Author's Note: Thanks Alexial and Jodi for reviewing, and Jodi what do you
mean by "who is it". Who is who? Anyway, this chapter doesn't have a LOT to
do with the plot. It's just an idea I had and I really wanted to write it
out so... anyway, enjoy!
CHAPTER TWENTY- The Room (Draco's point of view)
I scowled at the scowling face scowling at me. "None of your business, Potter."
"Jasmine asked me to find out what was wrong. I don't know WHY but she did so tell me. Does this have anything to do when you tried to kill-"
"I said it's none of your business!" I snapped angrily. That idiot had followed me for the better part of an hour before I demanded to know why.
"It's Jasmine's business, she's worried. Can't imagine why." Potter said, folding his arms.
"Leave me alone, Potter." I sneered.
"Jasmine is-"
"Worried, duh, you told me. Just tell her I'm fine and if she is still worried then she needs to talk to me face-to-face and not send her" I stopped short before calling Potter a nasty name. "brother."
"Fine." Potter turned and left. I made my way down to the secret room I had found a while ago. It was a nice quiet place for me to mull things over.
It was a large domed room filled with plants. The floor was actually grass, and the top was glass to let sunshine in. It was quiet, relaxing and nice. No one knew about it, and I planned for it to stay that way. I went to my favorite spot and sat down. I knew I should tell Jasmine what was worrying me, but I couldn't bring myself to it. I knew I should tell someone, ANYONE!... but I couldn't.
I sighed and leaned against the tree, closing my eyes. My life was so fucking horrible. The only good thing in it was Jasmine. I knew that should be enough, but somehow it wasn't. A piece of me wanted to go back to the power, popularity, and money. I knew I could. All I would have to do was give up Jasmine. But I couldn't do that, I loved her.
But that little piece of me kept nagging.
That idiot Potter was right, this did sort of have to do when I tried committing suicide. I was still contemplating it. My problems would be over and hey-I could still talk to Jasmine, she'd be able to see and hear me.
But not touch. We would no longer be able to be in each other's arms, or rest against each other, or snog. I opened my eyes and stared at the pale blue sky, streaked with thin white clouds. That's how I felt. Thin, spread about. Almost like a ghost.
And those nightmares I had been having, ugh.
It was because of the planned attack. I had to tell someone but couldn't bring myself to it!! That piece of me that wanted to go back prevented me from telling someone that-that.......
I sighed and turned down to a frizz. A fuzzy plant that looked a bit like an animal. Maybe if I told it, it would help some. "Voldemort is planning an attack. A big attack. He is getting all his Death Eaters and followers as strong as possible, and is going to attack London."
***
By the time I left the secret room I had told every single plant in there. I was going mad, I knew it. Talking to plants but I didn't care. I was mad, insane, crazy. I was going completely crackers.
I went through the secret passage that led to the room, and out into the corridors of Hogwarts. Students past me, busy with their own happy carefree lives. The only ones who knew what I knew was most the Slytherins.
It happened by chance I found out what was going to happen. I had forgotten something in the Slytherin common room and, thinking everyone was asleep, snuck down to get it. There was a meeting of all the kids of Death Eaters which was about three-fifths the house. I had overheard.
That's when it all started, ofcourse. I got worried but didn't let it show. But the nightmares I had-imagining it all. I had seen enough deaths to last me the rest of my life anyway, I didn't need this. At first I was going to tell Jasmine. That's when the voice came.
'Go back, Draco. Go back to everything you could ever dream of!'
At first I was very tempted. I could remember it all. Servants, castles, money, power, people hopping to do my every command.
But then I thought of Jasmine.
But then I thought of the power and money.
Jasmine.
Power and money.
True love.
Everything else a guy could want.
I was horrible. I hardly got any sleep anymore due to it all. Jasmine noticed, ofcourse. I got paler, less of my normal self.
That's when I found the domed room, and knew I could be a bit more at peace in there. It was my sanctuary. I spent more time there and less time with Jasmine.
I felt bad about that, but I couldn't help it. That room was so calm and serene.... it was wonderful, so wonderful. I craved spending time in that room more then I craved Jasmine.
But that room.... it was everything I imagined to make me feel peaceful.
Maybe there was a spell on the room to do that to someone, but I didn't care. If that was what it was then fine, I was under a spell.
"Draco!"
I blinked at her voice, and turned to see Jasmine. For some reason I felt more interested in going back to that room then her. "Hullo." I said quietly.
"Draco, something is wrong with you." She said. She was looking extremely worried. "What is it?"
"I'm fine." I said, staring into her face. It didn't seem as beautiful as it did before. What seemed beautiful was that room. Ah the greenness! The serenity!
"No you are NOT! You WILL tell me what is wrong with you right now or-or-"
"Or what?" I asked.
"Draco, please!" She said, tears running down her face. I quickly wiped them away and kissed her.
"Jasmine, you know I love you." But did I? Did I love her as much as I used to? Maybe our relationship was a quick fling.
"If you love me then you can tell me what's wrong." She whispered.
"I've just been having these nightmares." I said, stroking her silky hair. "They'll go away soon, I'll be fine." Would I? Would I be fine? Or was I going to lead a tormented and anguished life?
"I hope so." Jasmine said with a smile. Oh that smile melted my heart. But not all of it. Some of my heart wished for everything I had before her. And some of my heart wished to go back to that room. "Why don't we take a walk?" She asked.
"No, I'm awfully tired."
"Well we can go outside and rest like Peggy and Ron."
"I think I need to be alone for a while. After dinner how about we go somewhere." I offered.
"Okay." She kissed me, and I walked off. After I made sure no one was following me, I returned to the room even though I had just left.
This was perfect, it was heaven. Everything to make me feel calmer and at peace. I sat down near the frizz plant and fell asleep.
