Chapter 21 - A Valentine's Day Message
The Thursday morning before Valentine's Day brought an uneasy stir throughout the castle; many young couples throughout the castle were anticipating the next day. The young women had dreamy eyes for certain young men, while many of those same young men were simply scared. One young witch had her own fears; she wanted to tell her best friend how her feelings for him had changed since Christmas. But that was for tomorrow after classes. She had schemed that getting him there alone wouldn't be too difficult; Ron and Luna had their own plans. She knew asking him to join her would not be suspicious, after all the times they had gone to the village together in the past.
She could hardly sleep in anticipation last night, knowing the risk she was about to take, crossing that same line Ron had tried to venture across. She waited for him in the common room.
"Harry, I need a favor."
"Sure, what do you need?"
"Well, tomorrow is Valentine's Day. And Ron has a date with Luna and I need to be in the village as a prefect, but since all the other prefects are otherwise busy tomorrow, I was wondering if we could go together."
"Is that all? If you want the company, sure, I'll go. Tell you what; we'll have dinner at the Three Broomsticks, my treat. Ok?"
'That was easier than I thought!' she told herself. "That'll be wonderful, thanks. Let's meet after classes around 4:00. Then how about some breakfast before class?" She asked.
He looked past her, his eyes glazed over as she felt her hand burn. She stared at him and knew this wasn't good. She noticed his hands start to shake as he stood in front of her. He grabbed at his scar, and let out a single scream of pain, "Harry! HARRY!" She screamed, as his weight succumbed to gravity and collapsed into her arms.
Under his weight, she wrestled him down to the floor, as second and third years entered the room. "Get Dumbledore, NOW!" She screamed at the youths. Three ran off through the door to fetch the Headmaster. "You there, go get Ron Weasley, he's in the prefect's lounge." Another was dispatched to retrieve Ron.
She knew this look, it had happened before. She wiped the ice cold sweat from his brow and pulled his face to hers, "Harry, stay with me. Are you ok?"
He shifted his eyes to her and he nodded slightly. "It's him, again. Don't worry, I'm right here. Can you see what he's going to do?" He nodded again before his eyes rolled up and he went limp.
"Harry… Harry..." he could still hear her scream his name, but couldn't see her anymore. His pain became blinding as his surroundings faded from his sight. Off in the distance he could see the group of five hooded and masked Death Eaters seated around a table with one other at the head. Voldemort looked at the group as he could barely make out the conversation. The closer he got to the table, the more his pain increased, but he knew he had to hear the conversation.
"Pitiful reasons…"
"…All Muggleborns…"
"...half an hour later…"
"…the bitch's head…"
"My lord, isn't that extreme? If we kill them all, then…"
"CRUCIO! That, my dear Dolohov, is my answer."The one that had asked the question writhed in the pain caused by the curse. Harry knew the pain it caused as he watched the Death Eater scream in agony.
"Now, does any one else care to question my plan for tomorrow? Good. You all know what to do. I don't expect to see any of you alive if you fail. Now GO!"
Harry had managed to hear bits of the plan, but the pain he was enduring became too much. He began to retreat before Voldemort realized he was there, watching.
"Harry… Hold on…"
"ummmm…"
"Harry? Can you hear me? Squeeze my hand if you can." She felt a death grip tighten on her fingers, and bit her lip from the pain he was causing. "Dumbledore's on his way."
He slowly opened his eyes to see his two closest friends at his side. Hermione's tear-streaked face was evidence that this wasn't one of his usual episodes.
"What… ha-happened?"
"Shhh… lay still, you collapsed." She whispered. "You'll be fine, rest and close your eyes."
"No, Hermione. Voldemort's going to attack… tomorrow. All Muggleborns, he wants…"
The group that surrounded him gasped at the mention of the name, this was the first time he'd one of his attacks in a public place. She put her fingers to his lips and again told him to lay still.
