Disclaimer: Not mine, anything else you recognise probably isn't mine either but I never know for sure since I've read so many stories that I can't tell anymore whether or not it was my idea in the first place.
Author's Notes: see Chapter 11
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Chapter 13 - Christmas and a Double Attack or Presents and Research
The twins and Draco were greeted by Sirius while Hermione's father was waiting for her. Her mother had to stay with their patients because it was the middle of the week and shortly before christmas so naturally many people came to get their teeth checked. And Remus stayed at home because the full moon was just over.
(A/N: Although I tried to use the real calendar I didn't bother to look up moon-phases for those years. Sorry about any inconvenience.)
Soon December 23rd came around, the day was clear and cold. No cloud was visible in the endless blue sky. The three siblings were currently sitting in the library of Black Manor doing homework. It was strange without Hermione and Ginny but they managed somehow.
Sirius and Remus were plenty of fun too. The children had been out the whole last day with Sirius in their animagus forms while Remus had just watched them. Both adults had talked about the day that night.
And they almost ended up in tears. It had been like the old times when Lily and James still were alive and Peter hadn't betrayed them yet. The memories were positive as well as negative ones.
But in the end they agreed that seeing the twins and their adopted brother playing in the snow like that was like seeing and living their best memories. They too agreed that should the children ever want to become true pranksters they would help them as much as they could.
They certainly had great potential. Moony and Padfoot had heard what they'd already done to Lockhart or the Gryffindor students. It would be fun to teach them a few more tricks.
No one even suspected that the twins held a secret that could be more important than anything else in their past. Their additional animagus forms were magical creatures. No wizard alive or dead was supposed to or had been able to turn into a magical animal.
The twins were determined to hide as long as possible or necessary. Depending on what case happened first.
Soon it was christmas eve and three very excited children spent the evening in the library playing chess or one of the twins muggle games. Draco always beat them at chess but was inexperienced with muggle stuff. Therefore he often lost because he accidentally forgot some of the rules.
Finally it was December 25th, Christmas day! The three kids had decided to sleep in, in order to give their guardians some rest. The children knew that those two had been quite busy in the kitchen the whole last night.
Harry had accidentally found out when he wanted to get a late night snack for them and had gone downstairs himself. They hadn't wanted to wake the house-elves. Remus and Sirius had been cooking and baking the muggle way to make some of the twins favourite dishes if not all of them.
Mikie and her 'colleagues' were busy with cleaning the messes made by Sirius and preparing Draco's favourite foods. Unnoticed by both adults Harry sneaked back to his room and told his siblings. They were smiling wide and promised to act surprised when their guardians showed them.
It had become clear over the few month that some muggle dishes tasted better if made without the interference of magic. When the three of them woke up it was already half past nine in the morning. They got dressed and went downstairs towards the dining room.
Sirius and Remus were already sitting at the table, waiting for them.
"Happy Christmas Draco, Harry and Carya!" Remus told them with a bright smile.
Sirius said the same with a mischievous grin on his face. The children looked at each other sceptically. This wasn't a good sign. Padfoot was definitely up to something. But they still returned the cheerful christmas greetings.
First was breakfast now or perhaps an early lunch. True to their word the three children stood gaping when the elves were finished with the table. From Harry's tale they'd expected some of their favourites but not everything they actually liked.
They only stared in surprise and suddenly started hugging their guardians, even Draco did. Never had anyone done something like this for him and it felt very good. Carya, Harry and Draco sat down and started eating as if they'd been starved for a month.
Well who could resist if you loved absolutely everything on the menu? After they'd finished eating, all five went into the study where the large christmas tree stood. Underneath it were five piles of presents. The children insisted that the adults opened their presents first.
Remus got a set of new robes and a book on Defence against the Dark Arts which he had wanted badly but couldn't find anywhere. It had been sheer luck to discover it in a second hand shop in Hogsmeade the last time they'd been allowed to go before christmas.
Sirius got a book on pranks written by the Marauders. Well it wasn't really a book, more of a scrapbook full of notes and experiments much different from the one he had given Carya for her birthday. This one had been made by Lily and James together in their seventh year.
