Reality Check
~* Hey guys, I hope you all liked that last chapter. I have decided on giving Harry and Caprice a form of communication, because they can't run into eachother at night every single time I need them to meet up! Here's the chapter. *~
Chapter 15 ~ Mirror Of Erised
Christmas was near, and the air was chilly and frosty. Though the Great Hall and Gryffindor Common Room had roaring fires, the corridors and classrooms had become icy, and a bitter wind rattled the windows in the classrooms. Worst of all were Professor Snape's lessons in the dungeons, where their breath rose in a mist before them and they kept as close as possible to their hot cauldrons.
'I do feel sorry,' said Draco Malfoy, one Potions class, 'for all those people who have to stay at Hogwarts for Christmas because they're not wanted at home.' He shot a glance at Harry. Caprice laughed along with Crabbe and Goyle. Harry tactically ignored them, especially Caprice.
It was true that Harry wouldn't be going to Privet Drive for Christmas. Professor McGonagall had come around the week before, making a list of students who would be staying for the holidays, and Harry had signed up at once. Ron would also be staying, but Hermione and Caprice would be leaving. Harry didn't know how he would manage the whole holidays without Caprice.
When they left the dungeons at the end of Potions, they found a large fir tree blocking the corridor ahead. Two enormous feet sticking out at the bottom and a loud puffing sound could be heard. Harry, Hermione and Ron approached the tree cautiously.
'All righ' Harry.' Hagrid said, seeing Harry and his two friends.
'All right Hagrid, you know Ron, and Hermione, my friends.' Harry said, introducing them.
'Hi.'
'Hi, nice to meet you.' Hermione and Ron each shook Hagrid's large hand in turn.
'Hagrid was the one who took me to Diagon Alley to get my supplies when I arrived late to Hogwarts.' Harry explained, noticing the confused looks on Ron's and Hermione's faces.
'Nice ter meet you both.' Hagrid said, and formed a smile behind his bushy beard.
'Would you like some help with that tree?' Harry asked.
'Nah, I'm right, thanks, Harry.' Hagrid replied.
'Would you mind moving out of the way?' came Malfoy's cold drawl. Malfoy, Caprice, Crabbe and Goyle walked up and formed a circle around the three Gryffindors.
'I'd best get going, not wanting to hold up the pathway.' Hagrid said cheerfully, not knowing that Harry, Ron and Hermione didn't particularly want him to leave them surrounded by four Slytherins. Harry motioned for his friends to say nothing, Hermione, however, could not contain herself from saying anything.
'You are so two-faced, Caprice Jenkins.' She said harshly.
'Shoosh.' Harry warned her, shooting her a nasty look which made sure that Hermione said nothing.
'You would say that, wouldn't you Granger.' Malfoy spat.
'What's that supposed to mean Malfoy?' Ron jumped in. 'At least Hermione has real friends.'
'Are you threatening me, Weasley? Trying to score some points with that oaf? Hoping to be gamekeeper yourself one day? I suppose, that old hut of Hagrid's must be a palace compared to what your family's used to.' Ron dived at Malfoy just as Snape came up the stairs.
'WEASLEY!' Ron let go of the front of Malfoy's robes.
'He was provoked, Professor Snape, Malfoy was insulting his family!' Hermione said defensively.
'Five points from Gryffindor, Mr Weasley, fighting is against the school rules. As for you, Hermione, a further five points from Gryffindor for sticking your nose in things which need not for you to stick your nose in.' Snape said coldly.
Malfoy, Caprice, Crabbe and Goyle pushed past the three Gryffindors smirking.
'I hate him!' Ron yelled as soon as they were all out of earshot. 'I'll get him, one of these days I'll get him.'
'I hate them both, Malfoy and Snape.' Harry said.
'I hate Caprice.' Hermione finalised. Harry shot her a look.
'How can you hate Caprice?'
'How can you be friends with her? She's a monster! She's your "friend" one minute and then she laughs at you with Malfoy!'
'She's much nicer than you, Hermione.' Harry said back.
'Honestly, she's in Slytherin -'
'You wouldn't say that if she was in Gryffindor -'
'That's because if she was in Gryffindor, she wouldn't be in Slytherin!'
