Chapter thirteen:
The Unwelcoming Committee
The night of the twenty-second of February became a speculation of the school. Not a conversation went without mentioning the event that happened after the sun had gone down.
Rumors spread, ones of tales so far fetched, it was hard to believe anyone actually saw what happened. The teachers refused to answer any questions the students asked. And the night became nothing but a mere memory, much to a certain blonde's relief.
No one had been able to put two and two together, and figure out why she had spent that same night in the hospital. The only rumor she had heard about her trip to the hospital wing, was the one that Malfoy had spread, saying he had put her in her 'Place.'
Bunny never bothered to correct the rumor, because it gave her an alibi during the episode, which everyone was very much interested in.
As the days progressed, Bunny began to realize how hard life could really get. Eight days after Snape had given her, her detention, she received a letter from him. She had hoped he had forgotten, but knew that it would have been too good to be true. After nearly bursting his eardrums, his attitude towards her seemed to drop thirty degrees below freezing.
Which was why, the letter she had gotten from an old barn owl, one morning during breakfast, had shocked her.
"What's that Bunny?" Mina peered over her shoulder, to read the parchment.
You're detention will take place at eleven o'clock, from March second to April first. Meet Hagrid near the forbidden forest.
Professor Snape
"Ouch! What did you do to earn that many days of detention?" Mina pulled back to look at her blonde friend.
Bunny sighed heavily, folding the letter. "I broke one of the rules." She stirred her bowl of cereal, unsure if she really wanted to eat or not. "I went into the forbidden forest."
The blonde next to her winced, "Ouch, and Snape caught you. Bad sort of luck, Bunny." She patted the shorter girl affectionately on the back.
Standing, Bunny glanced over at the teacher's table. Dumbledore was busy speaking with McGonagall. Shaking her head, she glanced down at Mina, "Oy Mina, one of these days, can I get a picture of you, for my album?" The blonde looked up, "Really? You want one?" Her face glowed with a grin, "Of course you can. Come on then!" Mina jumped to her feet, grabbing the girl by the arm, and proceeded to drag her from the Great Hall.
As they slipped through the doors, Bunny locked eyes with the headmaster for a split second, before being pulled from the Hall.
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Mina spun around, with her arms thrown out at her side. "Bunny isn't this great!" She abruptly stopped, her face flushed with excitement. "I hope school ends soon. I miss my family so much." She clasped her hands in front of her. "Oh Bunny."
Bunny Moon, turned after catching a picture of a group of Ravenclaw girls hurrying to the castle. They were giggling, excited about summer coming soon. She faced her companion, grinning, "yea?"
The blonde Hufflepuff grabbed her, pulling Bunny into a hug. "I'm going to miss you. Do you think you can come visit me over the summer?" She stuck her bottom lip out, as her bright blue eyes pleaded.
She chuckled, slipping out of the other girl's arms. "Maybe." She slapped on a grin, and lifted the camera. She snapped a picture of her new friend doing fish lips.
Mina gasped, "You didn't!" She lunged at her, and Bunny sidestepped out of the way. "Burn that film!" She waved a finger in her friends face, "You'll have to catch me first!" With that, she bolted off towards the castle. Mina stood there, her mouth open, as if she wanted to say something. Bunny took a quick picture of the funny look on her face.
"Argh! When I catch you Bunny, your ass is grass!" The blonde Hufflepuff sprinted after the smaller girl, her face red with anger. "You show those pictures to anyone, and I'll."
Bunny grinned, "You'll what?" She glanced over her shoulder, with a taunting look. Mina screeched, and her speed suddenly picked up.
Yelping with surprise, Bunny took a sharp turn, narrowly missing Mina's groping hands.
Mina slid to a stop, bending at the waist, and out of breath. "Wait up! I can't kill you, when you're running!"
Bunny laughed, "Ha! Like I'm going to stop." She rounded the castle, heading back for the entrance, when she slammed into someone. The air in her lungs flew out, and she hit the ground hard, landing on her back.
"MOON!"
She cringed, her blood running cold, when she heard Professor Snape's shout. She shot up, to see whom she had mowed over, and found herself staring into Snape's twisted face.
Boy did he look mad.
The teacher scrambled to his feet, wrestling with his black robes. He practically tore it off in his haste to untangle himself. "I'm sorry Professor, I wasn't looking."
"No you weren't!" His eyes were large black pools that bore into her. His lips twitched with his seething anger. "Twenty points will be taken from Hufflepuff."
Bunny instantly shot up to her feet, "But Professor!" Snape's eyes narrowed "make that twenty five. For your inconsiderate klutziness, and for talking back to a teacher. Want anymore taken, Moon?"
She lowered her eyes to her feet, her lips formed into a thin line. Shaking her head, she didn't trust herself to speak. Snape sneered, "Good." He turned from her, his cape flapping about behind him. He stalked off towards the school.
Once he disappeared inside, Bunny stuck her tongue out at him. "Creep!" He may never insult her anymore, but he sure knew how to make her life miserable.
Holding the camera, she lifted it, and took a picture of Hagrid's hut, and the forbidden forest. Her anger slowly dwindled, and she found herself enjoy the spring air. Snapping another picture, this one of the castle, Bunny smiled wistfully. It was such a lovely site. Staring at it, she suddenly felt the same passion her mother felt about photos. Her mother loved to take pictures, pictures of everything and everyone.
Turning, she moved across the grounds to the lake. Every place has a memory. It was what her mother used to say all the time. No matter where you went, or where you've been. But to capture that memory forever, you needed to take its picture.
Snapping a picture of the lake, she made a promise never to forget. Standing there long enough to drink up the lovely scenery, she decided it was time to head back to the school.
"Hurry Bunny or we're going to be late!" She looked up as she stepped into the entrance hall. "I'll meet you there, Mina. Need to get my book." Slinging the camera over her shoulder, she hurried to the staircase leading down to the Hufflepuff common room.
Taking them two at a time, she sprinted down the hallway to the portrait hanging on the wall. "Mandrake." The painting swung open, and she rushed into the common room. Taking the right staircase, she raced up into the first year dormitory.
With only four minutes to spare, she dropped her camera onto her bed, grabbed her book, and was out of the room in thirty seconds. Twenty seconds later, she was out of the common room, and dashing down the narrow hallway towards the stairs. Again taking them two at a time, she hurried to the marble staircase. Gasping for air, she had to clutch her side where she felt a throbbing ache.
Sweat beaded down her forehead, and she suddenly wished that the uniforms weren't as thick, or as dark as they were. She could have gone for something much lighter, in weight, and in shade.
Three minutes, and yet she still had five more floors to go.
Reaching the third floor, she took the right corridor, only to quickly take another set of stairs leading to the fourth floor. Now wheezing for air, Bunny wondered what happened to elevators, but then remembered that the school was built long before elevators were ever made.
She stopped, clutching the railing leading to the fifth floor. She swiped a hand across her brow. Shaking her head, she pushed on, reaching the fifth landing.
Taking the left corridor, she found someone else hurrying down the halls along with her. "Bunny, right?"
