Harry Potter and the Power Unknown

~Chapter Ten: Halloween~

The rest of September passed without incident. Harry never saw another vision of Sirius, and Lupin never brought it up. His occlumency was progressing nicely, but his wandless magic was still entirely out of control. Harry was now able to force Lupin out of his mind on the first try, but he could not produce any false images to display, and every time he tried his frustration would result in sending Lupin flying across the room. On the other hand, Harry's academics improved so much that Hermione was struggling to stay ahead of him.

"You don't even have to try!" Hermione said angrily during Charms one day. After only three tries, Harry managed to cause his frog to take the texture and color of his desk using the disillusionment charm; it took Hermione two tries.

"Oh come on, Hermione," Harry protested. "I thought you would be happy that I'm doing so well. Besides, you're still way more book-smart than I am, plus my magic is totally out of control most of the time, anyway."

The excited attitudes of returning to school began to fade as October approached, however. October was always the month of the unexpected, and this year, because of Lord Voldemort's return, a dark cloud seemed to sit over Hogwarts as if preparing to rain down something terrible. Harry's feelings of unease began when Cho Chang approached him for the first time that year in the Great Hall at lunch. Harry never really expected her to talk to him ever again, and after she talked to him, he wished he had been right.

"Hi, Harry," said Cho quietly.

"Er... hi," answered Harry, not looking at her.

"Did... did you have a good summer? Oh, I'm sorry, of course you didn't," she corrected herself, her face turning crimson. "I'm really sorry about... about your godfather. I read about him in the Daily Prophet."

"Thanks," Harry said dryly.

Cho's shade of red did not fade. "I wanted to say that I... I'm really sorry about what happened last year. I really do like you and..."

"Listen, Cho," Harry interrupted, "I really don't have anything to say to you. I'm not interested anymore." And with that he turned his back on her and walked out of the Great Hall, never turning back to look at her. He later felt a little guilty about being so harsh, but he was not prepared for the encounter and it made him uncomfortable.

Most of the students tried to ignore the looming feeling of dread, and the teachers attempted to distract them with homework, quizzes and talk of Quiddich tryouts and Hogsmede visits. Quiddich tryouts were held the first weekend of October, so Ron and Harry spent most of the last weeks of September preparing new formations and strategies. Ron especially liked the idea Harry based on a muggle movie about hockey.

"It's bloody brilliant, Ginny!" Ron said excitedly over breakfast on the day of tryouts. "What was it called, Harry? The 'flying c' or something?"

"It's called the 'flying v' for the tenth time," Harry answered with a laugh.

"Oh, yeah," Ron said. "Well anyway, it's brilliant."

Harry felt tryouts went extremely well. He was a bit concerned at first considering last year's turnout, but this year he actually had a hard time picking new team members. Since Alicia Spinnet and Angelina Johnson graduated there were two spots to fill; even though Harry and Ron secretly hoped that Andrew Kirke and Jack Sloper would not return as beaters, both were pleased to see that they had greatly improved over the summer. About thirteen hopefuls showed up for the tryouts, including Ginny. Ginny's spot on the team was guaranteed as far as Harry was concerned since she was on the team last year. After a couple of hours Harry and Ron thanked everyone and headed to the locker room to announce their decision.

"You all were really good today," Harry began, "but unfortunately we only have room for two players. The first spot goes to Ginny Weasley." Ginny blushed and Harry waited for the applause to die down before continuing. "And the second and final chaser spot goes to... Ewan Abercrombie!" Evan, who had not grown much since the previous year, shrunk down in his seat as everyone clapped for him. "So thanks again for trying out, everyone," Harry said, "and for all team members, remember our first official practice is this Monday."

When Monday evening came along, Harry felt renewed after flying on his Firebolt and even more so at the sight of his new team flying together.

"Slytherin doesn't stand a chance!" Ron said happily after practice.

"Don't get too excited, Ron," warned Ginny. "The Sytherins have new broomsticks again this year along with a bunch of new players."

"Just as long as they're not Firebolts, I could care less," said Harry, but his curiosity got the best of him. "What are they?"