'I don't understand this inter-house rivalry, I really don't.' Harry shook his head.
'Godric Gryffindor and Salazar Slytherin had this petty feud when they built Hogwarts, it's tradition for Slytherins and Gryffindors not to be friendly towards eachother.' Hermione said stubbornly.
'Well what if two people break that tradition? Would Hogwarts close? I think not.' Harry said.
'People would look upon you two as freaks, and Caprice isn't a nice, sweet person when Slytherins are around, is she?' Hermione mocked.
'Come on you guys, let's go down to the Great Hall,' Ron interrupted.
'No, I think I'll go to bed.' Harry said rudely.
'But it's three in the afternoon?' Ron said curiously. Harry just shot him a death stare and walked off in the direction of the Gryffindor Common Room.
~***~
The Christmas holidays had started, much sooner than Harry would have liked. He had said a teary goodbye to Caprice as she had left on the Hogwarts Express. He would miss her a lot. On Christmas Eve, Harry went to bed looking forward to the next day for the food and fun, not expecting any presents at all. However, when he woke early the next morning, there was a small pile of presents at the end of his bed.
'Happy Christmas.' Ron said sleepily as Harry scrambled out of bed and pulled his dressing gown on.
'You too, would you look at this? I've got some presents!'
'Well what did you expect, turnips?' said Ron, turning to his own pile, which was a lot bigger than Harry's.
Harry picked up the top parcel. It was wrapped in thick brown paper and scrawled across it said "To Harry, From Hagrid". Inside was a roughly-cut wooden flute. Hagrid had obviously whittled it himself. Harry blew it - it sounded a bit like an owl.
A second, very small parcel contained a note.
We received your message and enclose your Christmas present. From Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia.
Sellotaped to the note was a fifty-pence piece. Harry threw it aside.
'Well that's Hagrid and my aunt and uncle, so who are these from?' Harry glanced at the remaining presents.
'I think I know who that one's from.' Ron said, eyeing a lumpy present. 'My mum. I told her that you didn't expect any presents and - oh no, she's made you a Weasley jumper.' Harry had torn open the present to reveal an Emerald green jumper, to match his eyes, and a large box of home made fudge.
The next present he opened was from Hermione, a large box of chocolate frogs. Harry then spotted a rather large one, from Caprice.
'See,' Harry pointed to it. 'She is nice.'
'I never said she wasn't, that's Hermione who said she's not nice.' Ron replied, sticking his hands up defensively. Harry ripped open the present to reveal a plain brown box. He carefully opened the box to reveal a broomstick. Ron and Harry both gasped.
'She bought me a Nimbus 2000!' Harry cried, hardly daring to believe his friend's actions.
'Now you don't have to use the school broom when you play Quidditch!' Ron said in absolute awe. Harry felt guilty at the silver necklace he had bought for his friend with matching earings. She had gone way out of her way to buy him this broom, and he had bought her only a small thing. Just as Harry was about to turn to the last present, he saw an owl at the window. Ron opened the window, and the owl dropped a note in Harry's hand, before flying back into the cold air outside. A ring fell out of the note as Harry opened it. Harry read the letter out loud.
'Dear Harry,
Have you opened your present yet? I hope you like it! I love the necklace and matching earings you bought me! Thank-you lots!
I am having a good time with my parents, but I would be having more fun if you were here with me! I asked mum and dad, and they said that it would be okay if you wanted to come and stay with us for the next holidays we get? I'll talk to you about it when school starts again.
Oh, I almost forgot, that ring that was in there is a Communication Ring. You have one, and I have one. Every time we need to chat just rub the small red ruby, and my Emerald will flash, and vice versa. My parents used them when they were at Hogwarts.
Have a great Christmas, and I'll see you as soon as I get back!
Lots of love, Caprice.'
'Cool, she is a good friend.' Ron said, stroking his chin thoughtfully.
'Told you, oh, I almost forgot about the last present.' Harry slipped the ring on his finger and turned to the last present he had. He picked it up and felt it. It was very light. He unwrapped it. Something fluid and silvery-grey went slithering to the floor where it lay in gleaming in folds. Ron gasped.
