A/N: Thanks to all those who subscribed to the story. Special thanks to spang141 for reviewing, it made my day. This chapter is set on the same day as last chapter, just a continuation. Enjoy!
Exposed Enemy
As a rule, what is out of sight disturbs men's minds more seriously than what they see. -Julius Caesar
"Pst, Harry."
The Weasley twins never ceased to amaze him. Despite the fiery red hair they sported they still managed to blend into the crowd of students without being noticed. He had been hiding at the library, going through the book shelves unnoticed for almost an hour and he never noticed them entering.
"Hey, whats going on?" He whispered as he walked over to the concealed corner they had wedged themselves in. Inside he smiled, since his confrontation with Malfoy the Shadow hasn't made another occurrence. Maybe all that had been needed to get rid of the entity was a strong magical release.
"We've heard about.."
"..all the points you've lost...
"..for Gryffindor already." The twins chanted, easily speaking for one another.
"We were going to hex you.."
"but decided to give you a gift instead."
They reached inside their pockets, Fred pulled out his wand while George pulled out a worn out, empty parchment. Harry raised his brow at them in curiosity.
"We were going to give this to you later..."
"..but because of your bad luck..."
"..we decided it would come..."
"..in handy sooner rather than later."
The twins directed Harry to follow them as they moved silently through the library, finding better seclusion in a corner that was also shielded by a wall and a bookshelf, lessening the chance of wandering eyes intruding their privacy.
"Why did you two want to give this to me?" Harry was in awe as he looked through the Marauder's Map. It was amazing. This type of magic was complex he knew, but he had no idea how it ever ended up in his possession. "This is amazing."
"It has helped us become the successes you see today."
"Having knowledge of all the secret passageways and rooms is a great tool for any student."
"Especially when they have not so innocent intentions on their minds."
Harry continued to gawk at the masterpiece he held in his hands. He already saw 5 different ways he could have taken to get to Transfiguration on time. He scanned the map until he saw Draco Malfoy's name, and smirked to see that he was being moved by Professor Snape and Madame Pomfrey to the Hospital Wing.
"You guys...this is amazing...I can't even express..."
"Don't worry about it."
"Consider it a make-up gift for all the shotty ones Ron's given you over the Holidays."
The detail that was put into forging the enchanted map was amazing. Every single detail in the castle had been mapped out, many secret tunnels and passageways were shown with descriptive details of how to find them, and in some cases, what charms to use to reveal them. He knew there wasn't even an official map of Hogwarts, as it would compromise it's security. He realized that what he held in his hands was a tool that would be dangerous in the hands of certain people.
"We should be going Harry." Fred patted him on the shoulder as he left their walled enclosure.
"You should probably be going too." George nodded his head toward the door of the Library.
Harry peered around the corner of the bookshelf and saw Ron and Hermione scanning the crowds of studying students.
"How did you know...?"
George smiled at his confusion with a mischievous look, as he pointed at the map.
"I've seen you dodging the two, besides, why else would you willingly be in the library?"
"I haven't been mad at them or anything" Harry felt he had to explain himself. Hermione and the Weasley's have helped him in many ways since he attended Hogwarts, he didn't want George thinking he didn't appreciate them. "They are my friends, it's just that since the incident on the train..."
George waved his words away before leaning in close and whispering. "Don't worry about it Harry, there have been several times where I've just wanted to get away from my siblings. Mostly from Percy." He winked at Harry as he caught up with Fred and made their way out of the Library, heartily greeting Hermione and Ron as they exited out.
Retreating back to the corner he peered at the map, looking to see if there was a way to exit the Library besides using the front door. He waved his wand at the map and the names of students that cluttered the map disappeared, making it easier to find an exit point. Folding the map away he again peered around the corner making sure he was clear to leave his hiding spot without Ron or Hermione spotting him. The two Gryffindors were at the other side of the library, talking to Percy and Robertson, one of the fourth year Hufflepuffs.
He swiftly rounded the corner of the bookshelf and retreated to the very back of the library. He continued until he saw a small, discolored piece of stone on the wall. Pulling out his wand, he touched the tip of it against the stone and whispered, "Aperio". Tempered black glass appeared in the shape of a doorway. He stepped through and muttered "Occulo," to seal the entrance behind him. "Lumos," his wand glowed and he made his way down the passageway. He hadn't exactly looked at where the tunnel led, he just wanted to make it out of the library.
As he continued through he saw spots of light shining in, which he discovered was from the transparency through certain portraits throughout the halls. He looked through a few of them, not really seeing anything interesting. Some of them peered through empty rooms and others looked in at the hall where a few students were gathered. He thought the whole thing really odd. Did the founders of the school purposely put secret passages everywhere or did people add them overtime? If Hermione were here she would probably mention Hogwarts, A History, he would have to look through it sometime.
