Disclaimer: As always, nothing belongs to me, but to the brilliant JK Rowling.
Author's Note: Well I should have known that OoTP would have blown my story out of the water. Gah, oh well, what can I do about it. Since a majority of this story was written before book 6, I've decided to continue as is…thus firmly locking this story into the AU category. For those of you who haven't read OoTP, there will be no spoilers within UA/SD. And while I still think JK is a brilliant author, I still can't believe what she did…as far as the death and all.
As for the lack of updating, well, I'd love to blame it on OoTP and being so horribly disappointed at the fact that Harry and Hermione aren't together yet, but that's not the reason. The only excuse I can give you is that I was working, then working, and then working some more...and drat it, it so wasn't worth it. Being broke is a horrible pain in the rear. Anyway, I've finally got a weekend to myself, and am ready to roll. Now, for those of you who think you've figured out who the Master is, think very, very carefully…I still have a few twists and turns left before revealing all to you. Keep your fingers crossed that I can get to updating faster so you're not all waiting, or forgetting. Keep in mind, snogging abounds throughout the chapter, and, there is more of Ron and Lavender per oneiros lykos's request.
Anyway, onto some more shameless promoting. Fae Princess has just recently updated "Circle's Close" if you didn't know already. For those of you who haven't read it, it's definitely a must read. She's a brilliant writer in my humble opinion. I should be slapped really, she's a way better author than I am, and she can update faster than I can. But enough of that, I'll slap myself later. And secondly, Stoneheart1's "The Joining"…need I say more about him?
The beginning quote of chapter six isn't mine either, but from the song "Insanity". Yes I know, I listen to sick and twisted music sometimes. Here's where you'll get to see exactly what the anima caterra actually does, sort of. More in depth detail will be brought to light in later chapters. Although, if you simply can't wait, you'd be better off searching for an English-Latin dictionary online and type in "anima" and "caterra"…it should be what I think it is unless I've used the wrong one. It should give you a basic hint, just like Dementor's did. But enough of my babbling…let's get to chapter six, I hope it doesn't disappoint you. And of course, special thanks to all who reviewed for chapter five…you have my undying gratitude.
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Sabrian-05: I'm happy to hear that you like this story and the first one as well. It means a lot. As far as what the "awful" creature is going to do, well, you'll just have to read and find out. I'm assuming you'll get a basic idea towards the end. And yes, as you can see, I am planning on finishing the story, and if it's your birthday really soon, happy birthday!
Cybershot: You think I rock eh? Well, thanks for the complement and the review. Yes, I love the idea of Harry/Hermione…let's all hope JK likes it too.
Galtxtr: Ah yes, portkey…yep, as you can see, I haven't made it around to that yet. Hopefully I'll get myself in gear and just apply. It's good to see you again, I hope you like this chapter. See you around the message boards maybe.
Hermharry: Yes I know…I left you all hanging at the end of chapter five. Sorry about that. Maybe this'll make up for it?
Fae Princess: Did you get my review about you being second best? Just keep that in mind.
Jandl: Yeah, wish I had a boyfriend like Harry too…unfortunately I don't. Ah well, life goes on.
Stoneheart1: I hope you didn't find OoTP too disappointing, although I will say this, I hope JK writes book six much faster. As far as you outsmarting yourself, perhaps. By the way, love the new story…I'll be getting you a review for your latest chapter really soon.
Leah6: I tried not to make any grammatical errors, although there may still be one or two here and there. Maybe I should get a beta huh?
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****
I'd love to hear you laugh tonight,
I'd love to hear you weep.
I'd love to listen to you while you're screaming in your sleep…
"Insanity" Boingo
***
She was having the most wonderful dream. A dream of her and Harry, alone, in the common room, with dozens of flickering candles gently bobbing up and down as they hovered a few feet above their heads. A roaring fire burned brightly, the flames adding to the soft glow that already engulfed the silent room. A fluffy, scarlet blanket lay neatly on the floor, and she was safely tucked into Harry's warm embrace as he trailed kisses down her neck. The mere touch of his lips swamping her with various emotions and sending heat twisting through her veins and collecting in the pit of her stomach.
A dreamy smile tugged at her lips and she rolled over, her eyes opening ever so slightly to register the first golden rays of light creeping their way through the window, the final images of her dream slipping away as softly as mist. Stifling a groan of disappointment, she drew a hand up to her neck, the small frown disappearing as her fingers came in contact with a smooth object. Memories of her dream rolled through her mind once again, and she smiled lazily, reminded that last night hadn't been her imagination, but in fact, reality.
She had spent a good portion of the night snuggled next to Harry as they lounged on the common room floor, talking mostly, but sharing a few heated and heavy snogs as well. Hovering between the fine line of dreams and reality, she remembered what it was like to have her head resting against his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart, or how his fingertips seemed to spread fire across her skin as he trailed them over her slowly. They hadn't done anything they weren't ready for, or that they would regret come morning, although the atmosphere of the room certainly tempted the both of them.
Raising the pendant up to eye level, she lovingly traced her fingertip around the scrolling, flowered edge and over the deep blue stone, watching the rising sun catch and wink, reflecting off the sparkling gem as it reached farther into the quiet room and threw colorful prisms on the stone walls. Turning it over, she reread the words etched onto the back. Never will I leave you.
You'd never have the chance Harry, she thought rather smugly. You're stuck with me.
A muffled grunt emitted from the four-poster next to her, breaking through her silent dialogue, followed by the soft whisper of fabric as Lavender shifted and raised her head, squinting and blinking sleepily.
