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 want to say thank you very much for the wonderful and encouraging reviews.
I don't know when the Quidditch season begins so if you think I'm incorrect on the timing, then you're probably right.
I want to admit ahead of time that this is not my favorite chapter as I had a horrible time getting it to flow right but I decided I had better post it now or go crazy and never get it done.
If you have questions you just HAVE to ask 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 6/20/03
Harry Potter and the Turmoil Within
Chapter 12
Quidditch is only a Game
Ron and Harry were hovering high in the center of the field. They had spent the rest of the afternoon flying and now were just sitting there, enjoying the fresh air and looking over the scenery that is Hogwarts.
"Say Harry lets talk a bit," spoke up Ron.
Harry glanced at his friend.
"What about," replied Harry looking back at the scenery, finding the idea to be agreeable?
A grin grew on Ron's face as his eyes twinkled with mischievous thought as he answered with "Let's talk about girls… we've never really done that."
Harry answered with some hesitation, "Okay."
"They're quite something else, aren't they?" started Ron," They way some of them act… very puzzling… or look… very distracting. "
"They can make you feel strange too," responded Harry blushing strongly.
Ron didn't say anything but he knew of whom and what Harry spoke of.
They continued on for a while, mentioning changes they had notice of their female peers. Both Harry and Ron found it relaxing just to talk about an odd subject.
"Speaking of girls we know, here comes one now," chuckled Ron.
Harry looked in the direction of Ron's gaze to see Hermione walk on to the field. They slowly descended to the ground and joined her.
"It's getting late," said Hermione slowly," The evening feast will be starting soon."
Hermione looked worried and she had a nervous stance, behavior that was easily noticed. Harry thought that maybe the incident of library was the cause but Ron had a different thought. Ron could see that Hermione had made some changes since earlier in the day. She wore a new blouse and her hair was tied back. There was a slight shine to her lips suggesting a hint of a gloss. The gentle breeze pushed at her skirt which was well pressed and free of wrinkles.
"I'll put these away and meet you in the Great Hall," announced Ron as he snatched Harry's Firebolt and headed into the locker rooms.
Harry may not realize certain things yet but Ron smiled to himself as he had perceived the hint intended towards Harry.
-For someone that bossy, you'd think she'd just tell him straight out, - thought Ron humorously to himself, - Harry I hope our talk helps… for both of us.-
He found Harry's Quidditch locker after putting the spare broom in the main storage area. He opened and shut the locker, having placed the Firebolt inside.
A moment later he sat on the nearby bench as his body began to shake. Ron closed his eyes as cold shivers ran through him. Ron hadn't intended to do this but couldn't hold back anymore. His mind flashed back to the library and Justin maniacal behavior. His brain rehashed the fear as the image of Justin's wand waved about and pointed in aim. Ron remembered as he had gasped when the wand had come to be aimed for him. He felt his mouth go dry as he remembered the words Justin nearly finished and the glowing green magic ready to strike. Ron also had to remember wishing that Harry would stop it. He had been so afraid that moment and did nothing, now Harry bared guilt for hurting Justin.
Ron just sat there letting his mind come to terms with what nearly had happened to him. He had ignored all thoughts and feelings of it while flying. Ron replayed the scene in his mind, remembering the flash… the sound… and more. Watching as a bolt of lightening shot from the shadowed entrance corridor of the library and hit Justin dead center. Finally, remembering the terrifying look that turned to shock in Harry's expression.
Ron remembered the tarot cards; the Opposition card had shown five challengers, which meant Justin must have been the first.
He stood up and punched a nearby locker. Watching as the metal door snapped easily off the hinges and crumpled into the inner area of the locker.
Ron made a solemn resolution then and fear would not hold him back again.
He looked at his uninjured hand, whispering, "I wonder if Rela figured out anything more about this?"
Ron had to wipe the sweat from his forehead, as the room had somehow grown very warm very quickly.
He looked at the blazing torches in the locker room as he commented to himself curiously, -I don't remember those being lit?-
Outside Hermione and Harry were heading back to the castle at a slow pace as the early evening set in. They hadn't said much of anything to each other after Ron left to store the brooms.
