Underneath it All

A/N : Not too long… But the quality of the chapter makes up for the quantity. Quite a bit of things happen in this one. =)

DISCLAIMER : All characters and places came from the brilliant mind of JK Rowling.

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Thanks…

Ashes Kittyhawk - Thanks; I'm glad you liked it, lolz.

hp/charmed obsesed - Thanks; and you'll find out more about the wand in this chapter – first entry is actually when she finds out the core of her wand. =)

ghypscee - Fan-freaking-tastic? My story? Thanks! I love that word, hee hee! And I really did like your review – it was really quite helpful, lolz. And it's only a flame if it's a pointless hate review – your's was just criticism – thanks again! =D

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laura - Thankalies!! =D

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Now we begin…

October 13th,

Well, I've figured out what the core of my wand is… I'm still in shock; I didn't think that it could be that… I mean, I already knew that it was the hair of its creator – as the books mentioned – but, him to be the creator? I mean, wow… It's just so unexpected… Perhaps I should start at the beginning…

I was really quite worried about going out in the middle of the night to finish up the potion and find out what the core of my wand was, but, I knew that I had to do it. Now, before, every time that I've snuck out, I've been under Harry's Invisibility Cloak. But I couldn't very well borrow it without having to explain everything no could I? Besides, Harry and Ron would most likely want to come along, and, well, I just thought that it was something that I had to do it alone.

Luckily, if I got caught, I would have had the excuse of being a Prefect and saying that I was simply patrolling the castle. I know that it's wrong to abuse my powers like that, but, if it came down to it, I would have had to – thank goodness that it didn't.

I set out 15 minutes to midnight so that I would make it, and do it at the exact moment that the clock struck 12. I don't know whether or not it would have worked otherwise, so, just to be in the safe side, I did it at the exact moment. Now, let me tell you, it was not easy.

I didn't run into any obstacles on the way to the bathroom, and Myrtle wasn't even there to distract me – which was quite good, actually. But I was a bundle of nerves once I stepped foot into that bathroom. I was shaking like mad; I was so nervous. I couldn't help but wonder if I had done everything right – after all, how would I know if I had done something wrong? And, if I had, what would become of my wand? But, I knew that I had to do it. It had taken quite some time to make this potion, and I wasn't about to throw away all of that work because of some nerves.

I sat down in front of the cauldron and watched the potion shimmer – there was a faint mist flowing off the potion and encircling it; while the potion itself simply shimmered an ever so light creamy peach colour – it was quite a lovely colour, actually. As it got closer to midnight, the mist started to thicken – only slightly at first, but, soon enough, it had me completely enclosed in it.

I knew that it would be midnight soon after that, so, I took my wand, and help it over the concoction, while I held my other hand in front of me so that I could see the time. Thank goodness I had that watch or else I would be completely in the blue, and my potion wouldn't have worked at all… It would have been easier had it been a digital watch, but, I don't really like those much…

Nevertheless, I wouldn't let that faze me – I had to clear my mind if I were to do this right. It's something so simple to trop a wand into a potion, but, it had to be at the precise moment; or else who knows what would happen. As the second hand inched closer to the 12, I was starting to get even more nervous. My hand was shaking so much, that I'm surprised that I didn't drop the wand.

Finally, as the hands of the clock shifted towards the 12, I dropped the wand into the potion – I had made it in time. I was so relieved, that I almost forgot why I was there.

It seemed like seconds after I dropped the wand to potion started to fizzle. Bits of the potion shot up and started bubbling – it was like a volcano. Now, I had no idea what to do; I didn't know if this was part of the potion, or if it was something gone completely wrong. All I could do was sit there and watch helplessly until whatever was supposed to happen, happened.

The potion kept on like that for half a minute before it stopped – it just, stopped. It was up to its fill momentum, and it stopped. The bubbling and spitting stopped; just like that. The mist that had surrounded me was thicker than ever, and it was swirling around me in a milky white colour. As the potion stopped bubbling, the mist started whirling faster until it looked like a wall surrounding me.

