"This is the item?" Dumbledore asked as Professor Snape floated the cursed necklace onto the headmaster's desk. Dumbledore had been informed by Hagrid about what he'd witnessed on his way back from Hogsmeade. The headmaster had then gone to the hospital wing to see Susan Bones for himself right after he'd informed the young woman's aunt about the incident. Madam Pomfrey was stymied to figure out how to treat the girl, and Harry Potter had refused to return to Gryffindor tower. He remained out of the way, but he would not leave at all. Dumbledore was actually worried by the fierce look in the young man's eyes. But now was not the time to linger on Harry's anger.
"This is what Potter brought to Professor McGonagall, yes. The Bones girl is lucky to still be alive. There is a very powerful curse on this wretched thing. Several in fact. It is quite literally pulsing with dark magic" Snape said without emotion.
Dumbledore waved his wand over the necklace in several intricate patterns, watching interestedly as glowing runes appeared on different parts of the rather fancy piece of jewelry.
"You're correct." Dumbledore said to Snape who was now hovering near the observatory window at the back of Dumbledore's office. "There are more than a dozen curses upon this necklace meant to cause severe agony for the wearer before they die. Miss Bones is fortunate that this just grazed her skin. Do you have any idea where this may have come from?"
"Potter said Bones went to the bathroom in the Three Broomsticks, and came out with it. He believed she was Imperiused and sent to deliver it to someone here at the castle. He claimed she became violent when she was questioned about the package she carried." Snape said flatly, watching the Headmaster. "I believe she was bringing it to you."
"No doubt you believe young Malfoy is behind this?" Dumbledore queried, turning to look at Snape. Snape was standing straight as he stared into the Headmaster's light blue eyes.
"I do, though I am flummoxed as to how he pulled it off. I happen to know he was in detention with Minerva all day. He's also somewhat isolated himself within his house. I do not believe he trusts either Crabbe or Goyle to deliver this or to plant it. Parkinson would eagerly do as Draco asked, but I do not believe he would rely on her." Snape explained.
"A very interesting puzzle. Another possibility is that there may have been agents in Hogsmeade working on Voldemort's orders. Young Malfoy may not have been involved at all." Dumbledore offered.
"That is possible." Snape admitted. "But I do not think so."
"And most unfortunately we simply have nothing to prove mister Malfoy was truly involved in this." Dumbledore said. Snape groaned.
"And what if we did?" Snape said, an edge to his voice. "If we could prove that Malfoy was involved in anyway, what then? Would he get your forgiveness? Would he be given a slap on the wrist and detention? Or would you finally realize that he is a danger to the rest of the students, and yourself and turn him over to the authorities? Would you condemn him for his crimes?"
Dumbledore hung his head wearily.
"When exactly did you lose your faith in humanity?" He asked.
"I never had any." Snape spat. "And you're refusal to heed my warning is making sure that I never am cursed with sudden enlightenment."
Dumbledore shook his head and turned back to the cursed necklace.
"Do you think you can identify these curse so we might revive Miss Bones?" The headmaster asked.
"It will take some time." Snape said, the edge still in his voice.
"Please get right on it. I shall instruct your classes while you work on it."
"You wish me not to teach?" Snape asked stunned.
"I wish for you to find a way to help Miss Bones." Dumbledore said pointedly.
"But you could do this?"
"I intend to see firsthand why you are so adamant that Mister Malfoy should be dealt with. If it is as you say, then perhaps I should spend some time and see for myself if Draco is beyond redemption. If he truly is behind this attack, he will no doubt try and provoke Harry into a fight in order to see him removed from the school. I doubt that he will do so in my presence."
"I think it depends more on how confident he's feeling." Snape said heavily. "Albus, Don't attempt Legillimency on the boy… Bellatrix taught him over the summer. He's quite good."
"Thank you for the advice, old friend."
"Harry?"
Harry turned to find Amelia Bones standing behind him looking very worried.
"Hi." Harry muttered.
"Madam Pomfrey told me she's stabilized."
