(A/N: Lisa, sorri this took so long, the damn computer erased the file and
I had to do a rewrite. But this is 4 u cuz u reminded me I still have 2
keep writin! Jenn 2.)
Disclaimer: The usual, you know it already.
Veronica's Secret
***
Hermione's face darkened.
"What's wrong, Hermione?" Ginny asked, confused.
"Veronica Weasley fell in love with a Malfoy."
***
There was a sudden confused silence, then Ron blurted out, "A Weasley? Fell in love with…a Malfoy?!"
"That's what the entry says." Ginny replied. "Should we read it?" She turned to Hermione.
"Yeah, why don't we?" Hermione picked up the diary from the floor and they moved to sit in a circle.
"It's near the end of the diary, early July. The entries are about a page long each. Here goes…
1 "Saturday, July 5, 1993
Dear Diary,
I can't believe this happened, it was so unexpected. Greg and I have fallen in love with each other. I've betrayed my two best friends, Liz Corcos and Greg Malfoy, especially since Greg is Liz's boyfriend! I had come to stay at the Manor for a month to see them again, and today Liz was at work, and so Greg and I were in the living room talking about school days. And all of a sudden, we looked into each other's eyes and I felt something change between us. He felt it too, I know he did! I feel so guilty, doing this to Liz. The horrible thing is, for several hours or so, I didn't even care what happened to her! I only cared about me! I've never been so selfish before, what's going on with me? I must be going crazy.
Ronnie."
"Ginny, you want to read next?" Hermione asked.
Ginny nodded and took the diary.
2 "Sunday, July 6, 1993
Dear Diary,
This is the worst nightmare I've ever had. We were in the living room again, and Liz was still at work, so we decided to have a little chat. But in the middle of it, he just leaned forward and kissed me. I didn't know what to do. Should I continue the kiss and date my best friend's boyfriend behind her back, or should I stay loyal and break it off? I was so confused. Then I just felt disgusted at myself, and on impulse I pulled away quickly. That must have triggered the Malfoy side of him…after so many years…it's the only thing that could have made him do what he did to me next. I broke away, and he hissed at me furiously. Of course, I didn't know what was going to happen, but I was so scared. It's hard to believe that my friend could do this…I can't believe it, one of the Unforgivables! He did the Imperious curse on me! I was so shocked I didn't do anything; I didn't even try to fight it off! I remember back at Hogwarts Liz and I were two of the only kids who could defy the curse, and it all just vanished in one split second. After that…I've tried to forget, but I can't. It's just too terrible. He forced me upstairs and raped me, and taunted me. I just hoped to God Liz wouldn't come home. I was cursed today, because less than half an hour later, there she was, standing at the door, shocked, horrified, and furious. I deserve to be cursed with the eternal love banishing curse on my family, and me, for ever letting him take over. But I have to go. Greg is coming up the stairs, and if he finds that I have recorded this, he will kill me for sure. I have no doubt.
Ronnie."
Ginny's voice stopped abruptly. "That's horrible!" She cried, disgusted. Harry had a look of immense revulsion on his face, and Hermione just stared, shocked. Ginny sighed and continued, "How could he do that to her?"
Ron smiled weakly. "Er…Gin? This is a Malfoy you're talking about."
"Here, I'll read." Hermione broke out of her mixed emotions and flipped the diary page.
"Monday, July 7, 1993
Dear Diary,
I hate Greg. I hate him so much. Do you know, Diary, what he made me do today? He cursed me again. I've given up fighting it; every time I do he knows and puts me under the Cruciatus. It's agony…I can't stand it. And he invented this stupid story about David, his cousin, to make Liz believe we weren't having an affair, we were trying to save her life. Some lie. She didn't believe us and walked off without taking off the curse. After that Greg got really angry, and yelled at me for not lying well enough. I don't think he's himself anymore. He did something he's never done to anyone before…can you believe he beat me with whatever he could get a hold on? I had bruises all over my body and I had to heal them just now. That disgusting piece of…ugh! I wish I could run away and never come back. But again…if I do, he'll hunt me down and torture me. Oh no, Greg's calling, I'd better go, if he knew kept a diary and wrote down what he did to me, I am sure I will be tortured.
