Disclaimer: Umm...I forgot where I was going with this...so...who cares? No really reads this and JKR is smart enough to realize I'm not making money off this anyways. She has better things to do than read this like write Harry Potter!
Oh...MY...GOD. Did all of you check out the cover for HBP? I was the UK/Canada version and the US version. Very, very exciting. I'm such a geek that I took a clock from mugglenet and put it on my desktop...still 127 days, 8 hours, 14 minutes and 59 seconds and counting till Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is released!
sjpgurl: I liked that line too. Ron isn't an easy person to control and that's a pretty good thing. You have a very interesting prediction but the real thing to wonder is how did Ron become what he is? LOL I liked the end of that review. Very dramatic.
Aimz16: It's just one of the more mixed up things Harry remembers. Like how he remembers some people by just hearing their names and others take longer.
PinkyTheSnowman: Yes...yes. You were in an interesting predicament. I've been in that before too. My legs have been hurting lots lately too. Jogging more often. But I guess we've all got to keep fit. God knows we wouldn't want to end up like Dudley.
daddysgirl101989: Nope, no one knows how he survived the drowning thing yet. And yes, no one knew he was under the Imperius Curse when he 'disappeared' at first so to say. There is much, much more on Ron to come. I totally agree with you that both my stories right now are complete opposites. It's weird for me as an author too. And I get my quotes by a quick search on google usually.
MIDNIGHT-PIXIE: Aww...don't cry. It'll all be alright...eventually. More on Ron soon.
bethzc, Tainted13Innocence: It's very good that you guys are enjoying evil Ron. I mean come on...when life gives you lemons...
mystikalolo: I adore the line too. I'm glad the chapter appealed so widely to you. I liked many of the factors in it too.
applesonline: Ok, I will work on Angsty Harry. My lips are usually sealed even though sometimes I want to say stuff very badly. Read on for more clues and info though. And thank you for complimenting.
Thanks also to: dancerrdw and hjpchick.
'When life gives you lemons squeeze them in someone's eye'-Unknown
Harry walked into the 'lessons chambers' as it was now being called, on the third floor. He was surprised to see that, aside from Hermione, Luna, Cho, and Edmund in the room. They were all wearing dark clothing other than Hermione who wore a bright green color.
"What's all this?" Harry asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Well, Harry, for today's lesson we're going on a little field trip," Hermione explained, "And this time, the DA knows about and has approved. We have Luna, Cho and Edmund accompanying us for safety reasons."
Harry nodded, respectively and couldn't help but feel excited. The outside world? Him? Even if this was a world of Voldemort, at least it had to have some beauty to it. He tried not to seem overly happy but everyone could notice a smile playing on his face and a certain spring in his step.
"Where are we going, 'Mione?" Harry questioned.
"Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry or at least that's what it used to be," Hermione said, getting a bit glum at the end.
"Hogwarts? The school I went to?" Harry said, hardly daring to believe it.
Hogwarts sounded like such a fascinating place of spells, charms, potions and complete and utter magic. He longed to remember the days of his childhood when he had roamed the grounds of the school. To hear the shouts of the students, feel the cold stone walls, all in his memory. It was frustrating him to think that the only thing stopping him from all he desired was his mind.
"Now, Harry, we're going to take the Knight Bus, so we need to get our names straight, alright?" Hermione stated, "Guys, care to tell Jake all your names?"
Luna, Cho, and Edmund or rather Artemis, Aphrodite and Morgan all followed her request.
"Have you got that, Harry?" Hermione asked, gingerly. He nodded. "Good and I'll be Dora."
Harry gave the names a bit of time to sink in before hustling about, trying to get to the door.
"Wait for it Potter!" Edmund called, "The lady's not done yet."
Hermione smiled at Edmund, appreciatively, "He's quite right. I wanted to give you this."
Harry stared at what she held in front of him with slight shock. It was a wand. A very thick wand but a wand at that. He moved closer to her to observe it more carefully. Somehow he didn't get the sudden spark as if it were his wand.
"This isn't my wand," Harry murmured, "Who does it really belong to?"
"A friend of ours," Hermione clarified, "He's gone now...he would've wanted you to have it."
