Over the next few weeks Harrys mind wasnt on schoolwork, he spent more and more time confined to the library with Hermione. McGonagel had granted Harry and Hermione unrestricted access, this meant they could be in the library at any time. Harry had given up going to most of his lessons. The only ones he attended were Potions and Defence Against the Dark Arts. More and more disappearances and deaths only made Harry feel he had to work harder.
Hemrione closed the cover of a book entitled histroy of the dark arts, 'There was nothing in there Harry, I thought at least it would have mentioned the war between Gryffindor and Slytherin. We've spent 3 weeks looking for information and we are still non the wiser!' Hermione threw herself back into the armchair, 'Hermione, go to bed, your tired there no point us both being here.' Harry conceded as he picked up a heavy black book form the bottom of the nearest stack of shelves. Hermione stood up and giving Harry a quick kiss she left the library.
Harry sat for a while staring at the fornt cover of the book he was holding then i hit him, they were in the wrong library. Slytherins secrets wouldn't be broadcast to the world, they would be somewhere secret.
Harry stumbled through the hole and fell into the Gryffindor common room, it was empty ad the final embers of the fire were beginning to fail. Harry rushed into his dormitory, Neville and Dean were snoring loudly, Harry grabbed his Firebolt and headed back out.
The water on the floor was sparkling in the Harrys wand light, Harry stood in front of the sink and focused the wand onto the taps, 'Open' a low hiss came from his mouth, the taps shone brightly as the hole that Harry had seen 5 years ago was once again open. Harry slid down the pipe, into the dank sewers below. It was exactly as Harry remembered it, the rocks from the roof collapsing still lay scattered around the place. As Harry turned the corner the large doors, stood in front of him, again the low hiss protruded from Harrys mouth. The doors began to open, and there in front of Harrys lay the decomposing body of the basilisk. The large chamber held no books, only the throne at the very end. Harry placed his broom donw by the door, and moved into the alcoves. Harry instantly felt both excitement and despair, as he saw hundreds and hundreds of books. Thjis would take weeks and weeks to get through them all alone. He would need help, but for tonight he was alone. Harry grabbed the nearest book and lay it on the desk, the lamp by the desk lit up and Harry threw the book open. It contained spells and described there effects. Harry started reading one particuarly nasty spell, "The Avello spell, causes the victim to have their limbs slowly torn apart, staying alive while it happens. Performed non verbally with the incantation, Avello Spiro." As Harry proceeded through the book he found more and more dark spells. Harry closed the book and began to read the next one. The light in front of him began to fade as darkness began to surorund him.
Harry awoke to find the lamp burning down and surrounded by books. He got up and began to trudge back to th door when something caught his eye. In the shelf at the end of the alcove, a book stood out, this was unlike all other books, it was new, not more than 20 years old. Harrys chest began to beat harder and harder as he aproached this book. He stretched his hand out to take it as he touched it an invisible force threw him backwards, Harry stood up looking at the bok, taking the books next to it out of place he saw the front cover, it was a simple green book, with silver inscription across it, "Diary of Lord Voldemort 1938-1955," Harrys heart gave a leap, he again tried to take it but got thrown even harder this time. Harry picked himself up realising he'd need help getting this book out, he picked his wand up and left the Chamber of Secrets.
Jumping on his Firebolt, Harry quickly emerged back into the girls bathroom, without getting off his broom he flew straight out, almost knocking over several 3rd years, who turned and watched Harry in astonishment. Harry jumpd off his broom as he stopped outside of McGonagells transfiguration classroom. Harry burst through the door, "Professor, I need to talk to you now!' Harry rushed between the rows of desks, the 5th year class looked at Harry stunned. 'Harry what is this?How dare you interupt my class in such a rude manner!' Her voice was piercing the air in the room, 'Professor i have found something extremely important, you have to come immediately!' Immediately McGonagels complexion changed, 'Class dismissed, I will see you next lesson.' The 5th years all got up looking extremely happy there lesson had ended early. 'Come Harry we will get Lupin as well, then tell us,' McGonagel sent a silver creature out of the door. A few minutes later Lupin came through the door, 'What is it Minerva? Harry what are you doing here?' Lupin had stopped a few feet away only just noticing Harry, 'Professors I've found Voldemorts diary, its in the Chamber of Secrets, we can't waste any time follow me.' Harry strode purposefully out of the classroom.