"It's a new brand released to compete with the Firebolt, called Dragonwing, I think."

"The Sytherins can't tell the back end of their broom from the front anymore than they can tell their asses from their face," piped in Katie Bell. "I'm not worried, no matter what their brooms are."

The team headed for dinner together a little while later, and many Gryffindors congratulated them, saying that they watched their practice and how they knew the team would win the cup again for sure. After dinner, Ron, Harry and Hermione headed for the common room and found a new message on the bulletin board. Posted next to a new advertisement for Skiving Snackbox (secretly posted by Ginny) was the new list of dates for Hogsmede trips, the first of which was the following Saturday. Harry was looking forward to this trip despite the looming nervousness about October; he had not been to Hogsmede in almost a year, and the thought of butterbeer from the Three Broomsticks made his mouth water.

Halfway through the week, Ginny came up to Harry and asked him if she could go with him into Hogsmede. Taken aback, Harry said, "Er... sure, I guess. I mean, I'll be with Ron and Hermione too."

"That's okay," Ginny replied. "There's this fifth year that wanted to take me there, but I really don't like him, so I told him I was going with you. I hope that's okay; maybe we can still spend some time together."

Hermione, who had been listening to the conversation said, "Oh, good Ginny, you're coming with us, then! I need you to spread the word to the fifth years that we are having a DA meeting at the Three Broomsticks around 2:00."

"Um... okay," Ginny replied, and without another word she turned and headed for her class. Harry then rounded on Hermione. "When were you planning on telling me about this little meeting?" he demanded of her.

"Oh, calm down, Harry," she shot back at him. "I just thought about it like, two seconds ago. I figured the first Hogsmede trip would be a good time to get the DA back together, is all. We need to come up with a decent meeting time for everyone."

Harry said nothing to this, but his nervousness intensified as the weekend drew nearer. He knew he might like Ginny, but what if he messed it all up like he did with Cho? He had visions of Ginny storming out of Madam Puddifoot's as Cho did the previous Valentine's Day, but Harry knew that if he screwed up with Ginny he would also be losing a good friend and possibly jeopardizing his friendship with Ron as well. Plus, there was always Voldemort to consider; what if he found out Harry's feelings for Ginny? He resolved not to tell Ginny that he cared for her and to just spend time with her as a friend.

Sooner than Harry would have liked, Saturday was upon them. Just stay calm, Harry told himself as he watched Ginny walk towards him. Her red hair was tied in a low ponytail and her cheeks were a little more flushed than usual. She looked very pretty.

"Ready to go?" she asked happily. Constricted by the lump in his throat, all Harry could do in response was nod, and so they walked together towards the carriages when suddenly they were stopped by Filch.

"Where do you think you're going, Potter?" he asked.

"Umm... to Hogsmede," answered Harry indifferently.

"I don't think so," Filch shot back. "Come along. We shall discuss this with the headmaster."

"You can't be serious!" yelled Ginny halfway between amused disbelief and anger. Harry noticed that her hair seemed to look redder when her temper flared. "That cow Umbridge is gone and..."

"Hold you're tongue, girl, or you will find yourself in a world of trouble!" spat Filch.

"What is going on here?" Professor McGonagall's voice came from behind them.

"Potter was attempting to go to Hogsmede, Professor, when I know he isn't permitted," Filch said proudly. "I know for a fact that he was banned last year."

"Don't be ridiculous," McGonagall said angrily. "You know just as well as everyone that all rules put down by Dolores Umbridge have been removed." Filch looked extremely disappointed, and McGonagall turned to Harry. "On your way then, Potter." Harry and Ginny turned and climbed into the nearest carriage, leaving Filch and McGonagall to argue among themselves.

It was a clear but chilly day in Hogsmede; the leaves on the trees were turning red and gold, and the crisp, cool feel of autumn was in the air. Many of the shops and houses were decorated for Halloween. Harry and Ginny walked and window shopped for a while, taking and laughing as they went. Harry was relieved to see that his comfort level with Ginny ended up being much higher than it ever was when he was with Cho.

