Author's Note :Guys! We are seriously sorry for not updating for 2 months .We know how annoying it can get . But we are in Grade 11 in India (All indian kids will get this .) , so we've been under a ton of stress . We've been extremely busy with tests and all (We have at least 1, 3 hour long test per week. Some times 3).
Third Person PO.V
Hermione, a.k.a. Atalanta, had just stepped into the house when a hurricane known as Sally Jackson swept her daughter into her arms. "It is so good to see you. You seem to be well and de-catified."
"You are never letting that go, are you?" Atalanta asks pressing a kiss to her mom's cheek.
"Not at all, sweetheart. There are cookies waiting in the kitchen though."
"COOKIES!" She races of to find the kitchen and stop her brother from finishing them all.
"Poseidon." Sally speaks. "Thank you for doing this. It means a lot to have Atalanta, even if it is just for a little while."
Poseidon just looks at her adoringly. "Of course Sally. They are my family too. And I will do everything in my power to keep them safe and happy." He replies with a fiery intensity.
"Why don't you come in. I'll get some food on while you and the kids can pick out a movie or game to play." Sally says blushing slightly.
A crash rings through the apartment. The two adults share a startled look before dashing to the kitchen. They reach the kitchen to find an absolute mess and Percy and Atalanta fighting?!
"They are mine, Perseus!"
"You'll get them over my dead body!" Said boy cried dramatically, doing a fancy flip over the table he was backed up to.
Sally shouted, "KIDS!" The two demigods swung around to see both Sally and Poseidon standing at the doorway.
"Uh-oh." They both muttered simultaneously.
Sally walked around the pots and pans scattered on the floor. She looked really angry, almost as angry as when they almost flooded their home in NY. "I leave you unsupervised for literally a minute and look at what you did." She declares. "You both better have a very good explanation for how this happened."
The twins looked at each other before speaking. "Well ~~"
LITERALLY ONE MINUTE EARLIER ~~
Atalanta ran into the apartment trying to find the kitchen. Luckily she didn't have to go far. She entered the kitchen to find her brother munching on HER cookies. There was some water in the sink, not too far away. She directed it into a sort of water whip and snapped it at Percy's wrist just as he was reaching for another cookie. He whipped around to stare at his sister.
"Keep you're hands away from my cookies, brother." She commanded
Percy glared back. "Make me, sister dearest."
She launched herself at him starting a mock fight. She charged at him, putting space between him and the blue coloured chocolatey delights. Percy grabbed a pan from nearby and threw it at Atalanta. She kicked it away into a few vessel, causing them to fall over.
Atalanta backed him into the table and declared "They are mine, Perseus!"
"You'll get them over my dead body!" Percy announced before their mom put a stop to it.
BACK TO THE PRESENT ~~
Sally rubbed her head. "Are you telling me this entire mess is over a few cookies."
"Mother! How could you?"
"A few cookies. The mere thought is scandalous."
"They are much more than just a few cookies."
"Those cookies are little bits of blue chocolatey heaven that melt in your mouth."
"I dare say even armies would go to battle for even one of them. Wouldn't you say so, sister."
"Most certainly, brother dearest. A few cookies, how ridiculous, utterly ridiculous."
A small laugh was heard from behind Sally. She looked behind her to see Poseidon trying and failing to hide his amusement. Soon they were all chuckling and guffawing.
Finally Sally turned to look at her two children. "Alright, as amusing as this is, you both still made quite the mess. The two of you had better clean this place up. I'm going to take a shower and this kitchen better be spotless when I get back. Am I clear?"
Atalanta and Percy both gave their confirmation. Sally dragged Poseidon away muttering something about helping her relax, leaving the twins to clean up their mess.
Poseidon and Sally head into the living room leaving the twins to clean up their mess . Sally heads to the bookshelf in Poseidon's apartment . She couldn't believe he had an apartment in London . In Mayfair of all places . Perks of being a God I guess . Sally thought this trip would be awkward given their history .She had her reservations living in his apartment . But Poseidon had gone out of his way to make them comfortable. Make her feel at home.
