So Close

After blinking his eyes, he saw the form of Professor Snape backed up against the wall, clutching the blocks for support. Turning he saw Professor Dumbledore with a very concerned look on his face. "You will both accompany me to my office at once," the man said before turning around and striding off. Harry followed quickly, not caring if Snape was behind or not. Before reaching the gargoyle, Snape passed Harry to walk just behind the Headmaster. After finally reaching the office and closing the door, Professor Dumbledore moved behind his desk and calmly asked, "What exactly was going on?"

Snape instantly spoke, not giving Harry a chance, "Mr. Potter viciously attacked a student from my house in Hogsmeade today. I gave him detention, deducted house points and asked where he learned such a dangerous spell. When he wouldn't answer truthfully, I attempted to find out myself."

"By probing his mind?" Dumbledore knowingly asked.

"Potter rarely tells the truth Headmaster," Snape said. "There was no other way to get the information."

The Headmaster studied Professor Snape for a moment and then turned to Harry and asked, "Could you also tell me what happened Harry?"

"Yes sir. Well Malfoy said some horrible things about Blaise and I guess I over reacted and did use a bind spell on him, but that's all," Harry said.

"It was flaming ropes. He couldn't move without getting burned," Snape spat.

"Yes sir. But if he didn't move, he wouldn't feel anything," Harry said glaring at Snape. "Then when I was heading back to the common room this evening, Professor Snape took points and gave me detention for using magic in Hogsmeade." Harry took a breath and said, "Then when I said I didn't remember where I learned the spell, I felt him using Legilimency to probe my mind."

"However," Dumbledore said, "what I came across was not Professor Snape simply probing your mind, he seemed to be in some distress." Harry could see Snape tense up at this.

"I've made enough progress with Occlumency to be able to redirect simple probing so I tried that," Harry said. Harry could see Dumbledore waiting for more so he told the truth. "I don't know how it happened sir, but it was like I heard a voice telling me what thoughts to push him to. Then the voice said to hold him. I really don't know how I did it."

"Did you recognize this voice Harry?" Dumbledore asked seeming to believe Harry.

"It seemed familiar but I couldn't place it," Harry replied.

"Headmaster," Snape quickly said. "I don't know where Potter learned this, but clearly it is dangerous...."

"It wouldn't have been dangerous Severus," Dumbledore calmly said, "if you hadn't tried to perform Legilimency on him. Using magic against another student in Hogsmeade is indeed against the rules and as you have said you punished him, he will serve that punishment." Dumbledore now looked at Harry and said, "Please try to refrain from confronting other students Harry. Also, be very wary of trusting unknown voices in your head."

"Yes sir," Harry said. Harry quickly turned and left the office, feeling very lucky that nothing else happened.

Back in Dumbledore's office, Snape was mad. "Headmaster, that boy attacked one of my students and you witnessed his attack on me as well. He must be punished."

"You did punish him for the only rule he broke Severus," Dumbledore said. "I'm sure you are well aware that if he can master the spell he used on Mr. Malfoy than if he had really wanted to inflict pain he could have easily done so." Snape grimaced but Dumbledore continued; "Now I also believe you understand that if Mr. Potter did indeed prohibit you from severing your probe of his mind that he was also capable of inflicting severe damage to you as well. Though I do not think he is aware of that."

"That boy is dangerous Headmaster," Snape spat.

"For our sake Severus," Dumbledore said rising and looking out the window, "let us hope that is indeed true when the time comes. You would do well to understand what it would mean if he is unable to fulfill the prophecy. A few thoughts to the greater good would be advisable."

Snape snarled and left the office.

Harry entered the common room and was once again congratulated by everyone for his hex on Malfoy. He walked straight to where Ron, Hermione and Ginny were and sat down next to Ron, furthest away from Ginny. "That was still brilliant," Ron said happily, savoring the memory of Malfoy wrapped in flaming ropes.

