They were released after class, and the energy rose dramatically.
"That was fun! I can't wait for the N.E.W.T.s!" Hermione said. The N.E.W.T.s were the Nastily Exhausting Wizarding Tests taken by selected seventh-years at Hogwarts.
"I can wait. Only you would think taking exams is fun," said Ron. He turned to Harry. "What do you think, Harry?"
Harry smiled. "I'm very glad those exams are over. Do we still have to take finals?"
"Yes," Ron and Hermione said together. Ron had been morose about it, but just the thought seemed to perk Hermione up even more.
The remainder of the year flew by. Gryffindor, under Fred's wonderful leadership, was tied with Slytherin for the Quidditch cup. There would be one last match, which would decide the championship.
The morning of the match, Harry's stomach was doing summersaults. Jessica seemed to be having the same problem.
As they were waiting in the locker room, Fred gave a pep talk.
"Well, here we are. We're tied with Slytherin. We've got a great team, and a great chance of winning. We know that, and we are going to win. Ordinarily, a captain would go on and on about the importance of something: teamwork, or playing your best, or whatever. But I'm not going to waste your time. Everyone here's played. We know how to play as a team and how to play our best, so just do that, all right? Just give it everything you've got, because everything you've got is better than anything the Slytherin team has. I'm sure everyone remembers what happened last time we fought these dirty cheaters — well, let's show them how good we are and that we don't need to cheat to win. We can do that. Agreed?"
Everyone said together, "Agreed!"
And so, with that, everyone stepped out onto the field.
"And here we are at the final Quidditch match of the year! This is the last game for much of Gryffindor's team, and for both captain Fred Weasley and captain Marcus Flint. And the Gryffindor's take the field, followed by the Slytherins. Here comes Madame Hooch!" Lee Jordan called enthusiastically.
Madame Hooch said, "Captains." Flint and Fred shook hands, and resumed their places. She counted down, and the fourteen players took off into the cool late May air.
"Katie Bell of Gryffindor snatches the ball, and heads down towards the Slytherin goal posts — watch it! Good move, as Bell dodges a Bludger, which one of the Weasleys hits towards the Slytherins — Katie nearly at the goal post, she shoots — come on, Katie! YES! She scores: 10-0, Gryffindor!" Lee called happily.
Harry cheered, along with the other Gryffindors. He saw Katie give Fred a high-five as she flew back to Gryffindor's goal posts.
"And Slytherin in possession now — Flint speeds across the field — shoots — come on, Jessica — YES! It's no good! Score is still 10-0, Gryffindor!"
"Well, well. Brave enough to play Quidditch again, Potter?"
Malfoy was flying above Harry again, and smiling nastily down at him.
"Not as brave as you to come back when everyone hates you for trying to kill me," retorted Harry.
Malfoy just laughed though. "But that's the funny part, Potter. Not everyone does hate me. Some people here actually don't think you're great and wonderful. I know that's hard for someone like you to comprehend, but it's true."
Harry glared at Malfoy. "And there are some people who don't like you, Malfoy, and you don't seem to care. Why don't you stick with the people who like you and leave people like Ron, Hermione and me alone?"
"Because, Potter. That's not my nature."
Then, Malfoy did a double take, and zoomed off. Harry followed him, thinking that he had seen the Snitch. Malfoy dove down, and Harry followed —
"What's Harry doing?" asked Ron, bewildered.
"I dunno — I don' see the Snitch. Yeh see it, 'Ermione?" asked Hagrid, confused.
"No, Hagrid. I'm afraid it's — "
At the last second, Malfoy pulled out of the dive. Harry realized what had happened, and was able to stop before hitting the ground.
Harry was furious with himself. That had been one of the oldest methods of Seekers to throw the other Seeker off: the Wronski Feint. You dove as if you saw the Snitch, and pulled out at the last second. The other Seeker was supposed to follow you, and then crash because they couldn't get out of the dive. However, Harry's broom was faster than Malfoy's, so Harry was perfectly able to stop.
"Ha, Potter! Guess you're not as good as you thought, if you fell for that!" said Malfoy.