A few minutes later he started going up and down small sets of steps. He wasn't sure but he estimated to now be on the third floor. A minute or so after he finally saw a door that led out of the tunnel. He stuck his head out through the glass and peered around before stepping out. He looked behind him and instead of seeing glass he just saw the wall. It must just be a one-way door since the stone was solid, the only way to open it up was to cast 'Aperio' again.
As he walked he discovered that he was actually on the sixth floor. Considering the short amount of time and the small amount of steps he had to take that passageway was quite convenient. As he neared the middle Shadow made a sudden appearance, spreading across his vision with excited swirls. He stopped, trying to feel what was happening. Taking a step forward Shadow jumped again, this time, Harry could feel a muted eruption of giddiness in the back of chest.
He looked more closely at his surroundings, trying to spot something out of place. To his right was a big empty space of stone wall, and on his left was a few torches and portraits. Something here excited Shadow. He felt the hum of excitement swell once again as he glanced around. Looking at the empty wall on his right he felt Shadow shift again, vibrating with elation as he moved closer to the wall.
Closing his eyes, he focused his attention to the wall, waving his hands slowly in front of it, trying to find something. Shadow continued to hum within him during his search. Something is here! The powerful magical energy it emanated made him wonder how he hadn't discovered this before. He felt that it was a door of some kind. Pulling out his Marauder's Map he scanned over the sixth floor drawings, looking to see if something was mentioned about this anomaly. As he pointed his wand at his location he saw small script begin to appear.
The Room of Requirement is a room that only reveals itself to someone in great need. To open the door, you must pace in front of it three times while thinking of what you need. A door will appear, the Room having transformed itself to accommodate your needs. Persons in the Room of Requirement do not show up on the Map.
Harry gaped at the wall as he considered the possibilities he could use for this room. Deciding to test it out, he glanced at the Map once again to see if any students or teachers were nearby. Satisfied that he was alone, he folded the Map, shoved it in his pocket and began to pace in front of the entryway, thinking, I need a place to hide and work. As promised, a cherry wood door appeared. Shadow shifted in front of his vision again as he grasped the door knob and entered the Room of Requirement.
He walked into a small, secluded but comfortable room. In front of him was a honey brown stuffed armchair in front of an unlit fireplace. To the left of the chair was a work desk topped with quills, ink, and parchment. Walking towards the armchair he could again feel Shadow shift. Although the Marauder's Map didn't post any warnings about the Room of Requirement he was still uneasy that Shadow, the being that was currently loose inside his head and obviously had a fascination with Dark Magic, had a strong attraction to the secret room.
Placing his bag onto the chair he noticed his Potion's textbook. He hadn't really thought of the time once he left the Library. He looked up as he saw a clock appear over the fireplace. Harry swore loudly as he saw the time. Class just barely started, and here he was on the sixth floor in a secret room staring dumbly at a clock. After ruling out that he couldn't skip another class he opened up the Map again searching for a quick way to get to Potions class. He growled inside as he realized he would have to deal with an incited potions professors upon his arrival, feeling the loss of house points and the anger it would incite in his fellow Gryffindors at the thought.
Before he had a chance to search the Map long a door appeared on the far-side of the wall. Gathering his things he went through the door and descended quickly down the tunnel. Harry couldn't believe his change in luck. Not only did he have a new map and discovered a secret room, he also had swift access to almost anyplace in the castle.
As he continued to descend to the dungeons he saw that this was much like the tunnel he used to escape from the library. Every minute or so he could see out into the school through portraits. Though there wasn't much to see, he would peer out to keep track of where he was. When he guessed he was nearing the dungeons he pulled out the Marauder's Map, said "Mischief Managed", and placed the now empty parchment at the very bottom of his bag.
"You asked for my presence, Severus?"
Harry froze. That sounded like the Headmaster, and he was talking to Snape. He looked around the tunnel to see if anyone else was using it. Empty. He walked forward and peered through one of the transparent portraits. The room he saw was filled with vials and numerous potions and ingredients. There was another portrait, of an short elderly man with grayed hair and eyes, brewing a potion, hanging over the door. Inside was Professor Dumbledore, and Snape sitting behind a wooden desk. This must be Snape's private office.
"Yes, Albus. It seems in your absence that one of my Slytherins was attacked."
The Headmaster sat down in front of the desk, conjuring a cup of tea while Snape cast a silencing charm. Since Harry could still hear what they were saying, he assumed the silencing charm was only cast on the front door.
"Would you like some tea also, Severus?"
"I am already late for class as it is and I would like to get to the point." His voice was sharp and stern. Obviously irritated for some reason.
"I usually wouldn't waste your time on trivial teenage fights, but Draco Malfoy was attacked with a Dark Curse, one that has left both Pomfrey and I unable to revive him."
