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alyweasley · 07-11-2008, 05:01 AM

Yay!!! Another one!

hehe this is great!!! I love the whole Harry/Ginny thing!! Absolutly perfect!! Okay so they found out there was anti-cheer potion in there! BAHAHA anti-cheer ... gosh I'm a genius!!! bhahahaha! So now they have to find out who did it. Well I think I can guess but I don't know. And what's with Snape being so clean and happy and nice? Has it got something to do with the arrival of Krysta? I think it does!!! bahahaha! Anyway

I love this story so much Nik. I am officially addicted.

PAMS!

Love Jade xxxx

Little Trooper · 07-11-2008, 05:37 AM

Love the last couple of post. They were awewome. Love all the Harry/Ginny stuff its so cute. Harry should just do something about it. glad they have figured out some things about what was wrong. so can't wait for more.

Krysta · 07-11-2008, 07:58 AM

MsMorgan first to post again.

Quote:

Originally Posted by alyweasley

Yay!!! Another one!

hehe this is great!!! I love the whole Harry/Ginny thing!! Absolutly perfect!! Okay so they found out there was anti-cheer potion in there! BAHAHA anti-cheer ... gosh I'm a genius!!! bhahahaha! So now they have to find out who did it. Well I think I can guess but I don't know. And what's with Snape being so clean and happy and nice? Has it got something to do with the arrival of Krysta? I think it does!!! bahahaha! Anyway

I love this story so much Nik. I am officially addicted.

PAMS!

Love Jade xxxx

he he he. Jade's all hyper. I'm glad the story's got you guessing and trying to work it all out. I wonder if you're right.....

Oh and YAY! Page 4!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Little Trooper

Love the last couple of post. They were awewome. Love all the Harry/Ginny stuff its so cute. Harry should just do something about it. glad they have figured out some things about what was wrong. so can't wait for more.

I'm quite enjoying it myself. It's weird: because I wrote this a few years back, reading it back is fun. I have to force myself not to post it too quickly.

TriwizardChamp12 · 07-11-2008, 03:32 PM

wooo-wooo-wooo-woo
i LOVE the twilighty show about that zone

wow i wonder what ginny was doing

Krysta · 07-11-2008, 05:28 PM

Thanks for all your comments! Here's a little reading for the weekend:

Chapter 15: part 3

Between them Heather and Ron carried the cooler all the way to the castle. Hermione followed with the flasks, which she returned to Snape’s classroom freshly washed. Then set off for McGonagall’s office to meet Heather and Ron.

Harry and Ginny walked back together almost completely in silence. Harry was too embarrassed to say anything and he figured she probably was too. He couldn’t bear the silence though.

“So…you were practising or something?” he asked and she seemed surprised to hear him speak. To his relief she smiled and nodded.

“I guess I’m just trying to be optimistic. It’s just, if I do make it onto the team…” Harry nodded to show he understood.

“I meant what I said the other day y’know. You did play really well.” She blushed a little and looked the other way.

“Thanks.” She said after a while.

“No problem.” Harry was suddenly aware of how slowly they were walking.

“I know you’re not supposed to talk about it, but…”

“Ah, Ginny, you know we haven’t discussed it yet.”

“Yeah but you must have some idea.” She whined and his heart melted as she smiled playfully.

“No, sorry.” He grinned back.

“Oh come on! What do I have to do? Seduce you?” they both laughed.

“Well you know, you could always try.” He said before he could stop himself. He stopped dead and mentally kicked himself. Ginny visibly swallowed hard and looked unsurely at him trying to detect some kind of signal. Harry didn’t have it in him to pretend anymore.

“Would it work?” she asked stepping a little closer.

“No.” he replied quietly, also taking a step closer. “But you could try it anyway.” He steadied his breathing in attempt to silence his heart, which was beating just as loudly as it had on Sunday morning. This afternoon however, as he gently stroked her cheek he had no intention of backing out. He’d made up his mind. He didn’t care if she never spoke to him again, if he didn’t do this he’d go crazy. He felt the tightening in his chest and stomach again as she allowed her head to rest in his hand, closing her eyes. Mustering all the courage he had he moved closer and cupped her face gently in both hands. Feeling as though his heart was literally about to stop again he tilted his head.

“No, Harry.” she said it so weakly he simply looked at her in confusion. The look in her eyes was so sad.

“Why?” he asked, his voice breaking up. “Why?” he asked again and she shook her head as a tear rolled down her cheek. “Ginny, what’s wrong? Is it something I’ve done? Do you just not like me? What?” he was falling apart, he simply couldn’t handle it. When she shook her head defiantly he stepped back from her turning away.

“Harry it’s not you. I…”

“It’s ok. Whatever.” He felt angry, though he didn’t know why. He did know but didn’t want to admit it. He was such an idiot. She’d tried to tell him kindly once before that she wasn’t interested and he’d ignored it. And now he’d just made a fool of himself. He began to walk away unable to even look at her.

“Harry, please. Don’t walk away again.” Her voice was pleading and he stopped to face her, his eyes so full of confusion she sobbed. “I’m sorry. I’m such a fool, Harry. I’m so very sorry.” He moved closer again, this time just taking her hands.

“Tell me what’s wrong Ginny. Tell me what I did.” He was pleading with her now. She shook her head again.

“You didn’t do anything. How could you? All you’ve ever been is wonderful.” Harry was becoming more confused by the second.

“Ginny tell me what’s wrong.”

“You wouldn’t understand.” She wailed through tears.

“Try me.” He begged gently. She shook her head and looked away.

“You deserve better than me Harry.” she couldn’t even look him in the face. His eyes narrowed and his face contorted slightly. He shook his head. He spoke firmly.

“There is no better than you.” With that he dropped both of her hands and strode across the field, disappearing into the huge building before she could stop him.

He spent half an hour staring at the almost blank page in his diary. He’d written the date and that was all. Finally he wrote three words then shut and locked the book.

He heard voices he recognised in the stairwell and quickly grabbed his invisibility cloak. He didn’t want to see anyone right now. He just needed to be alone.

“Where the hell have…” Ron stopped dead in the doorway. “Oh. He isn’t here either.” He said to someone behind him. Harry heard Hermione’s voice.

“Well let’s go see if Ginny knows where he went.” Harry heard them descend the stairs again and felt a little guilty. He really should have been with them when they made their case to Dumbledore. Part of him wondered what had happened but the rest of him just wanted to be alone. Gathering the cloak tighter around him he left the room and began to climb the stairs.