*** (Harry's point of view)
Over the next week or so, Jasmine got exceedingly more worried about Malfoy. And so I got more worried about Jasmine. And Luna got worried about me. So Lupus got worried about her. So Ginny got worried about him. Ron WOULD of gotten worried about Ginny, but he was too busy being worried about Peggy.
Yeah so the middle of April was pretty much full of worries. Luna, Lupus, and Ginny were pretty busy with their O.W.Ls. I gave Luna all the support she could use, along with some to spare. I think she gave all the spare I gave her to Lupus.
Finally, I decided to talk to Malfoy again. It took me hours to find him! I finally did. He was coming out of a secret passage. "Malfoy." I snapped.
He jumped and turned. "Leave me alone, Potter."
"I'd like to, its just you are doing THAT to my sister! She has been getting very worried and upset because of you. I hate you, but I love Jasmine and I want to know what the hell is wrong."
"None of your business." Malfoy said, scowling. I grabbed him by the wrist and clutched tightly.
"Tell me right now, Malfoy, or I'll swear I'll kick you so hard in that one place, the Malfoy line will end with you."
Malfoy scowled and pushed me away. "Fuck you, Potter." He growled. "Close your eyes. Go on." I sighed and close my eyes. When he said I could open them, I did and saw an opening in the wall. Frowning, I followed Malfoy rather nervously. We went down a long, dark tunnel and ended up at a closed door. "I swear if you tell anyone...." Malfoy growled as he opened the door.
I blinked as we walked into the room. It was a large.... living room like. A large scarlet couch sat beside a lit fire with scarlet pillows and gold tassels. A coffee table was stretched out in front of it, and some books, a newspaper, and a cup of tea sitting there. There was a round table beside it, with a scarlet-shaded lamp with gold lions embroidered in the top and bottom. Beside that was a deeper scarlet armchair with a gold lion design on the back. I blinked again and stepped forward. This place seemed so familiar. There was bookcases along one wall. Most the walls were brick. Soft music was playing.
"It's amazing." I whispered, wondering why it was so amazing.
"I know, isn't it?" Malfoy asked.
I nodded and sat down on the sofa. The fire flickered cozily and above the fireplace....
I stared. It was a family portrait. The tallest was a man with messy jet black hair, deep brown eyes and glasses. He had one arm around a woman with beautiful red hair pulled in a bun on her head. Two red curls came down either side of her loving face. The man's other arm was around Jasmine. Jasmine had her arm linked with mine and our mother hand her hand on my shoulder. It was a family portrait as if it was done of all four of us about this time.
"Can I be alone?" I asked Malfoy.
"Er-yes." He scowled and left. I shut the door and returned to the couch. It was soft and cozy. I curled up, resting against the armchair. I continued staring up at the portrait. It seemed perfect, so right. So warm and cozy. I closed my eyes, listening to the music.
I REMEMBERED IT!
I jerked up as I realized where I heard the music. I closed my eyes again....
My mother's face appeared in front of me, humming the music along with it being played through the speakers. She used to play it all the time....
I searched the room and found the CD player. There was an empty case beside it. Only one song on it, the song playing.
'My Life Is Love And Laughter' by Strauss.
Mum loved that song. I stared back up at the portrait and remembered when she and dad used to waltz to it.
I set the CD case down and returned to the sofa. They could be here, in this room with me and I'd never know. Jasmine would. She got that talent. Why was it her and not me? It really wasn't fair.
'Nothing is fair.'. I thought unhappily. I was being chased by the most feared wizard, I had so many depending on me to fight back and win. But I couldn't, I was just a 16 years old! This wasn't something I couldn't handle!
It just wasn't bleeding fair! Why me?! Why was Voldemort after me in the first place?! I never did anything to him in the FIRST place!
No, nothing was fair. My entire life was just one big mess-up. I was a mess- up. Everyone looked up to me. Thinking I'm this hero. But I wasn't. And I was sick of people thinking that. I'm more then just a famous name, or a scar.
I am Harry James Potter and nothing else!!!
And I was going to, somehow, some way, stop people from thinking of me as the famous Harry Potter. Everybody knew me for my name, and not me. Everyone wanted to know me for my fame, and not me. Everyone except my true friends.
Or did they?
Ron knew I was who I was right from the start. So did Hermione. And Luna.
Did they like me for who I really was?
Ron and Hermione had taken risks for me. More then once.
Ron died for me.
Yes, Ron and Hermione were true friends. They did not care that I was famous.
But did Luna?
Did she really love me for who I was? Or was it just to be Harry Potter's girlfriend? Was she really sincere? Did she really love me?
I looked at the cup of tea and sniffed it. It smelled fresh. I tasted it- yes it was good. I drank it all and set the cup down. I stared back up at the portrait. My parents........ their arms around Jasmine and me. Jasmine.
She needed to know about this room.
Or did she?
This room was so wonderful.
Then I remembered where I had seen this room before.
It was my old living room, at my house before Voldemort destroyed it all.
But how?
I blinked back tears, gripping the tea cup. How could this be my living room?
It was my living room. I knew it was. The look, the feel, the smell.
It was my home.
*** (Peggy's point of view)
I stared down the black tunnel. It was so dark-was this the way to the kitchen? I pulled my wand out and lit it. I had been looking for the kitchens (I was still craving apple pie!) and I found this secret passage. I had no idea where it led to. Maybe the kitchens, maybe not. But this was me-Peggy Morlins. I could not let a secret passage go by undetected.
I arrived at a door and pushed it open. I gasped and put my hands to my face. It was beautiful.
It was a small forest. Very small, and it went from not too many trees to a thick forest. Light filtered through the leaves making it kind of glow greenish. There was a babbling brook running through the trees. At one point the stream hit a rock and poured down on either side, making short waterfalls into a pond. I pushed my hair back and walked forward. I could hear the sounds of a typical forest.
It was so wonderful.
How could this be in Hogwarts?
I went by the stream and sat down, touching the water. It was cool, and refreshing to my hand. It was fairly warm, so I took my shoes off and rolled up the legs of my jeans. I dipped my feet and calves and moaned slightly. It felt so good! So refreshing! So perfect!
