F.F.O.

Chapter One

F. F. O.

Harry entered Rapticon Sr.'s office during lunchtime.

“Sir?” he asked finding the professor sitting behind the desk.

“Yes, Harry?”

“Er… I came here for the - you know,” said Harry timidly, “the book?”

“Ah yes!” said Rapticon Sr., “It hasn't arrived yet but I assure you, expect it around mid-afternoon. My friend lives very far from her, you see.”

“S-so….” Harry said, not quite sure what to say next.

“Don't worry, Harry,” said Rapticon Sr. wryly, “If all things go well, the book will be soaring into my windowsill by twilight! Don't worry about it.”

Harry sighed and sat down on the chair in front of the desk. He expected it to be here at this time… he wanted to show Hermione that he had something to contribute to their project and more importantly, show that he wanted to be friends with her again.

“Er… sir? I have a bit of a question” Harry asked after something occurred to him.

“Fire away, Harry,” he said, interlocking his hands together and rested them on the table.

“Um,” Harry continued, “Don't you think that this - er - this book we're borrowing and - well - using its content some sort of plagiarism?”

“Plagiarism? You're just getting ideas, it's not like you're going to copy the whole thing!” he chuckled then looked at Harry in humorous leer. “Are ya?”

“N-no,” said Harry, shaking his head. “I - I just wanted to know that little detail….”

“Let me tell you one thing, Harry,” said Rapticon Sr. waving a finger at him, “My friend will be flattered if you use the content in his book but I doubt it would be called plagiarism if you're just using some of his ideas! I mean, we're in this time of the world where originality is hard to come by - I just saw Patil and Brown's work and I noticed they borrowed heavily from C.S. Lewis works but still kept it fresh and neat. And Malfoy's got a Stephen King-Dark Tower thing goin' on - worry not, Harry, you're in the same page as they are.”

To be frank, Harry thought, he knew particularly what Professor Raptor meant but didn't know who Stephen King or C.S. Lewis was. But the thought of other students doing the same thing as he was eased him.

“Speaking of books, Harry… did you manage to read Y.F. Kelton's book?” asked Rapticon Sr., standing up from his seat as he took out a glass and a bottle of wine and started pouring the contents of the bottle into the wine glass.

“The latest one?” said Harry, quite surprise at the question.

“Yeah, the sixth one of the Adrian Porter series.”

“I read it,” said Harry and looked out the window, “The book is great and all I have to admit that Kelton's writing is getting better by the pages.”

“I see,” said Rapticon Sr. as he took a sip.

“So…” Harry spoke, looking a bit sheepish. “What did you think of Beatrix going with Allan instead of going with Adrian?”

Rapticon Sr. looked at Harry.

“Is that a shipper question?”

“Yes…” said Harry, feeling quite dumb for discussing this. “That's where I'm disappointed about the book… I was - er - rooting that Beatrix and Adrian would be together instead of Beatrix and Allan,” Harry said sounding a bit off.

“I don't mind at all… I am support the relationship of Adrian and Beatrix.”

Harry looked at his professor.

“Aren't you bothered that the ship has `sunk'?”

“Sunk? What do you mean `sunk'?” Rapticon Sr. gave Harry a look of confusion, “If this is about shipping wars then count me out of it… Sure, it is frustrating for you B/Ad shippers that B/Al won but remember that they are just characters… nothing more and nothing less.”

Harry knew this point and thought it was best to listen further on Professor Raptor's point.

“And for the sake of the fan writers who write fan stories at that magazine,” Rapticon Sr. continued. “They should know that they are not limited to the books… I mean, sure, people who supports the Beatrix and Allan relationship have their trophy but think about it - the fan writers of that relationship will now lack the story now that they got what they want. The other side, that is, Beatrix and Adrian, have all the creativity in the world.” He sipped his glass “And that is what makes all the difference in the world.”

“Well,” said Harry “I just hate it when people mention that `the B/Ad ship has sunk!' It gets annoying….”

“That's when your control of mind and emotions come into place… people who think that shipping is `a big part of life' are just thinking too much. Serious business, I tell ya! At the bright side of the situation, people should not limit themselves to things… Think big, I say! Think big!”

From that moment on, Harry knew that nothing can best what Rapticon Sr. explained about shipping in Kelton's book series.

“Anything else you want to say, Harry?” Rapticon Sr. asked, taking in what's left of his wine glass.

“N-nothing… thanks anyway for the talk,” said Harry, smiling.

“No prob. When you need anything, you know where to go to,” said Rapticon Sr., placing his glass on the desk, “By the way, the book will surely be here around mid-afternoon so get ready for the delivery, okay?”

“Okay,” Harry said as he walked towards the door, “Thanks!”

And with that, Harry left the office, closing the door behind him.

* * *

The castle of Hogwarts goes about its business in its own special way: students go to the library to catch up on their schoolwork, Hagrid does his groundkeeping duties and the giant squid just swims about the lake naturally. There's nothing interesting at this time, for now in the grounds of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Thousands of miles away, at the coast of an island, lay a misty horizon; towering above the calm and cold waters stood a rock making eagle-talon like formations. The rock seems to be inhabited for windows can be seen from the sides of the crag facing towards the mainland island.

Inside this house made of rock lived an elder who stood by barely six feet tall. He was old but had the energy of a cheetah. His quarters looked that of medieval times. Shields stood at the side of the walls while skinned animal fur served as his bed sheets and carpet. Lastly, a cauldron was boiling idly and dully in the center of the circular room.

“With another tinge of coffee, I can turn in for a night's rest,” said the elder, moving towards the fireplace where a kettle was steaming.

His attention of the kettle seemed to dwindle for something has opened his window in the quick of a flash. The torrent winds from the misty coast rushed in bringing the elder towards the window to close it keeping his domain warm and cozy once more.

“What on earth would open my window?” he wondered, “And at this time of night?” he looked around to find his answer.

A screech owl was perched on top of his cauldron, keeping itself warm by the heat the large pot exuded. Before the elder wondered about this arrival, he instantly spotted a letter on its beak. The gold color of the envelope gave away the sender.

“Dimitri,” he muttered with a smile, “what does he want this time?”

He bent over towards the owl and held out his hand asking for the letter. As if it knew what he wanted, the owl dropped the letter at his hand.

The elder settled himself down with a cup of coffee and sat behind his desk.

“Let's see what he has in mind at the moment,”

The elder tore the envelope open and took out the letter, reading it as he sipped his coffee:

Dear Accula,

Is everything alright with you? I hope you're fine. Everything's fine right here in the United Kingdom with all the teaching, interacting with other people and magic books.

Speaking of books, do you still have that mythological book of yours? The one entitled “F.F.O.”?

If you still have it, I'm asking you a favor: if I have your consent (oh dear, will this be hard? Haha!) then I'd like it if you send it to me pronto. You see, these kids are having a big project about making their own mythology with original concepts, creatures and everything.

