CHAPTER SIX: FRIENDS AND ENEMIES
" You're beautiful," Harry heard as he entered the Gryffindor common room Friday night tired and half asleep from the patrol he had just been on. It was warm in the common room which made Harry sleepier but he had just handed over Kristen and was hoping tomorrow night after the Quidditch Match they'd be able to catch the Vampire culprit.
" Arh gee thanks Ron but I would consider myself handsome," Harry responded to his best friend who was sat on one of the sofa's Hermione on his lap. As some of the first year girls giggled and the older girls sighed Harry looked at Hermione, she seemed almost uncomfortable. If Harry didn't know better he would have thought she didn't like being with Ron.
" Not you idiot, I mean Hermione the Angel," Ron replied annoyed and definitely in love.
" All right, my loss then," Harry said, " I'm going to bed,"
" Please Harry can you answer some questions about the homework you set?" Hermione almost screeched struggling off of Ron. She was quickly next to him and seemed too eager to be away from Ron.
"I…um…sure of course I can," Harry shrugged.
" I'm going to bed, got to get ready for Slytherin tomorrow," Ron yawned and disappeared up the stairs to the dorm leaving Hermione and Harry in a decidedly empty common room. Harry began to go over some of his homework with Hermione then he began to pour through his books making a lesson plan as Hermione continued with her homework.
An hour later Harry raised his head from the books and looked around to find Hermione deep in her books. The common room was now completely empty except for the pair.
" Come on Hermione bed time," Hermione's head shot up wildly.
" Oh it's v-v-very late," she yawned looking over her scattered parchment. Harry meanwhile was packing away his books completely ignorant of Hermione who was watching him. They both stood up together and Harry left his books on the table. Harry looked at Hermione and realised Ron was right, she truly was beautiful. At sixteen she was a young woman instead of a girl. She was slightly smaller than him and very willowy more so than Ginny. Her dark brown hair was now constantly straight and today hung loose down her back.
" Harry I-I-I," she said both their eyes meeting as she took a step forward closer to him. Then they kissed, just a shadow of a kiss at first their lips just meeting. When Harry didn't respond she began to step away but his snaked around her back pulling her closer to him. His lips were smooth and delicious, she thought. As the kiss deepened and become fiercer Hermione closed her eyes in ecstasy. Abruptly Harry stepped back.
" Hermione I'm sorry but I can't. It's just been so long and you're very pretty but you're dating my best friend," Harry said gasping breathing hard.
" You haven't been around much, Ron's changed. He scares me," Hermione uttered.
" Ron's about as scary as a kitten, harmless and great with everyone," Harry responded.
" His Family are falling apart Harry, Percy still doesn't believe the truth and with Ginny trying to seduce you people are beginning to talk about the once great family of the wizarding world," Hermione answered, " But Ron, Ron frightens me,"
" How? Why does he frighten you?" Harry asked.
" He has become heavier with his fists," Hermione said almost ashamedly, " and he's started asking me to do things I don't want to do, touching me in places I don't want to be touched except by the right man,"
" Surely not Ron," Harry looked at her perplexed as she began to tell him some of the things Ron had done.
" He's hitting me," she said eventually and Harry looked at her suddenly.
" Has he been watching Josh?" Harry asked.
" Yes, now that you mention it I've caught him a couple of times watching Josh as though he's planning something or even jealous of our interaction,"
" Hermione this is absolutely vital that you follow what I'm about to say, I need you to remain with Kristen at all times during the day. Do not go off with Ron alone, make sure you have someone with you at all times," Harry said deadly serious, " Do not ,I repeat, do not allow Ron to go anywhere with Josh. If you think they have gone off get me or Kristen if you can't find us inform the Headmaster or Deputy Headmistress,"
" But why Harry?"
" I can't explain right now, I don't have all the answers myself so just do as I say for the moment. I need to go but I will tell you as soon as I know anything myself," Harry answered mysteriously and disappeared from the Common Room before Hermione could say anything.
