Chapter 12: The Work of Janus?
"Sheesh, Madam Pomfrey fussed over me even more than you, Harry. I thought I'd never get out of there. Imagine making me stay the night for a little twisted ankle!"
"Serves you right for going off like that," Hermione scolded.
"Thank you, Mother," Azar said, not a trace of resent in her words.
"Hi, Ron," came a low, dulcet voice from behind him.
Gulping down a bite of food, Ron turned around. "Oh, hey Lavender."
"Going to Potions today?" she asked sweetly, a smile to match.
"Uh…yeah."
"Well, see you there, then."
She walked off, her hindquarters swaying a little more than was natural. Ron glanced at Harry, raising his eyebrow. Harry shrugged.
"You had Prep this morning, right, Azar?" Ron asked worriedly, disregarding Lavender, "How'd it go? I haven't done the assignment." Somehow, however, his worry wasn't enough to stop him from digging into his lunch.
Azar laughed. "What pleasant news for you then, Ron. We got to class and he asked if anyone had done the assignment. Very few raised their hands. So he gave those people points, and the rest of the class was allowed to look up whichever job they wanted to present. Those poor people who'd done it weren't very happy, but I didn't mind, since I hadn't done it. I knew he wouldn't make us turn it in."
Harry caught her eye, raising his brows. She gave a silent laugh.
"Well, I'm headed to Divination early today," Azar said, standing up, "She's focusing on Seers today, a topic in which I have much interest."
She caught Harry's eye again, and they both had to suppress a laugh.
"See you guys in the library after dinner."
"Wait, I'll come with you, Azar," Draco said quickly, standing, "My class is on the way."
Harry frowned slightly as he watched them leave. "Isn't McGonagall's classroom on the opposite side of the castle from Trelawney's?"
"Yeah, and there's a good reason for that," Ron laughed, "Why do you ask?"
"I could have sworn Draco had Transfiguration next," Harry said, still staring at the Great Hall doors, "but I guess I was wrong…"
****
Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Draco sat in the library later that day, finishing the rather severe homework they'd received in Potions. Snape had seemed in a particularly bad mood today, not even giving the Slytherins a break. No one had any idea why. Azar walked in as Harry was in the middle of looking up the effects of the Paten Potion on a four-toed guishrake.
"She gracefully flowed through the doorway, each step making only the softest of patters. Pausing a moment, she peered quizzically around the room, then her gaze fell upon the table where her friends sat. Her black robes swaying with every step, she walked over to them and sat carelessly in the chair across from her boyfriend."
Harry raised an eyebrow, smiling. "What are you doing, Azar?"
She smiled. "…he questioned, trying, highly unsuccessfully, to hold back a smile. 'Narrating my own life story,' she said, a humorous grin playing on her lips, 'It's quite interesting. Everything suddenly becomes so new and exciting.' With that she gazed at them all to gauge the effect of her words. Harry shook his head the way he always did when she said something absurd yet interesting."
Having just done exactly what she was narrating, Harry laughed, asking, "But why in third person?"
" 'I can't very well narrate in first person,' she explained matter-of-factly, 'That makes everything stay as it is. Third person gives you a whole new view on your life. Makes you feel like an actor.'"
Draco rolled his eyes. "This could get old very quick."
"…he said, giving her that classic Draco Malfoy look of annoyance. 'You should try it.'--"
"she said, her face alighting with that stupid childish glee it always did when she was doing something extremely stupid and trying to get others to go along with it," Draco said, a note of triumph in his voice.
A smile curled onto Azar's face. " 'Ooh, just wait until I find him alone in a dark alley,' she thought vengefully, various images of the blond boy's demise going through her head."
Draco gave a short laugh, but his eyes held some unease, for he had not yet reached the point where he could tell whether or not Azar was joking. "I'm headed out. I don't think I can take this without seriously thinking of hitting her upside the head."
"he said, a little fearfully. With that he stood, tripping slightly on the chair, and walked stiffly for the door, his eyes darting around nervously."
Draco stopped at the door, glanced back at her as if she was completely mad (which may very well have been true), then headed out.
"I notice you're prone to exaggeration," Hermione said.
