Chapter 5 : Enemies in public, friends in privet.
Harry, suddenly, awoke. His scar hurting badly. He rubbed it in an attempt to ease the pain, but with no avail. He looked at the clock, and groaned silently, it was two thirty two, he'd only been asleep for two hours. Harry sat up in bed, something was definitely wrong. He pulled the Marauder's map off his bedside table. Quietly he said the password and the map came alive, Harry lit his wand, and checked where everyone was.
Each student was in their rightful place in their dorms, Filch was patrolling the second story, Mrs. Noris was on the third level, Dumbledore was in his office, and each teacher was in their room. Still Harry had a feel that something was wrong, an increasing feeling of uneasiness. Harry checked all the secret passageways, nothing there. Harry stared at the map, his eyes slowly unfocusing and started to zone out. He tried to ease his anxiety but only found in increase more. He looked at the map again, something was missing.
Harry gasped, a tunnel was being opened. The mirror on the fourth floor was being opened, by some mysterious person without a name under him. That's supposed to be caved in. Harry thought as he climbed out of bed. Harry pulled his invisibility cloak out of his trunk and headed down the stairs silently. He crept across the common room and pushed open the door.
"Who's there?" Someone asked behind him. Harry quickly turned and his invisibility cloak slipped off. "Harry? What are you doing up this late?" The voice continued. Harry made his way over to the fireplace, where the voice was coming from. Ginny was sitting in front of the fire, wrapped up in a blanket, staring at him.
"Hey Ginny. Are you really that cold?" Harry asked, chucking a little, hoping to distract Ginny from her question. Ginny nodded, looking at him curiously.
"What are you doing up so late?" She asked again. Well, there goes distracting her. Harry thought
"I had a nightmare. Same thing as always, I just thought I'd go for a walk." Harry said, his mind racing with excuses. Ginny watched him as he stood up and stood up with him.
"You know maybe a walk would help me too." Ginny said, watching his reaction. She knows I'm up to something. Harry thought quickly as he hid his displeasure at the thought of Ginny getting herself into trouble by following him.
"I don't know. I kind of wanted to be alone." Harry said slowly.
Ginny shook her head. "I'll be quiet. Come one lets go." She started to walk towards the door, Harry with nothing else to do followed. He looked at the Marauder's map as they entered the hall. The mysterious figure was heading along the fifth floor, somewhere underneath them.
Harry led Ginny down the stairs that would take them directly to the fifth floor. Ginny, as promised stayed quiet, as they turned the corner to the fifth floor. Harry looked down the hall, nothing unusual was there. Harry glanced at the map, the dot was walking away from them quickly down the hall that they were in. Harry glanced around him and noticed a hall to the right, he pointed down the hall and sent Ginny a head of him. He really didn't want Ginny to be there when he found out who was sneaking around but he knew he was unable to lose her.
He looked at the map again, in a few more seconds the mysterious person would be out of the hall. Harry pointed his wand down the hall and said a spell. A blue jet of light flew from the tip of his wand, covering everything in the hall. Harry watched the ice spread over everything, knowing the unseen person would be trapped. There was a large upright bump in the hall. Harry looked at the map, it was the unknown person.
Ginny looked back at Harry when she realized he wasn't following her. "Harry? You coming?"
Harry looked at Ginny, thinking. 'I guess he will be all right for a bit.'' Harry followed Ginny and together they walked silently to the tower. Harry told the fat lady the password and they climbed inside. The fire had gone out leaving the common room cold and dark. Harry watched Ginny head up to her dorm.
"Night." He called up to her.
"Night." She echoed from the dark stairs. Harry walked over to his stairs and walked up them. Then at the top he turned around and crept back down. He slipped out the door and ran down to the fifth floor. He skidded to a stop, but unlike he left it, which was an ice land, it was all back to normal. He took out the Marauder's map and checked it. No one was anywhere near the fifth floor. Nor was there any mysterious dot. Harry shuddered and looked around. Something wasn't right, he turned and raced back to the common room. He shut the door behind him, quietly and crept back up the stairs, and into his dorm.
Harry headed passed his bed, to the window and looked out across the grounds. The silvery light from the moon, shone down, lighting everything lightly. He watched as one of the thestrals fly into the air and dive back down into the thick trees. Harry stood there and thought for a half hour as the adrenaline died down. Then Harry yawned and crawled into his bed, the moment his head hit the pillow he was asleep.
*~*~*~*~*~*
Harry slammed his hand on his alarm clock as it rung by his ear. He crawled out of bed and changed into his running clothes. He yawned and looked at his calendar, it was Saturday, no one would be up until much later. He smiled to himself and headed out of the dorm. He left the tower at an easy jog and headed down the stairs that would take him to the entrance hall. He jogged around the dew wet ground and headed into the forest. He stopped when he couldn't see the castle anymore and whistled loudly. A few seconds later there was a loud flapping sound and Theo the thestral, landed in front of Harry.
"Hello Theo." He said as he petted it's long neck. The thestral made a soft squeak, as it nuzzled Harry's shoulder. Theo laid down on the ground, Harry leaned up against his side. He continued to pet Theo as he sketched, absentmindedly, in the dirt. As Harry looked around the dark forest he continued to sketch, when he realized what he was doing, he looked down. Harry gasped, and jumped up quickly. Theo snorted and stood up too. He looked at Harry, with dark eyes filled with confusion, but Harry didn't notice it. He was already headed up to the castle at a run.
Harry raced through the halls so lost in his thoughts that he didn't notice the person walking in front of him up till it was to late. Harry fell to the floor, and skidded backwards a few feet. Harry looked up, into Ginny's brown eyes. She looked at him with an almost guilty expression.
"What are you doing up this early?" Harry asked her, getting slightly suspicious of her guiltiness.
"I-I was just going for a walk, I couldn't sleep." She said, lifting herself off the floor. Harry followed in suit, watching her as she fidgeted with her jacket, it looked as though she had been outside.
Harry raised an eyebrow when she asked. "So what were you doing?"
