In Days of Old
Author: Kloak Dark
Disclaimer: J.K. Rowling owns most of these lovely characters, I just get to play with them, and scar them for life, before sending them on home Oh, I do own Meridia Sinclair, Serena Melindira, Arale Strangoft, and Mirnoth. I also own Jason Hubley and Charles Jameson but feel free to implement them in a story if you'd like. If you want to borrow Meridia, Arale or Serena then let me know and we'll work something out.
Rating: Pg-13 to be on the safe side (don't want someone coming after me for improper ratings after all)
Warnings: The Yaoi has officially smacked you in the face, there will be more to come, so if it bothered you at all, go away, you should never read the work of a yaoi fan anyways : P crazy people. As for Snarry shippers, well, I'm sorry, cuz this just isn't going to be a Snarry, kk?
Summary: A veteran of the war looks back on her days as a Hogwarts student...
In the previous chapter, Draco decided to show Harry how grateful he was to him : P Wish Draco was that appreciative of me, but, you know, I think he hates me for what I've done to him. noddles
Kloak Dark: OMG, what a short summary, that's very unlike me.
Chibi Kouga: We know, we were pretty surprised.
Chibi Sesshomaru: I think she just wants to get on with the story.
Inuyasha: Plus, if they haven't got the first part of that sucker memorized by now, it's their loss.
KD: I suppose so. But yes, I have an idea! Everyone is going to hate me though giggles
CK: You know, she scares me...
Inu, CS: Us too.
KD: pouts You guys! teary eyes
The Boys: We were just kidding!
KD: grins and giggles then whispers They always fall for it.
The Boys: Now drum roll on with the show! curtain rises
"Harry! Harry!" It was Arale's voice calling and the young blond groaned, sitting up off of the boy being called.
"We'd better go or they'll wonder." It wasn't like they really needed to hide, they had their own dorm, but still, the girls had come in this morning.
"Draco! Where could those guys be?" Serena's voice this time. Well, that settled it, they'd have to come out of their hiding place. Harry was blushing and giggling as he gathered up his books and emerged, the blond right behind him.
"Hey you guys, we were looking for you." The redhead said, smiling at the two of them.
"We heard." the dark haired boy chuckled, giving her a small, one armed hug. The other two girls weren't far away and then seemed to be whispering to each other, the foreigner letting out a giggle which soon enveloped both girls as they looked over at the two boys.
"What do you suppose they're going on about?" The blond asked, nudging the Gryffindor with his elbow and pointing at the two older girls.
A shrug was his answer. "I have no clue, but they're girls aren't they? Not like Hermione anyhow, they've got to be discussing a boy or something to be giggling like that."
"But they're looking over here." The other pointed out, frowning at them. The two had bust out laughing and fallen to the ground, chuckling together.
The youngest Weasley broke away from Harry and ran towards them. "Hey! Let me in on the joke guys."
Arale reached up and pulled the youngest girl down, leaning over to whisper conspiratorially in her ear, the raven haired teen just giggling as she watched them. Ginny glanced back at the boys before promptly starting to giggle and falling down to the ground with the other two.
By now, the silver blond boy had his arms crossed over his chest and was frowning. The younger of the two nudged him. "Lighten up, it's just them being them."
"Well I don't care, I want to find out what they're talking about." And he promptly set off to find out what was going on, though he ended up getting tripped by Serena who then commenced tickling him. The other two joined in and soon the normally refined prince was begging for mercy, and yelping for Harry to save him.
"You're the Prince, save yourself." he chuckled, watching the three torture the boy for awhile more before taking pity on him and helping him up. A groan came from the girls, though this was soon followed by more giggles. "Looks like the Prince needed the help of the peasant boy."
An arm slipped around the shorter boy's shoulders. "Nah, no peasant boy, just a more worthy Prince." As the two were chuckling the girls were whispering and giggling even more. "And WHAT is so funny?"
"What else? The two of you." Ginny giggled out, scrambling to her feet and soon followed by the others. "Ron's looking for you though, and I think Blaise is looking for you Draco."
Chuckling, apparently by something the other girls didn't even share, Serena walked over to the two and straightened out Draco's tie and smoothed down his hair, then brushed some dirt off Harry as she buttoned the top two buttons of his uniform shirt and also tightened his tie. Picking a few pieces of grass and willow out of the darker teen's hair, she looked satisfied, chuckling again.
"The two of you should probably avoid looking like you just got through snogging when you go to see your friends."
The two exchanged glances, then gulped when Arale seemed to give them a knowing wink before the girls linked arms and set off for the castle, talking about god knows what.
"Are we that obvious?"
"I didn't think so...but they didn't exactly see us in a normal position this morning..."
"Don't remind me, I'm just glad Ginny didn't let it slip or something, Ron would have a heart attack."
"Speaking of which, your friend, and my, uh, whatever Blaise is considered, are waiting for us. I suppose we'd best split up and go see them."
As Harry nodded, he took off towards the castle, the former Slytherin taking off to take the long way around to enter the castle.
.oooo.
The raven haired girl sighed as she rested her head against the former Ravenclaw's shoulder, arms still locked. "So, what do you think is really going on?"
