Disclaimer: All Harry Potter characters and story affiliations mentioned in this fan fiction all belong to JK Rowling and legal associations. I own nothing of it nor am I profiting from it now or planning to in the future in any way. The only exception of profit is to my self for literary improvement.
Author to Reader Note:
I will be re-publishing/re-posting my chapters again over the holiday season this month because I notice there were grammatical and spelling errors that I missed. Apparently spell check doesn't check for my own mistakes. I wanted readers to know this because I know a few of you have me on alerts and I did not want there to be confusion as you receive alerts with no new chapters.
By the way if you have questions you just HAVE to ask (I will not give away story bits) or would like to give me a more in depth review (of which I encourage) you can send/e-mail them to itmonster@hotmail.com . It's the e-mail I use for my fan fictions, so it's cool.
Revised 5/16/03
Harry Potter and the Turmoil Within
Chapter 11
The First Challenge
Harry walked briskly towards the kitchens, wanting pumpkin juice and the kitchen was closer than the dormitory.
As Harry approached the painting of the fruit, it opened before he did anything.
-I didn't tickle it yet, -remarked Harry to himself.
But the painting swung open and revealed the path to the kitchens. Harry headed in still pondering the about the painting and its pre-emptive movement. He found Dobby stirring a huge bowl of cookie dough while another bowl floated above the elf dumping chunks of chocolate into the bowl.
-Cookies, haven't had those in a while… Maybe Ron and I can sneak some into the dormitory later, -thought Harry mischievously to himself, -Hermione wouldn't approve. -
Suddenly Harry had the image of Hermione very close to him trying to take a cookie away from him and he felt his temperature go up as his thoughts trailed on that image.
Not wanting to disturb Dobby, he was about to ask another elf but discovered that to be impossible as Dobby clamped around his middle suddenly while squealing happily.
Harry waited for the elf to detach itself and saw the spoon stirring on its own in the cookie dough. Apparently elves are capable of doing many things at once as Harry could see.
"Potter sir is visiting Dobby even after first day of classes," squealed the Elf," Dobby is lucky to be elf for Harry Potter!"
"Thanks Dobby, I'm glad to see you too. I don't mean to bother but…?"
The elf let go of Harry and sprinted off.
-I didn't even tell him yet, -thought Harry to himself.
Expecting Dobby to bring in half the kitchen's contents but instead found, to his surprise, Dobby had brought a big jug of pumpkin juice to him. Odd considering that's exactly what he wanted.
"Dobby how did you know," asked Harry with a strong sense of confusion?
The elf shrugged his shoulders and replied, "Dobby just knows."
It was perfect, nice and cold, most likely a fresh batch.
However, Dobby's guess to Harry's thirst still pondered in his mind as his taste buds were immersed in flavor.
Harry finished the entire jug, the elf stood by with a pleased grin but the other elves were staring at Harry in amazement. When he looked back at them, the elves instantly busied themselves again and ever so slightly began to leave the room. Harry shrugged his shoulders thinking it was an elf thing but he still wanted to ask Dobby about what he was pondering.
Harry placed his mug on the counter and asked quietly, "Dobby, how did you know what I was going to ask for?"
Dobby swiftly returned back to his cookie mix and didn't answer.
"Dobby," Harry repeated?
The elf continued stirring but at a slightly fast pace.
Harry had another question that came to mine as well.
"Dobby, how did you know I was hurt and at the Weasleys"
The elf continued to ignore Harry and something in that behavior gave Harry the impression the elf knew more than it was telling.
"Dobby, please tell me," pleaded Harry.
The elf stopped stirring and wiped its hands on an apron, turning around.
Dobby had a strange serious look that Harry had never seen. Harry remember seeing the creature sad, happy, even scared but never so serious.
"Dobby knows things about Potter sir… Dobby knows that sir is not like other wizards… Dobby can sense things about Potter… Dobby knew Potter was hurt… Dobby can find sir anywhere," stumbled out the Elf cautiously.
-Different, -thought Harry, -Different how?-
"What things can you sense about me," whispered Harry?
"Dobby is not telling," said the Elf quite quickly.
Dobby hoped off his stool at the counter and headed for an opening in the back of the kitchen.
"Why?"
The elf didn't answer but rather moved faster.
"What's wrong with telling me?"
The elf's pace now quicken to a near sprint.
"Dobby," shouted Harry!
The elf stopped at the opening with its back to Harry. It wouldn't turn to look back but did answer this time.
"Dobby not want to lose Harry."
The elf vanished into the opening and Harry stood in amazement.
"Lose me," whispered Harry aloud, "Lose me how?"
The jug had refilled itself with more pumpkin juice and Harry poured another mug full. He took the mug to the window, replaying the elf's weird actions in his mind and more.
