Chapter 12
Illusions
The entrance hall to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry was empty as most of the school was in the Great Hall eating dinner. George, Hermione and Fred stood just inside the big wooden doors, the sun setting behind them outside. It had taken them quite a while to walk from Hogsemade to Hogwarts as they were all tired and weak. They were finally glad to get to the school.
Both Hermione and Fred turned to George, waiting for him to lead. Nodding to no one is particular George began walking towards the Great Hall. Hermione and Fred followed close behind. Before they even made it they ran into the person they were looking for. Headmaster McGonagal came strolling out of the Hall towards them, as if she had known they were coming.
McGonagal had been named Headmaster about a year ago when the all mighty Albus Dumbledore had passed. He had lived a long life and it was his time to go. He went peacefully and with a smile on his face. He would live in the students' hearts forever, especially that of the Weasley's, Hermione and Harry. They were all thrilled of course when McGonagal was given the position of headmaster. They couldn't think of anyone better for the job.
"What do I owe this great surprise?" her lips formed into a smile and she strolled toward them.
"We have a problem," George answered straight forward. McGonagal could sense the tension in the air.
"Why don't we discuss this in my office?" she motioned towards the grand staircase. George and the others nodded and they quickly made their way to the familiar office, especially familiar to George and Fred, who had spent most of their school days there.
"What is going on?" McGonagal asked taking a seat at her desk. She summoned two extra chairs so the three of them could all sit.
George looked at Hermione and she gave him a reassuring look. "We've got to do this," she gave his hand a gently squeeze.
George opened his mouth and began talking. He told their story, down to the last detail. He was glad McGonagal didn't interrupt or ask any question because he felt if he stopped he wouldn't be able to continue. By the end of it Hermione was in tears, George was choking on his words and Fred's face wore a solemn expression. McGonagal sat, her face very serious.
"So you're saying that Rachel is here in the castle?" her words were questioning and George worried that she thought he was delusional or something. George gulped and nodded. Hermione nodded as well. McGonagal took a deep breath. "But I don't understand. If she was in the castle wouldn't we know?"
Damn, George thought. She doesn't believe me. "I can't explain how I know this Headmaster. I just know. You've got to believe us. My baby's life depends on this."
McGonagal stood. She looked at the three pairs of desperate eyes that looked back at her. Sighing she spoke. "Go. Go and get Arianna back. If Rachel certainly is in the castle than I would be grateful if she could be removed."
George jumped out of his seat, his chair flying backwards. Hermione was right alongside him. "Thank you. I can't even tell you…" George began but McGonagal held up her hand.
"There is one thing. I can't let you go alone. I'll call the ministry. Get some help."
It was Fred who shook his head. "We can't risk it. Rachel might get freaked and do something stupid."
McGonagal paused for a moment. "I'll give you half an hour. If you aren't back by then I'm calling the Ministry in right away."
All three nodded their head. "Alright," they said in unison.
It was quiet for a minute and then McGonagal spoke. "You guys had better go now. The students are probably about done dinner and the Slytherins will probably be heading down to the dungeons. I don't want them seeing you and then stirring things up in the school. It's be best if no one knew about this just yet."
George pulled himself to his full height. "You don't know how much this means to us."
"Just go," McGonagal smiled weakly. They each graciously thanked her another hundred times and then quickly hurried towards the dungeons. As they were running through the entrance hall they were stopped by the sound of the big, wooden doors opening.
"Ron?" Hermione stepped forward. An out of breath Ron stumbled into the castle.
"I came as fast as I could get away. I'm glad I found you. Don't worry Fred," Ron panted as he caught the look his older brother was giving him. "I didn't tell anyone where I was going."
George spun around to face his twin. "You told him?" George fumed.
Fred stood his ground and snapped back. "We could use his help. He's not as weak as you think."
"Oh thanks," Ron rolled his eyes.
"I told you not to tell anyone," George shouted, forgetting about the students eating only a room away.
Hermione came in between the twins. "George, Fred is right. We could use Ron's help. Strength in numbers right?" George still looked unconvinced. "George please? Why is this such a problem?"
"Um…ya," Ron stared at George. "Am I that big a problem?"
George sighed. "No. I'm sorry Ron. We could really use more help. You're sure you didn't tell anyone?"
Ron rolled his eyes once again. "Do you have that little faith in me?"
George opened his mouth to reply but Fred spoke before he got a chance. "Um. Sorry to rain on this little argument but may I remind you we only have half an hour before McGonagal calls the Ministry," he stopped and looked down at the watch around his wrist. "25 minutes now."
"He's right. We've got to go," Hermione cast an anxious glance at the Great Hall doors.
"Alright," George turned in the direction of the Dungeons. "Come on."
They ran the way of the Slytherin house and came to the Dungeons.
"Which way do we go now?" Fred asked as they came to the end of the corridor and now had three directions to choose from.
George closed his eyes and focused hard, trying to remember. Hermione stood behind him, leaning against him. He could feel her heart pounding. "This way," he opened his eyes and pointed down the left direction.
"You're the leader," Ron called as he ran after George and the others.
They ran for what seemed like forever. There seemed to become less lighting as they ran farther until they were plunged into complete darkness.
"Lumos," four distinct voices rang out as they still ran. Finally George came to a skidding stop. Before him loomed a large door. His breath caught as his mind flashed back.
