~*~*~ Chapter Twenty Two ~*~*~
The Seeing Stone
Ron and Harry were standing in the middle of the common room, waiting for Hermione and Catalina to come down from their dormitory. They were ten minutes late already.
'What's taking them so long?' muttered Ron, fidgeting with his navy blue dress robes.
'Girls' muttered Harry in response, ignoring the butterflies in his stomach.
Just then Hermione descended the staircase, dressed in he lilac dress robes with her hair twisted into an elegant French plait. Harry tried to conceal his laughter as he saw Ron staring goggle eyed at Hermione, who was nervously patting her hair.
'Well?' she asked nervously.
'You look lovely Hermione' said Ron, ears turning pink.
Harry bit his lip as he watched his two best friends standing together awkwardly, Ron couldn't keep his eyes of Hermione. Harry was about to burst out laughing, when a noise behind him made him turn around.
Catalina was walking down the stairs dressed in pure white dress robes, her black hair sat loosely in ringlets on her shoulders. This time it was Ron and Hermione's turn to laugh at Harry whose jaw had fell open and refused to close.
'Well are you just going to stare at me all night?' asked Catalina good naturally.
'Nope, I was hoping to dance with you as well' said Harry recovering enough to shoot Ron a glare.
'Shall we go down?' asked Catalina grinning at Hermione.
'Sure' said Harry holding out his arm to Catalina, grinning like a lunatic as they walked down to the Great Hall.
Everyone couldn't fail to be impressed as they strolled into the Great Hall, small round tables were dotted around the edges of the hall, leaving a huge space as the dance floor in the middle. Real life fairies were fluttering around the ceiling, mingling with the brilliant stars that they could see on the bewitched ceiling, making the Hall glimmer like silver mist.
Dinner was ordered in much the same way as at the previous Yule Ball, by telling the plate in front of them what they wanted. Harry and Catalina were talking together, as were a Ron and Hermione, completely oblivious to their surroundings, or what he was eating. Harry had forgotten about the entire dance until the food was cleared away and Dumbledore stood up to make an announcement.
'Let the ball begin' he said smiling at the students around him.
The lights dimmed, and four wizards walked onto the small stage, each picking up an instrument, and started playing.
'Come on Harry' said Catalina, tugging Harry to his feet, and dragging him onto the dance floor.
'I've got to warn you, I can't dance' said Harry nervously as Catalina pulled him onto a crowd of people.
'Then you're just going to have to learn' laughed Catalina as she took up her place in the mass of moving people.
The fast beat was pumping through the Great Hall and Harry and Catalina joined a group of Gryffindor fifth years. After a few minutes of awkwardly trying to copy the people around him, Harry got into the swing of things, and was soon dancing without looking at his feet. Hermione didn't seem to have any problems with dancing, and Ron was gazing at her constantly, much to the satisfaction of Harry and Catalina who felt that everything had gone according to plan.
Soon Hermione and Ron came over and the entire 5th year of Gryfinndor tower was dancing together to a wild swing beat. Partners were being passed round the circle, and soon Harry had danced with Lavender, Parvati and Hermione before being given Catalina back.
The night passed quickly in a blur of music and colour, and soon the night was drawing to a close. It had been completely different from Harry's first dance, which he couldn't wait to leave, and now Harry was looking at the end of the dance with sadness.
The band struck up a slow number, and Harry managed to find Catalina in the crowd. He held out his hand to her grinning, which she took, and they began to dance. They swayed to the slow music, and Harry found it very hard to believe at that moment there was any evil in the world. They twirled round slowly, pointing out couples that were dancing around them, trying to keep a straight face as they saw Snape sitting alone at the teacher's table.
The music faded away and Dumbledore stood on the stage, clapping at the band who laid their instruments down and took a bow.
'Alas, all good things must come to an end!' said Dumbledore as he ushered students out of the Hall.
Harry waited back for Hermione and Ron who were at the back of the crowd, who soon caught up with them. Behind the four, Malfoy was walking with a scowl on his face hissing loudly to his two friends trying to provoke Harry and Ron.
