Mirror

FIRST TALE: Mirror

By Diana in collaboration with Meg R.

Revised edition

***

March 7, 11:45 pm

"Professor?"Harry asked as he felt something staring at him maliciously.Looking about at the darkness that surrounded him, he shivered in nervous expectation.A voice?A figure?Where?He wondered feverishly.There!There was definitely someone there.Is it...?"Professor?"He asked again, desperately this time.He tried to speak louder but something seemed to be jammed down his throat.He couldn't say a word pass a strangled whisper within the blackness that enveloped him.The shadow spoke caressingly, his voice echoing down the dark empty corridors.

"Yes?" A voice, low and familiar, drawled out playfully, seeming to come from nowhere and yet all around him at once.

Harry pressed closer to the door.That is definitely NOT the professor who I am looking for!Cold sweat slipped down his face at this thought.The door still remained firmly closed, as he stood alone in the middle of the night with..."Please." Harry pleaded whether for the door to open or to be left alone, even he couldn't tell.A burst of memory reminded him of when it all started...

***

December 25, 8:26 pm

Laughter, light and joy rang like bells in a cold Christmas' eve.The pale man with greasy black hair grimaced in disgust.He was so caught up in his thoughts, which was definitely not for polite company, when he suddenly found himself embracing stone.To be more precise, he was kissing the floor.Scowling at the cause of his current misfortune, apackage he found lying on the floor, he picked it up. The package, whatever it was, was wrapped in plain brown paper.It was thin but a bit heavy.In the front, a single word was written on it.It was a familiar name.Snape.He was distracted by another peal of laughter of some students or teachers as they celebrated a ridiculous Muggle custom called 'Christmas' with a Yule Ball.Why did Dumbledore reinstated that of all things?!Snape thought exasperatedly.He hurried to his room, still clutching the parcel he found, thinking of thefools who want to party when Voldemort wants them dead.Idiots!He started pacing as various possibilities entered his mind.Each new thought was worse than the last.

He stopped pacingas he suddenly realized that he was still holding the silly package he found.Annoyed, he tore apart the wrappings, revealing...

Nothing.Professor Severus Snape, potions Master of the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and former Death Eater, saw nothing.

***

At the Yule Ball...

"Whew!" Ron sighed out with relief."He finally left!I thought they were going to have it out here."

"Really, Ron!"Hermione retorted."Professor Snape and Mr. Black wouldn't have done anything right under Professor Dumbledore's nose."They both stared at the dance floor where Dumbledore, with his usual absent-minded smile, was currently dancing with a relaxed and smiling Professor McGonagall.

"Ron, Hermione.Who're you staring at?," asked Harry.Startled, they turned back so quickly they almost collided, only to see a smiling Harry Potter with his godfather, Sirius Black."Whoa!Did we surprise you guys?"

"Really, Harry!Sirius!" Hermione cried out.

"I thought you were Snape!" Ron cried out, clutching his heart.

"Well, then," said Sirius."It's not surprising you were startled!Thinking that big git is breathing down your neck is a nightmare for anyone!"

"Actually," said Hermione."We were watching Professors Dumbledore and McGonagall."

Sirius laughed."Dumbledore and McGonagall?You must be getting bored with the party if you're thinking that, Hermione!"

Ron's ears turned scarlet."Sirius, that's just gross!We were definitely not thinking about anything even remotely like--like--that?"Ron stammered as Dumbledore kissed McGonagall's hand at the end of their dance and escorted her back to the teacher's table.

Harry and Sirius laughed at Ron."I don't see anything funny," Hermione said haughtily."Men these days just don't have a sense of courtesy."

"Courtesy?" Ron retorted belligerently, eyes bulging."What's courtesy got to do with kissing hands?"Harry just continued to laugh as Sirius smiled, looking at the three of them.They're just like us when we were their age, James.You, me, Moony and even, he scowled as he thought of this, Wormtail.As Hermione and Ron argued on about good manners and proper conduct, Sirius began to reminisce, a bit sadly, about his own Hogwarts days.

