As Ron approached the body lying at the foot of a large, four-poster bed, the room began to clear. Students muttered and sobbed as they walked out of the door and down into the common room, leaving Harry, Ginny, Ron and Hermione alone. Legs trembling, Ron collapsed at Hermione's side. He took her by the hand and wiped her hair away from her pale face. Tears tumbled from his watery eyes and splashed silently onto Hermione's jet-black robes. A sudden urge forced him to lift her head onto his lap and cradle her motionless body. He began to sob uncontrollably. All the negative feelings he had ever experienced - sadness, heartbreak, terror, sickness, confusion - all flooded through his body like a violent river of emotion taking hold of him. It was almost like being possessed by grief itself.
Ginny clung to Harry, unsure of what to make of her brother's reactions. She would even go so far as to say that it scared her slightly, seeing her brother so torn apart. And then she realised - Ron loved Hermione. He loved her with all his heart. This is exactly how she would react if Harry had been the one lying at their knees. A shudder passed straight through her. But it wasn't Harry. It was her best friend instead, the girl who she had been able to tell everything, the girl who she had spent almost every summer with, the girl who had helped Harry realize his feelings for Ginny, and to whom she owed her very relationship with Harry to. More tears welled up in Ginny's large green eyes. How could Roxxy do this? What kind of evil, sick, twisted person could do such a thing to someone else? If Ginny ever saw Roxxy again, she would make her pay for what she had done to her brother, her boyfriend, and Ginny herself. Her thoughts were disturbed by a mumble coming from Ron's lowered face.
"Wh…What was that R…Ron?" She stammered.
"Why?" mumbled Ron once more.
"Why? What?" Harry chipped in, his voice croaky and broken.
"WHY DID SHE DO THIS?" Ron yelled furiously.
"We don't know!" cried Ginny, clutching to Harry's robes. "I left them alone, and when I came back, Roxxy was about to kill her! So I disarmed her, and Hermione untied herself. We were about to duel when… when…" Ginny couldn't continue. She buried her face into Harry's chest, trying her best to block out the images re-living Hermione's last minutes.
"Roxxy used the avada kedavra curse to kill Hermione. The same curse that Snape used to kill Dumbledore." Harry finished for Ginny, clenching his teeth at the mention of Snape's name.
Ron suddenly felt a different kind of emotion, hatred. He felt his blood boil and his heart turn cold.
"I am going to hunt her down." He snarled. "And when I find her, I am going to kill her."
"No Ron you can't!" Ginny cried. She couldn't bear to hear her brother talking like this. No matter how hurt he was, or how much Roxxy deserved it. She didn't want him to become a murderer. "There are ways Ron, lots of ways to make her pay, but you are not going to be a murderer. I won't let you." Her eyes sparkled as she pleaded with him. Ron placed his hand under her chin and wiped at her tear-stained cheeks with his thumb.
"I…I just…" Ron stammered. He looked pleading at Ginny, his own eyes glazed with tears. "Hermione!" He collapsed into his sister's arms. She held him tightly, both sobbing heavily onto each other's shoulders. Harry just watched helplessly. What could he say? What could he do? If only he could… Then suddenly, it hit him like a bullet from a gun. The wind suddenly deserted his lungs. Then gasping, he groped at Ginny's jumper. She looked around at him, shocked at his happy and relieved expression.
"Harry are you o-"
"Which trunk is Hermione's?" Harry asked urgently.
"What do you -" She attempted; only to be cut-off once more.
"No Gin, I'll tell you later, just tell me which trunk is Hermione's." Ginny's hurt expressions made Harry's insides give a great tug, but he could make it up to her later. Hermione didn't have a later. She pointed at a trunk behind Harry. He spun on his heel and dived for it. Flinging open the lid, he ripped robes, books and Hermione's belonging out of the trunk, causing them to spill all over the floor. Ron raised his head and watched Harry curiously. Finally Harry pulled a long golden chain out from a silk handkerchief that had been hidden in the bottom on the trunk. He can't believe she still had it, and that she had lied to him and Ron over the past few years, and yet Hermione's voice echoed around his head. Well I didn't want you both thinking you could turn back time every time you did something wrong, did I? He placed the tissue onto the bed and made for the door. Then a sudden voice caused him to turn back. "Harry, I don't know what you're doing mate, but be careful." Ron was now standing next to Hermione. He swayed slightly on the spot, but his expression was firm and determined.
