A/N- This chapter is another transistion point too. Because well after this chapter, all hell breaks loose, and if you think things are bad now, just wait.But I can't say anything other that, as tempting as it is. :) This chapter is all about facing the truth. I don't want to give anything away, except that you will basically learn some truths in this chatper from the characters, and them trying to deal with it in their own way. Enjoy!

Chapter 9- Truth, Bitter Truth

A few weeks had passed, and it was about a day or so before the ball, and Harry, Ron, and Hermione had just gotten out from Weil's class. They headed over to a bench away from the castle outside to talk. Harry sat down on the grass, as Ron and Hermione sat down on the bench. Harry pulled something out of his knapsack. A Remembrall. Then his mind seemed to drift into thoughts. Of course things were still the same. Ginny was still affected by the Over-truth potion, she wanted nothing to do with them, as she proved time and time again by being with Malfoy, and Harry's heart hurt. They all were hurt. But Harry couldn't dwell on that now. Something had happened that neither one of them could have believed. The Over-truth Potion was much more serious then they thought. Not that they didn't know that before, but it was powerful, and they realized just how much it was.

After they had decided to wait for Lupin to write back, Harry was consumed with anger about Ginny. The longer it went by that Lupin didn't write back to them, the more the concept that the Over-Truth Potion was causing Ginny's behavior seemed to lessen. It seemed that Harry actually started to believe that Ginny was really with Malfoy. Ron, and Hermione as well. There will to even attempt to make the antidote vanished as well as their desire to help Ginny at all disappeared. As the days turned into weeks, Harry, Ron, and Hermione, seen Ginny as someone, who actually betrayed them. Over the last few weeks, Ron was more hurt than angry, and he refused to talk about it most times. All Harry could do was think about how Ginny backstabbed them all, and he would most days, lie awake at night over his anger and sadness of her being with Malfoy. To the three of them for the past few weeks, the Over-Truth potion didn't exist anymore. Everything they had found out about it from the book, going to the Secret Section, and writing to Lupin, seemed to escape from their memories too. But why? Over the last few weeks, Harry felt like there was something missing, and even asked himself countless times, how Ginny could really be with Malfoy. Something was off, and it didn't make any sense. It was like he knew there was something weird going on, but just couldn't figure it out, like there was fog in his brain that was clouding his memory. It was like he was forced to live in this twisted facade. Then the night before last night Harry had a dream. A dream he would be grateful for a long time. A dream that was a bolt of lightening to his brain, and the fog was instantly lifted. The dream was still so clear to Harry, he remembered every visible detail. He was laying in his bed. He could hear Ron snoring from across the room. He was too upset to fall asleep, like on most nights. His anguish over Ginny left him feeling very bitter, but something kept nagging at Harry's mind. Something didn't make sense here.

"Something isn't right," Harry had whispered to himself. But he was too drained to let him self think about it anymore. Harry then had a flash of Ginny with Malfoy and it stung his heart. He couldn't let himself make excuses anymore. Ginny had betrayed them. This was real, he had told himself, and nothing would change it. Harry then had felt tears in his eyes, but soon after he must have somehow managed to fall asleep.

It was sunrise and Harry found himself sitting on the beach. It was bright out. Very bright. Harry could barely see, so he squinted his eyes. The waves were crashing to the shore, as he heard a voice from behind.

"Harry?"a voice called out.

Harry slowly turned around. He couldn't believe his eyes. This couldn't be real, could it?

Harry stood up. "Sirius?" Harry said in amazement.

Sirius smiled. "It's so good to see you Harry," he said as he placed his hand on Harry's shoulder.

Harry was experiencing so many emotions he didn't know what to do or say. He never thought he would see Sirius again. "Er, I can't believe this. I can't believe you're here"Harry said while he hugged Sirius. A tear slid down his cheek.

Sirius looked at Harry. The waves were crashing really hard now. There was a moment of silence. "Things seem difficult now don't they, Harry"

"The only time I've ever felt worse, was when you- when you were killed," Harry admitted. "I don't know if things will ever get better. Things just seem to be getting worse and worse. I can't take it anymore. I don't know what to do," Harry added weakly with much emotion.

