Dudley goes to Hogwarts
Chapter 13
Voices
It has been four days since Harry and Ron found Hermione in the lake. And it has been four days since the Head Girl was seen walking around school with two of her best friends, trying to get to class on time. It seems to be ironic on what can happen in a simple twenty-four hour.
The fourth day sees Harry and Ron at the Grand Hall. Harry looking around the hall, looking for someone while Ron was playing with his food in front of him.
"Why isn't she awake yet?" Ron asked suddenly, dropping his spoon with a loud clang.
Harry turned around and looked over at his friend, who was sitting beside him.
"I don't know, Ron. Just be patient. She'll come around. She always does," Harry replied, forcing on a smile.
Ron sighed.
"That's what I'm worried about. I'm just scared that she won't this time," Ron said, as he pushed his bowl of porridge aside and placed his head on top of the table.
Harry shook his head and patted his best friend's back.
"I'm sure she will. She's gonna be okay. Just have faith, okay?" Harry said again.
Ron paused for a moment and then looked up at Harry. He nodded his head slowly. Harry smiled.
"C'mon, let's get to class."
~*~
Harry was doodling endless lines and unknown figures on his history textbook while his thoughts were thinking back on what happened four days ago. Back to the night when they found Hermione unconscious in the lake. The images of her lying there still haunted him. More, when they found out what was wrong with her.
~*Flashback*~
It's pass midnight. Harry and Ron, however, were wide-awake. Harry was sitting in the hallway, on the cold floor while leaning back on the wall, facing the closed door of the infirmary. He was still in his robes, which was still damp from his 'swim' in the blood-mixed water in the lake earlier. Ron, on the other hand, was pacing in front of him, mumbling softly under his breath that Harry just couldn't quite catch. Harry shook his head slightly as he grabbed onto Ron's hand. Ron stopped and looked at Harry.
"Ron, sit down. You're making me nervous," Harry said, and then he let go of Ron's hand.
Ron stared blankly at his friend but he eventually slid down next to Harry. He buried his face in his arms, which were resting on his bended knees.
"Why her, Harry? Why her?" Ron asked, his voice muffled by his arm.
"I don't know Ron. Look, everything's gonna be all right. She'll pull through," Harry said, as he placed his arm on Ron's shoulder.
"I just hope you're right," Ron replied after a long pause.
Harry glanced sideways at one of his best friends. Even though the two of them fought with each other every time they have the chance, Harry knew that they cared about each other deeply. Throughout the times they've known each other, the three of them had been through everything together. It had created some sort of an invisible but strong bond between the three of them. It was through the bond that Harry felt something wasn't right. Ron felt it too but he kept denying it until they found Hermione that night. Maybe that's why he felt guilty.
"She'll be fine," Harry said, reassuring him.
Soon after that, Madam Pomfrey came out from behind the closed door.
"What are you two doing here? It's past midnight," she exclaimed softly and shut the door behind her.
Both Harry and Ron got up almost instantly.
"How is she?" Ron blurted out.
"Both of you shouldn't even be here. Off to bed now, both of you," she repeated herself as she pushed Ron away from the door.
"Please, Madam Pomfrey, we really need to know how she's doing," Harry said.
The matron stopped and looked at the both of them. After a while, she sighed.
"She should be thanking both of you. A few minutes later, I don't think she would've made it. There's a crack on her skull and it's quite serious. On top of that, she lost quite a large amount of blood due to the injury she received. Not to mention that the wound caused her entire system to shut down and causing her to suffer from hypothermia," Madam Pomfrey explained softly.
"But you can heal her, right? Can't you?" Ron asked, his voice full of hope.
"Yes, I can. I've done everything I could to heal all of her injuries but there are times that even magic wouldn't help," she replied.
"What do you mean?" Harry asked.
"She's in a coma. I can't help her this time. She's going to have to wake up on her own."
"Can we see her?" Ron asked.
"No. Not tonight. All three of you need rest," Madam Pomfrey said sternly.
"Just for a minute. We promise we-"
"No! Off to bed, both of you. I promise, both of you will be the first to know when she comes around. Now go," she said, pushing both boys towards the direction of the Gryffindor tower.
Harry and Ron turned to look at the infirmary where their best friend was for the last time before walking towards the tower.
~End Of Flashback~
Harry came back to reality when he noticed someone was calling him.
"What?" he asked, looking around the classroom.
Ron, who was standing in front of him, looked at the prefect.
"Are you okay? History's over. We gotta go down for Potions," Ron said.
Only then did Harry notice that the class was already empty. Harry nodded and started packing his books and stuff for Potions.
"You were thinking about what happened to Hermione, weren't you?" Ron asked quietly.
Harry's hand stopped in its task and Harry looked up to Ron's sad face. He didn't want Ron to worry anymore than he already was. He finally dumped everything into his backpack and smiled at Ron.
"C'mon, let's get outta here."
While they were walking towards the dungeons for Potions, both of them were quiet. They both knew that there was a lot to talk about, but none of them felt like talking about it. All of a sudden, they heard a distance cry from someone and both of them halted, causing someone, who was walking behind them, to bump into the two prefects.
"Did you." Ron trailed off.
Harry nodded his head.
"Hermione," Harry whispered and both of them broke into a run towards the infirmary.
~*~
Hermione looked around her but she could see nothing. It was pitch black and cold. Hermione drew her arm around herself and shivered.
'Where am I?' she thought to herself.
Cold wind blew towards her and she tightened her grip around her body.
"Hello?!" she cried out, hoping that she wasn't alone.
"Ron? Harry?" she cried again after some time.
