Harry turned around slowly upon hearing the familiar voice.
"Percy," he said trying to sound happy to see him, "what are you doing down here?"
Percy was standing in the shadows a few feet from the entrance to the potions classroom. Harry wouldn't even have known it was him if he hadn't heard him, it was almost as if he'd been hiding.
"I can go where I please," Percy said snidely, "I'm here on ministry business and therefore must have access to all areas of the school."
"What business?" Harry asked, unable to resist.
Percy glared at him and smirked.
"I am not at liberty to say anything, especially to you."
Harry knew Percy was enjoying keeping his secrets; he always enjoyed flaunting it when he had information he knew you wanted. Harry remembered in his fourth year, when Percy had hinted the whole summer about knowing something was planned, something which later turned out to be the Tri-Wizard Tournament.
"So you didn't answer my question," Percy continued, "why were you talking to Snape?"
"I just had a few questions on an assignment," Harry lied, not sure why Percy even cared.
"He's not feeling too well, is he?" Percy asked, sounding more curious then concerned.
"He seems fine," Harry lied again. He had also been wondering why Snape looked so burnt out; and would have sworn he had a fever at the very least. If he was really still too sick, he definitely shouldn't be teaching again yet. But he supposed Snape, much like himself, didn't fancy long stays in the hospital wing either.
"So you didn't tell him anything then?" Percy asked.
"Tell him anything? About what?" Harry asked, truly confused.
Percy's brow furrowed in anger, and his eyes flashed dangerously.
"Don't pretend you have no idea what I'm talking about!" he screamed, causing Harry to take a step back. A few moments ago he had seemed irritated, and now he was furious.
"Look.Percy.I really don't know what you're talking about." he stammered. "I don't have much time right now either, my next class."
"You're not going anywhere until you answer me," Percy cut him off in a menacing tone, and began moving towards him.
Harry fought the urge to turn and run. Even if Percy were angry with him, surely he wouldn't do anything to him, right? Looking around quickly, he was trying to come to a decision when Snape poked his head out of the classroom.
"What is going on out here? Potter! What's all the screaming about?"
Harry opened his mouth to answer Snape when Percy spoke first.
"Harry and I were having a little talk, I was simply asking him a question," he said in a strained voice. Snape raised an eyebrow at Percy, apparently just as shocked as Harry by his behavior.
"Well you don't have to have your discussion so loudly, do you?" Snape asked icily.
"Fine, I'll just take Mr. Potter elsewhere and we can continue our talk where you won't be disturbed."
"Percy I have class soon, really I." Harry started, not wanting to be anywhere alone with him right then.
Percy whirled on him.
"You will answer any questions I have for you!" he said loudly.
Harry looked to Snape for help, praying that he would catch on.
"Mr. Weasley," Snape said in an authoritative tone, "whatever questions you have will have to wait, unless you can prove they are of more importance than Mr. Potter's schooling, I will not allow him to be late for his next class."
Percy looked upon Snape with such fury that Harry wouldn't have been surprised if he tried to hit him. The potions master, admirably, did not even flinch. Despite the fact that he looked like he may collapse if the breeze was too strong. Then, as if suddenly coming out of a trance, Percy seemed to regain his composure.
"Very well Mr. Potter," he said sounding pompous once again, "I will speak with you another time."
He nodded quickly, before setting off down the hall at a quick pace. Harry looked at Snape who was leaning up against the doorframe now.
"Thank you," he said sincerely.
Snape just nodded at him.
"Get to class Mr. Potter."
Harry hesitated for a moment, wanting to ask Snape if he was really okay, then decided it would be best to just try and find out from Sirius or Remus. He slung his bag over his shoulder, and began the walk to his next class.
"Okay Harry," Ron said as they sat in their usual corner in the common room after dinner that evening. "You promised you'd tell us what happened in your talk with Snape earlier today when dinner was over, so please, do tell."
"It's not so much what I talked to Snape about, it's what happened after I left the classroom that I wanted to talk to you about," Harry replied. He looked at their questioning faces before starting. He told them how he had to explain the situation with Wormtail to Snape, as he had not been made aware of it, and how Snape believed him and even said the points would be given back to Gryffindor since what happened wasn't Harry's fault.
"I can't believe he actually said that," Ginny interrupted, sounding amused.
"Something's definitely up with him," Harry said, then looked at Ron and Hermione, "didn't you guys think he seemed a bit.ill, when he returned after the ink episode?"
"I think he left the hospital wing a bit early," Hermione said nodding. Ron just shrugged before replying.
"He looked tired, yeah."
"Well, I think something's still wrong with him," Harry said. He went on to explain the rest of his talk with Snape and what had happened when he asked if he was feeling alright. He paused before telling them about Percy, but decided it would be better for them to hear what happened.
Ron, as Harry had expected, seemed most upset by this. Ginny and Hermione seemed shocked as well.
"I'm just glad Snape caught on that I didn't want to go with Percy when he came out of the classroom," Harry said after an awkward silence.
"Do you think he was asking you about Lunis?" Hermione asked, throwing a cautious look at Ron. She didn't want him to be angry with her for suggesting Percy was doing anything other than ministry business. But Ron didn't even look up.
"I really don't know," Harry admitted. "I don't know why he would care, or how he would even know about it. I'm sure Dumbledore wouldn't go telling him about it and I don't think anyone at the ministry even knows."
"Except Cho," Ron said quietly.
"I thought of that," Harry said. "I'm not sure if she would've mentioned anything to anyone. I asked her not to in my last letter." he trailed off, again worrying about not having received a response from her yet. He knew she must've received it as Hedwig had returned, but it was very unusual for her to not send anything back.
"Maybe," he began, "I'll ask Marzia about it. She may know if Thurston, or anyone else at the ministry, knows about Lunis."
Ron looked up sharply when Harry said this, then quickly averted his eyes. Ginny also suddenly found the arm of her chair to be of great interest at that moment. Harry and Hermione exchanged glances, before speaking.
"Okay you two," Hermione started, looking back and forth between the two of them. "What is it you aren't telling us?"
"What do you mean?" Ron asked evenly.
"Ron stop," Harry said, "you acted very peculiar last time I talked about Marzia too. You obviously know something that we don't."
Ron met Harry's gaze but made no indication that he was going to respond. The four of them sat in tense silence, everyone waiting for someone else to speak.
Just as Harry was getting ready to try and prod Ron further, he gave an involuntarily shiver when Wormtail materialized in front of him.
"What are you doing?" Wormtail asked, not really sounding interested. Harry ignored him, wishing he would go away, and kept eye contact with Ron, even though he was now looking through Wormtail to do it.
"Fine don't answer me," Wormtail said indignantly, he turned to see what Harry was staring at so intently.
"Having an argument are we?" he asked Harry in a taunting voice while looking at the stubborn expression on Ron's face.
Harry wanted to scream at him to go away, to mind his own business, but since he was the only one who knew Wormtail was there he didn't say anything that would change the subject for the others.
"Want me to get him to talk?" Wormtail asked, with the same wicked grin he had worn in Snape's class. Harry finally broke eye contact with Ron, worried about what Wormtail might have in mind. Before he could say anything Wormtail reached out an arm and ran a finger down Ron's chest.
Ron gasped as the unexpected coldness hit him and Harry jumped up from his chair.
"Why did you do that?" he asked callously, looking at Wormtail. "You're getting a little too bold I think."
"Why did I do what?" Ron asked, breathing hard, "and what do you mean bold?"
"Is Wormtail here again?" Hermione asked, her face etched with concern.
"Yes," Harry hissed, not taking his eyes off of the ghost.
"You could've warned me!" Ron said loudly, sounding annoyed.
"I'm sorry," Harry said, looking away from Wormtail to meet Ron's eyes. "I didn't know he was going to do anything like that until it was too late."
"How long was he here then?" Ron asked.
"Only a few minutes."
"Can you please stop talking about me like I'm not here?" Wormtail spoke up loudly in an irritated tone. Harry gave him a disgusted look.
"As far as I'm concerned that would be better," he replied curtly.
"I didn't hear you saying that when that dementor was after you," Wormtail said in a low voice. "And what about all the times I've tried to warn you."
"Now that you mention it," Harry began; ignoring the stares his friends were giving him, "I have something I want to ask you."
"You tried to warn me before I even knew you were around," Harry began, "for both the erumpent charging and that death eater, Gridman, during the opening feast. Dumbledore said you were somehow forced to do that, and you confirmed it. But then why didn't you warn me about the Dementors?"
Wormtail looked at him and shrugged.
"I wasn't there," he said casually.
"I thought you were always." Harry began.
"I don't spend every minute of the day in the same room with you, you know," Wormtail cut him off. "If I'm not around to see what's happening, I have no way to warn you."
"So where were you then?" Harry asked.
"Well here of course, in the school. Just not in the same room or hallway as you. It's not like we're connected at the hip, you know."
Harry shook his head, wondering why he hadn't thought of that before.
"Fine, so then what's with your sudden change in attitude?" he asked.
"What do you mean?" Wormtail asked, trying to sound innocent.
"You almost caused Gryffindor to lose fifty points today!" Harry exclaimed, then quickly lowered his voice as a few heads turned towards him. "Why did you pour ink on Snape? You knew he'd be furious and then you made it look as if I did it!"
Wormtail smiled, almost nostalgically, thinking about what he had done and Harry could tell he wasn't the least bit sorry for it.
"Just consider it, paying him back. I never did that to him when I went to school here. Always just went along with whatever Moony, Padfoot and Prongs were doing."
Harry glared at him viciously. He couldn't stand to hear Wormtail talk about Remus, Sirius and his father as if they were old friends.
"You can leave now," he said evenly.
Wormtail stopped smiling and looked at Harry, confused.
"Look I'm sorry if you got in trouble, you didn't actually end up losing points, did you?"
"I don't care about the points, just go."
"Well than what are you.?"
"Look, I said I don't care, will you leave? Please?" Harry asked in a strained voice. The longer Wormtail stood there the angrier Harry became. He couldn't think about it anymore.
Wormtail shrugged, nonchalantly.
"Fine."
Harry turned his back, not bothering to watch him disappear, and saw the bewildered faces of his friends.
"What did he say?" Ron asked, carefully.
Harry just shook his head.
"I don't want to talk about it right now, it wasn't anything important anyway. I think I'm heading to bed."
"Are you alright?" Hermione asked, concerned. "He obviously said something to upset you."
Harry smiled at her gratefully.
"I'll be fine, thanks Hermione." He turned to the others then. "Good night."
Harry turned and headed for the stairs, suddenly feeling very drained. He had, for the moment, forgotten his question to Ron from earlier.
Over the next few weeks, Harry heard nothing from Wormtail, which didn't bother him in the least. He told Ron, Hermione and Ginny what Wormtail had said that night and what had made him so upset. All he could hope was that Wormtail had found some way to get away from him, so they were no longer attached.
Classes went on as always, except potions. Gazten was once again filling in for Snape, which confirmed Harry's suspicions that Snape was not feeling as well as he tried to let on. But when he asked Sirius and Remus what was wrong with him, neither of them had an answer. All they could tell him for sure was that Gazten was taking care of him, but no one seemed to know what exactly was making him sick.