'I've heard of those, that's an invisibility cloak! They are really rare and really valuable!' Ron dropped his box of Berty Botts Every Flavour Beans. 'Go on, try it on.' Harry pulled the water-like cloak over his shoulders. He looked down at his feet, but they had disappeared. Harry's head floated in what appeared to be mid air.
'There's a note!' Harry said, spying a piece of parchment which fell out of the cloak.
Your father left this in my possession before he died. It is time it was returned to you. Use it well. A very Merry Christmas to you.
'There's no name.' Harry said blankly.
'I'd give anything for one of those.' Ron said, admiring Harry's cloak, but Harry was deep in thought of who could have given him such a gift. Use it well, the words played in Harry's head over and over.
~***~
That night, Harry decided to try out his cloak. He slipped out of the Grffindor Common Room while everyone was asleep, and into the corridors of Hogwarts. He wandered around the many passages, wondering how much of Hogwarts he could explore. Harry wanted to find a nice place where he and Caprice could meet, so he searched.
Eventually he found the perfect place. It was a large, cold stoney looking room that was barely furnished. The only thing good about the room was that it was secret, and there was this large mirror in the middle. Harry walked over to the mirror and read the fine writing along the frame: Erised stra ehru oyt ube cafru oyt on wohsi.
In the mirror, Harry saw a tall, thin man with scruffy black hair and glasses standing behind him. Next to him stood a woman with dark red hair, and emerald eyes, much like Harry's. Harry edged closer to the mirror, glancing behind him, seeing no-one. He turned back to the mirror, and there they were.
'Mum? Dad?' Harry whispered. The two people just smiled at him. How long he stood there, he did not know, the reflections did not fade and he looked and looked until a distant noise brought him back to his senses. He couldn't stay here, he had to find his way back to bed.
'I'll come back.' He whispered to his parents, and tore out of the room.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*
~* How did everyone like that chapter? Caprice is finally gone. . . very sad. Anyways, please review guys! Love you all! *~
~Gryffindor Gal~
~* Hey guys, I hope you all liked that last chapter. I have decided on giving Harry and Caprice a form of communication, because they can't run into eachother at night every single time I need them to meet up! Here's the chapter. *~
Chapter 15 ~ Mirror Of Erised
Christmas was near, and the air was chilly and frosty. Though the Great Hall and Gryffindor Common Room had roaring fires, the corridors and classrooms had become icy, and a bitter wind rattled the windows in the classrooms. Worst of all were Professor Snape's lessons in the dungeons, where their breath rose in a mist before them and they kept as close as possible to their hot cauldrons.
'I do feel sorry,' said Draco Malfoy, one Potions class, 'for all those people who have to stay at Hogwarts for Christmas because they're not wanted at home.' He shot a glance at Harry. Caprice laughed along with Crabbe and Goyle. Harry tactically ignored them, especially Caprice.
It was true that Harry wouldn't be going to Privet Drive for Christmas. Professor McGonagall had come around the week before, making a list of students who would be staying for the holidays, and Harry had signed up at once. Ron would also be staying, but Hermione and Caprice would be leaving. Harry didn't know how he would manage the whole holidays without Caprice.
When they left the dungeons at the end of Potions, they found a large fir tree blocking the corridor ahead. Two enormous feet sticking out at the bottom and a loud puffing sound could be heard. Harry, Hermione and Ron approached the tree cautiously.
'All righ' Harry.' Hagrid said, seeing Harry and his two friends.
'All right Hagrid, you know Ron, and Hermione, my friends.' Harry said, introducing them.
'Hi.'
'Hi, nice to meet you.' Hermione and Ron each shook Hagrid's large hand in turn.
'Hagrid was the one who took me to Diagon Alley to get my supplies when I arrived late to Hogwarts.' Harry explained, noticing the confused looks on Ron's and Hermione's faces.
'Nice ter meet you both.' Hagrid said, and formed a smile behind his bushy beard.
'Would you like some help with that tree?' Harry asked.
'Nah, I'm right, thanks, Harry.' Hagrid replied.
