Disclaimer - own nothing, this is a work of fanfiction based on the book series by JK Rowling, to whom all characters belong.

WARNING: this chapter contains gore and body horror.

Chapter 3 – Rule of Three

Harry felt the need to vomit as he and Hermione shuffled along the benches of the quidditch stands. They had spent the entire morning in the library; Harry was as irritable, annoying Hermione with excessive tapping and poor concentration.

Harry looked around and saw Cedric a few rows above him. He waved Harry over to sit with him.

"I'm glad you decided to show, everyone knows we need you." Cedric smiled.

"So they'll tolerate me so long as I can be used? It is a good job I love this game Ced." As Harry almost smiled, they witnessed something unexpected from the Gryffindor keeper hopefuls.

Out of nowhere appeared a keeper to rival that of Wood, much to the delight of the Gryffindors. Though it could be ascribed to Irish luck, Seamus saved his ninth consecutive goal and touched down on the pitch to the roar of the other Lions. They were all ecstatic to have a decent prospect of someone filling the void in the team Wood had crafted.

"He's beaten McGregor's eight, one of your seventh years; none of your others could save more than five."

"I bet Alicia, Angelina and Katie killed it though, right?" Harry said smugly.

"No one else even bothered." Cedric admitted.

Madame Hooch blew her whistle signalling the end of the round.

Harry grinned as he noticed Hermione bury herself into a book. "So are you ready to face me again? Conditions are just right this time." He asked his rival Hufflepuff champion.

"Maybe next year, I decided I'd be better off trying for chaser. Less pressure that way."

"Playing against Krum though, a once in a lifetime experience unless you go professional." Harry said.

"We're already against him the tournament. No, we need someone with an appetite for the challenge. So I'd watch yourself out there Harry, not many will step up but Cho will, and she means business."

"Oh? Last year Wood's last advice for me was to knock her off her broom, I might be not so kind this time round." He joked.

Just then soft awkward Scottish voice came from behind them, "No one will be knocking me off my broom thank you. And here I thought you were a gentleman like Cedric here."

Harry went slightly pink, Cedric however was unable to stifle his laugh.

"Er, hi…" Was all Harry could say as he turned to face her.

"Hi." She replied a grin pulling on the edge of her lips. "We need to go down soon; they'll be calling for the first round of seekers next."

Harry looked around and saw a one other moving towards the pitch including a familiar white blonde haired Slytherin. Harry had to look twice and realise it was who he thought it was.

Seeing her again made his nerves knot his stomach in retaliation.

Isn't that funny? Nope not funny.

He tried not wonder why she was down here, and tried even more not to think what her lips felt like on his cheek.

She is just a girl. Weird. Definitely weird. But just a girl. He shoved out that thought as he tightened his glove fastenings and tried to focus. Hoisted his Firebolt onto his shoulder and climbed down to the pitch side.

He stood waiting between the two other hopefuls. Unsurprisingly on one side was Cho. However on the other much to his discomfort than his previous crush stood Daphne Greengrass.

He was quiet still now, the nerves he had not long before washing away. Neither had even beaten him in a match before. But to Daphne's advantage he hadn't beaten her in a game either and he noticed the Firebolt of her own. A broom is only as good as its rider anyway.

The whistle blasted once more signalling the three of them to come forward. Harry listened as Madam Hooch explained it was to be a unique match of three seekers belonged to no team. Meanwhile a practice game would be in place consisting of Slytherins and Ravenclaws.

The young wizard looked in the eyes of the two girls mounted either side of him. Kick off was taking longer than he had expected. He wondered if Hooch was dragging this out, the chill in the air was clinging to their long breaths. With quick glance Cho smiled at Harry and mouthed good luck whereas Daphne remained expressionless. Her eyes were nothing like they had been the previous night, instead of the brief warmth and mischief they were now cold and hard. This was the Daphne Greengrass he knew so little of, as someone cold and far away.

He briefly wondered how he must have appeared to the other two, collected, focused or anxious? The swell of all three churned in his stomach in anticipation; there was no separating any of them. He didn't notice the crowds seemingly surge in the stands. Everyone was standing.

