I have been sooo busy this month it's just not funny anymore and guys I'm SORRY for this being late. Let's do this!
But before that, I got into this AWESOME Harry Potter RP site: Atop Mount Greylock. It's so much fun and the writers are awesome! I'd suggest you guys give it a look if you're interested in that sorta thing. They've been kicking me (over internet) to get this finished so really thank you awesome people across the waters.
Enjoy!
There Is But To Do Or Die
Standing beside the high window, Fleur's eyes were on the school grounds but her mind wandered much further. The weeks had been a daunting reminder of her failure. Her grandmother constantly sent letters to the fifth year girl since she first informed the Veela what occurred near the hospital wing. She could almost see the disappointment coming off the parchment in waves. Fleur had never received any word about disowning the girl, her parents would never say anything of the sort so Fleur wondered why she did. Because her Veela wouldn't allow intolerance.
"Fleur; we've nothing more" a voice came from her back. The blonde turned her head, facing the handful of Veela girls standing about the room. She had called the eldest of the clan sisters attending school to meet; they were the most privileged, ones who could venture the grounds with little restriction or interference. Having spent years earning their given positions and trust, Fleur used their various skills to gather every speck of knowledge they could on the sudden illness plaguing their school.
"A thorough search?" she replied somewhat coldly. There was little emotion given from the fifteen year old in past days.
"Yes" another girl replied this time. "The fact remains, we can't find a cure"
"We must" Fleur turned around this time. Her attention now fully on her fellow Veela. "Emelie has been sick the longest and her blood is fighting this thing as we speak, Angelique is younger and her Veela isn't as strong yet. I don't know their limit but it may not last the year. What do we know?"
"It was constructed using an infectious base. If we discover the disease the 'Defiler' started with, that would be the point to focus on" Fleur nodded, so they agreed the sickness didn't come to the school naturally, someone had betrayed their welcoming.
"Whomever is responsible isn't a professor nor any other visiting adult"
"You decipher this how?" Fleur locked a sceptical eye on the seventh year girl. She remained unflinching.
"Every professor has been accounted for surrounding the suspected time of release. Both instances every single one was in the presence of other teachers or students. The 'Defiler' is a student" this caused a round of growling amongst the Beings. The blonde girl calmed herself quickly.
"This will be difficult…forget the 'Defiler'. Focus on the cause and effect. We know whatever this is, it came into the patients' system at some point. It isn't airborne nor passed through physical contact. What are the symptoms?"
"Feverish. Overheating, cough, and flushed appearance" the older Veela replied with a stoic tone. "It then moves quickly to the bloodstream, all skin becomes spotted in red rash. Weakness and joint stiffness follow soon after. We do not know more than that as the earliest patients haven't been past the first signs"
"The first patients were a trial. A test to observe the effects on the living" another girl quickly followed in her explanation. "The second came stronger, hard enough to attack even our blood. Emelie and Angelique are both progressing through the symptoms slowly. The Healers are starving off the worst but their actions only last for so long"
Fleur stepped back towards the window and took a breath. Her head was beginning to hurt. They were circling the issue because they couldn't take the next step. Whomever the 'Defiler' was, she had to catch him. She had to put an end to this pitiful excuse for a rebellion. The blonde knew it was such a thing. Attacking a school was below even the lowest and something only a child's brain would accept as 'powerful'.
"Mother" Apolline looked up to her eldest.
"Yes Fleur? Come sit" The girl did so beside her mother on the couch.
"I am confused on something and I need your guidance"
"It must be something for you to act like this" The elder blonde chuckled slightly but Fleur held firm.
"My body's changing…"
"Fleur, you're a fifteen year old girl. I thought by now you knew your body was changing. First your Veela and now your body must follow"
"Mother please" she begged for a second to explain. Apolline immediately abided. "Times come where I feel things I shouldn't, times where I want to do things I shouldn't and I can't explain it. It feels so wrong…"
"My child. You are a mature Veela woman inside the body of a teenager. Your blood is wanting to make its first capture. First conquest and until the time comes when you do, these feelings will come back again"
"But I don't want anyone mother…"
"It isn't about want Fleur. This is a need. Until the time comes when you have a mate, you will come to handle these emotions as they rise. It is a time of enjoyment as a Veela; embrace it"
The blonde girl was roused from her past memory by the door.
"Fleur" Danielle pushed her way into the room, interrupting the Veela who were deeply displeased.
"I said we're not to be disturbed"
"I know. I'm very sorry but I've been informed of a situation concerning 'Ermione" as the name escaped her lips, Danielle felt the tension in the room escalate. The pulsating aura and mass of pheromones thrashing out from the blonde fifth year was overbearing even to the elder Veela, all of whom were trying their best not to react. They had their control; Fleur did not.
"And…?" her expressionless tone didn't contradict their feelings. She was very agitated.
"Nathanael said she's been missing for a while now. They can't find her" the girls looked between them while their leader just rolled her eyes and returned to the window.
"She's with her 'friends' I'm sure"
"He was at the Wing. She isn't there. The girl said she's not in their dorm and we cannot find any trace of her…" Crystal stormed in behind her sister.
"A boy just came from the stables. Amaryllis went into hysterics before dashing off into the forest. 'Ermione was astride her" every set of eyes snapped towards Fleur; awaiting a response. They were ready to go after the second year and frankly the twins were expecting it almost immediately. When Fleur didn't react they became wary.
"She hasn't returned on her own?"
"Why are you asking that? 'Ermione is missing and you're standing around doing nothing! A leader acts!" Crystal yelled.
"A leader thinks, Crystal. They don't react in fear or hesitance, if I were to send anyone into the forest after her what dangers am I creating needlessly" the blonde replied only making Crystal angrier.
