Chapter Fifteen: The Holy Grail

It was only two days before the Winter Ball and Harry had become a total wreck. It wasn't the fact that he had to take Sarah Davenport to the Ball, and it wasn't the fact that he was going on a suicide mission with Professor Castor to New York City to retrieve a part of the soul belonging to the most feared wizard in over a century; what made him nervous was that he had to do both in the same night. Needless to say, Harry was feeling rather burned out. And it didn't help that Professor McGonagall was now eyeing Harry, along with Ron and Hermione like a hawk. They had barely made it for their detention the morning after the infamous party at Hagrid's. Hermione was made to catalog McGonagall's exam schedule for the entire school, while Ron and Harry were sent to the Trophy Room to polish every piece of silver and gold the muggle way.

'Least I wasn't belching slugs,' Ron said miserably as they walked out two hours later, their bodies sore and their heads throbbing.

It was Wednesday morning, the snow falling harder with each passing day. Harry, Ron and Hermione were sitting in the Great Hall having breakfast.

'Can't believe I'm up this early,' Ron yawned tiredly. He looked over at Harry. 'Can't believe you wake up an hour before me for your run. I don't know how you do it.'

Harry shrugged.

'Early bird gets the worm,' he said shrugging when the Owl Post arrived. Hermione scanned the Daily Prophet as Ron stared darkly at the package he had just received.

'What?' Harry asked.

Ron looked up and with surprise.

'It's from Fred and George,' he said though the look on his face was etched with worry.

'Open it, then,' said Harry.

'What if its one of their pranks,' Ron said eyeing the package with a questionable gaze.

'Just open it,' Harry said.

Ron hesitated then slowly peeled off the lid. His eyes widened in disbelief.

'What is it?' Harry asked.

Ron reached in and pulled out brand new dress robes. They were immaculate in the color of sky blue with white silk trim.

'Whoa,' was all that Ron could say.

'They're nice looking mate,' Harry said. 'Much better than the last ones you wore.'

'Don't remind me,' said Ron shuddering at the memory. 'Why would Fred and George spend this much money on me?'

Harry shrugged though he remembered vividly telling the Weasley twins to get Ron new dress robes after he had given them his Tri-Wizard Winnings.

'Nice robes Ron,' Ginny said from across the table nudging Hermione in the side. 'Bet you're really glad you're going with him now, huh Mione?'

Hermione's eyes widened and she let out a squeak. She looked at Ron who was going red himself before she jumped out of her seat and practically sprinted to her first class.

Ginny stared after her then rounded on Ron.

'What did you do this time?'

Ron groaned.

'I take it she doesn't remember what happened at Hagrid's?' Harry asked grimacing.

Ron shook his head miserably.

'She's been acting all weird around me mate,' Ron said gloomily. 'Hasn't said anything about the Ball. Won't say two words to me.'

Harry nodded as Ginny gave him a curious look.

'Tell you later,' he said as they stood up and headed for Transfiguration.

'Hey,' Harry said. 'At least she's not going to the Ball with Ernie.'

'Yea,' Ginny said straightening her tie. 'Turns out Ernie asked her right after you did.'

'Convenient,' Harry said grinning.

'How'd you know that?' Ron asked.

'Zach told me,' Ginny said, her ears going red.

'Who's Zach?'

'Smith. Zacharias Smith.'

'Since when have you started talking to that git?' Ron asked.

'His parents just died Ron,' Ginny said giving Ron a very cold look.

'Doesn't stop him from being a git,' Harry muttered.

'It just so happens,' Ginny said rounding on them, 'That the git is taking me to the Ball!'

Both Ron and Harry stopped dead in their tracks.

'YOU'RE WHAT!?!' Ron said so loud it made a few second years passing by flinch.

'You're going to the Ball with him?' Harry asked just as loudly.

'That's right,' Ginny said squaring her shoulders and ignoring the numerous eyes on her. 'He asked me before the game, and I said yes.'

'I thought you hated him!?!' Harry said angrily.

'Hated him,' Ron snorted, 'Ginny, you crashed into him when he was doing commentary! On purpose!'

'Fred and George are gonna have kittens over this!'

'He's the world's biggest git!'

'You two are being hysterical!' Ginny said angrily, her eyes narrowing and her nostrils flaring dangerously.

'I'm not hysterical!' Ron bellowed hysterically.

Harry shook his head in disbelief. 'I just can't believe you're going to the Ball with that prat of all people!'

As that, Ginny stared coldly at Harry.

'It's not like I can go with you!' she said blinking back tears. 'You're too busy saving the world by jumping into dark classrooms with the American airhead!'

Ron grimaced. Harry, on the other hand, went livid.

'Sarah is a perfectly nice girl, and smart as hell,' he said matching Ginny's anger. 'And that's more than I can say about you at the moment!'

Ginny opened her mouth to speak but no words came out. Harry had never spoken to her like that. She brushed back a few tears with the back of her hand, and sniffed.

'Have fun with your tart at the dance,' she said, her voice shaking, and with that, she turned and walked away. Harry watched her go before turning in the other direction and stormed towards McGonagall's.

'Women!' he said nastily. 'Can't believe she's going with him!' He turned towards Ron but he wasn't next to him. Ron was still standing where Ginny had just run off.

'Come on,' Harry said angrily.

Ron turned towards Harry and glared at him.

'I can't believe you just said that to her,' he said fiercely.

'What are you on about?' Harry asked, his patience vanishing with every step he took.

'Look mate,' Ron said, his voice hard and nearly boiling over in fury. 'You're my best friend and even though Smith may be the world's biggest jerk, that gives you no right to go off on her like that, especially when you're going with Sarah.'

'Oh,' Harry said fuming. 'Take her side!'

'Fuck sides!' Ron said though clenched teeth, his nostrils flaring. 'You know Ginny still has feelings for you, and she doesn't say anything about you parading around with Sarah, so give it a rest.'

Harry opened his mouth to protest, but Ron was done with him. He hoisted his bag and stormed off towards class without a backwards glance. Harry stood there, fuming, but not with Ron or Hermione, or even Ginny, but with himself. He shouldn't have exploded at her, and he regretted it, but the words were out, slicing through her like a dull blade. And now she was in the bathroom probably crying her eyes out. Harry felt like punching something as he headed after Ron, cursing under his breath. Bad enough he was nervous as all hell about taking Sarah to the Ball, and it was worse how his best friends were acting towards him, and he was going after the Horcrux without them, but now, Ginny was furious with him. Her words rang through his ears for the rest of the miserable day.

'Smith. Zacharias Smith.'

The day of the Ball finally arrived on a clear but frigid December day. Most students walked through the last day of term in a daze, and Professors Flitwick and Sprout gave up half-way through their classes and allowed the students to talk amongst themselves about the Ball. But Castor was having none of it. He had been in a sour mood the entire week when Professor McGonagall ordered him to pour out all his remaining liquor. He hadn't had a drop since Sunday but Harry caught him one night after dinner sneaking a drink from his hip flask. During Defense, Harry's mind drifted off to the Ball and Sarah who was sitting next to Hannah Abbot when…

BANG!

The curse exploded from Castor's wand like a gunshot and Harry was flown ten feet back and landed hard against the back wall. Castor stormed through the row of desks and glared down at Harry angrily.

'You forgetting what we're going to do tonight Potter,' he said in a deadly whisper so only Harry could hear. 'Get your fucking act together. You may have to save my life tonight.'

