Crossover: Harry Potter / Twilight
Summary: Absolute AU – Crossover story.
The second year in Hogwarts brings to Bella Swan a lot of new adventures and rather intriguing proposal from Professor Snape. But when the bloddy writing on the wall says that the Chamber of Secrets has been opened, Bella finds herself in mortal danger.
A/N: The second story in my "Silent Mind" series. Mostly I'm following the movie lead, like mentioning the herbology lesson, where Gryffindors were taking the class along with Slytherins (Hufflepuffs in book version), however there are things I'm taking from the books too. This is AU, however I'm trying to follow the canon storyline, at least for now. Read, enjoy, review!
My best regards to those who favoured and choosed to follow both me as author and the previous story, Silent Mind – Year 1. Thank You all for reviews! Keep on expressing your thoughts. It means a lot to me and gives the encouragement to continue with even bigger inspiration than before!
Special note: I do apologize for delay in publishing this one, but - for those who have not heard yet – at late evening of November 21st a tragedy hit my home country, Latvia, when a roof of supermarket Maxima suddenly collapsed and killed 54 people, including 3 firefighters, injuring 39. Three days of mourning from November 23rd to November 25th has been announced in Latvia, as well as in neighbor countries, Lithuania and Estonia. For all those passed away – R.I.P.
I don't have any HP book in original, t.i. English language, except the last one, Deathly Hallows. Therefore I do apologize if some things are called incorrectly. I also do not own any of characters, they belong to J. and Stephenie Meyer. I just borrowed them and mixed up together.
Characters: Severus Snape, Bella Swan
Shakespeare Sonnet Nr. LVIII (58.)
That god forbid, that made me first your slave,
I should in thought control your times of pleasure,
Or at your hand the account of hours to crave,
Being your vassal, bound to stay at your leisure!
O! let me suffer, being at your beck,
The imprison'd absence of your liberty;
And patience, tame to sufferance, bide each check,
Without accusing you of injury.
Be where you list, your charter is so strong
That you yourself may privilege your time
To what you will; to you it doth belong
Yourself to pardon of self-doing crime.
I am to wait, though waiting so be hell,
Not blame your pleasure be it ill or well.
Chapter 1 – Blocked passageThe summer ended quickly. Too quickly. I would not mind at all to spend a bit more time with Charlie in Forks. But the end of August came eventually and I received another letter from Hogwarts with a list of books I had to purchase for the second school year. Most of the new books were written by a guy, named Gilderoy Lockhart. I had no idea of who he was, but the name alone seemed hilarious.
Charlie was silent as usual while we drove to the Port Angeles airport where I had to board the plane. At first to New York, then to London. I messed with my earphones, listening one of my favourites – Debussy. His music sort of allowed my mind to rest, no matter how stressful I felt. And it came very handy right now. Unlike the last year, I was not scared or worried. This year I was practically burning in anticipation and longing to board the train, meet my friends and once again enter the magical world where anything could happen and where all childish dreams, fairytales and legends lived a real life.
"Jacob sends you greetings and wishes you to have successful school year," Charlie suddenly spoke. "You haven't been in La Push for a long time," he added after a moment.
I remained silent and continued to listen Claire De Lune. It was not like I could come forward and honestly admit that most of my free time I spent behind locked door, because I was learning potion brewing, charms and spells – more than half of them not even included in second year's curriculum.
Renee practically bursted up in pride when I told her that I have started the studies in Oxford. She thought I was damn lucky to get into such elitist university – although, as far as she was concerned, every educational institution in England was elitist. Knowing my mother, I would not be surprised if she would accept Hogwarts and that I am a witch as well.
"You know, Bells, it's a good thing to have your studies in top of priorities, but don't you think you're getting yourself overloaded? It would do no harm to spend more time out, go out and have fun with Jake, perhaps?"
"Is Billy paying you for matchmaking?" I asked, a bit irritated, recalling the last time I saw Billy's son. The boy was a bit too friendly. I had suspicions that he got a thing on me, but I was not too fond of dating with someone who is younger than me.
"I worry about you, Bells. You sit alone in your room, nose buried in book, I only see you in mealtime. You should go out, have fun with the other people. That's not normal."
He had no idea how lucky he was to never got to see any of my school books, because if he did, he would immediatly ask questions, and I was not ready to give any answers. However I felt only half-guilty. During the summer, my self-education progressed even more – I managed to master another rather difficult way of magic – non-verbal spells, which meant I could cast most of spells (at least those, who were meant to) without pronouncing the incantation out loud. Sure, some spells inquired the verbal sounds, but there were only few of such kind.
"What exactly is not normal? My serious attitude toward the studies or that I'm in lack of boyfriends?"
Charlie grumbled something under his nose. I knew I hit the weak spot. It was the most terrible nightmare of every father – to live the day when the daughter will be old enough to date with boys.