The young man was handsome enough, but there was something quite off, and Bunny couldn't figure out what 'it' was. Unable to speak, she reduced herself to a nod, and followed the second year Gryffindor.
"Heard what you did to Malfoy at the last Quidditch game." Bunny flushed, reaching the sixth floor, out of breath, and getting closer to being late once more to class. "Bloody brilliant." The boy smirked, steeling a glance in her direction. Bunny caught a glimpse of sharp sky blue eyes.
With only one and a half minutes left, the two started down the hall with a power walk. She looked at her companion, and tried to place his name with his face. She didn't recognize him, except for the fact that he sat at Harry's table.
Looking ahead, she spotted her classroom door. "Err, thank you-" she trailed off, not sure what to call the older boy. He was much taller than her, but then again she was short for her age.
The boy raked a hand through his short sandy blonde hair, and half saluted as they stopped at her classroom's door. "Its Alex. See ya around kitten." He winked, and continued on, without so much as a glance back.
Bunny entered her history class, just as the bell rang. As she hurried to the empty seat next to Mina, she realized whom she had been walking with.
Alex Johnson, a player of the Gryffindor Quidditch team. But not only was he a Gryffindor chaser, but he was a she.
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At eleven o'clock that night, Bunny rapped her knuckles against the door of Hagrid's hut. Pulling back, she tugged her robes tightly to her body, and waited. From inside, she could hear Hagrid's dog barking.
The door open seconds later, and Hagrid's massive body appeared in the doorway. Holding up the letter, she stated, "I have detention with you."
The tall man blinked, his black eyes peering down at her. "Oh, right." He stepped back, "Come in then." Bunny slipped in under his arm, and marveled at the hut. She had been in here once before, but not long enough to dwell on the sight.
Hagrid moved passed her, to the table, where there was a crossbow. "Got lots ter do." He picked the bow up, inspecting it before looking back at her.
Bunny scratched the big black dog behind the ears. Crouching down, she stared it in the face, as it drooled all over her hands. Grinning, she looked up. "Does he have a name?"
Hagrid walked across the small room, and gave the dog an affectionate pat. "Fang. Bloody coward, but a good dog all ther same." Bunny stood, gave Fang a kiss at the top of his head, before she asked, "What all do we have to do?"
Hagrid sighed, as he made his way to the door. "Headin' into the Forbidden Forest. Dumbledore thinks there's trouble a brewin'." He opened the door, and Fang trotted out first. "Don' mind ther company. But better stick close ter me."
She nodded, and followed the gamekeeper outside. Fang went with them sticking close to Hagrid's legs, as they entered the forest.
Bunny crossed her arms over her chest, to suppress a shudder. It was down right cold out. "What exactly is it, that we're looking for Hagrid?"
He glanced at her from over his shoulder. "Jus' makin' sure everythins' fine."
She nodded, "Okay." Looking around her, she noted the deeper they went, the darker, and the thicker the trees got. Shivering, she hurried to catch up with his long strides. Climbing over a loose root, she had to stop to untangle her hair from the low hanging limb. Something from the corner of her eyes caught her attention.
Bunny peered through the trees, trying to get a glimpse of the pure white creature she had seen. "Hagrid?" She stepped off the trail, not even sure if the gamekeeper had even heard her.
She didn't have to travel far, to reach a small circular clearing. Trees, in a small open area, surrounded her; where nothing seemed to grow except for the grass. There wasn't a sound, not a bird, not even a rustle of leaves. It was eerie, almost frightening when she dwelled on the thought. She felt something brush up against her leg. Looking down, she spotted Fang cowering at her feet. Did he sense danger nearby?
A twig snapped, and she almost whirled around at the sound. Fang cowered low to the ground, laying his paws over his head in fear. Chancing a glance to look at him, she sighed. Some help he would be.
Reaching into her robes, she grasped her wand, and carefully slid it out. If something were going to attack, she would at least give herself a chance to defend herself.
"You are not welcomed here." Her back stiffened at the cool voice that came from behind her. Slowly she turned her head to look over her shoulder.
Bunny remembered reading about them in a book somewhere. Centaur came to mind, with his half man, half horse appearance. Hesitantly, she turned herself to face him. He had red hair and red fur, with narrow shoulders, and a lean waist.
Again he repeated, "You are not welcomed here, human."
She flushed with embarrassment, "I'm sorry. I-I lost Hagrid. I'm supposed to be in detention- when I saw-" she ducked her head, "I'm sorry."
The centaur moved closer, till his hooves were visible in front of her. "Leave now." Bunny looked up at him, her cheeks stained pink. "I-I can't. I have detention for an hour. I'm supposed to help Hagrid." She was shaking, but not from fear, but from the cold. It seemed to be getting colder and colder by the minute.
The centaur didn't look too pleased with her answer, but before he could say anything, someone called from the trees behind him, "Who are you talking with Ronan?"
Another centaur stepped out from the tree line, and into the clearing. This one looked more dangerous than the first. Unlike 'Ronan' he had black hair, and black fur, with broad human shoulders.
"Bane, this human refuses to leave our forest."
Bunny froze, their forest? No wonder he wanted her out! Alarmed, she rushed, "I-I didn't know! I was never told why this forest was forbidden. I'm really sorry!" She glanced from one centaur to the next, hoping they would understand.
The one called Bane moved further into the clearing. His dark eyes bore into her, stealing her breath away. What a handsome horse he was, standing beneath the light of the many stars, and silver orb in the sky.
"Why are you here, then?"
Swallowing the lump forming in her throat, she replied, "I have detention. And I lost Hagrid." Faintly she could hear Fang whimpering at her side, and she mentally berated the dog.
The black haired centaur turned slightly from her, to face his companion. "Then you must leave. Even if you're one of 'their' kind, you are still not safe here." Bunny frowned, not sure what he was trying to tell her.
Ronan looked just as confused as she, and asked, "Their kind?"
Bane pointed in the direction he was facing, and if there were no trees, she would have found him pointing at the lake. Ronan looked at her. "It is impossible. They do not breath air."
His companion nodded, looking at her as well. "She is only-"
Suddenly Hagrid emerged from the trees cutting the centaur off by his loud entrance. "There yeh are Bunny." He looked very displeased, his eyes creased with worry. "Hullo Bane, Ronan." He eyed them carefully, before he added, "All right?"
"Hagrid." Ronan nodded in greeting; while Bane didn't even so much as look at him.
Hagrid moved to Bunny's side, "Best be off." He nodded his head in the direction of the school. "Got lots ter do."
She nodded, slipping her wand safely into her robes. Fang was more than gratefully to leave. But as Hagrid started back to the castle, she hung back for a second longer.
She glanced at the two centaurs, and flashed them a bright smile. "It was nice meeting you, Ronan, Bane. Sorry I intruded into your forest." She half waved, as she hurried to catch up with gamekeeper.
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Fifteen.
Tapping the end of her quill against her parchment, Bunny blew at a strand of blonde hair. Come on come on.
Fourteen.
