Harry Potter and Dumbledore's Secret

by chadsgirl824

YEAR SEVEN Harry's 7th year at Hogwart's, and the hardest he's yet to face. New enemies and tough challenges await him, as well as the discovery of incredible new powers. Written PRIOR to OoTP

12. Chapter 12

"Sure," Marzia said, happily. "Ask away, only walk with me while we talk, I want to finish making my rounds."

Harry nodded and the two of them began back up the hall, side by side.

"Sirius told me we'd talk about what happened on Halloween when you returned from looking for Cho, but we still haven't gotten the chance.I was wondering.what did you do to the dementors that day? Where did you learn that spell, or whatever it was?"

Marzia's expression was unreadable at first, she looked straight ahead and Harry began to wonder if she was going to answer him, when he heard her speak.

"Harry, I've traveled almost everywhere since I began working for the ministry. There are so many other races that use magic besides humans, but we rarely ever interact with one another. My job is to learn as much as possible about these cultures, to determine if they would be a threat to us."

"Sounds like something the ministry would be interested in," Harry said, bitterly.

"And rightfully so," Marzia added quickly. "As you've discovered in the past year, there are some who can use magic that is much more powerful than ours. If one of these groups were to just decide they wanted us gone, we wanted to know about it in advance."

"And was there ever a threat like that?" Harry asked, curious.

"Only one," Marzia replied. "Well over one hundred years ago, from Faerun."

"How did we stop them?" he asked eagerly.

"By learning their ways," Marzia answered. "I'm not the only person the ministry has ever had traveling to study other cultures. They've been sending representatives for a great many years now. We learned from the ones that were willing to teach us, not all of them are power- hungry. Then we took that knowledge back to our kind, to pass it on."

"Was it hard to learn?" Harry asked.

"Some of it," Marzia nodded. "Some cultures, like the Zlam, we'll never be able to fully understand because we don't have the ability to control things with our minds as they do. However, Faerun's magic was similar to our own, they had discovered things that we hadn't, and the same went for us. The biggest difference being we used wands for most of our magic, they used their hands. But when it came down to the battle; our two sides were evenly matched. Afterwards, neither side could actually claim to have won. They each left it alone, agreeing to stay away from one another, but we, unfortunately, took it a step further. We put a barrier around Faerun that could easily be passed through by a human, but not by one of them. I'm sure Dumbledore already told you how they need an escort to make it through, and even then, it can be difficult."

"So we basically agreed to leave it at a draw, then went behind their backs with this barrier," Harry said, feeling almost ashamed.

"In a nutshell," Marzia commented.

"The ministry certainly hasn't changed much over the years, have they?" Harry asked, scathingly.

"No I'm afraid not," Marzia replied. "And now what was done all those years ago is finally coming back around. When Voldemort first went to enlist the help of the people of Faerun, most of them were more than happy, wanting revenge on us."

"Well we isolated them from the rest of the world," Harry said, disgustedly. "We made their own home a prison to them! I'd feel the same way."

Marzia nodded, continuing.

"Their hopes were destroyed, it seemed, when Voldemort disappeared over 16 years ago, and they were again left to their solitude. So naturally when he re-emerged and contacted them again, explaining what had happened, they were more than willing to help him."

Harry felt his stomach turning, realizing what Marzia was saying. All the citizens of Faerun were trapped there by his own kind, unable to leave without assistance. When it finally looked as if they would be freed, they were shut down yet again. Now that chance was back, and the wait must've been a long one. This time however, he was the cause of it, and surely they would be none too happy about this fact.

"So if we'd just left well enough alone in the first place, we wouldn't be in this mess," Harry muttered.

"We haven't lost yet," Marzia said, reassuringly. "We were able to defend ourselves against them a long time ago, I know we can do it again."

"But one hundred years ago they didn't have Voldemort on their side," Harry pointed out.

"He's been beaten before," Marzia said quietly.

Harry just nodded, thinking that point was certainly one he could argue, but didn't feel up to it at the moment.

"Harry, I didn't mean to upset you with anything I've told you." she began.

"No, you didn't!" Harry said quickly, wanting to assure her. "I wanted to know what happened and you told me. I'm glad someone does that around here, I always feel like I have to fight for any information."

"Professor Dumbledore and Sirius keep you updated," she said.

"Only after Ron, Hermione and I have found out so much that they have no choice but to tell us," Harry said, rolling his eyes. "I just wish they wouldn't keep so much from me."

"I'm sure they have their reasons," Marzia replied, placing a hand on his shoulder.

"So, what was that spell you used on the dementors, anyway?" Harry asked, wanting to change the subject.

"It's called the Black Smoke," Marzia said. "And it's the only way to kill a dementor. Something the people of Faerun were kind enough to show us before we locked them away."

"Can anyone do it?" Harry asked. "I've never heard anything about it mentioned here. And Snape.well.he seemed to take it as a bad sign that you could do it." Harry trailed off.

"I can't tell you why Snape thinks that," Marzia replied, "But I've certainly noticed he doesn't seem to like me. I never really spoke to him when I attended school here, and we didn't know one another afterwards, so I truly can't say where he's coming from. But to answer your question, any wizard can be shown, not many will be able to learn it. It's a very powerful spell that takes a lot of energy to perform."

"I believe it," Harry said, "you passed out after you'd done it."

Marzia blushed slightly.

"Like I said, a lot of energy." She smiled at him for a moment before raising her arm to check her watch. "Sorry to cut this short, Harry," she began, "but I have to meet up with Sirius before we head down to the dungeons, and I don't think it's a good idea for you to come with us."

"No, don't worry about it," Harry said, grinning. "I'm actually kinda hungry, anyway."

"Okay then," Marzia said. "Take care Harry." She smiled and waved, before turning away and heading quickly down the hall. Harry looked after her for a moment, thinking about everything he'd just been told. Slowly he started walking, hoping there'd be someone to talk to at breakfast. He didn't feel like being alone right now.

When at last Harry reached the great hall, he pushed open the doors and stepped inside. It was still quite early so not too many students were awake, but a few of them were scattered around at the four house tables. Glancing at the Gryffindor table, he saw none of his friends were up yet, or if they were, they hadn't made it downstairs.

Sighing to himself, he started to make his way to the seats they usually occupied during meals, hoping someone would show up soon. Before he made it however, he spotted someone he recognized at another table, alone.

Mel was seated at the far end of the Slytherin table, her head in her hands. She looked upset about something, and Harry made his way over to her.

Hey Mel," he began lightly, coming up beside her. "Is everything alright?"

She looked up abruptly and he noticed immediately how red and puffy her eyes were.

"Oh, hey Harry," she said in a stuffy voice. Pulling a handkerchief out of her robes, she delicately blew her nose, before looking back up at him. "Everything's fine, thanks."

Harry sat down across from her, smiling gently.

"Then why do you look so upset?" he asked.

Mel shook her head.

"It's nothing you need to be concerned with," she replied.

"Maybe so," he said nodding, "there are lots of things I don't need to be concerned with.but I am."

