Yep two chapters for this update..as i said before things are going to gradually get darker but i must warn that in this Chapter there is a strong mention of molestation, as well as a flash back of the event, though its does not really go into detail of the event….still if this make you any bit uncomfortable I've marked where you can skip it.
The song used In this chapter Is
Kick Me-Sleeping With Sirens
As always though everyone
Read,Review,Enjoy
Chapter 33: Something Wicked This Way Comes (Part II)
"Where are they taking her?" Hermione asked as she Harry and (Surprisingly) Ron made their way to Skyler. When they had gotten to their common room Harry headed straight to his dorm, then his trunk to pull out his invisibility cloak and the map. After an hour or two of waiting he made his way down to the common finding Hermione already waiting for him and Ron shuffling up behind him. He was going to argue about them coming (Mainly Ron) but thought better of it, he needed to get to his sister.
The trio now hid under the cover of the cloak, if only just."It looks like they're taking her to the dungeons.." The boy who lived answered his friend who's grip on his arm tightened."We should hurry.."
~x~
They watched as Skye was dragged and thrown into a room Harry recognized as the one Hagrid had used to hide Aragog in during a vision his second year. Filch gave the girl a final kick before leaving and locking her in. Umbridge stating that this would be her new quarters as well as being escorted to and from here, ensuring that she was in her room and not off wandering the night.
When the adults finally left Hermione was the first to remove herself from the cloak. She quickly unlocked the door and entered the room, finding Skye to be with out a shirt and apparently looking for another one. She blushed profusely and turned her gaze to the door finding a blushing Ron and a worried looking Harry.
"Skye…you're alright?"
"You sound surprised."
"Why wouldn't he be? We saw you take more then thirty lashes how are you even conscious."
"Nice to see you too ginger." The older girl said turning back to her trunk and pulled a plain blue crew neck-T out.
"Skye your back…"
"What about it." Her tone was clipped and laced with more then just irritation.
"There's nothing there. Just pink skin how could-"
"Because of what I am. Are we done here?"
"Oi you should be grateful he cares enough to come check on you." Ron stepped forward, she had some nerve to be acting the way she is when his friends were being nothing more then…well friends
"So then why is it you're here if he's the one that cares?" Skye snapped at the other boy.
The red head smirked he would win this round,"Well I never thought I'd see the day a Slytherin would get what they deserved…so I came to see for myself."
"And what is it you know I deserve."
"A leash and a collar." Skyler snarled at the red head who took a step back in fear watching as her fangs had elongated and the whites of her eyes were slowly beginning to blacken.
"The hells wrong with you Ron!" Harry hissed pulling the other boy back beside him,"what?! Look at her! I tease her a little and she turns into the wild beast we saw last year!"
"Don't fucking calling me that!"
"Stop it both of you!" Hermione yelled stepping in between the two."Ron you're only provoking her."
"Keep pushing it ginger…I swear one of these days you're going to push me too far and when you do not even your friendship with these two is going to stop me." Skyler growled.
"Stop you from what?" He asked, his blue eyes narrowing at her,"From giving you what YOU deserve.." Came the answer.
"Is that a threat? I-"
"That's enough Ron.!" Harry snapped beginning to push him out the door,"Hermione make sure Skye's ok..we're going to keep watch." He pushed the other boy out even as Ron protested it wasn't safe leaving Hermione alone with something like Skyler.
Skyler herself growled as she smacked her trunk from the cot that would be her bed. And it wasn't until feeling the familiar electric sensation on her arm did she calm enough to stop from ripping her room apart.
Hermione was worried for her Ky'dôl, she'd imagine anyone would be angry after being humiliatedly whipped in from of the entire school like that. But for Skye to be this angry that she was on the verge of shifting as she called it…well she couldn't help but think there was something else bothering the other girl.
"Skye…" The witch spoke softly and was glad to see that Skye had responded by stopping to look at her.
"You should go..there's no need for you to get 10 lashes yourself just because you wanted to make sure I'm ok."
"Not until I know that you're going to be alright. You promised you'd be careful Skye..." The older girl sighed pinching the bridge of her nose,"and I am. I'm being careful to make sure her attention is on me and not on you, Harry and the others."
"That's not what I meant Skyler and you know it." Hermione snapped,"You can't honestly expect for us…for me to just sit back and watch as you let her whip you like a dog!"
"I will not submit to her!" Skyler yelled back pulling from the witch's grasp."I know I'm suppose to distract her but dammit I'm not going to let her think she's won…even if it means being whipped like that again and again!. She will not control me! No one will!" Skye was speaking more out of pride then rational thought Hermione knew this but damn it she had to try and make her see reason about this. Not only that she had to calm her down, Hermione could already see the edges of Skyler's eyes had already blackened. She was angry but Hermione had to wonder what the reason was at the moment...it couldn't have just been because she was whipped...
Keeping quiet for a moment the Gryffindor witch watched her Ky'dôl snarled and growled furiously to herself for a minute longer before she reached out to her again, arguing wasn't going to get them anywhere so instead she took a different approach one she found always seemed to coax Skyler into being more open about certain things.
"Skyler.." She said gently but firmly and said girl turned to face the witch once more."Whats got you so angry…"
"What do you mean!? You were there you watched it two hours ago.!"
Brown tresses swished as the witch shook her head stepping closer to the Vajirian. The taller girl stepped back gripping Hermione's wrists not harshly but firmly enough to silently let the witch know she did not wish to be touched right now. Hermione was not fazed, she merely only paused momentarily before bringing her arms to the small of her back gripping at strong forearms.
"Hermione stop."
"Don't push me out Skye…let me help you." She said stepping ever closer until both their fronts were pressed to each other. Hermione could feel the tension in the taller frame begin to relax even as Skyler tried to fight the effect. Skye turned her face from the brunette with a huff. She cursed how Hermione always seemed to relax her by just the simplest of touches, and then she remembered why she did not want Hermione to touch her, why she was so worked up.
Skyler pulled from Hermione's embrace and turned to the wall her hands trying to grip the stone surface and it was then Hermione saw just how tense and stiff Skyler was. Seeing as the older girl had yet to put a shirt on and the one she pulled out had fallen from her grip. Hermione could see the the tense pull of the back muscle beneath skin.
Furrowing her brows the brunette again moved toward the Vajirian who tensed even more under touch when she reached out to her. She heard the shaky breath of the black haired girl who shook her head as if again to silently tell her not to touch her.
"Look at me Skyler…" the shake of the head her only answer. Hermione moved to stand between the taller girl and the wall as she cupped the older girls face. Skye's eyes were opened but they were downward and Hermione could see a mix of emotions playing through them."What did she do to you?..."
From what she was seeing Hermione came to the conclusion that something else had happened between the time of the lashing and now. There was a time gap of at two hours and the Gryffindor wondered what went on during that time that she was with Umbridge and the groundskeeper. From the obvious display of not wanting to be touched, it was something that began to make the witch's stomach turn.
"Skye…" her voice was a whisper now as she gently coaxed the older girl to talk. Several minutes of this had passed before Galaxy eyes finally looked up into worried brown. Hermione searched the eyes before her waiting patiently for the other girl to speak. Finding guilt and shame to be most prominent.
"They…" Hermione said nothing only waited,"They….she.." Skyler swallowed hard, cleared her throat as if it would help in her explanation or say whatever it was she was to tell. The witch continued to watch the Vajirian as she took a deep breath before finally saying,"She…I…I tried to stop her Hermione you have to believe me I…"
"I believe you…" She whispered in reply,"Tell me what happened…" Skyler took another deep breath…
~When the whip struck her back the seventieth time Skye groaned from the soreness of her back. She knew the only thing the whip tore at was her shirt, her skin remained unblemished from the lashing. Ryul had told her that there were very few things that would be able to pierce or penetrate her skin. That did not mean it would not hurt, the repetitiveness of the deed only made her skin a shade of pink as if sun burned. She mused over the fact that she had just been whipped seventy times and there was no blood, surely everyone was asking questions as to why. She hoped this wouldn't end up causing her trouble in the long run. Her thoughts however were brought back to the matter at hand as she fell with a grunt.
