Black Rider
Idea by Ducky, written by Mae Noelle.
Disclaimer -- Nothing is ours, I promise. Never has been, never will be. Gasp! Can you believe it?
AN -- you might be confused at first, as with most things, but don't worry too much about it.
~1 -- The Beginning -- 1~
A figure clad all in black ran through the damp streets, avoiding the streetlights that cast eerie shadows on the roads and buildings as she went.
Her feet hit the puddles of water with quiet splashes, and path by path she made her way toward a chipped brick wall, which ended a dark, narrow alley.
The woman reached into her pocket, and with a last glance at the clear, starry night, she took out a long, thin piece of wood, tapped a brick, and passed silently through an archway that magically manifested itself onto the wall.
She walked into the middle of the dusty room, black as a moonless night. Whispering in an old forgotten language, her wand burst into light, and a metal handle on the floor gleamed in reflection.
Smiling behind her veil, she kneeled down and firmly grasped the handle, and pulled up the trap door. Before her a long, winding staircase was revealed.
Holding up her wand in front of her, she stepped down onto the third stair, walked down a bit, and closed the trap door behind her. With a deep breath, savoring the musty smell of the stair, she began her descent.
There were many ways to get into the underground arena, but she preferred this entrance. Dark and ominous, secret, surprising.
After walking down the seemingly endless flight of stairs, the woman stopped, put her hand in to her pocket, and dropped her wand in. Out she pulled a pair of weathered black leather gloves, and put them on, and yanked at her sleeves, so that none of her arm was visible.
She took a moment to arrange her layers of clothes comfortably, and then buttoned up her cloak as far as it would go. She looked down instinctively to make sure no part of her was showing. Her black pants that were usually visible from underneath the black cloak and robe were made of dragon hide, along with her very comfortable boots.
Looking out to the end of the dark alleyway that she had entered, she began to walk, startling quite a few people as she swept past and went on her familiar route to the stables.
Many of the people on the roads and inside of the buildings pointed and stared, turning their heads slightly to whoever they were with (though not taking their eyes off of her), to repeat to them the rumors and such of the Black Rider.
Which she was, of course. Her name obviously originating from her all black attire.
A smile crept unconsciously to her face at the thought of her emanating superiority and mysteriousness. She felt so normal it would often worry her when the many people would avoid her on the underground streets. Most people crossed to the other side of the road when she wore her disguise - and remembering the dangerous tactics she used in the races, she couldn't really blame them for starring incessantly at the ground when she passed.
The underground was illuminated thanks to thousands of lights that were suspended in mid air, right below the enchanted ceiling. At the moment it was black with little shining dots, flickering as small bands of gray clouds passed over them. The idea, of course, had been taken from Britains own Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
The Witches and Wizards had wanted to put every bit of goodness from their world into the underground, their secret haven hidden at least a mile below the surface. It was the gift the people gave to themselves after the last war, the one that ended the reign of terror that the dark Lord Voldemort had ensued; pressing upon wizard and muggle alike.
The Muggles had nearly all the clues to it all, almost obliviating the secrecy held by the wizarding community once and for all.
A large building came into view in front of her, pearly white with Latin engravings around every trim. Large bay windows extruded from the sides, their bottoms nearly eight feet from the ground, and the windows being six feet tall and five feet wide themselves. The glass was stained, and in each a different story was depicted with small glass shards. Two large doors at the front of the building, with surrounding pillars, gave the building a roman-ish look, and were at the moment constantly swinging open and closed as people issued in and out.
The woman walked around to the back, where another door was located, squashed between two white pillars. She grasped the pearl and silver handle and turned it quickly, and swept into the stable house.
Though it was officially a stable, that title had never suited it. It was more like a luxury mansion, that not one person could deny. Plush green carpets covered the floors of the hallways, and parts of each of the dozens of rooms.
