Harry Potter
The Fight for Survival
By xXxKaraBeckerCutterxXx
Disclaimer: Harry Potter and all related concepts do not belong to me! I am merely borrowing them for my own personal enjoyment. All OC's and anything you dont recognize is copyrighted by me: xXxKaraBeckerCutterxXx
Rating: K
Pairing: Marcus/OC - Fred/OC - Harry/Ginny
Genre: Adventure/Friendship/Romance
Warnings: Please do not flame me for anything.
Summary: In order to deal with the future, one must understand the past. As the final battle approches the safety of Hogwarts is called into question. But as danger looms, the fight for magic...may come with a price.
Author's Note: Chapter dedicated too: DJScales, BamaRose, Razmend, Aileen Autarkeia, Matt-hardy-lover-101 and Fan of Fics.
Author's Note Two: Reply to Fan of Fics; aww gutting that you don't get Part 1 of the new film until a week Friday. Im excited that it is out Monday, but i'd die if they changed the date. Hence the obessesion with Harry Potter. But who can help being obsessed with an awesome film, eh? What's the last reference you made? Hope it was nothing that put you on the spot like mine did. Hahaha...
Also in response too Aileen Autarkeia; hey sweetie, no sweat. If you havent been able to review, I totally understand. Its completely understandable, you're homeschooled? Sweet! Is that easier than normal school, if you could venture a guess? Or would you say its harder? Anyway...Im rambling, So just review when you can sweetie, 'Kay?
Last response is too BamaRose; yup, I did! It wasnt exactly funny at the time because everyone just turned to stare at me, and I was like "What? What did I say?" and then when I thought about it was like "Yeah, way off topic!" haha. My tutor didnt say anything just shook her head and went back to the lesson. Aw well, like I said too Fan of Fics you cant help the references when you're obsessed with an awesome film/book, or storyline. Can you? Oh, before I go...Random request for more Marcus/Charlie fluff? I'll see what I can come up with, 'kay? Cool.
Well...I've talked your ears off...here's the next chapter. Yay! :D
Hogwarts Five: Re-Instated
"Did you find anything?" Charlie asked, dropping down beside Riley as she entered the Gryffindor common room that evening, the Gryffindor genius had been up to the Library in the Restricted Section to just back up Charlie's story that she had presented to Slughorn; that way if the Potions Master did happen to come asking then she had evidence and facts that she had in fact done a little research before Charlie had gone to him for more information. Also, if Slughorn happened to drop by the Library and ask Madam Pince if they had been in the library then the librarian wouldnt have to worry about getting them in trouble because she had a record of which books in the Resticted section had been used or taken out.
Riley grinned at her preparedness when it came to books and the way of the library.
"No," she answered, glancing up from the book she had checked out "There is nothing in here that could point us in the direction that Tom Riddle could have been after all those years ago; I did, however, check out a few books that may have helped us in this search, you owe me big time for what I have read, some of this information you need a strong stomach to read though. They are quite disgusting..." she shuddered
Charlie patted her back, slightly sympathetic that she had made her friend read things that would probably give her nightmares for a month "You're strong Rils," the Slytherin smiled "I'll give you credit for that"
"Well, I grew up with you, didn't I?" Riley asked
The Slytherin smirked "Good point." she eyed the books "So there is nothing in them?" she asked
"No," the Gryffindor sighed "The only thing I could find out, about a piece of rare magic is something called..." she glanced at the book in her hands "...a Horcrux..."
"A what?" Charlie asked
"Its only a brief introduction," Riley answered "and when I say brief...I mean brief...listen..." she took a deep breath and read "of the Horcrux, wickedest of magical inventions, we shall not speak not give direction..."
Charlie frowned "Well, that was completely pointless," she pointed out "Why did they even bother writing that? Its a waste of ink, parchment...and time!"
Riley nodded in agreement "But, if that's what Tom Riddle found, then I can understand why he went to a teacher for more information. It peaks the curiousity, and you just want to know more and more about it."