Ronnie."
Hermione looked up to see Ginny's slightly teary eyes on Harry's shoulder, his arm around her. She was trembling with anger. Harry mumbled, "That damn Malfoy…" under his breath.
Hermione said, "There's one page left. Should I finish it?"
Ginny sat up, her stormy eyes returning to its normal sweetness. "Surely all Malfoys can't be that bad?" she wondered, changing the subject.
"Well, as Ron said, this is the Malfoy family you're talking about, so I wouldn't know," replied Harry, smiling.
"All right," Hermione interrupted. "Here's the last page.
3 Tuesday, July 8, 1993
Dear Diary,
Life is looking as bleak as ever. Greg is leaving tomorrow to a far away country and taking me with him. I overheard him talking to one of his fellow Death eaters a while ago, and Voldemort wants him in America. Lots of Muggles there, I suppose. Disgusting. Anyway, I shall find a way to let Liz find this diary. I just hope whichever way I do it, it will work. She must know the truth! I've got to go, I have to get ready for the trip to dreaded America. I will find a way!
Ronnie."
A moment's pause, then Ron said softly, "I guess she never made it."
"Yeah."
"So…if…this Ronnie girl was a Weasley, doesn't that mean you guys are cursed too?" Harry asked Ginny and Ron.
"Er…"
"I think so…" Ginny added. "But if we're cursed too, why isn't the curse in effect? I mean, if it worked, I wouldn't be Harry's girlfriend, would I?"
Harry nodded thoughtfully. "That's true."
"We could ask Dad." Ron suggested. "He knows all about the family history."
"Ok."
*Later*
The four sat at the table with the rest of the family, chatting amongst themselves. Suddenly Ginny remembered to ask about the diary.
"Dad?"
"Yes?"
"You know Cousin Veronica?"
"Yes."
"What did she do that was so bad?"
"Well, first, she stole her best friend's boyfriend, then she became his right hand when he became a death eater. I remember Aunt Rachel telling me about it several years ago. Veronica's only in her mid thirties. Haven't seen her for years though, she moved to America in 1993. I heard she'd gotten herself and our whole family cursed too. Something about no love in the family. But I don't think it worked too well, we haven't had anything bad happen, have we, honey?" He glanced at his wife.
"No, we haven't, Arthur."
"If you really want to know all about it, Gin, you can ask your great aunt tomorrow, I forgot to tell you all she's coming for a visit."
*Next afternoon *
"Aunt Rach!" Mr. Weasley greeted her with a hug, the door swinging wide open to reveal everyone else squished into the front hall.
"How are you, Arthur? I haven't talked to you in the longest time! And Molly, still as pretty as ever, I'd say!" She stepped in and hugged each Weasley in turn. "Bill, Charlie, you're both so tall now! Fred and George, still up to your usual tricks? Ron, you've grown! And Ginny! Such a blooming flower!" She turned to Harry and Hermione. "You must be Harry and Hermione! Arthur told me you were visiting. How are you?"
Harry grinned. "Great, thanks. And you?"
A split second later, Hermione added, "Fine, thank you. And you?"
Ron snorted into his hand and Ginny giggled. Even Aunt Rachel smiled.
"I'm perfectly fine. All right, let's settle down, shall we?"
The whole family made its way out into the spacious backyard, where two old wooden tables sat lined with plates, eating utensils, etc.
Mrs. Weasley waved everybody into a seat. "Sit, sit, supper will be out in a moment."
The chattering began. About halfway through supper, Ginny thought to ask Aunt Rachel about Veronica. She leaned over to Ron's ear and hissed, "When are we going to ask about Cousin Veronica?"
Ron choked, startled, and managed to splutter, "Afterwards, when we're all relaxing. Not now!" His cheeks had turned slightly pink, and Ginny patted his back until his face returned to normal. "Thanks, Gin."
"No problem."