Mel cracked a small grin at this.

"You'd think it's dumb." she trailed off.

"Try me," he said, shrugging.

Mel sighed heavily.

"Alright. You were there when I sort of blew up at Draco in Hogsmeade.remember?"

"Do I ever," Harry said smiling.

Mel laughed.

"Yeah well, glad you were amused. He, however, was less than pleased. He's gotten all of his friends turned against me, and now he's trying for the rest of Slytherin as well."

"Sounds like something Malfoy would do," Harry said angrily.

"Well he isn't doing a good job of it, but I do hear him and his friends talking about me in the common room. They think I don't care about my house anymore, that I'm a.traitor." she trailed off.

"How can they possibly think that?" Harry asked. "You've done nothing to lose points for your house." he began, the lowered his voice, "you even lied at one point to make sure none were lost," he smirked, remembering what happened in the hospital wing after the incident with the Erumpents.

"Yeah well." she began, looking up innocently. "No one was badly injured."

"I'd like to argue that," Harry cut in, teasingly. "You weren't in the best of shape to say the least."

"But I'm fine now," Mel smiled.

Harry laughed.

"Sure you are." he said giving her a pointed look.

"Oh stop, I am fine," she said, feigning annoyance and swatting his arm across the table.

Harry smiled mischievously at her.

"Anyway," Mel continued, sounding down again. "Like I said before, it was nothing big, it was just starting to get to me. I came down here early so I wouldn't have to be in the common room when he and his friends arrived." She looked up to see him looking back at her, a caring expression on his face. "Thank you," she said quietly.

Harry was almost taken back by this.

"For what?" he asked.

"For listening to my venting," she grinned.

"Hey, I do it enough," he said smiling, "it only makes sense I do my share of listening as well."

"Oh," Mel said, smirking, "then I'll be sure to look for you next time."

"Wait a second now," Harry joked. "I didn't say I'd."

"Well, well, well," spoke a voice from nearby. Harry and Mel both turned to see Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle a few feet away, heading towards them. "Didn't I tell you?" he asked, looking to his friends. "She's a traitor to her own house."

"Shut it Malfoy," Harry said fiercely. "You have no idea what you're talking about."

"Don't I?" he asked, snidely. "She'd rather spend time with you than do anything with her fellow housemates. You've probably got her spying for you."

"What would I possibly need a spy for?" Harry exclaimed.

Malfoy shrugged.

"I don't pretend to know how your twisted mind works, Potter," he spat.

"Draco just stop it!" Mel said fiercely.

"No," he said, smiling wickedly.

"Fine," Harry said standing up, "We're leaving anyway." He stepped around to the other side of the table, holding his hand out to Mel. She hesitated for a split second, glaring at Malfoy, before reaching out and standing up with Harry.

Malfoy muttered something under his breath that Harry couldn't catch, but knew it was probably insulting. He didn't look back, just led Mel away from the table and out of the great hall.

Harry kept walking, Mel at his side, aimlessly through the hallways. Mel kept throwing him questioning looks until finally she spoke up.

"Um, where are we going?" she asked, sounding slightly amused.

Harry slowed to halt and looked over at her.

"I have no idea," he admitted, shrugging. "I just wanted to get you out of there. He had no right." he trailed off, feeling the anger begin to rise again.

"You didn't have to do that, you know," Mel replied, taking a step closer to him. "So again, thank you."

"No, I did have to," Harry replied, "and you don't need to thank me. I don't need an excuse to fight with Malfoy. It always happens no matter what. He's only being mean to you because it's me you're friends with. If it were any other student, he wouldn't care. So I guess I should be apologizing."

"For being my friend?" she asked, a hurt expression crossing her face.

"No!" Harry said quickly, putting up his hands. "That's not what I meant."

"I know what you meant," Mel cut him off. "And please never apologize for that git's stupidity. I used to think what he said about you was true, but I can see now how full of it he was."

"Wait.what he said about me?" Harry asked. "Such as.?"

Mel shrugged.

"Nothing he hasn't said to your face, in all his tactful splendor," she said, rolling her eyes.

"Oh," Harry said, laughing. She smiled up at him and he cleared his throat, beginning to walk again.

"Where to?" he asked, glancing sideways at her as they moved.

"Well.I'm still pretty hungry, but I suppose going back to the great hall is out of the question for the time being." she trailed off.

"Yeah I didn't get to eat either," he said, feeling his stomach rumbling, when suddenly an idea struck him. "C'mon," he said, grabbing her hand and turning down the next hall. "I know exactly where we're going."

"Okay." she said uncertainly but smiling as they went.

Harry led her through the halls to the picture of the giant fruit bowl. He looked at her as she watched him with curiosity, before stretching out his hand and tickling the green pear. She cried out in surprise as it began to laugh and squirm, before turning into the door handle. Harry pulled the door open and allowed Mel to step inside first, looking around her in awe at the gigantic kitchen.

"How did you find this?" she asked, smiling at him.

"If you'd known the Weasley twins you 'd understand," Harry replied, smirking. They walked through the kitchen as the house elves bowed and curtseyed, awaiting whatever commands the two students might have for them. Harry went up to the nearest elf and asked if they might be able to get some breakfast.

No sooner had the request been given then several house-elves were heading over carrying trays of eggs, bacon, toast, jam, potatoes and any other breakfast food in the kitchen. They gave the food to Harry and Mel, who thanked them and left the way they'd came.

"Where do you want to eat then?" Mel asked, balancing her tray of wonderful smelling food carefully.

"Anywhere, just as long as it's close by," Harry said, his mouth watering.

Mel laughed and stopped at the next doorway they came to. Grasping the handle carefully, she turned the latch and pushed it open with her foot. The two of them entered the empty classroom and set the trays down on nearest desk.

"Well this is a first for me," Mel laughed as the sat down in front of the food.

"Me too," Harry said grabbing a piece of bacon and devouring it.

"Here," Mel said, pushing a plate in front of him, grinning.

Harry returned the grin and the two of them began eating, they were both ravenous and ate in silence for a little while. When Harry felt so full he was sure his stomach would burst, he sat back with a groan, content.

"I hear you," Mel said, moving her chair away from the food and stretching. "That was fun."

Harry nodded, smiling at her.

"It was, wasn't it?" He watched as she began piling the plates and trays on top of each other. She was very neat and precise, making sure they weren't uneven in the slightest. She caught him looking at her and blushed.

"What?" she asked, grinning.

"Nothing," he replied, smiling. "Hey Mel.?" he began, leaning forward in his seat.

"Mmmm?" she replied, waiting.

"Do.um.do you have a date for the Yule Ball yet?" he asked, almost cringing as he did so. What on earth had possessed him to ask her that? Surely she would already be going with someone else.

"Not yet," she replied, looking both happy and surprised. "Why?"

Harry chuckled to himself.

"Well, I was wondering if you'd like to go with me?" he said, making sure to say it slowly.

"You're not going with your girlfriend?" she asked.

"No, not this time," Harry replied.

"Will your friends mind?" she continued.