Harry was enjoying himself, content with his friends simply being there, when a sudden twinge of sharp burning pain from the scar in his forehead made Harry blink as the world temporarily disappeared in a flash of white blankness.What?He asked himself, dumbfounded.But, it had vanished as quickly as it came. Harry frowned a little.As relieved as he was to be able to see again, he looked about furtively.Seeing nothing unusual, he shrugged it off with a thought.Maybe, I just imagined it hurt.He joined in the conversation with Ron and Hermione, forgetting that anything unusual occurred.Soon, they even got Sirius to tell them hilarious stories about his school days.

"Speak of the devil!" exclaimed Ron as Sirius has just told them of a trick the Marauders had pulled on Snape.

"It looks like Professor Snape is back," said Hermione.

"The greasy haired slime ball?"Sirius asked, suspicious as always when it comes to Severus Snape."Why did he come back?I thought he didn't like affairs like this."

Snape was at the door, looking from side to side as if he was searching for someone.Black eyes met green as Snape found the person he was looking for.Harry Potter, the Boy Who Lived.For a moment, in a flicker of a candle's light, a red light seemed to sparkle from within the depths of his black as night eyes.It was like a black hole, pulling all light inside it...

Then, all of a sudden, he smiled nicely at Harry.This confused Harry for it was nothing like Snape's usual sneer.It was a smile fit for angels.A true honest to goodness, happy look, was pasted on his face, not the usual sneer he does when Harry's in trouble.Shocked, Harry simply stared at him."Well, it looks like he's coming straight at us," said Ron looking very disturbed as well.

"Merry Christmas, Harry!Merry Christmas, Sirius!Happy holidays to you too, Ron and Hermione.Silence greeted the kindly smiling Snape.

"Wha?What did you say, Professor Snape?"An incredulous Ron stammered.

"Merry Christmas!Why is something the matter, Ron?"Snape asked with a gentle smile.

"Well," said Ron staring at Snape with shock."That's what I thought you said..."

As for Hermione, she was looking at Snape with concern in her eyes."Are you feeling alright, Professor Snape?"

Snape blinked."Why, yes.I'm absolutely fine, Hermione."He smiled again as he thanked her for her concern for him.

"Oh?Oh.It's nothing at all, Professor -- Snape?"Hermione's voice trailed off.Still smiling at them all (who looked like they were all hit in the head with a Bludger.Hard.), Snape came to a stop in front of Harry.

"Ah!Just the boy I'm looking for, Harry!"He looked at the others apologetically as he asked Harry if he could speak to him in private.

"What!"Sirius shouted."No!Absolutely not!I will not allow you to be alone with Harry."

Snape looked at Harry, silently pleading with his eyes.Sirius was adamant, shooing him away when Harry surprised them all (and himself, too!) by saying yes.Sirius looked at Harry as if he was out of his mind."Harry!This is Snape! Don't you recognize him?"

Snape bowed a bit in apology to Sirius but quickly turned to look at Harry undeniably delighted."That's wonderful!Thank you, Harry."Snape quickly steered them to a window where they could talk without being overheard yet still be in sight of everyone.

Sirius stared at them without blinking."Don't even think about it, Snape!I've got you in my sight.If you try anything..." He muttered frantically under his breath, never taking his eyes away from Snape as talked to his godson.

Harry stood staring at Snape as if he had grown fangs, horns and a pointed tail for he seemed to be apologizing for picking on him.Snape?Apologizing to me?I must be dreaming!Harry thought incredulously."--I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive my childish actions.I am very sorry, Harry," said Snape sincerely."Please take this as a token of my sincerity, Harry.A peace offering..." Snape went on as he drew a thick book from within his robes.Embossed in gold, largely writ in the cover of the huge dark forest green book was the title, Possessions.Underneath the title, two slanted ruby eyes glared at the world around, looking nothing more like than two huge sparkling scarlet tears of blood.

