Update! Yay! I know its been a few days since my last update for this story. Once again its like 4 in the morning and i have yet to have any sleep. but thanksgiving is days away and as I can imagine many of you like myself must be terribly busy either for prepping for turkey day….or black friday or both and since the holidays are basically here I'm pretty sure shopping will be a big priority. unless you were smart and went earlier through out the year so that you didn't have to worry about it now and can relax and not worry about buying the gifts your love ones desire…in which case i envy you right now…haha but enough of my rambling. i wanted to get this up before turkey day seeing as most of us will be busy that day, i know i will haha and since it is the holiday in which we give thanks I'd like to give mine if thats alright with all of you.
I know we all have our own reasons to give thanks, and I realize in this past year theres been ups and downs loss, and rebirth for all of us. And for me I give thanks for the chance of life. To live. True life isn't always easy. Every moment we have is a gift that i think we all tend to take it for granted. Tomorrow isn't promised because we never know what the future holds. Life is like a story, each moment a new sentence, each day a new chapter. And i know how terribly cliche and corny that sounds but its true. So when we sit down at dinner whether its for Thanksgiving, or everyday take joy in the moments we share. and remember that despite the battles of life, the hardships we face, its what we do and how we do it to push past them that defines who we are. Its the choice of getting back up when we fall that becomes that defining moment. So to everyone here on fanfiction reader or writer or both i thank you. Because its through words that we live. Its in the stories we write/read that we find passion and adventure. Sorrow and escape. Hope and Joy. We find Love and Life. even if this is just a hobby for some, your words no matter how unsubstantial it may seem, have power and inspire. some may have found solace or even saved a life. And its because of things like this i am thankful. I pray you all have safe and happy thanksgiving.
Ahem….i uh..well i tend to think a lot more then usual during this time of year and tend to get sentimental. But i mean what i said even if that was probably a bad little speech…ehm ehm moving on..
KyuubiNoPuma-I hope this answers some of your many questions ;) haha i know some have not yet been answered but they will i promise. Because Skye isn't the only one with lots of explaining to do hehe
DianaArty89-So i couldn't find that missing thought…it ran away…but I am happy to know you liked the last chapter and how things are going between the pair. :) my thoughts,"Skye Why Haven't you told hermione about Jenna yet? She'll understand…i hope" but then i remember what i have planned and its,"You ain't right, why you do that" hmmm i think i may have issues hehe x)
So as i again function on a sleep deprived brain, enjoy this chapter. Im a little unsure on whether or not its more of a filler but I'll let you decide. Please excuse any typos or mistakes but as always everyone
Read,Review,Enjoy \(^.^)/
Chapter 24: Small Discovery
Hermione sat rocking gently in her seat, rubbing soothing circles on Jess' back. It had been days since the second task and still no word yet on how Skyler was doing. Gabrielle had woken before the American teen and was released two days ago. However now Fleur as well as Gabrielle, a few of their little group and maybe one or two Durmstrang students, along with Hermione, Jess, Harry and an irate Ron sat waiting patiently for any news of their friends health.
Hermione watched as Harry once again stood to pace."I don't understand what the big deal is. Madam Pomfery said she'd be alright. She just needed a few days rest." All eyes turned to the Weasley boy who had broken the silence."And when waz eet when she said zat?"
"A few hours ago you lot were asleep." The British wizard said as if it was obvious." And you're barely telling us now!?" Harry walked to his friend kicking him,"The bloody hell was that for!?"
"For being a moronic prat. She's my sister Ron nothing's going to change that besides when she wakes up, the least you can do is thank her."
"What for!?"
"Stop it both of you." Hermione said scolding her best friends." We're all worried about her...some more then others." The Gryffindor sent the red head a pointed look, daring him to say that he was not."Either way there isn't much we can do now but wait."
"Wait for what exactly? For her to wake up and rip us to shreds. If you asked me-"
"No one did" a Durmstrang boy cut in. Pale blue eyes glared at him,"If you ask me the Ministry has every right to take her away. She's a beast that needs to be locked up or put down." Harry growled at the comment moving to grab the Weasley boy and show him not to talk of his sister that way.
"Enough!" Both Hermione and Fleur said in unison. Both girls glaring murderously at Ron."You know nozing. The Ministry's law are nozing to 'er. She is above such petty laws." The Veela spat, her own pale blue eyes beginning two glow a soft violet. Ron gulped leaning back in his seat, he was not the only one unsettled by the sight. Everyone besides Hermione who seemed unfazed mostly because she looked just as angry as the Veela just with out the glowing eyes."And for you to talk about her like zat...you are lucky she doesn't punish you for your insolence." Fleur hissed.
