The Face of Evil

The next morning the sun rose early. The entire Hogwarts was covered in its light and warmth. The lake with the giant squid sparkled a deep shade of blue. But the beds in the dormitories of Gryffindor house were empty.

'Hurry! We'll be late!' said a running Dean, the entire Gryffindor house was moving through the entrance hall heading towards the Quidditch field.

Harry, Hermione and Ron, moved together. Harry and Ron were surprisingly quiet thought Hermione. Then she reasoned, too early for them perhaps. The girls had somehow managed to put on their usual quota of make-up and were looking much the same. That could not be said for the boys, unshaven, sleepy, frazzled hair they zombied their way to the centre of the field where Prof. Figg was waiting.

The other houses had also gathered there. Slytherin was staying quite a distance apart from the rest of them. Glares were exchanged in numerous stares between the groups. But everyone was too tired to attempt any mischief.

Sonorous

'Good Morning,' said Prof. Figg cheerfully, 'I'm glad all of you could make it.'

'How can she be so cheerful at this unearthly hour?'

'It's only six Fred, no need to die you've woken up much earlier for Quidditch.'

'Hey! Quidditch is something else, and we fly not run!'

'Now, I want all of you to run, not jog five laps of the field,' she said in a calm voice.

'She has to be kidding, five laps of this field!'

The large group looked at the vast expanse that was the Quidditch field. It was quite big for brooms moved very fast.

'And if I see anyone slowing down, I'll send a curse their way,' shouted Prof. Figg, twirling her wand in her right hand. 'Let's go.'

The mass of students began to run around the field, most of the boys ahead, the girls trailing behind in batches not wanting to exert themselves too much.

On the second lap, a figure came jogging in from the entrance of the field, right in front of the group. It was Professor Sewensky, wearing extremely small and tight shorts with a sleeveless top.

Several of the boys in front stopped running in shock. The people running behind them crashed into them and so on and so forth. Quite a few of the boys were on the ground, those who weren't stopped to look and laugh. Most of the girls stopped running as they were too busy giggling and laughing. Prof. Arabella shook her head.

'Rachael,' she called to the running figure, which stopped and jogged towards her.

'Yes, Arabella?' she said sweetly.

'Rachael, I'm afraid I've got to ask you to jog else where, you're having a very bad effect on my class,' she said pointing towards the pile of boys who were still ogling her from the ground.

'Oops! I forgot I had that effect on people,' she said smiling innocently. 'Don't worry I'll go else where,' saying that she jogged away from the Quidditch pitch.

'Right!' screamed a very amused, but angry Professor Figg. 'MOVE!' She threw a few curses at them for good measure. That got the group scrambling to finish the run. The shades of red that the boys were turning were a sight to see, the girls enjoyed it thoroughly. After the entire run was over, most of them crawled back to their common rooms.

'My feet, my poor, poor feet.'

'I think, I'm going to just lie down and die here.'

'Oxygen, I need oxygen.'

Moaning and groaning they headed for the showers. An hour later they arrived at the breakfast table, most of them extremely hungry. Midway through breakfast, Dumbledore got up from the staff table.

'If, I could have your attention please,' he spoke loudly trying to be heard over the din of the hall. The hall went quiet and cranked its neck to see him.

'Due, to increased Death Eater activity, all future Hogsmeade visits have been cancelled.'

A collective cry was issued from the entire student populace of Hogwarts. Dumbledore silenced them with a stare and a raised hand. 'To compensate for all the visits cancelled; we will be having a scheduled number of events, including concerts and balls throughout the year, for third years and above.'

The entire hall burst into talk as the realisation of what Dumbledore said sunk in.

'The events will be announced well in advance to give a chance for all to prepare,' said Dumbledore finishing his short speech.

'Oh! No!' groaned Ron, 'a series of dances, not one but many!'

But most of the girls didn't share his view point at all, in-fact even some of the boys were looking forward to it. Harry broke out of his reverie long enough to ask Hermione if she would be his date for all the dances. She giggled out a yes, clearly happy that he hadn't waited for long before getting the courage to ask her. After that he sunk back into his thoughts.

Ron was stricken, he had no idea whom to ask. Well, he thought plenty of time, worse come worse I'll attend alone. He looked at Hermione with longing, only if she would go with him, if only he could ask her.