"You mean you don't know?" Harry asked, mockingly shocked. Ginny looked up at him sharply.
"And what does that mean?" Ginny asked just as sharply as the look she threw at him.
"I've been followed enough to know when I'm being followed. Just tell me, why?" Harry said plainly.
Ginny stared at him, looking extremely guilty. "Because we're worried about where you go when you go running. I'm not sure you should be alone at this time." Harry rolled his eyes.
"I've got to keep in shape and this is the only time I have when I can think, and be alone. Every other time I'm being watched like an animal in a cage. I'm not going to kill myself again! I'm over that now! Why can't any of you believe me? I've got more important things to do then try that stupid stunt again!" Harry practically screamed, he was no longer just angry at Ginny, but at the entire world. He looked Ginny in the eyes, hers were brimming with tears while he knew his was burning with anger. Harry scoffed and stomped off.
He was storming into the common room, when he remembered why he had raced up to the castle. Harry put his anger aside and rushed up to his still quiet dorm. He pulled out his notes about the Wizards and Witches Who've Made Up Their Own Spells book and jotted down the word he had written in the dirt; Aldebaran. Harry picked up the notes and shoved it into the book and jogged out of the dorm. He pushed open the door, book tucked under his arm and he hurried down the hall. He came to Neesm's room, gave the armor the password, and slipped through the door. Neesm slithered out of his hiding place.
"What's wrong? Aren't you supposed to be running? You never come down here in the mornings." He said, shocked to say the lease.
"I was running and I went down to see Theo." Harry said and told Neesm about his morning. Neesm listened quietly, when Harry finished he looked up at him.
"They've been following you? Do they know about this place?" Neesm asked worriedly.
Harry shook his head. "I don't think so. I think they would have told me if they did." Neesm nodded his head, satisfied.
"All right now was is it you said about a new spell?" He asked.
Harry smiled. "I think I've got it. I think I finally found the right word, Aldebaran."
"And what does this spell do?" Neesm asked, thoroughly confused.
Harry laughed lightly. "I guess you weren't listening carefully enough when I told you about it a couple of months ago. It is a shield spell, protects me from every curse."
"All of them? Including." Neesm trailed off.
But Harry knew what he was thinking. "Yes, including the all the unforgivable curses!"
"Wow. I mean.wow! And you can do this? You know how to make your own spells? You've finally figured it out? That's great!" Neesm excitedly said.
Harry laughed, and said. "Thanks for the support, but I've got a little problem. I don't know if it will work. I need someone to cast a spell when I have it on." Neesm grew quiet as he thought.
He looked up at Harry, a look in his eyes. "What if you put it on during the next D.A. meeting? That would help you figure out if the spell would work with harmless curses." Harry thought for a moment.
"That would be a great idea! I could put it on before and then teach them all a curse they don't know or at lease not well and that would be trial one. I'll just never know if the unforgivable curses will work, well maybe all but the killing curse." Harry thought out loud.
Neesm smiled and said. "Glad I could help! Now about Ginny. Maybe you should apologize to her, and find out who all was following you."
"No, I not going to apologize to her, and I'm not talking to the other two either. I'll just chill out with other people." Harry said stubbornly.
"Like Draco?" Neesm asked, a mischievous glint in his eye.
"No. We aren't that good of friends. Besides we don't want to tip his dad off that we're hanging out, trying to get him on the good side. His father might do something dramatic and make him get the dark mark. No, we can't let anyone know we're even being friendly." Harry said as though it was the plainest thing it the world. Harry looked at his watch. "Its time for breakfast. See you tonight."
"Later." Neesm said as he crawled back into his hiding place, Harry got up and headed for the door. Suddenly he turned around and put the out door spell on the room. When he made it to the way it was before he turned and left for the great hall.
He pushed open the door and looked down the Gryffindor table. Hermione, Ron, and Ginny weren't there, no doubt Ginny had gone to the other two when they had ran into each other. They're probably looking for me right now. Harry thought as he sat down next to Dean and Seamus.
"Hey Harry, when's the next D.A. meeting?" Dean asked. Harry shrugged his shoulders, as he poured syrup on his pancakes.
"I'm not sure, I was thinking of talking to Professor Dumbledore and setting a fixed day that everyone can make. Like on Mondays or something. That way we could have it once a week and everyone could attend without it running into the other things we have to do." Harry said, he was thinking about it for a while and wanted to bounce it off someone before he said anything.
"Cool, but will you still be teaching us?" Seamus asked.
"Yeah, if you all still want. But I'd like to have a teacher present for it, that way when we get into harder, slightly more dangerous things well have some one who could help." Harry said, watching the two boys' reactions.
Dean thought for a moment. "What about Madame Pompfry's new assistance? She could watch us and I'm sure Madame Pompfry would go for it, we could tell her it would be a good experience for her." He said, now watching Harry's reaction.
"Great idea!" Harry paused and looked over at the door. Hermione, Ron and Ginny had entered. They were looking around, no doubt for him. "I think I'll go see if its ok with Professor Dumbledore now." Harry said, pushing his plate away and standing up.
"Good luck." Dean said, Seamus nodded, out of the corner of his eye he saw Hermione point him out to the others. Harry quickly headed to the Professor's table as they headed to the Gryffindor table. Professor Dumbledore looked up when Harry reached the table.
"Good Morning, Harry." Professor Dumbledore kindly said. "Is there something I could do for you?"
Harry nodded and said. "Yeah, actually there is. I was wondering if we could continue the D.A. meetings on a set day. Like on Mondays or Tuesdays, a day when it wouldn't interfere with the other things we have to do. That way everyone who wanted to come could. And also that we should have an adult present, because this year I'm going to be starting slightly dangerous things."
Dumbledore nodded. "And is there someone you have in mind?"
Harry smiled. "Actually, I was thinking Madame Pompfry's new assistance, Miss Terry. She'd be getting a good experience should something go wrong."
