Chapter 10 *Secrets and Lies*
"Ugh!" Hermione groaned and stood up to stretch her stiff body. She had been studying for more than two hours and it was finally getting to her.
She glanced out the window, grateful for the warm fire close to her. It was late November all ready and the massive grounds of Hogwarts were white with new fallen snow. The castle and it's surroundings looked as if it belonged inside a children's book or a snow globe. The beautiful snow helped the gloom lift a bit, taking the future terror off everyone's mind if only for a while.
Voldemort had not attacked anyone or even proved that the horrible rumors were true. But Dumbledore insisted on taking extra precautions. Some of the many rules were: No one was allowed outside unless accompanied by a professor, everyone was to be in their common rooms by seven (right after dinner), no one should walk around the castle alone, and all students should always have their wands with them where ever they go. These rules were a bit depressing but very necessary.
Hermione tucked her legs underneath her and stared into the fire. She had seen Anthony only once or twice in the hallways, but he hadn't even glanced at her, for which she was grateful. She still had nightmares, here and there, but Harry was always there to comfort her; holding her in his arms even after her trembling had subsided.
She sighed, leaning her head against the soft maroon couch, and closed her eyes. Harry. She loved their long talks by the fire late at night, the way the embers made his eyes glow. It seemed as if he never tired of reassuring her, listening to her fears and sobs, never getting tired of wiping her tears away.
If only she could tell him that she loved him so much it hurt. That she couldn't live without him. That he was on her mind every second of every day. But she couldn't. She didn't want to hurt him -- besides, he probably only loved her as a friend.
The young witch sighed again and stood up to stretch once more, making up her mind to go see Harry and Ron while they practiced Quidditch. She changed into jeans and a sweater, grabbing a thick coat on her way out the door. The Gryffindor Common Room was empty except for a few first years lingering about. The castle would be deserted; most students were either in their common rooms or outside enjoying the snow while the professors were in a good enough mood to stay outside with them.
She made her way down the stairs and into the main hallway, not expecting to hear anyone. She knew she wasn't supposed to be by herself (and she was sure she would hear it from Harry) but she was only going outside, it wasn't that far away, what could happen?
Hermione listened as her heels clicked against the stone floor, walking faster and faster. "Draco ..." she heard a female voice squeal. A very familiar female voice. As Hermione neared the corner, the whispers were more audible. She could also start to see the two lovebirds come into view. She caught a flash of red and blonde hair but couldn't believe her eyes.
Ginny and Draco? Together? GINNY and DRACO! Oh my God, Hermione thought as they came in full view. They were snogging in a way that would make poor Mrs. Weasley turn a bright shade of red.
"Hermione!"
She heard Ginny's voice and turned to her with an innocent look on her face. "Oh, hello, Gin."
"H-how long have you been standing there?" she asked, her cheeks a pretty pink.
"Don't worry, I won't tell anyone. Especially Ron," Hermione said before Ginny could ask her not to. To her surprise she wasn't that shocked about her friend and her enemy being together. Actually, she thought they made a cute couple.
"Thank you so much, Herms! He would just die if he found out," Ginny puckered up her face into an angry expression. "'Have you lost your bloody mind! You're dating one of the most horrendous people in the world! Wait until Mum and dad hear about this!' " she mimicked Ron's deep voice in uncanny likeness.
Hermione smiled knowing that would be exactly what Ron would say. "No problem, Gin. Just answer this for me, okay?" Ginny nodded. "Are you happy? Is he treating you all right?"
Ginny smiled softly at her. "Yes, I'm very happy. He's changed, Herm. He's not the same prat he was a year ago. I think I'm in love with him," a dreamy expression took over her features.
"Good. I'm happy for you," with that Hermione hugged her and continued on her way with a smile on her face. She turned into a deserted hallway when she saw someone in the distance. She was about to deduct ten points but before she could open her mouth, a hand grabbed her around the waist and slammed her against the hard stone wall. She looked up at her mysterious kidnapper and gasped.
Anthony.
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"If you scream I will tear you limb from limb, got it?" ge whispered viciously, a cold hand pressed to her mouth.
Hermione nodded, fear ripping through her body.
Anthony removed his hand but kept her arms pinned above her head, the tight grip causing her to wince from the lack of blood. "What do you want?" she whispered, angrily.
"You think you got rid of me, mudblood? I don't think so. The time is coming and you will be one of the first people to go. You do know that Lord Voldemort despises mudbloods, don't you?" his eyes were so cold they seemed to make her soul freeze over. He was glaring at her with the utmost hatred.
"Why do you care?" she asked, glaring at him with that same hatred.