The Headmaster peered at his Potion's Professor over the rim of his glasses. Harry rarely saw Dumbledore's eye lacking that twinkle.
"As you know Severus, many wards are put in place around Hogwarts to detect the use of Dark Magic." He vanished his cup of tea away. "Are you certain Mr. Malfoy's condition was caused by a Dark Curse?"
Snape's featured darkened with annoyance. "Positive, I only bring this to your attention because your lack of this information indicates that the wards didn't alert you of the attack."
What? Harry didn't understand how he managed to not alert the wards. Maybe it was because he didn't know he was using Dark Magic at the time? What other wards surrounded Hogwarts that he didn't know about? He decided he definitely needed to read Hogwarts, A History.
"Well, Severus," The Headmaster conjured more tea and placed a lemon drop in his mouth, the twinkle slowly returning to his eyes. "You know as well as I that there are several ways to fool the wards."
I spoke in Parseltongue when I cast that curse on Malfoy. If that is the reason why the wards didn't set off when he cursed Malfoy then...Then that means I could cast anything in Parseltongue and nobody would know about it. Shadow swelled with glee as he came to that conclusion. He realized for the first time how dangerous things started becoming. Tom Riddle spoke Parseltongue, is that how he got away with his years of studying and practicing the Dark Arts? Did Dumbledore know that? It would be surprising if the omnipotent Headmaster didn't. Would he suspect me? No, he couldn't. He said there were several ways to fool the wards. Why would he automatically assume it was Harry, the Gryffindor Golden Boy?
"I strongly suspect that it was Black," Snape's voice filled with smooth malice as he spoke, "that he has somehow managed to get past the protective barriers of the castle and the Dementors. Although he is a thick-headed moron I'm sure he is quite capable of doing so if he summoned the mental capacity to contrive a way to escape Azkaban."
"Your hypothesis is possible Severus, though there were no witnesses to firmly establish the claim."
"Then you will do nothing?"
"Of course I will Severus," He answered with a soft hint of a stern reproach to his Potion's Professor, "as Headmaster I have nothing but the safety of the students at the forefront of my mind."
The Headmaster pondered for a bit, sipping his tea and running his fingers through his beard before continuing.
"It will be best if the students were escorted by teachers to and from their classes and dormitories, however we simply don't have the capabilities to do that. Instead tell all of your students to travel in groups of at least three throughout the day, prefects will escort them in groups to their Dormitories after dinner each night. Anyone caught alone will be handled by their Heads of House."
Dumbledore vanished his empty cup of tea before blithely standing from his chair and heading for the door.
"Inform your students as well as your Head Boy and Head Girl, I will inform the other teachers about the added security measures. We will discuss this more another time when he both have less pressing matters to attend too."
"Will you assist Pomfrey and I in our search on how to counter the curse?"
Dumbledore looked back at him with an amused twinkle in his eyes.
"Of course, my boy, you needn't have asked."
Snape scowled as his mentor left the office. When the Professor started packing his things for class Harry bolted down the passageway. If his luck continued he would be able to get there before Snape did and avoid hostility from both the Slytherins and his fellow Gryffindors. He ran out the exit of the tunnel after running a few extra meters, nearly knocking over Hermione as he quickly rounded the corner and found himself, and other students, waiting outside the classroom door.
"Harry! Why are you running late again? Where were you?" Hermione was good at yelling at somebody without having to actually raise her voice.
Harry avoided eye contact with her when he spoke, pretending to look distracted. He just didn't want Shadow to start appearing frequently like it had earlier in the day.
"What does it matter? Snape isn't even here so it's not like he'd find out I was late."
"Harry, tell me what is going on!" Her face was tense and her eyes were tight. "I know you're hiding something and I don't know why! Why can't you trust me, I'm your friend!"
"You have no reason to think I'm hiding something. Madame Pomfrey told me I was fine after the Dementor attack on the train and Professor Lupin agreed."
"Well I don't agree with them at all! This is only the first day of class and your already..."
"I told you I didn't want to talk about it, didn't I?"
"But why? I just want to help you."
Harry put his face in his hands and sighed. He knew Hermione would be more difficult to deal with. One of the things he liked about her was that not only was she brilliant, she used those smarts to satisfy her curiosity without being afraid to break a few 'necessary' rules. Because of that curiosity she proved to be a capable friend in these last two years. That thirst for knowledge was usually something he liked in his friend but now it was becoming a pain in the ass.
"Please, Hermione. Just drop this."
Hermione's eyes teared up, not out of hurt but worry. She re-adjusted the books in her arms and stood quietly next to him. Because she didn't agree to leave this thing alone Harry knew that she wouldn't stop pestering him until she got some answers. He had to make up something convincing to tell her, not the vague answer he had given to Professor Lupin. He would need some time to fabricate something to ease her worries.