She walked down the hallway that lead to the door she had come in, and turned down the first hall to her right, her right hand brushing the burgundy, black, and brown walls and moldings. She stopped when she reached the third door to her left, and grasped the long gold handle, enchanted to let no one but her in, and turned it sharply right.
It swung open, and she walked in quickly, soundlessly pressing closed the door behind her. The grass covering the floor sunk under her weight as she stood in the middle of the room for a moment.
A quiet neigh came from the end half of the room, and she walked over cautiously, to where the green grass, enchanted to never die, turned into hay.
The woman stepped up to the brown fence that separated her from Serendipity. She placed her black leather gloved hands upon the top of the fence, beckoning for the Unicorn to come to her, and after it took a slight step back, the woman signed and pulled back her hood and black veil.
Her long, bushy brown hair was tucked into the back of her cloak, and her brown eyes looked intently on her majestic animal friend.
"Come here," She cooed, taking off her gloves, stuffing them in her pocket, and stretching her arm over the fence. She waved her hand, and the unicorn trotted over to her.
"Why didn't you recognize me?" Hermione said softly, brushing her fingers over the muzzle of the pearly white creature. "I hope my thoughts weren't too ominous and dark for you," She combed her fingers through the white hair of Serendipity's mane, looking her friend in the eye.
Serendipity tossed her head, staring back at Hermione.
"Are you ready to win again?" She said softly, lifting the latch on the brown gate, and opened it.
Hermione went over to the painted wall, enchanted enough to fool anyone that they were in the middle of a forest, though still paint, rough and bumpy to the touch.
A nail stuck out from the wall, right where a painted tree was located. She took the light saddle off the nail, and walked over to her Unicorn.
She placed the saddle neatly onto Serendipity's back, and brushed through her mane and over her coat once. She re-tucked all of her stray hairs in her cloak, pulled up her hood, and adjusted her veil. She looked up at the beautiful enchanted sky of her room, at the enchanted forests of her walls, and the grass under her feet, and felt a feeling of contentment.
"Oh, Sere, if only we could live in the middle of a real forest." Hermione's voice grabbed the unicorns attention, and she tossed her head, agreeing with Hermione's thought. "Let's go."
Hermione opened the door to her room, letting Serendipity walk past her before shutting the door. They walked down the halls until they reached a brown, solid oak door. A man in a long black robe stood in front of the door, his arms folded across his chest. His combed back, shiny hair and stern expression gave Hermione the impression that he would do well as some sort of body guard of government official.
She pulled out a silver badge, with her registration numbers and her Unicorns numbers imprinted on it, along with a moving, engraved emblem of a Unicorn, and in the corner a small engraving of the arena.
"Right on through, Back Rider," The man said, nodding and opening the large door. Hermione nodded to him, and led Serendipity through the doorway.
They passed an odd sort of contraption that was emitting alarming noises. Hermione waited for a second, used to this procedure, and after a final, shrill 'beep' she heard a muffled voice of a man yell, "ALRIGHT, you may GO. THROUGH."
Before passing to the entrance, she caught a bit of conversation between the guard and an unfamiliar rider.
"Badge?"
Silence. Rustling.
"Name and age, please."
"Delia Stratton, twenty-five." A light voice sang through the air.
Hermione laughed despite herself. A new rider. She patted Sere's neck, and whispered, "I think we are going to have fun tonight,"
"Please step through this, so that we can detect whether or not you have used any magic to enhance you're abilities." Hermione heard the forever agitated check man say to this new rider. Without her consent she felt a thrill of importance, that she was a veteran rider, and needed none of the speeches and lectures that others got.
She walked over to the area in which she and the other riders had to wait. Serendipity neighed slightly, and trotted over to the side of the arena, by the large wall that rose at least fifty feet in the air. They were at the rider's entrance, and the starting mark, and race track, was just outside the waiting area. Little children were peering over the walls, looking down at the riders, pointing - along with some adults.