The first store they entered was Honeydukes; they agreed earlier to meet Ron and Hermione there.

"Did you see them, mate?" asked Ron as soon as he spotted Harry. "They're up in every window."

"See what?" Harry asked. His attention had mostly been on Ginny since they arrived in Hogsmede.

"Come with me," Ron said, and he grabbed Ginny and Harry by the wrists and dragged them to the front window. He stopped and pointed to a flyer posted in the window.

WANTED, DEAD OR ALIVE: BELLATRIX LESTRANGE

For the torture and murder of four Hogsmede residents.

Miss Lestrange is also wanted for her escape from Azkaban prison.

A jolt of hatred rushed through Harry's body and he felt his temper begin to well up inside him at the sight of her picture. In the photograph (presumably taken as she was sent to Azkaban), her dark eyes darted around until they finally came to rest on Harry, then a horrible, sly grin spread across her face. The surge of anger inside Harry caused his body to release a burst of heat. Harry forced himself to look away from her photograph and focused on the writing just below it.

Miss Lestrange has been sighted recently in and around the village of Hogsmede.

The Ministry of Magic would like to remind all citizens to take extra care when traveling the village, especially at night.

Do not attempt to approach or confront!!

Report any sightings immediately to the Magical Law Enforcement Squad.

"What would she be doing in Hogsmede?" Ginny wondered. "You would think she would want to stay hidden. I guess these wizards did something to piss her off."

Harry shrugged while still staring at the poster and said, "I don't know, but I wonder if the Order does. We should ask Remus."

"Who?" Ron asked.

"Oh, sorry. Professor Lupin. I forgot I'm the only student who uses his first name," explained Harry.

"Oh. Well, asking is a good idea, mate, but I doubt he'll tell us anything." Ron scrunched up his face to look like his mother, then shook his finger and imitated her voice as he said, "You're too young! You're not of age!"

Harry and Ginny laughed, and Harry replied, "You never know. It can't hurt to ask."

They turned to look at Hermione, who had been silent this whole time. She had a glazed look on her face and seemed more worried than the three of them put together.

"What is it?" Harry asked her, concerned.

"It just doesn't make sense," Hermione mumbled, more to herself than anyone else. "She wouldn't risk capture when people know she's here, unless..." She trailed off, lost in thought.

After five years of listening to incomplete sentences, Ron finally had enough. "Dammit, Hermione! For once in your life, finish a bloody sentence!"

Harry half expected Hermione to scowl at Ron, but when she looked up it seemed as if she was actually hurt by this statement. Ron's face fell immediately.

"It's just that, well... can we talk about this somewhere else?" Hermione asked quietly. Honeyduke's was becoming so crowded that it was difficult to move, so they headed for the Three Broomsticks.

Ron, Ginny and Hermione headed for a table in the corner of the room while Harry approached the bar and ordered four butterbeers. Hermione had apparently gained back the little confidence lost due to Ron's remark because she spoke almost at once.

"So, I was wondering why Bellatrix would take such a huge risk just to kill a couple of wizards. I heard Mr. and Mrs. Honeyduke chatting about it earlier; the wizards she killed didn't work for the Ministry, and I'm almost positive they were not in the Order because they would have been in hiding, or at least more protected."

"So, your point is..." Ron asked sarcastically, but cautiously. This time Hermione scowled at Ron, which caused a wide smile to spread across his face.

"My point, Ronald," she continued, "is that Bellatrix, insane though she may be, is far too smart and clever to just wander Hogsmede and kill at random. She knows Hogsmede is close to Hogwarts which is under the protection of Dumbledore. There had to be some other purpose for her being here."

"Maybe the wizards she killed were death eaters that betrayed You-Know-Who," Ginny suggested, but Harry shook his head.

'No, Voldemort would have killed them personally if that were the case," he said, once more ignoring the flinches from Ginny and Ron. "So, what's your theory, Hermione?"

"I think Bellatrix was here on an errand for Voldemort, but she was seen," Hermione explained.

"What do you mean, 'an errand'?" asked an irritated Ron.