More than once she caught herself wondering what life with him would be like . It felt so natural . They looked like the perfect family to any outsider . But he was a God . He had places to be and duties to fulfill . Duties too important to be neglected . She sighs and looks at the array of books shaking her head . For a God , he sure did have dismal taste in books . There was not a single Shakespeare or Austen book. One particular book caught her attention . It was a worn out leather bound book .She pulls it out to realise it was an album .
A photo album to be precise .She flicks through to find pictures of her and twins when they were younger . All their smiling moments in the park or the pool or the Library .
Hands trembling she says "Poseidon ?"He turns to her from the kitchen doorway from where he was watching the twins in amusement . His amusement morphs into concern as he sees her face and her trembling hands "Sally ? What's wrong ?"
"W-What is this ? "She asks holding up the battered album with trembling hands , her eyes glossy .
Poseidon's eyes widen . Dammit ! He'd forgotten the album was there .."Ummm...It's an album-"
"I CAN SEE THAT . I'M NOT BLIND . BUT WHO TOOK THESE PICTURES ?"Sally shouts
"I did "Poseidon says in a small voice . Sally's disappointment fades when she hears those words . It was replaced by a myriad of of which mattered right now ."What ?"
"I couldn't help myself . I needed to . I-I wanted something to remember them by . I needed to see them.I needed to see you .I'm sorry-"
But Sally cuts him off with a slap and mind you it stung as she shouted ."YOU BASTARD!YOU UTTER BASTARD ! YOU WERE THERE THIS WHOLE TIME . BUT YOU NEVER ONCE THOUGHT OF COMING AND SAYING HI. OR ASKING ME HOW I'M DOING . OR MAKING SURE I WAS OKAY .YOU LET ME THINK THAT YOU WERE NEVER THERE . THAT YOU NEVER CARED." Sally chokes out the last part as she delivers a punch after punch to his chest .
Poseidon stood silently as she punched him in the chest , tears running down her cheek .Each sentence was stab in the gut for him .The last one where she told him she thought that he didn't care was just twisting the knife deeper .
Her anger gave way to tears . She stopped reigning blows to his chest ,he pulls her into his arms as she sobs and mumbles "I'm sorry . I don't know what came over me -"
"Hush. You don't have to apologise . You have every right to be upset Sally . Sally you have to know I wanted to come and see you . It took me every fibre of restraint to stay away . I wanted to . But I wasn't willing to gamble on your life or the twins' life . And I was always there . Watching over you and the twins . I have always cared ."Poseidon murmurs into her hair.
Sally's heart fluttered when she heard him say that and for the first time in years she felt safe in a man's arms. She felt all her worry and anxiousness about the twins disappear . She felt content .They pull away after a couple of moments . The awkwardness there only for a moment before both of them exchanged a look before Sally pulls him onto the couch beside her , telling him the details of each and every picture . She remembered it all like it happened yesterday . They both laughed occasionally while reminiscing the twins' childhood and the antics they got up to .
Unbeknownst to them , the twins had seen this whole encounter and shared a look that said 'Still whipped ' while Percy asks "How can mom go from being upset one moment to hugging him to smiling at him ?"
Atalanta shakes her head and sighs .Boys. Such oblivious beings.
The quartet make their way to the first stop for the day . 221 B Baker Street .When Percy heard Baker Street , he was kinda ecstatic . He expected a place full of delicious baked goods or something along those lines . Imagine his surprise when the end up in front of an apartment . An apartment that belonged to a dead guy who wrote books .
Poseidon and Percy didn't really understand the appeal of going to a dead guy's apartment . But they weren't about to question either female and risk invoking their wrath . Their curiosity was not worth risking their lives for .So they silently followed the duo .
The small family enter into the apartment cum museum . Atalanta and Sally immediately start looking at the artefacts and sprouting off facts and gushing over the house while Poseidon lets out a groan of frustration .This wasn't what he had planned at all . The Stormbringer in a museum apartment .Who would have thought . The things he did for Sally . If anyone from Olympus got to know about this , he wouldn't hear the end of it .
