Disclaimer: Again, I own absolutely nothing. If I did I would be rolling in money right now…however I am completely poor.
Note: And finally after twenty million years of waiting, Chapter 6 has been completed! I know you are all thrilled. LOL. Anyway, I hope you enjoy this chapter. It may not be as good as the others, but I needed to get back into the swing of things since I haven't been updating lately. Please forgive me if this isn't to your standards. However I hope that you all find it a bit humorous and a bit plot thickening. I promise to update quicker then last time!
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Chapter 6~ Locked In With Fear
Despite her fragile appearance Mel was a bit harder to carry to the infirmary then Ginny had suspected. Wren wasn't helping much either, for all she could do was complain and crack jokes while they dragged her through the main entrance. Ginny sighed and shook her head. She didn't regret helping Mel; in fact she loved helping anyone who was in trouble. Yet something lingered in her mind, something she couldn't put her finger on. This scared her, for the last time she felt that something was wrong she had ended up in the Chamber of Secrets with Tom Riddle.
" Don't let her drag Wren! You might hurt her more! " Ginny huffed as they neared the main staircase.
" Quit complaining Ginny, its not like she is a feather, all I was saying is that its times like these I wish I had super strength…" Carefully as to not injure her more, Ginny and Wren pulled her up the first step of the stairs. Pausing for a moment they both looked at the amount of steps that they were intending to climb.
" This is ludicrous. By the time we make it up all these steps we are going to need medical attention from Pomfrey as well. " Wren huffed out slowly.
" You're not making this any easier…" Ginny rolled her eyes and pulled her up the next step.
A few hushed voices behind them caused them to stop and turn around. The first year Hufflepuffs stood in awe on the staircase.
" Ginny, what happened to Mel? " Katheryn asked in a hushed voice.
" Will she be all right? " Edeline asked in a nervous tone.
" Everything is fine girls, why don't you head back to your common room and forget that you saw anything. " Ginny retorted.
" Do you want us to help? We could help you get her up the stairs…" Avalin suggested, taking a small step closer to Ginny and Wren.
" No! " Ginny shot before shaking her head apologetically. " Sorry girls, I don't mean to be rude, but we have this handled. Now do as I say and go back to your common room."
Ginny's face was stern and the girls frowned in disappointment. " All right Ginny, if you are sure you will be all right then we will be on our way. " Valeriana sighed and motioned for the other girls to follow her. Leora shook her head slightly at the situation but followed her quietly. As they passed them on the staircase Ginny sighed in relief.
" Well Gin, with a bossy attitude like that no wonder people think you're a weirdo…" Wren chuckled to herself as Ginny shot her a look.
" Quit joking and start climbing. "
By the time they reached the top of the staircase they both sighed and looked down at Mel. Her breathing was short and raspy and Ginny wondered if perhaps she should have asked the Hufflepuffs to help after all. Giving a slight nod of the head Wren grasped Mel's underarm and they headed in the direction of the infirmary in complete silence. Madam Pomfrey would have many questions to ask, and Ginny knew that once they had caught their breath it would be up to her to spin the lies to keep Mel out of trouble.
~~~~
" Why does everyone think we are incapable of helping out? " Edeline asked as they headed towards the Hufflepuff common room.
" Because we usually are incapable…" Katheryn answered with a sigh.
Trudging down the long corridor the girls chatted about the situation. It wasn't until Avalin gave a short cry did they realize they were being followed.
" Ahhh! " Avalin screamed and swung around at the body that had shoved her lightly. Ryne and Anton laughed loudly and leaned against the corridor wall.
" Oh, you guys are too easy to scare…you should have seen your face Ava…it was great!" Ryne chuckled and placed his hands on his knees.
" Edeline, your brother is a complete git! " Avalin spat out, shooting Ryne and Anton a look of death.
Edeline shook her head lightly and stifled her own laughter. " Sometimes I wonder why you two were placed in Ravenclaw…neither of you study, and you act more like the Weasley twins every day. Perhaps the sorting hat made a mistake and placed you in the wrong house. " She sighed and let out a small laugh.
