A/N Writing this story whilst listening to love songs has really made me emotional, lol. Thanks to those who have left feedback and critiqued my first chapter. I hope you enjoy this chapter.
Chapter Two: Mail From A Murderer
Harry awoke rather happy after being able to have a look around Diagon Alley but was curious about the disgraceful five and what they had done. After doing some more reading Harry found some information that puzzled him. Alqous and his wife Alvesies had killed hundreds of muggles and wizards and were finally cornered by thirty aurors in the underground tunnels of Gringots when attempting robbery. Aaronova was a carnivore responsible for the invention of the cruciatus curse. The most recent member was Voldemort whose evil is known by all today. However the strange thing that puzzled Harry was the man Ariigviz. The book read;
Ariigviz - Bearer of eternal power.
Ariigviz is the name given to the son of Merlin and Anastavia. When Ariigviz was born he was taken by his father and put deep in Mount Arbrate' then many wizards and witches cast a spell 'inverio' to place his power dormant and imprison him in Mount Arbrate' until his death.
Why were these people so eager to imprison a baby? Harry did not know if he would ever find the answer to this. However there was one person you could rely on for information, Hermione. "Haven't you read Hogwarts a History," mimicked Harry. Harry walked down the hallway towards Hermione's room; his walk was very duck-like as his attention was on Ariigviz. Harry paused just before reaching Hermione's door. "Ahhh," the soft moans startled Harry and wondered what on earth Hermione could be doing. With a knock on the door "Hermione, its Harry. I need to ask you something." "Ah, just a minute," and Harry herd some rummaging around from inside the room. "Come in now," Harry recognized the voice of Hermione's that sounded quite flustered. As Harry opened the door he caught sight of Ginny sitting on the edge of the bed next to Hermione. "Hi Ginny." Ginny blushed even though she already looked red as it was. "What's been going on in here?" Asked Harry in a voice that sounded rather excited. Hermione glimpsed over at Ginny then said "Just a pillow fight Harry nothing major. Now what was it you wanted to ask me?" "Oh, have you ever come across the name Ariigviz or the Disgraceful Five?" "No, I can't say that I have." "Oh, I was hoping you would have." "Has something happened" asked Hermione curious now about Ariigviz and the Disgraceful Five. "No, don't worry about it then. It's just that I've been doing some reading and it lacks in depth detail. I'm going to go and practice some spells, see you later."
As Harry left the room he swore he heard shuffling around so knocked twice on the door and walked in. "Ah Harry what do you need?" Said Hermione as herself and Ginny straightened up. "Am I missing something here?" Said Harry in a curious voice. "No," replied Hermione trying to act as innocent as possible. "Ginny can I have a private word with Hermione for a sec?" Said Harry more telling than asking. Hermione gave Ginny a reassuring nod and Ginny left the room quite confident she knew what was about to be asked.
"Hermione. Seriously, what is going on between you and Ginny?" "Harry I've already told you that nothing is happening," a look of anguish on her face. "I like you, you know Hermione." "As do I you Harry." "More than that Hermione!" The words lingered for a moment as both persons were busy in thought. "I have passionate feelings for you Hermione," said Harry temperamentally. Hermione was in that state of thought you could recognize as it seemed she was focusing on something that was a mile away.
Hermione finally spoke up witch was good for Harry as his mouth was dry and he didn't know if he would be able to open it. "I don't see how this can happen. I have feelings for someone else." "Who! Its not that bloody Ron is it?" It was anger that pushed Harry to say this not giving any thought to the current situation except that Hermione liked someone else and who the hell it was. "I guess it's alright to tell you, as long as you keep it a secret and won't get upset." Harry nodded his head in concurrence but was not sure if he could remain calm, he could just strangle Hermione now and she could be with no one. No, what was he thinking he couldn't do that, Hermione was his friend and needed his support. "I'm in love with Ginny," Hermione's cheeks went red as she said this even though she was talking to the carpet instead of Harry. Harry's walk was procrastinated but he moved towards Hermione and pulled her up off the bed. "Are you sure this is what you want? I love you Hermione." Harry grabbed her by the shoulders and kissed her on the lips as silent tears streamed down his face. Hermione softly pushed Harry from her not wanting to shatter him any more. "Harry!" Harry shook his head violently hands clasped to his ears not wanting to listen. "Harry. Harry!" Hermione grabbed Harry and hugged him, holding him tightly. "It can't happen," she whispered to him. At this conclusion Harry broke away and left the room. After all the challenges he had faced Voldemort, dementors, dragons nothing was as bad as this moment.
As Harry waked to his room he passed Ginny at the top of the stairs he turned back and slapped her. Ginny made no noise just stood there as Harry quietly whimpered to his room. Ginny had always had a thing for Harry and he had saved her live so she did not hold anything against him in this time of pain.
After the talk with Hermione (if that's what you could call it) Harry stayed in his room not having the mental focus to do anything as he pondered on what had happened. All was not lost though; Harry had always had a love for Cho Chang a sixth year Ravenclaw girl who was very beautiful. Hermione however occupied a special place in Harry's heart which he new no one else could fill. They had both had muggle upbringings and found out about magic only just before acceptance to Hogwarts. Also Hermione's uncanny ability to succeed in all areas attracted Harry.
