CHAPTER 10.
FALLING DOWN TO EARTH
A few hours later, the students were able to be moved back into the school. Harry was so relieved that he would get to lay down in his own bed, that he almost fell asleep as he was climbing the stairs to his room. Almost. That is he would have, had Ron not insisted on waiting in the Gryffindor Common Room for a time. "Why on earth, Ron? C'mon and come to bed. You're tired and I am too." Harry pleaded. Ron glared at him as he settled back in the easy chair.
"You don't have to stay." He answered.
"But why won't you come to bed?" Harry asked. Ron shrugged and looked at him stubbornly.
"I just won't, that's all. Not yet." He said firmly. But though Ron wouldn't specify his reasons, Harry got his answer a moment later, when Hermione, with the help of one of the older Gryffindor girls, limped into the room. Ron jumped to his feet and stood, unsure of what to do.
"Hermione!" He called before she started up the stairs. Hermione turned slowly as she heard Ron's eager voice, and a slow smile spread across her lips.
"Ron? I was wondering if you were even still alive." She joked weakly. Ron finally walked over to her and stood awkwardly in front of her, clasping his hands together nervously, his fingers running together tensely as he watched her. Her face was terribly pale and covered with tiny scratches as if she'd been thrust through a pane of glass. Her brown eyes stuck out awkwardly from her face as she looked at Ron, but Ron didn't seem to notice. "I look pretty terrible don't I?" Hermione finally asked, a wistful tone entering her scratched voice. Ron shrugged, but shook his head.
"Nah, I look worse. Broke my arm and my kneecap. Pretty awful huh?" He asked. Surprise registered on Hermione's face as she gazed at Ron, obviously horrified by the news. "Oh don't worry. Madame Pomfrey fixed 'em up as good as new. I'm alright now." Ron quickly explained. Hermione's face softened.
"Well thats good. I was beginning to wonder if," She stopped short as a humongous, face-stretching yawn broke out over her face.
Ron slapped his hand on his forehead and quickly stepped by her, holding out his arm. "Stupid me! You've had it bad and you wanna go to bed, doncha? Well here, lemme help." Ron said.
"But Ron, you want to go to bed too, don't you?" Hermione protested weakly. Ron waved his hand at her dismissively.
"Yeah, but I mean, its not like the Girls' Room is that far away! It won't take that much effort. Now c'mon." Ron said stubbornly, putting her arm around his neck. The girl who had formerly been helping Hermione, stared at him with an odd expression, but Ron merely cast a lopsided grin her direction before he began to help Hermione up the steps. Harry smiled and shook his head, then chuckled when he heard a collective shriek as the door to the girls' room was opened. "Hullo ladies!" Ron called cheerfully before he yelled, "OW! Hey! I was just helping, OW! DON'T THROW STUFF AT ME! I'M GOIN'! I'M GOIN'!" In another moment, he was back in the Common Room, panting loudly. He took one look at Harry's mirthful face and pointed at him warningly. "Don't say a word." He warned as he strode past Harry to the Boys' Room. Harry simply shook his head, but didn't say a word.
Harry wasn't a bit surprised when he walked into D.A.D.A. a few days later, that Professor Snape was teaching the class. After the way he'd seen Rhiannon, he was sure that she wouldn't be back for a long time and that he'd be getting ten times the homework he usually got. He glanced over at Ron, whose face was in his hands, his eyes half-open, looking more glazed over than seeing. He nudged Ron and whispered, "Hey, I think you're drooling." Ron finally snapped out of it and chuckled.
"Twenty points from Gryffindor! No talking in my class, Potter! Obviously Professor Flutterae has been giving you boys too much free reign. But not anymore." Professor Snape said crisply. Ron stifled a groan and dropped his head in his arms, muttering under his breath,
"I can't wait till the Yule Ball. At least then I'll get a break from Snape."
Ron pitched a pretty fit as they emerged from D.A.D.A., formerly his favorite subject, now at the bottom of the list, right behind Potions. "Great! Now not only do I have yards of homework in D.A.D.A., but I've also got to catch up on all the homework in Potions! Its not fair to have Snape for two classes! I'll never live to see sixth year!" Ron moaned as he, Harry and Hermione walked out of D.A.D.A.
"Well Ron, if you would study more," Hermione started.
"Oh good grief! I do study Hermione! I don't do anything but study!" Ron protested. Hermione raised her eyebrows skeptically.
"Oh yes, I know. Thats why last night you were plotting how to 'catch' bubonic plague so you wouldn't have to do your homework, right?" Harry turned to look at Ron in surprise. Ron's ears grew pink and he shrugged.
"I'm willing to try anything." He muttered. Hermione pursed her lips, her eyes clearly showing her aggravation.
"Well even if you could catch it, it would get you out of homework, but then you'd have twice as much when you got,"
"Hey Artemis!" Ron quickly managed to cut off Hermione's lecture as Artemis walked out of the hospital wing. She smiled weakly and waved as she walked up to them.
"Hullo! How was class?" She asked, her voice hoarse and scratched.
"Perfectly wonderful! We studied the ancient histories of Unsatisfied Spirits. It was quite interesting." Hermione gushed. Artemis raised an eyebrow and turned to Ron.
"It was awful. Yards of homework." He said immediately. Hermione glared hard at Ron while Artemis cracked a smile.
"Thats what I figured." She sighed dismally. "Suppose I'll have to get caught up after all this is over. That is certainly awful." She murmured.
"Well if it isn't Tweedle-Dee, Tweedle-Dum, and look! The Dodo! And of course Alice. Wonderland isn't complete without Alice." Draco Malfoy said cooly, casting a glance in Artemis' direction. Artemis glared as she shook her head at him.
"I don't know how you can be so abominable, Draco Malfoy." Draco chuckled and placed a hand on his heart.
"I do my best, Miss Thornshadow. How are you feeling?" He asked. Ron's mouth dropped open as he stared at Draco. Artemis looked as though she wanted to do the same, but she managed not to, drawing herself up proudly.
"Why do you want to know?" Draco's eyes glinted and he shrugged.
"Just checking. Wanted to make sure your mouth was still in working order, but it's obvious that it is by this little demonstration." Draco said calmly. Artemis simply shook her head, saying nothing. "Well so long. Just wanted to check in with the morons of Hogwarts. Its my good deed for the day." Draco said with a sarcastic smile as he pushed his way through the group, although there was plenty of room to get through around them.
"I really wish that I could punch his lip and get away with it. I'd really like to do that right about now." Ron muttered. Hermione scoffed loudly, causing Ron to stare at her.
"I'd LOVE to see you try. All you did was stand there like this." At that moment, Hermione dropped her mouth as low as it could go, a very unlady-like position, but she was eager to prove her point. She did just that. Ron turned beet red and began muttering under his breath as the group walked off.
Artemis laughed as Ron stormed off, Hermione following him, now scolding him about getting his homework done. Then, Harry noticed he was alone. Artemis was now the only one with him in the hallway. Artemis coughed and leaned up against the wall of the castle, eyeing Harry wearily. "So, how've you been, Harry? Haven't been able to get out of that hospital wing in ages, seems like." Harry smiled and shrugged.
"Alright. Snape is doing D.A.D.A. for Professor Flutterae, so its been pure hell the last couple days. Can't wait to get a break." He said, shaking his head.
