The Sides of Fear

The Sides of Fear

Chapter 5
Losing a Friend

Harry had not heard from Sirius for a while, and he was beginning to get worried. He decided to go up to the Owlery during lunch, and send Sirius a quick note. Harry sat down with his bag and took out some parchment and a quill.

Dear Sirius,

I hope everything is fine since I haven't heard from you for a while. Almost everything is going well here. First of all I've been made Quidditch Captain, and the twins are calling me Oliver Wood Jr. Apparently I learned more from Oliver than I thought. We had to have try-outs for a new Keeper since Oliver left two years ago, and it turns out there'll be another Weasley on the team. I'll bet you thought I'm talking about Ron, but it was Ginny that impressed me the most. The thing is we had to vote. Since I'm the captain I had the deciding vote. Let's just say Ron didn't take it well. He's actually not talking to me anymore. To make things worse Hermione and Ron are not talking to each other. It's all because Fleur Delacour and Viktor Krum are here. I hope I never start acting like those two are. I'm actually spending more time alone with Ginny because Ron and Hermione can't stand being with me together. It's very confusing right now.

I haven't heard any news about Voldemort, and I haven't had any dreams for a long time. This might sound a bit strange, but it worries me when there are no news about Voldemort or the Death Eaters.

Well, I have to go to class. Write back soon.

Harry

Harry stood up and walked over to Hedwig who was ready to deliver the message. As he walked down to Charms class he began to think about Voldemort again. It had been strangely quiet the past weeks. There had been no news about attacks or actual sightings of Death Eaters. After hearing about all of the attacks during the summer it was beginning to worry him that nothing was happening at the moment. It could only mean one thing. Voldemort was getting ready to make a serious attack. The most obvious target would be Hogwarts, but for some reason it would not be something Voldemort would do.

"Harry, hurry up!"

Harry looked up to see Hermione gesticulating wildly as the last students filed into the classroom. He quickly dropped his train of thought, and made his way into Professor Flitwick's class.

***

A light was shining in an old abandoned lighthouse close to the cliffs of Dover. Inside a man was quietly reading the Daily Prophet while drinking the contents of a smoking goblet. All of a sudden a white owl came flying in through the window and landed on the table right in front of Remus Lupin. He quickly recognized the owl, taking the parchment off and giving Hedwig some water and food.

"Sirius!"

"Yes?" came a drowsy voice from the next door room.

"You have a letter from Harry," said Remus getting back to his paper.

There was a loud noise as the door flew open revealing a tired-looking Sirius Black.

"Where is it?" said Sirius squinting trying to adjust to the light.

"It's right there on the table," Remus said gesturing at the letter.

Sirius sat down and grabbed the letter reading it anxiously. By now Remus was growing more interested in the letter as he had not heard anything from Harry for quite a while. When Sirius finally finished the letter he let out a quiet laugh.

"What's so amusing?"

"Read it yourself," said Sirius handing over the letter.

Remus quickly read the letter and looked up.

"I think my godson and his friends are having some trouble growing up," chuckled Sirius.

"For once he's having some 'normal' problems in his life."

"Let's just hope he doesn't do what James did," said Sirius smiling at the memory of his best friend.

"Or you," added Remus laughing.

"I guess I did my fair share," Sirius said leaning back in his seat.

"I'd say you were the scourge of Hogwarts."

Both of them laughed as they recollected the past, and all of Sirius' strolls by the lake and embarrassing moments. As the laughter died down Remus suddenly looked worried.

"I'm worried about the rest of his letter though," said Remus frowning.

"Me too. It's too quiet out there."

"Severus told me some news when I picked up this," said Remus holding up the goblet. "He was kind enough to give me some more information concerning the Chalice."

"What did he say?"

"It turns out Dumbledore believes the fourth element is kept safely at Hogwarts."

Sirius stood up and started walking around in the room.

"Let me get this straight," said Sirius still pacing. "The Chalice is the first element. The Dagger is the second, and Harry is the third."

"So far, so good."

"Then what is the fourth element?"

"I don't know Sirius," Remus said, "Severus didn't tell me, and I don't think even he knows."

"Whatever it is, Dumbledore had better not let Voldemort get his hands on it," said Sirius sitting down again running his hand across his face. "If he does, we're doomed."