"Harry. Harry. Harry." Hermione spun around towards the direction of the voice but there was no one there.
"Hello? Hello! Can you here me?" Hermione yelled.
"Harry. Harry. Harry." Hermione stood still.
Was someone calling Harry? Who is it? And why aren't they answering her call?
"No. It's not Harry. It's Henry," another voice said with a deeper voice. A man's voice.
"Oh, sorry. We thought it was Harry," said another. A female's this time.
"It's quite alright. I'm used to it by now," the male responded and laughter filled the air. A stronger wind blew, somehow making the laughter echo around her until it eventually died down.
Hermione was stunned.
Who were they? Where are they? Where was she? What's going on?
Just questions and no answers.
Another voice. Another male's.
"Henry, what are you doing? Stop writing and let's get going! The rest are already waiting for us downstairs," he cried.
Hermione heard a soft thud and a creaking of something. Footsteps could be heard.
"Sorry D! I was just doing some research. C'mon, let's go," answered Henry and Hermione heard the sound of someone shutting the door.
Seconds later, Hermione hears the sound of falling rain, accompanied by the sounds of thunder and strong wind. Henry yelled.
"Get away from him!" Hermione froze.
Whatever that is going on, it definitely not good.
"Make me," replied a lazy sort of voice that Hermione couldn't recognize.
" Exargrad Polmus- Someone help!!-" Henry cried and the other man yelled.
By the sound of it, he must have banged against something. Hard. Someone was running.
"D! Hang in there! Please! You can't just die. Not for me, anyway," Henry cried. Someone was sobbing in the background.
"Too late, kid," D coughed. "Never really finished what we started now, did we?" D said softly, coughing from time to time.
"Exactly. They have the right to know about everything," Henry sobbed.
"You tell them. I'm. tired," D said and let out his last breath.
Hermione gasped and placed her hand on her chest. A single tear slid from the corner of her left eye. She doesn't know why she did it. It just seems natural for her, though she doesn't know who they are.
"No, don't go." she heard Henry whispered and then Hermione collapsed on her knees, sobbing.
"He's dead," the other man replied.
The wind was blowing harder.
"You killed him!" Henry yelled.
"So? What of it?" he laughed.
"You'll pay for that."
"You wish! What are you gonna do about it, Henry? Kill me? Well then, come and get me."
"DIE!!" Henry cried and lightning suddenly struck out of nowhere, blinding Hermione's vision. The witch screamed.
~*~
Madam Pomfrey was carrying a tray full of medicine when a loud scream startled her, causing the matron to drop the tray. The bottle glasses dropped and shattered at her feet.
She knew that it had to be Hermione, for she was the only patient of the matron. Madam Pomfrey ran towards the Head Girl's room, hoping that no harm was done to her. Making sure her wand was safely in her pocket, she entered the room, ready for anything.
Hermione was sitting on the bed with sweat beads sliding down her bloodless face. Her breath came in short pants and she was shaking all over. The matron rushed over towards Hermione.
"Hermione, are you alright? How are you feeling?" Madam Pomfrey asked, as she placed her palm on Hermione's forehead.
Hermione looked at the matron with a dazed look.
"Henry?" she whispered.
Madam Pomfrey was startled but quickly regained her composure.
"No, it's me. Madam Pomfrey. You better lay down," she replied, as she guided Hermione to lie back down on the bed.
Hermione's vision was starting to focus.
"Where am I?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper.
"You're in the infirmary. Do you remember what happened?" Madam Pomfrey asked, as she checked Hermione's pulse.
"No. I don't remember anything. How long have I been here?" she asked again.
"You've been out for almost four days now. Open up. I need to check your temperature," Madam Pomfrey said and Hermione obeyed.
Madam Pomfrey inserted a thermometer Hermione's mouth.
"I'll be right back. Stay still until I come back," she instructed and Hermione nodded her head.
The matron walked back into her office. Ignoring the mess she made earlier, Madam Pomfrey took some solutions from the medicine chest and placed them on another tray.
"Excuse me, Madam Pomfrey. Can we visit Hermione?" a voice asked from behind as she exited the room.
Madam Pomfrey turned around and saw Harry and Ron at the door.
"You two. I was just about to send someone to call you. She's awake," Madam Pomfrey said.
"We know. Can we see her?" Ron asked.
"No. She just woke up and I have to-"
"We'll wait. C'mon Ron," Harry interrupted and pulled Ron towards the chairs beside the office.
She shook her head and walked towards Hermione's room. When she entered the room, she placed the tray on the side table and took out the thermometer out of Hermione's mouth.
"Well, you have a slight fever so I'm going to have to keep you here for awhile," Madam Pomfrey said and Hermione nodded.
"I know they're here. Can you let them come in? I really need to talk to them," Hermione requested, as she watched Madam Pomfrey pour some green liquid into a small cup.
Madam Pomfrey sighed and placed both the cup and the bottle on the table.
"You're really close to them, aren't you? I'm still wondering how they know you're awake. Well, take your medicine and I'll sent both of them in."
"Thank you," Hermione smiled.
She then took the cup that Madam Pomfrey offered and drank it all in one gulp. Her body warmed up almost instantly. The matron smiled and walked out of the room with the tray.
Hermione then looked around the room. The sun was shining brightly through the window from the left side of the room. The room itself was painted soft blue and mostly everything else in the room was blue. Hermione sighed and leaned back against her pillow, trying to be as comfortable as possible.
As she shut her eyes, she forced herself to remember what happened to her before she was unconscious. Try as she might, her thoughts kept drifting back to the dream she had before she woke up.