Harry fumed, but just flew upwards, and continued searching for the Snitch.
"And the Quaffle is in Gryffindor's possession now — Alicia Spinnet flying swiftly down the field — come on, score! — Ah, too bad. Slytherins have the Quaffle now, as Adrian Pucey takes it down the field — come on Jessica — NO! Slytherins score: 10-10."
It was tied. Harry knew he had to find the Snitch. And then, he saw it. Fluttering by the Slytherin goal posts was the Golden Snitch. Harry quickly flew above the main players, and over towards the goal posts.
Harry and Malfoy raced over to it. Then Harry took a deep dive and was followed by Malfoy.
Harry's broom was faster though, and he knew he could reach it. Malfoy was trying to fly in front of him, to block him off, but Harry wouldn't let him.
Harry dove under Malfoy, flew back up, and wrapped his hands around the Golden Snitch.
Madame Hooch's whistle signaled the end of the game, and cheers erupted from the Gryffindors.
"GRYFFINDOR WINS! HARRY POTTER CATCHES THE SNITCH, AND GRYFFINDOR WINS, 160-10!" called Lee Jordan nearly insane with happiness.
Everyone landed, and the Slytherins silently went off the field again, while the Gryffindors all rushed together.
It was a great moment to be alive. Harry was laughing, he was so happy. He'd done it. Gryffindor had won. He had won the Quidditch cup for Gryffindor. Everyone was laughing, ecstatic about the victory.
Fred said, "I am very proud of everyone here today. I just want to say to Harry, and Jessica, it has been an honor for all of us to play with you. We will remember this. Thanks for making our last year of Quidditch an enjoyable one."
They separated, and headed to the locker rooms.
Before Harry could go too far, he heard Fred call his name. "There's going to be a surprise party in the Common Room when we return, just to let you know." He grinned, and Harry saw that even though Fred had been serious at training the team, he was still the Fred that Harry had always known.
Harry changed out of his Quidditch robes, and waited for Jessica. Once she was ready, they met up with Ron, Hermione, and Ginny.
"That was amazing!" Ron said, seeming in awe of Harry and Jessica.
"That was great, Harry," Ginny said, turning red.
"You were both wonderful," Hermione said, smiling politely. Hermione didn't care too much for Quidditch.
"Thank you," Harry and Jessica said together.
The next month passed quickly, and soon the students were on their last week of school, following their exams.
On the night after their final exam, Harry was engrossed, once again, in his mother's diary. Only a page remained. Harry had been born, and his parents were under the Fidelius Charm, which hid them from Voldemort.
Dear Journal,
I fear time is running out. James has told me that Sirius has changed our Secret-Keeper to Peter Pettigrew. I am not sure Pettigrew is a good idea, but James assures me that everything will be okay.
I love James, but I am scared for Harry. I am going to write a letter for my son, Harry, on the last page. I'm also leaving him a picture of Amoria.
I am going to write that letter now.
Lily
Harry turned the page, and saw a definite mark where something glued into the journal had been torn out. Harry quickly read:
Dear Harry,
Hello, my love. It's your mother.
Your father and I are in hiding from You-Know-Who now. I am nervous that he will find us though, and kill us. However, I will do everything I can to let you live, even give my own life.
I want you to be happy, Harry. I want you to live.
My friend Amoria will come tomorrow night, and I will ask her to take you if I die. She will be your mother. I will glue a picture underneath this letter. If she has not found you, find her, Harry. She will help you.
I love you, my son.
Love,
Lily
Harry was devastated. "But there's no picture!"
Hermione looked up from her book. "What? What are you talking about, Harry?"
Harry leapt up. "My mum glued a picture in the journal, and it's been torn out!"
Ron frowned, and looked at the spot. "Could've fallen out, couldn't it?"
"No, someone took it! I'm sure of it," said Harry.