She could have cursed out loud, but caught herself. Looking at the board she rolled her eyes. Professor Quirrell was a real quack. She felt as if she knew more about Defense Against the Dark Arts then him.
There was no way he could have stood up against a vampire. She had heard him; talking with Snape the poor man was terrified.
Just thinking about that day so long ago, made her frown in thought. No one believed her. She had tried to tell Harry and the others. But they were so sure about Snape.
Quirrell walked passed her, and she made an attempt to look as if she was writing. Why couldn't they trust her? It wasn't like she was siding with Snape.
Or was she?
Ten.
She leaned back in her chair, frowning at the clock. They wouldn't let her in on their secret, wouldn't let her know what they were doing. What they were looking for.
She watched out of the corner of her eye as Quirrell moved about the room. He was fidgeting, ringing his hands nervously. Shaking her head, she dropped her gaze to her piece of parchment.
Five.
Anxiously, she glanced up at the clock. Couldn't the day go by any quicker? No it was impossible, not when she wanted it to end the second it began.
Harry and Ron may not want her to know, but it didn't take a genius to put two and two together. She had been there to, when Harry had overheard Snape and Quirrell's argument in mid February. The Sorcerer's Stone was being guarded by Hagrid's faithful but extremely scary dog, Fluffy.
Harry believed Snape wanted to steal it, no matter what Hagrid and herself told him.
The three Gryffindors weren't the only ones who knew how to poke around. It also helped that Lita was a good friend of hers, and was good at eavesdropping.
Suddenly the bell sounded. Bunny blinked, before she went into action. Scooping up her things, she stuffed them into her bag. Slinging her sack over her shoulder, she bolted from the room before anyone.
The halls were instantly crowded with kids, tall and small, older and young. Her being the youngest in the school, and the shortest, always had its downfalls.
But not today.
She weaved in and out of groups, slipping through the mass of bodies. She shimmied to the right, narrowly missing the giggling group of Ravenclaw second years, and started down the stairs.
Her shoulder hit someone, and she unconsciously said her apology, not even sure who she was speaking with. Without looking back, she continued down the marble staircase, and hurried out the main doors.
Ron peered around Harry's shoulder, which the taller boy was rubbing. "Where she off to?"
Harry stared at the closed doors, his lips formed into a straight line. "Hagrid's."
The red haired Gryffindor followed his friend to the Great Hall. "Why? She's going to miss Dinner." Hermione rolled her eyes, "Not everyone thinks of food as much as you do Ron. Honestly!"
Ron snorted, "What's that supposed to mean?"
Harry turned away from the entrance hall, pushing open the doors, and walked inside. As he made a move to join his friends at the Gryffindor table, he looked over his shoulder one more time.
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Anxiously, she knocked on the door, just slightly fidgeting with excitement on the doorstep. She barely waited a second, before knocking again.
Finally someone called, "Who is it?" Bunny grinned, and pushed the door open. Stepping inside, she replied, "Its just me, Bunny." Hagrid looked up from the fire, "Hullo." His brows drew together. "Yer early for yer detention."
She grinned, "I know. I just wanted to see if you needed any help." She looked about the hut, wondering what she could do. Hagrid stood from where he knelt. "Not much ter do." Bunny shook her head, as she shut the door, and moved across the small room towards him. "Of course there is, you're the gamekeeper, keep of the keys, and also one of the protectors of the Sorcerer's Stone."
She looked at him, waiting for his reaction. He looked quite flustered, but not surprised. "What's the matter with yeh kids these days? Yer all meddlin' in things that don' concern yeh. Now you just forget about Fluffy, and the Sorcerer's Stone."
Bunny shook her head stubbornly, "No Hagrid I can't." She stepped towards him, "Something is going to happen. Harry and Ron think Snape is going to try and steal-." Hagrid huffed, "I told em, and I'm tellin' you, yer wrong! Snape wouldn't try and steal the Stone, he's one of the teachers protecting it."
Throwing her arms up over her head, she replied, "I know! I've known it's wasn't Snape, since February." Hagrid frowned, "What do yeh mean?" He moved around her, to take a seat at his table. Bunny followed him, pulling out a chair across from him, before sitting. "It's the reason why I got detention. You saw the outcome of that day." She looked at him, and watched him nod. Sighing, she leaned back in her seat.
"I followed Snape into the Forbidden Forest. From what I caught, he was accusing someone trying to steal the Stone." She bit her bottom lip, trying to think over the conversation. "I didn't see who it was, but Snape has his suspicions, and I think he might be right."
She looked down at the table, her eyes narrowed in thought. Slowly she lifted her eyes back to him, "Oh Hagrid please be careful. Whoever wants to steal the stone, needs to find out how to get passed Fluffy." She inhaled sharply, her mouth going dry. "You can't tell anyone how to get passed that dog."
Bunny stood, leaving the table. She moved to the open window next to the door. Grabbing the kettle nearby, she dipped it into the rain barrel right outside.
Hagrid watched her closely, with concerned eyes. "Not a soul knows except me an' Dumbledore. Are you okay, Bunny?"
Her hands shook, as she carried the kettle to the table and set it down. She needed water. She was getting overly stressed, and if she didn't get any water soon, she feared what might happen. Leaving the kettle, she walked to the cupboard, and took out a cup.
"That's good to hear. Want any?" She held up the cup she was holding, and swallowed. Her mouth was dry, and her throat was starting to ache. Pressure began to build within her chest, swelling her heart.
"Err, no."
Moving back to the table, she poured herself a cup of the cold water. Without saying anything, she brought the rim of the cup to her lips, and tipped it back. She breathed in deeply, filling in her lungs the best she could.
Her eyes closed, and she let the cool liquid rushed into her lungs. It was like breathing into a paper bag, when anxiety seemed so near. She gasped, dragging it in like it was a drug.
Agonizingly slow, the stress eased, the pressure lacked, and she felt semi normal again. Setting the cup down on the table, her eyes opened. She found Hagrid staring at her, with something akin to fascination.
She flushed; she had never let herself get so far before. But she had forgotten to grab her water bottle.
Clearing his throat, Hagrid stood, "well better get ter work." Pushing his chair in, he started for the door, and held it open. "Want ter come?" Bunny nodded, and followed him out.
"Thank you Hagrid."
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She had a whole month of detentions with Hagrid. And so far, she had barely spent over a week with him. For the most part, she enjoyed it, getting to see the Forest, and meeting new creatures. Since her first night, she hadn't seen the two centaurs, but she always felt them nearby.
From their first meeting, she had learned quickly, they weren't ones to like humans, of any kind. They seemed nothing but acquaintances with Hagrid, and seemed to tolerate, the gamekeeper, and herself intruding into their Forest.
Was it because of them that the Forbidden Forest was off limits, or was it something else? She hadn't met any dangerous animals, at least not yet.
Bunny had also made it a point not to lose site of Hagrid. Not after what happened last time. "Hagrid?"
The gamekeeper glanced over his shoulder, "hmm?" He seemed slightly distracted, as she searched the Forest for any threat. Looking carefully through the trees she asked, "If we don't know what we are looking for, how do we know if we find it?"
