Disclaimer: No not mine.
Hello everyone! Finally I have this chapter posted up. A really big Thank You to James for fixing the error.: ( Anyway here it is! It didn't turn out as action packed as I wanted but I hope you all like it. This story is going to end soon, and I think I will do a sequel to it. Well I hope to read your comments and reviews. Enjoy the story! Also big thanks to my lovely beta readers Malu and Summer Magic.
The Middle of Understanding
Chapter 17
Disappearance
Jab, Punch, Kick, Jab, Punch, and Kick. Keep your eyes on the opponent. Find a weak spot. Jab, Punch, and Kick.
"Hmfph," Charlie lugged forward holding his stomach.
"Are you all right?" I quickly reached for him.
"Never better," he croaked, while sitting down. "When did your punches get so strong?"
I smiled with pride. "Harry has been practicing with me."
"I'll just have to add a heavier drill for him." Charlie grinned wickedly. "Good job though, but you are still holding back. Remember Hermione, your enemy doesn't give you time to find a weak spot. We'll work on quickening your instincts next time."
"Thank you Charlie." I held out my hand, helping him stand.
"Anytime," he patted my head. "You better hurry and get ready. Most of the people should be at the Three Broomsticks by now."
"Okay," I grabbed my things. "So you're bringing Ron over with Harry?"
"Yes, don't worry." He winked playfully. "He doesn't know a thing."
"Just making sure." Then I left in a mad rush, to prepare. Shower, Change, and head over to Hogsmeade. Dear Merlin, please let this go well. Why did I let the Twins arrange all of this? Oh, I hope this turns out all right.
I reached the Three Broomsticks already packed with students and several professors. In the middle of the room there were gifts piled high on top of a table waiting to be unwrapped. I scanned the room to see familiar faces laughing and patiently standing by the door. Seamus and Dean stood by the window, looking out for the birthday boy. Fred and Aneglina sat chatting with Roger and Alicia who appeared to be having a normal conversation with out any pranks. George stood comfortably next to Sally Ann discussing very quietly about something. Slowly I walked towards Ginny who was standing in front of the door.
"Where is Neville?" I glanced around the room.
"He and Susan went to get the cake." She squeezed my hand noticing my anxious expression. "Don't worry Hermione. Fred and George haven't planned anything deadly for the birthday boy."
"I just hope he's not mad at me. It was very difficult pretending I didn't remember his birthday. You should have seen his face when he asked if anything special was happening today." I chuckled replaying Ron's sour mood.
"They are coming!" Seamus screamed towards us.
"Get ready everyone." Dean added yelling with commotion around us. "1…2…3!"
"Surprise!" Everyone shouted at Ron entering behind Harry and Charlie. He stood stunned with his wide brown eyes staring at the crowd. Then Ron stood speechless, as everyone sang Happy Birthday with Neville and Susan bringing the large Quaffle shaped-cake out. Simultaneously Harry and I took his hand guiding him towards the cake, lit with sixteen candles. The song ended and he calmly closed his eyes to make a wish. Afterward with his trademark dimples, he blew them all out with one breath.
"Oh…Ronniekins doesn't have a girlfriend yet." Fred smiled next to Angelina.
"At least he's not tied to the hip like other people." George teased back, making the couple blush.
"Let's cut the cake." Harry interrupted before more embarrassment could be passed around. Soon delicious vanilla frosted cake was distributed among the crowd. With several other light remarks and small pranks, we stood patiently watching Ron unwrap his pile of presents. Extremely happy from the attention, he deliberately took his time with each one. Finally the last gift was revealed, allowing the band to start the music.
While couples formed on the dance floor, I settled comfortably in the back corner. This is what I enjoyed most. My eyes wander from each person, smiling as they laughed. I was always a quiet person, who spent most of my time alone. But then I came here where everything changed my life. I glanced towards Ron, merrily laughing with his sister and brothers. The cheerful family each added their own friends or partners but you could notice the way their private love communicated between their eyes. This hot-tempered boy, who I thought was nothing but a troublemaker, changed me. He taught me to laugh at life as much as I can and let loose once and a while. Noticing my gaze, he looked towards me with his familiar grin. With a smile and wink, he lifted his drink at me. I returned the gesture and glanced towards the other boy who affected my life.
