Rating:
R
House:
Schnoogle
Characters:
Draco Malfoy Luna Lovegood Neville Longbottom
Genres:
Drama Romance
Era:
Multiple Eras
Spoilers:
Philosopher's Stone Chamber of Secrets Prizoner of Azkaban Goblet of Fire Order of the Phoenix
Stats:
Published: 04/20/2004
Updated: 05/23/2005
Words: 183,271
Chapters: 28
Hits: 51,099

HARRY POTTER AND THE PROPHECY TRUE

dan's girl62

Story Summary:
Year six is over, Harry has grown into a great wizard with powers even surpassing and surprising the Dark Lord and Dumbledore. He has found his soul mate and has discovered the fifth point of the star. But can he find the Green Flame Torch prophesized to be the link to Voldemort’s destruction? Can he save the wizarding world before the son of evil is born and will he be able to let go of the past and build a future, or will he use his powers to change all that he has become to regain all that he has lost? Rated R for future chapters.

Chapter 12

Chapter Summary:
Year six is over, and Harry and his friends have moved past UNEXPECTED BEGININGS. Harry has grown into a great wizard with powers even surpassing and surprising the Dark Lord and Dumbledore. He has found his soul mate and has discovered the fifth point of the star. But can he find the Green Flame Torch prophesized to be the link to Voldemort’s destruction? Can he save the wizarding world before the son of evil is born and will he be able to let go of the past and build a future, or will he use his powers to change all that he has become to regain all that he has lost? Rated R for future chapters.
Posted:
07/30/2004
Hits:
1,498
Author's Note:
Okay readers, I'm trying to get back on track. Took a little detour from my original idea for the story, but I'm heading back to the main idea. Hope you liked the detour.


Chapter twelve

The days that followed seemed to fly by and Harry soon found himself sitting at breakfast the first day of Quidditch practice. Tryouts had already been held and without much thought, he had decided to keep Ron and Ginny on the team and Collin was doing extremely well as their second Chaser. Dean Thomas had improved dramatically over last year's games to prove himself a great Beater, but Natalie MacDonald was no longer at school to make up the second Beater. Her parents had become very agitate and worried for her safety after Malfoy and Ginny had been abducted lat year, and withdrew her from Hogwart's, transferring her instead to their sister school in America. That meant there was a Beater position he had to fill, along with Geoffrey Hooper's spot as Keeper. His whining and complaining about practice times and other team members was enough that Harry had actually kicked him off the team one week into the new school year, not that the other players minded much. The problem was, it left him with two vacant spots to fill and only five students trying out.

Collin's younger brother Denis had tried out for Beater, sine he and his brother spent the summer practicing and was actually quite good, though he had yet to play with the team. Seamus Finnigan had decided to take Dean up on his nagging and try out for the Keeper vacancy, along with Andrew Kirke and Parvati Patil, leaving Lavender Brown to compete against Denis Creevy. It wasn't hard to choose the position fillers.

Denis was extremely good and was in perfect sync with his older brother, while Seamus proved very adapt as Keeper. Andrew Kirke was a very good player, but when he had to make a choice Harry's decision was made for the benefit of the team, which had to be Seamus. Andrew however wasn't very happy about it and complained to McGonagall that Harry was playing favorites. McGonagall decided to allow Madame Hooch to decide between the two. When the decision was made, it proved Harry was as good a Quidditch Captain as a friend. Madame Hooch chose Seamus to fill the Keeper's slot. As for Parvati and Lavender, Harry spent most of the time watching them with his jaw resting on his chest. Parvati screamed every time the quaff le came near her and ducked out of the way, allowing the goal to go for the other side. Harry was just glad they weren't in an actual game. Lavender cried because she broke a fingernail when the bat rebounded from the bludger, and flipped backwards out of her hand. After two more goals scored from Parvati, and Lavender complaining because the bludger nearly hit her again, Harry had made his mind up. His new players were without a doubt, Denis Creevy and Seamus Finnigan.