I intrigued this friend of mine about your book and he seems willing to “pick your brain” if you know what I mean! Don't worry, all credentials will be entrusted to you so you can relax and drink a hearty drink!

Anyway, I hope you can accept, my friend. Pray tell, when was the last time you failed to help me? Haha!

It would be great to see your creations be used and praised for, eh?

What do you say, old friend? If you agree then I expect a reply to be the book itself.

Thanks!

From,

Dimitri Rapticon Raptor Sr.

“Anything for you, my friend,” he said, smiling as he stood up. He walked towards an old bookshelf that bent in a curve to entertain its spot at the circular room. A few minutes later, he was already scanning the spines for the name “F.F.O.” in his bookshelf.

F.F.O… that book which he drew out creations and concepts made him to make something new. Not only did he make a whole book about concepts but he made two versions of it.

The first was a drawing book where the reader can use his or her imagination to make out stories and concepts while the second one was a book where all of the fictional history, characters, and creatures are made into one whole myth. The second one wasn't just an ordinary book though… he charmed it with powerful magic to seal it from prying eyes because whoever opens it will meet twist of fates by the numbers.

“Ah, there it is!” he finally said as he took out a blue book that had its title peeling off from the leather cover. A brass rusty lock kept the book from opening.

“I bet those wizards in England can do a little magic to unlock this one,” the elder said thoughtfully, observing the lock. He looked at the owl who was still keeping itself warm above the cauldron's steam. “Ready for another flight, my little friend?”

The owl hooted in delight and glided towards him.

“There you go,” he said minutes later, tying the large package to the owl's leg. The package contained the book and a letter of reply. “Amazing creatures, owls… they can carry stuff as heavy as a large rock!” he chuckled.

The elder walked towards the window, opened it and gladly gave the owl passage for flight. Luckily, the torrent of winds had calmed down giving way for the owl to fly away into the moonlight with ease. The elder squinted at the distance as the clouds devoured the owl from sight.

“Now where's my coffee?” he wondered, looking around.

And the elder drank his coffee.

* * *

It was the end of Thursday classes and we see Harry pacing back and forth in the common room, waiting for the time Rapticon Sr. will send him Hedwig, announcing the book's arrival.

“I hope it comes in time,” Harry looked at his wristwatch. It was half-past three.

Harry continued pacing back and forth. He wanted to see Hermione smile at him in her own terms… he just wanted Hermione to be friends with him again. He didn't want her to be angry with him. It started to make him feel guilty.

“Procrastinating is such a bad thing to do, Harry,” said a voice from the portrait hole.

Harry jumped and turned to see Hermione, arms wrapped around a large book, her face looking very strict.

“Oh, hi,” said Harry gingerly.

“Look, if you want this project done with and let bygones be bygones then I suggest we start doing some work now.” Hermione said as she walked over to a table and sat, “Come and help me here, Harry,” she looked at him as she opened the large book.

Without saying a word, Harry traipsed and sat down beside her.

“So, if we start drawing out some creatures now, our mythology will have a bestiary by six o'clock… and while you and Ron - who'll be here in a moment - will write some descriptions about the monsters. I will write up some illusory history about the mythology… is that okay with you?”

Harry realized she was talking about the project and just gave her a nod. Harry didn't know why but he just kept his mouth shut, afraid that once he speaks, he might start another argument with her. It might've concerned Hermione because she was looking at him with concentration, suspicious of his obedience and silence. Harry braced for an irritated question from her but was surprise that her strict face turned to a frown of worry.

“Harry,” said Hermione gently, “Look, I'm sorry about the past few days and I hope we can get this right before Tuesday…” she looked at him with a look that Harry could tell that it was filled with apology. “I know you didn't mean to hurt me the other day… of course,” she glanced at the large book and back at Harry, “I… felt bad… that - you know - tried to hurt me… but I know you didn't mean it….”

“I didn't,” said Harry, feeling relieved at the direction of this conversation. It was the first proper conversation they had in a long time. “Hermione, I'm telling the truth when I say this: I don't want to lose you,” he blinked, feeling quite embarrassed at what he just said, “I don't want to lose my best friend over this… I'm sorry.”

Hermione's lip trembled and instantly, she stood up, leaned over and hugged Harry around his neck in a tight embrace, her chin resting on Harry's jet-black hair.

“Oh, Harry…” she quietly said as she kissed him on the head. “I don't want to lose you too….”

Harry smiled from ear to ear…. It was all he wanted. He wrapped his hands around her waist and hugged her back, his head against her body as caught the whiff of cinnamon that exuded from her hair. There was nothing but silence between the two. The love and care they had for each was profound at the moment that Harry wished they'd be like this for a long time….

It was nice.

But the sudden thought of the book Rapticon Sr. offered to him. Should he tell her?

“Hermione,” Harry said pushing her away slowly, “I - uh - er…”

“What?” Hermione asked, taking a seat.

“About the mythology thing… er, I have it all figured out,” Harry said, rubbing his shoulder awkwardly.

Hermione tilted her head.

“Really? What do you mean?”

“Er - Professor Raptor said he will lend us a book from a friend which contains some material that can help us make a mythology - don't worry -“ Harry said quickly before Hermione could revolt about plagiarism, “We're just gonna pick his brain! We just have to credit him, that's all!”

Hermione's face looked unsure.

“I don't know… I can't really put a finger into it” she said, biting her finger.

“Hermione,” said Harry wryly, “Look at the facts: we have no project at the moment and this can give us a head start. If we do this now with the help of the book then maybe we'll be done by tomorrow or by Saturday!”

Hermione rubbed her chin.

“Are you sure about this?” she said, “Professor Raptor is nice and all but I feel like I'm going into a situation I can't handle.”

“What can't you handle, Hermione?” Harry asked wittingly.

She sighed.

“Alright,” she said, pursing her lips, “it's a wild card but there are times where we need to open the envelope then,” she smiled at Harry.

Harry's mind shouted a “Yes!”. At this moment, the portrait hole opened and Ron clambered in, carrying a case of drawing materials.

“Here ya go!” he said walking towards them, dropping the stuff on the table “All borrowed from Hagrid! - What's going on?” he asked catching the smirk on Harry's and Hermione's faces.

He looked at them and his face spread into realization.

“Let me guess, you two made up, didn't you?”

“You are a smart one, Ron.” Hermione said, reaching up to stroke his red hair jokingly.

“Yeah, yeah,” he said at once, jerking his head away from Hermione's reach, “Good for you, good for you but let's get started, shall we?”

Then in an instant, Hermione told Ron about the book Professor Raptor offered to them which led Ron to make a long comical lecture on how the two treated him like some servant boy.

* * *

“Sir! I received your letter!” Harry came in bursting into the office of Rapticon Sr., “The book's here, isn't?”