Percy whispers to Poseidon "Shoot me now . I can't take anymore of this ."
Poseidon chuckles as both women return after a very long time of looking around .
"I still can't believe that Shelock Holmes was made here -"Atalanta says for the hundredth time.
"-Yeah we know . You have told us about it since morning . "Percy says in an irritated and bored to death tone .
"PERCY DO YOU EVEN KNOW-!"
"Ok you two . No fighting here . "
"Poseidon . What say we go grab a few milkshakes to go ? "
"Sounds good to me . Anything to get me away from this place."Percy says dragging Atalanta along with him despite her protests .
"I know this isn't your scene .But I really appreciate you coming here with me and Atalanta . Even though you hated the place ."
"Are you kidding me ?Go visit a dead guy's flat . That's totally on my bucket list. "Poseidon says while throwing an arm around Sally causing her to shake her head with a chuckle as they followed behind the bickering set of twins .
As Poseidon was enjoying sandwiches with the twins and Sally in Hyde Park . He couldn't help but wonder what would happen if he was human . If he could have this forever . His family . Alas ! He wasn't . He was the Sea God . He had duties to do . Contrary to popular belief he took his duties seriously .No matter how much he hated it sometimes .He still had it bad for Sally and from the wiggly eyebrows the twins were giving him , they figured it out too .But Sally deserved better . She deserved someone who would be there everyday and give her the world .So no matter how much it crushed him , he would stand aside and let her love again . Preferably a guy who didn't abuse her .
The family decided to end their eventful , fun day with a ride on the London Eye . The twins take one cart without delay or a single argument. Suspicious . Extremely Suspicious . Sally and Poseidon share a look before climbing into the next cart . And up they went .
IN PERCY AND ATALANTA'S CART
"You think they will realise that they still like each other ? Cos I don't think I can take anymore of this back and forth glances and cuteness and all that sappy stuff no more ."
"I hope so. -"
"-Otherwise I swear I will lock them in a bloody room together . Or a closet . Whatever's closest ."
"Percy ! "
"What I'm serious . You look at them and tell me they don't care for eachother .You know how many whispers I heard about how cute they are ?"
"You must admit they are cute . But one ferris wheel ride isn't gonna push them together Perce ."
"I know . I know . But hey baby steps right . So Operation Sally and Poseidon . You in or out Lanta."
"In . Duh . Hopefully we don't have to lock them in a closet ."
"I don't know about that . Hopefully it doesn't come to that . But I'm willing to do it . Anything to end this mad tsunami of mushy sappy feelings."
"Oh Percy... What about when you catch the mushy sappy feelings ? I bet you're gonna be worse than dad ."
"Not gonna happen sis. I'm not gonna catch feelings for nobody ."
"We'll see about that brother mine . We shall see ."
"What do you mean by that ?"
"Nothing seaweed brain ." Atalanta says with a sly smile thinking about a certain daughter of Athena and the way Percy's eyes followed her when she fights.
After reaching a certain height , Percy started rocking their cart to the utter mortification of Atalanta who was terrified of heights .
IN SALLY AND POSEIDON'S CART
Sally and Poseidon hop in and sit side by side as they went up . Sally was admiring the bird's eye view of London which was breath taking . Poseidon was enjoying a much more beautiful view . He found that the London skyline paled in comparison to Sally . These were times he was a little selfish and wanted her all to himself . He was taking in the soft contours of her face , her twinkling brown eyes .Memorising every detail . Every curve , dip and hollow of her body .
If they were in some other world where he wasn't the Sea God , he would have pulled her into his lap and ravished every square inch of her delectable body . He would have made love to her passionately drawing her to the edge over and over again . Right here , aboard the London Eye as the Sun set over the city of London . He would kiss her shiny , sweaty fore head and hold her as she fell apart in his arms.
