Hey people! Sorry about the delay, it's been really busy lately. However, this chapter is dedicated to my best friend in the whole world, 'cause it's her birthday today! (11 nov) CONGRATS SWEETHEART!
So- if any of you see a sweet, Norwegian girl in Virginia, say hi from me!
By the way, there's a picture from this chapter, and you can find it at my yahoo group page.
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Ch13: THE THREAT
He kept running as fast as he could until he was in the middle of the forest, ignoring Hermione's calls after him. It was a weird thing, the forest was so full of trees everywhere, but where he had stopped, there was a little clearing. At some point Harry had been afraid than he had run into Grawp, but luckily he managed to dodge the giant.
Now that Harry had stopped running, he noticed how cold it really was. The sun, soon to go down, offered little warm, and sent a ghostly look over the place. Harry shuddered violently; as he tried not to think too much of what had just happened.
Words from 'All About The Unforgivables' kept spinning around his mind, like it was glued on a carousel with large letters:
'When the caster put so much emotion in the curse as he or she would have to do for the curse to work properly, it is not without a prize. Not only would the caster risk a life-sentence in Azkaban, the Wizard Prison guarded by Dementors, but the caster's soul would also be affected. The soul would be forever marked, depending on how much the caster enjoyed it...'
Harry felt like hitting something, anything...
'The feeling of power is addict able, and the caster would in most cases feel strongly tempted to use an Unforgivable in the future. If recently used, it would have an effect on Dark Detectors,-'
Suddenly Harry heard a crack behind, like the sound of a stick being broken... Immediately he had his wand out, pointing at where the sound came from.
"Harry?"
The voice was familiar to him, and with a jolt he realized it was Hermione's. He quickly lowered his wand. "Hermione?"
"Yeah..." Hermione panted, "Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you, but when you just-"
"It's okay, 'Mione," Harry reassured her, not really knowing if he was happy or disappointed that she followed him. "How did you find me?"
"I used a Tracking charm..." Hermione said, and stepped closer to him, reaching out for his hand. Harry suddenly felt nervous, and a new chill went down his spine.
"Harry..." Hermione said. "What happened?"
Harry looked down, wondering what he should say. He decided to settle for the truth. If she didn't like it, she could just go and leave him alone... "I wanted to curse Malfoy. With the Cruciatus."
"Harry, that's-"
"-An Unforgivable, I know. But I –er- have studied it a bit over the summer, because you know, that Prophecy thing?"
Hermione nodded hesitantly, looking dead serious.
"And Voldemort," Harry continued, "has –er- you know... given me visions... and when he does, it feels like I'm him... I do the same things as him... And then..."
Harry stopped; a huge ball had jumped up in his throat, making it hard to talk.
"Go on," Hermione prodded.
"Right... So, as I was saying, one night I forgot to put my wand away. I got a new vision, of Voldemort killing the Patils', and when he used the Killing curse, -I –I used it too. That's why there's a hole in the wall in my bedroom. Then, I lost my temper at Mrs Black, and-"
"Hang on!" Hermione said, and held up a hand. Her eyes were as huge as Harry had ever seen them, and she closed them for a moment, as if trying to get the control over the situation.
"Are you saying that you used The Killing curse ON MRS BLACK?!"
"Yeah."
"Harry!"
"I'm sorry, 'Mione, I didn't mean too... it just happened... however, since then I've been feeling... urm... tempted to use it again. Not because I really want to, but because of all the... power you use when you cast it. It's, er... certain after-affects, you could say."
Harry stopped and waited for Hermione to say something.
"You hate me now, don't you?" Harry finally asked when she didn't.
"What- of course not!" Hermione gaped at him. "Harry, you're my best friend, and I couldn't dream-"
"But you're dating Ron!" Harry said, almost accusingly. Hermione raised an eyebrow.
"No I don't."
"Yes, you do!" Harry said stubbornly.
"No, I'm not! I've never said that!
Now it was Harry's turn to lose his voice. "But, but... you, I saw- you were-!"
Hermione sighed. "I never dated Ron, nor do I want to... anymore anyway... it's not going to work, it could just ruin our friendship. It's already a little fragile at times..."
"Oh, I'm sorry," Harry said, even though he wasn't sorry at all.
Hermione frowned slightly, as if she sensed this. "Harry," she said, "I want you to know that you can tell me everything."
"I know. I haven't told the Prophecy to anybody but you."
Hermione smiled, and took his other hand too.
"I don't want to die..." Harry confessed. "But there's worse things than death. People living in torture and pain, friendless, alone... that's worse than death. Voldemort doesn't know, he-"Harry stopped then, because Hermione eyes suddenly flowed over with tears, and she flung herself over Harry, hugging him desperately. Harry was so caught by the surprise that they both were knocked down to the ground.
