A/N: Here is the eighth chapter of our wonderful little story. In this chapter, Dumbledore gets mysteriously younger, Harry has an interesting rendezvous with Maria, Ron gets on the voices nerves and vice versa, and Hermione finds something out from Dumbledore. Now, witness the marvel (as we like to see it, he he) that is called:
THE TOWER
Written by Celenae the Goddess of REVENGE and Menyl the Goddess of MANIPULATION
Chapter 8:
Dumbledore looked in the mirror. For the first time in 15 years, he felt energetic and young. He touched his face, where the lines of aging were beginning to fade. No longer was he frail and old, he was now younger, free and more alive. His face fell and his heart saddened.
Time's running out he told himself
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The door of the fifth year girls dorm room shut behind Harry as he ran down the stairs. Memories of what just happened raced through his mind. He had no idea where it came from, or why he did it. All Harry knew was that he enjoyed those few moments where he and Hermione were together. He needed someone to talk to, but he couldn't go back up there. It would be awkward, and he wasn't sure how Hermione would react. He slowed down as he reached the common room, where he ran into Maria. He hadn't realized anyone was around, so he jumped back in shock.
I'm sorry, Harry apologized as he helped the small girl back onto her feet. She smiled back at him, a warm smile.
It's okay Harry, it was my fault, she whispered. She looked up at his face, and took a long moment to stare into his beautiful green eyes.
Is something wrong? she inquired. Harry seemed startled at first, but then he thought, Hermione is upstairs, and he had no idea where Ron was. He decided there was no harm in confiding in her. He nodded, and led her to the two most comfortable chairs in the common room and began to speak. Harry soon found himself telling Maria about everything. It felt good to get it off of his chest, and she seemed so understanding. She listened intently, and took in every word. Harry smiled when he was finished talking.
That's about it for me. Hey, I don't know much about you, how about you tell me about yourself. Harry smiled at her encouragingly. She seemed a bit reluctant to talk, but eventually she spoke.
Well, I came from Australia. I moved here with my parents' a couple of years ago, she began.
So that's why your accent is different, Harry commented. Maria blushed, but she continued.
I had a pretty normal childhood, from my point of view. Nothing out of the ordinary, for me anyway, she said, giving a small chuckle after. She glanced into Harry's eyes again, and he felt a strange sensation all over his body. Just looking at her caused this sensation to grow, he wasn't sure what it was. While she talked, he debated with himself, over whether this feeling meant he liked her or not. This is preposterous, you like Hermione, one part of him would say. The other part of him would say, but she's so cute, and look at those bright blue eyes. She wants you Harry, come on, you know you like her. He just kept staring at her, as they both gradually came closer together.
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Hermione just sat on her bed, astonished at what just happened. How could he leave her? He just........left. She grabbed one of her pillows and cried into it. How she wished she still had Harry in her arms. The moment kept replaying in her mind, over and over and over. Hermione was more upset now than she had ever been in her life. Between Carver and Harry, she was on the verge of a nervous breakdown. She knew what she had to do. She had to talk to Dumbledore about Carver, surely he would understand and know what to do. Maybe, she could convince him not to expel her cousin. Then there was Harry, she knew she had to confront him. How? She didn't know. When? She wasn't quite sure, as soon as possible. No actions or shared words were worth their friendship, and she had to salvage what was left of it.
That's it, I've got to stop crying, this is getting silly, she told herself. Is it Hermione? Do you know what you're doing? her mind asked her. She didn't listen, she got up and made her way downstairs.
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Dumbledore left his office, and decided to take a walk on the grounds of the school. He knew the rules, he made them himself after all. No one was supposed to be alone on the grounds. There was the argument that he was the Headmaster, and the fact that Voldemort wouldn't go near him. He thought about that fact, and the reasons why. Everything seemed so supernatural, so unreal. Was he really destined to do that? Was all this happening, as he had once been told it would? If it is true, then why doesn't he have any memory of his past life? There were many questions running through his mind, but the one answer he needed to know most, was how much time they had left.
