Don't Pass me By
This story is not associated with my other story – The Awakening of a Royal – but it's definitely interesting, and relatively shorter (… I hope!) And thanks Tracy, for being my beta for this chapter!
Happy Reading!
SilverDawn
Don't Pass me By Chapter 1: The preparationIt was the Christmas holidays, and it had been snowing for quite a while, leaving everyone with the anticipation of a white Christmas.
In the middle of the night, a slight breeze flickered throughout the entire castle, leaving everyone it past in sweet dreams. Everywhere it went, a soft voice seemed to float through, singing a slow ballad that brought tears to its listeners. Those who were engaged in their lover's rendez-vous stopped to listen to the lovely voice that continued its hauntingly beautiful melody, whilst those asleep felt at peace, nightmares subsiding into pleasant dreams. This song reached out to all the professors, and even Dumbledore, who was asleep in his chamber, wasn't immune to it.
Interesting enough though, two people were having a very weird dream… one that they shared together.
It was as if you were watching a movie… you can see what is happening, but its people can't see you.
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A couple was sleeping on a plush bed, limbs entangled with one another; naked as the day they were born. Seemingly exhausted, the man had a hand held possessively at the lady's waist while the latter was snuggled close to the man, silvery-white hair fanning around her like a pair of pure wings. He was smiling in his sleep, but the woman wasn't… Instead, she just stared at the sleeping face of the man, taking in his features as much as she could – the soft black hair that was slightly curled at the ends, the refined cheekbones, aristocratic brows, and slim but muscular build.
Softly, the woman sighed as she glanced at the clock. It was five minutes to midnight, and hurriedly, she slid out of the bed without disrupting the man's slumber, dressed up in her plain, silky white gown, before going back to the man's side. From her gown, she took out a platinum star-shaped locket, and muttered a few words, causing the picture within the locket to change into one of her hugging the man, smiling at the camera. The silver-haired lady knew that such a picture could never be truly taken, but this was enough… A keepsake that he could keep that would remind him of her. Gently, she placed the locket on the side table and went over the man's side, gazing at him for one final time.
The clock began to strike, its low, monotonous tone warning the lady that it was midnight.
In a loving manner, the woman smoothed down his hair, tracing his jaw line with her forefinger before leaning down to give the man a chaste kiss on the lips. Whispering softly, she choked back a small sob, knowing that they had to part like this.
The clock continued to strike, the fifth time…
"Some will get broken, others will get lucky, like me meeting you… Don't pass me by." She sang softly as tears trailed down her cheeks, her eyes a sparkling grayish-blue. In a haltingly tone, she whispered in his ear, "I'm sorry that this has to end like this, but… I love you."
With that, the woman left the room… And the clock chimed twelve.
Everything was dark in that room, save the light that came from the cackling fire… The glimmer of light that caught of the smooth metal of the locket never dimmed…
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Hermione Granger awoke to the soft humming of a soppy ballad, bathed in cold sweat. The dream she had was at best, disturbing, but mentally, the brunette felt that it was downright freaky. Why had she dreamt of something that was totally irrelevant to her? What's more, the locket looked similar to the one she owned! Shaking her head at the incredulity of the dream, Hermione felt stifled by the clamminess of her room – her own room.
The room was actually considered as a privilege to many, and Hermione thought so too. As Head Girl, the room gave her a sense of privacy that she thought she'd never have in her years at Hogwarts. One bad thing though, she shared the suite of two bedrooms, a common den, study, lavish bathroom and small kitchen with the Head Boy, and the den served as a pathway leading to their separate chambers.
At first, Hermione had been mortified at the notion of sharing a suite with Draco Malfoy, but as time passed, the platinum-blond haired head prefect proved to be courteous beneath that spiteful façade. Perhaps it's due to the fact that he'd gone over to Dumbledore's side in the war against Voldemort during their sixth year after witnessing the innocent killing of muggle children in a Dark Revel. Still, in his father's eyes, Draco was still the obedient son whose loyalties lie with the Dark Lord, and though Lucius had wanted his son to have the Dark Mark bestowed on him soon, Snape had intervened, giving the reason that Dumbledore might become suspicious if he was branded.
