Disclaimer: I own virtually nothing. I own only the characters of Taylor Ward and Luis Garcia, though if someone else uses them, I don't especially care. JKR owns Harry Potter and Company, Fred Saberhagen owns the Swords.
A/N: One thing I'd like to say before I get to the story. As many of you may know, Msscribe is in the hospital at the moment, and is now recovering. I'd like to wish her the best of luck, and say that it's because of her I put this fic up. Before she pressed me to do so, I probably wouldn't have really considered it. I wrote it for myself, but she showed me there was an interest, and even offered me some writing advice. I'd like to thank her for everything. I'm dedicating this chapter to her. Thanks Msscribe!
CHAPTER FIVE: SOULCUTTER
It was now mid-October. Harry had to start Quidditch practice soon, especially considering they needed to hold tryouts. He had managed to get Professor McGonagall to waive the first year rule for Taylor Ward, under the caveat that her marks must not slip a single iota, or she'd sit. Other than that, Harry had a couple decent Beaters, though not to the caliber of the Weasley twins. He had one superb Chaser, who had been a reserve, before Ward, one decent one, and one OK one. The latter had not technically been reserves, but had been working with the team in an attempt to build for next year. He had Luis Garcia, who had replaced Oliver Wood last year, and was excellent, if not quite as good as Wood had been. But Luis was a third year, and had plenty of room to grow.
In any event, he headed downstairs to the Great Hall for some food. He thought he'd tell everyone who wanted to be on the team to meet in the common room immediately following the end of classes. He found Ron there.
"Hey Ron." He glanced about. "Have you seen Hermione? She never did come back up to Gryffindor Tower last night…at least, not while I was awake."
Ron shook his head and swallowed his food before replying. "No, she may have come down earlier, I guess. I don't know. She has been avoiding us lately, hasn't she?"
Harry nodded. "I wonder why?" Although he was concerned for his friend, he had other things on his mind at that moment, plus the fact was that Hermione did tend to be the most loner of the three of them. He wasn't concerned, yet.
After finishing his meal, Harry asked Professor McGonagall to announce the Quidditch meeting. There appeared to be great interest. Harry of course, knew that Colin Creevey would try out just for the sake of trying to be close to his hero. Harry had suspicions, though, that Colin was…playing for the other team, in the metaphorical sense. It was rather disturbing. But he didn't want Colin to get upset if he just went and told him he wasn't…that way.
Harry saw Hermione in class that day, but she was still avoiding him and Ron. She instead chose to sit with either Neville or someone from another house. Ron was upset about this. He needed her help to keep his marks up. Even Harry noticed that he was having more trouble, despite the fact that he worked harder now. Maybe it was the fact that she wasn't there helping him. Or maybe it was the whole issue was so distracting.
During Herbology, Harry couldn't help but watch Hermione and try to figure out just what was wrong. She seemed fine, but wouldn't return his gaze. It was if she ignored his existence. He was so engrossed, he didn't notice that he was cutting his roots all wrong, even when Professor Sprout was standing…well, not over him, but peering at him from his side.
"Ahem," she coughed. Harry started and looked about.
"Professor?"
"Potter, you need to pay more attention to what you are doing, and less to Miss Granger." She pointed to his ruined roots. Upon her comment about Hermione, he saw her flush out of the corner of his eye. His own face felt very hot.
A few of the other boys smiled and gave him appreciative nods. He didn't feel like acknowledging them, so he went back to his work, this time focused clearly on what he was doing.
The rest of the day seemed to last for an eternity. While Harry managed to avoid staring at Hermione, he was always thinking about her in the back of his mind. He was very relieved when it came time to perform his duties as Gryffindor Captain.
Several people had already shown up when he arrived. Both of his reserve Beaters, Jeremy Hanks and Tony Early were waiting, talking about some amazing flying story they were no doubt embellishing. Colin Creevey was there, much to Harry's displeasure. The kid tried hard, but he really, well, sucked. A few people Harry didn't recognize had also arrived.
"Well, as you all know, I'm Harry Potter, Gryffindor Captain. We're just going to wait for a few minutes for everyone else to show up." As he said this, Taylor Ward came rushing in through the portrait hole, along with the three Reserve Chasers.
Harry glanced about. "Well, then, I guess that's everyone. As most of you know, the only returning starters are myself and Luis, our Keeper. Jeremy and Tony," he nodded to them, "were our Reserve Beaters, and the Weasley twins were working both of them hard, so they're almost a lock. As for Chasers, well…" Everyone involuntarily glanced at Ward, who blushed and sunk into her chair even farther. "We need three new ones. The field is wide open. So, anyways, I wanted to welcome you all and let you know that, in fact, tryouts start today. So grab your brooms and come down to the pitch with me."
They all stared at him for a moment, except Luis, who grinned, and said, "Come on, guys, let's do it!" He already had his stuff and stood up to stand next to Harry. The rest ran off to grab their stuff. "Creevey kid again, huh?" murmured Luis.
