Trust and Betrayal

MichelleRadcliffe

Rating: PG13
Genres: Drama, Mystery
Relationships: Harry & Hermione
Book: Harry & Hermione, Books 1 - 5
Published: 28/12/2004
Last Updated: 13/12/2005
Status: in_progress

Harry’s sixth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry will be one of trust and betrayal. Who should he trust? Who will betray him? Doing the easy thing and doing the right thing aren’t as easy to choose between as one might think.

Chapters

1. Chapter One

2. Chapter Two

3. Chapter Three

4. Chapter Four

5. A New Idea

6. Chapter Five

7. Chapter Six

1. Chapter One

Title: Trust and Betrayal

Author: Michelle

Rating: PG-13

Disclaimer: I do not own anything except the plot. All characters are from the mind of JK Rowling. No money is being made from this and no copyright infringements intended.

Summary: Harry's sixth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry will be one of trust and betrayal. Who should he trust? Who will betray him? Doing the easy thing and doing the right thing aren't as easy to choose between as one might think.

Chapter One

Rain pounded on the widows outside of number four, Privet Drive as a young man stared out into the street. As usual the other boy occupant of the household was thumping around downstairs looking for something else to eat.

There was an odd calmness as Harry Potter stared out through the glass pane into the night. Sirius had passed on only a month ago all because of his stupidity. Harry turned around as Dudley pounded up the stairs and past his door. Harry felt the pounding in his head as Dudley slammed his bedroom door and laid his head down on the tattered pillow on his bed. He lay there feeling as if, maybe, things might be alright again as he drifted to sleep listening to the rain outside.

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The next morning Harry heard the usual yelling downstairs. Wishing he could just go back to sleep, he begrudgingly clamored out of bed and pulled on one of Dudley's shirts. He sighed as he slipped down the stairs and into the kitchen where Dudley was getting yelled at. Harry groaned inwardly knowing what was to come.

As soon as Harry entered the room Uncle Vernon turned to face him, his face suddenly purple with rage. “You…you were supposed to make sure he didn't sneak out of his room at night! Dudley cannot help it that he needs to eat…he's a growing boy! But we went through all this trouble to keep him on a strict diet and you had to ruin it all, boy!” Vernon yelled his face only a few inches away from Harry's.

Petunia stood quietly in the corner of the kitchen cutting the grapefruit and making toast for Dudley's breakfast. Harry's attention was torn away from her when his Uncle's fist collided with his jaw knocking him off his feet. Before drifting into unconsciousness Harry heard Petunia gasp loudly and Dudley laughing in the background.

Harry woke to find himself in a rather tight position. He felt a dull ache in his jaw as the events of that morning flooded his mind. Uncle Vernon had hit him. He had grabbed him by his hair and he had pushed him, but never had he actually hit him before. He opened his eyes to find himself in complete darkness save a small stream of light coming in through a crack in the wall.

Harry sat up rubbing his jaw and winced. He stared out the small crack to see that the hall in front of him was empty. He slowly opened the door, his heart pounding in his chest. Looking through the small opening he breathed a sigh of relief when he saw no one in the hall or in the kitchen. He crawled out of his old bedroom remembering how cramped it was. He stood up in the hallway and let his eyes adjust to the light. He looked around and listened for few moments but after not hearing anything he quickly and quietly ran up the stairs to send a letter to someone - anyone. On the way upstairs Harry realized how long he'd been knocked out. It was nearly dark now.

He got to his door and for a moment felt as though he should just turn around. He fought it and turned the handle slowly - quietly. He poked his head inside only for a moment before he was pulled inside the room by Uncle Vernon. “Boy, did you think you were going to come up here and send a letter to those freaky friends of yours?” His uncle asked narrowing his eyes and pulling harder on the fist of hair in his hand. Harry flinched but did not trust himself to speak. Harry felt himself getting dizzy as he stared past Vernon. He saw that Hedwig was lying silent and still inside his cage and at once he knew he was alone. Tears stung at his eyes as he saw his only friend at Privet Drive lay there, dead, inside her cage.

Harry's attention was taken away from Hedwig when he was thrown across the room. He hit the wall with a thud and slid down it gasping for air. His uncle roared and picked him up by his hair. Harry hung there too weak to do anything to stop him. He felt a fist slam into his already bruised face and felt blood trickle down. He was thrown across the room but this time he hit his head on the edge of the bed and he felt himself drifting into unconsciousness.

Harry awoke once again but this time he didn't know where he was. It was a dank, dark room. Harry couldn't see clearly considering his glasses were no where to be found. His wrists and feet were tied - no way of escaping now. Harry felt a sudden wave of panic sweep over him. What if no one came? What if he laid here and starved to death? Harry tried not to think about these things and closed his eyes.

He opened his eyes when he heard someone coming. Was it his uncle? Harry squeezed his eyes shut again - waiting for the worst. He waited and felt someone grab the rope around his wrists and start untying it. He opened his eyes to see what was going on and found himself face-to-face with Hermione. She looked very frantic and kept looking over her shoulder as if she was waiting for someone to burst in any minute.

