The Darkness Behind A Pretty Face
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter and Co. Never will. So don't sue me. Please.
Authors Note: This is my first fanfiction, so fingers crossed for me. Also, this is going to be a Draco/Hermione fic, set Post-Hogwarts.
I know that Ginny is supposed to be one year younger than the Golden Trio, but it didn't really fit with the story so I've made her the same age. It just wouldn't do with her still being in Hogwart's. Also, she has moved in with Harry.
OMG!!! Thank you sooo much to my lovely reviewers…
Rebellion Author
Sabine
Love you guys so much.
On With the Story…
Last Time…
In a small apartment, a curly haired brunette cleared all the mess in her house, with a swish of a stick. This 'stick' was actually a wand, which the girl placed in a box along with other magical items and sealed it shut. This box included items and books from Hogwarts, gifts and her robes. In order to be untraceable, she had to stop all use of magic.
Picking up her bags, the girl descended down the stairs, dropped off her keys and walked through the bricks in the Leaky Cauldron, back to Muggle London.
Hermione Granger had officially left the wizarding world. No-one would see her for a long, long time.
Chapter 3
Somewhere in Diagon Alley, a fuming red-head stormed out of the room, leaving two bewildered young men to ponder their thoughts. 'Bloody hell, those two can be so infuriating. Don't know how I can put up with them. Man, I feel sorry for Mia. Wonder how she's coping.'
Taking her wand out of her pocket, she disappeared with a pop, only to appear in a corridor of an empty apartment floor a few kilometres away from her previous location. Facing the door marked 7A, she knocked once, twice, three times before loudly banging on the door and shouting, "Mia, open up. It's me, Ginny. Mia, come on. Fine, don't open the door."
By now, Ginny was a little anxious. Leaning on the door, she thought, 'If I just got dumped by my two best friends, where would I be? Hmm, probably in my room sulking. Okay, that didn't work, since clearly she's either not there or not answering me. Let's see, if I was Hermione and I just got dumped my two best friends, where would I be? The library!'
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Apartment 7B on Level 3, Number 11 Somers Rd rarely ever opened its doors. The resident, Mr Maximux Daniels, was often considered 'mad', 'loony' and an 'old fool', even by wizarding standards. Since he moved into the said address, no-one has ever heard Daniels' utter a single word, not even to perform magic.
Now, don't get me wrong. Just because one does not wish to use one's voice, does not mean that one is completely immune to those around him or her. Although he did not show it, the bald-headed bearded man was very aware of his surroundings, more so than most. (A/N He looks like a cross between an oracle and Dumbledore.) Mr Daniels was not a very noticeable man. He preferred to stay in the shadows and observe – something he was very good at.
Most people enjoy gazing outside at the sky and beyond, but Mr Daniels was an exception. After all, to him, the sky was just a piece of blue paper that sometimes changed colour or became wet. So, instead of having his rocking chair facing the window, his was directed towards a door. Luckily for him, the glass panel on the door only allowed him to see through it. After all, people do need their privacy.
On this peculiar day, Mr Daniels noticed that the neighbouring apartment on Level 3 was an extremely busy place. In the morning, a delusional young man accidentally arrived at the wrong floor, the girl next door's parents had visited, another man with striking white-blond hair popped in – literally, and a girl with long, red hair knocked to receive no answer. Apart from the first visitor, these people, along with a black-haired boy and a tall red-head, were regulars.
But what sparked Mr Daniels interest was the arrival of an older blonde woman who came a few hours after the platinum haired man departed. He noticed that the blonde only spent a few minutes in the apartment before departing with an evil smirk on her face. Almost immediately after, the young woman came home looking extremely distressed and drunk. But she too left after a while, looking even more distraught, along with all her bags.
The girl, fresh out of Hogwarts, had only moved in a few months ago. She was the only person who ever talked to him, although he never talked back. It was too bad that she had to go, he would miss her.
