la de dah... writer's block is evil! writer's block is evil! and sadly, I seem to have caught a rather severe case of it. *sigh* isnt this the part where one of my muses comes and inspires me? *looks at muses (Kelly, Lian, John and Dante for those of you who dont know) K, L and J are playing go fish while D preens himself and looks important* *bigger sigh* not much inspiration there. maybe my reviewers can help me......
Disclaimer: by now, you guys know the drill. dont own it, dont sue me. yadda yadda....
I know that I normally save the thank you's section for the end, but I'm kinda stuck in this story as to where I want it to go next, so I'm hoping that if I write the thanks' first, some brilliant idea will come to me... *looks around for idea, sees only big brown block labeled 'Writer's Block'* eesh....
T.H- wonderful to hear from you again, oh goddess of fanfiction *g* pleeeeeeeese post chapter 11 of MM??? pweeeeeeeese???????????? anywhoo.... thank u bunches, glad everyone seem characteristic. I actually edited a lot of dray's lines and description out because he sounded too perfect (well, I mean, he is... but.., well, you know). yes, the poor, poor puffy. I was very sad when I read that. believe it or not, I did not come up with that. JK ( I mean, u) did! it just fit in my story so I put it in there *g* kelly is driving me crazy too... tho not for the some reasons as u. geeze, u have no idea how lucky u r that u don't have to deal with her everyday. sure, I make her sound calm enough in the story, but u should see her in real life.... ack! well, thanks for being such a great reviewer (and writer), you've made me feel so welcome here at ff.n! keep up the splendiferous work!!!!!!
Quiet One- i'm officially confused now.... *consults Harry Potter books which have finally been returned by cousin* ah ha! okay, not confused ne more. thanks for pointing that out... i though fred and george still had a year left, cos they weren't old enought to compete in tri wizard and they got the beards and... okay, well thanks for helping to clear that up :-) glad u liked the puffskeins.... i do too! and yes, there is a reason for kelly... a deep, dark, most incredibly secret reason *kelly looks up from go fish game* "there is? but i thought..." *hollie clamps hand over OC's mouth* nevermind her, she doesn't know what she talking about. as i was saying there is most definately a reason, but i cant tell ya that... it would spoil the ending! (or middle, havent quite decided when secret will come out yet *g*) im glad that u finally reposted! i like Chris (excuse me, Christopher) too. he should make for some good contrast in the story!!! keep up your fics and thanks for being so great!!!
Torrential Zephyr- i like it when hermione stands up too. (but on the other hand, I'm crazy about dray... *g*) ahem.... *in announcer type voice* "Let's give a huge hand to Torrential Zephyr for being the only reviewer (thus far) to spot the fact that Puffskeins were creatures I found in J.K. Rowling's short story 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them'!!!!!!!!!!" *thunderous applause from audience that appears out of thin air* i was wondering is anyone would catch that... so glad that you did!!! and, if you read the notes that Harry and Ron write in the book, you'll find that it says "I had one of them once." "What happened to it?" "Fred used it for bludger practice." ~tee hee hee~ i'd've liked to take credit for that idea, but i can't. ever so happy that u picked up on that tho!!!! as for Adele, she's both. you'll find out more about her character in this chapter i think. *beam of light suddenly shines down on hollie* oh my gosh!!! *jumps up and down excitedly* INSPIRATION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU..... THE WRITER'S BLOCK IS GONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
oh gosh, i'd better get writing before I loose my idea.... thanks Torrential Zephyr!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
eep, the rest of the thank you's will be at the bottom, i wanna get my idea down before it slips away....
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Harry Potter and the Fire Hawk
by Hollie
Kelly lounged on one of the crimson sofas in the Gryffindor Common room, ignoring the piles of homework as she read a silver, title less book. Ginny sat in a chair across from her, her transfiguration work spread out over the mahogany table between them. Kelly let out a long, loud sigh, looking around the common room, then at a silvery-blue timepiece fastened around her wrist.
"Where is everyone?" she wondered aloud, peering once again at the near empty room. Fred leaned against a far corner, talking in low tones to Angelina Johnson. A coy smile was spread across Fred's face, and Angelina was doing her best to hide her grin. Kelly smiled as she though of the numerous things the two could be talking about.
On the other side of the room, closer to the roaring fire, were several first, second and third years, and they were all chattering excitedly while starting essays or research papers.