Artemis laughed and nodded, brushing a blonde strand of hair from her face. "Well, you'll get one soon. Hermione told me that the Yule Ball is coming up. I can't wait! I've never been to a Yule Ball at Hogwarts!" She said excitedly. Harry grinned and nodded.
"Well, it's okay. I've only been to one and it didn't go over so well. It wasn't the best thing in the world." Artemis laughed and shrugged.
"You probably didn't have a very good partner. Thats part of the fun of it, getting a good partner who'll keep you from going crazy." She laughed. Harry joined in, then stopped dead.
Last year, he'd gone with Parvati Patil and it had been a disaster. But this year. This year he had no one to go with. That is, he hadn't asked anyone. And yet, here in front of him was someone who actually wanted to go. He liked Artemis. Her sense of humor would certainly keep him laughing and he wouldn't mind getting to know her better. Perhaps, perhaps.
"Say, Artemis. Has anyone asked you to go to the ball yet?" Harry asked tentatively. Artemis frowned thoughtfully, then shook her head.
"Nope. No one. I only just found out a couple days ago when Hermione brought me some books to catch up on my homework. So nice of her." She said sarcastically, with a twinkle in her eye. Harry nodded and returned a nervous smile, then took a deep breath and blurted it out.
"Artemis, do you wanna go to the ball with me?"
Artemis' eyes widened and she smiled ecstatically. "Really? Oh, Harry! Thats so nice of you! I didn't know who I wanted to go with or if anyone would even ask me! I am new, you know. Oh thank you!" Artemis said, her hands coming together with a resounding clap. Harry breathed a sigh of relief and shrugged.
"Its nothing." Artemis chuckled and shook her finger at him.
"You know its not. Thanks again, Harry. Thank you so much!" Then her face fell and she bit her lip. "I've gotta go. I was supposed to go right up to the Tower and get some rest. Madame Pomfrey's orders. I better get going before she comes out and yells at me like she's been doing all weekend. Thanks again, Harry! See you!" Artemis said, grinning after resting her hand on Harry's shoulder for only a minute, before removing it as she ran up to the Gryffindor Tower stairs. Harry smiled and shook his head as he watched her run off, then murmured,
"Well, at least that's over. I'm all set. I think I might actually enjoy the ball this time."
Many weeks passed before Professor Flutterae returned to D.A.D.A. Hermione was worried because she feared that the teacher had taken a turn for the worse. That was the popular belief among the houses, but Ron had a different theory. "I bet you money that Snape is keeping her sick so that he can teach D.A.D.A.," He said, rubbing his hands together. "Its just the kind of scummy thing he'd do." But finally, the day came when Professor Snape was no longer glaring at them over their books, and Professor Flutterae stood at her desk, a cheerful smile on her face.
For the first time in many weeks, the homework load was lighter and D.A.D.A. was enjoyed thoroughly by all. After the other students welcomed her back after that class and had left, Ron whispered to Harry that he and Hermione and Artemis were going to meet up with Fred and George outside Snape's classroom. "Okay, I'll be there in a minute." Harry whispered. Ron shrugged and waved at Rhiannon before stepping out the door with the others. Harry walked up to Rhiannon's desk, where she was shuffling papers about. "Hullo, Professor Flutterae!" He said quietly. Rhiannon started slightly, then smiled as she noticed Harry.
"Oh hullo, Harry! I'm glad to be back." She said quietly.
"Its good to have you back, Professor." Harry said sincerely. Rhiannon smiled and moved back to shuffling papers on her desk. Harry stood still a moment, watching her. She had visibly changed in the last few weeks. She had become paler, her color was returning, but she was still that sickly white that reminded him of parchment. Her eyes, blue and staring, lended an unnatural beauty to her face, though now they seemed too large for her face. He smiled at Malificent, who jumped onto Rhiannon's desk and sat there, staring at Harry. Rhiannon smiled and ran her hand over the cat's back.
Harry began to speak again, but stopped as Rhiannon took out her wand quickly and waved it in the air, whispering quietly as she did so. Harry frowned as the strains of music entered his ears and he caught the Professor's eye. "Music. I need it sometimes when I'm not feeling so well. It seems to have a magic all its own at times." She said with a smile. Harry smiled and nodded in agreement.
"Where's it coming from, Professor?" Rhiannon smiled and pulled something from her desk drawer. Harry stared at it in surprise. It was a silver Muggle cd\tape player. "But Professor, Hermione says that Muggle objects can't operate inside Hogwarts. Too much magic. How is it working?" Harry stared at his teacher as a faint blush worked it's way over her cheeks.
"Lets just say that I owe more than friendship to Mister Weasley." She said quietly, her hand resting on the cd player.
Harry smiled knowingly. Mister Weasley must have helped her enchant the cd player. Harry was well aware of Mister Weasley's habit of enchanting Muggle artifacts, so this wasn't too surprising or far fetched. "Not only does it shrink when I need to put it in a small place, but it can play just about anything, even if it is Muggle. Helps at times, especially when I'm here. My other things won't work inside Hogwarts. I must say, I've got quite a collection of Muggle music." Rhiannon said, patting the cd player. "In fact, we'll probably have to use this for music for the Yule Ball, as we most likely won't be able to get a live band." Rhiannon said, her smile falling slightly.
Harry chuckled and shook his head in amazement, then cocked his head to listen closer. "It's not anyone I know, Professor." Harry said with a frown. Rhiannon chuckled and turned it up slightly for him to hear.
"I don't necessarily care for the Witch and Wizard bands. Call me a fool, but I prefer Muggle music at times, just so long as its good. I'm more used to it." She said with a chuckle.
"And who's this?" Harry asked.
"Oh, sorry Harry. I'm a bit distracted. The Goo Goo Dolls." She answered, bending down to grab some stray papers off the floor. Harry could not help but chuckle.
"What kind of name is that?" He asked sarcastically.
"Well its just as bad as the 'Weird Sisters' isn't it?" She retorted. Harry could not help but agree with her and he chuckled again, this time with her as she settled down at her desk, her chin in her hands. "Although, it's not that strange of a name. The 'Weird Sisters' was actually another name for the Fates in mythology." Rhiannon said with a smile. Then she passed her hand over her eyes, a gentle, but unmistakeably tired sigh escaping from her throat. "What did you want to see me about, Harry?" She asked.
"I wanted to make sure you were alright and, and to ask you what happened to you that night." Rhiannon seemed to stiffen, then tire as she ran her hand over her eyes once more.
"I'm fine Harry. Just tired. As to what happened in the forest," She paused a moment before continuing. "I simply got lost and fell that's all. Hurt myself. That's all, Harry." She said quietly. Harry gazed at her skeptically.
"What about what happened during the Quidditch game? Is anything being done about that?" Harry asked quietly. Rhiannon nodded quickly.
"Yes, yes, Harry. Precautions are being taken. As of now, no one is allowed to leave Hogwarts. Not even for holidays." Harry's throat grew dry, but he pressed on.
"But what was it? It was something, something evil." Rhiannon raised her eyes to his and nodded.
"Yes it was, Harry. Something evil. Something that you and I cannot speak of. Not now. Not at this time" She whispered.
Harry stared at her incredulously, then with concern as his teacher's eyes widened and looked past him. He stared at her, for once hearing the lyrics that now poured through the room.
And I don't want the world to see me,
'Cause I don't think that they'd understand.
When everything's made to be broken,
I just want you to know who I am.