Anthony let out a bitter laugh. "I don't, that's just the thing. But I know Potter will. I know his weakness and believe me I will use it to my advantage," he stopped here and roamed his eyes up and down her body, making Hermione squirm with discomfort.
"Hmm, you've gained some weight, I see. Keep on eating, mudblood, and you'll look like a deflated cow. Just a little advice: lay off the food," he sneered, cruelly.
Hermione didn't answer so he continued. "Oh, one more thing. If you tell anyone about this," he traced a finger across her neck, a small blade cutting into her skin, making it bleed. Hermione gasped as it's sharp edge cut into her skin; she felt like she was about to faint from the pain. "I will make sure to kill that sad excuse for a wizard and his poor little friend, then I will torture you so slowly you will beg me to get it over with. Do you understand? Or do you want me to give you a small example?" he placed the blade against her neck, adding pressure.
"I get it," she croaked.
"Good," he let her go and backed away. "Watch your back, filthy mudblood," he spat and disappeared down the path he had appeared from.
Hermione sagged against the wall, tears pouring down her cheeks. She willed her heart to stop beating furiously against her chest. She put her head in her hands and let out a long breath, not realizing she had held it all that time. "Come on, Hermione. Get up. There's nothing you can do," she told herself. If she told anyone, Anthony would kill everyone she loved, but if she didn't tell anyone, Voldemort would kill everyone anyway. "What am I going to do?" she asked herself, getting up on shaky legs and heading back to the Gryffindor Common Room. There was no way she was going to go watch Harry and Ron now. They would suspect something was wrong.
And something was wrong. Terribly and cruelly wrong.
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"Aren't you going to eat anything, 'Mione?" Harry asked glancing at Hermione's full plate. "You've hardly touched it!"
Ron nodded his agreement while Lavender looked at her with a worried expression. "You've got to eat something, Herm. You can't let all that good food go to waste!" Ron exclaimed.
Hermione pushed her plate away, she wasn't hungry and her dinner didn't look at all appetizing. "I'm not hungry," maybe Anthony was right, what if she did look like a deflated cow?
Harry looked at her, his face full of concern. "Are you all right? Did something happen?"
Hermione shook her head, guilt flooding her conscious. She hated lying to them.
"I swear if Anthony ..." she heard Harry mutter but she didn't comment. Why deny it? She wasn't going to tell them anything but she wasn't going to deny it either.
Take that, Anthony.
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"Hermione ...." a cold voice whispered all around her.
"Who's there!" she cried, turning around in a circle. She strained her eyes to see where she was but the darkness was so thick she couldn't even see her own hand.
"Hermione ...." the cold voice continued.
"What do you want!" she shouted, she was shaking with fear. A sudden flash of white light blinded her. She turned her head to get away from the glare.
"Look what you did," that voice said, cold, cruel laughter erupted around her.
She faced the light, shading her eyes with her hand. "Harry!" she cried, running towards the middle of the light. Tears blocked her view as she kneeled next to him. His eyes were open and empty. The usual bright green was dull. He was staring up at nothing, he wasn't moving. His face was pale, a horrified expression was frozen in place.
"You could have saved him, but instead you were selfish and ran. Look what you did to him!"
"No! That's not true! There was nothing I could do!" Hermione choked out.
"Why did you leave me, Hermione? Why did you leave me to die?" a faint voice drifted around her.
"Harry, I'm sorry! I didn't mean to! I'm so sorry ..."
Hermione's eyes flew open, sweat dripped down her face, mixing in with her salty tears. She was breathing hard, her heart pounding so hard she was afraid it would explode. She glanced around her room, every shadow seemed to take on an evil shape. She jumped out of bed and practically ran into Harry's room, all the way across the common room.
She opened the door slowly and peeked in. She tip toed inside, shutting the door softly behind her. He was sleeping so peacefully she almost envied him. She pulled back the covers and climbed in, scooting closer to his warmth.
" 'Mione? What's the matter?" Harry mumbled, sleepily.
She tried to keep the tears out of her voice when she answered. "Nothing. Just another nightmare. No big deal," she whispered, failing.
Harry opened his eyes and patted the space next to him. Hermione scooted closer to him. "Do you want to talk about it?" he asked, gently.
Hermione shook her head, choking back the sobs. How could she tell him that she was the reason he died? It might have been a dream but it seemed real enough.
"That bad, huh?" Harry asked, sitting up on his elbow. As he was looking at her, he frowned. "How did that happen, 'Mione?" he asked, tracing the scar that Anthony had caused earlier that day.
Her skin began to tingle at his touch but she suddenly realized his question. "Wh-what?" What was she going to tell him?
