Chapter Three
As normal, sleep had been interrupted. Visions and nightmares echoed by day time. Even the medi-witch, Madame Pompfrey, was stricken by his constant arrival to the hospital wing when the Dark Lord decided to unintentionally harm the boy with torture and echoing curses.
With the promise of a new day, Harry Potter could not shake the sudden fear. His body trembled with the after curses of his nightmares and potions shoved down his aching throat. Even food had been shoved into his painfully thin body. But that did not stop the emerald green eyes to darken with fear and shadows in a pale drawn face. His shaggy thick black hair fell in disarray around his pale features and tensed shoulders, hiding the famously known scar, the lightening bolt upon the sweaty forehead.
That same scar began to lightly throb, alerting him to the knowledge that something was going to happen. That same scar he had received when he was but a babe, hiding in his crib behind his devoted mother. That same scar given by a dark evil man, demanding his life with a green light, the Killing Curse, 'Avada Kedavra.' That same scar that cost him a loving mother and a proud father. That same scar that made him famous when hebounced that Killing Curse back to its castor, destroying the physical body of Lord Voldemort. That same scar that haunted him at night.
Then hands dropped onto his shoulders, startling him. Emerald eyes swiftly jerked upwards to see the smiling red-head. Ron and Hermione smiled as they came to drag him from the infirmary to a new weekend to Hogsmeade. They forgave him for the detention served from earlier that week, even helped him to the hospital wing during the late hours of the night, trying hard not to constantly ask 'why'.
"Come on, Harry! This is exactly what we all need! A break!"
"Ron!"
"Ah, Hermione. We've been studying all week. And Harry's been distracted all week."
The female Gryffindor simply huffed, glaring at the hyper male. "Don't blame me! You've barely study all last year or the past few weeks! And leave Harry alone!"
Harry gave a small tired smile at his friends' constant bickering. Deep down he had truly missed their closeness, which could explain the sudden hug he gave them as they exited the castle.
"Harry? Not that I appreciate this but are you okay?"
He smiled into the brunette's neck, "I missed you guys. Don't ever give up on me. Promise me, no matter what you'll always be there."
Tears pricked at the brown-eyed Muggle born witch, "Oh, Harry."
Ron smiled through his tears, hugging his friend tighter, "You're our best friend, mate. We've always stick through the good and bad, despite our troubles."
From behind, three professors smiled as the three friends shared emotions. Snape snorted, trying to hide his smile. A part of him was glad that Harry could now at least depend on his friends for help, but another part could only hope he would remain the boy's confidante. Even if they were playing a part on the outside and being truthful inside.
Moments later, the three Gryffindors had just stepped into Hogsmeade Village when several loud cracks echoed through the cheerful air. The trio jumped at the sight of robed and masked figures but really began to fear for themselves when a chilly feeling gripped them tightly.
Screams rang loudly as the three Hogwarts professors-turned-chaperones began to call out spells to shove back the entering Dementors and Death Eaters. Various older students tried to herd the younger behind them, protecting them with shields and spells.
"Death Eaters! It's got to be You-Know-Who!" Ron couldn't believe the dark side would dare attack this close to Hogwarts.
Hermione, being the smarter of the trio, knew instantly that Harry could be in trouble. Drawing her wand and preparing to fight back, she screamed for Harry to run, "Harry! Go!"
Emerald eyes widened as he drew his wand and stumbled backwards. His two friends leaped before him, wands drawn and determined to fight back. "I don't think so, Mr. Potter!"
Hermione screamed as a masked figure harshly flung a spell at her, flinging her body aside. She almost blacked out when her body connected with an unforgiving store wall. Bleary eyes watched as she struggled to her feet. Ron was also flung aside by two other Death Eaters. Both tried to re-enter the fray when another masked figure shouted a curse before Harry could say anything, "STUPEFY!"
The sudden dropping of Harry Potter's body alerted the other Death Eaters to retreat. Even with the sudden appearance of the Aurors, they refused to leave without their new captive. With hexes and spells flying, a familiar voice echoed in an arrogant tone as hands grasped the still body of Harry Potter closely, "Until next time, my dear Aurors." With that Lucius Malfoy disappeared as voices screamed out, "HARRY!"
Listening to the frantic screams, a hidden figure sighed. 'Prepare the way, my friends. I am about to do the family's bidding. Our future has been created. I only hope they forgive us for blocking their way to protect the young boy.' Without another word, the figure faded away, following Harry Potter.
