AN I'm sneaking on to do this, I'm supposed to be typing up a math
project…hee hee.
Last Time:
Hermione looked numbly out the window; they were approaching the airport. Soon she'd be back home, the house where she'd grown up with her Mother. The house outside of which her Mother had been found tortured to death. 'Should be fun', Hermione thought bitterly. A tear ran unnoticed down her cheek as she squinted to make out the airport below.
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Hermione sat in the small airport, pulling her jacket close around her to keep out the winds that came whenever the door opened. She'd been here for nearly an hour now. Her father had dragged her away from one of the few happy things she had left in the world and didn't even bother to be on time to pick her up? Mr. Milligan had left a little while ago, after repeated assurances that she 'would be fine! Don't worry! He'll be here in a minute!'. She was slumped in the waiting area, her upper body resting on her large suitcase and her eyelids drooping, when she saw them. Well, she heard a yell first.
"Hermione? Hermione!" She heard a voice call, and she straightened up, expecting to be jumped on and squealed at very soon by Stephen. She looked around quickly. Her Father was there, hurrying towards her, looking very happy. But he was dragging Stephen, a very sad-looking Stephen, behind him. Something must be wrong. Stephen was always the joker, always energetic… "Mione, I'm so sorry we're late… I had a bit of trouble with kiddo here… didn't want to get in the car. Doesn't like cars much since… Titania went." Hermione peered down at Stephen, a worried frown creasing her brow. "He hasn't spoken a word at all since then. That's why I was in such a hurry to get you home… don't I get a hug?" Her father continued, smiling cheerfully (almost). Hermione pulled him into a hug, not surprised when she felt hot tears fall on her shoulder and even less surprised when she felt more stream down her face. She let go of her father and hugged Stephen, but his warm six-year-old body didn't respond at all, unlike his usual rib-breaking squeezes. She leant back and looked up at him from where she crouched on the floor.
"Stephen? Don't you remember me? It's me, Hermione…you're big sister…" Hermione said gently, tears still streaming down her face. She and Stephen had been so close since her parents had adopted him in fourth year, when he was two… they even looked alike. Stephen had a chubby baby face with light freckles and that light brown hair that she had lovingly stroked so many times since they had brought him home… Stephen looked up from his shoes and his blue eyes settled on Hermione's face in a searching way.
"Mione?" He said softly, and she nodded. He smiled almost sadly and hugged her tightly, refusing to let go as the three remaining members of the Granger family walked out toward the parking lot.
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Hermione looked out at the passing scenery that was so familiar, even in the dark of pre- dawn. Their house was in the country and a few hours from the airport. Her father hadn't said a word since they had gotten in the car, and she sat in the back with Stephen. Stephen was sitting in his booster seat, staring out the window. He would occasionally look over at her and reach out and touch her arm softly, as though to reassure himself that she was there. Hermione was worried about him… he was usually so boisterous and cheerful… this wasn't normal 6-year-old behavior, was it? They reached the top of a hill and looked down on the valley, their valley. A beautiful, thick forest surrounded their Victorian style stone manor, which had been in the Richardson (her mother's family) family for centuries. Titania had been a gentle, kind woman with short blonde hair and warm brown eyes, like Hermione's own. She had grown up in Richardson Manor; top of her class, popular and always aspiring to be a dentist, from the time she was three. Her Grandfather, Gregory Richardson, had told her that year, a few days before he died that the one thing he regretted about his life was not taking better care of his teeth. He said,
"Promise me, Titania, that you'll always take care of your teeth…" And she had taken care of her teeth, and the teeth of many others as well. She had met Robert Granger while at University and they had hit it off. The Richardson's had immediately liked him and within 6 months of meeting, they had been married. Robert Granger was an orphan who had worked his way up from nothing into a respected dentist. He was quiet and thoughtful, and kept to himself mostly. He had cinnamon brown hair and blue eyes that had a strange glint in them. Even he himself had no idea how he had gotten interested in the world of dentistry.
