A/N- As it things weren't bad enough for Harry, things are just about to get much worse in this chapter for him (hence the name "Shattered"), which will practically force Harry to have to find answers by himself. Harry thought once he got Ginny back, everything would be okay, but Harry never imagined someone else close to him would affected by the Over-Truth Potion. It was very critical for the plot to move foward to have someone affected (although you will have to read to fine out for yourself :) I was nervous about this turn in the plot and the way I went about it when I first began to write it, but I am so happy I did, because if I hadn't done it this way, I would of never had such great inspiration for the rest of the story. All I can say is there are some great things coming up, and I really hope you enjoy this chapter!

Chapter 11- Shattered

Harry quickly blurted the password and ran through portrait hole with Ginny as fast as he could. He still couldn't believe what he had just heard: Professor was Harmone missing, and he had a feeling that the student was taken was probably Belle. Professor McGonagall had said that it was probably Lucius Malfoy involved. Harry didn't know what to think. He knew there was no way that it was merely just a coincidence that Lucius had escaped and now their were people missing, and maybe dead from the school. He had to be involved. That meant only one thing: this had something to do with Voldermort. He had to tell Ron and Hermione as soon as he could, he just hoped they were still in the common room. They entered the common room to find it nearly empty. But then Harry seen Ron and Hermione sitting on the couch in the corner by the fire. Ron rose up as soon as he seen them enter the room, looking relieved. Hermione just sat there on the sofa peering at them.

"Harry? Ginny?" Ron said. "Where you have been?".

Harry ran to Ron. "Ron, you'll never believe what happened!" Harry stated."Well someone better explain it! Charlie came in and told all of us that he could not give us any details but that we should just all stay calm and go up to bed. And that it will be all explained in the morning. I told him that I'm his brother and that he had a right to tell me, but NO! I had to wait here for you guys. If you hadn't come back that minute I was gonna go out looking for ya", said Ron agitated.

Hermione just sat down on the couch, and acted as if she didn't hear what they were saying.

"Ron, calm down. Were fine. Listen, Ginny and I were on our way back to the common, when I heard Snape and Professor Maggonical talking.

Ron instantly looked at Harry, than at Ginny for a moment. "So what did you-Wait a moment there-Ginny, you- walked with Harry?" Ron said shocked.

Harry couldn't believe he forgot to tell them that Ginny was back. He guessed because of part of him didn't believe it himself yet. But he couldn't wait to see how happy Ron would be.

"At least one good thing happened tonight! Ginny's back! "Harry said happily.

Ginny shook her head but look very confused. Tears swelled up in her eyes.

"Your back?" said Ron happily. Wow! I mean I can't believe it!" Ron shouted.

Ron hugged Ginny and looked as though he was about to cry himself. He then turned to Harry. "When did this happen?"

"I guess maybe during the ball sometime. I found her sitting at the table after

everyone ran out of the great hall."

"Well this is great! said Ron. Ain't it Hermione? Ron peered at Hermione excitedly who was still sitting by the fire.

Hermione looked up and smiled unclearly. "That's great", "said Hermione softly looking at Ginny.

"But Ron, you have to know, she is very weak right now. She doesn't remember much, if anything at all", admitted Harry.

"What do you mean, she doesn't remember anything? said Ron bewildered

"I don't know. I'm guessing it has to do with the after-affects of the over-truth potion, what do you think Hermione? Do you remember anything in the book we got from the secret section about it?" asked Harry.

Hermione shrugged. "I don't recall anything", she said disinterested.

Ron gave Hermione a strange look, as did Harry. Usually, no, always she was up on solving problems, more like it she always seemed to know the answers to everything. Now that he thought about it, Hermione had seemed distracted almost most of the night during the ball.

Harry was about to say something, but Ginny looked really flustered.

"Are you okay Ginny, "said Harry.

"I-I am really tired, that's all", said Ginny weakly. I'm just kinda out of it- I guess."

"I know, Ginny. And we will explain it to you in the morning. But I think you should just get some rest",insisted Harry.

"Harry's right, Ginny. You should go up to bed. I think maybe you'll feel better after you get some rest, "said Ron.

