Whoa! This chapter is huge. It's all drama, drama, drama. So much happens! I felt like I had typing diarrhea…hmm, that sounds absolutely disgusting! Ignore that comment and enjoy the chapter!
And a disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any Harry Potter related material!
HARRY
POTTER
AND THE STAFF OF VIGOR
~ ~ !!! ~ ~
CHAPTER 12: IT'S RAINING LOVE
"Wow." Hermione gasped as they entered the Great Hall.
"Yeah," Harry agreed, "Dumbledore has really outdone himself."
The tables that usually accommodated the Great Hall had disappeared and been replaced with smaller tables that were arranged neatly in rows on the sides of the Hall. There was a clearing in the middle where everyone could dance and a few couples already were. There were some instruments situated where the teachers normally ate that were playing themselves, their merry tune bringing mirth to the big room. The ceiling had been enchanted to look like it was snowing and there were Christmas decorations everywhere. Mistletoe hung from the bottom of candle's that were levitating several feet about the ground and the floor appeared to be covered in snowflakes. There was a large Christmas tree in each corner of the Great Hall and tinsel was in great abundance.
"I cannot believe this." Hermione shook her head in disbelief. Harry took in the sight appreciatively and walked over to one of the empty tables.
"It seats six people. How perfect." Hermione gushed as she sat down. Immediately a small cardboard label appeared with her name on it in front of her.
"I never get sick of magic." Harry told her sitting down and grinning as a label with his name appeared in front of him. They gazed around the Hall and saw that already nearly everyone was there.
"How many people do you think are here?" Harry wondered.
"It was fourth years and above so possibly two hundred." Hermione replied thoughtfully. Harry was about to comment on how many people that seemed to be when he spotted a tall redheaded figure enter the Hall.
"Where on earth is Ron?" Hermione shook her head because she hadn't spotted him. Harry grinned.
"He just came in." He pointed across the hall. Hermione froze and quickly ran her fingers though her ponytail.
"Do I look okay?" She said in mild panic.
"Yeah. You look fine." Harry said comfortingly. Ron caught sight of Harry and pushed his way through the crowd to reach him.
"You won't believe how long Ella took. I'm sorry I'm late! Wh-" Ron stopped as he looked over at Hermione. She smiled up at him broadly as he gaped at her.
"You...what...wow...you...Hermione...you look terrific!" Ron gawked at her. Hermione went scarlet. Ron sat down next to her and didn't remove his eyes from her.
"Thanks Ron. Thanks." Hermione muttered. Harry could tell she was pleased with his reaction.
"I didn't get a compliment like that." A voice laughed. Harry looked up and tried not to react the same way Ron had moments before. Ellanora was dressed in dark blue robes and her hair was hanging long and wavy over her shoulders and down her back.
"You look great. You know you do." Ron drew his eyes from Hermione for a second to grin at her. Ellanora rolled her eyes and sat down next to him.
"Girls love compliments Ron. It doesn't hurt to hear one now and then." She laughed again. Harry felt his stomach go crazy. He couldn't remember ever feeling this uneasy. Hermione eyed Ellanora dejectedly.
"Nice to see you." Hermione told her.
"Thanks. You look wonderful Hermione." Ellanora smiled at her and Hermione smiled back, her iciness melting a little.
"So who else is coming then?" Ron asked Harry. Harry blinked his eyes several times.
"What?" He concentrated on not staring at Ellanora. Ron noticed his struggle and frowned a little.
"I was wondering who else is coming?"
"Oh. Neville and Luna," Harry coughed, "I'm just going to go and get a drink."
"Okay." Hermione glanced from Harry to Ellanora and smiled knowingly. Harry pulled a face at her and left hurriedly. He found a punch bowl on a large white table that was full of snacks and filled up a glass. Harry gulped down the drink looking nervously over at his table.
"What is wrong with me?" He asked himself. He filled up his drink again and made his way as slowly as possible back to the table. Ron frowned at him when he returned.
"You took you're time." Ron pointed out. Harry shrugged and stole another glance at Ellanora. She smiled at him and his stomach went crazy again.
"Your eyes..." Harry stopped himself before he finished the stupid sentence. He was going to tell her how pretty her eyes were and how they reminded him of the dark depths of a lake. How lame.
"Pardon?" She inquired. Harry maintained himself and scowled at her.
"You're a lot happier than you were this afternoon." He said blandly. She shrugged.
"I cooled off."
"Good. You were so annoying before." Harry snapped. Ellanora rolled her eyes.
"Do you want to start fighting again Harry? Because personally I think this is too nice a night to." Ellanora leant towards him and Harry shuffled away uncomfortably.
"No. Nevermind." He decided to drop the argument. Hermione pinched his leg and stared at him.
"What's going on with you?" She whispered.
"Nothing," He whispered back and when he noticed her suggestive look he added, "Nothing you need to concern yourself about."
"Fine." She smiled playfully and directed her attention back to Ron. Ron had hardly removed his eyes from Hermione at all. They talked a little amoung themselves before Neville and Luna joined them. Neville was still sullen and moody while Luna, who was wearing silver robes that looked quite nice on her, was gaping at the decorative Hall.
"This is nice." Luna smiled at them all as she sat down; "I had such a horrible nightmare after that Battle. I haven't been too happy since it. But this...this is nice."
