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Chapter 11: Crosswalk
[Houa POV]
She was running like her life depended on it because honestly it did at this point!
"You can run, but you can't hide!" sneered the dark robed minions.
And it was true! It didn't matter where she ran, they had her cornered at every turn.
Multiple hexes were shot, few landing their mark on her chest, belly, and right foot causing Houa to fall flat on her face as immense pain seared throughout her body.
Oh no! I'm not protected!
She screamed as they dragged her to the top of the Astronomy Tower, throwing her at the feet of their self-proclaimed King like a slave.
"STOP! LEAVE ME ALONE!" she was bleeding from the hexes as Tom gazed condescendingly over her.
"Tell me what you know about ME and Dumbledore!" he demanded, his yew wand piercing the skin on her throat.
"I KNOW NOTHING!"
He crushed her upper arm with his hand and dangled her like a doll over the edge of the tower, "Last chance!"
"NO! PLEASE DON'T!" she begged, tears of desperation blurred her vision, but she could still make out the slythering monster below, "I REALLY DON'T KNOW ANYTHING!"
"Suit yourself," the young Dark Lord's hand loosen and she pulmet like a rock.
The last thing Houa saw was the fangs of the basilisk...
"AAAHHHH!" The young Xellarian fell out of bed with a huge thud causing her roommates to rush over.
"HOUA! Are you alright?"
Heaving for breath the aching girl saw their concerned faces and realized she was alive in her room instead of dead in the pit of a reptile's stomach. Relieved, she recalled being too frightened to sleep after yesterday and had woken up at the slightest movement or sounds throughout the night. Houa finally knocks out from exhaustion at who knows when only to find she's no longer safe in dreamland too!
But Thank God! It's—it's just a dream!
Heart still thumping loudly, she reached for Vivienne's proffered hand to stand up, "Yea, Just a bad dre—."
Immediately, she was pulled into a trance and the scene was enough to diffuse any nightmares of her's:
The black haired witch pulled a handsome blonde into her arms, "If I can't choose who I marry, at least let me choose who I give myself to for the first time."
Seeing her tears, he reached to caress them away, "Vivienne, don't do this out of desperation. I don't want you to regret anything."
"Please Cal. I can't see myself doing this for the first time with anyone other than the person I love. And that person is you!"
He leaned forward and kissed her lips, "And I love you too."
Houa swiped her hand away from Vivienne's as soon as the bed came into view, blushing like a red tomato.
"Something the matter?" the dating witch gazed at Houa with a hurtful expression.
"Yea, you're so red. Are you sick?" Estelle came forward.
Bringing her hands up in a waving motion in front of her, Houa smiled shyly, "No, I'm good Estelle. Thank you for helping me up Vivienne. I just remembered something urgent I needed to do this morning."
Merlin! I need to stop touching people and invading their personal lives whether it is accidental or not. What would they think of me if they knew what I saw or feel for that matter?
"Oh, gotcha," Vivienne folded her hands, gazing nervously onto the floor, "Anyway, that reminds me Houa, my eighteenth birthday is Sunday. I wanted to ask you if you wouldn't mind staying out of our dorm room tomorrow until the late evenings? I want to spend some time alone with my boyfriend please. I talked with Estelle already, she was cool with it. How do you feel about it?"
Estelle quickly added, "We know this is a lot to ask of you, but Vivi promised to take precautionary measures so no one else will know. This is all she wants for her birthday. It would mean the world to us if you could keep it a secret and help us out as well."
A dark blush had made its way onto the embarrassed witch's cheeks and both were staring at their third roommate in fearful anticipation.
This was obviously a huge violation of school policy and who knows what the consequences were if they were discovered, but the Xellarian had long made up her mind since seeing the vision.
She smiled warmly at them, "Of course Vivienne. I can do that for you. That's what friends do after all right?"
At her response, the two witches glomped her in a hug, crying thank you over and over again.
Guess it can't be helped this time, Houa embraced them equally as more visions came forth. From what Houa saw, it seemed beautiful Vivienne is already engaged to a "fine wizard," one she has never even met nor have a say in it. Lovely Estelle on the other hand, was free if only until her parents' also identify a desirable suitor.
