Chapter 13
Halloween dawned early for Hermione. She dressed and made sure she was in possession of her time turner for the dual classes she was willingly taking and woefully starting to regret. She was usually out of energy and it felt as if her mind was going to explode every time she so much as stared at a book. She told herself that she could do it, that the knowledge was worth it, but doubt was creeping up on her. Even so, she refused to drop the device's use, she would not give Harry the satisfaction of seeing her give up. She knew that Harry was concerned for her health but the doubtful look he gave her when she stated how much the professors trusted her grated on her frazzled nerves. She would not prove him right, he got enough of that in each and every class.
Taking a deep breath Hermione strolled out of her dorm into the common room, leaving all her friends fast asleep and only meeting a few older students in the common room. At seven o'clock she was in the great hall starting on an early breakfast. So concentrated she was on her inner ramblings that she did not notice a boy slide into the seat across from her. "You look a right mess." She jumped a foot into the air and once she noticed Harry's laughing face she glared at him. "Don't do that!" Harry laughed again. "I'm sorry, I couldn't help it. But you really do look like shit." Her glare hardened a bit more then she looked away, pointedly ignoring him. Harry sighed but chose not to comment any further.
Thirty minutes later the great hall started to fill up, by then the two of them had their noses buried in books. A group of third year boys snickered at them and Harry saw Hermione's hands tighten on the edges of her book. "No love between the lions still?" he asked quietly. Hermione refused to speak. Harry stood and left her for the Ravenclaw table, engaging the strange Luna Love good in an equally strange conversation. She tried to ignore the pain in her chest like she always did when dealing with her fellow Gryffindors.
For the rest of the day, Hermione became as reclusive as possible without being rude. She snapped at anyone who tried to talk to her, concentrating on getting through the day with six classes instead of four. At the end of the day she was exhausted and on edge, so imagine her frustration when she found that a deranged animal had clawed the guardian portrait to shreds and she couldn't enter the dormitories. She snarled angrily at the portrait frame, scaring the people around her significantly. Doesn't the drama in Hogwarts ever end?!
For all his arrogance Harry was not a fool. He knew that if he gave Dumbledore a reason he would ruin him. He was one of the most powerful and feared wizard in Britain for a reason and his silent strength was admittedly terrifying. He wasn't ready to face such a strong man. Harry was powerful, he knew that with certain clarity, but at now was when he was at his weakest. His inner demon did not agree with him, his very nature was against him. This reduced his strength significantly. Until he calmed his inner self he would be weak. Lelita fought against the very notion of weakness in him and was furious he hadn't done anything to change his circumstances. His excuses of 'I'm waiting for the right moment.' brought a reply of 'Be careful Hadrian, that sounds like a marriage proposal in the making. Are you conquering your inner demon or charming it into submission. Such an excuse is absolutely unacceptable!' He understood her distress; he was all she cared about. She couldn't lose him to his inner self, according to her, 'Losing yourself to your inner demon is the most heinous shame I can think of!'
For now though he had to wait. He found the perfect little peaceful village to destroy in a most horrible manner this Christmas break. The fact that in order to draw out his demon he would have to only use his shadow fae power was the cherry on the cake. It has been a long while since he used those. He would have to lay low till then, be peaceful. His slight with the Slytherins did not do him any favors; the staff was watching him more closely than ever.
Right now he was with Hagrid in his hut, talking about magical creatures. The half-giant was quite passionate about them and talked up a storm. Unfortunately, it did nothing to change Harry's views on the half-breed. "Good 'eatures centaurs. Gr'tly 'isund'ood. I'd p'nly 'ight for 'em if I could. That I would." One of all the sentences Harry got a migraine trying to translate to normal human speech. Apparently, the giant genes in his blood were impairing his intelligence irreparably. Only death would save Hagrid from his small brain. Nonetheless, Hagrid was great for information gathering. The man couldn't keep a secret to save his life.
"I heard Black is closing in on Hogwarts fast." Harry commented. Hagrid stopped mid-sentence, startled by the change in topic. "Yes well, don't you worry Harry. Black can't get you here." He stated surely. Harry nodded. "I know Hagrid, but I can't help but be concerned. What did happen that night Black was arrested. You know, the night…they died." The last part was said in a whisper but Hagrid sure heard it. The old guilt trip, it worked all the time. The half-giant, bless his soul, was nothing but emotional.
