A Forgotten Queen

Chapter Four

By Chang Liko

Disclaimer: See Chapter One

Back in the Gryffindor common room, Ron, Harry, and Hermoine were trying to figure out who the new girl was and why she knew the Weasley brothers.

"It's strange. I feel like I should know her for some reason," Ron exclaimed, for the tenth time in the past hour.

"I wonder who she is? And where was she headed to in such a hurry?" Hermoine mused, tapping a quill on top of her Herbology text.

"She was pretty," Harry stated, causing Hermoine to roll her eyes in amusement.

"Who was pretty, Harry?"

Looking up, Ron saw his two brothers, Fred and George. "We ran into the new girl that was brought here by the Centaur. Or, rather, she ran into us. Apparently, she knows us. Or at least she knows you two, Percy, Charlie, and Bill. She actually gave us a message for you two. Something about the Moon Bunny saying the team's back together and to save her a seat at dinner, that she'll see you two then."

Eyes wide, the twins looked at each other, exclaiming, "It's HER!" before dashing off in the direction of their rooms before Ron could even begin to question the two of them about the mysterious girl.

Glancing at each other, Ron questioned, "What was that about?"

Shrugging, Harry replied, "Dunno. Whatever it was about, it's bound to be interesting."

Nodding, Hermoine stated, "And it's bound to get them in trouble somehow. They really shouldn't do half the things that they do. I let them get away with quite a lot as it is."

Snorting, Ron shook his head, saying, "'Moine, just because you're Head Girl, doesn't mean that you can't overlook a few things. Fred and George are harmless."

"So you say. That doesn't mean that they should be allowed to get away with half the things that they do," Hermoine replied.

Chuckling quietly to himself, Harry sat back and watched Ron trying to defend his older brothers to Hermoine, wondering to himself who that girl had been, and why she was at Hogwarts.

Sighing, Serenity came to a stop outside the portrait leading to the Slytherin dorms, a huge snake sleeping on top of a rock. Rapping gently on the frame of the portrait, Serenity waved, smiling at the waking snake.

Seeing who was in front of it, the snake perked up, and began to hiss at Serenity.

'My Queen! When did you get back from your travels?'

Smiling, Serenity chuckled, replying, 'I just got back a few days ago, Syrathen. I was in the infirmary for a couple days, because I'd been drained of my energy when I'd transported myself to the Forbidden Forest.'

Uncurling itself from the rock, Syrathen slithered closer to Serenity, almost seeming to come out of the painting. 'Why have you returned so early, Mistress? I had thought that you would not be returning for another few years.'

Nodding Serenity replied, 'I wasn't supposed to return yet, I know. But I was unwelcome where I was to. I decided that it would have been better had I returned home, instead of staying on a planet encased in ice for the next thousand years.'

'You thought right. I had begun to miss you, Mistress. The Slytherins have no respect for a portrait as dignified as myself. I should be guarding your rooms. The only one who shows me any of the respect I deserve, is your young friend.'

'How is he, anyways?' Serenity questioned, her curiosity aroused. 'Does he know that it was I who was brought into the Great Hall a few nights ago?'

Shaking his head slowly, Syrathen replied, 'To my knowledge, he knows nothing of your return. Did you wish to see him?'

Nodding, Serenity grinned, saying, 'I do want to see him. Is he in the dorm now?'

'Yes, he is, Mistress.'

'Do you think that you could let me inside the dorm? You know that I'd never cause trouble. And if you want the password, the only one I have to offer, is the one I gave you after I finished painting you.' Serenity stated, grinning.

Bowing, Syrathen slithered back onto his rock, the painting opening as he did so, granting Serenity entrance into the Slytherin dorm.

Passing Syrathen, Serenity placed her hand on her signature in the corner, infusing the painting with a little magic, making the painting look brand new again. Heading deeper into the Slytherin dorm, Serenity hid herself behind a pillar as she heard her friend's voice.

"I wonder who that was that was brought into the Great Hall the other night?"

Chuckling, Serenity stepped out from behind the pillar, into plain sight. Shaking her head, she said, "I'm surprised that you'd forget me so soon, D-chan! I don't know whether to be hurt, or relieved."

Shocked, Draco shot to his feet, exclaiming, "Serenity! That was you?"

Nodding, Serenity grinned, walking further into the room, ignoring the shocked looks that she was getting. "That was me. A little under clothed, but me." Walking up to Draco, Serenity pulled him into a hug, whispering into his ear, "I missed you, baby brother."

Wrapping his arms around Serenity, Draco smiled, replying, "I missed you, too, big sister."

To Be Continued...

A/N: I hope that you liked this part. Sorry I was so long in getting out the last few parts. I haven't had access to the internet for a long time, unfortunately. I also apologize for any spelling mistakes. Gomen! Please Review!!