The mist then slowed down, and seeped into the cauldron – it passed by me completely, and went into the cauldron. As soon as all of the mist had disappeared, the potion started to glow. The potion was so bright that I had to shield my eyes – perhaps if I hadn't, I would have seen the… Thing, start to surface. Ron's words back in First Year suddenly came back to me, "Are you a witch or not." I always seem to forget…

So, I cast a simple charm that would make the glow seem not so bright in my eyes, and watched as the thing drifted up out of the potion. Soon enough, it was hovering a bit above the brew – shining in the dark bathroom. It seemed to be a sceptre – or at least, a miniature version of it. It was a wooden staff with a glass orb on the top of it; on a stand, of a sort. The stand that the orb was resting on was carved with such intricate details – it was gorgeous! In the glass orb, there was a mist swirling around inside of it – as if it was someone's spirit trying to break free.

Then, the sceptre started to faze a bit – I knew that it was about to disappear. I tried to reach for it, but, it was in vain – as my fingers were about to touch it, it completely disappeared. Then, in place of the scepter, an M started to flash. There were sparks of light shooting out of it in all directions, and the M kept fizzling until it finally disappeared.

As it disappeared with a pop, the potion in the cauldron vanished with it, and I was left with all but a cauldron to remind me of it all. As I sat there lost in my own thoughts, staring into the cauldron, I noticed a piece of hair fluttering down into the cauldron – a long piece of silvery hair.

My first guess was Dumbledore – that the core of my wand was Dumbledore's hair. But, something inside the back of my mind kept saying it wasn't. It was the scepter… That scepter reminded me of someone. Someone important – someone whose name was hidden at the back of my mind…

So, I took my cauldron and wand, which lay at the bottom of it, and headed back up to the Common Room – perhaps I would have a book that would help me.

I came quite close to being caught by Filch… I saw Mrs. Norris' yellow eyes as I turned the corner before she sped off – to tell Filch, obviously. So, I ran as fast as I could away from there and back to the Common Room.

It was a strange thing, really. It was as if I didn't have any more control over myself… My legs just walked up to my dormitory, and went to my trunk. Then, I reached down, opened it, and pulled out a book – Greatest Legends. It all happened subconsciously; I didn't even realize that I had done anything until I found myself sitting by my desk with the book open to page 163.

But my eyes weren't drawn to the writing in the book or to the title – they were drawn to the picture next to it. It was a man; an old man with long silvery hair. He was standing on a ridge, looking away. He looked so calm and at peace just standing there looking out… But I wasn't paying attention to that either. It was something else; something in his hand…

He was holding a sceptre – a sceptre that looked exactly like the one that appeared from the potion. I sat staring at that sceptre for a few minutes before I returned back to reality. My eyes drifted to the page next to it to see who that man was. I quickly scanned it before looking at the title – Merlin – Great Legend.

His hair, his sceptre, and my potion… They were all linked. They were all connected by one thing – my wand. My wand… Imagine that… My wand was created by Merlin himself, and contained one of his hairs in it… I sat there for quite some time lost in my thoughts before returning to the book – perhaps there would be something useful on the page.

The beginning of it explained about Merlin and his accomplishments in history. I skimmed through the next few pages which were a continuation of that until I came to a section titled Prophecies. Now, I'm not one to believe in Divination – it's a subject that cannot be learned and is quite pointless if you ask me. Either you're a Seer or you aren't; taking the class isn't going to help none. Especially with Professor Trelawny as the teacher… It's all a bunch of guess-work anyways. So, a few people's "prophecies" were correct, that didn't mean that they could actually See.

I really don't see why that section interested me, but, I decided that I may as well read through it. I knew that I wouldn't be able to get to sleep unless I did. Besides, Merlin was several generations before, so, his prophecies are bound to have been proved right or wrong.

A certain passage interested me – "Seven who hold the sceptre shall perish." What exactly did he mean by that? By the "seven who hold the sceptre" part… What sceptre? What seven? I've never heard of anything related to that happening in history… Perhaps it was simply a false prediction, but, something was telling me that it wasn't – perhaps it was something that was to come. But, what did he mean by it? What sceptre… Did he, perhaps, make seven wands. And, perhaps, if they were to go into battle together, they would become one sceptre, and their owners will perish? If that is true, then that means that I am one of them – because I have one of Merlin's wands… But, that can't be it, can it? 

*

October 14th,

I am in shock. Complete and utter shock… But most of all, I'm mad – I mean, how could he?! How could he do that to me?! He was supposed to be my best friend, and it was his idea in the first place! And then, he just decided to… Ugh! I just can't believe that he would do that… And him, of all people, him!