Harry turned to look at what Rhiannon's eyes were fixed on and was surprised to see Bill Weasley standing in the doorway. A cocky grin was fixed on his face and he was slowly shaking his head as he stared at Rhiannon. He was dressed in his traditional black, the fang earring dangling from his ear, his long red hair tied back neatly behind him. His hazel eyes twinkled as he moved his hand from the doorframe. "You still like this trash, Rhia? I thought you'd forgotten this stuff by now." He said jokingly, his deep voice reverberating through the entire room. Rhiannon stood slowly, her eyes still fixed on him. Harry automatically moved out of the way, looking back and forth between the two people in the room. As Rhiannon descended the stairs, it seemed to Harry that Bill's eyes seemed to jump, then twinkle all the more brightly as she walked to him.
When she finally stood in front of him, she stared hard at him. "Bill?" She whispered. Bill grinned wider and reached out to grasp her white hand.
"Yeah, decided I'd pay you a visit Rhia, if you don't mind that is." He said gently.
"But you were in Egypt! How, why are you here?" She asked.
"What? You don't want me to be here?" Bill asked, mock hurt covering his face.
"That's not it at all. I'm just, why are you here?" Rhiannon stuttered. Bill chuckled and shook his head.
"Well first, I apparated to Hogsmeade from Egypt and took the fastest way here I knew of." Rhiannon frowned at him thoughtfully.
"How did you," She started before Bill cut her off.
"Fred and George showed me a little short-cut a while ago." Harry smothered a smile. He knew that he was referring to the secret passageway that had been shown on the Marauder's Map. Fred and George had obviously shown him how to get there.
Rhiannon shook her head in disbelief. "As to why, I heard that there was some trouble. You got hurt." He said, his voice quieting as he reached up slowly to touch a curl that hung down the teacher's back. To Harry's surprise, and quite obviously Bill's, Rhiannon turned bright red and stepped back to avoid his touch. Before Bill could speak, Rhiannon started speaking angrily.
"You came back for me?" She asked angrily. Bill stood still, staring at her. "Your brothers, Fred, George, Ron, and even Ginny, got hurt terribly and you came out here for ME?" She stormed angrily.
Now Bill turned red and his eyes flashed angrily. "Well that's normally what one does when one's friend is injured!" Bill yelled. Only then did Harry notice a small bouquet of daisies resting beneath his hand. He threw it on the ground as Rhiannon continued her tirade.
"Oh-hoh! So now your friends are more important than your family nowadays? Wasn't it always you who told me that if you don't stick together with your family, you have nothing? I'm ashamed of you, William Francis Weasley!" Rhiannon yelled.
"Oh yeah! Well screw it then! I just came to see you, but now I, I, I'll just go see Fred and George!" Bill bellowed, storming out the door. Harry glanced at Rhiannon, then at the empty door. Rhiannon brushed her hair back angrily, then glanced at Harry and cast a sheepish glance in his direction.
"Sorry you had to see that. Guess I kinda flew off the handle huh?" She asked. Harry nodded slowly. To his surprise, Rhiannon began to chuckle and she picked up the bouquet of daisies from the floor. She gently touched the petals, then held them up to her nose. "Someone once said that flowers are eyes into the soul. I can't remember who. But someone did." She said quietly.
"Do you like daisies, Professor Flutterae?" Harry asked quietly.
She looked up at him, a wistful smile on her face as she continued to finger the flowers. "Yes. They're my favorite flower. I know Bill was just trying to be kind, but he should have saved that for his brothers and sister." She said, almost as if in explanation. Then she stopped, one finger resting on a flower petal. She winced and turned to Harry. "Was I too hard on him, Harry?" She asked quietly. Harry thought a moment, then shrugged.
"It depends on what you think is hard." He said. A chuckle passed over Rhiannon's lips as she looked back down to the flowers in her hand. Harry gazed at her and for a moment, he thought he saw regret and sadness in her face as she stared at the daisies in her hands.
"Will you be alright, Professor Flutterae?" He asked quietly. Rhiannon did not look up at him, but nodded.
"Go on, Harry. I want to be alone for a little while." She said quietly. Harry nodded and took a step towards the door, pausing only to look back at her. The teacher was now sitting in one of the numerous desks for the students, the flowers on the desk, her head in her hands. Malificent was rubbing around her ankles, brushing her black head against Rhiannon's leg comfortingly. Harry sighed and stepped out of the room.
He went looking for Ron and finally found him, along with Hermione, Artemis, Fred, George and Ginny, standing amongst all of them. Ron turned as Harry approached and flashed him a happy grin. Harry returned it and worked his way into the group. "Oh Bill! You look so much better than when we last saw you! I'm so glad!" Ginny said with a sigh of relief. Bill grinned and rubbed her hair, much to her annoyance.
"I told you I'd be alright, didn't I?" He asked.
"So why'd you come to Hogwarts?" Ron asked excitedly. Bill paused a moment to rub the back of his head and shrugged.
"Heard about the accident. Came to see my brothers and sister, of course." There were smiles all round, save for the raised eyebrow of Harry Potter.
"Well it's good you did! You're just in time!" Fred said happily. Bill frowned as he looked at his brother.
"In time for what?" He asked. The twins grinned maniacally.
"The Yule Ball!" They said happily. Bill groaned and smacked his hand against his forehead. Harry had to laugh with the others, and as he did, he took a closer look at Fred and George. Fred had basically recovered, his scratches were now long, thin scabs, his bruises were fading, and color was returning to his cheeks. His twin was not as recovered. True like his brother, his scratches were scabs and his bruises were fading, but only a faint bit of color was spread across his cheeks. Otherwise, his skin maintained it's white hue.
"I'm not staying for the Yule Ball!" Bill said firmly, holding up his hand.
The others laughed while Ginny protested. "Oh, but Bill! It's only a few weeks away! Please stay!" She pleaded. Bill shook his head violently and the others laughed again. Ron noticed the confused look in Harry's eyes as he laughed with them and leaned closer to him.
"Bill didn't have a good experience with Yule Balls." He grinned. "Most of them turned out with him alone or nursing a black eye." Ron said, while smiling broadly.
"How did he manage that?" Harry whispered.
"Easy. He either said something that offended the girl or deliberately took another guy's girl." Ron whispered back, a twinkle in his eye. Harry grinned and simply shook his head. He wasn't surprised in the least. After all, Bill was a Weasley.
"I'm not going." Bill repeated firmly.
"Why Mister Weasley!" All four Weasley boys turned around as Professor McGonagall called out the surname, each wondering who she was referring to. But when the Transfiguration teacher took her place by Bill, the rest of them relaxed. "Mister Weasley, how perfectly wonderful of you to come by! What brings you here?" She asked. Bill blushed and shrugged.
"Just came to see my kid brothers and sister after I heard what happened." He said uneasily. Professor McGonagall nodded gravely.
"It is a terrible thing. Terrible. But I'm glad, and I'm sure that your siblings are glad," She said, shooting a glare at the Weasley boys. "That you are here." She finished. Bill nodded and smiled.
"I bet they are." Fred and George cast a particularly evil glance at each other, then glanced back at Bill, who eyed them, suddenly looking uncomfortable.
"But of course you'll stay for the Yule Ball won't you, Mister Weasley? We'd be pleased if you'd join us." The Professor said generously. Bill blushed and paused only a moment before responding.
"Well sure. I'd love to stay." The Professor smiled and patted his arm.
"That's good! You can stay with your brothers in Gryffindor Tower. No one will mind. It is good to see one of Hogwarts' most productive students back again." She said proudly as she walked off.
