Harry Potter - Series Fan Fiction ❯ Longing to be Found... ❯ Doubt ( Chapter 8 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

Warnings: DARK! Contains mature content and adult themes not suitable for young children. Slash (male/male relationships beyond friendship; also known as yaoi), non-con (rape), strong language, PWP at times, self mutilation, self gratification (masturbation), OOCness, AU�

Non Anime: Harry Potter - Series Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Angst / Hentai / Drama / Shounen | Type: Yaoi | Uploaded On: 03.03.2009 | Updated On: 05.16.2009 | Pages: 11 | Words: 15.1K | Visits: 548 | Status: Work In Progress

Summary: Harry's sixth year at Hogwarts is filled with taunting dreams and dark secrets. Sirius' death fresh in his mind and bleeding in his heart, he finds his body taking the abuse for his pain as he blames himself. Harry Potter has fallen on hard times and this time he is not able to stand back up on his own, doesn't have the strength to stand back on his own. How will he ever be able to get back up, how will he ever find his strength again to continue to battle against Voldemort whose power is growing at a rapid rate? Plus what's with the new transfer student in Slytherin house following Harry around for? A beautiful new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher has come to Hogwarts, but the question is will they make it through the year or do they have a secret agenda like all the others? Find out in the story Longing to be Found.

Disclaimer: I do not own any characters, ideas, or location's, found in the Harry Potter universe, it is property of J.K.Rowling, and found in movies produced byWarner Bros. The storyline concept for this particular fanfiction was created in the recesses of the twisted mind of this writer. I do however own the two OC's (original characters) in this story so please do not copy them.

Warnings: DARK! Contains mature content and adult themes not suitable for young children. Slash (male/male relationships beyondfriendship; also known as yaoi), non-con (rape), strong language, PWP at times, self mutilation, self gratification (masturbation), OOCness, AU…

YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!...

Rated:M/NC-17

Drama/Angst

Longing to be Found…

By: TwilightKitsune1

Chapter eight (8)

-Doubt -

Harry could feel himself beginning to wake up, his senses starting to re-awaken as his body was. He felt heavy, as though weighed down by some invisible force a top his body and his eyes were refusing to open even a little. He heard footsteps on the floor and mumbled voices a little ways away. He wondered slightly where he was, if he was still in the headmasters office or if he had been moved somewhere. As he lay there, half conscious and struggling to move or open his eyes, he heard a familiar voice to his left. Concentrating, he tried to hear and decipher who it was and what they were talking in such hushed voices about.

“But Madam Pomfrey, why can't I see Harry?” Harry heard the voice whine and knew it was Ron's voice.

Harry heard Madam Pomfrey give an exasperated sigh before answering, “Like I have explained before many times to you Mr. Weasley, I am under strict orders not to allow anyone in to see Potter until the headmaster has spoken with him.” She seemed to pause a moment before speaking again, “Now seeing the time I am sure you are late for a class… I am sorry but you should leave now Mr. Weasley.”

Harry could feel Ron's frustration from where he lay, as if it were his own as he was turned away for how ever many times he has been trying to see Harry. Harry began to ponder about how long he had been here in the hospital wing laying in bed unconscious. He began to go over the events that lead to his inevitable collapse in Dumbledore's office. It was sudden but he recalled Hermione's form crumpling to the ground, he's worry for his friend as she lay there unconscious probably due to all the magic he had unintentionally thrown at her, and he also recalled Dumbledore's words: `Hermione has been sent to St. Mungo's hospital due to the magical backlash she suffered… It is unknown if there will be any permanent damage, each case is different when it happens, we are just lucky she didn't die due to this which can happen… Only time will tell if she will be able to recover.'