It's just like April's situation…
The dimensional traveler sigh realizing that the role of a woman in this realm was still in its early stage and had yet to evolve into that of Xellarius where blood and gender plays no role in a soul's worth. More than anything, souls were seen greater than just equal partners, rather honor for their individual uniqueness and divine in their loving union together.
That's why even after Father died, mother never stopped loving him. Her love only grew...
A throbbing pain pierced her beating heart and Houa held her female sisters tighter.
If only I could do more for all of you...
Grabbing a quick bite in the Great Hall with April, Houa saw that aside from the few staff present, the High Table had remained quite bare. She had wanted to thank the Head Gryffindor for escorting her yesterday, but it seemed that would have to wait.
Since I still need to inform my Aunt of that enormous telescope bill...
After their munch, the two Hufflepuff made their way to the Muggle Studies classroom.
"By the way, about the project," April gave Houa the eyebrows to indicate it was about the polyjuice potion, "I may need some help gathering some materials."
The Xellarian knew by materials, her friend actually meant ingredients. It was their vague way of communicating about the secretive potion while keeping it discreet, "Give me the list later."
At April's nod, they arrived in front of the door and waited after knocking several times.
Strange...Aunt Songly should be in. She usually informs me ahead of time if she's off in the Muggle World.
The door opened to a Ravenclaw boy with short curly brown hair and coffee color eyes behind thick framed glasses, "You're Professor Songly's niece aren't you?"
Oh, I didn't expect another student here on the weekend.
"Um yes," in a hurry to talk to her Aunt, Houa added, "Is she in?"
"Yes, we've just finished our discussion on Muggle technology. Go on in," the boy smiled and side stepped.
"I'll see you back in the common room," April waved and excused herself.
"Good morning dear. Did you need something?" Aunt Songly smiled warmly from her desk, her aura was that of fondness and deep joy.
Houa could tell the conversation had gone fairly well since few students ever cared for her Aunt's subject of teaching. Fuseesongly must have been delighted to come across one of the more profound students who actually show genuine interest. She could only hope that would be enough to satiate the researcher considering what the next topic is.
Damn Tom and his minions!
Once again Aunty Songly had reprimanded her when she pinned the telescopic bill on the Head Boy only to have no proof backing her up. When Houa protested further with last night's attempted kidnapping, her Aunt had told her not to over dramatize the situation and random bullies. Houa failed to see how she was over-dramatizing; she was traumatized enough to have a nightmare this morning. Plus nothing about it was random at all! It was the work of the psychotic Slytherin Houa argued, but of course the researcher could deduce no connection since the bullies were dressed in dark robes instead of Slytherin uniforms.
Frustrated, the younger Xellarian took a detour towards the courtyard for some fresh air to process her thoughts.
Houa has had enough of Riddle and his evil schemes. At this rate, the lunatic is only going to keep tormenting her in real life and dreams until he gets what he wants. While Aunt Songly has adamantly refused to look into Tom's future memories at Houa's suggestion, there are simply too many lives on the line including her own for her not to fight back.
But who would help me fight back?
The answer came as soon as she had inquired: Albus Dumbledore!
Hmm...but that would mean having to explain the entire situation and perhaps even knowledge she had obtained from the Dark Lord's future. Not good, it would be catastrophic if the future changes and the Head Boy is already suspicious of her involvement with the Transfiguration Professor. Did she really want to add oil to the fire?
No, she didn't, but it may be her only chance to threaten Riddle, at least until the polyjuice potion is complete.
In the midst of her thoughts, the wandering maiden did not realize who she had just crossed paths with until an icy voice sent chills down her spine, "Pleasant morning Miss Songly."
It did not take a genius to know who that voice belonged to when a deathly aura was attached to it along with all the female attention aimed in their direction.
Houa stilled her movements, her back facing him in shock. Merlin! Was I that preoccupied to neglect my own surroundings?
She strengthened her auric shield as a sharp feminine voice snap, "Aren't you going to return the gesture?!"
