Sirius started walking towards the door just as the knob turned and it
began to swing open. The voices in the next room were immediately
clear and Harry recognized Malfoy instantly, raising holy hell about
something or other. Lupin came into the room as the four friends
pulled apart and he closed the door behind him.
"Remind me to say no the next time Albus asks me to fetch Draco Malfoy and bring him somewhere," Remus began, gritting his teeth. "I really thought I was going to have to put him in the body bind several times. It never should have taken so long to get here."
"Oh c'mon Remus," Sirius laughed. "What did you honestly expect? If there's no reason to argue or fight on a particular matter, you can always count on a Malfoy to find one."
"Too true," Remus replied, now allowing a small grin to cross his face. Glancing over to the students, however, his expression became somber. "How are you all holding up?" he asked, gently, slowly walking towards them.
"I think we're all still shocked." Hermione said softly, looking up at Lupin. She glanced around at the others, who stayed silent. "Or at least.well I know I am."
Remus nodded, kneeling down in front of Harry.
"And what about you? Is there anything you need? We can have anything brought up to you if it will."
"No," Harry cut in, smiling faintly. "Thank you but no, Right now I'm not hungry in the least.and I don't want anything at all from my room." he trailed off, trying not to think about his room, his things, his bed.
Remus nodded, grinning reassuringly, before standing up and crossing back to Sirius.
"We have to go," he began quietly. "Dumbledore is waiting for us with Cole and the Inquisitors."
"No I'm not leaving," Sirius stated firmly. "Not after all that's happened tonight."
"It's okay Sirius," Harry spoke up, hearing the conversation. "I'll be alright.if you need to go."
"I don't need to." Sirius began.
"Sirius this is important," Remus said in a loud whisper, looking urgently at his friend. "It's because of what's happened tonight that we do need you to be there.we can't allow this to happen again. They got too close.and they did what they did to prove how far their reach stretches."
Sirius set his jaw stubbornly and crossed his arms over his chest, looking as if he would not be swayed. However, after looking again at Harry, who simply nodded once, Sirius let out a low sigh.
"Alright Remus, I'm coming."
He walked to where Harry was sitting on the bed, and pulled him once more into a fatherly embrace.
"I'm coming back up here every chance I get, okay?" he asked as they separated.
Harry nodded, grinning faintly.
"Be careful," he said as his godfather crossed the room, joining Remus by the door.
"Sleep tight kids," Remus said, smiling at them. Together the two of them went through the door, into the still noisy room beyond.
As the door shut, Harry listened to the muffled yelling in the next room. Sirius said something loudly and it brought silence over the room. He heard hushed voices for a few moments before hearing another door, indicating Sirius and Remus had left completely.
Sighing gently, Harry sat back. The others got up and started to their own beds, everyone quite drained from the evening's events. However, before any of them could even get into their beds, they heard a soft knock at the door, and looked up as it swung open.
Neville poked his head in, looking shyly around the room. He opened his mouth to ask a question, but before he could get it out, was shoved roughly into the room from behind.
"Get out of my way Longbottom!" Malfoy snarled as he stepped into the room, glaring angrily at the other boy. He pulled his gaze up quickly, glancing around the room, before resting his eyes on Harry. "What's this all about, Potter?" he demanded.
"I'm not in the mood, Malfoy," Harry said evenly. "Just go to sleep."
"No I will not! I was viciously dragged out of my common room by that disgusting werewolf who shouldn't even be allowed in the school in the first place, only to find out I had to share a room with a bunch of Gryffindors and." he trailed off, looking closer at Harry. Glancing around the room quickly, a bemused grin crossed his lips.
"You've all been.crying," he drawled slowly. "What happened this time? Did someone else die? I'd just love to."
But he never got to finish his sentence. Harry was off his bed in a flash, he lunged at Malfoy and they both hit the floor on their sides, each struggling to gain the upper hand. For the first time, no one attempted to pull Harry back.
"Get off of me!" Malfoy screamed, pushing his hands into Harry's face, trying to force him away. Harry was filled with such anger at that moment, he could barely think. He was able to push Draco onto his back and felt the other boy's fingers pushing into his face, trying to find his eyes, and shook them away. He grasped a handful of material near Malfoy's neck, and pulling back his right arm, his hand balled into a fist, swung it down forcefully, swiping across his face.
Malfoy let out a loud groan as his head knocked against the floor, blood freely running from his nose. He brought up his legs behind Harry, slamming his knees into his back, trying to get him off. Harry grunted, trying to shift his position, to avoid further blows. Twisting where he lay, Draco grabbed hold of Harry's arms, and once again, both boys were on their sides. He raised a leg, and kicked Harry in the stomach, hard, knocking the air out of him. As Harry began to cough, gasping for air, he caught sight of Ron about to intervene, and shook his head no.this was his fight.
Before he could see any response however, Malfoy pulled him to his feet by his shirt. Having no time to react, Harry felt the blow as Malfoy's fist grazed his jaw, and his teeth clicked together painfully. He tasted blood, felt it running down his chin, but didn't spend any time worrying about it. With a sudden burst of energy, he lunged forward, grabbing Malfoy by his collar. Pushing forcefully, he slammed them both into the wall behind Draco, hearing him cry out in pain.
Harry glared hatefully at his defender, his enemy, letting his anger simmer inside him. He felt Malfoy scratching at his hands, trying to relieve the pressure from his chest that Harry was pressing into forcefully, to no avail. Harry let it go on for just a few seconds, before opening his mouth to speak.
"It should have been you," he spat vehemently, his eyes flashing dangerously. "It should have been you that died.not Cho. You aren't worth the air you breathe."
Draco yanked at one of Harry's arms, trying to free himself from his grasp, but Harry shoved the other boy's hand away violently, pulling Draco slightly away from the wall and slamming him back into it, putting an arm across his chest.
"Get your hands off of me!" Malfoy tried to yell, his voice coming out strained from the pressure on his throat. However, Harry paid no attention, his anger only increasing. For a moment it looked as if he were going to take another swing at Draco, but feeling a hand on his arm, he looked abruptly over his shoulder, to see Neville standing next to him.
"Harry," Neville began warily, feeling the thick tension in the room, "C'mon, don't do this. He got what he deserved.there's no need to."
"I don't think he's gotten anywhere near what he deserves, Neville," Ron spoke up stiffly, looking just as angry as Harry, his hands balled into fists at his sides and his teeth clenched.
"Ron, the point is," Neville continued, firmly, "that this is not a good idea." He turned his gaze back to Harry, staring into his eyes. "You don't want to hurt him so badly that he has to go to the hospital wing, right? Even if he isn't badly hurt he'll do his best to convince Madam Pomfrey that he is, and then he'll stay there for the night."
"I don't see a problem with that," Ron cut in again, smirking now, enjoying the nervous glint in Malfoy's eyes. "He doesn't want to be here with us anyway, let's give him a way out."
"Ron, you don't get it!" Neville said, sounding slightly annoyed. "The hospital wing is much easier for intruders to get into than these rooms we're in now. If one of them found out he was the defender.it would be so easy just to."
"They already know," Harry interrupted in a drained voice, still not loosening his grip on Malfoy, who had stopped struggling to listen to the conversation, his eyes darting apprehensively around the room.
"What?" Hermione exclaimed, fearfully. "How? What do you mean? They know we're in here for tonight.?" she trailed off looking anxious.
Harry shook his head, slowly.
"No, they know that Draco," he paused, glaring disgustedly into the other boy's eyes, "is my defender."
The room was silent for a few brief seconds, until Malfoy started struggling again. Harry glared at him hatefully, but didn't try to stop him this time. He let go of Draco's robes, and stepped back.
"You're going to regret that," Malfoy muttered indignantly, rubbing at his chest and fixing Harry with a heated stare.
"You're right," Harry replied flatly. "I already wish I'd hurt you more."
"When my father hears about this," Malfoy began.
"Give it up, Malfoy!" Harry shouted. "Voldemort wants to take your life just as badly as he wants to take mine. Telling your father isn't going to make anything better for you. And if I were you, I'd be afraid to be in the same room with Lucius right now.especially alone."
"My father would never hurt me," Malfoy replied insistently.
"Then Voldemort would be after him as well," Harry replied with a shrug. "I'm actually surprised you're still alive at all.seeing as how they know who you are."
"I think you're lying," Draco retorted, his eyes narrowing. "You're trying to scare me and it's not going to work."
Harry smiled, letting out a hollow laugh, and took a step closer to Malfoy.
"I think," he began, looking piercingly into the other boy's eyes, "you're confusing me with yourself. I don't find amusement in playing with people's emotions."
"Harry," Hermione spoke up again, crossing to her friend and placing a hand on his arm. "Just ignore him, alright? Please. Come and sit down, your lip is bleeding pretty badly."
Harry brought his hand up, feeling the blood that was still oozing from where Malfoy had punched him. He nodded absently and turned away with her, moving towards the nearest chair.
"Here," Hermione said evenly, turning back to Malfoy, she handed him a handkerchief from her robes. He looked at her confused for a moment and she lifted her hand to her face, indicating the area under her nose.
"You're bleeding." she said flatly, "you might want to stop it."
Ginny and Ron had come up beside Harry, who was now putting pressure on his wound, sitting back with his eyes closed.
"How do they know Harry?" Neville spoke up, still not having moved from his spot. "You seem very sure Voldemort knows about Draco."
"Did you overhear something?" Hermione piped up, anxiously.
Harry opened his eyes, sitting up in his chair, and looked up at his friends. He held up a finger, indicating for them to give him a moment, before turning his gaze on Draco, who was fussing over his bloody nose.
"Tell me, Malfoy," he began almost guardedly. "How much do you know about what's been going on here? The intruders we've been having.the entities."
"The what?" Malfoy looked up, a puzzled expression etched on his face.
Harry rolled his eyes.
"You can't be the son of a death eater, especially one so close to Voldemort, and not know anything.I know he's told you things before."
Draco glared at him again, looking ready to fight once more.
"You assume too much, Potter," he sneered. "My father has never spoken about any entities to me.and while I know about the intruders, it's only because everyone in the school knows. I don't get any advance warning, if that's what you're implying."
"Yes well you're also a Slytherin, and so therefore a liar," Harry replied vehemently. "I can't trust you not to keep this to yourself."
"But Harry if you know something." Neville began, looking from Malfoy to Harry and back. "He needs to know.if he dies, then."
"I know what happens," Harry cut him off. "But there's something I need to be sure of," he went on, looking directly at Malfoy. "I need to know you aren't going to repeat what I'm about to say to anyone, no matter how much you think you can trust them. It's something I want kept between the six of us, until we figure out the best course of action. I want your word Malfoy."
"What's that worth?" Ron quipped before Draco could reply. "Forget it Harry, let him fend for himself. You know he'll never mean it, whether he gives his word or not he'll tell."
"I don't believe he was talking to you, Weasley," Draco spat, his eyes filled with hate. But there was something else.intrigue.eagerness. He wanted to hear what Harry had to say.
"What's it gonna be, Malfoy?" Harry asked, evenly.
"Alright," Draco said quickly. "I promise. You have my word, I won't talk about this to anyone."
Harry stared at Malfoy, feeling slightly uneasy. He didn't like having to trust him for anything, no matter how small the matter may be. But in this situation, he came to the decision he'd have to give Draco the benefit of the doubt. He had to know who to look out for, and even with as many times as he'd wished him dead, Harry didn't want to actually be responsible for Malfoy's death. Taking a deep breath, despite the looks of warning Ron was throwing him, Harry began to speak.
"I think.no.I'm fairly certain, that Marzia is Saaneeraa," Harry said firmly.
"How?" Neville asked, shock evident in his voice. "Why would you think that? I thought she was."
"Let me explain," Harry cut him off. "On Halloween, when Marzia stopped the dementors, it seemed to hurt her. Sirius took her to their quarters where she was supposedly going to be resting for the remainder of the night at least. But then that also means she was the only one not accounted for during the whole incident with Percy. I don't know how Saaneeraa's power works, but if she needs to be close to a person in order to control them, being asleep in her bed would be a good reason why no one would suspect her."
"And after having just saved everyone in Hogsmeade," Hermione added. "No one would even think to accuse her."
"Exactly," Harry nodded.
"I don't know Harry," Neville said, uncertainly. "That seems a little.thin."
"I'm not done yet," he replied. "The night before the first quidditch match, Hermione went to speak with Marzia, to learn more about the magic of Faerun. She was gone for much longer than anyone expected her to be, but returned seemingly unharmed. The next day at the match, Ginny's broom was destroyed while she was on it.it was cursed. I found out later on, that it was Saaneeraa who cursed the broom, and Hermione had been the one to bring it to her."
"Well how does that.?" Neville began.
"She was being controlled Neville," Harry explained. She took the broom from Ginny's dorm that same night she spoke to Marzia, and brought it to Saaneeraa."
"Which I still can't remember doing." Hermione trailed off, shivering involuntarily. Ron, who was standing beside her, slipped his arm around her waste, pulling her close to him. He kissed her forehead softly as she rested her head on his shoulder, letting out a shaky breath.
Harry looked at them, feeling a pang of sadness inside, but turned his gaze away.
"Then on Christmas morning, when I received the bottle. Marzia and Sirius came to look at it, and Sirius was acting quite strangely. I think she was controlling him, because she sent me the bottle. She knew what would happen eventually and didn't want to take the chance Dumbledore would confiscate it, so they reported back to him that everything was fine."
