Disclaimer:
J.K. Rowling is the owner of Harry Potter. Stories she has written and characters that she created are not mine. I don't take credit for any of her work. I do thank her for providing such a wonderful universe to dream about and write in.
Harry Potter and the Shadow of Evil
By: Starwin
Chapter 3 - The Secrets of Avalon
Aura led the way again as they left Master Dolars room. She had informed them that breakfast was about to start. Hermione was talking, very fast and Harry felt the thumping of his heart in his head.
"But it doesn't make any sense. The Piratnis Charm can only paint the people directly in front of it!" Hermione said. "There wasn't a third person in the room, unless he painted himself."
"Hermione," Harry said in a low aggravated voice.
"I mean it just doesn't work that way you can't paint shadows! There would've had to be a third person there, but there wasn't! And the off limits corridor at Hogwarts?"
"Hermione," Harry said again more loudly.
"It is a magic painting. But it's still very odd and…" Hermione finally seeing the look on Harry's face stopped. "What?"
"Will you give it a rest?" Harry said his head was pounding now.
"Harry are you okay?" Hermione asked.
"I'm fine." Harry lied again, his palm mashing his forehead. He felt Hermione grab his arm very tightly and pull him to face her. Her eyes cut into him as though they could see the thoughts inside his head. "Alright I'm not fine." Harry protested.
"You know more then you're letting on, what is it, what is wrong?" Hermione asked. Harry took a deep breath, now was as good a time as any to tell her.
"It's something out of a dream." Harry began. Hermione's eyes went wide. "No not like last time, it's not a vision. It's a memory. I have been having them all summer long. More like nightmares than dreams really.
"I have been re-living events that have happened to me over the last five years at Hogwarts. Everything from the first time I fought Voldemort till the battle at the Ministry of Magic. All the horrible memories seem to keep coming up." Hermione looked very worried.
"The third-floor corridor is the one that comes up the most." Harry said finally.
"And you feel compelled to go there?" Hermione asked panic in her eyes.
"In the dream we are trying to get through the door at the end of the hall but Snape stops us every time." Harry said. "But I don't really feel the same way I did with the door in the Ministry. When I'm awake I'm glad it's over, but when I'm asleep I feel like I need to get through the door. Hermione," Harry said seeing the look on her face, "It's not the same thing, it's just a memory."
"Except I don't remember Snape in the third-floor corridor." Hermione said. "How long have you been having these dreams?" Harry tensed.
"A while." He said trying to make his tone final. Hermione was about to speak again when a small voice spoke up.
"I am sorry to interrupt, however we are being waited on to start." Aura said from in front of them. Hermione let go of Harry's arm and followed Aura as she walked away. The pounding in his head seemed to have stopped but a new feeling in his stomach seemed to have replaced it.
---
Aura led the way into a huge room filled with far more Seraphim than Harry would have thought possible. There seemed to be five distinct colors in the room, red, black, sky blue, white, and turquoise. All separated into an almost circular seating assignment.
As they walked down the isle Harry felt as though all eyes were watching him.
In the very center of the room was a large round table. Six Seraphim sat at it, the Templar and Oberon. Harry noticed two extra seats.
Around them in a large hexagonal shape where long tables placed almost end to end but moved slightly apart to create the isles. At each table different colors of Seraphim sat.
It was almost like houses, at Hogwarts, Harry thought. Aura led them to their places at the round table in the middle. When they sat down Oberon rose.
"My fellow Seraphim." He began in a booming voice. "As most of you have been made aware we have two wizards on our island. It is unusual, but they have been granted my blessing. By the Oath of Merlin, we do protect them until they or Avalon decide it is time for them to leave."
"By the Oath of Merlin." The Seraphim echoed. Oberon sat down. And the plates filled with food. Harry felt like he was back at Hogwarts attending the great feast. Except that what the plates had filled with was nothing like Harry would have called food.
Everything was some type of raw uncooked meat in large quantities. There seemed to be no forks or spoons or eating utensils of any kind. Neither Harry nor Hermione were prepared for what happened next.
Like a pack of ravenous wolfs the Seraphim all around them began to tear at the meat in a most unmannered way. 'If only Aunt Petunia could see this.' Harry thought.
The Seraphim sitting next to Harry rested a hand on his shoulder and spoke softly into his ear. It was the Seraphim called Maz.
"Tis true you saw Solaris?" Maz whispered. Even though the room was filled with the noise of Seraphim eating, talking and laughing Harry could swear that everyone was listening for him to say something. Harry took a deep breath
"That's what he called himself." Harry said as he reached out tentatively for a piece of meat that didn't seem too unappealing. "I don't really know if he was or not."
Harry could feel Maz's grip tighten, he was sure that everyone at the table was listening to him.
"What happened to him? Why didn't he make it to the island with you?" Maz pressed. How was Harry supposed to respond to that? He didn't know what had happened to Solaris, he did have a guess though and it wasn't something he wanted to talk about.
