The Sides of Fear

The Sides of Fear

Chapter 2
Tails and Donkey Ears

The landscape looked beautiful as the sun was throwing shadows around every tree giving shade to animals seeking refuge from the heat. Harry blinked as Ron's voice broke through his serene trance.

"Harry, I said what do you think about this Krum business?" asked Ron.

Harry couldn't help but smile as Ron was eager to hear Harry condemn Hermione's decision to go visit Viktor Krum in Bulgaria. During the Tri-Wizard tournament they had become very good friends and there had been some tension between Ron and Hermione after Krum had invited Hermione to visit him in Bulgaria. Ron had showed how much he disapproved of the whole idea and the Yule Ball hadn't really helped the issue. Harry had not thought about it before last year, but it was clear Ron and Hermione liked each other more than friends. Harry thought he would torture his friend for a bit.

"Well, I think it's great to see Hermione broaden her views by going to Bulgaria. After all, Dumbledore said that we had to form relationships across all borders," Harry said with a straight face.

"I can't believe you Harry!" Ron cried. "If you think having Hermione go off to see that...that Krum fella is good for relations then why wo..."

Ron was interrupted by Harry and Ginny rolling around in their seats laughing. Ron's face and ears turned a bright red as he frowned.

"What are you two laughing about?" Ron asked with a slightly irritated voice.

"You and Hermione," Harry said between laughs, "it's so obvious Ron."

"What are you talking about?" Ron said.

The irritation was gone and Ron was starting to look worried that his "secret" might be out.

"Oh never mind," Harry said wiping the tears from his face.

He hadn't laughed this hard during the whole summer with the Dursleys. As Ron turned his attention to Ginny there was no doubt she knew all too well how her brother and Hermione felt. Harry shot a glance at Ginny who was having a hard time stifling her laughter Harry couldn't help but start laughing again. Stunned by the simultaneous laughter from his best friend and his sister Ron was beginning to lose his temper.

"What are you laughing about? I want to know what's so funny!"

Ron's face was now beet red and his hair looked like it was on fire. Thankfully for the travelers they were just pulling in to Ottery St. Catchpole as Ron decided to leave the two alone in their amusement.

***

As they got off the bus Mr. Weasley was waiting for them in his new Muggle car. Harry remembered the fate of the previously enchanted car that he and Ron had used to fly to Hogwarts at the beginning of their second year. That was the time he had learned about Howlers.

"Ah, Harry. It's wonderful to see you again" said Mr. Weasley smiling.

Arthur Weasley looked tired as he had been working late nights at the Ministry of Magic. The escalation of Voldemort's activities had led to long days and nights especially because Minister Fudge refused to believe Voldemort had returned. Harry knew that he, and Mrs. Weasley, would try to keep up a good mood with Harry at the Burrow. They had almost become his mother and father now Harry thought as he stepped off the bus dragging his trunk.

"It's great to see you too Mr. Weasley" Harry said flashing a smile.

"I am so excited about your trip. Now Ron, Ginny, you have to tell me all about this bus and how it works." Mr. Weasley said in an excited voice.

While Ginny explained to her father how the bus worked and all about the fare, Harry was busy trying to calm down Hedwig. She hadn't been able to fly freely at the Dursleys' and it seemed like she could sense her opportunity to fly. After a few minutes Harry was able to subdue Hedwig. Before he knew it he could see the Burrow coming up. Just as they pulled up there was a loud explosion from the house followed by the all too familiar voice of Mrs. Weasley.

"FRED, GEORGE! I thought I told you there will be no more of your inventions in this house!"

A few seconds later the door was flung open as the twins were fleeing for their lives. They ran past the car, with a quick "hello" to Harry, heading for sanctuary down by the lake. Harry couldn't help but wonder whether or not the money he had given them had been a good investment for the rest of the Weasley family. Molly Weasley came stomping out through the door with an angry look on her face. Scanning the area she could see the backs of the twins as she turned to the car.

