Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

By: Fred and George Weasley are MY kings

DISCLAIMER: I own nothing!

FIRSTLY REVIEWS:

Vertigio4ever: Thanks for the review. Go Badgers! Hehe… about Tom Riddle, I am hoping to update soon!

Nandhp: Thanks for the review and the feedback on the NEWTS question. Enjoy chapter 19!

Blackrose71089: Thanks for the review and for the feedback on the NEWTS… I updated as soon as possible. Thanks again!

Blue Mittens: So glad you liked the chapter! I hope you like this one too.

Clara: Thanks a ton the review!

Laura Depravi: Thanks so much!

Quick authors note before we begin: Much thanks to all the reviewers. I have a grand total of 96 reviews for my FIRST fanfic (and its not even over yet)! Hugs and kisses to you all! Also, I highly recommend rereading Chapter 15, as improvements have been made and they will slightly affect this chapter.

Chapter 19: The Link and the Capture
Following Professor Hall proved to be a bit more tiring then what Harry had first expected. Hall walked much faster then what Harry was accustomed to, and Harry found himself practically running to keep up with speedy professor.

Upon reaching the gargoyle, which sprung as Hall muttered the password, Harry took the chance to catch his breath wondering how this old man had managed to be so much quicker then a young, lively sixteen-year-old.

As the duo entered the massive office of Albus Dumbledore, Harry was greeted by the familiar sight, realizing that it had not been too long since his last visit. It seemed as though Harry was beginning to always be ushered to the Headmaster's office.

"Good evening Headmaster," Hall began, as he and Harry both stood before the desk.

Dumbledore looked slightly surprised as the two stood before him, as a muffled cough sounded from Harry's left.

Looking to find the cause of the noise, Harry turned to his left only to seeing Severous Snape, standing to the side wearing his customary black cape and foul expression. Harry had to keep himself from giving a glare to the Potions master as Snape sneered at Harry and Professor Hall.

"I am not interrupting anything, am I?" Hall asked his eyes darting from Dumbledore and Snape. The two were both sporting rather serious expressions, and looked as if they had been in some sort of debate.

"No, no. Severous and I were just having a nice bit of tea. Would you two like some?" Dumbledore offered, conjuring up another tray.

"No thank you," Hall answered and Dumbledore looked to Harry.

"Err… I am fine."

"Right, well please have a seat," Dumbledore said gesturing to chairs that were pulled up in front of his gleaming desk. The two sat, as Snape continued to stand and scowl from his corner. "What brings you two to my office this evening?" Dumbledore asked as he took a sip from his cup, apparently unaware of the exchange of dirty looks that Snape and Hall were still exchanging.

Hall looked up and began explaining of Harry's recent predicament. Snape silently listened in the background all while wearing a slight smirk as if he was completely thrilled at the thought of Harry being possessed by Voldemort. However, Dumbledore looked concerned as he briefly rubbed his eyes after Hall had finished.

"Very well," Dumbledore spoke, "And you tell me that occulmency was mastered, Professor Hall?"

"Yes," Hall said nodding his agreement, "We have come to the conclusion that some other link besides the scar is providing each of them access to each other's emotions."

"Headmaster, if you don't mind me intruding," Snape voiced, as he walked closer to the desk, "I can't help but wonder if this other link exists due to the fact that Mr. Potter has no wish for it to stop. Occulmency may come naturally to him, but if he has no desire to block out Voldemort's emotions, then occulmency is doomed to fail."

"You think I like it? That I want it to happen?" Harry spat as he looked at Snape with utmost anger. "If I could stop this from happening, don't you think I would?"

"Perhaps you aren't trying hard enough, Mr. Potter. It is practically impossible to teach you anything for the mere fact that every word of constructive criticism goes in one ear and out the other. The arrogance you possess is coming in the way of you actually learning anything… just like your father." Snape replied, eyes glinting murderously.

"That is enough, Severous." Dumbledore warned, as he peered through his half-moon spectacles. "I quite agree with Professor Hall. There is seemingly another link between Voldemort and yourself."

"How can I stop it?" Harry demanded.

"Well, we must first find the identity of this mysterious link before anything can be done to terminate its existence… which is not good news. We cannot risk you putting yourself or others in danger. You and Miss Lovegood are very lucky; both of you came out unscathed… something I doubt will happen if this ever occurs again." Dumbledore answered, and Harry silently agreed. But what could the do? Sitting here talking about the dangers that would occur if it happened again was not going to do anything helpful.

