Chapter Eleven- The Star of Darkness

Harry and Malfoy ran as fast as they could, following Hermione's screams. All of a sudden, the screaming ended and Harry stopped running. He fell on his knees, feeling his heart breaking into pieces.

"Potter, get up!" Malfoy barked at him.

"She's dead," Harry said absently. He suddenly felt no more, he didn't feel his shallow breathing… he felt nothing. Hermione was dead and he knew it. She was gone forever.

"Damn it, Potter!" Malfoy spat. "Maybe she's still alive, and here you are, being the pathetic man you have become. Where's the famous Harry Potter which defeated so many dark wizards? Where is the man that killed Voldemort? I can't see him, and for the first time in my whole life, I feel nothing but pity for you!"

Harry stared at Malfoy, who was very red in the face and his fists were clenched. "Potter, for God's sake, it wasn't your fault that Raven died!" Malfoy yelled. "But it is going to be your fault if Hermione does!"

Harry stood up and felt his heart beating again. He knew Malfoy was right, and that there was a possibility that Hermione was still alive. He didn't look at Malfoy, just started running ago.

"Don't mention this to anyone," Malfoy called as he ran after him. "And I won't mention to anyone that you had a moment of stupid weakness."

Harry said nothing and suddenly he stopped. A enormous wooden door was there, and Harry drew out his wand. "Reducto!" he yelled and the door blasted open.

Hermione was lying in a stone table, moaning softly. Remarque was pointing his wand at her, and turned around when he heard the explosion.

"Expelliarmus!" Harry bellowed and Remarque's wand flew away.

"Accio!" Malfoy said behind him and Remarque's wand flew right into his hand.

"You think you can stop me?" Remarque cackled. "You can't! Because I have the book now!"

Remarque pointed to another table where the book was lying, and Harry frowned. "But Hermione isn't dead," Harry said.

"No, but as life escapes from her body, a new spell is written in the book," Remarque smirked.

Harry pointed his wand at Remarque, who merely sneered at him.

"Let her go," Harry said coldly. "And I promise I won't kill you."

"You know, I think I'll pass," Remarque said, and Harry saw that Hermione was getting paler.

"I can't believe that your pathetic excuse for getting rid of the Magical creatures is that you were attacked by an unicorn," Malfoy said.

"Actually, I hated them before I was attacked," Remarque grinned. "I have always thought that they are useless. I mean, who needs a house elf when you can only flick your wand and clean everything?"

"If you hadn't had the unicorn hair, you wouldn't have been able to prepare the potion for killing the guardian, Remarque." Harry and Malfoy turned around and saw Kat standing in the entrance. She was pointing her wand at Remarque, her eyes filled with hatred.

"Maybe you're right, Muller," Remarque said. "But I really don't care. Potions are pretty useless too."

"Everything is useless for you, isn't it?" Kat spat. "Himmeltoff was useless, and you decided to murder him, but he was smarter and decided to turn you in, but you found it rather amusing to transform him into an owl."

"Himmeltoff was a coward," Remarque said angrily. "When he knew what we wanted to do with the Star of Darkness he backed off. I wasn't going to allow treason."

"That's obvious, Remarque." Harry and Malfoy gasped as Himmeltoff appeared behind Kat. His eyes were red, his fists were clenched. He still had the beak that disfigured his entire face, and Harry saw for the first time a flick of fear on Remarque's face.

"Himmeltoff," Remarque gasped. "But I… I killed you!"

"You thought you did," Himmeltoff said. "But you were unsuccessful. Kat found me lying on a alley. I was very confused, but she took care of me and I healed. And now I'm ready for my revenge."

Harry was shocked by this piece of information. Kat had found Himmeltoff but hadn't said a word. Kat glanced at Harry and grinned slightly. "Later," she mouthed.

Himmeltoff ran over to Remarque and pushed him hard, making Remarque fall. Harry pointed his wand at the book and the book burst into pieces. Remarque yelled with anger, but Himmeltoff pointed his wand at Remarque and shook his head.

"One move, Remarque, and I'll make your face a nice place for birds to rest," Himmeltoff muttered. Remarque closed his eyes in defeat and Harry walked over to Hermione, and she opened her eyes.

"Harry?" She croaked and Harry nodded.

"Everything will be okay, Hermione," he said. "It's a promise I intend to keep."