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 10 – The Thinking Place

McGonagall pulled Harry into her office and closed the door behind her.

"What were you thinking Potter!" McGonagall shouted as she whirled around to face him. The pain from the curse Malfoy had cast had all but faded.

"Malfoy attacked Hermione," Harry said his temper flaring. "He used the Cursiatus curse on me!" Professor McGonagall eyed Harry.

"That is impossible, Potter. Malfoy was the student that came to my office right after the start of the fight. Other witnesses say that it was you who threw the first punch." Harry couldn't believe this. How could Malfoy have gotten to her office so quickly, Harry could think of only one explanation.

"Professor, Malfoy must be able to apparate! That's the only explanation I can think of!" Harry said his eyes searching her face willing her to understand.

"It is not possible to apparate on the Hogwarts school grounds Mr. Potter," McGonagall said. "This is the second time you have blamed Malfoy for something he could not have possibly done. I know that you two don't get along very well but really Mr. Potter I think this is uncalled for." Harry was about to protest again but McGonagall kept him silent with a hand.

"I am taking 50 points from Gryffindore for your actions Potter. Violence is not an answer to any problem," McGonagall continued. "You will also receive a weeks worth of detention. You could have put yourself and your fellow students in real danger today."

"Fifty!" Harry cried. "But Professor!"

"I don't want to hear it Potter! Hopefully this punishment will bring into focus more clearly your need to follow the rules. The punishment of the other students involved in the fight will be also discussed." McGonagall stepped aside indicating that this was final and that Harry could go. "Now on your way to the hospital wing and try and keep yourself out of trouble."

---

Harry had no intention of going to the hospital wing a few cuts and scraps could wait till latter. Instead Harry made his way to the great hall. It was lunch time and he had promised he would meet Ginny for lunch.

Harry entered and found that many students were missing from the middle of the Slytherin table, but the Gryffindore table still looked packed. Harry made his way to his normal seat and found Ginny stirring her mashed potatoes. Harry smiled and sneaking up from behind, he embraced her in a tight hug. Ginny gave a little jump as the arms clasped around her body.

"Having a rough day?" Harry whispered in her ear. Harry could hear Ginny smile and the heartstone in his pocket beat quickly. Harry released his hold and sat next to her. Ron and Hermione weren't at the table.

"It's been crazy, Harry, there are so many first-years! I've had to run all over the school escorting them and helping them find their classes," Ginny said. She sounded exhausted. She looked over at Harry and fell into his eyes. A content smile spread across her face. "I'm glad you could make it, I was starting to think you had forgotten about lunch."

"I did forget about lunch," Harry said nonchalantly. Ginny looked at him in surprise. "All I could think about was coming to see you." Ginny smiled and gave him an affectionate push as Harry reached out and grabbed some food.

"By the way," Ginny said her voice changing the subject, "Ron hasn't been giving you trouble has he? Because if he has, you tell me and I will make him sorry!" The image of Ron in his too small pajamas came rushing back to Harry and for a moment he thought about mentioning it. But he knew the punishment she would give him would be far too brutal.

"Nah, Ron's not too bad. I think he hasn't gotten over the shock yet." Harry looked over at Ginny. She was cute when she was eating. Harry leaned closer to her ear. "I have Occulmancy tonight, but wait up for me?" Harry asked.

Ginny beamed at him and could only nod a vigorous yes.

---

Lunch was far too short in Harry's opinion. Ginny had kissed him goodbye on the check and headed reluctantly down to the first-years who were still eating and laughing completely oblivious that lunch was over.

The walk to the Defense against the Dark Arts room seemed to take a long time. The halls were devoid of people for some reason. At last Harry reached door to the class room door, but there didn't seem to be anyone waiting outside. Harry pushed the door open and was surprised to find the room was almost empty except for Hermione and Solaris who had been talking. Both looked at Harry in surprise.

"Where's everyone at?" Harry asked, he couldn't be this late, could he?

"It would seem my first class is currently all in the hospital wing," Solaris said motioning for Harry to come in. Solaris was different somehow, more human like. Harry couldn't place his finger on it but Solaris no longer seemed out of place.

Harry sat at the front of the room and noticed that Solaris' wings, which he had usually wrapped around him like a cloak were different, they weren't made of feathers anymore. Solaris was actually wearing a white cloak and between it Harry could see a black robe and Solaris right arm still in a sling.