"I don't know." Harry said trying to sound as convincing as possible. "I think he was badly injured. He helped me fight off a group of dementors and Death Eaters.""Dementors?" A voice from across the table chimed in, it was Puck. "The vile creatures. Don't tell me the Ministry of Magic still uses them!" Puck had a disgusted look on his face his tone was less like song as he spoke this time.
"Well they did for a long time, they used to be the guards of Azkaban." Harry said he could feel all the eyes of the room upon him now. "But when Voldemort returned they joined him." Harry was surprised that no one at the table had flinched at Voldemort's name.
"Of course they did." Shadra replied. "They are creatures of darkness. It is one of the many reasons that wizards are fools."
Hermione gave a little cough.
"I'm sorry?" Hermione asked. "Wizards are fools?"
"Hermione," Harry hissed at her. There was a room full of magical creatures with weapons of all shapes and sizes and Hermione was daunting them! Harry had the uncomfortable feeling like they were back in the dark forest talking with the centaurs.
"And do you consider us fools?" Hermione pressed on. Shadra's lip pulled back as though the thought of Hermione talking to her disgusted her.
"Lass don't yah mind the Lady of the Night." Maz said with a hearty laugh. "She's never really liked wizards, well, to be honest not many Seraphim do." Hermione still looked upset.
"You have to understand." Came a soothing voice from the seat next to Puck. Harry looked over spotting the women in turquoise armor. Now that she was sitting Harry noticed that she looked much younger, maybe like 16. "That many wizards have done horrible things over the ages to Seraphim and others that are not wizards. With the exception of a very few, Seraphim don't much like wizards, and wizards don't much like Seraphim."
"And Solaris?" Hermione asked suddenly. It seemed to be the magic word. The room became completely quite.
"Solaris," Oberon said, his voice was filled with sadness. "Was a great Seraphim. We shall speak no more ill of anyone this morning." Oberon's voice boomed around the room. The rest of the meal was finished in silence.
---
After breakfast, both Harry and Hermione had eaten very little, Hermione suggested that they explore the island. Harry was glad to get away from the eyes of the Seraphim in the breakfast hall. Aura led them to the gates of the castle.
"If you need anything just call my name and I will come to help." She said with a smile and then skipped off. Two large Seraphim guards clad in white armor lined with silver stood at the front gate. Both had long sharp looking spears and two small wings that looked out of place. Harry and Hermione approached cautiously. The guards watched them as they crossed the entry space.
"Um," began Harry. "We would like to go outside please." The Seraphim on the left looked down at him and smiled.
"Of course, however I have been told to explain a few things." The Seraphim said. "First, you would do well to return to the castle before dark." Harry nodded, that was reasonable. He wasn't sure he wanted to be out after dark anyhow. "Second the ruins on the far side of the island are off limits. This for your own safety, if you do not wish to heed these rules we will not be able to help if danger falls upon you." Harry nodded again. This made him feel a little uneasy. What sort of danger was there on this island?
"There is a boat at the shore of Avalon. Should you ever wish to leave you may take it. It will take you wherever you need to go."
"Alright," replied Harry.
"One last thing." The Seraphim reached behind him and pulled out two silver chains with glowing white feathers attached to them. "These are yours for as long as you remain on this island. However they will only work close to the castle." He handed one to Harry and one to Hermione. "May the blessing of Merlin protect you." The Seraphim said with a bow.
"Thanks." Harry replied. Then walking forward he pushed open the great door. It was a sight Harry wouldn't have believe possible. Hermione let out a gasp. Before them was a long gray stone stairway leading down to the golden beach far below. The ice blue water stretched out as far as the eye could see until it met with the dark-white underside of the clouds that filled the sky to the horizon. On ether side of the path trees sprung up in varying height. Above, the clouds formed a perfect unbroken circle that seemed to wait at the edge of the island as though they were afraid to drift over it. And streaming down was the sun just cresting over the clouds.
"It's incredible." Harry said. Hermione smiled.
"Well it is the island of Avalon!" She replied. "Let's try out these flight charms." Harry looked over at her to see what she was talking about, but she was already pulling the silver chain round the top of here head and down to her neck. Then without warning she hopped off the ground and floated as thought gravity had given up on her."'Mione how are you doing that?" Harry asked in surprise. She smiled and took hold of the feather on the necklace.
"It's a flight charm. It lets you fly!" She said. "Though we shouldn't go too high up, the Seraphim at the door said it only works close to the castle. Harry shrugged and pulled on the silver necklace. His whole body suddenly felt weightless, like he was a feather. Hopping off the ground he found that he did not return to it.
The feeling was nothing like a broom. It was total freedom, he felt like he was the wind. It was a feeling he'd felt before, but he couldn't recall from where, a dream perhaps? He smiled at Hermione.
"This is brilliant!" Harry said. Hermione smiled back.
"Well let's go!" Hermione cried as she turned in the air and soared off down the long stairway.