" On the contrary my dear Eddie…" Ryne began, moving away from the wall. " The sorting hat recognized our vast knowledge before it recognized our humor…mix the two together and we both are very intellectual pranksters…" Ryne grinned over at Anton who was still doubled in laughter.
" You two are pathetic…." Eddie shook her head and grabbed Avalin by the shoulder. " Lets go before they cook up another plan. " Turning around slowly the girls headed off down the hall with the occasional glance over their shoulders.
Ryne and Anton watched with pleased faces. " That was good chum, but next time Im aiming for the Leora gal, did you see her face! It was priceless…" Anton smiled and gave Ryne a small pat on the shoulder.
" You will do nothing of the sort! " Elizabeth sauntered up to them with a serious look on her face. " If you dare harass any of the first years from my house I guarantee that you will both regret it. " Arching her eyebrow slightly she looked over her shoulder. " Am I right girls? " she stated, as Phoebe and Shayla appeared behind her.
" Oh, you are very right Elizabeth…" Shayla smirked slightly.
" You girls are crazy, we aren't afraid of you Hufflepuffs! " Ryne took a step towards them.
" Try us…" Elizabeth whispered in a devilish tone.
Ryne looked over at Anton who shrugged. " Well, um…yes girls, have a lovely day…" Ryne took a step back and grabbed Anton by the shoulder. Pushing passed them quickly he lightly slapped Anton in the back of the head. " Thanks for the help their chum, now the Hufflepuff clan will think they have us beat…" shaking their heads in defeat they disappeared around the corner of the corridor without looking back.
Elizabeth smiled widely. " Ahh, its wonderful to feel the power of Hufflepuff pride…" Laughing with Shayla and Phoebe they headed to the common room with a look of victory.
~~~~
" I just don't get it Ron, why wont she confide in us for anything. I have never felt so alone, or out of place then I do right now. " Harry sighed and marched out to the pitch with his broom.
Taking quick steps to keep up with him Ron sighed. " She is going through something that we really don't understand Harry, and Strider does…it happened to him as well. We just need to give her time and most likely Hermione will come back to us when she is ready. "
" It just doesn't sit easily with me Ron, I feel like she is pushing us away, and I don't like it at all. " Pushing his shaggy black hair out of his face Harry sighed. " I even asked her to join us for some flying today…she made up some excuse about not feeling well…"
" Harry, give her a break. She just experienced something so horrific. The least we can do is give her the time she needs to recover. " Ron jogged up a few steps.
" When did you become so insightful? " Harry raised his eyebrows as a slightly blushing Ron.
" Oh, well…Ive been spending a lot of time with Willow…she reads a lot…I guess her knowledge has begun to brush off on me. " Ron smiled softly.
" I doubt that's the only thing that's rubbed off on you. " Harry chuckled. " Look at your face, your get flushed when you mention her name. "
" Do not! " Ron snapped back at him.
" Willow…." Harry whispered towards him. Ron smiled and turned a darker shade of red. " See, there it is again…you fancy her don't you? " Harry grinned, as Ron remained silent. " Don't worry Ron, I wont tell her. " Letting out a soft laugh they pushed through the entrance to the pitch. A few others were up in the air and Harry smiled at them. Mounting his broom he watched as Ron took a seat with Zoltan in the stands.
Taking a deep breath Harry kicked off the ground and took a slow lap around the pitch. The air was crisp and lovely, and the sun shone brightly on the grass below him. Giving a quick nod hello to Cho and Sabrina, he rounded quickly and headed towards the far end of the pitch. There was another figure doing a few lazy eights, and Harry strained his eyes to see who it was. Halting to a stop Harry felt his stomach tighten. Hermione sat smiling on a broom with Striders arms tightly around her. She was laughing and talking wildly, and Harry felt his heart burst into flames.