Dumbledore smiled. "I think that's a very good idea. You can hold it on Wednesdays, and I'll talk to Madame Pompfry about it today. Will you still be teaching?" He asked.
"Yeah, they seem to be able to relate more to me then to the teachers or text books. And they like that I've been fighting Voldemort and I still alive, they take my suggestions to heart." Harry told the old man.
"Yes, I can see why they'd relate to you more. Your their age and have had much more experience then most adults. I'm glad you'll be helping them still. I've seen Mr. Longbottom lately, I must say he is improving greatly. He might be helpful in the future. You know if you weren't going to be an Auror, you might consider being a teacher. You've got a talent." Dumbledore said proudly. Harry smiled and nodded.
"Thanks. I've got to go finish my homework. See you at dinner." Harry said, as he started walk away.
"All right, 'bye." Professor Dumbledore said.
Harry walked out of the Great Hall, without looking at the Gryffindor table. Well, he looked at it out of the corner of his eyes but when he saw Ron and Hermione start to get out of their seats he hurried out. Harry dashed up to the dorm and grabbed his broom, he started to get angry again, just by looking at the three of them. He slammed his trunk closed, taking his anger out on it. He stood looking down at the trunk, and heard the portrait open. He heard Hermione's, Ginny's, and Ron's whispered voices and quickly looked around the room. Quickly he headed to the window, just as they reached the stairs.
Hermione called out quietly. "Harry?"
Harry ignored them and threw open the window, He hopped out of the window just as they pushed open the door. He heard them all gasp, most likely thinking he was trying to kill himself again. Harry nearly laughed, there was no ledge under the window just a straight drop down the ground, way down. He sat on the broom, way before he hit the ground and flew towards the Quidditch pitch.
The whistling sound of the air streaming passed Harry's ears did nothing to soothe him. It almost seemed to anger him more, but for the reason he could not understand why. He made a few loops around the rings without feeling any less irritated. He circled around the field, going at speeds even he didn't want to know.
Then with a sudden new fresh wave of white hot, boiling anger Harry saw the one person he really didn't want to see. The soon to be ex-minister of magic, Cornelius Fudge. He waved Harry over, which wasn't far from where he was hovering. Harry debated leaving him standing on the bleachers and head up to the castle. Harry groaned as Fudge's waves grew more persistent. No way to leave now, I'd hurt the old man's feelings. Harry thought sarcastically. He pointed his broom to Fudge and zoomed over. The look on the man's face was priceless, like he'd actually thought Harry would run him over. Harry screeched to a stop just inches from his side. Harry cocked his head to look at him, an amused expression on his face.
"Yes, Minister?" Harry asked, insultingly. Fudge looked at Harry with a disbelieving look.
"Are the teaching you any manners in that school of yours? You know I'm not out of office until December, I could easily fire all your teachers and Dumbledore. Then I'd rehire new and better teachers for problem children like yourself." He said, his disbelieving look replaced by a sneer.
"Really? And with all the help Professor Dumbledore did when you first became the Minister of Magic, that's how you'd repay him? How sweet, but you regrettably, I'm sure, neglected to remember that you are being replaced in December." Harry said.
"Really? I never would have guessed!" Fudge exclaimed, sarcastically.
"And that many people love Dumbledore and who ever replaced you, is sure to rehire Professor Dumbledore and the teachers. Because they, of course, would want to cleanse the government of your wrong decisions." Harry finished, he could almost hear the anger ringing around inside of Fudge. Harry laughed and swung his broom around, making it face towards the castle. "Now if the only thing you came over here to do was to badger me with insults, then I think I'd better be leaving." Harry pushed himself away from the bleachers and headed towards the school.
"Wait!" Fudge's defeated voice floated over to him. Harry pointed his broom straight up and made a U-turn. Time to play. Harry thought. He pulled up right alongside, and upside down, to Fudge.
"Yes?" Harry asked, looking into Fudge's upside down eyes. He fidgeted and looked away from Harry's eyes. Harry snorted softly, It seems no one is able to hold my gaze for to long anymore. "What do you want, Mr. Fudge." Harry asked, getting irritated.
The man took a deep breath and suddenly met Harry's eyes. "Look, I need your help."
"What is this, Lets-ask-Harry-for-help week?" Harry snapped, really at no one in particular, but Fudge didn't see it that way.
"Excuse me! I didn't realize that it hurt you to give advise to someone." Fudge snapped back.
"No that's not it. Continue, why do you need my help?" Harry sighed as he righted himself. The blood rushing to his head was getting annoying, plus making him lightheaded.
Fudge looked at Harry suspiciously, but continued anyway. "I need a way to make up for all my mistakes, something that will make people remember my goodheartedness. I need an idea of some sort. I figured since I didn't believe you for all that time when the evidence that he-who-must-not-be- named had indeed risen, that you might have a decent idea."
Harry watched him, for signs that the man was kidding. Though something inside of him told him that Fudge was being serious.
"You want to be remembered?" Harry asked.
"Yeah? And who doesn't? It's a human nature to want to be remembered by all." Fudge snapped, thinking Harry was making fun of him.
"I don't." Harry whispered, softly.
"What?"
"Nothing." Harry quickly said. "I'm going to need sometime to think this over. I don't know if I can simply forgive you and help you out. Seeing as how the way you repay the ones who've helped you. I'll be in touch." Harry said, and he pointed the broom, once again, towards the castle.
Although this time he was not called back, and for that Harry was glad. He was slightly irritated that Fudge of all people, the one who refused to believe him, who put Umbridge in Hogwarts, had come to him for help. Feeling suddenly angry, Harry dived down towards the earth. Air rushed passed him, as he gracefully flew straight down. Only when he could see every blade of grass did he pull up from the dive. He leveled out, with a big grin on his face. Harry laughed into the wind, it had been a long time since he had felt this way, pure happiness, nothing hold him back. Harry directed his broom towards the entrance hall, as the sun ducked behind the trees. He slid off his broom, brushed himself off, and pushed the front doors open.