He turned and his eyes scanned the gaping students.

'Class dismissed!' he said fiercely.

They didn't need to be told twice. It took all but ten seconds from the classroom to be completely full, to empty with only Castor and Harry left. He stood up slowly and winced.

'Sorry Professor,' he said lamely.

Castor turned back to face him. He let out an exasperated sigh and put his hands through his hair.

'It's fine,' he said walking back towards his desk. 'But I need another word with you.'

'What about?' Harry asked.

Castor fumbled through his desk and pulled out his flask.

'We'll meet in my office at one,' he said. 'I want you to bring your wands, the dagger and your Invisibility Cloak.'

'Oh,' Harry said. 'You know about that?'

Castor nodded.

'You're going to need it.'

'Right,' Harry said.

'See you at the Ball,' Castor said not bothering to look up. Harry hesitated, then slowly turned and walked out the door.

'One more thing,' Castor called out. He pulled out a key from his pocket and flung it to Harry.

'What's this?' Harry asked catching it.

'A key dumbass,' Castor said.

Harry rolled his eyes.

'To what?'

'This room.'

Harry looked down at the key then back at Castor.

'Why are you giving it to me Professor?'

Castor looked up.

'Mr. Weasley and Ms. Granger don't know you're going to New York tonight. So after the Ball, come here, hang back for a bit, then meet me in the office. They'll suspect that you went off with Ms. Davenport somewhere.'

Harry shivered at the thought then spoke.

'Um, Professor,' he said going red with embarrassment. 'That, uh, actually, we'll you see thing is, er, what I'm trying to say is –'

'Is that there is a good possibility that might actually happen?' Castor finished.

Harry felt like dropping through the floor.

'Um, yea.'

Castor did not look amused.

'Potter,' he said. 'At 1:00 a.m. sharp we're using a time-turner that will be set for five hours. Should Ms. Davenport spend the night in my classroom,' he stopped and looked up, 'merely say you need to get something and make a mad dash for my office. She'll never know you'll be gone, but only for ten minutes.'

Harry though he might catch fire he was blushing so furiously, but then he thought of something that made his blood run cold.

'But Professor, what if,' he paused and gulped. 'What if I don't make it back?'

Harry had never said anything to anyone about himself dying, and as he said it, the true realization of what he was going to do tonight made him nauseous. Castor paused, considered, and took a swig from the flask and grunted.

'In that case,' he said toasting Harry, 'Try not to get yourself fucking killed.'

He went back to his papers and Harry, getting the hint, walked out the door. Once away from Castor, he made a bee-line for the nearest bathroom, ducked into the first stall, closed the door, and vomited.

Harry stood in front of his mirror, admiring his new robes, also acquired at Castor's and had been hanging in his closet since the start of term. It was black, made of light silk that brought out Harry's composure. He wore a creamy white shirt underneath and a black bow tie with a matching silk vest. He thought he never looked so good as he added gel to his hair and made it stylishly messy.

Ron stood next to him, gazing at himself in the same light.

'Why do I have to be so damn good looking,' he said winking at himself.

Harry snorted.

'Why don't you go with yourself,' piped the mirror. The rest of the seventh year Gryffindors burst out laughing.

'Give it a rest Weasley,' said Seamus smirking as he pulled on his jacket. 'It's not like you got anyone to impress.'

'Actually, he's going with Hermione,' Neville said grinning. Seamus turned around so fast that he nearly tripped.

'Hermione Granger?' he asked incredulously.

'How many Hermione's do you know?' Ron asked tucking in his shirt. 'Who you going with then?'

Seamus grinned. 'Lindsay of course.'

'Can't believe you haven't asked her to marry you yet. How bout you Neville?'

'Luna Lovegood,' said Neville going scarlet.

'Hope you know how to dance by now,' said Seamus. 'Dean?'

'Michelle. You know, the black-haired girl at the party.'

'How could I forget,' Harry said smirking.

'You Potter?' Seamus asked.

'Uh, Sarah.'

'Lucky bastard.'

'And Ron's taking the Head Girl,' Dean said triumphantly.

'Weasley you dog.'

'Shut it Finnegan.'

'Well, Ron's out of the picture,' Seamus said as he passed the rest of this dorm mates small boxes, 'But here you lot go.'

'What are these?' Neville asked.

'Condoms,' said Seamus nonchalantly.

'Condoms?'

'Yep,' Seamus said putting two in his back pocket. 'Don't let them go to waste.'

Harry stared down at the box Seamus had given him and thought about it.

Should I?

Why not?

Seems a little cheap doesn't it? You barely know her.

What if I muck it up? What if I'm not any good?

Then there's Ginny to think about.

If she already hasn't shagged Smith by now.

She might not even want to.

You might not even get the chance.

Shit. Fucked either way.

Harry gulped and shook his head, trying not to be so nauseous again.

'You alright mate?' Ron asked clapping him on the back.

'Yea,' Harry said pulling a smile out of thin air. 'Just nervous.'

'Well lads,' Seamus said giving himself one more adoring smile in the mirror then addressing Ron, Neville, Harry and Dean, 'lets get shagged.'

Ron and Neville parted ways with the others; Ron towards Hermione's Head Girl quarters and Neville off towards Ravenclaw to get Luna. Harry, Dean and Seamus made their way to the fourth floor corridor. All but there girls were already out. Harry took in the sight of Sarah instantly and nearly passed out.

She was wearing a dress of black lace that fell just below her knees and was dangerously tight accentuating her luscious curves. It was strapless and Harry's face got hot when he noticed that she wasn't wearing a bra. Her hair fell flawlessly down her back, a few strands dancing in front of her eyes. She looked perfect, all the way down to her black stilettos. Seamus and Dean were too busy gawking at their own dates to tell Harry he looked like an asshole gaping at Sarah, who was smiling prettily.

'Hi,' was all he could manage.

She walked forward, her creamy legs looking long and inviting as she leant in and kissed him lightly. She smelled of tropical fruit and she tasted like peppermint.

'Hi to you,' she said.

'You look beautiful,' Harry said and in that instant, he couldn't tell you who Ginny Weasley was.

'You clean up rather nicely Mr. Potter,' she said, her fingertips running up along Harry's side which made him weak in the knees.

'Shall we?' he said summoning up all the courage he had and offering her his arm.

She smiled once more, linked her arm with his, and they both started towards the Great Hall. They walked inside and both stared in awe. Snow fell from the bewitched ceilings, and over a dozen gigantic Christmas trees lined the walls, the largest stood out in the center of the room complete with ribbons, ornaments and hundreds of faux-fairies flying madly. Enormous ice sculptures were placed among the bars, one in each corner of the room. Instead of four long tables, there were dozens of round tables as it was during the Yule Ball in Harry's fourth year. The staff table had been turned into a massive stage where Harry saw many instruments of the most peculiar look.

'Over here Harry!' a voice called from his left.

Hermione waved from a table in between the massive tree and corner bar. She looked stunning in a dress of pure white, with a long dark blue sash wrapped around her waist, her hair in an intricate set of curls and blue ribbons. Ron sat next to her, trying desperately not to look too nervous. Harry chuckled as his friend who was failing miserably.

'Hi Sarah!' Hermione said happily.

'Hi,' Sarah said. 'I love your dress.'

'Yours too! It's so, um, tight.'

Sarah blushed and held on to Harry's arm a little tighter. Ron gave Harry a small wink.

