Hello everyone. Thanks so much to everyone who who reviewed! It really made
my day! This part is pretty average in length based on the other
chapters... as always, Harry Potter and Co. belongs to JK Rowling, while
Samantha belongs to me. To those of you following my X-Files story
"Sleeping Scully"... expect the next (and last!) chapter sometime tomorrow!
It's done and ready to be posted!
2-16-03: had to make some major changes... OK not major but I had to change some things so I took it off the site and I'm putting it back up... well right now!
I want to dedicate this part to two very special little girls, Catherine and Liz. We spent ninety minutes discussing the finer points of Harry Potter including why Hermione and Ron would be a "bad connection" ("It's like with magnets... you know how south and south poles can't touch!?) and why if one of the main characters in the next book dies, I'll be heartbroken and go through several boxes to tissues! This is for you, my little magnets, from your big magnet.
* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *
Anything but Ordinary, Part 4
* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *
Part 4
"Good, Amy. You see, it's just a simple and subtle swish and flick," Samantha flicked her wand. The eleven-year-old, first year students mimicked her, trying to be graceful and not awkward. "Remember, don't hold your wand like a beater bat, hold it lightly, and you'll do just fine. Next class, we'll try making something fly. See you all tomorrow," she smiled.
The students began picking up their books and filing out of the class. Samantha moved around her desk and sat down, placing a pair of small-framed glasses on her nose. The room was silent as she dipped her quill in her ink well and began scrawling notes on a sheet of parchment. As she became wrapped up in her notes, she did not notice the floating object in her room.
Samantha stood and left her glasses lying on her desk as she began to leave. As she made her way across the room, she saw a single deep orange rose floating in the air. She plucked it out of the air and inhaled it deeply. Into the room floated a small piece of parchment. She unfolded it and read it to herself: I am completely fascinated with you. You have enchanted my mind and I much desire to see you again. I shall be staying at Hogwarts by the request of the Headmaster for the coming weeks. I hope to "run into you" again soon. Until we meet again, ~Sirius Black
Samantha could not help but be flattered. She tucked the note in her robes and carried the rose with her to the dining hall. She approached the head table and sat down beside Remus Lupin. "Good evening, Professor Granger."
"Hello Professor Lupin," Samantha replied. She laid the single rose beside her plate.
"Either you have raided Professor Dumbledore's rose garden, or you have an admirer," he laughed.
"I do believe it is the latter of the two," Samantha informed him.
Remus took a sip from his goblet as Samantha began to help herself to some food. "Would it be too forward to ask who this admirer might be?"
Samantha shook her head as she ate her supper. "No, actually I do believe you know him. It's Sirius Black. I met him yesterday in Hogsmeade with Harry Potter and Hermione Granger," she explained.
Remus nearly choked on his chicken. "Are you serious?"
"No, he is," she joked.
"Ahh, well I guess Sirius is up to his old tricks. In our days at Hogwarts, Sirius was quite the lady's man," Remus explained. Samantha was listening quite intently, but smiling none the less. "A girl from every house, from every year."
"Are you trying to give me a complex?" Sirius shouted, as he entered from the back of the hall. "Making me look bad, Moony?!"
"Good to see you, Padfoot," Remus said, standing and embracing his longtime friend. "I heard you were roaming around."
"Yes, and I hear you're spreading false rumors about me to our professors," Sirius sat next to Remus and looked beyond him to grin at Samantha.
"Rumors yes," Remus said, "false, oh no."
"Pay no attention to the man you are seated next to, Samantha."
"Oh no, I like a good story," Samantha told him, resting her chin in her hand, ready to listen to more. Remus turned to her and began talking as Harry and Hermione approached the table.
"What happened last night?" Harry asked Sirius.
"I don't think this is the time or place to discuss it," Sirius said as he began to fill his plate.
"Well are you going to be staying at Hogwarts?" Harry asked. Hermione nodded, wanting to know as well.
"For a little while," Sirius answered.
"So it is bad?" Hermione asked.
"I will explain everything to you when the time is right," Sirius told them.
"Where is Ron this evening?" Samantha asked.
"Serving detention with Draco somewhere in the castle. I heard they had to clean all the floors on the second floor with toothbrushes," Hermione told her.
