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: Please note I have not done a COMPLETE grammar check. I worked like mad to get all my clues and sectional pieces tied together that I had to take a breather even though I wanted to post it.
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 5/11/03
Harry Potter and the Turmoil Within
Chapter 16
The Past Unveils
Hermione sat at a table, tapping her quill on the parchment in front of her, staring at her Arithmacy book. She had returned from Hogsmeade early, it just wasn't the same. Ron had vanished off with someone and all Hermione had seen was a bit of blonde hair. Hermione had gone to a few book shops but she couldn't find the thrill she normally had as her mind stayed thinking about one thing. She would rather have been alone but a group of girls decided to sit at the same table and endlessly drone on about different boys.
So in the library, she continued to stare at her book knowing she should finish the assignment considering the bare few she had been turning in but couldn't focus and the giggling fools across from her didn't help. It had been three days since the fight in the potions class and Hermione couldn't stop thinking about how Harry had looked at her. His eyes flashing with red streaks of energy, like lightening in his eyes. The vampire hunger evident his face, his fanged teeth glistening with saliva as Harry approached her.
-I wasn't anyone to him… just a piece of meat... to be used, - thought Hermione to herself, feeling her eyes water, -Just like Krum said… just one use for someone like me… Harry would never.-
Her thoughts were interrupted as someone with a definite figure sat down next to her. Blinking suddenly, she felt her eyes clear and looked up to see Maylen looking back at her. The other girls stop talking; a few had glares while others looked on in awe.
"Chatting about boys are we ladies," spoke Maylen, a note of humor?
One of the girls in the group answered her and Maylen laughed.
"I have a bit of experience in that area, myself you know," said Maylen giving sigh along with a chuckle," The things I could tell you… but I shouldn't."
"Please do," said one of the girls.
Hermione gave a bored sigh as she stared at her book again.
"Believe me when I say that boys are generally stupid and they always will be… they don't have a clue about anything and are completely helpless about anything to do with us," began Maylen, " I'm sure by now most of you here have already figured it out… well I'm just restating it to say they don't get any better."
The girls of the giggling group looked at Maylen with questions clear.
"Use it as a sign," continued Maylen, "The dumber and more foolish they act, the more clear it is of their feelings."
Now the group's attention focused on her.
"Like I said boys don't have a clue… they don't realize that the best thing to do is just walk up and say what they feel to you… preferably without vomiting in nervousness," laughed Maylen.
The girls exchanged looks of minute disgust and didn't voice it as Maylen looked to Hermione for a second. She knew that, although the girl stared at her book, she was listening to every word seeing as Hermione's eyes would look towards Maylen from moment to moment.
"The same is true in reverse… forget that old stuff about chivalry and old ways of courtship… if there's a boy you like… take the risk and say something… don't leave it to him… remember there all idiots," spoke Maylen her tone less humorous," Don't make the mistakes I made."
Now the girls were even more interested and Hermione still stared at her book.
Maylen took a deep breath and then, her tone completely dry and serious, she explained, "Years ago… I met a boy… rather young man… who knew all the right words… he wasn't the one I truly… felt something for… but he knew how to woo a girl… dancing… dinners… romantic walks and gifts… and I never saw it."
"He sounds perfect," said one the girls suddenly.
Maylen looked at them hard, crossing her arms over her large front, responding, "That's just it… he seemed perfect… because he wasn't nervous… because he really didn't care… he had something for a goal and my heart was not it."
The girls stared at her in wonder.
Maylen spoke again," A boy who really… cares… will be nervous most of the time… they don't know what to do and they're nervous about making you mad… that's the difference… someone smooth like mine was wants nothing of your heart or anything everlasting… those kind only have short term goals… conquests."
One of the girls nervously asked, "What did he do?"
Maylen took another deep breath and answered," Part of it was… what you can easily see of me and the other was the research of a wizard I knew and was close with… after a bad incident happened, I went with him… spent a while with him… before I found out the truth."
"Then you gave him a piece of your mind didn't you," said one of the girls in a matter-of-fact like tone.
"No… I didn't," answered Maylen to their stunned faces," It's easy to say that I should have or that one of you would but you see… when I found out… I was so badly hurt… I had betrayed my heart that had been… in love… with someone else… I had betrayed that person… I had betrayed the wizard whose work was stolen because I was too blind to notice something was wrong."
The girls stared at Maylen quietly before one spoke up and asked, "So what did you do?"
Maylen swallowed, they could see her eyes water slightly and heard her clear her throat before responding, "Nothing… I stayed with him… believing I deserved what I got… then one day about fifteen years ago he was killed… and I ran thinking I was free… for years I've worked to… restore myself… but recently I found out he's still alive… and now I'm not sure."
