::: A/N: School's out! That means I can spend more time on my story since I
have no life! Yay! ^-^
For some reason, I've been getting reviews by mail but they haven't been posted. It even says 24 reviews, but there's only 17! To those of you who submitted a review but didn't find it, I'm sorry. So, I've posted all the reviews that didn't show up at the end of this chapter. Scroll all the way down to read them.
Now, to the joyful task of answering the reviews . . . :::
[TaioraCrazedGirl]: I'm glad you liked the last part. Haha, now I can show your review to my non-humorous friends and say, "Look! THEY think it's funny!" ^-^ Hmmm, it's too bad you didn't say 'I'm going to kill you if you don't bring Hermione back soon'. That would've officially made you the sixth member of the "I'm going to kill Random-chan if she doesn't bring Hermione back soon" club. ~_^ Thanks, and here's the next chapter!
[usha88]: I was able to contain my excitement this time. Actually, my hand is hurting because I've been typing up the pile of homework the teachers dumped on us at the last second. Grrr . . . So, thanks for being such a loyal reviewer, and I hope you like this chapter as well! :)
[Monet]: Yay! Okay, you are the Sherlock Holmes of all the reviewers! Not a single person ever asked how or why Hermione died, and no one else got that last piece either . . . *grins* Oops, I just gave that away . . . but maybe it's okay to give a little hint. Now then, I shall now give you this magnifying glass . . . *gives Monet a magnifying glass* Trust me, you're gonna need it later this story, there's a lot more puzzles to come for you to figure out! ~_^
[Sunny]: Thanks, and Harry will find out, but unfortunately it will be later rather than sooner. But that's only because there's a lot I want to stick in before then. You do have a good point in your second review, I'll be sure to discuss that with the mysterious co-writer. Thanks for reviewing three separate times! ^-^
[Sunshine Stargirl]: Thanks! I hope I updated quickly enough . . . P.S. I like your name! ^-^
[Hermione]: Hi Hermione! ^-^ Hey guys, look, it's my mysterious co-writer! Hey, you left before I could sneak into your suitcase!! I finished this chapter long ago but you left me! Waah! And you know how I found out you were gone? Your mom came over to help us move into the new house, and I casually asked where you and you sister were, and she said, "They're in Greece". Me: *jaw drops* Excuse me? Your mom: Oh, she didn't tell you? Me: *jaw is still hanging open* -no comment- (thinking: How dare she! Aaaahhh! ~.~)
[whereswaldo]: Sorry about the corrections thing. We have just become aware of the numerous mistakes we had overlooked during revisions (we were trying to act out a part of the skit, don't ask, and we realized that there were many mistakes in just one page). What I would like to hear from you about is what you don't like at the end of chapter fourteen, and how do you think would make it better. Thanks for reading and reviewing! :)
[jonzee]: Really? You think so? Oh, thank you so much! You should've seen what happened when I got your review! I swear it brightened up my day! Plus, when I read it to my co-writer over the phone, she was silent for a few moments and then said, "Woah! S/He really likes this story!" ((Sorry about the s/he thing. No offense, we don't know which you are . . . )) Thank you so much and I hope you aren't disappointed by this chapter! :)
[Insanity]: Hey! ^-^ Betcha only reviewed 'cause I just reviewed yours and you felt guilty! Jk! ^-^ Thanks, I realized this story was /way/ too directed at Harry and there needed to be some heart-felt emotions on Ron's part. -he, he- ((That sounds funny when you say it out loud . . . hehehehe! Yes, I am high on sugar at the moment, don't tell me you could guess! :o *gasp*)) Talk to you soon! ^-^
THE FIFTH HARRY POTTER BOOK IS FINALLY OUT!!! ^-^ ^-^ ^-^ I have to say, it is much more angst than the other ones, and I can't believe what JK Rowling did at the end! I swear I almost cried! Of course, I still love her books, and now . . . how annoying, I have to wait /again/ for the next one! -___________- Bleh.
Hmmm, maybe it would be a good idea to actually write some of the story now . . . Oh, I must resist the temptation to insert parts of the fifth book in here, it wouldn't be fair to the poor souls who haven't read it yet . . . (if you are one of these poor souls, I beg, no, command you to get your hands or paws or whatever on a copy NOW!! Thank you, enjoy your stay.)
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Chapter 15: Snakes and Secrets
Dumbledore's gentle face reflected upon Hermione's tired, tortured mind. A symbol of courage, trust, and reliability that brought a flickering ray of hope into the dim room where she was trapped.
He was there in their first year when she was a nervous first-year, building up her self-esteem and inspiring her to work hard and do her best on everything.
He was there at every meal, a silent presence that reassured the carefree students that no menacing evil could ever touch them.
He was there when Harry lay dying on the floor, thrashing in pain under the heartless grip of the almighty Lord Voldemort.
He was there to mercifully grant Harry and Ron another chance when they crashed into the Weeping Willow.
He was there to tell Hermione that, despite being Petrified, everything would turn out all right and to raise her hopes when all seemed lost.
He was there to supervise the Triwizard Tournament and to cheer on any side.
He was there to defeat the Mad-Eye Moody imposter and uncover the truth about him.
He was there every day when anyone needed help, standing strong like an unbreakable pillar for all to lean on.