---
The closer they came to the beach the heavier Harry felt. When they finally reached it his feet touched the ground and he found that it was much harder to jump and hang in the air.
"Well," Hermione said, at least we won't have to walk up all those stairs.
Harry took a deep breath inhaling the sea air. He couldn't remember ever having been to a beach before, he liked it here. The sound of the sea was very soothing.
"Well 'Mione which way you think we should go?" Harry asked feeling invigorated, now that he was out of the castle. Hermione sat down looking a bit windswept and looked around. The island seemed to curve away in both directions, nether looking much different from the other.
"Can we rest for a moment?" She asked. Harry shrugged and sat down beside her. As they sat she began to undo her shoes. "You should take yours off too." Hermione said after a moment. "Sand's an unconformable thing to have in them." Harry reached down and pulled his shoes off not bothering to untie them.
The warm sand felt good against his bear feet. He could fell the wind brush against them and the sun shine on them. He thought that if he had been alone he might have stripped down and walked naked.
"How about this way?" Hermione asked bringing Harry back from his day dream. Harry nodded, got to his feet and gave Hermione a hand up. They began their walk along the shoreline. It was very pleasant. Harry never imagined that the sound and feel of the ocean could be so soothing. The gentle breeze seemed to carry away his worries and for the first time, in much longer then Harry could remember, he felt happy.
It wasn't long before they came upon what seemed to bee some type of stone pool. Around it were four white pillars, one of witch had been broken just below the middle. The top half lay a few feet away, half sunk in the sand. A domed top resting on the three remaining pillars shaded the pool from the sun.
Cautiously they moved up to the pool. Harry could feel the cool stone against his feet. He couldn't imagine how the sand was so warm and the stone so cold. Leaning over the edge Harry looked into the pool of water. The water was very reflective, almost mirror like. Harry couldn't see the bottom but just beneath the surface the water seemed to swirl.
"What do you think it is?" Harry asked as his reflection mimicked his movements. Hermione didn't answer. Becoming worried he looked over to find Hermione was no longer kneeling next to him. In fact she wasn't anywhere at all! Harry started to panic and then he heard a voice from below him, from inside the pool of water. Harry looked back down into the water and was shocked to see himself, Neville and two Hermiones one sitting against a wall.
Harry, in the pool, was prone on the floor crawling towards her, Neville's nose was broken and he cupped it as blood ran down his hand. Harry suddenly realized that this was the Ministry of Magic and that this was the moment Hermione had been hit with some unknown spell.
Suddenly Harry realized what this was. It was a pensive! Lowering his head to the waters surface he felt himself falling then floating and finally stopping as he landed next to the real Hermione in the memory. The scene was frozen, a purple bolt of light just hitting Hermione's chest, a look of surprise on her face. Harry put a hand on the real Hermione's shoulder and she jumped. Her eyes looked fearful.
"Com'on 'Mione," Harry said, "I don't think this is something we want relive." She nodded and looking upwards they felt themselves pulled out and kneeling back on the cool stone at the waters edge. Hermione ran her hand through her hair awkwardly.
"I was just thinking how the smoke reminded me of that night and suddenly I was there." She said her voice uneasy.
"I know," Harry replied. "It's like the pensive in Dumbledore's office." Hermione nodded absently he wasn't sure if she had actually taken in the words he had just said.
Then Harry had an idea. Pensives let you see memories? Weren't the dreams Harry was having just memories?
"'Mione, I want to try something." Harry looked down at the mirror like water and concentrated. The water began to swirl much faster, the surface rippled and below the third-floor corridor came into view. Hermione let out a gasp. Harry leaned forward his nose touched the surface and he was suddenly pulled in. He floated slowly towards the ground. Looking up he saw Hermione floating down after him.
"We can watch the dream and see what happens. See if there is something," Harry said his thoughts out of order, "Something I missed." From the uneasy look on Hermione's face she didn't seem to think this was a good idea but didn't say anything. The corridor was empty except for the two of them. Torches lit the walls and the door at the end of the corridor was closed. There were no shadows, no people, no anyone except the two of them.
"Maybe it's frozen, like yours was." Harry said after a while when nothing had happened. Hermione pursed her lips.
"No look at the torches on the walls, they're flickering." Hermione said pointing at one of the torches.
"But how can this be a memory, we are the only ones here. There is no one to be remembering this." Harry pointed out. "Maybe we are outside on the stairs. Wait here and call me if you see us." With that Harry moved down the corridor, away from the door and around the corner, vanishing out of sight.
Hermione waited. She didn't like this place. It seemed colder then she remembered and more frightening now that she was alone.
Harry reappeared.
"No, there's no one out there, which can only mean we must already be inside." Harry looked down at the door.
"I really don't think this is a good idea." Hermione protested. But Harry ignored her as he moved towards the door. They were almost there when, pulling off the invisibility cloak, Snape jumped off the wall. Wand out stretched pointed at Harry.