The girls stared at her dumbstruck.
Maylen finished with," Believe me… the boy that acts stupid… the stupider the better… around you… trying to impress you or get your attention is one who does care for you… and don't dismiss the oddball ones… who stare and blush… or make you feel special… or they include you where they normally would not have."
Hermione slammed her book suddenly and ran out of the library.
Maylen smiled after her as the girls looked to each other in surprise. The librarian didn't make a sound or even have a look of annoyance to such a disturbing sound.
In the corridor, Ginny watched as Hermione ran out of the library towards Gryffindor house.
"Maybe mom could do something," whispered Ginny loudly.
A hand came to rest on her shoulder and she looked up to see Professor McGonagall standing there, watching Hermione disappear around the corner.
"No Ms Weasley, "softly spoke the Professor, "Hermione must face her pain… either the cause or the source... and in about two weeks the source will arrive… I would rather she faced the cause of it to gain the strength she'll need."
In the hospital bed, Harry still lay, letting his mind wonder. He had found his glasses and stared at the ceiling
Die for you…
That thing's words echoed in his mind.
"How did it know that there wouldn't be anybody here," whispered Harry aloud?
He remembered something else it had said too.
What hunts human girls for their blood?
Then you'll know what was done to you…
I really did enjoy it.
Harry thought on the question and remembered his third year. Professor Lupin had them studying many creatures and there had been a list of creatures that preyed on humans, some that sought their blood but weren't gender specific. However Harry remembered reading a section about a creature that sought the blood of humans and existed in similar form. And if it was a male, it would generally seek a female human as Harry had done with Lavender and Cho… and Hermione.
"They made me into a vampire," whispered Harry aloud to no one, anger creeping into his words.
Before he could let his thoughts dwell on it the door opened and Pomfrey stepped in with Neville. They walked towards him and Pomfrey pointed to the bed next to Harry while she turned around.
"Well Mr. Potter, I see you have awoken and decided to stay here for once," remarked Pomfrey, a slight note of concern to her voice, "Do you know what happened to you… what was done to you previously I mean?"
Harry shook his head answering, "Yeah I was made into."
Pomfrey interrupted, curtly saying, "Very well, let me tell you this it has passed through your system… you are no longer under the influence of the infusion… and are fully human now… you may leave come lunch… think you can wait an hour?"
Harry shook his head again even though his neck was as sore as the rest of him.
Pomfrey left, heading towards her office while Neville waited nervously on the next bed. Harry noticed that Neville would glance at him from time to time.
Deciding to end the silence Harry asked," Well what is it?"
Neville froze for a second but having been caught, he responded, "I was just wondering what happened in the potions class."
"What did Dumbledore say," replied Harry blankly?
"Just that Cho had been put under a spell like Justin," answered Neville," And there had been a fight."
Thinking about what had happen and what had nearly been revealed, Harry simply stated the basic truth to the question, "That was about it… Ron and I showed up early for class to talk… found Cho… there was a fight… Hermione and Ron were involved…that's it."
Neville took the answer without question and Harry had a new question of his own, "So what did you do in potions to get sent here?"
Neville looked at Harry, puzzled, answering, "Potions was canceled because the room was a wreck and Snape was going off about something."
"Oh so everyone's in morning classes then," spoke Harry figuring he had spent another night in the Hospital wing.
"No… most everyone is in Hogsmeade," said Neville.
Harry looked at him, "That's not until the weekend."
Neville fidgeted a bit before replying, "It is the weekend Harry, you've been in here for three days."
"Three days," whispered Harry aloud surprised?
"Pomfrey was so mad about everything that happen that she forbid anyone from seeing you, even Dumbledore," stated Neville," She even got the ministry to send her guards to keep you in and everyone else out but I guess not today."
-So that's why no one was here when I awoke, - thought Harry, -But still, how did it know?-
"So why are you here and not in Hogsmeade," asked Harry?
Neville fidgeted again and nervously answered, "I'm… in trouble and not allowed to go… as for being here in the hospital wing… well I haven't been feeling so well so Madam Pomfrey is going to give me a serious look over."
Pomfrey returned and drew the curtain around Harry's bed saying, "Your clothes are in the drawer… change and I'll be with you in a second."
Harry pushed back his covers and reached for the drawer. It was quite an effort, he discovered, to change since his body was really sore and felt really exhausted. Harry managed after some time, noticing as Pomfrey did things with her wand to Neville, to get dressed. As he put on his robes over the uniform, he heard a crinkling of paper and reached into his pockets. In one he found a parchment envelop with his name on it. The curtain still drawn, Harry opened the addressed envelop to find a small note and a badge… the Prefect badge that belonged to Hermione.