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It was well known to Hermione's friends and family that every Saturday and Thursday, she visited Spectrum Library on the corner of Somers and Mac Rd. How she managed to find the time for this was a mystery to all. On the two 'library days', the Hogwarts bookworm would enter the revolving doors at exactly three o'clock p.m. and leave two hours later, without fail.
On the fateful Saturday of Hermione's disappearance, Madam Petrova sat at her usual place at the help desk. Being Summer holiday time, the library was busier than ever. In one corner, a group of aurors and businessmen were collecting research on various subjects. Scattered around the tables, Hogwarts' students of all ages attempted to finish their summer homework. In the children's section, the kids sat cross-legged on the floor, entranced and listening to one of the younger librarians read, 'The Adventures of the Boy-Who-Lived'.
Glancing up at the clock, she smiled to herself. It was 2:59, only a minute more before Hermione would make her entrance. Madam Petrova silently watched the second hand make another 360 degree rotation of the clock face. As the clock chimed three times to signal 3:00, the eyes of the regulars to the library – the librarians, children and some of the students – looked to the glass doors expecting to see the petite figure of Hermione Granger.
The people in the library watched the revolving doors, like an audience would look at show curtains, waiting for them to open and reveal the star of the show. But the 'star' didn't show. 'What was going on?' Confusion was etched on the faces of everyone. Some because they genuinely didn't know what was happening, the others because Hermione Granger always came at exactly 3:00. Not a single minute earlier or later.
After a few whispers of "Where is she?" "I don't know." "She's not here." "No duh." "She might be late." "She's never been late, not even at Hogwarts unless of course she went off on some adventure." Everyone finally got over the shock and accepted the fact that for once, Hermione would not be coming. However, Madame Petrova was getting worried. Whenever Hermione came they would chat and soon became good friends. Trying to reassure herself, she thought, 'She's probably visiting friends or family. Maybe she's gone to visit the muggle world. Perhaps she's on a holiday. Or she's at training.' But in the back of her mind she couldn't help but feel that it was not as simple as that.
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Ginny Weasley quickly descended the stairs of Apartment block 11. On numerous occasions had people tried to get her to use the 'evelator' but all had miserably failed. No matter how much faster, better and perfectly safe it was, there was no way she was going to even walk into that metal box. 'Evelators' was just recently introduced to the magical world and surprise, surprise, her father, Arthur, was immediately intrigued. (A/N evelator elevator)
She headed towards the corner of Somers and Mac Rd, itching to talk to Hermione. 'I swear that girl is crazy. It can't be healthy to spend that much time in the library. Merlin, she even has a plan of "Things to do in the library" and a timetable. At least it makes things easier for those who want to find her.' Her watch confirmed that it was a quarter past three on Saturday, meaning she would definitely be at the house of books.
As she walked through the revolving doors, Ginny felt all eyes on her. Although, after seeing who she was, they all returned back to their own business. She quickly glanced around the room – no sign of Hermione. Thinking back to when she took a sneak peek of Hermione's plan last (Okay, it wasn't that much of 'sneak peek', since it was on the fridge for all to see) she remembered that the time slot of 3:10 – 3:30 was look in fiction books with authors A to L. So, as any sensible person would have done, Ginny walked to the shelves containing fiction books. 'Jeez, Mia's even more descriptive and precise than the library.' After walking through all the A to L's, she thought, 'Maybe for once, Hermione's going to disrupt her timetable. Thinking back to the timetable, she remembered 3:00 – 3:10 was say hello to everyone in the library. Afterwards, at 3:30 – 3:50 was look in fiction books with authors K – Z. 'Well, clearly, she wasn't in the main section talking to someone. I'm pretty sure Mia likes to talk while she is visible.'
