Disclaimer: I do not own anything from the Harry Potter universe (although it would be nice). Harry and his friends all belong to the wonderfully talented J.K. Rowling. I am only borrowing her wonderful characters. Only the original characters belong to me.

By: Angel: da Newsies fan

Chapter 4: Revelation

Harry continued to stare at the spot where Emma had just been only moments ago. He was dumbfounded. Had he really just seen her disappear? He blinked furiously, squeezed his eyelids shut tightly and then proceeded to rub them. When he opened his emerald orbs once more, he looked to the back of the room again; nope, not there. Harry furrowed his brow and chanced a look around the room; no one else seemed to notice what he had just witnessed, so perhaps he’d imagined it? Harry shook his head slightly and removed his glasses and wiping off the lenses. Maybe he had imagined it. This brought a terrible thought into Harry’s mind. If he had indeed imagined the object of his affection sitting a few tables away from him in Potions class when she, in turn, had not really been there, then he seriously needed some kind of counseling. His mind was obviously trying to tell him that he had been thinking about her way too often. But he, however, could not shake the feeling that his analysis was incorrect. He sighed lightly and decided that he’d dwell on his mental state later. Now, he needed to pay attention, otherwise, Professor Snape would no doubt use his lack of attention again him as well as his house.

At this thought, the Potions Master glided into the room, past the Gryffindor trio, and up to the front of the class. He then opened one of his desk drawers and extracted an old and large tattered book, which he resolved to throw onto his desk, causing it to make an exceedingly large amount of noise. Any talking that had been going on in the room was quickly silenced at this action.

He glared around the room menacingly, daring them to let one word escape their lips. Then he averted his gaze to the book he’d tossed onto his desk and began flipping through it.

“Turn to page three hundred and ninety-four.” he said monotonously without looking up. (AN: he he, shameless plug from PoA...If you haven’t seen it yet, go!)

In turn the class quietly retrieved their books from their bags and turned to the previously mentioned page.

This was turning out to be another Potions class from Hell; but then again, what Potions class wasn’t from Hell?

One in which Snape isn’t teaching... Harry thought, doing his best to not let his amusement at this notion show on his face.

Once he’d reached page three hundred and ninety-four, Harry read the text that was displayed in large, black type: The Sixth Sense Potion. The what? Harry raised an eye brow and read the description of the potion beneath the title:

The Sixth Sense Potion is often used by wizards who need assistance discovering something unknown. It is used to detect untruthfulness in an individual and sharpens ones senses; intuition; provides a ‘Sixth Sense’.

Harry’s eyebrow remained in its raised position; why were they brewing this potion? Did Snape just want them to know for certain when he was angry and when he hated them the most?

Hmm... Harry thought, This aught to be interesting.

By the end of the lesson, the class had only gotten halfway through the potion. Professor Snape had told them to pack up their unused supplies and to store their cauldrons in his cabinet marked for the Fifth Years.

“Just make sure you remember which one’s yours. I won’t be sympathetic if you allow someone to swipe your potion.” Snape said as he glared noticeably at Neville. He then closed his book and placed it back inside his desk drawer.

Harry, Ron and Hermione, their cauldrons strategically placed, packed up their books as well and headed out the door toward Transfiguration.

Hermione and Ron were at it once more, fighting over the fact that Hermione refused to help Ron during Potions, saying that it was Fifth Year and it was time for him to learn how to do his own potions.

Harry rolled his eyes; didn’t they ever get tired of arguing with one another?

Hermione and Ron continued to squabble as they walked down the hall toward McGonagall’s classroom. When they were half way there, Harry noticed Hagrid and his face broke into a wide smile. He sped up a little, leaving his two friends to argue without him, and walked toward Hagrid.

“Hey Hagrid.” He greeted, shifting the bag on his shoulder.

Hagrid, who had apparently not noticed Harry until he’d just spoken, abruptly looked down at him and smiled.

“Hullo, Harry. How have yer classes been goin’ today?”

Harry nodded a little.

“Fine, I guess. I’ve only had Potion’s so far.”

Hagrid nodded and looked past him.

“Hullo, Ron, Hermione.” he said as the rest of the Golden Trio joined him.

Harry looked up at Hagrid and raised an eyebrow.

“Hey, Hagrid, what are you doing up here?” Hermione asked happily.