The whistle blew and the quaffle flew up, followed immediately by the snitch. Harry shot straight up on his Firebolt, rising skywards as the chasers crashed into each other. It knocked the breath out of everyone. Harry heard the familiar sound of a bat striking its mark and ducked, rolling right as a bludger shot past him.

He circled high above the pitch, lapping a few times, occasionally passing another seeker. He kept a mind out for the beaters and where they were aiming. He occasionally threw up the pace and swooped into play to break up passes when the others were unsuspecting, when Cho or Daphne tried though they found themselves almost knocked off their brooms as Harry sped past them. Between the three seekers Harry was dominating the pitch.

It wasn't long before Cho began tailing him a little closer than he would have liked. Then the possession of the quaffle shifted again and get a little intense as the Ravenclaw players were double crossing the Slytherins. Harry dove towards their little game of cat and mouse with Cho in hot pursuit. He swerved wildly around the hoops as a bludger was hit at full pelt towards him.

Harry flew straight for it.

Seeing the black cannon like ball zoom straight head on Harry realised he was probably crazy. A hundred percent, ten out of ten, believing Aliens probe muggles kind of crazy.

Harry took a deep breath, 3... 2 .. 1. and hoped for the best. With a sloth-grip-roll his grip loosened and he let his body swing under his broom. Not only did he see the bludger fly only centimetres from his face, but he felt it.

Instead of just hanging from from his broom he used the momentum of pseudo fall to swing himself back up onto his mount.

His blood was pumped furiously with the adrenaline. His heart beating so fast it seemed everything else had slowed down. He focused on keeping his breathing in check and after a second Harry heard a pitiful CRACK.

He winced as a unison of gasps and roars of outrage erupted from the stands. Harry felt a moment of guilt and turned to see Cho, teary eyes supporting her shoulder. Still travelling at a breakneck speed she continued as he halted suddenly. Right into the possession play interrupting Roger Davies illegal tackle on Draco.

Harry watched guiltily as she crashed into one of the Slytherin beaters sending him soaring off his broom and into one of the hoops. Many hisses were heard from the stadium. Cho in a daze from the two hard consecutive hits pirouetted downwards, gracefully before managing a successful crash landing. More hisses could be heard from the stands aimed at Harry as Cho was helped off the pitch and most likely escorted to hospital wing.

One threat down, one to go.

Harry winced and turned away only to see Daphne wink at him as she passed him. Her personality had changed from cold to warm once more. He was beginning to wonder if she was doing it to distract him, because if that was so she was doing a good job of it.

Just as he took his eyes off the Slytherin witch he caught sight of a glimmer of gold for a split second. As quickly as he had spotted it, the flying speck of gold disappeared again. Gritting his teeth he ascended again in his search.

Okay, I am officially beginning to hate her now. Harry thought as he saw the figure of green and black blocking his path for the second's time.

"Looks like you have a new stalker Potter!" Harry heard Malfoy snickered as he flew past after scoring another goal. Harry watched surprised as she turned to him and gave him a finger.

Harry was certain she knew what she was doing, interrupting his searches, distracting him from the task at hand. She knew full well she was irritating him, making it so his anger put him off. He forced himself to remain calm, and that he had experience on his side.

"Don't encourage her Malfoy or the next bludger is going for your head." Harry shouted. Despite the tension, despite his nerves telling him not to let his guard down he couldn't help but enjoy himself. Cedric was right, he belonged here.

"Just try it Scarhead." Malfoy sneered as he flew back into play, tackling one of the Ravenclaw players.

"Are you two married? Stop paying attention to your husband Potter and focus on your real problems." Daphne commented hovering above.

"Like you? You honestly think you're a problem? We both know you can't keep this up forever." Harry retorted.

"Get off that broom and we both know you wouldn't last five minutes on the ground with me."

He had no idea how to respond to that. Instead he just growled, ducking under her and doubling back.

The game continued onwards and rougher than before, Harry and Daphne clashed frequently as they flew ever more erratic in their hunt. The spectators were all but ignoring the chasers now.

Harry had thought he had experience, but he realised his mistake in that assumption. Daphne knew how to really fly and utilized her Firebolt more efficiently than he could.

During another lap of them both racing each other the snitch suddenly appeared before them both. Not even ten yards ahead of them hovering, taunting them. The whole stadium froze in anticipation.