"Any one of us would volunteer to go after her! Just forget it! I'll go! Because I care for 'Ermione like a family should! Just because you're confused over your Veela feelings and family position doesn't mean you get to treat my cousin like this!" with that the girl stormed her way out, leaving the elder Veela and her clan in the silence. Danielle for her part, looked unaffected by the action.
"If you're conducting further gathering, I'll refrain myself also. I'm apologise but we can't let her go anymore. We love her" Fleur watched with little emotion as the older twin left, door closed quietly behind her. There was little she could do but Fleur ignored the lingering gazes of the senior girls and returned to the window.
Hermione sat staring at the canopy for what seemed like forever. It could very well have been as the brunette had no means to tell the time since she'd dismounted and dumped herself against the nearest tree trunk. Not surprisingly the earth was cold, slightly damp but she didn't care; a spell or two ended the minor fiasco and now she could linger in the calm atmosphere peacefully. Amaryllis had taken her deep in the forest; dark enough to hear all but silence from the surrounding trees yet still Hermione felt secure knowing the trees were not at their thickest. They couldn't be more than an hour's ride from the grounds, a distance her beautiful Unicorn could cover without effort.
Her gaze fell to the beauty silently grazing a few feet from her. The duo had come to a halt upon discovering the wild herd grazing after the winter south. Figuring the beast would want the chance, Hermione quietly placed herself apart and just observed. It was interesting. Time seemed no issue to these creatures as they were welcoming and played about in the tiny field before falling into a peaceful moment of familiarity. They shared green foliage, sunshine and shade; allowed the young ones to run free while the elders just basked in each other's company. Brown eyes saw the serenity of simplicity. There was no complications here, no judgement on actions or emotions. Hermione wished she could stay there forever.
But she had to return soon as the afternoon was passing faster than she'd hoped and soon dinner would be upon them and her professors would certainly notice the absence. If they hadn't noticed already. Hermione was suddenly brought back from her internal musing by a nudge to the head. Amaryllis seemed to think too long mumbling to herself was more than enough for one afternoon but it wasn't the mare's actions that caught Hermione's attention. It was the leaf the young Unicorn slowly chewed on.
Looking around the brunette found the plant was vibrant green; emerald in colour and was a single stalked herb that grew apparently in abundance all around them. The creatures loved it.
"Must be quiet something if you're enjoying it hmm?" she said with little mind, plucking a few leaves herself. It was almost leather in texture but the second year didn't get much time to ponder its name when her mount started nudging her to stand. Unable to not do so, Hermione got to her feet and begrudgingly went in the direction Amaryllis wanted her to; towards the herd.
"Girl, I know you mean well but this is…" she tensed getting so close to wilder equines. Many were much larger and their horns glimmering weaponry if she ever saw it. Now the curious focus of the lot Hermione just stood there, waiting.
It started with a fawn. A small sniff followed by a nudge, before long many of them were wanting her attention and surrounded by the giant but gentle creatures Hermione didn't know what to do. She was overwhelmed with their love and care.
"Beauty, intelligence and kindness. I wish all creatures in our world were like you" she whispered into the mane of her dearest partner. Amaryllis raised her head and snorted, eyes on the farthest wood. Hermione knew she was staring towards the school and most likely knew the coming of darkness. "Alright, girl. We should get back to civilisation" with a heave up, Hermione secured herself upon the mare's back. The two were given a chorus of farewells before they headed back into the trees. "Thank you girl. You don't know how much I needed that. Your family is truly amazing" she patted the Unicorns neck softly, leaving the creature to her trek.
Hermione let her eyes wander the darkening shadows as her mind after a shallow moment of peace came into focus once more. She thought of every piece; her family, cousin, classmates, friends and Cycle and just like her artwork, a final picture came together. She was in the middle of her second year and yet Hermione was allowing herself to fail because life was only now throwing her hardships and heartaches. She glared at the trees. Why should she take it? She did nothing to deserve this! It wasn't her fault and by the heavens, earth and magic within, Hermione would not become a victim to anyone again. She was a witch; a strong independent witch who knew what she wanted and was going to move forward, with or without the positives from those around her. If her family couldn't accept it then so be it; if Fleur couldn't see her for herself them it wasn't worth the pain.
When the two broke the treeline, Hermione let her brown eyes take in the masterpiece of a view. The chateau, the grounds, gardens and towers. It was beautiful, but it also was the house for a dark evil, waiting to pierce its claws into any unsuspecting soul. Whatever and whoever set this vile illness loose upon then, Hermione wasn't take it lying down. Every tiny aspect of it was challenging puzzle and her calculating mind wouldn't rest until she knew who and especially the why.
"Hermione!" the call of her name caught the girl unawares but standing at the fence bordering the grounds to the forest was Charlotte. Her name also caught the attention of several other members loitering about and Hermione was surprised to see the face of her twin cousins, Nathanael and shockingly enough Tristan. The boy had little to do with her in weeks past but seeing him there somewhat dishevelled did spark a tiny glimmer of hope he wasn't too angry with her. The brunette descended and soon her roommate was strangling her with a hug as the Veela girls took a back seat. The boys knew better than to approach a Unicorn.
"Why did you do that?!" Hermione raised her brows as Charlotte practically screamed in her face. "You had me worried sick about you! Don't you know there are dangerous things in that forest! You could've been hurt or eaten or kidnapped or…!"
"I'm sorry Charlotte. But I'm fine, Amaryllis took care of me and I'm back in one piece" she tried to sooth the girl, only now seeing how her sudden disappearance really tore into her friend's heart. Raising her sight to that of her extended family she wasn't sure to what degree they two would show compassion towards her. It all vanished as the two flung themselves at her the moment the younger girl was freed from her first capture.
"Forgive us 'Ermione" Danielle whispered in her ear, the near broken voice caught the brunette unawares. Crystal wasn't even trying to speak as tears were streaming from her eyes, though she tried to hide it. Hermione clung to them desperately as it was the first in a long time that she was allowed to be weak.