"I don't know," admitted Hermione. "Maybe she was spying on someone or preparing for something. Maybe the four wizards she killed accidentally saw whatever she was doing, so she silenced them.

"But she would be doing this in the middle of the night, right?" Ron asked.

"Probably," answered Hermione.

"So you're saying that she just HAPPENED to be doing something she didn't want anyone to see and these four wizards just HAPPENED to see her?"

Hermione apparently did not find Ron's sarcasm amusing because she yelled, "Alright, Ron! If you're so smart why don't you tell me what happened, then!"

Harry hardly noticed their argument, partially because he was so used to it, but also because he was dwelling on his mixture of fear and hatred toward Bellatrix Lestrange. Harry always knew she was capable of killing, but after what she did to Sirius, her own flesh and blood, Harry felt a sense of dread in her lack of mercy if any more of his loved ones got in her way. Harry's fear intensified as he realized there would be no way to protect every person he cared for from Bellatrix and Voldemort.

I can't look after everyone, he thought hopelessly. Like the Weasley's. I won't be able to protect them if she comes looking for me. Evidently his emotions seemed to appear on his face because Ginny, who had been watching him, leaned over to him.

"Don't worry about them," she whispered in his ear.

"Huh? Wha...? How did you..."

"Oh, come on, Harry, it's practically tattooed on your forehead," she answered playfully. "I know you feel the need to protect everyone, and the only ones you would want to protect who aren't here at Hogwarts are those in the Order. But don't worry. They'll be fine, especially with Dumbledore looking out for them." She smiled at him, but he still looked helpless.

"You don't understand, Ginny," he explained. "The whole world is practically my responsibility. I should be held accountable for every person who loses their life at the hands of Voldemort or his death eaters."

Ginny took a deep breath. "Harry, I know how you feel. I was responsible for petrifying those students in my first year." Harry looked as if he was going to interrupt her, but she quickly said, "Just let me finish, okay. It was my voice that released the basilisk. But, Harry," she took another deep breath, "V- Vold-demort isn't controlling you. He doesn't command your destiny. You will be able to protect millions of people; you just have to give yourself a chance."

Harry's mouth hung slightly open; he was flabbergasted at the fact that Ginny had just said "Voldemort". In fact, he was so enthralled with this that he didn't even notice the silence at the table. Ron and Hermione stopped their argument to listen to the conversation between Ginny and Harry.

"She's right, Harry," Hermione said with a smile. "You need to focus on you."

"We can look after ourselves, and let the Order worry about everyone else," Ron added. "Blimey, Harry, you've got enough on your plate than having to worry about the rest of the world, too!"

Harry looked around at all of them, and his eyes finally fell on Ginny, who smiled at him. He gratefully returned the grin.

A few moments later, Neville entered the Leaky Cauldron with Seamus and Dean, and Luna joined them shortly thereafter. Ten minutes passed and by then most of the DA members from the previous year (except those that graduated) were in the pub and had sat down with Harry, Ginny, Ron and Hermione to discuss this year's meetings. Once everyone settled into a seat with a butterbeer, attention almost immediately turned to Harry. Harry was reluctant to speak about Voldemort; no one but his closest friends really knew what happened at the Department of Mysteries and he wasn't exactly excited to talk about it. He looked hopefully and a little desperately at Hermione, who got the hint and spoke in his place.

She cleared her throat and said, "Okay, then. Thank you all for coming. The reason I called... sorry, we called," she corrected herself while looking at Harry, "this meeting is to find a permanent time for DA meetings. Dumbledore has given us permission to form an actual club and has granted us permission to use the Room of Requirement. I know some of you have Quiddich and other commitments, so I want to find a time everyone can agree on while we are all together."

After much debate with Neville (who was in the Herbology club), Ernie McMillan, Cho (the new Ravenclaw captain) and of course, Zacharias Smith, the consensus was to meet in the Room of Requirement every Friday evening after dinner. Harry was satisfied with this time but felt completely overwhelmed already. Dumbledore and Lupin advised him to take occlumency lessons twice a week, and then he had to organize Quiddich practices, not to mention his regular weekly homework.