"What happened to your armor and your wings?" Harry asked in surprise. Against everything Harry had come to expect, Solaris chuckled.

"I couldn't very well teach wizards looking like that! Far too many are frightened of Seraphim." Solaris said with a smile that Harry thought just didn't look right on him. "I often disguise myself when I travel among wizards or muggles.

"I am glad that you could attend as I have a few questions to ask of you." Solaris said turning and picking something up off his desk. "Your previous teachers left notes, you have had quite a mixed bag." Solaris turned back to face Harry and Hermione, he had papers in his left hand. "However last year, as I have been made to understand, I do not have the correct notes for this class." Harry and Hermione exchanged glances.

"Headmaster Dumbledore has informed me that you taught a Defense against the Dark Arts class last term, Mr. Harry P … Mr. Potter." Solaris said correcting himself. "If you could give me some insight into your teaching I would have a better idea of which areas to focus on." Hermione took a deep breath and looked over at Harry as if to search for an okay. She produced from her binder a sheet of paper and handed it to Solaris.

'Leave it to Hermione to keep notes on everything!' Harry thought with a smile.

Solaris looked over the paper roughly.

"Quite a different lesson plan…" Solaris said after a moment. "Very well, as we have no other students with us today, class dismissed to resume on Friday." Solaris handed the paper back to Hermione and with a nod he turned and headed off to his attached office.

"Hermione do you have all of your notes still?" Harry asked. "I mean all the way back to first year?" Hermione smiled.

"Well, yes actually. Why did you want to barrow some of them?"

Harry shook his head in disbelief as they headed out of the class room.

---

Harry didn't feel like going back up to the Gryffindor common room or heading to the great hall to wait for dinner. He didn't know what the other Gryffindors would think of him. He had lost them 50 points and gotten them all in trouble. Right now what Harry wanted most was to go someplace where no one would stare at him or whisper behind his back.

Hermione, as usual seemed to have the solution. Since it was still light out, she suggested they head outside for a walk.

Outside was cool as clouds drifted across the sky, spread out so that each seemed to be its own island in the blue. The sun was moving towards the horizon but still had a long way to go. But the best part of all was that there was no one else around for as far as they could see.

Harry and Hermione walked down to the lake and began to circle it, heading away from the castle. Hermione led like she had some place in mind for them to go but where it was Harry couldn't imagine. Harry felt as if for a moment they were back on the beach on Avalon.

At last they came to a pile of rocks that looked as if once, long ago, it had been one big rock that had split apart with the passage of time. A tree grew from its top providing shade over a large slab that had fallen into the lake.

Hermione hopped out onto the rock and looked for Harry to follow her. This place was just what Harry was looking for, secluded from the rest of the world. A quite spot hidden out by the lake where you could see for miles across the open water to the shadowy tree filled mountains on the other side. The Hogwarts Castle stood magnificently atop its hill in the distance.

Hermione held out her hand to Harry, he took it and hopped out to the rock. Hermione smiled at him.

"This is my thinking spot," she said letting go of Harry's hand as she took a long look across the lake. Hermione flattened her skirt against the back of her legs and looking behind her she found a place to sit down. "I used to come here sometimes in the morning when I wanted to be alone to think, especially during my third year because I could be here and in class at the same time." Harry sat down next to her. He could see why she liked this place. The noise from the school did not reach this far out. Only the soft blowing of the wind disturbed the perfect quiet.

Harry leaned back and lay against the rock, his torso in the shade and legs in the sun. Harry could hear the gentle lapping of the water against the rock. Harry let his eyes close as he listened to the world around him.

It might be a thinking spot for Hermione but now that Harry was here all thoughts seemed to escape from his head and he just let himself relax.

---

Harry wasn't sure when he had fallen asleep. His back felt sore from the rock. He couldn't have been asleep long because the sun was just barely vanishing behind the mountain across the lake. Harry moved to sit up and found an arm draped around him.

Looking over in surprise he found Hermione nuzzled against his shoulder, one of her legs resting over his and her soft breast pressed against his arm.

Worse he felt arousal in his pants. Harry felt ashamed and sickened with himself. He'd come to think of Hermione like a sister. But the thoughts that were going through his mind right now disgusted him at how excited he was by them. Carefully Harry peeled Hermione's hand off him and gently rolled her to her back. She stirred awake and looked up at him with a dreamy smile.

