We Held Hands
12
Through the Memory Lane
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Previously…
"If… it wasn't worth it, you don't need to trouble yourself." Isis voice was completely different now. Draco looked up and could see that he had just added misery to her. It was unbelievable to think that a Malfoy really has the impeccable ability to put misery in anyone's life. "Thank you for being such a wonderful friend here at Hogwarts, Draco Malfoy. I might see you again until the end of the term but don't trouble yourself further. Goodnight."
Draco was once again gazing at those excruciatingly miserable brown eyes. It was as if he really didn't want her to leave, after all that he had said. Confessed more like it. Don't let her leave you git! He told himself but as he was about to speak again, Isis stood up and left. The last thing Draco saw as he glanced at her retrieving form was her face drenched with tears, which was dangerously warning to fall from her eyes from the very beginning Draco told what he… Felt?
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Isis' POV'But how was I to deny you? I don't even know how all of these came about…'
I've heard this before… But when…?
'How can you deny me of just being with you, let alone just see you? Where were you?'
When did I hear all of these…? How come I haven't?
'…my very disposition always condemn me because I have let my defenses down. I have made myself so accustomed and so vulnerable…'
Draco… right. That was just a while ago, wasn't it?
'I have let my defenses down… How was I to know if you weren't betraying me at all? How was I to know if being with you is worth the risk of all that is around us?'
Wait… Draco didn't say that…Did he?
'How dare you betray me? I will not take this condition nor will I accept your reason! I will never let you go and you cannot make me! You know as well as I do that your powers will remain dormant and that's that.'
How… Wait a minu—
Isis woke with a start. It had felt to her like she was being forcefully pulled out form that dark abyss of a dream. She squinted her eyes because once she had opened them; it met a shocking dazzle of a lighted wand.
"Isis… Are you alright?" Somewhere from the back of her mind, she heard a concerning voice.
"Blaise? Is that you—" Isis began to sit up and look around just as she had registered that she was lying at floor of the girl's dormitory a searing pain shot through her head. "Agh!" She clutched her hand and she was about to pull her hair out of miserable pain when Blaise's hand wound its way to her possessed hands.
"No…" Blaise's calm voice seemed to have given Isis' sanity back. "Isis, what happened to you? I met Pansy just a while ago and she had that satisfied smug face on her so I went here. I found you… well, you were crying." Blaise's strong and concerned eyes lingered for a bit at Isis' but not before Isis had closed her eyes and took some deep breath.
"I… don't know, really. I never really knew what had happened after last night…" Isis' face darkened. The image of Draco's cold eyes flashed to her mind and she winced, somehow, seeing it from inside her mind gave her pain, she doesn't even know why.
"You and Draco fought, didn't you?" Blaise's voice didn't hide much.
"How did you—"
"I saw the wreck that he made at the dormitory and every time we'd dare approach him, he'd threaten us with a curse. So far, only Crabbe and Goyle seemed to have foolishly disregarded his threat and got themselves landed at the hospital wing…" Blaise's voice was a deep foreboding. He offered his hand to Isis and she took it, hoisting herself up and steady.
"Thanks."
"Don't mention it." Was all that Blaise said and that was about it before the long, tense silence.
"I… what time is it?" Isis started, knowing very well that it was Christmas Day, never felt so crestfallen.
"Just three minutes past seven. Almost everyone left. Only some Slytherin sixth and seventh year stayed. Would you like to go to breakfast or…?" Blaise's voice was almost steady now but was cautious. But Isis noticed this.
"Blaise… thank you so much for the concern…" Isis thought for a moment. "Would you like to come with me and meet Mummy and Daddy?" Seeing as she might as well keep her mind off of Draco as much as possible, she offered this to her friend, which he took with quite a shock.
"I—err—sure." Blaise abruptly said. "I mean, if your parents wouldn't mind…"
"No, they really wouldn't. Plus, I told them I'd introduce some of my friends, and you're one of them, am I right?" Isis gave Blaise a rather gentle smile, one Blaise had rarely seen from her.
"Oh, okay."
"Just wait for me at the common room okay? I'd be just a minute to freshen up… Please…" Isis' voice pained a bit at the end and the gentle smile seemed to have vanished instantly. Isis' saw Blaise eyes had darkened at that point. "Please, don't mention anything about… this, will you Blaise?"
