AN: How now, brown cow? Hehe. Sorry, bad joke. Erm, here we have another chapter. I'm surprised, I just might have a 100,000 word story!! ::jumps up and down, screaming "Yes!!!!":: But, there is no guarantee. I mean, I may just have finished this whole story in the next……. 3 or so chapters. ::snorts: Fat chance of that. Hmm, oh! Yeah. I got a flamer!!
FLAMER: Hate You (real original Anonymous name)- Thank you oh-so much for flaming. Your flame was pointless and kept me happy. Voldemort good. Ha! Not in my lifetime. He's heartless, I know, and you just did not take the time to read the story and see what happens. You also did not read enough to realise that Hermione did NOT ignore her friends, as Ron and Millicent got together, opening new doors in the old friends versus new friends realm. But thanks, your flame made me laugh.
Disclaimer: JK Rowling and Warners Bros. own this. By now this little disclaimer is annoying. Note to self: In future stories, make sure to make the first chapter a disclaimer in itself.
Chapter 37: The Hidden and Conflicted Feelings
"Just A Girl" By No Doubt
Take this pink ribbon off my eyes
I'm exposed
And it's no big surprise
Don't you think I know
Exactly where I stand
This world is forcing me
To hold your hand
'Cause I'm just a girl, little 'ol me
Don't let me out of your sight
I'm just a girl, all pretty and petite
So don't let me have any rights
Oh...I've had it up to here!
The moment that I step outside
So many reasons
For me to run and hide
I can't do the little things I hold so dear
'Cause it's all those little things
That I fear
'Cause I'm just a girl I'd rather not be
'Cause they won't let me drive
Late at night I'm just a girl,
Guess I'm some kind of freak
'Cause they all sit and stare
With their eyes
I'm just a girl,
Take a good look at me
Just your typical prototype
Oh...I've had it up to here!
Oh...am I making myself clear?
I'm just a girl
I'm just a girl in the world...
That's all that you'll let me be!
I'm just a girl, living in captivity
Your rule of thumb
Makes me worry some
I'm just a girl, what's my destiny?
What I've succumbed to Is making me numb
I'm just a girl, my apologies
What I've become is so burdensome
I'm just a girl, lucky me
Twiddle-dum there's no comparison
Oh...I've had it up to!
Oh...I've had it up to!!
Oh...I've had it up to here!
~*~
Last Time…….
"G-good. Thank you, Millicent. I am going to share this information with John Paul over there." Mrs. Petrigai grinned reassuringly. Millicent rested her head on her arms on the table. This was insanity!
~
"So, is she what I suspected?" John Paul whispered.
Meredith (who's nickname was Marie) looked worried and whispered, "Even more."
~*~
Now…….
Millicent stared blankly. Mrs. Petrigai was wringing her hands nervously, waiting for a reaction. Millicent continued to stare blankly, eyes vacuous, face impassive. John Paul also stood next to Mrs. Petrigai, apprehensive as he awaited the young girl's reaction.
"No." She said, eyes unfocused.
"Honey, I know this has all come as a terrible shock, but please! No is not the answer." Mrs. Petrigai said, nervously trying to decode the puzzle of emotions that sprung onto Millicent's face.
Millicent shook her head. "I'm sorry. There must be a mistake. I'm not this Heiress to the 'Lost Sorceress'. You're nutters."
Meredith Clare Petrigai, shut her eyes tightly. "Do not say that, child. You do not know what you speak of."
"Yeah, I do. It's impossible. My mother is Helen Minsters married to Joseph Bulstrode in 1969. You're mad." Millicent said, face set in stubbornness.
"Millicent!" Mrs. Petrigai began to admonish, but John Paul stopped her.
"Meeleesaunt, the last Sorceress was named Diana Kiplin. She gave birth to an unknown baby girl, whom she dropped at a random wizard's doorstep. Diana then mysteriously disappeared, leaving behind not a trace of her life. Meeleeesaunt, you are her daughter." John Paul said, taking out his wand at the end of his little speech.
"What? No. I was born to my mother and father, their miracle child." Millicent said, eyes beginning to well with tears.
John Paul waved his wand over Millicent's head, then took a piece of stray hair and plucked it out of her head. He placed his wand on it. Slowly the wand glowed. Letters began to form above it.
"DAUGHTER OF: JONATHON WILTS AND DIANA KIPLIN." Formed above the wand. Millicent's eyes widened. She looked up at the two adults, like a child caught stealing a cookie from the cookie jar.
She covered her face with her hands and wept. "This is so unfair!" She cried, Meredith Clare put an arm around her shoulders, trying to comfort the girl.
"Shhh, honey. It's going to be okay. Shhh, you'll make do." Mrs. Petrigai whispered encouragingly to Millicent. Millicent wiped her face hastily and sniffled.
