Disclaimer: I don't own any of the Harry Potter's characters. Everything
belongs to J. K. Rowling. Everything unfamiliar is mine. 10/8
A/N: '' - Basically means that the character is thinking
"" - Basically means that the character is speaking
If you HAVEN'T read book 5 please stay away. There maybe spoilers
popping in. I'm not sure yet, actually I might put spoilers without
really meaning to. Check out my other stories: "Models", "Last
Chance", "Summer Camp", "It's All About the Money" (they're all Draco-
Hermione fics), and "Picture Perfect" (That last one is a Sirius-
Hermione fic).
Romance will come in the future chapters.
Title: The Haunted
Chapter2
Whisperers
Hermione Granger woke up early in the morning feeling a bit surprised. Sure she's getting used with the idea that she's stuck inside a manor but she can't help feeling surprised waking in a different room. She was not much of a procrastinating person. She got off the bed and gingerly fixed it manually, meaning without magic. Afterwards she got her bathrobe and headed to the enormous bathtub.
She relaxed at a shallow end and recalled the events that had happened. They've been trapped for three days now. They still haven't found a way to get out or to warn Harry and Ron. Both girls concluded that they must have dropped the mirror in the forest on their way here. They still haven't got a clue on the owner of the manor but they sure were having fun with the attention.
Every morning Wina would replace the flowers sitting on her desk with fresh ones. Hermione had wondered where she got it since vines and bushes instead of flowers surrounded the manor. The bathtub was filled with hot water and the bottles of soap were also replaced with new ones. It was as if the girls were living in a different world. Everything was perfect except maybe for the company. Come on spending your every minute with the same person everyday is pretty boring especially if you have no other choice.
Both girls were actually glad to have separate rooms. Ginny got so accustomed to the manor that she didn't mind staying at the far end of the east wing while Hermione stayed at the far end of the west wing.
Hermione lifted her palms and saw that they were getting all wrinkly. She decided to have a round at the bathtub before drying herself. When she got back to her room she admired the flowers sitting on her desk. She took her wand and opened the door to head for breakfast but something caught her eyes. 'What the hell happened?' She turned her head as she heard an ear- piercing scream. "Ginny!" She ran through the hall not believing her eyes. The hallway moved. Remember she was staying at the end of the west wing, now she has no clue as to where she was. Before she could make another move she heard yet another scream. This time it was composed of her name.
"Hermione!" Ginny screamed at the top of her lungs.
"Ginny, where are you?" Hermione screamed back focusing on the direction of her voice.
"Hermione! I'm seriously hanging here and I need your help!" Ginny screamed as she held on for dear life.
Hermione locked on her position and ran towards her. "Ginny what happened?" She was amazed at the sight she saw. Ginny was dangling on the bars of the stairway.
"Can we talk later? I'm kind of preoccupied at the moment?" Ginny was starting to loose her grip.
"Right!" Hermione drew her wand and produced a huge cushion to break Gin's fall. "Ok you can let go now."
"Are you sure that's safe?" It didn't really matter since her hands gave way.
Hermione jogged down the stairs to her friend's side. "You ok?"
"Honestly?" Ginny looked up to her, "What do you think?"
"No need to bring it out on me." (Why didn't Hermione just pull Ginny up? It was a grand stairway like that of Titanic. Hermione was on the other side where Ginny was hanging.)
"Sorry bout that." Hermione helped her up. "What happened anyway?"
"I don't know." Hermione shrugged.
"Why don't we find out? Wina!" Ginny screamed yet again.
"Mistress called for Wina?" Wina appeared almost immediately after being called.
Ginny jumped at her sudden appearance.
Hermione almost laughed. "Wina what happened upstairs?"
"Wina don't understand."
"I nearly died!" Ginny screamed at the house elf.
"Wina apologizes to mistress." Just like Dobby she started to punish herself on the wall.
Hermione grabbed her by her back and pulled her away from the wall. "No need to be rash. Just tell us what's going on?"
"Wina really doesn't know mistress."
"The rooms moved around last night." Hermione was being patient.
"That is not possible mistress. Walls here are not enchanted." Wina tried to explain.
Ginny gave a shriek at something on the wall. "Did you see that?" She asked Hermione.
Hermione looked a little too late. "What is it Ginny?"
Suddenly Ginny felt the creepiness that she felt the first time she saw the Manor. "A head of an house elf." She was able to get out the words.
Wina looked around nervously. "Wina has something else to do mistress. Breakfast is on the table." She rushed away from the two girls.
Hermione and Ginny exchanged curious glances.
~~~~~~~~~~
Wina headed to the hallway where heads of the house elves were hanged. "Master will not be pleased at your actions." She spoke to the wall in between two heads.
"Master will punish you for letting intruders in and waiting on them. You dishonor master's wishes." A head appeared on the wall and answered back.
"Wina only does what's right for young master."
"We've heard them speak of Harry Potter. Have you forgotten what theta person did to our masters?" Now another angry head formed within the wall.
"But they are the only ones who've come near master's house." Wina argued.
"To kill the young master no doubt."
"You don't understand young master's needs."
"We understand young master need not death."
"Wina remembers how Madame's anger when vase was misplaced. She wouldn't want rooms to be switched."
"They are now dead Wina. The least we can do is to protect young master and house from Harry Potter."
"That's what Wina's doing."
"No. Wina endangered young master when two witch friend of Harry Potter arrived."
Wina pouted and left the hall defeated. 'It would be harder now Wina against all house elves.'
~~~~~~~~~~
Hermione pouted at the disappearance of the house elf. She was uncertain about the manor once again. Ginny was thinking on the same line as she followed the older witch to the dinning area. "Ginny dear my hands are numb. Maybe you should loosen your grip."
Ginny eased her grip, "What's happening Hermione? Where did Wina go? Do you think somebody else is here and trying to kill us?"
"That's a possibility." Hermione thought out loud. "But I really can't think on an empty stomach. Maybe we should eat first."