"Ugh," she stretched slightly, her blue eyes promptly slamming shut as the sun continued to inch its way across the floor. "Morning Hermione," she yawned, covering her mouth with a dainty hand.
"Morning Lavender," she returned the greeting with a hushed voice and a wide smile, aware that the rest of her roommates were still sleeping.
"You're awfully chipper this early in the morning," Lavender commented with another yawn. "Any particular reason why? Or are you always like this?" Being a late sleeper, Lavender had never witnessed a Hermione that wasn't already dressed for class and flipping through a random textbook.
Hermione only smiled in response, her hand still wrapped around Harry's gift. Both girls lay quietly for a moment before Lavender broke it once more.
"So," she asked, her tone sly. "How was your night last night?" she didn't turn to face her, merely folded her hands across her chest and continued to stare up at the ceiling, a smirk on her face.
Hermione sighed happily, a girlish giggle threatening to break forth from her lips and ring throughout the dorm room. "It was," she paused; suddenly hard pressed for words to describe the true impact it had on her. "It was, amazing," she finally breathed out.
Across from her, Lavender's smirk turned into a full-blown grin. "Well I'm glad," she said sincerely. "And," she arched a golden eyebrow and sat up, swinging her legs out from underneath her covers and sauntered over towards Hermione's bed. "What did he get you?" she asked as she plopped down next to her.
"This," Hermione answered simply, uncovering the necklace.
"Oh, Hermione," Lavender's eyes grew wider and her jaw sagged slightly. "It's, it's beautiful," she let out a whisper.
"I know," she nodded in agreement as she too glanced down to look at the sparkling orb once more.
"Wow," Lavender continued to gawk. "So that's what he was doing in Hogsmead," she muttered, more to herself but loud enough for Hermione to hear.
"What?" she questioned, her eyebrows raised as she studied the girl before her.
"Oops," Lavender slapped a hand over her mouth as a telltale flush began creeping up her neck. "Did I just say that out loud?" she asked, horrified.
"Yes," Hermione confirmed and then paused. "Wait a minute," she sat up, scooting backwards to rest against her headboard. "Are you telling me that you and Ron were in on the whole thing?" arms were crossed over her chest.
The blonde let out a low sigh and dropped her eyes to focus on the swirling pattern of the bedspread. "Um," she stuttered, tracing over one of the golden swirls with her finger. "Well, I, I suppose we were," she finally admitted.
There was a moment of silence before Hermione's silvery chuckle filled the room. "I should have known," she shook her head, her face breaking out in a smile. "And then the planning of last night? Harry said you and Ron helped out."
Lavender nodded sheepishly. "Guilty again," she shrugged her shoulders. "Practically everyone knew about it," she spared Hermione a look. "I'm surprised you didn't figure it out for yourself."
Hermione ducked her head. "I had absolutely no idea," she swept a lock of hair behind her ear. "I guess I was too absorbed with studying and all that I'd completely forgotten what day it was."
"Well I for one am glad you didn't figure it out," Lavender stretched her shoulders. "Harry would have been highly disappointed if you had," she slid off the bed and stood up. "You've got a great boyfriend Hermione, and an even better friend in Harry Potter."
"I know," she agreed, wrapping her arms around her knees. "I know."
***
"Hey," a hand firmly gripped the sleeping boy's shoulder and gave it a hearty shake. "Wake up."
"Geroff," the mound of blankets and sheets squirmed, trying to wriggle away from the incessant shaking.
"Come on Harry," above him, Ron Weasley's eyes gleamed in curiosity and amusement.
With a deep sigh and a muffled curse, Harry clawed his way out the covers, and squinted up at his best friend who was towering over him. "What?" he asked, his voice gravelly with sleep.
"What he asks," Ron shook his head as he spoke to the ceiling and wondered if he'd lost his mind. "I'm only talking about the big night," he fixed Harry with a steady look and waited for an answer. "Well?" he prompted; an auburn eyebrow arched and arms crossed about his chest.
"Well what?" Harry rolled over, focusing his blurry eyes on the clock on his beside table and ignoring his friend's interrogation. "Ron," he began, somewhat crossly. "It's only 7:30, and Saturday," he flopped face first onto his pillow once more. "Go away and wake me when it's time for lunch."
Eyes were rolled. "Not a chance, I'm hungry now," this was emphasized by a growling noise coming deep from Ron's stomach. "And," the redhead went on. "I want to hear all about it. I think you owe me that much considering all the trouble I went through to clear out the room," a smug smile was attached to his lips.
Laying motionless for a moment, Harry finally sighed, giving up all hope that Ron would let him fall back asleep, and rolled over on his back. "You know," he rubbed at his eyes with the back of his hands. "For someone, who didn't want to witness any 'mushy' stuff over the summer," he dropped his hands and laced them behind his head. "You're awfully nosey this morning."
"I'm a glutton for punishment," Ron spread his hands and grinned as he lowered his tall frame to sit on the edge of Harry's bed. "Besides, I have to make certain you didn't make any unwanted advances on my best friend," his grin turned devilish. "Because if you have, I'll have to turn you into a frog, or some other form of scum-sucking creature."
Harry bit back a return grin, his green eyes sparkling in happiness. "You can drop the big brother act Ron," he yawned and sat up, black hair twisted wildly. "I didn't make any inappropriate moves on Hermione," he scrubbed his face with his hands and then reached out to fumble for his glasses. "I swear," he did smile then as he slipped his glasses on.
"Good," Ron said after a slight pause, and gave a slight nod at Harry's answer. "Good," he hoisted himself up from his perch and rubbed his stomach. "Did she like it?"