"I guess it's true then. I am the Lost Sorceress's daughter. What does that make me then? The Found Sorceress? The Miracle Sorceress? The Abandoned Sorceress?" Millicent sniffled, tears that could not be stopped streamed down her face.
"No, actually, you are the Hidden Sorceress. Diana Kiplin did not wish for her child to be found. She found the Gift a burden." John Paul explained. "But, Millicent, the Gift is a blessing. The Gift is a Gift. With it you can change your life in either direction radically. You can live as a high priestess, honoured among all; or you can live as if you've never heard of your Sorcery, not let it hinder your life in any way. But of course, either way the Gift will be with you and you will use it."
Millicent just nodded mutely. "So……. my dreams will come true?"
~*~
BRIEF CONVERSATION, in the library
Ron: Hey, Harry.
Harry: Have you seen Dean around? I needed to see if he'll lend me some Transfiguration notes.
Ron: No… but- nevermind.
Harry: No, what is it?
Ron: I don't mean to sound paranoid, but has your scar hurt lately?
Harry: No, I haven't had it hurt since the end of fifth year.
Ron: And you haven't had any dreams lately?
Harry (blushing slightly): Not about Voldemort, no.
Ron (seeing the red-cheeked reaction): You've been dreaming about that secret girlfriend you won't tell me about.
Harry (nervous, but still flushed): Oh, get off it, Ron!
~*~
Pansy stared into the mirror. Her long dress was ink green with little gold clovers here and there. Tight in the bust, tight in the stomach. She grumbled and turned to the side, looking at her reflection she let out an aggravated huff.
"What is it now, Pansy?" Hermione called from the adjoined lavatory.
"Oh, nothing. It's just that, for one thing, I look like I've gotten implants, and for another, when I turn to the side it's so obvious I'm pregnant."
Hermione came out of the bathroom, wearing her knickers and a pair of pyjama shorts. She turned red in the face. "I think you should come out of the pregnant closet, there is no way the loosest dress could cover up that belly."
Pansy glared, but failed and smiled. "You're right. This so totally bites the big one."
Hermione muttered something incoherent and went back to brushing her teeth. Pansy rolled her eyes and held the fabric around her stomach, tilting her head sideways as she examined the "wide load".
"The dress is beautiful." Pansy said, turning to face her front-on appearance. "Do you think my preggy-milk-makers look like their falling out the top?"
She heard Hermione snort and spit out the toothpaste into the sink. Hermione insisted on brushing her teeth, it was the Muggle way. Moments later, Hermione stuck her head out of the lavatory door.
"You should *accentuate* your milk-factories, Pansy." Hermione had a "coughing fit". Pansy frowned, were they makers or factories? They were bordering on the 'entire-supply-of-the-earth's-milk' side…….
"How the bloody hell do I *accentuate* when I can't go any tighter because of my belly?" She sighed in frustration. "I mean, I can't go any lower or I'd risk flashing the entire school… And… Oh, for Merlin's sake! I'm just going in a robe and cloak!"
Hermione shook her head, pulling on her night shirt. She had just been flying and now had to put up with the hormonal storm, Pansy Milkan. Hermione took her hair out of its tight bun before crawling underneath the covers.
"… And then what? The whole school will call me a whore and slut!" Pansy finished rambling, pulling her night shirt over her head. Hermione just smirked, knowing that no one would probably even care why Pansy had suddenly become overweight.
"Mmmm?" Hermione yawned, watching Pansy climb into her bed and take out a quill and a large stack of parchments.
"Oh, this?" Pansy pointed to the papers on her lap.
"Mmmhmmm." Hermione replied, yawning.
"Baby names. I just can't settle on one exact one. I love the name Anastasia, but it doesn't go well with Milkan. Well, maybe, but it's too long for my liking. And Alicia, but that's too common in Muggle areas… And then there is the middle names. I can't choose those until I've decided on the first names… Hum. What do you think of the name Aria? Or Isabelle? Or Michelle? Or Meredith? Or Caroline? Or Medea? Or Ebony? Or you know, R–"
Hermione drifted off to sleep just as Pansy gave an elated shout as she marked five stars by the name she just called out loud.
~*~
Millicent tip toed into the sixth year girls' dorms. She noticed a small torch was lit by Pansy's bed and sighed with relief, if Pansy was still up she mustn't be too late. She looked into the canopy to see Pansy sprawled among papers with names scribbled on them. Millicent sighed as she saw Pansy's eyes closed in blissful sleep.
She padded quietly to her trunk and got into her pyjamas, thinking of what had happened today. The dreams wouldn't come true, she confided to herself. It was just a warning to let herself realise it wasn't all lilies and daisies in the wizard world. She sighed and closed her drapes around her bed. The canopy bed felt so safe, like a little haven of darkness and solitude.
