A/N: Well, I think that I am just going to pick up where I left off. Hope y'all like this!
Personal Disclaimer: I have a line from Charmed in here. That belongs to them. Everything ranging from characters (James, Sirius, Lily, etc.) and places (like Hogwarts) belongs to J.K. My characters belong to me, and I own the situations.
Official Disclaimer: I do not own the characters that you recognize, the spells you recognize, and places you recognize; including but not limited to the following - Sirius Black, James Potter, Lily Evans, Arabella Figg (I own her personality though!) Remus Lupin, Minerva McGonagall, Severus Snape, Lucius Malfoy, and Albus Dumbledore. Hogwarts, the Sorting Hat, Slytherin, Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and various spells. I do own what you do not recognize. So, don't take them without permission! I am not associated with any owners of Harry Potter (including the amazing J.K. Rowling) and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.
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MY2 ~ The Great Prank War
By Noelle
Chapter 8: Greek Vacation
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"Noelle, I don't think this is wise," Dawn sighed. Noelle had come to the Gryffindor Common Room after dinner that evening, and stood outside. She refused to leave until she spoke to Dawn. Dawn had come out, and Noelle dragged her to a secret room.
Noelle readjusted the wig on her head. "Look, Dawn, I want to do this as soon as possible. And I know that you do too. So, I'm doing it. They won't know it's me, I promise."
"That's for sure," Dawn commented dryly, as Noelle surveyed herself in the mirror. Noelle had short pink hair. She was wearing all black, and had on tall black boots that went up to her knee. In fact, Noelle was barely recognizable, after a few facial charms. "Are you sure you're ready? I mean, Night is powerful…"
"And so am I," Noelle answered shortly, putting some equipment in the bag. "Do you have the communication device?"
Dawn nodded, and held up them up. Noelle nodded shortly. "Now, if we communicate and you have to use my name, my name is Cinderella. Kay?"
Dawn nodded once again. Noelle smiled. "Thanks for everything. I know that once I break that ring you'll be transported back." She grabbed her broom (a Snapdragon), and smiled once again. Noelle used a shrinking charm to reduce the size of the bag, and tucked it into her pocket. "Bye," she said, flying out the window.
Noelle wasn't aware of how long she flew or where she was going. It was just an instinct. At nightfall, she reached a tower in the clouds.
Noelle paused a moment to marvel at it's picturesque beauty. It was like the fairytales -- a castle in the clouds. She immediately knew which tower she would go to -- the tallest one. Noelle flew higher, and hovered outside the window. She peered in, and grabbed the walkie-talkie.
"Dawn? I'm there. I feel all sorts of Protective Charms. How do I get in?"
A burst of static came, followed by Dawn's voice. "Okay Cinderella, you can get in. I let Sunshine, one of the Rulers know, and she invites you into the castle." There was another burst of static.
"Okay, I'm going in!" Noelle took a moment to calm her nerves, and then flew straight through the glass window.
The glass shattered, and who Noelle guessed was Night whirled around. "Who do you think you are?" she screeched.
Noelle got off her broom, and walked over to Night. She did not answer her -- she kicked her. Night flew back into her throne, shocked.
"That's it," Night hissed, tearing off her cloak. She ran over to Noelle, and aimed a kick at her. Noelle jumped over it, and punched Night. She aimed a chop at her, but Night blocked it. Night then grasped Noelle's hands, and brought her foot up to Noelle's midsection. She used all her power to kick Noelle backwards. Noelle flew over the table, and landed on the cold stone floor. She grimaced, clearly in pain. But she knew what she had to do, and stood up. In one fluid motion, she leaped over the table.
"You're gonna pay for that," Noelle said, aiming a kick. Night ducked over it, and grabbed Noelle, attempting to flip her over her shoulder. Night did flip her, but Noelle landed on her feet. She then kicked Night from behind. Night ran into the table. Unfortunately for Noelle, a sword happened to be lying on the table. Night grabbed it, and ran toward Noelle.
Noelle did not know what to do. She looked around for something… and saw it across the room. Noelle leaped onto a bookshelf, and grabbed onto the chandelier in the center of the room, using it to swing her safely over Night. She let go of the chandelier, and grabbed a sword. The Sword of the Sun.
Noelle leaped over the table. Night took a swing at her with her sword. She missed, although narrowly.
The continued to fight, swords clashing against each other. They did not hit each other, not even once. Noelle began to grow tired, but Night showed no sign of tiring.
"Are you ready to give up?" Night asked snidely. Noelle shook her head, and blocked another shot at her.
"Never," she whispered, trying to not get killed.
The two were next to a fireplace. There, Night knocked the sword out of Noelle's hand. Noelle fell to the ground, Night pointing the sword at her throat. "You, a mere mortal, thought you could defeat me? Defeat me, the Ruler of Night?"
"You're not immortal," Noelle hissed, trying not to move her neck.
"Oh, you'll be surprised. Only one person can defeat me -- the one who was formally trapped. And she is no threat to me, at the moment. Neither are you."
"I wouldn't say that," Noelle whispered softly, so Night couldn't hear her.
Night continued with her villainous speech. "With one more soul, I will be immortal. Now, where can I ever find a soul?"
She turned to look at Noelle. "I think yours will do."
Noelle sucked in her breath as Night held her emerald ring up to the sky. The green reflected eerily in her eyes. Night began to chant an ancient verse, probably involving immortality.
That was when Noelle saw it. The ring was too loose on Night's finger.
Noelle fidgeted, but Night held her arms secure. She could tell that Night was almost finished with the incantation. It was now -- or never.