"Yeah," Harry answered softly. "Yeah she did," a small smile played about his lips.
"I thought she would," he muttered and then looked pointedly at him. "So, are you going to sit there all day? I'm bloody starving here," he jabbed a thumb towards himself as his stomach gave off another loud rumble.
Harry let out a chuckle and rolled out of bed. "Okay, okay," he stumbled over to his trunk and dug some clothes out. "Give me five minutes," he stopped as he saw Ron's pained look. "Trust me Ron," he slung his trousers and his jumper over his shoulder. "You won't starve to death in five minutes."
***
"Good morning you two," Lavender's sultry voice filled the common room, making Ron's ears tint pink at the mere sound of it. "I see you're both up early," she and Hermione were descending the staircase that led down from the girls dormitory.
"Yes well," Harry shot a sideways glance at Ron. "It wasn't by choice," he smirked at the far off look in Ron's eyes as they followed Lavender's graceful movement down the stairs.
"Morning," Hermione sidled up next to him, rose up on tiptoe and pressed a kiss to his cheek.
"Morning to you too," Harry dropped her a wink and ran a hand lovingly down her arm, stopping at her hand and tangling his fingers with hers. His heart swelled at the sight of the necklace that was nestled near the hollow of her throat.
"Ahem," Ron fake coughed from the other side of the room where he and Lavender where waiting by the door, his arm looped round her shoulders. "Are you two joining us for breakfast? Or are you just going to have each other?" he cackled until Lavender jabbed him.
"Jealous Ron?" Harry drawled lazily, uncoiling his hand from Hermione's and hooking his arm round her waist to pull her closer. "I'm sure Lavender wouldn't mind terribly if…" he got no further when Hermione's elbow plowed into his stomach.
"Harry," she glared at him, doing her best to frown although her lips twitched.
"Boys," Lavender sighed out in a huff and glowered, but her cheeks were burning red. "Can't get your minds out of the gutter," she clucked and hooked a hand through Ron's elbow. "Come along mindless git," she teased as she steered him towards the portrait. "We're going to breakfast."
"Mindless git," Ron sulked as she tugged him through the opening. "Why is it that I don't get to call you names?"
Behind them, Harry and Hermione shared a chuckle. "Shall we?" Harry swept an arm out before her, gesturing for them to follow the other couple to the Great Hall.
"Of course," Hermione said primly, trailing a slender hand across his shoulders. She had just taken a step forward when he caught her arm and spun her back around to face him. "Harry!" she squealed, her free hand landed firmly on his chest and stopped her from crashing into him. "What are you doing?" she stared up into his eyes.
He shrugged and then grinned. "Giving my girlfriend a proper good morning kiss," he whispered as he lowered his head to meet her lips with his. Her sigh of contentment was lost to him as his heart beat loudly in his ears. It was amazing, he could share dozens and dozens of kisses with her, and each time they affected him in the same heart pounding, mind numbing way. She was like a drug, slipping effortlessly into his veins, seeping into his mind until it made him dizzy with desire and making him feel as though he could fly without the use of wings or his Firebolt. Easily addicting and extremely hard to get over.
Her lips were soft and warm, her breath laced with the taste of her toothpaste, and the smell of her hair filled his senses and swirled round and round in his brain, burning into his heart and soul. Finally they pulled away, her cheeks flushed slightly, and her brown eyes turning into liquid fire. He brushed his thumb over her lower lip and then trailed his hand down her neck, feeling the shivers that he created as he did so. Stopping at her necklace, he covered it with his palm. "I love you," he whispered.
Her breath caught in her throat, the way it always did when he looked at her with his burning gaze. Beneath her fingers, she felt the wild thumping of his heart as it beat madly in his breast. "I love you too," she felt her knees threatening to turn to water as she locked eyes with him. "Never will I leave you," she lifted her hand and placed it gently on the side of his face.
He gave a small smile and then blinked. "Hey," he pretended to scowl at her. "That's my line Ms. Granger," his fingers encircled her wrist.
She threw him a wobbly grin and smoothed her fingers over his cheek. "I know," she admitted. "But, it goes both ways you know."
"I know," he gripped her wrist tighter and brought her hand to his mouth, pressing a kiss to her palm. "I suppose we should go before Ron eats all the food."
Hermione snickered and drew away. "I suppose we should," she tugged at his hand. "I am sort of hungry."
***
"Mindless git," Ron was still huffing about Lavender's recent nickname for him as they walked from Gryffindor Tower to the Great Hall. Beside him, Lavender snickered and refused to look at him for fear she'd break out into great peels of laughter at his expense.
"Oh come off it Ron," she finally had enough of his sighing and muttering. "It's not like I think you're a mindless git all the time," she flashed him a bright smile.
"Oh ho ho," he stopped dead in the hallway, an action which halted Lavender as well. "So you do think I'm a mindless git," he stared at her pointedly, not really angry with her, but wanting to tease her some.
"Of course," she rolled her eyes. "Even you've admitted it before," her look dared him to deny it.
He paused, thought, and silently agreed with her, although he wasn't about to tell her that. "That's beside the point," he argued and crossed his arms. "I think you owe me an apology," he said smugly as he leaned against a stone pillar.
"What?" she was floored.
"You heard me, an apology."
She fixed him with a slight glare, which he matched, and then sniffed. "Fine," she looked away. "You win, I'm sorry."
"No, no," he shook his head. "Not good enough," he pushed himself away from the pillar and took a step forward, standing toe to toe with her. "But I can think of a better way for you to say you're sorry," his blue eyes twinkled.
