Disclaimer: J.K. Rowling owns all Harry Potter characters.
'...' indicates thought
Draco's Spirit
Chapter Six
WARNING: INCREDIBLY LONG CHAPPIE AHEAD! Hope you brought popcorn and drinks
From last time:
I went back to the Great Hall, a decision in my mind.
"Mandela, Mia, I made my decision."
"Oh?" Both spirits turned to me.
"I want to try the task. I want to live."
*Mia POV*
I felt my amythest eyes widen in happiness or surprise, I wasn't sure which. "Really Draco?" I asked, not wanting to believe it and then have him tell us he was joking. It would crush me.
"Yes." He sounded so honest and so confident of his decision. What had caused this change in such a short period of time?
"Well in that case we'd better head back to Spirit World and talk to Sina and see what your task is," I said brightly, while mounting my broomstick.
"Lucky me," I heard Draco mutter as he got on behind me. I shared a smile with Mandela and we both kicked off the ground. Draco could be as sarcastic or mean as he wanted to right now, I'm just so glad he had made the right choice.
Halfway back to Spirit World I regretted my thoughts. He complained the entire way back about various things. How it was stupid that a little girl ruled Spirit World, how he hated wearing silver robes, why he couldn't ride his own Spirit broomstick, among thousands of other things.
When the huge manor came into view I almost felt like crying from joy. I could now have a few Draco free moments all to myself. "Mandela," I asked, "would you mind bringing Draco to Sina? I'm exhausted!"
The quiet spirit smiled at me, revealing perfectly even and white teeth, that sparkled. "Of course Mia," she said softly, "you go lie down and rest."
"Thanks a bunch Mandela!" I threw my arms around the taller spirit and hugged her tightly. I moved to give Draco a hug as well but he glared at me and I backed off. "Well Good night everyone!" And then with a wave I disappeared down the hall off to the left towards my warm and comfortable pink clad bed.
*End Mia POV*
*Mandela POV*
I walked down the hall silently next to the spirit that stood about five inches taller than my five foot four frame. He seemed unusually serious, well it was the most stotic I'd ever seen him before.
"Draco?" I asked nervously. I just had to do something to break the silence that hung in the air.
"Yeah Manda? You don't mind if I call you that do you?"
"No," I said. In fact, I liked having a nickname. I'd never had one before. Mia did. It was Mia. Her full name was actually Somialiana. I could definetly see why she changed it. "Well I was wondering if I could ask you something...."
"Shoot." Well he seemed to be in a good mood. I wonder why?
"Well....um....I was um... wondering why you changed your mind."
"Changed my mind on what?" Okay, he could be kind of thick too. I guess walking around with those two boulders that called themselves Crabbe and Goyle would do that to a person.
"On wanting to not be a spirit."
"Oh, that? Well, when you and Mia were talking in the Great Hall, I left and saw my parents. My father was hurting my mother." He looked right at me, a sadness in his eyes. "I want to stop him. She doesn't deserve to be treated that way."
"I'm sorry Draco," I said. I felt terrible for him. No one should have to see that in their parents. That's why a lot of the children with those kinds of families grew up being cold and cruel to the world. Plus a lot of parents sometimes ended up doing things they regretted. I should know.... I've taken up countless children who were crying for their parents and wondering why they were being taken away. Things like 'Why did daddy have a knife' or 'Why'd Mommy have a gun' and I could understand how Draco felt.
"It's nothing, really Manda. As soon as I beat this task everything will be alright."
"I hope so Draco, I hope so."
About a minute later we reached the pink French doors that led into Sina's quaters. The leader of our world was curled up in her bed on the farside of the room. She had a light blue nightgown on and was clutching a gigantic teddy bear. I glanced at the clock on the desk. 9:23 P.M
"It's her bedtime," I said turning to Draco. "She's always in bed by 9:00 every evening."
"Why? If she is hundreds of years old why does she need so much sleep?"
"It's because of her body form. Since she is a child she needs lots of sleep and the adult form she needs less. But unfortunately, the adult form wears her out so she stays a child."
"Should we come back in the morning?"
"Yes, she is very cranky if you wake her up in the middle of the night."
"Alright then. Good night Manda."