She was beautiful like this. Harry had the sudden urge to lean down and kiss her but the heartsone in his pocket gave a jumping heartbeat.

"I have to get to Occulmancy," Harry said willing his erection to go away so he could make a dignified exit but it was so hard to do with Hermione lying like that. Her arms draped above her head showing off her mounts.

"Alright," she smiled.

"I'll.. I'll see you latter," Harry said rolling to his feet and hopped the short distance to the shore. Harry walked off quickly not waiting for Hermione to follow. He chanced a glance back to se her still sitting on the rock watching him, her face was unreadable at this distance.

---

Harry banged on the door to the potions room.

"Come in," a voice said from inside. Harry lifted the latch and pushed the door open. Snape sat as his desk papers in front of him. He looked coldly at Harry. "What is it, Potter?" Snape hissed.

"I'm here for Occlumancy lessons." Harry retorted. Why did Snape have to belittle him this way. Snape knew exactly why Harry was here.

"Your Occlumancy lesson does not start for another hour, Potter." Snape sneered. "Close the door, sit and be silent." Harry closed the door and found a seat. He was an hour early. Harry wished he'd remembered to get a new watch as he had left his old one in the wash room on Avalon. Snape moved slowly through the papers it seemed to take forever. A couple times Harry thought about getting up and walking out.

Finally Snape set the last paper aside. He got up and walked around his desk to stand in front of Harry.

"Well Potter?" Snape said. "Stand up!" Harry got out of his seat and stood to face Snape. Snape was taller than he was, taller than most students. Snape had always used the advantage of his height to intimidate students but Harry wasn't afraid of him. Snape moved uncomfortably close towering over Harry but Harry did not retreat he stood his ground.

"Tonight, Potter, we will be focusing on actively defending your mind against attack." Snape turned from Harry and took a few paces away. "Before now all we have worked on is reflex, training your mind to defend itself on its own. However it is only the first step to becoming a proficient user of Occulmancy. Watch and repeat." Snape pulled his want out and tapped his chest.

"Mentum Protego!" Snape said. A shimmering bubble surrounded Snape's head for a moment and then vanished. "Do it, Potter."

Harry pulled his own wand out and tapped his chest the same way Snape had.

"Mentum Protego," Harry said. Shimmering light filled his eyes. It was as if there was a bubble of some kind of shinny glass around his head.

"Hold that spell, Potter," Snape said as he lifted his wand. "Legilimens!" Silver light rushed at Harry. The picture book appeared in his head but it was faint and hard to see. The memories just seemed to be like moving images of color. But unlike all the other times Harry's focus was able to remain in the here and now. After a few seconds Snape lifted his wand.

"Not bad, Potter, it would seem you are innately gifted with the Mind Protection spell. However it will only protect you if you cast it. And to do that you must be able to fight against the Legilimancy magic." Snape raised his wand again. "Now, Potter, you will protect yourself after the attack. Legilimens!"

Harry had forgotten how bad these sessions were. As soon as the spell hit him the outside world vanished and he began to relive moments of his past.

Uncle Vernon was locking him in the cupboard under the stairs. A group of boys lead by Dudley were kicking him on the ground. Harry's hands were wrapped around the throat of a small blond headed boy that Harry did not recognize. The connection broke.

Harry looked up at Snape in surprise. What had that memory been, it hadn't been one of Harry's. The memory was already fading.

"What was that?" Harry asked. Snapes face looked pale.

"It was nothing, Potter but as usual your lack of practice makes itself apparent." Snape said his normal unpleasantness not fully recovering yet. "I told you to protect yourself and all you gave me were weapons to use against you. We will try again!"

---

Harry wasn't sure how long they practiced for. Every time Snapes reach into his mind the effect was diminished some but Harry just couldn't get the mind protection spell to work after he was already under legilimens.

Finally Snape did not insist that they go again when, after raising his wand to end the spell, Harry fell to knees on the floor.

"You don't seem to have gotten much better, Potter," Snape said. Harry thought that Snape sounded a little out of breath. "You are harder to attack, yes but I can still attack you with considerable ease. I can tell you have not been practicing at all! Even now your mind is not clear of thoughts, you grant me weapons to use against you at every turn." Harry was breathing hard he didn't feel very well. He had tried to clear his mind but so much was going on, how could Snape even think it possible for him to do.