Harry sat across from Professor Figgs who snuggled closely next to Remus. The couple ignored the expressions from the students while enjoying their own private moment. Harry continuously patted a large black dog, and laughed at something Remus had said. His eyes twinkled like they always do when he was happy. Those familiar green eyes always seem to brighten when he laughed in his alto voice. Merlin knows how much I have stared into those eyes. The first time I met him, he captured me by his gaze. Even without Voledmort and his followers, he still would be special with just those eyes. He has affected me in so many ways that I don't even know where to start. Noticing my stare, Harry looked directly at me with a knowing smile. Slowly he walked towards me without breaking eye contact. Harry placed his arm around my shoulder, and I wrapped my arms around his waist. We sat peacefully in each other's embrace.
"What are you thinking about?" Harry brushed his head against my hair.
"I hope we have more moments like these." I sighed reluctantly.
"We will." He said confidently. "I will see to it myself."
"I know you will. And I will be helping you along the way." I moved to briefly kiss his lips.
"Will there be time when you two aren't touching?" Ron appeared glowing with a wide smile.
"You are just jealous." I sat closer to Harry, allowing Ron to sit beside me.
"Na…never thought Harry could handle me." We laughed at this comment. "But I was jealous at first." Ron suddenly spoke in a serious tone. "I wasn't sure if I could handle being the third wheel. Sometimes when I notice you two look at each other; you're having your own conversation. I would feel out of the loop."
"Ron, you are not a third wheel." I clasped my hands over his. "You are our best friend. We're the dream team. The Golden trio. Nothing will ever change that."
"She's right." Harry placed his hand over ours. "It will always be the three of us. Since the beginning and till the end. I plan on making it a long time with you two." Harry grinned in his lope-sided manner.
"Great, I get to see you two snog all the time." Ron engulfed us into a bear hug. "Thank you for this."
"Nonsense," I wiped away my tears. "We just mentioned the idea to the twins, and they went crazy with it."
"Don't look at me." Harry joked. "She's always been the brains in the operation." I jabbed his stomach.
"Either way, thank you. I wouldn't know what my life would be like without you two." Ron stood facing us.
"Probably living with less stress." Harry shrugged.
"Or flunked out of school," I teased.
"Or maybe would never have learned what true friendship means." He returned to that serious tone. He sounds so strange like that. "For the first time since I can remember, I didn't wish for riches or fame. I made a wish hoping you two will always be laughing beside me. I have learned to live without gold or glory. But I'm not sure if I could life without you two." Harry and I stood holding his hand. "So at the risk of sounding sentimental, I love you two. And I hope my wish will always come true." Instantaneously I wrapped my arms around him with Harry following.
"I love you too Ron." I said between my hiccups. Harry only embraced us in a shaking manner.
"I know mate. You will understand someday. But you just need to know that people do love you." Ron patted his best friend's back.
Click
We untangled from the hug, hearing the foreign noise. There stood most of the crowd clapping with Colin standing with his camera in front of them. "Another picture to remember tonight." He asked eagerly.
"Of course, fire away." Harry shouted. Ron and I were shocked since he never liked taking pictures. With a tight squeeze from both my boys, I smiled straight into the camera.
"Good afternoon, or should I say morning, since you look like you just got out of bed." Blaise appeared in front of my table in the back corner of the library.
"You are so funny." I said in a dry tone. "Wait no one is laughing." I pushed my book aside.
"You Gryffindors are famous for you're parties, yet you forget what happens when it is on a weekday." She rolled her eyes at our own mistake. I'm too tired to argue with her.
"Ron's birthday is March 1, so we had to do it yesterday. Besides the Quidditch match is on Saturday, and Harry didn't want people to tired for it if the party was tonight."
"I really don't understand why we keep having matches. Harry hasn't missed the snitch yet, unless there is some deadly thing attacking him." She remarked in a bored manner.
"Well if you were on the team, then you might actually beat us." I started to pack my things into my school bag.
"If I were actually on the team, then that would mean I care." She tossed her hair behind her shoulder.
"Heaven forbid, you actually care about something." I replied sarcastically.
"You got it." We left the library, heading towards our training. "Are you still paranoid about someone following you?" She noticed my wand placed in my hand.
