Sorry for the delay in getting this chapter done. I had to try it a couple of times in order to get it to flow the way I wanted it to. Now that the groundwork has been laic the story can finally begin to move along at a bit of a faster pace. I will try to keep the following chapters coming a little quicker than this one took.
To my reviewers; thank you for your kind words. They are very encouraging.
Once again, I own nothing but the plot and any characters I create.
Chapter 17 – Halloween HappeningsBy the end of the third week of term, Harry had gotten used to arising before the rest of the inhabitants of the school would even think of stirring. His body continued to protest at the constant pushing of its limits, but Harry could begin to feel the differences his working out all summer was making. The Krav Maga had built his stamina and toned his muscles somewhat, but it was only noticeable when Harry was unclothed. Adding the weight training was simply working to increase the amount of muscle he had to tone.
The previous week, Harry had quickly learned exactly what Professor Smith meant when he had said that the Tuesday and Thursday workouts would be much more active. The sight that had met Harry in the Room of Requirements on that first Tuesday was as interesting as the weight room appearance it had taken on on Monday. The room had expanded to a size larger than the great hall and resembled the outdoors. It was a lightly wooded area with a well worn trail through it. All along the trail were fallen logs, makeshift walls, patches of water, and various expanses covered with ropes both high in the air and low to the ground. Harry quickly learned that this was called an obstacle course, so named because he was supposed to make his way down the trail by going over, under or through the various obstacles in his way. Apparently, the professor had gotten this idea from the muggle military and their training methods.
Harry had barely made it a quarter of the way through the first time when he realized that getting through the course was not going to be as easy as it seemed. He was in the middle of crossing a patch of water by way of fallen log when he was hit by a Jelly-Legs Jinx. He pulled himself out of the water a few moments later to see the smirking face of his professor with his wand in hand preparing to fire again. Harry quickly realized that this was more an exercise in thinking on your feet and learning to sense danger than simply getting through the course. By the end of the training time, Harry had memorized every obstacle on the course and was actually looking forward to his next training session. That thought had been short-lived, however because upon entering the room on Thursday he was faced with a completely different course. The object was the same - it was simply a different venue in which to practice.
The main difference about school this term, that Harry noticed the most, was that the classes seemed easier to him. The level of work and expectations were higher, but it was coming to him much easier. His teachers noticed this as well and he was quickly beginning to challenge Hermione as the best student in the year. They were beginning to work on human transfigurations with Professor McGonagall, and charms to change ones appearance with Professor Flitwick. Professor Sprout was covering some of the most dangerous plants they had ever had to deal with. They were down right deadly, but were ingredients in some of the most potent healing potions that could be brewed.
Harry and his friends arrived in the great hall for breakfast on Friday morning to find the professors at the head table looking somewhat pleased. It wasn't until Hermione's copy of the Daily Prophet arrived that they figured out why.
Amelia Bones Appointed as New Minister of Magic was the headline across the top of the front page. Apparently the Wizengamot had decided that rather than go through the process of a full election in the middle of a wizard war, they would appoint Madam Bones to the position until the war was over for the sake of uniformity. She had been doing a lot to clean up the corruption in the Ministry and get things moving against the Death-Eaters since she took over as interim Minister.
"I think that's a good choice," Harry said, "She will take a rather hard-line stance against the Death-Eaters. Although I still think it would have been wicked if your dad could have gotten the position, Ron."
"Yeah, that would have been good," Ron replied, "but I'm pretty sure that dad wouldn't have really enjoyed it much. He likes his position too much to leave it. Besides, how many other people do you know who would care as much about dad's position as he does?"
Ginny smiled as she chimed in, "Yeah, dad loves muggles and finds everything about them fascinating. He wouldn't really be happy anywhere else."
Hermione let out a soft chuckle and added to the conversation, "Well, I think you guys should read a little more of this article then. It seems your father has been offered a promotion to a newly-created position. He's now an assistant to the Minister and is in charge of everything relating to muggles. He still gets to work with muggle things, but he gets paid a lot more."