Ginny shook her head fragilely. "Good-night" Ginny mumbled out. She slowly headed upstairs to the girls dormitory.

It really hurt Harry seeing Ginny so weak like this. He had to stop whoever was doing this. He couldn't let them do this to anymore people.

"Do you suppose maybe we should've taken Ginny to the hospital wing? She doesn't seem to be doing well.", Ron said.

"She'll be okay I think. It's going to take her a few days to adjust. But she'll be fine", Harry told Ron in a confident tone. Actually he was trying to convince himself more than Ron. It was probably going to take a lot more than a couple days to adjust, Harry told himself. She had been through so much, and she couldn't remember any of it. It was like a chunk of her life was missing. Just then Harry remembered he was just about to tell Ron and Hermione what he heard between Snape and Professor Maggonical. So Harry quickly told them the rest of what he heard and Ron's jaw went way down.

"Bloody hell!",said Ron", Professor Harmone is missing, and Belle too!

"Well I am not positive about Belle, but no one knows expect the teachers, about what's happened. All the teachers seem to think Luscious Malfoy is involved", uttered Harry.

"And bloody right he is involved!", said Ron. "I'll bet you! He and Malfoy are in on this together. I knew it was only a matter of time till he teamed up with his father!", Ron added.

"What do you think, Hermione?" Harry asked.

"I really don't feel like talking about this now. I'm tired", Hermione mumbled looking at the fire.

"Huh?",said Ron and Harry.

"Since when don't you feel like talking?" Ron stammered.

"I'm just tired, alright? Tired of- everything", Hermione said as she faced them for a moment, but then she went back to looking at the fire.

Harry gave Ron perplexed look. Ron just shrugged his shoulders, as he sat down on the same couch next to Hermione. What was wrong with Hermione?

"Er, Hermione, are you okay?' Harry asked her.

Hermione sighed. "Just fine, Harry", she muttered, staring at her shoes.

"Okay", Harry said. Hermione was probably just really tired, and fed up of bad things always constantly happening. Then Harry just remembered about Ginny. For a moment, he thought it had been a dream. But it wasn't a dream . It was really real. She was back. A happy feeling flooded his entire body. Harry then just realized how tired he was. Tomorrow should prove to be an interesting day. With two people missing and Lucius Malfoy on the loose, It seemed more apparent to Harry, that they had to go to Dumbledoore first thing in the morning. This could all be connected, Harry told himself.

He faced Ron and Hermione. "First thing tomorrow, we'll go see Dumbledore just like we planned", Harry told them.

"All right", said Ron.

Harry glanced at Hermione, and she just sort of nodded her head.

Harry then yawned. "I'm going to go up to bed. Ron, you coming?",asked Harry."I'll be up in a little bit, Harry. Surprisingly, I am not that tired", Ron admitted..

"Okay, well night you guys", Harry said.

Harry went up to the dormitory, took off his dress robe, and crawled into bed. He felt really bad about Professor Harmone missing and Belle, but Harry didn't care if this sounded selfish, as long as he had Ginny back he would be okay. He would be able to make it through anything. But a negative feeling filled Harry for a moment. Who knows how long the side effects of the over-truth potion was going to last, and if it has any other side affects? He couldn't bare to see Ginny so weak. But she was back and everything was going to be okay. Harry's head seemed to be filled with images of Ginny as he drifted off to sleep.

The next morning Harry awoke and found that Ron was not in his bed. He must of gone downstairs to breakfast already, Harry thought. Harry wondered why Ron hadn't woke him up to go with. After all, as soon as they grabbed a quicky breakfast they were supposed to go see Dumbledoore. He swiftly got dressed and headed downstairs to breakfast. Down in the hallway, Harry noticed that students in the hallway looked very panicked. Even more panicked that yesterday. Harry was almost to the great hall when he almost collided into Snape.

Snape gave him a look of death. "Watch were your going Potter!" Snape growled.

"Er-sorry, I didn't see you," replied Harry.

"Might you watch your going next time Potter, or perhaps next time you will walk into the wrong person, "snapped Snape coldly. Harry knew how upset Snape was over Harmone being missing. He could hear it in his voice last night when he overheard him and McGonagall talking.

