The Rise of Chaos

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter Three: A Talk With Moody

I shook my head with disgust once more. I looked up to study the House Elves who didn't hear the last statement from Moody. All of them were working vigorously, enjoying their work with smiles and laughter. The way they moved, their steps made as if there were springs attached to the soles of their bare feet, so energetic they were. They moved as if they had a... purpose... and the purpose gave them joy. It tore my heart that I couldn't share the same joy as them. It made me envy their ignorance.

Ignorance was bliss.

In my mind I could envision the near future, battlefields on which blood flowed, the grass and dirt wet from the fluids that gave a body life. I could envision the war spreading across the world, the darkness and the pain, the sufferings and the evil -- I could see it all in my mind, I wanted to cry.

Oh, how I wanted to cry.

I could see children being murdered, I could see a deserted Hogwarts -- no, a razed down Hogwarts -- I could imagine the horror in which the world was heading to. And I did not like it one bit.

Who would?

The answer was simple, Voldemort. It was he, Tom Riddle, it was he who stood in the middle of it. A man without a soul, or a man without emotions -- both amount to the same thing -- standing at the head of the armies that marched for evil. It was he, the heir of Slytherin, who stood at the heart of it all. It was he, the Dark Lord, who led the world into chaos.

It was he, Voldemort, who would make the world cry out for salvation.

And it was I -- Harry James Potter -- who would have to give it!

But... I wondered... was war so terrible? Oh... don't worry -- I was never going to turn into a war-crazy Nazi like Hitler. But really... was war so bad? It was war, wasn't it... that made the Art of Science in the area of medicine jump exponentially? Was war that bad?

I didn't believe it was. War was needed; it was a part of human society. War was needed; war was inevitable... war was a fundamental need to the race of mankind.

"...come on, Tonks! It wasn't your fault! No one could have known. It's okay, Nymph'. Please, stop crying! Show me that Gryffindor spirit we are known for! Show me that courage we are proud of. It's going to be okay, Nymph'. Trust me!"

I studied them carefully, Remus and Tonks, I leaned forward curiously -- I knew for a fact that they weren't together during my fifth year. It must have been during the summer that they had gotten together. I shook my head in wonder, even in times like these -- times when evil is growing to its most powerful, love can bloom.

I picked up my spoon, my stomach was growling in hunger. I really was hungrier than I thought, though I really didn't think I could keep anything down.

Merlin! Thirty people dead or worse!

I pitied them; I was terrified for them -- I hoped, as I was sure everyone else hoped, that they were dead. Yes, dead -- rather they were dead instead of inside the clutches of Voldemort's hand. Light, I could imagine them being tortured for days and weeks, even months. I could picture them being abused in more than just torture.

Great Merlin, please help us!

I had gotten a lot of what I wanted to know, maybe even too much. No, I told myself firmly, no one ever knows too much! Knowledge is power -- I must never forget that! I still had a few questions I wanted to ask, but knew that Remus and Tonks were in no condition to talk.

"Remus, why don't you and Tonks go by the lake to cool off," I inquired, I knew that they would both enjoy that immensely. Remus looked to me with a grateful half-smile, before leading Tonks out to the Great Lake that bordered Hogwarts.

That left me with Moody. Great, Moody was quite a moody person.

I snorted at my own corny attempt at a joke.

"Potter, I would like it if you refrained yourself from snorting like a pig," growled the ever-grouchy Moody. I sighed, oh well, here we go!

"Moody? What else happened over the summer?" I asked carefully, studying his face to see if he was trying to hide something. I took a bite as I waited for the answer. I was hoping to discover if Lucius' escape was known yet -- he was still trapped in the jar inside my trunk upstairs on the bedside table in the Hospital Wing.

Mmmm! The House Elves made good bacon!

Sip, I took a drink from my pumpkin juice.

Yummy.

"There have been many attacks and raids in various places, Potter!" barked Moody. I nearly jumped in surprise at his suddenness. "Azkaban for example, was raided multiple times until it was abandoned," I froze, I stopped chewing. Azkaban abandoned?! What the bloody hell was the Ministry doing?! "St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries is the only hospital still standing in Britain, the rest have been closed due to raids from Death Eaters who want to 'finish the jobs they started before the Fall.' Many patients' minds snapped under torture during the First Rise, all of them were kept in various hospitals across Britain; the Death Eaters just came and finished them off. Not all of them were burned and razed, though. Actually, most of them just thrust all their patients to St. Mungo's and closed their business. St Mungo's now is the only hospital in Britain. It is the only hospital strong enough to keep the forces of Dark at bay."

Moody sighed, he looked suddenly weary to the bone; the usual air of suspicion and wariness faded briefly. I too sighed, how could anyone be cruel enough to snap someone's mind under torture? How could anyone be cruel enough to override the walls that protected the human mind, and trap them within themselves? I was revolted.

"Revolted, Potter? Hmm?" asked Moody, a touch too patiently.

I blink. I was startled to find that I had spoken that outloud. I wondered briefly if I should tell him, I gave him a sidelong look. Could he be trusted? I shook myself from within; it was nothing to be kept secret anyway.

"I was revolted with the thought of purposefully snapping someone's mind, sir. I was revolted about overriding the body's systems and shields, trapping whomever in their... memories," I replied honestly, but with a calm that would make anyone envious -- I dearly hoped Moody didn't notice my hesitation. I scoffed at myself, better to hope for a flying pig, fool!

Moody looked amused, suddenly. He seemed to be in deep thought before he answered, "Are you, Potter? Are you revolted with that -- with snapping another's mind?" I nodded. Moody laughed, "Well then I guess you're revolted at yourself, then? Eh?"

I frowned, but quickly smoothed my features, what did he mean?

Moody laughed abruptly, "You don't know, Potter? Of course you don't, you've been unconscious the whole time afterwards." Moody chuckled when my face darkened, "Oh, Potter, do close your mouth -- you won't be catching any flies here, the House Elves clean this place too well," I swallowed quickly and with an effort tried to look indifferent at his comment. Moody just laughed, "I wish I had a muggle camera, Potter, you look as though you've seen Voldemort dancing the can-can." He snorted, "Well, Potter? Do you understand what I'm talking about?"

I felt my face burn with a flush -- bloody hell! Why does Moody have to make me feel like I'm eleven years old again, just coming to Hogwarts? I tried to get my emotions in hand; I needed to show Moody that I could be just as sly and coy as he. Oh yes... that I would do -- I swore.

What the bloody hell was he talking about?

