Hidden Surprises

By: Heather :)


Hermione was mentally slapping herself as she walked under streetlight after streetlight, searching for her younger brother, Sebastian. She was stupid enough to not watch him during her argument with their father. He ran out, either full of fear or annoyance.

She cursed under her breath, finally spying her brother, swinging solemnly in the neighborhood park. One lone streetlight illuminated his figure, dejected and heartrending. His honey brown hair was ruffled, as always. His back was to her, but she knew his chocolate brown eyes were full of quiet tears. She knew his eyes were staring into the depths of the small pond before him.

Hermione couldn't help but smile as she took careful steps. She parked herself in the swing next to him. "You scared me." If anyone was near or even out at two o' clock in the morning, she wouldn't have cared. Her brother and her had a special level of noise that only they seemed to hear. It was a natural voice for them. They inherited it from their mother. She never yelled.

"I'm sorry," he said.

"It's okay."

"Hey," a voice called out from the front of the park, just to get her attention.

In one swift motion, she was standing and shielding her brother behind her.

"Whoa, sorry. I'm… new to the neighborhood."

"It's okay," she eyed him before turning to her brother. "Sebastian, honey, go home. My window is open. The screen is off. Stay in my room. Please, don't get in his way," she pleaded in that inaudible whisper that only he could hear. He touched the mark on her cheek in dismay. "I know, honey, but please go home… get some sleep."

"Okay, Mya. Be careful." He was cautious of leaving his sister, even for a ten-year-old, he knew the ways of the world.

"I will," she watched him amble home. "You're new?" she inquired of the boy.

"Yeah, my parents finally went to sleep. I slipped out."

"Oh, well, hi, I'm Hermione Granger. You must have moved into the Sinity house across the street." She put out her hand for him to shake.

His sparkling blue eyes studied her for a moment. "I'm Derek Machiata (Author note: I pronounce it Mash-e-ata. I made it up.) You go to Hogwarts, right?" He shook her hand.

She tilted her head and cocked an eyebrow, "yeah, you?"

"I'm going to attend there for my seventh year."

"Oh, where did you transfer from?"

"Durmstrang Institute."

"Oh," Hermione dismissed a blush, Durmstrang having brought her thoughts of Viktor Krum. She finally realized that Derek was still holding her hand. A tingle vibrated up her arm. She slicked her hand back to her side. "Well, I better get back…. If you want to hang out tomorrow or if you need help unpacking, drop by." She blew a kiss and sauntered away, her usual style of the summer.


Derek surveyed her intently as she walked away. His eyes followed her swaying hips and her flowing hair.

He memorized her every feature. Her eyes and how they glimmered in the moonlight. Her hair that lay gently on her shoulders, falling into her face and blowing like a wave in the wind. She had a rhythmic way. He could tell. She subconsciously rocked her body back and fourth during their short conversation. He remembered how she used to do this at school. He hadn't remembered how her eyes danced with such wonder, beauty painted across them.

I wish I had seen her this way years ago, Derek thought. Maybe I wouldn't be mixed up in this mess.

He, too, went home. He didn't bother to even remove his shoes as he fell to his bed. It felt weird, living in a muggle home, although he had only been there a mere day. He drifted to a peaceful sleep, disregarding any thoughts of where he was and why.


Author's chinwag (lol, had to use that word, just once... I promise.): Okay, so, that is the first chapter... It's really a prologue. I do hope you liked it. If not, please submit constructive criticism. I did my best:)

Okay, I know, some of you may have read my other story... If you haven't, don't. :) I decidedI don't like it but once I get a good story line for the sequel... I'll be posting that. My writing has since matured, and I've gotten over the whole centering text fiasco. If you have read it and have any ideas, I'm open.

Please, hit that pretty little button and review! If you won't me to respond... tell me. If I'm really bored, I probably will anyway... :)

No, I don't know my update schedule... sorry.

I do love you all,

Heather