"Is it possible for this link to be in human form?" Hall questioned, his brow furrowed as he watched Dumbledore intently. The old man frowned.

"I suppose anything is possible," he concluded.

Snape sneered as he said, "It isn't very likely. How many people do we know that have connections with Voldemort and our Mr. Potter? Connections strong enough to provide a link? Not many."

Hall looked almost as defeated as Harry felt. Here he was, in a room with the most powerful wizard in the world, and two respected Hogwarts teachers, and there was no explanation or offer of help for the problem that Harry was facing. If they could not solve the issue, who could?

How many people do we know that have connections with Voldemort and our Mr. Potter? Connections strong enough to provide a link?

Snape words stirred something familiar… links and connections to both him and Voldemort. The scar had always been one… but a person?

"Also if this link was some person, why has it just started now?" Snape demanded cutting into Harry's thoughts.

Again, Hall was at lost for explanation, and Dumbledore stood.

"I am afraid that I cannot offer any advice at this moment. This calls for a bit more information on the topic. I am planning on owling a few trustworthy people to get some responses of help. Until that time, Harry is to be moderated very closely by the guard, which I will set up, and he will be required to attend more occulmency lessons per week."

Harry didn't particularly like either aspect of the solution that Dumbledore had proposed, but knew there was nothing else he could possibly do. It was all for the best and to insure that no one got hurt.

After realizing that this was all the help Dumbledore could offer, Tonson Hall stood and invited Harry to do the same. The two left, leaving Dumbledore and Snape to continue their unknown debate, and the weights that had once been lifted after Harry's talk with Firenze, were again put on his shoulders.

IOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOI

The hardest thing to deal with after the event in the library was not the realization that Voldemort could enter his head when Harry's own emotions were peaking; no, the hardest thing was facing Luna again.

Harry was much too ashamed and fearful of how she would react, and the more he thought it over, he couldn't help but thinking it was for the best. If he continued to be with her, Voldemort would hear wind of it, putting her life in great danger. Harry couldn't bare to have that on his conscience.

After firmly deciding to avoid her until he figured a way to keep her out of harm's way, Harry thought instead of the connection that was still apparent between himself and Voldemort. It seemed to Harry that the only person who could have a close connection with both them would be one person… the half-blood prince. After coming to this realization, things made quite a bit more sense.

It explained all of the dreams, after Harry had learned occulmency, and it explained the time when he had heard Voldemort's thoughts inside of his head in retaliation to Dumbledore's thoughts. The thing that still puzzled him was why this link was just beginning to make an appearance.

Firenze's message also made more sense.

The paths of three people are woven into the night sky tonight. One is yours is Harry Potter…

The other destinies were Tom Riddles and the Half-Blood Prince…

One in the sky has made his choice already… the other, I am afraid, will have his chance to choose his own at the very end of his journey.

The thoughts of death perturbed Harry as he remembered the centaur's words: at the end of his journey, the Half-Blood Prince would make his choice… a choice that, like Harry's, would effect them all.

That night Harry sat on his bed, the crinkled parchment of the prophecy sprawled out before him, as the moon light shone on it brightly, making the paper readable. Ron was snoring loudly, as Neville made a snuffling type of noise. Dean could be heard tossing and turning, obviously having a rather fitful sleep.

Ron and Hermione had arrived in the common room that night both with wide smiles after their little adventure (Harry wasn't sure where they had gone to… Yet he wasn't worried; Lavender and Dean had accompanied them) and Harry did his best to reflect their good spirits despite the fact that he was feeling nothing short of horrible. He had kept to himself, not wanting to spoil their holiday. He decided that he would tell them later if he felt like it. Right now, sharing the information wasn't on Harry's agenda. He already had Luna fearing him, and that was more than enough.

Looking over the prophecy, he read it over looking for any clues. He needed to find the Half-blood Prince… he needed to find the link. For after he identified the link, he could actually do something to stop what was going on.

IOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOI

"Harry, wake up!" Ron's voice echoed, cheerfully – much too cheerfully - waking Harry from his much needed sleep. Grumbling, Harry turned to his side and opened his eyes. Sitting up, Harry realized that he had fallen asleep with his glasses. Straightening them a bit, he also found that he had left a nice puddle of droll on his only copy of the prophecy. Wiping the parchment off on Ron's bedcovers while Ron busied himself with getting dressed, Harry cursed himself for staying up so late again.

