Dark Days Pass But Are Never Forgotten
by: LogicalRaven
Hey everybody… Hope everybody has had a wonderful week. This is one of those transitional chapter, and several hints are dropped throughout. My reviews were down a bit this week, but I'm blaming that on the technical problem with
I have faith that my loyal readers are still following me. I just recently realized how LONG this story is getting. I have several loose ends that are going to be tied in the next two chapters. The next chapter will focus more on the election, which will take place. Who are you voting for? I also wanted to address a few questions.
Firstly: Ginny does have an important role to play in the next three chapters…with Christmas coming up…. an announcement is going to be made. The Christmas will give me an opportunity to bring everyone back together including the twins, Hermione and Ron. Cho of course is going to be dealing with the first Holidays without her mum….
I won't give too much away. Hope everyone enjoys this chapter and THANKS again to everyone who had been with me this long.
Remember nothing is my own.
Read and Review
Thanks again to RavenGryffendor for helping me beta read this chapter. Merlin knows I need help with that grammar stuff. And thanks to everyone else to is beta reading out there for me and everybody who offered to help. You're kind gestures are sincerely appreicated
The Most Important Thing
A loud scream pierced the hallway of Hogwarts, and all the students froze. Ginny Weasley, Head Girl, pushed her way through the frozen crowd.
"Out of the way," Ginny snapped, as she pushed past a few of her peers.
Head Boy, Kevin Kooms from Hufflepuff, met her at the potions door as he approached from the opposite side of the corridor.
"What's going on, Ginny?" he asked. Ginny frowned as she pressed her way into the potions dungeon. Her hands flew up to her face as she caught sight of the cause of the commotion.
"What's wrong with him?" Ginny asked immediately, as she dropped to check her potion's professor pulse.
Kooms was standing above Ginny with a blank expression. "Is he dead?"
Ginny glanced up at her Head partner and immediately looked at one of her fellow classmates. "Go retrieve the Headmistress."
Ginny's classmate seemed immobile as Ginny snapped out the order.
"You—are you deaf? She said to go get the Headmistress," Kooms roared out.
Kooms lowered himself to the floor as the student finally came out of his trance and ran out of the dungeon.
"He's just knocked out right? Maybe he used some bad Doxie dust in one of his potions or something," Kooms suggested.
Ginny bit her bottom lip and lowered her voice. "He doesn't have a pulse."
Kooms reluctantly reached down and touched Snape's neck and recoiled his hand back as if a snake had just bitten him.
"Could it be a Heart Whisper draught?" Ginny asked.
"He's cold, Ginny. I don't know anything that will make a body that cold," Kooms said heavily.
"Back up," Ginny snapped, as a sixth year attempted to kneel beside the two heads. "He needs some air."
Moments later Professor McGonagall and Professor Lupin were at the door with panicked expressions.
"Miss Weasley, can you tell me what happened?" McGonagall asked, as Lupin knelt down to check Snape's pulse.
Ginny glanced at Lupin then back at McGonagall. "I'm not sure Professor. I heard a scream coming from the potion's room on my way to class. When I got here, Professor Snape was like this. I think Melody Marker found him."
"Miss Marker? Where is she?" McGonagall continued.
"I'm here," Melody whispered from the corner.
"Miss Marker, did you see anyone in here with Professor Snape?" McGonagall asked.
"No, I was just sitting in my seat. I came to class early because I had a question about our last assignment. Nobody was here, but when I turned around he was there…" she said shakily, pointing her finger to where the potion's master lay.
"Minerva, he's dead," Lupin said under his breath, as he removed his cloak to place over the corpse.
Minerva eyes grew wide as she looked over at the two heads. "Mr. Kooms, Miss Weasley, please escort these students to their common room and then notify the rest of the school that classes are dismissed and students are to report to their common rooms until further notice. Dinner will be served there tonight."
Ginny and Kevin nodded as they began to shuffle the students out of the room.
"He's dead, he's really dead. The old git finally bit the dust," Kooms whispered over towards Ginny in disbelief.
Ginny scowled, "Have some respect."
"What do you think killed him?" Kooms asked, "Bad ice mice?"
Ginny shook her head.
"I bet he choked on a ball of gillyweed," Kooms continued.