The warm air hit Harry immediately, enveloping him in it. He stepped through the doorway and gently shut the door behind him. He had not walked two steps from the door when someone called his name.
"Well, if it isn't Potter. Been brushing up on your Quidditch skills? Or lack there are." Someone's cold voice echoed through out the hall. Harry turned his head slightly. Right next to the corner was Pansy Parkinson, Crabbe, Goyle and Draco. Pansy, the one who had talked first stepped forward.
"Don't you have anything to say for yourself and your pathetic excuse for Quidditch skills?" She asked in a shrill voice. When Harry said nothing and only stared, she turned on her heels and headed to Draco. "Draco!" She wined as she placed both arms around his neck. Draco looked into Pansy's eyes then slowly shifted to Harry's.
Ever so discreetly, Harry gave him a slight nod. Draco smiled and stepped around Pansy, who wore a big smile. Draco gave Harry a shadow of a wink, and took a deep breath.
"Yes Potter, do tell us. Maybe you should have taken Weasly with you. He might have brushed up over last year but you can only go so far on the Gryffindor team." He said in his metallic cold voice.
Harry laughed. "Its much farther then your entire slime-ball Slytherin team has ever gone." He said.
Crabbe and Goyle cracked their knuckles menacingly. Harry waved a hand in their direction, making them nearly jump in surprise. Draco's eyes widened but not in surprise like Pansy, but almost questioningly.
He shot Harry a look that easily read. You think I won't stop them from beating you into the ground?
Harry gave him a And you think I'd let you? Draco laughed, making Pansy snap her eyes in his direction.
"You know Potter, if your Quidditch skills don't help you, you can always rely on your looks." Draco said, slightly amused.
Pansy screeched with laughter. "What looks! He too ugly!"
"True, Potter tell us. When you were born did the Doctor drop you?" Draco asked, a spark entering his eyes.
"It can't be nearly as bad as you. You were so ugly the Doctor slapped everyone in the Hospital!" Harry chuckled, he saw Draco's lip quiver, no doubt wanting to laugh. But he kept his cool, collected, and slightly angry demeanor.
Harry started to walk away, ignoring the four of them, and headed up to the dorm. He arrived at the portrait, the fat lady looked down at him.
"Password, Dear?" the Fat Lady asked.
"MooShu." The portrait swung open, and Harry crawled inside. The common room was alive with students, most of them just hanging back talking with their friends, Harry glanced around the room. Momentarily envying those who didn't have a care in the world, those who's life didn't end with them committing murder or being killed by their archenemy. Then Harry noticed a small group of people in a dark corner, they didn't notice him and he wanted to keep it that way. He crept over to the stairs, trying to look inconspicuous.
"Harry!" someone called behind him. Harry turned around, suppressing a groan, out of the corner of his eye he saw those three figures in the corner rise. Neville hurried forward towards him.
"Yeah?" Harry said, with no emotion in his voice.
"Can I borrow your transfiguration book? I can't find mine." Neville squeaked. Harry nodded and started to turn back to the stairs. "Oh yeah! Ginny, Ron and Hermione are looking of you."
Harry slapped his forehead and continued up the stairs. He was sure they were going to follow, he slumped on his bed, and waited.
Sure enough not thirty seconds later, Ginny, Ron and Hermione burst open the door. They looked around the room trying to spot his in the dark, and they made their way over to his bed when they did.
"Harry!" They all said at once, and they started off rambling. Harry stayed seated, half amused that he couldn't understand a word of what they were saying. He kept his expression blank through they couldn't see it.
Harry suddenly stood up, surprised the three shut up immediately. Harry took a breath. "No matter how much I enjoy listening to your insane blabbering, I have to go to dinner." Harry said coldly. Hermione opened her mouth to speak but Harry cut her off. "No don't. I really don't care with what you have to say. I've lost all trust in you." With that Harry left the dorm. He stormed all the way to the Great Hall, where he once again sat with Seamus and Dean.
"Harry?" Dean said, probing Harry with the end of his knife. Harry snapped out of his trance like state, and looked over at the other boy.
"What did Professor Dumbledore say about the meeting?" He asked, returning to his food.
"Oh yeah, I forgot to tell you. Its now being held on Wednesdays and Miss. Terry will be watching over us. Just in case." Harry said in a monotone voice.
"Something wrong? You seem upset." Seamus asked.
"Nothing, just a little spat between friends." Harry said quickly. Seamus noticed Harry didn't want to talk about it and dropped the subject. Though he did glance down the table and watched Ginny, Ron and Hermione huddle together, talking. He looked closer, Hermione had a steady stream of tears falling down her face. Seamus looked over at Harry, who was watching him. Harry gave Seamus a small smile, almost daring him to say something. Seamus shook his head and turned back to his food. Harry quickly finished his own food and stood up to leave.
He let his eyes make a quick sweep of all the others eating, in a second he spotted Draco. He was listening to Crabbe babble about something. Suddenly, almost as though he could feel Harry's eyes, he looked up. Draco made a small nod and stood up, saying something to Crabbe and leaving the Great Hall. Harry followed in suit, only out the door that lead to the Gryffindor tower. Harry raced up to his dorm and grabbed his invisibility cloak, and the marauder's map. Then he hurried back down to the common room. He tried to activate the map while he was running but only managed to run into someone.
"Sorry." He mumbled as he stood up. He handed his hand down to help who ever it was up. The person who he ran into lifted their brown eyes up to him. Harry dropped his hand to his side, and stepped away from her.
He started to walk around and out the door when she said. "Wait!" He turned around angrily and watched Ginny climb to her feet.
"Why so you can make up a lie about how you weren't following me?" Harry snapped. Ginny looked him in the eye defiantly.
Suddenly, out of no where she hugged him. Then she said. "Harry, we want to help you."
Harry took a step back, watching her face for any signs of lying. "Fine, follow me. You seem to be good at that." Harry said, as he turned back to the door. He knew he was doing the right thing, out of all his friends Ginny had been the only one who ever saw Voldemort, she was the only one to be possessed by him and live to tell about it. He could trust her to understand.