"Grab her."
Instead feeling the hands of the grounds keeper Skye felt three pairs help her to her feet. Hearing the clicking of heels ahead of her Skye chanced a glance to those who held her, Surprised to see Pansy Parkinson, Blaise Zabini, and Daphne Greengrass helping her.
"Wha-"
"Shhh don't speak…" Daphne whispered as quietly as possible without so much as looking at the older Slytherin. Skyler could feel the cool draft on her back as well as it hit her hot skin that was quite sensitive at the moment and she shivered.
They walked in silence the only sound was that of breathing and the clicking of heels and shoes. The group of Slytherins noticed that they were headed to the DADA classroom and not the headmasters office. Which was odd especially now that Umbridge is the new headmistress. They did not question it however, as this did not want to suffer the sting of the whip for it. Skyler could feel the eyes of her house mates on her but did not look to them only the floor.
When the group came to stand at the door of their destination the pink toad turned to face the members of her inquisitorial squad."Thank you children that will be all. Please go about your patrol then off to bed."
The grounds keeper had roughly grabbed the older girl as the door opened and shoved her in. Skyler caught the glimpse of worry from her house mates before bright pink blocked her view and heard the door shut and lock.
Filch grabbed her once more but the teen shoved him off,"Why am I here. It's passed curfew professor."
Dolores did not answer merely went to sit at her desk at the head of the class. Filch went to grab her once more, the Vajirian again pushed him aside and walked toward the woman. However once she stood three feet away in front of the high inquisitor Skyler felt the magical chains bind her once again this time she guessed it was to keep her in place as they came from the ground just in front of her.
"You will speak when spoken to Miss Vega. No more no less am I understood?."
The teen said nothing, Umbridge nodded her head and Skye felt the blunt force of wood on her back."Come now, I'm trying to be civil-"
"I wouldn't call chaining and beating a student civil." Again she was hit with a heavy wooden object."Cut the bullshit…why the hell did you bring me up here.." She growled at the last hit. Filch sneered at her but did not do much else besides grumble about filthy half bloods like her should be locked up or put down.
"Straight to the point, I must admit I admire that about you. However I do hope that you'll be able to remain as such in telling me where Albus is hiding."
The Hispanic girl scoffed at that mostly because she should have known. Dolores Umbridge was still spying for Fudge after all."why the hell do you think I know where he is. As far as I know that old man is long gone and if you and your damn Ministry weren't so incompetent you'd have caught him by now." She grunted at the hits to her back but spoke to keep the speech she knew was coming,"Save your bull for someone with out a brain. You've no more power over me then then those you claim lower then yourself…"
"Enough beast. I know you're in league with Dumbledore, especially since you've been constantly seen leaving his office."
"Did it ever occur to you that he was simply only addressing personal issue that only he as headmaster could deal with." Umbridge chuckled at that and colored eyes narrowed at her,"Ah yes….because of your 'condition'…..if I'm not mistaken is it not time for you to take this?" The witch held up a familiar looking vial but Skye made no show of recognizing it.
"As you said this is a matter only the headmaster must deal with…but I've come to find my dear that you are no half vampire. And none of the features you bear, hold any similarities to the creatures classified within our archives….nor do you carry a wand….which brings not only me but the minister himself to wonder….what exactly are you?"
"None of your goddamn business."
The witch whipped her wand out as if snacking someone with it. And Skyler felt the sting of a ghost hand hit her cheek. This woman basically bitch slapped her and Skyler growled at her ready to break the bonds that held her in place,"I've enough of your foul language. Tell me Miss Vega how long can you last before your thirst drives you into a frenzy, before you can no longer hold back the need to feed off the blood of your fellow classmates."
Skyler cursed internally she'd yet to take her potion this month, and did not wish to test her willpower in holding back the thirst she had. But she was prideful, and the alpha that she was wanted nothing more then to show this witch she was not one to be toyed or messed with if pushed too far.
She was stuck between pride and the safety of the school."Nothing to say? Pity…..but as it would put the rest of my students at risk I suppose I am force to let you drink your remedy." Umbridge then held out the vial for the groundskeeper to take. He did so walking over to the teen handig it to her to drink.
Skye had a bad feeling about this but at the moment there wasn't much she could do. She knew what would happen if she denied herself the potion, Skye didn't want anymore blood in her hands then there already was. Before downing the liquid, Skye sniffed it, making a face of disgust after swallowing it. The potion tasted a little different but it still tasted like crap.
The room was silent for a moment and then the american teen realized that the witch had added something else to her potion. The vial fell from her hand shattering and Skye found herself losing control of her own limbs. The chains shifted and were now the only thing holding her up right. Much like earlier in the night, the ministry witch stood from her seat a smile gracing her lips and the Vajra swallowed hard. She had not built an immunity to what ever it was Umbridge mixed into her potion.
She tried to speak but could not, Skyler could only control her eyes."I'm sure by now you've figured that you can not move nor speak."
The witch stood then walking till she was standing face to face with the teen,"Mr. Filch, would you be a dear and start with what I asked you earlier."
"Yes ma'am" the man left and Skye was beginning to feel trapped as she continued to will her body to move.
"Try all you like but your body will be paralyzed for an hour or two before it wears off. During which time I intend to find out just exactly what you are…starting with a physical examination."
Colored eyes widened as she watched the witch use her wand to remove the torn shirt she wore. The woman circled her and Skyler could feel the gaze Umbridge gave as if it burned her very skin."I must say you are quite well kept….and what are these…" Her body flinched from the unexpected touch, and Skyler wanted to break the hand that slid across her skin. Moving from her shoulder blade down and around to her stomach.
"Oh so sorry dear I forgot to mention…..your body may be paralyzed but, you'll still be able to feel everything sadly whatever happens you'll have no control over."
If looks could kill, Umbridge would have been incinerated. But Skye still needed to learn how to control her magic and the only element she seemed to be capable of conjuring (At will anyway) was ice. The witch's hand slid up her front and Skyler grew angrier and could hear the desks and small objects begin to rattle in place. When the hand slid downward Skye got a little more frantic and several books and a chair fell over as well as several spikes of ice burst from the floor around them.
"Hmmm interesting how ever this might help you to relax…" Skyler watched as a needle she had not notice laying on the teachers desk float toward her and inject a cold feeling liquid. She fought and fought the effects of whatever it was only to tire herself out for using her magic this way. She still needed a lot of practice in order to wield it. She was stuck and at the mercy of this twisted woman.
The teen watched as the woman undid her belt and pants letting them drop….
"Oh my….it appears there is much more to you then you let on….a lot more it seems….I wonder…"…~
"And then she…she-" Hermione brought their foreheads to touch slightly shaking her head,"Shhhh you don't have to say anymore of you don't want to.."
"But we didn't….she didn't completely force herself on me…she just..touc-"
"You don't have to say it..." Hermione spoke gently as she did her best to sooth and calm the older girl. Skyler had just confessed that Dolores Umbridge had drugged and molested her and Hermione was feeling a range of emotions. Tears of sad anger fell from brown eyes as she did not know what do do at the moment nor how to help the older girl. Anything she did would be seen as suspicious but she knew she couldnt allow for something like this to happen again.
Not only that, who knew if Skye was the only student she'd done that too and how long had she been at it."You have to tell someone…"
"Who am I going to tell?! Dumbledore isn't here..and your damn ministry is already suspicious of what I am….who would believe me….no I can't-"
"I won't let her do this to you again." Hermione spoke with vehemence that surprised Skyler.
When she found her voice again Skye spoke, though to Hermione it seemed more like something Skyler was saying to convince herself as to why what had happened, happened."She caught me off guard..it won't happen again. And I've taken the potion for this month already she won't be able to trick me like that again."