Ginny nodded and silently followed Hermione.
"Mistress! Wina apologizes for earlier." Wina suddenly joined the two girls. Both girls jumped at her entrance.
"Wina, tell us what's going on?" Hermione asked.
"Wina promises to tell you soon."
"Tell me Wina, is your master home?" Hermione pressed the topic further.
Wina didn't answer instead she handed the two witches a white rose each. She remembered how her master calmed his wife with such.
The two girls accepted eagerly the two long-stemmed white roses.
"Where'd you get these?" Ginny was easily pleased. "I don't remember seeing any greenhouse or garden around here." As soon as the rose touched her skin it turned its color into red.
"What kind of roses are these? Why did her rose turned red and mine didn't?" Hermione asked. She preferred red rose than white.
"You want to trade? I like white roses more." Ginny offered her rose.
"Rose changes color to person who touches them." Wina tried to explain. 'Mistress Hermione is the one.'
"Oh." Both girls shrugged. "Where did you get them Wina?" Hermione was curious.
"Madame wanted to keep garden to herself. Master put greenroom in one tower." Wina answered.
"Would it be alright if you show us later?" Ginny could only imagine what it would look like. She was a bit romantic and flowers for her symbolize romance.
"Would mistress know of Harry Potter?" Wina did want the safety of her young master.
Ginny almost nodded before Hermione stopped her. "We know of his name."
"Masters don't like him." Wina shot a dangerous look at the two girls. Don't be confused with the rose trick. She needed the girls for her young master but her priority is to keep him safe. Harry Potter is a big threat for him. She just wanted to make sure the girls wouldn't hurt him.
"Who doesn't?" Ginny finally caught on. They were inside a manor that belonged to Death Eaters. Mentioning Harry Potter's name could prove fatal for them.
Wina smiled and led the girls to the dining room when she noticed the redhead fidgeting in her robes. "Is something the matter mistress?"
"Uh, I forgot my wand at my room."
"Ginny what do you mean?" Hermione was irritated. 'Who would forget to bring his/her wand when she's trapped inside the house of an enemy?'
"I must've left it in my room." Ginny deduced.
"You think?" Hermione rolled her eyes.
"Wina would look for it mistress."
"No thank Wina. I'll help her look for it." Hermione interjected.
"Hermione I don't think I'm prepared to go up again." Ginny blushed a deep shade of red.
"Fine I'll look for it myself." Hermione turned around to go back to the stairway.
"Wait! You're not leaving me here alone are you?" Ginny called out.
"No. I'm leaving Wina with you." Hermione didn't look back.
"I'm coming with you then." Ginny followed suit.
"Mistresses, food is cold."
"It'll only be a minute Wina." Hermione tried to explain. Wands are their only weapons and she didn't trust leaving it for Wina to find.
"Rooms are moving mistress. Wina doesn't think you'll find mistress' room."
"What are you suggesting then?" Hermione faced the house elf with a raised eyebrow.
"Food is cold. Mistresses should eat. Wina make sure to look for mistress' wand."
"I don't thin so Wina." Although Hermione was already feeling faint from hunger she knew that she shouldn't trust Wina. Her loyalty is with her master and not the guests. From the looks of it her master or maybe an heir is still living inside the manor. If Ginny loses her wand it'll be more difficult for the both of them, say her masters comeback or the heir retaliates.
Ginny however didn't look at that possibility. She was hungry and has proof of which. Her stomach was already growling. "Hermione maybe we should eat first before we look for my wand."
Hermione hesitated but then her stomach started growling as well. "Fine. Wina please don't touch Ginny's room till we find her wand."
Wina nodded to her and to the wall. Odd isn't it? Maybe but the walls understood. The house elves shifted from listening to the two girls' conversation to Ginny's room. They are the only ones aware of which room was which. The house elves circled the room until they found the wand. In an instant the wall bulged ad swallowed the wand.
Wina watched the two girls chatting about roses and romance novels they've read. 'Sorry mistress, this is for young master's sake.'
~~~~~~~~~~
The whole day was spent on searching for Ginny's wand in all the possible places. Hermione even tried a summoning spell but of no luck. Ginny gave up on ever finding her wand. They were inside her room. Ginny was seated by a window looking out at the pale moon, which was hanging directly above the manor. Hermione could see her friend's eyes starting to swell. "Ginny dear, it'll be alright. Sooner or later we're going to find it."
"It's just impossible for a wand to disappear just like that." Ginny began sobbing uncontrollably.
"That's why we're going to find it." Hermione said reassuringly. She moved to her friend's side and hung an arm around Ginny's shoulder.
"Do you think Wina took it?" Ginny asked in between sobs.
"She was with us all the time." Hermione tried to consider.
"Who could've stolen it then?" Some of the words were incoherent but due to Hermione's well-trained ears she understood every word.
"I'm thinking we're not alone in this manor."
"Do you think there are Death Eaters here?" Ginny stopped sobbing for a while.
"I'm not sure. The possibility of other people inside this manor is very high. We haven't even seed the three towers." Hermione remembered the first time she saw the manor form afar. The three towers were the ones that attracted her to it especially the middle tower.
"But when we came here, the place were covered with white sheets." Ginny's mind started to work properly.
"Maybe Wina's hiding someone from us." Hermione couldn't make sense of anything anymore. She was panicking at the thought that there would be a Death Eater in the manor. She would say that he's got home advantage. He could attack any moment. 'We have to find that bloody wand!'
"Hermione what are you thinking?" Ginny looked very troubled.
"I was thinking that we shouldn't sleep in different rooms anymore. I'm the only one who's got a wand. We have to look after each other."
"That makes sense but the thing is I can't protect you."
"Ginny stay here. I'll just get my things."
Ginny nodded. The rooms didn't move when they started searching for her wand anymore. She was pretty confident that it wouldn't move now. Besides she knew that Hermione's things were now placed inside a room beside hers.
