Harry Potter and the Rings

A/N: Christianity and religion may play a part in the next few chapters, and it may or may not be to your approval but it affects the characters, mainly Midnight and John. Keep that in mind when you read. I don't push my religion on anyone; everyone has to find their own. Everyone needs something to believe in, hence religion in John's and Midnight's case. Explained later. Right now, I've got to thank you all for reviewing. I know this is slower than in the summer, but let's face it, who really has that much free time nowadays. Thank you and Read and Review.

Chapter 13:

Detention with the Devil

Harry had convinced Hermione to come with him to breakfast the following morning. She was adamant about seeing her parents, but an owl from them stopped her worries. She had slept in his arms for the entire night, not moving out of them even when she was awake. Even when they got to the Great Hall, she simply refused to be out of arms' length of him. Although everyone was staring at her because of it, Harry could tell she liked the attention for once.

Once at their seats, Harry noticed that Ron hadn't shown up yet. With twenty minutes to the next class, Hermione began to worry about him missing breakfast.

“Maybe Dumbledore gave him the option to take today off?” Harry offered as he finished his plate. Hermione was eating slower than him, starting to feel uneasy under everyone's gaze.

“Harry, you think we can go now?” Hermione asked after looking around. Before Harry had a chance to answer, Dumbledore stood up.

“Students, I have one announcement before we begin the day.” Dumbledore said as he motioned toward one of the side doors. Midnight came walking through, wearing the same jacket he did the day before, and those students who were at Hagrid's class gasped. Harry could only guess that he was enjoying the fear that he instilled.

“Mr. Quinn has offered his help with the upkeep to this castle.” Dumbledore said as Harry watched Mr. Filch's eyes grow wide. “He has expressed great things about how the building is kept, but wishes to add to it. Do you have anything to say, Mr. Quinn?”

“Yes,” Midnight stepped forward toward the Slytherin table. “Last night, someone desecrated these halls. I will not tolerate it.” He turned to face them while the rest of the school watched. “I know who you are and you will be punished. Step forward and it will be a lighter sentence.” No one in the school moved. Hermione began to squeeze Harry's hand as Midnight walked down past the Slytherin table. “No one?” He looked around the room to the rest of the students. Some of them flinched at his gaze. “Well, then I'll tell you what I'm going ta do.” He withdrew a vile from within his jacket and showed it around. “I'll punish the lot of you.” He tossed the vile in the center of the table, making shatter.

The contents of the vile exploded upon impact and spread across the table. Harry had to bite his tongue to hold back the laughter. Just about every Slytherin was covered in a green slime that looked like it stuck to everything and anything. But that wasn't the best part. Midnight threw the vile rather close to where Malfoy was. In his place was a mound of slime that was shouting profanities at Midnight.

The students began to laugh as the Slytherins tried to get the slime off of them. Hermione covered her mouth and tried to suppress her giggles as well, but even she failed to stop the laughter. Harry didn't even bother trying; it was too funny to let the moment go by. Even a few of the teachers had smiles on, except Snape. Midnight's stern face grew into a twisted smile.

“Silence!” His voice bellowed through the halls. Everyone stopped at once, with the exception of small fit of giggles here and there. “Fun and games are fine with me, just don't get me angry. I don't give a damn what you do in the confines of your rooms and Commons, just don't mess up these halls. I will not take away points, but I'll make you wish I did. As of now, you will wish that Professor Snape or Mr. Filch finds you because there are things that I can do to you that only occur in your nightmares.” Midnight voice was extremely low at the end, but everyone heard him.

Harry looked around quickly. Everyone he saw either was completely scared out of their minds or angry at the guy. Mr. Filch was the only one with a smile. He quickly approached Midnight once his speech was over and the two of them left talking about something. Hermione's knuckles were white from squeezing his hand. He pulled her into his embrace as he saw her teary eyes.

Hermione began to calm down as Harry comforted her. Although she didn't cry, Harry felt a pain in his heart, just by seeing her like that. Whispering words of encouragement to her softly, she began to regain the smile on her face, as well as a healthy blush.

The rest of the student body began to talk about Midnight rapidly. No doubt there are going to be rumors circulating that he is a Death Eater. Harry could just laugh at the idea when he saw McGonagall approaching them.

“Good morning Professor,” Hermione said as she approached.

“Good morning to you too, or it was.” Her eyes flashed over to the Slytherin table, where Professor Flitwick was still trying to remove the slime. Malfoy's hair was at least visible now. McGonagall just shook her head in disgust at Midnight display

“What can I do for you today?” Harry asked as McGonagall pulled out a parchment.

“Not you, Mr. Potter. You, Miss Granger.” She handed the parchment to Hermione and left them. Hermione quickly glanced at it and then at Harry.

“What is it?” Harry asked, peering over her shoulder.

“I've been transferred into your DADA class.” Hermione said as she handed him the paper.

“Why?”

“I don't know. It just tells me of my schedule change.” Hermione said as Harry read it.

“That means we're to have all of our classes together now.” Harry said with a grin as Hermione put the paper back into her bag.

“That's right, and if we don't want to be late for our first one, we'd better hurry.” She said as she stood up. Harry was up immediately and took her hand in his. Walking out the door together was nothing big, especially because everyone was too busy with something else.

* * * * *

Midnight had certainly made his mark in the school. By the end of the day, he was more feared than the entire staff combined. Harry couldn't help but laugh as some of the first years argued over whom the scariest monster ever was at lunch. In the end they all had agreed on Midnight, or Mr. Quinn as the students knew him, and Hermione had to lecture them about being disrespectful to a teacher or an adult.

The rest of the day went without incident. Hermione adapted well to the DADA class, much to the dismay of Cho and Abbot. Both of them glared at her and she glared back. Harry just ignored them as Professor Seron lectured about different wards they would be practicing within the next few weeks. Malfoy hadn't even shown up to class, probably too embarrassed to come out of his dorm. Hermione once again, got them house points.

But the day wasn't what worried Harry. It was the night. Or rather their first `detention' with John. He was going to be teaching them how to really start to control their Elements and it would the first time he saw Ron all day. Hermione was worried about it as well but seemed to react better when the time came to head to the Dueling room.

“Relax Harry,” Hermione said as they walked. “Ron has probably calmed down.” Harry just nodded. Ron wasn't the type to calm down easily and he could still be mad at Harry for taking Hermione away from him.

“You're right.” Harry reasoned. He quickly forgot about it and his thoughts turned back to what Cho and Abbot had said to Hermione during DADA. Had it not been for her, he would have probably killed both of them.

