As April turned to May the excitement of another Quidditch match was looming over the school. Gryffindor would be playing Hufflepuff and this was a pretty big game since Gryffindor would need to win by a substantial amount like Slytherin had.
It was the morning of the game and Harry, Rose, Capella, Ron and Hermione had gathered to speak to Sirius who had come to the school to see Harry play. The group were discussing the absence of attacks and wondering just why the heir had become so quiet.
It was during this conversation Harry decided to ask something that he had been thinking about for a while now.
"Uncle Sirius. Why is it that I can talk to snakes?"
Sirius had either not been told this news or he had forgotten it. Upon hearing the question he nearly fell off of his seat.
"You're about to go and play quidditch and this is what is on your mind?"
Harry looked away a little embarrassed at the response but Hermione suddenly gasped and ran from the classroom.
"I need to check on something." was the only explanation she gave.
"What the heck was that?" Sirius asked.
"It is what she does, don't worry about it, she has a desire to know everything." Rose said, smiling at Sirius.
"Well while she learns whatever it is that took her fancy why don't you tell me about this night party. That's quite the marauder thing to do." Sirius said, clearly happy that they were somewhat following in his footsteps.
"Fred and George seem to have that Marauder spirit mom said your group had." Capella told her father. "Sad to say I haven't found your map. Please remake it for me."
"Nope If you want the map you have to find it." Sirius laughed, though he had planned on making them all one if they did not find it by year end.
The small group stayed together until it was time to head down to the stands. Rose, who was trying to condition Harry to like hugging, made sure to Hug Harry before heading into the stands with Capella to watch the game.
The people in the stands were starting to wonder what exactly was happening. The game was due to start over fifteen minutes ago and yet no one was announcing the start of the match. Five minutes later a booming voice echoed out across the pitch declaring that all the students were to return to their dorms.
Rose was suddenly filled with dread; she immediately started scanning the stands looking for anyone missing but it was near impossible to see who was missing now that people were rushing to get back to their dorms.
While walking Rose pulled out her mirror, getting no response off Harry Rose tried Sirius but once again got no answer and so Rose was left with no other option than to go to her dorm and wait like everyone else.
It was sometime later that night Rose got a call from Harry.
"Hermione got attacked when she was with another girl from ravenclaw."
"Harry I am so sorry, I can't believe It. need to meet up?"
"I think I just need to be alone but thanks sis."
Rose, who was feeling shocked by the news, had nothing left to say and Harry must have felt the same because he ended the mirror call. Not knowing what to do, Rose went in search of Capella; she never failed to make Rose feel better.
One quick mirror call later, Rose and Capella met in a classroom near the common room. Rose pulled Capella close and held her as she tried to sort out her emotions. After a while of holding each other Rose and Capella went to visit Hermione.
Seeing Hermione stiff as a board and laying lifeless was difficult. Rose and Capella, while not exactly best friends with Hermione, had been happy to say that the book smart girl had been growing on them.
The two girls sat in silence looking at Hermione wishing they could help her. After a short while Capella noticed the paper in Hermione's hand and realising it was important Rose called Sirius and Harry.
Sirius thankfully had not yet left the school he had been talking with Dumbledore and when he got the call he decided to bring Albus to the hospital wing.
When Dumbledore entered the hospital wing Rose was surprised to see him with Sirius but now was not the time to speculate on that. Harry arrived shortly after Sirius and he was clearly upset and was struggling to look at Hermione in her bed.
"I found this in Hermione's hand" Capella announced when the group had assembled.
Sirius, being closer to his daughter, took the paper and started to look at it.
"Smart girl that one" Sirius announced after reading the paper.
Dumbledore taking the paper from Sirius read it over too and you could almost see the gears turning in his head.
"She wrote pipes here. I suppose this is how she believed the monster was moving through the school. I think you are right Sirius, she is indeed smart."
"Sirius, please escort the students to their dorms. I need to assemble to staff to search the castles plumbing"
The way that Dumbledore stayed calm and controlled the situation left Rose in awe. It was quite the sight to see. Sirius following Dumbledore's orders led Harry to Gryfindor tower before walking the girls to the Slytherin common room.
Upon entering the common room the two girls headed to Rose's bed. They didn't even need to talk about it or ask permission; they both knew the other needed this. So tired was Rose that she didn't even notice Capella watching her change.
The next day all classes were cancelled and the students had been instructed to stay in their dorms or common room. Rose and Capella decided to spend this time laying in bed doing nothing but relaxing with each other.
Both girls knew something was changing in how they felt for each other but neither wanted to address it. They were spending more and more time alone and always in close proximity to the other.
Daphne, the all seeing eye, had noticed the changes and was trying to catch Rose's eye wanting to talk to her about it and see if Rose knew what was happening.