Hermione stopped and Harry turned to see why.
"What's wrong," asked Harry?
Hermione was looking away with strong concern apparent in her look.
Keeping her gaze astray, she asked in return," Harry… is there anything… you want to tell me?"
Harry started to get worried, Hermione didn't act this way. She was being strangely coy and normally she had quite an attitude. A trait Harry realized suddenly was something of her that captivated him.
Harry approached her slowly to answer, "What do you want to know?"
Hermione looked up as Harry stood closely in front of her. The colors of the horizon from the slow setting evening sun played on his face. Harry's green eyes were illuminated in the warm light.
-He looks incredible, - thought Hermione.
Harry gripped her arms as she saw concern building in his expression.
Hermione reacted instantly to his touch, strong but very gentle, sending shivers through her. Now he was so close and touching her, Hermione couldn't think straight.
"I wanted to know…. Do you… Do you find me," stuttered Hermione before finally saying quickly the only thing she could think of, "Do you need my help with the Transfiguration lesson?"
-Oh damn! -Hermione yelled furiously within her thoughts.
She stood their in his grip and stared at the ground. She couldn't believe it, the moment was perfect, she had changed for it and yet she still couldn't seem to tell him. It didn't help when she thought that if Ron had been there he'd be passed out from laughing so hard. She could feel her face flushing hot with embarrassment and waited for Harry to start laughing at her fouled attempt. She was furious knowing that after all the planning; Harry was just going to laugh at her now and probably go see someone else… like Cho.
Harry's hands slid away and he took a step back.
"I didn't pay any attention to the lesson, "Harry cheerily answered," If you will help me, I'd really appreciate it."
Hermione looked up and saw Harry grinning in his own usual way, clueless to what she had just attempted. For a moment she was relieved of that.
"Look I know what happened in the library was… different," said Harry cautiously," But don't let it change how you are around me… I like the way you are normally."
"The way I am normally?" she inquired hastily and hopefully.
Harry fidgeted for a second, obviously not used to this type of situation.
He turned his eyes away but she could still see the honesty… and the struggle… as Harry answered, "You've been shy or something… and you've never had a problem speaking your mind… and its one of the great things about you… So don't let what I did… "
Harry swallowed hard and Hermione could sense he didn't want to remember it, as his expression reflected his thoughts. She reached into her pocket; contemplating if now was a good time to give back what he had thrown away.
She almost pulled it out when Filch interrupted.
"What're you lot doing out here at this time of day," sneered Filch with his cat, Ms. Norris, purring away at his feet, "Planning some more trouble are you?"
They were so startle by Filch's untimely arrival; they were at a loss for a response.
"They were waiting for me," came a voice, "I was putting our brooms away after practice and said I'd meet them here."
They turned to see Ron walking towards them.
"With you three that's hardly believable," snapped Filch insultingly.
"I remember being told you were the caretaker for the castle, we're outside the castle," returned Ron in just an insulting tone, eyes glaring, fist clenched," What do you care what we do outside the castle… It isn't time for curfew and there's no rule that says we can't be otherwise."
Hermione and Harry stared; Ron had never spoken like that to any of the staff of Hogwarts. It wasn't like him to look for trouble, usually it came on its own being friends with Harry. He always tried to keep from having trouble but now Ron was asking for it.
Filch looked just as surprised to have a student quarrel back without fearing. Ms. Norris had her fur standing and her ears laid back. She hissed at Ron, obliviously not liking him even more so than she normally did of any student. Not saying another word, Filch turned and headed back to the castle, Ms. Norris at his heels looking back every so often with a hiss.
Before Harry or Hermione could ask, Ron spoke up," I'm starved lets get to the Hall for good seats."
Ron walked past into the awaiting castle. The other two hurried and followed him in.
"Those two are in for a long road," laughed Daken, sitting on the ledge of an open window high up.
He could see the entire area between the castle and Quidditch field, plus all that occurred there.
"You can hardly be an expert given your past," said a voice in the dark hallway of the window.
"Of all the people in the world, I can't sense when you are near," replied Daken," So I guess its good be on the same side as you… eh Dumbledore?"
Dumbledore stepped into view of the dim sunlight as Daken said his name.