"Yeah well Snape just gave me the news. Fifty points and detention," Harry said.

"That slimy git!" Ron exclaimed.

"We really needed those points Harry," Hermione scolded.

"Just answer a couple more questions Hermione. You can earn that many in a couple classes," Harry exclaimed causing Hermione to soften her attitude a bit at the compliment.

Harry went to sleep that night, still thinking about that voice in his head. He knew who it sounded like but couldn't explain why. When he woke up the next morning, he was actually disappointed he didn't have another dream about his godfather to see if his suspicion was correct.

Kingsley came to the next D.A.meeting again since he wanted to continue giving pointers in dueling. After watching everyone review he got their attention. "Ok, as some of you have unfortunately seen, dark wizards rarely fight fair. More often than not you will not fight them one-on-one so you need to at learn some basics about fighting as a team." Harry caught Neville's eye and gave him a little nod since he and Neville were together for a lot of the fighting last year. "Ok, pair up with someone you feel comfortable with," Kingsley directed.

Neville walked purposely to Harry and asked, "Is it ok if I partner with you?"

Harry had actually thought of asking Blaise but knew all Neville needed was confidence so he quickly replied, "Of course. We'll show 'em Neville." Neville beamed after Harry said this.

Harry and Neville were one of the last teams to go and Harry felt some dread when they were paired to go against Ron and Hermione. Ron was good a strategy and Hermione knew an enormous amount of spells.

The duel was actually very close with both teams getting in good shots and also deflecting some curses that would have ended it much sooner. Neville had even successfully executed the Protego Truan spell after Harry hit Hermione with a stunner and paused briefly to make sure she was ok. In this lapse, Ron had sent his own stunner but Neville saw it coming and cast the shield charm to protect Harry. Things got fierce after that but finally, Neville hit Ron with a Petrificus Totalus just as Harry got another stunner off on Hermione.

"We did it Harry," Neville said starting to give Harry a high-five. Before their hands touched, Harry felt an odd prickly sensation on the back of his neck and seemed to hear the voice in his head say 'Shield Now!'

Without hesitation Harry yelled 'Protego Duo' and a shimmer surrounded both he and Neville a second before a blast connected with it. Turning they saw Kingsley standing calmly pointing his wand at them. Kingsley sent another powerful spell that actually made both Harry and Neville stumble, but the shield held.

"What's he doing?" Neville asked.

"I think we're supposed to fight him," Harry said seeing the grin on Kingsley's face.

"But he's an Auror!" Neville exclaimed.

"Pretend he's a Death Eater Neville. We can take him," Harry said looking Neville directly in the face. This seemed to focus Neville and he raised his wand at Kingsley.

The duel quickly turned into a series of curses, counter-curses and shields with Kingsley keeping Harry and Neville at a severe disadvantage. At one point, Harry nearly tripped and this allowed Kingsley to connect with a spell that sent him flying backwards where he landed with a thud on the floor. Turning his full attention to Neville, Kingsley was able to get a stupefy to partially break through Neville's shield. Kingsley began to disarm Neville but Harry was barely able to get a shield around Neville before the spell hit. Harry felt the impact of Kingsley's curse against the shield and before he could recover, Kingsley performed Legilimency and forced his way into Harry's mind.

Harry stumbled a moment before his mind reacted to the intrusion and began pushing the probe out. As happened the last time, a comforting voice said 'pull it into your pain'. Confused, Harry quit pushing on the probe and felt it go deeper into his thoughts. Again the voice said 'pull it into your pain'. Harry pushed the Auror's probe into memories that he always tried to keep hidden far away.

Suddenly Kingsley's body became rigid and Harry collapsed to his knees as visions he dreaded flooded his mind. The cupboard door shutting, leaving him in total darkness. His mother pleading with Voldemort. Sirius falling through the veil.

