Ok, another absolutely randomly timed posting! Aha, soon you will fear my lack of organisation! My only excuse is that I'm tired, need to do homework, etc, and so, I'm posting this. Ok, that doesn't exactly make sense... (shrugs). Anyway, today I place the next Potter-filled instalment of 'Pain, Prophecies and Power'! Go me! Today's episode brings in two of your favourite characters – that's right, as the title suggests, I bring in good ol' Ron and 'Mione. Be prepared for tears, tears, and more tears! Ah well, you didn't expect them to be happy about it, did you? You did?!?! Freaky people. Anyway, the usual stuff applies; my admission for custody of Harry Potter still hasn't come through, etc, etc, etc.
Onto the chapter!
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Chapter 5. A meeting of Old Friends.
Walking through the entrance hall, Harry saw light and sound coming from within the Great Hall. As there was only Harry and a few of the teachers staying at Hogwarts, he thought this slightly odd, but didn't have enough time to think about it, before he walked in front of Hagrid between the two large wooden doors, and was knocked over by a blast of brown and red. His bruised back hitting the cold stone floor, he gave a small cry of pain, and immediately, his vision cleared to leave the faces of Ron and Hermione looking at his worriedly. Hermione's bushy brown hair lay over her shoulders, and her face was slightly flushed. Ron looked the same as ever, but as he put a hand out for Harry to get up, Harry noticed he was another few inches taller, his shirtsleeves finishing a few inches shorter than usual. Then he saw their expressions of worry deepen, and he knew they were taking in his 'unusual' appearance.
"Harry! What happened? Dumbledore sent us the owl, and we cam here immediately, but you look awful! Was it Death Eaters? Were you attacked? You look too thin; did they starve you? Oh Harry, I'm so glad to see you!" all this was said very fast, and Harry was forcefully reminded of the first time he had met her. However, he was extremely relieved when he saw Ron holding her back from hugging him to death, though he looked as worried as she did.
"Are you all right mate?" Harry didn't know what to say. Somehow, he hadn't imagined standing at the front of the Great Hall and telling them about what happened, he had imagined finding them in the common room, and sitting around the fire. However he knew they wouldn't let him go without an explanation, so he just gave them a quick
"I'll talk to you about it later, I'm hungry." And walked past them. He knew he was being rude, but he hoped they would listen to him. Sitting down at the table where Dumbledore, Remus and the other teachers sat, Harry was relieved to notice his best friends sit down without a word. They shot him worried looks, but satisfied that he would tell them all later, they began to eat the delicious meal. Remus managed to make the three teenagers roar with laughter at some of the antics he told them of his days in the Marauders, but Harry was certain that at times Remus shot him a glance, as if to make sure he was ok. And he was even more certain that he could see tears in his eyes as the man related tales of his dead best friends.
As they left the Great Hall some time later, (Harry had been forced to eat large amounts of food by both Ron, Hermione and Remus) they made their way to the common room, Harry telling them the new password – 'Chocolate frogs' – and sat down around a roaring fire, lit by a willing Dobby some time earlier. Harry sat back in the comfortable armchairs and thought 'This is more like it. Oh well, now is as good a time as ever'. Looking up from the dancing flames, he saw Ron and Hermione staring at him intently, worry written all over their faces. Before they could speak, he stood up and turned away from them, standing in front of the fire, staring at a spot on the mantelpiece.
"It wasn't Death Eaters." He sighed deeply. "It was my uncle. All my life he beat me, sometimes for no reason at all, and gave me barely any food. The first time I ate a proper meal was the feast here when I started Hogwarts. I used to eat a slice of bread and a glass of water a day. Nobody cared about me, nobody noticed. Then, last year after – after Sirius – after he died, my uncle decided I needed a new punishment." It sounded worse than when he had told Snape or Hagrid or Remus. He could picture their horrified faces. A spark of pride inside of him flared, and he felt slightly angry. He didn't need their pity. But then it was gone, and he realised that they were sorry for him for a reason. Sighing again, he decided to break it to them simply. "They raped me."
Over the past few days, Harry had been the subject of many uncomfortable silences, but this really had to top it. Finally, as the tension threatened to snap, he turned slowly around to see them. Hermione was crying unashamedly, and Ron just looked stunned. Then, as today was a day for revelations, he decided to tell them about the prophecy.
"You know last year, the prophecy that was smashed in the Department of Mysteries? Well, Dumbledore told me what was in it." Swallowing, he continued, sitting back down on the armchair. "It said that I'm the only one who can kill Voldemort, and that either I have to kill him, or he has to kill me. And, well the reason I went missing was because I decided it was too much, and tried to jump off of the Astronomy Tower. Dumbledore saved me."