"Just for you, I won't." Came in the firm voice of Blaise. He nodded and slowly made his way out of the dormitory and to the Common Room. Hearing the click of the door shut, Isis slowly walked towards her own bed and slumped back down. She sighed in exhaustion. Why are all of these happening to me? She closed her eyes and dug deep inside her mind the words she had just encountered in her dreams.
'I have made myself so accustomed and so vulnerable…''How was I to know if you weren't betraying me at all? How was I to know if being with you is worth the risk of all that is around us?'
I didn't remember Draco ever telling me that. Isis thought.
"But who said that to me?" She muttered to herself. She opened her eyes and sat back up. She looked all around the dormitory and towards her bedside table. Everything was in order. No one dared mess with Isis even though she was known to be an undeserving Slytherin. This was either because of Malfoy or because it is now a general knowledge at school that she was highly gifted at non-verbal powerful spells.
She trudged her way towards the bathroom with some fresh clothes in hand. She looked at the wide mirror and saw that she had gained much eye bags than usual. Had Blaise noticed this? I surely hope not…She opened the faucet and splashed cold tap water to her pale face. It was unnervingly unusual for she wasn't that fair colored. She looked… pale. She shivered as cold-water beads dribbled down her neck. After using some concealing spells, quarter of a minute early, she was out into the dormitory. She spotted Blaise gazing into the open fire at the fireplace, deep in thought.
"Hey…" Isis began as she made her way towards where Blaise sat. "Come on. They would've been awake by now."
Blaise stood up and with a nod, he said. "Right."
They made their way silently towards the other side of the castle. It rather agreed with Isis, it was enough for Draco asking her questions she haven't really known the answers to herself, let along Blaise ask.
They took a halt in front of a painting. "Violet's the name, and happy Christmas to you!" She said.
"You too, Merry Christmas, Santa Claus." Isis replied.
"Indeed." Violet nodded and the portrait swung open to reveal a modest common room, fit for Hogwarts visitors.
"Santa Claus? I think I've heard of those words before…" Blaise started.
"You have?" Isis asked, as she walked towards the threshold and into the room, her parents were nowhere inside. Asleep. She thought.
"Well, yes. Isn't he that fat guy who gives muggle children gifts?" Blaise inquired.
"Why yes. He's a wizard." Isis smiled. Her smile further widened upon the look on Blaise's face.
"He is a—! A wizard? But how can he live that long? Is he immortal?"
"No, his family had lived up to the tradition of giving good muggle children gifts for the last centuries…" Isis informed him. "You haven't taken Muggle Studies, have you?"
They both sat down at a large sofa, waiting for Isis' parents.
"Erm… no. My mother wouldn't allow me." Blaise said. He sat back down; uncomfortable it may seem as to where this conversation might lead.
"But, how about your father?" Isis said.
"Which one?" There was a quick bite of anger at that one, Isis felt.
"Blaise… what do you mean…?"
"My mother… See, she had far too many husbands." Blaise dismissively said. Isis never really saw this part of him. Even though Blaise Zabini is a Slytherin, he wasn't as bad as the others, in fact, if it wasn't because of the Slytheirn symbol, some would've mistaken him for a witty Ravenclaw.
"What--?"
"Later." Blaise's voice shifted.
"Oh, okay." Isis muttered and cast her eyes down. It was new to her, this side of Blaise; she was quite accustomed to the nice, caring one.
"Isis… I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to snap—" But as Blaise was about to complete his apology did the door of the Common Room open.
"Why, Good morning, Miss Black, Mister Zabini." Albus Dumbledore said. "A very Merry Christmas to you! I was quite surprised that you have come here this early."
"Same to you, sir." Isis smiled.
"Merry Christmas, Sir." Blaise greeted, rather forcefully, nonetheless, the Headmaster smiled down at the two and took a single chintz chair conjured out of nowhere.
"Well, They'd wake any moment now, I expect. Meanwhile, do tell me how things went by last night, Miss Black, Isis." Dumbledore inquired.