Harry stood at the window, opening it and looked out at the grassy plains around Hogwarts.
"Things are getting weird… Trelawney kicks me out of her class… McGonagall doesn't say a word to me… Some other lunatic is after me… Ron knows I'm lying to him… And Hermione is…" spoke Harry openly to himself as the breeze from outside blew in on him.
In an instant his thoughts change.
-Ron, - thought Harry suddenly.
Harry let go of the mug and it fell out the window.
"Hermione," whispered Harry in a panic!
Harry's bag lay unnoticed, the window remained as it was and the painting quickly swished open as Harry ran out of the kitchen as fast as his legs would let him.
Students were milling about the halls, talking openly or discussing lessons as Harry ran by. Some said mid spoken greetings, others shouted while Harry tore through ignoring them all. Professors announced the losing of points when Harry disobeyed their calls to slow down. Harry did respond to one person.
"Neville, go to Dumbledore, "shouted Harry running by, "Tell him to go to the library!"
Neville ran off in another direction, not saying another word or even uttering a goodbye to the companions he was with.
Moments later, Harry saw it, the double doors to the library and slammed side first into them, bursting into the room.
Gasping for breath, a stitch aching in his side and sweat abundant, Harry was greeted by an unbelievable site.
"Well isn't this a pleasant surprise, "sneered a menacing voice, "Harry Potter… The Great Hero of our time."
Harry heard this while still trying to accept who was saying it as he stared at Justin Flinch-Fletchley.
A previous fight had evidently happened as Harry could see tables broken and pieces thrown about. Pages of damaged books and toppled book shelves were everywhere among the students' personal things while a pile of wands lay at Justin's feet. All the students were gathered at the far wall. The librarian lay slumped over her desk having been already dealt with apparently. A crumpled mass of robes bearing the Ravenclaw symbol lay behind him. Deep brown hair could be seen at one end giving Harry the strong impression it was a Ravenclaw girl.
"Justin, what are you doing," gasped Harry?
Justin held his wand in the direction of his apparent hostages and grinned childishly at Harry.
"You know I wasn't expecting you but I suddenly have a wonderful idea… you get to choose," answered Justin eerily cheery attitude.
Harry stared in disbelief; Justin had a sadistic expression with his wide eyed look and his wand waving towards the far wall of students ready to strike in an instant.
"Choose what, "asked Harry cautiously?
Justin displayed a happy and humored grin, answering haphazardly, "You get to choose who dies."
Harry heard the words and still couldn't seem to believe he had heard right. Justin was telling him to choose someone to die. Justin the Hufflepuff? Justin who was always nice and friendly was asking to know whom to kill?
"Are you crazy? This is not something to joke about, "shouted Harry!
That said, Harry felt that he already knew this was no joke but told himself it just can't be what it seems.
Justin sadistic looking grin faded and a spell shot from his wand. A statue above the students exploded, sending shards down. Some people cried out as sharp pieces cut into them. A dark scowl formed on Justin's wide-eyed face while his posture became upright and rigid.
"Do… I… look… like… I'm," growled Justin through clenched teeth, "Joking?"
Everything about Justin worried Harry. He wasn't sure what to do but try to buy time and wait.
-Where the hell is Dumbledore, -frantically thought Harry, -Come on Neville. -
"Why are you doing this Justin," asked Harry?
He knew it sounded lame but it was all he could think of at the moment. Fighting was out of the question; someone was bound to be seriously hurt. Especially since Justin had the advantage of having a wand ready while Harry's was still in his robe pocket.
Justin's appearance never changed but he answered.
"Why," he began," Ever hear of an eye for an eye… a tooth for a tooth…or a dime for a dime?"
Harry stared at him dumbfounded. He an idea as to what Justin was talking about but it couldn't be that.
"No," continued Justin," How about a life for a life… or maybe… a friend for a friend?"
"Justin I don't…" started Harry.
"Cedric was better than you," explained Justin in a cold placid voice," Worked hard… followed the rules… helped anyone who needed it… always good to everyone… never hurt anyone… never deserved any harm… until he met you."
Harry's stomach gave a painful lurch as moments from the tournament flashed through his mind.
Harry shifted his weight slightly, nervously trying to think of something that could stop this.
Looking slightly towards the floor and not even fully believing himself he responded, "Justin I didn't kill him."
Justin snorted in disbelief.
"Victor and Fleur were easily beaten, but Cedric was a Hogwarts student and you knew damn well you didn't stand a chance against him… So you make nice with him about the dragons then concoct some lame story about Death eaters to escape your crime," whispered Justin dangerously," You never even considered how important he may be to someone else did you? Just kill him and claim victory."