"Sounds like something Filch would do," Remus said.
"Yeah, remember what he did to the four of us, Moony, in our fifth year?"
"Didn't give us toothbrushes which had enchanted bristles that kept shrinking? We must have gone through about five hundred toothbrushes that night," Remus said, remembering his times in detention with his fellow Marauders.
"Good times, mate," Sirius said, dramatically shaking Remus's hand.
"Right well, we're off to the library," Hermione said.
"Yeah," Harry said, sounding depressed. He jogged to keep up with Hermione as she gathered her books and headed out of the hall.
"I'm going to go as well. I have some lessons to plan. It was nice talking with both of you," Samantha said, as she got up from the table and headed out the back door of the Great Hall.
"Are you sure it's wise to tell them what's going on?" Remus asked Sirius.
"It involves Harry, don't you think he has a right to know?"
"Yes, but does Dumbledore feel the same way?"
Sirius shrugged and took a bite of chicken. "Harry's life may still be in danger. I think he has a right to know."
Remus nodded in agreement. "What about Miss Granger?" He asked, as Sirius watched her leave
Sirius sighed and smiled. "What about her?"
"She's a very lovely and nice young woman. Don't do something stupid," Remus warned.
"You make it sound like I'm going to corrupt her or something," Sirius said, feigning offence. "I just met her yesterday, but there's just something about her, Moony."
Remus smiled and shook his head, "It's good to have you back, Padfoot."
* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *
Around ten that evening, the portrait leading into Harry and Hermione's common room swung open. Harry and Hermione turned their heads away from their chess game to see Ron stumbling in. With Dumbledore's permission, Ron had been allowed to have the password because he was such good friends with the head boy and girl. Ron looked exhausted as he wandered over to the couch and collapsed upon it. "I swear, I will never torture Malfoy again where I might get caught," he promised.
"What did Filch make you do?" Hermione asked, after she commanded one of her Bishop's next move.
"We had to clean all the fourth floor floors," he moaned. "With toothbrushes," he added tiredly.
"And they had bristles that disappeared?" Harry asked, focusing on his chess game.
"How did you know?" Ron yawned.
"We ran into Sirius earlier. He told us about his adventures in floor cleaning. Do you want to see my Divination homework?" Harry asked, looking at his friend.
"That would be wonderful, mate," Ron said, as he stood and shuffled back to the portrait hole. "I'm going to Gryffindor. Good night, you two."
"'Night Ron," they both called.
"Queen to H-4," Harry said quietly.
"Why are you whispering?" Hermione asked, laughing.
"Shh, I'm concentrating," Harry insisted as he watched his queen take her last Bishop.
"I'm not good at this," she insisted.
"Why do you think I like playing against you?" Harry laughed.
Hermione studied the board and bit her bottom lip in concentration. Harry watched her and smiled to himself. 'Just like Hermione to take a game seriously. She's so cute when she chews on her lip like that,' he thought to himself. His eyes widened as he realized what he was thinking. He was surprised that he felt that way, but surprised that it had taken so long to consciously realize it.
"Castle to G-6," she said hesitantly. Her Castle fell and crushed one of his Pawns.
"Oh, that was a mistake," Harry said triumphantly. "Queen to F-5," he commanded.
The Queen moved and made the kill, giving Harry the win. Hermione rolled her eyes and stood. "That was fun, Harry. Thanks," she said sincerely.
"Anytime," he said. He couldn't think of anything to say, all of a sudden. He said the first thing that came to mind. "Are you having breakfast in the morning?" He stopped in the tracks and mentally hit himself for his stupidity.
Hermione turned back around to him and smiled. "Of course, Harry. I'll see you in the morning."
"Hermione," he called out, reaching to her as she climbed the stairs to the dorms. He took her hand and turned her back to him. She stood a foot taller then him, as she stood on the third step. She stepped back down until she was once again shorter than Harry. He suddenly couldn't find his voice.
"What is it Harry?" She asked softly.
"I... I mean we have known each other for so long, Hermione, and..." Harry stumbled on his words.
"What is it, Harry?" She asked. Her eyes seemed to dance in the light of the fire as he stared into them. She squeezed his hand gently.
