Dark Days Pass But Are Never Forgotten
by: LogicalRaven
Forgive me almost missing my deadline again. I had my wisdom teeth removed and I was a bit out of it for awhile. I didn't get as far into this chapter as I wanted to, but it sets a few things up that needed to be set up. I'll explain the Death Journal that Luna is tampering with in the next chapter. As most of you have already figured out, the dark rising is weakly put together. None of them are truly committed to the same page. The next great battle is coming up in the next couple chapters, as well as Luna's next betrayal.
I noticed a few of you guys getting upset because I don't answer reviews. I just don't because I don't think I have time to answer each and everyone like I'd like to. Still, I do read each and every one. For the record, I am a girl. Also, I know my editing skills are rather lacking. sighs Still I am an growing writer, and working on the grammatical problems.
If you guys want to be added to my mailing list e-mail me the chapter
Ron's Place
Ron's Place was a pretty happening place. Opening night, and the twins had invited everybody who was anybody. They even sent an invitation to Aberforth, who swiftly declined. The old remains of the Hoghead were forgotten, except for the old sign that hung above the bar as a reminder.
The new crowd was also much different than the one that had come to call the Hoghead home. Fred and George had heard rumors that Madame Rosemerta wasn't pleased about the redoing of the Hoghead.
"TUNE BOX IS NOW READY!" Fred bellowed out over the loud sounds that filled Rons place.
It seemed like the world was moving again, and life was going on, without Ron. Hermione sat at a corner table with Ginny and Oliver. Ginny's graduation had been the day before and now she was out in the real world. Ginny smirked as she noticed Harry's cousin, Dudley, trying to mix wizarding drink at the bar.
"Would you ladies like something else to drink?" Oliver asked as he made a motion to stand.
"I'm fine," Ginny said softly as she gave his hand a gentle squeeze. Hermione nodded to indicate she was too.
"I'll be right back then," Oliver said as he started off towards the bar.
Hermione sighed, "Lovely place, the twins did a wonderful job."
"It's going to be a hit with the Hogwart's students, the fact they're selling the Wizarding Wheezes here too, is going to really boost their business. Thank goodness I'm not Head Girl any longer."
"Is Harry coming?" Hermione asked looking around the crowding bar.
Ginny shrugged, "I haven't talked to Harry, but I'm sure the twins invited him."
"Ah, talking about the famous boy who lived?" Fred asked as he suddenly appeared as if he apperated.
"Have you heard if he's coming tonight?" Hermione asked, her voice still weak.
Fred made a face to show he was thinking then suddenly he smiled, "Yes, Harry is coming, but much later. He's working late tonight, but he and his lady, Cho, should be making a late entrance. Harry wouldn't miss Dudley pouring drinks now would he?"
Hermione sighed, "It's already rather late."
Fred placed a quick arm around Hermione's shoulder, "You look like you need… a butter beer. On the house."
Fred disappeared and in the same instance Oliver returned; "If you two don't feel like being here, we can go."
Ginny shook her head, "We should really wait for Harry."
Oliver had been very patience in dealing with his former star seeker. It had bothered him when Ginny and Harry had appeared on the cover of the Daily Prophet in a lip lock, but he had pushed his jealously aside. Potter had his own fiancée, one Miss Cho Chang. Still, it bothered him whenever Ginny talked about Harry.
"I didn't realize Potter was coming tonight" Oliver commented.
Ginny nodded, "Fred said he and Cho were going to make an appearance later."
Oliver grinned before leaning over and placing a quick kiss on Ginny's cheek; "Then we'll wait."
Fred suddenly pushed a glass of steaming butter beer towards Hermione and winked.
It was going to be a long night.
Harry dotted his last "i" and crossed his last "t." The paperwork was complete and now there was nothing left to do but go back to Grimmauld Place and get ready. Cho was coming over, if she wasn't already there and they would then make their appearance at Ron's Place.
"Have you finished with the last raid observation?" Michael asked as he dumped an armload of scrolls onto his bed.
"Almost," Harry said quickly. "What are those?"
"Master Wallace, apparently we have a potions assessment coming up or something. Master Blackfoot said something about it," Michael shrugged.
Harry nodded, "Noel thought that too. Apparently Eros dropped a hint as well, however Tonks has failed to mention it."
"It's probably a couple weeks off yet."
"Well, when we see Susan scrambling around in a panic then we'll know," Harry finished as he began to scroll up the parchment he was working on.
Michael nodded, "Big plans tonight?"
"I promised Fred and George I'd stop by for their grand opening of Ron's Place," Harry revealed.
Michael scratched his head, "I was going to do that too, but…."
