Author's notes:
Hi; thank you all for continuing to read my story.
For eleven weeks now I've managed to put out a chapter once a week on a Sunday, and while it's manageable, I'd like to make it more of a by basis thing. If I feel a chapter is up to scratch, I'll post it. Otherwise, I'll refine it till it's ready.
This story is already planned out— so you don't need to worry. It's more of a quality issue— sometimes I write something in a new chapter and realise I messed up something small when I re-check the old chapters in the bank, and while the main plot doesn't change, sub-plots are usually impacted. Writing 5k+ words per chapter, sometimes you forget details— much like JKR, lol. So I'd like to have several chapters in the bank before I post.
I hope you all understand and continue with Bella on her journey.
Enjoy!
Chapter 11 - Imperceptible expedition
"You're a dark witch, Bella!"
"Hmm?" Bella asked, sounding nonchalant, but her face whipped up so fast to look at Tracey that her ponytail caught a goblet off the table and it clattered onto the floor.
Daphne looked up from her eggs and bacon. Tracey's head appeared slowly from behind the Daily Prophet as she lowered it. On the front page was a picture of Harry, awkwardly standing between the three other TriWizard champions, the title 'Harry Potter… TriWizard champion,' but the remainder of the title was cut off by Tracey's hand.
"Look— look, Daphne." Tracey handed the paper off to Daphne, the pair each holding one end and studying it. Bella anxiously watched as their eyes scanned along the article. Their gaze alternated between Bella and the paper, getting wider with each occurrence.
Bella tensed. This was it— she had been found out. She rocked back in her seat, dropping her fork and letting it clatter on the table. Anxious eyes were staring at her all around the Great Hall, making her heart pound ferociously in her chest. With a sweaty palm, she lifted herself from the table, preparing to run— she'd fight her way out, find a place to apparate.
"Bella?" Tracey asked weirdly. "Where are you going?"
"I'm…I'm—"
"Have you read this article?" Tracey cut in. "It's hilarious!"
They dropped the paper on the table in unison, both wearing massive grins. Bella sat back down confusedly, scanning the Great Hall, but most students had continued with their breakfast, only a few looking up and sending suspicious glances at her. Bella raised a hand to her chest, trying to calm herself.
"Oh— you think… because of…" Tracey said, lowering her voice.
"Yes?" Bella said questioningly, though she had no idea what Tracey was talking about.
Tracey picked up the paper. Daphne went back to eating her eggs and bacon, apparently no longer interested in the column. Bella finally read the missing part of the title 'or the next Dark Lord?'
"Well?" Bella asked, her heart slowing down to manageable levels.
"Listen to this—" Tracey began. "'She's a dear friend of mine, someone who I couldn't possibly live without… I know I will do well in this tournament with her by my side.' The girl in question, a 'Bella White' of Hogwarts, a very pretty brown haired girl, 14, is a Slytherin student with an affiliation for the Dark Arts. A close friend of Harry, who chose to remain nameless, said: 'he's always with her; she told me she supports You Know Who. Heard she taught Harry the unforgivables.'"
Tracey pulled down the paper, eyeing Bella worriedly as her body shook in rage. "er… did you want me to continue?"
Bella nodded, glaring at a group of fourth year ravenclaw girls who were eyeing her. They hurriedly returned to their plates, whispering amongst themselves.
Tracey raised the paper to her face, continuing: "Harry is the only known survivor of the killing curse, cast by You Know Who himself… Multiple sources have confirmed seeing the couple out after hours, researching dark magic… It looks like Harry has finally found love, albeit with a Slytherin girl, a house which in the past was notorious for being a gateway to You Know Who and Dark Magic. Could the shallow Harry Potter have been lured to the Dark Arts by the pretty Slytherin girl? Could Harry Potter be the next Dark Lord?"
Daphne scoffed. "Harry Potter, Dark Lord? Please." Daphne snatched the paper off Tracey. "It's written by that fraud Skeeter."
"You've gotta admit, it's kind of a cute love story," Tracey said, smirking. "Against all odds, the Slytherin and Gryffindor found love. They'll take over the wizarding world with dark magic and make evil, evil babies!"
"Oh— god, Tracey!" Bella hissed, copying Tracey's mannerism unintentionally. "Will you please shut up?"
"But it's cute!" Tracey cooed. Her head tilted to the side, looking up, her body heaving as she sighed heavily. "God— I wish I had someone that loved me that much."
Bella's cheeks were burning. She never blushed. "We fought the other night, okay?" Bella said, attempting to redirect their current line of conversation. She looked over at Daphne. "And I told you. I do not like him!"