Hagrid ceased his waving at students passing by and looked down at Hermione.

“Oh,” he started, suddenly getting a serious tone in his voice, “I was takin’ a student ter the Hospital Wing. She’d fallen in the lake and I was passin’ by, happened ter see ‘er. But don’ worry,” he added quickly, seeing the anxious looks on their faces, it was after all winter, “She’s fine. Madam Pomfrey was givin’ ‘er Pepper-Up Potion when I left just now.”

Hermione nodded and looked down at her watch, a signal that she was once more thinking about class.

“Hagrid, who was the student you found in the lake?” asked Ron, fidgeting slightly as his bag was apparently too heavy.

“Oh...er...I think she said ‘er name was Emma.”

Harry’s head snapped away from his watch.

“Emma? Emma who?” he said at once.

Hagrid looked at them momentarily with a thoughtful look upon his face.

“Erm...I think it started with a ‘c’ or summat...Er....Curvy, or what not. I think she was in yer year. She looked a little too big to be anythin‘ lower, but not big enough to be anythin‘ older. Anyway,” he said, waving his hand in a dismissive way, “You lot better get off ter yer class, now. Don’ wanna hold ya back. Run along.” he said walking past them and patting Harry once on the shoulder.

“C’mon, Harry, we’re going to be late for Transfiguration if we don’t hurry.” came Hermione’s voice as Harry continued to stare at the spot Hagrid has just occupied.

Harry turned around and began walking alongside Ron, who had decided to continue the conversation about the girl falling into the lake.

“Emma Curvy? I don’t know anyone by that name. Do you guys?” he asked his two friends, looking between then expectantly.

“No, I don’t think so. The only Emma I know is Emma Creevy, but I don’t know an Emma Curvy.” said Hermione in a rather brusque tone.

“Do you think that’s what Hagrid meant to say, you know ‘Creevy’, not ‘Curvy’.” asked Ron, who had looked over at Harry.

Harry glanced at his friend and shrugged.

“Dunno.” he said quickly as they finally entered McGonagall’s room.

“Perhaps you should go visit her, Harry. You know, make sure she’s okay and all.” said Ron, amusement laced throughout his voice as he placed his bag on one of the desks.

Harry glared at his redheaded friend and placed his bag down beside Ron’s.

“And why do I have to go. Why can’t you go?”

Ron rolled his eyes and sighed. Getting closer to Harry, as though he didn’t want Hermione, who was unloading her bag on the desk beside theirs, to hear, he said, “’Cause I’m not the one who fancies her, mate.” he said simply, winking playfully at him and taking his seat.

Harry sat as well, continuing to glare at Ron but, at the same time, thinking about what he’d suggested.

Perhaps I should go and see her...I mean, then I could find out if she really was in Potions this morning...

“Alright class,” came the strict voice of Professor McGonagall, “Please take your seats and turn your attention to the front of the classroom.”

This order drew Harry from his thoughts for a couple of hours or so, as he needed to pay close attention in this class; he wasn’t doing as well as he wanted to be doing.

Soon, Transfiguration was over and all of the Gryffindors headed down to the Great Hall for lunch. Harry, Ron and Hermione took their usual seats at the Gryffindor table and began eating almost straight away. There was very little conversation as they were all extremely hungry and were proceeding to stuff their faces. About midway through lunch, Harry suddenly remembered that he’d left his Divination book up on his bed, forgetting he had that class this afternoon.

Rising from the table quickly, he bid Hermione and Ron farewell, saying that he’d see Hermione at dinner and Ron in class.

Harry practically ran up the many staircases, Gryffindor Tower was, after all, on the seventh floor, and ran down the hall to the portrait of the Fat Lady.

He stated the password, dashed into the common room and up the stairs to the Fifth Year Boys dorm. He burst through the door, huffing and puffing, and scampered to his bed to retrieve the rather large, purple and gold book. Sighing with both relief and disdain, he checked his watch; he had approximately ten minutes until lunch was over, which was good considering he was quite out of breath and could use a nice stroll.

Harry exited Gryffindor Tower, his breath now more or less caught, and continued down the hallway to the North Tower. Harry looked at his watch once more: eight minutes. Hmm, he was going to be early and Divination was one class he didn’t want to be early for, especially since it was a double class today. So Harry began to walk a bit slower, looking around at all of the paintings and statues, trying not to think about what Trelawney would say about his impending doom today, when he spotted it. It made him stop dead in his tracks.