Hagrid stared at him in sorrow and also anger. "I'm not sure you should know that Harry." Harry looked at him pleadingly. "Please Hagrid. I need to know why a madman is after me, why he is so angry!" Hagrid seemed unsure but one look at Harry's face did him in. "A'right. I will tell you." Harry's excited reaction sweetened the deal. "I'm not sure exactly what happened. 'En your parents went to 'iding professor 'Umbledore 'ast a fidelius spell on their 'ouse. Black was made 'ecret 'eeper. He told you-know-who 'ere your parents were 'iding. He betrayed the Potters, only he could! If 'e didn't tell him 'ere they were your parents would still be alive!" Harry's eyes were wide. Silence settled in the hut. Hagrid broke it. "Sorry 'Arry. Black 'as a rotten man, tricking the Potters like 'at."
Harry smiled. "It's okay Hagrid. Not everyone is honest and good, not like you." Hagrid blushed but still looked worried. He remained silent though. Harry's wand vibrated in its holster. He stood up. "Thank you so much, Hagrid. This means a lot to me." With that he left Hagrid's place, a thoughtful expression on his face. According to what he has gathered there is a lot of evidence that could incriminate Black, trial or not. It was clear that he betrayed the Potters. But all this comes back to one question. Was Sirius Black the Potters' secret keeper or not? Obviously, the only people who could answer that question are Black himself and his supposed victim Peter Pettigrew.
Oh, he knew the rat was alive. Hiding with the Weasleys for the past thirteen years as a pet. He bet Sirius was not looking for him at all, but Pettigrew. Why was Pettigrew still alive after all if he was innocent, alive and in hiding instead of living out his life with Black behind bars. It didn't make sense if Pettigrew was innocent. But if he is guilty of the crime it would make more sense than what everyone has been telling him. It would explain why Black went out to kill Pettigrew in the first place. The pain of betrayal, the sorrow of losing a loved one. Revenge. Poor Black lost himself to anger and sorrow and lost his freedom for it.
A sharp howl pierced the calm night air. Harry looked up to the sky at the full white moon. 'Lupin is having a run again.' he mused before continuing into the castle for bed. On his way up he came across professor Aurora Sinistra. The tall woman stared at him warily, as if failing to decide whether he was a threat or not. Harry smiled disarmingly at her. Her eyes narrowed. This won't be easy. "Professor Sinistra. Fancy seeing you here." The professor replied with her own "Fancy catching you after curfew." "It's that late then. Time must have flown by on my visit to Hagrid's, I didn't notice." She wasn't convinced. "I was of the mind that you are a cautious person, Mr. Potter. I doubt time is an issue with you." Harry sighed. "I will admit that I am prudent and usually very attentive, but tonight Hagrid and I were discussing a topic that is rather important to me."
"Sirius Black I assume," Sinistra stated blankly. Damn, she's tough. "Yes, professor. I wanted to know what happened that night. I couldn't let time distract me. If it comes to it, I will accept any punishment you deem appropriate." Sinistra regarded him with an emotionless face for a while, then she said, "Then you will accept detention tomorrow with Professor Flitwick. I hope you will smarten up soon Mr. Potter. Things are looking down." She turned around and left soon after that remark. Harry watched her walk away with a scowl. What did she mean? Was she talking about the issue with Black or his behavior? He hadn't done anything that would make him stand out too much, well except for beating up the seventh year Slytherins but that was justified and one case. Was she in the in with Dumbledore? Harry doubted it. Dumbledore kept his cards close to his chest.
Harry shook his head. This woman was a mystery, he did not know where she stood with him. She was a true Slytherin in that regard, keeping her views to herself. Harry continued up to his room, pondering Sinistra. He guessed it did not matter much as long as his secrets did not get out. He ignored those in the common room as always. They were studying as always and he paid them no mind. He had eyes only for his bed at the moment.
