Disclaimer: I don't own any Harry Potter characters, but I do make them do
cool things.
Dedication: This is for EVERYONE!!!
~*~I can't believe that this is already the last chapter. It's so sad. Thanks to everyone who sent in who they think the murderer is. I won't say anything more about it. Well, I know that you're all just dying to find out who done it, so here you are! Enjoy!
*****************THE MYSTERY OF STONE MANSION*******************
Chapter 9: The Murderer
Hermione shuffled back into the library, a feeling of dread coursing throughout her body. She had been wrong. But she found all of the clues and figured it all out. She had been so sure of herself.
But what had just happened? Cho was found on the floor just in the entrance hall. There was evidence pointing to Hermione, and Harry had blamed her for all of the murders.
She leaned her head back against a bookcase. Something was wrong; she could feel it, but - what?
Hermione opened her eyes to see a candle in its bracket burning just above her. Slowly, she straightened up, a single thought trying to develop itself. Then, a realization sparked in her mind. She immediately turned to a small clock on the opposite shelf. Eleven. There was still time.
***
Harry was on the ground floor, looking for Cho. She had not been in her room, and he wanted to make sure that she was all right. He looked through all of the rooms on that floor, with exception of the library where Hermione was bound to be. He really didn't want to talk to her just then. How could she have attacked everyone? They all trusted her.
He looked at the grandfather clock. It was eleven thirty. Where could Cho be? Suddenly he noticed a flicker of light through a window next to the front door. What was it? Harry approached it cautiously, and threw open the door. Someone gasped. Harry breathed. It was just Cho. One hand was clutched over her heart, while the other was grasping a golden candleholder.
"What are you doing out here?" he asked, walking to her, not bothering to close the door. "It might not be safe."
"I know," she said, her hand over her heart. "I was just thinking. This weekend is almost over."
"Yeah, too bad." If Harry could, he'd spend forever on the island with Cho beside him, but he wasn't about to admit it. "I'll miss it."
"Me, too," Cho muttered. "It's been one of the best holidays I've ever had." She smiled at Harry who felt his stomach swell, guessing what she was referring to. "You've been so good to me, Harry. I've been having a really hard time lately." She looked out across the lake, a deadened expression on her face. After a moment she spoke. "My parents just died."
"What?" Harry said, shocked at this news. He didn't know what to say. "I - I'm sorry."
"Don't worry. It's not your fault." She was still looking and the opposite bank. "It's mine."
Harry stared at her. He felt an unpleasant feeling in the pit of his stomach. "No, Cho, you can't blame yourself for what happens to other people. Believe me, I know; I've been there. It wasn't your fault."
"Yes, it was." She turned to him and met his eyes. "I killed them." Harry stared at her, his arms going numb.
"Cho - what are you talking about?"
"Well," she began, "it all began when my husband -"
"What are you talking about? You don't have a husband," Harry said. He was so confused.
"My husband attacked you on the Dark Lord's orders." There was a mysterious glint in her eyes. "But your friend," she jerked her head to the mansion, "got to you first. My husband went to Azkaban for life. That writer wrote a book on the case, and of course, it mentioned me. I could never be seen in public again. Then my parents left the family business to my dear sweet sister. They never liked me much, but it was mine. It was entitled to me. I couldn't stand for it - so I killed them." Her face was passive. Harry stared at her, dumbstruck. Was Cho saying what he thought she was saying? She went on. "No one ever found out that I did it, well except for one. Gabbla was our servant and caught me in the act. I ordered him not to tell anyone. He stayed at my parent's wretched old house, and never told a soul." She began to walk coolly around the porch. Harry watched every move that she made.
"Then I got invited here, to my parent's house, in fact." She looked up at the towering figure with a look of disgust. "God, I hated this place. I never wanted to come back. That is, until I realized that you would be here with all of my enemies, no less. Professor Gold," she said, ticking off her fingers, "Colonial Bronze, Mr. Emerald, Miss Silver, Gabbla, and, of course, my sister, Miss Ruby.