*After supper*
Harry, Ginny, Hermione and Ron sat playing chess in the living room talking about school and the things they could do to Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle. Across the room sat Aunt Rachel and Mr. Weasley, chatting constantly about what was going on in the world. Harry glanced at his watch impatiently. Ron had beaten him in six games, Ginny five, and Hermione eight. He was starting to get sick of chess. Harry frowned. *11:00 already! When will we get enough free time to talk to Aunt Rachel about Veronica? We really need some answers here!* As he listened, he suddenly heard Mr. Weasley say, "Ugh, all this talking has gotten me very thirsty. Care for a drink?"
"No thanks, Arthur, I'm all right."
"Be right back." Mr. Weasley got up and left to get his drink.
*Perfect!* Harry thought. "Guys," he hissed. "Now's the perfect time to ask about Veronica!"
Ron jumped up energetically. "Ok! Let's go!"
The four of them got up, careful not to disrupt the chess pieces, and made their way to Aunt Rachel.
Ron said, "Aunt Rachel, can we ask you some things about Cousin Veronica?"
She glanced at him, curious and surprised, but nodded. "Of course. Might as well, I probably know more than most people because she told me all about it. What do you want to know?"
Cautiously, not wanting to let on that they'd seen the diary, Hermione timidly asked, "Can you tell us the whole story?"
"Well it goes like this. Back in around early 1993 I hadn't seen Veronica for almost a year, so I asked her if she could come visit me. She said she would, but she was staying with her best friend Liz and Liz's boyfriend Greg. Still remember him very well. Rather oily sort of guy. She told me she was going to be at Malfoy Manor for a month or so, then she'd come see me, because I lived five blocks away from Malfoy Manor. Of course, several weeks later, she came to stay at the Manor, and then the most horrible rumors began going around. I heard she'd run off with Greg to America, I believe New York. I didn't believe a single word of it, until days later I sent a letter to Malfoy Manor asking what was happening." Aunt Rachel stopped to take a few breaths. "The letter I got back wasn't from Veronica, it was from Liz. She explained that it was an extremely long story, but to cut things short, Greg put the Imperious on Veronica, took her to America, and had been pretending to love Liz for many years. 17, I think. They were engaged, but barely anyone knew. Being a naturally curious person, I asked for the whole story. It turns out that Greg was a junior Death eater, he helped You-Know-Who as much as he could, but did not have the Dark Mark engraved on his forearm. Liz had come home one day to see Veronica and Greg in bed, and several days later the two of them fled to America and left Liz everything else in the Manor. Liz was furious, she told me, but eventually she'd found out that Greg hadn't loved her and Veronica had controlled by the curse. I asked her how, and she said she'd gotten a parcel one day. On opening it, there was a diary inside, a bit transparent. It was a copy of the real one, of course. She recognized it instantly, as she'd seen it before. Naturally, she was totally bewildered until she read the whole thing. That's how she found out about the Imperious curse and everything."
There was a pondering silence for a moment, then Harry blurted out, "But if she knew the whole story, what about the curse? Did she take it off or what?"
Aunt Rachel smiled, looking somewhat amused. "Why, of course. She was brought up well enough to know she cursed Veronica unnecessarily. So she secretly went to America, kidnapped Veronica for about 10 minutes, and took off the curse. Actually, she didn't really take it off, she put it in a jar, and Ronnie put the curse on their victim."
There was a smugness in Aunt Rachel's voice that sent shivers up Hermione's spine. Without asking, she could guess where the curse went. Malfoy. The name rang shrilly in her mind, taunting her. She shook her head, trying to clear her miserable thoughts out. Aunt Rachel, noticing Hermione's expression, concernedly inquired, "Hermione, are you alright, dear?"
Hermione nodded and instantly wiped her emotions off her face, hoping that no one understood the meaning of her misery except for Ginny. Unfortunately for her, Harry caught the look, and secretly wondered if she liked Malfoy. That look on her face, just like the way Ginny used to look at me in her 1st year. If she really does like Malfoy, that will make her all the more vulnerable to his cruelty. I have to talk to her about it! He thoughtfully propped up his chin. The room drifted comfortably into quiet, each person thinking their own thoughts. Hermione, wondering if Draco could ever change. Ginny, thinking up ways to help her. Harry trying to figure out whether Hermione like Malfoy or not. And Ron, totally oblivious to what was going on, involved in thoughts that went something like: Well, sure is a good thing Cousin Veronica isn't cursed anymore. Wonder would I would do about my horrible love life if I was to be cursed. Absolutely horrible. Very good thing Malfoy is double cursed. He deserves it. I say, calling Hermione a mudblood! The slimy git.
