A/N: If this isn't your first time reading this story, I suggest you go back and read the other chapters over again! I added a few new things and it's important that you know about them! Again, thank you so much for the reviews. I appreciate them, really I do. Well, here's the next chapter... Happy reading!
LET GO
CHAPTER 8:
THE UNATTAINABLE MISSION
"So, what are you going to wear?" Sheila asked. A sweet November breeze swept passed the two girls. Sheila pulled her cloak tighter around herself.
Hermione shrugged, adjusting her hat. "I don't really know.... A dress..."
Sheila put a hand over her mouth in mock surprise. "No... It's that what you're supposed to wear to a Christmas ball?"
Hermione playfully smacked her friend's arm. "Don't make fun..." She stuck out her bottom lip.
Sheila laughed, throwing an arm over Hermione's shoulders. "I'm just kidding."
They were walking down the main street of Hogsmeade, trying to find a quaint little dress shop so they could purchase their gowns for the Christmas ball.
"I still don't see why we have to wear costumes... It's not Halloween, for Merlin's sake..." Sheila stopped in front of a shabby looking store and peered in through the window. "Hey... let's check out this place..."
Hermione looked at her. "I don't know... It looks kind of-"
"What? Are you scared?"
Hermione shook her head. "No!" She grabbed Sheila's arm and practically dragged her into the shop.
"Ow!... You're pinching my arm skin..." Sheila jerked her arm away from Hermione, but before she could reprimand her friend, she glanced around the shop in complete awe.
"Wow..." Hermione walked over to a display, touching the fabric of the dress as she passed by. "These are incredible... Sheila c'mere... take a look at this dress."
Sheila made to walk over there, but stopped when someone touched her arm. "May I help you?" Both girls jumped in surprise. Sheila turned towards the voice and saw a young woman standing behind her. She had short blonde hair and bright blue eyes. Sheila gasped. *'She seems familiar...'*
Sheila forced herself to stop staring and shook her head. "No, we're just looking..."
"How come I've never noticed this place before?" Hermione asked while pulling a bluish-green dress off a rack.
The woman smiled. "My store is new. Just moved here a couple of months ago." She looked at the two girls. "Well, if you need anything just tell me. My name's Jackie."
Sheila nodded. "Okay, thank you..."
~*~*~
Harry glanced at his watch. "Merlin! Where the hell are they?"
"Would you calm down... They're girls, remember... It always takes them an extra hour to shop for things..." Ron said, taking a sip of his Butterbeer.
"Hey! I resent that!" Ginny smacked her brother in the back of his head, causing Butterbeer to spill down the front of his robes.
"Ginny! Look what you did!"
Ginny rolled her eyes and handed him a napkin. "Here, Mr. Whiny Butt..." Harry laughed. "So... Who're you taking to the ball, Harry? Cho?"
Harry shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "No..."
"He WANTS to take Sheila, but he's too big of a pussy to ask her." Harry glared daggers at Ron. Ron shrugged. "What? It's true..."
Ginny smiled. "Well, I think it's really sweet... Don't worry, Harry, I'm sure she'll say yes."
"It's cool. I'm only asking her as a friend."
"Right..." Ron said, smirking.
Harry looked at him. *'At least, I think I am...'* He thought, sipping on his Butterbeer.
~*~*~
"I'm sorry you couldn't find anything that would suit your tastes." Jackie said, smiling at them.
Sheila laughed. "Oh we found plenty to our tastes, but-" She pat her pockets and shrugged. "No money!"
Jackie's smile broadened. "Come back soon, okay? You two are so sweet. Next time, we'll have tea."
"Sounds good to me." Hermione said. "Bye, Jackie!"
"We'd better get going. We have to meet our friends." Sheila grabbed Hermione's hand and led her to the door.
"Ouroboros."
The girls turned. "Excuse me?" Sheila asked.
"Ouroboros. That's what your necklace is."
Sheila stared at her, her hand automatically seeking out the small pendant from beneath her thick layer of robes. She pulled it out and looked at it.
"How did you know I-"
"I saw it when you were trying on one of the dresses." Jackie paused. "It's very rare, an ouroboros. It symbolizes life, death, and rebirth and only those powerful enough can reap the benefits of its true purpose. May I ask where you got it?"
Sheila stared at the small pendant in her hand. "It's a family heirloom. My mother gave it to me."
"Ah, yes. The family connection. Strongest power there is..." Jackie's face took on a dreamy look for a moment before she shook her head. "But you look like a smart girl, so I'm pretty sure you already knew that."
"No... I didn't..."
Jackie smiled. "Well, now you do... Take care, girls." She gave them a small wave and then disappeared into the back of the shop.
"Weird..." She tucked the necklace back underneath her robes.
"I'll say... Come on, Ron and Harry will be furious..."
Throwing a quick glance over her shoulder, Sheila and Hermione exited the shop.
~*~*~
Ron kicked Harry's leg underneath the table. "Ow! Ron, what was that for?" Harry bent down and massaged his shin.
"She's here..." Ron said in a sing song voice.
Harry looked towards the door of the Three Broomsticks and sure enough, there was Sheila, alongside Hermione, taking off their cloaks, a few dead leaves swirling around their ankles from the wind outside.
"Here they come... Now's your chance... Ask her!"
Harry stood, pulling out a chair for Sheila to sit in. "Oh, thank you, Harry." She sat down and grabbed his Butterbeer, taking a swig. "Mmm... That's really good..."
"Can I get you lot anything?"
Sheila looked up and saw a waitress standing by their table, pen in one hand, receipt book in the other. Sheila held up the bottle of Butterbeer.
"Yes, more of these, please."
The waitress smiled. "Coming right up." She left.
Ron glared at Harry from across the table. He mouthed 'Ask her!' and Harry nodded, clearing his throat.
"Uh, Sheila, could I ask you something?"