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Oh please boy, you think I'm going to leave, just like that? You think if you ask politely, I'll just step aside and let you live your own life, in peace? I know what you are, I know how much of a threat you pose on me, on my plans for that boy, and my somewhat faithful servants. No, no, I'm far from over with you. The menacing voice echoed in Ron's mind. Ron's back slid down the wall, and he sat on the ground.
What do you mean you know what I am. How do I pose a threat? Tell me that huh? Ron asked the voice. Dear child, you don't know? Oh well, you'll learn soon enough. You're closer to you dear friends little cousin, Carver, than you could ever imagine.
What do you mean, can't you tell me anything? Or are you just some stupid useless cretin who doesn't really know anything, Ron challenged whoever was in his mind. THAT WAS A MISTAKE BOY!!!!!! You never, EVER talk to me like that. Then, Ron felt a sharp pain in his head, and a veil of darkness was pulled over his eyes.
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Harry and Maria laughed, talked, and grew to know each other better. When Maria stopped talking, she looked up and smiled at Harry. He smiled back at her, but out of friendship. Then, Harry suddenly froze, as he stared into Maria's eyes, and she neared his face. He didn't know what to do, he didn't even know if he could move. Their lips touched, and a wave of warmth, and coldness swept over Harry at the same time. He saw different colors,and the force pushed him forward even more. He tried to back away, but he couldn't. He was engulfed in the kiss. Maria then pulled away and glanced up, her face flushed. She smiled at Harry, innocent and sweet. A new feeling overtook his body, as he heard footsteps running out the common room door.
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Hermione made her way down the stairs to the common room. She had to try to talk to Harry. She kept debating over what she was going to say to him in her mind. Every time she tried to keep on track though, her mind would linger to the kiss they shared. Hermione felt warm and there was something, she couldn't explain it, but something so right when she was with him. As she neared the common room, she heard talking, so she thought it was just Ron and Harry. Oh great, she thought, how am I going to get Ron out of here so I can speak with Harry? Hermione went round the corner and stopped in horror. There, in the common room, was Harry and Maria. She would have thought this okay in normal circumstances, but these weren't normal circumstances. Harry was sitting there, as Maria kissed him. I can't believe it.......... I just can't believe it, how can he do this to me? With that, Hermione ran out of the common room, through the winding halls, down staircases, and out the front doors. Tears streaming from her eyes, she kept running. She didn't care about the rules anymore, all she cared about was getting as far away from anyone as possible.
Is something the matter Miss Granger? asked a gentle voice.
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Ron opened his eyes slowly, unaware of where he was. The light made him squint his eyes, as he looked around room. He was in the hospital wing. How he got there, he had no idea. How long he had been unconscious, he didn't know either. All he knew was that whoever was in his head implied that he was different. Different how? he asked himself. If I pose such a threat to him, then why doesn't he just kill me instead of pestering me?
You're awake now? Good, here, have some chocolate, Madame Pomfrey said as she offered him a slab of the treat. I'll tell you why I haven't killed you. Since I can control you, you no longer pose a threat to me. I also have some......other reasons, but you will learn in due time.
Tell me now, Ron said. He hadn't realized that he spoke out loud until Madame Pomfrey turned around and gave him the most curious of looks.
Tell you what? she inquired. She continued to stare at him as though he was crazy. By this point, she was starting to believe it.
What? I don't know what you're talking about. Maybe my mind just drifted, I'm sorry to have bothered you. He tried to cover up as best he could and pretended to fall back asleep. Ron heard her mumble something under her breath, then he heard her foot steps walking away. He reopened his eyes and stared at the ceiling. Who are you? Ron asked the voice in his head. I cannot reveal that at this moment, but we're going to be spending a lot of time together. Perhaps we got off on the wrong foot, why don't we......talk, and get to know each other better. The voice seemed to change from that of an angry man, to that of a kind and gentle man.