In that second they both went for the snitch, Harry stayed poised for a change in direction as the two remaining seekers went for the dive. Harry gained speed on the zig-zagging snitch. They were close, but suddenly the gilded orb took another alternate direction zooming straight towards Draco. He ducked barely in time as Harry and Daphne nearly tore him in two.

They were neck and neck. Harry could tell Daphne was lighter thanks to her smaller frame since he knew the advantages of his own size and weight. He knew this would mean her acceleration, braking and turning times would be just a fraction faster than his own.

The snitch began to climb higher.

If the snitch turned abruptly in its next change of direction there was no guarantee that he could break quicker and adjust his direction faster. Sacrificing speed for a better position to catch it wasn't an option with Daphne just centimetres ahead. If it remained like this he still had a chance but only because of his slightly longer reach.

Daphne as if in sync began the bend upward as the snitch rose further. Its climb was growing ever more vertical but it wasn't just climbing.

Harry smiled, if his experience over the past few years playing had taught him one thing, it was the craftiness of a snitch's nature.

Harry tried pushing the Firebolt faster turning upward. Daphne was still just ahead of him. Harry held his arm out, the snitch was directly above them now just out of their reach.

As he predicted it suddenly tried to drop behind him and return to the ground, but Harry was prepared. With one hand still gripping the Firebolt he jumped backwards, his feet and body leaving the safety of flight. Free falling for a second instead of trying to turn, allowing him to easily bear down the descending snitch. With the swipe of his free hand he stole it from the air.

For a second he let himself enjoy fall, laughing and revelling in the feeling of the air rush against him.

As smoothly as he dismounted he sat back on the seat of his broom and looked down at the crowds below him. He was unaware of the manoeuvre he had just performed, but the quidditch fanatics in the stadium knew they had just witnessed a flawless Apex Clutch.

Perching, he stopped to see the look of the blonde haired girl above him. She gave him a small gesture of applause with a humble nod and a smile, graciously acknowledging her defeat. He looked again at the snitch, glittering, dainty, still fluttering in his clenched fist.

There wasn't much clapping on the ground, mostly everyone was still trying to pick their jaws of the ground. Cedric and the twins came bounding onto the pitch when Harry touched down, legs shaking uncontrollably forcing him to kneel before he could stand.

For twenty minutes Harry waited with the others, Katie, Angelina, Seamus and the rest. With the try-outs at an end many students filtered out of the quidditch grounds leaving just as many spectators along with the hopeful remaining candidates as they awaited the verdict.

"I never thought I'd see you fly like that Harry, have you been holding back on us all these years?" Seamus said. Everyone agreed, he was sure even Draco who was skulking at the back of the group, said something resentfully similar.

Harry gave a cool smile and said "Speak for yourself; I can see you peeking out from Wood's shadow."

Seamus shifted uncomfortably from Fred who began speaking.

Their appraising chatter continued for a while before Cedric hushed everyone up saying they were about to announce the teams.

Silence crept upon the stadium as the students waited in anguish. Madame Hooch remained in the centre of the pitch in discussion with four others who were stood around her; they were all in black and white quidditch robes, Harry could see them eyeing up the group of friends.

"Diggory. Down here if you please, will the following also step down" Hooch's voice sounded out the pitch; everyone was on the edge of their seats. "Bell, Finnigan, Greengrass, Grey, Hopkins, Johnson, Malfoy, Potter, Roper, Rivers, Thaxted and, Fred and George Weasley."

The group of friends all grinned; they were all on the team or at least on reserves. Harry was as interested in finding out who the others team members were as well.

They came onto to pitch and walked up to the fanatical referee, who was pinning on Cedric's captain badge. It was different to the previous house captain badges which were in the house colours, this one was black and gold with a small engraved badger inside the letter C. It was almost piece of art.

"Congratulations, Bell, Rivers, Malfoy, Finnegan, Hopkins, Grey, Greengrass you have made it the reserve team, please step forward." They all received badges that were black and silver with their house animal. "Just because you're reserves doesn't mean you won't play, you have to attend all training and practices that Diggory and I set. Now the rest of you have been chosen for the first string not just because of your display of exceptional skill but you exhibited outstanding teamwork and awareness. I expect you to work well together, none of this house nonsense this year, we're a united school making the best team Hogwarts can have." Hooch announced.