There’s the Hospital Wing. he thought lazily.

He check his watch once more; bugger, strolling had only taken up one minute, he was practically to the North Tower already and he still had more then five minutes until the bell rang.

Well, he thought, just popping in for a few minutes won’t hurt, right?

So, detouring to the Hospital Wing, he stepped through the all ready open door to the Hospital Wing. Madam Pomfrey was no where to be seen, so Harry assumed she was either out or just in her office. Slowly Harry moved farther into the room and checking all of the beds for those familiar brilliant, blue eyes and that head of gorgeous chestnut-colored hair. Then, he spotted her. She was propped up in the bed, with bandages around her forehead and forearms, and had only a quill, extra ink, and a few rolls of parchment. She looked up suddenly when she heard his footsteps, abruptly stopping her writing when she discovered that it was him.

She merely stared at him for a moment, her blue eyes piercing his green ones. Then she smiled a half smile and placed her quill and parchment down on the table beside her cot.

“Hello, Harry. “ she said simply, just smiling softly and staring at him. Quite suddenly, however, as if realizing something, she blinked furiously and her smile dropped a bit.

“Er,” she began, “If you’re looking for Madam Pomfrey, she’s gone to get something from Professor Snape. She said she’d be right back, but that was almost half an hour ago...so you may just want to come back later.” she said hurriedly, averting her eyes to the window beside her.

Harry fidgeted, and bit his lip slightly.

“Um, actually, I, uh, came to see...well, you. How are you?” he said shakily, gulping every now and then to keep from getting too tongue-tied.

She snapped her head toward him when he said this, her smile slowly reforming on her face.

“Oh...well, I’m okay, thank you for asking. How are you, Harry?” she responded, wringing her hands in a slightly nervous way.

Harry half smiled.

“I’m okay, too.” he said, struggling for words to keep the conversation going.

Emma nodded and kept looking from him to the window to her hands and pretty much everywhere else.

“So, uh,” he started, slowly walking closer to her cot, “What are those bandages for, I was told you fell in the lake.” he asked attempting to fill the tense silence.

Emma looked down at her bandaged arms and fiddled with the edge near her left hand.

“They’re charmed with a heating spell. Madam Pomfrey said that they’ll, erm, keep me from getting pneumonia or something. So they’re basically keeping me warm, that’s all.” she said, still looking at her arms.

“Oh,” he said, for lack of something better, “Well, when is she gonna let you leave?”

Emma looked up at the ceiling and bit her lip as she thought.

“Er...probably tonight. I think I’m pretty much recovered. Although, I missed a lot of class today, which probably wasn’t good for my marks...what did we do in Potions this morning?”

Harry gulped a bit at this question.

Should I ask her? But, then again, why would she be asking me what happened in Potions this morning if she was there? Well, maybe she just wants me to think that she wasn’t there...maybe...maybe not...erm...

“Potions? Potions...er...weren’t you...um, there this morning?”

Emma looked taken aback at this question and frowned a little.

“Well, no, I was in the Hospital Wing; I’ve been here all day.” she stated rather hurriedly, “Why would I just randomly leave Potions and go and fall in the lake...he, he, he...” she finished, laughing nervously.

Harry laughed slightly too.

“Yea...yea, you’re right...that doesn’t make any sense. I must have just seen someone that looks like you or something.” he excused lamely.

But she seemed so real...

Suddenly the bell rang and the sounds of pounding feet were heard climbing the stairs. Harry glanced at his watch.

“Well, um, I’ve got to get to Divination...I’ll see you later, hope you feel better...um, bye, Emma.” he said hurriedly, turning to go out of the door.

“Bye, Harry. Thanks for dropping by. I really appreciate it.” she said sincerely, smiling widely at him.

Harry looked back a little and tossed another half smile at her.

“Uh, no problem. See you.” he finished waving.

She waved back and watched him exit the room.

So she hadn’t been in Potions... Harry thought, I guess I really am obsessed...maybe I should try and distance myself from her, maybe that would make me less inclined to think about her constantly and see her when she really isn’t there.

Yea, maybe.

