More! Please More!

Hello Heather. Very nicely written. When last we read, I was afraid of how Ella might take the current events, but, she is doing rather well I think. Very mature of her. I'm thinking that the information she is acquiring is more important than having a tantrum, and being all upset. Now, I'm also wondering if there is hope that her mother is really alive. Maybe that's not the direction you're heading in, but it is something to wonder about for me anyway. I guess I can understand them thinking this, but, it just seems so absurd that he would actually do that. I wonder how Ella will take this bit of information. She might be offended, but then again, it is Snape. And his agendas don't always seem moral.
Great chapter Heather. I'll be watching for your next.

I'll post soon... Finals week is killing me ! =)

Hey Heather. I'll be watching for your post after finals. Don't let them get you down, hope you do well on them, and I'll see you after they're done.

Phew , I am back! Finals are done... THANK GOD. And I cant wait to finish this part of Ella's journey!
You guys are great, and I love the comments!
Everything Harry Potter belongs to JK Rowling.



Chapter 19


Ella sat wrapped up in her blankets. The early spring air still made the castle fall under a slight chill. Ella tried and tried to put a reason behind why Snape would want to hurt Harry. She knew there was animosity there, but why go against the cup rules. It all seemed too risky .While fumbling with her wand, her hand brushed the photo that she had taken from the Library. She was glad to have the picture to distract her thoughts.


Her real mother, a fourth year Slytherin stood there staring back at her. Her haunted eyes scared and frightened her. What was on her mind? Ella picked up the photo to stare at it closer. She couldn’t get over the difference between her and Jane. There was a resemblance, but not like her and Snape had. With him there is a deeper connection. Hermione had told her that wizards and witches have an even more special bond with their children. This bond can result in the child acting and looking exactly like the parents. Ever since she found out, she caught herself using similar expressions and doing the same mannerisms with her hands as Snape did. The similarities were brought about when it came to potions.

“I am making it too easy for people to find out.” Ella said aloud. She needed to disguise the relation, and she didn’t want to even think about the consequences. Ella clutched the photo. She wasn’t like Harry, He was so brave and she was scared. Ella finally fell asleep the picture of Jane Bowman still clutched in hand.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“I despise Care for Magical Creatures ’ “ I would rather be in a room with Binn’s for an entire day!” Ella said whining to the other Gryffindor’s getting ready.

“ Ella, how could you not like Hagrid?” “ Yes, he is an oaf sometimes, but he means well!” Hermione said trying to brush her hair.

“ I know. I know its just the creatures he makes us deal with” “You saw my
burns from that darn Skwert”

“ He will grow on you, I promise.” Hermione said giving up and tying her hair in a pony tail.

As the Gryffindor’s ate their breakfast, Ella couldn’t help but notice the stack of hate mail Hermione was getting.

“That is ridicules.”

“Thank goodness for no howlers today.” Hermione said shaking her head.

“ I am not opening any of them, there all poison."

Ella sighed.

“I will find out how Rita is doing this!” Hermione said looking around as if Rita was right there.


------------------

“Everyone, and yes that means you Miss. Greene, gets a niffler.” Ella sighed

“A Niffler?” Harry said

“ Yes , you will each get one and whoever’s nifffler finds the gold I buried will win!” Hagrid seemed proud of himself.


“There like dogs….With weird noses.” Ella said to Harry

“ Kinda” Harry said laughing at their noses.

“Real Gold Hagrid?” Seamus said.

“No, leprechaun gold, it will vanish.” Ella noticed Ron getting even paler and he grabbed Harry to the side .

Ella then nudged Hermione.

“ What’s up with them?”

“ Hmm.. No idea.”

“That wasn’t so bad Eh Ella?” Ron said

“Ok, today was fine, but the whole year has been horrible.”

“Admit you are starting to like old Hagrid.” Harry said

“ Ok, he isn’t so bad. There I said it are you happy???” Ella said annoyed with
their teasing.
------------------
Lunch time was Ella’s favorite time in the great hall. The hall wasn’t full like it was during breakfast and dinner. A lot of the students ate outside now that is was getting nice, or they were making up some past homework.

“ Hey El, I think I see Chauncey.” Ginny said pointing at a tiny owl headed their direction.

“My precious baby.” Ella said as he landed on her shoulder.

“Ella, you might want to stop the weird relationship with you owl.”

“Oh, Ronnie is this embarrassing you?” The Gryffindor table erupted in laughter directed towards Ron.

“ Well, yes it does, and why are you calling me Ronnie?”

“ Because it bothers you.”

“Who cares what people think?” Ella said feeding him crackers.

“ He is my precious owl, and I will say anything I want to him.”

“ You know someone else used the term my precious. “ Harry said chuckling.
“Whatever Harry” Ella said laughing.

“ Who said that all the time? “ Ron clearly confused.

“ Is that from your mom?” Hermione said

“ Looks like it , I am pretty surprised I have three letters.” Ella said shuffling through them , finally opening the one that was form her parents.


----
Dear Ella,
Is Everything ok? We are fine. Could you please send your father a transcript of all your grades? The year is almost over, and we both hope you are doing well.
P.S He is still upset over the article in Witches Weekly.
- Your mom.


Ella rolled her eyes. “Typical.” She said under her breath.
Ella then opened the second letter.


Hello From Milan! its wonderful here! Miss you! Enjoy the fabulous earrings!
-Angela.

“Are those real?” Lavender said leaning towards the earrings Ella was holding.

“Yep, my sister gives her love, by giving presents!” Ella said wrapping them back up.

The third envelope was next.

Dear Ella,

I miss you. Everything is fine, I am faring pretty well. How are you? Please write back.

I love you,

Jenny.

Ella quickly grabbed a piece of parchment from her bag.

Dear jenny,
I am doing ok. Could you possibly figure out how Rita Skeeter got her information about Hermione Jean Granger.
Thanks,
Ella
I will explain later, I promise I will write more!

Love You!


“ I will meet you guys in potions!” Ella packed her stuff and waved her friends goodbye

Ella ran to the owlrey, knowing she didn’t have much time left before class.
When she finally made it, she had the daunting task of finding him.

After ten minutes she saw Hedwig sleeping.


“You are a very beautiful owl.” Ella said petting the top of Hedwig’s head.

Ella turned still searching when she spotted him. He was only 8 inches tall and he blended well behind the other owls.

“ Chauncey wake up!” Ella said speaking directly at him.

Chauncey’s right eye opened and then closed just as quickly as he had opened it.

“Stop , messing around I know you are awake.”

“HOOT.”

“Don’t yell at me like that!”

“HOOT”

“Seriously, stop you wont have to go far.”

“HOOT, HOOT” His eyes went shut and he turned his head so she couldn’t see his face.


“Chauncey , right now , come here.”

Defeated, he walked up her arm and took one look at her and bit her arm.

“OUCH!”

Before getting any punishment, he quickly took the letter and flew off.

“stubborn bird” Ella said holding her arm.

“Crap.” Ella realized the bell would be ringing soon and she still had to go to the dungeons.



“ NO RUNNING”

“ SHUT IT PEEVES!”

Out of breath she just made in time for class to start. As she walked towards the door she made a be line right for Snape. “Sir, its been a month and I just want to know if I passed that dang test !”

“The ministry is known for taking their time. Have patience” Snape said stacking papers.

“Please, for the love of God do not partner be up with Malfoy,” Ella whispered.

Snape nodded and Ella found her seat and got out her parchment, book and cauldron.

“Today is a pop quiz.” “I will write a potion on the board and you and your partner will create it . I want it perfect. No mistakes.”
“ Here that
Longbottom?” “ Perfect.”

Now here are the partners, Granger with Greene.” Ella eyes got wide. She never expected to work with Hermione.

“This ought to be good.” Ron whispered to Harry

“They can’t work together.” Harry said back.

“I can hear you.” Ella said to the red faced boys.
Ella knew they were right.

“ Ok, Hermione, lets get started. ” Ella said trying to be positive about the situation.

“ I want to prove I can do this.” “Be the note taker, and I will create the potions.” Hermione spoke low and directly towards Ella.

“Told you this ought to be good.” Ron said laughing to Harry.

Ella turned around and just stared at them.

“Fine.” “I will take the notes.” Ella said gritting her teeth .

As soon as Hermione started preparing Ella wanted to intervene . She was missing steps that was important to the potion.

“ Hey Hermione , you must add this” Ella said smiling.

“Ok, Ella I got it.” Hermione wasn’t taking any of her advice.

The entire class was finished before Ella, and Hermione.

“Ok, Hermione lets see what it looks like. “Ella said glancing in the pot.

“It will do.” “Good job.” Ella said wincing. It would not receive high marks at all.

“Times up.” As he made the rounds, Ella started to panic.

