At breakfast the next morning there was a fracas between Hermione and
Renata. Harry and Ron watched it unfold with interest.
"You didn't have to do that Hermione."
"Obviously I did. You tried to leave last night."
"So? I could have been going anywhere."
"You had shoes and a cloak on. You had your wand too. I know you were going to the Forest."
By the time the argument was over Harry and Ron had learned the cause of the fight. Hermione had been suspicious when Renata had so easily given in about not going to the Forest the night before so she put a leashing spell on Renata when they got to the dorm. But she didn't tell Renata. Then a little while later Renata got up and Hermione caught her.
The fight ended with a confession from Renata. "Fine I was going to the Forest, but I wasn't going to the cave, I was just going to look for the centaur."
After that Harry, Ron, and Hermione kept a close eye on Renata whenever they weren't in class. They had a feeling it would be a long week. They wanted to check out the forest in the daytime but because of classes they wouldn't be able to do so until Saturday. Renata had pointed out that there were a few hours of light in the afternoon once class was over but Ron pointed out that they might need more than a few hours in the forest. Harry added that she had to worry about not missing Quiditch practice.
The rest of Monday as well as Tuesday passed wearily as they kept an eye, two when they could spare them, on Renata to make sure she didn't do something stupid.
Wednesday morning a letter arrived for Renata. She tried to hide it but Harry caught her.
"Who's that letter from?"
"No one." She quickly tried to stuff it out of sight but failed as Ron came up from behind her and took it.
"What' s this?"
"Nothing!" cried Renata trying to take back the letter.
Hermione appeared. "What's going on?"
Renata seized her chance. "Ron and Harry took my letter."
Hermione fiercely turned to Ron and Harry. "Give back that letter, it isn't yours. Why did you take it?"
Ron and Harry still held the letter out of reach. "She said the letter was from no one and if that's the case there's no reason we shouldn't see it."
Hermione thought a moment. "He's got a point, Renata. Who sent it?"
"It's really nothing." She blushed, something Harry wasn't sure he'd seen her do before. She turned away from them. "Its from Harry's aunt."
"I told you not to send that letter to her! That was my letter you sent. Well, my mom's but mine now."
"I didn't send it. I wrote my own letter to her," she replied fiercely. "Now let me read the reply."
Grudgingly Harry handed the letter to Renata but came to stand by her so he could read it over her shoulder.
I don't know who you are and under normal circumstances I wouldn't
even reply to your questions and I would deny everything you said in
the letter. But as the letter was delivered by an owl I realize I
don't have much of a choice here. In answer to your first question, it
was all Lily's fault and that's all you need to know. In regards to
your other question, what do you know about my nephew? Obviously you
want to know more about his parents past and if you asked me you know
him well enough to know that he knows nothing about it. It has to stay
that way. He can know nothing, so neither can you.
Petunia Dursley
"What did you write to her?" asked Harry, no longer mad, simply curious and confused.
"I might have a copy of the letter I sent in the Tower, I don't know." She passed the letter to Ron and Hermione.
When they were done reading the letter Renata put it back in her book bag. They then all went to class. During Charms they found the sinking spells extremely hard to focus on and in Herbology Harry was having a hard time concentrating on the laughing rosebush he was supposed to be watering.
He was fed up by the time he and Ron had to go to Divination. Monday they had started with enchanted crystals. They had done something similar to that a few years before but this year Professor Trelawny told them they would be going more in depth.
"You will all need to clear your inner eyes in order to properly attain an accurate vision through the crystal. Everyone place your piece of crystal in front of you and take a deep breath. Relax. Close your eyes. Think of a day to come, think hard, concentrate. Open your eyes slowly and light the candle in front of you. Close your eyes a moment longer, open them and see the shadows cast in the crystal by the flame. Open your books to page 92 and interpret the vision before you. Begin!"
Harry looked at his crystal and watched the flames behind it. According to the vague shadows it appeared to him that he was going to get lost somewhere. But when Professor Trelawny came to look at it she found another interpretation.
"Oh you poor boy, you poor boy. This is a most unhappy crystal. I'm afraid this crystal shows great tragedy for you in the very near future. A huge loss, possibly a loss of a life."
Professor Trelawny had often predicted tragedy and death for Harry, especially his own death. It grew rather tiring for him. Harry and Ron left the tower gloomy moods. It didn't help when they discovered that although they had received a lot of homework Hermione and Renata had hardly received any homework from Professor Vector.
That night at Quiditch practice Renata volunteered as usual to help put away the Quiditch balls and then she took off into the air. Harry groaned as he saw her heading straight for the Forest. He jumped on his broom and was glad he had his wand with him.
"Renata! Come on I don't want to spend all night chasing you! Get down here! Do not go in that Forest!" He pointed his wand at her and she dodged the stunning spell he sent. "Renata, get over here now! Come on, just get off that broom." He flew behind her in silence gathering speed until he was right behind her. He grabbed the end of her broom and pointed his wand at her. She lost consciousness where she was and started to drop. Harry now realized that she was going to hit the ground extremely hard.
Harry dove until he reached the ground. He used the Impediment Curse to keep her from falling as fast and then he caught her, broom and all, as the limp figure reached the ground.
Harry dropped her rather quickly and then used the Mobilicorpus spell to let Renata float next to him as he went back across the grounds. At the entrance to the castle Harry revived Renata and then used the leashing charm on her.
He spoke to her, "Renata you can't just run off like that."
"I didn't run."
"No, you flew. But still you can't go off like that. You'll get hurt."
"Come on I was just flying over the Forest."
"You had every intention of landing there. Come on you're going to the Tower and you are staying there."
"Oh this is fair. I'm not a baby. You can take the spell off."
"Not a chance." They continued to the Tower. Harry brought Renata over to Ron and Hermione.
Ron looked up, "Where were you? Fred and George got back half an hour ago."
"The escape artist here took off on her broom and was trying to land in the Forest." Harry said in vexation. "Hey, you guys can't keep me out of the Forest, I'm a stubborn girl." "We noticed." "Nevertheless we can't let you go. You'll get hurt and we don't want to risk that." "I can take care of myself you know," Renata replied indignantly. Then she smiled. "I should really get that letter from upstairs." "Good idea Renata. I'll go with you, I want to get my quill," Hermione said rising with Renata. Renata pouted but followed Hermione upstairs. When they came back down they gathered to look at the letter.
Dear Petunia Dursley,
You don't know me and I don't know you but I know about you. You
fear magic. You have a deceased sister named Lily. She was a witch.
You aren't. You and your sister seem to have gotten along at one
point, what went wrong? Do you know people are trying to kill your
nephew? Are you aware that he knows nothing about his parents? That
really isn't fair, you know.
I'm waiting for a reply.
"There this an exact copy of the letter I sent."