"She's just teasing, Bella." Daphne said placatingly.
"Yeah… just teasing," Tracey said, though she didn't look like she was being honest.
"I will never, ever be with Harry. I'm serious," Bella said when they grinned.
"Okay, okay. Did you end up asking him about us?" Daphne asked.
"No— not after the other night." Their faces fell. "Sorry," Bella added.
"Reckon he'll come to Hogsmeade?" Tracey asked, looking over her shoulder and eyeing the Gryffindor table. Bella followed her line of sight. Harry was reading the Prophet. Bella averted her eyes in anger, her blood boiling instantly at the sight of him.
"I'll kill him if he does," Bella said seriously. "Away from prying eyes."
"Whatever." Tracey was apparently not finished with her teasing. "Your hair looks nice tied up, Bella."
"It does," Daphne chimed in. "And what do you call those pants again?"
"Jeans," Bella said offhandedly.
"They're skin tight, Bella. Doesn't leave much to the imagination," Daphne mumbled, pondering. "Do you have another pair?"
"They're muggle clothes," Bella said, astonished at her request.
"So what?"
They left for Hogsmeade not long after. Bella picked a spot on the Great Hall door and stared at it until she was out of the confines of the hall. "If another person stares at me I'll kill them." It was not something she'd usually joke about, but Tracey and Daphne had earned her trust.
Daphne cast Bella a sidelong glance as they exited the castle. "Don't joke about that, Bella. I don't know if you're serious."
The walk to Hogsmeade was still nostalgic every time Bella walked it under the clear blue skies. The winding gravel path made her think of simpler times, when the fate of the world didn't rest on her shoulders.
"Butterbeer?" Daphne asked, as Tracey and Bella followed her through the arched wooden door into the Three Broomsticks. The girls followed her to a table in a corner booth; Daphne left for the bar to order the drinks. The drab, dreary atmosphere did not seem to bother the patrons in the slightest, which were mainly filled with Hogwarts students. Most stared at the quartet as they walked in, but Bella ignored them.
"It's odd to see Hermione by herself, isn't it?" Tracey asked, pointing at the door.
Bella looked over her shoulder, following Tracey's outstretched finger. Hermione awkwardly pointed at a table and sat, mumbling to herself and pulling out a book. As she wrote, her mouth moved, something Bella had never seen her do in their study sessions.
"It is odd," Bella reasoned. "I think…"
"What?"
"I'll be back," Bella said hurriedly, walking over to Hermione and sitting across from her. Her side bumped into something in the thin air, then it moved away.
"Hello Hermione," Bella greeted.
Hermione looked up and her eyes went wide, looking to the right of Bella, then focusing on her again. "Oh— um— hi Bella."
"Have you seen that idiot, Harry?" Bella said with mock sweetness.
"No!" she said quickly. She cleared her throat. "I mean— no. I haven't."
"She knows, Hermione," Harry deadpanned from under the cloak.
Bella swung her arm towards his voice. Her hand hit him so hard she nearly pulled it back in pain, but she would not grant him the satisfaction. He let out a gasp of air; Bella knew he was doubling over without seeing him. "Ow! What the hell, Bella?" Harry yelled.
"That's for the other night, idiot. And this—" she pulled her arm around again, hitting him in what felt like the same spot. The side of her fist throbbed in protest, tears lacing the underside of her eyes. "— is for not apologising!" Harry's pained cry was music to her ears, enough for her to forget about the throbbing.
Hermione's eyes were as wide as saucers. "Uhh— I might… I might leave you two alone." She started to grab her things, but Bella put a hand on her wrist, stopping her. "No; I'm leaving. Enjoy him."
"Wait." Harry's hand grabbed Bella's wrist. Bella pulled it away in protest. "Wait, Bella! I'm sorry, okay?"
Hermione looked between Bella and the vacant space beside her. If Bella wasn't so angry she'd laugh at how comical their interaction must have looked to a curious onlooker. "I… I said I'd meet Ron. I told him I was going to stick with you today, Harry, but under the circumstances…" She started to gather her things. She placed the S.P.E.W book in her bag and stood awkwardly. "Well… I think you're in good hands, Harry."
"What did you say to Skeeter?" Bella asked, watching Hermione walk off.
"I didn't say any of that," Harry answered. "She asked about you, I told her you were my friend. She's made it all up. Oh," Harry paused, "and she wants a photo of us, so be on the lookout."
Bella hummed in response.
"I could…"
"Kill her?" Bella offered.