On both sides of the walls were the tens of thousands of seats for the crowds. Hundreds of wizards came. Thousands. Every week, Thursday and Saturday nights, there were races. It was the fastest growing wizard tradition. At times almost more popular then quidditch, which wasn't held nearly as often. People came to bet on the races, watch the fights that ensued, and, most of all, came for the women.
Yes - the higher percentage of people in the audience were men. Since these were unicorn races, only skilled women were able to ride them. Most women were thrown off if they tried to mount a unicorn, in fact. And men couldn't get close enough to touch them, much less ride them.
Though, of course, that didn't mean that no man had tried.
Hermione walked over to her unicorn, which was waiting almost as impatiently as the rest of the crowd for the races to start. Hermione turned her head, and stared in disgust at the other riders accompanying her today.
Most of the other women took advantage of the fact that hundreds of men were watching. Wearing incredibly flaunty cloths. Almost none at all. Some dressed slightly moderately, but still noticeable to the men. They came just to strut - not to win, not for challenge, as Hermione did. It was disgusting.
But, there were enough talented riders to keep the game interesting for her.
The last of the riders came into the waiting area, and the riders came out of the entry way, and onto the dirt track, and up to the starting line. The new rider was having trouble with her Unicorn - or rather, the unicorn was having trouble with her idiot rider.
During the race they would go around the track counter-clockwise, and were placed before the start at the beginning of the East long stretch.
Over head Hermione heard the announcer begin the familiar speech. Hermione held tight to Serendipity, and leapt onto the free sitting saddle.
"Wizards and Witches! Warlocks and Sorceresses! Goblins and Hags! From the years after the wars, when the races were first introduced, nine years ago, blossoms the most loved wizard sport of our age! Today, I welcome you to the Saturday Unicorn Race!" There were loud cheers among the crowd. "Now for the rules-"
There were loud boo's and curses, along with comments such as 'Got on with the races!' and 'Everyone already knows the goddamn rules!'
"As with every race, anything goes. Knocking fellow riders off of Unicorns, hitting, kicking, stealing other unicorns, anything - EXCEPT for MAGIC. There will be no usage of magic during this race, or any other race, by the riders - or audience! Unless otherwise stated. First to complete fifty laps, or last one on their Unicorn, wins!"
The commentator took a dramatic pause.
"And now for our special Saturday rules." The entire crowd hushed. "Decided amongst the judges of the races, are as follows: Audience members are for today, today only, allowed to interfere with the races!" The crowd cheered. "Bring out your wands, wizarding community, and let's see what we can do! Anything goes! However, death is frowned upon. Remember, Unforgivables are 'Unforgivable' for a reason!" There were some grumbles. "Make sure all your bets are in place, because after the race officially begins, no more will be taken tonight. Now, riders."
Hermione tightened her hold on Serendipity. Who knows what the crowd might do!
Out of the corner of her eye, examined the crowd, who all stood or sat impatiently quiet, their wands ready in their hands. Fortunately for her, she was the object of most of the bets, so she didn't quite have to worry about being as savagely attacked as the rest of them.
"On your mark." The riders all held on tighter. Hermione's muscles tightened, and took a last glance at the crowds around her, the eerily lighted arena, the black railings and walls of the stadium, the clear night sky above. "Get set."
"Here we go," Hermione whispered as she leaned forward, and Serendipity blinked in response.
"Let the races, begin!"
~*~
So! Original? Not? When this was started, there was nothing out there like this. so if there is now, please inform me, so I can go kick their ass. . My woderful awesome fantastic muse Ducky told me about this idea, I just FELL in LOOOVE with it, and began writing it without her permission. and she just gave it to me, so, here it is! Do you like? Do you want more?
And, just for anyone who came upon this story NOT by looking for Hermione/Snape romances, then, this is a romance/Action adventure kindof thing. with Hermione and Snape. Both of them. Together. Before the end. so, if that bothers you, then, you've been warned. For those of you who like that spicy, tension filled bitter like romance that have little or no kissing and if there's sex at ALL then it's completely random and not written in, then, you've come to the right place!