"I don't know how I'm going to manage all of this, especially with the mountains of homework we get everyday," he mentioned once he was alone with Ron, Hermione and Ginny.

"Don't worry, Harry," said Hermione. "I'll help plan the meetings every week."

"Yeah, and I already told you that I would help out the Quiddich," Ron added. He clapped Harry on the back. "You worry too much, mate."

Harry took a deep breath and admitted to himself that even though he liked to do things alone, now he really needed help. Hermione seemed to be reading his mind.

"But the next time you feel overwhelmed and need help, Harry, you should just ask, alright?" she instructed with a smile. He smiled back at her and thanked his two best friends for offering to help, and then he turned to Ginny who seemed to be frowning slightly.

"What is it?" he asked her.

"I just wish I could help with something, Harry, but there's nothing for me to do," she said.

Harry's first instinct was to laugh at her pouting; he had never seen her pout, especially over him. Then he took her hand in his, looked in her eyes and said simply, "You have helped me, Ginny." She beamed at him and gave his hand a squeeze.

After a few more butterbeers, the four decided to head back to school. Harry, Ron and Ginny had Quiddich practice in the evening which, if possible, lightened his mood even more. The Gryffindor team seemed unstoppable; even the Slytherins found nothing to criticize when they came to watch Gryffindor's practice. In fact, Harry's mood was so bright that he forgot about his fear of October. That is, until his next occlumency lesson.

Occlumency proved to be much easier for Harry as his powers developed, but Lupin seemed to feel that Harry had more in him than he realized.

"Harry, I know your mind is on the end of term and the Halloween feast," Lupin said, "but you have to focus."

"What? Oh yeah, sorry," Harry apologized distractedly. He didn't want to tell Lupin that he wasn't thinking about the feast, which was less than a week away. His feelings of unease crept back despite his enthusiastic mood about Quiddich; his thoughts continuously turned back to Bellatrix Lestrange, but today his worry was so bad it was making him nauseous. His head ached all day, and occulmency was not helping; Harry was hardly listening to Lupin because he was focusing on trying to get the pain to subside.

"Okay Harry, what's the problem?" Lupin asked finally.

"Huh?" responded Harry.

"You've been staring into space for the past ten minutes while I was talking to you," Lupin explained. "I tried to get your attention by making up the story that Dumbledore had emptied your account at Gringotts to take himself on a trip to Tahiti, and nothing! So I want to know what's got you so distracted that you can't even recognize a joke."

Harry hesitated but could find no reason why he should keep anything from Lupin. "Well, October always makes me really nervous," he began, "but when I saw a wanted poster for Bellatrix Lestrange, I sort of got this weird gut feeling."

Lupin's eyes darkened at the mention of Bellatrix's name and he asked, "What sort of feeling?"

"Like something's just not right and today it's become even worse. I've felt sick all day and it seems like something is about to happen.' Harry paused, and then remembered something. "Remus, does the Order know why Bellatrix has been around Hogsmede lately?"

Lupin hesitated, and Harry got the feeling that he was about to be denied an answer when Lupin said, "Dumbledore has some theories of course, but as he would say, they are each as..."

"Unlikely as the next," Harry finished for Lupin. "Well, if it's anything important, we'll find out soon enough," he continued darkly. "Well, goodnight then, Remus."

"Goodnight, Harry," Lupin replied.

Harry turned and took one step towards the door when suddenly his head exploded with pain. He collapsed, clutching his scar and yelling in agony, only vaguely aware of Lupin's rush to help him. There was laughter in his head, high-pitched, cold laughter louder than Harry had ever heard it. He opened his mouth to yell in pain again, when he realized he was laughing. He was so happy; something had finally gone right. He was laughing at Lupin's shouts telling him to block his mind, his eyes were growing thinner, and it seemed as if he was looking through snake slits...

Another burst of pain brought Harry back to his senses. He quickly focused on pushing Voldemort out of his mind, and using all the strength he could muster he was finally able to break the connection. He breathed out suddenly, as if released by some great pressure. Lupin helped him sit up and asked, "Are you alright, Harry?"