If Harry had thought the last silence topped the 'Top Ten Most Uncomfortable Silences' list, then this blew the record. He felt like screaming, or crying, or laughing or all three. Just to break the silence. Silently, Hermione stood up and threw her arms around him. Without him noticing, Harry started to cry silently. Ron, though still thoroughly confused and shocked, threw his arms around his best friends, and they all sat in one large mound of crying people, until they fell asleep, comforted by each others' presence.
Next morning, Harry awoke first as the dusty morning light filtered through the common rooms' window and onto his face. Untangling himself from his two best friends, he stood up and massaged his aching limbs. He watched as Hermione stirred first, blinking owlishly at the world until the memories of what had happened last night hit her as hard as her own aching limbs. Pulling herself out from a snoring Ron, she put a hand tentatively on Harry's shoulder. Harry leant into the touch, acknowledging her love and friendship in a simple gesture. He felt at peace, he no longer had any secrets from anyone.
Hermione brushed her ruffled hair out of her face with a hand, and sat down on the arm of Harrys' armchair, throwing her available arm around his shoulders. They sat like this comfortably and quietly for a few minutes until Ron sat up groggily.
"Morning sleepy." Said Harry as Hermione withdrew her arm, embarrassed by the close contact. He felt a sudden sense of loss, then brushed it off. Hermione went across and pulled up Ron by the arm, smiling as he complained loudly at his own aching body.
"Er, Harry?" Ron suddenly looked at his best friend, almost apprehensively. "Thanks for telling us." Harry nodded. He was glad they understood. They linked hands, Ron and Hermione standing almost protectively on either side of Harry, and started to walk down to breakfast. Just as they reached the entrance hall, Hermione's expression lit up, as if she had remembered something important. Breaking hold of her best friends, she turned to them.
"You go into breakfast, I've got to go to the library. Meet you there." And she dashed off, not hearing Ron yell after her with a bemused expression on his face.
"But Hermione, it's the holidays, and you've done all your homework!" Turning to Harry, he shrugged. "She's mad, honestly. Missing breakfast, and going to the library in the holidays! I'm surprised its even open." Harry shrugged too, and they walked into the hall, and soon forgot about Hermione by talking about the latest Quidditch results.
As they stood up to leave about half an hour later, Harry suddenly remembered where Hermione had gone, and they hurried to the library, only to find her coming out of the library with a disappointed look on her face.
"What's wrong Hermione? Couldn't you find what you were looking for?" said Harry, walking over to her. She looked up, then saw Harry and Ron. She shook her head.
"No, I'll have to ask Professor Dumbledore."
"What is it? Something we can help with?" Harry was slightly concerned; it wasn't like Hermione to be like this.
"Well, I had my 16th birthday in the holidays,"
"Oh no!" cried Harry. "I forgot your birthday!" Hermione looked at him with an expression that plainly said 'you had a lot to think about'.
"Anyway, when I woke up on my 16th birthday, I found this." As she finished speaking, she drew up her sleeves and showed them a tattoo-like mark on her wrist. It was in the shape of four lines lying horizontally across the skin, one wavy, one straight, one a double straight line and the last a double wavy line intercepting each other. Over these lines was a simple lightning bolt, very similar to Harry's scar. As soon as he saw it, he felt strange, as if he'd seen it before, and something else he couldn't quite put his finger on. Touching it gently, he felt as though static electricity was running through his fingertips. Judging by the way Hermione swiftly withdrew her arm and gave him a queer look; she was feeling the same thing. He looked up to see his best friends' staring at him oddly, and he shrugged.
"Yeah, Maybe Dumbledore can tell us what it is." Then, as Hermione drew the sleeve over her arm, they followed Harry to Dumbledores' office.
Pausing outside the beautifully carved stone phoenix, they waited for Harry to say the password. When he looked slightly lost, they decided to join in and help him guess.
"Chocolate Frogs."
"Blood Lollipops."
"Cockroach Cluster."
"Bertie Botts Every Flavour Beans."
"Levitating Balls."
"Pepper Imps."
"Ton Tongue Toffee." They watched in amazement as the phoenix started to move and hopped onto the staircase, looked impressed at Ron, who squirmed.
"It was just a guess! How was I supposed to know Dumbledore would use that as his password?" Laughing, they knocked patiently on the door as they reached the top floor, passing the Sorting Hat and the sword of Godric Gryffindor. After a few minutes, as Ron was starting to look impatient, they heard the unmistakable voice of their headmaster call out to them.