Neville had been able to recover from the partially effective spell and after a moment of confusion at seeing both Kingsley and Harry acting so strangely, he sent his own stunner at the Auror causing both Kingsley and Harry to cry out before they collapsed unconscious onto the floor.

Harry woke to a familiar smell the next morning but didn't know exactly how he got there. "Ah I see you've chosen to wake up," Dumbledore said.

Pulling on his glasses, Harry's vision reconfirmed his presence in the Hospital Ward and he saw the Headmaster standing at the foot of his bed. "What happened sir?" Harry asked.

"It seems you pulled Kingsley's mind into some very painful memories and trapped him there," Dumbledore said sounding concerned.

"But how? Is he ok? How could I do that?" Harry asked, now concerned himself.

"He is fine, just a bit unnerved by what he saw. I hoped you could tell me how this happened. I'm assuming it is the same as with Professor Snape?" Dumbledore questioned.

"I guess," Harry said thinking back. "Right after Neville and I beat Ron and Hermione, something seemed to warn me to put up a shield and Kingsley had tried to curse us. Then when he entered my mind it was the same voice telling me what to do. I didn't want to see those things. Then I just remember a lot of pain before waking up," Harry admitted, rubbing his head.

"That would go along with what Kingsley said and also what I gathered," Dumbledore said as though he was still thinking. "I cannot say what you are hearing, but would suggest you try to keep control of what it is telling you."

"Yes sir, I'll try," Harry said but didn't really know how.

Soon after the Headmaster left, his friends had been allowed in to see him. Ginny was the fastest to his bed and hugged him saying, "Oh Harry, we were so worried. I'm so sorry I said those horrible things to you. I don't really think that way."

Harry looked to Ron and Hermione for help but Hermione was just smiling and Ron was shaking his head. "It's ok Ginny," Harry said. "Let's just forget any of that ever happened. I acted pretty stupid as well."

"Really?" the girl looked up not believing Harry could just forgive her that easy.

"Really," Harry reassured her. "I mean Ron's forgiven me for worse and you're a good friend as well so I can do it to." Harry smiled brightly but part of his assurance didn't make Ginny feel totally better.

"Getting out of here soon?" Ron asked trying to move Ginny off a bit.

"Should be anytime," Harry said.

"What happened Harry?" Hermione asked.

Harry told them what happened but left out the little voice. He knew from past experience that they wouldn't think it was a good thing. Madame Pomphrey came in soon after he finished telling them what happened and gave him clearance to leave. His friends waited while he changed and they all left together.

That night, Harry thought long and hard about what had happened with Professor Snape and with Kingsley. He remembered how Snape looked once Dumbledore had broken the connection. Harry also shivered remembering back to how it felt to have his mind taken over by Voldemort last year and wondered if it was similar. Harry drifted off to sleep without practicing Occlumency again, but instead of having a dream, he was woken up by a terrible pain in his scar. Clutching his head and trying not to make a sound, he waited until it subsided. Thinking back to what he sensed during this, he realized that Voldemort was again very happy about something. He sensed apprehension but also joy. Harry decided not to tell anyone about this since they would just say he wasn't working hard enough at Occlumency.

Hermione and Ginny quickly noticed Harry looked tired in the morning but he assured them it was just leftover from what happened with Kingsley. Ron however only cared that he got plenty of sleep for their final Quidditch match with Ravenclaw that weekend. Most of the team had been loudly complaining about how obsessed Ron was with the match but Harry, being the only member of the team to play for Oliver Wood thought Ron still had a ways to go before approaching Wood's obsession level.

Harry was startled by his first sight when he opened his curtains the morning of the match. Ron was sitting, fully dressed on the edge of his bed with his head in his hands. "What's wrong Ron?" Harry asked and even this didn't cause Ron to look up.

"I'm going to be sick for sure," Ron groaned.

"It's just another match. You've been here before," Harry said lightheartedly.

"It's for the cup Harry!" Ron exclaimed. "We have to win it."

"You weren't this bad last year. What's the deal?"