"...could… what? No…" Harry said. "Not kill… maybe seriously maim."
"Apology not accepted."
Harry sighed. "What can I do, Bella?"
Bella looked over to her previous table. Tracey and Daphne's heads were leaning so far over the table an inch more and they'd fall off their chairs. They saw her looking and attempted to look past her, playing dumb. "Anything?" Bella asked, still looking at them.
He sighed again. "Yeah, anything."
"Promise?" Bella asked daringly.
"I s'pose…"
"Be careful what you agree to, Harry." Bella stood, leaving the table and calling out over her shoulder loud enough for Harry to hear. "Follow me. Don't you dare stray."
"Fancy a stroll?" Bella asked the girls.
Bella didn't stop until she reached the edge of the forbidden forest. She ignored Tracey and Daphne's questions until they reached the bridge before the entrance.
"I'm not going in there, Bella. You're crazy," Tracey said.
"Take off the cloak, Harry."
"Who are you talking to?" Daphne asked, spinning around to where Bella was looking. "Have you gone mad?"
Bella remained silent. Daphne and Tracey turned to each other, sharing a look.
"Harry— you promised!"
The cloak slid off him in a flourish. Tracey screamed so loud in shock Bella winced. Daphne jumped back in the air, catching so much air time before landing she looked like she had taken off on a broom. Harry turned awkwardly to the pair of Slytherin girls, fixing his glasses. "Er… Hi."
"Oh my god!" Tracey exclaimed. "You have an invisibility cloak?"
"Not something I usually introduce myself with, but yeah…" Harry folded the cloak roughly and stashed it into his bag he carried over his shoulder.
"Harry, this is Daphne Greengrass and Tracey Davis. Daphne, Tracey," Bella gestured to Harry, "as promised: Harry Potter."
"We've met…" Harry said, rubbing the inside of his arm awkwardly.
"You've never said a word to us in four years," Daphne said, nose upturned.
"Yeah, well… Malfoy kinda ruined that, didn't he?"
Daphne hummed noncommittally. Tracey turned between Daphne and Harry, an exasperated look on her face. "Oh lay off, Daphne. Hi;" Tracey stuck her hand out, shaking Harry's hand which met hers. "She'll come around, she's really a big— or little softie."
"Shut up, Tracey," Daphne hissed.
"Okay, enough. You agreed to whatever I want, so you're following me," Bella said, walking towards the entrance of the forbidden forest.
"Ooh, are you going to teach us dark magic like you taught Harry?" Tracey teased.
Bella remained silent, though she did notice Harry catching up to walk beside her.
"No questions, Harry?" Bella asked, surprised.
"I reckon if you were gonna do me off you'd have done it by now."
"Believe me, she could," Daphne muttered from behind them, but Bella heard, and she suspected Harry did too.
"Seriously?" Bella asked. "There's no objections?"
Tracey scoffed. "Like I can be afraid now. I'm with the boy who lived and the girl who…"
"Seriously maims," Bella offered. Even Harry laughed.
"Hey guys?" Tracey asked, after the quartet had finished laughing. "I have a riddle for you."
Bella sighed. "Yes, Tracey?"
"Three female Slytherins and a single male Gryffindor walk into the forbidden forest…"
As they walked further into the forest, the thick canopy of trees and brush blocked the natural sunlight, casting them in unnatural darkness. The trees arched unnaturally along the path, beaten away just enough for them to fit through single file, the little amount of footracks indicating it was a traversed route. Heavy fog made it nearly impossible to see past ten feet in front of them. When the path would branch off, Bella would pick a path randomly, trying to appear confident. Moody hadn't exactly left her with much.
Just when she thought to turn back, they heard it: cries of terror, followed by the deep ear shattering roar of something that could shake the very ground they stood on. Bella continued on towards the noise.
"Lumos."
"Turn that off!" Bella whispered hurriedly.
"I can't see anything Bella!" Tracey replied worriedly.
"Turn it off!"
"No— you know what, I'm done," Tracey said from the rear. The light vanished. Bella turned around and saw Daphne appeared quite hesitant, too. "We'd follow you to the ends of the earth, Bella. But that sounds like the end of the earth."
The yelling was becoming coordinated, the roar of the beast halting momentarily.
Bella turned to Harry. "Get the cloak."
Harry looked at her oddly, but pulled it out, holding it awkwardly in his hands. "We're not going to fit under here, Bella."
Bella walked in front of Harry, leaning her side against him. She opened her arms for Daphne and Tracey to join.
"Ooh, you are intimate!"