"I've only seen one thing that can kill someone and leave a vacant expression like that…" Ginny stopped as she caught sight of Colin Creevy.
"You think it was the killing curse?" Kooms asked.
Ginny nodded, "I do."
"December!"
December O'Riley snapped awake from her desk and looked towards the door.
"We've got to move; we have a couple of situations," barked Kingsley Shacklebolt.
"Couple?" December asked, as she threw on her Auror's robe.
"One at Hogwarts, one at Hogsmeade," Shacklebolt explained, "Have you seen your student tonight?"
December frowned, "She's having dinner at The Three Broomsticks with her mother."
"The Three Broomsticks was attacked," Shacklebolt said shortly. "Your student is being brought back to the Academy as we speak."
"What happened?" December pushed, as she followed Kingsley though the corridor.
"Vampires," Shacklebolt said, "We feel it is too dangerous to take Chang to St. Mungo's."
December drew a deep breath. "Have we contacted the Department for Care of Magical Creatures?"
"Diggory is already at the scene. I've already dispatched all the active Aurors on duty to the two locations. I've been told the Rank III's had the evening off to study."
"They do, but they can be called up if we need them," December explained. "Tonks, Blackfoot, Hillup and Raymer can also be called up."
"Raymer was the first on the scene," Shacklebolt interrupted. "I've already alerted the other mentors, and they've been dispatched. Tonks and Raymer are at The Three Broomsticks, and Blackfoot and Hillup are at Hogwarts."
"What is the situation at Hogwarts?" December asked quickly.
Kingsley stopped and looked at December. "Severus Snape is dead."
December knew that expression on Kingsley's face. "Any other fatalities?"
"Two," Shacklebolt said shortly. "Kim Chang and Orion Bleadshead."
December's eyes grew wide. "Have we already sent word to the families?"
Shacklebolt nodded, "We sent out the news only moments ago."
"I'll go assign the Rank III to their posts," December said firmly, as she nodded towards Kingsley.
Shacklebolt grabbed December's arm. "I wouldn't send Harry to Hogsmeade, It's really messy, and he needs to be able to concentrate on the task at hand."
December nodded and headed for the dormitories. It was moments like this she had trained for. She could block out everything that she felt and concentrate on her responsibility. She had to keep her senses about her; if she allowed herself to feel emotion, then she would never get her task accomplished.
The students were ignorant to the situations that had suddenly developed. They all seemed rather surprised when December entered.
"Everything alright?" Michael asked, as December scanned the room.
"I need you all to gather your things quickly; we have a couple situations that have just arose," December started.
"What kind of situations?" Harry asked, but December avoided his eyes.
"Harry and Susan will report to Hogwarts to help assist with the murder investigation going on there. Master Hillup and Master Blackfoot are already at that scene. They will give you your task upon arrival." December said firmly. "Noel and Michael will report to The Three Broomsticks…"
"The Three Broomsticks?" Harry asked quickly, making December aware to the fact that he knew where Cho was suppose to be tonight.
"Master Tonks and Master Raymer are already on scene there," December continued, ignoring Harry's question.
"If Master Tonks is at The Three Broomsticks, why am I being assigned to Hogwarts?
Harry asked.
December narrowed her eyes. "You need to stop asking questions, Potter, and follow orders."
"Is it Cho?" Harry demanded. "Tell me!"
December lowered her head. "You are an Auror, and you will do the task that has been assigned to you. No matter what you hear tonight, you are not to leave your assignment without permission, do you understand?"
"What happened?" Harry snapped.
December took a deep breath. "You'll be further debriefed once you reach your assignment area, but just so you are informed, there have been three murders tonight."
Susan glanced at Harry as the room stood on pins.
"Two in Hogsmeade and one at Hogwarts," December continued. "The victims are classified, and you are not to repeat them outside your ranks. Severus Snape was found dead at Hogwarts, and Kim Chang and Orion Bleadshead were killed in a Vampire attack at The Three Broomsticks."
"So Cho is alright?" Harry asked quickly.
December finally met his eyes. "I don't know. She's being brought back to the Academy because it's too dangerous to send her to St. Mungo's."
The halls of Hogwarts hadn't changed much since the last time Harry had set foot there. It was like he was eleven years old and walking into the magical castle for the first time.
