Sorry this took so long. I haven't had time to write with my final exams and all.

NOTE THAT THIS HAS BEEN REVISED FROM WHAT WAS POSTED YESTERDAY. I felt the need to revise since i have noticed some people have truthfully commented about this chapter. Thanks for the suggestions.

Read and Review.

Next chapter will be massive. Something big is about to happen to the wizarding world and the muggle world. All this with relation to Hermione. Wait for that.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

VOLDEMORT'S UNEXPECTED ATTACK

Fall's gusty wind blew into the castle, sending Harry, Ron, and Hermione shivers though it was still not nighttime. In fact, it was twelve in the after noon and the sun was high in the sky. Harry though, was trying to sort things out in his mind. He has decided that he has to, sometime in the future, set forth into the Chamber of Secrets but is feeling nervous about the idea. He knew no danger lurked within as the great basilisk was now dead but still, he had the feeling that everything is not as easy anymore.

Hogwarts castle was not the same, too. Teachers were growing anxious on what Voldemort's next act will be. Killing Dumbledore was his last deed but that has been such a long time ago. What evil thing will the Dark Lord do yet again? Who will he kill? All this tension was felt by everyone and was almost contagious. The students can't help feeling a bit nervous with everyone feeling this way. The only people enjoying the fear of the people were of course, Draco and his gang. They felt that killing muggle lovers like Dumbledore was the right thing to do, and so, other professors were a bit more keen to take house points from Slytherin house.

Hermione, on the other hand, was still making notes on her brewing of the Polyjuice Potion. She was having a hard time trying to get some hairs of Pansy Parkinson and it's irking her. She had tried going to the laundry to get a strand of hair left in her clothes but her robes were hairless. She comforted herself in saying that the potion won't be ready until two weeks from today so she still had time to get hairs.

Ron was doing nothing at the moment. He wasn't sure if he knew enough to contribute, being the least talented and intelligent as compared to his friends Harry and Hermione. He just sat in a soft couch beside an open window in the Common Room. Harry and Hermione were silent as stones and so, Ron did not say anything as well. Eventually growing tired of the silence, he decided to stand up and get a go to some studying since their NEWTS are coming in two and a half months time. He went to his bag and pulled out an obviously unused copy of their Transfiguration book and his wand for some practice with is wandwork.

Harry finally broke the silence, feeling that the quiet was too painful to withstand accompanied by all the questions he was tossing in his mind. "Guys, is it just me or is going into the Chamber of Secrets dangerous and stupid?" he said in one breath. "I know the basilisk is dead but who knows? Maybe something is still in there."

"Harry, I don't have the answer to that," said Hermione as she made some sort of liquid in a bottle with her wand. "And yes, I think that something is in there. I mean if someone placed the eye in there, then something must be guarding it. But what bothers me is how a Death Eater could have gone into the Chamber. They can't get inside the castle, right? I mean enchantments protect the school."

"Well, I think we need to ask someone who knows stuff like this," said Harry. "Anyway, what are you doing?"

"Oh," said Hermione as she twirled her wand over a jar of purple liquid that smelled like grapefruit. "It's a special shampoo I'm making. It'll make anyone's hair fall out."

"So, you're giving that to Pansy Parkinson?"

"Ya. Anyway, we need to work on the whole Chamber of Secrets thing. You said a bit about asking for advice from someone who knows this stuff? Well, only problem is who do we ask"

"I know," blurted Ron suddenly, leaving his Transfiguration book askew. He was a bit nervous about actually contributing something to the discussion since he felt that he was the least knowledgeable one of the three of them. "We can ask Regulus Black. He knows all of this stuff. He was a Death Eater once."

"You know, that just might work," said Hermione, finishing this special shampoo and capping it. She then cleaned the drops of shampoo on the floor with the Scourgify spell.

Ron suddenly flashed a grin of satisfaction. At last, he was able to contribute something. Even the cold didn't bother him from then and an obvious mood change was evident in him as the moments went by.

