The Accident: I didn't mean to
Author's Notes: I have nothing really clever to say now. Just I hope you enjoy the next installment! I had fun writing it! :-)
It was a Wednesday evening. There was a storm raging outside. I loved the sound of the thunder, the sight of the lightening flashing in through the windows. It was a good night.
I was walking with Harry, Ron, and Hermione. I was actually getting used to this trio. They were a lot of fun to hang around with. We were finishing off the last of our treats we had so recently acquired from the kitchen, when Draco Malfoy and his two friends, Crabbe and Goyle appeared at the top of the stairs we were ascending.
"Well, good evening Harry," he said, sneering down at us. "I see you're out walking your Mud-Blood mutt." He noticed the last bit of pastry that Ron shoved quickly into his mouth. "Don't you get enough food at home?" Draco asked. Then he laughed. "Oh yes...you're too poor to afford good food. No wonder you've taken to stealing like a common criminal. Disgraceful."
I found it amusing that he was carrying on this conversation by himself. Neither of the four of us had said anything to him at all, or given any indication that we were. We kept walking up the stairs.
"What is it, Harry?" he asked in a menacing tone. "Don't want to talk to me? Will you fight me? How about a duel?"
Harry kept walking. I really don't give that boy enough credit.
By this time we had reached the next floor.
"I see you've turned mute, just like your retarded friend here," Draco said, gesturing at me.
I had a few gestures for him too.
That seemed to provoke Harry. "Leave her alone!" he yelled. But before he could so much as pull out his wand, Draco had already muttered a spell. A small coil of rope was wrapping itself around Harry. Then it reached out for Ron, and then Hermione. Within a few seconds all three were tied up tight together.
I saw the coil of rope heading for me, but I did a roll towards Crabbe and Goyle. The rope did not care to follow such an animated victim.
"I have an idea," said Draco suddenly. "Let's leave them here, and alert Filch. He'll take care of them. What would this be now, Harry? Your third time out after hours? Fourth?" he laughed and starting walking away. Crabbe and Goyle followed him, but not before Crabbe could kick me in the stomach (as I was still laying on the floor) while Goyle gave the wrapped up trio a punch.
Then it was as if time slowed down. I saw Ron lose his balance. I saw Harry and Hermione struggle to get themselves upright, but it was no use. They fell down the stairs. I reached out for them...I don't know what I was hoping for. I couldn't reach their hands, or even the bindings on them. All I could do was watch them fall.
Draco, Crabbe, and Goyle looked horror stricken as the trio lay at the bottom of the steps...motionless. "Let's get out of here!" Draco shouted, and they took off running.
I took off running down the steps.
They were out cold.
Or dead.
I prayed they were just out cold. Then I noticed the blood that started pooling. Was it from Hermione? Harry? I couldn't tell. I ran to get help.
I ran to get Dumbledore.
I reached the gargoyle and tried to remember the password that Harry had said not more than a few weeks ago. I hoped it was still active.
"Butterbeer?" I guessed, frantic. I was hoping from one foot to the other, and wringing my hands.
The doorway swung open. I raced up the steps, and barged into Dumbledore's office. It was just like before...the first night I had arrived. Except the entire faculty was gathered together.
So many people. Too many people. My tongue felt thick in my mouth. My throat was dry. I struggled to say anything...to do anything.
"What is it, Sarah?" Dumbledore asked, rushing to my side.
I forced my mouth to open. "Harry!" I gasped. "Ron...Hermione...," I tried to catch my breathe. Too many people. I was going to have an anxiety attack or a stroke or something.
"They fell. Draco...tied them....pushed...down the steps," I managed to gasp out.
"Where?" asked Hagrid, racing to his feet.
"Near...Gryffindor Tower...," I said. I sunk to my knees, trying to stop my head from swimming. Trying to stop shaking. Everyone was looking at me, eyes wide, mouth agape.
Except Professor Snape.
"I'm glad you overcame your fear, Sarah," he said calmly.