And he didn't think that I would ever find out… He thought that he was so smart and careful with everything… But he was wrong – I did find out. I know that it's good that I found out since now I know the truth, but, I can't help but think that perhaps I would be happier if I never knew…

The day started out like any other – I ate breakfast, went to my classes, and then headed to the Common Room to start some homework. It was on my way to the Common Room that I found out…

I should have expected it. I mean, I even walked by the Kitchens and the portrait of the bowl of fruit – and I never do that. It was probably a sign, but, of course, I wasn't paying attention then… Then again, it might just be me over-analyzing the situation…

It happened when I dropped my books… I was so close to the Common Room too. If only I hadn't stopped to chat with that portrait… Anyways. Where was I? Oh yes. So, I dropped my books and when I went down to pick them up, I felt as if someone was there. I had that feeling like I was being watched… I chose to ignore it and just get my books and get to the Common Room instead.

Well, moments later, I felt something grab me around the waist, and pull me around the corner. I had no idea what was happening; I was in shock – I had no idea how to react. After my mind finally registered what was happening, I realized that my attacker was back.

The last time that I had been confronted by my attacker, I was left in that room by the Kitchens… I really didn't know what to expect this time. Although, what happened was certainly one of the things that I least expected…

As soon as we had turned the corner, I felt my attacker pressing against me; as if to pin me down. The wall was blocking my back, and the attacked was in front of me – blocking any other means of escape. And then they kissed me… Not a loving kiss – but more like a forced, lustful kiss… I tried to fight them off, but, I didn't have much luck; I'm not the strongest person.

For a few minutes, I just stood there trying to resist them… They must have run out of breath, because they stopped for a moment. I decided to use that to my advantage and I pushed them with as much force as I could muster. With the force and the surprise attack on them, it pushed them far enough for me to make a getaway.

Unfortunately, it didn't work as I had planned. I was almost at the Fat Lady's portrait when I felt something grab my hand and pull be back. I knew that it was my attacker right away, but I didn't know what I could do to fend them off this time.

I knew that pushing them away wouldn't do anything; since they would probably be ready for it this time. So, I decided that the next best thing would be to unmask them – not only would I know who it was, but it would shock them that I would do that and I would run as fast as I could to the Common Room.

Luckily, they were only holding my one hand – in a deathlike grip, but I still had the use of my other. So, without warning, I reached over, and pulled the mask down. My plan was to run, but, I was in too much shock to do it…

I just stood there, gaping at him… I was shocked as to why it was him… I mean, he had no reason to do this to me… He was supposed to be my best friend. He was supposed to be there for me to comfort and protect me – not to attack me. There I was, thinking that I had him all figured out; when wham! This happens. It's amazing what happens when you least expect it to…

Finally, after standing there for a few minutes staring at him for a few moments with my mouth wide open, I managed to ask why. That was what I most wanted to know… My head was filled with questions. But why – I wanted to know why. If I knew why, then perhaps other questions would answer themselves.

He stared back at me and looked into my eyes for a few minutes before he finally spoke. And you know what he said? He said because he loved me! Because he loved me! Honestly, what kind of person does those kinds of things to those that they love? Yes, I love you, so, I'm going to scare you senseless several times and attack you – great plan!

I knew that he was about to make and leave, but, I wouldn't let him. It's a good thing that I always carry around my wand with me – I cast a spell to keep him in that spot for several minutes. It wasn't long, but I hoped that it would be long enough. I was not going to leave until my questions were answered.

We stood there talking – well, more like me yelling and him answering meekly – for quite a long time; the charm had long worn off. Finally, I'd had enough. I just couldn't take it anymore. So, I simply said that I thought that he was my friend and left him standing there while I turned and went into the Common Room.

I grabbed my fallen books on the way and then I ran up to my dormitory as fast as I could. I could hear him entering the Common Room as I was climbing the stairs – he was shouting my name and asking me to come back to talk. Talk! He wanted to talk! Now! Well, it's too late for that, isn't it Ronald Weasley?

~*~

October 15th,

What a day… Oh what a day it has been. To start off, when I woke up, I found a bouquet of roses on my bedside table along with a note that said 'Sorry.' Honestly, if he thought that flowers and a note were going to make me forgive him then he had another thing coming.