DAILY PROPHET
GOLDEN ARROW
Hogwart's School of Witchcraft and Wizardry has always been a prestigious school holding many international tournaments such as the Tri-wizard Tournament promoting Allies amongst our foreign neighbours. Hogwart's last hosted the fateful Tri-Wizard Tournament that resulted in the death of one of its student's two years ago. But Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwart's has decided it is the right time for an international competition between several schools. The Golden Arrow, a idea born of Headmaster's Dumbledore's fertile imagination is a test of Agility, physical prowess, Magical strength and knowledge of everything Magical.
Six Schools shall be taking part in the competition from around the world, each sending ten students that best represent their school for all the above subjects. The Schools taking part have been announced as Hogwart's School of Witchcraft and Wizard, Salem Academy, Beauxbaton's, Durmstrung Academy, Wyvern School of Higher Magic and Merlin School of Wizardry. The ten students' with their Heads will be arriving on Halloween night where a Ball shall be put on for the guests.
The tournament is due to last three rounds the first of which is Archery, Martial Art's and Combat. The student's will be rated on their performances and four students will be dropped from the first phase. The second round is Knowledge and participants will be tested upon Magical facts from Potions, Herbology etc…The last round will see the last six fight each other in a duel where Magic and combat can be employed. The final two shall face Harry Potter, be marked and the winner announced. During the year there shall be exhibition matches of Combat, Quidditch and other such events.
Arran Patterson
Saturday the weather conditions couldn't have been better for Quidditch, There was no wind to speak off and the sun was high in the sky burning the crisp cold air making it pleasant for the Teachers, students and Players. Harry looked around the grounds from the teachers box then looked to Seamus Finnegan who was commentating in front of Professor McGonagall.
" Welcome ladies and gentlemen to the first Quidditch match of the season and year, Gryffindor Vs Slytherin. Both houses are highly competitive of each other and at the moment Gryffindor lead the house points, first we have the Gryffindor team," An almighty roar filled the stadium, " Weasley, Sloper, Kirke, Creevey, Creevey, Patel and Ron Weasley as captain,"
" This year Captain Malfoy has actually gone for skill, introducing the Slytherin team Montague, Zambini, Crabbe, Goyle, Parkinson, Nott and Malfoy," resplendent in green the team entered the field.
" I want a nice clean match," Madam Hooch pronounced and the captain's shook hands. Montague grinned and saluted. The two were in the air in seconds.
" This match is claimed to be epic, both teams are brilliant and Ginny Weasley is a striking seeker and team player since Harry Potter," Finnegan announced, " oh and there Creevey goes with the Quaffle-whew- that Bludger nearly hit, Sloper hits it at his opposite Goyle,"
Harry sat in the teacher's seats watching the game wishing he could be out there. He had been working with Ginny and her Occlumency then helping her with Quidditch. Now she sat high above the field watching the other players. Score! Creevey punched the air as another Bludger was hit at him. Blaise now had the Quaffle but suddenly Gryffindor attacked and Patel now held the Quaffle. Crabbe hit a Bludger at him the Quaffle falling from his arms. Parkinson had it and she zoomed nearer the goal hitting it towards one of the round circles. Weasley grabbed the Quaffle and threw it to Parvati Patel who made a run to the Slytherin goal scoring again. The score was 20-0. Ginny sat on Harry's Firebolt near the top of the Gryffindor tower looking for the snitch while Malfoy sat near the Slytherin house stands.
" So Creevey is in possession of the Quaffle and pushes his broom towards the Slytherin goals but Crabbe sends a Bludger at his head causing him to loose it, now its Patel - Goal Gryffindor 30-0,"
" With Slytherin in possession of the Quaffle Parkinson passes to Zambini and he heads towards the goal-ooohhh that must of hurt as he's carted off by Madame Pomfrey, what's that the two seekers have seen the Snitch?" Ginny went into a spectacular dive followed by Malfoy but at the last minute moved to the right, Draco pulled out grinning at his adversary. Ginny was back in the air straight away searching for the Snitch. Draco had taken a place twenty yards under Weasley.