Bill gulped and turned back around to face the crowd. Fred and George stood in front of him, their arms crossed over their chests, eyeing him. "What?" Bill asked sharply. Immediately, Fred put on a simpering look and began to speak in a feminine voice.
"It is so GOOD to see one of Hogwarts' MOST, PRODUCTIVE students back again." He simpered. Bill slugged him hard in the arm.
"Shut up!" He yelled. George then batted his eyelashes in his direction, but before Bill could lunge upon him, Ginny grabbed his arm and squeezed it hard.
"Oh Bill! I'm so glad that you'll be coming to the Yule Ball! Then you'll be able to see me all dressed up and in my beautiful robes!" Ginny sighed happily.
"I've seen you in pretty robes before, Gin." Bill grunted as he tried to reach his mocking brothers.
"Oh! But not at a Yule Ball! You'll be so proud of me won't you?" She asked hopefully.
Suddenly Bill ceased to tug from his sister's grasp and stood still. "Yeah, I'll be proud of you, Gin." He said quietly. Harry turned to see Rhiannon walking towards them. A faint blush grew on Bill's face as she approached, but she ignored it and instead, slung her arms around the twins' shoulders, both of whom grinned broadly.
"Well boys, I see the prodigal son has returned." She said calmly.
"Darn right. And as much of a scum as when he first left, 'ey Rhia?" George asked, winking at her.
"I'd say so." She added with a twinkle in her eye. Now it was Bill's turn to cross his arms over his chest and glare at the twins.
"Well, don't you have anything to say to your dear, old friend?" Rhiannon asked coyly, placing emphasis on her words. Bill gritted his teeth and bowed slightly.
"Oh its a pleasure to see you again, dear, old friend." He said.
Rhiannon grinned and squeezed the twins tighter. "Well boys, is he gonna sleep on the doorstep or what?" Fred sighed and shook his head.
"Sorry Rhia, but McGonagall got to him first." He said sadly.
"He gets to sleep with us in the Gryffindor Tower!" George moaned. A look of mock pity came over Rhiannon's face as she looked at the twins.
"Well I'm sorry to hear that. I truly am! How terrible. And to think, you boys have to listen to him snore." She said as the others erupted in giggles around her, especially Ginny. Bill narrowed his eyes as he looked at her.
"I do NOT snore." He said firmly. Rhiannon cocked her head to the side.
"Oh really? I know for a fact that you do." She said slyly.
"And how would you know?" Bill asked angrily.
"When we were kids our families went on that camp-out remember?" She asked, her eyes twinkling brightly. Bill's fists clenched and he shook his head at her.
"Don't even think about it. That was a long time ago." He said warningly.
"Oh! Is that the time when we went and put shaving cream on his face and he didn't wake up? He just kept snoring?" Fred laughed.
"Yeah! You remember that? You guys were little." Rhiannon asked in surprise.
"Of course I remember it! It was fabulous! Rich! The perfect plot." Fred concurred.
"That wasn't the best part though. The best part was when we wiped off the shaving cream, put on that make-up mask and put cucumber slices on his eyes! Like Muggle make-up artists!" George said quickly before laughing loudly.
"And then, and then when he woke up, his face wouldn't move and he thought he was the living dead!" Fred howled.
"And then he was running around the came with this purple gook on his face, yelling about boggarts and stuff!!" Ron added, his face turning red with laughter. Bill stood still among the laughing group, glaring hard at Rhiannon.
"So you see Bill, I know that you snore." Rhiannon said finally.
Bill nodded slowly as the laughter died down. "Alright, alright. You wanna play that way? I still remember the night when you told me that you had a crush on Professor Snape." There was a chorus of 'oohs' all round and the laughter was wiped off of Rhiannon's face.
"I did NOT!" She said angrily.
"Uh-huh. Oh yeah, you had a thing for him." Bill said, grinning evilly. Rhiannon took a step closer to him angrily.
"Oh yeah? Well I remember how you went and were kissing Andrea Verlin outside the Gryffindor Tower after hours and I saw you!" Bill angrily took a step closer.
"Oh yeah! And then, you ran down the halls and got Mrs. Norris to come and find us! I was cleaning the Trophy Room for weeks!" Bill yelled. Rhiannon crossed her arms over her chest and smirked.
"You deserved it." She said cooly.
"Yeah? Well you just did that because you were jealous!" Bill yelled.
By this time the laughter had died down and the group was simply watching the two argue with wide eyes. Rhiannon's eyes grew wide and her face red. The two took another step closer towards each other, their eyes blazing. "JEALOUS? Of WHAT? Of you kissing Andrea Verlin? Yeah right! You deserved to kiss that slimy eel." She said angrily.
"Andrea was not slimy! She was a great kisser and you were jealous!" Bill retorted.
"Again, of WHAT?" Rhiannon yelled.
"That I was kissing her and not YOU!"
There was silence in the hall and the only sound was the panting of the two combatants. Finally, they looked around them at the silent group, then back at each other. Rhiannon grew red in the face as she saw the stern face of Professor Snape standing at the end of the hall, staring with cold eyes. She looked back at Bill only once and there was fire in them as she turned away and briskly walked away from him. Only then, did Harry notice the daisy tucked inside her robe, flopping out of the pocket.
From that moment on, Bill barely had a moment's rest from his twin brothers and also his younger brother, but Fred and George initiated most of the questioning, which he stated, 'drove him bonkers.' But did that stop Fred and George? "No one can stop the inquisitive minds!" Fred protested as Bill locked himself one of the boy's bathroom stalls.
"We are the people! We have a right to know!" George added, as the two of them pounded hard on the stall doors.
"Oh shut up and get a life would you?" Bill bellowed from the stall.
"Not until you tell us what that little phrase meant." George insisted.
"WHAT little phrase?" Bill yelled angrily.
"Quote, 'She was a great kisser and you were jealous. That I was kissing her and not YOU!' unquote." Fred recited, an evil smile on his face.
The twins were surprised when Bill threw open the door and glared at them from the doorway, but they smiled innocently. Too innocently. "Look, I wish you'd drop it. Rhiannon is your teacher for crying out loud. She doesn't need you guys to be spying on her and stuff." He said firmly.
"Well, it's your fault. You let it slip, you smoothie." George said, winking and jogging Bill's elbow. Bill shook his head slowly, staring grimly at his brothers.
"You guys are pathetic." He muttered as he stormed out of the bathroom. Fred and George turned around to face Ron and Harry, who'd accompanied them and grinned.
"Well, that went well," Fred said, a pleased smile on his face. "Now that we've sufficiently bugged Bill so that he's stormed off, we need to figure out who we're taking to the Yule Ball. Any ideas gentlemen?" Fred asked, looking at his brothers and Harry. To their surprise, Ron spoke up immediately.
"Yeah." His twin brothers stared at him in surprise and Harry did the same.
"Who's the lucky girl, Ronsie?" George asked.
"Yeah, tell us, Ronniekins." Fred asked. Ron shrugged nonchantly before answering.
"I'm gonna ask Hermione." To Ron's obvious surprise, Fred and George both slapped him on the back and grinned, congratulating him loudly. "Well, don't get all excited. I haven't asked her yet!" Ron grumbled, but glowing with pride.
"But at least you don't have to worry about Viktor Krum!" Harry said with a smile. Ron's smile grew wider at that comment.
"Darn right. I'm glad of that." Ron said gratefully.