It was Charlie's turn to nod in agreement.
xXxHarryPotterxXx
The snow melted around the school as Feburary arrived, to be replaced by a cold, dreary wetness. Purplish-grey clouds hung low over the castle and a constant fall of chilly rain made the laws slippery and muddy. For most sixth-years their first Apparition lessons were scheduled to take place this months, as for Charlie and Riley on that matter they were the only ones excluded from taking part with the rest of their friends, mostly because they didnt have the money to sign up for the classes. Thus, while the Slytherin and Gryffindor sixth years arrived at the Great Hall one Saturday morning -it was the only day that the professors could agree on, so that no normal lessons would be missed- the two Muggleborns were left to do whatever it was they wanted.
"Im bored..." Charlie complained, as she lay on one of the leather black sofa's in the Slytherin common room, opposite her lay Riley. "Its a Saturday! And I'm bored! That cannot be possible!"
Riley rolled her eyes "Why don't you read a book...or sing...or something?" she asked "Just stop talking!"
"Oh, I'm feeling the love, Spaz!" Charlie retorted
"Why do you call me that?" Riley asked "What have I done that made you think of that name?"
The Slytherin shrugged "Dunno, you just like a Spaz!"
"Oh, now who's feeling the love?" she asked
Charlie grinned "Oi, you pick on me for my height, by calling be 'Hobbit!' which is discrimination against dwarves, thank you very much! Then why don't I get to pick on you for something?"
"But I got a reason to call you Hobit," Riley pointed out "as you stated, you are short! I've never done anything, remotely spazztastic!"
The Slytherin laughed "Spazztastic?" she questioned "I like that! Very original..."
Riley rolled her eyes.
The Slytherin portrait hole opened with a creak, and Charlie turned her attention to the back of the couch as voices were heard "I suggest you give it back to her..." said Nikki "...she'll want it, its been over 2 years since she lost it"
"But she didnt lose it," Adrian pointed out "It was taken from her. And like you said, two years ago, anything could have happened to it in that amount of time. How do we know its not a Portkey or something..."
"Because it would have activated by now," Nikki answered
Adrian shook his head "Not necessarily, I overheard my father and mother talking once about Portkeys," he explained "and apparently you can charm them so that when a specific person touches the desired object it will then activate..."
"So you're suggestion that someone charmed the locket to act like a Portkey, for when my girlfriend touches it?" Marcus asked
Charlie frowned Locket? she thought What locket? her thoughts, however, subsided when realization dawned and the whole conversation came flooding back. Nikki had said it had been over 2 years since she had lost it, 'she' could have been anyone. But then Marcus had said 'Girlfriend' that obviously meant her, and 'locket' so it was obviously something that belonged to her. And the only locket that she had lost two years ago was Slytherin's locket...
"You've got my locket?" she questioned, sitting up and startling Marcus, Nikki and Adrian who had come to an halt at the top of the small steps leading into the common room. "How...and where did you get it?" she asked
Nikki frowned "How long have you been lying there?" she asked
"Since Daphne and the others left this morning," Charlie answered, spotting the golden locket in Marcus's hand. She jumped over the back of the couch and approched her friends, Riley rolled off her own couch and followed. "Where did you get it?" she asked, pointing at the locket
"Dobby tried interrupting the Appairition lessons," Marcus answered "He thought you'd be up there; wanted to give you a late Christmas present. Since he isnt bound to the Malfoys anymore, he didnt hesitate in handing this over."
Riley stopped beside her friends "And you're worried, it may be cursed or something?"
"Well, that Bell girl was cursed with a necklace," Adrian pointed out "Who's to say that someone's not out to get Charlie, as well as Dumbledore?"
Charlie frowned and glanced up at her friend "But Malcolm wouldnt try to kill me," she responded "I know that much..."
Adrian opened his mouth to speak, but Nikki beat him too it.
"Charlie's right," she cut across "Malcolm, doesnt hate Charlie...as much as I hate to say it, on some level he does actually care about her, possibly even love her..."
Charlie shuddered
"...he wouldnt do anything to jepodize a possible future they could have together" Nikki finished
Riley perked up "Give it to her," she told Marcus "We'll know if somethings the matter instantly..."
The older Slytherins frowned "How?" they asked
"That Phoenix pendant," Riley pointed at the necklace Marcus had bought Charlie last year, which now lay around the Slytherins neck, like it always did "remember I protected it for you?"
Marcus and Nikki nodded.