The first string students then received badges more similar to Cedric's, black and Gold. As soon as it was pinned Harry's magically engraved itself with a gold lions. Harry looked down at his with pride, seeing similar expressions around him.

"Now, for training, specifically Friday nights seven to nine, this does not include tonight, and Mondays seven till nine. This is on top of any extra practices, regimens or meetings Diggory arranges. You may find this extreme but I think you will be… forgiving." She smirked as the four white robed strangers withdrew their hoods. There were a few gasps among the students.

"May I introduce, Emma Vanity, recently retired seeker of the Falmouth Falcons and the England team, Marcus Troy chaser for the Kenmare Kestrels and the World Cup winning Ireland team, Ryan Stevens the keeper for Appelby Arrows and last but not least Tutshill Tornado's beater Robin Walden."

A few various screams and squeals were heard in the stadium. Everyone in the hall the next day would be wishing they had spent the day watching the try outs or more specifically waiting to see four of the best British quidditch players of their time.

"They will be giving you special coaching in all your positions on Mondays. Now I'll leave you all to get acquainted."

Harry's gaze was set on Emma Vanity. He found that she couldn't live up to her name more, though he meant that in the best possible way. Her black hair was neatly plaited over her shoulder; she wore black lipstick, and dark eye shadow to contrast against her translucent skin. Her high cheek bones gave her an aristocratic look that felt somewhat familiar. He was a little shaken when she walked up to him and pulled him and Daphne from the group, but he noted that others had also been abducted by their professional counterparts too.

"Daphne Greengrass? Madam Hooch was telling me that was your debut on the Hogwarts quidditch pitch." Emma shook her hand.

"I admit in previous years I may have lacked an incentive." Daphne said with an innocent expression, making Harry shift his weight uncomfortably.

"Forgive me if I praise Harry Potter here but he was simply outstanding."

"Go right ahead, it's well deserved." Daphne gave Harry a mischievous grin.

"Er thanks... I suppose." Harry said a little unsure as he turned to Emma.

"Who'd knew you were such an excellent seeker? There were some rumblings around the scouts but I thought it was just talk - but you're clearly very skilled. You're fast with your head even I have to admit that. I am very impressed with the way you flew so ruthlessly." Emma purred with no signs of stopping. "And you're Clutch! That was executed just perfectly!"

"My what?" Harry looked at her strangely.

"You're Apex Clutch." She stared at him with disbelief.

"It was the move you used to catch the snitch." Daphne rolled her eyes.

"Oh." He scratched his head bashfully, feeling a little embarrassed from his lack of knowledge for quidditch terminology. If Ron had been around he'd probably never hear the end of it.

"Don't tell me you didn't even know?"

Harry shook his head.

"Did you not even practice it before?" Harry shook his head again. "It's a pretty rare move; I haven't seen that since I was in my second season with the Falcons. It's a show stealer for sure." Emma said her eyes glowing with excitement.

"He flies like a demon right? No fear whatsoever." Daphne chimed in enjoying his torment seeing him struggle under the admiration.

"He might just be a different breed of quidditch player altogether. I think you could give Krum a good fight, that's why I am here anyway. You two are going to be interesting to work with." Emma smirked, she pulsing with an odd aura and Harry found it somewhat overwhelming.

The experience of meeting a revered professional quidditch player had definitely left an impact. She was funny and seemed to enjoy teasing Harry a little too much, as did Daphne.

Eventually they all had to say their goodbyes and the starstruck students went on their way to the changing room talking excitedly.

Harry and Cedric did their best to be fast so they could get to the hospital wing as quickly as possible.

Cho was laid on one of the beds, she was fine, a broken arm which Madam Pomfrey had mended in a seconds as she had once stated she could. She watched as Cedric and a sheepish Harry walk in. Cho's only real complaint was the grey hospital wing depressing her.

"Made the team then?" She smiled brightly at them both noticing their badges.

"Yeah," said Cedric, "it's just a shame you couldn't have been there to watch Harry get all cosy with Emma Vanity."

Harry looked up from the ground as the Hufflepuff champion lightly punched his arm. He saw Cho's eyes widen, mentally kicking herself. Harry found it incredibly endearing.