*But where is he now?*
A dark cloud rose out of nowhere and clogged the thin beam of light, plunging Hermione's world into darkness. Sorrow crept like a snake toward her . . .
*Where is the inspiration?*
The snake drew closer . . .
*Where is the hope?*
It gradually encircled her . . .
*Where is the reassurance?*
Its skin rubbed against her, starting to contract . . .
*Where is the second chance?*
Its grip tightened . . .
*Where is the gentleness?*
Tighter . . .
*Where is the smile?*
She choked as her chest was crushed inward . . .
*Where is the light?*
Gasping, she did not even lift a finger against the snake . . .
*Dumbledore . . .*
She heaved a ragged breath, closing her eyes as the snake grinned, showing its long, terrible fangs . . .
*I need you, Dumbledore . . .*
The snake's head came closer to her, its mouth wide and fangs poised . . .
*Where are you?*
She felt its hot breath on her skin . . .
*Please . . .*
The fangs pierced her neck, sinking deeper and deeper, and a jolt of pain ensnared her body . . .
*Dumbledore . . .*
She heaved a short breath as the poison seeped through her blood toward her beating heart . . .
*Where are you?*
The poison grasped her heart, squeezing as it started to skip beats, and she opened her eyes in fear and pain . . .
*I need you . . .*
Hermione took one last breath as her blood slowed, and then closed her eyes, surrendering to the snake while her heart ceased beating.
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Hermione woke, gasping and clutching her chest. Her eyes were wide, blinking, staring across the room as if she had seen Lord Voldemort himself there.
She frantically looked around her at the dark room. Her breathing eased as she assured herself that she was okay.
It had only been a nightmare . . .
But was it only a nightmare?
It felt so real . . .
Hermione raised her right hand and hesitantly stroked the place the snake had bitten her with a soft scrape of her fingertips. There was no sign of the two punctures, no wave of pain that washed her body.
What did it mean?
Her thoughts drifted back to Dumbledore, whose face she doubted she would see again, ever. She pulled her legs toward her, knees bending, and tightly hugged them as she kept thinking.
*He was always watching over us . . . always . . .*
She sighed.
*I wonder if he's watching over me now . . .*
"I'm watching over you."
Hermione gasped in fear when she heard a low, monotone voice. Whipping her head around, her eyes searched for the source. But she didn't see anyone at all.
"W-w-who's there?" she asked quietly.
No answer but the flicker of the candle.
Gathering up her courage, she tried again. "I said, who's there?"
Silence.
Hermione grew bolder. "Come on, show yourself, or are you a coward?"
But she knew inside of her that whoever it was couldn't have felt more cowardly than she did at that moment.
No one answered, but something did catch her eye. The note was lying next to her, which seemed normal enough, but for some reason she felt a strange attraction to it. She felt tempted to pick it up, to have it in her hands. Seeing no point in resisting, Hermione picked it up and glanced at the strange characters. Her eyes suddenly darted to the last sentence.
It said, "I'm watching over you".
The faintest flicker of a smile appeared on her weary face. She could read it at last.
She looked at the rest of the note, expecting to be able to read it. But she couldn't.
Hermione furrowed her eyebrows and concentrated. *I should be able to do it. I read the last sentence . . . *
But no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't. She looked back at the last sentence. It hadn't been changed at all, but she clearly read it, it said, "I'm watching over you".
*What's going on?* She searched the darkness for an answer.
It wasn't as if she had expected a response, but she was still disappointed when there was none.
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Days passed. Weeks passed. To a normal person, what happened during this period of time would bear little significance. But to Harry this time would prove to be wonderful.
Harry and Ron got to know Aurora better, since she had most of her classes with them. The most memorable experience was her first day of Potions, when Professor Snape made Harry and Ron pair up for potion making. Both of them didn't know what was going on, but weren't going to complain. To Snape's displeasure, there were an odd number of students in class, so Aurora was left out. Before he could put her in a group with Malfoy, she raised her hand and caught his attention again.
"Yes, Ms. Withertopp?" He said slowly.
"Excuse me, Professor, but would you mind if I worked with Harry and Ron? I'd like to watch them for a while before trying it myself."
Harry and Ron looked over quickly. They had not expected Aurora to mention them, let alone ask to work with them.
"Oh boy, she's going to get it," whispered Ron as he eyed Snape's motionless features.
Harry nodded, also watching.
But, miraculously, Snape's lips curled into a smile. "Of course you may."
Aurora smiled sweetly at him, and then got up to face Harry and Ron, who were still thunderstruck by Snape's reaction. Meanwhile, Aurora had walked over to their cauldron.
As soon as she reached them, she said very quietly, "I'm really sorry, it's just . . . if you would rather I go work with someone else, it's okay with me."
Harry and Ron both welcomed her with a smile. "Not at all," Harry said, feeling he was going to enjoy to this Potion class.
Aurora smiled at them. Ron, who had never spoken to her beside the time he asked her to the dance, remained silent.
Aurora looked up at the board where the recipe for the /Cure for Dragon- Inflicted Infection Potion/ was. Her smile faded. "Could he have chosen a harder potion?"
"I know," Ron said, getting over his shyness, "It's his strategy. My guess is that he knew there would be a new Gryfindor girl in his class today and he wanted to select the hardest ever just as an excuse to fail you."