Harry took a deep breath and gave her a shaky smile. He held her hand and lead her over to the couch. They sat down and he took both of her hands. "Hermione, ever since... that night in our fifth year, I've felt something. I didn't know what it was, but in recent months, that feeling has been growing. And it hurts," he said.
"Harry, is it your scar? Does it burn?" Hermione was very concerned. She reached out and touched his forehead. He sighed at her soft touch.
"No, it's not my scar," he said, taking her hand. "It's here," he placed her hand over his heart. "It's this aching and I didn't know what it was. But, now I think I do," he said.
Hermione's hand that was over his heart was shaking. She gripped his other hand, "I've felt it too, Harry," she whispered. "I didn't know what it was either, but now... I know I do," she told him.
"You do?" Harry asked. Hermione nodded and blushed. "I love you, Hermione," he said softly.
Hermione took a deep shaky breath and drew him to her, wrapping her arms around his neck. "I love you, too," she said, as she buried her face in his neck.
Harry's arms held her close around her waist as he sighed contently. He inhaled the faint smell of her hair as he held her close. He suddenly felt something warm and wet on his neck. Pulling away from Hermione he saw the stain from a tear on her cheek. "Oh, Hermione, what is it?"
"I just can't get the thought of something being wrong out of my head. After everything you've been though, now there might be something more wrong," she said. Another tear rolled down her cheek. "I was so afraid of losing you, and now that I have you..."
"Hermione, I'm not going anywhere. I promise," he said, sincerely. Slowly, and almost cautiously Harry leaned close to Hermione. His thumb brushed away a silent tear as he cradled her cheek.
Hermione's eyes slipped closed just as Harry pressed his lips to hers. She quietly sighed, enjoying the feel of his warm lips on her as she laid a hand on his shoulder and the seconds ticked by. Hermione pulled away only because she needed to breathe. "I've wanted to do that for five years," she whispered.
"Five years?" He laughed, playing with a lock of her hair.
"Yeah," she admitted. "When you came back in time with me and saved Sirius... that's when it started. But, it wasn't until that night that I really felt it," she told him.
"Well, I've got you beat," Harry told her. "I've wanted to kiss you since I saw you sitting on the stool wearing the Sorting Hat. You looked so cute with your knees drawn up, squinting, and concentrating so hard on hearing what it had to say."
"Oh, Harry," she laughed. She laid her head on his shoulder and curled up next to him on the couch. "What's going to happen now?"
"Well, we have to tell Ron," he said. Harry right arm draped over her shoulder, playing with her hair while the other entwined with both of hers. Hermione nodded once in agreement before she yawned. "Go to sleep," Harry whispered, kissing the top of her head. He reached for a quilt that was draped over the back of the couch and covered the both of them.
"I love you, Harry," she whispered as she drifted off to sleep.
Harry smiled down at her. "I love you, too," he said. He leaned back and rested his head on the back of the couch.
Just as he was about to fall asleep, he felt it. His eyes flew open, but he tried not to move too suddenly because he didn't want to disturb Hermione. Slowly and gently, he lifted Hermione from his embrace and stood, then carefully laid her back down on the couch, covering her with the blanket.
Opening the portrait hole, he bolted from the common room, and ran down the hallway. He ran up three flights of stairs and down several hallways before he came to the entrance to Albus Dumbledore's office. "Please let me in! It's an emergency!" Harry pleaded with the statue of a Gargoyle. Remembering that Dumbledore liked muggle candy, Harry began spouting off various candies he had enjoyed in the muggle-world.
Twenty names of candies later and screaming out in frustration, Harry said "peanut butter cup!" and the Gargoyle began to move. A winding staircase appeared and Harry ran up them and into the Dumbledore's office. Even at the late hour, Harry was not alone when he stepped into the office. Surrounding the Headmaster's desk were Professors Snape, McGonagall, Granger, Lupin, and Sirius Black was also present. "Headmaster, I need to talk to you!"
"Harry, calm down. It's all right," Sirius said, walking over to his godson.
"No it's not!" Harry insisted. "My scar is burning!"
End part 4
Ho ho! A cliffhanger... You knew I would do one eventually. An orange rose means fascination, enthusiasm, desire and enchantment. I thought it seemed appropriate and fun. Maybe I'll use another color in the future... ooooh stay tuned!