I stood up, and waded to the middle of the stream. It wasn't a deep part and only came up to my knees. It felt so good! I smiled as minnows and fish flashed by me in a quick bit of silver. I went to a rock. It was covered with thick moss and it was so AMAZING!
A large willow tree overhung and so it was behind the perfectly leaved branches. There was a large wall of rock before the tree even started so it really was overhanging.
I sat down on the rock and closed my eyes, enjoying this.
It was so nice. A great place for me to unwind.
Of course, I wouldn't need to unwind as much of Ron wouldn't keep winding me up like a clockwork mouse! He was so impatient!
Okay, so I was annoying and whiny but hey! I was PREGNANT!
Ron couldn't-and wouldn't-understand. He was just a-a-a self-centered brat!
Okay, maybe that was a bit overboard. But still. I wouldn't BE like this if he hadn't of gotten all hormonal! Sure he was sweet but.... he was so.... aggravating.
Why did I even love him?
Maybe Robert was right.
Maybe Ron wasn't for me.
***
I kept going to the room. I couldn't help it. It called my name, day and night. I began to get obsessed by it. It haunted me. And one day, I even skipped out of Charms early to go to it. CHARMS! My FAVORITE class!
Ron questioned me, naturally. But I felt weird around me. Was he really the one for me? Many people fell in and out of love before they found 'the one'.
Maybe Robert was right. Maybe I needed to break up with him. I didn't want my life completely controlled by anyone!
Of course I would never go for that pervert Jack. Ugh he was so disgusting! He made Ron look like-like a monk!
I sighed and trailed my fingers in the water. It was so nice here, so serene, and calm. Away from everything. Away from all the problems.
Of course I was about to have an even bigger problem. A baby. Could I handle a baby? I was so scared at the thought! But it was too late now.
Unless....
There was always....
Abortion.
No, I couldn't!
But then the biggest problem in my life right now would no longer be.
Or was Ron my biggest problem? I knew perfectly well the reason he turned into a rabbit. Ugh.
Or maybe it was Robert. He practically controlled my life! I hated it! I hated him!
I just wanted to be free.
I curled up, hugging my knees as tears slid down my cheek. My life was totally horrible. My biggest fear was my dad, I had a very-yeah boyfriend, I was pregnant, and I hardly had any friends.
I was completely alone in the world full of billions of people. Everything in my life was so incredibly crappy! I was a-a-a-an annoying bitch! No wonder no one liked me!
I burst into tears, and began crying into my arms.
*** (Sirius's point of view)
HEY! A new secret passage! I just discovered a new secret passage!
As I went down the dark corridor, I wondered how this secret passage ever escaped the Marauder's attention.
I finally got to the door and pushed it open.
I stared around, amazed at the sight in front of me.
It was.... perfect.
***
Remus was the first to notice the change in Sirius. He started acting very weird. Became very distant. Finally Trixie asked Remus if he knew what was up with him.
"No, sorry. I'm busy worrying about the Stone." Remus said with a sigh.
"Why's that?" Emerin asked.
"HelLO?! Voldemort has it!" Remus snapped.
"Oh my God, I've been so busy I forgot to-I'm an idiot, here." She held out her hand and dropped the Stone into Remus's hand.
Remus stared at the impish woman. "How the hell did you-"
Emerin grinned. "You know that guy? Jared?"
"The one who chatted you up in the Three Broomsticks, yeah." Ivana said.
"He's a Death Eater. He's the one that either got the Stone, or killed Skeeter and took the Stone from her. Either way, he had the Stone. I found it in his bedroom when he took me back to his house our first date. I pretended to go to the lavatory."
"Then how come you're still dating him if he's a bloody Death Eater?" Remus demanded.
"Cause 1. He wants something from me and I want to know what. But if it's THAT, uh heh, heh, he is sure as hell not getting it. 2. I want to see if there is more things I can find out and 3. He's bloody handsome."
"Ember! I didn't think you'd be the kind of witch to date a man cause of his looks." Bert said.
"Hey! A lot of the witches in Hogsmeade teased me cause I'm so damn small and impish now I'm getting revenge on them." Emerin laughed an evil cackle then went off.
"She never ceases to amaze me." Bert said.
"Bert, you never cease to amaze ME." Remus said, shaking his head and pocketing the Stone.
***
Lucius Malfoy kept examining the mirror. It reflected everything that happened in the room he had put the spell on. He knew his bastard of a son went in there, but also, to his interest, so did a Gryffindor girl, a teacher, and none other then Harry Potter.
Lucius hoped that the spell wouldn't make Potter kill himself. Potter was needed to be alive. Besides, the spell was for Draco.
His last visit he had made the secret passage and room, and put the spell on it. The spell took over the body of whoever entered the room.
First, everyone would see the room differently. It had just been an old room before. But every time someone entered.... they would see what made them the most serene, the most at peace, cozy, warm, happy! They would feel drawn back to the room. It would take over their minds.
And of course every minute spent in the room, would be spent questioning the most important things in that persons life.
And of course the more time spent questioning, the more shadow and doubt would fill that persons mind. After a while they would go to the next level.
Lucius smiled, wondering when they'd get to the next part. It was very fun to watch.
They started dismissing the things they pride themselves the most on. For instance if a person prided themselves on being so smart, they start to feel stupid. They would eventually become stupid themselves. Lucius wondered what his son prided himself on the most. His handsome looks? He'd become as ugly as hell. His wonderful relationship with the Potter girl? They'd be at each others throats.
Maybe this would be best for the Potter boy though. He prided himself on being good, brave, and fair. He'd become mean, a coward, a crook.
But Voldemort wanted Harry Potter just as he was.
Lucius sighed. He'd just have to get Potter out of that room somehow. It'd be hard for him, ofcourse. It had been four days since he found the room. Four days drawn into the spell. It'd be so hard to get him out of the swamp. But he'd have to do it.