"Mr. Potter." Snape hissed coldly. "Back again I see." Snape moved forward towards Harry his wand still pointed at him purposefully. "I have told you that you are out of bounds. I have warned you not to come back here and yet, you persist."
"Professor," Hermione began, "I can explain." But Snape didn't seem to hear her, or he was ignoring her.
"I think 200 points from Gryffindor and a years worth of detention should ensure you not to return here. Mr. Potter." Without thinking Harry pulled out his wand and pointed it at Snape, Snape's eyes flared. "Ex.."
"..spelliarmus!" Hermione shouted finishing before Snape. His wand flew into the air.
"Avada Kedavra!" Harry shouted his curse hit Snape in the chest sending him flying against the back wall. Hermione gasped. "It's not the real Snape." Harry said his wand still pointed at the crumpled heap next to the door. Hermione was very scared now. Harry has used the killing curse, an unforgivable curse, to kill Snape, not the real Snape but still! Another spell would have worked just as well.
"Harry, I think we should go. I think, I think this…" Hermione said her eyes still fixed on Snape's lifeless body. But Harry wasn't listening he moved the rest of the length of the hall way and tried the door latch. It was locked.
"Allohamora." Harry said pointing at the door. But it remained locked. He tried again and again each time his voice becoming more agitated.
"Harry, come on please." Hermione said dancing on the spot. "Let's go this doesn't feel right." Harry still ignoring her moved over to Snape.
"Yes he must have the key, find the key, take the key." Harry hissed allowed. He patted down Snape's robes and found a metal object in his breast pocket. Harry reached inside Snape's robes and pulled out a white bone key that had the shape of a serpent. Hermione gasped. "Now the door, open the door!"
"Harry no, stop!" Hermione cried. Harry's feet turned and he moved towards the door his hand extending with the key. Its end touched the lock and…
"Exspelliarmus!" Hermione shouted. The key flew into the air and Hermione caught it. Harry turned slowly rage exploding in his green eyes. His scar seemed to glow as though it was filled with fire.
"Give me that." Harry said his voice a raspy whisper. "Give me the key mudblood." Harry pulled out his wand and pointed it at Hermione. Behind him there was a thud from the other side of the door. Dust trickled down. "Give me the key!" Harry shouted moving slowly, purposefully, towards her. Slowly his body began to change, his legs and arms seemed to meld together as his body elongated into a serpent, a basilisk! His green eyes became yellow.
Hermione's wand was shaking now as she kept it pointed at Harry. She closed her eyes. 'It's just a dream, it's just a memory, none of it is real, it can't hurt me." She thought.
"Stay away from me!" Hermione shouted. "Leave me alone!"
"Give it to me." The snake hissed. "Give the key to me." Hermione knew the snake was drawing closer and if she opened her eyes to look up and leave the memory, what would happen? Their spells had worked. What if the memory had the power to petrify her just like the real basilisk? She was about to open her eyes when she suddenly heard a strange beautiful song. An enchanting melody that seemed to make all her worries fade. A Phoenix song! She suddenly realized. Then there was sputtering and hissing from in front of her. And she heard a voice she did not recognize.
"Your bird may have blinded the basilisk but it can still hear you!" The shrill voice shouted. Hermione opened her eyes to see the snake trashing its head from side to side, its eye sockets bloody.
She felt a weight on her shoulder sitting there was a Phoenix, but it wasn't like the one she had seen in Dumbledore's office. It had Red-gold feathers all over its body, with black along the edge of its wings. It was much smaller than Dumbledore's Phoenix too. Hermione gasped, it had a black lighting shaped pattern down its wing.
The bird hopped off her shoulder and hovered a moment in front of her before becoming Harry. Instead of a wand in his hand he held a sword which he pointed at the basilisk. The snakes head turned down at him and struck with blinding speed. The blade of the sword moved through the snake's mouth and out the back of its head killing it instantly. The snake dropped to the ground dead. Harry let go of the sword. All Hermione could do was stair at him.
"I think it's time we leave." Harry said breathless. Hermione nodded and looking up at the small whole of light in the ceiling they found themselves outside of the pool of water.
"Are you alright?" Harry asked. Hermione nodded.
"What just happened?"
"I don't really know." Replied Harry uneasily. "I went out to see if we were in the stairway but we weren't there. When I turned to come back I found that I couldn't remember which passage I had come out of." Harry pause for a moment looking worried and then continued. "And I heard you shouting and I, well I dono really I just kind of became a Phoenix when I remember what Fawks had done." Hermione suddenly started.
"Harry its getting dark!" She said. "I can't believe it this late! We need to get back to the castle before nightfall." She stood and began to move back along the beach. Harry got up and took a few quick strides to catch her.
"What's wrong with the dark?" Harry asked. "Not that I very much want to be out here right now." Not looking at him Hermione proceeded to explain.