The car pulled into the long, winding, gravel drive and made its way to the ivy-covered house slowly. Hermione helped Stephen out of his car seat and got her bags out of the trunk and then turned to look up at the grandiose yet friendly old house. It was good to be home, even if her mother wasn't. Her father had run ahead and opened the shiny red door, and he was holding it open for Stephen, who was standing next to the car staring at Hermione. Hermione smiled and held a hand out for him, he took it and they walked to the house. His usually hot hand felt cold and clammy in hers. The Manor was decorated in mostly antique Victorian style, except for the kids' bedrooms and the kitchen, which were all modernized. The walls were covered in portraits of family members' long passed or beautiful Renaissance prints. It was decorated tastefully and brightly. Hermione's favorite room was the solarium, where she and her mother had often gone to read, talk or just look at the stars. She had some wonderful memories of that room, of debates on literature, current world issues, art, music, everything. Of mother- daughter talks and sparring. Of silent companionship. She and Titania had been very close, as close perhaps as a mother and daughter can be, which was probably why Titania had been so acceptant of the Wizarding world after seeing how much Hermione loved it. Her father had been less receptive, but he was generally very submissive, and after Hermione made a few good arguing points, he had relented. It was hard for both of her parents, because then they hadn't had Stephen. Stephen was actually a very distant relative of theirs, the unwanted son of a many-times-removed cousin. So he had some blood of theirs, and Hermione liked to think that that made them even closer. They were uncommonly close as it was. Hermione couldn't believe that Stephen was still awake. It was, after all, 4:00 AM in the morning. Her father had already apologized more than once for not being able to get more convenient tickets. Stephen's head was drooping as they made their way up the somewhat creaky stairs. Hermione shooed her father away, smiling and saying 'you need your sleep, I'm jetlagged anyway… and I don't have to get up tomorrow morning!' and tucked Stephen in herself. He looked up at her as she kissed his forehead.
"Goodnight Munchkin." She said. He still didn't smile. He had hardly smiled at all since she had been home.
"She called me that." He said in a small voice when she was halfway to the door. Hermione turned around slowly.
"Who?"
"Mommy. Before she died. She said, 'listen Munchkin, take care of Hermione and make sure you go on vacation.'" There was a long pause. "I want her to come back, Mione." Hermione felt tears prick her eyes. *What am I, some kind of river?* she thought angrily, blinking furiously.
"Do you want me to sleep with you?" She asked softly. Stephen nodded and Hermione climbed into the bed with him, cuddling him close to her body as if he was her the only thing keeping her alive. Maybe he was. *Nonsense Hermione, what about Dad? And Draco?* Hermione fell into a deep sleep listening to the peaceful breathing of her treasured little brother.
Hermione felt someone shaking her urgently.
"Wake up! Hermione, wake up!" Said a silken female voice raised a few degrees in panic. "Quickly!" Hermione forced her weighted eyelids to open. Stephen was sitting up beside her, fully awake, looking quietly back and forth between her and Mum…Mum?! Mum?! It was her mother! Hermione cried out and hugged her mother. "Hermione, quiet! Shh, sweetheart, shh! Before he hears us. He'll come, he's such a light sleeper! You have to get out of this house with your brother, Hermione, you have to protect him! Please, don't ask questions, just go…in the morning! Quietly, don't tell anyone! I have to go… I have to go…" Said her mother in a frantic whisper, before hurrying out of the room.
"Mum! Mummy! Come back!" She had never seen her mother like that, so pale, her eyes wide with fright, practically hysterical, so very cold, and covered in… blood? And cuts and bruises! She had to go see her, she could be sick…
Hermione felt a small, cool hand pressed against her cheek. Her eyes flew open in fright, she had to find Mum… it was a dream, she realized. Her heart was beating fast and she was cold and her eyes were wide with fright, just like Mum's. She looked over at the owner of the hand. Stephen was sitting up, looking at her calmly, in the exact same position as he had been in her dream.
"Did she come to you?" He said in a whisper. Hermione nodded slowly, wondering what horrific dreams her little brother had been experiencing, no wonder he was so traumatized. He smiled though, as though he was happy for her. There was a creak in the hallway and Hermione jumped, pulling Stephen to her and groping for her wand, which was in her jacket pocket. Another creak.
