The Sides of Fear

Pronunciation Guide:
Sissiah (Si-sigh-a)
Gaimun (Guy-mun)
Pereaux (Pe-ro)

The Sides of Fear

Chapter 6
Turban Troubles

"My Lord, the first step has been taken as you ordered."

"Excellent. Were you able to dispense of both of them?"

"N-no my Lord, we did not have time before help for the students arrived," whimpered the Death Eater, cowering from the expected punishment.

Instead of fury there was a sense of satisfaction in the eyes of Voldemort. He was studiously looking over his wand possibly trying to choose the appropriate punishment.

"Very well, no harm done. It is all for the better, prolonging the suffering and fear," said Voldemort nonchalantly with a smile forming on his lips.

Without a word the Death Eater made to leave the room, relieved he had escaped the wrath of his master. Barely had he turned his back when he heard a whisper coming from behind him. With a loud cry he sank to the floor as Voldemort was now applying the Cruciatus Curse on him.

"My dear Goyle, you disappoint me," sighed Voldemort. "Did you really think I would let your failure go without consequences?"

"N-n-no m-my Lord," gasped Goyle through gritted teeth.

Only moments later Voldemort let his wand rest by his side letting his servant get up from the floor on unsteady legs.

"Tell your son not to disappoint me as you have, or else more...severe measures will have to be taken."

"Yes my Lord."

A loud noise stirred Harry from his dream and he shot open his eyes only to find himself in the all too familiar Hospital Wing. He looked over and the sight quickly cleared any thoughts of his dream. Viktor Krum had come crashing through the doors carrying Hermione who showed no signs of life. Harry could see Ginny following closely behind accompanied by several other students carrying their own load. Madam Pomfrey quickly directed everyone to a bed, and Harry rushed over to Hermione's side with Ron who had been sitting next to Harry's bed.

"What happened?" asked Harry, looking at Ginny who was unable to answer.

"There vas an attack in Hogsmeade," came Viktor's voice, "and several students vere injured. Honeydukes vas destroyed, but I managed to get Hermione out."

Madam Pomfrey had come up and was checking Hermione who was now breathing, albeit very faint. She already had her wand drawn, and was drawing circles in the air above Hermione. The dark blue sparks from the tip of the wand slowly fell on Hermione who began to breathe more regularly, and slowly regaining some of her color.

"Is she going to be all right?" asked Ron holding on to Hermione's hand in a tight grip. If circumstances would have been different he would have been given a hard time by Harry, but the gravity of the situation did not allow for it.

"She will be fine. What she needs now is rest," replied Madam Pomfrey, "and speaking of which, all of you need to leave."

"But..." started Viktor before he was interrupted by Madam Pomfrey.

"No 'buts', now shoo."

They all knew better than to argue with the spirited Madam Pomfrey, and reluctantly the four of them turned around to leave.

"Mr. Potter, where do you think you're going?"

"Uh, well you told us to leave," said Harry.

"You are still under my care, so would you be so kind as to get back into bed. Now," she said sternly looking from Harry to his bed.

"Don't worry, I'll keep an eye on Hermione," said Harry making his way back to bed as Viktor, Ron, and Ginny slowly left the infirmary.

***

As the Great Hall filled with students there were loud discussions about what had happened. Numbers of how many had been injured were circulating, as well as rumors of how many had been killed. For the first time this year Ron sat down next to Viktor with Ginny. Viktor made no attempt of even acknowledging their presence, his focus on a blank spot on the wall on the other side of the Great Hall. Before Ron could make an attempt to talk to Viktor the faculty of Hogwarts came through the door lead by Dumbledore. The once stirring Hall went silent as Dumbledore made his way up to the front of the room where he turned around to face the students. He looked very tired as he began to speak.

"As all of you know there was an attack in Hogsmeade today. Rumors have circulated who was behind the attack, and it is true the perpetrators were Death Eaters," said Dumbledore as the Hall erupted in a buzz, only to quiet down for him to continue.

"Several students were injured and," Dumbledore paused, "and sadly one of those injured lost their life."

At this moment every student in the Great Hall were looking around to find out if their friends were accounted for. Ginny who had been in a state of shock was now looking around seeming to miss someone.

"At the first onslaught of the Death Eaters...Colin Creevey was hit by the Avada Kedavra Curse trying to step in between another student and a Death Eater."

Ginny burst into tears as she flung herself onto Ron. Dennis Creevey who had been looking around trying to spot his brother had turned white letting his tears flow freely.