Noelle pushed her left shoulder deeper into the floor, while lifting her right shoulder up. This succeeded in getting Night off her. The Dark One was thrust to the side by the power of Noelle's push. Noelle then aimed her foot at Night's hand, and kicked it. The ring flew off Night's finger, spiraling through the dense air.
Night had begun to wrestle Noelle when she realized her ring was gone. Both immediately stopped, and watched as the ring landed near the fire. Night and Noelle stared at each other for seemingly hours. They both had the same idea. At once, both leaped, and landed several feet from the ring. Then, Noelle lunged, grasping the ring in her hand.
"Emprisonnez l'un intérieur les lignes," Noelle screamed, holding the ring triumphantly toward the sky. A burst of light flashed outside the tower -- a lightening bolt. Then, the ring began to glow. It pulsed a brighter green than before. And then --
Everything went black.
*******(time change)*******
Noelle bolted up in her bed. She had just had the craziest nightmare. She dreamt that it was up to her to save the world. She had followed directions from the Creator of all Light -- Dawn. She flew on her broom to a castle in the clouds, and went on to battle the Creator of Dark -- Night. She managed to get the ring, and held it to the sky. She then said some funny spell, and there was light. A bolt of lightening. And then a green glow. And everything went black.
Noelle couldn't' sleep. She got up, and crept to the bathroom. She didn't want to wake her roommates, even if they were evil.
Filling the sink with cold water, Noelle reached out her hand and touched it gently, creating ripples. She then reached both hands in, and splashed water on her face. Noelle looked up, staring at her reflection.
She was wearing a pink wig.
Noelle looked at her shoulder, and saw a gash. Someone must have scratched her.
Realization began to dawn on Noelle, as she rushed out of the bathroom. She ran to her bed, noticing something on her bedside table.
~Noelle
Well, you did it. You freed the innocents (or not so innocents -- they are yet to be judged). You defeated Night once and for all. They have found her a replacement --
At this, Noelle groaned.
but she is a good one. My cousin Selene will be taking over Night's duties. And Selene is on our side. I would like to thank you for all the help you gave to me, and the Gods and Goddesses. If you ever need a favor, we are all in your debt.
I learned a lot of things these past week. Mostly about judging people. When I first met you, I thought that you would be some spoiled little rich kid, like all those others who were trapped. But you weren't. You are a great person, and a great friend. If you ever need to talk or anything, I have found a way. I 'borrowed' an Orb from the Elders. We can communicate with it. All you have to do is speak in to it. But if you would like to see me, or me to see you, place the Orb on a surface, and press the small silver button on the top. It will open up, and create a sort of holograph. I wish you the best -- you deserve it.
~Dawn
Noelle slowly picked up the 'Orb' on her table. It was a silver sphere, with diamonds encrusted around a brim in the middle. It was beautiful. A wave of inspiration suddenly hit Noelle, and she flipped over, so that the upper half of her body was hanging over her bed. She then began to search for something. Grinning happily, Noelle extracted a small velvet box from a larger cardboard one. Gingerly placing the orb inside, she placed the velvet box inside her bedside table, and closed the drapes.
Noelle fell asleep that night, dreamless at last.
** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **
Charlie Hunter skipped into the Great Hall that March morning. She had awoken early, on the brink of becoming a genius. She had come up with a harebrained scheme, which promised to get rid of Stepfather #4, once and for all. Maybe then, her and her mother could live a happy life, with no more stepfathers.
Surprised by her own genius, Charlie had come up with the one thing that could break apart this marriage.
Magic.
Charlie surprised even herself when she came up with this plan. She had not told anyone yet -- she would wait until she knew exactly what she was going to do.
Noticing her one Hufflepuff friend, Christine, sitting at the end of the table, Charlie went and sat next to her.
Christine was pretty. She had long auburn locks, and sparkling sky blue eyes. She was tall. That was fairly obvious, especially when she was standing next to Charlie, who was rather short. Christine was really nice to everyone, and smart too. But sometimes she was a little too nice, or naïve even. That's why Charlie was there, to make sure no one tried to take advantage of that. Charlie and Christine had gone to muggle school together, in New York. Both had been on the track team; Christine was the faster one, but Charlie had more endurance. Both girls were also in the Art Club. Christine was an artist. She won so many competitions back in NYC. But when she got her Hogwarts letter, she just stopped. Charlie and Christine were alike in so many ways, but they were different too. They weren't BEST friends, but they were really good friends.
"What are you so happy about?" Christine asked, as Charlie buttered a piece of toast. "Another prank?"
"No," Charlie said amiably. "No pranks this time. Not yet at least. Hey, pass the bacon, would you?"
Christine looked at her friend strangely, before passing the bacon. "Then why are you smiling?"
"What, can't a girl smile these days without arousing the suspicions of her peers?" Charlie questioned, plopping an egg down on her plate.
"Well, since that girl is you, then no," Christine answered.
"Christine!" Charlie exclaimed. "Don't you trust me?"
"I trust you a little too much, I think," she answered, handing Charlie sausage links. "I trust that you are up to something." Christine then looked down on Charlie's plate. Charlie had arranged her food into a smiley face. "Oh, I see," she said, smirking.
"What do you see?" Charlie asked. Christine didn't answer her -- she just kept smiling. "Christine Amelia Cauldwell, you tell me right now what you see," Charlie shrieked, "or this egg will find it's way into your hair."
Christine smiled serenely. "So, who's the not so lucky guy?" she questioned.
"What are you talking about?"
"Well, my friend, you are obviously in love. So, what Hogwartian guy is the object of your affection?"