She finally got the ropes off of him and helped him over to a door on the other side of the room. She grabbed the handle and tugged at it hard. It didn't budge. Harry heard Hermione sigh loudly before whipping out her wand and muttering a spell that Harry couldn't quite make out. It was a warm night outside but there was a certain stillness in the air that kept the both on edge. Hermione got Harry into the backseat of a car and quickly got in the front. She started the engine and roared off.

Harry felt himself relax a bit and leaned his head down seeing Hermione's face fixed into a determined glare. How had she known? Did Dumbledore send her? How did he know? Harry felt himself getting weaker by the second and felt a shrill coldness sweep through him. He was suddenly very hot and lightheaded - as if he'd been poisoned. He was now shaking violently.

He saw Hermione turn around. She gasped when she saw him and slammed on the breaks causing Harry to shake worse. She got out and opened his door. Her eyes were darting over him frantically like she didn't know what to do. Harry heard a car's tires screeching behind him. Hermione slammed the door and got back in the front. She sped off throwing quick, apologetic glances at him every few moments.

Harry was sweating bullets by the time Hermione pulled into a driveway. He was shaking but couldn't get himself to stop. His breaths were short and ragged and he was burning up. Hermione pulled him out of the car and tried her hardest to get him inside. She finally gave up and ran inside. Harry panicked inside. Where was she? Had Uncle Vernon followed them all the way here? He saw Hermione come back out of the house with a taller, older man running along behind her.

They got to the car and lifted him out. They quickly carried him to the house where an older woman was waiting with a wet cloth and a bag of ice. They laid him on the couch and Hermione dabbed his forehead (which was bleeding) with the cloth. The two older people were talking frantically in the background. Harry didn't know what was going on but he had no control of his body. Hermione had bandaged up his head at some point and was now checking for any broken bones.

Harry felt his eyelids suddenly become very heavy and shut them. He felt Hermione check his arms, wrists, hands, ankles, and legs. He felt the warmness radiating from her hands for a moment - as if she hesitated before lifting his shirt over his head. There was a pause before her felt her warm hands on his torso. He heard her gasp when a shot of pain coursed through him.

He heard her drone in the background. “Mum! Dad! He's got a broken rib!” She said. She was crying now. Her parents tried to calm her and told her that the medics would arrive soon. They went on to explain to her that it seemed her had been beat up pretty badly but he would be fine.

“Mum!” Hermione replied. “He was shaking and sweating! He's been poisoned! Those foul, evil people!” Hermione screamed. “Why aren't they in prison? They treat him horribly! That's why Ron and I have to send him food every week! They starve him!” Hermione cried. Ron. Harry had forgotten about him. Why hadn't Dumbledore sent Ron? Harry wasn't thinking straight anymore.

Harry heard sirens in the distance before drifting off for the third time that night.

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2. Chapter Two

Title: Trust and Betrayal

Author: Michelle

Rating: PG-13 (higher rating for abuse)

Disclaimer: I do not own anything except the plot. All characters are from the mind of JK Rowling. No money is being made from this and no copyright infringement is intended.

Summary: Harry's sixth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry will be one of trust and betrayal. Who should he trust? Who will betray him? Doing the easy thing and doing the right thing aren't as easy to choose between as one might think.

Chapter Two

Harry woke up not knowing what time it was. He felt a lot better than he did awhile ago. The room he was in was very dark indicating that it was still night. His eyes started to adjust to the darkness. He looked around. He assumed he was in a guest bedroom. He looked around the room some more - only just noticing Hermione sleeping in a wooden chair in the corner. Harry had considered carrying her to her bed but was forced not to when he couldn't sit up. He was no longer sweating though he still felt a little nauseous and it felt awfully warm in the room even with the window open. His muscles ached badly but he just couldn't sleep. Too many thoughts were racing through his head. He was still trying to process everything by the time the sun had come up.

The sun had now become bright enough that the room was very well lit. Harry looked over at Hermione who was still sleeping peacefully in the chair. He looked around the room which he now realized was painted a very light green. In fact the whole room was green. There was a bookshelf that took up almost a full wall. A desk scattered with papers, parchment and quills. He saw a copy of Hogwarts; a History on the desk and in the corner was a chest with the initials HG on them. This must be Hermione's room.

Harry was startled when Hermione stirred. She nearly fell off the chair when she awoke. Most likely not used to sleeping in a straight backed wooden chair. “Good Morning, `Mione.” Harry said brightly even though he still felt nauseous. Hermione's eyes widened and she looked like she'd forgotten everything that had happened the previous night. “'Mione?” Harry asked again.

“Oh, Harry. Good Morning… Sorry, I thought I was dreaming or something…” Hermione said trailing off into thought. There was a slight pause. “'Mione?” She asked looking up at Harry. “Well, I'm tired and lazy - I have my faults.” Harry replied with a grin. Hermione laughed. She looked up as if she was deep in thought.

“Actually, I kind of like it…” Hermione said. “Yeah, I really do.” She smiled at him. Harry smiled back. This was nice. He still felt like crap, sure. But he'd never been at Hermione's house before. He'd been to The Burrow and Grimmauld Place. He wondered why the thought of coming here had never occurred to him before.

