A/N: Here's the next chapter, I'm really enjoying this, and trust me there
will be plenty of action ahead. Thank you so much to my one reviewer,
paprika90. That's right, just one! sobs She's getting a cookie in the
next chapter. Please enjoy and please, please, please, review!
Disclaimer: If I really owned Harry Potter, do you really think I'd spend my time writing fanfics?
Chapter One:
Yuriko made her way down the staircase and into the Great Hall, the rest of the school should be arriving in a few minutes. She was to be seated after all the rest, remain standing at the teachers' table.
She took her place next to Professor Snape and he flashed her a rare smile. "Don't be nervous Yuriko. You'll fit in fine." His words reassured her and she stood calmly now, waiting for the first years, like her only they were young, she would be entered along with her the 6th years.
She watched as the rest of the students filled in and sat at their tables then as the first years were sorted. Once it was time, Dumbledore stood and cleared his throat to make the announcements. "Ahem, I would like to introduce someone before I start the start of the year announcements. This is-" He motioned for Yuriko to step forward. "Yuriko Sakura, a new 6th year in the Gryffindor House."
She could hear the whispers and could feel their stares but she ignored them. Stepping down she walked to the Gryffindor table and sat across from a boy with black hair and green eyes. He had a scar on his forehead she noticed, but she did not stare, it was rude. Yuriko has also sat next to a girl with brown hair and goldish brown eyes who turned to whisper to her.
"Hi Yuriko, I'm Hermione Granger." She whispered and stuck out her left hand after glancing briefly at her right.
'She didn't stare...' The thought ran across her mind as she smiled softly and shook Hermione's left with her left hand. "Hello Hermione." Yuriko said bowing her head.
"Welcome to Hogwarts."
Yuriko smiled and whispered back, "Thank you."
Dumbledore had finished his announcements and food had appeared on their plates, and to her relief, it was Udon and curry. (Two types of noodle dishes from Japan)
However, a bright red haired boy who sat in front of Hermione waved at her. "Hey, I'm Ron Weasley." Then nudged the boy next to him in the ribs who she sat across from.
"Harry Potter, nice to meet you." She said hello to both of them and they all begun to eat.
Hermione and Yuriko instantly hit it off and became fast friends. They learned that they had a lot in common. Plus Yuriko's bed was right next to the window, and thus Hermione's was next to hers.
"So what do you think mate?" Ron whispered to Harry who was looking at Yuriko intently.
"She's very pretty."
Ron laughed. "I noticed, but I meant what do you think of her? Hermione and her certainly seem to be getting along."
"Hm, she seems nice, and you're right."
Suddenly dinner was over and everyone was standing up to go. Yuriko was telling Hermione about this book when Malfoy showed up. Ron stifled a groan but he paid them no attention. He tapped Yuriko on the shoulder and held out his left hand.
"Draco Malfoy, a pleasure to meet you," When she extended her right he took it and kissed it. Yuriko looked as surprised as Hermione.
"Likewise." She said eyeing him as he stood up, still holding onto her hand. Finally he released hers and she glanced at Hermione who still had a look of surprise on her face. "This is my friend Hermione."
Draco looked at Hermione and then cleared his throat; he looked pained as he spoke. "I know... Hermione. Hello." Hermione's eyes widened as Ron's and Harry's jaw dropped in shock.
"Hi... Draco."
He turned as one of his Slytherin friends's called his name and excused himself, saying good-bye to Yuriko.
"Did you see that?" Ron asked near Hermione's elbow.
"Yeah mate, that pig over there just flew." Harry said seriously and the two bursts into laughter while Yuriko stood looking surprised.
"What?"
"Malfoy must like you Yuriko, he hates our guts." Ron explained and she looked surprised.
"Why would he hate you all?" The three laughed.
"It's a long story."