Hagrid hesitated for a second, before he turned with the narrow path. "We're not search'n for somthin, we're lookin' ter make sure everythins' okay."
She sighed, crossing her arms over her chest. "You know, it would be easier for the both of us, if you just told me the-" Bunny stopped, staring at something she could see through two yew trees.
Taking a step back, she hissed, "Hagrid, I think I found it."
The gamekeeper stopped, and turned to look at her. "It?" He looked slightly confused as to what she was talking about. Bunny looked at him, then back at the large pair of empty white eyes watching her. She jerked her head in the thing's direction. "Yes IT. Look!"
Hagrid came up behind her to see what she was talking about. At that time, the thing within the trees began to move.
Bunny watched as the creature revealed itself. A dragonish face, with a skeletal body, of a black winged horse. Throwing herself back into Hagrid body, she stared at the sharp fangs protruding from the creature's mouth.
Hagrid chuckled, "Don' worry, it wont hurt yeh. Tha's a Thestral. Have a herd of em somewhere round here."
Bunny stared at the thing, as it stepped out into the pathway. Hagrid studied it from over her shoulder. "Only some can see them. Guess yer one of them." She didn't take her eyes from it, "Why is that?"
The gamekeeper replied, "Some can see em, cause they have seen death." His eyes fell, to look at her, and she could tell he wanted to ask.
Bunny stared at the creature, her heart slightly aching. "So, because I can see this thing, that means I've seen someone die?" Hagrid nodded.
"Do animals count?" He shook his head, "Don' think so."
She finally turned her back to the creature, "then there is something wrong. I've never seen anyone die." She moved passed the gamekeeper, without pausing. Hagrid glanced at her, "Bunny."
Shaking her head, the blonde replied, "No, animals must count Hagrid, because I have never seen anyone die in my life."
Tears formed in her eyes, and she picked up her pace. Pushing a branch out of her way, she slipped off the path. "Bunny!" She ignored his shouts, and started to run.
"No, no, no" she covered her ears with her hands, her eye swimming with tears.
It had to be a lie she hadn't seen anyone die. It was all wrong, all lies.
She ran till she couldn't hear Hagrid calling for her. She found herself deep within the forest, and all alone. Falling to the floor, she sat on her legs, and stared at the empty space in front of her.
With shaking hands, Bunny pulled out a water bottle, and uncapped it. Bringing it to her mouth, she gulped down the water as she started to hyperventilate.
"I won't cry, I won't cry. Everything's going to be okay, everything is okay." She inhaled deeply, before exhaling.
If she had seen someone die, she was sure she would know she had. Right?
She hugged herself, her arms wrapping around her shivering form. As she stared at the ground, her mind reeled with thoughts.
Rain pelted down on the ground, clouds roared overhead. Lightning struck the Earth, lighting up the dark night. It had been so late, and she had been so tired. But she was worried about her mum, when she had snuck out of the house.
Bunny shook her head violently. "No!" She stared at the old decaying trees in front of her, gasping. "No, no!" Her hand flew up to her head, as if they could block out her thoughts.
She had followed her out of the house, down the street. Had hid beneath a van, at the opening of the alley. Had seen from behind her hands-
She staggered to her feet, and slapped herself across the face. She couldn't believe, wouldn't let herself believe it. She had been in bed, had lain beneath the covers.
Then why didn't she remember sleeping in bed that night? Why couldn't she remember falling asleep that night?
"Didn't I warn you before, that you are not welcomed in this forest?"
Bunny looked up to see a centaur. At first she didn't recognize him, but then his features became sharp when her vision cleared. "Bane."
His eyes narrowed, and Bunny caught her breath. He wasn't pleased with seeing her again. "Why have you come back?" She stared at him, and wondered why he acted like he didn't know. Surely she had felt their eyes on her, as she and Hagrid scouted the forest.
"I have detention. I'm sorry I disobeyed, but-" she hesitated, wondering what to tell him. He pointed in the direction behind her, as she stood. "You are never to venture in these woods again. If you follow that path, it will take you back."
Bunny looked behind her, but then turned back to the centaur. "What if I run into that thing?"
He stopped, from where he was about to slip back into the trees. "What thing?" She glanced around her, "the thing everyone is worried about. The thing that has Hagrid scouting the Forest, and Dumbledore hiding the Sorcerer's Stone at Hogwarts."
Bane frowned, "How do you know of the Stone?" The blonde crossed her arms over her chest, "I know a lot more than that." He studied her closely. "You will not run into any creatures on that path. But do not wander off of it." He turned to the trees, his back facing her. "You are not wanted here. You are to never to return to these woods, under any circumstances. Tell this to Dumbledore."
Bunny watched him slip from view, leaving her alone once more. She turned to the path, and started on her way back. Why didn't he want her in the Forbidden Forest? It wasn't like he banished both her and Hagrid, but just her. What didn't he want her to find out?
As she followed the path, she had the faintest impression that she was being watch from all angles, except for in front of her.
Do not wander off of the trail?
She looked around her, what ever was watching her, wouldn't give her the chance to try. They might as well have been walking right next to her. She could feel the eyes bearing into her, watching her every move. And there were so many of them.
Picking up her pace, she quickly left the Forest, and to Bane's belief never to return.
But she would.
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Well there you have it. Chapter thirteen. It seems like Bunny isn't letting onto something she knows as well. Did she see someone die? Must have if she can see those creatures. Then who was it, and why wont she let herself remember?
To those of you who want to see Harry and Bunny action. Well its gonna have to wait, considering, she is ten years old, and he's eleven. I really don't think ten year olds fall in love. Maybe crushes, which she does have, but not love yet. But I do promise action between the guy winner and Bunny in either the next story, or the one after that. We will have to wait and see.
I hope you guys and gals enjoyed that. Took me sooooooooooooo long to write. I was soooooooo worried. I thought I got writers block. But nope! Here it is!!
Hehe man I have been lacking on my author duties haven't I? I want to say thanks to all of those who have reviewed, and who enjoy my story. I appreciate it.
Angel of the white moon: close very close! But not exactly. When it burns, she either finds herself in the presence of Voldemort, or Voldemort is using his powers.
Kalika55: it will all come out eventually. But like the Harry Potter series, I'm not going to dump it all out at once. I mean we didn't find everything out till the fifth book. But don't worry it wont take that long. I would say by the third book, you would get the gist of Bunny's life.
Dawn: The whole merman bit will be coming out in the next chapter or two. But I have to say; he wasn't exactly being all that great. Considering, he was taking her away from the surface. Can anyone guess why?
Mary: Nope Snape is not the father. I believe my idea will be original. But Snape plays a special part in Bunny's past, with Serena.
Water Angel: Yea pretty much, it warns her of other things too.
Polls!
Harry/Bunny: 54
Ron/Bunny: 31
Ron/Ami: 5
Ron/Hermione: 2
Draco/Bunny: 30
Draco/Lita: 7
Twins/Bunny: 1
Twins/Mina: 3 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chaser: 9
Keeper: 2
Beater: 2
Well enjoy! Tata for now LP signing out
The Unwelcoming Committee
The night of the twenty-second of February became a speculation of the school. Not a conversation went without mentioning the event that happened after the sun had gone down.