The sun was only just visible from the top of the tower, but that was only a distant glimmer in the far horizon. Above him the sky was dotted with stars and the chill told him a frost was due. He’d locked the door behind him as he’d come out here just so he wouldn’t be disturbed, but it wasn’t until he heard footsteps that he realised he’d forgotten the door from the other stairwell. Safe inside his cloak he moved away from the girl’s stairwell and waited to see who would emerge. He almost fell over the wall when Ginny appeared. Her eyes looked red and sore and his heart pulled when he realised she’d been crying. Even as he watched another tear rolled down her cheek. She went right to the edge of the tower and looked out over the tower. The girl took a deep breath and rubbed her arms. She’d come out with no cloak and looked freezing. His first impulse was to offer her his but suddenly realised that if he appeared out of nowhere she would probably fall off the tower in shock. She took a deep breath and released it again gripping the low stone wall surrounding the top of the tower. It was probably about 5 feet tall and came up to below her chest but still he didn’t want to startle her.

“Oh Ginevra, you’re such a stupid girl.” He smiled sadly to himself. It had never occurred to him that Ginevra was her name. She’d always been known as Ginny to him. Just then a new set of foot falls met Harry’s ears and Reena appeared carrying a cloak.

“I knew you’d be up here.” She said smiling sadly. Ginny sniffed, smiled and took the offered cloak. “You always come here when you’re down.” Ginny nodded.

“It’s a good place to think.”

“Yeah?” Reena looked around and pulled her own cloak tighter. “Well it’s very quiet. Nice view.” Ginny nodded

“I mainly look at the stars.” She said gently. Both girls were silent for a while and Harry shivered. The invisibility cloak was thin and offered little warmth.

“So…you wanna talk about it?” Reena eventually asked. Ginny shook her head, but then nodded and slumped down onto the stone floor. Reena joined her and they huddled together.

“What happened?”

“I’ve really messed up, Reena.”

“Oh come on it can’t be that bad.”

“It is.” She sounded frustrated.

“Now he thinks I’m some kind of nut case or something.” Harry felt like protesting that but caught himself just in time.

“Did he say that?”

“No.”

“What did he say?” Ginny shrugged before answering.

“He kept asking me what was wrong and stuff.” Ginny’s answer was extremely vague.

“Stuff?” asked Reena, and Harry could see that Reena obviously knew her friend very well.

“What does it matter anyway, he won’t want to know when he finds out.” Protested Ginny and Harry was beginning to get confused. When he found out what? Reena was silent for a while and seemed to be contemplating something. Finally she spoke.

“I think you should tell him.” Ginny snapped around and glared at her best friend.

“Are you mad? He’d never speak to me again.”

“Don’t exaggerate.”

“I’m not! It means so much to him. I really messed up. I can’t tell him.”

“Listen, they’re gonna find out sometime. It’s better if it comes from you.”

“Why? Why would they find out?” Reena sighed.

“Gin, it’s the kind of thing that always gets out eventually. And besides, I know you. You’d feel too guilty, you’d end up telling him anyway. So you may as well do it now.”

“I can’t.”

“It’s not like it was deliberate, is it?” Reena said and Harry was beginning to get extremely confused. What the hell was going on? What had Ginny done that she was so worried about?

“That’s not the point. They won’t see it that way. I messed up and that’s the way they’ll see it.” Reena sighed again.

“Ok. Well I’m not going to sit here freezing my backside on this stone floor arguing about it. You coming?” Ginny nodded wearily and let Reena drag her to her feet.

“Besides…” began Reena as they were walking away. Within moments they were gone leaving Harry more disorientated than he was before.

“Like her?” he said to himself out loud now that he was alone. “Understatement.” He added to his previous comment. His head was swimming, a feeling he was getting used to by now. What could she have done? He jumped out of his skin when a dark figure suddenly appeared on the roof. He’d heard no footsteps and so hadn’t been prepared for their entrance. He was shocked to see Professor Hedwig. She went straight to the edge of the tower and leaned out as far as she could. He saw her smile in the darkness.

“Home Sweet Home.” She whispered to herself. She turned to lean against the wall gazing upwards at the night sky. “I know you’re watching. You never could resist eavesdropping could you, Potter?” She said out loud and Harry gulped. She must have heard him breathing or something. He was about to remove the cloak and own up when she spoke again.
“It’s ok. But sometimes I wish I were up there with you.” Harry suddenly realised she was talking upwards towards the sky. Had the woman gone mad? She sighed and closed her eyes. “I miss you guys.” She whispered. Harry swallowed a lump in his throat. She’d been talking to his dead parents. So she had known them after all. Why hadn’t Hagrid said something?

“There’s still so much to be done down here, I’m afraid.” She told the sky matter of factly.

Harry watched her with interest. They both were startled slightly by the rattling of a door, and Harry realised it was the one he’d locked. Where Harry was panicking, Professor Hedwig was grinning with amusement as the person on the other side struggled to open the door.

“It’s open!” she called, pointing her finger at the door. Harry watched in amazement as the door unlocked itself and the person on the other side crashed through. Harry had to cover his mouth to stop himself laughing as Professor Snape scrambled to his feet. Professor Hedwig was giggling to herself and to Harry’s surprise Snape half-grinned back at her.

“Very funny.” He muttered and she laughed even more.

“What are you doing here Severus?”

“Knew you’d be here.” He answered and she raised an eyebrow.

“The question still stands.” He studied her carefully for a second.

“Did you see Lucius?” The woman sighed deeply at the question.

“Yes, I saw him. And no, he didn’t tell me.”

“Damn.”

“What did you expect? ‘Oh yes Krysta, help yourself. I’m sure Voldemort won’t mind.’” She mocked in a deep voice, trying to imitate Lucius Malfoy. Snape snorted. “It doesn’t matter anyway.” She said with a slight smirk on her face. Snape regarded her curiously.

“Why? What do you mean?”

“Well, let’s just say I know something he doesn’t.” At that, Snape grinned at her and she returned the grin.

“What about our little amendment to the deal?” he asked on a more serious tone. She thought about this answer more carefully.

“He agreed.” She answered. “But that probably means ten Death Eaters are on their way right now, baying for your blood.” Snape nodded.

“Knowing him, probably. Never did keep his word.” Sneered Snape. Professor Hedwig however smiled a little.

“Quite. And I’m counting on it.” She smiled to herself and Snape regarded her with amusement.

“You’re a sly one Krysta. You always were. Potter never could keep up with you.” Something in her manner changed. She seemed to stiffen slightly.

“Maybe not. But Lily could…as you know.” She smiled knowingly and Snape looked away. Harry felt his blood boil. So it was true about Snape being in love with his Mother. He felt sick at the thought all over again.

