Chapter 14

A taste of things to come

The weeks leading up to Holloween were very busy. The wizarding world was in total chaos.

Harry and his friends had been eating breakfast in the Great Hall when the mail arrived. Hermione picked up her copy of the Daily Prophet and let out a surprised yelp.

"What is it Hermione." Ron asked a pale faced and shaken Hermione.

She didn't answer, she just turner the paper around so everyone could see the headlined.

'MASSIVE BREAKOUT AT AZKABAN'

Everyone paled visibly. How could this have happened? Why wasn't the Minister of Magic doing his job? Just then Professor Dumbledore stood to address the room.

"As some of you no doubt have already read, there was a breakout at Azkaban prison last night."

The noise level in the Great Hall rose considerably at this revelation. There were cries of disbelief as students ripped open their newspaper and saw for themselves. Dumbledore raised his hands again for silence. Once everyone had quieted down he continued.

"As I was saying before, a lot of people lost their lives last night. And many others were wounded. I am quite certain that all of you will be affected in one way or another by what has happened. But I assure you all that Hogwarts is the safest place to be right now. Although if anyone wishes to leave I will not stop you, your parents can pick you up at any time. But I must impress upon you the graveness of the situation. We are at war right now. I know most of your are too young to remember what it was like when Voldemort and his followers ran rampant."

There was a sharp intake of breath at the mention of Voldemort's name, which caused Harry to become very annoyed. But Professor Dumbledore continued on as if he hadn't heard it.

"Those were very dark days as those of us who remember will tell you. He instilled fear in everyone. But then he was defeated and his powers destroyed."

Harry felt many eyes look at him at the mention of Voldemort's destruction. But he kept his eyes fasten to Dumbledore so he wouldn't look at them.

"After that," continued Dumbledore retrieving everyone's attention. "Many of us pretended as if it hadn't happened, and those of you who weren't around think it to be a bedtime story we tell to children to scare them. I assure you that this is very real. And it seems it has begun once more. The Death Eaters have escaped and Voldemort has returned to try and instill fear in our hearts once more. But you must not let him do this, you must help each other to overcome this darkness. This is your time and you must not let anyone take that away from you. In the days to come you are going to need each other more than anything. There's going to be terrible news from home, but during these times of great sorrow I want you to help each other to overcome for in helping each other you're ensuring that you will overcome and take back what is rightfully yours." He finished then turned and walked out of the Great Hall. Dumbledore seem to have aged quite a bit during the last few hours they'd seen him. Harry rose to leave, he had to talk to Dumbledore. The others rose as well, Harry had to smile to himself despite the somber atmosphere. His friends reminded him of a muggle adventure story called the Three Musketeers he and Amelia had read to each other on one of their holidays in Alfhiem. Except there weren't three musketeers here, instead they were seven but the motto held true all the same. All for one and one for all. His only wish was that everyone could be the same because that's what was going to make the difference in this war, togetherness. The friends walked in silence to the entrance to the headmaster's chambers. That's when Harry realized he didn't know the password, but before he could say anything the stone Gargoyle jumped aside revealing the moving staircase that lead to Dumbledore's office. The friends entered to find the headmaster sitting behind his desk with his fingers steepled deep in thought.

"Ah, I suspected you'd all be showing up. Sit down, would you like some tea?" He poured them all a cup but no one seemed to be in the mood for tea.

"Professor how bad is it?" Harry asked looking in the Headmaster's eyes. "And what is the ministry doing about it?"

Professor Dumbledore was silent for a few minutes before he let out a deep breath.

"I won't lie to you, I'm afraid it is very grave indeed. Many Aurors lost their lives last night and some were administered the Dementors's kiss. All the Death Eaters escaped last night, but some were killed in the process of escaping and those who'd refuse to leave with Voldemort were slaughtered. Our side have suffered a tremendous loss my boy and as for the ministry, they are doing everything they can given all the confusion that's been happening there."

"What do you mean confusion?" Asked Hermione.

"What's been happening at the ministry Professor?" Ginny asked nervously.

"I supposed you haven't heard yet, the ministry is in turmoil. After Voldemort showed up at the Department of Mysteries last year Minister Fudge position have been under a lot of fire. He's being criticized on the way he's been running the ministry. An inquiry was ordered and a lot of things didn't add up where the minister was concerned. And I'm afraid after last night events he' received a vote of no confidence and had been order to resign."