"Thank you."
Being as late as it was, Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Renata went up to their rooms to go to sleep.
The week passed slowly but at last Harry woke up and it was Saturday. It was early, and he hadn't woken up by choice. He felt an impulse to go down to the common room at six thirty in the morning. He got down there and wondered why he was there with Ron, Hermione, and Renata.
"What's going on?" He asked irritably. "I hadn't been planning to wake up for hours yet."
Ron and Hermione nodded in agreement.
Renata smiled brightly and fastened her cloak. "It's Saturday. Come on let's go!"
"You used the Calling Charm again didn't you?" asked Ron.
"Of course. Come on."
Harry looked at the three of them, then at himself. "Renata, hate to break it to you but you're the only one who's dressed. The rest of us are still in our pajamas in case you haven't noticed."
It was true. Harry was indeed in his pajamas, as was Ron; Hermione was wearing a pink nightgown that was sleeveless and went down to her knees, she looked cold. Renata alone was fully dressed.
"Well, why didn't you get dressed?"
"Because you called us out of bed at six thirty in the morning!"
"Ssh! People are still asleep," Renata whispered.
Ron stared at her. "Yes they are and we would like to be among that group of people who are still asleep."
"Fine. I'll go by myself." Renata made for the portrait hole.
Harry went after her and put a hand on her shoulder and looked her in the eyes, speaking in a calm, reasonable voice. "Renata, we can't let you go into the forest alone. We are tired. We are going back to sleep, and so are you."
"But-"
"If you don't want to go back to sleep, you at least have to go back up to the dormitory or stay here in the common room. You have two choices."
"No I have three. My third choice is to go down to the forest alone if I can't convince any of you to come with me."
Harry took his hand off her shoulder but still continued to stare at her. He reached into his pocket and pulled out his wand before she could stop him. "Petrificus totalus!"
Renata's body went rigid. Her arms and legs clapped to her sides and the only part of her that moved were her eyes.
Harry sighed. "Sorry Renata. Had to do that for your own good." He turned away. "Hermione could you bring her back up to your room? I'd leave her here but someone would notice. Sorry we can't help you but Lavender and Parvati would probably scream if they woke up and we were carrying a frozen girl."
"Sure. I'll cover her with the blanket so no one sees her. We can come back down around nine?"
"Sounds good to me," said Ron.
Harry nodded and they all went upstairs.
As Harry and Ron trudged upward Ron asked, "Do you really think that was smart? She seems to know a lot of curses. I wouldn't want to be around when she gets unfrozen or whatever."
"Ron I didn't have much of a choice. Besides, she's got to work on her temper. And her stubbornness."
As he climbed into his four-poster bed Harry heard Ron mutter, "Sounds just like someone I know."
Harry didn't give the words a second thought and he drifted back into the calm of sleep.
When the four of them were assembled in the common room once more they were all dressed and Renata was mobile once more and eager to start.
They managed to convince her that if they were going to be gone for most of the day they at least needed eat breakfast first. After a quick meal their exit was delayed by the castle poltergeist, Peeves.
Peeves was bouncing around the doorway and throwing things at whoever came near. He had thought it was all fun, but he had never really messed with Renata, at least not when she was mad.
"Peeves if you do not leave the hall this instant you will immensely regret it."
"Yeah right, noodle head. Stringy, yellow noodle-head, stringy, yellow noodle-head, stringy, yellow noodle-head," he sang.
"Peeves I'm warning you. You've go until I count to five. I suggest you leave."
He made no response.
"One.two.five!" She whipped out her wand, yelled harsh words and all of them present, not Peeves in the least, were shocked. It was the sinking spell they had all had so much trouble with in charms.
He sank to the floor and couldn't get up. He seemed to be partly stuck in the floor. He was struggling against an unseen force and he couldn't move. Nor could he apparently speak or he would have been shouting ill words at Renata. Because he couldn't speak he had to be content with glaring
As she passed Renata gave him a look that included no sympathy.
As he passed Harry shrugged and told Peeves. "She warned you."
Ron agreed. "It was a fair warning. Even if the counting wasn't fair."
True, Renata had skipped three and four.
They proceeded down the stairs and across the grounds. They reached the edge of the forest.
Simultaneously Harry and Renata spoke. "I'm going in first. No you're not. Yes I am! Stop that!"
They were silent for a moment then.
"I'm going first and that's final!"
Ron and Hermione came and each stood in front of one of their friends. Hermione said to Harry, "You better knock this off right now. Neither of you are going in that forest alone."
"Yeah? And how do you plan to stop me?" Harry took a step forward.
"Like this." She pointed her wand at him and he was bound with cords that had appeared from nowhere.
"You can't do this to me!"
"Harry, do you want me to add a gag?"
Renata took this opportunity to edge her way to the forest. Harry saw her. "You know Renata's running off, don't you?"
Hermione and Ron turned chasing after her leaving Harry tied up on the ground. "Come back!" He struggled against the bonds but they were secure. He had been tied up like this before but it had always been an enemy: Professor Quirrell and Voldemort, or on another occasion Wormtail and Voldemort. He was thoroughly confused.
He struggled until he could sit up. He saw Draco Malfoy along with Crabbe and Goyle coming toward him. He hoped they hadn't spotted him and he squirmed nearer to the edge of the forest and behind a tree. He looked over his shoulder to see Malfoy shout at his companions. Harry regretted that he couldn't hear the words.
He looked back to see Ron and Hermione emerge from the forest with Renata tied up between them. Harry took pleasure in seeing that she had been gagged.
Unfortunately Malfoy saw them as well. He swaggered over. "Strange birds flock together."
Renata struggled until she had worked her jaw enough and forced the gag from her mouth. She would not be silenced. "So that's why you and those two hang out. I couldn't figure out why. I should have guessed it was the strangeness. Thanks for clearing that up for me Malfoy."
His cheeks reddened slightly. "Where's Potter?"
Renata looked back to the forest and saw Harry tied behind the tree. "He's around."
"He was probably too terrified to go into that forest."
"And I take it you're not, Malfoy?" asked Renata. "Yeah. I know in your first year you ran away from the forest screaming your puny lungs out. And all because of some dork in a hood showed up. Pathetic." She probably would have marched straight back into the Forest just to spite him but she couldn't move at all.
"Why are you tied up like that? And in the forest?" Malfoy sneered. "I guess even your friends don't want you around, do they?
"What are you talking about?" Renata asked briskly in reply. "This was a dare."
"Must be a big dare if you're going into the forest like that."
She answered casually, "Not really. I just had to spend the night tied up in the forest. I won a Chocolate Frog."
"You spent the night here and all you got was a Chocolate Frog?" He gaped at her.
"Sure. Harry was somewhere in the Forest too."
"Oh then you were being guarded. No big deal, though I can't see how he would be any help."