*~*~*

A week passed and the Christmas season was suddenly upon them. People were now returning from Hogsmeade trips with lighter pockets and heavier trunks. About a week before Christmas, everyone who had not signed the list to stay, boarded the Hogwarts Express and went back to London to spend the holiday season with their families. Harry, Ron and Hermione stayed, as usual, as did a few others in Gryffindor tower, several Ravenclaws, a handful of Hufflepuffs and one or two Slytherins, Malfoy being one of them.

The night before Christmas, Harry was sitting in the common room with Ron playing Wizard Chess; Hermione was, once again, doing her rounds with Malfoy.

“I don’t see why they’re got to do rounds together.” complained Ron as he stared at the board looking for his next move.

“I don’t see why it makes any difference to you, Ron.” responded Harry quickly, “Just let it go. They’ve been patrolling all year together and they’ve done nothing to each other. Just let it be. It’s really none of your business.”

Ron scowled at Harry when she said this and moved one of his pieces to capture Harry’s King.

“Checkmate.” he said, “But, Harry. Doesn’t it bother you just a little that she’s spending so much time with him? I mean, he’s Malfoy, Harry, Draco Malfoy. What good can come from someone with a name like that?”

Harry snickered and shook his head as Ron began packing up his chess set.

“And you’re Ron Weasley. What good can come from someone with a name like that, eh?” he fired back, snickering more at Ron’s glowering expression.

“Ha, ha, very witty. C’mon Harry, stop joking around, I’m serious. I don’t like that she’s hanging out with him so much.”

“Well, if you ask me,” Harry countered, trying to stop laughing, “I think you should talk to Hermione about this, not me. Besides, I don’t think she’s got much of a choice about ‘hanging out with him’, they have to do their rounds, and they’re partners, they’ve got to do them together. It’s mandatory.”

“But, Harry --”

“Forget it, Ron.” Harry interrupted, “I’m not talking about this anymore. As long as they get along and don’t murder one another, who cares what they do? I’m through with this conversation, let’s talk about something else.”

And from then on, the subject of Hermione’s rounds with Malfoy was no longer discussed between them.

*~*~*

Christmas had come and gone and now the Quidditch season was upon them. Ron, who had been made Keeper, and Harry were gone most nights practicing with the Gryffindor Quidditch team and getting ready for their first match of the year against Ravenclaw.

Hermione continued with her Prefect duties, all the while getting ever closer to her cohort; they were now pretty good friends. Since Ron and Harry spent the majority of the nights of the week at Quidditch practice, she and Malfoy, whose team practiced just before sundown, would stroll the halls longer then normal and just talk and joke with one another.

By February, the snow and ice were melting and spring was quickly approaching. Everyone at Hogwarts seemed exceedingly excited about the coming distraction; Quidditch was a great way to let go of some stress.

Some, however, were apparently letting their stress get to them. Neville was more stressed then ever about Potions. He was thinking longingly of Sixth Year when he could officially drop it and never have to see Professor Snape again. Parvati and Lavender were no longer obsessed with make up and were frantically getting ready for their O.W.Ls. Emma looked tired enough to fall asleep standing; her usually vibrant eyes were red and there were the beginnings of dark circles beneath them. Harry had Quidditch and O.W.Ls to worry about now, so he now found it a little easier to distance himself from the object of his desire. Ron was probably the only one who didn’t seem to notice everyone’s stress. He was so incredibly happy to be playing Quidditch for Gryffindor that nothing else seemed to matter too much to him; he had received many lectures from Hermione, who was studying non-stop, about this attitude.

Finally, at February’s end, the first game of the season was underway: Gryffindor vs. Ravenclaw. Gryffindor ended up winning by a mere twenty points.

During one particular Quidditch game, Gryffindor vs. Slytherin, Hermione was given the opportunity to put her suspicions to rest once and for all. She had, at the beginning, been totally engrossed in the game, cheering on Harry and, to herself, Malfoy as well, when someone who was way to excited, bumped into her and knocked her from her standing position onto the floor of the box. She glared up at them when they didn’t even bother to apologize, but since she didn’t recognize them (Must be some seventh year...) she merely got back up and dusted herself off. It was difficult, however, to refocus on the game; for there was Emma Creevy, exiting the stands with a shifty expression on her face.