If he just reached out and pulled her she would be-Bad thoughts ! You shouldn't go there Poseidon . Hell ! With all these conditions and complications he was having a hard time restraining his body . His thoughts and emotions ? Forget about it . They were rebellious beings that enjoyed making him take cold showers and having raging hard ons .
"It's beautiful isn't it ?"Sally asks without taking her eyes of the view outside . London was truly magnificent during evening times .
"Yeah it is truly breathtaking ."Poseidon says in a low tone . Sally got the strange feeling he wasn't talking about the view outside. The heat in his tone coupled with the tenderness took her right back to Montauk where he had taken her against a tree .On the beach . In the cabin .She knew she shouldn't turn to look at him . That was uncharted territory . Dangerous waters .But you know what , Screw caution!
She turns around and meets his gaze . Sea Green gems were now deep, dark swirling storms of restrained emotions . He looked at her with intensity ,heat and a myriad of emotions which Sally daren't acknowledge .
Her mind was screaming at her .Look away Sally . Look away . Turn back from the edge of the cliff and go back to solid ground . But Sally was never one to listen to her head or do as she is told. She held his gaze.
BAMMM!The cart rocked to one side snapping them both out of it while sending Sally crashing into Poseidon 's side who immediately wrapped an arm around her and pulled her into his chest ,steadying her .She looks up at
"Thank you for you know-"Sally says blushing a deep shade of crimson as she found herself gazing at him while he held her .
"Catching you ? No problem . "Poseidon says chuckling at her stammering and her crimson cheeks .
The heat between them morphed into something much more deep and strong. Neither of them dared to acknowledge that . If it was only the two of them , Sally would have thrown caution to the wind and done what her body had desired . But they had two children now . They had to worry about them too . Their family was complicated enough as is without adding their relationship to the mix . A relationship that she knew wouldn't last .Couldn't last .
Poseidon also had the same revelation . So despite wanting to kiss her, he had to satisfy himself with just holding her . He relished in the feeling of her soft curves against his chest .That was enough for now and forever.
The quartet stumble into Poseidon's apartment and the twins go to their rooms to take a shower . Poseidon planned to head back to his Palace for the night . While he enjoyed the day immensely , it was getting incredibly hard to not do anything scandalous to Sally .
He was about to leave when Sally comes in and says "Why don't you stay for dinner ? I was thinking we could have dinner followed by a movie night .."
Like a Normal Family .She didn't outright say it but it was understood . Poseidon sighs and turns around cooking up a story in his head as to why he couldn't stay . As soon as he sees Sally's face full of longing and affection , his story and reasons he should leave all disappear .No words leave his mouth .
He really shouldn't stay . That would be a health hazard and a threat to his sanity .He sighs and runs a hand over his face to compose himself and walk out . But Atalanta chooses that very moment to come out fresh out of the shower .
Oblivious to her parent's problems she asks "Dad , you have any movie preferences for movie night ?"
Damnit ! Why did she have to walk in with that hopeful look on her face . Sally was hard enough to refuse but he could never say no to his darling little girl . That's it he was staying. Consequences be damned.
He gives Sally an affirming nod before smiling at Atalanta and saying "Why don't you kids choose ? My tastes are kind of outdated what with me being Immortal and all ."
"You sure that's a good idea Poseidon ? They just might flood your penthouse ."
"Mom! Dad is around . He can fix it . But we'll try not to flood the apartment ."
"No promises though . If she wants to put on some mushy romantic crap , I will seriously retaliate . I have enough sappy romance with you two around ."Percy says
"PERSEUS !"Sally shrieks her cheeks blushing profusely . Poseidon looked amused at the whole thing .
"What ? It's the honest truth . Do you know how many people I met who thought you guys were a cute couple ? Also have you seen the way you two look at each other ? Like you want to -"Percy said obliviously but Sally cut him off with another shriek"PERSEUS ! "
"Percy let's go pick a movie while mom and dad fix up dinner ."Atalanta says dragging Percy to go pick a movie .
IN THE KITCHEN
"I am so sorry about him . I think he was imagining stuff-"
"-Calm down Sally . It's no big deal . So what are we making for dinner ?"