None of the older students were present in the room however, save for Kelly, Ginny, Angelina and Fred. Kelly placed a marker in her book and placed it on the floor by the couch, closing her eyes, rejoicing in the near silence.
There was a lot of things for one girl to think about. First of all, there was that girl, Adele Stason. Kelly's mind kept returning to the charm on the girl's necklace; the tiny cat. She knew that it had some significance, but the problem was, what?
"Where's Dante when I need him?" Kelly thought.
"Gathering what little information I can get from these so called birds. Owls," Kelly head Dante scoff.
"Dante, good. I wanted to talk to you."
"I know that. I'm rather busy at the moment however, can this wait until later?"
"Well, I suppose. Can you meet me at the window of my dorm room tonight at midnight?"
"Yes, I suppose that will work. I have to get back to work now, though I doubt that my information will be of much help to you. These creatures are denser than most humans. "
"Thank you anyway Dante." Kelly drifted back into reality, to see Ginny staring at her pale faced.
"What?"
"You, you," Ginny's voice shook slightly as she looked at the older girl, "you were just sitting there, and then you went all pale, and when I called you, you just sat there and didn't answer and your eyes went silver." Kelly froze momentarily, and then looked curiously at Ginny.
"Are you sure? You didn't just imagine it?" Ginny was about to reply, when the portrait hole door burst open and several students traipsed in... all of them lime green from head to toe.
Ginny, Fred, Angelina and the rest of the students who had been up in the tower stood gaping as Harry, followed by Ron, Neville, Dean, Seamus, Lavender, Parvati, George and Alicia Spinnett made their way into the room, glowering at the sticky substance that stuck to clothes, skin and hair.
"What happened to you!" Ginny cried, her mouth open wide in shock. George walked over to his twin, gingerly poking the green goo. He was surprised to see that when he withdrew his finger, none of the green clung to him, it stuck fast to George.
Ron, whose red hot anger was evident even though his color was hidden, was the first to answer Ginny.
"We were walking back to the common room," he started through gritted teeth. It was only then that some students noticed that he had not choice whether he gritted them or not; the substance had cemented his lips together.
"And then Peeves showed up, gwinning wike the git he is," George continued, his lips also sealed together firmly.
"He dumped this stuff on us!" Neville squealed, trying to move his stiff arms to motion to the green substance.
It was at that moment that Hermione stormed down the Girl's Staircase, clutching a quill and a roll of parchment.
"Listen," she began, her voice loud and harsh, "some of us are trying to work and I'd appreciate it if..." she stopped dead, finally seeing the root of all the commotion. "What in the world...? What happened?" She rushed the rest of the way down the stairs, then across the room, stopping in front of the green students. "Oh my goodness. Well, let's see if we can't get rid of this..." she whipped a wand out of a robe pocket, then started to mutter a vanishing spell. It didn't work. Hermione was slightly perplexed, but shrugged her shoulders and tried another. And another, and another, and another. Hermione must have tried a hundred spells, none of which worked.
The girl rubbed her head in confusion, at a loss of what to do.
"Oh woh, we're doomed!!!" Dean cried.
Suddenly, there was a burst of laughter from the couch in the middle of the common room. All the Gryffindors turned to see Kelly giggling like crazy.
"I don't see what's so funny," Lavender said, annoyed.
"What do you know that we obviously don't?" Hermione asked, placing her hands on her hips.
Kelly managed to control herself, and she stood up, one last chuckle escaping her lips. Shaking her head, she walked over to where Hermione stood, withdrew a clear, crystal vial and her wand, then began to mutter words in a strange language none of them could comprehend.
The lime substance began to pry itself from its prisoners, twisting into a long, vine like strand, then pouring itself into Kelly's vial. With a 'pop!' the vial sealed itself; the green goo inside and the students now back to their natural colors.
"How'd you do that?" Fred asked with wonder and suspicion.
"Ah, so I take it that you've never heard of Trickster Paint?" Kelly's grin broadened as saw the looks of confusion on the faces of her classmates. "Trickster paint is a one of a kind substance, that guarantees a long lasting lime colour on those the owner chooses to prank." Fred and George's identical eyes brightened at the word 'prank.'
"So, this stuff is for gags?" George asked mischievously.
"How come we've never heard of it?" Fred looked slightly put out at the fact that he didn't know about such a wonderful pranking device.