Harry pushed the doors to the Chamber of Secrets open for the second time that day, he rushed over to the alcoves, closely followed by Lupin and McGonagel just behind. Harry reached the last bookcase and their it stood the diary of Lord Voldemort. 'Oh my god Harry!Do you realise what you have found?! With this we will win the war.' Lupin managed to get out in an excited voice. 'Don't touch it, it has an enchantment on it, I touched it and got thrown backwards.' McGonagel bent down and began examining it, 'Amazing, He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named has used the banishing spell, but has bewitched the book to banish any who touch it. I cannot counter this spell, Flitwick would be able to.' Lupin turned and sent his Patronus out of the Chamber. 'So Harry this is the Chamber of Secrets then. Well it is most impressive, I still don't understand how it was kept secret for so long!' Lupin moved out of the alcoves and looked around the main chamber. The chamber doors creaked open and the tiny figure of Flitwick nervouslly stumbled through the door, 'Pro...Professor Lupin what are we doing in this place?' the panic in his voice was clear, 'Ahh dear Flitwick, we need your help, see Harry has found something, however a banishing charm has been placed on the object we need you to break it.'
However over the following hours and days it became apparent this was no ordinary charm, every spell Flitwick tried would backfire and leave him in a pile against the wall. The initial excitement and hope that had surrounded everyone had started to disappear, they all agreed that the only person capable of figuring out how to break this was Dumbledore.
Harry had taken to spending hours upon end sitting in the Chamber pouring over books of Dark Magic, the content of these book were fascinating, yet at the same time deeply disturbing. During the times Harry wasn't in the Chamber he was debating whether or not to tell McGonagel about the book he had come into possesion of.
"Harry you have to tell her, I know its hard because Dumbledore entrustd you. But for the sake of the world you need to do this! With Dumbledore back we have an even greater weapon with him and that book you found," Hermiones eyes stared into Harrys own, the deep green of Harrys eyes were so entrancing as Harry raised them to catch her look. The common room had emptied and the fire was crackling softly in the background, the soft touch of rain pattered against the window. Harrys head moved closer to Hermiones, and their lips gently touched. The fire in the background seemed to get brighter the longer they kissed. Finally the fire subsided as Harry moved away, "I have to go Hermione, I won't be long," Harry turned and walked out of the common room.
"Proffesor may I speak to you?" Harry asked as he opened the door to Lupins office. "Certainly Harry what is bothering you?" Lupin put the rolls of parchment he had been reading to one side, "Well, I don't know how to ay this really, but I've been in contact with Dumbledore he's not dead!" Lupin let out a hort gasp, "You see he's preserved his soul in that book I got and he told me to find Snape, I need you to help me find him."
The darkness turned into a thick quilt as the stars in the sky began to diappear, what had once been one of the safest places known to man, had turned into a building of torture. A greasy haired man, pulld himself out of the mall boat that had drifted into the shore. It was at that moment a small crack pierced the air. Spinning round he saw the most odd looking thing ever. "Hello Professor sir. We need your help. You are to return to Hogwarts immediately. The truth has emerged." With that the house elf dressed in a hogwarts tea towel disappeared leaving the man alone once again.
Almost the moment the elf had disappeared a searing pain ignited on the lower part of Snapes arm. Pulling up his sleeve a green skull with a snake protruding from its mouth was glowing on his arm. The rain had now begun to fall even harder, it took him barely a second to make his decision and with a swift turn the place he had stood now lay empty.
"Ahh professor, welcome back," a tall red haired boy pulled himself out of his chair,"Do not mock me Weasley I still know far more powerful magic then you, where is He?" Ron stopped in his tracks and turned to the unconcious figure on the floor, the blonde haired boy looked exhausted and in pain. Looking back up he nodded to the door across the hall, "I hope he kills you." Ron returned to his seat by the fire.