"A part of you knows what to do Harry. A part of you know's what's really going on. It's in you. You just can't see it right now. It's not your fault. It just how it is. But it will come back to you, with a little help from me, "Sirius said softly with a grin.

"Tell me, Sirius! Because I know, things really can't be this way. They just can't be! Ginny really couldn't have betra," Harry started to say desperately.

But then Sirius tossed him a ball, and whispered. ""Le Breuvage magique D'Au-dessus-vérité."

"What?" Harry said confused.

"Remember," he whispered.

Harry looked down, and a remembrall was in his hand. All a sudden a flash of memories flooded in his mind all at once:

"This is Brilliant Hermione. This makes sense. A section where no students would ever know, it existed. Or were never supposed to find out. I am betting only a few select teachers have a key to it, besides Madam Pince"said Harry.

"I could only imagine the kind of books in there," Ron speculated.

"Exactly," added Hermione. "Now, you two think about this logically. Think about all the weird behavior going on in this very school, because we know there's been plenty of it, and not only with Ginny," Hermione finished looking at them intensely.

"Yeah, Malfoy," Harry blurted. As much as he hated Malfoy, it looked as if whatever was causing this weird behavior was affecting him too.

"And probably Neville as well," Ron stated.

"So I wouldn't doubt that what were dealing with is magic, and dark magic at that," Harry suggested. Whatever it was, it must be very powerful being able to change a person's entire personality.

"Le Breuvage magique D'Au-dessus-vérité," Hermione said speaking French.

"Huh?", Ron said desperately confused.

"Or translated as, "The Over-truth Potion," Hermione finished.

"How do you know that?" Ron demanded.

"Did you forget that I went to France over summer holiday a few years ago? Plus, when I looked up the password the other day, I sort of read the entire book," Hermione said proudly.

"Of course you did," Ron said shaking his head.

"Plus it sort of says The Over truth Potion right on the page," Harry pointed out, with a smirk.

Ron looked at Hermione and started grinning.

"I didn't see that- Honest!" Hermione said.

Harry just realized they were getting too distracted. They had to keep reading on.

"Come on guys, we have to keep going," Harry reminded them.

They continued to read on.

"The Over-Truth Potion lets you act out your deepest desires and most hidden thoughts," Harry read aloud.

"That sounds bad already!" Ron interrupted looking at Harry and Hermione.

"Although, this only the first and most short-lived symptom of the potion that lasts for but a brief moment. It accompanies untrue feelings, and outrageous, false behaviors. It changes a person's true personality and the person affected is not aware, and will believe this is how they think and feel. The persons affected by this highly destructive potion may appear to be the opposite of their true self.", Harry continued on.

"That sounds exactly like what Ginny got!" Ron shouted.

"I know. Exactly like it," Harry added.

"Ron, we are going to help Ginny. We are going to get her back. I don't know how, but we will. We have no other choice," Harry said in a desperate voice. It was looking more and more clear that they might have to try and attempt to make the antidote and soon. Even though they didn't think they were going too able to. They might have to try. But Harry wanted to hear back from Lupin first.

"As soon as we hear back from Lupin, we'll attempt to make the antidote," Harry told them.

"I think that's a good idea Harry," Hermione said.

"I just bloody hope Lupin writes back real soon!" Ron blurted.

"I trust Lupin, "Harry said. "He won't let us down," he added.

"What are we going to do until then?" Ron added.

The only thing we can do, Harry thought. "Survive."

Harry had woken up in a cold sweat on the floor, the Remembrall still in his hands. He looked around the room. Ron wasn't there. He must have had went down to breakfast. As soon as he managed to pull himself off the floor, he ran as fast he as could down to the great hall to find Ron and Hermione.

Harry then flashed back to the present. He looked down at the remembrall in his hands. He would be grateful to Sirius forever for helping them. For awaking him; all of them back to the truth, and for them realizing what they were dealing with here. They had ducked out of their first morning class to head over here to talk about what Harry had just told them just a little while ago.