Harry stared at Snape's huge book with surprise.Snape looked downcast, as Harry didn't immediately take the book he was holding out to him."I know it's a bit used but it's really a quite interesting book, Harry.I thought you might want to have a copy of it, as light reading.After all, you, er, seem to have a bit of trouble with, er, You-Know-Who.I thought this might help take your mind of it, you know.Just to relax, that's all."He looked at Harry with discomfort at that."It's not jinxed, hexed or cursed, you know!"Snape remarked, trying to joke with him.

Harry stammered as he stared at the book Snape was handing to him."But I... I can't possibly accept that, Professor Snape."Gulped a nervous Harry as he stared at the glaring ruby gems.

"Please, Harry.Accept it in the spirit it is given.It is Christmas after all.You can say it's my Christmas gift to you!"Entreated Snape.That makes it even weirder!Harry thought.

The boy gingerly reached out a hand to take it.

"It doesn't bite, you know!"Snape jokingly repeated.As his fingers touched its silky cover, Harry fought to keep himself from shivering.Laughing uncomfortably, the boy backed off.

"Er, thank you, Professor Snape."Snape smiled at him brilliantly.

"You're very welcome, Harry.I must thank you for indulging me like this.Well, happy holidays!"

Snape hummed Jingle Bells under his breath as he approached another student, a Gryffindornamed Neville Longbottom.Harry stood rooted at that spot as Snape joyously greeted Neville with a Merry Christmas.Neville, who turned as white as the proverbial snow in Christmas carols, looked like he was going to faint.Snape solicitously asked him if he'd like a drink then.

Harry was not the only one staring at Snape in shock.It was soon buzzing around the room that Snape was not himself.Rumors flew around ranging from someone drinking Polyjuice potion, to drunkards, to weed and even to a visitation of the Ghosts of the Christmas Past, Present and Future.

As Ron, Hermione and Sirius flocked around Harry, they too were left speechless, looking at Snape with utter disbelief in their eyes. Dazed, Sirius absent-mindedly examined the book Snape gave Harry.It looked perfectly ordinary.It seemed utterly clean of curses, jinxes or hexes.It looks exactly what it says it is, a book about possessions.An odd subject but then the giver is even more peculiar!Sirius thought while glaring at it in disbelief."Harry," said Sirius."Let me keep this for a while.I'll have to check it out first."Harry, bewildered at Snape's confusing actions, readily nodded with acquiescence.Ron and Hermione agreed that it really was better that way.

***

December 26, 12:59 am

Sirius Black stared blindly out the window unto a moonless jet-black night, thinking hard.I've already done all sorts of curse, hex and jinx detections and still nothing!Not A Single Spell!Maybe I've gone about this the wrong way...Perhaps I should read it...Groaning aloud at the idea of reading such a long book, he dismally looked down into the lake.It was as still as stone and as black as the night.It looked like it was hiding sunken ships with skeletons still in its bowels.Not a single leaf seemed to move.The night was inexplicably silent and still when...

"Sirius?"A low voice casually called out from the corridor.

Sirius almost fell out the window as he turned around to face whoever it was that called him.A shadowy figure coalesced into the lean form of Severus Snape.

"Snape!"Sirius exclaimed in shock.He was smilingunerringly at him.Snape was smiling at him?!

"What do you want, Snape?Creeping around the dark like a demon!Well?"Sirius angrily faced the still smiling Snape.

"I'm sorry if I have startled you, Sirius.I merely wanted to give this to you," said Snape sincerely as he held out a strange looking mirror to Sirius.Its back was solid gold, as was its handle.Black ebony framed its shiny surface, which seemed to move like water from the faint light down the corridor."As a Christmas present."He went on noticing Sirius' expression."And as a peace offering.You know, let bygones be bygones.It's such a childish thing really..." Snape hurriedly pressed the mirror to his hands and vanished into the shadows, merging with it...