"If they do, tough," Harry said shrugging. "I'm not going to worry about what they think, but I would like to know what you're thinking." he said, meeting her eyes.

She looked back at him, hesitating only a moment, before nodding slowly.

"Alright, sure," she smiled. "I think that'd be fun, going with you."

"Well gee if you think so." Harry joked, rolling his eyes and Mel laughed.

"Okay it will be fun, I'm sure of it. Let's just stay away from Draco all night, please?"

"Hey no arguments here," Harry said holding up his hands.

"Good," Mel nodded, as she picked up a tray and handed it to him. "Now let's get these back to the kitchen."

"Why weren't you at breakfast?" Ron asked as Harry found them in the common room. He had gone with Mel to return the trays to the kitchen, before she excused herself, needing to get homework done. She assured him she'd be there for the quidditch match the next day and wished him luck in case she didn't see him before hand.

"I was up very early this morning," Harry replied. "So I decided to go for a walk. I ran into Marzia."

Ron paled slightly and lowered his eyes, while Harry and Hermione gave him questioning looks.

"What did she say?" Hermione asked finally, tearing her gaze from Ron.

Harry sat down in the nearest chair and began to explain everything he'd been told about Faerun and what the ministry had done to them. Also telling why they were so eager to help Voldemort now.

"Well isn't that just great?" Ron said in anger and disbelief. "Can it get any worse?"

"I hope not," Harry said with an involuntary shudder.

"Well at least we can learn their magic," Hermione said.

"Yes but at a price," Harry replied. "Marzia was out cold for hours after using that spell against the dementors."

"Black Smoke," Hermione muttered, stroking her chin. "I wonder."

"You wonder what?" Ron asked after a moment.

"I'll be back," she said, standing up abruptly.

"Wait," Harry said, both he and Ron out of their seats as well. "Where are you going?"

"To find Marzia," she replied simply.

"What for?" Ron asked, worried.

"I to ask her more about the magic she's learned, from Faerun. Maybe she'll be willing to teach some of it to us."

"I don't know if she'd want us to know." Ron trailed off, uncertainly.

"Why not?" Hermione asked. "She even said it, we live in a very dangerous time right now. It's not like we need a better excuse to know some of this magic."

"Do you want us to come?" Harry asked.

"We can't!" Ron exclaimed before Hermione could answer. "We have our last quidditch practice in a few minutes, don't you remember these things anymore? Our match with Ravenclaw is tomorrow!"

"Oh and I can see how that's more important," Hermione quipped, rolling her eyes.

Harry sighed.

"Well then you ask her for us, and let us know what she says later, okay?"

"You know I will," she said shaking her head and grinning. Harry watched as she turned and headed for the portrait hole, before he and Ron ran up to the dorm for their brooms.

The next morning the Gryffindor quidditch team met in the great hall for breakfast, going over a few last minute details before the match. Soon enough the room began to fill with other students, and their game talk stopped. Harry and Ron slid down the table a bit as Hermione entered the room. She made her way over and sat down next to Ron.

"What happened last night?" Ron asked immediately, concerned.

"What do you mean?" Hermione replied, picking up a piece of toast and nibbling at the corner of it.

"I mean you didn't return from your visit with Marzia until very late," he said, sounding slightly annoyed. "And when you finally came back you wouldn't tell us anything, just went off to bed."

"Well I was tired," she said with a shrug.

"What did the two of you talk about for so long?" Harry asked.

"I told you what I was going to ask her about. We talked about Faerun and the magic she'd learned from them."

"And all that took the entire night?" Ron asked, skeptically.

"Yes it did," Hermione replied, defensively.

Ron looked as if he were going to say more, but though better of it and turned his attention to the food in front of him, poking at it crossly. Harry wanted to press for more information as well, but decided to do it after the game. He wanted his full attention on the match today. The three friends ate in silence for a few moments, until someone sat down next to Harry.

"Good morning," Cho said, smiling brightly.

"Hey you," he said, grinning. "Sleep well?"

"Very much so, thank you," she replied. "So, all ready for the game? I expect you to have the snitch in your hand before any goals are scored," she joked.

"Oh, sure. That'll be a cinch," he said, rolling his eyes and smiling.

Cho laughed and turned to look at the others.

"Hello you two," she began. "So, everything straightened out for the Yule Ball yet?"

Hermione glanced up from her plate.

"Well I still don't have a date, if that's what you mean," she said, turning a pointed glare on Ron.

"Did Harry ask you?" Ron asked suddenly, looking up at Cho. "Because if two people are dating."

"Yes he did, actually," Cho cut him off, smirking. An expression of triumph crossed Hermione's face, as she couldn't stop beaming at Ron.

Ron's ears went as red as his hair and his cheeks were flushed as well, but he kept a straight face as he continued.

"But.you would've gone with him anyway, right? Even if he hadn't asked you?"

"She said no," Harry spoke up, flatly. He met Ron's eyes and shrugged.

"I told you why," Cho said. "I'm not a student anymore and I don't feel like going. I'm sure you'll find someone who wants to go, don't worry."

"For your information, I already did," Harry said heatedly, instantly regretting his tone.

"Oh," Cho said, unable to disguise her surprise, but she didn't say anything further, just busied herself with her food.

Harry sighed inwardly, feeling suddenly frustrated. He wasn't mad at Cho and he knew it, but he'd let his emotions take over for a brief moment, and now he'd done it. He turned to her, ignoring the confused looks Ron and Hermione were giving him.

"Cho, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to sound angry."

"Then why did you?" she interjected curtly.

"I-I don't know." he stammered.

"Are you upset with me? For not going with you?"

"No!" Harry said quickly. "Well, a little disappointed maybe, but not mad at you or anything."

"Who are you going with?" Cho asked suddenly.

"You don't know her," Harry said quickly. Her name's Melanie, we only just met in September."

"Oh," Cho said again. Harry waited, wanting her to say something else, but Ron spoke first.

"We better get going, don't want to be late."

Harry looked up to see an unreadable expression on Ron's face, and wanted to ask him what was wrong, but didn't. Instead, he nodded and stood up from his seat. Saying goodbye to Cho and Hermione, the two boys headed out of the great hall with the rest of the quidditch team.

Harry walked down to the pitch, having no desire to play quidditch now. He was angry with himself for his outburst and wanted to just take it back. Glancing sideways, he saw Ron looking at him, curiously.

"What?" he asked, sighing.

"Are you okay?" Ron blurted out and Harry saw the concern in his eyes.

"Yeah, I'm fine," he replied, a bit lighter. "I just wish I hadn't sounded so.abrupt with her."

Ron nodded.

"I could tell you were sorry, I'm sure she can too."

"But she's not going to forget it, that's what bothers me."

They walked in silence a moment longer when Ron started chuckling to himself.

"What's funny?" Harry asked, confused.

"Us," Ron replied. "You ask your girlfriend to the ball and she says no, and mine says no because I won't ask. We're 0 for 2 I'd say."