Hermione's words prompted Ron to freeze like a deer caught in the headlights, while Ginny dropped her fork and quickly grabbed the paper away from Hermione to read it for herself. Harry, Hermione, and Neville couldn't help but laugh at the two redheads antics. Ginny had soon begun to laugh with the rest of the group at the continued surprised look on Ron's face. They all realized that the Weasleys' burden of not having much money was about to lighten considerably. They wouldn't be rich by any means, but they would be able to afford a bit more luxuries in life like no more second-hand things. They should at least be able to afford new books next year instead of the usual used ones.
The only people in the great hall who seemed upset by the article all sat at the Slytherin table. Draco Malfoy looked the angriest of them all. Harry assumed that he was hoping for a minister who would be easier to buy like Fudge had been. Malfoy was obviously realizing that his money wouldn't get him very far with the new minister. Malfoy happened to catch Harry's gaze and gave one of his usual scows to which Harry simply smirked and raised his glass as if to say 'I won that one!'
Harry was brought out of his gloating by a slight twinge in his scar. "Tom must know about the new minister." Harry's voice held a small amount of amusement as he spoke, "He must really be mad if I can feel it now. I haven't felt anything since the attack on the alley."
His friends all looked at him uncertainly for a moment but quickly decided that he was truly OK. Hermione was about to say something when she saw Harry look toward the head table and nod almost imperceptibly to the headmaster. When she looked at the head table, she could clearly see the headmaster smiling with the twinkle in his eyes going full force. It was almost as if he was telling Harry, 'Job well done!'
By the next week, it was obvious to everyone just how unhappy Voldemort had been with the appointment of Madam Bones. By Tuesday night he had already made an attempt on her life but had been unprepared for the increased security measures that had been put in place on both the ministry and her home. She escaped unharmed but a few Aurors had unfortunately been killed.
Attacks against average citizens and muggles had begun to pick up as well. They happened at random all over the country. One night the target would be a wizard home in Scotland and then the next night there would be an attack on some unsuspecting muggles in Wales. There appeared to be no pattern to the attacks nor was there any warning. It was almost as if Voldemort was simply throwing a dart at a big map of the United Kingdom and wherever it hit was where they would attack next. Professor Snape was no help since he was apparently not privy to any information about the attacks for fear that Dumbledore would find out.
The increase in attacks had a two-fold effect on the inhabitants of the castle. For one thing, Harry's study of spells and such was increased ten-fold. Every waking moment apart from mealtimes was spent studying spells. And then there was the increase in the number of students signing up for the defense club. The reality of the situation clearly was sinking in - survival was becoming a key focus. There were so many younger new students that Harry was compelled to recruit experienced members of the DA from Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff to help with the young kids on Monday nights.
By the middle of October, Harry couldn't have been more pleased with the way school was progressing. The defense club was thriving. There was still an occasional confrontation between the Slytherins and members of the other houses, but they were usually stopped quickly by a penetrating stare from Harry at the offender. The students were really advancing well and some new friendships were beginning to grow.
Quidditch practice was getting better every week too. The chasers were coming together nicely and the beaters had improved greatly over the summer. It seemed that Sloper and Kirke had been practicing a bit since they were aware that they would be playing again this year. The most noticeable improvement was in Harry though. It seemed that all of his extracurricular training was not only improving his dueling but his quidditch as well. The training on the obstacle course had him so aware of his surroundings that the longest it would take him to spot the snitch was now five minutes and the bludgers could never get close enough to him to worry anyone.
"Blymie, Harry!" Ron exclaimed after their most recent practice, "If you can be that fast in a game, there's no way we'll ever lose."
Harry shot him a wry smile and replied, "Well, I don't want to run the risk of you reverting back to your form from last year. I'd hate to have to listen to another rendition of Weasley is Our King." Then before Ron could reply, Harry ran off to the castle laughing heartily at his joke. The rest of the team also began to laugh as they caught the look of mock anger on their captain's face and headed off as well.