"Harry, are you…" Susan started.
Harry shook his head and snapped, "I'm fine," before she could finish.
Susan sighed, "This place hasn't changed much has it?"
Harry laughed bitterly, "Everything has changed, but Hogwarts hasn't."
Remus Lupin met them as they entered into the Great Hall. 'He looks healthier," Harry thought to himself, as he approached.
"The rest of the Aurors are down in the potion's dungeon. December sent word by owl not long ago that you would be arriving," Remus said quickly, as the two followed him towards the staircase.
"How have you been?" Harry asked, realizing he hadn't talk to Remus in sometime.
Remus nodded, "I've been well. I hear you're making quite an impression at the Academy. I knew you would."
Harry grinned, "So is it true? Snape is dead?"
Remus nodded.
Susan prodded Harry hard in the ribs before Remus had a chance to continue.
"Where is Michael?" Master Blackfoot asked, as Susan and Harry made their way into Snape's old classroom.
"Master O'Riley assigned him to the Hogsmeade situation," Susan replied.
Odin Blackfoot nodded, "I see… they say Chang took a pretty ugly turn. Well-- the two of you can go question the students."
Lupin face twisted slightly as he watched Harry's eyes widen.
"Master Blackfoot, what happened to Cho?" Harry asked with a distinct edge in his voice.
Odin grunted, "Vampires lad. I don't think anyone has ever gone as far as she just went to converting. It will be a miracle if they bring her back."
Harry's face dropped as he felt Susan grab his arm and whisper over towards him. "Shake it off Harry. We've got a job to do right now."
Harry glanced at her as his body involuntarily gave into her tugging. Soon they were out in the corridors again with Lupin.
"I'll see if I can get her status at St Mungo's," Remus offered, as he glanced at Harry's crest fallen face.
"She's at the Academy," Susan responded, as she also chanced a glance at Harry.
Harry's face lifted from the floor as he stopped in his tracks. "I'm going back to the Academy."
"No," Susan and Remus both protested in unison.
"She could die!" Harry said, as his voice rose.
Susan shook her head. "She's being treated right now. It isn't going to make a difference if you're there or not."
"If it was serious, Harry, December would let you know," Remus assured.
"We have a job to do," Susan finished.
Harry sighed, "We're going to interrogate students. It isn't as if this matter is that pressing; he's already dead."
"And we don't know how or why? This is a pressing issue Harry, and it's your responsibility to take it seriously," Lupin argued.
"Seriously!" Harry said loudly.
Remus sighed, "Harry, worry about your task at hand."
"Would you?" Harry asked suddenly. "If it were December, would you worry about the task at hand?"
Remus took a long breath. "I'm not an Auror. I am merely a teacher. The person you should be asking that question to is December."
"And what would her answer be?" Harry questioned.
"She would worry about the task at hand," Remus replied, "There is nothing more important than your responsibility. An Auror is not a singular hero, but part of something much larger. You have to remember not to act on your emotions, but act using your head."
Harry looked away from Remus and Susan and stared at the portrait of the Fat Lady just down the hall.
"Why are we heading to the Gryffindor common room?" Harry asked.
"Because our Head Girl was one of the students who found Snape's body," Remus answered, as he started towards the portrait, "the password is salsa dancing ."
"Aren't you coming with me?" Harry asked.
Remus shook his head. "No, I'm going to take Susan to the Hufflepuff house to question our Head Boy."
Harry walked up to the Fat Lady as he had so many times in the past and looked up at her.
"Well, well…look who it is? An Auror," the Fat Lady commented.
"Salsa dancing," Harry replied flatly as the Fat Lady nodded and opened the door.
There was a group of anxious looking Gryffindors waiting in the common room. A few of them smiled and greeted him while most of them looked amazed that Harry Potter was back at Hogwarts.
"I'm looking for Ginny Weasley?" Harry called out, as he scanned the room.
Harry closed his eyes as a few giggles escaped the girls in the tower.
"GINNY!" a sixth year Harry recognized but didn't know her by name, called up the girls' dormitory stairs.
"Is it true that Professor Snape choked on a batch of bad Doxie dust?" a brave looking first year asked.
Harry grinned as the kid looked up at him with a curious expression, "I don't know."