"Dunno." came Ginny's voice from the other side.
"Maybe it really is what it looks like. Draco seemed off today in Potions, and they both raced out of there pretty fast. Like you said, they looked like they'd been snogging with the way they were all tussled about."
"I suppose that's true. It wasn't like they'd been wrestling or something, and they never did actually answer when we called." The bronzed girl replied, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.
The three continued awhile in silence, each contemplating what was possibly going on between the only boy occupants of their small house. They wondered what Professor Snape would say about the whole ordeal.
A slight pink tinge slid to Serena's cheeks, but it wasn't noticeable because of the naturally dark tint of her skin. It was easy to hide embarrassment because of this, and it made her grateful since she'd probably be facing lots of situations where it would be prudent not to seem embarrassed, if the issue with those boys had meant anything.
Breaking away from the other two, the young exchange student excused herself and roamed down towards the dungeons. As she drew close to Professor Snape's office, in which she hadn't intended to go to, a sound stopped her for a moment. It was low and sad, making her a bit curious, as she walked forward a few more steps. She recognized the sound of a violin and smiled, sliding down to sit next to the door.
Resting her head against the cold stone walls, the girl simply sat and listened for awhile, letting the sound of the music make her forget about her worries and even the feeling in the pit of her stomach that nagged at her. Closing her eyes, she could see the plains stretching out in front of her for miles, horses dotting the landscape here and there as they grazed.
The wind was almost tangible, almost as if it pressed against her face and made her imagine she was flying. It was so wonderful, that feeling of soaring through the winds, body moving in sync with the powerful creature that humbled itself for you to ride upon it. "Artax." the name left her lips as a tear slid down her cheek, eyes still lightly closed.
Though she hadn't realized it, the music had stopped, and there was a presence near. Something brushed against the wet cheek and dark eyes slid open to find equally dark ones looking into them.
"Professor, I'm sor-" The man held up one of his thin hands to stop her speech.
"Why are you crying Miss Melindira?" The tone didn't make it seem like he was truly interested, but still, he was asking and Serena had never been one to hide things from anyone she considered a mentor.
"I was just thinking about back home, I miss the plains, and the horses. I've been in this country for two months, and though it's a great place, Britain and Hogwarts, I just miss my home. There's not enough space here." It was hard for her to, in her opinion, properly express what exactly was making her cry. The country was boxed in, squashed together, though so was much of America, where she lived was free of modern things and big houses. The land was everyone's and you could roam as you pleased.
The professor raised an eyebrow, seemingly able to see there was more to the explanation than what was voiced.
"I want to feel the wind in my hair, Professor. The feel of flying, when you aren't, and the beat of hooves on the ground, is more magic to me than any spell I will ever utter. No potion could ever produce the effects I feel when my heart beats with the rhythm of the mother earth. Do you understand?" It wasn't a tone indicating he was stupid or ignorant, it was a tone that showed she knew most people could never feel what she felt.
There was no smile on the face, but there was almost a hint of one, perhaps just a shadow, but it showed that even if he'd never experienced it, he realized the way of things that she missed. It wasn't a person, a place, or a thing, it was a feeling.
Straightening up, a hand was offered to her, which she used to lift herself up, both hands falling to their respective sides when her feet were firmly planted on the ground. "Perhaps we'll have to arrange with the headmaster a time when you can procure a horse and ride, supervised of course."
"Of course." A small nod of her head before she bowed her head a bit. "Thank you." Before another word could be uttered the girl was gone, disappearing up the stairs, and leaving Snape to wonder why she'd been down in the dungeons in the first place and contemplating what had triggered her so called home sickness. Well, that's what most would call it, he wasn't sure what category her feelings fell under.
.oooo.
Arale and Ginny, wondering what was going on with Serena but knowing better than to follow her, had returned to the dorms. The older girl was standing in front of the one mirror, running a brush through her long, dark blond hair. It looked as if a bit of brown was also mixed in there with it, and the red head simply sat watching her. There were many colors mixed into it and Ginny was a bit jealous, her own hair didn't really have such a large variety.
Sighing, the green eyed girl placed her hair brush down and looked over at the youngest of their little group. "You suppose Serena's alright?" The concern was evident in her voice as she settled onto her bed, pulling her legs up and under her.
Laying back on the bed, Ginny shrugged. "She's Serena, she seems to be able to cope pretty well. It was probably best just to let her have some alone time."
The other girl nodded, eyes traveling to the ceiling. For everything they said, and even though they'd known her a very short time, the two were worried about their new friend. Their thoughts on the subject of their male housemates had faded for the moment, since they didn't seem to be distressed.
.oooo.
Oddly, Ron had pulled Harry off to the side to ask him if he had any clue what was up with Hermione. He said she'd been acting sort of oddly but he was clueless when his best friend gave him an 'isn't it sort of obvious?' look.
Seamus had also shown up, and basically told the youngest Weasley boy he was an idiot, that it was his fault Hermione was acting this way, and then taking off before he could get an answer out of them.