Sirius stared after him, not being able to distinguish one from the other anymore. A strange music started to play from a distance. What? He asked himself. (Ring-a-ring o' roses,) He frowned as the strange melody tugged at his mind. That's a nursery rhyme, isn't it? (A pocketful of posies,) It would have been charming if it just had not been played so slowly; it was creepy, especially while standing in a dark corridor in the middle of the night alone. A simple muggle child's song which I seem to remember Lily singing a lifetime ago to baby Harry. (A-tishoo! A-tishoo! We all fall down.) He shivered as the hair at the back of his head rose.We all fall down. I sure hope not! He thought, shuddering.

There was a clock's chime.1:00 AM.It was one in the morning.The song's last line continued to reverberate in his mind.(We all fall down...)

"That's it." Stated Sirius firmly to the dark. "I have gone bonkers. Snape gave mea Christmas gift? I definitely had one too many." Not looking at the mirror in his hand, he went to bed shaking his head, muttering imprecations under his breath...

***

December 26, 7:40 am

Severus Snape woke up to find himself not in his room."What's going on here?!"He demanded, angrily.His voice echoed eerily in the blackness that surrounded him.He was standing in what seems to be an unending field of darkness.Perturbed, he took a step back.Thump!Hitting something solid, he turned around to see what seemed to be an endless glass wall.Curiously, it seemed to be showing the ceiling of a room.It was a room in Hogwarts.As he tapped at the glass, a horrible thought entered his mind."No..." He said softly, shaking his head in disbelief."It can't be!This is impossible!"A shack of black hair confirmed his thoughts.Aghast, he screamed in utter horror.It was Sirius Black."I'M TRAPPED INSIDE A MIRROR!AAARGH!"He shrieked as his hands pounded on the wall before him.

***

Meanwhile...

A voice was screaming in his ear."Wha?What's going on?!"Exclaimed a startled Sirius Black."MMMMMPH A MIRROR!Aaargh!"The mirror screamed in frustration this time. "You!Shut up!"Sirius screamed back irritably at the mirror that was lying on the table beside his bed."Stupid mirror!Waking me up so early.Hah!Now I know why Snape gave me this mirror. It's an even greater git than he is!"

"Mmmph not!If anyone's a git around here, it's you!"The mirror sneered at him.Sirius stared at the cursing mirror.

"You know what, you're the first mirror that didn't think I'm too handsome for my own good or that I'm just too sexy or that..."

"That's because I am smart!You ugly overblown egotistic prat!Your hair is standing up and you have purple bags under your eyes the size of Europe!"

Sirius went on ignoring the mirror. "You sound so familiar...reminds me of Snape actually.Ha!Snape placed his own horrible personality in you and left that walking zombie around."He laughed as the mirror continued to insult him.

"How astonishing!I didn't know that you're capable of even thinking, Black, and then you go and say something right for a change.It's so astounding that I'm surprised the castle walls haven't fallen yet."

Sirius yawned and stood up.Ignoring the mirror, he went about his business."Oh well, I'm up already.Might as well get something done..."

"Oh, really?"The mirror sarcastically commented."I didn't know you're capable of doing anything aside from howling at the moon and you can't even do that since it's morning already.The moon is out of sight, unless you think it's just as fun to howl at the sun."Sirius absent-mindedly told the mirror to shut up as he took a long relaxing bubble bath.

As Sirius walked away, Severus (in the mirror) watched with growing besetment, thinking... This is impossible!Why am I inside a mirror and why Black's of all people?!Black!The stupid git didn't even understand that it's me!Idiotic flea-bitten dog!I must be calm... must think of a way to explain it in simple terms that even Black's pea-sized brain could grasp it...But, how?Something stops me from saying things outright!Not to mention how dense Black is...