"It's different this year," Ron said. "Last year we just lucked into it."

"You finished good last year. This year is no different. You're playing great," Harry said, hoping to snap Ron out of this.

"But you're playing this year," Ron admitted looking up at his friend.

"You think I'm going to lose it for you?" Harry exclaimed, not believing Ron would think that.

"What? No, of course not," Ron suddenly said. "You've always won the cup when you've played. I don't want you to lose just because I'm coaching. What with everything else you've got going, I just want to make sure we win."

Now Harry was stunned, not exactly believing Ron worried about this. "Ron," Harry firmly said, "I want to win too, but if we don't I think you'll take it harder than I would. I'm not going to go off the deep end if we lose, trust me."

"I know," Ron said. "I don't know why I'm worried so much."

"Yeah, well quit worrying or I'll tell Hermione some of the things you say about her in your sleep," Harry joked.

"What! I don't... You wouldn't!" Ron exclaimed now standing up.

"Yeah well just make sure we win and you'll never know," Harry said before heading off to the shower.

The whole team was quiet at breakfast which made Harry laugh. None of them seemed to remember that this was close to the same team that won last year and they had already beaten Slytherin. Losing to any other house wouldn't be so bad as long as it wasn't Slytherin. Harry noticed the people across the table from him give an odd look and then suddenly he heard, "Good luck today Harry." Cho had come up behind him.

Harry turned and after a second of confusion said, "Oh. You too Cho. Good luck."

"It's the last time we'll play each other you know," she said smiling.

"I guess it is," Harry replied not having considered that before.

"Yeah well don't blink because Harry's going to end it quickly," Ron sarcastically said.

"Ron!" Hermione quickly yelled at him.

"Well...Anyway I just wanted to say good luck," Cho stumbled getting this out.

"Thanks Cho, you too," Harry replied before turning around and shaking his head at his total lack of understanding of girls.

It worked out that Ravenclaw was currently in second place for the Quidditch cup and if they won by more than 200 points, they would overtake Gryffindor and win the cup. This was a very long shot but had been done in the past so there was still a great turnout for the match. Slytherin had sided with Ravenclaw and rooted against Gryffindor. In the waiting room, Ron hadn't been able to give much of a pep talk, he simply said, "I really want to win the cup." But everyone seemed to realize how important it was to their captain and agreed that they would win.

After being announced, Harry and Cho quickly greeted each other before the Snitch and Quaffle were released. Harry glanced around the stands and was surprised to see Blaise sitting next to Hermione and the two girls seemed to be having a nice conversation. Once the match started, Harry quickly forgot other people even existed. His mind was on one thing, finding and catching the snitch. It didn't matter to him where his rival was, he had confidence he could get to the golden object faster than she could. The match seemed to go on for quite a while without any sign of the snitch and the score was now 110-90 with Gryffindor in the lead. Harry could see Ron getting annoyed but the captain also knew the snitch hadn't shown itself. Over the past few minutes, Harry's scar began to throb and he silently hoped that it didn't become overwhelming as that could give Cho the advantage she needed.

Gryffindor had just scored again and Ravenclaw began a run when a small flash of gold caught Harry's eye just below the chaser with the Quaffle as the girl flew towards him. Harry leaned forward and also felt Cho who was closer than he expected to him do the same. Both seekers were now on a course that would take them very close to the three chasers who were heading directly at them. The Snitich seemed to dart between whichever chaser had the Quaffle. Harry picked the chaser in the middle and flattened out onto his Firebolt, trying to get every ounce of speed he could. Now the chasers realized the seekers weren't going to change direction and the one on the left with the Quaffle tried to pass to the one on the right. Cho had just opted for safety and pulled up a bit but Harry headed directly for the middle chaser whose eyes were now as wide as saucers. The Quaffle passed directly behind the middle chaser's head as Harry reached out, looking to the middle chaser like he was trying to grab his face. Harry had to roll onto his left side slightly so not to crash his broom into the chaser and felt the back of his hand brush the chaser's hair as he clamped down on the Snitch that was just trailing the Quaffle that had gone by. Finishing the roll and narrowly avoided a collision, Harry thrust his hand into the air showing his teammates that they had just won the match.