The dream just doesn't make any sense. Just voices and sounds without any images. And why is it she felt as if what happened at that time matter to her and she was connected to it somehow. She needed to tell Harry and Ron about the dream. Maybe they could help.
Madam Pomfrey walked towards the two Gryffindors. And, seeing the matron walking towards them, Harry and Ron stood up, hoping for some good news.
"Both of you can go in, but try not to strain her too much. Both of you've got half an hour," she said.
Harry and Ron beamed.
"Thank you," they chorused and Madam Pomfrey nodded.
Then, both of them darted towards the hallway.
"Second door to your right," she called out.
Harry's heart was pounding against his ribcage. Hermione was fine but he felt as if this was just another beginning to another problem. The fact that the scream both Ron and himself heard at the same time and Hermione just happened to wake up as soon as they got to the infirmary was too much of a coincident.
But for Hermione, as well as his sake, Harry pushed every single doubt about his theory out the window as his hand reached for the doorknob. Slowly, Harry twisted it and pushed the door open, revealing what was inside.
Hermione was lying on the bed; her head was against the wall while she herself was leaning against the pillow behind her back. They could swear she was as pale as Nearly-Headless-Nick and her usually bushy brown hair was tame, for once.
Harry looked sideways at Ron, only to find the other boy was looking down on the tiled floor while his fists clung tightly. Harry placed his hand on Ron's shoulder and Ron looked up. Harry shook his head slightly and Ron nodded slowly after sometime. Harry felt him relax under his touch.
"Hermione?" Ron squeaked and Hermione opened her eyes.
Seeing who it was, she smiled gently at the both of them.
"Hey," she said softly.
"Hey. How are you doing?" Harry asked, walking slowly towards Hermione. Cautiously even.
"I'm fine. Just a slight fever, that's all," Hermione said, louder this time.
Seeing her two best friends in front of her gave her the strength she needed. She was glad when she saw them smile.
"Thank god. Don't ever do that to us again! You scared the both of us to death!" Ron sighed, settling himself on the bed, near Hermione left knee.
Harry, on the other hand, was sitting on the chair on Hermione's' right.
"Well, it's only fair, isn't it? Usually, I worry over the both of you. It's only right that you worry about me, at least once," Hermione smiled.
"You know, she has got a point," Harry pointed out and Ron groaned.
There was a slight pause before anyone spoke again.
"So, mind telling me what happened?" Hermione asked.
Harry and Ron looked at each other with a blank expression.
"We were hoping you could tell us," Ron replied, looking at the girl.
"I can't remember what happened. All I remember is that I was standing near the lake and I was looking up at the sky when suddenly everything turned black. The next thing I knew, I'm here," Hermione said, recalling what she remembered before she passed out.
"Well, we found you there. I mean you were literally swimming in your own blood, 'Mione. We brought you up to see Madam Pomfrey and she tended to your wounds. You were in a coma for about four days now," Harry said.
Hermione looked at the both of them.
"So what you're trying to say is that we have no clue what-so-ever on who did this to me?" Hermione said slowly, after thinking it over for a few seconds.
"I guess so. I mean we could try and figure out who did this to you after you get out of here. Maybe we can do a bit of short listing or something," Ron suggested.
"I think so. Anyway, how did the both of you know I was awake?" Hermione asked.
"Well. We kinda heard you scream," Harry said.
"What? When?" Hermione asked, sitting straight on the bed.
"We were on our way for Potions when suddenly we heard some distance cry. I dunno, we just thought that you might be in trouble or something. We ran up here and found out you were awake," Ron explained.
"That's strange. I did scream, I think. I just had this weird dream while I was. err. in the coma, I guess. But what's weird was that the fact that there were only voices and sounds. No images," Hermione said.
"That's weird. What happened?" Harry asked and Hermione told them about what she heard.
"Henry and D? Who are they anyway?" Ron asked after Hermione has finish telling them about the dream.
"I've never heard of them before. Maybe it's some kind of a clue or something," Harry suggested.
"Maybe. I think." Hermione trailed off as Madam Pomfrey entered the room.
"I'm sorry boys but it's time for you to go. She needs her rest," the matron said and Harry and Ron nodded their head.
"Thank you, Madam Pomfrey. Bye 'Mione. We'll see you later, alright?" Ron said, as he hugged Hermione.
"Take care and get some rest. Don't worry about the dream so much, okay?" Harry said as he too hugged Hermione.
"Bye guys. Thanks for coming," Hermione said and Harry and Ron left the room.
Outside, Harry and Ron were on their way back to the common room when they realized that they had missed the first half of the Potions class. They were feeling lighter than they had in days.
"Hey Ron. What do you think Hermione dream means?" Harry asked after sometime.
Ron didn't answer straight away.
"To tell you the truth, I have no clue. It's just that I think it might be some kind of a sign or something. Maybe we should wait before we jump into anything we can't get out of," Ron said and Harry nodded.
"I think you're right. C'mon, let's get to the common room. We're dead if any teacher sees us out here," Harry said and both of them walked quickly towards the Gryffindor common room.
~*~
"It seems as if Miss Granger's awake by the look on Mister Potter's and Mister Weasley's faces," Dumbledore said, laughing softly.
The boy who was sitting in front of him kept quiet.
"Well, it is certainly a pleasure having you here," Dumbledore said, turning his attention to the boy.
He smiled brightly.
"It's a pleasure coming here, sir. Though I must apologize for my lateness. There were some. problems that I have to sort out before I could come here," the boy replied.
"It is not a problem at all. You shall be sorted into your house on Thursday. We have to settle some business first before you are allowed to be sorted. I hope you don't mind," Dumbledore said.