Draco was days and days drawn in the spell. Any day now he'd become the complete opposite of what he was. Then, the horror of becoming what he hated so much would most likely drive himself to suicide. Lucius set his mirror down and stood up. He didn't give a rat's behind for his son anymore. Not that he really cared all that much for him in the first place. He had hoped his son would uphold the family honour but oh well.
Lucius walked into his parlour and found his wife sitting there, sewing. She didn't know any of this. She still thought Draco was perfectly happy. Lucius had completely prevented her from finding out everything. After all, she didn't love him anymore. She loved their idiotic son.
At first they did love each other. It had been a whirl of romance, drinks and they gotten married. Even before their first wedding anniversary, Draco was born. He was all that kept Lucius and Narcissa together. Well that as well as a few spells Lucius put on his wife.
"Were you checking up on Draco?" Narcissa asked, looking up.
"Yes." Lucius said, flexing his hands and fingers.
"How is he doing?"
"Same as he has been." Lucius sat down, his gray eyes looking over his wife. She was so beautiful. He could not lose her. Of course, if they got the news Draco had-
Well she'd leave him in a minute! What he needed was another child. Another heir, and another thing to keep Narcissa with him.
"How about a drink?" Lucius asked.
"That'd be nice." Narcissa said quietly.
Lucius smiled as he slipped the potion in. The potion to make her slightly confused. He handed the glass to his wife, drank his own and watched as she drained her own glass.
*** (Bert's point of view)
I narrowed my eyes as Sirius emerged from the secret passage. After he left, I slipped into the dark corridor and pulled out my tape recorder which ran on magic.
"01800 hours. 22nd April. Tuesday. I have found out where Sirius Black goes on his outings. It is a dark, secret passage. One never explored by me before." I pulled out a handgun. Small, but I could handle it with one hand. "I am preparing to fight if anything comes out."
I got to the end of the passage and kicked open the door. When I saw what it was, I dropped my tape recorder.
It was perfect.
A room filled with racks and racks of guns! All sizes and types! Hundreds and hundreds of ammo! Barrels of gunpowder! I put the handgun up and stepped forward, staring at the polished weapons. My fingers left my handgun and I wondered if someone had tried to attack me, if I would of shot them.
Oh God, I would of!
I couldn't of! I couldn't kill! I grabbed my handgun and set it on a counter, stepping away. Guns were so violent! How could I ever like them!?
WAIT A MINUTE!
I grabbed the handgun and ran out of the room. There was a spell on it!
***
"A spell?!" Remus, Emerin, Ivana and Trixie all demanded after I told them.
"Yeah. I was actually not liking guns." I said, polishing my grizzly500.
"Yeesh, that's not like you." Emerin said.
"Exactly. Well, that's where Sirius goes." I said, shaking my head. "I can see why, though. I am very tempted to go back."
"Ah! I know what spell it is!" Ivana suddenly said. "There must be a Drawing spell on it. It keeps your mind on it. Draws you back."
"Of course. That's why I'm so-you know, I need to go to the loo." I said, standing up.
"SIT DOWN!" They all shouted, grabbed my arms and pulled me down.
"Sorry!" I pulled my hat off and wiped my forehead.
"Sirius must be being drawn back to the room. But why is he acting so weird?" Trixie asked.
"Of course." Emerin said, smiling. "There is this one spell that makes you... confused. It makes you question everything. Especially things that are important to you. It must be a double spell." Emerin bit her bottom lip. "Oh dear we really need to stop him from going there!"
"Why? What happens?" Trixie asked.
"It will make you insane." Emerin said quietly. We all looked at each other and decided to find Sirius this very second.
***
The group ran down the hallways and found a scene in front of the entrance. Sirius, Harry, Peggy and Malfoy were all shouting at each other.
"Whoa-whoa-whoa! What is going on?!" Remus demanded.
"THEY are taking MY secret place!" All four shouted angrily.
"I discovered it first!" Malfoy yelled.
"I am the oldest!" Sirius snapped.
"No you're just old." Harry growled.
"I'm the girl, I deserve it!" Peggy screamed.
"I-uh-I deserve it just as much as you guys!" Harry yelled. "I'M THE FAMOUS ONE!"
"You don't like being famous!"
"That's not the point."
"Well, I'm the good-looking one." Malfoy snapped.
"Oh shut up, blondie." Harry hissed.
"I'm the girl, and girls first."
"All right I agree to that."
"You do, Sirius?"
"Yeah, your the first one NOT to go in!"
"GUYS!"
Remus grabbed Sirius's arm, Trixie grabbed Peggy's arm, Emerin grabbed Harry's, and Ivana grabbed Malfoy's arm.
"We are going to go and sit down and talk this over." Remus said.
"In the room?" Malfoy asked hopefully.
"NO!"
***
It took hours, many spells, some Butterbeer, and girlfriends/boyfriend/fiancee to finally calm the four incredibly angry people.
Trixie was snapping angrily at Sirius, Luna was staring at Harry sadly, Jasmine was crying into Malfoy's shoulder, and Ron was comforting a weeping Peggy. "I can't believe it was a spell." Harry said, rubbing Luna's back.
"It makes sense." Sirius said, blinking. "I am so sorry, Trix."
"It's okay." Trixie said.
"This is stupid, it can't be a spell." Malfoy said.
"He's still under it." Jasmine said, wiping her tears.
"He had been going to the longest, he's pretty confused." Emerin said, sipping her tea.
"How long until he's back to normal?" Jasmine asked, stroking his silvery blonde hair.
"A while." Emerin said with a sigh.
"I hope not too terribly long." Jasmine said. Malfoy scowled.
"I'm perfectly sane." He said.
"I want to know who did this. Who put the spell on the room. I mean, it was impossible for it to be there when we went to school." Ivana said.
"I know, it would never of escaped our discovering." Remus said with a nod.