Shaking her head Hermione looked to Galaxy eyes,"Maybe but who's to say she didn't have Madam Pompfrey lessen the strength of it. For all we know right now, your potion would curb your thirst for a week a day. Please Skye don't chance it she might of only touched you this time…" She didn't finish what she had to say there was no need to. It didn't take much to figure out what she was trying to convey and Skyler turned her gaze from the witch in shame knowing that Hermione was right.
Hermione grasped the older girls chin gently urging her head to face her again. Skyler clenched her jaw momentarily before relenting to the witch, after all why would she think Hermione wouldn't do anything she can to help, especially after what she had just revealed what happened hours ago. With a sigh she asked,"How?...how would you help me? I don't want you to ever feel the sting of the whip Mi.."
The Gryffindor gave a small smile, partially because of the new nickname and partially because Skye wasn't being so stubborn in trying to do this by herself. She almost chuckled at the thought because Harry is the same way.
"We'll think of something…" Came the the answer and for a moment Hermione had to contemplate about pulling Skye into her arms."Is it ok…..if I hug you?" She didn't wish for the other girl tense in her arms, knowing it was a sensitive matter especially right now. Skyler gave her answer in a silent nod.
Hermione removed her hands from Skye's neck and chin, wrapping her arms around the taller frame in front of her. Feeling her stiffen she said,"It's ok….I'm not her….I'm not going tot hurt you…" The witch spoke in a hushed tone and felt Skyler begin to relax. Hesitantly she hugged the witch back.
They stood in silence not sure for how long, but their time was spent long enough alone that Harry poked his head in. He cleared his throat and both girls turned to face him. Neither breaking their embrace,"Sorry, we have to head back."
Skyler responded by tightening her hold on the witch in her arms. Hermione sighed bringing a hand to cup the other girls face,"Give us a moment longer Harry."
"Hermione…Skye.."
"Just a moment please." He nodded and left the room again wondering what it was that they were talking about…or if they were talking at all. He hadn't questioned Skye's intentions though he felt he should given her track record when it came to 'dating'. It was still hard for him to fully understand or accept that Skyer truly felt for Hermione the way she had said. He knew his friends pretty well and didn't know if he could forgive Skyler if she broke Hermione's heart.
From the looks of it things were going rather well between the two. He would question Hermione about it when it was just the two of them. He didn't want Ron to make a big deal out of things if they didn't work out..
"Don't tell Harry….please.."
"Do you not want him to know?" The vajra shook her head,"In time I will tell him…he's my brother..he's every right to know but…I can't…not right please.."
"Ok…but I'm going to tell professor McGonigall-"
"Why?" Hermione gently caressed Skyler's face with her other hand, speaking firmly,"Because she can help us. You."
"How?"
"Trust me…"
~x~x~
A week had passed since that night and things around Hogwarts had change drastically. With each passing day Umbridge came up with some ridiculous new decree that many, if they couldn't before, could now say that the woman was mad with power. However there were always ways around them and even those of the inquisitorial squad had begun bending the rules a bit even becoming lenient when the headmistress wasn't watching.
Skyler was whipped yet again that Friday for everyday she did not conform to the dress code Umbridge had set. This time how ever she had been grateful when Professor McGonigall had stepped in offering to escort her to madam Pomfrey as well as either professor Snape or certain members of the inquisitorial squad (under Snape's request of course) escorting her to and from her room.
She would receive knowing looks from both professors and Skye would look away from their gazes in shame. Skyler had not been as vocal in her defiance of Umbridge but she did what she could in hopes that she kept enough attention on herself but not enough that the woman would have her taken to her office…again.
Hermione would often glance toward the Slytherin finding her to be staring off absently or deep in thought. She was worried for her and wondered if she would find any sleep at night knowing that Skye often had nightmares and would fight sleep just to keep from having them. She wasn't the only one worried for the Slytherin girl, Harry often had worry etched across his face when finding the girl he called sister not much like her usual self. But Hermione knew his mind was else where as he too started to isolate himself.
The fact they both had the same tendency would no doubt grow a bit tiresome if not frustrating at times. At the moment Harry stood leaning over the railing, looking over the ravine below the covered bridge. He had just finished telling her that it better to go at it alone. However before she could answer both she and him turned to find Hagrid as big as he is hiding a bit trying to grab their attention.
They walked over to their friend wondering what it was he wanted however the half giant said,"Not 'ere…follow me"
Both teens looked to each other and shrugged and followed their friend curious as to why he was being mysterious of whatever it was he wish to tell them. The half giant led them past the his hut and deep into the forest which made both of them somewhat anxious as to what would be revealed.
"Hagrid why can't you just tell us?" Harry asked as he continued to follow the large man. However the trio came to a stop upon hearing the thundering of hooves and the angry grunts of centaurs as they came into view circling them a bit.
"I've never seen the centaurs so riled…" Hagrid said turning to the teens,"And they're dangerous at the best of times.." He sighed exasperated about things,"If the ministry restricts their territory anymore they're going to have a full uprising on their hands.."
"Hagrid what's going on?" The witch asked glancing from the now disappearing herd of centaurs to her half giant friend.
"I'm sorry to be so mysterious….I wouldn't be bothering you at all with it…but.." He paused twiddling with his fingers for a second,"with Dumbledore gone…I'll likely be getting the sack any day now…and I couldn't leave without telling someone about him.."
Both Harry and Hermione looked as confused as they felt before feeling the ground beneath them tremble and Hagrid looked passed them a smile on his face as he called out,"Grawpy.." They turned finding a full size giant, who was covered in soot and dirt. He seemed taken by a small butterfly as it flew around his head.
Grawp turned now facing the trio not caring that they were there as he wanted the butterfly. The winged insect dipped low and Grawp went to grab at it just missing the two teens heads if only just as they ducked.
"Grawpy…I brought you some company.."
The giant looked to his hand then to the teens who were gawking at him afraid that he just might hurt them (accidental or not). Grawp then looked to the teens with a smile on his face and headed toward them. Harry and Hermione backed away as fast as they could only to stop when the giant was halted from a large thick rope that bound him to a tree.
"I couldn't leave him cause well….well he's my brother." Grawp turned to grasping the rope and following it with his eyes as if he was just now noticing he'd been tied to a tree.
"Well half brother really…" Grawp turned back his gaze on the teens, who took a step back. Hagrid moved quickly to their side,"He's completely harmless just like I said."
"Little high spirited is all."
Hermione let go a shaky breath as she stared up at the giant, she tripped over a branch or rock taking a step back. In turn Grawp reached for her picking her up to be level with his face. The witch screamed surprised and afraid she was about to be crushed.
"Grawpy! We talked about this. You do not grab do you…that's your new friend Hermione." The half giant said cheerfully at the end."Uh Hagrid.." The boy who lived said not really sure what to do. Once more the gameskeeper called his brother's name but he did not listen.
"Grawp!" The sound of Hermione's voice caught all three males attention and the giant looked to the witch in his hand curiously. Pointing a finger out Hermione spoke authoritatively and clear."Put me down….Now."
Hesitant at first Grawp did what was told of him and put the witch down gently. Once on the ground Hermione backed away towards Harry,"Are you alright?"
"Fine just needs a firm hand is all."
"Speaking of a firm hand…I don't suppose you've seen Skyler while you were on the bridge have ya?"
"No why?" Both teens asked curiously."Well she had been watching Grawp for a little while, when I went to get you two."
"We would have seen her pass by.." Harry said looking to Hermione. She gave the same worried glance he gave her but said nothing."I don't suppose he might know where she is or what direction she went off to?" The bespectacled boy asked.
Hagrid shrugged and asked his half brother if he knew where the older girl had gone off to, the group was confuse when he pointed up then held out his hand. It was only seconds later they heard yelling coming straight toward them from above as well as several loud crashes, grunts and curses before seeing a familiar form land heavily on the Giants hand. Grawp smiled and readied to throw the figure up from where they came,"No! No! No more Grawp!?"