"I'm just happy you're here" her voice broke with the tears but the girls didn't part for another few minutes.
"We didn't want to, but Fleur and the letters from home…" Crystal started but gave up midsentence at the expression soon adorning Hermione's face.
"I don't care anymore" she said to which the twins exchanged looks.
"'Ermione, it doesn't mean they don't still love you. Fleur just meant that we…" Danielle tried softly but the brunette just ignored the attempt.
"Fleur made herself clear. So I'll be on my own. This is my school just as much as hers; it's my friends and family in that wing too. If she thinks I'm going to stand back and let everyone get sick while we're all 'safe' on the side-lines then she can do it on her own. Veela are getting ill too! Can't you all see that? Your blood isn't immune to it"
"We know" the elder sister replied, eyes firmly holding the brunette's. "And that is what scares us all the most. If we cannot fight the disease how do the professors hope anyone else will? They are trying their hardest to find a cure but what can we do that they cannot?" the question did spark realisation in the younger girl's brain. Teenagers, who knew little of the world, were nothing to the minds of experienced, elder witches and wizards.
"Let's go back" Nathanael spoke from the fence, offering the girls a smile. "I'm glad to see your back safe 'Ermione but it's nearly dinner time and I'm hungry"
"Alright, Nath. Just for you"
A night's rest was exactly what the thirteen year old needed. She awoke with determination and a hard look in her eye. Fleur be damned, Hermione was going to experience her year as it should be; friends, family, classes and extra activities. She was going to study in the library like always and get through her exams with the highest grade she could. She was going to compete in her first Riding Competition and no one, not the annoying Delacour cousins, the stupid haunting illness or her own sister was going to stop Hermione.
Classes proceeded and alongside Charlotte, Hermione found nothing changed. Lunch was just the two of them alone at a table, Hermione was a little disheartened when the twins didn't show themselves but she figured there was a reason. Soon as their last class was released the girls dumped their things in their room and hurried off to the Wing. Hermione was anxious to see how her friends and family were doing. News was thin around the school now, whispers were still hovering over their heads but none of it was useful to the brunette on the progress of a cure. Stepping through the doors Hermione was somewhat relieved to see Landre once again in an intense chess match with Nathanael. The two had become really close over time and Hermione didn't have the heart to really come between them. It was good for her cousin to have another friend outside the family although she wished Tristan would aim for the same goal. His presence was missed greatly but there was little she could do.
Charlotte left her to join the boys while Hermione made the rounds slowly. There was little change in patient conditions; even for a single night. Angelique remained asleep in her bed so the second year moved on, silently praying for whomever was listening to give the Veela clan strength. After glancing in on Emelie and the other girl, Hermione quickly deduced the three weren't progressing through the stages like the other students. From cold like symptoms, to red spots and rashes, the Veela seemed to remain strong for longer.
Ideas began swirling in her head, could their blood be the key to their suspended sickness? If so than whatever was effecting the student masses wasn't natural. It was progressing through the children, first pure humans, then those with mixed blood however the development of their level was varied beyond the normal scale and that alone had Hermione very conflicted. It wasn't her intention to become involved with the affliction at all but with her loved ones in danger and no hope in sight, Hermione wanted to do everything she could to help them; her first focus was research. But that would all have to wait as Hermione came to a stop at the end of another bed, its occupant supine and unconscious to the world.
"Staring is considered rude Granger" or well supposedly unconscious.
"As is not telling your friends when you're sick, Olivier" the girl decided to take a seat beside his bed, hands clasped together tightly showing her internal worry. "How are you feeling?"
"Not as bad as I look really. The skin rash is the worst. No matter what they give me, it still burns some" he tried to play it off as nothing but Hermione knew better. He was in the same amount of danger as the rest of them; more if her estimations were correct. The newer patients were coming out worse than the first lot.
"Why didn't you tell me?" Hermione kept her head down, eyes on her hands as they clenched and unclenched repetitively. There was a moment of silence between them, the only sounds coming from the group behind the curtain with Nath's verbal six or seventh loss.
"I didn't think you should worry about it. You already had your family trouble and your other friend in here, you don't need mine to add. I thought it was nothing; I'd be in and out of here before you'd find out" Olivier replied as though it was nothing. He could tell his lack of action hurt the girl, she did care and that made him feel bad inside. "But now you do so…"
"I'm still hurt Olivier. I wish you did" she looked at him then, the obvious signs of distress in her eyes and he got it. It managed to get through his thick skull that she did care for him. "But I'll forgive you. Just promise me you'll get better?"
"I'll try my hardest" he could still smile so that gave her a little confidence. Before the girl left, she reached out and held his hand firmly for a few seconds. It would have to do for the time being.
After the first day, every one following seemed to becoming an endless repetitive cycle for Hermione. Wake up, classes, club practice, classes, hospital wing, study soon followed by bed. Over and over again the girl became almost like a doll under the master hands of a puppeteer. Her riding skills were improving surely, now under the very close watchful eyes of their Instructor. Her little 'incident' had leaked to the professor and she was very unimpressed. But with every hour passed the brunette and Amaryllis were becoming better, growing closer as a team that soon she didn't need the extra assistance but joined in her Cycle's practise like normal. Duelling club was another story. The intensity of the club was still very high even if the Twins were now at her constant side. Hermione didn't want to admit but her already lacking skills were starting to diminish and she was reluctant to accept her growing distaste for the activity the more she had to attend. Over the course of time it was proven to not be the only fact of Hermione's scores that were dropping.
It was a rare moment of loneliness for the brunette to be on her way to the library one afternoon, Charlotte was elsewhere talking to a teacher about homework and so she was awaiting the arrival of her cousins when Hermione ran into a familiar face she'd seen once before.
"You're…?"