" Why did she lie to me? " Harry thought, slowly flying back towards the ground. He eyed her intently as Strider fixed his grip around her. Another wave of emotions hit him, and with his head hung low in disappointment he sauntered over to Ron and Zoltan.
" What's wrong Harry? You look like your hopes and dreams were just shattered in an instant. " Ron questioned at his friend.
" Hermione…she's up there flying with Strider, she lied to me about not feeling well. She just wanted to spend time with him. " Giving a slight shake of his head Harry looked over at Ron and Zoltan.
" Ahh, so I see the jealousy is still brewing fiercely inside of you Harry…" Zoltan grinned and looked down at his book.
Harry sat rigid in his seat. " You know Zoltan, every time your around lately that's the only thing you say to me. How Im jealous…what are you getting at? " Harry asked, his heart pumping furiously in his chest.
" You are rather blind aren't you Harry…" choking back a laugh, Zoltan sighed. " You love her don't you Harry? And seeing her with another guy has driven you towards insanity…that's why you're so bitter lately. You don't want to see Hermione with anyone else, but your too naïve to admit your own feelings. " Closing his book quickly Zoltan rose from his seat. " Be honest with yourself Harry, you love her, and if you don't admit it soon, you may lose her forever. " Ron's mouth hung completely open as Zoltan jogged down the staircase and disappeared from the pitch.
Harry stood there a moment and let it all sink in. His face was red with anger and embarrassment, but taking a deep breath he calmed down.
" He doesn't know what he's talking about. " Harry spat at Ron who still remained unnervingly quiet. " He's talking crazy…Hermione is one of my best friends…and that's why Im worried for her. " he clenched his fists.
" Uh, Harry, uh…" Ron fidgeted in his seat at a loss for words. " I think we ought to go inside…" Ron stood up and headed towards the pitch exit.
Harry lowered his head and followed him. Stopping abruptly he looked back up at Hermione. She was still smiling and laughing, and Harry couldn't help but feel the pang in his heart again. Giving into his emotions Harry felt the warm tears well in his eyes. Pushing past Ron he ran towards the castle, his head swimming in utter confusion.
~~~~
The library was unusually full as Hailey entered with Maika. Pushing through a crowd of students they located a table to the far left corner and opened up their Charms books. Hailey sighed in frustration as she skimmed through the chapter.
" Im really not in the mood for homework, I have too much on my mind…" closing her book she leaned back in her chair with a smile.
Closing her book as well Maika grinned. " And that wouldn't happen to be George Weasley would it? " giving a short laugh, Maika leaned her elbows on the table. " So, when are you 'going on your date?' "
Feeling her ears turn a slight shade of pink Hailey smiled. " Well, I guess as soon as the Hogsmeade trip is planned…I hope it's soon. " feeling her heart thump Hailey giggled. " I feel like a little school girl when I think about him. "
" Well technically you are a little school girl…not really little, but you know what I mean. " Maika grinned and placed her head in the palm of her hand. " So, has dense Dana figured it out yet? " Maika gave a sarcastic laugh.
" No, I don't think so, but then again Im not sure if- " Hailey cut herself off as a group of Gryffindor girls walked over to her and Maika. Maika smiled at them and offered them seats. Hailey eyed them with curiosity.
The girl to the far right extended her hand. " Don't think we have met, Im Katie Bell, seventh year Gryffindor. " Hailey took her hand and shook it lightly as Katie tossed her dirty blonde hair over her shoulder.
" Im Hailey Sheridan…" Hailey looked at the other two girls with raised eyebrows. The one on the left smiled and gave her a nod.
" Angelina Johnson, same year, Gryffindor. Nice to meet you Hailey. " She grinned and elbowed the other girl in the side.
The girl in the middle gave a slight smile and pushed her black hair out of her face. She was tinier then the other two, but the serious look on her face caused Hailey to feel a bit uneasy.