"Grow up, Tracey!" Bella hissed. "Come on!"
It was an ungraceful affair, but somehow they managed to walk closer towards the commotion without toppling over. They branched off the path, towards a clearing, awkwardly batting away at the forest brush to clear a walkway as jagged branches caught the cloak.
"Oh— my—"
"God!" Daphne completed for Tracey.
They found a thicker bush; blue, unnatural flowers peppered between coarse stems with spikes. Harry pulled the cloak off after they leaned down behind it and all four craned their necks over for a better view.
"I can't believe it," Tracey whispered. "Dragons— that twerp was right."
Bella peeked over, seeing the four dragons thrashing against their metal cages in anger. The clearing was large— as large as a quidditch pitch. The right branched off towards the edge of the forest. One dragon, grey and fearsome, launched a jet of fire at a keeper, burning the end of his robe.
"We could have walked around…" Bella mumbled to herself.
"Seven men on each," Harry whispered. "And they expect me to kill it by myself?"
"Don't be ridiculous," Daphne muttered. "You probably have to get past it or something— listen!"
"Can't believe they had us bring nesting mother's," a man yelled in the distance, but Bella was unable to discern who was talking.
"Yeah," another man responded. "Ain't right, is it?"
"What could they possibly want 'em for?"
"My guess they'll steal an egg. Otherwise why would we bring 'em?
"You reckon?"
"We could have incubated them back home."
"You're right, Charlie. You're right."
"Get down," Bella whispered to Harry. He was standing upright; his body was slowly, almost subconsciously, edging around the bush, eyes trance-like. "Do you want to be disqualified?"
"It's Charlie," Harry whispered, shaking his head. He returned, sitting down next to her. "Ron's brother."
"Did he know?"
"I don't know," Harry whispered back lamely.
"Guys, let's go," Daphne whispered, throwing Harry his bag. "I'm freaking out."
No one spoke on the trek back. Even Tracey didn't make comments under the cloak as she had done on the journey in. They didn't stop until the late afternoon sun's rays greeted their faces, only taking a moment to turn back and stare at the forbidden forest as they walked towards the castle.
"So… what's your plan, Harry?" Tracey asked as they neared the castle entrance.
"Plan?" Harry responded. There was a long pause before he answered. "I don't have one."
"Wait… wait," Daphne cut in. "I don't understand something— wait, stop for a second, Bella."
"What?" Bella asked stiffly.
"I know Malfoy was blurting about the Dragons for ages, but how did you know where they were?"
Bella didn't answer their questioning stares. "I'd like to know that as well," said Harry.
"Come on, Bella! We're your best friends, and well…" Tracey trailed off, looking at Harry. "Your other… friend."
"Fine!" Bella answered angrily. "But you have to tell me what you know about the Dark Lord," Bella said, pointing at Harry.
He nodded, though Bella noticed it was quite reluctant, by way of him sending a glance in Tracey and Daphne's direction.
"I trust them, Harry. Do you trust me?"
It was a risky question. The moment it left her mouth, she wondered if it was too soon. Had she done enough to gain the trust of the boy who lived?
"Yes."
"The conjunctivitis curse, incantation 'Tumor Oculus,' is an advanced curse that causes the subjects eyes to swell due to irritation, forcing the subjects eyes shut," murmured Daphne, her head bowed over one of the several books the quartet had accumulated. "Successful casting shall be denoted by a white, blinding light, followed by the subject suffering from the aforementioned symptoms. Oftentimes it is said that the spell is a successful tool against dragons, providing it is aimed directly at their open eyes, giving the user sufficient time to escape an encounter."
Bella's head suddenly shot up from the open book she was laying on. "That's it!" Bella whispered enthusiastically.
The quartet, after their bizarre expedition into the Forbidden Forest, headed straight for the library in search of a way for Harry to distract a dragon. It was now past dinner— several hours ago, students left in a rush, no doubt on their way to the feast, but new faces had returned moments ago.
"What book is it?" Bella asked curiously.
Daphne flipped the book on its back, reading the cover aloud. "An extensive guide to defensive curses, volume three."
Tracey suddenly groaned— it sounded odd— Bella realised Tracey's tummy had groaned in synchrony. "God— we missed dinner. I'm starving!"
"Did you find the dragons?" Bella asked Tracey, attempting to redirect her agony.
Tracey groaned again. "Yes, I did." With her right hand, the other delicately nestling her tummy, she slid the book over to Harry. "I folded the corners."