Fear and worry for his friend flooded over him like someone had just hit him with a pail of ice cold water straight in the face. Urging his body to fully awaken, to move, to open his eyes, he called upon every ounce of strength he had left to struggle fully awake so to speak with Dumbledore about the situation with Hermione. As his eyes finally obliged their masters command and opened, at first the world seemed to have exploded into a world blurred with too much light and color swimming together causing his head to throb with its intensity, but slowly the world seemed to dull again and came into the normal blurry focus he had grown accustomed to all these years. Turning his head slightly from where he heard the voices earlier he found a small sitting table, and a curtain hiding his bed from view. Still struggling with his weight Harry slowly inched his way up to a sitting position and quickly skimmed his hand over the top of the sitting table. Thankfully the first thing his hand ran into was his glasses, so he slipped them on and moved his legs towards the edge of the bed. Since he probably would not be allowed to leave he would at least look for Madam Pomfrey to send word to Dumbledore he was awake.

As he inched himself slowly off the mattress he had been laying in, it protesting to its occupant's sudden movement, he slowly lowered his feet to the floor. As soon as his bare feet touched the chilled marble floor he shivered slightly but shook it off instantly. He shifted till he was full at the edge so he could get up and walk but had to stop for a moment to catch his breath having not moved in apparently a long time since his body was sluggish. His hands were shaking and his arms did not approve of how much work they had to do and just sitting there willing his legs to strengthen quickly he could feel his knees wobble with out even having any weight on them. As he sat there cursing his bodies unwillingness to move he heard someone walking quickly towards his bed and stop just as quick at his curtains.

Looking up Harry half expected to see Ron standing there having snuck past Madam Pomfrey, but his eyes only found a smiling Madam Pomfrey looking down at him. “Well, I'm glad you finally woke up Mister Potter. How are you feeling?” she asked walking towards him and placing a chilly hand on his head.

“Fine… just a little weak I suppose.” Harry said as he closed his eyes to the ice cold feeling that seeped into his body from her hand, “How long have I been here?”

“A little over two weeks now.” she replied as she pushed Harry gently back onto the bed, his body obliging her command readily as Harry grumped about its inability to listen to him so readily. As she adjusted his sheets she finally looked back to him with a stern look, “I want you to stay here Potter, I am going to send for the Headmaster now and he wishes to speak with you straight away. Understood?”

Harry nodded to her words but before she could disappear behind the curtains Harry decided to ask, “Madam Pomfrey how's Hermione?”

Not turning to face Harry he heard her clear her throat before answering his question, “You're going to have to ask the Headmaster that Potter, I'm not sure myself… Though I believe she is okay. Now wait here and the Headmaster will be here momentarily.” And with that she was gone.

Harry laid there for a moment as he processed the information he had, or rather the lack there of. He now at least understood why his body was so uncooperative since he had been laying here in the hospital wing for so long. He wondered what was going on with Hermione and if she was okay, though knowing her when she finally is able to return to school she will be upset about all the work and classes she's missed. Smiling at the thought it took Harry a moment to notice sparkling blue eyes looking at him through half moon spectacles. “Professor Dumbledore!” Harry cried in surprise and sat up.

“Harry, its fine, you can relax.” Dumbledore said kindly with a soft smile on his lips as he softly pushed Harry back down with a hand on his shoulder. “How are you feeling?”

“Kind of weak is all,” Harry admitted to the Headmaster as he sat at the end of Harry's bed. “How's Hermione professor?”

Dumbledore placed his hand on Harry's leg in a reassuring motion, “She is doing well, and currently she is back at headquarters. Plans have been changed while you have been here Harry.”

“What do you mean, sir?” Harry asked still not understanding the situation, “Why isn't Hermione back at school?”

“Because not being here she is freer to expand her magic.” Dumbledore stated simply.

Harry still didn't understand, why was Hermione not back at school, why was he stuck here and receiving absolutely no visitors, and what plans had been changed while he lay here sleeping. “I don't understand.” Harry admitted in defeat.

Dumbledore just smiled and shook his head, “I can't explain it all here, but I am able to tell you the rumor as to both of yours and Miss Granger's situation.”

“What rumor?”

“The rumor that Hermione has turned against you and attacked.” Dumbledore stated simply. “When that happened you attacked only in defense of your life and the fight took a lot out of you sending you to the hospital wing and Miss Granger to St. Mungo's.”

