I thank all of my reviewers as their reviews have motivated me to continue
writing this story. I appreciate the time every reader takes to read this
and I hope that whomever they are, that they enjoy it. ~itefaq
- This chapter may not be up to par because I didn't get a chance to reread it. -
Oh and PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN was an awesome movie!!!! Orlando Bloom-Will Turner was so sweet and not to mention cute. . . and let's not forget Johnny Depp- Captain Jack Sparrow was fantastic. The # 1 movie of the summer-go see it ASAP!!! O and Orlando Bloom's a vegetarian-like me! Yay, we've got something in common. Pathetic-I know. . . Shhh, just read and let me dream!
~Right In Front of Your Eyes~
Disclaimer: All familiar names, events, and otherwise belong not to me but to the Goddess we all know as JK Rowling. Don't sue, much obliged.
Chapter 4- Timing is Essential
'Dark, this is good. I'm breathing, right? Must be, I don't feel a thing.' Katie's limp body lay there on the bleacher bench. The wind picked up as the sun set behind the murky waters of the lake. The mid-September weather showed no signs of warmth. A human body lying motionless in nothing but a sweatshirt, Katie was ignorant to the danger she was in.
"Where the heck is Katie?" Oliver questioned two-thirds through his meal. Most students at the Gryffindor table had finished eating, leaving just Alicia, Fred, George, Oliver, and a few others behind. Oliver had decided on waiting for Katie before eating but Fred and George had convinced him to begin when Katie didn't show up.
"She's probably reading out there on the bleachers," Fred suggested.
"Yeah, Katie lives to read and she's been reading that book for the past week now." Alicia stated.
"But she was hungry, no starving and all she had on was a sweatshirt. It's too cold out for just a sweatshirt! Besides it's practically dark out." Oliver said with an evident dose of concern.
All four of them looked at each other in unmistakable worry. "I'll check in the girl's dorms. Maybe she went straight there." Alicia declared.
Oliver nodded in response while George stood up. "I'll go with Alicia and check out the common room," George affirmed.
"C'mon Fred, you and I'll check outside."
"Right."
Oliver and Fred walked out of the Great Hall and were a few feet away from the main doors when a less-than-jovial Filch spoke.
"Going somewhere?" asked Filch in a hoarse voice. Oliver looked to Fred who had a mischievous glint in his eyes.
"No, we were just admiring the fine wood work in the doors, weren't we Oliver?" Oliver just moved his head up and down in concurrence. He was fervent to find Katie.
"You e'spect me to believe that?" Filch asked looking to his feline friend, Mrs. Norris. What little patience Oliver had had left him. He sprint towards the doors, pulled open the massive oak exit, and ran as fast as his legs would carry him.
Filch was halfway to the door when Fred threw a Dungbomb and ran out the ajar door following Oliver. Nasty smelling smoke filled the hallway as Filch tried to get a hold of the two boys. A split second later, Peeves the Poltergeist came along cackling and throwing drenched paper-wads at numerous portraits. Irritated with Peeves, Filch tore after the transparent urchin-much to the boy's benefit.
"Peeves, I'll get you!" Filch shouted while brandishing his hands.
"Argus is gonna catch me, better watch out. Oh yes, I better be wary. . ."Peeves taunted.
Outside, Fred had met up with Oliver, the bitter wind biting at their unprotected hands.
"It's freezing out here!" Fred stated, shivering like mad. Oliver gave no response; his mind was a blur of worry and fear. Fred and Oliver could barely make out the golden hoops at either end of the pitch. It seemed near impossible to find Katie in the abyss the setting sun had created.
"Oliver, do you really think Katie would be out here?"
"I don't know. I hope she isn't out here though." Searching for any sign of Katie, both second years scanned the area.
"Oliver," Fred called. "I think we should go see if George and Alicia found Katie. It seems she isn't here and I can't feel my ears."
Considering his friend was not outside in the harsh chill, Oliver reluctantly turned around with Fred in front. Mid-turn, a glint caught Oliver's eye. He twisted around, trying to find the source of the tiny spangle. It was coming from somewhere in the bleachers.