“Notes.” Snape was clearly surprised to see Ella hand them over and not Hermione.

Ella handed them over and Snape looked approvingly at the thick detailed notes.
“So, Granger I partnered you up with the best student potion master and yet you made her do the notes.”

“Sir I agreed to do the notes, she never made me do anything.” Ella said trying to stick up for Hermione.

Snape didn’t glance at Ella but kept his gaze at Hermione.

“ You are brave.” He paused and looked down at the Potion. “But stupid.” “C"

“Hermione, don’t worry about it , we will get an A next time.” Ella was mad, but she did feel bad for Hermione.

“ Why aren’t you mad at me?” Hermione said to Ella.

“ I wont lie to you I am kind off irked we didn’t work together. “ “ But you are
my friend and you tried your best.” “ You need to trust me, and allow people
to help you.”

“ Thanks” Hermione said with tears in her eys.

Ella gathered her things to leave , when she felt someone behind her.

“You don’t like to fail, its written all over you face.” “You Should have been a Slytherin.” And like the snake Draco Malfoy was he slithered away.

“ Ok, this day went from good to bad way too fast.” Ella said to the rest of the tired Gryffindor’s.

The common room was full and loud. “I have to get this homework done.” Ella said sighing.

“Hey guys I am going to study in the dorm, I will meet you all at dinner.”

Ella walked up the steps lugging her History of Magic book and some parchment.

She pulled out her wand and spoke a soft incantation, and the sounds of violins were being played throughout the empty dorm.

“Much better.” Ella smiled.

She worked hard, up until the dinner bell rang.

By then her stomach growled and she was ready to eat. Her friends had already saved her a seat and she was glad to see that the food had not yet been served.

“ I could eat someone, that’s how hungry I am.” Ella said laughing

“Cannibalism, Ella Greene is only needed in dire situations.” Nearly Headless Nick said floating by

“Um, I was just kidding.” Ella said laughing

“Well, I wasn’t.” Nick said passing through the tables.

“That was disturbing “Ron said as everyone from the table laughed.




“ Attention Please! “Dumbledore said calming everyone down.

“I would like to introduce the Minister of Magic.” “Please give him a warm welcome. “

“Thank you Hogwarts students and faculty. Tonight I want to congratulate Miss. Ella Green, on passing her potions exam with flying colors!” Ella’s mouth dropped.

“ She will now be exempt from taking potions for the rest her terms here at Hogwarts, and will only have to do private lessons once a week.” “The ministry congratulates you and hopes you use your talent for uses in all fields of magic.” We are proud of you, and all that you have accomplished. Now, everyone stand and give her a round of applause.”

Ella sat there in shock.

Everyone was cheering and clapping for her. She glanced at Snape and smiled. He was standing there tall and proud smiling at her success.

“Now, the ministry and Hogwarts will like to present Miss. Greene with two plaques. One will be placed in the hall of awards and one to be given to Miss. Greene. The ministry would also like to thank all the professors, but especially Professor Severus Snape. His dedication to his students is evident, and we are proud to have such a dedicated professor.”.

“Now, Ella please come here for your award and for a picture in the prophet.”
Ella walked up to the podium to the sounds of applause. When she got up to receive her award the flashes from the prophet were making her vision impaired.

Ella shook her professors hands, and once she got to Snape she stopped.

“Thank you for everything.”

“I am proud.” Ella walked back down to her seat and passed around her plaque.

Once everything was settled down, Dumbledore gave the nightly announcements and finally the food appeared on their plates.

Ella ate and laughed and had never been so happy in her whole life. Her worries drowned by the laughter of her and friends.

Hey Heather. I enjoyed your new chapter and liked how you started it with Ella in deep thought as to why Snape and why he would want to hurt Harry, and why he has so much animosity towards him. Then you smoothly transfer to her thoughts of her mother by her hand brushing the photo she got from the library. This is a good thing. Snape is the master of potions. Are you referring to Lord Of The Rings? Don't remember how to spell his name. Shmiggle (?)
I was thankful of Ella's maturity in letting Hermione take the lead for the potion, and them not fussing over it. Hermione should have let her do it though, and they could have gotten a perfect grade. I feel so badly for Hermione though.
Well, Heather, I would say more but it is very late, and I need to get to bed. Very nicely done. I'll be watching for your next chapter.

Yes, that was a reference to LOTR =)

Disclaimer: Everything Harry Potter belongs to Jk Rowling


Chapter 20!!!!

“Wingardium Leviosa” Ella smiled as her plaque began to float above her.
Everyone but her was sleeping. She was too excited to lie down, and there was something about being alone in the common room. She had accomplished something great. Now, of course came the hard part. The lessons, she knew would not be easy. She still had so much to learn, and this time she needed to memorize instead of being able to read the instructions.

“ A great potion master simply does not just read the instructions, he or she knows them by heart” Snape’s voice echoed in her mind. The hard part was going to have to balance everything. Because, Not only did she have the upcoming lessons, but Harry’s last task was soon approaching, and unlike the last task she would help.

“Oh jeez its One in the morning” She spoke out loud.

“Ella Greene.” “Is Ella Greene here?” Ella jumped up from the couch and stood still all the while turning ghost white.

“Umm.. WHO IS THERE?” Ella couldn’t help her voice ended up screeching!

“Its me!”

“Who is me?” Ella was breathing hard at this point.

“ From the painting , from the great hall.” “Remember?” “Right before you took your test?” Ella paused.

“Where are you?” She began to look around. There weren’t as many portraits as outside the Gryffindor Common room, but still there was enough to get Ella searching.

“What are you looking at?” Women dressed in pajamas yelled.

“ Sorry, Wrong painting!” Ella said apologizing to the lady.

“Over here!” Out of the corner of her eye an elderly man was waving her his way.

“ Ok, jeez!” “All this yelling will wake someone up.” Ella said still walking
toward him.

“ I really don’t like when paintings call for me.” “ Just a heads up.” Ella said still shaken up.

“This isn’t the time!” The man said panting.

“ Do you know how far I had to walk?” “ And at this time of night??” The man stood there.

“Ok . Ok. Why are you here?” Ella said getting more and more frustrated.

“You must warn Professor Snape.” “The headmaster from Durmstrang.”
The man began to take deeper and deeper gulps of breaths.

“Calm down. Just breath.” Ella said trying to calm the man down.

“There suspicious of Snape.” “They say he is hiding something or someone.”

“Who was with the headmaster?”

“I don’t know.” “I only heard voices, and awoke.”

“There is another thing.”

“Well?”

The old man’s worrisome face turned grave.

“You need to stay away and make yourself virtually unknown.” “The headmaster said that there was a Gryffindor student who looked peculiar and that he is going to find out why she sticks out in his mind.”

'Were those his exact words?” Ella began to shake

“Yes.’

Ella thought she was going to faint.
Igor Karkaroff was a dangerous man, and she knew he meant what he said.

“We have to see Dumbledore.” Ella spoke softly.

“Ok, I will rest here until the morning.”

“ No. We must go now.” Ella said reaching for the painting.

“ Now?” The old man fell in the chair.

“ I will carry you.” Ella said sighing.

“ I will be right back.”

Ella ran up the stairs to her dormitory. She quietly found her robe and placed it around her.

She prayed that she wouldn’t run into anyone on the way to Dumbledore’s office.

“Now, I am going to cover you with this blanket, and hold you under my sleeve.” “Good thing you are in this little frame, I would have made you walked if you were in a large one.” Ella said wrapping up the painting in a large blanket.


“Good thing indeed.” Came a muffled voice.

------

Ella was very nervous, never had she been out this late in the castle. The latest had been after ten and that was for potions. To say the castle scared her was an understatement.

Taking a step out of the portrait hole was torture. Her nerves played a key role in not allowing the rest of her limbs to work.

“ Ok, Ella you can do this.” Ella took a step out and took a deep breath.

“ Lumos” Ella spoke softly.

Ella ventured into the dark hallways. Everything was asleep and even the paintings snored.


“Ok, I think I go down this set of stairs.” Ella spoke softly to herself.

“You think?” Came the old man’s muffled voice.

“ I have only been at Hogwarts for a short time , nd never have I wondered into the night!”

Ella walked a little further to the sounds of snoring. Her body shaking in fear.
After walking further down the corridors, Ella became a little more relaxed.

“We will soon be there.” Ella said whispering to her sleeve.

“WHO IS THERE!” Ella stopped in terror.

“ I said who is there!” The voice from the darkness appeared.

“ Ella Greene.” Her voice cracked. She looked around, not seeing anyone in sight.

All she could here was foot steps and with each one she felt tears well up.

“ Ella , what are you doing out this late?” A calm voice came from the shadows and Ella could see Snape walking towards her.

“ It is one in the morning, and there better be a good explanation” His voice grew more stern with each word.