Severus Snape was teaching defense today. The students were distraught, you could see it etched on their faces as Snape swooped into the class like the dungeon bat he was. "Open page 345. Today we will be learning about werewolves." One unfortunate student raised a hand. "But professor, we were learning about boggarts last. Professor Lupin said we will learn…" "Do I look like Lupin to you?" Snape barked. The poor girl flinched horribly and the rest of the class mirrored her actions. "Now, tell me the difference between a werewolf and a Lycan." The class remained silent. The scolded girl raised a hand shakily. Lisa Turpin had some guts today. "The difference is a Lycan can change into a wolf willingly despite the full moon while a werewolf is forced to change only once a month."
"Five points to Ravenclaw. Werewolf is a name that explains itself. Were means man so it's man wolf. They are ferocious mindless creatures that cannot tell the difference between friend or foe when they are beast. You can be a werewolf's lover but you will not be spared from its evil. They are a danger to society." Harry smiled faintly. The man was petty indeed, taking out his frustration and hate of Lupin on his reputation. Anyone could connect the dots. Probably Hermione will. As the lecture continued he wondered about the secrets the shadows were whispering to him, things about an angry grim. Sirius was getting restless at the lack of success. So early too.
Later he entered the great hall for dinner. This time he sat at the Slytherin table. For good reason too. His snowy owl flew into the great hall to position. It landed on his outstretched arm and offered the letter. Ignoring the pain in his arm and the curious stares of his current tablemates, he took the formal looking letter from Hedwig's claws. The professors were also paying attention to his table, wondering about the massive. Harry placed the letter on the table, wandlessly applying a stinging charm on it, then turned his full attention on Hedwig to feed her his bacon and give her a drink. Getting impatient, Draco grabbed the letter. He let it go as if burnt. "Ow! What was that for?" Harry let Hedwig go to the owlery. He smirked. "It's for curious blondes. Now let's see."
He opened the letter deftly. He noticed with much glee that those in hearing range were on the edge of their seats, hoping to catch what was written. "Oh my, what is this?" he said in mock shock after he read the first line. Daphne asked in annoyance "What is what? Tell us what is written, Potter." Harry covered his smirk with a frown. "Lord Malfoy has invited me for his Yule ball." The group gaped. Blaize blurted out "You have been personally invited to the Malfoy Yule ball?!" At least half the table heard, and so did the staff table since they were close to it. McGonagall spat out her butterbeer, Snape went as pale as the vampires he was rumored to be, Dumbledore frowned, Flitwick fell out of his chair, Hagrid squawked in shock, Lupin's eyes widened as he also went pale, and the rest of the stuff stared in frozen shock. Harry almost laughed but managed.
Draco was surprised. How come he did not know of this? "Father did not tell me you were invited." Harry smiled apologetically, softening Draco's accusing eyes. "Don't worry Draco, what with all the preparations and not to mention the recent raids on pureblood homes I'm sure that Lord Malfoy just forgot to mention it to you." Draco, Daphne and Blaize seemed to be the only third years who got the underlying message of 'Getting into the good graces of Harry Potter is more important than his son at the moment.' Draco deflated, turning back to his food morosely. Harry leaned into his ear. "I'll make it up to you tonight."
Draco blushed furiously. "P-Potter!" He squeaked. Harry laughed at him, clutching his stomach in mirth. The others were confused. What did Harry say to make the Slytherin prince flustered? The raven managed to say "Don't be silly. Mine and your relationship is strictly platonic." Draco huffed in reply. Blaize had a longing look in his eyes, wishing dearly that he knew what Harry said. The table soon settled down to friendly chatter, everyone enjoying their meals.
An hour later the entrance doors were slammed open. Everyone turned their eyes to the doors, some mumbling to each other. Dumbledore stood up as the strangers entered. The first had long black hair tied in a ponytail at the nape of his neck, pale skin, tall with a slim figure and had obsidian eyes. His companion was a few inches taller with even paler skill, short cropped black hair and small black eyes. But what alarmed the headmaster most was the cloaks. Black cloaks with large red clouds and high collars. The Akatsuki. What were they doing here?