As room as Hermione left the room the walls started to move at an incredible pace. She wasn't even able to close Ginny's room. She actually didn't have to since the peed of the room's movement closed it for her. She was now again confused of the positions of the rooms. 'Bloody hell! What happened? It's as if this manor wants to separate me from Gin. Gin!' "WINA!" Hermione yelled in a hoarse voice out of frustration. She knew she'd need Wina's help at this moment. She didn't care that she didn't trust the house elf. What mattered now is the fact that Ginny is alone inside a room vulnerable to any attacks. "WINA!" She yelled again. She heard footsteps coming towards her. She didn't call for Ginny. There was a good chance her attacker didn't know she was with someone. She wanted to protect her friend. Before she could turn around someone shoved a hand to her worth. She felt a hand taking hold of her wand. Her eyes weren't helping. It was too dark to see her attacker. 'Oh no! Ginny!'
~~~~~~~~~~
Ginny didn't feel the change of room positioning. It felt like everything was normal. She didn't panicked or anything, anyway before she heard Hermione's screams, which seemed far away. 'What's going on? Why is she looking for Wina?' Ginny calmed herself and waited for five minutes for her friend before she braved herself to leave the room. 'What's taking her?'
She walked out of her room and was surprised to see that the lights were shut off. 'This place gets creepier by the minute.'
The silence was deafening. She took deep breaths to calm herself. She walked a few steps until she reached the room where Hermione's things were supposed to be. She didn't even notice that the stairway was far now. She reached for the doorknob and turned it ever so slowly. The door opened easily and creaked a bit. She didn't see anything out of the ordinary. Most of the rooms looked alike. When she didn't see Hermione she stepped inside and felt something wet against her skin. The next second she was lying on her back, her eyes closed. She was lying motionless on the floor.
~~~~~~~~~~
The next day Ginny opened her eyes and had trouble adjusting to the sun's rays coming from the window. 'Where am I? Am I dead?' She tried to move her head sideways but found it impossible. She tried to raise her arms, legs, fingers but nothing seemed to move. Her heart was already beating at in incredible pace at the loss of her mobility. Her heart doubled its pace when a tall dark manly figure blocked her view. She wanted to scream for help but no sound came out since her lips were sealed shut. The only thing she was capable of moving was her eyelids. Her only defense was to shut her eyes.
"Ginny! You're up!"
Ginny could hear a vaguely familiar cheery voice. She opened her eyes to three people looking down at her.
"Good morning Ginny!" Hermione was standing between two wizards smiling at her.
"Ginny you're awake! Thank God!" Ron was also smiling down at her.
"Hi Ginny!" Harry looked slightly embarrassed.
Ginny was able to move her eyebrow and raised it. 'Am I dreaming?'
Hermione understood. "These blokes finally found this house the other day. This place is so big that we didn't bump into each other. These two blokes heard noises most probably from us and thought we were Death Eaters. They set up traps for us. Unfortunately you got caught on one of Harry's favorite 'the body binding bubble.' From the looks of things you'll stay that way for the whole day." Hermione paused to think of anything she forgot to say. "Although I am a bit shocked that Wina haven't seen these blokes yet."
"Hey we're sorry. We're on a dangerous mission. You can't blame us for being careful.' Ron explained.
Ginny I'm really sorry. After hunting Death Eaters it sort of became a reflex for me." Harry couldn't look at her directly.
"Looks like our wish came true eh?" Hermione remembered the first time she saw the manor in its' most beautiful state. They wished for boys and Harry and Ron were here now.
~~~~~~~~~~
Before Hermione could turn around someone shoved a hand to her worth. She felt a hand taking hold of her wand. Her eyes weren't helping. It was too dark to see her attacker. 'Oh no! Ginny!'
She stepped hard on her assailant's feet and felt his grip loosen. She jammed her elbow to his ribs to break free from his hold. She started to run but was caught easily by another. "Let me go!" She tried to fidget her way out.
The man holding her now froze. Her voice was very familiar. "Hermione?"
This time she froze as well. She too remembered the voice that called her name. "Harry?"
Harry turned her to face him. "Hermione! You're alright!" He hugged her tight.
Ron heard the exchange of names and ran to them. "Hermione!"
Harry gave her back her wand. She missed it even for just a few minutes. She strained her eyes to look at Ron. "Ron!"
Ron collected her in his arms, "I'm sorry about earlier but I might say you've become quite aggressive."
Hermione let his last remark pass, "Likewise." She hugged him back. She was so happy to see her friends.
Ron broke away from her, "Where's Ginny?"
Before Hermione could reply they heard a loud thud from the opposite side. The three friends cautiously walked to the noise when they recognized the body that was lying on the floor. "Ginny!"
~~~~~~~~~~
Since the incident Harry has been blaming himself for what happened. So when Hermione decided to form groups whenever they roam the manor he chose to be with Ginny.
Hermione thought it was cute to see the "Great Harry Potter" falling to his knees to serve Ginny. "Ok Ginny honey, I know you're enjoying the attention but I think we should get down to business. Harry, you said you sneaked inside the manor?"
Harry nodded. "The front and backdoors wouldn't budge. We found a secret passage that led to the kitchen."
"If the manor won't let you in, how come you insisted on breaking in?" Hermione didn't see the logic.
"Ron said that he had a feeling his little sister was inside here. I thought we'd check it out."
Ginny glared at the "little" sister remark although none noticed.
"Anyway, why didn't you warn us about this place?" It was Harry's turn to ask questions. Apparently they found out the secret within the walls meaning they couldn't escape the manor unless Wina or her master would do so, which were both very unlikely to happen.
"We tried but the manor itself wouldn't allow us to leave." Hermione explained.
"What about the mirror then?" Harry inquired.
"I dropped it somewhere in this manor or the forest. I haven't found it since." Hermione sighed. "Enough of this, we should be talking about ways to escape this manor."