"This was my chance. I could get that fortune; only Miss Ruby stood in my way. So, I killed her. But that wasn't good enough for me, oh no. I wanted revenge. Revenge on all of those who made my life a living hell.
"So, I attacked Bronze, who sent my husband to Azkaban. Then, we found Mr. Emerald threatening Gabbla. He suspected me all along and tried to get information from my old servant. I was afraid that the elf might crack and spill all of my secrets to everyone." She smiled wickedly. "No, matter. He's gone now.
"Oh, you'll find that so is Mr. Emerald. I doubted that you would discover his body in the basement. I was right." She stopped and looked up at Harry's shocked face. "Well, I had to get rid of my competition if I wanted to dominate the candy business, right?
Harry looked at her hesitantly. It couldn't be. Cho couldn't possibly be the killer. They had spent so much time together; they had kissed. They trusted each other.
"You're probably wondering about the secret passageway and the wand, I bet." She waved the candlestick tauntingly at him. "Right here. As for the passageway, I used that to get from the scene of each murder to my bedroom so no one would ever suspect me. I was right in doing so.
"Which brings us to where we are, standing right here." She motioned to their feet. "Now, I have to finish what I came here to do." A mad smile spread across her face and she leaned forward. "Once you're gone, I'll get Silver, and there will be no one left in my way." With a flick of her hair, she regained her posture. She took the candlestick off golden candleholder she was carrying and tossed it to the ground. She pointed the golden holder at him and tilted her head, the insane grin appearing again. She whispered, "Goodbye, Professor Gold.
"Stupify!" she yelled. Harry ducked just as her lips formed the spell. He expected to see a wave of red light through his eyelids - but it never came. He looked up and saw Cho staring in puzzlement at the candleholder.
Then came another voice. "Stupify!" Cho's limp form fell to the ground, and the candleholder tumbled from her loose fingers.
Harry looked to the doorway. Hermione stood in the archway, gold candleholder in hand, as rays of light shined past her. She lowered her arm. "Are you alright?" she asked, coming closer to Harry.
"I don't believe it," Harry whispered. "It was her all along." He tore his eyes away from her limp figure. This was just so strange. "What's with the candlestick?"
"Well, remember how we couldn't find a wand?" She turned the holder over, and pried open a small latch on the base of it. Out fell a mahogany wand. "She had this hidden. When we found each victim, this was somewhere nearby."
"But, Cho's -"
"I figured this out just a little while ago and switched hers with an ordinary candleholder from the library," she said. "I knew that something was wrong when we found her; the wand wasn't there. She wasn't placed under the full body bind, either."
Harry looked at Hermione. Suddenly he realized what she had just done actually meant. "But, why did you do this for me, especially after I didn't believe you?"
"Well, I couldn't just stand by and watch you get hurt, now could I?" she smiled. "Besides, we may make mistakes sometimes, but you're my friend, Harry, and nothing can change that." Harry couldn't keep from smiling.
"Very true, Miss Granger," came a voice from behind them. "Friendship is one of the most beautiful things in life and mustn't be wasted." They turned around to find that Professor Dumbledore was standing just in front of them. "Very well done," he added, looking over their shoulders at Cho. "Let's see then, two hundred and fifty points to Gryffindor, Miss Granger. Congratulations," he winked. "Fifty to Miss Weasley for knowingly being the first attacked and, therefore, not able to compete. And a hundred to Miss Chang for doing a beautiful job carrying about our little secret. Well, all of that is in order. Let us go and revive the victims. I have no doubt that most of them will be ecstatic over a Gryffindor win."
***
It was nearly dawn before the curses on the others were lifted. The sun rose early that morning. Harry was standing on the bank in front of the house, looking at the Hogwarts castle in the distance. He'd be back soon. After a moment, he tore his eyes away from the castle.
Dumbledore was just coming down the front steps, hunched over and deep in conversation with Gabbla. A grumpy looking Malfoy was already situated in the very back of one of the small wooden boats. Just past him, Ron was walking to Hermione, ruffling the back of his hair as he spoke to her. After a few moments, Harry saw them hug. He smiled. At least they were happy.