Breakfast was the usual array of gossip, chatter and laughter, but Harry and his team didn't really seem to notice. They were huddled together at the end of the table discussing the strategies Harry had thought up during his summer quest. The owls began delivering mail, bringing a halt to the reviewing of plans. Harry sat quietly eating his sausages and eggs, his mind still consumed with maneuvers he had planned, when two letters fell from above. Harry picked them up and frowned, glancing up as Hedwig settled nearby for a treat. He supplied his white owl with a fat sausage and looked closer at the letters. He hadn't had many since Sirius had died and getting two in one day was a rarity, regardless. One of the letters had a Ministry seal on it, while the other one had a very family return address; Number 4 Privet Drive, Surrey. With a breath of courage, Harry slipped open the envelope from Surrey. Inside were two letters, one from his aunt and uncle the other from Dudley.

"Potter," his aunt and uncle wrote. "We cannot tell you enough how disgusted we are that you have done this horrible deed to our Dudley. It is bad enough that you are a freak, but to force our son to endure whatever trickery you cast on him is beyond any vengeance we could have imagined, even from the likes of you. We demand that you return our son to the sweet young man that we know and love and stop whatever foolishness you have placed on him, immediately. Don't take this lightly, Potter. We will not stand by and allow you to turn our son into one of your kind." Harry tossed the letter aside, seeing the signature of Vernon Dursley on the bottom. Next he opened the letter from Dudley, frowning at the words.

"Harry," it began. "I know my parents are writing to you and I am deeply sorry. I have spent the past several weeks at the Ministry of Magic training under the supervision of one of your friends, a Bill Weasley. He is very good and very kind. Harry, I am writing you for a couple of reasons. First, I want to thank you for all you did for me in Australia. I know you didn't have to go to the extremes you did, but I also never knew just how noble you truly were. I could have died that night on the beach with that Siren, but you saved me. I will never know how to thank you for that. Second, I am writing to ask you a favor. I know I have never given you reason to grant me a favor, but I ask all the same. I am hoping that Bill is right and my parents will change their opinions of your world - our world, if they can just visit it for a short time. The Minister will allow my parents to enter the wizarding world, but only with a sponsor. I am writing to ask if you would sponsor them? I am hoping that if they spend a weekend here and there, perhaps they will ease up on the opinions they have. Please let me know as soon as you can. Dudley"

"Are you going to do it?" Ginny asked, making Harry aware that she had been reading the letter over his shoulder.

"I don't know," he said with a disgusted growl. "That would mean I'd have to spend an entire weekend with them. Can you imagine what they are going to be like? I can't even begin to think of all the things they would say if they saw Diagon Alley or Hogsmeade, and God forbid if they ever saw Hogwart's or the Burrow. None of it would measure up to the standards they assume they are well above. I thought when I left Surrey that I was leaving them behind as well. Now I'm suddenly being consumed with pleas from a cousin I've spent the better part of seventeen years hating, and threats from his parents who would willingly hand me over to Voldemort himself, then admit their precious 'Dudders' could possibly be anything other than obnoxious."

"You'll do it," Ginny said with a smile. "It's not in you to deny them. What's that letter about?" she asked nodding to the envelope from the Ministry and ignoring the disgusted look from Harry.

Picking up the letter, he slipped open the flap and pulled out a very official looking document. He read through it with a frown.

"It's a sponsorship form to bring the Dursleys into our world," he grumbled softly. Ginny reached for the letter, folding it along with the two from his relatives and handing them to Hermione who had been listening quietly to their conversation.

"Hold these until practice is over, will you 'Mione? Harry can answer them later." Hermione smiled, taking the pages and slipping them into her robe pockets.

"You seem pretty sure of yourself," Harry grumbled. Ginny reached up to him, kissing his cheek tenderly.

"No, I'm just sure of you."

"I don't want them anywhere near this place and I don't want to be anywhere near them," Harry complained, pushing his plate aside. Hermione opened her mouth to add support to Ginny's assurance that he would do the right thing and sign the paper, when Ron suddenly burst into laughter, causing three sets of eyes to turn to him in surprise.

"Go ahead and sign it Harry," his red haired friend insisted. "But don't set a date yet. Let's take a look at this castle of yours first."

"Why?" Harry asked with a frown.

"Can you imagine their faces when they go to a royal palace to spend the weekend, and not just that, but your palace? They'll flip!" Harry smiled imaging the look on his robust uncle's face not to mention his aunt's. They had always labeled James Potter as a looser; wait until they find out he was a prince.

"I can probably get Misty to go to the place and start cleaning," Harry said suddenly. "Maybe Dumbledore will let Dobby help as well."

"Harry," Hermione said abruptly. "You cannot use house elves as slaves. Haven't you ever read the pamphlets I handed out on S.P.E.W.?"