"Harry! No offense, but you seem to be becoming a bit paranoid," Hermione pointed out. "Thinking someone's stalking you — "
"I am not, Hermione! Someone is stalking me! And I'm just nervous because I haven't heard from Sirius on top of things. It's not my fault I'm really worried about losing Sirius considering he's the only living relative of mine who doesn't hate me!" said Harry.
"Harry, did you see someone take the picture?"
"No…"
"Did you see a picture there before?"
"No, I didn't, Hermione, but — "
"If you didn't see the picture, how can you honestly say that it was stolen, and that it didn't fall out on its own, like Ron said?" asked Hermione.
But Harry didn't believe her. He knew he wasn't paranoid. He was being followed, and the picture had been stolen. But, where the two connected? Would the picture show Harry who his stalker was?
Harry tossed and turned all night, trying to figure out why the picture had been stolen.
At breakfast the next morning, the Fifth-years received their O.W.L results. Harry, Ron, and Hermione were planning to have tea with Hagrid later, and saved them.
Fred said to them, "Hey, guess what? Dumbledore told us Seventh-years that we could invite as many people as we wanted to the graduation ceremony. It's the night before the last night of school. Would you all like to come?" Harry, Ron, and Hermione all nodded.
Later, Ron, Harry, and Hermione all walked to Hagrid's hut for tea. Harry knocked on the door, and heard Hagrid's huge bloodhound Fang start barking.
"Quiet down, Fang! Come in," Hagrid called. Harry opened the door for the three of them, and they all came in and sat down. Hagrid was standing by the fireplace, heating a kettle. "'Bout time yeh got here — been worried you might've forgotten." He saw the unopened envelopes. "O.W.L results already? I never got ter take the exam," Hagrid said, almost sadly.
"That's not a bad thing, Hagrid," said Ron. Hagrid laughed, brought the kettle to the table, and poured tea.
"Well, I'm flattered that yeh saved 'em to open with me," Hagrid said, beaming and proud.
"You go first, Hermione," said Ron.
"All right!" said Hermione. Hands shaking, she opened her envelope. She unfolded the piece of paper inside and sighed with relief. "I got fifteen O.W.Ls!"
Ron groaned, but Hagrid's eyes widened with pride. Harry smiled, not surprised.
"Why don't you go next, Harry," said Ron, clearly wanting to delay opening his results as long as possible. Harry shrugged and picked up his letter. He carefully opened it and unfolded it.
Harry James Potter:
Charms: 42
Defense Against the Dark Arts: 46
Herbology: 45
History of Magic: 40
Potions: 30
Transfiguration: 43
Total: 246
Total Owls: 12
Harry was amazed. "I — I got twelve." He wasn't surprised about the thirty in Potions. He felt relieved that Snape hadn't given him zero.
"Twelve?" said Hagrid, Ron, and Hermione together. Harry nodded. Ron's older brother Percy, who was a Prefect and had become Head Boy in his seventh year, had gotten twelve O.W.L.s as well.
"Well, that's great, Harry," said Hermione.
Hagrid beamed proudly at him.
Ron just looked at the floor. "I guess it's my turn." His hands were shaking even more than Hermione's had been, as he slowly opened the envelope. He unfolded the letter, and sighed a deep sigh of relief. "I didn't do a great job, but not too poorly. Ten O.W.L.s," said Ron, some color back in his cheek. He grinned at Harry, and Hermione, "But not as good as you two."
The conversation then turned to life after Hogwarts.
"I think that it would be lots of fun to come back to Hogwarts, and teach," said Hermione. Hagrid nodded.
"I dunno. I'd like more to be on a Quidditch team. Would you, Harry?" said Ron.
Harry nodded. Playing Quidditch professionally would be wonderful. "Yeah, I think that would be lots of fun," Harry said, grinning. "But I don't know if I'd ever make it onto a professional team."
"O' course yeh would, 'Arry," Hagrid said, waving his hand dismissingly at Harry. "Yer the bes' Seeker Hogwarts has ever seen. An' you'll be the bes' Seeker ever."
"Thanks, Hagrid," said Harry.
"Ron? Didn't yeh loose that rat o' yers a couple years ago?" Hagrid asked suddenly, changing the subject.