"He wasn't. Harry was here too, tied up on a dare."
"I bet he left early. Screaming."
"No, he's over there, actually." She gestured in Harry's direction.
Leaning against the tree Harry managed to squirm into a wobbling stand, and, as he was still bound, he managed to hop over.
"Hello, Malfoy. Ron? Hermione? Shouldn't we go back? I promised that Acromantula I'd bring him something to eat." The four of them turned and headed back to the forest, Renata and Harry hopping. Malfoy couldn't see their faces but they both wore wicked grins.
When they were sure they were out of Malfoy's sight Hermione and Ron got rid of the ropes binding the other two. It wasn't long before they came upon Amicari playing a small wooden flute. Amicari was delighted to see them.
"I'm glad you're all here! It's been lonesome. Do you want to go for a walk or listen to the flute here?"
"Actually we wanted you to take us back to that cave you showed me." Harry told him.
Amicari's face saddened. "I'm not supposed to go that far away. I got in trouble for being out so long."
"Couldn't you just show us the way there?" pleaded Renata. "It's important." "Okay but I can't be gone long or my family will notice again." He started leading them at a brisk pace. Renata eagerly kept up but Harry and the others had to stop him and remind him that they only had two legs as opposed to his four. Hermione whispered to Harry and Ron, "He seems different from when the centaurs in class spoke to us." Harry replied. "He's younger. And the others are just really formal. He-" "-Is a chatterbox," finished Ron. "But we can't complain. He is helping us." They continued without incident for a while. They came "Shouldn't we put the book somewhere safe first?"
Hermione's question reminded Harry of something. "When we were talking on the steps I looked over and saw Malfoy listening. I don't know how much he heard."
"Then we better stow this book double quick." Renata sprang up and began pacing. "But where to put it and how do we guard it. Now there is that is the real dilemma. We need it somewhere safe, but unlikely. Easy enough for us to remember where it is but not likely to be found by anyone else."
Ron shrugged, "Maybe we could transfigure it into something before we hid it in case anyone did find it."
"Yes, that might work, but what?"
"If we're going to transfigure it I think we should keep it a book but make it look old and dull," proposed Hermione.
Ron mumbled, "How about we transfigure it into Hogwarts, a History."
At the same time Renata and Hermione replied, "That's a very interesting book!"
They smiled. "How about, Caring for Flobberworms?"
"I don't think we can really do a book because we would have to change every page in this book in case someone did open it."
"I suppose so."
"Well, a rock then and I'll put it at the bottom of my trunk. With spells on the trunk of course."
"Why your trunk?"
"Well," replied Harry, "I found it."
"That's not a good reason."
"Why not?"
"Because its not."
"Well that isn't a good reason either."
"So?"
"You're impossible."
Renata smiled sweetly. "Of course I am. Okay so what spells will we use?"
"I think we should check our Defense Against the Dark Arts books. There should be something useful in there."
They spent the rest of the afternoon researching possible spells to use to guard the book. It was evening by the time they had found sufficient spells to protect the book. Then, in a corner of the common room Hermione performed the transfiguration causing the book to take the form of a small stone. Harry and Ron then took the stone up to their room and put it in Harry's trunk and carried out the necessary charms. They met Renata and Hermione downstairs. The girls would have preferred to set the charms themselves but Harry and Ron refused to allow them to; partly because they didn't want them upstairs and partly because they wanted to try the charms themselves.
Now the only thing left to do was to decide how and when to find the cave.
Renata wanted to go down to the Forest right away and look for the cave themselves, if they found Amicari along the way, so much better for them.
Harry, Ron, and Hermione pointed out that dangerous as the Forest was by day, it was even worse at night. They also pointed out they had no idea where the cave was and no way of finding the centaurs.
At last they convinced Renata not to go into the forest and they all went down to dinner. After that the night was spent doing homework, deciding they would have to wait until the upcoming weekend to look for the cave.
At first Renata protested, "What if it's too late by then? Then where does that leave us?"
They explained gently but firmly that they would not allow her to go down to the Forest. She seemed to accept it well enough. Then they all went to bed.
At breakfast the next morning there was a fracas between Hermione and Renata. Harry and Ron watched it unfold with interest.
"You didn't have to do that Hermione."
"Obviously I did. You tried to leave last night."
"So? I could have been going anywhere."
"You had shoes and a cloak on. You had your wand too. I know you were going to the Forest."
By the time the argument was over Harry and Ron had learned the cause of the fight. Hermione had been suspicious when Renata had so easily given in about not going to the Forest the night before so she put a leashing spell on Renata when they got to the dorm. But she didn't tell Renata. Then a little while later Renata got up and Hermione caught her.
The fight ended with a confession from Renata. "Fine I was going to the Forest, but I wasn't going to the cave, I was just going to look for the centaur."
After that Harry, Ron, and Hermione kept a close eye on Renata whenever they weren't in class. They had a feeling it would be a long week. They wanted to check out the forest in the daytime but because of classes they wouldn't be able to do so until Saturday. Renata had pointed out that there were a few hours of light in the afternoon once class was over but Ron pointed out that they might need more than a few hours in the forest. Harry added that she had to worry about not missing Quiditch practice.
The rest of Monday as well as Tuesday passed wearily as they kept an eye, two when they could spare them, on Renata to make sure she didn't do something stupid.
Wednesday morning a letter arrived for Renata. She tried to hide it but Harry caught her.
"Who's that letter from?"
"No one." She quickly tried to stuff it out of sight but failed as Ron came up from behind her and took it.
"What' s this?"
"Nothing!" cried Renata trying to take back the letter.
Hermione appeared. "What's going on?"
Renata seized her chance. "Ron and Harry took my letter."
Hermione fiercely turned to Ron and Harry. "Give back that letter, it isn't yours. Why did you take it?"
Ron and Harry still held the letter out of reach. "She said the letter was from no one and if that's the case there's no reason we shouldn't see it."
Hermione thought a moment. "He's got a point, Renata. Who sent it?"
"It's really nothing." She blushed, something Harry wasn't sure he'd seen her do before. She turned away from them. "Its from Harry's aunt."
"I told you not to send that letter to her! That was my letter that you sent. Well, my mom's but mine now."
"I didn't send it. I wrote my own letter to her," she replied fiercely. "Now let me read the reply."
Grudgingly Harry handed the letter to Renata but came to stand by her so he could read it over her shoulder.
I don't know who you are and under normal circumstances I wouldn't
even reply to your questions and I would deny everything you said in
the letter. But as the letter was delivered by an owl I realize I
don't have much of a choice here. In answer to your first question, it
was all Lily's fault and that's all you need to know. In regards to
your other question, what do you know about my nephew? Obviously you
want to know more about his parents past and if you asked me you know
him well enough to know that he knows nothing about it. It has to stay
that way. He can know nothing, so neither can you.