"Harry!" she cried out.

"Hi Mrs. Weasley" Harry said bracing himself for the hug.

"It's so good to see you again. Sometimes I wish we could trade you for two of ours" Mrs. Weasley said with a slight frown on her face.

"We couldn't do that to anyone. That would be cruel," said Ginny with a wicked smile playing on her face.

Harry was surprised by the sudden burst of confidence and turned to look at Ginny with his mouth wide open. Ginny felt him staring at him and turned to look at him.

"I wouldn't mind trading though," she said slightly blushing.

"Now, now" said Mr. Weasley. "I'm sure they know what they will have to do when they get back."

"Let's get all of you inside. I'm sure you're all hungry after such a long trip," Mrs. Weasley said in a lighter voice.

With Harry and Ron carrying the trunk up to the Burrow Mrs. Weasley was making comments on how the Dursleys must not have fed Harry enough during the summer with the carrots and all.

"Finally home," thought Harry as he made his way up to Ron's bedroom.

***

"My lord. You wanted to see me?"

"Yes Lucius. It is time you began to fulfill your promise to me," Voldemort said facing away.

"Yes my lord. I am ready to do my part. Th-there will be no mistakes this time my lord," stuttered Lucius.

"There had better not be. For your own sake, and your family," hissed Voldemort.

"I assure you my lord. I am ready and so is my son. He will do what I tell him to do," said Lucius.

"Lucius. Don't disappoint me again. I have already forgiven you for your lack of conviction during my absence. I will not be so forgiving again," Voldemort said in a whisper.

"Thank you my lord. I will not fail you this time," Lucius said as he made his way out of the room.

Voldemort stood looking up into the sky. Mars was glowing bright red and it was time for Harry Potter to face his worst fear. Voldemort held up the chalice, slowly turning it around, gazing at its beauty. Finally he would have his revenge. The Potter boy would die and with it he would once again rise and become the ruler of the wizarding world.

"It is time for you to face your real fears boy," Voldemort whispered to himself with a smile. "This time you won't escape."

***

Ever since Harry had arrived at the Burrow the scar had begun to wake him up during the night. He knew that everyone in the house knew what was going on, but no one wanted to pressure Harry into talking about it. It was time for breakfast and Harry got dressed, and walked down to the kitchen where the rest of the Weasley family was sitting around the breakfast table. That was all but Fred and George who were standing over by the counter doing dishes. Harry could only smile as he thought about what had happened when the twins had finally decided to come back to the Burrow following their little "accident." If they thought their mother would have calmed down by then they were sorely mistaken. Harry had figured they would try to sneak in later at night, but he also knew that Mrs. Weasley was patiently staying up guarding the staircase. Everyone in the house had woken up as Mrs. Weasley's thundering voice broke the silence of the night. Harry couldn't imagine a Howler being worse than the earful the twins had received upon their return. After what seemed like an hour of yelling he had heard the twins walk up the stairs slowly, and going into their room to avoid any further damage to their hearing.

Everybody looked up at Harry as he came down smiling. Harry's smile seemed to have a positive effect on the morning as even Fred and George were allowed to sit down and eat. As soon as breakfast was done Harry and Ron went outside to play some Quidditch. Harry knew that Ron wanted desperately to be the new Keeper for Gryffindor. As they took out their brooms and Quaffle, Ginny came walking out the door with her broom in hand.

"Do you mind if I play with you?" she asked timidly.

"Not at all Gin," said Harry before Ron could start protesting.

"Thanks Harry," Ginny said smiling.

They decided to let Ron start out as Keeper with Harry and Ginny playing as Chasers. Harry was amazed by how good Ron was, and he knew that there would be no problem picking their new Keeper for the team. As Harry and Ginny tried their best to score it was obvious that Ron had practiced a lot during the summer. In fact, Oliver Wood might have had a rival for the job if he hadn't graduated. Ginny on the other hand did not look very comfortable playing as Chaser, but there was something about the way she moved in the air. Harry hadn't seen her fly that much, but he was sure she had been practicing during the summer as well. If anything she would make a great Keeper thought Harry to himself.

