Chapter Thirty: Rick Stone
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
At Dinner Ray and Mione were sitting at the Gryffindor table. Ray was talking, well, listening to Ron as he blabbered on about his family.
Hermione had noticed how much her friend seemed to like Ron; it was really odd since Ray considered most boys, 'boring.' And 'leeches.' The fact that Ron wasn't any of these must have attracted her friend's interest.
She heard laughter approaching their way and turned to see Dora and Harry walking towards the table. 'Oh dear.' Was the first thought that flashed though her head. "Hay Dora, Harry!"
"Hay Mione." Dora said kindly. "Harry just finished showing me around." She indicated Harry, who was taking his seat. He gestured for her to take a seat next to him. "Sorry Harry I can't." she waved her hands and her gaze fell onto Ginny. "Hay Ginny!"
Ginny looked up startled. "Hay Dora, how's your day been?"
"Good, any way, I'd like to thank you for what you did earlier, so name your price." She offered.
Harry looked between them "Did what?" he asked Ginny.
"I saved her from Malfoy's company." She explained to Harry. "And I'll get back to you on that price, but I really didn't do anything."
"Its alright, just being there helped. Now I best go, my house is giving me odd looks." And she left.
"Her house?" Harry asked befuddled.
"Honestly Harry, if that were me you'd know by now." Mione chided him "She's a -."
"Slytherin." Ginny cut her off. "And a decent one too, don't go judging her by her house Harry."
Harrys jaw dropped and it stayed there until Dumbledore stood up and the hall silenced.
"I do realize that it is odd for me to be giving announcements during this time of year, but I would like to inform you that we have two new students in our mist. They are off and on students, but I figured I'd introduce them to you any way. Would Ms. Smith and Ms. Spinet come to the front?"
The two girls rose as if they were one entity. Ray whispered bye to Ron and walked up to the front. Dora seemed to almost run up there.
"Introduce yourselves Girls."
"My name is Doreen Angelica Spinet I'm 16 and will be turning 17 in Early November." Dora began and turned to her friend.
Ray smiled. "I'm Rachel Silica Smith, 17, I had my birthday in May."
"Very good." Dumbledore took over again "Now Ms. Smith is in Gryffindor house and Ms. Spinet is in Slytherin. I hope you all make then comfortable." And he nodded to the girls to leave and the hall went back to eating.
Harry looked up and Caught Dora's eye, then nodded. She smiled and nodded back.
"Hermione?" Ginny spoke up.
"Yes?"
"Dora said in I quote, 'I'll be there at nine.'" Ginny gave her an odd look. "She said similar to Malfoy, I do hope you understand cus I haven't a clue."
"I do, and thank you Ginny. Ray?"
"One second, Ron's just telling me about 'following the spiders' in your second year."
"You'll hear it again I'm sure." Hermione rolled her eyes. "So how about it? Dora's coming."
Ray stole a glace at her friend. "Wouldn't miss it, after all, we have to be there. And if you wouldn't mind could we stay the night? I'm sure Dora would appreciate it, considering." And she rolled her eyes too.
"Yes, I'm sure we can find another couple of beds. Now you may continue your precious conversation, remind me never to interrupt your time with Ron."
"Oh Mione." Ron just realized what they were talking about. "How about I come along too, Ray doesn't know her way, and it would mean an extra needless trip for one of you."
"That sounds great. Thanks Ron." And they went back to eating.
Harry thought, then decided on something. "Mione can I join them too?"
"No." Mione, Ron and Ray said in unison. "Sorry," Mione said quickly, "But the only reason why Ron's coming is because Ray doesn't know her way around, if it weren't for that, he wouldn't be going."
"How about I don't go, you're just going to be explaining the rules of the school and catching them up, I don't see why I need to be there, Ray can find her way." Ron looked at the girl in front of him. "Can't you?"
"Yeah, I guess I can."
"No, that's ok, Ron show her the way, I just wanted to see what you all were doing out so late, I thought it was a party." He admitted.
"Oh, that's alright Harry, when we do have a party, you'll be the first to know." Mione said mockingly.
"You really ought to think before you speak, Harry." Ray said knowingly. "Also I saw that look you gave Dora; you realize she plans on never falling in love right?"