Harry immediately stood up from his couch and went to the entrance of the boys' dormitory. "I'll just get some parchment," said Harry as he entered the dorm. He was greeted by darkness, as none of the lamps were lit. That's odd thought Harry. Why are the lights out? He reached for a lamp and turned it on. He was then greeted by sight of a sleeping Neville and so, he crept towards his trunk and rummaged through, looking for a piece of parchment and a quill. Once he got them, he stepped quietly out of the room, turned off the lights, and returned to Hermione and Ron.

"How come Neville is asleep?" asked Harry as he headed towards Hermione. "It's twelve in the afternoon."

"He was outside the whole night so he wasn't able to sleep at all," said Ron. "He forgot the password and the fat lady won't let him in. It's not the first time this happened to him."

Harry then went to the nearest table and started to write on the parchment. Writing to Regulus was a different experience for Harry. He had been so used to writing to Sirius by the alias Snuffles and having that again, that outside help, definitely felt new. He was wondering if he could say everything he was thinking in the letter, knowing that he wasn't certain if could trust Regulus. So far, all he was able to scribble down was the word "Regulus." He was still thinking about what to write. Also, the risk of Hedwig being intercepted also loomed in his mind. He imagined someone reading the letter and finding out that Harry was about to go to the Chamber of Secrets. He knew he had to be discreet with writing to Regulus and so, with an idea about what to write, he placed his quill against the parchment and started to write.

"So, what are you writing, Harry?" asked Hermione as she watched Harry scribble something on the parchment. "Can I see?"

Harry handed Hermione the parchment after writing the letter. She skimmed through it and then read it aloud for Ron to hear.

She read:

Regulus,

Hi. It's Harry. Remember when you told us back in the forest that we can ask help from you if we needed it? Well we need it now. I can't write too much in this letter in case someone intercepts it so can you meet me tomorrow evening at Honeyduke's?

Harry

"Must be weird," said Hermione.

"Weird?" said Harry in puzzlement.

"Ya," answered Hermione. "To have outside help again, you know. Like what Sirius was doing for us when he was still alive. Anyway, this letter is okay. I guess. I mean we can't divulge everything."

"So we're sneaking to Honeyduke's?" asked Ron. "Sweet!"

"When we meet him," said Hermione in a more serious tone. "Let's make a name for him so we can freely write and send him owls. I mean we can't keep on writing letters addressed to 'Regulus.' Someone is bound to notice this in case Hedwig gets intercepted. Remember how we used 'Snuffles'? Something like that."

Harry nodded and, together with Hermione and Ron, walked towards the Owlery to send the letter.

The night arrived with much more cold than before. The castle was freezing and everyone was seen either wearing two robes, one over the other, or wearing coats and sweaters. Hermione was again conjuring blue flames and placing them in glass jars to keep on her backpack, keeping her warm. She also did this for Harry and Ron's backpacks. They were all reaching the Great Hall now for dinner.

Dinner consisted of Asian Salad, garlic bagels, and a burrito. Ron ate voraciously though not touching the salad. The topic of conversation in the four house tables were now mostly on the upcoming NEWTS and how everyone thinks they are difficult.

There was a clear division in the Great Hall. The professors, who were at their usual long table down the front of the hall, were nervous and tense. They were silent and fidgety, as if expecting something bad to happen. The professors continually looked out the tall, clear windows, all fogged up more than the usual. Harry knew what they were thinking. The fog. The dementors must be breeding again. The students on the other hand, got over their fear of Voldemort by thinking about the upcoming NEWTS.

"I heard that one student before got so pressured and nervous that he bled blood," said Seamus as he drank his glass of orange juice. "Just like what happened to Jesus"

Several students, who haven't heard of any Jesus stared questioningly.

"I wish Fred and George were still here," said Neville. "They could probably whip up some magical quill so that I won't make any mistakes in the NEWTS."

"You do realize that the NEWTS have charms on them that prevent cheating," said Hermione bossily after hearing what Neville said. "As for me, I'll be spending the whole Christmas vacation studying. NEWTS schedules are posted in the Common Room now. They commence a day after vacation ends next year."

Suddenly, as dinner was in progress, hoots were heard. Everyone looked up, towards the starry ceiling of the Great Hall, and saw owls swooping. Snowy, Eagle, Barn, all sorts of owls were darting about, looking like shooting stars against the starry background of the Great Hall ceiling. The professors were alarmed as the hoots grew louder.