"Well, because of that protection charm, it means Charlie is also protected from dark magic," the Gryffindor explained "so if her locket has been tampered with, or Dark Magic has been used on it, the emerald in the Phoenix should glow like it would if she was in danger."
Charlie frowned, as she reached up to touch her pendant; before glancing at Marcus and reaching for the locket in his hand. She hadnt even touched the golden chain when the Pendant's eye glowed a gleaming green and the Muggleborn dropped her hand and reached for the silver Phoenix as she felt it burn into her skin "Hot!" she cried "Riley, it burns!"
"Give it!" Riley ordered, snatching the locket from Marcus and moving across the common room; as Nikki helped Charlie remove the Phoenix pendant, which had left a faint burn mark on the side of the Slytherin's neck. "Feel better?" she asked
"What the hell was that?" Charlie demanded, touching the burning skin of her neck
The Gryffindor looked up "That just proves, this isnt your necklace anymore" she pointed at the locket "I don't know what Voldemort's done to it; but Adrian was right...it has been tampered with"
The Slytherins exchanged looks, as Charlie looked livid at the thought of someone messing with the one thing that she had had since she was born. And as much as she hated Voldemort and Amanda Mitchell...the locket was something she cherished.
xXxHarryPotterxXx
"Can we go see Hagrid?" Charlie asked, at least half an hour after the fact that her Phoenix pendant had tried to burn her. She was still in the Slytherin common room, but now instead of lying down flat on the leather sofa she was curled up beside Marcus, her head lying on his stomach as his arm wrapped around her waist. Opposite her on the second sofa sat Nikki and Riley as Adrian occupied the chair -not Snape's chair- and was staring at the locket which lay on the coffee table. It would have seemed it had no affect on Charlie's Phoenix pendant, when it was near her, only when she touched it; this stumped her friends and had caused Riley to start researching once more.
The Gryffindor looked up from the book in her lap "Its raining," she pointed out
"So?" Charlie asked "We've been out in the rain before, remember that raid on Clinton 5 years ago? It was raining that day then, but we still went"
Nikki frowned "Before or after you got accepted to Hogwarts?" she asked
"Before," Riley and Charlie answered "At least a week or two before," they nodded
The older female shook her head "I'd hate to see what you were like growing up," she pointed at Charlie
The Muggleborn grinned "Hey, I'm a good kid! I speak my mind, and get into fights..." she shrugged "but im a good kid nonetheless"
Marcus smirked as he pulled her closer; as he moved his hand to her arm and run his fingers over the smooth skin; causing Charlie to squirm at the tickling sensation that run through her. The Muggleborn smiled.
"So, can we go?" she asked
Riley sighed "Fine..." she grumbled "Got nothing better to do"
"Well, research is getting us nowhere," Charlie pointed out "We nowhere near finding out what a Horcrux's is, and you said yourself that there's nothing in there -" she pointed at the thick tomb "- to explain why my Phoenix reacted the way it did, to my locket"
The older Slytherins paused "Why are you researching Horcruxes?" Nikki asked "That's real rare dark magic..." she eyed Charlie catiously
"Don't look at me like that!" Charlie retorted "We believe that Tom Riddle read the same extract we did, when he was at school; and thats what led to him going to Slughorn for information. Hence the memory Dumbledore showed me and Harry..."
Adrian glanced sideways "but that doesnt explain why it was tampered with,"
"Actually it does," Riley nodded "If Slughorn told Riddle exactly what an Horcrux is, and then Riddle started using them -whatever they are- when he became Voldemort, then there is a good chance that Slughorn is ashamed to admit that he had a hand in creating the monster we all fear today. Its just like adding fuel to the fire," she explained "the more information Riddle found out about dark magic, the more the monster inside grew until it was too late to conceal it, and Voldemort was created"
Marcus stared at the Gryffindor Genius "You know?" he questioned "You're to smart for your own good"
Charlie hit her boyfriend in the arm "It was my idea," she told him "I asked her to do research on possible dark magic ideas; she found the Horcrux in the Restricted section and we came up with a deduction together"
"It seems to fit though," Riley jumped in "That would explain the tampered memory..."
"Slughorn is ashamed of what he told Riddle all those years ago," Nikki nodded "and to keep up appearance; to prove that he didnt say anything, he tampered with his own memory to show that he was a good professor, and didnt give into Riddle's charm..."