"I'll bet he does that all the time," she said.
Ron seemed to become increasingly relaxed throughout the conversation. "How did you figure that out?"
"Well, I can see he favors Draco," she said while glancing toward the front of the room where Malfoy was proudly showing off his potion making skills to Snape, "and now that I know what Draco's like, I wouldn't have been surprised at all."
"Nothing gets by you, does it?" Harry said, recalling their conversation at the dance. Aurora smiled.
"I try. But, anyways, we should probably get started on our potion or Professor Snape will make us regret it."
Harry and Ron nodded in agreement and they split up the work. After a while, however, Snape had wandered his way over to their cauldron. They looked at him with questioning expressions while dreading the worst.
"So, Ms. Withertopp, are you experienced with potion making?"
In an unmistakably innocent voice, she said, "I suppose so, I did take Potions at my old school, sir."
"Ah, I see," Snape continued, "Then tell me, Ms.Withertopp, what is the key ingredient in a /Glory Brew/?"
Harry and Ron exchanged looks as each realized why they had been put in such a group: So Snape could have more fun with them. They were bound to get into trouble, and he was looking for any excuse to punish them. But neither of them knew the answer. They both looked at Aurora, who seemed flustered.
"I . . . I . . . I don't know, sir."
This immediately reminded Harry of his own first encounter with Snape.
Snape's eyebrows went up and the entire class was watching at this point.
"Well then, let's try this: Why is a /Glory Brew/ difficult to make?"
"I'm afraid I don't know, sir."
"Then let's try once more. Which potion would you use if I wanted you to cure Purple Griffin-itis with symptoms of coughing up blood, green, fleshy warts and involuntary scratching?"
"I - I don't know, sir."
"The key ingredient in /Glory Brew/ is goat's milk. It is difficult to make because a single drop more or less than specified leads to an explosion fatal to everything in a kilometer radius. There is no cure for Purple Griffin-itis, but there are treatments such as /Bronchitis Buster/ for the coughing, /Speedy Sponge Powder/ for the warts, and /Relaxing Remedy/ for the scratching." He smiled cruelly. "So, I see your old school taught you very little, isn't that correct?"
Aurora stayed silent. She lowered her head and studied the ground.
Ron was the one that piped up in her defense. "But she only just got here," he said with a great deal of boldness.
"Yeah, this is her first class, and maybe they had a different curriculum at her old school!" Harry said defensively.
Aurora looked up at the two of them, blinking.
Snape jerked his head toward them, silently threatening them with his glare. "I don't remember ever asking you two. Five points from Gryfindor . . . each," he added, savoring their shocked faces. Without another word, Snape whipped his cloak around as he walked swiftly to his desk, turned, and sat down. Most of the class took this as a sign that the action was over and returned to their potions. As Harry took his eyes off Snape, he noticed that Malfoy was sitting at the other end of the room, grinning widely.
Harry and Ron turned to face a very astounded Aurora. She looked at both of them before saying, "You guys . . . you didn't have to . . . thanks . . ."
Harry and Ron smiled. "No problem," they said.
Though she did smile, they could both tell she still felt guilty about the ten points.
The bell rang, and the students started to fill their flasks with their potions to give to Snape for grading. Harry, Ron and Aurora all looked down at their cauldron. Instead of being seaweed green, theirs was a bright powder blue.
"Oh well, better than nothing," Harry said as he filled the flask with a sample and walked over to Snape's desk.
Ron glanced at Aurora. She was staring at the potion, clearly ashamed.
"It's not your fault," Ron said reassuringly, "without your help Harry and I would've messed it up even more."
"Are you sure?" she asked, lifting her eyes.
Harry had returned and joined in the conversation. "Of course we would've! Believe me, Ron's potion skills are horrible!"
Ron smiled and said, "I wonder why . . . it might be the teacher . . ."
They all laughed a little and Aurora brightened up.
"Come on, let's get out of here, we don't want to spend more time in this classroom than necessary!" Ron urged the two of them. Both smiled and they were halfway out the door when -
"Ms. Withertopp, may I have a word with you?"
Aurora spun to face Snape, who was eyeing her.
"Oh . . . yes, sir," she said hesitantly. She walked back in; Harry and Ron made no move to leave.
"Alone," Snape added, glaring at Harry and Ron. They both retreated out the door and closed it behind them.
"I really don't trust that guy," Ron said as they walked down the dark hallway. "There's no telling what he's up to. Maybe we should have eavesdropped on them."
"No," Harry said immediately. "I know, I don't like Snape either, but Dumbledore picked him and he trusts him. Don't you trust Dumbledore's judgement?"
Ron's answer was a pause and then, "You're starting to sound more and more like Hermione."
Harry stopped in his tracks. He had let himself forget about her again. *How could I? After all she's done in her lifetime my thanks is ignorance? How stupid . . .*
"Harry, look!" came a sharp whisper.
Harry looked up at where Ron was pointing. There was something moving in the shadows on the floor near the wall, but he couldn't make out what it was. But something was there.
*Could it be a snake?* Harry thought as they watched the creature moving. *What is it?*
They both were frozen, watching whatever it was. The creature was slowly slinking away from them. It was coming into the light from the torch beyond. It was black, small, and . . .
