Harry Potter and the Silent Dead: Book 2

A win

Albus was furious. Completely and utterly furious. His plan had been perfect, the spiders would attack exactly when Harry had his detention. The boy would be caught in the crossfire and forced to become involved to clear himself. Then he'd leave some hints here and there, aiding the boy and lauding him as the hero he was supposed to be! But Lockhart had messed everything up. He'd kept the boy for much too long, and they'd been the last to arrive. And now the Acromantula's weren't even attacking anymore! He wasn't sure why, but it could not continue. He had another chance to push the boy, before Ginny Weasley returned and the school relaxed. Why weren't those monsters doing what he'd made them? There was no way they could resist the carnality spell.

His angry thoughts led to a furious pacing around his office, and he decided the only way he could sleep tonight was by investigating the issue immediately. He sighed, pulling on an outer robe and walking along the castle's halls. He saw several students along the way, sending most off to their dorms. Of course the occasional Gryffindor was allowed some mischief, until another teacher caught them. Finally he reached the forbidden forest, and shivered as he pulled the robe closed to guard against the cold night. It didn't take long to locate the spiders nest, as the creatures never moved. It was suspiciously silent, and he wondered where they were for a second, before a rustling in the tree's above caught his attention. Dousing his Lumos, he stilled as he looked around, listening. There was nothing, and he breathed slightly, taking a step forward. 'Crack.' He froze again, and looked up to the view of hundreds of angry, hungry spiders quickly descending upon him. He ran, the only option he had, running and running until he reached the forest boundaries, and could run no more. He wasn't as young as he'd once been, and fell to the ground. He was reassured for a second that the spiders would not leave, before remembering it was his spell that had caused this. Terror filled him, and he spun around, revealing a horrific sight. The spiders were on the very edge of the forest, clicking and hissing at him, but not passing the threshold. He was confused, they clearly were under the influence of his spell, so why were they not leaving. He frowned deeply, standing and cautiously heading back to the castle. Perhaps he had missed something in the book? Unless someone had been meddling...

Morning came, and Ginny grinned as she ran into the hall and over to her brothers. Fred and George squeezed her into a dual hug, whilst Percy patted her soldier and Ron ignored her, as usual. Once they were reassured that she was fine, she took a seat beside her friends and started to eat. At least they hadn't been as bad as her mother, who hadn't stopped fretting over her since she'd been attacked. She almost hadn't let Ginny go back to Hogwarts! But she needed to, because Harry was here. Her father had told her that Harry had been there when she'd been hurt, and the idea that the boy who lived had come for her was amazing! She turned her head, and looked over to the Ravenclaw table, to the handsome hero. He was perfect, smart and handsome and surely very powerful. And he couldn't even talk, the poor thing. She was sure that would change though, once they were together. She would fix him and everything would be wonderful. Her brothers finally stopped watching her, and she smoother her skirt, fixing her hair before quickly standing and walking to the ravens. "Hi Harry!" She flushed red at her slightly squeaky voice, and found herself unable to breathe as he turned to look at her with those bright green eyes. "Hello?" Oh Merlin he was talking to her! She found herself unable to speak, and simply looked at him dreamily.

Harry frowned at the strange girl, looking over at Lisa and Terry, who simply shrugged. "Do I know you?" She looked upset at that, and her face made some strange expression, almost like sadness, but twisted. "I'm Ginny. Ginny Weasley. You saved me!" He raised an eyebrow at that, hiding an eye roll when his friends started sniggering. "I really didn't! I just walked by really. I'm glad you're better though." She seemed to take this as some sort of sign, and squeezed in next to him. He felt very uncomfortable, and from the look Lisa's face, he wasn't the only one. "Thank you so much, it really means a lot. It was so scary, you have no idea, I was just...." He zoned out, looking over at Draco who was walking towards them, just as confused. "What are you doing talking to my brother Weasley?" He had a disgusted sneer on his face, and Harry smiled. "He's not your brother Malfoy! And I'm his friend." He frowned at that, shaking his head when Draco looked at him. Before the blond could respond, Professor Snape stood next to them. "Is there an issue here?" Draco nodded, immediately walking over to his godfathers side, a snide look on his face. "She's harassing Harry, Weasley just won't leave him alone!" It was a slight exaggeration, but the red head was making everyone uncomfortable. They were interrupted by Dumbledore, who looked at them all disapprovingly over his half-moon glasses. "Now what is going on here? I believe you are to keep to your own house table." Harry scowled, sitting up and crossing his arms. "Yes, and that applies to all houses, he was simply aiding me with Miss Weasley." Severus nodded at this, sending Draco back to his table. "Miss Weasley, please return to your seat." The girl began to protest, but one scathing look from Severus shut her up, and she walked back to the Gryffindor table, head hanging low.