“I didn't know you liked the color green.” Harry said looking around the room again. It was quite pretty. It had almost a sea feeling to it.

“Oh, I love green.” Hermione said looking around the room as if she'd never seen it before.

They were just sitting there, staring at Hermione's sea-foam green colored walls when there was a knock at the door. “Come in.” Hermione said standing up. The older man, who Harry now assumed was Mr. Granger, stepped in. He eyed Harry suspiciously. “Breakfast is ready.” He said before leaving the room and not shutting the door. Hermione rolled her eyes at him as if she knew exactly what he was doing. Harry looked up to Hermione for an explanation but she just ignored it.

Hermione moved towards the door. “Can you move?” She asked.

Harry tried to sit up again. This time he succeeded. He was still quite sore but he thought he could manage.

“Yeah - I'll be right there.” Harry said with a forced smile. Hermione shut the door as she left. Harry sighed. He threw the covers off of him expecting to see bandages. There were none. Come to think of it he thought he had cracked a rib. There were no bruises on him either. Puzzled by this Harry got up out of bed and stretched to loosen up some of his muscles.

Harry made his way downstairs stretching on the way. He noticed the smell of pancakes in the air and his stomach growled. He smiled and walked into the kitchen. He did a double-take when he saw not only Hermione and her parents, but also Snape. Why the hell was he here? Harry looked to Hermione for an explanation but she looked like she didn't mind that Snape was sitting in her kitchen. Snape was eating pancakes. He looked up at Harry. Harry half expected him to take points from Gryffindor for merely existing. Harry did his second double-take that morning when Snape smiled at him then went back to eating his pancakes.

Harry pondered what just happened as the Grangers and Snape merrily ate their pancakes. Harry was just confused by the whole situation. He poked Hermione and motioned for her to follow him. She got up muttering a quick `excuse me' before following Harry into the living room. “What?” She asked sitting down on the armchair in the corner. Harry sat on the couch and faced her with a confused look on his face.

“What's going on?” Harry asked.

Hermione looked at him. “He came last night when…” she trailed off. She shifted in her seat uncomfortably. “He came and made some potions that healed you. We still have no idea how your Uncle got that poison. Professor Snape said that it was a potion. He said that if I hadn't owled him that you…” Hermione trailed off again and sniffled.

Hermione stood up rubbing her now red eyes. Harry got up and walked over to her. He crushed her with a big bear hug that caused Hermione to giggle. Harry pulled away looking hurt. “Here I was trying to be nice and I get laughed at…” Harry said to himself. Hermione laughed.

“So, Snape came here and gave me a potion to heal me from whatever it was that Uncle Vernon gave me?” Harry asked making things a little clearer inside his head. Hermione nodded. “Okay then - so why is he still in you kitchen…eating pancakes?” Harry asked.

“My parents insisted that he stay and have breakfast. It was nearly five when he got here.” Hermione said. “He'll be leaving anytime now.” She stated looking up at the clock that read 9:17 am. Hermione smiled. “Want some pancakes?” She asked motioning at the door.

Harry started for the door. He stopped, suddenly very dizzy. Hermione turned towards him. “Harry, are you okay? You look pale…paler. Harry?” She asked worriedly.

“It's okay - I'm just tired.” He replied before grabbing for the wall to keep himself from falling down. Harry fell to the floor. Before he passed out he heard Hermione screaming for help in the background.

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3. Chapter Three

Title: Trust and Betrayal

Author: Michelle

Rating: PG-13 (higher rating for abuse)

Disclaimer: I do not own anything except the plot. All characters are from the mind of JK Rowling. No money is being made from this and no copyright infringement is intended.

Summary: Harry's sixth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry will be one of trust and betrayal. Who should he trust? Who will betray him? Doing the easy thing and doing the right thing aren't as easy to choose between as one might think.

Chapter Three

Harry awoke back in Hermione's bedroom. Suddenly aware that he was lying in Hermione's bed he tried to sit up. `What's going on?' Harry thought trying to sit up again. He found that he couldn't. `Maybe it's just my muscles tensing up again.' Harry thought. He tried to open his eyes. He had absolutely no control of his body. It's like when your arm falls asleep and you can't move it no matter what. He tried to open his eyes or mouth but he couldn't. He felt someone sit down on the bed beside him.

“Snape - that horrible, slimy git!” Harry heard Hermione say to herself. “What the hell did he do to you, Harry?” She asked him but didn't expect him to reply. “What did he give you?” She asked him but still didn't expect him to reply. “Dumbledore will know about this. Why did I ever trust that…that…” Hermione trailed off.

`What? Snape was here? Why can't I move? Snape gave me something? Is that why I can't move?' A hundred thoughts raced through his head. He was brought back to reality when he heard a door slam downstairs. Harry felt Hermione get up off of the bed.

Harry opened one eye. `What? I didn't do that!' Harry thought frantically. `What is going on?' Harry thought. “I thought they'd never leave.” Harry felt the words leave his mouth. `I didn't say that!' He thought. `Oh, no.' He saw Hermione turn around.