Now it hit him. Harry could feel his frustrations, his fears; everything that was causing him worry was beginning to fade replaced by growing anger. It was bad enough how he felt already about not being able to save Cedric but to be claimed as the actual killer was going too far. Harry clasped his sweaty hands into fists and clenched his teeth. The cold fear surging in his body was enveloped by a tingling sensation of something Harry couldn't name yet but it felt strong.
"Since you seem to think yourself fit to decide who can live and die, then decide who dies now," demanded Justin!
"Justin," answered Harry quietly, "I never did that then and I won't now."
The torches in the room began to fade. The sunlight in room from the high windows of the library started to dim. Hermione could feel her hair beginning to frizz.
"Decide now or I'll do it for you," threatened Justin.
"Don't push me Justin," Harry threatened in return.
Ron could feel the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end.
Hermione watched from the corner of her eye as Harry stood in the small corridor between the entrance of the library and the castle hallway. There the shadows were growing as sunlight dimmed faster. Making it more and more difficult to see Harry as shadows cloaked him.
Justin seemed oblivious to the changing environment instead turned his full attention to the students he held hostage.
"Fine I'll do it then," sneered Justin angrily, "And I'll do it muggle style."
Justin began to wave his wand back and forth reciting.
"Eenie..."
"Justin," whispered Harry dangerously.
The library was now cold and the temperature was dropping further.
Ron and Hermione glanced in Harry's direction but they could barely make him out in the shadows of the dimmed light.
"Meenie…" continued Justin ignoring Harry.
Ron saw a small glow in the shadow, a strange color too dim to make out clearly.
"Don't do this…" came a deep growling voice from the darken entrance.
"Minee…" still continued Justin unshaken.
The room had grown so cold there was ice on the walls and each breath a student exhaled was misty.
Justin's wand stopped waving as he pointed it at a target. A small green glow filled the tip of the wand. Only one spell had that shade of green.
"Moe…" said Justin in a wicked tone.
The room went silent after a single gasp from the crowd was heard as the wand aim for that one.
"Avada Keda…" spoke Justin but his words stopped.
The glowing green light on his wand had faded before he could finish.
Justin turned his head to look at Harry, Hermione and Ron, among others, were about to follow but never got the chance.
An explosive blast sounded and something surged through the room, Justin screamed but his voice was lost as his body was flung from place through the library. He smashed through bookshelves and the dividing lattice of the restricted section, continuing to very back. As Justin body flailed through the library like a ragged doll, the table pieces and other debris were blown towards him. A sickening thud indicated that Justin had slammed into the final back wall of the library while the blown debris piled on him.
The freezing cold dissipated instantly and sunlight brightened the room again.
Harry stood in the entrance corridor, breathing deeply.
Ron watched, unscathed, as blood trailed from Harry's nose.
Hermione was getting her wits back as other students got back to their feet after being knocked down by the wake of the unknown force.
Ron helped Hermione to her feet; she wanted to say something but the ashen look on his face told her to look at Harry.
Harry stood in place, fist clamped tightly at his sides and shaking slightly. Harry's hair was plastered to his head, soaked in sweat and as his eyes stared blankly at the floor, wide in shock.
"Ron, get some others and get to Justin, "ordered Hermione as she ran to Harry
She got within a few feet of him but slowed down to a tiptoed like walk.
"Harry," Hermione whispered cautiously?
She was almost face to face with him when the library door sprang open.
Dumbledore and Daken rushed in with other Professors.
"Mr. Potter what has happened," asked Dumbledore?
"I'd say a battle from the look of things," remarked Daken.
Some of the professors started checking the students while others moved to check on Justin.
"Potter," repeated Dumbledore quietly?
Hermione inched closer to Harry hoping to get to him before anything else could happen. She had a feeling that Harry would be fine, if she could get near enough to him.
However her attempt came in vain because Harry rounded on Dumbledore.
"You came too late, that's what happened," shouted Harry!
Harry stormed past the Headmaster, Hermione tried to follow but McGonagall stopped her.
"Ms. Granger you are needed here by your fellow house members since you are a Prefect."
Hermione didn't know what to do, McGonagall was right she was still a prefect and had a duty to perform but she couldn't shake the feeling Harry shouldn't be left alone now. She hadn't had a chance to give the Professor her final decision on being a prefect.
Her dilemma was answered as a red haired boy ran by.
Harry was walking fast down the hall, many thoughts were swirling in his mind and he wanted some fresh air.
Heavy footsteps echoed in the hall as Ron ran to catch up to him.
Ron stopped grabbing Harry's shoulder with a strong grip halting him as well. Harry noticed Ron was breathing normally even after the run from the library but didn't dwell on it.