Snape walked silently through the flickering shadows until he had reached the door. Pushing it slowly open, he was greeted by the figure of Voldemort staring straight at him, "You have been contacted?" his voice had changed it sounded so deeper and snakelike, "Yes my lord, I did not know what to do." Not once did Snape raise his head,preferring to concentrate on a spot of blood on the floor. Go back to them, I believe they must have found something, they need your help. For which you will assist them until the final hour.Understood?" Snape felt a surge of emotion ring through him. Luckily Voldemorts thoughts had been distracted as at that exact moment, the door had flown off its hinges and there lying on his back was his apprentice. "Weasley scum you will not hurt my son!" a shriek emerged from the dusty hall, an seconds later a jet of black light hit Ron square in the chest sending him spinning back in pain. As he lay twitching on the ground, the person who had hit him with the spell, finally came into the light her long blonde hair shone out brightly, her face turned from one of determination to fear as she saw the people that were stood in the room. "How dare you!" a low hiss was followed by a green flash and the thud of the body on the floor. "Cissa," Lucius Malfoy rushed into the room, "Why did you do that?!" he roared at the Dark Lord. "Lucius you have one chance to back down or i will kill you and your son here and now!" Voldemort had stood up and looked even more evil then before. "Back down!" this time it was directed as more of an order. Still cradling his dead wife, a tear trickled down his face. "Im going to leave and Im taking Draco with me!" Lucius turned and went to help his son up from the hallway, as he bent down to pick up Draco he froze, his eyes wide open he fell on top of him. The life sucked from his body. Draco looked from his dead parents, then he felt something on his arm, he looked up and saw a crook nosed face, beginning to turn. The last thing he heard was an angry voice shouting at Ron. The next thing he saw was the tall iron gates and an ancient castle in the background.
The low rumbles of thunder hung in the air. Snape struggled along with the blonde boy hanging off of him. The forest slowly come more into view as Snape hugged the edge. "Come on Draco, we need to get inside even in the grounds we aren't safe." The boy let out a low cry and a sniffle, "There is time for mourning but not now, please hurry Draco." Snape then began to pull Draco even harder. The moonlight fell across the path in front of him, the light fall of rain shining brightly in front of them. Snape followed the light on the path knowing full well that the path would lead him close enough to Hogwarts to send his message. As they turned the corner, Snape slowed their movement to a stop,Draco slumped onto the floor. Snape straightened up and sent off a silvery whisp. Moments later a huge figure appeared in the shadows. "Follow me you filthy traitor!" the gruff voice of Hagrid sounded even more threatening then ever before. "Get up Draco," the sniffling figure of the blonde boy rose to his feet and followed closely behind the half giant. They walked in silence up to the front door, there McGonagel stood waiting along with Harry and Hermione. Upon seeing Snape Harrys face turned away too full of disgust to even look at him. "Follow me Severus," McGonagel barked the order. They walked silently along the corridors, Snape looked totally bemused as where they were going. They walked up a flight of stairs and came to a corridor on the seventh floor. "Ok if you could stop here," the whole gorup stopped except Harry who continued to walk, three times he walked past the same bit of wall. Then on his third pass and door appeared out of nowhere. "Welcome to the first official meeting of the Order of Phoenix, enter." One by one each person wlaked through the door. The room they were in was huge, a large table took up the middle of the room, surrounded by hundreds of people. Scattered around the edge of the room were kegs of butterbeer and other kitchen utensils. McGonagel walked to the very end of the table. There were 4 chairs free, Harry and Hermione took 3 of them leaving the middle one free. Snape and Draco were forced into chairs on the edge while Hagrid just stood and watched. "I welcome you all here to Hogwarts. From now on all meetings conducted will take place in here. This room can be reached from Grimmauld Place but only at the time of the meetings. You are all here today to share in a most astounding set of discoveries which Harry Potter discovered whilst in the Chamber of Secrets. Harry please would you tell them what you have discovered." McGongel sat down and let Harry stand. His heart began to beat hard against his chest, he could feel his face turning red. "At the beginning of term I came into possession of a book. This was no ordinary book, through it I was able to communicate with Dumbledore." Harry paused as a number of gasps rung through the room. " In these sessions, I was told a number of things he found out. The first one concerns myself and Voldemort. You all know of the feud between Godric Gryffindor and Salazar Slytherin. However you do not know of the war that occured. Thousands