“Harry! You're okay!” She yelled running over to him and enveloping him in a huge hug. He pushed her off of him and she fell to the floor. Hermione scrambled up and looked at him clearly confused. Harry was panicking.

`What is doing this? This isn't me!' He thought. Then it hit him. `Snape.' He thought angrily. Hermione was looking at him shocked. She stood on guard for a moment. Harry smiled evilly at her.

“Harry?” Hermione said her voice shaking. “Harry, what's going on? Are you okay?” She asked. She looked scared.

`She's scared of me.' Harry thought sadly. `Hermione is scared of me.'

“Nothing's going on. I'm wonderful. In fact…” Harry felt his lips move as he trailed off. He whipped out his wand and pointed it at Hermione. Harry felt himself walk up to Hermione. Hermione looked scared. Really scared. He grabbed her wrists and slammed her against the wall. He had her wrists pinned up against the wall above her head. Hermione winced.

“Harry? What…” She looked at him nervously. “What's going on?” her eyes pleaded for him to explain to her.

Harry replied by pushing her harder into the wall and gripping her wrists harder making large bruises. Hermione was whimpering. Harry was breaking down inside. He leaned in and roughly kissed her. Harry stopped thinking.

There was a moment where Hermione was almost in shock but it quickly ended when he tasted blood. Hermione had bit down on his lip. He leaned in closer to her and pressed his body up against hers. “Don't tell me you've never thought about it…'Mione.” He said whispering into her ear. Hermione's eyes widened. He still had her against the wall. He started to move his hand up her shirt. Hermione turned her head away from him hiding the shame on her face. “Don't like that, Mudblood?” Harry felt himself speak the words he thought would never come out of his mouth.

Hermione gasped and a muffled cry could be heard coming from her. She tried to move away from him but he was too strong.

`Hermione, no, I don't mean it! Do something. I don't mind. Get yourself away…I don't want to hurt you…' Harry tried desperately to contact her. Her eyes were red and blotchy when she turned to face him with an angry look on her face.

“No? Well, he could do better anyway.” Harry grinned evilly. `Oh, God, oh ,no. Hermione, no. Don't cry. I don't mean it.' Harry thought praying to God he - whatever was controlling him wouldn't hurt her. He backed away a bit but still blocked the path to the door.

Hermione had tears streaming down her saddened yet determined face. “Harry, this isn't you. Whatever is bothering you; I - we can help.” Hermione said trying to calm him down. “I want to help. We can get Lupin and Dumbledore. They can help you. Harry, why are you acting like this?” She asked desperately as she was backed into the corner.

“Stupid girl. You're boyfriend isn't here anymore.” Harry felt himself burn with rage. There was nothing he could do.

Hermione pulled out her wand. “What - Who are you? What are you?' She asked. When he didn't answer she continued. “Whatever you are. What do you want?” Hermione said edging towards the door. Her cheeks were still tear-stained. “What did you do with Harry?” She asked advancing on him.

“Oh - Your precious Harry is here. He's just…incapable of pretty much everything right now.” He said taking a deep breath and stretching. “As for what I want. There are a lot of things I want…” He trailed off. “Oh, I wanted a nice family. Maybe a house and white picket fence outside. No one wanted me… But enough of that… Let's start with ridding the world of filthy little mudbloods like you.” He said his eyes now locked on Hermione. Inside Harry flinched. `Oh, God. What am - what is he going to do to her?' Harry thought frantically trying very hard to bring himself to the surface.

Harry felt himself point his wand at Hermione who was, again, backed into the corner. `Oh, God, no. I'll do anything. Stop!' Harry shouted inside. “Avada Ke- “ Harry screamed and fell to the floor. He was breathing heavily, drained completely of magic and strength. He lay there for what felt like an eternity before he slowly sat up and rested on his elbows. “Oh, God, `Mione”' Harry said not able to look at her. “Oh, God.”

Harry looked up at her. She was still in the corner. There was blood on her chin and she was still shaking. No one spoke. Hermione eyed the door. Harry started to get up and Hermione stepped back towards the wall again.

“Hermione - it's me.” Harry said standing up. He tried to move closer to her but she pulled out her wand and pointed it at him. “Don't you dare come near me.” She said narrowing her eyes. He didn't move closer to her but simply moved out of her way. Hermione gave one fleeting look before running out the door leaving Harry standing alone in her room.

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4. Chapter Four

Title: Trust and Betrayal

Author: Michelle

Rating: PG-13 (higher rating for abuse)

Disclaimer: I do not own anything except the plot. All characters are from the mind of JK Rowling. No money is being made from this and no copyright infringement is intended.

Summary: Harry's sixth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry will be one of trust and betrayal. Who should he trust? Who will betray him? Doing the easy thing and doing the right thing aren't as easy to choose between as one might think.

Chapter Four

Harry sat down on the bed and put his head in his hands. It was one of those things where your mind is racing but all you can really think is `What the hell just happened?' He laid down thinking that Hermione would probably never speak to him again. `What am I going to say to her?' Harry thought his eyes now scanning the room. `Is there anything I can say to her?' He thought after seeing blood on the carpet and the wall broken in where Hermione had been thrown against it. `Sorry, Hermione, some evil thing had control of my body. Sorry that I completely violated you.' Harry said to himself sarcastically.