“All the same, we can’t trust anything he says.” Snape changed the subject quickly.

“Yes, well. You can’t exactly trust a Death Eater can you?” Harry noticed immediately the change in Snape’s manner. He was uncomfortable and Professor Hedwig looked away, moving further from him. He took a few steps towards the stairwell. He turned and looked back at the woman who was facing away from him.

“You’ll never forgive me, will you?” he asked in a voice Harry had never heard him use. It was sad, full of regret. From his hiding place Harry saw the woman drop her head so that her chin touched her chest. Harry heard the door shut and turned to see that Snape had gone.
He looked back to Professor Hedwig and felt pity for her as a single tear rolled down her cheek. As she blinked it away and looked back up to the stars he looked up too. She was staring straight up and Harry tried to follow her gaze. Orion was clearly visible tonight and not so far away gleaming brightly directly above them lay the faithful Dog Star. Sirius.

After a few minutes she left as quietly as she had come and Harry was left alone again on the top of the tower. For a while he stood staring up at the Sirius constellation wondering where his godfather was. Was he still in Cornwall or had he moved on? Was he safe?

Finally he looked out over the lake and thought he was seeing things. There seemed to be dozens of grey stones floating on the surface. When he refocused and looked more carefully he realised that they were in fact the dolphins. Each one was on the surface, seemingly looking up at the sky as though looking for something. Then all at once they all dove leaving splashes of white foam on the surface. Harry was just about to leave when they all suddenly leapt from the water jumping several feet into the air.
Harry was just thinking he’d seen and heard enough strange things for one night when he noticed three or four figures standing by the water and despite the fact he had only just seen her up on this very tower, he could have sworn one of them was Professor Hedwig. One of the others was most definitely Hagrid due to their size, but the other Harry couldn’t recognise though he looked as though he should be familiar.

Harry shook his head and was about to leave before anything else happened but was too late. He ducked with a scream as something magnificently large and heavy flew directly over his head. Scrambling to his feet he stared after the creature in disbelief. It had been four years, and he may have grown a good 100 feet but Harry recognised the beast straight away. So this was why Hagrid had been so excited recently. Harry pinched himself to ensure he was indeed awake as Norbert the Norwegian Ridgeback came in to land.

Little Trooper · 07-11-2008, 09:05 PM

What did Ginny do. Poor harry. But he will always love Ginny. just tell him Ginny you'll see he will still love you and feel the same way. So can't wait for more.

alyweasley · 07-12-2008, 02:02 AM

YAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAAYAYAYAY AAYAYA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! bahahahahaha sorry bored at work again!

I'm so addicted to this fic its ridiculuous ... and you are like the only one that updates!!! hehe.

What did Ginny do? Has she been a bad girl? But she so should tell Harry. Was it her that spiked the water? I dunno random hyper guess!
hehe anyway.

Love this so much! I need more!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

PAMS!! Nik PAMS!!!!!!!

Love Jade xxxxxx

supercodi95 · 07-12-2008, 02:53 AM

love it!! can't wait for more!!

~Codi~

emjay · 07-12-2008, 05:17 AM

Ack! They come so close to kissing . . and then . . . they don't

Sounds like maybe Ginny did have something to do with the water, accidentally maybe?

Oh and I love the interaction between Krysta and Snape.

Looks like she brings out the good in him.

Keep up the good work!

3uzz3ee · 07-13-2008, 02:29 PM

I have just caught up with your story and wanted to sa that its one of the best ive read so far!!
Please update!!

Abi...

Krysta · 07-13-2008, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Little Trooper

What did Ginny do. Poor harry. But he will always love Ginny. just tell him Ginny you'll see he will still love you and feel the same way. So can't wait for more.

Quote:

Originally Posted by supercodi95

love it!! can't wait for more!!

~Codi~

I shall post some more either tonight or tomorrow. I promise...un less I get ht by a bus or abducted by giant hamsters or something (people underestimate hamsters)

Quote:

Originally Posted by alyweasley

YAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAAYAYAYAY AAYAYA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! bahahahahaha sorry bored at work again!

I'm so addicted to this fic its ridiculuous ... and you are like the only one that updates!!! hehe.

What did Ginny do? Has she been a bad girl? But she so should tell Harry. Was it her that spiked the water? I dunno random hyper guess!
hehe anyway.

Love this so much! I need more!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

PAMS!! Nik PAMS!!!!!!!

Love Jade xxxxxx

He he he. Calm down, Jade! I'll post more very soon.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MsMorgan

Ack! They come so close to kissing . . and then . . . they don't

Sounds like maybe Ginny did have something to do with the water, accidentally maybe?

Oh and I love the interaction between Krysta and Snape.

Looks like she brings out the good in him.

Keep up the good work!

You and Jade are too astute for your own good...

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3uzz3ee

I have just caught up with your story and wanted to sa that its one of the best ive read so far!!
Please update!!

Abi...

YAY! New reader! I'm really, really glad you found your way onto this thread. It's no mean feat reading all the way through this story. Everyone! Three cheers for Abi!

Hip, hip....

Sabrina_Snape · 07-14-2008, 11:21 AM

krysta you need to post!!!!! Please please please!!!!!!

Jemma
xxxx

Krysta · 07-14-2008, 12:20 PM

Your wish is my command!

Chapter 16: If You Go Down To The Woods Today... (part one)

Harry slept straight through breakfast the next morning. He hadn’t slept during the night and only in the early hours had he drifted off. The previous evening he hadn’t gone back inside until it was gone 11 o’clock. Lying on his back he had stared upwards at Sirius, telling it everything on his mind in an empty hope that maybe things would begin to seem clear. They didn’t.

It was 9:15 before he stumbled into the common room, books falling from his arms and tripping over his cloak. He nearly dropped the whole lot when a voice barked in his direction.

“Where the hell have you been?”

He turned to see where the voice had come from and was surprised to see Ron and Hermione sitting at a table looking rather peeved with him.

“Why aren’t you in class?” he asked.

“Why weren’t you at breakfast? Or, I might add, with us last night when we needed you.” Answered back Hermione, and Harry could tell she was less than happy.

“I’m sorry. I just…what happened anyway?” he asked, feeling terrible all of a sudden.

“Do you actually care? I can’t believe you let us down like that.”

“We looked really stupid in there waiting for you to show up.” added Ron.

“Listen, I really am sorry. Something…something came up.”

“Like what? Another ‘vision’ of yours?” Hermione mumbled grumpily.

“I really am sorry. Please tell me what happened…but why aren’t you in class?” he asked suddenly realising that Charms should have started fifteen minutes ago. Hermione still looked miffed but leant back against the chair-back and folded her arms.