Charlie nodded "Exactly!"
Nikki smirked and nodded "Nice work girls," she praised them "Just remember to keep this between yourselves, until you get the proper memory. The last thing we need is for others to find out about our dear old Professor Slughorn..."
The Muggleborns nodded, before preparing themselves for the walk down to Hagrids.
xXxHarryPotterxXx
It had stopped raining, by the time the four Slytherins and Riley had reached Hagrid's the Muggleborn smiled as she approached Buckbeak, who was tied up in the same pumpkin patch he had been in back in third year, she bowed respectfully without breaking eye-contact and watched as the Hippogriff did the same, before allowing her to sink to her knees beside him and stroke his feathery head "How are you?" she asked "Missing him?" and her friends knew that she was referring to Sirius, whom Buckbeak had spent most of his time with after third year "Yeah, me too...but you're okay here with Hagrid, aren't you?"
Buckbeak cooed
Charlie smiled "Of course you are," she nodded "Hagrid'll take good care of you..."
Riley, meanwhile, had approached the front door of Hagrid's hut and knocked as Charlie stayed beside the Hippogriff.
The door opened and Jenn appeared in on the threshold "I was starting to wonder when you'd show up," she smiled "Come in..." she stepped aside, and allowed them to pass into the hut, calling for Charlie who planted a kiss on Buckbeak's head and hurried after her friends.
"Hi Hagrid," Riley smiled, as soon as she spotted her half giant friend "How's Grawp?"
Hagrid looked up, his eyes were red as if he had been crying "'e's okay..." the half giant answered
"What's wrong, Hagrid?" the Gryffindor asked, crossing the room and touching his shoulder
There was a funny squelching sound and Charlie looked around as Nikki let out a shriek, and leapt out of the seat she had occupied under the table. In a giant barrell beside the seat were what looked like four-foot long maggots, slimy, white and wirthing.
"What are they?" Charlie asked, pointing at the barrell "and what do they grow into?"
"Their maggots," Jenn answered "and they don't grow into anything, their for Aragog"
Everyone, other than Charlie, Hagrid and Jenn looked confused. And suddenly Hagrid burst into tears. Riley jumped and patted his arm "Who's Aragog?" she asked, looking around at Charlie for an explanation.
"He's a giant acromantula, that lives in the Forbidden Forest," Charlie answered "Remember four years ago when the Chamber was open?" her friends nodded "Harry, Ron and I followed the spiders into the forest, after Hagrid had been arrested, and we met him. Needless to say, he was helpful, but he tried to -" she cut off, and slid her finger across her throat immitating the death signature. Normally she would have spoke it out loud, but it seemed Hagrid was upset for some reason over the giant spider.
Riley turned back to Hagrid "Is everything all right with Aragog?" she questioned
"No," Hagrid cried "He's dyin', he became ill last summer, an' he's still not gettin' better..." he blubbered "...I don' know what i'll do if he...if he...we've bin tergether so long..."
Charlie chewed her lower lip feeling immensely guilty, because she felt not one once of sadness for the death of the giant spider that had tried to do away with her, Harry and Ron four years previously.
"Is there - is there anything we can do?" Riley asked, ignoring Charlie's frantic head-shakings
Hagrid didnt notice the Slytherin "I don' think there is, Riley," he choked "See, the rest o' the tribe...Aragog's family...they're gettin' a bit funny no he's ill...bit restive..."
"Yeah, I saw that side of them," Charlie said in an undertone to Marcus, Nikki and Adrian; earning an head slap from Jenn in the process.
"I don' reckon it'd be safe fer anyone but me ter go near the colony at the mo'," Hagrid finished, "But thanks fer offerin' Riley...it means a lot..."
After that the atmosphere seemed to lighten, and at dusk Jenn was waving the students off the premises before she turned toe and left Hogwarts grounds for Hogsmeade. She still didnt live within the castle, but in a small flat in the centre of Hogsmeade; when asked why she did this, Jenn simply responded with 'It was simpler, and easier for her' but some students still found it difficult to comprenhend why their professor would rather live outside the castle walls, and be unprotected; as opposed to living within Hogwarts and having the protection of Albus Dumbledore.