Harry couldn't help but laugh a little, but suddenly his mouth was covered with Hermione's lips, and he closed his eyes.
At first, the kiss was slow and hesitant, but Harry took his hand on her back and pushed her to him, deepening it.
The kiss seemed to sharpen his senses. He could feel how the wind, no longer cold, glided gently over the high grass, he could hear the leaves on the trees, soon to be falling down. He felt stronger, as if Hermione gave some of her energy to him.
Yet, he felt something he couldn't remember ever feeling before, and he suspected it was something much more than friendship...
It felt so unreal, that when they broke off, Harry just stared at her, unblinking. Hermione breathed hard, but a smile played in the corner of her mouth. Harry slowly grinned up at her, not wanting to ruin the moment. However, he wasn't sure anything could.
He knew that if he ended up alone, friendless and in pain, he would remember this, and he also knew that it would comfort him.
He felt cold again when he recalled that if Voldemort knew what had just happened, he would try to hurt Hermione more than ever. Harry knew he could never live with that.
"Hermione," he said softly, and she looked up at him, her eyes full of complete trust.
"What?" she asked.
"If Voldemort ever gets you... give him the Prophecy. I don't care, I can't lose you."
Hermione hesitated, but finally nodded. "Alright, but then you have to promise me something... If Voldemort ever get me, and kill me... Promise me that you won't blame yourself and do something stupid."
"You know I can't promise that!" Harry cried out, horrified.
"Then you got no deal, Potter," Hermione said smugly and leaned closer to him again, their noses almost touching.
"I'll do my best," Harry whispered. "Please?"
Hermione nodded, and Harry pressed her to him again, so they lay beside each other, listening to the wind, nature and each other's breathing.
-
They lay there for a very long time. It had been late afternoon when they got there, and now the night was creeping in on them, and stars appeared on the sky. Harry looked up, and saw the sky was almost clear for clouds now, making the stars shine brighter than he ever could remember they had done before. He guess it had something to do with them being in the middle of the forest.
There was one particular star that caught his attention, and he remembered something from Astronomi...
"Sirius," Harry said aloud, and Hermione followed his look up at the sky.
"Yeah," she said, "maybe he's looking?"
Harry thought that was unlikely, but instead of disagreeing, he said: "I hope he's happy... -wherever he is."
"Right now I think he would be laughing at us," Hermione said softly, and they both laughed. Harry suddenly realized that this was the first time he thought about Sirius, without feeling sad or angry.
-
-
The next morning Harry woke up again from nightmares of Voldemort killing families, but he didn't care much for once. His head didn't seem to have any room for that now, it was buzzing with images of him and Hermione...
Harry still didn't have a clue about what was going on between them, and he was afraid that he would make the wrong decision somehow, whatever that would be. Harry's stomach clenched painfully when he suddenly realised that Hermione might look at him as her boyfriend. He wasn't completely sure if he wanted that with her. One part of him wanted to keep her as a friend, but the other part of him wouldn't mind kissing her again...
He and Hermione had stayed in the forest for a long time last night, and when they came back they used the rest of the evening sitting in the armchairs in front of the fire, Ron had already went to bed.
It was a wonder they hadn't met anything dangerous in the forest.
Harry quickly got dressed and went down for breakfast. In the great hall he immediately spotted Ron and Hermione, and sat down between them.
He was very aware Hermione, especially when her hand brushed softly against his.
Hermione was studying her timetable, and Harry did the same. Yesterday they had had three hours with Care Of Magical Creatures, and then three hours with Defence, but today they had two hours Transfiguration, two hours with Charms and two hours with Potions.
Harry glanced over at Ron and saw he had a huge grin over his face.
"Hey!" Ron said, "I only got two hours with lessons today! Can you believe that! Hah, I knew it was a good idea to take few classes this year!"
Hermione scowled. "Honestly Ron, that's such a waste! What are you going to do with all the extra time?"
Ron grinned even wider, and putted up a fake, wondering look. "Let's see, what do you do on a ordinary weekend?"
"Don't you want to do anything with your life, Ron?" Hermione shook her head, exasperated. "You are going to end up like a poor guy without a job!"
"Hey!" Ron said, and they started their normal bickering. Harry groaned and put his head between his hands, blocking their voices out.
Their arguing continued while the owls delivered their post, and a paper landed in front of Hermione.
"You're so annoying!" Harry heard Ron say, but suddenly he noticed that nearly the whole Great Hall were quiet, too quiet.
"What's going on?" Harry asked Hermione.