Petunia Dursley
"What did you write to her?" asked Harry, no longer mad, simply curious and confused.
"I might have a copy of the letter I sent in the Tower, I don't know." She passed the letter to Ron and Hermione.
When they were done reading the letter Renata put it back in her book bag. They then all went to class. During Charms they found the sinking spells extremely hard to focus on and in Herbology Harry was having a hard time concentrating on the laughing rosebush he was supposed to be watering.
He was fed up by the time he and Ron had to go to Divination. Monday they had started with enchanted crystals. They had done something similar to that a few years before but this year Professor Trelawny told them they would be going more in depth.
"You will all need to clear your inner eyes in order to properly attain an accurate vision through the crystal. Everyone place your piece of crystal in front of you and take a deep breath. Relax. Close your eyes. Think of a day to come, think hard, concentrate. Open your eyes slowly and light the candle in front of you. Close your eyes a moment longer, open them and see the shadows cast in the crystal by the flame. Open your books to page 92 and interpret the vision before you. Begin!"
Harry looked at his crystal and watched the flames behind it. According to the vague shadows it appeared to him that he was going to get lost somewhere. But when Professor Trelawny came to look at it she found another interpretation.
"Oh you poor boy, you poor boy. This is a most unhappy crystal. I'm afraid this crystal shows great tragedy for you in the very near future. A huge loss, possibly a loss of a life."
Professor Trelawny had often predicted tragedy and death for Harry, especially his own death. It grew rather tiring for him. Harry and Ron left the tower gloomy moods. It didn't help when they discovered that although they had received a lot of homework Hermione and Renata had hardly received any homework from Professor Vector.
That night at Quiditch practice Renata volunteered as usual to help put away the Quiditch balls and then she took off into the air. Harry groaned as he saw her heading straight for the Forest. He jumped on his broom and was glad he had his wand with him.
"Renata! Come on I don't want to spend all night chasing you! Get down here! Do not go in that Forest!" He pointed his wand at her and she dodged the stunning spell he sent. "Renata, get over here now! Come on, just get off that broom." He flew behind her in silence gathering speed until he was right behind her. He grabbed the end of her broom and pointed his wand at her. She lost consciousness where she was and started to drop. Harry now realized that she was going to hit the ground extremely hard.
Harry dove until he reached the ground. He used the Impediment Curse to keep her from falling as fast and then he caught her, broom and all, as the limp figure reached the ground.
Harry dropped her rather quickly and then used the Mobilicorpus spell to let Renata float next to him as he went back across the grounds. At the entrance to the castle Harry revived Renata and then used the leashing charm on her.
He spoke to her, "Renata you can't just run off like that."
"I didn't run."
"No, you flew. But still you can't go off like that. You'll get hurt."
"Come on I was just flying over the Forest."
"You had every intention of landing there. Come on you're going to the Tower and you are staying there."
"Oh this is fair. I'm not a baby. You can take the spell off."
"Not a chance." They continued to the Tower. Harry brought Renata over to Ron and Hermione.
Ron looked up, "Where were you? Fred and George got back half an hour ago."
"The escape artist here took off on her broom and was trying to land in the Forest." Harry said in vexation. "Hey, you guys can't keep me out of the Forest, I'm a stubborn girl." "We noticed." "Nevertheless we can't let you go. You'll get hurt and we don't want to risk that." "I can take care of myself you know," Renata replied indignantly. Then she smiled. "I should really get that letter from upstairs." "Good idea Renata. I'll go with you, I want to get my quill," Hermione said rising with Renata. Renata pouted but followed Hermione upstairs. When they came back down they gathered to look at the letter.
Dear Petunia Dursley,
You don't know me and I don't know you but I know about you. You
fear magic. You have a deceased sister named Lily. She was a witch.
You aren't. You and your sister seem to have gotten along at one
point, what went wrong? Do you know people are trying to kill your
nephew? Are you aware that he knows nothing about his parents? That
really isn't fair, you know.
I'm waiting for a reply.
"There this an exact copy of the letter I sent."
"Thank you."
Being as late as it was, Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Renata went up to their rooms to go to sleep.
The week passed slowly but at last Harry woke up and it was Saturday. It was early, and he hadn't woken up by choice. He felt an impulse to go down to the common room at six thirty in the morning. He got down there and wondered why he was there with Ron, Hermione, and Renata.
"What's going on?" He asked irritably. "I hadn't been planning to wake up for hours yet."
Ron and Hermione nodded in agreement.
Renata smiled brightly and fastened her cloak. "It's Saturday. Come on let's go!"
"You used the Calling Charm again didn't you?" asked Ron.
"Of course. Come on."
Harry looked at the three of them, then at himself. "Renata, hate to break it to you but you're the only one who's dressed. The rest of us are still in our pajamas in case you haven't noticed."
It was true. Harry was indeed in his pajamas, as was Ron; Hermione was wearing a pink nightgown that was sleeveless and went down to her knees, she looked cold. Renata alone was fully dressed.
"Well, why didn't you get dressed?"
"Because you called us out of bed at six thirty in the morning!"
"Ssh! People are still asleep," Renata whispered.
Ron stared at her. "Yes they are and we would like to be among that group of people who are still asleep."
"Fine. I'll go by myself." Renata made for the portrait hole.
Harry went after her and put a hand on her shoulder and looked her in the eyes, speaking in a calm, reasonable voice. "Renata, we can't let you go into the forest alone. We are tired. We are going back to sleep, and so are you."
"But-"
"If you don't want to go back to sleep, you at least have to go back up to the dormitory or stay here in the common room. You have two choices."
"No I have three. My third choice is to go down to the forest alone if I can't convince any of you to come with me."
Harry took his hand off her shoulder but still continued to stare at her. He reached into his pocket and pulled out his wand before she could stop him. "Petrificus totalus!"
Renata's body went rigid. Her arms and legs clapped to her sides and the only part of her that moved were her eyes.
Harry sighed. "Sorry Renata. Had to do that for your own good." He turned away. "Hermione could you bring her back up to your room? I'd leave her here but someone would notice. Sorry we can't help you but Lavender and Parvati would probably scream if they woke up and we were carrying a frozen girl."
"Sure. I'll cover her with the blanket so no one sees her. We can come back down around nine?"
"Sounds good to me," said Ron.
Harry nodded and they all went upstairs.
As Harry and Ron trudged upward Ron asked, "Do you really think that was smart? She seems to know a lot of curses. I wouldn't want to be around when she gets unfrozen or whatever."
"Ron I didn't have much of a choice. Besides, she's got to work on her temper. And her stubbornness."
As he climbed into his four-poster bed Harry heard Ron mutter, "Sounds just like someone I know."