"Yeah, looks that way," muttered Harry back.
"I could, well…explain it to him," Luis offered darkly.
Harry shook his head. "If he's improved enough to make it, he makes it." Luis shook his head, but agreed. Harry privately thought he was right. Colin was too small to be a Beater, and he doubted that he'd be good enough to get one of the Chaser positions, especially if Ward was as good as everyone was saying.
After a few minutes, everyone was back, and they headed down. Harry, walking along, suddenly noticed a lone figure in the stands. It was Hermione. She appeared to be studying. Harry pretended not to see her. If she had come to watch, that was fine. If not, well, that was fine, too. He'd try to talk to her later when he got a chance.
"OK, people, first off, we're going to run a few…drills. Specifically, evasion. All people trying out for Beater, over here, all Chasers, over here." They all shuffled about. Beyond Jeremy and Tony, there was only one kid who was trying for Beater. Harry figured he'd probably be Reserve then. No problem. He turned to the Chasers. Six people for three spots. He'd probably keep four so he could have a backup. The fastest of the extras, so they could have a backup Seeker if need be. Though he didn't anticipate any problems, with Voldemort back and all one never knew.
"Alright, here's what we're doing. These are normal balls, and will not chase after you. They do, however, have a hovering charm, so they'll float, and they are the rough size of a Bludger. The Beaters will try and hit the Chasers, who will be trying to avoid them. Don't worry, they can't hurt you." He looked at the people. "Alright, in the air."
He and Luis floated to the center of the group. He handed the balls to Luis. "Do it."
Luis threw one at the Beater, who hit it towards the Chaser. They managed to avoid it. This went on for some minutes, and they all worked up a good sweat. Harry noticed that Ward so far appeared as advertised, having absolutely no problems with the evasion. She was also extremely fast, being so slim.
They moved on to shooting next. Harry started as the Keeper, so as not to make it too hard. He wanted to see which of them could actually put the Quaffle through the hoop, let alone past a real Keeper. As predicted, Colin was horrible, missing several shots completely and having most blocked by Harry. Ward, however, was amazing. Harry reflected that Ron had been modest about how good she was, to say nothing of herself. She had pinpoint accuracy, and excellent moves.
Harry told them all to take a break. He scanned the stands again. Hermione was still there. He flew over to her. She didn't look up at first. He hovered there for a moment, and she finally set her book down. "What is it, Harry?" she asked, sighing heavily and flicking a strand of hair out of her eyes.
Harry's stomach seized up for a moment when she did that. Then he found his voice. "Quiet up here, isn't it?" Great observation, Sherlock, he thought.
"Mmm-hmm."
Harry searched for words. "Er, Ron and I have been worried about you lately. You never seem to be around. Anything wrong, anything I can help you with?"
He didn't see the begging in her eyes. Yes, Harry, you can tell me you love me like I love you, she thought for a moment. "No, I, erm, I just needed some time to myself. I'm sorry I've been neglecting you. I'll try to be around more." With that, she picked up her book again. Harry could tell she was ignoring him. He stared at her a moment more, a certain bleakness filling his heart, then flew back to the pitch.
Before they could get started, though, he saw a red-headed figure running towards him. It was Ron. He gasped at Harry, clearly out of breath. "Harry! You've got to come quick!"
"What? What's happened?"
"It's You-Know-Who! He's attacking the Ministry!"
Harry's eyes hardened. He stepped onto the turf and ran after Ron calling, "Luis, get everything cleaned up. I've got to go!" He followed Ron up to the castle. He was met in the Great Hall by Professor Dumbledore. They had a real-time report happening, shown from a floating ghostly image in the center of the Hall.
"…The Death Eaters Apparated in just after. There has been virtually no resistance from the Ministry. As for the situation inside, there was only that garbled message of a trick before all communication was lost. Members of the Magical Law Enforcement Squad are on their way." The witch on the screen peered over the boxes she was hiding behind. "There appear to be about fifteen Death Eaters. Strangely enough, they are not advancing."
Harry looked at Dumbledore. "Sir, what happened? What do they mean a message about a trick?"
Dumbledore looked grave, and his light blue eyes were full of steel. "There was a communication that Voldemort had tricked them somehow, but after that there has been nothing. I fear some kind of weapon has been unleashed in the Ministry itself." He turned to McGonagall. "I've summoned the members of the Order. As soon as the Death Eaters leave, we're heading in to try and see what can be done, and what happened."
Harry and Ron stepped up. "We'd like to go too, sir."
Birmingham, who was there-Snape was curiously absent-fixed them with an intense stare. "Are you mad? They could attack again at any moment once they leave. It would be just the opportunity Voldemort needs to finish you off, Potter." One part of Harry's mind reflected that Birmingham had said Voldemort. He couldn't remember him mentioning the Dark Lord before, though, so who knew?