'Would you mind moving out of the way?' came Malfoy's cold drawl. Malfoy, Caprice, Crabbe and Goyle walked up and formed a circle around the three Gryffindors.
'I'd best get going, not wanting to hold up the pathway.' Hagrid said cheerfully, not knowing that Harry, Ron and Hermione didn't particularly want him to leave them surrounded by four Slytherins. Harry motioned for his friends to say nothing, Hermione, however, could not contain herself from saying anything.
'You are so two-faced, Caprice Jenkins.' She said harshly.
'Shoosh.' Harry warned her, shooting her a nasty look which made sure that Hermione said nothing.
'You would say that, wouldn't you Granger.' Malfoy spat.
'What's that supposed to mean Malfoy?' Ron jumped in. 'At least Hermione has real friends.'
'Are you threatening me, Weasley? Trying to score some points with that oaf? Hoping to be gamekeeper yourself one day? I suppose, that old hut of Hagrid's must be a palace compared to what your family's used to.' Ron dived at Malfoy just as Snape came up the stairs.
'WEASLEY!' Ron let go of the front of Malfoy's robes.
'He was provoked, Professor Snape, Malfoy was insulting his family!' Hermione said defensively.
'Five points from Gryffindor, Mr Weasley, fighting is against the school rules. As for you, Hermione, a further five points from Gryffindor for sticking your nose in things which need not for you to stick your nose in.' Snape said coldly.
Malfoy, Caprice, Crabbe and Goyle pushed past the three Gryffindors smirking.
'I hate him!' Ron yelled as soon as they were all out of earshot. 'I'll get him, one of these days I'll get him.'
'I hate them both, Malfoy and Snape.' Harry said.
'I hate Caprice.' Hermione finalised. Harry shot her a look.
'How can you hate Caprice?'
'How can you be friends with her? She's a monster! She's your "friend" one minute and then she laughs at you with Malfoy!'
'She's much nicer than you, Hermione.' Harry said back.
'Honestly, she's in Slytherin -'
'You wouldn't say that if she was in Gryffindor -'
'That's because if she was in Gryffindor, she wouldn't be in Slytherin!'
'I don't understand this inter-house rivalry, I really don't.' Harry shook his head.
'Godric Gryffindor and Salazar Slytherin had this petty feud when they built Hogwarts, it's tradition for Slytherins and Gryffindors not to be friendly towards eachother.' Hermione said stubbornly.
'Well what if two people break that tradition? Would Hogwarts close? I think not.' Harry said.
'People would look upon you two as freaks, and Caprice isn't a nice, sweet person when Slytherins are around, is she?' Hermione mocked.
'Come on you guys, let's go down to the Great Hall,' Ron interrupted.
'No, I think I'll go to bed.' Harry said rudely.
'But it's three in the afternoon?' Ron said curiously. Harry just shot him a death stare and walked off in the direction of the Gryffindor Common Room.
~***~
The Christmas holidays had started, much sooner than Harry would have liked. He had said a teary goodbye to Caprice as she had left on the Hogwarts Express. He would miss her a lot. On Christmas Eve, Harry went to bed looking forward to the next day for the food and fun, not expecting any presents at all. However, when he woke early the next morning, there was a small pile of presents at the end of his bed.
'Happy Christmas.' Ron said sleepily as Harry scrambled out of bed and pulled his dressing gown on.
'You too, would you look at this? I've got some presents!'
'Well what did you expect, turnips?' said Ron, turning to his own pile, which was a lot bigger than Harry's.
Harry picked up the top parcel. It was wrapped in thick brown paper and scrawled across it said "To Harry, From Hagrid". Inside was a roughly-cut wooden flute. Hagrid had obviously whittled it himself. Harry blew it - it sounded a bit like an owl.
A second, very small parcel contained a note.
We received your message and enclose your Christmas present. From Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia.
Sellotaped to the note was a fifty-pence piece. Harry threw it aside.
'Well that's Hagrid and my aunt and uncle, so who are these from?' Harry glanced at the remaining presents.