"Harry," Neville began. "I agree these all sound very.suspicious.but any of the reasons you've given could also mean Marzia is being controlled too. I mean, on Halloween, we've no proof at all she had anything to do with what happened to Percy. When she spoke with Hermione, everything seems as if it went fine, and the broom was not cursed until later, long after their chat was over. Then with the bottle, you said Sirius was being controlled, maybe Marzia was too. I'm not trying to be difficult.but if you accuse her.and it ends up she's really not."
"I've thought of that Neville," Harry said quietly. "It's the only reason I haven't said anything yet. But there is one more thing I haven't told you. Earlier today, I was up in the observatory." he trailed off wondering if he should tell them he was with Mel, when Ron spoke up.
"What on earth would you be doing up there?" he asked, looking puzzled.
"I was having dinner." he replied, lowering his voice before going on, "with Mel." He glanced around quickly at his friends' faces, noticing immediately how angry Ginny appeared, but no one said anything, so he continued.
"We had been up there for a half hour, give or take, when I heard a noise at the door. Marzia came into the room, trying to remain silent; she didn't even see us until I called out to her. She told us one of the Inquisitors had informed her there was an intruder up there. After making sure both Mel and I had been introduced to them, she told us to go straight back to our common rooms, no stopping on the way. I think.I think she wanted me to see." he trailed off, unable to finish the sentence and looked down at his hands, blinking back tears. He felt Ron put a comforting hand on his shoulder.
"Wanted you to see what?" Neville inquired, looking confused.
"Yeah what, Potter?" Malfoy spoke snidely. "Does it have something to do with why we're here tonight?"
Harry nodded, forcing himself to look back up.
"Yes it does," he replied stiffly, glaring at Draco. "I found Cho in my bed tonight, looking exactly as she did when she died."
Draco's expression immediately changed. He was no longer smiling, and his eyes grew wider. Apparently, not even he could imagine doing such a thing.
"Harry," Neville began, moving closer to him, holding his arms slightly out to his sides. "I'm so sorry."
Harry shook his head.
"Nothing you could have done," he said, emptily. "It only goes to show how easily Saaneeraa can get by anyone. No one saw her, obviously."
An awkward silence fell over the room, which Harry hurried to break.
"I think Marzia lied to us, about the Inquisitor informing her. If a death eater were to break into the school, what reason would the have to go up to the observatory?"
"Well you were up there," Hermione replied quickly.
"Yes but how would they know that?" Harry asked. "I'm sure no one would start by searching up there. And that's so far up, wouldn't one of the Inquisitors be able to sense an intruder before they made it that far?"
"You're right," Hermione nodded. "That doesn't make sense."
"So it must be Marzia then," Ron said evenly. "She's been against us from day one."
"I'm still not sure," Neville spoke up. "There's one other thing that doesn't seem to fit."
Everyone waited, as Neville seemed to collect his thoughts, when finally he took a deep breath, and began to speak.
"Okay," he said. "Let's just say yes, everything you're assuming is true. Marzia is Saaneeraa and she has been behind everything from the beginning. Well why didn't she just take you then? She had your trust at first, I know she did. It would have been just as easy for her to take you out of here without using any magic back then, than it would be with her powers now."
"Maybe she was waiting," Hermione suggested. "She didn't know who the defender was."
"But she does now," Harry cut her off. "She was in the hospital wing with us when Cole explained it, she heard everything."
"So why," Neville began again, "since she now knows for certain who the defender is, would she wait? If she's as powerful as we've been told, then it should be no problem for her."
"I don't know," Harry admitted. "I can't understand why she would wait.I'm not saying I don't want her to.but it doesn't make sense."
"Well it doesn't make sense whether it's Marzia or not," Ron said, suddenly. "Think about it, no matter who Saaneeraa is, we know she can get into the school easily, and she probably doesn't have too hard of a time getting information.even if it's someone we don't suspect they probably know about Malfoy."
"But then what are they waiting for?" Hermione asked, sounding frustrated.
"They're just playing with us," Harry shrugged, a dark expression on his face. "Trying to wear us down would be my guess."
"It sounds to me like none of you really knows what you're talking about," Draco spoke up, at last, sounding appalled. "My life could be in danger and."
"Your life?" Ron cried, enraged. "After all that you've just heard I." he paused, seething with anger. "I really shouldn't be surprised that's all you care about."
"Well isn't that what I'm supposed to be concerned about?" Malfoy retorted. "If you want to keep Potter here alive." he said, gesturing towards Harry, "then I have to be alive, right? Or did I misunderstand what that lunatic, Cole was trying to tell me."
Harry just shook his head in disgust.
"If we do find out anything more, you can be certain we'll tell you. Maybe you could even try helping," he spoke bitterly, "if it's not too much trouble."
Draco rolled his eyes, crossing his arms over his chest.
"I'm going to bed, talking to all of you is giving me a headache."
Turning on the spot, he strode to the door, yanking it open harshly, before stepping through, and letting it slam behind him.
Neville looked after him for a moment, before turning again to Harry.
"Is there anything I can do for you? Anything you need?"
"No, thank you," Harry shook his head faintly. "I think all I need right now is sleep."
"You do look tired," Neville commented, quietly. "And I know you don't always sleep much."
"Checking up on me, are you?" Harry asked with a wry grin.
"More like I'm a light sleeper," Neville replied with a shrug. "If anyone does more then turn over in their sleep, I hear it."
"Sorry to keep you up so much," Harry said.
"Don't worry about it," Neville smiled. "Just get some rest, all of you," he said looking up at the others. "I'll see you all in the morning."
"Good night Neville," Hermione said softly.
"Sleep well," Ron added.
Neville nodded once, before turning and heading for the door. He pulled it shut quietly behind him, leaving the four friends alone.
Harry stood up, feeling confused and drained from the events of the day. He looked to his friends, about to tell them he was going to try and get some sleep, when Ginny spoke up, after not having spoken for most of the night.
"Why were you up in the observatory with Mel?" she asked quietly, looking directly into Harry's eyes.
"Ginny," Harry began, trying not to sound impatient, but tired of defending Mel to his friends. "I told you, we were having dinner."
"Yes I heard that, but what it means is you were hanging out with her having a good time, when you couldn't even treat your real friends with some decency."
"Ginny!" Ron cried, staring in shock at his sister, as Harry's jaw dropped in stunned silence. "What's gotten into you?"
"Nothing's gotten into me!" Ginny said fiercely. "I don't understand why he can't see there's something not right about Mel.and don't try to act like you don't know what I'm talking about.you feel the same way!"
Harry looked sharply at Ron.
"Do you?" he asked, before turning to glance at Ginny and Hermione. "Do all of you.feel that way?"
"I.well.it's just." Ron stammered, trying to find the words. "She shouldn't have said that, I'm sorry." he muttered.
"Oh," Harry spoke emotionlessly. "I see. So all of you have just been lying to me about."
"I haven't lied about anything," Ginny interrupted.
Harry's eyes flickered in her direction, before speaking again.
"Fine, so neither of you," he said, looking from Ron to Hermione, "were telling the truth when you told me you liked Mel. Why did you say it then?"
"Harry.we do like her," Hermione said slowly.
"But?" Harry prompted.
"There's just something not right about her," Ron blurted out.
"Could you be a bit more vague, perhaps?" Harry asked sardonically. "What is so wrong with her that you all don't trust her.or don't like her.or.what exactly do you feel towards her?" he finished, looking around questioningly.
"Don't you remember when you first met her?" Ginny began. "And all she seemed to care about were house points.you didn't trust her back then. She would say what needed to be said to get out of trouble.whether it was the truth or not."
"I remember," Harry said. "But as I got to know her better she seemed to change. I'm sure she still cares about house points.but we're friends now. She wouldn't just."
"Or she just wants you to think you're friends," Ginny retorted.
"Ginny stop, this isn't the time." Hermione began.
"No Hermione," Harry interrupted, keeping his gaze set firmly on Ginny. "I want to hear this. Am I no longer allowed to choose my friends, is that it? Or are you jealous."
Ginny blushed furiously the second the words left Harry's mouth. She turned her gaze to the floor, unable to meet his eyes any longer.
"I'm just saying Mel is not someone you should trust so easily," she muttered.
"And I thank you for your concern," Harry replied, sincerely, deciding not to comment any further on the issue of whether or not she was jealous. "But I don't think I have anything to worry about. I'm sorry that I shut all of you out over the past few days, I feel more guilty than I can say, but my spending time with Mel had nothing to do with preferring her company to yours. She still doesn't know what happened after Christmas, so she wasn't asking the questions I was avoiding.the ones that all of you.my closest friends, were asking."
"You don't have to apologize for spending time with Mel, Harry," Ron said, smiling faintly.
"But please just make sure you're careful when you're around her," Hermione added.
Harry nodded, fighting the urge to roll his eyes.
"I'd like all of you to try to be a little more accepting of the fact that I want to continue being friends with her. If the only reason you don't trust her is because of how she acted when I first met her then."
"That's not the only reason," Ron cut in. "We just don't know why her attitude changed. She did seem to become.nicer.towards you then she was at first. And at the dance it was certainly clear that she and Malfoy were not on good terms at all. But you have to consider the possibility.no matter how much you don't want to.that this could be a set up. She may just want you to think she's your friend, but in fact is only trying to get closer to you for some other reason." he trailed off, shrugging almost apologetically.
"You think Voldemort has her watching me.trying to get close to me?" Harry asked, smirking slightly.
"Why not?" Hermione asked, quietly. "It wouldn't be the first time he had someone who seemed to be a friend gain your trust.only to turn on you later."
"But Mel has been here for years," Harry argued, "never once has she even spoken to me."
"That doesn't mean she isn't on Voldemort's side," Ginny said evenly.
"She was hurt in an accident that Malfoy caused!" Harry cried, now feeling annoyed. "I saved her, she didn't seem to care as long as Slytherin didn't lose points.it was only after we started running into each other more that we talked.got to know each other."
"Exactly," Hermione said. "As you started running into each other more. Were these meetings just random? Or planned."
"And," Ginny continued. "Who is she always sending owls to? You always talk about meeting her in the owlery."
Harry shook his head, wishing he could express his feeling better to his friends. If they knew Mel the way he did, they surely wouldn't say the things they were now.
"I don't know who the owls are to," Harry admitted, quietly. "Maybe I'll ask her the next time I see her if it'll make you happy. As for everything else.I'm sorry but I just don't see her as a threat. She's never once tried to do anything to hurt me, or any of you.and unless she does." he trailed off, shrugging. He turned around and headed for the bed he had picked for the night, pulling back the covers and finding a spare set of nightclothes under the pillow.
"I'm sorry to cut this short," he spoke again, picking up the clothes. "But I'm really tired."
"So am I," Ron said, heading for the bed next to Harry, dropping the subject willingly.
"Yes it is rather late," Hermione added.
"Sleep well guys," Harry spoke again, not failing to notice Ginny's silence, but not mentioning it either. He stepped behind a divider set up next to his bed and quickly changed, and one at a time the others followed suit.
Slipping into bed, Harry laid his head against the pillow, listening to his friends doing the same. It wasn't long before he heard the sounds of their deep breathing, and he was left alone, with his thoughts.
Harry opened his eyes slowly. The room was still quite dark and he didn't know how long he'd been asleep. Sitting up, he grabbed his glasses from the table next to his bed, when suddenly he heard a noise right beside him.
Spinning around where he sat, he squinted his eyes in the darkness, straining to see. He could barely make out the shape of someone sitting in a chair near his bed and after a few seconds of tense silence he realized what the noise was; they were snoring.
Feeling slightly relieved, as surely no one there to harm him would take a nap next to his bed, he leant forward further, sliding towards the edge to see the person better. There was barely any light coming in through the high windows, and he didn't want to do anything that might wake the others.
All of a sudden, the person became quiet, moving in the chair. He heard them grunt, clearing their throat, and in that instant recognized who it was.
"Sirius?" he whispered.
"Harry?" his godfather replied, groggily. "Did I wake you? I'm sorry."
"No, you didn't," Harry replied quickly, keeping his voice down, "I just woke up, but didn't hear you until after."
"Can't sleep?" Sirius asked, as he sat up in the chair, his shadow leaning towards Harry. "I can go ask Madam Pomfrey for."
"No," Harry cut him off. "Please don't. I don't feel like sleeping right now."
"Do you want to talk?" Sirius asked, then rushed on quickly. "But I don't want to force you to. How about a cup of tea? I'll be glad to make us one."
"Tea sounds good," Harry laughed, enjoying his godfather's concern. "Though I don't want to wake everyone."
"We won't," Sirius replied, "C'mon, let's go."
"Where are we.?" Harry began, swinging his legs over the side as Sirius stood.
"I'll show you," he replied, guiding Harry around the furniture in the darkness. The two of them went silently across the room in the shadows, and Sirius led him through several rooms, until they were back in Dumbledore's office.
Harry felt strange being there with no lights, seeing only the shadows cast across the floor in the eerie glow of the moon. But they didn't stop there. Sirius opened another door that Harry didn't even know was there, on the opposite side of the office, between two bookshelves.