Hagrid was still gone each weekend, and Harry could get no information from anyone on his whereabouts. Dumbledore would just tell him he would get a chance to speak with Hagrid soon enough, but what he was doing was very important. He wanted very much to ask Hagrid about Gazten, but was unable to get to him alone.
To get his mind off of these things, Harry would immerse himself in quidditch practices. Showing the team new maneuvers four nights a week and Saturdays. Their first match was against Ravenclaw at the end of November. He wondered who would be taking Cho's place, and decided to try and find out who he'd be up against over the next few days.
Another thing he'd been worried about was having received no response from Cho at all since the last letter he'd sent her. It was the end of October and still nothing had arrived. He was getting ready to ask Marzia if there were a way she could check on Cho, make sure she was alright. But at the same time he had no idea how busy she really was with her new responsibilities. He didn't want to make her feel like he was pushing or anything. He decided to wait a few more days, if he'd heard nothing by then, he'd have to ask someone to check on her.
Halloween arrived at last and everyone was excited about the trip to Hogsmeade that was planned for the day. Su Chang and all the other Gryffindor third years were positively brimming with enthusiasm over their first trip to the wizarding town. Harry and Ron exchanged knowing glances, remembering how they had felt the first time they went to Hogsmeade, as they passed the eager group in the common room on their way to breakfast.
Harry and Ron entered the great hall and headed straight for the Gryffindor table where Hermione and Ginny were waiting for them. Harry had just taken his seat when he felt someone slide into the empty space next to him, and glanced over.
"Mel," he said, smiling. "What are you doing here?"
She returned the smile and flipped her hair over her shoulder.
"I know you don't want me over here too long," she began, looking at the glares she was receiving from many of the other Gryffindors before turning back to Harry, "but I was wondering, if it's alright with you, would you want to hang out in Hogsmeade today? It's okay if you don't."
"Of course it's alright with me," Harry said before she could continue. He chose to disregard the glare he felt Ron giving him from across the table.
"Great," Mel said, sounding somewhat relieved. I won't stay here too long then, see you in Hogsmeade!" She got up from her seat and headed back to the Slytherin table. Harry turned back to his plate and deliberately ignored the looks his friends were throwing him. Finally Ron couldn't keep quiet any longer.
"Why did you say yes to her?" he asked in a strained voice. Harry gave Ron a casual glance, before continuing with his breakfast. After a moment, he answered.
"Because she's a friend Ron, why would I say no?"
Ron looked at him with wide eyes.
"How about because she's a Slytherin?" he asked incredulously. "What if she's a spy?"
At this Harry had to meet Ron's gaze.
"Look at it this way, if she is a spy, which she isn't, what better way to find out then by spending time with her? Besides, what would she be spying on us for? I doubt she would do it for Draco, even if they are in the same house."
"How do you know she wouldn't?" Ginny asked; sounding faintly annoyed at the discussion. She cared about as much for Mel as Ron did.
Harry turned to face her.
"Because she doesn't like the way Draco seems to do things that puts their house in danger of losing points. She puts house points above most things, if I know anything about her, it's that."
After a moment of silence, Hermione finally spoke up.
"I guess you have to ask yourself, is that really the type of person you want as a friend?"
Harry stared at her for a long while before finally turning his attention back to his food. He had thought about this many times himself since the day he met Mel, but had no desire to bring it up whenever they talked. He really did enjoy her company and was determined not to let his friends ruin it for him. If they didn't like her, so be it.
The four of them ate the rest of their food with little conversation, and when the time came for all the students to meet in front of the school, they left the great hall together, in silence.
When they reached Hogsmeade Ron suggested they head to Zonko's joke shop first. Fred and George had asked him to check out all the new products, and to send an owl letting them know what they were up against this year. Harry had no doubt that whatever Zonko's had; Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes would easily surpass it. Fred and George were geniuses when it came to practical joking. Hermione and Ginny took one side of the store, while the boys took the other.
As they walked up and down the aisles, Ron turned to Harry.
"So have you heard from Cho yet?"
Harry looked knowingly at his friend. Ron only seemed to bring Cho up when Harry mentioned or talked to Mel.
"Not yet," he answered, trying to hide his concern.
Ron looked at him sharply and before he could speak Harry continued.
"I'm going to see what I can do to check on her if I haven't heard from her by the time this weekend is over." He deliberately didn't mention Marzia, deciding this was not the time or place for that discussion.
"My dad would be glad to help you there," Ron said, "he really likes Cho, I'm sure he'd be glad to stop down to her department to make sure everything's okay."
Harry smiled at him, feeling silly that he hadn't thought to ask Mr. Weasley.
"Thanks Ron."
The two of them walked around the rest of the store, Ron kept pointing out certain products and saying why it wasn't as good as one of Fred and George's. When he was satisfied that Zonko's didn't have anything much worth writing to his brother's about, the four friends left the store. As soon as Harry stepped through the door, he saw Mel walking by, and called out to her.
"There you are," she said, smiling as she walked over to them. "I was just about to head over to the Three Broomsticks, thought you might've gone there. I never would've thought to find you in Zonko's though."
"Why not?" Hermione asked.
"Well," she began looking at Hermione and then turning to Ron, "Don't your brother's own a joke shop in Diagon Alley? I would think you could get anything you wanted from them, probably for free too."
"How did you know that?" Ron asked suspiciously. Harry rolled his eyes.
"Um.well, the name of the place is Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes. I only know one family with the name Weasley, so I guess I just assumed." she trailed off, shrugging.
"You know," Harry spoke up before the silence became awkward, "the Three Broomsticks sounds like a good idea, I could go for a butterbeer, want one?"
Mel nodded.
"I'd love one." They both turned to look at the others.
"You guys coming?" Harry asked, hopefully. He really wanted his friends to like Mel.
Ron looked as if he was going to say something but Hermione spoke first.
"Let's go," she said pleasantly.
Harry smiled at her gratefully before turning with Mel and beginning the short walk up the street.
When they found an empty table near the back, Harry volunteered to go get the drinks. While he was a bit nervous about doing this, he hoped his friends would talk to Mel. Maybe they would realize she could be fun to hang out with.
When he finally had the tray with five butterbeers balanced precariously on it, he made his way back to their table. Ron was still looking glum about Mel's presence, as was Ginny. But Hermione was having what appeared to be a very pleasant conversation with her.
"Did I miss anything?" Harry asked as he set the tray down and took his seat. Mel and Hermione both looked up at him.
"Mel was just asking me about quidditch," Hermione said smiling. "And I was telling her how she picked the worst person in the world to ask."
Harry chuckled.
"You can say that again, Hermione usually leaves the room when Ron, Ginny and I talk about plays or maneuvers we want to try. What is it you wanted to know?"
Mel smiled.
"Oh nothing in particular," she said with a shrug. "So are you all set for the games this year? Got anything new in store for us?" she asked with a mischievous grin.
Before Harry could say anything Ron cut him off.
"Why do you want to know?" he asked guardedly.
Both Harry and Mel turned towards Ron.
"Like I said, no reason really. I just always notice your team coming up with more new techniques than any of the other houses. I was wondering if this year would be the same."
Ron still looked at her skeptically, but didn't say anything else. Harry turned back to Mel.
"So, were you ever interested in trying out for your house team?" he asked.
"Not especially, I'm more of a spectator myself. I like to fly, definitely. I'd love to try out your Firebolt sometime, if you wouldn't mind." she trailed off.
"Sure you can," Harry replied cheerfully, not catching the hurt look Ginny threw at him. Even though it was still Harry's broom, she considered it somewhat hers now. "Maybe sometime this weekend."
"Why on earth would you want to ride his broom?" came a voice to their left. Everyone turned to see Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle standing near the end of the table.
"What do you want, Malfoy?" Harry asked in an exasperated voice. It seemed there would never be a trip to Hogsmeade lacking a run in with these three.
"Just an answer to my question," he replied evenly, looking at Mel. Crabbe and Goyle were standing on either side of him, like obedient lap dogs.
"Why would I want to ride Harry's broom?" Mel asked sounding as if the answer should be obvious. "You can't tell me you don't want to ride a Firebolt, can you?"
"I have ridden one," Malfoy said snootily.
"Oh, you have one?" Mel asked, intrigued.
"Not yet," Malfoy replied, testily. "Potter here always seems to secure the newest brooms first though, which I think should be considered cheating. He isn't winning anything by skill, just a more expensive broom."
Harry opened his mouth to reply but Ron spoke first.
"You couldn't beat Harry to the snitch even if he were on a Shooting Star!" he spat at Malfoy.
"Isn't that the broom you always used?" Malfoy asked snidely, Crabbe and Goyle chuckling with him, as if on cue. "How ever did your family afford the one you're using now? I see they couldn't even get you the newest model."
Ron's face was beat red and Hermione and Ginny were both ready to grab hold if he were to go for Malfoy.
"Don't ever speak about my family again," he said in a low voice.
"Or you'll what?" Malfoy goaded, enjoying the reaction he was getting out of Ron.
"Is there something in particular you wanted?" Hermione asked, glaring daggers at Malfoy. "Because I don't recall any of us inviting you over here."
"When will you learn I don't speak to filth like you mudblood?" Draco hissed at her.
Ron was up from his seat at this, and Hermione was right there with him, holding him back. The term mudblood coming from Malfoy barely even fazed her anymore, but Ron would never cease to become infuriated by it. Ginny wasn't helping; she was staring at Malfoy in shock, seemingly wanting to see her brother do exactly what he obviously intended to. Harry had to get up and take a hold of Ron before he dragged Hermione, who wasn't giving up, along with him.
It was Mel who spoke first as all of this happened.
"I can't believe you just said that to her," she said, not bothering to hide the disgust in her voice.
Malfoy's smile faltered as his gaze shifted away from Ron. The others turned to look at her as well.
"Draco," she began stiffly, "I think you and your friends should leave. It's obvious nobody wants you here, and after hearing your last remark, I don't want you here either."
Malfoy's jaw dropped, not because he was asked to leave, but because it was a fellow Slytherin who had asked it. He quickly regained his composure, however, and now glared at Mel too.
"I don't know why you think it's such a crime that I hang out with Harry," she continued. "But I don't care what your opinion is, because it means nothing to me."
Mel turned away from Draco then, ignoring the hateful look he was giving her.
Harry was grinning widely at Mel as the five of them left the Three Broomsticks together. Malfoy, surprisingly, hadn't responded to her outburst, but instead muttered something under his breath as he walked away with Crabbe and Goyle. Mel didn't seem to care however; she shrugged it off as she walked with the others.
"I can't believe you did that," Ron spoke up as they stepped again into the sunlight.
"Well why wouldn't I?" Mel asked; sounding a little confused. "It was very wrong of him to say that."
"I'm not arguing with that," Ron said quickly. "I just didn't think.well, you know. You're in the same house." he trailed off.
Mel stopped walking and turned to face Ron, giving him a pointed look.
"That's right, we are. But that doesn't make us the same person."
Ron's cheeks flushed and he gave her an embarrassed smirk before averting his eyes.
