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Krysta · 06-25-2008, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MsMorgan

. . . and still no Draco . . . hmmm . . .

Patience, patience. All shall be revealed.

Quote:

Originally Posted by alyweasley

I CAUGHT UP!!!! YES IT'S ME!

hehe! It only took me 12 hours but hey I did it!! hehe! I love it! Some things I'm confused about, but I guess thats the idea. I love it ... you are a great writer! Your imagery is genius! I love it!!!

PAM NOW!!! hehe!

Love always
Jade xxxx

YAY! Jade's reading The Coven! Which bits are you confused about??? I want to make sure I've explained them all later on.

I'm really, really glad you like it. I really love your fic...which reminds me: my siggy needs updating...

...ta daaa!

alyweasley · 06-27-2008, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Krysta

YAY! Jade's reading The Coven! Which bits are you confused about??? I want to make sure I've explained them all later on.

I'm really, really glad you like it. I really love your fic...which reminds me: my siggy needs updating...

...ta daaa!

I don't really know what I'm confused about!!! hehe!! I love it! I just subscribed! hehe Love you!!

Jade xxx

Little Trooper · 06-28-2008, 02:55 AM

New Reader here. I love this stroy so can't wait for more.

Krysta · 06-29-2008, 04:16 PM

Yay, new reader! Welcoe, welcome, welcome!

I'm going to post the chapters in single sections from now on becasue people are obviously struggling to keep up with it. So here's part one of the next chapter:

Chapter 14: May The Best Weasley Win

Harry was at a loss for emotions. Knowing Sirius was alive made him feel a little more at ease but the frustration at having no contact with his Godfather was driving him crazy. He had so much he wanted to discuss with him, and so many questions to ask. Harry’s problem was that so much was going on, his brain couldn’t cope with it all. And in the style of Hermione he was going to do something about it.

“Alohomora.” He cast quietly and his Diary unlocked itself and fell open at the next empty page. He was alone in the dorm. The whole school had reached fever pitch over the upcoming Quidditch try-outs and as the Ravenclaw students were already on the pitch, the Gryffindors were elsewhere either preparing or just gossiping.

He had two hours before he was due at the team meeting and he was going to use that time wisely. Selecting his neatest quill and skipping to the very back of the book he jotted down a list on the very last page:

The Witch
Lucius Malfoy
Draco Malfoy
K.H.
Hagrid
Snape
The Panther
The Kestrel
Hermione
Winky

Leaving the rest of the page free in case he needed to add anything he turned to the next but last page, which of course was a double page. Right across both pages he drew a straight, thick horizontal line approximately mid height of the page. At the left hand side of the line he wrote the date of the night he had left the Dursleys house and jotted: “Left Dursleys” horizontally to his brand new timeline. Then at different intervals he began logging the events of the last few months to the best of his memory and as accurately as he could. He knew he must be forgetting things but he knew he could add them in as they came back to him. He logged every strange event he could think of. The Knight Bus, The Bumps (fun, but weird), the money in the vault, both sightings of the witch, when each and every letter was received, each time he’d heard from Sirius, Draco going missing (although he didn’t have a date), Winky going missing (same applied), when he first saw the panther and when his dreams/visions started and every time they occurred to the best of his memory.
He noted when Hermione was attacked, the snake attack, when Snape disappeared, and when he returned. He finally noted down the strange behaviour with the weather and sat back to look at his timeline. It had crossings out and gaps all over it but it was a decent record and there was room for additions or any editing he may have to do. Next he turned over onto another clean page and wrote sub-headings for each of the names he wrote on the very back page. He made brief but accurate notes on the events surrounding that person, again leaving space for any additions. This took up 11 pages after which he flicked through his work and sat thinking carefully about what he’d written. He knew he was forgetting a lot of things, and he was sure that there were things he knew that were important, but which weren’t obvious. Clues. There were always clues. He felt like a detective in one of the old programmes Aunt Petunia used to watch.

“Mondieu.” He whispered to himself smiling a little. “Just using the little grey cells.” He added with a cold feeling developing in his gut. Something was bugging him. He was forgetting something.

“D’oh!” he cried aloud in the style of a popular American cartoon character. He couldn’t believe he’d forgotten the most important things of all. Quickly he wrote two more paragraphs covering the events surrounding his Mother’s Pendant and of course, the Arinella. Although pleased with his work he still felt like there were things he was forgetting, or maybe things that hadn’t occurred to him yet. It was antagonizing to say the least. He felt sure of two things, that: a) all the above events and people were somehow linked together and, b) that all the information and clues were right here in front of him and he just wasn’t able to piece them together. In that instant he made a decision. When the fuss over try-outs was over and everyone had settled down, he, Hermione and Ron were going to knuckle down and they were going to figure out what the heck was going on…even if it killed them.

Harry was so caught up in his diary that he was five minutes late to the meeting. However once there, he almost wished he’d forgotten completely. The moment he entered the changing room he was almost drenched by a cup of water that hurtled across the room at him. Ducking he looked nervously around him to find a most unusual sight. War had broken out between the Gryffindor Quidditch team. Each of the other four members was holding a defiant and defensive stance and seemed to be staring each other out. After a few moments Alicia noticed his presence.

“Oh, you’re here. Nice of you to turn up.” She said gruffly. Harry was just about to explain his tardiness when he was cut off before he had the chance.

“It would bloody help if you were on time Harry. Or maybe you’re just not taking this seriously enough.” It was George who spoke and Harry stared at him in horror. What was wrong with everyone?

“Not that it makes any difference.” Muttered Fred.

“Oh shut up Fred, you’re talking rubbish as usual.” Angelina snarled in response.

“You can bloody well talk!” Fred retorted and turned on Angelina who promptly snapped out her wand angrily.

“Don’t you dare start with me Fred Weasley, else I’ll make you sorry.” She threatened, holding her wand at the ready. Harry had seen enough and boldly stepped between Angelina and Fred.

“Ok, what’s going on?” he demanded and received only a few empty expressions. It was almost as though none of them knew what was going on. The stared at each other blankly for a few seconds until the anger and resentment returned to Fred’s face.

“Well she started it!” he said waving an accusing finger at Angelina who opened her mouth wide in protest before holding her wand high as if to curse Fred on the spot.

“Ok! Stop! Angelina, lower the wand. Let’s talk rationally here. Someone tell me what’s going on. Why are you all fighting?”

“Who made you captain?” butted in Alicia angrily and George joined in.

“Yeah Harry, who do you think you are trying to tell us what to do?”

“I just…” he began but was cut off again, this time by Angelina.

“Yeah Harry. Why don’t you leave running the team to the adults.” She told him in a patronizing tone Harry didn’t like much.

“Ok. Fine. You lot sort this out. I’ll just sit and watch.” He announced, taking a seat on one of the benches by the water cooler. He couldn’t help thinking that for so-called adults, they were being extremely childish. Downing a plastic cup full of water from the cooler, he sat back and watched as the argument developed, peaked and then started all over again. The gist of it was, both Fred and George were contending for Captain. The twins who were normally always on the same side found that they were both quite competitive when up against each other. Any attempt from either of the girls to talk reason turned into another argument as they were accused of wanting the captainship for themselves. It went round and round like this for nearly 45 minutes and Harry found himself getting more and more agitated as time went on. Swallowing another cup of water Harry finally got to his feet.

“Oh for Spirit’s sake look at you! You’re never going to sort this out.”

“Shut up Harry, stay out of it.”

“No!”

“I mean it Harry.” Angelina was getting angrier by the second. Finally she threw her cup onto the floor in a rage, splattering Alicia in the process.

“Hey watch it you idiot!” shouted Alicia as Angelina rounded on her.

“Who are you calling an idiot?”

“You, you stupid, jumped up cow!”

“Watch what you say you nasty little mudblood.” Sneered Angelina causing Alicia to scream with hatred and before anyone could stop her she hurled herself at Angelina in a rage. For a few seconds the boys watched in horror. Harry was shocked for more than one reason. He hadn’t known Alicia was Muggle-born and he couldn’t believe someone like Angelina would say such a thing. Fred and George were already trying to haul the angry blonde from strangling the brunette but they were getting nowhere at all.

“Separate!”

As Alicia and Angelina were thrown apart by the spell they all turned to see who had cast it. Standing like a Dementor in the doorway, Madam Hooch glowered at them her yellow eyes somehow more fiery then usual.

“Would someone please like to tell me what is going on?” she spoke slowly and powerfully. The five of them looked away, avoiding eye contact with anyone. “No? Well then I suggest you continue this discussion another time. Meanwhile there are some people outside waiting for you.” Harry glanced at his watch and saw to his surprise it was five past four o’clock and they were late for the try-outs. As Madam Hooch strode from the changing rooms the team members filed out after her one by one.

The group of hopeful Gryffindors waiting for them outside watched them curiously as they emerged from the changing room tunnel. Ron stood out by his red hair and Harry gave him a half-hearted nod. Ron shrugged in response and looked moodily in the other direction. A second later Harry realised why. Another shock of red hair stood out in the group and Harry was only half surprised to see Ginny. She stood tall and defiant next to Heather whom Harry already gathered was trying out, due to her harsh response when Ron had been mouthing off that morning. Ginny was obviously avoiding any kind of communication with Ron, for which he couldn’t blame her.

Above them a couple of stands were already scattered with Gryffindor spectators (and he suspected a few Slytherin ones too) who had come to support their friends. He could see Reena waving frantically and despite the edgy, wound up mood he was in, smiled to himself when he saw Ginny waving back. Her body language however told him that she definitely hadn’t calmed down much since breakfast and as she and several other students swallowed water from the cooler Madam Hooch had placed at the side of the pitch, he noticed something similar in several people. They all seemed edgy. Try-outs were a huge event for Quidditch lovers, whether you were trying out or not. Everyone wanted the best possible people picked for the team. It had occurred to Harry that picking players could be a very difficult process indeed, even more so considering that the existing team members were far from getting along right now. Harry’s thoughts were cut short as Madam Hooch began speaking to the students around her.

“Right. Well as some of you may have gathered, the existing team have not yet agreed on a new Captain.” ‘We haven’t agreed on anything at all.’ Harry thought to himself.
“Try-outs will continue as planned and the new captain shall be announced later this week hopefully, once the new team has been established.” She looked at the twins and Angelina who were still glaring at each other, and at Alicia who was sulking by the cooler out of the way.
“Anything any of you would like to add?” she asked them and they all shook their heads moodily.

“Yes.” Harry suddenly spoke out and he distinctly heard Angelina tut to herself and saw her roll her eyes. Ignoring her he continued.