Just then the owl post arrived. Everybody looked expectantly, many expected letters from home. An owl dropped a copy of the Daily Prophet in front of Hermione, who quickly opened it and began to read aloud for the benefit of Harry and Ron.

'Ministry releases list, Minister of Magic advocated tough measures'

The Ministry of Magic, yesterday released a list which they claim is complete of the prisoners who escaped from Azkaban. This list (given on pg. 4) includes many dangerous criminals as well as supporters of You-know-who. The Minister of Magic commented that this went to prove that the break-out was the work of Sirius Black and not the supposedly resurrected dark lord, as most of the escapees were known and friendly to Black. On the measures the Ministry was going to take against to protect the public, the following is a statement released by the Minister of Magic:

'There is no need to panic, most of those who escaped were already is severe mental condition due to Azkaban and should pose no great problems. All ready both Ministry Aurors and Dementors are scouring for these escaped convicts and have recovered many of them. I have authorised the dementors, to go and secure Hogwarts as that is the location of Harry Potter and many others who played an important role in imprisoning the escapees. Sirius Black has already tried to attack once there, we believe he and his new gang of thugs will attempt another attack.'

This reporter however believes otherwise. Sources in the Ministry claim, that most on the list never left Azkaban, and there are many who did, but whose names have not been mentioned. I, Rita Skeeter, have spent the last year trying to gather evidence on the return of He-who-must-not-be-named, and I have found proof that he has risen. Such, proof will be presented to you in the next few issues of the Daily Prophet. Meanwhile, the question remains, why is the minister of magic lying? And if he is why should he remain Minister of Magic?

Hermione gasped and showed the article to Harry and Ron. There was a buzzing sound in the hall which soon turned into an uproar.

'Dementors here, again? Surely Dumbledore...'

'You-know-who is back, proof?'

'They are heading for Hogwarts!'

Harry, Ron and Hermione turned to find Dumbledore, but his seat lay vacant, he had left

Dumbledore's Office:

Prof. Snape walked in on a Dumbledore deep in thought. Dumbledore raised an eyebrow; the recovery of Snape had been swift.

'Headmaster,' he said, 'have you read...' Snape held the newspaper clipping in his hand in the direction towards Dumbledore.

'Yes, Severus, I have read,' he said grimly showing the paper that was in his left hand. He gestured Snape towards a chair, which Snape gladly took.

'The implications...' said Snape.

'Are far and wide,' finished Dumbledore. 'But, be sure of one thing, as long as I am alive, I shall not let the armies of Voldemort invade us, by trick or force.'

'Headmaster, the wards were taken down yesterday, yet nothing has happened to Fudge,' said Snape, Dumbledore thought he detected a disappointment in Snape's voice.

'I am aware Severus, there are reasons. Look at this photograph,' Dumbledore gave Snape a small parchment.

Snape's eyes widened. The photograph showed the Minister of Magic, kneeled on the floor. His arm had the dark mark neatly burnt on it.

'How?' asked a bewildered Snape.

'The photograph was taken two days ago, by one of our operatives monitoring Fudge; the dark mark suddenly appeared on his arm. I suspect he was conversing with Voldemort at that moment.' Dumbledore said, 'it seems he knew that Voldemort was back, and made a deal to keep his office.'

Snape sneered, 'that dirty %$@&^!!!'

'Language Severus,' said Dumbledore, 'though I share the sentiments, we must not forget we are in a school.'

'Sir, what do you plan to do?' Snape asked.

'The only option that is open,' Dumbledore said. He got up and headed towards the fireplace. He put his hand into the goblet with the Floo power, picked some up and threw it in. He walked into the fire, 'The Daily Prophet, Miss Skeeter's office.'

Lunch was over the trio headed for their DADA class. Suddenly, Harry stopped walking. It took a moment for Ron and Hermione to realise he had stopped.

'Harry, what's wrong?' asked Hermione.

'Nothing, I just have to see Dumbledore,' he said, turning to leave.

'We'll come with you,' said Ron, walking towards Harry.

Harry waved his hand, 'it's alright Ron, you can't miss class for this, you too Hermione.'

With that he turned around and walked away.

'He's right you know,' Ron shrugged at Hermione.

Hermione unclenched her fist. She knew he had his special training, he had told them about it. But she had a feeling that he was hiding something, Harry James Potter was a very poor liar. She took comfort in the fact that at least Dumbledore knew.

'Let's go,' she said and started waking.