Aunt Rachel sat inconspicuously surveying the scene before her. She could easily tell what the others were thinking, having experience in reading people's expressions. She had known, right away, how Hermione felt about one of the Malfoys. Most likely Draco, the youngest and in her age group. And she had known, by that fiery flash in her eyes, that Hermione would do anything to take the curse off and be with him. By the expressions on everyone's face, she guessed that Ginny knew, Harry suspected, and Ron didn't know a thing. Of course, she was right.
A sudden light thumping signaled that Mr. Weasley was returning with his drink, and the kids scrambled up and took off to Ron's and Ginny's rooms.
*Later that night*
Hermione rolled around in her bed restlessly, unable to sleep. She couldn't stop thinking about the curse and if there was a way to get it off. Beside her, Ginny stirred lightly. Sighing, Hermione got up and went to rummage through her trunk, looking for the DADA book she had borrowed. I wonder what the curse is called? I know it makes your family love barren…so it should be…the Love Banishing curse? Ugh… She opened the musty 1-foot-thick book and searched the Index for curses involving love. There were about fifty. Scanning down the list, she noted the names of several potential spells. Forever Barren…Love to Hate…there we go! Love Banishing curse, page 856. Hermione flipped to page 856 and began to read the paragraph introducing the curse. She began muttering notes to herself.
"Banishes love from the family tree of the victim…should be used only in extreme cases…used to be illegal…"
Below the description of the curse, Hermione searched frantically for the counter curse. She read it out loud to herself. "The Love Banishing curse is irreversible unless either the curser removes it with the counter curse Restorator Lovilias, or a complicated ritual is performed. The ritual is a restoration one, and requires four people who are very close friends with or in a relationship that doesn't work out with the victim. The cursed must sit in the center of a circle drawn with powdered horn of a Bicorn drinking a Peace potion while the curse breakers walk around the circle clockwise 3 times chanting the following words: Restorator Lovilias, remover el maldición, con todo nuestro amor, restorator lovilias. Then the four must stand around the circle at the points of North, South, East and West, and must point their wands at the cursed while simultaneously calling Restorator Lovilias. The timing must be exact, or the ritual counter curse will backfire and cause mayhem."
Groaning, she sank onto the bed. How are we going to manage this? She thought hopelessly. At the same time, Ginny sat up, rubbing the sleep out of her eyes.
"Hermione! What are you doing?"
Hermione explained to Ginny everything she'd just found out. Ginny's expression went from confused to surprised, and finally to sympathy.
"So you see, either we get Veronica to take off the curse, which is not likely, or do this ritual, which is almost as hard." Hermione finished sadly.
Ginny smiled encouragingly and said, "Well, then let's go see Cousin Veronica. We'll talk to the boys in the morning."
*The next morning over breakfast*
"Mum, we want to go visit Cousin Veronica today, can we go?" Ginny asked bluntly at breakfast. Mrs. Weasley looked at her, utterly bewildered at such a request, but mutely nodded.
"Sure, honey. I'll see if she's alright with that."
Five minutes later, she came back and announced that the four of them could go, but to "remember your manners and don't be rude". So the gang packed up a few things and fetched the Floo powder.
"She lives in America, by the way." Hermione reminded them. "Um, it's 128 Barkly Avenue, San Francisco, California. I suppose we'll have to say the whole thing." Calling into the fire, she tossed the pinch of powder and stepped in. One by one, they disappeared with small flashes, not knowing what was going to happen next.
(A/N: this is 4 u Lis, cuz u r the one who wanted me to keep going. I dunno if the chant actually makes sense grammatically, cuz I looked up the words in my mom's Spanish dictionary, and I made up that place in San Fran. Plz r/r, and maybe I'll write faster this time! LoL)
Disclaimer: The usual, you know it already.