"Yes, I've read them," Harry lied. "But Misty isn't a slave and neither is Dobby. I was planning on paying both of them."

"I know mum and Penelope would be happy to see what they could do to help as well," Ginny said, distracting the argument she knew Hermione would eager engage.

"We can shoot for Halloween," Ron suggested. "It's on Friday and we can spend holiday there."

"We?" Hermione asked.

"Sure," Harry added. "You don't think I'm going to spend a whole weekend alone with my relatives, do you? Besides, this prince thing is a lot to stomach all at once. We've always done everything together, why not this? You want to come, don't you?"

"Are you mental?" Ron gasped. "Spend the weekend in a castle? I can't wait for Percy to find out. He'll have no choice but to change his mind about you and Ginny then."

"Okay, then it's settled," Ginny, said with a smirk. "You'll write your relatives after practice and return the form to the Ministry. I'll write mum and tell her the plan and we can all speak with Professor Dumbledore about getting a weekend leave from school. I'm sure dad can help us arrange that if necessary."

"You really love this, don't you?" Harry asked with a bitter look.

"What?" she asked with a sweet smile.

"Winning. You always have to have your way and what's worse, I always give into you."

"That's what love is all about," Ginny giggled softly, causing Ron to offer her a disgusted look.

"I think I've lost my appetite," her brother complained.

"Then let's get to the pitch," Harry ordered as he stood from the table. "I don't want to give her any more ammunition to use against me. Maybe I'll be lucky and a bludger will knock me cold."

Practice went brilliantly and Harry had been so pleased he didn't even mind the fact that so many students had come out to watch. It was a beautiful day, the sun was warm and the air was clear, which only added to the mounting feeling of success. Harry was certain Gryffindor would again win the House Cup. The Creevy boys played perfectly together, Seamus and Dean acted as though they were linked mentally to the actions of the others and Ginny played better then she ever had. Harry was able to catch the snitch a total of six times, with very little trouble and Ron was perfect as Keeper. The team couldn't be more excited for the Quidditch season to begin, and their captain couldn't have been more proud of his team.

In the locker room, talk was ramped about the successful practice. Harry held his head high as he listened to the enthusiasm of his team. Even Ginny was eagerly chatting about the first game of the year. The plans and maneuvers he had thought of over the long summer months were looking good and the team was pulling together, bringing into play every move Harry had contemplated. Now they had to see how it would work in a real game.

Harry pulled his street shoes on and looked up as Ron and Ginny approached him, both smiling brightly. He couldn't help but feel the enthusiasm of a great day mounting on his shoulders.

"We're going to meet up with Hermione and head to Hogsmeade," Ron said. "Want to join us?"

"Sure, but it's not our weekend to go into town. How are we going to get out?"

"Like you would ever worry about sneaking around," Ginny chuckled, reaching her hand out and helping him stand up. "But it doesn't matter. You're seventh years, which means you have unlimited visitations to Hogsmeade. As long as I'm with you, I can go as well."

"That is so cool," Harry said with a brighter smile. "I love being the senior class."

"Pretty wicked, huh?" Ron said, his own smile matching that of his best friend's.

"So where's Hermione anyway?" Harry asked as they mounted the stairs to Gryffindor tower. "I didn't see her at practice."

"She was in the library," Ginny informed them. "She is determined to find out everything she can about the Document of Cessation. You know 'Mione, she wants to be the first to find the answers."

"Well I for one appreciate all she's done for us," Harry said proudly. "I could never have made it through first year if it wasn't for her and Ron."

"If it wasn't for you, none of us would have made it through first year," Ron grumbled. "Remember Quirrell? He would have gotten hold of the Philosopher's Stone and Voldemort would be back in power. I don't want to think what life would be like for any of us right about now."

"Ron tell me something," Harry asked, following his friend around the corner that lead to the library. "When did you stop being so afraid to call Voldemort by name?"

"I guess it was when I realized you were more powerful. He doesn't really scare me so much anymore."

"I think my big brother's growing up," Ginny teased, tightening her grip on Harry's hand.

"Sod off Ginny," Ron grumbled as he stepped through the door to the library and looked around for the girl who caused his heart to skip a beat every time he saw her. Right on cue, Ron spied the attractive young woman he would take as his wife in less than ten months, but frowned when he saw the pale blond sitting next to her at the small round table.