~*~b-l-a-c-k-j-a-d-e-b-e-a-d-s~*~
Hermione and Yuriko lay in their beds, only Yuriko was asleep and Hermione was wide-awake. She'd heard a noise and opened her eyes. Half of her bed curtains had been drawn, but she could see the whole room easily. Yuriko had forgotten hers and fallen asleep.
Then Hermione saw something that almost made her heart stop. A man cloaked in black was creeping towards Yuriko's bed. Hermione tried to say something but her throat wouldn't allow her. The man crept closer before drawing what looked like a sword and then she found her voice.
"YURIKO!" Yuriko was instantly awake and had drawn her own sword from the sheath on her back, instantly on instinct. All the other girls woke as the blades struck one another making a loud clash! Yuriko was on her feet and pushing the man back towards the door, all the while the sounds of the blades striking another.
The man turned and fled down the stairs but Yuriko made a flying leap and landed in front of him, her sword inches from his face.
By now the boys and girls had run down the steps into the common room to see what the commotion was and someone had run through the portrait hole screaming for Dumbledore.
Yuriko paid no heed, just watched the intruder as he swung his blade hard towards her shoulder. She blocked it and with her foot tripped him. But he was instantly on his feet, and using his speed and strength against her, stabbed her in the left arm.
The girls screamed drowning out Yuriko's own of anguish and pain. Dropping the sword the portrait hole flew open and in McGonagall and Snape rushed in to everyone's surprise just as the intruder made to deliver the final blow upon Yuriko's head.
With all her might Yuriko clutched her sword and with a grunt, threw all her weight into her right arm and stabbed him in the foot. He let out a bellow and then a loud crack was heard... and he was gone.
Yuriko struggled to her feet and yanked her sword out of the floor with her left hand while her right clutched her arm where blood was streaming out of the wound, gushing.
By now Hermione was in tears and Harry and Ron gaped. McGonagall ran to alert Dumbledore and Snape started towards Yuriko whose eyes slowly closed as she fainted from the loss of so much blood.
Snape caught her just before her body slumped to the floor and picked up her small body in his arms. "Granger, Potter, Weasley- not you two-" He snapped angrily at Fred and George who had started to walk towards him. "Follow me." With his foot he opened the portrait hole and went out, with the three hurrying behind him, Ron trying to comfort Hermione, squeezing her hand, while Harry ran to catch a glimpse of Yuriko. Her face was against Snape's chest, dead pale, and to Harry's surprise her eyes slowly opened and looked directly into his own before fluttering close.
They made it to the Hospital Wing and Snape set her on a bed before rushing off to find Madam Pomfrey. Hermione was instantly at Yuriko's side but the sight of her made her burst into a fresh bout of tears. Ron hugged Hermione so that her face was hidden in his chest and he glanced sadly at Yuriko's pale face.
Harry did something he himself didn't even expect, as he took her bandaged right hand into his own and squeezed lightly.
Then, Madam Pomfrey burst through the doors with Snape, McGonagall, and Dumbledore.
Madam Pomfrey was at her side and examined her quickly. "I don't... she was only stabbed? That can't be true... something must've been done to the blade... I think she's been poisoned!" Hermione cried even harder now and Harry squeezed Yuriko's hand tighter.
"That foul man... he must have bewitched the blade!" McGonagall cried, blowing her noise on a tissue, while handing a box to a flustered Ron who was blushing now that everyone saw him holding Hermione.
"Ron, take her outside and try and get her to calm down," Dumbledore said and Ron nodded, tugging Hermione out of the room.
"She opened her eyes once while Snape rushed her here, then they closed." Harry told Madam Pomfrey who nodded feverishly and then Harry almost jumped.
Yuriko's thin fingers that he'd clutched hard curled around his own weakly. Dumbledore smiled triumphantly. "She'll live."
Madam Pomfrey administered an antidote once Snape figured out what poison it was, then magicked Yuriko's wound. Now the only hint that remained of her stab wound was a thin scar that Madam Pomfrey assured would vanish soon. Harry stayed right where he was, clutching her hand.