"Where's Ron?" He just noticed the sardonic red-head was missing when he didn't see him at his usual place by Hermione's side.
"He's in Care of Magical creatures." Her voice was soft and slightly cracked, still upset by their earlier conversation.
"What about Potions? Isn't this the only period for third years?"
Just then the door swung open and students started filing in, looking at Snape with curious eyes at his late appearance.
"No, there is a mixed house potions class tomorrow for those third years who have an extra elective in their schedule."
They entered the classroom and sat at a workbench together while waiting for Snape to tell them what their lesson was. As usual though, he had to have a good stare-down of his students at the beginning of the year to ensure there was sufficient fear. Shadow shifted uncomfortably in his mind as Snape gazed at him. Harry averted his eyes, hoping Snape didn't see his vision cloud as Shadow swiftly solidified itself in front of his gaze.
"I will tell you this once and only once. If I don't tell you something then you should know that it is none of your business and to not try and pester me with more answers." Snape spoke in a harsh whisper, pausing as he ensured to have the students' full attention. The entire class was deathly quiet. "One of the students has been attacked and is currently in the Hospital Wing. Due to his state we have concluded that he was attacked with Dark Magic." He paused again, searching for quiet murmurings before continuing.
Harry's breath constricted as Shadow swelled inside him. The memory of casting that Dark spell on Malfoy incensed it to a blissful happiness that overwhelmed Harry, causing his hands to shake as he remembered the power of the spell traveling down his arms.
"Since Black is on the loose we have no other choice but to suspect that he has somehow managed to gain entrance into the castle and has attacked this student."
The students shifted around uncomfortably at this revelation but didn't make a sound from the steely glare on their Professor's face.
"The Headmaster has added extra security cautions to prevent harm from becoming any other students. Those who do not comply with these precautions will be harshly dealt with by their Head of House if Black doesn't manage to kill you beforehand. All students must travel in groups of at least three as they make their way to and from their classes and meals. After dinner all students must remain in the Great Hall until a prefect can escort you to your dormitories. Further restrictions will be announced to ensure the safety of the students during the weekend break. Are those instructions perfectly clear?"
Everybody paused as they let the new security restrictions sink in. It was perfectly clear. This school year was going to suck. Harry continued to shake, his hands uncontrollable, the world around him turning once again black and white as Shadow completely enveloped his mind again. He felt small sparks emit out the tip of his wand. When did I grab my wand?
"Professor, If I may ask, was the student who was attacked Draco Malfoy?"
If the student who spoke up wasn't a Slytherin the Professor wouldn't have even answered. Snape nodded stiffly at the student before changing subjects.
"Now, the potion I have assigned for you today should be completed by the time class is over. You will not blame your incompetence at Potion's because of my late arrival."
Snape moved to the chalkboard to write out the instructions when he stopped and abruptly moved over to the Gryffindor side of the classroom.
"What, Mr. Potter, may I ask is so amusing to you?"
Harry realized with horror that he had been smirking when the Professor confirmed that it was Draco Malfoy who was indisposed in the Hospital Wing. The shaking in his hands had turned to pulses of power as Shadow continued to vibrate with glee as Harry remembered how powerful he felt to put one of his enemies in their place. Harry couldn't hide the overwhelming exhilaration as Snape towered right over him.
"Are you pleased to hear that your nemesis has been reduced to nothing but a vegetable." Snapes voice was seething with animosity as he spoke. "Or perhaps you were glad that you no longer had to deal with somebody who is so obviously more skilled in the magical arts than you? Thought you might send Black a bouquet of roses for saving you the trouble of being humiliated as you try to prove your worth? We all know your dark secret Potter. You may have been lucky enough to have lived through an attack by the Dark Lord but you have plainly shown to the world through your inept attempts at wand waving that you are in no way the cause of his downfall."
The Slytherins roared with laughter, the pulsing power coursing through Harry started changing into rage as he started feeling small again, feeling like he did as he lay helpless on the floor while Malfoy kicked him. More laughs erupted as Snape said something else, but he didn't hear it. Shadow was vibrating so violently that he could hardly see the environment around him. What right did that bastard have to ridicule him like this? Just because he was a teacher doesn't mean that he was better, doesn't mean that he was more powerful. Harry started shaking as the rage completely consumed him. A small part of his mind was aware that his wand started moving up. It didn't matter how much power or authority somebody had, everyone was human when you came down to it. Everybody was weak, and powerless, especially when it came to death. Everybody had to die someday and nobody could do a thing to stop it, not even Nicolas Flamel, his legacy of immortality had eventually come to an end. That is where people's sense of weakness came from, the knowledge that no matter how much power they attain during life they still met the same end as everybody else. So why was Snape allowed to do this to him? Since he started attending Hogwarts all he's done was treat him like shit, making others think that he was weaker than they were, that he was helpless, incapable. The fact that he could also say nothing to defend himself just because Snape was a teacher filled him with more rage as Shadow sympathized with his thoughts. This had to stop, it had too. Snape had to learn his place, and that place wasn't towering over Harry.