Veronica's Secret
***
Hermione's face darkened.
"What's wrong, Hermione?" Ginny asked, confused.
"Veronica Weasley fell in love with a Malfoy."
***
There was a sudden confused silence, then Ron blurted out, "A Weasley? Fell in love with…a Malfoy?!"
"That's what the entry says." Ginny replied. "Should we read it?" She turned to Hermione.
"Yeah, why don't we?" Hermione picked up the diary from the floor and they moved to sit in a circle.
"It's near the end of the diary, early July. The entries are about a page long each. Here goes…
1 "Saturday, July 5, 1993
Dear Diary,
I can't believe this happened, it was so unexpected. Greg and I have fallen in love with each other. I've betrayed my two best friends, Liz Corcos and Greg Malfoy, especially since Greg is Liz's boyfriend! I had come to stay at the Manor for a month to see them again, and today Liz was at work, and so Greg and I were in the living room talking about school days. And all of a sudden, we looked into each other's eyes and I felt something change between us. He felt it too, I know he did! I feel so guilty, doing this to Liz. The horrible thing is, for several hours or so, I didn't even care what happened to her! I only cared about me! I've never been so selfish before, what's going on with me? I must be going crazy.
Ronnie."
"Ginny, you want to read next?" Hermione asked.
Ginny nodded and took the diary.
2 "Sunday, July 6, 1993
Dear Diary,
This is the worst nightmare I've ever had. We were in the living room again, and Liz was still at work, so we decided to have a little chat. But in the middle of it, he just leaned forward and kissed me. I didn't know what to do. Should I continue the kiss and date my best friend's boyfriend behind her back, or should I stay loyal and break it off? I was so confused. Then I just felt disgusted at myself, and on impulse I pulled away quickly. That must have triggered the Malfoy side of him…after so many years…it's the only thing that could have made him do what he did to me next. I broke away, and he hissed at me furiously. Of course, I didn't know what was going to happen, but I was so scared. It's hard to believe that my friend could do this…I can't believe it, one of the Unforgivables! He did the Imperious curse on me! I was so shocked I didn't do anything; I didn't even try to fight it off! I remember back at Hogwarts Liz and I were two of the only kids who could defy the curse, and it all just vanished in one split second. After that…I've tried to forget, but I can't. It's just too terrible. He forced me upstairs and raped me, and taunted me. I just hoped to God Liz wouldn't come home. I was cursed today, because less than half an hour later, there she was, standing at the door, shocked, horrified, and furious. I deserve to be cursed with the eternal love banishing curse on my family, and me, for ever letting him take over. But I have to go. Greg is coming up the stairs, and if he finds that I have recorded this, he will kill me for sure. I have no doubt.
Ronnie."
Ginny's voice stopped abruptly. "That's horrible!" She cried, disgusted. Harry had a look of immense revulsion on his face, and Hermione just stared, shocked. Ginny sighed and continued, "How could he do that to her?"
Ron smiled weakly. "Er…Gin? This is a Malfoy you're talking about."
"Here, I'll read." Hermione broke out of her mixed emotions and flipped the diary page.
"Monday, July 7, 1993
Dear Diary,
I hate Greg. I hate him so much. Do you know, Diary, what he made me do today? He cursed me again. I've given up fighting it; every time I do he knows and puts me under the Cruciatus. It's agony…I can't stand it. And he invented this stupid story about David, his cousin, to make Liz believe we weren't having an affair, we were trying to save her life. Some lie. She didn't believe us and walked off without taking off the curse. After that Greg got really angry, and yelled at me for not lying well enough. I don't think he's himself anymore. He did something he's never done to anyone before…can you believe he beat me with whatever he could get a hold on? I had bruises all over my body and I had to heal them just now. That disgusting piece of…ugh! I wish I could run away and never come back. But again…if I do, he'll hunt me down and torture me. Oh no, Greg's calling, I'd better go, if he knew kept a diary and wrote down what he did to me, I am sure I will be tortured.