***
By the first weekend of May, everyone was back to normal or as close as they could become. They told Dumbledore about the room and he managed to destroy the spell.
It turned out to be a room filled with chamber pots.
CHAPTER TWENTY- The Room (Draco's point of view)
I scowled at the scowling face scowling at me. "None of your business, Potter."
"Jasmine asked me to find out what was wrong. I don't know WHY but she did so tell me. Does this have anything to do when you tried to kill-"
"I said it's none of your business!" I snapped angrily. That idiot had followed me for the better part of an hour before I demanded to know why.
"It's Jasmine's business, she's worried. Can't imagine why." Potter said, folding his arms.
"Leave me alone, Potter." I sneered.
"Jasmine is-"
"Worried, duh, you told me. Just tell her I'm fine and if she is still worried then she needs to talk to me face-to-face and not send her" I stopped short before calling Potter a nasty name. "brother."
"Fine." Potter turned and left. I made my way down to the secret room I had found a while ago. It was a nice quiet place for me to mull things over.
It was a large domed room filled with plants. The floor was actually grass, and the top was glass to let sunshine in. It was quiet, relaxing and nice. No one knew about it, and I planned for it to stay that way. I went to my favorite spot and sat down. I knew I should tell Jasmine what was worrying me, but I couldn't bring myself to it. I knew I should tell someone, ANYONE!... but I couldn't.
I sighed and leaned against the tree, closing my eyes. My life was so fucking horrible. The only good thing in it was Jasmine. I knew that should be enough, but somehow it wasn't. A piece of me wanted to go back to the power, popularity, and money. I knew I could. All I would have to do was give up Jasmine. But I couldn't do that, I loved her.
But that little piece of me kept nagging.
That idiot Potter was right, this did sort of have to do when I tried committing suicide. I was still contemplating it. My problems would be over and hey-I could still talk to Jasmine, she'd be able to see and hear me.
But not touch. We would no longer be able to be in each other's arms, or rest against each other, or snog. I opened my eyes and stared at the pale blue sky, streaked with thin white clouds. That's how I felt. Thin, spread about. Almost like a ghost.
And those nightmares I had been having, ugh.
It was because of the planned attack. I had to tell someone but couldn't bring myself to it!! That piece of me that wanted to go back prevented me from telling someone that-that.......
I sighed and turned down to a frizz. A fuzzy plant that looked a bit like an animal. Maybe if I told it, it would help some. "Voldemort is planning an attack. A big attack. He is getting all his Death Eaters and followers as strong as possible, and is going to attack London."
***
By the time I left the secret room I had told every single plant in there. I was going mad, I knew it. Talking to plants but I didn't care. I was mad, insane, crazy. I was going completely crackers.
I went through the secret passage that led to the room, and out into the corridors of Hogwarts. Students past me, busy with their own happy carefree lives. The only ones who knew what I knew was most the Slytherins.
It happened by chance I found out what was going to happen. I had forgotten something in the Slytherin common room and, thinking everyone was asleep, snuck down to get it. There was a meeting of all the kids of Death Eaters which was about three-fifths the house. I had overheard.
That's when it all started, ofcourse. I got worried but didn't let it show. But the nightmares I had-imagining it all. I had seen enough deaths to last me the rest of my life anyway, I didn't need this. At first I was going to tell Jasmine. That's when the voice came.
'Go back, Draco. Go back to everything you could ever dream of!'
At first I was very tempted. I could remember it all. Servants, castles, money, power, people hopping to do my every command.
But then I thought of Jasmine.
But then I thought of the power and money.
Jasmine.
Power and money.
True love.
Everything else a guy could want.
I was horrible. I hardly got any sleep anymore due to it all. Jasmine noticed, ofcourse. I got paler, less of my normal self.
That's when I found the domed room, and knew I could be a bit more at peace in there. It was my sanctuary. I spent more time there and less time with Jasmine.
I felt bad about that, but I couldn't help it. That room was so calm and serene.... it was wonderful, so wonderful. I craved spending time in that room more then I craved Jasmine.
But that room.... it was everything I imagined to make me feel peaceful.
Maybe there was a spell on the room to do that to someone, but I didn't care. If that was what it was then fine, I was under a spell.
"Draco!"
I blinked at her voice, and turned to see Jasmine. For some reason I felt more interested in going back to that room then her. "Hullo." I said quietly.
"Draco, something is wrong with you." She said. She was looking extremely worried. "What is it?"
"I'm fine." I said, staring into her face. It didn't seem as beautiful as it did before. What seemed beautiful was that room. Ah the greenness! The serenity!
"No you are NOT! You WILL tell me what is wrong with you right now or-or-"
"Or what?" I asked.
"Draco, please!" She said, tears running down her face. I quickly wiped them away and kissed her.
"Jasmine, you know I love you." But did I? Did I love her as much as I used to? Maybe our relationship was a quick fling.
"If you love me then you can tell me what's wrong." She whispered.
"I've just been having these nightmares." I said, stroking her silky hair. "They'll go away soon, I'll be fine." Would I? Would I be fine? Or was I going to lead a tormented and anguished life?
"I hope so." Jasmine said with a smile. Oh that smile melted my heart. But not all of it. Some of my heart wished for everything I had before her. And some of my heart wished to go back to that room. "Why don't we take a walk?" She asked.
"No, I'm awfully tired."
"Well we can go outside and rest like Peggy and Ron."
"I think I need to be alone for a while. After dinner how about we go somewhere." I offered.
"Okay." She kissed me, and I walked off. After I made sure no one was following me, I returned to the room even though I had just left.
This was perfect, it was heaven. Everything to make me feel calmer and at peace. I sat down near the frizz plant and fell asleep.
*** (Harry's point of view)
Over the next week or so, Jasmine got exceedingly more worried about Malfoy. And so I got more worried about Jasmine. And Luna got worried about me. So Lupus got worried about her. So Ginny got worried about him. Ron WOULD of gotten worried about Ginny, but he was too busy being worried about Peggy.