Not taking to be insulted,"Are you mad? You saw what happened to her-"
"Shut up Ronald." Hermione growled,"You don't know what's going on with her. If you don't want to be here then your welcome to leave other wise keep your mouth shut. Skye hasn't done anything wrong to you and all you've done is continue to bad mouth her. If you don't want to be her friend fine but you will respect her as a person, and Harry's right the least you can do is thank her when she wakes up. Skyler could have easily let those kelpies drown your arse. Now either shut up or leave."
Ron huffed but only crossed his arms trying to make himself comfortable in his seat."Pleaze let us know when she wakes. Gabrielle." Fleur said standing as she made her way out, the rest of her group following suit. The Durmstrang students followed shortly after saying their byes and wishing their friend a swift recovery. The golden trio themselves stayed hoping to hear something from the med-witch soon. After twenty minutes of sitting quietly again Harry opened his mouth to speak but words never came. Hearing the argument of the head Master and several Ministry officials coming closer.
"She's dangerous Albus. We can't allow her to stay here you saw what she did. We were lucky enough that most of the students had begun returning to shore. The girl's not even registered in the system."
"As much as I like to hear your arguments on the matter, this is not what you should be investigating. Barty Crouch was found dead and yet you continue to question the stability of this girl who might I say acted admirably despite...the effects it caused her."
"She killed 10 kelpies! Without a wand. No she-"
"I'm sorry minister but to say you have any power of authority over this girl, well you are sadly mistaken. She is not bound by our laws. It would be wise to stay in her good graces she is more valuable then you think."
"Is that a threat!? You would defend that...that beast of-"
Harry looked to Hermione who was listening just as intently as he. Both glance to Ron who feigned disinterest. Still they kept quiet waiting to hear what was to be said Dumbledore and whatever officials were with him stood just on the other side of the door as the argument continued though seemingly coming to its end all the same when Dumbledore's tone turned gravely serious with a hint of warning,"That beast of a girl as you call her is more then some mindless creature you make her out to be. Take care about whom you speak of Fudge, her elders do not take lightly to being insulted nor does she. If you really wish to know what she is...might I suggest brushing up on your history and tall tales. I stand by my decision, we have other matters at hand to deal with and I implore you to take the action needed. A man has died here and he won't be the last."
"I will not!. In times like these the Wizard World looks to its leaders for strength." Fudge said with a growling fervor.
"Well then for once show them some."
"The Triwizard tournament will not be cancelled. I will not be seen as a coward."
"A true leader does what is right..No matter what others think."
"What did you say?! What-"
"Excuse me gentlemen..."
Hermione and Harry straightened in their seats as what sounded like professor Moody ending what was sure to be another round of opposing opinions. The headmaster was the first to burst through the door glancing to his students momentarily,"Harry if you please I'd like to talk to you in my office. Will you meet me there?" The boy who lived nodded silently. The older wizard nodded silently as Fudge, as well as Moody and one other ministry official came through the door.
When the adults left still muttering arguments between each other the young Gryffindor's looked to each other."I suppose I should..." Harry said as he stood stretching his arms and back,"let me know.."
"Of course Harry.." The black haired boy nodded once and made his leave. Minutes later Ron groaned,"Do we have to wait here?"
"You're welcome to leave." The brunette snapped.
"Hermione.." Just then madam Pomfrey came through the door,"Oh hello there dears, I hadn't expected anyone to be here except for Miss Vega's cousin."
"Is she ok!?" The little girl asked turning to face the med-witch. The woman smiled warmly,"Yes she's fine. A bit grumpy from but I'm sure seeing you would help her feel a whole lot better." Jess smiled brightly hopping off Hermione's lap and ran towards the door. Stopping just before entering she looked back to the other brunette,"You're coming too right?" Bright brown eyes then turned to Madam Pomfery,"She can come too right?"
"She can if she wishes to." The little girl ran back to the Gryffindor witch pulling her to get up and come. Hermione giggled at Jess but obliged the little girls request."Oh and Miss Granger would you please remind my patient she is to remain in bed...Mister Weasley are you not coming to see your friend as well?"
"No."
"Well then I insist you be on your way. There's no use in you sitting around here." The sound of Madam Pompfrey's shooing Ron away faded as Hermione made her way in to find her friend. It wasn't very hard seeing as the room where patients resided was very large and opened. The witch smiled seeing Jess hugging her cousin fiercely, as well as scolding her about what she'd done.