"He risked his own life to save another," continued Dumbledore. "Bravery of this magnitude show all of us why he was in Gryffindor. As we did last year, we shall raise our glasses in honor of Colin Creevey, and the utmost bravery he showed when it was needed."

At this Dumbledore raised his glass high in the air, and most of the students followed. Only Draco and a few other Slytherins kept their glasses down. It seemed all too familiar to Ron as echoes of Colin's name reverberated around the Great Hall.

"In a time in which people and wizards alike fear only for themselves, Colin showed not only bravery, but also showed us all what a person is willing to risk for a friend. Many of you recollect seeing Colin with his camera in hand taking pictures at the most unexpected moments."

A few subdued chuckles were heard as the students remembered some of their moments with Colin and his camera.

"That is how I want you to remember Colin. The smiling boy we all knew who possessed more courage, loyalty, and bravery than most of us will be able to display. In his honor I raise my glass again," Dumbledore said once again raising his glass along with the rest of the Great Hall.

***

After dinner was over most of the students had already left the Great Hall when Draco came sauntering up to the Gryffindor table with Crabbe and Goyle by his side.

"I heard all about your Mudblood friend and how she got what she deserved," drawled Draco.

"Shut it Malfoy, or else," growled Ron.

"Too bad about Creevey I suppose," continued Draco not taking notice of Ron's warning. "I guess any Gryffindor will do, but I was rather hoping it would be your Mudblood friend."

Before anyone had time to react both Ron and Ginny threw themselves on Draco pushing him down on the floor. Ron who was both taller and stronger than Draco had the upper hand, and began to punch Draco violently while Ginny clawed at his face. Crabbe and Goyle had been taken by surprise, but were now trying to drag Ron and Ginny off Draco. Just as Ron was about to deliver another blow he heard Dumbledore's voice.

"Mr. Weasley, would you please be so kind as to let go of Mr. Malfoy."

Ron stopped in mid-air with his punch, looked at Dumbledore and back at Malfoy, before he decided to get up. Ginny had already freed herself from Goyle's grip by kicking him on his shins. Draco got up slowly, with blood dripping from his mouth, waving away the helping hands of Crabbe.

"Watch it...Weasley...or I might just have to put you in your rightful place," snarled Draco, wiping some blood on the sleeve of his robe.

"Mr. Malfoy, that will be enough. Both of you are to report to me tomorrow morning. There will be no more fighting within the halls of Hogwarts. Is that understood?" said Dumbledore, raising his voice.

Without an answer, Draco left the Great Hall sulking with his entourage trailing behind him. Dumbledore turned to face Ron.

"Mr. Weasley, I expect more from you than this. Your father is a dear friend of mine, and you would be wise to show his intelligence and calm behavior. And you Ms. Weasley would do well to do the same," added Dumbledore.

Ron did not know what to say so he decided to opt for the best, and only, answer he could come up with.

"Yes, Professor," said both Ron and Ginny.

"Very well, I suppose you two want to go up and check on your friends. I will tell Madam Pomfrey it is fine for you to spend a few minutes with Ms. Granger and Mr. Potter."

"Thank you Professor."

Ron and Ginny ran out of the Hall and headed straight for the Hospital Wing where Harry was out of his bed sitting by Hermione's side with Viktor. Ron could feel his temper start to flare again, but it was quickly subdued by the look on Harry's face. They both sat down next to Hermione getting an approving nod from Madam Pomfrey.

"Viktor already told me about Colin," murmured Harry trying hard not to look up.

"I wonder who he tried to save from the Death Eater," said Ron quietly.

"Didn't Viktor tell you? Colin saved Hermione's life," said Harry, looking up at Ron who was stunned.

***

The crimson red light from the sunset produced a wonderful sight as it hit the library of Malfoy Manor. Narcissa was sitting at one of the tables looking through a picture album. She stopped turning the pages as a photograph filled her with fond memories. Her mother and father were sitting on a blanket feeding each other an assortment of fruits. Sissiah and Gaimun Pereaux were a perfect couple, and the birth of their daughter, Narcissa, had only strengthened their bond. The wind was taking hold of her mother's hair as the waves came crashing onto the cliffs of Dover. They had been so happy. The three of them.