"That was awful. Nothing like the Ministry fight from last year though." Hermione noted. Her eyes widened when she'd realised what she had said.
"Sorry Harry, I didn't mean to..." She began. She had been so close to mentioning Sirius. Harry shrugged off her comment.
"So, Hermione..." Ron cleared his throat. She turned to him expectantly.
"Yes?"
"Would you...er...like..." Ron was practically the colour of a tomato, "Would you like to get some drinks and snacks? I don't know about you but I'm famished."
"Oh. Alright then." Hermione shook her head and let him help her up. Ellanora gazed after them and sighed.
"I feel my date has abandoned me so." She said grinning.
"You are not alone." Harry commented but he didn't really mind. Ron and Hermione should have come to the Ball together to begin with.
"That's fine. I hate slow dancing anyway." Ellanora screwed up her nose at the thought of dancing. Luna giggled.
"I'll say! I'd rather befriend a Blast-ended Newt than try my luck on the dance floor."
"I don't know. I don't mind this music," Ellanora glanced up at Harry before turning to Luna, "Would you like to go up there and do our own thing?"
"Our own thing? I don't know." Luna bit her lip unconvinced.
"Come on. We can leave the boys to be boys." Ellanora stood up and gestured to the dance floor. Luna giggled again and followed her. Harry watched her go regretfully even though he knew she'd be back. He turned to Neville and offered him a grin.
"So, Luna hey?" He said calculatedly. Neville shrugged.
"Yeah. Kind of."
Harry nodded and tried to think of something to talk about. Neville appeared lost and was ripping up his napkin into small pieces. Harry picked up a menu from the table and scanned the food possibilities.
"Looks good. I think I might have-" He started.
"They killed them." Neville muttered. Harry frowned and put down the menu.
"What Neville?" He asked gently. Neville faced him and his eyes were filled with pain.
"They killed them Harry. They just pointed their wands at them and killed them." Neville returned his attention back to his napkin.
"I'm so sorry Neville." Harry said sympathetically. He couldn't even imagine what Neville might have gone through.
"It was horrible. They just surround some of them and killed them as soon as were in hiding. Bang, bang, bang. Three down and the four of us left waiting for the same," Neville's hand went up and rubbed his face, he was tired but continued nonetheless, "Every day someone would come in and use the curse on one of us. When it was me... it would feel like my body was on fire and I'd scream and scream...but they wouldn't stop for hours. It went on for hours for each of us."
Harry watched his friend with a mixture of emotions. Part of him wanted to reach out and tell Neville that is was fine, that he should be strong and that they would defeat Voldemort and his Deatheaters. The other part of Harry wanted to stand up and push over the table and smash every breakable thing in sight. Because it wasn't fine, it was hard to be strong and they might not defeat Voldemort. Neville continued to speak.
"They seemed particularly interested in me. They knew we were friends, and I was hated even more for that. They kept on asking me questions about things. But they wouldn't let me answer. I would open my mouth to speak and I'd be bent over in pain again," Neville placed his head in his hands, "They left the other bodies in the room with us too...they wouldn't take them away. We'd fall asleep with them in the room and they'd be the first things we would wake up too. I still see them when I fall asleep and wake up, they won't go away."
"Neville," Harry said softly, "How did you escape?"
"Dumbledore. One day the door opened and instead of one of them...there was Dumbledore. He'd been looking for us, he said. He was going to help us get back, he said. So we waited," Neville sighed, "We waited forever. But he did come back...he came back and we ran. We'd only just gotten back to Hogwarts when I bumped into you."
"And the Deatheater's went after you?" Harry wondered, feeling distraught because of everything he had just heard.
"Yes. But it wasn't normal. Only a few of them followed. There's something going on. But...but I don't care. Because I just want the bodies to go away. They keep crying out to me to save them and I want to help them but I can't...and...and they won't go away and leave me alone." Neville's voice shook and Harry thought for a moment he might break down and cry. But instead he composed himself and offered Harry the first smile Harry had seen on his face in many days.
"I'm so sorry. I really am." Harry insisted gently.
"It helps, to talk you know. Thanks Harry." Neville saw Luna and Ellanora returning and picked up a menu.
"Is it dinner soon?" Luna wondered sitting down next to him. Her cheeks were flushed and she looked like she had been having a lot of fun, completely contrasting anything related to Neville and Harry's conversation.
"Pretty much. Everything sounds delicious." Neville smiled at her and grinned at Harry who returned a weak smile. Neville may be all right for the moment but Harry was having trouble dealing with what he had just been told.
* * * *
When Hermione and Ron returned from getting some drinks, which had taken them rather a long amount of time, the group ordered their dinner. The food that appeared before them looked delicious, exactly as Neville had stated earlier. Harry's mood lightened amongst the light chatter of his friends and before long he was laughing along with them.
"I'm sorry but I have to ask," Harry said to Ellanora observing her food with a look of distaste, "What on earth is that?"
"It's Vegetable Noodle Stirfry. Not very Christmas like I know, but it's pretty good." Ellanora pulled a face at him as he continued to look disgusted.
"What was wrong with the turkey?" He asked.
"Nothing I'm sure. But slaughtered animals aren't my ideal kind of meal." She replied simply. The talking at the table ceased and everyone cast uneasy looks at their plates.
"You don't eat meat?" Hermione said surprised.
"Definitely not. Poor things," She grinned cheekily, "I'd hate to be killed, cut up into little pieces and stewed for someone else to eat. Wouldn't you?"