"You, you," Lavender fumed, slapping a hand on his chest even as she felt a surge of heat roll through her as she caught the devious glint in his eyes.
Ron chuckled then, grasped her hand and tugged her back into the shadows of a secluded corner. "I am a mindless git at times," he admitted, still keeping a hold of her hand and his eyes trained on her lips.
She licked them unconsciously, her eyes tracing over his features. "But that's why I like you so much," she whispered, snaking her arms around his neck, and pulled him downwards where she met him halfway.
***
"I wonder where they are," Hermione commented as she and Harry seated themselves at the long, oak table. "I was sure Ron would be on his third helping by now."
Beside her, Harry shrugged as he scooped eggs onto his plate. "Maybe they stopped in the hall for a snogging session," he joked, snagging several pieces of toast.
"Hmm," Hermione shrugged and took a sip from a mug of coffee that was before her.
"Ugh," he wrinkled his nose at the black liquid. "How can you drink that?"
"Have you ever had it?" she asked, setting the mug back down and helping herself to some French toast.
"No," he admitted. "I've had to make it for the Dursley's before, just never liked the smell I suppose."
"Hmm," she mused again, a half smile on her lips as she lifted the cup once more.
"Hey," Ron breathed out, sliding onto the bench across from them with Lavender not too far behind. "Sorry we're late."
"That's okay," Hermione picked up her fork and knife and proceeded to cut her French toast into neat squares before drizzling maple syrup over it. "But before you do anything else, you may want to wipe the lipstick off your cheek Ronald, that particular shade clashes horribly with your hair."
Across from her, Lavender's face turned into a fiery shade of red while Ron's mouth dropped open slightly and a horrified look crossed his face. Hermione merely smirked at her plate and Harry let out a loud hoot of laughter.
"Well, well," came an icy drawl from his left. "If it isn't the golden boy and his precious girlfriend."
"What do you want Malfoy?" the laughter was instantly gone from Harry's voice as he glared at the sneering boy next to him. "Shouldn't you be at your table with the rest of the snakes?"
Draco scowled and glared back, fully aware that Ron was shooting daggers at him with his eyes. Pale gray eyes slid away from Harry and came to rest on the furious face of Hermione and then down to the glittering jewel strung round her neck. "Really Potter," he sneered. "You shouldn't have spent all your money on that," he waved a hand at Hermione. "It doesn't make her look any better you know."
"Malfoy," Harry hissed from between his teeth. "You slimy, arrogant, son of a…"
"Harry," Hermione laid a hand on his arm. "He's not worth it," she met Draco's cool look with her own heated one.
The lone Slytherin stood there defiantly, his arms crossed, and a slight smirk on his face. "And Weasley," he switched targets before any of them could do anything. "What's that hideous mark on your face? It's almost as if it's an improvement."
At that, Ron shot out of his seat, his face as red as his hair and his fist curled at his sides. Before he could let out an angry retort, Draco sneered once more then turned on his heel and stalked away to his side of the Great Hall.
"That bloody bastard," he growled as he lowered himself back into his seat and thumped a fist on the tabletop. "Slimy git," he angrily skewered a helpless piece of toast with his fork and turned to send one more glare at the Slytherin table where Malfoy was sitting with a smug look on his face.
***
"Are you guys up for a visit with Hagrid?" Harry suggested to the other three once breakfast was done and they'd retreated to the safe haven of their common room. Since it was Saturday, they had a whole day of freedom ahead of them.
"Sure," Ron was still rubbing at his face, paranoid that there were still visible traces of Lavender's lipstick and still steaming mad at Malfoy. "Are you coming with?" he questioned the girl next to him.
"Erm, no," she shook her head. "I promised Parvati that I would spend some time with her today," she offered a small smile.
"Alright," Ron nodded, slightly disappointed that he wouldn't have her all to himself.
"How about you?" Harry questioned Hermione who'd remained unusually silent since breakfast.
"I suppose," she mulled the thought over in her mind. "But I would like to get a bit of studying done today as well," she drummed her fingers on the armrest of the couch.
Ron snorted at her response but kept his snide comment to himself before Hermione could shoot him a deadly glare. "Well then," he stood up from the chair he'd been sharing with Lavender. "Shall we go?" and he gave Lavender a wink.
Harry and Hermione both nodded and rose from their spot by the fire, Harry stopping her for a moment while Ron bid goodbye to his girlfriend. "Are you okay?" he asked softly.
"I'm fine," she flashed him a smile.
"Really?"
She sighed and then shrugged. "I know Malfoy is a complete prat, and that I shouldn't care what he says. But, it doesn't make his words sting any less."
"I know," he nodded and cupped her chin in his hand. "But he's dead wrong Hermione," he said seriously. "You're more beautiful than any old piece of jewelry."
***
"'Ello yeh three," Hagrid's bushy beard and wide smile greeted them after they'd pounded on his door. "It's 'bout time yeh came fer a visit," he ushered them inside. "I was just 'bout to make some tea," he lumbered across the room, his heavy boots shaking the flooring of his little hut.
"How have you been Hagrid?" Hermione asked while she shrugged off her cloak and laid it over the back of his enormous wingback chair and stepped closer to the fire, trying to warm her hands.
"Not bad, not bad at all," he rattled around his kitchen, producing four mugs and saucers. "Sorry class 'as been a mite boring," he apologized as he poured the steaming liquid. "But I've got a new animal fer Monday's class," he motioned them to join him at the table.
"Wicked," Ron grinned as he clambered up the stool and wrapped both hands around the mug. A plate of Hagrid's rock cakes were plopped down in front of him which both Ron and Harry shared a dubious look over.