She reluctantly turned the page and she knew, from looking through the album hundreds of times, what would come next. Her father was sitting alone in their old kitchen where Narcissa had grown up for most of her life. This was after her mother had left them to live with another man. A Muggle of all things. They had started a new family and their son, Paul Hennington, had been raised without knowing anything about his wizard heritage.

The years that followed had been filled with sorrow as she watched her father go on a downward spiral finally reaching the end of his sanity on her fifteenth birthday. She woke up when her father came storming into her bedroom with a wild haunted look on his face.

"They're after me...they're coming for me," cried Gaimun, grabbing hold of Narcissa's shoulders. "Oh, what have I done...what have I done?"

Gaimun embraced his daughter as he continued to let tears fall down his face. A few moments later loud popping noises were heard coming from the hallway. He let go of Narcissa and spun around to face the Aurors. Instead of waiting for the door to come crashing down, he quickly grabbed something from behind a painting on the wall.

"Narcissa! Hurry! We have to leave...grab a hold of this and hold on tight," yelled Gaimun, holding out a necklace with a pendant.

As she and her father grabbed the pendant she felt a strange tugging. They left the realm of their house and they were going through a world with vivid colors that were swirling in the wind. Their journey came to an end as quickly as it had begun. She found herself standing by an enormous tower with dark hooded figures encroaching on them. She heard her father speak to one of them, and moments later she found herself standing in front of the wizard who had caused a great deal of pain and suffering. Her father had stepped forward and given himself to the Dark Lord, and the smell of burnt flesh accompanied by the piercing scream of her father had forever been etched in her mind.

Now that they were safe her father sat her down and began to explain what had happened earlier. The fear she had seen in her father's eyes were gone and had been replaced by anger.

"I-I killed her...her and that Muggle filth," spat Gaimun. "She betrayed our kind and left me for...for a Muggle. She got what she deserved."

Narcissa was unable to speak. For all those years she had seen her father grow more reclusive and his heart had been filled with anger. He had spent endless nights talking to himself, and in his mind he must have come to the conclusion to join the Dark Lord and his quest to destroy the world of any Muggle loving wizards.

"I tried to kill the boy, but the Aurors must have been in the area scanning for any unusual activity. They would not take kindly to the use of the Forbidden Curse. The Dark Lord helped me...he gave me this Portkey to use after I had finished my task," said Gaimun, holding out the necklace.

"Narcissa?"

The sudden voice made Narcissa jump as her husband was standing in the doorway with a blank expression on his face. He came up behind her and let his hands fall on her shoulders.

"What are you...Aah, your family history. So tragic," sighed Lucius, tracing his finger on her cheek. "Let's just hope your family traits have been wiped away...for your sake."

Narcissa slowly closed the album and left the haunting memories to join her husband for dinner.

***

Dumbledore was sitting in his office when one of the bookshelves swung open to reveal a secret passageway. Out stepped a short man with broad shoulders and dark curly hair. He looked tired and pale. Had it not been for his dark complexion he would have been as white as a sheet. He dusted himself off and looked up at Dumbledore who was smiling broadly.

"Ashmir! It is so good to see you again!" said Dumbledore as he got up from his chair and rushed over to embrace his friend.

"Albus, it has been far too long. I am sad to see the circumstances that bring us back together."

"We must weigh the good against the bad. We have finally begun to mend the rifts that were created after the first retreat of Voldemort," said Dumbledore, inviting Ashmir to sit down across from him.

"Thanks to Hagrid we have been able to regain the confidence of the Giants, and he also acquired the guardian for the Dagger. However, I still have questions concerning the fourth element," continued Dumbledore.

"We can not be sure as to the actual fourth element. The scrolls were lost a long time ago, but my people have told me what they believe it is," said Ashmir gravely.

"Ashmir, I am also worried about the students and their families. Earlier today there was a Death Eater attack in Hogsmeade. One of our students were killed, and several others are badly injured. One of my most trusted operatives should be joining us any minute now."

The door swung open and in stepped an out of breath Arabella Figg.

"I'm sorry if I'm late, but there was the business of setting up more protective charms around Hogsmeade," Arabella said weakly, looking at Ashmir.

"Arabella, this is Ashmir. He is a friend of mine who is an expert in ancient artifacts. He is here to lend us a helping hand, as well as establish a connection with the Middle East wizarding community. Seeing as we need all the help we can get."

"So it is as we feared then?" asked Arabella.

"I believe this was the first attempt by Voldemort to find out exactly what it would take to..."

Green smoke came out of the fireplace as the face of Remus Lupin appeared.