"But, I don't know any spells," Harry spoke the truth.
"True, but we're not expecting you to be using it. It's mainly for safety purposes," Hermione responded, "This is to be used in only the very dire situations. Please don't mess this up. The DA has been planning his little escapade for you for quite some time."
Harry nodded and felt the wand slide into his hand. It was rather an honor and a burden at the same time.
The five of them began heading out the door. No one carried anything but wands and Hermione stuck a few potions vials into her robes. Harry wondered why none of them morphed their physical features. It would've made it all so much more easier. He worded this to Hermione.
"Why aren't we altering appearances?" Harry inquired, straightening his robes and sticking his wand in them.
"None of us know how to transform people for more than two hours. This will be a long journey and we don't want to risk you suddenly changing in front of everybody. That will draw more attention to you than if you leave the house just as you are," Hermione replied, "Even though there is only one you, Harry, many know there are also many green-eyed, black-haired, wizards about your age. They will mistake you for just another one of them."
However, Luna plopped a large, pointy hat on his head.
"For safety purposes," she said with a nod of her head.
Harry couldn't help but laugh at how unknowingly comical she was at times. However, soon they were all serious as they left Grimmauld Place. Cho turned her head casually from side to side as if wanting to cross the street but Harry knew better. She was scanning it intently. After she was confident nothing was lurking about she shot a green spark into the air.
It took two minutes for the Knight Bus to pull up on the street. It screeched to a stop in front of the wizards and witches. The small boy Harry remembered from before stepped out on the landing to let them pass by.
"Name, please?" he implored, timidly.
"What have you need of for my name?" Edmund demanded, threateningly.
The little boy cringed and backed off. Oh, Harry really wished Edmund would just leave him alone.
"On orders from the Dark Lord, we are now required to know people's names before they enter the bus," he explained.
The group exchanged a few dark looks before Hermione piped up.
"Alright, no problem. My name is Dora Gill. This is Artemis Jones and she's Aphrodite McDougal. The big guy is Morgan Michaels and that over there is Jake Perdu," Hermione said, briskly, making up last names faster than Harry could blink.
The little boy's eyes lingered on Harry, a genuine smile playing on his face, "Nice hat, Mister."
Harry grinned in turn and bowed, "I'll let you wear it if we can gain entrance on the bus."
The little boy collected all their money and one by one they piled on the bus. They took the seats near the most people to allow for maximum coverage. Harry sat by the window so he could have a chance to peak outside. It was a warm day and he had a feeling summer was on it's way. The air was fresh after being cleaned throughly over winter.
Cho sat beside him and he felt himself heat up. She was very pretty and very funny. Tough to boot. He didn't like her all that much in particular but pretty witches always had a certain effect on the males they sat by or looked at for that matter.
He had a sudden urge to make conversation so he asked, "What is Hogwarts like?"
He sounded like a small child asking, 'What is the dentist's like?' on this way to the dentist for the first time. Cho faced him and Harry sawa flicker of emotions, however she was left smiling.
"Hogwarts is really the best place in the world," she said, softly, "You protect you there but yet your free. The way of life there is simple but the school work is hard. And-her voice cracked-even though your far away from family, everyone who you hold dearest there soon becomes your family."
Her eyes were watering over and Harry regretted asking her anything at all. She stared, solidly, at her lap and Harry looked out the window in the major moment of discomfort. They bus was in movement and Harry could not make out any of the blurrs outside of the window.
"I'm being awful silly," Cho muttered, dabbing at her eyes, "Hogwarts was the golden age of my life but sometimes I remember things that I try to forget about."
Harry knew he shouldn't push the envelope but he asked, quietly, "Like what?"
Cho's dark, slightly red, eyes stared at him, "It's hard to believe you don't remember. Strange. I always thought that if you ever forgot what happened that day I could. Guess not."
Harry blanked. He suddenly felt so much more a part of what was making Cho so upset.
"Cedric Diggory," Cho said, her voice low as possible but Harry heard.