"You should lay back and rest." She said when Skyler made to get out of bed, Jess still clinging to her."You'd be as restless as me if you were stuck in bed when there's no need to." Came the reply. Hermione chuckled taking a seat besides Skyler's bed."You know most wouldn't complain so much about being able to stay in bed for a few days."
"Maybe but that still doesn't mean there's a need for me to stay. I'm fine." Hermione's smiled slowly faded, her features becoming serious and worrisome."Skye...at the lake..what happened?" She asked quietly. The older girl's own smile faded, lips pursed into a straight line. Hermione watched as her friend thought deeply about what she should say. Hermione wanted to know why the American girl went into the frenzy she did, and what caused it. Whatever it was must of broken her control over her anger. The only time she's seen Skyler change, was the day the older girl was sorted. Then again it was only her eyes and teeth that changed that time..
"I..." Could Skye tell Hermione that she saw Jenna? Well the kelpies how it took her form. Skye knew, she knew with out a doubt it was a warning from the obsessive half succubus. Even still Skyler hadn't even told Hermione of her encounter with Jenna during her captivity. The only ones who knew were Jess and most recently Dumbledore. The old man had insisted on the truth so she told him, albeit Skye made him promise not to say a word to Izel or Summer. It was something she would talk about when she was ready to.
Hermione reached for Skye's hand holding it for comfort. Jess snuggled her face into her cousins neck mumbling what the teens were sure were comforting words.
"The...the kelpie...the one that pulled Gabrielle under. It took the form of...it took the form of someone from the facility..someone who makes my blood boil with just a thought." The brunette saw her friends jaw clench the hand gripping her own tightened. Jess stiffened a bit and Hermione could feel the warmth of Skyler's hand rise becoming warmer. Those piercing eyes were over come by a shadow of guilt and shame.
"Hey..who ever it was...it wasn't really them."
"I know...but you don't understand Hermione..." The younger teen winced slightly from the strong grip on her hand as Skyler tried to explain. The Vajirian noticed this and pulled back her hand apologizing for hurt her friend. Hermione flexed her hand before quickly taking the warm one she held moments ago again. Brown eyes held a strong gaze with angel like eyes,"Skye...I know I don't understand...but if you feel uncomfortable talking about this then we won't. I don't want to upset you not again."
"Yeah but..."
"No buts. I want to know what happened just a much as everyone else, but I won't push it. I told you before only when you're really ready to talk."
The two fell into silence. Seemingly lost in their thoughts and for a few minutes the only sounds were of the little vajirians movements to lay down and their breathing. Absentmindedly Hermione rubbed her thumb in soothing circles for a little while. Her eyes tracing the designs on Skyler's hand,"What happened exactly?" The question broke the quiet and brown eyes looked back up to galaxy ones."You don't remember this either?"
"It's not that I don't...I just..." Skye paused,"I want to know what you saw..."
Hermione's gaze lowered," 'Moine...look at me." She did as asked and found the look in the older girls eyes intense, filled with fear and guilt,"Please tell me what you saw.." The older girl asked in a whisper. Brown never looked away from luminescent eyes and the witch took a moment to calm her nerves. She had a feeling why Skye was asking but she had to be sure..
"Well...after Jess and Fleur screamed..."