"Good night Draco," I called after his retreating form.
*End Mandela POV*
*Hermione POV*
I stretched lazily and buried my head into the soft down pillow. I didn't want to get up. i knew classes started today, but for once I felt like staying in bed all day. Harry and Ron must be rubbing off on me.
Grabbing my bathrobe I made my way slowly to the showers hoping for an incredibly hot shower. Let's just say I din't get that... I would have to start waking earlier then my dormates if I wanted an even semi-warm shower. With Lavender and Parvarti living with me, of course the hot water would be gone. But at least I woke up.
I got dressed in my Hogwarts robes and made my way down to the common room where Harry and Ron were waiting for me. We made our way down to the Great Hall together and sat down at the red and gold clad Gryffindor table.
Breakfast was a pretty silent affair. Students kept shooting worried glances at the coffin in the front of the room. It almost seemed like they were afraid of a dead body. I snorted into my oatmeal as a third year ran past it at breakneck speed to their table.
The whole day passed rather sluggishly. I went to classes but none of them seemed complete. I glanced over to the empty desk on the Slytherin side of the room where a former student used to sit.
It was at the end of the day I realized what I missed. It was Draco Malfoy. Sure, I never liked him, but there were no verbal sparring matches, no insults, no teasing, no one to play a prank on. You could easily play a trick on Crabbe or Goyle, but they probably wouldn't even realize it.
I glanced over at my flame haired friend during dinner. He didn't seem the least bothered. Then again, he was ecastic that Malfoy was gone; now he didn't have to worry about his family being teased.
I turned my attention over to Harry. He was listlesly poking at his mashed potatoes with his fork and didn't seem to be aware of anything going on around him. I could tell he was blaming himself for Malfoy's death. Then again Harry always put the world on his shoulders.
As soon as dinner was over I went straight up to my bed and promptly fell asleep.
*End Hermione POV*
*Sina POV*
I woke up feeling slightly cold. I glanced at the ground and saw that my quilt had fallen to the floor. I shivered and drew my knees up to my chest to regain some body heat. It didn't work. With a sigh I got out of bed with the aid of my stepstool and crossed the room towards my bathroom.
A smile played over my face when I saw that my bubble bath had been prepared. With a contented sigh I pulled my nightgown over my head and slipped under the water. I had been soaking for about twenty minutes when loud knocking sounded outside the door.
"What do you want?" I asked grumpily.
"Sina, it's me, Mia. I hate to bother you but I need to talk to you."
"About what?" I questioned, dumping a bucket of water over my head.
"I need to discuss Draco with you."
"What about Draco?" My voice perked up. He was a fun topic to talk about. I know I was a little young for him but...
"Sina. I am NOT going to talk to you through a door. Come out here!"
"Be there in a few minutes."
Okay, okay, is twenty minutes more than a few??? I exited the bathroom dressed in a little blue dress covered with sunflowers and a towel wrapped around my hair. "Yes Mia?"
I went over and sat down behind my desk and looked at Mia expectantly. "Well? What are we discussing?" My thoughts immideately flew to his silky blond hair and his mysterious grey eyes or..."
"We're here to discuss his task."
"That's nice... So do you think he looks better in silver or gold?" I asked absentmindedly. "I think the silver would compliment him more and bring out his eyes. But the gold makes him look more muscular...."
"SINA!"
"Wha-what?" I looked up from my clasped hands.
"We are not here to discuss his looks Sina. And besides, he's too young for you."
"No he isn't," I said defensively. "We were made for each other."
"No he wasn't," said Mia through clenched teeth. "Besides, you don't have time for a husband. You have too much work to do."
"I guess you're right. But I can still dream..."
Mia shook her head and gave a sigh. "Alright Sina, you do that. But right now we need to discuss Draco's task."
A wave of seriousness came over me. "You mean that he.... he wants to do the task?"
"Yep," bubbled Mia happily, helping herself to some of the candy on my desk.
"I see.... To tell you the truth, I haven't even thought up a task. (A/N- In anime, Mia would have a gigantic sweatdrop right now or would have facefaulted
"Well I'm sure we could think of something. What did you have the person do the last time?"
"I've never had a person like this! Daddy always had them!"
