Trampled illusion

"Jonathan! Hey, wait up!"

The young boy turned at the mention of his name, wondering who it could be. When he turned, he saw the student that called at him. He was an elder, maybe in 4th or 5th year.

The older student had to catch his breath before talking.

"Do you always have to be in such a hurry? Jonathan's your name right?"

"Yes! Who are you?" Being a first year and uncommonly shy, it always made him nervous whenever someone older addressed him.

"Relax! I'm want to talk about that new Asian girl, you know, Kyo."

"Oh, I see. Sure." He felt a bit better but did not know what to say, feeling foolish. At least the teenage was also Slytherin.

"So, where were you heading? Do you have a class soon? If not, I would like to talk to you now."

"It's okay! I was just going to the library, to get some information on the Transfiguration theoretical side."

"Ah! You're already showing the signs of a perfect OWL to be." The student smile warmly and put an arm around Jonathan's shoulders.

"I won't take too much of your time and I think that you'll be delight with what I have to tell you."

They went to sit outside, a bit apart from the others. There was a tree with no one nearby; they sat in the grass with their backs well resting on the trunk.

"Gorgeous isn't it?"

"What?"

"The weather John. You don't mind if I use this nickname with you right?"

"No, no it's okay." actually, he hated it already. "It's a bit cold. Winter is coming"

The other went on with useless chit-chat, trying to make the boy at ease.

"How do you like it so far?"

"The school is great. Teachers are awesome, well, except for some, but that was to be expected."

"Let me guess. You're referring to a certain Potion Master am I correct?"

Jonathan didn't answer verbally, but his manners clearly expressed his feelings.

"He's okay. The problem with him is because of his high expectations for his students, which is a good thing. Many teachers are too soft if you ask me. Being a Slytherin is always linked with pride and success, so there's no surprise there. I heard that you're doing great in all your classes."

"Yes and all thanks to Kyo. She helps me a lot and we study together." As he spoke, two pink appeared on his pale cheeks.

"Ah yes, Kyo. That brings me to what I wanted to tell you. Her roommates decided to organize a small party for her. I understand that they got into a small misunderstanding and the issue has trailed off long enough. They wish to apologize and take that chance to get to know a bit more about her. They think that she shouldn't keep to herself like that you know what I mean. So here's the plan. I have a note in my pocket. It gives out the place and the time of the party, but it's tricky. She will have to figure it out and then, she can join them. Do you think that she will enjoy this?"

"That sounds like a good idea. Where is it going to occur?"

"I don't know. It's one of the girl who gave that to me and explained her idea. She asked me to bring this to you and Voilà!"

"Hum, alright no problem. I have a class with her this afternoon, so it should be easy to slip it into her pocket or something" he took the paper, wondering why the girl didn't give it directly to Kyo.

"Good! I'll talk to you later then. Keep up the good work John." On this, the student stood up and left.

For some reason, Jonathan felt uneasy about this situation. He was overprotective towards people he cares about no matter his slim features. His brothers always reminded him that he should learn to relax and keep to his own problems. For three Griffyndor, they did sound more like Slytherins. He stood up, gathering his bag, pondering over this odd issue.

He knew that Kyo and her roommates weren't very fond of each other. This party could end up resolving this unnecessary feud between them. He was relieved to see that they would make the first time. After three months, he found that he understood parts of Kyo's personality. She was a loner and could not care less to be left aside. But he thought that she could need friends, especially amongst this House.

Determined, he made his way to the library. He would definitely give her the notes today.

The group of students was packing their books, ready to leave the class. Most of them were half asleep after this boredom History class. Kyo, on the other hand, had truly enjoyed it. It did help that she knew almost there was to know on the subject.

Today was perfect so far. The sunny sky helped put a balm on her heart even if it was getting cold. Winter was knocking at the door.

Another matter that kept her in a good mood was the fact that her roommates had finally decided to ignore her. But the most enjoyable issue was that her plan of the school was finally completed earlier. After three months of scurrying her way in every corridor, rooms, even the restricted one, she had it all on her map.