Harry sat down next to him and Sarah and look around the room. Hagrid was there, accompanied by none other than Madam Maxine. He wore his ugly brown suit but discarded his orange tie for a tan one. He still looked bad though. Professor McGonagall wore robes of a rich crimson, holly covering her pointed hat. Professor Slughorn who was waddling happily between students wore a thick purple smoking jacket with matching trousers. He looked like a cross between Hugh Hefner and Santa Clause.

Harry took in Professor Castor and Addams, sitting at the Head Table. Addams wore robes of dark chocolate brown with white trim, his hair tied back in a slick ponytail. Castor wore of course the nicest look outfit. Unlike the others, he ousted for a muggle suit of all black, with dragon hide cowboy boots, his hair slicked back and combed, topped with his five o'clock shadow. Harry caught Sarah glancing at him and she immediately blushed.

'Checking out the Defense teacher are you?' Harry asked raising his eyebrows in mocked humility.

'He wasn't always a Professor you know,' she said turning back to face him. 'It was just the same in school. I was in my second year, when he was in his seventh. Every girl old enough to had the biggest crush on him.'

Harry smirked.

Typical.

He just then realized how young Castor actually was.

Seamus, Dean and Neville, along with their dates joined the table just as dinner commenced.

Harry looked at the menu. Everything looked good. Roast duck with pistachio, seasoned turkey with cranberry sauce, and veil with a Pinot Grigio wine glaze. Ron looked down and said, 'Can't I just have everything?' and everyone laughed, including Hermione. Ron beamed.

They ate, talked and for those old enough, sipped wine, but Harry stuck with water. He wasn't drinking tonight. He looked towards the Head Table and was shocked to see that Castor was the only Professor who didn't take the wine offered to him, but contented himself with a cigar.

'Feels different with Dumbledore not being here,' said Ron sadly.

The rest nodded solemnly in agreement. Harry saw the seat next to McGonagall and sighed. It was different not seeing Dumbledore, smiling, his eyes twinkling with his long white beard and crocked nose. Harry looked back and noticed Ron and Hermione looking at him, in a way of silent understanding. Harry raised his goblet as the rest of the table did the same.

'To Albus Dumbledore,' he said. 'Greatest Headmaster of Hogwarts.'

'To Dumbledore!' they all said together.

'And to Snape getting what he deserves,' Ron piped in.

'I'll drink to that,' said Seamus taking another drink from his goblet.

'Is there anything you won't drink to?' Seamus' date Lindsay asked him grinning.

Seamus set down his drink and considered.

'Republicans?' he said shrugging.

'Everyone laughed.'

Once they had had their fill, McGonagall stood up from her seat and addressed the hall.

'Welcome to our Winter Ball,' she said happily which Harry found surprising. 'To our guests from America, we are so pleased you have joined us these past few weeks and we honor you this night.'

Everyone clapped enthusiastically as McGonagall raised her wand and instantly, the tables and chairs were lurched back and placed in the back of the Hall as an immense dance floor appeared out of thin air.

'Let the dancing commence,' she said firmly. Everyone cheered loudly as four musicians took their place atop the stage. Harry, who had grown up without the WWN didn't know who they were, but they were introduced to an rapturous applause and screaming.

'Who are they?' Harry asked Ron who was clapping loudly.

'Vampiric Sound,' Ron said whistling. 'They're unbelievable.'

They were dressed in tight black leather, which made them look more like bikers than anything else. They lead singer with long greasy hair grabbed the microphone and hollered.

They started with a fast-beat song as Harry was shoved from behind as students and teachers alike pilled onto the dance floor and began dancing. Harry hung back, his nerves starting to get to him. He turned and saw Ron, who looked just as petrified as he was, Hermione looking at him expectantly. Harry gulped to see Sarah looking at him in the same light.

'Er, Hermione,' Ron said quietly.

Hermione turned and raised her eyebrows.

'Yes?'

Ron looked at her and then back at Harry, his eyes wide and fearful. Harry gave him a little shove.

'Do, you, er, wanna dance?' he asked lamely.

Hermione smiled grabbing his hand and leading him out to the dance floor.

Harry, smiling as his two friends turned to Sarah and grabbed her hand.

'I don't suppose you want to dance?' he asked, heat creeping up his neck.

Sarah smiled and kissed him.

'If you can keep up,' she said playfully.

Harry lead her to the center of the floor, twirled Sarah who laughed in surprise and they began to dance. Harry forgot all about his problems, the people watching him and even for a moment, he forgot he was going to New York City to find the cup of Hufflepuff as he danced with Sarah. They danced a few fast pace songs, Harry feeling confident with each step he took, though nervous all the same as Sarah put her hands on his neck and grinded against him.

Suddenly, a slow song came on and Harry froze. Sarah, who had her back to him, turned slowly and wrapped her arms around him, Harry doing the same. She rested her head on his shoulder as Harry looked around the Hall.

Addams was waltzing with Professor McGonagall, Hagrid and Madam Maxine were dancing, the people around them allowing plenty of room. Professor Sprout and Professor Slughorn were dancing exuberantly and Harry grinned in wonder on how a fat man like Slughorn could look so light on his feet.

Harry caught Professor Castor dancing with a seventh year from Balmorhea, who was blushing madly as a group of her American friends giggled and pointed at her with Castor. Castor look bored but nonetheless gave them a wink. Harry saw Ron and Hermione dancing near Castor. Hermione had her eyes closed and her head resting against Ron's chest. Ron had her hands dangerously low, but Hermione didn't seem to mind. Next to them was Ginny and Zacharias Smith and Harry felt his blood run cold as Smith leaned forward and gave Ginny a kiss on the cheek.

'Wish you were dancing with someone else?' Sarah asked.

Harry looked back at Sarah who was giving him a knowing look.

'Sorry,' he mumbled.

Sarah leaned in and kissed him.

'Don't be,' she said. 'I'm not the jealous type or anything but I know how she feels about you.'

Harry, who didn't want to talk about Ginny right then, was curious.

'How's that then?' he asked grabbing her waist and pulling her closer.

Sarah shrugged.

'She loves you,' she said simply.

'She what?' Harry said stopping.

'Its obvious,' Sarah said. ' I see the way she looks at you, and the way she looks at me.'

Harry looked over her shoulder and saw Ginny staring daggers at him. She gave him a piercing look before turning back.

'Nice way of showing it,' Harry grumbled. 'She's dancing with that pillock.'

'She's making you jealous,' Sarah said knowingly. 'And aren't you here with me?'

Harry gazed into Sarah's eyes and smiled.

'Its working isn't it?' Sarah asked.

Harry laughed.

'That obvious huh?'

Sarah giggled and began to play with the hair on his neck.

'Look Harry,' she said. 'I'm not trying to steal you away from her or anything like that, I just really like you. Its just sad that I'm leaving tomorrow.'

'I know,' Harry said.

Sarah looked at him and smiled.

'What?' Harry asked.

Sarah leaned him and kissed him and said into his ear, 'But I'm not leaving tonight.'

Harry's eyes shot up so quick he could have sworn they cracked. Sarah was looking at Harry in a way no girl had ever looked at him, and he gulped. He lost all track of time as he continued to dance with her. He put aside what would happen and for the first time in what felt like ages, he simply enjoyed the moment.

After awhile, Harry felt a tap on his shoulder and he turned. One of the American students that Harry didn't recognize was standing behind him.

'Do you mind if I dance with Sarah?' he asked.

Harry shrugged. He turned back to Sarah who touched Harry on the shoulder and whispered, 'He's just a friend.'