"That scar. Did you cut yourself or something?"
"Y-yeah, it was an accident, though. I-I was ..." Hermione trailed off, bursting into tears.
Harry was so shocked that he just stared at her for a moment before pulling her into his embrace. "Ssh, it's okay! Does it hurt?"
Hermione sniffled and shook her head, "Not anymore," to Hermione's relief he let it go.
"Are you better now?" he asked, feeling her relax. He wrapped an arm around her and stroked her hair; wishing he were comforting her as more than just a friend.
Hermione nodded and put her head on his chest, loving the feel of his arms around her. She shut her eyes and listened to his heartbeat.
He lay awake for a while, staring up at the ceiling. Harry pulled her closer to him; she was so vulnerable and scared. He noticed how thin she felt against him. She hadn't been eating much lately and it was beginning to show.
"Why are you doing this to yourself, 'Mione?" he asked out loud, thinking Hermione had fallen asleep. "I can't see you like this anymore, it's too painful. I wish I could take all your pain away, you don't deserve this. If only I could tell you. You're so beautiful, intelligent, kind, and strong. You're absolutely perfect. Perfect for me. You have my heart, 'Mione, if only I could have yours, too," with that he shut his eyes, tightened his hold on her, and drifted off to sleep.
Hermione hadn't quite fallen asleep yet.
A.N : Hi! Me again. This chapter was a bit long -- Sorry! It also wasn't very happy and I realize this whole story is a bit depressing -- again sorry! The next chapter will be about Ginny and Draco and a couple of *evil* people. Then finally in the next chapter (I hate to give stuff away but I'm gonna be nice) Hermione and Harry will FINALLY get together! Yeah! I want to thank ALL my reviewers -- I love you guys! Oh, and about a statement about Anthony being in Ravenclaw though he should be in Slytherin: I wanted him to be in Ravenclaw because everyone bad is in Slytherin. Who says a bad wizard can't come from Ravenclaw? Besides, I'm the author so I get to do whatever I want with MY story ( to the reviewer: I still luv ya though -- when are you going to update your story?). I want to get a certain amount of reviews so I'm not going to post the next chapter (though you guys have been great) until I get at least 10 reviews (too much?) -- okay? So now I'll stop blabbing and let you go on with your REVIEW.
Until next time,
^*^ Sweetie ^*^
"Ugh!" Hermione groaned and stood up to stretch her stiff body. She had been studying for more than two hours and it was finally getting to her.
She glanced out the window, grateful for the warm fire close to her. It was late November all ready and the massive grounds of Hogwarts were white with new fallen snow. The castle and it's surroundings looked as if it belonged inside a children's book or a snow globe. The beautiful snow helped the gloom lift a bit, taking the future terror off everyone's mind if only for a while.
Voldemort had not attacked anyone or even proved that the horrible rumors were true. But Dumbledore insisted on taking extra precautions. Some of the many rules were: No one was allowed outside unless accompanied by a professor, everyone was to be in their common rooms by seven (right after dinner), no one should walk around the castle alone, and all students should always have their wands with them where ever they go. These rules were a bit depressing but very necessary.
Hermione tucked her legs underneath her and stared into the fire. She had seen Anthony only once or twice in the hallways, but he hadn't even glanced at her, for which she was grateful. She still had nightmares, here and there, but Harry was always there to comfort her; holding her in his arms even after her trembling had subsided.
She sighed, leaning her head against the soft maroon couch, and closed her eyes. Harry. She loved their long talks by the fire late at night, the way the embers made his eyes glow. It seemed as if he never tired of reassuring her, listening to her fears and sobs, never getting tired of wiping her tears away.
If only she could tell him that she loved him so much it hurt. That she couldn't live without him. That he was on her mind every second of every day. But she couldn't. She didn't want to hurt him -- besides, he probably only loved her as a friend.
The young witch sighed again and stood up to stretch once more, making up her mind to go see Harry and Ron while they practiced Quidditch. She changed into jeans and a sweater, grabbing a thick coat on her way out the door. The Gryffindor Common Room was empty except for a few first years lingering about. The castle would be deserted; most students were either in their common rooms or outside enjoying the snow while the professors were in a good enough mood to stay outside with them.
She made her way down the stairs and into the main hallway, not expecting to hear anyone. She knew she wasn't supposed to be by herself (and she was sure she would hear it from Harry) but she was only going outside, it wasn't that far away, what could happen?
Hermione listened as her heels clicked against the stone floor, walking faster and faster. "Draco ..." she heard a female voice squeal. A very familiar female voice. As Hermione neared the corner, the whispers were more audible. She could also start to see the two lovebirds come into view. She caught a flash of red and blonde hair but couldn't believe her eyes.