“I just want to say, and I’m sure the others, deep down at least, wish you all the best of luck. It’s not easy, but just do your best.” He finished. He got a few smiles from the students he was addressing, but upon glancing behind him, caught George sticking his fingers down his throat in a representation of throwing up. He ignored him, despite the growing anger and uptight feeling that continued to grow in his gut. He helped himself to more water, hoping it might calm him down a bit. He felt a little better and followed the others up the tower steps to the balcony from where they would observe the try-outs.

They were nowhere near as high as the stands above them as they needed quick access to the pitch.

The first try-out was for the Keeper. Harry saw Ron step up with four other students (only two of whom he recognised) and felt butterflies in his stomach. Harry really wanted Ron to do well and was extremely nervous for him.

“Am-I-gasp-too late?” panted a voice from the stairs. Harry grinned when he saw Hermione standing there out of breath. He was about to offer her a seat when Angelina spoke.

“Spectators have to sit in the stands.” She said firmly and shortly.

“But it’s Hermione.” Harry said, as if that solved anything. Angelina didn’t make eye contact but continued speaking in a stiff drone.

“Is she on the team?”

“No.”

“Is she trying out?”

“No.”

“Does she even play Quidditch at all?” Harry was losing his temper.

“No, but what does…”

“Well then she had to sit up in the stands.” Finished Angelina firmly.

“Oh stop being such a doxy and let her sit here.” Muttered Alicia bitterly and even the boys looked up in surprise. They neither one of them ever heard Alicia Spinnet use such language before and certainly not to Angelina.

“Yeah Angelina, it’s Hermione. Leave her be.” Added George defensively. The twins had always been fond of their brother’s friend and Hermione gave him a thankful smile. Angelina let out a loud, angry sigh of exasperation and reluctantly waved Hermione towards the seat near Harry. Hermione thanked her and watched her a little curiously as she took her seat.

“What’s going on?” she whispered to Harry. Harry leant closer and whispered back.

“I’ll tell you later. Just sit still and don’t upset anyone.” Hermione nodded and sat back in her seat with a most suspicious and apprehensive look on her face.

The first round of the try-outs involved everyone. It was a basic flying skills test, which helped to sort the definite no no’s from the maybes. It was basically an obstacle course, which tested reflexes, precision, fast turns and the ability to actually control the broom. Harry was shocked to see that after all the fuss over that last few days, only 23 people were trying out. Only 5 of those were trying out for keeper. Unfortunately, none of the other four contenders were knocked out in the first round. Only four in total were: Susan Krash - the name says it all, Jonathon Brakes – the speed he flew, we know why. Shrake Jendurn just couldn’t stay on his broom and much to her disgust and Hermione’s delight Christine Heathland who was fast and accurate but was let down by reactions, which weren’t up to scratch. Grinning sheepishly to the crowd she waved and ran off the pitch to get a cup of water, followed by the claps and wolf-whistles from the crowd. Harry managed a smile when Hermione wasn’t looking. The truth was the girl was ok, and the only reason Hermione didn’t like her was because of the whole prefect thing. Harry actually quite liked Chris, though of course he’d never let Hermione hear him say so.

For the Keeper try-outs Harry had to leave Hermione and join the other team members on the pitch. The first section involved protecting the three rings from enchanted quaffles, which zoomed towards the hoops in regular patterns. This was more of a warm up than anything. The real test was when Alicia and Angelina hurled Quaffles at them like a little mini Quidditch team. The idea was that the players would pass between each other in attempt to throw the keeper off and really test the reflexes and the candidate’s ability to block the quaffle. The competition was unbelievably tough. Harry knew that Ron was the best up there but something was wrong. Ron really wasn’t playing his best. He was clearly putting a lot of effort and emotion into it but somehow things just weren’t going quite right. Of course the chasers weren’t helping any. Angelina and Alicia weren’t exactly working well together.

The usually beautifully executed and perfected passing and sneaky moves the pair usually displayed when playing together were to say the least absent this afternoon. They seemed to instead be holding an ongoing battle to see who could hurl the Quaffle at the other the hardest. Not only was this distracting for the candidate but part of the skill of being keeper is to read the reactions of the oncoming chasers, and if the chasers don’t know what on earth is happening it only makes it harder for the keeper. Never the less, despite this and Ron’s off-colour defending which Harry was sure was down to his foul and edgy mood, Ron did ok. He certainly faired up a lot better than the three that had gone before him. All three had been boys. One had practically hobbled across the field and disappeared into the changing rooms like a scared mouse. The other two swore and cursed at the two air-borne chasers with such anger that Madam Hooch had to order them off the pitch.

“What is up with everyone?” asked an American voice from behind Harry. He turned to see Heather Summer who was watching the boys storm from the field in a huff. Harry smiled and shrugged.

“I dunno. Everyone is at each other’s throats. Maybe it’s stress. Even Ron had a tough time up there and he’s a superb Keeper. Good luck to the last guy, coz to be honest he’ll have a job against those two today.” He said pointing up to Angelina and Alicia who were scooting around 30 feet from the ground avoiding each other.

“Well, I’ll give it my best shot.” Heather took one last mouthful of water from a bottle winking at him and Harry stared gob-smacked at her as she giggled and ran out onto the pitch with her broom, which Harry noticed was a Nimbus 2001.

To cut to the chase, Heather was darn good. Apart from Hermione, she seemed to be the only person who wasn’t acting like a moron and it was working in her favour. She was extremely light on her broom, which she controlled beautifully. Her slightly brighter frame of mind compared to everyone else on the pitch was making her clear headed and her reactions were clean and swift. She seemed to predict exactly what Angelina and Alicia were going to do, and the more successful she became the more reckless and angry the two chasers became. Harry noticed they weren’t the only ones. As many Gryffindor spectators (all who seemed their usual cheerful selves) cheered and applauded Heather, Ron was beginning to boil with anger. Harry stayed silent, not wanted to cause an eruption from his friend but as Heather hit the ground and hopped off her Nimbus to the claps of the audience in the stands, Ron turned on his heal and marched towards the changing room. He was considering following when Hermione came running up to him, having abandoned the safety of the booth she was sitting in.

“Wow, she was really good.” She exclaimed staring in awe at Heather. Harry nodded.

“Is he ok?” she asked and Harry didn’t need to ask whom she was talking about. He shook his head and shrugged.

“He was in a terrible mood even before Heather went up there.” Hermione rolled her eyes.

“He’s been in a bad mood for days. And he’s not the only one. Ginny’s been the same and now it seems everyone else is following suit.” Hermione commented and was shocked when another female voice answered.

“Oh good, I’m glad someone besides Harry and I have noticed. At least you’re still normal Hermione. It is Hermione isn’t it?” they both turned to see a smiling Heather. Hermione nodded, slightly confused.

“Yeah I’m Hermione. That was pretty impressive keeping up there.” Said Hermione brightly. Heather smiled genuinely in return.

“Thanks. I’ve been practising my behind off.” Harry noticed again the American accent that lilted in and out of Heather’s voice. She pulled her tight braids out of the ponytail they’d been tied back in and they fell in locks around her dark face. Hermione had obviously picked up on the accent too.

“Hey are you American?” Hermione asked in surprise.

“Yeah kinda. My Mom’s from Africa. She’s the witch. But my Dad’s from Philadelphia and he’s a muggle.”

“My Mum and Dad are muggles.” Hermione told her and Heather nodded in interest.

“Yeah I kinda heard about that little incident with Malfoy last year. Those Slytherins have a real problem with muggle borns. It’s ridiculous. My Mom says muggle borns are more special than pure bloods, because they’re the first in a new line.” Heather told them and both Harry and Hermione smiled in delight. Neither of them had thought of it that way.

“That’s cool.” Said a new voice and they jumped a little as Ron appeared behind them. Hermione and Harry exchanged a mildly nervous look. Would Ron feel betrayed because they were talking to his competition?

“Yeah I thought so too.” Heather grinned and Harry and Hermione were relieved when Ron smiled back.

“That was impressive flying earlier.” Ron added and Harry still felt a little uneasy.

“Thanks. You weren’t so bad yourself y’know.” She added and Harry could swear her accent was getting stronger. She took another swig from her bottle and offered it around the group. To Harry’s further surprise Ron took the offered bottle and swallowed a mouthful of water before handing it back.

“Thanks. I’ve been so thirsty recently.” He added. Heather nodded. You’re not the only one. The cooler’s empty. Lucky I always bring my own.” She said waving the bottle in the air before dropping it into her bag. “Hey Chaser Try-outs are starting.” She announced excitedly.

“Oh, I better get going then. Nice chatting to you.” Said Ron quickly grabbing his broom and heading towards the large crowd of wannabe chasers.

“Good luck!” shouted Hermione and he waved and grinned at her. Hermione looked at Harry smiling with relief.

“He seems so much better, did you notice?” Harry nodded.

“I just hope it’s genuine and he wasn’t just putting it on.” Hermione shook her head though.

“No, he seemed calmer, something in his eyes. He seemed like the Ron we know and love again.” She concluded and Harry had to admit he thought she was right.

“There been something up?” asked Heather with concern.

“Well, you know how everyone’s been so moody today?” Heather nodded and Hermione continued. “Well, he’s been like it for days. His sister’s been the same.” Heather shrugged then looked out towards the group of chaser candidates spotting Ginny standing as far away from her brother as she could.

“I noticed Gin wasn’t so cheery earlier. I don’t really know her though, so I wasn’t in any position to pass judgement. I thought she was just a miserable cow.” She grinned light heartedly and Hermione laughed.

“No, she’s lovely. Well usually she is, isn’t she?” Hermione asked Harry and Harry was slightly distracted.

“Er, what? Oh yeah…lovely.” He finally replied and knew he was blushing. He hoped the girls hadn’t noticed but he concluded by the knowing grin they shared that they probably had.

“Well it seems to me something’s always going on in this place…but I guess you guys already know that.” She winked and Harry grinned sheepishly.

“Yeah…tell me about it. Oh I better go. I’m needed.” Harry hurriedly waved bye to the girls and joined Fred and George as they prepared for the Chaser try-out.

The try-out was little short of a blood bath. The two bickering beaters spent most of the time trying to knock each other off their brooms and the prospective chasers were flying rings around them. Harry felt he was the only person up there who was actually aiming the bludgers at the candidates, and although he wasn’t too bad for a seeker, he was up against some of Hogwarts’ best flyers and he was getting practically no support from his so-called team mates.
The result was that the particularly moody candidates were taking particular objection to Harry’s attempts to obstruct their path goal-wards. In anger and frustration they cut up his flight path, slammed into him sideways and even at one point a bludger was sent right back at him aimed for his head. The fact that it had been Ginny that had sent it only added insult to injury. To Harry’s relief Ron’s mood did indeed seem to have improved. He played skilfully but fairly and even backed Harry up when three 6th years decided to group up against him.