"I'll tell what's going on!" Hermione said, looking hurt, "Ron, he-"
"No," Harry interrupted. "I mean –why is everything so quiet?"
The whole hall was quiet now, and what was worse was that everybody was looking at Harry...
Harry looked desperately over at Ginny, who looked at him as if he had just announced that he was going to join Voldemort and were going to kill her.
"What?" Harry snapped, and Ginny gave him Hermione's paper with trembling hands. Harry, now on guard, took it, and looked at the front page. Hermione and gasped, and he soon knew why...
Huge, black, front letters, spelling: 'YOU-KNOW-WHO'S THREATENING THE BOY WHO LIVED'and beneath there's was a picture of a wall, with the words, 'I'LL GET YOU AT HALLOWEEN POTTER' written with blood.
Harry felt his insides disappear, but was determent to not let it show, too aware of the fact that everybody were looking at him, waiting for his reaction...
The whole thing reminded him faintly of what had happened his second year, but only as a distant memory of something that had happened long ago. This was something else...
Harry forced a weak laugh, but Hermione grabbed his hand, her nails digging into his flesh. Ron was oddly quiet.
"I've dreamed this..." Harry suddenly realised. "I just didn't thought of it... They used the blood of one of the children they killed. Muggle children I think..."
Hermione suddenly cried out, and ran out from the great hall before Harry could stop her. Harry felt sick.
"I better go after her," Harry said to Ron, who nodded.
"I'll just sit here, if you don't mind."
Harry nodded, and got up from his seat and out of the Hall, with everybody staring at him, including the Slytherins.
Immediately when he got past the doors and out of sight, he broke off into a run, hoping he would catch Hermione before she went too far out of reach.
He found her in the common room, sitting in the coach, crying. Harry quickly sat down beside her and stroked her hair.
"Please don't cry, please don't cry," Harry begged, he couldn't stand it when she did. Hermione sniffed and calmed down a little.
"It's so unfair, you know?" Hermione said after a while, when she had calmed down enough to speak. "You've been through so much already, and it's not like you wouldn't get enough trouble in the future... And it's not just that! I don't want to loose you! And, if there's anyone who have the right to hide and cry like an idiot, it's you, -not me!""
"You won't lose me," Harry reassured her. "-And you're not an idiot. Hey, it's not like he hasn't threatened me before... He's always been after me!"
Hermione nodded her head, slowly. "But this is different somehow... It looks like he really means it and thought this through... Oh Harry!" she suddenly exclaimed, and clasped her hand in front of her mouth. "Do you think this could've something to do with your dream? Maybe Ron's right after all?"
"Could be," Harry said, it made sense to him. "And Malfoy's warning... I should talk to him."
"Yeah, just be careful," Hermione said, and looked at her watch. "We better go to class... Or we'll be late again."
Harry would have proposed to her that they could just skip it, but he didn't think it would be a good idea to press their luck any further at the moment.
"Yeah," he said reluctantly, and they both got up. Harry found the courage to take Hermione's hand, and together they went down to McGonagall's classroom.
They met up with Parvati, who got a weird look over her face when she saw them. "So it is true..." Harry heard her mutter to herself, and Harry smiled. It looked like she was getting back to her old self.
Hermione, however, went stiff at her words, and Harry suddenly realised what Parvati might have meant.
McGonagall choose that moment to open the door, and the students went in.
Harry ended up on the front seats again –thanks to Hermione –between her and Parvati.
McGonagall stepped up in the front of the class, sending Harry uneasy looks. She actually looked upset... The very thought of seeing an upset McGonagall made Harry even more nervous for some reason, he very seldom saw her like that.
"This year," McGonagall started, "is going to be tougher than it has been so far. This year, it's crucial that you pay attention, because many of the spells we are going to learn are very difficult. This is one of the most advanced NEWT's classes Hogwarts has to offer... Except perhaps Arithmancy.-"Hermione straightened her back a little "-So if you don't think you can manage this class, get out now, and you still have a chance taking another one."
McGonagall waited a few seconds before she continued, as if daring the students to get out.
"The first couple of weeks we will repeat what we have learned so far, and later we'll work on human transfiguration spells."
Now it was Harry's turn to straighten his back. Would they be told what Animagus form they would have? What would he be, a stag like his father? Harry doubted he would be a Demiguise, like Dumbledore, but if so, he would be teased to no end.
Harry's thoughts went back to what had been in The Daily Prophet that morning. What if Voldemort succeeded this time? Harry would have no chance against him...
Some part of Harry stirred, and he felt sick. So far he haven't given it much though, because, as he had said to Hermione, Voldemort had threatened him before. But what if it was a real, waterproof plan this time? Could he really take the risk?