Harry flipped through the pages, reading from the marked ones. "Hungarian Horntail— Common Welsh Green— Chinese Fireball— Swedish Short-Snout." He bent his head and studied the last marked page. "The Swedish Short-Snout—"
"Don't bother," mumbled Tracey, interrupting Harry. "They all say the same thing: big, dangerous, fire spitting; do not go near."
Harry leaned back in his chair, sighing and blowing air from the front of his mouth dejectedly. "Great— just great. Basically, I'm screwed."
"If you were listening," Daphne said icily. "I've just so happened to read the one spell that will work."
"Might work," mumbled Harry.
"It's more than you've done!" Daphne returned. "Three hours here and you've managed to find what?" Daphne reached a hand out and angrily toppled the pile of books next to Harry. "Oh— that's right. Nothing!"
Harry's eyes turned cold, staring down Daphne. "I was looking!"
Daphne scoffed. "I don't understand you, Potter. You've been entered into a tournament, which if you've done any research at all, you'll know tasks are specifically designed for imminent death to the untrained. Surely you've been preparing?"
Harry's body deflated. "No, I haven't."
"What have you been doing, then?" Daphne asked.
"Well… I've been trying to figure out who put my name in, I s'pose. And… well—" Harry brought both hands to his temples, leaning on the table. "Trying not to lose my best friend. But it's too late for that."
"And have you figured anything out?" Tracey asked.
"No," Harry answered, "Nothing… wait— you two don't believe I put my name in the goblet?"
Tracey shared a look with Daphne. "We don't, Harry."
"Why?" Harry asked, astonished.
Tracey and Daphne's eyes turned to Bella. Harry, noticing their stare, followed their line of sight. "Because Bella believes you," Tracey said. "Which means, by extension, so do we."
Bella readjusted in her seat, uncomfortable with their sudden scrutiny. "The conjunctivitis curse," Bella said, trying to divert their attention. "Have you cast it before, Harry?"
"Tumor Oculus?" Harry asked, leaning back in his chair and staring at the ceiling. "I can't even repair my glasses. I usually let Hermione do it."
"Then let's practise," Bella said.
Harry laughed, though it sounded self depreciating. "On what— I mean who?"
"Could probably use Hagrid's skrewts," Tracey said, tilting her head. "No one would miss them."
"Would he let you?" Bella asked Harry. They did seem to have a rather peculiar friendship— Bella had spotted them numerous times speaking to each other around Hogwarts, oftentimes engaged in what appeared to be meaningless, friendly conversation. It was something Bella didn't quite understand. "You're… acquaintances?"
"We're friends," Harry said. "But I couldn't do it to them anyway."
"Why not?" Bella asked. "They're vile, slimy and horrid!"
"They're just…"
"Not to mention they blast each other with their hind ends," offered Tracey. "If Hagrid's not careful, they'll surely kill us— they're like the size of an adult Puffskein now. Just… not as friendly."
"You don't understand." Harry sighed, returning his gaze level with the girl's eyes. "They're innocent." He rubbed the back of his head awkwardly when his eyes found Bella's stare, which was incredulous. "I mean… they're— I don't know. They're… unwilling."
Bella shook her head. "Unwilling?" she asked incredulously. He couldn't be serious. "Do you think that dragon's going to be unwilling when it burns you to a crisp?"
Harry didn't answer. Bella pressed on, glancing around the top floor of the library for a subject. Unfortunately all the faces were unfamiliar. "So… If I found someone willing, would you cast it on them?"
Harry's head turned, casting a sidelong glance at Tracey and Daphne. Bella giggled at the incredulous face they made in response. "Oh in your dreams, Potter," Daphne said, noticing his stare.
"What?" Tracey asked, gesturing to Bella, a cheeky grin on her face. "You're not going to ask your girlfriend?"
The colour rushed to Harry's face so fast Bella wondered if he'd been holding his breath, starved of air. "She's not my—"
"Hi Bella!"
Bella jumped in shock, turning and glaring at the disturbance. A small, short boy with light red hair was standing inches away from her side. Bella recognised him as the Muggle-born first year who had greeted her at the entrance, robes sopping— though now bearing a Gryffindor crest. It was Colin, or Dennis… or… Creevey.
Bella cleared her throat, the implied 'back off' looming in the air. The boy was obviously unaffected. "Hi… Colin."
"Dennis. Dennis Creevey, happens a lot, don't worry!"
Bella leaned away from him. He was still oblivious, his large brown eyes entirely focused on her. "What is it you want, Dennis?"
