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

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Hello again, well I have the ending written out in my head. I'm a little nervous how it is going to end up. This is possible the worst cliffy I've ever written, so please bare with me. Just a few more chapters and no more wondering what is going to happen next.

I know things are going bad for Harry right now, but things have to get worse before they get better. It's a law of life.

I'm glad you everyone has like the last few chapters. I wasn't sure about them, but I again am overwhelmed by the support I've been given for this story. I never in a million years expected to have so many loyal readers and reviewers. Each time I see how many people read what I've written, I feel amazed. Thank you guys….

Read and review
Nothing is My Own

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Why didn't I Think Of It Before?



"Flick your wands counterclockwise and remember to annunciate, chicatious libigato," Professor Flitwick instructed moving his wand in the correct motion.

It didn't make much difference to Harry, writing charms weren't going to save his life. He felt that way about most things not a days. While Padma Patil had managed to pull him out of his previous foul mood, nobody could lighten his heart this time. It had become to bad that nobody was even attempting to approach Harry, and he preferred it that way.

Ron and Hermione seemed to be getting along quite well with their new relationship, and Harry found himself feeling sick whenever he saw them together. Ginny Weasley had finally decided to quit waiting on Harry and was getting friendly with Paul Keebler from Ravenclaw.

Harry cringed as he saw Paul and Ginny walking hand and hand through the halls. Didn't Paul even care that Cho was probably dead. Harry tore his eyes away from Cho's cousin, maybe he didn't know. Nobody knew about Cho with the exception of the professors. Someone new had taken Cho's place at Hogwarts, so Tonks still hadn't returned. Not only was Tonks now missing, so was Severus Snape.

Since K. Bobblious had taken the place of Snape, potions wasn't nearly so intolerable. Not that he enjoyed it, there was still Malfoy in the class, who seemed to be annoyed at Snape's new ignorance of hate towards Harry.

Padam Patil had attempted to confront Harry about what had happened between himself and Cho, but he had simply told her to mind her own business and leave him alone. Professor Flitwick walked around the room making sure all the students were able to perform the writing charm correctly. Harry reluctantly moved his wand in the correct motion and muttered the incantation.

Class dismissed as everyone started their usual chatter, everyone but Harry. He simply gathered his books and left the room quickly.

"You want to come to lunch with us?" Hermione attempted, giving him friendly smile.

Harry face remained emotionless "No."

Hermione frowned as she let Ron lead her out of the room. He knew his friends were worried about him, but separating himself from them was the safest thing to do. The last thing he wanted to happen was to see them dead also.

Harry face was not that of a student who had just been dismissed from their last Friday class. He quickened his pace as he walked up towards his dormitory. The Gryffindor common room was empty except for three third years who were excitedly talking about the up coming weekend.

The challenge that Remus Lupin had created was taking place in the Great Hall. It was to take the place of the traditional Valentine's weekend Hogmeade trip. Harry forced himself to keep walking. If he could just get up the stairs and into his bedroom then he would be okay.

Harry softly shut the door behind him when the first tear stung his eye. He felt his mind and heart raging. His temper was always so close to the surface. He collapsed on his bed to keep himself from destroying anything else. So many were dead. His parents, Cedric, Sirius, Dennis, the Dursleys and Cho. The broken pensive still remained on the floor, it's contents spilled. He dare not touch it, afraid he'd lose even more if he did. With a rattled breath he closed is eyes.

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"Harry," Cho flung her arms around his neck, "I've been so worried."

Harry smiled as he squeezed her, "I've been worried about you too."

"I'm so glad you asked me to the Yule Ball, you're the most important thing in the world to me," Cho continued.

Harry frowned, "But you said no, you went with Cedric."

Cho looked confused as she brushed something that looked like sea weed from her hair, "You asked me before Cedric did, I went with you."

"No I didn't," Harry insisted glancing around his surroundings. They were outside the lake at the second task of the Tri-Wizard Tournament.

"Harry, what's wrong?" Cho asked in a echo, it was as if she was miles away.
Harry pulled away eyeing her suspiciously.

"What's wrong Harry, don't like what I'm offering?" hissed a voice that made Harry reach for his wand.