“ I have to talk to Dumbledore” Ella said relief covering her face like a veil.

“ It couldn’t wait? It is very dangerous in these halls.”

“What are you doing up?” Ella spoke softly.

“Don’t try to reverse the situation. I am still your teacher.” Ella nodded at his stern voice.

Snape lead as they walked down a few more halls before reaching the entrance to Dumbledore’s office.

Snape didn’t even have to say the password out loud.

“ I want to learn to do spells without saying them aloud.” Ella said in awe of his abilities

“ It takes time, patience, and the ability to clear your mind, as if the only thing you are thinking about is the spell itself.”

“Now, listen to me.” He stared directly at her. “I worry about you, you are my flesh and blood. No where is safe. Do you hear me? not even Hogwarts.”

“ Do you understand?” Snape said in a whisper.
Ella nodded touched at the sincerity in his voice.

“ Stay in here.” Ella waited in the foyer, almost forgetting she was still carrying the painting in her sleeve.

“ Jeez he is not very sensitive is he!” The old man said in a whisper.

“ Oh for heavens sake I forgot about you. Shh.”

“ How the heck did you forget about me?, your carrying me!”The old man was getting more and more annoyed.

“I said shhh.”

Suddenly, the door began to slowly open, and Ella walked in at a slow pace.


“Mrs. Greene.” “ It is late.” Dumbledore said with a smile.


“ I know , but its urgent.” “ Umm. I don’t know how to explain it.”

“UH HUM” Ella felt her arm shake. She reached in her robe and unraveled the painting.

“He can better explain it.” Ella said pointing at the old man.

“ Professors, sorry to bother you , but I have to tell you what I heard.”
The old man told the story in verbatim, as he told it to Ella. She stood there watching the expressions of Dumbledore and Snape.

“ Good work, sir” Dumbledore said with a smile.

“ Now, For tonight you can rest here with the Headmasters of the past. Then

I will take you back to where you belong.” Dumbledore grabbed the paining and took it over to another table .

“Thank you sir, I am quite tired.” The old man fell instantly asleep.

“ Now, for you Ella. I am afraid that you must be cautious. Your potion lessons will be here in my office on Fridays from 6pm till 9pm. After your lesson , I will take you back to your common room.” Ella nodded her head.

“ Now, I will take you back to the common room” He said ushering her towards the door.

“ Sir, is someone out to get me?” Ella said still having questions.

“ I think there is suspicion , but nothing to be too worried about.” There was a slight pause in his voice, which made Ella nervous.

“ Now, lets be off.” He guided her through the corridors of the castle.

“ The castle gives me the creeps.” Ella said shaking nervously.

“Nah, you must learn to live with all sorts of creatures.” “ I think the surprise of running into one of them is half the fun.” Dumbledore said chuckling.
Ella smiled.

“Gets some rest, goodnight, or should I say good morning?” “ Hmm.. Well goodnight and good morning.”


Ella laughed walking into the common room. The fire had gone out and she didn’t care. She walked strait up to the dormitory and passed out. Too much had happened the night to care about a fire that was supposed to never go out….

-----------------------------------------------------------
“ Ella wake up!” Hermione said shaking Ella from side to side.

“What time is it?” Ella said looking around.

“ I seriously just went to bed.” Ella said trying to roll back over.

“The fire in the common room has been put out.” Hermione said frantically shaking Ella even more.

“Um.. Yeah it was when I came back in around two.” Ella never one to wake up too early started to swat at Hermione to leave her alone.

“Why were you out that late!” Hermione said shrieking.

“Seriously, how many times have you and the boys snuck out.” Ella’s eyes were closed and if opened would have been rolling.

“ Plus it was important, I will tell you later.” “Night..”

“Ella the fire , never goes out.” Hermione said with a look of terror on her face.

“What?” Ella decided that she should pay attention to Hermione.

“ No student can put it out! It only goes out around summer time.”

Ella sat strait up in her bed.

“ When I left it was still going.”

“ Come one. McGonagall is here.” Hermione said throwing Ella’s rob towards her.


“Who was the last one to bed?” Ella heard McGonagall speak using her wand to amplify her voice. The Gryffindor students shook there head as the crowd grew.

“I was, I left to see Dumbledore, around one in the morning.” Ella didn’t pay attention to anyone else other than McGonagall.

“ Was the flame out?” McGonagall said

“No, it was when I came back though , but I did not raise alarm because I did know that it never goes out.” Ella felt all the eyes on her.

“ Carry on.” “ Get ready for your classes!” McGonagall spoke with her wand still at her throat.

“What’s going on?” Ella said.

“ I have no idea, but why did you need to speak to Dumbledore!” Harry said

“Follow me.” Ella got to a corner that wasn’t inhibited by any other student, and told them what the man in the painting had said.

“ We have to look out for each other.” Ron said.

“ The next task announcement should be coming this week.” Ella said “ We need to help you get through this Harry.”

“ What about you?” “ Someone was here while you were gone.” “ And I have a feeling it wasn’t for me” Harry said.

“ The fat lady.” Hermione said aloud.

“ Wouldn’t she know?” Ella said.

“ Unless the person slipped in when you were leaving.”

Ella sighed. The thought of her allowing someone in the common room scared her. If anyone would have been hurt, it would have been her fault.

“ Well we cant fret anymore. McGonagall has canvased the common room, and the castle.” Hermione said reassuringly.

“ It was good thing you were gone.” Ron said.

“ I wonder why they didn’t see me?” “Sometimes the opening stays open for a few minutes, he could of slipped in then.”

“ I don’t know something doesn’t feel right.” Ella said trying to think

“ Well, like Hermione said we cant get all worked up.” Harry said trying to comfort Ella.

“ Your right .” “ Lets get ready for breakfast. Ella was the first to get up and get ready.

----------
The whole castle seemed abuzz on why Ella needed to see Dumbledore.

“ Maybe I shouldn’t of announced to the entire common room that I left last night .”


“ Yeah, maybe you shouldn’t of .” Ron said chuckling at all the looks and whispers they were getting .

“Easter eggs!” Ron said at the sight of all the owls.
Ella saw Hermione glance at the lack of gift Mrs. Weasley gave her.

“ Yeah, we are staying here this break to help out Harry.” Ron said.


“ Yeah, I do not want to go home.” Ella said eating her biscuit.
Ella sat there fumbling with her breakfast until Chauncey brought her a letter.

Ella,
Every reporter here wonders how she gets her information. Don’t fret, I will try and figure it out. Its like she has the powers of shrinking herself or invisibility. Ok SB is looking at me weird. Its like Rita is one of those villains we used to watch on Saturday mornings. Hmm maybe she is….
Lots of love,
Jenny.


Ella handed the letter to Hermione who studied it for sometime.

“ Maybe she has a recorder” Harry said.

“No, muggle electronics wont work here in Hogwarts” Hermione said trying to read further into the letter.

Hermione stood up. “Maybe Jennifer is right.”

“Right about what? That Skeeter is a villain?” Ella said laughing.

“ Hmm I think I might need to go to the library after classes.” Hermione got up and took her bag and left breakfast early.”

Ella shook her head. “ She should own a library”


Ella felt mentally drained , and her long classes didn’t help. She not only had to focus on her classes which weren’t getting easier, but she had to help Harry, figure out what Rita was up to and be cautious of the people around her.

“The last class of the day.” Harry said.

“Finally” Ella whispered.

Hey everyone! How’s everyone summer going?? Its been hot here in Iowa!

Disclaimer : Everything Harry Potter belongs to JK Rowling.
Chapter 21

“This week has dragged!” Ella said pounding her head onto the table.

“The task will be announced next week, so we need to concentrate and try and figure out what Harry needs to know.” Hermione said looking at the distraught Ella.

“In my opinion, he should study the really important classes. You know charms, Transfiguration, oh and potions.”

“Potions?” Hermione said raising an eyebrow

“Well, maybe he could use a brush up on antidotes.” Ella said

Hermione nodded directing her attention to finding an antidote book at the library.

“Ok, well I think we have everything.” Hermione said picking up the books around them.

Ella, dragging her feet followed behind with a few heavy books.

“He better be studying.” Ella said grumbling.

As they made there way back to the common room Ella wasn’t surprised to see Harry and Ron both laughing at what the Weasley twins were doing.

“Fred and George.” “What is new?” Ella said.

“Well , hello my dear.” They both said in unison .

“ We haven’t spoke to you in a while.” Fred said

“ What gives?” George said patting Ella on the back.

“ Been kind off busy lately.” Ella said smiling .

“ Well, were your friends too!” they both walked away and Ella acknowledged that she probably should get to know everyone a little more.

“ I really want to start dueling again.” Ella said flipping through the charm book.

“Well, last time we had a bloody dueling club Mr. Parseltounge here ruined it.” Ron said laughing

“ You’re a parselmouth?” Ella said putting the book down.