"Just because you can sense the emotions of others as well as their proximity," spoke Dumbledore discouragingly as he approached," Does not give you the right to pry."
"You're one to talk of prying," Daken sipped from a small glass, filled with a reddish fluid, held in his hand," When will you tell Harry that you know of his dreams… and how you know…. Potter may have quite a different opinion of you if he discovers just how much you haven't told him"
"Daken," began Dumbledore cautiously.
"Then do not presume to lecture me about what is right… I went down those roads before you even finished your own schooling… I am not here to help you," growled Daken, "I am here to watch him and I'll pry as I choose… until I know for sure… and do what I must."
"I will not allow you to harm him," warned Dumbledore, "Regardless of the events to come."
Daken took another sip and let off a surrendering sigh," Believe me I don't want to… he's best friend to Ron and with him has grown into someone incredible… as for the girl… like you pointed out, I am hardly one to speak… but infatuations won't be enough."
Dumbledore spoke simply, "You may yet be surprised what the relationships between those three will do… and prevent."
Daken responded speaking directly to no one, "Dumbledore, the draw to that path is very overwhelming… and sweetly inviting."
"I do not believe Potter will go that route," assured Dumbledore.
Daken drained his glass and looked out at the setting sun, ignoring Dumbledore's assurances, "I feel it… the rage… in Diagon Alley, before I intervened, Harry changed… that's when I first felt it… surfacing… its there and growing… I've never felt anything near this intensity… near this dark."
Dumbledore stood silent for a moment, thinking on Daken's words.
Daken turned away from the window and looked hard at Dumbledore, "Many have been similarly demented as Malleck and evil like Voldemort… but this something else… and cold… like being encased in ice… even Malfoy could feel it… a cold rage."
Daken waved his wand and the glass was refilled with a similar contents.
He wiggled the glass causing the thick liquid to swirl and added, "Even his desires are becoming more flustered… and frustrating… that will only make things more dangerous."
Daken gulped the liquid in a single drink and the glass vanished by a wave of his wand.
Dumbledore spoke kindle but firmly, "I have felt these things as well, not to your degree but I know anger is strong in Harry but we cannot force him in any direction… we'll only drive him away… as for his desires that may be what binds him," stated Dumbledore.
Daken stood and started to slowly walk towards Dumbledore.
"With Harry's continued resistance, the Fire can protect him for only so long… Earth can't bind an unwilling heart… meanwhile it consumes him," spoke Daken with a dangerous tone.
Now they stood side by side, facing in opposite directions and Daken finished, "That rage… that darkness… when it comes… I will end it… I will not let something worse than Malleck or Voldemort be unleashed… no matter the price. "
Daken walked on, vanishing in the dark hall, leaving Dumbledore alone.
Dumbledore walked towards the open window and looked out as the sun was on the verge of setting. A flutter of wings and a musical note announced the presence of Fawkes. The bird perched on the window ledge and gazed at the headmaster. Dumbledore shifted his gaze at the spot where Hermione and Harry had been very close.
With a heavy sigh while stroking the phoenix Dumbledore somberly spoke to no one in particular, "Daken's pain has made him so forlorn he can only sense the worst of Harry… I too feel there is something powerful there but not just the rage, rather something that lies dormant."
Fawkes gave a few chirps and Dumbledore smiled at his friend.
"Everyone goes through dark times in their life…Thankfully there are those who refuse to let those events corrupt us," assured Dumbledore," Come Fawkes, the evening feast will begin soon and there are matters to attend to."
Fawkes flew off and Dumbledore took his leave, vanishing as well into the dark hallway.
Harry and Hermione had caught up with Ron as he headed for the Great Hall. The issue of Filch had been ignored and instead talked normally with each other. All seemed to be going well until they reached the landing at the top of the stairs and a person they least wanted to see stood there.
Draco Malfoy
Draco stood alone at a distance from the doors to the Great Hall. He was just standing there, staring ahead at the close doors. He was deep in thought and fidgeted apprehensively. With a quick glance to each other it was agreed that the three friends were getting the same impression that Draco did not want to go in.
Slowly they walked up the final steps and Draco turned at their arrival.