Harry didn't give the words a second thought and he drifted back into the calm of sleep.
"You didn't have to do that Hermione."
"Obviously I did. You tried to leave last night."
"So? I could have been going anywhere."
"You had shoes and a cloak on. You had your wand too. I know you were going to the Forest."
By the time the argument was over Harry and Ron had learned the cause of the fight. Hermione had been suspicious when Renata had so easily given in about not going to the Forest the night before so she put a leashing spell on Renata when they got to the dorm. But she didn't tell Renata. Then a little while later Renata got up and Hermione caught her.
The fight ended with a confession from Renata. "Fine I was going to the Forest, but I wasn't going to the cave, I was just going to look for the centaur."
After that Harry, Ron, and Hermione kept a close eye on Renata whenever they weren't in class. They had a feeling it would be a long week. They wanted to check out the forest in the daytime but because of classes they wouldn't be able to do so until Saturday. Renata had pointed out that there were a few hours of light in the afternoon once class was over but Ron pointed out that they might need more than a few hours in the forest. Harry added that she had to worry about not missing Quiditch practice.
The rest of Monday as well as Tuesday passed wearily as they kept an eye, two when they could spare them, on Renata to make sure she didn't do something stupid.
Wednesday morning a letter arrived for Renata. She tried to hide it but Harry caught her.
"Who's that letter from?"
"No one." She quickly tried to stuff it out of sight but failed as Ron came up from behind her and took it.
"What' s this?"
"Nothing!" cried Renata trying to take back the letter.
Hermione appeared. "What's going on?"
Renata seized her chance. "Ron and Harry took my letter."
Hermione fiercely turned to Ron and Harry. "Give back that letter, it isn't yours. Why did you take it?"
Ron and Harry still held the letter out of reach. "She said the letter was from no one and if that's the case there's no reason we shouldn't see it."
Hermione thought a moment. "He's got a point, Renata. Who sent it?"
"It's really nothing." She blushed, something Harry wasn't sure he'd seen her do before. She turned away from them. "Its from Harry's aunt."
"I told you not to send that letter to her! That was my letter you sent. Well, my mom's but mine now."
"I didn't send it. I wrote my own letter to her," she replied fiercely. "Now let me read the reply."
Grudgingly Harry handed the letter to Renata but came to stand by her so he could read it over her shoulder.
I don't know who you are and under normal circumstances I wouldn't
even reply to your questions and I would deny everything you said in
the letter. But as the letter was delivered by an owl I realize I
don't have much of a choice here. In answer to your first question, it
was all Lily's fault and that's all you need to know. In regards to
your other question, what do you know about my nephew? Obviously you
want to know more about his parents past and if you asked me you know
him well enough to know that he knows nothing about it. It has to stay
that way. He can know nothing, so neither can you.
Petunia Dursley
"What did you write to her?" asked Harry, no longer mad, simply curious and confused.
"I might have a copy of the letter I sent in the Tower, I don't know." She passed the letter to Ron and Hermione.
When they were done reading the letter Renata put it back in her book bag. They then all went to class. During Charms they found the sinking spells extremely hard to focus on and in Herbology Harry was having a hard time concentrating on the laughing rosebush he was supposed to be watering.
He was fed up by the time he and Ron had to go to Divination. Monday they had started with enchanted crystals. They had done something similar to that a few years before but this year Professor Trelawny told them they would be going more in depth.
"You will all need to clear your inner eyes in order to properly attain an accurate vision through the crystal. Everyone place your piece of crystal in front of you and take a deep breath. Relax. Close your eyes. Think of a day to come, think hard, concentrate. Open your eyes slowly and light the candle in front of you. Close your eyes a moment longer, open them and see the shadows cast in the crystal by the flame. Open your books to page 92 and interpret the vision before you. Begin!"
Harry looked at his crystal and watched the flames behind it. According to the vague shadows it appeared to him that he was going to get lost somewhere. But when Professor Trelawny came to look at it she found another interpretation.
"Oh you poor boy, you poor boy. This is a most unhappy crystal. I'm afraid this crystal shows great tragedy for you in the very near future. A huge loss, possibly a loss of a life."
Professor Trelawny had often predicted tragedy and death for Harry, especially his own death. It grew rather tiring for him. Harry and Ron left the tower gloomy moods. It didn't help when they discovered that although they had received a lot of homework Hermione and Renata had hardly received any homework from Professor Vector.
That night at Quiditch practice Renata volunteered as usual to help put away the Quiditch balls and then she took off into the air. Harry groaned as he saw her heading straight for the Forest. He jumped on his broom and was glad he had his wand with him.
"Renata! Come on I don't want to spend all night chasing you! Get down here! Do not go in that Forest!" He pointed his wand at her and she dodged the stunning spell he sent. "Renata, get over here now! Come on, just get off that broom." He flew behind her in silence gathering speed until he was right behind her. He grabbed the end of her broom and pointed his wand at her. She lost consciousness where she was and started to drop. Harry now realized that she was going to hit the ground extremely hard.
Harry dove until he reached the ground. He used the Impediment Curse to keep her from falling as fast and then he caught her, broom and all, as the limp figure reached the ground.
Harry dropped her rather quickly and then used the Mobilicorpus spell to let Renata float next to him as he went back across the grounds. At the entrance to the castle Harry revived Renata and then used the leashing charm on her.
He spoke to her, "Renata you can't just run off like that."
"I didn't run."
"No, you flew. But still you can't go off like that. You'll get hurt."
"Come on I was just flying over the Forest."
"You had every intention of landing there. Come on you're going to the Tower and you are staying there."
"Oh this is fair. I'm not a baby. You can take the spell off."
"Not a chance." They continued to the Tower. Harry brought Renata over to Ron and Hermione.
Ron looked up, "Where were you? Fred and George got back half an hour ago."
"The escape artist here took off on her broom and was trying to land in the Forest." Harry said in vexation. "Hey, you guys can't keep me out of the Forest, I'm a stubborn girl." "We noticed." "Nevertheless we can't let you go. You'll get hurt and we don't want to risk that." "I can take care of myself you know," Renata replied indignantly. Then she smiled. "I should really get that letter from upstairs." "Good idea Renata. I'll go with you, I want to get my quill," Hermione said rising with Renata. Renata pouted but followed Hermione upstairs. When they came back down they gathered to look at the letter.
Dear Petunia Dursley,
You don't know me and I don't know you but I know about you. You
fear magic. You have a deceased sister named Lily. She was a witch.
You aren't. You and your sister seem to have gotten along at one
point, what went wrong? Do you know people are trying to kill your
nephew? Are you aware that he knows nothing about his parents? That
really isn't fair, you know.
I'm waiting for a reply.
"There this an exact copy of the letter I sent."
"Thank you."
Being as late as it was, Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Renata went up to their rooms to go to sleep.