“Yes” Harry said whispering. Trying not to bring the attention of other students.

“Don’t be ashamed.” “ My great great grandfather was, I kind off hoped it past down to me, but no one since him has had the gift.”

“The gift?” “Ella , you know who can speak to snakes.” Harry said leaning into the circle they made near the fire.

Ella waved him off.

“ Where I come from its not a bad thing.” “Although I can see the fear everyone might have.” Ella said.

“ We should make a tournament .” Ella said aloud.“ A dueling tournament.”
Ella was smiling.

“ Not a good idea.” Hermione said tapping her wand on a Transfiguration book.

“ None of the professors need to know, we will have it here!”

“ Ok,I know some sound proofing charms, and we could cover up the paintings.”

“ Sounds like fun.” Ron and Harry said

“ Harry, could use the practice!” Ella was trying her best to convince

Hermione..

“Give me some parchment.” Ella said to Ron.

For the next few hours Ella and her friends made up a list of all age groups,
and rules of the tournament. Soon the group added Ginny, and the twins for help.

“Ron , couldn’t duel anyone.” Fred said laughing.

“Shut it Fred!”

“ SHH!” “I will make the sign in sheet.” She said grabbing some parchment.

Hermione was finally getting involved.

“ We need prizes for each age level winner.” Harry said

“ 2nd and 3rd place can just get ribbons” Ginny suggested.

“Let us handle the prizes.” Fred said pointing to him and George.

“ Ok, then its set.” Ella’s grin was as wide as can be.

“ Hermione can you charm the sheet and make it invisible to the non students.”

“ Already done.” Hermione smiled handing the paper to her friends.

Gryffindor Dueling Tournament.

DO you have what it takes? Sign up !
Rules are attached! Read them before sighing up. NO FIRST YEARS.

Ella smiled, and took a quill and signed up.

Ella R. Greene 4
The others followed------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hermione Granger 4
George Weasley 6
Fred Weasley 6
Harry Potter 4
Ron Weasley 4
Ginny Weasley 3

“Ok, let’s post it.” Ella took her wand and cleared a spot on the bulletin board.

Word spread fast and by the time everyone went to bed, most of the 4th 5th ,6th and 7th years had entered.

“We need more third years!” Ginny said, angry at her age level turn out.
“Don’t worry, they will they still have a few days.” Hermione said walking to dorms.

Ella grew excited. For the first time all week she didn’t think about Karkaoff.

-----------------------------------Friday--------------------------------------------------------

Friday, had finally arrived and everyone grew excited about the tournament the next day. True to everyone’s word, no Gryffindor spoke about the entire event. “Over 50 entries!” Ron said taking down the sign up sheet.

“ Perfect! We need to tally each age level. And by tonight have who’s dueling who posted.” Ella said as they walked to breakfast.

“I have potions tonight, so I will not get to see everyone’s reaction!”

“No worries, I am sure everyone will still be up practicing.”

“Yeah, your right.” Ella said making sure she had her morning books.

When everyone finally sat down to eat, the entire table did not make a peep.
Hermione, Ron, Harry and Ella made sure they didn’t looks suspicious, and counted each person and began to place the students into the tourney.

“We should match up size and talent.” “No one should feel too defeated.” Ella whispered.

“Fred and George can help us with the older ones.” Ron said.

“What’s the final count, Ella?” Neville said.

“No , idea right now, but we are working on it” Ella said still trying to count.” “I am going to estimate most of the Gryffindor’s are participating!”

Ella began to smile at this point.

“Wow” Neville’s face got bright red. “This is big.”

“I only go big, Neville, come on you know me.” Ella said giggling.

She was truly impressed with the turn out.

“ Well , lets go shall we?” Ella packed up her bag and got ready for the day.

“ Your late.” Snape’s voice was stern

“ I am five minutes early.” Ella said pointing to the clock

“Do you have time to unpack everything and be prepared?”

“ No.” “Ok, well I will get here ten minutes till.”

Dumbledore wasn’t in his office, but the feeling of being watched was evident throughout.

“ Wolfsbane.”

“ Excuse me?” Ella turned pale.

“ You need to be challenged.” He was emotionless the entire time.

“ Yeah, Im only 14.” Ella wasn’t going down without a fight.

“ I will help, but this will be tonight’s project.” “Describe why this potion is important.” Still being the professor , he began to quiz her.

“ Wolfsbane, helps ease the effects of those who suffer from lycanthropy”

She knew how to describe the potion, but not for a few years did she think she would create it.

“ Does it cure?” He was pacing, which made her nervous

“ No.” Ella said in a questioning tone.

“ Lets begin.”

Five hours later , they finally stopped to pack up.

“You did well.” Snape never showed too much emotion , but he was clearly
impressed with her work.
Ella stopped to pull her hair back.

“This was very difficult.” Her shoulders slumped and a sigh came from her mouth .

“ It will only get worse.” “ You need to be trained for anything.” “After all, you are going to replace me.” Snape didn’t look up but kept putting ingredients back.

Ella turned around with a clear look of puzzlement. “ What do you mean?”

“ I mean , once you graduate.” “ Dumbledore agreed if and only if you do well here at lessons and during the summer time… you could possibly teach her.”

Ella couldn’t grasp what he was saying. She was going to teach at Hogwarts.

“What about you?” Ella said stopping her excitement for a moment.

“I will still keep a position here, I just don’t know what it will be.” Snape
shook his head. Ella wasn’t a selfish person, and thought about others.

Ella looked visibily relived. “Oh ok, good.”

“ He told your parents a little while ago.” Snape said stopping for a moment.
“ Oh, well they will be happy.” “ They didn’t know what I was going to do.”

Ella said thinking about their reaction to her love all those years.

“This summer, I want to work on a lot of different things.” Snape said walking away.

“ Like what?” She stopped washing her cauldron to hear what he had to say.

“ Potions of course, but some dueling curses, and occlumency”

Ella felt cold. For some reason she knew he wanted her to learn how to defend herself.

“ Should I extend my visit, I don’t think I will be able to learn all of this in two weeks.”

“ I will send an owl to your parents.”

“ Ok.”

“ I know this is a lot to process.”

“ It is but I am excited.” Ella said
picking up the final odds and ends.

“ Good,now you should be on your way, I don’t want you out that late.”

“ Thanks!” Ella waved rushing out the door. She still had so much to do.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“Are you kidding me????” Hermione squealed.

“ NOPE!” Ella grin was as wide as can be.

“ That is amazing news!” Ginny said

“ Im excited.”……………. “ THE TOURNAMENT!” Ella realized with all the excitement of her future, she forgot the tournament.

“Its done.” As you can see people are brushing up on some skills.

“Who am I pared of with in round one?” Ella said with raised eyebrows

“ Dean Thomas” Harry said reading her the tournament papers.

“ Ok, I have a lot of brushing up to do.”

“ Let me see the list.” Ella reached her hand forward as Harry gave her the
list.

“ Hermione, you and Patil should be a good duel, you will win of course” Ella said smiling.

“ Harry and Seamus”

“ Ron and Neville”

“Ginny and Collin?”

He was the only one left.”.

“Jeez I wanted it to be fair” Ella said laughing.

“Katie and Cormac should be a good one.” “ Fred and George, going against each other?” Ella turned towards her seated friends.

“They wouldn’t have it any other way” Ron said smiling.

“I am actually really hoping Katie knocks Cormac out.” The gang laughed into the night, going over what the tournament outcomes might be.

----------------------
“ Hermione woke up early and has been practicing” Ginny said laughing.

“Good for her, Patil wont go down easily.” Ella said pulling her robe over her
school clothes.

The girls followed the rest of Gryffindor’s down to breakfast.


“ Greene, come with me.” A loud voice came from a small hallway.

Ella turned to see Professor Mad Eye

“ Yes, professor?”

“ Come with me.” He said in his usual gruff manor.

Ella didn’t really have much to do with Professor Moody. He did have this infatuation with dark spells, but he never bothered her.

“ I heard about your little dueling tournament.”

“ I don’t…” The words couldn’t come out of her mouth

“No need to lie, I already have the proof.”

“Damn. Neville.” Ella whispered.

“ No, not Neville, though I can understand why you suspected him”

“ It doesn’t matter how I know, but I do know you are the orchestrator. I myself think it was a great idea to show your strengths. All I ask is to make sure it is safe and do not try to cover up any accidents.” “If anyone gets hurt, I don’t care how great you are at potions go to Madame Pomfrey.”

Ella nodded.

“Who is your first opponent?"
“ Dean Thomas” Ella knew he could tell she was nervous.

His eye wondered as he thought about the match up.