"Not if he's ready."

"You know as well as I do he's not!" yelled Sirius.

"Calm down," Remus said. "Have more faith in him than that."

"You're right," said Sirius, "I'm sorry I yelled at you."

"You'd better write Harry back to settle his nerves."

"Yeah, you're right. I'll get right to it."

Sirius took out a piece of parchment, a quill, and began writing. Remus turned back to his newspaper, but felt an urge to look up into the sky. Soon it would be time for him to become a werewolf again. He hated the taste of the Wolfsbane Potion, but transforming without it was unthinkable. The pain would be so severe that he doubted he would be able to survive it anymore. He remembered what he had seen in the Mirror of Erised. He sighed as his dreams of a future disappeared as quickly as the clouds moved away to reveal a bright glowing Mars.

"Mars has been glowing bright often," he thought to himself. "Let's just hope it's a good omen."

***

There were only slight glimmers of light shining down on the Quidditch field as the new Gryffindor team took the field for their first practice together. Fred and George had calmed down considerably, and had accepted the fact that their little sister would be their Keeper. A few deadly looks from Angelina had swayed Fred, and in turn George. Harry felt right at home, and he was beginning to feel like any normal student at Hogwarts. No Voldemort, no searing pains in his scar, and the Quidditch Cup to concentrate on. His biggest problem was to get Hermione and Ron to speak to each other again. At the end of practice Harry told the rest of them there would be early mornings for them for the rest of the year. This was of course met by groans from everyone on the team. Just as they were about to head up for breakfast a girl was coming down to the Quidditch field. When she came closer Harry could see it was Cho Chang.

He had barely seen her since he got back to Hogwarts, and in all honesty he had been relieved not having to approach her. Now it seemed inevitable as she strode up to the huddle.

"Hi everyone," said Cho eyeing each of the players. "I'd like to speak to Harry for a moment...alone."

They all looked at Harry who told the rest of them he would meet up with them at breakfast. Ginny reluctantly left with the others, and she was obviously worried about what would happen. Harry and Cho watched them ascend the stairs to Hogwarts before they turned to each other.

"Harry, I've been meaning to talk to you since we got back," started Cho, "but I just couldn't...it..."

That was all it took for Cho to start crying. Harry did not know what to do, but he walked up and held her in his arms. Her head rested on his shoulder as her crying subsided. After what seemed an eternity Cho finally broke the silence with a strained laugh. Harry was now completely confused. Cho looked up as Harry let go of her.

"This wasn't exactly what I had planned," said Cho in between sobs. "I told myself I would stride down here, and tell you how I felt. I promised myself I wouldn't cry. So much for that."

Harry looked at her, and finally got the courage to ask her the question that had been going through his head since last year.

"Do you blame me for what happened to Cedric?" said Harry looking down at his feet as he finished the question.

"I did for a long time, but during the summer I finally realized you would have given your life to protect Cedric. Still, part of me, deep down, still feels there could have been something you could've done to save him."

There was silence as Cho's words sank into Harry's mind.

"I know it's not fair to you, but I..." Cho faltered as she tried to continue. "I just don't know if I can ever forgive you Harry...which is why I want you to try to stay away from me as much as possible," she sobbed, tears starting to stream down her face once again.

With that Cho turned around leaving Harry standing alone on the Quidditch field as the sun was coming up. For just a short time he had felt like there was nothing to worry about. Seeing Cho and hearing how she felt had brought back all the memories from the Triwizard Tournament. A cold breeze stirred Harry from his thoughts, and he hurried up to the Great Hall.

***

Ginny had been the last person to go up the stairs, and before she went in she had shot a glance down at the field. She had seen Harry holding Cho in his arms, and feelings of jealousy arouse in her mind. She had turned around not wanting to see any more, and quickly walked in and sat down at the breakfast table.

"Of course she would want to talk about what happened last year," she thought, "it only makes sense. Besides, why would he be interested in her anymore? I mean, she's just beautiful, and he asked her to the Yule Ball. Why would he like her? As convincing as that was Ginny..."

"Ginny?"

"Huh?"

"Are you going to eat all of that?" asked Hermione staring at Ginny's plate that was overflowing with eggs and toast.