"You see I get it now," Hermione said just then interrupting Harry's thoughts. "When a person is affected by the Over-Truth potion, it's just not the person that's affected. Everyone is affected. That must be the most destructive thing about it, what it does to everyone else," Hermione had told them. She then peered at Harry. "Thanks to Sirius, now we know. And we can finally try to stop this," She added.

"No wonder why nobody bloody suspected that anything fishy was going on in the school!" Ron blurted.

"Ron, nobody is immune to it. Everybody just begins to accept it as a reality." Then Harry just thought of something. "This is all some big distraction, isn't it?", Harry said. "To cover up something bigger that's going on. It has to be!".

"Harry, I think we have to go to Dumbledoore with this. If this is as powerful as we say it is, then he may not even be aware that anything is even going on," Hermione stated firmly.

Hermione was right. They should have gone to Dumbledoore to begin with. They have to tell him and soon. But when?

'You're right. We have to go to him," Harry agreed.

"But what are we going to tell him?" Ron asked.

"Everything. I think we no choice now. But the ball is tomorrow night. We shouldn't ruin that. We'll go to him first thing in the morning after the ball," Harry suggested.

In the midst of all that was happening, a small smile appeared on Harry's face. He had seen Sirius again. Well, in a dream, but it sure felt real. Sirius had helped them. He was beginning to feel hopeful for the first time since everything had begun to happen, and that things were going to be okay. They would tell Dumbledoore, and Ginny would be cured, and the whoever was causing this would be caught. Yeah, maybe the likelihood of all that happening was slim to none, but he felt hopeful.

"Let's just hope that no one else get's affected in the meantime," Hermione uttered.

At potion's class later that afternoon, Harry, Ron, and Hermione were sitting in the back. Malfoy was sitting toward the front. Snape was in the foulest mood ever. The bell had already rung and Professor Harmone wasn't there yet. She was late, and Snape was getting more frustrated by the moment.

"All right class. Since my- lovely assistant is probably out frolicking with Charlie Weasley, and not at being in this classroom as she should be, we shall begin class without out her," Snape said firmly.

Harry glanced over at Ron who looked just as clueless. Was Professor Harmone really seeing Ron's brother? They did see them walking the hall that one night together, but never really thought more about it. Snape must really love that Harmone was seeing a Weasley. No wonder why he was in such a bad mood. He already despised the woman enough, imagine if you add a Weasley in the mix.

Snape leaned against the front of his desk, his arms folded. "Today we will be getting into groups of two. You will brew a potion called "Ckwandra." It's quite simple really. You will be graded on two things. No smoke should appear when you mix this potion, and the result should be a blue-green substance," Snape informed them. "The ingredients are written on the board. Any questions?" he finished sharply.

"Yeah I have question, "Ron whispered to Harry. "Do we have to be here?", he joked.

Snape looked over at Harry and Ron, and smirked. "I think for today, Harry should work with Mr. Malfoy up here."

Oh, no. This was not happening, Harry thought. There was no way he and Malfoy were going to be able to work together. The thought of even being by him, made him sick to his stomach. He might just punch Malfoy in the gut too, Harry told himself. He might not be able to restrain himself. All he could see was Ginny-

"Mr. Potter, don't make me tell you again," Snape warned him.

Ron and Hermione exchanged sympathetic glances at Harry. Harry then sighed as he grabbed his stuff and walked over to Malfoy's table. He sat down next to him, but didn't look at him in the eye. This was going to be fun, Harry thought.

"Sorry, I'm late," He then heard Professor Harmone say as she walked over to the front of the classroom by Snape.

"That's fine, "Snape said quickly. "I see you finally pulled yourself away from Weasley to join us," He added viciously, making sure the whole class heard.

Professor Harmone looked rather upset by that comment. Harry could hear everything they were saying because he was sitting up front.

"Well, Why don't you to report me immediately to Dumbledoore and get the chance to tell him what an inept teacher he hired, "she said angrily to Snape.

