DISCLAIMER: Nope...still not mine...

~*~Chapter Two~*~

The next day, Hermione's father headed off for the science fair after putting the finishing touches on his invention.  Hermione decided to go for a stroll in to town.  It was like any other day, greeting everyone she met.  She passed by the local tavern, only to see the most arrogant man in town, Gaston.  She prayed that he hadn't seen her and continued on her walk.  But her prayers were not answered as she heard her name called.

"Oh Hermione!  Could I speak with you a moment?"

"Of course, Gaston."  She spoke with as much feeling as possible and forced a smile to her face.

"Well, I'm sure you've heard the rumors spreading through the town like wild-fire.  And I thought it was time that we should act accordingly."

"What rumors?"

"Oh Hermione...the rumors that we should be together...as a couple.  Can't you picture it??  Me coming in with my latest kill and my darling wife massaging my feet...while the little one's play with the dogs.  We'll have five or six."

"Dogs?"

"No...strapping young boys...like me."

"Oh Gaston, as wonderful as that sounds, I'm going to have to refuse your offer.  Good Day!"  And with that, Hermione shoved her way past Gaston and headed back towards her home.

Gaston stood there thinking to himself, 'No one turns Gaston down...especially some book worm beauty like Hermione.  She will be mine!'

~*~Meanwhile...~*~

Hermione's father, Maurice, came upon a fork in the road.  Staring at it for a minute or so, he chose a path and tried to continue on his way.  But his horse, Philippe, had a different notion.  Philippe looked from path to path and wanted to take the path that was well lit.  But Maurice wanted to go down the dark, foreboding path...and in the end of their small battle, Maurice and Philippe continued their travels down the darker path.

Suddenly a menacing howl was heard, and Philippe became frightened and bucked up...throwing Maurice and his invention off of him.  Philippe instantly took off at full run and Maurice was left alone.  He looked up to see himself in front of some large iron gates that led to a great castle.  He looked behind him only to see a pack of wolves running straight towards him.  He called through the castle gates for help, wondering if anyone could hear him at all.  Suddenly the gates opened up and Maurice scrambled through and closed them back quickly.

As he entered the castle, he wondered if it had any inhabitants at all.  He called out, and heard a voice answer back.  But looking around, he saw no one...there was nothing except for a candle and a clock.  He went to pick up the candle for light, and suddenly a voice called out.  He looked for where the voice was coming from...only to discover that it was coming from the candle.  He asked how it was possible, and the candle only led him to a grand living room and set him down.  Instantly a foot stool came running in, barking like a dog...and then a tray of tea was at his side.  He only sat in wonder, trying to figure out how all these things could move and talk.

Suddenly a cold chill swept through the room, and blew the fire out.  All the enchanted objects fled from the room and Maurice sat in silence, hoping that whatever it was wouldn't find him.  Suddenly there was a fearsome face in front of him and dragged him to his feet and took him away.  As he was thrown into a dungeon room, he heard the fearsome voice...

"No one dares come in to the castle of a beast..."

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Remember to read and review...there will be more coming soon.  ~surfngurl~