Before he was even aware enough of his actions to stop himself, his wand flew up and a white explosion protruded out of the tip of his wand. He saw Snape and several other students swiftly evade the attack, the blazing white clap of fire traveling over their heads and imbedding a huge crater in the stone wall at the far-back of the classroom.
Amidst the dust swirling around, and the flying chunks of debris, Harry bolted. He was completely fucked. He continued running, going wherever his feet decided to take him. He couldn't think, he couldn't fathom what he just did, what will happen to him when Snape reports it. While he drowned in a wave of guilt and sorrow Shadow dissipated from his vision, sated by the burst of power that it let loose, feeling powerful while he felt helpless.
Harry collapsed outside by the lake, shuddering by the tree. Shadow used him. There was no denying it. Snape's boorish comments never affected him like that before, he never felt that intoxicating sense of rage before Shadow was let loose in his mind. He drenched his face in some of the lake water, trying to control himself. He was a mess. After the day's events he felt like he wanted to sleep in a steel coffin at the bottom of the lake for the next hundred years.
As his thoughts settled and his tumult of emotions calmed, he tried to think through what just happened. When had Shadow first made his appearance when Potions started? It was when Snape looked at him at the beginning of class. Harry always disliked it when Snape looked at him, he felt like he was being probed and he didn't have anything to hide behind. A feeling of powerlessness and anger also accompanied the dislike, a reaction that wasn't usually normal for him. Then Shadow grew stronger while Snape talked about the attack. In his minds eye he had seen the fight again, the way he was helpless and unable to defend himself, and how he rectified that feeling of depressing weakness by putting Malfoy out of his misery. That feeling of intense power he felt after returned as that memory replayed in his head, inciting the Shadow while Snape spoke. Shadow wanted to have that feeling again, so he made Harry attack the teacher just like he had attacked Malfoy.
No, Shadow offered you a way to dispose of Malfoy, YOU chose to use Dark Magic.
Harry shuddered as that foreign thought pushed itself to the front of his mind. It was true, he had wanted to use it, wanted to make Malfoy sorry for making me powerless. He wasn't happy as he spoke the truth to himself. But what about what happened in Potions? Shadow had completely consumed him, wrapping around his mind, taking out his wand. Harry knew without a doubt that he, in no way, wanted to go through with attacking Snape.
Yes you did, you wanted to make him sorry for making you small and weak.
Harry growled in frustration as that thought took place in the front of his mind. It didn't make sense. Why would he have that overwhelming sense of powerlessness in the first place? He had never reacted to a situation in that way before, even with his past fights with Malfoy, he was never concerned about being appearing weak or powerless.
Shadow showed you how weak you were, showed you what power you could wield. You liked that power, you wanted to feel it again.
He pinched himself hard in the leg as he willed that thought to leave him be. Even though Harry felt that overwhelming sense of power, the joy from it, he also felt terrified at what he did. He had cast a Dark Curse without giving it a second thought. The fear he felt proved that what Shadow was telling him wasn't true! It wasn't true and he knew it! He thought back to that little rant he had inside his head before attacking Snape. When had he ever thought of Snape's ridicule, or the Slytherins laughs as proof that he was weak? As proof that others saw him as weak? Never before had he seen things in that light, why would he start now? When had he ever felt that determination to prove to people that he was more powerful?
A firm, soft voice echoed in the back of his mind. If he wasn't in a quiet area he wouldn't have even been able to hear it. It was all Shadow.
"Now, who's ready ter ride Buckbeak?"
Hagrid's voice boomed over the field. Harry got up and mingled with the other students in the Care of Magical Creatures class. He stood by Ron once he spotted him. The students had all greeted the hippogriff with nervous anxiety, and were now wary at the prospect of actually mounting the beast.
"Hey mate, when did you get here?" He smiled at Harry and patted him on the back.
"Did you finally decide to come to your senses and drop that runes class?" Ron lit up at the prospect, feeling very proud of himself at the thought of influencing his friend.
"Harry! What are you doing out here?"
Hermione had suddenly shown up besides Ron.
"What are you doing here 'Mione? I thought you were in potion's class."
He hadn't seen Hermione follow him at all when he ran out after the explosion. Even if she did manage to find him why would she be skipping a class?
"Potion's class?" Ron looked at her in confusion. "Why are you scheduled to take Potions at the same time as Care of Magical Creatures?"
Hermione ignored him as she turned once again on Harry.