Harry hadn't and never would forgive Cho for what she had done to their friendship with Ron. She had even tried to pull the same crap with him. Hermione slapped her before the teacher walked in for what Cho said. Again the fires flared and winds blew in the room. Luckily, both had stopped by the time Seron even looked up from her scrolls.

Harry opened the door for her and followed her shortly into the room.

“Salutations and greetings.” John said as he pushed back some of the desks. No one else was in the room and John had moved all the desks so the center was clear from obstruction.

“What are we going to be doing?” Hermione asked as John pushed another desk against the wall.

“Depends,” John said as he took his staff out from the closet. He pushed the final desk against the closet before turning to them.

“Depends on what?” Hermione asked.

“On who shows up tonight.” John said as he leaned against his staff. “I knew you two would; just don't know who else might come.”

“Who else?”

“You know, for a girl who knows everything, you sure do ask a lot of questions.” John raised an eyebrow in her direction.

“I wouldn't have it any other way.” Harry whispered into her ear before giving her a peck on the cheek.

“You'll have time for that later Harry.” Midnight said as he walked into the room. “Now is the time ta listen and recollect.”

“What can you offer?” Hermione asked cautiously. She didn't want to anger him, not after the morning.

“I know a lot more than John does about elements, “ Midnight said with a smile as he took out his flask.

“Dumbledore told you not to drink.” Hermione said, but a glare from Midnight got her to shrink into Harry's arms.

“Do you see him here now?” Midnight said before drinking from it. “Besides, that was water.” He replaced the flask and brought out a different one. “This is whiskey. Fine Irish at that.” A sheet of ice ran over the cap before Midnight could take it off.

“You know the rules, no alcohol on the grounds.” John said with a smile. Midnight swore a few more times as he put the flask back under his jacket. “How much do you have under that jacket?”

“Enough to survive.” Midnight said as the door opened. Ron came walking in with Seron behind him.

“He was trying to skip out.” Seron said as Ron walked to the opposite side of the room. Midnight moved over to that side, but neither of them spoke.

“Good looks like everyone is here.” John said waking over to the board. “There are six main elements. I'm betting that Harry can name all six.”

“Earth, Fire, Water, Air, Shadow and Light.” Harry said, getting a nod from John and peck on the cheek from Hermione.

“Right. What about the others?” John said getting looks from Hermione, Harry, and Ron.

“What others? There are only those six?” Hermione said.

“Then where do John and I fit in?” Midnight said getting their attention. “I mean, he's an Ice Elemental, and I'm Metal. But that wasn't apart of the six, now was it? Come on, Hermione, you've got the brains, use them.”

“Relax, Quinn.” Seron said. “This is still new to her.” Midnight just grumbled about something before taking out another flask.

“Water.” He said before anyone could question him. Seron just rolled her eyes, and Harry had to hold back a chuckle.

“Well, anyway, Hermione there's four secondary elements. They correspond to the Fire, Water, Air and Earth.” John said. He chose to ignore what just happened, like he had seen it before.

“Ice with water. Metal with Earth and I don't know what else.” Hermione said.

“You're wrong.” Midnight said staring from across the room. This got Ron to laugh at bit.

“Her wrong. That's a first.” Ron said only to get glares from both Harry and Hermione.

“Not wrong just misinformed.” John countered. “I bet you can't name them.”

“Nope,” Ron said without even trying. “And I really don't care, so let's get on with the training.”

“Not until I get through this.” John said giving him a stern look. “You have to understand what you are doing, or else you will fail at it.” He turned back to Hermione.

“Earth's secondary is Forest; Air's is Storm, which I believe you to have a bit of Hermione.” John said. Her mouth dropped, but it quickly closed. Harry gave her a peck on the cheek before anything else.

“But what about Metal?” Midnight asked as he took out a ring from inside his jacket. “How can I do this then, if there wasn't an elemental for it?”

“Magic.” Hermione said, with confidence. A glare from Midnight caused her to move behind Harry.

“You're smarter than that.” Midnight said tossing the ring into the air. It hung there as he spoke. “We've already covered Water, Earth, and Air. Process of elimination leaves . . .” Everyone watched Midnight as he just spun his finger, the ring following suit “Fire.” Midnight said as he began to spin the ring until it changed shape.

“But why are we like the elements we are?” Hermione asked but concentrated on the ring.

“There are certain characteristics that go with each element.” John said. “More so with the main ones than the secondary, but they are present. Often, these characteristics increase with the appearance of your element. ”

“Like what?” Hermione asked. Harry just shook his head. Her thirst for knowledge may never be quenched, but he couldn't help but love her for it.

“Well, calmness and peace are often associated with Water, heightening those in the person.” John said. He pointed at Seron. “Danielle, Professor Seron to you, is a Light Element.” She nodded and smiled at them. “The traits for that are forgiveness and understanding.”

“Earth, is stubbornness and endurance.” Midnight commented. “Which from what I've heard, describes you perfectly Ron.” He got Hermione and Harry to laugh at this.

“So what's Fire?” Harry asked.

“Strength and courage, the symbols of a Gryffindor, right?” John asked Midnight, who nodded. “And Air is wisdom and reliability, symbols of a Ravenclaw.” He gave them a knowing smile.

“Describes you perfectly,” Harry whispered into her ear. Hermione began to blush at this.

“None of that now.” Midnight had his twisted grin on.

“Give them a break, Quinn. They're young.” Seron said. Midnight gave her a glare before saying anything else.

“We don't have time for this.” John said to stop them from arguing.

“What about the secondary Elements?” Hermione asked.

“Well, Forest, growth and tranquility; Ice, solidarity and endurance; Metal, understanding and adaptability. Then there are Storm, fury and speed.” John counted off on his fingers.

“Is there a chance that we could be a partial secondary?” Hermione asked.

“What are you getting at?” Harry asked her.

“Yes there is, why?” Seron said. “Do you think that you or Harry is a secondary?”

“Harry, no.” Hermione said in a small voice. “But I might be.” She said it in barely a whisper; Harry thought that he was the only one to hear it.

“Yes, we'll talk about later.” Midnight said from across the room. He got stares from everyone. “You said we don't have time for this, so let's start then.” He stood up, walked over to Harry and Hermione. “I already know Ronny boy's limitation, so I'll take Harry here on.”

“I've got no say in this, right?” Harry asked, rubbing Hermione's shoulders. She kept looking between him and Midnight, a worried look on her face.