killed in a bid to create a pure race. During this time Slytherin created the first horcrux. Having discovered this Godric created a reverse horcrux, instead of taking someones life to create it, he preserved someones life. They both found and ended up killing each other. Now the blood of Slytherin and the blood of Gryffindor must once again fight. I am Godrics heir." A horrible silence hung in the room, Harry continued, " Dumbledore found out about Godrics unusual piece of magic and he used it to preserve his life, that is why we have called Severus Snape here tonight. He helped Dumbledore create it, he can help Dumbledore come back." Every head in the room turned to the corner in which Snape sat. " Very good Potter, I am most suprised it only took you this long to work out how to use it." Snape rose from his seat and stood facing Harry from the opposite side of the room. "The night I 'killed' Dumbledore was a most amazing night. However it required perfect planning as it had to happen at the precise moment. This plan has been in effect for a long time. Harry the potion he drank in the cave, that was part of the spell. It weakened his soul so that it was weak enough to be pulled from his body upon death. I killed him yes, but only his body his soul lived on, through that book." The people in the room looked even more outstanded then before. The Weasleys were all grouped together, Harry couldn't help think about Ron. "He said you could bring him back?" Harrys mind returned to the room, Snape looked Harry up and down. "Yes I can, it is an extremely complex potion. The Phoenix potion requires tears of phoenix as well as other hard to come by ingrediants. But it is relatively quick in brewing." Harry stood thinking, "Why did he say you could help, why couldnt proffessor slughorn make the potion?!" Harrys voice had begun to rise, all the anger he had held over Snape was slowly seeping out, "Because Harry, the spell requires the blood of the traitor and blood of a fmaily member." Harry sat back down in the seat his mind ticking over, he looked at Hermione next to him. The smile she gave him filled him with strength, "Do it." Snape simply nodded and turned to leave but was instantly flanked by Lupin, Bill and 2 other order members Harry didnt recognise. Snape paused slightly and then left the room. McGonagel stood up once more and she raised her glass, out of the right side of the room a toast emerged, "To the Rise of the Phoenix, now the war begins!" Moodys rough voice echoing around the hollow room.
Halloween came and went with no real incident, Snape had managed to get all the ingrediants except family blood. However he said he can brew the potion and the blood will only be needed when the incantation is said at the end. Harry felt much more relaxed now that things had started to fall into place. He began spending more and more time with Hermione and was actually attending all lessons. However every so often he would creep away to the Chamber of Secrets and would study the books he found among the huge library of dark material. Harry hadn't realised before just how much the dark arts were teaching him. He had learnt several new curses which causes your enemy to lose sight among other things.
The snow had begun to fall on Hogwarts as November came to a close. A thick blanket of snow covered the grounds and the lake even froze over. "Everyone were fast approaching the christmas holidays. You all need to learn this terms work over the holidays you will be tested on it. Harry may I speak with you and Miss Granger please." The rest of Harrys NEWT transfiguration class sidled out of the room. Harry and Hermione stood waiting in front of McGongells desk. "Do you have any idea where your going to spend christmas this year?" She was very blunt about it no small talk at all, "I have no idea proffessor, we usually stay with the Weasleys but with whats going on at the moment, I'm not so sure. I think I'll stay here." McGonagell nodded, then turned her attention to Hemrione "I'll stay here as well,' again McGonagell simply nodded, "You will be the only students remaining here over christmas, Lupin, Filch and Trelawney will be the only people left here with you. Now go you will be late for your next lesson, oh i forgot Proffessor Snape has told me the potion will be ready in time for the New Year."
The snow continued to cover the castle grounds as the sun set against a deep red sky. Harry and Hermione were sat around the crisp fire in the staff room. Harry had only ever seen a glimpse of this room before, and even then it looked magnificent, but being inside was a whole different story. The room was set out in a beautiful deep oak colour with a main fire roaring at the back end of the room. Large red chairs surrounded the fire place with tables and other less comfortable chairs. The room was remarkably tidy, however according to Lupin in term time you could hardly move in there. Harry and Hermione had spent alot of time in there talking to the teachers that had remained behind, most of the time justHagrid and Lupin were there for company, Snape, Filch and Trelawney preferred being alone. The pre christmas weeks dragged on, usually Harry would be at the Burrow having fun, but instead he was confined to the castle.