"So," Hagrid settled himself onto his chair, the wood groaning in protest under his weight. "'Ow was yer summer 'Arry?" he slurped his tea.
"Good," Harry shrugged. "It's much better than living with the Dursley's."
The half-giant chuckled. "And Sirius? 'Ow is he?"
"Fine I suppose. I haven't written to him since I've been back at school."
Hagrid nodded and slurped his tea. "Perhaps you and 'Ermione can clear something up fer me," he set his mug down with a heavy clunk and reached out a meaty hand to swipe up a rock cake. "I've 'eard a rumor round the teachers table," he paused to take a bite, his teeth breaking through the tough dough with a loud crunch. "That you and 'Ermione are somewhat of a thing," he continued to chew and his black beard was littered with crumbs.
Across from him, both Harry and Hermione blushed furiously while Hagrid looked on with a twinkle in his eyes. "And from the look on yer faces, I see it's true," he reached out and slapped Harry on the back, nearly sending him headfirst into his tea.
He caught himself, just barely, by his hands placed on either side of the mug, his shoulder stinging slightly where Hagrid slapped him. Smiling sheepishly, he cast Hermione a glance, noting that she had turned a rosy shade of pink at his words. Ron was chortling on the other side of Hagrid. "Yeah," he ducked his head and stared at his drink. "I guess it is."
***
The three of them tramped back inside, their cloaks and shoes wet with the rain that had begun falling while they were visiting Hagrid.
"Right you two," Ron announced as they trudged down the empty corridors. "I'm off to find Lavender," he informed them as he undid his cloak. "I'll see you both at dinner," and he hurried off in front of them.
"I take it you're going to the library?" Harry turned to ask Hermione.
She nodded. "Just for a bit," they climbed the staircase together and waited patiently for the stairs to move back into place. "And then I'm all yours," she grinned at him.
He felt his insides begin to smolder. "Sounds great," he managed to spit out. "Besides, I need to catch up on my Potions homework," he shuddered at the thought of Snape. She gave him a sympathetic smile as they stopped in front of the Fat Lady who swung open a moment later after Hermione stated the password.
"Meet you back here in two hours?" Hermione asked as she headed towards her dorm room to change out of her wet socks and robe before she went to the library.
"Fine," Harry nodded as he stood before the fireplace, feeling the warmth trickle into his feet and hands.
She gave him a wide smile and blew him a kiss before she disappeared into her room.
***
"Umbra Antitheus," Hermione muttered to herself as she scanned the long row of books before her, her eyebrows knit together as she contemplated titles and authors. She had been working on her paper for Arithmancy, which was due within several weeks. But she was having a hard time concentrating on it, opting instead to search for any more information regarding Madam Lissette's anima caterra.
"Wondrous Wild Beasts and Where To Find Them," she muttered out loud and then instantly rejected it. "The Seven Deadly Curses," she read next. No, no, that's not it either. Blast, where could it be? Dementors, it has something to do with Dementors…but what? One finger was gently tapping against her chin as her eyes ran over various titles.
The next title she'd stumbled across seemed promising. "Ancient Myths and Legends," she read from the book's spine. Letting out a sigh and deciding to take a chance, she reached up and slid the book off the shelf. Hearing a faint dinging coming from somewhere in the quiet room, she glanced at the nearest clock, letting out a silent curse that she was late in meeting Harry back in the common room.
Gathering up her parchment and quill, she stuffed them into her bag and slung it over her shoulder. Myths and Legends tucked firmly under her arm as she approached Madam Pince to check it out. She left the library in a hurry, feeling slightly guilty that she was going to be late. She had one more detour before she met up with him. She rounded the corner and came to a stop in front of the fruit painting. Reaching out, she tickled the pear and stepped through the opening, the picture swinging quietly shut behind her.
***
"Hey, sorry I'm late," Hermione said breathlessly as she breezed through the common room door. "I was so busy studying that I lost track of time," she placed her book bag on the floor and flopped down next to Harry.
"It's okay," he snapped his book shut and smiled at her, setting the book down on the cushion between them. "I figured that you'd be awhile," he winked at her.
"Did you get anything done on your Potions homework?" she asked, sparing a glance at his parchment that was only half full with his messy scrawl.
"Of course not," he sighed; tipping his head back until it rested on the back of the couch. "But, I still have all day tomorrow to try and figure it out," he slipped his glasses off and rubbed at his eyes with both hands.
She gave him a disapproving look but said nothing. Reaching down towards the floor, she snagged the steaming mug that she'd carried in with her.
"What's that?" Harry eyed it carefully after he'd replaced his glasses and watched as a sly grin slid over her features.
"You'll see," was all she said, taking a sip and staring at him over the rim of the glass, her eyes swimming mirth as she observed him.
He felt heat pooling under his shirt collar and in the pit of his stomach at her sultry look. He hated and loved it at the same time. His mouth suddenly ran dry and he was thankful that he'd removed his tie long before she'd entered the room. Rubbing the palms of his hands nervously on the knees of his trousers, he did his best to swallow the large lump that had somehow embedded itself in his throat. "W - why are you looking at me like that?" he stuttered, resisting the urge to peel his collar away from this side of his neck and let out the steam that he knew was collecting under the layers of fabric.
She smirked and took a final swallow of whatever was contained in the cup and carefully placed it on an end table. With slow, deliberate movements, she picked up his forgotten Potions text, placed it next to the mug, and slid over to join him on his end of the couch.
"What?" he asked again as he looked down at her, his heart knocking loudly against his ribs and noticing that she was biting her lower lip to hide a smile.
