"Who's there?"
*
"Are you all right?" cautiously Snape stepped out of the shadows.
"Ye- No." Daine realised that Snape was the kind of man who realised when you were lying to him.
"You miss your home?" speaking impassionately Snape watched the tear-stained girl collect herself.
"Yes. My friends also, both two-legger and People."
"Surely you have both of those here?" Instantly he cringed at the insensitivity of his statement.
"Just because I've made friends here I'm supposed to forget the friends I have at home? The friends I've known all my life? The friends who made me realise I wasn't crazy?" Getting to her feet she seemed to glow in the moonlight.
"I apologise for that. I was being thoughtless. I'll leave you. I apologise again for what I said." As silently as he came Snape slipped back into the shadows and left Daine alone.
'Am I being silly? I have plenty of friends here. But none of them are Onua, or Numair, or Cloud. And yet haven't I found them in all of my new friends? Snape's like Numair. Just a little meaner. I bet, if they met they'd be best friends.' Daine giggles at the thought of the two meeting. They'd pick each other's brains about the other's world until they passed out. Stiffly she got to her feet. 'No one here is from Tortall, nothing I do can change that. Until I find a way to go home I should just sit back and enjoy it here. Nodding to herself she walked slowly back to the common room.
*
"Harry, have you finished that paper on dragons yet? Herm, have you?" With big round puppy-dog-eyes Ron blinked innocently at his two best friends.
"What!? You haven't done it yet?" Hermione's head whipped round to Ron.
"Well, not exactly. I've started though but I've encountered writer's block."
"Ronald Weasley! Let me get this straight you have had over three wee-no we've had a month on this, and you still haven't finished? It's in for tomorrow you plonker!" Hermione took a long deep breath, "What have you got stuck on? Do you need some extra information on eating habits?" attempting a helpful smile Hermione tried to calm down.
"Er, the title." He at least had the sense to look away.
"I'm not saying anything. Harry you sort him out." she turned back to her extra large book.
"How about asking Daine?"
"Harry, you're a genius! If you weren't you and I weren't me I'd kiss you. But you are you and I am me so I'll hit you instead." And he did. A great big belting WHACK.
"OW! I help you with your homework and you hit me! Stupid person. Herm do you know where Daine is? I think the wolf things are getting a bit restless." restless was a mild way of putting it. The two wolves were currently pacing back and forth in front of the fire, if anyone got too close they got a very close view of their teeth.
"I don't know! Go look for her."
"Ron, have you noticed the way she speaks to the animals? It's weird."
"Yeah it's almost like she's talking to another person. It's not right. I know she comes from a different world and all but it still freaks me out a bit."
"Yeah, but she's still cool. Plus she managed to scare Malfoy." Ron snickered.
"Now that was wicked! I expected Malfoy to pee himself. I guess Daine is okay."
"She is. Though it scares me that she keeps knives all over her. And that bow in her room is just plain weird."
"Definitely." nodding Ron turned back to his game of chess, relived that he could put off his homework for a little longer. Unfortunately his dream of not having to do any work for a few hours was shattered when Daine stepped through the painting.
"There you go Ron you can ask Daine now. You don't have to out it off any longer." Hermione said tartly not even looking up from her book.
"Ask me what?" Daine looked up from the wolves. She seemed to have been in deep conversation with them.
"About dragons."
"Before you do has anyone seen Kit? Cub and Blackpaw haven't seen her for hours and I can't find her anywhere."
"Sorry no," Daine anxiously bit her lower lip, "So about dragons...."
***
"Ron, yeh last piece of homework was brilliant, well done. Malfoy, yours was a load o' drivel." Both students flushed red. At that moment though a bell sounded from the main school building signalling the end of the day.
"See you Hagrid!"
"Bye Harry."
"Come on, let's go find Daine. I think she's just had arithmancy." slowly the three friends trudged up to the castle.
*
"Hey! Daine wait up!"
"Oh hi. Have you seen Kit yet?" smiling Daine turned to greet the three sweating seventh years.