Sirius was nearly in tears. They'd lost this to Filch and even Moony hadn't found it when he was at Hogwarts. He also got some replacement parts for his flying motorcycle. He could repair that thing but he didn't know where to find the parts.
Dudley had been immensely helpful in locating the fitting items, purchasing them with some money the twins had send and sending the parcel back with the two ravens. Of course you might think the package was too heavy, well they had given Dudley a large bag with a featherweight charm on it.
It only required two birds because of the weight the bag itself had. Now it was the children's turn at opening gifts. Draco went first since he was the most patient of the three. Carya would be last because she could hardly hide her excitement this time.
Draco got a new Quidditch gear complete with gloves, shin and arm-guards from Remus and from Sirius he got a set of Bludgers and a new Beater's club.
Harry gave him a League-approved broomstick care kit and his sister had bought him two books and tons of sweets. The books were 'Beater's Bible' by Brutus Scrimgeour and 'Advanced Arithmancy made Easy - Self Study Guide' by Viridian Vector.
Not that Draco needed help in Arithmancy. He was good at it just like the twins and the majority of the class. He just had a knack for numbers and this book would surely amuse him when they got back to school.
And it had been written by their teacher so the boy could gain some extra points by just reading it in Professor Vector's presence. It certainly wouldn't hurt to do so.
Harry was next. Just like Draco Remus had given him a complete new Quidditch gear. Only that he had seeker gloves too. Sirius gave him a practise snitch for training and for his own personal fun he got a new 'Official Quidditch League Snitch'. This made him jump and hug his godfather hard.
Draco gave him a book. It was called 'Ancient Beasts' by Dorothy Valois. Carya had gotten her brother something that was nearly the same as Draco's. It was another book from one of their Professors at school - 'Advanced Arithmancy' by Viridian Vector.
The irony of those two gifts made the boys laugh at her. She gave them books on a subject where they both had beaten her repeatedly. Carya just glared at them but quickly started grinning. For some reason she could never be angry for long with those two.
She just loved them too much. Finally it was her turn to open gifts. Just like before Remus gave her his first. And surprise, yes, she too got a new Quidditch gear accompanied by protective gloves and a protective vest in case that a stray bludger - intentional stray or not - wouldn't harm her too much.
Harry and Draco both gave her a book in return. If there was one thing the girl always beat both boys, it was how fast she could read a book and remember everything written in it. The two boys could have sworn she had a photographic memory sometimes.
Her twin had bought her 'Runic Languages of Europe' by Lunia Describo since she was so interested in spells and their origin. Draco had gotten her a book on her favourite subject with their least favourite teacher besides Lockhart - potions.
It was titled 'Medieval Potions' by Artemis Liver and was said to be a very accurate book on the topic. She hugged them both. An action which you would hardly see with her and if you did it was kept within the family.
The children had also received gifts from their friends. Hermione had sent them muggle sweets - sugar-free of course since her parents were both dentists. And she'd gotten them some personal Sweat-Shirts from a muggle shop.
The shop owner had looked at her in a funny way when she'd given him the texts that should grace the clothes but didn't question it further. Draco's was silver and white coloured with a pale blue-grey writing on it. His said 'I know you're jealous of me ...' on the front and '... but staring doesn't make it any better!' on the back-side.
Harry's was dark green with silvery writing and his said 'See something you like?' On the front and 'Tough luck, I'm already taken!' on the back. Carya got a dark blue one with slivery writing and it said 'I'm not dark, I merely have a different opinion!.
They all liked these, although they wouldn't wear them openly in school as long as they were still suspected. Especially Carya, since her temper was quite infamous in school since the incident with Lavender Brown.
Ginny had just send them Christmas Cards and a box of home-made sweets from her mother. The three of them had given both their friends a book or rather set of books, because neither author had been able to fit everything in one book.
For Hermione they'd gotten 'Medieval History - Book 1-6' by Cira Mibellieu and for Ginny they had sent '1001 useful Charms and Incantations - Book 1-4' by Filius Flitwick. Yes, all in all Christmas was very enjoyable this year. Despite everything that had happened at school since September.