"Yes I would. And thank you for ruining my appetite." Ron snapped jokingly pushing away his plate. Ellanora laughed and spooned the last of her food into her mouth. Neville hesitantly ate the last of his dinner and gulped down the rest of his Butterbeer while the rest of the group remained unaffected by her words. The chatter of happy voices at the table started once more before stopping to observe their surroundings, as the Hall became dim, silencing the entire room. Dozens of candles disappeared and cast an idyllic glow around the place while gentle music began to play. Neville grinned.
"Luna?" He stood up and offered her his hand.
"Oh Neville," Luna beamed at him, "You know I can't dance."
"Either can I. We can not dance out there together while we dance." He winked at her. Luna shook her head and took his hand, waving a quick farewell to the group before disappearing into the crowd of couples. Hermione coughed and Ron tugged at the collar of his robes, suddenly flustered.
"Well. This is a nice song." Hermione stated. Ron nodded.
"Yes. It is quite." He cleared his throat.
"I wouldn't mind dancing to this." Hermione hinted. Ron nodded again.
"Yeah. I guess I wouldn't either."
Harry rolled his eyes and Ellanora was trying not to laugh. Hermione cast Harry a piercing look before turning to Ron.
"Listen Ron-" She began frantically, completely prepared to dispense her feelings. Ron interrupted her.
"Want to dance?" He asked. Hermione discontinued what she was about to say and accepted his proposal eagerly.
"I would love to." She gushed. Ron got to his feet and looked down at her awkwardly. He seemed to be extremely nervous and for a moment Harry thought Ron might revoke his dance offer. But Ron bowed at Hermione playfully and held out his arm, which she elatedly linked her arm through. Before long Hermione and Ron were on the dance floor and Harry and Ellanora were left at the table in silence.
"So..." Ellanora trailed off. Harry just gazed over the table at her, she was even more beautiful in the change of light. Harry took a deep breath.
"I want to ask you to dance," He blurted out, "I don't think you'll say yes though because you and I always argue over nothing which I don't get and sometimes I really think we don't like each other but...but I'm going to ask you anyway. Will you dance with me?"
Ellanora let out a small smile and stood up, "That would be nice."
Harry joined her stance and walked with her over to the dance floor. He turned to face her and let out a relieved breath, even though he didn't feel very nervous at all. Ellanora tentatively put her hand on his shoulder and Harry gently glided his hand into her other one. Ellanora smiled.
"Sorry. I never do this." She apologized.
"I'm no expert." Harry told her. She grinned at him before turning to glance at the other couples so she would understand how to dance. They danced at a distance quietly for a few minutes before Harry decided to break the silence.
"Why do we always fight?" He asked her. Ellanora sighed.
"I'm not sure. I know that every time after we do I get into a hell of a mood." She laughed gently.
"Yeah? I just brood." Harry grinned at her before taking a small step closer. She didn't seem to notice.
"I know we wouldn't if I learnt to control my temper." Ellanora mumbled. Harry shrugged and they lapsed back into silence.
"You sent me the fairy didn't you?" He said inquisitively. She didn't look at him but the corners of her mouth turned upwards.
"Maybe," She replied skeptically before admitting the truth, "Yeah. I wanted to thank you for helping me with Eddie. Did you get a good grade for that paper?"
"Outstanding." Harry said humbly, knowing he probably owed it to her. Ellanora smiled broadly and Harry noted something about her expression. His hand tightened on hers protectively and she brought her face up to look at him in confusion.
"When you smile," He began softly, "The happiness doesn't reach your eyes."
Ellanora looked down quickly, "It doesn't?"
"No. Never. When you smile or laugh or seem to be happy...it never does."
"I'm happy." She turned to face him again and took a step towards him. Harry could smell her. Her hair smelt like some kind of sweet fruit and her skin was pleasantly perfumed. He took her step as a sign of encouragement and drew her in to him so that they were intimately touching. Ellanora blushed at the closeness as her eyes went back and forth, examining his face. His hand slid from her waist up to her back and she had a sharp intake of breath as he drew her closer still. Harry felt for sure that he would lose himself in her eyes if it wasn't for the distraction of her lips. Her lips were shiny and soft and overly inviting.
"I want you to be." Harry said truthfully, leaning forward. Ellanora nodded and parted her lips as she allowed him to lower his face to hers. They were so close now.
"What are you doing!" A shrill voice shrieked. Harry pulled abruptly away from Ellanora and found himself in the company of a tall, beautiful blonde girl.
"Geraldine! What?" Harry exclaimed, extremely annoyed at being interrupted.
"We've been broken up for how long and this is what you go and do?" Geraldine gestured towards Ellanora who scowled.
"I'll go and get a drink." Ellanora excused herself and hurriedly walked away.
"Geraldine," Harry gritted his teeth, "We haven't been going out for over two months now. You haven't talked to me and I haven't to you. You ignore me all the time. Why do you suddenly care?"
"I always care Harry," Geraldine fluttered her eyes at him, "I ignore you because I still like you."
"But we broke up." Harry said exasperatedly, frustrated that she didn't seem to have grasped the idea.
"But why? Really? I mean, we've had some time apart to see new people and I realise I still like you..." She trailed off suggestively. Harry sighed.
"I don't feel the same." He looked over her shoulder to see if he could spot Ellanora at the drink table.