"What have you done with her?" Harry asked dangerously.

"She's right in front of you, don't you see her?"

Harry shook his head, "It's a trick, a lie!"

"Cho Chang is no more, look at her…"

Harry eyes lingered on Cho as her face spread into a smile.

"Kiss me, Harry," she said slowly letting her mouth spread into a smile.

Harry eyes grew wide as her fangs glimmered.

"What's wrong Harry, afraid to kiss your girlfriend," the voice of Voldemort teased.

****



Harry eyes peeled open as they searched around his empty dorm room. It was just another dream. Harry took a deep breath letting his eye adjust. It was dark outside, he had been asleep for a few hours at least. He stood up and gave a quick stretch.

The half moon was shining through his window as the cold stone of the floor stung the bottoms of his bare feet. Chilly bumps spread over his body as he thought about how nice a hot bath would feel. He hadn't been to the Prefects' Bathroom since his midnight escapade with Parvati Patil earlier that year. The same trip that had ended with the flooding of the Slytherins' house.

Harry grabbed his cloak off his desk chair and slipped on his shoes. He silently walked down the stairs and through the crowded Gryffindor Common Room. Hemrione and Ron were sitting on the couch nearby. Hermione was reading a book as usual and Ron as in deep thought with his eyebrows arched.

"Maybe you should go talk to Harry," Hermione suggested looking over her book.

Ron frowned, "Every time I try he tells me to sod off."

"I'm really worried about him. I've never seen him this way before," Hermione continued. "What if what Moody told us was true, what if he is turning?"

"He's not," Ron said firmly, "Harry wouldn't turn."

"Still, maybe we should tell someone about the way he's been acting lately," she continued.

Ron bit his bottom lip, "Maybe I should try talking to him again first."

"I've been telling you to do that for the past two weeks," Hermione said as she rolled her eyes.

Harry sneered from under his robes and walked out the Gryffindor entrance as someone from the opposite said the password. He didn't want Ron to try to talk to him. The corridors were fairly empty as he made his way towards the bathroom.

"Pine Fresh," he said at the entrance. Luckily no other prefects had decided to use the bath that night. He turned on his favorite nozzle of purple fumes and watched the tub quickly begin to fill. After it was full he turned the nozzle off and slipped out of his robes, letting the warm water engulf him.

The water burned his skin, turning it a light pink, but it felt wonderful all the same. Harry leaded his head back and kicked slightly letting himself drift across the tub.
The smell of fresh lilacs traveled through his nose making everything else seem distant. His cold feet tickled as their temperature change.

"Why if it isn't Harry Potter," said a high cackled voice. Harry bolted up from the water to see Moaning Myrtle smiling over at him.

"Myrtle, do you mind, I'm taking a bath," Harry snapped.

Myrtle frowned, "You never visit me anymore."

"We've already been over this, I'm not allowed in the girls lavatory."

"That isn't what I heard. I heard that Harry Potter is in love," Myrtle said with a sharp pinch. "Is she that horrid girl you brought in last time, that Patil girl, I really don't like her."

Harry frowned ducking a little further down into the water, "No Myrtle."

"Than who?" she demanded, "You can tell me, I don't mind."

Harry felt his anger surging again, "It doesn't matter, she's dead now."

Myrtle out a snicker and battered her eyes, "Really, do I know her?"

"Probably not," Harry said flatly wishing Myrtle would just go away.

"Tell me!" Myrtle shrilled turning circles in the air.

Her shrill woke the sleeping mermaid who huffed in frustration letting a few bubbles escape her lips.

"Cho Chang," Harry spat in annoyance.

Myrtle stopped short, "Oh, the Ravenclaw."

Harry snapped his head in her direction, "You know her?"

Myrtle nodded and giggled, "She use to come into my bathroom and talk to me about her dead boyfriend."

Harry felt his stomach sink, Cho had talk to Myrtle about Cedric, "Well I guess they're together again now."

Myrtle shook her head, "No, she isn't dead. I think I'd know if she were dead."

Harry frowned again, "What are you ranting on about?"