There was something coursing through his mind all morning. Something he had to know. He turned back to the house. Cho had just come out, arms folded across her chest. "Hi," she said quietly, stopping in front of him.
"Hi," Harry managed to splutter. "Look, Cho, I was wondering - You know how we were spending all that time together, and we - kissed?" he asked slowly. "Well - was that all just because you wanted me - to trust you?"
"Afraid so," she said guiltily. "I'm sorry, I had to get you and your friends to confide in me somehow, otherwise, you could all single me out." Harry was crushed. So it was all just an act. She never had real feelings for him at all.
"Oh, well, okay, then," he stuttered. This felt so much worse than when he asked her out the year before. He felt his face redden and turned to go. He didn't want to be there with her anymore. Cho, however, gently touched his arm, stopping him.
"You know, I wasn't lying when I said I liked you." She reached up and gave him a kiss on the cheek. She touched back down and gave him a small smile. Then she walked off toward the boat.
"I believe everything is in order," Dumbledore said from the front of the house. With a flick of his wand, the mansion disappeared. It was nothing but a memory now.
Ginny walked up next to Harry and stopped. He hadn't even noticed her come out. "Strange, isn't it?" she asked, staring at the spot where the aging mansion had once been.
"What's strange?" Harry asked.
A piece of hair fell across her forehead in the morning breeze. "Nothing's what it seems, is it? You'll never know where life will take you."
Harry felt something warm spread throughout his body, a sensation that he never felt before. All of a sudden, he came to appreciate Ginny's company. It was as though she knew exactly what he was feeling, what he was thinking.
She turned to go. "You coming, Harry?"
He took one last look at the empty island. Ginny was right. Life can lead you to different places. He'd just have to wait and see. "Yeah, I'm right behind you."
And together they walked to the bank that would eventually lead them home to Hogwarts.
~*~ Well, it's done. I'm sorry to have to end it; it tears me up to think that it's finished. I've had such a wonderful experience writing this story; it was so much fun. I hope that all of you reading this message have enjoyed it as much as I have. And believe me, this could not have been written without your support, so all of you reviewers, this story was for you. Love always, Carmen Willows
A few personal thank yous:
JK Rowling (of course) - Without her, this story would not have been written.
Harriet Potter - thanks for being there all along the way, reviews or emails. You're so great!
Spaced Out Space Cadet - Always one of my favorite reviewers. You are "bloody brilliant!" I love your reviews so much, I - I - I can't even say! You're so awesome! Thank you, thank you, thank, you!
Concordia Candence - You said you loved this story? Well, I love your reviews. They make me so happy! Always give me inspiration. What else can I say? Wait, I know! Thank you!
Supernova8610 - Thanks for your opinion with the house elf. One of the greatest things about writing this story for me was seeing everyone's different point of views.
SweetAngel2592 - Good job figuring out the importance of the Harry/Cho relationship. Your review for chapter 6 made me smile so much!
Willspirateprincess - Thanks for playing along so late in the game. I really enjoyed your review.
Nilfalasiel - Thank you for reading my little story. I'm glad you read it even though it was a Harry/Cho and Ron/Hermione fic.
Sparkles - Hope you're still reading this, but thanks for staying true to all of my stories.
Sunny38 - Thanks for the nice review!
Olivia - You still there? Well, thanks for liking my story!
Steven The Demon - Thanks for the support!
Kendra1117 - Hope you got a chance to play along.
Rachel - Sorry it wasn't Harry/Hermione. That's just the way the story goes. Thanks for saying that my story should get more reviews, though I'm very happy with the ones I got.
A Bit of Old Parchment - Cliffhangers are fun! Hehehe. Anyway, thanks for reading my stories.
CrystalMoon - Your review was really cool. Thanks!
Sabner - Thanks for being the very first person to review my story!
I can't stress how much I loved having you all read this story. Thank you, once again, and I hope you had fun playing along.
*~* But wait, that's not all! There is a bonus chappie of things that you may have missed! Check it out!
