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 am very sorry about making everyone wait so long. Admittedly, I did it on purpose. I wrote the chapter originally but it came out completely wrong and in my frustration with trying to correct it, I deleted it. Left it alone for a couple of days and wrote again from scratch, following my outline for it better. I'm still not satisfied with it yet and it will no doubt suffer minor revisions. But overall it achieved what I wanted.
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 7/6/03
Harry Potter and the Turmoil Within
Chapter 14
The Second Challenge
The sun peaked in the early morning time, filling the castle with sunlight and Hogwarts, student and professor alike, arose to begin a new day. Ron and Hermione sat with their amazingly recovered friend, Harry, sharing a fruit filled tray for an early breakfast with very little conversation. Dobby still lay asleep near them.
Harry had consistently and surely nibbled away the red apple acquired from Hermione to nearly a stick for a core. Hermione had continued with grapes, having occasional bites from a pear while Ron munched effortlessly through the rest of the fruit.
Harry would glance at the two of them from time to time while, as Ron noticed, taking longer with Hermione each time. Ron watched as Harry's eyes would focus on Hermione, each time squinting into a questioned glare.
Hermione couldn't help but noticed that something odd was going on between the two boys. Harry sat perfectly relaxed on the bed in front of them but Ron appeared to be on edge. She watched as he put pieces of an orange in his mouth, sometimes it had been pieces of the peel but didn't notice the difference. Even when he bit into the pit of peach, she heard the hard crunch of the nut in his teeth but yet again, Ron hadn't seemed to notice. Rather all his attention lay on Harry as if waiting for something.
Harry stood up and tossed the apple, what was left of it, into a small bin and stretched, then looked down at his friends with a small smile, which caused Ron to go completely still.
"I didn't know house elves ever slept," inquire Harry, speaking suddenly, looking upon the odd elf with a funny grin?
"They sleep," answered Hermione, "A little each day, an hour or two maybe… it just depends on the elf and how much magic they use."
"Elves sleep because they use magic… how do you know that, "asked Ron?
Hermione blushed a bit before answering, "When I started SPEW I researched them remember? Elves are magic creatures, so their existence is based on magic… if they use a lot they need to sleep or eat to recover from using it."
"Well breakfast in the Great Hall should be starting by now, "said Harry, "I'd better change so as not be late for morning class."
"Don't bother," responded Hermione, "Its going to be announced that morning classes are canceled because of all the owls and ministry people that'll most likely be showing up."
Harry looked at her with raised eyebrows asking, "How do you know that?"
"McGonagall told me yesterday, so we just have double Potions in the afternoon, "answered Hermione quickly.
"I'll change anyway, so I can get out of here, "remarked Harry.
Ron stood and added a hesitant objection," Maybe you should stay here until one of the nurses says its okay for you to go."
Like Harry, Hermione was surprised to hear such an unexpected response from Ron.
"Ron… I feel fine," replied Harry watching his friend," And I'm still hungry, sorry Hermione… but fruit isn't doing much for me."
"I'll get your uniform then," spoke Ron quickly," Hermione, we both better leave before Madam Pomfrey sees us."
Ron pulled Hermione up from the bed, forgetting the fruit tray which slid off her lap falling to the floor, filling the room with a resonating ring of clattering metal. All three were startled but even more so was Dobby as the elf woke up with a terrified squeak, looking around.
"Sorry Dobby," chuckled Harry, turning to the creature, "The tray fell; we didn't mean to scare you."
Harry moved towards the elf while explaining only Dobby hopped off the bed and scurried a feet away, his large eyes stared at Harry. Standing a distance away, the elf held its posture in a slight hunch as it had done when in the slavery service of the Malfoys… a posture of fear.
Harry looked at his friends before asking, "Dobby what's the matter?"
"Dobby must go," quickly and quietly replied the, more than usually, odd acting elf.
Before anyone could say anything more to Dobby, the elf snapped its fingers and vanished in a small puff of smoke. At the same time, the drawer of the night stand opened to reveal Harry's uniform pressed and ready for wear.
Harry stood there in confusion, thinking as he realized that Dobby had been frightened… of him… but why?
"We'll wait outside," spoke Ron hastily, grabbing Hermione's shoulder and pulling her again.
Ron shut the Hospital wing door, Hermione stood a few feet away massaging her shoulder as they waited for Harry.