The whole class looked up at Professor Harmone and Snape, and tried to hold back laughter.

"Well, as I rather despise your- wit. Don't be silly. I would not report you to the headmaster just for yourself being a few moments late. What do you have me out to be? "Said Snape with a smirk.

Harry was too busy listening to the conversation between Harmone and Snape that he completely forgot about the potion. He glanced over at Malfoy who had already begun making it by himself.

"Potter!" Snape said right in front of his table. "What on earth are you doing, letting Mr. Malfoy make the potion by himself? This is a group project. Or did I not make myself clear? Ten points from Gryffindor. And I think you should take over making the potion, by yourself. Perhaps Mr. Malfoy should get the same privilege as you, "Snape said with a huge smirk hidden his cold expression.

Just then Professor Harmone appeared behind his shoulder. "Could I have a word with you over there?" she asked with an edge to her voice.

Snape grimaced and they walked over to a corner of the classroom.

"Here, Potter," Malfoy pushed the ingredients over by Harry.

"Don't say a word Malfoy. I don't even want to look at you," Harry told him while sliding the ingredients over by his side of the table.

Malfoy just looked at him with a blank look on his face. Harry just wished Malfoy would say something nasty right about now, so Harry could give him one hard punch in the face. But he wasn't saying anything. Oh, right, must be the effects of the Over-Truth Potion, Harry reminded himself. Malfoy hadn't said much of anything to Harry since he had been affected. Though, Ginny had said enough for the both of them. He then glanced over at Snape who was still talking with Professor Harmone in the corner. They seemed to be having a pretty intense conversation, Harry noticed. Wonder what about? Whatever it was, it probably didn't matter. Besides, he had to get started on this potion.

At the end of the hour, Harry had finished his potion. But he was the last one since he started so late on it. Ron and Hermione were waiting for him outside as he turned it into Snape. And if the grade was coming from Snape, he expected nothing more than to fail. Actually, Harry didn't even care at this point. Harry walked up to Snape's desk and showed him the small bowl of potion he brewed. Harry looked over at Harmone, who smiled at him. He noticed she was touching her red gem necklace he had seen her wear a few times. Snape looked at his potion, and Harry was sure he was going to fail him, followed by him saying something nasty. You know, the usual.

"Let's see Mr. Potter. Blue-green. I don't see any smoke. I think you exceeded expectation now didn't you? Nice work, Potter, "Snape said without the usual hatred in his voice toward Harry. Harry couldn't believe what had just happened. Snape's actually passed him? Snape actually was civil to him for once? Professor Harmone looked surprised too, because she smiled at Snape and looked at him like she was impressed with him. As Harry walked out by Ron and Hermione, Harry could have sworn he saw a smile on Snape's face too. Harry was sure that Snape had passed him because of that conversation he had with Harmone. What would on earth could she have had said to him for Snape to give him a break for once? Harry would never know for sure. But he knew one thing. He still had that hopeful feeling in him like he did this morning. Ginny would be back to her old self again soon, and things would finally be right. Because how could they possibly get any worse?

Harry's hopefulness had all but lasted half a day. All he heard all afternoon was about the bloody ball. Everybody in the whole school it seemed, had a date. Hell, even Crabbe and Goyle had one. They were escorting Pansy to the ball. He had seen them walking with her in the hallway talking about it. What was he supposed to do? Ron and Hermione were even going together. And of course Ginny and Malfoy. He just wasn't going to go, and he especially didn't want to go alone, and subject himself to watching Malfoy's hands over Ginny all night, and sit there like some idiot. He had this sinking feeling in his stomach that he couldn't get rid of. So much for feeling hopeful. He just had to get through the next day, Harry reminded himself. Then they were going to go to Dumbledoore, and things just had to get better. There was no question in Harry's mind about that. Harry and Ron were working on some homework in the library later that afternoon. Hermione was tutoring Ben in the common room. (Ron only made a small scowl about that)

"Harry, you have to go the ball with us," Ron whispered in a desperate voice. That was the second time that Harry was trying to read a page in his book and Ron had said this.