"McGonagall is looking for you! She's furious. You need to go before you get into anymore trouble."
"What? Why is McGonagall looking for you? What happened?" Ron was very intrigued at the change in conversation, completely forgetting about his previous endeavors.
Harry ignored his questions, and Hermione's comments. He just didn't care at this point. He was already in deep trouble, staying outside for a while longer wouldn't hurt anything.
"Hagrid, I will ride Buckbeak." He moved in front of the other students and stepped in front of the Half-Giant.
"Harry! Good ter see yeh! Now c'mon and greet Buckbeak."
He was glad to have something else to focus his mind on. It didn't help that Ron and Hermione were asking him questions that he himself didn't know the answers to. He fluttered with joy as he touched Buckbeak, this animal was like him in a way, finding solace in the sky. As the Hippogriff soared into the sky his mind finally completely cleared of Shadow's presence. Though he could no longer feel the entity shift within him he knew that it was still there. Shadow was his greatest enemy. Not only did the being share it's emotions with him, it's thoughts had become indiscernible from his own. He would have to watch himself carefully as he searched for a way to get rid of Shadow, he knew that he couldn't trust himself completely. Shadow was let loose in his mind yesterday and it already had too much control over him. This had to end before Shadow got out of hand.
Harry lost himself in the warm breeze as Buckbeak soared over the forest. He could put off planning for now, he needed this rest to face the consequences of his actions when he returned to the castle.
xXxXxXx
The heat of the explosion protruding from Harry's wand had left her hot and sweaty. She was shocked at what her friend had done. Attacking a teacher was a serious violation of rules, and she knew that Harry could face expulsion.
Once the dust and debris had settled Professor Snape walked around looking to see if any students were hurt. He was enraged to see that Harry had fled.
"Did you see where Potter ran off too?" Snape sneered vehemently at Hermione. He was covered from head to toe in dust, giving him a very grayed appearance, wrinkles forming from the dust on his face as he scowled.
"No, Professor. I didn't see anything after the explosion."
Surprisingly, he believed her without anymore questions. He waved his wand around the room and cleansed all the dirt and debris off of every surface and person with a strong Cleansing Charm. The only thing that looked amidst was the gaping hole in the wall at the far back of the classroom. Before storming out to retreat to his office he spelled the potions instructions on the board.
"You may leave once you finish."
Hermione was relieved that the assignment was for a simple Calming Draught. She could easily make up a batch in the time remaining, having enough to bottle a sample for the assignment and one for herself. If this is how the beginning of the school year had started she knew that it was only going to get more difficult.
Confident that she brewed the Draught correctly, she filled two vials, cleaned up her area, and vanished the remaining potion in the cauldron. As she went to place her marked vial on Professor Snape's desk she noticed that several other students who managed to brew the potion properly also bottled an extra vial for themselves. She frowned as she looked at Neville. His potion was an awful purple color. She wished she had bottled one for him since he looked like he needed it more than anybody.
Downing the vial as she made her way out of the classroom her thoughts cleared and her body stopped trembling. She had to talk to Professor Dumbledore. It had been her first instinct when she saw Malfoy and Harry fight, but she ignored it. Something was seriously wrong with Harry and she wasn't capable of helping him since he refused to confide in her. Though there were many things she would tell the Headmaster she would not mention the fact that it was Harry who cast that dark curse on Malfoy. She was trying to help her friend, not ensure his expulsion.
Rushing along the corridors, expertly weaving through the crowds of students as class was let out she headed to the Headmaster's tower on the second floor. Though she didn't know how to gain entry she remembered Harry telling her that the password usually involved some sort of sweet. If she remembered correctly she had seen the Headmaster help himself to several servings of carrot cake during lunch.
"Ms. Granger, can I have a word with you please?" McGonagall intercepted her on the main floor.
"Have you seen Mr. Potter, I have been unable to find him."
"No, Professor, he ran out and nobody saw where he went."
Her Head of House was unusually flustered and red in the face. She was sure that Professor Snape had immediately went to her to vent his frustrations.
"Well if you see him tell him to locate me immediately. And, why aren't you in a group Ms. Granger? I am sure Professor Snape informed his students of the new security measures."
Great, now McGonagall's pent up frustrations were turned to her. She tried to blush shyly while looking at the floor, attempting to look meek.
"Sorry, Professor, I forgot all about the new security measures after what happened in Potions."
"Well ensure you don't forget again. Security measures are put in place for your protection." McGonagall finished her sentence with a stern gaze before walking off.
Running up the stairs she joined a group of students walking together toward their dormitories. Once on the second floor she bolted from the group and ran to the Headmaster's Tower. Before seeing the stone gargoyle she saw Professor Dumbledore mildly humming while slowly strolling to his office.