"What do you want?" The voice penetrated the silence that had settled in the hall. Dumbledore turned his eyes to Harry. The boy was still eating his treacle tart, but his voice was cold. The two strangers faltered in their steps as if suppressing an urge. They stood a few steps behind Harry, the students closest shifting away. The tallest spoke. "Leader asks if you have come to a decision. He is getting a bit antsy." Harry sighed and turned away from his dessert to face the men. "I told him I'll come back to him when I have made my decision. I will not rush such a deal." The shorter one frowned. "It is getting late, time is running out."
Anger made its way onto Harry's features and voice. "You came here to tell me we are running out of time when you could have sent an owl, it would have been quicker. Discussing important matters in front of children and prying ears. As I said, I will give my decision when I come to one." He hissed. The two flinched slightly but otherwise remained unresponsive through the speech. The shorter nodded. "Of course. We will await your response." They walked out of the hall the same way they came in. Harry took this chance to escape the coming explosion of questions, slipping out of the hall before even Draco could question him.
The shadows whispered in his ear and his ears caught erratic steps and his nose caught the scent of his pursuers. He took a secret passage to his left that led down a dark corridor to the chamber of secrets. Hershia was playing in the cool waters, seemingly enjoying herself. ~Itachi has either suddenly been idiotic or there is something of importance that has come up, which I must say could have been handled better!~ He hissed, storming into the room in his anger. Hershia had stopped splashing the water as soon as she felt his ire. ~And then? What has the idiotic Itachi done to upset you so?~ Harry stopped his pacing. ~He, along with Kisame, came into the damn great hall to talk about our business. Inquiring about my decision concerning involving the vampires in our plans. The vampire clans are not to be taken lightly though they have been looking too far into our affairs. I do not like that.~
Hershia hummed. ~You are right of course. In my opinion, the vampires think too highly of themselves and are selfish in their dealings. I would rather see them burn than have you get them onside.~ Harry sighed, wading into the water to his friend. ~I have the same thoughts. The fewer the better. Akatsuki is enough to finish what I have in mind.~ The basilisk lowered her head to allow Harry to scratch her, to distract her hatchling from his current problems. He had been shady about what has been ailing him and she was getting worried about how serious it is. He would not talk when she asks and she has learned not to ask too many questions. She just let him let her know what he thought she should. It wasn't much to go by.
~Dumbledore is going to call me to his office to talk about my involvement with Akatsuki. What do you think?~ Hershia almost gasped, with eyes wide. Harry has never asked her opinion about his actions. He just told her what he was going to do for the sake of it. She stammered a bit then cleared her throat. ~I…I think you should derail him from the current situation. You know, take his mind off Akatsuki and let him focus on more important matters.~ ~Like…?~ ~Like Voldemort or his Order of the Phoenix.~ Harry gained a thoughtful look. ~Or both.~ Hershia cocked her head to the side, silently questioning. Harry nodded to himself then smiled as sincerely as he could, which involve a small upturning of the lips. ~Thank you Hershia. I will see you next time I come to visit.~
Harry got out of the pool, absently drying his clothes and took a different route out of the chamber which led close to the Slytherin common rooms. When he exited the dungeons the first person he bumped into was Snape. He looked furious under his calm demeanor. "I won't even ask what you are doing in my dungeons Potter, I will just deduct ten points. The headmaster wants you in his office, now." He did not look pleased about being a messenger. Harry nodded amiably. "Yes, professor."
They both traveled the now common route to the headmaster's office in silence, Snape walking a few steps ahead. Once in Dumbledore's office, Snape took his place in the corner closest to the door, free to see the whole room yet remain unseen by anyone who would choose to enter. Harry sat in the only chair across from Dumbledore, silent. The headmaster smiled at him. "Harry my boy. How has your day been?" "It has been fruitful headmaster. I have been doing a lot of personal research into human transfiguration these days. It is quite interesting. I am most intrigued by Professor McGonagall's animagus form." He replied equally as evasive. Two can play at that game. Dumbledore seemed pleased. "I have always been a fan of Transfiguration myself." "Yes. The masteries speak for themselves." "That they do my boy. But alas. I'm afraid this visit is not on my passion for transfiguration." He said a bit sadly. "I am concerned about your involvement with Akatsuki Harry. They are a dangerous group of people, Harry."
