Chapter Five:
I learned long ago that emotional pain is a figment of your imagination. An illusion that you create within the bowels of your mind, but what I feel now proves that theory wrong. The traitor who has now reappeared in my life will not leave soon. The curse is beginning. Once fate has been written on a prophecy, there's no going back. There's no escaping cruel fate.
The crumpled parchment within my hand holds a dark secret that may alter the future, or destroy it.
Silence seems to enjoy the effect it has on me, uncomfortable and full of deceit. I can't take it any longer…
"Please say something." The whispered words hover in the air and no response returns for a long time.
Minutes pass, hours seem to follow it, but then again, time is meant to create misery.
"What should we say? We're in shock, we feel betrayed, and we can't believe you of all people would be the cause of that." Ginny, my only friend, thank you. Your words, however cold, still give the essence of you caring deeply. Those who do not care do not speak.
"Why did you do it?" Ron has found his voice, but anger is radiating from it. There is no doubt in my mind that you will yell at me for such actions. Nevertheless, I deserve it. Nothing can justify what I have done, nothing.
"I had to. If I could tell you, I would, but some things are better left unsaid." The truth, vague yes, but the truth.
"You can tell us anything Hermione." I flinch the accursed name. "Anything. You can trust us. If you keep it a secret, how are we to understand?" The redheaded female is so full of wisdom yet the irony of it all is that her wisdom does nothing in this situation.
"Trust me Ginny. If I told you, it would put more than one person in danger." My neck burns and I take this as a warning.
"Who was he?" Should I tell them? Would it help? Take away one load? No. It will do nothing.
"A traitor, a vampire." They gasp slightly at this. Looking down at my feet, I see the shattered remains of the mirror. It reflects my tired face, something it failed to do moments before. Hmm… I seem to be destroying more mirrors in my lifetime. Isn't that an action of bad luck. Well, they are my enemy, a reminder of who I have become.
The symbol burns once more and Harry speaks. "Let me see the note." He holds out a hand, but I refuse to give him what he seeks.
"No. It may hurt you. I know this person well enough. I wouldn't put it past him to curse it." Harry retracts his hand, but gives me a desperate look. He wants it, I won't give it.
Unfolding the parchment, I glance once to the people in front of me. They accepted my friendship long ago, but I never returned the favor. Today, I pay my debt. I will prove that I am worthy of their acquaintance by saving them from the truth. Well, that is what I tell myself. I am merely saving the lie I have kept and grown for years.
Il mio caro,
You know of the curse, you know what part you take in it. This is not my fault. Blaise was lucky; he was not bestowed with what my 'family' calls a gift. Learn from this Sierra. You know that you must keep the secret, but I will make sure that there will be trouble along the way. If you do not follow the prophecy as said, I will reveal you and all will desert you. Do not forget that even in death, I will haunt you for the rest of your days.
Tell Potter that the war is approaching. Keep his friends close and his enemies closer. Do not doubt the power of the Dark Lord. I do not serve him, no. I merely believe in him. You of all people 'Hermione' know that I march to the beat of my own drum.
Michael Zabini,
P.S. Any one, who reads this beside you, will only see a blank parchment... Be wise not to have this charm in use though. It would cause many uncomfortable questions.
My hands shake at this.
"Hermione?" Someone asks unsurely. My vision is so blurred I can see nothing, but forms of those around me. No response comes from my mouth, only rapid breaths. Swaying on my feet, I fall upon the floor.
Nothing is within my control anymore as my heart's despair clouds my mind with memories that visit me every waking moment. The last thing I see is a concerned face and I'm lost in the shadows of those who care.
OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo
I've been observing the Thomas boy, unknown to all but myself. His behavior is… strange. I can't think of a way to describe it. When the lights extinguished, he went rigid, eyes blank, emotionless. I brushed it off as a phobia to the dark, but something is not right. I shall consult Francesca about this. She knows more than most give her credit for.
Poor girl. She has experienced more pain than most full-grown men and woman. Harry Potter may not even understand her. My eyes fall upon her wrists. She has not given up on the comfort from a blade. She believes in it wholeheartedly, and it scares the rest of us. Blaise most of all. He obviously hones an infatuation for the girl, but has made no act upon it. Silly boy.
Raphael has not given up on his conquest for me, but then again, I doubt he ever will. It's funny really. He is somewhat handsome; I wouldn't mind dating him if his ego would just shrink a bit. I think he's growing on me. He does to most, despite his ways of introduction.
Matthew is attempting to make his sister laugh. It's so wonderful how close they are. I wish that she would smile more often. She has such a beautiful smile. She is a beautiful girl, though she will deny it repeatedly. Just like Sierra…
This thought brings me to observe Draco. He has gotten worse. I think he knows something, though he refuses to share. Didn't his mother visit Mrs. Ventina along with Mrs. Zabini? I cannot remember.
My symbol tingles and I reach up to touch it as a reflex. Francesca, Daphne, and Pansy follow my actions while the boys reach for their shoulder. Our gazes reach another and we know what it means. It's a sign, well, more of a warning. We are doing something wrong. Something we have done is wrong. Francesca's eyes widen and she leaves the compartment swift as a deer. Blaise makes a movement to follow, but Matthew puts a hand in front of him, a motion to stop.
The confused stares of the prefects cover us. This will not do.