Once again, like a sensible person, she reached the K – Z section. And once again, Hermione wasn't there. Ginny was shocked. There was no way Hermione was going to ignore her timetable that much. It was just impossible. It was like her brother, Ron, missing out on a meal. A quick check of the rest of the library proved that Hermione was not there. 'Oh no. Now I'll have to talk to one of the librarians.' With a look at Madam Petrova, she thought, 'At least she doesn't look as bad as Madam Pince. Now, she was just plain scary.' Since Ginny's run in with Tom Riddle's diary, she was a little paranoid of books and had a phobia on librarians – a bit like how some people are scared of clowns. Apart from Hermione, she had told no-one, partially due to the fact that Mia had rolled on the floor laughing at the revelation. (A/N No offence to anyone about the book/librarian thing. It's just an excuse to explain why Ginny didn't just go to one of the librarians in the first place.)
Shuddering at the memory, Ginny plucked up all her courage, after all, she was a Gryffindor, and headed towards the help desk. By the name badge, Ginny realised this as the Madam Petrova who was so kind to Hermione.
"Umm… hi. I'm Ginny Weasley and I'm looking for my friend Hermione Granger."
Looking surprised, the librarian replied, "She's not here right now, but Hermione was supposed to come today. After all, she always comes her on Saturday and Thursday. Are you alright, dear? You look a little shocked."
Hearing the words "not here right now", Ginny had gone into a phase of shock. Eventually regaining her composure, she stuttered, "You… you mean she… she never came?"
"No she didn't. Are you sure you're fine?"
"She never came?"
"Yes, she didn't come, dear. Why don't you go sit down for a while. Calm yourself."
"Uh, no thanks. I have to go find her."
"Sure. Do you want to borrow-" But Ginny had already popped away.
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Just as Ginny appeared in the living room of the flat, her WizFone started beeping. Thinking it was Mia, she immediately picked up. "Hello, Gin here."
"Ginny, you have to come home. Ron won't eat a thing. I don't know why. Gin, please, it's important, you know how you brother is."
Halfway through the sentence, she dropped onto the floor in a faint.
"Gin… gin… you there? Hello? Ginny?"
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Harry Potter was worried. His girlfriend Ginny usually didn't know when to shut up. It just wasn't like her to be speechless. But then again, it wasn't like Ron to not eat. Leaving Ron in the kitchen, he spied a head of long red hair on the floor. Instinctively, he took out his wand. 'Oh no. What if she's hurt?' Rushing to her side, he figured out that she only fainted, probably from the shock.
"Harry?"
"Ginny! You're okay!"
After giving him a look that said why-wouldn't-I-be? she rushed out, "Oh my gosh, you wouldn't believe it. It's Saturday around three and Hermione's not at the library. She wasn't at home either. What if she's hurt or in trouble? Harry, we have to help her. And now-"
"Gin, slow down. Anyway, who cares about Hermione." 'I think I prefer it when she's not talking.'
"But you're training to be an Auror. You can help-"
"NO! I am not helping that slut and neither are you."
"But-"
"NO!"
Sighing dejectedly she trudged into the kitchen to find Ron munching on a very large hamburger. 'Well, at least his problem is fixed. And since no-one is going to help me, I'll just have to do everything myself."
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The next day, Ginny apparated to 7A, Level 3, Number 11 Somers Rd as soon as she woke up, forgetting all about breakfast. Thinking to herself, 'I'm so glad I didn't get the "hungry gene".'
She repeated her knocking routine of yesterday (once, trice, three times before loudly banging on the door and shouting, "Mia, open up. It's me, Ginny. Mia, come on. Fine, don't open the door.") She had woken up late, at a time when Hermione would definitely be up. From past experiences, she knew that anyone knocking at the door would be clearly heard from the people inside, wherever they were, no matter how loud the TV or music was playing. After all, she was there when the Hermione cast the complex spell.
Finally satisfied that Hermione was indeed not inside, she once again disappeared, this time reappearing in the Department of Missing Persons, Items, Pets and Other Magical Artefacts, otherwise known as DOMPIPAOMA. (A/N It's actually readable!!!) Reaching the service desk, she started talking to a way too smiley blonde.
"Welcome to the Department of Missing Persons, Items, Pets and Other Magical Artefacts, more commonly known as DOMPIPAOMA, how can I help you?"