"She won't wake up." Harry mumbled. He was holding Susan's hand watching her rest. Her chest rose and fell evenly, her eyelids fluttering softly as she slept. "I tried…"
"It's alright Harry." Amelia said as she sat on the edge of Susan's bed to face Harry. "I know this isn't your fault, and I know you tried to help her."
Harry said nothing. He remained where he sat holding Susan's hand, rubbing it softly. Amelia watched and her heart broke. She was over the moon to see how deeply Harry obviously cared for Susan. And yet it seemed that it took one of them getting hurt or nearly killed for Harry or Susan to realize how much the other meant.
"I've been told you're training is progressing, and that you gave up playing Quidditch…"
"I was spread to thin, and we weren't getting anytime to spend with each other." Harry cut Amelia off. "We weren't even able to do homework together."
"That's really selfless of you." Amelia smiled, turning to look at Susan's peaceful face, and noting that her Niece seemed to be wincing a bit.
"Madam Pomfrey says that she can't do more to help her." Harry said, his voice like a whisper on the wind. "She says Susan's still in pain and that her brain shut down her body because it was on overload."
"Harry, I have to ask what happened."
Harry told Amelia in as much detail as he could remember about what had transpired that afternoon. Amelia listened carefully, making mental notes to investigate just as soon as she left. When Harry was done, he sounded like he was fighting back his rage.
"I'm going to find out who did this Harry." Amelia promised.
"You'd better do it before I do." Harry said, and turning to look at Susan's Aunt for the first time since she arrived, his green eyes blazing with cold fury, "Because I'm going to kill them."
Amelia actually flinched at Harry's words. Harry turned back to Susan, and very gently lifted her hand to his lips and kissed it. Amelia noted the mixture of emotions on the teen's face. He was torn up. Rage, anxiety, remorse and deep affection all fought for control in his eyes as he stared at Susan's resting form. It suddenly occurred to the head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcment that Harry Potter had not made an idle threat out of anger. He'd taken whatever had happened to Susan as an attack on his family, and he was going to seek retribution. She swelled with pride and withered with fear all at once.
"Well, I need to get going. I know Susan's going to be taken care of, but I'm counting on you to inform me of any changes."
Harry nodded.
"I know you want to be at her side Harry, but I want you to remember that you have responsibilities. Susan wouldn't want you to forget about any of your other duties."
Again Harry nodded, and Amelia knew that while he was hearing her, he wasn't really listening. With a sigh she rose from her seat and gave a pat to Harry's shoulder before leaving with a heavy heart. She'd known that things were going to be tough for Susan since Harry had come into her life, and she had expected Susan to get hurt, especially after the attack on their home. But expecting such things did not actually prepare you for when they did finally happen.
By dinner, the entirety of Hogwarts was aware of what had befallen Susan Bones. Susan's friends, minus Harry, sat together at the Hufflepuff table, none of them eating. They were filling in Hermione and Zach on the events of the day, through the conversation, Ron observed a very palpable tension between Zach, and the girls of the group, especially Hermione. He also noted that Hermione was sitting as far away from Zach as she could, and neither of them would look at each other.
"And she was just lifted into the air?" Hermione asked.
"Screaming." Lavender confirmed. "Like she was being tortured. Then she just passed out and fell to the ground. That's when Hagrid showed up?"
"Why didn't someone just stun her?" Zach asked. Those who had witnessed the chase could only shrug.
"Didn't think of it." Hannah said softly.
"It's like Harry's told us. In the heat of the moment, you can't always think clearly." Neville pointed out.
"Do they know what happened? Will Madam Pomfrey be able to cure her?" Hermione asked, worry heavy in her voice.
Neville shrugged. "We weren't allowed into the hospital wing. Harry's been there ever since we got back. If anyone would know, it'd be him."
"He was really shaken up." Ron said softly. "It was so… I don't even know how to describe it."
"Surreal." Lavender sighed, holding onto Ron's arm a bit tighter. "We've all talked about the war and all that, but…"
"We don't know if this had anything to do with the war." Zach said vehemently. "This could have been a bad prank…"
"Are you daft?" Hermione spat. "Pranks aren't usually meant to kill people."
"How do you know she would have been killed?" Zach argued.