Though it seemed impossible, Draco's skin was paler. They could see that Draco had changed in the summer holiday. He stood equal with Harry in height but not in size. Draco was still quite gangly but his untrusting persona could still be felt.
"This is a surprise," chuckled Ron, "We figured you transferred to Durmstrang."
Harry saw in the corner of his eye that Hermione had suddenly pulled her robes tighter together at the mention of the foreign school. But the current situation kept Harry from dwelling on it.
Draco narrowed his eyes, as he responded with his jaw clenched and lips barely moving, "I don't converse with the ragged."
Hermione glared at Draco and Harry was planning his own words until Ron did the oddest thing.
He looked Draco square in the eyes and tilted his head to one side.
Slowly a knowing grin grew on Ron's face and he laughed loudly following with a heavily insinuating and snobby tone, "That's a nice way to say hello… even for your kind."
Draco's face went blank and his eyes widen. He took a step back and began to reach into his robes.
"Not a good idea… you'll have to explain yourself which involves talking," warned Ron threateningly.
Draco stood frozen. Ron's odd words were having an effect on him. Ron looked eerily pleased while Draco's eyes did a dance with his face revealing a silent conversation within his mind.
Whatever choice he may have made was interrupted by Daken's arrival.
"Draco! You've come at last, I was getting ready to owl Narcissa," called out Daken cheerily.
Draco looked horrified as he heard his named called from behind, especially the voice of the person who had just welcomed him.
In a swift motion, Daken turned Draco around and gave him a strong hug.
An action that caused the three Gryffindors to have to look at each other to confirm that this was still reality and Draco was being hugged by the very wizard whom Ron had said to have dragged his father to the ministry on Death eater charges.
What was more amazing was that Draco did not resist rather he seem to be returning the embrace hesitantly.
"Oh I forgot, it must be embarrassing to have that happen in front of your friends like that," expressed Daken gleefully," Its been what nearly three years now?"
"Friends?" chimed Hermione nonchalantly.
Draco turned back to them and his face showed absolute terror to the whole situation
Daken stood by Draco's side with one hand on the Slytherin's shoulder, smiling happily away.
It was then that Harry finally realized it. Daken's familiar blonde hair… it was the same as Malfoy's.
Daken laughed and answered, "I know its weird, Slytherins and Gryffindors rarely get along but ... Draco's owls are very complimentary of you three and I'm glad you 're able to break free of that social foolishness."
"We're," began Ron as anger filled his posture but Harry stepped forth and interrupted.
"Of course we're good friends," responded Harry quite nicely.
He held his hand out to Draco as if it were natural.
"We were getting worried that something had happen… glad you came back… so we can have some more… adventures."
Draco slowly raised his hand and shook Harry's playing along to the ruse.
"Thanks… Harry," slowly returned Draco," Good to see you Hermione… Ron."
Ron gave a quick nod and Hermione put on her best smile they hid her disgust.
"I better see my Head of House about my classes," added Draco hastily and took off entering the Great Hall.
Harry looked at Daken and inquired quietly, "Draco never said that you two were related?"
Daken glanced at Ron and Hermione saw Ron nod his head in a no.
"I'm a very distant relative… a cousin from his father's side," answered Daken kindly but a hint of disapproval could be heard.
"The hair was the give away… not like your eyes… being silver and all," remarked Harry plainly.
"Silver?" inquired Hermione staring at Daken, "They look brown to me."
Daken smile faded and an unsettling look filled his expression.
In a placid tone he asked, "You can see the color of my eyes, how?"
Harry replied curtly, "All I have to do is look at you of course."
Daken turned on his heel and walked away, giving only one last response, "The feast is about to start, I should let you join your housemates."
Daken turned a corner and never looked back.
"What was that about, Ron?" asked Hermione.
"What," was Ron's response to her?
"When Daken looked at you after Harry asked about the relation to Draco, why did you nod at him?" explained Hermione.
"I guess he figured we knew already, so I think I sort of answered that," answered Ron looking away but Hermione didn't buy his story and Harry was thinking of something else not noticing their exchange.
-Why did he think we were friends, - thought Harry.