"That would be because I invented it, this summer actually. Had a bit of free time," Kelly grinned again as Fred's mouth dropped.
"You made this?" George asked incredulously. Kelly shook her head vigorously.
"I did indeed-e."
"You've got to tell us how!"
Kelly bit her lip, trying to look thoughtful. "Gee, I'm really sorry guys, but if this stuff were to get in the wrong hands..." she trailed off, smiling up at them. Two identical 'angelic' faces looked down at her, blinking long lashed sweetly. Another laugh escaped Kelly's lips just as Hermione finally spoke up.
"Honestly, you boys spend enough of you time dealing with that joke nonsense as it is! Aren't you ever going to grow up!" Three bodies whirled around to face her, two insulted, one annoyed. While Fred and George argued with Hermione that at least they knew how to have fun, a silent but furious battle was happening within Kelly's mind.
"Dante!" she screamed inwardly as one of her more violent ideas threatened to take over, "help me Dante!" Immediately the hawk's deep, resounding voice filled her mind.
"Rachel! Rachel, listen, calm down! Breathe deeply Rachel, it's all right. Go to your dorm room now, I'll be waiting at the window."
Everyone was so absorbed in the argument that had transpired between the twins and Hermione that no one noticed Kelly practically hurl herself at the Girl's Staircase, running up them two at a time. No one, that is, except for Harry.
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Everyone was rather stiff at breakfast the following morning. Fred, George and Hermione had resolved their differences after Hermione had apologized, saying that she had had a headache and all the commotion had pushed her over the edge a bit. The twins were still slightly grumpy, but then Alicia and Angelina had talked with them about something (no one knew what) and they had returned to their cheery selves. The four seventh years had gone to one end of the table, taking up Ginny and Kelly's seats. At the other end, Ginny sat with Hermione, Ron, Harry and some of the other sixth years.
No one noticed Kelly's absence until Harry casually asked.
"Where'd Kelly go?"
Hermione shrugged nonchalantly, "she said that she wasn't feeling well. I think that she's still in bed."
Ginny looked around nervously, "maybe someone should show her to the Infirmary?"
Hermione shook her head, "Lavender already asked her that, she said that she would be fine, just needed a little sleep." Ginny pursed her lips, then decided to return to her meal. She talked briefly with Ron, who had just received an owl from Mrs. Weasely.
While Ron and Ginny were occupied, Harry seized the opportunity to talk to Hermione.
"Hey Herm, can we talk later?" he whispered to her, taking care to not let either of the Weasleys overhear. She looked at him curiously.
"Okay, but why?"
"Let's just say that I'm beginning to see eye to eye with you on some recent... issues." Brown eyes widened as she realized what he meant. Her mouth opened in surprise, but she clamped it shut as she noticed that Ron and Ginny had finished talking. Instead, she contented herself with a tiny smile and returned to her eggs and bacon.
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Morning and afternoon classes had all been completed and still Kelly had not shown up. As Harry, Hermione and Ron entered the Gryffindor Tower, they finally spotted her, sitting in the same sofa as she had been the day before. Her face was a bit paler then usual, but the now familiar grin spread across her face as she saw them.
"Hullo all," she said, her voice slightly strained. Ron walked ahead of the other two, sitting down at the end of the couch.
"How you feeling?"
"Better, actually. I don't know quite what happened, I think I got the flu or something maybe. I'll be back in class tomorrow though."
Ron smiled at her, "no you wont."
"Why ever not?" she asked, confused.
"Because tomorrow's Saturday," Hermione interjected, sounding rather bored. "Here," she dumped a pile of parchment rolls on the table in front of Kelly, "these are today's assignments."
"Gee, thanks," Kelly said dryly.
"Maybe I shouldn't have bothered then," Hermione's voice was cold, as were her eyes. Kelly looked slightly startled.
"I'm sorry Hermione, I was just trying to make a joke." Harry and Ron looked nervously between the two girls.
"Well perhaps you should think about what you say before you say it then." The boys knew that it would be a good time to interrupt, before the problem escalated.
"Hey Herm, I was wondering if you could help me with that Potions assignment tonight?" Harry asked, trying to sound casual. Hermione's memory flashed back to breakfast that morning, and, anxious to speak to Harry alone, she agreed.
"Ron," Kelly spoke, her voice slight above a whisper, "could you show me where the library is? I think I'll get started on this makeup work tonight." He nodded and got up, still looking curiously at Hermione.