Dedication: This is for EVERYONE!!!
~*~I can't believe that this is already the last chapter. It's so sad. Thanks to everyone who sent in who they think the murderer is. I won't say anything more about it. Well, I know that you're all just dying to find out who done it, so here you are! Enjoy!
*****************THE MYSTERY OF STONE MANSION*******************
Chapter 9: The Murderer
Hermione shuffled back into the library, a feeling of dread coursing throughout her body. She had been wrong. But she found all of the clues and figured it all out. She had been so sure of herself.
But what had just happened? Cho was found on the floor just in the entrance hall. There was evidence pointing to Hermione, and Harry had blamed her for all of the murders.
She leaned her head back against a bookcase. Something was wrong; she could feel it, but - what?
Hermione opened her eyes to see a candle in its bracket burning just above her. Slowly, she straightened up, a single thought trying to develop itself. Then, a realization sparked in her mind. She immediately turned to a small clock on the opposite shelf. Eleven. There was still time.
***
Harry was on the ground floor, looking for Cho. She had not been in her room, and he wanted to make sure that she was all right. He looked through all of the rooms on that floor, with exception of the library where Hermione was bound to be. He really didn't want to talk to her just then. How could she have attacked everyone? They all trusted her.
He looked at the grandfather clock. It was eleven thirty. Where could Cho be? Suddenly he noticed a flicker of light through a window next to the front door. What was it? Harry approached it cautiously, and threw open the door. Someone gasped. Harry breathed. It was just Cho. One hand was clutched over her heart, while the other was grasping a golden candleholder.
"What are you doing out here?" he asked, walking to her, not bothering to close the door. "It might not be safe."
"I know," she said, her hand over her heart. "I was just thinking. This weekend is almost over."
"Yeah, too bad." If Harry could, he'd spend forever on the island with Cho beside him, but he wasn't about to admit it. "I'll miss it."
"Me, too," Cho muttered. "It's been one of the best holidays I've ever had." She smiled at Harry who felt his stomach swell, guessing what she was referring to. "You've been so good to me, Harry. I've been having a really hard time lately." She looked out across the lake, a deadened expression on her face. After a moment she spoke. "My parents just died."
"What?" Harry said, shocked at this news. He didn't know what to say. "I - I'm sorry."
"Don't worry. It's not your fault." She was still looking and the opposite bank. "It's mine."
Harry stared at her. He felt an unpleasant feeling in the pit of his stomach. "No, Cho, you can't blame yourself for what happens to other people. Believe me, I know; I've been there. It wasn't your fault."
"Yes, it was." She turned to him and met his eyes. "I killed them." Harry stared at her, his arms going numb.
"Cho - what are you talking about?"
"Well," she began, "it all began when my husband -"
"What are you talking about? You don't have a husband," Harry said. He was so confused.
"My husband attacked you on the Dark Lord's orders." There was a mysterious glint in her eyes. "But your friend," she jerked her head to the mansion, "got to you first. My husband went to Azkaban for life. That writer wrote a book on the case, and of course, it mentioned me. I could never be seen in public again. Then my parents left the family business to my dear sweet sister. They never liked me much, but it was mine. It was entitled to me. I couldn't stand for it - so I killed them." Her face was passive. Harry stared at her, dumbstruck. Was Cho saying what he thought she was saying? She went on. "No one ever found out that I did it, well except for one. Gabbla was our servant and caught me in the act. I ordered him not to tell anyone. He stayed at my parent's wretched old house, and never told a soul." She began to walk coolly around the porch. Harry watched every move that she made.
"Then I got invited here, to my parent's house, in fact." She looked up at the towering figure with a look of disgust. "God, I hated this place. I never wanted to come back. That is, until I realized that you would be here with all of my enemies, no less. Professor Gold," she said, ticking off her fingers, "Colonial Bronze, Mr. Emerald, Miss Silver, Gabbla, and, of course, my sister, Miss Ruby.