Harry, suddenly, awoke. His scar hurting badly. He rubbed it in an attempt to ease the pain, but with no avail. He looked at the clock, and groaned silently, it was two thirty two, he'd only been asleep for two hours. Harry sat up in bed, something was definitely wrong. He pulled the Marauder's map off his bedside table. Quietly he said the password and the map came alive, Harry lit his wand, and checked where everyone was.
Each student was in their rightful place in their dorms, Filch was patrolling the second story, Mrs. Noris was on the third level, Dumbledore was in his office, and each teacher was in their room. Still Harry had a feel that something was wrong, an increasing feeling of uneasiness. Harry checked all the secret passageways, nothing there. Harry stared at the map, his eyes slowly unfocusing and started to zone out. He tried to ease his anxiety but only found in increase more. He looked at the map again, something was missing.
Harry gasped, a tunnel was being opened. The mirror on the fourth floor was being opened, by some mysterious person without a name under him. That's supposed to be caved in. Harry thought as he climbed out of bed. Harry pulled his invisibility cloak out of his trunk and headed down the stairs silently. He crept across the common room and pushed open the door.
"Who's there?" Someone asked behind him. Harry quickly turned and his invisibility cloak slipped off. "Harry? What are you doing up this late?" The voice continued. Harry made his way over to the fireplace, where the voice was coming from. Ginny was sitting in front of the fire, wrapped up in a blanket, staring at him.
"Hey Ginny. Are you really that cold?" Harry asked, chucking a little, hoping to distract Ginny from her question. Ginny nodded, looking at him curiously.
"What are you doing up so late?" She asked again. Well, there goes distracting her. Harry thought
"I had a nightmare. Same thing as always, I just thought I'd go for a walk." Harry said, his mind racing with excuses. Ginny watched him as he stood up and stood up with him.
"You know maybe a walk would help me too." Ginny said, watching his reaction. She knows I'm up to something. Harry thought quickly as he hid his displeasure at the thought of Ginny getting herself into trouble by following him.
"I don't know. I kind of wanted to be alone." Harry said slowly.
Ginny shook her head. "I'll be quiet. Come one lets go." She started to walk towards the door, Harry with nothing else to do followed. He looked at the Marauder's map as they entered the hall. The mysterious figure was heading along the fifth floor, somewhere underneath them.
Harry led Ginny down the stairs that would take them directly to the fifth floor. Ginny, as promised stayed quiet, as they turned the corner to the fifth floor. Harry looked down the hall, nothing unusual was there. Harry glanced at the map, the dot was walking away from them quickly down the hall that they were in. Harry glanced around him and noticed a hall to the right, he pointed down the hall and sent Ginny a head of him. He really didn't want Ginny to be there when he found out who was sneaking around but he knew he was unable to lose her.
He looked at the map again, in a few more seconds the mysterious person would be out of the hall. Harry pointed his wand down the hall and said a spell. A blue jet of light flew from the tip of his wand, covering everything in the hall. Harry watched the ice spread over everything, knowing the unseen person would be trapped. There was a large upright bump in the hall. Harry looked at the map, it was the unknown person.
Ginny looked back at Harry when she realized he wasn't following her. "Harry? You coming?"
Harry looked at Ginny, thinking. 'I guess he will be all right for a bit.'' Harry followed Ginny and together they walked silently to the tower. Harry told the fat lady the password and they climbed inside. The fire had gone out leaving the common room cold and dark. Harry watched Ginny head up to her dorm.
"Night." He called up to her.
"Night." She echoed from the dark stairs. Harry walked over to his stairs and walked up them. Then at the top he turned around and crept back down. He slipped out the door and ran down to the fifth floor. He skidded to a stop, but unlike he left it, which was an ice land, it was all back to normal. He took out the Marauder's map and checked it. No one was anywhere near the fifth floor. Nor was there any mysterious dot. Harry shuddered and looked around. Something wasn't right, he turned and raced back to the common room. He shut the door behind him, quietly and crept back up the stairs, and into his dorm.
Harry headed passed his bed, to the window and looked out across the grounds. The silvery light from the moon, shone down, lighting everything lightly. He watched as one of the thestrals fly into the air and dive back down into the thick trees. Harry stood there and thought for a half hour as the adrenaline died down. Then Harry yawned and crawled into his bed, the moment his head hit the pillow he was asleep.
*~*~*~*~*~*
Harry slammed his hand on his alarm clock as it rung by his ear. He crawled out of bed and changed into his running clothes. He yawned and looked at his calendar, it was Saturday, no one would be up until much later. He smiled to himself and headed out of the dorm. He left the tower at an easy jog and headed down the stairs that would take him to the entrance hall. He jogged around the dew wet ground and headed into the forest. He stopped when he couldn't see the castle anymore and whistled loudly. A few seconds later there was a loud flapping sound and Theo the thestral, landed in front of Harry.
"Hello Theo." He said as he petted it's long neck. The thestral made a soft squeak, as it nuzzled Harry's shoulder. Theo laid down on the ground, Harry leaned up against his side. He continued to pet Theo as he sketched, absentmindedly, in the dirt. As Harry looked around the dark forest he continued to sketch, when he realized what he was doing, he looked down. Harry gasped, and jumped up quickly. Theo snorted and stood up too. He looked at Harry, with dark eyes filled with confusion, but Harry didn't notice it. He was already headed up to the castle at a run.
Harry raced through the halls so lost in his thoughts that he didn't notice the person walking in front of him up till it was to late. Harry fell to the floor, and skidded backwards a few feet. Harry looked up, into Ginny's brown eyes. She looked at him with an almost guilty expression.
"What are you doing up this early?" Harry asked her, getting slightly suspicious of her guiltiness.
"I-I was just going for a walk, I couldn't sleep." She said, lifting herself off the floor. Harry followed in suit, watching her as she fidgeted with her jacket, it looked as though she had been outside.
Harry raised an eyebrow when she asked. "So what were you doing?"