The note read simply…
You still have yet to return this to its proper place.
Harry figured one of the professors must have found out about his talk with McGonagall and decided to let Harry return it to Hermione. A short time later, Pomfrey pulled back the curtain and informed Harry that he could go to lunch.
Harry left the hospital wing, walking slowly as his body was still sore and hungry again but thankfully it was the hunger for food and not blood.
Harry approached the Great Hall and upon entering, heard a slight quarrel going on.
"We have to get this stuff out of here," said a boy Harry recognized," You have no idea what will happen if he finds it."
"Yeah I do," laughed Fred as Harry could see walking in, "Harry'll be rightly embarrassed and we'll have a good laugh."
"Come off it Ron, you sound like he'll hate it or something," said George.
Harry walked down the length of the table slowly. Ron's back was to him as he argued with his brothers. Harry noticed that Hermione wasn't there.
"That's a simple way to put it… believe me… I know Harry will be really angry about this," snapped Ron.
Harry decided to let curiosity take its way as he asked, "Find out about what?"
The room went suddenly silent.
Ron turned around suddenly, his face white trying to respond with, "Well."
But it was as far as he got as the twins not daring to miss a chance at a show, pulled Ron aside.
"Ladies and gentlemen of Hogwarts… our Hero of the Quidditch field," announced Fred stepping aside as did his twin, dragging Ron.
George added, "And the gifts bestowed upon him by his devoted fans."
They parted; Ron was ashen in his face, as a pile of wrapped items lay in a seat at the Gryffindor table. Each marked with Harry's name from people whose names he didn't know.
Harry stared at it all and angry thought came to mind but rather than voice it Harry asked plainly," What's all this?"
"Thank you gifts from your fans," answered Fred," For battling the Bludgers and saving the day"
"Really," stated Harry, his voice less platonic now, "And what about those who also fought? You were knocked out... it was Justin who stopped the Snitch."
"That's all well and true but we're not you," laughed George.
Neither twin was noticing the problem yet but Ron did.
"Uh… Harry," began Ron.
But Harry interrupted him, with a voice even less platonic hinting anger now and his eyes began to squint into a glare," And whom am I?"
Ron's breathing became rapid as looked from his idiot brothers to Harry.
Fred laughed and said, "You're Harry Potter… the Boy who Lived."
He carried on, his twin and himself trading back and forth, never noticing as Harry's faced shifted dangerously and hands bawled to fits.
Conquer of He Who Must Not Be Named
The Youngest Seeker in a century
Defender of Hogwarts
Slayer of Beasts
Hunter of Criminals
Champion of the Tri-Wizard Tournament
Hero of the Fallen Museum
Harry hands were clenched so tight, the skin had gone white. The room was silent even from the Slytherins' table.
Cho even stood; her face riddle with worry along with Justin.
Ron waited for his hair to stand on end.
And of course we can't forget… best friend to the Weasley family.
That did it.
"So I'm just a claim to fame for you," growled Harry viciously.
The twins stopped laughing and boasting, turning to Harry.
"You want to know what I think I am," stated Harry, his words dripping in distaste?
Harry didn't give them the chance to answer as their faces puzzled.
He withdrew his wand, aimed and set fire to the wrapped items… never saying a spell.
"I think I am a boy who wants to finish his fifth year," stated Harry in a scarily calm voice, advancing slowly towards the Weasleys, "And who does NOT... want to be… commemorated… honored… given a damn medal… gift given… labeled… free loaded… appraised… swoon over… associated with the dark arts… and most definitely NOT… considered some trophy or a… GLAMOROUS ATTRACTION TO BEHOLD!"
Harry stood in front of the twins as the packages reduced to ash, now leaving a burning chair in the wake of Harry's anger. The room was dead silent, even the professors at the head table said nothing but stared in shock.
"Is that clear," asked Harry, his voice eerily calm again?
"Harry… we only meant to have a bit of," began Fred but had to stop as he fell to the floor, unconscious.
Harry drew his fist back and George stared.
"Is that clear," asked Harry his voice the same but his eyes crackling in red lightning?
George stared at Harry, clueless to what to do.
"Alright Harry," spoke Ron, his voice not hiding anger, "I think they get it... in fact I think everyone got it."
Harry rounded Ron.
"When was I talking to you," snapped Harry.
Parts of the room began to chill while oddly enough other parts began to heat up. Jugs of juice, milk, water and tea began to boil while others froze to a solid block of ice. The room dimmed of sunlight while torches and the large fireplace ignited with fierce flame.