It looked like a regular section of the wall but slid into the shelf on the left, revealing another room behind it. They stepped through and Sirius lit a candle directly on the wall to their right, bathing the room in a warm glow. Harry saw immediately that it was a little kitchenette.
"Why would Dumbledore need one of these?" he asked, looking up at his godfather.
"Sometimes he likes food that isn't prepared by the house elves," Sirius replied with a smile, winking at Harry. "You should try his pancakes, best you'll ever have."
Harry smirked as he crossed to the small table on the right side of the room, taking a seat, and watched Sirius search the cabinets for some the tea. He filled the kettle on the stove with water, and set it on one of the burners, before sitting across from his godson while they waited for it to boil.
"So you don't seem tired," Sirius began, looking over at Harry. "Did you sleep well?"
"I guess so," Harry shrugged. "I don't even know what time I finally fell asleep.or for how long."
"Did you stay up with the others?"
Harry nodded.
"Yes, we talked some.Neville came in to find out what happened." he trailed off.
"What about Malfoy?" Sirius asked. "He didn't give you any problems, did he? He was putting up quite a fuss just before I left."
Harry let out a small laugh, shaking his head.
"What?" Sirius grinned. "What happened?"
"He stopped in for a bit, yes," Harry replied, before going on to tell him a little of what had happened.
"That little git!" Sirius cried angrily. "Good for you, finally giving him what he deserves, slimy little ferret." He grinned with obvious pride at his godson and Harry was sure Dumbledore would not be pleased with the reason for his godfather's expression at that moment, but he didn't care. Malfoy had gotten off easy as far as he was concerned.
"So how did this fight get started, anyway?" Sirius asked. "Not that it would take much," he joked, "considering that it was with Malfoy."
"Well," Harry began uncertainly. "It.he.he said something, that was insulting.it was just bad timing on his part. I didn't handle it well."
"What did he say?" Sirius prompted, gently.
"Nothing," Harry replied with a shrug. "It doesn't matter.I don't really want to get into it again right now."
"Okay," Sirius answered, nodding. "We won't talk about it then."
"Thanks," Harry replied, grinning faintly. "How did your meeting go? Or...whatever it was."
"Not as good as I'd hoped," Sirius said glumly. "The inquisitors may not have the ability to sense any of the entities. Even if all the death eaters are caught or killed, it makes no difference if they're still able to get in unnoticed. We don't know where they're entering from so we can't block it off or station guards, and it doesn't seem like we're making much progress."
"Wonderful," Harry commented, sardonically. "Is there any good news.at all?"
"At this time," Sirius began, "only that at least for the moment you and your friends are safe, and there are going to be added protections to all of the student dorms to make sure it stays that way."
"What about." Harry began cautiously. "What if these protections aren't enough?"
"Well we're going to make it so they will be," Sirius replied. "No one who is unaware of the new defense will be able to pass and."
"What if they're already aware?" Harry cut him off. "They might have been listening in to you when you were speaking about it."
"Harry, we were alone when we spoke, no one heard us."
"But what if they did?" Harry pressed, wanting to scream his suspicions about Marzia. "What if they've heard everything we've been planning since the very beginning?"
"Harry," Sirius began, eyeing his godson suspiciously, "is there something you know.something you're not telling me?"
Harry looked directly into his godfather's eyes; feeling he should take the opportunity, tell him about Marzia. It would upset him no doubt, but wouldn't it be better to take that chance? He opened his mouth to speak, to tell his suspicions, when suddenly the kettle began to shake, almost violently, letting off a high-pitched wail to indicate the water was boiling.
"Hold that thought," Sirius said as he stood up and went to the stove, turning off the burner. Harry watched as his godfather poured the water into mugs, seeing the steam float up on the air, wafting towards the ceiling, lazily.
"Here you are," Sirius said, setting a cup down in front of Harry gently before taking a seat across from him once again. "Now, what were you going to say?"
"Only that." Harry began, having lost some of his courage, "we need to be careful.what if Saaneeraa is one of us?" he asked cautiously, glancing up at Sirius.
"One of us?" Sirius repeated. "As in.controlling one of us?" he asked, raising his still piping hot mug to his lips.
"No," Harry replied, measuring sugar into his own cup, "I mean disguised as one of us."
"The entities unfortunately do have that ability," Sirius stated. "We just have to hope we can recognize when someone is acting differently than they normally would."
"Unless," Harry continued, quickly, "whoever it is has been with us as Saaneeraa since they first arrived here."
"You sound like you've thought this through quite a bit," Sirius said, setting his mug down softly. "Who is it you suspect?"
Harry opened his mouth, ready to say it, wanting to say it.but couldn't. He was unable to accuse Marzia, the woman his godfather loved, whom he seemed happiest with, without having proof. It didn't matter how positive he, himself was, if all he had for his godfather were his suspicions. If Neville had been able to argue Harry's points, Sirius would have no trouble shooting them down as well.
"I'm not sure enough yet," Harry said quietly, looking at his mug, stirring its contents absently, "to say any names."
Sirius raised an eyebrow, catching Harry's gaze briefly before his godson lowered his eyes again.
"You don't sound like you mean that," he prompted. "If there's someone you don't trust.it would be best for you to tell me, no matter how.thin.you believe your reasons to be."
Harry didn't know what to say, he didn't want to lie to Sirius but he didn't feel right about accusing Marzia at this moment. Looking up at his godfather once more, he started to tell him again that he wasn't sure enough one way or another to say any names, when a door on the opposite side of the kitchen slid open, and Dumbledore shuffled into the room.
"Oh," he said, noticing the two of them at the table and smiling warmly. "Good morning Sirius, Harry. Up early today?"
"Good morning professor," Harry replied with a nod.
"Hello Albus," Sirius smiled.
Dumbledore joined them at the table, wearing his nightclothes and dark blue robe. He took a seat in between the others and leaned back.
"Did I interrupt something? An important conversation, perhaps?" he asked.
"No, no," Harry said quickly before Sirius could reply. "Nothing big, really."
"I see," Dumbledore replied, catching Sirius' quizzical look at his godson.
There was a brief silence between the three men, and Harry cleared his throat awkwardly, turning to the headmaster.
"Will we.can we go back to our dorms today?" he asked, slowly.
"If you feel you are ready to return," Dumbledore began seriously, "then you may do so, yes. If not, you are more than welcome to use these rooms for the remainder of the holidays at the very least."
Harry thought for a moment, considering how inviting that suggestion sounded. He wouldn't have to worry about any of his classmates asking him anything.and he wasn't too sure he'd be able to look at his bed again without seeing Cho. However, he steeled his resolve. No more hiding from questions and avoiding others. Moreover, he was most certainly not going to show Voldemort how badly this horrible stunt of his had affected him.
"I'm ready, yes," Harry stated evenly. But now his thoughts were on Cho, and he did all he could not to picture her face as he'd last seen it, the memory was too painful. "She's not.there anymore, right?" he asked, staring past both of them, seeing his bed, her lying in it, eyes wide.
"No, no of course not," Sirius replied.
"Where did you take her?"
"We brought her body down to the hospital wing, where she will remain until Mr. and Mrs. Chang come to retrieve her."
"They know?" Harry whispered, feeling sorrow for her parents. After how hard these last few days had been for him, he could only imagine the pain this would cause them.
"I spoke with them a few days ago," Dumbledore replied, "and then again just last night, letting them know what happened. They are coming to pick her up today. The funeral will be in just a few days."
"Funeral?" Harry cried, suddenly realizing he hadn't even though about this until just now when Dumbledore mentioned it.
"Yes, her funeral," Sirius repeated gently. Harry looked down at his hands; it was all real again. He was fine when he didn't think about it, but when he was forced to finally do so, his emotions always seemed to get the better of him, and after last night, he just didn't want to fight them anymore.
"Will I be able to go?" Harry asked gently, looking up at the headmaster. He was taken aback, however, when he saw a glint of anger flash in Dumbledore's eyes.
"I am afraid," Dumbledore spoke slowly, pronouncing each syllable, "that you cannot attend Cho's funeral, Harry."
"W-Why not?" Harry asked, his voice unsteady. "Please don't tell me it's because of the possibility of an attack.I'd rather chance it.it'll be my last chance to say good-bye."
"If that were the only reason," Dumbledore interrupted, "I would find a way to get you there, with as much protection as possible, but it is not."
"Then.then what is it?" Harry asked, confused.
"The Changs, "Dumbledore began stiffly, "have requested that you not attend."
"What?" Sirius cried, clearly outraged. "How could they."
"Sirius," Harry interrupted before his godfather could get going, his voice eerily calm. "It's okay. I understand why they don't want me there.they blame me."
"They have no right to!" Sirius said fiercely, standing abruptly, his eyes flashing dangerously. He turned on the headmaster, fuming. "You can't tell me you're going to just let this stand! He deserves to be able to say good-bye properly!"
"This is one thing I'm afraid to say," Dumbledore spoke quietly, "is out of my hands. If Russell and Carol do not want Harry at their only daughter's funeral, there is nothing I can do to change that. While I believe what they're asking is shameful, I am the one who has no right.no right to go against their wishes."
Dumbledore looked away from Sirius, who appeared very ready to continue arguing the matter, and faced Harry.
"I'm so sorry, Harry," he said quietly. "I would never have thought they would want it this way. Cho loved you, and they know this."
"It's alright," Harry murmured, sounding much more at ease than he was feeling. His heart felt as if it had been ripped from his chest, and now he was numb with grief. "I wouldn't want me there either," he shrugged, "now that I'm thinking about it. If Voldemort sent anyone.well.it would be a dishonor to Cho's memory to have that happen at her funeral."
"It's a dishonor to her memory to not have you there," Sirius insisted, vehemently. "When will they be arriving? I want to speak with."
"Sirius please!" Harry cried suddenly, startling his godfather. "Please just let it go," he finished in a whisper, a pained expression on his face. "I don't want to fight over this.I can't."
"Harry," Sirius replied, his face a mixture of sadness and defeat, "I won't say anything.if that's what you want. But they are treating this as if it is your fault.and I want to know.I want to hear it from your mouth.that you don't blame yourself. You are not responsible for what happened."
Harry was silent for a moment, trying to choose his words carefully. He glanced at Dumbledore, who was watching, waiting for him to speak, before turning to face his godfather.
"I did blame myself at first, for Cho, for Mrs. Figgs, for Cedric.anyone that Voldemort killed to get to me.well it had to be my fault. If he wasn't after me, they all would be alive right now."
"That isn't." Sirius started.
"But," Harry spoke firmly, loudly, cutting him off. "After last night, I finally started to listen.to what Ron, Hermione, you.everyone was trying to tell me all along. I feel so helpless sometimes," he said, his voice breaking slightly, allowing a small sigh to escape his lips, "and I hate to admit it. But.there.there was nothing I could have done." he trailed off, feeling his eyes well up. He wiped at them under his glasses with the back of his hand, hearing Sirius move towards him, and feeling his godfather's comforting grip on his shoulder.
"I'm sorry," Harry muttered, somewhat sheepishly.
"You have nothing.nothing.to be sorry about," Sirius said firmly, his voice thick with emotion. He knelt down next to his godson, turning him gently by the shoulders to be sure their eyes met. "I am so proud of you Harry. You've been through more than anyone should ever have to go through in their entire life, and you're still so young. With each obstacle you face, you only come out stronger, and for that I admire and respect you. You don't flaunt your fame, or try to gain friends using your tales of heroics.you're just you, trying to be a normal teenager, and I love you."
Harry smiled, a real smile, at his godfather. He leant forward as Sirius pulled him into an embrace and felt some of his tension melt away. He believed he would always be able to face what was thrown at him, knowing he was loved so deeply, as a son would be loved by a father.
As they separated, Harry sat back in his chair, sighing inaudibly. He didn't want to think any further on the subject of Cho's funeral, but there was one question he felt he had to ask.
"Do you think," he began, looking at Dumbledore, "that the Changs are still being controlled? We know they had to be under some kind of spell when Sirius and Marzia were there." he trailed off, hopefully.
"At that time yes, they were being controlled," Dumbledore spoke evenly, "but since then they have shown evidence to the contrary. Cho and I had made contact with them on several occasions, and they responded to her just as she would have expected them to. When they come here later today I will be able to better determine if they are truly back to themselves or not, but until then, we must wait."
Harry nodded, faintly.
"I guess I can't talk with them, then?" Harry asked, hopefully.
"If you would like," Dumbledore replied, "I will speak with them when they arrive.and ask if they would like to talk with you."
"I don't think we should bother asking," Sirius quipped, anger quite evident in his voice. "The way they're treating Harry is uncalled for and."
"Sirius," Dumbledore interrupted fiercely. "I realize how strongly you feel about this, and I couldn't agree more. Harry does not deserve this treatment, but we must be understanding of the Changs' feelings as well. They have lost their only daughter. We cannot attempt to force them into doing anything they don't want to, it will only make things worse."
"I don't want to force them into anything," Harry replied quickly, cutting off Sirius as he opened his mouth to argue again. "If they will talk with me, great.if not.that's their choice."
"As I said," Dumbledore spoke again, "when they arrive, I will speak with them, and call for you if they agree."
"Thank you," Harry said, nodding at the headmaster. He looked again to his godfather, who still looked very unhappy about the whole situation, but didn't want to get back into the argument again. "I think I want to get a bit more sleep, unless there's something else we need to talk about.?"