"Are you ok?" He whispered to her.
"Yeah, I'm fine; you scared the crap out of me. And this bloody thing hurt like hell." She whispered back as she rubbed her hand.
"Sorry." He leaned on an elbow and pushed himself up. "I'm fine. He's going to attack tomorrow. I don't know where or who, but he's going after Muggleborns."
- - -
That evening in the Great Hall, the Headmaster stood to make an announcement.
"I'm sure everyone here is aware what tomorrow is; however, we have received reliable information that times are not safe for students to leave the grounds. I'm also aware that many of the older students had certain plans to be off the grounds tomorrow, so to compensate, I propose we institute a ball for those couples that wish to partake. Although I have said 'couples' since it is a school function, it will be open to all fourth year students and above. A third year student may attend, if accompanied by an older schoolmate. We will begin the ball promptly at 8:00 tomorrow night. All prefects will be available to chaperone the event. Thank you."
That was the end to her perfect plan. She knew he'd go with her to the village so she would not be alone, but he'd never agree to go to the ball. And she had to be on duty as well. "Bugger it all" she muttered at the table.
"Sorry?" Ron asked.
"Nothing, Ronald. I was looking forward to, umm, going to the village tomorrow for a change."
She spent the entire meal pushing her food around the plate, half listening to the conversations around her.
"Harry, I'm in a pickle. I was going to spend tomorrow with Luna, but I've got to be at that ball."
"Yeah, I'd say that's a tough spot."
"Can you do me a huge favor? Can you 'escort' her to the ball so I can sneak a few dances in?"
Hermione's ears couldn't believe what she heard, and waited for his reply while she tried to swallow the lump that lodged in her throat. 'If he goes, maybe I can get him alone, just for a few minutes.' She prayed to herself, never looking up in fear he would notice her interest.
"Ron, I really don't…"
"Please, as a favor, mate?"
"Well… as long as she knows I'm not there as a 'date' and I don't have to dance. Sure."
"It'll be good for you too," Hermione added without looking up, "as a distraction from our work." She quickly added.
"I guess."
She felt a renewed vigor to her revised plans, and attacked the plate of food in front of her as she grinned.
"Hey, slow down, girl. Or you'll gain Pansy's waist." Ginny teased.
She took a swig of pumpkin juice to wash her dinner down.
"Nah, you'd have to eat like Ron to get that chunky!" Harry added with a smirk.
Harry's cheek made her spray the gulp of juice out across the table. Somewhat embarrassed, she pushed the plate away. "Crappers, that's a scary thought." She added with a laugh, as the others joined in the renewed good feelings.
The close group finished the evening meal, and all adjourned to the common room, Harry and Ron sat to play a couple games of chess, while Hermione and Ginny sat chatting. The boys were into their third game; Harry took the first game, which was a surprise to the house strategist. Ron quickly defeated him in the second and the third was looking to be a close one.
The two girls sat in front of the warm fire, in a comfortable discussion that ranged from life at home to schoolwork. The subject turned to relationships and both became guarded in the conversation.
"Hemione, since you really won't discuss it, I have to ask. Do you like my brother or not?"
She nearly gagged on the question as she had been sipping a cup of tea. "What makes you think I ever fancied Ron?"
"I wasn't referring to Ron," she whispered softly. "But you really do care for him, don't you?"
"Well, of course. He's one of my best friends." She stole a glance at the pair playing chess off to the side.
"He's more to you, I can tell. I envy you, really."
"You've gone mad, haven't you?" Hermione was almost giggling at the comment. Ginny thought about the reaction and joined in the girlish fun.
Ron and Harry both looked up from the distractions, 'Oy, pipe down there or…"
"What, Ronald? Been practicing Bat-Bogey Hexes?" The girls giggled again.
"Mental, the both of them. It's your move Harry."