"Why don't you just ask Hermione already?" Harry said. "Because you and I both know if someone else asks her she's gonna say yes out of spite."

"Oh and I know it," Ron said, shaking his head. "But it's like any time I'm about to give in she says something that just.I don't know.gets me angry, and I don't do it."

"Well it's time to give in if you really want to go with her," Harry said, smirking.

"I know, and I will, after the game," Ron replied, sounding as if he were trying to assure himself of this.

"Um, today would be nice, you two!" Ginny called from a few feet away. The rest of the team was already entering the lockers and Harry and Ron were busy dawdling at a snail's pace.

"Sorry," Harry called as the two of them quickened their pace. They trotted up to where Ginny stood waiting, before entering the locker rooms together.

Once the two teams were ready, they came out onto the pitch and stood on opposite sides of the field. Harry stepped forward, shaking hands with the captain of the Ravenclaw team, before everyone mounted their brooms. Madam Hooch waited a few seconds, before blowing her whistle, and fourteen brooms rose up into the air. The bludgers and snitch were released before she brought the quaffle to the center of the field. Glancing to make sure the players were all in position, she heaved the large ball upwards and the game began.

Harry began looking for the snitch immediately. He hadn't been in the mood to play only a few minutes earlier, but being up here, feeling the adrenaline moving him, never failed to excite him.

He glanced casually towards the Gryffindor seating area and was happy to see both Cho and Hermione there, cheering for them. At least he hadn't upset her so much she didn't come. He turned his attention back to the game, set on getting to the snitch as soon as possible.

The Ravenclaw seeker, Sara, was doing the same as him and it almost surprised him that she wasn't marking him, as any other seeker he'd played against had done. She was glancing in his general direction ever few seconds just to make sure he hadn't spotted it, but for the most part, she was looking for it on her own.

The commentary played on in the background and the two teams were tied at 50 points apiece, when Harry finally spotted the snitch. It was very close to the ground on the Ravenclaw side of the pitch, and Harry got set to go for it. As he threw a quick glance at Sara, to make sure she hadn't spotted it, something happened. His head started to ache and his eyes were watering, burning and itching furiously. He pushed his glasses up slightly, massaging his eyes with his fingers.

"Not now," he muttered to himself fervently, "please, not now!"

He knew exactly what was happening, another vision was coming.

Harry didn't move; keeping his eyes tightly shut and praying the vision would be quick. He could barely hear what was going on around him though could feel the swift movements of the other players. He could only hope a bludger didn't find its way to him.

Suddenly an image began to form in his mind and he concentrated hard, trying to force it to speed up, wanting to recognize whatever it was.

"Harry! What are you doing?" he heard Su's voice shout as she whizzed by him, though he didn't answer. The image he could see now looked like something he could only describe as electricity, but nothing else. He saw what appeared to be paper-thin currents of light moving in every direction, but the rest was black.

Having no idea what to make of the picture, he did the only thing he could think of and began edging backwards, hesitantly, hoping it would have the same effect as last time and allow him to see more.

A loud cracking noise to his left caused him to look in that direction instinctively, but he quickly turned his head back around. For a split second, it had caused the image to change so it looked as if the electricity were rushing straight at him. With an involuntary shudder, he continued backing up slowly, not even hearing the escalating cheers of the crowd.

Instead he was listening to a crackling noise, and all he could think was it must be a fire. Praying he wouldn't discover someone was trapped in a burning building somewhere; he began to back up faster.

"Harry look out!" Dean yelled and Harry skidded to a halt, hearing another loud crack very close to him.

"That's the second time you've almost let a bludger hit you!" Dean cried, the bludger obviously gone. "What's going on?"

"Sorry," Harry replied, vaguely. He had begun to see lighter colors all around the darkness, which now looked strangely like wood.

Harry decided time out had to be called, but since he couldn't even see Madam Hooch to get her attention, he'd ask Dean to do it.

"Look, we need to." he began, but his words were drowned out as the roar of the crowd was suddenly deafening.

"She's going for it!" Dean cried in amazement, and Harry felt him move away. He tried to call after him but the crowd was too loud now and Dean was out of earshot.

He backed up just a few feet more, only to come to an abrupt stop yet again. The image was finally clear to him; the darkness and crackling noises all made sense now, and for a moment all he could do was stare in horror. The darkness had been the hilt of a broom and whoever was on it was in trouble, because the electrical currents he'd seen had to be some sort of curse. The broom was splintering, coming apart from the inside, and there was little time left, as the wood was moving at an incredible pace.

He gave one last push backwards and finally saw all he needed to see. The vision faded instantly and Harry looked around frantically. His stomach knotted as he looked up, to see Ginny, so very far above him, well into pulling off the Porskoff Ploy, and having no idea her broom was about to shatter beneath her.

Harry didn't waste any more time, he spun in the air, aiming directly for Ginny, before taking off. He flattened himself against the broom, urging it to move faster, she was so far away and he didn't know if he'd make it in time.

Paying no attention to anyone around him, or the shouts of his teammates for some sort of explanation, he began to climb upwards. The Ravenclaw chasers had already begun to drop off, none of them having a broom that could match the height of a Firebolt. Harry was the only one left who could reach her.

Not even seeing the shocked and confused expressions of those around him, he pushed onward.

The crowd began to cheer louder still, as Ginny skillfully dropped the quaffle through the scattered opposition and into Su's waiting arms. Harry was now less than twenty feet away, but his heart caught in his throat as he saw what happened next.

Ginny was smiling one minute, all her hard work and practice paying off, and the next her expression faltered. Something was obviously not right and she instinctively gripped her broom tighter, only to pull her hands away as if they'd been burned. Harry could see her confused expression as she looked at her hands turn to one of horror when she lowered her eyes to the broom.

The wood was cracking quite obviously now, and slivers of it began to peel off and flutter softly away. Fractured shards of it were beginning to push out at awkward angles and Harry could see it was hurting Ginny just to hold onto the broom.

"Ginny!" he yelled as he neared her.

"Harry!" she cried, sounding as if she were ready to panic. "I-I don't know what's happening.my broom."

"I know," he cut her off, knowing time was almost up and stretching his arm towards her. "Give me your hand!" The crowd was now at a hush, murmuring furiously to one another about what they were seeing. Harry could hear shouts from the other players, and knew he recognized Ron's voice among them, but didn't take his attention away from Ginny.

Taking a deep breath, Ginny leaned forward, reaching out for Harry's hand. He felt her fingers brush his, when suddenly the broom cracked in half, pitching her forward.

"Ginny!" he yelled as she cried out in fright, but she'd managed to grasp hold of the other half, and was now hanging by one hand, well over eighty feet in the air. Kicking her feet, uselessly, she tried to pull herself up, but the broom was now spinning in her grasp and Harry could see her hand was bleeding badly.

"I can't hold it!" she yelled in pain and fear as Harry tried to position himself closer to her. Only every time he thought he had it, her broom shifted again. He looked nervously at the remainder of the Firebolt, seeing only seconds remained before it was completely gone.