"Albus, we just received your message. What do you want us to do?"

"Remus, we need you and Sirius to make your way to Egypt as quickly as possible. Go to a place called Egyptian Folklore, and ask for Mahmoubi. He will inform you of the task that lay ahead of you."

"We will leave immediately."

With that Remus' face disappeared and Dumbledore turned his attention back to Ashmir and Arabella.

"I am very grateful for all the work you have done for me during these years," he said to Arabella.

"You know I would do anything for you, especially since the boy is very close to my heart. Besides, I always wanted to have my very own shop," smiled Arabella, trying to lighten the mood.

"Ashmir, I am sure you are tired from your long journey. Would you be so kind as to show our guest the way to his room?" Dumbledore asked, eyeing Arabella.

"I will take him to the usual room on my way out. I still have charms that need to be put in place. Even though I doubt there will be another attack."

"Constant vigilance, my dear. Constant vigilance," said Dumbledore, brows furrowed as he watched the two of them leave.

***

"Sirius, we need to leave immediately," yelled Remus, as he began to get all his things together.

"Where are we going?"

"Our next stop is Egypt. Albus didn't tell me what we were going there for, but I have a feeling I know why. Most likely it has something to do with the attack on Hogsmeade today."

"I'm just so happy Harry was not there. To think what the Death Eaters would have done if..." said Sirius, not being able to finish.

"I know Sirius, but there is no time to dwell on what might have been. What will come, will come," paused Remus, "but we must leave for Egypt."

The two of them got their things together, and stood in the middle of the dimly lit room.

"I'll see you in Egypt then...unless you're split and half of you ends up in France," said Sirius smiling.

"When will you ever learn that I have the brains...and the brute of this team," replied Remus before Apparating from their room.

"Just wait until I get my hands on you Remus," grumbled Sirius as he Apparated leaving behind the message they had received from Dumbledore.

Friends,

There was an attack on Hogsmeade today. Harry was not there. Students were injured and one fatality. Contact me urgently.

A.D.

***

It had been a week since the Death Eater attack and Hermione was still in bed unconscious. Today was the first game of the Quidditch season, but most people's minds were on last week's events. Every time he would walk into the Hospital Wing he would see Viktor sitting by Hermione's side. He wondered how Viktor had managed to get permission to stay with Hermione all the time. When he really thought about it he did not even know what classes Viktor was taking.

For the first time since the beginning of the school year Ron was actually thankful for Viktor being with Hermione, keeping an eye on her. During one visit he had even talked to Viktor even though the conversation was very short and full of one-syllable words.

As Harry put on his Quidditch robe he looked up at his team. Fred and George were bantering around as usual, but there was definitely a subdued feeling about playing Quidditch among all of them. He was not sure whether or not they were expecting an inspiring speech so he just stood up and looked at them until there was silence. He motioned for them to gather around.

"Well, I've never done this before...never mind," he said closing his eyes gathering his thoughts. "Today is for Colin, a true hero. Let's make him proud."

With that he put his hand up into the middle of the circle followed by the rest of the team.

"To Colin," they said in unison before splitting up the circle and getting ready to mount their brooms.

Harry looked over at Ginny who had her head down.

"Gin, how are you feeling?" asked Harry stupidly.

"I'm all right," lied Ginny.

"Gin, it's going to be fine. Trust me. You're great," Harry said feeling his cheeks burn slightly.

Ginny looked up at Harry with a pink tone on her face as well.

"Th-thanks Harry," she trailed off, "but I just keep thinking about Colin. He...why?"

Harry did not know what to say. There was no sense to what Voldemort was doing. There was no reason to attack Hogsmeade unless there was something to target. Maybe that was it. There had been a reason for the attack only Harry could not figure out why. He wished the greatest witch at Hogwarts, Hermione, could be there to help him. He turned his attention back to Ginny who was looking like she was close to tears.

"I don't know why, but I promise you...I'll find out."

As the doors opened and the loud cheers were heard the Gryffindor team quickly flew out to the applause and joy of the rest of the Gryffindors in the stands. Harry circled the pitch high up in the air hearing another loud cheer this time from the Hufflepuff side as their team made their way out.

As they soared around Madam Hooch, Harry looked across at Robert Goodrich, the new Hufflepuff Captain who played Chaser. He immediately thought about Cedric. "I shouldn't be here," thought Harry as he stopped listening to Madam Hooch instructing both teams to play a good, fair game. Her whistle brought Harry out of his reverie, and the game began.

