The next afternoon found Harry and Ron playing Wizard's chess, and Hermione sat by Ron, trying to distract him, so Harry could win. "Sod off…" was heard yet again, but Ron's voice was kind. It seemed like he was enjoying the attention.

Suddenly, Ginny walked in the room with a pleased smile.

"What's up?" – Hermione asked.

Ginny made to answer as she sat down next to Harry, but he winced and he put his hand to his scar. Immediately, fun was replaced by worry.

"What's wrong, Harry?"

Ginny reached over to his shoulder, but he shrunk away.

"Don't touch me!" – He snapped.

They all looked at him in surprise.

"I better go get someone…" – Ginny said, exiting the room, leaving Harry with his two best friends.

"Harry, what is it?"

Harry gradually relaxed.

"I don't know. It's like – He's enjoying himself, I think…"

"Who is?"

"Voldemort."

That night, after dinner, the scene repeated itself. Ginny and Hermione had walked out of the kitchen, when Harry caught up with them. He looked at Hermione intently, and she smiled, as she headed to the stairs as slowly as she could, wishing to eavesdrop on their conversation.

"I'm sorry about my reaction before."

"It's okay, Harry."

Hermione could picture Ginny blushing.

"No, it's not. I shouldn't have done that."

"Stop beating yourself up about it. You were in pain, and it's okay. I mean it."

"So we're friends?"

"Friends."

She turned around to see them going to shake hands. However, they never did. Harry cried in pain before they touched, falling down to his knees.

"Harry!"

Somehow, everyone managed to rush into the room at once.

"Don't touch him! He doesn't like being touched!" Ginny screamed, but Sirius ignored her, taking Harry in his arms. Ginny looked down at him. He was breathing heavily, and he seemed to be in so much pain! She tried to take his hand, to make it all better, but the teen glared at her, like if he was reading her thoughts. He didn't want her nearby. Her eyes filled with tears as she ran out the room and up the stairs. A door slammed. Seconds later, Harry relaxed.

"Harry, what's wrong with you?" – Ron asked anxiously.

"I – I don't know…"

And he went limp. Everyone gasped in horror.

"SIMMER DOWN, PEOPLE! HE'S NOT DEAD, HE'S JUST FALLEN ASLEEP!" – Sirius shouted, making everyone breathe more calmly.

"I'll check up on Ginny…" – Hermione said, before rushing up the stairs herself.