" Zambini has got the Quaffle and passes it to Pansy Parkinson who moves forward diving beneath her opposite Colin Creevey and straight into the goal protected by Keeper Ron," Seamus belted out "With the score 30-10 the game is beginning to heat up, Patel with the Quaffle but look the lithe Nott has got it back and scored yet again,"
" Gregory Crabbe hits a Bludger at Weasley sending him flying as Patel heads for the goal protected by Montague," Finnegan screamed, " Oh she looses the Quaffle and Zambini is back in the game and in possession of the Quaffle,"
Over an hour later Gryffindor seemed to be in the lead with the scores being 60-40 when Ginny suddenly caught sight of the Snitch and swung the Firebolt down towards it, with Malfoy right on his tail Ginny reached her hand forward and suddenly a scream redirected her attention. A Bludger had walloped Draco. Unconscious he was falling and he would be killed instantly if he hit the ground. Ginny looked around for options but there wasn't any so she decided to use an unconventional and highly dangerous move Harry had been trying to teach her. She swung on the underside of the broom and opened her arms. Without guidance the broom lost power and Ginny Weasley was freefalling out of the sky.
" Oh my god Draco Malfoy is falling possibly unconscious but what is Ginny doing? Weasley is freefalling. This will be up there with the Wronski feint," Finnegan shouted. About ten yards off the ground Ginny kicked away from the Firebolt and caught Malfoy in her arms and rolling as she hit the ground she protected Malfoy and herself. She lay flat groaning. Oh god I shouldn't have done that, she thought, but that was so cool. On top of her Malfoy groaned feeling his head cushioned by something soft he opened his eyes into a pair of breasts.
" I didn't know you liked it on top," she said cheekily.
" I have a really bad headache," Malfoy said and realising his predicament rolled off of the redhead. He helped her up as crowds surrounded them.
" Well done Ginny," Harry pulled her into an embrace smiling. Madam Hooch strode over to the circle and looked at Ginny.
" Ms Weasley that was amazing, where did you learn that?" It was then that a man stepped into the circle as the Gryffindors congratulated her.
" Well done Miss Weasley, simply terrific, I'm Jimmy Ryan from the Daily Prophet what did you call that move?" He asked earnestly.
" It's called the Falcon's swoop and was developed by Harry Potter," When she looked around she realised that he had faded back into the crowd and had disappeared. She opened her hand and released the golden snitch.
" And Gryffindor win the match 200 points to Slytherin's 40," Seamus cried over the grounds.
X
Although the partying was heavy in the Gryffindor tower Harry managed to get Hermione to meet him on the Quidditch Pitch where she also found Draco both of them seemed to weighing the other up. Neither noticed that Colin and Remus stood off to the side.
" Why am I out here?" Hermione asked first.
" Yeah, Potter why'd you drag me out here?" Malfoy growled.
" I know you're both Animagus," Harry said patiently.
" What? Since when?" Hermione almost screeched.
" Hermione, you're the smartest witch I know. If anybody become Animagus it would be you and I happen to know that you can change into a wolf," Harry said and she sagged forward, " That goes for you Draco, I know you can change into a wolf,"
" How do you know?" Draco asked suspiciously but confirming to Harry.
" Let's just say I have a gift for knowing people," came the reply.
" Granted I am," Draco said grudgingly, " but what do you want us for?"
"Colin is a Werewolf, he will change any minute as soon as the moon comes out, We," He indicated all of them, " will keep him from going fully beast and help him, are you in?"
" What's in it for me?" Draco asked greedily.
" The sense of helping someone Draco," Harry replied evenly, " I know you very well and you're not completely like your father,"
" Hello, folks," Lupin said cheerfully, Draco visibly stiffened. Suddenly the full moon slipped from its cover so that Lupin and Colin was assaulted with pain. Both threw back cloaks revealing naked bodies. Hair was covering the body so Hermione turned and slipped into the Wolf form. Contrary to popular belief shape shifting into Animagus usually meant taking on the animal's instinct and techniques. Most controlled this and it was like second nature but others like to immerse themselves to learn more of the only animal they could change into. Minutes later five wolves stood on the Quidditch pitch, one perhaps looked like an adult, black but with silver fur lining his back. The smallest of the group was Colin large by wolves standard he was smaller than the last three. Hermione was jet-black wolf with Draco as a grey Wolf. Harry was bigger than the other lot except for Remus and jet-black, he looked like an extinct Dire Wolf the biggest wolf species to walk the earth. He measured five-and-a-half foot from nose-tip-to-tail-tip. Remus barked joyfully assuming Alpha male as the oldest. Turning his back towards the Forbidden Forest the two Werewolves seemed no longer like mythical beast but large Wolves; Canus lupis.