Harry could only stair at Dumbledore in disbelief, not really understanding how anyone could even believe that rumor. “How—”

“We will speak about this later Harry, in my office, for right now you will need to make an appearance in your Defense Against the Dark Arts class. Do not speak to anyone about the rumor or what really happened.” Dumbledore said standing up and beginning to leave. Stopping he turned on his heel and walked to Harry, “you are not to speak of this even with Mr. Weasley.”

“What?” Harry asked sitting upright in protest as his strength returned at those words, “Why professor?”

“Because Mr. Weasley does not know Occlumency and teaching him that now would cause an eyebrow to be raised.” Dumbledore stated with a sympathetic smile. “We will later but for now it has to be like this.”

Harry felt upset since he would have to keep Ron in the dark on this but they had already come so far and finally they have Hermione in a position to be accepted into the Slytherins. Sighing heavily he nodded to Dumbledore, “Alright, but later we can tell him right?”

“Yes.” Dumbledore reassured Harry, “Don't forget to get your work that you've missed while you've been here.” And with that he was gone.

Throwing the sheets aside Harry began to push himself off the mattress again; he couldn't stay in bed any longer knowing he'd been here for so long. He understood less then he did earlier and the thought of the rumor that was spreading around made him feel slightly sick thinking people would actually believe something so ludicrous. As his feet hit the floor once again he shivered only slightly as he quickly pushed the rest of the way off. He stood there for a moment, his legs shaking only slightly before his strength returned to them and he stood there. Looking back at the side table that had held his glasses he saw his wand that had been there as well. Grasping it in his hand he felt a surge of power, of strength rekindlelled, he felt whole again as though when he had been with out his wand he had been torn in two. As quick as the feeling came it was gone again, but his strength remained, washing over him like a current.

Standing up he flicked his wand changing his clothes from what had been placed on him when he was brought here to tight denim black pants and a loose fitting dark blue tee-shirt. Running a tiered hand through his hair and pulled on his cloak that was sitting on a chair at the foot of the bed he had occupied. After fully dressing he scanned around the room a moment to see if he had left anything, heaving a tiered sigh he turned and headed for the exit. He needed to go to his dorm room and get his books before heading to class and hopeful that as he did so his thoughts would fall into place as well.

As Harry walked the deserted hallways he felt guilty for having to hide what was going on from Ron. He actually wondered what he would tell Ron because Harry was sure Ron would ask what happened. He sighed to himself as he walked into the Gryffindor common room. He was thankful most students were in their lesson's, except of course for the older students who had free period; there were five of them still sitting in the common room and when they noticed it was Harry that had just entered they all stopped what they were doing and starred at him as he went up stairs towards the sixth years dorms. Before the door had even closed behind him fully Harry heard hushed voices talking quickly; it was obvious that they were talking about him and this damned rumor that was going around.

Harry quickly gathered his books and what notes he had from all of his classes he'd been to so far, he was going to probably head to the library when he finished his Dark Arts class and wait till it closed before heading to Dumbledore. Thinking of this he went to his trunk and opened it, pulling out his invisibility he shoved it into the bottom of his bag. It wouldn't do if he got caught in the hallways by anyone either before or after speaking with Dumbledore. As he finished gathering his things, as well as all the work he had finished thus far, he left the room. As he walked across the dorm room he ignored one seventh year that had obviously gathered up his courage while Harry had been up stairs, and rushed out of the portrait hole. As soon as he was outside of Gryffindor tower he quickly made his ways down the halls, not wanting to get cornered by anyone else wanting to know about what had happened between Hermione and himself.

As he entered the deserted hallways again his feet moved quicker then they had before, wanting to get to his first Defense Against the Dark Arts class for the year. As his foot steps echoed in the hall sounding loud in his ears, the eyes of some of the portraits followed him, their gazes questioning. He didn't pay attention to this though, trying to distract himself about how the new teacher would fair this year. It took him a while to realize someone was chasing and calling after him, “Harry!”