He played back the nightmare trying to remember the details as he passed the stone corridors. They were painful to remember, and tears once again began to form in his eyes. He was glad that he could cry, crying made him feel better.

The password had not changed on the Gargoyle door and he was let it. Instead of finding Dumbledore, he found Professor McGonagall sitting behind the desk.

'What do you want, Mr. Potter and why are you not at your defence class?' asked Professor McGonagall staring from behind her glasses.

'Um, I had to see the headmaster,' said Harry fiddling with his fingers nervously.

'The headmaster has left to attend to some business, could I be of any help?' asked Professor McGonagall.

'No, no, thank you, Professor,' replied Harry quickly, he only trusted a few people. Professor McGonagall though was one of them; he didn't feel comfortable telling her his nightmare.

'Very well, he should be back in a few hours. I would like you and Miss. Granger to meet me before my transfiguration class with you,' she added a small smile appearing on her otherwise emotionless face.

Harry gulped; a thousand reasons ran through his mind, none of them were good.

'And, congratulations, your team-mates approached me yesterday evening. They seem to have decided that you will be Gryffindor house's new Quidditch captain,' she said with something close to a grin. 'I hope we shall continue with a winning streak, set a date for new tryouts soon.'

She switched from Harry to her work. Harry took this as a dismissal.

'Thank you, Professor,' he said. McGonagall nodded and Harry left Dumbledore's office. He felt light headed; the depression of the nightmares went into the background, as he whistled his way through the corridors.

'I'm sure, Professor Figg won't mind,' he said out aloud as he walked towards the DADA class.

Ron headed towards the DADA class with Hermione.

'What was that about?' he asked her suspiciously.

'I have no idea,' she replied back, 'we should ask him when he returns.'

Ron sensed the worry in her voice. He knew it shouldn't but the envy still entered into his heart.

'Hermione, why is he acting that way?' asked Ron.

So Ron suspects Harry is hiding something too, thought Hermione.

'You tell me Ron,' she said whirling around to face him, 'he was last with you.' Maybe she could get something out of Ron. Boys do talk about things.

'I was already asleep when he came back, that means he was with you last,' Ron said taking a step back. She is the one who he indulges in al them, how should he know.

Hermione blushed remembering the extensive kissing session they had the previous night. 'He seemed fine then,' she whispered out, not meeting Ron's eyes.

Hermione turned and started to walk again. They moved silently towards the DADA classroom.

When Harry reached the DADA classroom the class had not begun. Apparently Prof, Figg had been delayed. Meanwhile Hermione and the Ravenclaw prefects had taken charge over the discipline and everyone was quietly reading. Harry entered the class earning the stares of both Gryffindors and Ravenclaws.

'Sorry, I'm late' he coughed out.

The Ravenclaw prefects gave him a disapproving look but said nothing.

'Well?' whispered Hermione.

'I'll tell you later,' said Harry and he saw Professor Figg walk in.

The prefects took their seats.

'Good Morning Class, I must apologise for my tardiness, I had some work with the Headmaster,' said Professor Figg, 'I would like all of you too meet my new pet, Snuffles.'

Harry immediately looked up and saw his godfather in his Animagus form of a dog, looking at the class with an I-am-so-cute expression. His spirits lightened and he gave a chuckle.

There was a mad dash by all the girls to pet, hug and kiss him. Snuffles was enjoying every minute of it much to the chagrin of Prof. Figg.

'Enough! Girls,' she said, 'I agree he is very cute, but that's no reason to go overboard.' The girls reluctantly returned to their seats, leaving a very disappointed Snuffles.

'Right now, first the duelling society,' she said getting back to business. The entire class perked up immediately at its mention.

'After we have completed the basic defence and attack skills within the next few weeks, the internal class duels will start. Four of you will go on to represent the class in duels,' said Professor Figg. A murmur went into the crowd, the system was not quite fair as most of them were far better than the younger students at Hogwarts, and there was a selection flaw.

Arabella Figg knew of the problem as well as the headmaster. But, they both also knew that only competition would bring out the best in everyone. They would be watching all the duels to find out the better students.

'Class today we shall discuss the source and nature of dark spells,' she said. 'Can anybody tell me the difference between a light and a dark spell?'

The class was dumbfounded; for once even Hermione was stumped. No one had questioned this basic difference. Darks spells were just evil right?

Prof Figg looked around at the faces of the class. It's just as Dumbledore explained, all their lives they have been told that the Dark Arts are evil, yet no one told them why. When the time comes to make a choice, knowledge is the best servant.