Furthermore, ever since they had to learn the art of co-operation during the start of their seventh year, Draco had become rather friendly to the brunette, and even Harry and Ron, though in public, they still looked like enemies.
Silently, Hermione got out of her bedroom to the common room, where she got a mug of hot chocolate from one of the sideboards. Then, she settled comfortably in one of the couches by the fire, staring at the banked coals and glowing embers in the fireplace. Sipping her drink, she took out her wand, and whispered, "Accio Milton."
A book shot out from the nearby mahogany bookcase in the direction of Hermione. It slowed down when reaching the girl, settling softly on her lap. Hermione smiled at the book written by a muggle philosopher – John Milton as she proceeded flipping to the long epic poem, 'Paradise Lost'. She got lost in the beautiful verses the poet wrote until she dozed off in the chair. This was how Draco found her when he wanted to get something to drink, and he sighed at this nasty habit of hers – dozing off in a couch with a book on her lap. In a resigned manner, he took out his wand and transfigured a piece of memo paper into a soft jade green blanket, pulling it up till it touched her chin, fearing that she might catch a cold. Satisfied, he got himself a glass of milk, before going off to sleep again…
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At the same time when Hermione had awoken up, a man with dark hair awoke too with a start in another part of the castle. Shaking his head at the hilarity of the dream, he knew that sleep was going to evade him once more. Inwardly sighing, he walked into the dim light of his private study, where he got out a decanter of red wine. Pouring himself a cup of the ruby liquid, he tried deciphering the dream…
::That was certainly I in that dream, but who's that woman? What the heck does this mean?:: The man thought as the feminine voice rang in his mind once more, the verses she sang still clear in his mind, sorrowful and alone, "Some will get broken, others will get lucky, like me meeting you… Don't pass me by." Shrugging into a black robe, the man cleared the voice in his mind for a moment, speaking in a deep baritone, "Expressionia Transformis."
The man's face began to change… or start deforming, to be exact. The straight nose became crooked, those beautifully shaped olive eyes turned beady and his hair went greasy. In just a matter of seconds, the entire person changed, disguised under numerous Glamouries. Silently, he went out of his suite, and started his routine check, prowling on students who were out on curfew…
The soft breeze played with his hair, and a haunting voice sounded along with the wind. However, the man took no notice of these… for his mind was revolving round the silver-haired woman's words… and that softly spoken, "I love you."
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The next few days came and went without any noticeable difference. One small thing though, was that the Christmas feeling was starting to kick in. Many students have stayed back this holiday to participate in the Yule Ball, and the atmosphere was one of excitement and joy.
Ever since Hermione fourth year, when Voldemort had regenerated, Dumbledore had made the Yule Ball an annual event where students of all levels were allowed to participate, though the first to third year level students were to be in bed at an earlier hour. This concession was made partly to get the students to stay in Hogwarts during the holidays.
After all, Voldemort had risen again, bringing fear throughout the entire Wizarding World once more. Fudge had been forced down from his place, and a new Minister had taken over, leading the people into a full-fledged war against Voldemort and his Death-Eaters. Both the new minister, Arthur Weasley, and Hogwarts Headmaster, Albus Dumbledore felt it safer for the children to stay in the school where strong wards were placed to prevent invasion. In such bad times, Hogwarts was a shelter where the children could hide in, away from the harsh and cruel war the people are engaged in.
Moreover, they had already lost many in the last three years, both students and families alike. In fact, even Hermione had lost her family, whom were killed by the Death Eaters in one of the numerous muggle family raids. The sudden death of her parents had brought about a sudden maturity in Hermione, and she no longer was the child in her earlier years – gullible and naïve.
The current Hermione had become quiet, seldom engaging in extra talks to people other than her close friends and fellow prefects. Ron, Harry and Ginny had seen this change; they had stayed with her through the clearing of her former home and the settling of the various wills that her parents had left to her. The trio, with the help of Draco (after their seventh year) helping her when she was in need, listened to her pour her heart out when need be, to share her pain like no others could. For this alone, Hermione was grateful to them, and she accepted the constant invitations by Mr. and Mrs. Weasley to stay in the Burrow for the summer holidays, where, for that short period of time, she was free. However, she would stay in Hogwarts for half the summer, in the small suite of rooms that Dumbledore had made for her after her parents died.