She yawned and stretched her arms. "Millicent Bulstrode: The Hidden Sorceress."
Millicent smirked. This was her true self. She wasn't going to go bound off in a search for her mother, she wasn't even going to acknowledge this and tell her parents she knew about this all. She was going to continue to speak with John Paul through letters, and Mrs. Petrigai would be signing up in the Infirmary to "help Madam Pompfrey with things".
She closed her eyes and curled into the fetal position, she took a deep breath. This was one of those days that when you finally lie down, you crumble into a million pieces.
Millicent, too, fell into a sleep easily.
~*~
The next day was Monday. The students all came into class with a weekend's stupor, tired and cranky. Draco looked beat, Hermione looked sickly, Pansy looked radiant, Zeke looked confused, and Millicent looked tired.
"So, Milli, where were you last night?" Hermione asked curiously.
"Oh, I had a meeting with Professor Snape about my Potions grade and I wasn't back until… Midnight." Millicent cleared her throat to stall. Just then, Professor Flitwick entered the classroom, therefore preventing the interrogation from continuing.
"Today we will be practicing Protection Charms. These are more powerful Charms than you learned in fifth year, as they produce a large bubble of unyielding safety. In these darker times, it is wise to master this Charm. This bubble of safety is full of your magical energy, so you can sustain the Charm for quite some time before you are too weak to keep its shield any longer. You may only use this Charm on another object, therefore it is not useful if you wish to protect yourself from harm." The little professor took out his wand and looked at the class expectantly. "Well? What're you waiting for? Get out your wands and look up the Charm! I believe it is on page one hundred and twenty-three."
The class became alive with the sound of incantations.
"One, two, three, Tutela Contego!" Hermione said, pointing her wand at the quill. Draco, sitting next to her, attempted to burn the quill, and then to banish it. The quill's shield was impenetrable, making Hermione grin.
"One, two, three, Tooootela Contgo!" Draco said, pointing at his quill. Nothing shot out of the end of his wand, making him frown and start the Charm over again.
Hermione inwardly laughed as he began to become frustrated with his lack of success.
~*~
Hermione rested her head on Draco's shoulder during dinner that night. She watched as Zeke stroked Pansy's tummy, much to Millicent's amusement and Pansy's embarrassment.
Pansy batted Zeke's hand away, giggling and blushing. Millicent laughed along, before turning slightly to face the other end of the hall. She mouthed something toward the Gryffindor table, stared intently for a few seconds, lip-read a certain red-head, blushed a deep read, and turned back to burn holes into her potatoes with her laser vision.
Hermione tilted her head just a bit and kissed Draco's neck. He was startled, but looked down and smiled warmly. Hermione kissed him again, a little higher up on the neck. She picked her head off his shoulder and kissed his jaw bone. Then she leaned up, staring into his gray eyes, and kissed him… on the nose. She giggled at his befuddled look, and began to eat her pasta.
Just then, five owls swooped into the Great Hall; dinner post wasn't as popular as the night post. A dark black eagle-owl swooped over the Slytherin table, dropping a letter into Hermione's lap as if on a bull-point. It hovered for a few seconds, making sure Hermione had the letter, and flew off. Hermione stared at the envelope confusedly.
On the front was a simple, 'Daughter', and as Hermione turned the letter over, her heart lifted as the seal of her father was printed on the back. Of course this wasn't a symbol to bring joy, but usually one to strike fear into all hearts. Hermione wasn't sure how to react, to be happy and joyful he found the time to write, or to be scared and shaking wondering WHY he had decided to write.
She shrugged at the questioning looks and stuffed the letter into her pocket. Dinner went by slowly, and the parchment in Hermione's pocket burnt a hole into her side. If only she knew! The suspense, it was killing her!!
Alas, the students got up to leave and the plates were cleared magically of any remnants. Hermione quickly shuffled out of the Great Hall.
She walked swiftly down to the dungeons, not awaiting any of her friends. Upon appearing at the stone passageway, she muttered the password ("Milk Man") and entered.
Hermione sat down on a couch, the deserted room offering a strange kind of comfort. She whipped the envelope out from her robe pocket and tore the seal open.
'Dear Silme-Wilwaren,
How are you, dearie? It has been ages since I've last heard from you, what with that "Project" during Christmas holidays and the late Easter we're having this year. March 25th?! Who ever heard of such a late Easter?!
Anyway, what I really am writing to you about is my plans. I am gaining power, pumpkin, and I think I am strong enough to take over now. You know, it is a funny thing, this power. Harry Potter cannot stop me now. I have transfigured myself into my former body. The body that was not affected by his bloody scar. The body that is immortal. I say that with great joy, love.