"Can we relax for a while? Our vacations are long overdue." Ron was sprawled on the couch.
"Ron believe me, Ginny and I have spent three days already in here and I'm getting sick of it." Hermione paused for a while, "Don't you even care that we could be stuck here forever?"
"It was just a suggestion." Ron whispered.
"That secret passage you went in Harry, is it-" Hermione wasn't able to finish.
"As soon as we entered it locked shut. I've tried all the unlocking spells I know or heard of but none worked."
"Hey, have you tried brute strength?" Ron offered.
"We tried to throw some chairs on the glass windows bit it just bounced back." Hermione answered.
"That's it for me." Ron found a relaxing position on the couch. "Three days. How did you survive? I'm awfully hungry. I don't think I can last three days without food." Ron started to whine.
"Wina took care of us." Hermione said absentmindedly. She was still thinking of ways to get out. "Harry what about port keys?"
"Wina? Who's Wina?" Ron focused on his growling stomach.
"Can't Ron dropped it when we came across a giant spider." Harry had a look of intrigue on his face.
"Giant spiders? Really now, I thought that was so second year." Hermione rolled her eyes.
Harry stifled a laugh.
"Hey it was real. They were enormous. They were taller than that of second year." Ron defended himself.
"Harry?" She didn't quite believe him.
"They were larger than normal but not as big as before." Harry replied coolly.
"Whatever mate! Let's see you face Voldemort again in a dark forest." Ron challenged.
"Wait, didn't I accomplished that during first year and with Malfoy if I might add." Harry teased.
Ron surrendered. "So Hermione, who's this Wina?"
"Wina's the caretaker - house elf here. She said her masters have been expecting guests to arrive. She assumed they were us."
"If that is so then why won't she let you go?" Harry became serious.
"She said her masters orders were to keep the guests safe until they return."
"So who's the owner of this manor?" Ron asked.
"No idea. All the portraits have been taken. Wina hasn't let on who her masters were. If I asked she'd get suspicious. You see she's got orders to kill any intruders." Hermione anticipated her friends' questions. "If we kill her then we may get stuck in here forever. By the way what names should I call you two?"
"What's wrong with our names?" Ron whined.
"If I'm not mistaken we're inside a Death Eaters house. Your names are rather conspicuous don't you think?" Hermione got a nod from Harry.
"As if yours and Ginny's names aren't conspicuous." Ron teased.
Hermione ignored him, "Why not use Vincent's and Blaise' names? We all know this isn't their house since we've already raided theirs."
"Isn't there any other choice?" Ron pleaded.
"I choose Blaise. Assuming that Wina doesn't know our names yet and that she doesn't know Blaise' and Vincent's faces as well." Harry surmised.
"Hey no fair!" Ron objected when he realized that he had no choice but to use Vincent's name. "Can't I use any other name? I don't want the big idiotic buffoon's name."
"Vincent stop whining. Would you rather be hunted down by a house elf?" Hermione teased.
"What about you two? You've been using your real names around here and you're still alive." Ron argued.
"We're not as popular as you two." Hermione teased further.
All in all they had a good plan but it was a bit too late. The other house elves have been listening to their conversation. They know now that these two wizards are imposters. A threat to their young master. It's a good thing though that none of the witches and wizards used last names. As if it would do any good anyway. Meaning the house elves only knows that there's a Harry in the manor. If they knew it was Harry Potter they would have retaliated for their masters' fates.
The three best friends, Harry, Ron, and Hermione were chatting nonsense. Ginny couldn't join the fun. She was getting tired of being in a position looking at her friends. Her eyes then drifted to a particular spot on the wall. She thought the walls were abnormally bulky. She blinked her eyes frantically when she saw faint signs of eyes disappearing from the wall. She then put all her attention to her friends who were still happily chatting. 'I must be delirious. Being coped up here and body bind can do things to your head.' Ginny deduced. 'If that is so then why did I saw something similar yesterday?'
~~~~~~~~~~
The Whisperers', these are what house elves are called when they merge into walls; sole purpose was to protect the manor. Having unusual guests most likely required of their master's attention or in this case their young master. The Whisperers glided from wall to wall down to the deepest dungeon. They stopped before a shadow of a figure. "Master." They called his attention. They were speaking as one.
The figure turned with loneliness rather distinct in his face. "What are you still doing here? I've already set you all free?"
"Masters home's infested by intruders." The Whisperers reported ignoring the young master's remark.
"I've sensed that. Now if there's nothing more I wish to be alone." He ordered.
"Wina sire waits on them." The whisperers insisted.
"She as well as all of you was already set free. I don't care about her actions anymore."
"Master, the intruders names are similar of the Potter boy."
The young wizard focused his gaze intently at the Whisperers. "What's these people's names then?"
"Hermione, Ginny, Ron and Harry sire."
'The Golden Trio and the Weasley girl, how interesting.' He thought for a second before asking. "Are these GUESTS staying for a while?"
"Wina has plans for them master. She keeps them in sire."
The young wizard closed his eyes as thoughts and memories came barging back to his mind. "Tell me, where does your loyalty lies?"
"With young master sire."
The young wizard smiled inwardly. "Very well. You will be my eyes and ears within the manor. Everything that passes between these guests I must know."
"Sire, we have the wand of the redhead girl." The walls then spit out Ginny's wand.
"Excellent. I want you to make sure that our guests are comfortable and stays on separate rooms."
"As you wish master. Are we then to keep them inside?"
"That is my wish. Remember do not frighten them. I need to let their guard down."
"Shall we inform Wina sire?"
"I do not trust her."
The Whisperers dissolved into the walls surprised that their young master was in a good mood.
"I have my plans. I have plans alright." A familiar smirk was formed on the wizard's face. 'Harry Potter, you've been lucky all these time. I have suffered because of your luck. The time has come for my revenge. Starting with your friends I will make you suffer as I did. My family's name will rise again. I will make sure the Malfoy family name will not be forgotten.