When she returned to Hogwarts, she would lapse into a cold demeanor… Her leisure time was spent in the library devouring books that covered all genres instead of going out with Ron and Harry to explore the castle after curfew. All her professors, especially McGonagall, were worried that if this sort of condition continues, she might break any time. However, she had coped till now, and in six months, she would be graduating. Many of the professors had considered taking her under their wings, and the strict-as-hell Transfiguration mistress had even expressed that she would be more than pleased to adopt Hermione – a proposal that the girl declined graciously after the initial shock faded off.
Tonight was Christmas Eve, and the Yule Ball was tomorrow.
The entire castle was filled with exhilaration as girls scurried around, gossiping on who they might meet tomorrow night as they were not required to find dance partners before the Yule Ball itself. After all, the main idea was to get to know someone new.
In the suite of the Head Boy and Girl, Hermione and Draco were discussing the final changes to the decorations in the Great Hall with the event committee members. This year's theme (suggested by Hermione) was Disguise and Masquerade. The students and professors could veil themselves in whatever ways they like, by costumes or Glamourie, or even cosmetics. There were no limitations so as to leave space for the students' creativity to run wild for that one night.
"The night should start off with various pieces of classical music to keep the mood light, then to pop music towards the middle to bring the party at full swing before slowly reverting into ballads. The band we've hired will take care of the music, and Lee Jordan will be the MC for the night.
"Professor Dumbledore has charmed the old bell tower clock to chime at midnight. With it is a spell that will make the couples show who they are to one another. All disguises will fade at the last stroke, and the party will continue till two in the morning. Of course, the first to third year students are to leave straightaway after midnight when they've shown one another who they are." Draco informed everyone who were seated comfortably on the couches and fur rugs in the den.
"This leaves the couples with loads of time to get to know one another." A Ravenclaw prefect spoke up.
"Exactly. We want them to see beneath the physical features and know a person for who he or she is." Harry said meaningfully.
"Who knows," Blaise Zambini, a Slytherin prefect spoke in a bemused manner, "Mayhaps a Slytherin might get to know a Gryffindor." Ron snorted at this comment as he drank his tea, retorting, "And may thy Earth crack, and Heaven fall." Zambini shot daggers at the fiery-headed boy, but a Hufflepuff prefect, Anthony Lerant, interrupted, "So the basic idea is to get everyone to know one another, regardless of House?"
"And status. A student can get to know a professor more. Who knows what might come out of it?" Hermione added in. Everyone nodded at this, and Draco finally closed the meeting, "Since there's not much of a problem, the deco will be finalized tomorrow morning. I expect all of you to help out. Remember, it's our last year here. Rather than graduate quietly, let's end it with a BANG!"
Cheers sounded in the room as everyone agreed with gusto. Slowly, they filed out of the suite, leaving only Draco and Hermione in it. Standing up, the brunette felt a little dizzy, head spinning erratically. She literally saw stars in her vision as her knees buckled under her. At the brink of collapse, Draco saw this and caught her in the nick of time before her face went flat on the ground. ::Thank the Seeker instinct…::
The platinum-blond haired boy noticed the bags underneath her eyes and sighed.
"Bookworm, better stop reading for a while and get some rest. Tomorrow's the big day." Draco addressed the Gryffindor by the affectionate nickname whilst carrying her to her room. He set her into bed like a father to his child, and all the time, Hermione stared at the blurry image of Draco in front of her.
::Odd, isn't he near me? Why does he look so hazy?::
The Slytherin prefect saw her dazed look, and said worriedly, "You ought to see Madam Pomfrey soon."
"I have," Hermione replied tiredly, "The potion she gave me was of no use to the pain that's wrecking my head."
"Want me to get you my private doctor?" Draco offered hesitantly, the quicksilver gray eyes steeped in worry. Grateful of his concern, Hermione shook her head, mumbling, "Some sleep should do…" ::That is if I don't have that bonkers dream again.:: Ever since that day, Hermione had been having that particular dream every night, and this was starting to get to her nerves. Draco saw that she was about to doze off, and gave a satisfied smile.