Without bothering to hide my puzzled frown, I asked, "What are you talking about?"

Why would I be revolted at myself? I had never tried to snap someone's mind purposefully -- suddenly, I knew.

Bellatrix. Ministry of Magic. Courtyard. Department of Mysteries. Cruciatus Curse.

I had cast the Cruciatus on Bellatrix Lestrange, I remembered now. I had been enraged, I was angry. I was mad -- she had killed her cousin. She had killed Sirius. I had chased her back to the courtyard, and without a thought of the consequences I had cast the Unforgivable Curse on Lestrange.

"...you have to want to hurt someone, Potterrrrr...."

I shuddered as my memory played back that incident. Her voice purred in my ears, my blood boiled, my eyes glazed with anger. She had taunted me, even under the after-effects of the Cruciatus; she had taunted me with those words.

Or something like that, I forgot.

But the consequences were grave. No one had found out that I had used an Unforgivable -- I didn't tell anyone, though I had a feeling Dumbledore knew. I didn't get in trouble, not from the Ministry or Dumbledore. Nevertheless I had cast an Unforgivable, the second worst one at that.

Yes, second worst. I think that the worst was Imperious -- yes, the mind-control spell. With that spell you could make someone kill their loved ones, with their own wands; with that spell you could make the other watch helplessly as he or she killed everyone important to them. That was the worst kind of torture. The next worst on the list was the Cruciatus, and the last... Avada Kedavra. Yes, I believed that the Killing Curse was the least painful of the Three -- because it gave you a quick death without the pain of torture.

But that still didn't have anything to do with the fact that I, Harry James Potter, had cast the Cruciatus Curse.

Cruciatus.

I had tried to snap another's mind.

I had done the very thing I viewed as revolting.

I was revolted at myself.

"Do you -- do you mean when I cast the Unforgivable on Lestrange?"

Moody frowned slightly in disapproval before it was pulled behind his own mask of serenity -- no doubt he had a problem with me using the Unforgivable. In the corner of my mind I could remember Sirius telling me something about Moody never using the Unforgivables if he could help it. Moody nodded tightly before answering, "I see you've finally understood, Potter. But no, that's not the incident that I was talking about."

I frowned, straining to remember something else. I remembered nothing. What was Moody talking about?

"Don't know, Potter? Well then, I guess I have to tell you."

A pause, I waited impatiently.

"Two days ago, we were attacked out in the plains, remember?" I nodded. "You raised a fog, and we went into it to hide. Now, after nearly twenty or so minutes, Remus engaged in a duel with a Death Eater, correct?" Again, I nodded -- a tad impatient this time. What was Moody on about? "You, trying to save Remus, cursed the Death Eater with multiple Layered Spells, correct?" I gave an exasperated noise as I nodded. Bloody hell, get on with it Mad-Eye! "I believe that you layered many of the same spells together, meshing them until it created an ultimate weapon? Well, then... put the pieces together, Potter!"

Then a sudden understanding dawned on me -- I understood what Moody was trying to say. That night, on the plains in the middle of nowhere I did something that I had, at the time, thought brilliant. In my desperation to help the Order member who was dueling, I had layered seven -- six stunners and one Disarmament -- spells together to make it more powerful -- too powerful! -- before releasing the torrent of power that erupted towards the enemy. When I felt the spell implode on the enemy, the Death Eater must have...

"Snapped?" I said incredulously, I was scandalized. "I snapped their mind?" My voice rose to a screech. No, no... I couldn't have.... No! No!

I couldn't believe, I had done something that only evil wizards did -- I snapped a person's mind. It was of no matter that the person was a Death Eater; all that mattered was that I, Harry James Potter, had snapped a person's mind with magic.

With the power of the spell unleashed, it had overwhelmed the body's functions -- the mind bent under the power -- the walls that kept intruders at bay collapsed under the weight of the magic. Without any cover from outside forces, the Death Eater's mind was open to everything, and the result was that the mind could not take all the outward interference. The mind had then done the only thing it could; it had taken cover, built other walls in the mind and trapped itself inside to come out later. Only that in its haste, it would have built walls too strong to bring down, which resulted, once again, in insanity.

I snapped a person's mind.

I broke a person's sanity.

I was frozen in alarm.

I felt myself fall into the awaiting hands of darkness.

---

"Enervate," I heard a voice say from far away, it was like trying to hear with another person's ears. Everything was muffled as if I were underwater; my sight was blurry as if I had taken my glasses off -- did I have my glasses on? No, wait, I could feel it gripping my head -- good, at least I had my glasses. I felt myself lay on the cold floor.

Why was I on the floor?

Memories rushed back -- I groaned.

"Get up, Potter," this time the voice was much clearer, my sight was getting better was well. I tried to sit up, I tried to pull on the offered arm from Moody as a leverage to pull myself up, but I could barely move my arm. Why was I so weak?

"We can't stay here all day, Potter! Get up, the shock just made you weak for a moment! Get up!" Moody's voice growled in my ear. "Now!"

The voice was like a whip, it sounded harsh to my ears, and it left no room for argument. With another groan -- a softer one than the first, I managed to get on my tottering feet, I slowly felt myself regain the lost strength. Much better.

I looked around at the sea of House Elves as they peered at me with concern. Dobby was shaking like a wet dog outside on a cold, cold night as he stared at me with wet tears streaming down his face. He grabbed my leg in a hug was he wailed, "Is Harry Potter, sir okay? Oh, Dobby was so worried!"

I lurched dangerously before I regained my balance; Dobby's crashing into my weak legs had not helped me much. I gritted my teeth, before I sighed and weakly nodded my head. "I'm fine, Dobby. How long was I out?"

Dobby sniffed, but he didn't let go of my leg. "Oh, sir is laying there for two minutes! Dobby was so worried!"

I chuckled. So, two minutes was it? I shook my head wearily. I still couldn't get rid of all the shock. I was appalled, how could I do that to someone? I locked my legs tightly, I was so tired I could curl up and sleep this second! No! That was no way to go! I scolded myself as I slid my mask in place. I pushed away the weariness, concentrating as The Discipline of an Auror had explained to me until the weariness receded. I almost sighed. Almost.

"Potter!" The voice growled from the portrait. "Get over here! We are going for a walk to get rid of all the shock."

I nodded at him as I peeled Dobby away from me. "I'll visit you tomorrow, okay Dobby? Bye!"

I walked away, out of the kitchen as I followed Moody down the hall.

Clunk, clunk, clunk.