The next day the teachers had told the students to return to their normal timetable. Sirius had told Rose, Harry and Capella that the search of the school had yielded no results at this moment in time.
The fact that Dumbledore could not yield any results in his search forced the board to to call for his removal. The castle felt a little bit more empty without the presence of the headmaster. With Dumbledore gone, Rose couldn't help but notice the presence of a certain Owl and Dog roaming the school, always seemingly present as the girls went to and from class. Harry too had noticed their godparents in the school and wondered if they had permission to be there.
With Dumbledore out of the school the board had released a statement that the school would be closing at the end of the week due to not being able to guarantee student safety. This announcement seemed to cause much gloom and students had no desire to learn now the school would be coming to an end.
The announcement that the school was closing seemed to spur the heir to do something drastic and that night they acted. Students on their way to their common rooms were the first to notice the writing on the wall and when Harry found out who it was he knew he had to act.
Using the mirrors Harry told Rose and Sirius what he now knew; he told them that he was going to see Lockhart since he supposedly knew where the entrance was. When Harry realised where the entrance was he updated Sirius who demanded Harry return to his dorm. Using his wand to record Harry speaking open, in case they needed it Sirius headed down into the chamber with Marlene in tow.
As Rose, Harry, Ron and Capella sat in the bathroom waiting for Sirius they were surprised to see Dumbledore and a man with a wooden leg descend into the tunnel. It felt like a long wait and the four students were starting to fear the worst.
Deciding they were fed up with waiting, the four students descended into the chamber determined to know what had happened to the adults. The sight that greeted them was a basilisk dead on the ground, its eyes gouged from its skull.
The Adults were all gathered around Ginny's body. Another figure that seemed almost like it was not there was watching the helpless adults and gloating that they would not be able to save Ginny in time. Dumbledore was casting several spells and seemingly failing to save Ginny.
What intrigued Harry was the little black Diary sat beside Ginny. He had this feeling that it was the key to saving Ginny but he didn't know how. When he pointed this out to Rose they looked around for a weapon.
Upon seeing no weapon the four students started casting the only destructive spells they could think of. The book resisted Ron and Harry's incendio and also Rose's Cutting charm. The adults who had not seen the students arrive until now looked completely confused by the actions of the Students.
"Destroy the book." Harry shouted, his voice ringing with authority.
The adults turned to look at the book and Dumbledore's face went ghostly white.
"He wouldn't" Dumbledore said not realising everyone in the chamber had heard this.
"Sirius cast a containment spell, Marlene you too. Moody be ready to protect the students" Albus commanded in full command of the battle.
The shade seemed to realise what was about to happen charged forward but not fast enough.
At the same time a beautiful, yet destructive, Fire burst forth from Dumbledore's wand and took the shape of a phoenix.
"Fiendfire are you nuts Albus?" moody shouted adding his own containment spell to Marlene and Sirius
The fire obliterated the small diary and Ginny woke up scared and crying. Harry rushed to her side wanting to give her some comfort seeing that the adults were busy.
The adults in question were currently fighting to get the fire back under control. The Students who were watching did not truly understand the gravity of the situation. Moody however was looking worried.
"Albus, get that flame under control dammit."
It took a mighty effort from Dumbledore but he managed to stop the flame. Once the flame was stopped he dropped to his knees and started breathing heavily.
"Albus, what the heck were you thinking?" Moody yelled, still not aware Ginny had woken up.
"I am sorry old friend time was short and I didn't have anything else that would work at that moment."
This apology seemed to appease Moody who looked at his friend and helped him to his feet.
Now that the immediate threat had been eliminated the adults turned to see Ginny weeping in Harry's arms.
"How is she Harry?" Sirius asked, seeing him trying to soothe Ginny's fears.
"She isn't going to be expelled right?" Harry asked, looking at Dumbledore.
"No Mr Potter no action will be taken against Ginny just from seeing what happened down here I know the only thing Ginny is guilty of is trusting the wrong person. Something many before her have had to deal with"
"Sir, what is Fiendfyre?" Rose asked, still feeling somewhat in awe of the fiery spectacle that she had been witness to.
"Fiendfyre is one of the most destructive spells ever created. It is a heavily regulated spell and Once cast is near impossible to tame and stop. Only those who have the highest levels of control can stop the effects."
"Technically Dumbledore here can get in a lot of trouble for casting that spell; it is prohibited by the ministry. " Moody added for the group. "That is why this will be kept a secret right?" he added.
After all the students, Marlene and Sirius had sworn not to tell anyone the details of the chamber, Dumbledore led the group up to his office. Once there He floo called the Weasley's and told them to come through.