"Sure, Harry, anything."
"Well, as you know, the Christmas ball is coming up in like a month and we're supposed to bring dates, well we don't have to bring dates, but it would better off that we did. Oh geez, I'm babbling... Anyway, I was just wondering, since I don't have a date and you don't have one either-"
"Oh, but I do."
Harry stopped and stared at her. "Wh-what? Who is it?" He took a sip of his Butterbeer.
"Malfoy."
Everyone at the table spit out the contents of their drink, spraying Sheila in a shower of Butterbeer.
"Eww..."
"Malfoy?! As in Draco Malfoy?!" Ron asked, wiping his chin.
Sheila shrugged. "Yeah... what's the big deal?..."
"He's a Malfoy, that's what. Haven't you heard of all the terrible things his father has done?"
"Yes, but I don't see what that has to do with Draco." Sheila crossed her arms over her chest. "His FATHER did those things, not him."
"Like father, like son."
Sheila shook her head. "Ron, you couldn't be more wrong. I know he's been an ass to all of you since Year 1, but he's not really like that. He's a great guy and a really good friend. He's only mean to you because his father told him to be. But I swear, that's not the real Draco Malfoy. I've known him my whole life and he would NEVER hurt me... or anyone else for that matter."
Ron looked at the others, who seemed unconvinced, then back at her. "I don't know..."
"Listen," She gestured for them to lean towards her. "Look here." She pointed to her eyes. "Look into my eyes..." They did and she sighed. "Trust me when I say that Draco is not bad and that he would never hurt me or anyone else on purpose..." Something flickered in her eyes, whether it was the candlelight in the bar or something else, the occupants of the table couldn't explain, they just knew that at that moment, Sheila was right.
They all nodded their agreement. Sheila smiled and heard someone call out 'Draco!' just as Draco himself walked up to their table.
"Hey Sheila." Sheila looked at the others with pleading eyes. Everyone glanced around the table silently. They all nodded and got up, picking up their stuff.
"Guys, please don't leave..." Sheila said, but the others just smiled at her.
"We're not going anywhere..." Ginny said, scooting over one seat to the right, just like everyone else.
Harry gestured to the chair beside him. "Here, Draco, take a seat."
"Yeah, come, sit, eat, drink, discuss." Ron said, smiling at him.
"Why are you guys being so nice to me?"
Everyone looked at Draco in surprise. Hermione spoke up. "Well, an anonymous source told us that you weren't really the asshole you pretended to be all these years and... well... we believed her." The others nodded.
Draco smiled. "Someone really said that about me?"
"Yes, well I paraphrased it a bit, but yeah someone said that..."
Draco hesitated, glancing at Sheila. She nodded and he reluctantly took the seat next to Harry.
"Here you go, dearies. Butterbeer all around." The waitress had returned, tray in hand. She saw Draco sitting there and frowned. "Oh my, I guess I'll go retrieve another one."
"No, don't even bother." Harry said, stopping her. "He can have mine, I'm not even done with my first one yet..." The waitress smiled and left.
Harry handed Draco a Butterbeer. Draco accepted it. "Thanks."
Harry shrugged. "No problem."
"Hey, let's make a toast." Hermione said, standing up. She held up her bottle. "To good grades and world peace."
Ron snorted and stood up. "Yeah, to a great Quidditch season and happiness."
"To many more boyfriends for me-" Ron glared at Ginny, who in turn stuck her tongue out. "and riches beyond our imaginations."
Sheila laughed. "To a successful and fun Christmas ball and good friends."
"Yes, definitely to good friends." Harry said, standing up as well. He looked at Draco. "And, of course, to newly obtained friends..."
Draco smiled. "Here, here!" They all clinked their bottles together, laughing. They sat back down.
"Speaking of the Christmas ball... Draco, I hear you're taking Sheila." Hermione said.
"Yeah... actually, Sheila, I needed to talk to you about that."
Sheila looked at him. "Okay, go ahead."
"Well, you know my father-" Sheila rolled her eyes in disgust. "he wants me to get in good with a pureblood family, so-"
"So, you can't take me." It wasn't a question.
Draco shook his head. "I'm sorry, but I have to follow my father's orders, or else-"
Sheila held up a hand to silence him. "No need to explain... I understand..." She grinned. "So, who's the lucky girl?"
Draco sneered. "Pansy Parkinson..."
The table let out a collected 'Ooohh...'.
"I'm sorry..." Sheila frowned. "Now, who am I supposed to go with?"
Draco smirked and looked at Harry. "Well, I have a person in mind..."
"Who?"
He nudged Harry with his elbow. "What?" Harry asked, receiving a harder nudge from Draco. Realization dawned on him. "Oh... Oh!" He cleared his throat. "Single guy over here, you know..."
Sheila grinned. "Why Mr. Harry Potter, are you asking little ol' me to the ball?"
"Yes... yes I am." He paused. "That is, if you'll have me..."
"I'd be happy to."
"Awww..." Ginny wiped away a fake tear. "That's so romantic..."
"No it's not.... It's disgusting." Ron said, pretending to gag.
Harry threw a Butterbeer bottle-cap at him. Ron ducked, laughing.
Hermione checked her watch. "We'd better go. It's getting late."
Taking a final sip of Butterbeer, everyone grabbed their things and headed for the door. Draco held Sheila back.
"Hey, thanks for, you know... saying those nice things about me..."
"It was nothing. Anything for a friend, right?"
He pulled her into a hug and she kissed his cheek. "Merlin, I don't know what I would do if you weren't here, Draco..." She whispered against his neck. "You're the only one I feel I can REALLY trust..." She gave him another peck on the cheek and turned, exiting the bar.
"Hey Draco," Draco turned and saw Harry standing behind him. He raised his eyebrows in question. "Thanks."
"For what?"
"For dropping Sheila so I could take her the ball."