"I know you're not the same person," he said in a low voice, looking at his hands.
Mel smiled at him.
"Do you? Could have fooled me." she trailed off, looking innocently up at the sky.
Ron sighed.
"Oh alright, I'm sorry. Really I am. I just have never met anyone who's a Slytherin and.well.not a git.
Mel tried to stifle a laugh.
"That was an apology?" she asked sardonically, then continued before Ron could say anything. "Look don't worry about it. Apology accepted. Now let's go do something while we've still got time here."
Harry had been watching the conversation with interest, and finally spoke up.
"Where to?" he asked, throwing Ron a smirk. Hermione was giving him an amused grin as well. Ginny, however, still seemed to be regarding Mel disdainfully.
"How about we check out the new quidditch supplies?" Mel asked looking at Harry.
"Sounds good to me," he replied cheerfully. "Let's go."
As they stepped through the doors into the quidditch shop, they saw a group of Ravenclaws, some of whom Harry recognized as members of the quidditch team. The only one he couldn't place was a young girl with strawberry-blonde hair, and was surprised when Mel called out to her.
"Hey Sara!"
The girl turned her head towards them and smiled.
"Mel! What are you doing here? Did you finally decide to try out for your quidditch team?"
Mel shook her head.
"No, just here to have a look around," she replied.
"You know you'd be better than that seeker they've got now, you're ten times better than him," Sara stated matter-of-factly.
Mel blushed, and shrugged.
"Well, my dad isn't rich enough to buy brooms for the entire team, what can I say?" She laughed to herself, before noticing the questioning look on Harry's face. Realizing she hadn't introduced anyone, she quickly turned to the others.
"Oh, sorry guys, this is my cousin, Sara Delix. She's the new Ravenclaw seeker," then she turned to Sara, "and these are my friends, Ron and Ginny Weasley, Hermione Granger, and Harry Potter."
"I know who they are," Sara replied with a smile, then she turned to Harry. "I have to admit, I'm a bit nervous that my first game as seeker is against you."
Harry tried to smile reassuringly at her.
"I know how unsettling the first game can be, I remember that feeling all too well," he replied. "But they picked you, didn't they? So just have some confidence in that, or you never would have made the team." He thought to himself how weird it felt telling a direct opponent to have confidence, but it felt like the right response.
Sara smiled at him appreciatively.
"So," Mel spoke up, looking at Sara. "Do they have anything good here? Anything worth buying?"
"Well nothing new," Sara replied. "But did you hear about the new model broom? It'll be out at the beginning of next year. They're bringing the Moontrimmer line back, it's called a Moontrimmer 800."
"Wow," Mel said, astonished, then turned to Harry. "I bet you'll be getting one of those the second it comes out, won't you?" she asked, jabbing him playfully in the ribs.
Harry was smiling, and began to tell her he already had one, when he heard his name called. He turned to see Sirius had just walked into the store, with Marzia. Harry's smile faltered when he saw the expressions on their faces. He could tell, something was wrong.
"What's going on?" Harry asked as Sirius strode up to the group. Marzia waited by the door, glancing out into the street tensely.
"We're leaving. All of the students are being gathered up now. Everyone has to get back to the school."
"But why?" Hermione asked. "Has something happened?"
Sirius glanced over at Marzia who was motioning for him to hurry before turning back to them.
"I really don't have time to explain, but we have to get you out of here," he said looking at Harry. He took one of his godson's arms and began walking towards the door, hastily. The other students in the store were being rounded up as well.
"Sirius," Harry started, "I'm not arguing with you, but can you at least tell me why we have to leave? Is someone here?"
But before Sirius could answer, an icy feeling began to engulf Harry. He stopped dead in his tracks.
"It's the dementors, isn't it?" he asked, already knowing the answer, even without hearing the voices of his parents, which he knew were sure to follow. He could now hear distant screaming, and dreaded stepping out the door to whatever sight awaited him.
"Yes," Sirius said grimly. "Which is why we have to get you out of here." He began to pull his godson forward again, but Harry didn't budge.
"We have to help them!" he said, motioning to the people outside. Many of them could be seen running in the streets now.
"Harry, all the students need to be brought back to the school. That is our first priority, you included."
"But the only way to beat a dementor is using the Patronus Charm! Remus told me not even fully trained wizards could master it easily, we don't know how many of them can protect themselves!" He looked at his godfather pleadingly. The dementors were only here because he was.
"You are going back to the school, and I'm not going to argue with you about it," Sirius said firmly.
Harry could tell by his godfather's eyes that arguing was useless. They left the store together and Harry spotted his friends a few feet ahead, with some people he didn't recognize, being escorted back towards the carriages that would take them to the school. Further past them, was a sight that caused his blood to run cold.
There were over a dozen dementors at the end of the street, close to the Shrieking Shack. They were fanning out through the crowd of scattering people, making there way to the platform that led to the carriages. Harry's stomach lurched as he noticed several bodies were already lying on the ground. He prayed none of them had received the kiss.
Harry grabbed his wand, but Sirius pulled him again towards the platform.
"We're not fighting today," he said. "Who knows if more are coming? We can't risk it and we'd stand a better chance at the school."
Harry was infuriated by what was happening, but was now beginning to feel weak, the dementors were getting closer and surely it was only a matter of minutes until he would hear his mother's cries.
As they stepped onto the platform, Harry looked down the street again, and gasped.
The dementors had cornered a group of students and the person who had been trying to escort them was on the ground. The number of dementors seemed to have doubled and the few people that could produce Patronuses had all but fled.
"Sirius!" he cried, pointing towards them. He tried to move off the platform to go help, but his godfather was having none of that.
"We can't let them." he began.
"We aren't going to," Sirius replied. He looked over at Marzia, who nodded once, before stepping off the platform and stalking towards the dementors.
Harry looked after her incredulously, unable to turn away as Sirius tugged on his arm. The other students were all in carriages now, so the two of them were the only ones left on the platform.
"Come on Harry," Sirius said.
"What is she going to do?" Harry asked anxiously. She had pulled out her wand and walked through the rushing crowd. "We're not going to just leave her, are we?"
"Of course not," Sirius said, sounding strained. It was obvious he wanted to physically pick up his godson and force him into a carriage at this point.
"Well then what." Harry began, but stopped abruptly. Marzia had reached the group, and had her wand trained on the dementors, but it wasn't a Patronus that came out of it.
Thin shadowy tendrils of what appeared to be black smoke slipped softly from the tip of Marzia's wand. Harry watched, frozen to the spot, as the smoke slowly weaved itself in between and around the four dementors, who had now all turned to face Marzia. One of them took a menacing step forward, making as if to grab her, and Harry sprung to life. He jumped off the platform, and lifted his wand, ready to shout the words to create his Patronus, when someone roughly grabbed from behind, pinning his arms to his sides.
Without thinking, he began to struggle, before he realized it was Sirius who had taken hold of him.
"Sirius!" he cried, feeling confused at his godfather and fearful for Marzia's life, "Marzia.the dementor will get her if we don't."
"No it won't!" Sirius cut him off, "Look!"
Harry turned, steeling himself for the worst, and was stunned to see Marzia still standing, untouched. The dementors were now trying to retreat, but they seemed to be unable. The black tendrils of smoke were now stretching, becoming longer, and moving faster; each time one would come in contact with a dementor, the dementor would pull away as if bitten.
Suddenly the sinister tendrils began swirling furiously, each one engulfing a dementor, moving so rapidly they looked like mini- tornadoes. Harry stood, gaping at the scene before him, feeling both amazed and horrified all at once. It was unlike anything he had ever witnessed. He didn't even notice as the students that had been trapped slipped around the nightmarish twisters, two of them carrying the person who had been escorting them to the carriages.
Suddenly, the twisters faded, vanishing into thin air, and what was left of the dementors that had been engulfed, slumped sickeningly to the ground. Marzia stood where she was, unmoving, breathing heavily. Ever so slowly, she lowered her wand, before turning back towards the platform and began walking.
"Harry, get to the carriages now," Sirius said, as he moved towards Marzia. As he reached her she collapsed forward into his arms, obviously completely drained of energy. Harry wanted very badly to find out what she had done, but knew he wasn't going to have any of his questions answered now. He glanced around at the town, surprised and relieved to see the other dementors were gone. The ground however, was littered with bodies, and all Harry could do was pray that none of them had been received the kiss.
"Harry," Sirius said as he came up beside him, carrying Marzia's limp form, "I told you to get to the carriages, they may be gone, but we're still not safe here, now please, don't make me ask you again."
Harry nodded, taking one last glance at Hogsmeade, and started towards the waiting carriages.
The carriage ride seemed to take forever. Harry had sat in the same one as Sirius and Marzia, but didn't say much during the trip. Sirius was looking at Marzia, his face etched with concern, and Harry couldn't blame him. Marzia was looking feverish, shivering slightly, as if she were cold, yet sweating as well. Her eyes were shut tightly and she would let out a soft moan every so often. Harry hoped very much that she wasn't in pain, and wanted to know what exactly she had done to the dementors, and ultimately, to herself.
"Will she be alright?" Harry asked very quietly.
Sirius looked up sharply, as if startled, but his expression softened instantly.
"I hope so.I think so, as long as we can get her back to the school quickly, everything should be okay."
"What did she do?" Harry almost whispered.
Sirius looked directly into Harry's eyes.
"She killed them," he said bluntly.
Harry stared at Marzia incredulously.
"But.how?" he managed to get out.
"I'm afraid you'll have to wait for that answer, because the only person who truly understands it, is her," Sirius replied, gesturing with his eyes to Marzia. She was lying back against Sirius' chest and he was cradling her in his arms, running a hand through her soft hair. Harry felt a great longing at that moment, seeing the love his godfather felt for this woman, whom he barely knew. He wanted to make her a part of his life, of their lives. The rest of the ride, he spent silently watching the two of them, hoping for everything to work out.
When the carriages arrived at the school, Sirius carefully lifted Marzia out, and gently carried her into the school. Harry followed close by him, wanting to know what was wrong with her, but when they went through the doors, Dumbledore was standing there with McGonagall, Flitwick, Sprout and Gazten. The headmaster nodded at Sirius who set off immediately in the direction of the hospital wing, before turning to the students.
"I know that the incident at Hogsmeade today was a horrible ordeal for any of you to have experienced. I'm sure you all have many questions, ones for which at this time; I have no answers. In light of today's events I'm going to ask that you all go back to your towers, until the heads of houses come to get you for dinner. I want no one to walk the school alone right now, no matter how important you believe your reason to be. Now," he said turning to the teachers. "Please take the students to their towers and meet me in my office."
The instructors nodded at him, then called for the students to form into groups, before setting off. Harry walked over to where the Gryffindors were standing, and found Ron, Hermione and Ginny. The four of them followed McGonagall through the hallways, while Harry explained quietly what he had seen.
By the time they had entered the common room Harry had finished telling his friends about Marzia. He could see it in their eyes that they were just as shocked as he felt about it.