"Nope, she probably just went for a walk. Don't worry she's only been gone for a few hours. Do you wanna come down to the Quidditch field? We're all practising down there. And almost everyone has decided to turn it into a field trip. Wanna come?"
"Sure."
"Then let's go!" chattering happily the group descended the many staircases. Only stopping to allow Daine to leave her bag in her rooms after a small detour and let the animals out. Dumbledore had said that as long as they bit no one or made a mess they could have the run of the castle. While talking to the trio Daine felt something happening. It was like a wall that she hadn't ever known was there was shifting and remoulding itself. The feeling that you get when something big was about to happen settled in her gut. Resting there like a coiled snake about to strike. The feeling of intense unease wasn't even dispelled as she watched the Quidditch payers weaving through each other. After about an hour of watching and chatting with other watchers everyone noticed a rather large commotion at the far end of the Quidditch pitch. Seeing a flash of blue and hearing the shouts Daine jumped over the small wooden rail separating her from the neatly trimmed grass. She ran to the clump of red robed students. They appeared to be encircling something Daine could not yet see. Nearing the group Daine elbowed her way into the inner ring of people. The quicker watchers had already gathered round.
"Kit!" Daine dropped to her knees as Kit came waddling to her placing her claws onto her shoulders and chirping.
"Where did you go? I was so worried!"
"Daine? There's a little bit of parchment on its leg."
"Oh, so there is." Like the school owls Kit extended her leg towards Daine.
Daine,
Do you have any idea where you are? Are you safe? Write back now.
Numair
That was it. Nothing else just those few words. Patting her pockets Daine searched for a quill. A dusty feather was placed under nose. Mumbling her thanks Daine turned the paper over and wrote,
Numair,
Did Kit go back to Tortall? Will I be able to get back? I'm in a mage school in a place called Scotland I think. I'm safe and well. Don't worry.
Daine
Her hands fumbling Daine gave the parchment back to Kit's safe keeping. There was an immediate -pop- and Kit was gone. Sitting back on her heels Daine stared at the patch of grass where Kit had just moments ago been crouching. Kit had obviously been told to find Daine and then return to Numair. Not knowing what to do Daine looked at the crowd surrounding her.
"Well what do we do now? Do we tell Dumbledore or not? I mean that letter was quite a big thing. You might be going home soon." Head to one side Hermione stared at Daine.
"Yes I suppose I should tell Professor Dumbledore. Should I wait for Kit to come back or not though?"
"Uh, probably. Once she comes back we'll go and tell Dumbledore."
"Okay." After two or three minutes most of the crowd dispersed, if the team was not practising there was nothing to stay for. Eventually all went leaving just Harry, Daine and Hermione. Ron had suddenly remembered yet more unfinished homework. With another pop Kit returned. Quickly Daine tore the much larger piece of paper of Kit's leg.
Daine, listen carefully. We don't know how to get you back. Kit only found you because she has a strong link with you, so she can find you even when you are in a different world. As you know Immortals can pass through worldly barriers with no problem. They can also take humans with them. But only when they are fully-grown and are fully in control of their magic. Kit though is still a baby so she can't.
"What about asking another dragon?" Daine asked Hermione who was also reading the letter.
"Read on."
However there isn't any Immortal who could ever pull you back to Tortall because they need a really strong link with you otherwise they lose their grip on you and you will be stranded between worlds. Tkaa says he can't because he hasn't known you long enough. So you see the problem we are in. Keep Kit with you, now I know you're safe I feel better. If you need to tell me something send Kit. If I need to tell you something I'll ask Tkaa.
Hope you're all right
Numair.
"Who's Tkaa?"
"He's a basilisk." Daine blinked at the face on Harry's face. He had gone all pale.
"A basilisk?"
"Yes, don't worry though he's fine." Harry frowned.
"Describe him to me."
"Well he's rather like a lizard except he stands on his hind legs. He speaks just about every language invented. He can turn things to stone by singing at it. He eats rock and uh, well there's not much else to tell."