"I was planning to make lasagna with few sides . Any ideas ?"
"A potato salad ? Caesar salad ? And maybe some of that delicious cake you make . We can have that with ice cream ."
"Yeah okay sounds good . The kids are mighty fond of cake and ice cream. So you will be on cutting vegetables- "
"What ?"
"You are on Cutting vegetables ."
"Vegetables cutting ? Me ?!" Poseidon asks indignantly . He was a God .He didn't cut vegetables . He decided people's fate , controlled the seas .
"Yes of course who else ?"Sally says in a no nonsense tone .
"Okay ."Poseidon says resigned . He only prayed that none of his siblings saw this.
"Not that knife kelp-head . That's a cleaver . You need the long thin blade for vegetables ."
"Oh yeah I knew that .."
"You definitely did . Now chop - chop . "
"Yes ma'am"
IN THE LIVING ROOM
Atalanta whacks Percy on the back of the hard and asks"What on Earth were you thinking saying that back there ?"
"Operation Sally and Poseidon remember ?"Percy groans while rubbing the back of his sore neck .
Atalanta sighs and throws her hands in the air and says "UGHHHH...You need to be subtle brother mine. Look what I did back there , I convinced dad to stay here for the night and help mom in the kitchen . "
"AHHH...Now I get it . Ok subtle moves from now ."
"So which movie should we watch ?"
"I'm thinking some sick action film. "
"How about Mission Impossible ?"
"Yeah or we could watch James Bond movies ?"
"Lets do a coin toss to decide what movie we watch "
NEW YEAR'S DAY
The quartet spent the whole day at home playing games and lazying around . At night they had a delicious , fulfilling all American Meal . Then they all bundle up and head to the terrace of the building with a flask of hot chocolate to watch the fireworks . The other residents were also there with their families . Couples holding hands .
Poseidon P.O.V
This was the most alive I had felt in a long time . I had enjoyed spending time with Sally. But above all I had enjoyed being there for his kids . Sure there was a side of my brain that was constantly stuck in the gutter . I mean how could I not when I was stuck in close quarters with a woman like Sally .But there was a larger part of my brain that enjoyed being a real father to Atalanta and Percy .
The twins run on ahead . I was walking in companionable silence with Sally. The past few days made me wonder whether being an immortal was worth it . Humans maybe mortal but they get be fathers , husbands . They get to live life to the fullest .The last time I had done that was when I was with Sally for a few months at Montauk .
We reach one end of the terrace and stand side by side looking over at the beautiful London skyline . After a few moments the fireworks start erupting painting the sky in a million different hues . The twins start yelling and clapping along with the rest of the crowd . Sally turned to Poseidon and gave him a small smile which he returned with a smile of his own.
Then everyone begin chanting
"TEN!"
"NINE"
"EIGHT"
"SEVEN"
"SIX"
"FIVE"
At this point Sally looked at me said "We're four seconds away from midnight and I'm glad I'm standing next to you ."
"Me too , love. Me too " I say while throwing an arm around her shoulder .
"FOUR"
For the next three seconds I wasn't a God and she wasn't forbidden . All the reasons we shouldn't do this could go to hell for all I care . Next few seconds it was gonna be just us .
"THREE"
"TWO"
"ONE"
I turn and look at her and say "Happy New Year to you Sally ."
She blushes a bit before saying "Happy New Year to you too Poseidon ." Then she shyly reaches up and gives a soft barely there peck on the cheek .
Her lips were there only for a moment before she pulled away . But it was like a scorching brand on my skin . I look at her face trying to see what she meant -
"Happy New Year to you Dad and Mom " The twins chorused . Guess Sally and I could wait. Besides it wasn't like I could anything about my emotions , she deserved better than some guy who wasn't there all the time. She deserved a guy who would come home to her everyday and Poseidon knew that wasn't him.