"Oh hello again Miss Granger. I hope this time you are much cheerier?" it was the same third year boy that helped her in the dorm. The two Half-Moon students were standing right outside the library doors and while Hermione was keen to get inside, the wizard had her trapped almost.
"Yes I am. Somewhat. I um…thank you again for helping me that night. But I have to get to into the…" she replied while trying to politely go round him. It didn't work.
"You know you can't save them right?" he said suddenly causing the girl to freeze. That tone of voice. "They're goners. All of them. Even those 'Veela' you feel so much for. A pity really. Rather spectacular creatures to gaze at. But how does it feel 'Ermione?" he closed in on her, using the added inches of height to cast his shadow over Hermione's frozen frame. "They're all lying up there. Waiting for you to save them…but you can't can you? What could you possibly do? A lowly, singular second year?" he finished with the words whispering in her ears.
"Who are you?" Hermione struggled to look him in the eye. Such dark, cold, dead orbs.
"Someone who will be there, round every corner watching you, sitting on the side-lines as this disease takes its hold of more of your family and friends. Watching as you're left with nothing" he smirked at her cruelly. "Frayne. Julian Frayne"
"Julien! Don't you dare touch her!" The shout shattered their little moment and Crystal wound her arm securely around Hermione's waist, pulling her away from the creep. Her face scowling harshly as her sister took the place between their darling cousin and the wizard. The dark eyed boy raised his hands and took the few steps backwards, the smirk still adorning his face counteracted any attempts to display honesty.
"Crystal, Danielle. How nice to see you today. I hope you're well. Did you finish the Potions essay? I am certainly having some trouble…" he started talking like it was any other day and they were all friends. He was quickly cut off by a threatening growl coming from the twins. Pheromones were pouring out of the girl's like a volcano spewing rivers of molten lava.
"Shut your mouth Julien or we'll do it for you!" Crystal was beyond hatred and pure anger. Her emotions were boiling over into a state of uncontrollable raw power and if not for the more level headed twin standing between herself and the boy, he'd be a motionless mass of filth by now. Danielle, while internally feeling the exact same as her sister knew that letting the boy get to them was a worse option than letting him go.
"Leave" She spoke coldly and without opening to refuse. The teen took a lasting look towards the second year, something the Veela hissed at before turning and disappearing round a corner. Not before ensuring they saw his smirk.
It took over a full five minutes for the blood creatures to cool down enough for the air to lessen and their bodies relax. The same couldn't be said however for Hermione.
"He's the same…it's him…he's back…after me…I can't…" her mumblings were repetitive and whispered just enough for the twins to hear her every word. Her gaze was locked on an invisible point on the far wall and her frozen body was clung tightly to Crystal's robes. She wasn't budging.
"'Ermione? Hey, it's alright now. He's gone" Danielle gently placed her hand on the girl's head but she only responded by sinking further into Crystal.
"No…no…never…gone" The twins eyes connected for a second any they figured it would be best to get the girl back to her room instead of being out in the open like they were. Allowing her sister to gently coax the brunette into a steady walk, all the while keeping her strongly bound, Danielle mentally assessed the situation.
Julien Frayne. Third year like themselves, was a Half-Moon student and a real douche. Mostly kept to himself and never strayed far from his secretive hide-aways and solitude. Everything became more suspicious when he started hanging out with the new student. The transfer. What didn't make any sense to the blonde girl was why the wizard went after their baby cousin. Did they know each other? Danielle shook her head immediately dismissed the thought. The clan knew everything Hermione did those days. Everything. Every visit she made to the hospital wing, every path she took to class, her study schedule in the library. If they had encountered before then they would know about it. It was another unanswered questioned they had to answer. What made Hermione freeze so?
Charlotte was sitting on her bed staring at her roommate with a very worried expression. After the twin Veela cousins dropped Hermione off the night before they'd left strict instructions to keep an eye on her, the reddish-brown haired girl was at a loss at what to do now. Hermione for her part was curled up on her own bed, petting Decimus with a precise stroke to the head over and over while her mind wandered into the dark memories she'd dried for so long to forget. Those hands, that smell; the voice. All of it came spiralling back to the brunette the instant Julien whispered in her ear. Even their names were so familiar!
"Hermione?"
"Huh?" brown eyes snapped into focus as they found Charlotte not two feet away, still very concerned.
"Are you going to be alright? I mean I know really something isn't alright, but I'm hoping it'll fix itself soon. Is it your family? Did they do something to you again?! Cause I swear I don't care if they're Veela!...ok maybe I'm a little concerned but.." Charlotte's mood changed with every sentence, from worry to annoyance and anger followed again with admission and slight worry. It brought about a tiny smile to Hermione's face.
"Thank you Charlotte" the other girl just looked at her with a raised brow.
"For what?"
"Just being you" Decimus gave a squeak in conferment while twirling around in circles at the end of the bed. The girls smiled at his playful antics before Charlotte picked up something from the girl's side table she hadn't noticed till then.
"Hey, what is this? A leaf? What you snatch this from the greenhouses or something?"
"If you keep sniffing everything you find you'll catch something yourself Charlotte" Hermione replied while standing and taking the green flora from the girl. The brunette had been keeping the thing close by since she got it, unsure what to do. Did she just throw it away? Give it back to Amaryllis or what?
"Alright. We're going to the library" Charlotte suddenly spoke up with absolute decision which left Hermione baffled and easily manipulated into moving. "Obviously you want to study the thing so let's not waste time and just go" unable to voice any argument the two left their dorm in Decimus' capable paws.
Three hours was Charlotte's limit of sitting on the stiff chairs, reading line after line of text. Hermione could've gone on for longer but she rather not have a grouchy roommate that night so the Half-Moon girls headed to the Wing. Despite only having a visual and no name to go on, they were rather successful in research.