It was already Friday morning, and Harry had, like every other night, stayed up while his dorm mates slept and thought of the prophecy. He searched for clues relentlessly always coming up with nothing in the end, which was nothing short of frustrating.

Harry had successfully managed to avoid Luna, although he felt a bit guilty. Hermione seemed to sense something was wrong, and she was the first to try and help him. After turning her down defiantly, she didn't dare to try again. Ron had been perky and cheerful all week, which Harry found somewhat annoying yet oddly refreshing both at the same time; something he surely could not explain. Yawning, Harry got out of his bed and proceeded to change and prepare for the day ahead of him.

He and Ron soon headed down for breakfast in the Great Hall and arrived promptly, just as the owl post was beginning to arrive. Ginny and Hermione already sat at the Gryffindor table anxiously peering over a letter that had just been delivered along side the Daily Prophet. Ron paid no attention to the letter that the girls had, as he continued to sit down at the table. Harry followed suit, and he and Ron wasted no time in helping themselves to some eggs and hash browns. Their breakfast was interrupted as Hermione and Ginny passed the letter on to them. Harry recognized the writing as Mr. Weasley's. It informed them all that everything was back to normal (after Percy's death) and that Mrs. Weasley was doing much better. Arthur also included that Clara Prewett was making great progress in her recovery and the healers were all amazed and very hopeful. The lettermeant welland was encouraging, but Harry could tell it had hit a sore spot for both Ginny and Ron.

Neither had said much about their family after they had found out their mother had hidden her own family(Clara being her sister, and her two brothers)from them, but Harry could tell that it troubled them. It puzzled Harry more then anything else, especially since Mrs. Weasley seemed to be the type to hold family very high on her priority list. Percy's death was also never mentioned anymore as people seemed more content with not thinking about it. Harry could perfectly understand that: he didn't like to think about Sirius's death either.

However, Harry didn't have a chance to say anything to possibly lift Ron's spirits again as Luna appeared seemingly out of no where looking out of sorts, and possibly even a bit angry.

"Hi, everyone," She said pleasantly enough and everyone returned her greeting besides Harry who was starting to feel a sinking sensation in his stomach; so much for successfully avoiding her.

"Harry… we, err, have to talk," she said uncertainly, well aware that every Gryffindor was now looking at her very curiously especially Ron and Hermione.

Harry stood well aware of the stares and confused looks, and walked out of the Great Hall not sure if Luna was following him or not. He was hoping against hope that she would just let him be. It was better this way.

Of course, Luna was not going to settle for him just walking away from her like that. She followed him all the way out and demanded that he stop so she could actually talk to him.

In spite of himself, Harry turned to face her.

She looked worried; her face was flushed a bright pink and her eyes were slightly narrowed.

"Why are you avoiding me?" she demanded.

Harry couldn't just answer her. It was far too complicated and she just wouldn't understand.

"Just drop it okay? You just don't understand," Harry said his voice dangerous.

"I am not stupid, you know," she replied mater-of-factly. "I know enough about you to know what happened anyway, after what you told me before. I don't think you should go about like this. Truly I am the one that should be avoiding you."

"See now that is what you don't understand," Harry replied furiously. "If that happens again… me avoiding you is all for the best okay? You could get hurt... you'll be in danger of being one of Voldemort's targets. Just like Ron and Hermione are now!"

"Harry that has got to be the worst excuse I have ever heard in my life. Protecting me from getting hurt? You forget that they all already know me… I was with you in Department of Mysteries. I am already a target," Luna shrugged. "And we don't really mind, Harry. We're all willing to risk that. You don't always have to play the hero. We all know what we are risking, and to be honest, we don't really care."

"Well, I do," Harry replied shortly.

"Well, it doesn't matter what you think," Luna said jokingly with a smile and Harry couldn't help but return the gesture.

"Honestly, Harry, you can't get rid of me that easily," Luna joked.

"How can you just joke about it? Luna, you almost died..." Harry asked confused.

"Don't be so dramatic, Harry. I'll admit it was a bit scary, but I know you had no control over it... and well, I am sure you'll find a way to stop it." Luna continued.