Now, I didn't just write to tell you that I am powerful enough to withstand Potter and the rest of the Wizarding World, but I also wish to confide in you with my plans. I have killed off many Muggles before, using explosions, the Cruciatus Curse, Avada Kedavra… But, this time I have hold of something that cannot be healed by magic. By the time they find a cure, it will be too late. I call it V.U.D., Voldemort's Unstoppable Disease. I release it into Muggle London, it spreads. Muggles drop dead like flies. This disease cannot kill a drop of Magical blood. That is the beauty of it, cupcake, not a single Magical folk will be affected.
Now, all I have to do is release the disease. The entire time the disease spreads like wildfire, I will be taking over the Wizarding World. Dumbledore, the old fool, will be dead in my clutches. He always knows something vital, but never tells. That aspect of the headmaster brings hurt to all. He must be stopped. Then, Hogwarts will be mine. And all the youth have to do is say, "Yes." With that word, they will become my pawn. Those who say no, well, it was their fault.
Butterfly, you know that all you need to do is step back and let Daddy do business. Then, you will be Princess of the Wizarding World. Heiress to all. Won't that be wonderful? It will. There are to kinds of people in this world, those who refuse power, and those who take it when its strong. Take advantage of the situation, that is what I believe.
Oh, my, Starlight Butterfly! It will be beautiful! We will rule all. I promise to allow you the choicest males for breeding and marriage (if you so choose). The world will be an oyster, and you its pearl. Or vice-versa. However you look at it. I must go, the meeting about my Ranks is in a moment or two. I think I have up to 3,000 wizards and witches alike that have decided to see the Way! Joy! And do write, dearest, I love to hear from you.
Yours truly,
Father Voldemort'
Hermione's stomach twisted. She dropped the letter into the fireplace. The paper singed and curled into itself into a ball of ash before disappearing in the flames. Hermione knew that it wouldn't do any good to have incriminating notes flying about. She held her head for a moment, before sighing and heading up to retire for bed early.
"Hermio-" Draco called as he entered the Common Room. Hermione just slammed the dorm room door and went to her bed. She had mixed emotions. Should she be upset or joyful? Happy for her father's ambitions finally being met, or disgusted with what the ambitions are? She sat on her canopy bed, before shutting the curtains violently. This was terrible! She didn't know WHAT to believe or feel.
~*~
AN: Oh, what will our favourite (female) character do? ::smirks:: Yes, I do feel this was an awe-diddly-awesome chapter. Quite long too, but I want my chapters to now be the fullest they can be. I am almost finished with this wonderful story. ::gets misty eyed and mushy:: This is the best experience. I am so proud! I am writing a story I immenesly enjoy authoring, and for it to be blesssed with readers that enjoy reading.
Reviewer Reply:
pixie307neon- I said stay OUT of my Top Secret Files! lol, no really, that is a *mystery*. ::winks:: Can't tell you. Thanks for reviewing!
Girl-Named-Belle- Thanks for reviewing. I particularly liked that 'Bounce, damn you! Bounce!' lol. Anyhoo, hope ya liked this chapter.
DraconisGirl- I know, I hate cliffies too. But I don't have many, and that was a small-suspense cliffie in my opinion. And I really, really want to do the dance, but I can't just yet. I have to set up the characters... yeah, Pansy needs a solution to her dress problem, and then there's Hermione's conflicting feelings. Thanks for reviewing.
*karly*- Yep, Hermione had that Slytherin Bash makeover, but that took time and didn't last. And I hope ya liked this chapter. Millicent... ::sighs:: she just got major promotions in her magical abilities. ::yells "YAY!":: I'll check out your story some time.
HardyGXtreme- Hey, hope you caught up on my hefty story. And the whole Sexy Sevy was a joke. Read "They Were Awfully Tight Pants", I laughed my arse off reading the small story. Thanks for reviewing despite the late hour!
Cute-Kitty- Heh heh, hope I answered (I KNOW I answered) your question about Millicent. John Paul is pretty mysterious, but I do not wish to elaborate just yet. Thanks for reviewing!
webweaver- Thanks for catching up, I know I do update in a quick succession. Thanks again!
arcee- I put my lyrics in the beginning of chapters, that way people don't have to stand looking at them constantly. Plus, I hate when they are every other paragraph. It takes away from concentration. And, if someone doesn't want to read all of 'em lyrics, they can just scroll down. Thanks for reviewing!
Amethyst- Hope you caught up and got through my story!! Thanks for reviewing!
O.B.I.M.- Thanks for your review. I actually giggled like a dope when I read that joke! ; D
~*~
Thanks for the reviews!! ::irratibly notices not all of the Regulars reviewed:: Hope y'all enjoyed this chapter. It was quite long, actually. THANKS. I am so over school. I graduate this week from gradeschool, (I'm in 8th grade), so I may be very busy and not be able to update immediately. I am doing Intercessions at my Baccaulereate mass, and it's all very stressful. Plus, I am already into my Summer Laze-Away... so, I'll be reading more books and scoping out the good fics a lot.
