I know it's been nearly three months since I updated. For that, I am truly sorry. Here is the next chapter.
I DO NOT OWN HARRY POTTER! THAT BELONGS TO JK ROWLING! ANY QUOTES YOU RECOGNIZE ARE EITHER FROM THE BOOK OR THE MOVIE!
Chapter Eight: Why is this happening?
After I finished screaming, I breathed deeply, trying to collect myself. Harry stood next to me, his face riddled with shock.
Before us, lying on her back, fear written on her face, was the Petrified body of Cho Chang. The way she was laying, it looked as if she had been looking at the window.
"Look," Draco said, pointing at the wall. I followed his finger until I saw a thin stream of spiders racing to a crack in the wall. I involuntarily shuddered. "It's like what happened on Halloween."
"Oh, what do we have here?" a snide voice asked. Peeves the Poltergeist floated down from the ceiling. "The Potty twins doing something naughty, eh? I should-" And then he spotted Cho. He puffed himself up and shouted, "ATTACK! ATTACK ON THE SIXTH FLOOR CORRIDOR!"
"Peeves, shut up!" Harry said.
It was too late. Ghosts swarmed the corridor, many of them gasping, all of them staring in shock at Cho. Soon, a student, Ravenclaw by her robes, rounded the corner, looking curiously at the ghosts. I recognized her by her curly red hair: It was Marietta Edgecombe, Cho's friend. She shrieked when she saw her Petrified friend.
"How could you?" Marietta shouted at me. She ran off, probably to find a teacher.
This was it. This was exactly what I had been trying to prevent. Ever since the first attack, I had been trying to keep rumors of Harry and me being Slytherin's heir under wraps, but it came crashing down around me.
"Danielle," Draco said as he shook my shoulder. "Are you OK?"
"I-I don't know," I said shakily. "I-I need some alone time." I shrugged off Draco's shoulder and started running. To where, I didn't know. I just ran. I ignored Harry's mental messages.
I finally stopped running when I had a terrible stitch in my side and was short of breath. I leaned against the nearest wall and breathed deeply. I looked up and took my bearings. On the wall I was leaning on was a tapestry of trolls with ballet skirts and slippers and a man in the center trying to direct the trolls. I smiled. I walked back and forth in front of the empty stretch of wall three times, not consciously thinking about what I needed.
When I opened the door, I smiled. The room was exactly what I needed at that moment. The room had a lofty feeling, what with large windows decorating three sides of the room. In the center was a large water fountain, which almost immediately calmed me. The entire room smelled of vanilla and chocolate. I sat down on a couch that had just appeared and listened intently to the gurgling water from the fountain.
I sat there for a long time. I had no idea how long I had been there, but I finally stood up when my stomach started growling. I asked the room for some paper and a pen, which it provided. I got up and walked out. I walked slowly through the corridors without meeting anyone, which I thought was strange… until I figured it was time for lunch.
When I reached the Entrance Hall, I didn't walk through the double doors where I could hear nervous whispers and the clinking of silverware. Instead, I took a different corridor down into the basement. It wasn't long before I saw a familiar painting of a bowl of fruit. I tickled the pear and walked inside the door that had appeared. I was blasted with a wall of noise: elves talking, quick footsteps, and fingers snapping.
"What can I do for Young Miss?" a House-Elf asked. It was Floppy, one of my favorite elves.
"Um, I'd like to have what they're having up there," I said, gesturing to the Great Hall. Immediately, two House-Elves carrying a tray and a jug of pumpkin juice scurried up to me. "Thank you." The two elves led me to the small table.
[Harry's POV]
I was worried. Dani had run off to who knew where, and she left us with the Petrified Cho Chang. Dani had gone on about how Cho was a cow, but I couldn't see why.
Ma – Draco and I didn't stick around after Cho's friend had run off. Instead, we headed to the Great Hall for lunch. We reached the double doors and, immediately, I noticed that something was wrong. Instead of the normal noises of chattering, I heard nervous whispers.
When Draco and I walked in, we headed our separate ways: he to the Slytherin table, and I to the Gryffindor one. Ron, Hermione, Neville, and Ginny were sitting together, none of them talking. Ginny was pale.
"Hey," I said when I sat down and put a sandwich on my plate. "You haven't seen Dani, have you?"
"I thought she was with you," Hermione said worriedly.
"No. She ran off after we found Cho Chang."
"Yeah," Ron said. "Cho Chang's friend ran in and said that Dani had Petrified her."
"I heard Nott joking about it," Neville put in.
"I'm telling you," Ron said, "he's the one who's been attacking."
"I've just started on the Polyjuice Potion," Hermione said. "It should be ready around Christmas."
That was right. Nott was obviously the one behind the attacks, the way he had been bragging. I knew that Dani wouldn't approve of us sneaking into the Slytherin common room like that, but what she didn't know wouldn't hurt her.