"Have you seen the body?" asked another.
"No," Harry replied flatly.
The sound of someone rushing down the stairs was followed by Ginny Weasley's appearance.
"Harry," Ginny greeted.
Her face was pale and her eyes looked slightly puffy, but she looked glad to see him nonetheless.
Harry nodded, "I need to have a word with you about what you know about the situation."
"Right," Ginny nodded. "We can use my room. We should have some privacy there."
A few more giggles filtered though the common room as Harry blushed.
"I can't exactly go up to your room," Harry said, trying to look dignified.
Ginny couldn't help but smile. "You aren't a student at Hogwarts anymore. Therefore you can go up the girls' dormitory stairs."
Harry blush deepened, but he tried to keep a stern look on his face. "I knew that."
Harry pushed though the crowd and took a careful step onto the first step of the girls' staircase, half expecting it to disappear and turn into a slide.
The girls' side of the dormitory looked vaguely familiar to the boys' side. Ginny pushed open her Head Girl's door, and Harry followed her in.
"Your room is definitely a lot cleaner than mine was," Harry commented, as he took a look around.
Ginny forced a smile. "That's because I don't have to share it with Ron."
Harry laughed lightly before taking a seat at her desk and pulling out a parchment pad and quill.
"I've already told Professor McGonagall what I saw," Ginny said quickly, as she took a seat on her bed and hugged a pillow.
"I just need to get it for official documentation," Harry explained.
Ginny gave the signal she understood, and she gave him the same testimony she had already given to her Headmistress.
Harry wrote down her statement mindlessly and then rolled up his scroll pad and placed it in his pocket. "How are you holding up?"
"It isn't like I've never seen a dead body before," Ginny replied flatly. "I've just never had to try to explain death to someone."
"Who did you have to explain death to?" Harry asked.
Ginny shrugged, "A few first years wanted to know what happened. They've never heard of the killing curse before. I guess having to explain it just made it more real."
"You've been through a lot," Harry commented.
Ginny laughed bitterly, "We all have."
Harry glanced back at her desk and caught sight of a scroll, which looked like a letter.
"I was writing to Oliver," Ginny explained, catching Harry's eyes.
Harry nodded, "It really isn't any of my business."
"It had nothing to do with you," Ginny said quickly. "I was just feeling a tad bit upset, and I was trying to get it out."
"How is Wood?" Harry asked.
Ginny smiled, "He's good. I've been getting random letters from Ron asking me if Oliver and I are still seeing one another. You aren't here spying for him, are you?"
"No," Harry replied.
"I've been telling him to sod off and get his own life," Ginny continued. "Did you get my letter?"
Harry nodded.
"I can't believe Snape is dead," Ginny said suddenly after a few awkward moments passed between them.
Harry took a deep breath and rose from his seat, "I best be going. I'm sure there is still lots of busy work to finish."
"Harry, what are you upset about?" Ginny said quickly. "What are you keeping from me?"
"Nothing," Harry said quickly.
Ginny frowned, "I know you better than that. What are you hiding? Did something happen? Is it Cho?"
Harry blinked, it was true; Hermione had definitely rubbed off on Ginny somewhere down the line.
"Harry Potter, you better tell me," Ginny threatened.
Harry sighed, "I can't, its classified information."
"Who am I going to tell?" Ginny retorted.
Harry shook his head. "There was another attack in Hogsmeade today. Cho was involved. I really can't tell you any more than that."
"Is she okay?" Ginny pushed.
Harry frowned, "Do you think I'd be upset if she was?"
Ginny eyes grew wide. "It didn't have anything to do with Vampires did it?"
Harry lowered his head. "Someone from the Ministry will probably be in touch with you to verify I've written your statement down correctly."
It looked bad from a distance. The broken glass littered the street and pub. Two bodies lay motionless in their fallen positions, both covered with some sort of preservation charm. Aurors were everywhere along with other Ministry officials who were all scribbling furiously onto scroll pads.
"Michael!"
Noel and Michael both looked up as Hermione Granger came running up with a large collection bag.
"Oh my—where's Harry?" Hermione asked.
"Master O'Riley sent him to Hogwarts to investigate another situation," Michael revealed, as Noel scowled at him.