"I just feel like I'm being watched." We reached the hidden portrait.
"Well if you were, you could tell them 20 ways in which their following techniques are wrong." She teased at me.
"I am not that bad." I mumbled towards her. "Warm fuzzy socks," we entered into the room.
"No of course not. You are just logical." I glared in her response.
"Hello girls, are you ready for a duel?" Professor Figgs appeared behind another door.
I smiled in a devilish manner, "Extremely prepared." Blaise slightly paled at my tone of voice. This is going to be fun.
"To hell with the greasy bloke! I hope he chokes from inhaling the fumes of his potions. Or melts from the sunlight, since he never is exposed to heat." Ron shouted, frantically pacing around in his room.
"Ron," I tried to voice in reason.
"Just let him be Nene," Harry whispered beside me. "Snape seemed harsher than usual on him during training. He just needs some time to vent." We watched Ron mutter incoherent words to himself.
"But Harry it's late, and you two have a game tomorrow. You need your energy, since you guys didn't sleep much last night." I yawned as I finished talking.
"I think you're the one who needs to sleep." Harry ran his fingers through my hair. "Go to bed. You have heard enough of his rants. I want my biggest fan cheering for me tomorrow."
"All right, good night Harry." I placed a gentle kiss on him.
"Goodnight Nene," he smiled handing me my book. "And don't stay up all night, reading about Chinese mythology."
"I'll try not too, but its so good." I walked over to Ron. "Goodnight Ronny," I kissed his cheek. He stopped with a brief smile then continued on in his anger rampage.
Feeling more refresh the next morning, I decided to read by the lake before breakfast. Since it was Saturday morning, hardly anyone was awake in the large castle. I reached the lake with the sun high in the sky. Lying on the ground, I notice the water reflecting the shiny glow from the sunlight. Slowly between the tender winds and warm light, I drifted off to sleep.
"Nene…Nene…it's time to wake up." I heard a voice say my name.
"But I don't want too." I mumbled to the voice. It laughed in response.
"Come on sweetheart, you missed breakfast." I felt something caress against my cheek. "I brought you something to eat." Suddenly I felt something soft against my lips. I opened my eyes to see Harry. "Finally you're awake." He grinned pulling me up as well.
"Have you been here long?" I snuggled closer towards him.
"Just 20 minutes. I didn't have the heart to wake you up." He placed a basket in front of me. "Anyway I brought your favorite."
"French toast and pumpkin juice?"
"And sliced pears," he grinned at my brighten expression. Quickly I reached for the food, eating each morsel. This tastes so good. "Slow down Nene, there is not rush."
"Harry, your match starts soon. We need to get to the pitch." I swallowed.
"I told Ginny to save you a seat. I'll head down first. You take your time and finish this." He stood showing off his Quidditch robes.
"Okay, I will listen to you this time." He smiled about to walk away. "Harry!" I called out.
"Yeah," he stopped at my voice.
"I love you."
"And I need you." He replied back then returned towards the castle. Someday Harry I will hear you say I love you.
Ten minutes later, I finished my meal, ready to cheer on my boys. I was about to enter into the castle when I heard a voice cry out. "Help…help…please someone help me!" Quickly I ran towards the plea, dropping my book and basket at the doorway. "Help me!" The voice seemed to yell from the Forbidden Forest. I should get help. It's too dangerous for me to go alone. Before I could turn for reinforcements, I was grabbed from behind.
Instantly I used my legs to kick whomever was behind me. "Stupefy!" I shouted at the large attacker. I turned to cast again at the other attacker but he was too agile. Harshly he grabbed my arm twisting it towards him. I screamed in pain. He tried to cover my mouth, but I bite him instead. Then with him caught off guard, I stomped on his foot. He let go of my arm, allowing me time, to cast a fully body bind.
"Help me!" I heard the voice cry out again. "Please help me!"
"Where are you?" I searched behind the tall dark trees.
"Right here!" I turned to see Peter Kingston crouching beneath a dying tree. Good…I found you. Sighing with relief, I check to see if he was hurt. "Peter, are you hurt? If not, we need to get out of here. Its not safe here." I brushed away his hair that was covering his face. Then I saw his eyes, which held a look not like a child's. "You're not Peter." I said backing away.