Harry smiled chuckling at the sight, while Hermione let out a sigh of relief."Skyler! There yer are! Where've you been?"
"Hagrid?!..I thought you only had one brother…I didn't know you were a twin?…"
"Haha Put 'er down Grawpy" Hagrid laughed knowing now where she'd been. He had done the same with fang which is why the hound went no where near the giant again.
Much like Hermione, Grawp set the vajrian back on the ground gently. She stumbled to stand unfortunately for her the giant had stood her over the rope that bound him to the large tree behind him. Grawp pulled the rope hard in hopes of letting her know to get off, however it slipped from beneath her foot and ended with hitting her crotch. Skye's face paled greatly as she felt what any boy felt when getting hit there.
Harry flinched resisting the urge to cover his own private area while Hagrid shook his head as if it had been too much to watch. Skyler made a sound that was much like a groan mixed with a gurgle and squeak, while falling over on her side holding her sensitive area.
Hermione quickly walked over to the older girl kneeling beside her,"Are you ok…" A groan was her answer. Skyler clutched herself and she was pretty sure her eyes had teared up from the pain.
"you should jump on your heels…" The witch whispered quietly and the older girl gave a look that was a mix of 'really?' And 'like that's going to work'. Hermione helped Skyler to her feet silently urging her to do what she suggested.
With a sigh she stood as best she could and jumped on her heels. To say she was surprised well…it was like the weight of pain shifted and spread out, jumping once more Skye found that it was more of a dull ache but still hurt a bit when she tried too move..oh god no wonder they have that reflex to instantly cover up…that fucking hurt…
The black haired teen bent over hands on her knees and breathed to help calm herself."Alright there Skye?"
"I'm so sorry about what happened when you were 12 Harry...ugh." Green eyes blinked in surprise before the boy burst out laughing. Moments later she started herself though not as hard...she still hurt.
"Do I want to know?" The brunette asked looking between the two black haired teens. Harry shook his head, Grawp who had watched curiously turned back to his tree and began rummaging through his things. Surprisingly he pulled out an ice pack handing it to the Galaxy eye girl. She took it gratefully, glad in finding it was still cold and brought it to her crotch. Sighing in relief she thanked the giant,"Thanks big guy.."
He again turned back to his things looking for something else before facing Hermione once more tentatively he handed her what turned out to be a bicycle handlebar. Handing it to her, she looked to her Ky'dôl and friend who shrugged. Harry leaned in to whisper,"I think you've got an admirer." His tease earned him an elbow from the his fellow Gryffindor.
Hermione heard Skyler grumble about having to now compete with a giant for her affections and it brought a smile to her face. Grawp silently urged the witch to ring the bell the handlebar held and she did so once not sure what would happen. The giant jumped giddily shaking the ground beneath him as he went back to his tree finding another set of handle bars and ringing the bell on them as well. The Gryffindor witch repeated the action finding that Grawp was much like a young child and smiled warmly at him as they both chimed the bells.
Hagrid watched on full heartily and smiled at the scene,"He gets his own food 'nd all…" He sighed,"It's company he'll be needing though when I'm gone….you will look after him won't ya? I'm the only family he's got.."
Harry looked to Hagrid then glanced toward Skyler who was staring back, she gave a small knowing smile and he returned it as she silently agreed to care for the giant in the absence of their friend.
That same night Harry's Occulmency lessons with Snape ended as he walked the halls back to his dorm he came across the Weasley twins comforting a first year. The young boy cried as he rubbed his hand, and he could hear both Fred and George telling him the pain will go away.
He walked toward them only to stop upon seeing the headmistress herself watching the scene."Like I said mister Potter…" Harry tuned her voice out he didn't want to here what she had to say. He just wanted the woman gone and his mentor back.
The pink toad like witch then turned on her heel most likely heading back to her office. He heard Fred and George say something but paid no mind to that either instead he bid them good night.
The next few days he found he barely caught a glimpse of Skyler. She seemed to be off in a hurry when he did. He had asked Hermione but she knew just as much as he did as to why the older girl would head off like that. This brought more worry to the witch as she had yet to fully know how Skye was coping with what had happened to her. The Vajirian wore a mask of her emotions well but Hermione could see that she was troubled greatly. She wanted O.W.L's to be over with so that she could possibly spend the weekend with the Slytherin.
When the day finally came for O.W.L's those of the fifth year class sat in the Great Hall to take them. The only sound was that of scribbling and the ticking of a large pendulum at the front of the room. Dolores Umbridge stood over looking the testing students in the quiet room.
About half an hour later there was what sounded like a weird popping noise just outside the doors. The students turned to look as the headmistress told them to continue in their testing.
The sounds of popping grew louder and closer as the clicking of heels was heard scurrying quickly to the large doors. Harry looked to his friends before the trio turned to watch like everyone else. The woman in pink opened the large doors stepping out it to the hall only to find it quiet if only for a moment. For a second later a small firework floated toward her only to explode near her ear causing her to flinch.
Several more flew past her exploding into different colors before the gleeful yells of the Weasley twins was heard and the red heads themselves flew in tossing and lighting all different kinds of fireworks. The headmistress ran half way down the middle aisle yelling for the two to stop and to get down. Harry laughed at what was happening as did Hermione and Ron. They looked up when hearing,"Ready Fred?"
"Ready George."
Fred lit what was in his brothers hand who then tossed it up as both boys flew to the far side of the room and watched mischievously at what was to happened. Students watched as the sparking lights took the form of a dragon as it grinned at the woman in pink. She turned in fear running as fast as she could.
Harry laughed even harder when she just crossed the door way and the firework dragon closed his jaws on her as it exploded with a loud bang and a flurry of red, gold and orange. The explosion even caused for all of her decrees to fall from the wall.
Fred and George then flew right past her lighting several more, leading their peers into the nearest courtyard, where in the sky the fireworks exploded into their signature W. Students both testing and non rushed passed her and into the courtyard cheering and clapping for the twins. Harry and Hermione amidst the crowd clapped laughing with each other.
They watched as the fireworks went off in one huge burst of color that almost blinded everyone. When the light faded they heard the sound of a microphone as well as a guitar being played. Drums sounded and then words were sung..
"Let's hang the jury
You sick judgmental fools
I'll bury you six feet deep
So tired of your rules"
The cheers grew louder as they saw the players and singer riding on charmed platforms, flying above their heads. Harry cheered even louder finding a familiar raven haired girl at the mic, he turned to Hermione wiggling his eyebrows playfully at her. She shoved him playfully watching on. Skye very much looked like she belonged in a punk rock band. Her hair in a low but loose pony tail, well the longest layer of her hair anyway. The shorter layers and her bangs flowed freely, her shirt was untucked and a few buttons from the bottom and top were unbuttoned as her green and silver tie hung loosely. Tight black pants hugged her legs with a pair of black combat boots. Of course she was wearing her black gloves and her sleeves were folded just enough to reveal most of her forearm but enough to cover her branding scar..
"Fuck you and your opinion
How could you be so blind?
What goes around
Comes back around in time"
Skye flipped the bird at Umbridge as she sung. She, the twins and the other players had planned this within the last few days. They had wanted to show Umbridge that no matter what she did they would not submit to her outrageous rules and authority. The twins had followed her one night as she was escorted to her room and spoke with her about what they had planned. Of course she had agreed especially if it meant getting Umbridge's skin and the fact that they intended to quit school right after well that was a plus because after what they pulled…only an idiot would come back. As long as the ministry woman was in power.
"You don't know shit
You don't know shit about me
You don't know shit, shit, shit
Don't know a goddamn thing about me"
The song was personal Hermione could tell just from the sound of Skye's voice, it oozed defiant anger as the lyrics flowed from her lips. Granted it also spoke of the thoughts all most likely felt when those who thought themselves better the rest of society.
