his arm.
"We all know what we're hear to talk about," Padma started immediately.
"So, how are we going to do this?" Ginny asked suddenly.
Harry looked over at Padma, "We talk to Professor McGongall tonight about lifting some of the current restrictions. If we can get some more freedoms our little escapades should go unnoticed."
"I think we should attempt to sneak out once a month. That should allow us to keep track of what the hell is going on. The Daily Prophet has a storage facility located in Hogmeade, we should be able to find old copies of the newspaper there. Also, there are these." Padma rummaged through her bag and pulled out four dark cloaks. "We can't look like students, it would be to suspicious. Four of us will wear these dark robes and go to the Hog Head to see if we overhear anything. The other three will go looking for copies of the Daily Prophet with the invisibility cloak."
"You've really thought of everything," Harry said looking surprised.
Padma blushed, "I'm a Ravenclaw Harry, surely you know we don't leave anything to chance."
"She's been at it every since we left for Christmas. Mum thought she was crazy when she caught her rummaging through dad's old robes," Parvati laughed.
"When are we going to try to sneak out?" Neville asked nervously.
Padma grinned, "Why not tonight, just for practice."
"I don't know, it might be a bit too sudden," Harry warned.
Ginny eyes widened, "I think we should, I'd like to know myself what's going on at the Hog Head."
"No, the guys will go to the Hog Head, you girls will go search for newspapers in the cloak," Harry said sternly, avoiding Ginny's eyes.
"Like hell we will," Parvati protested, seconded by Ginny.
"I agree with Harry, I think the guys should go to the Hog Head," Padma said quickly.
Michael shook his head, "It doesn't matter. Why don't Padma, Terry, Neville and I go search for papers, while Harry, Ginny, Parvati and Ron go to the Hog Head, that way everyone is happy."
Terry looked insulted, "Why can't I go to the Hog Head, I'm older than Weasley."
"Age had nothing to do with it…" Ginny started, but Michael stopped her.
"You have a eye for spotting things Terry, we need you looking through papers to catch important details," Michael explained.
Everyone seemed some what satisfied with the arrangement, although Harry voiced again that the girls should go the Hog Head because it was too dangerous.
The group glanced at the map once more to make sure it was clear to run and then proceeded towards the picture of the one eyed old crone's hump.
" lumos ," Harry said lighting the end of his wand.
"How far is it?" Ron asked, bumping his head of the lowering ceiling.
"Not too far," Harry whispered, taking the lead since he had been in this passage before.
Harry poked his head out of the entrance to Honeydukes to make sure nobody was around before turning to look at the group.
"It looks clear to go, we meet back here in two hours exactly. If anybody has any trouble, send up flares if you can't apparate. It's better to be caught then to be killed," Harry instructed.
"Can everyone apparate?" Padma asked quickly scanning the group.
"I haven't taken my test yet," Neville confessed.
"Is Neville the only one?" Harry asked, following where Padma was going.
The group glanced around.
"Fine, everyone else apparate back here at the first signs of trouble. Neville, can you apparate?" Harry asked.
Neville considered for a moment, "I've done it before, I just haven't taken the test."
"I don't care about the test, if you can apparate, do it," Harry said quickly throwing the dark robe over his shoulders.
The group slowly snuck out of the cellar and finally onto the empty streets of the town.
"We'll see you guys soon, be careful," Padma whispered from beneath the invisibility cloak.
Parvati was the shortest member of the group, and aside from that obvious fact, the dark cloaks works well to disguise them as dark wizards not to be bothered. The Hog Head came into view in the distance, its well lit room were the only signs of life in the vacant night.
"Four butterbeers," Harry order from the barkeep, slightly making his voice sound deeper.
Ron jumped beside him, "He means four fire whiskeys, and make mine a double," Ron hissed in a rattled forced voice.
The old bar keep looked at the four suspiciously, and after a moment of consideration nodded.
"Butterbeers?" Ron whispered, "Honestly Harry, are you trying to blow our cover?"
The room was filled with like cloaked individuals, most were hunched over in soft mumbles, revealing things hidden in their robes only to those who were looking.
"I bet half of these wizards are Death Eaters," Parvati said softy, bowing in towards the middle of the table.
The four jumped apart at the bar keep slammed down their drinks, "What's your business, pardon me from noticing you don't fit in with our usual nightly crowd."
"Our business is just that," Harry spat coolly, picking up his glass and passing back his shot, "I'll take another."
"Could we look more obvious?" Ginny hissed as the barkeep returned to his glass polishing behind the keep.
"Looking for something," said a snaky looking character sitting at close by table, "I know where you can purchase dark potions, interested in a poly juice maybe?"
"Interested in information," Harry replied, searching for his hidden face.
"Ah, information doesn't come easy, or cheap in these times," the man said in an eerie tone.
Ron sneered from under his hood, "What bloody information could you provide us with?"
"Death Eaters are already working on his list, I might have stumbled across a copy."
"What kind of list?" Harry asked.
The man turned to check nobody was paying him mind, "The list of those to be attacked of course. Are you interested?"
"Depends on the price," Ginny responded.
"Forty gallons," the man replied instantly.
"FORTY!?" Ron exclaimed.
Harry pulled his money pouch he sometimes carried with him out of his robes, "This is all I have, take it or leave it."
"You're going to put me out of a job," he said with a sneer throwing down the list and snatching the money out of Harry's hand.
Harry threw the list into his pocket, "Lets get out of here before we bring more unwanted attention to ourselves."
The other three nodded as Parvati threw down a few coins to pay for their drinks.
****
"Argh, this is worthless. I've never even heard of half these names," Harry said heavily as he ran through the list while they waited for the others to return.
"Corkfort? That sounds familiar," Ron attempted.
"No it doesn't," Harry snapped.
"Well, it won't hurt to ask around to see if anybody had heard of these names," Ginny said hoping to help Harry's disappointment.
"You guys are back early," Michael laughed as he revealed the group carrying a large stack of newspapers.
"Find anything out?" Parvati asked.
"Tons, we found a box with thrown out rejected stories. Did you know that Dumbledore is missing?" Padma asked.
Ron gave Harry a nervous look.
"Lets get these back to the Room of Requirements and go through them," Harry suggested pulling out the Marauder Map.
"I solemnly swear I am up to no good," Harry said tapping the map for the second time that evening.
"Bloody hell, we're trapped," Ron observed, noticing Filch was mopping the corridor directly in front of their entrance.
"Well, looks like well just have to wait," Padma said frankly pushing the box into the passage way and pulling out a copy of the Daily Prophet, " lumos."