"Fred, over here."
"What?"
"C'mon." Both Oliver and Fred dashed to the stands while the castle loomed behind them.
Searching for Katie by the inadequate light of his wand, Oliver began to think the task was infeasible. Oliver checked his wristwatch and saw that it was ten minutes till curfew. He decided to face reason and call Fred to return to the castle when the same sparkle hit his eye again. Walking in the direction of the twinkle, Oliver saw a pale-colored, bracelet clad hand illuminated by the tip of his wand. Nearing it, he made out a body, immobile on the stands.
"Katie?" Oliver asked in an apprehensive manner. He drew nearer as his wand light traveled to the individual's face. "Katie!" Oliver now shouted in alarm. "What happened to you?" he asked tears building up in his eyes. Touching her soft skin, Oliver felt not the warmth he expected but a frigid iciness. Oliver was finding it difficult to take in what lay before him. The usually lively and spirited Katie was now. . . Staring at the ghostly face for a good 15 seconds, his mind led him to a disturbing thought. 'Is she? No! She can't be. . .' In mounting dread, Oliver lowered his head to Katie's chest. Desperately searching for a vital sign, Oliver listened for Katie's heartbeat. It was a good five seconds before he heard a reassuring 'thump'. 'She's alive, but for how long?' Oliver's query was interrupted.
"Oliver, did you find her?" Fred asked from a good distance away.
"Yes, yes I did," Oliver answered, voice quivering as he moved away from Katie's torso.
"Oliver!" Fred said now next to Oliver's hunched figure. "What happened to her?"
"I don't know," Oliver answered, eyes still fixed on Katie's still body. 'I have to do something.'
"Is she breathing?"
"I'm not sure, but she has a heartbeat-"
"That's good."
"It's weak Fred."
"How long do you think she's been out here?"
"Fred! Listen, go back to the castle and get someone, hurry!" Fred nodded not moving his legs. He was slightly paralyzed by the sight that lay in front of him. "Fred, GO!"
Fred sprinted off to the castle while Oliver still sat before her. "Katie, you're going to be fine. Fred is gonna get help." Oliver just stared at her face hoping she'd open her eyes or move. 'You can't go, I won't let you!' he thought as he buried his face in his hands. The wind picked up and the two second years were hit a blast of frigid air. His hands and face were numb as he sat awaiting Fred. He tried steering his thoughts to Quidditch but his mind continued to dwell on the idea that Katie wouldn't ever open her eyes. 'Where id Fred?' Oliver wondered. The lit windows of the castle looked down at the two individuals.
Taking his sweater off, Oliver placed it over Katie's rigid figure. 'Hope it helps.' Sitting before his friend in nothing but a T-shirt, as he curled into a ball in attempt to keep warm. Oliver began to feel light-headed. His ears stung. Katie's hair ruffled in the wind. The last thing he remembered before closing his eyes was hearing the swishing of a cloak and the murmur of a voice.
"Mr. Wood, Mr. Wood," called a soft benign voice. Lifting his eyelids, Oliver saw that he was in the hospital wing. Professor McGonagall and Professor Dumbledore surrounded his bed.
Oliver said the first thing that came to his mind. "Where's Katie?"
"Relax Mr. Wood. Miss Bell is in the bed next to you and Poppy is seeing to her."
"Wha, What happened to me?"
"You simply passed out momentarily."
"Simply? I fear the boy had hypothermia!" Professor McGonagall spoke.
Taking in little of the teacher's words, Oliver turned to Katie's bed. It was hidden behind hangings much to Oliver's dislike.
"Mr. Wood, you may return to your dormitory," Dumbledore said with a noticeable hint of order. Not wishing to speak, Oliver got out of bed and made for the door. The aftertaste of a bitter potion lingered in his mouth. 'What had happened to Katie? She was fine this morning.' Curious and still worried, Oliver remained in the hallway outside the hospital wing. He was just able to make out the elder's words.
