As Lovers Go
Chapter 6 - Gone
The majority of students now settled themselves into their bed. Others were outside discussing and counting down days to Hogsmeade. Iliana, though, was not in either of these places. The excitement of Hogwarts still hadn't worn off on her yet. She wanted to write, to draw about all that had happened today. This marvellous day was something she just had to document. Easing her way off her bed, she propped herself on the balls of her feet, opening her trunk and pulling out her wand and journal. Locking her trunk right after, she settled herself back into bed, underneath the warm and quilted blanket. "Lumos," she whispered, and immediately, a bright enough light emitted from the tip of her wand. Holding her wand in her left and a quill in her right, Iliana began. She wrote down her ride from The Leaky Cauldron to King's Cross and from King's Cross to Hogwarts. She mentioned her exhaustion which inevitably led to a near hibernation leading to nearly missing the feast.
Then, as she paused in her writing, she thought about the details of her day. Cedric Diggory had apologized without blowing her off. He waited for her response without moving off. It was nothing, of course, but when was the last time she was given that sort of attention? She debated whether or not she should write it. It really wasn't anything important; he wasn't going to do it again. Besides, with a charming and handsome boy like himself, he's probably got dates lined up from now until the end of term. She heaved a slight sigh. What was she doing? Putting her pen down, she whispered, "Knox," and the illuminated tip of her wand went out. Why was she so worked up about something so simple? It was a bit sad, pathetic even to get this emotional toward just an apology. Was she really that invisible? Perhaps she was. If something such as simply not walking past her could get her this excited, maybe she really was in bad shape.
Setting down her quill, Iliana pressed two fingers against the side of her temple, rubbing it slightly. She needed to relax, to just drift off to sleep and somehow regain that happiness she felt on the train ride to Hogwarts. She needed to recapture the excitement and eager anticipation she once felt due to an animal. Her eyes widened immediately. The dog! She'd completely forgotten about the chance of maybe seeing her furry acquaintance once more. Dropping her hand to the bed sheets and laying properly down on her bed, Iliana turned on her side toward the window nearest her bed. If you're out there, know that I'll come visit you soon, she thought to herself. Perhaps she didn't need a 'Cedric Diggory' to carry her through her day. Maybe she could simply rely on the companionship of an animal; after all, they were considered 'man's best friend' for a reason, weren't they?
Pulling the covers off of her head, she looked out the window. The moon was high in the sky and the talking in the lobby of the common room died down to nothing but silence. Iliana knew that it was past her bedtime and that she needed some sort of sleep to get her through tomorrow … or today, whatever time it would have been. Placing her things under her pillow, much too tired to get out of bed once more, Iliana laid her head down and closed her eyes. Tomorrow would be a new day. She would see her friend soon. Hm, friend, she thought to herself with a smile on her face as she closed her eyes. She liked the sound of that.
Iliana woke bright and early the next morning. After freshening up and clothing herself in her usual Hogwarts uniform, she tied her silky short hair back with a sole ribbon. Finally, having stowed all necessary textbooks and equipment that she'd need for today in her bag, she was off to the Great Hall. She could barely keep herself awake. She tossed and turned a series of times last night, swearing that someone had indeed been watching her. Every time she woke to check, however, no one was there. Perhaps it was just nerves getting to her, she thought to herself. Maybe after a quick meal and a cup of coffee, she'd feel like her usual self once more. Taking the seat furthest away from the last Hufflepuff in the row, Iliana filled her stomach with all she could.
She appreciated the warm food filling the pit of her stomach. It brought a bit of comfort, lessened her worries about the hours of the day to come. Maybe first days don't have to be so horrible, she thought to herself as she took a sip of the warm coffee. It magically appeared beside a copy of someone's forgotten Daily Prophet. Setting her mug down in its original spot, Iliana couldn't help but quickly scan over the front page. It was the same headlines more or less - mostly Ministry officials trying to hush everything up about the scare at the Quidditch World Cup. There was a slight mention, however, about the Triwizard Tournament along with a picture of Bartemius Crouch Sr. standing in a crowd of people. Probably reassuring people that students won't actually die in this one, she figured to herself. Taking one last sip of her coffee, Iliana noted the shuffling of her fellow students from around the tables.
This usually signalled that classes would be starting rather soon. Iliana gathered up her bag and followed the crowd all the way to their first class. Transfiguration. Although this wasn't Iliana's favourite subject, it never stopped her from doing her utmost best. She was a naturally bright girl. Of course, this was never actually recognized unless there was a test. Otherwise, she was just as invisible as she was the beginning of the year. Taking her usual seat all the way at the back, Iliana quickly settled and prepared for class. Several other houses entered the classroom. Gryffindor, mainly. She could see the Weasley twins in a heated conversation with their friend Lee Jordan. She always admired those two. Getting into trouble for no apparent reason seemed to be their specialty - not to mention getting McGonagall's face to contort in ways no human's should.