"It's about time." Remarked Harry with a sneer that would've made Snape proud. "It took them long enough to realize the man was nothing but a pompous, self centered idiot that would do anything to ensure his own success even at the cost of everyone else."

"So who's going to be the new Minister of magic?" Hermione asked interrupting Harry's reverie.

"Madam Bones will take over temporarily, until we can get the full Wizengamot to vote. And for now Author Weasley is in charge of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement."

Then turning to Ron and Ginny Dumbledore continued. "I'm sorry but Percy is under investigation also. I know that he's been estranged from the family but he is family nonetheless."

Ron and Ginny looked at each other in disbelief. Percy was an over inflated, self important git but they were pretty sure he wouldn't knowingly side with Voldemort. At least they hoped not.

"It's okay Professor," replied Ron. "We understand everyone has to do what needs to be done. I'm just worried about mum and how she's taking it." Finished Ron looking at his sister.

"So what are they doing about Azkaban?" Hermione asked. "Seeing that the Dementors have gone back to Voldemort and after what happened last night we need different guards there. We can't keep sending Aurors there, that is basically a death sentence."

"Why don't you ask the dragons?" Amelia asked offhandedly.

"The Dragons?" Cried Dumbledore. "And who would control the Dragons? I don't think that's a viable suggestion."

"Why not?" Asked Amelia coming to her feet. "Who would try to attack a prison surrounded by dragons?"

"No one." Answered the Headmaster. "But how would we control the dragons?" Asked Dumbledore tiredly.

"That's the mistake many wizards make." Started Amelia. "You do not try to control the dragons. You work with them, you talk to them intelligently and ask for their help. Dragons are not unintelligent and prone to violence like most people seem to believe. They are in all actuality very intelligent and gentle creatures and they only rampage when they are provoked or threatened."

Everyone just stared at her. They hadn't realized how strongly she felt about dragons.

"What makes you such an expert on dragons?" Asked Hermione in a huff.

"Hello, Hermione, she has a dragon for a familiar Remember?" Ginny snapped. Hermione was getting on her nerves with her pettiness.

"Just because she has a dragon for a familiar don't automatically make her an expert." Hermione snapped.

"Hermione," Amelia began. "Now is neither the time nor the place for squabbling. And it is definitely not the time for in house rivalries and petty differences we are suppose to be on the same team fighting for the same thing so don't let your personal prejudices cloud your judgment."

"Ahem," started Dumbledore trying to avert the row that would invariably commence. "How would we go about asking the dragons for help?" He finished turning to Amelia.

"Well Harry and I could go to Romania with Osirus and ask the ones on the dragon reserve. Then if we need more we could ask others. There are a lot of dragons all over the world that people don't know about. It probably would take a little while but I'm pretty sure we could work something out."

"Okay then," replied Dumbledore once again starting to look like his old self again. "I'll suggest it to the wizengamot at our next meeting and see what they think about it." He finished with a slight twinkle in his eyes. "Now I must warn all of you to be very observant. Remember some of those Death Eaters were in Azkaban because off you six, so they will be out for revenge. Especially Lucius Malfoy. And you Amelia have to be especially careful I've no doubt that they've heard about you and of what you mean to Harry here. And they will do anything to get to him. Now with that said, it is a beautiful day outside, you all should go out and enjoy it."

They left Dumbledore's office and headed towards Gryffindor tower. But Harry didn't feel like dealing with people staring at him, which was inevitable whenever the subject of Voldemort came up. He decided he needed some time before facing anyone. He asked his friends to go on without him because he needed to talk to Amelia alone.

"Sure mate, we understand, you want to talk." Laughed Ron, winking and slapping him on the back. Earning him a slap in the back of the head from Hermione.

"Sure Harry we understand, we'll have everyone cleared out by the time you come up." Hermione replied dragging Ron behind her. Harry had to smile his friends really did know him. Then turning back to Amelia he asked.

"Fancy spending some quality time with me?"

"I thought you would never ask." She replied linking her arm through his. They headed off down the corridor away from Gryffindor tower. They came to a door they thought to be an empty classroom, but on closer examination Harry realized it was the room of requirements. Only this time it looked like their large sitting room back in Alfhiem complete with a large fireplace with a fire already burning and overstuffed red velvet coach. They entered and Harry only hoped they wouldn't be interrupted. At that point the door seem to disappear leaving only a solid wall.

"Thanks girl." He whispered to the castle as he led Amelia to the coach in front of the fire. He sat pulling her down with him, he just wanted to hold her and don't ever let go. What Dumbledore had said earlier of Voldemort hurting her to get to him really bothered him. He didn't know what he would do if something was to happen to her. Amelia sensing his need reached out and stroked his face. Harry leaned into her touch and covered her hand next to his face with his.