The team was quickly engulfed by hugs from each other and soon from the other Gryffindors. Harry's scar had still been throbbing and he maneuvered himself out of the center of the crowd of cheering students to try and get some fresh air. "Thanks for beating her. I couldn't have handled that girl winning," Blaise said as she confidently strode up to Harry.

Harry noticed she didn't look mad so he simply said, "Thanks Blaise. I was surprised you were sitting on our side."

"That just shows you should never try to figure me out," she replied with a smile. "Listen, I want to apologize for getting mad at you. Slytherin is my house and I just don't like anyone else messing with us. Even if one of us does something that deserves it. I would have dealt with him," Blaise explained.

"I can understand that," Harry said realizing how she felt. "I really thought our deal was only for the ball but should have at least said something. I'm sorry I yelled, it just reminded me of something else."

"You mean when the little red-head went off on you after our match," Blaise said with a teasing grin. "I remember these things. Are we ok?"

"We're good. Thanks for coming over," Harry genuinely said.

"Well, I couldn't lose my token Gryffindor friend now could I?" she said with a wave as she headed back to the other Slytherins.

"Oi Mate!" Ron yelled. "Get cleaned up, it's time for a party." Ron was being drug along by Seamus and Terry since this was their first season.

Harry was one of the last ones back to the common room and the party was already well under way. It was noisy but seemed subdued without Fred and George Weasley to keep everyone on their toes. Harry had his butterbeer but really wasn't feeling like partying since his scar hadn't quit hurting. The rest of the team and especially Ron were celebrating so much that they didn't even notice when he slipped over to the edge of the room so he could just watch without moving much. However, this action didn't escape being noticed by his other best friend. "Feeling all right Harry?" Hermione asked with a concerned look.

Harry furrowed his brow and said, "Just a headache, but it's not that bad. Getting knocked around with that lot doesn't help though."

"Is it really a headache or...you know?" Hermione asked thinking it was something a bit more than he was letting on.

Harry nodded, letting Hermione know it was his scar and said, "Started hurting about half way through the match. Hasn't gotten worse though." Harry watched Ron spin Lavender around and said, "You should watch your boyfriend. Quidditch captains are in high demand."

Hermione laughed and said, "Maybe but Ron's too dense to realize it." She watched Ron for a minute and just shook her head and said, "I should keep him from making too much of a fool out of himself."

Harry watched for a bit more and then felt a sudden shot of pain in his scar. Not wanting to spoil the party, he tried to make his way to the exit. Before reaching it, the pain increased and he put both hands up to his head but quickly moved one to the wall to steady himself as he finally got out of the room. Once on the other side, there was another surge of pain and he collapsed onto the floor.

Back at the party, it was Ron who had seen the last few seconds of Harry's exit from the common room and even with all the commotion and everyone still congratulating him, he suddenly became very serious and Hermione instantly knew something was wrong. Ron looked at her and the two of them quickly went after Harry. Ginny noticed their movements and detached herself from the group as well. Ron was the first to see Harry lying on the floor outside of the portrait.

"Harry!" he exclaimed as he made it to his friend who was tossing on the floor with both hands over his scar.

Hermione grabbed his shoulders and said, "Harry, can you hear us?" Hermione quickly turned to Ginny and said, "Get Professor McGonagall!" Ginny didn't hesitate and ran down the hall.

Before she got back, Harry quit thrashing and his eyes flashed open showing shear terror. "You ok mate?" Ron quickly asked. Harry just nodded and rubbed his scar.

"What was it Harry? Did you see something?" Hermione asked.

Harry nodded and said, "Durmstrang."