Harry peeled himself away from her and nodded to the other man, who grinned in thanks. Harry walked off the dance floor and out into the chilling winter air.

He was so hot and sweaty from dancing, the freezing air felt soothing.

'Having fun?' a familiar voice asked from behind him. Ron had discarded his robes and stood in his dress shirt and trousers, red faced and beaming.

'Actually, yes,' Harry said clapping Ron on the back as they strolled down the courtyard, both silently enjoying the quiet night.

'Where's Hermione?'

Dancing with Neville, I think,' Ron said closing his eyes and taking a deep breath.

'Bet your glad you took her,' Harry said blatantly.

Ron shrugged.

'I'm having fun,' he said. 'Where's Sarah?'

'With some guy from her school.'

'The ball's over at midnight and some guys from Ravenclaw say they're throwing some party in Hogsmeade.'

'And how do they plan on getting past the Aurors?' Harry asked skeptically.

Ron stooped and turned facing Harry.

'Passageway leading to the basement at Honeydukes.'

Harry groaned.

'Seamus' big mouth.'

They strolled down the courtyard back into the Great Hall. Harry knew that Ron was trying to bring up Ginny, but didn't, in which Harry was inwardly grateful. He met back up with Sarah and spent the rest of the Ball dancing and laughing with her. Before he knew it, the clock struck midnight.

'Encore!' someone shouted and the band played one more song.

Harry was dancing with Sarah but stopped moving when his eyes swept over Castor, who was staring right at him. Harry nodded in confirmation to Castor who was tapping his watch with his forefinger.

You got an hour.

'What's wrong?' Sarah asked stopping herself and grabbing Harry's hand. Harry looked at her and a thought came into his head.

'You know how to get to the Defense classroom from here?'

Sarah looked at him curiously but nodded. Harry's hand slipped into his pocket, pulled out the key Castor had given him and slipped it to Sarah.

'Meet me there in an hour,' Harry said boldly.

Sarah looked at him, then down at the key, and smirked.

'Alright,' she said. She smiled, leaned forward and gave him a very passionate kiss in the center of the dance floor, a few couples dancing nearby whooping to the scene. She pulled away, squeezed his hand once and said, 'see you at one.'

With that, she turned around, and walked towards the entrance of the Great Hall. Once she was out of sight, Harry turned on his heel and bolted towards Gryffindor Tower but stopped dead in his tracks of the image in front of him.

Zacharias Smith had his hands on Ginny's waist, her hands wrapped around his neck, as he kissed her passionately. Harry felt all the air in his lungs be replaced by molten lead. He just stood there, his mouth clamped, his eyes narrowed, and his mind replaying the same image of himself pulling out his wand and obliterating Zacharias Smith into a million pieces.

'Harry?' a voice came from behind him. Harry turned to see Hermione looking up at him with concern. Her eyes darted over his shoulder to Ginny then back.

'Harry,' she stuttered. 'I, I don't know what to say.'

Harry glared at Ginny, never once looking back at Hermione. He sniffed, shook his head and turned away from them, storming out of the Great Hall, leaving the calls from Ron and Hermione in his wake.

Harry raced to Gryffindor Tower, a million thoughts passing through his head. What if Sarah wouldn't be there waiting for him, or worse, what if she was. Not like that was a bad thing, but what if he didn't make it back tonight. What if Ginny went off to Zacharias Smith and did Merlin knew what? Would Hermione and Ron wonder where he had run off to, and now Hermione would be extra suspicious after the way Harry had left. He ducked into the seventh year dormitory, grabbed his Invisibility Cloak, his dagger, which he had taken off for the Ball and also his extra wand. He changed into jeans, and his leather jacket and dragon hide boots but kept his formal shirt on because he was running low on time.

He reached Castor's office out of breath at precisely two minutes to one. He was fortunate enough not to run into anyone he knew from Gryffindor Tower to Castor's office. He knocked on the door and went inside.

Professor Addams was standing by the mantle, gazing into the fire, his robes discarded. He wore a suit that looked familiar to Harry. It was a deep purple striped suit with a white dress shirt and dark red tie. Harry then remembered that it looked like the suit Dumbledore had worn when he went to meet for the first time Tom Riddle. Harry wondered if the suit Addams was wearing was the that exact suit, but he doubted it. Castor had not changed. He still wore the all black suit he was wearing at the Ball, the only difference being he had untucked his shirt now. He was standing at his desk as always.

'Are we ready gentlemen?' he said in a tired voice.

Harry and Addams both nodded and made their way to Castor's desk. Castor opened one of the drawers and pulled out a time-turner. He looked at it disapprovingly and rolled his eyes.

'Its one thing to be doing this,' he said gruffly, 'but do we have to use this stupid thing. No one is gonna know we're gone.'

Harry wanted to say that Sarah was waiting for him, but kept his mouth shut. Granted, a beautiful seductive blonde was in the Defense Classroom, but he wasn't up to telling Castor and Addams that. Thankfully, he was saved.

'We're taking all the necessary precautions Demetrius,' Professor Addams said wisely. 'So shall we not waste any more time and proceed?'

Castor grinned at his old Headmaster, took the time-turner and placed it over his neck, along with Harry's and Addams. They were so close together, Harry could smell the smoke on both men.

'Right then,' Castor said turning the item over. 'Five hours on the dot. It is now,' he checked his watch, '1:02 in the a.m. One, two, three!'

Harry felt a blur around him as he, Castor and himself turned in a frenzy and just as quick as it began, he was standing exactly where he was.

'What time is it now?' Harry asked Castor who was retrieving a vase from the mantle.

'Eight o'clock,' he said. 'Your in the dormitory getting ready, Professor Addams here is sitting with Professor McGonagall having tea, and I am just right outside this door, and will be walking through it in twenty seconds, so lets move quickly.'

Castor pointed his wand at the vase and said 'Portus.'

'Come quick, Potter,' he said gesturing to the table and pointing at a ugly old vase sitting on the table. Harry didn't say anything as he placed his hand on the vase, Addams doing the same.

'Before we leave,' Castor said staring straight at Harry. 'I need something from you.'

Harry looked at Castor curiously. What could he possibly want now, of all times?

'Sir?' Harry asked.

Castor glared at him, his nostrils flaring and his breathing sounding hard.

'I want your word,' he said firmly, 'that no matters what happens, you will do as I say when I say it. If I say fight, you fight, if I say run, you'll-'

'Run,' Harry finished. 'I've heard this before you know.'

Castor didn't find his humor amusing.

'Stay sharp Potter,' he said. 'You do what I say, and you don't lose your head, you will make it back alive.'

Before Harry could respond, he felt the familiar jerk behind his navel, the last thing he saw from the office was the door opening, and Professor Castor walking through it.

He was twirling like mad, spiraling down what felt like a bottomless pit, Castor and Addams both bumping into him. He couldn't help but think of the great distance he was traveling at that moment, and it made him nauseous. Before he was two seconds away from losing it, he landed painfully on a cold dirty sidewalk, Castor and Addams standing, looking down at him, their faces green.

'Never liked Portkeys,' Addams said gruffly.

Harry looked around as he stood up. He was in a street alley with large buildings surrounding him. Dirty newspapers, brimming trashcans and cardboard boxes littered the sides. Castor checked his watch and grunted.

'We got five minutes,' he said plainly. 'Lets get going.'