I just can't believe that I didn't figure out that it was him sooner though. I mean, back when I was attacked by the Kitchens, I found a ginger hair on my robes; I thought that it was Crookshanks', but, how would his hairs have gotten on me if I hadn't held him at all that day? Honestly, I feel so stupid… I'm supposed to be the smartest witch in the class too…

They day didn't get back better after that… When I went down to the Common Room, I saw Ron jump up as soon as he saw me come down. He apologized profusely and asked if I had gotten the flowers. Now, I refuse to forgive him because of roses – that doesn't mean that I can't keep them though; after all, the roses didn't do anything wrong.

I simply ignored Ron and made my way down to the Great Hall for breakfast with him on my heels. I really don't understand why he's apologizing. He didn't seem to care how it would make me feel when he first started his little plan… He didn't like how I was so happy after he had broken it off with me, and he thought it over and realized that he had made a mistake. Well, I am not about give in this easily.

All through breakfast, he kept pestering me – it took all of my willpower to ignore him and curse him into the next century. Everyone else at the Gryffindor table must have felt quite awkward though… I kept using them as excuses to ignore Ron – I would ask someone to pass me something, ask a question; anything to ignore him.

Poor Harry though – he's Ron's best friend, but he's also mine… He had no idea what to do. I really hate having rows with Ron; especially because they put Harry into such awkward positions. But this is one row that is going to last a while… It's not that easy for me to forgive Ron after this…

And he had the nerve to ask if I would take him back as more than a friend! Now, friendship is something that I can give him over time, but to be his girlfriend again? Well, let's just say that he shouldn't hold his breath.

Luckily, I only had to endure Ron for half of my classes – Potions and Care of Magical Creatures. Now, Care of Magical Creatures wasn't that bad since we were observing a Graphorn and to do so, we had to be silent. After that, we had a small quiz on our last class. Unfortunately, Potions didn't go as well… It didn't help that Snape was in a fouler than usual mood, either.

Snape stormed into the class in a huff and yelled at us to get to work right a way on the Diffluo Potion in partners. He must have noticed that there was something going on between Ron and I because he decided to pair us up… Some of the Slytherins were angry because of the fact that we're friends, but, once they saw how angry I looked; they changed their minds.

We managed to make the potion without too much trouble – several times we came close to an explosion, but, luckily I read a book about which ingredients are used to counteract which ingredients. Needless to say, I'm quite glad that I read it.

We were the first people to finish our potion, and we still had quite a bit of time left before the class was over. So, for the rest of the period, I had to endure Ron's apologies and him begging for forgiveness. Snape, of course, chose to walk around us whenever Ron apologized in this annoying whiny voice – he, being Snape, commented on it and took points off Gryffindor for doing things that didn't concern the lesson.

And at one point, near the end of the lesson, Ron had the nerve to get up on our table and apologize in front of the entire class… It really was quite embarrassing. The Slytherins didn't bother to hide their laughter, and Snape didn't hesitate to take 50 points from Slytherin. Believe me, I have never been happier to end a Potions lesson ever before. I literally bolted and ran for the door to get out of there and away from Ron.

I completely skipped lunch because I didn't want to listen to him… I knew that he would figure that out – he's not stupid – and that he would more than likely go to the Library to see if I was there. So, I decided to head over to visit Hagrid. That way, I could still eat something; while at the same time have a nice chat with one of my friends.

After lunch, I had History of Magic and Arithmancy – none of which Ron had taken. As luck would have it, Harry decided to schedule a Quidditch practice after classes as well. I would have a good hour or so to myself without Ron bothering me. Dinner, however, was another story.

Though I ate lunch at Hagrid's, it wasn't very filling – and Hogwarts' dinners are simply wonderful. I was not about to pass up dinner because of Ron. Besides, I had a plan. Who said that I had to sit near him? I mean, it's not like it's a crime to sit with someone else… And, it's not my fault if they happen to be at the other end of the table, is it?

So, I waited until dinner had started so that I could make sure that Ron was sitting down and eating – I couldn't find him. I was going to keep waiting to see if he would come, but, I decided not to bother – I was hungry, and I could always leave after I'd eaten something.

It seems, however, that Ron must have had the same idea as me. I sat down near Lavender and Parvati; and mere minutes later, I found myself sitting next to Ron. I hadn't even gotten a chance to start my dinner, but I really wasn't keen on listening to Ron.