Ginny stood, and rubbed the kinks from her legs, making sure to give one boy a show of it. She was still in love with him, and knew it could never happen, but still hoped. "I'm off to bed. Neville's asked me to the dance tomorrow, so I want to be well-rested."
"Night, Gin." Hermione answered back. "I'm off too. Ronald, would you mind making the last rounds tonight, I'm really knackered."
"Sure, night girls." The two left the boys playing their game.
In her room, Hermione closed the curtains to her bed, and again pulled out her journal.
Hogsmeade is out, but there's a ball tomorrow. He'll be there as Luna's escort and I've got to be there as a chaperone. Merlin must be playing games with me.
He's getting better at that energy spell, he doesn't tire afterwards.
I thought of trying an Entrancing Enchantment on him, but I couldn't face myself unless he wanted me to. I'm going to try to steal a few moments alone and tell him how I really feel. I think Ginny knows.
She closed her book, secured it, and hid it before burying her face into her pillow. She sighed deeply as she lay in her bed, listening to the tick of the clock and deep slow breathing of the others drifting to sleep as she soon joined the slumber.
Her mind took over her thoughts; soon all she could see was a scar.
A jagged scar. Her fingers traced the scar as if they had done so a thousand times before, yet never had gotten used to it. She fondly remembered she earned it saving his life. She looked up from under the oak tree to see his face.
He stood over her and reached his hand for hers, she felt a chill through her nightgown. He pulled her up into his arms and asked, "Please, tell me what's wrong?" She was unable to answer, but all she felt was sorrow and suffering, the suffering of those closest to her.
His face dissolved, as did his form, only to be replaced by her chubby little friend. "Hermione Granger," his calming voice echoed. "From me you should not fear. Fear is the path to the dark side... fear leads to anger... anger leads to hate…hate leads to suffering… suffering leads to despair. Fear, anger, hate, suffering, and despair you shall know, but avoid them you must. Guide him through the dark path to his future you will. Your council he will follow. Leave you now I must, these lessons you will remember when my guidance you need. Be safe, all is at risk."
She woke the following morning refreshed and relaxed, as she'd never felt. She yawned and stretched like a cat waking from a deep nap, her fists were balled and arms stretched over her head. She finally blinked the sleep from her eyes and basked in the calm she felt. As she'd done a thousand times before, she traced the scar on her breast with her finger.
"AAHHHHH" she screamed as her body tensed into a sitting position. She ripped her nightgown searching for the scar she knew was there only last night.
"Hermione!" Parvati had been up dressing near her bed when she heard Hermione's scream. "What happened?"
"I… I … had… it was there… last night..." She stammered. How could she explain about a missing scar that she never had? "It must have… but it was so real…"
"Another dream about him?" Lavender teased.
"No, you twit. I had a scar, here on my chest. Last night. It was so real, but now it's gone." She was so genuinely shaken and the fear in her eyes told both her friends this was real.
"Hermione, you never HAD a scar, on your chest or anywhere else. Just what's gotten into you?"
"N-Nothing… It must have been a dream again." She rolled over and fell back, stifling a scream of frustration into the pillow.
She stayed there until she knew she was alone in the room, and quickly dressed for the day.
- - -
"So, you'll meet her after dinner and escort her, ok? I've explained everything to Luna so she knows where to meet you. Thanks, pal. Hermione and I have to meet the other prefects for our assignments."
"No problem, Ron. See you guys there."
Ron left Harry at the library to attend his prefect meeting. Harry planned to take advantage of the few free minutes alone to continue researching the spells he and Hermione had discovered. He had his original and the version he was copying with him, in hopes to translate the ever growing list of un-intelligible words from the original manuscript. Many of the words appeared to be proper names of people and places, although quite unusual. He scribbled whatever he could find about any combination of the names on his list, hoping they could figure it out one day.
They had translated all the spells and actually worked several out. One he hoped could help him win his battle, but that one spell was terribly draining, he could only practice it with Hermione there, in case he went too far. And then only after several days rest.