"Keep looking down on me,
I am more than you'll ever be
Cut me deep but I won't bleed
You're gonna kick, kick
Kick me when I'm down"
"By all means
Put me through hell
And I'll make you see
I'll be your worst enemy
Try to kick, kick, kick me when I'm down
Kick me when I'm down"
(Woo!)
Both Hermione and Harry were sure that by the lyrics flowing from the Slytherins lips, the message was loud and clear. Still the song was great and basically telling Umbridge to fuck off was just a bonus.
"Of all the sinners
You're first in line
So go to hell and tell the devil
I'm not that far behind"
Navigating through the air Skyler floated until she was circling the headmistress. She wanted the woman to get the message not only she was sending but those who had yet to make their voices heard had to make.
"Fuck you and your decision
'Cause it's not mine
What goes around
Comes back around in time"
The crowd cheered louder seeing the American girl get in their headmistress's face and telling her fuck you to her face. The words she sung couldn't be anymore true. they just hoped that the day the woman got what she deserved was soon.
"You don't know shit
You don't know shit about me
You don't know shit, shit, shit
Don't know a goddamn thing about me"
"Keep looking down on me,
I am more than you'll ever be
Cut me deep but I won't bleed
You're gonna kick, kick
Kick me when I'm down"
Hermione and Harry moved through the crowd to follow after their Slytherin who hyped the growing sea of students and staff alike. Bending to high five them or to thrash around in like the rocker she was at the moment.
"By all means
Put me through hell
And I'll make you see
I'll be your worst enemy
Try to kick, kick, kick me when I'm down'
Her band mates joined in a chorus of 'ooo's' and 'aah's' as did most of the crowd. Harry wasn't sure but sang along with it, Heermione felt like she was at rock concert with the fireworks still going and Skye singing.
"You're gonna kick, kick, kick me when I'm down
Kick, kick, kick me when I'm down"
"Kick me when I'm down
Kick me when I'm down, down, down
Kick me when I'm down, down, down
Kick me when I'm down"
With a small growl into the mic Skyler brought the song to an end with her schoolmates singing along. When it ended she grinned and saluted before she and her fellow musicians made a quick exit. The students continued to cheer on as more fireworks lit the sky and Hermione turned to face the boy who lived only to find him looking pale and clammy. He fell to the ground and she rushed to his side, green eyes looking up to her and the only word that left his mouth was,"Sirius"
"Harry are you sure!?"
"I saw it…it's just like Mr. Weasley…it's the same door I've been dreaming about for months, only I couldn't remember where I've seen it before."
"Sirius said Voldemort was after something…something he didn't have the last time. It's in the Department of Mysteries."
"Harry wait! Please just listen" Gryffindor's golden girl yelled after her best friend as both she and Ron followed quickly after him. Harry stopped and turned to her but all he wanted to do was go to his godfather,"What if Voldemort meant for you see that…what of if he's only hurting Sirius because he's trying to get to you?."
"What if he is?" Harry asked wondering why Hermione didn't understand at the moment."Im supposed to just let him die? Hermione he's the only family I have left."
"What about Skyler isn't she your family too?" Ron scoffed at this but said nothing. Both Harry and Hermione gave the boy a glare but looked back to each other.
"Of course she is…." The black haired boy sighed,"You know what I mean…I can't lose him too.."
The Weasley boy looked to the brunette and asked,"what do we do?" Hermione did not glance back but said,"How are we going to get there Umbridge has the floo under surveillance" the trio again ran up the moving staircase, Harry already having an idea as to how to get to the ministry,"Not all of them.."
They headed up to their dorms to find a quick change of clothes before heading off once more. Harry leading the way to Umbridge's office. He knew they had to hurry before she came. As he readied the floo Harry told his friends to stay here while he went to get Sirius.
Shaking her head Hermione went to her friend,"when are you going to learn we're in this together."
"That you are!." The duo turned in finding their headmistress at the doorway and Ron no where in sight.
~x~
"You sure you don't want to join us?"
"We could do great things us three." The Hispanic girl shook her head a small smile on her lips,"another time….maybe."
"You need anything else Skye let us know." With a silent nod the raven haired girl waved goodbye as the Weasley twins flew off. When they flew past the canopy of the trees Skye sniffed the air to get a generally sense of direction. She had to go back to see how her friends were doing, she wouldn't leave them to face that woman's wrath. She sniffed once more before finding the direction she needed to head in.
Skye was glad she decided to wear her combat boots today as the forest floor was muddy, from the rain several days ago. Running quickly to the castle the young vajra hadn't realized she'd entered centaur territory. Not until slipping down a hill and rolling into one
"Son of a bitch…" The girl groaned getting up on her knees and picking out the broken twigs and leaves from her shirt and hair.
"You're not-"
Blinking in surprise the teen turned to the one she ran into. The centaur was huge his fur black as was his wild hair and beard. He had a look of surprise to him as he stared at her. Slowly getting to her feet Skyler put her hands up in surrender."I don't mean any harm. I wish only to return to the castle…"
When all the centaur did was stare the teen slowly began to walk backwards stopping when he finally spoke,"you…you are no witch…you are not even human." Keeping herself from flinching she quirked a brow and replied,"No more then you….but what business is that of yours?"
The look of guilt or shame he had surprised her a bit and Skye was beginning to wonder why he hadn't tried trampling her like most of his herd seemed to want to do to any human."Forgive me…..I did not think to see the day I would live to witness the return of one like you…child of the stars."
The statement hit her hard and then Skyler realized that the centaurs too knew of her kind. However before she could ask anything the sound of a familiar voice and three familiar scents wafted into her nose.
The creature before her growled a bit as he and several others (which she hadn't taken notice of till now) headed toward the two witches and wizard. She knew from Hagrid that the creatures are very prideful and territorial but honorable as well. Also finding that they were no longer welcoming to those of human lineage. She had to do something to keep Harry and Hermione from getting hurt which brought her to wonder why they were in the forest with that woman in the first place."wait.."
Skyler noticed that all stopped immediately but only the one she'd accidentally ran into turned to face her,"What's your name?"
"Bane." He said with a small bow."Bane...I will not deny you the pleasure to repay one who has restricted you and your herd. Whatever her actions are hers alone. But the two teens she has with her.."
"Forgive me but why keep two from harm? Not all three? Do you not truly know the extent of how these witches and wizards are? They think themselves the masters of this world setting rules and boundaries for anything not like them."
"The boy is under the protection of my people and the girl…due to personal matters I will not disclose right now. Please Bane.."
"No harm will come to them if that is what you wish…but their pardon will last only until tonight..unless you say other wise." Skye shook her head in agreement. The small group of half horse men rode off in a thundering of hooves and the Vajirian followed but kept her distance she would Let the centaurs deal with the situation before making her own presence known. She watched and listen how the woman in pink said she hated children and revealed non too quietly that it was she who had sent the dementors to attack Harry during the summer. Hearing this a low growl rose from the Vajirian's throat.
That's when Bane and his group made their move. She watched as one centaur shot an arrow at the woman who deflected it easily before casting Incarcerous spell. A snake like rope shot from her wand wrapping and began strangling the one who shot the arrow.
Hermione's pleas for this to stop made Skye begin to move toward them. That's when Grawp came and picked the woman up dangling her from her coat. Bane and his group ran circles around them shooting arrows at them mostly though they hit Grawp.
"No wait! Please he doesn't understand!" Hermione now pleaded for the giant. Grawp dropped Umbridge who was picked up by the centaurs and carried off. Yelling about her position at the ministry and some bullshit line of how she meant no harm.
Hermione then went to make sure Grawp was ok finding him smiling rather sheepishly at her. She smiled back patting him on the hand to assure him everything was alright now.