The Saturday before Halloween arrived announcing the first Hogsmeade weekend of the year. The third years and above were chattering merrily during breakfast about how they were planning to spend their day. Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Neville were planning to head to town together. Ginny was going to spend the day with Luna and some of her other friends. They all planned on meeting up in the Three Broomsticks toward the end of the day for a butterbeer before returning to the castle.
As the four sixth years were finishing their breakfast, Harry noticed Ginny and Luna leaving the great hall together. Upon seeing this Harry felt the now familiar feeling of loss in the pit of his stomach whenever Ginny went off without the rest of the group, or more precisely, without him. He had come to the realization that he cared a great deal about Ginny, but had decided that he needed to concentrate on his task first. He didn't want to risk getting into a relationship with anyone until Voldemort was gone in case he wasn't successful. Plus, with all of his studying there wasn't really any time for anything else anyway.
Harry had decided the best course of action was to hide those thoughts and feelings as well as possible to allow everyone else to get on with their lives. Unfortunately, Harry wasn't as skilled at hiding his feelings as he would have liked to be. There was always a flicker of his feelings before his mask would come into place. What Harry failed to take into account was the observation skills of a certain bushy-haired brunette. As Ginny was leaving, Hermione watched Harry and as usual noticed the emotions flicker across her friend's face for a moment before they were once again gone.
Moments later, the four friends got up from the table and began to make their way to Hogsmeade, as Ron grabbed one last piece of toast. Once they were out the front doors of the school, they began to discuss where they would be going today.
"First stop is definitely Honeydukes," announced a very excited Ron. "After all, we need to stock up on our sweets."
The group of friends laughed and Harry added in, "We should make a stop at Zonko's as well." When he noticed the questioning looks on everyone's face he added, "We might as well check out the competition for Fred and George. You never know what they might come up with. I figure I should at least try to protect my investment."
Hermione shook her head and turned to Neville, "What about you, Neville? Is there anywhere you would particularly like to go?"
Neville simply shrugged, "Wherever you guys want to go is fine with me. I'm just happy to get out of the castle and relax for a little while."
They spent close to an hour in Honeydukes leaving with a considerable amount less in their moneybags. They then proceeded on to Zonko's, however they didn't get a chance to go in. When they arrived, the shop was locked and boarded up tight with a sign on the door saying, Out Of Business.
"Well," exclaimed Harry, "Looks like the twins' shop did more damage to their business than we thought."
"Too right, it did," replied Ron. "I'll have to send the twins an owl about this."
"Where to now?" asked Neville. "Is there anything anyone needs from Dervish and Banges?"
Hermione piped up, "Oh, yes. Harry and I need to pick up a few things for potions that we didn't know we would need before school started." Her expression made it clear to Harry that his agreement was advisable. "Why don't you two head to the Three Broomsticks and get us all a table while we get our stuff? It shouldn't take too long."
They both looked to Harry who shrugged and nodded before agreeing and heading off. Once Harry and Hermione were alone, Harry turned to Hermione, "What's going on? It's obvious you want to speak to me alone. Well, we're alone now, so?"
Hermione motioned for him to follow her into the wizard supply store, "What's going on with you?" Harry was caught completely off guard by this question. "I've noticed the way you look every time Ginny leaves the room. It's only there for a moment, and most people probably don't even notice, but I do." Harry was looking decidedly pensive at the moment causing Hermione to continue, "You know what I think? I think you fancy her." As Harry blushed, she smiled and continued, "That answers that. So why don't you do something about it?"
Harry held up his hands in a placating manner and finally found his voice, "OK, Hermione, you're right. I do feel something for her, but like you said last year, she's moved on. Besides, I've already decided that I don't have time to carry on a relationship with anyone right now. Voldemort is getting stronger and attacking more. I need to spend every moment I can trying to learn what I can to beat him. Once he's gone, I'll worry about a relationship."