"Daddy?" Hermione called in a frightened voice. There was no answer. Hermione got out of the bed, creeping closer to the door, watching Stephen out of the corner of her eye, her wand held at the ready. Another creak, just outside the door. Hermione reached out to open the door, her white hand glowing in the moonlight, slender fingers just barely grazing the bronze doorknob… when suddenly…
TBC
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AN Whoa! I have no idea where all that came from. I surprise/scare the crap outta myself. A whole new twist I had no intentions of adding. Well, I'll try to post again tomorrow, so not to keep you in suspense. I just finished watching a masterpiece and one of my favorite movies… 'Jesus Christ Superstar'. That movie is phenomenal. I adore it. Another one worth seeing is 'Twelve Angry Men'. I love it and I cry every time I see George C. Scott's speech at the end… he's brilliant. Oh and another good new movie… 'Zoolander'. I quote that movie all the time and burst into laughter just thinking about it. Check those movies out people, they all rock. And remember, REVIEW if you want to know what happened… (and no, I'm not using review blackmail, I think that's abhorrent)
Thanks to Reviewers:
Cassondra- Draco Malfoy is the epitome of cool.
sakurashima- the compliments are too much! You're overly generous.
porkypop- I'm over it, don't worry. I just thought that everyone wanted me to end it. Very traumatic for a young author who plans a long story and is hardly halfway through, you understand.
G*Ness (this is answering ALL your reviews)- I love your reviews! Reviews that actually refer to the story and make fun reading! YAY! I'd love to have one of those shirts too. Although if I met someone I knew while wearing it, I'd probably die of embarrassment. My favorite version of Draco is the eloquent and witty yet protective and loving *drool* I wish there was more Draco's out there. The lines you mention are my faves too! You'll see why Hermione has to leave the ball later *wiggles eyebrows mysteriously* Yeah, my vacay is over and I feel like crying. Doesn't school suck? Teachers are for the most part inept and horrible at my school. I'd love to have someone who knew what they were doing and how to do it. I think Canada is going down with a school system like this one. The year I spent in Ireland was more challenging, enjoyable and productive.
Moon-Walker- Yes, my dark side…Mwahahahaha! Mwahahahaha! Mwahahahaha! Ahem. See you in school.
allee kat- In Canada they're free, and on Aer Lingus and British Airways they're free, at least they were last time I flew in the UK, less than a year ago…
Icy Stormz- So did the e-mail group thingy work this time? Mr. Milligan is in recognition of two people; one, a very dear mathematician friend of my parents who looks like Sam the Eagle on the Muppet Show (Muppets rule, by the way). And two, a very cultured, well traveled man who kept me company when I was blue on a flight to Boston (we had a great time debating many things…). I haven't decided whether he should make reappearance in the story… what do you think?
XAngelicDevilx- whew, I had to fight with the spell check to let that name through… Thanks!
Last Time:
Hermione looked numbly out the window; they were approaching the airport. Soon she'd be back home, the house where she'd grown up with her Mother. The house outside of which her Mother had been found tortured to death. 'Should be fun', Hermione thought bitterly. A tear ran unnoticed down her cheek as she squinted to make out the airport below.
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Hermione sat in the small airport, pulling her jacket close around her to keep out the winds that came whenever the door opened. She'd been here for nearly an hour now. Her father had dragged her away from one of the few happy things she had left in the world and didn't even bother to be on time to pick her up? Mr. Milligan had left a little while ago, after repeated assurances that she 'would be fine! Don't worry! He'll be here in a minute!'. She was slumped in the waiting area, her upper body resting on her large suitcase and her eyelids drooping, when she saw them. Well, she heard a yell first.
"Hermione? Hermione!" She heard a voice call, and she straightened up, expecting to be jumped on and squealed at very soon by Stephen. She looked around quickly. Her Father was there, hurrying towards her, looking very happy. But he was dragging Stephen, a very sad-looking Stephen, behind him. Something must be wrong. Stephen was always the joker, always energetic… "Mione, I'm so sorry we're late… I had a bit of trouble with kiddo here… didn't want to get in the car. Doesn't like cars much since… Titania went." Hermione peered down at Stephen, a worried frown creasing her brow. "He hasn't spoken a word at all since then. That's why I was in such a hurry to get you home… don't I get a hug?" Her father continued, smiling cheerfully (almost). Hermione pulled him into a hug, not surprised when she felt hot tears fall on her shoulder and even less surprised when she felt more stream down her face. She let go of her father and hugged Stephen, but his warm six-year-old body didn't respond at all, unlike his usual rib-breaking squeezes. She leant back and looked up at him from where she crouched on the floor.
"Stephen? Don't you remember me? It's me, Hermione…you're big sister…" Hermione said gently, tears still streaming down her face. She and Stephen had been so close since her parents had adopted him in fourth year, when he was two… they even looked alike. Stephen had a chubby baby face with light freckles and that light brown hair that she had lovingly stroked so many times since they had brought him home… Stephen looked up from his shoes and his blue eyes settled on Hermione's face in a searching way.