Harry looked at Ginny's hand, which was slick with blood and slipping fast. He knew she was going to fall, there was no way he could stop it, so he decided to try another way.

"Ginny I can't get close enough!" he shouted as she was twisted away from him again. "I'm moving below you and I want you to let go!"

"Let go?" she asked, her tone clearly showing just how crazy she thought that idea to be.

"Just do it!" he cried as he lowered himself about ten feet below her. There was just no time to argue. "Now!"

Ginny let out an anguished moan as she steeled herself to do it, when suddenly the piece she'd been holding burst apart. She screamed and the crowd let out a gasp of terror, but Harry was ready. He was directly beneath her and held his arms open. She hadn't picked up too much speed so when she hit the front of his broom he flung his arms around her tightly. But the added weight and his leaning forward caused them to over balance and he heard her cry out again as the broom plunged forward. Bending his knees underneath him, he went with the motion and kicked the back of his broom, causing them to flip fully around, back into a normal position.

For a moment, neither of them moved or spoke. He sat there holding her to him, as she looked straight in front of her, seeming distant.

"Are you alright?" he asked finally, causing her to jump.

"Could we.um.could we land please? I really just want to get down." she said, pleadingly.

"Going now," Harry nodded, letting one of his hands slip down to the handle of the Moontrimmer, and keeping his other arm wrapped protectively around Ginny.

The members of both teams saw what was happening, and began to land as well.

When Harry touched down, he gently maneuvered the broom to stay horizontal, and slid off the broom with Ginny. She was shaking badly and Harry didn't want to think about how close they'd been to losing her.

"You're okay," he whispered as he hugged her to him again. "You're safe, I promise."

"Why did that happen?" she asked, her voice breaking and tears spilling from her eyes. She buried her face in the crook of his neck and sobbed, while the crowds that had been coming down from the stands in droves had finally neared them, forming a loose circle.

"What happened?" Ron cried as he finally landed and headed straight to them. "Ginny, are you alright?" His cheeks were flushed and he looked very worried.

Ginny didn't respond and Ron looked to Harry, concerned.

"She'll be okay," he said quietly, "I'll explain in a bit." he trailed off as Sirius, Marzia and Madame Hooch broke through the crowd, followed closely by Cho and Hermione.

"Harry!" Sirius began as he came closer. "What.?"

"We need to get her inside," Harry interrupted. "I think she needs to see Madam Pomfrey," he paused, looking pointedly at the very anxious faces surrounding them, knowing he could never say what had really happened in their presence. "I'll explain inside."

Sirius and Marzia exchanged worried glances, but didn't argue.

Harry began leading Ginny, who was still shaking, through the students and towards the school. Sirius and Marzia were telling everyone not to worry, return to the school and as soon as something's known, they'll be told. Ron was at Ginny's side, looking beyond worried for his little sister, while Hermione and Cho followed in silence, knowing they could ask their questions soon enough.

Sirius went with Harry and the others to the hospital wing, making sure Madame Pomfrey saw to Ginny right away, before going to call for Dumbledore. Ginny's hands were still bleeding freely, and Madame Pomfrey gave her a cloth to keep pressure on them, before running off to get other supplies.

When she returned, she set to work cleaning the scrapes and cuts covering Ginny's hands while the others watched in silence. Some of the gashes were rather large, and Ginny winced in pain whenever they were touched. Madame Pomfrey poured a dark blue cream into the palm of her patient's hand, instructing her to rub it in thoroughly. Ginny reluctantly did as she was told, but was relieved to discover it didn't hurt much, and it made the splinters of wood embedded under her skin fall out onto the floor.

After making sure all the wood was out, Madame Pomfrey pulled out another bottle, sprinkling a few drops of the red liquid onto the cuts and scrapes, instantly closing the wounds.

As Ginny's hands were finishing healing, Sirius came back into the hospital wing, followed by Dumbledore. They came up to the bed where Ginny was sitting up, looking weary and pale. Dumbledore glanced around quickly, pausing when he noticed the blood covering Harry's robes, before sitting down.

"It's not mine," Harry said, seeing the headmaster's eyes rest on him.

Dumbledore nodded.

"Sirius explained his version of what happened," he began. "But I'd very much like to hear yours."

Harry nodded heavily, seeing the anxiety on his friends' faces. He began explaining everything, in as much detail as he could remember, about the vision he'd gotten just a short while ago. When he told how he realized what was going to happen, he trailed off, looking around again.

"And you know what happened next," he said shrugging, the set his gaze on Dumbledore.

"Whoever did it," he said, grimly, "I don't think they were after Ginny. That was my broom, and there weren't too many people who knew I wasn't going to be using it this year."

"But how could anyone have gotten to it?" Ron asked. "It's been in Ginny's room in the tower since you told her she could use it. No Gryffindor student would ever do such a thing, and no student from another house could get in our tower!"

"We will worry about that later, Mr. Weasley," Dumbledore spoke up. "What we need to know first is who did it, then we can figure out how."

"Well who do we know that would do this?" Hermione asked. "We have the obvious choice, Draco. But is there anyone else?"

"If Malfoy were going to do that, he'd have waited until it was a match against Slytherin," Harry said though clenched teeth.

"No it wasn't Malfoy," Ginny spoke up evenly, causing everyone to look up at her. She wasn't looking any better then before and in fact looked somewhat angry now as she gazed around at all of them.

"I know exactly who it was."

Everyone's attention was on Ginny as they waited for her to speak.

Looking around at all of them, she finally rested her eyes on Harry.

"It was Mel," she said with a slight edge to her tone. Harry opened his mouth to say something but Ginny rushed on.

"She was always interested in your Firebolt, too interested. Besides she's shown us that she cares more for house points than she does for the safety of others!"

"Ginny," Harry began in a strained voice. "Mel would never go out of her way to endanger someone's life, for any reason.

"You know her so well now, do you?" Ginny replied.

"No it's just that we can't go and accuse her of this when." Harry began.

"Did Mel know you weren't going to be using the Firebolt?" Hermione cut in abruptly.

Harry turned to look at her.

"Of course she knew, I told her about it."

"Did you?" she asked. "Because I know you never got the chance to in Hogsmeade. Did you tell her sometime after?"

Harry leaned forward, thinking back to Halloween. He was in the quidditch shop with everyone, and was about to tell Mel about the Moontrimmer, when Sirius and Marzia had come in to warn everyone. After that, it had never come up again.

"Did you?" Ron prompted, seeing the looking in Harry's eyes as it dawned on him.

He shook his head slowly.

"No, I never did," he said quietly. "But that doesn't prove anything," he rushed on. "She's definitely not the only person that had no idea about the Moontrimmer."

"But she's the only one who showed so much interest in it," Ginny pointed out. "Look I'm not just going to accuse her unless there's some sort of proof and right now there's none!" Harry said loudly. "When would she have had any chance to do anything to the broom? Can any of you tell me that?"

"Well when did anyone have that chance?" Ron countered. "Someone found the opportunity. Whether they found a way into our tower or some other way."