"I don't understand it," Hermione said out loud when they were sitting in their usual corner, by this time the other students were accustomed to leaving it open for them. "She is a regular witch, right? Sirius would have told you if she were.something else?" she asked tentatively not wanting to insult Marzia.
"He didn't seem as surprised as I was, I can tell you that," Harry replied. He wanted more than anything, he thought ironically, to go to the hospital wing. If something was wrong with Marzia he wanted to know, or even if it wasn't, he wanted to be reassured that she was okay.
"Ron," he said, turning to his friend, "what do you know about Marzia?"
Ron's eyes widened as he met Harry's gaze.
"I can't." he began, then stopped. He seemed to be considering what he was about to say.
Harry waited, trying to appear patient, but he needed to know, and he felt if Ron would ever tell him what was bothering him about Marzia, this would be that time.
"Harry," Ron spoke at last, "over the summer, like I mentioned, my father was often in touch with Marzia because of Sirius' trial. Once or twice she even stopped by the house."
Harry nodded, urging him to continue.
Ron took a deep breath.
"Well, I know this is going to sound silly," he began, "but."
A very loud tapping sound at the window caused him to stop abruptly and look up. Harry turned towards it as well, suppressing the annoyance he felt at having been disturbed. Ginny had already jumped up as they all saw it was an owl with a letter tied to its leg, and opened the window.
It flew the short distance to where Harry was sitting and landed, gently on his knee. Harry looked at it, with some confusion, before untying the letter from its leg. He pulled a few knuts out of his moneybag, which he still had with him from Hogsmeade, and dropped them into the small pouch that was fastened to the bird. It squawked once, before jumping up in a flutter of wings, and headed out the way it had come.
Harry barely paid attention to this however, as he'd immediately recognized the handwriting on the envelope to be Cho's. He tore it open carefully and quickly read the contents of the letter. He stood up as he got to the end of the letter, and his stomach twisted violently as his eyes swept over the top right hand corner of the paper. He looked up at his friends, all waiting expectantly for him to finish.
"I need to go see Dumbledore," he said urgently, "right now."
"What's wrong?" Hermione asked fearfully.
Harry looked at her than back to the hastily written letter. It was obvious by the messy scrawl that resembled Cho's usually neat writing; she had been in a hurry to get this out.
He handed the letter to Hermione who read it aloud as Harry began pacing, anxiously.
Voldemort has taken control of Azkaban. The dementors have sided with him. He plans on sending them to Hogwart's, but I don't know when. Don't reply to this, I have to leave the ministry and I'm not sure where I'm going. When I can, I'll send you an owl. Be careful Harry. Stay safe. I love you.
Cho
Hermione looked up as she finished reading, appearing as apprehensive as Harry felt.
"She tried to warn you." she began.
"Too bad she didn't find out sooner," Ron cut in.
"That's just it," Harry began, "she's known for a while. Did you see the date?"
Hermione nodded miserably as she held out the letter to Ron. Ginny came up behind him and they both looked at the top right corner of the letter. Their eyes widened in horror.
"She's known since the middle of September?" Ron asked incredulously. "Why did it take so long for this letter to get here?"
"I have no idea, but that one was written right after I received her first letter," Harry replied. I don't know if she ever got my second letter, but I'm sure Hedwig would never have given it to anyone else. That's why I have to see Dumbledore. He needs to know that the ministry is lying to us, and I need to find Cho." he trailed off. If anything happened to her because of him, he didn't think he could bear it. With great effort he suppressed the feeling of panic threatening to consume him, he would be no help to anyone if he let himself fall apart.
"Well what are we waiting for?" Ron asked standing up. "Let's go."
"Thanks Ron," Harry said, then started to turn towards the portrait hole.
"Harry," Hermione called out before he could take a step. He gave her a questioning look.
After a moment of seemingly considering what to say, she spoke.
"Just be careful okay? Both of you. There are too many strange things happening here right now for me to believe any of us are entirely safe."
"I promise," Harry said trying to give her a reassuring smile.
"Don't worry Hermione," Ron put in. "We'll be fine. If Dumbledore isn't in his office, we'll come straight back and wait."
Hermione nodded, still looking quite worried, but didn't say anything more.
As they stepped through and shut the portrait behind them, they began the familiar walk to the headmaster's office. Harry turned to Ron.
"If he isn't in his office, you know, I have no intention of giving up. I need to speak with him tonight."
Ron nodded.
"I figured that. I only told Hermione we wouldn't continue so she doesn't worry. Besides, after the attack on Hogsmeade.well, I don't think they'd try anything so soon."
He stopped speaking abruptly as a shadowy figure stepped out in front of them, blocking their path.
"Percy!" the two of them said in unison as he took a step towards them. He was standing no more then five feet away.
"Harry, Ron. I'm glad I've found you," Percy said, sounding as if he were addressing old friends.
"Did you need us for something?" Ron asked cautiously, though Harry could see the hopeful look in his eyes. He knew how much his friend wanted his old brother back.
"Indeed I do," Percy said smiling widely. "I have something that I believe will be of great interest to you in my quarters. If you'll just come with me."
"What is it?" Harry interrupted. He was not in any particular rush to follow Percy anywhere, time was wasting and he needed to find Dumbledore.
Percy took another step towards them and Harry slipped his hand into his pocket, gripping his wand tightly. He didn't take it out yet, but waited to see what Percy would do next. A part of him felt horrible for being so untrusting of someone he once considered a friend, but this feeling eased slightly when he noticed Ron had done the same thing.
"I have news.about Cho," Percy said carefully, also having noticed what they had just done.
"She sent you an owl?" Harry asked both confused and hopeful.
"Well yes," Percy replied, sounding somewhat haughty, "we're friends you know."
"She mentioned that you paid her a visit," Harry said, "and that you asked about me." He took a breath and waited for the response.
"I had to make sure you were alright, didn't I?" Percy asked, full of concern. "What better way to do that than to ask your girlfriend. At that time I didn't know I'd be sent here."
"The last time we spoke, you didn't give me the impression you were here to look out for me," Harry replied evenly.
"I admit I might have overreacted a bit," Percy said with a dismissive wave of his hand. "But that was before. Now I'm thinking clearly, better than ever before in my life." He trailed off, gazing at something neither Harry nor Ron could see. The two of them exchanged a worried look before Ron spoke.
"What are you on about?" he asked sounding quite confused.
Percy's smile faltered as Ron's question snapped him out of his thoughts. He looked at his younger brother with an annoyed expression on his face, then raised his wand.
Harry and Ron both pulled their wands out, but their reactions weren't fast enough.
"Petrificus Totalis," Percy said evenly. The spell hit its mark and Ron immediately stiffened up. His legs clamped together and his arms were pinned to his sides. No longer able to keep his balance, he fell to the stone floor, hard.
Harry, not wanting to hurt Percy, lifted his own wand towards him.
"Stupefy!" he cried.
The beam of light that left the tip of his wand hit Percy squarely on the chest. But instead of causing him to lose consciousness, it fizzled violently and faded out. Harry's jaw dropped as Percy seemed to gain energy from the spell. He grinned wickedly at Harry before raising his wand yet again.
"Expelliarmus!" Percy shouted and Harry felt his wand ripped from his grasp. It flew to Percy's waiting hand and he shoved it roughly into his robes. Harry was still shocked that his spell hadn't worked; he had no choice now but to do as Percy asked.
He watched as Ron's stiff form was lifted hastily into the air by his older brother. Percy then turned again to Harry.
"Let's be on our way Mr. Potter, I have some questions for you," he said. He was speaking to Harry as pleasantly as he would if he were asking someone to tea. "This way please." He gestured for Harry to move ahead of him, and directed him where to turn. Harry walked in silence, trying to think of a way out of this. Was it just that one spell that wouldn't affect Percy, or would nothing work? Should he bother with trying to get his wand back, or just get him and Ron out of there?
They stopped at last in front of a door Harry had never been through. It led to several sets of guest quarters. Percy led them through several rooms until they were in the last one. He obviously didn't want to be disturbed, Harry thought.
"Sit," Percy spat at Harry, all pretense of being friendly with him gone. Harry watched him set Ron down on the bed as he slowly lowered himself into the closest chair. It was very large and had great oversized arms.
After reaching into Ron's pocket and pulling out his wand, Percy came over to where Harry was seated and sat down across from him.
"Percy," Harry began immediately, "let Ron go. I promise I'll stay and answer anything you want me to."
"No. I'm afraid that won't work," Percy said matter-of-factly. "If I do that, he'll be sure to bring some people here that I just don't want to see right now. No interruptions."
"But."
"NO!" Percy screamed, silencing Harry. His eyes looked wild all of a sudden and Harry didn't make a sound, not sure what the reaction would be. He could see, now that they were in a lit room instead of a dark hallway, that Percy was sweating profusely, and his eyes were darting every which way at once.
After a moment, he seemed to regain his composure and looked at Harry again.
"Who is it?" he asked. "It's Cho, isn't it?"
"What do you mean?" Harry asked carefully.
"Don't pretend you don't know!" Percy screamed standing up.
Harry gripped the arms of the chair, looking around for anything he might be able to use that could help him.
"I'm not pretending anything Percy," he continued. "If you'd just explain."
"LIAR!" Percy screamed, completely infuriated. He spun around and seeing a shelf full of bottles on the wall, he began to rummage violently through them. He would pick up one, read the label, then slam it into the wall, becoming more enraged with each one, smashing them so hard the wall would shake. Harry tried not to flinch each time the glass would shatter and could see by the bloodstains on the wall, that Percy's hands were being shredded. When the shelf was empty, he spun back around, eyes wide and wild.
Harry waited, tensely, for whatever Percy was going to do next. He couldn't understand where the anger was coming from, and wanted to help him. Percy looked around the room, before settling his gaze on Harry once more. He raised his wand, blood freely running down it from the gashes in his hand, and Harry held his breath, not knowing what to expect.
Percy didn't say anything however, just waved his wand once, and a second later, Harry felt thin ropes coiling themselves around his wrists.
"Percy! What are you doing?" Harry asked despairingly, trying to pull away, but it was too late, his arms were tied tightly to the chair. The cords continued winding themselves around him as he struggled, until all he could move were his legs.
"I have to get something, it's a shame we had to do this the hard way," Percy said as he walked past Harry to where Ron was still lying on the bed. Harry could see the hurt look in his friend's eyes from his brother's betrayal, but Percy ignored it. He raised his wand again, releasing him from the body bind and tying him up.
"Don't want the spell wearing off while I'm gone now do I?" he said as he stepped away from his brother.
"Percy stop this!" Ron shouted now able to speak again. "Please just tell me what's going on!"
Percy turned to look at his brother, and walked over to him quickly.
"I almost forgot," he said absently, going into the draw next to the bed and pulling out a long cloth. He shoved it in Ron's mouth.
"Don't want you to get anyone's attention while I'm gone either."
Harry watched hopelessly, as Percy pulled another cloth out, and headed over to him. He couldn't turn away as the rag was shoved halfway down his throat and tied so roughly behind his head that Harry winced.
"Behave boys, I'll be back shortly," he said like a parent would to a child, before heading for the door. He closed it quietly behind him and they both heard the sound of a lock turning, before they were completely alone.