Loves,
Sapphire Gal
FLAMER: Hate You (real original Anonymous name)- Thank you oh-so much for flaming. Your flame was pointless and kept me happy. Voldemort good. Ha! Not in my lifetime. He's heartless, I know, and you just did not take the time to read the story and see what happens. You also did not read enough to realise that Hermione did NOT ignore her friends, as Ron and Millicent got together, opening new doors in the old friends versus new friends realm. But thanks, your flame made me laugh.
Disclaimer: JK Rowling and Warners Bros. own this. By now this little disclaimer is annoying. Note to self: In future stories, make sure to make the first chapter a disclaimer in itself.
Chapter 37: The Hidden and Conflicted Feelings
"Just A Girl" By No Doubt
Take this pink ribbon off my eyes
I'm exposed
And it's no big surprise
Don't you think I know
Exactly where I stand
This world is forcing me
To hold your hand
'Cause I'm just a girl, little 'ol me
Don't let me out of your sight
I'm just a girl, all pretty and petite
So don't let me have any rights
Oh...I've had it up to here!
The moment that I step outside
So many reasons
For me to run and hide
I can't do the little things I hold so dear
'Cause it's all those little things
That I fear
'Cause I'm just a girl I'd rather not be
'Cause they won't let me drive
Late at night I'm just a girl,
Guess I'm some kind of freak
'Cause they all sit and stare
With their eyes
I'm just a girl,
Take a good look at me
Just your typical prototype
Oh...I've had it up to here!
Oh...am I making myself clear?
I'm just a girl
I'm just a girl in the world...
That's all that you'll let me be!
I'm just a girl, living in captivity
Your rule of thumb
Makes me worry some
I'm just a girl, what's my destiny?
What I've succumbed to Is making me numb
I'm just a girl, my apologies
What I've become is so burdensome
I'm just a girl, lucky me
Twiddle-dum there's no comparison
Oh...I've had it up to!
Oh...I've had it up to!!
Oh...I've had it up to here!
~*~
Last Time…….
"G-good. Thank you, Millicent. I am going to share this information with John Paul over there." Mrs. Petrigai grinned reassuringly. Millicent rested her head on her arms on the table. This was insanity!
~
"So, is she what I suspected?" John Paul whispered.
Meredith (who's nickname was Marie) looked worried and whispered, "Even more."
~*~
Now…….
Millicent stared blankly. Mrs. Petrigai was wringing her hands nervously, waiting for a reaction. Millicent continued to stare blankly, eyes vacuous, face impassive. John Paul also stood next to Mrs. Petrigai, apprehensive as he awaited the young girl's reaction.
"No." She said, eyes unfocused.
"Honey, I know this has all come as a terrible shock, but please! No is not the answer." Mrs. Petrigai said, nervously trying to decode the puzzle of emotions that sprung onto Millicent's face.
Millicent shook her head. "I'm sorry. There must be a mistake. I'm not this Heiress to the 'Lost Sorceress'. You're nutters."
Meredith Clare Petrigai, shut her eyes tightly. "Do not say that, child. You do not know what you speak of."
"Yeah, I do. It's impossible. My mother is Helen Minsters married to Joseph Bulstrode in 1969. You're mad." Millicent said, face set in stubbornness.
"Millicent!" Mrs. Petrigai began to admonish, but John Paul stopped her.
"Meeleesaunt, the last Sorceress was named Diana Kiplin. She gave birth to an unknown baby girl, whom she dropped at a random wizard's doorstep. Diana then mysteriously disappeared, leaving behind not a trace of her life. Meeleeesaunt, you are her daughter." John Paul said, taking out his wand at the end of his little speech.
"What? No. I was born to my mother and father, their miracle child." Millicent said, eyes beginning to well with tears.
John Paul waved his wand over Millicent's head, then took a piece of stray hair and plucked it out of her head. He placed his wand on it. Slowly the wand glowed. Letters began to form above it.
"DAUGHTER OF: JONATHON WILTS AND DIANA KIPLIN." Formed above the wand. Millicent's eyes widened. She looked up at the two adults, like a child caught stealing a cookie from the cookie jar.
She covered her face with her hands and wept. "This is so unfair!" She cried, Meredith Clare put an arm around her shoulders, trying to comfort the girl.
"Shhh, honey. It's going to be okay. Shhh, you'll make do." Mrs. Petrigai whispered encouragingly to Millicent. Millicent wiped her face hastily and sniffled.
"I guess it's true then. I am the Lost Sorceress's daughter. What does that make me then? The Found Sorceress? The Miracle Sorceress? The Abandoned Sorceress?" Millicent sniffled, tears that could not be stopped streamed down her face.