“Charms was cancelled. Professor Flitwick’s got the flu and every time he sneezes he flies into the air.” Harry stifled the urge to snigger and tried to look serious. He nervously took a seat at the table and looked at each of his friends in turn.

“So what did happen last night?” Ron still looked a little annoyed but it was obviously wearing off.

“Well we waited ages for you.” He said trying to sound annoyed, though Harry knew his friend enough to realise that this was mainly put on for Hermione’s benefit. Ron knew his friend enough to know that if he hadn’t shown up, there must have been a good reason.

“And finally Dumbledore said we should just get on with it.”

“So we told them all about it, and explained what had been happening to the Gryffindor Quidditch players and everything.” Hermione continued, obviously over her mood.

“And we told them what we’d…you’d worked out and how Snape’s lesson had given us the idea and how the exfoliate spell had proven it.”

“Dumbledore said we needed to prove it and Snape did the test himself!” exclaimed Hermione. Harry was gob smacked.

“What happened? Did it work? He asked sounding pretty excited himself. Hermione grinned proudly.

“Perfectly. You should have seen the sludge that appeared in that water cooler!”

“Brilliant. But what then? What did they say?”

“Well, they wanted to know if we had any idea who could have done it and well, we wanted to say it was the Slytherins, but we didn’t dare! Not in front of Snape.”

“But we didn’t have to! He suggested it himself!” Harry felt dizzy.

“He did what?” Hermione and Ron exchanged an excited grin.

“He said maybe a few rival students may have thought it a joke to do such a thing, and that he would keep a very close eye on his students over the next few days.” Ron told him and Harry couldn’t believe his ears.

“Snape practically admitted that the Slytherins might be responsible?” his friends nodded urgently and Harry shook his head.

“What is going on with that man?” he said out loud, though it was mainly to himself. Ron shrugged.

“I dunno, but if he keeps this up, I might begin to start liking him.” There was a dead silence that followed as the three friends looked at each other and then burst into laughter.

“Ok, ok, you’re right. That is never gonna happen.” Grinned Ron.

“So what’s being done?” Harry asked relaxing a bit now that his friends weren’t mad with him.

“Well at breakfast Dumbledore made all the Gryffindors drink water. The other houses were really confused, though if you ask me, some of the Slytherins weren’t too happy they’d been sussed.” Hermione told him and Harry smiled.

“Notice any difference yet?” he asked and Ron immediately nodded. “Angelina and Alicia were deep in conversation by the end of the meal. All was forgotten.”

“Phew.” Harry exclaimed dramatically. It was about time those two were friends again. Now maybe they could get together to discuss the try-outs.

“It was so weird!” announced Hermione and Harry looked questioningly at her. “Well, to start with we couldn’t get them to drink the water, but once they did they couldn’t stop. They were parched! The jugs had to be refilled three times!”

“Blimey!” Harry exclaimed.

“Just like us when we were cured. We couldn’t stop drinking water.” Ron commented and Harry nodded in agreement.

“Oh, I’m just going to drop my Charms books off in the dorm. We’ve got our first Defence Against The Dark Arts lesson with Professor Hedwig later.” Hermione announced grinning excitedly and disappeared up the stairwell. Harry had forgotten about that. It would be interesting to see how she was after last night’s rooftop meeting with Snape. He wondered what kind of a teacher she would be and he had to admit he was extremely curious.

“I’m glad she’s gone for a minute Harry. There’s something else Snape said and…well Hermione thinks I’m wrong…”

“Go on.” Encouraged Harry.

“Well he said that one way to find out who made the potion is to make them drink it.”

Harry was confused. “Well he told us that the potion is ineffective when drunk by the person who brewed it. He said it’s because the potion is already carrying the emotions of that person, and so it has no affect on them.” Harry was interested by this but failed to see what Ron was getting at.

“Well how does that help? There’s none of it left now anyway, and besides how are we supposed to get all of the Slytherins to try it? Even if we did, they’re so miserable all the time anyway we wouldn’t be able to tell the difference.” Ron became silent and thoughtful.

“I don’t think it was a Slytherin.” Harry looked up in shock. What was Ron on about?

“C’mon, Ron. Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff would never stoop so low to…”

“No, no. Not them.” Ron interrupted. Harry narrowed his eyes.

“Then who?” Ron shifted uncomfortably.

“Harry, who out of all the players was totally unaffected by the potion?” Harry exhaled slowly and leaned back in his chair, studying Ron carefully. He knew what he was getting at. The same thing he’d been getting at since Saturday night. The only difference was, this time Harry thought Ron had a point. He hoped he was wrong.

Harry was finding it hard to concentrate. The events of the previous evening were playing heavily on his mind and he could think of nothing else. As Hermione and Ron chattered away to themselves he sat deep in thought. Even writing it all down in his diary didn’t seemed to have helped much this time. Several images flashed past his mind’s eye: Ginny’s tears, Krysta’s tears and the most spectacular of all, the almighty Norbert flying overhead and coming to land in the Hogwarts’ grounds. Where was the dragon now? Where the hell could Hagrid hide a 500 foot Norwegian Ridgeback? How was Krysta involved? Was there anything she didn’t have a hand in? His thoughts were cut off as the woman herself swept into the room, her black robes billowing elegantly around and behind her. The class fell immediately silent as she dropped a box onto the large table at the head of the classroom. She turned around, leaning back casually on the edge of the table and calmly regarded the curious students before her. And then she smiled.

“You all look so nervous.” She laughed lightly and Harry was all too aware of the number of bashful smiles that appeared on a significant number of male faces. He himself felt strangely at ease despite his attempts to be apprehensive and on guard. Instead he relaxed and felt comfortable and calm for the first time in ages. A glance at Hermione’s face told him a similar effect had happened to the girls. They were all sitting up and watching their new teacher with a new kind of interest, even for Hermione. Some even pulled their book towards them as though ready for any instructions. The woman smiled again and waved her hand dismissively in the air.

“Oh put those things away. They’re so depressing.” A few curious looks were exchanged as books were placed in bags and Professor Hedwig positioned herself comfortably on the edge of the table and folded her arms comfortably across her stomach looking around the room with an open expression on her face. When the class was finally silent and all books were away she smiled again.