'Of course he would go with that mudblood, couldn't find a proper date...and I'm surprised at her, going with a nutcase like him' Malfoy murmured to his chuckling friends.
Harry tried to block out the sound of his annoying voice, which was echoing round his head as he insulted Catalina, Ron and Hermione. Catalina laid a calming hand on his arm as she felt Harry's anger rising, and saw Hermione doing the same to Ron.
'Of course they make a good couple, he doesn't even have any family, and hers don't even want her around. Don't blame them personally, who'd want a freak like –'
Harry spun round in a whirl of robes to face Malfoy, whose eyes were glinting maliciously, and without a second thought drew back his fist and punched Malfoy in the face. Harry heard a satisfying crack and Malfoy sunk the floor cursing Harry and clutching his nose. Harry sank down onto his knees in front of Malfoy and stared into his face for a few seconds.
'Don't you ever say anything about Catalina or my friends again, or I'll do something much worse than that' he hissed, pushing Malfoy backwards onto the cool, hard marble.
Harry stood up and looked down at Malfoy coolly for a few moments longer, then without saying another word, took Catalina's hand and walked to Gryffindor Tower.
Catalina could feel the fury pouring from Harry who was storming down the corridors. Ron and Hermione were looking at Harry with shock and awe, eagerly looking forward to see Malfoy with a broken nose, and hopefully a pair of black eyes to match.
*
Harry was awoken the next morning by a cold breeze fluttering through his hair, he opened his eyes groggily to see a pair of cats eyes staring back. He jumped backward falling onto the floor in a tangle of sheets.
'Catalina! That wasn't funny' he shouted from the floor, watching the Catalina, Ron and Hermione gasping with laughter.
'The look on your face! Priceless' spluttered Ron, laughing even harder and Harry tried and failed miserably to untangle himself from the sheets.
'What are you two doing in here anyway?' asked Harry glaring suspiciously at the two girls.
'Christmas?' Catalina reminded him rolling her eyes.
Harry sat up, looking excitedly at the small pile of presents on the end of his bed. Catalina settled on the end of Harry's bed, holding a small pile herself, while Hermione made herself comfortable on Ron's. Harry picked up his first present, which turned out to be a new pair of leather Quidditch gloves, as a joint present from Hermione and Ron. The second package turned out to be from Sirius, which was a large box of assorted Honeyduke's sweets. Harry realised with a small jolt, that there was no present from the Dursley's, he had been so caught up with everything that had happened this year he had forgot about the death of his only surviving relatives.
Harry was looking sadly at the empty space on his bed, when a square package was pushed into his hand, he looked up to see Catalina smiling.
'You didn't think I'd forgot did you?' she said grinning.
Harry took the package in his hands, and started to peel away the brown paper. A small object shaped like a snow globe fell into his hands, which was filled with a strange silver mist. He shook the globe, and the mist swirled crazily before settling back into it restless patterns.
'It's a Specto-Saxum, its supposed to be able to show you an hour into the past or future' she said proudly.
'Wow…really?' asked Harry softly, watching the silver smoke swirling inside, 'Where did you get it? I've never seen anything like it before'
'I've had it for years, I got it when I was in China, a mysterious old man gave it to me' she said ominously, but the effect was slightly ruined by her trying to contain her giggles 'Well actually I bought it at a fair, so I don't suppose it works, never has for me'
Harry laughed as he shook the globe again, but couldn't make out anything through the swirling mist. He picked up the small gift he'd brought for Catalina and handed it to her.
'It's not much' he muttered, looking at Catalina's large gift compared to his.
She gasped as she unwrapped the delicate silver bracelet. She put in on her left wrist and took in the detail of the snakes that curled round, intertwining with one another. The bracelet caught the light, and she looked into the emerald green eyes.
'It's beautiful' she breathed.