" Alicia Spinett, Im a seventh year Gryffindor as well, and well according to my little messengers, Ive heard some things about you Hailey. " Angelina elbowed Alicia in the side again and Alicia winced. " Don't get me wrong, they are nice things, but they concern me…they concern me greatly. " Alicia sighed and pushed herself into the table more, lowering her voice to a whisper. " Listen Hailey, I know that George and you have become close, so close in fact that you're all he's talked about lately. Basically Im here to make sure your good for him. "
Hailey sat back in her chair and gave Alicia a puzzled expression. " What do you mean?"
Alicia remained silent for a moment until Katie softly hit her in the shoulder. " Tell her 'Licia…" Katie whispered in a serious tone.
Alicia sighed and closed her eyes. " George and I are practically best friends. We have known each other for so long, and I just want him to be safe…I want him to be happy. Yet, the last time he was with someone she broke his heart, and I will be damned if I see that happen again…understand? " Studying Hailey intently Alicia shook her head, " Im sorry if I come off sounding a bit rude, but I just care a lot about him, and I don't want to see him hurt again. He means more to me then anyone will ever know, and I swore that if anything happened to him again I would be the one to fix it…if that makes any sense to you. "
Hailey nodded slowly and swallowed the lump that had formed in her throat. " No, I understand…I really do like him Alicia, I promise I wont hurt him. "
" Good, then we wont have anything to worry about. " giving a smile she rose from the table. Nodding a goodbye to Maika, Alicia turned around and began to walk away. Angelina and Katie shook their heads slowly.
" Sorry about that, Alicia really isn't a bad person, she just…well…George and her are very close. " Katie sighed and followed after Alicia. Angelina gave Maika a slight pat on the shoulder and caught up with Katie.
Maika waited until they were out the door before she turned back to Hailey. Hailey breathed out a sigh of relief and gave Maika a worried look. " What was that all about? " Hailey questioned.
" Alicia…she still has it bad…" Maika shook her head and sighed. " George and Alicia dated for hmm…lets see, I think it was almost two years. " Maika brought her finger to her lips and thought. Hailey sighed and waited impatiently, and finally after a few unbearable silent minutes Hailey smacked Maika in the arm.
" Would you finish the story! You're driving me mad! " Hailey grinned and sat back in her chair.
" Geez, sorry…well, they dated for two years or so, and well they were the talk of Hogwarts. Everyone assumed that they would be getting married after school was over. However things took a highly unexpected turn. Alicia, for some odd reason, had some sort of fling with another guy…and just to twist it in a bit more the guy was a Slytherin. Oh man things were so bad, George went on a rampage and beat the guy up. Alicia would cry for hours and hours and George would ignore her. He just snubbed her off. In fact during a quidditch game a bludger was heading straight for her, and he let it hit her. I think when she fell of the broom he realized he was wrong, and that people make mistakes. They talked, and then suddenly as if nothing had happened…Alicia broke things off with the Slytherin, and George and her made up. They decided to just remain friends…I think Alicia was scared she would hurt him again. " Maika shook her head. " This all went down last year; you should have seen Dana after it happened. I thought she was going to kill Alicia. All she would do was run around screaming insane things. Yelling out, how could she do that? How could she hurt him? Blah blah blah…all the usual Dana chatter…"
" So, you think Alicia still loves him? " Hailey asked nervously
Maika shrugged. " Actually Hail…Im not sure. They are still really close, I mean George and her are barely apart…at least when he's not with his brother or Lee. In my opinion I just think they are very close friends…but if you really want to know, why don't you ask Fred? Or Lee? Im sure one of them would have more answers then I do…"
Hailey nodded slowly and picked her bag up from the table. Her stomach churned a bit and she felt sick. " Hey Mai, Im going to head back to the common room…I'll catch up with you later. " Maika nodded understandingly and watched Hailey leave.
Once Hailey was gone Maika pounded her fist on the table. She was going to have a chat with George, and she was going to be certain that everything with Alicia was over. If it wasn't, or if he gave any suspicion that he still loved her…well, Maika wasn't sure what kind of punch she would use on his face.