"You need your rest," Sirius said quickly, his expression changing instantly to one of concern, "Go get some sleep, I know you didn't get much last night."
"Make sure I'm awake when they come though, please?" Harry asked, looking again at the headmaster.
"I promise," Dumbledore nodded with a faint smile.
"Thank you," Harry said. He glanced once more at Sirius, who smiled reassuringly at him, before turning away and heading for the door that led back into the office. Everything was still dark but the coloring of the sky through the windows told him it would not be long until the sun was up. He shuffled across the room to the door that led into the maze of sleeping quarters beyond it, and made his way back to where his friends were still sleeping. Creeping silently in and shutting the door behind him, Harry went back to the last empty bed and slid between the sheets once more. As his head touched the pillow, he realized how tired he now felt, and barely had enough energy left to put his glasses on the table, before he was sleeping soundly.
After what felt like only moments, Harry heard noises in the room around him. Lifting his eyelids, which felt all too heavy, he peered around the room, his vision a blur.
"Harry, you up?" he heard Ron's voice ask, barely above a whisper.
"I-I am.now," Harry replied, trying to stifle a yawn as he spoke.
"Oh, did we wake you?" Hermione asked. "Sorry, we were trying to be quiet."
"What time is it?" Harry asked groggily, pushing himself up into a sitting position before reaching to the table for his glasses.
"It's almost ten," Hermione answered. "We were just about to go look for Dumbledore."
"Oh," Harry replied, pushing back the covers and swinging his legs over the side of the bed. He raised his arms above his head in a great stretch, and wished he'd had even a bit more sleep, but as he let them drop to his sides he tried to shake the feeling away. "What for? Is there something we need to ask him?"
"Er.yes.to see if we're.well.if we can go back, you know.upstairs."Ron stammered, not wanting to bring up anything from last night.
"We can," Harry stated flatly as he stood.
"How do you know?" Ginny asked, curiously.
"I woke up very early today," Harry replied as he grabbed his clothes and headed for the divider. "I spoke with Sirius and Dumbledore, and they said if we were ready, we could go back."
"Are you?" Hermione asked, concerned.
Harry didn't reply. He undressed quickly and pulled on the same clothes he'd worn the day before. As he adjusted his glasses after straightening his sweater, he stepped out to see his three friends waiting for his response.
"I told Dumbledore I was," he said. "And honestly I'm not really sure if it was the truth.but I know I need to force myself to go back if it isn't. The longer I wait.the worse it will be."
"Are you sure?" Hermione asked, quietly. "I'm not saying to wait a month or anything.but maybe just a few days."
"No," Harry replied. He wasn't arguing, but rather stating his feelings. "I think it'll just be best to go straight back. This way at least, if Voldemort has anyone here, waiting for my reaction.they can't tell him I'm hiding from my own room. I won't let it affect me that badly."
Hermione still looked unsure about Harry's decision, but knew by the determined expression on his face it would be useless to argue.
"Well," Ron spoke, breaking the silence. "If we're all ready."
"Let's go," Harry finished, starting for the door.
The four friends left the room together. They saw Neville, Malfoy and the others had already gone, and continued on to the office. As they made their way down the stairs Hermione looked at Harry again.
"What else did you talk about this morning?" she inquired. "Did Dumbledore tell you anything about the meeting? Or the Inquisitors?"
"He didn't tell me very much," Harry replied as they walked towards the Gryffindor tower. "But I'll tell you what I know."
"I can't believe the Changs would be so cruel!" Ginny exclaimed for the umpteenth time as they finally reached the portrait of the fat lady.
"Ginny," Harry sighed. "There's nothing I can do.I hope they at least agree to speak with me today.even if it doesn't change their mind about the funeral.at least I can tell them how sorry I am."
"You're not going to go along with them though, right." Ron asked.
"What do you.?" Harry began.
"You told us yourself they blame you," Hermione interrupted, gently. "And if you talk to them.you can't let them convince you they're right. Tell them how sorry you are.but don't apologize."
"I'm going to say whatever I can," Harry said firmly, "if it will change their minds." They had stepped through into the common room and were hovering, uncertainly, in front of the closed portrait hole.
"Maybe we should go down to breakfast first," Hermione said suddenly.
"Good idea!" Ron piped up, eagerly. "I'm starving now that you."
"Guys," Harry interrupted, a knowing look on his face. "Go down to breakfast if you're hungry.I'm going upstairs first."
"Yes, but."
"Hermione, no." Harry stated firmly. "I don't want to put it off.because I'll think of another excuse next time, and the time after that, and the time after that.do you see the vicious cycle this could start?" he smirked, attempting to make a joke out of it.
"If you're sure." Hermione began.
"We're coming," Ron stated.
Harry grinned at his friends and the four of them again started walking, their was barely anyone around as most students were at breakfast, so they didn't have to answer any question as to their whereabouts for the previous night, for the time being.
As he reached the door to the seventh-years boys' dorm, Harry didn't even hesitate. He pushed the door open quickly and stepped in.
"That wasn't so hard," he muttered to himself, but his voice was slightly uneven. Stop it, he thought, just go over there.it's just your bed, the one you've slept in for the past four months now go!
He walked across the room, feeling his friends silently watching him as he did so, and stopped in front of his four-poster. At least whoever had been the last one in there the night before had had the good decency to leave the curtains drawn back. Harry didn't think he could have pulled them open if they'd been closed.
He looked at the sheets, pressed and starched. They weren't the same as had been there the previous night. Harry ran his hand across them, feeling almost awkward as he did so. He thought how funny this might look to someone who was unaware of all that had happened, grinning despite himself at the image.
"Well that's a good sign," Ron said, drawing Harry out of his thoughts.
"What is?" Harry asked.
"You're smiling," Ron replied happily.
"Just a silly thought I was having." Harry said with a casual wave of his hand.
"Well then keep thinking it," Hermione said. "Because it's good to see you smile again."
Harry laughed a little at her comment, feeling some of his tension release. Looking down at his hand, suddenly he did feel a bit silly and pulled it away.
"So," Ron began again, attempting to change the subject. "You never did tell us.about the crystals." He walked across the room as he spoke and stopped directly in front of the trunk that contained the stones.
"That's right!" Hermione started, moving to follow Ron. "What was it like? What do they do?"
"Calm down guys," Harry laughed at their eager expressions. Ginny came up beside her brother, looking just as anxious as the other two. "I honestly don't know much yet."
"Can we see them?" Ron asked.
"Sure," Harry shrugged. "I don't see why not." Moving in front of the trunk, he knelt down at eye level with the keyhole just as he'd done the previous morning, and waited. The lock sprang open once again and the lid slowly rose to reveal the fourteen exquisite psicrystals.
"Wow," Ron breathed.
"They're beautiful," Ginny commented.
"How do they work?" Hermione asked, not taking her eyes from the gems as she spoke.
Harry was barely hearing his friends, however. He was listening, intently; to what he was sure was whispering, coming from the crystals.
There were too many voices, all whispering fiercely. Harry leant over the crystals, straining to understand. They were all clear, he couldn't tell them apart at the moment, but he knew, without a doubt, they were trying to say something.
"Hello, earth to Harry." Ron said with a grin, waving his hand up and down in front of Harry's face. "You still with us?"
"Hmmm? Oh.sorry." Harry murmured, glancing absently at his friend before returning his gaze to the crystals.
"What is it?" Hermione asked, looking from Harry to the crystals and back. "Is something wrong?"
"I don't know." Harry answered quietly.
"Well something must be.what is it you're seeing.or hearing.?" she prompted.
"I can't understand it," Harry replied. "They're talking too low."
"They talk?" Ron asked, his eyes lighting up. "Wicked."
"Well, you won't be able to hear them," Harry said, looking up at his friend. "I'm the only one that can."
"And they're talking to you now?" Hermione asked, before Ron had a chance to respond.
"They're whispering." Harry replied, returning his gaze to the stones.
"Did they whisper yesterday?" Ginny asked gently.
"No," Harry laughed. "No they certainly did not. I heard them loud and clear.except for two. They didn't speak at all. Memory and courage."
"What and what?" Ron asked. "What do you mean?"
"The crystals each embody a different personality or emotion," Harry explained. And I felt those emotions magnified to the point where it was the only thing I could think of the first time I touched each crystal. Afterwards, for the most part, they all had something to say to me, except for the memory crystal and the courage crystal."
"Why do you think that is?" Hermione asked. Harry shrugged.
"I'm not sure.I suppose they just didn't have anything to say." he trailed off, as the whispering grew louder and more confusing. Ever so slowly, he began to lift his hand, reaching for the nearest stone.
"Harry wait!" Ginny hissed, reaching over and pressing the palm of her hand against the top of his. "Don't you think you should get Gazten? Or Cole even? Maybe this isn't such a good idea." she trailed off, glancing nervously down at the stones.
"I'm not going to try and use them," Harry replied quickly. "I just want to know what they're saying." He met her gaze evenly, waiting. After only a few seconds, she sighed softly and pulled her hand away, still looking very uncertain. Harry turned back to the crystals, feeling both eager and nervous, he again reached for the nearest stone.
Hesitating barely a second, letting his fingers hover above the gem, he closed his grip over it and pulled it gently out of the trunk.
The second he did so, however, everything went still. The crystals stopped speaking in hushed tones and made no further sound. Harry looked at the stone in his hand. He loosened his grip, then tightened it again.he brought the crystal up and held it next to his ear as a last resort, but it remained silent.
The minutes ticked by slowly, the four students all kneeling on the floor around the trunk, all waiting anxiously.
"Anything?" Ron asked finally, startling Hermione, who had been leaning forward motionlessly. She let out a small nervous laugh at her own reaction, before turning her attention again to Harry.
"Nothing," Harry replied, smirking faintly at Hermione. "They're not even." he trailed off, feeling the stone in his hand suddenly begin to grow warm.
"Hang on," he murmured.
The four of them stared intently at the crystal, no one sure what to expect. Harry could feel heat coming from the gem, which he didn't recall happening at all the day before. It wasn't hurting or burning, but it was a definite clear feeling nonetheless. Another minute went by.two minutes.three. The warm feeling stayed, but nothing else changed. Harry glanced up at his friends and shrugged. He knew something was happening, but he didn't know what it was, or how to find out without Cole or Gazten there to help him.
Sighing inwardly, he decided to wait. No point in sitting there all morning trying to figure it out. He shrugged again at his friends, indicating he was done trying for now, before extending his arm and lowering the crystal down into the trunk once more. The crystal was slipped into its place in the old wooden chest and Harry was about to let go when suddenly he heard a voice.a very familiar voice.
'Aren't you going to accept us?'
Harry's jaw dropped as he heard his own voice talking to him, coming from the crystal in his hand. Moving slowly, he carefully lifted the crystal out of the trunk yet again, and looked upon it with curiosity and awe.
"What are you.?" Hermione began, questioningly, but stopped mid- sentence as Harry held up a hand, indicating for her to wait.
"Give me just a minute," he murmured, barely taking his eyes from the stone to glance at her.
Did I imagine that? He thought to himself. He looked at the gem expectantly, waiting. It wasn't as if he could even ask his friends if they'd heard it as well, which he was only now fully realizing what a problem that could be. Lifting the crystal closer to his face, he looked at it from eye level. Why did it speak to him then, and why did it share his voice when today, when yesterday all the voices had been different? He opened his mouth; ready to ask it if it actually had spoken when he heard the voice again.
'Don't talk aloud; just think what you want to say. It is much easier to communicate that way.'
Harry nodded absently, his mind racing, but he forced himself to calm down. Lowering the crystal slightly, he thought of his first question.
'What did you mean when you first spoke to me before?'
'I asked if you were going to accept us,' came the crystal's simple reply.
'How can I accept you? What do you mean?' Harry asked.
'You must relax.it is the only way.'
"Harry?" Ron's voice broke through his thoughts. He pulled his gaze from the crystal and looked up at his friend. "What's going on Harry?" he asked, concern etched across his features.
"Is it talking?" Hermione asked, gesturing at the crystal clenched tightly in Harry's hand.
"I just need another minute," he said, quickly. "Please.I won't be long." he trailed off, lowering his eyes to the stone again. He heard Hermione speak again, but wasn't paying attention; his mind was already speaking again to the crystal.
'What do I need to do?'
'Let go of your stress.release your tension.'
Harry took a deep breath, holding it for a second, before letting it out slowly. He did it again, feeling the air cleanse his lungs. He was very aware of his stance all of a sudden and began to relax his muscles. His grip on the stone loosened considerably and he let his shoulders fall naturally, feeling he pressure on his back let up slightly.
A minute passed, and Harry could feel his friend's eyes upon him, curious as to what he was doing, but he didn't look up to see, or open his mouth to explain. It was almost as if he were in a trance, and he didn't want to pull himself out.
Glancing down through eyes that were barely open, he saw the crystal had begun to glow, a deep brilliant gold, and recognized it instantly as the courage crystal. He could feel its power now, it was as if it were surging through him, and he wanted to hold it, to embrace it. It was a part of him.
After a few seconds more, he released his grip on the crystal entirely, somehow knowing this was what had to be done. He watched lazily as it hovered above his hand, the glow from within illuminating the room.
It levitated itself up until it was at eye level with Harry, and remained there for less than a second. Harry could tell something was going to happen.something had to happen, but he didn't know what. But just as he started to ask the crystal what to do next, the glowing gold light winked out, and the stone shattered into a million pieces, right in front of his eyes.