Turning and deciding to quickly excuse himself from the conversation he saw the last remaining Gryffindor Quidditch player from his first year coming towards him. “Hey Katie, what is it?” he asked as soon as she reached him, “Can this wait I'm going to be late for my Dark Arts class?”

“Sorry, it won't take long; besides I'm sure Professor McKnight won't care if you're a little late for her lesson since you just got out of the hospital wing.” She said with a smile, “I was just wondering when you were going to start holding Quidditch try outs this year?”

“Oh right, I'll probably be holding them pretty soon, with in the week probably. You shouldn't worry though, your going to be on the team anyway.”

“What! Harry don't play favorites; if you do there is a strong possibility you'd miss a great player. Just because I've been on the team with you since you started doesn't mean I'm the best we have. You can't choose some one because of seniority or just because they're your friends, it's got to be because of talent and skill.” Katie lectured looking slightly scandalized.

Harry smiled and nodded, she really was a talented Quidditch player but he knew she was right on this point, “Alright you win, but I'm sure you'll make it. I mean you are a great player and cooperate great with the other members. You have a great skill and you've got a wicked awesome talent.” Harry complimented.

Katie blushed at Harry's words, “Thanks Harry.”

“Hey it's the truth.” Harry said honestly then thought for a moment, “So have you already had a lesson with the new Professor?”

“You mean Professor McKnight?” She asked, and with Harry's nod she answered, “Yeah.”

“Is she any good or is she like Umbridge?”

“Oh she's great!” Katie answered, “She knows a lot, like Professor Lupin, who by the way is a teacher assistant since yesterday.”

“Professor Lupin's back!”

“Yep, they both teach Defense against the Dark Arts… Hey Harry, can I ask you something?” Katie asked looking slightly uncomfortable.

Harry knew she was about to ask about the rumor and what had really happened, “Look I should probably get to class; I don't want to be too far behind… Thanks for reminding me about Quidditch try outs though.”

“Oh hey no problem.”

“See you later!” Harry said and with a nod he turned and left towards his class. He was happy Lupin was back but he was still curious about the new teacher, Professor McKnight. Thoughts of how `great' Professor Moody had been went through his mind. `Sure he was great, really knew his stuff about the dark arts; at least until he tried to kill me, used me to revive Lord Voldemort, and turned out to be a murderingpsychopathic lunatic. Oh yeah, he was a five star, backstabbing, teacher. No really, he was great.' Harry thought bitterly.

As he stopped in front of the door he took a calming breath. He looked forward to seeing Lupin again, even though he probably was still not the same as he had once been. Even though he had never been told directly Harry knew Lupin blamed him for Sirius' death; Harry blamed himself for his death so he knew everyone else did too. He knew he was the reason; no one had to tell him that he was. As he thought this he closed his eyes in misery; he was the reason so many were in pain and suffering, he was the reason people died.

`No your not.' A voice whispered in his mind causing Harry to snap his eyes open and go one alert.

`Whose there!' Harry questioned back in his mind.

There was no reply, no one was around; Harry was completely alone in the hallway. As he continued to survey the area he saw no one and became wary. Deciding it would do no good to just stand there he turned back to the door and quickly entered.

As soon as he entered the class room he sourly wished he had just skipped the class as everyone inside turned their eyes to him. He wondered how he didn't see this coming; he would never know how he had. “Ah, you're Harry I am guessing,” The new Professor said with a smile.

She had obviously been in the midst of an explanation since she was standing in front of the class leaning against her desk with her arms crossed. Much like in the start of the year feast she wore a velvet witch's gown, though this one was a deep navy blue color, and was tight up until it reached her waist and then seemed to flow down to the ground. The sleeves of the gown were skin tight and the tops of it extended to the top of her hand and reached towards her middle finger while the bottom of the sleeves reached only enough to cover the heel of her hands before stopping. Her hair seemed to have gotten an even brighter red tent to it, though it was still a beautiful light brown color, and was done up in a tight ponytail. Throughout the ponytail Harry could see a few small braids running in it and there were some strands that hung loose from the ponytail and framed around her face. She raised one of her eyebrows to him and her ice blue eyes with flecks of green danced happily at him with a shadowed amusement.