"Mione?" He said softly, and she nodded. He smiled almost sadly and hugged her tightly, refusing to let go as the three remaining members of the Granger family walked out toward the parking lot.
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Hermione looked out at the passing scenery that was so familiar, even in the dark of pre- dawn. Their house was in the country and a few hours from the airport. Her father hadn't said a word since they had gotten in the car, and she sat in the back with Stephen. Stephen was sitting in his booster seat, staring out the window. He would occasionally look over at her and reach out and touch her arm softly, as though to reassure himself that she was there. Hermione was worried about him… he was usually so boisterous and cheerful… this wasn't normal 6-year-old behavior, was it? They reached the top of a hill and looked down on the valley, their valley. A beautiful, thick forest surrounded their Victorian style stone manor, which had been in the Richardson (her mother's family) family for centuries. Titania had been a gentle, kind woman with short blonde hair and warm brown eyes, like Hermione's own. She had grown up in Richardson Manor; top of her class, popular and always aspiring to be a dentist, from the time she was three. Her Grandfather, Gregory Richardson, had told her that year, a few days before he died that the one thing he regretted about his life was not taking better care of his teeth. He said,
"Promise me, Titania, that you'll always take care of your teeth…" And she had taken care of her teeth, and the teeth of many others as well. She had met Robert Granger while at University and they had hit it off. The Richardson's had immediately liked him and within 6 months of meeting, they had been married. Robert Granger was an orphan who had worked his way up from nothing into a respected dentist. He was quiet and thoughtful, and kept to himself mostly. He had cinnamon brown hair and blue eyes that had a strange glint in them. Even he himself had no idea how he had gotten interested in the world of dentistry.
The car pulled into the long, winding, gravel drive and made its way to the ivy-covered house slowly. Hermione helped Stephen out of his car seat and got her bags out of the trunk and then turned to look up at the grandiose yet friendly old house. It was good to be home, even if her mother wasn't. Her father had run ahead and opened the shiny red door, and he was holding it open for Stephen, who was standing next to the car staring at Hermione. Hermione smiled and held a hand out for him, he took it and they walked to the house. His usually hot hand felt cold and clammy in hers. The Manor was decorated in mostly antique Victorian style, except for the kids' bedrooms and the kitchen, which were all modernized. The walls were covered in portraits of family members' long passed or beautiful Renaissance prints. It was decorated tastefully and brightly. Hermione's favorite room was the solarium, where she and her mother had often gone to read, talk or just look at the stars. She had some wonderful memories of that room, of debates on literature, current world issues, art, music, everything. Of mother- daughter talks and sparring. Of silent companionship. She and Titania had been very close, as close perhaps as a mother and daughter can be, which was probably why Titania had been so acceptant of the Wizarding world after seeing how much Hermione loved it. Her father had been less receptive, but he was generally very submissive, and after Hermione made a few good arguing points, he had relented. It was hard for both of her parents, because then they hadn't had Stephen. Stephen was actually a very distant relative of theirs, the unwanted son of a many-times-removed cousin. So he had some blood of theirs, and Hermione liked to think that that made them even closer. They were uncommonly close as it was. Hermione couldn't believe that Stephen was still awake. It was, after all, 4:00 AM in the morning. Her father had already apologized more than once for not being able to get more convenient tickets. Stephen's head was drooping as they made their way up the somewhat creaky stairs. Hermione shooed her father away, smiling and saying 'you need your sleep, I'm jetlagged anyway… and I don't have to get up tomorrow morning!' and tucked Stephen in herself. He looked up at her as she kissed his forehead.
"Goodnight Munchkin." She said. He still didn't smile. He had hardly smiled at all since she had been home.
"She called me that." He said in a small voice when she was halfway to the door. Hermione turned around slowly.
"Who?"
"Mommy. Before she died. She said, 'listen Munchkin, take care of Hermione and make sure you go on vacation.'" There was a long pause. "I want her to come back, Mione." Hermione felt tears prick her eyes. *What am I, some kind of river?* she thought angrily, blinking furiously.
"Do you want me to sleep with you?" She asked softly. Stephen nodded and Hermione climbed into the bed with him, cuddling him close to her body as if he was her the only thing keeping her alive. Maybe he was. *Nonsense Hermione, what about Dad? And Draco?* Hermione fell into a deep sleep listening to the peaceful breathing of her treasured little brother.