"You mean you don't know?" Harry asked, mockingly shocked. Ginny looked up at him sharply.
"And what does that mean?" Ginny asked just as sharply as the look she threw at him.
"I've been followed enough to know when I'm being followed. Just tell me, why?" Harry said plainly.
Ginny stared at him, looking extremely guilty. "Because we're worried about where you go when you go running. I'm not sure you should be alone at this time." Harry rolled his eyes.
"I've got to keep in shape and this is the only time I have when I can think, and be alone. Every other time I'm being watched like an animal in a cage. I'm not going to kill myself again! I'm over that now! Why can't any of you believe me? I've got more important things to do then try that stupid stunt again!" Harry practically screamed, he was no longer just angry at Ginny, but at the entire world. He looked Ginny in the eyes, hers were brimming with tears while he knew his was burning with anger. Harry scoffed and stomped off.
He was storming into the common room, when he remembered why he had raced up to the castle. Harry put his anger aside and rushed up to his still quiet dorm. He pulled out his notes about the Wizards and Witches Who've Made Up Their Own Spells book and jotted down the word he had written in the dirt; Aldebaran. Harry picked up the notes and shoved it into the book and jogged out of the dorm. He pushed open the door, book tucked under his arm and he hurried down the hall. He came to Neesm's room, gave the armor the password, and slipped through the door. Neesm slithered out of his hiding place.
"What's wrong? Aren't you supposed to be running? You never come down here in the mornings." He said, shocked to say the lease.
"I was running and I went down to see Theo." Harry said and told Neesm about his morning. Neesm listened quietly, when Harry finished he looked up at him.
"They've been following you? Do they know about this place?" Neesm asked worriedly.
Harry shook his head. "I don't think so. I think they would have told me if they did." Neesm nodded his head, satisfied.
"All right now was is it you said about a new spell?" He asked.
Harry smiled. "I think I've got it. I think I finally found the right word, Aldebaran."
"And what does this spell do?" Neesm asked, thoroughly confused.
Harry laughed lightly. "I guess you weren't listening carefully enough when I told you about it a couple of months ago. It is a shield spell, protects me from every curse."
"All of them? Including." Neesm trailed off.
But Harry knew what he was thinking. "Yes, including the all the unforgivable curses!"
"Wow. I mean.wow! And you can do this? You know how to make your own spells? You've finally figured it out? That's great!" Neesm excitedly said.
Harry laughed, and said. "Thanks for the support, but I've got a little problem. I don't know if it will work. I need someone to cast a spell when I have it on." Neesm grew quiet as he thought.
He looked up at Harry, a look in his eyes. "What if you put it on during the next D.A. meeting? That would help you figure out if the spell would work with harmless curses." Harry thought for a moment.
"That would be a great idea! I could put it on before and then teach them all a curse they don't know or at lease not well and that would be trial one. I'll just never know if the unforgivable curses will work, well maybe all but the killing curse." Harry thought out loud.
Neesm smiled and said. "Glad I could help! Now about Ginny. Maybe you should apologize to her, and find out who all was following you."
"No, I not going to apologize to her, and I'm not talking to the other two either. I'll just chill out with other people." Harry said stubbornly.
"Like Draco?" Neesm asked, a mischievous glint in his eye.
"No. We aren't that good of friends. Besides we don't want to tip his dad off that we're hanging out, trying to get him on the good side. His father might do something dramatic and make him get the dark mark. No, we can't let anyone know we're even being friendly." Harry said as though it was the plainest thing it the world. Harry looked at his watch. "Its time for breakfast. See you tonight."
"Later." Neesm said as he crawled back into his hiding place, Harry got up and headed for the door. Suddenly he turned around and put the out door spell on the room. When he made it to the way it was before he turned and left for the great hall.
He pushed open the door and looked down the Gryffindor table. Hermione, Ron, and Ginny weren't there, no doubt Ginny had gone to the other two when they had ran into each other. They're probably looking for me right now. Harry thought as he sat down next to Dean and Seamus.
"Hey Harry, when's the next D.A. meeting?" Dean asked. Harry shrugged his shoulders, as he poured syrup on his pancakes.
"I'm not sure, I was thinking of talking to Professor Dumbledore and setting a fixed day that everyone can make. Like on Mondays or something. That way we could have it once a week and everyone could attend without it running into the other things we have to do." Harry said, he was thinking about it for a while and wanted to bounce it off someone before he said anything.
"Cool, but will you still be teaching us?" Seamus asked.
"Yeah, if you all still want. But I'd like to have a teacher present for it, that way when we get into harder, slightly more dangerous things well have some one who could help." Harry said, watching the two boys' reactions.
Dean thought for a moment. "What about Madame Pompfry's new assistance? She could watch us and I'm sure Madame Pompfry would go for it, we could tell her it would be a good experience for her." He said, now watching Harry's reaction.
"Great idea!" Harry paused and looked over at the door. Hermione, Ron and Ginny had entered. They were looking around, no doubt for him. "I think I'll go see if its ok with Professor Dumbledore now." Harry said, pushing his plate away and standing up.
"Good luck." Dean said, Seamus nodded, out of the corner of his eye he saw Hermione point him out to the others. Harry quickly headed to the Professor's table as they headed to the Gryffindor table. Professor Dumbledore looked up when Harry reached the table.
"Good Morning, Harry." Professor Dumbledore kindly said. "Is there something I could do for you?"
Harry nodded and said. "Yeah, actually there is. I was wondering if we could continue the D.A. meetings on a set day. Like on Mondays or Tuesdays, a day when it wouldn't interfere with the other things we have to do. That way everyone who wanted to come could. And also that we should have an adult present, because this year I'm going to be starting slightly dangerous things."
Dumbledore nodded. "And is there someone you have in mind?"
Harry smiled. "Actually, I was thinking Madame Pompfry's new assistance, Miss Terry. She'd be getting a good experience should something go wrong."
Dumbledore smiled. "I think that's a very good idea. You can hold it on Wednesdays, and I'll talk to Madame Pompfry about it today. Will you still be teaching?" He asked.