Harry was chuckling at the antics of the two, since Seamus was now being chased around by Ron, unsavory names being called back and forth. But just then a large hand clapped the young man on the shoulder, and had it not been so heavy, he would have jumped. Turning around, he grinned. "Hey Hagrid."
"Hullo 'Arry. Congratulations on your new house. But, what is all this ruckus about?" He used one large hand to gesture towards the other two young men.
"Oh, Hermione's acting oddly, Ron wants to know why, and Seamus just told him it's his fault, but he won't tell him how it's his fault." A slight uninterested shrug. He couldn't help Ron, the guy would have to learn to help himself at some point.
"Odd. Well, I suppose thar's no harm in it, so, carry on, and don' let em hex one another." Harry saluted as the giant of a man walked off in the direction of the Great Hall and he tilted his head slightly, wondering why his friend wasn't out on the grounds.
.oooo.
The blond's conversation with Blaise went a bit like the one he'd had with Crabbe and Goyle, just basically assuring him that his loyalties towards his original house had not changed simply due to the fact that he'd been moved, and he wasn't going to turn into some goody goody or something. It was fairly routine, and easy for him to act out, relieved when the other boy left and he could get back to the dorms, deciding to take a nap during their free period.
.oooo.
The next few weeks went by without much of ripple in their routine, having extra classes with Professor Sinclair proved to be much scarier than those with Snape. It wasn't that the information wasn't good, but if they made a careless remark, she could get, well, very intimidating. They sort of liked her despite this, since she was really interesting and usually gave them extra goodies like honeydukes chocolate when they did exceptionally well.
They all seemed to get more comfortable with Snape, since they didn't have much of a choice, and there wasn't nearly as much sneering or nasty remarks whenever they weren't around Slytherins. He did have a reputation to uphold with them after all, but the others were old enough to know, even if he didn't growl, his bite was still very painful.
And so life went on, Harry always having to convince the Gryffindors that Malfoy wasn't trying to strangle him in his sleep, and Draco always trying to convince the Slytherins that it wouldn't be smart to attack Potter, even if they were in the same house.
The dark haired boy had once found a discarded letter from Lucius, who was still in Azkaban, and warned is son not to do anything drastic, and urged him to avoid joining with Voldemort.
Arale and Ginny were still worried about Serena, who seemed to be making sure she was always all smiles and cheers, though they eventually put in the back of their mind as Serena having a bad day.
Meanwhile, the Cherokee teen continued to sneak down to the dungeons to listen to Snape's violin playing, nearly always ending up crying.
Severus had long ago figured out the young woman was using his playing as comfort, and though he didn't want his music used as a crutch, he had taken to playing right next to the door so she could hear better, just listening to her tears when the music ceased.
Hermione and Serena had been talking a lot about what the brown haired girl could do to get Ron to realize how she felt about him, but they hadn't found anything they thought would work yet, without implementing magic or trying to make him jealous. They were considering the latter and even thinking about dragging Seamus into the mix, then thought better of it since he seemed to be attracted to Arale.
After those first few kisses, Draco and Harry had both tried to keep their distance a little, not sure if this was all a side effect of Harry being the part vampire's food supply and being careful to avoid hurting each other. The both of them had felt that too much already in their lives.
Neville was tutoring Ginny in Herbology, because even though it was an advanced class for her, she was still having some trouble in it...or so she said. Arale kept teasing her that it was only because she wanted to spend more time with Neville, which made both parties blush and always made the blond girl smile in understanding.
Seamus on the other hand had started asking Arale to go on walks of the grounds with him before dinner, and their little group suspected, not that it took a genius to figure it out, that to two had become quite attracted to one another in the few short weeks they'd had.
.oooo.
KD: Wow, look at how long it is!
CK: This is what happens when we let you listen to music, you ramble forever.
Inu: You really should go back and read the other chapters of your story so you can remember what all is happening in the story you know.
KD: I know, but the important thing is, it's an update!
CS: Indeed, and we should all be grateful for that. Look what happens when you aren't on the internet all of your waking moments?
KD: True, I really should do this more often.
CK: Ramble?
KD: ...No, get off the internet and write...
Inu: We'll just get Serenity to nag you. Maybe she'll be our beta...
KD: I do need one, gotta be her or Jez I guess. Divvy or Dezzy would do too actually...but I think Serenity for this series nods
CS: That'd be a good choice.
CK: I think you're boring the audience...
KD: Oh yeah, sowwy! bows and grovels Please let me know what you thought of this chapter! Oh yes, I want you guys to do me a favor and send me plot twist ideas okay? Let me know what direction YOU think I should take Those of you who's plans I implement, you'll know because I'll put your name in here. I'd also ideas for lessons our seventh years could be having, you know, like certain magical beasts or types of potions.
Inu: Feel free to submit as many ideas for either subject as you want. Just do us a favor and put Plot Ideas: before your plot ideas and Lesson Plans: before the lesson ideas.
The Boys: Thanks you guys, we really appreciate whatever help you can give us!
KD: And I'd like to thank everyone who has reviewed before now, and those that haven't given up all hope in me. I tried to implement some new things I learned so let me know how you liked it