Draco shrugged. "Anything to get the job done, right?"
Harry furrowed his eyebrows. "Job?"
"Yeah, the job..."
"Oh, right, right... the job... of course... anything for the job..."
Draco looked at him. "You do remember, don't you?"
"Huh? Yeah, I just got so into it, I guess I forgot." Harry looked at him, guessing Draco bought his story, because the blonde just shrugged, walking out of the bar. Harry sighed and followed him.
~*~*~
"I want to get her, Master, I want to get her good."
"Yes, the little bitch IS starting to get on my nerves..."
"You should've seen her in the Three Broomsticks. Laughing and having a good old time. I even called out to him, but he completely ignored me. He casually walks over to their table and they just offer him a seat!" Pansy huffed. "I couldn't believe it! It's like they're his friends now or something! They did some stupid little toast and as they were leaving, she had the audacity to give him a hug and kiss, not only once, but twice!" Pansy clenched her hands into fists, her knuckles going white. "Merlin, I want to get her!"
"Why?"
Pansy stopped her pacing and looked into the red eyes of her Master. "Because she's nothing but an interfering little Know-It-All AND she took my Drakie-Poo away from me..."
"I thought Draco was taking you to the ball?"
"He is, but only because his father told him to, not because he wants to."
"Tsk, tsk, Parkinson. You shouldn't complain. This is a very good opportunity."
"Why is that?"
"Think about it. She won't have as much protection around her if she goes to the ball with Harry. She'll be vulnerable."
"What do you suggest I do about it?"
Her Master stared at the blank wall across from him, tapping his chin in thought. "Together they are unbeatable, but separate they are weakened. You must break them apart."
"How will I do that?"
Her Master sneered. "I think it's about time our favorite little American's secret is revealed..."
"You mean, the one about her-"
"You're not as stupid as I thought you were, Parkinson." He smiled. "Tell Harry at the ball. Cause a scene. Scream. Yell. Do whatever you can to break them apart."
"M-master, what if that doesn't work?"
"ARE YOU DEFYING ME?!"
Pansy flinched at the volume of his voice. "N-no... I'm just saying what if this plan doesn't work. Shouldn't we have a back-up plan or something?"
Her Master pulled a quill from his robe. "That, my dear, is where this comes in..." He handed it to her.
"What does it do?"
"Never mind that. Just make sure she gets it, okay?"
"Yes, Master." She kissed the hem of his robes.
Her Master sighed, and waved his hand nonchalantly. "You are dismissed." She got up to leave. "And Parkinson," He called out to her. "-you better not disappoint me... You don't want to end up like your parents..." He chortled at the look of fear on her face, his laughter following her out the door as she left.
He got up, whistling innocently. "You do that and I'll take care of my daughter..."
~*~*~
( That night....)
"I can't believe the number of people that are going to be staying for Christmas break."
"It's all thanks to your lovely ball."
"Don't forget Ron. He helped too."
"Yes, but Hermione, let's be honest with ourselves. Out of all the Prefects, which gender did the most work...?"
Hermione grinned. "THE WOMEN!" They both yelled at the same time.
Sheila sighed. "I can't believe tomorrow's the first day of December... This year is really flying by."
"Tell me about it..." Silence passed over them.
"I wonder what Harry's costume looks like."
"Speaking of Harry... What's the deal with you two? When are you going to hook up?"
"Hermione, you know we're just friends."
Hermione rolled her eyes. "Sure, sure. Whatever you say..."
Sheila laughed. "Good night, Hermione..."
Hermione groaned, clicking off her bedside lamp. "'Night..."
~*~*~
( The next day....)
Pansy stood outside the doors to the Great Hall. She was patiently waiting for Sheila and the Dork Parade (as she liked to call them) to exit so she could give Sheila her little 'present'. She heard voices approaching and flattened herself against the wall.
It was them. Pansy held her breath. She waited until they were at least 2 feet away from her before saying "Diffindo". Sheila's bag ripped open, the contents spilling out.
"Shit." Sheila muttered and snapped her fingers. The split seam came together, holding everything securely in. The Trio bent down to help her stuff the fallen things back into her bag. "That's weird... this thing was brand new..." Sheila shrugged. "Let's get to class."
*'This is my chance...'*
Pansy ran out from the shadows. "Professor Williams!" They turned to look at her. "You forgot this one!" Pansy held out a red-tipped quill. (A/N: When I say tip, I don't mean the writing tip, but the tip of the feather...)
Sheila looked at her, then the quill. "I don't have quills that look like that... It must be someone else's. Sorry."
"No! I saw it fall out of your bag. It's most definitely yours!"
Sheila hesitated, then held out her hand. "Alright, if you say so. Thank you , Miss Parkinson."
Pansy grinned. "Anytime... See you in class..." She turned on her heel and disappeared down the hall, her maniacal laughter trying to escape her thin-lipped mouth.
~*~*~
( A few days later....)
"Sheila, do you have a quill I can borrow?"
"What?! Hermione, little Miss Prefect, has come to the library unprepared! Tsk, tsk... 5 points from Gryffindor."
Hermione gave her a disapproving look. "Do you have a quill or not?"
"Yeah, yeah. Don't get your knickers in a twist..." Sheila reached in her bag and pulled out a red-tipped quill. "Here ya go. You know, you're really kind of scary when it comes to school work..."
Hermione smirked. "Thank you."
Sheila raised a questioning eyebrow. Hermione rolled her eyes. "For the quill..."
"I knew that..."
They resumed their homework in silence. That is, until Ron and Harry showed up, jabbering away about Quidditch.
"Hello...?! Trying to do homework here..."
Ron grinned. "That's my Hermione."
Something rattled in a nearby cabinet.
"What was that?" Sheila asked. "Ron?"
Ron held up his hands, as if in surrender. "Wasn't me..." The cabinet rattled again. Harry walked over to it.
