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: This is part one of two in chapter 18. With Fanfiction.net's requirements and using a 56k modem, I thought it would be easier to post this chapter in two sections.
I want to sincerely apologize for unbelievably long.
Please understand I am a college student and with the new semester plus work, I have been a bit stretched for time. So this chapter's installment had to be postponed. I shouldn't have to take so long next time. But I thank you deeply for your patience and please know I have every intention of finishing the fan fiction.
Here is the long awaited scenario as to what happened to Hermione. Remember from last chapter, Harry is seeing everything through her eyes. Please realize that since this is PG-13 there are certain aspects I cannot and will not address or describe. I hope that is understandable.
I'm not sure how Krum's dialect of English words should be so again, I ask for leniency in writings of him. So basically I just replaced most of his Fs and Ws with Vs.
I warn you ahead of time that this will be a little choppy. Two weeks need to pass in this chapter and cover certain points. I do not know how well I will convey the passage of time as the Charity Quidditch match arrives, so I want readers to know that so in case it seems as though something went too fast.
Here is a website that I thought was very informative regarding information about Movie 3 Prisoner of Azkaban.
www.comingsoon.net/movies/h/harrypotter3.php
Here's a website with information about book 5.
http://www.mugglenet.com/facts.shtml
If you have a website, please feel free to post in a review or e-mail me @ itmonster@hotmail.com and I will post it on my next chapter.
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 7/19/03
Harry Potter and the Turmoil Within
Chapter 18
Field of Honor
Part 1
Standing at the window, having released the snitch, watching his reflection seeing as his eyes flashed with crackling red streaks, Harry's mind replayed the horrid dream like vision since leaving the girl's dormitory.
Remembering vividly…
It was like being a marionette, seeing and feeling all around but having no control over anything. Harry could feel the light swinging of Hermione's arms and the shifting of weight as each foot lifted and touched back to the floor. He could hear the soft thuds of the heels of her shoes and the swish of the fabric of her robes as she walked.
Following as Hermione and Krum entered what seemed to be a living room or something of a similarity.
Hermione sat on a large hard black leather couch like thing and sat near her, a short distance away. As she sat down she laid her wand on the table beside her.
Hermione continued to chatter on about the things see had learned and continued to ask questions. Krum commented here and there, answering her but generally, Krum seemed occupied with other thoughts, in time joining her on the couch.
"I know Harry would just love the hills out here, all the open plains, I think open land agrees best with him, what with his love for flying and all," said Hermione.
Through the corner of her eyes, Harry saw Krum roll his eyes and shake his head in a disapproving manner.
"I hope those muggles aren't being too horrid with him," she spoke distastefully.
There came an unexpected groan of annoyance and Hermione looked at Krum.
"Vill you shut up about him vor once," snapped Krum suddenly with odd anger.
"Victor," she inquired?
"You speak of him constantly," growled Krum," Potter this and that… everyvhere ve haff gone… you must say something about Potter… he might enjoy this shop or these foods."
"I… I didn't mean… to offend… it's just," stuttered Hermione, slightly taken back but a note of disapproval in her voice.
Krum stared hard at her.
"I understood that there vas nothing between you two," he questioned coldly, interrupting," Yet the vay you speak of him… you vere alvays going on about his danger in the tournament… alvays helping him vith things… you did little of this vith me."
"Harry's younger… less experienced… it wasn't fair," she stammered in reply," He's my friend, I had to help."
"Had too," question Krum insultingly," Or vas it something more?"
Harry could feel Hermione's confusion as Krum stared her down, sliding closer to her.
"He's no… vriend… to you," continued Krum.
Harry could feel Hermione move her mouth but no words came out, as she tried to form an answer.
"Skeeter's article vas not all a lie… vas it," he growled deeper, continuing?
Harry felt heat in Hermione's face.
"Well… I never really… actually I did think of it but… maybe," answered Hermione.
"So you are," he sneered deeply.
Harry saw it, something in Krum's wide eyed stare darkened and his attitude followed, sliding forward a bit more.
