Endurance
Disclaimer: I own nothing, except, of course, the plot and any OC characters in here.
Chapter 8
"Master," an oily voice sounded out in the darkness of Lord Voldemort's chambers. "We have located the one who has thwarted you."
"Yes," Voldemort hissed. "Where is he?"
"He, my lord?"
"Yes. Where is he?"
"I'm afraid you've got it all wrong, my lord. It is a girl. Her name is Tanya and she is a student at Hogwarts." Voldemort hissed angrily.
"We shall go to Hogwarts," he informed his flunky. "We'll leave as soon as I get my strength back. Inform our spy."
"Harry!" Tanya squealed in surprise the next morning. Harry had just snuck in to see her and he was alone. "What are you doing here?"
"I came to make sure you're alright," he said as though it were obvious. He pulled up a chair and sat by Tanya's bed. "How are you feeling?"
"I'm fine. I just wish they would let me out of here. I'm tired of being in the infirmary."
"You're preaching to the choir," Harry said with a smile. Tanya looked into his eyes and saw a flicker of something else within their depths, but she ignored it. Harry was just a friend. She had to protect him and to get involved with him more than she already was, could cause trouble.
"Harry, how are the others?"
"Well, Oliver and Hermione are still at it. I'm really hoping that somehow Oliver can get her back. Those two belong together, although I won't ever forgive him for kissing Victoria." Tanya shook her head.
"Harry," she sighed. "I should have told you guys earlier, but Victoria's not to be trusted under any circumstances. She's not off, Harry. Whatever you do, make sure that you avoid her at all costs. Do not allow her to be alone with you or your friends."
"Tanya," Harry said slightly confused. "What do you know that you aren't sharing?" Tanya sighed.
"When I come out of the infirmary…" she trailed off as Harry stood.
"No," he said softly. He leaned over her in her bed. "Tell me now."
Hermione's footsteps echoed in the hall as she headed towards the common room. She needed alone time, but she couldn't find any. Everywhere she turned someone was following. She knew it sounded a bit paranoid, but she couldn't help feeling that way.
Every time she started to think, Oliver showed up or Krum showed up. She just didn't know how to handle it. She sighed to herself as she entered the common room. Things had been so much easier earlier in the year when they were together. She sighed again. She knew what she had to do. She had to talk to Wood and then she had to talk to Krum.
She had to set things straight with the both of them before they drove her completely up the wall.
"Master," hissed a voice.
"I am ready," Voldemort said menacingly. "I have regained my strength quickly and I can now travel to Hogwarts. I will destroy this Tanya and then I shall have Harry Potter's head on a plate!"
"Tell me now," Harry repeated lowly staring into Tanya's eyes. He was attracted to her, he'd admit that much. But he knew that keeping his distance would save both himself and her from being hurt. If he could keep it that way, then there would be no problem; which was good because he had other things weighing on his mind.
"I am a Charmed One," Tanya said after a few moments hesitation in which Harry invaded even more of her personal space. Harry resisted the urge to grin.
"That much, I know."
"How?"
"Hermione recognized your last name and looked it up. She found your entire family history. We all know."
"Even Victoria?"
"No." Tanya nodded looking relieved.
"Keep it that way. Well, since you know what I am and what I do, do you know why I'm here?" At this Harry shook his head and his green eyes pierced Tanya. "I am here," she responded slowly. "To protect you." Harry faulted and stumbled back into his chair.
"What?" he asked. She shrugged carelessly.
"I am here," Tanya repeated. "To save you and your friends from the wrath of Lord Voldemort."
"H-he can't…" Harry shook his head.
"Like it or not Harry," Tanya said quietly. "A war is coming." She looked to Harry sharply. "And you're in the middle of it."