After 20 minutes of violent mayhem Harry called a time-out, which earned him further insults and even a violent shove from an anonymous candidate as they flew to the ground. Just managing to hold his balance Harry half flew, half toppled to the pitch floor and called his teammates over.

“Ok, what the hell is going on?”

“What’s eating you? Yell at him, he’s the moron trying to kill me.”

“Bloody hypocrite. You could have damn near…”

“Is everything alright?” said a new voice as Heather and Hermione appeared.

“Stay out of it, this is team business.”

“Yeah, Hermione. You’re such a busybody at times.” Hermione recoiled from the words and Harry could see she was truly hurt. Drawing herself tall she bravely walked away from them and sat herself on the side bench.

“There was no call for that. She was just asking.” Heather looked more confused than angry.

“You can butt out an’ all. Bloody yanks sticking their nose in.”

“Hey!” Heather bit back and Harry came between them.

“George that was out of order.” Harry really was furious now. George just looked away, shoving his hands in his pockets.

“Listen, I don’t know what’s got into everyone, but I know these try-outs are a huge disaster. You two are trying to kill each other and meanwhile everyone else is trying to kill Harry. Just chill for a sec, have a drink, calm down. C’mon guys, what’s up?” Harry admired how diplomatic Heather was being. He’d never really noticed her before this week and he didn’t really know her. He looked at Fred and George who just looked at each other sulkily. Moodily they accepted the drink they were offered, emptying the bottle before handing it back. Fred even said ‘thanks’ and Heather smiled gently.

“I know you guys want the best team you could possibly get and you’re really not going to get it like this. You aren’t even watching what’s going on around you. How are you supposed to pick the best chasers if you’re too busy knocking each other out to watch them?” Harry couldn’t have put it better himself. To his relief Fred and George’s expression softened and some kind of inaudible communication seemed to be occurring between the twins. Their body language changed and they picked up their broomsticks.

“Hey, what are you morons waiting for, a bloody written invitation?” yelled an agitated chaser candidate.

Looking at Harry, George spoke.

“Come on Potter, we have a chaser to find.

The rest of the try-out went like poetry. Ok, maybe it was Edgar Allen Poe, but poetry all the same. Between the three of them Fred, George and Harry gave each and every one of the candidates a serious run for their money. Pretty soon the obvious drop-outs were weeded from the best up there, and despite yells and screeches of anger from the candidates whose goal attempts were thwarted, they were happy with the performances. They already knew the decisions were going to be hard to make and the current attitude within the team would only add to it.
Harry was still relieved to discover that Ron, Fred and George were pretty much over their previous mood. He was only sorry he couldn’t say the same for others. Ginny stormed from the pitch in a tantrum, and considering her try-out had gone very well indeed Harry could not understand why. The general mood was similar in other candidates. The supporters on the stands were avoiding them like the plague and Harry was getting a niggling in his stomach that only told him what he was already beginning to suspect. He could understand tension and nerves materialising themselves as anger and bitterness under such conditions. But Harry kind of had the feeling that something beyond the nerves of a load of anxious Quidditch candidates was at work here. And this was only confirmed later that evening at dinner...

To be continued...

emjay · 06-29-2008, 05:42 PM

oooh this chapter was rife with teen angst . . . love it!! especially the interaction between Fred and George

Little Trooper · 06-30-2008, 01:19 AM

Love it. teen angst was great. I loved it. can't wait for the 2nd part to it.

so in love with it.

Krysta · 07-01-2008, 07:28 PM

Teen angst with a magickal catalyst...

Here's Part 2:

“Please guys.”

“No.”

“Pleeeaaasssee.”

“No.”

“No, sorry, couldn’t possibly.”

“Oh you two are impossible.”

“Indeed we are.”

“And proud of it.” Fred and George shook hands and went back to their beef stew. Heather sat back, arms folded looking half-annoyed, half-amused. Frustrated as Harry knew she must feel, he also realised she was relieved that the twins were getting on again.

“Blimey I’m thirsty.” Announced George, swallowing mouthfuls of water from a jug on the table.

“Yeah, me too. Must be all the excitement.” Added Ron holding out his goblet for George to fill. Fred’s goblet joined Ron’s and the three brothers gulped down like beached whales. Heather smiled slightly.

“You must have some inkling of who’s made it through, surely.” She whined.

“Maybe we do…”

“…And maybe we do.” Began Fred and finished George, which only made Heather more frustrated. Harry decided to put her out of her misery.

“We haven’t actually discussed it yet.” He lowered his voice and his head, causing Heather to move her head closer just so she could hear him. “Apart from anything Alicia and Angelina aren’t exactly being cooperative.” Heather and Hermione conspicuously glanced up the table where the two Gryffindor chasers were working very hard at ignoring each other. Had Harry imagined it, or did Hermione and Heather exchange a knowing look?

Harry glanced around the table and just caught Ginny watching him with a scowl on her face. She immediately looked the other way and he frowned to himself. Her mood was really beginning to annoy him now. He hadn’t done anything and she was behaving like he’d just killed someone. It was time to break the ice.

“You played very well earlier.” He got no response. “Ginny.” She looked up as though she’d just been stung by a wasp.

“Oh, were you talking to me? Sorry, I thought you were talking to your friend there.” She nodded at Heather who only looked blankly back at her.
“After all she did steal the show somewhat, didn’t she? And your attention.” With that she returned to her dinner leaving Harry looking, yet again, as though he’d just been slapped. Ginny was jealous of Heather? Was that good or bad? He couldn’t decide. Heather and Hermione were whispering together and Harry could hear Ron speaking to them, but he didn’t hear a word. He was watching Ginny as if she were some marvel piece of art. He just couldn’t work her out right now. But he’d had enough. It was driving him mad.

“What is up with you?” she looked up stunned at his angry voice.

“Excuse me?” she said passively.

“You know what I mean. Something’s come over you recently besides the stress of the try-outs. To be perfectly honest you’re being a first class with honours cow.” He spat out, surprising himself. He hadn’t meant to be quite so mean. Expecting her burst into tears he was shocked when she just stared at him like he were some venomous snake. She seemed just about to speak when she suddenly stopped dead and stared at something behind Harry. He turned to see what it was and was surprised to see Ron holding aloft his Mother’s pendant by its golden chain. It spun slowly in mid air and Ginny watched, almost hypnotised.

“What’s that, Ron?” she asked quietly. Her brother looked from Hermione and back to Ginny before speaking.

“It’s Harry’s Mother’s pendant. You’ve seen it before, remember?” Ginny looked blank at Ron’s words but nodded vaguely.

“Harry kind of leant it to me, and I gave it to Ron to wear for good luck this afternoon.” Hermione added carefully watching Ginny’s face. Harry frowned slightly. Why would Hermione do that?
“Want a closer look, Ginny? You never saw it very close did you?” Hermione added and Harry was getting suspicious. Something was going on that he didn’t know about. He watched as Ginny carefully took the red and silver dragon pendant from her brother and held it softly in her palm, gazing at it.
A glassy look passed over her eyes and Harry looked at Hermione who was watching in earnest.
“Why don’t you keep it for a while? It goes with your hair.” Hermione continued and Harry was about to protest Ginny having possession of his Mother’s pendant when he received a sharp kick on the ankle. He glared at Heather in confusion and anger but fell silent at her warning expression. He turned back to Ginny who was clipping the clasp shut around her neck. Her movements were slow and deliberate as she picked up her fork again but paused, holding it over her plate.

“Thank you.” She spoke softly and for a fleeting second, she was Ginny again. But then she was gone again. A confused and bewildered expression flashed across her face. “Excuse me.” She mumbled, clumsily getting up from the table. Her eyes looked droopy and her body slouched a little.
“I…I feel so tired. I must, er, go…lie down.” She barely managed to get the words out before stumbling her way out of the hall. Ron and Harry watched in astonishment, but Harry didn’t miss the knowing looks Hermione and Heather were exchanging.

“Ok, spill it.”

Hermione gave him her best innocent look, but dropped it when he gave her his best ‘tell me or die’ look. She looked at Heather for confirmation and received a shrug.

“Ok, ok, I’ll explain.”

Harry had somehow managed to drag Ron and Heather to the library after dinner. Hermione naturally didn’t take much encouragement.

“Would someone explain to me what’s going on?” Ron looked totally confused and Hermione looked a little guilty.

“Harry, Ron doesn’t remember a thing. He has no memory of how he was behaving. And neither do you.” Harry stared at Hermione in confusion.

“I don’t remember what?” he asked. Hermione looked uncomfortable.

“Your behaviour. You’ve been really knarky all week. Just like Ron. But you don’t remember anything.” Harry and Ron exchanged odd looks.

“Hey, Harry was the moody one. Always snapping at everyone. Ginny too, she’s been a pain in the backside, and I’m not even going to mention Fred and George.” Harry stared horrified at his best friend.

“What are you on about? You’re the one who’s been snapping at everyone and going off in a mood all the time.” Ron stared at him as though he’d just grown another head.

“You don’t remember what an irritable git you’ve been for the last week, do you?” Ron asked him and Harry was just about to retaliate when Heather called for a time-out.

“Ok, ok, guys. Listen, you’ve both been acting like complete jerks for the whole week, but you’re not the only ones.” Harry and Ron both glared angrily at her.

“Hey who are you calling an jerk?” Ron barked at her and got a nasty glance from Madam Pince.

“I’m not saying you are and jerk, just that you were acting like an jerk.”

“I was not acting like an jerk.” Harry argued, rather annoyed with Heather. He’d just begun thinking how cool she was, when she started this.

“Harry, you were. Honestly. Everyone was. They just don’t seem to remember it. Harry you yelled at Ginny in the middle of breakfast one morning for practically no reason causing her to storm out.”

“That wasn’t me. It was Ron mouthing off that caused her to storm out. Even you were arguing with him, you must remember.” Harry argued again, staring at Heather.

“I wasn’t mouthing off.” Protested Ron.

“You were. And yes, I did have a go at you. But Harry, you joined in. You were part of the argument.”

“I was not! I distinctly remember…” he trailed off. He couldn’t remember it at all. Just that it had happened. “…Oh Spirit, what’s happening to us? I…I don’t remember anything. I remember what everyone else said but…not what I said or did. What’s going on?” Hermione and Heather exchanged another one of their knowing looks. It had only just occurred to Harry how close these two seemed. He wasn’t aware of them having met before. Heather was in the year above them after all.