Rumors spread, ones of tales so far fetched, it was hard to believe anyone actually saw what happened. The teachers refused to answer any questions the students asked. And the night became nothing but a mere memory, much to a certain blonde's relief.
No one had been able to put two and two together, and figure out why she had spent that same night in the hospital. The only rumor she had heard about her trip to the hospital wing, was the one that Malfoy had spread, saying he had put her in her 'Place.'
Bunny never bothered to correct the rumor, because it gave her an alibi during the episode, which everyone was very much interested in.
As the days progressed, Bunny began to realize how hard life could really get. Eight days after Snape had given her, her detention, she received a letter from him. She had hoped he had forgotten, but knew that it would have been too good to be true. After nearly bursting his eardrums, his attitude towards her seemed to drop thirty degrees below freezing.
Which was why, the letter she had gotten from an old barn owl, one morning during breakfast, had shocked her.
"What's that Bunny?" Mina peered over her shoulder, to read the parchment.
You're detention will take place at eleven o'clock, from March second to April first. Meet Hagrid near the forbidden forest.
Professor Snape
"Ouch! What did you do to earn that many days of detention?" Mina pulled back to look at her blonde friend.
Bunny sighed heavily, folding the letter. "I broke one of the rules." She stirred her bowl of cereal, unsure if she really wanted to eat or not. "I went into the forbidden forest."
The blonde next to her winced, "Ouch, and Snape caught you. Bad sort of luck, Bunny." She patted the shorter girl affectionately on the back.
Standing, Bunny glanced over at the teacher's table. Dumbledore was busy speaking with McGonagall. Shaking her head, she glanced down at Mina, "Oy Mina, one of these days, can I get a picture of you, for my album?" The blonde looked up, "Really? You want one?" Her face glowed with a grin, "Of course you can. Come on then!" Mina jumped to her feet, grabbing the girl by the arm, and proceeded to drag her from the Great Hall.
As they slipped through the doors, Bunny locked eyes with the headmaster for a split second, before being pulled from the Hall.
?????
Mina spun around, with her arms thrown out at her side. "Bunny isn't this great!" She abruptly stopped, her face flushed with excitement. "I hope school ends soon. I miss my family so much." She clasped her hands in front of her. "Oh Bunny."
Bunny Moon, turned after catching a picture of a group of Ravenclaw girls hurrying to the castle. They were giggling, excited about summer coming soon. She faced her companion, grinning, "yea?"
The blonde Hufflepuff grabbed her, pulling Bunny into a hug. "I'm going to miss you. Do you think you can come visit me over the summer?" She stuck her bottom lip out, as her bright blue eyes pleaded.
She chuckled, slipping out of the other girl's arms. "Maybe." She slapped on a grin, and lifted the camera. She snapped a picture of her new friend doing fish lips.
Mina gasped, "You didn't!" She lunged at her, and Bunny sidestepped out of the way. "Burn that film!" She waved a finger in her friends face, "You'll have to catch me first!" With that, she bolted off towards the castle. Mina stood there, her mouth open, as if she wanted to say something. Bunny took a quick picture of the funny look on her face.
"Argh! When I catch you Bunny, your ass is grass!" The blonde Hufflepuff sprinted after the smaller girl, her face red with anger. "You show those pictures to anyone, and I'll."
Bunny grinned, "You'll what?" She glanced over her shoulder, with a taunting look. Mina screeched, and her speed suddenly picked up.
Yelping with surprise, Bunny took a sharp turn, narrowly missing Mina's groping hands.
Mina slid to a stop, bending at the waist, and out of breath. "Wait up! I can't kill you, when you're running!"
Bunny laughed, "Ha! Like I'm going to stop." She rounded the castle, heading back for the entrance, when she slammed into someone. The air in her lungs flew out, and she hit the ground hard, landing on her back.
"MOON!"
She cringed, her blood running cold, when she heard Professor Snape's shout. She shot up, to see whom she had mowed over, and found herself staring into Snape's twisted face.
Boy did he look mad.
The teacher scrambled to his feet, wrestling with his black robes. He practically tore it off in his haste to untangle himself. "I'm sorry Professor, I wasn't looking."
"No you weren't!" His eyes were large black pools that bore into her. His lips twitched with his seething anger. "Twenty points will be taken from Hufflepuff."
Bunny instantly shot up to her feet, "But Professor!" Snape's eyes narrowed "make that twenty five. For your inconsiderate klutziness, and for talking back to a teacher. Want anymore taken, Moon?"
She lowered her eyes to her feet, her lips formed into a thin line. Shaking her head, she didn't trust herself to speak. Snape sneered, "Good." He turned from her, his cape flapping about behind him. He stalked off towards the school.
Once he disappeared inside, Bunny stuck her tongue out at him. "Creep!" He may never insult her anymore, but he sure knew how to make her life miserable.
Holding the camera, she lifted it, and took a picture of Hagrid's hut, and the forbidden forest. Her anger slowly dwindled, and she found herself enjoy the spring air. Snapping another picture, this one of the castle, Bunny smiled wistfully. It was such a lovely site. Staring at it, she suddenly felt the same passion her mother felt about photos. Her mother loved to take pictures, pictures of everything and everyone.
Turning, she moved across the grounds to the lake. Every place has a memory. It was what her mother used to say all the time. No matter where you went, or where you've been. But to capture that memory forever, you needed to take its picture.
Snapping a picture of the lake, she made a promise never to forget. Standing there long enough to drink up the lovely scenery, she decided it was time to head back to the school.
"Hurry Bunny or we're going to be late!" She looked up as she stepped into the entrance hall. "I'll meet you there, Mina. Need to get my book." Slinging the camera over her shoulder, she hurried to the staircase leading down to the Hufflepuff common room.
Taking them two at a time, she sprinted down the hallway to the portrait hanging on the wall. "Mandrake." The painting swung open, and she rushed into the common room. Taking the right staircase, she raced up into the first year dormitory.
With only four minutes to spare, she dropped her camera onto her bed, grabbed her book, and was out of the room in thirty seconds. Twenty seconds later, she was out of the common room, and dashing down the narrow hallway towards the stairs. Again taking them two at a time, she hurried to the marble staircase. Gasping for air, she had to clutch her side where she felt a throbbing ache.
Sweat beaded down her forehead, and she suddenly wished that the uniforms weren't as thick, or as dark as they were. She could have gone for something much lighter, in weight, and in shade.
Three minutes, and yet she still had five more floors to go.
Reaching the third floor, she took the right corridor, only to quickly take another set of stairs leading to the fourth floor. Now wheezing for air, Bunny wondered what happened to elevators, but then remembered that the school was built long before elevators were ever made.
She stopped, clutching the railing leading to the fifth floor. She swiped a hand across her brow. Shaking her head, she pushed on, reaching the fifth landing.
Taking the left corridor, she found someone else hurrying down the halls along with her. "Bunny, right?"