"Isn't that . . ." Ron whispered. His voice rose so that the creature could hear him. "Ramdeon? Is that you?"
The cat turned abruptly around, as if not expecting anyone to be there, letting out a loud hiss. Harry and Ron jumped in surprise. It saw them, hissed again, and darted off. The faint pattering of its paws soon faded into the distance.
"What the bloody hell was that?" Ron asked aloud as they composed themselves. "What's Ramdeon doing down here? And why did he act so strangly?"
"I don't know," Harry said, "but there's definitely something weird going on."
Ron nodded.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Through events such as this one, Harry and Ron got to know Aurora better. They stood up for her when she was picked on by a teacher (namely, Snape) and she soon found the courage to stick up for herself. Gradually, they became good friends as Aurora found that they were a group she could fit in with. In fact, the process was so gradual that Harry and Ron didn't realize what was happening. They regarded her as another friend, nothing more and nothing less. They asked for her help when they needed it (on homework, of course) and she relied on them to help her in similar ways.
But in this newly blossoming friendship were two thorns; two deceiving lies threatened its existence.
For one, through extremely improbable events (and perhaps some miracles), Aurora never got around to asking Harry what his last name was. She didn't know that he was Harry Potter, THE Harry Potter, the boy who lived. She didn't know that beneath those messy bangs lay a lightning shaped scar placed there by one of the two most powerful wizards ever; Lord Voldemort himself.
However, Harry had no idea she didn't know. He thought that Aurora was just treating him like a normal person, and it comforted him that there was at least two people in the world (Ron and Aurora) who didn't judge him by his scar.
However, this is what separated the two lies. Aurora also had a deep secret, a secret that would crush both Harry and Ron and, she was certain it would destroy their friendship. But the difference between this secret and the one that Harry carried was that she was aware of it. While Harry wasn't conscious of his secret's existence, she knew exactly what hers was. And she didn't want him to find out, ever.
But secrets always come out, and nothing is left in hiding forever.
With this new trio it was only a matter of time before the truth emerged and changed the world they had just begun to see as their own.
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::A/N: Hint about the future: the story of Hermione's death is coming very soon!:::
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Reviews (from earliest to latest)
Signed by [TaioraCrazedGirl]: haha...the part that u added at the end...after the story is hilarious! ...but anyways, the story is great! though i hope u can make harry get together with hermione!! u have to!! or else i'll make ur life a living nightmare! haha...i'm just pulling ur leg(joking)! but it was good!! keep on writing, and get the next chapter out as soon as possible!
Anonymous by [usha88]: Wow! I didn't know that my reviews were that interesting. I mean they ar so short. Heheh. You should be a little mroe quiet next time...lol! I am loud all the time too. :) I really liked this chapter. It was very interesting. Great little piece at the end ;)
Anonymous by [Monet]: Yay!rnrnAn update! I can't wait til we find out why Hermione is a ghost and what will happen after she gets out of the darkness room. (I know thats not the real word, but I think I remember you rearranging the letters of the word darkness to create the name for the room that ghostly Hermione is being held in)rnrnWhile I wait for an update I do believe I will go back and reread the first few chapters. Its been quite awhile and though I remember the general plot I find that I have forgotten some of the details.rnrnOh, and I really can't wait to find out who Aurora is and why she seems to remind Harry of Hermione so. *grins*
Anonymous from [Monet]: One of these days I swear you are going to get like 10 reviews from me all saying pretty much the same thing... but until then I will have to keep trying to review until something shows up! (ff.net doesn't seem to want you to see my reviews, though I'm not sure why - its not like I am saying bad things)rnrnAnyway, I loved chapters 13 and 14. What I really can't wait for though is to find out why Aurora reminds Harry of Hermione and to see what will happen when Hermione gets out of the nesskrad (I think I am remembering the right darkness permutation you used) room.rnrnSo yeah, til then I will reread chapters 1-12 so that I can remember specific details about your story. :-)
Signed from [Sunny]: so, you wanna know what i think? well... it's great! i love the description of hermione "lay motionless in her beautiful cold death" I do hope harry realises quickly that Hermione is still in Hogwarts!rnCan't wait to read more
Signed from [Sunny]: Hmm... i thought it would be better that Aurora asked Harry things since Harry is in grieve or is busy thinking how alike she and Hermione is... but never mind... I hope that Harry doesn't forget about Hermione. If not...
Signed from [Sunny]: hey...rnWhere's Hermione? :( but anyways, can't wait to read more. Keep up the good work!
Signed from [Sunshine Stargirl]: lol I love the behind the scenes!rnrnUPDATE SOON!
Anonymous from [Hermione]: Hi It's Hermione (no not the one who's dead). I just stopped by to get ch.13+14 b/c you won't give me the disk. Keep writing! I'm trying to not give anything away, but it's hard. Let me know if you answer this review. (By the way, to all you readers who have absolutely no idea what any of that just ment, I'm the one random-chan calls her co-writer, but I really have done that much. All I do is correct and come up with ideas and... Well, maybe I do do something.) Commas are so annoying to type. See you soon!rnHermione (I just almost signed my real name by mistake. I have to get more used to using the Internet.)
These are the reviews that didn't show up on the website. I believe the others are there. If they aren't, I'm soooooo sorry!