"Oh.... well, then we just have to think of one."
"Yes... but it has to go along the task guide of helping someone. Hey Mia, let's read your book and try to help someone!"
"Okay!"
And with that the two spirits began to pour over the little blue book.
*End Sina POV*
*Mia POV*
About an hour later I stood up and felt my back pop. I guess we'd been sitting there for a while... "I'm going to go inform Draco of his task. See you later Sina."
"Bye bye Mia!" The Spirit leader waved as the doors shut together and I contined down the hall. I was so lost in thought that I ran straight into someone.
"Oomph! I'm so sorry!" I brushed my hair out of my eyes to see who I'd knocked over. A pair of baby blue eyes looked up at me. I quickly stood up and reached a hand down to help Mandela up.
"You're head seems to be in the clouds," she commented. "What's up?"
Okay.... Umm. Why was Mandela NOT being quiet. She was acting normal.... Weird...
"I just finished discussing Draco's task with Sina. Want to come tell him with me?"
"Sure." And so the two of us headed towards Draco's room chatting about random spirit things.
I knocked politely on the door. "Draco? Are you in there?"
We both paused and heard mumbling from his side of the door. It was then thrown open to reveal Draco dressed in a pair of light blue sleeping pants and his blond hair, which was normally perfect, was tousled. Good thing Sina wasn't here... "What?" He asked sleepily.
"Can we come in?"
"Yeah, yeah sure..."
He entered back into his room and Mandela and I followed. Draco sat down in front of his mirror and started to comb his hair into a more presentable appearance. Mandela flopped down onto the bed and I sat in a chair next to Draco.
"Draco... we have to discuss your task."
"Okay... what is it?"
Mandela spoke from across the room. "You have to help someone at Hogwarts."
"Well how do you expect me to do that? I'm a spirit, remember?"
"Yes Draco," I said. "First of all, I'd better explain your powers as a spirit. When someone is unconcious or asleep you can take control of their body. Somehow, you must use this power to help someone."
"That doesn't sound too bad."
"There's also a specific date," said Mandela. "It takes place in exactly one week. So we'll take you to Hogwarts that day."
"Alright Manda."
I watched in amazement as Draco turned around on the stool and smiled a real smile at Mandela. Something must have happened last night that I wasn't aware of.
I then watched in either futher amazement as Draco and Mandela started to talk like old friends. Very weird...
*End Mia POV*
*Draco POV*
I floated aimlessly down the hall where students were running to and fro beneath me. I'd been visiting Hogwarts everyday now. The truth was, I kind of missed it. I missed classes, and my friends (Well not Parkinson), and being able to touch real life objects; I always went through them.
Today I was trailing a certain Mudblood. She seemed to be down in spirits (A/N- Pun intended! ^^) and not as lively as she once was. I wished I could see her face light up, she always looked prettier when she was smiling.
WAIT! What was I saying? The mudblood... pretty? I tried ramming my head against the wall but I went through it into an empty storage room. With a curse I went back through and started to scan the crowded hallways for Hermione.
NOT AGAIN! Her name is Granger; not Hermione! What was going on?
The whole day consisted of a pattern. Follow and watch the mudblood, think of a comment that complimented Herm-Granger and go through a wall. It was getting a bit tiresome. I had learned one thing about my powers though.
I had been following Hermione when I'd slammed into an invisible barrier. It seemed I wasn't allowed in the girl's showers; not that I'd want to go in there....
The next day was Potter day. I followed Scarhead around out of sheer boredom. I didn't want to follow the mudblood... I kept getting weird feelings. Plus, my face still hurt from slamming into the shower barrier.
He was quite boring too though. He seemed lifeless and didn't have that annoying grin on his face that he normally did. Which might have been a good thing except that he wasn't Potter without it.
Weasel sure seemed to be happy though. He pratically danced through the hallways and I could always see a grin on his face, even when he was eating... gross.
A week was approaching and I still hadn't found out what Granger and Potter's problem was. They were both basically walking zombies. Heck, Granger didn't even go to the library for a two whole days!
I decided I'd have to find out someway, and the best way would be to follow Herm-Granger. I mean, girls gossip a lot, right?