Ginny and Draco? Together? GINNY and DRACO! Oh my God, Hermione thought as they came in full view. They were snogging in a way that would make poor Mrs. Weasley turn a bright shade of red.
"Hermione!"
She heard Ginny's voice and turned to her with an innocent look on her face. "Oh, hello, Gin."
"H-how long have you been standing there?" she asked, her cheeks a pretty pink.
"Don't worry, I won't tell anyone. Especially Ron," Hermione said before Ginny could ask her not to. To her surprise she wasn't that shocked about her friend and her enemy being together. Actually, she thought they made a cute couple.
"Thank you so much, Herms! He would just die if he found out," Ginny puckered up her face into an angry expression. "'Have you lost your bloody mind! You're dating one of the most horrendous people in the world! Wait until Mum and dad hear about this!' " she mimicked Ron's deep voice in uncanny likeness.
Hermione smiled knowing that would be exactly what Ron would say. "No problem, Gin. Just answer this for me, okay?" Ginny nodded. "Are you happy? Is he treating you all right?"
Ginny smiled softly at her. "Yes, I'm very happy. He's changed, Herm. He's not the same prat he was a year ago. I think I'm in love with him," a dreamy expression took over her features.
"Good. I'm happy for you," with that Hermione hugged her and continued on her way with a smile on her face. She turned into a deserted hallway when she saw someone in the distance. She was about to deduct ten points but before she could open her mouth, a hand grabbed her around the waist and slammed her against the hard stone wall. She looked up at her mysterious kidnapper and gasped.
Anthony.
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"If you scream I will tear you limb from limb, got it?" ge whispered viciously, a cold hand pressed to her mouth.
Hermione nodded, fear ripping through her body.
Anthony removed his hand but kept her arms pinned above her head, the tight grip causing her to wince from the lack of blood. "What do you want?" she whispered, angrily.
"You think you got rid of me, mudblood? I don't think so. The time is coming and you will be one of the first people to go. You do know that Lord Voldemort despises mudbloods, don't you?" his eyes were so cold they seemed to make her soul freeze over. He was glaring at her with the utmost hatred.
"Why do you care?" she asked, glaring at him with that same hatred.
Anthony let out a bitter laugh. "I don't, that's just the thing. But I know Potter will. I know his weakness and believe me I will use it to my advantage," he stopped here and roamed his eyes up and down her body, making Hermione squirm with discomfort.
"Hmm, you've gained some weight, I see. Keep on eating, mudblood, and you'll look like a deflated cow. Just a little advice: lay off the food," he sneered, cruelly.
Hermione didn't answer so he continued. "Oh, one more thing. If you tell anyone about this," he traced a finger across her neck, a small blade cutting into her skin, making it bleed. Hermione gasped as it's sharp edge cut into her skin; she felt like she was about to faint from the pain. "I will make sure to kill that sad excuse for a wizard and his poor little friend, then I will torture you so slowly you will beg me to get it over with. Do you understand? Or do you want me to give you a small example?" he placed the blade against her neck, adding pressure.
"I get it," she croaked.
"Good," he let her go and backed away. "Watch your back, filthy mudblood," he spat and disappeared down the path he had appeared from.
Hermione sagged against the wall, tears pouring down her cheeks. She willed her heart to stop beating furiously against her chest. She put her head in her hands and let out a long breath, not realizing she had held it all that time. "Come on, Hermione. Get up. There's nothing you can do," she told herself. If she told anyone, Anthony would kill everyone she loved, but if she didn't tell anyone, Voldemort would kill everyone anyway. "What am I going to do?" she asked herself, getting up on shaky legs and heading back to the Gryffindor Common Room. There was no way she was going to go watch Harry and Ron now. They would suspect something was wrong.
And something was wrong. Terribly and cruelly wrong.
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"Aren't you going to eat anything, 'Mione?" Harry asked glancing at Hermione's full plate. "You've hardly touched it!"
Ron nodded his agreement while Lavender looked at her with a worried expression. "You've got to eat something, Herm. You can't let all that good food go to waste!" Ron exclaimed.
Hermione pushed her plate away, she wasn't hungry and her dinner didn't look at all appetizing. "I'm not hungry," maybe Anthony was right, what if she did look like a deflated cow?
Harry looked at her, his face full of concern. "Are you all right? Did something happen?"
Hermione shook her head, guilt flooding her conscious. She hated lying to them.
"I swear if Anthony ..." she heard Harry mutter but she didn't comment. Why deny it? She wasn't going to tell them anything but she wasn't going to deny it either.