His lip was still bleeding and hurt quite a bit. Harry looked down at his hands and realized with horror that Hermione's blood, from when she was slammed into the wall, was on his hands. Harry frantically rubbed them on his pants trying to get the blood off. He ran to Hermione's bathroom and scrubbed them off for hours. When he finally stopped his hands were red-raw. He backed away from the sink and ran into the wall. He slid down and sat with his back against the wall and put his now throbbing head in his hands which stung in response.

Harry's mind was overridden by guilt for something he didn't even do. But whoever was controlling him did that something to Hermione and he couldn't let it happen again. `She's not going to let me come near her. After all, she has no reason to believe that it's really me. How am I going to prove to her it's really me?' Harry thought frantically.

“Harry!” He heard Hermione's mom call from downstairs. He quickly stood up and cleaned himself off as much as he could.

`Did Hermione tell her? They're going to kill me. They won't believe that something possessed me and made me violate their daughter like that. After all, I'm a fifteen year old boy…what else would they think?' Harry thought depressingly.

He went down the stairs, trying to hide the shame on his face in case Hermione had not said anything. He went through the living room and entered the kitchen. Mrs. Granger looked up at him from the stove with a smile.

`Thank God.' Harry thought with a mental sigh of relief.

“Lunch is ready if you're hungry.” She said brightly. Harry turned and saw that Hermione and Mr. Granger were already eating and that his plate was set up next to Hermione.

`Of course, her mom doesn't know. We are best friends. At lease I hope we are…' Harry trailed off in his mind and sat down next to Hermione, who didn't even look up at him, without a word.

“So Harry,” Mr. Granger started. Hermione jumped slightly when he Mr. Granger had started talking. “'Mione here tells me that you saw a troll in your first year at Hogwarts. Nearly gave her mother a heart attack.” He said, taking a bite of his sandwich.

`That's the understatement of the year… Hey! `Mione is my nickname for her!' Harry thought, annoyed, rolling his mental eyes. “Oh, yeah.” Harry replied dully. He wasn't really in the mood for a chat with his potential murderer. Harry took a bite of his sandwich even though he was the furthest thing from hungry. It was actually quite good. He figured that if Mrs. Granger had nearly had a heart attack at them seeing a troll that Hermione probably didn't tell them much else.

Hermione didn't say anything all through the meal. She kept her eyes low and didn't seem to even acknowledge that he was there.

Harry stood up feeling very dizzy all of the sudden. He grabbed the closest thing near him which happened to be Hermione. The second he touched her she gasped and backed away quickly. Her parents looked at her, startled at her reaction. She took a deep breath. “Sorry, I - I tripped.” She stuttered, lying through her teeth. Her parents looked skeptical.

“Honey, you seem jumpy this morning. Is there something you'd like to tell us?” Her mom asked putting down the towel she had been using. Her father had stood up and was looking at Hermione expectantly. Harry hoped that Hermione wouldn't say anything.

“No, it's okay. It's just that - there's been a lot going on lately and I'm just…” Hermione trailed off. Her mom smiled at her.

“I'm just going to leave you two to talk.” She said with a smile. Mr. Granger didn't budge and was eyeing Harry suspiciously and making him quite uncomfortable. Hermione nearly choked when her mom had said this. Mrs. Granger had dragged her husband out of the room leaving Harry and Hermione alone.

There was a very awkward silence where Hermione shoved her plate away and Harry shifted his weight uneasily. “Hermione…” Harry trailed off, unsure of what to say. “It's me. Really me…Harry.” He said moving towards her. She stood up and backed away from her chair. “Hermione, I know you're scared. But it's okay. It's really me…” He trailed off again and looked down at his feet.

Hermione looked at him skeptically. “How do I know if it's really you. How do I know it wasn't you all along?” Hermione asked putting her hand in her pocket, obviously getting a hold of her wand.

“Hermione, I'm really sorry for what happened. But I would never do anything like that to you.” Harry said trying to get closer to her. Apparently this was the wrong thing to say and she had backed up more. “Hermione, really…” Harry said. He looked as if he'd just gotten an idea and spoke again. “Ask me anything. Ask me something only I would know.” He said staying put. He didn't want Hermione to be scared of him. He looked into her eyes before looking back down at the floor.

“Harry!” Hermione screamed and ran towards him engulfing him in a hug that rivaled Mrs. Weasley's. “Oh, Harry, I'm so glad you're back!” She said hugging him tighter before recoiling.

“What is it?” Harry asked clearly concerned.

“Oh, it's nothing.” She said touching her side tenderly. Harry stepped away from her.

“I'm so sorry. Oh, God, Hermione. I'm so sorry. I couldn't stop it. It wouldn't let me and…Oh, God…” Harry trailed off. Hermione walked towards him and gave him another hug.

“It's not your fault. It's not your fault. It's not your fault.” She repeated over and over again into his ear.

When she pulled away there was a flutter of wings at the window. A large owl was carrying a letter that Hermione promptly removed it and paid the owl. It flew away and Hermione tore open the letter and scanned it quickly. “Who is it?” Harry asked trying to see over her shoulder.