"Emerald Prince; a plant given its name by the vibrant colour it wears and the three pointed tip of each leaf. A single stem plant that grows to a height of two feet tall and found in deep forests areas frequently visited by Unicorn herds. While the plant itself isn't used in many potions for humans or Beings, the Emerald Prince is an energy reviver and strengthens the immune system of the creatures that eat it; namely equines such as Unicorns"
"Wow 'Ermione. You really read up on this thing huh?" Landre chuckled lightly as he turned one of the leaves over a few times while listening to the brunette sprout off all the facts she'd found.
"Yes but it hasn't been used in potions enough so despite being a plant that supposedly helps in healing, we don't know what effect it has. If it could help those of you here, I'd feel much more achieved" the girl replied as she too twirled a leaf in hand. The blonde haired boy looked sympathetic and gave the blade back before smiling.
"If you want some cheering up, you should go see Olivier. He along with the newest lot of patients had a new testing potion earlier that was meant to help stall their progress. His bodily reaction is really amusing" Hermione was surprised he'd say such a thing but took the boy's word for it and stood up. Leaving her two friends to themselves for a bit the brunette went beyond the curtain to find the Full-Moon boy reclining back on a mountain of pillows, staring at the ceiling like it was a breath-taking display of colourful sparks.
"Olivier? How are you feeling today?" she took the usual chair at his side, successfully catching his attention.
"You're pretty" his face split in a very dopey grin while he squinted at her. Hermione was flabbergast at his hazy eyes and very fluid condition.
"Are you…What did they give you?"
"It was so disgusting 'Ermione. It was this bright pink glittery stuff in a see through bottle" he rattled off now with a very serious expression but from what Hermione could tell, that potion was sending him through a whole range of odd moods. One second he was happy, cheery and invested the next he was angry, grouchy and rather twitchy. Landre was right; this was making her laugh.
"I'm sure they're sorry, but it's meant to get you better" she tried but he wasn't taking any excuse.
"I don't care! They're making me drink this weird stuff I tells ya! I thinking they're trying to influence our brains. Using potions instead of curses to control us!" and now it was paranoia. Hermione had to bite her lip. In her slight distraction the girl didn't realise her brightly coloured leaves had caught Olivier's attention and not two seconds later he'd stolen one.
"Hey!"
"What is it?"
"It's something I found in the forest. It's called Emerald Prince; Unicorns eat it supposedly keep their immunity up. It's not something humans…" her explanation after that seemed to go over the boy's head.
"So I could eat it?"
"No! Olivier! Terrible idea! We don't know what it could do to you"
"But it meant to help right?" Hermione hesitated. She couldn't fault him for that logic, not in his mind muddled state but she didn't feel good just leaving him with the leaf. "Too bad! I keeping it! It's my gift from 'Mione!" he gave a doppy grin. "It's nice gift. She likes me back!"
"Olivier I think you need to calm down now ok…" Hermione's voice trailed off as her gaze caught sight of something. On the far side of her friend was another student, a girl. She was lying under thick covers, shivering, scowling in pain as a Healer proceeded to cover her red dotted body in some ointment.
"That's Analissa" Olivier spoke up in a moment of clarity, his hand still clutching the leaf. "She's in my Cycle; first year girl who came in with the last group. She's not doing very well. It got her worse than us…"
Hermione's heart broke at the sight of such a small thing lying helpless in a bed surrounded by medical equipment that had no sure way of curing her of their school's plague. She felt her eyes beginning to tear up and not wanting to be seen crying in the Wing, the brunette said a quick goodbye before leaving the area. She briefly paused by Landre's bed to tell the other girl she was going back first. They didn't have to be together all the time and while Charlotte was adamant of following along, Hermione compromised of waiting outside the doors. She had every intention of doing so too until she passed the last bed in line with its curtain drawn.
"Are you certain you used all of it? That was the last vial and with you now here we can't make another" the second year girl froze at the voice. There was no doubt, not three feet from her, separated by a thing sheet of cotton was Julien.
"Of course I used all of it. I'm sick aren't I!" a spluttering cough came with the end of the sentence. Hermione didn't recognise that boy but he sounded really sick. If she had to assume, he was with the last lot as well. But what were they talking about?
"Yes, you messed up and now you'll suffer along with everyone else" Julien replied without a note of care. Just what were these two to each other?
"It doesn't matter" the voice replied "So long as these stupid self-righteous students suffer and their carers feel what I felt" he gave a snort of amusement as though the idea that anyone could actually get any worse from this disease had Hermione's stomach in knots.
"You don't care either way huh?" Julien sounded like he was grinning. "Still sore on the whole 'Mummy' issue?"
"You shut your mouth" the boy hissed through his teeth. Julien obviously hit a nerve and knew it too.
"It doesn't matter to me. I'm not sick and I don't plan to be but you didn't get as near as many as you wanted. The Healers are maintaining themselves just fine with this number. I thought you said the next batch was going to be worse than the first one"
"It was!" Hermione's eyes widened at the admission. Were these boys actually talking about the sickness? They were responsible? "Haven't you noticed? The first lot barely got worse than a cold. The balance wasn't right and their magic easily fought it off. But the next lot…" the voice paused to catch breath. "Well you saw. The lot of us, we're getting through the stages rapidly. The fever, the spots and skin. Soon the aches and pains will follow, green skin and we won't be able to move. After that…" he chuckled. He actually chuckled.
When the girl heard sudden movement she quickly distanced herself from the curtain in case Julien made a quick exit. From her new position she saw into the area as the boy unknowingly moved opened the split enough for visual. Brown eyes widened as lying there covered head to toe in rash like spots was Curtis; the transfer. He was behind this?!