I just hoped that perhaps he would be distracted by the food and only once in a while bother me – well, I'll be the first to admit that I was mistaken. I kept moving away from him the entire meal; bit by bit. He wouldn't let that faze him – when I moved, he moved. And then he wouldn't stop apologizing. The entire meal – even while he had food in his mouth – he kept saying that he was sorry. Lavender and Parvati looked positively disgusted during the entire meal, and I nearly lost my appetite.

Thankfully, I managed to keep my food down. As soon as I had eaten enough, I jumped up and ran out of the Great Hall. I didn't know where to go – he would surely check the Library, and the Common Room was completely out of the question. And I couldn't go to sleep since I had homework to do as well.

I would have gone outside or to Hogsmeade had it not been so cold out. The winds out there were quite strong, and it was quite dark out because of the clouds. So, I took my homework and decided to wander around the castle until I found a place that would be suitable to do some homework.

At least I didn't bump into Ron the entire night… But I was so preoccupied that I couldn't focus on any of my homework. I just packed it away and decided to keep wandering the halls until I had to start my prefect rounds.

Now, the good thing about prefect rounds is that you get to choose who your patrol with. Normally, I got with Ron; seeing as how we're best friends and both prefects. But tonight, I was in no mood to have to deal with him for several hours; alone. Unfortunately, I got side-tracked and arrived late to the prefect's meeting – meaning that I had to go with either Ron or Draco; Pansy came in much later then me and would get stuck with whoever was left.

I chose Draco because for one thing, there isn't anymore hate between us; and, also, then I wouldn't have to deal with Ron. Everyone at the meeting looked quite shocked when I said that I would be with Ron – most of all though, was Ron. He stood there and gaped at me. Before we left for our rounds, he begged me to reconsider; he said that he could prove to me that he was truly sorry. Now, it's not something that I'm proud of, but I told him that he could put his apologies you-know-where. But, can you rally blame me?

Just last night, I found out what he had done, and for the entire day he's been harassing me to try and get me to forgive him. Anyone would have done the same thing had they been in my position. It didn't stop Ron from gaping at me though – I must admit, he looked a bit sad, and I felt a bit bad for him… But I was just sick of it. I told him that we could talk about it tomorrow if he stopped bothering me.

I was about to turn and run to catch up with Draco when I heard his voice behind me. He told Ron to stay away from me – it was quite a shock, actually. He even said it in this threatening voice. Poor Ron looked so surprised… But that didn't stop him for turning and walking over to Pansy; who looked positively disgusted at the prospect of spending the night with Ron during prefect rounds.

I looked at Draco in astonishment for a moment – no one had ever done that for me before, and for it to be Draco of all people too… I know that we don't have that hate relationship going on anymore, but, still… I managed to mumble thanks before we headed off in the opposite direction that Ron went.

In the beginning, we walked in silence; leaving each other with our won thoughts. I hate patrolling the castle at night – it's so dark and quiet… I'm quite happy that we have to patrol with someone else. I know that Hogwarts isn't anything to be scared of, but, when you're alone in a dark castle… Well, your imagination tends to get the best of you.

It's between 10 and 11 that you catch people sneaking out most often… There are a few of the younger students out earlier, but, it's quite rare to catch someone past 11. It's mostly Slytherins sneaking out I've found… Hardly any Hufflepuffs are ever out after hours… The Gryffindors are out quite often, and the Ravenclaws are out, but not as much as the Gryffindors. And it always seems to be the same amount of people; same people even. It's quite interesting, actually.

Anyways; after we caught a group of Second Years we started to make conversation. That is to say, Draco asked me questions… It started out quite innocent – I'm assuming that he was building up for more… Personal questions – about Ron. I really don't know what made me do it… I mean, I would never have told any of the things that I told Draco tonight to anyone else… I just told him everything – from when Ron asked me to be his girlfriend, to what had just recently happened.

There's just something about him that made me feel safe enough to tell him everything… I felt like I could trust him with anything. It's really quite strange how he has that effect on me. I have no idea how he does it, but, there's just this aura around him that makes you feel secure and as if you can say anything and know that no one else will find out… Not something that most people would expect from Draco Malfoy…

We talked about that among other things as well through the night. At about 11:30 we bid each other goodnight and head back to our separate Common Rooms. I should have expected it, but, my conversation with Draco was still in my mind. Ron was waiting for me in the Common Room in front of the fire… He didn't apologize, he just sat there, mesmerized by the fire…

I didn't know what to do, so, I just decided to try and sneak past him into the girl's dormitory. As soon as I was on those stairs; I would be fine, since boys can't go up it – as Ron found out last year.