The week passed slowly but at last Harry woke up and it was Saturday. It was early, and he hadn't woken up by choice. He felt an impulse to go down to the common room at six thirty in the morning. He got down there and wondered why he was there with Ron, Hermione, and Renata.
"What's going on?" He asked irritably. "I hadn't been planning to wake up for hours yet."
Ron and Hermione nodded in agreement.
Renata smiled brightly and fastened her cloak. "It's Saturday. Come on let's go!"
"You used the Calling Charm again didn't you?" asked Ron.
"Of course. Come on."
Harry looked at the three of them, then at himself. "Renata, hate to break it to you but you're the only one who's dressed. The rest of us are still in our pajamas in case you haven't noticed."
It was true. Harry was indeed in his pajamas, as was Ron; Hermione was wearing a pink nightgown that was sleeveless and went down to her knees, she looked cold. Renata alone was fully dressed.
"Well, why didn't you get dressed?"
"Because you called us out of bed at six thirty in the morning!"
"Ssh! People are still asleep," Renata whispered.
Ron stared at her. "Yes they are and we would like to be among that group of people who are still asleep."
"Fine. I'll go by myself." Renata made for the portrait hole.
Harry went after her and put a hand on her shoulder and looked her in the eyes, speaking in a calm, reasonable voice. "Renata, we can't let you go into the forest alone. We are tired. We are going back to sleep, and so are you."
"But-"
"If you don't want to go back to sleep, you at least have to go back up to the dormitory or stay here in the common room. You have two choices."
"No I have three. My third choice is to go down to the forest alone if I can't convince any of you to come with me."
Harry took his hand off her shoulder but still continued to stare at her. He reached into his pocket and pulled out his wand before she could stop him. "Petrificus totalus!"
Renata's body went rigid. Her arms and legs clapped to her sides and the only part of her that moved were her eyes.
Harry sighed. "Sorry Renata. Had to do that for your own good." He turned away. "Hermione could you bring her back up to your room? I'd leave her here but someone would notice. Sorry we can't help you but Lavender and Parvati would probably scream if they woke up and we were carrying a frozen girl."
"Sure. I'll cover her with the blanket so no one sees her. We can come back down around nine?"
"Sounds good to me," said Ron.
Harry nodded and they all went upstairs.
As Harry and Ron trudged upward Ron asked, "Do you really think that was smart? She seems to know a lot of curses. I wouldn't want to be around when she gets unfrozen or whatever."
"Ron I didn't have much of a choice. Besides, she's got to work on her temper. And her stubbornness."
As he climbed into his four-poster bed Harry heard Ron mutter, "Sounds just like someone I know."
Harry didn't give the words a second thought and he drifted back into the calm of sleep.
When the four of them were assembled in the common room once more they were all dressed and Renata was mobile once more and eager to start.
They managed to convince her that if they were going to be gone for most of the day they at least needed eat breakfast first. After a quick meal their exit was delayed by the castle poltergeist, Peeves.
Peeves was bouncing around the doorway and throwing things at whoever came near. He had thought it was all fun, but he had never really messed with Renata, at least not when she was mad.
"Peeves if you do not leave the hall this instant you will immensely regret it."
"Yeah right, noodle head. Stringy, yellow noodle-head, stringy, yellow noodle-head, stringy, yellow noodle-head," he sang.
"Peeves I'm warning you. You've go until I count to five. I suggest you leave."
He made no response.
"One.two.five!" She whipped out her wand, yelled harsh words and all of them present, not Peeves in the least, were shocked. It was the sinking spell they had all had so much trouble with in charms.
He sank to the floor and couldn't get up. He seemed to be partly stuck in the floor. He was struggling against an unseen force and he couldn't move. Nor could he apparently speak or he would have been shouting ill words at Renata. Because he couldn't speak he had to be content with glaring
As she passed Renata gave him a look that included no sympathy.
As he passed Harry shrugged and told Peeves. "She warned you."
Ron agreed. "It was a fair warning. Even if the counting wasn't fair."
True, Renata had skipped three and four.
They proceeded down the stairs and across the grounds. They reached the edge of the forest.
Simultaneously Harry and Renata spoke. "I'm going in first. No you're not. Yes I am! Stop that!"
They were silent for a moment then.
"I'm going first and that's final!"
Ron and Hermione came and each stood in front of one of their friends. Hermione said to Harry, "You better knock this off right now. Neither of you are going in that forest alone."
"Yeah? And how do you plan to stop me?" Harry took a step forward.
"Like this." She pointed her wand at him and he was bound with cords that had appeared from nowhere.
"You can't do this to me!"
"Harry, do you want me to add a gag?"
Renata took this opportunity to edge her way to the forest. Harry saw her. "You know Renata's running off, don't you?"
Hermione and Ron turned chasing after her leaving Harry tied up on the ground. "Come back!" He struggled against the bonds but they were secure. He had been tied up like this before but it had always been an enemy: Professor Quirrell and Voldemort, or on another occasion Wormtail and Voldemort. He was thoroughly confused.
He struggled until he could sit up. He saw Draco Malfoy along with Crabbe and Goyle coming toward him. He hoped they hadn't spotted him and he squirmed nearer to the edge of the forest and behind a tree. He looked over his shoulder to see Malfoy shout at his companions. Harry regretted that he couldn't hear the words.
He looked back to see Ron and Hermione emerge from the forest with Renata tied up between them. Harry took pleasure in seeing that she had been gagged.
Unfortunately Malfoy saw them as well. He swaggered over. "Strange birds flock together."
Renata struggled until she had worked her jaw enough and forced the gag from her mouth. She would not be silenced. "So that's why you and those two hang out. I couldn't figure out why. I should have guessed it was the strangeness. Thanks for clearing that up for me Malfoy."
His cheeks reddened slightly. "Where's Potter?"
Renata looked back to the forest and saw Harry tied behind the tree. "He's around."
"He was probably too terrified to go into that forest."
"And I take it you're not, Malfoy?" asked Renata. "Yeah. I know in your first year you ran away from the forest screaming your puny lungs out. And all because of some dork in a hood showed up. Pathetic." She probably would have marched straight back into the Forest just to spite him but she couldn't move at all.
"Why are you tied up like that? And in the forest?" Malfoy sneered. "I guess even your friends don't want you around, do they?
"What are you talking about?" Renata asked briskly in reply. "This was a dare."
"Must be a big dare if you're going into the forest like that."
She answered casually, "Not really. I just had to spend the night tied up in the forest. I won a Chocolate Frog."
"You spent the night here and all you got was a Chocolate Frog?" He gaped at her.
"Sure. Harry was somewhere in the Forest too."
"Oh then you were being guarded. No big deal, though I can't see how he would be any help."
"He wasn't. Harry was here too, tied up on a dare."