Upon reaching the castle once more, the four friends split and the Slytherins headed towards their seats at the Slytherin table; while Riley joined Harry, Ron and Hermione at the Gryffindor table and the convosations began.
xXxHarryPotterxXx
After dinner, Riley and Hermione made their own way up to the Gryffindor tower; as Charlie detoured down into the dungeons with her friends. The bookworm was just explaining to the genius what it was like during the lessons that she had encountered that morning "It was such a shame, you werent there" Hermione pointed out "You would have had it in seconds!"
"I don't doubt that," Riley smiled "But Charlie and I had a rather productive day ourselves"
"Oh?"
Riley nodded "You remember that locket she lost in fourth year?" Hermione nodded "Yeah, well, it was returned today, Dobby tried getting into your lesson this morning before Marcus, Nikki and Adrian found him; he gave them the locket and they they came back down to the Slytherin common room. The Locket and Charlie's Phoenix pendant reacted, and it nearly burned her!"
"The pendant nearly burned her?" Hermione asked, with wide-eyes "How?"
"We don't know," Riley shrugged "I researched it, but there is nothing in the books I already have. Im gonna go to the library and do additional research tomorrow, to see if I can work out what happened"
Hermione nodded "I'll help" she offered
"Thanks" Riley smiled "Phoenix!" she gave the password to the Fat Lady and the two scrambled through. "I have to go see Harry, I'll be up in a minute"
Hermione nodded and disappeared upstairs to their dorm room, as Riley made her way up to the boys dorms. She knocked on the door and called out as she entered "Harry?"
"Oh, hey Riley," Ron smiled, looking up from the bed in which he was eating Chocolate cauldrons
"Hey, Ron" the Genius smiled "Where's Harry?"
Ron frowned "Talking with Charlie," the red head answered "Their discussing other ways to get the memory from Slughorn. Its a wonder you're not with them..."
"Eh," Riley shrugged "You don't happen to know where they are, do you?" she asked
"Nope...why?" Ron asked
"Oh no reason, Charlie wanted me to ask Harry, if she could borrow his map until the end of term at least," Riley explained "Some way of avoiding confliction with Malcolm again"
The red head nodded
Riley shrugged "Well, when he comes back, tell him i'm looking for him" she headed for the door "Night Ron..."
Ron didnt answer at first, and when he did, his response threw Riley off completely "It's beautiful, isnt it?" he asked "The moon?"
"Huh?" Riley frowned, turning back around to face her friend "What are you..." she trailed off, as she now found Ron sitting cross-legged on the floor staring dreamily out of the window. She glanced at the chocolates on his bed "Ron, where did you get those chocolates?" she asked
"They were on Harry's bed," he answered "I just thought i'd try one..."
"Or 20," Riley teased
"I can't stop thinking about her, Riley" Ron said, dreamily
Riley groaned "Really? Because according to Harry, she is starting to annoy you"
"She could never annoy me," Ron reacted "I think I love her..."
"Well, terrific," Riley nodded, slightly confused. Last time she had seen Ron and Lavender, she was sure that she could see awkwardness in their relationship.
"Do you think she knows I exist?" Ron questioned
Now Riley was even more confused "I hope so," she answered "I mean, you've been dating her for the past four months"
"Dating?" Ron frowned "Who are you talking about?"
"Me? Who are you talking about?" Riley retorted
"Romilda, of course..." Ron answered, as if it was blantely obvious "Romilda Vane"
Riley choked "Romilda..." she trailed off, as everything pieced together inside her genius brains. Harry's chocolates. Ron's sudden infatuation with Romilda. "Love Potion!" she snapped her fingers, as the answer popped instantly to mind.
Movement caught her attention, and Riley watched as Ron smiled goofily before wandering back towards the window and sitting down. She sighed, crossed the room and picked up the card. Now what do I do? she wondered Antidote...Slughorn... she grinned, this could be the invitation she needed to pull through on her part of the deal to talk to Slughorn about the memory. Dropping the card back onto the bed, the Gryffindor genius turned to Ron.
"Hey, Ron?" she questioned kneeling down beside her "Come with me..."
"Where are we going?" he asked
Riley smirked "Im going to take you to meet Romilda Vane," she held out her hand "Come on!"
And like a small child, Ron took Riley's hand and allowed her to lead him from the dorm room, down through the common room and out through the portrait hole.