"Remind me to say no the next time Albus asks me to fetch Draco Malfoy and bring him somewhere," Remus began, gritting his teeth. "I really thought I was going to have to put him in the body bind several times. It never should have taken so long to get here."
"Oh c'mon Remus," Sirius laughed. "What did you honestly expect? If there's no reason to argue or fight on a particular matter, you can always count on a Malfoy to find one."
"Too true," Remus replied, now allowing a small grin to cross his face. Glancing over to the students, however, his expression became somber. "How are you all holding up?" he asked, gently, slowly walking towards them.
"I think we're all still shocked." Hermione said softly, looking up at Lupin. She glanced around at the others, who stayed silent. "Or at least.well I know I am."
Remus nodded, kneeling down in front of Harry.
"And what about you? Is there anything you need? We can have anything brought up to you if it will."
"No," Harry cut in, smiling faintly. "Thank you but no, Right now I'm not hungry in the least.and I don't want anything at all from my room." he trailed off, trying not to think about his room, his things, his bed.
Remus nodded, grinning reassuringly, before standing up and crossing back to Sirius.
"We have to go," he began quietly. "Dumbledore is waiting for us with Cole and the Inquisitors."
"No I'm not leaving," Sirius stated firmly. "Not after all that's happened tonight."
"It's okay Sirius," Harry spoke up, hearing the conversation. "I'll be alright.if you need to go."
"I don't need to." Sirius began.
"Sirius this is important," Remus said in a loud whisper, looking urgently at his friend. "It's because of what's happened tonight that we do need you to be there.we can't allow this to happen again. They got too close.and they did what they did to prove how far their reach stretches."
Sirius set his jaw stubbornly and crossed his arms over his chest, looking as if he would not be swayed. However, after looking again at Harry, who simply nodded once, Sirius let out a low sigh.
"Alright Remus, I'm coming."
He walked to where Harry was sitting on the bed, and pulled him once more into a fatherly embrace.
"I'm coming back up here every chance I get, okay?" he asked as they separated.
Harry nodded, grinning faintly.
"Be careful," he said as his godfather crossed the room, joining Remus by the door.
"Sleep tight kids," Remus said, smiling at them. Together the two of them went through the door, into the still noisy room beyond.
As the door shut, Harry listened to the muffled yelling in the next room. Sirius said something loudly and it brought silence over the room. He heard hushed voices for a few moments before hearing another door, indicating Sirius and Remus had left completely.
Sighing gently, Harry sat back. The others got up and started to their own beds, everyone quite drained from the evening's events. However, before any of them could even get into their beds, they heard a soft knock at the door, and looked up as it swung open.
Neville poked his head in, looking shyly around the room. He opened his mouth to ask a question, but before he could get it out, was shoved roughly into the room from behind.
"Get out of my way Longbottom!" Malfoy snarled as he stepped into the room, glaring angrily at the other boy. He pulled his gaze up quickly, glancing around the room, before resting his eyes on Harry. "What's this all about, Potter?" he demanded.
"I'm not in the mood, Malfoy," Harry said evenly. "Just go to sleep."
"No I will not! I was viciously dragged out of my common room by that disgusting werewolf who shouldn't even be allowed in the school in the first place, only to find out I had to share a room with a bunch of Gryffindors and." he trailed off, looking closer at Harry. Glancing around the room quickly, a bemused grin crossed his lips.
"You've all been.crying," he drawled slowly. "What happened this time? Did someone else die? I'd just love to."
But he never got to finish his sentence. Harry was off his bed in a flash, he lunged at Malfoy and they both hit the floor on their sides, each struggling to gain the upper hand. For the first time, no one attempted to pull Harry back.
"Get off of me!" Malfoy screamed, pushing his hands into Harry's face, trying to force him away. Harry was filled with such anger at that moment, he could barely think. He was able to push Draco onto his back and felt the other boy's fingers pushing into his face, trying to find his eyes, and shook them away. He grasped a handful of material near Malfoy's neck, and pulling back his right arm, his hand balled into a fist, swung it down forcefully, swiping across his face.
Malfoy let out a loud groan as his head knocked against the floor, blood freely running from his nose. He brought up his legs behind Harry, slamming his knees into his back, trying to get him off. Harry grunted, trying to shift his position, to avoid further blows. Twisting where he lay, Draco grabbed hold of Harry's arms, and once again, both boys were on their sides. He raised a leg, and kicked Harry in the stomach, hard, knocking the air out of him. As Harry began to cough, gasping for air, he caught sight of Ron about to intervene, and shook his head no.this was his fight.
Before he could see any response however, Malfoy pulled him to his feet by his shirt. Having no time to react, Harry felt the blow as Malfoy's fist grazed his jaw, and his teeth clicked together painfully. He tasted blood, felt it running down his chin, but didn't spend any time worrying about it. With a sudden burst of energy, he lunged forward, grabbing Malfoy by his collar. Pushing forcefully, he slammed them both into the wall behind Draco, hearing him cry out in pain.
Harry glared hatefully at his defender, his enemy, letting his anger simmer inside him. He felt Malfoy scratching at his hands, trying to relieve the pressure from his chest that Harry was pressing into forcefully, to no avail. Harry let it go on for just a few seconds, before opening his mouth to speak.
"It should have been you," he spat vehemently, his eyes flashing dangerously. "It should have been you that died.not Cho. You aren't worth the air you breathe."
Draco yanked at one of Harry's arms, trying to free himself from his grasp, but Harry shoved the other boy's hand away violently, pulling Draco slightly away from the wall and slamming him back into it, putting an arm across his chest.
"Get your hands off of me!" Malfoy tried to yell, his voice coming out strained from the pressure on his throat. However, Harry paid no attention, his anger only increasing. For a moment it looked as if he were going to take another swing at Draco, but feeling a hand on his arm, he looked abruptly over his shoulder, to see Neville standing next to him.
"Harry," Neville began warily, feeling the thick tension in the room, "C'mon, don't do this. He got what he deserved.there's no need to."
"I don't think he's gotten anywhere near what he deserves, Neville," Ron spoke up stiffly, looking just as angry as Harry, his hands balled into fists at his sides and his teeth clenched.
"Ron, the point is," Neville continued, firmly, "that this is not a good idea." He turned his gaze back to Harry, staring into his eyes. "You don't want to hurt him so badly that he has to go to the hospital wing, right? Even if he isn't badly hurt he'll do his best to convince Madam Pomfrey that he is, and then he'll stay there for the night."
"I don't see a problem with that," Ron cut in again, smirking now, enjoying the nervous glint in Malfoy's eyes. "He doesn't want to be here with us anyway, let's give him a way out."
"Ron, you don't get it!" Neville said, sounding slightly annoyed. "The hospital wing is much easier for intruders to get into than these rooms we're in now. If one of them found out he was the defender.it would be so easy just to."
"They already know," Harry interrupted in a drained voice, still not loosening his grip on Malfoy, who had stopped struggling to listen to the conversation, his eyes darting apprehensively around the room.
"What?" Hermione exclaimed, fearfully. "How? What do you mean? They know we're in here for tonight.?" she trailed off looking anxious.
Harry shook his head, slowly.
"No, they know that Draco," he paused, glaring disgustedly into the other boy's eyes, "is my defender."
The room was silent for a few brief seconds, until Malfoy started struggling again. Harry glared at him hatefully, but didn't try to stop him this time. He let go of Draco's robes, and stepped back.
"You're going to regret that," Malfoy muttered indignantly, rubbing at his chest and fixing Harry with a heated stare.
"You're right," Harry replied flatly. "I already wish I'd hurt you more."
"When my father hears about this," Malfoy began.
"Give it up, Malfoy!" Harry shouted. "Voldemort wants to take your life just as badly as he wants to take mine. Telling your father isn't going to make anything better for you. And if I were you, I'd be afraid to be in the same room with Lucius right now.especially alone."
"My father would never hurt me," Malfoy replied insistently.
"Then Voldemort would be after him as well," Harry replied with a shrug. "I'm actually surprised you're still alive at all.seeing as how they know who you are."
"I think you're lying," Draco retorted, his eyes narrowing. "You're trying to scare me and it's not going to work."
Harry smiled, letting out a hollow laugh, and took a step closer to Malfoy.
"I think," he began, looking piercingly into the other boy's eyes, "you're confusing me with yourself. I don't find amusement in playing with people's emotions."
"Harry," Hermione spoke up again, crossing to her friend and placing a hand on his arm. "Just ignore him, alright? Please. Come and sit down, your lip is bleeding pretty badly."
Harry brought his hand up, feeling the blood that was still oozing from where Malfoy had punched him. He nodded absently and turned away with her, moving towards the nearest chair.
"Here," Hermione said evenly, turning back to Malfoy, she handed him a handkerchief from her robes. He looked at her confused for a moment and she lifted her hand to her face, indicating the area under her nose.
"You're bleeding." she said flatly, "you might want to stop it."
Ginny and Ron had come up beside Harry, who was now putting pressure on his wound, sitting back with his eyes closed.
"How do they know Harry?" Neville spoke up, still not having moved from his spot. "You seem very sure Voldemort knows about Draco."
"Did you overhear something?" Hermione piped up, anxiously.
Harry opened his eyes, sitting up in his chair, and looked up at his friends. He held up a finger, indicating for them to give him a moment, before turning his gaze on Draco, who was fussing over his bloody nose.
"Tell me, Malfoy," he began almost guardedly. "How much do you know about what's been going on here? The intruders we've been having.the entities."
"The what?" Malfoy looked up, a puzzled expression etched on his face.
Harry rolled his eyes.
"You can't be the son of a death eater, especially one so close to Voldemort, and not know anything.I know he's told you things before."
Draco glared at him again, looking ready to fight once more.
"You assume too much, Potter," he sneered. "My father has never spoken about any entities to me.and while I know about the intruders, it's only because everyone in the school knows. I don't get any advance warning, if that's what you're implying."
"Yes well you're also a Slytherin, and so therefore a liar," Harry replied vehemently. "I can't trust you not to keep this to yourself."
"But Harry if you know something." Neville began, looking from Malfoy to Harry and back. "He needs to know.if he dies, then."
"I know what happens," Harry cut him off. "But there's something I need to be sure of," he went on, looking directly at Malfoy. "I need to know you aren't going to repeat what I'm about to say to anyone, no matter how much you think you can trust them. It's something I want kept between the six of us, until we figure out the best course of action. I want your word Malfoy."
"What's that worth?" Ron quipped before Draco could reply. "Forget it Harry, let him fend for himself. You know he'll never mean it, whether he gives his word or not he'll tell."
"I don't believe he was talking to you, Weasley," Draco spat, his eyes filled with hate. But there was something else.intrigue.eagerness. He wanted to hear what Harry had to say.
"What's it gonna be, Malfoy?" Harry asked, evenly.
"Alright," Draco said quickly. "I promise. You have my word, I won't talk about this to anyone."
Harry stared at Malfoy, feeling slightly uneasy. He didn't like having to trust him for anything, no matter how small the matter may be. But in this situation, he came to the decision he'd have to give Draco the benefit of the doubt. He had to know who to look out for, and even with as many times as he'd wished him dead, Harry didn't want to actually be responsible for Malfoy's death. Taking a deep breath, despite the looks of warning Ron was throwing him, Harry began to speak.
"I think.no.I'm fairly certain, that Marzia is Saaneeraa," Harry said firmly.
"How?" Neville asked, shock evident in his voice. "Why would you think that? I thought she was."
"Let me explain," Harry cut him off. "On Halloween, when Marzia stopped the dementors, it seemed to hurt her. Sirius took her to their quarters where she was supposedly going to be resting for the remainder of the night at least. But then that also means she was the only one not accounted for during the whole incident with Percy. I don't know how Saaneeraa's power works, but if she needs to be close to a person in order to control them, being asleep in her bed would be a good reason why no one would suspect her."
"And after having just saved everyone in Hogsmeade," Hermione added. "No one would even think to accuse her."
"Exactly," Harry nodded.
"I don't know Harry," Neville said, uncertainly. "That seems a little.thin."
"I'm not done yet," he replied. "The night before the first quidditch match, Hermione went to speak with Marzia, to learn more about the magic of Faerun. She was gone for much longer than anyone expected her to be, but returned seemingly unharmed. The next day at the match, Ginny's broom was destroyed while she was on it.it was cursed. I found out later on, that it was Saaneeraa who cursed the broom, and Hermione had been the one to bring it to her."
"Well how does that.?" Neville began.
"She was being controlled Neville," Harry explained. She took the broom from Ginny's dorm that same night she spoke to Marzia, and brought it to Saaneeraa."
"Which I still can't remember doing." Hermione trailed off, shivering involuntarily. Ron, who was standing beside her, slipped his arm around her waste, pulling her close to him. He kissed her forehead softly as she rested her head on his shoulder, letting out a shaky breath.
Harry looked at them, feeling a pang of sadness inside, but turned his gaze away.
"Then on Christmas morning, when I received the bottle. Marzia and Sirius came to look at it, and Sirius was acting quite strangely. I think she was controlling him, because she sent me the bottle. She knew what would happen eventually and didn't want to take the chance Dumbledore would confiscate it, so they reported back to him that everything was fine."