"Christine, may I remind you that I am only 12 years old!"
"Age is just a number, honey," Christine said with a smirk on her face.
Charlie glared back at her. "You wipe that thing off your face this instant, or I'll do it for you!"
"Whatever you say, Charlie. Whatever you say." Christine put on a look of seriousness. "So…"
"So…"
"Sirius Black, is it?" Christine said, bolting out of her seat, and running. Charlie chased her out of the hall.
"I am so gonna hurt you Christine!" she screamed, all the way to Herbology.
Unfortunately for Charlie, Christine was fast, and managed to get there before her. She was already sitting in the safety of Professor Sprout, their fairly new Herbology teacher. She had only became a professor the year before their first year.
The Hufflepuffs had Herbology with the Gryffindors. It has always been this way, and probably always will. After Herbology, the Hufflepuffs went to Charms, while the Gryffindors went to Potions.
The other students began to linger through the door, so Professor Sprout began the lesson. "Today, we are going to be repotting Mandrakes today. Would anyone like to tell the class the properties of a Mandrake?"
At once, the students began to mutter things such as "No," and "Not really", and the like.
Professor Sprout rolled her eyes. "Well, who is going to be my victim then? What about you, Miss Cauldwell?"
Christine sighed, before reciting the textbook. "Mandrake, or Mandragora, is a powerful restorative."
"Correct, Miss Cauldwell. Take 5 points for Hufflepuff. And who would like to inform the class of what the Mandrake restores? What about you, Miss Hunter?" Professor Sprout asked, when she noticed Charlie staring dreamily into space.
"It is used to restore people who have been transfigured or cursed to their original state. Unfortunately, no matter how much you use on a Slytherin, they'll always stay that ugly -- that's their original state." Charlie grinned cheekily.
"Miss Hunter, that will be a point from Hufflepuff. There is no insulting other houses unless they are here to defend themselves. But I'll give you six for your answer. Very thorough."
"But, Professor," Bella said, raising her hand. "Aren't Mandrakes dangerous?"
"How are they dangerous, Miss Figg?"
"Well, isn't it fatal to hear the cry of the Mandrake?"
"Very good. 10 points to Gryffindor. Now, everyone grab a pair of earmuffs."
The class scrambled to get them, now terrified of the seemingly un-harmful plants. They put them one, not listening to Professor Sprout's instructions. So, she demonstrated by pulling out a Mandrake.
It wasn't a plant. It was a small, muddy, yucky baby. It was seemingly crying loudly, but no one could hear it. Professor Sprout then put the Mandrake into another pot, and buried it. After it was buried, Professor Sprout took off her earmuffs. After seeing that their Herbology professor was still alive, the rest of the class followed the suit.
"Four to a tray," she called out. "Two Huffies, Two Gryffies."
Christine and Charlie went over to the tray where Kiana and Toria had begun to work.
"Mind if we join you? Good, I thought so," Charlie said, plopping down before she was given an answer. Christine sat down, more hesitantly.
"Walters, pass me the shovel, would you?"
Kiana looked at Charlie strangely, but handed her the small trowel, nonetheless. Charlie discreetly slipped a note into her hand. Kiana understood, and quickly tucked it in her pocket, to save for later.
The girls worked feverishly until they had finished, and then ran out of there as fast as they could. Professor Sprout wasn't that happy, but as one once said, 'You can't please everyone'.
They parted ways in the second floor corridor. The Hufflepuffs went on to Transfiguration, while the Gryffindors went to the dungeons for Potions.
As was understandable, none of the Gryffindors were ecstatic about Potions. They trudged into the dungeons, and sat grudgingly in their seats. They weren't having the best day. Dawn had left a few days ago, with no verbal good-byes. She just disappeared, leaving letters for everyone. She thanked them, and said that she hoped their paths might cross again. And then, Gwyneth Baker had sprained her wrist yesterday -- and fairly badly. She wouldn't be able to fly for around a month, and they had a match against Hufflepuff coming up. They had tied to Hufflepuff in the beginning of the year, and had to beat them now. They just had to! So, the Gryffindor Team was up all night, trying to come up with a replacement. The Reserve Chaser wasn't that good -- and they would never be able to hold up in the match.
So, the Gryffindors sat in Potions with heavy hearts. The Slytherins were also fairly quiet. They weren't their usual snide selves. This was a relief, in a way.
After the long double period, the class finally ended. Everyone went to the Great Hall for lunch. The Slytherins didn't even make one snide comment!
As soon as Kiana sat down, she carefully opened the intricately folded letter.
~Kiana
My mom keeps discussing the fact that we HAVE to talk when I go to Greece for Easter break. I have a really funny feeling about this, and about my stepfather. Could you do me a favor? Meet me in the library at two in the morning.
~Charlie
Kiana folded up the note carefully, and tucked it into her Potions text. She then turned to the Hufflepuff table and nodded at Charlie discreetly. Charlie grinned, and repeated the gesture. Kiana turned back to picking at her lunch, and laughing with her friends, all thoughts focused on tonight.
** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **
The library was deserted when Kiana got there. Well, it seemed that way. It was completely black, and not one sound could be heard. Kiana stepped inside hesitantly.
"Charlie, you there? Charls?" Kiana whispered into the dark. She turned around a shelf of books.
"Hunter?"
"BOO!" someone shouted, grabbing Kiana's leg. Kiana screamed, before trying to kick what was holding on to her. That was when she heard laughter.
"Charlie Hunter, I should kill you right about now!" Kiana huffed, her hands resting casually on her hips. "I have every right to!"