"Well… I was speaking to my brother, Colin." He raised his arm, holding a camera. Bella only just realised a string connected to it was wrapped around his neck. "He said he'd got a signed photo of Harry Potter, though I didn't believe him till he showed me— and well I said that I knew Bella White, and she was really really good friends with Harry, and that I'd ask her if she'd ask him, well, if I saw her, ask Harry to do the same for me."
He stopped abruptly, taking a large breath of air. He started again at the top of the inhale. "And then he said I was crazy, that Slytherin's were all up to no good, that they'd never willingly help a Gryffindor, but I told him you were nice, then he told me you were evil and a dark witch, but I told him not to believe everything on the paper, don't judge a book by its cover, you know, then he said—" He stopped abruptly again; Bella followed his eyes which were staring flabbergasted at Harry, who was staring back at him resignedly.
"Dennis," Bella said. He turned back to Bella, though Bella noticed it quite reluctantly. "You've arrived with perfect timing," Bella purred. "I'll get you your photo… but you have to do something for Harry and I."
"Oh anything, anything!"
"No way, Bella!" Harry shouted, making Bella sigh. "No— no way. This ends here."
Dennis' face fell. "Don't listen to him, Dennis," Bella cooed. "I'll get you your photo. Would you mind giving us a minute?"
"Okay, sure!" He turned back to them just before he rounded a bookshelf. "Say— can I get one with both of you?"
"Anything you want," Bella said, grinning.
Bella turned back to the table, glaring at Harry. Harry stared back at her defiantly. "I've found you a willing subject, Harry."
"No!"
"Why not?" Bella bit back. "You asked for someone willing—" Bella pointed angrily in Dennis' direction. "— he's willing!"
Harry shook his head. Bella turned to Tracey and Daphne, attempting to rally support. Tracey looked quite reluctant, though Daphne seemed interested in the idea, her head slanted and looking at the roof, obviously pondering. "So he gets a couple of puffy red eyes," Daphne said. "Tracey and I will take him straight to Madam Pomfrey. She'll have a potion on hand and he'll be back to normal in no time."
Daphne's comments appeared to appease Harry slightly. "Then we swear him to secrecy. Problem solved."
Harry scoffed. "Yeah, right. He'll keep his mouth shut."
"Maybe… let him take the photo, but don't sign it until he proves he can keep it shut." Tracey added, finally coming around.
Harry shook his head. "You're all so… so…"
"What?" Bella said.
"Slytherin."
"And is there anything wrong with that?" Bella dared.
Harry stopped shaking his head. His green eyes met Bella's brown. "No… I guess not."
They stood, Bella grabbing Harry's arm and pulling him so as to make sure he didn't back out. They found Dennis, as promised, dutifully sitting on a table crammed between two large bookshelves. Bella explained their plan to Dennis, and to his credit, he didn't cower at the news in the slightest. His only change in reaction was joy when she mentioned that they'd be giving him a signed photo with both of them, if he kept his mouth shut, which he wholeheartedly agreed to.
"Ready, Dennis?" Bella asked.
"Yep!"
"Okay, Harry," Bella said, "go."
He tried. Bella lost track of how long he'd been whispering the incantation. His wand movements were becoming sloppy, his previously whispered incantation now almost shouted through gritted teeth. Tracey and Daphne shook their heads. Bella sighed.
"It's useless," Harry said dejectedly, dropping his wand by his side. "It's probably the wand movement…"
"It's not the wand movement," Bella said. She glanced at Dennis, his big eyes still staring at them expectantly. "A word, Harry?"
"You need to mean it," Bella whispered, leaning to speak close to his ear. "You're not showing intent."
"How can I mean it?" He whispered, leaning down to speak in her ear. "He's staring at me like a—"
"Don't think of him as some first year," Bella cut Harry off. They both turned to Dennis. "This is your only chance to practise a spell that could mean life or death— for you, Harry. Not him."
"I know, but—"
"He's a dragon," Bella continued. "He's going to kill you tomorrow, unless you master this spell, Harry." She raised a hand, pointing at Dennis. "It's you, or him."
Harry squared his shoulders, walking determinedly towards Dennis. This time, Tracey and Daphne turned their heads, shielding themselves from view. Bella had only just turned when she heard Harry mutter the spell. There was no noise— only an instant flash of a bright, blinding white light, then Bella's eyes adjusted back to the lantern lit ambiance of the library.
"Dennis?" Harry asked, worriedly.
"All good, Harry!"
The whites of his eyes were so red that even his once brown iris' appeared a different colour. The swelling around his eyelids grew, until a small slit that he could obviously still see a glimmer through was the only part showing of his eyes. "Really, Harry! I'm happy to help— say… was it for the tournament?" His voice was strained, but Bella had to give him credit.