“Well, the idea tonight was to test your limits and then we'll work from there.” John said, moving from behind his desk. “I'll work with Ron and Danielle. You can work with Hermione.”

“He's gonna kill me.” Harry said getting Midnight to grin.

“Give me more credit than that.” Midnight laughed. “I can't kill; just push you ta the point of both mental and physical exhaustion.”

“That's so much better.” Harry shook his head.

“That's the spirit.” Midnight said heading toward the door. “Meet me at the edge of the forest in about an hour. Make sure that you have your sword, a week's worth of clothes, a bag for them and a sleeping bag.”

“What for?” Harry asked as Midnight opened the door.

“We're going hiking.” Midnight disappeared behind the door.

“Hope that he doesn't do anything to you, Harry.” Ron said from across the room. He shuttered for some reason. “He's one nasty bugger.”

“How do you know him, Ron?” Hermione asked.

“We have no time for that!” John said. “Harry, get going.”

“All right,” Harry moaned. He moved so Hermione was facing him and gathered her in a tight embrace. “Sorry love.” He whispered into her ears. “I love you, and you'll always be with me, in my heart.” Hermione nodded, tears falling down her cheeks. “Don't cry, baby, I love you.”

“I love you too,” Hermione whispered as Harry wiped the tears away. “It's just that I don't know if I'm going to see you again.”

“Only the depths of hell can keep me from you.” Harry whispered as he gave her a goodbye kiss. “Bye, `Mione.” Harry said as John pushed him out of the room.

“Bye, Harry.” Hermione barely whispered as she watched him get pushed away.

* * * * *

Harry was barely outside for a minute before Midnight showed up, carrying a large burlap sack over his shoulder. Before Harry could ask a question, Midnight held up his hand to stop him.

“I know you want to know what is going on,” he said as he motioned them to walk toward the Forbidden Forest. Harry reluctantly agreed, but kept his wand and whip by his side. “Well, it will take three days, with rest ta get where we're going. We're spending a day, half of it resting.”

“Why?” Harry asked as they entered. “And why do we have to go now?”

“Where we're going, I can't tell you, but we're going there because it will help you.” Midnight said pulling a flare out of his pocket. Lighting it, he turned to give one to Harry.

“No thanks.” Harry said, igniting his hand. Midnight just shrugged his shoulders. “And why the long trip?”

“Well, it takes that long ta get there and the journey is only half the training.” Midnight said, pushing back a large tree limb. Harry barely missed it. “So, pay attention. I'll be teaching you things you could only learn from the finest mercenaries and poachers.”

“Why do I need to know this crap?” Harry said, repulsed by the idea.

“Because that's what I know.” Midnight turned back to look at him. “You're with me, because you can benefit most by learning from me. The same goes for Ron and Hermione and who they've got as teachers.”

Harry thoughts flickered back to Hermione. He was leaving her alone for a week, and the further he got away from the castle, the more he missed her. Glancing over his shoulder, he kept wishing he was with her, or she was with him. No, she shouldn't have to put up with Midnight.

“Stop that,” Midnight said as they hiked. “The more you do that, the more you're going ta need her.”

“But I do need her.” Harry said, turning to look again.

“And the more you look back, the more its gonna hurt to move forward and the less you can do without her.” Midnight said furiously. He stopped and turned to face Harry. “Harry, I'm not saying that Hermione shouldn't be the most important thing in your life, but there will be times that you have to be without her. Those are the times you need to be the strongest and hold on to your memories of her the most.

“You have to know that she is safe.” Midnight said, getting calmer. He was spinning the ring on his hand as he spoke. “Trust her ta take care of herself and let her trust you. Trust is the biggest part of a relationship, Harry. Think about it.” He turned back around and began to walk again. “Now get up here, the game's starting.”

As they walked, Midnight showed Harry how to follow footsteps, track something, and cover his tracks. He explained it was all a matter of paying attention. “Eyes and brains, boy, eyes and brains.” Midnight would say after these lessons, and they'd carry on.

And every day, they'd talk about his Element. This intrigued Harry the most. Midnight explained that Harry was a part of the Element, and could absorb and recreate it at times. But the most intriguing part was when Midnight said he would have an Animagus form, but it wasn't by magic.

“John's already told you his theory, right?” Harry nodded as they spoke from across the fire. They had stopped for the second night, and Harry had already been taught how to track an animal through the woods. They were enjoying the spoils of it. “Hogwash. It's a hell of a lot more complicated that the Neanderthal terms he puts it in. But the basis is close to what it actually is, so I'll explain this to you by using his words.”

“Your Animagus form will be more so with your heart than with magic or your mind because it will reflect your soul.” Midnight said as he drank from his flask. “No it is your soul, and no man likes what his soul truly looks like. I'd have ta say that mine looks the darkest out of any man.”

“What will mine look like?” Harry asked as he took a bit of the deer he had killed.

“Can't tell you, cause you've got ta look deep and see for yourself.” Midnight said as he turned over onto his side. “Now get some sleep.”

Harry was up late that night, thinking about the answers Midnight had. Would his form be something horrible, or something wonderful? Before he knew it, Midnight was up again and the sun was rising. And they began their final day.

About halfway through, the forest stopped and Midnight stood at the bottom of a mountain. Harry felt like his neck was bending back as he stared upward. The mountain's peak was covered by clouds, making it seem even taller.

“Impressive.” Midnight said as he walked forward. “Well, better start.”

“We're going to climb that thing?” Harry asked.

“Hell no. Well yes. This is a magical one. Entrance is at the top of the ridge.” Midnight said as he began to climb. Shaking his head, Harry slowly began to follow him.

The climb was one of the more exhausting things Harry had ever done. Without all of the morning training and exercises, Harry doubted he could even do it. Midnight seemed like he was breezing through it, almost like an ape. He'd swing from one arm down to watch Harry, only to climb back up.

Every ridge, every rock seemed to make the ledge higher. Harry kept doing everything he could to not look down, knowing he'd only make it worse. As he moved his hand upward to make another pull, the rock crumbled, causing him to slip. Looking down ever so slightly, he felt his head spin as he tried to regain his grasp. But he felt it slipping even more, and he couldn't tear his eyes away from the ground.

“Easy kid.” Midnight said, grabbing him by the arm. The sudden grab forced Harry to gain some of his thinking back, but now his mind was ever aware of the height they were at. “Told Hermione I'd take care of you.” Once Harry's hands were back against the wall Midnight let go.