"We are done, you cannot learn anything more in your pathetic condition." Snape said his wand flicking to the door, it opened. "Get out Potter and practice or next time I will make you wish you had." Harry looked at Snape with disgust but did not retort he was too tired. Harry stumbled towards the door as best he could. He had just cleared the exit when Snape slammed the door shut behind him.

Harry was so tired he could barely stand. He leaned against the wall to rest for a second. He didn't even hear the footsteps approach or the person call out his name.

---

Harry was dimly aware that he was going some place, his brain seemed fuzzy and he couldn't recall where that place was. A voice was speaking in his head, whispering things to him. He felt his feet moving under him with a will of their own. He was so tired. How was he able to stand he didn't know.

He was in front of something now and it was speaking. The voice in his head spoke back and the something in front of them swung away. Harry walked dimly though a narrow passage and found himself in a room with other people. Lots of small other people that watched as he crossed to the stairway at the back.

Slowly he climbed the stairs. He missed once but did not fall and Harry became aware of an arm holding tightly around his waist supporting him. He also felt his arm draped across someone's shoulders and became aware that there must be someone holding him up. Harry looked at the person but their face seemed like a blur. The person's long hair that came out of their head was a sort of brownish orange. Harry couldn't fathom who it could be.

They stopped at a door the person holding him was knocking on it. A tall figure appeared and exchanged words with the voice in Harry's head. They were going into the room. Harry didn't recognize the room. He felt himself being laid on a soft warm bed.

There seemed to be lots of voices in his head now. But Harry was too tired to listen, whatever they were telling him to do they would have to wait till morning.

---

"Your assassin has failed twice now," A high pitched voice said. Harry could make out shapes of two people, their forms burly in the dark. One was standing, the other kneeling. They were in some sort of dimly lit room.

"My Lord," the kneeling man said. "Our assassin is doing the best possible but the targets are well protected and…" the standing man held up his hand for silence. His head turned slowly as if he had heard a sound behind him. The standing man's gaze fell directly on the spot Harry was standing. A pale white face with black lidless eyes watched the spot for a long moment as if trying to see something that wasn't there.

"My Lord?" The kneeling man asked when the man with the black eyes did not say anything. "What is it, what is wrong?"

"Nothing is wrong," the black eyed man said cruelly. Harry held his breath. He was sure it had been his breathing that had given him away. "Continue." Harry watched as the man with the black eyes looked around the room searching for Harry.

"You ask our assassin to attack students under the watchful eyes of the headmaster of Hogwarts. Even with the gifts you have provided it is a task that takes planning…" the kneeling man continued not looking up as he spoke. Harry watched as the man with the black eyes looked slowly around the room checking every wall as if he were afraid they had ears. At last he turned back to the kneeling man.

"I do not want excuses. Make it clear that they all must die and that another failed attempt will draw my dislike." The standing man said in a cold voice that sent a chill down Harry's spine.

The man kneeling bowed deeper.

"Of course My Lord, it will be as you command."

"Now out of my sight," the standing man hissed. The kneeling man rose slowly, still in a bow and hurried from the room. As soon as the door closed the standing man turned to look at Harry again, his black eyes focusing on the spot where Harry stood.

Harry's scar pulsed with pain. The man with the black eyes stepped closer and the room darkened around him.

"Show yourself," the black eyed man commanded. "You cannot conceal your presence from Lord Voldemort." The man took another step closer stopping just short of colliding with Harry.

Harry put his hands over his mouth and moved sideways. Voldemort's eyes snapped too Harry as he moved away and a sneer crossed Voldemort's lips.

"Harry…" Voldemort said changing direction as Harry backed away. Voldemort's eyes now focused on him. "You are foolish to attempt an invasion of my thoughts." Great glowing red eyes opened behind Voldemort.

'Let it end,' Harry thought. 'Let me wake up!' Voldemort reached out a gnarled hand to grab Harry but before it touched a knock came at the door. Voldemort pulled his hand back and looked at the door with dislike.

"What?" Voldemort hissed coldly.

"My… My Lord," the fat man that stood at the door stammered. "There are hunters, here in the house!" Voldemort whirled and moved quickly to the door not giving Harry a second look.

Authors Notes:

Thanks for taking the time to read chapter 10 of Harry Potter and the Shadow of Evil. I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I have writing it.

I haven't gotten any reviews that seem to need replying too so this will be a brief AN.

So…uh more coming soon…