Charlie grinned from her spot on the floor. "Aww… poor baby. Did I scare you?"
"You are impossible!" she shouted. Then Kiana realized that she was fairly loud, so she lowered her voice. "What'd you want to meet here for?"
"Oh, I wanted to see if Stepfather # 4 is magical. I don't know anything about him, and I have this funny feeling -- a twinge, I guess."
"Well, why'd you want me here?"
"Because, Walters, you are good at researching stuff. And you are the only person who knows about this right now."
"What do you mean by right now, Hunter?" Kiana questioned, narrowing her gray eyes. "What do you have up your sleeve?"
"Nothing," Charlie said. "Sleeveless -- " Charlie showed Kiana her tanktop.
Kiana rolled her eyes. "All right Hunter. I'll help you. So, what's his name?"
"Ryan Edwards."
"Okay. Somewhere in the back they have the names of every wizard and witch to ever exist. So, we'll look there." Kiana led the way to the back of the library, where there were several shelves dedicated to 'Witches and Wizards'. Kiana skimmed the volumes until she found 'E'. She then grabbed a few other books, in case Mr. Edwards didn't attend Hogwarts. Soon, Kiana and Charlie were overloaded with loads of books.
"Okay," Charlie huffed, dropping her books on the table. "Let's start."
The two girls poured over numerous texts, searching for Stepfather #4. But they weren't successful. "Hunter, he's not here!"
"I know that. But that's good."
"Do you mean to tell me that you dragged me out of my bed for some wild goose chase?" Kiana looked threatening in the shadows.
"Of course not," Charlie gulped. "I was just double-checking."
"Charlie, what are you planning?"
"I'm planning to never grow up and fly off to Neverland with Peter Pan!"
"HUNTER!"
"Er… I'm planning to… get the heck outta here!" Charlie bolted out of her chair and ran out of the library, leaving a very confused, agitated, and sleepy Kiana all alone.
** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **
Jules Potter was playing Exploding Snap with her best friend, Estella Black. Their partners-in-crime Christopher Cauldwell and Edward Evans were watching, trying to place charms on the cards, to make them spontaneously combust every three seconds. It wasn't working though. The cards were anti-charm proof.
"Hey 'Stella. Jules. Up for an impromptu Hogsmeade trip?" Andromada said, resting her hands on Estella's shoulders.
"Can't, 'Drom. I have loads of homework after we finish this game. Jules, you finished your homework, didn't you?" Estella questioned, laying down a card.
"Nope. McGonagall has been keeping tabs on me since October," Jules said, her shoulders trembling slightly. She still hasn't gotten over the attack, even if she acted like she did.
"Oh well. I'll go ask Dung, I guess."
"Dung?" Estella asked.
"Mundungus Fletcher. You know, 4th Year, blonde hair. He's sometimes the Quidditch Commentator. He's Bella Figg's cousin," Andromada elaborated.
Estella nodded, and bid her sister goodbye. Jules did the same. They then turned back to their game.
Evan and Christopher were staring incredulously at them. "Hogsmeade?" Evan said.
The girls clapped their hands over their mouths in horror, remaining speechless. Christopher rounded on them.
"Is there something you're not telling us, Estella?" he asked, knowing Estella would be easier to break.
"I don't tell you a lot of stuff, Cauldwell."
"Like what?" he asked inquisitively.
"Like 'feminine' stuff. You know…"
Evan and Christopher wrinkled their noses. "Eww…" they said together. Jules and Estella smirked in response, both laying down their last cards at the same time.
And the pile promptly exploded, leaving both girls covered in black ash.
The boys stared at each other, not daring to laugh at their two best friends who weren't all that attractive at the moment.
"Hey Chris, why don't we ask Christine if she knows how to get to Hogsmeade? Isn't she friends with that Charlie Hunter chick?"
Jules cleared her throat. "That's racial!"
Meanwhile, Christopher looked outraged. "My sister? You have to be kidding!"
"No, really. She might know, and I'm dying to go to Honeydukes. My supply of SugarQuills ran out yesterday."
After staring each other down, Christopher finally admitted defeat. "I guess so. It wouldn't hurt." The two boys got up, laughed at Jules and Estella once again, and ran out of the portrait hole before they could think of an appropriate revenge.
As soon as they left, Jules let out a sigh of relief. "Oh, to think they almost found out -- "
"Andromada has one big mouth!" Estella claimed, demonstrating by opening her own mouth wide. Jules laughed at this.
"Yeah. Why do you suppose she wanted to take Bella's cousin?"
"Well," Estella said, a smile sweeping across her face. "I might have 'browsed' through her diary a few days ago."
"Really?" Jules asked, a smile also spreading across her face. "And what might this diary have said?"
"It might have said that dear 'Drom thinks that Mundungus is handsome, funny, intelligent, and the perfect specimen of a man."
"What?" Jules cried out, laughing through her words, "he doesn't even get facial hair yet!"
"Well, I might have made up the 'perfect specimen' part, but the rest is true. He's her new crush!" Estella sank deeper into her armchair.
"I have a brilliant idea!" Jules exclaimed.
"What do you propose we do?" Jules said, scrutinizing Estella's face.
"Let's follow them! I have to see this! It's the opportunity of a lifetime! Blackmail!"
Jules grinned. "You know, I bet we could 'borrow' Michael's Invisibility Cloak…"
"Borrow?"
"Borrow without him knowing, of course. He's in Transfiguration now."
"Well, what are you waiting for? Go get it!"
