Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
By: Fred and George Weasley are MY kings
DISCLAIMER: I own nothing!
Chapter 17: Krum's Last Letter
FIRSTLY REVIEWS:
BeautifulLady: Thanks for the review. I updated ASAP. Enjoy!
Laura Depravi: Thanks for the review!
Blue Mittens: My biggest fan? I am touched, and I am so glad that you found the chapter intriguing and enjoyable. Thanks for the review.
Clara: Hooked, eh? Absolutely nothing wrong with that! Thanks for the review.
Mersang: Thanks for the reviews, and of course, the awesome detective work. Again, I really hope everything isn't that easy to figure out. After all, it is a mystery. Thanks again, and enjoy Chapter 17.
Vertigo4ever: Thanks for the review and the complement. I really wanted Hagrid to be in character, as well as everyone else. I really wanted the prophecy to have double meaning… you know, each word could mean at least two different things… it just depends on how you look at it… I really hope I did it, haha. Again, thanks and enjoy chapter 17!
Frettchen: Thanks for the review. Hope you enjoy this chapter!
Author's Notes: Sorry for the wait. School is taking up so much time, and I am just too busy. I got this out as soon as possible. Thanks for being so patient! Enjoy!
Chapter 17: Krum's Last Letter
The news of the attack on Durmstrang Academy encircled Hogwarts like wildfire, and it wasn't long until many were asking the burning question; if Durmstrang had been attacked, could Hogwarts? The sensible students, like that of Hermione, shot the possibility down very quickly. However, those who were slightly more paranoid, such as Parvati and Lavender, began preparing for the worst. The girls had begun packing prized items in a small bag, so that if Voldemort decided to attack, all they had to do was grab their bags and flee.
Others shared Lavender and Parvati's views of paranoia. After all, they reasoned, the location of Durmstrang had been so securely hidden that of course Voldemort would easily be able to attack such a place as Hogwarts. The location was widely known, making the castle venerable to an attack. And didn't Hogwarts house the Dark Lord's greatest enemies?
No one else was more annoyed by these thoughts than Hermione was. Being a Prefect, she began to take house points for even just the mention of such worries. However, Harry found himself wondering much of the same thing. He knew that Voldemort didn't dare to attack Hogwarts… Besides the castle was much too protected. But why and how had Voldemort succeeded in attacking Durmstrang?
The worst thing that the article in the Daily Prophet did was to quote the words of the sole survivor, who provided such gruesome descriptions that Harry had skipped over that whole section. According to the Prophet, only fifty of the 380 students of Durmstrang Academy were reported to be dead. The others had joined ranks with the Dark Lord, killing their own classmates when they refused to join. The ultimate sight was proclaimed to be that of anarchy. The students as a whole were easily persuaded and those who weren't persuaded as easily were killed without a moment's hesitation. It was believed that the Dark Lord had attacked for the sole purpose of gaining more followers, but Harry found this doubtful. Many of the students were young, and therefore untrained in even the basic elements of defense. How was it that they could be used to an advantage? Harry, Hermione, and Ron all suspected a different reason; the reason was to make Karkaroff talk.
Igor Karkaroff had officially been enduring the torture of the Dark Lord for a week, and Harry could sense Voldemort's patience was wearing thin. His scar would prickle, without any warning, and although Harry never truly saw anything, he sensed it.
Occulmency was becoming second nature to Harry as he and Professor Tonson began meeting more regularly. Though Harry could still sense Voldemort's emotions when they were at their very highest, they never overtook Harry's own emotions. The improvement that Harry had achieved mystified him. Snape had been relentless in the training as was Tonson. Why hadn't he achieved anything while he was practicing with Snape? The question plagued him and thoroughly made him question both Snape and Tonson's motives. However, there were other issues at hand. Karkaroff's torture was one other issue.
The Order had again attempted to free Karkaroff through Gretchen, but the result was fruitless. Time was working against them, and the Order, like Harry, knew that Voldemort's patience would soon run out.