"How strange."
"Why, well here a basilisk is a very big snake. It turns things to stone just by looking at it and they're deadly vicious. One gave me this scar in my second year." Harry pulled his sleeve up to show a little white line. He then turned his arm over to show another in the same place.
"Wow. How strange."
"I though you said you'd tell Dumbledore?" Hermione chipped in.
"Oh yes. You don't have to come though."
"Okay see you in the common room?"
"Yeah, I'll see you in a bit." Nodding the two turned and walked towards the castle. Staring after them Diane turned to Kit. Smiling she picked the fragile creature up and plodded to the castle. In the corridor before Dumbledore's office Daine out Kit down. Her arms groaning, she flexed them. Kit peeped at her. As she was coaxing warmth back into her arms she sensed someone behind her. Whirling around she saw a tall dark shadow.
"Professor Snape!" this man had a knack for sneaking up on people.
"If you are looking for the Headmaster, he seems to have performed a disappearing act." And without a word Snape also disappeared. Well turned a corner.
"Well, I'll have to wait." Sighing Daine called out to the many animals. Replies pounded her head. A few rats had seen him near the kitchens. A lone cat had seen him talking to a little two-legger. However the clear firm voice of Fawkes came strongest in her mind.
-He has gone to London. The capital. Where there are lots of humans. -
-Thank you- As she passed a window on the way to her rooms Daine realised with a start that it was time for dinner. Hurrying her pace Daine unlocked her rooms and got changed into a pair of clean grey breeches, a freshly washed white shirt and a blue tunic. Jogging Daine called to the wolves and Braane to meet her in the great hall. Checking Kit was still behind Daine slowed down and met the animals as they came belting down another hallway.
-Come on. Dinner time. -
-My favourite time of the day- Cub's nose twitched.
-I thought breakfast was your favourite time of the day- Blackpaw gently butted her sister in the side.
-I like both of them-
-I always knew you were the silly one- Blackpaw twitched her tail and trotted over to the cluster of Gryffindors. Kit who had been lurking behind suddenly pressed herself against Daine's leg. Sitting beside Ron Daine picked up Kitten and placed her beside her. Kit busied herself by devouring a spicy chicken drumstick. Burping slightly she reached for a baked potato the size of her head.
"Does she always eat like that?" Neville hesitantly took a sandwich and began to chew slowly watching the dragon. Kit had only ever eaten stolen food from the table. It was the first time she was eating at the Gryffindor table.
"Yes, always. She's an absolute pig. She'll eat anything. Thank you." Daine politely took the half-eaten sausage and placed it at the edge of her plate.
"Cool, she's even worse than Ron." For that remark Harry got a sharp kick to the shin. Glaring darkly at Ron Harry turned back to his own plate and stabbed a slice of bacon.
-Here you go- selecting some sausages and other meats Daine offered them to the wolves. Braane was terrorising a pair of terrified first year Hufflepuffs. However he also seemed to be eating. Accepting them gratefully the wolves sniffed the richly scented air. Cub turned around and then faced Daine again.
-That nasty-smelling boy is watching you. -
-Which? -
-The one we frightened- Daine turned to see Malfoy's cold expressionless eyes boring into hers.
-Ignore him. He's a piece of filth. -
Shivering under the cold scrutinisation of Draco Daine turned back to her food. An icy feeling of unease settled in her gut. Somehow Daine knew it had nothing to do with the blonde Slyhtherin. Something was coming. Something that didn't belong.
**********
Aha! What be this unearthly thing? Well actually even I don't know. So you like? Yes? Then review!!!! And then you'll find out what it is that is going to Hogwarts.
I am really sorry that I haven't updated for a while, but my stupid teachers have decided that all our worries about SATs aren't enough and have decided to give us tests and projects and exams galore.
Oh and a big THANK YOU to everyone who has reviewed! Hopefully next chapter will be a little larger in size and any thoughts or comments are highly appreciated!