"No. Not at all."
~*~
It was a week after Harry and Ron found Hermione, when she was allowed to leave the infirmary. Harry and Ron were already there to greet her after school on Thursday evening to escort her to the Great Hall for dinner.
"I wish Madam Pomfrey would let me go sooner. I've already miss a week of school as it is," Hermione grumbled.
"Quit it, Hermione. She had a good reason to keep you in there as long as she thinks it's necessary. I mean, you were paler than Nearly-Headless Nick! If I were Madam Pomfrey, I'll keep you in there until Monday next week!" Ron said.
"But you're not her. Honestly Ron. I'm beginning to think that maybe you want me to stay in there," Hermione said, pretending to be hurt.
"Don't answer that, Ron. You might regret it later," Harry laughed.
Ron just kept quiet. As they walked along the hallway, the Head Girl began to sob.
"Don't cry, Hermione. I didn't even say anything," Ron said, turning towards Hermione with a surprise face.
"No, it's not that. It's just that. Thank you! Both of you. Especially you, Harry. I'm sorry about what I said earlier. I didn't mean any of it. You have every right to date Jade and you should. Don't pay any attention to what I said earlier," Hermione sobbed. Harry smiled as he reached over to hug her.
"It's alright, 'Mione. It's my fault anyway. I was over reacting. I mean both of you were just looking out for my best interests. Anyway, both of you come first. If both of you don't agree on me dating her than maybe I shouldn't," Harry said, stroking Hermione's hair. Hermione was still sobbing on Harry's shoulder.
"No. You're right. Maybe I was just being negative because she's a Goyle. Maybe she's not as bad as her brother. You should date her, Harry. She seems like a nice girl," Hermione said as she pulled away from Harry. Harry smiled and wiped away the tears, which were dropping from her eyes.
"Are you sure?" he asked.
Hermione nodded.
"Positive. Just be careful," she said.
Harry smiled and nodded.
"Are you two done yet? I'm starving here!" Ron said, hearing his all-so- ever hungry stomach.
Harry and Hermione laughed softly.
"Yeah, Ron. We're through. Let's go," Hermione said, flinging one of her arms around Ron's shoulder.
"Nice of you to be back, 'Mione. We missed you," Ron said, smiling gently and wrapping his arms around Hermione's waist. Harry did the same on the other side.
"Missed you guys too and you have no idea how much," Hermione smiled back and the three of them walked towards the Great Hall together.
~*~
They were in the middle of eating dinner when the figure of Professor McGonagall carrying the all too familiar looking hat came from around the corner and stopped in front of the teachers' table. She placed the hat on a three-legged stool in front of them. Then, Professor Dumbledore stood up. The crowd grew rowdy, curiosity and puzzlement filled the hall.
"May I have your attention for a moment, please?" the old professor said and the noise around the Great Hall reduced.
Harry, Hermione and Ron looked at each other with a questioning look, and then turned towards the headmaster.
"Thank you. As you all can see, the sorting hat has been brought out to our attention once again. It seems as if we have 'misplaced' a student of ours and he has just arrived this morning. I shall not inform all of you as to why he is late. However, I shall allow him to be sorted into his respected house. Professor McGonagall?" Dumbledore addressed the deputy headmistress.
"Well, since we only have one student, I shall call him right away. Damien Hawthorne," she called out.
The clattering of metal hitting glass was heard as half of the female population of Hogwarts dropped their spoon onto their plates while the other half was staring at the newcomer who was walking towards the Transfiguration professor. Even Harry thought that his seeker eyesight was beginning to bail out on him.
'I must be seeing things,' Harry thought as he took off his glasses and wiped the glasses with the hem of his robe.
After putting it back on, the image of the newcomer was still the same as before.
The resemblance was incredible. From the top of his head right down to the shoes he wore. Unbelievable! His platinum blond hair was the exact match of Harry's nemesis, Malfoy, but his eyes were the exact replicas of Harry's own brilliant emerald green eyes. Right down to the 'dancing with laughter with a hint of mischief' bit. The only different was that he wasn't wearing any glasses. Even his physique was a combination of both Malfoy and himself. Pale but glowing skin with a sort of skinny body. As Harry kept gazing at the newcomer, one thought ran through his mind as well as the rest of Hogwarts students: He's the exact combination of Draco Malfoy and Harry Potter!
Author Note: IT IS DONE!!!! The 13th chapter is finally done. I kinda want to hang the story at the 12th chapter but I just couldn't bare to let you people suffer. But I still put a mini cliffhanger there. Anyway, wouldn't you like to know who Damien is and what part does he hold in this story? Which house is he gonna be sorted into? What's with Hermione's dream? And most important of all, who did it to Hermione? I am sorry to say that you have to wait for 100 days for the next chapter My exam is in 97 days so wish me and by two beta luck. Trust me, WE NEED ALL THE LUCK WE CAN GET OUR HANDS ON. We all are either hanging our stories or taking them out. Hey, at least I'm giving all of you some fair warning here. One last thing. THANK YOU SO MUCH TO THOSE WHO REVIEWED!!!!!!! I love you people. I was shock to see the number when I logged in the other day. I even fell off my chair. Really! Well, not really. I just laughed. I'm sorry I'm not mentioning the names here but you know who you are. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK! You know I live for reviews. Okay, I gotta stop. It's late and I'm sleepy. And to think I'm writing this story when I could be studying. Anyway, sorry if this chapter is boring to you ppl. Hope you don't run away and forget about me or anything. Well, see ya and wish us luck!!!!!!