"Have you met anyone in university?" Charlie seemed determined to ask questions, whether he wanted to hear the answer or not. "I mean, the guys in university are more mature. I just want to be sure you're being careful."
"Dad, please, don't start the Big talk. Besides, the schedule is very tight, I barely have time for doing all the homeworks done. The dating is out of the question." It was only half-truth, but it helped to get Charlie off my back. However his curiousity was not satisfied yet.
"Then why did you decided to return in London so early? You don't have to be back until September, do you?"
"Dad, I must pass the driving test once again. It will take some time, but don't worry, I do have a place to stay."
Now that was one hundred percent of truth. "Leaky Cauldron", as it turned out, was also a motel. I already reserved a room for myself. Charlie, however, was not pleased for having robbed of two weeks we could otherwise spend together, it was obvious, yet he said nothing.
Our goodbye in airport was short one as always – neither of us like long speeches and sentiment. I quickly boarded the plane, took my seat at window in economic class and quickly became engrossed in my notes. After landing in New York, I quickly ate lunch in airport, then nervously fidgeted until the boarding in London's flight was announced. And then the final part of journey started.
"Leaky Cauldron" was quite deserted when I arrived. Tom, the bartender, escorted me to upstairs and showed the room, where I quickly settled down. It was larger than my room in Charlie's house. The table was big enough for my potion equipment and rest of stuff I needed for studying. The four poster bed with dark red bedclothing was meant at least for two persons.
I gave a couple of owl snacks to Amy, then sat on the bed and looked around. I could hear the noise outside that came from the streets of London in Muggle world, but these sounds were mixed with owl hooting and crowd chatter in Diagon Alley. Basically here I was, sitting on the borderline between two worlds. So far I managed to live in both, yet I knew that it cannot last for too long. I did not wanted Charlie to find out about this, but how to hide it from him forever?
I kept on thinking about it, but for now solution did not came. So I left it for later time and instead turned my thoughts to more important matters. I had to pass the driving test in Muggle world and get the books for the school year in Wizarding world. One day this shifting from one world to another will drive me into schizophrenia, I think.
The day of departure had finally come. Today was September 1st, and I was happily anxious to finally get on the "Hogwarts Express".
It took me a couple of weeks until I finally got my driver's license. The old one was not valid in Great Britain, so I had to make all tests again. The Jeep was not quite new one, it was a gift from Charlie, Renee and Phil together when I returned in Forks to the summer break. Phil had a friend, Ralph, who lived in Manchester and was looking for buyer to his old car. Renee gave me his phone number so I could call him and get the car as soon as I get the license, which I did – three days ago.
Tom already had freed the parking spot in a side street at "Leaky Cauldron" – it was another one place unaccessable to Muggles – where the car would be kept during the time I spend in Hogwarts. We made a deal that Tom will pick up the truck from the King's Cross station parking lot sometime after the train will leave to Hogwarts, so I had no worries about that one thing at least.
As I walked on platform nine, I heard a loud crash as if someone or something hit the wall, I had a bad feeling of whom I would find there. I leaned on cart and start to run, ignoring angry protest shouts from people who were forced to jump aside to avoid collision with me. Mind to say, Amy also showed her opinion about my sudden speeding up. She flapped her wings against the cage and hooted angrily, but I merely kept on running in quiet hope to be able to stop the cart in time.
When the passage barrier between platforms nine and ten appeared in front of me, I grabbed the cart handle in iron grip and pulled back, gritting teeth in effort to slow down. The surprise was out of question when I saw both trouble magnets, Harry and Ron sitting down on the ground, their carts flipped over and Hedwig's cage wavering dangerously at the nearby train's rails.
"Harry, Ron!" I pulled the boys up and hugged them in joy, then I stepped back and eyed the scene with a grin.
"Hi, Bella!" Harry greeted me, then started to pick up his stuff and place them back on his cart.
"Hey, it's good to see you!" Ron brushed the dirt off his pants, then went to help Harry.
"Yeah, I'm glad to see you too," I lifted Hedwig's cage from enthreatened area and handed it back to Harry. "And it's also nice to see that some things never change, like your ability to get in trouble. So, what happened?"
"We can't get through the barrier," Harry explained.
I frowned and approached the barrier. From the outside it looked just like always – like a brick wall. Quickly glancing around to make sure nobody was watching, I seemingly casually placed my palm on it and slightly pushed forward. My hand went through easily as if through an empty air and I nearly fell to the other side. So far everything was fine so I motioned for the boys to try again.
Harry exchanged looks with Ron, then pushed his cart forward and – nothing. They were right, the barrier did closed up for them.
"It's not working," Harry shook his head in defeat. "Somehow the passage doesn't want us to get through."
"Oh no," Ron moaned. "What if mum and dad won't be able to get back?"
"Come on, Bella, it's almost eleven. You must hurry up! You can still catch the train!" Harry looked at me. "You can get through!"