A torrent of emotions and memories splashed on the beaches of his mind. The Triwizard Tournament in fourth year, The Final Task, The Trophy-no wait-The Port Key, Voldemort, Wormtail, Cedric, Death. Harry gripped the arms of his seat on the bus just to make sure he didn't have to leave his current position to go back and live the past. He was breathing heavily but he tried to keep the sudden reaction to a minimum since they were supposed to be undercover here. Tears stung his eyes but he blinked them away. He had seen a memory of his at Hogwarts but he was only just mourning the death of Cedric Diggory in his new age.
The bus stopped to left off a few old witches and Hermione scurried over to him and Cho,"Do you mind if we switch seats?"
Cho glanced over at Harry in worry and whispered, "I'm sorry," before giving his hand a last squeeze and moving away.
Hermione sat down, "I'm guessing Cho reminded you of something."
Harry nodded, feeling cold, "Cedric."
Hermione shut her eyes as if struggling internally, "It was a horrible thing that happened to Cedric but you can't feel bad now. You don't know all of what happened. I'm sorry you had to see a jump start from the simple beginning and understand that the worse things happened other than your parents being murdered by him. But you must forget that memory for now. Store it for a rainy day. We'll come back to it soon."
Behind them, an old man scratched his nose, vigoriously, "Gotcha."
Harry was in Hogsmeade again except this time he was walking to Hogwarts not Hermione's flat. A cobble stone path led off to the distance where a mountainous grey castle stood, looking over all. Harry saw ripped turrets flying from the towers. Some of which were broken. Actually as he got closer he noticed much of the building was damaged. It was a pity to see it that way. From the glimpse of his memory he remembered something highly spectacular about the castle.
They had reached the front doors or the Entrance Hall as Hermione said.
"Ok, before we get in we need two of you to stay outside," Hermione said, "Cho, Edmund, can I count on you for that? Cover all sides and if you see anybody mucking about, send us a signal. Luna, you're with us."
Cho and Edmund wasted no time in separating and scanning the castle grounds which were lush and beautiful but also bordering on wild and untamed. He had a feeling few had been here for a long time.
Hermione turned towards the doors and Harry was expecting her to say some great big spell to get them to majestically open but all she needed to do was push them with a bit of elbow grease.
The creak the opening door gave was enough to make Hermione and Harry flinch. Luna, however, stayed expressionless and walked into Hogwarts at the front of the pack. Harry and Hermione followed suit.
Hogwarts. What could he say? As soon as he entered he felt a hundred eyes looking at him, a thousand voices calling him, a million moments all so long and old and forgotten. He remembered so many things that it was hard to keep up. The first day he'd arrived to almost the last day he left replayed in his mind. All those long hours in Potions and History of Magic, the enchantment of Dumbledore's beginning of the year speeches, the Quidditch games, the House League. He remembered the people behind the memories too, Dumbledore, McGonagall, Snape, Draco, Trelawney, Hagrid, Ron, Ginny, Neville, Hermione, Luna, Cho, Fred and George...the list never stopped. He remembered the acquaintances and the Sorting.
Gryffindor. The word echoed off the walls even today. He was a Gryffindor.
The Hogwarts back then was full of so much beauty and pain. So many lives lost, so many heros remaining forever buried deep under the soil of the school's earth. Harry clutched his side where the pain had gathered and fell to the ground. Instantly Hermione and Luna were by his side. He felt one of them take his hand and he closed his eyes tightly. As quickly as the memories came, they eventually slowed down and finally stopped. Harry breathed in a crisp hint of fresh air and felt his mind clear, and his heart pound. He sat upright and felt Luna release his hand.
"Harry if you're not ready for this...," Hermione began, "We can leave right now."
"Wha-? No!" Harry cried and then added, softly, "No, I'm learning. I'm remembering. I know how I met you, Hermione. On the Hogwarts Express, first day. And you, Luna, on the Hogwart's Express too, first day of fifth year."
"Do you remember everything?" Luna asked, eyebrows flying away into her hair.
Harry shook his head, "I don't think so. I'm missing about the end of every single school year. And I think I'm missing how I got to Hogwarts and how I eventually left. So technically...all I remember is boring school things."
"But all that's very important!" Hermione exclaimed, loudly, making Luna snap into reality for a bit, "Hogwarts made you who you are. And the more you remember, the more you become who you were."