"Alright, visitors out. Time for the patients to get their rest" A Healer started to call through the room and all unwanted students began heading for the door. Julien was one of the first to disappear, no goodbye sounded before his escape. Hermione was conflicted on staying or going. What the two were discussing was important and the professors, not to mention to the Healers needed to know who the one responsible was…
"Hermione, you waited. Good, we're getting kicked out anyway so let's go" the auburn haired girl took her wrist to lead the way. While brown eyes were still focused on the boy, Hermione didn't notice the girl had taken her arm that was clutching the leaf until an outcry caught everyone off guard.
"WHERE THE HELL DID YOU GET THAT?!" Curtis was sitting up in bed, blood shot eyes glaring at the two girls frozen stiff before him. Focus squarely on their hands.
"What are…?" Charlotte scowls at the boy for his outburst but by then multiple Healers had come in to restrain the now thrashing boy.
"YOU CAN'T HAVE THAT! YOU'LL RUIN EVERYTHING! NOOOO! YOU DEVIL! DEMON! WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS TO ME?! I NEED JUSTICE! JUSTICE!"
"Mr Castell I need you to calm down now" a Healer tried to hold the boy's arm still but even staged with a serious illness the boy was strong to fight off three adults at once.
"NOOOO YOU CAN'T! GET RID OF IT! NOOOO! I CHANGED IT TOO MUCH FOR YOU TO MESS WITH THIS NOW!" through his rampage the Healers moved the girls aside to properly handle the boy causing the scene. Charlotte tried to once again get Hermione out the door but this time they were halted by the head Healer; an elder woman with a stern expression.
"What did you do young lady?"
"I didn't do anything. I just walked by" Hermione replied clearly as bewildered as everyone else.
"What are you holding?" instantly the woman took the small emerald leaf from her hand. If she wasn't so shaken from the previous incident Hermione would've been annoyed at such actions.
"Ah…it's called Emerald Prince. I found it…in the forest a while ago. It's something the animals eat…please, I didn't do anything. He just started yelling and…"
"That's enough" the Healer had her eyes focused on the flora intensely for a few seconds. "We will be taking this. You may have just helped these students girl. Now out! Hospital Wing is closed!"
The girls started in shocked awe as they were suddenly outside staring at the closed double doors.
"Well, that was something" Charlotte said casually, face slowly turning into a grin. "Am I just imagining it or did a thirteen year old just solve the biggest school mystery of the decade?"
"Really Charlotte" the brunette sighed before walking off.
"What I say?" With their afternoon plans severed before the preferred time the duo headed back through the corridors till they came upon of the many gardens and decided to sit in the open air. Hermione took a deep breath, wanting to discard the emotional roller coaster of the Wing and linger in the moment. Her terms grades had slipped from their highest marks, her physical performance was waning in near all activities and her art work….the brunette didn't want to think of what her father might say when he found out.
"Well my day just improved immensely" a voice came over her head and Hermione turned round to find herself in the shadow of Audrey Delacour.
"Not you…" the brunette groaned to herself and Charlotte became aware of the situation.
"What did you just say to me? Don't forget your place girl" she sneered but the younger girl just got up and right into her face.
"What's so wrong with me?! What's wrong with caring for others?! Tell me that Audrey because for years now I haven't seen you care for anyone but yourself and your parents are exactly the same!"
"How dare you speak up to me!" she growled darkly but Hermione cared none.
"Yeah I'm human, a 'lower' species to you. Nothing compared to your genetics and being, right? A simple thing worthy only when brought into the circle as a partner after much consideration and eternal judgement. Well that happened with me Audre! I was accepted into the family; the head family, by my mother and MY grandmother is the clan leader. YOUR leader" Hermione was staring intently into those eyes. The ones that followed her, still follow her with such hatred and contempt. "You are not ever going to gain leadership. You are a branch family, a pure one sure but that won't last too long and I know the laws just as much as you do. You can't hurt me. You answer to my Grandmother, you will answer to Fleur; but none of you can tell me anything. That's what annoys you isn't it?" the slight twitch of the girl's jaw told Hermione everything. "I have freedom" Hermione didn't expect to be backhanded across the face so suddenly. The power and shock of it send her into the dirt. The look of pure rage in those eyes frightened her.
"Hermione!" Charlotte cried as she came to her friend's aide while another restrained the Veela from further action. Diane.
"No more sister. You've done enough" the younger sister felt as much anger as Audrey displayed but she knew better. Looking into brown eyes the blonde was conflicted. "We mean no disrespect to that of the family. A human who doesn't appreciate the position she's been given inside a clan however; it's greater insult than any other to us"
Hermione looked on in disbelief. So much so that she started laughing. Really laughing.
"Get used to it! Cause I'm proud to be one! Like my father before me I'm human and I don't have to listen to anything you Veela demand! And I won't give up that right for anything or anyone! I will live my life my way!"
Her laughter flowed over the rooves of the surrounding buildings and even on to the ears of one shadowed by the wall. She had been there since their arrival, waiting, listening; watching the confrontation and assault. The Veela grounded herself deep to not move at the sound of skin on skin. The girl's face was likely turning red, her anger growing murderous at the possible tears building in those beautiful brown eyes. But the laughter, it was unbelievable and heart shattering. Hermione no longer needed a hero. Didn't need to be rescued from such anymore. Fleur was left with nothing but to watch from afar at her sister she missed so much.
The weeks passed the roommates like hours in a day. Despite her best efforts to concentrate on study and classwork, Hermione was still certain her score average fell to record lows. Charlotte had to try very hard to not glare at the still highest test results of the class but she felt for her friend. The girl was dealing with too much. It came to light when the two could once again visit the Hospital Wing that Curtis had in his rage, confessed to being the culprit behind the development and spreading of the sickness and was detained at the far end of the hall until the Headmistress could decide what was to happen; no visitors, no release.