Unfortunately, I didn't get too far. I swear, he has to have eyes on the back of his head! As I was passing behind him, he said my name in a monotonous voice… It was quite odd since his voice is always filled with emotion… I knew that there was no point in ignoring it since you would have to be deaf to have not heard it. I was hoping that we would just say goodnight or something…

He sat there on his armchair, looking in my direction while I squirmed under his gaze. There was something about him that made me feel uncomfortable then. After a few moments of this, I simply bade him good night and went up to my dormitory. He didn't say anything; or, if he did, I didn't hear him.

I don't like being angry at Ron… I really don't… I mean, one of these days, a row is going to end our friendship. But I can't help it! I mean, I always stand up for what I believe in – I've been raised to do that. And we just have conflicting opinions… I suppose that's why it didn't work out between us. I mean, I can't really think of anything that we have in common; apart from the fact that we can do magic.

I'm glad though, that we ended it when we did. If it had lasted longer, then I may have done something that I would regret, and we would only figure out that we weren't right for each other when it was too late… Then again, Hermione Weasley does have a nice ring to it…

~*~

October 16th,

There's a visit to Hogsmeade next Saturday – it was just posted on the Notice Board this evening. I can't wait; it feels like I haven't been there in ages! It'll be quite fun to visit the village again – nice way to spend a Saturday, if you ask me. And, I finished up all of the homework that we've been assigned so far, so, unless something else is assigned that I won't finish; I'll be able to go!

Although, the only thing is… I have no one to go with. See, with Hogsmeade, you always go with someone. It's usually couples that go together, but, you can quite often find friends going together. Usually, I go with Harry and Ron; sometimes Ginny. But, if I got with Harry, then Ron is sure to come… And, well, I'm not quite sure up to what point we'll be then.

Ginny is most likely going to go with her latest boyfriend – Kenny Clearwater. And I don't want to tag along as a third wheel… I could always go with Lavender and Parvati, but, they're going to go around to robe shops and look at jewellery and make up… Now, all of that is fine and dandy, but, it's just not how I enjoy spending my Saturdays.

I suppose that I could always find one of my other friends, but, I'm pretty much only acquaintances with them. I only really see them in class, and they have their own groups of friends… I don't want to be rude and intrude on their fun; besides, it would probably feel a bit awkward…

If anything, I can always go alone. I could just go to a book shop and read or something… It's not like I have to go with somebody else. I can always sit with someone else at the Three Broomsticks – it can't be that bad to go alone. The Hogsmeade visit is in a while though, so, I can worry about that later.

Harry decided to hold a DA meeting today – we practiced dodging spells physically and deflecting them with our wands; rather than with other spells. It's one thing to be able to cast a spell in a classroom, but, it's completely different to be on the run and having to watch your back while casting the same spell… Even the simplest spell becomes complicated because you have so much to worry about.

I was with Ginny, and when it was my turn to shoot spells at her, I must have put too much energy into my Conflo charm… I hit Ginny, but, her hair… Not only did I hit Ginny, but I also somehow managed to get the wall behind Ginny… It really wasn't a good idea to use that charm… I got rid of the fire quickly enough though – no damage was made. I did get quite a few stares and whispers afterwards though; Ginny said that it was alright though.

It really is quite odd, I mean, why would that happen? I was so careful with my aim… And how would it hit her AND the wall behind her? It just doesn't make any sense… I mean, I can understand if it was just the wall that erupted into mild flames, but, both the wall and Ginny? And it wasn't exactly mild flames… I wasn't even really paying attention while I was casting the spell; it was mainly for practice to dodge rather than to cast.

What is with my wand and fire? First, Pansy's hand get burnt when she touched my wand, and now, a simple Conflo charm goes out of control and nearly burns Ginny's hair off and a hole through the wall! I really wish I knew the cause of it all…

Perhaps it's not something that's wrong with my wand, but something that's wrong with me? It is, after all, the person that controls the wand – and a wand can't have a mind of its own. I wonder then, if maybe my wand did what I subconsciously wanted… I mean, I could understand how I would want to do the spell well, so, maybe that was it. But then the incident with Pansy… That was something that I couldn't have had any control over. I wasn't anywhere near the wand!