They always managed to bring a certain life to the class, something that no doubt everyone needed in grim times such as these. Even the teachers looked forward to having them in their classes, all except one. Snape. He was never delighted to see any student, except those of his own house - Slytherin. Iliana's mind wandered to when she had this delightful creature. Reaching down to grab at her bag, Iliana's head had come in contact with something. It felt like a load of bricks had been dropped on the back of her neck. Inevitably, Iliana fell off her chair and to the floor with a number of books crashing around her along with a person. Grabbing at her neck and nibbling on her lip so as to not burst into tears out of shear embarrassment, Iliana stacked the fallen books to one side. Right, well at least now I can scratch out 'first day embarrassment', she thought to herself. A hand suddenly touched hers. Immediately, Iliana's eyes shot back at the fallen being. She stared into the same eyes that she'd met on the train.
The golden brown eyes that had blocked her way that time before were now before her once more. Iliana was once more dumbfounded. Her cheeks flushed a light pink as realization had settled in. He was still touching her hand. As if her cheeks couldn't get anymore rosier, the feeling of several pairs of eyes on her back was now coursing through Iliana's body. "Sorry," his voice said. Perhaps it was just her, but for a minute, she could've sworn she'd heard an echo. Iliana's mouth gaped open as it had done before. Words formulated in her mind, but yet again, the connection between her brain and her mouth seemed to be nonexistent. She watched as his eyes narrowed, signifying that he was now either smiling or chuckling. She was unsure. Her eyes were too focused on his. However, she did notice something else. The same hand that had taken hold of hers was now pulling her up to a standing position. "Are you hurt," his voice echoed once more. Iliana's mouth continued to gape - her brain trying to regain her function of speech.
Several giggles and chuckles were heard coming from behind her. Iliana's cheeks turned a nastier scarlet from before. Then suddenly, the room hushed, and Iliana had a strange feeling she knew why too. Cedric's eyes diverted themselves to a being standing behind Iliana. Iliana could feel the chills of cold disapproval emanating from this creature behind her. Immediately taking her hand out of Cedric's, Iliana resumed her seat not daring to look up from her desk. The infamous McGonagall throat clear pervaded throughout the classroom. "I understand the excitement of returning to a new year, however, do try to contain yourselves on the first day. I mean, really, it is only the first day," she added after. Iliana heard the creaking of the board as she stepped toward the front of the classroom and began her lesson. So much for it never happening again, eh, she thought once more to herself as she opened her note book and began to scribble notes.
The rest of the morning classes followed the suit of simple note taking and rule remembering. Iliana watched the remainder of the students walk back toward the castle after their recent Herbology class, with the intention in mind that she'd stay behind. She'd wanted some time with the grounds. She felt as if she owed it to them; after all, they were her first friend at Hogwarts. Iliana waited, though. She couldn't be seen proudly walking out of Herbology to simply linger behind on the field. No, it just wouldn't be right, so in order to appear as if she was not simply loitering in Madame Sprout's Greenhouse, Iliana marvelled at the several plants lined off on a bookshelf nearby. Although not truly interested in anything on the shelf, one specimen had caught her eye. Inside a tightly encased glass jar were large pink pods. Not only was the colour an anomalous colour for pods of plants, even in the wizarding world, but the way the container was sealed.
There seemed to be three or four elastic bindings around the cover of it. A label worn away by the many years hung off the cover. Iliana squinted her eyes, trying desperately to make out the name of this mysterious plant. "Something caught your eye, Miss Blaize," a voice chimed in from behind her. Iliana jumped suddenly and looked toward the speaker. She emitted a slight sigh of relief, thankful that she managed not to completely destroy the Herbology Greenhouse. "Yes, Professor Sprout," Iliana spoke to the stout woman in front of her, still wearing her gardening gloves. "This plant here, Professor," Iliana continued as she turned around to indicate which plant she'd meant. Professor Sprout drew nearer. "Which- ahh, I see," she stated with a bit of a giggle as she excitedly pulled it off of the shelf. Iliana watched as she scuttled away toward the backroom of the greenhouse. "Come, come, Miss Blaize," Professor Sprout called. Iliana did as she was told. As she'd entered the room however, she'd taken in the sight of Professor Sprout with a bowl of water on one of the nearby tables with the jar of pink pods only half opened.
"Professor, what are-" Iliana began before being shushed by Professor Sprout and motioned closer. Iliana now stood beside her, watching as her gardening gloved hands carefully picked up this pod and placed it in the water. Iliana waited several seconds before she'd finally seen it. The once simple pink pod had transformed before her very eyes. It was now a daisy sitting there in the water. Iliana watched in amazement. Professor Sprout once more let out a girlish giggle. It was always a joy for students to work alongside with Professor Sprout. She enjoyed her profession. Attending to the greenhouse of Hogwarts, was in fact a dream come true for her. "This, Miss Blaize," she began as she set the bowl of water at an elevated height on a shelf, "is what is called a 'Puffapod'. These pods transformed instantly into radiant flowers once in contact with water." Iliana's eyes still managed to look as though they were about to pop out of her head.
