A Different Kind of Scar

Hermione and Skye apparated right to the front steps of the Ministry of Magic. They ran up the steps and burst through its doors. Security guards tried to stop them, but the two were a step ahead. They worked their way through the halls until they found the Minister of Magic's office. Once they found it, they ran right in.

"Minister, sir-" Hermione started but was cut off by Cornellius Fudge.

"Who are you!?" he snapped at them.

"I am Hermione Granger and this is Skye Robinson," she said nodding at Skye. "We have important news, Voldemort is back and people have already died!"

"Of course, I know Voldemort is back. Tell me something... wait! Did you say died?" he asked looking very shocked. Hermione nodded. "How could this be? What happened? Who did this?"

"The two people that have died are followers of Voldemort. They were Draco Malfoy and his dad Lucius Malfoy. The killer was Harry Potter, but he only did this in self defense. The Malfoy's tried to kill Harry several times and almost managed to kill Ronald Weasley," Skye panted, still winded from the run through the halls of the Ministry.

"Lucius! No, impossible. Harry Potter shall be arrested, and Ronald Weasley as well!" Fudge spat in disgust.

"Sir, it was in self defense. Voldemort sent them upon Harry and Ron," Hermione protested.

"Where are they?" he asked the two girls.

"They went through a portal that Voldemort left opened. They want to try and stop him before it is too late. They knew the Ministry of Magic would take too long to act on this. So, they decided that they would have to deal with him on their own," Skye pointed out.

"We need to find them. They are murderers," Fudge said, telling his assistant to send out officers right away to find them. "Do they actually think that they stand the slightest chance against Voldemort?" he laughed.

"Yes," Hermione continued, "not only do they think they have a chance at stopping Voldemort, but they want to try and kill him." Fudge let out another laugh.

"Kill him? It would take ten of my best officers trained in the Dark Arts to do that. They don't even know the Dark Arts that well," he stated.

"Don't be so sure," Skye said. "Harry has mastered the Dark Arts better and quicker than anyone I've ever seen. He is better than anyone who works here, and is probably better than Dumbledore. His power is well beyond that of Voldemort's, but he doesn't know that. People that are around him for five minutes can tell what kind of power he possesses, but he refuses to believe it." Fudge shivered at the words. Hermione couldn't help but smile as he did. She had to hand it to Skye though; she said the words as if they were true. Then it hit Hermione, the words were true. Harry was as powerful as Skye had stated. He was the most powerful wizard in the world.

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Harry and Ron appeared on the other side of the portal. To their astonishment no one was there. The only thing in their sight was a small building on top of a hill. They walked to the building slowly, aware that danger may be around any corner. They hesitated as the reached the door of the building.

"You sure about this?" Harry asked Ron. "I'm not making you come with me."

"I know," Ron replied, "I want to help you."

And with that Harry opened the door. The room was dimly lit. It had no windows and only a desk in the middle. Harry caught something moving near the far wall.

"Voldemort!" Harry yelled. He charged at him with his wand raised, Ron not far behind him.

"Harry Potter! We will meet again, I promise you. And then, I will kill you and have my revenge," he stated as he walked through yet another portal that he had created. Harry sprinted towards him. He dove at the portal but not soon enough. The portal closed and he hit the floor. Ron rushed toward him as he tried to get up.

"Are you alright?" he asked Harry, helping him up to his feet.

"Yes," Harry replied with hatred in his voice. Ron looked at Harry. Harry's face was filled with anger. Ron trembled, because at that moment, Harry Potter, the most famous wizard in the world, looked more evil then Lord Voldemort ever had.

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Harry and Ron emerged from the woods, dirty and exhausted. They had battled Voldemort; they had made Voldemort frightened. Ron was still trying to figure out what made Voldemort so afraid all of a sudden. His thoughts were cut short when he saw Hermione and Skye running towards them. Skye came right up to Ron and gave him a hug, while Hermione did the same to Harry.

"We will need to take you in to the Ministry," said an officer that Harry hadn't noticed.

"Yes, indeed you will," Harry replied as he apparated right to the front steps of the Ministry of Magic.

"Excuse me, but the two of you must wait here," the officer said to Hermione and Skye who looked confused. "This way," he then said to Harry and Ron. He led them through what seemed a miles worth of corridors until at last they reached their destination.

Harry opened the door to see Mr. Fudge sitting in his chair. "Ah, Harry, come in will you?" he motioned for them to sit down with him. "I've heard all about yours and Ron's, here, little run in with the Dark Lord?"

"Yes," said Harry blankly, his hatred swelling up again.

"And, what happened?" he demanded.

"Well, Ron and I, we saw Voldemort running into the woods. We followed him and found him with Hermione and Skye being help as captives. He ran through a portal and left Lucius and Draco Malfoy to kill us. But, Lucius and Draco failed and won't be available to talk to ever again," Harry stated firmly.

"So, you admit to murder?" Fudge asked.