~ Hermione's head snapped up to look in the direction of the screams seeing Skyler dive into the water."Skyler!" Both she and Harry yelled at the older girl. But it was already too late Skye had already submerged completely. Hermione as well as her friend instantly stood and ran to the edge to follow but a small grip on her leg stopped her. Looking down the Gryffindor witch found little Jess clinging to her desperately,"Don't go..." She said almost desperately,"Don't go down there..." Hermione swallowed the lump of growing fear in her throat,"Did you see what's that down there?" She asked the young Vajiri. "It's a monster...do go or it'll get you too." "Jess I have to-" "No! Stay! stay here out of the water she'll come back...just don't.." The tight grip the little girl had on her leg grew tighter. Her normal bright brown eyes were darkened just a bit by a shadow of fear, but the turquoise design they held grew bright and almost glowed."Jess...d-did you know this was going to happen." The young Vajirian lowered her gaze and for the moment Hermione focused only on the younger brunette. She knelt in front of her and gently made those now teary eyes look at her."Jess.." Was all she said when more screams were heard. Looking around the Gryffindor found that dozens of kelpies had come trudging the surface of the water all headed in their direction. Many of the Auror that had accompanied the ministry officials sprung into action defending all from the creatures. Many of the students were forced to leave as the adults and a few of the older students, most mainly from Durmstrang, helped to defend against the water demons. It was several minutes later the sound of Harry and Fleur yelling two names did Hermione turn back to where she had last seen her american friend. Seeing about four giant tentacles emerge from the water two holding two unconscious students, before laying them on the dock and helping somewhat by crushing at least three kelpies. Pulling Jess close Hermione made her way to her friends. She had only been a foot away before her feet were pulled from under her as she was dragged near the edge of the dock."Hermione!" Jess yelled Harry who had been standing off against one of the demons turned to find her being dragged away to be drown. Hermione would have been able to get away if she had only had her wand. But she didn't and seeing as harry was having trouble and Fleur was defending both Skyler and Gabrielle she could not help either. Many were running around either trying to help or to get away. Feeling small but strong hands grip her own brown eyes widened stunned at the strength the little Vajiri had. It was not enough as the she continued to be dragged, albeit slowly now, to what she knew was a watery grave. "Help! Somebody help me! Hermione don't let go!" After that everything happened so fast she could hardly believe she had made it out alive. An Auror had come to help pulling jess aside and helping her free. In the next moment she was hit rather hard, from what she wasn't sure, falling back into the water. Resurfacing only for a second before a strong set of arms encircled her dragging her back into the depths. The witch was drowning she knew, as she tried to get freed with out losing too much oxygen. But it was no use she was already in the kelpies grasp. She never thought she'd die like this and to think she hadn't even finished her fourth year. It was moments later she felt a tremble in the water almost like a vibration or rippling effect. The kelpies grip loosened before being completely ripped from her. The moment she was free the witch swam as fast as she could breaking the surface with huge gasp. There she saw Jess her hand in the water. Once on the dock again Hermione turned back noticing that the mer-people had joined the fight. It was seconds later she heard a bone chilling roar that sounded like..,"Come on we have to calm her down!" Jess was frantic now as she climbed the ladder to the main dock floor. Following quickly behind Hermione gasped at what she saw. Several kelpies lay dead in a pile at the feet of a very enraged Skyler Vega who had once again shifted in appearance. Her marks had a faint glow to them, able to be seen under the wet shirt she wore. Hands were clawed teeth bared like a rabid wolf, fangs elongated and sharpened, eyes ones again like small bright moons with that unnatural gleam and glow. However her skin seemed slicker, shinning wet scales. Her clothes seemed tighter as her muscles were enlarged and Hermione swore she could see the faint aurora outline of dragon surrounding her. But what seemed to catch her attention most was the massive stain of blood that covered the older teen. It dripped heavily from her jaws and Hermione had to keep herself from vomiting. What's happened to her friend? "Hurry we have to help her! If we don't she'll go crazy and hurt anyone!" Apparently she was still stunned from the appearance of the vajra so much so that little Jess ended up kicking and smacking her to attention,"I-I...how am I suppose to calm her down...not even Harry can.." Skyler had just thrown the boy who lived across the dock. Fleur was on her knees face completely against the wooden floor, as if bowing. Many of the wands had turned from the kelpies to the mid shifted Skyler who had just finished off another kelpie by ripping its head off with her teeth. "Don't you feel it!?" Jess asked panicky "Feel what?" "When you touch?! When you're together! That weird thing mama said connects her to papa! I see it yours is connected to Skye!" Hermione again went slack jawed what on earth was this little girl talking about. She was connected to Skyler? Then it dawned on her the tattoos her markings. This only solidified the fact that she was indeed connected to her friend but how or why would have to wait. Right now she had to stop the Vajirian from hurting others besides the kelpies. Which she notice retreated as she stood dumbstruck at the sight of Skye and what her little cousin had just said. Walking cautiously to her blood soaked friend Hermione held her arms out in a submissive manner showing she meant no harm. The aurora standing by aimed their wands at the older teen. Some including the minister urging for them to hex the girl. However Dumbledore shushed him and commanded for them to stand down. Skyler snapped and growled stopping only when it seemed like some sort of headache caused her to shake her head to be rid of it. Hermione was scared her heart was pounding in her ribcage as blood rushed loudly in her ears. How the bloody hell was she suppose to calm down her friend like this. She and Harry know each other for years yet she tossed him like a rag doll. Taking a deep breathe Hermione spoke her friends name softly catching her attention...~
"I...the minister is right...I don't belong here."
"How can you say that." Hermione replied,"Because I could have easily killed anybody! I could have-" she lowered her voice when Jess sat up hugging her tightly. Hermione used her other hand to rub the little girls back soothingly,"Skye what happened wasn't your fault."