"Can you revive her, Poppy?"
"Yes, but it won't be easy. The girl has serious complications within and her heart rate is increasing at a slow pace. It is most fortunate that Mr. Wood found her when he did. Had we arrived a few moments later I fear she would have been beyond rescue." A sense of anxiety filled the air in the wing.
'Katie could die! Katie COULD HAVE died.' Oliver corrected. 'Why did this happen to her? Can it happen again?' He asked himself as he walked towards the portrait of the Fat Lady. 'I should have gone with her. I should have gone to find her earlier. It's my fault she's lying in that bed.' Guilt filled his thoughts. He had put her life in jeopardy.
'She can't die! No, I won't let her!' Oliver's eyes shot open. The cool breeze from outside creeped in through the cracks of his window. It was the end of August and his 17th birthday had just passed. He would soon enter his final year at Hogwarts.
"Relax Oliver, she's fine. Nothing happened to her." He muttered to himself trying to calm himself. He walked towards the window and peered through his telescope, which was aimed at Katie's room. 'Her curtains are drawn. Is she okay?' He had always thought the worst after one of those dreams-or rather nightmares. Pacing his room in his exposed torso state, Oliver decided words were not enough to convince him. With a 'pop' he apparated into Katie's room.
There she was, sleeping like he had thought. She looked fine. No sign of anything wrong. Oliver chuckled to himself. 'How can someone so devious look so innocent when asleep?' He stood there staring at the girl consumed by slumber. The hoot of an owl snapped Oliver out his trance. "Sleep well," he whispered as he left the lavender room and it's occupant behind.
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Sorry for the slightly shorter chapter. I'm trying to make them a satisfactory length. My computer time is limited. I hope readers stick with this to the end. Don't worry, you'll find out what is up with Katie at some point in the story. Remember-patience is a virtue. I can't believe I said that-how hypocritical of me. *Slaps self on forehead* I got a favor to ask. I'm allergic to dust so if you'd drop a review before the 'GO' button accumulates cyberdust I'd appreciate it. You have my deepest gratitude. Talk to ya next chapter~itefaq
- This chapter may not be up to par because I didn't get a chance to reread it. -
Oh and PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN was an awesome movie!!!! Orlando Bloom-Will Turner was so sweet and not to mention cute. . . and let's not forget Johnny Depp- Captain Jack Sparrow was fantastic. The # 1 movie of the summer-go see it ASAP!!! O and Orlando Bloom's a vegetarian-like me! Yay, we've got something in common. Pathetic-I know. . . Shhh, just read and let me dream!
~Right In Front of Your Eyes~
Disclaimer: All familiar names, events, and otherwise belong not to me but to the Goddess we all know as JK Rowling. Don't sue, much obliged.
Chapter 4- Timing is Essential
'Dark, this is good. I'm breathing, right? Must be, I don't feel a thing.' Katie's limp body lay there on the bleacher bench. The wind picked up as the sun set behind the murky waters of the lake. The mid-September weather showed no signs of warmth. A human body lying motionless in nothing but a sweatshirt, Katie was ignorant to the danger she was in.
"Where the heck is Katie?" Oliver questioned two-thirds through his meal. Most students at the Gryffindor table had finished eating, leaving just Alicia, Fred, George, Oliver, and a few others behind. Oliver had decided on waiting for Katie before eating but Fred and George had convinced him to begin when Katie didn't show up.
"She's probably reading out there on the bleachers," Fred suggested.
"Yeah, Katie lives to read and she's been reading that book for the past week now." Alicia stated.
"But she was hungry, no starving and all she had on was a sweatshirt. It's too cold out for just a sweatshirt! Besides it's practically dark out." Oliver said with an evident dose of concern.
All four of them looked at each other in unmistakable worry. "I'll check in the girl's dorms. Maybe she went straight there." Alicia declared.
Oliver nodded in response while George stood up. "I'll go with Alicia and check out the common room," George affirmed.
"C'mon Fred, you and I'll check outside."
"Right."
