Dark Days Pass But Are Never Forgotten

By: LogicalRaven

Well, another week has passed and I'm still trying to make way on this story. I have about a quarter of it done…and I'm trying to figure out my pace…considering I'm still waiting on a release date from J.K.Rowlings.

I got several interesting reviews this time…and I'm seeing several of you guys hate this story. I think one review said…my other two stories were brilliant and this one was crap? Have I lost my touch? Well… I'm not going to sweat the small stuff. I'm writing this story for my own pleasure, that has always been my reasoning.

Okay… to answer one big question. No! Eros isn't a Death Eater nor will he ever be. He hasn't been though what Harry has been so it is easier to fall into that 'it doesn't hurt anything' trap. His contact is Goyle, and that will come into play in the next few chapter.
I have a nice little scene between Remus and December coming up as well. Hope you enjoy this weeks update, and I'll try to get next weeks out on time. I'm in the process of switching jobs, I think, so I might be a little short on time! Thanks again everybody.

Oh… my e-mail notification still need a bit of a tune-up. If you're on the list or have received an e-mail in the past but aren't receiving them anymore…e-mail at and I'll try to work the glitch out…
Also if you wanted to be added to the list, e-mail me.

Thanks again!
Read and Review
Nothing is My Own

Reason Enough to Hate



Eros gave his most pleasant smile as he tilted his quill and a contract scroll towards December O'Riley.

"Eros, I'm sure you'd do a wonderful job as Noel's mentor, but I'm not in the position to make that decision," December sighed pushing the quill and scroll back to Eros.

"As far as I am aware you are the head of Auror training for the ministry," Eros said quickly with a charming smile, not pausing for a beat.

"I'm sorry… my hands are tied," December continued shortly turning her attention back to the stack of papers yet to be graded on her desk.

Eros Raymer stared at her a moment before rising to his feet and slowly approaching the door, "I was hoping I wouldn't have to do this, December. I have the most sincere respect for you after all…"

December paused raising her eyes once more to examine the young Auror, "Sorry?"

"I've already spoken to Minister Crouch about the mentor transfer. There seems to have been no former precedent in this matter before—the ordeal with Miss Chang," Eros said with a smirk hidden in his voice.

"Minister Fudge has no control over the Academy or Auror training," December said sharply watching Eros as he moved.

Eros nodded, "Normally he doesn't, but your resignation it has left a rather large gape in the system. Until your replacement has been appointed, it appears Minister Fudge does have complete control and the final say over all thing concerning the training of Aurors for the ministry."

"You went over my head on this?" December asked rather harshly rising to her feet in a dramatic fashion, "I personally went to great measure in selecting Noel's mentor. She is a delicate student and needs someone who will not feed into her power hungry desires."

"I promise… I won't disappoint you in the concerns you have for your niece," Eros said politely.

December slammed her hands on her desk, "Noel is not the way of getting your revenge on me for removing Cho from your guidance."

"December… I have no grievance about losing my student. You were right in that matter. Miss Chang and I had far too difficult of a history between us to continue on as student and mentor. I think Noel is a far wiser choice for me in the mentor/student selection for myself. She has a good deal of potential. Why didn't you select her again?"

December narrowed her eyes, "Noel is my niece. It would have been a conflict of interest in more than one way."

"Ah, well-- I trust Noel and Harry are still working together on their Rank II raids?" Eros finally said after a moment of tension, "I have no objections to that of course."

"Noel is scheduled to participate in a tour of a Azkaban prisoner with Harry this coming Monday," December replied acidly.

"I'll make sure she's present," Eros assured.

"I trust you know I'll be speaking with Minister Fudge about this entire situation, and know I am not satisfied with the placement of another student in your care so shortly after your last failure."

Eros gave her one last look before walking out, "I expected nothing less."

Harry's eyes flickered open as Monday morning finally came. It had been a terrible weekend where he had fought the urge of hexing every reporter hiding outside his home. If it wasn't for Cho and Neville's constant pleading he probably would have. He sighed as he caught sight of a frantic Dobby cleaning up the mess on the floor.

"Oh…so sorry sir," Dobby apologized as he watched Harry sit up, "Dobby did not mean to wake Harry Potter."

"It's all right, Dobby, you didn't wake me," Harry said quickly.

The normal moments seemed far and few between now a days. Dobby scrambled out of the room with an armful of Harry's dirty robes. A short time later Harry was dragging to the bathroom with a towel draped over one of his shoulders. His hair was standing up in several different directions and his mouth felt sticky from the night of rest.