"Umm, yeah, really hungry. Quidditch does that to you," said Ginny hastily trying to act as if eating eight eggs and twelve pieces of toast was normal.

Hermione just looked at Ginny in disbelief, trying to find something else to say. At that moment Cho walked into the Great Hall looking upset, and with slightly red eyes. Shortly after Harry came running in quickly settling down at the table across from Ginny. Before Ginny could say anything Harry's eyes stopped to rest on her plate.

"Hungry?" Harry asked with raised eyebrows.

"Yeah, need lots of energy to keep up with everyone," said Ginny trying to act casual.

"I guess so," said Harry as he bit into a piece of toast looking depressed.

"Great, that was just great Virginia Weasley," thought Ginny as she tried to subtly throw a few eggs on the floor.

At that moment there was a familiar noise of wings flapping, and owls came flying into the Great Hall. Hedwig landed right by Harry's plate, and Harry relieved Hedwig of the parchment and opened it.

Dear Harry,

I haven't been able to write to you because we have been on the move. There has been increased interest in me, and I've had to watch my communications more carefully. Remember not to send Hedwig again as it might arouse suspicion.

Congratulations on becoming Captain of the Quidditch team. I was happy to see that the team will continue on with its tradition of having insane Captains who don't understand what sleeping in means. I wish I could be there to watch you play, but I don't think my situation will allow me to come. I'll bet Ron wasn't too happy with you voting for his sister. How is he taking it? I know he has the famous Weasley temper.

I couldn't help but laugh as I read your letter. I suspected there was something between Ron and Hermione, but I guess only time will tell what happens. They kind of remind me of a close friend of mine who always used to say the wrong things to girls. Don't worry about them. They'll figure it out sooner or later. So you're spending more time with Ginny Weasley? Do I sense my godfatherly duties calling to talk to you about the birds and the bees?

At this Harry felt a blush streaking across his face.

There have been no news about His movements, but you're right. It scares me when I hear nothing. Especially since there have been so many incidents during the summer. I'm glad to hear that you haven't had any dreams lately, but don't forget "constant vigilance." If anything happens, or if you have any dreams you have to go tell Dumbledore. It's very important that the Headmaster knows everything he needs to defend you, and the rest of the Wizarding world. Don't trust anyone else but Dumbledore. As far as I know His circle of servants has increased dramatically, and I fear there might be several of them working for him at Hogwarts.

I'll try to write back soon. Remember to trust Dumbledore with everything.

Sirius

Hermione and Ginny had watched Harry carefully as he read the letter, and Harry gave Hermione a glance that confirmed her suspicions. Harry did not know whether or not to tell Ginny about Sirius, but he decided that he would tell her when the time was right. He quickly folded up the unsigned letter, and shoved it into his pocket before getting back to his breakfast.

Ginny wanted to ask Harry who the letter was from, but decided not to. She turned her attention back to her plate and played around with her eggs by making a smiling face with three eggs. As she looked up from her plate she saw Harry staring across the table at Cho. "Just great," she thought as she stabbed her fork into an egg, and shoveled it into her mouth.

***

Ever since the first class Professor Miala had insisted on all students learning the Patronus spell before they proceeded any further. By now most of the class had been able to summon a fairly misty Patronus. To everyone's surprise Neville had been the first after Harry to succeed in conjuring a real Patronus. Only three days in a silver Gryffin had shot out from his wand. If the rest of the class was surprised, Neville was in shock. Miala had awarded Gryffindor 20 points for having the first students to successfully conjure a Patronus. Instead of having Harry and Neville practise their Patronus, they were helping the rest of the students. Luckily for Harry he had not been forced to help out Draco, because the latter had been able to conjure a Patronus resembling a dragon.

Hermione was really struggling, and Harry had taken it upon himself to help her. After a long hour of casting the Patronus spell the whole class left the room completely drained barely making it to lunch. Hermione ate a quick lunch with Viktor, and set off to the library to see if there was anything she had missed when it came to the Patronus spell. Harry looked down the table where Ron and Fleur were sitting. Ron was still not talking to Harry, and it was beginning to resemble what had happened during the Triwizard tournament. There was no way that Ron was going to come talk to Harry at the moment, so the only thing he could do was wait for Ron to calm down and realize what a git he was.