Hermione and Ron looked up sharply, and Catalina proudly showed off her new bracelet. Judging by their shocked expressions they were equally impressed with the bracelet as her. Ron and Hermione gave each other a long searching share, while Harry and Catalina munched their way through the large tub of Berti Botts Every Flavour Beans.
Hermione was similarly impressed with the amethyst necklace that Ron had bought her, and they all sat in the common room for a few hours, admiring their gifts and eating Harry's sweets.
*
Christmas dinner as Hogwarts was a splendid as any other year, and Harry, Ron, Hermione and Catalina all had fun pulling the Wizard Crackers and throwing brussel sprouts a Draco Malfoy, who sat glaring at the four through two black eyes.
Hermione sat laughing at Ron, who was squirming as he tried to pull off the flowery bonnet she had magically attached to his head, and Catalina occupied her time pulling faces at Malfoy, who seemed to be either too angry or too scared to retaliate. After a few rather unenthusiastic Christmas carols, which were conducted by Dumbledore, the four trooped up to Gryffindor Tower, too full to even speak.
*
The next day Harry and Ron didn't rise until past 12 'o' clock, and the common room was jam packed with students, who were not brave enough to venture outside into the blizzard that was whipping up around the castle walls. Hermione was huddled by the fireplace, reading a large book, but Catalina was nowhere to be found.
'Where's Catalina?' asked Harry, smirking as he saw Ron wriggle into the sofa next to Hermione.
'She had to go and see Dumbledore' said Hermione distantly as she read her book.
'Why?' asked Harry anxiously.
'Nothing bad' said Hermione quickly, 'At least it didn't sound it'
Harry sat down in one of the deep chairs, and pulled out the Specto-Saxum. He was trying to get the thing to work, which showed nothing but silver mist still. He tuned out of Hermione and Ron's conversation and let his mind wander, trying to find out what Catalina was up to. She was excited, Harry could tell that much, so he wasn't worried, and turned his attention back to the globe.
'Maybe you need a password for it?' suggested Ron.
'Mmmm, but how am I supposed to figure out the right one?' asked Harry turned to globe over in his hand.
'The Map!, said Hermione excitedly, 'The Marauders Map, it shows you the passwords to Hogwarts, maybe it'll show you the password to the globe?'
Harry leapt up excitedly and ran to his dormitory, returning a few seconds later with the old parchment clutched in his hand.
'I solemnly swear I am up to no good' whispered Harry to parchment, and watched as Hogwarts was recreated by the thin snaking lines of ink.
He leaned forward to see the small dot labelled 'Harry Potter' saying 'Retego' to the globe.
Eagerly Harry picked up the globe, and after saying the password, looked in amazement as the silver mist inside the globe turned purple then disappeared. The three crowded around the globe, watching the miniature scene inside the globe. Hermione was sitting in the same seat reading her book and Catalina walked up to her.
'I've got to go and see Dumbledore' said Catalina in a distant voice.
'OK, see you later' said Hermione absorbed in her book.
The room started to go cloudy again, and Harry realised it was because the silver mist was closing in again.
'That's only what happened here an hour ago' said Hermione settling back in her chair.
'Try again Harry, maybe it'll show you the future now?' said Ron, eager to see the globe in action again.
'Retego' said Harry, peering into the swirling depths as the silver mist turned green and parted to reveal himself sitting in the chair on his own. He was staring thoughtfully at the scar on his hand, holding the globe in one hand, when he suddenly looked up.
'I don't want you to leave' the Harry inside the globe said distantly, looking at someone across the other side of the room.
The view suddenly clouded, and the globe became full of the swirling silver mist again.
'What was all that about?' asked Ron thoughtfully.
'Dunno' said Harry flopping down into the chair he'd seen himself on inside the globe.
He stared around his surroundings, thinking about the globe, maybe it showed past and future alternatively, or maybe you had to ask for the past or the future.
'Coming?' asked Ron, breaking Harry out of his reverie.
'Where to?' asked Harry, thoughts still with the globe.
'Hagrid's, we haven't seen much of him since he got back' repeated Ron, rolling his eyes at Harry.