“Fifth Year Gryffindor. Presumably a nice change from your Slytherin counterparts?” she asked and the students looked a little surprised before answering her with a few nervous smiles and giggles.
“I have no doubt of it, believe me.” She held that same steady smile the whole time she was speaking. “Well, as you probably already know, I’m Professor Hedwig and I shall be taking you for Defence Against The Dark Arts. Hopefully I’m gonna get an O.W.L. out of every single one of you.” She said in a remarkably relaxed voice and Harry was sure she looked in Neville’s direction when she said ‘every single one of you’ and yes, he was sure he smiled back at her.

“Now, first of all, can anyone tell me what Defence Against The Dark Arts is about?” she looked around the classroom for a show of hands. Naturally Hermione’s hand was the first in the air followed by a few others.

“Yes, Mr Finnigan?” she prompted Seamus and he lowered his hand looking a little startled as though he hadn’t expected her to know his name.

“Er, it’s about curses and stuff, and dark magic.” She frowned a little.

“What about them Seamus?” she asked and he looked even more startled at her use of his first name.

“I er…ask Hermione.” He finished receiving a few sniggers from the class. Instead of being annoyed Professor Hedwig grinned with them.

“Ok, Hermione, your opinion on the matter?” she smiled gently and Harry distinctly saw Hermione smile back bashfully.

“Well, it is about the darks arts and some particularly awful creatures, but really the point is to learn how defend yourself against them.” She finished and Harry thought that what she said was actually pretty obvious. It said it all in the name really: Defence Against The Dark Arts. Professor Hedwig smiled to herself more than to the class.

“How many of you agree with Hermione?” she asked and Hermione looked panicked as though she might be told she was (spirit forbid) wrong. To Hermione’s relief everyone in the room without exception raised their hand. To her further relief Professor Hedwig smiled and nodded.

“Good, a group that actually gets the point of this class. Needless to say I got some interesting answers from the Slytherins.” Again she received some titters from the group, including Harry and Ron. “One particularly nasty individual thought the point was to learn lots of nasty curses and potions to trick and torment your sister. Sad to say I happen to be related to that student.” Professor Hedwig shivered comically and the class giggled again, though Harry was curious about as to whom that student might have been.

“Anyway enough chatter…well not really but like it or not we are here to learn. Defence Against The Dark Arts should not be boring. Unless of course you have a death wish and do not wish to learn how survive a Doxy attack, avoid a herd of angry Re’em or indeed do battle with a Hungarian Horntail, though for the last one just have a word with young Mr. Potter here.” She winked at him and Seamus cheered a little, causing the class to laugh again. Harry felt his cheeks flushing and rubbed the back of his neck nervously, though he grinned in return.

“Today however we’re just going to have a little chat about the nature of magic. Some of you will be mortified to hear that I believe in the History of Magic…” many groans travelled the room “…However…” she spoke loudly with an amused smile “…I mean that to understand some of what I may teach you I shall indulge you in a few fairy tales. You shall NOT be tested on these stories, they are simply for your own amusement.” She smiled and Hermione wasn’t the only who seemed fascinated by what might be to come.

“Magic.” She suddenly announced and everyone seemed transfixed.
“It’s inside every one of you. It is a part of who you are. You all have a gift and your gift is unique to each and every one of you. Hermione and Neville come and stand up here with Me.” Hermione looked startled but happily joined their new teacher at the front of the classroom. Neville froze in his chair. She smiled gently and encouragingly.
“It’s ok. I won’t ask you to do anything you can’t do.” He smiled nervously and walked to the front of the room. Professor Hedwig took two objects from the box she had previously placed on the table. Harry was immediately confused. One was a plastic wristwatch, and the other was a dead plant of some kind. Hermione looked fascinated whilst Neville looked terrified.

“Neville, can you change this watch into a dandelion for me?” he looked absolutely petrified but retrieved his wand anyway when she gave him another encouraging smile.

“Transformus Analogus.” He commanded and they all held their breath. The watch fizzled a little and Professor Hedwig smiled a little as she held up the watch. Neville hadn’t been far wrong to be fair. Instead of being turned into a dandelion, the watchstrap was covered in little pretty dandelion pictures, rather messily painted onto the plastic.

“That was a nice try, Neville. Hermione? Would you care to try?” Hermione smiled sweetly and took out her wand.

“Clockus Transformus, Petalluia.” She commanded with confidence and the class ‘ahh’d with wonder as a stunning, white dandelion clock appeared on the table in replace of the watch. Hermione smiled nervously at Neville as Professor Hedwig picked up the clock and blew the seeds off the stalk sending them twirling around the room much to the joy of the class (but not Lavender as some got caught in her hair).

“Very nice Hermione.” Next she took the plant and handed it to her. “Now, dear would you like to revive my poor little friend here?” she asked and Hermione looked a little shocked and even nervous. She placed the pot on the table and waved her wand once more.

“Revivus.” she commanded again and looked perplexed, as nothing at all seemed to happen. She looked worriedly at their teacher who smiled encouragingly.

“It’s ok. Neville, would you like a go?” Neville nodded and boldly stepped forward. The class watched transfixed as Neville gently stroked the leaves of the nearly dead plant and whispered something they couldn’t hear. There were gasps from the room as to everyone’s amazement the little plant slowly but surely began to uncurl its dried up leaves, it’s brown, wrinkled stem stretching upwards to the ceiling. Within seconds its brilliant dragonhead-shaped flowers glowed a healthy orange and it’s long green leaves stretched outwards firmly. Professor Hedwig beamed at Neville and even the shocked Hermione gaped a smile at him.

“That was amazing.” She whispered and their teacher laid a hand on each of their shoulders.

“Thank you. You may both go and sit down.” Smiling at each other they did so.

“So you can see from that demonstration we all have a gift. A very unique gift. All you have to do is find it. It is important for you all to try to grasp magic, to understand it. Magic does not lie within words. The spell is not a string of Latin phrases. Magic is within you. Magic is all around you in the air, in the seas, in the fire and in the ground you walk on. The magic is in here.” She placed her hand across her heart and looked at each person in the room, as they fixed her back.
“But the power to control it comes from here.” She moved her hand and placed her two middle fingers to her temple.
“The control does not come from the words we speak. The words are merely there to guide you. The real control is a command from your mind, from your soul. Master that power and you don’t need the words. With enough strength…” she reached out her hand toward the open windows and the class gasped and some even shrieked in surprise as they slammed shut. They turned to stare at their teacher in shock and she regarded them all individually once more.

“With enough control, you don’t even need a wand.” Harry didn’t feel quite so shocked. He’d seen her do this twice before now. Once when she had unlocked the doors on the Knight Bus with just her finger and the previous evening when she had unlocked the stairwell door to the roof. Hermione was frozen to her seat her eyes wide, as were many of the class. Hermione however, rather than a little scared, seemed enthralled.