"Alright then… Good night." With that, he gave his friend a peck on the forehead before leaving… He was about to step out of the door when Hermione's voice stopped him.
"You know, ferret boy. You've been like a brother to me this entire year… Thanks."
"No prob, bookworm. Feel free to approach me should you need any help… Another thing, now that you consider me as a brother, should you not give me some respect and stop calling me that?" Draco teased as Hermione threw a pillow at him. The boy ducked it effortlessly, chuckling heartily as he continued, "Seriously though. You are like a sister I never had, did you know that?" With a smile, he closed the door behind him, leaving Hermione to her thoughts… and to the sweet feeling that someone considered her as a sibling…
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"For the last time, Albus. No means NO!" Severus snapped whilst stirring the violet-colored potion that he was currently preparing should anyone have a bad hangover after tomorrow. Albus Dumbledore opened his mouth again in an attempt to persuade him but stopped midway, pulling a stool to sit in front of the potions master. Bright blue eyes bore into the man, and Snape stubbornly ignored that sharp, intense stare, continuing on the potion.
He added a pinch of ivory powder into the cauldron and counted to ten. As predicted, the potion slowly turned colorless, prompting Snape to turn off the burner. He left the hangover cure to cool before finally returning Dumbledore's gaze, hands never ceasing his work of cleaning up.
"Albus," the black-haired man started in a dangerously silky tone, "Don't tell me that you need to see me urgently just to discuss the Ball with me?"
"You ought to try participate in such social events. They provide a source of entertainment." Albus said mildly, not answering his question directly. His eyes twinkled in good humor even though his colleague looked as if he was ready to throw him out of the room, but it was not as if Severus would actually throw him out, he respected him too much to do that. However, the black-haired professor seemed to be in a bad mood, his eyes narrowing into a slit as he asked sardonically, "And pray tell Albus, what entertainment would I be able to anticipate? People yelling to one another in attempt to be louder than the blasted music? Immature boys groping their female partners in the dance floor? Or seeing people drop dead in the hall after drinking spiked punch? Honestly Albus, what could there be that I'd be interested in?"
"Decent conversations with people," The wizened professor explained, "It is a Masquerade Yule Ball, Severus. For Merlin's sake, brighten up a little."
"I'd rather let Voldemort cast the Killing Curse on me than show up in a stupid costume and let everyone go gaga over me." Snape sneered, but collected himself when he saw his mentor's eyes dim. Knowing that he'd gone albeit too far by saying that he'd rather die in his enemy's hand than going to a simple party, the greasy-haired man cleared his throat, apologizing reluctantly, "I'm sorry that I've said that, but you KNOW that I'm not exactly what one calls, an extrovert."
Dumbledore sighed at Severus's stubbornness, but he did not give in, "Severus, please. You need not be in a costume if you wish not to, just dress up a little. A change in those black clothes will do! Do consider it, child."
"As I said, and this is the last time I repeat, NO." Snape intoned resolutely as he poured the potion into a huge vial. At this, Dumbledore's shoulders drooped, a gesture that brought years into his frail body. Softly, the Headmaster mumbled, "It's in these times when you remind me how much I've failed you during your school years."
Snape groaned when he heard this… Dumbledore knew that he would never be able to win an argument with Severus when the young man (in comparison to him, Snape's young) was being obstinately stubborn, thus, he had used another tactic. That's the reason why Snape had groaned, for this tone always succeeded in softening that stone of a heart he had. At the potions master's heartfelt groan, the elder professor continued, "I should have monitored the Slytherins more vigilantly than just let you all be, I…"
"All right, all right. I'll go," Snape interrupted the old man's tirade before it became a lecture. The frown on Dumbledore's face slowly ceased to exist, and in replacement was a bright smile as the old man stood up and patted his friend's shoulder, saying resolutely, "Severus, you won't regret this."
::I fear I already do…:: The Potions Master thought sardonically.
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End of chapter
Well, any comments? Kudos? Flames? Please do review soon! Plus, I'm rather sorry that the plot sounds corny, but the next few chapters won't be so bad. Up next, the Ball!