Seeing the frown that had developed on her face, he continued, "Besides, if he found out I had a girlfriend, who exactly do you think would be right at the top of his list to attack? Anyone who was going out with me would be first on his list of people to kill or better yet capture. You forget how well he knows me. Remember, I led five of my friends into an ambush to save my godfather. You know as well as I do that if whoever I was dating was taken captive that I would do whatever I had to to save her. I don't want him to get that kind of leverage on me, so no - I won't act on my feelings for anyone, especially Ginny. She's suffered enough at his hands."
Hermione continued to frown, "Just because she moved on doesn't mean she wouldn't say yes to you, but I do see your point. I won't push the issue and I won't tell anyone else. Just for the record though, I think you're wrong and should pursue the thought." She looked around the store for a moment, "Well, I guess we should find something to buy so our cover story isn't blown."
They quickly found something that would pass for a necessary potion supply and headed off to meet their friends. They found Ron and Neville talking quietly at a large table back in the corner of the pub and joined them. They all talked quietly about their progress with their animagus forms and the extra spells they were working on, occasionally stopping to acknowledge another friend or two as they entered the pub. About an hour later, Hermione noticed a quick smile grace Harry's face as Ginny and Luna entered and made their way over.
Since Ginny and Luna had been accompanied by a few of their friends, the conversation turned to the happenings of the day, then to the upcoming Halloween feast, and before long quidditch. More specifically, the first match of the year that was to take place the following week, Gryffindor versus Slytherin. Their conversation on this topic became quite spirited and loud causing much of the rest of the pub to join in with the playful banter. Soon enough, Ron was informing the members of the Gryffindor quidditch team that it was getting close to time to head back to the school for their weekly practice session. This caused a few groans from the Gryffindors and a lot more chuckles of amusement from the members of the other houses. Everyone bid their farewells and made their way back to the castle having enjoyed the relaxing day off.
The week carried on much the same as the prior ones causing Harry to slip back into his normal routine, until Wednesday. All day he had been feeling slightly off. Something just didn't feel right. He couldn't place his finger on it, but something was bothering him. As the day wore on, the feeling only got worse and by the time dinner rolled around he couldn't really stand the feeling of foreboding that was engulfing him.
"Harry," Hermione appealed, "I really think you should tell Professor Dumbledore. I don't think it's something that should just be ignored. If it was just a passing feeling I wouldn't be worried, but this has just been getting worse all day and now it's showing in your face. I think this might be something important."
Harry looked at this friends and the looks on their faces showed that they agreed with Hermione. "OK, I'll talk to him after dinner. I'm just not sure what to say. I don't know why I'm feeling the way I am, but I can't shake the feeling like something big is about to happen."
After dinner, Harry caught Professor Dumbledore as he was leaving the great hall and they made their way to his office. Upon entering Dumbledore asked, "So, what is bothering you, Harry?"
Harry met his professor's gaze and began, "Well, sir, all day I've had a strange feeling like something is going to happen. This morning it wasn't very strong and I just shrugged it off, but the feeling has been growing stronger as the day has moved along. I just can't help but feel that Voldemort is planning something big. The only problem is that I just can't figure out what."
"That is very interesting, Harry. Have your feelings been accompanied by any visions or any other sensations?"
"No, sir. It's just the feelings. Do you think he might be trying to send me visions again?"
"Alas, Harry, I do not know. It might be he is simply trying to open his connection to you again, but I fear that it is, in reality, the fact that he is planning something. As you know, tomorrow is Halloween and that is a day that he seems to enjoy wreaking havoc on our world." The headmaster sat in silence for a moment, "I'm afraid there are far too many targets that he would enjoy attacking to raise extra security without any more information."
