A Different Kind of Scar

Skye and Hermione watched the match unfold from their seats. The rain came down harder than earlier in the match, and Hermione and Skye pulled their ponchos closer around them.

"This is the most exciting match I've ever seen," Skye said between cracks of thunder.

"Yea and the most dangerous," Hermione explained. Hermione watched the match nervously. She had never seen quidditch being played in such harsh conditions.

"Harry!" Skye yelled, standing up out of her seat. Hermione was instantly snapped out of her thoughts and was searching for Harry. She spotted him. He was nearly knocked off his broom from a bludger that hit him square in the side.

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Harry looked up after the hard hit the bludger had lain on him only to see that the snitch was gone. He flew higher to restart his search for the snitch as well as to avoid anymore bludgers. Harry looked down below him to how the game was going. He noticed that everyone, himself included, was slowing up. He started to wonder how long this match had been going already.

"Commendor passes to Gustov. Gustov dodges a bludger from Winterborn. Gustov shoots and scores! The Russians now lead France 290 to 170. This match has now lasted for four hours and thirty-seven minutes. It is Blew with the quaffle. He dodges a bludger and circles the goalposts. He passes it to a waiting Sarah Fisher, who has a goal! Zitezef is now in possession of the quaffle. He passes to Com... no, the pass is intercepted by Fisher. Fisher gives it up to Hicks who scores without breaking a sweat. France, now down only a hundred after those two quick goals, is still staying alive in this match."

Harry was circling the pitch when he saw what he had feared the most. In front of him by about thirty feet, Mrolina started a steep dive. Harry, who without thinking, dove as well. Harry was catching up to Mrolina too quick. He instantly recognized this move, the Wronski Feint, which he had done on countless occasions. Pulling out of the dive, he heard the crowd murmur in shock as he rose once again to a safe level above the pitch. Moments later, he heard the crowd's murmur change into admiration as they finally recognized that he had called Mrolina's fake.

"Fisher shoots and scores! This is an amazing run being put on by the French team. They have brought this game back to with in forty points. The score is now 350 to 310... correction the score is 350 to 320 after that beautiful display by Hicks."

Harry smiled. He grew more confident with ever score. His team was playing with emotion. They finally figured out that they were the best team.

"Zitezef puts another one past Weasley. Zitezef has an amazing 18 goals. He is truly playing well... and Harry Potter is streaking again! He has at least fifteen if not twenty feet on Mrolina, who is desperately trying to catch up. He dodges the incoming bludger and extends his hand forward. He puts on a final burst of speed. He has it! Harry Potter has caught the snitch! What an amazing finish to this amazing game! The final score being 370 to 470! And our player of the match is none other than the Mr.-"

But Harry didn't have time to hear who the player of the match was. He was instantly surrounded by his teammates, coaches, media, and fans that had broken onto the field.

"Great job! Amazing! What an incredible catch!" were the cries of his teammates and coaches. By now Harry was completely surround with no way to get to the safety of the locker rooms so he apparated.

As his teammates came into the locker room one by one from the overcrowded field, he sat in a chair completely exhausted. He was just about to fall asleep when the coach spoke up.

"Now that everyone is finally here." (He gave a grin to Ricky Winterborn and Guy Storm) "What an excellent game, everyone! That was the best display of quidditch I've ever seen. I have nothing else to say except," he paused, "practice is canceled for the next two days." Cheers were given from every player in the locker room.

Harry and Ron talked while they were changing out of their quidditch uniforms. "So, what are you going to do with the next two days?" Harry asked him as he struggled with is robes.

"I don't know," Ron continued, "since Skye is here, I'll probably spend it with her." That was the answer Harry had expected but dreaded to hear. "You should spend some time with Hermione."

Harry knew he'd like to, but he also thought Hermione wouldn't ever want to. "She probably doesn't want to hang out. So, I'll have to find something to do."

"Well, should I have Skye talk to her?" Ron asked.

"Nah, it's all right," Harry replied.

"Well, I have to go meet Skye," Ron stated. "You want to come?"

"Yeah, sure," Harry said a little too unenthusiastically. They walked out of the locker rooms and headed up to the main entrance. The majority of the crowd had left but a few die-hard fans were still around. It wasn't long before Skye came running up from behind Ron and gave him a hug.

"Great game!" Skye exclaimed. "Both of you were brilliant!" Hermione finally came into from behind Skye.

"Hermione!" Ron said, giving her a hug. "How are you?"

"Great. Good game, Ron. And you too, Harry," she said turning to face him. This caught Harry off guard. He hadn't expected Hermione to say anything to him at all, especially not a compliment.

"Thanks, Hermione," Harry replied.

"Well, I'm beat after that match," Ron explained. "Let's all go back to my house. We can start a fire. I'll invite Fred and George, too."

"That sounds like a great idea," Skye said. The group apparated back to Ron's house, but Harry did it against his own will. The fire was started and the food was done by the time Fred and George arrived.