“Ok, so maybe that was showing off a little.” The new teacher smiled to herself. “But I’m not the only one you know who can do this. Your Headmaster Professor Dumbledore is probably one of the most powerful wizards of our time. And as a bonus, he’s a pretty nice chap too.” The girls giggled again and Harry and Ron exchanged a grin.
“Who else? In my lifetime I’ve known maybe…5 people myself and Professor Dumbledore included. My Mother was another and er...” she trailed off as her gaze rested briefly on Harry and her eyes glazed. “Well that isn’t so important right now.” She finished quickly and Harry’s curiosity kicked in. Was she trying to hide something?
“What I will tell you, and I hope will make you all feel a little better, is that some of the most renowned wizards, good or bad, do not have such a power. Many still rely on their wands and the main conduit for their magic. It may surprise many of you to know that one such wizard is the Dark Lord himself.” The room immediately fell into a deathly silence at the mention of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. Harry was deep in thought. He’d never thought about it, but he realised that she was right. Voldemort did still use his wand, even for cursing. His evil corrupted voice rang through Harry ears. Avada Kedavra. He shivered and Professor Hedwig regarded him with concern.

“The point I’m trying to make is that his power comes from you.” The students all looked at each other in confusion. What did she mean?
“The Dark Lord instils fear into his victims. That fear becomes a weapon in itself, and he will use it to his advantage. A terrified person is far easier to fight than one brave and determined.” Harry felt mildly uncomfortable, and yet as she spoke, so much seemed to become clear in his mind.
“He is powerful, don’t get me wrong. But he is not indestructible and impossible to fight. We have the proof right here in this room, and I tell you now, Harry is not the only one. Harry knows what saved him.” She held his gaze gently for a few seconds and Harry felt his heartstrings pull again as his Mother’s image flashed through his mind.
“And he would be the first to tell you it was no special power that he possessed. He will be the first to tell you that he was just a helpless baby at the mercy of the Dark Lord. What saved him is his business however and we shall not linger. What I shall tell you all, is that it was the fear that gave him the power to kill. If you can find the power to control your fear, you can find the power to defeat him.”

The lesson passed in a blur and soon a group of stunned but excited fifth year Gryffindors left the classroom and filed down the corridor. Harry, Ron and Hermione quietly took a table in the library and sat staring at each other for a few moments, daring the other person to speak first. Finally, Ron took the lead.

“That was cool.”

3uzz3ee · 07-14-2008, 01:25 PM

Exellent so far!!

Please post soon...
I think i've guessed who she's related to!!!

Sabrina_Snape · 07-14-2008, 02:20 PM

This was amazing, I'm glad my wish is your command.. for my second wish Genie Krysta, I'd like a new post. I want to know who she's related to. I have a very good idea, but I'd like to see who it is. See, I knew Neville was good at something!

PAMS!
Jemma
xxx

emjay · 07-14-2008, 03:21 PM

I'm beginning to think Snape was replaced by a clone. heehee

Quote:

Originally Posted by Krysta

(but not Lavender as some got caught in her hair).

I can totally see her getting huffy about this. LOL

What a cool teacher Krysta is! More please! Soon!

Krysta · 07-14-2008, 03:27 PM

I'm sure Jemma and 3uzz3ee are right about who Professor Hedwig is related to. I've left enough clues!

lol @ MsMorgan. Are you finding it hard to imagine Snape being nice and happy? I know I did when I was writing it!

alyweasley · 07-14-2008, 05:13 PM

Nik this is great!!! I absolutely love it!!
I wanna know who she's related to. I think I have an idea but I want you to tell me. Neville is so adorable. See, we all knew he was good at something. I agree with Krysta with all the Magic comes from within stuff. Definately.

PAMS Nik PAMS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Love always,
Jade xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

3uzz3ee · 07-14-2008, 05:41 PM

I seriously can't wait for your next post!!!

And call me Abi, 3uzz3ee is my nickname... =]

supercodi95 · 07-14-2008, 05:50 PM

love it!! can't wait for more!!

Krysta · 07-15-2008, 07:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sabrina_Snape

This was amazing, I'm glad my wish is your command.. for my second wish Genie Krysta, I'd like a new post.

*Pizazz!*

Chapter 16, part 2

Hermione was buried in her Rune book again, which Harry still found ironic, considering that he and Ron were the ones taking the class and not her. Still it meant they had her on hand should divination homework get a little too stressful. If Harry was honest he’d admit to the fact that he was actually finding Runes quite easy to understand and that if he did ask Hermione for help it would be out of sheer boredom, or more realistically, laziness. Hermione was quite determined that when Harry could finally write down the Runes he was seeing in his visions, she would be able to decipher them.

Harry was battling his own demons right now. The previous evening he had overheard and seen three really important things. The problem was, he didn’t know whether to tell anyone or not. He couldn’t speak to Ron about Ginny. No matter how close they were he couldn’t get around the fact that Ron was Ginny’s older brother and there was no telling what his reaction might be. He was in two minds whether to tell them about the overheard conversations between Professor Hedwig and both Lucius Malfoy and Professor Snape. He didn’t understand why he was being hesitant. Normally he would have run and told his friends straight away, but something was holding him back. He felt unsure about what was really going on and for some reason he didn’t want to involve his friends until he was sure. He wanted to trust this woman. She’d saved his life before now. She’d taken care and watched over him, provided him and the Weasleys with much needed money. And Sirius? Where was he? Was she his friend? And what about Snape and Malfoy? This was where he became confused. He couldn’t work out either relationship. There was also something that had only just occurred to Harry. She seemed to know a hell of a lot about Voldemort. Why? How?

“Knut for your thoughts.” Harry was snapped out of the dilemma filled thoughts to see Hermione smiling at him.

“Oh…just thinking about the lesson.”

“Amazing.” She smiled and nodded. “She’s wonderful.” She added and Harry caught a slight grin from Ron.

“So you didn’t mind being shown up at the front of the class then Herm?” he asked and Harry grinned a little. Ron was the only one that got away with calling her that. Hermione smiled again and shook her head.

“Of course not. That was the point of the lesson. We all have unique gifts…mine isn’t Horticulture.” She concluded.

“Or fortune telling my dear.” Ron reminded her, tapping the Rune book with his quill. She gave him a warning glance.

“For the last time, this is not fortune telling. It is an ancient language.” Ron winked at Harry who grinned back.