"Percy," he said trying to sound happy to see him, "what are you doing down here?"
Percy was standing in the shadows a few feet from the entrance to the potions classroom. Harry wouldn't even have known it was him if he hadn't heard him, it was almost as if he'd been hiding.
"I can go where I please," Percy said snidely, "I'm here on ministry business and therefore must have access to all areas of the school."
"What business?" Harry asked, unable to resist.
Percy glared at him and smirked.
"I am not at liberty to say anything, especially to you."
Harry knew Percy was enjoying keeping his secrets; he always enjoyed flaunting it when he had information he knew you wanted. Harry remembered in his fourth year, when Percy had hinted the whole summer about knowing something was planned, something which later turned out to be the Tri-Wizard Tournament.
"So you didn't answer my question," Percy continued, "why were you talking to Snape?"
"I just had a few questions on an assignment," Harry lied, not sure why Percy even cared.
"He's not feeling too well, is he?" Percy asked, sounding more curious then concerned.
"He seems fine," Harry lied again. He had also been wondering why Snape looked so burnt out; and would have sworn he had a fever at the very least. If he was really still too sick, he definitely shouldn't be teaching again yet. But he supposed Snape, much like himself, didn't fancy long stays in the hospital wing either.
"So you didn't tell him anything then?" Percy asked.
"Tell him anything? About what?" Harry asked, truly confused.
Percy's brow furrowed in anger, and his eyes flashed dangerously.
"Don't pretend you have no idea what I'm talking about!" he screamed, causing Harry to take a step back. A few moments ago he had seemed irritated, and now he was furious.
"Look.Percy.I really don't know what you're talking about." he stammered. "I don't have much time right now either, my next class."
"You're not going anywhere until you answer me," Percy cut him off in a menacing tone, and began moving towards him.
Harry fought the urge to turn and run. Even if Percy were angry with him, surely he wouldn't do anything to him, right? Looking around quickly, he was trying to come to a decision when Snape poked his head out of the classroom.
"What is going on out here? Potter! What's all the screaming about?"
Harry opened his mouth to answer Snape when Percy spoke first.
"Harry and I were having a little talk, I was simply asking him a question," he said in a strained voice. Snape raised an eyebrow at Percy, apparently just as shocked as Harry by his behavior.
"Well you don't have to have your discussion so loudly, do you?" Snape asked icily.
"Fine, I'll just take Mr. Potter elsewhere and we can continue our talk where you won't be disturbed."
"Percy I have class soon, really I." Harry started, not wanting to be anywhere alone with him right then.
Percy whirled on him.
"You will answer any questions I have for you!" he said loudly.
Harry looked to Snape for help, praying that he would catch on.
"Mr. Weasley," Snape said in an authoritative tone, "whatever questions you have will have to wait, unless you can prove they are of more importance than Mr. Potter's schooling, I will not allow him to be late for his next class."
Percy looked upon Snape with such fury that Harry wouldn't have been surprised if he tried to hit him. The potions master, admirably, did not even flinch. Despite the fact that he looked like he may collapse if the breeze was too strong. Then, as if suddenly coming out of a trance, Percy seemed to regain his composure.
"Very well Mr. Potter," he said sounding pompous once again, "I will speak with you another time."
He nodded quickly, before setting off down the hall at a quick pace. Harry looked at Snape who was leaning up against the doorframe now.
"Thank you," he said sincerely.
Snape just nodded at him.
"Get to class Mr. Potter."
Harry hesitated for a moment, wanting to ask Snape if he was really okay, then decided it would be best to just try and find out from Sirius or Remus. He slung his bag over his shoulder, and began the walk to his next class.
"Okay Harry," Ron said as they sat in their usual corner in the common room after dinner that evening. "You promised you'd tell us what happened in your talk with Snape earlier today when dinner was over, so please, do tell."
"It's not so much what I talked to Snape about, it's what happened after I left the classroom that I wanted to talk to you about," Harry replied. He looked at their questioning faces before starting. He told them how he had to explain the situation with Wormtail to Snape, as he had not been made aware of it, and how Snape believed him and even said the points would be given back to Gryffindor since what happened wasn't Harry's fault.
"I can't believe he actually said that," Ginny interrupted, sounding amused.
"Something's definitely up with him," Harry said, then looked at Ron and Hermione, "didn't you guys think he seemed a bit.ill, when he returned after the ink episode?"
"I think he left the hospital wing a bit early," Hermione said nodding. Ron just shrugged before replying.
"He looked tired, yeah."
"Well, I think something's still wrong with him," Harry said. He went on to explain the rest of his talk with Snape and what had happened when he asked if he was feeling alright. He paused before telling them about Percy, but decided it would be better for them to hear what happened.
Ron, as Harry had expected, seemed most upset by this. Ginny and Hermione seemed shocked as well.
"I'm just glad Snape caught on that I didn't want to go with Percy when he came out of the classroom," Harry said after an awkward silence.
"Do you think he was asking you about Lunis?" Hermione asked, throwing a cautious look at Ron. She didn't want him to be angry with her for suggesting Percy was doing anything other than ministry business. But Ron didn't even look up.
"I really don't know," Harry admitted. "I don't know why he would care, or how he would even know about it. I'm sure Dumbledore wouldn't go telling him about it and I don't think anyone at the ministry even knows."
"Except Cho," Ron said quietly.
"I thought of that," Harry said. "I'm not sure if she would've mentioned anything to anyone. I asked her not to in my last letter." he trailed off, again worrying about not having received a response from her yet. He knew she must've received it as Hedwig had returned, but it was very unusual for her to not send anything back.
"Maybe," he began, "I'll ask Marzia about it. She may know if Thurston, or anyone else at the ministry, knows about Lunis."
Ron looked up sharply when Harry said this, then quickly averted his eyes. Ginny also suddenly found the arm of her chair to be of great interest at that moment. Harry and Hermione exchanged glances, before speaking.
"Okay you two," Hermione started, looking back and forth between the two of them. "What is it you aren't telling us?"
"What do you mean?" Ron asked evenly.
"Ron stop," Harry said, "you acted very peculiar last time I talked about Marzia too. You obviously know something that we don't."
Ron met Harry's gaze but made no indication that he was going to respond. The four of them sat in tense silence, everyone waiting for someone else to speak.
Just as Harry was getting ready to try and prod Ron further, he gave an involuntarily shiver when Wormtail materialized in front of him.
"What are you doing?" Wormtail asked, not really sounding interested. Harry ignored him, wishing he would go away, and kept eye contact with Ron, even though he was now looking through Wormtail to do it.
"Fine don't answer me," Wormtail said indignantly, he turned to see what Harry was staring at so intently.
"Having an argument are we?" he asked Harry in a taunting voice while looking at the stubborn expression on Ron's face.
Harry wanted to scream at him to go away, to mind his own business, but since he was the only one who knew Wormtail was there he didn't say anything that would change the subject for the others.
"Want me to get him to talk?" Wormtail asked, with the same wicked grin he had worn in Snape's class. Harry finally broke eye contact with Ron, worried about what Wormtail might have in mind. Before he could say anything Wormtail reached out an arm and ran a finger down Ron's chest.
Ron gasped as the unexpected coldness hit him and Harry jumped up from his chair.
"Why did you do that?" he asked callously, looking at Wormtail. "You're getting a little too bold I think."
"Why did I do what?" Ron asked, breathing hard, "and what do you mean bold?"
"Is Wormtail here again?" Hermione asked, her face etched with concern.
"Yes," Harry hissed, not taking his eyes off of the ghost.
"You could've warned me!" Ron said loudly, sounding annoyed.
"I'm sorry," Harry said, looking away from Wormtail to meet Ron's eyes. "I didn't know he was going to do anything like that until it was too late."
"How long was he here then?" Ron asked.
"Only a few minutes."
"Can you please stop talking about me like I'm not here?" Wormtail spoke up loudly in an irritated tone. Harry gave him a disgusted look.
"As far as I'm concerned that would be better," he replied curtly.
"I didn't hear you saying that when that dementor was after you," Wormtail said in a low voice. "And what about all the times I've tried to warn you."
"Now that you mention it," Harry began; ignoring the stares his friends were giving him, "I have something I want to ask you."
"You tried to warn me before I even knew you were around," Harry began, "for both the erumpent charging and that death eater, Gridman, during the opening feast. Dumbledore said you were somehow forced to do that, and you confirmed it. But then why didn't you warn me about the Dementors?"
Wormtail looked at him and shrugged.
"I wasn't there," he said casually.
"I thought you were always." Harry began.
"I don't spend every minute of the day in the same room with you, you know," Wormtail cut him off. "If I'm not around to see what's happening, I have no way to warn you."
"So where were you then?" Harry asked.
"Well here of course, in the school. Just not in the same room or hallway as you. It's not like we're connected at the hip, you know."
Harry shook his head, wondering why he hadn't thought of that before.
"Fine, so then what's with your sudden change in attitude?" he asked.
"What do you mean?" Wormtail asked, trying to sound innocent.
"You almost caused Gryffindor to lose fifty points today!" Harry exclaimed, then quickly lowered his voice as a few heads turned towards him. "Why did you pour ink on Snape? You knew he'd be furious and then you made it look as if I did it!"
Wormtail smiled, almost nostalgically, thinking about what he had done and Harry could tell he wasn't the least bit sorry for it.
"Just consider it, paying him back. I never did that to him when I went to school here. Always just went along with whatever Moony, Padfoot and Prongs were doing."
Harry glared at him viciously. He couldn't stand to hear Wormtail talk about Remus, Sirius and his father as if they were old friends.
"You can leave now," he said evenly.
Wormtail stopped smiling and looked at Harry, confused.
"Look I'm sorry if you got in trouble, you didn't actually end up losing points, did you?"
"I don't care about the points, just go."
"Well than what are you.?"
"Look, I said I don't care, will you leave? Please?" Harry asked in a strained voice. The longer Wormtail stood there the angrier Harry became. He couldn't think about it anymore.
Wormtail shrugged, nonchalantly.
"Fine."
Harry turned his back, not bothering to watch him disappear, and saw the bewildered faces of his friends.
"What did he say?" Ron asked, carefully.
Harry just shook his head.
"I don't want to talk about it right now, it wasn't anything important anyway. I think I'm heading to bed."
"Are you alright?" Hermione asked, concerned. "He obviously said something to upset you."
Harry smiled at her gratefully.
"I'll be fine, thanks Hermione." He turned to the others then. "Good night."
Harry turned and headed for the stairs, suddenly feeling very drained. He had, for the moment, forgotten his question to Ron from earlier.
Over the next few weeks, Harry heard nothing from Wormtail, which didn't bother him in the least. He told Ron, Hermione and Ginny what Wormtail had said that night and what had made him so upset. All he could hope was that Wormtail had found some way to get away from him, so they were no longer attached.
Classes went on as always, except potions. Gazten was once again filling in for Snape, which confirmed Harry's suspicions that Snape was not feeling as well as he tried to let on. But when he asked Sirius and Remus what was wrong with him, neither of them had an answer. All they could tell him for sure was that Gazten was taking care of him, but no one seemed to know what exactly was making him sick.