"Do you think you could get me her autograph? My little brother has fancied her since we saw her beat the Tornadoes last year." she asked.

"Well, that would be the least I could do." Harry gave her a sad smile.

Cho didn't need to hear an apology "It's fine, let's be honest, you're far better than me anyway. I just wanted the chance to knock Krum off his broom. He cost me ten galleons this summer."

"Sorry for that insane stunt I guess I was really caught up in the moment." Harry said scratching the back of his head.

"Do your best and beat him for me and I'll forgive you." Cho smiled up at him.

"It's a promise. Hope your arms gets better soon, sorry again Cho, really."

Happy that Cho was mostly unhurt Harry took his leave, deciding he should give the other two some privacy. It was clear to him from the way she looked at Cedric that there was something going on between them.

He realised in his uneasy state he was once again feeling sick. Not with nerves or physically so, but still there raw ache in his stomach.

What is this feeling called again?

He tried not to think about it but more and more pictures of them flooded his head. It brought up the painful fact that he still was in so many ways just an ill-fated fourteen year old boy.

Ah, envy… hm it's been a while.

In his mind Cho had been like an afternoon daydream. He could only think about the shy girl with a slightly playful nature and a love for quidditch. What made him notice her was that Cho Chang wasn't another fan girl and that because her gaze was cast somewhere else. How could he not be attracted to someone not trying to take advantage of his fame? Despite hardly exchanging words, the few looks at breakfast when he stared up at the Ravenclaw table had been enough to make him wonder what it'd be like to have a normal girlfriend.

After a short walk through the grounds he returned via the clock tower courtyard, the sound of footsteps on the deserted corridor brought him out of his thoughts, he realised dinner in the great hall would be served soon.

"Tempus." Harry muttered and the numbers five – forty five shot out of his wand. He looked outside to see the darkening sky enveloping Hagrid's hut.

"There you are, Potter." Harry let out a resigned sigh upon hearing that voice. He turned to face him. "On the grounds I passed Delacour on her way to the hall. She asked after you. I think she plans to corner you after dinner, I didn't want to eavesdrop on her and her friend."

"But you did it anyway?"

Draco hesitated, "She looked pretty unhappy about something, must have heard you sent Chang to the hospital wing at the try-outs."

"What does she care about that?"

"From what I have seen, Chang and Diggory the only people I really ever see talking to her." Harry had to give credit where it's due and for Draco's many faults he was more perceptive than people realised. Now Draco's head is out of his own arse he can actually see what's in front of him.

The two made their way to the Great Hall in comfortable silence, which suited them both fine until it was drowned out by the loud excited chatter of the students who were already seated. As they walked they could just hear a mixture of clapping, jeering and hissing from a few of the students.

They ignored it all with good grace and sat with the others. Cho and Cedric soon followed holding hands and Harry noticed just much how their table had grown. Hermione was now joined by Seamus and the Weasley twins along with Sophie, Alistair and Oliver. Harry also spotted Rachelle who gave him a small wave from the other side of Fleur at the other end of the table with few of the other Durmstrang and Beauxbaton students.

Harry did his best to avert his eyes from the French witch. He could see many students could still not keep their mouths from hitting the floor around her.

Gradually as he began to eat he began to feel very warm and he could feel an odd heavy desire to look at her. His heart began to beat faster and harder as he started to ignore the dull craving that was now gnawing at him.

With everyone already deep in discussion Harry stole an accusing glance at her. He immediately wished he hadn't, her perfectly carved face revealed nothing. Not even her eyes. She sat eating quietly, her alabaster skin glowing only slightly. In fact she looked despondent if anything.

"Something wrong Potter?" Draco voice was smug.

"It's nothing." Harry said stiffly still able to feel the pull clouding his mind.

Thankfully it wasn't long before Dumbledore stood up silencing the hall as they all finished their deserts.

"Good evening all, I hope you are all enjoying your feast, filling yourself with food to equal the knowledge you've taken in this week. First I would like to congratulate those who made it onto the Hogwarts Quidditch team, fresh from the tryouts this afternoon, which were truly spectacular." Harry could see the Headmaster's eyes twinkling at him with a reassuring smile.