On December 28th they visited Diagon Alley again. The floo-ed towards the 'Leaky Cauldron' and after promising not to do anything stupid they parted. Sirius and Remus of course knew that at least Carya and Draco would try and go to 'Knockturn Alley' they were sure the kids would be careful.
Surprisingly they met Hermione at Gringotts and she joined them. Soon Harry and Hermione forgot about their friends and walked towards a cosy cafe called 'The Fuzzy Rabbit'. Carya and Draco took the opportunity to finish what they'd started in summer.
They disguised themselves and walked down 'Knockturn Alley'. No one was able to recognise them. They had opted for the twins-look. Both wore identical clothes, all in black and they now had ebony back hair that didn't reflect the light but didn't appear dirty either.
Their eyes were almost black now but when you looked at them you'd notice the crimson glow inside of the irises. This was a special effect that Sirius had taught them a few days ago. Their 'new' names matched their looks. Draco called himself 'Devius' and Carya was now 'Gemini'.
(A/N: I'll refer to them in their 'Disguise-Names' when the charms are active!)
They visited various stores and almost no one gave them any trouble. The shopkeeper of 'Hellfire's Apothecary' looked outright scared when he took a closer look at them. Devius saw some of his fathers old friends in there too. They looked at the supposed twins oddly.
Gemini just narrowed her eyes and glared at those who paid too much attention. Her hand was twitching occasionally to the wand at her side. When they left a particularly nasty looking area the heard a few whispers behind them.
'Could it be?'
'Does someone know if He had offspring?'
'They seem to be old enough and they look like Him too.'
Gemini was amused that someone thought them to be Voldemort's heirs. Devius was anything but amused but he hid it really well. When they ran into Professor Snape they knew it had been good to alter their voices too.
Snape accidentally bumped into Gemini and she started growling at him. Those who had talked about them were still within hearing range. Her voice was like ice and sounded like that of a snake though it was still human.
"Watch it, Mister!" she growled and glared at him.
Snape looked shocked for a second but quickly composed himself wondering who these two were. It took Gemini the same amount of time to realise who she had just growled at. She prepared their leave and told her 'twin' so.
"Come on, Devius, time to leave," she hissed casually.
Devius voice was not less frightening, "Right, Gemini. Father will be waiting," he replied and the onlookers eyes widened.
These children did have interesting names, very interesting. Their voices also matched their appearances. No one dared to stand in their way right now. Snape looked at them thoughtfully. Of course no normal person would have noticed that but his work required him to be able to see every detail in his surroundings before reacting in any way but these kids wands seemed oddly familiar.
Especially the girls. He just didn't know why. The girl had seemed just as shocked when he'd bumped into her. He would surely figure it out. Perhaps two of his students? That reminded him he had seen Potter Junior and his girlfriend in Diagon Alley a few minutes ago but Potter's twin and Draco were missing.
Could it be? Of course, how could he not have noticed. The girls, Gemini's wand, was the same colour and shape as Carya Potter's. He had been there when she bought it almost three years ago. The boy must have been Draco Malfoy then.
He had to admit that they were really clever. They had changed their appearance and their voices but they had forgotten about the wands. It would be fun to drop a few hints to their failure at hiding their identity from everyone once school started again.
Though Severus would soon forget about that plan. He had more important things to do but the other people who had seen them didn't forget. Rumours were flying wild throughout 'Knockturn Alley' and soon the ministries spies in the dark area knew about that too.
Thankfully there were no pictures. Otherwise the kids would have been in serious trouble. They never told anyone about this but vowed do this again some time. It could be helpful if people were too scared to even look at them.
The two of them finished their shopping successfully and without being bothered by anyone. They'd gotten everything they needed for the potions they were just experimenting with. Not even Sirius knew that they were working on a new prank potion.
After slipping into an unused alleyway Carya and Draco changed back. They casually walked out into 'Diagon Alley' and met up with Harry and Hermione at 'Flourish and Blotts'. Those two were strangely quiet and Hermione looked as if she had been crying.
Carya could also tell that her twin was furious about something but she didn't ask. She knew he would explain eventually. Together they left towards the 'Leaky Cauldron' but not until Carya had re-subscribed to the 'Potion's Brewers Digest' and 'Potion's Masters Journal'.