"Yeah, they seem to be able to relate more to me then to the teachers or text books. And they like that I've been fighting Voldemort and I still alive, they take my suggestions to heart." Harry told the old man.
"Yes, I can see why they'd relate to you more. Your their age and have had much more experience then most adults. I'm glad you'll be helping them still. I've seen Mr. Longbottom lately, I must say he is improving greatly. He might be helpful in the future. You know if you weren't going to be an Auror, you might consider being a teacher. You've got a talent." Dumbledore said proudly. Harry smiled and nodded.
"Thanks. I've got to go finish my homework. See you at dinner." Harry said, as he started walk away.
"All right, 'bye." Professor Dumbledore said.
Harry walked out of the Great Hall, without looking at the Gryffindor table. Well, he looked at it out of the corner of his eyes but when he saw Ron and Hermione start to get out of their seats he hurried out. Harry dashed up to the dorm and grabbed his broom, he started to get angry again, just by looking at the three of them. He slammed his trunk closed, taking his anger out on it. He stood looking down at the trunk, and heard the portrait open. He heard Hermione's, Ginny's, and Ron's whispered voices and quickly looked around the room. Quickly he headed to the window, just as they reached the stairs.
Hermione called out quietly. "Harry?"
Harry ignored them and threw open the window, He hopped out of the window just as they pushed open the door. He heard them all gasp, most likely thinking he was trying to kill himself again. Harry nearly laughed, there was no ledge under the window just a straight drop down the ground, way down. He sat on the broom, way before he hit the ground and flew towards the Quidditch pitch.
The whistling sound of the air streaming passed Harry's ears did nothing to soothe him. It almost seemed to anger him more, but for the reason he could not understand why. He made a few loops around the rings without feeling any less irritated. He circled around the field, going at speeds even he didn't want to know.
Then with a sudden new fresh wave of white hot, boiling anger Harry saw the one person he really didn't want to see. The soon to be ex-minister of magic, Cornelius Fudge. He waved Harry over, which wasn't far from where he was hovering. Harry debated leaving him standing on the bleachers and head up to the castle. Harry groaned as Fudge's waves grew more persistent. No way to leave now, I'd hurt the old man's feelings. Harry thought sarcastically. He pointed his broom to Fudge and zoomed over. The look on the man's face was priceless, like he'd actually thought Harry would run him over. Harry screeched to a stop just inches from his side. Harry cocked his head to look at him, an amused expression on his face.
"Yes, Minister?" Harry asked, insultingly. Fudge looked at Harry with a disbelieving look.
"Are the teaching you any manners in that school of yours? You know I'm not out of office until December, I could easily fire all your teachers and Dumbledore. Then I'd rehire new and better teachers for problem children like yourself." He said, his disbelieving look replaced by a sneer.
"Really? And with all the help Professor Dumbledore did when you first became the Minister of Magic, that's how you'd repay him? How sweet, but you regrettably, I'm sure, neglected to remember that you are being replaced in December." Harry said.
"Really? I never would have guessed!" Fudge exclaimed, sarcastically.
"And that many people love Dumbledore and who ever replaced you, is sure to rehire Professor Dumbledore and the teachers. Because they, of course, would want to cleanse the government of your wrong decisions." Harry finished, he could almost hear the anger ringing around inside of Fudge. Harry laughed and swung his broom around, making it face towards the castle. "Now if the only thing you came over here to do was to badger me with insults, then I think I'd better be leaving." Harry pushed himself away from the bleachers and headed towards the school.
"Wait!" Fudge's defeated voice floated over to him. Harry pointed his broom straight up and made a U-turn. Time to play. Harry thought. He pulled up right alongside, and upside down, to Fudge.
"Yes?" Harry asked, looking into Fudge's upside down eyes. He fidgeted and looked away from Harry's eyes. Harry snorted softly, It seems no one is able to hold my gaze for to long anymore. "What do you want, Mr. Fudge." Harry asked, getting irritated.
The man took a deep breath and suddenly met Harry's eyes. "Look, I need your help."
"What is this, Lets-ask-Harry-for-help week?" Harry snapped, really at no one in particular, but Fudge didn't see it that way.
"Excuse me! I didn't realize that it hurt you to give advise to someone." Fudge snapped back.
"No that's not it. Continue, why do you need my help?" Harry sighed as he righted himself. The blood rushing to his head was getting annoying, plus making him lightheaded.
Fudge looked at Harry suspiciously, but continued anyway. "I need a way to make up for all my mistakes, something that will make people remember my goodheartedness. I need an idea of some sort. I figured since I didn't believe you for all that time when the evidence that he-who-must-not-be- named had indeed risen, that you might have a decent idea."
Harry watched him, for signs that the man was kidding. Though something inside of him told him that Fudge was being serious.
"You want to be remembered?" Harry asked.
"Yeah? And who doesn't? It's a human nature to want to be remembered by all." Fudge snapped, thinking Harry was making fun of him.
"I don't." Harry whispered, softly.
"What?"
"Nothing." Harry quickly said. "I'm going to need sometime to think this over. I don't know if I can simply forgive you and help you out. Seeing as how the way you repay the ones who've helped you. I'll be in touch." Harry said, and he pointed the broom, once again, towards the castle.
Although this time he was not called back, and for that Harry was glad. He was slightly irritated that Fudge of all people, the one who refused to believe him, who put Umbridge in Hogwarts, had come to him for help. Feeling suddenly angry, Harry dived down towards the earth. Air rushed passed him, as he gracefully flew straight down. Only when he could see every blade of grass did he pull up from the dive. He leveled out, with a big grin on his face. Harry laughed into the wind, it had been a long time since he had felt this way, pure happiness, nothing hold him back. Harry directed his broom towards the entrance hall, as the sun ducked behind the trees. He slid off his broom, brushed himself off, and pushed the front doors open.
The warm air hit Harry immediately, enveloping him in it. He stepped through the doorway and gently shut the door behind him. He had not walked two steps from the door when someone called his name.