A moment of silence past and Harry was sure Hermione's mind was reeling in thought but it was Krum's dark expression that held his attention.
Krum gave a snort and added, "And here I thought you had veelings vor me."
"Victor… you're a good friend… but... that's," answered Hermione pausing a moment, taking a deep breath suddenly, "That's all I feel… for you."
"The veeling is not mutual vith him," spoke Krum in a warning like manner?
"No... it isn't," she replied, quietly, averting her vision slightly, "I guess I never let myself dwell on it enough... but no… it's not the same with Harry."
Hermione's struck something deep because in what seemed instant; Krum was suddenly on top of Hermione.
His weight pinned her to the hard leather of the couch. Krum kept trying to kiss her but missed as she turned, struggling against his weight. Hermione pushed and yelled at him, avoiding Krum's face as best as possible. Harry could smell the ale on Krum's breath. Hands pulled on Hermione, Harry could hear and feel the fabric of her clothes tear in different places.
Harry felt Hermione's knee connected hard with something and Krum let off a horrid moan. With a quick burst of strength, she pushed Krum off and ran. Harry just saw through the corner of Hermione's eyes that her wand lay on the table by the couch. She had left it and now would be defenseless against a licensed wizard… a drunken and maybe dangerous one.
The house appeared to be like a mansion as Hermione ran through a series of dark hallways. A minute later, turning into a room where a suitcase lay open on a bed, Hermione began rummaging through it until she found a small cloth parcel. She fumbled with the knot before stopping at a loud stomp sound of someone entering the room. Hermione raised her head, looking up to see Krum standing at the door, his expression hidden in the darkness but enough light filtered to see a wand pointed.
Krum mumbled something, Harry didn't hear but there was a flash and Hermione slam against the wall. Harry felt her muscles groan with pain. Hermione was still conscious and Harry could feel as she tried to move but whatever spell had pushed her to the wall was also pinning her to it as well. Krum quickly crossed the room and she was powerless as his hands began to grope at her.
Harry felt a hand sliding up what would be Hermione's leg and Krum's mouth on the exposed skin of her shoulder. Harry could feel sound in Hermione's throat trying to escape but it was held back by the same spell which gluing her to the wall. Hermione's nose burned from the wretched smell of the alcohol and the stench from Krum's knapped, sweat soaked hair in her lungs. Harry didn't know what to do; he wanted to stop this, not just watch helplessly.
Krum's hand had reached the top of Hermione's thigh when he let off a painful yell. Pulling away, which let the spell that held Hermione against the wall suddenly released. Stumbling forward, gaining her balance, Hermione looked up to see Krum twisting and turning, continuing to yell. Her eyes focused in the dark room and Harry could see an orange thing, hissing and yowling, hopping about all over Krum. Harry watched as Krum twisted violently, grabbing the thing and throwing it before he fell to the floor. It landed at Hermione's feet and through her eyes, Harry could see Crookshanks. The cat wasn't moving but seemed to be breathing. In its mouth was a wand… her wand. The creature had attacked Krum while in the process of returning Hermione's wand before getting hurt.
Hermione picked up her wand and with a quick wave, had her suitcase closed and Crookshanks' basket in hand.
On the other side of the room, blood on his face from Crookshanks' numerous scratches and bites, Krum glared at Hermione.
"Vhat vill you do now," he sneered, "Run to Potter… vhat do you think he vill do?"
Hermione, pulled her robes together and while still pointing her wand at Krum, knelt down to aid injured the Crookshanks.
Krum continued with, "Do you think that he vill vant a thing like you… a gangly mud blood… at times useful?"
Harry heard Krum's words and remembered as Hermione kept referring to herself as just something useful in the dormitory. She even had referred to herself as a freakish, not something to look at… not pretty. This was where it all was coming from.
Krum gave her an examining look adding, "At least I haff bothered to know more of you... unlike Potter."
"You don't know… anything," she whispered, trembling, getting Crookshanks into the basket at last, "And you … don't know Harry."
Krum chuckled.