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Three days after the scandalous issue of the Dailey Prophet had been printed, the news slightly died, but the fear did not diminish altogether. The day's lessons continued normally, and many students forgot of the events that had plagued their minds before. Harry, Ron, and Hermione were among these students. They had resolved to not dwell on the night's events… if something came up which would lead them to further understanding of what had gone on, then it was to be shared. If not, then it remained a topic that would be discussed later.
With it being the third week of January, snow again fell quietly outside as Harry, Ron, and Hermione all were seated in the common room. Being sixth years came with a certain respect given from other students, and the three were granted the best seats by the roaring fire. Ron and Harry, who had abandoned their homework in the midst of the excitement of the attack, were hurriedly trying to lessen their stack of homework that still needed to be completed.
Ron, who was lying on the hearthrug, suddenly let out an exasperated groan. "Hermione, please… I just can't think of anything else to write," Ron let out in a coaxing voice, while Hermione rolled her eyes as she better situated herself in the red armchair.
"Ron, honestly, I am not going to let you cheat. I warned you two about keeping up with your homework. I don't know why you never listen to me," Hermione said in an annoyed tone while Ron looked deflated. Harry was surprised by Hermione's response. The two were now officially dating, much to everyone's relief. Harry found that he was not the only one who once found their bickering very aggravating. Luna, Neville, and just about every other Gryffindor had in fact placed bets upon not if Ron and Hermione would get together, but merely when it would happen.
Luna had been complaining the other night that Fred and George Weasley had won, and that the final sum had been around somewhere around two hundred galleons. Harry had immediately wondered why he hadn't been asked to join in and place a wager. "Fred and George told Ginny that you couldn't place a bet because you had an unfair advantage over the rest of us," Luna smiled, "You know, being their best friend gives you a lot of insight."
Harry had to smile… perhaps he did have an insight to their relationship before, but not any more. Ron and Hermione seemed to become very distant whenever Harry was around. It was very apparent that they had feelings for each other, but in his presence there was no touching or sweet talk… something Harry was eternally grateful for. It wasn't that he found himself jealous; in fact he had always had his suspicions since fourth year, and had concluded along time ago that it was bound to happen. To Harry, it was just their efforts to prevent him from feeling like the third-wheel.
Continuing with his Potions essay, Harry began searching his text for more of the effects of the Hentarogue potion, as Hermione checked her watch.
"Harry, we should be heading down. The D.A. meeting starts in about twenty minutes."
"Good," Ron said quickly rolling up his parchment. "I am tired of doing this...18 inches is insane."
Hermione kept quiet, but her face was bearing a frustrated expression as she stood up. Harry also stood and the three made their way to the Room of Requirement. Normally, Harry was the only one to set up the D.A. meeting, but this one had cause quite a great deal of anticipation. Since all of the members had improved beyond recognition, Harry had decided it was time to learn something big… Patronuses, again. The resulting excitement from the D.A. members was something Harry never suspected. The older D.A. members, who had already worked on the spell, were just as excited as those who hadn't. Soon the fear of being vulnerable in the event of an attack flew out the window. They would learn to defend themselves; Hogwarts would not fall like Durmstrang had.
The trio quickly made their way to the Room of Requirement and began to set things up. Naturally, the room knew there was need for a boggart (since they couldn't use a real dementor) and there was a large trunk in the center of the room that quivered dangerously as the three first entered the room.
Only about ten minutes passed, but all of the D.A. members filed in instinctively rolling up their sleeves and drawing their wand with the excitement readable in their expressions. Upon realizing that everyone was present, Harry stood in front of everyone and spoke of what Lupin had taught him in third year.
"Now, today we will be practicing the patronus charm. Many of you already know how this works, but I am going to go through all of it. Firstly, it is important to know that this will only work if you are focusing on a very happy memory as you cast the spell The incantation is "expecto patrunum." With that being said, this charm is really difficult, like you all know, and you won't get it absolutely right on your first try."
"Did you?" Zacharias Smith interrupted.
"Did I, what?" said Harry blankly.
"Did you do it on your first try?"
"Oh, no, not at all," Harry reassured them. "Right, well, err… who wants to go first?" A few murmurs ran through the members and it appeared like no one wanted to go just yet. Finally a disgruntled looking Colin Creevey was pushed forward from the pack. "I guess I am going," he said a bit nervously as Harry let out a grin.