Ron stared in the red lightening streaked eyes of Harry while Harry watched an orange glow begin to fill in Ron's. Harry skin began to pale and Ron's redden with heat.
"You've made your point," stated Ron through gritted teeth.
Harry growled back," I'll decide when my point is made."
There was a popping noise and a tugging at Harry's robes. A small squeak voice said his name over and over until, no longer able to stand it, he looked down and Ron followed suit. Dobby stood there cowering, terrified of them both. Slowly he reached into Ron's robes and pulled out a Tarot card, handing it to Harry. He looked at the image on it… the bright burning image… the image of a raging Fire.
Harry felt him-self instantly calm.
"You're represented by Fire," whispered Harry?
Ron also calmed and nodded.
He as loyal to you as a dog… he protects you with all his burning might.
And will die for you.
Ron was trying to convince the twins to get rid of the stuff. Ron had been following Harry everywhere since the first fight with Justin in the library. Ron was trying to protect him. In the potions class with Cho, Ron could have been killed by the potion with Hermione or maybe from the vampiric bloodlust that had nearly consumed him then. Harry knew it he had to stop Ron from going that route and now in that moment was the best time to do it while Ron was angry.
Summoning all his will and residing anger, Harry stated," You're pathetic… you can't even protect me from a girl… who didn't even have a wand… just like your brothers… fulfilling a need to be something you're not… and that's something important."
Harry let go of the card, letting it drop to the floor as Ron stood shocked, a mixture of hurt and anger evident.
And Harry walked away, storming out of the Great Hall ignoring the whispers and astonished stares. As he turned into the corridor, he caught the glimpse of a long blonde haired girl run up to Ron.
Harry passed people in the corridors ignoring everyone and everything, even the feeling of being followed. He was too upset both for knowing that Ron was the one represented by Fire and that he had said such horrible things to his best friend. Hardly noticing, Harry found himself walking up the stairs into the office of the Headmaster only to find it vacant of anyone except Fawkes. The phoenix gave a musical chirp to Harry's arrival and he slumped down into a chair.
"Well that was definitely a brilliant thing to do," whispered Harry to no one, sniffling a bit," But if it keeps him safe… then I guess it was the right thing to do."
Harry looked back to the phoenix as it tilted its colorful head looking at him almost as if the bird had heard and understood Harry.
Forge again… the union... the alliance.
Harry stood up quickly. He had heard that voice before, metallic like and soothing while yet so familiar, it was unknown to him.
Harry turned towards one of the many cabinets in the Headmaster's office, letting his instincts guide him to one in particular. He reached for the handle when the door to the office opened suddenly. Harry turned quickly again to see Daken standing there, his cloak swishing behind him for a moment before he closed the door.
"Well Harry, that was something… unexpected," stated Daken plainly," Mind telling me what Ron did to deserve that."
"Actually I don't," snapped Harry, "He's always following me around… hardly get any privacy… except when I'm nearly dead in the Hospital Wing… like he has to protect me from every little stupid thing… just so he can be known as something other than The Boy Who Lived's friend."
"Some would kill for a friend that tries to protect them," replied Daken, walking slowly towards Harry.
"Friends like that get killed," said Harry, his voice low.
That surprised Daken and brought a thought to mind.
"I think I know what this could be about," spoke Daken.
Harry just gave a disbelieving huff as Daken walked by him.
"He could have at least told me about becoming a vampire," snapped Harry as Daken reached for a handle of the cabinet Harry was, only a moment ago, had been reaching for.
Daken stopped and looked back, responding solemnly, "That was actually my fault."
Harry stared at Daken, jerking his head to stare at his professor.
Daken added, "I am a vampire… half actually… and Ron knew it… my blood was infused with yours to heal you after the situation with the Bludger."
Harry continued to stare at Daken, dumbstruck.
"You weren't responding to healing magic and… Dumbledore needed to do something fast… I was the answer… Ron was made to keep my secret long before meeting you… and he knew that secret had to be kept as one even from you… so no one would know about me," finished Daken, "You know Ron keeps his word… believe me… he was really angry about it when found out about the infusion… heatedly angry… so really that's my fault."
Harry lowered his gaze to the ground. Now he felt guiltier, knowing Ron had to keep secrets for their own safety and now Harry had humiliated him.
"I'd like to show you something," spoke Daken as he opened the cabinet and pulled out a long metal object.
An object Harry had seen before.
Daken held in his hands, it was slender… gleaming… jewel encrusted handle… the Sword of Gryffindor.
"Magnificent… isn't it," asked Daken with a grin?
Harry stared at the weapon he had used to strike down the Basilisk.