The sound of Moody's wooden foot resounded from the walls of the hall, as we neared the stairs that led up and down Hogwarts. I blindly followed Moody as I reflected upon the events. So, Azkaban was closed, shut down. That explained Lucius' escape. Where did the prisoner's go now? Was there another Wizard's jail out there?

All the hospitals in Britain closed except one: St. Mungo's. I shuddered to think what would have happen if Mungo's gave out. No, I told myself firmly, the Order should intervene.

I froze.

I had forgotten -- the Order was now crippled.

Dumbledore was injured -- severely injured.

Everything was falling apart.

I couldn't help but sigh.

"Tired, Potter?" asked Moody.

"No, sir," I replied smoothly, I took control of my body functions and relaxed all my muscles. I released the tension that was building up in my body. 'No use worrying all the time when you can do nothing about it! No use whining about circumstances that can't be changed. A shoat squealing under a fence just attracts the fox, when it should be trying to run!' That was what The Discipline of an Auror had viewed upon certain matters.

"Where are we going, sir?" I asked politely. Moody ignored me.

Fine, I fumed at myself, Be that way, you old grouch!

I drew in a breath with apprehension; everything seemed to be... falling apart.

No use worrying over something when nothing could be done about it. I sighed, was life ever easy? I had once read in a book in a Muggle library that said: 'Death is lighter than a feather, duty heavier than a mountain.' The main character in that story had once asked, 'Does the mountain ever get lighter?' and was answered, 'It will only get heavier until you die.'

I agreed, I had a duty -- it was a duty that would probably need my full conviction. No, no... it would need my full commitment to pull out. I, Harry Potter, had a duty, a duty that would only be released by death -- a duty that weighed heavier than a mountain.

The mountain will never get lighter.

Only heavier!

And yet, so many duties did I have -- so many mountains. I had to try to keep up my training, stay alert for any Death Eaters that tried to kidnap me and bring me to their master. I had to keep balanced and calm, a figure on the pedestal, the one everyone looked up to -- I had to be the strong one; if I failed... the world would fail. I had to try to live up to the Prophesy; I had to get every secret unraveled. I had so many duties, so many mountains to juggle on my shoulders.

What life ever easy? Even for a moment?

Merlin, I didn't even understand how anyone would be destined to lead the life I led. I was so stressed I could almost vow I would have gray hair before my twentieth birthday. It was so unfair! It never said on your birth certificate that life was fair! went the saying. I sighed.

Light!

But I needed to be the Willow, not the Oak. When strong winds would blow, the Oak would bristle and break, but the Willow would bend and survive. That was what I needed to be, a survivor, one who would bend when needed, one who would stay alive until the end. I had to be the Willow.

Who was the man I had broken? Who was the Death Eater from whom I had taken away their second chance? Who?

I wanted to ask Moody, I wanted to visit him. I know, I know, he was a Death Eater! And yet, I wondered, it was as if only in this way could I forgive myself. Yes, I had vowed to slay the Dark Lord, and a fool with a weak heart -- unable to stomach death -- would not be able to succeed, but.... But....

I didn't know -- call it just a stupid... obligation.

Yes, an obligation to the man whom I had stolen his chance at life.

A second chance, Dumbledore had called it, a second chance at life -- a chance to remake the first choice. Dumbledore believed in these second chances, though Moody did not. Me? I didn't know what to believe. Maybe a second chance was a good idea, a good philosophy, after all, had not Snape been given a second chance?

And I, the Boy Who Lived, had taken that chance from this Death Eater.

Sigh, yes... he or she -- the Death Eater -- would probably have killed me without a second's thought. But... I mused... that was what set me apart from him!

And that was quite important to me. I believed that there were no Dark and Light Arts, just intent -- like the Death Eaters. I believed that being sly and coy was a way to survive -- like the Death Eaters. I agreed that war was a fundamental part of life -- just like the Death Eaters. So what set us apart? So many of my beliefs were the same as theirs. So many of my thoughts were alike from theirs.

So what set us apart?

What made me a soldier of the Light, and them, a soldier for the Dark?

What set us apart?

I didn't know -- not really.

I sighed -- maybe it was only the belief on Muggles that set us apart, and the fact that I didn't kill for fun... for pleasure. Yes, maybe that was all that set me apart from... them.

I wanted to apologize to the Death Eater's family as well.

Merlin, who was it?

"Here, Potter," grunted Moody, he stood opening the door into a room I had never seen in my life had Hogwarts. With a quick glance at the hall, I picked up on my surroundings and figured that the door was the entrance into the Room of Requirement.

The room was used various times, always appearing and disappearing. The room did, basically, exactly what its name said. It was the Room of Requirement -- a room that would fulfill the searcher's wishes, or requirements. Anything would appear whenever the person required it. It was simply ingenious!

The DA, Dumbledore's Army, or simply the Defense Association had used the room last year when the... 'professor' of Defense Against the Dark Arts had used only theory to teach the class. Useless theory I might add. I grimaced at the thought of Umbridge. She was a complete... better not say.

"Time is ticking away Potter, with my old bones I'm not standing out here any longer than I have to," growled the one-time Auror.

Striking up my confidence I calmly walked passed Moody into the Room of Requirement. I looked around the room, it was like the Gryffindor Common Room, tidy and neat, but with a hint of comfort. There was a fire lit on the wood in the fireplace, couches that looked very well cushioned. The walls were lined with portraits of famous Aurors and Light Lords of history. Typical of Moody, decorating the room with Auror things. How did Moody learn of this Room anyway?

I took a seat on one of the one-person couches that were lined with silver and green -- Slytherin colors -- I thought, but the colors went well together with what I wore -- my clothes were transfigured to look like dark green jeans with a simple green shirt.

But I also liked the color of green -- after all, I too had green eyes.

Brilliant green eyes, some might comment.

I felt my weariness returning quickly as I sat on the much too cushioned seat -- I might have fallen asleep here without getting any sores when I woke up. I suppressed it ruthlessly; it would do no good to look tired to the bone in front of Moody. I had to show Moody that I was capable of standing on my own.

I had to show the whole world that I could stand on my own.

On my own.

I was careful not to sigh either. Moody was watching me too carefully for that. My forehead wrinkled slightly, before I smoothed it as I wished for a glass of cold, cold water. It appeared in my hand. Good.