"You know this bathroom is bigger than the one upstairs?"

Harry spun around to catch sight of Cho standing behind him with a towel in her hand and a smirk on her face.

Harry yawned and moved out of the way, "I'll use the bathroom upstairs I suppose."

Cho narrowed her eyes as she stepped in front of him and attempted to smile, "Feel better this morning?"

"Does it really matter?" Harry shrugged.

Cho sighed, "I think you should go talk to Dumbledore."

Harry shook his head, "The answer to all life's difficult questions, ask Dumbledore… No, I think I'll deal with this one on my own."

"He's a brilliant wizard. I'm sure he'd be able to help with the Order of Merlin," Cho insisted.

"It's Dumbledore's fault that I'm stuck running," Harry snapped, "He should have asked for the nomination that night…"

"He is running now, Harry. He's trying to give you a way out," Cho pleaded.

"A way out? You didn't see Steppin Friday night. He isn't going to let me out," Harry continued, "I might as well run and just pass off the position once I'm elected."

"You know it doesn't work like that," Cho said quickly, "if you get elected and decide to pass on the position, the new minister will be forced to run for election the following year. Meaning, the office won't be stable. With this new dark rising we need a stable head of state."

"What would you have me do?" Harry asked sourly.

Cho took a deep breath, "Endorse Dumbledore… let people know he's the candidate you support."

"What if I don't want Dumbledore to win?" Harry said raising his voice.

"I thought you didn't want to be minister?" Cho retorted matching his tone.

"I don't!" Harry snapped.

"Honestly, you can be so thick sometimes," Cho narrowed her eyes and slammed the bathroom door in Harry's face, leaving him alone to manage his anger.

Harry contemplated hexing down the door to give Cho his thoughts on her comment about him being thick but decided better against it. Instead he took his frustration out on his teeth and hair. After his rampage with the comb and toothbrush he strolled down to breakfast and took some more of his anger out on his eggs.

Grimmauld was bitterly quite. Cho apparently decided to skip a pleasant breakfast with Harry, since she never showed. Dean was probably at the girls' place with Seamus. Neville was likely pulling a late shift at Gringotts and Ron was still avoiding him.

Harry sighed, and turned as Dobby entered into the kitchen.

"Dobby, have you seen Ernie or Justin?" Harry asked.

Dobby nodded, "They were out late last night sir… they're still asleep."

Harry rolled his eyes at Dobby's comment and took another stab at his eggs.

"They're already dead, Potter."

Harry closed his eyes, recognizing the voice instantly, "I realize that."

Noel gave an exasperated sound before taking a seat at the kitchen table, "We're going to Azkaban today, so I wouldn't eat too much."

"I've been there before, I'm sure I can keep my breakfast down," Harry said sarcastically.

Noel took a deep breath as she stared at Harry impatiently, "Are you going to play with your food or eat it?"

Harry slammed his fork onto his plate giving a mumbled sound that Noel couldn't quite decipher. He adjusted his Auror robe and approached Noel.

"Where are we supposed to go?" Harry asked bitterly

"The Ministry… we can take a port-key to Azkaban from there," Noel replied flatly, ignoring Harry's bitterness. It was too early in the morning to start a row with him. With two loud cracks the trainees left Grimmauld Place and landed in the main entrance of the Ministry of Magic. Without an exchange of words between them the two flashed their badges to the wizard at the front desk and took the life in the atrium up to the second level. The second floor was the department of magical law enforcement. Harry and Noel pushed through a few close knitted desks and made their way to the Auror office area.

"Morning, Harry, Noel," greeted Kingsley Shacklebolt.

"Morning Master Shacklebolt," Harry and Noel said in unison, though their voices was quite a bit less enthusiastic.

"The two of you eager about visiting Azkaban?" Kingsley asked, some of the lightness leaving his voice as he asked the question.

Harry shrugged, "I've been there before…"

Noel glanced at Harry, "I'm most interested in seeing the River Trolls for myself. I hear they aren't much better than the Dementors."

"Well, it depends on your point of view. If you tick off a Dementor he'll merely suck out your soul, a River Troll on the other hand will crush your skull," Kingsley said casually.

"Lovely," Harry retorted.

Moments latter Tonks and Eros joined the group, causing Harry's bitter mood to sour even further. Tonks seemed to be in a chipper mood as Eros commented on how wonderful her hair looked blond.

"Honestly, you think he'd get tired of the act," Harry grumbled under his breath as they headed to the port-key room at the Ministry.