Harry nodded. "I know headmaster." "Then why associate with them." Harry got comfortable in his chair. "The Akatsuki approached me a few years back before I left the Dursleys. I was a lonely boy then and I'm sure they took advantage of that. They offered me to join them and I could not think of a reason not to." Dumbledore opened his mouth to argue but Harry cut him off. "But I didn't. I told them I was too vulnerable to just take the offer. Though I did not argue about staying in their company after I left the Dursleys."
Dumbledore looked worried now. "You spent four years with Akatsuki? What were you doing with such people Harry?" "I'm afraid I am bound by oath and cannot reveal this to you." Harry replied easily. Dumbledore frowned. "What sort of oath." "An unbreakable oath." Dumbledore sighed and looked into his eyes though did not attempt a glimpse at his thoughts. "Harry, I urge you not to accept their offer. They will use you and make you do things you will regret." "I am aware of that headmaster. It is why I have taken so long to think about it. Though with recent events I am tempted to accept it. It would mean my talents in exchange for their protection."
"You are perfectly safe in Hogwarts my boy." Dumbledore argued. Harry gave him an unbelieving look. "I beg to differ. The school has been subject to two attacks by Voldemort himself in as many years and this one doesn't look promising. Neither can I stay at Hogwarts forever." Dumbledore sighed. "Harry, joining Akatsuki will not be worth it. They would corrupt you." "You sound as if I'm not corrupted already. I know you know of my inheritance. My nature. I'm shocked you haven't expelled me yet as I'm certain you would have any other student not expressly on your side." He then smiled thinly. "Though you are coming onto something headmaster."
Dumbledore perked up and even Snape seemed to focus on him. "From what I have gleaned so far you are a very resourceful man and most likely know a great deal about Akatsuki, how they work to some extent. You know they can turn me in the most horrible of ways. For some reason I haven't figured out yet you are determined to have me on your side so you would do almost anything to keep me from Akatsuki. But where I stand is my choice alone. So…" He leaned back in his seat, relaxed as ever. "You would need to convince me keeping away from Akatsuki will be beneficial to me."
There was silence in the office as the two adults mulled over his words, both shocked at his forwardness and the gall to threaten and bargain with Albus Dumbledore. Snape continued to remain silent, regarding him in a new light. Dumbledore spoke at last. "What do you want Harry?" Oh, Dumbledore could try and force his will on Harry by a number of ways but had a feeling it would not go well. Severus was staring at him in barely veiled disbelief. Harry smirked a bit. "I want you to stop meddling in my affairs that do not have anything to do with my studies here at Hogwarts. You are my teacher, not my grandfather or guardian." Dumbledore nodded after mulling it over a bit. Harry was not convinced but let it slide, satisfied that he would not be as actively involved as he was previously. He continued before the man could say anything. "Also, I want a place in your Order."
The old man's eyes narrowed. Snape had tensed. He said, "Why would you want that my boy, and how did you find out about the Order of the Phoenix?" Harry shrugged. "Just a suspicion you have confirmed. To answer your first question: I have a madman after my head professor, one who I am sure will not stop until he sees me dead at his feet whether for revenge or chance divination, and I want more assurance to my safety than an old castle and blood wards that did nothing to protect me back then. I want information, I want to be involved in my own protection. For peace of mind of course." The two tensed when he mentioned divination, their minds briefly turning to the prophecy he was subject to. Harry knew about it. Trelawny doesn't have the best mind protections.
"I cannot just allow you to join the Order Harry. You are still a minor and don't know a lot of things." The headmaster said. Harry cocked his head to the side. "Then please, enlighten me." "The Order of the Phoenix only includes capable fighters of the light. You cannot be part of it yet." "Then Akatsuki is my only option. They do not care I am a minor, they are even willing to train me to their standards. And they have high standards headmaster." Dumbledore sighed. "Okay. I will let you join only if you take an oath to keep the Order's secrets to only yourself and other recognized members, and not join Akatsuki." Harry inclined his head in agreement. "That is reasonable, but only if you take an oath to stay out of my personal business and to not tell anyone about my inheritance. Both you and Professor Snape." Luckily, Snape chose to remain silent.