Toodles
-x-Kylaia-x-
*
"Are you all right?" cautiously Snape stepped out of the shadows.
"Ye- No." Daine realised that Snape was the kind of man who realised when you were lying to him.
"You miss your home?" speaking impassionately Snape watched the tear-stained girl collect herself.
"Yes. My friends also, both two-legger and People."
"Surely you have both of those here?" Instantly he cringed at the insensitivity of his statement.
"Just because I've made friends here I'm supposed to forget the friends I have at home? The friends I've known all my life? The friends who made me realise I wasn't crazy?" Getting to her feet she seemed to glow in the moonlight.
"I apologise for that. I was being thoughtless. I'll leave you. I apologise again for what I said." As silently as he came Snape slipped back into the shadows and left Daine alone.
'Am I being silly? I have plenty of friends here. But none of them are Onua, or Numair, or Cloud. And yet haven't I found them in all of my new friends? Snape's like Numair. Just a little meaner. I bet, if they met they'd be best friends.' Daine giggles at the thought of the two meeting. They'd pick each other's brains about the other's world until they passed out. Stiffly she got to her feet. 'No one here is from Tortall, nothing I do can change that. Until I find a way to go home I should just sit back and enjoy it here. Nodding to herself she walked slowly back to the common room.
*
"Harry, have you finished that paper on dragons yet? Herm, have you?" With big round puppy-dog-eyes Ron blinked innocently at his two best friends.
"What!? You haven't done it yet?" Hermione's head whipped round to Ron.
"Well, not exactly. I've started though but I've encountered writer's block."
"Ronald Weasley! Let me get this straight you have had over three wee-no we've had a month on this, and you still haven't finished? It's in for tomorrow you plonker!" Hermione took a long deep breath, "What have you got stuck on? Do you need some extra information on eating habits?" attempting a helpful smile Hermione tried to calm down.
"Er, the title." He at least had the sense to look away.
"I'm not saying anything. Harry you sort him out." she turned back to her extra large book.
"How about asking Daine?"
"Harry, you're a genius! If you weren't you and I weren't me I'd kiss you. But you are you and I am me so I'll hit you instead." And he did. A great big belting WHACK.
"OW! I help you with your homework and you hit me! Stupid person. Herm do you know where Daine is? I think the wolf things are getting a bit restless." restless was a mild way of putting it. The two wolves were currently pacing back and forth in front of the fire, if anyone got too close they got a very close view of their teeth.
"I don't know! Go look for her."
"Ron, have you noticed the way she speaks to the animals? It's weird."
"Yeah it's almost like she's talking to another person. It's not right. I know she comes from a different world and all but it still freaks me out a bit."
"Yeah, but she's still cool. Plus she managed to scare Malfoy." Ron snickered.
"Now that was wicked! I expected Malfoy to pee himself. I guess Daine is okay."
"She is. Though it scares me that she keeps knives all over her. And that bow in her room is just plain weird."
"Definitely." nodding Ron turned back to his game of chess, relived that he could put off his homework for a little longer. Unfortunately his dream of not having to do any work for a few hours was shattered when Daine stepped through the painting.
"There you go Ron you can ask Daine now. You don't have to out it off any longer." Hermione said tartly not even looking up from her book.
"Ask me what?" Daine looked up from the wolves. She seemed to have been in deep conversation with them.
"About dragons."
"Before you do has anyone seen Kit? Cub and Blackpaw haven't seen her for hours and I can't find her anywhere."
"Sorry no," Daine anxiously bit her lower lip, "So about dragons...."
***
"Ron, yeh last piece of homework was brilliant, well done. Malfoy, yours was a load o' drivel." Both students flushed red. At that moment though a bell sounded from the main school building signalling the end of the day.
"See you Hagrid!"
"Bye Harry."
"Come on, let's go find Daine. I think she's just had arithmancy." slowly the three friends trudged up to the castle.
*
"Hey! Daine wait up!"
"Oh hi. Have you seen Kit yet?" smiling Daine turned to greet the three sweating seventh years.
