The Spaces Between Shadows & Night

The Spaces Between Shadow & Night

by: Silver Prophet
the combined talents of:
silverphoenix & poetic licence

Chapter 1

A Decision Is Made

Sirius gave Harry's hand one final lick before standing at Lupin's side. The two vanished into the crowd and Harry watched them go until they vanished from sight. He turned to Malfoy, his face expressionless, taking in the Slytherin.

"Malfoy."

"Potter."

Closing the door firmly behind him, and leaving Malfoy outside (where he belonged in Harry's opinion), Harry followed Hermione into an empty compartment. After spending so long in the cupboard at Privet Drive, loud noises seemed even louder to Harry.

He settled into a seat opposite Hermione and sighed, taking a glance out of the window. Students were still meandering around on the platform even though there was only a couple of minutes left until the train left.

It seemed that when Harry and Hermione had boarded the train, Pansy Parkinson, a fifth year Slytherin who was probably the least attractive girl in their year, had descended on Malfoy. She appeared to be yelling at the blonde boy, who only had the mildest look of shock on his face. It was as though he wasn't really paying any attention to her and his thoughts were somewhere else.

Harry took a second to realise that Hermione was staring at him. He turned towards her, noticing the expectant look in her brown eyes. "So?" she asked curiously.

"You did something different with your hair," Harry commented flatly, feeling that talking was draining all of his energy.

Hermione's hand flew to her head, touching her hair, the top part of which had been secured away from her face with a scarlet and gold ribbon. She grinned guiltily. "I thought it was time for a change," she admitted. She frowned, realising that Harry was avoiding the subject. "Why did they do it, Harry? What on earth possessed those horrible Muggles to keep you in that awful cupboard?"

Harry shrugged nonchalantly. "Dunno. All I know is that they got a letter from Dumbledore as soon as we got home. I didn't even have time to sit down before they shoved me in the cupboard."

Noticing the way that she fiddled with a button on her school blouse, Harry asked, "What is it, Hermione?"

"It's child abuse!" she exclaimed, looking up. "Why didn't you do anything? You're probably one of the most powerful Wizards I've ever met and you did nothing?"

"I didn't want to get expelled."

He was sure that she would relent at this. After all, this was Hermione Granger, the girl who prioritized school and studying over her life. But she didn't. "Like that would have ever stopped you before!"

Avoiding her gaze, Harry stared out of the window, watching the landscape speed by. It appeared that the train had started moving with out them even realising. "Harry! Harry, look at me!" she demanded, a look of pure anger spread across her face.

Scowling, Harry forced himself to look at her. The normally calm and collected Hermione looked wild and angry with him. He had seen her angry before, but this was something completely different. "What has got into you?" she asked. "It's like you're not even the same person anymore!"

"I am the same person," Harry informed her, meeting her rational tone.

His friend shook her head. "I don't know if you are, Harry. You're acting more like..." she paused slightly, trying to think of the right word to use, "...Malfoy, than yourself. Being in that cupboard all summer has obviously affected you more than you think."

She stood, then sat next to Harry, taking one of his hands in his. "We all care a lot about you, Harry. Me, Ron, Remus and Snuffles. Everyone. Please, don't shut us out." Her tone was almost that of begging.

Harry removed his hand from Hermione's clasp. He looked at her solemn face. "I'll try not to. Can we change the subject? Anyway, I'm not the only one who's changed." He looked at her curiously. "I've never heard you swear Hermione - it's not like the Hermione Granger I know."

She looked pensive, staring at her shoes. "The Hermione Granger you know decided that she needs to grow up a bit." Slowly, she extracted something from her pocket. Holding it in her hand, she thumbed her silver Prefect's badge. "I got this last week," she said quietly.

"You don't sound too happy about that," Harry commented. He had been expecting Hermione to be bouncing off the walls with excitement when she finally became a Prefect. She seemed almost... disappointed. Hermione shrugged.

"I thought I would be. You're not exactly chuffed with yours either."

Harry too had been announced as a Prefect. Sirius and Remus had told him. When Sirius had given him the badge, he had put on a show of being disappointed with Harry, but Harry had seen the mischievous twinkle in his Godfather's eyes.

"I'm not keeping it," he told her after a second. Instead of becoming angry with him, Hermione nodded.

"I didn't think you would," she admitted. "Dumbledore said you probably weren't going to keep it."

"You've spoken to him?"

"He wrote to me. Says Dean Thomas will take the position if you don't want it." She smiled weakly at him. "Are you sure you're not going to take it?" There was a hint of hope in her voice; although she wouldn't openly admit to it, she really wanted Harry to take the position.

"I'm sure."

"Oh." Hermione stood up, brushing down her skirt. "I'm hungry so I'm going to look for the tea trolley. Do you want me to get you anything? Some Chocolate Frogs?"