Standing by his window, Rapticon Sr. nodded and pointed to his desk where an old blue leather book lay. Harry observed it; it looked old with its title peeling off and scratches at the spine. What bound the book together was a rusty brass lock.

“Ten Knuts say that my friend was confident that you'd use `Alohomora' on it,” said Rapticon Sr., following Harry's gaze of the lock. “Rape its info all you want Harry, it's your concern now,” Rapticon Sr. added with sarcasm, smirking down at Harry's face of wanting. “Good luck.”

“Thanks a bunch, sir,” said Harry, carrying the book under his arm. “By the way, Hermione and I just made up!”

“Really? That's good, that's good! Things are looking up aren't they?” Rapticon Sr. said, joyfully, “Well, anywho, go on and do the project, time's a-wasting!”

After another “Thank you”, Harry ran out of the room, waving the professor goodbye as he did so. His spirits rising soar, Harry ran towards the common room where Hermione and Ron awaited.

“I got it! I got it!” Harry said as he jetted down the common room and sat beside his two friends.

“That's great!” Ron said, putting down his quill. “Now we can finally get to work!”

“So this is the book…” Hermione looked at it in awe, observing the ridges that dressed the leather front, “It looks really old…” she examined it on the back “Z. T. Accula….”

“Excuse me?” Ron asked.

“The author,” Hermione said, facing the book's back to him, “Z.T. Accula is the one who made this…” she looked at the lock, “you want to open it?”

“And get this project done? Sure, why not?” said Harry, “Rapticon Sr. reckons we can just use Alohomora on the lock.”

“Okay,” Hermione took out her wand and gazed at the book. Harry noted her unusually hesitant face.

“What's wrong?” Ron asked, shifting a little closer to see if the book had something on the surface.

“I'm not sure…” said Hermione, backing away, “I just have this gut feeling that something dreadful is about to happen….”

“From opening a book?” Ron said in aghast, “That's like a flobberworm infestation! Big deal! Just open the damn book and let's get to work!”

“Ron, you have got to learn safety precautions at times! Remember Ginny and Tom Riddle's diary?” said Hermione sternly, then continued before Ron could respond, “But since you want it, fine. Alohomora!”

The lock made a clicking sound; it was unlocked. Harry starched his fingers and turned the lock away from the book.

“Let's see what Mr. Accula has in store for us,” said Harry, feeling unusually tense.

And thus, they opened the leather-bound tome….

* * *

The elder woke up from his sleep after realizing something that made him feel grave. What was it that woke him up at - he looked at the old clock on his wall - two thirty in the morning?

He swung his legs off the bed and looked around the dimly lit room where he lived in. His bedroom shared the circular room where all the other quarters were. He stood up and looked out the window; there was a storm raging outside. He felt lucky that he was warm and cozy in his quarters but the storm wasn't the one bothering him… it was something else.

What was it? He wondered.

The aged senior looked around the room and tried to see if anything caught his interest. He looked at his boiling cauldron which was boiling hot water (to keep the place warm and snug). His study had nothing but his old books and his walking staff… nothing there.

What was it that bothered him to wake up?

Then in quick lighting, he realized it.

The elder ran towards the bookshelf and started searching it vigorously. He looked into his potion books, history books, story books, everything. It took him time until he pulled out the book that answered his question on what was bothering him.

A flash of lighting flickered in the room, lighting the dark corners of the circular room and the cover of the book the elder held. Through the brief light, the elder saw a brief glimpse of the book's title: it was titled “F.F.O.”. It was blue leather-bound and had its title peeling off… just like the book he sent to Dimitri.

But what differed from the one he sent and the book he has now was that the other has a lock… this one, the tome in his hand, did not. Dreadfully, he opened the book and was greeted by conceptual drawings and sketches of creatures, knights, princesses, elves, dwarves, all made in his original imagination. Another flash of lightning showed the drawings looking up at him as if they were old friends. He sighed in fear and looked out the window, now splattered with heavy rain from the sea.

“By King Leo's name… I am fool!” he gasped.

He has made a mistake, a grave mistake. The book he had sent Rapticon Sr. wasn't meant to be sent! Two books, identical in appearance differ from each other for one specific thing, the elder thought. If one opens the book Dimitri has then unspeakable things will happen! How foolish could he be?

“I have to stop them from opening that book!” the elder said urgently.

How can he go to Hogwarts in time? Yes… he knew Dimitri was in Hogwarts. How many times did the raptor tell him that fact in his letters?

“Hogwarts…” muttered the elder as if it was a prayer. “I need to go there… and warn Dimitri… I hope my magic will suffice for the trip.”

Knowing what's best, he stood up, grabbed his cloak, his walking staff, the book “F.F.O.” and went out for the journey to Hogwarts… a short journey.

* * *

“Harry…” Hermione said slowly, “What are we supposed to see in here?”

Harry gulped and looked into the blank page of the book. In fact, ever book seemed to blank, every last paper!

“I - I s-swear there was supposed to be something in there!” said Harry alarmingly, scanning the pages, “Professor Raptor said so, himself!”

“That's what you call `lying',” said Hermione, her voice rising, “Oh, Harry, I can't believe you wasted our time!” she stood up and thrust the book on Harry's fingers, “If we had started the project as planned, we could've ended it by -” she looked at her watch, “- now! Oh, God, Harry… I can't believe we wasted our time!”

Harry stood up, rubbing his fingers.

“Hey, I didn't just do this to play for laughs! I-I thought there would be something good in it and then - then there is -”

“Nothing! That's what!” Hermione said, “Ooooh, Harry there are times where you can be so naïve!”

“Hermione, please!” said Harry pleadingly, he didn't want this to happen… Rapticon Sr. assured him that there would be something in the book! Was he lying?

“The damage has been done, Harry!” said Hermione at once, “If you don't mind, we have some important things to do so if you want our project done by midnight then I suggest you cooperate!”

Harry shook his fist furtively. How could this happen? It was like the hug they shared awhile ago never happened! Hermione was being unreasonable. All he wanted was to toss something at her just to let her see the truth.

“Fine!” Harry blurted out and with a turn of the heel, he headed straight for the portrait hole.

He left the common room and started dragging his feet to anywhere his feet could bring him to.

Harry pondered on what just happened… didn't Professor Raptor assure him that the book would have original concepts for their mythology? Was there a mistake in the book? Or was the professor making some kind of joke?

He didn't know where he was going but he bumped into someone wearing a black cloak… it was an elder.

“Sorry, my son,” said the elder apologetically, brushing his black robes.

“No, I'm sorry, sir,” Harry apologized distractedly, “I wasn't paying attention to where I was going….”

“I see,” said the elder, nodding thoughtfully. “Well, let bygones be bygones but may I ask… would you mind to tell me where the stairs are? I seem to have lost my way.”

Harry pointed down the hallway to the left. The elder thanked Harry and left.