Jules grinned, falling out of her chair. She then ran upstairs to the 2nd Year Boys' Dormitories. Jules ran straight to Michael's trunk, and sifted through it, looking for the Cloak. Smiling triumphantly, Jules grabbed it and ran to the Common Room.
Estella grabbed the Cloak and threw it over them. They then started to walk out of the Common Room when the saw a mirror in the corner.
"Jules, your arm is hanging out! And so is my leg! Imagine what a sight that would be for the Hufflepuffs!"
"Positively terrifying," Jules agreed, covering her arm. The girls double-checked themselves, before heading out to wait for Andromada.
The girls eventually found the passage, and decided to wait inside. It would be less suspicious. Jules said the password, tapping the witch sculpture. It opened, revealing a slide. Jules jumped on, while Estella was more hesitant. Once they reached the bottom, the girls moved to the corner, and covered themselves once again.
Several minutes later, Jules heard the witch creak, followed by the sound of someone sliding down. A thump could be heard nearby. "Come on Dung!" cried out a voice. Andromada, Jules identified. Another slide was heard, and a thump which clearly knocked Andromada off her feet. "Dung!"
"Sorry," Mundungus said sheepishly, extending his hand to help up his fallen friend. She graciously accepted it, and in the process pulled Mundungus down with her.
Now, Mundungus was laying on top of Andromada -- well not really laying. He was holding himself up with his arms. Andromada laid underneath him, smiling flirtatiously.
It happened that instant. Mundungus bent down his face, to meet his lips with Andromada's. And they kissed in that dark, dreary tunnel. They kissed in front of Andromada's sister and her best friend, who happened to be first years.
"Eww!" the girls chorused out, in the safety of invisibility.
Mundungus broke off the kiss. "Who's there?" he said, bolting up.
Andromada looked heartbroken. Then, she looked angry. "I only know two people who would be here right now. And those people claimed they had homework and were on probation. Estella, Jules, you better show yourself right now! And don't pretend that you aren't here!"
The girls didn't move. They didn't even breathe -- they held their breath.
"That's it," Andromada said, taking out her wand and pushing up her sleeves. Anger shone in her eyes. "Accio Invisibility Cloak!" The cloak flew off the girls, leaving them exposed.
"That's twice they got us with that, Estella, twice!" Jules whined.
Andromada cleared her throat. "Ahem."
The girls slowly turned to find two angry 4th Years staring at them. "Fancy seeing you two here," Andromada said icily.
"Er… it was her idea!" Jules and Estella cried, pointing to each other.
"You brats! Why don't you go back and hang out with those two boys you follow around?"
Estella stared at her sister stonily. "First of all, I don't follow anyone around. I'm Estella Black, for the Gods' sake! And second of all -- at least I'm not secretly in love with Mundungus Fletcher and too shy to tell him!"
The tunnel became eerily silent. Andromada sucked her breath in. "Why you little -- "
"Really?" Mundungus' voice broke out, softly. "Is that true?"
"Well, Mundungus, you see…"
"Oh, yes, it's true. I read her -- " Estella began, but Jules clapped her hand over Estella's mouth.
"What did you read, sister dear?" Andromada said threateningly. A look of horror passed over her face. "You wouldn't! Not even Sirius would stoop that low! You didn't read my diary!"
"Andromada -- " Mundungus said.
"You shouldn't leave it around for people to read then!" Estella shouted, her hands on her hips. It was now obvious that these two girls were sisters. The looked identical when they were angry.
"But even Sirius wouldn't do that!"
"Andromada -- " Mundungus tried again.
"Yes he has! He was reading it to his chums last week!"
"Andromada!" Mundungus shouted. "I like you too!"
Silence fell over the tunnel once again. Then a red blush flushed over Andromada Black's cheeks. "Really?"
"Really," Mundungus said, blushing and smiling at the same time.
"Do you want to go to Hogsmeade now?" Andromada asked, grasping Mundungus' hand and intertwining their fingers.
"Sure."
The two lovebirds walked down the tunnel, forgetting about the two First Years still in the tunnel. Admitting defeat, Estella and Jules trudged up the stairs, not even bothering to cover themselves with the Invisibility Cloak. They went back to the Common Room, and Jules put away Michael's Cloak.
Estella was still fuming about Andromada, and refused to go to bed. She sat in an over-stuffed armchair by the fire, curled up in a ball. She covered herself with a blanket, and fell asleep, fire dancing in her eyes.
** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **
Charlie dropped her bag on Sirius Black's foot as she surveyed Hogsmeade Station. He of course, screamed, and threw a dungbomb at Charlie. Easily dodging this, Charlie returned to her thoughts.
She was going to Greece for the Easter holidays. 'But why Greece?' Charlie kept wondering. 'Isn't Edwards an American?' These thoughts kept running through her mind, Charlie unable to comprehend them. Still in thought, Charlie loaded her trunk on to the train, and found an empty compartment to sit in.
None of Charlie's friends were going away for the holidays. Christine's family had gone out of town awhile ago, on Ministry business. Her brother and her remained at Hogwarts, hoping their parents would return safely. Kiana was staying also--her mother was going through a weird stage right now. Cassidy Johanson was also staying at Hogwarts. She had developed a crush on some Ravenclaw 3rd year and didn't want to let him out of her sight.
The Marauders were all going home--except for Remus Lupin and Thomas Brooks. Remus was going to stay with the Potters. Thomas Brooks was visiting Sirius And the Potters and the Blacks lived next to each other, so Charlie wanted to avoid that location at all costs... All the Marauders in one place--that's a scary thought. Then again, they're in one place when they're at Hogwarts…
Arabella Figg was going home also. Her aunt, who lives in America, was coming to visit. Melinda Figg was supposed to be some big-shot fashion designer. If Bella was coming home, then Mundungus must be going too, to visit his aunt. Toria Vanter was staying with Kiana. Lily Evans was going with Bella.