"Hermione," quietly spoke Ron, facing the door," I've kept your secret as promised and told no one, not even Harry… now you need to make a promise to me."
"What kind of promise," asked Hermione worried to Ron's behavior?
Ron turned from the door and faced her, his expression stern and absolute.
"Don't be alone with Harry," he spoke plainly," At least not for a while, maybe a week."
"Why," began Hermione.
The door to the hospital wing opened and Harry stepped out, dressed and ready. Nothing more could be said between Ron and Hermione.
Dobby's frighten behavior was, for the time, forgotten as Harry, Ron and Hermione walked through Hogwarts to the Great Hall. Initially the trio talked normally amongst themselves leaving the Hospital wing but when entering the main corridors of the castle, their idle talk ended abruptly.
They were met with an unexpected welcome. The students of Hogwarts acted very much like the people in Diagon Alley during the end of the summer holidays. Whispered stories of the Quidditch match. Younger students standing or staring in admiration as the stories of the Boy Who Lived greatness seemed to have been validated by the recent events. Groups of girls would giggle as before while the older boys stood near, jealousy evident in their silent expressions.
They both knew Harry normally despised this kind of attention and yet, this time, something was different. Hermione and Ron watched as Harry shifted his gaze from one place in the crowd to the next, generally observing groups of people seemingly at random, rather than keep his look straight forward or on his friends. As they passed the giggling girls, Harry would glance in their direction, leaving many of the boys' jealousies to simmer further.
The difference became apparent in the scene following a collision with Harry and another student.
Harry and a young girl fell to the floor in a mass of robes and school things. Ron pulled Harry from the floor and back to his feet. The girl remained on the floor, trying desperately to gather her scattered things. Hermione moved to help her as did Harry. The girl's cheeks were as red as her small face would allow as she kept her gaze down, piling her things haphazardly together.
Harry handed the girl a few of her books, asking her, "Are you okay?"
Harry couldn't help but notice a strange scent as he handed the girl the books. He felt an odd feeling of hunger in his stomach and his jaw suddenly felt sore as well.
The girl raised her head and looked back at him. The emblem on her robes indicated a Hufflepuff. She was a dark haired girl, quite young, possibly a third year, looked at Harry, her cheeks still red and trying not to look at his scar.
"Are you okay, "repeated Harry looking at a piece of parchment, "Andrea?"
She shook her head slightly, nervously staying quiet.
Hermione was going to dismiss this all as another girl meeting Harry up close and just laugh inwardly but Harry did something completely unexpected. He brushed the hair away… from his scar… smiling simply at the girl.
"I'm Harry," he said.
The girl, Andrea, went white, snatched up the last of her things and ran off.
After some time the trio finally reached the Great Hall. They entered and were greeted much the same as had been in the previous corridors. Ron and Harry went down one side of the table and Hermione followed on the other side before sitting. Hermione could no longer contain herself.
"Harry, what is going on," snapped Hermione in the loudest whisper she dared, her voice strained with a hint of anger?
Ron said nothing but served him and Harry porridge from a nearby pot amongst the breakfast choices. Hermione grabbed a few slices of toast as Harry drained a full goblet of pumpkin juice, giving a quick relieving sigh.
With a shrug of his shoulders, Harry answered plainly, "What do you mean?"
"I'm not blind," snapped Hermione, whispering viciously, "You enjoyed all that."
"All what," asked Harry, confused by Hermione's outburst?
In the meantime, Ron had gathered muffins from a nearby basket and was buttering them off to the side, a smirk evident on his face.
"You were trying to charm that girl, "pointed out Hermione, a slight viciousness to her tone.
"I didn't use any magic," responded Harry, still confused.
"I don't mean charm as in magical, I mean …" she retorted but finished with a huff of frustration.
Harry stared at her in continued confusion, she wasn't making any sense.
Hermione was ready to clear it up when a thought came to mind.
He won't respond like other boys…
-Daken told me that the night before, -thought Hermione, -Harry doesn't realize why that Andrea girl acted that way or even how he acted.-
"Careful, Hermione, one would think you were jealous or something," chuckled Ron, speaking suddenly.
Harry gave his own huff of frustration," Would somebody clue me in… since when is it wrong to be nice to those knocked down?"
In sudden haste, Hermione responded with, "Oh never mind."