"Seraphim, are Magical Creatures of light." Hermione began. "At night they are very vulnerable. The reason that they don't want us out at night is that they can't protect us. They can't even protect themselves." Harry was suddenly puzzled.
"But Solaris fought the Death Eaters off with us when it was night. He even took full killing curses and still continued to fight." Harry said feeling a sudden ping of guilt as he realized that Solaris had not made it to the island. Harry felt a profound loss at what it might mean.
"Well, Seraphim wings are some of the most powerful magical objects in the world. They are anti magic. Spells have no effect against them. It looked like they only sort of worked for Solaris.
"Their wings are also one of the reasons that they don't like wizards very much and why wizards don't like them." Hermione continued as they walked. Harry raised an eyebrow.
"About 300 years ago a group of wizards began hunting Seraphim and cutting their wings off to make them into anti magic cloaks. A wizard wearing such a cloak would be nearly immune to any magic cast at him." Hermione pursed her lips. "Mind you it was illegal, and many wizards who did such acts were sent to Azkaban for the rest of their lives. But Seraphim trust has never really healed. Most wizards are afraid of Seraphim because their magic won't work properly against them. And so it's mutual distrust on both sides. Avalon is the one place that is supposed to be neutral ground. Because you can't come here unless Merlin thinks your worthy." Hermione finished out of breath.
"What'da you mean?" Harry asked. "About Merlin thinking we are worthy."
"Avalon is hidden by a magical vile. You can't apparate here. Nor can you travel here by any conventional means. Only if Avalon thinks you are worthy to be here can you get here, that's the first right of passage." Something in Harry's head pinged. The two rights. So the first had been coming to Avalon.
"Hermione, what's the second right of passage?" Harry asked.
"I don't know." She said mater-o-factly. Harry was a bit taken aback.
"You know 'mione I don't think I have ever heard you say that before!" Harry said with a grin. Hermione gave him a push and he staggered in the sand laughing.
"Very few people have ever been to Avalon. And most that come here never tell anyone about it. I am sure we could find out in the Great Library though." Hermione said with a smile. Harry's eyes went wide with a sudden fear and Hermione broke out with a case of the uncontrollable giggles.
---
When they arrived back at the castle they found no one waiting for them other than the guards at the door who gave them only a passing glance.
"I am sure we can find our way." Harry said as he headed for the passageway at the end of the entrance hall. They passed by the great hall, which was almost empty with only a few Seraphim at the tables still.
"Looks like we missed dinner." Harry said not really knowing whether he was thankful or not. If dinner was anything like breakfast than he was glad he would not have to endure it tonight.
They continued to wander but every hallway looked the same every staircase seemed to take them to an identical floor, or for all that Harry could tell the same floor.
"I think we're lost." Hermione finally said.
"Everything looks the same, how did Aura even have a clue where she was going." As though Harry had summoned her up Aura appeared with a pop next to them.
"You called?" She said smiling.
"No actually." Harry began, her smile began to fade. "But we sure could use some help. Everything looks the same. We are trying to get back to our rooms." Her smile returned.
"Well of course it looks the same! You keep going to the same floor." Aura said. Harry and Hermione exchanged blank looks.
"We've been up 12 flights of stairs and your saying we're still on the same floor?" Hermione asked.
"Well, yes. The left sides go up but the right sides go to the same floor." Aura explained.
"What?" Harry asked. Hermione shrugged obviously not understanding ether. Aura giggled and moved over to the stairs. She pointed to the right side of the stairs leading up.
"Go up these and we will see you at the top." Aura said with a smile. Harry and Hermione looked at each other than the stairs. Harry shrugged and headed up when he reached the top he found only another long seemingly endless passageway but no one standing there. "Go on we will wait for you here." Aura called from behind him.
Harry wasn't sure how this was going to work after all he was walking away from them. The passageway didn't curve it just kept going and after a minute walk he spotted two figures at the end of the hallway, looking up the stairs. Harry couldn't believe it, it was impossible. He had gone up a floor and walked away from them yet a moment latter he was standing next to Hermione and Aura again.
"I think that has to be the strangest thing I have ever done." Harry said. Hermione jumped and Aura smiled.
"But, how?" Was all Hermione could manage.
"Like I said the left side goes up and the right side goes to the same floor." Aura said with a smile. "I will take you to your rooms, follow me please." Moving up the left side to the stairway and Harry and Hermione followed here careful to walk the same path she had. When they came to the top the hallway they were in finally looked different. This time she led them up the right side of the stairs and moved to the fourth door down the hall.
"This is your room." Aura said.
"Mine or Hermione's?" Harry asked. Aura giggled.
"Both silly." Hermione shot a startled glance at Aura and than at Harry.
"Err I don't think that…" Harry began.
"Thanks." Hermione said cutting him off with a smile in her voice. "We'll be fine." Aura bowed and then vanished with a soft pop. "Come on Harry." Harry stood with his mouth hanging open.
"Uh 'mione, I don't think I should." Harry tried again.