Harry's subscriptions to 'Quidditch Monthly' and 'Which Broomstick' were still running for at least another year. While Harry was quite good at Transfiguration and one of the best when it came to Defence against the Dark Arts, his twin now leaned more to Theory of Magic and Potions.
She had a deeper understanding of the magic itself and had become really good with potions. That was one thing that confused not only them but Sirius and Remus as well. Neither of their parents had ever been that good in this particular subject.
James was never adept to it and Lily had only been average level. Hermione left them in the 'Leaky Cauldron' as her parents were already waiting. Harry gave her one last hug and whispered some reassuring words into her ear before the Granger's left into Muggle London.
Harry, Draco and Carya used the floo-network to get back to Black Manor. Once they were back home the children quickly excused themselves after grabbing some the and cookies from the kitchen. They gathered in Harry's room after putting down their purchases.
After placing a strong locking spell on the door and an even stronger silencing charm on the room itself they started talking about their day. Draco and Carya went first because their story was so exciting.
When the two kids reached the point where Professor Snape bumped into Carya, Harry was gaping.
"Harry, you'll catch flies, you know?" Draco told his brother.
"You didn't really do and say that, did you?" the male Potter asked shocked.
"Eh, I ... we did do it. But it wasn't my fault. He knocked me over. I just hoped he hasn't recognised us. There was something strange in his eyes when he looked at me," Carya explained. After they had finished Harry started telling them what happened to him and Hermione.
~*~*~ Flashback - Diagon Alley ~*~*~
Harry and Hermione were currently sitting in a nice and cosy cafe in Diagon Alley. It was named the 'Fuzzy Rabbit' and the hot chocolate they were drinking was really good. The two children were quietly chatting about their holidays and the current situation at Hogwarts.
Soon it was time to go for Harry and meet with his twin and Draco at 'Flourish & Blotts'. Hermione went with him. But near Madam Malkin's Robes for all Occasions they ran into one of those people they would have gladly avoided - Lucius Malfoy.
"Well, well, if this isn't or famous Mister Potter and his mudblood girlfriend" he sneered just loud enough for the kids to hear.
Harry tried to stay calm although that was quite a task. He hated it when someone called his girlfriend that. The boy squeezed Hermione's hand reassuringly before he spoke.
"Did you want something in particular, Mister Malfoy?" Harry asked coolly.
"Don't try and play games with me, Potter. You might get burnt if you play with fire," Malfoy said threatening but Harry had a quick comeback to that.
"Likewise Mister Malfoy, have a nice day," Harry shot back and smirked at the older wizard.
He and Hermione slipped back into the crowd and made their way towards the book-shop. Hermione was crying now. Now matter how often someone called her that she was hurt every single time.
"Don't let him get to you 'Mione!" Harry said lovingly, "He's not worth it. I don't care which family my friends come from. Don't look so sad. He's just an arrogant, stupid prick, you know?" Harry joked trying to cheer her up a bit.
Harry then did something unexpected. He took her right hand into his and kissed her on the palm. Hermione was deeply embarrassed but didn't pull her hand away. This was one of the sweetest thing her boyfriend had ever done for her.
Although thinking of them as a couple went only so far. They hadn't even kissed yet but still were considered a couple.
'He's right, my Harry is right. Malfoy's just an idiot. I shouldn't give a damn about what that bastard says. Harry likes me just as I am and Ginny, Draco and Carya feel the same. That is all that counts,' she thought and they soon reached the book-store.
Carya and Draco were arriving a few minutes later.
~*~*~ End Flashback - Diagon Alley ~*~*~
Later that evening Harry read a new book. He had bought it before he and Hermione had sat down in that cafe. The title was 'The Broomstick - A complete History' by Cornelius Cleansweep. Draco was once again reading in his new Arithmancy book while Carya was looking through her newest one.
One that she had bought in 'Knockturn Alley' while she and Draco were there. She had purchased it in 'Hellfire's Apothecary' without Draco noticing at first. He only realised what his sister had bought when they got home.
"Carya, are you mad? This book's forbidden! What if Sirius and Remus find out?" Draco asked her worriedly but the infuriating girl just smirked at him.