“Whatever you say, dear.” Ron added to push her a little more and the boys laughed out loud when a book (not the ancient rune book) was hurled at Ron’s head. Harry smiled as he watched Hermione’s scowl turn to a giggle as Ron tickled her waist. He sometimes wished they’d just sort it out and get together. Other times though, he was still in doubt about Hermione’s feelings. Women were so difficult to read sometimes. He still didn’t get how creatures that tended to talk none stop seemed to be saying nothing at all. They were like cryptic puzzles, each one a unique mystery waiting for the right person to solve them. He pushed thoughts of a certain red head from his mind. He couldn’t deal with that right now. Instead another issue came into his mind. Norbert. What the hell was he doing here and should he tell the others? Harry really couldn’t think of a reason not to.

“Guys, I saw something last night.” He began, not really sure how to tell them. They looked up from their playing around and grinned.

“Yeah? What mate?” asked Ron, defending himself from Hermione’s persistent nail attacks.

“I went up onto the tower roof. I needed to think about some stuff. But whilst I was up there…you aren’t gonna believe this but…” he was cut off abruptly as two tall figures with bright red hair stumbled across the room excitedly and stood gasping for breath at their table, burbling incomprehensive things at them. Madam Pince was there in a second.

“I really have had enough of you lot. Out, the lot of you. Now!”

“Yes, yes, you have to come outside.”

“You aren’t gonna believe this.” The twins managed to get out and the other three hastily gathered their things and quickly followed the twins out of the library and down the stairs to the main door, wondering what the hell was going on. Harry had an idea, but wasn’t sure. Outside, the twins headed quickly to the lake, the others struggling to keep up. They headed left, running around the edge of the lake, the dolphins appearing on the surface calling to them and doing back flips into the water again. Finally they reached the place where the edge of the forest nearly met the lake and led them down a little path that went back into the trees.

“We can’t go in there!” called Hermione a little out of breath.

“Come on Slow Pokes!” shouted Fred as they all ran through the forest, the shadows gradually getting darker around them. They seemed to be jogging down the path forever, with intermittent protests from Hermione being ignored to the point that she gave up. Finally after what seemed like hours they reached a part of the forest Harry never even knew existed.
The three friends gasped in amazement at the view before them, stunned into silence. The ground fell away into a beautiful valley of rocks and trees. A tall foamy waterfall fell from what seemed to be a small mountain and Harry realised where they were. He had always noticed a slight rise in the Forest, far in the distance but had always assumed it was just a rise in the land. Now he knew different. It was a mountain so covered in trees, that from a distance it looked to be merely a hill. He felt like he was caught between two planes. Below him an almighty chasm filled with crystal blue water, above him a mountain reaching for the sky. The five of them stood for a while gazing around them at the birds that ducked and dived out of the waterfall looking for fish.
The trees that surrounded them teemed with life. Harry was even sure he saw a centaur disappear from view, startled by their presence. It was so peaceful. The only sounds were the rushing waterfall, the wind in the trees and the birdsong.

“Ahmné Natherra.” Harry stared at Hermione in surprise.

“What?” her eyes were glazed over but as he looked at her they cleared and she stared at him in alarm.

“What? Why are you looking at me like that?” she whispered.

“You said…something.” She frowned.

“No. I didn’t say anything.”

“Yes you did. It was something about those dolphins.” Hermione shook her head.

“Harry I don’t…”

“Look!” cried Fred excitedly and they all looked downwards to see what he was pointing at.

“That’s what we wanted to show you.” Added George. They all gasped in shock and wonder, though Harry wasn’t quite as surprised as the others. Below them beside the pool at the foot of the waterfall an enormous Dragon was sunbathing in the light that filtered down through the trees.

“Oh yeah I forgot to tell you.” Began Harry, though no one looked up to look at him. “Whilst I was on the tower roof last night Norbert flew over my head and landed by the lake.” He said as though describing a bird he’d seen.

“Oh.” Said Ron, sounding distracted.

“That’s nice.” Added Hermione. They all continued to stare down at the creature they had last seen nearly four years ago. They nearly fell off the ledge they were standing on in shock when a new voice suddenly appeared out of nowhere.

“What are you five doing here?” They all turned in alarm and gulped when they saw Professor Hedwig standing a few feet behind them by the edge of the trees, arms folded across her chest. She didn’t look happy.

“Professor, I er…”

“Charlie, would you mind telling me why half your family is here!” she yelled, sounding angry for the first time since Harry had met her. To their complete surprise a tall, good looking man with a tousle of red hair appeared out of the trees with a shocked scowl on his face.

“Boys! Harry, Hermione what the hell?”

“What are you trying to pull Weasley, are you mad?”

“I swear Krysta, I didn’t know…”

“Well this is perfect. Listen you didn’t see anything today, ok? If anyone finds out, if this gets back to the Ministry…”

“It’s ok Krysta, they won’t tell anyone. Right guys?” Charlie Weasley glowered warningly at them and they all nodded eagerly. Ron, Fred and George looked beyond confused right now. Harry thought for good reason. What was their older brother doing here? He was meant to be in Romania.

“I don’t believe this, what the hell are you doing here?” she yelled again glaring at them so menacingly that Harry’s original fears of the woman began to resurface.

“We were, I mean we were just…” stammered George, staring at his brother in bewilderment.

“Fred, George this has to be down to you two. Have you any idea what you may have done? Believe me, if we all survive this I’ll see to it you’re grounded until you’re fifty.” Charlie looked livid and Harry had never seen him like that. What did he mean ‘…If we all survive this…’? Fred and George had obviously never seen their older brother like this before either, as they seemed to cower at the words.

“It wasn’t their fault. I talked them into it.” He made the decision on the spot and they all turned to stare at him.

“Harry, what…” began Professor Hedwig began but he cut her off.

“No, I saw Norbert last night.” He paused “From the tower roof. I told the others and we all kinda came looking for him.” He rambled at high speed and he caught the grateful look the twins threw his way. Professor Hedwig was watching him suspiciously her eyes narrowed.

“You couldn’t have been on the tower last night. Not in time to see him land.” She said accusingly, and not just a little nervously. Harry swallowed hard and tried to look her in the eye.

“I was. I wore my Father’s invisibility cloak…no one would have seen me.” The colour drained from the woman’s face and she closed her eyes as she turned away.

“Yana.” She whispered to herself. Harry looked at the floor feeling a little guilty, ignoring the odd looks his friends were sending in his direction.

“We were curious. I’m sorry. We just wanted to know what the hell’s been going on around here!” he suddenly shouted, losing his temper. She turned back around to stare at him, and he was a little taken aback to see fear in her expression.