Hermione nudged him.
"Huh?" Harry said, and realised everyone was staring at him. "What?"
"It would be wise to pay attention Potter," McGonagall said, but she didn't sound very stern. Harry guessed it was all thanks to The Prophet.
"A word after class Potter, if you please."
"Yes ma'am," Harry said politely, and the rest of the class he kept his head in his hands, but at least he was paying attention.
-
The class seemed to drag on and on, but finally the bell rang, and everybody got up from their seats. Harry noticed that many were shooting him weird looks, some with pity, and some with excitement, like they expected him to crack under the pressure or something. Harry had an uneasy feeling that he might, if they continued like that, as well as the teachers.
McGonagall waited patiently until everybody had gone out of the classroom, including Hermione, and closed the door.
"Harry," she said, and Harry widened his eyes at the sound of his front name. "Have you read The Daily Prophet this morning?"
"Yes, ma'am."
"How are you feeling?" McGonagall asked, and Harry couldn't help but to think that this was very out of character of her.
"Fine, I guess. Is it real, I mean? They're not just saying it to –you know –make a trap?"
McGonagall seemed to be considering this for a moment, but then she shook her head.
"We have every reasons to believe this is real, and besides, we can not take the chance of loosing you. You are important for the Wizarding society, and if you disappeared, it would cause panic."
Harry looked down, he was nothing but a pawn "I guess so."
"Do you want to speak with Albus?"
"Albus?" Harry wondered, and then realised she was talking about Dumbledore. "Rather not, if you don't mind. Can I go now? We got Charms, and I don't want to be late..."
"One more thing," McGonagall said, and moved behind her desk. "I would be honoured if you wanted to be Quidditch captain this year, your ban is lifted, of course."
Harry's first reaction was to shout 'yes', his stomach turning over excitedly. He was on the verge to, but then the good feeling disappeared, like water between his hands. He didn't have the time. This year, at least until Halloween, he would have to work harder than he ever had done in his entire life. And what if Voldemort actually succeeded in capturing him? Harry realised that the team would be better off without him...
"I don't think I can play at all this year, professor," Harry said, looking down. It was a very difficult thing to say.
"Nonsense," McGonagall waved off, "you are not going to do that to yourself, I do not allow it."
"But, professor, if Vol-"
"If," McGonagall interrupted before Harry had the chance to finish the name, "he get you, we will deal with it then. You can not put your life aside just because of some stupid threat."
Harry hesitated. He didn't want to quit Quidditch, but there was absolutely out-of-question being a captain, no matter how much he wanted it. "Alright, but I can't be a captain. Besides the time issue, Ron can twice or more about Quidditch than I, and, well... He would be the best for the role, -and I'm not saying that just because we're friends."
McGonagall seemed to be studying him for a moment, and then nodded. "I will consider it, I dare say that you have a point."
Harry nodded back, but felt a bit sad nevertheless. It would have been fun to be a captain...
He took one hand in his pocket, gripping around the egg that he still carried around wherever he went. It seemed to give him some kind of comfort he couldn't quite explain. "I need to go," Harry told McGonagall. "Thanks for the offer, I'm glad you asked me."
She gave him one of her rear smiles. "Be careful," she said, and Harry turned and walked quickly to charms.
-
Hermione had been waiting for him outside the classroom, and wanted to know what the meeting had been about at once.
"She was wondering how I was doing... And asked if I wanted to be Quidditch captain."
Hermione squealed, and gave him a chest-breaking hug. "Congratulations! I knew you would make it!" She let go off him and blushed. "You would be a wonderful captain."
"Maybe I would," Harry said. "But I turned the offer down."
"What?!"
Harry sighed. "Do you really think I would have the time? With Voldemort and everything? I got to work harder than I've ever done before!"
Hermione gave him an odd look. "Yeah, I suppose..."
"Hi!" Ron greeted them. "Ready for charms? I feel so relaxed and refreshed!"
"You could've used your time with studying, you know!" Hermione said with a huff.
"Nah, why bother? I'll pass anyway with the easy subjects I'm taking," Ron said, and Harry rolled his eyes. Hermione scowled.
"Ronald Weasley-!" Harry quickly toned them out, as they went on with their old bickering. Suddenly he spotted Draco down the hall, and sighed.
"I better go and talk to the Ferret boy."
Hermione gave up her bickering with Ron, and turned to give Harry a new hug and a peek on his cheek.
"Be careful, and don't let him get to you."
"Don't worry, he won't," Harry promised, and went after the Slytherin.
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Special thanks to Kittens Have Claws and Spcebaby, it's really cool that you have been with me for so long, and thanks for all the reviews!