By: Gemin16
Chapter 10: Reality Check 2
A/N: Hehe. I'm glad ya guys enjoyed that faulty chapter. It was a very last minute thing inspired by a cupcake. ( yes the authoress is a weirdo) Oh well, I was actually thinking about updating a week from now but I decided to be generous. Hehe.
Kitrina: Please you updated early because you wanted their reaction because in this chapter the- (Gemin16 covers her mouth)
Gemin16: Now, now Kitrina, you can't go and ruin the chapter. Let them read it for themselves.
Special Thanks to:
Xodox: What I meant was that every story has a different ending and beginning so Hermione doesn't know how this story will end. Was that clear? I hope so.
Ferggirl99: Isn't Orlando cute? God I love him, he's on the back of my TV class notebook.
Gemin16: Kitrina what are you doing? HEY BRING BACK MY TV NOTEBOOK
Okay back to the review. As for Kitrina (besides the fact that she's a very dead fox unless she returns my notebook!) well I guess cause she's part fox it would be natural for her to get into trouble but I would worry more about Kalvin. Look what he's getting himself into. And as for Ron, I'm glad you think I'm not making him be too OOC but in this chapter I think it contains more than the average dose. This chapter is by far the hardest to write. (Thinks of the many hours of writing the scenes instead of working on her essay that's due in five days O.O)
Gillian: LOL, well if you ask nicely he might tell you but instead I think it would be better for you just to read this chapter.
Clark Ariola: OH THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU. I would have sent this to chapter to you but I got ur review a minute before I updated but I try and remember to send the next one to you.
Tigerz_Angel: Yes he is but what can be going on in that head of his?
Pansy Potter: HMMM, the question is. Can I wait that long? LOL, J/K
Adnap Nottap: I WAS WONDERING WHO WOULD BE THE FIRST TO FIGURE IT OUT! At first I was thinking of asking everyone that question but I wanted to see if any one would figure it out after chapter nine. I commend you on being the first to figure it out and like I said before, I have a very special ending for this story ^_~
Hehe, anywho. Well I hope this chapter fills your needs. I have to say your reviews are fun to read. As for Kitrina not joining the dance, well she had a feeling that Kalvin wouldn't join. Yes, I believe that those two would make the perfect couple and trust me they play an extremely important part in the story.
Any ways for those who read and not review, I thank you too. Enjoy this next chapter.
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"Oh wow, Hermione, it's so beautiful! Thank you!" Kitrina said hugging Hermione with one arm and holding the star blanket in the other.
"Your welcome." Hermione said.
Kitrina unfolded it and looked it over. "I'm having such a great day," she said dancing around the room.
Hermione lifted an eyebrow as she lay down on her bed. "Oh really?"
"Yep, I met the man of dreams, found a copy of my favorite book, and got to turn Crookshanks green. I couldn't ask for anything else." Well a gift from Kalvin wouldn't hurt, she thought to herself innocently (or as innocent as Kitrina could think^_~).
"That's good to hear."
Kitrina jumped on top of the bed and looked Hermione straight in the eye. "Spill it, Deary."
"Spill what?"
"For one, your definitely not yourself. So tell me what happened?"
Hermione looked at Kitrina, who was most likely her closest girl friend that she had ever had. And to think that all she might be, she thought, is a character in a stupid storybook.
Finally succumbing to the events of the day, Hermione grabbed Kitrina in a hug and cried.
*
The next morning Kitrina woke up earlier than usual, making sure that Hermione was still asleep. Stretching in her vixen body, she looked at the slumbering teenager.
Poor thing, she cried herself to sleep, she thought to herself as she transformed and got dressed in some different robes. Crookshanks popped his head out from under the covers and looked at Kitrina.
"Meow."
"Just keep an eye on her until she wakes up, okay? I'm going to find a certain redhead and make sure he does something about it."
***
"You're a tad bit late on that idea," Ron told Kitrina as he put on his boots, outside his home. He was wearing his adventure attire instead of the festival robes. Kitrina was actually surprised that he was up at the crack of dawn.
"What happened?"
Ron shrugged as he grabbed a knife from a box sitting at the edge of a shelf, causing it to crash down.
"WILL YOU KEEP DOWN T HAT INFERNAL RACKET! IT'S SIX THIRTY IN THE BLOODY MORNING!"
Ron rolled his eyes. "It's time for you to wake up anyway, Fred!" He looked at Kitrina. "She got her future told and when she came out she seemed upset."