"Will you two stop it?" Hannah hissed. "Our friend is in the hospital wing right now. And for the record, whatever that necklace is cursed with is meant to kill, Zach. McGonagall told us so."
Zach looked away sheepishly, and Hermione averted her eyes as well. Silence hung over the group while all around them the rest of the students carried on as if nothing significant had actually happened.
"So who do you think is behind it?" Hermione asked after a long silence.
"I would have said Death Eaters." Ron sighed. "But it doesn't seem right. If they were targeting Susan, then why not give her the necklace through owl post or something. She kept saying she had to deliver it to someone."
"Harry?" Hermione wondered.
"He was there. If it had been for him, she could have just given it to him right there." Lavender stated. "No, she was bringing it to someone inside the castle."
"But to who?" Hannah asked.
Almost as one, the six teen turned their heads to stare up at the head table where the teachers sat eating, and observing the students.
Do you think it could have been meant for one of the teachers?" Lavender asked very quietly.
None of the others responded, but each and everyone of them stared at Professor Dumbledore who was quite enjoying his chicken as he listened to whatever Professor McGonagall was telling him.
When dinner finished, the Gryffindors said goodnight to the Hufflepuff friends and began ascending the staircase.
"Hermione?" Ron asked tentatively. "Are you ok? I don't want to pry or anything but, you seemed really angry with Zach."
Lavender tensed and gave Ron a warning squeeze of his hand. Ron looked to his girlfriend questioningly and she gave the barest shake of her head.
"It's nothing Ron. Thank you, but I can take care of it." Hermione said, and edge in her voice.
"It's not nothing." Neville said from behind her. "You looked ready to strangle him. Did you guys have a row?"
"Really, it's nothing for you two to worry over." Hermione insisted irritably. "It's been taken care of."
"Hermione, we're your friends, and we don't like to see you upset. Come on, what is it?" Neville pressed.
"FINE!" Hermione snapped, rounding on Neville who leapt back as if he were afraid Hermione might hit him. "I CAUGHT ZACH CHEATING ON ME ALRIGHT?"
"He what?!" Ron asked no sounding angry. "I'll kill him."
"You'll leave it be!" Hermione said spinning on her heel to face her best friend. "You'll stay out of it! I can take care of myself and I want you both to just stay out of my affairs!"
With that the bushy haired witch stomped past them towards the Common room leaving both Ron and Neville staring dumbfounded after her, while Lavender simply watched her new friend storm off.
"Ok, listen to me, both of you." Lavender said turning to face Ron and Neville. "It's really admirable that you both want to protect Hermione, but she has to deal with this in her own way, in her own time. So, for Hermione's sake, swear that you'll leave it be."
"But he…" Ron began. Lavender fixed him with a hard stare. "Ron Weasley, I'm telling you that if you care at all about your friend you'll respect her enough to do as she asks and leave it be."
Ron and Neville looked at each other and then they both nodded. Ron felt a tightness in his chest. He cared about Hermione a lot, and he hated not being able to help her. The more he thought about it though, he truly doubted that beating the snot out of Zach would make Hermione actually feel better. In all probability, it wouldn't really make him feel better either. On top of that, Zach was Hannah and Susan's friend, and Ron really didn't want to cause problems in Harry or Neville's relationships.
"Good." Lavender smiled softly. "I know you both want to try and fix things, but this isn't something you can fix. And besides, just being there for Hermione when she's ready to talk is a far better way to help than tearing Zach a new arsehole."
"I think you're right." Neville said. "Hermione wouldn't want us getting into trouble over this. And I think it's possible she might have something more fitting in store for him."
"I think right now she's going to be a bit more preoccupied by what Susan and Harry are going through." Ron said cryptically.
Draco Malfoy lie in his bed staring up at the canopy. Things were not going to plan, and every fiber in his body was trembling with fear. His first attempt to complete his mission was a phenomenal failure. Draco was sure that word would soon reach his new master if it hadn't already.
Draco was not as foolish as his mother believed him to be. He had known all along that the only reason the Dark Lord had inducted him into the ranks of the Death Eaters was to punish his father for the failure in the Ministry last Spring. But Draco wanted to serve the Dark Lord. He had wanted to for as long as he could remember, because he had every intention of become Lord Voldemort's right hand. He wished to prove beyond any doubt that he was the second greatest wizard to ever live.
