Author's Note:
So I am very happy with the story thus far. I think in this chapter we will concentrate more on the Slytherins so just a heads up. Also, I don't know if I want Ginny with Harry or with Blaise. So if you guys have any suggestions on that topic, just let me know. On to chapter 2! Oh and thank you to all who reviewed/read my story/ added to story alert. That means a lot to me. Sorry this took so long. Hopefully Ch.3 up by 2/17 0r 2/18.
Spider's Web
Chapter 2
I Can Feel You All Around Me
"What the Hell," Draco cursed softly.
Hermione forgetting about the argument previously going on (shocking I know) shoved past the boys and went out the door with Ginny and Giselle on her heels. Ginny always got nervous around Blaise and Giselle didn't want any more trouble thus following after "speed racer" was the only option.
Once on the street Hermione looked left and right trying to find the source of the powerful shake. She knew it wasn't anything natural which worried her all the more. She suddenly got the most powerful urge to check on Harry and Ron. She didn't know why but she felt that something horrible was wrong.
"Stupid gits," Draco muttered to Theo and Blaise.
"What do you suppose that was, "Blaise questioned stepping out into the street.
"I dunno," Theo answered darkly, "But it interrupted."
"Calm down," Draco shook his head and smirked at the other boy, "If she's with those two, she goes to our school. So just shut…"
Draco felt a coating in the back of his throat like a fine dust. It made him feel strangled as the coating got thicker, somewhere in the back of his mind Draco was afraid of dying, but seeing his friends fall to the ground he thought it unlikely that they would all be having the same reaction if death was really the outcome.
"I…." Draco struggled harder to get breath in his lungs.
Black spots were dancing in front of his eyes as he fell to his knees and the last thing he remembered seeing was his mother rushing through the crowds to get to them.
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Meanwhile Hermione had just found Harry and Ron on the ground in front of Zonkos Joke Shop with Mrs. Weasley sobbing on the ground in front of them. She got more worried by the fact that their chests were no longer rising and falling, just still.
"Mrs. Weasley!"
"Oh Hermione!" she cried, "I don't know what to do. They just fell on the ground after that explosion."
"I think its best if we apperate them home," Giselle said quietly.
"Yes," Mrs. Weasley was shaking.
"Only Hermione and my mum know how to apperate," Ginny said.
"They can come back for us."
"Are you sure," Mrs. Weasley sniffled.
"We'll be fine. We'll be in the pet store when you come back."
"We won't be long," Hermione promised.
With that, Hermione took hold of Harry with Mrs. Weasley copying with Ron, and they were gone.
"Now what?" Ginny questioned.
"We go get me a cat."
Ginny gave a weak smile and nodded. She didn't want to think about what had happened.
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Back at the Malfoy Manor, Draco was just waking up in his bed with a pounding headache. It felt like the time when he was 5 and had grabbed his mother's wand thinking to practice magic and accidentally shrinking his arms and legs instead.
"Master Malfoy," came a soft voice from the corner of the room.
"I …need a glass of water," he croaked out.
"Right away," the elf disappeared and returned a moment later with a goblet and pitcher of water.
"What… happened?"
"Master got sick and so did Master's companions."
Draco tried to remember what had caused this but pulled up blank. Something about not being able to breathe, and Diagon Alley.
"Granger," he growled as trickles of memory came back to him.
"Master?"
The Pain in his head hadn't gone away entirely but it had subsided a little. He needed to check on Blaise and Theo, and he needed to do it now. Draco struggled to swing his legs over the side of his bed. He felt so weak. It was a feeling he had never experienced before and he didn't like it at all.
"I need my robe growl," Draco said, "And some food."
"Yes Master," the elf replied bowing until his nose touched his knee, "Right away."
As the elf left to follow the orders Draco stood and swayed, falling back onto the bed. It was insane how he seemed to have no energy. Not to mention how he had a nagging sensation behind his eyes and in his nose. He needed to check on his friends but he also needed help to do this.
"This is all Granger's fault," he glared at the door angrily, "When we get back to school…."
He never got to finish because at that moment the elf came back.
"Took you long enough growl," his stomach was quivering at the smell of food.
"Zonky is sorry Master," the little elf said as it began to smack its head in the door frame.
