Chapter 4: A Midnight Encounter
By: Elizabeth M. Potter
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Yet I should not worry. I'm safe here at Hogwarts. He can't come here. He fears Dumbledore. Yet why do I feel so uneasy? So worried and so lonely. Then I realize why. There's only one reason why and his name is Ha-
I sat up quickly. I looked around the room. I could have sworn that I heard something, something similar to footsteps. Oh Merlin, please don't let it be him. I would give anything, just don't let it be him! I clutch the bed sheet, hard enough that my knuckles were going white. I slowly get out of bed, trying my hardest not to make a sound. There it is again! It seemed like dripping water. I look out the window and notice that it's raining. Maybe it's just an open window, I tell myself.
I grab the lit lantern that was at my bedside and, of course, my wand, which had been recovered by Dumbledore. I slowly walk towards where I thought the noise had come from. I walked farther inside the room, the part of the room that was not lit at all. There was an eerie feeling around the room and it frightens me a little. However, I continued to investigate.
I didn't see anything suspicious and I saw that indeed a window was slightly opened. As I went to close it, I could feel that I was not alone in the room. I tried not to show how panicked I was once I saw the wet footsteps on the floor, which were coming from the window. Someone had indeed broken in, but whom? I closed it and I turned around to go back to my bed. As I turned around, I froze. In front of me stood a cloaked person whose face was hidden in the shadow of his hood.
At first I feared that it was a Death Eater and so I lifted my wand in defense. When I did, this person backed away and lifted his arms as to demonstrate that he was of no danger. Upon seeing this, I walked closer to him with my wand still up. For some strange reason, I felt safe and I knew that he was not evil. I put down my wand and reached for my lantern that I had dropped when I saw him.
Him. Who was this man? And why did he break in? I lifted my lantern to see his face. As I did, he reached out his hand and stopped me. He took the lantern away from me and put it down by his side. I watched his every move and I was surprised what he did next. He took my now-free hand in his and walked me back to my bed. As I approached it, I noticed that all the candles were blown off. I was tempted to say 'lumos' and see who this person was, but I fought the urge and just felt content that he was here.
When I had reached my bed, I saw that there were new clothes. As I examined them, I noticed that the clothes were special and very antique in many ways. It seemed to be some sort of a dress, more like a battle dress I should say. It's very hard to describe because it was really beautiful. I felt the white silk and the different jewels that were embroidered on the dress. I was captivated my it's beauty that I nearly forgot about the stranger.
I looked up and saw that his back was towards me. I reach out to him and put my hand on his shoulder. I think he flinched so I took my hand off of him but then he reached over and took my hand. He turned around and I knew he was looking right at me. Even though I still couldn't see his face, I somehow knew that he was kind and that I could trust him. I felt so warm inside and safe.
"It's almost time," he whispered softly. I was a bit surprised once he spoke. His voice was gentle and kind.
"Time for what?" I asked, a bit confused on what he was talking about, yet I felt as if it was a memory of so long ago.
"You'll see. But you must trust me," he softly replied.
"Trust you?" I asked. "Can you give me a reason to trust you?" I just needed to hear a reason from him. I needed to know that trusting him wouldn't be a mistake of mine.
"Yes, this." He leaned down and he captured my lips in his. It was such a gentle kiss, but it held a strong feeling, love. It was a small kiss yet so powerful that tears were forming in my eyes. When he pulled away, I was still dazed for it had been my first kiss. I touched my lips and I smiled secretly. I looked up and I could sense that he was smiling too.
"I guess that is a reason," was all that I managed to say. It felt so good, but it was strange. It felt as if I had kissed him before. It felt so familiar.
He let go of my hand and started to head towards the door. I didn't know what to do so I said, "stop! Don't go."
He turned around and faced me. "I will never leave you. I will come back to visit you but only from time to time. We don't have to wait long, just be patient."
I slowly walked up to him. "I will be patient," I said softly. "I will wait for you."
He reached out and caressed my face. His hands were so soft. I covered his hand with mine and he leaned down once more and kissed me. I reached up and felt his face and then his hair. He smelled like cinnamon and a touch of vanilla. I could stay like this forever. When we pull apart, I closed my eyes. It is best to respect his secrecy. I let go as he heads out the door.
As he is about to open the door, I asked, "when will I see you again?"
"Soon, very soon." And with that he left me.
I stood there staring at the direction in which he had left. I felt lost and confused. Why do I feel like this? Why do I feel like I have known him all my life and that I need him. I don't even know his name. I slowly went back to my bed, tears flowing down my cheek once more, reliving what I had just gone through. I looked at my bed and I saw the white dress. I folded it up and put it under my pillow, making sure no one saw it and that no one will take it.
I look up at the dark ceiling and I smiled as I touched my lips. It felt so right just to be near him. I knew that I was going to see him again, very soon. Our lips touching was the last thought I had as I drifted off to sleep.
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A/N:This chappy was short! I wanted to make it longer but, it just didn't work. I know I said this chapter was going to be focused on 'Where on Earth is Harry Potter?' and I am really sorry it didn't go that way. I just need to get this part in.
You must all be wondering who is this stranger. I wanted to add a bit more mystery to my fic so I created this stranger, who, as you have read, is involved with Hermione. Yet who is this stranger? And what did he mean by 'it's almost time'? What does Hermione have to do with all this? You'll have to stay tune to find out.
I like to thank all those who did review. Thank you so much. This next statement is to the readers:
If you are reading this, please review. As a reader, you have the opportunity to tell the writer your opinions of this story. Please do both of us a favor, review. You'll feel better when you do it.
Okay, thanks in advance. I hope you guys did like this chapter, even though it was rather short. The next chapter is almost done, just got to edit some things. Until next time...
Yours Truly,
Elizabeth M. Potter