"Yeah! And now that you've grown like a weed you could probably knock him out." Fred laughed as he tousled his brother's hair. The four boys walked out of the bathroom, chuckling over the state of events, but stopped short when they saw Hermione Granger, Artemis Thornshadow and Ginny Weasley walking towards them, engrossed in a conversation that had them all giggling and chuckling.
"Whats so funny, ladies?" George asked, stepping between Hermione and Artemis and slipping his arms around their shoulders.
"Nothing you should be concerned with George." Ginny said primly. George grinned and pulled a lock of her red hair playfully.
"C'mon, you can tell old George." George urged.
"And Fred!" Fred added.
"And me and Harry." Ron said, a grin on his face. Artemis and Hermione looked at each other and giggled. Harry looked surprised. Never before had he seen Hermione Granger giggle in his life! It was unusual.
"We're just discussing what we're going to be wearing for the Yule Ball." Hermione finally said primly. At that Ron reddened and said nothing, but his brothers were not so cautious.
"And what will you be wearing? Satin? Lace? Jewels?" George asked with a smile. The girls laughed again and shook their heads.
"Thats for us to know and for you to find out Mister Weasley." Artemis said, pushing George's nose for emphasis. George drew his head back in mock hurt.
"You can't tell me? But I'm an old and dear friend, and your fellow detentionee, Artie. You must tell me!" He pleaded. Artemis laughed and shook her head.
"We've got to make our plans. After all, Ginny already got asked!" Hermione laughed, giving a knowing look to the Weasley girl, who blushed. Fred immediately bounded over to his little sister and leaned down to look in her face.
"You don't say? Who's the bum trying to move in on my sister? I'll knock 'im into next week!" Fred said fiercely.
"Oh don't do that Fred!" Ginny pleaded. "He couldn't defend himself even if he wanted to!" She added.
"And who is this little weakling?" Fred asked suspiciously. Ginny hung her head slightly, but her voice was strong as she answered,
"Its Neville." She said. Fred brightened immediately.
"Oh! Just good ol' Neville 'eh? I was afraid it was gonna be Draco Malfoy!" Fred said cheerily.
Ginny looked horrified as her three brothers laughed loudly at the idea. Hermione rolled her eyes and pulled at Artemis' arm, making a move to leave. But Ron surprised them all when he stepped forward and grabbed Hermione's arm. Hermione looked at him with a puzzled expression on her face. "What?" She asked. Ron's face turned red and he worked his lips frantically. As if to give him room, Fred and George immediately sobered and took a step back.
"Ah, Hermione, ah, I'd can't wait to see what you'll look like for the Yule Ball. You looked really nice and stuff last time and, well, you look rather nice all the time, but, ah, well, you know." Ron stuttered. A faint blush worked its way over Hermione's cheeks and she smiled.
"Oh! Thank you Ron. I wasn't sure if you'd noticed." She said.
"Didn't notice? How could I not?!" Ron said with surprise. The blush in Hermione's cheeks darkened and she fluttered her eyelashes.
"Thanks Ron. I hope you'll like what I'm wearing then. So long." She said as she made a move to pull away. Ron quickly grasped her arm and pulled her back quickly.
"Hermione, will you go to the ball with me?" Ron burst out quickly. Hermione drew back in surprise. She, like Ron had a moment before, worked her lips nervously.
"Well, alright then." She said simply. Now it was Ron's turn to look surprised.
"Really? You'll come with me?" He asked in disbelief. Hermione frowned and pursed her lips.
"Of course! You asked didn't you?" She asked.
"Well yeah but, I didn't think you'd actually say yes." Ron said.
"Well I told you last year not to use me as a last resort. I note that you took my advice. Its about time you did. You know you wouldn't get in so much trouble if you did that more often." Hermione said simply as she pulled away from him, a small smile hiding in the corners of her mouth. Artemis looked behind her as the she and the other girls walked away, and winking, gave the boys the thumbs-up sign.
To Ron's surprise, George let loose a small sigh. Fred stared at him as if he'd turned into a toad. George glanced at him and shrugged his shoulders. "What?" Fred poked him hard.
"You know darn well what. What was that action all about?" Fred asked skeptically.
"Nothing!" George protested.
"Do you have a thing for my friend?" Ron asked suspiciously. George shook his head and frowned.
"Are you insane? She's the same age as you for prat's sake." He said simply. Ron's eyebrows shot up.
"You DO have a thing for her!" He yelled.
"I do not! I never said that!" George shot back.
"You never said you didn't!" Ron answered. Fred stepped between them and held his hands up.
"Now listen, calm down. Ronnie, whats wrong with George having a thing for Artemis?"
"I don't!" George retaliated.
"Now come dear brother, its terribly obvious that you do, so shut your mouth before you dig yourself any deeper." Fred said calmly. That shut George up, who frowned as his twin turned back to Ron.
"It's just weird thats all." Ron grumbled as he crossed his arms over his chest. Fred turned to Harry, much to his surprise.
"Harry, do you think it's weird?" He asked pointedly. Harry shrugged and shook his head.
"Not really I guess. It's kinda, well, unusual, but its just because I know Artemis and," Harry drew in a quick breath. He couldn't believe what he'd just done. That wink and thumbs-up sign, they'd been for him.
He groaned loudly and Ron stared at him. "Harry, whats the matter? You got a stomach-ache?" Ron asked. Harry turned and stared wildly at him.
"Ron, can you come over here for a minute?" He asked shakily, pulling him over towards the bathroom door. Ron complied but stared at him as if he were mad.
"What is your problem?" He whispered.
"George has got a thing for Artemis!" Harry hissed.
"So what? He's a prat. He's a weirdo, a bloody kook for crying out loud, but what does Artemis have to do with anything?" He asked.
"George is probably gonna ask Artemis to the Yule Ball!" Harry whispered. Again, Ron shrugged.
"That looks like what he was leading up to." Ron said. Harry groaned and pressed his hands to his forehead.
"What is your PROBLEM?" Ron hissed.
"I already asked her!" Harry whispered frantically. Ron's mouth dropped open and his eyes bulged.
"And?" He whispered breathlessly.
"She said yes." Harry moaned. Ron took a step backwards in astonishment.
"I don't believe it. I jolly well don't believe it. She said yes?" Ron whispered. Harry nodded silently."Well don't worry about it. We'll explain to George. He can get someone else, he always does. He can go with, oh, Angelina or someone. It doesn't matter. We'll explain it." Ron whispered reassuringly, putting his arm around Harry's shoulders. To Harry's obvious dismay, the twins were now talking excitedly to their friend Lee Jordan, who was grinning broadly, while George was turning beet red.
"I'm just gonna invite her to the ball, Lee. Thats all."
"Cradle robber."
"Oh would you shut up?! It's not like that!"
"Georgie's got a thing for the baby girls 'eh? Freds, why didn't you tell me this in the first place? Now I'm gonna hafta lock up my baby sister."
"You don't have a baby sister, you prat."
"Just saying, Georgie. Don't get all offensive."
"I wouldn't if you weren't being so bloody negative!" George exploded.
Lee got a good laugh out of that and he made good use of it too. He grinned when he saw Ron and Harry. "So Ron, your brother's robbing the cradle with little Artemis." Lee said.
"I know. Isn't it bloody weird?" He asked with an evil smile.
"Bloody." Lee responded automatically.
"Its nothing much! I'm just going to ask Artemis to the ball. Thats IT!" George insisted.