The mirror cried out in anguish as Sirius stepped out of the bath in his birthday suit."Will you stop parading around like THAT!Ha!Like you've got anything to be proud of Black!I would puke if I could.Have you no shame at all?Put Something On before I expire from the experience of seeing you..." The mirror howled."Why me?Why?What did I do to deserve this kind of torture?"

Sirius took the opportunity this presented to scold the mirror that was talking to itself."Shut-up will you!Such a noisy mirror...You sure you're not, say, an alarm clock instead?Hey, I'll have you know most mirrors simply faint at the sight of me..." The mirror howled at him.

"It's from the horror of seeing you, Black!They can't take it anymore.I can't take it anymore!Someone put me out of my misery and blind me.Please!"

"Would you stop whining?Geez!You really sound just like that slimy, oily, grease haired git.Close your eyes if it bothers you!I'm not."Sirius replied even as he put on black pants and a white shirt.

"I would if I could!And I'm sure you've been blinded years ago!Your itty bitty brains just have not yet realized it."The mirror retorted.

"Shut up!You'll wake the whole castle up with all your screeching and whining, you old nag."These were Sirius parting words to the mirror, which was screaming its head off even as he closed the door.

"I do not screech!And I definitely do not nag, you...Come back here, Black!"

But Sirius Black has already gone off to eat breakfast, ignoring the strange mirror that Snape gave him...

***

December 26, 8:06 am

"Noisy mirror."Sirius muttered to himself even as he sat down on one end of the teachers' table.

"Good morning, Sirius!"Cheerfully chirped someone with a hooked nose who cautiously sat beside him.Sirius started to reply when he realized who it was...

"You!What are you doing sitting beside me?"He snarled aggressively.

Snape stared at him sadly."Er, I just thought it would be nice if we got to know each other better.You know, since we're fighting in the same side and all..."

"And just what gave you the idea that I would like to get to know better a greasy git like you who gave me such a charmingly annoying mirror for Christmas!" Sirius growled out at Snape.

"Oh!I'm sorry.You didn't like my gift?Oh, I really am sorry!I thought it was a nice mirror.Let me get you something else...Er, it talks?"Snape suddenly asked timidly, looking confused.

"Of course, it talks!It had barely stopped insulting me since it woke me up this morning.For all I know, it could still be ranting on.(And it was.Unheard but still insulting Sirius up to this very moment.)

Snape looked even more confused as he explained."But, but it's an ordinary mirror.It's not supposed to be able to talk!I got it from a muggle shop."

Sirius looked at him disbelievingly."Stop pulling my leg, Snape!I'm not in the mood to humor you."He snorted."Especially not after being awakened that way..."

"But, I'm not.Really!"Snape radiated sincerity.

Dumbledore interfered just as Sirius was about to make another rebuttal."Peace, Sirius.Don't you think it's about time you two got along?"

Sirius remembered the end of the Triwizard Tournament."Er, of course, Professor."Sirius laughingly remarked out loud even as he muttered under his breath."I'll get you for this, git!"Snape simply looked sadly at him.

***

This astonishing event continued until the start of the new term.Snape was kind and considerate while Sirius became grumpier and snappish as the days go by...

The students were all just as dumbfounded at this sudden change of Snape's attitude.They were all waiting for this novel disposition to wear off, thinking that the usual sour and unpleasant one will be back at any moment.However, it didn't.Potions became a well-loved class, even Neville began to like Snape.

***

January 3, 3:02 pm

Harry, Hermione and Ron just couldn't believe it.

"It's so creepy!"Ron exclaimed after another wonderful class of Double Potions with the Slytherins (as mind-boggling as that is)."I can't believe I'm enjoying Potions with Snape."

"Yeah," Harry remarked with amazement evident in his voice."It's getting to be one of our best classes yet."He shook his head in disbelief."It's just so unbelievable.I mean, this is Snape, right?The professor who said that I've been crossing lines since I got here."