" 'Ah, Herm, what's the fun of narrating your own life story unless you're allowed some creative license?' She glanced back at the closed door. 'I think I shall go after him,' she said, her face brightening with glee, 'Nothing's more fun than annoying that boy.' So she stood up and headed quickly for the door, intent on following Draco straight into the Slytherin common room if need be. She quickly kissed Harry good-bye, though, and his loving eyes followed her until she was out of sight."
The door shut.
Not even Ron could fail to recognize the look of dejected worry that came upon Harry's face as he continued to stare at the library door. He glanced questionably at Hermione, who gave him a meaningful look as she nodded her head towards Harry. A little awkwardly, Ron cleared his throat.
"Uh, Harry? You okay?"
"Yeah," he sighed, "Just worried."
Ron glanced back at Hermione, who made it clear that he was supposed to ask why.
"Uh…about what?" Ron asked tentatively.
That was all the prompting Harry needed. He let the whole story out, about Azar and Draco's secret meetings up in the North Tower, about how they seemed to be spending a lot more time together, about how he occasionally got the urge to hit Draco so hard he'd have to be fed through a tube. It all fell out so fast, Ron and Hermione had to think a while before they'd sorted it all out in their minds.
"So what do you think?" Harry asked, a little breathless, "Am I just being paranoid? Or could Azar and Draco be something…more?"
"Of course not, Harry," Hermione said with a knowing smile, "I mean, sure Draco is handsome and intelligent. Sure he's got perfect blond hair and mysterious gray eyes. Sure he has that careless aura about him that makes you feel attracted, even though you know you shouldn't be because you already have a boyfr—"
"A-hem," Ron interrupted loudly. It was clear by the resentful look on his face that he didn't do so because she might be worrying Harry.
Hermione blushed slightly. "Well, my point is Harry, Azar doesn't care about all that. She cares about you. There's no one else she'd even think about."
Harry brightened slightly. "Really?"
"Really," she smiled.
He felt immensely relieved. They went back to their work, Harry finishing off his paper just before Hermione spoke up again.
"You really love her, don't you?"
Color rose to Harry's face, but along with it came a smile. "Yes. More…more than anything."
"Come on, tell us what you feel about her, Harry," Hermione pleaded, smiling dreamily.
"I-I don't know," Harry said, blushing a deeper crimson, "She's so…beautiful…an--"
"Hey, looks aren't supposed to be important, Harry," Ron interrupted jokingly.
"No, I don't mean it like that. It…it's a deeper beauty. Besides, I seem to remember a certain someone who wouldn't ask a girl to the dance because her nose was off center," Harry said, smiling.
"Hey, I proved looks didn't matter to me when I started dating Hermione."
The smile on Hermione's face froze. Ron clapped a hand over his mouth in horror, turning pale as he realized what he had just said.
"Oh my gosh. Hermione, I didn't mean it in that way. I-I-"
"Excuse me, will you, Harry?" she said stiffly, walking to the door.
Ron was soon out of his chair, rushing after her. "Oh, Hermione! Please. I was just saying that you're no Fleur Delacour…"
Hermione turned around, giving the boy her most hateful glare, and then swept out of the room, an extremely apologetic Ron racing after her. Harry quickly put his things away, then went into the castle corridors. He didn't worry about Ron and Hermione; they'd work it out. They always did.
The halls were empty. Everyone knew bad weather was looming, and so spent as much time outside as possible before the time of treks through mud and snow began. Those diligent few who weren't outside were hunched over their homework in common rooms and the library. The halls were peaceful. This was how Harry liked it. The corridors seemed a very different place when they weren't full of chatting, laughing, and shoving students. It was like the difference between drowning and breathing underwater. Every step echoed, and a far away conversation drifted through the air, more like a memory than reality. Let the others have their sun and homework; Harry had the halls.
It wasn't long (at least not to Harry), however, before a very harassed-looking Ron came towards him. Ron was so distracted, he probably wouldn't have even seen Harry had he not called out.
"Oh, hey Harry," he said, a thoughtful frown on his face.
"Hermione not forgive you yet?"
"No. She wouldn't even let me talk to her. Just told me to go away before she had the chance to say some not-so-nice things," Ron said glumly, "And for some dumb reason, Lavender Brown has made it her goal in life to cheer me up. If you see her, tell her I'm in the library or something. I'm going to Gryffindor tower."