Mione looked shocked at Harry. "You like Dora? I mean like like?"
"Ms. Granger, a word if you could?" Professor Stone stopped Harry from answering, and bent near Mione's ear. "You'll want to come."
Mione became very pale, Very quick. Dora noticed from the other side of the room, after having heard her name numerous times. Immediately she tapped Draco's plate and pointed to Mione with her fork.
Draco looked, and grew very angry. Catching Dora's eyes he nodded. Dora stood up rather quickly and stormed over, Draco right behind her.
Hanna and Tom couldn't help but notice by then, they stood up and joined Dora and Draco walking over to the Gryffindor table.
Ray recognized the voice and instantly stood up in defense mode, Ron joined her.
Ray's eyes turned to slits. "Rick." She hissed.
He was soon surrounded.
Dumbledore gazed down at the commotion. He was very curious as to what was going on, considering that students never acted this hostile towards a teacher before, not even Snape. Curious he stood up and signaled to Snape that he should follow.
"What may I ask is going on here?" Dumbledore asked in his ever calm voice of reason.
"I was simply asking Ms. Granger here if I could have a word, and suddenly these kids surrounded me." Stone pleaded defensively.
"Then you whispered something into her ear." Harry said coldly. "And she turned pale." Mione looked over at Harry suddenly, and smiled. He didn't understand, but he was helping her anyway.
"Ms. Granger what did he tell you in your ear?" Dumbledore asked her kindly.
"He said 'you'll want to come.'" She answered honestly.
"Did you find that threat Ms Granger? Or would you explain why you became pale in another way?"
The group of kids formed closer around her. By this time the entire hall was aware of what was going on.
"Yes it did professor, but I don't think he meant it that way, by how he's acting now."
"Very well." Dumbledore looked to the hall. "You all are to leave this hall immediately. Have a good night."
And the students filed out in an orderly fashion, taking quick glances at the group.
Pansy stopped quickly to drag Draco out as well. "No pans, I have to stay." And she left reluctantly.
When the hall was empty Dumbledore spoke again. "I have no clue why any of you are showing this teacher so much enmity, especially when I've seen you kinder to Professor Snape here, nor do I expect an answer, I give you this choice though. Either Myself or Professor Snape, or any of the other teacher will watch over this discussion, since Ms. Granger needs to have this much protection, I think it only fair that Professor stone have similar." He turned to Hermione.
"Since you're the cause of this, you may chose the teacher, he must agree though."
Mione suddenly got an evil idea. "If I chose the teacher, I'll let my two best friends leave. Just to be fair. I chose Professor, Snape."
Rick grinned evilly. "I agree."
"Very well then, Mr. Potter, Mr. Weasley, we have been asked to depart." Dumbledore looked at the two boys. They nodded and left.
Neither of them guessing at why Mione chose the evil Professor Snape.
Once they were gone, Draco burst out laughing. "Pure bliss you know?"
"Yeah," Hanna sighed. "We got out of that one nicely."
"I do hope your all very happy now?" Rick asked the group, which suddenly turned cold and stepped in front of Mione.
"You'll leave her alone." Draco hissed.
"Why should I?" Rick drawled darkly at the boy. "I'm her teacher after all." He advanced, and Mione was grateful that Snape moved so much like a bat, for he was between the two in an instant.
"I will have the entire story Mr. Malfoy as to why you hate this man, when you haven't ever met him."
"Oh we've met professor." Draco spit to the side.
Ricks eyes opened as if he were seeing the boy in front of him for the first time. "You were the boy with Mione in the park." He said in realization.
"Mione, Sir?" Snape looked at him darkly. "You know Ms. Granger?"
"I'm four years her elder, we went to grammar school together." He explained. "With those two." He pointed at Ray and Dora.
"Don't expect any shocked faces here, sir." Hanna said in a cool sort of humor. "There was a reason why Mione chose Snape; he's the only teacher in this school who knows that Dora and Ray are muggles."
"Oh yes that." Rick chuckled. "I was planning on letting 'Ms. Granger' know that I wasn't fooled, and that I would notify the staff if she didn't stop this foolishness." He instantly regretted that.