Hermione was going to question Ron more and Harry was going to tell them his thoughts but the doors of the Great Hall opened and McGonagall interrupted them.
"The feast is starting and I would impress upon you three either attend or go to your dormitory," she said quite stiffly.
The trio walked past McGonagall entering the Great Hall and everything went quiet. All the talking among students, the laughs at jokes and the usual exchanges of gossip all ended as well. Everyone sat looking at the three students. Hermione, Ron and Harry stood there not moving as they looked around the hall.
Harry didn't like the situation at all, being stared or gaped at. Everything made him very apprehensive. Harry was about to take a step back and head for the common room instead until Ron did yet another odd thing. He clasped his hand on Harry's shoulder and stepped forward slight placing himself in front of Harry. Ron wasn't the only one to do anything strange as Hermione's hand slowly entwined with Harry's and she moved closer to him. The Weasley twins glanced at each and Ginny before directing the attention to Ron now. Ginny focused on Hermione but she wasn't the only girl to do so.
A small pop in the silent room startled everyone and redirected all attentions to Dumbledore as he stood ready to make an announcement.
The stares turned away the three moved to take seats at the end of the Gryffindor table.
"As all of you know there was a terrible ordeal in the library earlier this afternoon."
Whispers followed quickly and Dumbledore raised his hand making all go silent again.
"It is true that the Unforgivable Curse known as the Death Curse was nearly used."
Gasps filled the hall and Harry was fighting the urge to leave right away. Hermione slid a little closer to Harry and her perfume, which smelled the scent of flowers, seem to relax him. Ron's hands were clenched in his fist as Dumbledore spoke.
"I would like everyone to know the complete facts before any harsh thoughts are made… Yes it was Justin Finch Fletchley but also not him… Upon examination it was discovered that his mind had been altered with a magic that has similar effects as the Imperious Curse that took control of him and directed his actions such as you know."
Dumbledore paused letting the information sink in.
"Justin has no actual memory of the events but he has been told… He has minor injuries and will rejoin us in a few days. .. I strongly ask that the Hufflepuffs welcome him openly again as this transition will be difficult for him."
The agreeing whispers and encouraging nods at the Hufflepuff table showed that there would be no question of it.
"Understand that the matter is not for open discussion in anyway… especially any taunting, even in jest," spoke Dumbledore strangely firm," Serious points will be taken from any house that has a student that does otherwise."
The last statement was finished with a strong glance from Dumbledore to Snape, so even Slytherins were not to be exempt.
"The true perpetuator of this heinous act has not yet been fully identified."
Dumbledore shifted his gaze around the room.
"On the mention of points… I would like to award a sixty points to Hufflepuffs for their support of their peer… fifty points to Ravenclaws, specifically Ms. Cho Chang, for trying to stop Justin and having been injured in the process… also twenty five points to Mr. Ronald Weasley as you were able to so promptly remove the debris giving access to Justin for Madam Pomfrey… And to Mr. Potter I award twenty points for the ones lost in your run to the library and twenty more for your efforts to calm things for my arrival, a total of forty points I believe."
Dumbledore sat back down in his chair and with a tap of his wand to his plate the wondrous foods of the feast surfaced.
Harry picked at his food, it was Hermione who dished anything on to his plate for Harry seemed to have lost his appetite again and relied mostly on juice. Harry took a few bites here and there but he kept glancing at his friends.
Ron was tearing at a huge piece of steak in front of him. He tore pieces off and chewed them hard, swallowing quickly. He was still angry but why he had not said.
Hermione was nibbling on vegetables only. Her choice of foods was hardly odd compare to the way she was eating. Normally she had a book she was reading or going over a class lesson, instead she sat quiet holding her head low and looking away. Almost submissive like, similar to the way Harry would have done with the Dursleys'. Hermione seem to be trying not to be noticed as Harry had done in the past.
Harry thought it best to ask them after dinner rather than have anything said near prying ears. Especially since he had seen as Lavender and Patti were whispering to each other, giggling constantly and fooling with tarot cards.
However Harry and his friends never noticed that someone was watching them from the other side of the Hall. The doorway that Harry had gone through upon his proclamation into the tournament last year was open slightly. Someone stood there, in the dark room, glaring at the young Hero. The one who had defied the chaos of the Museum, the one who saved the hostages of the library, the one that must be defeated at all costs.