"This was my chance. I could get that fortune; only Miss Ruby stood in my way. So, I killed her. But that wasn't good enough for me, oh no. I wanted revenge. Revenge on all of those who made my life a living hell.
"So, I attacked Bronze, who sent my husband to Azkaban. Then, we found Mr. Emerald threatening Gabbla. He suspected me all along and tried to get information from my old servant. I was afraid that the elf might crack and spill all of my secrets to everyone." She smiled wickedly. "No, matter. He's gone now.
"Oh, you'll find that so is Mr. Emerald. I doubted that you would discover his body in the basement. I was right." She stopped and looked up at Harry's shocked face. "Well, I had to get rid of my competition if I wanted to dominate the candy business, right?
Harry looked at her hesitantly. It couldn't be. Cho couldn't possibly be the killer. They had spent so much time together; they had kissed. They trusted each other.
"You're probably wondering about the secret passageway and the wand, I bet." She waved the candlestick tauntingly at him. "Right here. As for the passageway, I used that to get from the scene of each murder to my bedroom so no one would ever suspect me. I was right in doing so.
"Which brings us to where we are, standing right here." She motioned to their feet. "Now, I have to finish what I came here to do." A mad smile spread across her face and she leaned forward. "Once you're gone, I'll get Silver, and there will be no one left in my way." With a flick of her hair, she regained her posture. She took the candlestick off golden candleholder she was carrying and tossed it to the ground. She pointed the golden holder at him and tilted her head, the insane grin appearing again. She whispered, "Goodbye, Professor Gold.
"Stupify!" she yelled. Harry ducked just as her lips formed the spell. He expected to see a wave of red light through his eyelids - but it never came. He looked up and saw Cho staring in puzzlement at the candleholder.
Then came another voice. "Stupify!" Cho's limp form fell to the ground, and the candleholder tumbled from her loose fingers.
Harry looked to the doorway. Hermione stood in the archway, gold candleholder in hand, as rays of light shined past her. She lowered her arm. "Are you alright?" she asked, coming closer to Harry.
"I don't believe it," Harry whispered. "It was her all along." He tore his eyes away from her limp figure. This was just so strange. "What's with the candlestick?"
"Well, remember how we couldn't find a wand?" She turned the holder over, and pried open a small latch on the base of it. Out fell a mahogany wand. "She had this hidden. When we found each victim, this was somewhere nearby."
"But, Cho's -"
"I figured this out just a little while ago and switched hers with an ordinary candleholder from the library," she said. "I knew that something was wrong when we found her; the wand wasn't there. She wasn't placed under the full body bind, either."
Harry looked at Hermione. Suddenly he realized what she had just done actually meant. "But, why did you do this for me, especially after I didn't believe you?"
"Well, I couldn't just stand by and watch you get hurt, now could I?" she smiled. "Besides, we may make mistakes sometimes, but you're my friend, Harry, and nothing can change that." Harry couldn't keep from smiling.
"Very true, Miss Granger," came a voice from behind them. "Friendship is one of the most beautiful things in life and mustn't be wasted." They turned around to find that Professor Dumbledore was standing just in front of them. "Very well done," he added, looking over their shoulders at Cho. "Let's see then, two hundred and fifty points to Gryffindor, Miss Granger. Congratulations," he winked. "Fifty to Miss Weasley for knowingly being the first attacked and, therefore, not able to compete. And a hundred to Miss Chang for doing a beautiful job carrying about our little secret. Well, all of that is in order. Let us go and revive the victims. I have no doubt that most of them will be ecstatic over a Gryffindor win."
***
It was nearly dawn before the curses on the others were lifted. The sun rose early that morning. Harry was standing on the bank in front of the house, looking at the Hogwarts castle in the distance. He'd be back soon. After a moment, he tore his eyes away from the castle.
Dumbledore was just coming down the front steps, hunched over and deep in conversation with Gabbla. A grumpy looking Malfoy was already situated in the very back of one of the small wooden boats. Just past him, Ron was walking to Hermione, ruffling the back of his hair as he spoke to her. After a few moments, Harry saw them hug. He smiled. At least they were happy.