“Incarcerous Should do the trick. But do not shout it. Whisper it like this. “
“ Incarcerous.”
He pointed his wand to a small end table and instantly the table begin to wrap slowly in strong binds. . If I said it like this “INCARCEROUS” As the words came out of his mouth the Ropes begin to grow larger and bind tighter until the table broke into a dozen pieces.

“ See what I mean?”

“ Yes.”Ella said smiling.

“ Do the charm , and you will win the first round.” “You are on your own for the rest.”

“ Good luck Greene.”

“ Thank you Moody.”

Ella was curious how he found out, but dismissed it quickly to get back to lunch.

“ The key is blocking spells.” Hermione said reading a charms book.

“ If I get a pimple spell I will be mad.” Ginny said. The rest of them laughed
at her anxiousness.

Breakfast was well under well, but all everyone could talk about was the duel.
2 pm. Couldn’t come any faster.

Right after breakfast , Ella and Hermone secured the are with sound proofing charms and covered the portraits.

Ella couldn’t take the ruckus from the common room. Everyone who had entered was practicing there jinxes and charms and those who needed piece and quiet were sentenced to the dorms.

“Ella, I am nervous.”

“Don’t be lavender.”

“ You don’t have to duel until the second round, right?” Ella said.

“ Yep the winner of Granger, and Patil.”

“ Well, you should do fine.” Ella said flipping through some pages.

“ I am going to practice the jinxes on my pajamas.” “ Ok?” Ella said making sure Lavender knew what she was about to do.


Ella practiced and practiced and got at least four new spells down, from the collection she had already remembered from previous bouts.

2 pm came quickly and so did the onset of Ella’s nervous.

Ella had a while until her bout, but since she and the others started this they needed to be judges.


The first bouts were from the second years, whose knowledge of curses was minimal as was the excitement of the duels. Once everyone completed the first round, the winners had a seat while the losers went on watching.

Some of the third years, did particularly well especially Ginny who defeated
Collin in a matter of two jinxes.

“Great Job Ginny!” Ella said giving her a pat on the back.

Ella began to think that even Ginny could teach her some things.


When Ella’s and Deans name was announced the noise died instantly. Ella was nervous. She had to prove herself, because some Gryffindor’s still thought of her as an outsider.


Ella stood and walked over to where dean was already positioned. They bowed ,wands at the ready, and Ella walked slowly to her mark.

Ella, closed everyone off, not even the sound of her breathing was a distraction. She made sure she focused on her spell, and his wand.


It seemed like an eternity when she noticed a slight twitch in Dean’s wand.

She was neither quiet nor loud, but she uttered “Incarcerous” just as Moody had told her.

Dean folded fast under slowly binding ropes. Ella ran to him and began blasting the ropes off , making sure not to accidently hit him.

“ I will remember that one next time!” Dean said laughing.

Ella helped him up and brushed off some of the ropes off of his robes.

“Amazing, Ella.” Ron said smiling wide.

“Your next tough guy.” Ella said laughing. She felt a sense of relief. Dean was a good wizard, and she defeated him instantly.

“ Thanks Mad Eye” Ella whispered to herself.
-----------------------------------
The rest of the afternoon was filled with laughter. The foursome had all qualified for the finals and George and Fred’s duel had created a much needed comic relief in the darkness that had spread in their lives.

“ I cant believe he made Fred’s hair turn into worms!” Hermione said recalling the duel.

“ My favorite was when Fred retaliate and made George have boils all over his face!” Ella was laughing so hard it hurt.

The seventh years were still dueling, and were showing just why they were about to graduate.

“ Just think we will be them in a few years.” Ella said in awe of there skill.

“ We will be better.” Harry said smiling.


“ Listen up everyone, to speed up the time, we will be moving stuff around and having two duels going at once. That way everyone will be done quickly.” Ella announced the eager crowd.

“Ella vs Ron” and “ Hermione vs Harry”

It was going to be tough, Ella knew Ron was more of a competent wizard then even he may have believed himself to be.

“ Ronnekins, don’t mess up to a girl!” Fred yelled laughing hysterically.

“ Bug off!” Ron said turning to Ron.
When it was time, Ella, Ron, Harry and Hermione rose and bowed to their respective dueling partners.

Ella couldn’t calm the conflict that was going on in her mind. The right thing to do was allow Ron to win, but she wanted to prove herself to her peers.

Ron looked nervous, she noted. His wand was shaking and sweat began to glisten off his hands.

She closed her eyes , and opened them in just enough time to utter her spell.
Ron’s ears begin to twitch. A simple hex, the twitchy ears hex came to her mind, when nothing else would.

“Locomotor Mortis” Ron said with his left hand over his left ear.
Ella’s knees went stiff and she fell to the ground.

“ You got me Ron!” Ella said trying to act mad.

“ Ella , out of all the hexes why did you choose that one?” Ron said looking confused.

“ Umm. Well see I was hoping to distract you and then make a move.” Ella said biting her tongue to stop it from saying anything else.

Ron beamed from one twitchy ear to another. The crowd cheered as Ron’s excitement grew!

“ Wow, Ron were impressed.” Said Fred

“ Hey Ron, sit by us!” Said a couple of fifth years.

Ella smiled, almost forgetting another duel was going on.

Hermione and Harry were still going at it and Ella was enjoying every minute of it. “Harry had Hermione a few times, but she is really good a blocking curses.” George said clueing Ron and Ella in.

Twenty minutes later, Ella decided to get the fifth years going .
Cheering was still going on , but as time began to drag on it became less and less enthusiastic .

“ Come one Harry!” Yelled one person.

“ Hermione I cant go on anymore!” Harry yelled.

“ TRUCE?” She yelled

“ Yeah, truce!” Harry said.

They put their wands down and bowed at one another.

Hermione couldn’t help but hug Harry.

“ One hour, Jeez!” Ella said looking at the time.

“ The third task is coming up, and Harry needs the practice, so I am forfeiting”

“ Well you did great!” “Thanks.” Hermione sat down proud of the work she accomplished.

Ella looked at the sheet . “ Next up Ron and Harry .” “ For the fourth year champion” She sat down with everyone else , as Ron approached Harry.

The competition ended around 8 : 30 pm. Worn out from orchestrating the event, and doing the majority of the clean up Ella needless to say was tired.

“ You let him win.” Harry said to Ella.

They were the only two left in the common room. It was midnight ,and
everyone exhausted from the evening and had headed off to bed.

“ You did too.” Ella said smiling back to Harry.
Ella sunk into the plush chair.

With a confused look upon his face Harry had to ask “ How did you know?”

“ My excuse was a tad bit better.” Ella said stoking the fire, hiding her smile

“ I said I used the twitchy ear as a distraction, you said you meant to cast a curse, not a blocking spell.” Ella couldn’t help but laugh at the sight of Harry trying to pull an excuse out of mid air. She was however happy that Ron got the recognition, and the glory.

Plus seeing George and Fred giving him a changing Hair color crème as a prize was priceless.

“He needed to win.” Harry said calmly

“ I agree.”

“ There is so much pressure on him to do well.” Harry said shaking his head.

“ His family is amazing, but his older brothers are successful, and Ginny is shaping up to be a great witch.”

“He has what it takes; he just needs to believe in himself.” Ella said

“We should duel.” Harry said laughing.

“Whenever you feel it is necessary to lose Mr. Potter, I will always be available.”

Harry’s laughing calmed Ella.

“I am off to bed.” Ella said Oh Harry, thanks for the help.”

“ No problem, this was fun.” Harry said still staring at the flames of the fire.

“Night.” Ella whispered.

Hey Heather. I was afraid you'd get another chapter written before I could get to this. It's all good though. I'm sorry that this won't be as deserving as you should get. Your ff is very good, and very entertaining to read. I love the way you stick things like this in. She knows some of what Harry feels like a lot of the time.
I'm anxious to see when they find out how Rita is getting her information. It'll be interesting to see your spin on it.
Loved the dueling competion. Ella should have thought more on how Mad Eye knew about the club, and why he was interested in helping her win. This too, I'm anxious to read about. Will she become suspicious or no? (Not for you to answer. I'll wait and read what you have for us.)
I'm sorry Heather, but this will have to be it this time. I'm anxious for you to post your next chapter. You are doing a great job.

Hey everyone , thanks for the comment Connie!

Disclosure: Everything Harry Potter belongs to JK Rowling.

Chapter 22


Ella, sat there half reading her History of Magic book. She glanced up every minute to check and see if Harry had returned from his meeting with the other Champions. Glancing towards Ron and Hermione, she could see that there minds were also distracted by the fact that it had been a while since he had gone.

“It’s been over an hour.” Ron said throwing his used textbook down.

“Chill out, you’re making my nerves go crazy.” Ella said clearly annoyed.

Casting Ella a glare, Ron was in no mood for any snarky remarks.