"No, actually, you are the Hidden Sorceress. Diana Kiplin did not wish for her child to be found. She found the Gift a burden." John Paul explained. "But, Millicent, the Gift is a blessing. The Gift is a Gift. With it you can change your life in either direction radically. You can live as a high priestess, honoured among all; or you can live as if you've never heard of your Sorcery, not let it hinder your life in any way. But of course, either way the Gift will be with you and you will use it."
Millicent just nodded mutely. "So……. my dreams will come true?"
~*~
BRIEF CONVERSATION, in the library
Ron: Hey, Harry.
Harry: Have you seen Dean around? I needed to see if he'll lend me some Transfiguration notes.
Ron: No… but- nevermind.
Harry: No, what is it?
Ron: I don't mean to sound paranoid, but has your scar hurt lately?
Harry: No, I haven't had it hurt since the end of fifth year.
Ron: And you haven't had any dreams lately?
Harry (blushing slightly): Not about Voldemort, no.
Ron (seeing the red-cheeked reaction): You've been dreaming about that secret girlfriend you won't tell me about.
Harry (nervous, but still flushed): Oh, get off it, Ron!
~*~
Pansy stared into the mirror. Her long dress was ink green with little gold clovers here and there. Tight in the bust, tight in the stomach. She grumbled and turned to the side, looking at her reflection she let out an aggravated huff.
"What is it now, Pansy?" Hermione called from the adjoined lavatory.
"Oh, nothing. It's just that, for one thing, I look like I've gotten implants, and for another, when I turn to the side it's so obvious I'm pregnant."
Hermione came out of the bathroom, wearing her knickers and a pair of pyjama shorts. She turned red in the face. "I think you should come out of the pregnant closet, there is no way the loosest dress could cover up that belly."
Pansy glared, but failed and smiled. "You're right. This so totally bites the big one."
Hermione muttered something incoherent and went back to brushing her teeth. Pansy rolled her eyes and held the fabric around her stomach, tilting her head sideways as she examined the "wide load".
"The dress is beautiful." Pansy said, turning to face her front-on appearance. "Do you think my preggy-milk-makers look like their falling out the top?"
She heard Hermione snort and spit out the toothpaste into the sink. Hermione insisted on brushing her teeth, it was the Muggle way. Moments later, Hermione stuck her head out of the lavatory door.
"You should *accentuate* your milk-factories, Pansy." Hermione had a "coughing fit". Pansy frowned, were they makers or factories? They were bordering on the 'entire-supply-of-the-earth's-milk' side…….
"How the bloody hell do I *accentuate* when I can't go any tighter because of my belly?" She sighed in frustration. "I mean, I can't go any lower or I'd risk flashing the entire school… And… Oh, for Merlin's sake! I'm just going in a robe and cloak!"
Hermione shook her head, pulling on her night shirt. She had just been flying and now had to put up with the hormonal storm, Pansy Milkan. Hermione took her hair out of its tight bun before crawling underneath the covers.
"… And then what? The whole school will call me a whore and slut!" Pansy finished rambling, pulling her night shirt over her head. Hermione just smirked, knowing that no one would probably even care why Pansy had suddenly become overweight.
"Mmmm?" Hermione yawned, watching Pansy climb into her bed and take out a quill and a large stack of parchments.
"Oh, this?" Pansy pointed to the papers on her lap.
"Mmmhmmm." Hermione replied, yawning.
"Baby names. I just can't settle on one exact one. I love the name Anastasia, but it doesn't go well with Milkan. Well, maybe, but it's too long for my liking. And Alicia, but that's too common in Muggle areas… And then there is the middle names. I can't choose those until I've decided on the first names… Hum. What do you think of the name Aria? Or Isabelle? Or Michelle? Or Meredith? Or Caroline? Or Medea? Or Ebony? Or you know, R–"
Hermione drifted off to sleep just as Pansy gave an elated shout as she marked five stars by the name she just called out loud.
~*~
Millicent tip toed into the sixth year girls' dorms. She noticed a small torch was lit by Pansy's bed and sighed with relief, if Pansy was still up she mustn't be too late. She looked into the canopy to see Pansy sprawled among papers with names scribbled on them. Millicent sighed as she saw Pansy's eyes closed in blissful sleep.
She padded quietly to her trunk and got into her pyjamas, thinking of what had happened today. The dreams wouldn't come true, she confided to herself. It was just a warning to let herself realise it wasn't all lilies and daisies in the wizard world. She sighed and closed her drapes around her bed. The canopy bed felt so safe, like a little haven of darkness and solitude.
She yawned and stretched her arms. "Millicent Bulstrode: The Hidden Sorceress."