"But Susan didn't want to go?" Harry supplied.
Michael shrugged, "She's been a little under the weather. She's still burly."
"Changed your taste then?" Harry asked.
"I don't know, mate. There is just something about her. She's sweet…"
"Unlike Noel?" Harry pushed.
"I'm over her," Michael said quickly.
Harry nodded, "It's best that way."
"You seem to have taken to Noel," Michael pointed out.
Harry's head jerked around; "I think we just understand one another. I've definitely not taken to her."
"That's right, marrying Cho," Michael grinned.
Harry glanced at his watch and rose sharply; "I'm late, you sure you don't want to come along?"
Michael shook his head; "I'm going to catch up on this potions homework, plusSusan should be back in a hour or so."
"What about Noel?" Harry pointed out.
"She'll be at Ron's Place," Michael said casually.
Harry frowned, "Why do you say that?"
"Because you'll be there," Michael finished.
Harry shook his head and grabbed his cloak. He didn't have time to analysis Michael comment. He waved bye to Michael as he made his way to the Floo Room. It was simpler than requesting a port-key. He simply flooed to the Ministry and then apparate to Grimmauld Place. Cho was waiting on the couch as expected and Harry welcomed her with a warm smile.
"You're late," Cho pointed out.
"Work," Harry said lightly.
Cho nodded, "If you don't want to do this, then we can stay here tonight."
"I promised the twins," Harry shrugged.
Cho let her fingers gently graze Harry's face, "They'll be too drunk to notice if you're there or not."
"Hermione will probably be there, and I haven't seen her in quite awhile," Harry continued.
Cho nodded, "How is she doing?"
Harry made a face; "It's difficult to gage by her letters, but she doesn't sound like Hermione."
"How do you know she'll even be there?" Cho asked.
"Because I know Hermione."
Harry's response was enough to let Cho know that it was going to be difficult enough without her playing devil's advocate. Harry was still healing from Ron's death, and this was just a bridge he had to cross.
The couple apparated to the boundaries of Hogmeade and followed the path into the town. It was brisk summer evening, and Harry couldn't help but be reminded of another warm evening he had bared witness to on these streets.
"Look, that must be it?" Cho said suddenly as the lights of Ron's Place blazed.
Ron's Place was barely a reminder of the Hog Head. The bright red lights, were the only familiar sighs of the old bar. An old hag hanging around outside with a bitter expression on her face told the story of the patrons who suddenly found themselves without a bar to call their own.
The sounds of the Weasely's tune box filled the alleyway leading up to the entrance, and the sounds of happy voices were enough to let Harry and Cho know they had found their way.
"After you," Harry said softly as he led Cho into the bar with his hand on the small of her back.
Harry immediately spotted Hermione, Ginny and Oliver sitting in a corner of the bar, looking quite sullen and broken. Cho tipped up on her toes and told Harry she get them a couple butter beers as Harry made his way across the crowded room towards his three friends.
"Harry, how are you?" Hermione asked with her best fake smile, "Fred told us you were running late."
"I had some paper work to finish up with," Harry explained.
"You must be getting close to your sixth assessment by now?" Ginny asked, joining in the conversation.
Harry shrugged, "Things aren't exactly normal right now."
Ginny nodded as Oliver passed her a concerned look.
"Did you apply to the Academy?" Harry asked.
Ginny shook her head, "Not yet…"
"She hasn't made up her mind that she wants to get involved," Oliver supplied.
"Well, everybody is already involved aren't they?" Harry challenged, "It isn't something you can simply avoid."
"If the proper precautions are taken, Ginny should be perfectly safe," Oliver added.
"Proper precautions, and what exactly would those be? I would love to know what precautions I could take to make certain the Dark Lord would leave me alone," Harry spat viciously under his breath.
Oliver narrowed his eyes, "Firstly, avoiding accident prone individuals such as yourself, Potter."
"Oliver," Ginny snapped, "That's enough, Harry had nothing to do with…"
"Your brother's murder?" Oliver finished.
"No, Ginny, you're finance is right. You're better off avoiding me," Harry snarled as he made a motion to rise.
"This is ridiculous," Ginny argued, "I'm not avoiding you and I'm not planning on not being involved. This is my fight too."
Oliver blinked and sighed, "I apologize, Harry, thing haven't exactly been easy lately."
Harry nodded bitterly, "I'm going to see what's keeping Cho."
Cho was still waiting at the crowded bar looking frustrated. She was always one who lacked patience.
"Bartender!"
"Do you want to get out of here?" Harry asked as he appeared behind her.
Cho frowned; "I thought you wanted to make an appearance?"
"And I have," Harry countered, "I think I'd rather take you up on the offer of a quite evening."