"It has quite a story," spoke Daken, holding the sword up, letting it glint in the sunlight from the window.
Daken began to tell its story…
Created by Godric Gryffindor over a thousand years ago… before the creation of this school…During that time many wizards and witches battled each other as dark times gripped the Magic world… a very powerful dark wizard arose to lay an outrageous claim that he would rule all… many chose to fight… and many fell in the struggle… in a final stand Godric faced the dark wizard in an unbelievable fight on a cliff overlooking a river by the village at the time known as Luredale… Godric wielded this sword… and the dark wizard wielded his own… Batheus Venarus… wielded the… Venarus Blade… this very sword I hold struck Venarus down… ending his evil… or so we thought.
Daken locked his gaze on the Sword of Gryffindor, a sorrow look filling his expression.
"What happened," asked Harry?
Daken continued, not deterring his gaze or expression.
With Batheus's last bit of strength he cast his sword, the Venarus Blade, into the river over the cliff… laughing as he told Godric… that anyone outside the Venarus bloodline would be cursed with an unending bloodlust if they touch the sword… over the years, Batheus's curse proved true as innocent people, muggle and magical alike, became raving murderers… slaughtering anyone and everyone… just by touching the blade… my own grandfather killed a good friend… giving his own life as well… to send that damn thing to hell with it's master… but the ministry morons just stuck it in that damn museum and now Malleck has it ready for an innocent to be cursed… but I won't be so stupid when I stop the Venarus Blade
Harry stared at Daken, not knowing what to think.
"You see," said Daken turning his gaze to Harry," Godric's and Batheus's swords have one of few things in common."
"What," asked Harry, all his attention focused on the subject?
"Batheus created his corruptive abomination the same way as Godric created this," answered Daken pointing the sword to the floor, "Each put some of their essence into the swords."
"Essence," asked Harry?
"A part of themselves… whether it some of their spirit or blood or something," answered Daken again, "Basically, the swords have been given a life of their own… where this sword was born and tempered in all that represents Gryffindor, it so lives as that… the same is true for the Venarus Blade… born and tempered thus represents and thrives in the very evil of Venarus."
Harry stared at the sword as Daken wobbled it slowly on its tip.
"I suppose you may want to know what this has to do with the situation with you and Ron," asked Daken?
Harry snapped his eyes back to the professor, suddenly remembering why he was there and all that had happened.
"Well I'll you," began Daken, not waiting for a response," I suppose you think you have to go this route with Malleck and Voldemort alone… well I told you that story of Godric to lead to a point… powerful dark wizards like Voldemort often gather followers… and Venarus was no exception to that… they just didn't simply meet on the cliff and fight… oh no… Godric had to get to Venarus first and that took help… help from friends."
"But you said some died," whispered Harry.
"Yes I did," answered Daken, "Now why don't you tell me what that outburst was really about."
Harry thought a minute and Daken waited patiently.
"I keep having these… these dreams," began Harry, deciding to tell," The last one really bothered me… there's this thing in my dreams… it told me… it told me… that Ron would follow me through anything and do anything… even… die… for me."
"Oh…. now that all makes sense," chuckled Daken, "Make Ron angry… enough to hate you maybe… and keep him from maybe dieing from all this… am I right."
Harry just shook his head rather than voicing his response.
"Well I suppose, Godric and those like him over the years who have defended the Magic world from dark forces most likely have had those same reservations about their friends' involvements in the battles," spoke Daken seriously," But those same people, like Godric, had to realize one thing."
Harry said nothing and Daken took it as a sign, that Harry awaited the conclusion.
"Godric didn't get through the village of Luredale on his own, his friends… those who chose to protect him… fought the followers of Venarus in the village to give Godric the chance to fight," concluded Daken, his tone still serious and clear," Harry… its not for you to choose what Ron does… whether its for you or not… like those who have fought over the years, its their choice to do so and not for anyone to dismiss it… if Ron wants to fight with you side by side… regardless of the consequences it leads to… then you can do nothing about it… you can ask him not to… but its still his choice... and only his to make."
"I can't do anything about it at all," snapped Harry?
"On the contrary… you can believe in him," stated Daken, "And if there is a… consequence… then honor his choice… and finish what his choice was for."
"I don't think I could take it so easily," whispered Harry.
"I never said anything about easy… believe me I've lost too many to recount… but I continue in their memory of what they chose for…even as their names and faces fade with time, I remember that of them," stated Daken, his vampire growl filling his voice.
"So I should probably tell Ron… if he'll ever speak to me again," sighed Harry in defeat?
"Oh I have a certain hunch that he will most definitely want to talk to you," chuckled Daken with a surprising turn in his attitude.