"Watch out!" cried Ginny.

Harry turned around just in time to see a Bludger come flying straight at him and then everything went black.

***

As Harry came to his senses he could hear Ron's voice.

"You stupid gits. You could've killed him."

"Sorry Ron. We thought we'd see if his reflexes were any good," said Fred looking worried.

"Harry, can you hear me?" asked Ginny.

"I'm alright. Nothing more than a Bludger in the head," groaned Harry.

"Well, if it wasn't for my idiot brothers," Ginny glared at the twins, "you wouldn't even be laying here."

"Sorry Harry. We didn't mean to hit you. We're really sorry," George said looking pale.

"We're already in trouble," said Fred. "Just wait until mum finds out about this. We'll be doomed to get dress robes with lace and de-gnoming the garden for the rest of our lives."

"Don't worry. I won't tell your mom about this," said Harry convincingly.

"Thanks Harry. We owe you...again." said both of the twins slightly smiling.

"I guess we should get back so you can lie down for a while and rest, huh?" Ron said.

"I'm alright Ron. Let's just go down to the lake for a bit and relax."

"Are you sure?" Ron said frowning.

"Yes I'm sure. Let's go. I've been wanting to take a swim ever since I got here."

"Well, I suppose I can't let my friend down," said Ron looking happy again.

"Who else wants to come with us to the lake?" asked Harry turning to Ginny and the twins.

"I wouldn't mind going for a swim," said Ginny lowering her head, and twisting her right foot.

"Sorry Harry, can't go. Mum wants us to clean the living room...without magic," said Fred in despair.

They all headed back to the house so they could change clothes. Harry and Ron made it downstairs and were watching the twins on their knees scrubbing the floor. Ron was just about to go get a camera as Ginny came downstairs. Harry's and Ron's jaws almost dropped when they saw what she was wearing. She had a little two-piece bikini on that showed more than it hid. Harry had enough time to stop staring at Ginny before Ron yelled.

"What do you think you're wearing?" said Ron looking cross.

"For your information it's a two-piece bikini," said Ginny with her wicked smile.

"Go back upstairs and put something else on right now!" yelled Ron.

"I will not!"

"Yes you will!"

"Will not!"

"Will too!"

"Will not!"

"Will...Harry, tell her she looks...well...help me out Harry," cried Ron.

Harry didn't know what to say. He couldn't very well say what he really thought as Ron would be ripping his head off. He thought she looked very nice. Almost too nice.

"Well, it seems like Harry doesn't mind so let's just go," said Ginny walking right past her furious brother.

"WAIT! Thanks a lot Harry," grumbled Ron as they made their way out to catch up with Ginny.

***

Ginny couldn't take her eyes of Harry as he was drying off after being in the water for a long time. The sun was slowly setting and the light made Harry's eyes stand out even more. Ginny had been lost in those emerald eyes ever since she had seen the first picture of him. She knew that he had been busy working at the Dursleys', but she was amazed at how much he had grown. He wasn't the thin and lanky Harry Potter anymore. Whatever he had done during the summer had left him looking very good indeed, thought Ginny. She blushed as Harry threw his towel around his neck and was able to turn away to look at a flower between her feet.

"Are you looking at something interesting?" Harry asked.

"Yes-no...I mean yes I was," Ginny said feeling her face going red.

"So what was it?"

"It was just something only I can see," said Ginny still keeping her eyes fixed on the flower.

"I see," said Harry with a smile playing on his face.

Ginny was rescued from further questions as Ron came running up from the lake.

"We should get back to the Burrow. Mum is probably starting to get worried and it's time to eat anyway," said Ron with his stomach grumbling.