"Perhaps you should take lessons," Noel commented in a whisper as she cut her eyes over towards Harry.

Harry sneered, "Defend your mentor, Noel. Sooner or later you'll see him for the phony he is."

Noel smirked, "I've already seen."

The three Aurors and two trainees gripped the port-key, which was a pair of silver shackles. Harry gasped as he felt a hook like sensation behind his navel lunge him forward. Soon the five found themselves outside the main gate of Azkaban prison. The dark water surrounding the fortress crashed viciously against the razor sharp rocks surrounding the island, but they had not seen the worst yet.

Harry heard Noel suck in a deep breath of air as one of the River Trolls appeared behind the tall silver doors.

"We're here to take a look around the facilities," Shacklebolt said clearly and sternly.

The River Troll rose what looked to be his eyebrows on his distorted face and nodded, his voice rattled, "Don't touch anything."

"The River Trolls are much more reliable than the Dementors but far less trusting. The Dementors never complained when we'd come for inspections," Tonks said towards Harry and Noel.

The group walked through an empty hall with moss-covered walls and through the second silver doors of the prison. Noel closed her eyes as the stench of puke and bile hit the group.

"Horrible place," Harry commented as he studied Noel.

Noel moved her hand away from her face and frowned, "What is that smell?"

"Death," Eros answered.

Tonks looked at Shacklebolt and nodded, "We'll only be going through the north wing today. The north wing is the minimum-security part of the prison. It is usually reserved for petty thieves or muggle baiters. The south wing of the prison is where we house the convicted Death Eaters and those will life sentences."

"Ah, Shacklebolt… come for the monthly inspections?" asked dirty looking wizard who was missing an eye along with half his face.

"Mr. Hunch, how are things here?" Shacklebolt greeted, though his tone was guarded.

The wizard shrugged, "The trolls are getting less vicious… they haven't seriously injured anyone in the past week."

Tonks leaned over and whispered over to Harry and Noel, "Since the River Trolls have taken control of the prison we've been having problems with their tempers. Stanley Hunch is the head wizard in charge of the trolls. He's working on a plan to keep the trolls civil."

"Monsters," Noel mouthed silently as a troll passed by, his hood pulled firmly over his head.

"Perhaps you'd rather have a group of werewolves guarding the prison?" Harry taunted acidly.

"They're no better than the trolls," Noel snapped back without delay.

Eros placed his finger to his lips and glared at Noel and Harry, "You don't want to offend them."

"Well, shall we start with cell block B?" Hunch asked in a growl as he grabbed a stick off the wall.

The group followed the half faced wizard into the cell area. The room looked like it had once been an open area with mere wall, but now it resembled blocked in caves.

"The light offenders… we have a few thieves, one witch who was brewing elicit potions and two werewolves," Hunch started.

"Why are there werewolves in here?" Harry demanded before he realized it.

Tonk closed her eyes and took a deep breath as Hunch turned round to face Harry, "You're an Auror ain't you boy?"

"I don't see what that has to do with my question," Harry responded.

"Well, werewolves are dark creatures. Some of them go bad, and stay bad… there ain't much we can do for them but lock them up," Hunch shrugged, "These two tried to attack a little boy down in Nottingham, lucky someone was there to stun them. They claim they didn't know what was going on…" he twirled his finger around his temple, "out of their mind. Still, these two are considered harmless… we keep the more dangerous ones in cell block F."

Harry narrowed his eyes at Hunch's answer and then glanced at Noel, expecting her to be scowling at him, but she had a very different expression on her face, catching Harry slightly off guard.

The group continued though the sullen prison and eternity later finally reached the end of the abyss.

"You two wait outside the prison by the port-key. We'll be out in a moment," Tonks said quickly as the group reached the main prison ward.

Harry and Noel did as they were instructed and started towards the port-key. Noel's expression hadn't change since the first ward they had visited. She had a blank expression accompanied by a pale face.

"Are you alright?" Harry finally asked.

Noel snapped her eyes towards him, "You always have to defend them."

"Werewolves?" Harry sighed, "You think it's right to judge a person on something that is beyond their control?"

"Not all of them are like your friend, Lupin," Noel said flatly, "Or perhaps they all are…and some of them are just better actor than others."

"Lupin is not evil. He's one of the best people I know," Harry argued.

Noel dropped her head, "I'm sure my father said the same thing about his kind once…"

"Is that it? Your father was killed by a werewolf?" Harry asked.

"My father was a werewolf!" Noel hissed, "His idiot obsession killed him."

"What?" Harry asked quickly.