Hagrid was still gone each weekend, and Harry could get no information from anyone on his whereabouts. Dumbledore would just tell him he would get a chance to speak with Hagrid soon enough, but what he was doing was very important. He wanted very much to ask Hagrid about Gazten, but was unable to get to him alone.
To get his mind off of these things, Harry would immerse himself in quidditch practices. Showing the team new maneuvers four nights a week and Saturdays. Their first match was against Ravenclaw at the end of November. He wondered who would be taking Cho's place, and decided to try and find out who he'd be up against over the next few days.
Another thing he'd been worried about was having received no response from Cho at all since the last letter he'd sent her. It was the end of October and still nothing had arrived. He was getting ready to ask Marzia if there were a way she could check on Cho, make sure she was alright. But at the same time he had no idea how busy she really was with her new responsibilities. He didn't want to make her feel like he was pushing or anything. He decided to wait a few more days, if he'd heard nothing by then, he'd have to ask someone to check on her.
Halloween arrived at last and everyone was excited about the trip to Hogsmeade that was planned for the day. Su Chang and all the other Gryffindor third years were positively brimming with enthusiasm over their first trip to the wizarding town. Harry and Ron exchanged knowing glances, remembering how they had felt the first time they went to Hogsmeade, as they passed the eager group in the common room on their way to breakfast.
Harry and Ron entered the great hall and headed straight for the Gryffindor table where Hermione and Ginny were waiting for them. Harry had just taken his seat when he felt someone slide into the empty space next to him, and glanced over.
"Mel," he said, smiling. "What are you doing here?"
She returned the smile and flipped her hair over her shoulder.
"I know you don't want me over here too long," she began, looking at the glares she was receiving from many of the other Gryffindors before turning back to Harry, "but I was wondering, if it's alright with you, would you want to hang out in Hogsmeade today? It's okay if you don't."
"Of course it's alright with me," Harry said before she could continue. He chose to disregard the glare he felt Ron giving him from across the table.
"Great," Mel said, sounding somewhat relieved. I won't stay here too long then, see you in Hogsmeade!" She got up from her seat and headed back to the Slytherin table. Harry turned back to his plate and deliberately ignored the looks his friends were throwing him. Finally Ron couldn't keep quiet any longer.
"Why did you say yes to her?" he asked in a strained voice. Harry gave Ron a casual glance, before continuing with his breakfast. After a moment, he answered.
"Because she's a friend Ron, why would I say no?"
Ron looked at him with wide eyes.
"How about because she's a Slytherin?" he asked incredulously. "What if she's a spy?"
At this Harry had to meet Ron's gaze.
"Look at it this way, if she is a spy, which she isn't, what better way to find out then by spending time with her? Besides, what would she be spying on us for? I doubt she would do it for Draco, even if they are in the same house."
"How do you know she wouldn't?" Ginny asked; sounding faintly annoyed at the discussion. She cared about as much for Mel as Ron did.
Harry turned to face her.
"Because she doesn't like the way Draco seems to do things that puts their house in danger of losing points. She puts house points above most things, if I know anything about her, it's that."
After a moment of silence, Hermione finally spoke up.
"I guess you have to ask yourself, is that really the type of person you want as a friend?"
Harry stared at her for a long while before finally turning his attention back to his food. He had thought about this many times himself since the day he met Mel, but had no desire to bring it up whenever they talked. He really did enjoy her company and was determined not to let his friends ruin it for him. If they didn't like her, so be it.
The four of them ate the rest of their food with little conversation, and when the time came for all the students to meet in front of the school, they left the great hall together, in silence.
When they reached Hogsmeade Ron suggested they head to Zonko's joke shop first. Fred and George had asked him to check out all the new products, and to send an owl letting them know what they were up against this year. Harry had no doubt that whatever Zonko's had; Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes would easily surpass it. Fred and George were geniuses when it came to practical joking. Hermione and Ginny took one side of the store, while the boys took the other.
As they walked up and down the aisles, Ron turned to Harry.
"So have you heard from Cho yet?"
Harry looked knowingly at his friend. Ron only seemed to bring Cho up when Harry mentioned or talked to Mel.
"Not yet," he answered, trying to hide his concern.
Ron looked at him sharply and before he could speak Harry continued.
"I'm going to see what I can do to check on her if I haven't heard from her by the time this weekend is over." He deliberately didn't mention Marzia, deciding this was not the time or place for that discussion.
"My dad would be glad to help you there," Ron said, "he really likes Cho, I'm sure he'd be glad to stop down to her department to make sure everything's okay."
Harry smiled at him, feeling silly that he hadn't thought to ask Mr. Weasley.
"Thanks Ron."
The two of them walked around the rest of the store, Ron kept pointing out certain products and saying why it wasn't as good as one of Fred and George's. When he was satisfied that Zonko's didn't have anything much worth writing to his brother's about, the four friends left the store. As soon as Harry stepped through the door, he saw Mel walking by, and called out to her.
"There you are," she said, smiling as she walked over to them. "I was just about to head over to the Three Broomsticks, thought you might've gone there. I never would've thought to find you in Zonko's though."
"Why not?" Hermione asked.
"Well," she began looking at Hermione and then turning to Ron, "Don't your brother's own a joke shop in Diagon Alley? I would think you could get anything you wanted from them, probably for free too."
"How did you know that?" Ron asked suspiciously. Harry rolled his eyes.
"Um.well, the name of the place is Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes. I only know one family with the name Weasley, so I guess I just assumed." she trailed off, shrugging.
"You know," Harry spoke up before the silence became awkward, "the Three Broomsticks sounds like a good idea, I could go for a butterbeer, want one?"
Mel nodded.
"I'd love one." They both turned to look at the others.
"You guys coming?" Harry asked, hopefully. He really wanted his friends to like Mel.
Ron looked as if he was going to say something but Hermione spoke first.
"Let's go," she said pleasantly.
Harry smiled at her gratefully before turning with Mel and beginning the short walk up the street.
When they found an empty table near the back, Harry volunteered to go get the drinks. While he was a bit nervous about doing this, he hoped his friends would talk to Mel. Maybe they would realize she could be fun to hang out with.
When he finally had the tray with five butterbeers balanced precariously on it, he made his way back to their table. Ron was still looking glum about Mel's presence, as was Ginny. But Hermione was having what appeared to be a very pleasant conversation with her.
"Did I miss anything?" Harry asked as he set the tray down and took his seat. Mel and Hermione both looked up at him.
"Mel was just asking me about quidditch," Hermione said smiling. "And I was telling her how she picked the worst person in the world to ask."
Harry chuckled.
"You can say that again, Hermione usually leaves the room when Ron, Ginny and I talk about plays or maneuvers we want to try. What is it you wanted to know?"
Mel smiled.
"Oh nothing in particular," she said with a shrug. "So are you all set for the games this year? Got anything new in store for us?" she asked with a mischievous grin.
Before Harry could say anything Ron cut him off.
"Why do you want to know?" he asked guardedly.
Both Harry and Mel turned towards Ron.
"Like I said, no reason really. I just always notice your team coming up with more new techniques than any of the other houses. I was wondering if this year would be the same."
Ron still looked at her skeptically, but didn't say anything else. Harry turned back to Mel.
"So, were you ever interested in trying out for your house team?" he asked.
"Not especially, I'm more of a spectator myself. I like to fly, definitely. I'd love to try out your Firebolt sometime, if you wouldn't mind." she trailed off.
"Sure you can," Harry replied cheerfully, not catching the hurt look Ginny threw at him. Even though it was still Harry's broom, she considered it somewhat hers now. "Maybe sometime this weekend."
"Why on earth would you want to ride his broom?" came a voice to their left. Everyone turned to see Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle standing near the end of the table.
"What do you want, Malfoy?" Harry asked in an exasperated voice. It seemed there would never be a trip to Hogsmeade lacking a run in with these three.
"Just an answer to my question," he replied evenly, looking at Mel. Crabbe and Goyle were standing on either side of him, like obedient lap dogs.
"Why would I want to ride Harry's broom?" Mel asked sounding as if the answer should be obvious. "You can't tell me you don't want to ride a Firebolt, can you?"
"I have ridden one," Malfoy said snootily.
"Oh, you have one?" Mel asked, intrigued.
"Not yet," Malfoy replied, testily. "Potter here always seems to secure the newest brooms first though, which I think should be considered cheating. He isn't winning anything by skill, just a more expensive broom."
Harry opened his mouth to reply but Ron spoke first.
"You couldn't beat Harry to the snitch even if he were on a Shooting Star!" he spat at Malfoy.
"Isn't that the broom you always used?" Malfoy asked snidely, Crabbe and Goyle chuckling with him, as if on cue. "How ever did your family afford the one you're using now? I see they couldn't even get you the newest model."
Ron's face was beat red and Hermione and Ginny were both ready to grab hold if he were to go for Malfoy.
"Don't ever speak about my family again," he said in a low voice.
"Or you'll what?" Malfoy goaded, enjoying the reaction he was getting out of Ron.
"Is there something in particular you wanted?" Hermione asked, glaring daggers at Malfoy. "Because I don't recall any of us inviting you over here."
"When will you learn I don't speak to filth like you mudblood?" Draco hissed at her.
Ron was up from his seat at this, and Hermione was right there with him, holding him back. The term mudblood coming from Malfoy barely even fazed her anymore, but Ron would never cease to become infuriated by it. Ginny wasn't helping; she was staring at Malfoy in shock, seemingly wanting to see her brother do exactly what he obviously intended to. Harry had to get up and take a hold of Ron before he dragged Hermione, who wasn't giving up, along with him.
It was Mel who spoke first as all of this happened.
"I can't believe you just said that to her," she said, not bothering to hide the disgust in her voice.
Malfoy's smile faltered as his gaze shifted away from Ron. The others turned to look at her as well.
"Draco," she began stiffly, "I think you and your friends should leave. It's obvious nobody wants you here, and after hearing your last remark, I don't want you here either."
Malfoy's jaw dropped, not because he was asked to leave, but because it was a fellow Slytherin who had asked it. He quickly regained his composure, however, and now glared at Mel too.
"I don't know why you think it's such a crime that I hang out with Harry," she continued. "But I don't care what your opinion is, because it means nothing to me."
Mel turned away from Draco then, ignoring the hateful look he was giving her.
Harry was grinning widely at Mel as the five of them left the Three Broomsticks together. Malfoy, surprisingly, hadn't responded to her outburst, but instead muttered something under his breath as he walked away with Crabbe and Goyle. Mel didn't seem to care however; she shrugged it off as she walked with the others.
"I can't believe you did that," Ron spoke up as they stepped again into the sunlight.
"Well why wouldn't I?" Mel asked; sounding a little confused. "It was very wrong of him to say that."
"I'm not arguing with that," Ron said quickly. "I just didn't think.well, you know. You're in the same house." he trailed off.
Mel stopped walking and turned to face Ron, giving him a pointed look.
"That's right, we are. But that doesn't make us the same person."
Ron's cheeks flushed and he gave her an embarrassed smirk before averting his eyes.