All that was left was to uncover the secret passageways or hideouts for it were obvious that this castle hold many. That's shouldn't be a problem. It would have to wait though; she was getting more and more tired as the time passed. She would have to speak to her brother about this, to see if he was feeling the same. She had cut the bond between them, and on time, she regretted it

"Hello Kyo, how are you?"

"Oh, Mr. Lent, I am fine thank you very much"

"You know Kyo, you could call me by my first name, and it really sounds strange to me otherwise."

"Oops, I am sorry Mr. L…I mean, Jonathan."

He sighed deeply, but it wasn't out of anger. He was used to her by now. She must have had a very formal education he thought.

"It's okay, don't mind about this. I have something for you, but it's a surprise so I cannot give you more details. I just hope that you'll enjoy yourself"

He gave her the note, watching her expectedly. Will she read it in front of him?

"Okay, thank you. I'll give it a look later on this evening"

"Hum, actually, I think it has to do with an event that will occur this evening. It would be better if you read it sooner."

"I see." Her tone was as flat as a frozen lake in winter. "I do have some free time at the moment. I'll go and read it at the library."

She didn't seem excited about this, but then again, it was her usual behavior. She rarely seemed overly happy about anything.

"I will be going then." He said, hoping for her openness but she remained silent.

"Well, have fun tonight and take care. Oh, and, I…I want to thank you for your help yesterday and all the days before, it really helps." said Jonathan, feeling his cheek burning.

"Don't mention it. See you later" she replied in a neutral voice before exiting the classroom. Kyo was oblivious to his embarrassment. Human love wasn't a subject she explored, thinking that this bit of information would be useless. The only thing that matters were hints on how to destroy her enemies.

Once again, the library was far from being crowded. She sat alone at a table far off in the corner; put her books on the table and took out the paper that was slipped in one of them.

She unfolded it slowly. Her expression was blank at first, but the more she read and the more her neutral feature turned to a pronounced frowns.

They try reach out to the Heaven,

Trapped in the bowls of Hell,

At the Entrance you shall wait,

For it is against the law to walk ahead

There was no name and no detail of why she should take part of this nonsense. It was a simple riddle, but it succeeded in holding her curiosity. Her day had been very good so far, so it couldn't hurt to find out more about this mystery.

Again, ignoring the wise advices from her numerous readings on the human behavior, she stood up made her way to the dungeons.

The dormitory was empty when she arrived. She left her books on her bed table, put a warm cloak over her shoulders and left.

She skipped dinner, not feeling that hungry. It was about five in the afternoon, early enough to be strolling on Hogwarts ground. However, the sun was slowly fainting away, bowing at the darkness of night. At least, she couldn't get into trouble if someone catches her at this time. The riddle had been easy to figure out, but its purpose was slightly bothering her. She had to find out. Her strides were quick as she made her way to the Forbidden Forest.

"Anyone here?"

No reply. She had been standing close to the forest, pacing the ground from time to time, not knowing where she should stand; yet, no one had shown up. How stupid this is. She was annoyed. She turned her back to stare into the darkness of the forest. The only movement was that of the naked branches brutally bent by the wind. Clearly, winter was more than knocking at the door. It really is getting cold. I should go back. As she turned, she felt something tinkling at the back of her neck, but being in her state, young and trapped in this human flesh, she ignored the warning. The only thing that she felt was annoyance, but mostly from the cold wind. Her perception of nature had change since the beginning of the year. Her mind and body kept complaining; it was either too cold or too hot, to humid or dry.

She stepped towards the castle. She hadn't walked two steps when she heard a voice. The words didn't strike in her head until too late. Her body was sent flying in the air and fell heavily on the ground. Stunned from the hard contact, she stayed there unmoving until she regained the sense of urgency and fumble under her cloaks to reach at her wand.

"Who's there?" she asked, unable to control her quavering voice, filled with fright and frustration. She was too dazed to think about reaching for her inner self.

"Oh, scared already?" said a young girl voice which Kyo recognized all too good and it only made the whole matter worse.