"Hermione…Sirius.." Harry began pulling his friend back in the direction of the castle. With a final pat the witch turned to follow her friend only for the duo to stop. A large centaur with black fur and hair stood proudly before them….eyeing them it seemed.
"What do we do.." Harry asked quietly.
"Don't move."
The half horse man however did something that surprised them both. He sniffed the air and his eyes went wide, he then made a formal greeting only one of the teens knew how to respond to. Much like with Lilliana, Hermione greeting the centaur like one would do with those of the vajiri.
Harry watching this awkwardly did the same though he didn't know why they were doing this."You may pass unharmed but your pardon boy is only for tonight." Green eyes blinked in surprise not sure what he truly meant by this. However he did not question it,"Forgive my rashness my lady….I did not know until now…if you would have it my herd will watch over your giant pet while you are away."
Now it was Hermione's turn to look confused as she turned to Harry who in turn only shrugged. Looking back to the centaur she cleared her throat and said,"I…he's not my pet…he's a friend. And though I would appreciate your offer I have to wonder and ask why?"
"I did not realize you were chosen by the great one…the child of the stars." The sound of another throat clearing caught all three of their attention,"I'm not the great one or whatever it is you think I am…but I do appreciate keeping to your word Bane."
"Skye you're alright." Hermione ran to her Ky'dôl who gladly held her in her arms.
"I will take my leave now."
"Bane…..thank you..tell your herd that when this is all over…when this war with Voldemort is over…I promise to do what I can to give you back your freedoms." Bane bowed once before departing and both Hermione and Harry looked to their Slytherin.
"That's a big promise to keep Skye." Harry said but found that neither she nor Hermione were paying any attention to him or their surroundings for that matter.
"Why do you do that Skyler…why do you take off like that?" The Gryffindor witch asked softly as she cupped the older girls face resting their foreheads together. Skyler sighed at the contact, she didn't mind it when Hermione touched her like this on her face, and hair..but it was still fresh in her mind what Umbridge had done to her and so would not let the shorter girl touch her anywhere else. In time she would she knew this but for now she was content with the contact given to her by her chosen.
"Lo siento (Im sorry) I didn't want her catching me again. But what about you? Why were you and Harry out here by yourselves with her?"
"I did it to trick her into thinking Grawp was Dumbledore's secret weapon. I wanted to distract her that way we could get away and head to the Ministry." The arms around her waist squeezed gently and Hermione sighed and gave answer to the silent question,"Harry had a vision of Voldemort torturing Sirius…"
"And your planning on rescuing him right?" The brunette nodded silently. She watched as the Vajirian closed her eyes momentarily as she thought and pondered of what she just told her. Seconds later luminous eyes met brown and the older girl spoke."Alright…I guess I should let you two get going then.."
"You're not coming with us?"
"I'll meet you there hermosa there's something else I have to do before heading to the Ministry."
"You'll be careful right?" Though she asked, Hermione's question sounded firmly like a command. Skyler smiled at this and brushed their noses together,"Only if you will.." The brunette smiled back before they both slowly pulled back from the embrace.
Uh hello what the hell are you doing Vega!? That's all you're gonna to give her? Is an Eskimo kiss? Hells wrong with you?! Just before the connection of their hands broke Hermione felt herself pulled back and squeaked in surprise finding a pair of lips on her own. It took only seconds before kissing back and brown eyes fluttered shut. Hands tangled in loose black locks as both sought to deepen the kiss.
Skye slid her tongue along the younger teens lips however before Hermione parted her lips they were reminded that they were not entirely alone. Hermione opened her eyes as she broke the kiss at the sound of Harry clearing his throat. Her face a shade of red as she realized he had just watched her snog the girl he called sister. Feeling Skye bury her face in her neck Hermione whispered,"We have somethings to explain to him…don't you think." Skyler merely nodded before standing up straight still holding the witch in her arms.
"I know you don't fully agree with this hermano…but I want the chance to prove that I can be what she needs me to be..if she'll have me." Green eyes then gazed to the witch,"She's been nothing but respectful to me Harry…I said I'd try this…whatever this is between us. I made the choice…" He watched as Hermione turned to gaze back into Galaxy eyes,"I want to see where this goes for for us.."
"What about Ron? You've liked him for ages…and I'm pretty sure he likes you too he's just too daft to realize it."
"Be that as it may…I've also grown to feel for Skye the same way in the time we've come to know each other. I want this Harry and it would mean a lot to us if you could accept this. Regardless of what you think is best...it is my decision but you are m best friend and its right that we tell you now then you finding out in another way"
Harry looked to his friends, they were both sisters to him. He cared deeply for them both as only a brother can. He didn't want either of them getting hurt, he knew Skyler's tendencies and Hermione wasn't one for games especially when it came to the heart….but he could not deny how they looked at each other, Harry couldn't really remember seeing that look on Skyler's face before. Sure she'd fancied many girls but never was she smitten for one..well that's not entirely true there was that one time…
He sighed there wasn't much he could do anyway. They had begun a relationship so what would be the point it trying to drive them apart? If being together with each other is what made them happy….then he would be happy for them too. He just hoped everything turned out for the best.
"Ok…ok..just…keep the snogging to a minimum around me ok?" Galaxy eyes rolled but Hermione giggled her face still stained a light pink as she moved to hug her best friend."Thank you Harry..for accepting this." He hugged back before pulling away a smile on his lips," I didn't know you swung that way in the first place Hermione."
Skyler snorted at this,"I'm just that irresistible dude." She laughed when her comment earned her a swat to the shoulder. Shaking her head Skyler pulled the brunette back into her arms,"There somethings we need to make clear though…"
The look in those colored eyes told Hermione what the older girl was speaking of."Nothing is official until you yourself have said so. But before that can happen at all…I have to formally ask your parents particularly your father for their consent to be with you.."
"Already?"
She chuckled at the reaction,"Whenever you feel I've earned the right to…you make the rules remember…"
The witch smiled shaking her head,"Well I certainly hope to go on a few dates between now and that time."
"Of course..."
"Not that I want to interrupt.." Harry cut in seeing that the two were once again leaning in to each other,"We have to go who knows how much longer Sirius can hold out.."
"Right….i'll meet you there." Skye said reluctantly letting go of her chosen. Hermione gave a small smile before turning and following the bespectacled boy. Harry allowed Hermione to go ahead before he turned to his sister. The look he gave was one she understood clearly because it would be the same one she'd give him if their roles were reversed. She nodded once before they both headed on their way.
~x~
She ran full speed straight into the hidden town deep within the forest. The very one she'd spent her first Christmas here with her family. It was a place where mostly Veela dwelt but all were welcome as long as they bore no ill will. Many of what the ministry classified as Beings, more beastial half bloods, and those of 'near human intelligence' Beasts, came through the hidden place deep within the forbidden forest.
"My lady is everything alright?" One of the guardians at the guard wall asked as he came to her. She was panting lightly much less then she would have thought from the long run here,"yes…no….um do you know if professor Dumbledore is still here?"
"Well yes he has not left…he just made his way to the tavern minutes ago."
"Thank you!" Came her reply as she ran off again. She gave quick replies to those who said hello but she was in a hurry. Harry was heading into a trap she knew it was risky to let him and his friends spring it but there was no telling what could happen if nobody else knew. Flinging the door open many of the patrons turned to look at her,"Dumbledore…where is he?"
The bartender pointed silently to the back where guests who sought privacy could sit and drink. Without another word she made her way to the private rooms picking up two familiar scents of her mentors. Without even knocking she burst in causing the two wizards to look at her surprised.
"Harry's gone to the Ministry….he's headed into a trap. He thinks Sirius is being tortured there by Voldemort himself…oh and Uh the centaurs are kind of holding Umbridge prisoner."
~x~
Hermione stood at the ready. Just like she predicted it was a trap to lure Harry here, though she had half expected the dark lord himself to be here. But he was not just his followers, now here they stood in the department of Mysteries surrounded by death eaters. Luscious Malfoy trying to coax her best friend into giving up the prophecy he was meant to find.
