AN: Ok, I am FINALLY typing chapter 12. Much thanx to my reviewers: Cookiegirl90, hplg (harry potter lover girl), sweetgirl, HPFanatic {YOU ROCK!}, Idiot.On.The.Edge, and SainNikki. You guys sure are impatient! But you rule anyway for reviewing. So, without further ado, HERE IT IS!!!!!!!!!
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-0- Last time -0-
Snape seemed surprised that a Gryffindor knew how to catch an Eledora, and his star student did not.
"Well, Mr. Malfoy, I am sure that Miss Calaway here can give you some pointers. Now, Mr. Filch will be walking you down to the forest, you can meet him down in the entrance hall, but from the edge of the forest you will be on your own. I expect you back at my classroom by no later than midnight. Now, get going!" And with that he shooed us off to the entrance hall. I was now dreading this little escapade even more, if that was possible.
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Chapter 12: The Dark Forest
-0- Cassandra's POV -0-
Draco and I walked down to the entrance hall in silence. In fact, neither of us said a word until Mr. Filch was walking away from the edge of the forest – and we were heading in. I noticed that Draco had his wand out and he was gripping it tightly, and he was even more pale than usual.
"It's ok to be scared, you know," I said as we walked deeper into the forest.
"Yes, I know. It's just that Malfoy instinct, I guess, that makes me all proud – on the outside anyway." He said, not meeting my eye but looking strait ahead intently. I looked over at him with eyes full of compassion.
"If it – uh – consoles you any, I – uh – kinda feel like that, too. Like there is something in me that is, well, holding me back from showing my true feelings. It's kind of weird. Like, earlier today, Harry-" I stopped abruptly. I didn't quite think he needed to know what happened between Harry and I earlier.
"It's ok, I know about that. You can talk about it if you want." He said calmly.
"You – you – but – how – how could you have known about it? Are you sure you even know what I'm talking about?" I stuttered.
"Yes, I'm quite sure. But, just to be sure, did it have anything to do with you and Potter in – er – VERY close contact with each other?"
"Well – yes. HOW did you know? Did someone see us? Is the whole school talking about it?" I asked, dreading the answer.
"Well, yes, someone DID witness it as a matter of fact." he said slyly.
"WHO!?" I yelled, startling some birds in a nearby tree.
"Keep your socks on! Not to worry. The sole witness was none other than – myself." He said, turning and grinning at me.
"You?! You saw it! Are you spying on me?" I asked, panicking.
"Calm down, Cassandra! I was doing my prefect duties and I – er – walked in on you two. I didn't want to get you in trouble, Cassy, so I just - er - left you two to it." he said, looking rather embarrassed.
I pretended I didn't notice. "That's the first time you've called me Cassy," I noted.
"Oh, yes, it was, wasn't it?" he said, grinning at me again.
I still couldn't believe it – he had PURPOSELY saved me from getting in trouble – and risking another detention. "Why – why did you not get me in trouble?"
-0- Draco's POV -0-
I nearly blurted out "Because that's what siblings do for each other!" but I held my tongue. Instead, I said, "Because you're my friend, Cassy, and friends don't betray each other."
"You – you consider me your friend?" she asked, surprised.
"My one and only," I said, stopping and facing her. I smiled slightly, and so did she.
"I'm glad to know that, then," she said. And then she did the unexpected.
She hugged me.
I was being hugged by my sister – my TWIN – for the first time in my life. The least I could do was hug back. So I did. I even picked her up and swung her around. She just laughed. I think we forgot our surroundings – a dark and damp forest – for just a minute. At least I did. I was too happy to be thinking about where we were or why we were there. I eventually put her down. Something in my head said "Tell her – tell her about her secret past NOW!" but I never got the chance, because someone – or something tapped me on the shoulder. I knew it wasn't Cassy, she was right in front of me. I stiffened. Cassy tilted her head and gasped. I whipped around.
Right behind me was and Eledora, claw-like leaves stretched out to their fullest, ready to strangle its next victim. I pulled out my wand.
-0- Cassy's POV -0-
"Don't stun it, Draco!" I said, but it was too late. The jet of red light had already left his wand – and was headed strait for the Eledora. I did some split second thinking. If the Eledora were any stronger, it would surely kill Draco immediately. I had to block it.
"Duck!" I called, and the next millisecond, I was yelling "Protego!" and had drawn my wand down to block the spell from hitting the Eledora. To my amazement, when the Protego shield had vanished, the Eledora did the most amazing thing I had ever seen in my life. It formed its leaves into cursive letters, slowly twisting them and winding them until it spelled –
THANK YOU FOR SPARING ME
Draco and I watched in amazement as those words untwined and new ones began to form . . .