He put the book down, and thumbed through his other Christmas gift from Hermione, the book on Runes. He always joked and laughed at the subject, but this book opened his eyes, it truly was an interesting subject. He kept noticing symbols that appear in the Muggle world every day, as corporate logos and sometimes graffiti. He noticed one in particular that was listed as the emblem of a warrior race long dead. It was the one he suggested as the logo for the DA. It was a round crest with the image of a flaming sword pointing to the sky.
He glanced at his pocket watch and realized he needed to be at the Great Hall for dinner and to meet Luna. He stopped at his room first to change into his dress robes, and pick up the gift Ron had purchased for her. He was to keep it and give it to Ron after he arrived.
Harry met Luna at the Ravenclaw's entrance. She was dressed in a bright pink gown, with a snow-white sheer cloak. He thought Ron was truly lucky; she was quite cute, down to her fluorescent blue socks. He held his arm out as her escort and together they walked to the dance.
"Har, when we get there, I'd like to have the first dance with Ron, ok?"
"Sure, Luna, I'm not a dancer anyway."
Inside the Hall, the Valentine's decorations covered the walls, even the ceiling obliged by showing a clear moonlit night. There were many couples dancing or sitting at small tables, having quiet conversations. Harry walked Luna to one of those tables, to wait for her real date. He looked around, half hoping to see Hermione or Ginny, two friendly faces he could confide in, but saw neither.
Click… whirr…
Click… whirr…
Harry heard a distinctive sound, and looked for the Creevey brothers, since they typically snapped candid shots to send home. Both brothers were nowhere to be found.
"Luna, care for a glass of punch?"
"Sure, Har, thanks bunches. Where do you suppose that Ronnie of mine went to?"
"Don't know, I've been looking for them too."
"Them? Don't you mean…"
"NO… I simply meant my friends; they're both here as chaperones."
"Ahhh… I thought that's what you meant." She winked and grinned.
"Look, there's Malfoy and Parkinson. Looks like they got to watch things inside. I'll get a couple drinks and ask about Ron and Hermione."
"'K"
He left Luna at the table, and walked past other classmates to the refreshment table. Neville was standing nearby talking nervously to Parvati, her arm still in a sling, unusable.
"Hi Neville, Parvati. Enjoying the dance?"
"Yes, Harry. If I could ever get this git to ask me to dance I would." She grinned at her date.
"You two see Ron or Hermione? I've been looking for them since we got here. I thought all the perfects were chaperoning the dance."
"Yeah, most are. But I heard that Ron and Hermione have to keep watch outside, for trouble, since you've made them leaders in the DA. I don't think either one will be coming."
"Luna's not going to like that. I'd better go tell her."
He walked back to the table, where an anxious young girl sat. He glanced at his watch; it was quarter past the hour. There were fifteen minutes until it was half past. If nothing happened, it would be another hour of waiting.
"They've got duty outside on the grounds. I don't think they're coming."
"Then I'll have to have the first dance with you! And don't tell me you can't dance, EVERYONE can dance… Come on, show some backbone." She stood and grabbed him by the hand, pulling him to the dance floor.
"I, umm… really…"
"Nonsense. Here, take my hand in yours, put your other hand on my hip, and let's go!"
All he could remember was his clumsiness at the Yule ball. He followed his best friend's girl friend's instructions and followed her lead. They spun around dancing for quite a while, both thoroughly enjoying the festivities. After some time had passed, they returned to the table and sat when he glanced at his watch once more: 9:39. More then an hour had passed without an attack.
"I need a break, Luna. Besides, I really want to check on things outside. I'm a bit worried."
"Then I'm coming too. I can handle myself, you know."
"Fine." He held out his hand to help her back to her feet.
Click… whirr…
Together, they left the Hall to check on their companions.
Click… whirr…
"Did you hear that?" He asked as they passed through the main doors.
"Hear what? You hearing things, Har?"