"I will," said Harry reassuringly. "I promise." He slipped through the door and clicked it shut behind him. He heaved a heavy sigh before pulling the time-turner out of his pocket. "This one's for you Hermione," he muttered before placing the chain around his neck and turned the little-hour glass over three times. Suddenly, everything around him became a blur of colours as he flew backwards through time. He then felt the solid ground beneath his feet. He rubbed at his pounding ears and looked down at the hourglass. He pulled the chain from around his neck and placed it carefully in his pocket. Harry lifted his head to observe his surroundings. It looked just the same as before, only outside appeared to be slightly brighter through the large stone windows in the Common Room. It appeared to be deserted, leading Harry to the conclusion that it must be lunchtime. Muffled sobs could be heard coming from the door behind him. Roxxy, he thought. If it had of been up to him, he would have marched straight in there and made her pay for what she's done, or is going to do, as it may seem. But before he could think of his next move, two pairs of footsteps were already heading up the stairs. A rush of panic flooded through Harry. What if it's me? He thought frantically. There was no way he could hide, so he decided just to act natural. And if it's me just don't turn around. Suddenly someone shouted him from behind, and forgetting his plan, he spun around. On seeing who it was, he sighed with relief.
"Harry! What are you doing here? We just left you in the Great Hall didn't we? How did you get up here before us?" Ginny questioned. She smirked at him. "I hope you don't know any shortcuts that I don't. That isn't fair!" She walked over to him and kissed him gently on the lips, then got a bit too carried away; or at least for a corridor where any one could walk along and see them. Meanwhile, Hermione smiled to herself and knocked on the girl's dormitory door behind Harry. When there was no answer, Ginny pulled away and knocked harder on the door. Again there was no answer. So she knocked even harder. Then, after yet another long pause, Ginny pulled down on the handle and stepped inside, closely followed by Hermione. Harry took this as the perfect opportunity to run for it. He dashed down into the Common Room and sat in one of the armchairs by the fire.
After five minutes of listening attentively for any other Gryffindors that may come through the portrait hole, he heard a laugh and more talking coming from two - apparently male - people, about to enter the portrait hole. He heard one of them say the password to the Fat Lady and the portrait swung open. Harry dived out of his chair and looked around urgently for a hiding place. There was a small table over in the corner, under the notice board, that had a long tablecloth. Maybe if he climbed under it fast enough no one would see him. After several seconds searching for an alternative, he decided this would be the best and ran for cover. Just as his feet disappeared under the cloth, the two males figured entered the common room and flopped in two of the armchairs. Harry's heart skipped a beat when he saw that it was he and Ron sitting so comfortably by the fire. Then once again the portrait swung open and in climbed Neville. His confused expression told Harry that once again he had forgotten the password, and had to be let in by Dean, who was climbing through the portrait whole just behind him.
Neville started towards a chair, but then stopped in his tracks, peering over in Harry's direction. Suddenly Harry felt extremely hot as Neville made his way towards him, a blank look on his face. Luckily, Neville began peering at the notice board, looking for new notes he may have missed that morning. That's when Harry suddenly had and idea. He tugged gently on Neville's robes, causing him to jump with shock. He looked down and saw Harry's hand beckoning him, and he bent down to see who was under the table. At first he just thought it was rather odd that Harry was under the table. Then he remembered seeing Harry sitting on an armchair by the fire. He turned around and saw the top of Harry's head poking above the nearest chair. He turned back to the table with a look of complete horror on his face, but before he could scream, Harry took hold of the front of his robes and pulled him under the table.
"Neville, listen, before you say anything, I need your help. Please could you go into the boy's dorm, go in my trunk, and find my invisibility cloak?" Harry whispered pleadingly.
"I…Wha…You…" Neville looked completely taken-aback.
"I really need you to do this for me. It's important. It could save someone's life." Harry looked at Neville. Neville slowly nodded. He understood how important this must be for Harry to... split in two?
"Okay Harry, but before I go anywhere, please, tell me why there are two of you."
"Oh yeah, that…" Harry really didn't want to explain it all through again but he guessed he had to. "Well I am here from the future. Only tonight mind you. But Neville this is really important. Please hurry." Neville nodded once more and disappeared out from under the table. He climbed to his feet and strode casually over to the staircase, before breaking into a sprint and darting in the boys' dorm. The door slammed shut behind him.
"What's up with him?" Harry heard Ron mutter. Suddenly he remembered what the next topic of discussion was to be between the three boys.
"So…" Harry heard himself say. "Why do you think Roxxy skipped breakfast?" He saw the tips of Ron's ears turn red.
"No idea…" Ron mumbled. Harry hadn't learned the real reason for Roxxy's absence until it was too late. Harry began to feel slight anger towards Ron. If only he had of confided in Harry, then they wouldn't be in this mess. And he wouldn't have to have come back in time to save the life of one of his best friends. Then he began to feel guilty. He can't blame Ron entirely. If all of this is anyone's fault, it was his. He could have easily hexed Roxxy with his wand; all he would have had to do is take it back from Ginny before Hermione freed herself. He rested his head in his hands. I have to stop thinking about it now, or I'll fail to save Hermione for the second time. That wasn't a risk he was willing to take.