Harry nearly dropped his teacup and turned to Hagrid.
"Er — yeah, I did, Hagrid," answered Ron. "Why?"
Hagrid frowned. "I could've sworn I saw a rat that looked jus' like that rat o' yers just a couple o' days ago."
At this, Harry did drop his teacup, making everyone else jump. "Where, Hagrid?" demanded Harry.
Hagrid looked taken aback. Hagrid, like many other people, would not know why Harry would be so worried about Hagrid seeing Ron's rat. However, Ron's rat, Scabbers, had actually been Peter Pettigrew in disguise. If Hagrid had seen Scabbers at Hogwarts, the whole school was in danger.
"'Round the greenhouses, I think. Don' exactly remember, ter be honest. It might not've even have been Ron's rat, but it looked like 'im," Hagrid said.
Harry swiftly rose from his chair. "Hagrid, lock your doors, and
don't let anyone in here. Ron, Hermione, we've got to go."
"Wait! What's goin' on? What's wrong?" asked Hagrid.
"I'll explain later," Harry said, motioning for Ron and Hermione to follow him to the door. They did, and the three of them left, leaving Hagrid watching after them, confused.
"Harry! What's — going —on?" Ron panted, running to keep up with Harry.
"Don't you see? Hagrid saw Pettigrew! You two go back to Gryffindor tower, and stay in there, and keep the others in there too!" said Harry.
"What about you?" asked Hermione.
"I've got to see Dumbledore again," said Harry. When they reached the school, they went their separate ways, Harry racing for Dumbledore's office, and Ron followed by Hermione heading towards the Gryffindor tower.
Once he reached Dumbledore's office, Harry knocked on the door.
"Come in, Harry," Dumbledore said. Harry did. "What can I help you with, Harry?" Dumbledore asked, seeing Harry's expression.
"Sir, Pettigrew is here, at Hogwarts." Harry told everything to Dumbledore, about his lunch with Hagrid, and how Hagrid had said that he had seen Ron's rat. "He wasn't exactly sure it was Scabbers, but he thought that it looked like him. And, it's fitting. He's going to kidnap someone, Professor Dumbledore," said Harry.
Dumbledore was silent. He looked deep in thought, and Harry did not disturb him. Finally, Dumbledore said, "Where have you sent your friends Ms. Granger and Mr. Weasley?"
"I told them to go to Gryffindor tower, to stay there, and not let people out of the Common Room," said Harry.
"Ah, very wise, Harry. I'm afraid, however, that there is not much else we can do."
Suddenly, three loud knocks came from outside the door. Dumbledore said, "Come in."
Jessica Braham rushed in through the doors. Harry was surprised. How had Jessica gotten here? And, why had Hermione and Ron let her out of the Common Room?
Jessica was red in the face, and out of breath. "Harry! You've got to come back with me."
Harry turned back to Dumbledore, who said, "I think I will follow you, Mr. Potter." They both rose, and followed Jessica.
Jessica was racing though, at top speed. Harry was already tired, and found it hard to keep up with her. "Jessica! What's wrong?" asked Harry, nervous that he was too late, that Wormtail had kidnapped someone. However, Jessica did not answer. Finally, they reached the Portrait Hole.
"What's wrong today? Everyone's been running. Is something wrong?" asked the Fat Lady.
Jessica just said, "Cirdog!" The Fat Lady opened obediently. Jessica grabbed Harry's hand and pulled him inside.
Harry first noticed how many Gryffindors were standing in the Common Room. It was nearly filled. And everyone's eyes looked up. Harry followed their glance, and saw a horrifying sight.
Hedwig was flying, agitated, around, and around in circles. She seemed to be cursed to be unable to land. She kept hooting shrilly.
Dumbledore pulled out his wand, and muttered a counter-curse. Hedwig stopped, but she was too exhausted to land and began to fall. However, Harry caught her in the nick of time, and she looked at him out of bleary, tired eyes, and hooted softly as a thank-you.