"Just bring me the food," he said as he crawled to the center of the bed….in a manly way.
"Yes Master," Zonky stopped and brought the tray full with food over to him.
Draco had never felt so hungry in his life; it felt like his stomach was another entity in and of itself. He grabbed an apple and consumed it quickly going through the banana, grapes, waffles, toast, pancakes, and bacon. He still needed more, and said so.
"I…I will get more for you Master," Zonky disappeared with a pop.
The headache was gone but he still couldn't stand well. At least he could though. After the next tray full Draco felt more like himself, actually he felt better then himself. He walked over to his closet and grabbed a pair of black trousers and a green silk button up shirt. He put the clothes on over his black wife beater and boxers and noticed that his chest seemed a little different. It seemed harder? Was that possible? I mean he played quidditch and all but this was different then before.
"How long have I been out?"
"A day Master," Zonky spoke quietly, "You go back to school tomorrow."
"Was there anything in the paper about the explosion?"
"The ministry isn't releasing any information on it yet."
Draco ran his hands through his hair. It had gotten finer and a little lighter. His eyes seemed to be silver now instead of grey. How much of him had changed and how?
"Tell mother I'll be over at the Zabini's for a while."
"Yes of coarse, Master," Zonky bowed once again and then left.
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"Fuck," Theo ground out as he threw up for what seemed like the 16th time, "I hate Diagon Alley. I hate food. I hate…"
"We get the picture," Draco said as he opened the door to the bathroom.
"I haven't felt a bit different like you two," Blaise pondered.
"Count yourself lucky," Theo flushed the toilet and stood slowly to his feet a bit unsteady until Blaise grabbed hold of one arm.
"I just want to know what's up…" Theo mumbled sleepily as Draco grabbed the other arm.
With their help he finally made it to bed, not without stepping on Draco's foot and falling on Blaise…but at least he made it.
"We'll be in the study when you finish you're nap," Draco smirked.
"I'm not gonna…sleep," he muttered as he pulled the covers around him, "Not even tired."
They left him alone and headed to the study directly across the hall. Well, to be truthful it was more like a library with a couple desks than an actual study.
"Why did you lie Blaise?"
"…I don't think I quite understand the question," he replied flicking his eyes to the blond.
"Why did you lie when you told us you had no symptoms?"
"I didn't lie."
"Bullshit."
Blaise sighed, "I might have had one or two strange things happen…"
"Like what?"
"I've been getting hotter."
"……………………………."
"What are you looking at?!" Blaise glared at Draco, "You asked!"
"Literally or figuratively?"
"….Both," he sighed.
"I've noticed refined vision and I guess I've been getter hotter….speaking of which can you open a window? It's so stale in here."
Blaise moved to obey, simply because he felt the same way. He just lounged in the now open window thinking about everything that had happened to them. They had been friends since they were little, even Theo. Although Theo had drifted away from them once they started Hogwarts, it had taken 4 years after that to get close again. It was funny thinking back on how young they'd all been. So insecure with everything.
"Blaise…"
"Yes Draco?"
"What do you suppose is happening?"
"Truthfully," he continued when Draco stiffly nodded his head, "I just don't know. Maybe we'll get better at Hogwarts."
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Giselle sat calmly sipping her peppermint tea and petting her new Siamese cat Corentin, while Ginny and Hermione wore out the floorboards.
"I know they are fine."
"I know," Hermione nervously bit her lip.
"Worrying won't help," Ginny tried telling herself, "We have to pack soon."
"Hogwarts is tomorrow. I mean we go to Hogwarts tomorrow." Hermione said staring off into space.
Giselle's face paled at the mention of the school. Hermione and Ginny were oblivious to this fact as they continued their nervous clatter. She was grateful that they were so preoccupied they didn't notice her slip from the room to the back yard. She hated to admit it but she was afraid of that place. Helenus had told her to be afraid of it, and while others may disagree with her Helenus had proven to be right…about everything. This brought all her carefully hidden memories to the surface raking through her mind like angry shards of glass. Silent tears slipped from her eyes as she repeated the story told to her by her companion.
Four times the horse struck the gates: as oft the clashing sound
Of arms was heard, and inward groans rebound.