Both Harry and Ginny laughed as Harry was reminded of how much time Ron spent thinking about when it was time for the next meal. They gathered up their wet towels and started to walk back to the Burrow. Ron was walking briskly leaving Harry and Ginny walking together. After a while they couldn't even see Ron and they were now together alone as the sun was going down. Ginny hadn't said a word so Harry decided to strike up a conversation.

"So what did you see?" Harry asked.

"Huh, what?" Ginny said surprised.

"What did you see down by the lake that no one else can see?" Harry asked again.

"It was nothing really," Ginny lied.

"You can tell me Ginny. I won't think you're crazy. I've seen and heard almost all there is to hear," Harry said flashing a smile as he looked down at Ginny.

Ginny thought she would fall down right there as Harry's smile always made her feel like someone had put the Jelly-Leg Curse on her.

"S-seriously Harry. It was nothing," stammered Ginny.

Harry didn't ask any more questions and they continued walking in silence. This time it was Harry's time to look at Ginny. He was amazed at how little he really knew about her. She had always been around, but he had always thought about her as Ron's little sister, never as Ginny. He had wondered how such a frail little girl had been able to handle the horrible memories of the Chamber of Secrets. He knew that she had been having nightmares because Ron had mentioned it to him when they had been de-gnoming the garden with the twins. He wanted to ask her about it, but he felt it wasn't the right time. I'll do it later, thought Harry. She wasn't a little girl anymore though. Her hair was Weasley red, but she had a shimmer of what looked like gold in her hair. She had really taken him by surprise with her bikini he thought to himself smiling. She had really looked good. "What am I thinking?" thought Harry. "She's Ron's little sister." But she did look very, very nice said a voice in the back of his mind.

"What are you smiling for?" Ginny asked looking at Harry with curiousity.

"Oh...nothing," said Harry feeling his cheeks burn.

Harry turned away quickly as he set his eyes on the Burrow and voices coming from the kitchen. Ginny was sure she had just seen Harry blush. Maybe things would be different this year. Maybe he would finally notice me, she thought to herself as they walked into the kitchen.

***

After dinner Harry and Ron played a game of Wizard Chess leading to a demolishing victory where Ron's rook finished the game by ripping off the head of Harry's king.

"Your pieces are really mean," said Ginny disgusted.

"No they're not. They just play to win," Ron said leaning back.

"Want to play again Harry?"

"No thanks Ron. I think my pieces have had enough of a thrashing for one night," Harry sighed. "Besides, it's time to go to bed."

They made their way upstairs with Ginny stopping at the third floor.

"G'night Harry, Ron," said Ginny as she opened up her door.

"G'night Gin," said Harry smiling at her.

"Night Ginny. Get up early tomorrow or you won't be able to come with us to Ottery St. Catchpole."

"I'll be up early. Don't worry," said Ginny yawning.

The boys hurried up to their room and went to bed. Right before Harry was about to turn off the light Ron sat up.

"Harry. What do you really think about Hermione? I mean, how do you feel about her?"

Caught by surprise, Harry sat up looking at Ron.

"What do you mean?" Harry asked.

"Well, I mean...what do you...well...how do you feel about her? I mean, do you like her?" Ron said beginning to change into his usual Hermione-pink color.

"Ooh. I see. Well, I like her as a very good friend," said Harry with a smile forming on his lips.

"That's great Harry!" said Ron a bit too excited as he caught himself. "I mean, that's good I guess," Ron said trying to sound laid back.

"I suppose it is," said Harry, "since you like her a lot more."

"Yes I supp...what?"

Harry could see Ron's face glowing in the dark and it was all he could do not to burst out laughing at his friend's situation.

"Goodnight Ron," Harry said stifling a laugh.

"Yeah, goodnight Harry," said Ron trying to hide the worry in his voice.

Ginny was laying awake in her room thinking about the boy she had admired for years. He had started to call her Gin and she really liked the way it sounded. Maybe things were going to be different she thought. Things would change this year. She was sure of it. "Gin" she whispered to herself as she looked out her window. Mars was bright tonight, she thought to herself.