"I know you're not the same person," he said in a low voice, looking at his hands.
Mel smiled at him.
"Do you? Could have fooled me." she trailed off, looking innocently up at the sky.
Ron sighed.
"Oh alright, I'm sorry. Really I am. I just have never met anyone who's a Slytherin and.well.not a git.
Mel tried to stifle a laugh.
"That was an apology?" she asked sardonically, then continued before Ron could say anything. "Look don't worry about it. Apology accepted. Now let's go do something while we've still got time here."
Harry had been watching the conversation with interest, and finally spoke up.
"Where to?" he asked, throwing Ron a smirk. Hermione was giving him an amused grin as well. Ginny, however, still seemed to be regarding Mel disdainfully.
"How about we check out the new quidditch supplies?" Mel asked looking at Harry.
"Sounds good to me," he replied cheerfully. "Let's go."
As they stepped through the doors into the quidditch shop, they saw a group of Ravenclaws, some of whom Harry recognized as members of the quidditch team. The only one he couldn't place was a young girl with strawberry-blonde hair, and was surprised when Mel called out to her.
"Hey Sara!"
The girl turned her head towards them and smiled.
"Mel! What are you doing here? Did you finally decide to try out for your quidditch team?"
Mel shook her head.
"No, just here to have a look around," she replied.
"You know you'd be better than that seeker they've got now, you're ten times better than him," Sara stated matter-of-factly.
Mel blushed, and shrugged.
"Well, my dad isn't rich enough to buy brooms for the entire team, what can I say?" She laughed to herself, before noticing the questioning look on Harry's face. Realizing she hadn't introduced anyone, she quickly turned to the others.
"Oh, sorry guys, this is my cousin, Sara Delix. She's the new Ravenclaw seeker," then she turned to Sara, "and these are my friends, Ron and Ginny Weasley, Hermione Granger, and Harry Potter."
"I know who they are," Sara replied with a smile, then she turned to Harry. "I have to admit, I'm a bit nervous that my first game as seeker is against you."
Harry tried to smile reassuringly at her.
"I know how unsettling the first game can be, I remember that feeling all too well," he replied. "But they picked you, didn't they? So just have some confidence in that, or you never would have made the team." He thought to himself how weird it felt telling a direct opponent to have confidence, but it felt like the right response.
Sara smiled at him appreciatively.
"So," Mel spoke up, looking at Sara. "Do they have anything good here? Anything worth buying?"
"Well nothing new," Sara replied. "But did you hear about the new model broom? It'll be out at the beginning of next year. They're bringing the Moontrimmer line back, it's called a Moontrimmer 800."
"Wow," Mel said, astonished, then turned to Harry. "I bet you'll be getting one of those the second it comes out, won't you?" she asked, jabbing him playfully in the ribs.
Harry was smiling, and began to tell her he already had one, when he heard his name called. He turned to see Sirius had just walked into the store, with Marzia. Harry's smile faltered when he saw the expressions on their faces. He could tell, something was wrong.
"What's going on?" Harry asked as Sirius strode up to the group. Marzia waited by the door, glancing out into the street tensely.
"We're leaving. All of the students are being gathered up now. Everyone has to get back to the school."
"But why?" Hermione asked. "Has something happened?"
Sirius glanced over at Marzia who was motioning for him to hurry before turning back to them.
"I really don't have time to explain, but we have to get you out of here," he said looking at Harry. He took one of his godson's arms and began walking towards the door, hastily. The other students in the store were being rounded up as well.
"Sirius," Harry started, "I'm not arguing with you, but can you at least tell me why we have to leave? Is someone here?"
But before Sirius could answer, an icy feeling began to engulf Harry. He stopped dead in his tracks.
"It's the dementors, isn't it?" he asked, already knowing the answer, even without hearing the voices of his parents, which he knew were sure to follow. He could now hear distant screaming, and dreaded stepping out the door to whatever sight awaited him.
"Yes," Sirius said grimly. "Which is why we have to get you out of here." He began to pull his godson forward again, but Harry didn't budge.
"We have to help them!" he said, motioning to the people outside. Many of them could be seen running in the streets now.
"Harry, all the students need to be brought back to the school. That is our first priority, you included."
"But the only way to beat a dementor is using the Patronus Charm! Remus told me not even fully trained wizards could master it easily, we don't know how many of them can protect themselves!" He looked at his godfather pleadingly. The dementors were only here because he was.
"You are going back to the school, and I'm not going to argue with you about it," Sirius said firmly.
Harry could tell by his godfather's eyes that arguing was useless. They left the store together and Harry spotted his friends a few feet ahead, with some people he didn't recognize, being escorted back towards the carriages that would take them to the school. Further past them, was a sight that caused his blood to run cold.
There were over a dozen dementors at the end of the street, close to the Shrieking Shack. They were fanning out through the crowd of scattering people, making there way to the platform that led to the carriages. Harry's stomach lurched as he noticed several bodies were already lying on the ground. He prayed none of them had received the kiss.
Harry grabbed his wand, but Sirius pulled him again towards the platform.
"We're not fighting today," he said. "Who knows if more are coming? We can't risk it and we'd stand a better chance at the school."
Harry was infuriated by what was happening, but was now beginning to feel weak, the dementors were getting closer and surely it was only a matter of minutes until he would hear his mother's cries.
As they stepped onto the platform, Harry looked down the street again, and gasped.
The dementors had cornered a group of students and the person who had been trying to escort them was on the ground. The number of dementors seemed to have doubled and the few people that could produce Patronuses had all but fled.
"Sirius!" he cried, pointing towards them. He tried to move off the platform to go help, but his godfather was having none of that.
"We can't let them." he began.
"We aren't going to," Sirius replied. He looked over at Marzia, who nodded once, before stepping off the platform and stalking towards the dementors.
Harry looked after her incredulously, unable to turn away as Sirius tugged on his arm. The other students were all in carriages now, so the two of them were the only ones left on the platform.
"Come on Harry," Sirius said.
"What is she going to do?" Harry asked anxiously. She had pulled out her wand and walked through the rushing crowd. "We're not going to just leave her, are we?"
"Of course not," Sirius said, sounding strained. It was obvious he wanted to physically pick up his godson and force him into a carriage at this point.
"Well then what." Harry began, but stopped abruptly. Marzia had reached the group, and had her wand trained on the dementors, but it wasn't a Patronus that came out of it.
Thin shadowy tendrils of what appeared to be black smoke slipped softly from the tip of Marzia's wand. Harry watched, frozen to the spot, as the smoke slowly weaved itself in between and around the four dementors, who had now all turned to face Marzia. One of them took a menacing step forward, making as if to grab her, and Harry sprung to life. He jumped off the platform, and lifted his wand, ready to shout the words to create his Patronus, when someone roughly grabbed from behind, pinning his arms to his sides.
Without thinking, he began to struggle, before he realized it was Sirius who had taken hold of him.
"Sirius!" he cried, feeling confused at his godfather and fearful for Marzia's life, "Marzia.the dementor will get her if we don't."
"No it won't!" Sirius cut him off, "Look!"
Harry turned, steeling himself for the worst, and was stunned to see Marzia still standing, untouched. The dementors were now trying to retreat, but they seemed to be unable. The black tendrils of smoke were now stretching, becoming longer, and moving faster; each time one would come in contact with a dementor, the dementor would pull away as if bitten.
Suddenly the sinister tendrils began swirling furiously, each one engulfing a dementor, moving so rapidly they looked like mini- tornadoes. Harry stood, gaping at the scene before him, feeling both amazed and horrified all at once. It was unlike anything he had ever witnessed. He didn't even notice as the students that had been trapped slipped around the nightmarish twisters, two of them carrying the person who had been escorting them to the carriages.
Suddenly, the twisters faded, vanishing into thin air, and what was left of the dementors that had been engulfed, slumped sickeningly to the ground. Marzia stood where she was, unmoving, breathing heavily. Ever so slowly, she lowered her wand, before turning back towards the platform and began walking.
"Harry, get to the carriages now," Sirius said, as he moved towards Marzia. As he reached her she collapsed forward into his arms, obviously completely drained of energy. Harry wanted very badly to find out what she had done, but knew he wasn't going to have any of his questions answered now. He glanced around at the town, surprised and relieved to see the other dementors were gone. The ground however, was littered with bodies, and all Harry could do was pray that none of them had been received the kiss.
"Harry," Sirius said as he came up beside him, carrying Marzia's limp form, "I told you to get to the carriages, they may be gone, but we're still not safe here, now please, don't make me ask you again."
Harry nodded, taking one last glance at Hogsmeade, and started towards the waiting carriages.
The carriage ride seemed to take forever. Harry had sat in the same one as Sirius and Marzia, but didn't say much during the trip. Sirius was looking at Marzia, his face etched with concern, and Harry couldn't blame him. Marzia was looking feverish, shivering slightly, as if she were cold, yet sweating as well. Her eyes were shut tightly and she would let out a soft moan every so often. Harry hoped very much that she wasn't in pain, and wanted to know what exactly she had done to the dementors, and ultimately, to herself.
"Will she be alright?" Harry asked very quietly.
Sirius looked up sharply, as if startled, but his expression softened instantly.
"I hope so.I think so, as long as we can get her back to the school quickly, everything should be okay."
"What did she do?" Harry almost whispered.
Sirius looked directly into Harry's eyes.
"She killed them," he said bluntly.
Harry stared at Marzia incredulously.
"But.how?" he managed to get out.
"I'm afraid you'll have to wait for that answer, because the only person who truly understands it, is her," Sirius replied, gesturing with his eyes to Marzia. She was lying back against Sirius' chest and he was cradling her in his arms, running a hand through her soft hair. Harry felt a great longing at that moment, seeing the love his godfather felt for this woman, whom he barely knew. He wanted to make her a part of his life, of their lives. The rest of the ride, he spent silently watching the two of them, hoping for everything to work out.
When the carriages arrived at the school, Sirius carefully lifted Marzia out, and gently carried her into the school. Harry followed close by him, wanting to know what was wrong with her, but when they went through the doors, Dumbledore was standing there with McGonagall, Flitwick, Sprout and Gazten. The headmaster nodded at Sirius who set off immediately in the direction of the hospital wing, before turning to the students.
"I know that the incident at Hogsmeade today was a horrible ordeal for any of you to have experienced. I'm sure you all have many questions, ones for which at this time; I have no answers. In light of today's events I'm going to ask that you all go back to your towers, until the heads of houses come to get you for dinner. I want no one to walk the school alone right now, no matter how important you believe your reason to be. Now," he said turning to the teachers. "Please take the students to their towers and meet me in my office."
The instructors nodded at him, then called for the students to form into groups, before setting off. Harry walked over to where the Gryffindors were standing, and found Ron, Hermione and Ginny. The four of them followed McGonagall through the hallways, while Harry explained quietly what he had seen.
By the time they had entered the common room Harry had finished telling his friends about Marzia. He could see it in their eyes that they were just as shocked as he felt about it.
"I don't understand it," Hermione said out loud when they were sitting in their usual corner, by this time the other students were accustomed to leaving it open for them. "She is a regular witch, right? Sirius would have told you if she were.something else?" she asked tentatively not wanting to insult Marzia.