Noel closed her eyes, "Not many people know… I don't even think my aunt does. Keep your trap shut about it, Potter."

Harry stood motionless as he watched her, feeling a mixture of pity and anger stirring in him; "How did he die?"

Noel's eyes widened, "He volunteered to become a werewolf when he was working on the Wolfbane potion. When he created the first version of the potion and tested it on himself… it failed."

"I'm sorry…" Harry said softly.

Noel took another deep breath, "He and another werewolf killed three people. My mother hit him with a spell that…"

"Killed him?" Harry asked softly and she nodded.

"He died the next morning…but not before he begged my mother not to report the werewolf attack to protect his research… the whole thing is so tightly classified in the ministry not even December can get into the files," Noel sneered.

"I'm sorry," Harry said sincerely placing a supporting hand on her shoulder.

Noel glanced at Harry's hand and took another deep breath, "So… do I have enough of a reason to hate them to suit you?"

"You can't hold what happened to your father against every werewolf," Harry said softly.

Noel let out a bitter laugh, "You put to much faith into potions…"

Harry touched her cheek softly, "You aren't as tough as you like us to believe."

Suddenly Noel couldn't breath as she became painfully aware that Harry was touching her. The warmth from his fingers traveled down her face and settled somewhere below her belly and rose back up towards her face.

"What did the two of you think of Azkaban?"

Harry looked up at his mentor as Noel tore her face down towards the ground.

"It's as desolate as I remember it," Harry commented. He noticed Eros giving Noel an odd glance before the group took the port-key and returned to the ministry.
Noel took another deep breath as the touch of Harry's hand on her face replayed in her memory. Nobody had ever touched her like that. Noel held her face straight as Eros flattered Tonks a bit more, commenting on how much he admired her uncanny ability to always look 'fabulous.' Tonks merely laughed, falling into the charm trap Eros laid so perfectly.

Harry meanwhile was rolling his eyes and in Noel's opinion deciding which hex he 'd like best to use on Raymer. As they approached the practical area of the dormitory of the Academy the group parted ways leaving Noel alone with her new mentor.

Noel avoided his eyes at first because she was well aware that he had seen the moment between she and Harry. Finally she couldn't handle the anticipation any longer and looked up towards him.

"You couldn't have been more obvious," Eros said snidely.

Noel narrowed her eyes, "I've haven't the faintest idea what you're talking about."

Eros stretched out his hand and mimicked the position Harry had held not long before, "What, Noel, no blush for me?"

Noel ripped her face from his touch.

"I'm not complaining. The closer you get to Harry the more he'll be likely to reveal his thoughts to you," Eros said lightly, "Our informant was most pleased when he discovered your deflection to our cause."

"I haven't deflected. I merely was told you offered an option to pull a few strings. My loyalties have never been in question," Noel said sharply.

"Loyalties? Odd, I was under the impression you were only loyal to yourself," Eros sneered, "Well, I trust your satisfaction with the Prophet article…"

"Satisfaction? Odd, I was under the impression the article was suppose to pull Chang and Potter apart," Noel snapped.

Eros nodded, "You ought to learn that assumptions can be disappointing."

Noel sneered lightly as she rolled her eyes, "Do you have feel no guilt?"

Eros eyes widened, "Do you?"

"What should I feel guilt about? I have no questionable contacts?"

"You're in this deep now my dear," Eros said slowly, "I think having questionable contacts is the least of your worries."

"I haven't done a single shameful thing, and you assume to quickly that I'm willing to volunteer any information. I don't see how any information I may acquire would be of a benefit to me?" Noel scowled.

"Do you not want to be with Harry?" Eros asked carefully touching her face softly as he spoke.

She narrowed her eyes again and moved out of his touch, "We're here to practice, not talk."
The Hogmeade weekend approached so quickly that Ginny almost completely forgot about it. Oliver had made good on his promise and showed up to watch her in her first game as captain against Slytherin. The Gryffindor team preformed brilliantly and the win was easily secured.

The Gryffindor's new seeker, a fifth year, smashed the Slytherin's new seeker who was merely a second year. The game had ended rather quickly, but it had been a close match until the snitch was caught. With so many new players on each team it was hard to make all the adjustments needed. Ginny found herself feeling thankful that the scout Oliver had mentioned was unable to attend. Never the less, the game was over, and she found herself walking with the rest of the Hogwart's students into the village of Hogmeade.