YOU HAVE SAVED YOUR OWN LIFE . . .BUT HAVE SPARED MINE AS WELL IN THE PROCESS . . .
Draco and I glanced at each other – this was too weird.
SO FOR YOUR GENEROSITY. . .ONE WISH WILL BE GRANTED. . .YOU HAVE SIXTY SECONDS. . .WHEN YOU HAVE DECIDED. . .SAY YOUR WISH ALOUD
"What should we wish for?" he asked.
"I know one thing I'd like." I said.
"What's that?"
"The secret of my past – who are my real parents - where did I come from – who is my mysterious brother?" I forgot for a moment that only Harry and I knew that I did have a brother.
"Cassy, there's something you ought to know," he started, but we were distracted by the leaves of the Eledora, which was now spelling . . .
FORTY-FIVE SECONDS . . .
"Cassy, don't wish for that." Said Draco.
"Why?" I asked, confused.
"It would be a wasted wish – I can explain your past – but there is no time now – we need to make a wish!" he said looking desperate.
"But what?" I asked. "What do we wish for?"
THIRTY SECONDS . . .
"I have no clue!" he exclaimed.
"Well, neither of us need money. . .I want a broom, but I can buy one with my own gold. . ." I started thinking rapidly.
"I think I have and idea, Cassy!" said Draco. He seemed to have had a sudden epiphany.
"What is it? Quickly!"
FIFTEEN SECONDS . . .
"I don't think we should wish for something for US specifically, but something that will help other people!"
TEN SECONDS . . .
"Like WHAT? World Peace?" I asked.
FIVE . . .
"I'll just say it! We wish-"
FOUR . . .
"-that my father had never-"
THREE . . .
"-persecuted muggle-borns-"
TWO . . .
"-and half-bloods and will-"
ONE . . .
"-never do so again!"
TIME IS UP. . .BECAUSE YOU HAVE WISHED FOR. . .SOMETHING THAT WILL HELP NOT ONLY YOURSELF. . .BUT OTHERS AS WELL. . .YOU WILL BE SPECIALLY REWARDED. . .
"Cool! A bonus! Thanks, Eledora!" I said enthusiastically.
FOR THE YOUNG MALE IN MY PRESENCE. . .YOU WILL HAVE MORE THAN ONE TRUE FRIEND. . .AND FOR THE YOUNG FEMALE. . .THE ONE YOU LOVE NOW WILL BE. . .THE ONE YOU WILL GROW OLD WITH.
I couldn't take it. I started crying with happiness. "Oh thank you, thank you so much!" I said, even though I wasn't sure the Eledora could hear me. Even Draco thanked him profusely. And to my surprise, the plant spelled out its final words to us:
YOU ARE WELCOME . . .IT WAS NO PROBLEM . . .MY PLEASURE.
Then the Eledora shrank its leaves back to normal size and remained still.
But I could swear that its leaves made it look like it was smiling at us. So I smiled back. Then, I turned to Draco.
"Draco, do you realize what this means?" I asked excitedly.
"What?"
"We've just made a magical discovery! There is no possible way we could stun more Eledora and bring them to Snape after seeing what magical power they have! We have to go to Professor Dumbledore strait away! He'll explain it to Snape, who'll be just so pleased that his star student made such an excellent discovery!" I exclaimed. I didn't even wait for his answer; I just grabbed his arm and pulled him along as I ran towards the edge of the forest and towards the castle. I looked at my watch and saw that it wasn't even 7:30 yet. I finally let go of Draco's arm as we ran through the huge oak front doors and continued all the way to Dumbledore's office. Neither of us talked to the other on the way there – we were too busy running. By the time we got to the Gargoyle, we were both out of breath – I was even clutching a stitch in my side.
"Do you – always – run this – much?" panted Draco as we sidled up to the Gargoyle.
"No," I managed to breathe out, before I sank to the floor.
-0- Draco's POV -0-
Oh no! I thought. She's fainted! I went up to her and knelt down next to her. To my surprise, she opened her eyes and smiled at me.
"Don't worry," she said, still panting. "I'm just so – so tired," she managed to make out, before closing her eyes again.
Oh great. Now it's time to play "Guess The Candy Password" I thought as I stared at the gargoyle.
"Uh – Chocolate frog!"
The gargoyle didn't move.
"Drooble's best blowing gum! Lemon drop! Bertie Botts Every Flavor Beans! Uh–" But just then, Cassandra sat up – almost like she had just realized something.
"Earwax!" she shouted to the gargoyle. To my complete surprise, the gargoyle leapt aside and the moving staircase appeared. She struggled to get up – so I helped her by picking her up.
"Draco!" she shouted, but giggled at the same time. I just stepped onto the staircase, and put her on the floor once we had wound our way to the top. Then I stepped forward and knocked loudly on the door. It opened almost immediately.