"I just don't want to loose control like that again. Someone could get hurt... and I have no way of stopping it," Harry replied.

"Well, avoiding me isn't going to solve anything," Luna stated. "I know that it scared you a lot...I was scared to, but that doesn't mean I am going to go about and ignore you."

Harry sat unconvinced, but Luna didn't seem to care. He couldn't believe how sure she seemed to be... she was so convinced that he would over come it. How could she believe in him like that?

"I'll see you in the library tonight," Luna said smiling before leaving him alone. He still wasn't convinced that Luna was right, but it certainly did feel a lot better to have her to talk to again.

IOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOI

February quickly faded, making way for March as spring came in full force. The snow on the grounds all melted away making quidditch practice much more enjoyable. The upcoming game between Hufflepuff and Gryffindor was approaching fast and had quite a lot of importance in it. If Gryfiindor were to take the win, it would take Slytherin completely out of the running for the Quidditch Cup… something that Harry couldn't help but greatly look forward to.

Another thing Harry couldn't help but look forward to was the holiday of St. Patrick's Day. After assuring the wards around Hogsmeade, Dumbledore had agreed to let Hogsmeade trip carry on as normal and the next one was scheduled on March 17th. Naturally, Harry invited Luna to attend it with him, and the two had big plans that included lots of shopping. Most of the shops had all been repaired and the student's visit would provide a good boost for business that was so badly needed.

As March continued, so did Harry's occulmency lessons. Professor Hall said there wasn't much else he could teach Harry, but they practiced three nights a week, regardless. Harry was sick of seeing through Voldemort's mind and letting Voldemort see through his own. Harry also did not give up on his search through the prophecy each night, though in all honesty he now only spent about five minutes of reading it, before he went to sleep.

March also appeared to be very dull as far as news, which as far as Harry was concerned was a very good thing. No news of attacks was certainly something good. Hermione, however, seemed to disagree.

"If they aren't off randomly attacking then it can only mean one thing; they are getting more organized… meaning that they now have an agenda, which is definitely not a good thing." Hermione informed him as she looked over a rather dull issue of the Daily Prophet.

"Well, they've got Krum I suppose, so they no longer think they need the Half-Blood Prince. Right now, they are probably trying to put his 'power' to use." Harry reasoned.

Hermione only nodded sadly, apparently not liking the thought of Krum being with Voldemort.

"Bloody git," Ron muttered, "He was nuttters to think that they would actually let Karkaroff go."

However, the slow news did not last very long. The second week of March brought about a very packed issue of the Daily Prophet proclaiming several caught death eaters. He noticed with grim satisfaction that Bellatrix Lestrange's picture glared out at him, along with the men who Harry recognized as Rookwood and Nott.

Three Death Eaters Caught after Invading Meeting

Allegedly, three of the Dark Lord's followers were caught by Auror's yesterday afternoon as the Auror Branch of the Ministry of Magic invaded on a secret meeting of the Dark Lord and his closest followers.

According to the article, the three were placed securely in a prison located within the Ministry and had the highest security measures. Felix Felicis was praised for his form of action, as were many of the Aurors. As much as everyone else seemed to take this as a great sign of finally gaining the upper hand over Voldemort, Harry saw it different. Like Hermione had said, they had an agenda… and Harry couldn't shake the thought that perhaps this was part of it. He pushed the thought out of his mind as he realized that they couldn't possibly attain anything from it.

Lestrange's picture brought back the memories of Sirius death, and Harry couldn't help but wish that he would've been there with the Aurors when they had captured her to see the look on her face. They all said revenge was sweet, and Harry couldn't help but want a taste.

It wasn't long until the day of the Hogsmeade trip came and Harry was off with Luna, enjoying the spring weather in the village stopping by each shop. The two enjoyed themselves as they sipped on butterbeer while talking to Hermione and Ron. It was all in all a great time to relax, and for Harry, it allowed him to forget about all the troubles he still had to face. He was well aware that the troubles were all still back at Hogwarts waiting to be solved, but this offered him a greatly needed distraction.

Harry was thankful that he and Luna had solved the issue, and the two vowed never to mention it again as they walked back to Hogwarts.

"It's not your fault Harry," Luna said. "I am sure that Dumbledore will figure it all out."