***

Severus Snape was walking towards Dumbledore's office when he ran into Minerva McGonagall causing her to fall flat on her back.

"Watch where you're going Minerva," sneered Snape.

"What? I have never..." flustered McGonagall

"Precisely," said Snape walking past her.

"Severus! I demand an apology!" cried McGonogall as she was getting up from the floor, but he was already gone.

Snape walked into Dumbledore's office and saw the Headmaster sitting at his desk studying what seemed to be a Muggle newspaper. Dumbledore looked up with a tired look.

"Ah, Severus. How are you? Anything new to report?" Dumbledore asked.

"Voldemort has been able to locate and acquire the Chalice," said Snape quickly.

"Yes, I know Severus. I read all about the theft in the London Times. It's quite incredible how little Muggle's know about magic, yet they report vigorously when there has been a, shall we say, curious event," Dumbledore said with a sligh smile forming on his lips.

"Then you know what he intends to do with it," added Snape.

"Yes, Severus. I knew this day would come, but I was hoping it would be later. Very well, it is time for us to prepare our students for the inevitable," sighed Dumbledore.

"I suppose that's why you hired the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher," said Snape irritated.

"Now, now Severus. You know as well as I do that I need you to teach Potions. You are one of the best, if not the best, student of Potions to ever attend Hogwarts,"

Snape couldn't help but smile at the compliment. He had always wanted the Defense Against the Dark Arts position, but he did love Potions.

"Next time you are looking for a new teacher Albus, talk to me first...and that should be next year if we keep up our traditions," sneered Snape as he turned to leave.

"There is one more thing before you go," said Dumbledore. "I need you to help out our new member with certain Potions to keep her...healthy," added Dumbledore.

Snape only nodded as he whirled out of the office muttering to himself.

"If anyone finds out about this I'll be receiving complaints from every parent and Ministry member," thought Dumbledore. "I hope he is ready for this year, or else there is not much hope for us."

Fawkes flew over to Dumbledore and was looking around anxiously. "Even you can sense something evil is upon us," said Dumbledore stroking Fawkes gently. "I just hope he is ready," whispered Dumbledore again.

***

Hermione had just got back from Bulgaria and it was time for her to go visit her friends at the Burrow. She had been owling Harry and Ginny all summer, but Ron had been a different matter. As soon as she had made it clear she was going to Bulgaria to visit Viktor, Ron had stopped owling her. She had only received an answer to her owl reading:

Hermione,

I'll see you at King's Cross.

Ron

She had been really hurt by Ron's letter. Usually they would all meet at the Burrow to celebrate Harry's birthday, but this summer Ron hadn't even invited her. It had been Ginny who had written to her asking her to come. She had of course had a wonderful time in Bulgaria with her parents and Viktor. They had gone to see most of the sights and she had brought home several books on the history of Durmstrang and Bulgaria. The new food and people had been a great experience. Viktor had wanted to spend all of his time with Hermione, and since she needed a translator it was a simple choice. They had gone out to watch the sunsets and the stars on several occasions, and that had been when they had a more serious talk.

"Herm-own-ninny, I really like you,"

"I like you too Viktor," Hermione said still looking at the stars.

"I've been thinking about going to Hogvarts," Viktor stammered.

Hermione turned to look at him.

"Really? But why? I mean, you really like it here."

"Vell, I was thinking it vould be a good...experience," Viktor said looking down.

Hermione could tell there was something he wasn't telling her.

"And, vell, I was hoping to spend some more time vith you,"

"Oh...ooh," Hermione was blushing.

"It vas just a thought," tried Viktor again.

"I think it would be great idea for you to come to Hogwarts. Think of all the friends you would make," said Hermione now trying hard not to look at Viktor.

"Yes...friends," said Viktor with a low voice.