Idea by Ducky, written by Mae Noelle.
Disclaimer -- Nothing is ours, I promise. Never has been, never will be. Gasp! Can you believe it?
AN -- you might be confused at first, as with most things, but don't worry too much about it.
~1 -- The Beginning -- 1~
A figure clad all in black ran through the damp streets, avoiding the streetlights that cast eerie shadows on the roads and buildings as she went.
Her feet hit the puddles of water with quiet splashes, and path by path she made her way toward a chipped brick wall, which ended a dark, narrow alley.
The woman reached into her pocket, and with a last glance at the clear, starry night, she took out a long, thin piece of wood, tapped a brick, and passed silently through an archway that magically manifested itself onto the wall.
She walked into the middle of the dusty room, black as a moonless night. Whispering in an old forgotten language, her wand burst into light, and a metal handle on the floor gleamed in reflection.
Smiling behind her veil, she kneeled down and firmly grasped the handle, and pulled up the trap door. Before her a long, winding staircase was revealed.
Holding up her wand in front of her, she stepped down onto the third stair, walked down a bit, and closed the trap door behind her. With a deep breath, savoring the musty smell of the stair, she began her descent.
There were many ways to get into the underground arena, but she preferred this entrance. Dark and ominous, secret, surprising.
After walking down the seemingly endless flight of stairs, the woman stopped, put her hand in to her pocket, and dropped her wand in. Out she pulled a pair of weathered black leather gloves, and put them on, and yanked at her sleeves, so that none of her arm was visible.
She took a moment to arrange her layers of clothes comfortably, and then buttoned up her cloak as far as it would go. She looked down instinctively to make sure no part of her was showing. Her black pants that were usually visible from underneath the black cloak and robe were made of dragon hide, along with her very comfortable boots.
Looking out to the end of the dark alleyway that she had entered, she began to walk, startling quite a few people as she swept past and went on her familiar route to the stables.
Many of the people on the roads and inside of the buildings pointed and stared, turning their heads slightly to whoever they were with (though not taking their eyes off of her), to repeat to them the rumors and such of the Black Rider.
Which she was, of course. Her name obviously originating from her all black attire.
A smile crept unconsciously to her face at the thought of her emanating superiority and mysteriousness. She felt so normal it would often worry her when the many people would avoid her on the underground streets. Most people crossed to the other side of the road when she wore her disguise - and remembering the dangerous tactics she used in the races, she couldn't really blame them for starring incessantly at the ground when she passed.
The underground was illuminated thanks to thousands of lights that were suspended in mid air, right below the enchanted ceiling. At the moment it was black with little shining dots, flickering as small bands of gray clouds passed over them. The idea, of course, had been taken from Britains own Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
The Witches and Wizards had wanted to put every bit of goodness from their world into the underground, their secret haven hidden at least a mile below the surface. It was the gift the people gave to themselves after the last war, the one that ended the reign of terror that the dark Lord Voldemort had ensued; pressing upon wizard and muggle alike.
The Muggles had nearly all the clues to it all, almost obliviating the secrecy held by the wizarding community once and for all.
A large building came into view in front of her, pearly white with Latin engravings around every trim. Large bay windows extruded from the sides, their bottoms nearly eight feet from the ground, and the windows being six feet tall and five feet wide themselves. The glass was stained, and in each a different story was depicted with small glass shards. Two large doors at the front of the building, with surrounding pillars, gave the building a roman-ish look, and were at the moment constantly swinging open and closed as people issued in and out.
The woman walked around to the back, where another door was located, squashed between two white pillars. She grasped the pearl and silver handle and turned it quickly, and swept into the stable house.
Though it was officially a stable, that title had never suited it. It was more like a luxury mansion, that not one person could deny. Plush green carpets covered the floors of the hallways, and parts of each of the dozens of rooms.
