The Dark Mark (The Girl Who Lived part II)

The Monster's Within Us

"Isn't it wonderful?" Harry was undoubtedly more excited than I was. He practically jumped in his seat as he told everyone at dinner. His fingers squeezed mine. "I received a message from Fred, George, and Mrs. and Mr. Weasley. They agreed to come here tomorrow and see if they can jog part of your memory. Strike the iron while it's hot". Said Hermoine who handed me three individual letters all addressed to me. One from the Burrow and two from Weasleys' Wizardly Wheezes. I opened the letter from Mr. and Mrs. Weasley first.

Above all, the message was sweet. But only after you got over the first page of threats Mrs. Weasley had made especially towards Ron. I then reluctantly opened Fred's letter, knowing that like cereal boxes, there would be a "surprise" inside. "Oh bloody 'ell. How long does it take to open a letter?" Ron snatched the letter from my hand. He tore open the envelope. As soon as he did, there was a loud pop, followed by a large poof of red powder. Ron's face was covered in red powder. There was no distinction from his hair and his face besides his pretty blue eyes. He blinked a few times. His nose twitched a few times. He leaned his head back. Inhaling, but not exhaling. He was going to sneeze. "Duck and cover!" As I hid underneath the table, with Harry and Neville, Ron sneezed.

A majority of the dust had transferred from his face to the table. But his face still had a reddish tint about it. I reached across the table, napkin in hand, and wiped his face so it would return to its original color. I placed the napkin on the table and sat back down in my seat. Ron began reading the letter. "Hope this letter and its contents (especially its contents) brings you laughter. I can just imagine the powder finding it's way to my dear brother. George and I are planning to play hookey tomorrow . We'll come bearing several gifts and surprises. Til then, your favorite brother, Freddie". George's letter was much similar to Fred's. It contained the same powder, but of a different color. And the letter itself wasn't much different.

"Hey Scarlet, just exactly how much do you remember?" Neville asked me, his voice so quiet so that I was the only one that'd be able to hear it. "What do you mean? I told you everything". I said to him. "I see. Well, if you remember anything else, come find me". "Like what?" I wasn't quite sure what he meant by this. "You'll know when you remember". He said. And that was the end of that.

"Who knew that when we rode in that same compartment on the Hogwarts Express for the first time, that we'd end here". Said Harry. He looked into my eyes as he squeezed my fingers in his. Ron rolled his eyes and made no effort to hide this action. Harry and I had been inseparable since the Quidditch game earlier today. Or rather, he hadn't wanted to be apart from me. Didn't want me out of his sight.

Harry described all of our moments together in depth. Now with my memories even more clearer than ever, I realized that in actuality, they were nothing like how Harry had thought them to be. Harry may have been in love. But it wasn't with me. It was with a fantasy. it could've been either of our memories that was distorted. But I don't recall our times together being as great as he described them to be.

The feelings I recall having aren't those of love. If my feelings weren't mutual, then why did I stay with him? "...... Isn't that right, Scarlet?" Harry asked me. i had drowned out everyone's voice. "Yeah, sure............" I answered, still focused on my thoughts. Even though I didn't remember it all, I needed to tell Harry how I felt. It wasn't right to drag on a relationship. I needed to set him straight. "Harry..." I tugged on his shirt. I didn't get a response. I tugged on his shirt a bit harder. That got his attention. "We need to talk". I said to him. "Ooh, that's never good. You're about to get dumped". Commented Ron in between bites. I noticed Harry's immediate discomfort. Hermoine slapped Ron on the back of his head.

After dinner, I pulled Harry aside. "You wanted to talk". He gulped. I held his quivering hands in mine. "Harry, I-" I stopped mid-sentence. There was a force preventing me from speaking further. My lips formed the words, but alas, nothing came out. And then came a voice. Not mine, my conscience, nor Harry's. It was a man's voice. His voice sounded threatening. Even his phrasing was sinister. "I'd think twice about it, if I were you". Harry didn't seem to notice. So the voice was in my head. "Ah, young love. You seem to be having a difficult time making up your mind. Allow me to assist you in your decision". There was a pain in my arm. A searing. I fought the pain. "Give up, Scarlet. Resisting is futile". Only was the pain relieved when I let go. Without my consent, my arms raised and wrapped themselves around Harry's neck.