Blaise's forehead creased, as if thinking that the Headmaster knew what has happened all along. "Oh, it went well, sir. Mummy and Daddy was very excited to go around the castle, are you sure they're quite alright to stay here?" Isis said, a tinge of apprehension in her voice.
"Why, yes, Isis. Definitely." Dumbledore continued. "Mister Zabini, how about you? Your mother had asked me as to why you wouldn't go home for this Christmas, you know."
"My mum and him can have all the time they want, sir." It was as if Blaise didn't want to be engaged in any conversation regarding his mother, at all.
Just as Isis was about to cover up the silence did her parents appeared and rescued everyone's day.
They had breakfast altogether and toured the castle. At first, Blaise was quite intimidated with Isis' father's behavior towards him. But after the assurance by Isis that Blaise is a complete gentleman and a trusted friend, did Isis' father smile towards Blaise. Isis had a fun morning with them but sensed a great apprehension ahead. She was scheduled to meet with Professor Dumbledore at lunch that day to talk about what has happened and what is happening to her. Either be it good or bad, I want to know. Isis was determined.
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Harry's POV
In an unknown faraway place
Two bodies took their place
One attempted to shine the light
The other saw it and too took its flight
They race each other back and forth
Unknown to each what has in store
But Fate has seen and tangled their path
Unexpectedly, they face each other's wrath
Now all was drawn to this forthcoming
The beginning of the end and the end of the beginning
Three stars aligned will conclude the start
As each role will soon play their part
Oh, beware the great chaos yonder
When the heavens gain the solstice of winter
For one never forgets the unfinished score
Of the unknown faraway place of yore
--The Prophecy of Aereia
Harry had read this one for hundredth of time. It was a book Isis lent to Hermione just after they became friends. Hermione said read this… But what could've been so important as to read this book?
Once upon a time, there existed an enchanting place called Aereia. The people lived in harmony there under the leadership of Lord Cesar of the House of Heavens. Everyone was contented at Aereia and couldn't have asked for more, the way they lived at this place was as much of living in Eden.
Until the Dark came… Lord Cesar himself was caught defeated by the Nightmares the Dark seemed to have cast off towards the once peaceful Aereia… Just as all was doomed, the young Lady stepped up and claimed herself be a sacrifice for the cause of others.
'Let me surrender myself to you. In exchange, let the People of Aereia be free of your nightmares.' Said she, standing tall, raven haired, all brave and fair.
The Dark was completely bemused by her. 'You'd dare be brave and offer yourself to be forever asleep beholding Nightmares?' It asked.
'I dared to. For the People, for everyone. Let me sleep a thousand slumber; let me sleep an eternity of Darkness.
The Dark mystified by the gentle lady, had only asked her this…
'When winter doth came,
This I give to you, a bargain.
Free me from this gilded cage,
Crafted by your Master's rage.
Your People shall not suffer harm,
If you'd yoke out your charm.
So,
As the three stars rise from below,
They shall thwart me I know.
Then, I shall bestow my rage,
To those three stars of mage.
This is the bargain I give,
Your place shall peacefully live.'
Reluctant as the Lady was, she promised to herself that she'd thwart these creatures from reality to dreams, stop them from spreading their Nighmares. After an oath to herself, she struck the bargain and saved the people of Aereia. Never was it known of what happened to the fair lady. Her oath, of eradicating nightmares everywhere was fulfilled. Just as well as that it was known of Aereia, wherever it is, remains in complete Peace.
Harry flipped the next page, wondered what could've happened after that. That's an example of wizarding bedtime story? Harry thought. All that effort just to reassure a child that no nightmare would claim them, eh? Harry smiled inwardly, though sadly. He wondered if ever his mother had tucked him to bed and told him stories like these.
It was Christmas morning and the sun had just shine. Gryffindor Common Room received its warm shinning greeting while the Gryffindor students groaned the bright light that instantly made their eyes shut tight. Harry looked around; only a handful of Gryffindors had stayed at Hogwarts. He saw Dean's head lolling about his neck; the book he was reading had just fallen from his hand's grasp. Looking to the other side, Ron, who had just gotten up and ran down the stairs to greet Harry a happy Christmas, merrily snored back to sleep at the couch. Hermione on the other hand, as per usual, was totally focused on another book. She hadn't taken her eyes from it since she came down to the common room after Ron fell asleep on the couch. It was as if she was avoiding conversation at all to Harry.