"Harry," Neville began. "I agree these all sound very.suspicious.but any of the reasons you've given could also mean Marzia is being controlled too. I mean, on Halloween, we've no proof at all she had anything to do with what happened to Percy. When she spoke with Hermione, everything seems as if it went fine, and the broom was not cursed until later, long after their chat was over. Then with the bottle, you said Sirius was being controlled, maybe Marzia was too. I'm not trying to be difficult.but if you accuse her.and it ends up she's really not."
"I've thought of that Neville," Harry said quietly. "It's the only reason I haven't said anything yet. But there is one more thing I haven't told you. Earlier today, I was up in the observatory." he trailed off wondering if he should tell them he was with Mel, when Ron spoke up.
"What on earth would you be doing up there?" he asked, looking puzzled.
"I was having dinner." he replied, lowering his voice before going on, "with Mel." He glanced around quickly at his friends' faces, noticing immediately how angry Ginny appeared, but no one said anything, so he continued.
"We had been up there for a half hour, give or take, when I heard a noise at the door. Marzia came into the room, trying to remain silent; she didn't even see us until I called out to her. She told us one of the Inquisitors had informed her there was an intruder up there. After making sure both Mel and I had been introduced to them, she told us to go straight back to our common rooms, no stopping on the way. I think.I think she wanted me to see." he trailed off, unable to finish the sentence and looked down at his hands, blinking back tears. He felt Ron put a comforting hand on his shoulder.
"Wanted you to see what?" Neville inquired, looking confused.
"Yeah what, Potter?" Malfoy spoke snidely. "Does it have something to do with why we're here tonight?"
Harry nodded, forcing himself to look back up.
"Yes it does," he replied stiffly, glaring at Draco. "I found Cho in my bed tonight, looking exactly as she did when she died."
Draco's expression immediately changed. He was no longer smiling, and his eyes grew wider. Apparently, not even he could imagine doing such a thing.
"Harry," Neville began, moving closer to him, holding his arms slightly out to his sides. "I'm so sorry."
Harry shook his head.
"Nothing you could have done," he said, emptily. "It only goes to show how easily Saaneeraa can get by anyone. No one saw her, obviously."
An awkward silence fell over the room, which Harry hurried to break.
"I think Marzia lied to us, about the Inquisitor informing her. If a death eater were to break into the school, what reason would the have to go up to the observatory?"
"Well you were up there," Hermione replied quickly.
"Yes but how would they know that?" Harry asked. "I'm sure no one would start by searching up there. And that's so far up, wouldn't one of the Inquisitors be able to sense an intruder before they made it that far?"
"You're right," Hermione nodded. "That doesn't make sense."
"So it must be Marzia then," Ron said evenly. "She's been against us from day one."
"I'm still not sure," Neville spoke up. "There's one other thing that doesn't seem to fit."
Everyone waited, as Neville seemed to collect his thoughts, when finally he took a deep breath, and began to speak.
"Okay," he said. "Let's just say yes, everything you're assuming is true. Marzia is Saaneeraa and she has been behind everything from the beginning. Well why didn't she just take you then? She had your trust at first, I know she did. It would have been just as easy for her to take you out of here without using any magic back then, than it would be with her powers now."
"Maybe she was waiting," Hermione suggested. "She didn't know who the defender was."
"But she does now," Harry cut her off. "She was in the hospital wing with us when Cole explained it, she heard everything."
"So why," Neville began again, "since she now knows for certain who the defender is, would she wait? If she's as powerful as we've been told, then it should be no problem for her."
"I don't know," Harry admitted. "I can't understand why she would wait.I'm not saying I don't want her to.but it doesn't make sense."
"Well it doesn't make sense whether it's Marzia or not," Ron said, suddenly. "Think about it, no matter who Saaneeraa is, we know she can get into the school easily, and she probably doesn't have too hard of a time getting information.even if it's someone we don't suspect they probably know about Malfoy."
"But then what are they waiting for?" Hermione asked, sounding frustrated.
"They're just playing with us," Harry shrugged, a dark expression on his face. "Trying to wear us down would be my guess."
"It sounds to me like none of you really knows what you're talking about," Draco spoke up, at last, sounding appalled. "My life could be in danger and."
"Your life?" Ron cried, enraged. "After all that you've just heard I." he paused, seething with anger. "I really shouldn't be surprised that's all you care about."
"Well isn't that what I'm supposed to be concerned about?" Malfoy retorted. "If you want to keep Potter here alive." he said, gesturing towards Harry, "then I have to be alive, right? Or did I misunderstand what that lunatic, Cole was trying to tell me."
Harry just shook his head in disgust.
"If we do find out anything more, you can be certain we'll tell you. Maybe you could even try helping," he spoke bitterly, "if it's not too much trouble."
Draco rolled his eyes, crossing his arms over his chest.
"I'm going to bed, talking to all of you is giving me a headache."
Turning on the spot, he strode to the door, yanking it open harshly, before stepping through, and letting it slam behind him.
Neville looked after him for a moment, before turning again to Harry.
"Is there anything I can do for you? Anything you need?"
"No, thank you," Harry shook his head faintly. "I think all I need right now is sleep."
"You do look tired," Neville commented, quietly. "And I know you don't always sleep much."
"Checking up on me, are you?" Harry asked with a wry grin.
"More like I'm a light sleeper," Neville replied with a shrug. "If anyone does more then turn over in their sleep, I hear it."
"Sorry to keep you up so much," Harry said.
"Don't worry about it," Neville smiled. "Just get some rest, all of you," he said looking up at the others. "I'll see you all in the morning."
"Good night Neville," Hermione said softly.
"Sleep well," Ron added.
Neville nodded once, before turning and heading for the door. He pulled it shut quietly behind him, leaving the four friends alone.
Harry stood up, feeling confused and drained from the events of the day. He looked to his friends, about to tell them he was going to try and get some sleep, when Ginny spoke up, after not having spoken for most of the night.
"Why were you up in the observatory with Mel?" she asked quietly, looking directly into Harry's eyes.
"Ginny," Harry began, trying not to sound impatient, but tired of defending Mel to his friends. "I told you, we were having dinner."
"Yes I heard that, but what it means is you were hanging out with her having a good time, when you couldn't even treat your real friends with some decency."
"Ginny!" Ron cried, staring in shock at his sister, as Harry's jaw dropped in stunned silence. "What's gotten into you?"
"Nothing's gotten into me!" Ginny said fiercely. "I don't understand why he can't see there's something not right about Mel.and don't try to act like you don't know what I'm talking about.you feel the same way!"
Harry looked sharply at Ron.
"Do you?" he asked, before turning to glance at Ginny and Hermione. "Do all of you.feel that way?"
"I.well.it's just." Ron stammered, trying to find the words. "She shouldn't have said that, I'm sorry." he muttered.
"Oh," Harry spoke emotionlessly. "I see. So all of you have just been lying to me about."
"I haven't lied about anything," Ginny interrupted.
Harry's eyes flickered in her direction, before speaking again.
"Fine, so neither of you," he said, looking from Ron to Hermione, "were telling the truth when you told me you liked Mel. Why did you say it then?"
"Harry.we do like her," Hermione said slowly.
"But?" Harry prompted.
"There's just something not right about her," Ron blurted out.
"Could you be a bit more vague, perhaps?" Harry asked sardonically. "What is so wrong with her that you all don't trust her.or don't like her.or.what exactly do you feel towards her?" he finished, looking around questioningly.
"Don't you remember when you first met her?" Ginny began. "And all she seemed to care about were house points.you didn't trust her back then. She would say what needed to be said to get out of trouble.whether it was the truth or not."
"I remember," Harry said. "But as I got to know her better she seemed to change. I'm sure she still cares about house points.but we're friends now. She wouldn't just."
"Or she just wants you to think you're friends," Ginny retorted.
"Ginny stop, this isn't the time." Hermione began.
"No Hermione," Harry interrupted, keeping his gaze set firmly on Ginny. "I want to hear this. Am I no longer allowed to choose my friends, is that it? Or are you jealous."
Ginny blushed furiously the second the words left Harry's mouth. She turned her gaze to the floor, unable to meet his eyes any longer.
"I'm just saying Mel is not someone you should trust so easily," she muttered.
"And I thank you for your concern," Harry replied, sincerely, deciding not to comment any further on the issue of whether or not she was jealous. "But I don't think I have anything to worry about. I'm sorry that I shut all of you out over the past few days, I feel more guilty than I can say, but my spending time with Mel had nothing to do with preferring her company to yours. She still doesn't know what happened after Christmas, so she wasn't asking the questions I was avoiding.the ones that all of you.my closest friends, were asking."
"You don't have to apologize for spending time with Mel, Harry," Ron said, smiling faintly.
"But please just make sure you're careful when you're around her," Hermione added.
Harry nodded, fighting the urge to roll his eyes.
"I'd like all of you to try to be a little more accepting of the fact that I want to continue being friends with her. If the only reason you don't trust her is because of how she acted when I first met her then."
"That's not the only reason," Ron cut in. "We just don't know why her attitude changed. She did seem to become.nicer.towards you then she was at first. And at the dance it was certainly clear that she and Malfoy were not on good terms at all. But you have to consider the possibility.no matter how much you don't want to.that this could be a set up. She may just want you to think she's your friend, but in fact is only trying to get closer to you for some other reason." he trailed off, shrugging almost apologetically.
"You think Voldemort has her watching me.trying to get close to me?" Harry asked, smirking slightly.
"Why not?" Hermione asked, quietly. "It wouldn't be the first time he had someone who seemed to be a friend gain your trust.only to turn on you later."
"But Mel has been here for years," Harry argued, "never once has she even spoken to me."
"That doesn't mean she isn't on Voldemort's side," Ginny said evenly.
"She was hurt in an accident that Malfoy caused!" Harry cried, now feeling annoyed. "I saved her, she didn't seem to care as long as Slytherin didn't lose points.it was only after we started running into each other more that we talked.got to know each other."
"Exactly," Hermione said. "As you started running into each other more. Were these meetings just random? Or planned."
"And," Ginny continued. "Who is she always sending owls to? You always talk about meeting her in the owlery."
Harry shook his head, wishing he could express his feeling better to his friends. If they knew Mel the way he did, they surely wouldn't say the things they were now.
"I don't know who the owls are to," Harry admitted, quietly. "Maybe I'll ask her the next time I see her if it'll make you happy. As for everything else.I'm sorry but I just don't see her as a threat. She's never once tried to do anything to hurt me, or any of you.and unless she does." he trailed off, shrugging. He turned around and headed for the bed he had picked for the night, pulling back the covers and finding a spare set of nightclothes under the pillow.
"I'm sorry to cut this short," he spoke again, picking up the clothes. "But I'm really tired."
"So am I," Ron said, heading for the bed next to Harry, dropping the subject willingly.
"Yes it is rather late," Hermione added.
"Sleep well guys," Harry spoke again, not failing to notice Ginny's silence, but not mentioning it either. He stepped behind a divider set up next to his bed and quickly changed, and one at a time the others followed suit.
Slipping into bed, Harry laid his head against the pillow, listening to his friends doing the same. It wasn't long before he heard the sounds of their deep breathing, and he was left alone, with his thoughts.
Harry opened his eyes slowly. The room was still quite dark and he didn't know how long he'd been asleep. Sitting up, he grabbed his glasses from the table next to his bed, when suddenly he heard a noise right beside him.
Spinning around where he sat, he squinted his eyes in the darkness, straining to see. He could barely make out the shape of someone sitting in a chair near his bed and after a few seconds of tense silence he realized what the noise was; they were snoring.
Feeling slightly relieved, as surely no one there to harm him would take a nap next to his bed, he leant forward further, sliding towards the edge to see the person better. There was barely any light coming in through the high windows, and he didn't want to do anything that might wake the others.
All of a sudden, the person became quiet, moving in the chair. He heard them grunt, clearing their throat, and in that instant recognized who it was.
"Sirius?" he whispered.
"Harry?" his godfather replied, groggily. "Did I wake you? I'm sorry."
"No, you didn't," Harry replied quickly, keeping his voice down, "I just woke up, but didn't hear you until after."
"Can't sleep?" Sirius asked, as he sat up in the chair, his shadow leaning towards Harry. "I can go ask Madam Pomfrey for."
"No," Harry cut him off. "Please don't. I don't feel like sleeping right now."
"Do you want to talk?" Sirius asked, then rushed on quickly. "But I don't want to force you to. How about a cup of tea? I'll be glad to make us one."
"Tea sounds good," Harry laughed, enjoying his godfather's concern. "Though I don't want to wake everyone."
"We won't," Sirius replied, "C'mon, let's go."
"Where are we.?" Harry began, swinging his legs over the side as Sirius stood.
"I'll show you," he replied, guiding Harry around the furniture in the darkness. The two of them went silently across the room in the shadows, and Sirius led him through several rooms, until they were back in Dumbledore's office.
Harry felt strange being there with no lights, seeing only the shadows cast across the floor in the eerie glow of the moon. But they didn't stop there. Sirius opened another door that Harry didn't even know was there, on the opposite side of the office, between two bookshelves.
It looked like a regular section of the wall but slid into the shelf on the left, revealing another room behind it. They stepped through and Sirius lit a candle directly on the wall to their right, bathing the room in a warm glow. Harry saw immediately that it was a little kitchenette.