Hermione visited her friends every chance she could and whenever the twins accompanied her, the Veela girls too. Unfortunately, their end of year exams were closing in and for Hermione especially the date was set for her first Riding Competition. Every second spent away from the books, the brunette was astride her stead and running through the courses over and over again. Jumps, turns, presentation, synchronisation. All of it. They were getting better at their pace, their style and overall time was dropping immensely compared to their earlier attempts.
"You're gunna do fine 'Mione. Stop worrying. Can't say you'll beat the Full-Moon team but you'll do well" Olivier since his minor episode had managed to 'avoid' the same potion again. None of the students had improved through the season sadly; if anything they were getting worse. The spotted skin had taken on a ghastly greenish tinge and they were reluctant to move any of their limbs more than necessary. Olivier somehow kept his personality through the pain and had made effort to hold Hermione's hand through the visit. A gesture she was both thankful and hurt over.
"I just have to survive the course, ensure Amaryllis steps correctly and have the best time possible. No pressure at all…" Hermione replied with sarcasm. Not her best trait but it was growing round the boy every day. He managed a smile and a slight squeeze of her hand. Hermione couldn't help but take in the details of his skin, the colour, the coldness and feeling. He was looking very unwell.
Her eyes drifted to the younger girl resting in the next bed. The poor child was barely twelve years old and her life was halted by a serious, possible deathly illness. The students, while reassured that the sickness no longer a threat to them, were very concerned for their Cycle members, classmates, family and friends still locked away in the Wing getting any treatment possible. No word of a cure had been whispered and every day the teens appeared worse. Hermione didn't know what to do with herself as she gazed upon the girl. Her hair was dark and face angled more on the jaw than cheeks but all the brunette could see there lying on the bed was her little sister Gabrielle. They were about the same height, same facial structure. Images flashed through Hermione's mind of what would be left of her if it were truly her baby sister.
"Don't think about it. Analissa is strong. She's a Full-Moon remember?" Olivier grinned in pride. "We won't be beat so easily. Now I want to know what you'll bring me when I get out of here in time for exams"
"You think I will bring you something? You think you deserve such rewards? And what makes you so sure you'll be leaving soon?" Hermione raised a brow.
"I've heard some of the Healers talking. They've tossed their initial thoughts on this disease and started anew. Think they got the base work that boy used to make this thing…" the boy took a moment to breathe again before continuing. "Soon they'll have the cure ready and we'll walk out here in time for end of year. Bloody good too. I rather like that idea" his snarky attitude was back and with it Hermione's laughter.
"If you get out of here in time for exams I'll give you something" he looked at her judgingly for a moment before replying.
"You gotta handle that annoying noisy roommate of yours has to keep to the far side of the curtain. Can't get any rest with her round…" he said with annoyance. The brunette just shook her head.
"And if I do happen to win this?" Hermione knew it all was a long shot but where was the harm?
"You gotta give me a kiss" Hermione gasped as she stood up, she was only slightly appalled by his request but figured it was the joker in him.
"Not on your life Olivier. You have to earn such things" she said in a playful manor while preparing to leave. Hermione exited the Wing not knowing how serious he was.
The day of the competition arrived much sooner than they expected. The Cycle riders were spaced around the waiting room, quiet and tense. Hermione had tucked herself away in the corner with her fellow Half-Moon members. The older girls were comforting her silently, knowing the first competition was always the scariest. Somehow the girl stood strong, sizing up the other contestants she was to go against. Hermione spent the last few days locked up in her room concentrating on the desired outcome for that day.
The year groups were sorted into separate divisions as to allow for fairness and equality of the skill levels. Second, Third and Fourth years were the 'Junior' category; the one Hermione was about to participate in momentarily along with students, all but one older than herself.
The Competition was taking place on the Quidditch pitch. The grass field transformed into a masterpiece of five different courses for the contestant to manoeuvre one after the other, gaining points from the table of judges by means of speed, grace, coordination of rider to beast and overall style of performance both on course and off it. The Riders had caught a glance at the obsticals they were to be facing and it was nothing different to what the brunette had been practicing all year. She could do this.
When it was time for the 'Juniors' to mount up, Hermione whispered to Amaryllis a single well wish before hoisting herself up and settled. The young Unicorn gave a snort before holding her head high and strutted out of the holding pen with pride. There was about half a dozen of them lined up on their mounts, arranged from eldest to youngest and once the gates opened Hermione watched in awe as they walked out onto the pitch to a monstrous roar of applause. It appeared near the entire population living on the grounds had cramped themselves onto the lower stands of the pitch to watch the riders do their best. As the riders did a loop of the field, the beginning of their assessments, a voice came over the speakers introducing the riders by name and cycle then notified the riders to their starting point.
The most difficult part of the Competition her seniors told the girl, was that at least five riders will be performing at the same time. Since none of the courses collided or crossed, each could have a single contestant in stride. Keeping herself calm, straight backed and Amaryllis holding her strong even prance the two came to their assigned start and paused. Brown eyes closed for a moment as Hermione cleared her mind. The entire year until that point vanished; her feeling, memories and emotions vanished. She was a Rider and now was her moment.
At the sound of the buzzer, Hermione snapped her eyes open and kicked her mighty stead into a run.
Anyone would think she'd be out of energy at the end of it. Her legs ached, back stiff and skin stained with dry sweat but still Hermione raced her way up the stairs to the Hospital Wing the second she could, politely, leave the celebration ceremony; blue ribbon hung proudly on her riding uniform. It was truly an eye opening event. Second year Hermione Granger had taken the 'Junior division' 1st place with her partner of two years Amaryllis. A feat rarely done even in their school's rich history. Apparently the judges were mystified by her connection to the young mare and their performance was perfect in every step of the course. Hermione couldn't have been more proud of her mount than that moment when her name was announced over the speakers and the cheers became deafening.
As the girl came upon the doors she found them locked with a message hanging overhead.