"Professor Dumbledore!" She ran to catch up with him.
He turned and smiled as she approached him.
"Good to see you Ms. Granger, I trust you aren't having any problems with your schedule?"
"No, sir, It's not about that. I've come to talk to you about Harry. I saw what he did and I know that he didn't do it on purpose. I swear it was accidental magic, he would never attack a teacher!"
He frowned slightly at what she said.
"I assure you, I don't know exactly what your talking about Ms. Granger."
Hermione huffed loudly in frustration. Why didn't the Headmaster know? She had assumed that Snape would immediately tell him hoping to ensure Harry's expulsion. Before her head exploded the Headmaster invited her into his office to explain more thoroughly what she was talking about.
"Harry accidentally attacked Professor Snape in Potion's class. It left this huge crater in the wall but nobody was hurt." Dumbledore had settled her into a comfy chair with a cup of hot tea before letting her speak. She was glad for the tea, it was almost as calming as the draught.
"Are you sure it was accidental Ms. Granger?" He had a slightly worried look on his face, but most of the time he smiled at her as he asked her to continue.
"Positive, it looked like he hadn't even realized that he had his wand out in the first place." She placed her cup down. She had to tell him her other concerns.
"Sir, although I am sure it was accidental I think that it might have been influenced by how he reacted when the Dementor's boarded the train. Since then his behavior has changed significantly, his actions in class today proves it."
"Yes, I did hear about his reaction to the Dementors, not common at all." The Headmaster ran his hand through his beard, thinking. "Did Harry confide in you at all as to why he reacted so?"
"No, like I said, his behavior has changed completely. He has been avoiding Ron and I, refusing to tell us what happened. He gets extremely hostile when I try to bring up the subject."
Dumbledore continued pondering what she said. Realizing she wasn't going to get a reply soon, Hermione continued.
"Please, sir, you have to help Harry. I don't know what's wrong with him, or exactly what happened on the train, but he needs help. He can't continue this school year with this outrageous behavior."
"Yes, you are right. I will talk to Harry and try to determine the extent of the problem."
He rose from his chair and beckoned Hermione to do the same, leading her to the door.
"I am sure I will also be hearing from this from Professor McGonagall soon and I will try to explain the situation. Keep trying to help Harry the best you can."
Before leaving she turned back around to the Headmaster, asking the question that has been at the forefront of her mind.
"Are you going to expel Harry?"
Dumbledore lit up and chuckled slightly.
"No, Ms. Granger. I don't think expulsion is the right way to handle this situation. Thank you for bringing this to my attention. Now, don't you have a class with Hagrid you need to get too?" He winked at her as she left.
Twisting her Time-Turner back she swelled with relief. Harry needed help desperately. Even though she didn't confide to Dumbledore about the dark magic Harry used she sensed that he understood the severity of the situation.
xXxXxXx
The truth does not change according to our ability to stomach it emotionally. -Flannery O'Connor
"Come on in Harry."
Harry opened the door to the Headmaster's office. His stomach fluttered with anxiety. After class with Hagrid ended Professor McGonagall cornered him on the way back to the castle, looking as red as a firework ready to explode. While she dragged him to the Headmaster's Tower she threatened months of detention and suspended Hogsmeade privileges for the rest of the year, that is, if he wasn't expelled. Considering the severity of the situation those terms weren't that bad. As he sat down in the chair offered by the Headmaster he felt the limitations of his age sink in. This really sucked.
As he sat down an elf brought two cups of pumpkin juice, giving one to the Headmaster and one to Harry. He accepted the offered beverage but didn't drink any of it. His stomach was churning in a way that indicated projectile vomiting if he attempted to consume anything.
"Why don't you tell me what happened in class today, Harry." Dumbledore's face was calm though he wasn't smiling. Harry hated how he could never tell if he was angry or not. At least this was about what happened in Potions and not what happened to Malfoy.
"I attacked Professor Snape." His voice sounded small and nervous. He hated that. Why would Dumbledore ask him that anyway when he knew what happened?
"Harry, my boy, please relax. I am not going to expel you." He motioned for Harry to take a sip of his drink.
Despite the protests from his stomach he assented and took a gulp. He felt calmer as the beverage slid down his throat, his stomach settling slightly. Was there a potion added into this?
"It is nothing but a simple Calming Draught, Harry. People need them from time to time don't you think?" Professor Dumbledore smiled lightly as he too sipped his drink.
"I am aware that you attacked a teacher, Harry, what I want to know is why you did it."
Harry thought this out carefully before answering. If he lied and just said he was mad at Snape then he could be suspended. If he told the truth and told him how he didn't intend to attack at all then Dumbledore would start asking questions he didn't want to answer. Dumbledore didn't need to know about Shadow.