Now was his chance, and he was not off to a great start. His plan was poor, and ill conceived. A desperate bid for success. His chosen accomplice, for lack of a better word was truly incompetent. And he'd been an idiot to think the necklace would have made it inside the castle unnoticed until it reached Dumbledore's hands and killed the old fool.
Worse yet, he'd now awakened the suspicion of his mortal enemy, Harry Potter. The gods be damned boy was most likely already hot on his trail, and Draco had little doubt that Potter would eventually learn the truth and ruin everything.
Draco hated Potter and his friends more than anything. Potter always managed to solve whatever plot was being hatched to bring true order to the wizarding world. Draco had heard the rumors surrounding Potter and his friends, but unlike the other fools within Hogwarts halls, Draco was able to discern the nuggets of truth and get a clear picture of what had transpired.
Draco knew Potter had in fact faced and killed Slytherin's Basilisk in their second year. He had known all through their fifth year that Potter had been telling the truth about the Dark Lord's return. Draco could not say just what it was that made him hate Potter so deeply. But every year, that hatred grew and grew as Potter's legend did the same. Draco wanted nothing more than to see the great Harry Potter fall, and his legend become little more than dust.
And maybe he would see it come to pass.
If he could just complete his task.
Draco still had his plan, and several other plans that were more or less back ups if he could not actually repair the damned cabinet.
His task was already difficult. But now he had Professor Snape hounding him, pleading with him to be allowed to help him. Draco wasn't about to let Snape help him. He knew that Snape would take all the credit and make him look like an idiot child before the Dark Lord.
But now, Potter knew that something was happening, and Potter and his friends could not help themselves. They always had to interfere. To make it worse, it had been Potter's whore that had been hurt.
Draco actually was thankful that Bones had only been hurt. If she had died, it would have made Potter incredibly focused on finding out who'd been behind it all. Draco knew that he could easily beat Potter in a duel, but Potter would likely not raise his wand. He'd attack him like some sort of heathen, and Draco was not skilled in muggle fighting. And there is no way Potter would face him without his mudblood bitch and that idiot blood traitor with him. And now Potter's group of disciples had grown. It was a very precarious situation for Draco.
But that wasn't the worst of it. Draco was filling with doubt over whether or not he could actually go through with it. He had no idea if he could actually kill Albus Dumbledore. Draco was positive the old fool deserved to die, but Draco didn't know if he would truly be capable of it. Dumbledore had the reputation he had for a reason. The man was ancient and had a vast wealth of knowledge from which to draw upon during a fight. And, as much as Draco was loathe to admit it, the man was brilliant. Draco had to be really creative in order to accomplish his mission and bring Dumbledore's life to an end as he'd been ordered to.
Draco sighed heavily and pounded his fist onto his bed. He needed to rest. He needed to eat and rest. He was already feeling less than perfect and his work was really draining on him. He needed to be at his very best for when the time came. If he were even a bit off, Draco knew he wouldn't have a flobberworm's chance against the headmaster.
As for Potter, Draco knew he would have to try and appear as himself to avoid arousing any more suspicion. If Potter even thought for a second that Draco was acting different in any form, Potter's focus would be solely on the Slytherin prince, and Draco didn't ned anymore interference. The Dark Lord was expecting him to fail, and Draco had every intention of surprising his master, and his pitiful mother and killing the Hogwarts Headmaster on his own.
Two weeks passed and Hogwarts began to change as Christmas drew near. Hagrid had delivered the traditional twelve Christmas trees, and for the most part, the castle became cheerier throughout the halls, save for the Hospital wing, where Harry potter spent nearly every minute he could sitting beside his betrothed.
Amelia Bones had come to visit several times, as did Harry and Susan's friends. Hermione was there the most, and she and Harry had spent many hours talking or working on homework as Harry held Susan's soft hand in his, waiting for her to stir.