"The frightful Kyo isn't as strong as she wants us to believe" bellowed another.

"Get up brat" This voice was masculine and much older.

She helped herself up, peering intently towards the trees. The same snotty voice spoke again.

"Why don't you come closer or do you intend to sleep on the ground tonight? All you have to do is step in the Forest, unless you don't have the guts to do it."

"It is not allowed for first year to enter the Forbidden Forest." No matter the desperate state of her situation, she had to remain logic to the core.

"You would do well to respect this rule Ms Langley." Kyo replied, somewhat feeling more in control. She had no more doubts about her assailers and the only challenge would prove to be the boy, whoever he was.

"Oh! So you finally recognized me." It was followed by silly giggles.

"You will regret insulting us the other day. Nobody will come here to help you out. Your only friend is chatting, unaware of your distress, thinking you to be enjoying yourself among us. No one cares about you, not even your brother. How do you feel knowing that? ."

"What is the meaning of this? You know that you could get expelled. You are in no better position than I. If Professor Snape hears about this, you won't have time to open your mouth before he kicks you out himself." Kyo had no choice but to try to put sense in the silly girls.

"No worries. We know exactly what to do. Petreficus Totalus." the boy's spoke directing his wand at the helpless girl on the ground.

To everyone's surprise even to Kyo, her body stood up with ease, completing an impressive back flip, effectively dodging and landing on her feet, wand at the ready. She had been able to regain her strength and was more than happy to hear the protests and gaps of amazement coming from the hidden group.

"I do not want to hurt you girls, why don't we call this a draw?" she said, ready to fight nonetheless.

"Let me handle this Rosia, she'll remember how to treat her comrades when I'm done with her"

He walked out of the woods, threatening her with his wand. He had an advantage over her which she did not think of although she knew. He could cast out without wording the spell. She could do the same, but again, it was as if her capacity to think straight had abandoned her. It proved to be a problem when the next spell hit her and she found herself petrified falling rigidly on the cold ground.

"Well, well! Aren't we a pretty sight now?"

Of course, the girl couldn't utter any replies or curse for that matter. She was screaming inside, cursing everyone and everything she could think about.

"What should I start with? He bent over her immobile body, a dangerous glare in his eyes. First, he relieved her of her cloak and slipped his hand under her shirt to pull it over her head. His hands slowly went over her robes, undoing the buttons, one by one, brushing his delicate fingers in the process and allowing biting wind fall on her skin as more was revealed

"It is such a cold night I know. But don't worry, I am sure that a magnanimous creature will come and heat you up a bit, if it doesn't eat you up instead." His laugh froze her blood, amplifying her fear and discomfort.

If Kyo was afraid, she could at least have the relief that she wasn't the only one. With her eyes open, she saw the three girls, who had regrouped around her, staring at him obviously shaken and happy that they weren't the one on the ground.

Kyo found herself with her blouse wide open, partially revealing her frail body, her skin being the proof of her freezing state with the multiple goose bumps. Her small nipples were also pointing out, hard as pebbles.

The teenager bent down to her ears and whispered just for her.

"Consider yourself lucky that my sister is standing next to me right now. Else, I wouldn't mind enjoying myself even with a rag like you."

"Alright girls, let's leave it at that. It's getting late and you don't want to be caught now do you? Merlin, it's really chilly down here." he added putting his cloak closer to himself.

The trio left, their laughs ringing in the ears of the raging girl lying on the ground.

"I'll be damned, I almost forgot. Sorry girls, I'll be right back, you go on ahead without me."

"Okay!" His sister's voice wasn't steady anymore; her childish heart squeezed with remorse and fear. They had their revenge, but now that the feeling had passed, they had the beginning of concerns for their roommate. What if she died out there, with that weather? But neither of them dared to voice out their feelings. The boy seemed to read their mind nonetheless.

"Don't worry, everything will be fine. I took care of all the details. I just forgot to give her the forgetful potion." He left them at that, hurrying back to the still form.

"Feeling comfy?"

I'll make you pay for that as soon as I'm off this curse you piece of trash.