Chapter 13
Voices
It has been four days since Harry and Ron found Hermione in the lake. And it has been four days since the Head Girl was seen walking around school with two of her best friends, trying to get to class on time. It seems to be ironic on what can happen in a simple twenty-four hour.
The fourth day sees Harry and Ron at the Grand Hall. Harry looking around the hall, looking for someone while Ron was playing with his food in front of him.
"Why isn't she awake yet?" Ron asked suddenly, dropping his spoon with a loud clang.
Harry turned around and looked over at his friend, who was sitting beside him.
"I don't know, Ron. Just be patient. She'll come around. She always does," Harry replied, forcing on a smile.
Ron sighed.
"That's what I'm worried about. I'm just scared that she won't this time," Ron said, as he pushed his bowl of porridge aside and placed his head on top of the table.
Harry shook his head and patted his best friend's back.
"I'm sure she will. She's gonna be okay. Just have faith, okay?" Harry said again.
Ron paused for a moment and then looked up at Harry. He nodded his head slowly. Harry smiled.
"C'mon, let's get to class."
~*~
Harry was doodling endless lines and unknown figures on his history textbook while his thoughts were thinking back on what happened four days ago. Back to the night when they found Hermione unconscious in the lake. The images of her lying there still haunted him. More, when they found out what was wrong with her.
~*Flashback*~
It's pass midnight. Harry and Ron, however, were wide-awake. Harry was sitting in the hallway, on the cold floor while leaning back on the wall, facing the closed door of the infirmary. He was still in his robes, which was still damp from his 'swim' in the blood-mixed water in the lake earlier. Ron, on the other hand, was pacing in front of him, mumbling softly under his breath that Harry just couldn't quite catch. Harry shook his head slightly as he grabbed onto Ron's hand. Ron stopped and looked at Harry.
"Ron, sit down. You're making me nervous," Harry said, and then he let go of Ron's hand.
Ron stared blankly at his friend but he eventually slid down next to Harry. He buried his face in his arms, which were resting on his bended knees.
"Why her, Harry? Why her?" Ron asked, his voice muffled by his arm.
"I don't know Ron. Look, everything's gonna be all right. She'll pull through," Harry said, as he placed his arm on Ron's shoulder.
"I just hope you're right," Ron replied after a long pause.
Harry glanced sideways at one of his best friends. Even though the two of them fought with each other every time they have the chance, Harry knew that they cared about each other deeply. Throughout the times they've known each other, the three of them had been through everything together. It had created some sort of an invisible but strong bond between the three of them. It was through the bond that Harry felt something wasn't right. Ron felt it too but he kept denying it until they found Hermione that night. Maybe that's why he felt guilty.
"She'll be fine," Harry said, reassuring him.
Soon after that, Madam Pomfrey came out from behind the closed door.
"What are you two doing here? It's past midnight," she exclaimed softly and shut the door behind her.
Both Harry and Ron got up almost instantly.
"How is she?" Ron blurted out.
"Both of you shouldn't even be here. Off to bed now, both of you," she repeated herself as she pushed Ron away from the door.
"Please, Madam Pomfrey, we really need to know how she's doing," Harry said.
The matron stopped and looked at the both of them. After a while, she sighed.
"She should be thanking both of you. A few minutes later, I don't think she would've made it. There's a crack on her skull and it's quite serious. On top of that, she lost quite a large amount of blood due to the injury she received. Not to mention that the wound caused her entire system to shut down and causing her to suffer from hypothermia," Madam Pomfrey explained softly.
"But you can heal her, right? Can't you?" Ron asked, his voice full of hope.
"Yes, I can. I've done everything I could to heal all of her injuries but there are times that even magic wouldn't help," she replied.
"What do you mean?" Harry asked.
"She's in a coma. I can't help her this time. She's going to have to wake up on her own."
"Can we see her?" Ron asked.
"No. Not tonight. All three of you need rest," Madam Pomfrey said sternly.
"Just for a minute. We promise we-"
"No! Off to bed, both of you. I promise, both of you will be the first to know when she comes around. Now go," she said, pushing both boys towards the direction of the Gryffindor tower.
Harry and Ron turned to look at the infirmary where their best friend was for the last time before walking towards the tower.
~End Of Flashback~
Harry came back to reality when he noticed someone was calling him.
"What?" he asked, looking around the classroom.
Ron, who was standing in front of him, looked at the prefect.
"Are you okay? History's over. We gotta go down for Potions," Ron said.
Only then did Harry notice that the class was already empty. Harry nodded and started packing his books and stuff for Potions.
"You were thinking about what happened to Hermione, weren't you?" Ron asked quietly.
Harry's hand stopped in its task and Harry looked up to Ron's sad face. He didn't want Ron to worry anymore than he already was. He finally dumped everything into his backpack and smiled at Ron.
"C'mon, let's get outta here."
While they were walking towards the dungeons for Potions, both of them were quiet. They both knew that there was a lot to talk about, but none of them felt like talking about it. All of a sudden, they heard a distance cry from someone and both of them halted, causing someone, who was walking behind them, to bump into the two prefects.
"Did you." Ron trailed off.
Harry nodded his head.
"Hermione," Harry whispered and both of them broke into a run towards the infirmary.
~*~
Hermione looked around her but she could see nothing. It was pitch black and cold. Hermione drew her arm around herself and shivered.
'Where am I?' she thought to herself.
Cold wind blew towards her and she tightened her grip around her body.
"Hello?!" she cried out, hoping that she wasn't alone.
"Ron? Harry?" she cried again after some time.