Hermione felt someone shaking her urgently.
"Wake up! Hermione, wake up!" Said a silken female voice raised a few degrees in panic. "Quickly!" Hermione forced her weighted eyelids to open. Stephen was sitting up beside her, fully awake, looking quietly back and forth between her and Mum…Mum?! Mum?! It was her mother! Hermione cried out and hugged her mother. "Hermione, quiet! Shh, sweetheart, shh! Before he hears us. He'll come, he's such a light sleeper! You have to get out of this house with your brother, Hermione, you have to protect him! Please, don't ask questions, just go…in the morning! Quietly, don't tell anyone! I have to go… I have to go…" Said her mother in a frantic whisper, before hurrying out of the room.
"Mum! Mummy! Come back!" She had never seen her mother like that, so pale, her eyes wide with fright, practically hysterical, so very cold, and covered in… blood? And cuts and bruises! She had to go see her, she could be sick…
Hermione felt a small, cool hand pressed against her cheek. Her eyes flew open in fright, she had to find Mum… it was a dream, she realized. Her heart was beating fast and she was cold and her eyes were wide with fright, just like Mum's. She looked over at the owner of the hand. Stephen was sitting up, looking at her calmly, in the exact same position as he had been in her dream.
"Did she come to you?" He said in a whisper. Hermione nodded slowly, wondering what horrific dreams her little brother had been experiencing, no wonder he was so traumatized. He smiled though, as though he was happy for her. There was a creak in the hallway and Hermione jumped, pulling Stephen to her and groping for her wand, which was in her jacket pocket. Another creak.
"Daddy?" Hermione called in a frightened voice. There was no answer. Hermione got out of the bed, creeping closer to the door, watching Stephen out of the corner of her eye, her wand held at the ready. Another creak, just outside the door. Hermione reached out to open the door, her white hand glowing in the moonlight, slender fingers just barely grazing the bronze doorknob… when suddenly…
TBC
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AN Whoa! I have no idea where all that came from. I surprise/scare the crap outta myself. A whole new twist I had no intentions of adding. Well, I'll try to post again tomorrow, so not to keep you in suspense. I just finished watching a masterpiece and one of my favorite movies… 'Jesus Christ Superstar'. That movie is phenomenal. I adore it. Another one worth seeing is 'Twelve Angry Men'. I love it and I cry every time I see George C. Scott's speech at the end… he's brilliant. Oh and another good new movie… 'Zoolander'. I quote that movie all the time and burst into laughter just thinking about it. Check those movies out people, they all rock. And remember, REVIEW if you want to know what happened… (and no, I'm not using review blackmail, I think that's abhorrent)
Thanks to Reviewers:
Cassondra- Draco Malfoy is the epitome of cool.
sakurashima- the compliments are too much! You're overly generous.
porkypop- I'm over it, don't worry. I just thought that everyone wanted me to end it. Very traumatic for a young author who plans a long story and is hardly halfway through, you understand.
G*Ness (this is answering ALL your reviews)- I love your reviews! Reviews that actually refer to the story and make fun reading! YAY! I'd love to have one of those shirts too. Although if I met someone I knew while wearing it, I'd probably die of embarrassment. My favorite version of Draco is the eloquent and witty yet protective and loving *drool* I wish there was more Draco's out there. The lines you mention are my faves too! You'll see why Hermione has to leave the ball later *wiggles eyebrows mysteriously* Yeah, my vacay is over and I feel like crying. Doesn't school suck? Teachers are for the most part inept and horrible at my school. I'd love to have someone who knew what they were doing and how to do it. I think Canada is going down with a school system like this one. The year I spent in Ireland was more challenging, enjoyable and productive.
Moon-Walker- Yes, my dark side…Mwahahahaha! Mwahahahaha! Mwahahahaha! Ahem. See you in school.
allee kat- In Canada they're free, and on Aer Lingus and British Airways they're free, at least they were last time I flew in the UK, less than a year ago…
Icy Stormz- So did the e-mail group thingy work this time? Mr. Milligan is in recognition of two people; one, a very dear mathematician friend of my parents who looks like Sam the Eagle on the Muppet Show (Muppets rule, by the way). And two, a very cultured, well traveled man who kept me company when I was blue on a flight to Boston (we had a great time debating many things…). I haven't decided whether he should make reappearance in the story… what do you think?
XAngelicDevilx- whew, I had to fight with the spell check to let that name through… Thanks!