Ron thrust a buttered muffin into Harry's hand.
"I can butter my own muffins," Harry pointed out, implying no insult.
"Yeah well I had the butter here and the muffins, so I did it for you… too bad so eat it," snapped Ron in a playful manner.
Harry shook his head smiling and took a bite out of the muffin. Ron watched Harry every second.
-Why is he acting so weird all of a sudden, - question Harry before asking, "What now?"
"Just thinking how weird it is that you aren't even sore from all that yesterday," answered Ron.
Harry sat there a second before adding, "Actually now that you mention it, my jaw is still sore like I have a couple of toothaches or something."
Ron was about to speak, given that his expression had turned to something of worry but Harry interjected, "I'll see the nurse again after class… okay... honestly Ron you're acting like your mum, like there was something wrong with me."
-If only you knew, -thought Ron before saying, "Well how do you feel then?"
"Like I said before… fine… just hungry… very hungry actually," answered Harry, a bit of a growl in his voice.
Professor McGonagall called the attention of the students and as Hermione had said, announced that morning classes were canceled but afternoon classes would continue. Surprisingly not many students seemed happy about it, but one student did have something to express.
Harry had finished most of his breakfast and was preparing to refill his bowl with more porridge when there was a tap on his shoulder. Before turning he saw Hermione look up and her face go blank of emotion. Harry turned, as did Ron, to see a tall Ravenclaw girl known as Cho Chang standing there.
Harry stood up to see what she wanted. Ron kept quiet but his look was stern and inquiring. Hermione just stared at Cho.
"Hi Harry," she said in an unexpected sweet tone.
"Hello," replied Harry, normally.
"I went to the Hospital wing to see you… because I… because the nurse asked to have me looked over today so I thought I'd," stuttered Cho hesitantly, her wide eyes staring at Harry, "I sound so stupid… I wanted to thank you for… well for yesterday."
"Yesterday," asked Harry?
"Well… my collar bone was broken… but that's okay… it might have been something worse if you hadn't… well if you hadn't been so brave," stutter Cho yet again, her voice oddly inviting.
Something in the way she was speaking suggested to Harry that Cho was trying to imply a message but what he didn't understand.
"Well… you're welcome Cho… but it wasn't just me you know," replied Harry, "Ron and the other players all fought to stop those Bludgers."
Cho took a step closer, leaving the space between them very sparse.
"Yes… but you were the one that," said Cho, lowing to a whisper, "Truly deserves to be thanked… you led the fight… you were the strong one."
She leaned towards him, getting even closer and Harry became very uncomfortable by the closeness. Harry heard a gasp behind him as Cho continued to lean towards him, especially his face. A strange smell came to Harry's senses and he felt a bit lighted headed while the soreness in his jaw suddenly became stronger.
Cho was now barely inches from Harry's face as she continued with, "And I like those who are strong."
She closed her eyes and Harry felt her breath touch his lips…
The strange smell was very strong now as her proximity grew…
A thought came to mind and on impulse Harry turned his head, closing his eyes…
In that moment, Harry felt something soft and warm press against his cheek. There came a sound and a rush of warm breath blow against his cheek.
Cho Chang had kissed Harry… but his sudden impulse had made it so her kiss was on the cheek.
Harry turned back to face Cho, her wide eyes still looking at him, an odd smile on her face and she looked strangely pleased.
Harry wasn't sure what to say as he thought of how Fleur had done the same when her sister had been involved but Harry had not saved anyone for Cho, rather lost Cedric, a boy she seemed to have liked very much.
All Harry could do was stand there and blush. He let his eyes shifted from side to side for a second. Seeing as Lavender and Parvati were in deep whispers, giggling madly, as they eyed him. Boys in different places glared at him, while random girls sat white faced. Even saw as Cho shifted her stare behind Harry and looked back, her smile broadening.
"Come see me sometime Harry when you want to talk or… anything," finished Cho, turning and walking away.
Harry sat back down at the table, feeling every pair of eyes near on him. Hermione held her head down, hiding her face and before Harry could say anything, she jumped up away from the table and nearly sprinting off.
All she would say before leaving was, "I need to go see Professor McGonagall."
Harry stared after her, past the knowing grins of older students and confused looks of the younger ones.
"Why'd she leave like that," asked Harry?
Ron shrugged his shoulders, not looking at Harry, answering, "A girl thing."