This was too easy.
xXxHarryPotterxXx
Upon reaching Slughorn's office, Riley steadied Ron behind her and then knocked on the door. For a moment she wondered if he had gone to bed early, but let out a sigh of relief when his face appeared in the opening in the middle of the door "Yes?" he quesioned "Oh, hello Miss. Spirit. What can I do for you this evening?"
"I'm sorry, sir. I wouldn't both you if it werent absolutely essential," Riley apologized "but my friend Ron," she pointed at the red head over her shoulder "swallowed a Love Potion, by mistake. You wouldnt happen to have an antidote, would you?" she asked "I mean, I'd take him to Madam Pomfrey, but I don't feel like explaining how this happened, especially considering we're not supposed to have any products from Weasley's Wizard Wheezes at school; it would just arise awkward questions"
Ron let out a longing moan from behind Riley "Where's Romilda?" he asked
"Was this potion within date?" Slughorn asked "They can strengthen, the longer they are kept, you know?
Riley nodded "We did instruct him to get rid of it, immediately" she answered "But they never listen to us..."
"All right," Slughorn nodded, as he unlocked the door and allowed them entry "I've got the necessary here in my bag, it's not a difficult antidote. I thought you would be able to whip up a potion, as simple as this Miss. Spirit. Mr. Potter may be my Potion's Prince, but aren't you know as the Gryffindor Genius?"
Riley blushed awkwardly "Uh, yeah," she nodded "Just a little nickname, Charlie gave me back in first year" she explained "But I figured this was a situation where far more practiced hands, were needed, sir" she added innocently
Ron wrapped his arms around Slughorn and hugged him lovingly "Hello, darling" he said "Fancy a drink?"
If the situation hadn't been so serious; Riley would have laughed at her friend right now. And she knew for a fact that if Charlie had been there at this moment...then Ron wouldnt live it down.
"Perhaps you're right," Slughorn nodded at the Muggleborn
Riley smiled, rounded the Professor and tugged at Ron "Come on," she said "Come sit down. Romilda will be here soon" and she led him to one of the sofa's near the fireplace. "Oh, i'm sorry, by the way, professor"
"Sorry?" Slughorn questioned "Whatever for?"
"Charlie," the Gryffindor answered "I heard about her confrontation with you about a rare piece of magic? I told her that we should have gone to Professor Snape. I apologize if she made you uncomfortable or anything. Charlie just happens to be a little too forward, when it comes thing things like this. I hope you understand?"
Slughorn waved her off "It was a misunderstanding," he responded "Im sure Miss. Hunter realizes that too"
Riley picked up a pillow and threw it at Ron, as she returned to Slughorn's side. "Well, it's better to say you're sorry, rather than to let it go. And Charlie's stubborn, she won't apologize and she can definitely hold a grudge"
"Im sure, she can" Slughorn chuckled "It was nothing, she's merely a confused and curious child, your friend. Understandable given who she rightfully is. But its all water under the bridge, you know? Correct?"
"Of course, Professor" she nodded "I expect you're tired of it after all these years," she added "People, clearly don't know when to keep questions to themselves. Especially questions about Voldemort"
Slughorn paused and looked up at the Muggleborn "Don't use that name!" he scolded
Behind them, Ron climbed onto the back of the second sofa and sat down; before tumbling off of it and landing on the floor witha thud. Riley and Slughorn pause and turn in his direction; the Muggleborn rolling her eyes as she imagined Charlie's laughing face if the Slytherin was present. Again if this hadnt been a serious situation, then she too would have been laughing. Hurrying off to help her friend up, Riley pushes himd own onto the sofa as Slughorn offered him a potion.