Ron and Hermione looked between each other just as Ginny and Professor McGonagall arrived. "Are you all right Mr. Potter?" McGonagall quickly asked.

Harry who was sitting against the wall now snapped to attention and said, "He's attacking Durmstrang! That's why he's been so happy!"

"Are you sure?" McGonagall asked.

"Positive," Harry assured her.

"Please go see Madame Pomphrey, I'll go directly to the Headmaster," the Professor said before she hurried off down the hall.

"Are you really ok Harry?" Ginny asked.

"I'm fine. I can't believe he's attacking a school," Harry said shaking his head.

"C'mon Harry we'll go see Madame Pomphrey with you," Ginny said.

"I don't need to go there. It stopped hurting now," Harry firmly said. "I want to know what's going on."

"Harry, we can't just go barging in," Hermione said. "What did you mean about him being happy?"

"Well my scar's been waking me up a few nights and I can tell he's been apprehensive but really happy. He must have been planning this," Harry said.

"Why didn't you tell someone?" Hermione demanded.

"Tell them what Hermione? Should I run to Dumbledore and say 'My scar hurt and Voldemort's happy.'" Harry snapped.

The four of them returned to the common room but didn't really rejoin the party, instead they stayed in their small group talking about what they thought would happen. The other students realized something was up but knew from past experience that the trio somehow knew things and that they would never tell.

Harry didn't even practice Occlumency that night and actually hoped to have a dream so he knew what really happened. It wasn't to be as once he finally fell asleep, nothing happened to wake him up until Ron did the next morning. The two waited for Hermione and Ginny before going down for breakfast.

None of the students seemed to be acting any differently but it wasn't difficult to tell something was wrong once you glanced at the teacher's table. Every teacher had a look that reminded Harry of when the Chamber of Secrets had been opened and they were all whispering to each other. Finally when it seemed like most of the students had arrived for breakfast Professor Dumbledore got everyone's attention. "Students," Dumbledore said as everyone looked at him. "There was an incident last night that may be reported in the papers today and I want to tell you what we know. There was an attack on our sister wizarding school Durmstrang last night." The mumbling started within the student groups. "The attack included some of the Dememtors that have left Azkaban as well as some of Voldemort's supporters. In fact the attack was led by Voldemort himself." Now there where many gasps and whispers. Harry just hung his head and his friends kept glancing between him and the Headmaster.

"The attack was a surprise and resulted in three teachers and twelve students losing their lives and many more injured," Dumbledore sadly said having everyone's attention. "Help arrived and the attackers were turned back before any more could be injured. I do not expect anything like that to happen here but want to assure you that we are better defended and well prepared in case it does. Please be assured we are doing everything in our power to keep you as safe as possible. I hope you understand the need to cancel all Hogsmeade visits for the rest of the year." Surprisingly, there wasn't much objection to this. "Now it seems a secondary reason for this attack was to draw attention away from Azkaban where other Voldemort supports assisted in breaking out six convicted Death Eathers. The Ministry is doing all they can to re-capture those escaped convicts."

Harry was just pushing his food around on his plate, not eating while his friends cast concerned glances at him. "Malfoy's looking awful cocky," Ron snarled. "I bet his dad is one of the one's who escaped."

The news of the escape did surprise Harry, he hadn't been expecting that. He was silently thinking about what had happened. He couldn't believe a school full of students was actually attacked. The friends were sitting quietly, all lost in their own thoughts when the Headmaster appeared behind them. "Would you four join me for a moment," he said without the normal twinkle in his eyes.

They didn't bother going to the Headmaster's office, he simply led them into a vacant classroom before turning to look directly at each of them. The Headmaster appeared very tired at this moment but calmly said, "Your warning most assuredly saved lives Harry. I sent word immediately to sources in their area and they went to help," Dumbledore continued.

"But why Durmstrang?" Harry asked. "I mean aren't they more dark arts than Beauxbatons or us?"