"Harry. Harry. Harry." Hermione spun around towards the direction of the voice but there was no one there.
"Hello? Hello! Can you here me?" Hermione yelled.
"Harry. Harry. Harry." Hermione stood still.
Was someone calling Harry? Who is it? And why aren't they answering her call?
"No. It's not Harry. It's Henry," another voice said with a deeper voice. A man's voice.
"Oh, sorry. We thought it was Harry," said another. A female's this time.
"It's quite alright. I'm used to it by now," the male responded and laughter filled the air. A stronger wind blew, somehow making the laughter echo around her until it eventually died down.
Hermione was stunned.
Who were they? Where are they? Where was she? What's going on?
Just questions and no answers.
Another voice. Another male's.
"Henry, what are you doing? Stop writing and let's get going! The rest are already waiting for us downstairs," he cried.
Hermione heard a soft thud and a creaking of something. Footsteps could be heard.
"Sorry D! I was just doing some research. C'mon, let's go," answered Henry and Hermione heard the sound of someone shutting the door.
Seconds later, Hermione hears the sound of falling rain, accompanied by the sounds of thunder and strong wind. Henry yelled.
"Get away from him!" Hermione froze.
Whatever that is going on, it definitely not good.
"Make me," replied a lazy sort of voice that Hermione couldn't recognize.
" Exargrad Polmus- Someone help!!-" Henry cried and the other man yelled.
By the sound of it, he must have banged against something. Hard. Someone was running.
"D! Hang in there! Please! You can't just die. Not for me, anyway," Henry cried. Someone was sobbing in the background.
"Too late, kid," D coughed. "Never really finished what we started now, did we?" D said softly, coughing from time to time.
"Exactly. They have the right to know about everything," Henry sobbed.
"You tell them. I'm. tired," D said and let out his last breath.
Hermione gasped and placed her hand on her chest. A single tear slid from the corner of her left eye. She doesn't know why she did it. It just seems natural for her, though she doesn't know who they are.
"No, don't go." she heard Henry whispered and then Hermione collapsed on her knees, sobbing.
"He's dead," the other man replied.
The wind was blowing harder.
"You killed him!" Henry yelled.
"So? What of it?" he laughed.
"You'll pay for that."
"You wish! What are you gonna do about it, Henry? Kill me? Well then, come and get me."
"DIE!!" Henry cried and lightning suddenly struck out of nowhere, blinding Hermione's vision. The witch screamed.
~*~
Madam Pomfrey was carrying a tray full of medicine when a loud scream startled her, causing the matron to drop the tray. The bottle glasses dropped and shattered at her feet.
She knew that it had to be Hermione, for she was the only patient of the matron. Madam Pomfrey ran towards the Head Girl's room, hoping that no harm was done to her. Making sure her wand was safely in her pocket, she entered the room, ready for anything.
Hermione was sitting on the bed with sweat beads sliding down her bloodless face. Her breath came in short pants and she was shaking all over. The matron rushed over towards Hermione.
"Hermione, are you alright? How are you feeling?" Madam Pomfrey asked, as she placed her palm on Hermione's forehead.
Hermione looked at the matron with a dazed look.
"Henry?" she whispered.
Madam Pomfrey was startled but quickly regained her composure.
"No, it's me. Madam Pomfrey. You better lay down," she replied, as she guided Hermione to lie back down on the bed.
Hermione's vision was starting to focus.
"Where am I?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper.
"You're in the infirmary. Do you remember what happened?" Madam Pomfrey asked, as she checked Hermione's pulse.
"No. I don't remember anything. How long have I been here?" she asked again.
"You've been out for almost four days now. Open up. I need to check your temperature," Madam Pomfrey said and Hermione obeyed.
Madam Pomfrey inserted a thermometer Hermione's mouth.
"I'll be right back. Stay still until I come back," she instructed and Hermione nodded her head.
The matron walked back into her office. Ignoring the mess she made earlier, Madam Pomfrey took some solutions from the medicine chest and placed them on another tray.
"Excuse me, Madam Pomfrey. Can we visit Hermione?" a voice asked from behind as she exited the room.
Madam Pomfrey turned around and saw Harry and Ron at the door.
"You two. I was just about to send someone to call you. She's awake," Madam Pomfrey said.
"We know. Can we see her?" Ron asked.
"No. She just woke up and I have to-"
"We'll wait. C'mon Ron," Harry interrupted and pulled Ron towards the chairs beside the office.
She shook her head and walked towards Hermione's room. When she entered the room, she placed the tray on the side table and took out the thermometer out of Hermione's mouth.
"Well, you have a slight fever so I'm going to have to keep you here for awhile," Madam Pomfrey said and Hermione nodded.
"I know they're here. Can you let them come in? I really need to talk to them," Hermione requested, as she watched Madam Pomfrey pour some green liquid into a small cup.
Madam Pomfrey sighed and placed both the cup and the bottle on the table.
"You're really close to them, aren't you? I'm still wondering how they know you're awake. Well, take your medicine and I'll sent both of them in."
"Thank you," Hermione smiled.
She then took the cup that Madam Pomfrey offered and drank it all in one gulp. Her body warmed up almost instantly. The matron smiled and walked out of the room with the tray.
Hermione then looked around the room. The sun was shining brightly through the window from the left side of the room. The room itself was painted soft blue and mostly everything else in the room was blue. Hermione sighed and leaned back against her pillow, trying to be as comfortable as possible.
As she shut her eyes, she forced herself to remember what happened to her before she was unconscious. Try as she might, her thoughts kept drifting back to the dream she had before she woke up.