It was then Harry noticed that he was looking at Midnight upside down. Or rather, Midnight was bending backwards or upside down. Midnight had suspended his body by gripping with his feet against the wall, and easily went back to climbing once Harry was on the wall again.

“Questions later,” Midnight said, almost reading his mind. “Climb now.” Midnight pulled himself over the top of the ridge, and made no further moves to check if Harry was all right, which worried him. Harry didn't trust himself to not look down and feared he'd do the same thing again. “Relax kid,” Midnight's voice carried down. “Just climb up here, don't have all day.”

Pulling his body upward, Harry slowly got over the edge of the ridge, lying on his back. Taking in deep breaths, he was glad that he could feel something beneath his feet again. Heights never seemed as worse as they were when he was climbing.

“Fun ain't it? “Midnight asked him. Harry sat up slightly to see Midnight sitting on a rock. “Going down's gonna be a hell of a lot better.” He stood up, walking in Harry's direction. “No rest for the wicked.”

“More climbing?” Harry asked as Midnight helped him up.

“Nope, just we're about at the point where we rest.” Midnight pointed toward the wall. “Walk right through there.”

“Are you bonkers?” Harry asked. “That's a solid wall.”

“Eyes and brains. I told you earlier that this mountain was magical.” Midnight walked over to the wall he pointed to, disappearing into it. Harry felt shock, but only for a moment, being used to all of the magic by now. He followed Midnight into the mountain, unsure of what to expect.

On the other side of the wall, a simple cot and table were set up inside the concealed cave. A trunk was at the end of the cot, and Midnight was feverishly going through it. Several shirts were in a pile against the wall, and it was only getting bigger. Without looking up, he motioned toward the only chair in the room. Slinging his pack over the chair, Harry sat down on it.

“What are you looking for?” Harry asked as Midnight pulled out a book from the trunk.

“Something I've memorized, but love ta have on me.” Midnight said, showing the cross on the cover. “I'm going ta tell you something that never leaves this room. Understand?”

“Only if you answer my question first.” Midnight nodded. “Why are you so different out here? You trust me with something that can't leave this room here, but back at Hogwarts, you kept hiding everything from us.”

“People scare me, Harry.” Midnight said, sitting on the edge of the bed. “I've met some really bad ones, and it takes a lot to gain my trust. Brian doesn't even fully have it. Hermione does have it partially, but that's just cause of blood. John comes close, but there is still a lot I won't tell him. You're about the only person in that entire school that I'll trust with my life.”

“I told you trust was the most important part of a relationship, especially with wives and husbands, but it counts a lot with friendship as well.” Midnight opened the book in his hands, but looked at Harry. “I consider you my friend, and it doesn't matter if you do the same to me. You just know that I'll have your back in a fight.” Harry nodded, not sure what to what to say.

“Why do you trust me?” Harry asked Midnight, who turned the page in the Bible.

“Because you trust me.” Harry raised an eyebrow at this. “You trusted me that you would be safe out here. You trusted me that I would get you back ta Hermione, and I will. So the least I can do is return that trust.” Harry nodded, finally getting some insight on this man.

“What was it that you wanted to tell me?” Harry asked

“Remember Brian saying how every Dumbledore goes through a horrible time or tragedy of the world?” Midnight said as he turned page after page in the Bible. Harry just nodded. “Well think back ta grade school, and whatever you can remember about the year 1935.”

“All I know is that Hitler came into power in 1933.” Harry said, trying to remember back. If Midnight was going to bring up what he thought he was, Harry didn't want to know. Midnight nodded simply after Harry's response.

“The camps started that year.” Harry began to shudder at the thoughts running through his head. His relatives left the house once, leaving him there alone, and a special on World War II was on tv. The images he saw haunted his dreams for months after it.

“You were in one, weren't you?” Harry asked. Midnight nodded and rolled up his sleeve.

“I lied about not being able ta do magic.” Waving his hand over his arm, faded blue numbers began to appear right below Midnight's wrist. “I've always been good at concealment charms, a natural thing with us Dumbledores.”

“What is that?” Harry said, leaning closer. `Three-eight-nine-eighteen-twenty' Harry read as Midnight talked.

“That is my serial-number. My bar code, my identification.” Midnight said, slowly rubbing the numbers. “My personal passport ta Hell. `I saw a pale horse, and its rider was Death. And Hell followed closely.' Revelation six, verse eight.” Harry had a hard time taking all of this in. Never did he think he would meet a Holocaust survivor.

“How did you survive?” Harry asked.

“A man helped me. A kind guard who saw potential in me gave me food at times as well as water.” Midnight stood up, placing the Bible on the table. “Sometimes all someone needs is the kindness of others.”

“I know what you mean.” Harry muttered. Midnight's eyes shot up, and he glared at him. “Not about the camp, but about the love and kindness.” Midnight nodded, but turned his back to Harry.

“Stay here until I return.” Midnight stepped through the portal to the outside.

Harry sat in silence, wondering about the sliver of information Midnight just gave him. He wanted to know about what happened to Midnight; what really happened. Harry replayed the entire conversation, and something struck him funny. Not about Midnight, but rather something he had said about Hermione.

Midnight walked back into the cave, with an owl on his shoulder. Before Harry could ask his question, Midnight spoke. “You've got mail.” The owl flew off of Midnight's shoulder and onto the table. Lifting its leg for Harry, he noticed the tightly wound letter. Once it was untied, the owl flew back through the portal.

“I'll give you three guess on who it's from. The first two don't count.” Midnight said as he moved the trunk toward the table.

“Hermione.” Harry whispered as he carefully untied the letter.

Dear Harry,

Writing this letter is so hard. I've felt like a part of me has been gone for the last few days. I don't like it Harry. I want you back here by my side. I want your arms around me when I fall asleep. Every day I ask John if you're back, and every day he tells me the same thing. “No.” I want to hear you voice again. I want to feel your arms around my waist. I love you, Harry. Come back to me safe.

Danielle, Professor Seron asked me to call her that, has taught me so much. I hope that Midnight has taught you enough. There are so many things that I want to show you. I've learned so much that I can't wait for you return. Just come back to me safe and sound, Harry.

Love Yours,

Mione

“You can tell her.” Midnight said. He was laying on his back, the bible on his chest. He must've lied down while Harry read Hermione's letter.

“What?” Harry asked, folding up Hermione's letter. He slid it into the pocket on his shirt, wanting to keep it close to his heart.

“About me I mean.” Midnight said. Harry just nodded, wondering what caused the change. “You can tell her, and I doubt it if she'd stop asking you if you refused to.”