Yeah so the middle of April was pretty much full of worries. Luna, Lupus, and Ginny were pretty busy with their O.W.Ls. I gave Luna all the support she could use, along with some to spare. I think she gave all the spare I gave her to Lupus.
Finally, I decided to talk to Malfoy again. It took me hours to find him! I finally did. He was coming out of a secret passage. "Malfoy." I snapped.
He jumped and turned. "Leave me alone, Potter."
"I'd like to, its just you are doing THAT to my sister! She has been getting very worried and upset because of you. I hate you, but I love Jasmine and I want to know what the hell is wrong."
"None of your business." Malfoy said, scowling. I grabbed him by the wrist and clutched tightly.
"Tell me right now, Malfoy, or I'll swear I'll kick you so hard in that one place, the Malfoy line will end with you."
Malfoy scowled and pushed me away. "Fuck you, Potter." He growled. "Close your eyes. Go on." I sighed and close my eyes. When he said I could open them, I did and saw an opening in the wall. Frowning, I followed Malfoy rather nervously. We went down a long, dark tunnel and ended up at a closed door. "I swear if you tell anyone...." Malfoy growled as he opened the door.
I blinked as we walked into the room. It was a large.... living room like. A large scarlet couch sat beside a lit fire with scarlet pillows and gold tassels. A coffee table was stretched out in front of it, and some books, a newspaper, and a cup of tea sitting there. There was a round table beside it, with a scarlet-shaded lamp with gold lions embroidered in the top and bottom. Beside that was a deeper scarlet armchair with a gold lion design on the back. I blinked again and stepped forward. This place seemed so familiar. There was bookcases along one wall. Most the walls were brick. Soft music was playing.
"It's amazing." I whispered, wondering why it was so amazing.
"I know, isn't it?" Malfoy asked.
I nodded and sat down on the sofa. The fire flickered cozily and above the fireplace....
I stared. It was a family portrait. The tallest was a man with messy jet black hair, deep brown eyes and glasses. He had one arm around a woman with beautiful red hair pulled in a bun on her head. Two red curls came down either side of her loving face. The man's other arm was around Jasmine. Jasmine had her arm linked with mine and our mother hand her hand on my shoulder. It was a family portrait as if it was done of all four of us about this time.
"Can I be alone?" I asked Malfoy.
"Er-yes." He scowled and left. I shut the door and returned to the couch. It was soft and cozy. I curled up, resting against the armchair. I continued staring up at the portrait. It seemed perfect, so right. So warm and cozy. I closed my eyes, listening to the music.
I REMEMBERED IT!
I jerked up as I realized where I heard the music. I closed my eyes again....
My mother's face appeared in front of me, humming the music along with it being played through the speakers. She used to play it all the time....
I searched the room and found the CD player. There was an empty case beside it. Only one song on it, the song playing.
'My Life Is Love And Laughter' by Strauss.
Mum loved that song. I stared back up at the portrait and remembered when she and dad used to waltz to it.
I set the CD case down and returned to the sofa. They could be here, in this room with me and I'd never know. Jasmine would. She got that talent. Why was it her and not me? It really wasn't fair.
'Nothing is fair.'. I thought unhappily. I was being chased by the most feared wizard, I had so many depending on me to fight back and win. But I couldn't, I was just a 16 years old! This wasn't something I couldn't handle!
It just wasn't bleeding fair! Why me?! Why was Voldemort after me in the first place?! I never did anything to him in the FIRST place!
No, nothing was fair. My entire life was just one big mess-up. I was a mess- up. Everyone looked up to me. Thinking I'm this hero. But I wasn't. And I was sick of people thinking that. I'm more then just a famous name, or a scar.
I am Harry James Potter and nothing else!!!
And I was going to, somehow, some way, stop people from thinking of me as the famous Harry Potter. Everybody knew me for my name, and not me. Everyone wanted to know me for my fame, and not me. Everyone except my true friends.
Or did they?
Ron knew I was who I was right from the start. So did Hermione. And Luna.
Did they like me for who I really was?
Ron and Hermione had taken risks for me. More then once.
Ron died for me.
Yes, Ron and Hermione were true friends. They did not care that I was famous.
But did Luna?
Did she really love me for who I was? Or was it just to be Harry Potter's girlfriend? Was she really sincere? Did she really love me?
I looked at the cup of tea and sniffed it. It smelled fresh. I tasted it- yes it was good. I drank it all and set the cup down. I stared back up at the portrait. My parents........ their arms around Jasmine and me. Jasmine.
She needed to know about this room.
Or did she?
This room was so wonderful.
Then I remembered where I had seen this room before.
It was my old living room, at my house before Voldemort destroyed it all.
But how?
I blinked back tears, gripping the tea cup. How could this be my living room?
It was my living room. I knew it was. The look, the feel, the smell.
It was my home.
*** (Peggy's point of view)
I stared down the black tunnel. It was so dark-was this the way to the kitchen? I pulled my wand out and lit it. I had been looking for the kitchens (I was still craving apple pie!) and I found this secret passage. I had no idea where it led to. Maybe the kitchens, maybe not. But this was me-Peggy Morlins. I could not let a secret passage go by undetected.
I arrived at a door and pushed it open. I gasped and put my hands to my face. It was beautiful.
It was a small forest. Very small, and it went from not too many trees to a thick forest. Light filtered through the leaves making it kind of glow greenish. There was a babbling brook running through the trees. At one point the stream hit a rock and poured down on either side, making short waterfalls into a pond. I pushed my hair back and walked forward. I could hear the sounds of a typical forest.
It was so wonderful.
How could this be in Hogwarts?
I went by the stream and sat down, touching the water. It was cool, and refreshing to my hand. It was fairly warm, so I took my shoes off and rolled up the legs of my jeans. I dipped my feet and calves and moaned slightly. It felt so good! So refreshing! So perfect!