Harry shot Snape a dirty look, but Snape just jerked around and headed for the great hall himself. Great, thought Harry, he was only up for about 10 minutes, and already this day was not going well.

Harry watched Snape go into the great hall, and then he walked into it to as well, and tried to spot one of this friends. He first seen a bunch of the students in the hall looking nervous, and Harry immediately looked at the Head Table and seen Professor Dumbledoore looking calm, his soothing blue eyes twinkling. He looked down the head table and seen that Snape, Charlie Wealsey, Hagrid, Professor Weil, and Professor McGonagall were all looking intensely at one another. He noticed that Professor Harmone was not there. But why had she expected she'd be? She was missing. He then spotted Hermione and Ginny sitting together. It felt so great to see Ginny back with them again. He couldn't wait to see if she was feeling better. But where was Ron? He did not appear to be anywhere at the table.

"Hey", said Harry as he sat down across from Hermione and Ginny.

Hermione was reading what appeared to be the Daily Prophet. She casually looked up. "Hey, Harry."

"Where's Ron?", asked Harry.

"I have no clue, he didn't come down to breakfast yet", said Hermione quickly after gulping down pumpkin juice.

"He wasn't upstairs. Oh, well he's probably around somewhere. He turned to Ginny. "So how are you feeling?", he asked her.

Ginny looked at Hermione then at Harry. "I-am ok, I guess."

"That's- er- good. Are you remembering anything yet?", Harry added.

"No-Not really", Ginny said picking on some food.

"Er-" Was all harry could think of to say.

Just then Professor McGonagall banged on her glass. "Attention, everyone. I'm sorry too disrupt your breakfast, but Professor Dumbledoore has some very important announcements to make!"

Dumbledoore than began to speak. "First and foremost I am sorry to say that the ball had be cancelled last night. I know many of you were disappointed. I know that many of you realize that something happened in the school last night. A lot of you probably have many questions, after last night, and after reading the Daily Prophet this morning, I am sure many of you are very frightened. I must say that I was hoping that I would be the one to tell you all first about what happened, but obviously that is not the case. So I will say this: What it says in the Daily Prophet is true."

Many panic-stricken cries broke out through the hall. Harry seen Malfoy out the corner of his eye sitting by himself at the Slytherin table, and Harry swore he looked as if he was holding back a smirk.

"Professor Harmone and a student has been taken last night from the hospital wing, and we do not know where the have been taken. I am sorry to report that Madam Pomfrey is not doing well, and is in critical condition. In the meantime, Professor Lupin will be coming back to take over for her until she recovers."

There was another group of startling gasps from the hall. Lupin? Harry couldn't believe it. He was very glad that Professor Lupin was going to be here, but then again Lupin never bothered to write him back either, so he didn't know what to think. Just then, Ron appeared and sat down across from him.

"Hey Ron. Did you just hear about Lupin?",said Harry.

But Ron didn't hear him. Or did he?

Dumbledoore went on. "I must ask you not to worry, and to go about your daily, normal routines. Now, since several escaped prisoners from Azkaban are on the loose-"

Several Escaped Prisoners? When did this happen, thought Harry. He thought only Lucius Malfoy was the one who escaped.

"There will be some new rules that every student must follow. Now bear with me, this is for everyone's safety, and you have no choice but to follow these rules without grave consequences. First and I am sorry to report, that all Quidditch for this year has been temporarily cancelled."

Everyone in the hall cried out again. No Quidditch! If there was one thing he could rely on that was Quidditch.

"Every student will be back in his or her common room by 6:00 p.m. and under no circumstance are you to leave your house after dark. All students will be escorted to and from lessons by a teacher. All hogesgmeade visits have been temporarily cancelled. And lastly, which you might actually be pleased by, all classes have been postponed for today, and you will all be informed of a new schedule tonight in your common room by the head of your house. Now I must tell you that it is imperative that all of you cooperate and follow these rules the best your capable of. I must remind you that we will not tolerate any breaking of these rules, or be known that you be severely reprimanded. That will be all. You may continue with your breakfast,"Dumbledoore finished.