~~~~~~~~~~
A/N: Thanks to my beta dorksrhot_so_is_hot.
A/N: '' - Basically means that the character is thinking
"" - Basically means that the character is speaking
If you HAVEN'T read book 5 please stay away. There maybe spoilers
popping in. I'm not sure yet, actually I might put spoilers without
really meaning to. Check out my other stories: "Models", "Last
Chance", "Summer Camp", "It's All About the Money" (they're all Draco-
Hermione fics), and "Picture Perfect" (That last one is a Sirius-
Hermione fic).
Romance will come in the future chapters.
Title: The Haunted
Chapter2
Whisperers
Hermione Granger woke up early in the morning feeling a bit surprised. Sure she's getting used with the idea that she's stuck inside a manor but she can't help feeling surprised waking in a different room. She was not much of a procrastinating person. She got off the bed and gingerly fixed it manually, meaning without magic. Afterwards she got her bathrobe and headed to the enormous bathtub.
She relaxed at a shallow end and recalled the events that had happened. They've been trapped for three days now. They still haven't found a way to get out or to warn Harry and Ron. Both girls concluded that they must have dropped the mirror in the forest on their way here. They still haven't got a clue on the owner of the manor but they sure were having fun with the attention.
Every morning Wina would replace the flowers sitting on her desk with fresh ones. Hermione had wondered where she got it since vines and bushes instead of flowers surrounded the manor. The bathtub was filled with hot water and the bottles of soap were also replaced with new ones. It was as if the girls were living in a different world. Everything was perfect except maybe for the company. Come on spending your every minute with the same person everyday is pretty boring especially if you have no other choice.
Both girls were actually glad to have separate rooms. Ginny got so accustomed to the manor that she didn't mind staying at the far end of the east wing while Hermione stayed at the far end of the west wing.
Hermione lifted her palms and saw that they were getting all wrinkly. She decided to have a round at the bathtub before drying herself. When she got back to her room she admired the flowers sitting on her desk. She took her wand and opened the door to head for breakfast but something caught her eyes. 'What the hell happened?' She turned her head as she heard an ear- piercing scream. "Ginny!" She ran through the hall not believing her eyes. The hallway moved. Remember she was staying at the end of the west wing, now she has no clue as to where she was. Before she could make another move she heard yet another scream. This time it was composed of her name.
"Hermione!" Ginny screamed at the top of her lungs.
"Ginny, where are you?" Hermione screamed back focusing on the direction of her voice.
"Hermione! I'm seriously hanging here and I need your help!" Ginny screamed as she held on for dear life.
Hermione locked on her position and ran towards her. "Ginny what happened?" She was amazed at the sight she saw. Ginny was dangling on the bars of the stairway.
"Can we talk later? I'm kind of preoccupied at the moment?" Ginny was starting to loose her grip.
"Right!" Hermione drew her wand and produced a huge cushion to break Gin's fall. "Ok you can let go now."
"Are you sure that's safe?" It didn't really matter since her hands gave way.
Hermione jogged down the stairs to her friend's side. "You ok?"
"Honestly?" Ginny looked up to her, "What do you think?"
"No need to bring it out on me." (Why didn't Hermione just pull Ginny up? It was a grand stairway like that of Titanic. Hermione was on the other side where Ginny was hanging.)
"Sorry bout that." Hermione helped her up. "What happened anyway?"
"I don't know." Hermione shrugged.
"Why don't we find out? Wina!" Ginny screamed yet again.
"Mistress called for Wina?" Wina appeared almost immediately after being called.
Ginny jumped at her sudden appearance.
Hermione almost laughed. "Wina what happened upstairs?"
"Wina don't understand."
"I nearly died!" Ginny screamed at the house elf.
"Wina apologizes to mistress." Just like Dobby she started to punish herself on the wall.
Hermione grabbed her by her back and pulled her away from the wall. "No need to be rash. Just tell us what's going on?"
"Wina really doesn't know mistress."
"The rooms moved around last night." Hermione was being patient.
"That is not possible mistress. Walls here are not enchanted." Wina tried to explain.
Ginny gave a shriek at something on the wall. "Did you see that?" She asked Hermione.
Hermione looked a little too late. "What is it Ginny?"
Suddenly Ginny felt the creepiness that she felt the first time she saw the Manor. "A head of an house elf." She was able to get out the words.
Wina looked around nervously. "Wina has something else to do mistress. Breakfast is on the table." She rushed away from the two girls.
Hermione and Ginny exchanged curious glances.
~~~~~~~~~~
Wina headed to the hallway where heads of the house elves were hanged. "Master will not be pleased at your actions." She spoke to the wall in between two heads.
"Master will punish you for letting intruders in and waiting on them. You dishonor master's wishes." A head appeared on the wall and answered back.
"Wina only does what's right for young master."
"We've heard them speak of Harry Potter. Have you forgotten what theta person did to our masters?" Now another angry head formed within the wall.
"But they are the only ones who've come near master's house." Wina argued.
"To kill the young master no doubt."
"You don't understand young master's needs."
"We understand young master need not death."
"Wina remembers how Madame's anger when vase was misplaced. She wouldn't want rooms to be switched."
"They are now dead Wina. The least we can do is to protect young master and house from Harry Potter."
"That's what Wina's doing."
"No. Wina endangered young master when two witch friend of Harry Potter arrived."
Wina pouted and left the hall defeated. 'It would be harder now Wina against all house elves.'
~~~~~~~~~~
Hermione pouted at the disappearance of the house elf. She was uncertain about the manor once again. Ginny was thinking on the same line as she followed the older witch to the dinning area. "Ginny dear my hands are numb. Maybe you should loosen your grip."
Ginny eased her grip, "What's happening Hermione? Where did Wina go? Do you think somebody else is here and trying to kill us?"
"That's a possibility." Hermione thought out loud. "But I really can't think on an empty stomach. Maybe we should eat first."
Ginny nodded and silently followed Hermione.