"Murder! Why you-" Ron started but was cut off by Harry.

"It was in self defense and only in self defense did it come to me disposing of Lucius and Draco," Harry explained.

"Maybe, but what happened to Voldemort?" he asked looking completely furious with the two of them.

"Well, Voldemort went through a portal and Harry and I followed him," Ron continued, "As we landed on the other side of the portal, Voldemort had another portal already opened. He saw us and laughed as he walked through the other portal. This time he was smart enough to close the portal behind him, though."

"There is no evidence of this?" Fudge asked.

"No evidence! We are the evidence! What you think we are making this entire story up?" Ron shouted at him.

"It seems so, Mr. Weasley. No evidence means there is no truth in what you are saying. You two are charged with the murders of Lucius and Draco Malfoy and are to be executed immediately." Just that second Harry and Ron both saw the Dark Mark on Fudge's wrist. He saw that they noticed is and tried to pull out his wand but he was too late.

"Stupefy!" Harry yelled and Mr. Fudge froze in his tracks. Ron called for the officer and told him what had happened. The officer took Mr. Fudge into custody and let Harry and Ron go free.

Angelina came running up to Harry as he walked out of Mr. Fudge's office. "Harry! I was so worried! I'm glad you are OK!" She stated with a big hug. Harry knew he had to do what he was about to do. He wouldn't feel right being with Angelina while he was in love with Hermione.

"Listen, Angelina, I have to tell you something," Harry said in a soft voice.

"OK? What?" she asked him.

"I don't think we should see each other anymore. I'm sorry," Harry turned away as the words came out of his mouth. He heard Angelina say something and then run out of the Ministry faster than he ever thought possible. He felt horrible, but he had to convince himself it was the right thing to do.

He and Ron made their way to the entrance where Skye and Ron immediately embraced. Harry, however, made his way to Hermione. He knew he had to tell her now or never. "Listen, Hermione, I've been wanting to tell you something. All I could think about was you when I was dueling Voldemort. I kept thinking I must make it back to see you again." He pulled her close and kissed her on the lips.

Hermione backed away. Harry was stunned. "I can't do this," she said to him. "I have a boyfriend that I really like and I just can't do this Harry. I'm sorry."

"Sorry! Hermione I love you! You're just going to blow me off?" He said feeling a swell of anger growing in him.

"Look who is talking," she yelled at him, "Harry, I've had feeling for you since the moment I saw you. That's well over seven years Harry! I waited and waited to see if I would ever become more than just a best friend to you. And now, that the famous Harry Potter wants me, he expects me to come back to him. Is that it? Is it? Well, Harry you are too late."

And just like that she apparated home. Harry stood there in shock while he collected his thoughts. He saw Ron and Skye looking at him. It took him a moment longer before he noticed that everyone was looking at him. He felt embarrassed. He also felt the hate and anger swelling in him and with one evil glance at Ron and Skye; he apparated home.

He waited for Ron to get home. It was hours later when Ron appeared in the living room of Harry's house.

"Why didn't you just apparate home?" Harry asked.

"Well, first, your house is much tidier," Ron joked, trying to make Harry laugh.

"And second?" Harry asked, not at all amused.

"I wanted to know what was on your mind," Ron said as he sat down on the couch and helped himself to a chocolate frog. The fire was burning and Harry begun the story about what had happened.

"Well you have to understand, Harry, she does have a point you know," explained Ron still comprehending the story.

"Yes, I know. But, I'm angrier at myself than I am with anyone," Harry replied.

"Can I help with anything between you two?" Ron asked.

"No," said Harry coolly. It was some time before either of them said anything again, but finally, Ron got up to go home.

"Well I'm going to go. If you need anything at all just tell me I'll be glad to help my best friend," he stated. Harry just nodded; Ron knew that Harry was at all-time low. He couldn't have imagined how Harry felt right now. Heck, Ron thought, he didn't know half of what is was to be like Harry. Harry was a much better athlete, a much better wizard, smarter, and probably more caring than anyone he had ever met.

Harry waited until Ron left before he made his way up to bed. He had trouble falling asleep that night. And, when he did, he had a nightmare he didn't want to remember...

"Harry! I know you can hear me, Harry! I want you to know that I have changed my doubts about you. You have accomplished more than any wizard has at your age, including myself. I want you to know that I wish for you to join my side; we could fight against the world together. If not I will be forced to kill you. I hope you consid-"

Harry woke up, his scar burning. His skill in Occlumency had become better than anyone he knew. He could stop people from reading his mind. He was also a very distinguished Legilimens. He could read peoples' minds easily, while keeping them out of his. He was a good if not better at this than Dumbledore. He also had become an Animagus, but what a skilled Animagus he was. He could turn into a number of different animals whenever he wanted. He was truly one of the most powerful wizards in the world.

Harry's mind raced through his nightmare. He glanced at the clock. It read 9:30. He was already late for the pre-game meeting that took place hours before each match stated. He quickly packed his uniform and apparated out of his house.