Kitrina thought. "I tried asking her but she refused, saying that no one would understand." She rubbed her ear in a habitual manner. "What are you two going to do today?"
"Well as you can see I'm properly dressed for an outing in the woods, so that's exactly where I'm going to take her. The archery contest is coming up and I need to gather materials to make my arrows. It's a two person job and takes all day to find the right things." He grinned cockily at Kitrina.
She smiled. "You actually thought of a plan that might actually work. I'm so proud of you."
Ron glared at her. "If it wasn't for the fact that I'm out of arsenal, you'd regret that statement."
Kitrina reached to ruffle his red mop of hair. But since Ron was a good foot and half taller than her, she smack him hard on the back instead knocking him forward. "Just make her feel better, okay, Arrow-boy?"
He smiled." I promise I'll do everything I can."
***
Hermione awoke feeling slightly groggy but a little refreshed. It felt good to cry some of her sorrow away nut when she took a look around her room; a sudden wave of sadness filled her heart. I'm just in a book.
After getting out of bed and dressing she noticed a note sitting on top of her desk.
Decided to leave early, see you tonight.
Ciao,
Kitrina
"Looks like she went out to enjoy herself," Hermione mumbled to herself. She was about to do her hair when she heard a bump at her window. She turned around to see Pig ramming himself into the glass.
Hermione sighed as she opened the window. "Come on in, you. Even if you are just a character I can't stand seeing you ram into my window for the next five minutes." Pulling the minute owl inside she let him fly around her room for a while until he finally landed (ran into actually) her arm. He hooted at her, showing Hermione his leg. She saw the note on it and removed it.
'Mione,
Meet me at Hagrid's as soon as you can. I need you to help me with something in the woods.
Ron
P.S. Hope you don't mind sandwiches for dinner
Ron.
Obviously if everyone else in the city was just a character in a book, then so was he. Hermione felt her heart sink lower into the abyss that was created by her sadness. Why was her life consumed of nothing but books?
Pig shook his head as he felt rain from above.
***
Ron stood by Hagrid's empty shack as he waited for Hermione. The clock rang ten times as he wiped his forehead. "I knew I should have sent Eriol instead of Pig. I sent him around seven, so Hermione should be getting here within the hour then." He sighed. "Why didn't I just tell her yesterday during dinner?"
He looked at the large sack of food his mother made for him, containing a dozen sandwiches, some fruit, juice, and water. Just enough so that they could spend the whole day there without going hungry. He looked up at the sky. He hoped that he could make her feel better, and he would do anything that he could to help her.
Hermione.
He heard someone walking up the hill and towards him and looked up. It was Hermione.
He smiled. "So it looks like Pig made it within two hours of sending the note to you after all. He must be getting better."
"He is." Ron frowned. Her voice sounded so lifeless just then, soft and forced. Not audible and confident like usual.
"Hermione-?"
She looked at him, her eyes were dull and dark. Ron adverted his look to miss the pain that was being admitted from the brown eyes. He picked up his gear and turned to the forest. "Ready to go? I got lunch and dinner taken care of so we won't be back till nightfall."
"Yeah."
They started their walk with Hermione trailing right behind Ron. From in front, Ron could see that she was walking with her head down. He frowned. If he didn't find out what was wrong with her then it would be her end.
"Where and what are we doing anyway?"
Ron pointed to his bow. "The archery contest is in two days. Since it's a nice day out, I decided that it would be a perfect time to gather wood to make the arrows. I'll need at least five dozen."
"Then why bring me along?"
"Well I need someone to help me make them and I thought that you might like the outing in the woods. All the competitions start tomorrow and I need someone to help me practice."
He turned around and smiled at her. She looked up and gave him a weak smile back.
***
"I hope Ron can cheer Hermione up," Kitrina said to herself as she walked along the festival grounds. She looked around hoping to see a glimpse of Kalvin anywhere. After having a long conversation about reading, Kitrina had asked if they could meet again. Agreeing, Kalvin said that he would be at the Leaky Cauldron around ten.
"What are you up to, little vixen?" Kitrina looked up to see Sirius looking down at her. He was holding a package in his hand.
Kitrina smiled. "Oh I'm just about to meet someone. What brings you around here?"
Sirius held up the package. "Harry's birthday is coming up soon. Found an early present for him."
"I'll have to make a memo of that. Care to come with me? I'm going to the Leaky Cauldron."
"Sure." Kitrina told Sirius of her plans for the day and Sirius told her about what was happening around town. It was her first Yule festival after fifty years of slumber. As they entered the pub, another man came walking out. He ran into Kitrina almost knocking her down.