"Can you believe it?" ,said Neville Longbottom obviously in shock.

"I wonder what kind of new schedule there's gonna be?", said Seamus Finnigan.

"How come you didn't tell me about the prisoners on the loose? You were reading the Daily Prophet weren't you?", Harry asked Hermione.

"Well, you didn't ask me, did you?", Hermione said in haughty tone.

"How could I of, when I didn't know?" Harry shot back.

"Whatever you say. Here",Hermione slid the Daily Prophet over to Harry.

Harry peered at the front page headline.

AZKABAN PRISON BREAKOUT- PRISONERS RUNNING WILD! By: Rita Skeeter.

But before he read the article Harry was confused about something. "But I don't understand. When I overheard Snape and Dumbledoore talking yesterday, they said only Lucius Malfoy was the one who escaped. How did this happen?"

"I wish I knew. And that's funny, because I usually know everything, don't I?" Chuckled Hermione, looking at Ron.

Harry ignored Hermione's comment. He didn't know what was up with her, but he guessed it probably had something to do with Ron, since she seemed to be constantly looking at him. Besides it was better than her acting disinterested like she did last night.

Harry looked at Ron. "Can you believe all this is happening?"

"I'd believe anything at this point", said Ron quietly not really looking Harry in the eye.

"Yeah that's for sure, "Harry responded. Harry wasn't sure it wasn't possible for things to more chaotic. He glanced over at Ginny who was still picking on her food. She didn't say anything. Harry felt so bad for. He couldn't imagine what she must be going through.

Harry just realized that had to get done with breakfast and soon, and if hey wanted to talk to Dumbledoore. Harry was about to ask, but he seen Ron was whispering something Hermione, and Harry had never seen him look so mad. Boy, Harry hoped they weren't fighting again. He didn't know if he could take it again. He thought those days were over.

Ron quickly too took a quick gulp of pumpkin juice and looked at Harry for a moment and then mumbled something to himself and then to Hermione, but Harry couldn't quite make out what he was saying.

"What is up with you two?" Harry demanded. "Besides we have to hurry so we can see-"

"No, Ron! You don't have to say anything! Especially here!" Blurted Hermione.

People at there table started to stare.

"What's going on with you two?", Harry asked them.

Ron got up from his seat, looked at Harry, then at Hermione and then his face was seething with of anger. He looked like he was going to say something, but he just quickly ran out the great hall.

"What happened?" Harry shouted at Hermione.

But Hermione just shrugged her shoulders. Harry glanced at Ginny, but she seemed just as lost.

Harry then rose up from his seat, and ran after Ron. He had to know what was going on with him.

"Hey Ron! Wait up!" Harry called out after Ron a little way down the hall.

Ron did not turn around.

Ron, what's the matter?" said Harry. "What happened?"

Ron stopped in his tracks and turned around. "I can't bloody talk to you!"Ron cried.

"What!"

Ron laughed. "How could you just stand there Harry?"

"Ron- I don't understand."

"No, I don't bloody understand you!" He shrieked.

Harry had no idea what Ron was talking about. "Ron, calm down. I have no idea what your talking about." explained Harry.

"I can't believe you!" exclaimed Ron.

"Believe what, Ron?" Harry shouted. "Talk to me. Tell me what happened!" Harry demanded. Harry never seen Ron this upset in his life.

Ron took a pause. "How come you never told me you fancied Hermione? You know I stupid I feel?" Ron said tears welding up in his eyes.

Whoa, hold on, Harry thought. What was happening here? Harry didn't know what was happening. This was so outrageous. How could Ron possibly think that? What on earth could make it think that?

"Ron, what are you talking about? Where did you get this from?" Harry asked him.

"Harry , you don't have to lie. You could of just told me! I thought I was your best friend! Er-you had to know how I felt about Hermione. How stupid do you think I felt trying to finally talk to Hermione- why do you think I stayed in the common room last night? And then she tells me what happened between the two of you the other night", Ron's voice said breaking, hurt filled in his eyes.

Harry couldn't believe this was happening. He was at a lost for words.

"Er- Ron nothing happened between me and Hermione. Not the other night, not ever. That's the truth!", Harry stated firmly.