Harry wanted to know what that was suppose to mean but didn't get the chance as he felt himself go light headed again, even more so, and sagged in his seat. Ron grabbed Harry before falling back against the floor.
"You're going back to the Hospital wing," spoke Ron sternly.
In a surprising bit of strength, Ron pulled Harry from the seat, not able resist much as the world spun in his head. Harry wasn't sure of the time that passed but somehow found him-self lying on a bed in the Hospital wing. Madam Pomfrey was waving her wand over him and chanting something that Harry didn't understand.
A familiar blonde woman stood by Ron while Harry was checked over.
"Maylen," whispered Harry?
"That's right," answered Maylen cheerily, "I said we'd be seeing each other again… so the stories are true, you are always in here for something… breaking or losing bones… rescuing the school and all that."
"Alright that does it," stated Pomfrey with a huff, pocketing her wand roughly, "We're getting blood this time."
She stalked off towards her office, obviously upset.
"What does she mean 'getting blood' like that," asked Harry quickly?
Ron shrugged his shoulders, not knowing the answer but Maylen gave a laugh.
"After all the blood you've lost getting hurt before you're worried about giving some voluntarily," laughed Maylen, "Don't worry it's a painless process… normally certain spells will reveal illnesses but sometimes you need to go deeper… basically take a sample of blood and test it."
Madam Pomfrey returned with an odd looking jar with a funnel shaped like metal top. She touched the tip of it to Harry's arm and felt a cold sensation. The jar began to fill with an oozing red liquid that Harry recognized to be blood… his own.
"All done Potter, "spoke Pomfrey, looking at the jar.
Harry started to climb off the bed when a hand gripped his shoulder, stopping him.
"And where do you think you are going," asked Pomfrey?
"I have double Potions in the afternoon and," replied Harry.
"You're staying here," interrupted Pomfrey fiercely.
Harry knew better than to argue with her but wondered why Ron had a satisfied look.
"You on the other hand," continued Pomfrey looking at Ron "Are not staying... Maylen I'll need your help with this."
Ron stood, grinning at his friend and walked away.
"See you later," said Maylen to Harry following Pomfrey to the office.
Harry sat alone in the Hospital wing now. He would have been satisfied with having no company… but his thoughts went back to the Great Hall and how Cho acted so oddly… and Hermione.
Looking around, Harry stood up and walked quietly towards the door, not realizing that yet again he made not a single sound. Hermione went to see Professor McGonagall, so he would too since he felt fine and despised being in the Hospital wing any further.
Harry walked along the quiet corridors, many of the students still in the Great Hall, back in their Houses or elsewhere he didn't care to know. So many thoughts passed through his mind. Hermione and Cho acting differently… Ron was mothering him… Dobby seems to be afraid of him suddenly… Pomfrey wanted his blood now… the Bludgers… and why was he still hungry.
Having nearly ignored everything while dwelling on his thoughts, Harry found that he had reached the corridor of the Transfiguration class, McGonagall's class. He approached the door to the class when it burst open and Hermione ran out, running in the other direction, away from Harry.
"Hermione," said Harry but she had already turned the corner.
Harry started after her but thought differently passing an open window letting in the late morning breeze. Instead he turned and entered the Transfiguration class. Professor McGonagall sat at her desk, an expression of deep worry evident, as she marked parchments of student essays with her quill.
"Professor McGonagall, "spoke Harry, announcing his presence.
Harry couldn't remember having ever seen the Professor startled but this time he did. McGonagall looked up and in the same instant, gripped her wand from the side of her desk.
"Harry," she said quickly, "I mean… Mr. Potter… I didn't hear you come in, what do you need?"
-Didn't hear me, - thought Harry before replying.
Harry walked up to McGonagall's desk, "I wanted to know what happened with Hermione."
Harry noticed that McGonagall still held the wand and kept her eyes locked on him.
"That is between Ms. Granger and me," answered McGonagall, "And not your concern."
Hearing that, Harry felt something spark inside…
Hermione's problems not his concern...
Not likely…
His friends were definitely his concern…
Harry slammed his hands down on McGonagall's desk and the room went cold. His breathing deepened as anger began to surge through him.
"If Hermione has a problem than I have one," Harry growled, deeper than normal, glaring at the teacher, "So don't tell me it's not my concern!"