"Closed until further notice?" she mumbled to herself, the hope of showing her award to her friends shot down instantly.
"Hermione" Charlotte's voice came from behind her and the girl turned ready to share her excitement when shocked to find Landre standing there. The brunette closed the gap instantly and crushed the young wizard in a hug.
"I thought I'd never see you free" the blonde chuckled and let her go.
"Neither did I but the lot of us who didn't get worse were finally released after taking the first bouts of antidote"
"Antidote?" brown eye-brows furrowed slightly in confusion.
"Oh of course. Apologies. Last week while you were studying, the Healers had a discovery about that leaf you brought in. Apparently it was exactly what they needed. You did some research on it yes? Did you find out the exact reason why Unicorns eat it constantly?" Landre asked softly to which the girl nodded.
"About strengthening their immune systems against an insistent virus or something?"
"Yes; Distorted Marrow Fever if heard correctly"
"That's what's been affecting you?!"
"Yes. They think Curtis managed to alter it somehow to slowly attack our system, because until now it wasn't contagious to humans. So he's in a spite of trouble for it, as is his father. He's still locked up in there now"
"That's right, I want to get in to talk to Olivier. I have to show him I won!" She grinned widely, a gesture shared by the other girl but not Landre.
"'Ermione…"
"That's enough Favier. You have been sworn" the woman Hermione had previously encountered in the wing was standing by the doors very intimidating for her meagre size. "You, Granger come here" Obediently the brunette did so without question.
"Yes Madam?"
"No visitors tonight. No acceptions" she grouched out before her expression softened some. "You saved lots of lives these last few days girl. Remember that. Thanks to you and your leaf, nearly every student in here gets to go home" the words echoed repetitively off the walls of her brain as she stood stiff as a statue.
Three. That was the number of students never to walk the halls of Beauxbatons again. Never to show their smiling faces around the classes and join their Cycle mates every night for dinner. Three students whom were never to return home. The happy aura of the competition lasted a few days before exams came into full effect and the school settled down in focus. But Hermione was left without such enjoyment or feeling as she wrote answers down automatically. In fact, she felt nothing at all. Everything was a blur from the moment the Healer told her the news to the point the entire school was attending a meeting in the Hall at the end of year while their Headmistress spoke to them all.
"It is with a heavy heart I speak before you today. Because of circumstances our school was plagued by sickness and a dark aura this past year. Many of us were scared for our loved ones, fearing the unknown; but now that darkness has passed and we shall rise anew" Madam Maxime let her gaze wander the many saddened and dark faces of her students. All of them feeling the loss. "We didn't come out unscathed and for today and every day forward we shall remember the ones we lost. Though few in number, they remain with us always. A moment silence for our fellow students"
Hermione was standing there between her best friends. She felt the tightening hand of Charlotte on her left as the girl tried as she might but the tears still came. Landre was the only one standing strong; his back straight and eyes forward. Nearby, Hermione knew her cousins were trying to give the support she needed but it wasn't what the girl wanted. Hermione thoughts were on the lost.
Olivier.
His name was read as one of the three earlier that day along with the names of a fifth year girl and a sixth year boy she didn't know. They weren't saved in time. The exact factors weren't yet publicly known but Landre had tried to share what little he knew. He'd told her that the boy didn't eat the leaf like she'd first hoped. Even in delirious, Olivier passed the leaf on to the younger girl a bed away and unknowingly saved her life. A girl who now stood healthy and strong, ready for the remaining years of life. Hermione didn't know if she felt pure relief the girl was still alive or raging hatred for the life given in place of her friend.
When they were all dismissed for the final night before the carriages were to take them home, Hermione halted the trio's exit of the hall. Taking the one chance of her family's absence to look her friends in the eye, she spoke.
"Landre, is you offer still open?"
"What do you mean 'Ermione?" he replied slightly confused.
"Of summer. Is it still open for me to accept?" Charlotte was surprised but looked to the boy also, seeking an answer.
"Of course it is 'Ermione. For as long as you wish. I'll send a letter to my parents tonight. We can discuss when to collect you from your residence"
"No, tomorrow. I won't be going home; I don't want to. I've written to father and he's agreed on the grounds I return two weeks before the next term begins. If your parents allow it, I'd be honoured to join you and Charlotte for the summer"
Reina sat in her chair, patient, refined and calm while her grandchild stormed a path before her listing off in a rage the troubles that had been plaguing her for the last year. Summer had just begun, Hermione was residing at a friends estate and the clan leader only wished for peace.
"She didn't listen to me! Insulting! Disobeying and put herself in danger! All for nothing! She could've been hurt! She was hurt!" Fleur's eyes raged at the memory of Audrey's hand striking the brunette's face.
"It is not your job to order any of them Fleur" the elder replied.
"I am to keep them safe. 'Ermione especially" that caught the woman's eye.
"Your sister isn't of our blood. She isn't a Being of this clan. You cannot force her to do anything..."
"She's family" the blonde teen reiterated with such conviction little doubt was left in her grandmother's eyes.
"Our little one has come out of this unharmed and while I agree with your assessment, she is who she is. But that still doesn't ease you, does it Fleur?"
"No. I just don't understand why she would dismiss me! Me!" Fleur didn't know tears were beginning to pool in her blue orbs.
"Do you know why we Veela nearly died out over five hundred years ago?" Reina began on a different track "Because of our restricting mating rituals. Since then we have changed to survive and now we are populating nearly all corners of the earth. Our Veela blood chooses one who will perfect us in near every way; mental and physical…"
"Grandmother…" Fleur was afraid to say it.
"You are still confused, I understand but it is done. You have chosen her"
I hope that makes up for the long wait. The biggest yet and may be the longest I ever write but we'll see. I have busy month ahead so I thank you for your patience.
Reviews and Fav's are really appreciated! Let me know what you think!
Midmoon Kitsune out!