"Easy, Ron," Harry warned in a soft whisper. "He's on our side now, remember?"

"He may be on Dumbledore's side, but you will never convince me he's on my side."

"Well, well, well," Malfoy said, looking up and seeing the three heading his way. "If it isn't the golden trio of the Gryffindor team. I hear you had a few interesting moves in practice today, Potter. Too bad I wasn't there to watch it."

"Where were you then?" Ron asked with a snarl that only caused Malfoy to smile brighter.

"Right here of course. Your girl friend and I have been having quite an interesting conversation. Seems she's trying to find information on the document between the Wizard King and the Ministry."

"Did she tell you why?" Ginny asked, watching the innocent expression cross her soon to be sister-in-law's face.

"Knowing Granger, it has to be something boring."

"It's because Harry has to sign the document on his next birthday," Ron said boldly. Malfoy looked at the red head and frowned.

"What has Potter got to do with the Document of Cessation?"

"Don't you know?" Ron asked with a smile that said he was completely enjoying having the upper hand on Malfoy. "By law, the heir to the throne has to sign the document on his eighteenth birthday. That's next year and Harry needs to know what it is he's signing." Malfoy's frown deepened as he eyed Harry's suddenly flushed face. The messy haired young man still hadn't adjusted to the whole idea of his being a prince, and this was less than comfortable to hear it being discussed so openly like this. He glanced around the library, noting the many students occupying the room. It was an unusual amount for a Saturday, which did little to relieve Harry's nerves, especially when he noticed how many had taken an interest in the conversation.

"Now why would Potter need to know what's in the document?" Malfoy asked again. "What's he got to do with it?"

"Think about it Malfoy," Ron said, a little louder than Harry would have preferred. "The document has to be signed by the heir of King Trenton Christopher Potter. Potter, get it? Harry Potter? Ring a bell yet, Ferret-Face?" Malfoy's jaw dropped and Harry could hear a sudden busying of voices around him, feeling more embarrassed then he had since fourth year, when everyone thought he and Hermione were dating.

"Potter?" Malfoy said as if hearing the name for the fist time. "So that's what my father meant."

"What do you mean?" Hermione asked from her seat at the table. Malfoy glanced down at her and back up to Harry.

"He told me when I was a child, that some day Harry Potter would come to rule the wizarding world and that it was up to us to stop him. I always assumed it was because of your defeat against the Dark Lord..."

"Voldemort," Ron interrupted, watching Malfoy grimace at the mention of the evil wizard's name.

"Whatever," Malfoy continued. "I knew about the document and the battle between my ancestor and the first king, but I never put the names together."

"Well now you know, Malfoy," Ron said proudly, patting Harry's shoulder. "Don't you think you should bow to the new prince?"

"Ron, stop it!" Harry snapped, his expression filled with anger and embarrassment.

"What? After the way this...Ferret-Face has always treated you and you don't think he should show you a little respect?"

"Enough," Harry insisted again. "This is all getting out of hand. Let's just go to Hogsmeade and forget any of this has ever happened."

"Are you going to sign the document, Potter?" Malfoy asked abruptly, causing the room to fall into a tense silence.

"What?"

"You don't have to you know," he continued. "The document states that at any time, should the heir feel the world is in danger of an evil successor, that he can raise an army and assume the throne again. I can't think of the world being in more danger than it is now."

"I am not assuming anything," Harry snapped. "I don't want any of this. All I want to do is get through my N.E.W.T.S. with a passing grade and get on with my life. I never asked for any of this." Harry's voice began to rise louder than he had planned, causing several students and one teacher in particular to stop by the door to the library. "I never asked to be a Potter or to be The-Boy-Who-Lived. I don't want it and I don't want to be special."

"Special?" a cold voice said from the doorway. Harry and the others standing near him turned to see the greasy haired, dark robed figure looming in the room toward them. Harry sighed. This is just what he needed now. Why couldn't they just go to Hogsmeade and forget all of this ever happened?

"Do you think you're special Potter?" Snape hissed with an evil grin.

"No I don't and I never said I did."

"But your little groupies thinks you're some kind of a God, don't they? Not very good judgment on their parts, is it?"

"Look, I don't want to argue about this. Let's just go to our house and get changed." Harry tried to pass by but was stopped by a cold grip on his arm, rather firm and harsh.