Snape's eyes grew darker and far thinner. "So you were threatening her."
"Not threatening her, Severus, Blackmailing, there is a difference." He notified the Potions Master.
"It's similar," Snape notified him. "That explains why Ms. Grangers Friends immediately flanked her in your approach." He nodded knowingly at Draco. "And I doubt Mr. Malfoy is the only one who knows of you."
"We all know what you have done to Mione before, there is no hiding, Rick." Tom stepped forward, looking far angrier then any of the rest.
"I would like to know this, Tom." Snape said at the Boy with his eyebrow raised at the new professor.
"He used to abuse me sir." Mione explained. "When we went to school, he was far worse to me then Malfoy ever was to me Harry or Ron."
Snape raised his other Eye brow. "Are you sure your not exaggerating Ms. Granger?"
"Not in the least." She said softly.
"He was evil to her, Severus." Ray spoke up. Snape looked at her sharply. "Mione always had bruises on her after recess and breaks. She was covered in Mud whenever she got on the bus; he almost suffocated her on his last day of school, before he transferred. Dora and I found her face down in a mud hole, to tired and in pain to lift herself out."
"Is that so?" Snape looked at the Man thoughtfully. "I'll have to notify Professor Dumbledore of this you realize Stone?"
"Go right ahead! I'll tell him of those two's ability!"
Snape shook his head, and then looked up at the man in a strange way. "Your not in your mind, surely you realize that Professor Dumbledore already knows that Rachel and Ms. Doreen are muggles?"
That shut up Rick instantly.
"You didn't?" Snape said a bit taken aback. "Then explain to me, sir, how is it that six students and I hold this secret without the head master finding out?"
"Rick, you know this one." Mione said darkly. "It was one of your proverbs. ' a secret is kept better by three people, if two are dead.'" She said darkly.
"I see," and he back away again. "I believe this conversation is over?"
"I do believe you've said all you wanted to Ms. Granger, and the school is confident that it knows what it needs to, you may leave. The rest of your remain, I have a few questions."
Rick left.
"Now Ms. Granger Mr. Malfoy, you told me that Ms. Abbott and Tom didn't know the truth about these two? I trust that they do by now, but did they when you told me this?"
"Yes they knew." Mione answered.
"And Mr. Malfoy I know your friends with Ms. Granger, Rachel told me accidentally when I visited her house as you bade of me." Rachel blushed at this. "I do not tolerate lies, and as such you'll all have to spend a detention with me out in the Quidditch field, Monday night." He said catching them all off guard.
"W-what?" Hanna sputtered.
"You trust me enough to hold you secret, in return I trust you, so I hope you don't mind me not being a prick around you? After all, whoever could change Draco's mind on his priorities has my immoderation." He said simply.
"You won't mind if we do things behind your back will you?" Draco asked carefully.
"Only if it's not too distasteful." He responded. "You all are the top of your houses, I trust you know what you can and cannot do, and how much you can get away with. But my detention still holds, I believe by then you'll have need of it." And he left.
"He's changed." Was the first thing they all said, at once. They then proceeded to break out laughing.
"I best get to my house, Ron will be worried."
"Oh yeah." Mione started, "Ron will join us tonight, and possibly fro the rest of the nights, you guys don't mind?"
"Not unless we're discussing prank stuff, remember security." Tom said simply. The other three nodded.
"Right then." Ray stepped back "I'll be off then." And she walked from the hall as well.
"She just makes no sense." Tom said shaking his head.
"I think she may like your Ron Mione." Dora said almost in disgust.
"Whoa! He's not mine!" Hermione said defensively. "AND so what if she likes him, I say good for her."
"She's muggle! It wont work when he finds out." Dora chided.
"I know Ron; he wouldn't just dump Ray for that if he liked her. Who knows they may not get off like that, they just met today."
"I think we all had better get back to our respected houses know, so no one thinks anything that's definitely not true." Draco said a bit annoyed.
They were all shocked at his bluntness but agreed none the less.
"See you at nine!" And they all parted.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
AN: is anything making sense to any of you yet?
I hope this chapter explained a few things.
And I can't wait to see what you all think of the story.