So on the night before a week I followed Granger to her dorm, and was met by another barrier. Okay, this wasn't going to work....
Fortunately for me, Granger exited the dorm and went and sat down in one of those way too plushly looking armchairs infront of the fire.
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Well, just my luck... Potter came down from his room and sat in a chair next to Herm-Granger. Oh, what the heck! I'll just call her Hermione.
"Ready for the match tomorrow Harry?"
"Yeah... Gryffindor vs. Slytherin... but no Malfoy this time."
"...You miss him, don't you Harry?"
I perked up and settled myself on one of those stupid chairs next to them. If they were going to talk about me I wanted to hear everything.
"..."
"Harry?"
"Yeah... I do miss him."
"Why?"
"Because I think he was a nice person underneath. We just never gave him a chance."
"I miss him too Harry."
"You do?"
You do? Why. After all the horrible things I've called you Hermione.... why do you miss me?
"I do. Same reason as you I guess. But there was something else about him..."
"What?"
"He was always so closed off, even from the other Slytherins. He was always so cold.... I just don't think he's really like that."
You're right.... I'm not normally that way. It's just the way I was brought up.
"Yeah... Well G' Night Mione." Harry stood up and made his way towards his dorm.
"Good night Harry! Make sure you get plently of rest." Then she too rose and headed up her staircase.
I waited until I heard the click of both doors closing and then I disappeared into the night.
"Rise and shine Draco! We have a big day ahead of us!" I groaned and tried to push the girl off my bed.
"It's too early Manda.... go away."
"Come on... there's cinniamon rolls in the dining room...." she teased.
I sat up and ran a hand through my tousled hair and sat up. "Why did I ever tell you that cinniamon rolls were my favorite?"
"No idea. Now get up." Mandela then flounched out of my room with her blond hair flying out behind her.
Mandela and I had become great friends over my stay at the Spirit World Manor. She wasn't so quiet anymore. In fact.... we couldn't make her shut up half the time. Come to think of it, she was my second real friend... the other being Blaise Zabani, a fellow sixth year Slytherin. I had even developed a sort of tolerance for Mia. I could now listen to her babble for about an hour without blowing up or getting snappish.
Being here certainly had softened me out. I wasn't so mean anymore and I felt myself smiling more. I even laughed a few times, The only thing that keeps getting weirder and weirder is Sina. She looks at me like I'm food. Mia seems to know something about it, but she won't tell me. Then again... I'm not sure I want to know.
I slowly made my way to breakfast and sat down in my chair between Mandela and Mia. Mia was stuffing herself full of bananas. From what I'd seen, she eats them everyday for breakfast. Mandela was calmly eating french toast that was smothered in syrup, with raising poking through. As for me, I pulled the whole plate of cinniamon rolls towards me and hunched over them. They were mine....
As soon as breakfast was over I mounted Mia's broom and the three of us left Spirit World towards Hogwarts School. Flying over I could see students pouring out of the doors headed towards the quidditch field.
The three of us went down and sat by the medical station. Mia had said we weren't going to sit in the bleachers; we could get a much better view down here. A few minutes later scarlet and green blurs shot onto the field. I saw a fourth year had gotten my seeker position. Well he'd better be prepared to give it back.... it was mine.
Potter and the seeker, who had been made captin as well, shook hands and then Madam Hooch released the quaffle and the game began.
It was actually quite exciting to watch the game insttead of playing in it. Here, you weren't under pressure and could cheer and let your attention span wander. But I did prefer playing.
I had taken a dislike to the seeker. I had seen the snitch several times, once when it was hovering next to his left foot. I was going to kill him when I got my body back. He was going to let Potter win.
I was suddenly aware that Mia and Mandela were laughing and pointing at.... me? I didn't see what was so funny until I'd realized I'd actually flown onto the pitch and was yelling at the seeker while riding on the back of his broom. Oops!
I had to say it was a nice view from up here. And for once, I couldn't get hit by a bludger. I was a bit confused though. How was I supposed to help someone when everyone looked perfectly happy and healthly.
I jumped off the broom and floated back down to the giggling spirit girls. I was watching Potter flying around when I felt my eyes widen in surprise. Crabbe had just given his bat to a chaser who was rapidly approaching Potter. Another chaser with Goyle's bat was coming from the other direction and Crabbe and Goyle were coming from the other sides.