Harry followed Addams and Castor briskly down the alleyway and veered left. Instantly, Harry marveled at what he saw. More people that he ever saw were walking the streets in thick jackets and caps, the men carrying briefcases and the women holding umbrellas to protect them from the pounding rain. Harry looked at his watch.

'What time is it?' he asked trying to keep up with Castor as he passed through another alleyway and onto a small platform used for docking.

'Its two in the afternoon, Potter,' he said tightening his jacket around him as he made his way up the street, Harry and Addams right behind him. He stopped abruptly and made a quick left and into a small deserted alley to where a single red light was hanging above a tattered door.

'This is it,' Castor said. 'Assuming Sevagio is right that is.'

Castor pulled out his wand and knocked three times on the door.

There was a moments silence until the door opened ever so slowly and there, standing in the doorway, was Riley Sevagio, except he looked completely different and Harry even chuckled at his ridiculous state.

He was wearing faded jeans with many holes, a worn out musky undershirt with pit stains and a demolished rain jacket. His hair shot up in every direction and his face was unshaven and splattered with mud. Harry could smell whisky on the Auror who not only was dressed in rags, but was covered in dirt from head to toe.

'What the hell are you laughing at Potter?' Sevagio said acidly.

Harry continued to chuckle and Addams and Castor joined in.

'It is rather funny,' Addams said smirking.

'Yea,' Sevagio said patting down his jacket, dust flying off it with each slap. 'Real fucking hilarious.'

'Alright, alright,' Castor said stepping inside as Harry and Addams closed the door, 'lets not waste any more time. Now, you're sure about this Riley?'

Sevagio nodded.

'Positive,' he said. 'It's a hell of a long walk but we'll get there, maybe an hour or so.'

'You check it out this morning?' Castor asked.

Sevagio nodded again.

'Bout nine o'clock, the reinforcement come in to guard it at night. There's about only twenty of them in there right now. We got to be in and out of there in no more than fifteen minutes. After that, there's not a chance in hell we're getting out of that place alive.'

Harry felt his stomach do a back flip and he gulped.

'Nervous there boy?' Riley said grinning cruelly at Harry.

'Sod off,' Harry retorted.

'Enough,' Castor said firmly. 'Jesus H. Christ, between the two of you I should run a fucking day care.'

Sevagio's lip curled but he jerked his thumb and headed down the hallway to the last door. It was so dark Harry could barely see in front of him but he kept his eyes on Castor's back, Professor Addams bringing up the rear. Harry wanted to use his wand to see where he was going but he thought considering the other men weren't, he guessed he wasn't supposed to.

They went through a series of doors and finally to a flight of stairs leading down into the pitch black darkness. Harry didn't say anything as they descended the stairs quietly, Sevagio leading the way. For nearly twenty minutes, they went down the stairs, sometimes stopping as a bustling sound came from overhead.

'What's that?' Harry asked quietly.

'Subway,' Castor said, his eyes narrowed and alert.

They continued onward in silence until finally, they reached a landing. It was a long dark tunnel no wider than thirty feet. Harry walked past Sevagio and tripped over a rail line.

'Lumos,' whispered Sevagio.

The faint glow from his wand illuminated the tunnel. Harry was standing in the middle of two railroad tracks.

'What is this?' Harry asked standing up, rubbing his backside.

'Morgan Rail Line,' Sevagio said looking down the other way. 'Abandoned in 1936. There was a few collision of two trains. Half the tunnel is block right next to the old 36th station.'

Castor looked down the tunnel then back at Sevagio.

'That's where it is?' he asked gazing at Sevagio with an eager yet hard look.

Sevagio took a deep controlling breath and nodded.

Castor checked his watch.

'We got three hours left,' he said. 'How long down this thing?'

'Hour and a half tops,' Sevagio said.

Castor swore under his breath.

'Could you have picked an easier way to get there?' he grumbled angrily.

'Only way there,' Sevagio said.

Castor sighed.

They four wizards walked down the tunnel in silence, Harry having difficulty keeping up his the other's long determined strides. They walked for what seemed like forever until Sevagio turned around and distinguished his wand, putting them in an eerie darkness.

'Alright,' Sevagio said walking a few meters forward, tapping on the side of the tunnel as he did so. He walked a few more feet until he tapped on something that didn't sound like concrete, but a wooden door.

'Gotcha,' he whispered.

He turned to face the other wizards, Harry feeling his movements and the shuffling of his feet in the darkness.

'This is it,' he said. 'There's two guys behind this door, then another door leading to the main room. The Cup is in a side entrance used for storage on the far end of the main room. Only problem is, is that we have to get passed the main room to get to that door.'

Castor nodded than turned to Harry in the darkness, his eyes set and his wand out.

'Last chance,' he said coolly. 'If you wanna bail out, this is the time to do it, Potter.'

Harry looked at Addams and Sevagio, both men looking him over. Harry shook his head.

'Alright then,' Castor said. 'Sevagio, its your show.'

The Auror grinned, waved his wand and instantly a bottle appeared. The Auror took the bottle and poured the contents on his hands. He then rubbed his face and hair. He wreaked of liquor and cracked his neck.

'How do I look?' he asked in a grumble.

'Like your about to ask me for a dollar,' Castor replied.

'Perfect.'

Sevagio grasped the handle of the door, took a long breath and walked through. Addams, Castor and Harry were hiding in the darkness of the tunnel.

'Why is he dressed like that?' Harry asked quietly.

Castor looked at Harry and bobbed his eyebrows.

'Watch.'

Sevagio walked down a hallway where two men in black wizard robes were standing before another door. They both pulled out their wands at the sight of Sevagio, drunkenly walking towards them.

'Who are you?' one barked at Sevagio.

Sevagio kept walking, tripping over his feet and waving his bottle around like a tippler, mumbling to himself incoherently.

'Jus, hic, trying to, hic, get warm,' he slurred walking forward.

The other Death Eater laughed.

'He's just a bum,' he said to the other. 'Just a filthy drunk.'

Sevagio was only ten feet away from them.

'Should we have some fun with him?' the other asked.

Sevagio dropped his bottle and bent down stupidly to pick it back up, and Harry caught him put both hands behind his back and underneath his jacket.

'Why not,' said the other who raised his wand in a long swift movement.

Harry had never seen anyone move so fast as Sevagio straightened up, his arms raised, one carrying his wand, the other carrying a gleaming pistol.

'Levicorpus!' he shouted pointed his wand at one of the men. Before the other man could act, Sevagio cocked back the hammer and fired.

The man went down like a ton of bricks as Sevagio whirled on his heel and signaled for Castor to come forward.

Harry walked in after Addams and closed the door firmly behind him. The Death Eater was dangling upside down, his hands grasping for his wand that was only inches away on the floor.

Sevagio gave the man a swift kick to the face and he let out a howl of anguish. He then pointed his wand at the man's chest.

'How many are in there?' he asked in a tone that didn't yield much to argument. To Harry's astonishment, the man spat at Sevagio.

'Go to hell,' he hissed, coughing up blood.

Sevagio kicked the man again in the ribs, and again the man groaned in pain.

'I'm not gonna ask you again, pal,' he said waving his wand in front of him, 'and I can

keep this up all night.'

The man remained silent, staring furiously at Sevagio. The Auror shrugged, and raised his wand once more.

'Twenty!' the man hollered before Sevagio could do more damage. 'There's twenty.'

'All in the main room?' Castor asked stepping next to Sevagio.

The man grunted, his face contorted in rage and becoming a darker shade of purple as struggled upside down.