Please review... I gotta know if you want me to continue from this point!
To the US soldiers overseas... our prayers are with you and your families in these uncertain times.
2-16-03: had to make some major changes... OK not major but I had to change some things so I took it off the site and I'm putting it back up... well right now!
I want to dedicate this part to two very special little girls, Catherine and Liz. We spent ninety minutes discussing the finer points of Harry Potter including why Hermione and Ron would be a "bad connection" ("It's like with magnets... you know how south and south poles can't touch!?) and why if one of the main characters in the next book dies, I'll be heartbroken and go through several boxes to tissues! This is for you, my little magnets, from your big magnet.
* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *
Anything but Ordinary, Part 4
* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *
Part 4
"Good, Amy. You see, it's just a simple and subtle swish and flick," Samantha flicked her wand. The eleven-year-old, first year students mimicked her, trying to be graceful and not awkward. "Remember, don't hold your wand like a beater bat, hold it lightly, and you'll do just fine. Next class, we'll try making something fly. See you all tomorrow," she smiled.
The students began picking up their books and filing out of the class. Samantha moved around her desk and sat down, placing a pair of small-framed glasses on her nose. The room was silent as she dipped her quill in her ink well and began scrawling notes on a sheet of parchment. As she became wrapped up in her notes, she did not notice the floating object in her room.
Samantha stood and left her glasses lying on her desk as she began to leave. As she made her way across the room, she saw a single deep orange rose floating in the air. She plucked it out of the air and inhaled it deeply. Into the room floated a small piece of parchment. She unfolded it and read it to herself: I am completely fascinated with you. You have enchanted my mind and I much desire to see you again. I shall be staying at Hogwarts by the request of the Headmaster for the coming weeks. I hope to "run into you" again soon. Until we meet again, ~Sirius Black
Samantha could not help but be flattered. She tucked the note in her robes and carried the rose with her to the dining hall. She approached the head table and sat down beside Remus Lupin. "Good evening, Professor Granger."
"Hello Professor Lupin," Samantha replied. She laid the single rose beside her plate.
"Either you have raided Professor Dumbledore's rose garden, or you have an admirer," he laughed.
"I do believe it is the latter of the two," Samantha informed him.
Remus took a sip from his goblet as Samantha began to help herself to some food. "Would it be too forward to ask who this admirer might be?"
Samantha shook her head as she ate her supper. "No, actually I do believe you know him. It's Sirius Black. I met him yesterday in Hogsmeade with Harry Potter and Hermione Granger," she explained.
Remus nearly choked on his chicken. "Are you serious?"
"No, he is," she joked.
"Ahh, well I guess Sirius is up to his old tricks. In our days at Hogwarts, Sirius was quite the lady's man," Remus explained. Samantha was listening quite intently, but smiling none the less. "A girl from every house, from every year."
"Are you trying to give me a complex?" Sirius shouted, as he entered from the back of the hall. "Making me look bad, Moony?!"
"Good to see you, Padfoot," Remus said, standing and embracing his longtime friend. "I heard you were roaming around."
"Yes, and I hear you're spreading false rumors about me to our professors," Sirius sat next to Remus and looked beyond him to grin at Samantha.
"Rumors yes," Remus said, "false, oh no."
"Pay no attention to the man you are seated next to, Samantha."
"Oh no, I like a good story," Samantha told him, resting her chin in her hand, ready to listen to more. Remus turned to her and began talking as Harry and Hermione approached the table.
"What happened last night?" Harry asked Sirius.
"I don't think this is the time or place to discuss it," Sirius said as he began to fill his plate.
"Well are you going to be staying at Hogwarts?" Harry asked. Hermione nodded, wanting to know as well.
"For a little while," Sirius answered.
"So it is bad?" Hermione asked.
"I will explain everything to you when the time is right," Sirius told them.
"Where is Ron this evening?" Samantha asked.
"Serving detention with Draco somewhere in the castle. I heard they had to clean all the floors on the second floor with toothbrushes," Hermione told her.
"Sounds like something Filch would do," Remus said.
"Yeah, remember what he did to the four of us, Moony, in our fifth year?"