"I think so," Harry responded while trying to fight back a wave of nausea.

"What happened? What did you see?" Lupin asked. "What is Voldemort so happy about?"

Harry had a look of helplessness on his face, but he knew this event was bound to happen sometime. "Azkaban. He broke open Azkaban again."

Lupin jumped to his feet. "Come on," he said as he held out a hand for Harry. "We need to tell Dumbledore."

"No need, Remus," said a voice from the doorway. Harry looked up to see the Headmaster looking down at him. "Who has been released, Harry?" he asked.

"Everyone, except obviously the prisoners who have been kissed by the dementors. I think the one's who were not death eaters have joined up in exchange for their freedom, because Voldemort had a ton of people with him."

"You saw all of this?" Lupin asked, amazed.

Harry nodded. "At least, bits and pieces of it." He suddenly jumped to his feet. "There were injuries! Headmaster, you have to send someone..."

"Relax, dear boy," Dumbledore interrupted, holding a hand up. "It has been taken care of. Right now, you need to go back to Gryffindor tower and get some rest. The Order will deal with the rest."

Harry nodded, though he was slightly irritated for being told not to worry yet again. How could he not worry? He left Dumbledore and a concerned-looking Lupin in the classroom. Once at Gryffindor tower, Harry realized he had missed dinner again. Ron and Hermione were in the common room waiting up for him.

"Harry, you look awful! What happened?" Hermione asked.

He relayed a brief version of the events at Azkaban he saw in his mind then said, "Can we talk about this tomorrow? I'm really tired."

Ron and Hermione looked panic-stricken but agreed, so Harry climbed the stairs to the boy's dormitory, changed and climbed in his four-poster. He did not tell Lupin, Dumbledore or his best friends that his gut feeling had not subsided, and that he felt Voldemort had something more planned.

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*

In the week following the breakout and up to Halloween, the fear and nervousness associated with October increased tenfold. Harry was glad that, due to Minister Weasley, the Daily Prophet and the Ministry of Magic were not claiming Sirius was the rallying point, but the panicked attitudes of most of the students began to annoy him. He, Ron, Hermione, Neville and most of the DA had been expecting the breakout, but almost everyone else seemed to be shocked. Harry could not understand their surprise; after all, the wizarding world was informed of the revolt of the dementors the previous summer. The fact that everyone knew Lord Voldemort was back seemed to worsen the situation; people knew he was behind it rather than some isolated form of dark magic as was the case for the previous breakout.

As was to be expected, the only students that were not clearly upset by these events were Draco Malfoy and a group of Slytherins. Indeed, Malfoy began to walk with his nose so high that Ron finally said, "What is his deal? He looks like a ferret sniffing for food."

Many students felt their first impacts of Lord Voldemort's wrath through tragedy. Harry had seen there were injuries and deaths, but didn't know who was involved until the Daily Prophet published the names. Voldemort assassinated five Aurors and wounded at least a dozen others (including Tonks) in his attack on Azkaban with Bellatrix Lestrange. Ewan Abercrombe and Justin Finch-Fletchly both lost family members who were guarding the prison in place of the dementors; Ewan immediately joined the DA after hearing the news of his uncle's death.

The breakout was the main topic not only among the students, but among the staff as well. Dumbledore had Harry double DA meetings, Professor Flitwick taught some simple concealment charms and Snape worked everyone tirelessly the whole week until they all could properly produce shield and deflection charms.

"None of you are even close to the skill needed to take on an experienced Death Eater, so you must perfect alternatives to fighting," Snape told the class Halloween morning. "As I am sure you have been taught, the Unforgivable Curses are not blockable, and even if you can throw off the Imperious Curse and live through the Cruciatus Curse, you cannot survive nor hope to survive the Avada Kedavra, despite Mr. Potter's... past experience."

Everyone turned to look at Harry, who was so used to this he simply rolled his eyes and ignored the stares.

"Longbottom!" Neville jumped at hearing Snape address him. "Come up here. You are going to help me demonstrate a shield charm," Snape said, a glint of foreboding in his eyes. "I am going to throw a curse at you, and you need to block it to protect yourself. We shall see if you prove better at this than you do at potions. Ready?" He didn't wait for Neville to respond and yelled, "Tarantalegra!"