Sevagio looked at the man than back at Castor. Castor nodded. Sevagio raised his pistol and shot the man in the chest twice. Harry had never seen anyone murdered with a gun before and he wished he hadn't as the blood exploded from the man's chest and covered the wall behind him.

Sevagio tucked his pistol back into his holster and turned to face the others.

'We got ten minutes,' he said.

And then Sevagio did something that made Harry gape in astonishment. The Auror closed his eyes and in the next instant, he didn't look like Sevagio, but another man. He had morphed into a man with long grizzled blonde hair and remote gray eyes. He had yellowish brown teeth and Harry noticed a few were missing. His face was beaten and grave and he was rather pudgy. Castor smirked.

'So that's what Jack Sloan looked like?' he said.

Sevagio nodded.

'Ugly fuck ain't he,' he said in a voice unlike his own.

Harry stared at Sevagio in disbelief.

'You're a Metamorphmagus?' he said in awe.

Sevagio turned and Harry felt weird being addressed by a man he knew but had the appearance of a man he only heard of.

'Can't get anything past you, Potter,' he said sarcastically.

'Gentlemen,' Addams said, 'let's press forward shall we.'

Castor nodded in agreement and rounded on Harry.

'Under the cloak, Potter,' he said.

Harry nodded, unfolded the cloak and disappeared under it.

'Now listen sharp,' Castor said looking in the direction of Harry, 'We'll distract them. You just get to that door and get to that Cup. Do whatever it takes to get that Cup and make sure no one sees you.'

'Yes, Professor,' he said pulling out his wand.

Castor nodded and turned back to Sevagio.

'Alright Mr. Sloan,' he said grinning like a mad man. 'It's your show.'

Sevagio bobbed his eyebrows, pocketed his wand and went through the door, Harry nipping at his heels as Castor and Addams hung back in the hallway.

Once through the door, Harry ducked to the side wall and looked out over the immense room. It was gigantic, nearly twice the size of the Great Hall with a large open marble floor. It looked as though no one had been here in years. Two staircases led up to a second landing where at least a dozen men sat at a long table eating and drinking wine. On the landing were an additional seven men, all dressed in black robes, their faces concealed by white masks. The room was lit with enormous torches that wrapped around the walls and illuminating the room in a chilling glow. Harry felt his knees get weak as he spotted another door underneath the staircase, a lone man standing right in front of it, his arms crossed over his chest. Sevagio walked forward and addressed one of the seven that were staring at him as he closed the door behind him.

'Sloan,' one said in a raspy voice. 'We thought you were taken.'

'Close,' the Auror said. 'Had to kill that bastard Sevagio to get here.'

'Sevagio is dead?' one said in disbelief. 'Riley Sevagio?'

Sevagio nodded and Harry paused to admire the young Auror's acting abilities.

'Killed him just about an hour ago,' he said proudly. 'Got his gun too.'

Sevagio pulled out his pistol and showed it to the men staring at him.

'Muggles,' one said acidly. 'They think firearms actually work against us.'

'They do sometimes,' Sevagio said and he put the pistol back into his concealed holster. 'Worked against Sevagio.'

The Death Eaters let out a high pitched laugh, as the black cloaked man guarding the door stepped forward and pulled off his mask. Harry froze in surprise as Augustus Rockwood walked up to Sevagio and grasped his hand firmly, smiling an evil tinted grin.

'The Dark Lord will be pleased,' he said.

Harry crept to the other side of the wall and made his way to the door as the Death Eaters from the table stood up and walked to the balcony, to get a better look of Sevagio.

'I would hope so,' Sevagio said wheezing, 'that bastard nearly killed me.'

'We must celebrate,' another said walking forward and pulling off his mask. 'I must inform our Master immediately. He will be overjoyed at the news of the great Auror getting killed by a worthless slug like you Jack.'

Sevagio grinned and pulled out his wand.

'I'll inform him myself,' he said. 'But there might be a problem.'

Rockwood looked at Sevagio with narrowed hateful eyes.

'And what would that be?' he asked.

BANG!!!

The door concealing Addams and Castor was blown off its hinges with such velocity, Rockwood and Sevagio, along with several Death Eaters ducked as pieces of metal and splinters screamed over their heads. Rockwood stood up, his wand out looking at the doorway where Professor Castor was standing, his wand held idly in his hand.

'CASTOR!' Rockwood barked pointing his wand at him. 'Aveda Kedavra!'

A jet of green light sailed out of his wand and hurtled towards Castor. In a whirl, he vanished into thin air and reappeared on the other end of the room, standing on the balcony of the second landing.

'Come on! You can do better than that!' Castor yelled laughing down at the Death Eaters.

'KILL HIM!' Rockwood screamed pointing his wand at Castor and firing off another spell. Castor disappeared again. The Death Eaters looked around frantically but Castor had vanished once more.

'WHERE IS HE?' one asked frantically.

'I'll tell you he's not here,' said a voice from behind the Death Eater. The Death Eater had time to blink as Sevagio, now back in his real form, pointed his wand at the man's back and fired. The man dropped instantly. Rockwood, along with three other Death Eaters rounded on Sevagio.

'YOU!?!' one of them said and his eyes went wide and fearful. Sevagio didn't waste a beat as he fired off two spells than disapparated.

The Death Eaters from the second landing flew down the stairs. Back to back, nearly two dozen wizards in black robes formed a circle in the center of the room. Rockwood, fuming and pacing before the circle went livid.

'SHOW YOURSELVES!' he screamed.

Harry continued down the side of the wall, he was so close to the door but was interrupted when he heard a hearty deep throat laugh coming from the entrance. The Death Eaters turned to see Professor Addams stand in the doorway, his hands to his side, walking towards them as if he were strolling through the park.

'Nathaniel Addams,' Rockwood said surveying the Headmaster with a wicked gleam in his eye. 'So you're behind all this?'

Addams continued forward, his wand still within his pockets. Harry stared at him, completely stunned at the old man's bravery, or blatant foolishness.

'Should it please you to know,' Addams said continuing his pace, 'that I intend to leave with the Cup, and I might suggest to you gentlemen to calmly put down your wands, so there will be no more casualties tonight.'

Rockwood let out a scream of fury and fired the Killing Curse at the Headmaster. Addams waved his hand and in the next second was standing above the Death Eaters, next to him, were Castor and Sevagio. A few Death Eaters from below pointed their wands at the three men but Rockwood raised his hand.

'No,' he said angrily to his comrades. He looked up at the three men. His eyes mixed with rage and fury, though he remained collected.

'So,' he said, 'You three intend to kill us all and make off with my Lord's property?'

Castor looked directly at Rockwood and grinned, though his eyes moved over to where Harry was, silently creeping down the end of wall to the door. Rockwood only stood a mere length from the door. Castor didn't say anything. The look in his eyes scared Harry, and he knew why. These were the same men that nearly killed Castor when he went after the Grail himself. These were the same men that tortured innocent muggles, and were the supporters of Lord Voldemort. Without another word, Castor pulled out his wand.

'Aveda Kedavra!' he screamed and the spell shot out of his wand like a bullet. Rockwood ducked in the last second, and the Death Eater behind him took the full blast of the spell and was hurled twenty feet before landing dead on the other end of the room. Without hesitation, Addams and Sevagio fired their own wands and the dueling commenced. Harry tried not to panic as he reached the door, but before he could open it, a blast from a stray enchantment exploded above him and the Cloak concealing him flew over his head. All eyes turned to him amongst the chaos.