Trailing a hand through his hair, it finally came to rest on the back of his neck, while the other slid up along his chest and stopped on his cheek. Feeling the slightest pressure from her hands, he allowed himself to dip his head and meet her lips in a light kiss. Drawing away slightly, he cast a glance into her eyes before crushing his lips against hers more firmly.
He felt her grin against his, felt her sigh and open her lips under his as he slipped inside. Instead of her usual taste of mint toothpaste, or some various cinnamon sweet she'd eaten, this time she tasted different. She tasted bitter and sweet at the same time, rich and syrupy, almost earthy and woodsy in an exotic sort of way. It was as if fall had turned itself into a flavor, which she'd consumed and was now sharing it with him. Sucking in a lung full of air, he pressed her back against the cushions of the couch. While he adored the taste of her before, he was beginning to like this one as well.
Pulling back after a few more heated moments, he stared down at her flushed face and into her shinning eyes. "Are you planning on telling me what you've been drinking?" he asked, one eyebrow raised.
She let out a wide grin then and ran her hands through his hair, causing the strands to go every which way. "You said this morning at breakfast that you've never tried coffee before," she tapped him on the nose with a slender finger. "How do you like it?"
He blinked once, then twice as his mouth curled upwards in a half-grin. "I think I love it," he murmured just before he pressed his lips against hers once again.
***
The curtains were drawn so tightly together that no shaft of the fading light or flickering candles could penetrate through into the silent shroud. The figure lay prone, on their back in the small enclosure, while unseeing eyes stared upward. One hand was resting on their stomach, while the other rested over the necklace that lay flat against their chest. Shifting slightly, one hand reached out and carefully pulled the drape back a fraction of an inch, just enough to get a glimpse of the time and if there was anyone else in the room.
After a moment, the figure let the curtain fall back into place and lay back down with an air of satisfaction. "It's time," came the hoarse whisper, and the necklace was lifted to dry lips and kissed once again. Settling more comfortably on their back, eyes were closed and lips moved as they whispered an ancient incantation.
***
"Alright," Ron stifled a yawn and stood up from the crimson sofa, knees crackling as he went. "I'm off to bed you two," he stretched and flashed them both a smile. "See you in the morning Hermione, Harry," he nodded as he passed them.
"Good night Ron," she replied from her spot curled up beside Harry as he lazily threaded a hand through her hair while he flipped through his Potions textbook.
"Night Ron," he grunted, not bothering to look up, as he was nearly finished with his essay. Letting out a sigh, he picked up his forgotten quill, dipped in into the inkpot and scribbled furiously on the cream colored sheet.
Rousing herself from her reclining position, Hermione reached down and snagged the strap of her book bag, hauling it closer to herself. Fishing around for a moment, she finally pulled out a cracked, leather bound book.
"What's that?" Harry asked idly, his eyes scanning down the page.
"Nothing much," Hermione thumbed the cover open. "Just a book I got while I was in the library," her eyes darted over the fine lettering on the first page.
"Let me guess, light reading material?"
"Ha ha," she rolled her eyes and poked out her tongue. "Sorry to disappoint you, but no, this," she looked at him. "Doesn't qualify as light reading."
"Er – oh," he finished his last sentence. "What is it for then?" he paused and squinted at the title. "Ancient Myths and Legends? What are you reading that for?"
"I thought I'd do a bit more research," she shrugged and continued to flip through the thin pages.
"And what do you expect to find in there?" he jabbed at the book with the end of his quill.
"Who knows," she shrugged, dragging a finger down a column of words. "But it was the only promising book that I'd found before I left the library."
He let out a sigh and ran a hand through his hair. "I'm sorry, I should have helped you," he apologized.
"It's alright. I don't mind," she flashed him a smile. "Let's just hope we find something soon though."
"Right. I'm hoping that Madam Lissette was making everything up," he capped his inkpot. "I was hoping for a less dramatic year this time round."
***
A thick, gray mist spewed out of the ground, long strands of it reaching and twisting its way up into the darkening sky in forked fingers. Then, as quickly as it rose, it fell back to the earth and collected in a large pool at the base of a dead oak tree. The full moon shone silver through the bare branches, spreading pale patches of light along the barren ground. The surrounding forest, which was usually filled with the singing of crickets, the high pitched squeals of bats or the low hum of swarming insects, was deathly silent. Almost as if the trees themselves were afraid to breath.
The faint sound of rustling leaves spiked through the night as the mist glided nimbly over the earth, seeping through cracks between protruding roots and over fallen branches and rocks. It moved swiftly, weaving from side to side until it reached the edge of the row of trees. It paused, hovering gently for a moment, and then quickly darted across the large expanse of lawn towards the darkened building and its unsuspecting residents.
It lingered for a moment in a dip in the ground before gliding towards the thick stonewalls. Once there, it paused again before creeping up the side and then sinking in between the cracks of the bricks and spilling out onto the empty corridor. Shying away from the bright light of the flickering torches, it clung to the dark shadows along the walls, slowing inching its way passed the Great Hall, and down the stone stairs towards the Hufflepuff common room. The smoke stopped only once when Filch and Mrs. Norris wandered down an empty hall, searching for any hapless students that were out of their beds and foolishly wandering about.
It lay flat against the floor, waiting until Filch's footsteps faded away before slithering down the steps and past the kitchens. Oozing and rolling along in puffs of gray and black, it finally reached the twin statues of badgers guarding the Hufflepuff dorms. Spreading out into a thin line, it flowed easily over the bases of the stone guardians and slipped in through a large crack in the floor, disappearing from sight. Once inside, the gray cloud became thicker, banding together and making a more visible shape as it entered the black and yellow decorated common room. It stole silently passed the dying fire and swerved to the left, towards the girl's rooms.