I stood up, and waded to the middle of the stream. It wasn't a deep part and only came up to my knees. It felt so good! I smiled as minnows and fish flashed by me in a quick bit of silver. I went to a rock. It was covered with thick moss and it was so AMAZING!
A large willow tree overhung and so it was behind the perfectly leaved branches. There was a large wall of rock before the tree even started so it really was overhanging.
I sat down on the rock and closed my eyes, enjoying this.
It was so nice. A great place for me to unwind.
Of course, I wouldn't need to unwind as much of Ron wouldn't keep winding me up like a clockwork mouse! He was so impatient!
Okay, so I was annoying and whiny but hey! I was PREGNANT!
Ron couldn't-and wouldn't-understand. He was just a-a-a self-centered brat!
Okay, maybe that was a bit overboard. But still. I wouldn't BE like this if he hadn't of gotten all hormonal! Sure he was sweet but.... he was so.... aggravating.
Why did I even love him?
Maybe Robert was right.
Maybe Ron wasn't for me.
***
I kept going to the room. I couldn't help it. It called my name, day and night. I began to get obsessed by it. It haunted me. And one day, I even skipped out of Charms early to go to it. CHARMS! My FAVORITE class!
Ron questioned me, naturally. But I felt weird around me. Was he really the one for me? Many people fell in and out of love before they found 'the one'.
Maybe Robert was right. Maybe I needed to break up with him. I didn't want my life completely controlled by anyone!
Of course I would never go for that pervert Jack. Ugh he was so disgusting! He made Ron look like-like a monk!
I sighed and trailed my fingers in the water. It was so nice here, so serene, and calm. Away from everything. Away from all the problems.
Of course I was about to have an even bigger problem. A baby. Could I handle a baby? I was so scared at the thought! But it was too late now.
Unless....
There was always....
Abortion.
No, I couldn't!
But then the biggest problem in my life right now would no longer be.
Or was Ron my biggest problem? I knew perfectly well the reason he turned into a rabbit. Ugh.
Or maybe it was Robert. He practically controlled my life! I hated it! I hated him!
I just wanted to be free.
I curled up, hugging my knees as tears slid down my cheek. My life was totally horrible. My biggest fear was my dad, I had a very-yeah boyfriend, I was pregnant, and I hardly had any friends.
I was completely alone in the world full of billions of people. Everything in my life was so incredibly crappy! I was a-a-a-an annoying bitch! No wonder no one liked me!
I burst into tears, and began crying into my arms.
*** (Sirius's point of view)
HEY! A new secret passage! I just discovered a new secret passage!
As I went down the dark corridor, I wondered how this secret passage ever escaped the Marauder's attention.
I finally got to the door and pushed it open.
I stared around, amazed at the sight in front of me.
It was.... perfect.
***
Remus was the first to notice the change in Sirius. He started acting very weird. Became very distant. Finally Trixie asked Remus if he knew what was up with him.
"No, sorry. I'm busy worrying about the Stone." Remus said with a sigh.
"Why's that?" Emerin asked.
"HelLO?! Voldemort has it!" Remus snapped.
"Oh my God, I've been so busy I forgot to-I'm an idiot, here." She held out her hand and dropped the Stone into Remus's hand.
Remus stared at the impish woman. "How the hell did you-"
Emerin grinned. "You know that guy? Jared?"
"The one who chatted you up in the Three Broomsticks, yeah." Ivana said.
"He's a Death Eater. He's the one that either got the Stone, or killed Skeeter and took the Stone from her. Either way, he had the Stone. I found it in his bedroom when he took me back to his house our first date. I pretended to go to the lavatory."
"Then how come you're still dating him if he's a bloody Death Eater?" Remus demanded.
"Cause 1. He wants something from me and I want to know what. But if it's THAT, uh heh, heh, he is sure as hell not getting it. 2. I want to see if there is more things I can find out and 3. He's bloody handsome."
"Ember! I didn't think you'd be the kind of witch to date a man cause of his looks." Bert said.
"Hey! A lot of the witches in Hogsmeade teased me cause I'm so damn small and impish now I'm getting revenge on them." Emerin laughed an evil cackle then went off.
"She never ceases to amaze me." Bert said.
"Bert, you never cease to amaze ME." Remus said, shaking his head and pocketing the Stone.
***
Lucius Malfoy kept examining the mirror. It reflected everything that happened in the room he had put the spell on. He knew his bastard of a son went in there, but also, to his interest, so did a Gryffindor girl, a teacher, and none other then Harry Potter.
Lucius hoped that the spell wouldn't make Potter kill himself. Potter was needed to be alive. Besides, the spell was for Draco.
His last visit he had made the secret passage and room, and put the spell on it. The spell took over the body of whoever entered the room.
First, everyone would see the room differently. It had just been an old room before. But every time someone entered.... they would see what made them the most serene, the most at peace, cozy, warm, happy! They would feel drawn back to the room. It would take over their minds.
And of course every minute spent in the room, would be spent questioning the most important things in that persons life.
And of course the more time spent questioning, the more shadow and doubt would fill that persons mind. After a while they would go to the next level.
Lucius smiled, wondering when they'd get to the next part. It was very fun to watch.
They started dismissing the things they pride themselves the most on. For instance if a person prided themselves on being so smart, they start to feel stupid. They would eventually become stupid themselves. Lucius wondered what his son prided himself on the most. His handsome looks? He'd become as ugly as hell. His wonderful relationship with the Potter girl? They'd be at each others throats.
Maybe this would be best for the Potter boy though. He prided himself on being good, brave, and fair. He'd become mean, a coward, a crook.
But Voldemort wanted Harry Potter just as he was.
Lucius sighed. He'd just have to get Potter out of that room somehow. It'd be hard for him, ofcourse. It had been four days since he found the room. Four days drawn into the spell. It'd be so hard to get him out of the swamp. But he'd have to do it.