"She can go to her bed once she awakes, or she can sleep here." Madam Pomfrey bustled about, cleaning up the mess she'd made while attending to Yuriko.
"I'm sure she'd be more comfortable in her own bed. Harry, if you'd be so kind as to carry her, she can go." Dumbledore said with a smile, and patted Yuriko's good arm. "Ron and Hermione are waiting for you outside."
He nodded. "Yes Professor... did you find him?" Harry asked as he gently scooped up Yuriko's body, bridal style, to find it surprisingly light.
"I'm afraid not Harry, but she's safe now. No one will get back in and hurt her again." Dumbledore promised and Snape to Harry's great surprise, took her bandaged hand in her own and gave it a quick squeeze.
"Take great care walking back Potter, if you drop her, I'll drop you." Snape said quietly and swept out of the room, as Professor McGonagall stared and Dumbledore chuckled.
"He's grown quite fond of her," McGonagall smiled and Harry quickly left the two alone.
Ron had Hermione resting against him in the hallway, but she sprang to her feet and hurried to him to look at Yuriko. "Is she going to be all right?"
"She'll be fine." Harry assured her and turned to look at Ron who was grinning at him.
"Found yourself a prize, eh mate?" He laughed as Harry blushed and started to walk, ignoring him and Hermione hit him in the stomach before rushing to keep up with Harry. Ron caught up and walked on the other side of him. "Jeez, someone's sure got it in for her."
"He was going to kill her... while she slept." Hermione shivered and gulped. "If I hadn't been awake... he would've." Harry slid Ron a look who nodded and grabbed Hermione's hand.
"It's all right Hermione, don't think about it." He said in a calm, comforting voice and she nodded with a sniff.
"Your right."
By then they had reached the common room and everyone was silent as they entered. Harry walked past everyone and started up the girl's staircase before stopping. "Hermione, come show me the way." She nodded and sprang forward, leading him up the staircase leaving Ron with everyone else in the common room.
"She's going to be fine." He assured them as everyone shouted the question at once.
Disclaimer: If I really owned Harry Potter, do you really think I'd spend my time writing fanfics?
Chapter One:
Yuriko made her way down the staircase and into the Great Hall, the rest of the school should be arriving in a few minutes. She was to be seated after all the rest, remain standing at the teachers' table.
She took her place next to Professor Snape and he flashed her a rare smile. "Don't be nervous Yuriko. You'll fit in fine." His words reassured her and she stood calmly now, waiting for the first years, like her only they were young, she would be entered along with her the 6th years.
She watched as the rest of the students filled in and sat at their tables then as the first years were sorted. Once it was time, Dumbledore stood and cleared his throat to make the announcements. "Ahem, I would like to introduce someone before I start the start of the year announcements. This is-" He motioned for Yuriko to step forward. "Yuriko Sakura, a new 6th year in the Gryffindor House."
She could hear the whispers and could feel their stares but she ignored them. Stepping down she walked to the Gryffindor table and sat across from a boy with black hair and green eyes. He had a scar on his forehead she noticed, but she did not stare, it was rude. Yuriko has also sat next to a girl with brown hair and goldish brown eyes who turned to whisper to her.
"Hi Yuriko, I'm Hermione Granger." She whispered and stuck out her left hand after glancing briefly at her right.
'She didn't stare...' The thought ran across her mind as she smiled softly and shook Hermione's left with her left hand. "Hello Hermione." Yuriko said bowing her head.
"Welcome to Hogwarts."
Yuriko smiled and whispered back, "Thank you."
Dumbledore had finished his announcements and food had appeared on their plates, and to her relief, it was Udon and curry. (Two types of noodle dishes from Japan)
However, a bright red haired boy who sat in front of Hermione waved at her. "Hey, I'm Ron Weasley." Then nudged the boy next to him in the ribs who she sat across from.