“It's Dumbledore.” She said darkly. “He's coming tonight for dinner. He says that there are some things that he needs to discuss with us.” She said in the same voice she had used before. Harry had never heard Hermione get angry with a teacher before. Well, except for Snape and that one time with Trelawney in third year.

“So what happened?” Harry asked walking into the living room. Before Hermione answered they saw a note on the table.

Dear Harry and Hermione,

We've gone out to get some groceries. We'll be back before dinner. If you need anything, Hermione, you know how to get a hold of us. Also, feel free to do whatever you like this afternoon as long as you leave a note. Make sure you're back before 6:00.

Hermione set down the note and sat down on the couch. “What Harry?” She asked.

“I just wanted to know what happened. I mean, Snape was here and he gave me that potion. Maybe…” Harry let Hermione figure out what he meant.

“Perhaps…We'll talk to Professor Dumbledore tonight.” She said with a sigh.

“Okay… But Hermione, I really am sorry… I didn't - “ Hermione cut him off.

“Harry, it's okay. Stop worrying about me.” She said with a forced smile. Harry sat down beside her and sighed loudly.

“So, what do you want to do until then?” He asked.

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5. A New Idea

First of all - Portkey, don't kick me off for doing this. I'll delete it if it's a problem but let me know before you kick me off *begs*

Hello everyone - now before you click out of this because (and I'm warning you now) it's not a chapter - I wanted to let you know that I've been working on something that I think is very cool this last week. Hence the no update thing. It's a website. *waits* Now that you've calmed down… I took it about as far as you could on Tripod. I mean - it's illegal to make money off of fanfictions so I'm broke I don't know why this never occurred to me sooner. The site has all of my stories on it - of course - they are hosted here on Portkey (they're only links) but there is a “little game” on there as well. Stretching to the beyonds for Tripod web pages I've hidden (not very well) a snitch somewhere on the site - it is a direct link to a hidden page that you can't get to on the navigation. There's chapter thirteen of The Worst Summer of my Life! I was so proud of myself when I thought of it. Anyway - all of my stories are posted on there including “screen captures” of the stories. There aren't any - well, there's one. But I'm looking people! The one I have now is for Trust and Betrayal - evil!Harry. It's kind of scary looking. Perfectly normal Harry edited to my fancy (ignore that, I couldn't think of another word). Anyway, if any of you wanted to know what Hermione saw when she looked into his eyes - check it out! There is news on there as well, along with a brand new forum! It's really quite cool! I love it. Oh, and if I don't have you convinced yet - I have some (real, yes, real) pics of AlmostHalfNaked!Dan. Kept me on a Dan high for the rest of the day. PLEASE check it out - if not only to ridicule me. But I spent your whole week of working on the story on this site - so PLEASE look at it. You'll see why I haven't updated.

http://michelleradcliffe.tripod.com/michelleandalex/

Other things on there:

- News about our/my stories

- Quotes from our stories

- A Photo Gallery with funny pictures (HP)

- A page with all the cool stuff we wish we made (where we got our sense of humor!)

- Links to all of our fictions (and the newest chapter)

- A Chat Forum !!!

Thanks!

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6. Chapter Five

Title: Trust and Betrayal

Author: Michelle

Rating: PG-13

Disclaimer: I do not own anything except the plot. All characters are from the mind of JK Rowling. No money is being made from this and no copyright infringements intended.

Summary: Harry's sixth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry will be one of trust and betrayal. Who should he trust? Who will betray him? Doing the easy thing and doing the right thing aren't as easy to choose between as one might think.

A/N: Well, guys, I'm back from Texas. My parents surprised me with a trip for my birthday. I wrote this whole chapter in the car so maybe it seems a little shaky. *rim shot* Anyway, thanks for tuning in and I hope you like it.

Chapter Five

Hermione shrugged. “We could go to a movie or we could just watch one here.” She suggested. “I don't have any money on me right now but we could stop at the bank if you wanted to go out to a movie.” She said with a smile.

“We can watch one here. I haven't had time to watch many movies so you most likely have something I haven't seen.” Harry forced a smile. Seeing Hermione getting… He couldn't bear it; couldn't bear the thought that his hands were the ones that did it to her. To his best friend. Hermione.

Hermione got up and walked to the entertainment center. Harry couldn't look at her without feeling a sharp pang of guilt. She opened a door and a whole rack of movies was revealed. Harry stood up and walked over to her and bent down next to her, putting his hand on her back for balance. Hermione swayed away from him slightly when Harry touched her. “Sorry…” Harry said guiltily and backed up.

“Harry, honestly, it's okay. Stop it.” She said turning her gaze back to the movies. “How about this one?” Hermione asked holding up a tape.

Harry nodded even though he wasn't quite sure what she was holding up. He walked over to Hermione. “Here, let me.” He said took the movie and started putting it into the VCR. Hermione sighed and sat down on the couch making herself comfy. Harry sat down next to her. Hermione looked up and the light and squinted. She started to get up before Harry stopped her. “Here, let me.” He said getting up and flipping the light off.