A thought occurred to me, a plan that I had not even anticipated. What if I could make Moody help train me? Could I trust Moody enough with that? I mean, studying by myself was great and all, but sooner or later I might get stuck somewhere along the way. It would be much better and effective if I had a teacher to guide me along, a teacher with experience and power who I could trust to keep his tongue from wagging. Hermione had once told me, "...books can only get you so far, Harry...."

There were others I could have turned to, others who would be glad -- happy, no... ecstatic -- to help train me like... Hagrid! I sniggered before I could contain myself. No offense to Hagrid, but something like this could never be trusted to him. Moody, however, was like I said... trustworthy, battle-hardened, experienced, an Auror. I nodded mentally to myself, I would try to tie Moody to me, try to make him see reason that it would be best to train me.

Not in the Dark Arts, of course. Moody was too clean for that, too dignified. Dignity could kill. Oh well, I would try to make Moody train me in the arts of an Auror. Yes, I would. The Dark Arts I would learn on my own until I could find someone who was willing to privately teach me the Art.

I had to learn, fast! I had to fulfill my obligation to the world. I had to complete my vow.

I would do whatever it took!

Whatever it takes!

I did not understand why Moody coming before me began to sweat and lick his lips as he sat on the cushioned sofa across from me -- but then, I could not see the cold light of commitment burning in my own green eyes.

First thing to do was to get an answer to the question that began to bother me: "Moody, who was it? Who was the one I... snapped?"

Yes, start softly, bundle him up like a baby so he wouldn't know the direction I was taking him until it was too late. A voice nestled in the back of my head whispered coyly, "Turning into quite a Slytherin, aren't we?"

I almost went to Slytherin, didn't I? I answered back with a glare directed at that voice hidden deep in my mind. The only way to win this war when you're sixteen is to do it with slyness and a hell of a lot of cunning!

Whatever it takes.

Life was never easy.

"Are you sure you want to know?" I gave a curt nod. "Percy Weasley."

I quickly took a deep drink of water from the cup that remained in my hand -- to cover up any emotions that might leak through the mask onto my face.

So, Percy Weasley, was it? The name kept ringing in my ears. I felt my blood grow cold. I was enraged. How dare he? I remembered the year before, when he had dared to believe that I was mad, unbalanced, a kid who wanted more attention. I had been angry then, yes... I truly was. But now? Now I was in cold fury. I felt my emotions change in kind; a power grew within me, like when I had cast a Patronus or the curse that felled Percy. I felt that power roar in me as though the power was in some way a manifestation of my emotions. No, no, that was impossible, wasn't it?

I really needed to visit the library.

With an effort -- a huge effort, mind! -- I soothed my raging feelings down. I drank for a few moments to try and settle my emotions -- it would do no good to erupt now, everything would be ruined. I needed Moody to look to me as an equal -- no, a superior. Losing control of my emotions would do no good. No good at all.

The power that raged in me quieted, then disappeared.

I nearly frowned, weird!

I lowered the glass as I unconsciously refilled the cup with a quirk of my will -- the Room did the rest. I saw Moody himself make a glass of what looked like Fire Whiskey, drinking it himself. I thought Moody never drank from anything he didn't make himself? Oh well, maybe he thought that if he had required it up, it would amount to the same thing.

Could you poison something in this Room?

I concentrated on making the Fire Whiskey into water.

Moody suddenly coughed and spewed water all over the place. I sniffed as I concentrated -- the water that stained the Auror Common Room evaporated into thin air. I smiled -- just a small smile that didn't reach my eyes, my eyes were still as blank as ever. I could really get to like this room.

"Bloody hell! What in Merlin's name happened?" roared the Mad-Eye.

I nearly chuckled, but directed the humor of it all into a calm empathetic smile that plainly said, 'I feel your pain.' "Are you okay, Moody? Maybe you thought of drinking water just before you drank from the cup. You know this is the Room of Requirement?"

Sweetly, yes... keep in full control -- now to get that man softened into false sense of security before I gave the killing blow.

"But think of that later, we really need to talk."

Moody spurted in rage before he nodded tightly. I guess he doesn't take being advised by someone nearly sixty-five years younger than him very well. Most people wouldn't either! Oh well, I thought to myself wryly, people were just going to have to get used to it.

I was taking control now.

Me.

Whatever it takes. Right?

"Do the Weasleys know about Percy?" I asked, trying to hide my anxiety. What if the Weasleys hate me now? No, that was impossible... I saw the Weasleys just moments ago, they weren't hostile to me -- that meant that they either didn't know, or they didn't care.

I hoped it was because they didn't care.

What if they hated me?

I don't think I could take it -- the Weasleys were like my own family now... except Percy.

Moody cocked his head, as he thought out loud, "Well, Potter, I believe they know. Of course they do. They seemed angry at first -- when they first heard," I drew in a breath -- they blamed me. Moody continued quickly, "But..." he hesitated, "I'm not very sure what they think now. I think they're angrier with themselves than at you. I think they were more heated about Percy being a Death Eater."

I nodded -- I was overjoyed, the Weasleys didn't care. Well, more like they blamed themselves more than they blamed me. Excellent.

"Now that Azkaban is closed down, is there another jail out there?"

Moody shook his head grimly, "No, the Ministry just gives a person a trial -- and if they're condemned, they send the captured criminal off to Lazarus, the wizard's jail in America." Moody sighed, "Everything is falling apart, worse than his First Rise -- I'd say. We were ready then, there had been rumors of dark activity rising for years, convergences in some of the more controvercial circles. The Ministry still had many of the survivers of Grindelwald's time in it, they knew how bad it could get, and weren't going to stand by and let it happen without them being prepared. We were ready to face him when he finally surfaced. But now? Now we are completely caught off guard."

Moody shook his head grimly. Emotions of dismay and sadness fleeted across his chiseled face. His magical eye was still rolling about.

"I figure that since Dumbledore is out of it for a while, it'll be you who will be in charge of the Order?" I asked coolly, yet pleasantly.

"And why would you think that, Potter?" asked Moody, his cold voice matched my own.

"Oh... you know. You're the oldest and most experienced and all. I'm sure no one in the Order has even half your experience. A tenth." Flattery always gets you somewhere!

I saw Moody's lips twitch into an almost smile but unfortunately he managed to hide it before it split his face. "Well, you're right about the experience part of it, but no. I'm not in charge. I am in retirement, you know. My old bones can't stand all that responsibility."

I wanted to ask who it was, but refrained myself. This was not the time. "Oh, that's too bad, you'll be staying at Hogwarts the rest of summer then?"

"Summer? Potter, don't you know? I'll be your next Professor of the Defense Against the Dark Arts."