Review
Relena~
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
At Dinner Ray and Mione were sitting at the Gryffindor table. Ray was talking, well, listening to Ron as he blabbered on about his family.
Hermione had noticed how much her friend seemed to like Ron; it was really odd since Ray considered most boys, 'boring.' And 'leeches.' The fact that Ron wasn't any of these must have attracted her friend's interest.
She heard laughter approaching their way and turned to see Dora and Harry walking towards the table. 'Oh dear.' Was the first thought that flashed though her head. "Hay Dora, Harry!"
"Hay Mione." Dora said kindly. "Harry just finished showing me around." She indicated Harry, who was taking his seat. He gestured for her to take a seat next to him. "Sorry Harry I can't." she waved her hands and her gaze fell onto Ginny. "Hay Ginny!"
Ginny looked up startled. "Hay Dora, how's your day been?"
"Good, any way, I'd like to thank you for what you did earlier, so name your price." She offered.
Harry looked between them "Did what?" he asked Ginny.
"I saved her from Malfoy's company." She explained to Harry. "And I'll get back to you on that price, but I really didn't do anything."
"Its alright, just being there helped. Now I best go, my house is giving me odd looks." And she left.
"Her house?" Harry asked befuddled.
"Honestly Harry, if that were me you'd know by now." Mione chided him "She's a -."
"Slytherin." Ginny cut her off. "And a decent one too, don't go judging her by her house Harry."
Harrys jaw dropped and it stayed there until Dumbledore stood up and the hall silenced.
"I do realize that it is odd for me to be giving announcements during this time of year, but I would like to inform you that we have two new students in our mist. They are off and on students, but I figured I'd introduce them to you any way. Would Ms. Smith and Ms. Spinet come to the front?"
The two girls rose as if they were one entity. Ray whispered bye to Ron and walked up to the front. Dora seemed to almost run up there.
"Introduce yourselves Girls."
"My name is Doreen Angelica Spinet I'm 16 and will be turning 17 in Early November." Dora began and turned to her friend.
Ray smiled. "I'm Rachel Silica Smith, 17, I had my birthday in May."
"Very good." Dumbledore took over again "Now Ms. Smith is in Gryffindor house and Ms. Spinet is in Slytherin. I hope you all make then comfortable." And he nodded to the girls to leave and the hall went back to eating.
Harry looked up and Caught Dora's eye, then nodded. She smiled and nodded back.
"Hermione?" Ginny spoke up.
"Yes?"
"Dora said in I quote, 'I'll be there at nine.'" Ginny gave her an odd look. "She said similar to Malfoy, I do hope you understand cus I haven't a clue."
"I do, and thank you Ginny. Ray?"
"One second, Ron's just telling me about 'following the spiders' in your second year."
"You'll hear it again I'm sure." Hermione rolled her eyes. "So how about it? Dora's coming."
Ray stole a glace at her friend. "Wouldn't miss it, after all, we have to be there. And if you wouldn't mind could we stay the night? I'm sure Dora would appreciate it, considering." And she rolled her eyes too.
"Yes, I'm sure we can find another couple of beds. Now you may continue your precious conversation, remind me never to interrupt your time with Ron."
"Oh Mione." Ron just realized what they were talking about. "How about I come along too, Ray doesn't know her way, and it would mean an extra needless trip for one of you."
"That sounds great. Thanks Ron." And they went back to eating.
Harry thought, then decided on something. "Mione can I join them too?"
"No." Mione, Ron and Ray said in unison. "Sorry," Mione said quickly, "But the only reason why Ron's coming is because Ray doesn't know her way around, if it weren't for that, he wouldn't be going."
"How about I don't go, you're just going to be explaining the rules of the school and catching them up, I don't see why I need to be there, Ray can find her way." Ron looked at the girl in front of him. "Can't you?"
"Yeah, I guess I can."
"No, that's ok, Ron show her the way, I just wanted to see what you all were doing out so late, I thought it was a party." He admitted.
"Oh, that's alright Harry, when we do have a party, you'll be the first to know." Mione said mockingly.
"You really ought to think before you speak, Harry." Ray said knowingly. "Also I saw that look you gave Dora; you realize she plans on never falling in love right?"