The Professor leaned back in her chair, quite aware of the room changing in temperature, and watch Harry with as much calm as she could muster.
Harry could feel his anger as his eyes tingled and his skin prickled in a cold feeling. He felt an odd feeling from something on the desk and lifted his hand to see it. There lay a metal object, in the shape of the Hogwarts crest. A large letter P printed boldly on top of a Gryffindor symbol. It looked exactly like a badge Percy once wore, nearly three years ago.
A prefect's badge…
The initials H and G on it... H and G for Hermione Granger.
The anger stopped instantly as Harry stared at the badge…
"Hermione is a prefect," whispered Harry.
"She was," replied McGonagall, correcting him.
Harry looked at his teacher in questioning thought.
McGonagall gave a sigh and explained, "I informed her on the first day after our meeting… Ms. Granger turned it down but I managed to convince her to try it for a while… however she arrived here earlier very upset about something… she wouldn't tell me much but… a few things… then gave me the badge… and rushed out of here."
Harry picked up the badge, holding it in his hand, peering closer.
-Hermione was upset in the Great Hall when Cho kissed me, - thought Harry, -But why?-
Harry remembered the encounter and then the scene with the Hufflepuff girl. A memory surfaced quickly of when Harry was with his Uncle at a department store and they passed a boy talking softly with a giggling, blushing girl. Uncle Vernon said something about being too friendly in public and Harry didn't know what he had meant. Then remembered that Hermione had said he was trying to charm that Hufflepuff but it didn't involve magic. He and Ron had observed that same department scene replayed a number of times last year before the Yule ball.
"This is my fault," whispered Harry loudly in confusion, clasping his fingers around the badge.
"Not really… you are only part of it… something happened to Ms. Granger over the summer… and she won't tell anyone," comforted McGonagall, although speaking cautiously, "I'm sorry Mr. Potter but I can't tell you anything… especially since I don't know myself."
Harry stood thinking, trying to add pieces of thoughts together.
"Now if you please, I need to select a new Prefect for Gryffindor, "said McGonagall with finality in her tone, looking back to her parchments.
Harry looked back at his Professor and her hinted instruction was not lost to him but rather disregarded. Harry's grip on the badge tightened.
"No."
Professor McGonagall raised her face and looked at Harry directly, asking, "No?"
"That's right… no," stated Harry the volume of his voice was raising and the sternness intensifying, "Hermione deserves to be a Prefect… she worked too hard for it… even helped me and Ron… I won't let her give it up."
With that said Harry turned and walked away, the prefect badge still in hand, leaving the classroom.
Professor McGonagall watched Harry leave without saying a word; she picked up the parchments and placed them in a drawer.
"He has the same determination as his mother I see," said a kind voice behind McGonagall, "And like both of his parents, the same strong compassion… if not stronger."
"Indeed," replied McGonagall.
Harry walked alone through the corridor towards Gryffindor tower. He realized that he didn't have a clue where Hermione might be. Harry had spent the rest of the morning, wandering the castle for where Hermione might be. The librarian, annoyed by Harry's wanderings among the bookshelves, stated that Hermione had not come into the library since yesterday. Along the corridors and empty classrooms, he still couldn't find her. Being that Hermione knew more than he dared to surmise, Harry's guess was she might be in the girl's dormitory or a location only she among few were privy too.
As Harry approached the Fat Lady, only a stair way away now, a door to the side opened and Lavender stepped out. She stared at Harry a second then looked around, apparently checking for anyone else.
"Harry can I talk to you for a minute," asked Lavender softly, still shifting her eyes about, "Please it's really important."
Harry stared at her, knowing that Lavender was hardly one to want to be serious about much of anything.
As if she could sense Harry's doubt, Lavender added, "It's about Hermione, please."
Harry said nothing but walked forward, passing Lavender into the side room and waiting to hear what she had to say. There was a click as the door closed, followed by Lavender adding a charm to seal the room. Harry suddenly started to feel a little strange.
Lavender took a few steps forward, holding her hands together nervously beginning with, "I'm worried about Hermione."
"Really," scoffed Harry, taking a seat on a dusty table a few feet away.
Lavender shifted her hips from side to side. She was obviously uncomfortable about something and she didn't look to well either, a bit pale.
"Harry, you know it's no secret that Hermione and I aren't exactly friends," began Lavender, "But that doesn't mean I don't care at all about her."