She walked down the hallway that lead to the door she had come in, and turned down the first hall to her right, her right hand brushing the burgundy, black, and brown walls and moldings. She stopped when she reached the third door to her left, and grasped the long gold handle, enchanted to let no one but her in, and turned it sharply right.
It swung open, and she walked in quickly, soundlessly pressing closed the door behind her. The grass covering the floor sunk under her weight as she stood in the middle of the room for a moment.
A quiet neigh came from the end half of the room, and she walked over cautiously, to where the green grass, enchanted to never die, turned into hay.
The woman stepped up to the brown fence that separated her from Serendipity. She placed her black leather gloved hands upon the top of the fence, beckoning for the Unicorn to come to her, and after it took a slight step back, the woman signed and pulled back her hood and black veil.
Her long, bushy brown hair was tucked into the back of her cloak, and her brown eyes looked intently on her majestic animal friend.
"Come here," She cooed, taking off her gloves, stuffing them in her pocket, and stretching her arm over the fence. She waved her hand, and the unicorn trotted over to her.
"Why didn't you recognize me?" Hermione said softly, brushing her fingers over the muzzle of the pearly white creature. "I hope my thoughts weren't too ominous and dark for you," She combed her fingers through the white hair of Serendipity's mane, looking her friend in the eye.
Serendipity tossed her head, staring back at Hermione.
"Are you ready to win again?" She said softly, lifting the latch on the brown gate, and opened it.
Hermione went over to the painted wall, enchanted enough to fool anyone that they were in the middle of a forest, though still paint, rough and bumpy to the touch.
A nail stuck out from the wall, right where a painted tree was located. She took the light saddle off the nail, and walked over to her Unicorn.
She placed the saddle neatly onto Serendipity's back, and brushed through her mane and over her coat once. She re-tucked all of her stray hairs in her cloak, pulled up her hood, and adjusted her veil. She looked up at the beautiful enchanted sky of her room, at the enchanted forests of her walls, and the grass under her feet, and felt a feeling of contentment.
"Oh, Sere, if only we could live in the middle of a real forest." Hermione's voice grabbed the unicorns attention, and she tossed her head, agreeing with Hermione's thought. "Let's go."
Hermione opened the door to her room, letting Serendipity walk past her before shutting the door. They walked down the halls until they reached a brown, solid oak door. A man in a long black robe stood in front of the door, his arms folded across his chest. His combed back, shiny hair and stern expression gave Hermione the impression that he would do well as some sort of body guard of government official.
She pulled out a silver badge, with her registration numbers and her Unicorns numbers imprinted on it, along with a moving, engraved emblem of a Unicorn, and in the corner a small engraving of the arena.
"Right on through, Back Rider," The man said, nodding and opening the large door. Hermione nodded to him, and led Serendipity through the doorway.
They passed an odd sort of contraption that was emitting alarming noises. Hermione waited for a second, used to this procedure, and after a final, shrill 'beep' she heard a muffled voice of a man yell, "ALRIGHT, you may GO. THROUGH."
Before passing to the entrance, she caught a bit of conversation between the guard and an unfamiliar rider.
"Badge?"
Silence. Rustling.
"Name and age, please."
"Delia Stratton, twenty-five." A light voice sang through the air.
Hermione laughed despite herself. A new rider. She patted Sere's neck, and whispered, "I think we are going to have fun tonight,"
"Please step through this, so that we can detect whether or not you have used any magic to enhance you're abilities." Hermione heard the forever agitated check man say to this new rider. Without her consent she felt a thrill of importance, that she was a veteran rider, and needed none of the speeches and lectures that others got.
She walked over to the area in which she and the other riders had to wait. Serendipity neighed slightly, and trotted over to the side of the arena, by the large wall that rose at least fifty feet in the air. They were at the rider's entrance, and the starting mark, and race track, was just outside the waiting area. Little children were peering over the walls, looking down at the riders, pointing - along with some adults.