"If they did get into our tower," Hermione spoke up, "then they would've known Ginny was using the Firebolt instead of Harry. It's been in her dorm since the first practice."

"So they were after Ginny then?" Ron asked, shocked.

"But why?" Harry asked, unable to think of a single reason someone might be after the youngest Weasley.

"I don't know," Hermione said. "It could be that, or possibly the broom was cursed long before the match ever happened, when it was still in Harry's room. I don't know how they'd make it so the spell only took effect during the match though."she trailed off.

Harry had no response, he knew Mel could never do anything like this; he knew it. Though for some reason all he could think of at that moment, was the look in her eyes when he ran into her with the Firebolt on his way back to the first practice. Ginny was right, Mel was a bit over-eager. She'd asked to hold it and he'd given it to her, feeling a bit apprehensive.

"What's wrong Harry?" Cho asked quietly.

He looked up at her abruptly, stirring from his thoughts.

"Is there something else you need to add, Mr. Potter?" Dumbledore asked, after having remained silent for most of the discussion.

Seeing the expectant looks on the faces around him, Harry cleared his throat.

"What could have done this?" he asked cautiously, looking at Dumbledore. "Is there a spell or curse you know of that would cause that to happen?"

"There are indeed a great many curses and hexes that could have been used, but not having examined the broom, or what's left of it, I don't know yet which one it was."

"Well, are there any that could be done in advance? I mean, could the person who did this have done it a long while ago?"

"How long ago?" Dumbledore asked evenly.

"Maybe three months." Harry trailed off, looking at his hands.

"What aren't you telling us Harry?" Sirius asked, concern evident in his voice.

"I don't think it's anything that will help," Harry said, wanting them to understand. "But when I was on my way back to the first quidditch practice, after getting the broom for Ginny, I ran into Mel."

"Did she do something to it?" Ron cut in, sitting forward in his chair.

"No," Harry said quickly, shaking his head. "No she didn't do anything. She asked to hold it, but that was it."

"Did you let her?" Hermione asked.

Harry nodded.

"For just a moment, yes," he said quietly, turning his gaze back on Dumbledore. "That isn't enough time to do anything, right? I mean she didn't say anything that sounded like a spell, or take her wand out. Nothing happened, she held it and handed it back."

Dumbledore looked for a moment, to be deep in thought. He stroked his beard slowly, considering.

"It is highly unlikely that Mel would be able to curse the broom in that amount of time from what you've told us."

"Could it be done though?" Ginny asked. "Is it possible that someone could perform a hex on it in that amount of time?"

Dumbledore nodded and Ginny's expression hardened. Harry could see as far as she was concerned Mel was as good as guilty.

"Possible yes," the headmaster said. "But to do it without letting someone right next to her know anything was happening would require far more power than I believe she possesses."

"We can't just ignore that she might have done it though," Marzia spoke up.

"That was not my intention," Dumbledore said gently. "On the contrary I think we will keep much closer watch on Miss. Tristen."

"She didn't do it," Harry said firmly, looking intently at Dumbledore as he spoke.

"Whether she did or she didn't, I will take no chances," Dumbledore answered calmly. "I'll inform the rest of the staff to keep their eyes open for anything strange that might happen where Miss Tristen is regarded."

Harry shook his head, wishing he hadn't said anything.

"We're going to waste time looking after her, when the person who really did this will still be able to go about unnoticed."

"Mr. Potter I assure you we will not just be watching Mel. I am having the remainder of your broom brought up to my office where Sirius, Marzia, Madam Hooch and myself will be examining it. When we figure out exactly what was done we'll have a much better chance of discovering who did this. Until then keeping an eye on Miss. Tristen is merely a precautionary measure."

Harry nodded, thinking it was still a waste of time, but kept his thoughts to himself.

"Now," Dumbledore continued. "How are you feeling Miss. Weasley?"

Ginny lifted her gaze to the headmaster, still looking very tired and weary.

"I'm okay," she said, trying to sound strong. "I was really just shaken up by what happened, but I'm alive." she trailed off.

Dumbledore nodded again, smiling.

"I'll have Madame Pomfrey check over you again before I go, do you feel you are well enough to leave tonight, or would you like to stay?"

"Oh no, I definitely don't need to stay," Ginny said quickly.

"So long as Madame Pomfrey agrees with you," Dumbledore began with a knowing smile, "then you can go back to your tower with your friends."

Madame Pomfrey was very much against letting Ginny leave the hospital wing so quickly, but after much prompting by the five students she gave in, making them promise to keep a close watch on her. Ginny assured her she was only tired, and would be fine.

Feeling quite hungry, they set off at once for the great hall. Lunch was just beginning and as they reached the doors, they found the room was almost packed already. Making their way to the Gryffindor table, they found their seats.

The quidditch team was sitting nearby, all looking expectantly at Harry and Ginny for some sort of explanation.

"They're going to call off the season, you know that, right?" Dean asked finally, sounding slightly annoyed.

"What?" Harry, Ron and Ginny cried at once, looking at him in horror.

"They announced that?" Ron asked. "Why wouldn't Dumbledore.?"

"No they haven't.yet," Dean replied. "But what else would they do? That broom bloody well exploded!"

Harry looked away, having no response for this. He couldn't argue with what Dean had said, and he couldn't think of a reason Quidditch wouldn't be called off.

"Nothing's been decided yet," Cho said to Harry. "Let's just wait and see what happens."

Harry nodded, feeling that there was no use in getting his hopes up. Quidditch was as good as done for the year, and he'd never get to play on a house team again.

They ate most of the meal in silence, no one having much to say. Cho finished before everyone else and excused herself, telling them there were a few things she needed to do.

"Cho, wait just a second," Harry said, placing a hand on her arm, gently. She looked at him curiously and he forced himself to talk.

"I'm really sorry that I snapped at you this morning. I know I said it already, but I wanted to make sure you knew I meant it."

He looked at her, holding his breath, hoping she wasn't still angry.

"Harry, don't worry about it," he said smirking at him. "I told you to find someone else to go with, and I really shouldn't have been surprised how quickly you did."

Harry laughed at that.

"Well I was surprised," he said smiling.

"I just hope I get to meet her. What was her name again? Melanie?"

"Yes," Harry said, nodding.

"Or Mel," Ginny muttered, looking pointedly at Cho. Harry glared at her.

"As in, the Mel that we were talking about a little while ago?" Cho asked, looking from Ginny to Harry.

Harry felt his face turn red and couldn't answer. He was furious with Ginny for doing that. Of course he was going to tell Cho, but not until after she'd met Mel, seen how nice she could be. Now her opinion was going to be based entirely on what she'd heard that morning.

"So that's why you were so sure it wasn't her," Cho muttered, clearly annoyed again. "Why didn't you just tell me?"

"Tell you when? I wasn't going to bring up my date to the Yule Ball in the hospital wing, and we only just started talking about it now!" Harry said, wanting her to hear him out.

Cho just shook her head.

"I'll see you later," she said, standing up quickly. Without looking back, she strode down the aisle and out of the great hall.