"I bet he left early. Screaming."
"No, he's over there, actually." She gestured in Harry's direction.
Leaning against the tree Harry managed to squirm into a wobbling stand, and, as he was still bound, he managed to hop over.
"Hello, Malfoy. Ron? Hermione? Shouldn't we go back? I promised that Acromantula I'd bring him something to eat." The four of them turned and headed back to the forest, Renata and Harry hopping. Malfoy couldn't see their faces but they both wore wicked grins.
When they were sure they were out of Malfoy's sight Hermione and Ron got rid of the ropes binding the other two. It wasn't long before they came upon Amicari playing a small wooden flute. Amicari was delighted to see them.
"I'm glad you're all here! It's been lonesome. Do you want to go for a walk or listen to the flute here?"
"Actually we wanted you to take us back to that cave you showed me." Harry told him.
Amicari's face saddened. "I'm not supposed to go that far away. I got in trouble for being out so long."
"Couldn't you just show us the way there?" pleaded Renata. "It's important." "Okay but I can't be gone long or my family will notice again." He started leading them at a brisk pace. Renata eagerly kept up but Harry and the others had to stop him and remind him that they only had two legs as opposed to his four. Hermione whispered to Harry and Ron, "He seems different from when the centaurs in class spoke to us." Harry replied. "He's younger. And the others are just really formal. He-" "-Is a chatterbox," finished Ron. "But we can't complain. He is helping us." They continued without incident for a while. They came "Shouldn't we put the book somewhere safe first?"
Hermione's question reminded Harry of something. "When we were talking on the steps I looked over and saw Malfoy listening. I don't know how much he heard."
"Then we better stow this book double quick." Renata sprang up and began pacing. "But where to put it and how do we guard it. Now there is that is the real dilemma. We need it somewhere safe, but unlikely. Easy enough for us to remember where it is but not likely to be found by anyone else."
Ron shrugged, "Maybe we could transfigure it into something before we hid it in case anyone did find it."
"Yes, that might work, but what?"
"If we're going to transfigure it I think we should keep it a book but make it look old and dull," proposed Hermione.
Ron mumbled, "How about we transfigure it into Hogwarts, a History."
At the same time Renata and Hermione replied, "That's a very interesting book!"
They smiled. "How about, Caring for Flobberworms?"
"I don't think we can really do a book because we would have to change every page in this book in case someone did open it."
"I suppose so."
"Well, a rock then and I'll put it at the bottom of my trunk. With spells on the trunk of course."
"Why your trunk?"
"Well," replied Harry, "I found it."
"That's not a good reason."
"Why not?"
"Because its not."
"Well that isn't a good reason either."
"So?"
"You're impossible."
Renata smiled sweetly. "Of course I am. Okay so what spells will we use?"
"I think we should check our Defense Against the Dark Arts books. There should be something useful in there."
They spent the rest of the afternoon researching possible spells to use to guard the book. It was evening by the time they had found sufficient spells to protect the book. Then, in a corner of the common room Hermione performed the transfiguration causing the book to take the form of a small stone. Harry and Ron then took the stone up to their room and put it in Harry's trunk and carried out the necessary charms. They met Renata and Hermione downstairs. The girls would have preferred to set the charms themselves but Harry and Ron refused to allow them to; partly because they didn't want them upstairs and partly because they wanted to try the charms themselves.
Now the only thing left to do was to decide how and when to find the cave.
Renata wanted to go down to the Forest right away and look for the cave themselves, if they found Amicari along the way, so much better for them.
Harry, Ron, and Hermione pointed out that dangerous as the Forest was by day, it was even worse at night. They also pointed out they had no idea where the cave was and no way of finding the centaurs.
At last they convinced Renata not to go into the forest and they all went down to dinner. After that the night was spent doing homework, deciding they would have to wait until the upcoming weekend to look for the cave.
At first Renata protested, "What if it's too late by then? Then where does that leave us?"
They explained gently but firmly that they would not allow her to go down to the Forest. She seemed to accept it well enough. Then they all went to bed.
At breakfast the next morning there was a fracas between Hermione and Renata. Harry and Ron watched it unfold with interest.
"You didn't have to do that Hermione."
"Obviously I did. You tried to leave last night."
"So? I could have been going anywhere."
"You had shoes and a cloak on. You had your wand too. I know you were going to the Forest."
By the time the argument was over Harry and Ron had learned the cause of the fight. Hermione had been suspicious when Renata had so easily given in about not going to the Forest the night before so she put a leashing spell on Renata when they got to the dorm. But she didn't tell Renata. Then a little while later Renata got up and Hermione caught her.
The fight ended with a confession from Renata. "Fine I was going to the Forest, but I wasn't going to the cave, I was just going to look for the centaur."
After that Harry, Ron, and Hermione kept a close eye on Renata whenever they weren't in class. They had a feeling it would be a long week. They wanted to check out the forest in the daytime but because of classes they wouldn't be able to do so until Saturday. Renata had pointed out that there were a few hours of light in the afternoon once class was over but Ron pointed out that they might need more than a few hours in the forest. Harry added that she had to worry about not missing Quiditch practice.
The rest of Monday as well as Tuesday passed wearily as they kept an eye, two when they could spare them, on Renata to make sure she didn't do something stupid.
Wednesday morning a letter arrived for Renata. She tried to hide it but Harry caught her.
"Who's that letter from?"
"No one." She quickly tried to stuff it out of sight but failed as Ron came up from behind her and took it.
"What' s this?"
"Nothing!" cried Renata trying to take back the letter.
Hermione appeared. "What's going on?"
Renata seized her chance. "Ron and Harry took my letter."
Hermione fiercely turned to Ron and Harry. "Give back that letter, it isn't yours. Why did you take it?"
Ron and Harry still held the letter out of reach. "She said the letter was from no one and if that's the case there's no reason we shouldn't see it."
Hermione thought a moment. "He's got a point, Renata. Who sent it?"
"It's really nothing." She blushed, something Harry wasn't sure he'd seen her do before. She turned away from them. "Its from Harry's aunt."
"I told you not to send that letter to her! That was my letter that you sent. Well, my mom's but mine now."
"I didn't send it. I wrote my own letter to her," she replied fiercely. "Now let me read the reply."
Grudgingly Harry handed the letter to Renata but came to stand by her so he could read it over her shoulder.
I don't know who you are and under normal circumstances I wouldn't
even reply to your questions and I would deny everything you said in
the letter. But as the letter was delivered by an owl I realize I
don't have much of a choice here. In answer to your first question, it
was all Lily's fault and that's all you need to know. In regards to
your other question, what do you know about my nephew? Obviously you
want to know more about his parents past and if you asked me you know
him well enough to know that he knows nothing about it. It has to stay
that way. He can know nothing, so neither can you.