Hermione placed her hands on her face. "Does he know yet?"
"Know what?" Noel asked.
"That Cho was attacked," Hermione breathed. "That Cho's mother was murdered."
"He's vaguely aware of it," Michael revealed. "What are you doing here?"
Hermione pointed towards Amos Diggory. "I'm here with the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures."
"Really?" Michael asked. looking slightly impressed.
Hermione grinned lightly, realizing it was not the time to be boastful. "I'm trying to find a way to change the policies on the treatment of House Elves. Dumbledore pointed me in this direction. I just started this week—it's my first real assignment."
"Corner! O'Riley"!" Tonks came rushing up looking very pale. "We need the two of you to do crowd control. Make sure nobody enters this area without one of these." Tonks held up a wizarding badge that looked similar to the name badges you got at the Ministry of Magic.
Before Michael or Noel had a chance to respond, Tonks had rushed back to the group of busy looking Ministry official, knocking over a chair on her way.
"Well, I better get back to my note taking and evidence collecting," Hermione said quickly. "I wouldn't want to interfere with your assignment."
Michael snickered under his breath as Hermione turned on her heels and knocked her chin up a few notches.
"Has she always been that serious about work?" Noel asked, as she watched Hermione wiggle into the crowd.
Michael shook his head. "No, she used to be much worse."
"Worse?" Noel said questioningly, as she scanned the room.
Michael made a loud breathing sound. "It looks bad."
"Yea," Noel said quickly, as she turned away from the scene.
Michael glanced at her curiously. "Calm down, O'Riley, I'm sure it isn't the worst we'll see. If you can't handle…"
"I can handle this just fine," Noel snapped.
Michael took a deep breath. "All I'm saying is that if you're bothered by this, it's normal."
"It's an awful lot of blood," Michael continued.
Noel glanced over her shoulder. "A multiple feeding most likely."
"I think I'd take my chances with the killing curse. Poor Mrs. Chang, I bet Cho is going to be devastated," Michael said, shaking his head and turning his attention back to the street.
"I'm sure she will be," Noel said softly, as she closed her eyes.
"Noel," Eros Raymer approached with an enraged face. "Come with me, I need a word."
Michael glanced at her with a confused face. "Go on, I'll keep our post covered."
Noel nodded as she followed Eros out into the alleyway of the pub. Noel stopped a few feet behind Eros and suddenly felt a sharp sting across her face.
"How dare you?" Eros hissed.
Noel didn't flinch though her breathing increased.
"You will not contact my source or any other source connected with our enemies again. Do I make myself clear," Eros said quickly, his eyes flashing red.
"He came to me," Noel replied. "I didn't ask him to do or offer him anything."
"Who was it?" Eros demanded.
Noel narrowed her eyes. "Don't you know? I thought he was your source."
"My source told me about the plan being executed. He's a minion, a low level member, with no real pull on the upper levels of the authority chain. The person you communicated with is right inside the inner circle," Eros said harshly.
Noel's face twisted. "So is that it? You're jealous that I've been contacted by someone higher up."
"You are an Auror!" Eros retorted. "Gathering information and passing information is one thing, but never do we attack our own ranks. We have morals, Noel."
"I didn't attack anybody," Noel argued, "I didn't want this to happen."
"Do you realize what you could have done?" Eros asked. "Do you realize what you did?"
"Kim Chang is dead! My best friend's mother is dead!" Eros ranted. "Cho's mother is dead, and she is going to blame herself if she ever recovers."
"Cho Chang can't even stand the ground you walk on. She's in love with Harry Potter," Noel snapped back.
"Ran! Ran Chang was my best friend, and now my own student has sent his mother to be with him," Eros said dangerously.
Noel sharpened her eyes. "I didn't ask for anything to happen to that woman. How was I supposed to know she was going to be killed?"
"You're suspended from this mission. Go back to the Academy, and if I'm feeling generous, then I won't hand you straight over to the authorities," Eros said bitterly.
Noel took in a deep breath, "If anybody is to blame for this tragedy, the blame lies with you. If you hadn't introduced my name into that evil circle, then this would have never transpired. Kim Chang's blood lies on your hands, not mine. You won't go to anybody Master Raymer, you're in this just as deep as I am. I have to report back to my post. It would be foolish to arouse suspicion."