"Not to mention," Ron went on."That he hated you since the day you arrived and have been picking on you since..."

"Come on, Ron."Hermione enjoined."Professor Dumbledore had always trusted him.Maybe Professor Snape just had a change of heart."

"Change of heart?"Ron retorted."Not to mention change of attitude in the magnitude of a total about face!He's a whole new person!Even his hair is not as greasy as before."

Harry continued Ron's tirade."This Snape doesn't even have his patented sour and unpleasant face.He's always smiling these days!It's, it's just creepy!"

Hermione sighed."It is strange, I agree, but I don't think...Oh no!We have to hurry, it's almost time for our next class."

The three friends hurried down the corridor towards their next class, their discussion forgotten.For a time...

***

However dumbfounded the students were with Snape's new and improved attitude, the teachers were even more so...

***

January 4, 7:45 am

Stepping into the staff room, Minerva McGonagall saw an unnerving site.Snape was humming to himself as he cleaned up his desk."Minerva!"He cheerfully called out."Would you like some tea?It's freshly made!" He asked as he pointed to his kettle full of freshly brewed tea, indeed."I made too much, it seems!There's really plenty in the pot, you know."

Professor McGonagall froze.She simply stood there like she had just been petrified."Snape?"A squeaky, very unlike professor McGonagall's normal voice came out of her mouth.

"Yes?"He smiled at her.She just stared at him.And stared.And still stared...

She came back to herself only after the door banged into her back."Ouch!"She exclaimed in chorus with Professor Sprout who have just opened the door.

"Why are you standing in front of the door?"Sprout exclaimed in surprise.

Are you alright, Minerva?" Snape asked solicitously.

Professor McGonagall had no reply for that. So, she instead left in a hurry, leaving Sprout and Snape staring at her.Frowning, Sprout asked whatwas wrong with her.Snape simply looked concerned.

***

Later...

Professor Flitwick hurried down the corridor, remembering that he left some important notes at his office."Oh dear!Oh dear!"He muttered to himself."Class will be starting soon."Blind-sided by the wall, he never saw what he hit until he was thrown back a few steps."Oh dear, I'm so sorry."He quickly apologized looking up only to see Snape looking down at him with concern.Swiftly kneeling down, Snape helped the tiny Charms teacher who was dumfounded by Snape's insistence that it was his fault and was apologizing profusely for knocking him down.

Professor Flitwick never arrived in any of his classes that day.He had a ghost inform all his students that classes were canceled for the day and locked himself into his office.

***

Later still...

Later, Snape was walking down a corridor along with Neville Longbottom.He was kindly giving him advice, a Gryffindor, about the potion he bungled up just yesterday.Not only that, Neville was not stuttering nor shaking as Snape spoke to him.

Walking down the same length, the Herbology Professor shook her head in disbelief."Severus Snape?"She whispered to herself in skepticism.She was so caught up by the sight that she fell down the stairs.

"Are you alright, Professor Sprout?"Some students asked solicitously.

"Er, yes.I'm fine.Really."She assured them as she looked up to see Hermione, Harry and Ron who were all for taking her to Madame Pomfrey right away.Especially after seeing her run to the staff room like her robes were on fire.

***

At dinner...

Professor Severus Snape was chatting cheerfully with Professor Trelawney, who was eating with the staff for a change.Sirius frowned but continued to chat with Remus, ignoring the eyesore (in his point of view, anyway).Dumbledore simply smiled his usual benign smile.

Trelawney suddenly laughed."I'm glad you found my story amusing, Sybill.But, it's really strange the way my class keeps staring at me.It's as if they've been frozen in place!"

"I suspect, they're thinking that whatever enchantment that befell on you would have worn out by now." Minerva interjected.

"Yes!"A laughing Professor Sprout chimed in."Are you the real Severus Snape?"