~~~~
Aletta slowly opened her eyes and looked around her room. It was dark and quiet, and she really wasn't certain how long she had been sleeping for. A muffled noise sounded from the bathroom and Emmy appeared carrying a washcloth and a towel.
" Oh missy, Emmy is so glad you're awake. Are you feeling better? " Emmy scurried over to Aletta's bedside and placed her thin fingers on Aletta's forehead.
" Im fine Emmy, thank you for your concern…" Aletta sat up slowly and rolled up her sleeve. Her dark mark was still black and throbbed slightly but she brushed the pain aside. " Has Severus returned? I must speak with him immediately. " Aletta breathed out a sigh and swung her legs over the side of her bed.
" No missy, do you want Emmy to get him? I'll go, I will…" Emmy began to move towards the door but Aletta held out her hand.
" No Emmy, I'll go…I need to get up and walk around anyway. " Rising from her bed, Aletta pulled her robes back on and headed for the door. " Emmy, I will be back soon…why don't you settle down and take a break? " Aletta smiled at Emmy's excited reaction.
" Oh missy, your so good to Emmy, you are." Emmy ran over and gave Aletta a quick hug. " You be careful, and come back soon…" Emmy backed up and let Aletta move to the door.
Closing the door behind her Aletta leaned against the wall. Where would she begin, and what was she ready to say. It was certain that Severus would question her intently, and she was frightened of what her answers may lead to. Taking in a deep breath she moved towards his door. Hesitating for only a moment she knocked softly and waited. A groan was heard from behind the door and soon it opened. Severus stood there looking a bit disheveled.
" Did I catch you at a bad time Severus? " Aletta ached her eyebrow and pushed passed him. Upon entering his room she noticed the sheer lack of light. His room was dark and cold, and if she wasn't mistaken everything was furnished in a dismal black.
" Did I invite you inside? No I did not…Im glad to see however that your back to your pushy self. " Severus curtly spat back at her.
" Nice décor Severus, remind me never to hire you as my interior designer…" she choked back a laugh and settled down in an armchair.
" How are you feeling Aletta? " Severus closed the door and moved over to an adjacent chair.
" As well as one can expect…although my arm is still burning slightly. " She winced at the dull pain on her arm.
" So they have begun to call you back, this isn't good Aletta…if you don't show they will become suspicious. " his eyes narrowed as he looked at her.
" Thank you for your insightful bit of advice…" she shook her head. " Do you think I don't know that? For Merlins sake, we have both dealt with this before, and to be honest I am prepared to do anything. I told you already, I am not involved with them anymore, and I would rather die then put up with the Dark Lord and his attempts to take over the world. He does not control me anymore Severus, and you of all people should understand that." Looking down at her hands Aletta closed her eyes. " Although the temptation is still hard to overcome…"
Severus sat in the chair and nodded slightly. " I understand Aletta, but we must remain strong. If the Dark Lord is preparing for attack, then we must be ready…we must keep alert as to what is going on. "
Aletta sighed and opened her eyes. Looking up at Severus she could see the utter concern in his face. For a moment she wanted to embrace him, and forget everything that had happened between them, but her mind told her not too. It would only complicate things more, and she was not one to be lost in trivial complications.
" Everything will be fine Aletta, I can assure you that in my presence I will not let anything happen to you. I swear on it…" Severus sighed and stood from his chair. Moving over to her slowly he bent down in front of her. His eyes bore into hers with emotion she had never seen, and it scared her. She didn't want it to happen again…she wasn't ready, the past still lingered in her mind, and she didn't so easily forget. " Aletta, I…I am not the man I used to be, and I apologize for everything that happened between us. I cant stand here any longer and swallow what I still feel when I see you. "
Aletta closed her eyes and bit her tongue. " This isn't right, and you know it…" Standing from the chair she quickly rushed to the door. Pausing for a moment she rested her hand on the doorknob. Softly without turning around she whispered. " It isn't easy for me either Severus…to sit here with you and not be with you kills me, but I cant allow myself to fall weak at your feet again, I wont let it happen…." Opening the door, two bodies flailed forward and tumbled to the floor.