"Boys," Hermione sighed. "Look its not like we are sleeping together, just in the same room. Now put your hormones in check and let's go." Hermione said in a huff well she opened the door.
The room was nothing like the one Harry had awoken in that morning. No book cases lined any wall and the ceiling was much closer to the ground, the appropriate height. The first room had a fireplace on the right wall and two comfortable looking leather couches placed in a half circle around it, with a table between them. A desk sat against the left wall.
The back wall furthest from the front door had two large windows in it and another door between them. Three other doors led off the room, one on the left wall one on the right wall and the one between the two windows.
The door on the right led to the wash room. It was very lavish with a large marble bathtub and gold lined counter tops.
The door on the far left led to a bed room with two double beds complete with curtains and two large wardrobe cabinets. The third door was locked and didn't seem to go anywhere. There was no visible lock ether. It just didn't open.
"Well," Hermione said eyeing Harry." I call the right one!" she shouted jumping onto it from the doorway and squealing with delight at the bouncyness. Her bed was closest to the window. Harry couldn't help but smile.
---
Harry was shooed out into the living room well Hermione close the doors to change into pajamas. Harry slumped down onto the couch feeling extremely tired. From inside the pocket of his robe he could feel a vibrating feeling. Harry pushed his hand in to find the smooth surface of the mirror and something rough pressed against it. He pulled out the mirror and the second object.
The second object was a half a circle of stone with lettering Harry was sure he had never seen before. The stone had been broken and looked like it might have once been half of a larger circle. Not sure when he had acquired it Harry ignored it, setting it aside on the couch well her looked into the Mirror, a moment later Ron's face appeared.
"Oy, Harry you there?" Ron asked.
"Hey mate!" Harry said back, his tiredness seeming to fade at the sight of his friend's face.
"Where've you been? I been trying to reach you mosta the day!" Ron said, his face screwed up in mock anger. Harry wasn't sure where to begin, or how much he could say over the mirror. Ron seemed to spot this or know that Harry was thinking about what Ron had said to him last time.
"We don't have to worry about being eaves dropped on. We're at a house in the wizard village of Kaz'modan." Ron said excitedly. "We were kinda on the move last night so I couldn't talk long.
"Harry it's a wicked house. I got this huge room like you wouldn't believe. You gotta come over and visit. I'm sure mum wont mind, and you can stay till summer is over!" Harry smiled. He was happy for his friend and sad at the same time, the burrow had been a magnificent house and he was sad that it had been destroyed by Voldemort. But at the same time he was happy, Ron's room had always been small. Harry's smile grew broader, and idiotic grin crossing his face.
"Oy, what's that grin about!" Ron shouted.
"Your not gona believe where I am." Harry said and he launched into the story of fighting the Death Eaters, though he omitted certain parts of the events in the burrow, and all the things that had happened so far on Avalon. By the time he finished Ron's jaw was hanging.
"I can't believe I missed all that!" Ron shouted furiously when Harry had finished. "The Order has been right quite about you and mum won't say anything to us. And I thought I was having all the adventures! Last night Order members started popping up at our house and told us we had to leave. Tonks gave me this mirror and said to leave one behind for you. Me, mum and Ginny spent most of last night moving from place to place." Ron leaned closer to the mirror as though he didn't want anyone to hear. "An Ginny's been in a right state about you. Blimey I have never seen her so upset. Every other minute it's, 'do you think Harry's okay?' 'mum shouldn't we check in on Harry?' I swear some times I think she's a nutter." Harry couldn't help but smile. "So where's 'mione at?" Ron asked.
"I think she's asleep." Harry said Ron looked disappointed. "I could go check if you want." Ron's face began to turn red.
"Oy!" He cried. "You don't gotta wake her up for me!" His face, if possible, turned even redder. And Harry unable to control it burst out in laughter. The door to the bedroom opened a moment later. Hermione stood in a pink nightgown looking at Harry as though he had gone crazy.
"Oy!" Harry cried, "Ron wants to say hi!" Harry said holding up the mirror and waving it. Hermione's eyes lit up and she came over taking the mirror from Harry.
"Hello Ronald." Hermione said fixing him with a stair. Harry's eyes were watering and he felt another round of laughter coming on. Staggering he got up from the couch leaving Hermione to talk to Ron alone, well he went to change into his pajamas.
---
Harry couldn't remember falling asleep. But he knew he had to be. After all this couldn't be real. No he was sure it wasn't. He looked over to his side to see Cedric, the Tri-Wizard cup still in his hand. Harry looked around panicked now. This memory, this dream was the one above all others that he feared the most. A moment later Wormtail appeared.
"Kill the spare!" A shrill high pitched voice cried out. Green light shot out from the tip of Wormtail's wand and hit Cedric, he fell the ground dead. Harry whipped out his wand pointing it at Wormtail.