Hermione hadn't known what else to say. It was obvious that Viktor had wanted to be more than friends, but she wasn't ready for it. Or maybe she wasn't ready for him. In any case it had been a wonderful vacation and now she was ready to see her friends again. She had been really worried about Ginny. She knew that Harry would be safe with the Dursleys, but Ginny had begun to have nightmares about the Chamber of Secrets and Tom Riddle. She hadn't talked to much about it in her letters, but Hermione knew that Ginny was not feeling good. "Only a certain scruffy-looking boy could make her feel a lot better," thought Hermione smiling. She heard a noise from downstairs, followed by her mother's scream. Mr. Weasley had decided to use Floo powder. She made her way downstairs to say hello and to her amusement she could hear her parents and Mr. Weasley in a conversation about eckeltricity and how light switches were fascinating. Mr. Weasley's hobby was to find out more about every single Muggle thing.

"Hermione, are you ready yet?" called her mom clearly wanting to be saved.

"I'm right here mom," she said.

"Well, Hermione. You've grown quite a bit. I'm sure the boys will be glad to see you again," said Mr. Weasley still flicking the light switch. "Incredible," he said to himself.

Hermione giggled as she said goodbye to her parents and stepped into the green flames.

"The Burrow," Hermione said, and before she knew it she was spinning around wildly only to come crashing into the Weasley's kitchen.

***

"I'm sure I never invited her," snorted Ron.

Ron had just heard that Hermione was coming to visit and his father had gone off to get her.

"Well I did!" Ginny replied.

"Well, then YOU can keep her company," added Ron.

"I will you stup..."

"Virginia Anne Weasley! Watch your language," Mrs. Weasley said with her booming voice.

"But mum, he's being a complete prat!" cried Ginny.

"That's your last warning!" Mrs. Weasley said.

Ron made a face and stuck out his tongue at his sister when he thought his mom wasn't looking.

"That goes for you too young man," she said with her back still facing Ron as she walked out the front door to feed the chickens.

"I don't know how she does it," said Ron. "It's like she has eyes in the back of her head."

Harry chuckled as he got up to go get his broom. "It's a nice day for some flying," he thought.

No sooner had he grabbed his broom when flames arose from the kitchen fireplace, and with a loud bang Hermione came flying out landing hard on the floor.

Ginny rushed over to help her up with Hermione mumbling her thoughts on Floo Powder. It was something they both agreed on thought Harry. As soon as Hermione had got her bearings she turned and hugged Ginny.

"Ginny, I'm so glad to see you again. Are you feeling alright?" she added.

"I'm feeling great Mione. A lot better in fact," Ginny said with a slight blush.

Hermione knew better than to go on. That would have to wait until they were alone in Ginny's room.

"Harry, you look great. Did you go to a gym during the summer?"

"Not really. The Dursleys had me work so hard that I guess I must've developed some muscles," grinned Harry.

"Where's Ron?" she asked.

Both Harry and Ginny turned around only to see Ron walking out to help Mrs. Weasley with the chickens. They looked back at Hermione who had a hurt look on her face.

"Don't worry Mione," said Ginny taking her hand. "He'll come around. He's just being a stupid prat"

"I HEARD THAT!" came Mrs. Weasley's voice from the garden.

Ginny let out a squeek, grabbed Hermione, and ran up to her room, slamming the door shut. Mrs. Weasley walked into the kitchen, looked around, then turned to the stairs.

"She really does have special abilities," thought Harry as he heard Mrs. Weasley stomping up the stairs to have a talk with Ginny. He decided to go out and help Ron with the chickens.

***

Harry could feel the light coming through the window as he turned around to get his glasses.

"SURPRISE!"

Harry lost the grip on his glasses as he turned around only to see Ron, Fred, George, Hermione, Ginny standing right next to his bed. They were wearing Muggle party hats and Fred and George were blowing streamers into Ron's ears. He sat up rubbing his eyes. Ginny had come up to give him his glasses.

"Thanks Gin," he said.

"Hurry up sleepy head," Ron chuckled. "Mum's got a birthday cake for you downstairs and I'm hungry."