"Show me, please," Harry pleaded, unneccessarily.
Hogwarts, whilst covered with cobwebs and spiders and mounds of dust, was still very, very beautiful. It had a certain old age quality that most structures lacked now-a-days. Some parts of it were blasted down by Death Eaters. Hermione and Luna reaccounted much of Hogwart's History which had to do with Godric Gryffindor, Rowena Ravenclaw, Salazar Slytherin and Helga Hufflepuff.
He was fascinated and touched many of the objects in many of the rooms and felt a surge of memory rush through him. It was so much to do with adrenaline and he was feeling stronger the more he remembered. He came into the potions room and felt a vial that felt so much hate and sadness that it was hard to control.
"I didn't like Snape at all," Harry grinned, "And he didn't like me."
Edmund paced about and skimmed the grounds like a hawk. He was near Hagrid's Hut. His brother, Lee, who had gone to Hogwarts had told him about it. Lee was a full fledged wizard who also worked for the DA. Edmund, however, lacked one thing. Magical Ability. He was a Squib. Most squibs led sad, dreary lives, like that of Hogwarts ex-custodian, Filch but Edmund made the best of things and was happy with where he was at.
He noticed Cho floating about far off in the distance. She couldn't apparate in these grounds. He was wondering once more over telling Miss Chang just how deeply he felt about her when out of nowhere a shot of red light zipped past his right ear. He was up in seconds and ready for combat. A dozen Death Eaters fell out of the underbush. Edmund managed to dodge a few more spells but was dead worried for Cho and the others.
"Cho! CHO!" he screamed, "CHO! GET OUT OF HERE WITH THE REST!"
It took a few long seconds but he got her attention. But to his dismay, instead of flying away inside the castle she rushed towards the battle. She was running and brandishing her wand as she came.
One of the Death Eaters, obviously a ringleader, lowered his hood, "Why look who it is! Cho Chang!"
"You foul-mouthed traitor!" Cho flared at him, "How dare you even speak my name?"
Ron Weasley was not perturbed. Edmund struggled to dodge a spell and it hit his upper arm. He immediately stiffened and felt blood ooze down the length of his arm. Cho cried out and ran to him, highly disturbed.
Ron halted his men and waited for them to watch his pathetic display of caring. Cho huddled over him.
"What do we do?" Edmund whispered in his ear, as he impersonated a hug.
None could tell they were about to brew a plan. The Death Eaters were only jeering.
"Listen to me and don't disagree. I'll attack the Weasel and you run for it. Get Harry and the others out of the building as quick as possible," Cho ordered.
Edmund opened his mouth to argue but Cho shushed him, "Don't argue. You run faster and I'm the only one that can do spells. It makes perfect sense. Now on three-one-two-three!"
Cho spun around and shot the worst hex she could think of towards Ron. He was rather unprepared and it hit him square in the face. Cho smiled. Ron Weasley could not have easily forgotten this curse. It was a famous story of how he had once cast it on himself in Second Year. He seemed to remember because his face took on a look of utter humiliation and disgust.
"Sire!" a Death Eater exclaimed, running towards him, "Sire! Say something!"
Ron opened his mouth and a huge slug came out. Now even Death Eaters could not help but find it utterly disgusting. Ron tried to speak and give orders but all that came out were slugs. Death Eaters are a slow bunch and without someone ordering them about they were very lost. They circled around Ron and scratched their heads nonchantly. Cho and Edmund were completely forgotten.
Once the slugs stopped coming out at the speed of light, Ron shouted, "The witch! Get her! And I want that wizard too! Go!"
The Death Eaters began a long jog towards the castle.
"And this is the Defense Against the Dark Arts Classroom," Hermione gestured, "Our teacher changed every year."
"Hmm, yeah. I remember some of them," Harry commentated, picking up a textbook, "I always loved this class. I wanted to be an Auror."
"You were on your way to being one," Hermione started.
Harry went over to where Luna was standing and looked over her shoulder. She was holding an old photograph of a golden-haired, blue-eyed man whose picture was yellowing.