Daken turned and began to set the sword in the cabinet, looking at it a moment before closing the door.
Harry had a thought come to mind and asked, "If Malleck uses the Venarus Blade here at Hogwarts… will you use the Sword of Gryffindor to stop it?"
"No... I would need the power within the sword to do so and I, like no other, can't use it, "answered Daken sadly.
"But I used it against the Basilisk two years ago," asked Harry confused?
"Yes because Dumbledore sent the sword to you… any Gryffindor can use the sword to defend Hogwarts," stated Daken, "But no one can call on its power… one that could, would not have needed it sent to them."
"I don't understand," said Harry?
"Only someone of the Batheus's bloodline can wield the Venarus Blade without being affected by the curse and still use its power… luckily I know that Malleck is not of that bloodline, "explained Daken," The same is true for the Sword of Gryffindor… only one who has the bloodline of Godric can wield the sword and call upon its own power… unfortunately… Godric died having never procreated… there is no heir to Gryffindor… thus no one who can use the sword as it was meant to be… only now a simple jeweled sword to fight beasts like your Basilisk… or gather dust over the years as a trinket of Hogwarts."
"Then how will you stop the Venarus Blade," asked Harry?
"However I must… regardless of who it is I have to stop as well," answered Daken, a note of finality to his voice," You should probably go find Ron and patch things up… tell him the truth."
Harry turned and headed for the door. He felt much better and knew Daken was right, Ron needed to know but it didn't make things easier to know that Ron was making such a choice for him.
Daken watched the door close and sat down in one of the plush chairs, lighting the fireplace with his wand. He looked back towards the door, rather more towards the shadow of the bookcase next to it.
"You can come out now… you have your answer," spoke Daken to the person he knew was residing there," You really have mastered that spell."
A figure emerged from the shadow, shaking ice from the red hair.
Ron stood before Daken brushing more ice of his robes, having cleared his hair.
"Have a seat by the fireplace for a minute… warm up a bit before letting Harry find you," chuckled Daken.
Ron walked and sat on a foot stool by the fireplace, letting him-self warm while he thought.
Daken just simply withdrew a bottle of whiskey and a large vial filled with yellowish old butter colored liquid from his robes, adding its contents to the whiskey. He conjured a glass with his wand, and poured himself a glassful.
"Tastes better with the whiskey," spoke Daken quietly with a bit of humor, "I know you're a bit young but a small nip might do you some good after hearing that."
Daken made ready to conjure another glass but Ron just shook his head, refusing while staring at the fire. The time for lunch had pasted and the early hour of the afternoon went by as Daken finished his suppressant laced whiskey observing as the fire danced in Ron's eyes, still staring in thought.
"So many girls in this place and each lacing the air of the corridor with the smell of blood at different times… I'll be quite the drunkard before this year ends," said Daken, humorously, "A Knut for your thoughts?"
"He wanted me to hate him," whispered Ron suddenly," Because he was worried about me… getting hurt."
"Friends can be like that," responded Daken, lightly, "But that's more of a brotherly quality if you ask me."
Without word or response of any kind, Ron sprinted out of the office.
"Well I said I do something about those two," said Daken turning to look at the phoenix, "You were oddly quiet… what do you forgive me or something now…and where is Dumbledore?"
Harry wondered the castle seeking his friend. Here and there, in every spot he could think of, looking for Ron. He searched even some places twice in case by chance Ron would be there but as the afternoon wore on, the search seemed in vain. Harry racked his brain at the possibility that Ron could have gone back to Hogsmeade, knowing his temper, it was quite possible. Harry pondered the thought as he passed a group of Ravenclaw girls talking and narrowly avoided bumping a long haired blonde one.
Harry had just passed them when a memory from the potions fight came to mind.
Ravenclaw girls talk, Ron…
Your name has come up once or twice…
Maybe Rela would like to try some…
-Rela, - thought Harry questioning?
He then remembered the first time in Divination… the blonde girl next to Neville… Ron had been staring at her too… the Quidditch shop in Diagon Alley… there had been a blonde haired girl there... and when he left the Great hall… a blonde haired girl approached Ron.
On a hunch Harry turned, stopping to look at the Ravenclaw girls he had passed.
"Excuse me," Harry asked loudly, "Do any of you know a Rela?"
The long haired blonde girl Harry avoided while passing the group turned.
"I'm Rela," answered the girl.
The first thing Harry noticed about her was that her eyes were a grayed white. She was a pretty thing and Harry noticed a slight resemblance to Fleur in her face. She was slightly shorter than Hermione with a slender figure. Oddly enough Harry was strongly reminded of the porcelain figures his Aunt had of dancers gliding on the ice, portrayed free with the wind. She looked as though she'd be fast on a broom.