When the five of us finished eating, Ginny went to go sit with Luna, and the rest of us walked to the large doors. As we walked, I heard Nott shout, "Where're you off to, Potter? I bet your sister's gone down to the Chamber of Secrets to congratulate her pet. What do you think, Crabbe?"
"Just ignore them, Harry," Hermione whispered in my ear. It was really hard not to ignore him.
"Hey, Goyle," Nott said. "I bet you three Sickles that she's going to set her monster on Creevey next. Care to take it up?"
That was it. I pulled out my wand. I turned around and opened my mouth to say a spell. I didn't get to, though, because I heard another voice shout a spell. "Locomotor Mortis!" Draco had stood up and cursed Nott. He looked enraged.
Immediately, Professors McGonagall and Snape stood up. "Detention, Nott and Malfoy!" McGonagall shouted.
"You two will have detention with me tonight at seven, no excuses!" Snape shouted.
I knew why McGonagall acted like that, but why did Snape?
[Dani's POV]
After I finished my lunch, I headed to the Owlry. It was time to respond to Remus' last letter, which had been about a time when Remus and Dad had pulled their first prank on Snape.
When I reached the Owlry, I sat down and began writing:
Dear Remus,
I think you're turning me into a mini-Marauder! I know, from what you've told me, that Dad would be so proud. Mom, on the other hand, I don't think she'd approve.
Anyways, Harry and I both won our Quidditch matches!
After that, I explained first Harry's match and then my own. I threw in every detail that I could remember.
Also, today, after I got my leg healed, Harry, Draco, and I stumbled upon a student that had been Petrified! Something has to be down about Slytherin's heir.
I can't wait for your next letter. And please, any thoughts on this situation would be very much appreciated.
Love,
Rosie.
I called my black owl, Nightwing, to me. He landed on my right arm. He took the letter in his beak and flew out of one of the windows. He left behind a single black feather.
It was time for me to rejoice for our victory in Quidditch.
A couple of weeks later, on a chilly Thursday in December, found me reluctantly going to Dueling Club. That night was for second years only. Lisa and Abby practically dragged me there.
"What's the harm in going?" Lisa asked. I had no answer to that.
"Fine," I said. "I'll go."
And so we all stood in the Great Hall, crowded around a golden stage that was set against one wall. Harry stood next to me, and Abby was on my other side.
"I wonder who'll be teaching us?" I heard Hermione ask. "Someone told me Flitwick was a dueling champion when he was young – maybe it'll be him."
"As long as it's not –" Harry and I started. Harry ended with a groan while I scoffed.
Gilderoy Lockhart and Severus Snape walked on the golden stage. Lockhart raised his arm for silence, which happened almost immediately.
"Gather round, gather round!" Lockhart called. "Can everyone see me? Can you all hear me? Excellent!
"Now, Professor Dumbledore has granted me permission to start this little dueling club, to train you all in case you ever need to defend yourselves as I myself have done on countless occasions – for full details, see my published works."
Lockhart then proceeded to introduce Snape. Then he told us not to worry about Snape as he told us that, "we would still have our Potions Master."
"Wouldn't it be better if they finished each other off?" I heard Ron mutter.
I wish, I thought.
Lockhart showed us how to hold our wands. Snape was glaring evilly at the Defense teacher. I had read about this part, but seeing it and reading about it were two totally different things. That glare made me want to run and hide, and it wasn't even directed at me!
"One – two – three – " Lockhart counted.
Both of the teachers swung their wands over their heads and pointed them at each other. "Expelliarmus!" Snape shouted. Scarlet light burst from his wand and hit Lockhart in the chest. The Defense "teacher" was blasted off his feet and hit the wall. This was my little bit of revenge for Lockhart making up lies about me. I smiled.
"Do you think he's all right?" Hermione asked.
"Who cares?" Harry, Ron, and I said together.
Lockhart explained what the spell was. Then, he and Snape started pairing people up for practice. Snape reached our spot first.
"Time to split up the dream twins, I think," Snape said. Dream twins… Didn't Snape say "Dream Team" last time? It sounded cool. "Miss Potter, you can partner Crabbe. "He turned to Crabbe. "Let's see what you can make with her." He then proceeded to pair Harry with Nott.
Crabbe scowled at me as he pulled out his wand. I pulled mine out and smiled. He still scowled. Lockhart told us to face our partners and bow. Crabbe only nodded just a bit while I curtsied.
"Wands at the ready!" Lockhart shouted. "When I count to three, cast to disarm your opponents – only to disarm them – we don't want any accidents – one… two… three – "
Crabbe didn't wait for Lockhart to finish. As soon as Lockhart opened his mouth to say "three", Crabbe waved his wand, and orange light flew out of it. It came at me so quickly that I didn't have time to dodge. It hit me in the chest and sent me flying into Ernie Macmillan, who was trying to disarm Lisa. I felt something twinge in my throat.
"Sorry," I said, but it wasn't my normal voice. It was several octaves higher. I sounded like I had inhaled helium. I was not going to let this affect me. I walked back over to Crabbe, held my wand high, and cried in my squeaky voice, "Expelliarmus!"