A sudden growl came from Harry, his hackles were raised and he was snarling at Remus who turned back to the pack. Instantly Remus snarled and Harry leapt, clamping his jaws on Remus's throat. They fought for what seemed an eternity to the only female wolf. Suddenly Remus lay down exposing his throat and whimpered. This meant Remus was giving into the most powerful male of the small group. Harry was the Alpha male leading the group. Abruptly they took off into the forest, Colin gambling between Hermione and Colin. They ran Single file, Harry was in front with Draco as the Beta male Harry's second. Remus came third then Colin and the Female last.
Several Hours later the moon was beginning to wane and the pack had returned to the outer edges of the forest Hogwarts looked majestic in the silver light. Surprisingly Harry had allowed them to hunt and kill some of the local deer which was there was a massive quantity. They lay either sleeping or in Harry's case watching Hogwarts. Colin was sleeping next to Lupin his leg twitching as he dreamt. Draco watched over them all his thought's a jumble as he lay there. Harry wasn't that bad and he'd rather be friends with him than be in a rival.
Vampire's POVDarkness. It pressed on me from all sides and most people would be afraid of it but I embraced the darkness like a father embracing his son. I revelled in Shadows like it was my friend. I stood at the edge of the Forest nose flaring detecting a hint of rain in the air and the coming of dawn in less than two hours. I knew this was when most people were vulnerable when their REM sleep could be affected with suggestion. I had travelled a long way and avoided the council for over four hundred years. This place, this school was a rich feeding school. My last kill had been easy though the school exhibited some signs of magical learning I wasn't worried. I had my own magic and would easily defend myself; I had my faithful Bloodwraith strapped to my back and the two daggers on either thigh.
I strode across the grass, as I smelt something, a scent I had not smelt in over two months but that was hundreds of miles in Scandinavia. He couldn't be here now, surely not? I also smelt werewolf and checked to see if the silver dagger was easily accessible. I stepped into the courtyard and smiled smelling a delectable morsel ready to be bled. I closed my eyes entering her dreams. Shadow pressed in from sides as I looked around deciphering my surroundings, a howl echoed our dream as I sought out my prey, and she must be having a nightmare easier for me. Ahead I saw a path through the gnarled tress and I took the way through the woods. A wind picked up and the howl echoed again. Before me lay a castle perched atop the hill as though guarding and watching the village far below. Something impelled me forward so that I reached the open doors and entered the luxuriously furnished front hall. A great chandelier hung above the hall and a long gilded mirror made the hall seem larger.
However I was drawn to the drawing room just off the hall. Opposite the walnut door a fire roared gaily. To my right a claw-footed mahogany desk sat before large bay windows. To my left a crimson set of couches arranged around a Persian rug, it was old and authentic but defiantly stylish. There she stood looking out of the window at the shadowy trees. Only young perhaps twelve or thirteen, how I like them.
" Who are you?" Her soft voice asked as she turned.
" I'm a friend, I'm here to take you from this place," She shivered.
" This place is rather scary," She replied.
" Then take my hand and I shall take you from this place," I held out my hand and she took it. I began to lead her from the castle and through the woods. I opened my eyes to find the door open and the young girl stepping out her eyes unfocused and her face drawn. I knew she was within my grasp when abruptly I smelt that scent again, stronger this time and suddenly I was afraid. If he was here I was being hunted. I may be able to get a meal in before he catches me; I drew her closer to me.
Suddenly Harry's head came up and he was on his paws in seconds startling Hermione. Yapping she seemed to question him but he took off at a gallop. Remus and Colin woke and followed the pack. In the courtyard a figure seemed to be grappling with a smaller person. Harry leapt and knocked the taller then tucking in and rolling over back onto his paws.