"That's odd," said Hermione. "Mail never come this late."

All the owls seem to be carrying the same thing: copies of the Daily Prophet. Everyone with Prophet subscriptions paid five knuts to the owls and sent them flying out of the hall. The professors held their breath, thinking that maybe this was a confirmation of their fears. Maybe something has happened. Something terrible done by the Dark Lord that the Prophet was forced to report as quickly as possible. They were correct, as people will soon find out after reading the Prophet, which Hermione was just opening right now.

"The paper was delivered earlier this morning," said Hermione as she opened the Daily Prophet. "Why the need to send another issue out so soon."

Ron and Harry just looked at each other, puzzled, and waited for Hermione to tell them what's up with the wizarding world as written in the Daily Prophet.

It took around three minutes for Hermione to yank her head out of the pages of the Prophet. She stared at Harry and Ron in disbelief. She was silent and pale. Her breath was short and her lips were thin and white. Wondering what was with Hermione, Harry took the Prophet and opened it.

SPECIAL ISSUE OF

THE DAILY PROPHET

The Dark Lord attacks Muggles

He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named has just displayed his powers again but to different people: the muggles. Three hours ago, he went to three different towns across London and caused a riot as he sent spell after spell on the houses, people, and everything else on sight. Houses were burned and numerous people are now dead, lying by the roads and sidewalks. Even the muggle hotel "The Pearl of the Orient Hotel" has been burned down to ashes. As of this moment, not much is known of the accident. More updates will be sent to you on tomorrow's issue of the Daily Prophet, giving more light upon the matter.

"So?" said Ron after reading the article. "What's that got to do with us? Who cares?"

"My parents. It says that Voldemort attacked three towns. My parents said they'd be traveling this year. They told me that this week, they'll be staying in the Pearl of the Orient Hotel," said Hermione, shaking and still pale.

"Oh," said Ron stupidly. "Sorry."

A silence enveloped them as Ron's face turned red from embarrassment. He apologized again, not satisfied until Hermione accepted his apology.

"Its okay," said Hermione finally. "You didn't know that my parents were in that hotel."

Hermione finished the rest of her burrito and went up towards the dormitory alone, silent, and cold. The professors, after reading the report, were busy among themselves, talking. Their worried faces were evident. They did not expect Voldemort to act as such. They did not expect him to victimize the muggles, assuming that he just wanted power and the only place for him to find this was in the wizarding world.

Harry then started to look at Ron.

"Great job, Ron," said Harry sarcastically. "Look at what you did to Hermione."

"I didn't know her parents were in that hotel," said Ron. "And you heard her, she said it was okay."

"But still, now she's all sad and everything. I'll have to talk to her. Sensitivity, Ron. Try to practice it."

Harry then finished his salad and stood up, walking towards the Great Hall double doors. Ron was now alone, sitting and slurping his glass. He had no one to talk to and so, started to converse with Seamus and Neville. In the background, Draco's voice could be heard, saying: "Its about time those Muggles got what they deserve."

Harry went up the staircase, noticing how deserted it was. Everyone was still in the Great Hall, enjoying the warmth of the food, while he was climbing the stairs all shivery. The howling of the wind was more audible here, outside of the Great Hall, and he knew that something was up. Something big was happening in the wizarding world, possibly even in the muggle world, that involved Voldemort. He saw the many eyes of the portraits staring but he ignored it, reaching the topmost floor which led to Gryffindor Tower. He went across the halls and arrived in front of the fat lady.

"Felix Felicis," said Harry. The portrait swung open, revealing a very cold and dark Common Room. It was pitch black everywhere. He cranked up some light with his wand and lit the torches and the fireplace, giving the Common Room a warmer glow. He then pocketed his wand and turned around. He seemed to be alone so he started to look for any sign of Hermione. He walked towards the foggy windows, going to the back of the Common Room and checked if anyone was there. He saw, by one of the couches in the farthest corner of the room, a bushy brown head of hair. He knew it was Hermione so he approached her. Gently, without making a single sound, he walked towards the sitting Hermione not knowing what to say to comfort her. He knew the pain of losing parents. He never had any parents his whole conscious life.