“So how many have been affected?” asked Ron, who seemed to be trying to make up for being such a prat over the last few days, and Harry admired him for that. Harry felt pretty awful himself. How many people had he angered or upset that he couldn’t remember? All he remembered was feeling slightly cranky before the try-outs but that was all. Something occurred to him.

“Wait a sec, before we go on. I was wondering, I know when Ron started acting normal again, because I mentioned it to you Heather. It was just before the try-out.” Hermione fidgeted a little. “But what about me? When did I start acting normal again?”

“Well, I noticed it just before the chaser try-out. You’d been talking to Heather, but…we have no idea what caused you to return to normal.” Hermione told him, and he was shocked. He’d been a complete and utter git right up until then? He couldn’t believe it.

“But I stood up for you when Fred and George wouldn’t let you stay in the box with us.” Hermione took a deep breath.

“No, you didn’t. You argued with them about it, but they finally agreed to let me stay and you told me to sit down and shut up. Then when you left, you told me you had more important things to do and just left me there.” Harry’s eyes widened in horror. How could he have been that mean to his friend?

“Hermione I’m so sorry, I don’t know what to say.” Hermione shook her head, discarding his words.

“Harry I don’t think it’s your fault.”

“It’s pretty obvious that something’s going on. This many people being jerks all at once? It’s gotta be some kind of curse.” Heather said and everyone nodded. “In answer to your question, Ron all the Quidditch team and all the people trying out have been affected. And of those people only you two, Fred and George have started behaving normally again.”

“Hopefully, Ginny will be joining you shortly.” Added Hermione and received a puzzled look from her two best friends. She glanced sideways at Heather and took another deep breath.

“Ok, I gave you that pendant as an experiment, Ron.” Ron looked blankly at her, obviously not following at all. She rolled her eyes in typical Hermione fashion and continued.

“We know that pendant has some kind of power.” Ron and Harry nodded. “Right. And that its power is probably what saved me a few weeks ago. So it must have some kind of healing power or something. I told Heather all about it.”

“I was fascinated. It’s an amazing piece you know, Harry. I’ve never seen anything like it. And yet somehow I feel like it’s familiar.”

“That’s what Neville said to you, Harry.” Ron commented and Harry nodded.

“Hermione gave it to Ron to see if it made any difference to his behaviour.” Ron shot Hermione an accusing look and she looked defensive.

“I was worried, Ron. I just didn’t want your mood to ruin your try-out. I…I really wanted you to get on the team. I was just trying to help. Besides, it worked.” She smiled nervously and to her relief he smiled back warmly, and kissed the top of her head. Harry and Heather exchanged a wink.

“We were going to give it back to Harry for a bit when we realised that it had worked. Ron began acting normally again almost immediately. Even you noticed it, Harry.” Heather explained and Harry nodded.

“So why didn’t you give it to me?”

“We didn’t need to.” Hermione grinned. “We don’t understand why yet, but you suddenly began acting normally. Like we said, just before the chaser try-outs.” Harry was puzzled.

“It was the same with your brothers.” Heather said to Ron. “Fred and George were exactly the same as you, Harry. During that time-out, they suddenly snapped out of it, and now they’re right as rain.” Heather told them.

“We thought to start with that maybe whatever was causing the behaviour in the first place might be wearing off or something. But it became quite blatantly obvious that that wasn’t the case. Everyone else was still behaving like idiots. As you noticed, probably.” Ron and Harry nodded, and the image of Ginny storming from the pitch flashed through Harry’s mind.

“What about Ginny? You gave her the necklace too. For the same reason you gave it to Ron?” Harry asked and the two girls nodded.

“I couldn’t stand to see her like that anymore. Hopefully, she should be fine.” Harry felt a huge burden lift from his shoulder, but with it came a question.

“So what’s the problem? If we know how to cure it?”

“Harry, how are we supposed to convince 25 people to wear your Mother’s pendant?” Harry thought about it, and realised Heather had a point.

“If only we knew what was causing it, we could try to do something about it. But we haven’t got a clue what’s going on.” Heather continued.

“We were chatting about what’s been going on. I’d noticed that she was the only person trying out for the team who wasn’t being a complete moron.” Hermione told them. Heather grinned and Hermione giggled.

“We spent hours in here, at this very table actually.” Heather continued.

“But we just couldn’t work it out. We couldn’t find any pattern at all. The only connection these people have is that they’re all linked to Quidditch. They’re all different years, different genders, different genetic backgrounds, everything we could think of. The only connection is Quidditch.” Concluded Hermione.

“Quidditch and Gryffindor.” Corrected Ron and they all looked at him. “Well have you noticed strange behaviour in any other house?” they all looked at each other. Ron was right. It had only affected Gryffindor.

“You’re right. And who do we know who’d like to see the Gryffindor Quidditch team in a rut?” asked Harry. They all looked at each other and answered at the same time.

“Slytherin.”

There were still a lot of questions to be answered. They still had no idea what was going on, and how the Slytherins were doing it. They were all convinced now that this must be the doing of their rivals. Only people connected with Quidditch were affected, and they could think of no one else. Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff would never do something like this. For the rest of the night Harry, Ron and Hermione talked to Heather about everything that had happened over the last few months and even filled gaps in her knowledge of events over that last 4 years.
Heather was dumbstruck by the stories, especially when she heard about what Voldemort had done to Ginny in the second year, and in particular the events surrounding the Triwizard Tournament.

She was fascinated and horrified by what had happened to Hermione, since she had only heard rumours and half-tales about what had happened. Harry told her about the dreams and even about the village on the ceiling at which point she giggled with delight and said how much she’d love to meet Harry’s godfather. She had been overwhelmed by the tale surrounding Sirius. To the rest of the world he was a wanted murderer and now that she knew the truth she was shocked. Especially when they told her that he was still in hiding because Fudge, the Minister of Magic refused to believe he was innocent.

However at 11 o’clock they left the library when Madam Pince had finished her filing. It had been an extremely long and exhausting day for all of them and they needed sleep. Grateful it was Sunday tomorrow they thankfully went upstairs to the common room, said their goodbyes and made their separate ways to the dorm rooms. Harry was the only one who noticed the sleeping figure on the crimson sofa.

Ron had fallen asleep almost immediately. Harry still waited a few minutes just to make sure before slipping down the stairway to the common room. It was strangely quiet. The Gryffindor tower was uneasy at present due to the strange behaviour of some of the students. It had affected the other students in that they had stopped associating with them, since many of them had started arguments and were generally unpleasant to be around.
Harry was actually quite grateful, because it meant no one would see him.
He crept to the fireplace and sighed. She was still fast asleep. For the first time in nearly a week she looked peaceful. Quietly and carefully, so as not to wake her, he knelt down on the floor beside her sofa and watched her. She was pale but some colour was at last returning to her cheeks. Her face was void of any emotion as her steady, even breathing confirmed that she was asleep. Her lips were parted ever so slightly and looked so soft, Harry had to physically look away from them to ignore the urge to kiss her right there and then.
His heart seemed to physically ache and he swallowed hard when he felt it thumping loudly in his chest. Another sound met his ears and he suddenly realised the sleeping girl was whispering. He noticed for the first time that her hand was gently clasped around the blue and silver pendant that hung against her chest. As he watched, her fingers tightened slightly and her whispering became a little more audible.

“No.”

He frowned. Something was wrong. Her voice sounded wrong, and yet deathly familiar.

“No, please.”

Her face had changed. No longer peaceful, she seemed distressed. He thought of trying to wake her. A terrifying thought crossed his mind. What if Ginny were being attacked by a nightwraith? He should wake her now. But before he got a chance, her next whispered words chilled him to the bone.

“No, please, not Harry.”

He felt as though he’d been plunged hundreds of feet into ice-cold water. As his Mother’s last words echoed through his ears he stared in horror at the girl before him. He was seconds from shaking her awake when suddenly she lurched from her curled up position and as she opened them, Harry stared into the most breathtakingly emerald eyes he had ever seen.

“Forever can wait, Harry.” Ginny spoke in his Mother’s voice and Harry grabbed her shoulders in shock and fear.

“Ginny?”

The girl blinked and when she opened her eyes once more they were the same shining blue they had always been, full of confusion as they were.

“Harry?”

With that she collapsed. It had been her own voice, he was sure of it. He gathered her in his arms and lifted her back onto the sofa. Cradling her he tried to wake her again but to no avail.

“Ginny? Ginny, please you have to wake up.”

Nothing.

Ginny slept again and Harry let her. He stroked her hair gently, deep in a train of thought that terrified him. Had his Mother’s spirit just entered the body of the girl now sleeping in his arms? Or had Harry in some way imagined it? Was it connected to the necklace she now wore and if so, had Hermione ever had a similar experience. She would have told him surely…if she had remembered it.

What was going on? Had Ginny just had a bad dream? Maybe the use of his Mother’s last words had simply been a coincidence. The voice? Had he imagined that? He was sure he hadn’t. And her eyes? No, they had been too striking to have imagined it.

Harry suddenly realised how tired he was. He fought the oncoming sleep, in the wish to stay awake to watch over the sleeping red head but sleep found Harry Potter an easy conquest tonight, and soon he slept as deeply as the girl in his arms.

Krysta · 07-01-2008, 07:37 PM

Hi, I wanted to leave a message for the mods. I missed an inappopriate word when editing this but I have now removed it. Sorry!

emjay · 07-02-2008, 03:26 AM

ok that was weird. what are those slytherins up to? can't wait to see what comes next!

supercodi95 · 07-03-2008, 07:50 AM

love it!!

Krysta · 07-03-2008, 10:12 PM

Well no one has yelled at me, so I suppose I got away with it.
I re-read this last section and it occurs to me that the quality of writing isn't very good. So sorry if anyone found it hard to follow.

Ok, guys, here's the end of the chapter. Things are starting to pick up pace now!

Chapter 14, part 3

When he awoke he had to blink hard to see if he was imagining things. But sure enough two bright blue eyes looked into his green ones. Ginny was smiling gently. To Harry’s delight she was still in his arms. He’d half expected to wake and find her either gone or furious with him. Instead she tilted her head to one side and twisted slightly so she could face him better.

“You make a great pillow y’know, Potter.” He smiled sleepily, yawning and stretching his arms out above his head.

“And you make a lovely blanket.” He said through another yawn. She giggled gently and he smiled back at her. She twisted back around and rested her head on his chest again.