"Harry, be careful!"
Harry shook his head. "If that's what I think it is, then it's harmless..." He cautiously pulled open a drawer and out climbed-
"A Dementor?! That's harmless?!" Sheila screeched.
"No! Watch..." He pointed his wand at the Dementor and said "Riddikulus!" The Dementor stopped and his head fell slowly off.
"A boggart!" Hermione exclaimed.
"Yup. Totally harmless." The Trio took turns changing the boggart into as many hilarious things as they could think of.
"Go ahead, Sheila, finish it off." Harry said. Sheila nodded, stepping forward. The boggart turned to her and immediately changed to the shape of a young woman. Sheila, startled, dropped her wand. She fell to her knees, her hands frantically searching the floor for it.
"Sheila! What're you doing? Finish it off!"
"I'm trying!"
Tears were streaming down her face as she watched the young woman approach her. She raised a hand, beckoning Sheila forward. Sheila let out a choked sob.
"NO! NOT AGAIN!" Sheila started crawling backward, her wand long forgotten. She drew in a panicked breath and began hyperventilating.
*'She's not real... Just fight it!'*
Sheila shut her eyes, squeezing them tighter as a shock ran throughout her whole body, starting with her left arm. She counted to ten. When she opened her eyes again, the boggart was gone, nothing more than a misty, gray cloud.
She fell back, breathing hard, as if she just ran a million marathons. She wiped the sweat from her brow.
"Merlin, Sheila, are you okay?!" The Trio rushed over to her. She nodded weakly.
"Yeah, I'm fine... I just panicked..."
"Sheila, you're all red! I think we should get you to the hospital wing." Ron reached for one of her arms, but she pulled it away.
"I'm said I was fine!" She got to her feet, grabbing a nearby shelf for support, as her legs threatened to buckle beneath her.
"Who was that woman?"
"None of your fucking business! Just leave me alone!" Sheila spat, sinking to her knees again.
Harry kneeled down. "Come on. You're going straight to Madam Pomfrey." He grabbed her arm, but immediately let go, hissing.
"What? What's the matter?" Hermione asked.
"It's as if she's on fire!" He went to stand up, but was suddenly pulled forward as Sheila grabbed him roughly by the front of his shirt.
"Please! Please, don't leave me!"
Harry looked at her with wide eyes. "I'm not going anywhere, I promise."
"I'm going to get Madam Pomfrey." Ron turned and ran out of the library.
"She's here!" Sheila's voice dropped down to an eerie whisper. "I can feel her in my veins... Running throughout my whole body..." Her eyes rolled into the back of her head and she started twitching violently.
Harry put a hand to her forehead, but found that when he tried to pull away, he couldn't. It was as if he were stuck to her... A weird sensation was flowing throughout him. It felt as if he were falling, the familiar library surroundings melting away to reveal a small cottage near an open field. He saw a little girl, about 8, maybe 9, skipping down the dirt road towards him.
She stopped about 6 feet away and looked at him.
"Who are you?"
Harry started. *'She can't possibly see me...'*
"Who are you?" The little girl asked again. Harry saw that her brown eyes weren't looking at him, but PASSED him. Harry turned around and saw a young woman leaning against the rusted mailbox. Harry gasped. It was the same woman that the boggart turned into...
The woman smiled. "My name's Vicky, darling. What's yours?"
The little girl pushed her fallen glasses up the bridge of her nose. "My daddy said I'm not allowed to talk to strangers..."
The woman laughed. "I'm no stranger, honey. I'm part of your family..."
The little girl stared at her, unblinking. "No... You's a bad person..." The woman's fake smile faltered. "You's a really bad person and I'mma tell my daddy!"
The little girl turned and ran up the lane, the woman hot on her heels. "Oh no you don't, you little bitch!"
The girl cried out as the woman grabbed a hold of her black hair. "Not before I give you a present!"
The woman reached into her robes and pulled out a knife. It glinted maliciously in the harsh sunlight. The little girl screamed.
"Yes, scream! SCREAM! Daddy's not here to save you, is he?!" She raised the knife, grinning.
"NO!" Harry stepped forward, but stopped, realizing there'd be nothing he could do anyways.
The woman grabbed the girl's left arm and held it out. The little girl screamed as the knife came down and plunged into the pale flesh of her arm. The woman yanked it forcefully out, laughing.
"It is done, my child! You have been marked! You cannot escape your fate!" With a small *POP*, the woman vanished.
Harry looked down at the girl. She was clutching her left forearm, whimpering, blood running down the front of her dress. Harry reached out, withdrawing his hand when he heard the front door open. He looked towards the house and saw a man running down the steps. Before he could really get a chance to see who the man was, the landscape before Harry started swirling and the Hogwart's library came into focus again.
"Harry? HARRY?!" Harry blinked and saw Hermione looking at him, concerned. "Are you okay? You blanked out."
Harry nodded. "Yeah, I'm okay..." He looked down at Sheila. She had fainted and Harry noticed that she was clutching her left arm so tightly that her knuckles were turning white.
"Oh my Merlin..."
"What?" Hermione asked.
Harry paid her no attention. Instead he pried Sheila's right hand off of her arm and pulled back her cloak sleeve. Hermione and Harry gasped. Her arm was covered in blood and in the very center of the crimson pool, lay a black spot, shaped exactly like-
"The Dark Mark..." Harry whispered. Hermione's hands flew to her mouth. "I read her mind...? That thing... That was a memory...?"
Harry could do nothing but stare at the girl on the floor as he patiently awaited Ron to retrieve Madam Pomfrey.
A/N: Confused? Ya should be! From now on, things (as in like time) will be moving pretty fast! The next chapter will take place on Christmas Eve so stay tuned! I think all those ( ) things were necessary because if they weren't there some people would've thought it was the same day or something...! This is my longest chapter yet! 15 typed pages! Whoo Nilly! Was it good... bad? Review please!