Students began to leave after a while to return to their common rooms for a bit of play and homework before preparing for another day at Hogwarts.
Ron, Hermione and Harry were some of the first to leave the table and go back to Gryffindor tower. Harry dropped down suddenly very tired onto a chair by the fire. Hermione walked toward him until Ron popped up by them with a wrapped plate in his hands and odd curiosity on his face.
"Hermione what are these? They sitting on the table with your name on them," asked Ron holding the plate to her.
Ron had already opened it slightly, odd considering he didn't pry into other people's packages.
Hermione looked inside and answered, "They're cookies."
"Cookies," remarked Ron.
"They're a muggle sweet," she finished his impending question.
Harry's mind flashed back to earlier in the day and spoke up, "Are they cookies with chunks of chocolate in them?"
Hermione nodded answering, "Yes… my favorites."
Ron and Harry could see that her thoughts were creating theories again as something strange like an unknown muggle sweet surfaced.
However Harry knew partly how they got there," Dobby was making them earlier today before everything with the library… But how did he know?"
Ron shrugged his shoulders," That elf was acting weird with me as well."
"Well since its Dobby, I'm not worried," said Hermione as she pulled out a cookie and began eating away at it.
She offered them to the boys, Harry knew it had been a while since he had cookies so he was eager for it but Ron examined it more before eating it himself since he was not use to muggle sweets.
It wasn't until each of them had a few cookies and were in their dormitory before a thought came to Harry.
-Since when does Hermione not dismiss sweets as a late snack? -
He figured he ask her in the morning as Ron was already asleep and Harry was ready to follow suit. Neville and Dean were still in the common room doing their homework.
"Now what," whispered Harry furiously as his nightmare replayed itself?
He didn't even bother to try to maneuver the maze as it was always pointless.
What indeed…
Rejection is not welcomed so easily even though you wanted it as well.
"What do you mean," shouted Harry?
The figure was more defined now. It was about Harry's height but it wasn't affected by the cold.
You can't fool me… I know you enjoyed that… making some else suffer harshly…
Harry sat up in bed, grasping tightly the blanket and sheets in his hands. The horrid nightmare had come again like so many times before. Always cold and those damn eyes but the part that scared Harry most of all was the fact that it was right, Harry had enjoyed putting Justin in the hospital wing. A truth that chilled Harry to the bone, because he knew it wasn't right, Justin hadn't deserved that but it had been a great feeling to lash out.
Harry decided to get up even though it was early in the morning hours. Dean and Neville were still asleep so Harry walked quietly out. He still had the transfiguration lesson he had ignored, now would be a chance to work on it. However Harry didn't check Ron so he didn't know that his friend watched him walk out.
The next morning after breakfast they headed for their morning class of the day which was shared with the Ravenclaws. At the entrance a piece of parchment was adhered to the door.
"Always keep your wand ready and your instincts sharp."
Harry, Ron and Hermione entered and took seats as close to the front of class as possible.
The room was void of anything materialist aside from tables, chairs and a single simple desk upfront. The tables had been arranged so that four could sit at one facing the front. One side of side of the room had the symbols of Slytherin and Ravenclaw while the other had Hufflepuff and Gryffindor. In front of each chair at a table was a small dark jewel connected to a pewter base sealed to the table. Students took seats at either side of the room based presumably on their house symbols. Hermione, Harry and Ron sat with Neville at the second table.
The bell rang signaling the start of morning classes but no one stepped through the office door ahead. A few minutes went by and Harry looked about the room to see small orbs in different places around the room and in different colors. The room made Harry slightly nervous as it reminded him of his own encounter with an orb. Ron was looking around the room, mostly in a general direction of Ravenclaws in the back. Hermione opened her book for the class and Harry found it odd of her to start at the first chapter as she would have been well past that already given the few days that had past between Diagon Ally and now.
Whispers and talk began to grow steadily in the few minutes that past.
Harry suddenly got an odd feeling and looked at Hermione strangely. She felt his gaze and smiled back at him.