"Actually I am. But I prefer to use the name Wormtail." The face smiled in an eerie expression. "Let's continue this conversation later, shall we?"
"I rather not." I noticed another figure with the two I left earlier. "What, you need four people to attack me? I didn't know Death Eaters stooped that low." Think quick Granger!
"Always be prepared. I remember you saying that to Harry and Ron all the time." Peter taunted towards me. I moved my hand, feeling my bracelet against my wrist. I knew I couldn't run away. Sorry Harry, I guess I can't walk away safely from this one. Unclasping my bracelet, I let it fall to the ground beside me.
"Incendio!" I pointed in front of them, starting a small fire. Then I ran, hoping to get as far away from them as I could. I felt like a rabbit being hunting by vicious dogs. And like all rabbits, I wasn't fast enough. "Stupefy!"
"Miss, are you awake?" I groggily opened my eyes. "Do you remember what happened? Are you hurt?" A middle-aged woman carefully lifted me against the wall. Oh…my head.
"Where are we?" I croaked from the dryness in my throat. I squinted from the darkness in the room. I noticed only stone walls, and a large metal door. No escape.
"What do you think?" A male voice replied lurking in the corner. Where did he come from?
"Pardon him Miss, but we do not know where we are." Great, how to get help? "Oh, where are my manners? My name is Maria Lupe and this is my son Carlos." I finally find you, but ironically I'm in the same position as you.
"We have been looking for you for months now. Have you been here this whole time?" I asked her.
"Yes," before she could continue light entered from the door. Breathe Granger, just breathe.
"Take the girl," a deep voice said. "And bring her to the laboratory." I felt Maria squeeze my hand, trying to give me strength. Then two men came rushing towards me, and everything turned black.
-----------------------------------Meanwhile (Her View)------------------------------------------------------
"Where could she be?" Ron paced in our usual meeting place. I glanced around the room to see everyone thinking the same thing. The Professors who were clumped together discussing what to do about their missing student. I noticed the Weasley family sitting trying comforting Ginny who was crying on Neville's shoulder. Blaise, who always seemed so unbreakable, stared quietly into the fireplace. Most of the other students just listened as Ron went on and on in anger. And the one who should have been hysterical didn't say a thing. In fact he didn't even move. Harry Potter, the boy who was so exotic and mysterious to everyone, was gone. His eyes held nothing. They seemed lifeless.
"Ron, calm down. We will find her." I heard Professor Weasley say.
"How Charlie? She could be in a million places with anyone. All we have is a dropped book and bracelet." Ron shouted towards him.
"I knew I should have gone with you Harry. She wouldn't have disappeared if I was there." Ginny sobbed louder, causing many people to flinch.
"Ginny, it's not your fault. Anyone of us could have been there. If they wanted to take her they would have with or without you." I said across from her.
"Ms. Bones is right. We should not take the blame for this." Professor Dumbledore said trying to calm everyone's nerves.
"I think she should." Harry murmured towards Blaise.
"What is that suppose to mean Potter?" I saw her twitch from everyone's gaze.
"Zabini, you follow her all the time. She even said she felt someone watching her. Now she disappears, right when people start to trust you. But I knew you couldn't be trusted." Harry stared straight at her. She wouldn't do that would she? I don't practically like her, but I know she respects and likes Hermione. She wouldn't do that to her.
"That's pretty funny coming from you Potter. I never declared our friendship to the entire school. You're the idiot who decided to tell everyone to back off your girl." Her tone of voice was stronger and filled with anger.
"Now I think we should," Mr. Lupin tried to interrupt.
"Well your family is still connected with death eaters. You could have told them." Harry continued on.
"So is a quarter of this school, and Professor Snape. I don't see you barking down their throats." She stepped closer towards Harry. I noticed most of people were only keeping silent from the Headmasters quiet plea, to let them be.
"Professor Snape switched sides a long time ago."
"Well my father was never a death eater."
"So you don't deny he still has contact with them."
"I really don't care what they do as long as they don't bother me."
"I feel sorry for your mother."
"Don't ever talk about my mom, you naive pompous nitwit!" Blaise bellowed with her face turning red. Her sudden rush of emotions shocked most of us.