" Gryffindor, I thought I smelt you," She snarled, " I escaped in Scandinavia but this time I shall kill you,"
She quickly shifted herself into a wolf and the pair watched each other walking a circle as their breath formed mist in the cold morning air. She attacked and slashed him viciously across the snout with her claws. He clamped his jaws around her throat but she refused to give in and back kicked him in the ribs. Yelping he flew about ten feet unconscious and then just as suddenly as it started it finished and the vampire was gone. Draco was standing over the girl fully human. First light penetrated the courtyard and shaking in violent fits Remus and Colin become human again. They would remember this night, it was a strange even for both to act like wolves and still remain somewhat human not beast. Draco tossed his robe to the naked professor and the comatose young girls to Colin. Hermione was changed into human fully clothed.
" Come on Harry, please change," As if her words penetrated his foggy mind he became human, four bright red slash marks across the bridge of his nose and left cheek. His sunglasses had fallen off and Hermione gasped. His eyes were almost somewhat between cat eyes and Canine eyes. The black pupils were slit like and irises were light green like that of a wolf. But what surprised her were the scars that ran along the slits vertically down. It was surprising Harry could even see.
" Hermione?" He asked wavering.
" The vampire knocked you for six, Potter," Draco said languidly. Harry shook his head fighting of the tendril of unconsciousness determined to conquer him.
" She had to choose the first night we changed," Harry replied tiredly.
" You should go see Madam Pomfrey," Hermione said concerned.
" No, I'm alright," He said raising himself up he staggered slightly.
" She's right Harry, Perhaps you should see Madam Pomfrey," Remus said concerned cloak now covering his modesty.
" I won't see Pomfrey, she always gives me nasty potions," Harry answered, " How's the girl?"
She looked to be no older that fourteen but was looking at the five frightened, Remus was trying to comfort her.
" What happened?" she asked stuttering.
" You were seduced by a vampire," Harry answered her, " But you'll be alright now,"
" Come on, let's get you to Madam Pomfrey," Remus said to the girl helping her up and walk slowly into the castle where Professor McGonagall now stood concerned. She looked over the five and smiled as Remus passed her. Stepping out she stepped up to Harry. Lifting his sweat covered hair she gasped looking into his pale-green eyes.
" Are you ok?"
" I'll be fine Professor, I need a little sleep and a month for these wounds to heal," answered Harry staggering into the castle with Hermione helping him.
" She called you Gryffindor," Hermione said quietly.
" I've met her before in Scandinavia," Harry replied equally as quiet, " She won't be back for a bit now that she knows that I'm here,"
X X X
Sunday morning found Harry entering the school Library, Four puffy red scars were clearly visibly and a reminder of the attack last night. Students had been staring at him all morning wondering about his strange eyes. For the first time since he had returned the young man had gone without the sunglasses and getting the strange looks. Looking around the library he spotted Draco in the corner then saw Ginny with him giggling quietly at something the platinum-haired man had said. She seemed quite comfortable with the Slytherin, which surprised Harry.
" Good Morning," Harry said stepping up to their table.
" How's the wound?" Draco asked pleasantly. Ginny looked at him in amazement.
" Healing up, another month and I'll only have scar's to remind me of last night," Harry returned.
" Is the Vampire gone?" Ginny asked.
" We don't know for sure, but the attack last night means that we're aware of her presence and protecting the castle,"
" Oh good," Ginny said.
" Do you mind if I have a word with Malfoy?" Harry asked. Ginny smiled and gathered her books disappearing as Harry settled in her seat.
" That Vampire knew you last night," Draco stated.
" She did," came the reply.
" During the time you were away?" Draco asked.
" Yes, actually," Harry returned, " Are you sure it ok to talk in here, what about your friends?"
" They don't come in here normally let alone on a Sunday when they can have a lie in,"
" Good, no one know's then?" Harry asked.
" No, they're already suspicious that we haven't been 'fighting' much this term so I don't think I want Voldemort knowing I'm meeting with the Boy Who Lived,"
" Is that going ok? Or do we need to start fighting more?" Harry asked.
" I have been in contact with the Dark Lord, we are supposed to be meeting but I need something big to deliver to his lordship,"
" Stick with the plan, when the Dark Lord has Harry Potter amongst his rank then he shall reward you," Harry returned.
" Harry you truly are devious, you spent too much time with El'ne and Gwen," Draco laughed.