Unable to resist the temptation of sniping at Snape, Sirius joined the interrogation."That's an excellent question, really."He lazily drawled."Tell us, what have you done with the real Snape, Polyjuice using imposter?"

"Sirius!"Remus exclaimed, putting a hand on his arm."Stop picking on him!It's a good thing he's acting this way!"He hissed under his breath."You two are supposed to get along already."

Snape looked at Sirius, eyes twinkling remarkably like Dumbledore's."I assure you, Sirius.I am Severus Snape."

Meanwhile the seemingly oblivious headmaster finally looked their way.A questioning look was on his smiling face. "Is something the matter?"

Sirius frownedat him but turned back to his dinner, shrugging it of.

***

January 5, 8:47 am

Minerva came into an almost full staff room."Good morning, Minerva!"Professor McGonagall groaned inwardly.It was Snape.Stifling the sigh about to come out of her lips, she curtly greeted him a pleasant morning as well.Snape smiled at her apologetically."Er, I'm sorry about this everyone, but could I ask a large favor from you all?"

Every professor in the staff room turned to look at him.The same thoughts were running through their heads.Snape's asking for a favor?!

"Er, well, I hope that you'd cooperate with me for the sake of some students.It's just that some of them are having a hard time in potions... We all know that the fifth years will soon be taking the O.W.L.s and I want them to pass, so...Well, er, can you please not give assignments for this week?Just this week!I'm sorry to say this but there are some students that I'd be tutoring after classes and they won't have time to do their homework anymore.Or maybe I could give you their names and you could excuse them...Just for this week, I promise!"Snape looked at the teachers pleadingly.Everyone stared at him, eyes bulging out.

Professor McGonagall, being nearest, placed a hand on his forehead."Are you sick, Severus?"

Professor Sprout nodded her head, agreeing completely with McGonagall."Maybe you're body is just not used to daily baths, Severus."

Professor Flitwick nodded in assent."Yes, perhaps that's it!"

"Even your hair isn't so oily anymore!"Professor Binns remarked (surprisingly noticing that!) from the side.

Remus simply shook his head in utter disbelief.

Snape shook his head."I'm quite fine.Thank you.So, would you grant me this favor?"He asked winsomely.Snape got them to agree very easily as they were all still in state of shock at Snape's sudden concern for his students.That week not even one teacher gave homework to the students just for Snape's special sessions.

***

January 7, 11:39 pm

Aaaaagh!Harry woke up with a start. His heart beating fast, he wiped away the cold sweat on his forehead. Shivering he stood up, pulling at his wet pajama top that was sticking to his back. What was that? Was it a dream? I, I don't remember. My hand's shaking though... I don't understand.Harry thought exasperatedly. He sighed in frustration, but softly, not wishing to wake up his dorm mates. A walk.He thought.What I need is a relaxing walk.I'll be able to sleep then...

Mind made up, he left the Gryffindor Tower under his father's Invisibility cloak.

This is crazy.Harry realized later as he roamed the castle grounds.Why am I walking down the corridors alone at the middle of the night?Lost in his thoughts, he continued to stroll down the halls.This is dangerous!I should have brought the Marauder's Map too, at the least.He chided himself.I only hope no one else is wondering the corridors tonight. He frowned at that last thought.

"Hmmm..." Harry muttered audibly."No moon tonight."He looked out the window.After staring down at the fathomless dark lake a few more minutes, he continued to walk with his thoughts whirling round and round like a rat chasing its tail...Harry was so immersed in his thoughts he didn't notice that something was right in front of him.He was so engrossed in his mind that he didn't notice the lumpy object on the ground till he tripped over it.

"Ouch!"Harry exclaimed as he came crashing down on the hard cold stone floor.Quickly getting to his feet, he looked down to see what tripped him.He fell again, as swiftly as he had stood up earlier at discovering a body sprawled on the floor.

Glassy eyes looked back at him blankly, as if nobody was home inside...

***