"I waited 14 years for this…" Harry said.
"I know…such a long…"
"I guess….I can wait a little bit longer. Now!"
"Stupify!" They yelled in unison causing the death eaters to scatter away. Seconds later the group of Dumbledore's Army ran to get away and out of this place splitting up as they did so.
Hermione kept her pace with the boys casting a stupify behind her consistently rotating between her and Ron. Finding that this wasn't working she wved her wand causing several proophecy orbs to fly toward and hit her pursuer. Another death Eater flew beside Harry it seemed in a puff of black smoke. He used his wand to stab at the death eaters face, before sending him flying with a stupify.
They turned running back into Luna, Neville and Ginny. Who in turn sent a power house of a Reducto. The spell hit its mark as well as causing the collapse of the shelves destroying many of the prophesies. It was a domino affect as they began tumbling toward the group of teens. They turned around looking for escape finding a door much like the one they use to enter this place. Only after going through they free fell screaming in fear only to stop abruptly a foot above what looked like a rocky plateau.
They then fell flat on their faces with groans. Harry blinked as he got to his feet, gripping at the orb in his hand tightly, hearing the whispers of many but seeing only his friends."The voices…what are they saying.." He asked walking slowly to the large stone archway.
"What are you talking about Harry it's just an empty archway.." Hermione answered she had a bad feeling about everything right now,"We have to get out of here"
"No wait I hear them too." Luna chimed in as she too seemed drawn to the archway.
"Harry get away from there" the brunette chastised. A sound from above caught all their attention as they looked upward,"Get behind me!"
~x~
Skyler ran back to the castle thinking that Ron, Ginny, Leville and Luna were still being held in Umbridge's off as Hermione had told her. Only to find the puking members of the inquisitorial squad. Looking around she found the remnants of the Wealseys puking pastels. Reaching into her pocket she pulled out something that would cease any and all. Effects of the charmed sweets. Force feeding her fellow Slytherins she waited moments for the small sugar cube looking thing to take affect.
"Damn weasel! I can't believe we fell for that."
"What happened?" She asked pulling Draco to his feet.
"They tricked us into eating those things then left" just then Pansy who had been elsewhere came running in finding her fellow housemates in disarray."the bloody hell happen to you lot?"
"They ate sweets that make you puke." The older girl said nonchalantly."what about you? You look like hell."
"Oh you know just running form half horse men and our headmistress. I'm cold, I'm tired and I'm dying for some payback for two particular Gryffindor's who started that stupid chase in the first place.." Skye lied with ease. It wasn't that hard after all just blaming Harry, or Hermione usually did the trick for them."Why'd you come running in here like it was the end of the world?"
"Potter and his little pack left. Something about Heading to the Ministry." The other girl said quickly. Everyone else looked to Pansy curiously,"Uh how do you know that Pans?"
"I over heard them."
Deciding that now was probably a good time to make her leave Skye said,"whatever look Im going after them you guys can stay here…but tonight this snake dines on lion." Though she was curious to know what Pansy was doing out in the forest…maybe she would ask later….maybe..
Grabbing the powder she needed Skye used the floo in the office only to end up in another office much like the own she just left. As she made her way to the door the floo once again roared with flames, Draco stepped out with a smug look on his face,"Couldn't let you be the only one to get Potter back."
"Just don't get in my way."
However before she opened the door the sound of meowing caught her attention and Skyler turned to find its source…well in this case sources…much like the office she had at Hogwarts Umbridge decorated her wall at the the Ministry with plates of cats.
"You don't suppose she has an obsession with these things do you?" The platinum blonde asked.
"I don't want know…" Shaking her head the raven haired girl exited the office only to realize..she had no idea where to go. Sure she could sniff the air but that would look rather strange, not to mention Draco was with her. She didn't want him asking questions so instead asked one of her own,"Do you know your way around here?"
"Honestly Vega I thought you had more brains then this."
"whatever I'll find him myself then…"
the duo wandered around for a bit not really sure where they were going and almost forgot why they were there in the first place. Well one of them anyway. It was not until they found themselves in a long dark corridor Draco didn't recognize did things seem to liven up.
As they rounded a corner they ran straight into something that resembled a werewolf. Only its eyes were a cloudy white almost like a light grey and its face was smashed in. It had gangly stringy looking hair that came in random long patches of it all over. All its teeth were sharpened as it growled menacingly at them. It was long and lanky as its claws looked bone like, it was if it was malnourished.
"What-" her question was cut as she watched the young wizard cast a silent spell at the creature. It had no effect except for making whatever this thing was angrier, it roared at them and Skyler had to duck pulling her fellow Slytherin with her. It's claw barely grazing the top of blonde hair.
Again and again Draco sent spell after spell as they ran only to have the same result."Will you quit doing that! You're just pissing it off!"
"How am I getting it drunk!?"
"Idiot"
The two ran as fast as they could, well Draco did. Skyler had to pace herself not to run too fast. The boy was a brat, spoiled, and waited on all his entire life yes but there was no reason to leave him to deal with this thing that was deflective of magic it seemed.
The hall they found themselves in had no doors as they ran its length save for the one at its end,"When I say duck…duck."
"What? Why!?"
"Duck!"
Within seconds Skye stopped just moments before slamming into the door. Draco was not so lucky as he was slammed through it with the creature that chased them down. Looking up she crawled over to the boy who groaned in pain. It look like he'd broken his face from the impact.
Whatever was chasing them soon regained its composure as it crouched low growling and snarling angrily at them. Skye pulled the boy away as far as she could before standing in front of him defensively, whatever this thing was it was out for blood. Pulling the knife she'd hidden in her left boot Skyler held the blade parallel to her forearm and waited.
It was only moments later did she feel it…the shift in things and it did not take her long to realize that he was here. That Voldemort was here at the ministry. She needed to get to Harry and fast but she couldn't leave Draco defenseless against whatever this thing was.
It did not take long for the creature to lose its patience as it ran at her full sprint. Meeting it half way she ducked from its claws parrying with the small blade. It wasn't hard, the creature was fast she'd give it that, but it was sloppy and moved sluggish. As it was the beast found Skye to be too much of a hassle and instead set its sights on the bleeding boy behind her.
Noticing this she slashed and lunged to keep it back, from the way it grabbed her arm even with the blade Skyler came to the conclusion that at this point it probably didn't care whether or not it got hurt just as long as it ate.
It tossed her several feet away, skidding across the smooth floor as she landed. Recovering as quickly as she could Skye got to her knees and threw the knife. It stuck true hitting the creature between the shoulder blades, however it did not kill it. It roared in angry pain as it turned to face her.
Stance somewhat wide Skye still crouched defensively but began side stepping. They circled each other until she was once again standing in front of Draco. Forming a javelin like spear in her hands made of hard ice Skye held her weapon dangerously to show she was not backing down. But neither was the beast she faced as it once again lunged at her.
Deflecting the first strike Skyler countered with piercing its other hand with the back of her javelin as it came for a body swipe. It gave out a cry of pain and Skye moved to finish it quickly. Breaking her ice weapon in half she used the front end to stab at its shoulder, it did however manage to scratch her back with its other clawed hand and Skye was again grateful for her thick skin. She used the ice as a handle to guide the beast's head level with hers. Then forming a hand sized pike and stabbed the creature in its throat.
It's roar turned into gurgling as blood came spilling out from both neck and mouth. Skye shoved the hardened ice deep until she was sure it had gone all the way through. The creature fell to its knees and Skye let go watching as it died, although what she witnessed next she had not expected and would haunt her. The creature itself was not all that big. Maybe about a foot or two taller then her. It however began to shrink as its hair began falling from its body. The eyes darkened to a brown that was almost black. It was only when the facial features became more distinct…more human did Skyler realize that she had seen this person before
~Skye hugged her cousin tighter but it would not do to muffle the cries and pleas for help as a girl probably no older then the one she held in her arms was torn apart by a monster of a bear…~
Her thoughts brought back to the present as the sound of one gasping for air caught her attention. Falling to her own knees the vajiri watched horrified the girl she thought dead took her final choking breaths.