"Gilderoy Lockhard, wasn't it?" Harry implored, staring at her back.
"Lockhart," Luna clarified.
Harry hadn't expected it but this visit was going very pleasantly. Even after the intial faux pas it was still a very interesting day. Hogwarts was a true museum in it's own way and Hermione and Luna gave the absolute best tours. Suddenly the door of their classroom swung open with a bang. They all turned their heads, necks cracking in a melodious tune. Cho stood their, supporting Edmund who was bleeding badly.
"Is it-" Hermione began.
"Yes," Cho confirmed.
"Ok, let's get out of here," Hermione ordered, "Come on! Come on!"
"Hermione, where are we to go?" Edmund asked, putting on a brave face, "They're coming in from the front and we can't apparate in here."
Hermione fell into deep thought. However it was Luna that broke the silence.
"How about we try the Room of Requirement?" Luna suggested, "We need a hiding place or some kind of getaway...and it gives us what we need most."
It was a hasty suggestion and Hermione made hasty decision, "Let's go at it."
Luckily they were only on the fourth floor and needed to dismount only one. Luna was quickly ripping a piece of her robe as they ran and managed to secure it on Edmund's arm while keeping in movement. Just as they reached the third floor they heard an explosion three floors below. The Death Eaters had broken in. They would soon be scouring the entire castle.
They crossed one third of the third floor and finally reached the Room of Requirement. As soon as they opened it, they stepped in without thinking what might be inside. The entire room was black except for a circle of light which illuminated a grungy baseball. It had London written on it. Everyone felt rather confused. The Room of Requirement gave them a baseball? And a ripped one at that.
"There has to be some explaination," Hermione said, stepping forward.
They walked across the blackness carefully because it felt like they were walking on nothing. Soon all five of them were surrounding the baseball. They glared at it, intensely. Just outside they could hear the sounds of the castle being searched. This was no time for the room to throw a riddle at them. Harry was about to reach out to touch it but Hermione grabbed his hand back.
"You never know Harry," Hermione mumbled, "These objects can to anything to you, take you anywhere, make you anything..."
"That's exactly it!" Harry cried out causing everyone to go "Shhhhh!" for fear of the Death Eaters.
"Having it make you anything?" Cho demanded, eyes wide.
"Nooo...but it will take us anywhere! It's a Port Key to London!" Harry gave his account of the baseball.
They all stared at it some more.
"I think Harry's right," Luna whispered, "It's Port Key-esque."
"I think is not enough," Hermione shook her head, "We have to test it just to be sure."
"I'll test it," Edmund scowled, "For Harry's sake."
"I'll go with him," Cho seconded.
Hermione nodded, respectively at them, "Go on."
Cho's hand was shaking as she reached out to touch the baseball. Edmund placed his hand over hers and they both clamped their hands over the baseball and...luckily they didn't turn into pigs with wings but disappeared.
Hermione smiled, "So it is a Port Key. I'll go next and stabalize the area. Luna you make sure to let Harry come right after. I don't think he'd be safe alone."
"It'll be done," Luna said, still staring at the door behind them as if expecting it to burst open.
"I'm sorry today had to end like this Harry," Hermione apologized, "I promise, not everything in this world is as messed up."
Harry smiled at her and suddenly felt his face heat up awkwardly as she gave him a swift kiss on his cheek before disappearing herself. Now only he and Luna were left and he tried not to look at her for he was blushing so. The silence that followed didn't have to last long, though, because the door burst open and Ron Weasley stood there with another Death Eater.
"Well, well, well," Weasley grinned, "We've hit the jackpot."
Harry froze and for a second forgot about everything. All he cared about was looking at Ron. His ex-best mate. How close he'd been to him at one time. He wanted to reach out and give him a hug right now but it looked like Ron hadn't had one of those for a long time. He was so entranced that he actually took a step forward towards him. Ron was so shocked that he stepped back in fear.
Luna took this chance to shoot five stunners in a row at the two. Four out of five stunners hit their marks. Luna grabbed Harry by the elbow and dragged him out of there with amazing strength for such a petite girl.