Harry looked around. Everyone was staring at him. He then saw Ron, and Ron was looking down, near Harry's feet. Harry followed Ron's glance, and saw a letter.
"Hedwig dropped that when she first flew in," explained Ron. "But, don't pick it up Harry! I saw the Dark Mark on the back of it!"
Gasps and screams came at this remark, for the Dark Mark was Voldemort's sign. Harry looked at Dumbledore, who nodded, as if to say that it was all right to pick up the letter. Harry did, and sure enough, there was a black skull with a snake protruding out if its mouth on the back of the envelope.
Harry looked back at Ron, who was standing next to Fred, George, Ginny, and Jessica. Harry looked back at the letter, but then he had had a horrible sinking feeling in his stomach. He looked up, and again, saw Ron, Fred, George, Ginny, and Jessica standing together. He looked wildly around, and saw Neville, Seamus, and Dean — Colin and Dennis Creevy — Lee Jordan, Alicia Spinnet — Angelina Johnson, Katie Bell — other faces he did not know. All of them were livid with fear, and concern.
"W-where's… Hermione?" asked Harry, dreading the answer. At first, no one spoke. Then, Jessica stepped forward, and answered, in a very soft voice.
"W-well, after Hedwig came in, Hermione knew she was cursed. She raced upstairs to get her spell books, I guess to find a counter-curse. Well, after we heard the dormitory door close, there was a loud scream…"
Harry nearly fainted. He had to put a hand on the table to steady himself. Hermione…
"Has — has anyone gone up and — looked?" Harry asked. "I mean, maybe she just tripped or — "
But it was no good. Jessica nodded and glanced at Ginny, who seemed very close to tears. Ginny clearly had gone up to check.
Harry shut his eyes tight.
Dumbledore said, "Gryffindors! I do believe that dinner will be served relatively soon. I promise that no harm will come to any others. I know that for a fact, I assure you. However, if you would kindly make your way to the Great Hall, except for you, Ms. Braham, and you, Mr. Weasley."
Fred, George, and Ginny all seemed to want to stay, but Dumbledore assured them that they should go. The Common Room cleared quickly, and soon only Ron, Harry (who was holding Hedwig ever closer to him), Jessica, and Dumbledore remained.
Dumbledore was the first to speak. "Ms. Braham? I believe that Hedwig is fine, but that she may require some attention. Would you kindly take her to Hagrid?"
Jessica nodded, and moved next to Harry. Harry gave Hedwig to Jessica, and she left quickly.
"Mr. Weasley? Is there anything that you wish to add to Ms. Braham's recount of events?" asked Dumbledore.
"No, sir," said Ron.
"Then I suggest that you open that letter, Harry."
"But sir, what if it's cursed?" asked Ron.
"I think that Voldemort means for Harry to read this letter and that he would not curse it," said Dumbledore.
Slowly, silently, Harry opened the letter. It contained two parts: a map, and something that looked a lot like —
"A Howler? But — why would You-Know-Who send Harry a Howler?" Ron asked, confused. A Howler was a special letter that screamed the contents in the voice of the sender. It was usually sent to Hogwarts students by their angry mothers and hardly seemed to be something Voldemort would send to his enemies.
Harry picked up the map, and looked over it. It showed a large area, and there was a dark red line, which Harry assumed was the path he was supposed to take to find Hermione. Harry handed Dumbledore the map, and Dumbledore looked over it. When he was through, he frowned.
"What's wrong, sir?" asked Harry.
"Nothing, Harry. I cannot explain it to you now," answered Dumbledore. "However, I will warn you that you will pass a lake on your journey. Be very careful around that lake. Why don't you open the other piece of the letter?"
Harry opened the second envelope, and immediately the voice of Lord Voldemort filled the Common Room.
"HARRY POTTER! I, LORD VOLDEMORT HAVE TRIUMPHED OVER YOU AGAIN! I HAVE TAKEN YOUR MUDBLOOD FRIEND AND YOUR GODFATHER!"
Harry's stomach dropped even further. Voldemort had Sirius too?