"What?" I snap at them. They avert their eyes away and continue what they're doing. Thomas seems to be alive again. Moving, speaking animatedly with his friends. Something is not right. Wasn't he standing moments before? Who left? I scan the room for something amiss and then it comes to me…
Where is the Hermione girl?
OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo
I'm running down the corridors of the scarlet train and the compartments whose doors are open, have many boys peeking out to look at my passing figure. I roll my eyes at their actions. Must avoid them all, if possible. Now that I think about it, I won't need to, not with Matthew threatening anyone who dares to even speak to me. Besides, I like someone else.
Never mind that, I have to focus on the matter at hand. Where is she? I know that she went to change, but it wouldn't have taken her this long. Especially since she doesn't seem like one to spend hours looking into a mirror.
Wait a minute. Hermione Granger, now I remember why she is so familiar. She's friends with the infamous Harry Potter. Should have known. I swear that I'm the least informed being alive…
OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo
My eyes flutter open and I wince slightly at the light shining down upon me. Then nightmare awoke me. Well, it wasn't exactly a nightmare, more of a, memory. Although, it was not pleasant at all.
I find that I'm in an awkward position, leaning against the window where the wind is blowing through my hair. What a wonderful to wake up hmm?
Sitting up into a somewhat comfortable position, I hear sighs of relief chorus around me. Apparently, I have been worried about. I'm honored. Might as well behave oblivious.
"What happened?" I rub a spot on my forehead where a headache is beginning to form.
"You just fainted after reading the parchment. We tried to read it, but it just came up blank. What did it say?" Harry speaks with unease and anxiety. I do not know if I'm doing this for them, or for myself. The simple note can harm either, but I am not sure of my morals.
"Nothing of importance, this whole incident was just devised to frighten us, leave us in anticipation. Just leave it. Forget that this ever happened." With that said, I lay back down and shut my eyes for a brief moment.
I can feel their gazes upon me, studying my movements, searching for any sign of a lie. They find none. A crash sounds at the sliding door and I bolt up. The sudden movement brings the pain back into my neck.
When I open my eyes, blurry from the pain, a petite figure is situated in front of me. As I begin to focus, I realize that it is Francesca, my dear friend.
"Hermione you're needed in the Prefect's compartment. There's business that needs your attending to." Her voice is unsure, something is wrong.
"Umm… All right." I look around me at the faces pleading for me to stay, but I know that I cannot. "Goodbye." I wave halfheartedly at the rest and follow Francesca out. Her wavy blue-black hair sways behind her as she walks with light steps, as dainty as a fairy. Her eyes furrow and I watch as she cradles a certain spot on her neck, the same place my symbol resides. I guess I wasn't the only one to feel the pain, but obviously, the rest didn't collapse as I had.
I'm so confused as to what they need me for. No one seemed to want to carry on duties before I left. All were content in just socializing, especially the new comers. The rest always stared at them in confusion though. I wonder why. They spoke quite clearly in my opinion.
I can't contain myself, I must ask.
"What do they need me for?" Silence. Her eyes darken slightly. "Is everything alright?" She is scaring me. Her actions are not kind a friendly like before. The violet orbs sweep over her surroundings before she turns to me. I can sense an aura coming off her in waves. She's casting a spell around us. I wonder whatever for. It's not like I am a threat or anything.
Suddenly, she pushes me up against the wall and she stares at me with malice.
"Who are you?" She growls and it makes me shiver. I cannot fight her, but I can lie. I hope. She has something special within her, we all expected her too, but she never told us what. Just shrugged it off, politely denying it.
"I'm Hermione Jane Granger, who else would I be?" My voice shakes in fear. She can kill me without an effort, but I will fight back. I didn't fake my death just to live only to be killed before this façade can end. No. Sierra Clementine Ventina does not go down without a fight.
"Liar. There is a familiarity about you that I can feel." She pushes me harder against the wall so I can feel the aching pain.
"There is nothing familiar for you to recognize. You just met me." I fake with shock and a clueless composure, something I am good at.
She laughs without humor. You must be joking. Don't lie to me." She yanks back my head and fingers my neck.
Oh god.
A tingling feeling spreads across my neck. Her grip loosens and she walks back, her gaze disbelieving.
"No. It can't be… Sierra?"
OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo
Shit.
What was that? My pale hand reaches for my shoulder and I rub it subconsciously. It's almost like the Dark Mark except the pain is less extreme. I wish Lucius would stop pressuring me, it's becoming harder to refuse. He got more violent today. He drew blood from me. I respect Francesca, but I will not collapse like her, causing myself pain just to get by. No. I shall remain who I am. The King Cobra, mate to the Viper… Sierra.
Now I have one more secret that needs to be held. A prophecy I overheard from Mrs. Ventina. I don't know why she speaks of it anymore though. The must important person involved is… dead.
Authors Note: I have finally completed this so sorry that it took so long. The inspiration isn't coming as I want it too. Next chapter they finally get to Hogwarts, I promise. I hope you don't hate me for the cliffy involving Francesca, I couldn't help myself. Never fear though, she isn't discovered by all yet. You shall see. Il mio cara means My beloved in Italian. Please tell me if it's correct (that is if you know). I got it off a translator on the internet. I have an important author's note in my profile so please visit it.
Read and Review