Giving something that might be called a wave—though it was truly too halfhearted to tell—Ron left Harry. Sure enough, Lavender appeared not long after, her face brightening at the sight of Harry. Informing her that Ron was in the library, she hastily set off without so much as a thanks.
Harry couldn't quite figure Lavender out. She'd hardly so much as glanced at Ron last year, but now seemed determined to see as much of him as possible. Maybe it had something to do with her personal life, but Harry would rather not know. He had enough trouble figuring out his friends, much less try to fathom his peers.
The halls having so suddenly lost their appeal, Harry headed outside. When he exited the Great Hall doors, to his surprise, he saw Azar and Draco talking animatedly a ways off. He couldn't hear what they were saying, but apparently it was very exciting, for Draco was holding Azar's upper arms as if trying to contain his joy. As he spoke, Azar's eyes widened with delight and she grabbed hold of his arms in the same way. She said something, and apparently liked his answer for she jumped with enthusiasm. Even Draco joined in, something Harry was sure he wouldn't do if he knew someone else was watching. Harry smiled slightly, but his stomach gave an unwelcome turn.
That was nothing to what his stomach did when Azar flung her arms around Draco's neck, laughing. He embraced her around the waist and even spun her around, both of them acting as if it was the funniest thing in the world. They stopped, letting go of each other. Draco was saying something, but his back was to Harry. The look on Azar's face, however, softened into humble pleasure and she spent a lot of the time looking at her feet. When he stopped talking, she looked up, and he leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. Then he hurried off, in the opposite direction of Harry, and Azar turned and watched him go.
Harry's insides felt as though they were boiling. He clenched and unclenched his fists, trying to calm himself but failing miserably. He ground his teeth, and if he'd opened his mouth right then, a growl was sure to have escaped. His rage not withdrawing an ounce, he marched over to Azar. As he approached, she heard him and turned around.
"Oh, hey Harry."
"So, had fun with Draco, did we?" Harry said stiffly.
Azar looked at him bewildered, but set on guard by the tone of his voice. "Yes, I did. Is there anything wrong with having fun with a friend?"
"No. But there's such a thing as crossing the line between having fun with a friend and doing something more."
Azar's eyes narrowed. "And what might you be suggesting, Mr. Potter?"
"Simply, Miss Zundel," he said brusquely, "that you and Malfoy have crossed that line."
"Harry James Potter, you're just asking for a whomping," Azar answered angrily, "Draco and I are just friends, nothing more."
"Yeah, well I never saw you act like that with Ron."
"Ron's your best friend, not mine."
"So you're saying Draco's your best friend now?"
"…Other than you, yes, he very well may be."
Harry bristled. "Well… Why can't you be best friends with Hermione, huh? For once can't you be like other girls? Girls are supposed to be best friends with girls."
"And what is wrong with my being friends with those of the male species, huh? Hermione and I are good friends, but I doubt we could ever be best friends. Draco and I listen and talk to each other; that's a friendship." Azar crossed her arms, her eyes flashing Harry a dare to say something. He ignored it.
"He'll influence you, Azar!" His face was a little red now, and he seemed to be speaking between clenched teeth. "In fact, he's probably already started! He's probably already planning it out, how he'll win you, seduce you, then drop you."
"How dare you say such a thing!" Azar said shrilly, "First of all, I wouldn't be so stupid as to be "seduced" like that. Second of all, Draco would never do that. He doesn't even like me like that!"
"How do you know?"
"I just know, okay?" For the first time in the conversation, Azar looked away from Harry.
"Yeah, he probably just told you that," he said, too busy ranting to notice Azar's averted gaze, "Has to look like a good guy if he's going to win you over."
"Can you come off it? He's not trying to "win" me."
"How can you be so blind! It started when you guys started meeting at the North Tower, and he's just progressing to step two!"
"How did you know about us meeting in the North Tower?" Azar asked, surprised and more than a little suspicious.
"I-I-I…I have connections," Harry said firmly, trying to convince her and himself that there was nothing at all wrong in that.
"I cannot believe my ears! You've been having people spy on me! I thought this was bad enough, but I never imagined you'd go so low!"
"I haven't had people spying on you, but now I realize maybe I should. Or at least spying on Malfoy."
"Harry, you're going to feel like such an idiot when you find out the truth!"