And Charlie was going to Greece--to meet her stepfather and stepsister.
Charlie watched the scenery fly by as she analyzed her problem. She decided to meet the guy first, before deciding to break up the marriage. If he was a nice guy, she'd drop 'Plan X', as she liked to call it. But if he wasn't--oh, there would be trouble.
Several hours later, the Hogwarts Express reached King's Cross Station. Charlie exited the compartment, and retrieved her bag. She had decided to leave her trunk at Hogwarts, not wanting to carry that heavy thing around. Charlie walked into the Muggle world, and hailed a cab. Her mother had sent her some muggle money. Charlie was travelling the muggle way--she didn't know why. Perhaps her mother hadn't told her stepfather yet about Charlie's 'gift'. If she didn't, Charlie sure would.
Charlie slid into the cab, and greeted the driver. He grunted in response. "Where to?"
"London International," Charlie said clearly, throwing her bag on the floor. The driver sped off, swerving and cutting off cars. Charlie gripped to the seat, afraid for her life.
Miraculously, Charlie got to the airport safely. She paid the driver and went to pick up her plane ticket. Charlie didn't trust the airport officials, so she did not check her bag.
Charlie stopped in a store, since she had time. She picked up a newspaper, a few magazines, and a few tabloids. Tabloids were always interesting to read. She noted the man on the front -- some guy who had been appointed the king of Greece--before she tucked the tabloids in the side of her bag.
After she found her gate, Charlie sat in a chair by a window, looking at all the other planes. She had been flying her whole life and was used to the experience by now. Suddenly, a shadow fell over her.
"Excuse me, are you Charlotte Hunter?" questioned an airport official.
"Er… yes."
"Please come with me. You can board now. Oh, your ticket has also been switched to first class," he informed her.
Charlie looked at him, clearly confused. "Okay…" she said uncertainly, sliding the straps of her bag over her shoulder. She followed the man to the gate, and handed him her ticket. He scanned it and gave it back, and Charlie boarded the plane.
"4A, 4A… where the heck is 4A?" Charlie muttered, running her hand along the seat numbers. "Oh, here it is." She slid into her seat by the window. By now, others had begun to board. Charlie pulled out her portable tape player, closing her eyes.
She awoke when a man sat next to her. He was a middle-aged businessman by the looks of it. He had brown hair with patches of gray, and wore glasses. He carried a briefcase with him. He did not acknowledge Charlie in any way -- he simply went to sleep.
The plane ride wasn't incredibly long -- around six hours. Unfortunately, she was sitting next to Mr. Snoozeville. Couldn't they put her by someone more interesting? The plane didn't even leave yet and she was getting bored.
"Excuse me, Miss, would you care for a drink?" a flight attendant asked. Charlie read her nametag. 'Tammy'.
"Sure, Tammy. Can I have a bottle of water?" Charlie asked politely.
"Right away." Several minutes later, Tammy returned with the drinks, and an awed expression on her face. "Is there anything else I can get for you, Miss Hunter? Perhaps magazines, food… anything?"
Charlie stared at her strangely. "No, I'm quite fine. Thank you anyway, though."
"Oh, It's my pleasure," she said breathlessly, before walking away.
Six LONG hours later, the plane landed at Athens. Charlie exited the plane amid the stares of the flight attendants, including Tammy. Shrugging it off, she stepped into the airport.
Flashbulbs lit the room.
Reporters were taking pictures of her -- average, ordinary Charlie. Blinded by the lights, Charlie didn't move. Until she got her senses back, that is. She elbowed the nearest reporter and ran.
She stepped onto a moving walkway, running as fast as she could. The reporters were chasing her, and right on her tail. Charlie pushed her way through crowds of people, muttering quick 'pardons'. But the reporters still followed her. She couldn't lose them.
She ran up the escalator, much to the annoyance of the other people. She reached the 'Drop Off/Pick Up' area, and ran outside. Her mother was standing by a limousine.
Charlie ran over, and pushed her mother into the car. She looked over her shoulder, and saw the reporters rushing toward her, lightbulbs flashing. She quickly slid in to the seat and slammed the door.
"Hey Charls. How's school?" her mother questioned feebly.
Charlie turned her head from the tinted windows to stare at her mother. Madeline Hunter was a carbon-copy of her daughter--petite, blonde, and she had one heck of an attitude. Madeline was sitting next to a man whom Charlie guesses was her stepfather. A girl was sitting next to her. Guessing that she must be her new stepsister, Charlie turned back to her mother.
"What the heck is going on?" she said monotonously, venom in her eyes. Charlie's mother sifted under her gaze uncomfortably.
"Well…"
"I'm Ryan," the man said, holding out his hand. Charlie shook it uncertainly.
"So, you're the new stepfather," Charlie said. She then turned to the girl. "You must be my stepsister…"
"That's Laia," Ryan blurted out.
"That's nice. I guess you know who I am by now. But what I want to know is why the heck were those people chasing me."
"Well, you see honey…" Madeline began. Ryan, however, put his hand on hers.
"Maddie, let me explain. I guess you could say it's my fault." Madeline nodded, and Ryan turned to Charlie.
"Do you keep up on current events, Charlie?" he asked.
Charlie shook her head, not seeing where this was going. "Not really."