After several moments, Neville reappeared out of the dorm room with a bundle of cloth behind his back. He marched down the stairs and then edged side-ways over to the notice board. Careful not to let Harry, Ron and Dean know what he was holding. Then, with a swift spinning motion, the spun around and dropped the cloak under the table as he could, then went back to reading the notices on the board.
Harry pulled the cloak under the table and pulled it over his head. He then crawled out from under the table and tugged on Neville's robes once more as thanks. Unfortunately, Harry pulled a little too forcefully and Neville turned to see what is was and tripped over the invisible heap in front of him. He fell front on his face, causing Ron to jump out of his chair and pulled Neville too his feet. Now Neville was just as red as Ron had been at the mention of Roxxy's absence several minutes before. Harry took this opportunity to run over to the stairs and climb them as slowly and silently as possible. Then, on reaching the top, he sped over to the girls' dormitory and stopped outside. He breathed deeply, trying to listen as carefully as possibly.
Suddenly, the door clicked open and out came Ginny. Her long red hair swished against Harry's cloak, but luckily she didn't notice. She sighed and headed off to the common room. Harry felt his butterflies disappear as she turned the corner. That was close, he thought. He looked back just in time to catch a glimpse of Hermione and Roxxy. Hermione was sitting stiffly at the end of one of the beds, looking worried. Roxxy on the other hand was standing near the door. Her face looked completely taken by rage. Her eyes were narrowed and she was biting her lip. Even though her face was tear-stained from where she had been crying, she looked far from sad. Her eyes seemed to have darkened in some way. Harry knew exactly what was running through her mind. The door clicked shut. Harry's heart began to pound against his ribs. It's time, he thought. Now all he had to do was wait for - Roxxy just tried to cast an unforgivable curse on Hermione! Before he knew what he was doing, and before thinking it through, Harry burst through the door and pulled out his wand.
"Expelliarmus!" he yelled. Roxxy's wand hit the far wall and snapped in half. Its two useless pieces fell to the floor. Roxxy looked like she was about to throw up. Hermione merely stood with her wand by her side, completely stunned.
"Harry!" She cried suddenly. She ran over to him and flung her arms around his neck. He hugged her tightly, unwilling to let go. Then he whispered in her ear.
"I used you time-turner. I have to go now," he felt her nodding against his shoulder. She pulled back and smiled at him, tears streaming down her face.
"What happened to me?" She whispered.
"I… nothing," he replied. Then he bent down and picked up his cloak. Just as he disappeared beneath it, Ginny, Ron, Neville, Dean and Harry himself ran into the dorm room. Harry stepped out of their way and swept out of the door. He walked down to the common room and flopped into the nearest armchair. He had just saved Hermione's life after all, so he deserved a break surely! Suddenly, Harry felt a cold shiver pass through him. His scar issued a searing pain through his body. He doubled over in pain; then, he raised his head slowly. A shimmering face had appeared in the fire, just like it had two years previously, when Harry used to talk to Sirius… Harry's stomach tightened and he closed his eyes tightly. It can't be, he though. It just can't. He slowly opened his eyes. The face was still there, smiling at him.
"S…Sirius?" Harry stammered, he slipped out of his chair and crawled over to the fire. Sirius smirked and nodded.
"Yes Harry, it's me."
"B…But what… You're… How…?" Harry fell silent and watched the flames cackling around his godfather's face. There were so many things he had wanted to ask, so many questions he had wanted answered, and yet, his mind was blank.
"Hello Harry," said Sirius. His eyes were tearful, but he was smiling.
"W...What are you doing here?" Harry stammered. He may have sounded rude, but he was so confused.
"I am only going to be here a short while. I have only been granted a short time to talk to you. But you must understand, what you just did for Hermione was truly, truly amazing."
"How can you…? What did you…? Who gave you-?"
"-The power? The knowledge? Oh Harry. Not all things have an explanation. But I can tell you this. If it wasn't for what you just did for Hermione, I wouldn't be strong enough to do this."
"How can what I do affect you? You're…" One again Harry's mouth faltered.
"Voldemort isn't the only one you are connected with Harry. I'm sure you will remember, in your first year, when you took the Philosopher's Stone? Do you remember when Voldemort said to you, something along the lines of 'if you join me, together, we can bring your parents back'? Well, this is something along those lines. Harry, you are a better wizard than you give yourself credit for. You have just done something that only the most powerful wizards can do; you made contact with the World of the Dead. And here I am." Harry felt his jaw drop slightly. His mouth was dry. This isn't possible, he thought, this just isn't possible…
"I…oh…thank you," said Harry. He wasn't sure exactly what he was thanking Sirius for. All he knew is that this amazing feeling inside him made him want to thank Sirius for…well, just being here, and telling him this.