Harry looked after Cho in stunned silence, wanting to go after her, but feeling it would be better to wait until she'd cooled off a little. He finished his lunch quickly, before getting up from the table and heading for the doors, without a word to his friends.

After making it just a few feet down the hall, however, he heard footsteps behind him. Believing it to be Ron or Hermione and not in the mood to talk, he quickened his pace, hoping they'd get the point and just let him be.

"Slow down, will you?" he heard an unexpected voice call from behind him.

"Sara?" he asked, turning around quickly.

"Yes, hey," she said, trotting up beside him.

"What's going on?" he asked, rather anxious to just be on his way, but trying to seem patient.

"I wanted to ask you if everything was alright. Is Ginny okay? What happened up there?"

Harry cleared his throat.

"Sara I honestly don't know everything yet," he said gently. "All I can tell you is Ginny's broom fell apart and I was able to catch her before she fell. She's a bit shaken up over everything but she'll be fine."

"That's good to hear. Do you think they'll give us a rematch?" she asked.

Harry shrugged.

"If they don't cancel the season, I suppose so. Nobody won, right?" he asked, realizing he had no idea. She could have caught the snitch while he'd been.preoccupied. Though most likely someone would have told him.

"No, no one won. Though I saw you spot the snitch just before you looked all scared."

"What?" Harry asked. "Before I looked scared? You were watching me.and you saw the snitch too?"

Sara nodded.

"I wasn't watching you the entire time, but I happened to look over at you when you spotted the snitch, I knew by your expression that was what you were looking at. I found it too, just after you did, but when I looked back at you something was different, you looked worried and you weren't moving much." She paused for a moment and shrugged. "I didn't think it would be fair to go for it, so I pretended I hadn't seen it."

"You could've won," Harry said, a bemused smile on his face. "The game would've been over and assuming they don't cancel the season, Ravenclaw would be ahead of Gryffindor."

"But it wouldn't have been fair. Don't get me wrong, I want to beat you, but not on a fluke."

Harry nodded, grinning.

"Well I can respect that," he said. "I look forward to our next match."

"So do I," she said with a smile, before starting to turn away.

"Um, Sara?" Harry began, calling her back.

"Yeah?" she asked, looking over her shoulder.

"I didn't see your cousin as I left the great hall.um.you wouldn't know where she is, would you?"

"Mel went up to the owlery," Sara replied happily. She waved at him and he returned it, before she turned again and headed back towards the great hall.

Harry watched her go for a moment, before setting off for the owlery. If Mel had been the one to curse the broom, he was going to find out. Now.

Harry made his way up to the owlery, stepping through the doorway into the afternoon sun. The late November air had a touch of a chill to it as it ruffled through his hair. He hesitated just a moment, before heading to the left, where Mel had shown him Elliot's perch. Sure enough, as he got closer, he heard a girl's voice, cooing gently, and he stepped into the aisle.

"You sure do send a lot of letters," Harry said, trying to keep his voice light. He didn't want her to know his reason for being there just yet.

Mel looked quickly over her shoulder, a surprised expression on her face, but when she caught sight of Harry, she smiled.

"What are you doing up.?" she began but trailed off as she caught sight of his robes, her expression one of horror.

"Is that blood?" she asked, sounding ill.

Harry glanced down, realizing he hadn't changed out of his quidditch robes yet.

"It's not mine," he assured her quickly, holding up his hands.

"Ginny's?" she asked, suddenly looking very concerned.

"Yes, actually," Harry replied. "Her hands were hurt quite badly when her broom began coming apart."

"You mean when your broom began coming apart," Mel said. "I noticed you weren't using your Firebolt, everyone in Slytherin did. It was all anyone talked about until.well.until everything happened." She shrugged, before continuing with a smirk. "You never told me you had a Moontrimmer already."

"I know," he answered simply, trying to read her eyes for any sign that she might be upset that he hadn't been hurt.

"Is Ginny alright?" Mel asked when Harry didn't say anything else.

"She's okay in that she doesn't need to stay in the hospital wing tonight," Harry began, "but besides that no, she isn't exactly alright. She could have died out there today."

"Yeah I saw that," Mel said somberly. "Thank goodness you were able to get to her in time," she added, meeting his eyes.

Harry just nodded and spoke quietly.

"Well what would make me happiest right now, is to know who did that to her broom."

"Who's examining it?" Mel asked. "Have they found anything yet?"

Harry eyed her carefully. He kept telling himself it was absurd to suspect Mel of having done this. The questions she was asking were just showing concern, nothing more. However, he couldn't help but feel a twinge of suspicion towards her. He couldn't tell if it was just him, or if she seemed a bit too eager to know if anyone had found anything.

"Dumbledore is having a look at it, but nothing yet," he said slowly and couldn't help himself from adding, "You wouldn't know anything about all this, would you?"

Harry watched Mel carefully, waiting for her response. He was shocked however when her reaction wasn't one of surprise or anger, but sadness.

She looked down at her hands, fidgeting somewhat, before meeting his gaze again; she gave a hollow laugh before speaking.

"I was wondering if you were going to ask me that."

Harry's brow furrowed in confusion as he spoke.

"So.you do know something then?"

"No," Mel replied, sounding slightly annoyed. She turned away, looking out over the school grounds. "It was obvious from the second you came up here Harry. I knew you suspected me; I was just waiting for you to get to the point." she spun back around to face him, "and here it is."

The two of them looked at each other in silence, neither one quite sure what to make of the other.

Mel shook her head and sighed.

"See you around Harry, it's been great fun and all, but I guess you won't be allowed to talk to me anymore." she trailed off as she began to walk past him.

"Hey," he said, partly irritated and grabbing her arm as she went by. She looked defiantly into his eyes. "First of all, I don't know what you mean by being 'allowed' to talk to you, do you think I have to run my friends by Dumbledore to see if they're okay or not? Secondly." he trailed off, winding down some, seeing the true hurt in her eyes.

"Look," he began, his voice taking on a gentler tone. "I'm sorry, I did this all wrong." He paused a moment, waiting for a response, but got none.

Sighing lightly, he continued.

"If you're still willing to speak to me, I'd like to explain what happened," he said.

"Do you really think I'm the one who did that to Ginny?" Mel asked, evenly.

Harry looked into her eyes for a long moment, before slowly shaking his head.

"Alright then," Mel said, her voice unreadable, "I'm listening."

Harry let go of her arm and together they walked to the edge of the wall, sitting down and letting their legs hang over the side. After a moment's hesitation, he decided to tell her what happened in the hospital wing, and why he had sounded so accusatory towards her.

"I'm sorry," he said when he was finished. "I knew it wasn't you."

"But your friends sure seem to think so," she said quietly, watching as the water on the lake rippled from the wind. Harry followed her gaze and a peaceful quiet followed, until he finally spoke again.

"I can't make them change their minds," he said almost apologetically, "but I won't agree with them."

"Well either way, I guess this means we can't go to the ball together." Mel trailed off, still not looking at him.