"I don't need to know him," he added sarcastically," Ve are the same kind of person… popular…respected… vorshiped… me vor my prowess vith the broom and he vith his past… you are just simply… useful."
"I'm," she responded in a slightly self convincing desperate like tone, "more than that."
"Really… did Harry alvays vant to be your vriend… vhen there is vun to be had, is it you that he vants to be vith… vhen do you do anything but help vith homevork… or vhen there is trouble?"
Hermione kept her eyes on Krum as she stood, reaching and opening the cloth parcel from before. She tossed the contents of it to the fireplace by the bed and green flames erupted within. She waved her wand and her suit case flopped off the bed into the fireplace. She grabbed the basket and moved slowly towards the fireplace herself, keeping aim on Krum.
"Do you think he vill suddenly vall in love vith you," Krum sneered again, adding a humored tone to it, "Think he vill suddenly say such a thing… he vill do nothing… just treat you the same as alvays… just someone useful… for homevork and dark vizards… nothing more… you vatch… nothing you do vill get a reaction vrom him… he vill choose someone appropriate… as the vorld expects… a pureblood."
Hermione stepped into the fireplace and yelled something Harry could not hear. There was a flash with a whirl of light and in the next moment the Weasley living room could be seen through her eyes.
The flames diminished, Hermione walked forward a few steps then gently set the basket down. Hermione sank to the floor next to the basket, breathing hard and only looked up at the sound of a glass breaking. Through her, Harry could see Ron standing in pajamas, at the entrance to the kitchen shocked at the sight of Hermione's unannounced appearance.
He ran towards her, ignoring the glass. Harry could see the stunned and confused concern on his face.
"Hermione what happened," spoke Ron, loudly as he dared given the time?
She ignored him and Harry wanted to answer but had to accept he was not really there. Instead Hermione fussed with the basket, opening to see Crookshanks, the cat's eyes were open but wasn't moving much.
"Can we get Crookshanks to someone," replied Hermione, slightly frantic, still ignoring the question?
Harry watched as Ron looked in the basket to see Crookshanks' condition.
"Yeah, I know a girl… Rela," answered Ron, still confused, "She good with animals… has a hawk she helped… she can help Crookshanks too."
Ron looked back to her, still waiting for an answer. Harry watched as Ron looked her over a few times and a realization dawned on him. A confused anger filled his blushing expression.
"What did he," began Ron asking?
"I got away before anything happened," she interrupted.
"Hermione, it looks like," continued Ron.
"Do you think I could sneak some of Ginny's clothes," interrupted Hermione again?
"Yeah… she's not here," stammered Ron," At a friend's house… for a few days."
Harry saw as Hermione began to stand up, pulling her robes tightly around herself. Ron picked up the basket slowly.
"I'll get him to Rela right now, "said Ron snatching some floo powder from a jar and tossing it to the fireplace, producing green flames, "I'll owl Harry when I get back."
Just before Ron stepped into the fireplace, Harry watched Hermione as she reached out and stopped him in mid-stride.
"No," she snapped, "You tell Harry nothing… promise that you won't say anything at all!"
"Hermione," protested Ron!
"I can handle this… now promise me," retorted Hermione as loud as she dared!
Ron stared at her, a mixture of confusion, astonishment and curiosity filling his expression.
"I don't want him worrying about me," she answered, "He has enough to deal with."
Ron stared at her a moment before nodding and muttering, "Alright… I… won't say a thing."
With that Ron stepped into the green flames and vanished. Hermione quietly walked to stairs and up them towards Ginny's room.
In Ginny's room was dim, lightened only by moonlight from the windows. Hermione entered and shut the down behind her, grateful that Ginny was not there. She looked around a second, seeing a bed with pieces of furniture but also a full length body mirror in the corner opposite the door.