Mione looked shocked at Harry. "You like Dora? I mean like like?"
"Ms. Granger, a word if you could?" Professor Stone stopped Harry from answering, and bent near Mione's ear. "You'll want to come."
Mione became very pale, Very quick. Dora noticed from the other side of the room, after having heard her name numerous times. Immediately she tapped Draco's plate and pointed to Mione with her fork.
Draco looked, and grew very angry. Catching Dora's eyes he nodded. Dora stood up rather quickly and stormed over, Draco right behind her.
Hanna and Tom couldn't help but notice by then, they stood up and joined Dora and Draco walking over to the Gryffindor table.
Ray recognized the voice and instantly stood up in defense mode, Ron joined her.
Ray's eyes turned to slits. "Rick." She hissed.
He was soon surrounded.
Dumbledore gazed down at the commotion. He was very curious as to what was going on, considering that students never acted this hostile towards a teacher before, not even Snape. Curious he stood up and signaled to Snape that he should follow.
"What may I ask is going on here?" Dumbledore asked in his ever calm voice of reason.
"I was simply asking Ms. Granger here if I could have a word, and suddenly these kids surrounded me." Stone pleaded defensively.
"Then you whispered something into her ear." Harry said coldly. "And she turned pale." Mione looked over at Harry suddenly, and smiled. He didn't understand, but he was helping her anyway.
"Ms. Granger what did he tell you in your ear?" Dumbledore asked her kindly.
"He said 'you'll want to come.'" She answered honestly.
"Did you find that threat Ms Granger? Or would you explain why you became pale in another way?"
The group of kids formed closer around her. By this time the entire hall was aware of what was going on.
"Yes it did professor, but I don't think he meant it that way, by how he's acting now."
"Very well." Dumbledore looked to the hall. "You all are to leave this hall immediately. Have a good night."
And the students filed out in an orderly fashion, taking quick glances at the group.
Pansy stopped quickly to drag Draco out as well. "No pans, I have to stay." And she left reluctantly.
When the hall was empty Dumbledore spoke again. "I have no clue why any of you are showing this teacher so much enmity, especially when I've seen you kinder to Professor Snape here, nor do I expect an answer, I give you this choice though. Either Myself or Professor Snape, or any of the other teacher will watch over this discussion, since Ms. Granger needs to have this much protection, I think it only fair that Professor stone have similar." He turned to Hermione.
"Since you're the cause of this, you may chose the teacher, he must agree though."
Mione suddenly got an evil idea. "If I chose the teacher, I'll let my two best friends leave. Just to be fair. I chose Professor, Snape."
Rick grinned evilly. "I agree."
"Very well then, Mr. Potter, Mr. Weasley, we have been asked to depart." Dumbledore looked at the two boys. They nodded and left.
Neither of them guessing at why Mione chose the evil Professor Snape.
Once they were gone, Draco burst out laughing. "Pure bliss you know?"
"Yeah," Hanna sighed. "We got out of that one nicely."
"I do hope your all very happy now?" Rick asked the group, which suddenly turned cold and stepped in front of Mione.
"You'll leave her alone." Draco hissed.
"Why should I?" Rick drawled darkly at the boy. "I'm her teacher after all." He advanced, and Mione was grateful that Snape moved so much like a bat, for he was between the two in an instant.
"I will have the entire story Mr. Malfoy as to why you hate this man, when you haven't ever met him."
"Oh we've met professor." Draco spit to the side.
Ricks eyes opened as if he were seeing the boy in front of him for the first time. "You were the boy with Mione in the park." He said in realization.
"Mione, Sir?" Snape looked at him darkly. "You know Ms. Granger?"
"I'm four years her elder, we went to grammar school together." He explained. "With those two." He pointed at Ray and Dora.
"Don't expect any shocked faces here, sir." Hanna said in a cool sort of humor. "There was a reason why Mione chose Snape; he's the only teacher in this school who knows that Dora and Ray are muggles."
"Oh yes that." Rick chuckled. "I was planning on letting 'Ms. Granger' know that I wasn't fooled, and that I would notify the staff if she didn't stop this foolishness." He instantly regretted that.