"Why would Dumbledore need one of these?" he asked, looking up at his godfather.
"Sometimes he likes food that isn't prepared by the house elves," Sirius replied with a smile, winking at Harry. "You should try his pancakes, best you'll ever have."
Harry smirked as he crossed to the small table on the right side of the room, taking a seat, and watched Sirius search the cabinets for some the tea. He filled the kettle on the stove with water, and set it on one of the burners, before sitting across from his godson while they waited for it to boil.
"So you don't seem tired," Sirius began, looking over at Harry. "Did you sleep well?"
"I guess so," Harry shrugged. "I don't even know what time I finally fell asleep.or for how long."
"Did you stay up with the others?"
Harry nodded.
"Yes, we talked some.Neville came in to find out what happened." he trailed off.
"What about Malfoy?" Sirius asked. "He didn't give you any problems, did he? He was putting up quite a fuss just before I left."
Harry let out a small laugh, shaking his head.
"What?" Sirius grinned. "What happened?"
"He stopped in for a bit, yes," Harry replied, before going on to tell him a little of what had happened.
"That little git!" Sirius cried angrily. "Good for you, finally giving him what he deserves, slimy little ferret." He grinned with obvious pride at his godson and Harry was sure Dumbledore would not be pleased with the reason for his godfather's expression at that moment, but he didn't care. Malfoy had gotten off easy as far as he was concerned.
"So how did this fight get started, anyway?" Sirius asked. "Not that it would take much," he joked, "considering that it was with Malfoy."
"Well," Harry began uncertainly. "It.he.he said something, that was insulting.it was just bad timing on his part. I didn't handle it well."
"What did he say?" Sirius prompted, gently.
"Nothing," Harry replied with a shrug. "It doesn't matter.I don't really want to get into it again right now."
"Okay," Sirius answered, nodding. "We won't talk about it then."
"Thanks," Harry replied, grinning faintly. "How did your meeting go? Or...whatever it was."
"Not as good as I'd hoped," Sirius said glumly. "The inquisitors may not have the ability to sense any of the entities. Even if all the death eaters are caught or killed, it makes no difference if they're still able to get in unnoticed. We don't know where they're entering from so we can't block it off or station guards, and it doesn't seem like we're making much progress."
"Wonderful," Harry commented, sardonically. "Is there any good news.at all?"
"At this time," Sirius began, "only that at least for the moment you and your friends are safe, and there are going to be added protections to all of the student dorms to make sure it stays that way."
"What about." Harry began cautiously. "What if these protections aren't enough?"
"Well we're going to make it so they will be," Sirius replied. "No one who is unaware of the new defense will be able to pass and."
"What if they're already aware?" Harry cut him off. "They might have been listening in to you when you were speaking about it."
"Harry, we were alone when we spoke, no one heard us."
"But what if they did?" Harry pressed, wanting to scream his suspicions about Marzia. "What if they've heard everything we've been planning since the very beginning?"
"Harry," Sirius began, eyeing his godson suspiciously, "is there something you know.something you're not telling me?"
Harry looked directly into his godfather's eyes; feeling he should take the opportunity, tell him about Marzia. It would upset him no doubt, but wouldn't it be better to take that chance? He opened his mouth to speak, to tell his suspicions, when suddenly the kettle began to shake, almost violently, letting off a high-pitched wail to indicate the water was boiling.
"Hold that thought," Sirius said as he stood up and went to the stove, turning off the burner. Harry watched as his godfather poured the water into mugs, seeing the steam float up on the air, wafting towards the ceiling, lazily.
"Here you are," Sirius said, setting a cup down in front of Harry gently before taking a seat across from him once again. "Now, what were you going to say?"
"Only that." Harry began, having lost some of his courage, "we need to be careful.what if Saaneeraa is one of us?" he asked cautiously, glancing up at Sirius.
"One of us?" Sirius repeated. "As in.controlling one of us?" he asked, raising his still piping hot mug to his lips.
"No," Harry replied, measuring sugar into his own cup, "I mean disguised as one of us."
"The entities unfortunately do have that ability," Sirius stated. "We just have to hope we can recognize when someone is acting differently than they normally would."
"Unless," Harry continued, quickly, "whoever it is has been with us as Saaneeraa since they first arrived here."
"You sound like you've thought this through quite a bit," Sirius said, setting his mug down softly. "Who is it you suspect?"
Harry opened his mouth, ready to say it, wanting to say it.but couldn't. He was unable to accuse Marzia, the woman his godfather loved, whom he seemed happiest with, without having proof. It didn't matter how positive he, himself was, if all he had for his godfather were his suspicions. If Neville had been able to argue Harry's points, Sirius would have no trouble shooting them down as well.
"I'm not sure enough yet," Harry said quietly, looking at his mug, stirring its contents absently, "to say any names."
Sirius raised an eyebrow, catching Harry's gaze briefly before his godson lowered his eyes again.
"You don't sound like you mean that," he prompted. "If there's someone you don't trust.it would be best for you to tell me, no matter how.thin.you believe your reasons to be."
Harry didn't know what to say, he didn't want to lie to Sirius but he didn't feel right about accusing Marzia at this moment. Looking up at his godfather once more, he started to tell him again that he wasn't sure enough one way or another to say any names, when a door on the opposite side of the kitchen slid open, and Dumbledore shuffled into the room.
"Oh," he said, noticing the two of them at the table and smiling warmly. "Good morning Sirius, Harry. Up early today?"
"Good morning professor," Harry replied with a nod.
"Hello Albus," Sirius smiled.
Dumbledore joined them at the table, wearing his nightclothes and dark blue robe. He took a seat in between the others and leaned back.
"Did I interrupt something? An important conversation, perhaps?" he asked.
"No, no," Harry said quickly before Sirius could reply. "Nothing big, really."
"I see," Dumbledore replied, catching Sirius' quizzical look at his godson.
There was a brief silence between the three men, and Harry cleared his throat awkwardly, turning to the headmaster.
"Will we.can we go back to our dorms today?" he asked, slowly.
"If you feel you are ready to return," Dumbledore began seriously, "then you may do so, yes. If not, you are more than welcome to use these rooms for the remainder of the holidays at the very least."
Harry thought for a moment, considering how inviting that suggestion sounded. He wouldn't have to worry about any of his classmates asking him anything.and he wasn't too sure he'd be able to look at his bed again without seeing Cho. However, he steeled his resolve. No more hiding from questions and avoiding others. Moreover, he was most certainly not going to show Voldemort how badly this horrible stunt of his had affected him.
"I'm ready, yes," Harry stated evenly. But now his thoughts were on Cho, and he did all he could not to picture her face as he'd last seen it, the memory was too painful. "She's not.there anymore, right?" he asked, staring past both of them, seeing his bed, her lying in it, eyes wide.
"No, no of course not," Sirius replied.
"Where did you take her?"
"We brought her body down to the hospital wing, where she will remain until Mr. and Mrs. Chang come to retrieve her."
"They know?" Harry whispered, feeling sorrow for her parents. After how hard these last few days had been for him, he could only imagine the pain this would cause them.
"I spoke with them a few days ago," Dumbledore replied, "and then again just last night, letting them know what happened. They are coming to pick her up today. The funeral will be in just a few days."
"Funeral?" Harry cried, suddenly realizing he hadn't even though about this until just now when Dumbledore mentioned it.
"Yes, her funeral," Sirius repeated gently. Harry looked down at his hands; it was all real again. He was fine when he didn't think about it, but when he was forced to finally do so, his emotions always seemed to get the better of him, and after last night, he just didn't want to fight them anymore.
"Will I be able to go?" Harry asked gently, looking up at the headmaster. He was taken aback, however, when he saw a glint of anger flash in Dumbledore's eyes.
"I am afraid," Dumbledore spoke slowly, pronouncing each syllable, "that you cannot attend Cho's funeral, Harry."
"W-Why not?" Harry asked, his voice unsteady. "Please don't tell me it's because of the possibility of an attack.I'd rather chance it.it'll be my last chance to say good-bye."
"If that were the only reason," Dumbledore interrupted, "I would find a way to get you there, with as much protection as possible, but it is not."
"Then.then what is it?" Harry asked, confused.
"The Changs, "Dumbledore began stiffly, "have requested that you not attend."
"What?" Sirius cried, clearly outraged. "How could they."
"Sirius," Harry interrupted before his godfather could get going, his voice eerily calm. "It's okay. I understand why they don't want me there.they blame me."
"They have no right to!" Sirius said fiercely, standing abruptly, his eyes flashing dangerously. He turned on the headmaster, fuming. "You can't tell me you're going to just let this stand! He deserves to be able to say good-bye properly!"
"This is one thing I'm afraid to say," Dumbledore spoke quietly, "is out of my hands. If Russell and Carol do not want Harry at their only daughter's funeral, there is nothing I can do to change that. While I believe what they're asking is shameful, I am the one who has no right.no right to go against their wishes."
Dumbledore looked away from Sirius, who appeared very ready to continue arguing the matter, and faced Harry.
"I'm so sorry, Harry," he said quietly. "I would never have thought they would want it this way. Cho loved you, and they know this."
"It's alright," Harry murmured, sounding much more at ease than he was feeling. His heart felt as if it had been ripped from his chest, and now he was numb with grief. "I wouldn't want me there either," he shrugged, "now that I'm thinking about it. If Voldemort sent anyone.well.it would be a dishonor to Cho's memory to have that happen at her funeral."
"It's a dishonor to her memory to not have you there," Sirius insisted, vehemently. "When will they be arriving? I want to speak with."
"Sirius please!" Harry cried suddenly, startling his godfather. "Please just let it go," he finished in a whisper, a pained expression on his face. "I don't want to fight over this.I can't."
"Harry," Sirius replied, his face a mixture of sadness and defeat, "I won't say anything.if that's what you want. But they are treating this as if it is your fault.and I want to know.I want to hear it from your mouth.that you don't blame yourself. You are not responsible for what happened."
Harry was silent for a moment, trying to choose his words carefully. He glanced at Dumbledore, who was watching, waiting for him to speak, before turning to face his godfather.
"I did blame myself at first, for Cho, for Mrs. Figgs, for Cedric.anyone that Voldemort killed to get to me.well it had to be my fault. If he wasn't after me, they all would be alive right now."
"That isn't." Sirius started.
"But," Harry spoke firmly, loudly, cutting him off. "After last night, I finally started to listen.to what Ron, Hermione, you.everyone was trying to tell me all along. I feel so helpless sometimes," he said, his voice breaking slightly, allowing a small sigh to escape his lips, "and I hate to admit it. But.there.there was nothing I could have done." he trailed off, feeling his eyes well up. He wiped at them under his glasses with the back of his hand, hearing Sirius move towards him, and feeling his godfather's comforting grip on his shoulder.
"I'm sorry," Harry muttered, somewhat sheepishly.
"You have nothing.nothing.to be sorry about," Sirius said firmly, his voice thick with emotion. He knelt down next to his godson, turning him gently by the shoulders to be sure their eyes met. "I am so proud of you Harry. You've been through more than anyone should ever have to go through in their entire life, and you're still so young. With each obstacle you face, you only come out stronger, and for that I admire and respect you. You don't flaunt your fame, or try to gain friends using your tales of heroics.you're just you, trying to be a normal teenager, and I love you."
Harry smiled, a real smile, at his godfather. He leant forward as Sirius pulled him into an embrace and felt some of his tension melt away. He believed he would always be able to face what was thrown at him, knowing he was loved so deeply, as a son would be loved by a father.
As they separated, Harry sat back in his chair, sighing inaudibly. He didn't want to think any further on the subject of Cho's funeral, but there was one question he felt he had to ask.
"Do you think," he began, looking at Dumbledore, "that the Changs are still being controlled? We know they had to be under some kind of spell when Sirius and Marzia were there." he trailed off, hopefully.
"At that time yes, they were being controlled," Dumbledore spoke evenly, "but since then they have shown evidence to the contrary. Cho and I had made contact with them on several occasions, and they responded to her just as she would have expected them to. When they come here later today I will be able to better determine if they are truly back to themselves or not, but until then, we must wait."
Harry nodded, faintly.
"I guess I can't talk with them, then?" Harry asked, hopefully.
"If you would like," Dumbledore replied, "I will speak with them when they arrive.and ask if they would like to talk with you."
"I don't think we should bother asking," Sirius quipped, anger quite evident in his voice. "The way they're treating Harry is uncalled for and."
"Sirius," Dumbledore interrupted fiercely. "I realize how strongly you feel about this, and I couldn't agree more. Harry does not deserve this treatment, but we must be understanding of the Changs' feelings as well. They have lost their only daughter. We cannot attempt to force them into doing anything they don't want to, it will only make things worse."
"I don't want to force them into anything," Harry replied quickly, cutting off Sirius as he opened his mouth to argue again. "If they will talk with me, great.if not.that's their choice."
"As I said," Dumbledore spoke again, "when they arrive, I will speak with them, and call for you if they agree."
"Thank you," Harry said, nodding at the headmaster. He looked again to his godfather, who still looked very unhappy about the whole situation, but didn't want to get back into the argument again. "I think I want to get a bit more sleep, unless there's something else we need to talk about.?"
"You need your rest," Sirius said quickly, his expression changing instantly to one of concern, "Go get some sleep, I know you didn't get much last night."