"Well you're acting especially idiotic if you believe what he tells you!"
"That's it! I'm leaving!"
"Fine; go! Go off with your "friend"! I'm sure he'll gladly console you, and before you know it you'll find yourself in bed," he spat.
Azar's eyes flashed dangerously. "Just shut up, okay? Shut up before you make anymore a fool of yourself."
"It's you who's the fool, Azar. He's after you, Azar!"
"For your information, Mister Potter, Draco likes Hermione, not me!"
The moment the phrase left Azar's lips, she was horrified, clapping a hand over her mouth. Harry blinked slowly, the words playing over in his mind, but still he couldn't comprehend them. Surely he'd heard wrong.
"He…he likes Hermione?" he asked tentatively.
"Harry, you have to swear on your life you won't tell anyone," Azar said emphatically, "I shouldn't have said that, I didn't even mean to. Please promise you won't tell."
"Since when does Draco like Hermione?" he said, his mind still unable to make it past that revelation.
"Since last year," she answered quietly, "That's why he was so angry with her for not owling him. It might hurt when your friends don't recognize your pain, but when someone you love does that… He thought it meant she didn't care at all about him, so he was mad at her."
"But, Draco's always hated Hermione."
"Yeah, well now he doesn't," Azar said, exasperated, "Now are you going to promise not to tell, or do I have to wipe away your memory?"
"No, no, I promise," he said quickly.
"I was joking, Harry," she said with a smile, "I'd never do that to you."
They were silent, then Harry spoke up uncertainly. "Are you sure he didn't say he liked…Herbology, not Hermione?"
"Oh, so now along with not trusting my judgment or fidelity, you don't trust my sense of hearing either?"
There was something about her voice that made Harry feel as though she was his mum trying to tell him his dog died while he was at school.
"I trust you, Azar," he said earnestly, "Of course I trust you."
"Actions speak louder than words, Harry. I would have never thought a conversation like tonight even possible, but…well, there it is."
This is the part of the conversation where he would have asked his mum, "Where's Fido?", the panic of realization just setting in.
"Azar, I'm sorry. There aren't words to describe the shame I feel. I was just…scared. Scared that I might lose you. It won't happen again."
As she spoke, Azar's eyes lacked that joking spark he'd always counted on. "You can't guarantee that. You could get scared again, and this could happen again. A relationship can't survive like that."
("Honey, Fido's not coming home.")
"Please, Azar, forgive me. It was a mistake."
("Why not? Where is he, Mum?")
Azar shook her head, trying to fight the tears. "I'm going to bed early," she said slowly, watching Hermione's distant figure hastily going into the castle, "I have a lot to think about."
She walked slowly to the castle, not looking back. Harry watched her go, feeling as though his stomach was made of lead.
("I'm sorry, honey, but he passed away this morning.")
****
Hermione sat on a bench outside, having shooed Ron away from her. She knew he hadn't meant it, but the comment had made a stinging blow. She had never thought of herself as pretty, and for such a remark to come from her boyfriend, of all people… Her anger seemed to be coming to a boil.
'All those 'Fleur Delacour's of the world,' she thought, 'having boys ready to do their every whim. They never had to wonder if they're pretty.'
A chill breeze swept over the grounds, ushering in the appearance of a few dark clouds. Hermione rubbed her arms slightly, trying to get rid of the sudden goose bumps. Just then a figure came toward her, the last person in the world she felt like talking to right then.
"Go away, Draco," she said, blinking away some tears.
"Have I ever let you order me around?"
Hermione looked at him, a little surprised. If he's addressed that to "mudblood", she would have felt fine. But the way he said it…
"So, what has reduced the smartest girl in school to tears?" he asked, sitting next to her.
"Ron," she answered before even thinking about it. The way he had asked had been so comforting that she didn't even wonder if she should answer.
"What did he do? I swear, that boy is so insensitive…" Draco muttered, some of his familiar malice returning.
"No, it's not really him. It's just…I'm not very pretty, am I?"
"What put that in your mind?"
"Just something Ron said…"
"Now look here, Hermione. You could beat the pants off of any girl in the school in a beauty contest. You've got the talent, the looks, the brains, and the determination."
She smiled up at him, and he returned the look.