Hermione walked forward, letting go of her robes as she stood before the mirror. Standing a few feet from the mirror letting her clothes drape and hang as they were. Harry could see, as Hermione looked at herself, the clothes were torn severely. Her skirt ripped so far that only a belt and a button held it place. Her blouse was torn open; one sleeve and numerous buttons gone. The damage to her clothes left revealing results as Harry could see in the mirror the clothing she wore normally hidden were now exposed. Items Harry had only ever seen in fashion magazines Petunia had in the house. Krum had forced her exposure to him and now Harry seeing the same results.
Hermione's blurred as her eyes began to water and a second later she fell to her knees, wrapping her arms around her body, rocking slightly.
"Harry's not like that," she sniffled angrily," He doesn't think that way of me."
The beginning tears began to reside as she fought on, convincing herself to what she said.
"He… he… doesn't know," she spoke, her voice steadying," He just… needs a little push."
Hermione closed her eyes, blocking Harry's vision. She continued to stay on the floor, taking deep struggled breaths and with each moment she seemed to calm down. After a few minutes, she opened her eyes and stood up. Not saying a word, Hermione turned from the mirror and laid on Ginny's bed, pulling a blanket from the end over herself.
Hermione closed her eyes again and said one last thing, "I'll find out … I just need to be… a little more girl like."
She lay on the bed and closed her eyes…
A moment later, all went dark… and cold.
Oh how horrible an ordeal…and after all this time she seemed to handle it so well.
Spoke a banshee like voice with a mocking tone of carelessness and humor.
So sweet of her to have such astounding assurances of you as well isn't it?
Harry turned, hearing the crunch of gravel and much too his unwanted surprise found him-self staring at the dark eyes again, shrouded by enveloping darkness and a thick putrid fog.
"He never," snapped Harry pausing, "He only."
Only what… a small advance… from the way I saw it that wasn't far from success…do you even know what almost happened?
It laughed again, even louder and with a deeper harshness to its tone, letting its voice ring out.
Harry had his hands in fists, trembling, and replying, "She got away."
You really are inept… there are more ways to hurt someone… to damage them… and… physical… is only but a few of the many possibilities.
Harry hated what he thinking, how stupid it sounded but asked it anyways.
"What do you mean," asked Harry quietly?
It let of a hum of amusement and its eyes turned to slits, squinting to a glare. It spoke softly, desired cruelty embalmed in every word spoken with malicious humor in tone.
When sunlight is taken from a flower, it wilts with time…
You were there… you felt it with her… what was nearly done… the disgrace… the powerlessness… couldn't even scream… cries trapped in her throat… she was reduced to nothing of value… a mere plaything… a toy for amusement… a thing… to be used.
Harry stepped forward slowly, his body numbing again at the cold, his insides twisting at its words… sick but disturbingly truthful.
It continued to answer Harry's question, dwelling fondly in the insanity of it all.
You can rest easy now… after all you did was witnessed it… feel it… those moments…were short for you… but for her… those same few moments… they drag on for her… long lasting… seemingly endless…every night in her mind… every time Krum or Durmstrang is mentioned she must relive it… each day a little more difficult.
Harry fell to his knees, the cold weakening his legs, placing his hands on the sharp icy gravel as the creature continued. Harry realized it… the experience still haunted Hermione and somehow it had nearly destroyed her.
It continued…
And worse of all… is the guilt you will feel now… someone hurting her… because they were jealous of you.
Harry looked up and the creature's eyes were level with his.
It hurts… doesn't it… to know that while you were thinking harshly of those fooled muggles and Ron was having fun… she was almost… well you know.
Harry shifted his gaze down and felt his eyes begin to sting, hearing its words.
A second later an unexpected thought crossed his mind.
Yes… she's still a… well still innocent… its take a bit more involvement on another's part to change that.
"Shut up," snapped Harry, reacting quickly!
It chuckled, never moving.
It's what you're thinking… it's perfectly natural for boys do so… think such things… stare at girls… have such… wonders.
"What… would," Harry replied, his teeth starting to chatter, fighting the cold" you know… of what… I think?"
I know similar thoughts came before…
As you watched her step from the fire place…
As her skirt fluttered…
As her robes fell back…
As her hair tossed in the air… or even when that same hair brushed your face…
You thought none of that with Cho.