It was obvious they missed the leadership of Cedric as the Gryffindor Chasers were scoring so quickly that Jordan Lee had trouble keeping up. The score was quickly 70-0 to Gryffindor and it was clear it would become an embarrassing defeat for Hufflepuff. Right when Katie scored again Harry decided to take a time-out. The rest of the team looked very confused as they gathered around Harry on the pitch.

"What's wrong Harry?" asked Fred.

"Yeah, we're beating them into the ground. Did something happen?" frowned George.

"No, nothing like that. I just thought we should try to end this quickly. It's obvious they're not going to score, and I just thought we shouldn't embarrass them. I'm sure you would feel the same," Harry said firmly.

The rest of the team looked at each other, and they knew what other motives were behind this unexpected behavior of their captain. They decided not to press the issue and just gave Harry a nod. They decided to keep scoring until they were beyond reach even if Harry would not catch the Snitch, however unlikely that was. After that it was up to Angelina, Katie, and Alicia to keep the Quaffle while Harry searched for the Snitch. Madam Hooch blew her whistle to signal the end of the time-out, and the game continued in much the same fashion as it had before.

Harry was flying around the stadium trying to spot the Snitch, but there was no sign of it. He looked over at Ginny who was looking, if possible, bored out of her mind. Hufflepuff had only been able to get off three shots so far, and Ginny had blocked them with ease. They locked eyes and they exchanged a brief smile before she turned back her attention to the game. When she had soared up by her hoops at the beginning of the game she had looked determined to focus on the game and nothing else. Harry heard Lee Jordan screaming as Alicia spun around to score for the fifth time. The score was now 160-0 and Harry saw the familiar glimmer at the far north side of the pitch. He quickly checked to see if Lori Clemons had seen the Snitch, and then dove turning himself into a blur as he sped across the pitch.

Ginny had felt very uneasy about playing Quidditch after what had happened last week. Colin had died, and Hermione was still lying in the hospital wing unconscious. When Harry had asked her how she was doing she had been close to breaking down and just running out of the room. The promise he had made her and the thought of doing this for Colin had given her strength and determination. It turned out to be a rather boring first game for her Quidditch wise. She had only had to stop three shots, and it did not look like she was going to have to touch the Quaffle until their next practice.

After the time-out she had forced herself to show some kind of interest in the game, but her eyes strayed towards Harry who was flying high above the rest of them. He finally came to a rest over by the Gryffindor supporters. She heard Lee Jordan proclaim that Katie Bell was one of the finest Chasers ever to come through Hogwarts as she scored again. She watched as the Quaffle was quickly taken by Alicia from Padgett, one of the Hufflepuff Chasers. "And here we go again," she thought to herself yawning.

She turned around where Harry was hovering and they exchanged smiles before she went back to watching the blue sky trying to figure out exactly what shade of blue it was. Just as she was about to start a serious conversation with herself about the different shades of blue she heard Lee screaming out Alicia's name and the score. Only moments later she saw a streak of scarlet fly through the air coming to a halt at the other side of the field. Harry was holding up the Golden Snitch and Madam Hooch sounded the whistle to signal the end of the game.

The Hufflepuff team looked happy to finally have the torture over with, and the Gryffindor side was busy celebrating their win. Before anyone was able to storm the pitch, Harry signaled for the team to join him up in the air. Without a word they came together in a circle once again only to soar high up in the air in silence for a short time thinking about Colin and the rest of the Creevey family.

***

The Center for Apparation Arrivals in Cairo was bustling with activity, and Remus was trying to find the way out into the Muggle world. Sirius was being inspected by an Egyptian Apparation officer who apparently found the very sight of Sirius suspicious.

"I don't speak...whatever you people speak," tried Sirius as he was feeling under pressure. It would not be good if he was arrested on foreign soil.

The officer kept twisting Sirius' wand and finally gave it back waving for Sirius to leave. With a sigh of relief he went to find Remus. Thankfully most of the signs had been translated into English, and within a few minutes he found his friend standing by the exit.

"Well, that was nerve racking," sighed Sirius, as he glanced at a few of the women who were giving him a wink. He smiled broadly at them and puffed out his chest.

"If you didn't look like a criminal," Remus paused, "everything would've been fine." He looked over at the women who were getting Sirius' attention.

"C'mon you big lug. We have somewhere to be, if you don't mind?" grunted Remus.