"Yeah," responded Harry slowly, eyeing the girl, following every movement.
There was a scent in the air, growing stronger each moment and Harry couldn't help but suddenly started to feel even hungrier.
"We've shared the same dormitory for the last four years and I've seen her… without… robes," explained Lavender, her eyes averted, slightly paled face blushing all shades of red," I don't know what… you know about… girls… but Hermione has… has a… flattering appearance."
The scent was very strong in Harry's nose, an intoxicating scent feeling his lungs, so strong it was as if he could taste it. He could feel his stomach rumble in hunger. A faint drumming sound reached his ears and no matter how he tried, his eyes remained fixed on Lavender. The soreness in his jaw intensified to pain. Harry became unsettled by his body's feelings and yet couldn't stop the nagging desire to get close to Lavender… really close.
"And girls… having such an appearance… tend to show it off," slowly continued Lavender, her behavior unchanged.
Harry could barely register what Lavender was saying, hearing but not focusing on it much. Lavender's shifting body and this scent, apparently from her, was distracting him.
"Harry, are you listening to me," asked Lavender, her voice sharp.
"So she doesn't do what ever other girls normally tend do," answered Harry quietly and automatically, his thoughts trailing elsewhere," Since when has anyone considered Hermione normal?"
Lavender pondered a moment before she continued again, "That's true… but Harry she's enlarged her clothes… keeps her hair fluffed out, hiding her face… it's like she doesn't want anyone to see her."
Harry stood up from the desk, slowly walking to one side of the room, trying to pay attention to Lavender and ignore his odd feelings, his jaw really hurting. The scent in the room was so strong now; Harry could feel his own skin burning.
Whispering loudly enough for her to hear him, trying to think, Harry replied," So Hermione isn't enthusiastic about her appearance right now, get to the point already."
Lavender shook her head, clearly not happy to have to continue the conversation, "It's not just the appearance… you'd have to have noticed the way she acting too… she doesn't answer questions in class… I've barely see her in the library or even reading that much... and she always reads before going to bed."
"What… are... you… saying," stuttered Harry as best as he could through the pain in his jaw.
-Why the hell does she smell like that… like something sweet, - thought Harry, furiously?
"Even for a boy… you're an idiot," snapped Lavender," Something happened to her, and it's changed her somehow… Professor McGonagall can't get anything out of Hermione but I think you can… the tarot cards certainly suggest that."
Harry turned, his heart beating rapidly, nostrils flaring at the alluring scent, his jaw thriving in pain, stomach rumbling for sustenance, his body on fire and Lavender seemed to be the source of it all. Allowing instincts to direct, Harry slowly and silently approached Lavender, whom seemed furious at Harry's inability to understand her plight.
He was within a few feet of her and Lavender suddenly realized just how close Harry was getting, a realization sparking feelings that caused her to back away, towards the door, reaching for the handle and turning it to open; only it wouldn't, since it had been sealed not to.
Harry closed in on Lavender.
"Harry, what are you doing," asked Lavender, voice breaking as fear grew.
Elsewhere…
"Damn," shouted Ron, "Where is he!"
Ron had gone back to the hospital wing before lunch started to sneak a visit with Harry, knowing how much his friend disliked being there. However, found his friend gone and the nurses clueless to his whereabouts.
Ron had moved as quickly as he could through the corridors, checking various places and hideouts they had used to no avail.
-If Malleck has gotten to him, I swear- thought Ron before he was distracted.
"Looking for Potter," sneered a cold familiar voice," I might be able to point you in the right direction."
"You," snapped Ron angrily, turning around.
Lavender tried continuously to turn the knob on the door, but it wouldn't turn. Harry was glaring maliciously and it didn't help that her insides had gone cold. Harry wouldn't answer, just stared and continued to approach.
Harry stood inches from her, his breath drawn deep and released in a low animal like growl. Lavender panicked and raised her wand. Before she could say a spell, Harry knocked it away with a quick back hand. Lavender watched as the wand landed on the far side of the room, far from reach and Harry only a breath away.
There Lavender was in front of Harry standing almost frozen, shaking slightly, no one knew she was there or that Harry was nearly upon her. In his tense state, Harry squeezed his hands, resisting the impulses that directed him.