Again I took a sip from my cup to hide my shock. So, he was my professor? This would be so much easier. My tongue burned. I nearly spewed it, but by force of will I smiled painfully at Moody as I lowered my cup. I swallowed the Fire Whiskey as the fluid burned my throat.

Moody had changed my water into Fire Whiskey.

I would get him back for this.

Luckily I didn't show as much shock as he did, at least... oh bother.

I brought myself back into the matter at hand. Get Moody to agree to train me.

"So if I got this correctly, you're not going to be a stand-in leader for the Order, and you're going to be staying here all summer, correct?" Moody nodded, he seemed relaxed -- good, that was where I wanted him to be.

"Are you going to be busy?"

"Potter, I already feel more bored that I have ever been. Summer is absolutely dreadful," mourned Moody.

I grinned, perfect -- now to drop the bomb.

"Well then I guess it wouldn't hurt for you to help me out on a... ah... project for the D.A. I'm working on, right? After all, you're one of the most well known Aurors of all time!"

Moody scratched his head, "I guess, Potter. What is this project of yours?"

Here was the moment of truth; "I need you to help me with some training, Auror Training, that I've been doing for the summer. I need you to train me into the best you can. I need you to help me become a weapon. I need you."

I smiled in satisfaction as I watched Moody sputter in outrage and confusion -- he would see reason in time. In time, he would come. I took a sip from my Fire Whiskey, the first part was done -- all I had to do was sit and wait. Wait for Voldemort to make his move.

And when he did, I would be ready.

---

The swinging doors to the Hospital Wing swung shut behind me, as I stumbled across the smooth carpeted floor. Iron hands gripped my arm as Moody led me to my bed, as if he were leading a lost and mentally challenged child.

I heard someone giggle as Moody tucked me in my bed. I realized abruptly that it was me! I tried to clamp my mouth shut but all the noise in the room made my head spin with dizziness. I tried to push away the fog of alcohol, I tried to pilot my way free of the mist that clouded my mind, but I couldn't seem to be able to concentrate.

Distantly I heard someone telling me to open my mouth wide, but I was too weary and tired, dizzy and sleepy to oblige. I felt hands firmly hold my mouth open as hot liquid was poured forcibly down my throat. I coughed and chocked on the minty liquid as the Dreamless Sleep Potion tried to take over my body's systems.

Briefly I wondered if I should have....

Darkness claimed me.

---

"... drank nearly two goblets full...."

"... stupid boy, Moody told me he...."

"... going to have a hell of a hangover...."

I felt my consciousness return, but my body showed no outward signs that said I had awakened. It was an ability required of an Auror. If anyone was in here, trying to assassinate me or otherwise, I would be ready, the intruder would have no idea that I was awake and dangerous. It would also help me to evaluate my situation.

I felt my head about to explode, my skull felt as if it were being ripped apart. The voices of the three rang in my ear, each making the fire in my head grow larger with every noise. I felt dizzy and quite cranky. I was annoyed at them for making such loud noise.

"Go away, it's too early!" I growled at them in a Moody-like way.

I didn't remember how I got the headache. I groaned as I rolled away from the noise, I covered my ears with my pillow.

I heard a familiar voice laugh -- Tonks. "Harry, it's not morning! Get up, you sleepy head!" She said that loudly, as if she knew of my predicament, yet didn't care.

I grunted, "Fine, whatever you say." as an answer and promptly tried to go back to sleep. My body was throbbing with pain at near Cruciatus-levels, except it was focused entirely on my head. Hmm, I thought, not too bad when one compared it to the scar-pain -- but still, ouch! How the hell did I get this headache?

Remus chuckled, "Harry, Tonks is right. It's not early at all -- it's noon. You need to get up to take the Hang-Over Potion Poppy made for you. Stop acting like a child and get up!" Remus really laughed then. I could strangle him!

Hangover. So that's what I had, a hangover. I had heard of older students in Gryffindor House coming in sometimes late after a drink at the pub in Hogsmeade. In the morning I could hear them groaning and moaning about their hangovers, but I had never imagined it to be this terrible.

I felt like passing out, I hurt!

I was sure this wasn't a normal hangover; it bloody hurt too flaming much!

Removing the pillow I reached out blindly for the potion, "Give me the flaming potion already!"

"Language, Potter," toned Madam Pomfrey, "I've half a mind not to give it to you!"

I opened my eyes a crack, the light blinded me -- it felt like looking up at the sun midday. I cursed as I looked blearily around at Tonks, Remus, and Madam Pomfrey. I could see Tonks looking amused, Remus looking concerned, and Madam Pomfrey with a stern expression on her face -- she also held my savior, the Hang-Over Potion.

"Sorry Ma'am," I said apologetically, "could you please, please, pretty please, give me the potion?"

I looked towards her with puppy-dog eyes, pleading her with my crystal green eyes. I could only see her blurry form, I didn't have my glasses on, but I focused on the white smudge, which I guessed was her face. Madam Pomfrey relented moments later, and I was quickly gobbling down the Potion, chocking a few times when my throat didn't swallow the potion quick enough.

I sighed wearily and gratefully as I felt the Potion work its magic, my raging headache dulling and dulling before it finally went away. Now, why did I have a hangover in the first place? I didn't remember drinking any alcohol, did I?

Tonks voice cut in, "Two goblets, Harry? You drank two goblets full of Moody's Fire Whiskey?" Tonks whistled in amazement, "I can't even stomach half a goblet of that Whiskey before fainting with a plop!"

Remus chuckled, plainly his earlier concern was gone, "You were almost out of it when Moody brought you in. Poppy, here, had to hand feed you the Dreamless Sleep Drought! We couldn't believe it when Moody told us you drank nearly two goblets full." He really laughed now.

Madam Pomfrey scowled at me, "Men are so irresponsible! Drinking two goblets of that god-forsaken Whiskey! Stupidity doesn't describe half of it!" She proceeded to give me a lecture full of how I was too young to drink, my stupidity for doing so, the fact that I should have been more careful, and all the usual things. Her soft voice, soft to not wake up the other patients, droned on and on as my mind wandered.

Faintly I could remember the night before. Moody had argued for a time about the appointment of teaching me, until he gave in -- but not without conditions. The first would be that I promise not to tell a soul about it -- I fully intended to keep that one, it would be useless if anyone knew of my extra training. The other would be that I have a drinking contest with him -- the drink would be none other than his specialty, Moody's Fire Whiskey. His Fire Whiskey was nearly all alcohol; it fuzzed my brain with a single sip.