"And," he added, a little hesitantly, scooting towards her ever so slightly, "anyone who makes you feel any different…doesn't deserve you…"
Hermione raised her eyebrows. Was he suggesting what she thought he was suggesting? Slowly, Draco slid off the bench, kneeling before her and cradling her hand gently.
"Hermione, I-"
"Draco Malfoy, get up right this instant!" Hermione said forcefully, standing up with her hands on her hips, "I do not want to see a man in that position in front of me until I've over twenty and he has a ring in his hand!"
Draco stood up, blushing. "I-I wasn't meaning it in that way. Hermione, I…I think I… Well, I have feelings for you."
Hermione raised an eyebrow. "Feelings for me?" she repeated.
He looked at her meaningfully, hoping she'd understand what he couldn't put into words. There was something in his eyes, a softness that suddenly hit Hermione. No, he had to be joking.
She let out a laugh. "Oh, come off it, Draco."
"N-no. I really mean it."
Hermione peered over at him with a look of bewilderment. His expression was so true, she couldn't help but believe him. Yet the very thought seemed absurd.
"You, Mr. High-and-Mighty-Pureblood, like me, Miss Useless-Little-Mudblood?"
"Is it that unbelievable?"
"He-llo!" she said, still a ring of laughter in her words, "This is like my bratty little brother saying he "has feelings" for me! Of course it's unbelievable!"
"Your bratty little brother?" Draco said with a bit of a painful smile, "Well, I've got to go find my heart, 'cause you just pulled it from my chest and drop-kicked it into the Forbidden Forest."
Hermione bit her lip, feeling a bit guilty as the boy turned to walk away. "Wait, Draco," she said, putting her hand on his shoulder, "I'm sorry; that was rude. You just surprised me, that's all."
"So, there is hope for us?" His voice was quiet, as though hardly daring to hope.
"Look. I know you can be a sweet guy when you want to be, and there's no denying that you're good-looking, but… Well, I love Ron."
"You love your tears?"
Hermione was slightly shocked at this, but she was even more so when Draco leaned closer toward her. Her eyes locked on his, unable to turn away from the depths that had once contained cold steel, but which now seemed like clouds, surrounding her until she knew nothing but those two deep, comforting pools. A cool, gentle wind crossed between them, sending a chill down Hermione's spine. It felt as though her heart was dancing inside of her, and she wasn't even sure if she was breathing anymore. She was shaking, confused, unsure. Their noses were almost touching, and if Hermione simply leaned forward…
"I gotta go," she said hastily, turning away and practically running off up to the castle.
Draco stood there a moment, looking as though he had just found out he failed a test that he was sure he had passed. He sat on the bench, leaning against the castle wall and staring up at the dimming sky. Then slowly, as if uncertain of its right to be there, a smile came to Draco's face. Maybe he'd passed after all.
****
Harry sat up that night, unable to sleep. How could he sleep? It was all too much. He hated Draco right then, for being too friendly. He hated Hermione for not trying harder to be Azar's best friend. He even hated Azar for not just forgetting all he'd said. But most of all, he hated himself.
He pulled apart his bed curtains, standing to pace the room. What use was it to lie in bed and pretend he might fall asleep?
How was this happening? Everything had been a fairy tale less than a week ago, and now… Now he'd destroyed it all.
Harry glanced himself in the mirror, then quickly turned away, walking to the window. There was a full moon out, peering through the dark clouds that had failed to bring rain. He wondered where Remus was, how he was doing. He'd had such little time to ask.
There was a breeze outside, causing a wave of grass to ripple across the grounds. The shadows of the Forbidden Forest shook violently, but the shadow of Hogwarts Castle stood steady. Except… For a moment Harry thought a turret had been uprooted and he was watching its running shadow. But no, it was a figure, darting onto the grounds. A very familiar figure…
Harry leaned against the glass, but couldn't see well enough. He jerkily opened the window to peer closer, letting in a cold wind that caused his sleeping roommates to pull their covers up higher. He leaned so far he nearly tipped out of the window, having to catch himself quickly. Yes, there was no denying it. That retreating figure was the very focus of his troubled sleep. Or lack of it.
Harry rushed to the dormitory door, not even bothering to grab his invisibility cloak. The way Azar was running…it was erratic, as if she wasn't even thinking. Though he knew it was ridiculous, Harry's mind immediately leapt to "hinkypunk."