"Didn't give us toothbrushes which had enchanted bristles that kept shrinking? We must have gone through about five hundred toothbrushes that night," Remus said, remembering his times in detention with his fellow Marauders.
"Good times, mate," Sirius said, dramatically shaking Remus's hand.
"Right well, we're off to the library," Hermione said.
"Yeah," Harry said, sounding depressed. He jogged to keep up with Hermione as she gathered her books and headed out of the hall.
"I'm going to go as well. I have some lessons to plan. It was nice talking with both of you," Samantha said, as she got up from the table and headed out the back door of the Great Hall.
"Are you sure it's wise to tell them what's going on?" Remus asked Sirius.
"It involves Harry, don't you think he has a right to know?"
"Yes, but does Dumbledore feel the same way?"
Sirius shrugged and took a bite of chicken. "Harry's life may still be in danger. I think he has a right to know."
Remus nodded in agreement. "What about Miss Granger?" He asked, as Sirius watched her leave
Sirius sighed and smiled. "What about her?"
"She's a very lovely and nice young woman. Don't do something stupid," Remus warned.
"You make it sound like I'm going to corrupt her or something," Sirius said, feigning offence. "I just met her yesterday, but there's just something about her, Moony."
Remus smiled and shook his head, "It's good to have you back, Padfoot."
* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *
Around ten that evening, the portrait leading into Harry and Hermione's common room swung open. Harry and Hermione turned their heads away from their chess game to see Ron stumbling in. With Dumbledore's permission, Ron had been allowed to have the password because he was such good friends with the head boy and girl. Ron looked exhausted as he wandered over to the couch and collapsed upon it. "I swear, I will never torture Malfoy again where I might get caught," he promised.
"What did Filch make you do?" Hermione asked, after she commanded one of her Bishop's next move.
"We had to clean all the fourth floor floors," he moaned. "With toothbrushes," he added tiredly.
"And they had bristles that disappeared?" Harry asked, focusing on his chess game.
"How did you know?" Ron yawned.
"We ran into Sirius earlier. He told us about his adventures in floor cleaning. Do you want to see my Divination homework?" Harry asked, looking at his friend.
"That would be wonderful, mate," Ron said, as he stood and shuffled back to the portrait hole. "I'm going to Gryffindor. Good night, you two."
"'Night Ron," they both called.
"Queen to H-4," Harry said quietly.
"Why are you whispering?" Hermione asked, laughing.
"Shh, I'm concentrating," Harry insisted as he watched his queen take her last Bishop.
"I'm not good at this," she insisted.
"Why do you think I like playing against you?" Harry laughed.
Hermione studied the board and bit her bottom lip in concentration. Harry watched her and smiled to himself. 'Just like Hermione to take a game seriously. She's so cute when she chews on her lip like that,' he thought to himself. His eyes widened as he realized what he was thinking. He was surprised that he felt that way, but surprised that it had taken so long to consciously realize it.
"Castle to G-6," she said hesitantly. Her Castle fell and crushed one of his Pawns.
"Oh, that was a mistake," Harry said triumphantly. "Queen to F-5," he commanded.
The Queen moved and made the kill, giving Harry the win. Hermione rolled her eyes and stood. "That was fun, Harry. Thanks," she said sincerely.
"Anytime," he said. He couldn't think of anything to say, all of a sudden. He said the first thing that came to mind. "Are you having breakfast in the morning?" He stopped in the tracks and mentally hit himself for his stupidity.
Hermione turned back around to him and smiled. "Of course, Harry. I'll see you in the morning."
"Hermione," he called out, reaching to her as she climbed the stairs to the dorms. He took her hand and turned her back to him. She stood a foot taller then him, as she stood on the third step. She stepped back down until she was once again shorter than Harry. He suddenly couldn't find his voice.
"What is it Harry?" She asked softly.
"I... I mean we have known each other for so long, Hermione, and..." Harry stumbled on his words.
"What is it, Harry?" She asked. Her eyes seemed to dance in the light of the fire as he stared into them. She squeezed his hand gently.
Harry took a deep breath and gave her a shaky smile. He held her hand and lead her over to the couch. They sat down and he took both of her hands. "Hermione, ever since... that night in our fifth year, I've felt something. I didn't know what it was, but in recent months, that feeling has been growing. And it hurts," he said.