"They're not dark arts Harry," Dumbledore corrected him. "It is more like an entire school of Slytherin House. They just take a different approach to teaching. However I think this was a warning to all schools and punishment for some at Durmstrang trying to defy him."

"So, some of the teachers there refused to join him and he attacked their school?" Harry asked, almost unable to believe this.

"That is my guess," Dumbledore agreed.

Harry shook his head and asked, "Isn't there anything we can do? Can't you teach me something and then get me near him? I can't stand this."

"Harry no!" Hermione exclaimed.

Dumbledore sat on the edge of one of the desks and said, "Harry trust me when I say that on this topic I do understand exactly how you feel. You may be the one destined to destroy him, but I do have the power to stop some of these attacks if I were there. I struggle with the exact same things."

"How do you handle it sir? Every time I hear of an attack, I know that if I wasn't here, playing Quidditch and studying for N.E.W.T.s, maybe he could be stopped," Harry sadly said.

"It would serve nothing to confront him without a plan and a reasonable chance of winning Harry. I'm sure you realize that," Dumbledore said and saw Harry nod. "You can't hold yourself responsible for things such as this. There are too many things out of our control."

"So I just have to deal with it then," Harry said not as a question.

"I said this last year and I hope you react better this time, but your greatest strength is that you care so much. I really understand how painful that is to hear but one day I hope you'll realize the truth in it," Dumbledore said and was glad that Harry didn't react negatively this time. The four friends left the room silently.

"There's nothing you can do yet Harry," Hermione said.

"Don't beat yourself up so much," Ron added.

"C'mon Harry, it'll be ok," Ginny softly said.

"We've got to hurry if we're going to make first period," Hermione announced.

"You all go ahead, I'm going up to my room," Harry gloomily said.

"Harry, tests are coming up before long," Hermione informed him.

"Does it really matter Hermione?" Harry solemnly said as he headed back to the common room.

"This isn't good," Ron said, the worry evident in his voice.

"C'mon Ron, we'll talk after class," Hermione said.

"He'll be ok won't he?" Ginny asked.

"'Course he will Ginny. We'll make sure of it," Ron added making his sister feel better.

Harry did go to his room, but only to grab his invisibility cloak, and once he was safely concealed beneath that, he made his way to the owlery. Harry opened the door slowly, not knowing if anyone would be in the room. Still under the cloak, he made his way to the far wall and began to look for his snowy owl. Before he spotted her, he heard a rustle followed by a familiar hoot and saw Hedwig sitting on a ledge near him. He removed his cloak and said, "Are you like Mad-Eye? Can you see through this thing?" Hedwig merely cocked her head and looked at him with her big eyes. "Haven't had much work for you this year girl," Harry said as he moved her to his knee. "I wish I could write him where he is."

Sitting there stroking Hedwig made Harry very relaxed and he found himself thinking hard about all things that had happened this year. How he said those things about not taking Potions again. Ginny yelling at him at the Quidditch match. Ginny yelling before the Holiday Ball. Cursing Malfoy. The look of Professor Snape after he tried Legilimency on him. What happened with Kingsley when he tried it as well. "I wish I could think of some way to stop in him girl," Harry said out loud drawing a few clicks from his owl.

Harry had been sitting there running every encounter with Voldemort and all of the events of the year through his mind over and over. "There has to be something," he softly said. "If I could just fi....," he was absent-mindedly saying when suddenly an idea came into his mind. His hand stopped petting Hedwig as his eyes flicked around, not focusing on anything, just re-running the thought through his head. "Dumbledore said he was trapped...." Harry said to no one but himself. "They said his body didn't move the whole time..." Harry quickly stood up, forgetting Hedwig was on his knee and the large owl cuffed him with a wing as she made her way to a ledge. Harry began thinking to himself. Was Snape the same way? Dumbledore said it was the same as Snape. He's supposed to be an expert. Would it be like Kingsley? No, more like Snape. If he's trapped, I could do it.