Petunia Dursley
"What did you write to her?" asked Harry, no longer mad, simply curious and confused.
"I might have a copy of the letter I sent in the Tower, I don't know." She passed the letter to Ron and Hermione.
When they were done reading the letter Renata put it back in her book bag. They then all went to class. During Charms they found the sinking spells extremely hard to focus on and in Herbology Harry was having a hard time concentrating on the laughing rosebush he was supposed to be watering.
He was fed up by the time he and Ron had to go to Divination. Monday they had started with enchanted crystals. They had done something similar to that a few years before but this year Professor Trelawny told them they would be going more in depth.
"You will all need to clear your inner eyes in order to properly attain an accurate vision through the crystal. Everyone place your piece of crystal in front of you and take a deep breath. Relax. Close your eyes. Think of a day to come, think hard, concentrate. Open your eyes slowly and light the candle in front of you. Close your eyes a moment longer, open them and see the shadows cast in the crystal by the flame. Open your books to page 92 and interpret the vision before you. Begin!"
Harry looked at his crystal and watched the flames behind it. According to the vague shadows it appeared to him that he was going to get lost somewhere. But when Professor Trelawny came to look at it she found another interpretation.
"Oh you poor boy, you poor boy. This is a most unhappy crystal. I'm afraid this crystal shows great tragedy for you in the very near future. A huge loss, possibly a loss of a life."
Professor Trelawny had often predicted tragedy and death for Harry, especially his own death. It grew rather tiring for him. Harry and Ron left the tower gloomy moods. It didn't help when they discovered that although they had received a lot of homework Hermione and Renata had hardly received any homework from Professor Vector.
That night at Quiditch practice Renata volunteered as usual to help put away the Quiditch balls and then she took off into the air. Harry groaned as he saw her heading straight for the Forest. He jumped on his broom and was glad he had his wand with him.
"Renata! Come on I don't want to spend all night chasing you! Get down here! Do not go in that Forest!" He pointed his wand at her and she dodged the stunning spell he sent. "Renata, get over here now! Come on, just get off that broom." He flew behind her in silence gathering speed until he was right behind her. He grabbed the end of her broom and pointed his wand at her. She lost consciousness where she was and started to drop. Harry now realized that she was going to hit the ground extremely hard.
Harry dove until he reached the ground. He used the Impediment Curse to keep her from falling as fast and then he caught her, broom and all, as the limp figure reached the ground.
Harry dropped her rather quickly and then used the Mobilicorpus spell to let Renata float next to him as he went back across the grounds. At the entrance to the castle Harry revived Renata and then used the leashing charm on her.
He spoke to her, "Renata you can't just run off like that."
"I didn't run."
"No, you flew. But still you can't go off like that. You'll get hurt."
"Come on I was just flying over the Forest."
"You had every intention of landing there. Come on you're going to the Tower and you are staying there."
"Oh this is fair. I'm not a baby. You can take the spell off."
"Not a chance." They continued to the Tower. Harry brought Renata over to Ron and Hermione.
Ron looked up, "Where were you? Fred and George got back half an hour ago."
"The escape artist here took off on her broom and was trying to land in the Forest." Harry said in vexation. "Hey, you guys can't keep me out of the Forest, I'm a stubborn girl." "We noticed." "Nevertheless we can't let you go. You'll get hurt and we don't want to risk that." "I can take care of myself you know," Renata replied indignantly. Then she smiled. "I should really get that letter from upstairs." "Good idea Renata. I'll go with you, I want to get my quill," Hermione said rising with Renata. Renata pouted but followed Hermione upstairs. When they came back down they gathered to look at the letter.
Dear Petunia Dursley,
You don't know me and I don't know you but I know about you. You
fear magic. You have a deceased sister named Lily. She was a witch.
You aren't. You and your sister seem to have gotten along at one
point, what went wrong? Do you know people are trying to kill your
nephew? Are you aware that he knows nothing about his parents? That
really isn't fair, you know.
I'm waiting for a reply.
"There this an exact copy of the letter I sent."
"Thank you."
Being as late as it was, Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Renata went up to their rooms to go to sleep.
The week passed slowly but at last Harry woke up and it was Saturday. It was early, and he hadn't woken up by choice. He felt an impulse to go down to the common room at six thirty in the morning. He got down there and wondered why he was there with Ron, Hermione, and Renata.
"What's going on?" He asked irritably. "I hadn't been planning to wake up for hours yet."
Ron and Hermione nodded in agreement.
Renata smiled brightly and fastened her cloak. "It's Saturday. Come on let's go!"
"You used the Calling Charm again didn't you?" asked Ron.
"Of course. Come on."
Harry looked at the three of them, then at himself. "Renata, hate to break it to you but you're the only one who's dressed. The rest of us are still in our pajamas in case you haven't noticed."
It was true. Harry was indeed in his pajamas, as was Ron; Hermione was wearing a pink nightgown that was sleeveless and went down to her knees, she looked cold. Renata alone was fully dressed.
"Well, why didn't you get dressed?"
"Because you called us out of bed at six thirty in the morning!"
"Ssh! People are still asleep," Renata whispered.
Ron stared at her. "Yes they are and we would like to be among that group of people who are still asleep."
"Fine. I'll go by myself." Renata made for the portrait hole.
Harry went after her and put a hand on her shoulder and looked her in the eyes, speaking in a calm, reasonable voice. "Renata, we can't let you go into the forest alone. We are tired. We are going back to sleep, and so are you."
"But-"
"If you don't want to go back to sleep, you at least have to go back up to the dormitory or stay here in the common room. You have two choices."
"No I have three. My third choice is to go down to the forest alone if I can't convince any of you to come with me."
Harry took his hand off her shoulder but still continued to stare at her. He reached into his pocket and pulled out his wand before she could stop him. "Petrificus totalus!"
Renata's body went rigid. Her arms and legs clapped to her sides and the only part of her that moved were her eyes.
Harry sighed. "Sorry Renata. Had to do that for your own good." He turned away. "Hermione could you bring her back up to your room? I'd leave her here but someone would notice. Sorry we can't help you but Lavender and Parvati would probably scream if they woke up and we were carrying a frozen girl."
"Sure. I'll cover her with the blanket so no one sees her. We can come back down around nine?"
"Sounds good to me," said Ron.
Harry nodded and they all went upstairs.
As Harry and Ron trudged upward Ron asked, "Do you really think that was smart? She seems to know a lot of curses. I wouldn't want to be around when she gets unfrozen or whatever."
"Ron I didn't have much of a choice. Besides, she's got to work on her temper. And her stubbornness."
As he climbed into his four-poster bed Harry heard Ron mutter, "Sounds just like someone I know."
Harry didn't give the words a second thought and he drifted back into the calm of sleep.