Suddenly realizing he was staring as she blushed slightly, he quickly asked," Have you seen Ron?"
"Why… planning another row," she asked in humor and finished with," He left with Daken after you… I suspect he's still looking for you as well"
"Maybe if I just went to the dormitory and waited there, he'd show up show sooner or later," question Harry aloud?
"Can I ask," paused Rela stepping away from her group as they seemed entranced to be near Harry," What was all that about?"
Harry thought a second before looking at her, deciding that if Rela was something… special… to Ron, then she may as well know.
"I wasn't willing to accept… a choice of his but maybe now… I don't know yet," explain Harry as best as he could to her.
Little more could be said as a commotion began to fill the corridor and students went running by. Neville was one of them and he stopped at the sight of Harry, sprinting towards him.
"Neville what is going on," asked Harry?
"There's a fire," breathed Neville, terrified, "In the hall where Professor Binn's class is… its weird the fire won't stop… it's spreading and water isn't working on it."
Harry said nothing and thought nothing but ran against the crowd. Up the stair cases and through a few other corridors before he reached the hallway to Professor Binn's class.
It was a sight one could never forget.
Flames engulfed the whole of the corridor. The suits of armor glowed orange as they heated from the flames. The tapestries and flags among all the cloths that draped and were laid in various places were blackening from the heat. Shadowed figures lined the floor as flames surrounded and did a sick raging dance around them. Screams and cries could be heard filtering through the roaring cackling. There was a wall of flame as high as the ceiling guarding the entrance to the hall, radiating blistering heat as Harry felt his hands go dry while shielding his eyes.
The worst fact of it all was as Harry focused his eyes through the flame, he could see that the figures were small and realized they were first, maybe second year students without the training to defend themselves yet.
Harry withdrew his wand and began to speak a water spell that might help.
"Don't bother," spoke a sneering voice, laced with a growl.
Harry turned and Draco Malfoy stepped into view.
"The fire is water resistant… I and others have already tried," spoke Draco, "McGonagall is transfiguring creatures to fight the fire."
"We have to do something," shouted Rela!
Harry looked to his side and realized he hadn't noticed her there, she was quiet like air.
Harry didn't know how to combat the flame and worry gripped his mind, realizing that even though Draco and Rela were there he felt alone… without Ron… or Hermione.
"I wish Ron was here," whispered Harry aloud.
If not that that day or moment, Harry realized that he was going to have to accept at some point that Magic had an odd twist of irony in its way with life as Harry heard his name shouted from behind.
"Harry," shouted a greatly wanted voice.
Harry turned to see Ron appear from the staircase, heading for him.
"Ron… I'm," began Harry.
"Later… we'll talk… right now lets deal with this," stated Ron, placing his hand on Harry's shoulder.
"There has to be something causing this… this kind of fire just doesn't start on its own… there must a spell or," sneered Draco viciously.
"How about a talisman," spoke Harry interrupting and pointing?
They all looked and it was there. A small object floating in the air, blinking with a pink color and each time there was more flame and heat.
"How do we stop it," asked Harry?
"Talismans are turned off with a spell or command but we need to know what it is," answered Rela shouting over the flames' growing roar.
"We can just blast it too," shouted Ron.
Harry raised his wand as the others withdrew theirs.
Unfortunately Harry felt his legs go numb and his body went out from him. Draco caught him mid-fall and then rudely let him drop to the ground. Ron rushed to his side.
"Harry," shouted Ron?
"I'm dizzy… I can't," began Harry but he was interrupted.
"Damn," growled Draco angrily.
Ron turned, "What is it?"
Rela shouted in reply, "The flame not only blocks water, it blocks anything. Our spells just bounce of it."
They watch as Draco pointed his wand again, speaking a spell and watching as it left the tip only to hit the guarding wall of fire then bounce away, fizzing out.
"Then it gets done by hand," stated Ron standing, walking towards the flame.
"Ron don't," shouted Harry, fighting his sudden weakness!
Ron stopped, looking back with a humored grin, "It's my choice Harry… Malleck wants you… then he has to deal with me too."
Harry knew it now… there was nothing that was going to stop his stubborn friend and Rela made no attempt.
Harry watched as his friend made a running leap and amazingly, broke through the guarding flames. The jewel must have sensed resistance as it began blink faster. The cries and shouts had dimmed either from the roar of the flames or the heat putting them unconscious.
Rela knelt by Harry, helping him to remain upright as tears began to stream down her small face and Draco stood in place.
Little by little, Ron gained ground on the jewel.