Millicent smirked. This was her true self. She wasn't going to go bound off in a search for her mother, she wasn't even going to acknowledge this and tell her parents she knew about this all. She was going to continue to speak with John Paul through letters, and Mrs. Petrigai would be signing up in the Infirmary to "help Madam Pompfrey with things".
She closed her eyes and curled into the fetal position, she took a deep breath. This was one of those days that when you finally lie down, you crumble into a million pieces.
Millicent, too, fell into a sleep easily.
~*~
The next day was Monday. The students all came into class with a weekend's stupor, tired and cranky. Draco looked beat, Hermione looked sickly, Pansy looked radiant, Zeke looked confused, and Millicent looked tired.
"So, Milli, where were you last night?" Hermione asked curiously.
"Oh, I had a meeting with Professor Snape about my Potions grade and I wasn't back until… Midnight." Millicent cleared her throat to stall. Just then, Professor Flitwick entered the classroom, therefore preventing the interrogation from continuing.
"Today we will be practicing Protection Charms. These are more powerful Charms than you learned in fifth year, as they produce a large bubble of unyielding safety. In these darker times, it is wise to master this Charm. This bubble of safety is full of your magical energy, so you can sustain the Charm for quite some time before you are too weak to keep its shield any longer. You may only use this Charm on another object, therefore it is not useful if you wish to protect yourself from harm." The little professor took out his wand and looked at the class expectantly. "Well? What're you waiting for? Get out your wands and look up the Charm! I believe it is on page one hundred and twenty-three."
The class became alive with the sound of incantations.
"One, two, three, Tutela Contego!" Hermione said, pointing her wand at the quill. Draco, sitting next to her, attempted to burn the quill, and then to banish it. The quill's shield was impenetrable, making Hermione grin.
"One, two, three, Tooootela Contgo!" Draco said, pointing at his quill. Nothing shot out of the end of his wand, making him frown and start the Charm over again.
Hermione inwardly laughed as he began to become frustrated with his lack of success.
~*~
Hermione rested her head on Draco's shoulder during dinner that night. She watched as Zeke stroked Pansy's tummy, much to Millicent's amusement and Pansy's embarrassment.
Pansy batted Zeke's hand away, giggling and blushing. Millicent laughed along, before turning slightly to face the other end of the hall. She mouthed something toward the Gryffindor table, stared intently for a few seconds, lip-read a certain red-head, blushed a deep read, and turned back to burn holes into her potatoes with her laser vision.
Hermione tilted her head just a bit and kissed Draco's neck. He was startled, but looked down and smiled warmly. Hermione kissed him again, a little higher up on the neck. She picked her head off his shoulder and kissed his jaw bone. Then she leaned up, staring into his gray eyes, and kissed him… on the nose. She giggled at his befuddled look, and began to eat her pasta.
Just then, five owls swooped into the Great Hall; dinner post wasn't as popular as the night post. A dark black eagle-owl swooped over the Slytherin table, dropping a letter into Hermione's lap as if on a bull-point. It hovered for a few seconds, making sure Hermione had the letter, and flew off. Hermione stared at the envelope confusedly.
On the front was a simple, 'Daughter', and as Hermione turned the letter over, her heart lifted as the seal of her father was printed on the back. Of course this wasn't a symbol to bring joy, but usually one to strike fear into all hearts. Hermione wasn't sure how to react, to be happy and joyful he found the time to write, or to be scared and shaking wondering WHY he had decided to write.
She shrugged at the questioning looks and stuffed the letter into her pocket. Dinner went by slowly, and the parchment in Hermione's pocket burnt a hole into her side. If only she knew! The suspense, it was killing her!!
Alas, the students got up to leave and the plates were cleared magically of any remnants. Hermione quickly shuffled out of the Great Hall.
She walked swiftly down to the dungeons, not awaiting any of her friends. Upon appearing at the stone passageway, she muttered the password ("Milk Man") and entered.
Hermione sat down on a couch, the deserted room offering a strange kind of comfort. She whipped the envelope out from her robe pocket and tore the seal open.
'Dear Silme-Wilwaren,
How are you, dearie? It has been ages since I've last heard from you, what with that "Project" during Christmas holidays and the late Easter we're having this year. March 25th?! Who ever heard of such a late Easter?!
Anyway, what I really am writing to you about is my plans. I am gaining power, pumpkin, and I think I am strong enough to take over now. You know, it is a funny thing, this power. Harry Potter cannot stop me now. I have transfigured myself into my former body. The body that was not affected by his bloody scar. The body that is immortal. I say that with great joy, love.
Now, I didn't just write to tell you that I am powerful enough to withstand Potter and the rest of the Wizarding World, but I also wish to confide in you with my plans. I have killed off many Muggles before, using explosions, the Cruciatus Curse, Avada Kedavra… But, this time I have hold of something that cannot be healed by magic. By the time they find a cure, it will be too late. I call it V.U.D., Voldemort's Unstoppable Disease. I release it into Muggle London, it spreads. Muggles drop dead like flies. This disease cannot kill a drop of Magical blood. That is the beauty of it, cupcake, not a single Magical folk will be affected.