For some reason, I've been getting reviews by mail but they haven't been posted. It even says 24 reviews, but there's only 17! To those of you who submitted a review but didn't find it, I'm sorry. So, I've posted all the reviews that didn't show up at the end of this chapter. Scroll all the way down to read them.
Now, to the joyful task of answering the reviews . . . :::
[TaioraCrazedGirl]: I'm glad you liked the last part. Haha, now I can show your review to my non-humorous friends and say, "Look! THEY think it's funny!" ^-^ Hmmm, it's too bad you didn't say 'I'm going to kill you if you don't bring Hermione back soon'. That would've officially made you the sixth member of the "I'm going to kill Random-chan if she doesn't bring Hermione back soon" club. ~_^ Thanks, and here's the next chapter!
[usha88]: I was able to contain my excitement this time. Actually, my hand is hurting because I've been typing up the pile of homework the teachers dumped on us at the last second. Grrr . . . So, thanks for being such a loyal reviewer, and I hope you like this chapter as well! :)
[Monet]: Yay! Okay, you are the Sherlock Holmes of all the reviewers! Not a single person ever asked how or why Hermione died, and no one else got that last piece either . . . *grins* Oops, I just gave that away . . . but maybe it's okay to give a little hint. Now then, I shall now give you this magnifying glass . . . *gives Monet a magnifying glass* Trust me, you're gonna need it later this story, there's a lot more puzzles to come for you to figure out! ~_^
[Sunny]: Thanks, and Harry will find out, but unfortunately it will be later rather than sooner. But that's only because there's a lot I want to stick in before then. You do have a good point in your second review, I'll be sure to discuss that with the mysterious co-writer. Thanks for reviewing three separate times! ^-^
[Sunshine Stargirl]: Thanks! I hope I updated quickly enough . . . P.S. I like your name! ^-^
[Hermione]: Hi Hermione! ^-^ Hey guys, look, it's my mysterious co-writer! Hey, you left before I could sneak into your suitcase!! I finished this chapter long ago but you left me! Waah! And you know how I found out you were gone? Your mom came over to help us move into the new house, and I casually asked where you and you sister were, and she said, "They're in Greece". Me: *jaw drops* Excuse me? Your mom: Oh, she didn't tell you? Me: *jaw is still hanging open* -no comment- (thinking: How dare she! Aaaahhh! ~.~)
[whereswaldo]: Sorry about the corrections thing. We have just become aware of the numerous mistakes we had overlooked during revisions (we were trying to act out a part of the skit, don't ask, and we realized that there were many mistakes in just one page). What I would like to hear from you about is what you don't like at the end of chapter fourteen, and how do you think would make it better. Thanks for reading and reviewing! :)
[jonzee]: Really? You think so? Oh, thank you so much! You should've seen what happened when I got your review! I swear it brightened up my day! Plus, when I read it to my co-writer over the phone, she was silent for a few moments and then said, "Woah! S/He really likes this story!" ((Sorry about the s/he thing. No offense, we don't know which you are . . . )) Thank you so much and I hope you aren't disappointed by this chapter! :)
[Insanity]: Hey! ^-^ Betcha only reviewed 'cause I just reviewed yours and you felt guilty! Jk! ^-^ Thanks, I realized this story was /way/ too directed at Harry and there needed to be some heart-felt emotions on Ron's part. -he, he- ((That sounds funny when you say it out loud . . . hehehehe! Yes, I am high on sugar at the moment, don't tell me you could guess! :o *gasp*)) Talk to you soon! ^-^
THE FIFTH HARRY POTTER BOOK IS FINALLY OUT!!! ^-^ ^-^ ^-^ I have to say, it is much more angst than the other ones, and I can't believe what JK Rowling did at the end! I swear I almost cried! Of course, I still love her books, and now . . . how annoying, I have to wait /again/ for the next one! -___________- Bleh.
Hmmm, maybe it would be a good idea to actually write some of the story now . . . Oh, I must resist the temptation to insert parts of the fifth book in here, it wouldn't be fair to the poor souls who haven't read it yet . . . (if you are one of these poor souls, I beg, no, command you to get your hands or paws or whatever on a copy NOW!! Thank you, enjoy your stay.)
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Chapter 15: Snakes and Secrets
Dumbledore's gentle face reflected upon Hermione's tired, tortured mind. A symbol of courage, trust, and reliability that brought a flickering ray of hope into the dim room where she was trapped.
He was there in their first year when she was a nervous first-year, building up her self-esteem and inspiring her to work hard and do her best on everything.
He was there at every meal, a silent presence that reassured the carefree students that no menacing evil could ever touch them.
He was there when Harry lay dying on the floor, thrashing in pain under the heartless grip of the almighty Lord Voldemort.
He was there to mercifully grant Harry and Ron another chance when they crashed into the Weeping Willow.
He was there to tell Hermione that, despite being Petrified, everything would turn out all right and to raise her hopes when all seemed lost.
He was there to supervise the Triwizard Tournament and to cheer on any side.
He was there to defeat the Mad-Eye Moody imposter and uncover the truth about him.
He was there every day when anyone needed help, standing strong like an unbreakable pillar for all to lean on.