The Hufflepuff turned slightly, seeing the renowned Head Boy standing next to an equally attractive maiden with aqua eyes and long golden curly hair fashioned with a satin emerald hairband. Her rose lips stood out on her pale complexion, accentuating her beauty further. Such loveliness was contrasted by its owner's crossed arms and a begrudging aura which puzzled Houa only until she saw the Riddle eyeing her and not said maiden of beauty.
This was not the fresh air she was hoping for. In a haste to end conversation, Houa merely nodded and turned to walk away only to pause at the beauty's next whispers, "Don't mind her Tom. It was wrong to expect manners from someone of such low upbringing."
Low upbringing?!
Her childhood bullies resurfaced and she turned to them ready to retort that if they were so great then they wouldn't have to lower another in an attempt to feel superior right as a familiar voice cut in:
"I wouldn't speak to someone I don't like either!"
A friendly aura with a tinge of annoyance wrapped around Houa as all eyes turned to the popular Gryffindor that poof beside her.
She gazed at Rey in surprise as he winked, "Right Houa?"
Tom's eyes narrowed as the Slytherin witch beside him leered, "You never cease to amaze me whenever a damsel in distress is involved, Rey."
The comment bothered him very little and he laughed, "Pleased to know I live up to your expectations Crystinia. Now if you'll excuse us," Rey hooked his arm around Houa's shoulder, "Miss Songly has plans with me."
The Head Boy's darken aura was the only clue of his displeasure as she walk off once more with the triumphing Gryffindor.
The hazel eyed wizard was probably in his second year or so. He had just passed all his classes with O's again in the Fall semester and was excited to inform his parents during winter break. He had been looking forward to them praising him and taking him out to celebrate as they had done his first year. However, when the time came and he brilliantly showcased his grades, he was taken aback when his parents had responded indifferently.
"We expect nothing less," was his father's dull reply as he read the Daily Prophet on the latest infiltration into the Wizarding Underground Black Market.
"Do inform us if anything else changes," his mother drank her tea from the exquisite china porcelain.
Rey stood speechless, unsure what to make of their comments and a new scene unfolds.
He was just selected to be the chaser on the Gryffindor Quidditch Team! His parents had responded in enthusiasm upon finding out the news. Rey's heart hummed with joy as they came to watch him play. And boy did he play! He was like the wind, scoring over half his team's total points, excluding the snitch. After the game, his parents would run up to him in praises and showered him with hugs.
It never happened again after the first three games...
The scene began to change, but became a blur as said Chaser removed his arm off her shoulder in a stretch.
Houa came back to the present noticing that they had walked quite far and out from sight of the rest of the students. She was alone with him on a walkway overlooking the calm Great Lake.
"Don't worry yourself over the Head Boy and Girl. They're always like that," Rey yawned nonchalantly, "They'll get you to think that perfection gets you everything, but trust me it doesn't."
Hearing it from the flamboyant wizard only confirmed Houa's thoughts that he too, at one point, considered the notable role of Head Boy in hopes of gaining acknowledgement from his parents, but decided against it.
He wants to be sincerely seen by his parents and others for who he is, not because of any labels.
Warmth swells in Houa's heart at the possibility of this incredible soul as the grandfather of Harry Potter, "There's no need to prove anything. Even without being on the Quidditch Team. Even without being Head Boy. Even without being the Potter heir. You're already enough just as you are Rey."
His hazel eyes pierced her burnette ones in astonishment and Houa could sense an overflowing yearning to hear those very words, an affirmation to himself of his truth.
Embarrassed, he turned swiftly away, "What are you saying? I never said I wanted any of those titles. Silly!"
She only closed her eyes and laughed out loud, knowing he secretly appreciated it to the depths of his bones.
But if the Xellarian had kept her eyes open, she would have seen the Gryffindor wizard gazing at her in wonderment, blush feathering his cheeks as he turned away once more.
TBC
Dadum Dadum Dadum! And in case my wonderful readers haven't realized it yet, this is a slow burn story. Comment below and let me know what you think of this developing relationship?