Seeing Harry's downhearted look he smiled and continued, "I will of course inform the Minister that she should be prepared for a large attack tonight and then we will hope for the best. Thank you, Harry, for coming to me with this. Hopefully with this information we will be able to keep any damage that might occur to a minimum. Do not concern yourself with this anymore, Harry. You have done all that you can for tonight. Let us worry about what happens from here."
Harry nodded his agreement, "Thank you for listening to me, sir. I hope that I'm wrong and this is just my fear playing tricks on me. Please promise me that if anything does happen that you will let me know." After seeing an affirmative nod in response Harry continued, "Goodnight, Professor."
"Goodnight, Harry. Try to get some sleep."
Harry smiled sadly, knowing that sleep would not come easily tonight, and left the office with a wave at the headmaster. Upon returning to the common room, he filled his friends in on the conversation he had just had with the headmaster. After a few minutes of contemplation, Harry decided it was time for him to at least attempt to get some sleep. He headed off to his dorm and was soon followed by his other dorm mates.
Harry tossed an turned for what seemed like an eternity and had just began to hear the snores of the other inhabitants of the room when his scar tinged again and the feeling of foreboding was replaced by a feeling of elation. Harry's fear increased, whatever it was Voldemort had been planning was now over and, if the feeling he felt now was any indication, it was a success. After that, Harry fell into a very restless sleep.
The next morning, Harry awoke feeling a bigger sense of dread than the day before. It wasn't because he felt like something was going to happen, like yesterday. No, today it was dread at finding out exactly what happened last night. Pushing those feelings to the back of his mind, he got up and headed for the room of requirements for his daily workout.
Upon entering the room he was surprised to find it was set up as a simple sitting room today. There were two plush armchairs facing each other each flanking a fireplace with a fire crackling softly. Professor Smith, who was seated facing the door, motioned for Harry to sit in the other chair. Once Harry was settled, the Professor began to speak.
"Harry, I thought that today we could just talk for a while, especially after what happened last night."
"So, something did happen last night then?"
"Yes, Harry, I'm afraid so. Professor Dumbledore tells me that you came to him last night with a warning about something happening. Could you tell me a little more about that, please?"
"Well, like I told the headmaster, all day yesterday I felt something odd. In the morning it wasn't more than just a weird feeling that I blew off, but as the day progressed the feeling got stronger and stronger. By last night I identified the feeling as anticipation. I realized that I was probably feeling Voldemort's emotions and I thought it meant he was planning something big."
The professor nodded, "I know you told Professor Dumbledore that you didn't see any visions to go along with these feelings. My question to you is, did you try to see anything?" Seeing the confused look on Harry's face, the professor continued, "What I want to know is, once you decided that these feelings were from Voldemort did you think about trying to see if you could see what he was doing?"
"No, sir. If I had tried, wouldn't that have given him access to my thoughts as well?"
"Not necessarily. You see, your mental shields are strong enough to keep anyone out of your thoughts so long as you are making a conscious effort to keep them up. If you could have opened up a link to Voldemort he would not have been able to get back into your head as long as you were making an effort to keep him out."
"Are you saying that you think I could push through his shields to see his thoughts?"
"Eventually, yes, I do think you could. Right now, probably not. Your ability with Legilimency is still new. Although you can access the thoughts of someone with whom you have eye contact, I do not know whether you would be able to access Voldemort's over the connection through your scar. However, you never know what will happen until you try."
"How would I do that?"
"I believe that if you were to concentrate on the emotion and then bring up your exercises in Legilimency that it would simply be a matter of power to complete the connection. Now, Harry, this is something I would only recommend that you try if you truly feel comfortable and confident in your ability to do so. If there is any question in your mind, then do not even attempt this. Will you promise me that?"
"Yes, sir. I promise." Harry paused before asking the question that was at the forefront of his mind. "Sir, could you please tell me what happened last night?"