Rex and Mackenzie laid sprawled out in a tangled fashion. Mackenzie turned red with embarrassment and Rex smiled weakly.
" We were just…um…yes, how are you Aletta?" Rex asked from the floor.
Stepping over him quickly Aletta turned from the room and headed down the dungeon hall. Rex and Mackenzie quickly sprung to their feet and looked apologetically at Severus.
" Im sorry Severus, we were just curious…we saw Aletta go into your room and we wanted to make sure…" Mackenzie began, until she was cut off by Snapes hand. He walked towards them slowly and backed them out of the doorway. He stood there for a moment and stared at them.
" Severus, Im sorry I really am…I just get these pangs of curiosity and I…" But Rex was cut short as Snape slammed the door in his face again.
Mackenzie turned to Rex and smacked him across the back of the head. " Good going genius…now he will never tell us…" Turning away quickly Mackenzie headed down the hall after Aletta softly mocking Rex. " Don't worry Mack, we will just push our ears against the door…they will never know we are there…"
Rex rubbed the back of his head and sighed. " Bloody woman…"
~~~~
" Let me see that…" Macaroni spat grabbing the picture out of Meri's hand. " Well I'll be…I cant believe it…"
" I know…wait…look at this one…" Meri cried in laughter and pulled another photo from her bag. " He looks so nervous…" wiping the tears from her eyes she sat back in the couch and grabbed her side in laughter.
" I never thought, not in a million years would I ever see him look like this…." After a moment Mac finally let the images sink in and broke into her own fit of laughter. " This is priceless…where is Alanna…." Mac snorted slightly which caused Americus to laugh even harder.
" Hey, what are you two looking at? " Ginger jumped off the last few steps from the dormitories and walked over.
" The funniest thing I have ever witnessed…." Mac held the pictures out to Ginger.
Grabbing the picture carefully she brought it too her face and studied it. " Is that Draco? And Alanna? Why does he look like he is going to vomit? " Ginger looked quizzically at the two girls who were curled into hysterics.
" He took her flying…and I decided to spy on them…I think…I think…" taking a deep breath Meri continued, " I think he likes her, and he was actually nervous…imagine that…Draco Malfoy nervous! "
Studying the pictures a bit more Ginger finally felt a smile tug at her lips, and soon she too was laughing madly. After all, it wasn't every day that Draco Malfoy was nervous…especially around girls. The common room door swung open and Alanna walked in looking a bit wind blown. At the sight of her the three girls laughed harder and Ginger found herself sinking to the floor. A moment later the door opened again and Draco sauntered in. A slight smirk was on his face, but when he saw the girls he frowned.
" What's so humorous? " He asked, walking past Alanna and over to the couch. Ginger weakly held up the photos in laughter and handed it to him. Draco snatched it quickly from her and felt his eyes widen as he looked at it. " Who took these? " he demanded, shoving them deep into his pocket. " Who thinks they have the right to spy on me? " He took a step closer to the girls and scowled. " Tell me now, before I become very upset. "
" Draco, calm down…let me see the pictures. " Alanna rested her hand softly on his shoulder, which caused the girls to laugh even harder.
" Stupid girls…you're all so immature…" feeling his face turn a shade of red he stormed up the stairs and headed for the dormitory.
Alanna watched him go and with a look of curiosity she turned back to the three girls who had begun to calm a bit. " What was that all about? " she asked.
" How was your flying date with Draco? " Americus asked innocently.
" Fine, but it wasn't a date…we were just hanging around…as friends. " Alanna blushed and pushed her hair out of her face. " Im going to go take a nap. If Amira comes back soon tell her where I am, I need to talk with her. " Looking down at her feet she headed up to the girls dormitory. Once she had disappeared upstairs Americus opened her bag again. Grinning evilly she pulled out a stack of pictures.
" Gee, Im glad I made doubles for everyone…" passing them to both girls they fell into another fit of laughter.