A round of applause was issued from the students. "For the rest of the duration of the tournament we will have a few additional guests." His hand wavered over to the staff table where the five professional quidditch players were sat smiling. "I expect you to treat them with respect and ask you not hassle them too much when they are staying with us, as they are our guests here as much as our foreign friends, so I would hope you make them feel like they are at home once more within these halls. Just as much as much as you've made the Durmstrang and Bouxbatons feel warm and welcome." Another round of applause escaped from the students of Bouxbatons and Durmstrang who felt well accommodated. The lips of Fleur twitched a little at that, at first she hadn't thought much of Hogwarts or its students but she had been steadily surprised since her arrival.

"In coalition of this inter-school quidditch cup, as you now know, there is also to be a duelling tournament and an academic competition between our three schools. Schools can decide the manners of their teams how they see fit; teams will consist of three students. Hogwarts students of fourth years and above may take the entrance exam on general magical knowledge for our academics team on Monday here in the great hall after dinner, while try-outs for the duelling team shall also take place within the great hall here after dinner next Saturday."

Hermione bounced excitedly biting her lips and clasping her hands. Out of the corner of his eye Harry also saw Fleur's subtle smile. He noticed the smile fade as quickly as it appeared. He looked at his empty plate before feeling an odd pitiful feeling towards the quiet French girl. For someone apparently wanting to talk to him she was doing a good job of ignoring him.

After dinner Harry quickly said good night and left the table, feeling guilty about leaving Hermione behind but he would catch up to her later, as at that immediate moment he was sensing something unpleasant approaching.

He weaved through a crowd of fifth year Ravenclaws, ducking into an alcove when he thought he was out of sight. Harry waited there watching the stream of students go about the rest of the evening.

When Harry felt sure that was the last of them he left his alcove but it had hardly been moment before he heard his name faintly being called out accompanied by a dull wanting feeling for him to turn around. Harry did his best to ignore it, but the feeling fought harder as his name grew louder in his ears, no longer able to tell if it was in his head or in his ears.

Fleur was growing more frustrated. Something that was building up over the past week, she could barely look at him through dinner and he had constantly been on her mind. Now she was trying to take the initiative and he was outright ignoring her. She couldn't stop her fiery temper boil over.

"Will you look at me?" She demanded.

Harry felt the full force of her allure crash into hm. It was incredibly warm, like the scorch of the sun in unbearable heat.

"Not everyone wants look at you, you know." His voice was dead, exhausted. His head didn't turn to face her.

"I was 'oping we could 'ave words." Fleur said stiffly. Though she was happy he had finally acknowledged her presence.

"Is that what was happening at dinner? You trying to get my attention so we can 'talk'? I could feel that pull of yours on me."

Fleur's eyes widened. Of course she hadn't been paying attention; instead she had been focused on one thing. She realised she had lost her grip on her charm, invisible and burning, her anger and frustration only ever made it worse. She had lost control.

"Why me? No one else seemed affected by it." Harry said angrily, finally facing her. He immediately regretted it when he saw the upset on her face, he was hurting her.

"I just told you- Merde, ça ne fait rien," She said to herself flustered, taken a back. "zis eez pointless." Fleur took a deep breath, trying to settle the burning energy from the air around her. She noticed that he hesitated upon seeing her hold back.

"What is it you want from me? What is your problem?"

"You are my problem - non- what I want to say-" She could not stop the tumbling incoherent mess that had escaped her mouth. She cursed the language barrier between them she cursed her veela blood. She had made a mess of everything but Fleur was determined to set things right. She felt that they should be able to understand each other.

"Again with this stupid competitiveness. I've told you – hell, I've told everyone. I don't care. I'll be happy to get out alive much less win the bloody thing." Harry sighed wearily as he meeting her eyes. "I'm sorry; this tournament obviously means a lot to you. It's not my intention to stand in your way."

Harry began to turn away. He had no idea how he had gotten it all wrong, how he had gotten her all wrong.

Fleur in her attempt at keeping him from walking away from her reached for his hand. It was ice cold. She felt a jolt of excitement run through her leaving her hand numb. Harry jumped back at the contact and eyed the French with shock.

"What was zat?" she asked, faltering at the piercing green of his narrowed gaze.