Harry had never told anyone, not even Ron, barely letting him-self know of it. But this thing knew it all; even what Harry had thought a moment ago.
It continued…
All that kindness you give…the faith in others… the mercy… willing to be friends with just about anyone… and what happened… what did it get you?
Definitely not what you want is it?
The stinging sensation grew in Harry's eyes as the ridicule burned in his mind. His body began resisted the cold as it heated from a sparking source within.
Innocents are dead… corrupted fools all around… murderous criminals roaming free.
And worst of all… Victor got farther than you in less time.
Harry jerked his head back up and glaring back at the creature.
It laughed again.
Harry enclosed his hands again into fists against the sharpness of the icy gravel beneath them.
I said without the sun a flower wilts in time.
Her vitality… her spirit… the sparkle in those desired chocolate eyes… all that brought life to her was clouded over in the darkness of Krum's ingraining words.
The very words you helped to make true… choking off what made her so wonderful to you.
"I wasn't even there I didn't do anything to her but," began Harry, shouting angrily.
It interrupted him…
Oh really… what did you do in the kitchen … in Diagon Alley… when you woke up at Hogwarts… when she prettied herself up like a… like a normal girl… for you?
Harry remembered each moment and the terrible answer came to mind but the creature voiced it.
Nothing… absolutely nothing…
What was it that Krum said?
Krum's voice echoed around them, "He vill do nothing… just treat you the same as alvays."
You validated everything Victor said to her by not acting or not noticing… and bit-by-bit the little flower wilted… your Earth faded away.
There was a flash of color and pane of class appeared again as before.
Don't you remember?
An image appeared on the glass… a tarot card… the image of a faceless figure encircled by blooming flowers.
Who did you think it was referring to all this time… that nosy little twit Lavender?
Harry's body was still fighting the numbing cold but he forced him-self to stand regardless of physical state as it laughed again.
Don't get angry with me… I'm just telling the truth… and you know it.
Your lacking experience with others left you ignorant and Krum USED that… just as he planned to USE… young Hermione for his own… needs.
"I'm really getting tired of you laughing at this," snapped Harry, now standing.
Would you like to make him wrong?
Its response was so strange and yet… there was something to it.
"What do you mean," asked Harry cautiously?
What I meant was we could join as I've said… and when Victor comes to Hogwarts, you can make it so he never leaves sane… or even alive.
Harry stared at it bewildered but it continued un-wavered.
Don't you think it strange that a licensed graduated wizard like Krum is going to play Quidditch for a school match?
Maybe he has something else in mind to attain besides a gold ball?
"He'll go after Hermione again," whispered Harry," What can I do against him?"
Make Victor pay for all the pain he inflicted on her… you can make Krum suffer like he did but worse… ten times… a hundred times… a thousand times more. Make him suffer not just for her… or for trying to USE her… but for making you a part of it.
Make him pay any way you want…
After all I doubt he would have or will let her live once he's done.
You'll have complete control over everything with me.
Consider it a demonstration?
Too Harry's surprise there was a whistling sound emanating from behind him of wind approaching fast.
Been a while since that showed… our time grows short... decide soon.
"What is it," asked Harry?
An interloper…
Decide quickly… or would you rather Krum were left unpunished… free to do as he pleases… even try again?
"How," whispered Harry, surprising even him-self?
The wind encircled him, the whistling growing to deafen his hearing.
Just take my hand…
Something covered in the darkness protruded and as the maze faded, Harry reached, seizing it in his own.
It said one last thing.
When you awaken, keep your eyes closed… when you're alone call to the snitch and see yourself in a reflection... you'll know what I mean then about control.
The maze faded… and the recollection of the nightmare ended.
Harry stood at the broken window, not knowing how long he had been looking out. He couldn't stop thinking about the vision. Krum's hands on her, the stench he had smell, the helplessness Krum caused and the way she acted at the Weasleys.
Besides the horrid events, one thing plagued his thoughts. Victor seemed to react to hearing Harry's name being mentioned. It made Harry wonder if maybe this had not been because of the drunken effects of ale but rather something else… or someone else... maybe Harry him-self?