But I held on, my mind and will strong from my previous learning, and with confidence we started our contest. I had stomached nearly a whole goblet full of that stuff before my memory started to get patchy. Well, from what I picked up, the contest went on for nearly an hour, ending with my drinking of two whole goblets full of Moody's Fire Whiskey.

I faintly remembered entering the Hospital Wing some time later, being force-fed a Sleeping Potion, but that was all I remembered of the night.

"...and if I see you drinking that whiskey again, Mr. Potter, I will not give you a Hang-Over Potion!" ended Madam Pomfrey before she went away to check her patients. I shook my head slightly; I would never drink like that again! Well, maybe not...

Light! What was I thinking?

Groggily I reached around the bedside table for my glasses, squinting to find them until I felt my hand touch the pair. I need to get that fixed, I told myself, what if I happened to wake up somewhere without my glasses? I would be vulnerable then. Maybe they had an Optical Shop somewhere in Diagon Alley so I could fix them?

Remus and Tonks looked after Pomfrey, their faces matching in amused grins. I smirked, yes... they did go well together, if I said so myself....

"I need to get a bath," I informed them.

They swirled around to face me, Remus's amused grin slipped off his face, as he grew serious. He looked like he wanted to have stern words with me, so did Tonks.

But I quickly got up before they could say anything. I reached into my pockets to make sure my wand and trunk were there before I headed to the bathroom. I really didn't want to have to face that right now. Talking with Remus, it would probably be about Sirius and stuff.

No, I definitely couldn't face that now.

With an effort I slowed my pace halfway across the Wing, I smoothed my face of emotions, and steadily made my way. I was much stronger now, I sensed. I wasn't tottering as I had last morning -- my body was making process.

Looking around casually I noticed that all the others were in just the same condition; none of them had woken yet -- not even those who had come with me on the Portkey. What was the matter? Why didn't they wake up yet? I had been awake for nearly thirty hours!

I glanced at Dumbledore just before I entered the bathroom. My heart fell at the sight of him -- as I was sure everyone who looked at him did as well. I had -- like many others -- believed Albus Dumbledore -- Headmaster of Hogwarts, Defeater of Grindelwald, Leader of the Order, Order of Merlin First Class -- to be omnipotent. And yet, like last year, I only saw a tired old man fighting in a war that he did not belong to. I saw an old man whose time had nearly come to an end. I saw a man whose days were numbered.

My heart fell.

I lighted the candles in the bathroom with a flick of my wand, the incantations rolling of the tip of my tongue like second nature -- without thought. I peered into the mirror, looking at my reflection with a critical eye. The scars on my cheek were still covered under several Glamour Charms, and the Charms were still on my forearms as well. I sucked in my breath with relief.

I reapplied the spells, layering them and meshing them once more before I tied them and linked them in place. I enlarged my trunk to its original size, before taking out a few transfigured clothes.

I really, really needed to get a new wardrobe!

I stripped myself of my clothes; I looked back into the full-sized mirror. I had gained a little weight, just a slight difference then when I was at the Dursleys, mostly due to the fact that I did little more than sleep and eat for nearly four days. My arms were muscular, though not overly, just a suggestion of strength that I had accumulated during my Quidditch Practices and the summer training. My legs were also muscular -- that was mostly due to the running I had done during summer, I didn't really work out my legs during Quidditch Practice.

My eyes were a brilliant shade of green; the focusing techniques I had learned sharpened them, making my eyes look more like a hawk's, or an eagle's. Similar to Dumbledore's eyes; the way they seem to look into your very soul....

My torso was just as muscular as the rest of my body, my ribs a little visible. My unruly messy hair added a... cool... look to me, the hair now reached a little below the ears. I liked it -- though it would have been better if I could somehow get the raven hair under control. Better hoping for Voldemort to declare his eternal love for a muggle!

Voldemort, I snarled. The vision I had the night before replayed in my mind. I shuddered.

I was tall, nearly five-feet-eleven, but my skinny body gave an illusion that I was taller than I was in reality. I heaved a sigh; I needed to gain some weight before the end of summer. Yes, I nodded to myself, I would to just that.

I tore my eyes away from the mirror as I turned the three or four dozen faucets that were spaced on the wall of one side of the bathtub/pool. I tried a mixture of bubbly water with a scent of bubblegum with blueberry-scented water. I poured some plain hot water into the mix -- then sat back and watched it fill the tub.

Shaking my head I still couldn't believe that I had gotten drunk last night. What was I thinking? I scanned my memory, straining my mind to remember, but the alcohol had done its work, leaving a gap in that area of memory.

Great... I thought sarcastically... just great!

But my heart wasn't really in that; a part of my mind was still replaying that vision I had had of Voldemort. His words rang again and again in my head, "...in here, Potter, I can hurt anything..." I shuddered at those words. I squeezed my eyes shut, to keep the sounds away. I was terrified to the bone.

Light! How could I, an inexperienced sixteen year-old, face off with the most powerful Dark Lord of the last nine-hundred plus years?

Merlin! How dare I?

I was so terrified.

With shaking hands I started to scrub myself, my eyes still closed. Death is lighter than a feather; duty is heavier than a mountain. Oh Merlin, shelter me and hide me, so many duties! Too many!

I felt tears slide down my cheek; I stubbornly wiped them away whispering to myself, "I won't give in to fear. I won't. You hear, Voldemort? I won't! I will lay at your feet all your crimes, I will call you to account. Light, Merlin... aid me... I will!"

A faint hope rose within me, those words were like a spell, I kept repeating those words like an incantation as I felt myself respond to them. My will firmed, my mind hardened, my fear was quenched, my terror quelled. I will do whatever it takes!

My stomach grumbled, a loud noise that vibrated off the walls. I fought a blush that stained my cheeks as I rose out of the tub. Bloody hell! I was hungry!

I dried myself clean, I shaved and tried to get my hair in as much control as I could -- which was practically nothing. I put all the clothes I wore the day before back into the trunk before I rewove all the spells and placed the trunk in my pocket.

With a fleeting glance at the mirror to check my appearance, I nodded in approval before heading out towards Remus and Tonks, Moody was also there; he looked at me, an amused appearance.

My hardened self fell gloomily as I remembered the 'Talk' was going to have with Remus. I nearly sighed before I stopped myself, perhaps I could persuade them to have lunch first. My stomach growled once more -- though not so loudly as before.

I was still incredibly hungry.

Hunger could kill.