“We can’t turn on each other; it is safe to say we all are anxious.” Hermione always the logical one interjected before a heated argument would ensue.
Rolling her eyes, Ella went back to reading the same paragraph over and over again.

The hour turned into a few hours, but finally a worn out Harry came back into the Gryffindor common room.

“Well?” Ron said running up to him.

“You might want to sit down.” Harry said his exhaustion evident.

The group made room and sat quietly but focused on the events that had transpired.

“Krum?” “Well is he ok?” Hermione said clearly worried.

Ella couldn’t help but notice Ron twitch upon hearing Krum’s name coming out of Hermione’s mouth.

“Maybe Sirius can help figure out more about Crouch.” Ella suggested.

“I will send him an owl early tomorrow.” Harry said nodding in response.

“I can ask Percy, and see if he knows anything” Ron said.

“Good, but for now, I am stuck here until the morning.” Harry seemed not only exhausted but frustrated.

“ I need to practice! The maze looks and feels intense.” “Plus, Hagrid’s creatures are going to be in there!”

“ Umm yeah you need to practice.” Ella said shivering at the thought of some of the creatures they had to deal with all year.

Ella couldn’t believe how fast the next few days went. Harry went on practicing every minute he could.

“ Nicely done Harry!” Ella said clapping softly from her seat.

“ Finally!” Harry tired from practicing so much fell to his knees.

“The stunning spell, is very difficult, and you done it! Well done.” Hermione, who was helping Harry along, was very proud.

“Now, for the one I really want you to learn……” Hermione suggested.

“We have divination; please let the boy sleep in his next class!” Ella said laughing.

They walked to divination, which to most Gryffindor’s meant nap time; talk of the third task was heard all over the corridors.

“Why is it so hot!” Ella said rolling up her sleeves.

“ My dear , you must have a calm environment , to see the great beyond!” Trelawney bellowed.

“ Um. Ok?” Ella said sitting down with a gruff look upon her face.

Ten minutes into the class , Ron and Harry were already passed out.

“Ok, they didn’t even try to stay awake.” Ella whispered over to Hermione.

“Students, I want to talk about visions.”
With a defeated look upon her face, Ella proceeded to flip through the chapters of her book and tried to pay attention.



“What are you swatting at?” Hermione said whispering.

“ I don’t know , but there is a bug in here and the buzzing noise is driving me insane.” Ella said sweating from the heat.

Trying to swat at an imaginary bug, Ella heard a loud crashing coming from the table next to there’s. Jumping up at the sight of Harry on the floor, she instantly went to his aid. After calling his name, He began to scream so loud that Ella jumped back in fright.

When he finally came to Harry was drenched in sweat, and bug eyed as everyone stood around him.

“Harry lets go to the Madame Pomfrey” Hermione said ushering him towards the door.

“ I’m fine, I need to see Dumbledore.” Harry said pushing her arm away.

Ella sat crouched in the same place where Harry was laying. Trying to analyze what just happened.

The class went silent, and for some odd reason Ella felt the need to stare back at Draco, as if he is the one that did this to Harry.

He was antsy alright, and he seemed to be covering up his mouth with his sleeve every few seconds.

“Ok, everyone get back to your seat.” Trelawney said ushering everyone back to there table.

If Ella couldn’t concentrate before she surely couldn’t now.
Hermione also seemed very worried. Her face was pale and her hands began to shake.

The rest of the day, seemed to slow down. With no news on Harry, everyone became irritable.

“Miss. Greene, if you would spend more time on your transfiguration homework, then knee deep in a cauldron, you could get better grades.” McGonagall spoke sternly handing out Ella’s latest homework assignment.

“ Well, I actually tried on this homework, so knowing that you can mock my work, shows what kind of professor you are.” Ella cringed, she knew if she looked directly at McGonagall she might just turn to dust.

“Detention!” “ Be here at 8pm sharp!” Ella sighed. She pretended to be reading her notes, because she was too embarrassed to look at any of the Gryffindor’s faces.



“ Ella, she is just trying to watch out for you.” Hermione said.

“ Herms, she was out of line.” “ To embarrass me in front of everyone, about my grades.” “ I took my time and everything on that assignment.”

“ I know you did. I know she crossed the line, but she is the professor. You could of said, I am sorry I really did my best.”

“ I might not be an adult, but I deserve some respect too.”
Ella walked down the hall without her friends. She was angry , and needed someone to talk to.

--------------------
“ Why would she call me out, in front of the entire class!” Ella said raising her voice slightly.

“ To make an example, maybe to warn the other students, no one is going to get by with those grades.” Snape said cleaning up his desk.

“I got a B-"

“ You could do better.” Snape said .

“ I could if I got extra help. I mean, Its not like potions where it is easy for me, and I am not Hermione who could read a page and understand completely what it says.”

“Transfiguration is not my thing.”

“Well unfortunately for you, you have to do well to move on from Hogwarts.”
“ Once you get a few key concepts down, it will come easier for you.” He paused for a minute, while he looked over a wrinkled up paper“ How about I take about a half hour of our time on Fridays, and help you with your homework.” He finally suggested.

“ Just keep thinking , you are almost done with your fourth year.” “I promise, It will work out.” Snape said.


“ Thanks a lot, I feel better.”

“Too bad she gave me detention.”

“ She went easy on you.” Snape said laughing.

Ella walked back to the common room, where Ron, Hermione, and Harry were sitting.

“What happened Harry! Are you ok?!!” Ella said running up to him.

“I am fine.”

“I have something to tell you.”

He proceeded to tell her about the events that happened after he left divination class.

“I guess, Ludo Bagman and Snape haven’t been involved with any dark stuff since the trials from a while ago.”

Ella breathed a sigh of relief.

“Dumbledore really trusts him”

Ella smiled.

“ So do I.” Ella said remembering the conversation they just had.

“ What about the screams, and the sleeping and the well you know it happened to you! “Ella said pointing at him.

“Nothing really, Dumbledore seems to have it all figured out.” Harry said

“ Oh ok.” Ella turned away

It seemed as though Harry wasn’t sharing all the information to her.

“Well lets practice” Harry said

“Ok well I have till dinner and then I have detention.” Ella said.

“Oh, I heard about that!” Harry said

“ You actually stood up against McGonagall.”Harry said patting her back “
The funny part is your alive”

“ Shut it, or only your glasses will be able to participate in the tournament.”

Ella said laughing and pushing him away.

When they all were outside, Ella rolled her eyes to see Draco with his goons lingering around the area.

“ Oh great, just what we need an audience.” Ella said directing her motion to Malfoy.

Once they went underway, Ella noticed Draco was getting figidy again.

“ Why does he keep doing that.” Ella said

“ He is talking into his hand.” Ron said
Harry paused .

“ Is he using a walkie talkie?” Harry said trying to get a better look.

“ No electronics can get into Hogwarts.” Hermione said trying to remember a jinx.

“ Oh yeah.”

“ He was doing that in Divination today, right after you left.”

Not thinking anymore of what they saw , they went back to practicing.

------------------------------------------
“ How did she know about this?” Ella said perplexed as she put down the daily prophet.
Harry shrugging his shoulders seemed to not mind.

“ She described everything you did” Hermione said looking at the article in
horror.

“This has Malfoy written all over it.” Ella still embarrassed of the whole Draco mess , decided to only suggest it was him.

“ There was a window open.” Harry suggested.

“Too high…” Hermione was in deep thought when all of sudden she jumped up and ran.

“Seriously I can handle when she gets a good idea.” Ella said laughing.

“Harry, you need to rest.” Ella said kicking at some dirt in her way.

“Have you saw that Giant maze in the back??!” Harry directed there attention to the back of Hogwarts.

“What monsters and jinxes , I will have to face, I don’t know.” “But I’m not going to lie, I’m scared and not ready.” “ So please just a few more hours.”

Harry was pleading for his friends not to give up on him.

“Harry were here for you.” Ella pulled her wand out. “Now what do you say we stop talking and get this duel under way?”

Harry smiled, and quickly directed his wand at her.

------------------------
Exhausted, Ella begged her legs to move forward. Tomorrow was the third task, and spending most of her time helping Harry had made her feel dead.
Sleep wouldn’t come to her. She kept thinking of what the summer would entail. She hoped to spend a couple weeks with her parents, and then weeks with Snape. Ron and Ginny had wanted everyone to come to there house at the end of summer vacation.

Things had changed alright. Ohio seemed so far away. The country roads leading to an isolated pond, her grandma’s house where an apple pie would be baking, and the sweet smell of summer. The memories flooded in. Finally she closed her eyes and dreamt of a warm summer breeze blowing the grass that was surrounding her.
---------- ---------------
Meeting Mrs. Weasley was nerve racking to Ella. She had heard so many different descriptions of her; she didn’t know what to think.
“Mom, this is Ella Greene.” Ginny said ushering Ella closer

“Oh yes, I have heard so much about you.” Molly didn’t smile fully, and by the
tone of her voice, she didn’t hear great things about Ella.