"Hermione?" Harry began, unsure if it was the right timing to at least greet her a Happy Christmas.
"Yes?" Hermione's voice, irritated, spoke out, her head still covered by the thick tome. Note to self: never interrupt Hermione Granger when reading a very large book, Harry thought.
Harry sighed and made a go for it, "Happy Christmas, Hermione." He greeted her with both caution and sincere apology in his voice.
Hermione's features seemed to have softened and from behind the large volume did she reply, "You too, Harry. Happy Christmas."
"Hmmm… Firebolt, thanks…" Ron groaned in his sleep. Hermione peeked her head out of the book she was preoccupied and smiled.
"A bit excited with the Quidditch Finals, is he, Harry?" Hermione started. It was alright, she forgives me. Harry thought to himself.
"Ah, you could say that. Ron's been getting along fine, you know. He's been practicing at some point on weekends." Harry informed her as he flipped the book in his hands. "Hermione… Just out of curiosity of the many curiosity, what is the significance of reading this?" Harry held up the book.
"Don't you want to know all about Isis? Doesn't the things she endures intrigue you?" Hermione said. Her brown eyes with much concentration and concern at the same time. "She had been quite good to me and I guess, she could you some help… She's been using Concealing Charms…"
"Is she?" Harry's face showed shock. If I had known there'd be a way or a spell for concealment…Hermione may have probably read Harry's mind so she beat him to the idea, "Harry, Concealment is highly-advanced. It could drain you powers, it even depends on what you conceal and for how long will you conceal it." Hermione went on, "That' why I'm concerned. The way Isis carried herself last night… She has eye bags, Harry."
"What? We all have those, Hermione. You're forgetting we're studying here at Hogwarts." Harry said and closed the book.
"No, what I mean is, it's as if her eyes were about to literally pop out! Plus, there was a mark on her neck. It was colored in searing red. Haven't you even noticed that one?"
"Searing… Wait a minute. Did you know all along that she…"
"I know she and that woman who took her place when she and Malfoy was dueling is entirely the same. I know also that Isis has something to do with that book." Her gaze drawn to the book Harry closed. Of course, Harry noticed the uncanny features of the lady at the back, but is it quite a coincidence at all?
"When she lent it to me, she said it was a fun read but when I asked her about the likeness between her and that Lady, she just dismissively told me that it was simply a coincidence." Hermione sighed and finally closed the large tome. "I was about to ask her about how she manages to cast so many spells at once when Professor Snape interrupted." She let out a frustrated grunt. "You know, I was starting to think that maybe Professor McGonagall's right. I should really just take MediWitch course, Professor Snape's not been completely pleasant lately."
Harry snorted. "Come on, Hermione, since when was he really pleasant? I was had been asking you time and time again what came to your head when you accepted Apprenticeship with that slimy git."
"I meant he wasn't talking much." Hermione corrected Harry. "And he mentioned that we meet with Professor Dumbledore around lunch today, now that I remember."
Harry's face darkened. Finally, something's happening. "Did Snape told you about what could possibly have happened? Why Professor Dumbledore wanted us to meet him?"
"I don't know, really. He just said:" Hermione scrunched up her face and imitated the cold, deep, irritated voice of the Potions Master, " 'Miss Granger, as I so despise to have been a messenger, the Headmaster would like to see you, Potter and Weasley at his office. I don't know when but I should inform you anytime soon.' I tell you, if I wasn't so keen as to what it could possibly be, I couldn't have asked him when I was sorting out Third Year essays. And he was the one who got irritated!" Hermione huffed.
"Right, can't wait. I was wondering what has happened outside…" Harry's voice had somehow changed and Hermione looked at him sideways with a rather anxious look. "Remus hadn't been mentioning much, just that he was busy underground."
"Professor Dumbledore made him meet with those…" Hermione broke off but Harry knew whom Hermione was referring to: Werewolves.
"Yes, and I'm not happy in hearing that one. Neither is he when he realized he was the one needed and suitable for the guise." Harry continued. "Plus, I wanted to know how come it took me three owl posts before he could answer my letter the last time."