LET GO
CHAPTER 8:
THE UNATTAINABLE MISSION
"So, what are you going to wear?" Sheila asked. A sweet November breeze swept passed the two girls. Sheila pulled her cloak tighter around herself.
Hermione shrugged, adjusting her hat. "I don't really know.... A dress..."
Sheila put a hand over her mouth in mock surprise. "No... It's that what you're supposed to wear to a Christmas ball?"
Hermione playfully smacked her friend's arm. "Don't make fun..." She stuck out her bottom lip.
Sheila laughed, throwing an arm over Hermione's shoulders. "I'm just kidding."
They were walking down the main street of Hogsmeade, trying to find a quaint little dress shop so they could purchase their gowns for the Christmas ball.
"I still don't see why we have to wear costumes... It's not Halloween, for Merlin's sake..." Sheila stopped in front of a shabby looking store and peered in through the window. "Hey... let's check out this place..."
Hermione looked at her. "I don't know... It looks kind of-"
"What? Are you scared?"
Hermione shook her head. "No!" She grabbed Sheila's arm and practically dragged her into the shop.
"Ow!... You're pinching my arm skin..." Sheila jerked her arm away from Hermione, but before she could reprimand her friend, she glanced around the shop in complete awe.
"Wow..." Hermione walked over to a display, touching the fabric of the dress as she passed by. "These are incredible... Sheila c'mere... take a look at this dress."
Sheila made to walk over there, but stopped when someone touched her arm. "May I help you?" Both girls jumped in surprise. Sheila turned towards the voice and saw a young woman standing behind her. She had short blonde hair and bright blue eyes. Sheila gasped. *'She seems familiar...'*
Sheila forced herself to stop staring and shook her head. "No, we're just looking..."
"How come I've never noticed this place before?" Hermione asked while pulling a bluish-green dress off a rack.
The woman smiled. "My store is new. Just moved here a couple of months ago." She looked at the two girls. "Well, if you need anything just tell me. My name's Jackie."
Sheila nodded. "Okay, thank you..."
~*~*~
Harry glanced at his watch. "Merlin! Where the hell are they?"
"Would you calm down... They're girls, remember... It always takes them an extra hour to shop for things..." Ron said, taking a sip of his Butterbeer.
"Hey! I resent that!" Ginny smacked her brother in the back of his head, causing Butterbeer to spill down the front of his robes.
"Ginny! Look what you did!"
Ginny rolled her eyes and handed him a napkin. "Here, Mr. Whiny Butt..." Harry laughed. "So... Who're you taking to the ball, Harry? Cho?"
Harry shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "No..."
"He WANTS to take Sheila, but he's too big of a pussy to ask her." Harry glared daggers at Ron. Ron shrugged. "What? It's true..."
Ginny smiled. "Well, I think it's really sweet... Don't worry, Harry, I'm sure she'll say yes."
"It's cool. I'm only asking her as a friend."
"Right..." Ron said, smirking.
Harry looked at him. *'At least, I think I am...'* He thought, sipping on his Butterbeer.
~*~*~
"I'm sorry you couldn't find anything that would suit your tastes." Jackie said, smiling at them.
Sheila laughed. "Oh we found plenty to our tastes, but-" She pat her pockets and shrugged. "No money!"
Jackie's smile broadened. "Come back soon, okay? You two are so sweet. Next time, we'll have tea."
"Sounds good to me." Hermione said. "Bye, Jackie!"
"We'd better get going. We have to meet our friends." Sheila grabbed Hermione's hand and led her to the door.
"Ouroboros."
The girls turned. "Excuse me?" Sheila asked.
"Ouroboros. That's what your necklace is."
Sheila stared at her, her hand automatically seeking out the small pendant from beneath her thick layer of robes. She pulled it out and looked at it.
"How did you know I-"
"I saw it when you were trying on one of the dresses." Jackie paused. "It's very rare, an ouroboros. It symbolizes life, death, and rebirth and only those powerful enough can reap the benefits of its true purpose. May I ask where you got it?"
Sheila stared at the small pendant in her hand. "It's a family heirloom. My mother gave it to me."
"Ah, yes. The family connection. Strongest power there is..." Jackie's face took on a dreamy look for a moment before she shook her head. "But you look like a smart girl, so I'm pretty sure you already knew that."
"No... I didn't..."
Jackie smiled. "Well, now you do... Take care, girls." She gave them a small wave and then disappeared into the back of the shop.
"Weird..." She tucked the necklace back underneath her robes.
"I'll say... Come on, Ron and Harry will be furious..."
Throwing a quick glance over her shoulder, Sheila and Hermione exited the shop.
~*~*~
Ron kicked Harry's leg underneath the table. "Ow! Ron, what was that for?" Harry bent down and massaged his shin.
"She's here..." Ron said in a sing song voice.
Harry looked towards the door of the Three Broomsticks and sure enough, there was Sheila, alongside Hermione, taking off their cloaks, a few dead leaves swirling around their ankles from the wind outside.
"Here they come... Now's your chance... Ask her!"
Harry stood, pulling out a chair for Sheila to sit in. "Oh, thank you, Harry." She sat down and grabbed his Butterbeer, taking a swig. "Mmm... That's really good..."
"Can I get you lot anything?"
Sheila looked up and saw a waitress standing by their table, pen in one hand, receipt book in the other. Sheila held up the bottle of Butterbeer.
"Yes, more of these, please."
The waitress smiled. "Coming right up." She left.
Ron glared at Harry from across the table. He mouthed 'Ask her!' and Harry nodded, clearing his throat.
"Uh, Sheila, could I ask you something?"
"Sure, Harry, anything."