Potter tried to manuever away from the four obstacles, but before I could even blink Goyle's huge form crashed into Potter pinning him against the stands. He then pulled away and Potter's body slid off his broom and both hurtled to the ground.
With a sickening crack both made impact with the ground. I was suddenly aware of Mia tapping me on my arm. "This is your task Draco. Inhabit Harry's body and catch the snitch. If you do... you'll be alive once more."
I groaned. I had to play against my own team. this sucked. But with determination I marched across the field towards Potter. I stood over him and then with a deep breath I felt myself sucked into him.
The first thing I felt was pain. Then again... he had just dropped over 60 feet and crashed into the ground. Gingerly, I stood up to loud cheers from the Gryffindor section. I reached over and picked up the firebolt, mounted and took off into the sky.
I was quickly scanning for the snitch as well as keeping an eye out for Slytherin memebers. I don't think Potter's body could take another hit like that. Several Gryffindors, like the Weasel and the Weaslette flew over to me and asked if I was alright. I repiled I was fine and went back to hunting for the golden snitch.
After about ten minutes my eyes lighted on a little golden ball on the left side of the field. I took off headed straight for it. Out of the corner of my eye I saw the Slytherin seeker head for it as well. I was about eight feet away when I heard a scream.
I pulled my eyes off of the snitch and saw Hermione falling throuh the air towards the ground. Without even a second thought, I turned my broom around and raced to catch her.
I felt her land in my arms and I clutched her to me while heading for the ground. I landed and she hugged me, burying her head in my shoulder. "I'm so sorry Harry. I'm so sorry..."
"Shhhh... it's alright." Where'd that come from? I never intended to be nice to her.
I got ready to kick into the air again when chilling words hit me.
"Slytherin has won."
Author's Notes:
I am so sorry for the long delay. My internet system has been done for forever! I just got back on!
I'd like to thank Ryo Akuinenn for the task idea. She wanted Draco to help a Gryffindor by going into their body and that's what I did! Thanx!
Poor Draco.... looks like he failed his task. Fot those of you who are following the YYH storyline, do you know what comes next??? Don't tell!
As of now, this is my second most popular story! ^^ The only one more popular is The Power of a Wish, another Harry Potter story!
I just noticed that all my ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ lines look like a long line... weird.... fanfic must be having problems. I again apologize for the lines cuz some aren't supposed to be there and they won't delete themselves.... As for previous sentence... lines should be fixed. They were not working because of this ^^ happy face... Another weird and baffling mystery
And now.... for my wonderful reviewers!
Reviewer's Comments:
~*~LishaChan~*~ Yep, two updates! Ummm. what was my other update? I forgot! Oh wait! Kaoru's Wish! ^^ Maybe he will... yes he will! ^^ It's part of the story! ^^ Glad you like my OC!
~*~HalownKougra~*~ Sorry about the cliffies! ^^ And it's not nice to throw things at me. But then again... *catches gummy bears in mouth* yum! Happy ending... happy ending.... we'll see!
~*~Edarcy03~*~ Band 2morrow! But that date is long gone now! ^^ Glad your computer kicked in... wish mine would behave. I know you don't hate me.... I'm too cute!
~*~devils_fire~*~ Thanx very very much! *grins at you*
~*~Widow767~*~ Thanx! I'll try to update soon next time. But only if my computer works. *kicks computer* Hey, what do ya know, it works!
~*~D-Caf(aka Sandr~*~ Yeah... I get sidetracked a lot too! ^^ I think I suffer from short term memory loss. But a friend once told me that your brain deletes unneeded information.... does that mean I don't need most of my thoughts? Weird... C ya!
~*~Ryo Akuinenn~*~ thanx again for your idea. I was originally going to do something with a treasure hunt, but i like your idea much better! *hands you gummy bears* There you go!
~*~Stormy Skies~*~ Deep breath... breathe... there ya go! ^^ Glad you liked it!
This time I'm going to give away pixy sticks! My favorite cand y in the WHOLE world! But the red ones are mine! MWAHAHAHAHA.... okay... that was scary
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