"I think my friend, Hermione Granger, is missing."
"And how long has she been missing?"
"Umm… Since Saturday, yesterday."
"And what time was she last seen and where?"
"11:45 at my flat."
"Only 23 hours and 15 minutes. I'm sorry miss, the person, item, pet or other magical artefact must be missing for a total of at least 55 hours, 55 minutes and 55 seconds."
"But that's ridiculous!"
"I'm sorry, but I will have to ask you to leave. There are people here who actually need our help here at DOMPIPAOMA. Lost sneakoscopes and snitches need to be found at this very moment."
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Instead of leaving the Ministry of Magic, Ginny walked along the corridor and eventually reached the Auror Department. Walking to the service desk, she started talking to a way too smiley brunette.
"Welcome to the Auror Department, how can I help you?"
"I'm looking for Nymphadora Tonks."
"Do you have an appointment?"
"No, but-"
"If you don't have an appointment then I will have to ask you to leave. There are people here who actually need our help here at the Auror Department. Criminals need to be caught and justice needs to be enforced."
'Were these help desk people trained to say the exact same thing? Freaky.'
Just as she was about to leave, a tallish woman with outrageous bright purple hair shouted, "Wotcher, Ginny. How are you?"
A look of relief and happiness showed on her face. "Tonks! I really need your help."
"Well come on in."
Whilst following Tonks, Ginny began to explain from the beginning, "So now she's gone."
"Are you sure?"
"I've also been to DOMPIPAOMA, but the person has to be gone for 55 hours…"
"… and 55 minutes, 55 seconds. I know. It's ridiculous. Personally, I think that Hermione has either been kidnapped or ran away. It's not like her too be so… so… rash."
"Is there any way we can check her house? If she ran away, some of her belongings would be gone, but if she was kidnapped everything would be the same or major wreckage."
"Very true. You know, you and Hermione could have become great Aurors. Pity you chose Healing instead. We can go right now if you like. I have a spell that opens all Ministry licensed houses."
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Two women appeared in front of a door with the letters 7A. The purple-haired one took her wand out and muttered under her breath, "emasesnepo." (A/N Open sesame backwards! Also readable!!!) The distinct sound of a lock unlocking was heard.
As soon as the door was opened, it was clear to them what had happened – their friend Hermione Granger had run away.
Upon returning to the Auror Department, Tonks wordlessly searched for a file. It was quite clear whose she was looking for. "Here it is – Granger, Hermione. I think the best way to find her is by casting a locator spell. I have her personal number, just don't say anything until I say so." Without waiting for a response, she muttered, "etacol."
For an agonising 2 minutes, no-one spoke, no-one moved. Suddenly Tonks said, "I'm sorry Gin. Hermione's currently in the muggle world. There is no way we can trace her. Also, she has not touched her wand since 2:11 on Saturday."
"So she's run away?"
"Yes, and clearly, she doesn't want to be found."
The two women then promptly burst into tears, alarming the people passing the room.
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AN: Okay… what do you think? I know, another new writing style/format whatever you want to call it. But bear with me, I'm just trying to see which one would be best for this story.
Did I get the English holidays/seasons times right?Cause I have absolutely noo idea about them. In case you didn't know, I live in Melbourne, Australia (the best city in the world. Woohoo) and all the holidays and seasons are wacko compared to the rest of the world. Lol.
Not a lot of dialogue this chapter. I've just finished writing it and I guess you could call it fairly pointless. :P But it kind of gives an insight in Hermione's life and about the search. No?
Anyway, I hope you review. It would make someone coughmecough extremely extremely happy.
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Suga – the world's most creative spell maker (in case you missed it, that was sarcastic)
P.S. REVIEW!!!
P.P.S. Anyone watching the Aussie Open? Go Hewitt and someone please beat Roger Federer.
P.P.P.S. Don't you just love these page breaks?
(Wonders how many people actually read Author's Notes)
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