As soon as she mentioned food, Harry heard his stomach rumble loudly. Hermione grinned for a second, before looking concerned. ""I'll take that as a yes," she said. "Um, why don't you get changed while I'm gone? And try to wake up a bit. Or get some rest. I'm not sure if you're suffering from insomnia or exhaustion." With another small smile, Hermione disappeared, closing the door behind her.

Sighing, Harry tore open the package Remus had given him. He placed the school books (there seemed to be a substantial amount this year) on the seat next to him, and unfolded the robes. Pulling off the over large clothes that had once belonged to his cousin, Dudley, (also known as the amazing walking blimp) and he quickly changed, though he didn't bother putting on his scarlet and gold tie.

As the Hogwarts Express hurtled through a tunnel, Harry caught a glimpse of himself in the window. He hadn't seen his reflection for so long he was almost shocked. Do I really look like that? he wondered.

Harry was paler than he remembered, and quite thinner, but in a strange way it almost seemed to suit him. He looked more mature, almost commanding. The famous lightning bolt scar that was his trademark was barely visible beneath his hair which hung almost limply around his face. He was glad that, for once, it wasn't sticking up at the back.

If only my parents could see me now,

he mused. I bet they never thought I'd end up like this. They didn't exactly plan on dying though, did they? He frowned. Harry silently hoped that their death's were not in vain. While spending many hours in the cupboard, had had something on an epiphany - he had to defeat Voldemort, whatever the consequences. I just hope I can count on Ron and Hermione.

Sifting through the various school supplies, Harry found a small leather pouch of Galleons. He shoved it into his pocket, then, rather unceremoniously, dumped the rest of his belongings in his trunk, swiftly catching a bottle of ink, that changed colours as you wrote, before it could hit the case of his Broomstick Servicing Kit.

Where Hermione returned, she was smiling broadly, and carrying the largest pile of sweets that Harry had seen since his first year. They poured out of her arms onto the seat next to Harry. "Dig in," she told him.

Harry didn't need to be told twice. He grabbed several different items and began ripping the labels off, eating as fast as he could.

Just as he was about to shove the fourth Chocolate Frog into his mouth, Hermione's hand whipped out and grabbed his wrist. "Slow down," she warned. "You'll make yourself ill."

Harry swallowed the chocolate and grinned at her, a real smile lighting up his face, not a pretend-smile he had used around Sirius and Remus at the train station. "I missed you, Hermione."

A puzzled expression crossed Hermione's face. "I was only gone for a couple of minutes?"

"I meant this summer. Sometimes I thought I'd never get out of that cupboard."

"Oh. I missed you too, Harry."

~~ ~~~ ~~

At Hogwarts, Ron was waiting for Harry and Hermione outside the Great Hall, a large grin on his freckled face. He looked suntanned, as though he had spent a great deal of the summer outside.

Hermione enveloped him in a bone-crushing hug as she had done with Harry. Ron turned rather red at this display. Hermione simply grinned at him.

"Hullo, Hermione. Blimey, Harry - you look rough!"

"Ron!" Hermione scolded, as she adjusted her Prefects badge.

The redhead rolled his eyes. "Come on, let's go get some seats - I'm starving." He led them into the Great Hall, and just as they were taking their seats, Professor McGonagall led the new first years in.

All of the new first years looked absolutely terrified, except for a couple who stared confidently at the Slytherin table, almost as if they knew they were going to be Sorted into Slytherin.

For the second time that day, Harry realised someone was staring at him. Glancing quickly around the Great Hall, he noticed Draco Malfoy looking directly at him, a blank, unreadable expression on his face. It wasn't like he was staring into space though; there was a strange look in his eyes which locked onto Harry's, sending a shiver down his spine.

Scowling, the blonde Slytherin looked away to his two cronies, Crabbe and Goyle who actually were as stupid as they looked.

Harry turned his attention back to the front of the Great Hall, where McGonagall was making her customary speech to the first years. He smiled inwardly seeing the reactions from some of them when the Sorting Hat was placed on the old wooden stool.

Near the brim, what appeared to be a rip opened up and it began to sing;

"Another Hogwarts year has started,

Another year has begun,

So I shall now Sort our new first years

Before the school song is sung.

You may be placed in Gryffindor,

And stand proud in red and gold;

Those mighty Lions are

Both brave and bold.

Or perhaps Hufflepuff's your place,

The wearers of yellow and black -

Our patient workers are loyal and true,

And they never ever slack.

Slytherin is another choice,

The house of silver and green,

Those ambitious Snakes are

Not as mean as they seem.

Or perhaps Ravenclaw

Coloured with pride in bronze and blue,

The house of the witty and wise

Might be just the place for you.

So now you have met me,

The Hogwarts Sorting Hat,

Just put me on,

And we'll have a little chat."

The Great Hall erupted into vigorous applause; Harry heard the Weasley twins catcalling, and the three Gryffindor Chasers, Angelina, Katie and Alicia, trying to quiet them down.

Professor McGonagall stepped out in front of the first years, holding a long piece of parchment. "When I call your name, sit on the stool and put on the hat to be Sorted. Addley, Cerys."