"Well, as you know, the Christmas ball is coming up in like a month and we're supposed to bring dates, well we don't have to bring dates, but it would better off that we did. Oh geez, I'm babbling... Anyway, I was just wondering, since I don't have a date and you don't have one either-"
"Oh, but I do."
Harry stopped and stared at her. "Wh-what? Who is it?" He took a sip of his Butterbeer.
"Malfoy."
Everyone at the table spit out the contents of their drink, spraying Sheila in a shower of Butterbeer.
"Eww..."
"Malfoy?! As in Draco Malfoy?!" Ron asked, wiping his chin.
Sheila shrugged. "Yeah... what's the big deal?..."
"He's a Malfoy, that's what. Haven't you heard of all the terrible things his father has done?"
"Yes, but I don't see what that has to do with Draco." Sheila crossed her arms over her chest. "His FATHER did those things, not him."
"Like father, like son."
Sheila shook her head. "Ron, you couldn't be more wrong. I know he's been an ass to all of you since Year 1, but he's not really like that. He's a great guy and a really good friend. He's only mean to you because his father told him to be. But I swear, that's not the real Draco Malfoy. I've known him my whole life and he would NEVER hurt me... or anyone else for that matter."
Ron looked at the others, who seemed unconvinced, then back at her. "I don't know..."
"Listen," She gestured for them to lean towards her. "Look here." She pointed to her eyes. "Look into my eyes..." They did and she sighed. "Trust me when I say that Draco is not bad and that he would never hurt me or anyone else on purpose..." Something flickered in her eyes, whether it was the candlelight in the bar or something else, the occupants of the table couldn't explain, they just knew that at that moment, Sheila was right.
They all nodded their agreement. Sheila smiled and heard someone call out 'Draco!' just as Draco himself walked up to their table.
"Hey Sheila." Sheila looked at the others with pleading eyes. Everyone glanced around the table silently. They all nodded and got up, picking up their stuff.
"Guys, please don't leave..." Sheila said, but the others just smiled at her.
"We're not going anywhere..." Ginny said, scooting over one seat to the right, just like everyone else.
Harry gestured to the chair beside him. "Here, Draco, take a seat."
"Yeah, come, sit, eat, drink, discuss." Ron said, smiling at him.
"Why are you guys being so nice to me?"
Everyone looked at Draco in surprise. Hermione spoke up. "Well, an anonymous source told us that you weren't really the asshole you pretended to be all these years and... well... we believed her." The others nodded.
Draco smiled. "Someone really said that about me?"
"Yes, well I paraphrased it a bit, but yeah someone said that..."
Draco hesitated, glancing at Sheila. She nodded and he reluctantly took the seat next to Harry.
"Here you go, dearies. Butterbeer all around." The waitress had returned, tray in hand. She saw Draco sitting there and frowned. "Oh my, I guess I'll go retrieve another one."
"No, don't even bother." Harry said, stopping her. "He can have mine, I'm not even done with my first one yet..." The waitress smiled and left.
Harry handed Draco a Butterbeer. Draco accepted it. "Thanks."
Harry shrugged. "No problem."
"Hey, let's make a toast." Hermione said, standing up. She held up her bottle. "To good grades and world peace."
Ron snorted and stood up. "Yeah, to a great Quidditch season and happiness."
"To many more boyfriends for me-" Ron glared at Ginny, who in turn stuck her tongue out. "and riches beyond our imaginations."
Sheila laughed. "To a successful and fun Christmas ball and good friends."
"Yes, definitely to good friends." Harry said, standing up as well. He looked at Draco. "And, of course, to newly obtained friends..."
Draco smiled. "Here, here!" They all clinked their bottles together, laughing. They sat back down.
"Speaking of the Christmas ball... Draco, I hear you're taking Sheila." Hermione said.
"Yeah... actually, Sheila, I needed to talk to you about that."
Sheila looked at him. "Okay, go ahead."
"Well, you know my father-" Sheila rolled her eyes in disgust. "he wants me to get in good with a pureblood family, so-"
"So, you can't take me." It wasn't a question.
Draco shook his head. "I'm sorry, but I have to follow my father's orders, or else-"
Sheila held up a hand to silence him. "No need to explain... I understand..." She grinned. "So, who's the lucky girl?"
Draco sneered. "Pansy Parkinson..."
The table let out a collected 'Ooohh...'.
"I'm sorry..." Sheila frowned. "Now, who am I supposed to go with?"
Draco smirked and looked at Harry. "Well, I have a person in mind..."
"Who?"
He nudged Harry with his elbow. "What?" Harry asked, receiving a harder nudge from Draco. Realization dawned on him. "Oh... Oh!" He cleared his throat. "Single guy over here, you know..."
Sheila grinned. "Why Mr. Harry Potter, are you asking little ol' me to the ball?"
"Yes... yes I am." He paused. "That is, if you'll have me..."
"I'd be happy to."
"Awww..." Ginny wiped away a fake tear. "That's so romantic..."
"No it's not.... It's disgusting." Ron said, pretending to gag.
Harry threw a Butterbeer bottle-cap at him. Ron ducked, laughing.
Hermione checked her watch. "We'd better go. It's getting late."
Taking a final sip of Butterbeer, everyone grabbed their things and headed for the door. Draco held Sheila back.
"Hey, thanks for, you know... saying those nice things about me..."
"It was nothing. Anything for a friend, right?"
He pulled her into a hug and she kissed his cheek. "Merlin, I don't know what I would do if you weren't here, Draco..." She whispered against his neck. "You're the only one I feel I can REALLY trust..." She gave him another peck on the cheek and turned, exiting the bar.
"Hey Draco," Draco turned and saw Harry standing behind him. He raised his eyebrows in question. "Thanks."
"For what?"
"For dropping Sheila so I could take her the ball."
Draco shrugged. "Anything to get the job done, right?"
Harry furrowed his eyebrows. "Job?"