“Yes,” Harry said and closed the door behind him. “Sorry I'm late.”

“No need to worry, no need to worry, next I'll hear you apologizing for being laid up in the hospital wing. I'm very pleased you decided to join us though; I've known some to skip a lesson if they could. Feigning illness or something to that respect,” she said with a smile. Lifting her right hand from her left arm she gestured towards her left, Harry's eyes following it until he spotted Ron in the second row to her left. “Your friend has been insisting you would be here sooner or later and thus provided an empty chair during my lessons for you. If you would take your seat I shall continue.” she said not really needing an answer.

Not needing to be told twice Harry quickly moved to his chair next to Ron and sat down on his friend's right.

Ron looked over to Harry with a smile and a blush on his ears, “Hey mate how—”

“All conversations can be held, all questions can wait until the end of our discussion and lesson. Oh and Harry if you would see me when class is over for your missing work.” She finished with only a sideways glance to the two.

Harry nodded, so far she was kind and stern, much like Professor McGonagall. He couldn't tell if she was a good teacher or an infiltration from Voldemort, and he felt uneasy. There was something in her eyes he had never noticed, a cold scrutiny she gave to everyone, and her awareness of her surroundings was slightly scary and reminded him greatly of how Moody seemed to have eyes in the back of his head. Though no matter what he was always brought back to her eyes, they seemed so cold and distant, but at the same time warm and comforting; they were like Sirius' eyes in a way. What made him the most uneasy though was she felt as powerful as Dumbledore when he used magic, but she was just standing in front of the class with a smile playing on her lips.

Harry quickly withdrew his eyes from her, scared he would be sucked into their depths, and looked around the room curious as to who he had this lesson with and if he could find Lupin. As he looked around the room he noticed this was a mixed class, much as his potions class had been; students from all houses were in the class. He didn't know many people there, Ron the only one he would talk to on a regular basis, but he did spot Dean and Seamus near the back across the room. He also spotted one person he really wished he didn't have anymore classes with, Draco Malfoy. As he spotted him Malfoy caught his eye and their eyes locked, both glaring at the other, and Harry prayed to what ever god would hear him that he did not have a repeat of what happened in the dungeons.

“Alright now where was I?” Professor McKnight asked herself pulling Harry's attention back to the front and breaking the glare that he had with Malfoy, her eyes closed in thought. “Ah yes, defensive spells.” She said and her eyes snapped open.

“I'm sure some of you have heard of the bubble charm yes?” a few students nodded their heads. “Good, now as all of you know there are a variety of attacks from multiple witches and wizards as well as from many creatures that roam our land. Now for the sake of argument who knows what has more of a variety?” she asked the class.

A Ravenclaw student raised his hand, unsure. “Yes mister… Micah?”

“Um, wizards and witches?” he answered obviously unsure of his answer.

“Well we do have multiple spells for multiple reasons but I am talking of attacks and sad to say creatures win out. Now do any of you know as to why?”

This time Draco raised his hand which caused a smile to spread across Professor McKnight's face, “Mister Draco?”

“Because there are so many in this world.” Draco said matter of factly.

“Correct. Now because there are so many, some not even recorded yet, we have to take extra careful care when dealing with an unknown creature to avoid having ourselves in a very serious and potentially deadly situation.” She stood from her desk and began to walk down the isles as she spoke, everyone's attention on her. “Now because there are so many it is hard to remember the correct method of protection at times when you have to think quickly to avoid death and this spell is generally the best bet you can have.”

As she was walking a Hufflepuff student raised her hand in question, “Yes miss Tracy?”

“I was just wondering, the bubble charm, isn't that the spell you use when you go under water?”