"Hey Moody! Look, you guys wanna go get some lunch? I'm starved!" I exclaimed, though I flushed when Madam Pomfrey glared at me through her window in the office. But I quickly rid of the flush as I raised my eyebrow at the three together in question.

Outwardly serene and calm, Moody growled, "I, for one, am for it. My old bones will whine and be naughty when they're not fed."

Remus looked at Tonks, she nodded ever so slightly, before Remus answered, "Sure, Harry, I'm a bit famished as well." He looked at me sternly, as if he knew I was trying to postpone our 'Talk'. "I really need to talk with you later, okay?"

I nodded curtly; I hated it when people knew what I was trying to do. Remus looked hurt at my curt nod, I cursed at myself. No need to hurt Remus! It's not his fault for figuring out your foolishness! I gave him an apologetic grin before I led the way to the kitchen.

Moody, once more, hung in the shadows of the hallways and corridors. Remus and Tonks were silent, following me. I myself glided forward, gracefully and humbly, an agility of a wolf, my black robes swirling impressively. I was like a wraith, dangerous and silent.

I sneered coldly, though nothing ever reached my eyes. Yes, anyone who saw me would fear me -- except Voldemort.

Always except Voldemort.

I nearly shuddered before I refrained myself. I couldn't show fear to anyone. Be careful what you do; be careful what you say at all times. Even walls have ears, went the saying. I could almost believe it, with all the secret passageways and halls that were hidden. Someone who knew Hogwarts well, like Wormtail, could easily hide in the secret rooms to listen in on conversations.

I growled deep within my throat at the thought of Wormtail.

I'll get you, my mind whispered eerily, I'll get you with all the rest of your little Death Eater scum.

With outstretched fingers I brushed across the pear in the fruit bowl portrait that guarded the kitchens. It moved aside as I stepped into the bustling kitchen. What did they do all the time? It was summer, all the students were gone....

"Harry Potter, sir!" cried a joyous House Elf, Dobby was wrapped in various socks -- none of which were matching pairs. "You've come to see Dobby?"

A crash came near my knees as the little and small House Elf hugged my leg with glee. I smiled genuinely at him -- I knew that he was a true friend -- as I tapped his shoulders. "I"m sorry Dobby, but I was wondering if you would mind making me some lunch. And the others of course," I added after a second's thought. I didn't think I would have to clarify that the others would dine as well, but it never hurt to ensure that the others would get a bite to eat.

"Mind? Harry Potter?" cried the Elf shrilly, "Of course I is not! I is a House Elf, Harry Potter sir! This way, come here. Follow Dobby!"

The crowds of House Elves parted like melting butter before a flame, as the group made their way to the table they had used the day before. I went over to my seat as I tucked in my food. I watched as the rest followed my lead.

It felt good to lead.

Yes, very good!

The silence went on -- stillness, a tension filled the air. I chewed carefully, studying the emotions that chased one another across the faces of my companions. Moody was by far the best at his mask of serenity. Tonks and Remus were giving each other love struck eyes whenever they thought the other wasn't looking.

It made me smile.

A sudden thought struck me, a thought important enough for me to slice through the hanging tension, "When do I get my OWL results?"

A pause, as my question began to sink in. Tonks just shrugged with indifference, Remus had a thoughtful look on his face, and Moody's face didn't change at all.

Moody was the one who answered, "Minerva was to send it to all of you, but since you were all at Hogwarts -- and unconscious, besides -- she decided to give it to you in person. She'll be here later today, I think."

I nodded in understanding.

So, Professor McGonagall was going to come up to Hogwarts, was she?

"Where would I be staying for the rest of the summer? I very well can't stay in the Hospital Wing. I'm practically all healed right now."

Remus replied, "Professor McGonagall will sort it out later...."

I didn't even flinch as the portrait crashed open. I just shot up, reaching for my wand, at the same time. My mind was teeming with spells I would use as I stood ready, already meshing spells together two or three times each, creating a weapon almost as strong as the one I fired at Percy -- not that I wanted to snap anyone else's mind, of course not! But it was instinct and in the unknown, instinct could help you best. In the corner of my eyes I saw Remus and Tonks doing the same, Remus reacted almost as fast as I had -- Tonks however was quite clumsy and slow -- I guessed when she was not prepared for battle she was not that good. A deadly handicap, really. Moody just sat and relaxed further. Was he mad? It could be an attack!

All of this happened within a split second, my wand was still rising up to point at the intruder when flashes of red hair illuminated my eyes. I sighed as I put my wand back into my pocket, after dissolving the layered spells that were forming.

"Harry!" cried Hermione as she threw me a hug.

Ron wasn"t far behind as he slapped my back, "Hey mate!"

I saw Ginny looking at the three of us with an amused expression. The twins were making their way to the table. Realizing that the party that had just awoken hadn't had any food, I quickly ushered them to the table where the House Elves were already setting up plates and chairs for the newcomers.

I watched as they hungrily dug into the enormous mountain of food the House Elves had put out. Hermione didn't even flicker with annoyance when the four struggling House Elves brought large platters of food. I smiled, as I looked at my friends -- friends who would be there for me.

Did they know what happened to the headquarters? I wondered silently. Did they know about Percy? How would they react? I was very nervous suddenly as those questions ran through my mind. Would they abandon me? Would they turn from me and leave me alone?

I felt panic seize me -- I quickly struggled with it, and pushed it away. It wouldn't do to be seen panicking right now. I ate slowly -- compared to the others -- but I ate enough. I looked at my plate in surprise -- I had eaten quite a lot.

Well, I sighed, at least I would gain some weight. I need to gain some weight.

It was some time later, an hour or so, when the group had slowed down and started on dessert. There wasn't any talking going on during the main meal, but I knew that they were going to ask what happened -- that was, if they didn't know already.

And as if an answer to my thoughts, Hermione asked, "What happened?"

That froze everyone. I looked towards Remus, Tonks, and Moody. Remus and Tonks were looking at Moody, who in turn was looking at me! I frowned, but quickly smoothed it away. I started, "Remember that white... place we were at?" The group nodded, I continued, "We were stuck there because of a power struggle between Voldemort," they flinched -- except Hermione and the Order members, "and Dumbledore."

Ron gulped before asking, "We saw Dumbledore in the Hospital Wing. We tried to ask Madam Pomfrey what happened, but she just sent us down here." The rest nodded in confirmation.

"What sort of power struggle?"