"Any news on the potion?" Harry asked during one of the dreary hours spent in the staff room, "Still several weeks away, we still havent managed to find his brother, Aberforth, he was head barman at the Hogs Head but he went missing a few days before Snape returned. But there was no indication that there was a struggle." Lupin replied to Harrys question, "Where do you think hes gone?" Harry asked while trying to remember if he had ever seen the barman at the Hogs Head. "Were not sure but he can't have gone far because all his belongings and even his Gringotts key are still at the Hogs Head. We think hes gone away on buisness somewhere. At least we hope he has..." Lupin trailed off as his attention returned to the pieces of classwork he was looking at. Harry pulled himself from the seat he was in, this required a great effort as he loved that seat, at times he would just drift away sitting there. Harry slithered through the empty corridors not caring where his feet took him until he felt the horrible feeling of water splashing under his feet. It was only then that he realised that unknowingly he had started wlaking back to the Chamber of Secrets. A voice stirred in his head, why were you walking there Harry? I know why you've become obssesed by the power of the Dark Arts, turn away now Harry, slowly the voice subsided leaving Harry alone once again in the deserted hallway.
The thoughts of the night Harry had appeared unknowingly at the entrance to the Chamber below the school continued to haunt him. His vacant expression had obviously been rather too obvious as Hermione had begun to notice something was wrong. "Harry whats wrong? You've been so distant from me recently, I've barely spoke to you since we've been alone. Please Harry you can trust me." Hermione ave Harry a small smile, Harry looked into her eyes, " I love you Hermione but I don't want to scare you off, promise me you'll never leave me." Harry eyes had begun to glisten with tears, a single tear began to role down his face, "I promise you Harry, I'll always be here for you." Hermione gently kissed Harrys cheek softly rubbing away his tears. Harry smiled, "Hermione I'm not sure who I am. I can't stop thinking about the books I found. When I read them its so intoxicating I just learn from them so easily." Harrys voice had begun to stutter as the thought of what he was becoming began to take over his body. "Harry I've lost Ron to the other side I'm not going to lose you too. I promise Harry I'll always be around for you, if you ever want to talk I'll be here, regardless of whether or not we are together." Hermione held Harrys hand in her own as he started to stop shaking, a single tear dropped off his cheek landing on Hermiones hand. She looked down before looking up and into Harrys eyes, "I love you Hermione, I'm never going to leave you." Harrys lips softly brushed Hermiones cheek, Hermiones cheek began to glow a deep red colour, "Don't worry Harry I'll never leave you.' Hermione threw her arms round Harrys neck and held him close. They were interupted by a gentle tapping on the window. Spinning round Harry noticed a dark grey owl rapping the window with its beak. "Errol what are you doing here?" Harry quickly pulled the window open, the owl took one step inside before falling onto the floor,, Harry picke dit up unconcerned at its lack of life and quickly pulled the letter from its leg. Dropping Errol back to the floor Harry unravelled the letter:
Dear Harry and Hermione,
Somethings happened please can you get yourselfs and Lupin here as soon as possible, I didn't know who else to contact.
George
Harry threw the letter down and raced from the common room, Hermione quickly began after him, "Harry it could all be a trap, it could be Voldemort," she screamed at the top of her voice. Harry ignored her and slid to a stop outside Lupin office, almost knocking the door down Harry burst inside. However he was stopped in his tracks by what was lying curled up on the chair in front of him, a large wolf like creature lay there, its chest gently rising up and down. Harry had frozen with fear, he could no longer move any muscles in his body. From behind him he heard the sound of beating footsteps, "Harry you don't know what your..." Hermiones words stopped the instant she saw the werewolf opposite her. Hermione gently raised her arms to Harrys shoulders and started to pull him backwards towards her. "Come on Harry lets go," Hermiones hushed voice gliding into his ear. Harry gulped and nodded gently walking backwards careful not to wake the sleeping beast-Lupin. As Harry grabbed the door knob on his way out he pulled the door shut, a low squeak emitted from the hinge. Harry let out a sigh of relief as the door fully shut. "That was close, come on lets go we need to get to the Burrow." Harry grabbed Hermiones hand and dragged her out of the castle.