"You are nothing special, Potter," Snape hissed again, his tone filled with venom causing Harry's eyes to narrow. "You are nothing more than lucky. The fact that you will someday sign the Document of Cessation only leads to the conclusion that your father was careless when he sired you."

"Back off slime ball," Harry growled bitterly, rounding on the man and pulling his arm out of the cold steal grip. "I never asked for your opinion and unless I do, I suggest you keep it to yourself."

"Think you're smart, don't you? Your father was arrogant just like you. He always had to be the center of attention and it seems to be a trait he passed on to you."

"Jealous? My father got attention because he had friends and people who cared for him. What did you have? Oh, yes I remember. You had Voldemort. Do you miss your lord and master, Snape? Wondering if he misses you? Well he doesn't, he filled his bed with Bellatrix Lastrange. Not much of a trade up, if you ask me." The room fell into a hushed silence, as more students began to fill the room, having heard about it from other students eager to see the encounter. Snape narrowed his eyes on the young man and Harry instant saw the image of his hand gripping his wand, through his mind's link with the potions teacher. Without thought, Harry reached his mind out and attacked, watching as the dark robes gathered around the man opposite him, throwing him some twenty feet backwards into a shelf of books. The room's occupants gasped as they watched the potions teacher struggle to his feet. The tension was so thick the students felt the fear vibrate around them, edging further away from the two. Ginny instantly stepped up to Harry, grabbing him by the arm.

"Harry stop it!" she ordered as he shrugged her away. "You're going to get yourself expelled."

"I don't care," Harry hissed, his eyes still focused on the images running through Snape's mind. He grabbed her around the arm, ignoring her gasp as he pushed her aside. A part of him knew she was right, he was in trouble and it was only getting worse, but the knowledge of his being able to enter Snape's mind so easily, seeing everything he thought and felt was overwhelming. He had an uncontrollable surge of power racing through his veins and he liked it. It was consuming him and all he wanted to do was strike. He wanted this greasy haired git to pay for seven years of torment, for the hateful things he had always said about James Potter and Sirius Black, he wanted him to suffer for the evil he caused so many other people over the years, the deaths he caused. He blamed his parents deaths on the man in front of him, as much as he blamed them on the master himself.

"I'll have you kicked out of school for this," Snape hissed in a harsh whisper.

"But you started it Professor," said a voice that caused everyone, even Harry to pause in disbelief.

"Draco?" Snape gasped.

"I'm sorry Professor, but we were all witness to your engaging Potter. A teacher has no more right to attack a student, then a student does a teacher. You started it, Potter was just defending himself."

"All right now," a deep voice said from behind them. "Let me through please." Harry straightened his street coat, watching as Snape followed suit and adjusted his robes across his dark clothes. Dumbledore pushed his way through the crowd of students, stopping to inspect the sight before him. He knew instantly what had happened and waited for an explanation. When one wasn't readily offered he raised his brow to his potions master, looking over the rim of his half moon shaped glasses.

"May I ask what has happened here?" the old wizard said, a note of cheerfulness in his aging voice. Snape cleared his throat, glancing around the room with an expression that warned those students present to keep quiet.

"Potter and I were...talking, and it got out of hand," the man said.

"Harry, is this true?" Dumbledore asked. A voice inside Harry's head warned him to keep quiet, but there was something else, something deeper and more demanding that ordered him to tell the truth.

"No sir," Harry said at last. "Professor Snape and I were discussing my father and a fight ensued."

"I see," Dumbledore said. "Very well, I'd like to speak with both of you in my office. The rest of you had better go on back to your houses. I'm sure there is nothing more to see here today." Harry glanced briefly to Malfoy who looked as puzzled by his own part in this as Harry was. Then he caught sight of Ginny's face. She was horrified and the look made her eyes water. Harry smiled a half grin to her and winked. Something told him this wasn't the last she would see him in this school.

******************************************************************************

Upstairs, Harry and Snape sat in chairs opposite Dumbledore's desk, while the Headmaster looked at them over his glasses. His fingers fanned out against the tips of the opposite hand and he tapped them gently to his lips.

"It is one thing for the two of you to engage in this sort of behavior outside of school," Dumbledore began. "But to conduct yourselves in such a manner here, and in front of the student body is something I have never had to deal with. What punishment do you suggest I set upon you for your actions?"

"Potter should be expelled from Hogwart's," Snape insisted immediately. "He viciously and willfully attacked a superior."