"Harry, Justin is okay," comforted Ron as Harry kept his face turned away, "Madam Pomfrey said just a few broken bones and some nasty bruising but he's fine."
Harry pulled away and Ron gave without stopping but followed.
"I need some air," said Harry," I'm going to get my broom from the locker room and fly a bit."
"Sounds like an idea I'd like too, "agreed Ron, "I'll grab a broom from storage and we'll do some laps at the stadium."
Harry didn't say a word but Ron could see a small smile on his face.
The boys approached one of the doors leading outside the castle.
Harry remarked, "If I'm right then we won't need to get our brooms."
Ron was about to ask what he meant by that except received his answer in the form of Dobby. They had just walked outside and there at the base of the stairs was Dobby holding Harry's Firebolt and another broom, presumably for Ron. Harry gave a quick thank you to Dobby and took off on the broom.
"Dobby how did you know we wanted to go flying," asked Ron in shock?
The elf shifted nervously and answered, "Dobby just knows."
Ron shook his head deciding it best to think on it later. He mounted the broom and prepared to follow Harry when Dobby tugged at his robes. He looked back at the elf in question.
"Will Weazey always be Potter's friend," it asked?
Ron furrowed his brow thinking, -Dobby is acting weird? -
"Of course, I don't see why I wouldn't?"
The elf slowly reached into a pocket in Ron's robes and pulled out a Tarot card. The card Ron had been carrying in that pocket since that morning with the Divination incident. The card that best represented himself, as Ron had turned it over when Trelawney order Harry out of her class.
It was a card bearing an image that burned brightly; an image of the element of Fire.
"Lightening and Fire not always good to each other," answered Dobby as he gazed at the card before putting it back in the boy's pocket.
Ron was about to ask the elf another question but Dobby spoke first.
"Dobby cannot tell how he knows things… It is too dangerous," said Dobby before vanishing.
"Oh things are definitely getting interesting," whispered Ron as he took off into the air towards the Quidditch stadium.
Neither boy spoke only continued zooming around the court as fast as they could. Though he couldn't keep up, Ron could tell that Harry was feeling better as they swerved and zoomed all over.
"It is confirmed, Justin has no memory of doing anything in the library or anything for the last two days it seems," announced McGonagall as she entered Dumbledore's office.
Daken sat in an armchair in the corner.
"What did the examination from the nurses conclude," asked Dumbledore at his desk?
There is a severe burn on the boy's chest but it can be cleared up without scarring.
"A fireball,"casually asked Daken with a hint of disbelief?
"No," answered Dumbledore quietly, "I know of only one thing that can deliver a blow that fast… virtually unseen… leave burns… and be followed by a powerful wake."
"What could that be," interrupted McGonagall hastily?
"Lightening "finished Snape behind her.
"Only an elemental can use magic like that without the need of a wand," whispered Daken, "The boy is lucky Potter didn't vaporize him."
"No luck was involved," corrected Dumbledore," There was rage in that magic but the desire for death was held back."
"I have a question, "spoke Daken," How did Harry get to the library so fast?"
"Why do you ask something so pointless," sneered Snape?
Daken explain," Neville came here and told Dumbledore that Harry needed him in the library… there are four sets of stairs from that spot Neville was at to the library and no other route… there is only one set of stairs between that same spot and this office… Neville, I'm sorry, is an oaf but he isn't slow either… other students saw Harry running in the halls but none saw him on the stairs… I ran that route my self twice and with my differences it still took almost ten minutes… Harry was there in less than half that time… without using the stairs."
"You're suggesting apparition," spoke Snape.
"That is not possible, Hogwarts is charmed against it," inputted McGonagall.
Dumbledore gave a slight chuckle and corrected, "Apparition to and from Hogwarts is what the charm prevents but not apparition within the borders of Hogwarts?"
"It is still a complicated spell even for someone like Potter, even Ms. Granger would have trouble with trying it now," pointed out McGonagall.
"Yes but apparition is about using magic to will your self to another place," said Daken," And getting to the place where his friends were endangered is something he would most definitely will himself strongly to do."
"There is a way to test him headmaster. To see if young Potter is truly able to do what we are speculating," suggested Snape with a bit of a smile.
Dumbledore looked hard at him over his spectacles, "It is too dangerous to do here at Hogwarts. Nor would I choose to do that to a student for any reason."
Daken stood up quickly and Fawkes gave a quick unpleasant screech
"I'm really getting tired of that, "sneered Daken at Fawkes.
The bird just stared at Daken in response.
"The tarot cards said he would be challenged by five," announced Daken," I'd say this was… the First Challenge."
Next Chapter
Quidditch is only a Game