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An hour later, Harry was making his way to the common room. He was exhausted, but rather proud of the group's accomplishments. A couple of the D.A. members from last year had strengthened the force beyond their spells, which made Harry feel a surge of pride. No one had succeeded in doing it perfectly, like Harry had warned, but the effort was what really made the difference.
It wasn't long until he reached the portrait of the Fat Lady, and he grumbled out the password, as the portrait opened revealing the Gryffindor common room. Since it was nearing 5:30, the common room was teeming with people. Timid first years were playing exploding snaps in a corner while a group of third year girls were sitting around a table gossiping. Hermione and Ron were nowhere to be seen. Probably snogging each other senseless, he thought sighing, while a bad mental image graced his mind. Harry proceeded to his dorm room, feeling more worn out by each passing second. He had no idea has to why he was feeling so utterly exhausted.
It was too early to go to sleep, but Harry flopped on his four-poster bed regardless. The next thing he knew, sleep had claimed him.
Before he could enjoy the rest for very long, a different emotion overtook him. He felt powerful and strong… and an anxiety flowed within in him…soon he would be unstoppable. Suddenly, a blurry picture came into view. The air was heavy as Harry stepped into the dungeon. Pettigrew was to his right blabbering excitedly like the maddening fool he was. "My Lord, he said he is finally ready to tell you. Karkaroff says he is ready to die."
"He has been ready to die for quite some time," Harry spat maliciously, "Defying me is a death sentence to anyone… don't forget that, Pettigrew."
The dungeon was dark and damp as the cold stonewalls glistened with an evil glow. The small compartment was empty, despite one creature who lay on his back, his eyes protruding, and his body twisted into an unnaturally position. The pain was apparent in the man's face, and Harry took great pleasure in seeing the marks of agony.
"Tell your Lord of the weapon," said Harry his voice sounding cold, hopeless… but mostly it sounded devoid of any human emotion… his voice was dead.
"I will," came a muffled voice. The veritaserum was finally working… Bellatrix could always be trusted. His followers had been using everything they could to get Karkaroff to speak. They had even gone to such extremes as too attack Durmstrang. Now, all would be revealed.
Harry was soon leaning forward, his black cloak swishing slightly at the sudden movement. He was anxious… he was to finally get his answers. He was finally about to get his weapon; a weapon, that if owned by him, would restore him to unimaginable power. Would the foul creature speak? His thoughts reared madly looking at the filthy traitor that lay half-dead before him. His temper began rising… and he fought the urge to dispose of the man immediately. He needed the information, needed the power.
"Speak, Karkaroff. Who is he?"
"It's Viktor Krum," the man, who was splayed out helplessly before him, croaked out.
"How do you know?" asked the cold, dead voice flatly.
"When I first joined you, on the eve Halloween, a cloaked figure came to me."
"Who came to Karkaroff?"
"I don't know; some sort of seer. They knew things." Karkaroff continued his voice shaking as death was beginning to creep upon him.
"What did they say? Speak, you foul creature! Tell everything to your Lord!" Harry screamed as an anger so fierce rose in him.
"They told me a prophecy, a prophecy that had clues. I figured out the clues," Karkaroff stopped and winced in pain, "All the clues led to Krum. He was a half-blood, but as soon as he was to become of age, I decided to enroll him in Durmstrang. The prophecy said that you would become all powerful if he helped you, and I was planning on keeping an eye on him during his growing years. I wanted to be rewarded for doing such a great deed for my master. On Halloween, I sought out to tell you, but the Potter boy defeated you. I became frightened… I quickly changed my ways and convinced the ministry I had nothing to do with you. I still enrolled Krum in Durmstrang, but after that I feared your reign. I watched over Krum, making sure he was protected and making sure his past was kept quiet, even by keeping him in the dark. Viktor became like a son to me, and I soon ran to the caves knowing that if you found me, Viktor's identity would come out."
Harry looked to Bellatrix. "Get Krum, alive… now!"
She nodded and left hurriedly her cloak making a swishing sound across the dungeon floor.