"Oh, yes. I know. I just thought I'd get acquainted with the locals, if you know what I mean?" Sirius said winking.

"I know exactly what you mean Padfoot, and that's why we're leaving right now. You wouldn't want the "Vienna incident" to happen all over again, would you?"

"Hey, that wasn't my fault," huffed Sirius.

Remus just shook his head and went to buy some suitable clothes at the one of the many shops at the Apparation Center. They decided to split up and meet by the exit in ten minutes. Remus had no clue as to what or where he should go, but he decided to ask one of the officers what shop was the most respectable. He was directed to Khalif's Clothing for Men where a salesperson was very helpful in picking out clothes that were a perfect fit for Remus. The beige robes actually looked similar to his wizard robe, but he decided it was better to blend in with the rest of the people in the Muggle world.

A few minutes later Remus was standing by the exit wondering what was taking Sirius such a long time. He heard some people laughing as the crowd was parting to give way for someone. Nothing could have prepared Remus for what he saw next. Sirius was walking through the crowd wearing a bright green turban, and a pair of robes that could only be described as shocking. The neon pink stripes were clashing horribly with the green, and everybody's eyes turned to watch this spectacle of horrible clothing. Remus was still standing with his mouth wide open when Sirius came up to him.

"Well? What do you think? Ali said this was the latest for all handsome men to wear," said Sirius with a pleased smile on his face.

Remus blinked several times to regain his composure and finally closed his mouth.

"What...do you think you're wearing?" he asked stunned.

"Ali said...," Sirius trailed off, turning around only to find the rest of the terminal staring at him and laughing.

"Sirius...I...let's just go," sighed Remus. "By the way, I don't know you."

Remus walked through the gateway to Cairo accompanied by Sirius and the laughter from the rest of the terminal ringing in his ears.

***

Egyptian Folklore was located on a small off street on the outskirts of Cairo. The directions they had been given at the Apparation Center had been very precise, perhaps knowing what might happen to tourists who get lost in the Muggle world. The door swung against a bell hanging above it, and a young boy quickly came up them.

"Good day, my name is Yosef. How may I be of service on this glorious day?" he said, giving Sirius an amused look.

"We are looking for a man named Mahmoubi," said Remus eyeing the young boy.

"One moment please."

The boy disappeared behind the counter and voices could be heard coming from the adjacent room. Shortly after an older man came through the doorway. His burly face and white teeth were accentuated by the dark tone of his skin.

"I am Mahmoubi. How can I help you?" he said in an inquisitive tone.

"We were sent here by a mutual friend, Ashmir," Remus whispered.

Mahmoubi's eyes went wide, and he quickly looked around as to make sure no one had heard their conversation. He gestured for them to follow him, and told the young boy to keep an eye on the shop while he attended to some important business. They went back into another room where a small wooden table with four chairs around it was the only focal piece. It was dimly lit and there was a faint smell of tealeaves. Mahmoubi invited them to sit down.

"No need to introduce yourselves," said Mahmoubi, "Ashmir has already informed me about all the details. Here are your identification papers in case anyone should ask," he said handing over two neatly folded papers. "You should find everything is in order. Here are your instructions. We have reason to believe there is a spy amongst us at Gringotts here in Cairo. We also believe one of the people working there is in grave danger. Your job is to keep an eye on any suspicious activities as well as protect our operative. Here are the rest of your instructions."

He handed them a blank piece of paper earning a couple of raised eyebrows and two questioning looks.

"Just say Apparecium, and the text will be revealed. Only you will be able to read it," said Mahmoubi reading into their faces. "Transportation is waiting for you outside to take you to your new home. Now I bid you farewell, and good luck."

Mahmoubi rose from his seat and shook hands with Remus and Sirius. Outside of the shop a car was waiting for them, and they got in without knowing where they were going.

***

After the match Harry made his way up to the Gryffindor common room with the rest of the students. Usually huge celebrations were in order after such a fantastic display, but it did not feel like the right thing to do. The death of Colin Creevey had affected everyone deeply. For some they had lost a dear friend, or as in Dennis' case, a brother. However, most students were now worried about the powers Voldemort must have to be able to strike at Hogsmeade, a place that was so close to Hogwarts. Congratulations were given and received, but the fear that was seeping into the minds of all the students was getting the better of them.

All of a sudden the portrait hole swung open and Professor McGonagall walked in, stopped and searched the room, then headed straight for Harry, Ron, and Ginny.