The halls were empty, teachers too busy with start-of-term planning to be patrolling. He easily made it to the grounds, heading straight for the Forbidden Forest where he'd last seen Azar. She was nowhere in sight. He entered the forest hesitantly. There was no way to know where she was, if even she was in the forest. He was about to turn back when he heard a distant whimpering. Feeling as if there was no other choice, Harry followed it, groping his way blindly through the trees until he came upon a clearing. There, lit in part by the moon's silver light, Azar stood limply, clutching to a tree and sobbing for all she was worth. Harry froze for a moment, unsure of what to do, then slowly made his way towards her.
"Azar?" he asked quietly, coming up to her.
Catching him off guard, she spun around with a cry and struck him hard across the face with her open palm. He staggered backward, glasses askew. When he'd caught his balance, he saw she was once again clutching to the tree, crying as hard as ever.
"Azar, what's the matter?" he asked, rushing up to her and pinning her arms in an embrace.
Her terrified scream was his answer. She struggled wildly against him, clawing his arms, twisting and turning with all her might, that scream ever present. Harry tried to hold tight to her, not to let her go.
"Azar, it's me! It's Harr-"
Her feet connected with the tree, shoving them both backward. Harry's breath was knocked from him as he hit the ground. With a shove and a scream, Azar leapt up and started running, but didn't get far before her foot hit a root. She sprawled roughly to the ground, and didn't move. Limping slightly, Harry walked over to her, worried she might have hit her head. To his surprise, she wasn't unconscious; she was crying too hard to get up.
"Azar," he said quietly, kneeling next to her, "It's okay, Azar. It's me, Harry. It's okay…"
She spun around, and for a moment Harry was afraid she'd hit him again. Instead, she flung her arms around his neck, sobbing into his shoulder. He gently put his arms around her, as a parent might to a frightened child. But it was Harry who was frightened. He felt numb. This had to be a dream; it just couldn't be happening. But the cold wind, Azar's tears on his robes, the bruise developing on his jaw… these were real. This just couldn't be Azar. She never acted like this. Azar didn't cry; she smiled, she laughed, she joked. Azar Zundel didn't cry…
Slowly, Azar's sobs subsided, until Harry could tell by her breathing that she was asleep. He looked down at her, tears shining on her cheeks in the sparse moonlight that found its way through the trees. Tears came to his eyes. This couldn't be happening. Why was this happening? His life had been, for once, perfect, and now it was falling apart.
"Are you all right, Harry Potter?"
Harry turned around to see a strange figure coming out of the trees, a being he hadn't seen since his first year at Hogwarts.
"Yes, I'm fine, Firenze," he said, though it was far from the truth.
"I heard screams unnatural to this forest."
"It was my friend," Harry answered, looking back down at Azar.
Firenze peered at whom Harry was cradling. "Azar Zundel. Yes, I know of her."
"You do?"
"Every centaur knows when a Seer lives. Such a young girl…" He reached down, petting her hair paternally. "She is a gifted child, in more than one way. Through every thing and person she has seen, she has tried to find the good, tried to find a reason to smile. In what she saw tonight, there was no good. Only evil."
"What did she see?"
"That I do not know, Harry Potter," Firenze said, shaking his head, "Prophecies are seen only in the mind of the Seer. It is best if she sleeps. Take her up to the castle and put her someplace comfortable. Watch over her, Harry Potter. This will not be an easy night for her."
Harry nodded and stood up, still cradling Azar.
"My, you've grown," Firenze smiled, putting his hands on his hips, "This can't be the same boy I met all those years ago."
Harry smiled slightly, nodding.
"You've been through much, Harry Potter. I've heard stories of your… adventures. You must have grown in more than one way from that young frightened boy in the forest."
"I know a lot more, if that's what you mean. That's not always a blessing, though…" Harry shook his head sadly.
"You should try to find less troublous friends, Harry Potter," Firenze added as Harry started to walk off, "Your life is filled with enough pain. You don't need friends who expand it."
Harry spun around, eyes narrowing. "I would rather die than desert Azar. Especially when she needs me most."
Firenze smiled slightly. "Good," he said, putting a hand on Harry's shoulder, "Such devotion is exactly what she needs."