"Well, she'd be a ghost if she died. She's afraid of death," Myrtle explained.

"So, those who are afraid of death become ghosts?" Harry asked.

Myrtle nodded, "Oh course. I was afraid."

"Maybe you're wrong. Maybe she wasn't afraid," Harry spat, shaking the thought of Cho still being alive, of being tortured, from his head.

Myrtle shook her head, "No I'm not, she isn't dead."

"The where the bloody hell is she?" Harry said viciously reaching for his towel. He'd had enough of Moaning Myrtle for one night.

"How should know, you're the one who uses Death Journals," Myrtle spat back, "Why should anybody care about poor, miserable, mopping, moaning Myrtle. She again let out a wail and splashed into a nearby toilet, her trademark move.

Harry sneered and threw his towel around his waist.

"Do you mind?" he hissed the portrait of the mermaid who blushed and turned her head in insult.
Oh what Harry would have done to talk to Dumbledore right then. He felt so lost and so confused. Dumbledore at least would give him a riddle to ponder. Part of him wanted to believe Cho was dead. There was no telling what Voldemort would have her do if she were still alive.

Mr. Chang was right, she would never return. Harry sighed forcing his temper to remain in check. He didn't even bother to throw his cloak back over his shoulders. It didn't matter anymore. He actually wished Draco Malfoy would turn the corner. He'd love to finish what he had wanted to do all year.

Harry was just about to slam his fist into the wall in frustration when he caught the color red out of the corner of his eyes.

"Harry, how are you?" Ginny asked looking quite disgusted with herself.

Harry frowned, "I don't want to fight with you right now."

"I'm not trying to start a fight," Ginny stated frankly, "I just wanted to tell you I know, and I'm sorry."

"Know what?" Harry spat.

Ginny took a deep breath, "About Cho…..Harry I'm so sorry."

"Well don't be," Harry continued with his tone turning away from her.

"Please don't turn away from me, from your friends. We're all so worried about you," Ginny pleaded touching his arm lightly.

Harry narrowed his eyes and spun around, "Don't you get it, Cho was hunted down because of me. Do you honestly think Voldemort won't come after everyone I know?"

"Than it's too late for me, I'm already your friend. If you want to admit that to yourself or not," Ginny spat with her hands upon her hips.

"I don't want to see you dead too!?" Harry said raising his voice slightly.

Ginny shook her head, "You can't keep running from everybody, you can't keep pushing everyone away when something bad happens. Let me help you."

Harry lowered his head, "So how are things with you and Keebler?"

Ginny eyes widened, "He's pretty upset right now, McGongall just told him about Cho."

"Well, I've know for two weeks. Eros made sure to tell me all the gory details," Harry hissed at the mention of Eros's name.

"In case you haven't noticed Harry, you aren't he only ones grieving. Did you know Colin's parents were killed the night of the muggle attack? Hermione's parents have been placed into hiding because the Order thinks the Dark Followers will come after them next. It's terrible, the whole school is scared witless and you, the Head Boy, are acting like a prat," Ginny said in one breath.

"I didn't ask to be made Head Boy," Harry snapped defensively.

"Too bad, you are. It's time you grow up and start taking some responsibility instead of dropping your head every time something bad happens. Grow up Harry," Ginny said keeping her head tilted in a prideful position.

"Why do you even care?" Harry asked.

Ginny lowered her head, "Because….I just do. Don't think Cho was the only person who loves you Harry. I tried to give you my heart a long time ago, you just didn't want it."

"Ginny," Harry started.

Ginny shook her head, "No, it's okay I understand. You don't think of me in that way, and I'm okay with it. I just want to see you happy again Harry."

"Happy?"

Ginny nodded, "Remember, you use to laugh."

Harry frowned, "I don't think I do remember. I just want to find her Ginny. I just want to know what is going on? I want someone to tell me what….."

"Tell you what Harry?" Ginny pushed.

"Of course, why didn't I think of it before," Harry said to himself.

"Harry where are you going?" Ginny bellowed as Harry turned to run down the corridor down the opposite direction.

"Harry!" Ginny yelled, but he didn't respond. He needed to talk to Remus Lupin.