SALLY P.O.V
I don't know why I kissed him on the cheek . I just did . It was like there was no one else in the world except us and I let myself truly want for it . But now I realise how it might have looked . While I do love Poseidon, he deserved some immortal queen . As we're going to our apartment , I reach out to him causing him to turn around and say "Poseidon I-"
"Don't Sally. Just Don't. Do not apologise for that . It's okay . It was a nice spur of the moment thing and that is all we're ever going to say about it ."Poseidon says with finality in his tone .
I see the pain flash across his eyes when he realised I was going to apologise for that . Before I can stop myself I say"Poseidon , You need to know I do not regret that but we have the kids to think about and -"
"I know Sally . I know . Now lets go before my apartment ends up flooded ."Poseidon says with a weary tired tone.
"Yeah , okay ."Sally says with a sigh as they both head into the apartment .
The twins fell asleep and Poseidon had gone back to his palace in the Mediterranean . This time Sally let him go. She wished he would stay but she didn't want to hurt him any more than she already had . He had been the perfect gentleman . Understanding . Considerate .
The next few days they all had a load of fun just roaming around London and goofing around . The twins would leave Sally and Poseidon alone whenever they could .
Unfortunately , the holidays came to an end way too soon. Dad went back to the Mediterranean but first dropped off Mom and Percy at home. I am taking the floo back to Hogwarts through Professor McGonagall.
"Welcome back Miss Granger. I hope you've had a good time with your family." Professor says upon my arrival. "Thank you Professor. It was wonderful. But, I think I'll be heading back to the tower for now."
"Very well. Classes haven't started, the holidays won't end for another 2 days."
I quickly left and headed straight to the common room. It was empty. I looked out the window to see all of Gryffindor, or whoever was staying having a snowball fight. I take a quick shower and race down to the courtyard. Deciding to have a bit of fun I quietly sneak onto the field and using my wand, launch a barrage of snow on both teams. I double over laughing as both sides are pelted with snow.
"Hermione!" Harry and Ron screech. They pull me into a hug as soon as I let up. "Looks like I won this fight boys."
"Oh come on Granger, that's hardly fair." Oliver Wood replies. "We didn't even know you were there."
"What a conniving move Miss Granger." Commented Fred,"
"Such a devious move must be repaid in kind." Continued his twin.
Uh-oh. I scream and ran as all of Gryffindor launched snowballs at me.
"Harry, Ron, HELP ME!" The boys share a look and nod. "Sorry 'Mione you got yourself into this one."
Then they too start attacking me. TRAITORS! I spend the rest of the day playing with them out in the courtyard. We went inside after it started getting dark. I told the boys that my family had asked for special permission from McGonagall to have me over and that I spent the last few days with them.
Harry and Ron head up to bed but before I could follow suit a certain pair of red haired twins stopped me.
"Hello Hermione dear."
"We're so glad to have you back."
"We've had to wait for your return, you know."
"Didn't want you to miss the destruction you cause."
I raise an eyebrow. "So you haven't rained mayhem on the slytherins yet? Consider me surprised."
"Well we wanted you to be there for our masterpiece. It would be a shame if you missed it." they synchronise .
"Well then, I hope it's worth the wait. Oh and do me a favour." I said with a menacing smile. "Make sure to add a little flare when dealing with Malfoy, I didn't appreciate his little comment at the beginning of the year." I thought back to both when he called me a mudblood and wished for my death.
"As the lady commands." Fred and George give an over exaggerated bow.
I head up to my room and fall asleep.
THE NEXT DAY
I wake the boys up as usual and we head down for breakfast. Fred and George were already there. I sat opposite to them as Harry and Ron sat down beside me.
"Good Morning, Fred, George."
"Good Morning, Hermione."
"We took your request to heart." George said.
"I'm sure you'll be very pleased with the outcome." Fred commented.
Ron looked up from eating, if that's what you call shoving food into your mouth, "Wha, wha rqst? Wha th tkin bot 'mione?"
"Honestly, Ronald. How many times do I have to remind you to SWALLOW before you speak."
"Sorry, 'Mione. Anyway, what are they talking about."
"Don't worry, Ron. It's nothing for you to worry , " I turn to the twins, "When can I expect it to happen." I said so low that Ron and Harry barely heard me.