"Harry, is it your scar? Does it burn?" Hermione was very concerned. She reached out and touched his forehead. He sighed at her soft touch.
"No, it's not my scar," he said, taking her hand. "It's here," he placed her hand over his heart. "It's this aching and I didn't know what it was. But, now I think I do," he said.
Hermione's hand that was over his heart was shaking. She gripped his other hand, "I've felt it too, Harry," she whispered. "I didn't know what it was either, but now... I know I do," she told him.
"You do?" Harry asked. Hermione nodded and blushed. "I love you, Hermione," he said softly.
Hermione took a deep shaky breath and drew him to her, wrapping her arms around his neck. "I love you, too," she said, as she buried her face in his neck.
Harry's arms held her close around her waist as he sighed contently. He inhaled the faint smell of her hair as he held her close. He suddenly felt something warm and wet on his neck. Pulling away from Hermione he saw the stain from a tear on her cheek. "Oh, Hermione, what is it?"
"I just can't get the thought of something being wrong out of my head. After everything you've been though, now there might be something more wrong," she said. Another tear rolled down her cheek. "I was so afraid of losing you, and now that I have you..."
"Hermione, I'm not going anywhere. I promise," he said, sincerely. Slowly, and almost cautiously Harry leaned close to Hermione. His thumb brushed away a silent tear as he cradled her cheek.
Hermione's eyes slipped closed just as Harry pressed his lips to hers. She quietly sighed, enjoying the feel of his warm lips on her as she laid a hand on his shoulder and the seconds ticked by. Hermione pulled away only because she needed to breathe. "I've wanted to do that for five years," she whispered.
"Five years?" He laughed, playing with a lock of her hair.
"Yeah," she admitted. "When you came back in time with me and saved Sirius... that's when it started. But, it wasn't until that night that I really felt it," she told him.
"Well, I've got you beat," Harry told her. "I've wanted to kiss you since I saw you sitting on the stool wearing the Sorting Hat. You looked so cute with your knees drawn up, squinting, and concentrating so hard on hearing what it had to say."
"Oh, Harry," she laughed. She laid her head on his shoulder and curled up next to him on the couch. "What's going to happen now?"
"Well, we have to tell Ron," he said. Harry right arm draped over her shoulder, playing with her hair while the other entwined with both of hers. Hermione nodded once in agreement before she yawned. "Go to sleep," Harry whispered, kissing the top of her head. He reached for a quilt that was draped over the back of the couch and covered the both of them.
"I love you, Harry," she whispered as she drifted off to sleep.
Harry smiled down at her. "I love you, too," he said. He leaned back and rested his head on the back of the couch.
Just as he was about to fall asleep, he felt it. His eyes flew open, but he tried not to move too suddenly because he didn't want to disturb Hermione. Slowly and gently, he lifted Hermione from his embrace and stood, then carefully laid her back down on the couch, covering her with the blanket.
Opening the portrait hole, he bolted from the common room, and ran down the hallway. He ran up three flights of stairs and down several hallways before he came to the entrance to Albus Dumbledore's office. "Please let me in! It's an emergency!" Harry pleaded with the statue of a Gargoyle. Remembering that Dumbledore liked muggle candy, Harry began spouting off various candies he had enjoyed in the muggle-world.
Twenty names of candies later and screaming out in frustration, Harry said "peanut butter cup!" and the Gargoyle began to move. A winding staircase appeared and Harry ran up them and into the Dumbledore's office. Even at the late hour, Harry was not alone when he stepped into the office. Surrounding the Headmaster's desk were Professors Snape, McGonagall, Granger, Lupin, and Sirius Black was also present. "Headmaster, I need to talk to you!"
"Harry, calm down. It's all right," Sirius said, walking over to his godson.
"No it's not!" Harry insisted. "My scar is burning!"
End part 4
Ho ho! A cliffhanger... You knew I would do one eventually. An orange rose means fascination, enthusiasm, desire and enchantment. I thought it seemed appropriate and fun. Maybe I'll use another color in the future... ooooh stay tuned!
Please review... I gotta know if you want me to continue from this point!
To the US soldiers overseas... our prayers are with you and your families in these uncertain times.