Harry felt ready to do as his body wanted…
However there was an unbelieving sharp pain in the palm of his tightly clasped hand. Looking down, blood pooled lightly in his hand, around a metal object… the Prefect badge…Hermione's badge.
Thinking of Hermione, Harry's overwhelming urges vanished except for disorientation. He glanced back at Lavender.
"Finite Incantum," he whispered.
A quick buzzing sound filled the room then faded, indicating the sealing spell was reversed.
"Go," whispered Harry, still looking at the badge.
Lavender opened the door and ran out.
Harry heard a thud outside the door and walked out as well. He found Ron standing over Lavender. Disorientation still strong with him, Harry staggered his way towards Ron as he knelt by Lavender.
"What… happened?" muttered Harry, looking down at Lavender.
"She's out cold," replied Ron, "She ran into me."
Harry sank to his knees, his jaw still hurting, the spinning replaced with a headache. He watched as Ron pulled back the robes and blouse around Lavender's neck.
"What are you doing," said Harry, surprised at Ron?
Ron looked at Harry, his face red, thoughts passing in his mind from the worried expression on his face.
"What he has to… to keep you safe," spoke a voice behind them.
Turning, the boys saw Daken walking towards them, his wand drawn. Daken looked directly at Ron, who turn simply shook his head in a fashion of a no to whatever Daken was silently asking.
"This is a bad scene right now," stated Daken," You two need to leave."
He raised his wand and brought forth a stretcher, levitating Lavender onto it.
"Go to your potions class" ordered Daken, looking at their questioning faces, "I will take Lavender to the Hospital wing… she's just knocked out, she'll be fine... now go."
Harry stood up as best as he could and began to walk away, Ron followed, as they walked pass Lavender and Daken. From behind Harry heard a quick whisper between Daken and Ron.
"I thought you going to give him the potion?"
"I did… a full vial at breakfast."
"Then there's something wrong here."
Harry continued on as if hearing nothing. It wasn't easy, his jaw still hurt and the headache wasn't making it any better. Ron caught up to Harry and walked beside him.
Harry turned, stopping, and looked at Ron. His friend knew what was going on and Harry wanted answers.
"What is going on "snapped Harry, "You wouldn't believe what I wanted to do to Lavender a minute ago?"
"Actually," answered Ron, "I know very well what nearly happened."
"Really," replied Harry, his anger returning, hands clasping, "And what was it I was going to do?"
Ron looked at his friend, giving a sigh of surrender, stating, "I'll tell you everything… just not here… in the classroom… okay."
"Fine," agreed Harry.
Lunch had begun in the Great Hall but regardless of his hunger, Harry wanted answers. His headache still pounding, jaw sore, Harry walked with Ron to their potions classroom in the dungeon. Through the corridors and into the bowels of the castle, heading for the dungeons, they walked on, not saying a word to each other.
They reached the door to Snape's potion class.
"Wonder if Snape's in there already," stated Harry, his frustrated anger evident?
"It doesn't matter," replied Ron quietly, "He already knows about this."
"So as usual," snapped Harry, glaring at Ron, his head pounding more, "Everyone knows all about me and I know nothing."
Ron looked at his friend for a second, saying nothing then pulled the handle opening the dungeon door. As they walked in Harry was ready to say whatever he had to Snape and find out what Ron was hiding.
Unfortunately the scene that greeted them was not what was expected and the answers Harry sought would have to wait.
Snape wasn't in the room but two others were… Cho Chang and… Hermione Granger.
Snape's desk had been violently relocated on the other side of the room, obviously with magic.
Cho stood next to a boiling cauldron, a purple potion bubbling away, stirring it.
Hermione stood where Snape's desk should have been. Her leg was chained to the wall and both hands were shackled together in manacles. She couldn't speak, though her lips moved no sound could be heard, not even air.
A light buzzing sound was apparent in the room and with a quick look around, the two boys saw four small orbs, each glowing in a dull grey color, in each corner of the room.
"HI Harry," greeted Cho in a surprisingly sweet voice, "You know you have a very interesting habit of showing up in the middle of things… my own fault I guess… I said you could come and see anytime… guess I hadn't figured you'd want my… attention so soon… oh well… you'll be first for the show."
Harry gave a frustrated sigh.
Ron said an explicative and finished with, "Great… the Second Challenge."
Next Chapter
Bleeding Hearts