Oh, I'm so confused… I wish that I knew more about this wand… Other than the wood and core, that it… Could it be that combination that caused it to do that? Or just to wood or the core? I really ought to visit Ollivander again to see if I can get any answers from him. But I don't want to risk getting intro trouble once more… I can wait until Christmas Break… If anything, perhaps there will be someone in Hogsmeade that could be of help…

~*~

October 17th,

-After Dinner-

Somebody was taken… They disappeared. They just left the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom and never made it to their next class… They never showed up… Julia Kipling; Hufflepuff Third Year. They're conducting a search of the castle at the moment… The professors told everyone to go back to their Common Rooms and to not leave under any circumstances; the prefects are to keep everything in order.

The younger students are so frightened… None of the professors told anyone what happened… But somehow, everybody knows – it's always like that. Everyone's so scared… They don't know what to think. We have no idea what happened. For all we know, she can at this moment be trapped somewhere miles away being tortured by deatheaters… I just hope that she's alright…

I can't remember any Julia though. I don't tend to get to know many of the students her age – they're not so young that they need help, and they're not so old that I can really relate to them… But I do think that I can at least point out people if I were asked to… But the name Julia Kipling just doesn't ring any bells in my mind… I've asked around about her.

Apparently, Julia's a little on the shy side – she has a close circle of friends that she tends to stick with. She's an average student in everything but History of Magic – the one subject that she excels in. She's fairly short with big blue eyes and curly dirty blond hair… Everyone says that she's always kind to everyone.

Why is it that these kinds of things happen to the best of people? I mean, Harry has such a burden on his shoulders… And through it all he's been nothing but a great guy. And now this Julia girl… Everyone says that she's nice to everybody; no matter what.

I don't know why, but, I have this feeling that Julia isn't with deatheaters… I keep thinking that she's in the castle, waiting to be found. Whenever I close my eyes for long enough, I keep seeing this girl lying on a stone hard floor somewhere in the castle… The place looks familiar, and the girl seems to fit the description of Julia.

I would tell the professors about it, but, they would probably just push it aside as nothing; besides, it doesn't really help them since they're already conducting a search of the castle.

Ron looks positively dreadful… He looks like he's seen a ghost; pardon my use of a muggle saying. He's as white as a sheet, and he keeps mumbling something about knowing something and about how he should have said something… It's really quite odd; I'm getting worried…

Under regular circumstances, I would comfort him and talk to him about it… And, though I could do that now, it just doesn't seem right… Besides, when I tried to ask him about it, he acted as if I wasn't there… It's as if he's oblivious to the fact that there are people around him…

Oh, Professor McGonagall is calling for everyone's attention… She looks quite grave… I do hope that they at least found her…

-Late Night-

Well, the good news is that they did find Julia. Snape found her in one of the dungeons… I'm just glad that they found her – at least she's at Hogwarts.

Unfortunately, they don't know what's wrong with her. When they found her, she was out cold – literally. Not only was she unconscious, but she was freezing… Her lips were turning blue, and her skin was so pale… Her body was so limp in Snape's arms. I saw them carrying her when I was going around to patrol the castle.

They were bringing her into the Hospital Wing then so that Madam Pomfrey could have a look at her. Before I went back to the Common Room, I stopped by the Hospital Wing to see if I could see Julia… I have no idea why, but, I feel drawn to her somehow… It's as if there's something pushing me to her.

Madam Pomfrey wouldn't let me in though – she said that she was too busy dealing with her to have any visitors; it would be a while until they were allowed in. I did manage to sneak a peek though from behind Madam Pomfrey.

She was lying on one of the Hospitals beds… She looked so frail and pale… If I hadn't known any better, I would have thought that she was dead. Before Madam Pomfrey shooed me away though, I noticed something about Julia… It seemed like she had two holes in her neck… Two bite marks, if you will. Perhaps it was just my imagination playing tricks on me, but…

I've read quite a few books on vampires; and we studied them in Defense Against the Dark Arts a while back… I tried to remember everything I could about their victims and how they look like after they've been bitten; and what happens after that. I can't remember that much about it since we only lightly touched on the subject… I always get it confused with what happens in muggle books as well…

Tomorrow I'll go to the Library and read up a bit on it… I just want to check to see if my assumption is right or wrong. I just hope that it isn't… I can't remember the consequences of a vampire bite – in muggle films that person becomes a vampire as well, but, I'm not sure if that's what actually happens.