*But where is he now?*
A dark cloud rose out of nowhere and clogged the thin beam of light, plunging Hermione's world into darkness. Sorrow crept like a snake toward her . . .
*Where is the inspiration?*
The snake drew closer . . .
*Where is the hope?*
It gradually encircled her . . .
*Where is the reassurance?*
Its skin rubbed against her, starting to contract . . .
*Where is the second chance?*
Its grip tightened . . .
*Where is the gentleness?*
Tighter . . .
*Where is the smile?*
She choked as her chest was crushed inward . . .
*Where is the light?*
Gasping, she did not even lift a finger against the snake . . .
*Dumbledore . . .*
She heaved a ragged breath, closing her eyes as the snake grinned, showing its long, terrible fangs . . .
*I need you, Dumbledore . . .*
The snake's head came closer to her, its mouth wide and fangs poised . . .
*Where are you?*
She felt its hot breath on her skin . . .
*Please . . .*
The fangs pierced her neck, sinking deeper and deeper, and a jolt of pain ensnared her body . . .
*Dumbledore . . .*
She heaved a short breath as the poison seeped through her blood toward her beating heart . . .
*Where are you?*
The poison grasped her heart, squeezing as it started to skip beats, and she opened her eyes in fear and pain . . .
*I need you . . .*
Hermione took one last breath as her blood slowed, and then closed her eyes, surrendering to the snake while her heart ceased beating.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Hermione woke, gasping and clutching her chest. Her eyes were wide, blinking, staring across the room as if she had seen Lord Voldemort himself there.
She frantically looked around her at the dark room. Her breathing eased as she assured herself that she was okay.
It had only been a nightmare . . .
But was it only a nightmare?
It felt so real . . .
Hermione raised her right hand and hesitantly stroked the place the snake had bitten her with a soft scrape of her fingertips. There was no sign of the two punctures, no wave of pain that washed her body.
What did it mean?
Her thoughts drifted back to Dumbledore, whose face she doubted she would see again, ever. She pulled her legs toward her, knees bending, and tightly hugged them as she kept thinking.
*He was always watching over us . . . always . . .*
She sighed.
*I wonder if he's watching over me now . . .*
"I'm watching over you."
Hermione gasped in fear when she heard a low, monotone voice. Whipping her head around, her eyes searched for the source. But she didn't see anyone at all.
"W-w-who's there?" she asked quietly.
No answer but the flicker of the candle.
Gathering up her courage, she tried again. "I said, who's there?"
Silence.
Hermione grew bolder. "Come on, show yourself, or are you a coward?"
But she knew inside of her that whoever it was couldn't have felt more cowardly than she did at that moment.
No one answered, but something did catch her eye. The note was lying next to her, which seemed normal enough, but for some reason she felt a strange attraction to it. She felt tempted to pick it up, to have it in her hands. Seeing no point in resisting, Hermione picked it up and glanced at the strange characters. Her eyes suddenly darted to the last sentence.
It said, "I'm watching over you".
The faintest flicker of a smile appeared on her weary face. She could read it at last.
She looked at the rest of the note, expecting to be able to read it. But she couldn't.
Hermione furrowed her eyebrows and concentrated. *I should be able to do it. I read the last sentence . . . *
But no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't. She looked back at the last sentence. It hadn't been changed at all, but she clearly read it, it said, "I'm watching over you".
*What's going on?* She searched the darkness for an answer.
It wasn't as if she had expected a response, but she was still disappointed when there was none.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Days passed. Weeks passed. To a normal person, what happened during this period of time would bear little significance. But to Harry this time would prove to be wonderful.
Harry and Ron got to know Aurora better, since she had most of her classes with them. The most memorable experience was her first day of Potions, when Professor Snape made Harry and Ron pair up for potion making. Both of them didn't know what was going on, but weren't going to complain. To Snape's displeasure, there were an odd number of students in class, so Aurora was left out. Before he could put her in a group with Malfoy, she raised her hand and caught his attention again.
"Yes, Ms. Withertopp?" He said slowly.
"Excuse me, Professor, but would you mind if I worked with Harry and Ron? I'd like to watch them for a while before trying it myself."
Harry and Ron looked over quickly. They had not expected Aurora to mention them, let alone ask to work with them.
"Oh boy, she's going to get it," whispered Ron as he eyed Snape's motionless features.
Harry nodded, also watching.
But, miraculously, Snape's lips curled into a smile. "Of course you may."
Aurora smiled sweetly at him, and then got up to face Harry and Ron, who were still thunderstruck by Snape's reaction. Meanwhile, Aurora had walked over to their cauldron.
As soon as she reached them, she said very quietly, "I'm really sorry, it's just . . . if you would rather I go work with someone else, it's okay with me."
Harry and Ron both welcomed her with a smile. "Not at all," Harry said, feeling he was going to enjoy to this Potion class.
Aurora smiled at them. Ron, who had never spoken to her beside the time he asked her to the dance, remained silent.
Aurora looked up at the board where the recipe for the /Cure for Dragon- Inflicted Infection Potion/ was. Her smile faded. "Could he have chosen a harder potion?"
"I know," Ron said, getting over his shyness, "It's his strategy. My guess is that he knew there would be a new Gryfindor girl in his class today and he wanted to select the hardest ever just as an excuse to fail you."