"Well, if it isn't Potter. Been brushing up on your Quidditch skills? Or lack there are." Someone's cold voice echoed through out the hall. Harry turned his head slightly. Right next to the corner was Pansy Parkinson, Crabbe, Goyle and Draco. Pansy, the one who had talked first stepped forward.
"Don't you have anything to say for yourself and your pathetic excuse for Quidditch skills?" She asked in a shrill voice. When Harry said nothing and only stared, she turned on her heels and headed to Draco. "Draco!" She wined as she placed both arms around his neck. Draco looked into Pansy's eyes then slowly shifted to Harry's.
Ever so discreetly, Harry gave him a slight nod. Draco smiled and stepped around Pansy, who wore a big smile. Draco gave Harry a shadow of a wink, and took a deep breath.
"Yes Potter, do tell us. Maybe you should have taken Weasly with you. He might have brushed up over last year but you can only go so far on the Gryffindor team." He said in his metallic cold voice.
Harry laughed. "Its much farther then your entire slime-ball Slytherin team has ever gone." He said.
Crabbe and Goyle cracked their knuckles menacingly. Harry waved a hand in their direction, making them nearly jump in surprise. Draco's eyes widened but not in surprise like Pansy, but almost questioningly.
He shot Harry a look that easily read. You think I won't stop them from beating you into the ground?
Harry gave him a And you think I'd let you? Draco laughed, making Pansy snap her eyes in his direction.
"You know Potter, if your Quidditch skills don't help you, you can always rely on your looks." Draco said, slightly amused.
Pansy screeched with laughter. "What looks! He too ugly!"
"True, Potter tell us. When you were born did the Doctor drop you?" Draco asked, a spark entering his eyes.
"It can't be nearly as bad as you. You were so ugly the Doctor slapped everyone in the Hospital!" Harry chuckled, he saw Draco's lip quiver, no doubt wanting to laugh. But he kept his cool, collected, and slightly angry demeanor.
Harry started to walk away, ignoring the four of them, and headed up to the dorm. He arrived at the portrait, the fat lady looked down at him.
"Password, Dear?" the Fat Lady asked.
"MooShu." The portrait swung open, and Harry crawled inside. The common room was alive with students, most of them just hanging back talking with their friends, Harry glanced around the room. Momentarily envying those who didn't have a care in the world, those who's life didn't end with them committing murder or being killed by their archenemy. Then Harry noticed a small group of people in a dark corner, they didn't notice him and he wanted to keep it that way. He crept over to the stairs, trying to look inconspicuous.
"Harry!" someone called behind him. Harry turned around, suppressing a groan, out of the corner of his eye he saw those three figures in the corner rise. Neville hurried forward towards him.
"Yeah?" Harry said, with no emotion in his voice.
"Can I borrow your transfiguration book? I can't find mine." Neville squeaked. Harry nodded and started to turn back to the stairs. "Oh yeah! Ginny, Ron and Hermione are looking of you."
Harry slapped his forehead and continued up the stairs. He was sure they were going to follow, he slumped on his bed, and waited.
Sure enough not thirty seconds later, Ginny, Ron and Hermione burst open the door. They looked around the room trying to spot his in the dark, and they made their way over to his bed when they did.
"Harry!" They all said at once, and they started off rambling. Harry stayed seated, half amused that he couldn't understand a word of what they were saying. He kept his expression blank through they couldn't see it.
Harry suddenly stood up, surprised the three shut up immediately. Harry took a breath. "No matter how much I enjoy listening to your insane blabbering, I have to go to dinner." Harry said coldly. Hermione opened her mouth to speak but Harry cut her off. "No don't. I really don't care with what you have to say. I've lost all trust in you." With that Harry left the dorm. He stormed all the way to the Great Hall, where he once again sat with Seamus and Dean.
"Harry?" Dean said, probing Harry with the end of his knife. Harry snapped out of his trance like state, and looked over at the other boy.
"What did Professor Dumbledore say about the meeting?" He asked, returning to his food.
"Oh yeah, I forgot to tell you. Its now being held on Wednesdays and Miss. Terry will be watching over us. Just in case." Harry said in a monotone voice.
"Something wrong? You seem upset." Seamus asked.
"Nothing, just a little spat between friends." Harry said quickly. Seamus noticed Harry didn't want to talk about it and dropped the subject. Though he did glance down the table and watched Ginny, Ron and Hermione huddle together, talking. He looked closer, Hermione had a steady stream of tears falling down her face. Seamus looked over at Harry, who was watching him. Harry gave Seamus a small smile, almost daring him to say something. Seamus shook his head and turned back to his food. Harry quickly finished his own food and stood up to leave.
He let his eyes make a quick sweep of all the others eating, in a second he spotted Draco. He was listening to Crabbe babble about something. Suddenly, almost as though he could feel Harry's eyes, he looked up. Draco made a small nod and stood up, saying something to Crabbe and leaving the Great Hall. Harry followed in suit, only out the door that lead to the Gryffindor tower. Harry raced up to his dorm and grabbed his invisibility cloak, and the marauder's map. Then he hurried back down to the common room. He tried to activate the map while he was running but only managed to run into someone.
"Sorry." He mumbled as he stood up. He handed his hand down to help who ever it was up. The person who he ran into lifted their brown eyes up to him. Harry dropped his hand to his side, and stepped away from her.
He started to walk around and out the door when she said. "Wait!" He turned around angrily and watched Ginny climb to her feet.
"Why so you can make up a lie about how you weren't following me?" Harry snapped. Ginny looked him in the eye defiantly.
Suddenly, out of no where she hugged him. Then she said. "Harry, we want to help you."
Harry took a step back, watching her face for any signs of lying. "Fine, follow me. You seem to be good at that." Harry said, as he turned back to the door. He knew he was doing the right thing, out of all his friends Ginny had been the only one who ever saw Voldemort, she was the only one to be possessed by him and live to tell about it. He could trust her to understand.