"Crucio!" Harry shouted. Wormtail fell to the ground convlusing. An evil smile of satisfaction came to Harry's lips. He felt a power surging through him a power like he had never felt before. Moving across the ground he came to a sickly child laying in blankets. A women stepped out and grabbed the child.
"No!" She cried. "No, not Harry! Not Harry!" She shouted. Harry pointed his wand at her and green light flew from it, killing the women. Now only the child remained. This would be quick, this would be it. There would be no prophecy. It ended here, tonight! Harry thought.
He pointed his wand at the child who looked up at him with bright green eyes.
"Avada Kedavra!" Harry shouted. But, NO! Something was wrong the spell hadn't worked. To Harry's fear he realized what he was seeing. Lord Voldemort towering over him his wand out stretched. The green light wrapping around him trying to find a way to get into him. And then he, Voldemort fell to the floor dead.
---
Harry sat up in bed breathing hard. His scar was on fire. A pain like he had never felt burned in his head, like someone driving a red hot knife into his brain. Blurry eyed he rolled out of bed, his hand fumbling for his glasses shoving them on his face he stumbled to the door.
"Harry? Harry what's wrong?" Hermione cried in a concerned voice. Stumbling across the living room he made it to the bathroom one hand turned the fosset for cold water and he began to splash it on his face. The pain was starting to dim and his sight was begging to come back. Behind him he heard Hermione gasp as he looked up into the mirror. The scar on his forehead was newly cut with blood. He looked down at his hands to find them mixed with blood and water. The white sink had splatterings of blood on it as well.
Hermione chanted something and then moving up behind him she pulled bandages over the cut blood soaked through just as she began the second wrap.
When at last she tied it off Harry felt her lean heavily against him.
"Thanks 'mione." Harry said. She put her arms around him in a very motherly hug. Gently he took one of her hands and gave it a squeeze. "Let's get back to sleep." Hermione helped him back to his bed and removed his glasses before she moved back over to her own bed. It wasn't long before he heard her soft breathing and occasional snore.
Harry, despite being incredibly tired however did not go back to sleep. He lay awake looking at the ceiling and for the first time in a long time he felt very, very frightened.
---
Harry wasn't sure when he had fallen asleep again. The light coming from the window hurt his eye. What time was it? How long had he been asleep? Harry pushed his glasses on to find the bed next to him empty. Hermione was gone.
Harry got up dressed and checked the rest of the apartment for her. But he could not find her. As Harry was about to leave to start looking for her he heard a knock from the door. But not the door he was just about to leave though, the locked door between the two windows at the back of the apartment.
Curious Harry walked over to it and pulled it open, surprised that it was not locked. A white flutter passed by him.
"Hedwig !" Harry cried overjoyed to see his owl here. After circling around a few times she swooped down and landed deftly on the couch. Clasped in her claw was a letter. Harry let go of the door, it closed soundlessly as he headed over to Hedwig . He ran his hand gently down the back of her head feeling her smooth white feathers beneath his fingers. "It's good to see you." Harry smiled. Hedwig hooted contently.
Harry reached down and took the letter from her claw. To his surprise he had not one letter but three! Harry looked at the name on the first letter. It was from Dumbledore. Harry frowned. He knew this letter would be coming but, he didn't want to read it, he didn't much care for what Dumbledore had to say right now. Harry tossed the letter aside and felt his eyes go wide at the next name, Ginny Weasley. Harry froze looking at the letter.
What on earth could she be writing to him about? Harry remembered the last time he had gotten a letter from her, the get well card that wouldn't stop singing. Cautiously as though he thought the letter might explode he set it aside.
He looked at the last letter in his hand and he felt him mouth go dry. It couldn't be. It was impossible. Harry felt his hands tremble, he felt a lump well up in his throat. The name 'Sirius Black' appeared on the upper corner of the envelop.
Harry ripped the envelope pulling off small chunks of the flap at a time and cursing how hard it was to get these stupid things open. When at last the remains of the envelope littered the floor Harry held in his hand a folded piece of parchment. Slowly, carefully as if the letter was a thousand years old he unfolded it and small shinny gold object dropped into his lap. Seeing the writing Harry instantly recognizing it as Sirius's.
Dear Harry,
I'm sorry…
Harry's eyes stopped here for a long time as his brain filled in the rest of the words for him "that I had to pretend I was dead." "That I had to go back into hiding." Every time Harry went to read on his brain seemed not to read the words but rather to give him what he wanted to see.
Finally Harry closed his eyes he could feel tears on his face. He took a few long breaths then opened his eyes and started again.
Dear Harry,
I'm sorry that this letter will find you at time that is filled with grief. If you have received this letter then it means I'm dead. I want you to know Harry that whatever happened, whatever the reason, it's not your fault.
I chose my own path, I knew it would be dangerous. I might be gone but I am still with you, just like your mom and dad. We will always be with you as long as you don't forget us.
Enclosed you will find a key to the Black Family vault. It's not much but It's yours Harry. I know it wont make up for losing me but it's all I have left to give you. You'll find some things you might find useful in there.