"Never mind. There's Ron." He broke out into a trot.
"Hey Harry, I was just about to get Hermione. Our time out here is up. Malfoy and Parkinson should be out soon."
"We saw them inside, they didn't look like they had plans to leave anytime soon. I got sooo lonely I made Har here dance with me. You'd better watch yourself, Weasley, or I may just trade you in."
"You're one funny witch, Luna. Come here." Ron pulled her into his arms and whisked her inside to the dance.
Harry stood in the entrance to the Great Hall, and thought about waiting for Hermione, not knowing where she was. Within a few minutes, Malfoy and Pansy walked right past him, arguing about how inattentive he had been to her while they were inside. Malfoy argued they were not supposed to be there to dance, but to watch the others. They were so involved in their heated discussion they never noticed Harry standing to the side.
He waited a couple more minutes and finally left. He retired back to the Gryffindor Common Room, to resume his reading. He never saw his other best friend that night. 'Sigh. I'll see her in the morning, I guess,' he thought.
- - -
At quarter past eleven, after the ball finally ended, one fairly upset young girl walked solemnly back to her dormitory. All her plans for that night were spoiled. Not only did she not tell him how she felt, she never saw him all night. She walked past several couples still otherwise engaged while on her way to her room. She quickly changed and fell into her bed, pulling the curtains closed. She lay there for some time, still brooding over the spoiled evening, and pulled out her book of comfort.
ARRRRGG.
I can't BELIEVE it. He was there with Luna most of the night, and I had to stand 'guard' with Ron outside in the bloody cold waiting for something that NEVER happened. There WAS no attack… maybe it was a trick.
I feel like I missed my chance to tell Harry how I feel, maybe the next Hogsmeade weekend or the train home?
Maybe I can get him to spend the summer with us?
ARRRRGG… I hate that I can't tell anyone.
She repeated her nightly spells and returned the book to its home. She covered her head with her pillow and cried herself to sleep.
- - -
The following morning, Harry woke feeling quite chipper. His scar never bothered him last night, so he assumed nothing happened. He dressed and saw Hermione and Ron already in the common room, poring over the Daily Prophet.
"That miserable BITCH…" He heard Hermione scream. "How dare she do this again?"
"What? Did I miss something?" Harry inquired.
"Look. She snuck in again last night."
He grabbed the paper and saw pictures of him and Luna dancing and leaving together. He read the headlines and nearly choked.
The Boy Who Lived, Fickle?
By Rita Skeeter
This reporter has the excusive scoop that Harry Potter may have abandoned his longtime girlfriend and lover, one Hermione Granger, for a new younger face. He was seen with his new romantic interest at a Valentine's Day Dance, an as yet unidentified young woman. Additionally this reporter has learned his latest sexual conquest up until just the day before was rumored to be involved with his best friend, one Ronald Weasley.
This reporter has also learned that Mr. Potter made a fake claim of a pending attack and convinced the school authorities to cancel the planned outing to the local village in favor of the dance. He also had manipulated officials to force his rival out of the picture, since he is still vindictive over being passed up as a school prefect.
"SHIT!" Harry exclaimed. "How DARE she?" He balled his fists and set his jaw. Hermione began rubbing her palm, and threw Harry a look, acknowledging his anger.
"Harry, I know it's a load of garbage. I asked you to take Luna. I know you didn't fake the warning."
"I know Ron. Hermione, can't we send the ministry a report that she's an unregistered Animagus?"
"It won't do much good. She's still close to Umbridge."
"Has anyone talked to Luna? Has she seen this yet?" Harry asked no one in particular.
"No, but knowing her, she's already got her side off to her father and the Quibbler." Ron replied.
"Crimmy, there's more. Look at this!" Hermione kept reading.
The Boy Who Lived, a FAKE?