"Great game, lil' bro," George said to Ron, patting him on the back.

"Yea, that was the most amazing match of the year!" Fred exclaimed, grabbing a butterbeer off the table.

"Harry, that catch was superb," George stated.

"What! Calling Mrolina's bluff was the most unbelievable play ever!" Fred interjected.

Harry didn't reply to the comments. His eyes were fixed on Hermione. For some reason, he couldn't help keeping his eyes fixed on her. When she started to walk towards him, he quickly acted as though he was in on Fred and George's conversation.

He turned to face her after the light tap on his shoulder. "Harry, we need to talk," was all she said. She led them away from the fire and into the house.

"Ok, Hermione," Harry said trying to sound normal, "what's up?"

"Well, I was thinking about what you said at the Ministry," she stated looking up to meet his stare. "And, well I... I wanted to say that I'm sorry."

"Sorry?" Harry asked. "For what? You never did a thing wrong, and you were right. I'm the one who should be sorry."

"Never mind that. The point is... I do have feelings for you, Harry," she said while eyes started to water. "I love you, Harry. I just hope you can forgive-" Her sentence was cut short by Harry who had kissed her unexpectedly.

"Let's get out of here," he told her as he nodded towards the door. They walked to Harry's house where they fell asleep in front of their own fire.

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Harry awoke the next morning to a clang of pots. He walked into the kitchen to find Hermione making breakfast. He noticed Ron and Skye were here for breakfast too.

"Morning mate," Ron said smiling.

"Mornin'" Harry replied.

"So what are we going to do on our day off?" Ron managed to say through a mouthful of food.

"I don't know. I - ouch!" Harry yelled as Hedwig came swooping in the kitchen window and pecked him on the head. "What?" he asked but already saw what. Hedwig had a letter attached to his leg. Harry opened the letter and read it silently to himself in case it was the coach.

Dear Harry,

It is Sirius. This is extremely urgent. The Order of the Phoenix needs your help. We are almost certain we have found out where Voldemort is. We are massing a huge attack. Your wizarding skills would be most appreciated if you were to accept. Please know that if you do come, you will be in mortal danger. Please, I am asking you as your godfather, do not tell anyone else about this letter. The letter is for your eyes only. If you think Ron can handle the situation, please bring him. Make your decision wisely but in haste because we need you here by midnight. We set out in the morning and some might never come back. Best wishes to you, Harry.

Sincerely,

Sirius

Harry read the letter again. After the second time through, he looked up. His three best friends were staring at him.

"Who's it from?" Hermione asked him, taking some dirty dishes to the sink to rinse off.

"Sirius," Harry replied, his throat was dry. He was still in a state of shock after reading the letter.

"Well," Ron said, "who is it from?" Harry could tell he was anxious to find out what the letter held. He suddenly wondered if he should take Ron. Ron, his best friend in the world, would get angry if he didn't tell him about the letter. But, this was life or death. 'Could I really send my best friend to die?' Harry asked himself, thinking of the terrible things that lie ahead.

"It is from Sirius," Harry confirmed still thinking about if he should ask Ron to come or not.

"What did he want?" Ron said, starting to realize that his friend was not going to tell him.

"Um... well, Ron," Harry stuttered, "come here." He nodded his head towards the hall. The two of them walked into the living room where Harry gave the letter to Ron. Ron took two minutes to read the letter. When he was done, he looked up at Harry with confusion across his.

"I'm not going to ask you to come with me," Harry made his point clear. He did not want to put his friend to come with him.

"Fine, do not ask me. I'm going with you, anyway," Ron said, his voice a little shaky.

"I'm not going to stop you. Ron, you are my best friend, and I won't ever put you into a situation like this," Harry stated firmly.

"I know, Harry," Ron said quietly. "But, I've helped before. And, now, together, we are going to finish it."

"Thanks," Harry said, embracing Ron.

Hermione and Skye appeared at the entrance of the living room. "So, what was the letter about?" Hermione asked.

"Hermione, promise me you will stay here. Tell Fred and George to come here, too. I want you to stay here. I, well we," Harry pointed to Ron, "have to do something."

"Well, what is it?" Skye questioned, realizing the looks of seriousness on Harry and Ron's faces. Ron walked up to her, and Harry did the same to Hermione.

"I want you to stay here. You will be safe. Promise?" Harry said. He wouldn't stop saying this until Hermione agreed.

"Yes, but what is the letter about?" Hermione argued.

"Listen, Ron and I have to leave. We don't know when we will be back ('If we will ever be back,' Harry thought to himself.). Just be safe," he proclaimed. Ron apparated home, and Harry walked up stairs to see what he might need for the trip. Ron was back within five minutes.

"You ready?" Ron asked Harry.

"You sure you want to go through with this, Ron?" Harry questioned back. Ron nodded his head and they both apparated to the roadway Number Twelve Grimmuald Place was on. They walked up to the space between numbers eleven and thirteen. Without a sound, the house appeared before them, and Moody was ushering them inside rather quickly.