"I'll bet he does that all the time," she said.
Ron seemed to become increasingly relaxed throughout the conversation. "How did you figure that out?"
"Well, I can see he favors Draco," she said while glancing toward the front of the room where Malfoy was proudly showing off his potion making skills to Snape, "and now that I know what Draco's like, I wouldn't have been surprised at all."
"Nothing gets by you, does it?" Harry said, recalling their conversation at the dance. Aurora smiled.
"I try. But, anyways, we should probably get started on our potion or Professor Snape will make us regret it."
Harry and Ron nodded in agreement and they split up the work. After a while, however, Snape had wandered his way over to their cauldron. They looked at him with questioning expressions while dreading the worst.
"So, Ms. Withertopp, are you experienced with potion making?"
In an unmistakably innocent voice, she said, "I suppose so, I did take Potions at my old school, sir."
"Ah, I see," Snape continued, "Then tell me, Ms.Withertopp, what is the key ingredient in a /Glory Brew/?"
Harry and Ron exchanged looks as each realized why they had been put in such a group: So Snape could have more fun with them. They were bound to get into trouble, and he was looking for any excuse to punish them. But neither of them knew the answer. They both looked at Aurora, who seemed flustered.
"I . . . I . . . I don't know, sir."
This immediately reminded Harry of his own first encounter with Snape.
Snape's eyebrows went up and the entire class was watching at this point.
"Well then, let's try this: Why is a /Glory Brew/ difficult to make?"
"I'm afraid I don't know, sir."
"Then let's try once more. Which potion would you use if I wanted you to cure Purple Griffin-itis with symptoms of coughing up blood, green, fleshy warts and involuntary scratching?"
"I - I don't know, sir."
"The key ingredient in /Glory Brew/ is goat's milk. It is difficult to make because a single drop more or less than specified leads to an explosion fatal to everything in a kilometer radius. There is no cure for Purple Griffin-itis, but there are treatments such as /Bronchitis Buster/ for the coughing, /Speedy Sponge Powder/ for the warts, and /Relaxing Remedy/ for the scratching." He smiled cruelly. "So, I see your old school taught you very little, isn't that correct?"
Aurora stayed silent. She lowered her head and studied the ground.
Ron was the one that piped up in her defense. "But she only just got here," he said with a great deal of boldness.
"Yeah, this is her first class, and maybe they had a different curriculum at her old school!" Harry said defensively.
Aurora looked up at the two of them, blinking.
Snape jerked his head toward them, silently threatening them with his glare. "I don't remember ever asking you two. Five points from Gryfindor . . . each," he added, savoring their shocked faces. Without another word, Snape whipped his cloak around as he walked swiftly to his desk, turned, and sat down. Most of the class took this as a sign that the action was over and returned to their potions. As Harry took his eyes off Snape, he noticed that Malfoy was sitting at the other end of the room, grinning widely.
Harry and Ron turned to face a very astounded Aurora. She looked at both of them before saying, "You guys . . . you didn't have to . . . thanks . . ."
Harry and Ron smiled. "No problem," they said.
Though she did smile, they could both tell she still felt guilty about the ten points.
The bell rang, and the students started to fill their flasks with their potions to give to Snape for grading. Harry, Ron and Aurora all looked down at their cauldron. Instead of being seaweed green, theirs was a bright powder blue.
"Oh well, better than nothing," Harry said as he filled the flask with a sample and walked over to Snape's desk.
Ron glanced at Aurora. She was staring at the potion, clearly ashamed.
"It's not your fault," Ron said reassuringly, "without your help Harry and I would've messed it up even more."
"Are you sure?" she asked, lifting her eyes.
Harry had returned and joined in the conversation. "Of course we would've! Believe me, Ron's potion skills are horrible!"
Ron smiled and said, "I wonder why . . . it might be the teacher . . ."
They all laughed a little and Aurora brightened up.
"Come on, let's get out of here, we don't want to spend more time in this classroom than necessary!" Ron urged the two of them. Both smiled and they were halfway out the door when -
"Ms. Withertopp, may I have a word with you?"
Aurora spun to face Snape, who was eyeing her.
"Oh . . . yes, sir," she said hesitantly. She walked back in; Harry and Ron made no move to leave.
"Alone," Snape added, glaring at Harry and Ron. They both retreated out the door and closed it behind them.
"I really don't trust that guy," Ron said as they walked down the dark hallway. "There's no telling what he's up to. Maybe we should have eavesdropped on them."
"No," Harry said immediately. "I know, I don't like Snape either, but Dumbledore picked him and he trusts him. Don't you trust Dumbledore's judgement?"
Ron's answer was a pause and then, "You're starting to sound more and more like Hermione."
Harry stopped in his tracks. He had let himself forget about her again. *How could I? After all she's done in her lifetime my thanks is ignorance? How stupid . . .*
"Harry, look!" came a sharp whisper.
Harry looked up at where Ron was pointing. There was something moving in the shadows on the floor near the wall, but he couldn't make out what it was. But something was there.
*Could it be a snake?* Harry thought as they watched the creature moving. *What is it?*
They both were frozen, watching whatever it was. The creature was slowly slinking away from them. It was coming into the light from the torch beyond. It was black, small, and . . .