“Dont believe everything you read in the papers, so my lawyer tells me to say” Ella said winking.

From the corner of her eye, Ella could see Ron immediently turn away obviously afraid about what his mother was going to say.

She paused and gave a slight smile, and said “Well, it was nice to meet you, my children have an eye for good friendships.”

Ella grinned.

Mrs. Weasley walked back with Harry to the Great Hall.

“ My mom has enough sarcasm from Fred and George.” “ You did good.” Ron said patting her back.

“ Thanks”

The task would be at hand, and Ella wanted to make sure she had everything prepared before they all went outside. “ I will meet you out there, I need to get a few things out of the dorm.”

“Do you want me to come with you?” Ginny said

“ Nah, just save me a sit.”

Ella ran up the stairs in a hurry.

“ Why are you running.” A serpent like voice came from behind her.
She hadn’t even notice Draco Malfoy lurking behind a pillar.

“ I am not talking to you.” Ella said turning on her heals

“ I am sorry.” “ I feel horrible.”

Ella calmly walked up to him.

“ You should.” Then out of impulse she slapped him really hard.

She knew why she had done it, and it had felt great to do so. Not even looking behind her to see his shocked expression, Ella ran to the common room.

Rumaging through her stuff, Ella grabbed and pulled and tossed all of her things.
" Ok, got everything." Ella said to herself.

As she walked out of the portrait hole she jumped back to see Proffesor Moody.

" I heard Weasley won the tournament." His voice was raspy, and aggitated.

" Yes ,yes he did."

" Letting someone win, is not noble." " It allows them to gain a sense of false hope."

" Ron deserves it"

Making a few noises to himself, Mad Eye began to hoble away.

" How did you know?" Ella said chasing after him.
" How did you know, we had a tournament." " The only postings was in our common room." He started to walk faster. " Proffesor, there was jinx on the sheets,no teachers could see it.!"

Ella stopped and ran INthe opposite direction. She needed to find Snape fast.

Hey Heather. You seriously did not stop there on purpose right?!?!?!?!???!? Tremendous chapter Heather. I enjoyed the whole chapter, even the bits I knew what was going on like when Draco was talking into his sleeve and hand. But the thing is you encorporated it into your ff so well that it looked and felt original.

I also want to commend you on how real you made the event of studying and practicing for the next challenge for Harry.

This part made me catch my breath when I read the first line. I'm so afraid for Ella now! Please, please, please say you'll be able to post soon. Great work Heather. I'll be watching for your next chapter.

Thanks for the comments, It feels so good to be finished. But dont worry there will be more, and the ideas I have her fifth year will be crazy to say the least.


Disclaimer: Everything Harry Potter belongs to JK Rowling

Chapter 23


The only thing Ella felt was the rain that started to fall. Her body was numb, as was her mind. Everything that had transpired was blank to her as she sat on the bleachers alone. Wiping away a tear, or a raindrop she didn’t know she felt the presence of someone staring at her.

“Ella, please come inside, get warm.”

Ella didn’t flinch. She kept staring strait at the maze.

“It’s not your fault.”

As the rain began to fall in more amounts, Ella took her wand and thought deep and hard and transfigured a stick into an umbrella.

“Hey, you’ve been practicing your spells.” Snape spoke proudly.
When Ella finally did speak it wasn’t to acknowledge her spells.

“I should of new something was up when he knew about the tournament.”

“You thought. I mean, everyone thought he was a professor.” Snape said sitting down.

“He got me in the back. When I ran to find you, he caught up with me and stunned me.”

Ella began to tear up. “It hurt, I haven’t felt anything like that before.”

“Its not like dueling.” “When you actually want to cause physical pain to someone, the spell enhances.” Snape said calmly.

Ella nodded.

“Next thing I know I am waking up in a broom closet.”

“How did you get out?”

“ He didn’t take my wand.” Ella said in a half smile.

“When I finally got to you, Harry appeared with Cedric.” Ella’s eyes filled up.

“He was the one who put out the fire in the Gryffindor common room, wasn’t he?”

Snape nodded.

“I feel like a failure.”

“Don’t.”

“If you wouldn’t have grabbed me and told me about what Mad Eye, we wouldn’t of got to Potter in time.”

“Who is he, I mean the fake Moody.”

“ Barty Crouch Jr.” “ Vile, serpent of a man.”

“ He is being shipped back to Azkaban”

“He’s back isn’t he?” Ella said remembering Harry’s screams that Voldermort had killed Cedric.

“Yes.”

The clouds grew fearsome and the rain enhanced, but Ella and Snape sat there in silence.

Walking into Hogwarts to the sounds of crying was not a good experience. Ella, herself was in pain, and still in shock of the events that had transpired, so hearing the cries from the other students drained her completely. She didn’t want to seek out Harry. He would be too busy and tired himself to visit.

Quickly she ran up to the common room and maneuvered herself through the other Gryffindor students who were in shock.
When she reached her bed, a flood of tears poured out. Ohio seemed so far away.

When she awoke, it had been late in the morning.
Trying to get out of the bed was an issue in itself.

Her back still aching terribly prohibited her from pushing herself up. Finally after many failed attempts she got up and tried to make sense of everything.

It seemed as if she wasn’t the only one who was trying to normalize the situation. Hermione was up ready and sitting in a chair thinking.

“Hey.” Ella said, wanting to hit herself for the lack of better term.

“Oh Hi.” “I haven’t seen you since yesterday before the task.

Ella told her the entire story.

“I am so sorry” Ella said

“You didn’t do anything wrong.” The friends hugged.

“Do you want to see Harry?”

“Yes” “ We need to get Ron.” Ella said trying to see if he was in the room.

“He is with his family.” Hermione said.
Grabbing her cloak, Ella headed for the door with Hermione.

“Harry, how are you feeling.” Ella said trying to coax Harry.

“Very. Sleepy.” He said closing his eyes after each word.

“I brought down your blanket.” Hermione said wrapping him up in it as she spoke.

“What did I tell you about going into the boys dormitory.” Harry tried to laugh.
Ella smiled.

“Harry, I just wanted to let you know, we are proud of you and we want you to rest up.” Ella turning away

“There is so much to tell” Harry said trying to get the words out.

“Shh.Rest.” Hermione said


'“You guys are the best.” He slept soundly as they walked away.
================
“Ella, are you ok?” Hermione stopped behind Ella, clearly seeing her tense up as she walked.

Ella pulled her shirt back to reveal a hideous bruise on her lower back.
Startled Hermione couldn’t speak.

“It looks horrible.”

“I know, don’t worry, I have some herbs. Harry was put through way worse, that’s all I can say.”

They walked into the great hall.

“For some reason, I cant even taste this food.” Neville said pushing back is breakfast.

“Me either.” Ella said

“I cant believe he is gone.” Ella said seeing a very upset Cho Chang.

“Its hard to believe.” Hermione glanced over to the Hufflepuff table where everyone was crying.

“At least Karkaroff is gone, that coward.” Ella said

“Especially for your sake.” Hermione said Ella nodded and went back to picking at her food.


======================
Days went by before Harry made his appearance since the task. Still wary he
did his best to get along.

“Dumbledore told everyone not to ask you about what happened.” Hermione said

Harry just nodded.

Ella couldn’t imagine what Harry was going through.

“You don’t have to blame yourself” Ella spoke very softly

“Ella we are not talking about it.” Ron said.

“I feel blame too.” Ella told her side of the story. She even showed him her bruise.“ Listen, tell us what happened when your ready.” “But I wanted to let you know, you’re not the only one struggling with feelings of guilt.”

Ella let out a sigh

“Why is it that when you tell me a story, I have the feeling that you omit certain details?”

Harry knew she directed the question to him. “I am sorry, I just. You are going through a lot and I don’t want to make you stress even more.”

“Harry, that’s a sorry excuse.” “I want us to be friends, and being a friend is sometimes hearing what you might not like to hear. I am big girl, I can take it.”

“Now, are you going to be at the Weasley’s when I come?” Ella smiled.

“I hope so, Dumbledore wants me back at my Aunt and Uncles for a while.”

“ I want to go see Hagrid.” Harry said.

“Ok” Ron and Hermione said together.

“I am going to write some letters, I guess I should tell my parents everything is ok.” Ella said grabbing some parchment.

“ Neville, do you have an extra quill?” “ I cant seem to find mine.”

“ Yeah sure.”

“ Thanks.”

Mom and Dad,
Everything is ok. Be home soon.
-Ella

Jenny,
Hey miss and love you. Everything is ok.
-Ella

“ That’s all your writing?” Neville said glancing over.