“All right.” Harry said unsure of what to do next. He thought back to their conversation earlier, remembering his question. “How is Hermione trusted because of her blood?”

“It's very complicated.” Midnight said, still staring at the ceiling. “But let's for now, leave it as saying I trusted her grandfather with my life.” Harry nodded again, this time thinking in silence.

“Well, aren't you going to respond to her?” Midnight said, sitting up. “She'll kill you if you don't do it soon.” A twisted smile grew on his face at the thought.

“You're probably right.” Harry said, reaching around to his backpack. He grabbed a parchment and a pen that he brought from Sirius's home. He still refused to call it his own.

They sat in silence. Harry wrote back to Hermione, explaining a few things that he'd been through. There were some things he wanted to tell her in person, and if this was intercepted somehow. Midnight just lay back down, staring at the ceiling. At one point, Harry thought the man had died, but the slight movement of his chest caused Harry to believe otherwise.

Once Harry was finished writing, he felt kind of foolish. He had written well over a page to Hermione, but he couldn't stop himself. There was so much he wanted to say, and so much he wanted her to know. There was only one problem; Harry couldn't find the owl that Midnight had brought in.

“Need some help?” Midnight asked, still facing the ceiling. Harry nearly jumped out of his seat. “Sorry about that,” Midnight said as he sat up. “Just meditating a bit.”

“Where's the owl?” Harry asked as Midnight stood up.

“No owl, follow me.” Midnight motioned toward portal. Harry got up first and left Midnight to get up slowly. “Don't let me stop you, age finally getting ta me.” He said as Harry went toward the portal.

Harry stood on the ridge in front of the cave. Midnight appeared a few moments later, a small pouch in his hand. He tossed it to Harry. “Put the note in this.”

“Why?” Harry asked as he folded up the note. He slid it into the bag and tossed it back to Midnight.

“I'm not doing anything, part of your training.” Midnight tossed it back to him.

“What am I supposed to do?” Harry asked holding the bag.

“Well, this is the first elemental part of your training.” Midnight said, taking out a small pouch from behind his jacket. “I believe that Elements are not tools, but partners in lives. So one should not take advantage of the other. But ta some extent, Elementals are the Element so there is no boundary to cross.”

“Now, I'm a partial Fire Elemental, so I've got some limits. You, on the other hand, have none.” Midnight said as he lit the hand with the pouch on fire. “Do what I do.” Harry followed suit, not understanding where this was going. “Now whisper the location where you want this ta go.”

“But this is going to burn.” Harry said, concerned for the letter. He instantly dropped the flame around his hand.

“Nope, just listen ta me.” Midnight said. “Fire works with you, never against. What you love, it loves. What you hate, it hates. Fire is more of an extension of your soul that any other Element. Now this is going ta the lake at Hogwarts.” The fire turned blue around his hand, and Midnight threw it in the air.

Immediately, the blue flamed pouch took off, in the direction Harry assumed to be Hogwarts. It left a blue trail in the sky as it flew.

“Amazing,” Harry whispered as he felt his hand lit up again. “Hermione.” He whispered this softly, but Midnight probably heard it anyway.

He threw it as far as he could, the letter following the same path as the blue, but the path that his left was white, almost pure.

“Yup, love.” Midnight said, putting the hands in his pockets before walking back into the cave. Harry sat on the edge of the ridge for a bit, watching the path the pouches made in the air. “Better come back in, few more things ta teach you.” Midnight's head appeared from the other side of the portal.

Harry got up and went inside, preparing for the worse. Midnight had set up two candles on the table and a second chair had appeared. “Sit.” Harry did as he was told, sitting in the other chair across from Midnight. “From here on out, this is going ta be rough, or Hell as I prefer to call it. We won't start fighting yet, but for now I'm going ta teach you how ta teach yourself.” Harry nodded.

“First off, light the candles.” Harry did as he was told. “Extinguish them.” He did it. “Again.” Harry repeated the process. “Again. Again. Again.” A smile slowly came onto Midnight's face. “Good.” Harry relaxed at this, thinking they might move on. “Again.”

“What for?” Harry demanded to know before they continued. “There is no point to this.”

“There is a point in every action you choose Harry. Every action.” Midnight said. “Causality Harry, causality. Every action has a reaction. Every action is caused by another action. Do I go left or right? The red pill or the blue pill? My life or hers?” He slammed his fist on the table. “Damn it Harry! Don't you see?” Harry shook his head, staring to get worried for his safety. The candles lit up again, but it wasn't his doing.

“That flame is nothing more than a metaphor.” Midnight said, wrapping his hand around one of the flames. “Life will only last as long as it can, until it finally goes out.” He released his hand, the flame was out but it still smoldered. “And yet it wills to live, a little more love, little more hope.” His hand went back around the wick and released it. “And life lives on.” The flame was back dancing upon the wick.

“You easily extinguished those flames, but what if one of those flames was your own, or Hermione's?” Harry sat silently, thinking about everything Midnight had just told him. “I'm not going to teach someone who doesn't understand that.”

“I understand, more than you know.” Harry said, remembering the chilling screams of his mother. “Some candles go out before they should.”

“Again.” Harry did it this time, but refused to extinguish them. Midnight nodded, a smile playing on his face.

“You get it now. Good.” Midnight said, pulling a third candle from inside his jacket. “Connect the flames.” Harry nodded doing so. A small triangle of flames was made from the candles, a continuous pattern of red and orange swirl. “Create a pyramid.” The flames extended to form the pyramid, rather rough, but a pyramid nonetheless. “Good, have it leave the candles.”

“What?” Harry said, almost faulting the pyramid.

“Have the pyramid leave the candles, off of the ground.” Midnight said. “Flame and water often have ta do this, but water may stay connected to its source. Earth will never leave the ground if it has the choice, cause that is where its power resides, and air doesn't take kindly to the ground.” Harry nodded and turned his attention to the flame.

He reached out toward it, slowly lifting it off of the candle wicks. Bit by bit, he had gotten it well off the table, almost getting it to the ceiling. Harry looked down from it to see a shocked Midnight.

“Son-of-a-” Midnight said getting Harry's concentration off of the pyramid. It dissolved into the air.

“What?” Harry said, looking back to where the pyramid was. “You made me mess up.”

“Mess up? That was bloody brilliant.” Midnight said leaning back in his chair and laughing. Harry gave him an odd look. What was so great about a simple pyramid? “Harry, with so few Elements in a lifetime, one rarely sees a Fire Element with as much control as you. I'm one, but partial. I could barely get that pyramid up, let alone off the table.”