Neville reacted so fast that even Harry was mildly surprised. "Protego!"

The spell bounced back at Snape, and Harry felt a surge of pride towards Neville; that was, until Snape yelled, "Recutio!" and sent the curse back at Neville once more. Unfortunately, Neville was caught off guard and for the second time in his life his legs began to twitch in a frenzied tap dance.

"Never let your guard down for an instant," Snape explained. "Just because you can block one spell does not mean more spells cannot rebound back at you. As I expected, Longbottom performed poorly and could have been easily injured. Protego is a simple shield charm that can be easily broken with a powerful enough spell, so we will be working on Recutio, the rebound charm." Snape seemed to be ignoring Neville, who had fallen to the floor, his legs still twitching. Rolling his eyes again, Harry moved out from around his desk, walked over to Neville, and, remembering Lupin's countercurse used in the Department of Mysteries, muttered, "Finite."

"Ten points from Gryffindor, Potter. Incapable though he may be, you should have let Longbottom figure it out on his own," Snape said, sneering at him.

Harry threw him a look of utmost disgust but said nothing and helped Neville to his feet, who thanked him.

Harry had a free period after Defense Against the Dark Arts ended while Ron, Hermione and Neville went to Herbology. Harry spent the time working on lesson plans for DA meetings, and when his friends returned, Ron was still clearly upset about Snape's behavior.

"Ten points for helping someone, I tell you," Ron complained when he met Harry at the Grand Staircase.

"Well, like I told Neville in Herbology, it shouldn't surprise you, Ron," Hermione responded. "When has he ever awarded someone for helping someone else?" There was bitterness in her voice, perhaps because she remembered being punished in the same way for helping Neville before.

"Yeah, but to leave him on the floor twitching like that is just cruel," Harry argued.

Hermione simply shrugged, but Ron said, "I don't know why Dumbledore let him teach Defense Against the Dark Arts. I don't care what anyone says, he's a Death Eater. He probably does as much torture as Lucious Malfoy..."

"Are you sure you want to finish that sentence, Weasley?" asked a drawling voice from behind them. They turned to see Draco Malfoy, looking as smug as ever, standing alongside his usual bodyguards Crabbe and Goyle. Malfoy was clutching a piece of parchment in his hand that he waved in Harry's face.

"I just got a letter from father a little but ago," said Malfoy, a sly grin creeping across his face.

Harry raised his eyebrows. "Really? How is life kissing Voldemort's ass treating him? Happy his master rescued him since he couldn't help himself, is he?"

Malfoy ignored Harry. "He's in hiding now, obviously, but he was writing to tell me all about last summer at the Department of Mysteries and how..."

"How they got the crap beat out of them by Dumbledore?" Harry interrupted. Ron and Hermione laughed at this.

"No," Malfoy said, looking irritated but with a malicious grin beginning to creep across his face. "How your worthless shit-sniffing dog of a godfather got himself killed, or was it you who killed him..."

WHAM!

Harry's fist made contact with Malfoy's cheek before he could finish his sentence. His temper suddenly exploded without warning, resulting in the punch he threw at Malfoy. Ron and Hermione jumped forward to hold him back, but there was no need. Harry looked down at Malfoy on the ground and said, "You better stay down, Malfoy or you will regret it. I don't care about the consequences; if you ever mention Sirius again, you will be sorry."

To his (as well as the onlookers) surprise, Malfoy was still smiling. "Careful, Potter," he said as he sat up and wiped blood from the corner of his mouth. "That temper of yours may become too much to handle. If you don't learn some control and keep up this attitude, you'll be next on Bella's list." Then he stood up and walked away, flanked by Crabbe and Goyle.

Harry gaped after him. "What the hell did he mean by that? Do you think he knows about my magic being too powerful?" he asked.

"It looks that way," answered Hermione. "Maybe Voldemort- oh for goodness sake, Ron! - knows something and told Lucius about it; although I don't know why it would matter to Draco."