“You gonna fall asleep again? Coz I need the toilet.” He asked awkwardly sending her into fits of giggles. She sat up still grinning and he pulled himself up to his feet stretching his back. Throwing a grin over his shoulder he headed for the shower room.

When he came back she was gone. He didn’t bother to hide his disappointment from the absent people in the room.

“Damn it.” He moaned and dropped back onto the sofa.

“Damn what?” she poked her head out from behind the sofa with a huge grin on her face.

“Why you…” she squealed as he went to grab her, despite her protests he managed to pull her back onto the sofa where they both fell about giggling.

“You didn’t think I’d just leave did you Harry Potter? I’m not a one-night stand kind of girl…I mean…I didn’t mean…” her eyes widened in a slight panic and her cheeks flushed when she realised what she’d said. To her relief he grinned and she returned the grin, her cheeks still a little flushed. Harry couldn’t stand this any longer. The girl had been driving him mad for months now. Waiting for her to stop giggling he gently brushed her pink cheek with his finger. A look of fear crossed her face and he stopped, pulling his hand away from her face. It was his turn to panic now. Had he made a mistake? Had he misread the signs? He didn’t understand girls at the best of times, sometimes not even Hermione. But he’d felt so sure just now. Ginny looked down slightly, avoiding his eyes. He’d blown it.

“Oh God, Ginny I’m sorry.” He quickly got his feet, nervously stepping back from the sofa. She looked stunned.

“Harry, I…”

“No, it’s ok. I’m sorry…really I’m…I have to go.”

“Harry wait!”

But he’d gone. Ten seconds later he was buried under his bedclothes, his teeth and fists clenched cursing his own stupidity.

He didn’t want to get up. When he had awoken earlier that morning he hadn’t realised how early it had been. The fact was it had been barely 6 o’ clock when he had left Ginny in the common room. Now at 9:30 the sun was just about risen (and only just) and people were beginning to mill about getting dressed. Ron eventually dragged him out of bed, confused by Harry’s fully dressed sate.

“Why did you go to bed fully dressed? There something you’re not telling me?” Ron grinned and Dean guffawed from across the room.

“You dog, Potter. Who’d have known it? So who’s the unlucky girl?” It was all in jest of course and as the whole room burst into laughter he left the room to take a shower. He couldn’t help wondering what they would say if they knew that their joke was partly true.

Somehow he made it downstairs by 10:30 and was just about to sneak out of the portrait door before he could stumble across Ginny when someone grabbed his arm. He jumped in surprise and to his relief saw Hermione. His relief was short-lived however when he realised that that table he was being dragged to had Ginny sitting at it. Oh god, had she told them? What would they think of him? Heather and Ron were at the table too, which only added to his panic. Ginny only half avoided eye contact and even gave him a slight smile when he sat down. He tried to return it but wasn’t sure how well it turned out as she looked away again immediately.

“She’s cured.” Hermione beamed sounding triumphant, which mirrored the expression on Heather’s face.

“She’s fine and dandy. Mood’s gone and everything. Just look at that pretty smile.” Added Heather and Harry felt butterflies in his stomach as her ‘pretty smile’ pulled a few heartstrings. Harry swallowed hard.

“Good. Glad to hear it. So we know the pendant works anyway.” He said, noticing that the pendant had been placed in the centre of the table.

“Yes, but you haven’t heard all of the story.” Began Ron. “Ginny can remember.”

Harry was quite sure his heart stopped.

“You remember?” he asked hoarsely and she nodded awkwardly. “You remember everything? The arguments and…everything?” she nodded again and looked away. Hermione looked suspiciously at them.

“She’s the only one so far who’s been cured and can remember.” Heather added and Harry noticed Ginny look at the table with what appeared to him as nervousness.

“Er, Ginny, when did you begin feeling normal?” she avoided his eyes and shrugged.

“I guess I felt different last night. Kind of like a veil lifting.”

“So when you woke up this morning…you could remember everything?” he distinctly saw her swallow.

“Yes.”

Harry felt sick. He suddenly realised that when they’d been together that morning, she had full memory of all the arguments they’d had during the week. Ones even Harry didn’t have memory of. He felt weird. He couldn’t take it in, or organise the information so he could understand it.

“Sorry I yelled at you.” She said nervously. He looked at her and everything melted away. She’d stayed by his side, even in the knowledge of all that had happened in the past week.

“Me too.” He said smiling gently. She smiled back.

“Yeah, but neither of you meant it, did you? You were under some kind of curse. We all were.”

“Yeah, that’s true.” Harry smiled, feeling better at Ron’s words. Ginny however didn’t look so cheery. She looked away from Harry, studying the tabletop once more. He had to speak to her alone. He had some questions. But they’d have to wait.

“So what now?” Ginny asked and Harry got the feeling she was changing the subject. We can’t get loads of people to wear the pendant. We have to find out what’s going on, because if we don’t, not only will the new team members never be picked, but the team won’t exist at all.” She nodded to the doorway and everyone turned to see Angelina deliberately push past Alicia on the way out. Harry shook his head angrily.

“Well we have to do something. Like Ginny says, if we don’t cure everyone soon, there won’t be a team left at all.”

The rest of Sunday was fairly uneventful. They finally managed to drag Fred and George out of one of their secret discussions with Lee and managed to tell them the whole story. The normally passive and carefree twins were outraged. Harry suspected correctly that the reason for their reaction was because the matter directly affected Quidditch, and more importantly, their team. Agreeing to be on the look out for clues (i.e. spying on every available Slytherin) they went about their own business leaving Hermione and Heather in the library looking up curses to make people change temperament, in particular to make them irritable or just not very nice.

Harry and Ron walked around the grounds for a bit, which gave them chance for a chat. Needless to mention, Quidditch was the subject.

“So…honestly, how was I?” Harry was caught out. He knew he’d have to answer these questions once the trials were over. He’d been so caught up in the current events and of course, Ginny to plan any answers. Instead, Harry chose honesty, which he’d come to learn, was always the best way to go.

“You did good.” He said sincerely. Ron nodded and they were both silent for a while.

“Heather was better, though. Wasn’t she?” Harry had been expecting this too. He didn’t know how to answer. He knew Ron was right. “It’s ok. You don’t need to say anything. I know she was.”

“Yeah, maybe, but…she wasn’t under some weird mood-altering curse was she? Under the circumstances you were brilliant.” Harry protested, hating to see his friend as defeatist as this. Ron was usually pretty quick to push blame away and defend himself.

“Yeah. Why is that?” asked Ron, and Harry suddenly realised that it hadn’t occurred to him. Why wasn’t she affected by whatever it was that had gone around the Quidditch players? He frowned.

“I have absobloodywell no idea.” Harry answered and Ron burst into laughter at Harry’s strange mix of words.

“I reckon she did it.” Ron suddenly said and Harry looked up at him in surprise.

“The curse?” he asked. Ron nodded. They stopped and leant against one of the perimeter walls by the edge of the forest.

“Well think about it. She’s up against some bloody good players and desperately wants to be on the team. Have you noticed her with any other people besides us? She doesn’t seem to have many friends. She’s the only person in the trials or team who wasn’t affected by the curse. Maybe she wanted to take us out of the running. Now she’s pretending to help us so that she can throw us off the scent.” He stopped and looked thoughtfully into the trees. Harry had a mild grin on his face. He knew Ron too well.

“And you truly believe that, do you?” he asked. Ron turned and grinned.

“Nah.” They both burst into laughter scattering some birds from the closest trees. A large animal was also heard darting through the bushes and undergrowth getting as far away from the horrible noise the ghastly humans were making as it could.

“Nah, she’s great. I’m just jealous.” Harry grinned at his friend. A few years ago Ron would never have admitted to such a thing.

“Hermione likes her.” Harry added and Ron nodded again.

“Yes, they get on extremely well, which can only be a good sign.” Harry thought Ron had a point there. Hermione was an extremely suspicious person and if she thought Heather was ok, then she probably was.

He never got to talk to Ginny despite his deliberately hanging around the common room waiting for an opportune moment when she was alone. This never happened. Ginny seemed to be doing a very good job of keeping her friends around her.

That night he wrote in both halves of his diary. He added sections to the back covering the strange behaviour of the Quidditch players and what he and his friends had concluded on the matter. In the front he wrote something a little more personal. With a heavy heart he wrote about how he’d managed to well and truly stuff up things with Ginny.

However the next morning something happened to take his mind almost completely off what had been happening over the past week.

It started off pretty normal. Everyone got up and went down to breakfast grumpy and sleepy same as they did every Monday morning. Harry was a little later than usual due to the fact that he had stayed up quite late writing in his diary. The Gryffindor students were still on edge, but Harry was beginning to get used to it. It wasn’t until he sat down helping himself to sausages when he noticed the entire room was gossiping and whispering and he realised that something was up.

He looked up at Hermione and Ron who both looked pale and in shock. He raised his eyebrows and waved his fork at them.

“Er, guys, did I miss something?” All the answer he received was a nod. He frowned.

“Well, would someone please tell me what is it?” With a shaky hand Hermione pointed across the room. Harry turned and followed the path of her finger. At first he couldn’t see what she was trying to point out. Two seconds later his entire plate, sausages, knife, fork and all clattered to the stone floor. Sitting in his usual place surrounded by goons and looking a little paler than usual sat Draco Malfoy.

emjay · 07-03-2008, 11:47 PM

He's back! I'm dying to know what happened to him.

and Ginny + Harry = cute!

TriwizardChamp12 · 07-04-2008, 10:14 PM

DUN DUN DUN!!!!!
cliffhanger
hanging from a cliff
and thats why its called cliffhanger

Krysta · 07-04-2008, 10:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MsMorgan

He's back! I'm dying to know what happened to him.

and Ginny + Harry = cute!

They are cute, aren't they.

Quote:

Originally Posted by TriwizardChamp12

DUN DUN DUN!!!!!
cliffhanger
hanging from a cliff
and thats why its called cliffhanger

That made me laugh.

supercodi95 · 07-05-2008, 02:04 AM

love it!! can't wait for more!!

alyweasley · 07-05-2008, 04:38 AM

OH.MY.GOD! HE'S BACK!!! *chokes and faints*

Okay over it! Great postie honey, and I love the whole Harry/Ginny thing that's happening! Seriously "NAWWWW" worthy!!

PAMS!!

Jade xxx

Krysta · 07-07-2008, 12:13 PM

Happy Monday everyone! Here's a little Natherra to start the week:

Chapter 15: Return of The Dragon
Part One

If Harry thought seeing Draco Malfoy was a shock to the system, he had no idea what was about to hit him.