"Ah, George." Harry interrupted quietly. George stopped and smiled at Harry.
"Yeah Harry?" His smile made it all worse.
"Ah, well,"
"Speak up old chap! Whats the matter?"
"Well, I, uh, it's about Artemis."
"What? She's going to the ball isn't she?"
"Well yeah, but,"
"Then what's the problem?"
"I, well, I,"
"Oh good grief! He bloody well asked her out already, George, so you can just forget about it!" Ron yelled loudly.
The entire hall was silent as George stared from Harry to Ron, then back again. "You did?" George asked quietly. Harry nodded. "And she said yes?" He asked. Harry nodded again. George sighed quietly. "Well, that's alright. I'll just ask someone else. Won't be hard you know. Maybe I'll ask Angelina or someone." He murmured. Ron turned to Harry and gave him a knowing look. But Harry wasn't comforted by this bit of information. He was made to feel worse by the dejected look on the Weasley twin's face. "Thanks for telling me, Harry, before I made a fool out of myself." George said, forcing a smile for Harry's sake. Harry returned it, but it was just as fake as George's had been. "I've gotta go and, well, do something." George said slowly, walking away from them after giving them a half-hearted wave. Fred and Lee eyed each other with alarm and followed him quickly, calling his name.
Harry groaned and turned to Ron. "I told you it would be awful! Now George is upset! What am I gonna do?" Harry asked. Ron thought a moment then answered,
"Just don't tell Artemis." He said. Harry stared at him in astonishment.
"Don't tell Artemis? What the heck kinda advice is THAT?" Harry exploded.
"Because if you tell Artemis, then she'll feel bad and your entire date will be a total drag!" Ron said knowingly. "Don't worry about it. C'mon, lets raid the kitchens." Ron said, putting an arm around Harry. Harry slumped dejectedly as they walked off.
"Don't know what good it'll do." He muttered.
"Ah, you know what? Those lemon tarts always make ME feel better when I'm low. Maybe it'll work for you. They've worked for me every time." As Ron continued to talk, Harry's mind wandered, as did his eyes. That was why he noticed the angry face that peeked around the corner at him, his cold gray eyes flashing, his blonde hair winking in the dim sunlight.
**************
Harry sat engrossed in thought, not eating the food that sat in front of him. All around him, the others ate, though Ron didn't eat as fast as he always did, nor did Hermione, for that matter. Fred, George and Lee were not even present, but Artemis was. Harry just couldn't understand that look that Draco had given him. It was so angry. So frustrated. And yet, he didn't understand why. He hadn't even talked to Draco! And yet. He had glared at him after he had left to go get something from the kitchens to make him feel better. Now, Draco couldn't be mad about him going to get food, because if he was then he was even more of a tattle-tale moron than Harry already believed him to be. That left.............. "Oh no." Harry muttered under his breath.
"Hey Harry! You gonna eat your grapes?" Ron asked through a full mouth. Harry ignored him, caught up in his discovery of the reason for Draco's anger. He eyed Artemis who stood at the other end of the table talking with Ginny and Neville.
Good, she doesn't know. He thought thankfully.
"Hey Harry, what's the problem?" Ron whispered, finally having swallowed his food. He looked up at Ron apprehensively, but did not speak as Fred and Lee flopped down in their chairs dejectedly.
"How's George?" Harry asked, wincing. Fred shrugged.
"Who knows? He won't talk, he won't do anything. He's just laying in his bed looking at Quidditch Weekly." Fred sighed.
"In other words, it's pretty bad." Lee agreed.
Harry moaned loudly. "Well he needs to get over it! I mean, it's just Artemis for crying out loud! He shouldn't get so worked up over a girl." Ron said.
"Well he is so worked up over a girl. And we need to find him another girl fast. Otherwise, I'm not sure when George will be showing his face again." Fred said wryly.
"What's that about George?" Artemis asked as she approached the group. The four boys jumped and Ron nearly spewed his water across the table as he stared at her. She eyed them, waiting for their response.
"Nothing. Just talking about my, ah, my cat!" Ron said, swallowing his water and smiling innocently. Artemis raised her eyebrow.
"You have a cat named George?" She asked skeptically. Ron gave a fake laugh.
"Yeah! Funny, huh? Her name is Georgina. George named her. Get it?" Ron asked hopefully.
"Yeah I guess. Doesn't it get confusing?" She asked. Ron frowned.
"What?" He asked.
"Distinguishing between George the cat and George the twin." She answered. Again, came that fake laugh.
"Oh well, it's not that difficult actually. We call the cat Georgie most of the time, so it doesn't matter." Ron chuckled. Artemis nodded slowly then sat down beside Fred.
"So where is George the twin?" She asked. Ron glanced uneasily at Fred who quickly spoke up.
"He's up in bed. Rather sick. Didn't feel too good." Artemis looked alarmed and her eyebrows shot up.
"Really? What happened? Is he just nauseous, or is it really serious?" She asked.
Fred nodded quickly. "Oh yeah! Really serious! I mean, he was moaning and groaning, and next thing I knew he fell on the floor and he was kicking and stuff. And screaming! Screaming! Really loud! He's pretty lousy." Fred said. Artemis' face during this time, had changed to a frightened shade of white and her eyes widened.
"Is anyone taking care of him?" She asked worriedly.
"Oh yes, yes. We got someone to take care of him. He's gonna be fine." Fred reassured her.
"I better go see him." Artemis said, rising from her sea.
"NO! I mean, no. Girls aren't allowed in the boy's rooms. He's gonna be fine. The person who checked him out said so. Madame Pomfrey, I mean. She said. And don't go asking Madame about him either. She, she, doesn't really like to talk about her cases. Then she thinks you're being a busy-body." He said firmly. Artemis frowned, but shook her head.
"Well alright. Tell me when he gets out, okay? That's so weird. I'll see you later. Hermione, Ginny and I are gonna go in the library and look up some stuff. We're gonna look for ideas for our robes for the Yule Ball." Artemis said with a smile as she walked off. Fred jerked his thumb at the girls as they walked off.
"Is that all girls think about?" Lee shrugged and nodded.
"That was a pretty good flub Fred. Where did you come up with all that stuff about George screamin' an' stuff?" Ron asked. Fred paled slightly and shrugged.
"Well, that's what he did after that weird storm thing at the Quidditch match. He was in a real bad state. I just said that because it was all I could think of." At the mention of the storm, the table was silent as they thought about the incident.
"Who do you think is behind it?" Harry asked quietly.
"You-Know-Who of course! Are you daft?" Ron asked.
"I'm just not sure. I'm not sure what to think, or who to accuse of being behind it." Harry fretted.
"Look Harry, You-Know-Who has been behind most every evil thing that has ever happened at Hogwarts. Why not this time?" Ron asked pointedly. Harry shook his head despairingly.
"I don't know, I just don't know."
That night, Ron and Harry met Artemis, Hermione and Ginny as they made their way to the Gryffindor Towers. The girls chatted among themselves, talking about the baubles and trinkets that they were going to try to dig up to go with their dress robes. "Well I'm going to see if I can find that one jade necklace that my grandmother gave me last Christmas," Hermione said with a smile. "It'll look lovely with my robes." She added. Ginny smiled excitedly and turned to Ron.
"Ron, do you think Mum would owl me her garnet necklace to wear for the Ball?" Ron scoffed loudly.