"I'm sorry Amelia, I shouldn't have dragged you into this."

"HARRY JAMES POTTER YOU STOP RIGHT THERE." She cried, taking both his hands in hers. Then in a gentler tone she continued. "You didn't drag me into anything, I was already involved remember? Meeting you was the best thing that to ever happened to me and don't you ever forget that. You've given my life new meaning and showed me love that I've never even dreamt about. I love you Harry Potter, I think I've loved you from the first day I saw you in the park moping about. Our love is complete Harry and there is nothing anyone can do to change that. I know that we have a lot of obstacles ahead of us but it will be okay because we've got each other and I won't ever leave your side." She finished resting her forehead against his.

Harry's heart felt as if it would burst with all the love he was feeling, he looked deeply into her eyes before responding.

"I love you too Amelia, more than anything in this world. You mean more to me than you can possibly know and I wont let anything happen to you."

"Nor I you." Amelia responded as he claimed her lips in a soul-searching kiss. Kissing her seems to make all his troubles disappear. He pulled her with him to lie on the coach while still kissing her. She was caressing his chest through his shirt and her fingers where doing things to him that he couldn't explain. He'd move down to nibble her neck and she his ear. Both their robes were lying in a pile on the floor. They were both breathing very hard still exploring each other with lips and hands. Harry had to hold Amelia away from him for a minute so he could form coherent thoughts. He always found it hard to think with her body pressed against his. He wanted her really bad but this was neither the place nor the time to give in to his hormones. Merlin knows it was hard, especially when she was laying next to him flushed from all the snogging they'd just done and looking at him through half closed eyes and lips slightly parted. She was caressing the side of his face and pulling him in for another snog session. He knew if he didn't stop now he probably wont be able to stop later. But he lost what little control he had when she raked her nails along his throat sending shivers up and down his spine. With a growl he'd reclaimed her lips once more. Before he knew it he was kissing his way down her neck and his hand was making its way up under her blouse. Amelia had managed to remove his shirt without him noticing until he felt her kissing his chest. At this point Harry knew he had to stop before they went any further.

"Amelia, honey we have to stop." Harry pleaded between kisses. "Amelia you're not helping." Harry continued as he tried to untangle her legs from around his waist. "Amelia come on, you're not making this easy you know."

"I know," she replied in a husky voice. "I'm not suppose to make it easy." She whispered in his ear sending another wave of shivers down his spine. "But I will stop because you're right. This is neither the time nor the place. But I must say I'm looking forward to Christmas when we get to go home."

"OH believe me I'm looking forward to Christmas also." Harry replied softly, wrapping his arms around her waist. "But until then I'll settle for just holding you." He finished, breathing in the scent of her hair. He loved the way her hair always seems to smell like beaches and sunshine. At least that's what he thought after their first visit to the Caribbean with their beautiful beaches and crystal clear waters, which just happen to be the same color of her eyes. They lay and talked like that until the dozed off.

At first he thought he was dreaming but he couldn't be for there it was again. Something was brushing against his cheek. Harry opened his eyes to find five pairs of eyes looking at him. Both Ron and Neville were wearing silly grins while Hermione and Ginny were both blushing and Luna was in a different world altogether. Harry was wondering why everyone was looking at him like that. He turned his head and saw the reason for the girl's embarrassment. Amelia was still asleep with her head resting on his chest and that beautiful copper colored hair fanned out around her and spilling over the side of the couch. He had undone her hair earlier so he could run his fingers through it and now it looked like a copper waterfall spilling over his chest and onto the floor. She had an arm around his waist and their legs were entangled. Harry used some of her hair to tickle her ear with to wake her up. She stirred then snuggled closer to him muttering.

"Mon amour c'est trop tÔt pour tu obtenir villain." Harry hoped no one understood what she'd just said. But from the color of Hermione's cheeks and the fact that Luna appears to be totally aware of what is going on. Harry could safely bet they understood perfectly. He had to wake her up before she said anything else.

"Honey wake up, we have company." Harry called nudging her gently.

Amelia eyes flew open immediately.

"What company?" She started, and then relaxed once she saw who it was. "Oh, I hope I haven't kept you all waiting, I must have dozed off." She got up and started re-braiding her hair as if it was the most normal thing in the world for them to walk in on her and Harry half dressed and asleep in each other's arms. She looked up at her friends who were just staring at her. The girls were looking positively scandalized.