"Mistress! Wina apologizes for earlier." Wina suddenly joined the two girls. Both girls jumped at her entrance.
"Wina, tell us what's going on?" Hermione asked.
"Wina promises to tell you soon."
"Tell me Wina, is your master home?" Hermione pressed the topic further.
Wina didn't answer instead she handed the two witches a white rose each. She remembered how her master calmed his wife with such.
The two girls accepted eagerly the two long-stemmed white roses.
"Where'd you get these?" Ginny was easily pleased. "I don't remember seeing any greenhouse or garden around here." As soon as the rose touched her skin it turned its color into red.
"What kind of roses are these? Why did her rose turned red and mine didn't?" Hermione asked. She preferred red rose than white.
"You want to trade? I like white roses more." Ginny offered her rose.
"Rose changes color to person who touches them." Wina tried to explain. 'Mistress Hermione is the one.'
"Oh." Both girls shrugged. "Where did you get them Wina?" Hermione was curious.
"Madame wanted to keep garden to herself. Master put greenroom in one tower." Wina answered.
"Would it be alright if you show us later?" Ginny could only imagine what it would look like. She was a bit romantic and flowers for her symbolize romance.
"Would mistress know of Harry Potter?" Wina did want the safety of her young master.
Ginny almost nodded before Hermione stopped her. "We know of his name."
"Masters don't like him." Wina shot a dangerous look at the two girls. Don't be confused with the rose trick. She needed the girls for her young master but her priority is to keep him safe. Harry Potter is a big threat for him. She just wanted to make sure the girls wouldn't hurt him.
"Who doesn't?" Ginny finally caught on. They were inside a manor that belonged to Death Eaters. Mentioning Harry Potter's name could prove fatal for them.
Wina smiled and led the girls to the dining room when she noticed the redhead fidgeting in her robes. "Is something the matter mistress?"
"Uh, I forgot my wand at my room."
"Ginny what do you mean?" Hermione was irritated. 'Who would forget to bring his/her wand when she's trapped inside the house of an enemy?'
"I must've left it in my room." Ginny deduced.
"You think?" Hermione rolled her eyes.
"Wina would look for it mistress."
"No thank Wina. I'll help her look for it." Hermione interjected.
"Hermione I don't think I'm prepared to go up again." Ginny blushed a deep shade of red.
"Fine I'll look for it myself." Hermione turned around to go back to the stairway.
"Wait! You're not leaving me here alone are you?" Ginny called out.
"No. I'm leaving Wina with you." Hermione didn't look back.
"I'm coming with you then." Ginny followed suit.
"Mistresses, food is cold."
"It'll only be a minute Wina." Hermione tried to explain. Wands are their only weapons and she didn't trust leaving it for Wina to find.
"Rooms are moving mistress. Wina doesn't think you'll find mistress' room."
"What are you suggesting then?" Hermione faced the house elf with a raised eyebrow.
"Food is cold. Mistresses should eat. Wina make sure to look for mistress' wand."
"I don't thin so Wina." Although Hermione was already feeling faint from hunger she knew that she shouldn't trust Wina. Her loyalty is with her master and not the guests. From the looks of it her master or maybe an heir is still living inside the manor. If Ginny loses her wand it'll be more difficult for the both of them, say her masters comeback or the heir retaliates.
Ginny however didn't look at that possibility. She was hungry and has proof of which. Her stomach was already growling. "Hermione maybe we should eat first before we look for my wand."
Hermione hesitated but then her stomach started growling as well. "Fine. Wina please don't touch Ginny's room till we find her wand."
Wina nodded to her and to the wall. Odd isn't it? Maybe but the walls understood. The house elves shifted from listening to the two girls' conversation to Ginny's room. They are the only ones aware of which room was which. The house elves circled the room until they found the wand. In an instant the wall bulged ad swallowed the wand.
Wina watched the two girls chatting about roses and romance novels they've read. 'Sorry mistress, this is for young master's sake.'
~~~~~~~~~~
The whole day was spent on searching for Ginny's wand in all the possible places. Hermione even tried a summoning spell but of no luck. Ginny gave up on ever finding her wand. They were inside her room. Ginny was seated by a window looking out at the pale moon, which was hanging directly above the manor. Hermione could see her friend's eyes starting to swell. "Ginny dear, it'll be alright. Sooner or later we're going to find it."
"It's just impossible for a wand to disappear just like that." Ginny began sobbing uncontrollably.
"That's why we're going to find it." Hermione said reassuringly. She moved to her friend's side and hung an arm around Ginny's shoulder.
"Do you think Wina took it?" Ginny asked in between sobs.
"She was with us all the time." Hermione tried to consider.
"Who could've stolen it then?" Some of the words were incoherent but due to Hermione's well-trained ears she understood every word.
"I'm thinking we're not alone in this manor."
"Do you think there are Death Eaters here?" Ginny stopped sobbing for a while.
"I'm not sure. The possibility of other people inside this manor is very high. We haven't even seed the three towers." Hermione remembered the first time she saw the manor form afar. The three towers were the ones that attracted her to it especially the middle tower.
"But when we came here, the place were covered with white sheets." Ginny's mind started to work properly.
"Maybe Wina's hiding someone from us." Hermione couldn't make sense of anything anymore. She was panicking at the thought that there would be a Death Eater in the manor. She would say that he's got home advantage. He could attack any moment. 'We have to find that bloody wand!'
"Hermione what are you thinking?" Ginny looked very troubled.
"I was thinking that we shouldn't sleep in different rooms anymore. I'm the only one who's got a wand. We have to look after each other."
"That makes sense but the thing is I can't protect you."
"Ginny stay here. I'll just get my things."
Ginny nodded. The rooms didn't move when they started searching for her wand anymore. She was pretty confident that it wouldn't move now. Besides she knew that Hermione's things were now placed inside a room beside hers.