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AN: I could have just kept on typing and typing, but I had to stop there so it wouldn't be TOO long. So, review! The quicker you review, the quicker the next chappie! Which will probably be VERY boring . . .
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-0- Last time -0-
Snape seemed surprised that a Gryffindor knew how to catch an Eledora, and his star student did not.
"Well, Mr. Malfoy, I am sure that Miss Calaway here can give you some pointers. Now, Mr. Filch will be walking you down to the forest, you can meet him down in the entrance hall, but from the edge of the forest you will be on your own. I expect you back at my classroom by no later than midnight. Now, get going!" And with that he shooed us off to the entrance hall. I was now dreading this little escapade even more, if that was possible.
-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-
Chapter 12: The Dark Forest
-0- Cassandra's POV -0-
Draco and I walked down to the entrance hall in silence. In fact, neither of us said a word until Mr. Filch was walking away from the edge of the forest – and we were heading in. I noticed that Draco had his wand out and he was gripping it tightly, and he was even more pale than usual.
"It's ok to be scared, you know," I said as we walked deeper into the forest.
"Yes, I know. It's just that Malfoy instinct, I guess, that makes me all proud – on the outside anyway." He said, not meeting my eye but looking strait ahead intently. I looked over at him with eyes full of compassion.
"If it – uh – consoles you any, I – uh – kinda feel like that, too. Like there is something in me that is, well, holding me back from showing my true feelings. It's kind of weird. Like, earlier today, Harry-" I stopped abruptly. I didn't quite think he needed to know what happened between Harry and I earlier.
"It's ok, I know about that. You can talk about it if you want." He said calmly.
"You – you – but – how – how could you have known about it? Are you sure you even know what I'm talking about?" I stuttered.
"Yes, I'm quite sure. But, just to be sure, did it have anything to do with you and Potter in – er – VERY close contact with each other?"
"Well – yes. HOW did you know? Did someone see us? Is the whole school talking about it?" I asked, dreading the answer.
"Well, yes, someone DID witness it as a matter of fact." he said slyly.
"WHO!?" I yelled, startling some birds in a nearby tree.
"Keep your socks on! Not to worry. The sole witness was none other than – myself." He said, turning and grinning at me.
"You?! You saw it! Are you spying on me?" I asked, panicking.
"Calm down, Cassandra! I was doing my prefect duties and I – er – walked in on you two. I didn't want to get you in trouble, Cassy, so I just - er - left you two to it." he said, looking rather embarrassed.
I pretended I didn't notice. "That's the first time you've called me Cassy," I noted.
"Oh, yes, it was, wasn't it?" he said, grinning at me again.
I still couldn't believe it – he had PURPOSELY saved me from getting in trouble – and risking another detention. "Why – why did you not get me in trouble?"
-0- Draco's POV -0-
I nearly blurted out "Because that's what siblings do for each other!" but I held my tongue. Instead, I said, "Because you're my friend, Cassy, and friends don't betray each other."
"You – you consider me your friend?" she asked, surprised.
"My one and only," I said, stopping and facing her. I smiled slightly, and so did she.
"I'm glad to know that, then," she said. And then she did the unexpected.
She hugged me.
I was being hugged by my sister – my TWIN – for the first time in my life. The least I could do was hug back. So I did. I even picked her up and swung her around. She just laughed. I think we forgot our surroundings – a dark and damp forest – for just a minute. At least I did. I was too happy to be thinking about where we were or why we were there. I eventually put her down. Something in my head said "Tell her – tell her about her secret past NOW!" but I never got the chance, because someone – or something tapped me on the shoulder. I knew it wasn't Cassy, she was right in front of me. I stiffened. Cassy tilted her head and gasped. I whipped around.
Right behind me was and Eledora, claw-like leaves stretched out to their fullest, ready to strangle its next victim. I pulled out my wand.
-0- Cassy's POV -0-
"Don't stun it, Draco!" I said, but it was too late. The jet of red light had already left his wand – and was headed strait for the Eledora. I did some split second thinking. If the Eledora were any stronger, it would surely kill Draco immediately. I had to block it.
"Duck!" I called, and the next millisecond, I was yelling "Protego!" and had drawn my wand down to block the spell from hitting the Eledora. To my amazement, when the Protego shield had vanished, the Eledora did the most amazing thing I had ever seen in my life. It formed its leaves into cursive letters, slowly twisting them and winding them until it spelled –
THANK YOU FOR SPARING ME
Draco and I watched in amazement as those words untwined and new ones began to form . . .
YOU HAVE SAVED YOUR OWN LIFE . . .BUT HAVE SPARED MINE AS WELL IN THE PROCESS . . .
Draco and I glanced at each other – this was too weird.