Hermione furrowed her brow and decided once and for all that she’d had enough of all this secrecy and assumptions; she was going to find out once and for all what was going on. So, she followed her.

She stayed far behind, far enough to where she could see her, but not hear her. Hermione cautiously tip toed around the halls, following Emma, who was walking uncharacteristically fast. Suddenly, she turned a corner and entered one of the unused classrooms. Hermione started down the hall and then paused; this was the hall she’d seen Emma leaving that night she ended up in the Hospital Wing. Hermione gulped, gathered up her Gryffindor courage, and quietly walked up to the door Emma had disappeared through; it was closed. Hermione huffed and pressed her ear to the door.

What I wouldn’t give for some Extendable Ears right now. she thought, sighing when she couldn’t hear anything but muffled voices. Then there was what sounded like an explosion of sound; whoever was in there with Emma was screaming and berating her. Now Hermione could hear perfectly what they were saying:

“YOU KNOW WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF YOU REFUSE, YOU INSOLENT, LITTLE TWIT! I HAVE YOUR BROTHERS AND I WILL KILL THEM IF NECESSARY! DO AS I SAY OR THEY WILL SUFFER FOR YOUR STUPIDITY!!”

Hermione gasped. Someone had Emma’s brothers and was threatening to kill them?! Then she remembered what she’d seen and heard the night she’d first discovered Emma’s potential disloyalty; Something along the lines of “Do what I say or I’ll finished them off.“ Them. She hadn’t even noticed that before now. And her appearance, her eyes were bloodshot, as if she’d been crying. It was all coming together. Emma was doing something terrible for whoever was in that room with her all to save the lives of her brothers...her...brothers...her brothers! Now she knew why the name ‘Creevy’ sounded so familiar. Emma ‘Creevy’ was the older sister of Colin and Dennis ‘Creevy’! Now that she thought about it, she hadn’t noticed either one of them this year and now she knew why; they were being held hostage!

This is extreme. she thought, I’ve got to tell someone, she needs help, she can’t do this by herself. Maybe I should tell a teacher...yea, Professor McGonagall, or something...No, wait! Dumbledore! He’ll know what to do, he always knows what to do!

Just as these thoughts crossed her mind, the door she’d been leaning on, opened and she was pushed roughly away onto the floor. Slowly it continued opening only to reveal and extremely distressed and terrified Emma Creevy. Her eyes were wide with fear and bloodshot once more, just like that night.

Hermione stood up quickly and they both just stared at each other, not saying a word. Emma looked so terrified that it was almost like she thought Hermione was going to do something to her if she spoke.

Soon, she decided to break the silence, however, with an explanation.

“Hermione...I-I can explain, really I can...It’s just that --”

Hermione interjected.

“Emma, don’t worry. I heard everything...well, almost everything, and now I completely understand why you’ve been acting so oddly. I-I want to help you, will you let me help you?”

Now Emma looked relieved and also like she was going to burst into tears...which she, in fact, did. She lunged at Hermione and pulled her into an ultra tight hug.

“Hermione, thank you so much. You have no idea how long I’ve wanted to tell someone, to have someone’s help. Thank you so very much....” she cried, still mercilessly holding Hermione in her desperate hug.

Hermione patted her back sympathetically and gently pushed her back a little.

“Before I can help you, I’ll need to know the whole story. Would you mind answering some questions for me?”

Emma looked positively ecstatic by the idea. She grabbed Hermione’s hand and pulled her into the room she’d just exited and shut the door behind them. She sat down at one of the tables and Hermione followed suit.

“Okay, ask your questions.” Emma prompted with enthusiasm.

Hermione nodded and thought for a moment.

“Who’s kidnapped your brothers?”

“He’s a dark wizard, a Death Eater I think, named Octavian.”

Hermione nodded and continued.

“Okay, what does Octavian want you to do in order keep your brothers safe?”

There was a pause.

“You have to promise me that you won’t tell Harry.”

Hermione raised an eyebrow.

“Why can’t I tell Harry? Has it got something to do with him?”

Emma fidgeted.

“Promise me first.”

Hermione sighed.

“Okay, okay, I promise I won’t tell Harry. Now, what can’t I tell him?”

Emma took in a deep breath.