"Mum's garnet necklace? In the claws of Errol? I think not! She'd be paranoid that he'd drop it or something. It was a wedding present from Grandma and Grandpa, you know." Ron accused. Ginny shrugged and shook her head.
"I was going to use Pig and I don't think she'll mind." She said, tossing her red head.
"Then why did you even ask me?" Ron muttered.
"Artemis, you should wear that one gold rose necklace. The one with the real rose set on the chain. Has it faded yet? The rose I mean?" Hermione asked curiously. Artemis shook her head.
"Nope. Its still as real as the day I got it. Smells great too." She added.
"I think you should wear it. We should refer to our plans some more and, OH!" Hermione gasped aloud, making the boys jump.
"What in the world Hermione?" Ron exploded after rubbing his ears.
"I left our plans downstairs in the library!" She said with a moan. Ron held up his hand with authority.
"Well it's after hours, so don't even think of asking me and Harry to get it." He said firmly. Quickly, Hermione turned her deep brown eyes onto Ron, immediately making his conviction slip away.
"Oh please Ron! You can use Harry's invisibility cloak and no one will see you and you won't get in trouble! I just don't want anyone to find them! Especially like someone like, like, Malfoy or something! It would be awful!" She explained.
"Well," Ron wavered.
"Please!" Hermione pleaded.
"Oh fine! But never ask again, 'cause I'm already regretting this. Harry, can we use your cloak?" Ron asked dejectedly, turning to Harry.
"Sure." He answered simply. The three girls beamed.
"You're our heroes!" Artemis said with a smile.
A few moments later, Ron and Harry, hidden beneath the invisibility cloak, were walking down the darkened halls of Hogwarts towards the library. With bated breaths, they walked the halls, looking carefully down each hall for Mrs. Norris and Filch before slinking down it. The closer they got to the library, the more tense it got. Finally, they reached the library and Harry carefully opened the door with trembling hands. "It would squeak." Ron muttered as the door let out a groan. Harry gave a nervous laugh and they slipped inside. As they stood in the doorway, they glanced about the room, looking for the lost notes. Hermione had told them where she'd left them, but when the boys looked there, they were nowhere to be found. Ron gave a low whistle. "This complicates things. Hermione's gonna be madder than a pea-hen when we tell her we can't find it." He muttered.
"Don't despair, because I just found them." Harry whispered excitedly. There on the Madame Pince's desk, were drawings of several robes. Ron let out a rush of air with relief.
"Thank God." He muttered as they made their way to the desk. Harry carefully picked them up, looking about for signs of the librarian. The library was cold and silent. The boys carefully opened the door and grinned at each other as they held the papers in their hands. They flipped through them as they held them under the cloak, eyeing the well-drawn illustrations and writings. Most of them were rather........unusual.
Artemis + Harry = True love!! H.G.
Hermione, don't be such an idiot! Its more like, Artemis + Draco = well, sort of true love!! G.W.
Oh stop it both of you! Ginny + Harry = LOVE!!! A.T.
Oh sure! Right!. G.W.
Ron is cute when he's mad. Ever noticed that? H.G.
Yeah, the way his ears get all red? A.T.
Yeah!! Isn't that sweet? H.G.
OH GOOD GRIEF! Thats sad! Ron does that ALL the time! G.W.
"I do not." Ron muttered. Harry chuckled and they flipped through some more of the notes.
Well, I think it's sweet. And he's rather cute if he ever puts his mind to it. H.G.
Are you sure???? He's no Viktor Krum!! ;-) A.T.
Positive! Viktor is in Bulgaria and Ron is here. And he's more real anyway. H.G.
C'mon! Lets get back to these robes! I wanna look great! G.W.
Alright! Lets get to it. Hermione, your color is blue. A.T.
Oh come on. GREEN. H.G.
Sorry. BLUE. A.T.
I think it should be, Hermione, green, Artemis, blue. Those are your colors. I'm not sure what I'll do. G.W.
Don't worry, we'll help you figure it out. I'm so glad we're going to use that color-changing spell! That way we can change the color of our robes as we want! For once all your studying paid off, Hermione! Just kidding. What about purple? A.T.
Yes! Thats a nice idea.
Ron sighed as they skimmed over the rest of the papers. "Well that's ruddy boring. Except for the stuff that Hermione wrote about me," He said proudly. "I wonder if," But Ron stopped talking as Harry put a finger to his lips and hissed for silence. Ron stared at him, then listened. All he heard around them was silence, until, "Is that Professor Snape?" Ron whispered. Harry nodded.
"And Professor Flutterae." He answered. "C'mon. I wanna see what they're talking about." Harry said, tugging Ron down the hallway.
"Are you sure Harry? I mean, it IS after hours. What if the cloak slips?" Ron whispered worriedly.
"It won't slip. Now come on!" Harry whispered.
The boys tiptoed down the hall till they stood behind the corner by Snape's classroom. Rhiannon was standing in front of him and they were conversing in low, soft tones.
"I don't know what you mean to accomplish by this, Rhiannon."
"Don't look at me. I didn't ask Bill to come here. He came of his own accord."
"Because he's enamored with you thats why."
"Severus!"
"It's true and you can't deny it."
"No, not really."
"He could jeapordize everything, Rhiannon. He's an extra life in the balance. We didn't calculate this."
"We're just a witch and a wizard, not mind readers. I didn't know he was coming."
There was a small silence before Snape began again, only this time, his voice contained a slightly harder edge.
"How long?"
"What?"
"How long till you stop this idiotic debating and make up your mind."
"I just don't know, Severus. It could be dangerous."
"But if it solves the problem,"
"Thats just it! If it solves the problem! We don't even know if it'll work yet!"
"It will work, Rhiannon. I can guarrantee it."
"What? How? How do you know? Are you gonna murder some kids to test it on?"
"No, of course not. It's just a feeling."
"Well feelings don't cut it, Severus."
"Truly? Is that why your feelings and emotions ruled the day when the Master called?"
"We had no idea that HE was going to come to the Quidditch match and you know it, Severus."
"Come now. Don't give me that. Malfoy told me afterwards you gave Potter some kind of warning. You must have sensed something."
"Come on. Are you gonna believe me or Draco?"
"Obviously, Malfoy of course. If I don't my life is in the balance."
"Your life is in the balance anyway, Severus."
"We're not talking about ME here. We're talking about you, and your damned conscience."
"Look, don't swear to get your point across. It's unecessary. I'm just not comfortable with it."
"Rhiannon, if you don't get comfortable with it, more lives than we want are going to hang in the balance, stand in the way! The only way to stop that, is to act with the plan."
Again, Rhiannon fell silent. She stared at the floor for a time before she glanced hesitantly at Snape and spoke in a low tone.
"The twins know."
"WHAT?"
Snape's voice was filled with anger and disbelief, which showed clearly as the call echoed throughout the corridors.
"They are trust-worthy, Severus. Don't worry. They won't tell anything."
"How could you do something so foolish? Do you realize what you've done?"
"Yes. If something happens to me, they can finish what I started."
"Rhiannon, don't be a fool! Only one of the boys can truly stand up to holding that information! The other cannot!"
"What are you talking about?"
"Eventually, he is going to break. I can't keep giving the boy potions for the rest of his life. Eventually, something or someone is going to make him break, and when he does, his self-control and reasoning will disappear."
"Forever?"
"Of course not forever! But for a good while, unless a miracle can come into play."
"I know George will hold out. But you've got to keep giving him the potion, Severus."
"Have you let this slip to anyone else?"