"Well, Greece has crowned a new king."
"And what does this have to do with anything?" Charlie questioned. She distinctly heard her mother mutter 'Everything', but didn't pay much attention. Her attention was focused on Ryan.
"Well… there's not an easy way of saying this, so I guess I'll just say it. Charlie, I'm the King of Greece -- "
Charlie's jaw dropped, thoughts swimming in and out of her mind. 'So this is why Mother wanted to talk'. 'This is why I'm in Greece'. 'That's why the reporters were chasing me'. 'So, that's why the flight attendants were so excited and why I got special treatment'. 'Oh, I am definitely going through with Plan X'.
"And… I have legally adopted you. So, that makes you and Laia -- "
"The Princesses of Greece," Laia finished.
And with this proclamation, Charlie promptly fainted.
** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **
~Kiana
Get ready for a Greek vacation. Get this -- I am one of the official princesses of Greece. And I'm not joking. You know Stepfather #4 -- well, he's the newly appointed King of Greece. And he legally adopted me! Oh my gosh! How can this be happening to me? I'm Charlie, not royalty! Wait until everyone at Hogwarts hears. I am never going to live this down!
But I need their help. And I need yours. This marriage is so over. So, in here you will find Floo-powder. I need you to give all of the Gryffindors and Ravenclaws the word. Party at my place. Ryan is giving me and Laia (stepsis) a royal ball where it becomes official that we're the crowned princesses of Greece. I hooked up the fireplace to the Floo-network. Its name is 'Party Place'. The party is on Saturday, and tell everyone to bring all the pranks, jokes, and magical stuff they can find. Ryan's not magical, so that means that he probably doesn't accept it. Once I screw up this party, I know that he'll divorce my mom.
'Plan X' is on!
~Charlie
P.S. Tell everyone to dress in 'Formal Attire'. We want to attempt to blend in while we screw up the party. Thanks!
Charlie looked over her letter before giving it to her owl, Oreo. She then carefully tied the letter to it's foot, and sent it off. She then turned back to her letters. She wrote a letter to Severus Snape and to Summer Montague. They could get the Slytherins to come. She also wrote a letter to Christine, telling her to give the word to their fellow Huffies.
The marriage didn't stand a chance--Not if Charlotte Anne Hunter was involved in it's destruction.
** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **
"I don't like it," Charlie said, wrinkling her nose at her reflection. She turned to Ryan, who was sitting on the bed. "Can't I just wear sweats?"
He chuckled. "Now, Charlie. You are a princess, so you have a look like one. You already went through all of the etiquette lessons yesterday."
"I know," Charlie said, wrinkling her nose even more as she surveyed herself.
Charlie was wearing a ball gown. The sleeves were long and flowing. At the end, they were slit. The dress was floor-length, and was puffy. Charlie hated puffy. The dress colors weren't that bad--it was cream and a soft hunter green colour. But the dress was so… so girly!
"It won't be that bad…" Ryan said, as if reading her mind. "You should see Laia's…"
Charlie grinned in spite of herself. "Pink?"
"Pink."
Charlie turned back to her reflection as her 'Fashion Consultant' fastened a diamond necklace around her neck. "Now, at the ball you will be crowned. Don't worry, I've already checked to make sure that the diamonds in the necklace and the diamonds in the crown match."
"Aren't all diamonds the same?" Charlie asked.
'Fashion Consultant' looked outraged. "Of course not, you insolent…" one look at Ryan silenced her. Instead, she turned on her heel, huffed, and stalked angrily out of the room.
Ryan stood up. "Well, the ball will begin in a quarter of an hour. I will see you there…" he said. He smiled once again, and walked out, leaving Charlie alone.
But Charlie wasn't alone for long. Several minutes after Ryan left, Sirius Black, James Potter, Michael Barnette, Remus Lupin, and Thomas Brooks tumbled out of her fireplace.
"What are you doing?" she asked them, trying to hide behind a chair.
"Well, we came to crash the party!" Sirius said enthusiastically. "Kiana wrote and told us that you were having a party, and that under no circumstance were we allowed to come. So here we are!"
Charlie folded her hands and looked up the Gods above, thanking them for Kiana's intelligence and cunning. She then turned back to her guests. "Well, you all look smashing," she said amusedly, as they attempted to brush the soot of their suits. "But I would get out of the way if I were you. More people will be arriving--"
No sooner had these words left her mouth when Jules, Estella, and Andormada tumbled out of the fireplace. Lily, Toria, Kiana, Bella, Mundungus, and Melinda Figg followed them.
Melinda Figg looked at Charlie apologetically. "I had to come for 'supervision'. Or else Lily, Bella, and Dung couldn't come. And I am so sorry -- "
"For what?" Charlie asked, gesturing for them to move.
"That dress is a knock-off. And a horrible one at that! Here, let me help." Melinda moved next to Charlie. "What color would you like?"
Charlie pondered this. "How about blue?"
Melinda walked around Charlie in a circle, examining her. "Yes. I can see it. Now, get ready for a Melinda Figg Original!" She took out her wand and waved it. Charlie's old puffy dress disappeared, and in its place she wore a sleek, sky blue, one shoulder dress. And the best part was that it wasn't puffy!
Charlie grabbed onto Melinda, embracing her. "I owe you my life!" she cried out. She then froze. "We have to help Laia. But she's muggle."
"Piece of cake. Lily, go with Bella. Ask her what colour of dress she wants. If she asks who you are, tell her that you are working with the Fashion Department or something."