Professor Sprout, obviously seeing Iliana's shocked reaction, giggled slightly. "You can take one, if you'd like. Just don't tell the other students you got it from me," she stated in a whisper before leaving abruptly. Iliana, herself, gave a slight chuckle. Professor Sprout was indeed an odd one, but nonetheless, accepting the offer, Iliana took one of the small pink pods and stowed it away. Perhaps one day, she'd find use for a pretty pink flower. Now, though, all she could think of was laying somewhere on the grass. Gathering up her things and finally proceeding out of the greenhouse, Iliana proceeded out onto the grounds. First years were running around while a certain number of students were having a heated argument somewhere toward the trees. Iliana paid no attention to them, however. She was with her grounds. Yes, her grounds. She never did think anyone appreciated the grounds, just the feel and presence of it, as she did. Or maybe she was just that much of a tree-hugger.
Nonetheless, finding a cool, shaded spot on the healthy, green grass, Iliana began to fiddle around for her personal journal. Finally finding it, underneath a grand load of textbooks and parchment, she sprawled it out on the grass before her. It was so wonderful to finally sit and draw in peace without having eyes peeping over your shoulder every minute. Iliana closed her eyes and sighed, taking in the preciousness of this moment before she would continue her drawing of her friendly, furry companion. Speaking of which, she hadn't seen him lately or at all. Perhaps he really didn't remember her. Maybe she really was psychotic in thinking that a dog would remember such a kindness like that. It was just an animal, after all. "Pathetic," she said aloud to herself. She closed her journal again. Maybe she should just forget about the dog. Maybe. Shaking her head, Iliana rose to her feet and continued off toward the castle. She would surely not like to be late for her next class.
Alas, evening had rolled in and their final class was finished. Now, students were all heading over to the Great Hall for dinner. Iliana joined her fellow school mates in the Hall, not conversing with anyone in particular and just simply eating. She looked down toward the end of the table. Cedric and his friends were conversing feverishly about something undoubtedly pressing. Something strange had occurred, however, in the middle of their conversation Cedric and his friend had glanced over at Iliana. Iliana's cheeks flushed red as she quickly directed her eyes from their conversation to the bones on her plate. No more eavesdropping, Iliana, she warned herself. What on earth had made them look over at her? She was almost never noticed at all by anyone at the dinner table. Perhaps she was interrupting their pressing conversation. Yes, maybe that was it. That was all there was to it. She was just being a bother.
Rising steadily from the table, Iliana gathered up her bag and proceeded out of the Great Hall. She had homework to get done and receiving the latest gossip from the Hufflepuff girls surrounding the table wasn't going to get it done. Walking along the empty hallways of Hogwarts, Iliana looked out the windows that decorated these halls. The grounds were pitch black. Pausing in her step, Iliana heaved a great sigh wishing she were out there right now. As she continued to peer out of the window, something caught her eye. It appeared as if a man had been standing near one of the trees. Perhaps it was just Mr. Filch removing some curious first years from the edges of the Forbidden Forest, but there was something different.
As the strange man turned, he rushed off into the forest. Iliana raised an eyebrow. Perhaps it was Hagrid instead? No, Hagrid would've been taller, and no doubt would still be in the Great Hall having eighths. Just then her head ached with a sharp pain. Shaking her head, perhaps finding some way to push away the pain, Iliana continued walking. Maybe she was just seeing things. After a full day's work, she needed to get some sleep and fast. Making her way into the common room, Iliana sat promptly at one of the desks and began the mountain of homework the teachers were more than happy to welcome their students back with. In a mere two hours, though, she was finished. Just in time, she added to herself as she noticed more people pouring in to the common room. Inconspicuously, she managed to slip into the girls' dormitory. After stripping herself of the rather hot uniform, Iliana changed into her pyjamas and prepared for bed. Settling herself beneath the warm quilted blanket, Iliana listened to the giggling and talking outside. She'd never indulged in that sort of thing, she realized. She always giggled to herself having heard a joke someone about two feet away said. Her loneliness had always seem to creep back into her mind on the days when she wished it would vanish. At this point, she'd reach for her journal, which was precisely her plan this night.
With no curious and wandering eyes to peer over or around her into her journal, Iliana would finally be able to write unnecessarily long, verbous sentences filled with a dozen adjectives about things she wished she'd experience. Removing the quilt from on top of her, Iliana shimmied out of bed and gathered up her school bag. Digging through the many rolls of parchment and jars of ink, Iliana searched for her most prized possession. After several minutes of not encountering her book, her brow furrowed. Peering down into the napsack, she realized it to be filled with the usual … quills, ink, parchment, some Galleons and Sickles, but something was missing … where was her book?