"Mr. Potter, Mr. Weasley, and Ms. Weasley. I thought I would inform you that Ms. Granger is awake. Mr. Krum is currently with her, but I thought you might like to go visit her. Madam Pomfrey of course objected, but I persuaded her to let you have a few minutes with Ms. Granger."

The three of them leapt to their feet and ran past McGonagall heading towards the hospital wing. When they arrived Hermione and Viktor were having a conversation, while Madam Pomfrey was giving Viktor a disapproving look. She turned to look at who else might be disturbing her patients, but let out a resigned huff when she saw Harry, Ron, and Ginny. It must have taken all her resolve to let one, let alone four, people visit one of her very tired patients.

"Just a few minutes, and that's it," she said sharply, shuffling through some papers.

Ginny did not listen as she ran over to Hermione and embraced her in a hug that made Hermione gasp for air.

"Gin...ny...need...to...breathe," she gasped.

"Sorry," said Ginny, tears forming in her eyes as she let go.

Harry went over to give Hermione a friendly hug while Ron was standing back trying to decide what to do. Finally he walked over by her bed and gently patted her hand. Harry could only smile as he saw how embarrassed the two of them were.

"Um...I'm glad to see you're all right," said Ron, being careful not to let his eyes wander from her hand. "I...we were so worried. I care...I mean, we care so much about you...I...it's good to see you awake again."

Ron's ears were now turning pink and Harry could have sworn he saw Hermione give Ron's hand a squeeze. The fact that Ron's face was turning the same colour as his ears only confirmed it.

"Hermione, I really wanted to talk to you about something," said Harry, smiling at his two friends who were having problems telling one another how they really felt.

Harry did not get any further than that as Madam Pomfrey rose from her desk and set her sights on them. Knowing this was not the time for it Harry simply looked at Hermione and mouthed "later."

"Now all four of you, yes even you Mr. Krum, need to leave. Ms. Granger needs to rest," Madam Pomfrey said, sounding like her usual self. "Get on."

Viktor slowly got up to leave and leaned in and gave Hermione a kiss on the cheek that made her blush. Ron's eyes flashed with anger, but he was able to control himself by clenching his fists.

"Goodnight Herm-own-ninny, I'll be back tomorrow morning so ve can finish talking," said Viktor, turning around giving Madam Pomfrey a scowl.

Madam Pomfrey escorted them out of the hospital wing and she was kind enough to slam the door shut right behind them. They all headed back to the Gryffindor common room where Viktor quickly went up to his room. Ron flopped down in one of the chairs, and Harry sat down next to Ginny whose eyes were still a bit red. Harry instinctively put his arm around Ginny startling her. He quickly drew back not knowing what had possessed him to do such a thing. He was grateful that Ron had been busy studying the fire or else he was sure Ron would have ripped his arm off. They sat there for a few minutes without anyone saying a word. The crackling from the fire was all that could be heard. Suddenly Ron rose out of his chair and went up to his room without a word.

Harry was not sure what to do. He was feeling very uncomfortable sitting so close to Ginny. Thankfully Ginny got up and said goodnight before heading up the stairs leaving Harry alone on the couch. He looked at his hand that had done the unspeakable act.

"What are you doing?" he muttered to himself putting his head in his hands. When he looked up he could see Dean and Seamus in the middle of a heated discussion about Quidditch and football.

When he came up to his room Ron was already lying in bed. There was no one else up there and Harry quickly got ready for bed, lying down exasperated.

"Harry?"

"Yes?"

"Do you think I'm a stupid prat?"

"No, you're just a prat," chuckled Harry.

He turned around and put his glasses on his bedside table.

"Harry?"

"Yes?"

"Why did you put your arm around my little sister?"

Harry was now in a state of shock and panic.

"I...I...uh...umm...I just thought she looked like she needed a hug," stuttered Harry, instantly slapping himself for not managing to come up with something better than that.

"Just wanted to make sure you weren't trying to do something," said Ron suspiciously. "If you were..."

"Ha ha...Me? Trying to do something?...Very funny," said Harry with a strained laugh.

"Yeah, I guess so. Goodnight Harry."

"Goodnight Ron."

"Just so you know...I'd rip your arms and legs off."

Ron turned over and within a few minutes he was asleep, snoring loudly. Harry however, was having trouble sleeping as he pictured himself getting his arms ripped off, and his head fed to a Lupertilio by a furious Ron.