The dream just doesn't make any sense. Just voices and sounds without any images. And why is it she felt as if what happened at that time matter to her and she was connected to it somehow. She needed to tell Harry and Ron about the dream. Maybe they could help.
Madam Pomfrey walked towards the two Gryffindors. And, seeing the matron walking towards them, Harry and Ron stood up, hoping for some good news.
"Both of you can go in, but try not to strain her too much. Both of you've got half an hour," she said.
Harry and Ron beamed.
"Thank you," they chorused and Madam Pomfrey nodded.
Then, both of them darted towards the hallway.
"Second door to your right," she called out.
Harry's heart was pounding against his ribcage. Hermione was fine but he felt as if this was just another beginning to another problem. The fact that the scream both Ron and himself heard at the same time and Hermione just happened to wake up as soon as they got to the infirmary was too much of a coincident.
But for Hermione, as well as his sake, Harry pushed every single doubt about his theory out the window as his hand reached for the doorknob. Slowly, Harry twisted it and pushed the door open, revealing what was inside.
Hermione was lying on the bed; her head was against the wall while she herself was leaning against the pillow behind her back. They could swear she was as pale as Nearly-Headless-Nick and her usually bushy brown hair was tame, for once.
Harry looked sideways at Ron, only to find the other boy was looking down on the tiled floor while his fists clung tightly. Harry placed his hand on Ron's shoulder and Ron looked up. Harry shook his head slightly and Ron nodded slowly after sometime. Harry felt him relax under his touch.
"Hermione?" Ron squeaked and Hermione opened her eyes.
Seeing who it was, she smiled gently at the both of them.
"Hey," she said softly.
"Hey. How are you doing?" Harry asked, walking slowly towards Hermione. Cautiously even.
"I'm fine. Just a slight fever, that's all," Hermione said, louder this time.
Seeing her two best friends in front of her gave her the strength she needed. She was glad when she saw them smile.
"Thank god. Don't ever do that to us again! You scared the both of us to death!" Ron sighed, settling himself on the bed, near Hermione left knee.
Harry, on the other hand, was sitting on the chair on Hermione's' right.
"Well, it's only fair, isn't it? Usually, I worry over the both of you. It's only right that you worry about me, at least once," Hermione smiled.
"You know, she has got a point," Harry pointed out and Ron groaned.
There was a slight pause before anyone spoke again.
"So, mind telling me what happened?" Hermione asked.
Harry and Ron looked at each other with a blank expression.
"We were hoping you could tell us," Ron replied, looking at the girl.
"I can't remember what happened. All I remember is that I was standing near the lake and I was looking up at the sky when suddenly everything turned black. The next thing I knew, I'm here," Hermione said, recalling what she remembered before she passed out.
"Well, we found you there. I mean you were literally swimming in your own blood, 'Mione. We brought you up to see Madam Pomfrey and she tended to your wounds. You were in a coma for about four days now," Harry said.
Hermione looked at the both of them.
"So what you're trying to say is that we have no clue what-so-ever on who did this to me?" Hermione said slowly, after thinking it over for a few seconds.
"I guess so. I mean we could try and figure out who did this to you after you get out of here. Maybe we can do a bit of short listing or something," Ron suggested.
"I think so. Anyway, how did the both of you know I was awake?" Hermione asked.
"Well. We kinda heard you scream," Harry said.
"What? When?" Hermione asked, sitting straight on the bed.
"We were on our way for Potions when suddenly we heard some distance cry. I dunno, we just thought that you might be in trouble or something. We ran up here and found out you were awake," Ron explained.
"That's strange. I did scream, I think. I just had this weird dream while I was. err. in the coma, I guess. But what's weird was that the fact that there were only voices and sounds. No images," Hermione said.
"That's weird. What happened?" Harry asked and Hermione told them about what she heard.
"Henry and D? Who are they anyway?" Ron asked after Hermione has finish telling them about the dream.
"I've never heard of them before. Maybe it's some kind of a clue or something," Harry suggested.
"Maybe. I think." Hermione trailed off as Madam Pomfrey entered the room.
"I'm sorry boys but it's time for you to go. She needs her rest," the matron said and Harry and Ron nodded their head.
"Thank you, Madam Pomfrey. Bye 'Mione. We'll see you later, alright?" Ron said, as he hugged Hermione.
"Take care and get some rest. Don't worry about the dream so much, okay?" Harry said as he too hugged Hermione.
"Bye guys. Thanks for coming," Hermione said and Harry and Ron left the room.
Outside, Harry and Ron were on their way back to the common room when they realized that they had missed the first half of the Potions class. They were feeling lighter than they had in days.
"Hey Ron. What do you think Hermione dream means?" Harry asked after sometime.
Ron didn't answer straight away.
"To tell you the truth, I have no clue. It's just that I think it might be some kind of a sign or something. Maybe we should wait before we jump into anything we can't get out of," Ron said and Harry nodded.
"I think you're right. C'mon, let's get to the common room. We're dead if any teacher sees us out here," Harry said and both of them walked quickly towards the Gryffindor common room.
~*~
"It seems as if Miss Granger's awake by the look on Mister Potter's and Mister Weasley's faces," Dumbledore said, laughing softly.
The boy who was sitting in front of him kept quiet.
"Well, it is certainly a pleasure having you here," Dumbledore said, turning his attention to the boy.
He smiled brightly.
"It's a pleasure coming here, sir. Though I must apologize for my lateness. There were some. problems that I have to sort out before I could come here," the boy replied.
"It is not a problem at all. You shall be sorted into your house on Thursday. We have to settle some business first before you are allowed to be sorted. I hope you don't mind," Dumbledore said.