"You don't want to go with me anymore?" Harry asked, trying not to sound too hurt.

Mel turned her head and looked into his eyes.

"You mean.you do want to go with me? Even after all this?" she paused a second before going on. "But your friends."

"Mel, please." Harry interrupted, "please stop worrying about what my friends think. I want to go with you; I've been looking forward to it, actually. So don't base your decision on that.okay?"

Mel's face broke out in a huge grin, and she leaned over and hugged him. He hesitated a moment, before hugging her back and when the separated she was still smiling.

"Thank you," she said, sounding more like herself now.

Harry laughed.

"Oh I don't think you have anything to be thanking me for." he began, trailing off as a new thought occurred to him. "Mel, would you be able to do something for me?" he asked his expression turning serious. She nodded quickly, waiting for him to go on.

"I know you don't exactly get along with Malfoy any more, but you can still get a lot closer to him than I can."

"You want me to see if he did it?" she asked, reading his thoughts.

"Well nothing that will arouse his suspicions of you.but if you could just listen any time he's nearby.see if he slips anything out. I'm sure he'd brag to his friends." he trailed off. "If you don't mind, that is."

Mel shook her head, smiling.

"No I don't mind," she replied.

"Thanks," he said. "I don't know if it was him or not, but even if all that comes of this is we can completely take him off the list, it brings us closer to finding the real enemy."

"I'll be keeping my ears open anytime he's nearby," Mel assured him, before pushing back from the edge of the wall. "I really should get going now," she said.

"Yeah, same here," Harry said, thinking of the way he'd left things with his friends. He stood up with her and they walked back towards the entrance to the Owlery. They went through the halls, talking about class and quidditch, until they reached the portrait of the Fat Lady.

"This is where I get off," Harry said with a grin. "I'll see you in class!"

"Yep, see you then!" Mel said with a wave as she continued on down the hall. Harry watched her go for a few moments, before turning to the portrait and entering the common room.

As soon as the portrait shut behind him, Harry felt someone grab him around his middle. Looking down he saw Ginny had rushed over as she'd seen him enter, and was now giving him a fierce hug.

"Hey," he smiled, feeling relieved that she didn't still seem angry with him. "Is everything alright?"

"Harry I'm so sorry!" she said, looking up at him. "I shouldn't have done that at lunch.I shouldn't have said anything in front of Cho!"

He grinned at her and nodded.

"Look don't worry about it, I'll talk to Cho later." he trailed off, looking back to the corner they usually sat in. "Or maybe I'll do it now," he mumbled. Ron and Hermione were sitting in their usual seats, and Cho was in his. They were all looking at him, waiting. He led Ginny back to the others where she took the last empty seat, before he turned and looked at Cho.

"Where were you?" she asked, evenly.

"The owlery," he replied, matching her tone.

Cho nodded slightly before speaking again.

"With Mel?" she asked, now a slight edge to her voice.

"Did you come here to harp on me some more?" Harry asked, irritated.

Cho sat back in her chair, sighing in frustration.

"I went to the owlery to find out if Mel was the one who cursed the broom," Harry said quietly, kneeling down near Cho's chair.

"You actually asked her that?" Ron asked incredulously. "What did she say?"

"She didn't do it." Harry began.

"Well I doubt she'd just admit it if she did," Cho pointed out.

"You weren't there," Harry went on. "You didn't see the look in her eyes." He glanced around at the faces of his friends before continuing.

"You can all think whatever you want, but I believe Mel had nothing to do with this. I'm still going to the ball with her too."

The other four all exchanged nervous glances before Hermione finally spoke.

"Harry, is that really a good idea? How can you be positive she wasn't lying?"

Harry just looked at her, not feeling angry or upset, just tired. He shrugged loosely before replying.

"Like I said Hermione, if you had seen her face.her eyes.when I asked her if she had anything to do with it." he trailed off feeling guilty for even implying to Mel that he though she might've done it.

"She didn't curse the broom," he finished quietly.

For a few moments no one spoke. Harry wouldn't look at his friends because he didn't want to see the doubt or frustration he could only imagine they were feeling. He picked at his fingernails, absently, waiting.

Cho was the first to do anything and slowly slid off her chair until she was kneeling next to Harry. He looked up into her eyes, silently.

"Walk with me?" she asked in a whisper, nodding towards the portrait hole. He gave her a questioning look, but nodded that he would before pulling himself up into a standing position. After helping her up as well, he turned to the others.

"I'll be back in a bit," he said quietly.

"Make sure you're not out after curfew!" Hermione warned and Harry couldn't help but smile, expecting nothing less from her. He nodded his assurance that he would indeed return in time, before crossing the room with Cho and exiting through the portrait hole.

Harry and Cho walked through the halls, aimlessly, in silence.

"Are you still mad at me?" Harry asked finally, unable to stand the silence any longer.

Cho looked up slowly and shook her head.

"No, I'm not mad," she replied with a smile.

"Oh," Harry said, glad to hear it, but somewhat surprised. "Um.what did you want to talk about then?" he asked.

"I need to have a reason to walk with my boyfriend now?" she asked with a sly grin.

"Wha..? Er.no." Harry stammered, feeling confused. "No, not at all, I just.wasn't expecting you to be.alright.with this." he said in bewilderment.

"Look," she began, putting her arm through his, "I know I might've gotten a little bit.heated.earlier, but I've had time to think about things. I trust your judgment Harry. If you say Mel didn't do it.well then she didn't do it."

"Are you feeling alright?" Harry asked, looking at Cho in amazement. He put up his hand to her head as if he were feeling for a temperature.

"Stop it," she laughed, swatting his hand away. Harry laughed along with her but wasn't feeling right about this. When he'd touched her head it was like ice, but she didn't appear cold in the least. She smiled up at him before resting her head on his shoulder and continuing on.

It was then that Harry realized Cho was taking them down several hallways that were very familiar to him. They were now very close to the guest rooms.

"Tired?" he asked as the doorway came into view.

"Very," Cho replied, sounding anything but. Harry knew something was wrong, he didn't to leave her alone, but he also didn't feel going where she obviously wanted him to go was a very good idea.

"Maybe we should wait for Dobby to show up before going inside." Harry trailed off, trying to find some way to stall for time.

"He's already inside," Cho replied sweetly. "He came by just before I left to find you and said he'd wait here."

"Did he?" Harry asked uneasily. He watched as Cho opened the door and stepped inside, before cautiously following her through. The first thing he noticed was Dobby was nowhere to be seen.

"Where is he?" Harry asked, trying not to sound strained.

"Oh," Cho said as if just remembering something, "I asked him to wait inside.c'mon, I'll show you."

"How about we call him to come out?" Harry asked. "Then we can go in."

Cho looked at him, uncertainly, as if she were considering something very carefully. She'd already opened the next door and had one foot inside of her room. Suddenly she lunged forward, grabbing Harry's arm forcefully, twisting it as she dragged him towards her, and it was then he saw what he'd been afraid of. Her eyes turned black. It wasn't Cho, it was a shapeshifter.