Take that, Anthony.
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"Hermione ...." a cold voice whispered all around her.
"Who's there!" she cried, turning around in a circle. She strained her eyes to see where she was but the darkness was so thick she couldn't even see her own hand.
"Hermione ...." the cold voice continued.
"What do you want!" she shouted, she was shaking with fear. A sudden flash of white light blinded her. She turned her head to get away from the glare.
"Look what you did," that voice said, cold, cruel laughter erupted around her.
She faced the light, shading her eyes with her hand. "Harry!" she cried, running towards the middle of the light. Tears blocked her view as she kneeled next to him. His eyes were open and empty. The usual bright green was dull. He was staring up at nothing, he wasn't moving. His face was pale, a horrified expression was frozen in place.
"You could have saved him, but instead you were selfish and ran. Look what you did to him!"
"No! That's not true! There was nothing I could do!" Hermione choked out.
"Why did you leave me, Hermione? Why did you leave me to die?" a faint voice drifted around her.
"Harry, I'm sorry! I didn't mean to! I'm so sorry ..."
Hermione's eyes flew open, sweat dripped down her face, mixing in with her salty tears. She was breathing hard, her heart pounding so hard she was afraid it would explode. She glanced around her room, every shadow seemed to take on an evil shape. She jumped out of bed and practically ran into Harry's room, all the way across the common room.
She opened the door slowly and peeked in. She tip toed inside, shutting the door softly behind her. He was sleeping so peacefully she almost envied him. She pulled back the covers and climbed in, scooting closer to his warmth.
" 'Mione? What's the matter?" Harry mumbled, sleepily.
She tried to keep the tears out of her voice when she answered. "Nothing. Just another nightmare. No big deal," she whispered, failing.
Harry opened his eyes and patted the space next to him. Hermione scooted closer to him. "Do you want to talk about it?" he asked, gently.
Hermione shook her head, choking back the sobs. How could she tell him that she was the reason he died? It might have been a dream but it seemed real enough.
"That bad, huh?" Harry asked, sitting up on his elbow. As he was looking at her, he frowned. "How did that happen, 'Mione?" he asked, tracing the scar that Anthony had caused earlier that day.
Her skin began to tingle at his touch but she suddenly realized his question. "Wh-what?" What was she going to tell him?
"That scar. Did you cut yourself or something?"
"Y-yeah, it was an accident, though. I-I was ..." Hermione trailed off, bursting into tears.
Harry was so shocked that he just stared at her for a moment before pulling her into his embrace. "Ssh, it's okay! Does it hurt?"
Hermione sniffled and shook her head, "Not anymore," to Hermione's relief he let it go.
"Are you better now?" he asked, feeling her relax. He wrapped an arm around her and stroked her hair; wishing he were comforting her as more than just a friend.
Hermione nodded and put her head on his chest, loving the feel of his arms around her. She shut her eyes and listened to his heartbeat.
He lay awake for a while, staring up at the ceiling. Harry pulled her closer to him; she was so vulnerable and scared. He noticed how thin she felt against him. She hadn't been eating much lately and it was beginning to show.
"Why are you doing this to yourself, 'Mione?" he asked out loud, thinking Hermione had fallen asleep. "I can't see you like this anymore, it's too painful. I wish I could take all your pain away, you don't deserve this. If only I could tell you. You're so beautiful, intelligent, kind, and strong. You're absolutely perfect. Perfect for me. You have my heart, 'Mione, if only I could have yours, too," with that he shut his eyes, tightened his hold on her, and drifted off to sleep.
Hermione hadn't quite fallen asleep yet.
A.N : Hi! Me again. This chapter was a bit long -- Sorry! It also wasn't very happy and I realize this whole story is a bit depressing -- again sorry! The next chapter will be about Ginny and Draco and a couple of *evil* people. Then finally in the next chapter (I hate to give stuff away but I'm gonna be nice) Hermione and Harry will FINALLY get together! Yeah! I want to thank ALL my reviewers -- I love you guys! Oh, and about a statement about Anthony being in Ravenclaw though he should be in Slytherin: I wanted him to be in Ravenclaw because everyone bad is in Slytherin. Who says a bad wizard can't come from Ravenclaw? Besides, I'm the author so I get to do whatever I want with MY story ( to the reviewer: I still luv ya though -- when are you going to update your story?). I want to get a certain amount of reviews so I'm not going to post the next chapter (though you guys have been great) until I get at least 10 reviews (too much?) -- okay? So now I'll stop blabbing and let you go on with your REVIEW.
Until next time,
^*^ Sweetie ^*^