Disclaimer: Only the plot, which isn't that great, belongs to me. The rest belongs to J. K. Rowling. She created it, and I'm just messing around with her toys.
Correspondence
Summary: Harry isn't getting his letters, so he decided to see if Voldemort is intercepting them. A surprising thing happens- Harry starts to make a friendship where he shouldn't. After all, he does have to kill the guy. Right? Mostly told in the form of letters.
Chapter Five- The Boggart Curse
Last Time
Tom-
It got worse. Lavender mistook my bed for Ron's. So now I'm down below. After talking to Dobby, I've got him and a few of the other house elves fixing up a bathroom. Might as well have a shower down here too. At first we just had a toilet because we didn't think that we'd be living down here, but that's changed. One of the elves found another set of rooms, and Hermione is looking them over to see if she wants to fix them up for herself. Nothing fancy, just her own bathroom, library, and two bedrooms. That's what it is now. I think that it was guest quarters for my quarters.
Since all of the others are down here, I've decided to move down too. The guest quarters that the elves found look out onto the lake, since Hermione and I like the view, we've decided to stay in there. For now we're in Harry's quarters, because we have to fix things up. So all four of us are down here.
Well, Harry and Ginny have pretty much said everything. I wonder what it'll be like living down here. Well, we figured out where we are. We're living in the cliffs that the school is on. Or you could say that we're in the deepest dungeons. If we wanted, we could go out of the main doors, and down the tunnel that we first entered the school from, and if we go up the river, we should find the ancient dock by the bridge. Then we'd be able to get to our rooms. Quite interesting really.
-Harry, Hermione, and Ginny
Harry, Hermione, and Ginny-
So sorry about Lavender. Glad that you're all down below, it will be easier to corrupt you when you are all down there. Is there anything that you don't have down there?
Did you ever curse Ron's wand? I hope that you did. I found a curse that makes the recipient believe that his worst fears are following him around. It's a borderline dark curse. Only because it can be used to cure a person of their fears. It's called 'Boggart Curse'. If you want to use it, you've got to find it on your own.
If you wanted, you could throw a party and invite Fred and George, as they are trustworthy. I should know. A few months ago, I had one of my underlings try and get information on the Order of the Phoenix, on the pretense of joining, and all they did was prank them and send them to Dumbledore. They didn't hurt the though, it was a completely innocent information.
I wouldn't go to Hogsmeade next weekend. Small pranking trip. Beware of Ron. He might get hit with a curse that makes him desire the person he hates the most. I wonder who that is, you'll have to tell me.
-Tom
Tom-
A party sounds fun. Today in Care of Magical Creatures, we got to learn about Acroulmantas. Ron totally freaked. Hermione took the opportunity and hit him with the Boggart Curse and he was sure that Mosag was following him. Lavender looked ready to break up with him. It was rather humorous.
Dumbledore kept looking at Hermione at dinner. I think he knows that she cursed Ron. Other than that things are going fine. We're going to have a party instead of going to Hogsmeade, Fred and George said that they'd come. We gave them the floo address, and we've programmed them in, so they will be able to floo.
We never told you that Draco found a spell that allows you to specify who can and can not floo in to your house. We've all got a fireplace that we can floo from so we won't get stuck in someone's rooms over night. Hermione and Draco seem to be forgetting about the floo though, so I've had to drag her away from Draco. I don't know what she sees in him really.
-Harry, Hermione and Ginny
Harry, Hermione and Ginny-
Nice job with the curse, Hermione. You're taking after you uncle. I'm so proud. ::sniff:: Just don't go dark, okay? you will regret that later. There'll be hell to pay when I die. Maybe I should become immortal... If Dumbledore does suspect you, go and hide down below for a while. The enclosed book is on the art of portkey making, you should be able to portkey to and from class. Might make Dumbledore a little angry. Pay special attention to the third chapter, there'll be a test on it later.
Good luck with the party, don't get too drunk please. Wormtail mentioned that they liked trying to get people drunk, so please be careful? Any luck with him? Watch out for Snape, his mark has been bothering him lately. It's going away, but he doesn't know that yet. The actual mark is fading, but there is an illusion that makes it looks like it is still there.
Don't forget to avoid Ron!
-Tom
Ginny-
Are Draco and Hermione... um... doing you know what?
-Tom
Tom-
Actually, I don't know what? Talking? Going out? Failing potions? Going dark? Plotting? Eating purple melons? Deciding to be muggles? Glaring at me?
-Ginny
Tom-
We didn't get too drunk. Draco filched some hangover potion from the hospital wing, so we're all right. Apparently Ron is chasing after Professor Snape. Dumbledore finds it quite amusing, and is denying knowing anything about what hit Ron. So Professor Snape is in the library furiously researching the counter curse. Lavender is glaring at Ron from across the library and Hermione just waved at her. She looks mad.