Lost in thought, reality came back to him as Harry heard a popping sound and turned to see Dobby with a tray full of food.
"Is sir hungry," asked the elf quietly?
Harry was surprised by Dobby's arrival but realized he should not have been considering he was hungry.
"Starving actually," answered Harry and walking back, "Thank you."
Dobby grinned happily, sat by while Harry hopped onto the bed, grabbed a fork and ate away.
Harry stopped after a few minutes as a thought came to mind, glancing at Dobby.
"Dobby," asked Harry, "Can you really sense anything from me?"
The elf shook its head.
Harry looked at the elf and said nothing. Dobby vanished with a pop and a puff of smoke, only to return before it had time to dissipate, holding Harry's Tarot cards with both hands.
"Well that's a useful trick," said Harry, unable to hide his surprise!
He quickly ate the food Dobby had brought him, chewing as quickly as he needed. When Harry had finished, Dobby snapped his fingers and the contents of the tray vanished then handed Harry the cards. Harry looked them over while shuffling unsure if he was suppose to do that given that Harry had ignored the cards since the first class with Trelawney.
Harry placed the first four cards, the corner cards, and then proceeded to add the in between sets. Harry had placed the center card when Dobby stood up suddenly, looking nervous and unsettled.
"What is it Dobby," asked Harry?
The elf looked back, its eyes were squinted and it responded, "Dobby must go now, much to do."
Harry didn't get the chance to say anything as Dobby vanished yet again. Just shrugged his shoulders and dismissed it; Dobby was always acting weird to him.
He turned his attention back to the arranged tarot cards. Harry turned over the four corner cards. Again there were the Elemental cards Fire, Earth, Wind and Water.
Harry remembered Trelawney's words about the Earth card and what that spot represented. Harry picked up the card and a part of his dream replayed.
Who did you think it was referring to all this time?
Harry stared at the image… a faceless figure encircled by flowers.
-Flowers, - thought Harry, -Hermione's perfume smells like flowers? -
Harry continued to stare at the card when he was interrupted.
"Harry," spoke a woman's voice.
Turning suddenly, Harry looked to see Maylen standing beside his bed.
"Is everything okay," she asked, "How did the window break?"
"Not sure," lied Harry.
"Oh tarot cards," spoke Maylen, disregarding the subject of the window," Giving yourself a reading?"
"Kind of," replied Harry.
Surprisingly Maylen sat beside him on the bed, letting her witch robes fall back, exposing more of her large front.
Maylen looked at the card in Harry's hand and asked, "The Earth card… a corner card… who's the lucky girl to draw your fancy?"
Harry said nothing but kept his eyes on the card, feeling his face heat. He felt the bed shift as Maylen moved closer, leaning towards him.
Harry could feel her breath as she whispered in to his ear, "You can ask me things if you'd like… believe me I have a bit of an understanding when it comes to girls… being one my-self... as you can see."
Harry didn't respond but continued to keep his eyes on the card.
"Alright… take your time," whispered Maylen, then she stood and began to move away.
As Maylen walked away, towards the office, Harry spoke up.
"Anything," asked Harry, turning away from the card to look behind him at Maylen?
Maylen stopped and looked back with an expression of expectation, asking quietly in return, "Is there something you want to know?"
Harry stared at her a moment, then glanced again at the card and finally asked, "Why do I feel so different about… her… I didn't feel this way before… but now I do… I don't understand why things changed suddenly?"
Maylen looked surprised at Harry, obviously not something she had expected to be asked.
"Would you like to tell me who it is," replied Maylen?
Harry didn't answer but averted his eyes slightly.
"Okay… well Harry," answered Maylen, walking back to him," If it's who I think it is… then the answer is probably that you always felt this way… just didn't realize it."
"I… I still don't understand," responded Harry.
Maylen came closer and she about to speak again when another person entered the conversation.
"It's as simple as it is strange."