'I think I know who that one's from.' Ron said, eyeing a lumpy present. 'My mum. I told her that you didn't expect any presents and - oh no, she's made you a Weasley jumper.' Harry had torn open the present to reveal an Emerald green jumper, to match his eyes, and a large box of home made fudge.
The next present he opened was from Hermione, a large box of chocolate frogs. Harry then spotted a rather large one, from Caprice.
'See,' Harry pointed to it. 'She is nice.'
'I never said she wasn't, that's Hermione who said she's not nice.' Ron replied, sticking his hands up defensively. Harry ripped open the present to reveal a plain brown box. He carefully opened the box to reveal a broomstick. Ron and Harry both gasped.
'She bought me a Nimbus 2000!' Harry cried, hardly daring to believe his friend's actions.
'Now you don't have to use the school broom when you play Quidditch!' Ron said in absolute awe. Harry felt guilty at the silver necklace he had bought for his friend with matching earings. She had gone way out of her way to buy him this broom, and he had bought her only a small thing. Just as Harry was about to turn to the last present, he saw an owl at the window. Ron opened the window, and the owl dropped a note in Harry's hand, before flying back into the cold air outside. A ring fell out of the note as Harry opened it. Harry read the letter out loud.
'Dear Harry,
Have you opened your present yet? I hope you like it! I love the necklace and matching earings you bought me! Thank-you lots!
I am having a good time with my parents, but I would be having more fun if you were here with me! I asked mum and dad, and they said that it would be okay if you wanted to come and stay with us for the next holidays we get? I'll talk to you about it when school starts again.
Oh, I almost forgot, that ring that was in there is a Communication Ring. You have one, and I have one. Every time we need to chat just rub the small red ruby, and my Emerald will flash, and vice versa. My parents used them when they were at Hogwarts.
Have a great Christmas, and I'll see you as soon as I get back!
Lots of love, Caprice.'
'Cool, she is a good friend.' Ron said, stroking his chin thoughtfully.
'Told you, oh, I almost forgot about the last present.' Harry slipped the ring on his finger and turned to the last present he had. He picked it up and felt it. It was very light. He unwrapped it. Something fluid and silvery-grey went slithering to the floor where it lay in gleaming in folds. Ron gasped.
'I've heard of those, that's an invisibility cloak! They are really rare and really valuable!' Ron dropped his box of Berty Botts Every Flavour Beans. 'Go on, try it on.' Harry pulled the water-like cloak over his shoulders. He looked down at his feet, but they had disappeared. Harry's head floated in what appeared to be mid air.
'There's a note!' Harry said, spying a piece of parchment which fell out of the cloak.
Your father left this in my possession before he died. It is time it was returned to you. Use it well. A very Merry Christmas to you.
'There's no name.' Harry said blankly.
'I'd give anything for one of those.' Ron said, admiring Harry's cloak, but Harry was deep in thought of who could have given him such a gift. Use it well, the words played in Harry's head over and over.
~***~
That night, Harry decided to try out his cloak. He slipped out of the Grffindor Common Room while everyone was asleep, and into the corridors of Hogwarts. He wandered around the many passages, wondering how much of Hogwarts he could explore. Harry wanted to find a nice place where he and Caprice could meet, so he searched.
Eventually he found the perfect place. It was a large, cold stoney looking room that was barely furnished. The only thing good about the room was that it was secret, and there was this large mirror in the middle. Harry walked over to the mirror and read the fine writing along the frame: Erised stra ehru oyt ube cafru oyt on wohsi.
In the mirror, Harry saw a tall, thin man with scruffy black hair and glasses standing behind him. Next to him stood a woman with dark red hair, and emerald eyes, much like Harry's. Harry edged closer to the mirror, glancing behind him, seeing no-one. He turned back to the mirror, and there they were.
'Mum? Dad?' Harry whispered. The two people just smiled at him. How long he stood there, he did not know, the reflections did not fade and he looked and looked until a distant noise brought him back to his senses. He couldn't stay here, he had to find his way back to bed.
'I'll come back.' He whispered to his parents, and tore out of the room.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*
~* How did everyone like that chapter? Caprice is finally gone. . . very sad. Anyways, please review guys! Love you all! *~
~Gryffindor Gal~