Dumbledore nodded so Harry took out his wand. "I, Harry James Potter, hereby take an oath to not reveal the secrets of Dumbledore's Order of the Phoenix to anyone not in the know and to decline Akatsuki's offer to join them only if Albus Percival Wulfric Dumbledore and Severus Tobias Snape take an unbreakable oath to keep the secrets of my inheritance and allow me to join the Order of the Phoenix and be privy to their secrets." Dumbledore also raised his wand. "I, Albus Percival Wulfric Dumbledore hear by take an oath to not reveal Harry James Potter's inheritance to anyone beyond this room, stop meddling in his personal affairs and to accept him into the Order of the Phoenix and its secrets only if Harry James Potter declines Akatsuki's offer to join them and keeps the Order of the Phoenix's secrets to himself and recognized members of the organization. So be it." Snape raised his wand too. "I, Severus Tobias Snape hear by take an oath to not reveal Harry James Potter's inheritance to anyone beyond this room and to not meddle in his personal affairs without allowance by him only if Harry James Potter declines Akatsuki's offer to join them and keeps the Order of the Phoenix's secrets to himself and recognized members of the organization. So be it." His wand lit up as well as Dumbledore. Harry said "So be it" and his own wand lit up.
Harry nodded. "Thank you, headmaster, Professor Snape, for being so accommodating. Now if you will excuse me I am rather tired and need some rest." He stood up and exited, satisfied with the agreement. It would not affect him much. The Akatsuki were already in the know about the Order of the Phoenix's inner workings. As for Akatsuki's offer? How can he refuse to join Akatsuki if he is its leader? He was Akatsuki and could not deny being a part of it. So the agreement was null and void on his part. Dumbledore and Snape, however, had to keep their end of the deal.
"What was that all about?" Blaize wondered as he and Draco walked back to their common room. The blonde was walking beside him, a pensive expression on his face. It seems every time he stopped paying attention something pops up to stir up a panic. What has Harry gotten himself into? Blaize continued. "I mean, what did those men want with Harry? They looked bloody mean. Also, it seems to me like he knows them, you know?" Draco nodded. "I see what you mean Blaize." Then he stopped in the middle of the corridor, a determined expression on his face. "And I will find out what Harry is hiding, one way or another." Blaize nodded. "Let's do it!" They both turned to go straight to the library. It was a few hours till curfew so they won't get into trouble yet.
Blaize watched Draco from the corner of his eye. Draco has changed over the three years at Hogwarts. He had abandoned his 'friendship' with Crabbe and Goyle later in first year, keeping only enough contact with them to maintain the alliance with House Crabbe and House Goyle. He has become more kind-hearted and conscious of his faults. When they were younger, all Draco did was brag and spout everything his father thought as if it were his own ideal. He was vain and assumed the world revolved around him. But now he has changed to become someone better, and all thanks to one person.
Harry Potter. Even now he was still an enigma to Blaize. The Ravenclaw was clearly a loner, preferring the company of his shadow than that of men. The only person that Blaize has seen him interact with genuinely is Draco, even then he evades spending time with the blonde if he can. As for others, Harry speaks with them only because he wants something from them, like the Granger girl. Blaize was not foolish enough to think he was Harry's friend. He was sure that the only reason Harry even glanced at him was that he was Draco's friend. His only real friend in Slytherin.
He wondered what kind of relationship Draco and Harry shared. Were they friends, best friends or maybe more? Whenever Draco spoke of Harry he got that spark in his eye, a spark he still did not recognize. Though it was clear that Draco adored Harry. Harry himself had a tolerance for him that was not there for anyone else.
When they got into the library they stood still looking at all the books. "What are we here for again?" Blaize asked. Draco thought, then lightened up. "Spying spells. High level ones, those that Harry cannot detect easily." "Alright, that sounds reasonable. Though, are you sure this is a good idea? What if we get caught. Did you see the look Theodore got when he even hears Harry's name? It is as if he has seen the boogeyman under his bed!" The dark skinned boy whispered "Theodore is a wimp, everyone knows that! If we do this right we won't have to worry about being caught." Blaize looked doubtful but coincided. They checked every spell book, and Draco even used the pass Snape allowed last week to enter the restricted section.