"Harry Potter, nice to meet you." She said hello to both of them and they all begun to eat.
Hermione and Yuriko instantly hit it off and became fast friends. They learned that they had a lot in common. Plus Yuriko's bed was right next to the window, and thus Hermione's was next to hers.
"So what do you think mate?" Ron whispered to Harry who was looking at Yuriko intently.
"She's very pretty."
Ron laughed. "I noticed, but I meant what do you think of her? Hermione and her certainly seem to be getting along."
"Hm, she seems nice, and you're right."
Suddenly dinner was over and everyone was standing up to go. Yuriko was telling Hermione about this book when Malfoy showed up. Ron stifled a groan but he paid them no attention. He tapped Yuriko on the shoulder and held out his left hand.
"Draco Malfoy, a pleasure to meet you," When she extended her right he took it and kissed it. Yuriko looked as surprised as Hermione.
"Likewise." She said eyeing him as he stood up, still holding onto her hand. Finally he released hers and she glanced at Hermione who still had a look of surprise on her face. "This is my friend Hermione."
Draco looked at Hermione and then cleared his throat; he looked pained as he spoke. "I know... Hermione. Hello." Hermione's eyes widened as Ron's and Harry's jaw dropped in shock.
"Hi... Draco."
He turned as one of his Slytherin friends's called his name and excused himself, saying good-bye to Yuriko.
"Did you see that?" Ron asked near Hermione's elbow.
"Yeah mate, that pig over there just flew." Harry said seriously and the two bursts into laughter while Yuriko stood looking surprised.
"What?"
"Malfoy must like you Yuriko, he hates our guts." Ron explained and she looked surprised.
"Why would he hate you all?" The three laughed.
"It's a long story."
~*~b-l-a-c-k-j-a-d-e-b-e-a-d-s~*~
Hermione and Yuriko lay in their beds, only Yuriko was asleep and Hermione was wide-awake. She'd heard a noise and opened her eyes. Half of her bed curtains had been drawn, but she could see the whole room easily. Yuriko had forgotten hers and fallen asleep.
Then Hermione saw something that almost made her heart stop. A man cloaked in black was creeping towards Yuriko's bed. Hermione tried to say something but her throat wouldn't allow her. The man crept closer before drawing what looked like a sword and then she found her voice.
"YURIKO!" Yuriko was instantly awake and had drawn her own sword from the sheath on her back, instantly on instinct. All the other girls woke as the blades struck one another making a loud clash! Yuriko was on her feet and pushing the man back towards the door, all the while the sounds of the blades striking another.
The man turned and fled down the stairs but Yuriko made a flying leap and landed in front of him, her sword inches from his face.
By now the boys and girls had run down the steps into the common room to see what the commotion was and someone had run through the portrait hole screaming for Dumbledore.
Yuriko paid no heed, just watched the intruder as he swung his blade hard towards her shoulder. She blocked it and with her foot tripped him. But he was instantly on his feet, and using his speed and strength against her, stabbed her in the left arm.
The girls screamed drowning out Yuriko's own of anguish and pain. Dropping the sword the portrait hole flew open and in McGonagall and Snape rushed in to everyone's surprise just as the intruder made to deliver the final blow upon Yuriko's head.
With all her might Yuriko clutched her sword and with a grunt, threw all her weight into her right arm and stabbed him in the foot. He let out a bellow and then a loud crack was heard... and he was gone.
Yuriko struggled to her feet and yanked her sword out of the floor with her left hand while her right clutched her arm where blood was streaming out of the wound, gushing.
By now Hermione was in tears and Harry and Ron gaped. McGonagall ran to alert Dumbledore and Snape started towards Yuriko whose eyes slowly closed as she fainted from the loss of so much blood.