"Make sure I'm awake when they come though, please?" Harry asked, looking again at the headmaster.
"I promise," Dumbledore nodded with a faint smile.
"Thank you," Harry said. He glanced once more at Sirius, who smiled reassuringly at him, before turning away and heading for the door that led back into the office. Everything was still dark but the coloring of the sky through the windows told him it would not be long until the sun was up. He shuffled across the room to the door that led into the maze of sleeping quarters beyond it, and made his way back to where his friends were still sleeping. Creeping silently in and shutting the door behind him, Harry went back to the last empty bed and slid between the sheets once more. As his head touched the pillow, he realized how tired he now felt, and barely had enough energy left to put his glasses on the table, before he was sleeping soundly.
After what felt like only moments, Harry heard noises in the room around him. Lifting his eyelids, which felt all too heavy, he peered around the room, his vision a blur.
"Harry, you up?" he heard Ron's voice ask, barely above a whisper.
"I-I am.now," Harry replied, trying to stifle a yawn as he spoke.
"Oh, did we wake you?" Hermione asked. "Sorry, we were trying to be quiet."
"What time is it?" Harry asked groggily, pushing himself up into a sitting position before reaching to the table for his glasses.
"It's almost ten," Hermione answered. "We were just about to go look for Dumbledore."
"Oh," Harry replied, pushing back the covers and swinging his legs over the side of the bed. He raised his arms above his head in a great stretch, and wished he'd had even a bit more sleep, but as he let them drop to his sides he tried to shake the feeling away. "What for? Is there something we need to ask him?"
"Er.yes.to see if we're.well.if we can go back, you know.upstairs."Ron stammered, not wanting to bring up anything from last night.
"We can," Harry stated flatly as he stood.
"How do you know?" Ginny asked, curiously.
"I woke up very early today," Harry replied as he grabbed his clothes and headed for the divider. "I spoke with Sirius and Dumbledore, and they said if we were ready, we could go back."
"Are you?" Hermione asked, concerned.
Harry didn't reply. He undressed quickly and pulled on the same clothes he'd worn the day before. As he adjusted his glasses after straightening his sweater, he stepped out to see his three friends waiting for his response.
"I told Dumbledore I was," he said. "And honestly I'm not really sure if it was the truth.but I know I need to force myself to go back if it isn't. The longer I wait.the worse it will be."
"Are you sure?" Hermione asked, quietly. "I'm not saying to wait a month or anything.but maybe just a few days."
"No," Harry replied. He wasn't arguing, but rather stating his feelings. "I think it'll just be best to go straight back. This way at least, if Voldemort has anyone here, waiting for my reaction.they can't tell him I'm hiding from my own room. I won't let it affect me that badly."
Hermione still looked unsure about Harry's decision, but knew by the determined expression on his face it would be useless to argue.
"Well," Ron spoke, breaking the silence. "If we're all ready."
"Let's go," Harry finished, starting for the door.
The four friends left the room together. They saw Neville, Malfoy and the others had already gone, and continued on to the office. As they made their way down the stairs Hermione looked at Harry again.
"What else did you talk about this morning?" she inquired. "Did Dumbledore tell you anything about the meeting? Or the Inquisitors?"
"He didn't tell me very much," Harry replied as they walked towards the Gryffindor tower. "But I'll tell you what I know."
"I can't believe the Changs would be so cruel!" Ginny exclaimed for the umpteenth time as they finally reached the portrait of the fat lady.
"Ginny," Harry sighed. "There's nothing I can do.I hope they at least agree to speak with me today.even if it doesn't change their mind about the funeral.at least I can tell them how sorry I am."
"You're not going to go along with them though, right." Ron asked.
"What do you.?" Harry began.
"You told us yourself they blame you," Hermione interrupted, gently. "And if you talk to them.you can't let them convince you they're right. Tell them how sorry you are.but don't apologize."
"I'm going to say whatever I can," Harry said firmly, "if it will change their minds." They had stepped through into the common room and were hovering, uncertainly, in front of the closed portrait hole.
"Maybe we should go down to breakfast first," Hermione said suddenly.
"Good idea!" Ron piped up, eagerly. "I'm starving now that you."
"Guys," Harry interrupted, a knowing look on his face. "Go down to breakfast if you're hungry.I'm going upstairs first."
"Yes, but."
"Hermione, no." Harry stated firmly. "I don't want to put it off.because I'll think of another excuse next time, and the time after that, and the time after that.do you see the vicious cycle this could start?" he smirked, attempting to make a joke out of it.
"If you're sure." Hermione began.
"We're coming," Ron stated.
Harry grinned at his friends and the four of them again started walking, their was barely anyone around as most students were at breakfast, so they didn't have to answer any question as to their whereabouts for the previous night, for the time being.
As he reached the door to the seventh-years boys' dorm, Harry didn't even hesitate. He pushed the door open quickly and stepped in.
"That wasn't so hard," he muttered to himself, but his voice was slightly uneven. Stop it, he thought, just go over there.it's just your bed, the one you've slept in for the past four months now go!
He walked across the room, feeling his friends silently watching him as he did so, and stopped in front of his four-poster. At least whoever had been the last one in there the night before had had the good decency to leave the curtains drawn back. Harry didn't think he could have pulled them open if they'd been closed.
He looked at the sheets, pressed and starched. They weren't the same as had been there the previous night. Harry ran his hand across them, feeling almost awkward as he did so. He thought how funny this might look to someone who was unaware of all that had happened, grinning despite himself at the image.
"Well that's a good sign," Ron said, drawing Harry out of his thoughts.
"What is?" Harry asked.
"You're smiling," Ron replied happily.
"Just a silly thought I was having." Harry said with a casual wave of his hand.
"Well then keep thinking it," Hermione said. "Because it's good to see you smile again."
Harry laughed a little at her comment, feeling some of his tension release. Looking down at his hand, suddenly he did feel a bit silly and pulled it away.
"So," Ron began again, attempting to change the subject. "You never did tell us.about the crystals." He walked across the room as he spoke and stopped directly in front of the trunk that contained the stones.
"That's right!" Hermione started, moving to follow Ron. "What was it like? What do they do?"
"Calm down guys," Harry laughed at their eager expressions. Ginny came up beside her brother, looking just as anxious as the other two. "I honestly don't know much yet."
"Can we see them?" Ron asked.
"Sure," Harry shrugged. "I don't see why not." Moving in front of the trunk, he knelt down at eye level with the keyhole just as he'd done the previous morning, and waited. The lock sprang open once again and the lid slowly rose to reveal the fourteen exquisite psicrystals.
"Wow," Ron breathed.
"They're beautiful," Ginny commented.
"How do they work?" Hermione asked, not taking her eyes from the gems as she spoke.
Harry was barely hearing his friends, however. He was listening, intently; to what he was sure was whispering, coming from the crystals.
There were too many voices, all whispering fiercely. Harry leant over the crystals, straining to understand. They were all clear, he couldn't tell them apart at the moment, but he knew, without a doubt, they were trying to say something.
"Hello, earth to Harry." Ron said with a grin, waving his hand up and down in front of Harry's face. "You still with us?"
"Hmmm? Oh.sorry." Harry murmured, glancing absently at his friend before returning his gaze to the crystals.
"What is it?" Hermione asked, looking from Harry to the crystals and back. "Is something wrong?"
"I don't know." Harry answered quietly.
"Well something must be.what is it you're seeing.or hearing.?" she prompted.
"I can't understand it," Harry replied. "They're talking too low."
"They talk?" Ron asked, his eyes lighting up. "Wicked."
"Well, you won't be able to hear them," Harry said, looking up at his friend. "I'm the only one that can."
"And they're talking to you now?" Hermione asked, before Ron had a chance to respond.
"They're whispering." Harry replied, returning his gaze to the stones.
"Did they whisper yesterday?" Ginny asked gently.
"No," Harry laughed. "No they certainly did not. I heard them loud and clear.except for two. They didn't speak at all. Memory and courage."
"What and what?" Ron asked. "What do you mean?"
"The crystals each embody a different personality or emotion," Harry explained. And I felt those emotions magnified to the point where it was the only thing I could think of the first time I touched each crystal. Afterwards, for the most part, they all had something to say to me, except for the memory crystal and the courage crystal."
"Why do you think that is?" Hermione asked. Harry shrugged.
"I'm not sure.I suppose they just didn't have anything to say." he trailed off, as the whispering grew louder and more confusing. Ever so slowly, he began to lift his hand, reaching for the nearest stone.
"Harry wait!" Ginny hissed, reaching over and pressing the palm of her hand against the top of his. "Don't you think you should get Gazten? Or Cole even? Maybe this isn't such a good idea." she trailed off, glancing nervously down at the stones.
"I'm not going to try and use them," Harry replied quickly. "I just want to know what they're saying." He met her gaze evenly, waiting. After only a few seconds, she sighed softly and pulled her hand away, still looking very uncertain. Harry turned back to the crystals, feeling both eager and nervous, he again reached for the nearest stone.
Hesitating barely a second, letting his fingers hover above the gem, he closed his grip over it and pulled it gently out of the trunk.
The second he did so, however, everything went still. The crystals stopped speaking in hushed tones and made no further sound. Harry looked at the stone in his hand. He loosened his grip, then tightened it again.he brought the crystal up and held it next to his ear as a last resort, but it remained silent.
The minutes ticked by slowly, the four students all kneeling on the floor around the trunk, all waiting anxiously.
"Anything?" Ron asked finally, startling Hermione, who had been leaning forward motionlessly. She let out a small nervous laugh at her own reaction, before turning her attention again to Harry.
"Nothing," Harry replied, smirking faintly at Hermione. "They're not even." he trailed off, feeling the stone in his hand suddenly begin to grow warm.
"Hang on," he murmured.
The four of them stared intently at the crystal, no one sure what to expect. Harry could feel heat coming from the gem, which he didn't recall happening at all the day before. It wasn't hurting or burning, but it was a definite clear feeling nonetheless. Another minute went by.two minutes.three. The warm feeling stayed, but nothing else changed. Harry glanced up at his friends and shrugged. He knew something was happening, but he didn't know what it was, or how to find out without Cole or Gazten there to help him.
Sighing inwardly, he decided to wait. No point in sitting there all morning trying to figure it out. He shrugged again at his friends, indicating he was done trying for now, before extending his arm and lowering the crystal down into the trunk once more. The crystal was slipped into its place in the old wooden chest and Harry was about to let go when suddenly he heard a voice.a very familiar voice.
'Aren't you going to accept us?'
Harry's jaw dropped as he heard his own voice talking to him, coming from the crystal in his hand. Moving slowly, he carefully lifted the crystal out of the trunk yet again, and looked upon it with curiosity and awe.
"What are you.?" Hermione began, questioningly, but stopped mid- sentence as Harry held up a hand, indicating for her to wait.
"Give me just a minute," he murmured, barely taking his eyes from the stone to glance at her.
Did I imagine that? He thought to himself. He looked at the gem expectantly, waiting. It wasn't as if he could even ask his friends if they'd heard it as well, which he was only now fully realizing what a problem that could be. Lifting the crystal closer to his face, he looked at it from eye level. Why did it speak to him then, and why did it share his voice when today, when yesterday all the voices had been different? He opened his mouth; ready to ask it if it actually had spoken when he heard the voice again.
'Don't talk aloud; just think what you want to say. It is much easier to communicate that way.'
Harry nodded absently, his mind racing, but he forced himself to calm down. Lowering the crystal slightly, he thought of his first question.
'What did you mean when you first spoke to me before?'
'I asked if you were going to accept us,' came the crystal's simple reply.
'How can I accept you? What do you mean?' Harry asked.
'You must relax.it is the only way.'
"Harry?" Ron's voice broke through his thoughts. He pulled his gaze from the crystal and looked up at his friend. "What's going on Harry?" he asked, concern etched across his features.
"Is it talking?" Hermione asked, gesturing at the crystal clenched tightly in Harry's hand.
"I just need another minute," he said, quickly. "Please.I won't be long." he trailed off, lowering his eyes to the stone again. He heard Hermione speak again, but wasn't paying attention; his mind was already speaking again to the crystal.
'What do I need to do?'
'Let go of your stress.release your tension.'
Harry took a deep breath, holding it for a second, before letting it out slowly. He did it again, feeling the air cleanse his lungs. He was very aware of his stance all of a sudden and began to relax his muscles. His grip on the stone loosened considerably and he let his shoulders fall naturally, feeling he pressure on his back let up slightly.
A minute passed, and Harry could feel his friend's eyes upon him, curious as to what he was doing, but he didn't look up to see, or open his mouth to explain. It was almost as if he were in a trance, and he didn't want to pull himself out.
Glancing down through eyes that were barely open, he saw the crystal had begun to glow, a deep brilliant gold, and recognized it instantly as the courage crystal. He could feel its power now, it was as if it were surging through him, and he wanted to hold it, to embrace it. It was a part of him.
After a few seconds more, he released his grip on the crystal entirely, somehow knowing this was what had to be done. He watched lazily as it hovered above his hand, the glow from within illuminating the room.
It levitated itself up until it was at eye level with Harry, and remained there for less than a second. Harry could tell something was going to happen.something had to happen, but he didn't know what. But just as he started to ask the crystal what to do next, the glowing gold light winked out, and the stone shattered into a million pieces, right in front of his eyes.