As room as Hermione left the room the walls started to move at an incredible pace. She wasn't even able to close Ginny's room. She actually didn't have to since the peed of the room's movement closed it for her. She was now again confused of the positions of the rooms. 'Bloody hell! What happened? It's as if this manor wants to separate me from Gin. Gin!' "WINA!" Hermione yelled in a hoarse voice out of frustration. She knew she'd need Wina's help at this moment. She didn't care that she didn't trust the house elf. What mattered now is the fact that Ginny is alone inside a room vulnerable to any attacks. "WINA!" She yelled again. She heard footsteps coming towards her. She didn't call for Ginny. There was a good chance her attacker didn't know she was with someone. She wanted to protect her friend. Before she could turn around someone shoved a hand to her worth. She felt a hand taking hold of her wand. Her eyes weren't helping. It was too dark to see her attacker. 'Oh no! Ginny!'
~~~~~~~~~~
Ginny didn't feel the change of room positioning. It felt like everything was normal. She didn't panicked or anything, anyway before she heard Hermione's screams, which seemed far away. 'What's going on? Why is she looking for Wina?' Ginny calmed herself and waited for five minutes for her friend before she braved herself to leave the room. 'What's taking her?'
She walked out of her room and was surprised to see that the lights were shut off. 'This place gets creepier by the minute.'
The silence was deafening. She took deep breaths to calm herself. She walked a few steps until she reached the room where Hermione's things were supposed to be. She didn't even notice that the stairway was far now. She reached for the doorknob and turned it ever so slowly. The door opened easily and creaked a bit. She didn't see anything out of the ordinary. Most of the rooms looked alike. When she didn't see Hermione she stepped inside and felt something wet against her skin. The next second she was lying on her back, her eyes closed. She was lying motionless on the floor.
~~~~~~~~~~
The next day Ginny opened her eyes and had trouble adjusting to the sun's rays coming from the window. 'Where am I? Am I dead?' She tried to move her head sideways but found it impossible. She tried to raise her arms, legs, fingers but nothing seemed to move. Her heart was already beating at in incredible pace at the loss of her mobility. Her heart doubled its pace when a tall dark manly figure blocked her view. She wanted to scream for help but no sound came out since her lips were sealed shut. The only thing she was capable of moving was her eyelids. Her only defense was to shut her eyes.
"Ginny! You're up!"
Ginny could hear a vaguely familiar cheery voice. She opened her eyes to three people looking down at her.
"Good morning Ginny!" Hermione was standing between two wizards smiling at her.
"Ginny you're awake! Thank God!" Ron was also smiling down at her.
"Hi Ginny!" Harry looked slightly embarrassed.
Ginny was able to move her eyebrow and raised it. 'Am I dreaming?'
Hermione understood. "These blokes finally found this house the other day. This place is so big that we didn't bump into each other. These two blokes heard noises most probably from us and thought we were Death Eaters. They set up traps for us. Unfortunately you got caught on one of Harry's favorite 'the body binding bubble.' From the looks of things you'll stay that way for the whole day." Hermione paused to think of anything she forgot to say. "Although I am a bit shocked that Wina haven't seen these blokes yet."
"Hey we're sorry. We're on a dangerous mission. You can't blame us for being careful.' Ron explained.
Ginny I'm really sorry. After hunting Death Eaters it sort of became a reflex for me." Harry couldn't look at her directly.
"Looks like our wish came true eh?" Hermione remembered the first time she saw the manor in its' most beautiful state. They wished for boys and Harry and Ron were here now.
~~~~~~~~~~
Before Hermione could turn around someone shoved a hand to her worth. She felt a hand taking hold of her wand. Her eyes weren't helping. It was too dark to see her attacker. 'Oh no! Ginny!'
She stepped hard on her assailant's feet and felt his grip loosen. She jammed her elbow to his ribs to break free from his hold. She started to run but was caught easily by another. "Let me go!" She tried to fidget her way out.
The man holding her now froze. Her voice was very familiar. "Hermione?"
This time she froze as well. She too remembered the voice that called her name. "Harry?"
Harry turned her to face him. "Hermione! You're alright!" He hugged her tight.
Ron heard the exchange of names and ran to them. "Hermione!"
Harry gave her back her wand. She missed it even for just a few minutes. She strained her eyes to look at Ron. "Ron!"
Ron collected her in his arms, "I'm sorry about earlier but I might say you've become quite aggressive."
Hermione let his last remark pass, "Likewise." She hugged him back. She was so happy to see her friends.
Ron broke away from her, "Where's Ginny?"
Before Hermione could reply they heard a loud thud from the opposite side. The three friends cautiously walked to the noise when they recognized the body that was lying on the floor. "Ginny!"
~~~~~~~~~~
Since the incident Harry has been blaming himself for what happened. So when Hermione decided to form groups whenever they roam the manor he chose to be with Ginny.
Hermione thought it was cute to see the "Great Harry Potter" falling to his knees to serve Ginny. "Ok Ginny honey, I know you're enjoying the attention but I think we should get down to business. Harry, you said you sneaked inside the manor?"
Harry nodded. "The front and backdoors wouldn't budge. We found a secret passage that led to the kitchen."
"If the manor won't let you in, how come you insisted on breaking in?" Hermione didn't see the logic.
"Ron said that he had a feeling his little sister was inside here. I thought we'd check it out."
Ginny glared at the "little" sister remark although none noticed.
"Anyway, why didn't you warn us about this place?" It was Harry's turn to ask questions. Apparently they found out the secret within the walls meaning they couldn't escape the manor unless Wina or her master would do so, which were both very unlikely to happen.
"We tried but the manor itself wouldn't allow us to leave." Hermione explained.
"What about the mirror then?" Harry inquired.
"I dropped it somewhere in this manor or the forest. I haven't found it since." Hermione sighed. "Enough of this, we should be talking about ways to escape this manor."
"Can we relax for a while? Our vacations are long overdue." Ron was sprawled on the couch.