Now, all I have to do is release the disease. The entire time the disease spreads like wildfire, I will be taking over the Wizarding World. Dumbledore, the old fool, will be dead in my clutches. He always knows something vital, but never tells. That aspect of the headmaster brings hurt to all. He must be stopped. Then, Hogwarts will be mine. And all the youth have to do is say, "Yes." With that word, they will become my pawn. Those who say no, well, it was their fault.
Butterfly, you know that all you need to do is step back and let Daddy do business. Then, you will be Princess of the Wizarding World. Heiress to all. Won't that be wonderful? It will. There are to kinds of people in this world, those who refuse power, and those who take it when its strong. Take advantage of the situation, that is what I believe.
Oh, my, Starlight Butterfly! It will be beautiful! We will rule all. I promise to allow you the choicest males for breeding and marriage (if you so choose). The world will be an oyster, and you its pearl. Or vice-versa. However you look at it. I must go, the meeting about my Ranks is in a moment or two. I think I have up to 3,000 wizards and witches alike that have decided to see the Way! Joy! And do write, dearest, I love to hear from you.
Yours truly,
Father Voldemort'
Hermione's stomach twisted. She dropped the letter into the fireplace. The paper singed and curled into itself into a ball of ash before disappearing in the flames. Hermione knew that it wouldn't do any good to have incriminating notes flying about. She held her head for a moment, before sighing and heading up to retire for bed early.
"Hermio-" Draco called as he entered the Common Room. Hermione just slammed the dorm room door and went to her bed. She had mixed emotions. Should she be upset or joyful? Happy for her father's ambitions finally being met, or disgusted with what the ambitions are? She sat on her canopy bed, before shutting the curtains violently. This was terrible! She didn't know WHAT to believe or feel.
~*~
AN: Oh, what will our favourite (female) character do? ::smirks:: Yes, I do feel this was an awe-diddly-awesome chapter. Quite long too, but I want my chapters to now be the fullest they can be. I am almost finished with this wonderful story. ::gets misty eyed and mushy:: This is the best experience. I am so proud! I am writing a story I immenesly enjoy authoring, and for it to be blesssed with readers that enjoy reading.
Reviewer Reply:
pixie307neon- I said stay OUT of my Top Secret Files! lol, no really, that is a *mystery*. ::winks:: Can't tell you. Thanks for reviewing!
Girl-Named-Belle- Thanks for reviewing. I particularly liked that 'Bounce, damn you! Bounce!' lol. Anyhoo, hope ya liked this chapter.
DraconisGirl- I know, I hate cliffies too. But I don't have many, and that was a small-suspense cliffie in my opinion. And I really, really want to do the dance, but I can't just yet. I have to set up the characters... yeah, Pansy needs a solution to her dress problem, and then there's Hermione's conflicting feelings. Thanks for reviewing.
*karly*- Yep, Hermione had that Slytherin Bash makeover, but that took time and didn't last. And I hope ya liked this chapter. Millicent... ::sighs:: she just got major promotions in her magical abilities. ::yells "YAY!":: I'll check out your story some time.
HardyGXtreme- Hey, hope you caught up on my hefty story. And the whole Sexy Sevy was a joke. Read "They Were Awfully Tight Pants", I laughed my arse off reading the small story. Thanks for reviewing despite the late hour!
Cute-Kitty- Heh heh, hope I answered (I KNOW I answered) your question about Millicent. John Paul is pretty mysterious, but I do not wish to elaborate just yet. Thanks for reviewing!
webweaver- Thanks for catching up, I know I do update in a quick succession. Thanks again!
arcee- I put my lyrics in the beginning of chapters, that way people don't have to stand looking at them constantly. Plus, I hate when they are every other paragraph. It takes away from concentration. And, if someone doesn't want to read all of 'em lyrics, they can just scroll down. Thanks for reviewing!
Amethyst- Hope you caught up and got through my story!! Thanks for reviewing!
O.B.I.M.- Thanks for your review. I actually giggled like a dope when I read that joke! ; D
~*~
Thanks for the reviews!! ::irratibly notices not all of the Regulars reviewed:: Hope y'all enjoyed this chapter. It was quite long, actually. THANKS. I am so over school. I graduate this week from gradeschool, (I'm in 8th grade), so I may be very busy and not be able to update immediately. I am doing Intercessions at my Baccaulereate mass, and it's all very stressful. Plus, I am already into my Summer Laze-Away... so, I'll be reading more books and scoping out the good fics a lot.
Loves,
Sapphire Gal