"You're not absolutely right. Yes, this book is forbidden for various reasons but only if they know, isn't it? And we already have a copy of that in the house. I know, why purchase another one then.
I'll tell you. I bought this because the other one is Remus and his one is missing at least one fifth of the pages. I think you know what type of potions is missing?" she asked and Draco nodded.
They both knew there were some dark potions in it but since Carya was fascinated with the subject for no apparent reason, she still studied those in theory. She had never brewed one of those though and she wouldn't do it either in the foreseeable future.
The title of the book was 'Dark and Light Potions' by Mercurius and it was high up on the list of the ministry for 'illegal' books. No one was allowed to buy or sell this kind of book these day's. If it had been in your family and you just 'had it' then nothing actually happened.
The rest of their holidays was just as peaceful as the beginning. For the first time since Mrs. Norris had been petrified the children relaxed a bit. Harry and Draco were out on their brooms but Carya refused to join them, stating that she was already forced to play on the house-team.
She was brewing potions instead. She'd been experimenting on some new pranks for a while now but there had been a lack of certain ingredients. Now that she'd bought them she was able to continue. Carya and Draco had been able to get everything she had wanted in 'Knockturn Alley'.
And now she could continue her research. The new book helped as well since it described how the more uncommon ingredients reacted with each other. At the end of christmas break she had made some major progress and was sure she would finish this summer.
It was January 3rd and the quartet was currently boarding the Hogwarts express to go back to school for the next term. Tomorrow would be the first day of classes and tonight would be the welcoming feast.
Although they didn't have any doubts that this time it would be cut short due to the critical circumstances. The children were glad that the school hadn't closed. They were right. They arrived in the late afternoon and were already sent to bed around nine.
Best thing was that their first day of classes was a Tuesday. This meant they had double History of Magic first thing in the morning. Plenty of time to catch up on the latest news. The friends were determined to find out who had attacked the students.
Not only because they were suspected but because the school was already just about to be shut down. It wasn't easy because their study sessions and walks to or from classes were often supervised.
By the beginning of February everything had calmed down a bit and the security was loosened slightly. The students still had to stay in their Common Rooms after sundown and weren't allowed out before sunrise or breakfast.
When walking through deserted areas they were still accompanied to or from class. Hogsmeade was still off-limits but everything else got back to normal or as normal as it could get given the situation. The students were worried about possible attacks and voluntarily stuck close to each other.
Especially the Hufflepuffs never went out alone. They'd rather miss a class than to walk around the castle without company. The other three houses weren't that paranoid but careful as well. So far no one had been able to find any clues that could point towards the culprits.
The twins, Draco and Hermione found out that two other students stood behind them: Fred and George Weasley. Those two had silenced and bound Ron when he had started to brag about them being the heirs of Slytherin and being behind those attacks for the second time.
They had even dragged the stunned boy right to their head of house and Ron got a month worth of detention for accusing other students without proof repeatedly. After that the Weasley twins weren't that popular in Gryffindor but they didn't care.
Both Potters once again wondered if those two had bribed the Sorting Hat to get into Gryffindor. They were definitely Slytherin material. Even Draco agreed on that one and he liked only one Weasley - Virginia.
She was the reason for his lack of appetite, his sleeping problems and his bad mood nowadays. He missed her. She had separated herself from everyone. Even from her best friends and family. The girl talked to no one and always looked pale and slightly sick.
Not even Madam Pomfrey could find out what was wrong. Valentine's day was the day when the quartet (former quintet when Ginny still was around) remembered the Quidditch incident. Harry had just given Hermione his Valentine gift when they saw a group of dwarves running around and stopping in front of students.
Not one of the children enjoyed the display they saw. Lockhart had once again made a mess of one of the better days these times. That screamed for revenge. Their planning was going on for six days until they finally came to a decision.
This time Lockhart wouldn't get green hair. He would become bald and his clothes would run away from him. Carya and Draco had practised the charms which Hermione and Harry had researched.
On Friday, February 24th it was time to turn their plans into reality. They put some kind of cloth-repellent charm on him so that any new clothes the next day would refuse to be worn by him. The balding spell would take affect some time during the afternoon when they'd Potions with Gryffindor.