Tom, never piss Hermione off. Ever. She and Lavender are both assisting Filch for the next week for dueling in the library. I think the funniest part was when Ron was walking towards Professor Snape, and got hit with two curses; Madam Pomfrey is still trying to get his nose back on his face.
I am going to maim Lavender Brown! How dare the little tramp steal my boyfriend! She accused me of cursing Ron. Of course I'm better off. Draco is much smarter. Did you know that Draco got the exact same owls as me, except for he got an E where I got an O, and vice versa.
Okay. Ignore what Hermione wrote. She's very angry, and Draco just got her calmed down. I think I'll tell Ginny to let them stay together tonight.
-Harry, Hermione and Ginny
Harry, Hermione, and Ginny
Please pass the enclosed note on to Severus. I feel slightly sorry for him, if only because he has Ronnikins chasing after him. I shall remember to never piss Hermione off. I believe that it would be unhealthy. You should try to get a dentition with Severus for next Tuesday evening around eight. The curse will wear off around then, but it will also be at its strongest just before it wears off. Of course, you might not want to witness it, I think it would be funny.
If Severus has said something like, I never want to see or hear you again to Ron, keep a close eye on Severus. That's all I will say on that matter.
-Tom
Ginny-
You know perfectly well what I mean.
-Tom
Tom-
No I don't.
-Ginny
Tom-
Severus got the note, and he looked relieved when he read it. We got dentention from Severus for 'Being useless (Hermione), breathing (Harry), making obscene gestures (Ginny) and attacking Ron (Draco). You could have told us that the curse being at its strongest meant that he would make a move on Ron. Ron realized what was happening, and he then ran out of the room shrieking. Will he remember everything he did under it? If so, poor Ron, I almost feel sorry for him. Ginny is trying to drag the parchment away..
I found Ron and he was curled up in a ball, bashing his head against the wall. I left him in the hospital wing, hopefully Madam Pomfrey will be able to sort him out. Dumbledore came by when I was leaving, and asked why I was there. I told him that the curse on Ron broke, and he hurried down to the dungeons. I followed him, and found him asking Snape what happened. He didn't answer because he was busy brushing his teeth and gargling bubblegum flavored mouthwash at the same time.
Christmas is coming soon, I think that we'll pretend to go home, and then portkey back to down below, I'll have to run it by the others... Oh dear. Professor McGonagall has followed Draco down. I've got to send this now.
-Harry, Hermione and Ginny
Harry, Hermione, and Ginny-
Ron will remember everything he did under the curse. I hope that Professor McGonagall didn't force you to return to your dorms. Sorry it's short, I've got a meeting in a few minutes.
-Tom
Ginny-
You know very well what I'm talking about. How close are Hermione and Draco?
-Tom
Tom-
Professor McGonagall got kicked out by the wards. Apparently she turned up in Sweden, at least that what she was telling Dumbledore, and she said that she hasn't the faintest idea of how she got there. So she is either covering for us, or she is telling the truth. She came back on a thestral. Scared the first years who were watching Quidditch practice. Ron seems to be all right, but he is avoiding Professor Snape like the plague.
A first year told Ron there was a spider by him, and he ran into the nearest classroom, which just happened to be the Potions classroom. Ron will never be the same. Other than making fun of Ron, nothing has really happened. Maybe we should set Fred and George loose in the castle.
-Harry, Hermione, and Ginny
Tom-
Well right now they're about five feet apart, now fifteen, Hermione went to get a book, now three, she's sitting closer to him. Now she's in his lap, Draco pulled her over. Now they're a foot apart, Harry came in. Now Harry and I are leaving, but I think they're making out.
-Ginny
Harry, Hermione and Ginny-
Professor McGonagall is probably covering for you four. She'll probably keep you after Transfiguration. Send me the conversation, okay?
I think you should lay off Ron, for just a little while, it's getting sort of old.
-Tom
Ginny-
GINEVRA MOLLY WEASLEY! You know perfectly well what I mean. Will you please just tell me?
-Tom
Tom-
Fine. I'm tired of wasting parchment anyway. Draco hasn't made it to home base yet. At least to the best of my knowledge. Happy?
-Ginny
Tom-
We were going top lay off of Ron. Harry wasn't really sure about it anyway. He was muttering something about how he's not his father. We have transfiguration tomorrow, so We'll send you the conversation if she keeps us after. Christmas hols are in a week and a half! YAY!
-Harry, Hermione, and Ginny
Harry stretched, and glared at the Rat he was supposed to be transfiguring into a cat. It wasn't coming at all. Looking up at the cage of rats, a glimmer of silver caught his eye. Wordlessly, he nudged Hermione, who looked at him curiously. Harry pointed up at the cage full of rats and Hermione stared at it, and then her eyes widened.
"Are you seeing what I'm seeing?" She whispered to him.
"If you're seeing a sliver pawed rat, than yes." Harry replied, grinning maliciously.
"Let's go get him." Hermione said, picking up the cat that had been at rat at one point. After depositing the cat with Professor McGonagall, she went over to the cage full of rats, and stunned one of them.