He had a point, but the thought about leaving boys alone in the God's good humour was unimaginable. Since the last year I took charge over Harry and therefore Ron too. I had no idea how to get them through the barrier, but one thing was clear – we had to get to Hogwarts. Since they were unable to board the train, we had to use another way of transport.
And then I nearly laughed out loud when idea struck me as if lightning from clear sky.
"Get your carts and follow me!" I spun around and start to push my cart to the exit. Harry and Ron hesitated, then followed me.
"Where are we going?" Ron asked, trying to catch up with me.
"If you can't get to the platform, I'll take you to Hogwarts myself!"
"How?"
"You'll see, come on!"
We reached the parking lot, where I left my Jeep. Today I was thankful to my lucky star for having this car, otherwise it would be very difficult to get to the school. The luggage compartment was large enough to put our trunks in. The boys settled on backseat with Hedwig and Amy's cages between them.
When we finally left London behind and wonderful England landscapes appeared to our eyes, I pulled over on the side of the road. Harry and Ron watched me from the backseat with curious looks on their faces as I rummaged in the purse and finally fished out a piece of paper and my good old Muggle pen.
"Is that one of those Muggle writing things?" Ron pointed at pen.
"Yes, it's called pen, and I'm going to write a note with it. Sorry, guys, there's no time to mess up with ink and quill."
"To whom you're going to write?" Harry leaned forward to have a peek over my shoulder.
"Professor Dumbledore. I'll tell him what happened so he would not be surprised if we're late," I thought for a moment and then scribbled a quick note:
Dear Professor Dumbledore!
Something weird happened at the train station this morning. Harry and Ron were unable to get through the passage to the platform 9 ¾. It simply did not opened for them. I could not leave them in trouble, so now we're on our way to Hogwarts with my own car. Could You please inform our House Heads, Professor McGonagall and Professor Snape, and tell them about our situation? And I do apologize for possibly being late – I don't know how much time it will take for us to reach the school.
Sincerely Yours,
Bella Swan
"There, it should do. At least we won't lose the house points for being late," I finished the letter and tied it to Amy's leg. The owl took off and soon vanished from sight.
"Bella, do you know how to get to the Hogwarts?" Harry suddenly asked. "It's location is not on a map, is it?"
Harry's words hit me like a ton of bricks. A small panic start to build in my chest, when I realized that in truth I had no idea to where exactly I should drive.
"I know it's somewhere in north," I murmured. "That much I could tell last year."
We all sat in silence, desperately thinking of what to do now. I glanced back to ask if they got any ideas, when my eyes fell on Hedwig's cage. I frowned as a sudden idea sprang in my mind.
"Harry, do you reckon the owls are able to find the letter destination even if the sender doesn't know it?"
"They can!" Ron answered first. "You sent your owl to Hogwarts without knowing where the school is, right? I'm sure Amy will find it with no trouble."
"Then Hedwig could find it too?" I said, thoughtfully.
"I reckon, yes," Harry nodded, while trying to follow the source of my questions. And then his eyes lit up. "Are you saying that – "
"We will let Hedwig out of cage to show the way. If only we could make her to fly not too fast and definitely not too high. Think she could understand that if you'd ask?"
"It's worth to try," Harry opened the cage, and Hedwig hopped out and settled on his arm, ready to take off. "Hedwig, lead us to Hogwarts, would you? Just remain within sight!"
Hedwig hooted and nibbled his finger gently. Then Harry stuck his arm through the window, the owl spread her wings and took off, making a small circles around the car.
"I must pay attention on the road. Harry, look after her and tell me direction, okay?" I start the engine again.
However there was no need for Harry's help. Hedwig flew low enough to make the following rather easy. Remote country roads were nearly deserted, only once in a while another oncoming car passed us, and it allowed me to step on the gas and drive with almost maximal speed. In rearview mirror I could see Harry and Ron grabbing the edge of seat when I took a few sharp turns without dropping the speed.
"Easy, Bella!" Ron clung at front seat's back. "You're driving like mad!"
Be as it may, but driving was one thing I had perfected since age fourteen when Phil allowed me to sit at wheel for the first time. He taught me to drive in deserted Arizona fields that were our practice places with no other cars anywhere near. There, maneouvering among hills and sometimes uneven roads, I gained a good reflexes. At times I wished I could be just as sure and self-assured in walking on my own two feet as I was at wheel.
An hour later Harry suddenly exclaimed and pointed at something on left side. I took a fast glance and laughed, seeing the white steam coming from the scarlet engine of Hogwarts Express. For a while the highway went along the rails, but soon the train was left far behind us.
"Keep this up, and we will reach Hogwarts long before the others," Ron laughed.
"This is gonna be good," I grinned, reaching to turn the CD player on. The songs of Linkin Park filled the car while we drove further to the north in the lead of Hedwig. Unless the road will not take a great detour, the previous fear of possibly being late might be written out of question.