Disclaimer: 'The Secret Tower' is an ongoing 'Harry Potter' fanfic series, and is not meant to be an exact replica of the original series. Aside from a few, all characters were created by, and are property of, J.K. Rowling, author of the original 'Harry Potter' series. I claim no rights to any persons, places, or spells depicted in this story that were originally penned by Mrs. Rowling, only those that are of my own creation.
Harry and Ron trudged up the steps to their dormitory room, neither of them thinking much about sleep. They found their roommates, Neville, Dean, and Seamus, were feeling the same way. All three boys sat up in their beds, quietly discussing what was going on. Their conversation died off quickly when Harry and Ron entered the room. Seamus climbed out of bed, and stood in front of them.
"Is it true?" he asked nervously. "Is the new girl a Villdawick?"
Ron considered a moment before answering. "Not really, no. She is, but she's not."
"You're not making any sense," said Dean, looking at Ron oddly.
"She's a half-breed," offered Harry, turning to face Dean. "Her mum was turned before she was born, and Cassius survived."
Neville rose to his feet, his eyes narrowed in confusion. "So, you mean, she was born a vampire?"
Harry shook his head. "No, she was born a human. But...ahh, it's too hard to explain."
"Dumbledore tells it so much better," Ron said softly. Harry agreed, and they began to slowly, reluctantly, get dressed for bed.
As Harry shrugged out of his robes, something dropped out of its pocket, landing on the floor with a heavy thump. Neville had seen it fall, and picked it up. He examined it quickly, running a finger over the small, shiny red stone set in the center of the larger, smooth, grey one. He held it out to Harry.
"Hey, Har--" Neville's words cut off with a sharp cry of surprise when his head was suddenly filled with the sound of someone screaming, and the Thought Sender fell out of his hand.
Harry whipped around to face him, startled. "What's with you?"
Neville pointed at the Thought Sender, his hand shaking. "That...that rock...your rock...It screamed at me!"
Harry looked at him strangely for a second, and his gaze shifted down to where Neville was pointing. When his eyes fell on the Thought Sender, they widened with realization.
His hand swept down and snatched the Thought Sender up. Harry looked up at Ron, who was staring back at him already. Seeming to understand the unspoken message, Ron nodded.
Suddenly, Harry turned and bolted from the room, the Thought Sender clutched tightly in his fist. They watched him go with surprise, then Seamus, Dean, and Neville turned to Ron.
"Long story," Ron said, looking at their questioning faces. He sat on the edge of his bed with a sigh. "But I guess I might as well tell you all about it..."
The other three boys sat on their beds, as well, and leaned forward, listening intently as Ron told them everything. When he had finished, they sat back, shaking their heads in amazement and disbelief.
"Poor Cassius," whispered Neville. "She was so nice..."
Seamus nodded in agreement, and pursed his lips in concern. "But you all are going to save her, right?" he asked Ron.
Ron looked at him closely. "We're doing our best."
"I want to help," Neville said, his voice suddenly full of steel. He got to his feet. "Tell me what I can do."
"I don't think--" started Ron.
"We'll all help," Dean interrupted, as he and Seamus both got to their feet as well.
"Now, guys--" Ron tried again, but he was cut off once more, this time by Seamus.
"Don't try to tell us 'no', Ron. This is big...really big. The more involved in this, the better."
Ron looked thoughtful for a moment, then finally relented.
"Alright," he said. "I s'pose you're right. We're going to meet with Dumbledore tomorrow after breakfast. Come with us then. Dumbledore will be glad to have you along on our side, I'm sure."