"You're welcome, Harry. So, how is everyone? I trust Dumbledore is… Harry? What's wrong?" Sirius had noticed the horror stricken look on Harry's face. What had he said? What was wrong?
"Y…you don't know… do you?" Sirius's face dropped. If Harry's face was anything to go by, now he did.
"Dumbledore is dead, isn't he?" Harry nodded slowly. Sirius closed his eyes and breathed deeply. "What about the others? Please say they are all okay." He added, opening his eyes and looking nervously at Harry.
"They are all fine. Except Bill who was badly injured by a werewolf. He's okay though." He added quickly, seeing Sirius's shocked look. "Lupin says he will become slightly more aggressive than usual though, as a slight side effect. It's better than becoming a wear wolf though, I guess… But Bill is going to marry Fleur!" Harry decided to finish this piece of news with a happy ending.
"That's wonderful," said Sirius. "She is the girl from the Triwizard Tournament isn't she?" Harry nodded. "Oh and speaking of Lupin, how is the old wolf?"
"He's good. Oh, and you won't believe this. He's getting married to Tonks!"
"That's fantastic news!" Sirius was positively beaming this time. "I always knew he liked her, but never in that way?I'm glad they got together. Life's too short to…" Sirius trailed off and sighed. "So many weddings, and I'm going to miss them all. Alas, I should have stayed home like I was told, but no; I had to march off to the Ministry and…" This time he looked a mixture of angry and frustrated.
"Sirius, you're disappearing!" Harry jumped to his feet and pointed at the disappearing head in the fire. His heart was beating manically. No! He needed more time! Sirius couldn't leave him now, they had only been talking a few minutes, and he couldn't bear to loose him again.
"Harry, I guess this is my cue. Please try not to miss me too much. I am much happier. And Harry, I want you to do something for me."
"Yes, yes, anything!" Harry said desperately.
"I want you to give Voldemort hell. Do everything you can, don't let him win. Get your revenge, and revenge all the people he has brutally murdered. He is evil Harry. Just remember. Keep your friends close and… You will defeat him. Remember… His greatest weakness and your greatest strength… Love…" Sirius trailed away, his face slowly faded into the fire. Harry jumped down onto his knees.
"No! No Sirius! You can't leave me! I can't go through it all again! Please… please…" But now Harry was merely shouting at the burning embers. Sirius was gone. He threw himself onto his back, slamming his fists at his side. He was fuming. If only… What if he… But no matter how much he searched, there was no way he could have stopped Sirius fading into the fire. He was gone. Now all Harry could do was both mope around and sink into a dark depression like he did last time, or he could listen to what Sirius said. Remember… His greatest weakness and your greatest strength… Love… The words played in and out of Harry's ears, swirled around his head.
Harry was lost in thought until a door slamming above him made him jump. He quickly pulled the invisibility cloak around himself and hid behind the nearest armchair. Roxxy appeared at the top of the stairs, she swayed, struggling to keep her balance. Then, slowly, she climbed down the stairs, one by one, clutching the banister. The closer she got, Harry could see she was shaking. Suddenly, she fell to the floor. Harry darted towards her, and then just as quickly, dived back behind the chair. A large dark cloud floated from Roxxy's head. It was the shape of a large skull with a snake winding out of its mouth, hissing menacingly; it was the Dark Mark. It slowly evaporated through the roof. Suddenly, Roxxy began to cough violently. Harry crept over to her, weary of what she might do. She sat bolt up right and looked around frantically.
"W…Where am I?" she cried, jumping to her feet. She fell backwards, into Harry's arms. He draped her carefully into the armchair and looked around. It was almost time for him to… oh no. Harry had just realised. If Hermione didn't die, then what reason would Harry have to go back in time? Oh, how could he have been so stupid! Hermione's words echoed around his head. "Terrible things happen to wizards who meddle with time, Harry." Then, another door slam made Harry jump and pull his cloak around him tightly. Hermione and Harry were standing outside the girls' dorm. Hermione was whispering frantically to his past self, but he couldn't make out what she was saying. He decided to climb the stairs; he climbed two-at-a-time as slowly and quietly as possibly and stopped as soon as he was in earshot.
"-listen to me Harry. You must use my time turner and go back in time. You have to find out what Roxxy was going to do to me, and whether she is trustworthy or not. There is obviously something wrong with her. I have a feeling she was under the imperious curse…" That's it! That's why she conjured the Dark Mark and that's why she didn't know where she was! She had been controlled by a death eater! But why did they want her to kill Hermione? Surely they would want to kill Harry if anyone? And why had she decided to fall for Ron too? Harry was pulled from his thoughts, as Hermione came walking towards him. He could have sworn that she winked at him as she passed. But how could she…? Harry turned back around to see himself disappear wearing the long golden chain with the time-turner attached. Now it was over.