"Isn't that . . ." Ron whispered. His voice rose so that the creature could hear him. "Ramdeon? Is that you?"
The cat turned abruptly around, as if not expecting anyone to be there, letting out a loud hiss. Harry and Ron jumped in surprise. It saw them, hissed again, and darted off. The faint pattering of its paws soon faded into the distance.
"What the bloody hell was that?" Ron asked aloud as they composed themselves. "What's Ramdeon doing down here? And why did he act so strangly?"
"I don't know," Harry said, "but there's definitely something weird going on."
Ron nodded.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Through events such as this one, Harry and Ron got to know Aurora better. They stood up for her when she was picked on by a teacher (namely, Snape) and she soon found the courage to stick up for herself. Gradually, they became good friends as Aurora found that they were a group she could fit in with. In fact, the process was so gradual that Harry and Ron didn't realize what was happening. They regarded her as another friend, nothing more and nothing less. They asked for her help when they needed it (on homework, of course) and she relied on them to help her in similar ways.
But in this newly blossoming friendship were two thorns; two deceiving lies threatened its existence.
For one, through extremely improbable events (and perhaps some miracles), Aurora never got around to asking Harry what his last name was. She didn't know that he was Harry Potter, THE Harry Potter, the boy who lived. She didn't know that beneath those messy bangs lay a lightning shaped scar placed there by one of the two most powerful wizards ever; Lord Voldemort himself.
However, Harry had no idea she didn't know. He thought that Aurora was just treating him like a normal person, and it comforted him that there was at least two people in the world (Ron and Aurora) who didn't judge him by his scar.
However, this is what separated the two lies. Aurora also had a deep secret, a secret that would crush both Harry and Ron and, she was certain it would destroy their friendship. But the difference between this secret and the one that Harry carried was that she was aware of it. While Harry wasn't conscious of his secret's existence, she knew exactly what hers was. And she didn't want him to find out, ever.
But secrets always come out, and nothing is left in hiding forever.
With this new trio it was only a matter of time before the truth emerged and changed the world they had just begun to see as their own.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
::A/N: Hint about the future: the story of Hermione's death is coming very soon!:::
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Reviews (from earliest to latest)
Signed by [TaioraCrazedGirl]: haha...the part that u added at the end...after the story is hilarious! ...but anyways, the story is great! though i hope u can make harry get together with hermione!! u have to!! or else i'll make ur life a living nightmare! haha...i'm just pulling ur leg(joking)! but it was good!! keep on writing, and get the next chapter out as soon as possible!
Anonymous by [usha88]: Wow! I didn't know that my reviews were that interesting. I mean they ar so short. Heheh. You should be a little mroe quiet next time...lol! I am loud all the time too. :) I really liked this chapter. It was very interesting. Great little piece at the end ;)
Anonymous by [Monet]: Yay!rnrnAn update! I can't wait til we find out why Hermione is a ghost and what will happen after she gets out of the darkness room. (I know thats not the real word, but I think I remember you rearranging the letters of the word darkness to create the name for the room that ghostly Hermione is being held in)rnrnWhile I wait for an update I do believe I will go back and reread the first few chapters. Its been quite awhile and though I remember the general plot I find that I have forgotten some of the details.rnrnOh, and I really can't wait to find out who Aurora is and why she seems to remind Harry of Hermione so. *grins*
Anonymous from [Monet]: One of these days I swear you are going to get like 10 reviews from me all saying pretty much the same thing... but until then I will have to keep trying to review until something shows up! (ff.net doesn't seem to want you to see my reviews, though I'm not sure why - its not like I am saying bad things)rnrnAnyway, I loved chapters 13 and 14. What I really can't wait for though is to find out why Aurora reminds Harry of Hermione and to see what will happen when Hermione gets out of the nesskrad (I think I am remembering the right darkness permutation you used) room.rnrnSo yeah, til then I will reread chapters 1-12 so that I can remember specific details about your story. :-)
Signed from [Sunny]: so, you wanna know what i think? well... it's great! i love the description of hermione "lay motionless in her beautiful cold death" I do hope harry realises quickly that Hermione is still in Hogwarts!rnCan't wait to read more
Signed from [Sunny]: Hmm... i thought it would be better that Aurora asked Harry things since Harry is in grieve or is busy thinking how alike she and Hermione is... but never mind... I hope that Harry doesn't forget about Hermione. If not...
Signed from [Sunny]: hey...rnWhere's Hermione? :( but anyways, can't wait to read more. Keep up the good work!
Signed from [Sunshine Stargirl]: lol I love the behind the scenes!rnrnUPDATE SOON!
Anonymous from [Hermione]: Hi It's Hermione (no not the one who's dead). I just stopped by to get ch.13+14 b/c you won't give me the disk. Keep writing! I'm trying to not give anything away, but it's hard. Let me know if you answer this review. (By the way, to all you readers who have absolutely no idea what any of that just ment, I'm the one random-chan calls her co-writer, but I really have done that much. All I do is correct and come up with ideas and... Well, maybe I do do something.) Commas are so annoying to type. See you soon!rnHermione (I just almost signed my real name by mistake. I have to get more used to using the Internet.)
These are the reviews that didn't show up on the website. I believe the others are there. If they aren't, I'm soooooo sorry!