~*~*~
A/N: Many days and a bag of sunflower seeds later, here's chapter 12. I'm sorry, I would have had it up a week ago, but I felt unsure about it, so I asked Allison (aka the great writer Naralina) to read it over and tell me what to change. Thus, she sent me a very wonderful email with great advice. I only hope that I put said advice to good use. ^_^
I hope I caught a few of you off guard. I wasn't even sure myself where this was going, but it had to go somewhere. (One scene I had written ½ way through fic year 6, and another I wrote at the start of this one. The rest just came along for the ride. ^_^)
Questions, questions, questions. Me oh my, oh my. I'll leave it to you to ask them, of course. ^-^ Not that you'll get an answer anytime soon, but hey, feel free. And sorry there was no James here, but he faded temporarily. Promise he'll be back soon to answer all questions. ^_^
Thank you all who were kind enough to take the time and tell me what you thought about the last chapter!
Kelly: No doubt about it, eh? *grins mischieviously* lol Kelly, you're just fun, you know that? Well, you are! *sigh* AIM? I'll have to look into it. And I thought getting MSNmessenger would solve all my problems. ^_^ Thanks!
Taracollowen: No, no, I LOVE long reviews! But so often they contain many questions I can't answer. ^_^ Ooh, one I can delve into! About Draco and the seeming lack of emotion connection w/ the group. During the summer, it was because of distance. Now, the feelings aren't quite that rush they need to be. See, w/ the Revero Detinu spell, not all feelings are shared, just the strong surges. Yeah, it's a complicated spell. No más; lo siento. ^_^ Thanks!
Naralina: Yes, more to Percy, but, yeah, no digo nada. Lol. And YES, of course I'll elaborate on Snape/ Juni. And you pronounce her name right! Very good! Thanks, Bill, especially for the help. ^_^
Jeanne: Hey, no prob. I'm having the same problem, so I totally understand. Thanks for the review!
Trisiana: ^_^ Nope, no breaking Harry's heart (much) for me. Thanks!
Raven of Death: *grins* I feel that way every math class. Thanks.
jona: Well, I'm glad you like the subplots, because they drive me nuts! ^_^ Thanks!
chrestomanci: Possibilities, possibilities. ^_^ Thanks.
Laurs: Thanks!
abbey: Thanks!
sweets: *evil grin* Why, I'm sure I have no idea whatsoever what you mean. ^_^ Thanks!
Sophie Black: Heehee, I like your soul. ^_^ And I'm sorry Sirius was acting not-so-nice, but don't worry, he simply snapped a bit. Thanks! And thanks for updating me on HP and day of dreams!
Mrs. Grim: LOL Sorry, nada on Ethie. Except that that is a nickname. lol Sorry for the lack of Sirius again. Thanks for the review!
1726dedicatedfan: 1. Ah, shoot. I hate it when I miss something like that. 2. They weren't that far. In my mind, the forest goes along one bank of the lake, so it's not that far. But also, I know very little about hinkypunks, only that which Lupin taught. *shrug* I claim creative license. ^_^ 3. Yeah, one of my lazy bouts. *sigh* Yes, well, whatever I say, I'm joking, because I do enjoy the nitpicking. ^_^ Thanks!
Moon Warrior: Heehee, thanks!
ninabeaner: ^_^ Thanks! And I'd be glad to post more often, but I claim lack of time due to school. After the week of May 6th, though, things should ease up there, so I can get some serious writing done. (Heh, watch, I'll get writer's block, I know it. ^_^)
Super saya-Jin Gotan: Thanks! So is that what makes a Mary Sue? I'd thought I had a good idea of what a Mary Sue was, but then I heard someone say a char. in another fic was a Mary Sue, and I'd have NEVER thought her to be a Mary Sue. *sigh*
BlueIce: Lol Thanks. ^-^ And sorry, still can't reveal anything about James.
*Jay*: Made me do a double take when I saw those reviews. ^_^ Thanks! And about Juni, she saw V's destruction at the school she taught at. I'd go into it more, but I don't know what I want to keep underwraps, so it'll all stay that way. ^_^
Lady Grizabella: ^_^ Thanks!
Well, yes, I'd better sign off before I go into my lamentations of not being asked to Prom. You really don't want to hear that, I promise you.
Be excellent to each other!
-Ady