He was running from Rachel. He was running and he came to a door. He pushed it open and was surrounded by darkness. He remembered running without any light, occasionally bumping into the wall until finally he got to the light. He couldn't believe he got out of Hogwarts without ever realizing he was there. He couldn't believe no one knew he was there. He knew this was the door. He knew that on the other side his baby was waiting for him.
Hermione cautiously walked up to the door. She rested a hand on the distinct metal door handle and closer her eyes. "She's on the other side isn't she?" she whispered as she turned to George. George just nodded.
"What are we going to do now?" Ron asked, concern in his voice.
"We're going to go in one at a time," George stepped up and placed a hand on the door as well. "I'll go first. I don't know what's on the other side so if anything happens you get yourselves out. I don't care," the faces staring back at him looked very hesitant.
"I won't leave without you," Hermione gave him a furious sort of look. "We talked about this before."
Rather than argue George just kissed her. He didn't know what was going to happen when he walked through that door but he wasn't going to have a fight with Hermione now. "I love you," he whispered as they pulled away. "Fred, if anything happens you'll take care of her right?"
"Don't say that," Fred said with a hint of anger in his voice. "Nothing will happen, to any of us."
Ron stepped forward. "Let's go get my niece back."
George kissed Hermione one more time and then pulled her away from the door. He reached out and grabbed the handle. Taking a deep breath, his heart pounding wildly against his chest, George pulled the door open. He was temporarily blinded as he was welcomed by a flash of bright, white light. Regaining his vision George stepped into the room.
Behind him Hermione gasped. It looked as if they had just entered a picture of one of the cottages from one of Hermione's muggle magazines. They stood in what seemed to be the living room, a fireplace burning in the corner. Big white couches lay out around a small coffee table. The blue walls light like the sky on a summer's day. There were even windows lining the walls portraying rolling green hills and bright sunlight.
"What in the bloody hell?" Ron muttered somewhere behind George.
George rubbed his eyes to make sure this wasn't some kind of strange mistake. Unfortunately it wasn't. And then he heard it. Somewhere above him he heard the sound of a baby crying. Before he could even think he saw Hermione whip past him. He reached out quickly and grabbed her. With his arm around her waist, he stood behind her holding her back.
"I hear her," Hermione's voice shook. "Honey I hear her."
"I know," George struggled to keep Hermione in his arms.
"Then let go of me. What are you doing? I have to get to her."
"Hermione, baby, we can't. We don't know what this is. This could be some kind of trap," George was relieved to feel Hermione stop fighting.
"What do we do?" Hermione went from fighting to letting go. Her shoulders heaved and she seemed lost.
"I think I have an idea," Ron called out.
"What?" George turned to his little brother, still supporting Hermione in his arms.
"Well, before I met up with you guys I made a pit stop in Hogsemade," Ron pulled out a metal ball from his pocket. Fred's eyes went wide.
"You went to the shop?" he bellowed. Ron nodded. "How did you get in?"
Ron winced. "You'll need to be replacing your window sometime soon."
Whatever Ron was expecting didn't come. "Brilliant," George smiled.
"I don't get it," Hermione found her strength and stood up fully, allowing George to let her go.
"That, my love," George said pointing to the ball Ron held in his hand. "Is a disillusionment ball."
Fred nodded enthusiastically catching on. "We made these illusion spheres. They allowed the person to create any illusion they desired as long as is was comedic and didn't cause any harm to anyone. The sphere doesn't respond to any negative images."
Hermione looked confused. "And so you want to make an illusion George?"
"No. This is why it's brilliant," he walked over and took the ball from Ron. "This one is the counter one. This one demolishes any illusion that has been created."
"Oh," Hermione's eyes widened. "So if we are in an illusion right now than that ball can decreate it or whatever?"
"Exactly," George nodded. "You're brilliant Ron."
Ron shuffled his feet. "Can never be too prepared."
"George, if you'd do the honours," Fred patted his twin on the back. "Hermione, you'll be holding your baby in no time."
"Her baby?" a voice echoed through the room sending a shiver down George's spine.
"Rachel," George said turning around. He felt anger like he had never in his life felt before.
There she was. Standing in the doorway to what must have been the kitchen to this cottage of illusion or whatever it was. Her black hair was pulled back into a messy bun and she had flour smudged across her cheeks. Her pale skin and almost yellow eyes were just as scary as George remembered. She wore an apron over a pair of blue jeans and a dark green sweater. If you had seen her in a crowd you wouldn't have suspect anything of her.
"Hello George. I've been waiting for you," she smiled sweetly. As her gaze passed over Fred, Ron and Hermione an angry look crossed over her face. "I didn't expect you were bringing company."
George grabbed Hermione's hand and pulled her behind him, putting him between her and Rachel. "Where is she?" George demanded.
An evil smile spread across Rachel's face. "I'm hurt George. You aren't even going to introduce me to your friends?"
Author's Note - Wow. I'm pretty proud of myself for typing all that. That was the longest chapter i've ever typed for any story. I hope this makes up for my last chater and i hope you all don't get mad at me for stopping that chapter there. haha. I'll try and have the next chapter up soon but i can't maek any promises. This is going to be a very busy week. Hope you liked the chapter. Keep the reviews coming :)