"THEY HAVE NOT BEEN HURT, YET. I HAVE GIVEN YOU A MAP TO FOLLOW. IT WILL BE A TWO-DAY JOURNEY, AND YOU HAVE THREE DAYS. AT DAWN ON THE FOURTH DAY, YOU WILL BE TOO LATE TO SAVE THEM. SO, MAKE YOUR CHOICE SOON, HARRY POTTER!"
And then, the letter exploded into green smoke, which formed the Dark Mark, and then faded out of sight.
Harry was shaking in his seat. Ron was pale, and he looked as if he were going to be sick. Dumbledore's face was filled with fury.
Then, the door opened, and Professor McGonagall entered. "Professor Dumbledore!" She looked worried, but stopped when she saw Ron and Harry.
"It has been stolen, Minerva?" asked Dumbledore. She nodded. "I thought so."
"What's been stolen?" asked Harry.
"You'll find out soon enough, Harry," said Dumbledore.
"What is going on, Albus?" asked Professor McGonagall. Harry looked away.
"We have lost a student, Minerva," Dumbledore explained.
"What? Who?" asked Professor McGonagall. Then she understood why only Ron and Harry were in the Common Room. "Ms. Granger! She's not… "
"No, Minerva. Only kidnapped," Dumbledore assured Professor McGonagall.
"When did this happen?"
"Earlier this afternoon. Mr. Weasley, you may go to dinner," said Dumbledore. Ron looked as if he were about to argue, but decided against it.
"It'll be all right, Harry. You'll find her. Just… be careful when you do, all right?" said Ron, and then he left.
"Voldemort left Harry a map, and a note. Harry has three days to find Hermione," explained Dumbledore.
"What are we going to do, Albus?" asked Professor McGonagall.
"We? We are not going to do anything, except help Harry. Mr. Potter, I suggest that you go pack a change of clothes, your broomstick, and that wonderful possession that your father left you."
"Albus! You're not serious, are you? I mean, Potter's been thorough challenges before, but should the Ministry handle this?" asked Professor McGonagall.
But Dumbledore said, "Minerva, I believe Harry has the ability to do this. Also, Fudge won't lend any of the Ministry, because he doesn't believe us. Voldemort cleverly enchanted his letter to explode after it had been read, so we cannot use it to prove to him. Even if Fudge did believe us, no witches or wizards would want to do this. Also, Voldemort will only want Harry. If anyone else goes to save Hermione, she will no doubt be in even more danger then she is in now. Have confidence in Harry and his abilities."
He waved Harry off upstairs, and Harry obediently rushed up the stairs to his dormitory. He found a bag Ron had gotten from Honeydukes at Hogsmeade and stuffed extra clothes into it. He grabbed his Firebolt, and his father's Invisibility Cloak. Then, he rushed back downstairs.
When he arrived though, he was surprised by an arrival of someone else: Dobby.
Dobby's green eyes seemed damp with tears, and his voice quivered when he spoke. "Harry Potter! Dobby heard from Harry Potter's friends that Hermione is kidnapped by He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named — and that Harry Potter is going to save her."
"I am, Dobby. She needs my help," Harry assured Dobby.
"Dobby is not here to stop Harry, sir! Dobby — Dobby is only thinking that he should bring Harry Potter food for his journey," Dobby said, holding out a small bag, bulging with food.
Harry was speechless. He smiled, and finally managed to say, "Thank you, Dobby."
"Harry, it is time," said Dumbledore. Harry nodded, and mounted his broomstick.
"I'll be back in a few days," said Harry, reassuring not only Professor McGonagall and Dobby, but also himself. And he lifted off into the air, and flew out of an open window in Gryffindor tower.
Harry pulled out the map Voldemort had given him, and consulted it. He figured out which direction to go, and followed it. He flew for hours, and hours.
He had been flying most of the night, and it was hard for Harry to keep his eyes open. He found a clearing in a forest he was flying over, and landed there. He positioned his bag as a pillow, and put his broomstick beside him. Harry used his Invisibility Cloak to cover himself and all of his supplies, and he shut his eyes and fell into a deep sleep.