A harsh laugh, low and dangerous, emitted from the ghostly figure and two yellow eyes winked into sight. A faint outline of wings traced the air at the back of the transparent shape. With a hiss, it halted in front of the first door, a puff of sulfur rising from its lungs and filling the corridor with its foul stench. With one final look round the hall, it plunged through to the other side, and all that was left was the faint smell of rotten breath and decaying flesh.
***
Evelyn Applebaum was a slender, mousy girl with long, pale blonde hair that she wore neatly in a ponytail. It was her second year at Hogwarts and she was just beginning to get over her shyness that had followed her around for years, even as a child. She'd dreaded being sent to hone her witch's skill, away from her parents and terrified that she'd have to actually speak and be noticed. After a year of going to class with the same group of girls and boys, she found that she was actually looking forward to her second year. But there was one thing she would never tell anyone, not even her mum or dad. Evelyn Applebaum was terrified of the dark. Scared to death of the dark corners where the faint moonlight couldn't reach, and was sure that things lurked under her bed, convinced that someone, or something, would reach out and grab her.
She would lie in the dark room, listening to the even breathing of her fellow roommates, who'd fallen asleep ages before her, with her eyes wide open and ears trained for any movement. Tonight was no exception. From her spot in the bed, she judged from the position of the moon, that it was roughly three in the morning. She'd dozed on and off, but jerked awake any time someone shifted or rolled over in their sleep. Chastising herself for being so jumpy, she wished for the millionth time that she would overcome her fears and be able to sleep peacefully like everyone else and stop being such a baby.
As she lay there listening to the clock ticking away the minutes, she felt her eyelids begin to droop, and soon enough, she was lightly snoring, her hands clutching the bed sheets in front of her. It had been only a matter of minutes after her eyes had shut, when a shadow moved over her and flowed under the large four-poster bed. Gliding over into the dark corner between the wall and the sleeping girl, the mist began to evaporate, leaving in its wake, a hulking form with gleaming eyes and large wings. Clutched in its right hand was a shinning orb fashioned out of clear glass. As it leaned over the small girl, a grin was forming on its scaled face, and a forked tongue slithered across its jagged teeth.
Letting out a low growl, Zabulus inhaled deeply, smelling the fear that rolled of the girl in waves. Carefully placing the glass sphere on the bed, he observed his prey before actually beginning his work. Tapping the container with one long talon, he muttered a spell, one written before the dawn of time, and watched as an opening appeared in the top. Muttering once again, he looked at his right arm, watched it dissolve into a column of smoke. With a mad grin, he moved it towards the girl's half-open mouth, his mouth watering in anticipation of his first collection.
Just as he was about to plunge his arm inside, something made Evelyn's eyes fly open, register the fact that there was a massive shadow next to her, and she screamed.
***
"Did you hear?" Neville's voice split the quiet of the boy's dorms. His cries were met with loud groans and muffled curses. Of course they hadn't heard anything, they were all dead asleep when he'd come crashing through the door.
With a curse of his own, Harry lifted his head and stared at the frantic boy with half open eyes. "W – what's wrong Neville?" he asked with a yawn, assuming that the poor boy was dreaming, perhaps a nightmare even. He was wrong.
"It's horrible Harry," he stumbled over to his bed. "Horrible," he wiped his face with his sleeve.
"What's horrible?" Ron grunted out, cracking open one eye to glare at Neville balefully.
"I – I was going to see Susan," he began, not bothering to flush and stutter when he mentioned the cute Hufflepuff. "And, and I saw Dumbledore and Professor Flitwick floating something wrapped in a bed sheet towards the hospital wing," he paused to suck in a lung full of air before continuing.
By this time, Harry was a bit more awake and attentive. "What was it Neville?" he probed. "It, it didn't have anything to do with Voldemort did it?" he was reaching for his robe as he stared at him with wide eyes, wondering why his scar hadn't hurt at all.
"No, no, it wasn't V – Vold…it wasn't him."
"Then what?" this was asked by Dean, who was leaning forward with interest.
Neville gulped. "They don't know what it was. But Flitwick carried a second year girl out of their dorms late last night after she'd screamed bloody murder."
"She's, she's not dead is she?" Ron asked in a horrified voice.
"No, not dead. But it looks like she's gone plum crazy," he was staring at the floor as he spoke. "I've heard that she was just laying there, her eyes wide open and all glassy, almost like she'd been petrified. No one else knew much about it, even her roommates, except for one who's refusing to talk about it. Professor Dumbledore and Professor Flitwick had to get Madam Pomfrey give her a sleeping potion to get her to quiet down."
By the time Neville was finished speaking, the room was deathly quiet. "Did she say anything at all Neville?" Seamus asked, fishing for more information.
"Susan didn't really know firsthand, in fact no one in the house knows what's going on since nobody'll tell them. But, she had heard that the only word the girl was saying before Madam Pomfrey got there was something about shadows."
"Shadows," Ron frowned and glanced at the rest of the boys. "What kind of nonsense is that?" His question was met by shrugs and the shaking of heads. He paused before speaking again. "Justin is one of their prefects, maybe he'll know a bit more about it."
"I dunno," Harry scratched his head and chewed on his lower lip, a sense of dread collecting in the pit of his stomach. "But something tells me, all hell is about to break loose."