"You are not my superior," Harry snapped. "You're a greasy haired git. The only thing you have that's superior to me is your age and the size of your nose."

"That will be quite enough of that," Dumbledore said, fighting back the urge to chuckle. "I think I understand now. Whenever the two of you get together, fire is sure to follow. I cannot expel Harry, Severus, since Mr. Malfoy has already acknowledged that you started the confrontation."

"How did you..." Harry began, watching the knowing grin cross the old man's face.

"I know quite a lot about my students and the teachers who reside here. At any rate, I believe I have no other choice but to order both of you to be confined to your private chambers for one month. You will be allowed out only for meals and lessons. I'm sorry Severus," Dumbledore insisted, seeing the argument creeping over the man's face. "But I have no other choice. If you would prefer, I will present the problem to the board of governors, but I am sure they would not be as lenient as I am."

"Very well Headmaster," Snape surrendered, knowing the governors would order his immediate dismissal for antagonizing and instigating a fight with a student. "But if we are to remain in our chambers, then I demand Potter turn over his invisibility cloak. We wouldn't want him breaking his punishment, now do we?"

"I'm sorry Harry, but Professor Snape has a point."

"On the tip of his fork tongue," Harry mumbled under his breath.

"It would not be fair," Dumbledore continued, ignoring the young man's comment, "for you to be allowed to sneak out of Hogwart's under your cloak, while he is forced to remain a prisoner in his room."

"I'll surrender my cloak, Professor," Harry said, seeing the images Snape had already conjured in his mind. "But you must first place a containment spell around him. He's already planning on using his potions to gain him freedom to walk about the castle undetected."

"How dare you?" Snape hissed.

"I saw your thoughts, slug. I know what you were planning." Snape gasped, his eyes wide as he stared at the young man. "I know, I can read people's minds without their knowledge." Harry glanced to Dumbledore and blushed softly. "I discovered it some time ago, but until today I wasn't certain I could really do it."

"Fascinating," Dumbledore said with a raised eyebrow. "We'll discuss this further, Harry. But I will concede to your request. I will place containment spells around both of you and your chambers, so neither can break the rules of the punishment."

"What about my...other lessons?" Harry asked, suddenly remembering the extra lessons he had arranged with Charlie and the D.A. meetings.

"I'll make concessions to them," Dumbledore agreed.

"But Professor," Harry suddenly remembered. "What about Quidditch practice? I'm the team's captain. I have to be there."

"I'm sorry Harry. But for the next month you will not be allowed to join your team for practices. The punishment will be lifted in time for your first game, but other than that, your team will have to play without you. I'm sure you can assign a co-captain to assume your position."

"But sir," Harry began to complain.

"I'm sorry, the decision has been made. And Professor Snape, I'm afraid you will not be allowed to participate in the harvest of the asphodel, this year."

"But Headmaster, I have lead the harvest for fourteen years."

"Then may I suggest that in the future, the two of you refrain from challenging the other? As the Muggles say, if you can't play nice, then don't play at all." Snape and Harry looked to each other and glared silently. "Very good. Then with all of this settled I think you should both return to your chambers. I will be along shortly to place you in containment." Harry stood first then paused when Snape stood, staring eye to eye at each other. Dumbledore knew this was far from over and knew there would be little to prevent the two of them from trying to attack the other on the way back to their private rooms.

"Harry, please stay. I'd like to discuss a few things with you," Dumbledore asked, watching as Snape nodded to his Headmaster and left the room. Harry sat back down in his seat and folded his arms across his chest.

"You know why I asked you to remain behind?" Harry nodded.

"So I wouldn't try and kill the greasy git on the way back to Gryffindor Tower."

"Tell me something Harry," Dumbledore began with a frown. "I can sense something inside you, something very dangerous. You felt the impact of your power when you attacked Professor Snape, didn't you?" Harry looked up, amazed as usual that he could not hide anything from this old man.

"It was...intoxicating," Harry said after a moment to find the right word. "I felt invincible. I have never felt such raw power before."

"That is not good, Harry."

"Why? It's the kind of feeling I need to fight Voldemort. For the first real time, I feel as though I can actually win. If I can feel this kind of power with Snape, then just think of what I can do with the Dark Lord himself?"

"That's what concerns me, Harry. Do you remember my telling you that the lapis gelu could be used for evil if not controlled properly? Harry, what you felt today was a warning. If you do not get control over this power, you will fall to the dark side. It is what Voldemort has been waiting for."