The twins share a wicked look. "My, my, there seems to be so much more to you then what meets the eye Miss Granger."
"Indeed. I quite like this version, don't you Forge."
"Why yes I do Gred. And to answer your question," Fred continued
The twins chorus "It'll happen right about...NOW!"
A loud boom shook the castle followed by multiple after all the Slytherins came running into the Hall covered in feathers, some were even spitting them out. All of their hair was coloured a disgusting shade of baby barf green with neon orange streak. Their clothes were charmed red and gold that randomly shot confetti out of the sleeves. And the piece de resistance was when Malfoy came in itching everywhere screaming about giant spiders and snakes trying to eat him.
The entire hall bursting into silent laughter at the sight Professor Snape's glare keeping us all from exploding.. I barely held down my own chuckles as Harry and Ron stared at me in awe.
"Hermione," Harry whispered, "Did you..."
"What? Of course not Harry. Don't be ridiculous. I would never participate in such immature follies." I start eating the eggs on my plate. "Now how long will this last again?"
"The hair will last a week and the feathers 3 days. Everything else wears off at sunset." Fred answered.
"MESSERS WEASLEY!" Professors McGonagall and Snape stormed over to our table.
"50 points from Gryffindor and detention with me for the rest of the month." Snape growled. He honestly shouldn't be called a Professor, bullying students the way he does.
"You will undo this madness at once." Professor McGonagall commanded.
The twins looked at each, an innocent expression on their face. "I'm sorry professor, but we can't do that." Fred said.
"And why not?" Professor McGonagall demanded.
"Because we don't know how to of course. Not that we would even if we did." George continued.
"Indeed, whoever did this is truly a pranking mastermind."
"A true legend."
Snape snarled, "And you expect us to believe that you had nothing to do with this."
"But of course not professor"
" If we did, it would have our name on it."
"Literally." Fred and George exclaimed in unison.
I decided to pipe in, "It's true professor. They were in the common room till late last night until they went to bed. I would know, I stayed up to catch up on some reading I had missed."
"Miss Granger," Snape spat, "Don't you know how to keep your overgrown bush that you call hair out of other people's business."
I almost glared back, when I decided to be a bit slytherin. My eyes turn glassy and my lower lip quivers.
"Severus, that was uncalled for and extremely rude." Professor McGonagall turns to us. "Well, I suppose if Miss Granger said it, it must be true. So, there will be no point lost or detention. Don't let me catch you two pranking, got it?"
Fred and George nod enthusiastically. "Of course Professor. You won't"
"Catch us that is." They said with mischievous grins.
Hermione POV
"Kill this time...let me rip...tear"
"That voice." said Harry. I was instantly alert as well, having heard the same. "I just heard it again - didn't you." Harry asked looking at Ron.
I slapped my forehead. This means that only Harry and I could hear it. Which means it is a snake. A snake which can petrify people.
"Harry-I think I understood something! I've got to go to the library!"
I sprint away, heading for the library. I faintly heard the boys shouting my name behind me. I head to the Care of Magical Creatures section and pull out a big book called Secrets of Magical Snakes and Serpents.That's the best part about the Hogwarts Library everything's arranged as per subject not alphabetically.
"Come on, come on. There has to be something in here" I murmur flipping through the book as fast as I can. "Ah ha. There you are."
I grab some water from the bottle I always carry around and create a rainbow. I mumble a quick prayer and call Jean.
"Jean, I found out what is causing the petricifications."
"Hermione? Why are you calling in such an open area? You know we need to keep your identity a secret." Jean scolded.
She just waved her hand dismissively. "There's no one here right now, they're all at the Quidditch Match. Only useful thing that game ever did." Hermione muttered. "Anyway. It's a basilisk."
"Basilisk. That actually fits. Hermione, I don't want you going after it. Those things are way beyond your level. I'll take care of it and make sure to tell your teachers, okay?"
"Of course, Jean." The sound of footsteps echoed in the empty library. "Gotta go. I'll talk another time."