Maylen eyes changed to a glare and her pleasant smile faded to pursed lips of a disapproving nature. Harry shifted and looked past her to see Daken standing in a dark corner, his silver eyes shining. Maylen turned towards him but said nothing.
Daken began to walk towards them continuing with his response, "It happens often enough… you meet someone… at the time you don't realize anything when you're young… spend of few years with them… and as time passes your feelings change slowly… it can happen slow enough that everything seems normal… you don't quite put together what it is."
"Really," snapped Maylen oddly, her voice hinting with malice, "And just when does it all become clear?"
Daken expression remained calm but his eyes said differently. Harry got the impression that Maylen was implying something to Daken and although he did his best to resist what anger it stirred, Daken's eyes made it clear he was very unsettled by her words.
"Sometimes," answered Daken, oddly calm, "All it takes is the right moment to make it all clear… bumping into each other… seeing into each other's eyes… else it takes something more… like when that person is hurt… upset… or taken from you."
"So I guess that means you should be careful… that you need to say something to her… you never know… some other boy might come along and snatch her up," sneered Maylen, glancing towards Harry but obviously speaking to Daken," Then you might lose her forever."
"People make mistakes," stated Daken, a growling tone to his voice.
"Yes… people do," replied Maylen, her tone unshaken, "But we're not people."
"Maylen," started Daken but she interrupted him.
"I have a patient here and other duties to attend to," she stated calmly and directly," If you have no injuries then I suggest you leave… or I'll inform Dumbledore otherwise."
Her prior statement didn't settle well with Daken as Harry could guess from the stiffen posture. Maylen turned and walked away.
Daken spoke again but his voice was different, it sounded mostly like a single growling tone.
"Hopefully the same mistakes won't be made," said Daken.
Maylen did not respond but continued to walk away.
Daken turned on his heel, saying stiffly, "Good luck with Durmstrang, Potter."
Harry found himself alone in the hospital wing as Daken left and Maylen had return to the office, both giving the doors a good slam. Harry looked at his hand to see it was still holding the tarot card.
Harry whispered aloud, "I won't make any mistakes with Krum… but I'll do something about his."
Evening passed and night came but as the hours passed, Harry found no desire to sleep. Instead he let his mind ponder ideas. Every so often he looked to see the moon light change in angles through the windows. Dobby would stop by at times to see if Harry might want something but he had no desire for anything except for the time to be morning.
Eventually the horizon changed color followed by caws from roosters on the Hogwarts' grounds. Dobby showed up again with another tray of food and Harry accepted it without question but thankfully before the elf left.
Pomfrey came by after a while and informed Harry that he could leave. Following a guess, Harry opened the drawer of the nightstand and there was his uniform.
He dressed while thinking, -Only two weeks and there's a lot to do. -
He tied his shoes and cleaned his glasses. With a quick stretch, he headed out of the Hospital Wing, with no intention of returning. Closing the door behind him, Harry heard someone clear their throat and found Ron standing by, two school bags with him. Presumably one for him and the other Ron's on the floor. Ron stood by the edge of the door with a rolled parchment in his hand.
"Morning," greeted Ron, "Want to see the Quidditch rules for the match? They're a bit different from what you're use to."
Harry grinned and wondered as he asked, "Does it allow for spare players… in case of injury or something?"
Ron nodded and replied, "Yeah… double of everything… six chasers, four beaters, two keepers and… two seekers… trade off between injuries."
Harry squint his eyes, as the idea he needed came to mind. He then reached into one of the bags pulling out a quill and parchment. Using a book to balance the inkbottle and as the hard surface, Harry scribbled away.
"Want to tell me what's going on," asked Ron?
"I think its time we had a captain for Gryffindor," answered Harry, folding the parchment and putting the writing tools away.
"I figured you would," replied Ron, sounding a little dismayed.
Harry stood and handed the folded parchment to Ron adding, "Yeah… and I choose you."
Ron stared at Harry, replying, "Me? But you're."