"Hey watch where you're walking!" The man kept walking away. "HEY I'M TALKING TO YOU!"
Sirius put his hand on top of her head. "It wouldn't be good to get mad over someone who won't change their ways, little one. I've learned that the hard way."
Kitrina sighed. "All right. I'm not little by the way!" She looked over at the crowd and spotted Kalvin. She waved at him as a woman passed by them, mumbling an "excuse me". Kalvin nodded his head in return and Kitrina turned to Sirius but was surprised by his expression. He looked completely in shock.
"Sirius?"
"Rosaline?" He snapped out of his expression and smiled at her. "I'll see you for lunch, vixen." He hurried out the door.
Kitrina scratched her head as she walked towards Kalvin. "Wonder what that was all about?" She waved hi again as she sat down. "So what's the plan for today?"
Kalvin took a sip of his drink. "I suppose we can walk around." He had just gotten finished talking with Nott about another business proposal. Agreeing to it, he sent Lady after him to keep an eye after Voldemort's henchman.
"Okay!" Kalvin looked at Kitrina. He was utterly amazed by her cheerfulness. Just a moment ago she was raving mad and then she was back to perky again. She was nothing but a mystery to him; always smiling, laughing and following him around. Why? What could someone as bright and vivacious as her want to hang around someone as dark and secluded as him?
He stood up, and having already paying for his drink he motioned for Kitrina to follow him. Maybe there was something to her that he could figure out. "So why didn't you join the Dance of Eyes?" he asked as they walked along the street.
She shrugged with a grin on her face. "I'm a horrible dancer."
"Funny considering the dance has nothing to do with how well you dance."
Kitrina giggled. "Well then I guess I'll tell you once you tell me a little about yourself."
Kalvin shrugged. "What's there for me to tell?"
Kitrina thought for a moment. "Um, well where's your family?"
"Dead."
Kitrina looked down. "I'm sorry."
"What's there to be sorry about? What's done is done." He suddenly stopped as he felt his arm being pulled down. He looked at the girl, who was staring at him angrily.
"Why are you saying that for!? Aren't you sad that they're gone? Don't you miss them at all?"
Miss them? Kalvin thought. I barely knew my mother, and my father wasn't much of a parental figure. Hell, Lady took care of me from the time I could remember. "No, and I don't care either. How would you understand?" He turned to walk away but Kitrina yanked on his arm harder. Kalvin looked back down at her prepared to give her an annoyed look but instead was surprised at her reaction.
She was crying.
Shocked and confused all he could so was look at her. Angry tears ran down Kitrina's face as she stared up at him. "I understand perfectly! I miss my family every single day of my life!" Master. Yurah. Emerys. How could I not forget or stop caring about them?
Kalvin watched as more tears fell. "How could you not care? They're your family! They love you no matter who you are or what you did!"
Why would she care so much? Kalvin thought to himself.
Who was she?
***
"So how am I supposed to do this again?"
"Like this," Ron said taking the branch from Hermione and once again showing her how to shape it into a thin aerodynamic stick, also known as an arrow. It was already after lunch and they were both sitting in a large clearing with hundreds of branches around them. "Got it now?"
Hermione took it from him and used her knife to scrap wood off like he did. Ron smiled. "That's the way. You're a fast learner, Hermione. Took Ginny three weeks to get the gist of it."
"Thank you, but couldn't you just use a spell to shape them for you?"
Ron shook his head as he checked over his fire. He laid an arrow edge into the fire to harden the sharpened ends. "Can't. Rule number one of the archery tournament is no magic whatsoever, neither to shoot the arrows nor to make them. They even use a spell to make sure no magic has been tinted on them. That's why it takes so long to make enough arrows for it. I've run out of them in the past and each year after that I make sure I have enough to last me for all three parts of the competition."
Hermione looked up. "Three parts?"
Ron nodded. "The first half deals with stable targets. Whoever gets within the required limit gets into the next round. The second round deals with moving targets all over, whoever hits the most within a certain time limit moves on to the final round. The final round consists of an obstacle course dealing with moving and stable targets."
"How far have you made it?"
"To the third round but I usually end up losing. The farthest I've ever made is third place."
Hermione kept on scraping the wood. Third place, huh? Ron was good, that was a true fact. She couldn't think of too many people who could score a target like him especially in extremely stressful circumstances. Hermione snorted. No wonder he's so good, she thought to herself. The author would want him to be that good.
Characters always fit the image that the creator wanted. So it was natural that Ron be that good.
That Harry would be so brave.