SO FOR YOUR GENEROSITY. . .ONE WISH WILL BE GRANTED. . .YOU HAVE SIXTY SECONDS. . .WHEN YOU HAVE DECIDED. . .SAY YOUR WISH ALOUD
"What should we wish for?" he asked.
"I know one thing I'd like." I said.
"What's that?"
"The secret of my past – who are my real parents - where did I come from – who is my mysterious brother?" I forgot for a moment that only Harry and I knew that I did have a brother.
"Cassy, there's something you ought to know," he started, but we were distracted by the leaves of the Eledora, which was now spelling . . .
FORTY-FIVE SECONDS . . .
"Cassy, don't wish for that." Said Draco.
"Why?" I asked, confused.
"It would be a wasted wish – I can explain your past – but there is no time now – we need to make a wish!" he said looking desperate.
"But what?" I asked. "What do we wish for?"
THIRTY SECONDS . . .
"I have no clue!" he exclaimed.
"Well, neither of us need money. . .I want a broom, but I can buy one with my own gold. . ." I started thinking rapidly.
"I think I have and idea, Cassy!" said Draco. He seemed to have had a sudden epiphany.
"What is it? Quickly!"
FIFTEEN SECONDS . . .
"I don't think we should wish for something for US specifically, but something that will help other people!"
TEN SECONDS . . .
"Like WHAT? World Peace?" I asked.
FIVE . . .
"I'll just say it! We wish-"
FOUR . . .
"-that my father had never-"
THREE . . .
"-persecuted muggle-borns-"
TWO . . .
"-and half-bloods and will-"
ONE . . .
"-never do so again!"
TIME IS UP. . .BECAUSE YOU HAVE WISHED FOR. . .SOMETHING THAT WILL HELP NOT ONLY YOURSELF. . .BUT OTHERS AS WELL. . .YOU WILL BE SPECIALLY REWARDED. . .
"Cool! A bonus! Thanks, Eledora!" I said enthusiastically.
FOR THE YOUNG MALE IN MY PRESENCE. . .YOU WILL HAVE MORE THAN ONE TRUE FRIEND. . .AND FOR THE YOUNG FEMALE. . .THE ONE YOU LOVE NOW WILL BE. . .THE ONE YOU WILL GROW OLD WITH.
I couldn't take it. I started crying with happiness. "Oh thank you, thank you so much!" I said, even though I wasn't sure the Eledora could hear me. Even Draco thanked him profusely. And to my surprise, the plant spelled out its final words to us:
YOU ARE WELCOME . . .IT WAS NO PROBLEM . . .MY PLEASURE.
Then the Eledora shrank its leaves back to normal size and remained still.
But I could swear that its leaves made it look like it was smiling at us. So I smiled back. Then, I turned to Draco.
"Draco, do you realize what this means?" I asked excitedly.
"What?"
"We've just made a magical discovery! There is no possible way we could stun more Eledora and bring them to Snape after seeing what magical power they have! We have to go to Professor Dumbledore strait away! He'll explain it to Snape, who'll be just so pleased that his star student made such an excellent discovery!" I exclaimed. I didn't even wait for his answer; I just grabbed his arm and pulled him along as I ran towards the edge of the forest and towards the castle. I looked at my watch and saw that it wasn't even 7:30 yet. I finally let go of Draco's arm as we ran through the huge oak front doors and continued all the way to Dumbledore's office. Neither of us talked to the other on the way there – we were too busy running. By the time we got to the Gargoyle, we were both out of breath – I was even clutching a stitch in my side.
"Do you – always – run this – much?" panted Draco as we sidled up to the Gargoyle.
"No," I managed to breathe out, before I sank to the floor.
-0- Draco's POV -0-
Oh no! I thought. She's fainted! I went up to her and knelt down next to her. To my surprise, she opened her eyes and smiled at me.
"Don't worry," she said, still panting. "I'm just so – so tired," she managed to make out, before closing her eyes again.
Oh great. Now it's time to play "Guess The Candy Password" I thought as I stared at the gargoyle.
"Uh – Chocolate frog!"
The gargoyle didn't move.
"Drooble's best blowing gum! Lemon drop! Bertie Botts Every Flavor Beans! Uh–" But just then, Cassandra sat up – almost like she had just realized something.
"Earwax!" she shouted to the gargoyle. To my complete surprise, the gargoyle leapt aside and the moving staircase appeared. She struggled to get up – so I helped her by picking her up.
"Draco!" she shouted, but giggled at the same time. I just stepped onto the staircase, and put her on the floor once we had wound our way to the top. Then I stepped forward and knocked loudly on the door. It opened almost immediately.
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AN: I could have just kept on typing and typing, but I had to stop there so it wouldn't be TOO long. So, review! The quicker you review, the quicker the next chappie! Which will probably be VERY boring . . .