Everyone filed out of the room as Harry got up to get dressed. When he came downstairs the kitchen had banners hanging from the ceiling saying "Happy Birthday Oh, Heir of Slytherin!" This was no doubt the works of the twins. Mrs. Weasley gave both of them a stern look as they quickly dodged out of her reach. Everyone sat down around the table to have a piece of the chocolate cake Mrs. Weasley had made. Unfortunately for everyone the twins had been up to their usual mischief. As soon as everyone had eaten their marzipan flower there was a loud "poof" and everyone had sprouted a tail and donkey ears. Mrs. Weasley was not amused as she grabbed a hold of Fred and George and forcefed them some of their own marzipan flowers. When it was time for Harry to open up his gifts two owls came flying through the window landing on the table. Harry knew that one was probably from Hagrid because it was a school owl. He had never seen the other owl, but he suspected it was from Sirius.

His first gift was from Hermione who had bought him a book on Bulgarian Quidditch players and their moves. He saw Ron's disapproving frown at the sight of the cover featuring Viktor Krum. Next up was Fred and George. They gently put their present on the table and stepped back a few steps. Harry knew better than to trust anything that the twins gave him so he opened it up slowly and turned his head away just before some gray smoke came out of the box. When the smoke had cleared so had the twins. Harry looked around to see the rest of them with bright red chicken feathers. Inside the box was a wooden box that said "Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes Wooden Wonderbox." It had every single item the twins had invented with suitable descriptions to the effects of everything.

"I wish those two would spend more time studying instead of trying to blow up the house," grumbled Mrs. Weasley.

Ron stepped forward with a small package that was from the Weasley family. Harry opened it up and found a photo album with pictures of him with the rest of the Weasleys. It was hard for him to hold back the tears as he looked through the album seeing all nine of the Weasleys in one picture waving madly. Even Bill and Charlie were in the picture.

"Thank you so much," Harry said hugging everyone. "You don't know how much this means to me."

Harry opened up Hagrid's package and in it was a book called Ferocious Animals Who Are Nice: Unless They Bite Your Head Off. There was also a note wishing Harry a Happy Birthday. The last package only had a short note on it saying "Happy Birthday Harry. Wish I was there. This will help you in your classes." Hermione and Harry exchanged glances only confirming that it was from Sirius. Inside was a black book with the title The Dark Arts: A History. There was an awkward silence in the kitchen as Harry quickly took the book under his arm and turned to Ron.

"Will you help me get all this up to my room?" Harry asked prodding Ron in the side.

"Sure...yes of course. We'll be right back down," Ron said as the boys scurried up the stairs.

"Mum's not too happy about that book you know," said Ron sitting down on his bed.

"I wonder why Sirius sent me that book," said Harry looking puzzled.

"He just wants you to be prepared that's all," Ron answered. "Let's go out and play some Quidditch."

They grabbed their brooms and went outside to find the twins.

***

Hermione and Ginny had spent the rest of the afternoon by the lake and sitting in Ginny's room talking. After a few games of Quidditch with the twins, Harry and Ron made their way up to Ron's room. When they walked into the room Harry saw a small emerald green package on his bed.

"What's that?" asked Ron.

"I don't know," said Harry picking up the package.

"Who's it from?"

"It doesn't say," Harry answered as he was opening up the package.

Inside was a little velvet blue box with a small note attached to it.

Happy Birthday Harry,

I found this at an old antique store in town. The salesman said it would bring you good luck. I hope you like it.

Love,
Ginny

He opened up the box and inside was a necklace with a pendant that looked like the snake that had been guarding the entrance to the Chamber of Secrets. It had bright red eyes made out of rubies and a body that was curled up looking like it was guarding something.

"That must've cost a fortune," gasped Ron.

"I can't accept this," said Harry quietly. "I'll go talk to Ginny about it."

"I wouldn't do that if I were you," said Ron grabbing hold of Harry's left arm.

"Well, it's too much. I would feel bad knowing that Ginny spent a fortune on my birtday gift."