Sincerely, Sirius
Harry reread the letter several times. Each time hopping to find more. How could Sirius write so calmly about his own death? How could he tell Harry it wasn't his, Harry's, fault? After all Sirius couldn't have known he was going to die in the Ministry of Magic. Couldn't have known it was Harry that would bring him there.
Harry set the letter down on the table watching it in disbelief waiting for something, anything to happen to it. But the letter sat there, the ink shinning in the light of the fire. Hedwig hooted softly breaking Harry from the trance of the letter.
Harry smiled at Hedwig and pulled the next letter up from the couch where he had set it. Harry still felt uneasy. He was unsure if he could read another letter right now. Reluctantly he pulled off the top of the envelope having much less trouble this time and pulled out the folded parchment inside.
The letter was in Ginny's neat handwriting and thankfully it didn't sing to him.
Dear Harry,
Hermione and I had a talk last night about your dreams.
Harry frowned.
She is really concerned for you and so am I. I have never told anyone about this, but I still have dreams about Tom. Sometimes I feel like he hasn't really gone like he is still here inside me. It's very frightening.
I know what you're going though. If you need someone to talk to about it I am willing to listen. I have fought it for three years now. I do know what it feels like.
This hasn't been an easy letter for me to write. I haven't ever told anyone this before. But as I write this I feel an incredible feeling of relief. I want to help you Harry. I think we can help each other. I kept it bottled up for too long, you shouldn't have to too.
Love Sincerely, Ginny Weasley.
Harry could make out the world 'Love' crossed out many times as though it had been removed and added over and over and finally removed. Harry felt awkward. He didn't like that Hermione had talked to Ginny about his dreams. How much had Hermione told her?
But the letter made a lot of sense in a strange kind of a way. He had always, to his regret now that he thought about it, largely ignored Ginny. Not on purpose of course, she was only one year younger than he was and… Harry's thoughts trailed off. There was another reason, a reason he hadn't even admitted to himself. But Ginny's letter had talked about it so bluntly that he could hear his mind screaming it.
'The real reason you avoid her is because all you see when you look at her is Tom Riddle.' Harry's mind blurted out before he could stop it. He knew it was true.
Harry had distanced himself from Ginny for so many reasons. The awkwardness of her crush, the fact that she was a year younger and a girl, that she was Ron's little sister and other reasons he couldn't really explain.
He felt uncomfortable now. Though Ginny's letter had brought him comfort about his dreams it had opened a whole new door of worries to him. Things he didn't want to face or think about at the moment.
And the last line in the letter. The word love crossed out over and over. It had just been a mistake, hadn't it? Her hands on automatic when she had signed it? But Harry couldn't shake the feeling it was more than that.
Harry remembered Hermione talking about how Ginny had gotten over Harry. When he had heard it he was glad but now that he reflected on it he seemed to recalled he had been a little disappointed as well, though he couldn't recall if that was really the case.
Harry began to set the letter aside when he realized that he had almost put Ginny's letter on top of Sirius's. Harry paused and set Ginny's letter next to it instead.
Harry looked for the last letter wondering where he had tossed it. As he stood to search something fell out of his lap and onto the floor. Picking it up he saw it was a small golden key. Harry closed his hand around it and pushed it into his pocket. That was something he didn't want, more money.
After a short search he found Dumbledore's letter under the couch. Harry pulled it haphazardly open and unfolded the parchment.
Dear Mr. Potter,
Your Uncle is all right and is recovering. Voldemort's attack on you has struck a devastating blow to the Ministry of Magic as many of their own wizards were put under the Imperious curse and used in the attack.
Oberon is wise, listen carefully to any advice he has to give you. For your own safety I would recommend that you remain on Avalon till the end of the summer.
I also encourage you to continue practicing your Occlumancy. I have asked Professor Snape to contact you. You should hear from him tonight.
Albus Dumbeldore
Head Master of Hogwarts School of Witch Craft and Wizardry
Harry wasn't sure what to feel about this letter. He wasn't sure if he was happy or sad that his Uncle Vernon had lived or not. Nor did he really care about the Ministry of Magic, with the exception of the wizards involved. After all it wasn't their fault that Fudge was incompetent.
But Snape contacting him to give Occlumancy homework over the summer. Without realizing it Harry had balled up the letter and without even a second thought he tossed it into the fire.
Notes from the Author:
Thank you reader for completing chapter 3 of Harry Potter and the Shadow of Evil. I hope you enjoyed it!
(for those of you that skipped to the end, 'magicus hidus Authors notes!' they will only appear after you read the story in full, so there!)
This was a hard chapter to write. It has gone through many revisions and reworks to better encompass its part in the story.
Even when posted I will say this might not be the final revision. But after reading it countless times I have to say its pretty much where I want it. And if I dwell to long here who will finish the rest of the story!
Quickly Authorman to the writing cave!
Next chapter coming soon!