Ronnie."
Hermione looked up to see Ginny's slightly teary eyes on Harry's shoulder, his arm around her. She was trembling with anger. Harry mumbled, "That damn Malfoy…" under his breath.
Hermione said, "There's one page left. Should I finish it?"
Ginny sat up, her stormy eyes returning to its normal sweetness. "Surely all Malfoys can't be that bad?" she wondered, changing the subject.
"Well, as Ron said, this is the Malfoy family you're talking about, so I wouldn't know," replied Harry, smiling.
"All right," Hermione interrupted. "Here's the last page.
3 Tuesday, July 8, 1993
Dear Diary,
Life is looking as bleak as ever. Greg is leaving tomorrow to a far away country and taking me with him. I overheard him talking to one of his fellow Death eaters a while ago, and Voldemort wants him in America. Lots of Muggles there, I suppose. Disgusting. Anyway, I shall find a way to let Liz find this diary. I just hope whichever way I do it, it will work. She must know the truth! I've got to go, I have to get ready for the trip to dreaded America. I will find a way!
Ronnie."
A moment's pause, then Ron said softly, "I guess she never made it."
"Yeah."
"So…if…this Ronnie girl was a Weasley, doesn't that mean you guys are cursed too?" Harry asked Ginny and Ron.
"Er…"
"I think so…" Ginny added. "But if we're cursed too, why isn't the curse in effect? I mean, if it worked, I wouldn't be Harry's girlfriend, would I?"
Harry nodded thoughtfully. "That's true."
"We could ask Dad." Ron suggested. "He knows all about the family history."
"Ok."
*Later*
The four sat at the table with the rest of the family, chatting amongst themselves. Suddenly Ginny remembered to ask about the diary.
"Dad?"
"Yes?"
"You know Cousin Veronica?"
"Yes."
"What did she do that was so bad?"
"Well, first, she stole her best friend's boyfriend, then she became his right hand when he became a death eater. I remember Aunt Rachel telling me about it several years ago. Veronica's only in her mid thirties. Haven't seen her for years though, she moved to America in 1993. I heard she'd gotten herself and our whole family cursed too. Something about no love in the family. But I don't think it worked too well, we haven't had anything bad happen, have we, honey?" He glanced at his wife.
"No, we haven't, Arthur."
"If you really want to know all about it, Gin, you can ask your great aunt tomorrow, I forgot to tell you all she's coming for a visit."
*Next afternoon *
"Aunt Rach!" Mr. Weasley greeted her with a hug, the door swinging wide open to reveal everyone else squished into the front hall.
"How are you, Arthur? I haven't talked to you in the longest time! And Molly, still as pretty as ever, I'd say!" She stepped in and hugged each Weasley in turn. "Bill, Charlie, you're both so tall now! Fred and George, still up to your usual tricks? Ron, you've grown! And Ginny! Such a blooming flower!" She turned to Harry and Hermione. "You must be Harry and Hermione! Arthur told me you were visiting. How are you?"
Harry grinned. "Great, thanks. And you?"
A split second later, Hermione added, "Fine, thank you. And you?"
Ron snorted into his hand and Ginny giggled. Even Aunt Rachel smiled.
"I'm perfectly fine. All right, let's settle down, shall we?"
The whole family made its way out into the spacious backyard, where two old wooden tables sat lined with plates, eating utensils, etc.
Mrs. Weasley waved everybody into a seat. "Sit, sit, supper will be out in a moment."
The chattering began. About halfway through supper, Ginny thought to ask Aunt Rachel about Veronica. She leaned over to Ron's ear and hissed, "When are we going to ask about Cousin Veronica?"
Ron choked, startled, and managed to splutter, "Afterwards, when we're all relaxing. Not now!" His cheeks had turned slightly pink, and Ginny patted his back until his face returned to normal. "Thanks, Gin."
"No problem."