Snape's eyes grew darker and far thinner. "So you were threatening her."
"Not threatening her, Severus, Blackmailing, there is a difference." He notified the Potions Master.
"It's similar," Snape notified him. "That explains why Ms. Grangers Friends immediately flanked her in your approach." He nodded knowingly at Draco. "And I doubt Mr. Malfoy is the only one who knows of you."
"We all know what you have done to Mione before, there is no hiding, Rick." Tom stepped forward, looking far angrier then any of the rest.
"I would like to know this, Tom." Snape said at the Boy with his eyebrow raised at the new professor.
"He used to abuse me sir." Mione explained. "When we went to school, he was far worse to me then Malfoy ever was to me Harry or Ron."
Snape raised his other Eye brow. "Are you sure your not exaggerating Ms. Granger?"
"Not in the least." She said softly.
"He was evil to her, Severus." Ray spoke up. Snape looked at her sharply. "Mione always had bruises on her after recess and breaks. She was covered in Mud whenever she got on the bus; he almost suffocated her on his last day of school, before he transferred. Dora and I found her face down in a mud hole, to tired and in pain to lift herself out."
"Is that so?" Snape looked at the Man thoughtfully. "I'll have to notify Professor Dumbledore of this you realize Stone?"
"Go right ahead! I'll tell him of those two's ability!"
Snape shook his head, and then looked up at the man in a strange way. "Your not in your mind, surely you realize that Professor Dumbledore already knows that Rachel and Ms. Doreen are muggles?"
That shut up Rick instantly.
"You didn't?" Snape said a bit taken aback. "Then explain to me, sir, how is it that six students and I hold this secret without the head master finding out?"
"Rick, you know this one." Mione said darkly. "It was one of your proverbs. ' a secret is kept better by three people, if two are dead.'" She said darkly.
"I see," and he back away again. "I believe this conversation is over?"
"I do believe you've said all you wanted to Ms. Granger, and the school is confident that it knows what it needs to, you may leave. The rest of your remain, I have a few questions."
Rick left.
"Now Ms. Granger Mr. Malfoy, you told me that Ms. Abbott and Tom didn't know the truth about these two? I trust that they do by now, but did they when you told me this?"
"Yes they knew." Mione answered.
"And Mr. Malfoy I know your friends with Ms. Granger, Rachel told me accidentally when I visited her house as you bade of me." Rachel blushed at this. "I do not tolerate lies, and as such you'll all have to spend a detention with me out in the Quidditch field, Monday night." He said catching them all off guard.
"W-what?" Hanna sputtered.
"You trust me enough to hold you secret, in return I trust you, so I hope you don't mind me not being a prick around you? After all, whoever could change Draco's mind on his priorities has my immoderation." He said simply.
"You won't mind if we do things behind your back will you?" Draco asked carefully.
"Only if it's not too distasteful." He responded. "You all are the top of your houses, I trust you know what you can and cannot do, and how much you can get away with. But my detention still holds, I believe by then you'll have need of it." And he left.
"He's changed." Was the first thing they all said, at once. They then proceeded to break out laughing.
"I best get to my house, Ron will be worried."
"Oh yeah." Mione started, "Ron will join us tonight, and possibly fro the rest of the nights, you guys don't mind?"
"Not unless we're discussing prank stuff, remember security." Tom said simply. The other three nodded.
"Right then." Ray stepped back "I'll be off then." And she walked from the hall as well.
"She just makes no sense." Tom said shaking his head.
"I think she may like your Ron Mione." Dora said almost in disgust.
"Whoa! He's not mine!" Hermione said defensively. "AND so what if she likes him, I say good for her."
"She's muggle! It wont work when he finds out." Dora chided.
"I know Ron; he wouldn't just dump Ray for that if he liked her. Who knows they may not get off like that, they just met today."
"I think we all had better get back to our respected houses know, so no one thinks anything that's definitely not true." Draco said a bit annoyed.
They were all shocked at his bluntness but agreed none the less.
"See you at nine!" And they all parted.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
AN: is anything making sense to any of you yet?
I hope this chapter explained a few things.
And I can't wait to see what you all think of the story.
Review
Relena~