Yet, mad with zeal, and blinded with our fate,
We haul along the horse in solemn state.
Then place the dire portent within the tow'r.
Cassandra cried, and curs'd th' unhappy hour;
Foretold our fate; but, by the god's decree,
All heard, and none believ'd the prophecy
(Think Greek mythology)
She drew her knees up to her chin with her arms loosely wrapped around them. She couldn't tell Hermione or Ginny the real reason she was there. If she had known them before hand, she would have said no. There was no way out now.
"Giselle!" Ginny yelled from the kitchen, "They're up now. They're going to be alright!"
Wiping off her tear-stained cheeks she lifted her body up and went to the kitchen to see Ginny and Hermione in a bear-hug with Harry, who looked a little worse for ware. Before Giselle could give congratulations an owl swooped into the kitchen with several letters attached to its leg.
"What could this be?" Ginny mumbled through Harry's arm.
The owl shook its leg for Hermione to detach its cargo and after she complied it flew off through the open window over the sink. The letters were addressed to each of them respectively and Ron, who coincidentally enough still upstairs. Hermione tore her letter open and began to read aloud while they followed along.
Dear Student of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry,
As you have probably heard by now, yesterday there was a disturbance in Diagon Alley and several males between the ages of 15 and 17 were injured. The Ministry and Headmaster have been investigating this occurrence and have since come up with an explanation.
The Headmaster will be giving a speech about this after the opening feast. In addition a new class has been added to be headed by Professor Severus Snape that is a requirement for Years 5 through 7. This class will be held in the evening directly before dinner and will take place in the Great Hall.
Non compliance with this will result in expulsion. We realize this may seem strict; however we feel this class is of utmost importance, and therefore will be held the first Monday class is held. Thank you for your time and we hope you had a pleasant summer.
Sincerely,
Minerva McGonagallMinerva McGonagall
Deputy Headmistress
"Why would the teachers force another class on us?" Ginny gave a perturbed look at Hermione whose eyes had glazed over slightly a look of happiness on her face.
"I don't see why you're complaining." She smiled at Ginny.
"Because, Hermione," Ginny shook her head at the girl, "Some of us actually wanted a free period."
"I don't see what would have made them do this," Harry said startling everyone slightly. Guess they forgot he was in the room.
Giselle remained quiet through this exchange not wanting to speculate already knowing a piece of the puzzle but hoping she was wrong. Ginny glanced over at Giselle to see worry etched onto the girl's features.
"You ok?" she asked.
"I'm fine," she said lying through her teeth.
"Do you think we need any extra supplies for this?"
"Trust you, Hermione, to be cool about this whole ordeal."
"Ginny, I'm just thinking ahead here."
"I'm gonna go check on Ron and tell him the news," Harry announced.
"We'll be up a little later. We never got to get regular school uniforms yesterday and this is Giselle's first year here so she doesn't even have old ones to wear."
"I don't think you guys should go back to Diagon Alley alone."
"Harry we'll be fine," Hermione soothed, "We just need to go back to pick up a few things and it won't take too long."
"Just hurry back," he pleaded.
"We will," Ginny replied, "We'll get in and get out."
"Ladies and gentlemen," Harry smiled warmly, "Hell just froze over."
"Ha ha Harry," Ginny rolled her eyes and grabbed hold of Hermione so they could apperate there.
The Diagon Alley they arrived at was different to the one yesterday. There was hardly anyone out shopping and the people that were out get glancing around nervously wondering when Armageddon would get there. Giselle thought the eye wasn't that far-fetched but refused to comment on something that would draw attention to herself more.
"So Madam Malkin's has the school uniforms?"
"Yep," Ginny smiled slightly, "Dumbledore said you would automatically be put in Gryffindor since we're there. He thought it best. And with Hermione vacating her room we have extra space."
"Why is she moving?"
"Well, the heads get to share dorms that are much bigger than your average dorm."
"What is a head?"
Hermione and Ginny turned to Elle in shock. Even those outside Hogwarts knew about the head system. How could she, being a pureblood not know about it?
"I don't think I understand the question…"Ginny said blankly.
"Is it a great honor?"
"Only the highest," scoffed Ginny.
"It's not that big, Ginny," Hermione muttered blushing heavily.