~~~~
" Noise…god I hate noise…" Josh thought as he sat down at the Hufflepuff table. The Great Hall was annoyingly loud, and with a roll of his eye he reached for a piece of chicken. A few of the girls next to him were busy talking about a plot to get back at some Ravenclaw boys, and Josh shook his head. " Pathetic…" he muttered under his breath.
" If looks could kill Josh we would all be dead. " Amira chuckled as she walked past him and over to the Slytherin table. Josh grinned as he watched her retreating back.
" Hey Joshy…" Rose smiled and batted her eyelashes from across the table, " You ok? You seem a bit distracted…"
" Im fine Rose…" he mumbled with a shake of his head.
Grabbing a mug of butterbeer he placed his lips to the mug and sipped slowly. The warmth of the liquid filled his mouth and he sighed. If only he could get away from it all...if only he could take Amira with him. Closing his eyes for a moment he smiled mentally. A hush broke out over the hall and he opened his eyes to see what had happened.
Dumbledore was now standing at the head table with an unusual look of seriousness. He was silent at first, which caused some students to become uneasy. For silence in the Great Hall usually meant trouble, and no one liked trouble. Josh looked over at Amira who shrugged back to him. She motioned her head towards the opposite end of the Slytherin table and he looked. A few of the girls were whispering furiously. He looked back at Amira and she mouthed.
" I have no idea what's going on…" and Josh nodded back to her. He was a bit disappointed, usually Amira knew everything before it happened. Turning in his seat he looked up at Dumbledore as the elderly man cleared his throat.
" It has come to my attention students that Lord Voldemort, " Many students cringed at his name, " Has indeed returned to full power. " The hall broke out into roar of chatter and Dumbledore held his hands in the air to silence them. " With that in mind, I would like to inform you of our plans here at Hogwarts. We, the teachers and myself, have ordered a lock down on the school. This means that no one can come in, and most certainly no one will be going out. All trips to Hogsmeade have been canceled, but I will allow for quidditch. No one will be permitted to leave for the holidays, and until we can be completely assured of your safety you will remain here at school. " Dumbeldore quieted for a moment while the students looked around with worry. " As your headmaster, my first priority is your safety, therefore any owls that you might send home to your families will be read and reviewed by the head of your house. Any letter sent without authorization will result in punishment. We wish to keep everything here as safe as possible, so if you feel any worries or concern please do not hesitate to come speak with me. My door is always open, and I would be happy to give answers to any sort of question that might be brewing in your inquisitive minds. " There was a long hushed pause in his speech, and Josh felt an uneasy emotion inside of him. " I am sorry to inform you of such horrid news children, but I promise to keep you updated as much as I can. "
The hall was frighteningly quiet, and the faces of every student were clearly readable. They were all scared. Scared of what might happen, and scared of what was to eventually come. A dull groan sounded from the Gryffindor table and Josh tore his eyes away from Dumbledore. Harry was swaying at the table and clutching his head in an evident pain. Professor McGonagall rose immediately and rushed over to his side. Ron had placed his hands on Harry's shoulder to steady him, but it wasn't much help. Just as McGonagall reached Harry, he groaned louder and fell back into her arms.
Oh my, it's done!!!! I finally got this thing updated!! YAY!!!!! I really really hope you enjoyed this chapter, cause it took me forever to get it done. I was so busy with things, plus the fact that I was sick didn't really help much. Thank you all so much for your patience.
A few things in this chapter must be mentioned. First off, I tried to get as many people in as possible. Im sorry if your character wasn't mentioned, but like I said before, it is very hard to include everyone without having the chapter drag out. Second, the Alicia storyline was taken partially from an RPG website that I participated in. I tweaked a few things to make it different, but the idea remains to the owners of the characters on that website. Third, I am currently looking for someone to aid me in the MacBeth play. I need a cast list emailed to me, so if you could send one I would greatly appreciate it. If you have any questions or concerns please email me. Thanks everyone, and please review when you finish here.