He was quite alone for a moment and continued his brooding trek down the hallway, ignoring Peeves blowing a raspberry at him as he went. Harry thought about visiting the library or go see Hagrid.

“Argh!” Harry groaned as he banged his fist on the wall, a few floors later. “What made it all wrong!? Hermione and I were like this!” he twisted his forefinger and middle finger, “…and now…” he sighed and leaned his back against the wall, raking his jet-black hair, “Now what am I gonna do?”

The Boy Who Lived raked his hair once more and traversed to the Great Hall, thinking that it was best to eat dinner to ease his sorrows. He didn't quite take notice how menacingly purple the clouds were and how strong the gusts of winds pushed the trees down at the Forbidden Forest.

* * *

Rapticon Sr. looked out window with utmost interest.

“Funny, the winds are heading east when it's supposed to be in west minutes ago!” he said in awe. One could think he was senile.

At that moment, the door opened in a quick bash. Rapticon Sr., using his raptor reflexes, turned and aimed his pistol, which he drew from his desk, at the elder who was now standing at the threshold, his walking staff within his grasp.

“Aim a gun at an old friend?” the elder asked humorously.

“Oh, Accula,” said Rapticon Sr. in amazement. “What are you doing here and how did you get here so fast?”

“Apparition,” said Accula.

“Apparition?” said Rapticon Sr., lowering his gun. “I thought Hogwarts -”

“I'm an Oracle, Dimitri,” said Accula wryly. “Wizards and Oracles are far from same, have I already told you that?”

“Forgot about that,” said Rapticon Sr., “All strange shenanigans aside… what's going on?”

Accula sighed.

“The book.”

“What?” asked Rapticon Sr.

“The book, the one I sent you! F.F.O.!” Accula said loudly.

“What about it?” Rapticon Sr. asked in tones of all seriousness.

“Sit down…” Accula said “I'll explain.”

Rapticon Sr. sat behind his desk and using his wand, he conjured a chintz chair out of thin air.

“Sit down, Accula,” he gestured to the chair.

Accula sat down on the chair and cleared his throat.

“You are completely aware that I made two versions of F.F.O, right?”

Rapticon Sr. nodded, listening in.

“Good. Well, if you listen to me, I will tell you everything about the other version I made… not the one you saw and read… the other one I kept hidden from you for all this time.”

“After all this time?” said Rapticon Sr.

“Always,”

* * *

Hermione looked at Ron to check out if he's doing okay. Everyone was down for dinner while she and Ron were doing their mythology project. The task of completing a bestiary wasn't a walk in the park, Hermione thought. It would've been better if they had more help… Hermione sighed.

She wished she didn't blow up at Harry. For all she knew, he was probably telling the truth about the book but there were times Harry can be so naïve.

“Done!” said Ron with a gleam of triumph. “I drew my first original mythological creature!” he held the parchment up to Hermione.

Being a good drawer in her Muggle school, Hermione was impressed at the way Ron drew the monster… it was a cross between a dragon and a hippogriff.

“That's great, Ron!” Hermione said, taking the parchment and laying it on the table surface. “I never knew you had talent in drawing.”

“Thanks,” said Ron, swelling in pride. “I never knew it myself, really.”

“Keep it up then!” said Hermione as she started writing down notes on fictional heroes, gods and goddesses.

“The wind is really strong, isn't?” Ron commented on the sound of winds outside.

Hermione looked out and saw the purplish sky outside… it looked unusual.

“You're right,” Hermione said, she looked distantly and sighed. “Ron?”

“Yeah?”

“You don't think…” she stared into space and sighed, “You don't think I was too harsh to Harry awhile ago, do you?”

“Er,” Ron winced, “To be frank, you were too harsh - don't get angry at me!”

Hermione chuckled, “I won't, Ron,” she then frowned at her parchment paper which had a paragraph about a story of two witches who loathed each other. “I mean, it's not just that… I'm afraid… well, that Harry and I might - er - have a fallout soon -”

“Don't say that,” said Ron sadly, dropping his quill to look at Hermione. “You and Harry have known each other for years now… I doubt you two will sever ties just because of a project.”

“I know but,” Hermione groaned and scratched her head. “I'm afraid… that's all…. Well, hours ago… Harry and I shared a reconciliation moment… and,” she turned to Ron, her saddened face was apparent, “I really liked it.”

“What did you do?”

“We hugged…” Hermione then slowly smiled. “I didn't know why but I realized how much he means to me… I can't lose him, Ron… I just can't.”

“Hey,” said Ron, putting his arm around her, “You're not going to lose Harry. It's just a project, right? You two can make up after you two cool off. So don't worry about it, alright?”

Hermione stared down at her parchment and sniffed. Why were her eyes watering?

“You don't have to cry, Hermione,” said Ron, smirking at her.

“I'm not crying,” said Hermione quietly. “I - I just realized that I'm stupid for not being sympathetic towards him… I feel terrible.”

Ron cleared his throat.

“Harry is probably feeling as terrible as you,” said Ron.

“You think so?” she turned to him.

“Well, one time,” said Ron, rubbing his chin. “After you argued with him two weeks ago, I found him - er - looking a bit beside himself at the lake… he kind of - er - told me that you're the most important girl in his life and he'd feel terrible if he ever lose a person like you… I can't say I think differently. He's right, you know.”

Hermione couldn't take it anymore. A tear trickled down her face. She quickly brushed it before Ron could notice.

“I - Is that all he said?” Hermione asked.

“Yeah,” said Ron, “But hey, Hermione,” he held her shoulder. “If you lose Harry… you can't say you'll lose him forever. He'll be there and I'll be there… no matter what happens. Like every mistake, it can be removed… that's why pencils have erasers!”

Hermione giggled. She looked at Ron and knew he was right… Harry will always be there… always. No matter what happens.

“You're the best, Ron,” said Hermione, reaching for his hand to squeeze it.

“Hey, no problem. What are friends for, eh?” said Ron, glancing at the purplish clouds outside. “Look, let's go down to dinner and take a break, alright?”

Hermione was about to answer when something bright and gradual caught her eye; the book that Harry brought to them earlier was lying at another table nearby, away from their workplace. It looked untouched and lifeless but she could've sworn the pages glowed.

“Hermione?” Ron asked, following her gaze “What is it?”

Hermione shook her head.

“Nothing… I thought I saw something -”

Then it happened again! The book made a corporeal glow! The pages were glowing around the sides as if someone placed a strong light source inside it. One could think that it was a lamp.

“Ron!” Hermione whispered cautiously, pointing to the book “Look!”

Ron turned and saw the book glowing a tinge gold. He stood up quickly and stepped back.

“What's that?” he asked urgently, pointing at it.

“I - I don't know…” said Hermione, observing the book with dread and foreboding. “Erm… reckon we open it?” she asked, the idea of her question sounded both stupid and premature.