He looked across the table at Ginny, and caught himself looking at her red hair that was struggling to free itself from the bun. A piece of mashed potatoes was on her left cheek, and he had a sudden urge not to tell her. All of a sudden he remembered the poem that Ginny had written to him during his second year, and he chuckled quietly to himself.

"What are you laughing at," frowned Ginny. "Is something wrong with my hair?"

Harry was taken aback and stumbled out a "No."

"Well, what are you laughing at then?"

"Oh, I was just thinking about something."

"Are you sure I don't have a pea on my forehead?" said Ginny wiping her forehead.

Harry didn't know what possessed him to do what he did next. He leaned over and gently wiped off the mashed potatoes from Ginny's left cheek.

"You had some potatoes on your cheek," said Harry as he wiped off his hand trying to hide his reddening face.

"Thanks for telling me," blushed Ginny, "I would've looked pretty stupid with food on my face."

"To be honest I thought about not telling you," said Harry still feeling his cheeks burning slightly.

"You've been around Fred and George too much, and I don't like it," smirked Ginny wiping her face with a napkin. "Just to be safe."

There was another awkward silence between them.

"I guess I'll see you later," said Harry getting up fumbling with his books.

"Yeah, have a great day," replied Ginny busying herself with her own books.

As Ginny walked to her next class she touched her left cheek. Harry Potter just touched me, she thought. Don't start with this again, said another voice in her head. He was only wiping food off your face. She went into her Transfiguration class still thinking about Harry Potter, the Boy-Who-Wiped-Potatoes-Off-Her-Face.

***

It was their first weekend to go to Hogsmeade, and Hermione's birthday was coming up in a few days. Harry had been so busy with Quidditch and school that he almost forgot about it. It was Ginny who had asked him what he was giving Hermione on her birthday. She had rolled her eyes at him mumbling something about "boys." He had no idea what to buy, and he had decided to ask for some help. As he walked into the Common Room he surveyed the room looking for his target. She was sitting in the corner apparently busy writing another essay for one of her classes. He decided to sneak up on her. When he was right behind her he stopped.

"Ahem," Harry coughed loudly.

"Harry!" yelled Ginny fumbling with her quill and inkbottle.

Harry couldn't help but laugh as Ginny tried to catch her rolling inkbottle. When she finally caught it she was sprawled out on the floor, and her hair in a tangle. She blew her hair out of her face, and looked up at Harry who was trying to suppress his laughter.

"Harry Potter, don't you ever do that again," growled Ginny, "or I'll have to get you back."

"I'm not scared of you Virginia Weasley," said Harry playing along.

"Oh, you would be if you knew me well enough."

"I'll take my chances," grinned Harry.

Ginny gathered up her things and settled down in the same position as Harry had found her in.

"Um, Ginny," began Harry, "I wanted to ask you for a favor."

"Well, ask away," said Ginny, focused on her work.

"Well, Hogsmeade is coming up this weekend and I need to buy Hermione something."

"I know that," said Ginny smiling, "I'm the one that reminded you."

"Right, anyway, I was wondering, you know, if...well...would you go with me to Hogsmeade and help me out?" stuttered Harry.

Ginny froze and slowly looked up at Harry.

"Sure," she said calmly.

"Oh, all right. I'll meet you here on Saturday then."

"Sounds like a plan to me," added Ginny, "now let me get back to my work."

"Right, well thanks," said Harry as he made to go up to his room.

At that moment Ron and Fleur came through the doorway. Ron immediately saw Harry and Ginny together, and walked up to them.

"What's going on here?" he asked angrily.

"Nothing," said Ginny, "now go away, I'm trying to do my work."

"It looked like you two were having quite the chat," continued Ron. "What exactly were you talking about?"

Harry was getting tired of the way Ron had been acting since the Quidditch try-outs.

"It's really none of your business, but we were talking about Hermione," snapped Harry.

"What about her?"

"Well, since you don't know, or care," said Harry with gritted teeth, "I suppose I should tell you her birthday is coming up."

Ron's face went blank, but was replaced by the all too familiar shade of furious red.

"Well, she's got her Vicky to take care of her doesn't she?" yelled Ron slamming his fist into the wall next to Harry. "So why should I care?"

"You really are stupid," replied Harry.