"Can't you think about it at least?" Geraldine grabbed his arms and stepped closely towards him, "I really like you Harry. I was so stupid before. Can we give it another go? Please?"
"No." Harry said firmly, backing away from her grip.
"But I got all dressed up tonight just to impress you." Geraldine's bottom lip quivered.
Harry sighed, "And you look nice but I'm not interested. Sorry, I'm really not."
"I don't think you understand-" Geraldine began.
"No, I don't think you do!" Harry murmured sharply, "We broke up for a reason. I am not interested so please just...leave...it!"
He walked away from her angrily. The nerve of her! She had ignored him for the past few months and he had eventually begun to not notice her in his classes and then she turned around and disrupted him at a pivotal moment of importance! Harry made his way over to the area where the drinks were and scanned around for Ellanora but he couldn't see her anywhere. He turned to seek her out in the crowd when someone grabbed his shoulder firmly. Harry sighed annoyed.
"Yes?" He asked rudely, turning around. He found himself staring into the twinkling blue eyes of Professor Dumbledore.
"Hello Harry." Dumbledore nodded his head in greeting.
"Sorry for being rude Sir...I...I'm sorry." Harry apologized.
"It's fine. I was wondering, might I have a word or two please?" Dumbledore gestured towards the small exit doors of the Hall that lead outside.
"Yes Sir, may I ask what about?" Harry wondered, his eyes still travelling over the crowd in search of Ellanora.
"It is about Voldemort, Harry. I believe something horrible is going to happen. Please, may we discuss it outside?"
Harry nodded and followed his Headmaster out into the cold, brisk night.
* * * *
The night was cold and accompanied with biting winds. Harry wrapped his arms around himself tightly and shivered from both the cold and Dumbledore's words.
"He can't." Harry said simply. Dumbledore sighed.
"I am afraid he can. We are talking about a man without moral codes here Harry, remember that. I felt it best to tell you so that you might be able to be aware of all issues at hand." Dumbledore said gravely.
"But," Harry lowered his voice, "Can't the Order do something? Can't they stop it?"
"The information I have just told you has taken months to gather. It is what the Order has been busy doing. To delve deeper would be extremely dangerous. I would not wish a single member of the Order to be put in a situation like that in the least." Dumbledore explained.
"Alright," Harry nodded, "I suppose I understand that."
"I am really, very sorry about it Harry." Dumbledore said quietly. Harry shook his head angrily.
"There's nothing to be sorry about," Harry scowled, "I mean, you just told me that my friends and I are all in danger of something that could kill us but you can't help it."
"We know nothing of his plan aside from the goal. To act on anything would be like shooting into darkness. And that Harry, would be very difficult and risky." Dumbledore examined Harry with sad, regretful eyes.
"And Mr and Mrs Weasley are okay with this? Ron and maybe Ginny being in mortal danger? And Hermione's parents?" Harry exclaimed. Surely no parent would allow his or her child to be put into a life or death situation.
"They very reluctantly and gravely accepted the idea. But there is much more to it." Dumbledore explained. Harry didn't want to hear it. He had just been informed that Voldemort's main goal was destroying Harry and his close friends so that he might be able to come out in the open to reign is power freely. And to add to it, no one seemed to care.
"Such as..." Harry wondered hesitantly.
"Your dream. The cave you keep seeing. It exists."
"What?" Harry's eyes widened.
"It's hidden, but we have heard of it. It is called the Cave of Eradication, we are yet to find it and discover what it holds but the Order is working hard at revealing that information." Dumbledore allowed this information to sink in. He felt so much pity for Harry, he was so young and had to burden so much.
"What's it hiding?" Harry whispered.
"We don't know much. It is an ancient artifact of power that was put away for a reason." Dumbledore looked towards the side doors that lead into the Great Hall, knowing he should shortly go back inside to watch over his students.
"And that's all you know?" Harry gazed up into the eyes of his Headmaster in frustration.
"Yes, for now," Dumbledore took a resigned step towards the Great Hall, "I am very sorry Harry, I should go back inside and take care of my students. Who knows what trouble they might get themselves in to."
"Yes Professor." Harry mumbled turning away. He heard Dumbledore sigh.
"I wanted to let you know Harry. Please be careful. I will be watching over your friends as best I can." Dumbledore told him, somewhat apologetically. Harry remained silent and turned back around to face the swinging doors that had been left after Dumbledore's retreat. Harry angrily kicked his foot at the ground and sent some rubble flying. It just wasn't fair as far as he was concerned. No other kid his age had to deal with the kind of things he did. He sighed, and deal with it is what he had to do.
Harry headed towards the doors about to go back into the Great Hall when loud voices, not far from where he was, made him stop. He followed the sound and came around the corner to find a small group of people gathered in a semi circle around a wall. He frowned.
"What are you doing?" He demanded. One of them turned around to cast him a superficial stare. It was Pansy.
"None of your business Potter. Go away." She snarled. The other four turned to face him as well and Harry knew who they were; Millicent Bulstrode, Blaise Zabini, Sylvia Slate and Dorian Day. All were Slytherin's.
"Shouldn't you be inside?" Harry said suspiciously. Blaise rolled his eyes.
"We will. Get lost." He snapped. Harry took a step back and went to leave when he caught sight of someone on the ground, hidden by the group's feet and hunched against the wall. The person looked up at him and he recognized their eyes.