Dumbledore looked at Harry for a moment. "No, I do not think they will be back. By then, there will be too many trained wizards there…plus they will have done all the damage they need to." Birmingham scowled, but acknowledged Dumbledore's authority in this matter.
There was a small gasp from behind Harry. He turned. Hermione stood there, books clutched to her chest, eyes scanning the screen. Harry fixed with a gaze for a moment, but she didn't look at him, so he turned back to Dumbledore. "I'm going to get my Sword. It might be useful. Neville should come too. And Ron…" He hesitated. "Yeah."
Dumbledore inspected him a moment. "And what about Miss Granger?"
Harry squirmed a moment under Dumbledore's gaze. "Well, er, I'm not sure what use Wayfinder could do there," he lied.
Dumbledore continued to look at him. "I see. Come with me for a moment, Harry." He led Harry off to a more secluded area of the room. "Now, tell me, what is the real reason you do not wish Miss Granger to accompany you?"
Harry sighed. He should've know there'd be no use hiding the truth from Dumbledore. "Well, she's…upset with Ron and me for some reason. I can't for the life of me figure out why. I just thought it'd be better if she didn't come."
Dumbledore nodded slowly. "I understand, Harry. But we must leave the decision up to her."
Harry looked down. He was being stupid, and he knew it. He nodded. He went back to observe with the others while Dumbledore conversed quickly with Hermione. Harry watched out of the corner of his eyes, and she seemed to be reluctant. Eventually, he saw Dumbeldore nod, and turn away. "Er, is she coming?" he asked hesitantly when Dumbledore returned. Dumbledore shook his head, and that was that.
"It seems the attack is over, Harry. Get your Swords and meet me back here." Ron and Harry ran up and grabbed their magical weapons, grabbing Neville along the way. They returned, and trailed Dumbledore, Birmingham, and Flitwick over to a fireplace. "I will go first," said Dumbledore. He picked up some Floo Powder and stepped into the fireplace.
They all arrived to find a mess before them. There were several members of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement milling about, and Harry saw several others coming towards him. It was Remus Lupin, Arabella Figg, and Mundungus Fletcher. Sirius was absent. Made sense, though, with all these Ministry officials about, one slip and he'd be finished.
A Ministry official noticed them and strode over. "Albus Dumbledore. Didn't expect to see you here."
Dumbledore smiled without his usual humor. "Yes, well, I decided that this situation was slightly more important than the school at this time. Can you tell me what has happened?"
The official pointed to the Ministry building. "There's been severe damage to the outside of the structure. So far, no one's come out. We can't see why. There appears to be no obstructions for the exits."
"Could it have something to do with the trick Voldemort played on them?" asked Harry impetuously, causing a cringe in most of those about him. He stared into the building. He couldn't see any external damage, but wasn't an expert. He'd have to trust what he was told for now.
"Well, we don't know. We have no idea what kind of weapon was used."
Dumbeldore nodded sagely. "I would like to inspect the building a bit closer in, if I may."
"Well, if it was anyone else…OK."
Dumbledore walked slowly towards the building. However, as he got within fifty feet of it, he slowed suddenly, and almost stumbled. He slowly stood, and retreated. He returned to where the rest stood. "Allow no one to approach the building. I have an idea about what is in there."
The official looked at the building. "What do you mean?"
Dumbledore sighed, and it seemed somehow to take all his strength. Harry stared into his face, as white and drawn as he had ever seen it. "There is a powerful weapon in there, one that no human on this planet can resist. It will rid your mind of its will." He turned back to the building. "Until it can be removed, no one must approach it."
"But, are the people still alive?"
"Not for long they won't be. They won't eat, drink, sleep, do anything at all. Eventually, they'll die."
Harry looked in as the Ministry official departed. "There's a Sword in there. They'll starve…" He thought back. But many left to starve… "Soulcutter. Soulcutter's in there. So that's the Sword that Voldemort got."
Dumbledore looked at Harry. "It would appear that way, Harry. There's little more that we can do here. We should return to Hogwarts." With that, they trudged back to the fireplace to return to the school, more dejected than when they had left. There was nothing to do here. There was only one chilling thought that was left with them. The Swords overrode all magic they could perform…even that by Professor Dumbledore.
A/N: Thanks again to all who reviewed the previous chapter: yurimionepotter, Hallie, padawn leia, lordanhur, Joyce, Brandie, Batgirl, kinicky21, Catark, Nappa, and HermioneGranger 4 ever.
Yurimionepotter: She could've asked that, but that would take away the mystery, wouldn't it?
Hallie: Don't worry, Chapter 6 is the big action chapter thus far.
Joyce: I know, I liked that bit with Wayfinder. Hermione does worry too much. But it'll all turn out OK.
Brandie: Good that I managed the girl talk thing OK. I wasn't sure how that'd go over. It's hard for guys to do this stuff.
Batgirl: All in good time, all in good time. Muahahaha!