He couldn’t keep his eyes off Draco for a while. He looked so pale. That was the first thing that struck Harry. He was deathly white and kept his head down the whole time. Draco was usually sniding someone, moaning about something or simply making himself known to the people around him. That seemed to have gone. He seemed dishevelled, weary and almost nervous. He wasn’t speaking to anyone despite the occasional nudge one of his friends gave him, or the laughter that was going on around him. He seemed to be telling no great tale about his whereabouts or his adventures and Harry frowned. He couldn’t help but wonder where on earth Draco had been and what had happened to reduce him to this shell of his former self.

The largest shock was still to come, though for this Harry was entirely unprepared. Voices and partial conversations were beginning to filter through to him and as he caught snippets of other people’s conversations and piece them together he realised something else had happened.

“Who is she anyway?”

“Never seen her, but she’s friends with Snape, that can’t be good.”

“…She looks pretty cool.”

“…must be Defence Against The Dark Arts.”

“…saw her talking to Dumbledore and…”

He frowned again and looked at Ron and Hermione who still looked pale. They were watching him carefully and nervously.

“What’s up? New teacher finally arrived?” he asked, wondering was all the fuss was about. Hermione swallowed and nodded. They both looked like they’d seen a ghost. Harry shook his head and casually scanned the teacher’s table for a glimpse of the woman.

“She can’t be that bad sure…” he trailed off as the blood drained from his face, and what felt like his entire body. His head spun and before anyone could catch him he hit the floor.

He stared up at Ron, Hermione and Fred who was about to pour the contents of the water jug all over him. Catching Fred’s arm just in time he saved himself from a soaking.

“Damn it, Harry I was looking forward to that.” Grumbled Fred and received a thump from Ron.

“Is it? Tell me it isn’t.” shuddered Harry, shivering slightly. Hermione looked sickened but slowly nodded her head. “There has to be a mistake. It can’t be.”

“It is Harry. I don’t know what to say.” Harry knew he must have looked as pale as Draco right now. His friends helped him back up onto the bench before too much attention was drawn to him. Luckily the students were too busy gossiping to notice. Drawing all the strength he could he looked back over to the teacher’s table and sure enough, sitting deep in conversation with Professor Snape, sat the witch who had tried to kill him.

“He’s not here Mr. Potter!”

“Let me in, I have to see him.”

“I told you he’s not here, now off to class with you and you can see him later.”

Furiously Harry stepped back from the statue and stormed down the corridor leaving Professor McGonagall staring after him in confusion.

Late, angry, scared and frustrated Harry made in into Divination only ten minutes late, and ignoring the cryptic scaldings from Trelawney he sat moodily in the corner hidden by smoke and shadow. He ignored the entire lesson and Harry wondered if Professor Trelawney was perhaps mildly psychic after all, as she deliberately avoided him all lesson.

“What happened?” asked Ron once they were out of the attic room.

“McGonagall says he wasn’t there, but I’ll be damned if I’m going to let this lie.” He stormed off again and Ron had to jog to keep up. Once again back at the statue by Dumbledore’s office he banged on the wall. To his surprise and relief it opened up before him and without wasting a second the boys ran up the spiral stone steps to The Headmaster’s office. Without knocking Harry burst through the door.

“Professor, I really need to talk to you…” he stopped dead. Professor Dumbledore sat at his desk smiling slightly. Ron took a step backwards nervously but Harry stood tall and angry. The witch stood at Dumbledore’s side watching the boy with curiosity and mild amusement.

“Good morning, Harry. I understand you’ve met Professor Hedwig.”

“You bet I have, and she nearly bloody kill…you what?”

“Professor Hedwig, Harry. I believe she’s been looking after you.”

Harry was dumbfounded. Hedwig? Her name was Hedwig? And she was the one looking after him? Sirius’ friend? She couldn’t be, she tried to kill him.

“But you…”

“Threw you out of a bus, yes.” She grinned and Dumbledore chuckled. “Awfully sorry about that, mate. Unfortunately the idiots who were supposed to catch you kind of missed. I heard you landed in a vegetable patch, is that true?”

Harry nodded but couldn’t speak. What the hell was he supposed to say? He slumped into a chair as he was sure he was about to faint again. She smiled gently.

“It’s ok, I know this is a lot to take in.”

“Indeed it is, indeed it is.” Dumbledore grinned at Harry who was beyond bewildered right now.

“And the money…the letters…” he managed to murmur. Ron had joined him in the chair beside his.

“You put the money in Harry’s vault. We saw you there that day. We tried to follow you.” Ron began. Professor Hedwig smiled and nodded.

“Yes a terrible miscalculation on my part. I didn’t know you’d be there that day. You have to understand, I would have stopped to talk to you, but I had a rather pressing engagement.”

Harry could still barely speak.

“I thought you tried to kill me. I thought you were with Malfoy.” A grave expression passed over the woman’s face.

“Harry I could never harm a hair on your head.” She spoke so sincerely Harry looked up at her in surprise. He saw her properly for the first time. She was pretty much as he remembered: quite tall for a woman though a tad shorter than Ron and himself. Her hair was indeed jet-black and shone in the candlelight. It cascaded over her shoulders in thick waves. For the first time he saw her eyes were brightest blue and stood out against her rather pale skin. He couldn’t age her at all. She looked young but had the eyes of someone older. Eyes that had seen. Eyes that knew.

“You knew they were coming. You were waiting for them.” He meant the Death Eaters of course and she nodded, a fire suddenly appearing in those eyes.

“They intercepted Hedwig…your owl…Sirius was barely alive when I found him. He knew they’d go after you. I made sure I go there first.”

Things were beginning to make sense to Harry now.

“You know Lucius Malfoy. The way you talked to him…”

“Lucius Malfoy and I…have some unfinished business. Fate as it seems keeps throwing us together.” Harry nodded. He understood that. Empathised even.

“Excuse me?” it was Ron, sounding a little nervous. “Er, Professor. I know this is hardly the time, but about the money…” Professor Hedwig laughed. It was a lovely, energetic laugh that went right through Harry’s head and almost seemed to wake him up a little. He found himself smiling.

“Your family is welcome to the money. I shall send an owl to have your Father’s share transferred. Maybe you should write to him and explain a few things. Meanwhile, Harry you and I need to have a little chat. I think you probably have a few questions to ask.” Harry smiled and thought of his diary. Yes he had a lot of things to ask.

Harry’s head was buzzing. For the rest of the day he daydreamed through all his classes and spent over an hour talking to Hermione, Ginny, Heather, Fred and George about Professor Hedwig.

“We had Defence Against The Dark Arts this afternoon.” Heather told them. “She’s wonderful. Talk about a change from Snape. She actually talks to us like we’re human.” The others laughed.

“I can’t believe we all thought she was a murderer and in league with you-know-who.” Said Hermione.

“Well, maybe I overreacted.” Harry said to himself more than to the others.

“Maybe. But now if you think about it, what would have happened to you if she hadn’t thrown you from the bus?” said Fred and the others looked slightly panicked.

“Oh dear. Either Malfoy would have killed you, or taken you to You-Know-Who.” Harry looked aghast.

“I never thought of it like that.”

“One thing I want to know, though.” Said Heather and they all looked at her. “Well, you know how the report only said three Death Eaters were present, and how no one remembered either Professor Hedwig or Lucius Malfoy being there…” they all nodded.

“Well, what was that all about? Why didn’t anyone remember them being there. It’s like your Dad said…” she looked at the Weasleys “…the memory modifying spell couldn’t possibly have been so selective.” They all shrugged and Hermione looked more thoughtful than ever, chewing on her hair.

“I’ll ask her.” Harry announced. “Simple as that.”

“I can’t believe they made you go to class!” announced Hermione and they all looked at her in astonishment. Hermione was usually 100% strict about attending classes. “Well you have so much to ask! When are you going to see her?” she asked and Harry shrugged.

“I dunno. I also kinda want to ask her where she’s been.”

“Ask her if she knows anything about Draco. I can’t find anything out from anyone. Apparently he’s refusing to talk about It.” moaned Hermione who was a gossip addict.

“Oh, and tell her about the Gryffindor Quidditch team!” ordered Fred.

“Yes, if she’s an expert on curses and stuff, she may be able to help.” Agreed George.

“Oh and ask her…”

“Ok, ok! Chill everyone.” Heather scowled at being cut off by Harry who was getting a little overwhelmed by the number of things he was supposed to ask their new teacher. After all he had his own list of questions. And first of all he was going to ask her about Sirius.

Harry skipped dinner. To be honest he was too wound up and excited to eat. Instead he paid a visit to an old friend.

Hagrid opened the door with a huge excited grin on his face. It faltered slightly when he saw Harry but welcomed Harry in heartedly.

“’ave a seat ‘arry, ‘ave a seat.” Harry smiled to himself and took a seat nearest to the fire. It was particularly chilly this evening.

“So, what a day it’s been.” Commented Hagrid, busying himself with making tea. Soon he placed a steaming clay mug before Harry and took a seat himself.

“So ‘ave you met Krysta yet?” Harry frowned in ignorance over his mug.

“Who?”

“Krysta Hedwig. I dare say she was lookin’ forward te havin’ a talk with you, ‘arry. Worried te death she was.” Krysta. So that was what the K in her initials stood for.

“Oh, Professor Hedwig. Yes we met eventually. I thought she’d tried to kill me you know. I feel terrible about it now.” He took another sip from his mug. “So you know her then?” he asked and Hagrid nodded eagerly.

“Proud to say I do. Ever since she were eleven year old. Smart kid. Some said too smart.”

Harry raised his eyebrows. He knew a couple of people like that.

“She saved my life.” Harry added and Hagrid smiled sadly.

“That she did, ‘arry. And on more than one occasion.” Harry looked puzzled but before he could ask more Hagrid changed the subject.

“I dare say she’ll make a fine teacher. Knows her stuff does Krysta.”

“I can tell.” Harry commented, thinking of the look her eyes had. Hagrid looked distant for a moment, and almost sad.

“Hey Hagrid, how old is she? I couldn’t tell.” Hagrid smiled at that.

Ha ha, I guess you couldn’t. Well I guess she’d be about…well, same age as your Mother if she had lived. Couple of years younger maybe.” Harry stared at Hagrid in surprise.

“But that puts her in her mid to late thirties!” he couldn’t believe she were that old. She looked no older than 30 at the very latest. And something else occurred to him.

“So she was at school with my parents.” It was a statement rather than a question. Hagrid’s face suddenly became grave and his “I shouldn’t ‘a’ told you that” expression appeared on his face.