"Move!" He yelled angrily pulling out his wand. The five students hesitantly moved aside revealing Ellanora. She had a small cut on her cheek but other than that she was fine. She stood up and walked a few steps backwards where she bent down and picked up her wand. Harry assumed they must have disarmed her from it.
"Come on Ella." Harry motioned for her to join him but instead she gazed unemotionally at the Slytherin group.
"What traitor?" Millicent snapped. Ellanora looked them up and down.
"Nothing." Ellanora sighed and walked past them while Harry's wand remained fixed on the group.
"Have fun with the little tramp Potter. I warned you to stay away from her didn't I? Now you're just going to suffer as much as her-" Pansy stopped as she was hit with a beam of light and fell rigidly to the ground.
"Stupefy! Stupefy! Stupefy! Stupefy!" Ellanora exclaimed. The other four collapsed to the ground next to Pansy and Harry tried not to grin. He failed.
"I was just about to do that myself." He gazed down at the bodies disdainfully before running after Ellanora who was walking briskly away from them.
"Hey! Wait," He caught up with her and she stopped and eyed him warily, "What was all that about?"
"I don't want to put my problems on you Harry." Ellanora sighed. Harry rolled his eyes.
"I want you to be happy remember?" He reminded her. She examined his face.
"Were you about to kiss me before?" She asked. Harry went to nod but then stopped himself when he remembered what Dumbledore had told him. Voldemort wanted to hurt everyone close to him.
"No. I was just dancing with you." Harry explained pathetically.
"Oh." She nodded her head in understanding but her eyes told him that she didn't believe him.
"Were you about to kiss me?" Harry wondered hopefully. She laughed.
"No way. Please. Why would I?" She lowered her voice, "I don't want a boyfriend. And I don't like you like that."
"Well. That's settled then." Harry grinned a little sadly. Ellanora coughed and clapped her hands together.
"So...you want to go back inside?" She wondered. Harry shook his head.
"No, I want you to tell me what I just walked in on."
"The full story?" She sighed.
"The full story." Harry demanded gently.
"Alright," Ellanora took a deep breath, "I'm supposed to be in Slytherin. My mother was in Slytherin and my father was a Ravenclaw but I really thought I was supposed to be in it. They were so disappointed when they found out I got into Hufflepuff. Eventually it grew on them but...well I really should be a Slytherin."
"That happens. Relatives always get into different Houses. But that doesn't explain what I walked in on." Harry enucleated. Ellanora narrowed her eyes at him.
"If you will let me continue," Harry rolled his eyes and she sighed, "Well they were spies. For the good side when Voldemort was all powerful."
"They were in the Order?" Harry asked excitedly. Ellanora looked confused.
"What's the Order?" She wondered. Harry coughed.
"The good side I mean. They were spies." He re-stated.
"I just said that." Ellanora became even more confused.
"Nevermind. Just keep going." Harry felt his face grow hot.
"They'd find out information and give it to the Ministry. They helped out a lot in the capture of Deatheater's because they knew where they would be and that. But they got discovered one day and their cover was blown." Ellanora looked down at the ground and Harry was hit with the realization of the situation.
"The Slytherin's think you're a traitor because of your parents." Harry guessed.
"Yeah. My parents were responsible for the capture of Millicent and Dorian's parents. They also were behind the capture of Pansy's mother." Ellanora finished.
"I didn't know Pansy's mother was a Deatheater." Harry said surprised.
"She isn't. That's why Pansy hates me so much. It was a false accusation." Ellanora screwed up her nose in disdain.
"Oh." He understood the relationship now.
"I think Pansy supports Voldemort a little. That's why she calls me a traitor so often." She looked over his shoulder.
"I cannot believe them! They just had you crouched out against that wall and god knows what they were going to do to-" Harry began but stopped abruptly as Ellanora grabbed his arm and pulled him into some nearby bushes.
"Quiet. I think they're coming." She whispered. Harry didn't answer straight away. Her hair was hanging over his shoulder a little and he could smell her again.
"We could take them." He said stubbornly. Ellanora shifted.
"Not all of them when they aren't surprised. We're outnumbered Harry." She said. He grabbed her hand and she squeezed it back as they waited for the Slytherin's to pass. They didn't. Instead Professor Treen and Snape came into view.
"That was a lovely walk." Professor Treen stated happily.
"Yes. If you like to lose all feeling of your body because of the immense cold, I suppose it was." Snape replied satirically. Professor Treen and Snape stopped a few meters away from where Harry and Ellanora were hidden and Professor Treen coughed.
"We should be getting back inside." Snape told her. She blushed and shook her head.
"I want... to tell... you... something." She stammered. Snape raised an eyebrow.
"Well hurry up then. It is still freezing."
"Fine. I'll just blurt it out then shall I? You don't rush people when they are about to confess their undying love Severus." Professor Treen snapped. She was irritated for the first time Harry had ever seen her.
"I apologize...what?" Snape said startled as he realized what had just been said.
"I...said confess didn't I? I wanted to tell you. I care for you a lot." Professor Treen explained, making to embrace him. Snape stiffened.
"I do for you too Tracery," He began before adding hastily, "Which is good because we therefore have a comfortable teaching environment."
Professor Treen sighed and dropped her hands.
"Not like that. I care for you quite a lot." Professor Treen awaited a reply eagerly. She didn't get one and Harry thought he saw tears glistening in her eyes.
