Him - A Harry Potter Love Story

Chapter Twenty

Hermione, Ginny and I were sharing a room. Of course, after Harry stayed to listen to what was happening with the Order of the Phoenix, we all crowded around the railing of the staircase that looked down on the door of the dining room, Fred and George holding what looked like a wax ear attached to a string.

"Extendable ear," George explained when he saw me looking at it curiously. Fred started lowering it down by the door, and we all crowded around the twins to listen.

"-a secret weapon. Something that will help-"

The talking was drowned out by loud footsteps, coming towards the door. Ginny grabbed Hermione and I's wrists (luckily missing any major bruises on me) and dragged us quickly into our room, leaving the door open so whoever was walking wouldn't hear it creaking. We each jumped into a bed, Hermione having just shut the lights off.

Now that we were all still, footsteps could be heard going up the stairs. I closed my eyes as they stopped in our doorway, the door creaking shut after a moment. Ginny let out a small giggle, making me smile. Ginny had always been a lot of fun to hang out with, but we hadn't for a while.

Slowly, I was able to drift off to sleep, for once not having heavy weights on my shoulders, worrying about what would happen the next day.

••••••••••

"Cassandra..."

I opened my eyes to find myself laying against hard, cold grass, looking up at dark clouds swirling in the sky.

I stood, looking around cautiously. I seemed to be in some sort of graveyard...

A laugh sounded behind me. I whipped around, letting out a strangled gasp and backing up until I was stopped by a large tombstone.

"It's much more terrifying, seeing me in full power, isn't it," Voldemort chuckled, a smirk on his face. I couldn't move anymore, my legs feeling as if they were about to give out.

He continued laughing, moving towards me. I bit my lip, wishing I could back up more without stepping around anything.

"I know about you and Potter," he whispered, standing in front of me. I let out a whimper, trying to close my eyes but not being able to. "I know that you would do anything to try and save him."

"I will," I hissed, a moment of courage appearing inside of me before quickly slipping away, leaving my whole body weak and shaking.

"You're a strong girl, Winters," he told me, holding his wand out in front of me. "But you are weak compared to me."

His lips moved, and I was blinded by a green light.

I woke up with a scream.

Various other voices let out sounds of surprise and fear as I sat up, taking deep breaths. I was still in my bed, but many others had come in and were by my bed.

"Cassie, calm down!" Hermione cried out, sitting next to me. "It's okay, you're awake!"

As my breathing slowed, I looked around me. Mrs. Weasley sat there, along with Hermione, Ron, Ginny, and Lupin. Taking a glance at the window, I saw the sun rising. Harry would be at his trial, now; a few days after we got here, Arthur managed to contact the ministry and get one for him.

"What happened?" I asked weakly, leaning back against my pillow. Touching my face revealed that there was a thin layer of sweat covering my skin.

"A few hours ago you started crying out in your sleep," Hermione explained. "Ginny and I after a while went and got Mrs. Weasley. Soon, you started crying even louder. Harry refused to leave your side...Mr. Weasley practically had to drag him to his trial."

"Then you screamed and woke up," Ron finished.

"It sounded like you were having a nightmare," Mrs. Weasley said, walking over and placing a hand on my forehead. "Was that it?"

The memory of what had happened came rushing back...it was just a dream? It felt far too real...

"Um...I don't think so," I lied. "I don't remember having a nightmare."

"Well, you have a fever," she tutted, standing up. "I want you to rest today."

"When will Harry be back?" I asked, ignoring the others as they smiled knowingly. They thought it was because I wanted him to comfort me or something...if only they knew.

"It won't be for another few hours," she said, also smiling teasingly. "Go back to sleep, sweetie."

Everyone left the room, and I found it impossible to sleep. I was terrified that whatever happened before would happen again.

Finally, while staring up at the ceiling for what felt like the millionth hour, the door opened.

I sat up quickly, relaxing a bit when I saw it was Harry.

"Hi," he said softly, smiling.

"How did the trial go?" I asked, moving over in the bed and motioning for him to sit down next to me.

"I'm not expelled. I'm going back to Hogwarts this year," he said, sitting and wrapping an arm around me. "So...are you okay? What happened?"

I felt a chill run through me.

"I told everyone else I didn't remember anything,"
I whispered. "I had a dream, but it seemed more real than anything. And I haven't forgotten any details, like a normal dream."

"What was it?"

"You-Know-Who...Voldemort," I said, trying not to grimace as I said his name. "I was in a graveyard...I'm sure it was the one you were in at the tournament. He was there, and he kept...saying things."

"Like what?" he asked softly, pulling me closer to him.

"He said he knew I would do anything to protect you, and that I was strong. But I was weak compared to him." I bit my lip, moving over so I could rest my head on Harry's chest. "And then...there was a green light, and..."

Harry pulled me into his arms immediately.

"Cassie. I will never let anyone hurt you," he whispered in my ear. I smiled, knowing he couldn't see it. So I tightened my arms around him.

"I don't know what I would do without you, Harry," I said softly, breathing in his scent.

"And I don't know how I'd even live without you," he said, moving a hand to my face as we pulled away. I felt safe with him...I felt perfect with him.

We shared a kiss, but as soon as it ended Harry frowned a little. I had a mini panic attack; had I done something wrong?!

"Your face is really warm. Are you sick?" he asked, running his thumb gently over my cheek. Lupin had contacted Madame Pomfrey and she had come over and healed all the bruises, which finally let Harry touch me again without the tentativeness or worry.

"I don't know. I don't feel bad," I responded, but as soon as I said it, my eyelids started to feel heavy.

"You look tired," he noticed. I shrugged a little, not wanting him to leave.

"I'm okay."

I started to yawn, and Harry wrapped both his arms around me, laying me down against my pillow.

"Get some rest, darling," he whispered, standing up. Although the last thing I wanted was for him to leave, I nodded, closing my eyes. I felt a blanket tucked over me, and soft lips against my forehead. I smiled softly as footsteps moved out of the room, the door closing.