"No. Not at all."
~*~
It was a week after Harry and Ron found Hermione, when she was allowed to leave the infirmary. Harry and Ron were already there to greet her after school on Thursday evening to escort her to the Great Hall for dinner.
"I wish Madam Pomfrey would let me go sooner. I've already miss a week of school as it is," Hermione grumbled.
"Quit it, Hermione. She had a good reason to keep you in there as long as she thinks it's necessary. I mean, you were paler than Nearly-Headless Nick! If I were Madam Pomfrey, I'll keep you in there until Monday next week!" Ron said.
"But you're not her. Honestly Ron. I'm beginning to think that maybe you want me to stay in there," Hermione said, pretending to be hurt.
"Don't answer that, Ron. You might regret it later," Harry laughed.
Ron just kept quiet. As they walked along the hallway, the Head Girl began to sob.
"Don't cry, Hermione. I didn't even say anything," Ron said, turning towards Hermione with a surprise face.
"No, it's not that. It's just that. Thank you! Both of you. Especially you, Harry. I'm sorry about what I said earlier. I didn't mean any of it. You have every right to date Jade and you should. Don't pay any attention to what I said earlier," Hermione sobbed. Harry smiled as he reached over to hug her.
"It's alright, 'Mione. It's my fault anyway. I was over reacting. I mean both of you were just looking out for my best interests. Anyway, both of you come first. If both of you don't agree on me dating her than maybe I shouldn't," Harry said, stroking Hermione's hair. Hermione was still sobbing on Harry's shoulder.
"No. You're right. Maybe I was just being negative because she's a Goyle. Maybe she's not as bad as her brother. You should date her, Harry. She seems like a nice girl," Hermione said as she pulled away from Harry. Harry smiled and wiped away the tears, which were dropping from her eyes.
"Are you sure?" he asked.
Hermione nodded.
"Positive. Just be careful," she said.
Harry smiled and nodded.
"Are you two done yet? I'm starving here!" Ron said, hearing his all-so- ever hungry stomach.
Harry and Hermione laughed softly.
"Yeah, Ron. We're through. Let's go," Hermione said, flinging one of her arms around Ron's shoulder.
"Nice of you to be back, 'Mione. We missed you," Ron said, smiling gently and wrapping his arms around Hermione's waist. Harry did the same on the other side.
"Missed you guys too and you have no idea how much," Hermione smiled back and the three of them walked towards the Great Hall together.
~*~
They were in the middle of eating dinner when the figure of Professor McGonagall carrying the all too familiar looking hat came from around the corner and stopped in front of the teachers' table. She placed the hat on a three-legged stool in front of them. Then, Professor Dumbledore stood up. The crowd grew rowdy, curiosity and puzzlement filled the hall.
"May I have your attention for a moment, please?" the old professor said and the noise around the Great Hall reduced.
Harry, Hermione and Ron looked at each other with a questioning look, and then turned towards the headmaster.
"Thank you. As you all can see, the sorting hat has been brought out to our attention once again. It seems as if we have 'misplaced' a student of ours and he has just arrived this morning. I shall not inform all of you as to why he is late. However, I shall allow him to be sorted into his respected house. Professor McGonagall?" Dumbledore addressed the deputy headmistress.
"Well, since we only have one student, I shall call him right away. Damien Hawthorne," she called out.
The clattering of metal hitting glass was heard as half of the female population of Hogwarts dropped their spoon onto their plates while the other half was staring at the newcomer who was walking towards the Transfiguration professor. Even Harry thought that his seeker eyesight was beginning to bail out on him.
'I must be seeing things,' Harry thought as he took off his glasses and wiped the glasses with the hem of his robe.
After putting it back on, the image of the newcomer was still the same as before.
The resemblance was incredible. From the top of his head right down to the shoes he wore. Unbelievable! His platinum blond hair was the exact match of Harry's nemesis, Malfoy, but his eyes were the exact replicas of Harry's own brilliant emerald green eyes. Right down to the 'dancing with laughter with a hint of mischief' bit. The only different was that he wasn't wearing any glasses. Even his physique was a combination of both Malfoy and himself. Pale but glowing skin with a sort of skinny body. As Harry kept gazing at the newcomer, one thought ran through his mind as well as the rest of Hogwarts students: He's the exact combination of Draco Malfoy and Harry Potter!
Author Note: IT IS DONE!!!! The 13th chapter is finally done. I kinda want to hang the story at the 12th chapter but I just couldn't bare to let you people suffer. But I still put a mini cliffhanger there. Anyway, wouldn't you like to know who Damien is and what part does he hold in this story? Which house is he gonna be sorted into? What's with Hermione's dream? And most important of all, who did it to Hermione? I am sorry to say that you have to wait for 100 days for the next chapter My exam is in 97 days so wish me and by two beta luck. Trust me, WE NEED ALL THE LUCK WE CAN GET OUR HANDS ON. We all are either hanging our stories or taking them out. Hey, at least I'm giving all of you some fair warning here. One last thing. THANK YOU SO MUCH TO THOSE WHO REVIEWED!!!!!!! I love you people. I was shock to see the number when I logged in the other day. I even fell off my chair. Really! Well, not really. I just laughed. I'm sorry I'm not mentioning the names here but you know who you are. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK! You know I live for reviews. Okay, I gotta stop. It's late and I'm sleepy. And to think I'm writing this story when I could be studying. Anyway, sorry if this chapter is boring to you ppl. Hope you don't run away and forget about me or anything. Well, see ya and wish us luck!!!!!!