Eros looked like he could have bitten a nail in half as Noel strolled back to Corner.
"Everything alright?" Michael asked.
Noel nodded but gave no verbal conformation.
"Hermione said she saw Master Raymer smack you from the window," Michael continued, "I had to hold her back from going out there."
"I'm fine," Noel said curtly, "Do your job and stop worrying about mine."
"I'm just concerned," Michael interjected. "Why did Master Raymer smack you? Our mentors aren't suppose to physically harm us…"
"Mind your own bloody business, you thunder headed dolt," Noel jabbed.
"Fine, next time I won't bother. Harry was so right about you," Michael said icily before turning his head from her direction.
Noel took in a deep breath; Michael's comment had been much more of a smack in face than Eros Raymer's was.
"Her hands are cold," December said softly, as Mario Fortez and Healer Bishop administered another potion to Cho's unconscious form.
"Her blood is changing," Healer Bishop tried to explain. "I just hope we caught it in time."
December sighed, "If you have, will she fully recover?"
Healer Bishop sighed, "She'll have scars. Though I don't predict she'll be a full Vampire, blood will more than likely have to become part of her diet."
"I don't understand," December said, looking slightly confused.
Mario looked pale as he placed a cool wrap across Cho's clammy face. "About half of her human blood cells have mutated. In order for those cells to stay alive, she must feed them blood or some kind of substitute. Auror Wallace had been working on a potion that might work to help restore the balance and there are alternative blood draughts, but she will have to continue any treatment for the rest of her life."
December gave Cho's hand a quick squeeze. "What about her ability to fight vampires."
"It's hard to say. Most of the time a vampire won't take a victim unless they are a virgin, so perhaps after…"
"I get it," December interrupted, not wanting to think about Harry and Cho in that kind of situation.
Mario frowned, "She's going to be fine Auror O'Riley. I wouldn't let anything happen to her."
Suddenly the doors to the infirmaries pushed open, and Terry Boot appeared, nearly out of breath. "I just heard. I wanted to help."
December gave Terry a quick pat on the back. "I'll leave you all to your work. Is it alright if I send Harry by once he's finished with his assignment?"
"It should be alright. I can't promise her condition will have improved any by then," Healer Bishop said quietly, as her old hands pinched Cho's skin, and her wand glowed lightly as she touched it.
December bowed out as she headed up to the flooing room. Minister Fudge would want a full explanation of what was happening and needed to send word to Dumbledore about what was happening.
"O'Riley!"
December turned around and saw the old Scottish Potion's Instructor running down the hall with a scroll in his hand, "I got together that list you asked me for."
"So this is the list of all the students who have used the ingredients I listed in the past four months," December clarified.
"Aye," Master Wallace nodded, "What are you thinking, O'Riley? Some of those ingredients are rare in potion making."
December hid her expression. "I'm just following a lead in an ongoing investigation."
"Aye, you think young master Potter was hit with a binding potions," Master Wallace continued. "Couldn't agree more with that theory."
"Do you think any of our students have the ability to make that kind of a substance?" December pushed.
Wallace nodded, "They all do, if given the right motivation."
Her eyes blinked open and she felt a quick squeeze on her hand.
"How do you feel?"
Cho let out a loud moan before her eyes started to focus.
"Here, drink this."
Cho felt a thick liquid slip into her mouth causing her to gag and spit, "What is it?"
"A blood substitute," Mario said quickly before trying to tip the cup back up to her lips.
Cho pushed it away weakly, "I don't want it."
"You need it to stabilize you blood cells," Mario explained, "If you don't drink this those converted cells will die."
"Good," Cho said before letting out another moan.
"Cho, listen to me. You have to drink this or—you'll die," Mario said calmly.
Cho sighed, "If I drink that than Darthaynia wins."
"You aren't a vampire if you drink this," Mario assured her, "But we need to feed those infected cells."
"I'll take my chances," Cho argued before leaning over the edge of the bed and losing whatever contents her stomach contained.
Mario sighed before setting the Goblet on the nightstand next to her bed.
"Where are you going?" Cho asked in a weak whisper though closed eyes.
Mario didn't answer but reappeared moments later with Harry.
"Get her to drink the blood substitute," Mario whispered, but Cho still heard.