Cho scanned the bar and then turned to Harry with a smirk, "Your business partners won't be insulted that you left?"
"I'm sure they'll understand when I explain to them why I wanted to leave."
Cho let out a long breath and grabbed Harry's arm; "Then lets go, I'm never going to get our butter beers as it is."
Noel's eyes cut across the room as she saw Harry and Cho make for the door. He hadn't even noticed her. She had been sitting at a lone table in the crowded establishment waiting for Potter to make his appearance. He had not even noticed his partner sitting alone, watching him.
She had seen him walk over to the table with Weasley and Granger, but he apparently didn't like the conversation because he had left pretty quickly.
"Another drink?" asked a waiter who was rustling around the crowd.
Noel snarled, "Shot of fire whiskey."
"Coming right up."
She wasn't sure what she had been hoping for when she had set off for Ron's Place that evening, but it wasn't getting drunk alone. She glanced up to see Ginny Weasley having a spat with her Quidditch Star finance. He apparently wasn't giving in, though she couldn't make out what they were fighting about through the noise of the bar.
"Here you are, would you like to add this to your tab?" the waiter asked as he handed Noel her shot.
Noel nodded and she choked back the smoldering liquid. Her eyes widened as she caught Ginny's hand flying towards Oliver's face. She followed the angry redhead as she made her way to the exit, not glancing back at her scolding fiancé.
"Interesting night," Noel muttered as she turned her attention back to her empty shot glass.
"Can I buy you a drink?" asked a deep voice that appeared to her left.
Noel didn't even look up; "I'm not interested."
"Surely a young lass like you," the voice continued.
Noel narrowed her eyes as her voice became icy; "I'm not interested."
"But I have a message, for you Miss O'Riley."
Noel's eyes moved towards the man who was standing next to her in a dark black cloak, and a barely visible face.
"My master wishes a word with you, he's waiting for you at the Three Broom Sticks."
"Tell him I'm not interested," Noel shunned.
The figured shook his head, "I'm afraid that will not do. He has some important information he wishes to discuss."
"The Three Broomsticks isn't the place to discuss business," Noel continued signaling for the waiter.
"Another fire whiskey," Noel said loudly as the waiter nodded.
The figure smirked, "I promise this will not be a waste of your time."
"If it's Malfoy, tell him…"
"Shhh… trust me it is for your best interest that you don't mention his name," the figure hissed.
Noel grabbed the fire whiskey off the waiter tray and knocked it back; "My best interest is not going to meet your master."
Noel felt herself moving towards the door as she stumbled slightly and caught herself on the door. She cursed herself for taking that last shot, but still managed to pull her cloak around her shoulders.
The streets of Hogmeade were empty, as she walked briskly past the shops. There was a dog barking in the back ground, but silence other that that. Her feet betrayed her as she suddenly caught sight of The Three Broomsticks. However, her mind noticed that the establishment was closed.
She paused before approaching any closer; she didn't know what danger might be lurking there. In her current condition she was worthless with a wand.
"I knew your curiosity would bring you."
Noel narrowed her eyes as she turned around, "Malfoy, what part of 'I'm not interested' don't you understand?"
"So, Potter's engaged? How is his secret admirer taking the news?" Malfoy teased.
Noel rolled her eyes; "Do you think it matters to me if Potter is engaged?"
Draco Malfoy stepped forward with a grin; "Not interested in Potter anymore, aye?"
Noel lowered her head as her ears scanned the streets of Hogmeade.
"Perhaps you'll entertain a proposition from me than?"
"In your dreams," Noel hissed.
Malfoy nodded, "Yes, in my dreams you are indeed."
"I have information that you would fine, informative," Malfoy continued in his smooth tone.
Noel grimaced; "An attack?"
"To say the least, whose side will you be on?"
"In case you haven't noticed, I'm an Auror," Noel warned.
Draco nodded as his fingers tickled past her cheek; "I'm not sure what Potter doesn't see in you. You're—evil."
Noel cringed as she made a motion to move out of Draco's touch. His hand seized her chin and gripped it firmly.
"I would not be so inclined to pass on you, if you're feeling were directed towards me," Draco whispered.
Noel's eyes widened as Draco's face started to come towards hers slowly.
"Get off," Noel snapped pushed herself off of Draco harshly.
"You know the power our causes possess? Why fight for the losing side?" Draco hissed.
Noel's eyes locked onto Draco's; "What do you want from me? You know I can offer no information about Potter."
"It isn't Potter my interest lies in—not anymore. We'll defeat Potter easily, with or without your help. My interest lies in you. An Auror…"
"You think you can seduce me, do you?" Noel said viciously.