Harry only could wish to be that lucky. Dumbledore had told Professor Hall that nothing useful had turned up, and that they would have to find the link. Harry didn't share this with Luna… he just nodded, as he couldn't bring himself to shatter her hope.

The Hufflepuff match drew closer and closer and Harry's excitement grew with each passing day. This was his opportunity to stomp Slytherin out of the running and he planned to take full advantage of it.

The day of the matched finally dawned and Harry headed down to a rowdy Gryffindor table, were a see of red and gold sat all wishing the Gryffindor team the best of luck. After a bite of breakfast, the Gryffindor team headed down to the pitch together. The weather was perfect conditions for quidditch and the Gryffindor team was feeling very good about their chances.

"We've got this, everyone," Katie exclaimed as she put on her quidditch robes. Ginny, Lavender, and Ron who were normally nervous wrecks before a game, were as confident and sure as Katie was.

As the Gryffindor team broke out of the Gryffindor locker room, they were met with thundering applause that was surprisingly equal to the amount of applause that the Hufflepuff team received. The Slytherins and Hufflepuffs were cheering together, something that certainly didn't happen every day.

As the players fell in position, Madame Hooch directed the team captains (Katie Bell and Marcus Campbell) shook hands. With the blow of the whistle, the quaffle was thrown into the air, while the bludgers and snitch were released.

The fourteen players all rose. The game had begun.

As confident and sure as the Gryffindors were, the Hufflepuffs took an immediate lead, two of their chasers scoring easy goals on Ron. His blunders only seemed to frustrate him and he soon let in another, making the score thirty to zero. Ginny retaliated by scoring a tricky goal on the Hufflepuff keeper.

"And the youngest Weasley fires back with an amazing goal on Kloppers. Now the quaffle is on to passed to Abbott, who is flying towards the goal – bludger takes her off her path – Abbott drops quaffle, and recovered by Conners who… yes! Scores! Beautiful bit of flying there by Conners, the girl is pretty fast. Did you know that?"

"JORDAN!" McGonagall let out dangerously.

"Right, right, sorry professor! Right well Hufflepuff takes possession…"

Harry was straining to see any glint of gold in the distance. The game had been going on far too long. Gryffindor had taken a strong lead, now that Ron's composure had returned. Still, if the Hufflepuff seeker caught the snitch, the game would be lost and Slytherin would still have a shot. The whole game Harry had not once spotted any hint of gold and he was beginning to not feel so confident. Where was it? He saw, Jorkins, the Hufflepuff seeker circling the field. Obviously Harry wasn't the only one who hadn't seen it.

Then suddenly Harry saw it to his right, and pulled a dive, well aware that Jorkins had seen him and was gaining on him. Harry's Firebolt was faster, and he succeeded in clutching his fingers around the ball of shimmering gold.

Roars from the crowd echoed, and Ravenclaws (who now had a shot at the title) were possible louder then the Gryffindors.

Lee Jordan could be heard over the roars proclaiming, "Take that you cheating, little manipulating, no-good, little basta…"

"JORDAN! I WILL NOT ACCEPT PROFANITY!"

"Err, you little Slytherins." Lee finished, ran away from McGonagall's murderous glare.

The Slytherins left all disappointed, Malfoy among the sneering lot. Harry couldn't help but smile as they all shot him the dirtiest looks they could muster as they passed.

As always, a victory party followed in the common room. Everyone was delighted at Slytherin finishing dead last in the runnings, and the fact that Gryffindors had little competition for the title. The cup was as good as theirs! Katie was overjoyed, and was seen dancing wildly with Lee Jordan as Seamus supplied the music. Harry had quite a good time sipping butterbeer and eating some candy with Ron, Hermione, and a group of younger classmen.

March had been great fun… but hopefully, April would bring around more answers… because those are what Harry truly needed.

Author's Note: I have come to the conclusion that I love the word 'however'. It is in this chapter alone like ten times! Haha… oh well. Well, I am pretty proud; two chapters in one week. Oh, is Lee Jordan still in school? I am pretty sure he was but figured I would double check.

Well thanks for reading, I know this chapter is slightly boring, (sorry!)nothing to exciting really happens, but I promise we will learn much more next chapter.

And the next chapter is: The Wrong Prince… April DOES bring about a lot more answers. YAY!

All right, well thanks for reading: REVIEW! REVIEW! REVIEW! Thanks!