Hermione had expressed to the rest of their friends how worried she was for Harry and that she feared what might become of him if Susan could not be healed. Ron was confident that Harry would be alright, but Hermione argued that until Susan, Harry had not truly experienced what love could be like. If he were to have it stolen from him in this nature, Hermione feared for her friend's sanity.
Currently, Harry sat in a chair next to Susan's bed, holding her hand as he always did, and spoke to her, keeping her up to date on the goings on in the school. It was starting to get late, and Harry figured he had possibly another hour before Madam Pomfrey kicked him out as usual.
The door to the hospital wing opened and Harry looked up curiously as Zach stepped inside. Zach was the only one who had yet to come visit Susan. Harry had a good idea as to why thanks to his conversations with Hermione. He knew exactly what had taken place on that day in Hogsmeade, but he didn't really care. After talking to Hermione, he had promised to let her deal with it, and Zach had kept a pretty low profile these past weeks.
Harry noted that Zach approached very cautiously.
"Um… hey Harry." He said when he was close enough to speak softly.
"Zach." Harry said without looking at Hermione's former boyfriend.
"How is she doing? Hannah told me she was still asleep, but that she thought she looked a bit better." Zach tried.
"Nothing's changed. She's still in a lot of pain, and her body has basically shut down. Madam Pomfrey says that someone is looking at the necklace and trying to figure out what it was cursed with. Hopefully, they'll be able to cure her. Otherwise, they're going to have to move her to St. Mungo's"
Zach shook his head and shoved his hands in his pockets. The two boys remained silent for a long moment before Zach tried to make conversation with Harry.
"Hannah and Neville were telling me that they thought Susan might be getting better. I wanted to come and see her and se if there was anything I might be able to do because…"
"She's been in here two weeks. She's supposed to be your friend. Why has it taken you this long to come see her for yourself?" Harry asked coldly.
"I…uh… that is…" Zach stammered.
"I know, Zach." Harry said. He turned to look at the Hufflepuff who looked ready to run for his life.
"You're an arse." Harry said. "You should have broken things off with her first. You should have respected her enough to be honest and let her know you weren't happy anymore."
"I know." Zach sighed wearily. "I didn't want to hurt her, I swear. I just… I couldn't face her. I couldn't do it. I was selfish, and stupid and…"
"A coward." Harry said.
"Yeah." Zach said ashamedly.
"When I first heard that Hermione was going out with you, I couldn't believe it. You didn't make a good first, or second, or even third impression. But I trust Hermione, and I figured that if she felt you were worth it, then maybe I would give you another chance as well. And, you were a decent bloke for the most part. But you've proven Ron and I right. Our first impressions of you turned out to be right."
"So what happens now? Should I start watching my back or are you going to hex me right here and now?" Zach asked.
"No." Harry said simply.
"Huh?" Zach looked worriedly at Harry who shook his head.
"Hermione told me all about what happened between you two, and then she made me promise to leave things be. She was adamant that neither Ron nor I could do anything to you. That tells me that she's either over it, or she has something for more sinister in mind than just some hex. If I were you, I'd be more worried about what she might choose to do than anything Ron or I could come up with. Also keep in mind that she's pretty tight with Ron's brothers, and they would give her anything she asked for in order to get even with you.
Zach suddenly paled and gulped. Harry gave a cold smile.
"I think I'll go." Zach said quickly. Harry nodded and turned back to Susan, reaching up to brush some of her hair behind her ear tenderly. Zach watched Harry for a moment before turning and leaving the hospital wing.
As he returned to the Hufflepuff Common Room, Zach couldn't help but think on what Harry had told him. Hermione was not known as the brightest witch for no reason. Zach wondered if Hermione was the type to seek revenge. A chilling thought then gripped his heart. If Hermione really did wish to get some sort of vengeance on him, and she did ask the Weasley twins for help…
Zach had a mental flash of himself standing in front of every student in the school during dinner singing loudly, dancing on the Hufflepuff table and having his body turning from his own to a troll then to a giant chicken. Or even worse… his clothing simply disappearing and finding himself clad in only women's knickers.
Zach began to pray very hard that Hermione would perhaps let things be between them.
"I really screwed up." Zach sighed.