"Uh, never you mind, Dennis," Tracey said, looping her arm around his elbow. Daphne followed on his left. "Come with us; we'll take you to Madam Pomfrey."
Bella and Harry followed behind them as they made the long, impeded journey towards the Hospital Wing. Due to the late hour, there were not many students still traversing the halls. The students they did see stopped and stared, but no one uttered a word, choosing to remain silent to the spectacle. Surely, a trio of Slytherin girls leading an obviously cursed first year Gryffindor student would normally be suspicious, but with Harry Potter in tow, no one would dare say a word. The only problem: the Hospital wing was near the Gryffindor common room— they hadn't passed any Gryffindor students yet, but just as they started to climb the stairs…
"What the hell is going on here, Harry?" Weasley screamed, blocking the stairs. He pulled out his wand, his eyes wide with fury. Hermione was next to him— she gasped, both hands raising to her open mouth, eyes wide with shock.
Bella attempted to push Harry aside, drawing her own wand, but her hand slipped on his shoulder, her weak body not even breaking his footing. He raised his own hand, pushing her sideways and behind him roughly and stepping around the spectacle of Dennis and his unlikely aid to meet Weasley directly. Bella's shoulder hit the stone wall uncomfortably as she lost her own footing, stumbling on the steps and nearly toppling down.
"Ron— it's not what it looks like."
"Then what is it, Harry?" Weasley's wand lowered, apparently not seeing Harry as a threat.
"Look, we were just taking Dennis to the infirmary, okay?" Harry raised his hands in a calming gesture. "Bella, Tracey and Daphne are helping."
"Tracey and Daphne?" Weasley muttered under his breath, shaking his head.
"Oh my… Dennis!" Hermione said, brushing past Weasley, who attempted to stop her advance with his outstretched arm. "What happened?"
"Oh, nothing… we were just…" Just when Bella thought he'd blab, he corrected himself, blindly straightening his shoulders. "What I meant to say was, I had an allergic reaction to something… but I… I don't know what, you see. Harry and Bella's friends were helping me to the infirmary."
Bella breathed out a breath she didn't realise she was holding. "Is that true, Dennis?" Hermione asked, completely ignoring Tracey and Daphne's close proximity. If she had looked, she would have seen a barely noticeable flinch from them.
"Yep!"
Hermione didn't look convinced and neither did Weasley. His glare persisted on Harry. "All day I've been looking for you," Weasley said, angrily. "All day. And now I find you here, with more snakes, with an obviously cursed first year!"
Harry sighed heavily. "Ron; It's not what it looks like."
"Then what happened, Harry?" Hermione asked, backing away from Dennis and staring at Harry expectantly.
Harry looked down, shaking his head. "Wait— Ron, why were you looking for me?"
Weasley's face turned from rage to sour. He shook his head, mumbling. "Nothing— it doesn't matter anymore."
"You knew, didn't you?" Harry said coldly.
Bella had finally regained her bearings from Harry's push. She walked confidently around and stood next to Harry, her shoulder brushing his intentionally. Weasley's right temple was protruding with a visible, pulsing vein. "If you'll excuse us, Weasley, you're blocking poor young Dennis' treatment," Bella purred.
Weasley deflated. He looked pleadingly at Harry. "Don't you see what's happening here?" He sent a quick, pointed glance at Bella, then focused back on Harry. "They've lured you to the dark… I hardly see you anymore… What happened to my friend?"
Harry tensed. "You are the one who stopped talking to me! They're my friends, and they're not dark. If you can't see that, I'm not sure I fancy your company."
Weasley looked flabbergasted. Hermione stepped forward, grabbing Harry's arm, but he ripped it from her grasp and pushed Weasley aside roughly, clearing a path up the stairs. Tracey and Daphne walked past with Dennis, their heads disappearing from view once they reached the top.
"I just have one question," said Weasley. This time, he turned to Bella. "How are you doing it?"
Bella grinned evilly at him, unable to help herself. "Whatever do you mean, Weasley?"
"You did it, didn't you?" Hermione asked, startling Bella. But when she looked at Hermione, she wasn't looking at her, instead staring resignedly at Harry. "You cast a curse on Dennis, didn't you?"
"Yes," Harry responded.
Before Weasley or Hermione could reply, Harry grabbed Bella's robe and pulled her up the stairs. Bella couldn't help sending a smile at Weasley as their heads disappeared from view.