"Nope, she probably just went for a walk. Don't worry she's only been gone for a few hours. Do you wanna come down to the Quidditch field? We're all practising down there. And almost everyone has decided to turn it into a field trip. Wanna come?"
"Sure."
"Then let's go!" chattering happily the group descended the many staircases. Only stopping to allow Daine to leave her bag in her rooms after a small detour and let the animals out. Dumbledore had said that as long as they bit no one or made a mess they could have the run of the castle. While talking to the trio Daine felt something happening. It was like a wall that she hadn't ever known was there was shifting and remoulding itself. The feeling that you get when something big was about to happen settled in her gut. Resting there like a coiled snake about to strike. The feeling of intense unease wasn't even dispelled as she watched the Quidditch payers weaving through each other. After about an hour of watching and chatting with other watchers everyone noticed a rather large commotion at the far end of the Quidditch pitch. Seeing a flash of blue and hearing the shouts Daine jumped over the small wooden rail separating her from the neatly trimmed grass. She ran to the clump of red robed students. They appeared to be encircling something Daine could not yet see. Nearing the group Daine elbowed her way into the inner ring of people. The quicker watchers had already gathered round.
"Kit!" Daine dropped to her knees as Kit came waddling to her placing her claws onto her shoulders and chirping.
"Where did you go? I was so worried!"
"Daine? There's a little bit of parchment on its leg."
"Oh, so there is." Like the school owls Kit extended her leg towards Daine.
Daine,
Do you have any idea where you are? Are you safe? Write back now.
Numair
That was it. Nothing else just those few words. Patting her pockets Daine searched for a quill. A dusty feather was placed under nose. Mumbling her thanks Daine turned the paper over and wrote,
Numair,
Did Kit go back to Tortall? Will I be able to get back? I'm in a mage school in a place called Scotland I think. I'm safe and well. Don't worry.
Daine
Her hands fumbling Daine gave the parchment back to Kit's safe keeping. There was an immediate -pop- and Kit was gone. Sitting back on her heels Daine stared at the patch of grass where Kit had just moments ago been crouching. Kit had obviously been told to find Daine and then return to Numair. Not knowing what to do Daine looked at the crowd surrounding her.
"Well what do we do now? Do we tell Dumbledore or not? I mean that letter was quite a big thing. You might be going home soon." Head to one side Hermione stared at Daine.
"Yes I suppose I should tell Professor Dumbledore. Should I wait for Kit to come back or not though?"
"Uh, probably. Once she comes back we'll go and tell Dumbledore."
"Okay." After two or three minutes most of the crowd dispersed, if the team was not practising there was nothing to stay for. Eventually all went leaving just Harry, Daine and Hermione. Ron had suddenly remembered yet more unfinished homework. With another pop Kit returned. Quickly Daine tore the much larger piece of paper of Kit's leg.
Daine, listen carefully. We don't know how to get you back. Kit only found you because she has a strong link with you, so she can find you even when you are in a different world. As you know Immortals can pass through worldly barriers with no problem. They can also take humans with them. But only when they are fully-grown and are fully in control of their magic. Kit though is still a baby so she can't.
"What about asking another dragon?" Daine asked Hermione who was also reading the letter.
"Read on."
However there isn't any Immortal who could ever pull you back to Tortall because they need a really strong link with you otherwise they lose their grip on you and you will be stranded between worlds. Tkaa says he can't because he hasn't known you long enough. So you see the problem we are in. Keep Kit with you, now I know you're safe I feel better. If you need to tell me something send Kit. If I need to tell you something I'll ask Tkaa.
Hope you're all right
Numair.
"Who's Tkaa?"
"He's a basilisk." Daine blinked at the face on Harry's face. He had gone all pale.
"A basilisk?"
"Yes, don't worry though he's fine." Harry frowned.
"Describe him to me."
"Well he's rather like a lizard except he stands on his hind legs. He speaks just about every language invented. He can turn things to stone by singing at it. He eats rock and uh, well there's not much else to tell."