-I wonder what he's going to say,- she thought but was cut off as Harry lunged forth, pinning her to the floor.
Not even a second later something soared over them and hit their table, cracking it in half.
She opened her eyes to see Harry right on top of her, his breath warm and stimulating on her face. His eyes were averted in another direction.
"That is damn well not funny," Ron's angered voice came from near them.
Hermione turned and lifted her head to see that Ron had knocked Neville to the floor as well.
They slowly got up and their table magically repaired itself. They stood their looking about as did the rest of the class. There seemed to be no one else around.
A chuckle filtered into the room followed with a humor filled voice.
"What happened to last year's lesson's of constant vigilance?"
Neville was downright terrified as much of the class started to follow in that same emotion for the person who had taught them that was suppose to be dead. The imposter in any case should have been.
Instead a figure appeared in a small shadowed area by the door.
"Welcome to Defense Against the Dark Arts fifth years," greeted Daken Valenor as he stepped into view.
"Daken," snapped Ron surprised.
"Twenty points to Gryffindor for effectively avoiding the strike."
Daken walked towards the front of the class until he reached the desk and sat upon it facing the students.
Harry and his group sat back at their repaired table and directed all their attention towards Daken.
"We'll start with a few ground rules," Daken began.
"First off, leave your books anywhere but here, you'll use them for study and homework but not for anything in this class. That includes quills, ink and anything else. Your wands and bodies are all that is required."
Sounds of bags being moved about as books were put away followed. Daken sat patiently as this was done. Harry put his book away and noticed that Hermione said nothing to using the books in class.
Once everyone was looking ahead again Daken continued.
"Homework will not be turned in at the start of class. I will have a box at the door for you to slip it into. Any assignment I give will be due within two weeks of that date, no exceptions."
There were a few murmurs but he continued.
"Don't call me Professor or mister for I will not do same with you… In defending yourself formalities are useless and time consuming. I will deduct points from any one who does that."
A Ravenclaw boy in the back whispered something.
"Thirty points from Ravenclaw," snapped Daken," Do you wish to try for more Robert… 'Hey Prof' will not be accepted either?"
Now everyone knew Daken was serious.
"One warning about me is all you get," stated Daken," I will be both your best friend and your worst enemy in this class."
Everyone glanced around at this.
"Alright first assignment, read the first three chapters. Next class, have the talisman you are to create in chapter two ready. If you don't bring it, you'll be in trouble but not with me rather because your opponent will have the advantage… Dismissed and Hermione remain a moment."
Harry and Ron mentioned that they'd wait outside while Hermione remained seated as the class left.
Daken had sat himself behind his desk and was looking at a roll of parchment with his feet on the desk.
-He doesn't really act like a Professor, - thought Hermione.
The class door slammed shut as the last student left.
Daken put the parchment down and Hermione looked at him.
"It was interesting how you two were pretty close last night," spoke Daken as if it were a comment.
Hermione tried to formulate a response; the rules were clear about students being personal with each other.
"Forget about the perfect moment, you can't plan for it… dress for it… or pick a spot for it," started Daken.
Daken's words were cut into her strong, as if he knew everything she had done.
"If you want… perfection, then remember what Molly said."
Mrs. Weasley's words replayed in Hermione's mind and Daken's unasked advice followed well with it.
"When the feelings of both of you overlap… the intensity… the desire… the need… everything will fit into place and the world around will mean nothing... When that connection happens that moment will be the perfect one."
Hermione wasn't sure how to react but regardless of her thoughts Daken continued.
"Patience makes things all that much sweeter… The most beautiful jungles grew with the patience of Earth… And like Earth you understand that a slow pace brings great reward… Given recent events some people's feelings are in flux like your own from events earlier this summer… Too many strive quickly for their first kiss and it becomes ruined, so go at your own speed."
Daken turn his attention back to the parchment which signaled Hermione that his request for her stay was over. She walked slowly towards the door pondering his strange advice.
The next two weeks didn't make things any easier rather stranger each day.