Gathering up her spell books and a quill, Kelly quickly followed Ron out through the portrait hole to the library.
As they heard the entrance close with a soft 'thump', Harry turned his attention to Hermione, who was now grinning widely at him.
"Okay, what was that all about?"
Hermione shrugged, "she's been wearing at my last nerves."
Harry shook his head and laughed, "you've known her for what, a couple days and she's already driving you mad?"
She responded with another shrug. "I'd known her for a couple hours and I knew I didn't like her. There's something funny about her, can't you feel it?"
Harry bit his lip, thinking hard. "That's why I wanted to talk to you. It's weird, like, she'll start to say something perfectly normal, but then it's as if there's some secret to it, and she'll cover it up quick or laugh and change the subject, you know? I thought you were just a bit paranoid at first, but now I'm beginning to understand some of your doubts."
Hermione let out a long sigh of relief. "It's so good to know that someone agrees with me." She smiled, but her pleasure turned quickly to a face of uncertainty. "Harry," she started, lowering her voice, "does... does your scar ever hurt when she's around?"
His eyes widened in shock and realization. "No," was his whispered reply.
"Oh."
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"Here it is," Ron motioned with his hand to the wide doors of the Hogwart's library. He followed Kelly inside, her eyes wide with glee as she looked at the hundreds upon hundreds of shelves of books. There were skinny books, fat ones, leather bound books, dictionaries and atlases, books on every possible subject imaginable, magazines, catalogues, every possible type of book or reference material imaginable.
There was a sparkle in Kelly's eyes as she gawked at the sheer size of the library.
"This is exactly what I've been looking for."
An hour and a half later, Kelly and Ron left the library, both lugging several heavy volumes.
"Thanks Ron, for carrying my books."
"It's no problem," he said, his voice wheezing slightly under the weight of the books.
"Hey," Kelly twisted her red lips into a slight pout, "does Hermione hate me or something? Cause I'm trying to be nice, really, but she just doesn't seem..." Ron held up a hand to quiet her.
"Don't worry about Hermione, she'll come around. You just have to, well..." he looked thoughtfully at her, "I'll talk to her tonight, straighten things out." Kelly beamed up at him.
"Thanks Ron, your the best."
"It's no problem."
"I've got this school in the palm of my hand."
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Adele Stason watched a girl and a boy as they emerged from the library from the shadows behind a large stone statue. She recognized the girl as the other transfer student, Kelly something. She was pretty and popular, even though this was her first year here. Adele sighed inwardly, thinking of how Kelly was the type of girl she had always wanted to be; the type of girl she never could be.
The boy she knew immediately as a Weasley. He had the red hair and freckles characteristic of all Weasleys. That was a name she had been familiar with growing up. Her father had ranted nonstop about how horrible the Muggle-loving Arthur Weasley was. Secretly, Adele had always admired wizards like Mr. Weasley, who dedicated their lives to helping the muggles. She'd never revealed that thought to anyone though, her family would have disowned her. She couldn't even tell her cousin, Draco, who, though he wasn't as cruel as he acted at school, he wasn't exactly the type of person one could confide in.
"Draco!" Adele whispered, her memory suddenly jolted, "I was supposed to meet him in the Slytherin common room five minutes ago!"
Adele sprinted towards the dungeon, in cat form.
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ack, that was bad, I know. hopefully tho, I've left you all with something to think about... I dropped a LOT of hints and clues in this chapter!!!
to continue the thank yous.....
Fawkesnflame- I'm glad too!!! oh good, I did her rite... I was sooooo worried that I'd screw it up!!! thanks bunches for everything!!!!
PinkPineapple- heheheh.. glad your suspicions have been aroused... I'm doing my job then!!! I'm sooo glad that you like this (and I promise to read the rest of your fic as soon as I have time... it's bugging me cos what i've read has been so good and i haven't had time to read the rest yet!!!!!)
WhetherRose- ROSE!!! YOUR BAAAAAAACK!!!!!!!! YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! IM SOOOoooooo glad!!!!!!! anywhoo.... thanks for all your input!! i wish i could take the credit for the puffskien idea, but that was all J.K's doing. and Filly is 100% Fawkesnflame's. ;-) luv ya girl, glad your back!!!!!!
and thanks to everyone else who is reading this now and I haven't thanked! thanks now!!!!!
luv ya all,
hollie