"Here, drink this." He could have lower himself next to her, but decided to add to the humiliation by kneeling down between her legs, lifting her skirt enough to show half of her thighs.

Forget about soft revenge, this one is dead meat. The cold was spreading easier with her legs showing so much. At least, her anger brought a wave of warmth throughout her body, but it didn't last for long. The potion went down her throat.

He was looking at her, actually staring with a hungry look in his eyes. He was old enough to be filled with a raging desire for lust. Knowing that the potion would take effect only in an hour, he leaned closer to her.

With one hand, he went down along her throat, sensing the softness of her skin with his fingers. His other hand was slowly lurking underneath her skirt, grabbing her thigh firmly but sporadically.

Somewhere in her mind, Kyo knew that something was wrong. Anger was quickly replaced by fear; one so overwhelming that she would have cried if it wasn't for the fact that she was petrified.

The boy's breathing was raspy, and the more he touched her, the more it got faster and faster. He wasn't talking anymore, focused on the feelings he was gathering from the touch. He bent towards her lips, hesitating for a moment before changing his course of action and kissing her left lobe.

Kyo's stomach was twitching, threatening to let her dinner out any moment. She had totally lost control of her emotions, she was scared. What is happening, why do I feel the urge to protect myself, to protect something? She seemed to remember a specific event of her past, but her fear flushed the memory instantly. Damn it. She was back being a helpless child. She could have wept.

"That's a good girl." He whispered, still with this disgusting raspy voice.

He closed the gap between their bodies, pressing intently on her inner part. His growl surprised Kyo. That sound couldn't mean anything good. A beast would do that, not a human. Suddenly, a drop fell on her chin and she realized that the boy was actually sweating and slightly trembling. He took one lobe fully in his mouth, playing with his tongue, licking and sucking frantically. If only she could see his eyes, if only she could get out of this curse, if only she hadn't been so curious. As those thoughts passed through her mind she suddenly remembered the book and it's advice 'thinking before acting'. Now she knew that human being had a tendency to act without thinking and she was facing the consequences.

Without any warning, the boy went still. His breathing was slowing down bit by bit. He painfully gathered himself up, and looked like he had problem focusing. His eyes searched those of the girl, but why, she couldn't tell. They were filled with an emotion Kyo couldn't understand. Without any explanation, he threw his cloak on his shoulders still fixing her gaze.

"I'm done with you. You're still a bit too young for me after all. Have a good little nap."

He left a dumb fumbled girl behind as he made his way back to the castle.

"Have you seen Kyo tonight?" the boy asked, concerned filling his voice.

"No, she didn't show up for Dinner and she isn't in the Common Room"

"Okay thank you"

Jonathan was worried sick. It was already nine o'clock and she wasn't to be found. He had no idea where the party was taking place, but he knew that if she was to be caught after curfew, it wouldn't be pretty. A girl passed by him and he stopped her, asking if she could verify Kyo's dormitory and she if she was around.

Instead of the girl he had sent to the dormitory, it was Rosia who came back to him.

"Of course she's here. Where do you want her to be? You know what time it is already?"

"What? Oh, so she's back then. Good. She wasn't in the Great Hall or in the library, so I was wondering. Did she enjoy the party then? Are you guys in good terms?"

"Couldn't be better? We sorted things out."

"Great. Sorry about that."

Anxiety was still gripping him, but he pushed the feeling aside and went for his own dorm.

Her mind was in a daze when her eyes opened. Where am I? I can't feel my body. Panic flared up quickly and brought her back to reality. Wind, trees, ground… I have my back on the ground. My body…it's cold, I'm freezing.

She tried to sit up, but could only manage to slowly unfold her fingers. Instinctively, she tried to sit up again, but the pain caused by the cold stopped her movement.

Her muscles weren't responding like they should. She could barely breathe. Why am I here? I need to get up and fast. She knew she would regret cutting the bond, but never so soon. Calling her brother would have been helpful, but it could also cause him troubles. It must be late, the sky was pitch black except for the stars breaking through.