“Go figure,” said Ron, chuckling nervously as he stared at the glowing book, its glow winking in and out of sight gradually.

* * *

“Are you telling me that the book you sent me leads one to another -”

“- world plane” Accula finished Rapticon Sr.'s sentence, “A new overworld!”

“Hold on, hold on!” Rapticon Sr. said, alarmed. “So whoever opens this book will be met with a thousand brick-crapping sessions for life? I mean, if they do open it… they'll be meeting something beyond absurdity?”

“That is assumable,” said Accula as he stood up. “Now quick, get me the book… give it to me so I can exchange it with this copy,” he took out the blue leather-bound book that he intended to give from his robe pockets. “This is the other unmagicked version I was supposed to give.”

“Er - the book?” Rapticon Sr. said nervously, “I can tell you that the book that could potentially flame a thousand lives is in the hands of Harry Potter, the friend I mentioned in my last missive -”

“What?!” Accula exclaimed over the strong gust outside. “The book is in the hands of a student?!”

“The student I mentioned, yes,” said Rapticon Sr.

“This changes everything!” he said, turning to his staff. “Quick, we must accelerate our pace. That book must be retrieved before he opens it!” he turned to Rapticon Sr. “What does this Potter boy looks like?”

“Jet-black hair, knobby knees, green eyes, glasses… what the book says.” said Rapticon Sr.

“Let's go… I think I bumped into a boy with your descriptions awhile ago,” said Accula, approaching towards the door and held the door's handle. “I think it's best if you bring Stalingrad.”

Without questioning Accula, Rapticon Sr. walked to the fireplace and looked up over the mantelpiece; perched on top hung a saber with a golden handle and a silver blade that had word carvings that said “Stalingrad”.

Rapticon Sr. grabbed the sword by the handle and took a sheath from the side of the fireplace and slid the sword into the leather-made sheath.

“What are we expecting?” Rapticon Sr. asked as he went for his desk to pick up another pistol.

“I'm not sure,” said Accula, looking through the windows, observing the violently swaying trees. “But if the book is ever opened… I can tell that bad things will be heading this way.”

“Ya think, Accula? Rapticon Sr. cocked an eyebrow upward.

“Ready?” Accula looked at Rapticon Sr., ignoring the raptor's last words.

Rapticon Sr. went for his brown coat and wore it. He looked at Accula and smirked.

“If we're done with this, Zaccheus, I implore you that you accept my claim that you'll owe me supper.”

* * *

Hermione and Ron walked slowly towards the book, its constant and gradual glowing flooding their faces with light.

“Go and open it,” Ron whispered.

Hermione gulped and nodded.

“Okay but if anything happens to me, reel me in, alright?” she said.

“Alright,” said Ron, nodding.

Hermione moved closer and felt the books leather cover with her hand… it was as warm as warm water.

“Well?” Ron said from behind.

Hermione didn't know why but by her touch of the tome, she felt a jolting sensation around her neck that traveled to her chest then down to her toes.

Then it happened.

Beneath her palms, Hermione felt the book throb… as if it had a heartbeat.

A heartbeat?

The beating sent chills down Hermione's spine that she didn't know what she would do. For some reason, she didn't care for what was happening in their homework… she just looked at the book with longing… wanting.

“Grangeré..”.

Hermione's eyes widened. She heard a whisper! The whisper was audible and clear as crystal; why hasn't Ron reacted to it? He was quite silent….

“D-did you hear t-that, Ron?” Hermione turned to the redhead, her hands still on the book's cover.

“H-hear what?” Ron asked.

“That!” Hermione said, gesturing her head to the book. “I - I think I heard it speak!”

“Through the gates thy soul's been laden…”

“There!” Hermione squealed.

“I don't hear anything, Hermione!” said Ron, fearfully, “I - I think we s-shouldn't touch the book, H-Hermione… it looks like bad news -”

Ron paused when the fireplace extinguished itself. All candles, light sources went out in an instant. The two were alone in the dark where the light only came from the glowing book and the dark purple blanket of light that enveloped the floors near the windows. The room was dead silent sans the roaring of the winds beyond the walls of the common room.

“H-Hermione?” said Ron in a dead and fearful whisper, gazing at the darkness.

Hermione did not answer.

“Hermione?” Ron called, loudly this time. “Answer me!”

Her back was facing him but it was quite unmoving. He could tell it was her due to the book's light forming a dark figure of Hermione as she was against the light.

“Oh, my Merlin…” Ron groaned as he rounded around Hermione.

“Hermione, I think we should go to the Great Hall - Hermione?!”

Ron jumped back, Hermione's eyes looked haunting and empty. Her brown eyes stared at Ron's blue ones, Ron felt a chill down his spine when he heard a voice.

“The tide is rising… death will be upon many…”

“O-oh, Merlin - !” Ron gasped, feeling afraid beyond his wits. “Hermione, can you hear me?!”

Hermione stared from Ron then to the book. She did not hear him, the little thing within her thought. No one could hear her… it just happened. The brightest witch of Hogwarts, looked at the book with concentration that she placed her two hands at each side; the book's glow was more apparent than ever, lighting the dark corners of the common room.

She looked at the book, and then to Ron with the same cold, empty stare that wasn't hers.

“H-Hermione?” Ron whimpered.

“I must open it, Ron,” she said in a hollow voice. “I have to….”

“D-don't,” Ron shook his head, feeling fearful. “P-please, Hermione… don't….”

Without hesitating, Hermione held the edge of the cover, poised to open it.

Ron couldn't contain himself.

“Hermione, NO - !”

It was too late.

* * *

The Great Hall's rafters shook violently, Harry dropped his knife and fork and looked up.

“- Did you hear that?” asked Parvati to Harry's right.

“- I think I heard a booming sound -” said Ernie McMillian from afar.

“- You don't think it's him, do you?” asked a small Gryffindor first year.

“- What was that?” asked Malfoy cautiously, looking up at the purplish sky of the enchanted ceiling. It was hauntingly dark up there and Harry thought it looked strange for it to twirl like that.

“D-did you hear that, Harry?” Neville asked nervously, over his lamb chops.

Harry looked around the murmuring and fearful crowd of students. Harry looked at the staff table; all the teachers were on their feet, looking fearful and alert. Dumbledore had his wand out and he was pointing at the sky, his lips moving as if he was speaking in an incantation. The Heads of Houses moved to their tables to calm the students down.

McGonagall moved forward to the Gryffindor table, she was near Harry enough for him to hear her talk clearly.

“Stay in your seats, all of you!” she said sternly. She then turned to Snape, who had been walking down the same aisle. “What do you think?”

“I doubt it's the Dark Lord,” muttered Snape, staring at the open doors of the Great Hall where the dark entrance hall spread beyond.