“A good question. In a way yes, but that is an augment of this spell to hold oxygen inside while you dive to deep depths while this bubble charm will cover your whole body and protect you from external harm.”

“I see… then Professor is it harder?”

“Only just miss Tracy, only just. Now you see this bubble charm the only thing that causes it to be difficult is that you must stay focused and you can not move your feet from the ground under any circumstances, other wise it will be as though you never cast the spell at all. Though another bothersome thing in my opinion is the fact it is so long winded.” She said and a few students laughed at this. “Now does anyone know of any creature this spell would be fruitless against?”

This time Harry raised his hand, “Ah, Mister Harry, first day here and you think you have the answer, eh?”

“A Dementor would probably be one.”

Professor McKnight smiled at him and nodded, “You are correct, I see now why this is one of your best subjects. Now do you know why this spell would be pointless?”

“Because a Dementor could probably just float right through it; the only spell that works on a Dementor in the Petronius spell which also takes a lot of your concentration.” Harry answered wondering if that was right.

She winked at him and said, “Five points for Gryffindor, you are correct Harry.”

Harry heard some of his house silently applaud the increase in points Harry had just afforded them as a few Slytherins sneered at them, mainly at Harry. “Now does anyone else know another creature this spell wouldn't work on?” Before Harry had time to think he heard her say, “Yes Mister Draco.”

“Any one that has a big enough mouth to eat you whole.” Draco said casually.

“Five points for Slytherin, you are correct. If you are up against a creature that can swallow you whole in one bite it will not help to have the spell in effect since it will easily gobble you up straight away. Now can any one else guess as to why it is so hard for one to stay concentrated on this spell?” she asked, “Miss Lavender?

“It's because you got something coming at you right?”

Professor McKnight laughed softly, her laughing sounding like the soft tingling of bells in Harry's ears, “In a way yes. Say your not up against a creature that's got magic, it's just a normal giant or troll, and he's swinging his massive club at you. Yes the club does not hit you, but that is not to say you don't feel the violent vibrations that at times if you're not careful can knock you right onto your arse, breaking your concentration and stand, and thus ending the spell. Generally this spell is used against low level magic or a sound thrashing you'll get from one upset creature; now can anyone guess as to why it's not a good idea to use this spell against strong spells?”

No one raised their hands causing the professor to raise an eyebrow to the class, “Oh really, none of you know?”

“Professor,” Harry said as he raised his hand, he might as well try to give an answer.

“Yes Harry, go on give me your answer.” The professor said sweeping towards him, her shoes clicking against the marble floor.

“The stronger the spell is, the more malice and ill will in it, the less likely it will be for a novice witch or wizard to block; I mean if you can feel the vibrations from a club beating at you there is a chance you can feel the spells assaults too. I mean this spell is probably stronger and varies for each person that cast's it depending on their magic.”

Professor McKnight nodded her head, “Five more points for Gryffindor. Yes Harry that is exactly what I was getting to. If you are say a novice and you're going against some one who has not only more power then you but more practical use and skill, then this spell means nothing. A strong wizard or witch can easily cast strong leveled spells through this as though they were never there.” As she finished saying this she moved back to the front of the class.

“Now the movement for casting this charm is slightly different then the normal swish and flick, though it is simple so long as you don't go crazy with it. I have seen a person be turned the opposite direction in a fight because they got too carried away and by doing so nearly got killed when he moved to right his mistake.” She said with no hint of humor in her eyes, she was serious with what she said. “Now step one, take your wand and point it to the ground behind you.” As she said this she had her wand in hand and showed them what she meant, pointing it to the ground behind her. “Step two, move the wand in an arc above your head to get it to the front of you,” as she spoke she slowly moved her wand from pointing behind her, going above her head pointing at the ceiling, and ended it with pointing at the ground in front of her. “Once here it has to be pointing back at the ground, though this time in front of you. Now I want you all to get up and try it out yourselves.”