Harry barely had time to finish his sentence before he was tackled to the floor by Ron. Harry tried to roll Ron over, and they proceeded to roll all over the floor hitting each other every now and then. Fleur and Ginny were yelling and trying to separate them, but the two boys were intent on letting the other know just how they felt. They were interrupted by a familiar voice.

"Mr. Potter, Mr. Weasley!" yelled McGonagall. "What is going on here?"

Everybody stopped in their tracks and looked at Minerva McGonagall whose lip was twitching furiously. Ron let go of Harry and they both stood up slowly with blood running down their faces.

"Ms. Weasley," said McGonagall sharply, "please tell me what happened before all of you are given detention for the rest of the year."

"I..." began Ginny.

"Harry was insul..." started Ron, before he was interrupted by McGonogall.

"MR. WEASLEY! I suggest you let your sister speak before you lose more points for your House."

"Yes, Professor," replied Ron letting his head drop.

"Go ahead Ms. Weasley," said McGonogall in her usual tone.

"Well, Harry and I were having a discussion when my brother came barging in."

Ron started to open his mouth, but McGonagall gave him a stare that could have made a Skrewt recoil with fear.

"Mr. Potter and Mr. Weasley, you are to report to my office on Saturday morning to serve your detention. Ms. Weasley, please report to my office after you are done with your work."

With that McGonagall turned around sharply and left the room. As soon as the door had closed Ron stormed up the staircase giving Harry a push on his way up. Fleur left the room silently as she made her way up to her room.

"I guess I can't get anything for Hermione now," said Harry as he sat down on the sofa.

Ginny sat down next to him letting out a sigh.

"Well, if you want me to I'll find something for you. It's the least I can do to redeem the Weasley name," added Ginny pulling a face.

"Well, it's not your fault your brother doesn't use his only brain cell," said Harry shaking his head.

"It's just too bad because I was looking forward to be with y..." started Harry before he corrected himself, "...to go down to Hogsmeade and have a Butterbeer."

"I'll bring one back just for you then Harry," said Ginny getting off the sofa and putting her things in her bag.

"Thanks Ginny, I don't know what I would do without you," smiled Harry.

***

Hermione was surrounded by books at her usual table in the library. Madam Pince had almost decided to just reserve it for Hogwart's own student librarian. With a frustrated sigh Hermione let one of the books drop on the table earning her a "sssh" from Madam Pince. Just as she was about to leave Ginny walked in asking for books about protective charms and amulets. After she had been given directions of where to find her books she turned around only to find Hermione in her usual spot.

"What are you doing here...again," said Ginny smiling.

"I just thought I'd get caught up with studying for my O.W.L.s," sighed Hermione, "but I can't seem to concentrate."

"Hermione Granger? Not being able to concentrate? We'd better get Rita Skeeter here," laughed Ginny.

They both started laughing, and apparently it was a little too loud as Madam Pince gave them another "sssh."

"So, what's the matter?" asked Ginny, sitting down next to Hermione.

"Well...I...I just feel horrible."

"What happened?"

"It's about Viktor," started Hermione, "I'm not being fair to him."

"He feels differently about me," she continued, "I don't feel the same way about him, and..."

All of a sudden Hermione started sobbing, and Ginny took her into a hug. After a few minutes Hermione had calmed down and was able to continue on with their conversation.

"I never thought I'd be like that," sniffed Hermione.

"Now, you have to tell me what you mean," said Ginny.

"I thought that if I got Ron jealous he would say or do something," said Hermione, sitting up, "but instead he went to that...Veela," Hermione added with disgust in her voice. "Everything just went wrong, and now I'm going to have to tell Viktor all about it...and Ron hates me."

"Ron can be pretty thick-headed, but judging from what just happened up in the Common Room I'd say he still cares a lot about you."

Hermione looked up at Ginny.

"What happened?" she asked eagerly.

"Well, Harry and Ron both got detention this weekend for fighting with each other about you, " Ginny said grinning.

"About me?" said Hermione putting her hands to her face.

"It was actually about your birthday," added Ginny. "My stupid brother was acting like the stupid prat he is and Harry called him on it."

"You should have seen their faces when McGonagall walked in," said Ginny laughing.