"Er- Why do you want me to go so bad?" Harry asked. Harry had a feeling he knew why.

Ron just looked at him, but didn't say anything. He looked very sick all of a sudden. "Can't you just come, Harry?"

"Ron, you know I don't even have anybody to go with," Harry reminded him. And he was actually grateful for it. Flashes of Ginny and Malfoy entered his mind for a minute. He would never be able to get through the night.

Ron looked even more sick. That was it. It was time for Harry to just flat out ask Ron about how he really felt about Hermione. He couldn't take it anymore.

"Why are you so nervous, Ron? I thought you were only taking Hermione because you felt bad about what Ginny had said to her?", Harry asked him outright.

"Uhhh," Ron mumbled, as he sank down in his chair.

"ER, Ron, just tell me! Tell how me how you feel about Hermione already!" Harry shouted. Opps. He didn't' mean to. Madam Pince scowled at him from across the room.

Ron then faced Harry, and had a serious look on his face. "All right, I'll tell you. I, "Ron managed to spit out, but a voice from behind them interrupted him. Whoever it was had incredibly bad timing.

"Harry? Did I just hear right? You don't have a date for the Ball?", asked Belle in a surprised manner.

"ER-" Harry said. Oh boy, Harry had a bad feeling about this.

"My friend Susan, You know, Susan Bones, right? She doesn't have a date for the Ball either, and I'm sure she would love to go with you," Belle said with a grin. "So what do you say, it's a date then, right?" Belle added.

Harry had nothing against Susan Bones, but he just couldn't go to the dance. How was he going to get out of this? He looked at Ron for help. He was trying to think of anything to say. "I-" He started.

"Harry, would love to go!" Ron cut in.

"Great! Susan will meet you by the entrance to the dance, okay? See you later," she said as she walked out of the library.

"Ron, why did you do that?" Harry asked angrily.

Ron just smirked. "Now you have a date, Harry. So you have no choice but to come to the ball."

Great, Harry thought. Just great. He didn't know how he wasn't going to make it through the ball, but things just managed to get worse and worse. He felt like he had no control over anything anymore. He laughed at himself how he could have been naive enough to think things were going to get any better. But Harry was sure of one thing, he was sure this was going to be a night to remember.

Later that night, Harry was sitting in the common room thinking about how he was going to make it through the ball. Ron had gone up to bed a little while ago. He said he didn't feel well. (Harry knew how nervous he was about taking Hermione to the dance. If only Belle hadn't interrupted him, Harry would know for sure how he really feels about Hermione Although Harry was pretty sure now how he felt. It was pretty obvious. Hermione was reading a book on a chair over by the fire. Just then she got up and gathered her things. But then she put them back down and faced Harry.

"You all right, Harry?" Hermione asked softly.

Harry looked up. "Er, I'm fine," he mumbled.

Hermione smiled as she sat down next to him. "Well you can't fool me Harry. You've been sitting there for hours doing nothing."

"It's nothing. I just-"

"You don't want to go to the ball, do you?"Hermione asked, although it sounded more like she knew.

Harry shook his head. Harry decided right then he maybe should tell Hermione about how deeply he was affected about Ginny. He felt like he had to tell someone or he would explode.

"Er- You see. I didn't want to face-"

"Seeing Ginny with Malfoy?" Hermione cut in.

"Yeah."

"You know when Ginny was affected, I could tell you were more than just upset about something happening to a - friend. I didn't 'want to say anything Harry, because I figured you were going through enough. And it's not like Ron picked up on it. Well, no big surprise there. Ron doesn't pick up much of anything. And if he does, well he's too scared to admit it. But this isn't about Ron," she laughed for second.

"I don't know how I am going to get through tomorrow night," Harry told her.

"You will. Because your friends will be there with you," Hermione grinned.

"I know. But the thought of seeing Malfoy with Ginny together like that- I always pictured that would be me. We would be at the dance together. Actually, it's funny, right before she was affected, I was trying to get the nerve of asking her to dance. That seems like ages ago," Harry recalled.