"Is that the best insult you could do?" He replied in a smug manner. Before Professor Dumbledore could stop them from continuing, hell broke loose.
"Actually Potter, I could have said something about your parents, but then I remember that you didn't know them."
Wham! Blaise went flying across the room, hitting the wall. "Harry control yourself!" The headmaster shouted. Ron quickly whispered words into his ears, trying to calm the angry boy.
Professor Snape quickly added. "Mr. Potter, whatever childish grudges you have towards your classmates need to be stopped now. Hurting everyone will not bring Ms. Granger back." He helped me, as I gently lifted Blaise from the ground. "Mr. Potter I believe you owe Ms. Zabini an apology." He sneered towards Harry.
"I don't need his apology." Blaise shrugged away from our support. "Or your help!" She shouted at me.
"I wasn't going too!" Harry equally yelled back. He turned away from everyone's gaze while Blaise started to head towards the door. But Professor Snape quickly grabbed her forearm.
"Ouch!" she shouted in pain. Our faces changed into concern and Harry's eyes turned into a guilty stare.
"You are hurt Ms. Zabini." He pulled her sleeves revealing large dark bruises.
"Hurts more when you grab me too." She struggled away from his touch.
"Did I do that?" Harry stepped closer to her. He couldn't have done those bruises. They look to have been done a day or so.
"Rest your conscience Potter, this isn't from you." She sprinted out the door without hearing anyone's response. Everyone stood stunned at what just happened, wondering what to do next.
"I should go talk to her." Ginny said behind me.
"No, I'll go."
---------------------------------Next Day (His View)---------------------------------------------------------
I was nervous. What if we didn't find her? What if she's dead? How much longer can I play the supporting boyfriend? I looked around the room, to see faces of a dreamless night. I sighed with relief seeing Ron with Harry. I wonder where Harry was last night? He didn't even return to bed. Ron woke up pretty early looking for him. Though I never said anything to him, I admired Ron. I mean Harry is the hero, but great leaders need great followers as well. I don't think I will ever understand how Ron could handle being Harry Potter's best friend. But if anyone could do it, it would be Ron. Feeling the couch move beneath me, I turned to see my best friend.
"Sue, are you okay?" Her face wasn't as rosy as it usual was.
"I didn't sleep much." She replied, "I never got a chance to talk to Blaise."
"I'm sure she'll come around. I mean she is friends with Hermione. She wouldn't give up." I patted her hand resting near mine.
"Where is Ginny?"
"Her dad arrived last night. Most of the Weasleys have been with each other since."
"How are Harry and Ron?" She whispered not wanting them to hear.
"Surviving I guess. Harry didn't return to the dorms last night and Ron didn't sleep much." I shrugged my shoulders in my usual manner.
"I hope we find her Neville. We were just getting to know each other better. I really think she is an amazing person. I mean I'm in disbelief right now. I don't even want to imagine what everyone else is feeling." Susan said with a rush of words.
"We'll find her Sue." I said with every ounce of confidence I had.
"How can you be so sure?"
"Because Hermione always said that the heroine never disappears." Then the room grew silent as Professor Dumbledore entered in with Blaise. I saw Harry and Ron watch her every move as she settled next to the headmaster.
"Have you found something Professor?" Ron asked without hesitation.
The headmaster looked around the room with a bittersweet smile and rested his eyes on Professor Figgs. "Arabella, would you like to explain what you received last night?" She nodded and appeared extremely terrified. Slowly she stood with Mr. Lupin holding her hand behind her.
"I received a letter indicating that Death Eaters do have Hermione. She is being held ransom until we give them what they want."
"Just tell me where they want me." Harry broke the moment of silence.
"Climb down from your throne Potter, they don't want you." Blaise replied bitterly.
"What do they want then?" Cho voiced in.
"Me," Professor Figgs answered.
"Arabella why would they want you?" Bill asked puzzled by her statement.
"Because you belong to him," Ginny suddenly spoke with a distance tone. I noticed people shiver from the idea.
"You're a death eater!" Harry bellowed looking ready to attack her.
"No," my shoulders relaxed hearing her comment. "I'm his cousin." She sat down beside Mr. Lupin, ready for the floor to collapse beneath her.