They were about to rush to the stairs but shadows loomed and they were coming from all directions. Luna and Harry jumped behind a statue. The statue of the One-eyed witch to be correct. Harry remembered it particularly for some reason. He gulped as he heard Death Eaters pass by them. The large hump of the witch blocking them from view, fortunately.
", are you alright?" a Death Eater's gruff voice asked.
"Gerroff!" Ron yelled, "I want Potter! I saw him! Where did he go?"
"We haven't seen him, sir," a another Death Eater said, truthfully.
Harry shuddered as he heard Ron scream in anger, followed by his harsh breathing, "Wait-if you didn't see him go down the stairs that means he still must be on this floor."
Luna and Harry stiffened. Oh god. This could be the end. Harry didn't want it to be the end. He had so much more to learn, to remember, to feel. An unexpected jet of memory snapped through him then. Something about this particular place and this statue. He studied it. He'd been here once before. He'd wanted to get to...-Harry strained his mind-Hogsmeade! Something about Fred and George giving him a something. Something that told him there was a...secret passage here to Hogsmeade! Harry got extrememly excited but was downcast once more as he remembered he didn't know where the passage was or how to work it.
"I've been here before," Harry repeated to Luna, "There's a secret passage here."
Luna gazed at him, "Do you remember any spell or anything for opening it?"
Harry knew he had disappointed her as he shook his head. He felt a rustle as Ron stood up.
"Harry!" Ron called, "Harry! Come out and play Harry! Come, let's play like we did when we were mates!"
Harry shivered and felt the aura of the young Ron in this older Ron's voice. It made him more desperate to find the passage. He heard footsteps in the hall as Ron drew near.
"Harry, why won't you come and give your best mate a hug?" Ron questioned, innocently.
His eyes were searching the hall for any sign of Potter. Ah, a corner of a rug was flipped over near the statue of the One-eyed witch. So that was where he was.
"Alohomora!" Harry whispered, taping the hump of the witch. No effect.
"Come on Harry. I won't let the Dark Lord hurt you...yet," Ron called, softly, "Even you aren't so foolish as to think that he won't eventually descend upon you and pick you part from your thin bones."
Descend.
"Dissimdium!" Harry whispered, risking it to be louder. Luckily, the thick wand worked on the first try.
The hump slid open to reveal a slide. Harry gestured for Luna to step in.
"No, you first, Harry. I promised Hermione," Luna supplied.
Harry shook his head, "I'd rather die than see him get to you. Ladies first."
He heaved Luna in and heard a whoosh as she slid out of sight. He could only hope that the slide led to safety. He could almost feel Ron's breath upon him and saw his shadow growing on the opposite wall. Harry slinked in and managed to close the slide door before descending, as Ron had said, to his escape. Perhaps he and his best mate Ron Weasley would have to duel some day but he'd decided to save that for a rainy day when he had nothing better to do.
Ron grinned. He could practically feel all the power the Dark Lord would bestow upon him once he had handed him over Harry Potter. He hear Potter's breathing and felt his heart pounding as it vibrated through the walls. So much live and soon that rhythmic pulse would be crushed forever.
He spun around the corner to the back of the One-eyed Witch and-AND-no Potter! His eyes wildly glared at the spot where he was so sure Harry Potter sat.
"ARRRRGGHH!" he groaned, causing every other Death Eater to flinch, "Fuck this!"
He slammed a fist onto the wall and only hurt himself even more.
The other Death Eaters let him pout, mope and overall have a temper tanrum for a bit before one of the brave ones came forwards.
"Sir, shouldn't we be going?" the Death Eater questioned, nervously.
Weasley glared at him, "You're right. Let's go. I hate this bloody school. Too many memories."
They trudged back downstairs and as they passed a window Ron noticed how sunny it was outside. He kissed the blade he always carried and promised to himself that he'd go one on one with Harry Potter on the rainiest day possible.
Slipping his blade back in his belt, he pulled down his drink. Whisky. He unscrewed the lid and held it up in mock toast to the sun.
"To a rainy day."
Author's Note: Wow, that was longer than I expected in some parts and shorter in others. Oh well. Sorry for the long time I took but I have the biggest history project on my hands that's due Monday. Bye!
Winky