'Please take notes. In everyone there is a capacity to do good as well as evil. There is always a powerful battle in progress between the two sides. Every time you do some action, the sides fight it out to see who will be the victor, and thus the action is done or not. When, one does a light spell, charm, hex or curse there is no difference, the two sides fight it out and the spells are cast to fulfil the commanding action. However, the Dark Arts are different, they are quite useful and powerful, I won't deny that, but when one uses a spell from the Dark Arts, the evil side is automatically enhanced. Albeit a little, but none the less enhanced. If these are used infrequently, the balance in one's body soon returns to normal after sometime. Use of powerful dark spells often enough will corrupt the heart and the soul, slowly sinking the person into evil. The recovery period to balance becomes longer and longer, usually once you start down the path, there is no return. That is why there is no such thing as only one dark arts spell, even a single spell can do havoc with your sense of humanity and ethics. Therefore from a scientific point of view I would strongly discourage the use of such spells, even if they were legal,' she finished.

The class stared at her mesmerised. This was a new thing for them, the power to know and choose. All the DADA classes before, and society, gave propaganda on how evil dark arts spells were. But here the professor was saying that they are very useful, but then telling them why they should not be used. The students revelled in this new knowledge, and most of their resolves against the dark side strengthen. They were however a few exceptions.

'We are running short of time, so I'll just give you some homework, a two feet long parchment on, why we should not use dark arts?, to be submitted by next week,' she finished just as the time ran out for her next class. The students got up to leave.

'Harry, Ron, Hermione, would you please stay back for a moment,' she said as the entire class shuffled out. Once the room was empty, she ensured the door was locked, and setup strong privacy charms around the room.

Snuffles transformed to Sirius Black. Harry rushed and hugged his godfather.

'Oof!' said Sirius. 'I wish you would give me advance warning before you do this.' Harry looked up and smiled, still refusing to let go.

Harry felt safe in his arms for some reason. After, the incident with Voldemort he was feeling exceptionally vulnerable.

'Um, Sirius,' said Hermione quite embarrassed addressing him by first name. 'You're here permanently now?'

'Yes, Hermione,' he said. 'I am a member of a certain society you all know about and have been stationed here.'

'Superb!' said Harry happy at the thought that he got to spend more time with his godfather. The fates so far had been cruel to them, denying them the companionship that they should have shared for more than fourteen years.

Hermione was not that happy, she realised with Sirius being there her love life with Harry Potter would be slightly more complicated. But seeing the smile and pleasure radiating from Harry's face she buried the thoughts in her mind.

Ron though outwardly smiling felt disjoint from the group. He had not the relation between any of the two grown-ups.

'Now, you two about your training, I want to meet you everyday after classes in this room starting tomorrow,' Prof. Figg said 'Harry you will train with the headmaster.'

Mr-Boy-Who-Lived-Gets-Special-Training thought Ron.

They nodded their heads.

'Now hurry, a long you will be late for your next class,' said she with a note of dismissal in her voice.

Harry reluctantly let go of Sirius.

'Harry, we need to talk about some things, especially about a certain Snuffles,' he said with an evil grin.

Harry gulped and nodded. The trio moved off, leaving Arabella and Sirius to talk.

Ron headed towards the Transfiguration classroom, while Hermione and Harry went to Prof McGonagall's office.

Harry and Hermione arrived at the House Head's office and knocked; the feeling of anxiety strong in their stomachs.

'Come in,' came the reply. They opened the door and walked in.

'Sit down,' said Prof. McGonagall not taking her eyes off the papers on her desk.

The duo nervously took seats in front of her.

'You both have to be briefed about your assignment as Prefects,' she said a smile forming on her lips.

Harry and Hermione breathed a sigh of relief inwardly. They had imagined much more drastic reasons for being called, including that of their current relationship.

'Here is the list of rules you must regulate in addition to the ones that are decided in the prefect board meetings,' said McGonagall as she handed a relatively short parchment to Hermione, clearly demonstrating who she thought was more responsible. 'Also Prefects you will no longer be staying in the Gryffindor Dormitories,' she said.

'What!' Harry exclaimed barely stopping himself from grabbing Hermione's hands. Hermione just hung her head; she had forgotten to mention this to Harry.