"Harry. Full moon, remember?"
"Yeah, it came and went. You know, when I mentioned Isis to him, he said that I should mind my own business." Harry scoffed, "I mean, I was just telling him of something here! The last one that gone me ticking was 'We have far too many bloody problem and as much as I want you to be informed, I think it is best that you know just what you need to know, no more, no less.' Can't have me knowing much, if that's what he meant."
"Well, we've been meddling too much. There hasn't been anything new to do, come to think of it. I was really wondering what has happened as well but…" Hermione sighed. "Could you give Remus a break, Harry? It is much better to have not heard of anything miserable outside. Would you want to have heard him or others in trouble, or worse, dead? I hope not. You've been expecting too much."
"Hermione, it's VOLDEMORT. I am expecting much more from him. He hasn't made any move at all. That's what's troubling me. If he's been silent all this time, he's up to something… that we won't like to even imagine. " Harry's fist closed and he could feel sin tearing beneath it. "I won't have anyone dead because of me, you know that."
"Harry, I wasn't implying about Si—"
"Then are you saying that I should mind my own business as well? You know I hate to be kept in the dark." Harry cut in. Knowing full well that Hermione was about to mention Sirius, he might as well set things straight. "I don't take the full blame of his death, if that's also what you mean. I just wanted to be informed and wanted to do something for all of us. Not just sitting here, all cooped up at school." Hermione has got nothing to say at that point. There was an absolute silence when…
"I heard that Harry Potter." Ginny's voice came in. "It's great to hear you don't blame yourself for Sirius' death but I don't like your tone with Hermione at all. You don't need to take it all out to her, you know. We all here want to do something but can't. You're not the only one." She had just come through the portrait and has been listening all along. "Dumbledore wants you in his office now." And with that, she went up the stairs and to the dormitories.
"I thought you said Dumbledore wants to meet us at lunch?" Harry asked Hermione.
"Maybe this cannot wait."
"Listen, Hermione… I don't mean to be rude or…"
"It's… okay Harry. I just, seeing you talk about those stuff with coldness unnerves me. I'm familiar with you shouting, you know." Hermione smiled.
Harry laughed and said: "But we can't have all of these people seeing me as the one Rita Skeeter said: raving mad."
"Yes well… Come one, let's wake Ron."
After listening to Ron's spectacular blurt of 'bloody hell!' the three of them made their way towards the Great Hall to get some light breakfast before heading towards Dumbledore's office.
"What exactly did he want us for?" Ron asked for the umpteenth time. He wasn't much of a morning person.
"We just don't know." Harry said. "I hope it's not that… Hey, who knows his password?"
"I do." Hermione said.
When they made it towards the stone gargoyle…
"Fire away…" Harry said.
"Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes." Hermione said.
"Great, another Fred and George fan." Ron groaned. "I'll never hear the end of this."
The stone gargoyle moved up and they stepped up the rotating stairs. When Harry knocked on the door, the usual cheerful voice of the Headmaster was absent. It was replaced with a troubled voice of 'Come in'. Harry frowned but nevertheless, he led his friends inside the circular room of the Headmaster.
"Please, have a sit. I have been waiting for you. I think it best start when all is present. This cannot wait, I'm afraid." Dumbledore said. He seemed to have been using much of his Pensieve as it was now situated at his desk as well. "I just hope…" the Headmaster murmured.
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Author's Note: Third Quarter finals have now finished at our school and I'm still busy. Schoolwork gave me so much headache that my ideas for my fanfics are kind of scrambled up. I'm finding it hard to insert my fanfics into my schedule. But believe me, if I wasn't so much exhausted, I would surrender to my insomnia and just type away just to finish my fanfics.
Dazze: Hey! I finally posted this one. Can't wait to post the later chapters, you know? So, far the editing is less strenuous as per usual but I think I kind of been loose when I was editing this chapter. Too many plots exposed but… oh well.
To my Harry Potter Clanmates: Hey! Guys, if you're reading this, please leave a review will you? I would like to know what you guys think of this one because when I'm done with this fanfic, I'm gonna offer this to our site!
Guys, remember:
WRITERS LOVE REVIEWS!