"How can you be so sure. I know you've done your research. Kelpies don't travel in packs like that.." Hermione opened her mouth to reply but none came. Her friend was right. Kelpies don't stay in groups let alone groups of the ones she saw."They know where we are..." The older teen said softly.
"But they can't get us right Skye! Mama said we're safe here! We're safe here!? Aren't we!?"
"Cálmate cálmate...Clark que sí, aquí estamos a salvo. Dumbledore me Lo dijo, no te preocupes.(Calm down calm down...Of course we are, we're safe here. Dumbledore told me so too, don't worry.)" Hermione watched as the young girl gripped her cousin tightly,"Lo prometo, nunca los dejaré lastimarte otra vez una pequeña.(I promise, I will never let them hurt you again little one.)" the younger brunette swallowed hard as if trying her best to believe her older cousin. This didn't go unnoticed by either teen.
"Jess..." Hermione said gently,"Come we need to get you to bed. Skye will be alright."
"But-"
"It's ok little one...go with Hermione. Just a few more days and I'll be out." The little girl sucked in air sharply before pushing off from her cousin and the bed and running out."Jess!"
"No. You stay here." The Gryffindor witch said sternly,"I can't just sit here. I have to see why she's upset."
"Madam Pomfery said you are not to leave this bed unless she specified other wise."
"Ok well I have to go to the restroom." Hermione pushed her friend back a hand firmly on her chest,"Skye I'm serious. I'll go see what's wrong, just please..." Although she said nothing the look in luminous eyes let her know the older girl conceded. With out even thinking about what she was doing Hermione kissed the ebony haired girl on the cheek saying her goodnight and that they would talk soon. Hurriedly making her way out to find the little Vajirian.
~x~
When Hermione found Jess she was exactly where she thought she'd be. In hers and Skyler's room, all snuggled up with Lola crying silently. Taking a seat next to the pair the older brunette ran her fingers through the younger girls hair."What's wrong my little bear?" When there was no answer Hermione ceased her stroking and turning the crying child to look up at her,"Jess..why are you upset? Talk to me please"
"She didn't believe me..."
"What do you mean?" The young Vajiri sat up and looked straight into dark brown eyes,"I-I told her! I told her! But she didn't believe me! It's cause I'm too little!" She exclaimed angrily in a sob. Hermione hugged her little bear close allowing her to let loose her emotions, emotions no one her age should be feeling."What did you tell her?.." The witch asked softly.
"The dream...t-the dream I told her what happened in my dream but..but she didn't believe me...she..she said that it was just because of what happened to us..." Hermione listened to what her little friend was saying. While trying to wrap her mind around it, what Jess was saying she didn't actually believe in. After all she didn't see the point in divination and believed that the so called 'seers' of the wizarding world were as real as the ones in the muggle world. There was no way anybody could foresee the future, no one. Then again with everything that was happening this year it could be possible however little that possibility was. A realization struck her then,"That's why you told me not jump in the water.."
Jess nodded silently."Have...you had any more dreams like this?" A shake of the head was the Gryffindors answer. With a sigh Hermione held the little body closer to her gently rocking to sooth the young girl to sleep. When Jess had calmed enough she lay her down."Stay.." Came a weak plea.
"I'm just going to change...relax...I'll be right back." When she stood from the bed Lola snuggled back to Jess' side. With a smile Hermione scratched the canines ear before turning to grab a change of clothes. Grabbing the same sweater she'd used before and a pair of boxer shorts. After changing she slipped into the bed next to Jess wrapping her arm around the little body. It was a little more then two hours before she finally drifted off to sleep, her mind had been swirling with thoughts and questions. But had calmed her racing mind enough to relax, she would speak with Skyler soon enough.
However unknown all three occupants another, stood in the shadows watching as they slept...
Creeeepy i hope no one watches me while i sleep 0.0
Ahem Anyways….I wonder who it was watching Hermione,Jess, and Lola? Whys Ron being a mother sucka goose? (yep i just said that) wholly crap 10 kelpies!
It would seem Jess has a few talents of her own coming to light...wonder what else she's capable of? And just what is the ministry going to do about this second mishap involving our vajiri pair?
Guess we'll find out what happens in the next chapter: Half Truths! until next time everyone ;)
(A/N: Also I would like to take this time to mention that after then next few chapters fourth year ends as will the tournament and with it the return of our noseless villain. which means even though theres enough drama going on as it is….it has only just begun hehehe)