*After supper*
Harry, Ginny, Hermione and Ron sat playing chess in the living room talking about school and the things they could do to Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle. Across the room sat Aunt Rachel and Mr. Weasley, chatting constantly about what was going on in the world. Harry glanced at his watch impatiently. Ron had beaten him in six games, Ginny five, and Hermione eight. He was starting to get sick of chess. Harry frowned. *11:00 already! When will we get enough free time to talk to Aunt Rachel about Veronica? We really need some answers here!* As he listened, he suddenly heard Mr. Weasley say, "Ugh, all this talking has gotten me very thirsty. Care for a drink?"
"No thanks, Arthur, I'm all right."
"Be right back." Mr. Weasley got up and left to get his drink.
*Perfect!* Harry thought. "Guys," he hissed. "Now's the perfect time to ask about Veronica!"
Ron jumped up energetically. "Ok! Let's go!"
The four of them got up, careful not to disrupt the chess pieces, and made their way to Aunt Rachel.
Ron said, "Aunt Rachel, can we ask you some things about Cousin Veronica?"
She glanced at him, curious and surprised, but nodded. "Of course. Might as well, I probably know more than most people because she told me all about it. What do you want to know?"
Cautiously, not wanting to let on that they'd seen the diary, Hermione timidly asked, "Can you tell us the whole story?"
"Well it goes like this. Back in around early 1993 I hadn't seen Veronica for almost a year, so I asked her if she could come visit me. She said she would, but she was staying with her best friend Liz and Liz's boyfriend Greg. Still remember him very well. Rather oily sort of guy. She told me she was going to be at Malfoy Manor for a month or so, then she'd come see me, because I lived five blocks away from Malfoy Manor. Of course, several weeks later, she came to stay at the Manor, and then the most horrible rumors began going around. I heard she'd run off with Greg to America, I believe New York. I didn't believe a single word of it, until days later I sent a letter to Malfoy Manor asking what was happening." Aunt Rachel stopped to take a few breaths. "The letter I got back wasn't from Veronica, it was from Liz. She explained that it was an extremely long story, but to cut things short, Greg put the Imperious on Veronica, took her to America, and had been pretending to love Liz for many years. 17, I think. They were engaged, but barely anyone knew. Being a naturally curious person, I asked for the whole story. It turns out that Greg was a junior Death eater, he helped You-Know-Who as much as he could, but did not have the Dark Mark engraved on his forearm. Liz had come home one day to see Veronica and Greg in bed, and several days later the two of them fled to America and left Liz everything else in the Manor. Liz was furious, she told me, but eventually she'd found out that Greg hadn't loved her and Veronica had controlled by the curse. I asked her how, and she said she'd gotten a parcel one day. On opening it, there was a diary inside, a bit transparent. It was a copy of the real one, of course. She recognized it instantly, as she'd seen it before. Naturally, she was totally bewildered until she read the whole thing. That's how she found out about the Imperious curse and everything."
There was a pondering silence for a moment, then Harry blurted out, "But if she knew the whole story, what about the curse? Did she take it off or what?"
Aunt Rachel smiled, looking somewhat amused. "Why, of course. She was brought up well enough to know she cursed Veronica unnecessarily. So she secretly went to America, kidnapped Veronica for about 10 minutes, and took off the curse. Actually, she didn't really take it off, she put it in a jar, and Ronnie put the curse on their victim."
There was a smugness in Aunt Rachel's voice that sent shivers up Hermione's spine. Without asking, she could guess where the curse went. Malfoy. The name rang shrilly in her mind, taunting her. She shook her head, trying to clear her miserable thoughts out. Aunt Rachel, noticing Hermione's expression, concernedly inquired, "Hermione, are you alright, dear?"
Hermione nodded and instantly wiped her emotions off her face, hoping that no one understood the meaning of her misery except for Ginny. Unfortunately for her, Harry caught the look, and secretly wondered if she liked Malfoy. That look on her face, just like the way Ginny used to look at me in her 1st year. If she really does like Malfoy, that will make her all the more vulnerable to his cruelty. I have to talk to her about it! He thoughtfully propped up his chin. The room drifted comfortably into quiet, each person thinking their own thoughts. Hermione, wondering if Draco could ever change. Ginny, thinking up ways to help her. Harry trying to figure out whether Hermione like Malfoy or not. And Ron, totally oblivious to what was going on, involved in thoughts that went something like: Well, sure is a good thing Cousin Veronica isn't cursed anymore. Wonder would I would do about my horrible love life if I was to be cursed. Absolutely horrible. Very good thing Malfoy is double cursed. He deserves it. I say, calling Hermione a mudblood! The slimy git.