Professor Smith took a deep breath and looked Harry directly in the eyes, "Azkaban has fallen." This announcement made Harry's mood darken even more. "It seems that the Dementors decided it was time to return. They apparently came with some Death-Eaters and freed all of Voldemort's supporters. By the time the backup from the ministry arrived everyone who was either not a supporter or of no use to Voldemort had been killed. Most of his supporters had already left. What few that were left fought admirably enough to escape as well, except one. He is now in custody and being questioned extensively under veritaserum."
Harry groaned, "Was there anyone I know there?"
"Kingsley Shacklebolt was there. He had been sent by the Minister to check up on things. He put up quite the good fight from what I've been told."
Harry sighed, "So, everyone who was caught at the ministry in June has escaped?"
"I'm afraid so." Professor Smith studied the young man before him for a moment before continuing, "Do not worry on this, Harry. There is nothing you can do to change what has happened, nor was there anything more you could have done to prevent this from happening. All you can do is to continue your studies and prepare for the future."
With their conversation finished, the room quickly changed to the ever changing obstacle course and the daily training began again. The biggest difference in today was Harry seemed to have developed an even stronger resolve to improve. There were a couple of moments when he actually went on the offensive against the professor, causing the older gentleman to smile at the improvements of his student.
Ginny was the first to notice Harry's somber mood upon joining his friends in the common room later, "What's up, Harry? What happened?"
Harry sighed and replied, "Voldemort attacked Azkaban last night freeing all of his supporters and killing everyone else."
Ron responded, "Oh no! That means Malfoy's probably going to be extra smug today since his father is now free."
Hermione noticed the continued look of depression on Harry's face, "I can tell by the look on your face that there's more. Who was there that we know?"
"Kingsley Shacklebolt." This pronouncement brought silence to the group. After a few moments Harry added, "There's nothing we can do about it now. Let's go get some breakfast. I'm sure the Daily Prophet will have a few articles about the happenings of last night to give us more information."
The group agreed and made their way to the great hall for breakfast. Upon entering the hall, everyone noticed the subdued mood at the head table, especially of the staff in the Order. It was obvious that most of the students had not been informed of the events of last night yet because they didn't seem to understand what was wrong with the professors. That all changed once the post owls arrived with today's editions of the Daily Prophet.
Azkaban Attacked
Late last night, You-Know-Who made his boldest move to date. His forces assaulted Azkaban prison releasing all of his supporters and killing any who tried to stand in his way. It seems that all of the random attacks up to this point were designed to weaken the ability of the Ministry of Magic to respond by spreading out the Auror forces across the country. The relatively small force of Aurors responsible for guarding the prison were no match for the overwhelming size of the attacking army of Dementors and dark wizards. The names of the fallen are being withheld until the next of kin have been notified.
Minister of Magic, Amelia Bones, when asked to comment on the attacks said, "I am deeply saddened by this attack. I knew many of the witches and wizards lost in the attack personally and promise that I will do everything in my power to bring their attackers to justice." She would not go into detail when pushed for more information on how she was going to stop the attacks by You-Know-Who, but would only say that there were plans being implemented to step up the war effort soon.
There was one very surprising development brought out by this attack. One of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named's followers was captured during the attack. What is surprising about this is that this wizard was believed to have been dead for the last fifteen years. The wizard in question, one Peter Pettigrew, was declared dead after witnesses claimed he was cornered and killed by Sirius Black after You- Know-Who's first defeat. It is uncertain how it is that this wizard was not killed and where he has been hiding for the last fifteen years, but it is believed that those answers shall be provided after he has been questioned under the use of veritaserum.
That was all of the article that Harry read. He was stunned, Peter Pettigrew had been captured. There was a chance that Sirius could finally be found innocent. There was finally an opportunity for the man responsible for his parents' deaths to be brought to justice. Something positive had come out of the attack. Harry wished that the deaths could have been avoided but was somewhat happy about this new development. The knowledge that the truth about Sirius and his parents' deaths could soon come out gave Harry a new found hope to a positive conclusion to this war.