"You kissed her", Ron mumbled almost in a whisper looking right at Harry's eyes.

Kissed her? What was he talking about? Where would he get an idea like that from? Why would Ron even believe it? "No I didn't, Ron! Hermione told you all of you this? I can't believe this! She lied to you Ron, "Harry said in shock.

"Hermione told me, Harry. Why would she lie to me about this? Hermione doesn't lie. All in I know is that you kissed her the other night, and you had no intention of ever telling me. I can't believe you, Harry,"Ron said in disbelief shaking his head.

He had to try and convince Ron that it this wasn't true. He had to think of anything to say that would make Ron believe him. "Ron, you have to listen to me. I did not kiss Hermione. I don't know what's wrong with Hermione or why she would say that, but that is the farthest from the truth about what happened that night."

Then Ron looked at him for a moment, and his face softened a little. "Go, on", said Ron. "I'm listening- you about have ten seconds".

"Ron, that night, me and Hermione were alone in the common room but nothing happened. We were talking about Ginny. I was really upset that night. And she was comforting me, Ron. But that's it. She hugged me and then I went upstairs."

Ron peered at Harry, but he didn't' say anything. He still looked so hurt. Harry had to convince him. He had too.

"Ron, nothing happened between me and Hermione, ever. You have to believe me. I don't think of Hermione that way Ron, and I don't have much family. Especially after Sirius died last year. Your family and Hermione is pretty much all I have", Harry admitted. He glanced at Ron, and he seemed to be coming around to believing him. Hopefully. Harry knew he had to say one last thing to convince him.

"Besides, I have feelings for someone else", Harry started to say. He took a breath. "I like Ginny, Ron, a lot and-"

But all of a sudden anger returned to Ron's face. "Oh you like my sister do you now? Well sorry to break it to you, but Ginny knows about what happened between you and Hermione", He said bitterly.

"What? Ginny thinks that! NO, Ron! She is confused about everything already", Harry said an incredible sinking feeling came over him. He couldn't let Ginny think that! He turned to Ron. He had to make him believe him first. "I know your upset Ron, er- but you have to believe me", Harry said outright. He had nothing left to say.

Ron looked at him for a moment, but then started to shake his head. "No, Harry. I don't believe you. I want you to stay away from my sister too!"

Ron then pulled out his wand and pointed it towards Harry.

"Ron. What are you doing?" Harry asked calmly.

"I'm sorry, Harry",was all Ron said

Then all of a sudden a large shadow appeared over them. Harry turned around. It was Hagrid.

"Blimey! What in the name of Merlin is going on here?" shouted Hagrid.

Ron slowly hid his wand behind his back. And he ran down the corridor and disappeared.

"Harry, What's going on?" Hagrid shouted.

Harry shook his head. "I-I don't know Hagrid. I don't know anything anymore."

Harry couldn't deal with this anymore. He was up for a grand total of a half hour, and Harry felt like he had been run over by a truck. He felt weak, and tired. He didn't know what he was going to do. Ron hated him now and wouldn't believe him. Ginny, just when he got her back, thinks that he and Hermione- Wait . Hermione- A part of the conversation he had with Ron played back into his head.

"Hermione told me, Harry. Why would she lie to me about this? Hermione doesn't lie", Ron had said.

Harry flashed back to reality.

"Hermione doesn't lie", he said under his breath.

"What Harry?",said Hagrid.

"Hold on,"Harry said. "Hermione does not lie. That's it! Hermione does not lie. Hermione was acting strange all night long at the ball. He couldn't believe he didn't figure it out before. Maybe just because it happened differently with Malfoy, Ginny, and Neville. They sort of had outbursts, and Hermione was almost quiet all night, except for some rude comments. But maybe it affects different people different ways, depending on how much of the potion they have been given. All Harry knew he is that somehow he had to convince Ron and Ginny that Hermione had been affected by the Over-truth Potion. All of a sudden Harry felt his knees get weak and his face sweat, and when Harry felt his body fall backward, the last thing he remembered was Hagrid dimly shouting "Harry"! And Hagrid catching him in his hands. It was blackness after that.