"Come in, Mr Potter, Mr Weasley and Miss Granger." They gave each other a puzzled look, but walked into the small round room. While they waited for the old man to finish completing some very complicated looking paperwork, Harry stroked Fawkes, and Hermione and Ron studied the various delicate looking implements surrounding them. With a quick surge of guilt he remembered all the ones he had trashed last year in a fit of anger. Finally, Harry looked up from Fawkes' brilliant gold and red plumage to see two blue eyes twinkling at him.
"You wanted to see me, Harry."
"What was all that paperwork sir?" Harry blurted out.
"Ah, yes." Dumbledore smiled and gestured at the 6 inch mound of parchment. "That was my readmission as Chief Warlock in the Wizengamot. After last year, they decided that I did the job better than anyone else. Though I doubt that was the reason of your visit." Harry grinned, and looked at his best friends, who were now paying close attention, though they looked very nervous at being so close to the only wizard Voldemort had ever feared, even after all the times they had seen him previous.
"Well, sir, it's best if Hermione tells you really." Dumbledore looked vaguely surprised, but nodded at them to sit, and to tell their story. Hermione told him all about her birthday, and when she pulled up her sleeve; he jumped up and gazed at it intently. Then he sat back down and steepled his fingers, looking deeply at each of them in turn. Finally, he asked them if there was anything they wished to tell him, and as Harry was about to leave, he suddenly turned, and quietly, so that Ron and Hermione couldn't hear, he told Dumbledore of the feeling he had had. Dumbledore seemed to give him another long, piercing look, and then dismissed him.
As they walked down the spiral staircase and out into the corridor, Harry stopped sharply, clutching his scar. Doubling over in pain, he could vaguely hear Ron and Hermione asking him if he was all right. Waves of excruciating pain flowed through his head, but then, as quickly as it had come, it was gone, and Harry was left, panting, on his knees, feeling Hermione's arms around him, and sensing Ron hopping around in the background trying to get back into Dumbledore's office.
"Harry? Are you alright?" He heard Hermione's worried voice, and looked up to smile weakly at her. His head throbbed with a massive headache, but at least it didn't feel like it was splitting in two. They sat together on the floor until Harry felt Dumbledore's arms try to lift his head. Snapping open his eyes, he saw an expression of relief flit over the wizened features.
"It's alright, sir. I'm fine." He saw the look of disbelief on the faces around him, and stood up quickly to prove his point. "Just Voldemort checking in." he saw the wince cross Rons' face as he said the name, but ignored it. Honestly, if they were going to fight him, they could at least say his name. Other than that, he saw Dumbledore give him a fleeting smile, before walking quickly away. He felt relieved; the last thing he wanted now was more fussing. After satisfying Ron and Hermione that he really was all right, they walked down to the entrance hall again. Harry decided to leave them in the library, hastily explaining that he wanted to talk to Remus. They nodded understandingly, and walked off, arguing about something or other. Watching them fondly, he turned and wondered where his werewolf friend might be. Just as he thought this, he saw the tired figure walk slowly through the front doors.
"Remus!" Harry called, racing down to catch his fathers' best friend in a rib breaking hug.
"Harry." Remus hugged him just as tightly. He pulled away, with a broad smile on his face. "Are you alright?"
"Yeah, I'm fine. I told them last night." Remus was relieved to hear it, he had wondered whether Harry would tell them at all. They walked back outside, and wandered through the grounds, Harry happily listening to tales of the Marauders exploits. They sat by the lake for a while in silence, before Harry noticed his friend was crying. He hugged his close, feeling slightly odd at comforting a man much older than himself. Remus took the comfort willingly – he didn't often get the chance, especially now with his last true friend gone. They sat there for a long while, sometimes in silence, sometimes expressing their feelings and thoughts to each other. Before long though, the sun was setting, casting reflections in the water that looked like great fiery chariots racing into the sky. Then they walked back to the castle, walking away from the sun as it sank slowly into the horizon and casting the world into a shadowy twilight.
Dinner in the great hall was a pretty boisterous affair, and Harry, Ron and Hermione enjoyed the occasion to the full. Halfway through the meal, there was a whistle-stop visit from the Weasleys (bar Percy, who was still Under-Secretary to the Minister, and had apologised to his family, didn't join them. Ron still didn't trust him) and some other members of the Order, all of which looked especially glad to see Harry was ok, and happy. However, they declined the offer of food and company, leaving quickly for 'secret business', that everyone knew meant the Order of the Phoenix.