I don't want to get to know you, Ron whispered out loud, looking around to make sure no one heard him. He was satisfied to find that he was alone. Why not? I know what you feel, I can see what you see. You see your friends, getting closer, leaving you out. I'm listening also. I hear your thoughts. You feel you're alone, but you're not. I feel your pain, your frustration. I feel everything.
That's just what I need, invasion of my privacy. It's not like I get enough of it at home, he said sarcastically. Why don't you like me? I can be your strength when you have none. I can be your wisdom, your truth. Don't you trust me? I want you to. I'm reaching out to you now. Do you trust anyone?
You expect me to like you? After you've taken over my mind and body, you expect me to trust you? You're sick, Ron said, a hint of anger in his voice, And for your information, I do trust people. I trust Harry and I trust Hermione. They are my best friends in the world, and I don't need you. You seem to doubt yourself child, not at all something any of the others like you would have. I hope you don't disappoint him, it would just be so bad for someone like you to fail at your job.
There it is again, what do you mean others like me? What do you mean fail at my job? What job? For someone who's supposed to be all evil and bad, you certainly are quite misty sounding, Ron said with a bit of a chuckle. Your little retorts are a sign of trying to cover up your insecurity, child. Why don't you trust me. However worthless you feel my friend. However bleak it all seems in the end you can come to me. You'll always have something that I value, part of you that I'll always welcome.
I am not insecure, Ron protested, and I don't feel worthless. I will never trust you, I will never come to you. I don't care how nice you act. I don't know who you are and I don't care if I never know. I have tried to be nice to you, obviously you don't appreciate all I've done for you.
What have you done for me? he asked. Why, I have let you live, isn't that enough? Life is a gift, as sweet as the freshest peach, as precious as a gilded jewel, or so some daft philosopher says. I never believed all that, but of course, I've always been different.
That's great, I'm so proud that you've been different. Ron was tired of talking to the voice, he saw no point in it. You mock me child, that's not acceptable.
Why don't you do something about it then? Ron was testing the voices limits. If I kill you, which believe me would bring me great joy, it would ruin everything. For some damn reason I need you alive. You'd better be glad that some external force is doing this, for if it wasn't, you wouldn't see another day.
Ooooohhh, I'm so scared. If you're powerful, you wouldn't need to worry about this external force'. You know what? I doubt that there is an external force, you're just too weak, Ron was starting to have fun with this. Boy, you've crossed the line.
Ah, but you said that you needed me alive, therefore you can't kill me, he said, so sure of himself. You sure do like to get ahead of yourself don't you? Yes, I said I needed you alive, so I can't kill you.....
HA!! There you go, Ron interrupted. BUT that doesn't mean I can't hurt you does it? Ron heard a menacing laugh throughout his mind. Before he could say another thing, the hospital wing doors flew open and some first year boys were standing there. Arms around his shoulders, they were dragging Carver in.
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Hermione looked up to see the gentle, and somehow younger looking, face of Professor Dumbledore. She smiled nervously, because she then remembered the rules again.
I hope your not growing a disregard for the rules Miss Granger, he said gently, yet sternly. Her face was already flushed from running, so when she blushed, it didn't show.
I'm sorry Professor, but I actually needed to see you, it's very important that we talk. She rushed to get the words out of her mouth. She looked at him earnestly, waiting for an answer. He smiled at her, then nodded.
Well, please continue, he told her. She looked for the words to say, but she didn't know where to start.
Well, it's about Carver, my cousin. Umm, you see, he's, well, he's different from everyone else, she managed to say. Dumbledore looked at her curiously, then smiled.
Perhaps we should continue this talk inside, I see a dark cloud forming over head. Let's go to my office, he said making a gesture for her to follow him. They went through the doors and around winding staircases. Hermione followed him, and soon found herself in front of a stone gargoyle. Dumbledore whispered the password, and the statue sprung to life and moved. She was momentarily startled, but soon got herself together and followed her Professor up the staircase. She looked around his office, it was beautiful, and she would have had more interest in it if she didn't have to tell Dumbledore about Carver.
