A Different Story

Chapter 29

8th Of May, 1993

They woke today to brilliant sunshine and a light, refreshing breeze. "Perfect Quidditch conditions!" said Wood enthusiastically at the Gryffindor table, loading the team’s plates with scrambled eggs. "Harry, buck up there, you need a decent breakfast."

After eating breakfast Harry left the Great Hall with Arcturus, Damian, Daphne and Hermione to go and collect his Quidditch things, another very serious worry was added to Harry’s growing list. He had just set foot on the marble staircase when he heard it yet again.

"Kill this time . . . let me rip . . . tear . . ."

Harry and Arcturus shouted aloud and they all jumped away from them in alarm. "The voice!" said Harry, looking over his shoulder. “I just heard it again" Arcturus nodded his head, wide-eyed. Hermione, however, clapped a hand to her forehead. "Harry I think I’ve just understood something! I’ve got to go to the library!" And she sprinted away, up the stairs. "What does she understand?" Harry asked distractedly, still looking around, trying to tell where the voice had come from.

"Loads more than I do," said Arcturus, shaking his head. "But why’s she got to go to the library?" Harry asked.
"Because that’s what Hermione does," said Arcturus shrugging. "When in doubt, go to the library."

Harry stood, irresolute, trying to catch the voice again, but people were now emerging from the Great Hall behind him, talking loudly, exiting through the front doors on their way to the Quidditch pitch. "You’d better get moving," said Daphne. "It’s nearly eleven and the match starts soon."

Harry raced up to Gryffindor Tower, collected his Nimbus Two Thousand, and joined the large crowd swarming across the grounds, but his mind was still in the castle along with the bodiless voice, and as he pulled on his scarlet robes in the locker room, his only comfort was that everyone was now outside to watch the game.

The teams walked onto the field to tumultuous applause. Oliver Wood took off for a warm-up flight around the goalposts; Madam Hooch released the balls. The Hufflepuffs, who played in canary yellow, were standing in a huddle, having a last-minute discussion of tactics.

Harry was just mounting his broom when Professor McGonagall came half marching, half running across the pitch, carrying an enormous purple megaphone.

Harry’s heart dropped like a stone. "This match has been canceled," Professor McGonagall called through the megaphone, addressing the packed stadium. There were boos and shouts. Oliver Wood, looking devastated, landed and ran toward Professor McGonagall without getting off his broomstick.

"You can't cancel Quidditch." Wood said "Silence Wood," Professor McGonagall replied.

Professor McGonagall then continued to shout through her megaphone: "All students are to make their way back to the House common rooms, where their Heads of Houses will give them further information. As quickly as you can, please!" Then she lowered the megaphone and beckoned Harry over to her. "Potter, I think you’d better come with me."

Wondering how she could possibly suspect him this time, Harry saw Arcturus detach himself from the complaining crowd; he came running up to them as they set off toward the castle. To Harry’s surprise, Professor McGonagall didn’t object. "Yes, perhaps you’d better come, too, Potter."

Some of the students swarming around them were grumbling about the match being canceled; others looked worried. Harry and Arcturus followed Professor McGonagall back into the school and up the marble staircase. "This will be a bit of a shock," said Professor McGonagall in a surprisingly gentle voice as they approached the infirmary. "There has been another attack."

Harry’s insides did a horrible somersault. Professor McGonagall pushed the door open and he and Ron entered. Madam Pomfrey was bending over a sixth-year girl with long, curly hair. Harry recognized her as Penelope Clearwater. And on the bed next to her was a bushy-haired girl.

"Hermione!" Arcturus groaned. Hermione lay utterly still, her eyes open and glassy. "They were found near the library," said Professor McGonagall. "I don’t suppose either of you can explain this? It was on the floor next to them." She was holding up a small, circular mirror. Harry and Arcturus shook their heads, both staring at Hermione.

"I will escort you back to Gryffindor Tower," said Professor McGonagall heavily.