***
It was a somber day. By lunchtime, Evelyn's name was on the lips of every Hogwarts student and teacher. Curiosity and horror were some of the more predominant feelings as students cast the mute Hufflepuffs sympathetic looks. Some walked around with a look of indifference about them, while others were wondering if what had happened to the shy girl was contagious and gave the Hufflepuffs a wide berth. And of course, the one person who may have had a clue as to what had really happened, was still sleeping in the hospital wing, along with her fellow house mate, under the watchful eyes of Madam Pomfrey.
"That poor girl," Lavender was beside herself when she'd heard the news from Ron. "That poor, poor girl," she shook her head. "And no one knows what's happened?"
"Not yet," Ron told her, his brow furrowing in concern. "I'm surprised really that Dumbledore hasn't said anything yet."
"Think about it Ron," Hermione put in. "What's he supposed to say?" she shrugged. "No one knows what happened and you know Dumbledore won't lie."
"Yeah I know," he sighed. "But I just don't get it," he cast Harry a sideways glance. "The Hufflepuffs have always been the least likely of all the houses to be under attack by You-Know-Who."
At this, Harry grunted. "Except for Justin in second year," he reminded them.
"That was different mate," Ron argued. "At that time, no muggle born was safe, no matter what house they were in."
"I suppose you're right," his shoulders slumped. "But still…" he didn't finish.
"Stop it this instant," Hermione looked pointedly at him. "Don't you dare blame yourself Harry Potter," she ordered.
He looked up at her with troubled eyes. "Who said I was?" he retorted, even though he knew that she knew he was.
"I can read you like a book," her voice grew softer. "It's not your fault Harry," she reached out a hand to lay on his shoulder. Ron and Lavender both nodded in agreement.
"I know," he breathed out, propping both hands on his hips. "But I can't help it," he chuckled bitterly. "Usually anything bad that happens to the school is some how directed towards me," he grit his teeth. "How is this any different?"
"Because," Hermione went on patiently. "No one knows exactly what happened, not even Dumbledore from the sounds of it," she locked eyes with him. "What happened to Evelyn Applebaum could have been just a horrible, horrible accident."
"I hope you're right Hermione," Lavender whispered, her eyes still wide at the thought of the small second year. "I hope to God that you're right."
A muscled twitched in Harry's jaw and he broke away from Hermione's penetrating look. "Please don't," she swallowed thickly and stepped forward to encircle his waist with her arms. "Please don't blame yourself," she rested her head on his chest and willed away the tension she felt racing through his body.
After a few moments, he visibly relaxed and wrapped his own arms around her. Letting out a deep sigh, he pushed away all his depressing thoughts and concentrated on the girl in his arms and his friends hovering in the background. "Sorry," he forced a small smile, one that he didn't feel on the inside. "You're right Hermione. It probably has nothing to do with me."
"Exactly," Ron nodded from his spot beside Lavender, but knew from the look in Harry's eyes that they would be discussing the recent events in detail later.
***
It was addicting, this feeling of power and anonymity. The fact that one simple, silly little girl had the whole school in an uproar, and that they were the reason behind it. Or more simply, Harry Potter was the reason behind it. Eyes swept over each table in the Great Hall. Tracing over the smug Slytherins, the gossiping Gryffindors, the distraught Hufflepuffs, and then finally the shocked Ravenclaws. Inside they were laughing, proud that they had accomplished the first task, terrorizing the school. It would only be a matter of time before people started pointing the finger at Harry Potter, the ruddy golden Boy-Who-Lived.
It wouldn't be surprising if people were already formulating that idea in their minds, even if they wouldn't ever speak out loud. It was enough satisfaction to watch everyone walking around in fear, looking over their shoulders and unable to sleep at night. Oh yes, school was about to get very interesting. One down, many more to go. Lips twitched in anticipation of nightfall, wanting to continue their reign of terror. Gleaming eyes made the rounds across the room once more, sliding over faces and mentally taking notes. Finally, their gaze remained on the pale face of a fourth year Slytherin.
Perfect, you're perfect. An evil chuckle floated through their mind as they studied the boy before them. After tonight, no one is going to want to sleep again. I only wish I could have heard the ridiculous Hufflepuff screaming, lips did curve upwards then. But the best is yet to come. The best will be when I see Harry Potter crushed and broken when I take her away from him. Then and only then will my wish be fulfilled.
***
Deep within his lair, Zabulus carefully placed the glass sphere on the stone shelf, the first of many. He felt stronger already, felt a new surge of power roaring through his veins as he flexed his wings. Stepping away with sinister glee, he let out a wild chuckle, eyes gleaming in pride. Floating within the clear glass was a faint wisp of what looked like smoke, gently spinning round and round. But what couldn't be heard, was the terrified weeping of Evelyn Applebaum.
~*~
Right, well I was trying to make this chapter as long as possible since I took five million years to update, but, there's too much information to continue at this point. If I had, I wouldn't have anything left to write about in the remaining chapters. Anyway, I do hope you enjoyed it, and once again, I am sorry about how long it took me to actually post this…I hope I didn't disappoint you too much.
Well, has anyone figured out who "The Master" is? Let me know if you have, although I probably won't tell you if you're right. Yes, I'm evil. Anyway, the whole coffee scene isn't my idea. I read a story once, either on portkey.org or pumpkinpie.org that had to deal with coffee and either Hermione or Harry not liking it until they kissed the other after they had drank some. Therefore, all credit goes out to the author of that particular story. I want to say it was entitled "Coffee" but I've been known to be wrong before. If anyone remembers the story I'm talking about, let me know and I'll make sure to mention it in chapter seven. Anyway, I'm off to start the next chapter…I'll see you soon!