“Fancy a rock-bun ‘arry, just made them this afternoon.” He held out a tin pull of Hagrid’s famous rock-hard rock-buns and Harry took one out of courtesy, though he knew he’d break his teeth should he actually bite into one. Deciding to change the subject himself Harry chose a different topic.

“So how are the dolphins?” he asked and the cheerful expression returned to Hagrid’s face.

“Oh they’re wonderful. Some of the first years have been swimming with them and they love that. Love children they do. They love life.” Harry smiled.

“Hermione and Ginny will be jealous.” He said and Hagrid grinned.

“So how did the try-outs go?” Harry rolled his eyes and began to tell Hagrid all about the past week and the strange behaviour of the Gryffindor players.

“Well I wouldn’t put past them Slytherins to be honest with yer ‘arry.” Commented Hagrid and Harry nodded. Another grin spread across Hagrid’s face.

“Who knows ‘arry, maybe there’s just somethin’ in the water.” Harry laughed with his friend and then suddenly his mug fell to the floor. It hit him like a freight train. Leaping to his feet he called a farewell over his shoulder to the stunned Hagrid and tore across the field.

He was just passing the gate road by the Greenhouses when something caught his eye. His panicked thoughts temporarily left his mind and he stared in confusion at the two dark shapes standing by the forest. Could it be? Surely not. Moving quickly but quietly he moved closer keeping to shadows. He made it to the edge of the forest and crouched low behind a thick bush. Harry’s heart turned cold as the faces of the two figures became clear. It was Professor Hedwig wrapped tightly in her long black cloak, its thick black hood covering most of her head. Her pale face stood out from its shadow and her features showed an expression of deep concentration. However it was not his new ‘friend’ that had shocked him. It was the person she stood talking to here in the shadows of the forbidden forest. Harry felt sick to the stomach to see Lucius Malfoy. So she’d lied. She was with him after all. People had said she was a friend of Snape so why not Malfoy. Did that explain why she turned up the same day as Draco. He had to hear what they said. As carefully as he could he crept closer. Slowly their voices became audible and he heard his name. It came from Malfoy.

“…Harry Potter and that was the deal.”

“Why would I make a deal like that?”

“Stop playing games.”

“I like games.”

“The games you play are dangerous Krysta.”

“Isn’t that how you like them?” Malfoy shuffled on the spot. He seemed to be agitated. “He’s just a boy Lucius. You know that. Your Lord knows that. No matter what you try to make him, he’ll still just be a boy.”

“We’ll see.”

“We shall.”

“So what now?” Malfoy again.

“Don’t ask me. I think this business is over. I keep my promises…and my debts.”

“I shall remember that.”

“Make sure you do, Lucius.” Krysta spoke this last sentence with mild venom, which made Lucius take a step back. What was going on here? Harry was confused. He still couldn’t work out if they were on the same side or not. He stifled a gasp as Malfoy began to move towards the trees Harry was currently using as cover. He was sure he was about to be discovered when Krysta suddenly spoke again.

“Lucius!” he breathed again and moved slightly away from the path Malfoy was headed for.

“I thought we’d finished here.” Malfoy growled.

“I just want you to know…if he has lost it…you better make sure he never finds it. You made a promise too. And you owe me one.” Malfoy seemed to be seriously considering her words. He swayed slightly on the spot and then, sneering with disgust, stormed away into the forest.

After a few moments Krysta turned on her heal and marched across the field towards the castle. Thinking only seconds about it, Harry followed her, hoping and praying that she didn’t turn around.

Once inside Hogwarts he nearly lost her. Had he not known exactly where it was he might not have seen her disappear into the little corridor that lead to Dumbledore’s office. Hiding around the corner he watched in complete confusion as she disappeared into the stairwell, the wall clicking shut behind her.

Harry leant heavily on the wall thinking hard. He couldn’t get his head around it. What the hell had been going on? What had Professor Hedwig and Lucius Malfoy been discussing, and why had his name been mentioned? What deal did Malfoy refer to and what was it somebody had apparently lost that Krysta hoped he would not find again? It was too much information. He needed to write it down.

He wrote as much of the conversation down as he could. After writing a new section in the back about Krysta Hedwig and updating the timeline Harry locked the diary and put it in his trunk. He reached for a glass from his bedside table and swallowed half of its contents staring at the remaining water with interest.

“Duh!” he cried out loud startling Neville who was reading quietly on his bed. Harry set the glass back down and hurried downstairs to the common room where Ron and Hermione were playing chess…Ron as usual was winning.

“Rook to King 4.” Hermione commanded sounding pleased with herself.

“Knight to King 4.” Ron commanded and Hermione slumped back into her chair with disgust as Ron’s Knight battered her Rook to rubble. Ron hummed happily to himself and waggled his fingers in a greeting to Harry.

“Harry you take over, he’s impossible.” Moaned Hermione.

“Oh, come now Hermione all’s fair in love and war.”

“Ron what are you…”

“I know how they did it.” Harry butted in and they looked up in surprise.

“What? Who?” Ron was utterly confused.

“The Slytherins. Heather! Come here!” Heather looked up from her books and frowned. She got up from the table she was sat at and took a seat at theirs.

“What? I’ve got homework to do…” she began.

“I know how the Slytherins are doing it.” He said again and the other three exchanged excited but confused expressions.

“Well…how?” she asked and the other waited eagerly for a response.

“Hagrid worked it out…well not directly, but he gave me the idea.”

“Just tell us!” cried Hermione getting over excited and impatient.

“Heather what was the only difference between you and the other players on Saturday?” Heather looked blank.

“Harry I told you, I can’t find any regular patterns or similarities between anyone…”

“No, everyone. Just you. You did something different to everyone else.” Everyone looked completely lost now and Harry felt he had to spell it out. “You had a water bottle.”

To be continued...

emjay · 07-07-2008, 01:48 PM

I'm on the edge of my seat here!

That was really good. Thanks for updating!

TriwizardChamp12 · 07-07-2008, 05:49 PM

well
that seems simple eneugh
dont i feel stupid for not thinking of that
lol=]

oh the cliff hanger thing i have no rights
its off of the between the lions show on WHRO
i know im a dork who still watches little kids shows

Krysta · 07-07-2008, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MsMorgan

I'm on the edge of my seat here!

That was really good. Thanks for updating!

Awww, that's great. It really means a lot when my writing has the desired effect.
And thanks for being a fab reader. You're always first to post. I left you a Usernote!

Quote:

Originally Posted by TriwizardChamp12

well
that seems simple eneugh
dont i feel stupid for not thinking of that
lol=]

To be honest thought I was dropping too many hints and clues and I was worried everyone would work it out! So I'm glad I fooled someone!

supercodi95 · 07-08-2008, 04:15 AM

love it!! can't wait for more!!

alyweasley · 07-08-2008, 02:43 PM

GAH!! cliffie much! geesh! not cool. I love this story so much ... I'm hooked. 100% hooked!!!! I want more ... and pronto!!

hehe! Thanks Nik for another great post!

PAMS!

Love Jade xxxx

emjay · 07-08-2008, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Krysta

Awww, that's great. It really means a lot when my writing has the desired effect.
And thanks for being a fab reader. You're always first to post. I left you a Usernote!

Oh, you're so sweet, thanks! I'm addicted to HP fan fics, especially yours . . . they're so well written.
Left you one too!

Krysta · 07-10-2008, 10:44 AM

Thank you! That really means a lot.

Ok, guus, here's part 2!

Chapter 15, part 2

He didn’t get the response he’d hoped for. The others looked blankly at each other for a second and them simultaneously burst into laughter. When Heather was finally able to speak she wiped her eyes.

“So, Harry I have an enchanted water bottle do I?” Next to her Ron burst into another fit of giggles and Hermione covered her mouth with her hand to stop herself joining in. Harry rolled his eyes and tried to call them to order.

“No, no, no you have a perfectly normal water bottle.” Ron stifled but failed to stop the laughter and Hermione nudged him to try to get him to pay attention but ended up giggling herself.

“Well I’m awfully glad to hear that.” Sniggered Heather.

“Guys I’m serious. Heather, you weren’t affected because you had your own water.”

“Harry, what are you on about?” asked Heather who had finally managed to stop laughing.

“It’s not a curse. It’s the water. Probably from the cooler in the changing room.” By now everyone had stopped laughing and their expressions had sobered up. Hermione looked thoughtful.

“Ok, carry on.” She said at last taking a serious interest.

“Think about it. Only people who have used those changing rooms were affected. The crowd was fine. Heather was fine, but she had her own water.”

“Yes, I filled it up from the water jugs at breakfast.” She told them and Hermione nodded thoughtfully.

“Ron, do you remember how thirsty you’ve been recently? Especially since you started acting normally. Fred, George and I have too, and I’ll bet you anything Ginny is too. I think our thirst is some kind of side reaction to drinking whatever was in the water cooler.”

“Yeah.” Ron said suddenly. “Remember Harry the other evening we were practising? I could have sworn there was someone in the changing room.”

“Yeah, you thought it was a ghost. The cooler had just been replaced that afternoon. Whoever it was probably was in there doing something to the water.”

“Oh god, I was drinking that stuff all week!” exclaimed Ron covering his face with his hand.

“That makes sense.” Added Hermione. “So now we know how they were doing it, we need a sample of water from the cooler so we can test it. We need proof.”

“Yes.” Agreed Heather. “And once we know what it is that’s in the water we can start to do something about it.”

In potions the next afternoon Harry, Hermione and Ron watched Professor Snape like a hawk. There were several reasons for this. One was that when he wasn’t looking they were pilfering equipment and hiding it in their bags and the other was Snape himself.

The first thing struck them the moment they walked in. He looked clean. The shock was enough to make them stop dead to stare at him resulting in two Slytherin students walking straight into them. One of whom was Draco Malfoy. The other sneered.

“Watch where you’re going, Potter. Or are you going to have another psychotic episode.” The rest of the Slytherins burst into tittering laughter and sniggers. All except Draco who just continued to his seat and sat down quietly. Harry stared after him in surprise. Draco would normally have been the first to laugh at such a comment.

“Ok, everyone sit down. Croogan, sit down and shut up.” Korran Croogan looked at Professor Snape gob smacked but did as he was told. The Slytherins weren’t used to being spoken to like that by their house leader, especially in favour of a Gryffindor. Harry uneasily joined the others at their cauldrons. Hermione was working with Neville again this year, as it was the only way the boy would pass. Ron and Harry as always, worked together. All the Gryffindors had noticed the new, cleaner appearance of Professor Snape and were throwing each other discreet nervous glances. It seemed they were all a little unnerved by it. Even his hair was clean and even Harry, who hated him with a vengeance, had to admit that Snape actually looked quite presentable.