Now Miss Granger, what was it that you were going to tell me about Carver? He inquired. She sat down across from him and spoke.
Professor, Carver is-is........... he's a G.A.P. wizard sir, she blurted out. He looked at her, not out of surprise though. It was as if he already knew, or he expected it, she couldn't tell. She just continued to speak, she had to get it out of her system.
It was him who lifted the tables in the Great Hall. I know we're not supposed to do magic in the halls, and we're not supposed to do anything to anybody. That stunt of his was particularly dangerous on Malfoy's behalf, but he cannot be expelled. Please Professor, I'm begging you not to expel him, if he's expelled I don't know what he'd do. If we let him outside of the school, something could happen to him. You know as well as I that Voldemort is in the rise and looking for followers. You also know as well as I, that he too is a G.A.P. wizard, and to bring them together would bring forth the destruction of the muggle world, even the world itself. If you can watch him, or teach him to use his powers for good, or do anything, please Professor, I'm begging you. Hermione was on the verge of tears. She looked pleadingly at Dumbledore, and waited for him to say something, but he said nothing. He thought about what she had said, and he decided that she should know.
The child's innocence and purity knows no bounds, and neither does its cruelty when evil comes upon its soul. After hearing what you have said Miss Granger, I will not expel Mr. Granger, but he will have to be watched. I suppose you know about Slytherin and Voldemort? he asked her. She nodded. He got up and looked out the window. His face fell, and he turned to her.
There is something that you need to know, and I trust that you will keep it between you and I, Dumbledore said. Again, Hermione nodded. She watched as he paced back and forth, then he stopped in front of the window. He stared out it again, at the dark cloud that hovered in front of the sun.
It happened thousands of years ago, when angels existed, and man lived in peace and harmony....
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Maria looked at Harry, a sweet smile on her face. Harry looked bewildered, he didn't know what just happened. He remembered talking to her, and laughing with her, then he remembered.....
Oh no, he blurted out. Maria frowned at him.
Is something wrong, was it me? she asked, she seemed to be on the verge of tears. He shook his head and smiled at her.
No, no, it's just that.............I don't know, I can't remember anymore, he said, thinking about what his point was. His mind was a blank, so he just smiled at her and moved slightly away from her. I just don't know, there's something about her that seems so......enchanting, he thought as he gazed at her. Again, they exchanged smiles, then Maria stood up.
I-I think, I'm going........to go find, ummmm, Ginny, yeah, that's it, I'm going to find Ginny, she said softly as she slowly walked towards the common room door. Harry, still sitting there, just gazed in a random direction, as he pictured what just happened in his mind. I'm horrible.......just horrible, I kissed Hermione, then I kissed Maria. They're both really sweet, and it's hard to choose. If I tell one, or the other that it won't work, I'll hurt her. If I keep them both, which is not much of an option, it'll hurt both of them. Who do I choose? Harry thought about this long and hard, but he didn't know what to do. What have I gotten myself into?
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Madame Pomfrey heard the bang of the door flying open, and she ran to the entrance.
What is this children? You don't just come running around the school banging on doors. I have patients here who need rest, she said angrily. The boys cowered back a bit, but one came up and spoke.
I'm sorry, but Carver collapsed a while ago, he says he's fine, but we just want to make sure he's alright, the boy said in a squeaky little voice. Madame Pomfrey became less tense and smiled gently at the boy.
What is this? The bloody Armageddon? Everyone's dropping now, Ron heard her mutter under her breath. You did the right thing. What's his name again? Carver? Well, Carver, please go to the bed next to Mr. Weasley, she instructed. She pointed to Ron, who waved at the young familiar face. Carver saw Ron and grinned like mad. His friends helped him sit on the bed, or tried to at least. He was the kind of person who didn't like to be helped often. The other boys left, not wanting to be caught in Madame Pomfrey's wrath again. They waved to their friend and departed.