"There you are, old boy" the Potions master spoke "Bottoms up"
Ron eyed the glass as he took it "What's this?" he asked
"Tonic for the nerves" Slughorn lied, flawlessly
The red head lifted the glass to his lips and took a drink; it took seconds to work, because right before her eyes Riley watched as the goofy smile on his face faded and a confused look replaced it "What happened to me?" he asked, looking quizically up at Riley
"Love potion" the Genius answered
"A bloody strong one at that," Slughorn added, taking the antidote from his student and placing it on the table beside the fire
"I feel really bad" Ron mumbled
"You need a pick-me-up" Slughorn told him, rummaging through his supply of drinks "Got Butterbeer, wine, dazzling oak-matured mead..." he listed, picking up the mead "...I had other intentions for this, but given the circumstances," he opened the bottle and filled three glasses, as he returned to the students near the fireplace, and handed them out "Here we are, Spirit" he smiled
Riley took her glass
"To life!" Slughorn raised his glass, as Ron drank instantly. Before dropping the glass, before collapsing seconds later, his extremities jerking uncontrollably. Foam dribbling from his mouth and his eyes rolling back into his head.
"RON!" Riley screamed, giving Slughorn back her glass and dropping to her knees beside her friend "Professor! Do something!"
But Slughorn seemed paralysed by shock.
Ron twitched and choked; his skin turning blue.
"I don't understand!" Slughorn cried, backing away slightly
Seeing she had lost the Potions Professor, Riley spied his Potion's kit and jumped to her feet, vaulted over the back of one of his couches and immediately started going through it. She pulled out bags and jars of everything possible, but none of them were useful enough to help Ron Hold on Ron she thought as she heard him spluttering and choking behind her two minutes! Come on! as Ron started to take his last breath's behind her, the Genius found an old box, she opened it and found whats he was looking for; a shrivelled kidney-like stone "Got it!" she gasped, snagging a stone from the box and returning to Ron's side.
She dropped the stone into the Red head's mouth and closed it; helping him swallow it.
Ron took a shuddering gasp and his body became motionless, limp and still.
"Come on, Ron, breathe" she pleaded, pushing down on his chest. Minutes tick by, as tears blurred Riley's vision as Ron remained unmoving and no longer breathing. Thinking the worst the Genius pulled back the tears already falling...she shook her head, he couldnt have been...
At last, Ron came round and coughed as he pushed himself up onto his elbows and stared up at Riley who took a shuddering deep breath and threw herself at her friend. Her arms winding around his neck.
"Don't you ever do that to me again!" she scolded him
Ron nodded as he felt her tears land on his shoulder, as she hugged him in relief, worry and fear.
xXxHarryPotterxXx
Charlie and Harry pushed open the doors to the infirmary and skidded to separate halts beside Ron's bed as Hermione, Ginny and Riley looked up as they approached. The two had just entered the Gryffindor common room when one of the students there had told them Professor McGonagall was looking for them, when Charlie had asked what it was about the student had said Ron was in the Hospital Wing and the two friends had took off immediately.
"What happened?" the Slytherin asked, peering at Ron as Madam Pomfrey checked the red head's pulse "Is he going to be all right?"
Madam Pomfrey nodded "He is going to be fine," she answered "Headmaster..." she nodded as Dumbledore entered the Hospital Wing, along with McGonagall, Slughorn and Snape.
"There you two are," McGonagall gasped, upon seeing Harry and Charlie "We've had all of Slytherin and Gryffindor looking for you!"
Harry turned to his head of house "Sorry, Professor" he apologized "We were in the library"
Charlie nodded, lying came as second nature these days. She and Harry, hadnt been anywhere near the library, they had in fact been discussing Malcolm in a deserted classroom on the 2nd floor. It had been then that Charlie asked if she could borrow the Map of Hogwarts so she could avoid confrontation with Malcolm, and Harry had agreed.
"Quick thinking on your part, Riley, using a bezoar" Dumbledore praised the Genius "You must be very proud of your student, Horace"
Slughorn frowned, looking up at his name "Hm? Oh, yes, very proud" he nodded
"I think we agree, Miss Spirit's actions were heroic," McGonagall agreed "The question is, why were they ncessary?" she asked
Charlie exchanged looks with Harry, that was a good question.
"Why, indeed?" Dumbledore agreed, turning to Slughorn, who was still holding the bottle of mead that had nearly killed Ron "This appears to be a gift, Horace. You don't rememer who gave you this bottle, do you?" he took the bottle and sniffed it "Which, by the way, possesses remarkably subtle hints of licorice and cherry..." he glanced at Snape "...when not polluted with poison"
Snape took the bottle
"Actually I had intended to give it as a gift myself," Slughorn admitted
"To whom, I might ask?" Dumbledore asked
Slughorn sighed "To you, headmaster" he admitted
Charlie froze, and clutched Harry's hand tightly within her own. Another gift for Dumbledore...another which had severely injured a student? Everything was falling into place, Dumbledore was the intended target...and they had a suspect, but no evidence that linked said suspect to the crimes.