Draco hardly said a word to anybody even in Potions. He barely insulted anybody and never said a word to the three Gryffindors. He skulked around in the hallways between classes. Crabbe and Goyle were hardly around him let alone anyone, Draco was avoiding people. Draco would sit at the end of the Slytherin table, eat mildly and leave. His own peers were taking heavy notice with his actions. Even stranger was that no matter how much time Draco spent in the sun light during Care of Magical Creatures, he never tanned if possible Draco only became paler.
Care of Magical Creatures had also been unexpected as it was an indefinite substitute in place of Hagrid who had apparently left for some reason. The only clue they could figure was that Hagrid had mentioned a mission.
Daken was true to his word about his warning. Their classes had involved using a talisman created to glow a specific colors during the exchange of spells. Daken wasted no time in having the students battle each other in class. Sometimes it was group to group or one on one and Ron had even gone crazy enough to go solo against a group. Although most everyone thought it was a stupid idea, Harry got the feeling that Ron wasn't doing this as a joke but rather for other unsaid reasons. Amazingly enough Ron had nearly won. The talismans they were to make for the class were 'life markers' as they were labeled in the book. They were used in training simulations and changed color each time you were hit with a spell. The initial color was blue but slowly changed to violet meaning 'death' as one was hit during the course of exchange. Apparently through class the students discovered that Daken had turned the class into an Auror training area. The orbs placed around the room prevented any serious harm aside from stunning spells. Daken gave no reasoning behind his rather advanced start but would say that he would explain later.
Ron followed Harry just about everywhere. People found it odd that Ron would hardly leave Harry alone. The only real time Harry got separate from Ron was during Divination class, Ron still went but evidently no one had been able to convinced Trelawney to let Harry back into class as said by McGonagall. It seemed odd that Ron would go to Divination and Harry knew there was a reason why but he couldn't remember it.
Hermione was still as perplexing as Ron. She didn't impose about following the rules or doing homework as much as usual. She would suggest it and neither boy resisted much. She didn't raise her hand every time a teacher asked a question and only answered when a question was directed at her. She always seemed to keep her robes as tightly pulled together as possible covering herself for some reason.
Harry was having a hard time himself. He was trying to avoid his nightmares by taking quick naps as to avoid anything in depth. Some nights the trio would set together quietly, sometimes talk and have some of Hermione's warmed spiced pumpkin juice while Ron would get sweets from Dobby in the kitchen. The elf still always still seemed to know exactly what they wanted. Harry always slept well without dreams on those nights. Otherwise he fell asleep sometimes in class, but no one would wake him for a while.
The professors gave tremendous amounts of homework but the tests seemed so easy even Neville was getting excellent marks.
Snape seemed to be holding his tongue on saying anything in his Double Potion classes with the Slytherins and Gryffindors. He didn't say anything insulting to Harry but never seem to pay any attention to Draco either.
McGonagall would be sharp with most of her students but avoided Ron and Harry. McGonagall did hover a lot around Hermione whispering to her from time to time. Once after class McGonagall had asked Hermione to stay behind and the boys waited outside. They stood there waiting as the breeze had been blowing in from the window and Harry got the urge to peek in. As he did he saw Hermione hesitantly hand something to McGonagall but she her head no and said something encouraging to Hermione who placed the item in her pocket and left the class.
With the two weeks that went by feeling more like a month it was nice to finally have some fun as the first Quidditch game was going to start.
Earlier there had been tryouts and Ron succeeded in acquiring the goal of Keeper which he stated had been his choice initially anyways. The replacing chasers were two second years Harry barely knew but they were small and fast. A captain hadn't been decided yet and the issue was left unsettle for the first match against Hufflepuff.
The team was united, uniforms were on and they stood ready to enter the field.
Everyone was leaving the locker room except Harry and Ron inquired why.
"What is it Harry?" asked Ron.
"I don't know Ron… I don't feel right about this," whispered Harry to his friend.
Ron smiled and soothed," You've done fine in practice… you're just nervous because we up against Hufflepuff… and there's the history there."
Ron pushed his friend lightly and Harry slowly followed where the other team members had gone.
As they flew into the field with their team mates, Harry took his position in the Seeker point.
Ron headed for the goals with one last comment," Don't worry… Quidditch is only a game."
Next Chapter
Boiled Hearts and Tempers