Aunt Rachel sat inconspicuously surveying the scene before her. She could easily tell what the others were thinking, having experience in reading people's expressions. She had known, right away, how Hermione felt about one of the Malfoys. Most likely Draco, the youngest and in her age group. And she had known, by that fiery flash in her eyes, that Hermione would do anything to take the curse off and be with him. By the expressions on everyone's face, she guessed that Ginny knew, Harry suspected, and Ron didn't know a thing. Of course, she was right.
A sudden light thumping signaled that Mr. Weasley was returning with his drink, and the kids scrambled up and took off to Ron's and Ginny's rooms.
*Later that night*
Hermione rolled around in her bed restlessly, unable to sleep. She couldn't stop thinking about the curse and if there was a way to get it off. Beside her, Ginny stirred lightly. Sighing, Hermione got up and went to rummage through her trunk, looking for the DADA book she had borrowed. I wonder what the curse is called? I know it makes your family love barren…so it should be…the Love Banishing curse? Ugh… She opened the musty 1-foot-thick book and searched the Index for curses involving love. There were about fifty. Scanning down the list, she noted the names of several potential spells. Forever Barren…Love to Hate…there we go! Love Banishing curse, page 856. Hermione flipped to page 856 and began to read the paragraph introducing the curse. She began muttering notes to herself.
"Banishes love from the family tree of the victim…should be used only in extreme cases…used to be illegal…"
Below the description of the curse, Hermione searched frantically for the counter curse. She read it out loud to herself. "The Love Banishing curse is irreversible unless either the curser removes it with the counter curse Restorator Lovilias, or a complicated ritual is performed. The ritual is a restoration one, and requires four people who are very close friends with or in a relationship that doesn't work out with the victim. The cursed must sit in the center of a circle drawn with powdered horn of a Bicorn drinking a Peace potion while the curse breakers walk around the circle clockwise 3 times chanting the following words: Restorator Lovilias, remover el maldición, con todo nuestro amor, restorator lovilias. Then the four must stand around the circle at the points of North, South, East and West, and must point their wands at the cursed while simultaneously calling Restorator Lovilias. The timing must be exact, or the ritual counter curse will backfire and cause mayhem."
Groaning, she sank onto the bed. How are we going to manage this? She thought hopelessly. At the same time, Ginny sat up, rubbing the sleep out of her eyes.
"Hermione! What are you doing?"
Hermione explained to Ginny everything she'd just found out. Ginny's expression went from confused to surprised, and finally to sympathy.
"So you see, either we get Veronica to take off the curse, which is not likely, or do this ritual, which is almost as hard." Hermione finished sadly.
Ginny smiled encouragingly and said, "Well, then let's go see Cousin Veronica. We'll talk to the boys in the morning."
*The next morning over breakfast*
"Mum, we want to go visit Cousin Veronica today, can we go?" Ginny asked bluntly at breakfast. Mrs. Weasley looked at her, utterly bewildered at such a request, but mutely nodded.
"Sure, honey. I'll see if she's alright with that."
Five minutes later, she came back and announced that the four of them could go, but to "remember your manners and don't be rude". So the gang packed up a few things and fetched the Floo powder.
"She lives in America, by the way." Hermione reminded them. "Um, it's 128 Barkly Avenue, San Francisco, California. I suppose we'll have to say the whole thing." Calling into the fire, she tossed the pinch of powder and stepped in. One by one, they disappeared with small flashes, not knowing what was going to happen next.
(A/N: this is 4 u Lis, cuz u r the one who wanted me to keep going. I dunno if the chant actually makes sense grammatically, cuz I looked up the words in my mom's Spanish dictionary, and I made up that place in San Fran. Plz r/r, and maybe I'll write faster this time! LoL)