Oliver and Fred walked out of the Great Hall and were a few feet away from the main doors when a less-than-jovial Filch spoke.
"Going somewhere?" asked Filch in a hoarse voice. Oliver looked to Fred who had a mischievous glint in his eyes.
"No, we were just admiring the fine wood work in the doors, weren't we Oliver?" Oliver just moved his head up and down in concurrence. He was fervent to find Katie.
"You e'spect me to believe that?" Filch asked looking to his feline friend, Mrs. Norris. What little patience Oliver had had left him. He sprint towards the doors, pulled open the massive oak exit, and ran as fast as his legs would carry him.
Filch was halfway to the door when Fred threw a Dungbomb and ran out the ajar door following Oliver. Nasty smelling smoke filled the hallway as Filch tried to get a hold of the two boys. A split second later, Peeves the Poltergeist came along cackling and throwing drenched paper-wads at numerous portraits. Irritated with Peeves, Filch tore after the transparent urchin-much to the boy's benefit.
"Peeves, I'll get you!" Filch shouted while brandishing his hands.
"Argus is gonna catch me, better watch out. Oh yes, I better be wary. . ."Peeves taunted.
Outside, Fred had met up with Oliver, the bitter wind biting at their unprotected hands.
"It's freezing out here!" Fred stated, shivering like mad. Oliver gave no response; his mind was a blur of worry and fear. Fred and Oliver could barely make out the golden hoops at either end of the pitch. It seemed near impossible to find Katie in the abyss the setting sun had created.
"Oliver, do you really think Katie would be out here?"
"I don't know. I hope she isn't out here though." Searching for any sign of Katie, both second years scanned the area.
"Oliver," Fred called. "I think we should go see if George and Alicia found Katie. It seems she isn't here and I can't feel my ears."
Considering his friend was not outside in the harsh chill, Oliver reluctantly turned around with Fred in front. Mid-turn, a glint caught Oliver's eye. He twisted around, trying to find the source of the tiny spangle. It was coming from somewhere in the bleachers.
"Fred, over here."
"What?"
"C'mon." Both Oliver and Fred dashed to the stands while the castle loomed behind them.
Searching for Katie by the inadequate light of his wand, Oliver began to think the task was infeasible. Oliver checked his wristwatch and saw that it was ten minutes till curfew. He decided to face reason and call Fred to return to the castle when the same sparkle hit his eye again. Walking in the direction of the twinkle, Oliver saw a pale-colored, bracelet clad hand illuminated by the tip of his wand. Nearing it, he made out a body, immobile on the stands.
"Katie?" Oliver asked in an apprehensive manner. He drew nearer as his wand light traveled to the individual's face. "Katie!" Oliver now shouted in alarm. "What happened to you?" he asked tears building up in his eyes. Touching her soft skin, Oliver felt not the warmth he expected but a frigid iciness. Oliver was finding it difficult to take in what lay before him. The usually lively and spirited Katie was now. . . Staring at the ghostly face for a good 15 seconds, his mind led him to a disturbing thought. 'Is she? No! She can't be. . .' In mounting dread, Oliver lowered his head to Katie's chest. Desperately searching for a vital sign, Oliver listened for Katie's heartbeat. It was a good five seconds before he heard a reassuring 'thump'. 'She's alive, but for how long?' Oliver's query was interrupted.
"Oliver, did you find her?" Fred asked from a good distance away.
"Yes, yes I did," Oliver answered, voice quivering as he moved away from Katie's torso.
"Oliver!" Fred said now next to Oliver's hunched figure. "What happened to her?"
"I don't know," Oliver answered, eyes still fixed on Katie's still body. 'I have to do something.'
"Is she breathing?"
"I'm not sure, but she has a heartbeat-"
"That's good."
"It's weak Fred."
"How long do you think she's been out here?"
"Fred! Listen, go back to the castle and get someone, hurry!" Fred nodded not moving his legs. He was slightly paralyzed by the sight that lay in front of him. "Fred, GO!"