The young man was handsome enough, but there was something quite off, and Bunny couldn't figure out what 'it' was. Unable to speak, she reduced herself to a nod, and followed the second year Gryffindor.
"Heard what you did to Malfoy at the last Quidditch game." Bunny flushed, reaching the sixth floor, out of breath, and getting closer to being late once more to class. "Bloody brilliant." The boy smirked, steeling a glance in her direction. Bunny caught a glimpse of sharp sky blue eyes.
With only one and a half minutes left, the two started down the hall with a power walk. She looked at her companion, and tried to place his name with his face. She didn't recognize him, except for the fact that he sat at Harry's table.
Looking ahead, she spotted her classroom door. "Err, thank you-" she trailed off, not sure what to call the older boy. He was much taller than her, but then again she was short for her age.
The boy raked a hand through his short sandy blonde hair, and half saluted as they stopped at her classroom's door. "Its Alex. See ya around kitten." He winked, and continued on, without so much as a glance back.
Bunny entered her history class, just as the bell rang. As she hurried to the empty seat next to Mina, she realized whom she had been walking with.
Alex Johnson, a player of the Gryffindor Quidditch team. But not only was he a Gryffindor chaser, but he was a she.
?????
At eleven o'clock that night, Bunny rapped her knuckles against the door of Hagrid's hut. Pulling back, she tugged her robes tightly to her body, and waited. From inside, she could hear Hagrid's dog barking.
The door open seconds later, and Hagrid's massive body appeared in the doorway. Holding up the letter, she stated, "I have detention with you."
The tall man blinked, his black eyes peering down at her. "Oh, right." He stepped back, "Come in then." Bunny slipped in under his arm, and marveled at the hut. She had been in here once before, but not long enough to dwell on the sight.
Hagrid moved passed her, to the table, where there was a crossbow. "Got lots ter do." He picked the bow up, inspecting it before looking back at her.
Bunny scratched the big black dog behind the ears. Crouching down, she stared it in the face, as it drooled all over her hands. Grinning, she looked up. "Does he have a name?"
Hagrid walked across the small room, and gave the dog an affectionate pat. "Fang. Bloody coward, but a good dog all ther same." Bunny stood, gave Fang a kiss at the top of his head, before she asked, "What all do we have to do?"
Hagrid sighed, as he made his way to the door. "Headin' into the Forbidden Forest. Dumbledore thinks there's trouble a brewin'." He opened the door, and Fang trotted out first. "Don' mind ther company. But better stick close ter me."
She nodded, and followed the gamekeeper outside. Fang went with them sticking close to Hagrid's legs, as they entered the forest.
Bunny crossed her arms over her chest, to suppress a shudder. It was down right cold out. "What exactly is it, that we're looking for Hagrid?"
He glanced at her from over his shoulder. "Jus' makin' sure everythins' fine."
She nodded, "Okay." Looking around her, she noted the deeper they went, the darker, and the thicker the trees got. Shivering, she hurried to catch up with his long strides. Climbing over a loose root, she had to stop to untangle her hair from the low hanging limb. Something from the corner of her eyes caught her attention.
Bunny peered through the trees, trying to get a glimpse of the pure white creature she had seen. "Hagrid?" She stepped off the trail, not even sure if the gamekeeper had even heard her.
She didn't have to travel far, to reach a small circular clearing. Trees, in a small open area, surrounded her; where nothing seemed to grow except for the grass. There wasn't a sound, not a bird, not even a rustle of leaves. It was eerie, almost frightening when she dwelled on the thought. She felt something brush up against her leg. Looking down, she spotted Fang cowering at her feet. Did he sense danger nearby?
A twig snapped, and she almost whirled around at the sound. Fang cowered low to the ground, laying his paws over his head in fear. Chancing a glance to look at him, she sighed. Some help he would be.
Reaching into her robes, she grasped her wand, and carefully slid it out. If something were going to attack, she would at least give herself a chance to defend herself.
"You are not welcomed here." Her back stiffened at the cool voice that came from behind her. Slowly she turned her head to look over her shoulder.
Bunny remembered reading about them in a book somewhere. Centaur came to mind, with his half man, half horse appearance. Hesitantly, she turned herself to face him. He had red hair and red fur, with narrow shoulders, and a lean waist.
Again he repeated, "You are not welcomed here, human."
She flushed with embarrassment, "I'm sorry. I-I lost Hagrid. I'm supposed to be in detention- when I saw-" she ducked her head, "I'm sorry."
The centaur moved closer, till his hooves were visible in front of her. "Leave now." Bunny looked up at him, her cheeks stained pink. "I-I can't. I have detention for an hour. I'm supposed to help Hagrid." She was shaking, but not from fear, but from the cold. It seemed to be getting colder and colder by the minute.
The centaur didn't look too pleased with her answer, but before he could say anything, someone called from the trees behind him, "Who are you talking with Ronan?"
Another centaur stepped out from the tree line, and into the clearing. This one looked more dangerous than the first. Unlike 'Ronan' he had black hair, and black fur, with broad human shoulders.
"Bane, this human refuses to leave our forest."
Bunny froze, their forest? No wonder he wanted her out! Alarmed, she rushed, "I-I didn't know! I was never told why this forest was forbidden. I'm really sorry!" She glanced from one centaur to the next, hoping they would understand.
The one called Bane moved further into the clearing. His dark eyes bore into her, stealing her breath away. What a handsome horse he was, standing beneath the light of the many stars, and silver orb in the sky.
"Why are you here, then?"
Swallowing the lump forming in her throat, she replied, "I have detention. And I lost Hagrid." Faintly she could hear Fang whimpering at her side, and she mentally berated the dog.
The black haired centaur turned slightly from her, to face his companion. "Then you must leave. Even if you're one of 'their' kind, you are still not safe here." Bunny frowned, not sure what he was trying to tell her.
Ronan looked just as confused as she, and asked, "Their kind?"
Bane pointed in the direction he was facing, and if there were no trees, she would have found him pointing at the lake. Ronan looked at her. "It is impossible. They do not breath air."
His companion nodded, looking at her as well. "She is only-"
Suddenly Hagrid emerged from the trees cutting the centaur off by his loud entrance. "There yeh are Bunny." He looked very displeased, his eyes creased with worry. "Hullo Bane, Ronan." He eyed them carefully, before he added, "All right?"
"Hagrid." Ronan nodded in greeting; while Bane didn't even so much as look at him.
Hagrid moved to Bunny's side, "Best be off." He nodded his head in the direction of the school. "Got lots ter do."
She nodded, slipping her wand safely into her robes. Fang was more than gratefully to leave. But as Hagrid started back to the castle, she hung back for a second longer.
She glanced at the two centaurs, and flashed them a bright smile. "It was nice meeting you, Ronan, Bane. Sorry I intruded into your forest." She half waved, as she hurried to catch up with gamekeeper.
?????
Fifteen.
Tapping the end of her quill against her parchment, Bunny blew at a strand of blonde hair. Come on come on.
Fourteen.