“So, that's good?” Harry asked. Still, unsure of what he had done.

“Good, it's great. I better let Hermione explain the rest to you.” Midnight said shaking his head and still laughing. “No doubt between her and Danielle they've covered everything there is ta know about Elements.”

“All right. Anything else?” Harry asked, lighting the candles again.

“Hell yeah.” Midnight said, setting the four feet of his chair on the ground. “I pushing you further than you've gone.” A twisted smile on Midnight's face sent chills down Harry's body.

For the next hour, Midnight sent Harry through various tests, many of which didn't move him from the chair he sat in. Midnight had Harry raise the temperature in the room, absorb the heat, making it colder than a Hogwarts' night, as well as work on manipulating the flame without the candle. After what seemed like hours, Harry was able to make a large ball of flames and move it around the room without much thought.

Midnight had him also working on covering his own body in flames and transferring it to other things without burning them. Harry had accomplished this, but it took much more time than the others did. He had easily lit himself on fire, without ruining his clothes, but had almost destroyed the chair he'd been sitting on. Midnight laughed and nearly fell out of his chair.

But by the end of the day, Harry had almost mastered his ability to control the flame, even creating one around himself. He could “fire” the flame through objects, like his sword. He could also wrap the flame around objects and strengthen them that way. When the sun had set, Midnight had Harry doing target practice. He was throwing rocks into the air, and Harry had to hit them all, or go do it again. By the tenth round, he had hit them all and the night sky had risen.

While Midnight was off getting whatever animal they'd be eating tonight, Harry spent some time, creating an image of Hermione in the air. By the time Midnight had come back, Harry had recreated her face perfectly, and was mindlessly staring at her. A quick hit upside the head got him out of dream land.

“What the hell did you do that for?” Harry asked, rubbing the sore spot.

“Language Harry.” Midnight said, tossing the rabbit onto a fire Harry had started. “Don't think Hermione would like it if you picked up that bad habit of mine.”

“Well, maybe you should stop.” Harry said as the rabbit began to spin. “Then I wouldn't have to watch myself around her.”

“But if I did, I wouldn't be me.” Midnight said, pulling out a flask. He tossed it to Harry, who drank before checking what it was. A burning sensation ran down his throat as he swallowed. “And that is why you won't be drinking until you're at least eighteen.”

“When did you start?” Harry asked, tossing the flask back, and trying to keep whatever that was down in his stomach.

“When I got out of the camp, I thought it would be a way to escape from it all.” Midnight said, shaking his head. “I had a bad problem with it right after the war, but I've come far since then. Now, it's just something I do every now and then, for pleasure. Besides, I've never gotten drunk in my life before, why start now?”

“You are one strange person.” Harry said as he took a leg off of the now burnt rabbit. He had never seen himself as one of the outdoor types, but now, it just seemed natural. “So when are we going to back to Hogwarts?”

“By tomorrow evening, we'll have ended the training officially and head back ta Hogwarts.” Midnight said. “That's when I teach you how ta really use what God gave you.” Harry nodded, thinking back to Hermione.

Harry leaned back against the rocks, watching the stars, locating Sirius. It had been a long time since he had thought about his Godfather. Now, out in the woods, his head seemed clearer than before. Thinking back, as much as he missed Sirius, and as much as he blamed himself, the more everyone else seemed to be right. Sirius was old enough to not let some petty fight stop him. Sirius died protecting him, like he promised he would. It wasn't until Harry looked up from the star, did he notice that Midnight was gone, and the fire was out.

“What the-?” Harry asked. A hand stopped him from saying anything else.

“Don't speak. The forest has ears.” Midnight's voice came from above. He removed his hand and landed in front of him. “Inside, there's been a change of plans.” Harry got up and quickly followed Midnight into the small cave.

Once inside, Midnight had Harry light a small candle in the center. “We have less than a week.”

“Until what?” Harry asked as Midnight moved the bed quickly against the portal.

“Battle.” Midnight said, a smile creeping onto his face. It quickly faded though. “Grab the candle.” Harry did so as Midnight placed the table on top of the bed. “That might hold. Grab your bag and make sure your sword is accessible.” He quickly turned back toward the barren wall. Harry slung his pack over his shoulder and slipped his sword into his belt, along with his whip.

“Why did you do that?” Harry asked as Midnight disappeared into the wall. Once again, he remained shocked only for a moment or two, before following Midnight.

A stairwell lay beyond the wall, and Harry let his feet carry him down as he followed Midnight's heavy footsteps. And Midnight's voice echoed through the halls.

“They're coming, Harry.” His voice said. “And I'm not taking someone into battle who's unprepared. This is going ta be a long walk, so drop the candle and light your hand.” Harry did so, the blunt sound echoing. “Just follow your feet and your ears. The light around your hand should provide enough for you to notice where the staircase twists and such.”

“You are probably wondering why we're down here,” Harry would've nodded, but Midnight couldn't see him. He could barely see a foot in front of him, even with his hand lighting the way. “Beneath this mountain, there is a chamber which intensifies emotion about tenfold, but you'll be in control, not them. Anyway, we'll train there. So listen up, I'm telling you this only once.”

“The rules are simple; we don't end until you land three marks on me. If I land five on you, we start over.” Midnight's voice carried around the bend in the stairs. “You will not win for at least and hour, and each round will go fast, I'll make sure of it. You have ta learn ta defend your weak points, and attack theirs. You better learn quickly.” His laughter ringed through the halls.

“So, that's about it. I've got a question for you.” Midnight said.

“You know the routine.” Harry yelled back.

“Right, you get ta ask one too.” Midnight laughed. “Well, mine first. Where did you get that necklace for Hermione?”

“From a catalog, it's supposed to protect her from her nightmares and evil and such.” Harry said as he turned around another corner. “Why do you ask and how did you see it?” Anger began to flare and the fire around his hand grew larger and spread around his arm.

“That's two, but they're reasonable.” Midnight said, laughing again. “I heard the sound of the metal chain, and for lack of a better word, `sensed' what the chain held. It's just something I can do with my element. You'll do something similar with yours but I can't teach it.” Harry began to calm down. “But the reason I asked is there is more ta the medallion than meets the eye. There's something hidden within it. I'm not sure what, but - We're here.” Midnight cut himself off. After descending another dozen steps or so, Harry saw what Midnight was referring to.