Hermione gave a strained laugh, but was eager to find out more details. The two girls huddled together behind the books, and continued talking about how to solve the problem with the red haired stupid prat.

***

It was Saturday morning and the sun was doing its best to warm up the chilly morning. Harry and Ron had not spoken after the incident, and as they were waiting for Professor McGonagall to come back to her office they were still not talking. Ron was paying great attention to a brick on the wall, and Harry was fervently studying his right foot. They both turned around as the door swung open.

"Please, do sit down," said McGonagall sharply.

"Now, I have heard accounts from Ms. Weasley and Ms. Delacour, and both of you will serve weekend detentions for the next four weeks."

"Fou..."started Ron, apparently wanting to argue his case.

"Did I hear five?" said McGonagall her lips in a thin line. "Five weeks it is then, and 50 points deducted from your House...each."

"Yes, Professor," said the two boys in glum unison.

"Report to Filch in one hour, and he will take care of you. Hopefully this will make you think twice about getting into another scuffle."

"Yes, Professor."

"You may leave," added McGonagall turning her attention to a stack of essays needing to be corrected.

Harry and Ron got up and left the office heading for the Gryffindor Common Room to change into suitable attire.

"Thanks for the extra week, Ronald," mumbled Harry just loud enough for Ron to hear.

"Watch it, Potter," snapped Ron, "or I'll have to knock you down again."

"Just try it."

Just as they were about to get into another fight there was a familiar voice.

"Soooo, Potty and Weasel are having relationship problems," drawled Draco earning a chuckle from Crabbe and Goyle.

"Malfoy, just go hide behind your daddy and his money," said Ron as he pushed himself past Harry and Draco.

"Well, well, Potter," tutted Draco, "I told you to choose your friends carefully."

"Sod off, Malfoy, before I turn you into a ferret," said Harry drawing out his wand.

Draco's confident smile faded as the three boys stepped back, and turned around heading for Hogsmeade. When Harry got up to the Common Room he saw Ginny waiting for him. Harry ran up to his room and grabbed a handful of Galleons. When he came downstairs Ginny was talking to Colin Creevey.

"Hi Harry," said Colin, looking extremely happy.

"Hi Colin," Harry said nonchalantly, "here's the money Gin."

"Do I have the freedom to buy anything I want?" asked Ginny with a wicked smile.

"Well, I don't really have any other options, but I have faith in your judgement," he smirked.

"Don't worry, Harry. I'll get her something she'll never forget," added Ginny as she followed Colin out the doorway.

There was no time to waste for Harry as he hurried up to his room to get changed and meet up with Filch to serve his detention.

***

There was no doubt Filch was enjoying having two students stay behind during the weekend when they could be down in Hogsmeade enjoying a Butterbeer or two. Not only was he grinning widely, but Harry could have sworn he was singing and skipping down the hall with Mrs. Norris after the work orders had been handed out. The two of them were to scrub every single staircase, and dust off all the paintings. There would be no magic involved, and the two boys picked up a their dusters and began their work.

They kept working for what seemed eternity and neither one of them had said a word since Filch left them. After they had managed to dust off the portraits it was time for them to start with the stairs. On their way back from getting water and soap Ron finally said something.

"She hates me, doesn't she?"

"What?" said Harry surprised.

"Hermione, she hates me," said Ron glumly, "I know I would."

"Well, no offense, but you're not the brightest of the lot," added Harry smiling a little.

Ron did not respond and there was silence again as the boys started in on the grubby stairs. Two staircases later they were starting to get sick of working. They trudged back to get some new water and Ron continued where they had left off.

"None taken."

"Huh?"

"I mean I didn't take any offense to what you said," mumbled Ron, "about me being daft."

"Oh," said Harry stunned by his friend's bluntness.

"I don't know what came over me," continued Ron, "I know you only did what was best for the team, but..."

At this Ron's voice trailed off, and Harry knew how difficult it must be for Ron to say all this.

"Harry, can you forgive me? I'm so sorry for everything. It was just...nothing was going the way I had planned it."

"Ron, you're my best friend. Of course I forgive you," said Harry.

There was a tense moment as they both focused on scrubbing the stairs again.

"Well, what do you suppose is going to happen in our first game?" asked Harry.

"All I know is that Hufflepuff is not doing well without Ced..." started Ron before he realized what he had just said.