“ Yeah, they will see me soon.” Ella knew she should have to write more , but she couldn’t.

Gathering her things, she quickly made the trek to the owlery to send them out.

“Chauncey, Chauncey,” She called out. After a few more times, her beloved owl flew to her shoulder.

She stood there for awhile admiring him, until she was disturbed my some
other fellow students.

“Hey Ella.” Amanda Burns was a quiet Ravenclaw student with long blonde hair.

“ Hey Amanda.”

“ I am sending my parents a letter.”

“ Me too.”

“Maybe next year we can hang out more.”

“Definitely” Ella said brushing a leaf off her owl.

Walking over to the window she lifted her hand out, so Chauncey could fly out.

Watching him fly into the evening sky was memorizing to her. After a few minutes, the brisk air was too cool for her and she went back to the castle. Walking the halls Ella finally ended up in the room of her destination.

“ Professor, I know your busy with everyone that is going on, but I just wanted to tell you I am sorry.”

“My dear, do not worry.” Professor McGonagall said moving around the room almost catlike.

“Thanks for the year.” Ella said smiling. As much as she hated to say it McGonagall was a great Professor.
============================
Ella brushed her hair and straitened her robes. She had survived her first year at Hogwarts. Barely.

Placing her hat on her head, and gathering her belongings she made way to the Leaving Feast. At Salem, not only were the students and professors there, but also the parents. The festivities included games and awards. Ella knew this night would not be like the ones she had experience before.


It already felt like a funeral procession, most of the students were lined up in a single file line and slowly walked in marching fashion into the great hall.
As they entered Ella saw the black drapes covering the walls and got chills. A dark contrast to what she experienced her first day so many months ago.

After Dumbledore made his speech about Cedric, he made a toast to Harry for his bravery. Ella raised her goblet high at this toast, for Harry had shown her what the true meaning of what being Gryffindor entailed.

“ I am going to miss this place, its like its my home now.”
Ron smiled.

“ Its mine too.” Harry said.

Looking back at the solemn appearance of the teachers, she noticed Snape was back.

“He looks stressed.” Ella said noting his appearance

“Everyone is.” Hermione said.

“I can’t believe this is our last night, I mean this year went by so fast.” Ella
pushed around her food not wanting the night to end.

“It always does.” Ron said with a mouth full of potatoes.

“I am figuring about the middle of August I will be at the burrow. It gives me at least two weeks to hang before the new school year.” Ella couldn’t wait for the time she could spend with her friends.

“Harry, Ella, Hermione, Wow we will definitely have a full house!” Ginny said very excited.

The group finished there food and mingled with the other houses. The feast was about to end and Ella had the feeling the eyes of a certain Slytherin on her.

“ Ella can we talk.” Draco said.

“ No”

“ Please.” His voice went loud and the whole Slytherin table looked there way.

“ Make it quick” Ella’s face was glowing a bright crimson color.
She followed him to the corridor right off the entrance to the hall.

“I am sorry for this year.” Malfoy began to shake.

“ I feel like we could have been something , and frankly I ruined it.”
Ella took in what he was saying and paused before she began to speak.

“ I need to be strong, and unfortunately I went under your spell.” Pausing again she struggled for the words “ I hate myself for getting messed up with you.” “There will never be something between us.” Ella took a deep breath and walked away. She didn’t know why her stomach fluttered when he talked or why she couldn’t breathe around him, but she did know he would never be good enough for her.

“ You ok?” Ron said seeing the obviously pale Ella. Ella noticed he was the only one left.
“ It feels as if I cant breath.” Ella said taking deep breaths.
“
What did he want?”

“ To apologize .” The words dripped like poison out of her mouth. Her disdain for admitting that at one point she would have accepted made her feel disgusted.

“Lets go” Ron ushered her out the door past the sniggering Slytherins.

“ You’re a good person Ron Weasley.”

“ I try.” They both laughed as they walked the halls of the school.

“ The good ones are always spoken for” Ella whispered.

“ What?”

“ Nothing.”
===========================
Reaching the common room Ella could see Hermione and Harry playing some chess. The atmosphere had lightened and while some students were packing others were playing games. They stayed up until they couldn’t keep there eyes open any longer.


Once Ella awoke she found her belongings already packed. She looked out the window to see the other students huddled in groups passing notes and giving hugs. Getting ready she finally took a step back and looked at her bed. I am going to miss this. She thought to herself.

“Ready?” Harry said peaking into the already cracked door.

“Yep.”

Everyone made there way for the train.

“ Miss. Greene.” He sounded very formal.

“I will send you an owl. I hope your summer vacation goes well. Keep studying.” He was trying to keep up the appearance of a concerned professor rather than the father letting his daughter go.

“See you soon.” Ella smiled and turned to walk away. She couldn’t allow there secret to be revealed.

Making her way to one of the compartments the group settled in.

“ I am going to tell you what happened.” Harry said taking a deep breath.
He went into detail; so much it was as if Ella could feel the pain radiate off him. She couldn’t believe what he had went through.

“Your so brave.” She said aloud.

“You are too.” Ella smiled.

“I also have something to tell everyone.” Hermione pulled a jar out of her bag.

“Meet Rita Skeeter.”

Hermione went on to say how she found out Rita was an Animagus.
Ella couldn’t stop laughing at the thought of Rita flying around Hogwarts as a bug. The thought of it was unconceivable to her.
====================
“You picked the wrong side Potter!” The door flung open to Draco Malfoy with
Crabbe and Goyle grinning like goons.

“Voldermort is back, and Cedric is only the first to die!!!”


Ella saw the twitch in Harry’s eye and took her wand out. Apparently
everyone had the same idea, because before she knew it the smoke cleared
and all the three Slyterhins were unconscious.


“ Well they should be out for a while” George said stepping over the bodies.


“Yeah, um 6 people all different jinxes; they shouldn’t be bothering anyone the rest of the trip.” Fred smiled.

Joining the group they brought much needed fun and excitement. Though Voldermort had returned they needed a reminder that they still were just kids.

============================================
Ella hugged each of her friend’s goodbye.

“I will seriously send an owl out everyday. Watch for Chauncey” Ella smiled at
Ron rolling his eyes.


==========================
Ella said her goodbyes and walked towards her parents who were waiting near the entrance of the station. Walking closer she noticed her father had a scowl on his face.

“Got your grades today.” “Ella Rae Greene you are grounded.”

“ Than goodness I am only staying for a couple of weeks.” Ella said under her breath.


“ You will not be able to watch TV, hang out with friends, go on the computer, play games..”

He kept it going the whole way home. Listing each thing she wouldn’t be able to do this summer.


Ella closed her eyes and pictured herself swimming with her friends, laughing with her father and meeting her grandparents for the first time. She smiled and the noise and congestion of London seemed to die away.


The End.

Ohh nooooooo! It's over

It was so good!

There had better be a sequel!

There will be = )

Hey Heather. This is a story I really enjoyed reading. It kept my attention. it kept me wanting more, and it was easy to follow. Being able to write a story and do those things marks a great talent. I loved the ending so much, because there was weariness from everything that happened, but there was an uplifting of spirits and emotions. You gave us things to look forward to in your next ff. I hope you'll be able to get it up soon.
Great job Heather.

Thanks! I already submitted my first chapter, and I am just waiting for it to clear ok. I already have the second chapter ready so I guess I just have to wait....( I HAVE NO PATIENCE) =)

Thanks for reading this and commenting on every chapter ! -Heather

Heather...

Congratulations on the completion of your first fan fiction! I can remember spying it the first week it was posted and thinking, I really should read that story... It looks promising. Well, you more than lived up to my high expectations!

Although you chose to write about Harry's fourth year, which in my opinion was a very trying and challenging thing to do, you were able to add a lot of depth, fill-in alot of missing spaces, and ingratiate Ella into the tight threesome, making them an even tighter quartet. You were also able to get rid of the access cluster of JK's story. A job very well done, I must say!

I truly enjoyed the Ella story lines. The fact that Snape is Ella's father is the plot, of your fan fiction, that most captivates me. You bring out a side of Snape that intrigues me and brings love to my heart. Snape really is human, and althought he has to constantly mask his feelings, the love for his daughter is truly apparent to your readers.

I would also like to give you props for the ending 'Moody' story line. Although you mention it almost in passing, the fact that Moody knew about Ron winning the Gryffindor Duelling Challenge was pure inspiration. You have a great mind for details and writing.

I'm sorry I didn't comment during your last chapters, but you should know that I read and enjoyed each and every one of them.

Again, Congratulations on this, your first fan fiction. I look forward to reading your next one... about Ella's 5th year at Hogwarts??? In fact, I plan to go there now!

Great work,
Katie

Thanks Katie, your comments were so great in inspiring me to keep writing!

I am glad you enjoyed it = )