At the bottom of the stairs was a large cavern, heat visibly coming from the ground itself. The only solid ground was a platform in the center of the cavern. As Harry made his way toward the bottom of the stairs, he felt the overbearing temperature take him. Or rather, he absorbed it, increasing his strength. Dropping his bag at the bottom, Harry took out his sword from his belt and made his way to where Midnight was standing.

Midnight stood in the center of the room, his back facing Harry. He wore his two rings around his back, on the outside of his jacket. Harry noticed how little ground there actually was and how dangerous falling could be. Lava was the source of eminence heat and his strength. He began to wonder if he could control the lava as he did his flame.

Once Harry was on the center platform, the bridge behind him fell into the lava, sizzling as it went down. Without bothering to look back, Harry knew that the training had begun. Midnight removed both of the rings from his back and combined them into a large broad sword. “Lesson one: prepare for the worst.”

Before Harry could even bring his sword up in defense, Midnight had his at Harry's neck. “That's one mark.” He said, following up with a quick sweeping kick knocking Harry to the floor. “Two, here's three, four and five.” Midnight said, narrowly missing Harry arms and head. “Round one is over.” He smiled and walked back to the side he originally was on.

“You didn't even give me a chance.” Harry complained as he stood back up. Once again, Midnight was at his throat.

“You're enemies won't either. You've just died.” Midnight said, pulling the sword back. “I forgot ta tell you. Fatal blows end the round. That means chest, throat, or decapitation. A personal favorite of mine.”

“So, round three?” Harry asked, raising his sword.

“You bet.” Midnight said, swinging his broad sword at Harry. Harry parried it with his sword, his eyes carefully scanning for Midnight's next move. “Good, you're learning. Now let's have some fun.” Midnight swung again, this time, stopping at Harry's leg. “Haven't learned enough I see.” He followed by scoring the other four marks, knocking Harry on the ground again.

This continued on for what seemed like hours. Although Harry wasn't sweating when he started, he felt like his shirt was soaked through when he finally landed two of the three marks. All the while Midnight taunted him, made fun of him and Hermione. Every time Midnight made fun of her, Harry let his anger flare, kicking up some of the lava as well. If Midnight kept pushing, he'd find himself swimming in the pool.

“Awe, come on Potter, take it like a man.” Midnight said, knocking Harry to the ground again.

Although Harry had scored two marks in one round, he hadn't succeeded in scoring another since. This led him to believe two things; one that Midnight was taking it easy on him in the beginning, and two, he needed to change his tactics. As Midnight walked back to his side of the platform, Harry removed his whip from his belt and placed his sword there. He also lit his hand on fire, and let it flow onto the whip.

“Round fifty-four.” Midnight said turning around and charging Harry. Using the whip, Harry swung around the platform and to the other side before Midnight noticed. Harry moved his hand toward his sword, but didn't draw it. “Nice, improvisation. Good, good. Not over yet.” Midnight said going into a defensive position, exactly what Harry wanted.

Still burning, Harry cracked the whip and had it wrap around Midnight's arm. Planting his feet firmly on the ground, he swung Midnight into the wall, or at least tried to. As hard as he tried, he couldn't make Midnight budge.

“Good. That would've been great. You could do that with just about anyone,” Midnight said with a twisted smile. “Accept maybe a guy who planted his feet into the ground. Midnight jumped up, showing two large metal spikes in his feet and the holes they left. The jump also pulled Harry with him.”

Thinking fast, Harry drew his sword, lit it, and as Midnight was coming down, swung at the man's neck. With both of their momentums, he tried to prevent the contact, but failed. Slicing through Midnight's neck, Harry felt something resist it as it reached about halfway. Removing it as he fell back down, Harry was surprised to see Midnight's neck repair itself as well as a twisted smile appearing on his face.

“You win,” he simply said. Midnight held his hand out for Harry to get up.

“How, what?” Harry asked, trying to manage a complete thought. His sword was at a temperature of at least five hundred degrees. He should've taken off Midnight's head.

“Didn't mention that I laced my entire skeleton with a magical, adaptable metal, did I?” Midnight said as the bridge reappeared from within the lava. “Any other man, that would've been a fatal blow, and although unexpected, I'm glad that you'd be willing ta kill in self-defense. But you'd never do it out of revenge, would you?”

“I'd become nothing more than a man like Voldemort.” Harry said as he stood up. Midnight had already transformed his rings back to normal. “Now what?”

“Now we return back ta Hogwarts.” Midnight said, walking across the bridge. “We'll discuss some things on the way back, but we have ta move fast.”

Harry ran across the bridge and grabbed his bag. Midnight stopped him before he could run up the stairs.

“There's a faster way.” Midnight said, pressing a rock in on the wall. Slowly, the ground beneath Harry's feet began to rise. “Stand as still as possible.” Harry did so as he watched the platform where they fought slowly get smaller as they rose above it all.

“And exactly why didn't we use this before?” Harry asked, as the temperature dropped.

“Well, the problem is that this has no good landing system. Which is why you should learn this quick.” Midnight looked up as the small opening above them grew larger. “If you can control the flames, and cover your body in them, what else could you do?”

Thinking about it for a moment, which was all he had, Harry drew a blank much to the frustration of Midnight. “You could control the flames around your body, giving you something like the gift of flight.”

“You mean-” Harry started.

“Yes, yes, just flame up and give it a try.” Midnight said as the hole above them grew larger. On instinct, Harry allowed the flames to surround his body. “Now, concentrate like you did with the pyramid.” Harry nodded, letting the control flow through his heart and then his body.

Bit by bit, Harry began to lift off of the floor. This was for the best as their platform reach the hole at the top, blasting them well into the sky. As Harry tumbled through the sky, he tried to concentrate and stop his descent. As the ground rapidly approached, he closed his eyes and concentrated as hard as he could on stopping. Opening his eyes, he found the ground only inches from his face.

“Nice,” Midnight said, climbing out of a small crater. He was covered in dust and dirt. “Much better than mine.” Righting himself, Harry slowly placed his feet back on the ground and let the flame drop.

“How did I do that?” Harry asked, looking back to the mountain.

“Well, John was partially wrong about attributes and such.” Midnight said, standing up shakily. “A major one for Fire is concentration. It's more so the power behind fire than strength and courage. Before you found out you were an Element, you noticed that your mind could split into several different things to do the jobs needed. That was your Element telling you its time to come out.” Harry just nodded, looking up at the sky.