“I need the truth.” He spoke this only to Krysta. After a while she nodded. She seemed about to speak when they were startled by a loud cry from Ron, which was accompanied by a rumbling growl. To Harry’s shock when he turned around Norbert was right behind them hovering by their ledge. Hermione gripped onto Charlie’s arm in fright and Fred and George were frozen to the spot. After a few seconds they relaxed a little. Norbert simply hovered watching curiously. He moved his great snout closer and Harry could tell he was sniffing them. He wondered whether dragons could smell fear.

The Dragon’s large yellow-diamond eyes narrowed and then opened wide. His snout moved forward again and Hermione squealed when she realised it was heading straight for her. Norbert sniffed her gently and then growled a little, his tail flicking erratically behind him. A little grunt came from the Dragon’s throat and Harry was terrified Norbert might suddenly decide to torch his terrified friend. Instead his nostrils flared a little and the tiniest cloud of blue (actually blue) smoke puffed out of them. Hermione choked a little but otherwise looked quite happy. She let go of Charlie’s arm and moved forwards a little.

“Careful Hermione.” Charlie whispered after her, and he looked as though he expected Norbert to suddenly go berserk. Instead they all watched in awe and Hermione reached out her hand and gently patted the beast’s snout. A tiny grumbling was heard again.

“I don’t believe it.” Charlie whispered again looking at Professor Hedwig for some kind of comment. She just watched the dragon who happily let his new friend stroke his long muzzle. The woman smiled and sighed to herself, looking content and just a little smug.

“What’s that noise?” whispered Fred to Charlie. It was Professor Hedwig that answered.

“He’s purring.” She answered still smiling and the boys all looked at each other in disbelief and quite a bit of amusement.

They were so busy watching the two new friends getting to know each other that they didn’t notice the new arrival straight away. It wasn’t until Hagrid sniffed loudly that they noticed him.

“Isn’ it wonderful. ‘e’s back to see ‘is Mummy.” Norbert responded with a contented snort and a large cloud of black smoke hit Hermione in the face. When her choking fit had subsided she squealed a little as Norbert licked her gently with his long thin tongue. It reminded Harry of a snake’s tongue, forked at the end, except that this tongue was baby pink and somewhat wetter than a snake’s. Hermione moaned in disgust as Ron and the twins helped her wipe her face. She grinned though and looked at Hagrid with joy.

“What’s he doing here? I thought he was meant to be dangerous and stuff. He’s soft as a kitten, aren’t you Norbert?” she cooed tickling his chin and Harry couldn’t help but notice the mouthful of large, razor sharp teeth. Ron bravely moved forward to join her and almost immediately Norbert reared backwards growling angrily. Faster than anyone could see Professor Hedwig had pulled Ron back from the distempered dragon and Hermione moved back to where Charlie was standing.

“What’s wrong with him?” she asked worriedly and Ron threw her an annoyed look.

“Nothing Herm. He’s a dragon. They hate humans normally.”

“Exactly.” Agreed Charlie. “For some reason he likes you Hermione. Any ideas boss?” he asked looking at Professor Hedwig for an answer. She smiled knowingly.

“One or two, Charlie. Yes.” She said, and offered nothing more. He nodded.

“Ok. Just so you think there’s nothing to worry about.” He commented.

“Boss? What are you talking about?” George suddenly asked, asking the question everyone had wanted to ask.

“Krysta…Professor Hedwig is my boss. I work for her in Romania at the colonies.” The five students all exchanged confused looks.

“Well this is a funny looking Romania.” Commented Ron and Charlie laughed.

“Tell me about it.”

“What is going on?!” cried Harry beginning to lose his temper again.

“Harry it’s ok…” began Charlie but was cut off.

“No! It’s not. A little too much has been going on and I’m not leaving until I find out what it is. What is Norbert doing here? If you work in Romania what are you doing here?” he glared at Professor Hedwig “What’s going on with Malfoy?” That stunned everyone and she recoiled a little only to move forward and place a hand on Harry’s shoulder. He tried to shake it off but discovered she was deceptively strong.

“Harry, we’re long due a chat. Will you walk with me? I’ll explain what I can.” He looked accusingly and suspiciously at her. “Please Harry.” he breathed deeply and slowly felt his anger dispersing. He nodded and she lead the way into the trees leaving six confused people and one dragon behind them on the ledge.

The path Harry was lead down sloped gradually downwards. The strangely cool sun still filtered through the trees blending with the shadows in flickering patterns of light that danced on his face and the undergrowth at their feet. The trees here were a healthy bottle green with thick trunks of pale brown in contrast with the dark, thin evergreens in the forest near the castle. Something occurred to him and he fell in step with Professor Hedwig.

“Professor, are we still on Hogwarts grounds?” She looked at him blankly.

“No. This is…kind of private land.” Harry frowned.

“Who owns it?” Won’t they mind you keeping a dragon on it?” he asked, the image of an angry Scottish farmer brandishing a pitchfork popping into his head. Professor Hedwig laughed a little.

“No, I don’t think they’ll mind.” Harry raised a sceptic eyebrow.

“Who owns it?” she looked at him sideways with a bemused glint in her eye.

“Well…I guess I do.” His jaw dropped in astonishment and she chuckled to herself. “Relax Harry.” she spoke gently as they suddenly came upon a clearing in the trees. A stream from the great pool had branched away and trickled straight through a gently sloping stretch of lush, long green grass.
It was October and yet daisies and dandelions grew happily in the pools of sunlight that had managed to filter down into this peaceful, solitary spot amongst the darkness of the forest. Fallen rocks and boulders from the mountain scattered the ground in sparse, random patterns and Professor Hedwig chose one beside the stream on which to sit. He followed cautiously, taking a similar boulder a few feet away on the opposite side of the stream.
He watched her carefully. He felt as though he were watching a moving oil painting, so in place did she look. She had completely relaxed and seemed slightly distant for a few seconds. She smiled suddenly and looked at him. She held out her hands symbolically.

“So…ask away.” He smiled back and suddenly realised how peaceful he felt. Of all questions he had, one came to the front of his mind.

To be continued...

The next post will be quite long as its Krysta's explanation for everything. So look out for that over the next couple of days. If you're all very good, I may even post it later today.

Sabrina_Snape · 07-15-2008, 07:24 AM

I'm good, I'm good. And to show you how good I am, I'm going to go and post in Lily's fic and then do another post in Sabrina's fic and if you're reading the maurader fic one I'll go and post in there too. See I'm very good!

Love the post Nik,

Jemma
xxx

3uzz3ee · 07-15-2008, 11:25 AM

Ooh, i wonder what the question is...

*sitting on the edge of the chair...*

Does Norbert remember them?? Obviously not Ron, but Hermione???

I need to know!!

PAMS