That was Ginny -- ever watchful. I glanced quickly at Moody whose eyes silently told me, 'Don't tell everything.' I gave no sign that I had understood, but I knew that Moody knew that I had in any case. "Voldemort attacked Grimmauld Place. Dumbledore had to stop our Portkey, and that was what we experienced. Voldemort tried to stop Dumbledore and the power struggle hurt just a little bit. That's all. I'm sure Dumbledore will be awake in a few days or so."

I silently prayed they wouldn't catch anything out of ordinary. I nearly sighed in relief when they nodded. Good.

Their faces fell as the information sunk in more and more. I knew what they felt. They had probably moved most of their possessions to the headquarters. With it destroyed, they would have nothing but the clothes they wore on that night. I sighed, life was never fair. I needed a way to get their minds off the attack, I needed to get them away from the problems -- at least for now.

Ignoring a thorn in your foot won't make it hurt any less later, went the saying.

I pushed the thought away roughly.

"Hey! I've got an idea. Since we're all done eating, and have nothing to do, why don't we go play some Quidditch?"

I asked the question, partly because there was nothing to do, but also because I wanted to postpone my 'talk' with Remus. I saw the rest nod enthusiastically -- I smiled triumphantly.

Hermione shook her head, "I don't think I'll play, I need to visit the library."

"Oh, come on Hermione, don't be a party pooper!" cried Ron.

Hermione sadly shook her head, "I can't fly very well."

Fred exclaimed, "Come on! I'm sure you can a bit! You need to get a away from those books of yours!"

"Hermione, if you don't play Quidditch with us, I'll tell everyone about what I caught you and Ron doing in the--" Ginny was saying before Hermione quickly cut in.

"Okay! Okay," she said hastily, "I'll play! I will!"

I looked suspiciously between Ginny, Ron, and Hermione before I caught myself and quickly smoothed my features. But even so my mind was rolling. What did Ginny catch Hermione and Ron doing? What did they do that made Hermione and Ron blush so furiously? I smirked. They had probably been caught kissing or something worse. I nearly laughed at the defeated look on Hermione's face. I whispered to her, "It's okay, 'Mione. At least it takes you away from Madam Pomfrey's mothering!" Hermione cheered up instantaneously.

"Remus, Tonks, Moody? You'll play too, right?" Ginny, ever so kindly asked in question.

"Wouldn't miss it for the world, kid!" exclaimed Tonks. Remus just nodded.

"You children go play along, I've got work to do," replied Moody.

Ginny and the twins, however, wouldn't hear any of it. They begged and pleaded until Moody agreed to go.

What happened to our brooms? I remember holding it in one hand while being transferred by the Portkey, but I didn't see it in my trunk or beside my bed! Where were they? I voiced my question to the adults.

"It's in my office," replied Moody easily.

So, filled with anticipation, we walked out of the kitchen, marching to Moody's office. We were arguing over the teams and the positions as Moody unlocked his office. There on his desk were our brooms -- Moody's, however, was broken.

But with his skill in magic Moody was able to seal the two pieces of wood back together with a single wave of his wand. I was filled with wonder at his skill -- I would surely learn a lot from him when he trained me.

I was filled with excitement -- I wanted to start right now, but I knew I couldn't.

The teams were made up with Moody as Keeper, Remus and Tonks as the Chasers, and Fred as their Beater. The other team consisted of Ron as Keeper, Hermione, Ginny and myself as Chasers, and George as Beater. We started playing.

Although the teams were uneven, Hermione -- who didn't have much experience flying at all -- and Ginny -- who didn't have much experience playing the Chaser position, and so wasn't that good at handling the Quaffle -- weren't as skilled as Remus and Tonks. Those two, I grinned, seemed to be able to read each other, as the twins were able to. Speaking of the twins, although on opposite teams, the twins knew each other too well, making it hard for the other to actually successfully hit a bludger at the opposite team.

Moody wasn't very good at flying, but his skill in reading movements and the ability to anticipate the opponent's next move more than made up for his unskillful broom work. Ron was doing quite well -- he usually played Keeper when we played at his home. So the game was... pretty much a challenge -- both teams had their ups and downs.

The score was nearly 60-90 with Moody's team leading after nearly an hour of playing Quidditch. I was incredibly sweaty by that time, my clothes were soaked. Hermione and Ginny both weren't good (Ginny not too bad actually, just needed to work on her handling ability) -- but not terrible either -- and didn't have much teamwork. So it was tough trying to get the plays to work.

Ron was excellent in strategy and guile, his quick thinking and strategizing made our team capable of challenging the other team. It was all in all, quite a tough and rough game between the two teams. Our scores crept up awfully slow, like a snail inching up the wall.

There was much tension and excitement while playing, but we still laughed and congratulated the other team when they scored. It was a merry time -- a time to forget our troubles in life and enjoy a fun game of Quidditch. It was a good time, an excellent time. I could remember when the twins suddenly decided that being on opposite teams sucked and decided to be on their own team. Their skill and teamwork made the game all the more challenging. It was beautiful, I smiled in success, the game of Quidditch had managed to calm our minds and allow us to have have fun.

Fun.

I frowned -- it had been a while since I had... fun. I had worked all summer -- well, the first half of summer that is -- and I didn't have the time to enjoy the time of vacation. I had never had a proper vacation. During the summers I always had to do chores for the Dursleys. The only time I ever went on a trip was in my eleventh year when I visited the zoo.

I grimaced -- it wasn't a pleasant visit.

I had accidentally set loose a boa constrictor on Dudley by using accidental magic. I smiled -- it was fun watching the snake chase the fat Dudley. But the punishments I earned afterwards were unpleasant. I shuddered, it was far from pleasant!

Whoosh!

I had stayed still for too long, the bludger -- sent by one of the twins -- grazed my scarred cheek before I was able to swerve away and bring my concentration back to the game. The score was now 80-100; the other team was still leading. I smiled grimly as I positioned myself in the right place. It was Ron who had come up with this play -- many teams in the Quidditch League supposedly used it. I dived as the Ginny 'accidentally' dropped the Quaffle. With my Seeker-honed skill it was easy work catching it. I was level to one of the goals; with all my strength I took careful aim and drew my arms back.

"POTTER! GRANGER! WEASLEYS!"

Everything froze; I turned to look at the stands to see an irritated nurse and an infuriated Deputy Headmistress.

"Get down here this instant!" the stern voice of Professor McGonagall struck my ears. I sighed as I made my way down towards them with the rest of the group that played Quidditch.

I was in trouble.

Again.

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To be continued...

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