"He didn't seem as surprised as I was, I can tell you that," Harry replied. He wanted more than anything, he thought ironically, to go to the hospital wing. If something was wrong with Marzia he wanted to know, or even if it wasn't, he wanted to be reassured that she was okay.
"Ron," he said, turning to his friend, "what do you know about Marzia?"
Ron's eyes widened as he met Harry's gaze.
"I can't." he began, then stopped. He seemed to be considering what he was about to say.
Harry waited, trying to appear patient, but he needed to know, and he felt if Ron would ever tell him what was bothering him about Marzia, this would be that time.
"Harry," Ron spoke at last, "over the summer, like I mentioned, my father was often in touch with Marzia because of Sirius' trial. Once or twice she even stopped by the house."
Harry nodded, urging him to continue.
Ron took a deep breath.
"Well, I know this is going to sound silly," he began, "but."
A very loud tapping sound at the window caused him to stop abruptly and look up. Harry turned towards it as well, suppressing the annoyance he felt at having been disturbed. Ginny had already jumped up as they all saw it was an owl with a letter tied to its leg, and opened the window.
It flew the short distance to where Harry was sitting and landed, gently on his knee. Harry looked at it, with some confusion, before untying the letter from its leg. He pulled a few knuts out of his moneybag, which he still had with him from Hogsmeade, and dropped them into the small pouch that was fastened to the bird. It squawked once, before jumping up in a flutter of wings, and headed out the way it had come.
Harry barely paid attention to this however, as he'd immediately recognized the handwriting on the envelope to be Cho's. He tore it open carefully and quickly read the contents of the letter. He stood up as he got to the end of the letter, and his stomach twisted violently as his eyes swept over the top right hand corner of the paper. He looked up at his friends, all waiting expectantly for him to finish.
"I need to go see Dumbledore," he said urgently, "right now."
"What's wrong?" Hermione asked fearfully.
Harry looked at her than back to the hastily written letter. It was obvious by the messy scrawl that resembled Cho's usually neat writing; she had been in a hurry to get this out.
He handed the letter to Hermione who read it aloud as Harry began pacing, anxiously.
Voldemort has taken control of Azkaban. The dementors have sided with him. He plans on sending them to Hogwart's, but I don't know when. Don't reply to this, I have to leave the ministry and I'm not sure where I'm going. When I can, I'll send you an owl. Be careful Harry. Stay safe. I love you.
Cho
Hermione looked up as she finished reading, appearing as apprehensive as Harry felt.
"She tried to warn you." she began.
"Too bad she didn't find out sooner," Ron cut in.
"That's just it," Harry began, "she's known for a while. Did you see the date?"
Hermione nodded miserably as she held out the letter to Ron. Ginny came up behind him and they both looked at the top right corner of the letter. Their eyes widened in horror.
"She's known since the middle of September?" Ron asked incredulously. "Why did it take so long for this letter to get here?"
"I have no idea, but that one was written right after I received her first letter," Harry replied. I don't know if she ever got my second letter, but I'm sure Hedwig would never have given it to anyone else. That's why I have to see Dumbledore. He needs to know that the ministry is lying to us, and I need to find Cho." he trailed off. If anything happened to her because of him, he didn't think he could bear it. With great effort he suppressed the feeling of panic threatening to consume him, he would be no help to anyone if he let himself fall apart.
"Well what are we waiting for?" Ron asked standing up. "Let's go."
"Thanks Ron," Harry said, then started to turn towards the portrait hole.
"Harry," Hermione called out before he could take a step. He gave her a questioning look.
After a moment of seemingly considering what to say, she spoke.
"Just be careful okay? Both of you. There are too many strange things happening here right now for me to believe any of us are entirely safe."
"I promise," Harry said trying to give her a reassuring smile.
"Don't worry Hermione," Ron put in. "We'll be fine. If Dumbledore isn't in his office, we'll come straight back and wait."
Hermione nodded, still looking quite worried, but didn't say anything more.
As they stepped through and shut the portrait behind them, they began the familiar walk to the headmaster's office. Harry turned to Ron.
"If he isn't in his office, you know, I have no intention of giving up. I need to speak with him tonight."
Ron nodded.
"I figured that. I only told Hermione we wouldn't continue so she doesn't worry. Besides, after the attack on Hogsmeade.well, I don't think they'd try anything so soon."
He stopped speaking abruptly as a shadowy figure stepped out in front of them, blocking their path.
"Percy!" the two of them said in unison as he took a step towards them. He was standing no more then five feet away.
"Harry, Ron. I'm glad I've found you," Percy said, sounding as if he were addressing old friends.
"Did you need us for something?" Ron asked cautiously, though Harry could see the hopeful look in his eyes. He knew how much his friend wanted his old brother back.
"Indeed I do," Percy said smiling widely. "I have something that I believe will be of great interest to you in my quarters. If you'll just come with me."
"What is it?" Harry interrupted. He was not in any particular rush to follow Percy anywhere, time was wasting and he needed to find Dumbledore.
Percy took another step towards them and Harry slipped his hand into his pocket, gripping his wand tightly. He didn't take it out yet, but waited to see what Percy would do next. A part of him felt horrible for being so untrusting of someone he once considered a friend, but this feeling eased slightly when he noticed Ron had done the same thing.
"I have news.about Cho," Percy said carefully, also having noticed what they had just done.
"She sent you an owl?" Harry asked both confused and hopeful.
"Well yes," Percy replied, sounding somewhat haughty, "we're friends you know."
"She mentioned that you paid her a visit," Harry said, "and that you asked about me." He took a breath and waited for the response.
"I had to make sure you were alright, didn't I?" Percy asked, full of concern. "What better way to do that than to ask your girlfriend. At that time I didn't know I'd be sent here."
"The last time we spoke, you didn't give me the impression you were here to look out for me," Harry replied evenly.
"I admit I might have overreacted a bit," Percy said with a dismissive wave of his hand. "But that was before. Now I'm thinking clearly, better than ever before in my life." He trailed off, gazing at something neither Harry nor Ron could see. The two of them exchanged a worried look before Ron spoke.
"What are you on about?" he asked sounding quite confused.
Percy's smile faltered as Ron's question snapped him out of his thoughts. He looked at his younger brother with an annoyed expression on his face, then raised his wand.
Harry and Ron both pulled their wands out, but their reactions weren't fast enough.
"Petrificus Totalis," Percy said evenly. The spell hit its mark and Ron immediately stiffened up. His legs clamped together and his arms were pinned to his sides. No longer able to keep his balance, he fell to the stone floor, hard.
Harry, not wanting to hurt Percy, lifted his own wand towards him.
"Stupefy!" he cried.
The beam of light that left the tip of his wand hit Percy squarely on the chest. But instead of causing him to lose consciousness, it fizzled violently and faded out. Harry's jaw dropped as Percy seemed to gain energy from the spell. He grinned wickedly at Harry before raising his wand yet again.
"Expelliarmus!" Percy shouted and Harry felt his wand ripped from his grasp. It flew to Percy's waiting hand and he shoved it roughly into his robes. Harry was still shocked that his spell hadn't worked; he had no choice now but to do as Percy asked.
He watched as Ron's stiff form was lifted hastily into the air by his older brother. Percy then turned again to Harry.
"Let's be on our way Mr. Potter, I have some questions for you," he said. He was speaking to Harry as pleasantly as he would if he were asking someone to tea. "This way please." He gestured for Harry to move ahead of him, and directed him where to turn. Harry walked in silence, trying to think of a way out of this. Was it just that one spell that wouldn't affect Percy, or would nothing work? Should he bother with trying to get his wand back, or just get him and Ron out of there?
They stopped at last in front of a door Harry had never been through. It led to several sets of guest quarters. Percy led them through several rooms until they were in the last one. He obviously didn't want to be disturbed, Harry thought.
"Sit," Percy spat at Harry, all pretense of being friendly with him gone. Harry watched him set Ron down on the bed as he slowly lowered himself into the closest chair. It was very large and had great oversized arms.
After reaching into Ron's pocket and pulling out his wand, Percy came over to where Harry was seated and sat down across from him.
"Percy," Harry began immediately, "let Ron go. I promise I'll stay and answer anything you want me to."
"No. I'm afraid that won't work," Percy said matter-of-factly. "If I do that, he'll be sure to bring some people here that I just don't want to see right now. No interruptions."
"But."
"NO!" Percy screamed, silencing Harry. His eyes looked wild all of a sudden and Harry didn't make a sound, not sure what the reaction would be. He could see, now that they were in a lit room instead of a dark hallway, that Percy was sweating profusely, and his eyes were darting every which way at once.
After a moment, he seemed to regain his composure and looked at Harry again.
"Who is it?" he asked. "It's Cho, isn't it?"
"What do you mean?" Harry asked carefully.
"Don't pretend you don't know!" Percy screamed standing up.
Harry gripped the arms of the chair, looking around for anything he might be able to use that could help him.
"I'm not pretending anything Percy," he continued. "If you'd just explain."
"LIAR!" Percy screamed, completely infuriated. He spun around and seeing a shelf full of bottles on the wall, he began to rummage violently through them. He would pick up one, read the label, then slam it into the wall, becoming more enraged with each one, smashing them so hard the wall would shake. Harry tried not to flinch each time the glass would shatter and could see by the bloodstains on the wall, that Percy's hands were being shredded. When the shelf was empty, he spun back around, eyes wide and wild.
Harry waited, tensely, for whatever Percy was going to do next. He couldn't understand where the anger was coming from, and wanted to help him. Percy looked around the room, before settling his gaze on Harry once more. He raised his wand, blood freely running down it from the gashes in his hand, and Harry held his breath, not knowing what to expect.
Percy didn't say anything however, just waved his wand once, and a second later, Harry felt thin ropes coiling themselves around his wrists.
"Percy! What are you doing?" Harry asked despairingly, trying to pull away, but it was too late, his arms were tied tightly to the chair. The cords continued winding themselves around him as he struggled, until all he could move were his legs.
"I have to get something, it's a shame we had to do this the hard way," Percy said as he walked past Harry to where Ron was still lying on the bed. Harry could see the hurt look in his friend's eyes from his brother's betrayal, but Percy ignored it. He raised his wand again, releasing him from the body bind and tying him up.
"Don't want the spell wearing off while I'm gone now do I?" he said as he stepped away from his brother.
"Percy stop this!" Ron shouted now able to speak again. "Please just tell me what's going on!"
Percy turned to look at his brother, and walked over to him quickly.
"I almost forgot," he said absently, going into the draw next to the bed and pulling out a long cloth. He shoved it in Ron's mouth.
"Don't want you to get anyone's attention while I'm gone either."
Harry watched hopelessly, as Percy pulled another cloth out, and headed over to him. He couldn't turn away as the rag was shoved halfway down his throat and tied so roughly behind his head that Harry winced.
"Behave boys, I'll be back shortly," he said like a parent would to a child, before heading for the door. He closed it quietly behind him and they both heard the sound of a lock turning, before they were completely alone.