Ron frowned and said, "Who cares, Harry? If he wants you to lose your temper, you should just do it and blow him up or something."

"Oh Ron, that's not funny! If Harry loses control he could destroy the whole school!" exclaimed Hermione.

Ron shrugged and said, "Whatever. Listen, I'm starved and it's almost time for the feast. Let's head over to the Great Hall."

"In a minute," said Harry. "I need to take a walk and cool down."

"Do you want us to come with you?" Hermione asked, trepidation on her face.

"No, thanks though," Harry answered her. "You go on ahead; I'll catch up in a bit." He turned and headed for the entrance hall, then proceeded out onto the grounds for some fresh air.

The sun was setting behind the castle, and the cloudless sky above Hogwarts began to turn a combination of red, orange and purple. As twilight crept across the grounds, Harry noticed the light in Hagrid's cabin was on.

That's strange, he thought. I didn't think he was back.

Harry walked towards the cabin, and as he did a prickling sensation ran up his neck and made him feel as if he was being watched. He slowed his pace and instinctively drew out his wand when he was doused in a horribly familiar icy cold. He was drowning almost instantly; the lights in the castle and Hagrid's cabin flickered out and a velvety blackness covered the colorful dusk sky and pressed down on his eyes.

When he heard the sucking, rattling breath behind him, he whipped around to face what he knew was coming, but it was much worse than he expected. His heart contracted when he saw at least six tall, black-hooded dementors gliding towards him, their putrid stench consuming the air. Harry's ears were ringing and he couldn't find any escape; he was trapped between the dementors and the fence around Hagrid's cabin, and he knew he would not be able to defend himself against six of them.

However, he had no other choice but to try to defend himself and hope that someone would come to help him. "Expecto Patronum!" Harry yelled, but nothing happened. Think! Something happy... he told himself, but he was already filled with the sound of his screaming mother.

Trying to block out her last moments, he yelled again, "Expecto Patronum!" A thin mist of silver vapor exited his wand, but a sweep from one of the dementor's rotting hands brushed it away.

"Expecto..." His voice fell silent. His mother's screaming began to fade, but was replaced by the horrible, cruel laughter of Bellatrix Lestrange, taunting him.

"Did you love him, little baby Potter?"

"No... please, no... expecto...patronum..." he cried desperately.

He could see Sirius falling over and over through the veil; he could see Sirius's shocked and wasted face, and he was suddenly overpowered by more despair than he had ever felt in his entire life. Blinded, he dropped his wand and stopped trying to fight off the surrounding dementors. He gave up; he had no more hope or happiness left in him, just despair and guilt, all-consuming guilt. He was so cold; he just wanted the pain to end. His mother's screams grew louder again behind Bellatrix's laughter, and he knew he was all alone; no family, no friends to help him. He was falling through the darkness now. He sensed a slimy, decayed hand reach for his throat, and he knew he was about to die but was past the point of caring.

Then, at that moment, through the screaming and laughter in his head, he saw his godfather. It was a memory from the previous year when Sirius was giving James's mirror to him. Harry looked up into Sirius's face, and Sirius handed him the mirror then said, Use this if you need me. I will always be here if you need me, Harry; I will always be with you.

And just as suddenly as he appeared, he was gone. Harry now saw the gaping, sucking hole that was the mouth of the dementor about to clamp onto his, but the vision of Sirius had given him hope, and without even considering looking for his wand he shouted, "EXPECTO PATRONUM!!!"

A power unknown to him rushed through his body and surged from within him in a burst of brilliant white light; his back arched and his body went rigid. Nearby windows in the castle and Hagrid's cabin shattered and the ground shook. As the light pulsed off of Harry, the dementor still holding his throat disintegrated into ash and the rest swooped away from the Patronus like a swarm of angry bats. The cloak of the disintegrated dementor fell to the ground in a heap as Harry dropped to his knees. The power still pulsing from him seemed too much; he couldn't stop it and it was draining him completely. He felt as if his body was burning and he struggled to stay conscious, but as the light finally faded, his world turned dark and he knew no more.