It's getting quite late… I really should get some sleep tonight. Hopefully tomorrow is going to be a nice, calm, relaxing day where nothing out of the ordinary happens – for Hogwarts, that is.

~*~

October 18th,

-Free Period-

A strange thing happened to day – Potions was cancelled. Potions is NEVER cancelled. Snape will never ever cancel Potions – ever. And then, today, all Potions classes were cancelled… A class of Fifth Years that had Potions first thing in the morning went down and then came back up several minutes later looking confused…

Of course, the news traveled around quite fast. Nobody believed it at first though. Several people even went down to the dungeons to see if it was true or if it was just some joke that the Fifth Years decided to play on everyone.

But, true to their word, the class had been cancelled… So, several classes were left with a free period – my class included. Nobody really knew what to do with themselves… It's extremely rare to have a class cancelled; that only happens if there is no choice, and we always get an explanation beforehand.

But when the Fifth Years came back into the Great Hall, the professors at the Head Table looked a bit surprised to find out that Potions had been cancelled. Snape was nowhere to be seen… The Fifth Years just said that they found the door to the dungeon locked and that Snape walked by them and told them that it was cancelled.

It really is quite odd… I'm trying to figure out why that the class could have been cancelled after I did my homework. Each of my reasons seemed more unlikely than the last. It's just that it's so rare for a class to be cancelled – especially Potions; and without an explanation? Even the other professors didn't know!

So, obviously, it was Snape's idea to cancel the whole day's classes… But what would have made him do so? Could it be that Voldemort summoned him? If that's the case, then I see why he would need to cancel the entire day's classes… But Voldemort knows that Snape teaches at Hogwarts, so, he wouldn't very well take him out of there for a meeting because then people would become suspicious…

Strange things are starting to happen at Hogwarts; and I get the feeling that they're only going to get stranger…

-Evening-

The whole cancellation of Potions has been forgotten already… Everyone that missed the class is happy that they didn't have to endure a period with Snape… But, nobody else finds it odd at all… During dinner, everyone just stuffed their mouths with food until no more food could fit inside them.

Even during Harry's Quidditch practice nobody talked about it… Obviously the team didn't since they had to focus on practicing – they have their first game tomorrow afternoon. Quite a lot of people from Gryffindor came out to watch the practice… That is to say, socialize with others.

I sat with Lavender and Parvati – they were going on about one of the Ravenclaw prefects; Josh Richardson. I caught bits and pieces of their conversation about him. Apparently he's very attractive and not dorky as they would have expected. I haven't really spoken him too often – Lavender and Parvati are convinced that I should go out with him. Honestly, they never give up.

I barely know him, and already they're planning on what I'm going to wear when we go to Hogsmeade together! I really don't see the point in dressing up for Hogsmeade… I mean, you wear your cloak over yourself anyways to keep you warm… Unless of course, you'd rather freeze.

Anyways, like I've said before, all you have to do is nod, add in a comment here and there, and you're fine. I would have much rather talking about Snape and try and figure all of it out, but, they wouldn't care at all. They dropped Potions, so, they don't care what happens unless it concerns them.

After Quidditch practice everyone decided that a party was in order. It was, after all, the night before a Quidditch game… It seems to be tradition – in Gryffindor at least – to hold a party the night before a Quidditch game; and if the game is won, then that night as well.

Seems rather silly to have parties like that, but, no one else seems to care. Any excuse to have a party is good enough for them. There was some butterbeer and junk food brought in – no doubt some people went to the Kitchens to get something.

The party is still going on downstairs. I'm getting a headache from all of that noise… I decided to just go to the dormitory in hopes that it would be quieter up here… Though it's quieter, I can still hear everybody downstairs. I'm getting quite tired anyways, so, I may as well just go to sleep…

~*~

A/N : Graphorn - The Graphorn is found in mountainous European regions. Large and greyish purple with a humped back, the Graphorn has 2 very long sharp horns, walks on large, four-thumbed feet, and has an extremely aggressive nature. Graphorn horn is used in many potions, and their hide is even tougher than a dragon's and repels most spells. [Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them]

Diffluo - Latin. Meaning – to dissolve

Conflo - Latin. Meaning – flame

Look Forward to… (Teasers) Hogsmeade… Quidditch… Dance… Sorry… Potions… (Hope that keeps you interested! =D)