The darkness immediately surrounded them as the light pulled away. They rushed as quickly as they could through the snow, finally reaching the gates. Harry held Hermiones hand tightly as he focused on the Burrow, her hand slipped away as Harry began to turn. Moments later the backdrop of the castle was replaced by a flaming wreck of a house. "Oh god Harry whats happened here?!" As Hermione rushed forward Harrys attention turned to the old orchard that lay adjacent to the house. Flashes of light and shouts were coming from between the trees. "Hermione this way!" Harry shouted at her as he pulled his wand out and took off towards the orchard.As Harry reached the orchard Hermione had caught up with him, between the trees Harry sawseveral silhouettes battling away. They got closer and closer and suddenly they could distinguish the different people. There were about 6 death eaters, one of which Harry could see had fiery red hair. "Ron" he whispered under his breath. On the other side he could make out the twins, Bill, Fleur and Mrs Weasley. "Hermione they need our help come on!" Harry burst from the shadows and sent a stunning spell over at the nearest death eater to him, this took him completely by suprise and he was sent spinning backwards onto the floor knocking over the detah eater next to him. As the death eater pulled themselves up a straggle of long hair fell down, she turned and Harry saw the face of evil. Bellatrix Lestrange stared at Hermione. Harry turned and saw Hermiones eyes narrow, without thinking about it the words had already escaped Hermiones mouth, "Crucio!" Bellatrix fell to the floor as unbelievable pain took over her body, Bellatrix managed to send a curse at Hermione who managed to block it just about.
Harry rushed up behind George, "We're here but Lupins kind of not in a fit state to come!" Harry sent a Body Bind curse at a detah eater trying to creep up on Mrs Weasley. Mrs Weasley wa slocked in a fierce battle with her son. "Come on mother I thought youd be better then this, even Percy put up a better fight then you!" Ron hit his mother with a spell that caused her legs to bend back on themselves, she began to scream in pain. Ron slowly moved forward, he bent down and whipered in her ear, "I hve repaid my debt to the name of wizard you will die blood traitor!" He kissed her forehead, standing up he drew his wand up, but as he opened his mouth a jet of blue light hit him in the chest sennding him flying against a tree. Harry moved forward quickly conjuring ropes to bind Ron. "Mrs Weasley send for the Order immediately!" Harry barked the order at the women only just recovering. The rets of the detah eaters had disapparated, as Harry looked around the orchard he noticed several bodies lying on the floor. He could make out the body of Fred lying oddly shaped against a tree, his face contorted with pain. "Why did you do this Ron?!" Harry turned and shouted at his old friend, "Im here on orders from my Lord, the traitors must be eradicated. You should let me go Harry, he will be here the moment word gets back to him." Ron snarled up at Harry. Out of the dakrness slowly the figure of Hemrione came into view, she was limping badly, "Harry she escaped, I had her and then she was gone!RON!" Hermiones mood changed into anger, "I have nothing to say to you, I hate you Ronald!" Hermione turned and marched off as quick as she could." Shes can't stand you Ron why are you doing this?" Harrys voice was one full of pity for his fallen friend. "I can answer that for you Potter!" Harry spun round and standing in the dark was the ghostly white figure of his adversary, Lord Voldemort. The remaining Weasley members that had still been standing and all been bound and were left hanging in the air. " You see Potter your friend has realised just who was going to win the war and he cut his losses before he died. Now Harry prepare to die!" Voldemort sent a godl strema of light at Harry, only his Quidditch reactions managed to save him as he dived to the floor. One thing Harry had managed to master since the summer were non verbal spells, summoning up all his courage Harry sent a spell back at Voldemort, through his mind he thought the words, 'Avello Spiro'. Voldemort didnt react in time and almost immediately his shrieks filled the air as small tears began to appear on his shoulder. The effects lasted for several seconds before Voldemort muttered the counter curse. "Where did you learn spells like that Potter?!" Voldemorts voice had returned to normal, well normal for Voldemort. " I've been studying in a special library, and theres plenty more of that!" Voldemort composed himself before sending the killing curse at Harry, Harry ducked narrowly avoiding the curse. As he rushed round the orchard he felt something bind his legs, falling to the floor Harry smashed his mouth against a rock, "And so it ends here, goodbye Potter!" As Voldemort raised his wand Harry could have sworn he had heard the minutest of cracks, all of a sudden the orchard was alive with life, out of the cornor of his eye Harry saw a blur of red and gold, a jet of light flew at Harry but it was at that moment a phoenix appeared, taking the fall blast of the killing curse. A jet of sparks flew from the trees hitting Voldemort in the back sending him sprawling, immediately Harrybfelt the binds lift on his legs. As he looked up he heard a voice, his heart filled with joy and hope, "Hello Tom, did you miss me?!"