“I was sent by Octavian to...kill Harry. No wait!” she cried, before Hermione could interject, “Let me finish. He wants me to get Harry to trust me and then, basically, betray him by bringing him to his hide out so that Octavian can kill him.”

“But you just said that you were sent to kill Harry.” Hermione countered.

“Well, more or less. I mean, I’m basically bringing him to his death, so I as good as kill him. You see what I mean?”

Hermione nodded.

“Oh yes, I see. Now, just a clarification, your brothers are Dennis and Colin, right?”

Emma nodded sadly.

“Yes, those are my little brothers.” she sighed wistfully, “I miss them so much. I hate it that their lives depend on the end of someone else's. I hate it.”

“Okay, so if you’re their older sister, how come you’re just now entering Hogwarts?”

“Well, Octavian made me take this Potion that fools people of a certain mind, weak I believe, as it obviously didn’t work on you, into believing whatever I tell them. Also, I am their older sister, yes, but I was adopted. So originally, there was no magic in me. Octavian sort of...put it there, so to speak.”

“So it’s just a temporary magic supply?” asked Hermione, her brow furrowed.

Emma shook her head.

“No, I don’t think so. Because Octavian doesn’t control what magic I can and can’t do and it doesn’t go away when I leave Hogwarts. I don’t have to take a potion to keep it and I don’t need to cast some sort of magic preservation charm on myself. I think that it’s permanent, although I don’t think it mattered to him at the moment. He probably figures he’s going to kill me anyhow.”

Hermione shook her head in earnest.

“We can’t let him do this! We’ve got to get help, Emma. You need an adult’s perspective, someone that’ll know what to do! We’ve got to tell someone!”

Emma suddenly shot to her feet.

“You don’t think I want to tell someone? He watches me all the time, he has some sort of homing device on me or something. He knows everything I say and who I say it to. I can’t tell a teacher. I would if I could, but I can’t. He’d kill Colin and Dennis on the spot.”

Hermione looked stricken.

“What about writing a letter? He can’t read everything you write can he? Wait, how are we having this conversation with out him knowing? You’re telling me all of this, so how come he doesn’t know?”

Emma took her seat once more.

“There are certain rooms his magic cannot penetrate. This is one of them. The dorms are another. But as far as I know, those are the only ones. And no, letter writing won’t work, I tried writing to my parents, who are now wondering where I am, as well as my brothers, and he intercepted it. He also hexed Colin with in an inch of his life. He practically killed him. He told me that if I tried it again, that I would kill him, and Dennis as well.” she sighed and ran a hand through her unkempt, long hair. “Believe me Hermione, I’ve tried everything that I can think of and nothing so far has worked. I don’t know what else to do except just follow through and bring Harry to him, even though it’s the last thing I want.”

“Well, if you knew these rooms were beyond his magical interference, then why didn’t you bring someone in here before, or tell someone in the dorms?”

“Because I couldn’t find anyone that I could trust.”

“What about me?” Hermione asked softly, averting her eyes the hands in her lap.

Emma laughed slightly and looked at Hermione.

“Well, you didn’t seem like you were too fond of me so I didn’t want to bother you.”

Hermione was taken aback; it was true, however, she hadn’t trusted Emma before now.

This thought made her stand abruptly.

“Well I’m here now and I believe you. I want to help you and I hope that you’ll let me.” she stated before holding her hand out to Emma, “Friends?”

Emma smiled, stood and grabbed Hermione’s hand.

“Friends.”

*~*~*

Days, weeks and, soon after, months passed as the end of Fifth Year drew closer. Hermione had kept her word, as promised, and hadn’t mentioned anything about Emma to Harry and she was doing everything she could to help her out. They both spent hours upon hours each night in the library looking for possible solutions; no situation, however, seemed to come close to the predicament that Emma was in. So, they continued, night after night, looking.

Soon, the last day of lessons, as well as the final day of O.W.L testing, was upon the Hogwarts students and Emma was looking more frazzled then ever. It seemed that nothing that she and Hermione had found was going to help and she had to bring Harry to Octavian that very night. She was at a loss. She couldn’t very well take Harry to him, but she couldn’t let her brothers die either. What was she going to do? She ran a hand through her terribly disheveled mane and sighed as she made her way into the Great Hall for lunch. She found a random spot on one of the benches at the Gryffindor table, tossed her bag beneath it, and plopped herself down. She then heaved a huge frustrated sigh and cradled her throbbing head on top of her palms.