"How strange."
"Why, well here a basilisk is a very big snake. It turns things to stone just by looking at it and they're deadly vicious. One gave me this scar in my second year." Harry pulled his sleeve up to show a little white line. He then turned his arm over to show another in the same place.
"Wow. How strange."
"I though you said you'd tell Dumbledore?" Hermione chipped in.
"Oh yes. You don't have to come though."
"Okay see you in the common room?"
"Yeah, I'll see you in a bit." Nodding the two turned and walked towards the castle. Staring after them Diane turned to Kit. Smiling she picked the fragile creature up and plodded to the castle. In the corridor before Dumbledore's office Daine out Kit down. Her arms groaning, she flexed them. Kit peeped at her. As she was coaxing warmth back into her arms she sensed someone behind her. Whirling around she saw a tall dark shadow.
"Professor Snape!" this man had a knack for sneaking up on people.
"If you are looking for the Headmaster, he seems to have performed a disappearing act." And without a word Snape also disappeared. Well turned a corner.
"Well, I'll have to wait." Sighing Daine called out to the many animals. Replies pounded her head. A few rats had seen him near the kitchens. A lone cat had seen him talking to a little two-legger. However the clear firm voice of Fawkes came strongest in her mind.
-He has gone to London. The capital. Where there are lots of humans. -
-Thank you- As she passed a window on the way to her rooms Daine realised with a start that it was time for dinner. Hurrying her pace Daine unlocked her rooms and got changed into a pair of clean grey breeches, a freshly washed white shirt and a blue tunic. Jogging Daine called to the wolves and Braane to meet her in the great hall. Checking Kit was still behind Daine slowed down and met the animals as they came belting down another hallway.
-Come on. Dinner time. -
-My favourite time of the day- Cub's nose twitched.
-I thought breakfast was your favourite time of the day- Blackpaw gently butted her sister in the side.
-I like both of them-
-I always knew you were the silly one- Blackpaw twitched her tail and trotted over to the cluster of Gryffindors. Kit who had been lurking behind suddenly pressed herself against Daine's leg. Sitting beside Ron Daine picked up Kitten and placed her beside her. Kit busied herself by devouring a spicy chicken drumstick. Burping slightly she reached for a baked potato the size of her head.
"Does she always eat like that?" Neville hesitantly took a sandwich and began to chew slowly watching the dragon. Kit had only ever eaten stolen food from the table. It was the first time she was eating at the Gryffindor table.
"Yes, always. She's an absolute pig. She'll eat anything. Thank you." Daine politely took the half-eaten sausage and placed it at the edge of her plate.
"Cool, she's even worse than Ron." For that remark Harry got a sharp kick to the shin. Glaring darkly at Ron Harry turned back to his own plate and stabbed a slice of bacon.
-Here you go- selecting some sausages and other meats Daine offered them to the wolves. Braane was terrorising a pair of terrified first year Hufflepuffs. However he also seemed to be eating. Accepting them gratefully the wolves sniffed the richly scented air. Cub turned around and then faced Daine again.
-That nasty-smelling boy is watching you. -
-Which? -
-The one we frightened- Daine turned to see Malfoy's cold expressionless eyes boring into hers.
-Ignore him. He's a piece of filth. -
Shivering under the cold scrutinisation of Draco Daine turned back to her food. An icy feeling of unease settled in her gut. Somehow Daine knew it had nothing to do with the blonde Slyhtherin. Something was coming. Something that didn't belong.
**********
Aha! What be this unearthly thing? Well actually even I don't know. So you like? Yes? Then review!!!! And then you'll find out what it is that is going to Hogwarts.
I am really sorry that I haven't updated for a while, but my stupid teachers have decided that all our worries about SATs aren't enough and have decided to give us tests and projects and exams galore.
Oh and a big THANK YOU to everyone who has reviewed! Hopefully next chapter will be a little larger in size and any thoughts or comments are highly appreciated!
Toodles
-x-Kylaia-x-