That way they wouldn't get suspected immediately. Carya had altered the spell that it was delayed. Although Ginny had been better at Charms most of the time when it came to learn facts by heart Carya still was the practical expert. For now hat is. They didn't know if it would stay that way.
She understood how the spells worked and could alter them to her liking. Sirius and Remus had said that it was unusual for a thirteen year old to have that kind of power but didn't question it. Lily had afterall become a Charms Mistress before she'd even finished school.
So it was likely that the girl had inherited some of her mother's talent. Dinner was a funny affair. Not one student wasn't amused about Lockhart's appearance. Even the teachers found it entertaining.
Since everyone remembered the incident with Harry's arm they thought Lockhart has botched up another charm. The twins were half relieved half angry at this. For one they wouldn't get punished but that git got the credit for their hard work, well at least for half of it.
The second part of the prank wouldn't be explained that easily. The next morning they could hear shrill shrieks echoing through the hallways. The headmaster was called away from breakfast and when he returned he was trying to look sternly but failed mostly.
"It seems that someone has played a little prank on our dear Defence professor. Due to the current ... problem ... he has he cannot teach today. It seems that his clothes refuse to be worn by him and if he tries they insult his very being.
His classes will be covered by Professor Snape for first, third, fifth and seventh years and by myself for second, fourth and sixth years. See you in class," he told and left.
Everyone stared after the headmaster for a second or two but then the students started laughing helplessly. Even a few professors joined them. They knew that Lockhart had tried to wear something from his colleagues.
Hell, they had even tried Muggle clothing but the spell affected his very self and not the clothes until he actually touched them.
~*~*~ Albus Dumbledore POV ~*~*~
'That is an inventive prank. It certainly is above those the Weasleys normally play. ... It is worthy of the Marauders. Yes, I think I know who is behind this one. Well, since it's no lasting damage I think we'll let them get away this time. Although, ... Yes I know.
Severus and I will cover Lockhart's classes. But Severus will definitely teach the third years and the fifth years just in case they collaborated in this. If I'm right Gilderoy won't be able to teach for at least two weeks.
I still don't know why I even offered him this position. I guess it was just because he was the only candidate this year. Well next year that will hopefully change,' I thought and walked to my office to prepare something for class.
~*~*~ End Albus Dumbledore POV ~*~*~
He had been right. The spell lasted until March 15th. That was around the time when Quidditch practise started again after winter break. The Slytherin's were leading in the Championship followed by Ravenclaw and Gryffindor on second place and Hufflepuff was in fourth place.
It was similar with the housepoints although the houses weren't that far apart. Slytherin currently had 278 points, Ravenclaw had 257 points, Gryffindor stood at 249 points and Hufflepuff surprisingly and proudly stood at 237 points.
It hadn't been this close in a long time but the teachers didn't complain. The students were more attentive than ever because of the fear of being attacked if they didn't watch out. The forced homework or study sessions before christmas had helped too.
And despite the current happiness in the castle everyone was well aware of the problems. There were still two students and a cat in the infirmary, petrified and waiting for their cure. Everyone regardless if teacher or student fervently hoped that the culprit was caught soon and the petrified students cured.
But they knew too that the cure wouldn't be ready until May or perhaps early June. The worst was that if Justin and Colin couldn't catch up over summer they'd have to repeat the year the currently were attending.
A few days later something unexpected happened - they got a letter, well actually only a note, from Dudley. He was effectively telling them that he was a big brother now. Harry's and Carya's aunt had given birth to a healthy set of twin girls on Monday, March 21st.
The little ones had been named Lilian - Lily for short - and Freesia Dursley. It was one of those days they felt truly happy and forgot about the whole ordeal with the 'Chamber of Secrets'. Their best friends shared their happiness.
To their relief there didn't happening anything over the next month. The rest of March was just as peaceful as was April. Quidditch would soon restart with the match Gryffindor against Hufflepuff. The last game had been Ravenclaw against Hufflepuff which had been won by the Hufflepuff's.