"Hermione," whispered Harry as he sat beside Hermione. "Hi,"

"Harry," said Hermione and Harry instantly saw that tears were streaming down her eyes. "Sorry," she continued as she wiped her eyes. "I just can't imagine life if my parents were in that attack." Her hands were shaking.

Harry could hear the sadness in Hermione's voice. She was vulnerable, something that she never wanted to embody. She always wanted to play that all bossy role in school. The know-it-all-kind of girl. Now, Harry saw a softer side of her. She was crying. She was vulnerable. She needed a friend.

"Its okay, Hermione," said Harry as he held on to Hermione's hand. Her hands were cold as ice. Harry felt this coldness and smiled at Hermione. "Don't think that they are gone. Think that your parents are safe somewhere. Just don't think that they are dead." Hermione looked at him, trying to find some comfort in his eyes and in his touch. Harry's gentle smile comforted her. It somehow gave her hope, a hope to cling upon, a hope that maybe her parents were safe. Maybe, by some stroke of luck, they were able to vacate the hotel.

This whole even written in the Prophet, Harry thought, this was Voldemort's plan. This was what everyone was getting so worked up about. The professors' fears were accurate. Voldemort indeed executed a vile plan worthy of being nervous about. Not only were the wizards being attacked, but also the muggles, who knew nothing about Voldemort or magic.

The flickering flames of the fireplace were reflected in Hermione's eyes as they both sat together in silence. Hermione was okay now, with just a few tears here and there. They both watched the window, which was now almost forming from the cold. The crackling fire was the only sound they heard. Harry then placed his arm around Hermione's shoulder and Hermione held his hand tighter.

Suddenly, a ragged white think was tapping on their window. It was hard to make out what was it because of the strong autumn wind but after closer inspection, Harry saw that it was Hedwig.

He then approached the window slowly and opened it. The howling wind was instantly heard as he opened the latch that locked the window. He let Hedwig in and locked the window shut. He then took out the note attached to her leg. He opened it and saw in quick ink splashes:

Harry,

Hondeydukes, tomorrow.

He pocketed the note and allowed Hedwig to rest a bit. He got some left over snacks lying around and fed it to Hedwig, who was incredibly exhausted. He then went back to Hermione. She was again, crying. The thought of losing parents just before the Holidays was maybe too much for her to take. She had her face in her hands and she was sobbing audibly. Harry, then, started to talk. He didn't know where the words came from but he just did. It was as though he had already prepared this speech but he knew he had not. The words came so naturally, as if he had been wanting to say it ever since forever.

"You know, you're lucky," said Harry. "You had two parents that stayed with you. You saw them. You know how they looked like. They are there. Just there. You could touch them. Well, I never had that. From the time I started to be conscious about everything, I had no parents, only an aunt and uncle that hated me. You're really lucky. Your parents… They love you… I never felt that."

Harry then started to feel heavy. His heart was about to sink because he was again, reminded of how bad his childhood was. Orphaned and having spent 11 years in isolation from the identity that he was a wizard, he knew that his life was a wreck and still was a wreck. He knew that no matter how sad Hermione might have felt, his life is far worse than hers. His knowledge that his life will contain murder, either with him as the victim or the murderer, as said in the prophecy, did nothing to comfort him. He felt no meaning in his life. It was as if he was born to be victimized by Voldemort. He felt that his life was just given to him to deliver a task, which was to be the Savior of the wizarding world. Is this all he was, is this all he was born to do? After killing Voldemort, will he still have a life to live? Will he still be alive even? All this, he did not know.

Hermione remained silent. She knew what Harry said about having parents was true. She was a lucky girl. Lucky compared to Harry and his family. She looked at Harry and hugged him. She hugged him hard, as though if she did, she'll be able to erase his worries. She whispered in his ear "Don't worry. We'll get Voldemort. We'll get him for what he did to your mum and dad. For what he did to Cedric and to Dumbledore. To everyone."

END OF CHAPTER FIFTEEN