"What've they done…" She asked in a hoarse whisper. An answer never came as the now young girl took her final breath before collapsing against her. Skye tried to bring her shaking arms around the body slumped against her but could not, as it turned into ash moment later. Her only remanent the small pile of ash that lay where she once was, as well as the blood that stained the white shirt of the one who ended her life. And the memory held within this persons mind….no there was something else…something buried in the ash…
Reaching for it Skyler pulled a simple necklace…a round pendent hung from the leather. It's symbol the eye of Horus, what confused her was that the symbol was red not the silver the pendent was made of.
Skye was shaken from her shocked revere at the sound of Draco's coughing. Looking she found his face had swollen tremendously, he needed medical attention. Pocketing what she found she went to him. Lifting him on her shoulders Skyler carried him only to stop once more to watch as other seemed to be doing. Quite aways from where she stood lay Harry as Dumbledore stood over him. Some how she and Draco had stumbled upon the Ministry atrium.
She watched as not only Hermione and Ron ran up but Neville, Ginny, and Luna too. They had stopped several feet back away from the older wizard and their friend and Skye knew that something was wrong. Harry was writhing and wriggling on the floor…Don't interfere..
The Vajirian froze in place it had been quite a while since she's heard that voice in her head. Actually it had been a while since she heard both in her head. Draco coughed some more and that's when she saw it. The dark wizard emerged from the boy she called brother…watching as he stood over him.
His gaze then turned towards her and her housemate, hoping that his gaze did not catch sight of her. It seemed she had some luck as ministry officials and Aurors began pouring from the many floos within the atrium. And the minister himself finally got to see with his own eyes that Voldemort had indeed returned.
But she could not stay to witness what would happen next, the blonde boy across her shoulders was wheezing for air…I need to learn how to heal…she sighed internally.
It was some time before Hermione and her friends were able to return to school. There had been reporters everywhere and she was tired not only from the constant questions but from the nights events. When they finally returned the group of teens headed straight for their dorms.
Though one witch stopped upon seeing her Slytherin walking through the halls deep in thought by the looks of it. The front of her shirt was covered in blood."Go on." Brown eyes turned to her fellow Gryffindor witch who gave a small smile."See if she's alright.."
With a gentle push from her friend Hermione jogged to catch up with the Slytherin who had just rounded the corner. From the looks of it Skyler was heading to the astronomy tower. She lost sight of the older girl on the staircase and jogged half way walking to the rest of it. There really was no where else to from here.
She found Skyler leaning against the entryway to the small balcony. She gasped silently to herself seeing the back of Skyler's shirt torn, like it had be clawed at. Opening her mouth to speak but the older girl beat her to the punch,"I was there…just like I said I would be." She turned to face the Gryffindor and Hermione found her face unreadable save for her eyes. They held so much at the moment it was hard to decipher what the other girl was feeling."Before you ask why…can I…can I hold you"
Brown eyes widened at this and she knew that something had happened to her Ky'dôl this night. stepping toward the taller girl the brunette hugged her waist as arms wrapped around her. Resting her head on a strong shoulder she sighed happy with the feeling of Skye's arms around her (despite the some what still damp shirt). Skye tensed at first but soon relaxed in the witch's embrace.
They stayed quietly in the embrace for a few minutes before the witch asked,"What happened?"
The Vajiri did not answer right away instead she felt Skyler reached into her pocket and held up a small pendent for her to see."Do you Remember what I told you…that first night I was there in the Asylum.."
Hermione nodded silently,"D-do you remember about the little girl I saw…" pulling back brown eyes met dimmed Galaxy eyes,"I saw her again…at the Ministry…only I didn't know it was her…not at at first.."
"What do you mean?"
"I used Umbridge's floo to get to the Ministry. Draco followed me…we ended up in that woman's office there. We wandered around for a bit and I was planning on leaving him there to wander by himself…"
"But you didn't.."
"I couldn't….we ran into this…this thing…we didn't know what it was…he hit it with several spells but nothing happened to it. The creature thing just got angry…so we ran. It moved fast and we were lucky to give chase for as long as we did." She sighed remembering how it slammed the blonde boy through the door."It ended up slamming Draco through a door and we landed in this large open room…actually we were a ways down from where you Harry and Dumbledore were."
"You saw..Voldemort?" The witch asked a little surprised. Shaking her head Skye continued,"No...at least not until afterward….I was too busy defending myself and Draco from this thing I hadn't realized Harry, Dumbledore and Voldemort were there too…actually I'm surprised they hadn't noticed us…I…I killed that thing…,I killed it not knowing….not until it was too late…that creature it was..was that little girl….and I….." She paused not wanting to give into to what she felt at the moment."She was wearing this…" Taking the necklace in her hand Hermione studied it momentarily finding a familiar symbol. The same symbol branded on the arm of the one holding her.
"That's….how could they have known you were there?"
"I don't think they did…"
"What do you mean?"
"When I was in that facility…those who were more..primal...were used like leashed guard dogs. Sometimes they were taken out into the 'field' so to speak..to see how well they did….they weren't here for me…at least not tonight." Silence fell the two and it was a while before either one spoke.
"What happened to you, Harry and the others?" With a sigh the witch pulled the older girl to sit with her. She was going to tell of the nights events and how they not only lost a brother in arms but now Voldemort had seen their faces and now they were in that much more danger because of it.
~x~x~
Several days had passed as the end of the year came. Dumbledore had been reinstated as Headmaster, Umbridge was sacked and things seemed to be returning to normal for the rest of the school. The end of the year feast hadn't been the same as Harry kept to himself in the dorm. Sirius' death had been….well it was still pretty hard for him to come to terms that his godfather was really gone. He was however forced to come out for the celebration of the graduating seventh years.
He stood with both Hermione and Ron as the names of those graduating were called. The graduating students were in their full robes and as they were called they were gifted with a medallion with the Hogwarts crest on one side and their house crest on the other. They then were sent to sit on boats floating on the black lake, the very same boats all first years rode upon coming to Hogwarts for the first time.
He smiled proudly though when Skyler was called and she stood proudly as Snape hung her medallion around her neck. As she made her way to the boats she threw her hands up triumphantly causing all to cheer. Harry and his friends laughed at this. It was about twenty minutes later that the last student was called. Dumbledore gave a farewell speech to these students in stating that it was through them the future would be made.
After that the boats set off signaling the end of their time as students…now full fledged adults to the (wizarding) world. Of course they would meet them at the train but at the moment Harry's mind was else where and he made his thoughts known.
"I've been thinking about something Dumbledore said to me…"
"What's that?" Hermione asked quietly,"That even though we've got a fight ahead of us…we have something Voldemort doesn't have.."
"Yea?" The red head next to him chimed in with a smile. With a smile of his own the boy who lived answered,"Something worth fighting for."
Sitting in his office Dumbledore was going over certain plans that were to be made. He had much to do yet so little time to do it. He was interrupted however by the sound of someone entering his office and the elder wizard leaned back in his seating wondering who had come in.
One Severus Snape had entered with a look of apprehension,"Severus-"
"We have a….complication."
Let me know what you readers think, i feel i sort of rushed into ending the fifth year but then again everything sort of did happened at the end of the year really quickly. still i think it turned out fairly well despite it. As i Said my flow is a little edgy right now but I'm hoping to get it back. Again sorry for anyone who found the topic of Molestation uncomfortable.
But things are really starting to move now…the next chapter will most likely be a filler but after that 6th year starts and i hope not to disappoint when things really start to hit the fan…until next time readers
(a/n any mistakes i apologize for i only skimmed through for a quick edit)