"You don't feel the same?" She demanded, a few tears sliding down her face. Snape remained quiet for a moment before replying.
"Why me?" He asked quietly. Professor Treen smiled through her tears.
"I don't understand it myself. You insult me. You're rude and ignorant and stubborn. You can be horrible to people and you seem to say all the wrong things as times when people are upset. You have an awful temper and you are hardly positive about anything." She said slowly. Snape glared at her.
"Obviously there isn't anything to like. So then why me?" He snapped.
"Well," Professor Treen sighed before continuing in an affectionate tone, "You insult because I really think you care. They way you are... is what makes you who you are. I think you're cruel because you've never really been loved so you aren't very sure on how to act and your temper can be quite attractive. I really...really do like you."
"I do not understand how you can feel such a thing." Snape said clearly. Professor Treen looked dreamy.
"Because, Severus. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast. It is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking. It is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts...always hopes, always perseveres." She recited what sounded like a poem, "I know I love you."
"How beautiful." Harry heard Ellanora whisper.
Snape was quiet again and Harry could sense how tense he was. Ellanora shifted uncomfortably next him and Harry supposed she felt it too. Snape cleared his throat.
"I think we should go back inside. There are too few teachers watching the students." He said stiffly. Professor Treen began to cry quietly and Snape didn't move.
"I...I'd rather stay out here Professor Snape. I might go for another walk." Professor Treen murmured. Snape reached out to grab her hand but she took a step back.
"Tracery..." Snape began. She shook her head and then silenced him with a shaky voice.
"No. Go inside. Watch the students. I'm going." Professor Treen turned on her heels and hurried back in the direction she and Snape had come before. Snape stared after her momentarily before hanging his head and walking slowly back to the Great Hall doors.
"Ohmigosh," Ellanora muttered, "Who would have thought they went through stuff like us?"
"Shut up." Harry whispered.
Snape stopped and straightened his back before swinging around sharply to scan the area behind him. Ellanora gasped and Harry held his breath. If Snape caught them out here he would likely put them on two months detention, something Harry could very well do without. Time passed slowly and eventually Snape pushed open the side doors and disappeared through them. Harry crawled out from the bushes and held out his hand for Ellanora to take. She ignored it and stood up herself.
"Back in we go. What a night." Ellanora ran her fingers through her hair and tidied herself up a bit. Harry pulled out a tissue he had tucked in his sleeve and held it up.
"I'm not crying." Ellanora pulled a face. Harry shook his head and put the tissue up to her bleeding cheek, gently wiping away the blood that had stained it. She gazed up at him as he let his hand linger and gently brushed his thumb over her cut. She lent up towards him for a moment before quickly backing away.
"I'm hungry. Are you? Let's go get dessert." She smiled at him brightly and Harry sighed before returning it as they headed back into the Ball silently.
* * * *
Ron, Hermione, Neville and Luna were already back at the table, waiting for dessert. Ron eyed Harry and Ellanora skeptically as they came and joined them but didn't say a word. Harry coughed and Ellanora picked up a menu as they sat down at opposite ends of the table. Hermione was looking at them with a small smile before she began the conversation.
"The dessert is great. Look at what you can pick!" She pointed out, skimming down her menu. The rest of the group picked up theirs and looked over it too.
"I know what I'm having," Luna smiled, "Chocolate pudding in caramel sauce!"
A bowl of chocolate pudding appeared before her and her smile widened.
"Chocolate pudding in caramel sauce!" Neville exclaimed and a bowl appeared in front of him too. Hermione ordered custard tart and cream, as did Harry while Ellanora ordered fruit salad and yoghurt and Ron got pumpkin pie. Everyone ate quietly. For some reason none of them could think of anything to really talk about. Harry turned his attention to the crowd as he chewed on the remains of his dessert and nearly choked.
"What the hell!" He exclaimed. Hermione turned to scan the crowd and her mouth widened a little. Ron didn't seem to notice and continued to eat his dessert in silence. Ellanora frowned in the direction of the dance floor.
"What is it?" She asked curiously. Neville was gaping at the crowd as well.
"Malfoy is dancing with Ginny!" Neville yelled. Ellanora raised an eyebrow.
"And that's a problem because..."
"Because he is the biggest prat in the entire school." Harry explained. Ron looked up from his dessert and spotted his sister. His mouth fell open and he gaped for several moments.
"He's...what...he's dancing...with...what...that's my sister!" Ron spluttered standing up angrily. Malfoy and Ginny were swirling around on the dance floor a few meters away, oblivious to anyone else. Ron made to move over to the couple to break them up but Blaise Zabini got to them first. Harry assumed that the stun must have worn off on him, if not all of the Slytherin's Ellanora had hit.
"What the hell are you doing?" Blaise yelled. Malfoy and Ginny stopped and Malfoy turned to face Blaise, a superficial sneer planted on his face.
"What does it look like?" Malfoy snapped. Ginny held her head up defiantly.
"It looks like you're associating yourself with a Gryffindor!" Blaise exclaimed, his face scarlet. Malfoy's face remained impassive.
"Yes. It is that." He said simply. Blaise clenched his fists.
"Not only that! But...but a Weasley?" He stammered. Malfoy smirked.
"Good to see you have the power of sight."