By Rita Skeeter
This reporter has just learned that one Harry Potter has been taking secret correspondence course s in magic through Kwikspell. And has been tutored by his former lover, Hermione Granger. It seems that he may actually be a squib and not have real powers after all. His so-called victories may be complete fabrications of the truth. Is it possible that those closest to him, namely one Ronald Weasley and the aforementioned Hermione Granger have been covering for his lack of magic along with Albus Dumbledore?
This reporter was fortunate enough to have spent a fair bit of time with the aforementioned 'squib' last year and I never witnessed any actual magic in his presence. The wizarding community must keep frauds and imposters of this type at bay.
"THAT BITCH! Harry a FAKE?" Hermione yelled at the paper.
"Hermione, take it easy. It doesn't matter what they think of me, I'm angry at that bitch for dragging you two in this lie." He started hitting his fist against his leg.
"How did she get those pictures anyway?"
"I thought I heard a clicking sound, but never saw a thing. You think she had an invisibility cloak?"
"It's possible, Harry, but they are fairly rare. No, she must have been there in her Animagus form, or she may have used a Disillusionment Charm ."
"Maybe, but Harry you can't let her get away with this," Ron added.
"I don't see what we can do about it. Remember last year what we went through to get the truth printed. She's a LIAR and a FRAUD. I want the WORLD to know that."
"Harry… what…?" She felt a sharp pain followed by the tingle of pleasure, and looked at him in wonder.
"I just had a thought, that's all. Wouldn't it be funny if…? Nah… forget it…"
There was a loud commotion outside the portrait door. A loud angry voice boomed through the common room.
"RONALD WEASLEY… OPEN THIS BLOODY DOOR!"
"You'd better let her in Ron, she really sounds mad."
Ron went to the door, opened it, and Luna barged in past him. She stormed to the table where Harry, Hermione and Ginny were still discussing the articles.
She walked up to Harry, grabbed him by the cheeks and pulled him in for a deep, lingering soul-searching kiss.
"There. Now you'remy conquest. HOW DARE THAT MISERABLE LOW LIFE BACK-STABBING COW WRITE THAT DRIBBLE?"
"Easy, Luna, tell us how you really feel!" Ron joked.
"Ooooo" she screamed. "I floo'ed daddy and he's already working on the rebuttal. He's going to bring the Prophet up on slander charges for the blatant lies. I told him how Ron bought that course as a joke. How she ever found out is beyond me. Daddy's also going to set the record straight, that you two have never been more then friends."
"At least we have him on our side." Hermione added.
The outer door opened again, allowing the headmaster to enter the room. His look had been as solemn as any had ever seen.
"I have come to each house to personally inform the students. Mr. Weasley, Miss Granger, can you please gather all Gryffindors here. And please be quick."
"What happened?" Harry asked.
The ancient wizard pulled Harry aside. "There's been an attack last night, Harry. I'll tell everyone when they are all here. You were accurate in your prediction, we simply never knew where. We assumed it would be here."
Within a few minutes, Ron and Hermione ushered the rest of the Gryffindors to the common room at the Headmaster's instruction.
"Professor," Hermione interrupted, "everyone's here."
"Good. Thank you. Please, if everyone could have a seat. There's been an attack last night."
"WHAT?" many of the students exclaimed.
"There was an explosion in Marseille, Beauxbatons Academy of Magic was attacked. They were unaware and unprepared. All Muggle born students were either killed or injured and Madame Maxime is missing."
The silence that engulfed the gathered children and the elder was broken by a few sobs and sniffles. Everyone there felt the shock and loss repeat from the attack they'd suffered at Kings Cross.
"Hagrid left with several others to find her." He added. "I have offered all surviving students refuge here until they can rebuild. And they will rebuild with our help. The first survivors will arrive by noon today. I will have them sorted to allow them to stay within the houses here. I will leave it to the house prefects to arrange adequate lodging for those that will be staying in this house. Now, I must inform the other houses; if you have any questions, please ask Professor McGonagall."