Oliver was meeting her at the Three Broom Sticks, and Ginny found herself looking forward to his company again. She walked silently past the shops and students until finally she reached the old bar that held so many memories. It was only a short while ago she was running down the streets of Hogmeade, hiding from the Dark Lord, though now it seemed like distant memory.

The Three Broom Sticks was crowded, but it always was on Hogmeade days. Oliver was already waiting for her at a table. She fought herself through the crowd; her face was engulfed in a large smile as she reached him.

"Hi."

"I went ahead and ordered us a couple butter beers, I hope that is alright?" Oliver said quickly.

Ginny took her seat and smiled pleasantly, she was feeling shyer than she'd ever felt in her entire life.

"I'm sorry that Marvin couldn't make it… I'm sure he'll make it to the next game," Oliver started, but Ginny help her hand.

"It's alright. The team wasn't in the best shape yet. It probably is for the best that your friend didn't make it," Ginny assured him.

Oliver smiled and made a reach for her hand, "You were amazing up there."

"You've already told me that," Ginny blushed, she turned her head to look out the window and caught sight of Paul Keebler flashing her a disgusted look. She looked away quickly back at Oliver, deciding it was a better option.

"Do you know that guy?" Oliver asked nodding over to where Paul was sitting with a group of his Ravenclaw friends.

Ginny nodded, "We use to date, last year."

Oliver nodded, "Should I be worried?"

Ginny looked taken back by the comment and raised her eyebrows in curiosity.

"Obviously you shattered the poor bloke's heart… I'm curious if you're planning on doing the same with mine."

Ginny laughed lightly in spite of herself, "I didn't shatter his heart."

Oliver smiled flirtatiously, "I'm sure you've broken many hearts, Ginny."

She sighed as she felt heat creeping up through her face. To distract her thoughts she took a long sip of her butter beer, letting the foamy liquid warm her core.

"I can't believe McGonagall is Headmaster of the school…," Oliver commented.

Ginny nodded, "It probably would have been odd if everything that happened last year was different. It feels like a completely different life. Last year we couldn't even leave the school to walk outside and now…"

"You're in Hogmeade with a devilishly handsome Quidditch player," Oliver said with a slight grin while he gave Ginny's hand a delicate squeeze.

Ginny blushed even harder and turned her head away again when she caught another glance of Paul who looked like he was about ready to make a fool of himself.

"I'm really not in the mood to hide in here all day. Do you want to go for a walk?" Ginny asked.

Oliver smiled as he tossed a few coins on the table and rose from his seat, "Whatever pleases fair lady."

"I think you're better at Quidditch," Ginny laughed.

"You don't think I'm charming?" Oliver asked.

"I think you're extremely charming," Ginny said as she took Oliver's arm and headed towards the door. Suddenly Ginny stopped and sighed, "I forgot my bag."

"I'll go get it for you," Oliver offered making a move before Ginny stopped him.

"No, it's alright. I'll just meet you outside," Ginny returned before planting a quick kiss on Oliver's cheek. He smiled as he went outside and Ginny turned to push her way back through the crowd.

She reached the table and snatched her bag off the table.

"Hey Weasley, what are you playing at?"

Ginny turned to flash Paul a icy glare before turning on her heels, determined to ignore him.

"Ginny! I asked you a question."

"Sod off Keebler," Ginny hissed before pushing out of his view and towards the bar. Anger was surging through her. Why did boy have to act like such prats all the time?

She started trying to make her way towards the door when a familiar voice caught her ear. It wasn't a friendly voice, but one she had come to know as an enemy her entire Hogwart's career.

There he sat as normal and free as any wizard in the wizarding world. His head was covered, probably to keep away from prying eyes. He seemed to be waiting for someone or something to happen. Ginny took a deep breath and made a move to approach him when she stopped.

Vincent Crabb, who was working with as the assistant caretaker at the school, had just walked by Malfoy and passed him a note. If she had blinked at that second she would have missed it, and she was quite positive nobody else in the bar had pay attention to the transfer.

Crabb continued on without stopping to talk to his old school mate and Malfoy tucked the letter securely inside his robe. Ginny stared at him rather suspiciously for a moment then finally snapped out of her daze and turned to leave the bar.

"What kept you so long?" Oliver asked as Ginny finally meet up with him on the street.

Ginny forced a smile, "It's so crowded in there."

"Ah, I see you got your bag," commented Oliver before taking Ginny's hand in his own. "I'm so glad I meet you, Ginny."

Ginny didn't seem to hear him as she found herself lost in her own thoughts and suspicions.
NEXT UPDATE: 08-15-04 hopefully I'll have it out on time but it might be a day late or so…