"You are a bastard. A...a traitor, you know that! A bloody commoner..." Blaise trailed off as Ginny lunged forward and punched him gracefully on the side of his face. Ginny was quite tall and strong for a girl and Blaise fell backwards. Malfoy's smirk stayed on his face.
"Wait until your father hears about this!" Blaise spat, getting shakily to his feet.
"Go ahead. I don't care," Malfoy faced Blaise menacingly, "But you leave Ginny alone. You touch her and I'll kill you."
"Whatever." Blaise muttered. Malfoy grinned as a drop of blood slid down Blaise's chin from the corner of his mouth.
"By the looks of things however Zabini, I don't need to keep you away from Ginny. She'll have to be kept away from you." Malfoy sneered. Blaise glowered before turning and stamping out of sight. Ginny and Malfoy became close again as they shared a few words and walked away in the other direction. Hermione shook her head.
"Tell me, where are the teachers when these things happen?" She wondered incredulously. Harry glanced around the Hall and noticed that most teachers were present but seemed preoccupied in their own business. Ron frowned at Hermione and went to follow Ginny.
"No Ron. She's a big girl. Sort it out when she comes back." Hermione grabbed his arm and pulled him down. Ron's brow furrowed and Harry could see he was running things over in his head. Soft music began to play again signifying it was near the end of the Ball. Luna and Neville stood up together simultaneously and made their way over to the dance floor. Hermione looked at Ron expectantly but he was staring at his hands thoughtfully.
"Hermione, you are my partner so how about a dance?" Harry asked. Hermione smiled a little and cast Ron a reproachful look.
"Sure Harry." She accepted. Ellanora sighed.
"Ron, come on. You invited me for a reason right?" She said directly. Ron glanced up at her and smiled coyly.
"Ok, ok. We'll dance."
The two pairs walked over to the dance floor and began dancing separately. Harry grimaced a little as he saw Ron embrace Ellanora in an overly friendly manner. Hermione scowled.
"Guess you don't enjoy their relationship about as much as I do then?" Harry asked her. Hermione rolled her eyes.
"I don't know what it is about her. Something isn't right. She's too abrogating." Hermione muttered. Harry frowned.
"She's had a hard life recently." He explained. Hermione sighed.
"Really. I've never heard anything." She snapped. Harry glared at her a little.
"Her parents died last year Hermione." He said softly. Hermione stiffened and her face dropped.
"Oh. Oh gosh, I didn't know. Honestly! I feel horrible. Oh Harry that's awful." Hermione sniffed. Harry nodded.
"I know. Ron's about the only friend she's got really."
"What about you?" Hermione wondered. Harry pulled a face.
"I don't know what I am actually."
"Well I have an idea...Edward Egon?" Hermione frowned. Harry stared at her in confusion.
"Edward?" He asked. She pointed over his shoulder. Harry turned around just in time to see a head full of blue hair disappear under a table.
"What on earth is that child up too?" Hermione shook her head.
"Sneaking into the Ball when it's almost over? What's the point..." Harry trailed off. Edward stuck his head out from under the table and pulled out his arm. Harry saw he was holding his wand and waving it around.
"A prank. It has to be a prank," Hermione fumed, "He cannot ruin the Ball! If he does I'm going to put him on a lifetimes worth of detention."
"Hermione, I doubt-" Harry was cut off as he heard thunder. He looked up and saw angry, grey gas swirling around above their heads. The gas spread out and covered the entire proximity of the Hall. Hermione jumped as they heard thunder again.
"I don't like this." Ron said as he joined them, Ellanora at his side. All the couples had stopped dancing and were gazing up at the grey-covered ceiling curiously.
"It's Edward," Hermione told him, ignoring the look Ellanora gave her, "He's over in the corner under a table waving his wand around. I'm not too sure what he's doing."
Ellanora laughed and the Trio turned to face her with puzzled expressions.
"He did this to me once. Put the spell in my room. He got into so much trouble." Ellanora explained.
"Why?" Hermione demanded. Ellanora didn't have to answer. Thunder sounded again, followed by a burst of lightening as the gas took on the form of clouds. All of a sudden it began to rain.
"Ah!" Hermione squealed as the cold rain ran down her back and drenched her. It was a very heavy downpour. Harry felt uncomfortable in his wet robes and glanced over to where Edward was. The boy was still under the table and Harry could tell he was snickering at the situation. Nearly the entire Hall was distressed and everyone was practically soaked from head to toe. Hermione shook her head and Ron glowered.
"Uh oh. Here comes trouble." Ellanora murmured but only Harry head her. He looked over to where she was staring and caught sight of McGonagall and Snape making their way over to Edward, their faces thunderous. Snape waved his wand and instantly the clouds evaporated and the ceiling once again took on the appearance of enchanted snow.
"EDWARD EGON!" McGonagall bellowed. Harry had never seen her so angry. Edward reluctantly crawled out from under the table and faced the teacher with an impertinent expression. Harry stole a glance at Ellanora. She was biting her lip worriedly.
"You want to go over there?" Harry asked her. She nodded and he took her hand and pulled her quickly over to her brother. Ron and Hermione followed behind them a little.
"...rain in the Hall! Of all the stupid things you could have done!" Harry came into earshot of McGonagall's lecture.
"It was just a joke." Edward said sulkily. McGonagall gaped.
"Joke? JOKE! I dare say it isn't! You are going to have to be severely punished for this." She took a breath to try and gain control of the situation. Edward spotted Ellanora and ran over to her.