They'd been ten points in the lead after Cedric Diggory caught the snitch. But the kind of peaceful atmosphere shouldn't last long. The four friends were together most of the time and when they had to stay in their Common Rooms Hermione had company in Cat.
The transfer didn't believe Hermione had anything to do with the attacks. Not only because she was indeed a Muggleborn but because Cat just couldn't picture Hermione like that. Carya and Harry along with Draco perhaps, but not gentle and friendly Hermione.
She was far too kind for a Ravenclaw. If anyone had accused Cat again of being behind this mess she'd have exploded and yelled at everyone who dared insulting her like that.
On May 8th Hermione stayed in the library with Cat because she wanted to help her fellow Ravenclaw with a Care of Magical Creatures homework. Although she didn't take that subject, Hermione had often read up on it along with Carya and Ginny last year.
Harry, Carya and Draco had left to watch the Quidditch match Gryffindor against Hufflepuff. If Hufflepuff won they'd nearly have the Quidditch Cup. Only Ravenclaw would be able to beat them but to do that the Ravenclaw's had to win with at least 50 points ahead.
Hermione was currently rummaging through an old copy of 'Fantastic Beasts and where to find them' when she suddenly remembered something. She quickly turned the pages until she found the one she was looking for.
She made a pencil note on the page, underlined a couple of sentences and urged Cat to come with her towards the pitch. Hermione had just found out something that she desperately needed to tell her friends.
~*~*~ At the Quidditch pitch five minutes later ~*~*~
The game was just about to start when everyone could see McGonagall all but running towards the pitch.
"Attention everyone! I have to tell you that today's match is cancelled," she said and all Gryffindors started protesting.
Cedric had been ill that day which meant they had a good chance at winning but no such luck. The Transfigurations Professor raised her voice for the second time.
"No argument Mister Weasley! There has been a fourth attack, a double attack," she explained just as the Slytherin trio walked towards them.
"Mister Potter, Mister Malfoy, Miss Potter, I think it is better you three follow me," she told the three and they had a very bad feeling about this.
"Professor? Who was attacked?" Fred Weasley asked before she left.
The witch turned around, looked sadly at Draco and the Potter twins before telling them, " Two Ravenclaw girls ...," she started and Carya's eyes widened in horror.
/No, it can't be, please not! Holy Slytherin don't say it!/she pleaded and Harry heard her. Her emotions mirrored his own.
McGonagall continued, "The students are Miss Williams and ... Miss Granger."
The professor didn't get any further. The three Slytherin's paled. Harry let out a strangled gasp which disturbingly sounded like 'Hermione' and a second later all you could see was the three children running towards the castle at full speed.
A few minutes later the friends arrived at the infirmary where they were greeted by Dumbledore. He didn't say anything at first but observed them while Madam Pomfrey let them see Hermione.
The headmaster noticed the pained look on Carya's and Draco's faces and the unshed tears in Harry's eyes. It was clearly visible that these three loved their friend dearly.
"Miss Potter? These items were found next to them. Do you know why?" he asked softly.
"I don't know ... that's 'Mione's mirror and ... my old copy of the book. ... I lend it to her yesterday because ..." the girl said but stopped abruptly when Professor Flitwick and Snape burst into the room.
"What happened Albus? I heard there was an attack?" Flitwick wanted to know.
"Yes, Filius, unfortunately. It was a double attack. Two of your female students," Albus explained.
"Sir, may I keep these until they're ... awake?" Carya inquired her voice unusually thick with emotion.
"Of course. I think it's best you three return to your Common Room. Severus would you escort them?" the headmaster replied and Snape nodded.
The three professor's barely heard the small whisper coming from Harry but they could understand it.
"Bye 'Mione, I'll be back, I promise. I won't leave you alone!" the boy whispered.
Snape gave Dumbledore a brief look and they agreed to talk later. None of the four said a single word for the whole trip down to the dungeons. Severus noticed that the children looked devastated.
He knew that they had been friends but never suspected that they'd been this close. It certainly explained the support they'd had from the Ravenclaw girl and if you compared this with the fact that Granger was the only non-Slytherin who occasionally sat at the Slytherin table it all made sense.
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Please Read and Review,
Carya
2005-10-01