A short girl with shocking red hair (almost Weasley-red) strode out of the line, and calmly sat on the stool. She disappeared under the hat and after a moment of mumbling, it yelled, "HUFFLEPUFF!"

The look on her face was one of pure shock. Obviously she hadn't been expecting this as she glanced in panic at the Slytherin table. Amid the applause, she took at seat at the Hufflepuff table, looking terribly embarrassed.

There were several new Gryffindors who joined them at the table. Harry noticed a pair of boys who reminded him strongly of himself and Ron on their first day at Hogwarts.

Dumbledore stood when the last first year had been Sorted. A hush fell over the Hall. "I am sure you are eager to begin the Feast," Harry was sure he cast a glance in Ron's direction, "so I will only say a few words: Schnoogle! Glomp! Meeble!"

There was another storm of applause from the students, and a second later the food prepared in the kitchens below appeared on the golden plates, sounding many gasps from Muggle-born first years.

Harry heard a new first year who was sat next to Ron ask, "Is Professor Dumbledore a bit mad?"

Ron grinned at the sandy-haired first year. "Professor Dumbledore is one of the greatest Wizards of our time! But yes, he is a bit mad." Harry couldn't help but snigger at this, and Ron cast him a curious look whilst picking up a piece of chicken. "What?" he demanded.

"You're starting to sound like Percy." Ron turned white. He turned to Hermione for help, but she just nodded and Ron groaned.

"Kill me now."

The laughter of Harry, Hermione and the various Weasley's at Ron's embarrassed face cut straight into Harry. This was exactly how he wanted to remember Hogwarts and his friends. If there was a way to make a moment last forever, he want to keep this moment. All those weeks in the darkened cupboard at the Dursley's were worth it just to come back to Hogwarts and be with his friends. This was what life was all about.

When Dumbledore had addressed the school (making sure that everyone know the Forbidden Forest was out of bounds and that Filch, the grouchy caretaker, had banned several more items from the premises) they made their way back to Gryffindor Tower, Hermione reveling in leading the new first years and explaining everything to them.

"You really need to get a haircut, Harry, mate," said Fred, purposely rubbing Harry's hair, making it go in all directions. Scowling good-naturedly, Harry flattened it.

"You're going to have hair like Bill's soon!" added George, standing on the other side of Harry.

"And what's wrong with my hair?" a voice demanded. Bill Weasley, the eldest of the Weasley children, stepped out in front of them. He hadn't changed much since the last time Harry had seen him after the Tri Wizard Tournament, although he was wearing formal robes in a dark navy. He still had the red ponytail, though it was longer than before, and the fang still hung proudly from his ear. His dragon hide boots were also visible beneath his robes.

Grinning, Fred stood next to his brother, and finger his ponytail. "Your hair's getting a bit long dear, are you sure you don't want me to cut it for you?" he asked, mimicking Molly Weasley, who insisted that her son's hair was far too long and needed a decent trim.

"You sound so much like mum it's spooky," said Ron.

"That woman is our idol," said George. "She gives us some of the best ideas for pranks without realising it!" Fred nodded in agreement.

"She's a genius."

"Hmm." Bill didn't look too impressed.

"Did you want something, Professor Weasley?" asked Ginny.

"Oh, lay off Gingernut," he frowned. "Professor Dumbledore wishes to see Harry, Hermione and some boy called Dean."

"Gingernut?" asked Harry. "I've never heard that one before!"

"Bill!" wailed Ginny.

The other three Weasley boys snickered.

"Oh, look. Is this a convention? 'Get Four Weasels Get One Free'?" the mocking voice of Draco Malfoy interrupted their conversation. They all wheeled around to see the Slytherin smirking at them, obviously pleased with his little joke.

Crabbe and Goyle chuckled like the morons they were. Harry couldn't help but wonder if Malfoy trained them to laugh on command.

"Lay off, Malfoy," he ordered. Even though Malfoy's face was expressionless, Harry was sure he saw a flicker of surprise in those cold grey eyes. Harry was surprised at how commanding his voice, still slightly brittle from weeks of not talking, could sound.

"Let's go," Malfoy muttered to his supposed friends, and they took off at high speed.

He turned back to the others. "What?" They all looked surprised with him.

"Are you sure you don't want to be a Prefect, Harry?" asked Bill.

Harry answered slowly, making sure he got the words right. "I'm sure."

~~ ~~~ ~~
TBC
~~ ~~~ ~~

Amy's Notes:

Firstly, on behalf of Natasha and myself, I'd like to thank our reviewers so far: Avalon Princess, JadeDragon, chrisseee667, beautiful disaster, bwaybaby79. You're all brilliant.

Hopefully the next two chapters will be up relatively soon - they're being beta-read as I speak (or write, which ever way you want to look at it.

But in the mean time, you might want to head over and read the rest of my fics at right here - some usefully propaganda never hurt anyone!

Thanks again for reading.