As they went to bed much later, Harry was awarded a hug from a very embarrassed Hermione, who muttered a quiet 'goodnight' without meeting his eyes. Harry and Ron were both puzzled by this change of behaviour, but as they crept into their silent dormitory that night, Harry ended up casting silencio on Ron to shut him up. After a few minutes of silent puppy dog eyes from a certain red head, Harry relented, and ended up casting soundproofing spells on the curtains around his bed.
This is why, when he awoke next morning, he was amazed to notice Ron and Hermione standing in the dormitory. They had obviously been talking about last night, as Hermione looked haughty and ruffled, and Ron was shaking with silent mirth. On seeing Harry awake, their expressions changed, and he saw they were still worried about him. After Harry had dressed (during which Ron had forced Hermione to wait for them in the common room, muttering about indecent women), they walked into breakfast. As they sat munching toast and downing pumpkin juice, they pondered on what they would do today. Harry knew they would be plotting something soon, as his 16th birthday was a few days away, and they knew he had never had a proper birthday. So he was unsurprised when they hurried off after breakfast, after first checking with Harry that he would be all right amusing himself for a while, and if he needed them, he could come and find them.
As he walked slowly out into the entrance hall, he seriously considered going to see Professor Snape. Not really making up his mind, his feet led him down the cold, empty corridors to the dungeons, stopping in front of Snape's office. On an impulse, he knocked, and the door opened to reveal his old enemy. Snape smiled at Harry, something which still gave him a distinct feeling of unease.
"Harry, how can I help you?" Harry thought for a moment, and decided on the truth.
"I don't know, though I was actually wondering if I could help you." Harry met Snapes' eyes, and held the gaze. Snape stood aside to let Harry in. They sat down in the same position as before, Snape at the desk, Harry in front of him.
"Well, as far as I can see, sir, fairs fair. I told you about my, experiences, so you tell me yours." Snape looked torn. Torn between finally discussing his past with someone who would understand, and adding more pain to the young man before him. Meeting Harrys' gaze again, he realised it was time. His time.
As the afternoon wore on, outside the castle, the beautiful weather had clouded over, and it began to rain steadily, casting an air of gloom and despair. However, inside the castle, plans were being made, people were healing, and life continued, oblivious to the growing threat of Voldemort.
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Ah. The end. Of the chapter I mean. You thought I was just gonna leave it there?!?! Freaky, freaky people. Ah, yes, we have much fun I foresee in the future...
Review ResponsesMr Blader X – Thanks for the review! Yes, Nice Snape, and look out for more of it in upcoming stories by me, though I promise not to post them until I've finished this one. Hope you liked the chappie!
JustMe – Thank you! I have so many people who like this, I feel so warm and fuzzy... -
rosiegirl – Vacation was fine, except for the notable exception of the death of my grandmother. But she lived a happy life and everything... I'm digressing. As you can tell (duh) I have updated, and plan on doing so again soon, as I have the next chapter planned in my head – now it just needs writing!
kaj – You can read my mind! Harry will become stronger, in time, and H/Hr romance coming shortly!
shaz124 – Congratulations, I think you win the Longest Review Prize! (applauds) Thank you very much for taking your time to do this, I enjoyed reading your feedback. Though I hope this didn't spit you out too hard, we want you back for the next chapter! Tell me what you think of Ron and Hermione's reactions, I don't know if they feel right to other people.
Royal Midnight – Banana? That's all you could think of? Oh well...! Will do as asked, though must remember not to post when doing homework, or supposed to be doing homework. Naughty Heather...
I took you seriously – Keep reading, preferably longer than one letter reviews next time! Lol.
jessygrl – Thank you, and keep reading, I'll try to post at more sensible times!
shdurrani – Thank you very much (and I know I keep repeating that, but I mean it every single time) for your review and your complements. I haven't yet decided whether or not Harry will go to court, but I suppose it must happen. After all, the Dursleys broke the law, Muggle and Wizarding. Needs thought though, thank you for mentioning it.
cjz – Thank you! Will do!
EbonyBeach – Hi Hana! NP fore the review, thanks for reviewing mine! Glad you liked it.
Alorkin – If you don't mind me being truthful, I'm not really sure how I respond to that. I mean, thank you for taking the time to explain this to me and I am very touched; it must be a very hard situation for you to have been in, and I just hope that this is reasonably accurate (as much as I can make it) and doesn't upset anyone in any way. Your daughter sounds very nice, and should be proud to have a father like you.
Openspy – lots of magic, very soon. Maybe even a little surprise...
Wow! 35 reviews! I'm so happy, and so proud! Thank you! (hugs) Cookies and hot chocolate all round!
FireOpal.
PS:- More reviews please!