"What?" She asked looking from one to the other. It was Ginny who finally answered.

"Well Amelia, it's just that we just walked in to find you and Harry in a somewhat compromising position and you are just so relaxed about it." She finished staring at the floor.

"Oh, that's what this is all about, let me tell you something this isn't nearly as compromising as the time when we-"

"AMELIA!" Harry screamed. "I don't think that will be necessary." He finished, coloring brightly.

"Oh right, well the reason I am not at all embarrassed is the simple fact that I rarely care about anyone's opinion about me, besides I haven't done anything wrong or immoral-"

"And what do you call laying half naked in a man's arms?" Hermione asked coldly.

"Truthfully, I call it an erotic experience myself but that's just me. What do you call it?" She asked turning to Hermione.

Hermione just stared at her with her mouth opening and closing. There was a snort from Ron then the others started sniggering.

"Oh and Hermione, do not assume that you know anything about me, because you don't and I would very much appreciate it if you explain to me what I've done to you." She finished then turned towards Harry. "So, were you embarrassed at being discovered?"

"Of course not." Harry replied. "But I was a bit put out by what you'd said when I first tried to wake you up."

"Uh-oh, and what was it that I said?" Amelia asked apprehensively.

"I don't know if I should tell you, it was quite embarrassing really." He teased he was enjoying her squirming. It was Luna who finally answered.

"Mon amour c'est trop tÔt pour tu obtenir villain." She finished in an exaggerated French accent.

"What is that suppose to mean?" Asked Ron and Ginny together.

"It translates 'oh love it's too early for you to get naughty'." Hermione answered before Luna could.

Everyone started laughing and Ron and Neville was calling Harry a naughty boy and pretending to spank him while the girls were pretending to swoon. They laughed even harder when Amelia went bright pink. It was refreshing to see that she could become embarrassed since she's the one who's usually shocking everyone.

"I'm glad to see that I'm so amusing to you all, but if you'll excuse me I think I'll just go to dinner and leave you to your laughter."

"Amelia," cried Neville, desperately trying to control his laughter. "I'm afraid dinner is over. We waited a few minutes for you two in the common room, and when you didn't show up we went to the Founders Courtyard and waited. Then when dinner time came around and you didn't we came looking for you then Hogwarts led us here." He finished.

"That is not a problem guys." Harry started. "We are in the room of requirements aren't we? So all we have to do is-"

"Think of what we want." They all chorused. Just then a low table surrounded by big squishy pillows appeared in front of the fireplace laden with fruits, meats, bread, cheese and pumpkin juice. They sat and ate and talked for the rest of the evening until it was time to turn in for the night.

After training the next morning they showered then went to breakfast in the Great Hall. During breakfast the owls arrived with the morning mail. It seems Draco had received his weekly supply of sweets from home. Harry glanced up and watched as he open the package with a smug look on his face that turned into a sneer once he saw Harry looking at him. Harry ignored him and kept eating his breakfast. After breakfast all of them including Luna went back to the Founders Courtyard to hang out and relax. Amelia locked wits with Ron in an intense game of wizards chess while the others played a fierce game of exploding snaps. After dinner they double checked their homework then hung out until the prefects had to make their rounds.

The next morning Amelia awoke with a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach. Something was off; she just couldn't put her finger on it. Their first class charms went off without a hitch and the day seem to be shaping up nicely. Their next class transfiguration wasn't fortunate enough to go off as well as charms. The Slytherin's were their usual charming self. Malfoy was being his usual self, trying to gourd Harry into losing his temper.

"Hey potty are you scared yet? You know they're coming to get you right?" He taunted while his two goons guffawed.

Harry just ignored him, he wasn't going to let Malfoy get to him. After class they collected their things so they could head to lunch. Malfoy chose this moment to really annoy him.

"Scared Potty? I see you've been hiding ever since you heard about the escapes from Azkaban." Sneered Malfoy while his goons Crabbe and Goyle sniggered. Amelia looked as if she was about to say something but Harry stopped her telepathically.

"Amelia don't, I'll handle this Malfoy is just trying to get some attention and I'm not about to give him the satisfaction."

"Great Scott, get a hold of yourself man, you're falling all over the place." Draco continued as he picked up a quill and handed it to Harry. Harry reached out to snatch the quill from Malfoy. But the moment his finger touched the quill both him and Draco was whisked away in front of a hallway filled with startled students.