'Both of you will move your belongings and settle in the Prefect Wing of the castle,' she said, 'the Wing is divided by house and then by gender. Each house is connected to its respective common rooms by a passageway. Only the prefects from a particular house can enter and leave through those passages.'

'Professor, can, can we stay in our old rooms instead?' asked Hermione in a small voice.

'I'm afraid not Miss Granger,' she said, 'the Prefects have their own bathrooms, common room and other facilities. You both should shift by the end of today. The rooms are doubles. Now, you both better leave you have a transfiguration class with me in five minutes.'

They both nodded and left her office. Once they had walked a few meters.

'Hermione, did you know about this?' asked Harry.

Hermione swallowed, 'I'm sorry Harry; I thought it was a known fact.'

'Apparently not,' said Harry, 'does Ron know?' Harry was painfully aware of the rift that had been forming between them.

'If you didn't, I doubt if he does. I read most of it in Hogwarts A History,' she replied.

I wonder if anyone except her has read that book thought Harry.

Shaking his head they quickly went towards the transfiguration class. The professor knew more passages than they did, and could probably move faster through the castle.

The same old castle in Scotland.

Lucius Malfoy hurried into the throne room; the master had called him immediately. He went in and kneeled.

'Ah! Lucius how goes the conversion of our new ally at Hogwarts,' Voldemort said.

'My, lord the conversion has been done, the ally is now a senior member,' Lucius replied.

'You have done well,' Voldemort said. 'Have my instructions been given?'

'They will be carried out to the letter, my lord,' said Lucius with confidence in his voice.

'For your sake, they better be,' said Voldemort.

Lunch Hall Hogwarts

The trio had arrived quite late, most of the hall had already finished and left. They quickly sat down to eat.

Harry and Hermione told Ron about the new arrangements. He was not happy, in fact he was seething.

'So, you two will just leave us all and go off to some elitist group,' he said trying to control his anger.

'Oh! Ron, don't make it more difficult than it has to be. We both tried to get out of it but McGonagall refused,' said Hermione. Somehow Ron doubted that statement.

Harry played with his food not attempting to eat it. He still had to see Dumbledore, and the headmaster was not present at the staff table. He determined himself to go and meet him after lunch.

Hermione meanwhile was informing Ron of the good news of Harry being Quidditch captain. A mix of emotions rushed through Ron, he was happy for Harry (a little), jealous and upset and happy again thinking that this may improve his chance as keeper.

But, then he realised Harry and Hermione's new push Ron away attitude, and decided maybe it wasn't good after all. Yet, he smiled none the less, why anger the "great" Harry Potter, the captain of the Quidditch team.

'Fantastic! When are the tryouts, I plan to go for keeper!' asked Ron.

'Err, we haven't fixed a date yet, I'll have to ask the rest of the team,' said Harry, breaking out of his thoughts.

'Superb!' said Ron, not meaning it.

The rift between the three was becoming huge, but none wanted to admit it.

A room in the Dungeons - Slytherin House controlled.

The death eaters of the house stood together in a meeting. A solitary figure was standing as if to make a speech.

'The Dark Messiah has risen, for he is the one true messenger,' he said. An eerie green light bathed the room, and concentrated on the speaker.

Chorus from the entire group, 'the true messenger!'

'The Messiah shall deliver us from, the light!' he said in religious fervour.

Chorus: 'from the light!'

'He has come to purify and cleanse our world!'

Chorus: 'purify and cleanse.'

'We live only for him and the cause, in his name!' he said raising his fist.

The entire group shouted, 'in his name!'

'Above all else, the purity of blood!'

Chorus, 'the purity of blood!'

The sound resonated and echoed through the chamber.

Suddenly the door opened. In panic all the students turned towards it, wands out, raised. They were still quite paranoid about being discovered. A single figure in death eater robes, mask and hood walked in. The crest of the dark mark on the Death Eater's sleeves clearly indicating a senior.

Whispers ran through the gathering. Who was the senior death eater and how did he come to Hogwarts? Draco Malfoy gave a knowing smile.

The death eater walked up to the podium, with an air of reality and importance. In a voice that could never be called human, spoke, 'I have a message from the Dark Lord...'

'I have to go see Dumbledore,' said Harry to Hermione and Ron.

'Didn't you just see him?' questioned Ron turning around his eyes raised. What was Harry hiding?

'No, he was out,' said Harry, 'I really should see him.'

'You still have not told us why...' asked Hermione a pleading look in her eyes. Why is he hiding this from me?