On both sides of the walls were the tens of thousands of seats for the crowds. Hundreds of wizards came. Thousands. Every week, Thursday and Saturday nights, there were races. It was the fastest growing wizard tradition. At times almost more popular then quidditch, which wasn't held nearly as often. People came to bet on the races, watch the fights that ensued, and, most of all, came for the women.
Yes - the higher percentage of people in the audience were men. Since these were unicorn races, only skilled women were able to ride them. Most women were thrown off if they tried to mount a unicorn, in fact. And men couldn't get close enough to touch them, much less ride them.
Though, of course, that didn't mean that no man had tried.
Hermione walked over to her unicorn, which was waiting almost as impatiently as the rest of the crowd for the races to start. Hermione turned her head, and stared in disgust at the other riders accompanying her today.
Most of the other women took advantage of the fact that hundreds of men were watching. Wearing incredibly flaunty cloths. Almost none at all. Some dressed slightly moderately, but still noticeable to the men. They came just to strut - not to win, not for challenge, as Hermione did. It was disgusting.
But, there were enough talented riders to keep the game interesting for her.
The last of the riders came into the waiting area, and the riders came out of the entry way, and onto the dirt track, and up to the starting line. The new rider was having trouble with her Unicorn - or rather, the unicorn was having trouble with her idiot rider.
During the race they would go around the track counter-clockwise, and were placed before the start at the beginning of the East long stretch.
Over head Hermione heard the announcer begin the familiar speech. Hermione held tight to Serendipity, and leapt onto the free sitting saddle.
"Wizards and Witches! Warlocks and Sorceresses! Goblins and Hags! From the years after the wars, when the races were first introduced, nine years ago, blossoms the most loved wizard sport of our age! Today, I welcome you to the Saturday Unicorn Race!" There were loud cheers among the crowd. "Now for the rules-"
There were loud boo's and curses, along with comments such as 'Got on with the races!' and 'Everyone already knows the goddamn rules!'
"As with every race, anything goes. Knocking fellow riders off of Unicorns, hitting, kicking, stealing other unicorns, anything - EXCEPT for MAGIC. There will be no usage of magic during this race, or any other race, by the riders - or audience! Unless otherwise stated. First to complete fifty laps, or last one on their Unicorn, wins!"
The commentator took a dramatic pause.
"And now for our special Saturday rules." The entire crowd hushed. "Decided amongst the judges of the races, are as follows: Audience members are for today, today only, allowed to interfere with the races!" The crowd cheered. "Bring out your wands, wizarding community, and let's see what we can do! Anything goes! However, death is frowned upon. Remember, Unforgivables are 'Unforgivable' for a reason!" There were some grumbles. "Make sure all your bets are in place, because after the race officially begins, no more will be taken tonight. Now, riders."
Hermione tightened her hold on Serendipity. Who knows what the crowd might do!
Out of the corner of her eye, examined the crowd, who all stood or sat impatiently quiet, their wands ready in their hands. Fortunately for her, she was the object of most of the bets, so she didn't quite have to worry about being as savagely attacked as the rest of them.
"On your mark." The riders all held on tighter. Hermione's muscles tightened, and took a last glance at the crowds around her, the eerily lighted arena, the black railings and walls of the stadium, the clear night sky above. "Get set."
"Here we go," Hermione whispered as she leaned forward, and Serendipity blinked in response.
"Let the races, begin!"
~*~
So! Original? Not? When this was started, there was nothing out there like this. so if there is now, please inform me, so I can go kick their ass. . My woderful awesome fantastic muse Ducky told me about this idea, I just FELL in LOOOVE with it, and began writing it without her permission. and she just gave it to me, so, here it is! Do you like? Do you want more?
And, just for anyone who came upon this story NOT by looking for Hermione/Snape romances, then, this is a romance/Action adventure kindof thing. with Hermione and Snape. Both of them. Together. Before the end. so, if that bothers you, then, you've been warned. For those of you who like that spicy, tension filled bitter like romance that have little or no kissing and if there's sex at ALL then it's completely random and not written in, then, you've come to the right place!