"I'm sorry Harry," began Ron, "I didn't mean to..."

"It's fine Ron," said Harry to his friend who looked like he had made another major mistake. "Besides, that's what Cho wanted to talk to me about after Quidditch practice."

"What did she say?"

"She basically told me she blames me for Cedric's death, and that she would appreciate it if I stayed away from her. That really made my day," said Harry sarcastically.

"But it wasn't your fault Harry," Ron said shaking his head.

"I know, but I should just have taken the trophy instead of sharing it. If I would've done that Cedric would still be alive," Harry said with a pang of guilt.

It was obvious Harry did not want to talk about it any further so Ron went back to scrubbing the steps diligently. They went up to fill up their buckets again, and Harry was just about to say something to Ron when he felt a surge of pain running through his scar. Losing his grip on his bucket he fell down on the floor writhing in pain. He could hear Ron calling him, but the pain was so intense that he was unable to respond. The last thing he remembered was Ron saying something about Dumbledore before the pain took over, and lay a veil of darkness over his body and mind.

***

"My Lord, your orders have been executed."

"Good, now all we have to do is wait for the results," hissed Voldemort. "You may begin the next step."

"Yes, when will we initiate contact?"

"Soon, very soon," answered Voldemort, "Now leave me and prepare the rest."

The Death Eater stalked out of the room leaving Lord Voldemort alone on his throne. Minutes passed before another Death Eater Apparated accompanied by Nagini.

"What did you see Nagini?" hissed Voldemort in Parseltongue.

Nagini slithered up to the throne and hissed a reply.

"Very well. It is as I suspected. My sources were indeed truthful," said Voldemort picking up a rat and throwing it down for Nagini to consume, "and they shall be rewarded in time...all in good time."

The Death Eater had been waiting in front of his master, and was anxiously awaiting new orders.

"Lucius, I will leave you in charge of our next endeavor as it will be of great...personal joy...for you," hissed Voldemort.

Lucius looked up at Voldemort smiling madly.

***

At the same time as Harry and Ron were scrubbing the stairs at Hogwarts, Ginny was walking down High Street in Hogsmeade when she noticed a new store called "All The Things You Never Knew You Wanted." She decided to go inside since she really had no idea of what to get for Hermione. She had of course already found her gift, which was a brand new "No-Spill Ink Bottle." As she entered the store she was met by an older lady smelling like cabbage.

"Well, well, if it isn't little Virginia Weasley," said the woman, "but my how you've grown."

"How do you know my name?" asked Ginny nervously.

"Oh, I would say I know most wizards and witches around," added the woman with a huge smile on her face, "but what might you be looking for...young lady?"

"Well, I'm not quite sure to be honest," said Ginny still a bit unnerved by the fact that a complete stranger knew who she was.

"It wouldn't happen to be for Ms. Granger would it?"

Ginny started backing away from the lady edging closer to the door.

"H-how do you know all this?" stuttered Ginny grasping for the doorknob.

"Don't worry, my dear," said the woman. "My name is Mrs. Figg, pleased to meet you again," said the woman holding out her hand.

They did not get any further in their introduction as a loud noise was heard coming from Honeydukes followed by voices screaming in panic. Ginny rushed out through the door and she could see several dark hooded figures closing in on students. Death Eaters...they're here...how? thought Ginny as she saw students falling to the ground one by one as the Death Eaters focused their attention on anyone trying to resist them.

All of a sudden there were several loud popping noises as the staff from Hogwarts Apparated to protect the students. It looked like the Death Eaters had a clear advantage, but as suddenly as they had appeared they disappeared leaving behind a path of destruction. Ginny made her way down High Street and was met by Parvati Patil.

"Ginny, it's horrible," cried Parvati.

"What happened?" yelled Ginny, grabbing hold of Parvati trying to calm her down.

"Death Eaters...out of nowhere...a lot of students are injured...or maybe worse."

Ginny did not hear what Parvati said after that because she saw Viktor climbing out of the demolished Honeydukes carrying a pale Hermione. She ran past Parvati and fought her way through the crowd of people gathered around the disaster area. Viktor was kneeling by Hermione who was not moving or breathing.

"Hermione!" cried Ginny, tears streaming from her face.