'IT'S HIM!' one of them shouted pointing his wand at Harry and firing a spell.

Harry ducked, pulled out his wand and shouted the first spell that came to mind.

'Sectumsempra!' he cried and blood gushed out from the Death Eater as he staggered back towards the wall.

Before Harry could react, five spells from all around him came flying towards him. In a flash, Castor jumped in front of him and waved his wand in an intricate movement. Fire exploded from his wand and cut between Harry and the dueling wizards. Castor rounded on him with blazing eyes.

'GO!' he screamed firing a spell at the nearest Death Eater. 'GET THE GRAIL!'

Harry looked at Castor for a moment before blocking a spell and sending one back in retaliation. Castor fired two spells, turned on his heel, raised his hand and Harry was flown backyards and landed hard against the door.

'GET THE GRAIL, GOD-DAMNIT!,' he screamed.

Harry stood up as quick as he could, wrenched the door open and bolted down the hallway. Screaming, curses and bright green light followed in his wake as he ran as fast as he could to the end of the hallway. A large oak door stood in his way.

'Reducto!' he shouted and the door was blown off. Harry shot through the doorway and stopped dead in his tracks.

And there it was.

To the very back of the room was a small wooden desk. Upon it, encased in glass was a golden cup with two wrought handles, the engraving of a badger on the front. Harry looked at the Cup and a piercing emotion shot through him as he walked forward, opened the glass case, and gently picked up the goblet.

Harry stood there, mesmorized, completely oblivious to the chaos behind him. He looked down at the cup and smirked.

'Got ya,' he whispered.

'Crucio!' came an angry voice from the doorway.

Harry had time to blink as the spell hit him in the small of his back. He dropped his wand as he fell to the floor, riving in pain as Augustus Rockwood came striding into the room. He was bleeding from the mouth, his robes tattered as his face was screwed up in fury and anger. He screamed the spell again and Harry hollered and writhed on the floor.

'You little brat,' he hissed. 'You came all the way here for nothing.'

He released the curse and stepped forward. Harry's wand was lying atop the desk next to the cup. He lay on his side, tears down his face. He managed to turn and look at Rockwood who stood over him, pointing his wand over Harry's heart.

'After tonight,' he said, his wand shaking in his hand, his face a mixture of blood and fury, 'the Dark Lord will favor me above all. Once and for all, you will be ridden forever, and I will given immortality.'

Harry turned over, wincing in pain as his right hand snaked up his left forearm and unclipped the holster.

'Goodbye Chosen One,' Rockwood said in a sinister laugh. He raised his wand above his head.

'Aveda Kedav-'

With the last remaining strength he had, Harry pulled out the dagger from his forearm and plunged it deep into Rockwood. The Death Eater let out a horrific scream of pain as he dropped his wand and fell to the his knees.

Harry scrambled to his feet and grabbed his wand and pointed it at Rockwood, whose bloodsoaked hands were clutching the handle of the dagger, lodge deep within his belly. Harry raised his wand instantly as another figure came flying into the room.

Castor's jacket was burned along the side of his sleeves and he was bleeding above the eye, but other than that, he looked none worse for wear. He scanned the room quickly but his eyes stopped as he took in the form of Augustus Rockwood lying on the floor, moaning in pain. Castor looked back up at Harry who's wand was pointing uncertainly at Rockwood. Castor looked over his shoulder quickly then back at Harry.

'The Cup?' he asked panting.

Harry turned around, picked up the Cup and passed it delicately to Castor's awaiting hands. Castor let out a sigh of relief then looked down at Rockwood.

'What now?' Harry said still pointing his wand at the Death Eater lying on the floor, gasping for breath.

Castor looked at Harry then back at Rockwood. He stared at Harry and said in a grim and morbid tone, 'Kill him.'

Harry's eyes widened as Castor looked at him. After a moment, he glanced down at the Death Eater then back at Castor.

'I,' Harry stuttered. 'I can't.'

Castor continued to look at Harry.

'Kill him,' he said again.

Harry shook his head.

'I can't do that.'

'Kill him, Potter,' said Castor, but this time, he raised his wand, 'or I will kill you.'

Harry's wand began to shake in his hand as Rockwood looked up at him, but for the first time, he looked scared out of his mind and his lips began to tremble.

'No,' he whispered, coughing up blood.

Harry raised his wand and pointed it at Rockwood's neck.

'KILL HIM NOW POTTER!' Castor screamed.

Harry looked at Rockwood, his tear-stained eyes and shaking body made Harry figit and tremble. Finally, Harry lowered his wand and looked back at Castor, though he dared not look him in the eye. Before Castor could do anything, Sevagio and Addams burst through the room. Addams was un-scathed but Sevagio was limping, the right leg of his trousers soaked in blood.

'There on us!' Sevagio said wincing. 'We got to get out, NOW!'

Castor looked back at Harry but Harry merely looked down at the ground at Rockwood.

'I can't,' was all he could manage.

Castor looked at Harry for a long three seconds before pulling out of his pocket his hip flask, enlarged it, then mumbled 'Portus.'

Sevagio walked forward and pointed his wand directly over Rockwood's chest.

'Diffindo!'

Blood gushed out of Rockwoods chest as though he had been slashed with an invisible sword. He twitched for a moment before lying still, his eyes rolling back. He was dead. Sevagio knelt next to the Death Eater and pulled out the dagger, wiped the blood with the side of his jacket and handed it back to Harry. He didn't say anything as he touched the flask along with Addams, Sevagio, and Castor. Harry felt the familiar pull as he took in the last sight of Augustus Rockwood lying in a pool of blood, his eyes wide and lifeless as the last remaining Death Eaters came flying into the room.

The four wizards found themselves in Hogsmeade at a quarter til one in the morning. Sevagio didn't not return towards the castle but apparated without another word to the others. While walking back to the castle, Harry's mind began to pull pieces of the night's adventure, mostly pertaining to Sevagio. Harry felt a chill run up his spine as the remembered when Sevagio used the spell 'Levicorpus,' the same spell his father had used on Snape. He wondered how in the hell the Auror knew that curse. He also couldn't fathom that Sevagio was also a Metamorphmagus. He only knew one other, Tonks, and he also knew that they were extremely rare.

Addams didn't say anything to either Harry or Castor when they reached the castle but he did give Castor a sad and distraught look before heading back towards his private quarters. Harry and Castor walked back towards his office, Castor clutching the cup of Hufflepuff in his hand. They reached Castor's office a few minutes after one. Castor walked up to the door, checked his watch, and finally opened it. Harry's eyes widened as he saw himself, Castor, Addams and Sevagio standing around Castor's desk before vanishing in a wisps of smoke.

Castor flung his coat over an armchair and stood in the middle of the room, gazing into the fire. Harry merely stood there, at a loss. He nearly had killed a man tonight. He looked up and saw Castor eyeing him with a look he had never given Harry.

'What is it Professor?' Harry asked after a moment.

Castor looked at Harry then back into the fire.

'You did good tonight, Potter,' he said, the glow from the flames illuminating his tired and beaten form. 'Real good.'

Harry bowed his head. 'We did it,' he said looking up. 'Didn't we?'

Castor gave a tired smile.

'Yea,' he said simply, looking down at the Cup, 'We got it.'

Another long pause followed until Castor turned and walked behind his desk and sitting down slowly.

'You better get going, Potter,' he said wincing as he leaned back in his chair. 'It's already after one.'