What's wrong with you? Ron asked the boy. I'm so surprised you don't know yet, geez, you are a bit slow aren't you? the voice echoed in his head.
Shut up, Ron said aloud, forgetting Carver was with him. His face went red, as he looked at the confused young boy.
Which is it? Do you want me to answer, or shut up? he told Ron. This made Ron feel inferior, and feeling inferior to an eleven year old when you're 15 is not good for self esteem. He smiled sheepishly at Carver.
I'm sorry Carver, I must have banged my head or something, because Im hearing things, really ANNOYING things, Ron told him. Carver looked at him uneasily, but he then grinned. I'm annoying? You've hurt me, really you have...... said the voice in quite a sarcastic tone.
Well, I was outside with my friends by the forbidden forest when.....I don't know, something just happened. Just like that, the world went black, and I couldn't balance. It's silly really, but I'm better now, Carver said, trying to make Ron believe that he was in perfect health. It was actually quite funny, he said while eating a piece of chocolate given to him by Madame Pomfrey. My friends all thought that it was the forest that did something to me, they all thought I was dead or something. They ran off scared out of their wits.....well, I guess it wasn't that funny, they did leave me there, lying on the edge of the forest, wimps, he said chuckling. He ate the rest of the chocolate, and just sat there. Ron got out of bed, and tried to see if his legs would hold him. They sat there for quite a while, until Madame Pomfrey thought they were fit to leave.
You boys be careful now. There must be some epidemic going around, because you two seem to be suffering the same symptoms. I'll have to look this one up, I haven't seen it quite before, she told them. You come back here if you feel strange or you black out again, alright? None of this I feel fine, I don't need help' business, you hear?
Yes Madame Pomfrey, they answered in unison. Both boys decided to go back to the common room together. Come on boy, do it now, get the information from him. I don't know what you're talking about' Ron told the voice. You know exactly what I'm talking about, why was he able to lift up the tables? There's a reason why, and I want it confirmed, it is very valuable information for me. Well I don't care about what's valuable to you, and for the last time, I don't know what you're talking about' Ron thought quite irritably. You are daft aren't you boy? Just ask Carver about himself, you'll find out, it might help you with finding out who you are too, said the man.
Ron said aloud.
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That was the beginning of evil and the end of peace. I suppose it was meant to be, meaning, darkness cannot be without light, just as good cannot exist without evil. Every G.A.P. wizard is meant to be evil, so obviously there's a balance, Dumbledore told the girl, his eyes quite misty. Hermione just stared at him in awe. Never had she heard anything so strange, so unbelievable, yet so intriguing.
So Professor, who exactly is the balance for the others, and what are they? she asked, she was quite into the subject now. He smiled at her, knowing her thirst for knowledge.
I believe you can find the answers in a certain book, I can't remember the title though. It is something close to the History of the Tower, not quite original though is it? he said, a twinkle in his eye. Hermione's face was in shock.
Y-you mean it's true? There is an actual tower? It's real? The tower in the story you told me is actually here, somewhere on this planet? she asked with excitement. Dumbledore smiled at her.
Yes, yes it is all quite true. It might even do you some good to read the book, though I believe you will be studying the subject in History of Magic sometime soon, he told her. She was practically jumping up and down. Hermione could hardly wait get hold of the book and read it straight through, cover to cover.
Thank you Professor, for everything you've done for Carver and myself. I'm sure he appreciates it as much as I do, she said, edging towards the door. I need to find that book, Hermione thought to herself. With that, she made her way to the library.
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Disclaimer: Plot=ours Carver=ours Voice=ours for now
Some of what voice says=LaCroix (a monologue from the Internet, author unknown)
I guess that's it!!!!! PLEASE REVIEW, we would appreciate it!!!!!!!