Every wave of flame from the jewel disintegrated more of his robes and blackened his uniform but Ron pressed on.
Heat, indescribable, blew through the corridor and Harry could see the paintings, around and down the corridor, as the paint began to melt. The living figures ran while the color dripped out of the frames but Ron still pressed on.
Flames that danced the sickening blaze about reached high from the floor to the ceiling, turning the corridor into a giant tunnel of flame but Ron still stayed on his feet and walked on, now only steps away from the jewel.
Ron made a jumping grab for the jewel, seizing it in his fist in a single try.
The group watched helplessly as Ron fell to his knees. Gasps filled in around them as, unnoticed, professors had gathered, wands ready.
Ron's arm became engulfed making it into a rod of bending flame.
A resonating sound followed as he smashed the jewel into the floor again and again.
Ron arched back, his arm held high as slammed the jewel against the stone yelling, "Damn you… break!"
A flash of pink appeared and the flames and its torturous effects vanished with the flash. Harry looked to see a number of students lying in various places and Ron lay still, smoke rising from him. Rela made to move towards Ron but Draco grabbed her, stopping her progression.
"The stone is still too hot," growled Draco.
-Ron, - thought Harry.
Ron didn't move at all.
The other students there seem to stir but Ron did nothing.
"Ron," Harry whispered.
Professors moved forward to help but Draco was right, the stone was still hot to step on. Many began to spray water onto the floor but it just steamed having no effect.
"Ron," stated Harry loudly, trying to call to his friend.
Ron still made no movement, it didn't even seem as though he were breathing.
Harry felt the spark and something… a feeling grew… similar to anger but felt different this time.
"Ron," shouted Harry!
Everyone turned to look and watched as Harry bawled his hand into a fist, blue sparks lighting his hand. He drew his fist back and slammed it to the floor.
Blue bolts of lightening streaked from the spot crawling like snakes, speeding forth with the pace of raging river, intersecting each other creating a web that covered the floor and creped up the walls of corridor, once an inferno now a radiating oven.
The strange lightening did nothing to those standing there only creeping further ahead but once the blue web had covered every bit of the stone and wood it withdrew just as fast, back to Harry's hand. In an instant, Harry felt his body heat and his strength return. Standing quickly, he ran forward unchallenged. Passing through, Harry found the corridor was cool and the same realization had come to the others as the followed in to the other students.
Harry fell to his knees sliding towards Ron. He touched his friend and turned him over. Not ready to accept the evitable as he looked on.
Thankfully the inevitable would have to come another day as Ron let off a low, weak moan.
"Ron… you're still alive," breathed Harry.
"Yeah," whispered Ron weakly, coughing a bit," Damn funny thing huh… being alive?"
Harry chuckled in amazement at his friend having done such a thing and survived.
"Guess I know… why… this hero stuff… bugs you," stuttered Ron.
Harry didn't know what to say but nod.
Ron gave a weak laugh, "It's damn… exhausting."
Harry could only laugh. Rela appeared by his side, tears flowing like waterfalls.
"Hey Harry," whispered Ron, laughing weakly," Meet Rela… Rela this is Harry Potter… the same idiot I've been dumb enough to still call a best friend."
"We've met," she whimpered.
"Everyone," asked Ron?
Harry looked around and watched as the fallen students arose from treatment with water and potions. Some scared, others crying endlessly otherwise unharmed but probably could do with a clean up.
"They're all okay," assured Harry.
"Well then… I hope no minds if I have a lie in then," spoke Ron before going unconscious.
Madam Pomfrey, her eyes brimming with tears and McGonagall was with her. To Harry's surprise there was fury in his Transfigurations professor's eyes, she looked ready to kill.
-We're not just students to them are we, - Harry thought suddenly?
Harry looked to one side to see Maylen holding a glass to a young Slytherin boy's lips giving him water most likely laced with a potion.
Harry stood and backed away, as the nurse floated Ron onto a stretcher and glided him away in the air. Apparently Ron was the only one injured by it all. As they past into the corridor with Ron, Harry saw Daken walk in, concern strong in his face. He walked up to Harry ready to ask the events but stopped, moving his gaze past Harry.
In a single moment, Harry watch as Daken face went from sudden pale shock to silent fury, his breathing deepening and a growl present. Harry turned to see why and watch as Maylen's face blanked. She stood slowly and to Harry's surprise withdrew her wand, facing Daken.
"Maylen," growled Daken.
Maylen swallowed and with her eyes filled with fright, simply responded, "Daken."
No one noticed as Dumbledore stood way to the back of the crowd, watching all.
Dumbledore whispered aloud to no one, "The Past Unveils."
Next Chapter
Wounded Earth