"Only Fred."
"No one else?"
"No one."
"Are you sure?"
"Positive."
"You best tell Fred, that if he's going to take this burden upon himself then he better find some way of keeping his brother in the balance. Otherwise, if there is a climax to take place here, his twin will most likely not survive."
"I know."
Severus leaned closer to Rhiannon, who was now laying dejectedly against the wall, her eyes downcast. When the Potions Master spoke, his voice was barely a whisper, and it was cool and cold, sending shivers down the boys' spines.
"Rhiannon, you have to decide here and now whose side you're on. Are you with me, or against me?"
Rhiannon did not speak. She did not even move, but when she finally did, she looked up into Snape's face with determination.
"I'm with you." She whispered.
Snape nodded slowly and leaned away from her. "This is for the best." She nodded slowly. "If this works, it will be the end of everything that stands in our way." Again, she nodded, but did not look up at him. Finally, Snape placed his hand under her chin, bringing her face up so her eyes met his. "Do not let your conscience trouble you." He straightened. "I have to go prepare that potion for that Weasley twin. His brother will be here in less than half an hour. Go to bed. You need rest." The Potions Master said finally before he strode into his office.
But Rhiannon did not go to bed, at least not immediately. She stood there for a long time, staring at nothing. Harry stared hard at her, at her figure, at her shadow that seemed to morph and lean over her, a faint white glow flowing down it's outline, the being's gray eyes fixing on her, then raising to look at Harry. Harry and Ron stood breathless in the middle of the hall, seeing nothing but the teacher and the shadow beside her. Which was why Harry nearly screamed when he heard Mrs. Norris' mournful yowl echo through the hallway. Ron too, jumped, and the two boys fled back the way they'd come, up to the Gryffindor Towers.
They met Hermione and Artemis in the Common Room and they jumped to their feet. "Did you get it?" Artemis asked. Ron shoved it into her hands and she and Hermione almost yelled with excitement. Suddenly, Hermione's smile vanished and she eyed the boys skeptically.
"You didn't read any of this did you?" She asked. Ron shook his head violently.
"Yeah right, Hermione! Its girl stuff! Why would we wanna look at that?" He asked. Hermione said nothing, but raised an eyebrow at him.
"Harry, what's the matter? You look you just saw a ghost." Artemis whispered, stepping closer to Harry. Harry stared at her, his mouth dry as she spoke the old adage.
"That's because I did." He whispered.
************************************************************************
Author's Note: Thank you guys for reviewing! You have no idea how happy it makes me that people are reading, critiquing and all and all enjoying the story! I'm so glad that you are enjoying it and I love reading your guesses as to what is going on. It makes me smile, but I'm not gonna say anything about who's right and who's wrong or if any of you are anywhere close. I would give it away guys!! :-) Also, I've received probably the greatest compliment from several of you: I've been asked if I am, or am related to J.K. Rowling. Wow guys! That says to me that I'm doing a pretty fair job writing about J.K.'s characters and their continuing year. Thank you so much you guys! You are all amazing!! Here's my thanks to you guys!
Kora: I'm glad you're feeling better. Sincerely! Heh-heh, your review made me laugh very hard because of your comparison between the Forbidden Forest and Mirkwood. I.e. "Happy Centaurs"! LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL!!!! I was cracking up so hard after I read that! I was just like, 'Oh how do I love Kora? Let me count the ways! HILARIOUS!!' So thanks for the laugh! As to the mythologies, not much yet, but possibly in the sequel. Yes, I'm writing a sequel already. And guys it's coming out really well, pretty creepy, but really good! I can't wait for you to read it!!! Anyway, thanks for reviewing, luv! You rock! Oh yeah, I know about all your references about mythology to the characters, but what about Rhiannon. I thought I knew what you were talking about, but then I was reading this celtic myths book and it was the wrong person! GAK! Tell me! I'm goin' crazy! *bows* Tell me, oh goddess of mythology! :-) Lol! Later!
Nitwit Blubber Oddment Tweak: Hello and welcome to my story! You have no idea how pleased and thrilled I was to find that I had a new reviewer! It made me so happy to know that you appreciated my story so much! Don't worry, I have no intention on stopping this story. Otherwise it might drive ME crazy too!! ;-) I hate to leave things unfinished. Thank you so much for your review! You drew some pictures from the quotes? Is that what you mean? If so, that is SO awesome! I wish I had that talent! I'm an okay artist, but not great. I wouldn't attempt to draw any of the HP characters, for fear of making their nose bulbous or something. ;-) Thanx again!!
Hollie: Ah! My darling little LOTR and HP friend!! So good to see you again!! Thanks for the looooooonnnnggggg reviews!! I luv 'em. :-) Thank you for all your compliments and encouragements! They are so helpful with the writing process of this story! I know what you mean with the Draco characterizations. If the person likes him, he's a hottie (well he is already, but we won't mention that *wink*) and gets the girls, if they hate him, well he just better kiss his life goodbye. :-) I hope that I've portrayed him accurately as being bad, but having a sensitive side, but not too sensitive. This is Draco Malfoy we're talking about. ;-) As for the thing between Rhiannon and Snape..............you'll have to wait and find out. ;-) Sorry!! I was really sad to hear that you won't be writing till next month. *Sniffle* But thats okay. I totally understand! I've had to do that before. Just take a break. Don't worry! I can't wait till you come back though!!
Torrential Zephyr: Ack!!! *gives you a giant hug* Thank you so much! You have no idea what all your reviews mean to me! They are so awesome and detailed! You really take the time to go through and really read the story so that you can point out things that don't make very much sense, or stuff that flows really well, or if the characters are right on. That helps me SO much! I am so grateful to be receiving such great reviews from such a talented author! Keep writing your stories! I love them!! Both of them! Don't worry, I LOVE long reviews! ;-) Later!!
Whether Rose: Heh-heh, you've got impeccable timing! I was getting this file ready this morning so that I could post this afternoon and I thought, 'What the heck! I'll see if I have any reviews so I won't leave anybody out in my Author's Note, and BOOM!! There's some reviews from my buddy, Rose! I was so pleased and excited to receive them, you've no idea! I just love reading your reviews! You go so indepth and read so carefully so you can point out my good points, the stuff that strengthens the story and the stuff that doesn't quite fit. You have no idea how grateful I am for it! Thank you so much!! Don't worry about not coming back right away! I understand totally! Schedules can be hectic, and with you not feeling well......well it's doubley hard to do stuff you wanna do! Right now you should be working on getting better and feeling more up to speed. I don't mind in the least! I just want you to get to feeling better! I hope you are and I'm really glad the story helped to make you feel just a little, if any, better. :-) You're totally welcome for my compliment on your name! I do love it! It's so.......I dunno. Romantic, imaginative, almost wistful. Dunno, why 'wistful', but it just gets me thinking old-fashioned thoughts of days gone by. That's really weird. Does that sound weird to you? Well it does to me, but that's just what comes in my head. ;-) Thank you so much for all your help and encouragement! You're sweet too, just a doll! ;-) Later! Hope you enjoyed the speedy update. ;-)
Also thank you to Sara Minks (Keep writing your stories!! They are awesome!), and all the reviewers I've forgotten, but I don't think I have. ;-) Later!
T.H.
P.S. This chapter was originally two chapters, but I combined them because the second one was too short. Is this too long? Tell me what length you would like me to make the chapters. It gives me a better idea on what to post. Thanks!!