“Harry, why are you doing this?” She asked, noticing his actions. She turned around on the couch as the previews for movies played behind her.

“I just feel…guilty.” He confessed but couldn't look at her. “I didn't know what to do and I did bad things to you and I almost killed you!” Harry said shaking with guilt and anger at himself.

“Harry, it wasn't you. I know you didn't do it. I'm okay.” She said trying her best to convince him. Harry didn't look very convinced. “Harry, look at me.” She said soothingly. Harry made an odd sound that sounded between a gulp and a sob. “Harry, look at me.” Hermione said a little more forcefully.

“I can't.” Harry choked out and looked down at the floor. Before Hermione could respond he ran upstairs into his guest bedroom. He pulled the bed in front of the door and cast a locking charm on the handle. With tears rolling down his face he slid down the wall in the corner. He wiped his eyes forcefully not wanting to be a baby. He pulled his knees to his chest and wrapped his arms around them.

He didn't know how long he sat there but he was sure that at some point he had heard Hermione banging on the door. He must have been there for a long time because he heard a door shut downstairs. Hermione's parents must be home. He heard some voices and it sounded like Dumbledore had come too. Harry shook trying to hold his tears inside of him. He heard the voices getting louder and heard someone crying in the background. He shut his eyes tightly and hoped they'd go away. There was nothing anyone could do. For all he knew Voldemort could take control of him again anytime.

He heard someone speaking outside the door but the voice sounded muffled and drained together with everything else. The door handle jiggled and he saw a white light outside the door. He couldn't let anything happen to Hermione again. Before they could get in he opened the window letting a cool breeze brush his face. He stepped over the window sill and onto the roof. He carefully made his way across the roof and climbed down a tree that was next to the house. He heard someone call his name out the window but ran down the street and through a dark alley.

Harry walked for a little while not noticing that there were dark clouds forming in the sky. After walking aimlessly for a little while more he found himself in a park. He felt a raindrop plop on his cheek and saw a small fort on the far side of the swings. He walked over and climbed inside. It had a strangely soothing feel to it. He shook his head knowing it was because it felt like his cupboard. He soon heard heavy raindrops pounding on the tin roof of the small fort and leaned his head against the wall. He let the tears fall and choked back a sob or two.

Harry never knew exactly how long he was in that fort. He heard voices out in the rain calling for him. At once he knew that it was Hermione and her parents. Dumbledore was probably with the too. He was too tired to run anymore. He climbed out desperate that they not find him but was immediately spotted. He saw Hermione run towards him and he could tell that the stains on her cheeks weren't from the rain. She flung her arms around him and breathed heavily into his neck. Harry was nearly knocked over by the force of her hug. “Oh, my God, Harry.” Hermione sobbed on his shoulder. Harry trembled at her touch, memories flashing through his head. “Don't ever do that again. We'll work through this.” Hermione repeated this a few times before her parents and Dumbledore approached them.

They had all gotten back to the house and Harry and Hermione were snuggled under a blanket on the couch after being threatened by Mrs. Granger if they didn't. Neither of them felt the need to tell her that it was summer and there was no way they'd catch ammonia. Hermione leaned into him and Harry jerked away; plagued by the memories of what had happened. “Hermione…” Harry trailed off and quickly got up from the couch. He ran up the stairs and into the guest bedroom. After casting a few locking spells on the door he retreated to his corner of the room. Before he could ever block out any sound Hermione was outside the door.

“Harry?” She asked. She sounded scared Harry noted without replying. He heard her try the door and try again. He heard her sigh. “Harry, we can't help you if you're locked up in there. What happened this morning... I'm over it. I know it wasn't you…” She trailed off. “Just, Harry, please…” He heard her footsteps fade away as she went down the stairs.

After what seemed like hours another set of footsteps sounded outside the door. “Harry.” Dumbledore said. Harry didn't reply. He saw the door handle move before muttering could be heard outside. After a couple of minutes Dumbledore walked into the room. “Lemon drop?” He asked popping one into his mouth. Harry didn't reply. “Sometimes we do stupid things and never get blamed, Harry. Other times we get blamed when we did nothing wrong; and sometimes we blame ourselves. We all do stupid things sometimes.” Dumbledore said looking blankly at the wall.

Harry looked over to him to explain but Dumbledore held up a hand. “I'm not talking about you, though I would like to hear an explanation on all of this. I should have kept you in Occlumency. It was Voldemort am I right?” He asked somewhat rhetorically. Harry nodded. “Now, would you care to explain?” He said looking a Harry expectantly. Harry took a deep breath and nodded again.

“It's been a very long day, sir. Can I just sleep?” Harry asked his eyelids feeling like ten pound weights. Dumbledore nodded and waved goodnight to him. He turned off the light and shut his door on the way out; leaving Harry alone with his thoughts.

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7. Chapter Six

Title: Trust and Betrayal

Author: Michelle

Rating: PG-13

Disclaimer: I do not own anything except the plot. All characters are from the mind of JK Rowling. No money is being made from this and no copyright infringements intended.