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Harry ran into the locker room out of breath. "Potter, you're late," the coach said looking sternly at Harry.

"I know, sir, sorry. I had a bad night last night," Harry replied not wanting anyone to know about his dream just yet.

"Be that as it may, I still have to fine you," the coach said forcefully. A few teammates broke smiles. Harry new the loved to tease people about getting fines, so he suspected to get it from them, especially Hicks and Blew. They reminded Harry of the Weasley twins when he was on his house team.

"Well anyway team," coach said, getting the attention back on him. Harry was pleased for this. "Brazil's offense is unmatched with anyone in the world. Chasers, we need you to play defense more than we need offense, but once you have the quaffle, you shouldn't have any trouble scoring. Beaters, you guys are going to need to help stop the offensive attack from their chasers." Winterborn and Storm nodded. "And Weasley," he turned to face Ron. "We will need exceptional goalkeeping today. Gentleman, we are ranked number five in the world. This is tied for the highest France has ever been ranked. This is also the first time we are the underdogs in a match this year. So, go out there and prove them wrong." With that, the team let out a cheer and headed out onto the pitch.

"Welcome all! Today's match is between the outstanding offensive team of Brazil and the outstanding overall team of France. We are surely in for a great match today. The teams are ready, so let's get started. And they're off! It's Hicks with the quaffle for France. Hicks passes to Blew. Blew soars up the pitch toward the Brazilian goalposts. He fakes the shot and passes to Fisher... who scores! Ten to nothing already! And it is Ronaldo with the quaffle for Brazil. Ronaldo leads the team in scoring, and then comes Ronaldinho and lastly Rivaldo. But, all three of the Brazilian chasers are in the top fifteen in the world in goals. Ronaldinho passes to Rivaldo. Rivaldo shoots... what a save by Weasley! Hicks to Fisher, Fisher to Hicks, Hicks to Blew and Blew shoots and scores! Twenty to nothing!"

Harry cheered as it seemed things were going in France's favor. He had yet to see the snitch. Claude Mekelele, the Brazilian seeker, had only caught the snitch two times in their five games, yet they lost only one of the five games because of the excellent play from their chasers.

"Ronaldo up the pitch... he passes to Ronaldinho, who shoots. Goal! That makes the score twenty to ten."

Harry was flying casually around the pitch looking for the snitch. Mekelele wasn't paying any attention to Harry; he was frantically looking for the snitch.

"Watch it Harry!" Winterborn yelled as he chased after a bludger that came within inches of Harry. That near miss of the bludger made Harry focus harder on the game. From what he could see, France was in rare form. The chasers were playing good, and Ron's goalkeeping was on.

"Fisher shoots and scores for France! That makes the score... and Fisher scores again. That was brilliant play from Fisher. And the score is now 40-10 in Frances favor. Ronaldinho with the quaffle, he passes to Ronaldo who brings it up the pitch. Ronaldo to Rivaldo, who shoots and scores! The score is now 40-20."

Harry watched from above, still looking for the snitch, but also more aware that the momentum was shifting. The scoring in the last five minutes of the game was unbelievable. It looked like both teams didn't know how to play defense. The score about an hour into the match was 240-160 in Brazil's favor.

"This is a very high scoring game. This is why Brazil's chasers are some of the best in the world. And there is Fisher with yet another goal for the French National Quidditch team. Ronaldo gets the quaffle and takes it all the way for the score by himself."

Harry raced around the pitch. He now noticed Mekelele wasn't looking for the snitch, but he was marking Harry very close. Harry saw it. He saw the golden snitch across the field. He knew Mekelele was tracking him so he flew casual for a few more seconds. He gained on the snitch, and he got a little farther away from Mekelele. And then in one swift motion he put on a huge burst of speed that caught Mekelele off guard.

"Harry Potter is streaking at full speed across the middle of the pitch. He has his Firebolt going as fast as it can toward the snitch. He turns and heads through the locker room tunnel. I don't know what happening in there. Wait a minute, here he comes! He is still chasing the snitch; it is only a few feet in front of him. He's only a few feet from the ground. He stands on his broom and leaps off. He has the snitch! What a magnificent catch by Harry Potter! The final score with the catch of the snitch is 310-250 in France's favor. France is an unprecedented 6-0 still tied with the U.S., England, and Russia for the race for the top rank in this year's World Cup Tournament. Well I sure you hoped this game, I know I did. I hope to see you next week on Quidditch TV."

Harry was carried off the field by his teammates. The celebration in the locker room lasted for about an hour before everyone was finally showered.

"Ron, I want to talk to you about something," Harry said wondering whether he really should tell Ron or not.

"Yea? What is it?" Ron asked seeing the look of confusion and concern that Harry's face wore.

"Not here, lets got home," Harry said as they both apparated out of the locker rooms to Harry's house. Harry and Ron went to the living room where they had a surprise waiting of them.