"Ron believe me, Ginny and I have spent three days already in here and I'm getting sick of it." Hermione paused for a while, "Don't you even care that we could be stuck here forever?"
"It was just a suggestion." Ron whispered.
"That secret passage you went in Harry, is it-" Hermione wasn't able to finish.
"As soon as we entered it locked shut. I've tried all the unlocking spells I know or heard of but none worked."
"Hey, have you tried brute strength?" Ron offered.
"We tried to throw some chairs on the glass windows bit it just bounced back." Hermione answered.
"That's it for me." Ron found a relaxing position on the couch. "Three days. How did you survive? I'm awfully hungry. I don't think I can last three days without food." Ron started to whine.
"Wina took care of us." Hermione said absentmindedly. She was still thinking of ways to get out. "Harry what about port keys?"
"Wina? Who's Wina?" Ron focused on his growling stomach.
"Can't Ron dropped it when we came across a giant spider." Harry had a look of intrigue on his face.
"Giant spiders? Really now, I thought that was so second year." Hermione rolled her eyes.
Harry stifled a laugh.
"Hey it was real. They were enormous. They were taller than that of second year." Ron defended himself.
"Harry?" She didn't quite believe him.
"They were larger than normal but not as big as before." Harry replied coolly.
"Whatever mate! Let's see you face Voldemort again in a dark forest." Ron challenged.
"Wait, didn't I accomplished that during first year and with Malfoy if I might add." Harry teased.
Ron surrendered. "So Hermione, who's this Wina?"
"Wina's the caretaker - house elf here. She said her masters have been expecting guests to arrive. She assumed they were us."
"If that is so then why won't she let you go?" Harry became serious.
"She said her masters orders were to keep the guests safe until they return."
"So who's the owner of this manor?" Ron asked.
"No idea. All the portraits have been taken. Wina hasn't let on who her masters were. If I asked she'd get suspicious. You see she's got orders to kill any intruders." Hermione anticipated her friends' questions. "If we kill her then we may get stuck in here forever. By the way what names should I call you two?"
"What's wrong with our names?" Ron whined.
"If I'm not mistaken we're inside a Death Eaters house. Your names are rather conspicuous don't you think?" Hermione got a nod from Harry.
"As if yours and Ginny's names aren't conspicuous." Ron teased.
Hermione ignored him, "Why not use Vincent's and Blaise' names? We all know this isn't their house since we've already raided theirs."
"Isn't there any other choice?" Ron pleaded.
"I choose Blaise. Assuming that Wina doesn't know our names yet and that she doesn't know Blaise' and Vincent's faces as well." Harry surmised.
"Hey no fair!" Ron objected when he realized that he had no choice but to use Vincent's name. "Can't I use any other name? I don't want the big idiotic buffoon's name."
"Vincent stop whining. Would you rather be hunted down by a house elf?" Hermione teased.
"What about you two? You've been using your real names around here and you're still alive." Ron argued.
"We're not as popular as you two." Hermione teased further.
All in all they had a good plan but it was a bit too late. The other house elves have been listening to their conversation. They know now that these two wizards are imposters. A threat to their young master. It's a good thing though that none of the witches and wizards used last names. As if it would do any good anyway. Meaning the house elves only knows that there's a Harry in the manor. If they knew it was Harry Potter they would have retaliated for their masters' fates.
The three best friends, Harry, Ron, and Hermione were chatting nonsense. Ginny couldn't join the fun. She was getting tired of being in a position looking at her friends. Her eyes then drifted to a particular spot on the wall. She thought the walls were abnormally bulky. She blinked her eyes frantically when she saw faint signs of eyes disappearing from the wall. She then put all her attention to her friends who were still happily chatting. 'I must be delirious. Being coped up here and body bind can do things to your head.' Ginny deduced. 'If that is so then why did I saw something similar yesterday?'
~~~~~~~~~~
The Whisperers', these are what house elves are called when they merge into walls; sole purpose was to protect the manor. Having unusual guests most likely required of their master's attention or in this case their young master. The Whisperers glided from wall to wall down to the deepest dungeon. They stopped before a shadow of a figure. "Master." They called his attention. They were speaking as one.
The figure turned with loneliness rather distinct in his face. "What are you still doing here? I've already set you all free?"
"Masters home's infested by intruders." The Whisperers reported ignoring the young master's remark.
"I've sensed that. Now if there's nothing more I wish to be alone." He ordered.
"Wina sire waits on them." The whisperers insisted.
"She as well as all of you was already set free. I don't care about her actions anymore."
"Master, the intruders names are similar of the Potter boy."
The young wizard focused his gaze intently at the Whisperers. "What's these people's names then?"
"Hermione, Ginny, Ron and Harry sire."
'The Golden Trio and the Weasley girl, how interesting.' He thought for a second before asking. "Are these GUESTS staying for a while?"
"Wina has plans for them master. She keeps them in sire."
The young wizard closed his eyes as thoughts and memories came barging back to his mind. "Tell me, where does your loyalty lies?"
"With young master sire."
The young wizard smiled inwardly. "Very well. You will be my eyes and ears within the manor. Everything that passes between these guests I must know."
"Sire, we have the wand of the redhead girl." The walls then spit out Ginny's wand.
"Excellent. I want you to make sure that our guests are comfortable and stays on separate rooms."
"As you wish master. Are we then to keep them inside?"
"That is my wish. Remember do not frighten them. I need to let their guard down."
"Shall we inform Wina sire?"
"I do not trust her."
The Whisperers dissolved into the walls surprised that their young master was in a good mood.
"I have my plans. I have plans alright." A familiar smirk was formed on the wizard's face. 'Harry Potter, you've been lucky all these time. I have suffered because of your luck. The time has come for my revenge. Starting with your friends I will make you suffer as I did. My family's name will rise again. I will make sure the Malfoy family name will not be forgotten.
~~~~~~~~~~
A/N: Thanks to my beta dorksrhot_so_is_hot.