"You mean that wasn't you?" Harry looked at his hand, the having momentarily lost all feeling from it. Harry took a step back, backing away from the French witch who shook her head. Harry saw she looked alarmed. Before he could say another word she turned away from him disappearing from around the corner of the corridor back towards to the entrance hall.

When he returned to his senses he realised he should have gone after her.

"Fuck." Harry said under his breath and kicked the wall in frustration, causing two girls who just happened to pass by to jump and dash away from him.

Later that night, Harry found himself walking down the familiar stairs away from the Gryffindor tower. He couldn't explain why he was was wandering aimless but he knew he was searching for something.

The whole time he felt like something was watching his every move. He stopped and looked around, listening intently. faintly, somewhere near, he could hear the flapping of wings. At first he thought it to be strange and hurried continued down to the sixth floor, until the thought occurred to him that it could have been Hedwig.

Turning on his heels he looked to see what was approaching. The wing beats stopped. There was only the flicker of the torches along the walls.

Tentatively he continued walking.

After several more steps he heard the beating of feathers hitting the air once more. Harr,y curious more than anxious as to where it could be coming from, peered out of the window towards the black lake.

Again there was nothing and again he started walking with nowhere in mind. I hope I am not hearing things again.

It was like a drumming in his head, louder, louder and louder to the point he thought it to be unbearable. He tried to continue forward but time slowed his movements impeding him. He could no longer ignore it now, he turned again frustrated itching for his wand.

Unexpectedly a magnificent bird flew in through the window and perched on his arm. The bird was large and beautiful, with a purity to rival the likes of phoenixes.

It was clearly a bird of prey from its hooked beak, a falcon if he remembered correctly from one of the many books he read in the escape of his life with the Durselys. But it was its plumage that fascinated Harry the most, pearl white, luminescent and radiating a warmth through Harry.

He observed the creature carefully, noticing how much more beautiful it was than anything he had seen before, shamefully even more so than both Hedwig and Fawkes. It was large and slender he could see it was strong with powerful sharp razor talons, its wings spanning a formidable breadth.

The gazed up at him, with a look of affection in its yellow eyes. It rest it's head on his shoulder as he chuckled at his new friend.

"And what should I call you?" He asked the creature, who had now taken to posing proudly with grandeur, its wingspan fanning out perfect white feathers. It hummed at him, nipping his fingers playfully as he stared into it eyes once more.

It wasn't even a minute before he felt the pain. An ache took root in his bones, his muscles weakening abruptly.

Saliva poured into his mouth thick and tasteless. He could feel bile rising to the top of his throat but made no threat to take any further action against his will. It was like his stomach was plummeting from a thousand feet, leaving him immobile.

He looked at the bird again. It had now turned vicious snapping at his chest. He clutched it to his chest trying to restrict its' wild thrashing it looked fevered and rabid. The falcon's pearly white feathers were sheen turning grey and tainted. It was in as just much pain as he was in, black oily tears welling in those yellow eyes. Harry doubled over in pain now a cold growing over him. His senses failing, vision falling in and out of focus.

He tried to stable himself with one hand but collapsed onto the stone floor. A turbulent panic had taken him. That warm feeling had all but gone leaving something stale and heavy, freezing his insides.

Fear gripped him and began to squeeze. He vomited, gagging, coughing and spluttering blood onto the floor. He tried to cry for help but no sound escaped him, his lungs feeling like they were being crushed.

With his heart racing fiercely he realised how much he didn't want to die, and the worst of his thoughts was that he couldn't help the groaning bird beside him. He couldn't comfort the creature. Then the same black oil churned in his stomach, as it began to make its way crawling up his throat; he gagged again hunched over convulsing from the disgusting taste in his mouth, like metal and ashes. He let it pour from his mouth, he couldn't stop it. He wanted it out.

Through tears and dimming vision he saw the pooling repulsive substance take shape, at first a triangular head. The pain was unbearable, he could only lay there continuously convulsing unable to choke.

Harry could barely look on as the large snake like form continued to slowly slink out of him, he could still feel part of it writhing inside as the rest coiled around in his limp near lifeless body.

With a desperate gasp for air Harry woke up, breathing hard and frantically.

An-Thanks to Drscot my beta for looking over this.