Harry interrupted, "I'm who… Harry Potter… all I do is chase a piece of gold around the field… sometimes nearly getting myself killed in the process… no we need someone who knows Quidditch… knows the rules… and if you're chess playing is any clue then I think you're it."
Ron stood stunned; he had expected Harry to take the position of captain but was electing Ron.
Then Ron remembered Harry's early expression.
"What's this all about," he asked?
Harry looked at his friend, a grin still present and answered n a low voice," You really are the better choice for captain… captains keep their promises."
"What do you mean by that," asked Ron confused?
Harry looked at his friend and answered plainly, "Thanks for getting Crookshanks to your friend Rela."
"When did… when did she tell you," asked Ron, stuttering slightly?
Harry answered again just as plainly," She didn't."
Ron's eyes went wide as he asked," Then how?"
"Trelawney may be right, I might be a bit of a seer," Harry answered his voice the same," And with it, I know what happened in Bulgaria… everything that happened."
Ron's eyes narrowed, "You're planning something."
"I just want to clear up a misunderstanding Krum has about me," answered Harry mysteriously," Right now you need to help form the team for Hogwarts against Durmstrang… then I'll tell you everything else."
Ron looked at the folded parchment in his hand and back to Harry, a concerned look growing on his face, asking, "Harry I don't know? We've gotten away with a lot of things."
"I'm not asking you to help," stated Harry.
"Like you would have too," replied Ron slightly curt, "But sabotaging Quidditch?"
"I don't care about the game," answered Harry," I just want Krum… and I'll get him away from the game… get him alone."
"He's a licensed wizard," warned Ron.
Harry thought a second and replied, "I don't think that will be a problem."
"Then this is personal, isn't it," spoke Ron, "You're risking a lot… do you really… care… for her?"
Harry said nothing at first but stared back before shaking his head and answering, "I don't know what I feel… but this happened because of me, that I do know… and I can't just do nothing about it."
"Alright Harry," interrupted Ron as he put the folded parchment in a robe pocket and picked up his school bag.
"Ron," inquired Harry?
Ron looked at him and stated, "I've had to keep that stupid promise… and I admired Krum… so if you're going to do something about it… then so am I."
They said nothing more about it but headed off together towards the Great Hall.
As usual the welcoming back in to the fray of Hogwarts was met again with odd behavior. As they walked on, Ron read off the new rules of Quidditch and Harry listened closely. Their peers stood in groups or passed by but each other them were giving odd looks to Harry and there were hushed whispers all around. Though not voicing it, Ron was surprised that Harry didn't seem bothered by any of it.
They were about to walk into the Great Hall when Harry stopped at gentle breeze flowing through the air carrying with it a familiar fragrance.
Harry turned to see a figure rushing through the crowd. Brown shiny bushy hair flowing behind, reveal to be a girl by the sunlight from the windows. One he knew and was glad to see.
Hermione rushed up to the boys, a bright smile on her face and a heavy looking bag on her shoulder, arms full of numerous parchments. Her cheeks redden as Harry smiled at her, neither noticing as the whispers of others grew.
"Ready for breakfast," he commented.
"Can't," Hermione answered, nodding towards her arms," I have to see all my professors early… I have some extra work that belongs to them… but I will see you in class."
With a quick smile, she darted off and Harry turned back to Ron who looked confused.
"So that's what she was doing all night," spoke Ron, "And why the hell are there so many whispering people around us?"
"Who cares, "answered Harry," We need to meet with the other Gryffindor players."
"Fred and George said that everyone would be waiting in the Hall for us," replied Ron as began to walk again.
But Harry didn't move.
"What is it," Ron asked?
"I never apologized for the way I acted towards you," Harry answered, "Or what I did to your brother."
"Well you're right you do owe me an apology," replied Ron," But as for them… I'd say Fred deserved it."
"Your brothers are friends with Lee Jordan right," asked Harry?
Ron nodded his head and asked in curiosity, "Yeah… why?"
"I think I will apologize to them anyways," replied Harry with a grin, squinting his eyes.
With that they walked into the Great Hall while Hermione went on with her meetings.
Next Chapter
Part 2