-1The Downside of Sleeping Spells - Chapter Three

Voldemort was still sneezing bubbles even after being transfigured back nearly a week ago. His body was surprisingly weak, more so than after all the other times he lost his body. He could not fathom how being reduced into soap suds had done that. That Granger bitch had it coming.

Though, he supposed in her current state, he liked her just fine. Faithful to him and unconscious.

"Faithful One."

He called the one who had transfigured him back and reached his hand out to be helped up. The said 'faithful one' because this was the only time he had a Death Eater so committed to him, who stopped at nothing to revive him. Who transformed from light to dark, just for him.

"Yes, Master?"

Voldemort stood shakily and then mustered his composure, walking over to the fire place.

Half way there, however, he nearly fell over as his leg turned back into large shiny bubble and he fell to his other knee with a howl.

The "faithful one" rushed over to help him. The Transfiguration spell was muttered to help Voldemort back to his feet.

"I want you to bring her to me. Under my control, I'll have my revenge and on every one of her followers as well. Little Bitch."

"How shall I accomplish that, Master?"

"I don't care how," Voldemort spat, "Just do it. And soon."

He reached into his pocket. "This should wake her up. When she does, tell her I sent you and I want the two of you to go rescue Lucius. Don't be surprised if she tries to jump onto him the minute she sees him. He fucked with her mind. But no matter, put me in my chair and go."

"Yes, Master."

Voldemort was carried into his chair watched the Faithful One bow, then set out for Hogwarts.

Things had not gone as planned. He wanted Severus dead, the Mudblood dead, and all her little friends. Then he'd take out Potter, as planned. It's a shame all this turmoil had come up, but he would not live to be humiliated by a traitor and filthy blood and not enact his revenge. That must be dealt with first.

But it might be interesting to see what she had to offer. She wasn't a complete moron, like Wormtail. She might be able to help him, before he kills her.

He grinned wickedly rested his chin on his hand, and then screeched in frustration as his whole arm became a bubble and popped, leaving the Dark Lord armless until the Faithful One returned.

X

5:07. That was the first thing Ginny saw when she opened her eyes. Why was she awake so early, was her first thought.

She groaned and rolled over, wide awake. Two hours until breakfast.

She laid there for several seconds, then decided to just get up quietly, so she didn't wake Gina.

After showering, dressing, and brushing, she went into the Common Room as the hand on the grandfather clock turned to 5:34.

Sitting in the nearest chair, she opened her Charms book.

"You're one hour and twenty-six minutes early."

She jumped and looked up to see Snape sitting with his arms folded over his chest, but he looked amused.

Closing her book, she asked, "And how long have you been here?"

"Since 4:12."

"I suppose we're early risers."

He considered that and nodded. "Or horrible sleepers."

She laughed, "I suppose."

It grew silent again. Yet still comfortable. Ginny stroked the cover of her book, searching for something to say.

"So, want to talk about Hermione?"

His had snapped to her, as if he had been in a trance. "Hermione?"

"We don't have to.. I'm sorry, I just couldn't think of anything to say..."

He shook his head, "Don't be sorry, I would just prefer not to. I'm afraid…" But he trailed off before he finished.

She nodded. The silence that followed WAS uncomfortable this time. She shifted in her seat and looked down.

'Think Ginny... don't make it awkward now.' She chided herself.

"Did you guys ever find a reversal potion?"

"If we had, I would not be in this state." He reminded her.

"Oh, yes."

The silence continued for the next hour and eighteen minutes.

X

"What are you guys doing up so early?"

Ginny turned around, spotting Riley and Gina. She was thankful, this time, for a distraction.

She smiled at them, "Good morning to you two, too."

Snape shifted and said, "Well, let's head to breakfast, shall we?"

"Aw, I just sat down." Riley grumbled.

"Too bad. Let's go."

On the way, they ran into Luna, who immediately started talking to Ginny about her father's newest article.

Ginny tried staying close to Snape, but Luna was pushing him out of the way. Why didn't he save her from this conversation?

They turned a corner and when she turned around to see if he was still behind her. He wasn't.

"Where'd he-?" But she didn't get to finish her question as Luna didn't even hear her start.

They ate and Ginny listened to Luna endlessly talk about everything from the weather to chocolate frogs. Riley and Gina waved goodbye to Ginny as they had Charms class first.

Ginny set off with Luna to Potions, with a new Professor.

Professor Grant.

And he or she was only one of the new professors. There was also a new Arithmacy Professor, and one for Astronomy as well. Not to mention, Mr. Filch left the country for 'a year or ten,' as Dumbledore had put it, so there was a new caretaker at Hogwarts as well.

"Be careful, children!"

A spooky, ancient voice called from behind them and they both spun around.

Said caretaker, Ms. Elleby, was mopping up the floors behind them, grinning.

"Careful?" Luna echoed faintly, though Ginny was her hand firmly on her wand.

"The hallway flooded. Watch your step!" She cackled and went back to mopping.

Quickly, Ginny and Luna walked away. It was actually amazing to see Luna scared by the woman as well. Luna didn't often show fear, even when in dangerous situations.

"I think I'd rather have Filch over her any day." Ginny mumbled, looking back cautiously.

"I always liked Filch," Luna said matter-of-factly, "He always helped me find my things, when students would take them. But I'm pleased this year, people are too busy with other things to take my stuff."

"That's good," Ginny commented as they circled through more of the dungeon to the Potions class room.

Luna nodded and they didn't talk anymore.

X

Harry paced his office furiously. He shouldn't be angry at Dumbledore. He shouldn't but he was. If they had just destroyed him right after all this, this wouldn't be happening. Now not only would he have to worry about his job, Ginny, finding ways to cure Hermione, and remember to eat, now he had to watch out for Voldemort as well. He would need to assign double-shifts, stay later, hunt harder.

He didn't need this. Not now.

He growled dropped himself into his chair agitatedly. Ron would be more pissed, he knew. Ron wanted to kill Voldemort himself, if he could have.

At least he would meet with Snape Friday at midnight and they would discuss what was happening at Hogwarts. Harry suspected it wasn't long until he would be invited to "visit" Hogwarts and scope out the new teachers.

"Mr. Potter, we have a group of Death Eaters escaping from the east ward in Azkaban."

"Shit…" Harry grabbed his wand and Apparated immediately.

He needed things to go back to normal.

X