It was night again, and Harry guessed they had been down in the chamber for at least a day, maybe more. But something was different about the sky, or how it felt. Harry couldn't explain it, but he felt like it was trying to tell him something.

“Come on, we don't have much time.” Midnight said motioning toward the forest. “Don't light up your hand. The forest has eyes.”

“You told me before that the forest has ears.” Harry said as they ran quickly though woods. Even after the grueling fights, Midnight was still pushing his body to the limit.

“We need to get back in less than a day.” Midnight said, stopping for a moment.

“Why?” Harry said stopping next to him.

“They're coming.” Midnight said, looking toward the sky. “Look. That's the North Star. Keep that baby where it is as you run and you'll continue straight to Hogwarts.”

“Where are you going?” Harry asked as Midnight took off in another direction.

“I'll meet you there; have ta stop some place first.” Midnight yelled as he ran. “Run as fast as you can. You've got ta warn them.” Looking back up at the North Star, Harry quickly took off in the direction he believed Hogwarts to be in.

`What had Midnight seen that spooked him this badly?' Harry thought as he ran.

He ran through a clearing they passed a few days earlier, and knew he was one the right track. Also, the sense that Hermione was somewhere near by had grown as he ran in that direction. And he, above all else, trusted that sense.

His body began to strain as he saw the lights to the castle. A burst of pride rose in him. “I'm home.” He whispered softly as he fell to his knees for a quick rest. Harry was so close. He could almost see Hermione.

“What a fitting way for you to die,” A voice filled with malice said. “On your knees, begging for mercy.”

“I'll never beg.” Harry gritted through his teeth as he felt something cold rest against his head.

“Well, at least you'll be dead.” The voice laughed and the loud blast of a gun shot echoed in Harry's mind. He had covered his ears and lit his hand. Looking around, he saw Midnight holding a shotgun and staring with a shocked look on his face.

“What's wrong?” Harry asked, looking around. He saw what the cold object was, the muzzle of a hand gun. A Death Eater lay dead next to him, his face not even recognizable.

“Run, fly, I don't give a damn.” Midnight said, looking around quickly. He had snapped out of whatever funk he was just in. “Tell Brian, we've an hour.” Harry lit the rest of his body up and began to push his heart and body to the limit.

Lifting off of the ground, Harry began to fly the rest of the way toward the school. His feet couldn't carry him anymore, and he felt like his heart would give out at any moment. But he had to get to Dumbledore. If Midnight thought it was urgent enough to kill a man, then so it was urgent.

Flying toward the same window he recalled from the year before, Harry didn't even bother knocking, but rather smashed it in. His flame protected him from any damage and the sound of another gun shot ran through the night.

“Harry!” Harry felt a sense of warmth surround his heart as someone wrapped their arms around him. The shot still ringing in his head, he turned to the source of those arms.

“`Mione!” Harry picked her up and twirled her around. He rested his head in her soft hair. “I missed you so much.” He took a deep breath of her hair, never wanting to forget the smell. Hermione's tears ran down his shirt as they stood in their embrace.

“I'm very sorry to break this reunion, but,” John said looking toward the window. Harry looked up from Hermione, but refused to let go of her. Even as tired as he was, he picked her up and carried her over to the two seats in front of Dumbledore's desk.

Dumbledore sat with an amused smile on his face the entire time. “Harry, what brings you here?”

“Well, I guess my training is done,” Harry said as he placed Hermione in the chair. Another gun shot rang through the air, and Harry cringed at it. Hermione looked up at him, confused.

“What else?” Dumbledore asked.

“Midnight said to warn you that `they're coming.'” Harry said as calmly as possible. He stood behind Hermione and placed his hands on her shoulders, rubbing them gently. She placed her hands over him.

“Who?” John asked after he repaired the window.

“Death Eaters.” Harry said, trying to stay as calm as possible. “If you haven't heard, someone else probably has, but gun shots have been going off every now and then.” Everyone but Hermione gave him a strange look. She just nodded and he continued. “Midnight has a shot gun and is out there killing what few are here. He said we have less than an hour.” Harry left Hermione and went to look out the window. He could see Midnight staggering toward the entrance, using his gun as a crutch. “He could tell you more.” Harry said running out of the room.

“Harry!” Hermione said running after him.

Harry's body felt like it was running on pure adrenaline at the moment. The last time he had eaten was before they fought in the chamber, that being God-only-knows how long ago. He was at the entrance as Midnight limped toward it. Hermione was right behind him as well as John.

“What is going on here?” John asked as Midnight turned around. He looked back at them, with a twisted smile on his face.

“Battle.” He said. A sense of fear rose in Harry as he drew his sword. Neither Hermione nor John knew what is going on.

“Harry's what's happening?” Hermione asked him.

“Battle.” Harry said, lighting his sword up. Hermione took a step back as he did so. He noticed fear in her eyes and he walked over to Midnight's side.

“They're here.” Midnight said, picking up his shotgun. “Tell Brian that we need all the people we can get. Hell has come ta Hogwarts.” John went running toward the Headmaster's office. Hermione looked between the two, confused. Harry and Midnight slowly began to walk forward.

“Where are you two going, and don't you dare say `Battle' Harry James Potter?” Hermione demanded he tell her.

“Death Eaters, `Mione.” Harry said watching for any sign of them.

“They might have Invisibility cloaks on,” Midnight whispered as he loaded two shells into the gun. “Hermione, can you fight?” He yelled without looking back. When he got no response, Midnight turned to look at her. Both he and Harry stopped. “I can't hear you nod. You've got no rocks in that head.”

“Yes.” She said in little more than a whisper.

“You're not ready.” Midnight turned back to start walking, but Harry held his hand up.

“Look.” Harry pointed toward the forest. What seemed to be cloaked figures began to slowly come out of the forest.

“Fire one of your flames over there.” Midnight said, raising the gun. Harry shot a flame out of the sword and it landed in front of several of the cloaked men. Two gun shots rang out. “Two down, four thousand to go.” Midnight quickly reloaded and took up aim again.

“You're exaggerating, right?” Harry looked over. A twisted smile grew on Midnight's face.

“Nope.” Midnight said as fire two shots again. “Can smell them.” He began to reload the gun. “How bright can you make that?”

“Never tried.” Harry said as Midnight pulled out a pair of sunglasses.

“Now's a very good time.” Midnight said as he slipped them on. “Hermione, cover your eyes!” Concentrating as much energy as he could, Harry strengthened the flame on his hand. In a matter of seconds, he could no longer see. The only thing he heard was gun shots and the sounds of screams.