"It is a big deal Hermione," Ginny rolled her eyes, "It means she is the brightest witch in the entire school. She's number one!"
"We're here," Hermione mumbled trying to hide her red cheeks.
"Good! Now it's time to transform her into the goddess of maroon and gold!"
Giselle felt like she had a sledge hammer slamming into her as much as Ginny made her try on. She had to get 8 skirts and 10 shirts, not to mention the 5 different ties that were just too cute. Then there were shoes. My goodness! If anyone loved shoes more than here they were in a mental facility. Ginny found 12 shoes in black and yet completely different. Some were heals, some were mary-janes, and some were ballet flats. Ginny also made them look at Halloween costumes for the masquerade. Hermione didn't find anything, Ginny found everything, and Giselle chose not to look at much.
"I don't think I can take much more of this Ginny," Hermione groaned in defeat.
"We're almost done. But we do still need to look at capes. She has none."
"I wanna soak my feet after this Gin," she complained.
Ginny led them over to the wide variety of cloaks. This was what she had been waiting for. She wanted to be Little Red Riding Hood for Halloween and a cape would complete and make whatever outfit she chose. Not to mention Giselle really did have none. After 20 minutes of persuasion, Hermione had a cream colored cloak with fur trimming and a summer black cotton. Giselle was burdened with 4 regular black cloaks, 3 winter cloaks all in different hues of blue and one pure white cloak with feather trimming and a diamond clasp…yes Ginny had picked that one out.
"Your total comes to 398 galleons and 13 knuts."
"Ouch," Ginny murmured in sympathy as Giselle paid the woman.
"Time to go home."
"Thank heavens," Hermione said under her breath.
"Is it just me or have we been all over the place for the last two days?"
"Wonder why Ginny," Hermione glared at her friend.
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Hermione was most definitely tired after everything that had gone on that day and simply wanted to shower and sleep with a small break for dinner. Mrs.Weasley was making Roast, mash potatoes, corn, rolls, green beans, and some chicken for those who wanted more. Dessert however looked better than anything else, key lime pie and 3 kinds of ice cream.
"I'm starved," Harry groaned as he stepped into the kitchen, "Hmmmm. Is that vanilla?"
"No dear, I haven't made anything with vanilla in it."
"I definitely smell vanilla," he raised his nose to the sky and started to follow it.
Hermione and Ginny watched in amusement. He looked like a dog that smelled a treat he only had to find before he could have it. His nose drew him over to where they sat at the dining room table. He stopped right in front of Hermione and smelled the air around her making her stand up in discomfort.
"Hey Harry I need my private space," She said annoyed, "Which you just hit 2 feet ago."
"Mmmmm," he licked her cheek.
"Gross," Hermione wiped off her cheek, "That was disgu…."
Before Hermione could finish her sentence Harry dragged her mouth to his and quickly thrust his tongue inside kissing her deeply. Ginny stared on in shock unable to move a muscle. Mrs. Weasley paid no attention to what was happening so intent on dinner was she. Hermione struggled in vain. Harry was latched on and it seemed that even a crowbar would have no effect.
"No…" Harry murmured breathing hard into a completely shell shocked Hermione, "Not the one."
"I …..," Ginny swallowed hard, "I don't think I understand what just happened."
"I think I know…" Hermione's eyes slightly glazed over as she glanced at her friend, "…what happened to them yesterday…."
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Giselle sat in the room she shared with Ginny and Hermione and gazed at the pool of silver before her. To an untrained eye, it was just a pensieve, but to those who knew it for what it was, knew that it unlocked something much more solid than memories. She knew she had to do this. There was no way to give in or go back, she had sealed her fate a long time ago but on days like this, days full of such joy…she wished she were dead.
"I…can't," she choked on tears.
She set the item on the bed right beyond her feet. There had to be some way to back out, a loophole…anything. She couldn't go on like this. One day she knew she'd have to do oh so much more than just watch and she was waiting for that day with utter dread.
She glanced back over to the bowl. She sighed as she picked it up and began to place it back in the drawer.
"Giselle dear" came a silky voice.
How did she know she was there?! Wasn't she supposed to be the one who summoned her?! How had she come without being called?!
"Come now child….is that any way to treat your mother?"