It took a very long time for Dumbledore to explain what had happened to Mr and Mrs Weasley. They asked many questions and were struggling to understand how Ginny could have been possessed. By the time the Weasley understood and accepted what had happened to their baby girl Rose, Capella and Ginny had all fallen asleep. Harry who had been trying to follow what was being told to the Weasleys had stayed awake never letting go of Ginny.
With the eventful night now drawing to a close Dumbledore sent all the children to bed. Rose, who hated being woken up, was a little miffed to be woken up just to go back to sleep again and complained all the way back to her common room.
Without even taking time to change Rose got into bed pulling Capella in with her and falling asleep pretty much instantly.
Rose slept well into the late hours of the morning and when she finally woke up Caplla was watching her sleep.
"What are you looking at? you weirdo." Rose joked, smiling at Capella.
"I'm looking at a really pretty face." Capella replied, smiling happily before hiding her face in Rose's chest.
"You're growing." Capella said after some time laying on Rose's chest. This comment had Rose turning dark red and unable to look at Capella for a moment.
"If you havent noticed your growing too you know" Rose replied makinig the younger girl look at herself.
"Ohh I guess I am" Capella giggled and snuggled close to Rose.
When Rose woke up next it was late in the afternoon. Rose was quite surprised to feel Capella's hand on her ass. Rose took a moment to enjoy the feeling before moving Capella's hand and waking her up.
Once awake the girls showered and headed up to the great hall they were greeted by Ginny who resisted the urge to cry again seeing them.
"I wanted to say sorry. I am not really ready to talk about it yet but i know I wasn't the best too you both."
Rose looked at Capella and they both knew they were thinking the same thing.
"Ginny we hold nothing against you we hear enough before we fell asleep to know you are not to blame. We are just happy you are here. You know we are not going to let you run away. You're going to be our friend okay?"
This caused Ginny to start crying, she didn't understand just why Rose was being so nice. The next thing Ginny knew she was being hugged by Rose and Capella. Taking the opportunity to hide her face and recompose herself, Ginny accepted the hug.
"I get it, I will try not to hide from you both."
"You know what? I think that this place is too crowded for us right now. Have you ever been to the kitchens, Ginny?" Capella asked.
"Are we even allowed into the kitchens?" Ginny asked.
"We have been in there before and didn't get in trouble so I think we will be okay. Come with me." Capella said smiling. So Ginny couldn't run or change her mind. Capella took Ginny's hand in hers.
It didn't take too long to get to the Kitchens and when they entered the elves were quick in providing food for them to enjoy.
"This is a lot of food. Is this really okay?" Ginny asked while making her way through the meal provided for her.
"They wouldn't have given it to us if it wasn't okay" Rose speculated and smiled at Ginny.
The three girls enjoyed the food provided and though they didn't say much to each other by the end the three girls were feeling happy and comfortable at that moment.
After the three girls ate their fill Rose and Capella took Ginny out to the lake.
"This is my favourite place to relax," Rose said to the other girls, slipping off her shoes and socks, she sat down by the water. Capella copying Rose motioned Ginny to do the same.
"Ever thought about skinny dipping?" Capella asked the other girls, causing both to blush dark red and refuse to answer.
"That's a no then?" Capella asked, giggling at the other two girls' embarrassment
"That is definitely a no," Rose said after a short minute. With Ginny stammering her agreement.
The ice well and truly broke the three girls started to really get to know each other. They made no mention of the Diary but they spoke in length about all of Ginny's interests and hobbies.
They even touched a little on Ginny's crush on Harry which she admitted to but didn't want to discuss it.
"What about your crush on Rose?" Ginny asked Capella. This made Capella blush scarlet and Rose look at Capella a curiosity now stirring hearing the question.
"I don't really know. It is the first time I have ever felt that I hadn't considered that it was a crush" Capella finally answered after a long wait. The fact that Capella had answered so honestly made Rose blush deeply and Ginny smile.
"Sounds like a crush to me." Ginny said to Capella and Rose couldn't help but agree.
"Your turn to be honest, Rose." Ginny said, looking at Rose. "You like Capella too right?"
"You are a bold one, Miss Weasley.. But yes I am pretty sure I like Capella." With the embarrassing confessions out in the air Rose and Capella hugged each other. Ginny felt like she was intruding on a special moment when the hug lasted a little longer than normal.
Before Ginny knew what was happening Rose and Capella had pulled her into the hug making the girl squeak in shock.
"Hey put me down, I'm not a part of this." she protested weakly.
Feeling like Ginny needed to be embarrassed too, Rose got an evil smirk and kissed ginny;s cheek, finding the idea hilarious. Capella kissed her other cheek. This caused Ginny to flush a dark red and hide her face.