Everyone pulled out their wands and stood up. Before Harry could even move away from his desk it jumped to the wall, with all the other desks, giving the students more space to do the exercise and leaving their chairs beside them so when she continued they could sit back down. Professor McKnight nodded her head and turned it slightly to her right, this caught Harry's eye. “Professor Lupin, if you would please assist me in this lesson I would greatly appreciate it.”

Hearing Lupin's name, Harry's head shot around to stair at the darkened corner he had thought to be empty, but there sliding from a chair that was over there Professor Lupin stood up. “It would be my pleasure.” He said with a curt nod.

He was in Harry's opinion; looking much better then he had this summer. His hair, though still having its regular grey's, seemed less shabby as it had been and there were less grey's then Harry had thought he'd have since new ones seemed to spring up every week while Harry saw him. Though he still wore his patched suit it wasn't wrinkled as though he never removed it when he slept. His skin, though not as healthy looking as Harry would have hoped, wasn't sallow looking anymore. He'd obviously been eating far more regularly then he had and sleeping regularly since Harry could hardly see the bags under his eyes. Harry could tell as Lupin made his way towards him and Ron that he wasn't drinking as regularly either since he wasn't staggering or baring the stench of strong alcohol. What made Harry smile with relief was that Lupin's eyes weren't dull; they held sorrow yes, but they had it, they weren't empty anymore.

Harry smiled up at Lupin when he stood next to Harry, “How are you feeling?” Lupin asked with genuine concern.

“Much better. So you're a teacher again, that's wicked!” Harry said to Lupin as Ron did an arc over his head with his wand, slowly.

“I'm a teachers assistant Harry, not a teacher.” Lupin corrected him.

“Right, well it's still brilliant!” Harry said as he too began the movements Professor McKnight had shown them as she walked past. “So Dumbledore was able to get you a full time position on staff?”

“In a way,” Lupin replied as he adjusted Ron's wand slightly. “We'll talk about this later though, alright?”

“Yeah, of course!” Harry said with a broad smile as Lupin nodded, giving a small smile to Harry, as he moved to assist other students.

As Lupin moved away Ron moved closer to Harry and under his breath asked, “So what do you think?”

“About what?” Harry asked, both still doing their wand movements.

“This Professor McKnight?”

“Ron, not here,” Harry hissed as she continued to correct people a little ways away.

“Right, sorry mate… So how are you feeling?”

“Sick of people asking me that.” Harry said with a sigh, he really wondered if people were going to be asking that to him all year. “Sorry Ron, it's just that I keep hearing someone ask me that same question every time I turn around, it's just getting a little repetitive is all.”

“Right, I understand… So Harry can I ask you something else then?”

Harry smiled to himself, “Its Quidditch.”

“What?” Ron asked, not understanding him.

“How I keep my body in shape, it's because of Quidditch.”

Ron's ears blushed the same color as his hair and he shook his head, “No I wasn't going to ask that again.”

Harry sighed, “I know…”

“Huh?”

“You want to know what happened to me and Hermione right?”

“Yeah.” Ron said in a hushed voice and moved a little closer to Harry so he didn't miss anything Harry said.

Thinking for a moment Harry closed his eyes, he was torn. He wanted to tell Ron what was really going on and what really happened but they had gotten so far he knew he couldn't just throw it all away. “Sorry Ron, I… I'd rather not talk about it.” Harry finally answered and looked to his friend.

“Oh… right… Yeah, don't worry about it, when you're ready right?”

Ron's hurt eyes hurt Harry worse then anything Voldemort, the Death Eaters, and his uncle combined could do to him. “Just do me a favor alright?”

“Yeah?”

“Be careful,” Harry said not meeting his friend's eyes. He knew he had to; Hermione was doing her part so Harry knew he had to do his and plant the seeds of doubt. “You never know who you can trust.”

“Oh… yeah right.” Ron said. Harry heard his thoughts though, `Oh god, Hermione switched sides!... I got to try and get her back!' Harry smiled; Ron really was a true friend to those he cared for, steadfast to the end.