'Nah, I think I'll stay here, and catch up on my Potions, say hello to him and Cupio for me' said Harry grimacing at the thought of a months worth of potions essays that lay inside his trunk to be completed.
'Fine see you later' said Ron, as he and Hermione donned winter cloaks and stepped out of the portrait hole.
Harry however didn't get his potions, he sat in the chair, globe in hand, and thinking. He held the globe up to himself again, desperate to know what was going on.
'Retego' said Harry, watching the silver mist turn green then clear. He saw Ron and Hermione sitting opposite each other talking seriously.
'She's keeping secrets from Harry' Hermione said faintly.
'Yeah, I wonder why though? Especially from Harry' came Ron's distant voice.
'Do you think we should tell him?' asked Hermione
'I've got no idea, I just don't understand why she doesn't want us to kno – ' began Ron, but the silver mist swirled in front of Harry's eyes, settling back to its rhythmic movements.
Harry sat dumbstruck for a moment, thinking about what he had just heard when Catalina came running through the portrait hole, Harry didn't have to be able to read Catalina's emotions to know that she was impossibly excited.
'Harry! Harry guess what?' she said running over to where Harry was still sat.
'What?' said Harry, knowing full well what Catalina was going to say. She was leaving.
'Dumbledore says it safe for me to go and visit my parents for a few days! I can't wait to see them!' said Catalina excitedly, hurrying to pack her things.
'When are you leaving?' asked Harry, feeling Catalina 's excitement matching his anxiety.
'In a minute, Dumbledore's taking me to the train station…' she said eyes clouding, '...in Hogsmeade'
Harry watched Catalina rush to the girl's dormitory, and he sat in the chair thoughtfully looking at his scar, still grasping the globe when a noise made him look up.
Catalina was standing in front of him, looking excited.
'I don't want you to leave' said Harry truthfully.
'But I do, if you were me, you'd want to go wouldn't you?' said Catalina seeing Harry's expression.
'Well I wouldn't know' said Harry shortly, 'When are you coming back?'
'Three or four days, before term starts, I'll see you then Harry' said Catalina expectantly.
'OK, I'll see you soon' Harry called to Catalina's retreating back, watching her trunk float behind her.
Harry got up and walked across to the window by the boy's dormitory stairs and stared into the blizzard. A few minutes later Harry saw Catalina emerge with Dumbledore and walk out of the gates. It had all been a bit sudden, and Harry wondered if Dumbledore had an ulterior motive.
Just then Hermione and Ron scrambled through the portrait hole, talking quietly between themselves. They looked around for Harry, who was hidden by the shadows of the heavy red curtains by the window. He saw Ron and Hermione sit opposite each other talking seriously.
'She's keeping secrets from Harry' Hermione said anxiously.
'Yeah, I wonder why though? Especially from Harry' came Ron's voice across the common room.
'Do you think we should tell him?' asked Hermione
'I've got no idea, I just don't understand why she doesn't want us to know, were supposed to be her friends' said Ron.
'I don't understand why she doesn't want Harry to know' said Hermione while biting her nails.
Harry chose this moment to walk over to the two, who judging by their faces thought Harry had overheard their conversation.
'Harry – ?' begun Hermione, trying to explain.
'Catalina's gone' said Harry flatly, not wanting to think about the secrets Catalina was keeping from him at the moment.
Relief spread across Ron and Hermione's features who obviously thought Harry didn't hear their conversation, and was just glum about Catalina leaving.
'Where?' demanded Ron.
'To visit her parents, Dumbledore just took her, one minute she was here then the next...' said Harry waving his arm expressively.
'That was a bit sudden' said Hermione thoughtfully.
'Yeah I know' said Harry with a far away look in his eyes.
TBC
AN/ Ohh, so this things actually getting some plot now! Only took 22 chapters! So…what was so shocking about Catalina's reaction to her Christmas present that's got them so worried, and what secrets is she hiding from Harry that they've found out?
Tune it next week to…dum dum dum…Unsolved mysteries…
Only kidding, won't be long…