"Where is he?" came a familiar annoying voice, and Lavender flew into the ward "Where's my Won-Won? Has he been asking for me?"
Riley looked up as Charlie rolled her eyes at the nickname.
Lavender spotted Hermione at Ron's bedside, and stopped instantly "What she doing here?" she demanded
"Uh, her friend has just been poisoned," Charlie pointed out "I believe its called visiting..."
"Friend?" Lavender scoffed "They havent spoken in weeks!"
Charlie glared "Months, actually!" she retorted "Ever since you came into the picture!"
The professors were silent, as Charlie's friends watched her closely; each of them knew how bad she had wanted to say something to Lavender about this for a real long time. This just gave her the perfect opportunity...besides, Charlie wasnt one to stand by, when her friends were being picked on.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Lavender almost screeched "I happen to be Won-Won's girlfriend!"
The Slytherin cringed at the name "First off, 'Won-Won', seriously? It sounds like something a 4-year-old came up with! Second, Hermione has every right to be here, as you do! You may be Ron's girlfriend, but Hermione has been his friend since first year, so don't go thinking you're special because you believe you have a closer relationship with him; because I got new's for you sweetheart, you're not! And third off..." she trailed, looking uncertain, before glancng at Harry "I havent got a third one..." she pouted
"Do you need a third one?" the Gryffindor asked
"Yes,"
"Why?" Ginny asked
The Slytherin grinned "Because, the best things come in three's, silly" she responded, with a small wink in Ginny's direction.
Lavender looked livid "I bet she wants to make up with him now that he's suddenly all interesting!" she rounded on Hermione again "Hmm?"
"He's been poisoned!" Hermione, Charlie and Riley exclaimed, rounding on Lavender "I would hardly call that interesting!"
"I have always found him interesting!" Hermione retorted
Ron gave a start "Ah, see?" she asked, leaning forwards on the bed "He senses my presence"
Charlie made no attempt to hide her distaste in Lavender's presence
"Don't worry, Won-Won. I'm here"
The Slytherin shook her head in annoyance at the Nickname, as she glanced up at Harry, who was trying very hard to conceal a smile.
Ron mumbled something in his sleep, as his friends frowned. "Uh...Hermione..."
Lavender frowned as she leaned closer
"...Hermione..." Ron spoke louder "Hermione..."
Hermione turned towards the Red head, a look of surprise on her face; as Lavender gave a choked sob, turned and fled the room.
"Oh, to be young, and to feel love's keen sting" Dumbledore spoke, breaking the tension and silence that had fallen "Well, come away, everybody. Mr. Weasley is well tended"
The Professors and Headmaster left the room, as Ginny rose from her seat and appraoched Harry, Riley and Charlie who had re-grouped "About time, don't you think?" she asked them.
The three smirked in response, before Ginny left the vicinity.
Placing a vial of potions on the table at the bottom of Ron's bed, Madam Pomfrey followed Dumbledore's example and left.
"Thank you," Harry told her as she did so
Charlie smirked once they were alone "So, Hogwarts Five back together?" she asked them hopefully "We have to be! We set an example at this school, it's not a good one, if us five arent talking. Don't you think?"
Riley smirked, linked her arm through Charlie's and turned to Hermione, "We'll leave you alone," she teased
Harry chuckled
"Oh, shut up" Hermione responded, not even attempting to hide the smile that came to her lips. She watched as her friends exchanged smiles, before turning and leaving.
Leaving her alone with Ron.
She sighed with contentment, as he turned back to the red head. Charlie was right...Lavender and Ron didn't last, but she was perfectly happy with that.
A/N: See! I promised Hermione wouldn't give up on Ron...haha, Charlie has been waiting months to rip Lavender a new one. How dare the clingy witch, try and break up the Hogwarts Five! Its injustice I tell you! Okay, rant over.
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~*Kara*~
All OCs and anything unrecognizable is copyrighted (c) and belongs to xXxKaraBeckerCutterxXx
Chapter updated 06 April 2011 at 04:42am