Draco shook his head, "No, that is what I enjoy about our little rendezvous, you cannot be seduced."
"You have the heart of my ancestors, a pureblood through and through," Draco sneered, "I'm willing to spare Potter's life, if you're interested."
"What makes you think that I would be interested?" Noel hissed.
Draco shrugged, "Because deep inside, you know where your destiny lies. Also, you don't want Potter to perish. Imagine, what you could accomplish with the opportunity I'm offering you. It isn't everyday a lady gets the opportunity to wed a Dark Lord."
"Marry you? Are you insane?" Noel said bluntly.
Draco cut his eyes harshly; "Waiting for someone better?"
"I'd rather die alone and miserable that marry someone like you."
Draco nodded, "Brave words… but you'll come around. When you have to choose between a life with me or a life without Potter, you'll come."
Draco's cold lips grazed her cheek as she turned her head sharply. Suddenly her face found the warm dirt as she collapsed, the fire whiskey finally overtaking her.
Ginny Weasley slammed the door as she let out a loud rant. Thank goodness she could find sanctuary at Grimmauld Place, she would certainly cause chaos at the Burrows. She didn't care if she ever saw Oliver again. Who did he think he was?
"Stupid prat!" Ginny shrilled as she flung her engagement ring across the floor and flung herself onto her bed. She wasn't sure if she wanted to cry or just scream. Oliver was such a wonderful guy. For the first time ever, she had let herself completely fall. He was the one, or so she thought.
He was charming, successful, dashing… everything she could possibly want in a husband. Yet, she wasn't going to sit around and let some man control her. What did he know about her responsibility? What did he know about her dreams?
She wanted to be an Auror, not because it was the right thing to do, but because she knew it was what she was meant to do. How did Oliver convince her to delay her application?
"Ginny, think of your grieving mother. Don't do this to her now."
Ginny slammed her fists into her pillows. She was a fool. Oliver had tricked her, and used her mother as the bait. Now it was probably too late. She has waited too long to apply to the Academy, and she would have to wait another year before becoming an Auror.
Ginny screwed her face and sat up; "He's just worried about you. He wasn't trying to control you."
No matter how many times Ginny tried to tell herself this, she could never believe it.
"Ginny, is that you?"
"Go away," Ginny said softly, not looking up from her pillow.
"Ginny, are you crying?"
"Neville, go away!"
Suddenly the door cracked slightly as the pudgy face of Neville Longbottom peeked in.
"Good Merlin, what happened to you tonight?" Neville asked, cautiously.
Ginny wiped her eyes; "I'm fine, I was just at the opening night of Ron's Place."
Neville flinched, "It was tonight, I totally forgot."
Ginny laughed slightly, even though it did little to make her feel better.
"I've been so busy with work that… say, why did going to Ron's Place upset you so?" Neville asked, as his mind started putting two and two together.
Ginny sat up quickly; "Do you think I'm being selfish, wanting to go into the Academy and all."
Neville blinked; "I didn't realize you wanted to be a Healer."
"I don't," Ginny said instantly, "I want to be an Auror."
"That's a noble profession," Neville assured her.
Ginny lowered her head, "One my finance doesn't want me to entertain."
Neville slowly approached Ginny's bed and sat down; "Padma is an unspeakable, did you know?"
"I've heard," Ginny acknowledge.
Neville nodded as he scratched his head; "I didn't really like her doing that either, it's dangerous work—nowhere near as dangerous as an Auror's job, but dangerous."
"It wasn't my choice though. If Oliver truly loves you, he'll understand your decision."
Ginny sniffled, "I called it off with him tonight. He was trying to control me."
Neville stared at her but didn't say anything.
Ginny turned her eyes toward her old friend; "You think I made a mistake."
"You did agree to marry Oliver, for better or for worse. If you're running because of something little like this, maybe it's better you don't get married."
"I'm not running," Ginny said firmly, "He was awful to Harry tonight."
"What does Harry have to do with this?" Neville asked.
Ginny raised her eyebrows; "Everything, he's my friend."
Neville shrugged, "Maybe Oliver just feels a bit intimidated by Harry. After all, you did have a crush on him for the longest time."
"No I didn't, only my first few years at Hogwarts."
"And your last couple," Neville pointed out.
Ginny felt her cheeks flush as she turned her head back into her pillow.
"Do you want to marry Oliver?" Neville asked.
Ginny didn't answer, but buried her head deeper into her pillow. She heard Neville shift around the room and then felt him set her ring next to her.
"Thanks, Neville," Ginny whispered as she heard him walking towards the door.
"Goodnight, Ginny," Neville said softly before closing the door.