Snape caught her just before her body slumped to the floor and picked up her small body in his arms. "Granger, Potter, Weasley- not you two-" He snapped angrily at Fred and George who had started to walk towards him. "Follow me." With his foot he opened the portrait hole and went out, with the three hurrying behind him, Ron trying to comfort Hermione, squeezing her hand, while Harry ran to catch a glimpse of Yuriko. Her face was against Snape's chest, dead pale, and to Harry's surprise her eyes slowly opened and looked directly into his own before fluttering close.
They made it to the Hospital Wing and Snape set her on a bed before rushing off to find Madam Pomfrey. Hermione was instantly at Yuriko's side but the sight of her made her burst into a fresh bout of tears. Ron hugged Hermione so that her face was hidden in his chest and he glanced sadly at Yuriko's pale face.
Harry did something he himself didn't even expect, as he took her bandaged right hand into his own and squeezed lightly.
Then, Madam Pomfrey burst through the doors with Snape, McGonagall, and Dumbledore.
Madam Pomfrey was at her side and examined her quickly. "I don't... she was only stabbed? That can't be true... something must've been done to the blade... I think she's been poisoned!" Hermione cried even harder now and Harry squeezed Yuriko's hand tighter.
"That foul man... he must have bewitched the blade!" McGonagall cried, blowing her noise on a tissue, while handing a box to a flustered Ron who was blushing now that everyone saw him holding Hermione.
"Ron, take her outside and try and get her to calm down," Dumbledore said and Ron nodded, tugging Hermione out of the room.
"She opened her eyes once while Snape rushed her here, then they closed." Harry told Madam Pomfrey who nodded feverishly and then Harry almost jumped.
Yuriko's thin fingers that he'd clutched hard curled around his own weakly. Dumbledore smiled triumphantly. "She'll live."
Madam Pomfrey administered an antidote once Snape figured out what poison it was, then magicked Yuriko's wound. Now the only hint that remained of her stab wound was a thin scar that Madam Pomfrey assured would vanish soon. Harry stayed right where he was, clutching her hand.
"She can go to her bed once she awakes, or she can sleep here." Madam Pomfrey bustled about, cleaning up the mess she'd made while attending to Yuriko.
"I'm sure she'd be more comfortable in her own bed. Harry, if you'd be so kind as to carry her, she can go." Dumbledore said with a smile, and patted Yuriko's good arm. "Ron and Hermione are waiting for you outside."
He nodded. "Yes Professor... did you find him?" Harry asked as he gently scooped up Yuriko's body, bridal style, to find it surprisingly light.
"I'm afraid not Harry, but she's safe now. No one will get back in and hurt her again." Dumbledore promised and Snape to Harry's great surprise, took her bandaged hand in her own and gave it a quick squeeze.
"Take great care walking back Potter, if you drop her, I'll drop you." Snape said quietly and swept out of the room, as Professor McGonagall stared and Dumbledore chuckled.
"He's grown quite fond of her," McGonagall smiled and Harry quickly left the two alone.
Ron had Hermione resting against him in the hallway, but she sprang to her feet and hurried to him to look at Yuriko. "Is she going to be all right?"
"She'll be fine." Harry assured her and turned to look at Ron who was grinning at him.
"Found yourself a prize, eh mate?" He laughed as Harry blushed and started to walk, ignoring him and Hermione hit him in the stomach before rushing to keep up with Harry. Ron caught up and walked on the other side of him. "Jeez, someone's sure got it in for her."
"He was going to kill her... while she slept." Hermione shivered and gulped. "If I hadn't been awake... he would've." Harry slid Ron a look who nodded and grabbed Hermione's hand.
"It's all right Hermione, don't think about it." He said in a calm, comforting voice and she nodded with a sniff.
"Your right."
By then they had reached the common room and everyone was silent as they entered. Harry walked past everyone and started up the girl's staircase before stopping. "Hermione, come show me the way." She nodded and sprang forward, leading him up the staircase leaving Ron with everyone else in the common room.
"She's going to be fine." He assured them as everyone shouted the question at once.