She could have cursed out loud, but caught herself. Looking at the board she rolled her eyes. Professor Quirrell was a real quack. She felt as if she knew more about Defense Against the Dark Arts then him.
There was no way he could have stood up against a vampire. She had heard him; talking with Snape the poor man was terrified.
Just thinking about that day so long ago, made her frown in thought. No one believed her. She had tried to tell Harry and the others. But they were so sure about Snape.
Quirrell walked passed her, and she made an attempt to look as if she was writing. Why couldn't they trust her? It wasn't like she was siding with Snape.
Or was she?
Ten.
She leaned back in her chair, frowning at the clock. They wouldn't let her in on their secret, wouldn't let her know what they were doing. What they were looking for.
She watched out of the corner of her eye as Quirrell moved about the room. He was fidgeting, ringing his hands nervously. Shaking her head, she dropped her gaze to her piece of parchment.
Five.
Anxiously, she glanced up at the clock. Couldn't the day go by any quicker? No it was impossible, not when she wanted it to end the second it began.
Harry and Ron may not want her to know, but it didn't take a genius to put two and two together. She had been there to, when Harry had overheard Snape and Quirrell's argument in mid February. The Sorcerer's Stone was being guarded by Hagrid's faithful but extremely scary dog, Fluffy.
Harry believed Snape wanted to steal it, no matter what Hagrid and herself told him.
The three Gryffindors weren't the only ones who knew how to poke around. It also helped that Lita was a good friend of hers, and was good at eavesdropping.
Suddenly the bell sounded. Bunny blinked, before she went into action. Scooping up her things, she stuffed them into her bag. Slinging her sack over her shoulder, she bolted from the room before anyone.
The halls were instantly crowded with kids, tall and small, older and young. Her being the youngest in the school, and the shortest, always had its downfalls.
But not today.
She weaved in and out of groups, slipping through the mass of bodies. She shimmied to the right, narrowly missing the giggling group of Ravenclaw second years, and started down the stairs.
Her shoulder hit someone, and she unconsciously said her apology, not even sure who she was speaking with. Without looking back, she continued down the marble staircase, and hurried out the main doors.
Ron peered around Harry's shoulder, which the taller boy was rubbing. "Where she off to?"
Harry stared at the closed doors, his lips formed into a straight line. "Hagrid's."
The red haired Gryffindor followed his friend to the Great Hall. "Why? She's going to miss Dinner." Hermione rolled her eyes, "Not everyone thinks of food as much as you do Ron. Honestly!"
Ron snorted, "What's that supposed to mean?"
Harry turned away from the entrance hall, pushing open the doors, and walked inside. As he made a move to join his friends at the Gryffindor table, he looked over his shoulder one more time.
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Anxiously, she knocked on the door, just slightly fidgeting with excitement on the doorstep. She barely waited a second, before knocking again.
Finally someone called, "Who is it?" Bunny grinned, and pushed the door open. Stepping inside, she replied, "Its just me, Bunny." Hagrid looked up from the fire, "Hullo." His brows drew together. "Yer early for yer detention."
She grinned, "I know. I just wanted to see if you needed any help." She looked about the hut, wondering what she could do. Hagrid stood from where he knelt. "Not much ter do." Bunny shook her head, as she shut the door, and moved across the small room towards him. "Of course there is, you're the gamekeeper, keep of the keys, and also one of the protectors of the Sorcerer's Stone."
She looked at him, waiting for his reaction. He looked quite flustered, but not surprised. "What's the matter with yeh kids these days? Yer all meddlin' in things that don' concern yeh. Now you just forget about Fluffy, and the Sorcerer's Stone."
Bunny shook her head stubbornly, "No Hagrid I can't." She stepped towards him, "Something is going to happen. Harry and Ron think Snape is going to try and steal-." Hagrid huffed, "I told em, and I'm tellin' you, yer wrong! Snape wouldn't try and steal the Stone, he's one of the teachers protecting it."
Throwing her arms up over her head, she replied, "I know! I've known it's wasn't Snape, since February." Hagrid frowned, "What do yeh mean?" He moved around her, to take a seat at his table. Bunny followed him, pulling out a chair across from him, before sitting. "It's the reason why I got detention. You saw the outcome of that day." She looked at him, and watched him nod. Sighing, she leaned back in her seat.
"I followed Snape into the Forbidden Forest. From what I caught, he was accusing someone trying to steal the Stone." She bit her bottom lip, trying to think over the conversation. "I didn't see who it was, but Snape has his suspicions, and I think he might be right."
She looked down at the table, her eyes narrowed in thought. Slowly she lifted her eyes back to him, "Oh Hagrid please be careful. Whoever wants to steal the stone, needs to find out how to get passed Fluffy." She inhaled sharply, her mouth going dry. "You can't tell anyone how to get passed that dog."
Bunny stood, leaving the table. She moved to the open window next to the door. Grabbing the kettle nearby, she dipped it into the rain barrel right outside.
Hagrid watched her closely, with concerned eyes. "Not a soul knows except me an' Dumbledore. Are you okay, Bunny?"
Her hands shook, as she carried the kettle to the table and set it down. She needed water. She was getting overly stressed, and if she didn't get any water soon, she feared what might happen. Leaving the kettle, she walked to the cupboard, and took out a cup.
"That's good to hear. Want any?" She held up the cup she was holding, and swallowed. Her mouth was dry, and her throat was starting to ache. Pressure began to build within her chest, swelling her heart.
"Err, no."
Moving back to the table, she poured herself a cup of the cold water. Without saying anything, she brought the rim of the cup to her lips, and tipped it back. She breathed in deeply, filling in her lungs the best she could.
Her eyes closed, and she let the cool liquid rushed into her lungs. It was like breathing into a paper bag, when anxiety seemed so near. She gasped, dragging it in like it was a drug.
Agonizingly slow, the stress eased, the pressure lacked, and she felt semi normal again. Setting the cup down on the table, her eyes opened. She found Hagrid staring at her, with something akin to fascination.
She flushed; she had never let herself get so far before. But she had forgotten to grab her water bottle.
Clearing his throat, Hagrid stood, "well better get ter work." Pushing his chair in, he started for the door, and held it open. "Want ter come?" Bunny nodded, and followed him out.
"Thank you Hagrid."
?????
She had a whole month of detentions with Hagrid. And so far, she had barely spent over a week with him. For the most part, she enjoyed it, getting to see the Forest, and meeting new creatures. Since her first night, she hadn't seen the two centaurs, but she always felt them nearby.
From their first meeting, she had learned quickly, they weren't ones to like humans, of any kind. They seemed nothing but acquaintances with Hagrid, and seemed to tolerate, the gamekeeper, and herself intruding into their Forest.
Was it because of them that the Forbidden Forest was off limits, or was it something else? She hadn't met any dangerous animals, at least not yet.
Bunny had also made it a point not to lose site of Hagrid. Not after what happened last time. "Hagrid?"
The gamekeeper glanced over his shoulder, "hmm?" He seemed slightly distracted, as she searched the Forest for any threat. Looking carefully through the trees she asked, "If we don't know what we are looking for, how do we know if we find it?"