Harry then heard another distant booming sound. The murmuring students silenced as everyone looked up at the purplish clouds. Harry could see the clouds flash lightning above. Turning back to the crowd, the Heads of Houses were now looking around, cautiously, their wands out. Sprout turned to McGonagall, who turned to Snape who, in turn, turned to the Great Hall doors.

Another booming sound… it was getting louder.

The silence was broken when Argus Filch, the caretaker, entered the Great Hall, looking alert. It became apparent that he just came from his office; he looked confused at the dead silence of the Great Hall.

Harry rounded his head back to the staff table; Dumbledore was now pointing his wand, muttering incantations as he did. Strangely, Professor Raptor wasn't there in his seat….

Where could he be?

“Minerva, Severus, Promona, Filius,” called Dumbledore. The Heads of Houses approached to him then engaged in a whispered conversation.

“What do you think it is?” Seamus asked around his seatmates.

“Y-you don't think it's You-Know-Who?” asked Lavender, holding onto Parvati.

“I don't think it is,” Harry assured, feeling his scar. It wasn't burning or anything.

“Well,” said Dean, “As long as it isn't serious, I doubt -“

The air exploded.

BOOM!

BOOM!!

BOOM!!!

Everyone screamed at the booming sounds which shook the Great Hall. The earth shook and Harry fell backwards stalwartly as he saw students jump over him, rushing towards the exit of the Great Hall.

“What's happening?!” yelled Neville in a panicky voice, turning left and right, getting bumped by the throng of students rushing out to the door.

“NO ONE LEAVES THE GREAT HALL!” yelled McGonagall, firing a gunshot from her wand. “Professor Dumbledore has enchanted the Great Hall for your protection!”

“They are not protected, Minerva!” called a voice from the Great Hall entrance.

Every head turned to see Professor Raptor standing by the threshold, wearing a brown trench coat. Harry could see a sheathed beneath his brown coat. To everyone's surprised, he had a black cloaked companion whom Harry recognized as the same person he bumped into earlier. He finally registered the elder's appearance.

He looked almost identical to Professor Raptor save for the shorter snout and the bluish saturation of his head. Unlike the other, the elder's eyes were electric yellow but the slits remained black as ebony.

“What do you mean, Dimitri?” asked McGonagall over the heads of students.

“There's been a compromise in this school!” said Professor Raptor, walking down the center aisle. “And I desperately plead that you all leave to the school grounds - it's the only safe way -”

“Preposterous,” said Snape, stepping forward. “No such force than an explosion can penetrate the enchantments of this hall. Let alone that Professor Dumbledore cast them!”

“You don't understand!” said Rapticon Sr., and then turned to the Gryffindor table. “Where's Harry?”

All eyes fell on Harry…. What did Professor Raptor want from him?

“Dimitri,” said Dumbledore calmly, “May I ask the pleasure to tell me what is going on?”

“I will Albus,” said Rapticon Sr., walking up to the staff table. “I will - I just need to talk to Harry and that -”

BOOM!!

BOOM!!

A loud ear-splitting boom echoed across the Great Hall. The earth shook violently than before that the walls began to crack. The students clung themselves to the tables as Harry went into action and jumped from table to table and hopped down to the platform where the staff table was. All teachers were now holding onto the tables, gaining balance.

Then in a sudden flash of lightning, as Harry felt his feet touch the ground, he saw purple, black and green lights flash at the center of the Great Hall.

“Albus!” Rapticon Sr. turned to Dumbledore, who stood up straight. “I need you to leave now!”

“Professor!!” Harry yelled, looking at the gateway of purple, black and green grow larger, hovering above the hall.

“Harry!” Rapticon Sr. jumped to Harry's side. “Where's the book?! The one I gave to you?”

“The book?!” Harry said, keeping his ground as a large quake came to, “It's not with me!”

“What?!” Rapticon Sr. shouted over the large booming sounds above. “Where is it then?!”

“Quick, Albus,” said McGonagall as she, Dumbledore and Snape walked across the hall, edging away from the portal that grew larger.

“It's with Hermione and Ron but I think they are at the common room!” Harry pointed up, “At the seventh floor!”

“Dammit!” Rapticon Sr. swore, taking out a long saber. “We must go there! I think I know the source of this ruckus!”

“AAHHHH!!” screamed the voice of Lavender Brown, pointing above.

Everyone turned to the portal; at least twelve large flames fell from it. The whole hall screamed as the flames landed one the tables, breaking them.

“Oh no!” the elder said, “The fiends have been unleashed!”

“Accula!” Rapticon Sr. yelled to the elder.

The elder nodded to Rapticon Sr., turned to the panicked throng and clapped his hands to his staff. Harry then felt a gush of wind nearly knock him off his feet but was able to register the flying tables and chairs that flew to the sides of the hall giving a large clearing across the Great Hall.

Another scream.

Harry and Rapticon Sr. turned to see the flames that engulfed the ground grew into impish-like creatures. They were green, wore red hats and shorts. Each of them carried a long rusty knife. They screeched at the escaping crowd in a high pitch scream.

“Goblins!” gasped the elder named Accula.

Before Harry could pull out his wand to stun a goblin from rushing to the crowd who choked the entrance of the Great Hall, a red spark flew pass over his head and knocked it cleanly on the back.

“Minerva,” said Dumbledore, putting down his wand, “Hasten to help the prefects bring the students to the school grounds and then to Hogsmeade - Severus, come with me!”

“Harry!” Rapticon Sr. pulled Harry by the wrist. “We have to go to the Gryffindor common room!”

Harry nodded quickly.

“Good,” said Rapticon Sr., turning to Accula, “Quick, Zaccheus! This way!”

Harry, with Rapticon Sr. and Accula behind, sprinted across the Great Hall but was interjected by three goblins. The three stopped on their tracks as Harry registered Snape and Dumbledore stunning goblins at the end of the Great Hall.

“So this is what you made inside that damn book, Accula?” Rapticon Sr. said, going into battle stance. He turned to Harry, “This is the part where you use what I and the last Defense Against the Dark Arts teachers taught you, Harry!”

“Got it,” Harry answered, looking at the creatures.

“Good! Commencing battle sequence, now!” Rapticon Sr. shouted as he ran and uppercut a goblin to the air with his blade.

“I hope my magic is still good,” Accula said as green sparkles surrounded him, “Thundara!!” he chanted.

In amazement to all who were left in the Great Hall, a bolt of lighting came from the sky and damaged the second goblin to death.

“Harry! Take the last one!” Rapticon Sr. shouted, turning to Harry.

As if he was scrolling down a menu of magic spells with a white gloved hand, Harry thought of the first one he could think of.

“Stupefy!”

The jet of red sparks came shooting out of his wand, knocking the goblin. Harry found it surprising that his Stunning Charm didn't knock the goblin out. The goblin screeched at Harry as it jumped to him, grazing Harry's shoulder with its knife.

“Argh!” Harry groaned, holding his bleeding shoulder as the goblin somersaulted back to its previous position.