Moving on from recent events Harry found concentrating on developing his ability so that he would have control of future situations that faced him helped to keep his head clear of these thoughts. He was busy learning and practicing spells that would help him in combat as well as charms that could assist him in a sticky situation. This was made easier as the law preventing him from using magic had been lifted as to give him a better chance to prepare for attack from Voldemort. One stunner which Harry really liked was the 'imulio' stunner which temporarily paralyzed. This projected a ball of energy toward whoever you were facing then just before contact would disperse into five separate balls and attack the opponent from behind. Harry found that this would be very useful against shield charms. Another 'demonious' blanketed the target in darkness preventing them from seeing and giving a chance for escape or to find a good vantage point. The last and probably the one Harry liked the best was 'Odin's blade' which sent several energy sword slashes toward an enemy. This spell would not be blocked by the common shield charm and would also be likely to leave the recipient dead as Harry had realized after trying it out on a few pillows much to the dismay of Mrs. Granger.
The night before Harry was due to make the train ride from platform nine and three quarters he was no more educated on Ariigviz or the pendant. However he had decided it would be best if he was to wear the pendant and might be able to find answers for both when he got to school.
The morning came fast and before he knew it Harry was putting his trunk in the back of the Grangers' car which as Harry noticed was much less spacious than the magically modified ministry cars.
Not really able to speak to Hermione yet even though it had been three weeks Harry watched the cars driving past picking up useless information like that most of the cars driving in the opposite direction were blue. "I see your wearing the pendant," said Hermione, Harry happy that she had broken the silence because he was not going to. No longer did he have to watch the cars. "Yes, I thought that's what Lupin may have wanted me to do. I've decided to ask him about it when we get to school seeming that he's taken up the position of Head Security Officer." "What do you mean Head Security Officer Harry?" A tinge of unease in her voice for not knowing about this. "Dumbledore sent me a letter saying that we will have security personnel stationed at points around Hogwarts for the safety of the students and that Lupin is the head officer. After this Hermione then went into conversation, the talking coming from her part about all the qualified witches and wizards who she thought would be the next defense against the dark arts teacher.
Before hopping on the Hogwarts express Harry thanked Mr. and Mrs. Granger for their accommodation and was then pushed by Hermione to the far end of the train to a private compartment. "Harry are you going to accept the relationship between Ginny and myself?" Said Hermione in an undermining way. "Yes I guess so, but you come to me when you break up." "If, Harry, if," said Hermione concisely. Hermione didn't know but Harry secretly loved her even more than he did Cho. After this talk their relationship reverted back to the way before Harry found out about Ginny and Hermione. This was good because Harry did not want to lose a good friend.
The sliding door opened and Harry turned to see who it was. The familiar figure which was Ron Weasley stood in the door. Ron had been Harry's good friend since his first year at Hogwarts. "R-R-Ron what's happened to your hair?" What Harry was looking at was his good friend except for the unusual crop of hair on Ron's head which was now a ginger afro. "Oh my fro, I reckon its bloody brilliant." Harry was astonished at what Ron had done and was not the only one as he turned to see what Hermione thought. She had a look of complete awe on her face. No one new if to compliment it or not so Ron decided to take a seat not knowing how long it would take his friends to null this over. "Ron guess who's going-" Harry was just about to say out when he realized Hermione was there and he had promised her that he wouldn't say anything. Harry was also sure that Ron had a thing for Hermione and it may even hurt him. Harry had started the conversation and did not know what he would do to escape Ron's attention.
Thud. Lucky for Harry a small owl had just smashed into the window and Ron was now retrieving it. When Ron pulled the owl inside Harry realized it was carrying a rolled up piece parchment which looked like a struggle to carry for the small white owl which seemed to have lost a few feathers during its journey. Ron took the letter off the excited owl and unrolled it.
Dear Mr. Ron Weasley
To you who have gotten in the wizards way and procrastinated him from achieving the greatest power are living your last days.
You have a chance to leave and live your life in another place away from England or stay and seal your fate.
The death will be painful so there is really no option for you.
This is not an idle threat and on the night of the watchful eye if you are not gone you will die.
Seriously serious. Don't take chances.
Ron looked up horror hung upon his very pale face. "Who's it from?" Harry asked. Ron stood motionless so Harry pried the letter and read it. After a few moments Harry looked up "Ron this is a death threat." Hermione was quick to point out that it was also written in blood. "Who do you think sent it?" Asked Harry. Ron let out stifle grunts. "Do you know who has a grudge against you?" Finally Ron got through the immediate shock and strung some words together. "Ah, Draco has always had it in for us and Snape." "I don't think that it would be Snape, he's a Hogwarts teacher," rebutted Hermione. "We will just have to tell Dumbledore what has happened when we get to school," continued Hermione. They all agreed that to tell Dumbledore would be the best option. Harry also reminded Hermione that the security officers would be posted on Hogwarts grounds so getting past them would be quite a tough mission. This seemed to comfort Ron somewhat; Harry had forgotten Ron did not receive a letter like himself about the security. Harry thought for a moment why was it necessary that even he receive a letter about security, it's not as though it affected him. Unless it was a joke for him to start training so he doesn't pass out like with the dementors. Not very funny Harry thought. The rest of the train ride to school was rather quiet each pondering on the death mail Ron had just received.
When the Hogwarts express finally began to slow down the witches and wizards readied themselves for the start of a new year at Hogwarts. They would soon be in the Great Hall enjoying the welcoming feast.
As Harry stepped off the train he saw the familiar black bearded half giant who was Hagrid leading the first years to the boats. He himself hopped in one of the steed less carriages with Ron and Hermione. On the way to the castle Harry asked "What is the night of the watchful eye. That's when they said they will attack." No one expected this question but immediately began thinking about what Harry had just said. None of them however found an answer before the carriages slowed and the doors flung open to allow the students to exit.
A/N Hope you liked the Chapter. My next one will be posted in a week unless I manage to get a lot of writing done so that I can post it earlier. Please leave your feedback.
Chapter three: Night of the Watchful Eye