Lily and Bella ran off to find Laia. Meanwhile, more people had arrived. The whole room (which was really really big) was filled with people. Their pockets were bursting with pranks, jokes, and novelty items.
"Kiana, I owe you," Charlie said, as Lily and Bella ran back into the room.
"She said she would like silver," Lily said, slightly out of breath.
"What colour is her hair?" Melinda asked.
"Well, it's kind of like Bella's actually, but longer. And she has lighter blonde highlights…"
Melinda silenced Charlie as she waved her wand. A beautiful silver dress appeared. It wasn't puffy either. It was a dark silver halter dress. She handed the dress to Lily. "Go give this to her."
Lily looked at Melinda incredulously, but followed her instructions nonetheless. When she returned, Lily informed Melinda that Laia loved the dress.
"Now, I am off to the ball. I wonder if I'll get any publicity -- " Melinda wondered, as she left the Hogwarts students alone.
As soon as she left, everyone began talking loudly, wondering what the heck was going on. Charlie and Kiana stood on top of a table.
"ATTENTION!" Charlie shouted. No one paid attention.
"WE'RE TRYING TO TALK HERE!" Kiana shouted. Still, no one took notice of them.
Suddenly, someone whistled rather loudly. Everyone immediately shut up and turned to its source.
Sirius Black stood, looking rather sheepish. "Continue on, ladies."
Charlie smiled gratefully at him. "All right. Now, everyone is here for a reason. And that is to totally ruin this ball. Now, do whatever you want, except don't use your wands. Plant your pranks wherever -- the food, the flowers, the Prime Minister's toupee. Just don't do anything to my mother and we'll all be fine. But try to keep it discreet. Don't let them know what you're actually doing. Just let everyone know you're doing something!"
Kiana cleared her throat. "We aren't really supposed to be here, so don't do anything too bad. Now, let's go crash the party!"
** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **
"Little Bunny Foo-Foo hopping through the forest…" Voldemort sang, as he hopped around his 'Royal Chamber', as he liked to call it. "Little Bunny Foo-Foo… er… la la la la la?"
Voldmort then looked up to the heavens above. "And that is my tribute to you, Mr. Easter Bunny. Now, I hope that you will get me what I asked for. I only asked for one thing--world domination. It's not that much!"
Behind him, someone cleared their throat. Voldemort whirled around, as he screamed, "I told you, no one is allowed -- " he abruptly stopped.
"Nice tail," the woman smirked. Voldemort covered up his behind, even though he was facing her front on now.
"You're… You're dead! I killed you myself!" Voldemort cried, as his bunny ears fell into his face. He brushed them aside impatiently. "You can't be here!"
"Of course I'm not here," the woman said impishly. "I'm there!"
"You. Are. Dead."
"No. I'm. Not."
"What are you doing here?"
"What are you doing dressed as a life-size bunny?" questioned the woman.
Voldemort blushed a crimson red. With an impatient wave of his want, the costume disappeared. He was now wearing black boxers with little pink hearts all over them.
"Lovely Voldie. Really lovely." The woman jerked her head toward Voldemort's choice of clothing. He looked down and flushed once again. He waved his wand and was finally dressed properly. Properly, that is, if it were Christmas. Voldemort was dressed as Santa Clause.
The woman, seeing this would take awhile, sat down. Voldemort tried several more times to get his clothing right, and he failed. He wore numerous choices, including a Frankenstein costume, a ballerina costume, a woman's dress, a vulture hat, the outfit of a shoe salesman, and an Easter Bunny costume once again. Finally, the woman got tired of this (Enough is Enough!) and transfigured his outfit into a standard wizarding one.
"Er… thanks. Now, where were we? Oh yeah, you're dead!"
"Oh how ever did you guess. I am dead and buried six feet under the ground at this moment."
"No you're not!" Voldemort said accusingly, pointing his finger at her.
"You're right. I'm not. I just wanted to drop in to let you know something. You may have gotten Nathan, but if you even do as much as lay a finger on Edward, Elisabeth, Michael, James, or Jules, you will get it. And you'll get it in spades! And that also goes for ordering others to do it, or asking others to do it. You are not to harm any of their friends. You are not to harm any of their enemies. Voldemort, you have been warned."
And with a flash of lightening, Anastasia Barnette disappeared into the night sky, leaving Voldemort quivering in the corner, holding on to his blankie for his dear life.
After several minutes passed, Voldemort peeked his head out from his corner. She was gone. He slowly stood up, and walked to the doorway. He opened the door up slowly --
"BOO!" someone shouted. Voldemort screamed shrilly.
Dkembvare laughed. "You sound like a girl!" he squealed happily. "You scream like a girl!"
Voldemort had no patience at the moment, and punched Dkembvare in the nose. But Dkembvare kept laughing.
"You hit like a girl!" he squealed. "You punch like a girl!"
Voldemort slammed the door in his face, and made himself a strawberry milkshake. That was the best part of being a Dark Lord -- unlimited strawberry milkshakes. After he finished and cleaned up, Voldemort climbed into his bed, cuddling his blanket and his teddy bear, Baby BillyBob. He turned off the light, and whispered into the dark, "Good night Mr. Easter Bunny. Remember what I asked for!" And with that, Voldemort fell asleep, to dreams of destruction, decapitation, strawberry milkshakes, and little pink bunnies.
** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **
A/N: Okay, I'm out. Next chapter we'll see our favorite characters crash the ball. That's going to be fun. I don't really know what else. I'll think of something. I hope you enjoyed this. Read and Review! Give me ideas, your thoughts, constructive criticism, suggestions… I don't care! I just need something to go on. Peace out.
~Noelle