Summary: Harry's sixth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry will be one of trust and betrayal. Who should he trust? Who will betray him? Doing the easy thing and doing the right thing aren't as easy to choose between as one might think.

AN: One hundred BILLION apologies. I know I haven't updated FOREVER but I've been on internet hiatus pretty much for a long time. I've been working at school stuff. So, it was either this or a 4.0 (Haha - which I got) <3 ya! New chapter tomorrow! Maybe even tonight!

Chapter Six

The next morning Harry woke up to the sunlight coming in through the open blinds in Hermione's bedroom. He sat up in bed but didn't see Hermione in the room. Stretching and yawning he got up and walked around the room. It wasn't big but it's wasn't exactly small.

He sat down at her desk. Spinning around a couple times in her chair he heard the door opening behind him. Stopping he realized that it was Hermione. Cautiously she made her way over to him.

Harry smiled at her warmly and she sat down on the bed. Harry walked over to her and sat down next to her.

It wasn't an awkward silence. It was nice. Everything seemed okay… “Hermione, I'm sorry.” Harry said with a sigh.

“What? Harry, no. It wasn't your fault. Stop it.” Hermione said. She just wanted Harry to be better.

“Hermione, I know all of that. But see, it was my hands that did it. I was just there. I couldn't do anything to help you. The look in your eyes - you were scared of me.” Harry trailed off a bit.

“Harry, no, quit punishing yourself. Everything is okay. Snape will be punished. Dumbledore is coming back this afternoon to talk about it with you. Everything will be okay.” She said comfortingly.

“Okay…” Harry seemed sceptical of this. He just couldn't wrap his mind around what had happened. It was all too weird for him. The most disconcerting part, however, is that he had no idea it was about to happen. It could happen again at any time. How was he supposed to get Hermione away from him - what if it happened again? Right now even. Harry stood up abruptly.

“Harry, what is it?” Hermione asked him. Harry didn't know what had made him stand up. Shaking it off he made a lame excuse to go to the bathroom and walked out the door leaving a flummoxed Hermione behind him.

Harry walked into the hall and turned right, headed for the bathroom. He shook his head and took a deep breath to relax himself. He had to talk to Dumbledore soon. He didn't know what was going on. He was a danger to Hermione.

He sighed and sat down on the edge of the bathtub letting his head fall into his hands. He sat there for a little while and stood up. Taking a good look in the mirror he took another deep breath. Before turning to leave he could have sworn he saw his eyes flash red.

Laughing at himself he walked out the door and past Hermione's room. She wasn't inside so he headed on downstairs to find her. He saw her sitting on the couch watching TV.

He sat down beside her. “Hey.” He said leaning back into the couch. Hermione scrunched her eyebrows and looked at him with a half-smile.

“You're acting a little strange today.” She said flipping through the channels.

“Yeah, it's no big deal.” Harry said. He was acting strange today. Maybe it was all the sleep he was getting lately. It was making him kind of relaxed. He stood up again. Feeling dizzy he turned to explain to Hermione before falling down to the ground.

Before he went out he heard Hermione screaming for help again.

Harry opened his eyes slowly. He found he was sensitive to the light and quickly closed them again. “What's going on?” He asked before trying, once again, to open his eyes.

Hermione gasped and got up. “Harry!” She said delightedly. She breathed a sigh of relief and bent down to kiss his forehead in happiness.

Dumbledore knocked and Hermione went to go and open the door for him. “Harry, how are you feeling?” He asked. Harry didn't reply, only turned his head away from Hermione and Dumbledore.

“Harry, what's wrong? We can figure this out if you'll just talk to us.” Hermione said looking saddened.

“If she leaves.” Harry said without turning over. Hermione's face fell and she looked down at the floor.

“Miss Granger - if you will…” Dumbledore nodded toward the door. Giving her a sympathetic look he motioned for her to shut the door. She did so and waited for them to finish.

“Harry, what happened?” He asked sitting down in the chair Hermione had recently been occupying. Harry sat up and turned around to face Dumbledore before he started to explain.

“Yesterday morning I woke up. I felt perfectly normal. When I tried to move, I couldn't. I couldn't blink - I couldn't even open my eyes. I heard someone come in the room and my eyes opened. I didn't do it though. I felt myself stand up and I realized that it was Hermione who had come in. I remember saying things to her I wouldn't normally say. I called her a mudblood and I almost used Avada Kedavra on her. That's when I pulled through and didn't let that happen.” Harry finished looking over to the headmaster for his opinion on what had happened.

“Is that all that happened?” Dumbledore looked him in the eye and waited for an answer. Harry paused and then nodded, not able to look his headmaster in the eye. “Very well, all I can say is that I'm sure Voldemort has something to do with it.” Dumbledore concluded.

“Something? He has everything to do with it. It was him!” Harry said loudly. Dumbledore, however, didn't falter in his reply.

“Harry, of course it was Voldemort.” Dumbledore's comment was so uninformative Harry looked at him for more of an answer. He didn't continue.

“What is that supposed to mean?” Harry asked, obviously confused as to what the old man had meant by this. Dumbledore didn't answer but continued to the door. Opening it he turned to look back at Harry, if only for a second, and shut the door behind him.

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