Harry heard commotion outside and saw students beginning to fill the common areas so he thought it must be supper time. "I better go find Ron girl," Harry said to Hedwig. "If I don't, they'll send someone from the Order to hunt me down. Thanks for listening," Harry said as he left the owlery with a lot to think about. He made it back to the common room before Ron and Hermione got there and he could tell they were both relieved that he was actually there. The look he saw them give each other clearly showed him they had expected him to be someplace else.

Harry was too wrapped up in his own thoughts during supper to notice the looks his friends exchanged between themselves. He wasn't aware that every time Hermione started to say something, Ron would give her a look that caused her to rethink what she was going to say. That evening in the common room was pretty much the same. Harry acted like he was studying but Hermione saw that the pages rarely turned in the book he was reading and his eyes had a far-off look to them.

Once in bed, Harry practiced Occlumency but a bit differently this time. Instead of focusing on Hedwig sleeping, he focused on the sitting alone in a room. If Voldemort did indeed try to get information from Harry while he was asleep, Harry wanted the wizard to get the idea that Harry was spending time alone. In the morning, Harry didn't have a good feeling one way or the other if his plan had started to come together.

Hermione and Ginny quickly picked up on how closed off Harry had become over the next couple days. "He's getting worse Ron," Hermione said as they watched Harry turn his book without really looking at it. "We've got to say something," she added.

"I don't think we should push him Hermione," Ron said. "We've got tests coming up and maybe he's just worried about those as well."

"Well I'm not just going to sit here," Ginny stated before getting up and heading directly to Harry. She sat down next to him, startling him out of his thoughts. "Want to study together?" she asked, not wanting to jump into her real questions.

Harry quickly smiled and then remembered his previous thoughts and became serious again as he said, "I should really work on this alone." Ginny's expression fell and Harry continued, "Since you both are about to take your O.W.L.s, why don't you see if Scott can help? Hermione says he's pretty smart."

"Oh," Ginny said sounding a bit annoyed. "Fine, I'll just do that." She quickly stood up and walked away, not seeing the grimace on Harry's face. Hermione however did notice his reaction to Ginny walking away upset.

Harry told Ron and Hermione that he was going up to bed and again, focused on sitting alone in a room before trying to fall asleep. This night he had the impression that his thoughts were being pushed to try and find out more about the building but before this happened, another dream suddenly took over. Harry suddenly was watching Sirius walking out of the kitchen at Grimmauld Place scowling. Looking over his shoulder, Harry saw other members of the Order begin to vanish and saw Snape give a sneer as he watched Sirius walk away. Before he could see where Sirius went, he woke up and realized it was almost time to get up anyway. Harry knew this dream of Sirius could not have been something he witnessed.

The next four days went the same, but each night Harry's thoughts of being alone in the room were pushed further and further out until the building was almost recognizable. However, before the full location was revealed, he always was interrupted by a dream of his godfather in a situation where the man clearly wasn't happy. Harry just brushed these off to the stress of being so close to showing the location of the room.

Harry was only saved from Hermione's questioning when the Professors all reminded everyone that tests were coming up in a couple days. She became almost as quiet and stressed as Harry after this. Hermione and Ron had been sniping at each other in the common room one night and Ginny finally yelled that she couldn't study and stormed out. Harry quickly said their arguing was too much and retreated to his room.

The dream started like the past few with Harry sitting alone in a room, reading his book. His thoughts were on enjoying the time alone so he could study. There was a gentle nudge and the body in his thoughts got up and began to walk to the door. The dream Harry opened the door and stepped outside, but instead of the dream ending at this point, things began to get very clear and the surroundings were revealed. It was obvious from the environment that the building Harry had been in was the Shrieking Shack. Harry suddenly snapped awake with his scar burning. The emotion Harry felt made his stomach turn, he knew Voldemort was very happy.