"Is he going to be okay, Madam Pomfrey?" Harry asked, when the pair had entered the infirmary. Tracey and Daphne shared a look.
"He'll be fine," Madame Pomfrey responded from beside Dennis, an empty vial clutched in her hands. "It's lucky I had an oculus potion on hand— my last vial, mind you." She clicked her tongue, fussing over something on his bed stand. "Stupid! Whoever did this was stupid. There's a variation that can't be cured— young Dennis was lucky it wasn't that!"
Harry sat down on a vacant chair near Dennis' bed, cupping his face in his hands after Pomfrey left. The effects of the potion had obviously put Dennis into a deep sleep. "It's all my fault," Harry grieved. "All my fault."
"Dennis didn't mind," Tracey said consolingly. "I mean as long as he gets his autograph."
"Yes, but—"
"Oh cry me a river!" Daphne said angrily. "You have to face a dragon in two days. Cast the conjunctivitis curse, steal an egg. And where's my thank you?"
"Thanks, I guess?" Harry mumbled.
"Hey, I just realised something. You both have some explaining to do," said Tracey, pointing an accusing finger at both of them.
Harry finally raised his eyes, realisation dawning on them as he stared at Bella. "Yeah— you first."
Bella's heart skipped a beat. "No, you first."
"I insist," Harry said through gritted teeth.
"Okay… I went for a stroll—"
"Don't lie to me," Harry whispered. His voice was level, but his green eyes were blazing.
"Moody told me, okay?" It blurted out of her mouth so fast. Bella felt like slapping herself.
"Moody?" all three said in unison.
"Yes," Bella said, sighing. "Professor Moody told me. And before you ask, I don't know why."
"Moody told you to take a walk into the forbidden forest?" Harry said disbelievingly "Without telling you why?"
Bella scowled. "He omitted some details. Now that I think about it, after seeing the clearing, I'm fairly certain we could have walked around."
Harry, Tracey and Daphne blanched at her statement. Then, after a few seconds, Harry's open mouth shut and his body shook before he started chuckling. Tracey and Daphne joined in.
"So, Harry, tell us what you know about the Dark Lord," Bella asked, sombering the mood. He stopped laughing, but he didn't look as hesitant in the presence of Tracey and Daphne.
"Is he really back?" Daphne asked.
"Look, I'm not certain, it's just dreams, you know, but I saw him in one… he wasn't human, I didn't see his face, but his voice was high pitched and devil-like."
"Where was it?" Bella asked.
"I don't know. He was with someone with his back turned. It's almost like I was looking from a third perspective; like someone eavesdropping from the adjacent room."
"Do you remember anything else Harry?" Bella asked, pleading with him to continue. "What did the place look like?"
He hesitated before answering. "It was dark. A single fireplace burning… A small, dark room, with one chair pointing away from me. Anyway… the third person— or me, I suppose, was found. The last thing I saw was green."
"Harry," Bella said, drawing him from his thoughts. "Cast the curse at the dragon's eyes. Steal an egg."
"You don't understand." Harry said, pulling at his hair. "None of you understand."
"Harry, look at me."
"What?"
"Better him than the dragon."
"Me or him," Harry whispered.
"Yes, Harry," Bella responded. "Better you than him."
A snippet from CH12 of ARAT:
An earth shattering roar shook the ground, making the tent sway. Another gasp from the crowd. "I even told him I was going to use the conjunctivitis curse, but he told me not to worry— he had another plan in mind."
A man's pained, agonised scream came from the stands. The crowd was getting louder; people were screaming. Bella felt Harry tense. "So he knew about the task, possibly before you."
Harry looked over his shoulder. His knee that was closest to Bella started to bounce up and down. "Yeah— do you hear that?"
Bella swallowed roughly. "So nothing you did, or didn't do, will make any difference."
Harry's head jerked around and looked over his shoulder, his eyes wide. "Bella, what's going on?"
Harry went to stand. Bella grabbed his arm, pulling him back down next to her. "Harry!" she hissed. "Look at me!"
Harry's wide open eyes met hers. "So it didn't make a difference if you told him or not, right?" Harry nodded his head once, indicating he was listening. "So whatever happens out there cannot be your fault."
Harry's jaw tensed as he swallowed, a visible protrusion sliding down his throat. "Right." Harry nodded his head unconvincingly. "You're right."
The roaring stopped, then there was a thud on the ground. The same pained cry came from a man, loud enough to be heard over the crowd. Harry stood and bolted through the door of the tent. Bella's hand slipped on his sleeve as he took off. "Harry!" Bella yelled.