Crabbe's wand flew out of his hand and landed on the opposite side of the Hall.
"Well done, Danielle!" I heard Lockhart say. I looked over to him, who had just noticed something of obvious importance. He walked over to where I could hear insane laughter and the constant stomping of feet. "Stop! Stop!" Lockhart shouted at Harry and Nott.
"Finite Incantatem!" Snape shouted. Immediately, the laughing and stomping ceased.
Lockhart told us that he was going to teach us how to defend ourselves and volunteered Neville and Justin Finch-Fletchley. Snape disagreed and instead volunteered Harry and Nott.
Good luck, I thought.
I'll be fine, Harry responded.
Harry and Nott stood in the middle of the Great Hall. Everyone backed away. I stood behind Harry. Lockhart tried to show my brother how to block, but failed miserably. Snape leaned close to Nott and whispered in his ear.
"Three – two – one – go!" Lockhart shouted.
Nott raised his wand and said, "Serpensortia!" A black snake burst out of his wand. I quickly backed away, bumping into Ron.
"Oh my gosh!" I said.
"Don't move, Potter," Snape said. "I'll get rid of it…"
"Allow me!" Lockhart said. He waved his wand at the snake. There was a bang, and the snake flew in the air. A second later, it landed on the ground with a smack. It slithered over to Mandy and Hermione. I ran over to them and stood in front of them. Why was it going after them?
Harry ran up behind the snake. He opened his mouth, but I didn't hear words. Instead, I heard hissing. I shivered. I knew that it was supposed to happen, but it was terrifying to hear.
Harry looked at the snake, which coiled up. It was going to strike! I held up my hands and concentrated. A blue and purple swirling shield appeared in front of Mandy, Hermione, and myself. The snake struck, and my shield flashed as it was hit. The snake hissed angrily at me. I could feel sweat forming on my brow. Harry spoke to it again and then looked up at me, smiling. When he saw me, though, his smile instantly dropped. He looked around. Everyone was staring at him. Well, mostly everyone. Everyone else was staring at me.
Snape walked forward, waved his wand, and made the snake vanish. He stared at Harry and then at me.
I reached forward and grabbed Harry by the back of his robe. Come on, I thought. Let's go.
He followed. Mandy, Lisa, Abby, Ron, Hermione, and Neville followed us out. Once we reached an abandoned classroom, Ron spoke. "You're a Parselmmouth. Why didn't you tell us?"
"I'm a what?" Harry asked.
"A Parselmouth!" Neville said. "I didn't know you could talk to snakes.
"I can," Harry said. He told the story of when he had talked to a boa constrictor that had wanted to go to Brazil and then accidentally released it.
"A boa constrictor spoke to you?" Lisa asked. She looked pale.
"So? I bet loads of people here can do it."
"That's the thing," Abby said. "They can't. One of the only other known Parselmouths is Salazar Slytherin."
"What?" Harry asked. He looked to me. "Dani, your face after I spoke to the snake… Were you scared?"
I looked away and chewed on my lip. "Um… Do you want the truth?" Harry nodded. "I was scared. I could see your mouth moving, but I could hear hissing, rather than words. It didn't help that I was keeping a shield up."
"What was that about anyways, Dani?" Mandy asked.
The only ones that had known about my telekinesis before this night were Harry, Ron, Hermione, Fred, and George. "Well… It's called telekinesis, and I've been able to do it for as long as I can remember. I didn't wand to tell you guys because I wasn't sure how you guys would react."
"Telekinesis is a very rare ability," Mandy said, probably spouting out a fact she had read. "It's nearly as rare as Parseltounge."
"Please, let's stop talking about this," Lisa said, trying to brighten the mood. "We can finish talking about this in the morning."
We walked out of the classroom and to the Grand Staircase, which was where we parted ways.
After a minute, I felt, for some reason, stunned.
What is it? I asked.
Colin Creevey and the Fat Lady have been Petrified, Harry said, shock coursing through his voice.
A/N – And there you have it! Is it just me, or do the attacks happen more frequently? Anyways, next chapter is Christmas! Again, am truly sorry that this is so late, but as you are reading this, I am working on chapter 9. Right now, as I am typing this message, I am about halfway done.
It's finally the summer, so now I have more time to work on this and Magic of the Keyblade!
Thank you to everyone for your reviews! And remember, flames will be used to fuel determination!
Yellow Flash - Yes, I am a girl (as my pen name suggests). And yeah, Dani might be Mary-Suish. I'll make her less like that. And if you knew me (but you don't) you would see that Dani and I are differing, especially now. Dani can't sing, people say that I can, Dani's Ravenclaw and I'm Hufflepuff, and since when did I say that Dani has good looks?
RomonaFlowersTwinSister - I'm glad you like my stories so much! I have thought about Draco/Daphne, but soon, Draco's going to have someone new come along in third year. Just you wait and see!