"Thank you, Karkaroff… but I am afraid it is time. You have made me wait far too long." Harry said as he raised his wand. "Crucio!" Harry said with a voice so full of hatred. Karkaroff's screams echoed through the empty dungeon. A sound so full of agony, that it frightened anyone who heard it… All but Harry, of course, who felt a smile curving on his lips. Then a voice began to blur with Karkaroff's cry… Harry jumped back surprised, as he felt a great jolt from inside of him.
As Harry Potter woke on the dormitory floor, the Dark Lord was beginning to realize what had just happened.
"Harry, wake up." Hermione was crying.
"Holy hell, look at him," Ron called out, "What happened?"
As Harry sat, his seared with unimaginable pain, causing him to clutch it with his hand and groan. "It's Krum, he's the half-blood prince," Harry said weakly.
"We know," Hermione said flatly.
"What? How?"
Hermione's eyes filled with tears as she hand parchment to Harry.
Dear Hermione,
This will be my last letter. I cannot say much, but I am going to help Karkaroff. The people who have him have agreed to let him free if I come with them. They have told me I am a prince and my role is very important. I don't know what they want and I don't know when I'll see you again. Please just know that I will never forget you.
I know there were differences in our feelings for each other, but I truly loved you. I know that you are with that Ronald, but I still wish you would change your mind.
Again this will be my last letter for quite some time. I do not know what is going to happen to me, but I need to free Karkaroff.
Please do not keep writing, since I will not have time to respond. Just know that I will be safe and well.
Love,
Viktor
As Harry finished reading, a realization dawned upon him… something so truthful he knew not to question it. "It's not Krum," said Harry in a voice that did not sound like his own.
"What? Harry did you not read the letter?"
"I read it… I even saw Karkaroff admit that the Half-Blood Prince was Krum… but it doesn't feel right. It just can't be Krum."
"You saw it? Harry this is not good. I thought Occulmency was going well," Hermione questioned.
"It is! I have no idea why I saw it. But I just know… it's not Krum. There has been a mistake somewhere. Karkaroff must've made a mistake."
"I think you better tell us what happened," Ron said flatly.
Harry then continued to tell his friends what he had seen. He, of course, did not tell them that he had been inside of Voldemort's body... feeling Voldemort's emotions. Other than that small factor, everything else was recited. After he had finished, Ron sat there a blank expression claiming his freckled face and Hermione looked horrified.
"I still don't understand why you don't believe it is Krum," Ron said exasperated.
"It's just a feeling Ron… I just know. I can't explain it." Harry said in a frustrated tone.
"Well, then we believe you Harry," Hermione said defiantly, "I just wish there was a way to help Viktor. He is so stupid to be so trusting like that. Of course they aren't going to let Karkaroff go."
"Karkaroff is probably already dead," Harry said flatly as the sound of the horrible screams came back and sent a chill throughout his body.
Ron looked down to the ground in silence while Hermione wore a defeated expression. Harry could tell that the next days were not going to be easy. He had no idea how right he truly was.
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Word about Viktor Krum's disappearance spread almost faster then the news of the Durmstrang attack. The quidditch team, in which Krum played for, pasted his picture on all of the wizarding newspapers they could find. He was desperately needed for the big game the next week and the ministry immediately began searching for clues to his disappearance. The final conclusion came to that Krum had left on his own will.
Harry, Hermione, and Ron had immediately reported to Dumbledore's office to tell what had happened. After they had finished and explained the entire ordeal, they stood and made their way to the door, leaving the old man stunned.
"Just wait you three," Dumbledore demanded in a soft voice, finally regaining all of his composure. "There is something I have to share with you… and you may want to sit down."
A/N: Well this chapter was a bit short but I liked it anyways. Brownie point to anyone who can guess what Dumbledore is going to tell them… I foreshadowed it in Chapter 15. To answer the buzzing question, Krum is not my HBP. Come on it is only January! They can't find him already.
On another note, a group of friends and I started a Harry Potter fanfiction group at Yahoo. The link can be found in my profile. We are in need of more members to make the group more active. Take a look, and if you like what you see, feel free to join! Everyone is welcome.
Any comments, suggestions, questions, ideas, or complaints? If so, please share. However, flames are not needed. REVIEW! REVIEW! REVIEW! Thanks.