"You know you two are evil. You tell me you want to be friends then torment me." Ginny explained trying to be annoyed but her laughter was breaking through showing that the situation did not bother her.
"Don't worry Ginny we won't steal you from my brother" Rose said cheekily to Ginny.
"Let's not get ahead of ourselves. I've barely said five sentences in front of him."
"That didn't stop you spending an hour in his arms last night. Feels good to be held by the one you like right?" Capella said, looking at Rose and blushing.
"Maybe." was the only reply Capella received.
"I think we have embarrassed her enough" Rose told Capella who smiled and released Ginny.
"If we are too much, let us know okay." Capella told Ginny.
"It is different for sure but I don't hate it." Ginny responded by hiding her face, embarrassed admitting she liked the way these two girls acted.
The day spent by the lake was refreshing after all the attacks and the school being on high alert. Rose was happy to say that after her afternoon with Ginny she had made a new close friend.
That night as Rose was heading to bed, Daphne addressed Rose.
"Are you in love with Capella?"
"I don't know if it's love but I like her a lot"
Rose replied blushing but smiling.
"Mhm I thought so" Daphne said before heading to her bed. Daphne who grew up in a pure blood family was raised to believe relationships between the same sex was wrong but seeing Rose and Capella Daphne couldn't help question this.
Capella snuck in late that night. Rose was still awake and when Capella snuck in Rose opened her arms for her.
"Thought you would come"
"Rose I need to ask you something"
"What is it?"
"Will you be my girlfriend I want us to date"
Rose, who was still trying to work out exactly what she was feeling blushed and took Capella's hand.
"I never thought I'd date a girl but I want to date you Capella"
Capella looked into Rose's eyes and smiled happily before leaning in and kissing Rose. It was a short innocent kiss. They were both young and not ready for more.
After another short kiss Capella led in Rose's arms and fell asleep.
With end of year exams cancelled the students of Hogwarts got to enjoy some peaceful days leading up to summer holidays. The students and ghost that had been petrified had been restored and were well on the road to recovery well except for Hermione who seemed determined to spend the free time catching up on the lessons that she had missed despite being told that she had no need for such actions.
In all the chaos Rose, Harry and his friends had totally forgotten that they needed to hand in their elective selections. Deciding to discuss it together, Rose, bringing Daphne with her, went to meet Harry and his friends, despite not having any input Capella had tagged along too.
Ron was more than happy to drift by taking the easiest of classes, Hermione seemed determined to take all the classes despite it sounding crazy. Daphne, who was another intellect but not on Hermione's level, had taken Arithmancy, Runes and at Rose's request Comc,which Rose had selected as her electives.
Harry who was torn between following Ron and planning for the future chose to compromise by taking Comc with Ron but deciding to ditch Divination for Ancient Runes which sounded more interesting to him.
Ron seemed a little miffed that Harry wouldn't take Divination with him but decided it was not worth arguing over since they had the other classes together. Rose was particularly surprised by this since Ron wouldn't normally back down without a fight.
With the selection of electives decided the group decided to stay together a little longer and play some games, even Ron had joined in. Over the course of the day more people joined the small group Fred and George, who somehow knew they were in hee had brought Ginny. Since the incident they have been trying to look after Ginny better, To her annoyance, she just wanted to forget the entire thing.
After Ginny had mentioned just wanting to forget the incident to Rose. Rose had tried to talk with Ginny about not forgetting but moving on. Ginny had mentioned she knew that Rose was right but it was going to be hard. After this chat Ginny had spent the day with Rose and Capella.
Being practically dragged into the room by Fred and George, Ginny was exceedingly curious how Fred and George had known Rose and Harry were in here. Ginny was trying hard to make Harry forget how pathetic she had been around Harry by forcing herself to talk to him and spend time with his group of friends when invited.
Ron seemed a little put out by Ginny being constantly around but it was clear that he was feeling guilty for not helping Ginny more especially after his parents had scolded him and his brothers for not looking after Ginny this past year.
Rose, who had felt like she had not really spent much time with Blaize this year left to invite him to hang out too. When she came back the room had a mix of wizard games and muggle games though she knew not where the muggle games had come from.
Daphne and Blaize seemed to have some reservations about playing the muggle games but despite their origin they had fun and couldn't deny that muggles had made some interesting stuff.
When the evening meal rolled by the house, the elves surprised the group by bringing muggle pizza and cokes. The food was consumed in vast quantities with everyone enjoying a fun meal that was not served at Hogwarts.
So It took me a while to realise I had not posted this chapter a huge oversight on my part as I uploaded it into my doc manager sometime ago. While book three has been challenging me a little bit I have been writing a little. As a show of good faith this story isn't abandoned I offer you Chapter 8 of book 2.