“You have now entered…the Twilight Zone. Do do, do do, do do, do do.” Murmured Seamus and all the people with muggle relations or families sniggered quietly.

“Page 72 and a half please, class.” Snape instructed and Harry gave Ron a strange look when he read the title. From the next cauldron over both Neville and Hermione looked over at them in astonishment. Harry blinked and re read the page title. But sure enough, it was still there.

“The cheer potion.” Snap read aloud with a mild smile on his face, which made Harry shiver. He wasn’t used to smiles from Snape. Not genuine ones anyway. Harry and many of his friends now felt as though they’d woken up in a parallel Universe again. Harry could handle Draco being passive, but Snape being nice? That was just too much.

“Ok, enough chatter.” ‘Chatter’? Did Snape just say ‘chatter’? “All the ingredients you need are right there on your desks, however…” he paused and looked around the room “…Before we start this potion there are some important things to know. Firstly this shall be on your exam at the end of the year. So learn it please.” ‘Please’? Did he just say Please? Harry felt disorientated. “Ok, most importantly, this spell is complicated. Most of you will not succeed in getting even close to brewing it correctly. Not yet anyway. This potion needs practise. There is also another…complication.” He seemed to think carefully before continuing. “What I mean is, you cannot always make this spell. The ingredients of this spell, when mixed together have a special property in that they can read your psyche.” Hermione looked fascinated and chewed madly on her hair. Other people looked confused and tilted their heads to one side, as though that may help them think more clearly.
“Therefore if you are not in a particularly calm or cheery frame of mind, your cheer potion won’t be all that cheery. And…” he added quickly before anyone could make a joke. “…before any of you say anything, no I haven’t been particularly successful in the past.”

Many students sniggered and Harry was sure he saw Snape grin. He shook his head a little testing for any sign of dizziness or nausea. Ron was holding his head in his hands as though he were afraid it might fall off and Hermione kept throwing them nervous glances as though she feared Snape’s head might suddenly explode or worse, burst into song.

“In fact, should someone be in a particularly bad mood when making this potion, the effects can be quite nasty…and believe me in my experience you don’t want to do that. It will turn the person who takes it into a miserable sod all week.”

It hit all three of them like a tonne of bricks. Hermione’s head whipped round to look at them and they stared straight back. All three of their hands went in the air. Snape stared at them in surprise.

“Er, yes Miss Granger?” Harry and Ron lowered their hands and let Hermione do the talking. She’d probably ask the right questions anyway.

“Professor, what does the potion look like when it’s finished?” She asked trying to sound casual. He fixed her curiously.

“May I ask why?” Harry stopped breathing. That would have put him on the spot but Hermione remained completely calm.

“Well, sir, I just wondered so that I know whether I’ve made it correctly.” Ron looked relieved. Nice save. Snape smiled again and Harry shivered in response.

“Ah I see you haven’t changed much as result of your ordeal Miss Granger.” Hermione gave Snape her his best smile and he continued. “The potion when complete is completely clear.” Ron and Harry were working very hard to stay calm right now, but Hermione made it look easy.

“So it looks like water?” Snape nodded. “And does it have an odour or taste or anything?” she sounded so calm and natural Harry couldn’t believe what a good actress she was.

“You seem awfully keen on this potion Miss Granger. In answer to your question: no. It is pretty much undetectable, which is why I want everyone to label your flasks very carefully, is that understood?” everyone nodded but Hermione stuck her hand in the air again.

“What now Miss Granger?” he sounded a little annoyed now, but Harry figured any teacher would by now.

“What if one of us forgets to label it? How can we tell if it’s water or cheer potion?” Harry marvelled at how sincere she sounded and Ron was gazing at her with admiration. Harry grinned.

“Hmm, a good point actually Miss Granger. I’m sure some of you would find it hilariously funny to ‘forget’ to label your potions in the hope someone might accidentally drink it. Therefore I shall tell you all how to detect it.” Hermione winked at the boys and they gave her a conspicuous thumbs-up. Snape produced a glass flask, corked at the top and full of a clear liquid. He placed it next to another, empty one and took a jug of water from a shelf. He filled the second flask with water and corked it. He stood back from the desk so that everyone could clearly see the two flasks then took out his wand. Waving it at the flasks he commanded:

“Exfoliate!” At first nothing happened then Hermione began leaning out of her seat for a closer look as Harry noticed something beginning to happen in the first flask. Harry’s eyes glistened with excitement and Hermione nearly fell out of her chair as dark fragments began to materialise in the solution and slowly rise to the surface. After five minutes a layer of greeny-black sludge had formed on the surface of the liquid, sticking to the flask walls. The second flask had remained completely clear. The class were whispering in wonder and Snape looked pretty pleased with himself.

“And now, just to show off…” he said and Harry who was beginning to find his good mood amusing, grinned in response. Everyone gasped at what he did next. Snape uncorked both flasks, took the one full of water and poured the entire contents into the one containing the cheer potion. Everyone’s eyes grew wide as the sickly green-black sludge began to deteriorate and to everyone’s astonishment, within 10 seconds the entire flask was clear. “And that, is the antidote. Water.” He looked smugly around the room as though expecting them to start clapping. He seemed content with the collection of smiles however and then clapped his hands together.

“Ok, demonstration over, get cracking. Please spend at least 10 minutes reading and make sure you’re cheerful before you start.” Many class members laughed and as everyone began fiddling with equipment and chatting cheerfully about the demonstration Hermione turned to the boys with a satisfied grin on her face.

“Guys, I never ever thought I would say this…but Professor Snape is the best!”

“I’m just saying it’s one hell of a coincidence.” Heather looked at them a little patronizingly. Hermione continued placing the flasks she pinched from the potions lab on the small table in front of them.

“Maybe it is, but it’s at least given us something to go on.” Harry told her. Heather shook her as though she were talking to an overly unresponsive brick wall.

“C’mon guys. Snape’s acting like he’s Will flippin’ Wonker and you aren’t just a teeny bit suspicious?” she folded her arms and glared at them.

“Ok, so it’s a coincidence, but think about it. Everyone’s been drinking that water. Everyone had been a miserable git since. And when Harry and the twins drank water they began acting normally again. That’s enough evidence to warrant investigation.” Said Ron firmly and Harry could tell he was getting annoyed.

“Whatever.” Droned the American and turned away stuffing her hands in the back pockets of her jeans. Her black braids hung around her dark face and her large brown eyes looked fiery. Harry realised how pretty she was when she was angry and smiled to himself.

“Ron’s right, Heather. If it doesn’t work, it doesn’t work and we’ve lost nothing. It’s at least worth a try.” Hermione tried to reason but got little response.

“Ok, you got the water?” asked Hermione and Ron produced a bottle.

“Fresh from the dinner table.” He announced and Hermione smiled.

“Good.” They sat themselves on the bench in the changing room and Heather just kind of strode around the room a little edgily. Harry busied himself filling one of the ‘borrowed’ flasks with liquid from the water cooler whilst Hermione set about transferring the water from Ron’s bottle to the other flask.

“Blimey, Ron. You’ve got rather strong. I can’t open this bottle.” Announced Hermione wincing as she tried again to unscrew the lid.

“Oh give it here.” Heather moaned, snatching the bottle from Hermione’s hand. With one powerful twist the lid came free, but unfortunately so did the water. Heather had yanked so hard on the bottle it went clean out of her hands and spilled all over the floor. By the time they got to it, it was empty.

“You moron! You did that deliberately!” Ron rounded on her but Heather simply looked surprised.

“What? Why would I do that?”

“That’s an interesting question, really.” Sneered Ron accusingly. Harry knew what Ron was getting at, due to their conversation the other evening, but Heather seemed completely astounded.

“Ron, I have no idea what you’re talking about.” She really did sound sincere, but thinking about it, so had Hermione that afternoon.

“C’mon you two. Ron this is a changing room. There’s water in the taps. Get some from the girl’s shower room.” Suggested Hermione, nodding towards the door to their right. Ron picked up the bottle, threw Heather a filthy look then pushed open and entered the door marked “Witches Only”. The next sound to reach their ears was a deafening scream and Ron stumbled back out of the girl’s shower room, closely followed by a soaking wet girl wrapped in a towel. Ron looked physically sick. Harry gulped when he saw who the girl had been.

“What the bloody hell to you think you’re doing Ron Weasley? Wait till Mum hears about this! I ought to beat you senseless!” Ginny suddenly stopped when she saw the other people in the room. With a high-pitched squeal she wrapped her towel more tightly around her and avoided Harry’s eyes.

“Er, Ginny. Hi!” said Heather trying to sound casual and failing. Hermione actually looked like she was trying not to laugh.

“What the hell are you doing here?” asked Ron finally over his shock…but only just.

“Taking a shower” What else would I be doing in a shower room? The question is what the hell are you doing here?” she glared at him, readjusting her towel.

“I, er, we were just doing this…well it’s like this…”

“Sorry Ginny. It was my fault. We didn’t know you were in here. I sent Ron in there to get some water.” Ginny looked at Hermione strangely.

“Water? What’s wrong with the cooler?” she asked, and Harry thought she sounded a little apprehensive, even nervous. Hermione began explaining to her what Harry had worked out the previous evening and what had happened in potions that afternoon. Ginny nodded.

“I see. Well I’ll just, er, get dressed and I’ll join you.” She said and Harry could tell she was working as hard at avoiding his eyes as he was at trying not to look at her in her current state of apparel. He was finding it rather difficult to say the least. He was rather relieved when she returned fully dressed brandishing a full bottle of water fresh from the tap. Finally they were able to look at each other again and she grinned nervously at him as he took the bottle from her. Unscrewing the lid the second flask was finally filled with water and they were ready.

“You do it, Hermione.” Suggested Ron and the others nodded in agreement. A little nervously Hermione took out her wand, took a deep breath and went for it.

“Exfoliate!” she commanded and they gathered around the flasks closely eager for some kind of response. Harry was all too aware of how close his face was to Ginny’s. She smelled fresh from her shower and he had to force himself to concentrate on the flasks. A few seconds passed and nothing had happened.

“I told you so.” Hissed Heather but was cut off by a violent nudge from Hermione who gasped.

“Look!” she whispered and they all stared in wonder as black fragments began to materialise in the first flask. They all stared in horror as the fragments grew in both number and size until a thick black layer of goo clung to nearly a third of the flask.

“Blimey.” Muttered Ron. “Whoever made this potion…was in a bloody bad mood.”

To be continued...