"Harry, if you did give it back Ginny would be furious, and most of all hurt," Ron added. "You haven't seen her when she gets mad, but once Charlie tried to give back his gift and I don't even think I've seen Mum that mad"

Harry stood holding the necklace.

"I guess I do want to live to see another day," Harry said smirking.

Meanwhile Hermione and Ginny were sitting in their room talking about all the things Hermione had experienced in Bulgaria. Finally the topic landed on Viktor.

"Sooo, how do you feel about Viktor?" asked Ginny slyly.

"I really like him. He's a great friend," said Hermione.

"Just as a friend?"

"Well, yes. I like him a lot," added Hermione looking slightly tense.

"I see," said Ginny giggling.

Hermione went red all the way up to the roots of her hair as Ginny was trying to keep her laughter down by burying her face in her pillow.

"What about you and Harry?" said Hermione in an effort to stop Ginny from attracting too much attention.

Ginny stopped laughing and sat up quickly.

"What about Harry?" asked Ginny with her ears already pink.

"Well, I've seen how you look at him. Like I said, he looks like he worked out quite a lot wouldn't you say?" teased Hermione.

"Wha...we...I..." sputtered Ginny turning a bright shade of red.

It was Hermione's turn to put her face into her pillow as she was laughing so hard that the whole bed shook.

"It's not funny," scowled Ginny.

"I'm sorry Gin," Hermione said wiping the tears off her face. "It's just that I know how you feel."

Ginny looked at Hermione and said,

"Boys"

They both started laughing and they had a hard time trying to stop.

Harry and Ron could hear the girls laughing.

"What do you suppose they're laughing about?" asked Ron.

"Probably you and your crush on Hermione," said Harry.

"What crush? What are you talking about?" Ron tried to keep a straight face.

"G'night Ron."

"Yeah, g'night Harry."

It had become a little ritual for Harry to tease Ron about his obvious crush on Hermione. Before he went to sleep he put on the necklace that Ginny had given him. He looked at it and he could see the eyes glowing thanks to the light of full moon. He felt strangely serene and he knew that there would be no nightmares tonight. As Harry fell asleep the ruby eyes were glowing even stronger as they seemed to sense the prescence of something.

***

A large black snake with a diamond-patterned tail turned around to head for the clearing in the forest by the Burrow. A Death Eater was standing in the clearing holding a silver key. As soon as he saw the snake coming out of the forest he quickly walked over to the marked spot. A second later the Death Eater and the snake were gone.

Voldemort was standing by his throne as the Death Eater and the snake apparated behind him in the middle of the room.

"Leave us," Voldemort said.

The Death Eater bowed and made his way out through the chamber.

"What did you see Nagini?" hissed Voldemort.

"Interesting," said Voldemort. "This might prove more difficult than I expected."

Voldemort sat down on his throne with Nagini curling around the foot of the throne. Voldemort picked up the chalice on the table next to him.

"The Potter boy is proving to be a worthy enemy Nagini," Voldemort said in Parseltongue, "but he is not ready to face his fears yet."

Voldemort set down the chalice and gently rubbed Nagini.

"He's not ready yet," Voldemort said letting out a laugh.

Voldemort was interrupted by two people walking into the chamber.

"My lord. You wanted to see us?"

"Yes Lucius. Do you have what I asked for?" Voldemort said.

"Yes my lord. He is here," Lucius said turning to the figure next to him.

"I am pleased to see you have chosen to make the right choice," Voldemort said as he stood up and walked over to the two figures. "You will serve me well, better than your father ever did," sneered Voldemort.

"Yes my lord," said Draco Malfoy still holding his head low.

"Do you know what you are supposed to do?" asked Voldemort.

"Yes my lord. We will bring him too you. We will not fail you. I will not fail you," Draco added.

"Your father knows what happens to people who fail me," hissed Voldemort, "but I can see that there is more in you than meets the eye. You will be useful to me," finished Voldemort grinning madly.