There was something coursing through his mind all morning. Something he had to know. He turned back to the house. Cho had just come out, arms folded across her chest. "Hi," she said quietly, stopping in front of him.
"Hi," Harry managed to splutter. "Look, Cho, I was wondering - You know how we were spending all that time together, and we - kissed?" he asked slowly. "Well - was that all just because you wanted me - to trust you?"
"Afraid so," she said guiltily. "I'm sorry, I had to get you and your friends to confide in me somehow, otherwise, you could all single me out." Harry was crushed. So it was all just an act. She never had real feelings for him at all.
"Oh, well, okay, then," he stuttered. This felt so much worse than when he asked her out the year before. He felt his face redden and turned to go. He didn't want to be there with her anymore. Cho, however, gently touched his arm, stopping him.
"You know, I wasn't lying when I said I liked you." She reached up and gave him a kiss on the cheek. She touched back down and gave him a small smile. Then she walked off toward the boat.
"I believe everything is in order," Dumbledore said from the front of the house. With a flick of his wand, the mansion disappeared. It was nothing but a memory now.
Ginny walked up next to Harry and stopped. He hadn't even noticed her come out. "Strange, isn't it?" she asked, staring at the spot where the aging mansion had once been.
"What's strange?" Harry asked.
A piece of hair fell across her forehead in the morning breeze. "Nothing's what it seems, is it? You'll never know where life will take you."
Harry felt something warm spread throughout his body, a sensation that he never felt before. All of a sudden, he came to appreciate Ginny's company. It was as though she knew exactly what he was feeling, what he was thinking.
She turned to go. "You coming, Harry?"
He took one last look at the empty island. Ginny was right. Life can lead you to different places. He'd just have to wait and see. "Yeah, I'm right behind you."
And together they walked to the bank that would eventually lead them home to Hogwarts.
~*~ Well, it's done. I'm sorry to have to end it; it tears me up to think that it's finished. I've had such a wonderful experience writing this story; it was so much fun. I hope that all of you reading this message have enjoyed it as much as I have. And believe me, this could not have been written without your support, so all of you reviewers, this story was for you. Love always, Carmen Willows
A few personal thank yous:
JK Rowling (of course) - Without her, this story would not have been written.
Harriet Potter - thanks for being there all along the way, reviews or emails. You're so great!
Spaced Out Space Cadet - Always one of my favorite reviewers. You are "bloody brilliant!" I love your reviews so much, I - I - I can't even say! You're so awesome! Thank you, thank you, thank, you!
Concordia Candence - You said you loved this story? Well, I love your reviews. They make me so happy! Always give me inspiration. What else can I say? Wait, I know! Thank you!
Supernova8610 - Thanks for your opinion with the house elf. One of the greatest things about writing this story for me was seeing everyone's different point of views.
SweetAngel2592 - Good job figuring out the importance of the Harry/Cho relationship. Your review for chapter 6 made me smile so much!
Willspirateprincess - Thanks for playing along so late in the game. I really enjoyed your review.
Nilfalasiel - Thank you for reading my little story. I'm glad you read it even though it was a Harry/Cho and Ron/Hermione fic.
Sparkles - Hope you're still reading this, but thanks for staying true to all of my stories.
Sunny38 - Thanks for the nice review!
Olivia - You still there? Well, thanks for liking my story!
Steven The Demon - Thanks for the support!
Kendra1117 - Hope you got a chance to play along.
Rachel - Sorry it wasn't Harry/Hermione. That's just the way the story goes. Thanks for saying that my story should get more reviews, though I'm very happy with the ones I got.
A Bit of Old Parchment - Cliffhangers are fun! Hehehe. Anyway, thanks for reading my stories.
CrystalMoon - Your review was really cool. Thanks!
Sabner - Thanks for being the very first person to review my story!
I can't stress how much I loved having you all read this story. Thank you, once again, and I hope you had fun playing along.
*~* But wait, that's not all! There is a bonus chappie of things that you may have missed! Check it out!