Fred sprinted off to the castle while Oliver still sat before her. "Katie, you're going to be fine. Fred is gonna get help." Oliver just stared at her face hoping she'd open her eyes or move. 'You can't go, I won't let you!' he thought as he buried his face in his hands. The wind picked up and the two second years were hit a blast of frigid air. His hands and face were numb as he sat awaiting Fred. He tried steering his thoughts to Quidditch but his mind continued to dwell on the idea that Katie wouldn't ever open her eyes. 'Where id Fred?' Oliver wondered. The lit windows of the castle looked down at the two individuals.
Taking his sweater off, Oliver placed it over Katie's rigid figure. 'Hope it helps.' Sitting before his friend in nothing but a T-shirt, as he curled into a ball in attempt to keep warm. Oliver began to feel light-headed. His ears stung. Katie's hair ruffled in the wind. The last thing he remembered before closing his eyes was hearing the swishing of a cloak and the murmur of a voice.
"Mr. Wood, Mr. Wood," called a soft benign voice. Lifting his eyelids, Oliver saw that he was in the hospital wing. Professor McGonagall and Professor Dumbledore surrounded his bed.
Oliver said the first thing that came to his mind. "Where's Katie?"
"Relax Mr. Wood. Miss Bell is in the bed next to you and Poppy is seeing to her."
"Wha, What happened to me?"
"You simply passed out momentarily."
"Simply? I fear the boy had hypothermia!" Professor McGonagall spoke.
Taking in little of the teacher's words, Oliver turned to Katie's bed. It was hidden behind hangings much to Oliver's dislike.
"Mr. Wood, you may return to your dormitory," Dumbledore said with a noticeable hint of order. Not wishing to speak, Oliver got out of bed and made for the door. The aftertaste of a bitter potion lingered in his mouth. 'What had happened to Katie? She was fine this morning.' Curious and still worried, Oliver remained in the hallway outside the hospital wing. He was just able to make out the elder's words.
"Can you revive her, Poppy?"
"Yes, but it won't be easy. The girl has serious complications within and her heart rate is increasing at a slow pace. It is most fortunate that Mr. Wood found her when he did. Had we arrived a few moments later I fear she would have been beyond rescue." A sense of anxiety filled the air in the wing.
'Katie could die! Katie COULD HAVE died.' Oliver corrected. 'Why did this happen to her? Can it happen again?' He asked himself as he walked towards the portrait of the Fat Lady. 'I should have gone with her. I should have gone to find her earlier. It's my fault she's lying in that bed.' Guilt filled his thoughts. He had put her life in jeopardy.
'She can't die! No, I won't let her!' Oliver's eyes shot open. The cool breeze from outside creeped in through the cracks of his window. It was the end of August and his 17th birthday had just passed. He would soon enter his final year at Hogwarts.
"Relax Oliver, she's fine. Nothing happened to her." He muttered to himself trying to calm himself. He walked towards the window and peered through his telescope, which was aimed at Katie's room. 'Her curtains are drawn. Is she okay?' He had always thought the worst after one of those dreams-or rather nightmares. Pacing his room in his exposed torso state, Oliver decided words were not enough to convince him. With a 'pop' he apparated into Katie's room.
There she was, sleeping like he had thought. She looked fine. No sign of anything wrong. Oliver chuckled to himself. 'How can someone so devious look so innocent when asleep?' He stood there staring at the girl consumed by slumber. The hoot of an owl snapped Oliver out his trance. "Sleep well," he whispered as he left the lavender room and it's occupant behind.
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Sorry for the slightly shorter chapter. I'm trying to make them a satisfactory length. My computer time is limited. I hope readers stick with this to the end. Don't worry, you'll find out what is up with Katie at some point in the story. Remember-patience is a virtue. I can't believe I said that-how hypocritical of me. *Slaps self on forehead* I got a favor to ask. I'm allergic to dust so if you'd drop a review before the 'GO' button accumulates cyberdust I'd appreciate it. You have my deepest gratitude. Talk to ya next chapter~itefaq