"When Ron asked me to the Ball, I thought I was in a different universe or something. I know we've been fighting a lot lately. It's a rather long story. l just can't help but get frustrated with him. But that's what I love most about him," Hermione admitted.

Harry smiled. If only Ron had known how Hermione felt about him. But he was happy for them. It would be the greatest thing if the two of them could be truthful to one another, and finally be together.

"You know, I think you should tell Ron how you really feel," Harry blurted. He hoped he wasn't being to foward. He just couldn't take the two of them not being honest to each other.

"I've tried, Harry, and I've even thought things were different between us before- But I think I am going too, tomorrow night after the ball. If anything the Over-Truth potion as taught us, is that we should take for granted the people we care about."

Harry thought of Ginny. He wished he had told her how he felt when he had the chance. He had a number of opportunities too, but was too scared. What if he never got the chance too?

"Well I am heading up to bed," Hermione said as she gathered her things. "Harry, Ginny will be okay. I know she will be. Well go to Dumbledoore the day after tomorrow, and everything will be fine."

"Yeah I am sure too," he replied halfheartedly.

Hermione then gave Harry a small hug. "I know that's not much comfort, Harry. But I'm sure Ron will manage to cheer you up. I mean he'll probably pass out before we get to the entrance to the ball," she joked.

Harry laughed. "Thanks Hermione," he said.

"Anytime. Night, Harry," Hermione waved as she headed up to the girl's dormitory.

Harry actually felt better. He felt better than he had in a long time. Harry didn't have much family, but tonight he sure felt like he had a sister.

The next morning at Breakfast in the great hall, chatter was buzzing through the air. Everybody was excited about the dance. That was except Harry, and Ron looked more nervous than ever, due to the fact that he was playing with his food. Hermione also looked sort of nervous as well. He knew Hermione was going to talk to Ron after the dance about- but his thoughts got interrupted. Harry noticed out of the corner of his eye that Ben was talking to Belle by the entrance fo the great hall. He didn't know they were friends. Ben looked kind of upset, then he said something to her quickly, but Harry didn't 'know what. Then Belle replied something to him and left the great hall. Ben headed over to their table and sat down next to Harry.

Harry was about to ask him what he and Belle talked about, when the strangest, but funniest thing happened. Snape has just walked into the great hall, and well he didn't really look like himself. Instead of his usual black, greasy hair, it was cut shorter, and neat in place. Instead of the black robes he wore all the time, he wore a robe of purple, and shockingly he actually looked pleasant, Harry noticed, Professor Harmone was who sitting with Charlie closely at the head table, open her mouth a little and smiled, probably out of surprise out of Snape's drastic new look. Snape grinned at her, and then headed over to talk to Dumbledoore. Harry noticed that Harmone kept glancing over at Snape. Actually the whole hall appeared to be. He, Ron, Hermione and Ben, all exchanged snickers at each other. Harry wasn't sure, but he suspected that Snape's new look wasn't a result of the Over-Truth potion. There was something more going on with him and Harmone, he didn't know what, but he had never seen Snape like this. At least he had one nice distraction before reality came crashing down on him again. Ginny and Malfoy came walking in the great hall hand in hand, just then. They were laughing with each other as they went to sit over by the Slytherin table in a private corner. Harry felt a pang in his heart, and he wasn't sure how he was going to make it through tonight. Hermione smiled at him sympathetically, as Ron just glared over at them and shook his head. And Harry knew that there was no way of backing out of the ball tonight. Susan bones just smiled and waved at him, from the Hupplepuff table. This was getting old, Harry thought. He was ready to explode! He needed Ginny back! They all did! The only thought that was going to let Harry make it through tonight was knowing that things could only get better. The three of them would go to Dumbledoore the next morning, and Ginny would be cured. Then things can finally go back to normal. As much as Harry wanted this to be true, the bitter truth of it was that he felt like he was just wishing for impossible things, as he glanced one last time at Ginny and Malfoy.