Harry, who was all ready seated at the far end of the table, had seen everything Emma had just done.

I wonder what’s wrong with her, she looks completely out of it...Must be stressed because it’s our last day or something. He thought dismissingly, reaching into his bag for a book he’d taken from the library on Quidditch techniques; never too early to start practicing for next season.

Just then, Hermione strode into the Great Hall accompanied by Malfoy. They were both deep in conversation and halted before the doors where they continued chatting in hushed voices. Harry raised an eyebrow, but paid them no mind and turned back to his book.

Must be Prefect business. Good thing Ron’s not here yet.

When he looked up again, Hermione and Malfoy were bidding each other farewell and Hermione was walking toward the Gryffindor table. Harry moved his bag from the bench to the floor beneath his feet and waited for his female friend to drop down beside him; only she didn’t.

Confused, Harry looked up from his book once more and scanned the hall only to find Hermione in another deep conversation, this time, with Emma.

Harry felt his stomach jump; even completely stressed and sleep-ridden she still looked great to him.

Harry continued to stare only until he saw Hermione stand up from the table, pat Emma reassuringly on the back and begin to walk over to him.

His eyes widened a bit and he quickly turned his attention back to his book. A few seconds later, Hermione took her seat to the right of him.

“Hello, Harry.” she said brightly, “What are you reading?”

Harry looked up at her with feigned surprise and smiled a little.

“Oh, hey Hermione. Just a book on Quidditch techniques and what not. Nothing you’d be interested in.”

Hermione wrinkled her nose.

“Quidditch techniques? All ready? But it’s the end of the year, Harry. Quidditch doesn’t start again until next spring.”

Harry smiled and shook his head at her.

“Well, it’s never too early to start practicing. You should know that better then anyone.”

Hermione furrowed her brow.

“What is that supposed to mean?”

“Well, over the summer, you read all of the books for all of your classes before we even get here. And you know practically every spell we’re going to learn in Charms and Transfiguration before the teachers even talk about them.”

Hermione turned a little pink.

“Yeah, well, nothing wrong with being prepared.” she said, folding her arms over her chest.

“That’s exactly what I’m doing. Getting prepared for next season.”

“Oh all right, all right, I get it. Have fun learning your new techniques and what not.” she replied huffily, turning her attention to the empty plate in front of her.

Harry shook his head, smirked and returned once more to his book.

Soon, however, his reading was halted once more as the loud voice of Ronald Weasley interrupted his thoughts.

“Hullo, Harry, ‘Mione.” he greeted as he sat down heavily beside Hermione, “Whatcha’ reading, Harry?”

Harry sighed heavily and closed the book.

“Nothing now.” he mumbled as he stowed the book back inside his bag.

When he looked back over at his two friends he discovered that Ron looked rather affronted.

“Well, you don’t need to put it away on my account. I was just asking.” he said in a rather put out tone.

Hermione rolled her honey eyes and elbowed him hard in the ribs.

“Oh get a grip, Ron. He was just reading a Quidditch book.”

Ron looked at her with mild irritation as he rubbed his side.

“Well, there’s no need to get violent.”

Hermione rolled her eyes once more.

At that moment, the food appeared on the table and all conversation was halted as everyone reached for their favorite dishes.

Ron’s face lit up, all disagreements forgotten, as he piled a little of everything onto his plate.

“I’m starving. This last day has been quite stressful.”

Hermione nodded in agreement and started adding various things to her empty plate.

“I agree. But the O.W.Ls weren’t as horrible as I thought they were going to be. What did you two think of Charms? I found it quite easy. In fact, that may have been the simplest test out of all of mine.” she said conversationally, taking bites of food in between sentences. “Which was the toughest for you two?”

Ron shook his head and looked at her.

“Leave it to you to think about the exams we just finished. I don’t want to think about tests! I want to think about the farewell feast tonight and going home tomorrow. No more Snape. EVER again. How great is that? I mean, there’s no way he’s going to keep me in his class, even if I did end up scoring high on the Potions O.W.L, which I highly doubt, by the way. I never have to see Snape in class ever again!”

Hermione sighed tilted her head thoughtfully.