She closed her eyes and tried to concentrate on each limb. They awoke, one by one, allowing her to move slowly. By doing so, she also became more aware of their freezing state. Her lips were barely able to move. Fortunately, her mind was clear; she knew what to do. Taking a deep breath, she brought forth her inner self. Picturing the magnificent natural hot pool she had seen in Japan, she recreated it in her mind and let the flow circulate freely within each of her frozen limbs. The warm came back little by little, not without a strong feeling of pain has it brought her full body back to awareness.

It didn't take long until she was able to move up, head still spinning. She looked down, at her hands and caught glimpse of her skin. With yelp, she acknowledged her half nakedness.

She gathered herself as fast as her dizziness allowed it. Her trembling hands snapped the cloak around her whole body. She grabbed her wand from the ground and murmured a spell; the buttons of her blouse were redoing themselves up underneath the cloak. The heat was still flowing from head to toes, bringing back her strength, but unfortunately, not her memory. How did she end up here and so late at night? The last thing she remembered was the History class. What happened in between was lost. She felt totally lost.

Her legs were ready for her weight but not for a walk, so she stumbled but managed to stay on her feet. She had no idea of the time, but the position of the moon told her that it was way past her curfew. She would have to manage reaching her dormitory without being seen. A concealing spell could be a good idea. She walked her way to the castle as if drunk.

Once inside, she took her wand out, eager to cast the concealing spell, but heard a noise at the same time. Her tired eyes searched frantically for a hiding spot but there was none. In her panic and dizziness, she didn't register the stairs that were close by and her foot missed a step.

She was falling forward and saw the stoned steps dangerously closing the gap to her face. The survival mode switched on as she flew her arms in front of her, grabbed the border of one step, and flip forward, repeatedly, her movements swift has an acrobat and landed softly at the bottom. She turned quickly and for once, pushed back her mass of hairs that had got in her way just to be facing her worse nightmare. Someone had seen her. Her problems were just starting.

"Miss Shirei, in my office, immediately"

"Yes Professor McGonagall"

"Explain yourself"

"There isn't much to explain, I fell of the stairs end and managed to avoid crushing my bones on each of them." Kyo started bravely, keeping her guard in front of the woman, although her whole body felt ready to crumble.

"You know that this isn't the point. What were you doing up so late?"

As much as she wanted to give an excuse or some sort of explanation, Kyo found herself at lost.

"Miss Shirei. I know it isn't my place to give you detention, but since I am the one who caught you, I need you to be clear."

Regaining her composure, McGonagall finally realized the poor state of the student quivering strongly.

"Good Grief, what happened to you?"

"Nothing, I probably just fell on the ground and knocked myself out in the process." but as she spoke those words, a rush of sadness grasped her heart and she started to sob frantically.

Minerva stood up and took the girl in her arms in a comforting gesture.

"Why are you garments all torn, where did you go?" her voice wasn't hard though. She had to know what the girl had been going through. Most of all, she wanted to know who was the culprit.

"I…"she trailed off. "I have no idea, I have no idea" Kyo let out this time crying soundly, shaking like a leaf.

"I can tell that you are on shock. But if you could give me any details of what occurred tonight, it will help both of us."

I will have to talk with Professor Snape about this, Minerva realized, knowing how the man would probably react.

Interrupting her thoughts, the girl replied in an already calmed voice, though parceled with small sobs.

"I know Professor, I wish I could say anything, but I really don't remember." Kyo was gathering herself up.

"Come now, we will bring you to the infirmary for the night and I will have clean clothes and hot coco brought for you." Her voice and smile were reassuring and Kyo understood that this woman was not as dangerous as she first thought.

"Thank you Professor" was all she could utter in her state.

Minerva was enervate. Why is it that the girl chose to keep quiet? Could it be that she was protecting someone or that she really didn't know anything?

The infirmary was empty when they both arrived. Mme Pomfrey didn't take long to show up, urging the girl to one of the bed. They took care of her and as soon as the coco went down her throat, she fell into a deep sleep.