That Kitrina be so cheerful and optimistic.
That Ginny and Lisa would be such good friends for her.
That this world would be so perfect for Hermione.
Just like a storybook.
Ron tested the edge of a newly burnt arrow. "Perfect." He counted the number that they had, just a little over three-dozen. Just a few dozen more to go and he would be all set and ready. He looked at the sun. It was around three o'clock so they had plenty of time.
"Hey, Mione, want a lesson in archery?"
Hermione looked up from her brooding to see Ron twirling an arrow and holding his bow. Might as well play along. She nodded. "Sure." She put down her craft and went over to Ron.
She's brooding again, Ron thought to himself. He planned on talking to her as they headed home but he didn't know exactly how top approach her on it. He knew that if he didn't talk to her about it, Kitrina would have his hide. Not only that but Hermione would be sad. He had to admit that she looked a lot prettier when she was smiling and laughing.
He shook his head and looked at her. "All right. First you get the proper grip on the bow. Like this." He showed her and then picked up an arrow. "Then you raise it in coordination with your eye level and pull back till the edge of the arrow is parallel to your eye. Keep both eyes open and your hand steady. You point at your target," he pointed his bow at a tree trunk," and fire."
He let go letting the arrow zip through the air and land in the tree with a THUNK dead center. He turned top Hermione and handed her the bow and another arrow. "Now it's your turn."
Hermione took the bow and held it in her hands. Ron nodded his approval so then she took the arrow and placed it in the same position like he did. "Like this?" she asked him.
He shook his head. "No you're not pulling it back hard enough. Here let me help you." He placed his hands over hers and helped her pull back the arrow. They were both standing side by side, so close to each other. Hermione could feel the heat from his body, the smell of his clothes, the touch of his fingers wrapped around hers.
It felt so real.
Somewhere in the back of her mind she heard Ron tell her to let go. She did and the arrow fell a foot below where his landed. He told her not bad.
But it wasn't real.
It was just a story.
Just a story.
A story.
The perfect guy, the perfect friends, the perfect environment. All in a quaint little package called a storybook.
Ron examined the arrow. "Not bad, Hermione. Why don't you try again?" He turned to look at her and saw her with her face down. "Hermione?" He walked up to her and saw drops falling from her face. "Hermione, what's wrong?"
"Nothing," she said.
Bloody Hell nothings wrong, Ron thought to himself. He lifted her face up to see tears covering her face. "Hermione, tell me what's wrong."
Hermione removed his face from his grasp. "You wouldn't understand, Ron. You can't possibly understand."
Ron looked at her strait in the face. "Try me."
"It's a story," Hermione said looking at him. "It's nothing but a story!" She threw herself at Ron and started crying harder than ever. Not knowing what else to do, Ron held her close and let her cry. He thought for a moment. Just like a storybook? What did she mean?
He pulled her away for a moment. "Hermione, explain. Please. It'll help me help you." He wiped some tears from her face.
"You're all nothing but characters apart of a story. A story that I found in a library and brought home to read. I opened it and I somehow found myself in this world. You see it's a story. It's not real, it's not reality. It's too perfect to be real. Ginny, Harry, Remus, Sirius, Dumbledore, McGonagall, Linali, Kitrina, you……." She trailed off letting more tears fall.
So that's what been bothering her all this time, Ron thought to himself. "Hermione."
"Don't you see, Ron? You're nothing but a dream and realizing this just hurts so much. More than you could possibly understand."
"Hermione, I think you're wrong." She looked up at him.
"What do you mean?"
He smiled weakly at her. "If I'm correct, a dream is something that you experience like reality but in a dream you can't get hurt. And between all the adventures that we've shared, we've both gotten hurt too many times to know that this is no where near a dream. The injuries that you got, didn't you feel pain?"
Pain?
Hermione's eyes widened. That's right. All those times. The cut on her leg when she first arrived, the incident at Gringotts, the attack at the Three Broomsticks, the attack of the Dart birds, and the labyrinth of the pixies and fairies. She had felt some pain in all those incidents. They all had.
So did that mean it was real?
She stared at Ron, who was looking back at her with a smile. As more tears fell she felt him wipe them away. "You also have to remember that you're in a world full of magic, Mione. Anything is possible."
Hermione felt her grip on his clothes grow tighter as he leaned in on her, bringing their faces closer together. She closed her eyes as their lips connected and leaned into his figure letting, closing the gap between them. His lips were warm and soft and the way he held her made her feel as if nothing could ever hurt her again.
Until that day, Hermione had never felt more real