I swipe my hand through the Iris Message. Turning back to the book, I took a deep breath and tore the page from the book. By the Gods. I'm so so sorry.
"Hey what do you think you're doing." A ravenclaw prefect screeched in indignation. I scribble the word pipes on the edge of the paper, that has to be how the beast has been travelling. "That's a library book, how dare you treat it that way!" She yelled.
"I know what you're thinking and I know how this looks." I respond seriously. "But this page contains the answer behind these attacks. Here see for yourself."
I allow her to look at the paper. She scans it before returning it, looking just as grave. "We need to get this to Professor Dumbledore."
"I hide my wince. My respect for the Headmaster has been diminishing a lot and this actually just further solidified his incompetence as a teacher. But I can't let that show now.
"My thoughts exactly. Come on. We should hurry."
Before we could start moving though, I heard that voice again. This time I know it's the basilisk. "Wait, do you have a mirror?" She looks at me strangely. "Just in case. I'd rather be petrified than dead." I try to joke.
The prefect pulls out a small hand mirror and gives it to me. I use it to see around the corner and cross my fingers hoping it wasn't there. The paper crumbled in my hand. I open my eyes to be met with a deadly yellow glow and suddenly, my entire body goes stiff and I black out.
Harry POV
"This match has been cancelled," Professor McGonagall called through the megaphone, addressing the packed stadium. There were boos and shouts. Oliver Wood, looking devastated, landed and ran toward Professor McGonagall without getting off his broomstick. "But, Professor!" he shouted. "We've got to play - the cup Gryffindor -" Professor McGonagall ignored him and continued to shout through her megaphone: "All students are to make their way back to the House common rooms, where their Heads of Houses will give them further information. As quickly as you can, please!" Then she lowered the megaphone and beckoned me over to her. "Potter, I think you'd better come with me ..."
I saw Ron detach himself from the complaining crowd; he came running up to us as we set off toward the castle. To my surprise, Professor McGonagall didn't object. "Yes, perhaps you'd better come, too, Weasley ..." Some of the students swarming around them were grumbling about the match being cancelled; others looked worried.
Ron and I followed Professor McGonagall back into the school and up the marble staircase. But they weren't taken to anybody's office this time. "This will be a bit of a shock," said Professor McGonagall in a surprisingly gentle voice as they approached the infirmary. "There has been another attack ... another double attack." My insides did a horrible somersault. Professor McGonagall pushed the door open and Ron and I entered. .
My eyes zeroed in on the bush of brown hair laying on the hospital bed.
"Hermione!" Ron cried behind me. The air left my lungs and I moved robotically to her side. I look down at her petrified form and collapse in the chair next to her.
"Hermione" I whisper, gently moving some of her hair away from her face. She lay utterly still, her eyes open and glassy.
"They were found near the library," said Professor McGonagall. "I don't suppose either of you can explain this? It was on the floor next to them ... " She was holding up a small, circular mirror. Ron and I shook our heads, still staring at Hermione. "I will escort you back to Gryffindor Tower," said Professor McGonagall heavily. "I need to address the students in any case.
I walk numbly beside her barely registering anything else.
Hermione, the heir got Hermione. I clench my fists in anger. How could this have happened ? How could I have let this happen. Whoever did this is going to pay. The hurt Hermione, nobody hurts her. I close my eyes and try to calm down but all I see is her unmoving form. I run my hands through my hair. Goddammit. She's going to be okay, she has to be. I felt someone's hand on my shoulder and turned to see Ron. He had a look of concern on his face. "I'm fine." I bite out.
He just gives me a look of understanding. "She's going to be okay. The mandrakes will have matured in no time and before you know it she'll be right here telling us to do our homework again." He jokes.
I chuckle, "Yeah you're right. Come on let's go to bed. Maybe tomorrow we can go talk to Hagrid and get an idea of who this heir might be."
He slapped my back. "That's the spirit mate. We've had a tough day, let's get some shut eye."
Though I'm pretty sure I'm not going to get much sleep .