After some time, Blaize exclaimed. "I got something!" Draco rushed over to him. "Omnia secreta revelare. It is said to be an ancient spell, many don't use it anymore. I think it would work." Draco smiled at Blaize and wasted no time in learning the spell. They had an hour before curfew.
Harry plopped down on the seat next to Draco one morning, a grin on his face. He had been like that for the past two weeks they were writing exams. The Slytherins were still giving him odd looks for it as if he burst in a shower of confetti any minutes. Not that Draco spent a bit of time researching muggle devices or anything. "Good morning snakes!" Harry greeted, scooping a fruit salad into his bowl. Many stared at him wide eyes, Blaize was open-mouthed with eyebrows in his hairline. Even Draco had stopped eating. So far it has been the occasional smile and the snide comments, but this! "Uh, Harry are you ok? Was there an accident in the potions practical?" Harry's smile, if possible, widened at Draco's question. Blaize leaned further around Draco to better see and gape at Harry. "Nope! In fact, everything went perfectly well. I'm sure I impressed Snape." He said, popping a strawberry into his mouthing then proceeded to moan at the taste. A seventh year down the table sprayed her pumpkin juice from her mouth, choking on the drink. Harry stared in concern at her for a moment then shrugged, going back to his delicious fruit. People tried to ignore the sounds coming from Harry's mouth, most failed miserably.
Draco leaned over to Blaize. "Think we messed up the spying spell?" Blaize shrugged helplessly, looking bemused. "What are you two conspiring about?" The two Slytherins jumped when Harry whispered between them. They hadn't even noticed him stand up! Blaize was quick to reply. "N-Nothing! Nothing at all. Just, um, talking about our potions practical. It was a disaster." Harry nodded slowly with a glint in his eye. "Uh-huh, I'm sure you are. I will see you later, hopefully when you make more sense." He said and sauntered out of the hall, a bowl of fruit salad in one hand and twirling his wand in the other. "Bloody hell!" Someone commented in the second year section. Draco and Blaize exchanged another look.
Harry leaned heavily on Hershia, still twirling his wand, summoning a fruit into his mouth every once in a while. 'I hope this will not last any longer than necessary. I have had enough of this nonsense!' Lelita complained. Harry giggled. 'Don't be melodramatic Lita, this was to be expected. I have even been dousing myself with calming potions.' "Clearly they are not working.' Hershia curled closer around Harry. ~You know hatchling, this behavior is disturbing. Please tell me it will go away after the cleansing.~ ~Don't worry, this is temporary. I'm just giddy is all.~ 'More like out of your mind. I'm surprised you haven't been questioned about your mental health.' 'Or lack of.' Harry added to Lelita's rant. 'I will be fine.'
~So everything is set?~ Hershia asked. Harry nodded. It was two days before Hogwarts let out, two weeks before the cleansing if his inner self. He couldn't wait. He could already feel the blood in his claws and hear the screams of the helpless. He shivered in pleasure. It would be magnificent.
Dumbledore pondered the possibility of forcing Harry to stay at Hogwarts over the summer. He had this horrible feeling that something bad was going to happen and that Harry would be involved somehow. He worried about Harry. Dumbledore was very close to the Potters and knew they would not wish their son to be this way. They wanted Harry to be a proud warrior of the light, but most importantly they wanted him to be happy. Dumbledore wishes he could fulfill these wishes but Harry was just simply out of reach. He was not in Gryffindor, he was a dark creature seen only once in a century if ever and was involved with an obscure criminal organization that Dumbledore himself only knew by name and rumor. What would be next? Flinging unforgivable around like candy?
Clearly his plan to have Harry defeat Voldemort was not feasible anymore. He could not manipulate Harry as he had planned. Harry was on his own way and no one would convince him otherwise. Dumbledore hoped that by Harry requesting to join the Order it meant that he was willing to fight for the light, even if it was to protect himself. The oath he gave is the only comfort Dumbledore has right now and he hoped to Merlin that it would be enough to convince Harry to not join the dark.