Hagrid hesitated for a second, before he turned with the narrow path. "We're not search'n for somthin, we're lookin' ter make sure everythins' okay."
She sighed, crossing her arms over her chest. "You know, it would be easier for the both of us, if you just told me the-" Bunny stopped, staring at something she could see through two yew trees.
Taking a step back, she hissed, "Hagrid, I think I found it."
The gamekeeper stopped, and turned to look at her. "It?" He looked slightly confused as to what she was talking about. Bunny looked at him, then back at the large pair of empty white eyes watching her. She jerked her head in the thing's direction. "Yes IT. Look!"
Hagrid came up behind her to see what she was talking about. At that time, the thing within the trees began to move.
Bunny watched as the creature revealed itself. A dragonish face, with a skeletal body, of a black winged horse. Throwing herself back into Hagrid body, she stared at the sharp fangs protruding from the creature's mouth.
Hagrid chuckled, "Don' worry, it wont hurt yeh. Tha's a Thestral. Have a herd of em somewhere round here."
Bunny stared at the thing, as it stepped out into the pathway. Hagrid studied it from over her shoulder. "Only some can see them. Guess yer one of them." She didn't take her eyes from it, "Why is that?"
The gamekeeper replied, "Some can see em, cause they have seen death." His eyes fell, to look at her, and she could tell he wanted to ask.
Bunny stared at the creature, her heart slightly aching. "So, because I can see this thing, that means I've seen someone die?" Hagrid nodded.
"Do animals count?" He shook his head, "Don' think so."
She finally turned her back to the creature, "then there is something wrong. I've never seen anyone die." She moved passed the gamekeeper, without pausing. Hagrid glanced at her, "Bunny."
Shaking her head, the blonde replied, "No, animals must count Hagrid, because I have never seen anyone die in my life."
Tears formed in her eyes, and she picked up her pace. Pushing a branch out of her way, she slipped off the path. "Bunny!" She ignored his shouts, and started to run.
"No, no, no" she covered her ears with her hands, her eye swimming with tears.
It had to be a lie she hadn't seen anyone die. It was all wrong, all lies.
She ran till she couldn't hear Hagrid calling for her. She found herself deep within the forest, and all alone. Falling to the floor, she sat on her legs, and stared at the empty space in front of her.
With shaking hands, Bunny pulled out a water bottle, and uncapped it. Bringing it to her mouth, she gulped down the water as she started to hyperventilate.
"I won't cry, I won't cry. Everything's going to be okay, everything is okay." She inhaled deeply, before exhaling.
If she had seen someone die, she was sure she would know she had. Right?
She hugged herself, her arms wrapping around her shivering form. As she stared at the ground, her mind reeled with thoughts.
Rain pelted down on the ground, clouds roared overhead. Lightning struck the Earth, lighting up the dark night. It had been so late, and she had been so tired. But she was worried about her mum, when she had snuck out of the house.
Bunny shook her head violently. "No!" She stared at the old decaying trees in front of her, gasping. "No, no!" Her hand flew up to her head, as if they could block out her thoughts.
She had followed her out of the house, down the street. Had hid beneath a van, at the opening of the alley. Had seen from behind her hands-
She staggered to her feet, and slapped herself across the face. She couldn't believe, wouldn't let herself believe it. She had been in bed, had lain beneath the covers.
Then why didn't she remember sleeping in bed that night? Why couldn't she remember falling asleep that night?
"Didn't I warn you before, that you are not welcomed in this forest?"
Bunny looked up to see a centaur. At first she didn't recognize him, but then his features became sharp when her vision cleared. "Bane."
His eyes narrowed, and Bunny caught her breath. He wasn't pleased with seeing her again. "Why have you come back?" She stared at him, and wondered why he acted like he didn't know. Surely she had felt their eyes on her, as she and Hagrid scouted the forest.
"I have detention. I'm sorry I disobeyed, but-" she hesitated, wondering what to tell him. He pointed in the direction behind her, as she stood. "You are never to venture in these woods again. If you follow that path, it will take you back."
Bunny looked behind her, but then turned back to the centaur. "What if I run into that thing?"
He stopped, from where he was about to slip back into the trees. "What thing?" She glanced around her, "the thing everyone is worried about. The thing that has Hagrid scouting the Forest, and Dumbledore hiding the Sorcerer's Stone at Hogwarts."
Bane frowned, "How do you know of the Stone?" The blonde crossed her arms over her chest, "I know a lot more than that." He studied her closely. "You will not run into any creatures on that path. But do not wander off of it." He turned to the trees, his back facing her. "You are not wanted here. You are to never to return to these woods, under any circumstances. Tell this to Dumbledore."
Bunny watched him slip from view, leaving her alone once more. She turned to the path, and started on her way back. Why didn't he want her in the Forbidden Forest? It wasn't like he banished both her and Hagrid, but just her. What didn't he want her to find out?
As she followed the path, she had the faintest impression that she was being watch from all angles, except for in front of her.
Do not wander off of the trail?
She looked around her, what ever was watching her, wouldn't give her the chance to try. They might as well have been walking right next to her. She could feel the eyes bearing into her, watching her every move. And there were so many of them.
Picking up her pace, she quickly left the Forest, and to Bane's belief never to return.
But she would.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Well there you have it. Chapter thirteen. It seems like Bunny isn't letting onto something she knows as well. Did she see someone die? Must have if she can see those creatures. Then who was it, and why wont she let herself remember?
To those of you who want to see Harry and Bunny action. Well its gonna have to wait, considering, she is ten years old, and he's eleven. I really don't think ten year olds fall in love. Maybe crushes, which she does have, but not love yet. But I do promise action between the guy winner and Bunny in either the next story, or the one after that. We will have to wait and see.
I hope you guys and gals enjoyed that. Took me sooooooooooooo long to write. I was soooooooo worried. I thought I got writers block. But nope! Here it is!!
Hehe man I have been lacking on my author duties haven't I? I want to say thanks to all of those who have reviewed, and who enjoy my story. I appreciate it.
Angel of the white moon: close very close! But not exactly. When it burns, she either finds herself in the presence of Voldemort, or Voldemort is using his powers.
Kalika55: it will all come out eventually. But like the Harry Potter series, I'm not going to dump it all out at once. I mean we didn't find everything out till the fifth book. But don't worry it wont take that long. I would say by the third book, you would get the gist of Bunny's life.
Dawn: The whole merman bit will be coming out in the next chapter or two. But I have to say; he wasn't exactly being all that great. Considering, he was taking her away from the surface. Can anyone guess why?
Mary: Nope Snape is not the father. I believe my idea will be original. But Snape plays a special part in Bunny's past, with Serena.
Water Angel: Yea pretty much, it warns her of other things too.
Polls!
Harry/Bunny: 54
Ron/Bunny: 31
Ron/Ami: 5
Ron/Hermione: 2
Draco/Bunny: 30
Draco/Lita: 7
Twins/Bunny: 1
Twins/Mina: 3 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chaser: 9
Keeper: 2
Beater: 2
Well enjoy! Tata for now LP signing out