"Miss Granger! Did you not hear me say that stunning a rat would result in detention?" Professor McGonagall asked from her desk.
"I heard perfectly Professor." Hermione replied, trying not to grin.
"Well, then you will be serving detention—" She started to say, but Harry cut her off.
"But that's not a rat. You never said anything about stunning a rat animagus, did you?" Harry asked.
"That's preposterous! All these rats were tested before I got them, I can assure you that those are all normal rats." Professor McGonagall said, starting to get up.
"Of course, but I think that this one snuck in." Harry said, and then looked at Hermione. "Would you like to do it with me?"
Hermione thought for a minute. "Sure, why not."
"On three?" Harry asked.
Hermione nodded. She softly counted to three, and on three, two jets of light simultaneously hit the silver pawed rat, and it grew into a man with a silver hand and tattered clothes Harry noted that his Dark mark was clearly visible through a rip in his sleeve.
Harry grinned, and conjured some ropes, and canceled the stunner. "Professor McGonagall, may I please introduce you to the scum who betrayed my parents to the Dark Lord? This is Peter Pettigrew, the real secret keeper for my parents, rat animagus, and the one who made Voldemort's rebirth possible." Harry finished. "Say hello Peter." He added, looking down at the cowering blob by his feet.
Peter gulped, and looked around nervously, and saw that He was at wand point from quite a few students, and one very angry Professor.
Professor McGonagall, seeing Peter's gaze fall on her smiled grimly. "Remember, I can turn into a cat. And Cats like chasing Rodents, Peter."
Peter gulped, and looked around for help. He saw Draco, and crawled forward a little. "Draco, please, your father was my friend, pleas help me, there will be honor for you. He will reward you greatly if you help me. Please?"
Draco looked appalled. "You at, If you haven't noticed, I declared my alliance for the light a few months ago." Draco said, and the snob part of him kicked in. "You're so behind, I suppose that happens when you have to live in the sewers. Or Weasley's bedroom. Either one." Draco said.
Peter looked around once more, and saw Ron. "Dear boy. You fed me, let me sleep in your own bed. I was your rat. I was a good pet. Have mercy. You will be honored beyond belief. Please."
Ron glared at Peter. "If you missed the memo, no. Remember last time this happened? It didn't go over too well." Ron said, glaring at Peter, and Harry.
With a quick pop, Peter transformed, and tried to make a run for it. He forgot Professor McGonagall. Within seconds, the witch turned tabby cat had the rat beneath one paw. Hermione grinned at the teacher, and mouthed 'thank you' and stunned it.
Professor McGonagall Resumed her human form and said, "Class dismissed, I want two feet on cross species transfiguration, and for extra credit, one on animagi. Both due next week." She motioned for Draco, Hermione, and Harry to stay.
After the classroom cleared out, she looked at her watch. "Well, I was going to have a discussion about you three's living arrangements, but that will not be possible. I expect to see the three of you tonight at eight, with Miss Weasley."
The three nodded reluctantly, and they filed out of the classroom, only to be met with excited whispers. Hermione sighed, and turned to Draco and Harry. "What do you say about skipping History of Magic?"
"The great Hermione Granger, skipping a class? Sure, lets." Draco said. "Are you with us Potter?"
Harry thought for a moment. "Sure."
The two Gryffindors, and one Slytherin headed in the Direction of the North tower, not noticing the greasy haired potions master following them.
Tom-
We haven't had a chance to talk to her, but she was going to keep us after. We only got out of it because we noticed a silver pawed rat. Tonight at eight, all four of us are going to have a chat with her about our living arrangements. Fun. Well, talk to you later. I think I can hear someone coming down, and it's not Ginny. Great, I wonder who it could be.
-Harry
Dear Readers & Reviewers-
I have just finished this chapter, and it's sort of a cliffy. I'm sorry, for both the cliffy and the long wait. Had school not taken over my life and the headaches, it would have been out sooner, but alas, it wasn't. Due to the fact that the teachers have decided to overload us with work and the headaches, which are getting better, or I'm getting used to them, either one, updates will be about every two weeks, instead of once a week. I'm dreadfully sorry, but if I time it right, you might get two chapters for Christmas. This chapter's short too, but I'll try not to apologize for that too, makes me sound like I'm groveling. Look at it this way: there's an update, and it is longer that two pages, it's six pages, and 2,881 words. Well, wonder who it is that followed them down. I should shut up now...
I was reading this over, and saw five or six mistakes. So sorry if I missed them, and very sorry about the long wait, this is the first time I've been able to get online, and be able to post something, my sister had been missing the bus home and getting rides from my mom, thus beating me to the computer and the internet. I have no idea when the next chapter will be out, but next weekend is a four day weekend, so I might be able to get some writing in. So possibly next week sometime. Thank you for all the reviews, they really cheered me up.
-emikae (emily)