"Please don't suspend him Professor." Ellanora pleaded, letting go of Harry and putting her arms around her brother's shoulders.
"Miss Egon, you cannot get him out of trouble this time I am afraid. There will be no other choice.-" She was cut off by Snape.
"Three months detention." Snape said sharply. McGonagall snorted in contempt.
"Severus, really. Look at all the students!" McGonagall gestured around them to the wet, sullen students.
"With me. Three months of detention with me. I'll sort him out." Snape glared down at Edward who shook under his penetrating stare. McGonagall sighed and contemplated the idea.
"Alright. But one more prank...just one more Mister Egon, I do not care how minor it is, and you will be suspended from this school!" McGonagall warned. Edward nodded meekly.
"Good. Now follow Professor Snape. I want you to explain to the Headmaster why exactly you felt the need for it to rain indoors. You can also allow him to talk to you about how wrong it is." McGonagall snapped. Ellanora hesitantly let go of Edward as watch with resignation as her brother followed Snape out of the Hall. McGonagall opened her mouth for what looked like an apology but shook her head and pointed her wand at her throat, muttering a spell.
"STUDENTS! ATTENTION PLEASE! I APOLOGIZE FOR THE INTERRUPTION AND THE EARLY END TO THE EVENING! PLEASE MAKE YOUR WAY TO YOUR COMMON ROOMS IMMEDIATELY AND ENJOY YOUR WEEKEND!" McGonagall's voice echoed around the hall. The students obeyed, many of them complaining and uttering unkind things about the 'little blue boy' who had ruined their night. Harry offered to walk Ellanora to her common room but she declined. Then Ron offered and she declined again.
"No. It's been too big a night," She cast Harry an embittered glance, "I have a lot to think about."
"Oh." Ron sounded disappointed but cheered up a little when Ellanora leant forward and hugged him.
"Thank you for asking me though Ron. It was lovely. Bye Harry, Hermione." She nodded her head at them and walked away in the direction of her common room.
"I say we go and sit in front of the fire and dry ourselves," Ron grinned then yawned, "I'm off too bed then. I'm tired as heck."
Harry and Hermione merely nodded, both were lost in their own thoughts.
* * * *
Harry and Ron bid Hermione good night as soon as they entered the common room.
"I'm just too tired. And I must look like such a mess." Hermione sniffed, most likely getting a cold. Her hair was untidily plastered to her face while some of her makeup had left long black lines under her eyes. Ron shook his head.
"No. You look beautiful Hermione. You always do." He told her. She blushed and stared at the ground.
"No I don't. But it's nice when you say I do." She paused for a moment before quickly moving forward and pressing her lips to Ron's for a few seconds.
"Good night," She told him before turning to Harry, her face scarlet, "Good night Harry."
"Night." Harry grinned after her retreating steps. He turned to gaze at his friend in amusement. Ron was standing still, his mouth partly open in shock.
"What? Did...did...she just?" Ron snapped into movement and gestured around frantically. Harry laughed.
"Bout time something happened." He stated. Ron blushed.
"It was just a simple goodnight kiss. A friend thing." Ron explained, mostly to himself. Harry rolled his eyes.
"Yeah. She didn't give me one." Harry pointed out. Ron turned to him.
"Did you want one?" He demanded.
"Not from her." Harry pulled a face. He could never imagine Hermione in that particular way.
"From who?" Ron inquired. Harry paused wondering about the answer himself.
"I don't know..." He trailed off.
"Ellanora maybe." Ron suggested, tight-lipped. Harry frowned.
"I'm not sure. I think...I don't know. Maybe." He shrugged.
"Don't," Ron told him, "Please don't do anything with her."
"Why not...it's not like she's taken." Harry argued. Ron narrowed his eyes.
"No, she isn't. But I still like her." Ron explained. Harry scoffed.
"You do not! You ditched her most of the night for Hermione." He blurted out.
"I did not." Ron snapped.
"You did. I thought you treated her horribly." Harry snapped back. Ron looked startled.
"I didn't. I-" But Harry interrupted him.
"You did. You asked her when you should have gone with Hermione. You ignored her to dance with Hermione. You sat next to Hermione. You stared at Hermione practically the entire night and didn't give her the attention you should of because you did ask her," Harry paused before adding, "She's beautiful you know, you could have given her at least some of your time."
Ron stared at Harry blankly for several minutes. Neither boy's made an effort to move as both of them waited for the other to say something. Ron was the first to speak.
"You know what you've done?" Ron questioned mildly. Harry sighed.
"What?" He waited for an onslaught of anger on Ron's behalf but instead Ron took a few steps back towards the boys' dormitory staircase.
"You've stupidly fallen for her." Ron disappeared up the stairs before Harry had a chance to comment. Harry frowned and sat down on the couch in front of the fire in a slightly dazed state. He was surprised because he realised Ron was right.
~ ~ !!! ~ ~
A/N: I'm glad you guys are enjoying this. I think the story has maybe five or six chapters left and I now know where I'm taking it and what's happening.
Sorry about the romance stuff, I'm not very good at writing it!
Poor Neville huh?
I doubt Harry and Ellanora will EVER get together…but you never know…
And Ron and Hermione are taking their sweet time!
I wonder what is in store next?
What does the Staff of Vigor do?
TUNE IN FOR FUTURE CHAPTERS