"Yeah, the job..."
"Oh, right, right... the job... of course... anything for the job..."
Draco looked at him. "You do remember, don't you?"
"Huh? Yeah, I just got so into it, I guess I forgot." Harry looked at him, guessing Draco bought his story, because the blonde just shrugged, walking out of the bar. Harry sighed and followed him.
~*~*~
"I want to get her, Master, I want to get her good."
"Yes, the little bitch IS starting to get on my nerves..."
"You should've seen her in the Three Broomsticks. Laughing and having a good old time. I even called out to him, but he completely ignored me. He casually walks over to their table and they just offer him a seat!" Pansy huffed. "I couldn't believe it! It's like they're his friends now or something! They did some stupid little toast and as they were leaving, she had the audacity to give him a hug and kiss, not only once, but twice!" Pansy clenched her hands into fists, her knuckles going white. "Merlin, I want to get her!"
"Why?"
Pansy stopped her pacing and looked into the red eyes of her Master. "Because she's nothing but an interfering little Know-It-All AND she took my Drakie-Poo away from me..."
"I thought Draco was taking you to the ball?"
"He is, but only because his father told him to, not because he wants to."
"Tsk, tsk, Parkinson. You shouldn't complain. This is a very good opportunity."
"Why is that?"
"Think about it. She won't have as much protection around her if she goes to the ball with Harry. She'll be vulnerable."
"What do you suggest I do about it?"
Her Master stared at the blank wall across from him, tapping his chin in thought. "Together they are unbeatable, but separate they are weakened. You must break them apart."
"How will I do that?"
Her Master sneered. "I think it's about time our favorite little American's secret is revealed..."
"You mean, the one about her-"
"You're not as stupid as I thought you were, Parkinson." He smiled. "Tell Harry at the ball. Cause a scene. Scream. Yell. Do whatever you can to break them apart."
"M-master, what if that doesn't work?"
"ARE YOU DEFYING ME?!"
Pansy flinched at the volume of his voice. "N-no... I'm just saying what if this plan doesn't work. Shouldn't we have a back-up plan or something?"
Her Master pulled a quill from his robe. "That, my dear, is where this comes in..." He handed it to her.
"What does it do?"
"Never mind that. Just make sure she gets it, okay?"
"Yes, Master." She kissed the hem of his robes.
Her Master sighed, and waved his hand nonchalantly. "You are dismissed." She got up to leave. "And Parkinson," He called out to her. "-you better not disappoint me... You don't want to end up like your parents..." He chortled at the look of fear on her face, his laughter following her out the door as she left.
He got up, whistling innocently. "You do that and I'll take care of my daughter..."
~*~*~
( That night....)
"I can't believe the number of people that are going to be staying for Christmas break."
"It's all thanks to your lovely ball."
"Don't forget Ron. He helped too."
"Yes, but Hermione, let's be honest with ourselves. Out of all the Prefects, which gender did the most work...?"
Hermione grinned. "THE WOMEN!" They both yelled at the same time.
Sheila sighed. "I can't believe tomorrow's the first day of December... This year is really flying by."
"Tell me about it..." Silence passed over them.
"I wonder what Harry's costume looks like."
"Speaking of Harry... What's the deal with you two? When are you going to hook up?"
"Hermione, you know we're just friends."
Hermione rolled her eyes. "Sure, sure. Whatever you say..."
Sheila laughed. "Good night, Hermione..."
Hermione groaned, clicking off her bedside lamp. "'Night..."
~*~*~
( The next day....)
Pansy stood outside the doors to the Great Hall. She was patiently waiting for Sheila and the Dork Parade (as she liked to call them) to exit so she could give Sheila her little 'present'. She heard voices approaching and flattened herself against the wall.
It was them. Pansy held her breath. She waited until they were at least 2 feet away from her before saying "Diffindo". Sheila's bag ripped open, the contents spilling out.
"Shit." Sheila muttered and snapped her fingers. The split seam came together, holding everything securely in. The Trio bent down to help her stuff the fallen things back into her bag. "That's weird... this thing was brand new..." Sheila shrugged. "Let's get to class."
*'This is my chance...'*
Pansy ran out from the shadows. "Professor Williams!" They turned to look at her. "You forgot this one!" Pansy held out a red-tipped quill. (A/N: When I say tip, I don't mean the writing tip, but the tip of the feather...)
Sheila looked at her, then the quill. "I don't have quills that look like that... It must be someone else's. Sorry."
"No! I saw it fall out of your bag. It's most definitely yours!"
Sheila hesitated, then held out her hand. "Alright, if you say so. Thank you , Miss Parkinson."
Pansy grinned. "Anytime... See you in class..." She turned on her heel and disappeared down the hall, her maniacal laughter trying to escape her thin-lipped mouth.
~*~*~
( A few days later....)
"Sheila, do you have a quill I can borrow?"
"What?! Hermione, little Miss Prefect, has come to the library unprepared! Tsk, tsk... 5 points from Gryffindor."
Hermione gave her a disapproving look. "Do you have a quill or not?"
"Yeah, yeah. Don't get your knickers in a twist..." Sheila reached in her bag and pulled out a red-tipped quill. "Here ya go. You know, you're really kind of scary when it comes to school work..."
Hermione smirked. "Thank you."
Sheila raised a questioning eyebrow. Hermione rolled her eyes. "For the quill..."
"I knew that..."
They resumed their homework in silence. That is, until Ron and Harry showed up, jabbering away about Quidditch.
"Hello...?! Trying to do homework here..."
Ron grinned. "That's my Hermione."
Something rattled in a nearby cabinet.
"What was that?" Sheila asked. "Ron?"
Ron held up his hands, as if in surrender. "Wasn't me..." The cabinet rattled again. Harry walked over to it.
"Harry, be careful!"