"But I will never join him, Professor," Harry said honestly.

"How did you feel when you attacked Professor Snape? Happy, or regretful?"

"Happy."

"And when you saw his thoughts and knew he couldn't detect your invasion of his mind, how did you feel then?"

"Like I was in control of him. I had him by the throat. I knew everything about him and if I wanted to, I could use his own fears against him."

"That is what Voldemort has always done, Harry. He plays on people's fears, on their vulnerable thoughts and their weaknesses." Harry frowned as he considered the words his mentor said.

"I don't know what to say," Harry answered softly. "I could easily have killed Snape and never regretted it."

"You would have been made to regret it, I'm afraid. Harry, I want you to work with Mr. Weasley more than just a couple of nights a week. I want you to work with him every night and on Saturdays as well."

"But sir, what about Quidditch? And the D.A. meetings? I can't abandon either of those."

"For the next month, Harry, you will not have to worry about making your Quidditch practices, and as for the D.A., I am sure we can arrange something. Perhaps Mr. Weasley would care to lend a hand."

"But sir," Harry began to argue again, watching as the old man raised his hand in the air to silence him.

"I am sorry Harry, but the decision has been made. You have to understand the seriousness of your actions and you must work at controlling the feelings of your powers. This is a very crucial time for you Harry. The line between good and evil is a very thin one, and crossing it can be easier than waving your wand, but coming back again would be harder than you ever imagined. Once you have tasted the sweetness of power, you continue to crave it until you willingly sacrifice even the most important person in the world to you, in order to feel that power again. Control it now Harry, before it's too late." Harry frowned, trying to comprehend the meaning of the man's warning, but in all honesty he couldn't see the harm in what he had felt. He didn't harm anyone other than Snape and he thought of his own goals. He didn't surrender to Voldemort and he never would. The hatred he felt for Tom Riddle was greater than anything he had ever felt before, and if his new powers would give him the strength to defeat him, then why should he ignore the feelings that went with it?

"Harry, I think you should return to your room," Dumbledore said with a frown. Harry nodded, standing and silently walking out the door.

"He will not come back once he has crossed over," Phineas said from his wooden frame.

"I have faith in Harry," Dumbledore said half-heartedly. "I know there is a deep good in him that will never allow him to surrender to evil."

"What about Snape?" Dippitt's image asked. "He will not be as forgiving as you hope."

"Much can happen in a single year of school," Dumbledore replied again.

"You have much too much faith in those two," the old witch said from behind him. Dumbledore smiled to the portraits around him.

"I have faith in the blood that runs through their veins," he said, chuckling silently to himself.

******************************************************************************

"What happened?" Ron asked the moment Harry entered the Gryffindor common room.

"Snape and I both have been placed under house confinement for a whole month," he told them, sitting on the couch next to Ginny and taking her hand in his.

"You're lucky you weren't expelled," Hermione scolded.

"I know, I've already heard all about it. The worse part is, I can't participate in any Quidditch practices and the only time I'm allowed out of this tower is for meals and lessons."

"Bloody hell," Ron said. "What are we going to do without you? We can't practice any of those moves unless you're there."

"Yes you can," Harry insisted, glancing sideways to Ginny and noticing for the first time her silence. "I'll just make sure everyone knows the moves before hand. Dumbledore said I could assign a co-captain. Care for the job Ron?"

"Me?"

"Why not? You know more about Quidditch then I ever could."

"I can't believe it. I'm going to be captain of the Gryffindor team. Wait until Fred and George hear about this."

"You're only acting captain, until I'm released from confinement."

"It's more then they ever had."

"I have my Quidditch set I got for Christmas last year," Harry continued with a smile. "We can use that to go over the game plans."

"But you'll be there for the games, right?"

"Dumbledore said I'd be off confinement in time for the first game."

"It's bloody unfair," Ron grumbled. "Wait a minute," he said with a sudden smile. "You can use your cloak. They'll never know."

"I have to surrender my cloak to Dumbledore," Harry answered, trying to stay focused on the conversation while trying to get Ginny to look at him.

"Surrender it? What the hell? That's just completely unfair!"

"Ron, Harry could have been expelled today," Hermione scolded. "He attacked a professor."

"He attacked Snape. There's a difference, besides it wasn't a real professor like McGonagall or Flitwick."