“Harry!” Rapticon Sr. shouted, kneeling before him. “Accula! Magic the lights out of that imp!

Harry looked up at his professor and said, “I - I'm alright, sir….”

“Don't worry, Harry, it will be okay,” he said as he took out his kerchief and tied it around Harry's wound. “That will hold in the bleeding until we get Madam Pomfrey to heal you later.”

Harry nodded and stood up. He was able to catch Accula casting a ball of fire at the goblin before it shriveled grotesquely into nothingness.

“The road is clear, let's go!” Accula affirmed.

“Potter!” Snape yelled as he zapped a goblin to oblivion. “Where do you think you're going?!”

“He's with me, Severus!” said Rapticon Sr., taking Harry by the shoulder as they passed under the portal which shrunk to nothingness.

“Dimitri - !” Severus was cut short when three goblins jumped in front of him. “Sectumsempra!”

All three goblins were severed severely as their halves flailed on the floor in pools of blood. Harry nearly barfed at this image but was reeled in by Professor Raptor who led him out of the Great Hall.

“B-but what about Professor Dumbledore?!” Harry yelled as the booming sounds became apparent.

“There's nothing Albus can't handle,” said Rapticon Sr. as he led Harry and Accula up the marble staircase to a hallway where the ground quaked fiercely. To their sides, the portraits shook while their subjects held onto the frames, yelling curses, asking Harry as he passed by, “What in Merlin's bear is going on?!”

Another quake and Harry fell as he held on to a suit of armor and saw it was about to crash on him. Harry dodged it before it could crash down on him.

“Be careful!” said Rapticon Sr., dodging falling debris. “Dammit!”

After gaining ground, Harry and Rapticon Sr. followed Accula, who was ahead of them in the hallway, towards the next set of staircases.

“Are we going to encounter more of those goblins?” Harry asked Rapticon Sr. as they reached the second landing.

“Definitely,” said Rapticon Sr., “Whoa!”

A portal at the end of the corridor they were at exuded four goblins. One of them shrieked at them, approaching as they went.

“Harry,” said Rapticon Sr., turning to Harry, “You go ahead to the common room. If you meet up with any fiend - those monsters - just hex `em, alright? And if needed, use an Unforgivable Curse!”

“But -”

“I'll be fine!” said Rapticon Sr., jerking his head at Accula, who was in a battle position. “I got Accula with me! Now go!”

Harry did not hesitate any further, he clambered up the stairs and nearly fell back a step when a flashes red, blue and white sparkled below the floor Professor Raptor and Accula was. Assuring himself that Professor Raptor was okay, Harry climbed up the marble staircase, avoiding falling debris as he climbed. He finally reached the fifth floor corridor when he saw a bright room at the end.

Going through the doors, Harry was met with a high and wide room known as the Grand Staircase where more than hundreds of portraits dominated the walls and moving stairs come and go as it pleased. If it had been a peaceful moment, the portraits would've move on about their ways serenely but tonight, there was chaos. Every resident in their portraits ran, screamed and fled to other portraits as their frames fell from where it hung.

“Whoa!” Harry gasped, as he sidestepped away from a falling part of the ceiling. The ground was shaking greatly now. He caught a glimpse of a thunderstorm from one of the many windows that littered the walls of the Grand Staircase.

“Run!” shouted a prefect, two floors below, to a group of first year Hufflepuffs. Harry deducted that they were students who finished dinner early.

BOOM!

Another booming sound and Harry felt the platform he was on crack. He looked below and saw a forked line form below his feet. He looked up at the first staircase and ran up for it bringing himself to the fifth landing as far as he knew.

“Potter!” shouted a voice behind him. Harry looked below and saw Professor McGonagall looking up in horror.

“What are you doing here!?” she shouted over the noise. “This place is dangerous! I want you to go the school grounds this instant! The teachers will handle evacuations for the others! Go - ARGH!!”

“PROFESSOR!!” Harry yelled, thrusting himself to lean over the platform railing.

A large boulder, as big as three heads, was falling pell-mell towards McGonagall. Harry pulled out his wand.

“Reducto!”

His spell took a large chunk out of the boulder but it failed to destroy it completely.

“Look out!” Harry yelled.

McGonagall aimed her wand at the boulder until -

SLASH!

The boulder was cut into two. The split ends fell awkwardly beside McGonagall as she turned to see her savior.

“Dimitri!” shrieked McGonagall. “You saved my life!”

“Not now, Minerva!” said Rapticon Sr., walking towards her, “First and foremost, you've got to get out of here! I'll take care of everything!”

“Professor!” Harry called from above.

“Harry!” Rapticon Sr. waved his sword at Harry. Accula appeared through an archway nearby where Rapticon Sr. entered. “You wait up there! I'll get ya” he turned to McGonagall, “Minerva, go!”

She didn't hesitate any longer but took his word for it; she turned on her heel and left through the archway. Coincidentally, the archway caved in, choking another way to the other side.

Rapticon Sr. and Accula found their away towards Harry by going up a set of stairs that led to a platform that connected.

“Any progress?” Rapticon Sr. panted as they met at the center.

“They're up there,” Harry pointed to a floor above.

“Lead the way, boy!” said Accula.

Nodding to the elder, Harry raced to a standing staircase, luckily avoiding it crumble as they stepped on the sixth landing. To their right was a platform bridge that crossed the room to a hallway that led to the Fat Lady's portrait.

“Wait!” Rapticon Sr. said, pointing to the right of the bridge.

Four goblins came climbing from the edge. They blocked their path, flailing their knives at them.

“You know what to do!” Accula shouted, “Flare!”

Harry shielded his eyes as a ball of fire and hot gas burned the three goblins away, their bodies falling towards the floors below. Harry winced when he saw one of them land on their head making a sickening crush.

“Bastards!” Rapticon Sr. yelled as he gave the last unlucky goblin an uppercut with his sword sending it to oblivion.

“Wow,” Harry said in amazement, “What was that?”

“Climhazzard. I learned it from a friend,” said Rapticon Sr., “C'mon!”

They crossed the bridge, only jumping out of it as a chunk of debris fell on it, cutting their path back.

“How are we going to go back?” Harry asked, as he straightened himself up.

“We worry about that later!” said Accula, pointing his staff at the archway that led to the seventh floor corridor.

The party ran across the darkening corridor; their only light source came from the purple tinge the windows cast that emitted from the skies outside. Harry nearly stumbled at some lone rocks and trotted on to overtake Rapticon Sr. and Accula.

“Yellow bird” Harry yelled the password as he stopped before the portrait of the Fat Lady but he realized she wasn't there at all. She must've fled.

“To hell with that!” said Rapticon Sr., slashing the portrait open

The three climbed in and before Harry's eyes was the common room in pure destruction. Everything in it was upturned, broken and ripped. The red curtains that hung above were ripped as if someone pulled them severely. The biggest damage was the large hole at the wall and the missing chunk at the ceiling. A roaring wind whipped his hair violently that he squinted against it.