Harry shook his head. "If that's what I think it is, then it's harmless..." He cautiously pulled open a drawer and out climbed-
"A Dementor?! That's harmless?!" Sheila screeched.
"No! Watch..." He pointed his wand at the Dementor and said "Riddikulus!" The Dementor stopped and his head fell slowly off.
"A boggart!" Hermione exclaimed.
"Yup. Totally harmless." The Trio took turns changing the boggart into as many hilarious things as they could think of.
"Go ahead, Sheila, finish it off." Harry said. Sheila nodded, stepping forward. The boggart turned to her and immediately changed to the shape of a young woman. Sheila, startled, dropped her wand. She fell to her knees, her hands frantically searching the floor for it.
"Sheila! What're you doing? Finish it off!"
"I'm trying!"
Tears were streaming down her face as she watched the young woman approach her. She raised a hand, beckoning Sheila forward. Sheila let out a choked sob.
"NO! NOT AGAIN!" Sheila started crawling backward, her wand long forgotten. She drew in a panicked breath and began hyperventilating.
*'She's not real... Just fight it!'*
Sheila shut her eyes, squeezing them tighter as a shock ran throughout her whole body, starting with her left arm. She counted to ten. When she opened her eyes again, the boggart was gone, nothing more than a misty, gray cloud.
She fell back, breathing hard, as if she just ran a million marathons. She wiped the sweat from her brow.
"Merlin, Sheila, are you okay?!" The Trio rushed over to her. She nodded weakly.
"Yeah, I'm fine... I just panicked..."
"Sheila, you're all red! I think we should get you to the hospital wing." Ron reached for one of her arms, but she pulled it away.
"I'm said I was fine!" She got to her feet, grabbing a nearby shelf for support, as her legs threatened to buckle beneath her.
"Who was that woman?"
"None of your fucking business! Just leave me alone!" Sheila spat, sinking to her knees again.
Harry kneeled down. "Come on. You're going straight to Madam Pomfrey." He grabbed her arm, but immediately let go, hissing.
"What? What's the matter?" Hermione asked.
"It's as if she's on fire!" He went to stand up, but was suddenly pulled forward as Sheila grabbed him roughly by the front of his shirt.
"Please! Please, don't leave me!"
Harry looked at her with wide eyes. "I'm not going anywhere, I promise."
"I'm going to get Madam Pomfrey." Ron turned and ran out of the library.
"She's here!" Sheila's voice dropped down to an eerie whisper. "I can feel her in my veins... Running throughout my whole body..." Her eyes rolled into the back of her head and she started twitching violently.
Harry put a hand to her forehead, but found that when he tried to pull away, he couldn't. It was as if he were stuck to her... A weird sensation was flowing throughout him. It felt as if he were falling, the familiar library surroundings melting away to reveal a small cottage near an open field. He saw a little girl, about 8, maybe 9, skipping down the dirt road towards him.
She stopped about 6 feet away and looked at him.
"Who are you?"
Harry started. *'She can't possibly see me...'*
"Who are you?" The little girl asked again. Harry saw that her brown eyes weren't looking at him, but PASSED him. Harry turned around and saw a young woman leaning against the rusted mailbox. Harry gasped. It was the same woman that the boggart turned into...
The woman smiled. "My name's Vicky, darling. What's yours?"
The little girl pushed her fallen glasses up the bridge of her nose. "My daddy said I'm not allowed to talk to strangers..."
The woman laughed. "I'm no stranger, honey. I'm part of your family..."
The little girl stared at her, unblinking. "No... You's a bad person..." The woman's fake smile faltered. "You's a really bad person and I'mma tell my daddy!"
The little girl turned and ran up the lane, the woman hot on her heels. "Oh no you don't, you little bitch!"
The girl cried out as the woman grabbed a hold of her black hair. "Not before I give you a present!"
The woman reached into her robes and pulled out a knife. It glinted maliciously in the harsh sunlight. The little girl screamed.
"Yes, scream! SCREAM! Daddy's not here to save you, is he?!" She raised the knife, grinning.
"NO!" Harry stepped forward, but stopped, realizing there'd be nothing he could do anyways.
The woman grabbed the girl's left arm and held it out. The little girl screamed as the knife came down and plunged into the pale flesh of her arm. The woman yanked it forcefully out, laughing.
"It is done, my child! You have been marked! You cannot escape your fate!" With a small *POP*, the woman vanished.
Harry looked down at the girl. She was clutching her left forearm, whimpering, blood running down the front of her dress. Harry reached out, withdrawing his hand when he heard the front door open. He looked towards the house and saw a man running down the steps. Before he could really get a chance to see who the man was, the landscape before Harry started swirling and the Hogwart's library came into focus again.
"Harry? HARRY?!" Harry blinked and saw Hermione looking at him, concerned. "Are you okay? You blanked out."
Harry nodded. "Yeah, I'm okay..." He looked down at Sheila. She had fainted and Harry noticed that she was clutching her left arm so tightly that her knuckles were turning white.
"Oh my Merlin..."
"What?" Hermione asked.
Harry paid her no attention. Instead he pried Sheila's right hand off of her arm and pulled back her cloak sleeve. Hermione and Harry gasped. Her arm was covered in blood and in the very center of the crimson pool, lay a black spot, shaped exactly like-
"The Dark Mark..." Harry whispered. Hermione's hands flew to her mouth. "I read her mind...? That thing... That was a memory...?"
Harry could do nothing but stare at the girl on the floor as he patiently awaited Ron to retrieve Madam Pomfrey.
A/N: Confused? Ya should be! From now on, things (as in like time) will be moving pretty fast! The next chapter will take place on Christmas Eve so stay tuned! I think all those ( ) things were necessary because if they weren't there some people would've thought it was the same day or something...! This is my longest chapter yet! 15 typed pages! Whoo Nilly! Was it good... bad? Review please!