“I don’t know.” she said, “I think I’ll continue with Potions, even if Snape’s teaching it. I mean, it’s a wonderful subject to know, more careers are open to you that way. And besides,” she added, stealing a hard glance at Ron, “I find it fascinating.”

Ron looked at her with his mouth open, confusion written all over his face and masticated potatoes sitting on his tongue.

“Are you mad?! You want to keep taking Potions? What in the bloody hell is wrong with you, Hermione?”

Hermione, who had chosen not to answer Ron’s question, decided to chat with Harry.

“So Harry, are you going to continue on with Potions next year? I mean, provided you get enough O.W.Ls?”

Harry thought momentarily and bit his lip; then he shook his head negatively.

“No, probably not. I don’t think I can take more of Snape then is necessary. But I understand what you were saying about the career opportunities. You probably would have more options. But, if I decide to do anything in the Potions area, I could always take it after Hogwarts. I’m sure they offer it at the Universities.”

Hermione pondered this for a moment and then nodded.

“Yes perhaps you’re right, Harry. But I still think I’m going to continue taking it. It’ll be a challenge.”

Harry nodded and both he and Hermione returned to their meals.

Just as Harry was finishing off his second helping of roasted potatoes, he saw Emma run past him and out of the Great Hall in a rush.

His brow furrowed as he stared out into the entrance hall. Abruptly, he stood to his feet and made to follow her out to see if she was all right.

“I’ll be right back, gotta use the loo.” he said to Hermione before he raced out of the hall, moving in the direction Emma had taken.

He walked as quickly as he could, trying desperately not to break into a run. He went through hall after hall looking for any sign of her, but there was none. Confused, Harry doubled back and decided to try upstairs since they were also in the direction she’d fled in.

Slowly he walked, listening for any type of sound, other then the paintings as the talked quietly and walked through each other’s frames. Suddenly, Harry had an idea; the paintings. They might’ve seen Emma run by.

Harry turned to the painting to his right of an old man sitting behind a desk reading some sort of letter.

“Excuse me,” he began politely, “Um, sir, I was wondering, did you by any chance happen to see a girl run by here a few moments ago?”

The man in the painting looked up from his letter abruptly and looked at Harry for a moment before smiling a little.

“I did see a girl, yes. She went that way,” he said, pointing to Harry’s left, “And she went in that room right over there on the right, the fourth one down I think.”

Harry nodded and smiled back at the man.

“Thanks very much.” he said before waving politely and scurrying off in the direction the man had indicated.

When he reached the fourth door on the right he went to open it and then retracted his hand. Should he knock first? What if she wanted to be left alone, or what if she wasn’t really in there? He didn’t want to disturb anyone. Instead of knocking, he decided to press his ear to the door and attempted to listen for any movement. To his surprise, however, he heard voices. Two voices. One sounded like a female and the other, like a male.

Harry once more became confused. He pressed his ear harder into the door. When this didn’t help, he pulled away and decided to give up; she was obviously getting comfort from someone else. So, shoving his hands into his pockets, he made to set off back down the hall when he felt something in his pocket. He pulled it out and discovered that it was a pair of Extendable Ears.

Must’ve been a gift from Fred and George. He thought, unwinding one of the Ears and lowering one end to the floor. He put the other end up to his ear and heard what he could now confirm as a male and a female speaking; and the female was most definitely Emma. But who was the man?

He strained his brain, trying to recognize the voice he was hearing, but he didn’t he realized. It was only then that he comprehended that they were having what sounded like a very serious conversation. He listened harder.

“You will bring the boy to me tonight,” came the man’s voice, “Use the port key, it will take you directly to my chamber.”

“Are you sure this has to be done?” came Emma’s voice, strangely high pitched. Must be the Extendable Ears...

“How many times must we go through this, you foolish girl! It must be done! Bring Harry Potter to me TONIGHT! THERE IS NO ALTERNATIVE!”

Harry’s eyes widened. What the...

“Okay...Consider it done.”

As those words were spoken, Harry felt as if his heart had been torn from his chest and trampled on by a heard of elephants.

Emma had tricked him. She had tricked him into falling in love with her, and now...Now she was going to send him to his death.

*~*~*

End of Chapter 4

Wow. This too forever to write.

Anyway, hope you all liked it (for those who actually read this, anyway!)

Until chapter 5!

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Storyline © Angel: da Newsies fan