'Hermione, please, I'll talk to you later, both of you,' said Harry turning and walking away.

Hermione and Ron stared silently at the back of his departing figure.

'Fine,' yelled Hermione to the departing figure, 'be that way!'

Harry stopped for a second, as if he was changing his mind, but he continued on his path.

'They won't understand,' Harry whispered to himself as he came in front of the Gargoyle. 'I cannot make them worry even more.'

He approached the entrance to Dumbledore's office.

'I'm getting to know you quite well,' he remarked to the Gargoyle and said the password.

'Enter,' came Dumbledore's voice from inside the office and Harry sighed with relief. The guilt of keeping the dream to himself was getting unbearable.

Harry notice Fawkes was back, he did not remember seeing him when McGonagall was in the office. Phoenix's are very loyal, Fawkes probably follows Dumbledore.

'You wanted to speak to me Harry,' said Dumbledore kindly. He gestured towards an armchair. Harry sat down nodding his head.

'Sir, I had another dream,' he said. Dumbledore raised his eyebrows.

'If you could please tell me,' said Dumbledore not wishing to disturb the delicate balance of Harry's mind.

Harry began his narration. His voice was cold and monotonous as if he was reading from a phone book. But as the end came the dam broke once more, but he had no tears left to cry.

Dumbledore closed his eyes. 'Thank you Harry for telling me, I know the family well, I shall inform them of the murderer.'

Harry nodded his head in silent; he did not know what to say.

'Harry I'm sure this has taken a toll on your mind and consciousness, but please realise this is a trick and a ploy to weaken you. Please do not fall into it,' he said, his eyes locked with Harry's.

'I know Sir, but she was innocent, she was just a child,' said Harry gradually raising his voice, 'she had nothing to do with this, why her, why?!'

Harry's eyes were lit with the flame of anger, sharply refracting through the moisture hinting at the edges.

'This is why we must fight Voldemort, for in the war he wages, it is the innocent who suffer the most,' said Dumbledore, his voice calming and cool.

The anger went out of Harry's eyes. The logic and reason the headmaster had used, fuelled his hate, but quenched his immediate reactions.

'I see, sir,' replied Harry looking at his feet.

'Now, about your training, we will start in the evenings after your classes are over,' said Dumbledore a smile on his lips.

This perked Harry up slightly. He had been looked forward to find and use his supposed powers. He nodded his head.

'Excellent, I will see you there then, staring tomorrow,' said Dumbledore.

'Thank you, sir,' said Harry getting up.

'No Harry, thank you,' said Dumbledore.

Gryffindor House Common Room

'Hermione,' said Harry tapping her on her shoulder.

Hermione did not respond she just looked downcast and troubled. Her back remained to Harry.

'I'm sorry about that, it's just that I did not want to reveal the details of my training,' said Harry.

Harry immediately noticed the difference in her figure; she stiffened at the word training.

'Look, I'll make it up to anyway you want,' said Harry.

Hermione turned around. Harry's heart stopped for a beat; there were tears in her eyes. She suddenly rushed forward to hug him.

In a reflex action Harry looked around the room, it was empty.

'Harry, don't do this to me, don't shut me out,' said Hermione.

'Hermione, it's all right, it's all right,' said Harry is a soothing voice, a lump of guilt weighing his heart down.

'I know Harry, but I worry about you so much,' said Hermione.

'I know, and that's why I love you,' said Harry.

They stayed there for a few minutes, enjoying the intimacy of touch and the comfort of their embrace.

'We should get our things, we have to move you know,' said Harry, breaking off but still holding her at the shoulders.

Hermione wiped the tears from her eyes and kissed him on the cheek. Harry smiled at her and she tuned around to go towards her side of the dorms.

Some time later:

Hermione and Harry took their personal belongings down; their trunks had already been magiced to their respective rooms. Ron had disappeared somewhere and could not be located.

'He's acting quite immature,' said Hermione a small bag in her hand.

'Well you know Ron,' said Harry, 'all set?'

He took the bag from her hand, she didn't object.

Hermione nodded. They had both felt guilty of leaving their beloved dormitories and their friends.

They walked up to the fireplace in the Gryffindor common room and moved into it.

'Insignera,' Harry whispered.

The red fire turned green and they stepped through. Immediately, they came out on the other end at the Gryffindor Prefect Wing. Hermione and Harry stood there looking around dazed.