Draco was days and days drawn in the spell. Any day now he'd become the complete opposite of what he was. Then, the horror of becoming what he hated so much would most likely drive himself to suicide. Lucius set his mirror down and stood up. He didn't give a rat's behind for his son anymore. Not that he really cared all that much for him in the first place. He had hoped his son would uphold the family honour but oh well.
Lucius walked into his parlour and found his wife sitting there, sewing. She didn't know any of this. She still thought Draco was perfectly happy. Lucius had completely prevented her from finding out everything. After all, she didn't love him anymore. She loved their idiotic son.
At first they did love each other. It had been a whirl of romance, drinks and they gotten married. Even before their first wedding anniversary, Draco was born. He was all that kept Lucius and Narcissa together. Well that as well as a few spells Lucius put on his wife.
"Were you checking up on Draco?" Narcissa asked, looking up.
"Yes." Lucius said, flexing his hands and fingers.
"How is he doing?"
"Same as he has been." Lucius sat down, his gray eyes looking over his wife. She was so beautiful. He could not lose her. Of course, if they got the news Draco had-
Well she'd leave him in a minute! What he needed was another child. Another heir, and another thing to keep Narcissa with him.
"How about a drink?" Lucius asked.
"That'd be nice." Narcissa said quietly.
Lucius smiled as he slipped the potion in. The potion to make her slightly confused. He handed the glass to his wife, drank his own and watched as she drained her own glass.
*** (Bert's point of view)
I narrowed my eyes as Sirius emerged from the secret passage. After he left, I slipped into the dark corridor and pulled out my tape recorder which ran on magic.
"01800 hours. 22nd April. Tuesday. I have found out where Sirius Black goes on his outings. It is a dark, secret passage. One never explored by me before." I pulled out a handgun. Small, but I could handle it with one hand. "I am preparing to fight if anything comes out."
I got to the end of the passage and kicked open the door. When I saw what it was, I dropped my tape recorder.
It was perfect.
A room filled with racks and racks of guns! All sizes and types! Hundreds and hundreds of ammo! Barrels of gunpowder! I put the handgun up and stepped forward, staring at the polished weapons. My fingers left my handgun and I wondered if someone had tried to attack me, if I would of shot them.
Oh God, I would of!
I couldn't of! I couldn't kill! I grabbed my handgun and set it on a counter, stepping away. Guns were so violent! How could I ever like them!?
WAIT A MINUTE!
I grabbed the handgun and ran out of the room. There was a spell on it!
***
"A spell?!" Remus, Emerin, Ivana and Trixie all demanded after I told them.
"Yeah. I was actually not liking guns." I said, polishing my grizzly500.
"Yeesh, that's not like you." Emerin said.
"Exactly. Well, that's where Sirius goes." I said, shaking my head. "I can see why, though. I am very tempted to go back."
"Ah! I know what spell it is!" Ivana suddenly said. "There must be a Drawing spell on it. It keeps your mind on it. Draws you back."
"Of course. That's why I'm so-you know, I need to go to the loo." I said, standing up.
"SIT DOWN!" They all shouted, grabbed my arms and pulled me down.
"Sorry!" I pulled my hat off and wiped my forehead.
"Sirius must be being drawn back to the room. But why is he acting so weird?" Trixie asked.
"Of course." Emerin said, smiling. "There is this one spell that makes you... confused. It makes you question everything. Especially things that are important to you. It must be a double spell." Emerin bit her bottom lip. "Oh dear we really need to stop him from going there!"
"Why? What happens?" Trixie asked.
"It will make you insane." Emerin said quietly. We all looked at each other and decided to find Sirius this very second.
***
The group ran down the hallways and found a scene in front of the entrance. Sirius, Harry, Peggy and Malfoy were all shouting at each other.
"Whoa-whoa-whoa! What is going on?!" Remus demanded.
"THEY are taking MY secret place!" All four shouted angrily.
"I discovered it first!" Malfoy yelled.
"I am the oldest!" Sirius snapped.
"No you're just old." Harry growled.
"I'm the girl, I deserve it!" Peggy screamed.
"I-uh-I deserve it just as much as you guys!" Harry yelled. "I'M THE FAMOUS ONE!"
"You don't like being famous!"
"That's not the point."
"Well, I'm the good-looking one." Malfoy snapped.
"Oh shut up, blondie." Harry hissed.
"I'm the girl, and girls first."
"All right I agree to that."
"You do, Sirius?"
"Yeah, your the first one NOT to go in!"
"GUYS!"
Remus grabbed Sirius's arm, Trixie grabbed Peggy's arm, Emerin grabbed Harry's, and Ivana grabbed Malfoy's arm.
"We are going to go and sit down and talk this over." Remus said.
"In the room?" Malfoy asked hopefully.
"NO!"
***
It took hours, many spells, some Butterbeer, and girlfriends/boyfriend/fiancee to finally calm the four incredibly angry people.
Trixie was snapping angrily at Sirius, Luna was staring at Harry sadly, Jasmine was crying into Malfoy's shoulder, and Ron was comforting a weeping Peggy. "I can't believe it was a spell." Harry said, rubbing Luna's back.
"It makes sense." Sirius said, blinking. "I am so sorry, Trix."
"It's okay." Trixie said.
"This is stupid, it can't be a spell." Malfoy said.
"He's still under it." Jasmine said, wiping her tears.
"He had been going to the longest, he's pretty confused." Emerin said, sipping her tea.
"How long until he's back to normal?" Jasmine asked, stroking his silvery blonde hair.
"A while." Emerin said with a sigh.
"I hope not too terribly long." Jasmine said. Malfoy scowled.
"I'm perfectly sane." He said.
"I want to know who did this. Who put the spell on the room. I mean, it was impossible for it to be there when we went to school." Ivana said.
"I know, it would never of escaped our discovering." Remus said with a nod.
***
By the first weekend of May, everyone was back to normal or as close as they could become. They told Dumbledore about the room and he managed to destroy the spell.
It turned out to be a room filled with chamber pots.