Harry ran his hand clumsily though his hair, "Hey, feeling better?"
Cho attempted a smile, but fails, "Where am I?"
"The Academy," Harry replied.
Cho's eyes widened, "Why?"
"They weren't sure how far into your transformation you went. They didn't know if it would be safe to …"
Cho took a deep erratic breath, "Was anyone hurt? The last thing I remember was some man pushing me under the bar."
"So you don't remember what happened to Madame Rosmerta?" Harry asked carefully, as comprehension dawned on him. He was going to have to be the one to break the news to Cho.
Cho closed her eyes, "Yes, she was throw, but I think it only knocked her out. Throwing people against walls isn't exactly Darthaynia's style of murder."
"No, it isn't…" Harry said weakly as he took Cho's hand and a deep breath.
"Have my parents been by" Cho asked looking around the room.
Harry shook his head; "Your fathers is in the personal trauma unit at St. Mungo. He's been kept updated about your situation, but nobody is allowed to see you just yet."
"You're here," Cho replied as her eyes opened slightly.
Harry nodded, "Yes, well—Err I'm an Auror in training. I have access to the Academy."
"I'm glad you're here," Cho said softly as she pulled Harry's hand up towards her chest.
"Cho, do you remember what happened after Madame Rosmerta was thrown into the wall?" Harry attempted with a frustration, since she didn't question him further about her mother.
Suddenly Cho's eyes started to water and she looked up at Harry, "My mum—is she the reason my father is at St. Mungo?"
Harry nodded, "Do you remember what happened?"
A few tears tricked down her face as she shook her head, "Is she alright?"
Harry shook his head, "I'm sorry…"
Cho bottom lip quivered as she turned her head towards the door. Harry started to reach out towards her then stopped he was wishing for a way to comfort her, but knowing nothing he could do would help.
"What happened?" Cho finally said in a broken voice.
Harry cringed as if recalling a bad memory, "I was assigned to a different situation, so I don't know all the details, but I'm sure December will tell you when she get back."
Cho made a quick motion with her hands across her cheeks, "It's my fault…"
Harry shook his head, "No, it isn't. You can't blame yourself."
She glanced at the Goblet next to her bed and seized it before slamming it across the room.
"Cho," Harry attempted as he tried to pull her into a hug, but she pushed back and dropped her head into her hands.
Cho shook her head and Harry placed his arm around her shoulder and gently messaged the area between her shoulder blades. It seemed to last forever as Cho sobbed weakly, but eventually her strength failed her and she dropped her head onto Harry's lap. He had moved onto the bed to help comfort her at some point during her sobs. He carefully stroked her hair as her breathing started to calm and her sobbing started to soften. Soon a calm rising and falling of her chest, told Harry she was asleep.
As if on queue, the door creaked open and Mario reappeared with another goblet of thick red liquid.
"She's asleep," Harry whispered.
Mario nodded, "Let her rest, but when she wake, she has to drink this. I don't know how much longer her cells can stay stable without it."
Harry nodded, "Is she…"
"No," Mario replied before Harry finished his question, "As long as she keeps fighting she won't be."
"Have you spoken to Mr. Chang?" Harry asked in a hushed voice.
Mario gave a short nod, "He knows she's alive and safe. Right now, he's grieving. I'm sure he'll be allowed to see Cho soon."
Harry took a deep breath and ran his hand though Cho's dark hair, "I should have been there tonight."
"It wouldn't have made a difference," Mario said sympathetically.
"It might have," Harry replied.
Mario frowned, "You can't change the past, Harry. Just be thankful Raymer got there when he did. Five more minutes and she would have been lost."
With that Mario left the room and Harry felt a bubble of anger and suspicion rise in his chest.
"Raymer," he whispered.
NEXT UPDATE: 09-01-04 or 09-08-04
The update date is a little later than usual. I also have an earlier date on there….It depends how much work I get done this weekend. If I update early it will be up on Tuesday if not it won't be up until after the 8th. I'm going on vacation and I won't have Internet access. I'll try to get it up as soon as possible. Just bare with me, if I update early it will probably be two weeks before I update again. So, there is an evil to both sides. One way or another a two-week delay is predicted in the near future. L Please don't hate me.