"Great to see you, Harry," Moody gestured. His gaze suddenly shifted from Harry to Ron. "Up for it?"

Ron taking this slightly as an insult replied, "Yes, I won't let Harry finish this by himself."

"It most likely won't end tonight, Mr. Weasley," Sirius said, walking towards them.

"What do you mean?" Ron asked. "I thought you knew where Voldemort's hide out was." Harry stood shocked. This was the first time Ron had ever called He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named by Voldemort.

"We aren't certain it is it. But, even if it is, this will only be the beginning to the battle," Lupin explained, also entering the room.

"We are leaving soon-" Moody was cut off.

"We are leaving now," said a voice Harry knew all too well. Albus Dumbledore stood in the hallway. "Through here, please." With a flick of his wand, Dumbledore created a portkey for the group to use. Suddenly wizards were entering the room at a constant pace.

Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Bill and Charlie Weasley, Professor Snape all surround the area next to the portkey.

"You two just follow our lead until we find the place we are looking for," Dumbledore said quietly. One by one, they entered the portkey, not knowing what lie ahead.

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They arrived on the other side of the portkey moments later. They regrouped, and Dumbledore led the way. The walk did not take too long. A clearing lay ahead and Harry saw the outline of a building.

"Be careful," Lupin whispered to Ron and Harry as they started to sneak up on the house. They were within twenty feet when an alarm sounded. In moments, the darkness of the night was lit up, and Death Eaters surrounded them.

"Do not move or you will die," a voice called out from behind them. Harry turned his head and saw no less than thirteen Death Eaters.

"Attack!" Dumbledore shouted unexpectedly.

Harry did not need to be told twice. "Incarcerous!" Ropes shot out of Harry's wand and wrapped around the nearest Death Eater's legs. The Death Eater fell over instantly.

Harry turned to see another Death Eater about to cast a spell in his direction. "Protego!" Harry yelled. The spell bounced harmlessly to the ground. "Incendio Solarus!" Suddenly the area around the Death Eater set fire. Having no way out, the Death Eater fell to the ground, burnt and lifeless. Harry dared a glance around at the rest of the battle. All around him blasts of light shot from wands.

"Avada-" Harry heard the voice behind him and acted with extreme swiftness. "Crucio!" The Death Eater who had tried to kill Harry was now on the ground twitching with pain. Harry stopped the spell after he knew it had gone on long enough to the leave Death Eater with no chance of recovery.

"Ah... yes, Harry Potter," a cold voice rang out from the edge of the clearing. "And, Dumbledore, so nice of you to come with."

"I am warning you, Tom," Dumbledore said. "You can and will be stopped. Why do this?"

"You can't stop me! Noone can!" Voldemort cried out. "You will meet you fate soon, Dumbledore, only after I am done with young Potter. Avada Kedavra!"

"Ramulus Vital!" Harry yelled as he pointed his wand at a rock. The rock instantly transfigured into a golem of Hagrid's height. The golem dove and took the blast of green light. The golem, unaffected, started to charge at Voldemort.

With an unwavering smile on his face, Voldemort cast a counter spell. "Dragoniski!" A dragon appeared right in the golem's path. The two monstrous beasts engaged in their own battle. "Enough child's play! You will die now! Avada-"

Harry wasn't listening. He was at a full sprint towards the portkey Dumbledore had just opened. The portal closed the instant he was through, which was moments before a jet of green light shattered the nearby tree.

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Harry exited the portal back inside the headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix. He looked around to make sure everyone was there. Everyone was there, but, he noticed, that everyone was staring at him.

Dumbledore was the first to speak, "We will have a meeting tomorrow morning at seven o'clock. I know it will be heard, but I want everyone to try to get some sleep. I wish for you two to stay here for the night. It would be putting yourself in great risk if you decide to leave." Dumbledore quickly glanced at Harry with an expression on his face Harry had never seen on Dumbledore's face before.

Everyone filed out of the room, leaving him and Ron alone. "Well, I think I am going to head to bed," Ron stated, patting his friend on his shoulder.

Harry nodded, "Yeah me, too." Harry followed Ron upstairs to their room. Once they got settled, Harry decided to ask the question that had been bugging him since the moment they had reentered the portkey. Why had everyone been staring at me?

He tried to answer the question himself but he could not find a reasonable answer. He had just helped them out of his own free will and they just stared at him like he was dangerous. He tried to sleep, but found that to be impossible. He also wondered what the expression on Dumbledore's face meant. He had never seen such an expression on his Headmaster's face. He could not wait any longer, he had to have answers.

"Ron, why did everyone look at me tonight when I came through the portal?" Harry asked. The only reply he received was Ron's snores. "I know you not asleep. Answer the question. RON!" Harry yelled, his temper rising.

Ron, who was not asleep as Harry predicted, rose up in bed nervously. He had never been this afraid of his best friend before.