Harry nodded, not really caring that he was late. He turned slowly and started for the door. He looked back at Castor.

'Professor?'

Castor didn't look up.

'Yea?'

Harry paused before saying. 'I'm sorry. I just, I just couldn't do it.'

Surprisingly, Castor simply nodded.

'I didn't expect you to, Potter,' he said looking up and staring at Harry with an understanding yet solemn look. 'But remember, that sooner or later if you want to stay alive, you're going to have to become a murderer.'

Harry didn't say anything. He nodded at Castor and closed the door, leaving the Professor alone in his quarters.

Harry slowed walked through the corridors, down the stairs and through the hallways as he made his way to the Defense classroom. His mind was frozen portraying the image of Rockwood being gutted open like a fish and the cup of Hufflepuff gleaming in the darkness. He stopped at a loo and washed his face and hands. He was covered in dirt and had a few minor gashes on his arm from where Rockwood had landed the Cruciatus Curse. He took a deep breath and continued on to the Defense room.

He opened the door and walked inside slowly and he felt his jaw drop.

The room was dimly lit by a few candles next to a large very comfortable looking bed where Castor's desk usually was. Lying on top of the covers, her legs crossed, leaning back with her arms behind her was Sarah Davenport. She wasn't wearing her dress.

Harry's face got hot as he took in her absolute beauty. She only wore a very small tank top with matching lace black panties. She smiled timidly at Harry. Harry simply stood there, looking at her, his eyes scanning every inch he could of her luscious body, the candlelight dancing off her. He prayed silently to Merlin that he wouldn't be struck blind for another minute.

'Are you just gonna stand there or are you going to get into bed?' she asked smirking.

Harry gave a tired smile and walked forward but he didn't get in. Sarah sat up concerned.

'What's wrong?' she asked rubbing his arm, her legs touching his as she sat on the edge of the bed.

Harry gulped. She was on the same parallel as his belt.

'Sorry,' he said kicking off his shoes. He looked down at her and sighed.

'Sarah,' he said slowly.

But he couldn't say anything else. Sarah had stood up, grabbed him roughly by the shirt and pulled him in for a very passionate kiss. Harry's eyes widened in surprise as she ripped off his jacket and went for the buttons of his shirt. It took all but two seconds for her to get frustrated and tear off the shirt, buttons flying everywhere.

'Sarah,' Harry said again but she attacked him again with her lips and pulled him down to the bed. He fell right behind her legs.

'Whoa,' he said backing up.

'What's wrong?' Sarah said panting.

Harry moved a little further away from her. He was a little frightened actually.

'We can't,' he heard himself say.

'Can't what?' Sarah said leaning closer.

Harry tried not to stare at the swell of her breasts, her creamy legs and her soft glowing hair. He regained himself and looked her in the eye.

'I can't,' he said. 'I know I may really,' he gave her body another once over, 'really, really regret this, but I can't do something like this.'

Sarah looked at him for a moment then looked away. She looked embarrassed more than anything else and Harry thought it to be rather funny. If he was in Sarah's situation right now, and she was backing out, any bloke with half a mind would be frustrated to the point of killing something.

'It's okay,' she said leaning forward and dancing her fingertips along Harry's bare chest. 'I just, I don't know.'

Harry hated it when girls said that.

'What?' he pressed.

She looked up at him and sighed.

'I just really want you right now,' she said bluntly.

Harry felt a wave of heat and desire hit him in the face like a bucket of water as he tried desperately for remain calm.

'I'm sorry,' Harry said. 'I mean, I want to stay the night with you, I just want to-'

'Be with me?' she finished.

'Yea.'

Sarah looked at him and smiled.

'Have you ever slept with a girl before?' she asked playfully.

'No. I mean, I haven't had, er-'

'Sex?' Sarah offered.

'Yea,' Harry said, very grateful at that moment that the room was so dimly lit she couldn't see him blush.

'That's surprising,' she said.

Harry looked at her curiously.

'It is,' she said. 'I mean, you're seventeen. Most guys have at that age. Well, most American guys anyways.'

Harry laughed and he felt instantly better.

'I haven't, er, slept with a girl either,' he said in a timid voice.

'We've covered that,' Sarah said leaning in and kissing him.

'No,' Harry said breaking away but giving a weak smile. 'I mean, I haven't just slept with a girl before.'

Sarah looked up surprised.

'Really?' she said. 'Not even with Ginny?'

The last thing Harry wanted to talk about right then was Ginny Weasley.

'No,' he said.

Sarah looked at him for a moment then kissed him softly on the cheek, then on his neck and began to leave feather light kisses on his jaw. Harry closed his eyes and shuddered at the contact.

'You must be really tired,' she whispered in his ears before giving it a playful lick.

'Yea,' Harry said taking a deep breath, electricity shooting up his back as Sarah's tongue danced around his ear and neck.

Sarah moved the covers back and slid under them. She turned in the darkness and tugged Harry's hand. She snuggled up against him as Harry put his arms around and fell into his pillow, his nose planted right into her hair. She smelled intoxicating.

Sarah jerked and began to move next to him, her hands groping her shirt.

'What are you doing?' Harry asked but his question was answered as she slipped her top over her head and tossed it carelessly unto the floor.

'Hope this doesn't bother you,' she said in a soft voice as she grabbed Harry's arm, and draped it over her body.

Harry's eyes widened and he couldn't believe what was actually happening. He was in the Defense Classroom, he had just returned from capturing a Horcrux, and to make things even more unusual, he was lying in a bed half naked with a half naked stunningly beautiful girl. To top it off, he had his hands on her as she pressed her back closer to his chest. Harry knew deep down that he shouldn't sleep with her, that it would be rather cheap, but then again he was a seventeen year old bloke, all the will power he possessed was working overtime to stop him from pulling her on top of him and shredding the last and very small article of clothing Sarah still had on. He tried to think of one bloke he knew that would pass up an opportunity this good.

He couldn't think of any.

'You comfortable?' she asked in the darkness as she shifted beneath him.

Harry's hand drifted over her chest and he gave her a pressing yet gentle kiss on her neck.

'Very,' he said tiredly.

Sarah giggled before turning her head and giving him a kiss before turning back and closing her eyes. Harry felt himself drift to sleep as he wrapped his arms tighter across Sarah's body and sighed.

'So,' Sarah said sleepily as she snuggled closer to him, 'long night huh?'

Harry didn't say anything for a minute. In one day, he had vomited, had one of the best times of his life dancing with a beautiful girl, seen Ginny Weasley being kissed by Zacharias Smith, been to another country, fought over twenty of the most vicious men he had ever seen, retrieved a Horcrux, and had nearly killed a man.

'Yea,' he said sighing. 'Long night.'

Sarah kissed his hand and turned in the darkness.

'Anything you want to tell me?' she said teasingly kissing him lightly on the lips.

Harry took a deep breath and with the last remaining energy he had, leant in and kiss her softly on the shoulder.

'Sarah,' he said closing his eyes, 'the early bird may get the worm, but the bird who slept in won't get shot by the hunters.'

He pulled her a little closer and gave her one final kiss before he drifted off to sleep

I hope this chapter was up to par, it was difficult as hell writing. Next chapter will be up in about a week. Review, I definitely need feedback on this chapter. To everyone, whether you're in The United States, the United Kingdom, or if you're in my beloved home of T-Loke Town, Happy New Year and may it be the worst for the many to come.

Yours articulately, Newcastle.