“HARRY!”

Harry turned to see Ron at the corner.

“Ron!” Harry shouted, running to him, “Where's Hermione?!”

“Sh-she… she-she…” Ron stuttered.

“What?!” Harry yelled, “Where is she?”

“She disappeared!” Ron shouted.

“What!?” Rapticon Sr. said in shock.

“She opened the book and -” Ron stuttered, standing on his feet. “- all this light came flashing around and some creatures came out - we fought them off but then something huge caused the common room to have that hole!”

He pointed towards the gap at the end of the common room.

“She didn't fall, did she?” Harry said, dreading the results.

Ron didn't say anything but he was whimpering, unsure of himself.

“SHE DIDN'T FALL, DID SHE?!” Harry yelled, shaking Ron by the shoulders.

Ron was about to answer when they heard a roaring sound.

“We have company,” Rapticon Sr. as unsheathed his sword.

Harry looked out the gap and the most horrific thing came into view…

“What in God's name is that?” Rapticon Sr. said, looking at the fiend that emerged from the whole.

The colossal giant was color purple. It had red horns and a face of a dog crossed with a lion. Its Mohawk-like hair and muscular body gave Harry the impression it was some biker creature. Its spikes on its back gave an evil look against the purple sky that flooded that broken common room. The creature gave a loud roar shaking the whole place.

“What in God's name is that?” Rapticon Sr. repeated to Accula.

“That, my friend, is a Behemoth… a large creature that uses thunder magic and pure strength. Be careful. It can't define friend from foe,” Accula said, going into a battle stance.

The beast saw the four living creatures. It gave another mighty roar and pulled the common room walls apart, forcing the hole to get larger than before.

“Prepare yourselves!” Rapticon Sr. shouted.

Harry didn't know why but he rushed into the battle scene and started thinking of any magic spell he can use against the Behemoth.

“Back into the pits that spawned you!” Accula said, “Flare!”

Like before, a ball of fire and hot gas ignited at the face of the Behemoth making it wail in pain. The Behemoth then swung its claws at them. Everyone jumped back to avoid the purple claw slashing right at them.

“Argh!” Rapticon Sr. ran towards the creature and slashed the beast's arms.

“Stupefy!” Harry shouted shooting the spell to the Behemoth's eyes. This caused the beast to flail its arms around at them.

“Harry, watch out!” Accula shouted and cast a barrier around Harry making the arms of the Behemoth bounce away with such an incredible force. On impact, Harry could see hexagonal shapes materialize before him.

“Good job, Harry! We have the advantage!” Rapticon Sr. cheered, drawing two pistols from his holsters and started shooting the beast's face. It didn't do that much damage as the beast roared louder, shielding its face with its arms.

“Ah! No use!” Rapticon Sr. holstered the pistols away, quickly drawing his sword.

“The only way to defeat this is to do heavy damage!” Accula said, “Thundaga!”

It was almost a sight to behold. From the sky, a beam of light came striking down the beast, transforming into large bolts of lighting giving it a grand effect.

“Nice!” Rapticon Sr. cheered on, his jaw dropping in awe.

“ROAR!!!!” the Behemoth yelled at them in pain. The monster turned its head lazily and raised its head up at the sky.

“Uh oh,” Rapticon Sr. gasped.

Harry looked up saw something huge coming down from the sky.

“It's coup de grace!!” Accula shouted running backwards, “METEOR!!”

“OH, MY GOD!” Harry and Rapticon Sr. shouted in unison.

Harry saw the Behemoth fall backwards to the ground. Harry assumed it fell for dead… but there was more to worry about.

“Harry, run for cover!” Ron shouted behind him.

Harry ran back towards Ron but before he could reach the outstretched hand of Ron, something happened.

* * *

It was like another apparition. Rapticon Sr. saw the F.F.O. book light up.

“What the - ?!” Rapticon Sr. gasped.

Then words spoke to him like a whisper….

“The one to prevail the world has been found.”

“What?!” Accula asked from his side, assuring Rapticon Sr. that he wasn't the only who heard this ominous voice.

“Let the crystals lead the one towards redemption and light…”

“Huh?!” Ron wondered looking around.

“And then the Guardians shall liberate the abandoned....”

“You heard that?!” Harry yelled across the roaring winds.

Then there was a pause….

Harry then realized time has stopped. Sans for his companions, everything was frozen in time, the meteor, the trees, everything….

Suddenly, the book, F.F.O., opened and a flash of blinding white light obscured Rapticon Sr.'s vision.

“Argh!” Harry's voice from afar shouted.

“AHHH!!!” Ron screamed from Rapticon Sr.'s left.

“NO!” Accula shouted from Rapticon Sr's right.

Then in a jolting sensation, something grabbed Rapticon Sr. out of sight. He felt like he was in a whirlwind of light, color and flame.

“AAAAAHHH!!!” The four screamed in unison.

Like a vacuum, Rapticon Sr. and the three felt like they were being sucked into a tornado… a tornado that brought them into endless darkness....

* * *

Two hours has passed and the school has been repaired to its former glory thanks to advance magic made by the teachers. The students have been safely protected from the fiends that attacked the school.

Until now, no one was aware that a large Behemoth attacked the school.

“Is the Gryffindor common room fixed?” McGonagall asked Flitwick and Sprout.

“Everything seems to be in order,” said tiny professor Flitwick.

“The House can go back to their quarters again,” Sprout said, nodding McGonagall as she and Flitwick walked down the corridor and out to the Grand Staircase.

McGonagall went inside the common room and saw it was fixed like last. The large hole was gone and it looked as if nothing has happened.

But what caught her eye was a book with torn pages around it… it was a blue leather-bound book with peelings on the title. McGonagall couldn't make any of it.

“What on earth?” she said as she pointed her wand, “Reparo!”

In an instant, the book repaired itself as the pages slipped inside the leather cover as if it was being vacuumed.

Once repaired, she picked the tome up and observed it with curiosity. The lock that held the book closed once hung inattentively at the side. Out of curiosity, McGongall turned the lock away, opened the book and looked into the first page.

It was all blank. The Transfiguration professor dismissed this as a blank book and placed it on the table surface before she left the common room….

The dark blue skies of the night whispered a nameless song of the wind as it flowed across the trees down at the Forbidden Forest. Owls hooted quietly after settling in their beloved Owlery once more, feeling a sense of relaxation throughout the night. The wind traveled across the dark Hogwarts grounds and into the window that stood ajar in the Gryffindor common room.

Out of the odds of it, the wind, as if it wanted to, flipped the leather blue cover of the tome slowly, revealing the blank page where words formed in dry ink on the yellowish parchment:

“Final Fantasy Overworld”

Thus, the adventure of a lifetime begins.

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