"I'm just glad we don't have his class anymore," Harry said. "I can't even begin to think of what he would do to Gryffindor if we did."

"Yeah, and poor Neville would be his prime target," Ron added.

"But Neville is in his class," Hermione said suddenly. "He's taking the advanced potions class, don't you remember? Maybe you weren't there when he told us. Anyway, he was so confident about his behavior last year in his class that he decided to try and get a few extra potions under his cloak before N.E.W.T.S. He really wants to go into Herbology and figured potions wouldn't be a bad side line."

"Poor Neville," Ron commented. "He must be miserable without his potion."

"No actually he's not. I explained to him that the courage potion we gave him last year had a lasting effect if he took it more than five times in a row. Since he took it monthly last year, he's convinced he still has it in his system. He's been extremely brave to Snape and has been getting all of his lessons correct since the year began."

"I can't believe you lied to him," Ron said with a wicked smile. "You were the one who said we should tell him the truth."

"After seeing how different he was even with taking the fake potion last year, I decided he just needed a little boost. After all, he does have it in him, all he needs is the courage to face his fears."

"I'm still amazed."

"Well, since I can't go to Hogsmeade now, I guess I'll just go do some homework," Harry said, squeezing Ginny's hand.

"We're still going, aren't we?" Ron asked, and then looked back to Harry. "Sorry mate, but I was really hoping to get some treats from Fred and George to sell this year. I want to earn some extra money this year."

"For what?" Hermione asked with a frown.

"Stuff. What's wrong with wanting a little extra money?"

"I swear, you two argue like an old married couple," Harry chuckled, putting a halt to the two engaging in one of their usual day-long disagreements.

"Do you mind if we still go?" Ron asked his best friend.

"No, you go ahead. There's no point in my trying to sneak out. I have no other choice but to remain here."

"Ginny, you can still go with us if you want," Hermione suggested, receiving a disapproving expression from both of the young men sitting near her.

"No thanks 'Mione," Ginny said, finally adding to the conversation. "I've got a headache. I think I'm just going to lay down for a little while before dinner."

"Well, try and get some sleep," Hermione ordered as she and Ron stood and bid the other two a farewell.

Harry watched his two best friends leave before turning to the young red head next to him and smiling. He leaned over and kissed her shoulder, followed by a soft nuzzle of her neck. Ginny grimaced when he reached around her and tried to pull her into his embrace, causing him to frown at the reaction.

"What's the matter?" he asked. Ginny shook her head, keeping her eyes cast down from his. "Ginny, I know something's bothering you and it's not a headache. What is it?"

"Nothing," she insisted. "I just really want to lay down for a little while, do you mind?" Instantly she stood and began to walk toward the stairs, when Harry came up behind her, his hands grabbing her arms to stop her. Without warning, Ginny gasped, tears springing to her eyes as he turned her to face him.

"What is it?" he demanded. "Did I hurt you?" Ginny shook her head and tried to back away, but couldn't hide the grimace of pain when he reached out and grabbed her arm again. This time he wasn't being fooled. He eased her closer to him and lifted the sleeve of her jumper, revealing the purple imprint of a hand on her upper arm. With a frown of remembrance he recalled pushing her aside, when she tried to stop him from fighting with Snape.

"I did this, didn't I?" he asked her, but she refused to look up at him. "You need to see Madam Pomfrey," he said after a moment. It felt as if he had been kicked repeatedly in the gutt. He had hurt the one and only person he had ever loved, and he did it without thought or consideration to her. Slowly, he lowered her sleeve and stepped back away from her.

"Ginny, I'm sorry," he whispered. "I would never...I mean, I didn't mean...I'm sorry," he said again, and then walked away from her and up the stairs to his own room.

Maybe Dumbledore was right. If he could hurt the only person in life that meant more to him then everything else, what was to stop him from turning his back on her for the thrill and lust of power? Harry closed the door to his room and abruptly punched it, feeling the pain radiate up his hand to his elbow. He drew his arm closer to his chest and closed his eyes. He would keep the memory of pain with him as long as lived. He would always remember the searing white hot of his broken bones and remember how much his desire for a power had cost him. He had lost the one thing he once promised himself he would never loose; the love and trust of his beloved Ginny Weasley.


Author notes: I'm sorry, but I couldn't resist. I love Harry/Snape confrontations. Please continue to R/R. The next chapter will be up soon, I promise.