They continued the wand exercise for five more minutes before Professor McKnight called out an end to it as she moved back to the front of the class as Lupin took his seat in the front of the class off to Professor McKnight's right. “Very good, very good, now some of your are moving a bit slow but you all have the movement down packed I do believe. We'll now begin practicing the words for the spell; if you would all sit down I'll move your desks back to their proper spots.”

As she finished everyone sat back in their seats and as soon as everyone was seated, with both her wand and hand moving in towards each other, the desks were back to their proper spots as though they hadn't been moved. “Alright, this spell is long winded I warn again and must be spoken as your wand moves from pointing to the ground behind you to the ground in front of you, and it must be finished as it reaches its last point to pointing in front of you. The incantation is `a malum terminus et terra'. Please try saying it with out your wands, a few times to yourselves.”

The room was suddenly filled with people trying out the words as Professor McKnight walked through, some stumbling over a pronunciation here or there, but when she caught them she corrected their mistake. “Remember the quicker you can say the spell the better because I can assure you if it is a time that this spell is needed your opponent, or opponents, will not wait for you to cast it. Trust me when I say if you are in battle no one in this life will wait for you to say a spell.”

She continued to walk through the room for a few minutes before walking back up to the class and called them into silence. “Alright, now in our next lesson we will continue our study of deadly beasts and try out this spell that you have all learned today. I want you all to practice when you have time, have one of your friends cast a spell at you as you try it out, and when we next meet I will see your progress. Are there any questions?” she asked and when no one had any she smiled to them, “Then off you go, today's lesson is now over.”

As everyone gathered their things Harry looked to Ron, “I'm going to be getting my work from the Professor's that I've missed and probably go to the library to work on it so people will be a little deterred to talking to me.”

“Right.” Ron said as he turned to Harry, his things already in his bag and smiled, “I can see how that's different from every other year.” Ron joked.

“Yeah, but I can tell them to sod off or Madam Pince can, either way it'll at least be quieter.” Harry said as he slung his bag onto his shoulder. He hoped going to the library to study would deter Ron from following him. Though he really did mean he would be doing missing work till the library closed, he was going to see Dumbledore to find out what the bloody hell was going on. “I'll be there till the library closes so I can get as much work as I can done.”

“Yeah right, that's the real down fall for being unconscious in the hospital wing for two weeks. You better be careful mate, you're starting to sound like Hermione.” He joked before realizing what he said. “Sorry,” he whispered looking down obviously hoping he hadn't upset Harry.

“Its fine, look I'll head up to the dorm later on tonight, I'll see you later alright.” Harry said then turned around and walked away from Ron and towards Professor McKnight who was talking with Lupin.

End Chapter Eight (8)

A/N: That's that for this chapter. I think it's a bit long and well, all over the place, but I guess it'll do for now. So what do you guys think? I have now officially introduced my other main OC (original character), how is she? Oh, and Lupin's back and apparently looking better then he did this summer after Sirius' has been dead; huh I wonder what happened? Teehee, I know what happened but I'm not letting it out of the bag yet. As for the Quidditch I might as well tell you I'm not sure if it'll be very present in the story, I'll do the try outs for the team and maybe one game against Slytherin (who'd have guessed?) but so far that's all I have planed out.

Now as for the spell `a malum terminus et terra' it's just Latin meaning, `limiting boundary and land from evil'. I am not that great with Latin so I have a sneaking suspicion that I messed it up, but hey I'm trying and I'm telling you what I meant it to be. If anyone knows whether or not it's right let me know please.

Don't forget to leave me your thoughts on the story so far, I want to hear what you guy's think and if anyone can make a guess as to whose who and what's what and what the future holds other then Draco/Harry. I'll tell you if you're right or wrong; whether you're hot or cold. Oh, this chapter probably has a few mistakes here and there but I wrote it with in the five hour time limit I have right now so please forgive any mistakes and just let me know. If there really BIG mistakes I'll go back and fix them AND give you, who ever is able to find them and tell me, a cookie! As always thanks for reading!