"Well...I don't really...I hadn't planned on attacking him or anything." He fumbled a bit with his drink while he thought of what else to say. "I mean, Professor Snape always criticizes me for stuff but it never bothered me before. I would just let him rant then blow it off." He took another swig of his drink. "I don't even remember getting my wand out before attacking him." It's time like these that he hated being 13. It really showed through in his words and body language when he was in trouble. He took another drink, cup now nearly empty.
"Why did you run off?"
Harry looked at the Headmaster at that question. His face was still calm and soothing. It eyes seemed to convey...worry? Never being able to interpret the Professor's facial expressions he decided to quit trying. At least Dumbledore didn't seem to be accusing him of anything.
"Because..." He had to think carefully about his next words. He didn't need the Headmaster thinking there was more to it. "Because I was shocked at what happened. One moment Snape is ridiculing me and the next I'm putting a huge crater in the wall. I did something that I hadn't intended to do." He drained the rest of his cup. "I was scared that something like that could happen without any chance of controlling it." He remembered seeing and feeling the fiery hotness that burst from his wand, streaking over the heads of his peers in a blaze. "Somebody could have gotten seriously injured." His stomach started churning again. He wanted this to be over so he could leave.
"Do you think this sudden reaction to Professor Snape's torments were somehow influenced by how the Dementors affected you?"
"What? Why would you think that?"
Oh no. Did I let something slip without knowing it?
"Ms. Granger expressed some concerns to me."
"Hermione was here? When?"
"She came straight to my office after Potions Class."
How could she have been talking to the Headmaster when she was in Hagrids class? He huffed in annoyance. Not only was Hermione bothering him about the Dementors, she talked the Headmaster into bugging him also.
"What happened on the train Harry?"
He fidgeted under Dumbledore's gaze. His first instinct was to lie, but he knew the Headmaster would see through it instantly. Now what am I supposed to do?
"It felt like there was something on me. I didn't know what it was. I mean, my Uncle had mentioned them before but he didn't know what they looked like or what they did. It felt like they were...gloved over my mind."
"Ms. Granger mentioned that it seemed you were intense pain. Do you remember that?"
"Well, of course I remember that."
Dumbledore smiled at him in amusement.
"Do you know what caused it?"
"Well, I assume it was the Dementors. While they were...roaming through my mind they..." He trailed off. He didn't know what to tell Dumbledore. If he told the truth he would be insane, if he lied the Headmaster would see through it.
"Go on Harry, you're doing fine."
"It felt like they were attacking my scar." He saw his Professor's darken as his smile disappeared. It lasted only for an instant before he was beckoned to continue.
"That's why I was in so much pain. It felt like my scar was being ripped open."
The Headmaster looked deep in thought. His eyes were trained on his desk, brow furrowed. It was several long minutes of this silence until Harry decided to speak up again.
"Sir, why did the Dementors do that?"
Dumbledore peered at him over the rim of his glasses, the twinkle back in his eyes, the calm once again washed over his face.
"You see, Harry, what you felt was what the Dementors do to everybody. It is how they work, how they are able to feed off of dark memories. Most people, however, do not feel them at work."
"Why was I able to feel it?"
"It seems you have a special sense when it comes to magic. If you focused on the environment around you detecting magical substances, charms, wards, entryways would become almost second nature to you."
"So...this is something that could happen to me with other things as well? Not just Dementors?"
"It is possible, but rest assured there are several ways to learn to control it. I will inform Madam Pince that you will be arriving. She will be able to give you a book that will help you grow and control this ability. It is a rare gift that many people wish to have."
Dumbledore continued his happy contemplation while Harry mulled over what he heard. It made sense why others on the train didn't react like he did. It didn't explain Shadow though. The only way he could get help from Dumbledore concerning Shadow is if he told him about Shadow's presence. There was no way he was doing that though.
"You may leave now, Harry. I will talk to Professor McGonagall and Professor Snape about what we discussed. This is obviously just a case of accidental magic. I will inform them that no punishments are to be given."
Harry walked up to his desk and placed his empty cup down.
"Harry, I advise you to study that book. It will also help you keep your magic under control so this doesn't happen again."
Harry nodded before turning to retrieve his bag. He was just relieved that he didn't have to hide Shadow. As he turned the knob of the office door Dumbledore addressed him again.
"Harry, is there anything else you would like to tell me?"
A flood of Déjà vu washed over him as that sentence reached his ears. The Headmaster had asked him the same question last year when students were being petrified and it was revealed that he was a Parseltongue. He could lie like he did last year. But then again, what's the point of having a past if you don't learn from it. The reason he lied last year because he was scared of what was happening to the students, scared that others thought he was the Heir of Slytherin. This time, he had fears, but for completely different reasons. Dumbledore could NOT find out about Shadow.
"No sir, nothing."