Short Stories

[Duddahs]

I hope you guys liked it.. It was kind of fun trying to hide the real ID of the writer until the very ending.. And YES, it is a Thank you note written by McGonagall to Albus Dumbledore.

[Duddahs]

Dear Father,

I know you have been very busy and that your dealings with the Minister of Magic has taken so much of your valuable time. I just wanted to address the fact that I had witnessed your presence at Hogwarts on Tuesday of last. I had witnessed you going into and then out of that Oafs shack. The half breed called Hagrid.

I can not believe that that old fool actually made him a teacher. A PROFESSOR! He did not even graduate from Hogwarts himself. As you had always said, he was just as bad as a Mud Blood being Half Giant and Half what ever he was.

That old miserable fool they all seem to revere him. Bow down to him. Pray to him as if he were Merlin himself! What a bunch of sheep these idiots. This is what they get when they continually cross breed themselves with the likes of Giants, Trolls and Gutter Snipes out of some run down London Pub.

I do want to express my sincere apologies for not coming down to meet with you and the Minister, but I was unfortunately being held hostage by that blundering idiot Professor Lupin.

Let me tell you this father, there is something desperately wrong with him. I do not believe that he is up to snuff and as such we true Wizarding family members should never have been exposed to such a, well what can I say without being too vulgar, Gutter Snipe?

I ask that if you find a moment free that you might drop his name on the Minister of Magic. Just to see what he is really up to. He tends to disapeer at least once a month and there have been rumors that something has been killing the chickens down by that Oaf Hagrids shack.

I am sure you might have even noticed some of the blood stains on the pathway that leads directly from the Chicken Coops and the Forbidden Forest.

We Slytherin have been banning together and we believe that having the Dementors surrounding the Castle must have something to do with keeping an extra close eye on that Potter.

We do not believe that this Sirius Black would be so much a worry to the Ministry because if he did get a hold of Harry Potter, then the money that you have lavished upon the Minister and his favorite, let us say PEOPLE would not have been a waist, now would it?

Again, I am so sorry that I was not able to come down and personally say Hello and thank you for all you are doing to try to keep the Wizarding World free of impurities and disgraceful character.

I also wished to inform you that the life threatening injury that I had sustained a mere month ago at the hands of that Oaf and his Wild and Dangerous Wizard Eating Beast is finally healing nicely. It seems that I will be left with a permanent scar and will require much personal care from my own personal Medi Witch.

Thank you Father for sending me that Medi Witch to help me through the dark hours, when I did not know if I was on the side of life or death. The other Slytherins were truly green with envy and I am sure that you would be thrilled to hear that the Goyles have now procured a full time Nanny to tend to his needs upon his return home for Summer break.

I bet she will make him wear a funny hat with a frilly fringe on it. He is such a lumbering idiot, one would wonder how on earth he ever found his way to Platform 9 3/4, let alone become a Slytherin.

Well, Father, I must be off. I have an essay from that vicious hag Professor McGonagall. I tell you, if I were not so popular and so readily recognized, I would put arsenic in her cat nip and leave it in her top drawer of her desk.

Till the next time we meet. Farewell Father and do say Hello to Ma ma for me.

Your Son,
Draco

[grandpalovegood]

Today I....

I woke up this morning in my four poster... The colors of my velvet bed spread are so relaxing to me. Dark Forest green with a hint of light greens speckled in there that resemble to me hints of grass. I peeled back the dark curtains only to note the rest of the students in my dorm have already gone without me. Saddened just a bit, I prop the curtain back behind the silver serpent hook, made too keep them open during the day. I stretch and yawn, though I never really felt like I got much rest during the night. I shrug thinking to myself .. Oh well.

I begin my day once again, getting myself dressed then walking toward the common room. Oh so quiet. No one is about. Hm? Makes me wonder just how late I overslept... Oh well.

I walk over to the window and peer out into the water. Being a Slytherin we get a perfect calm and soothing view from beneath the Hogwarts lake. OH... There goes the giant Squid. His life seems so peaceful... Oh well.

Soon I find myself wandering the halls. Oh so quiet. Suddenly the sound of someone whistling echoes through the stairways. Hmm? Same tune as usual. It must be Apollyon Pringle the caretaker going about his business. Funny, lately though he seems to do nothing more than ignore me every time I try to talk to him. Yes, I roll my eyes. Who cares anyway? I laugh quietly to myself with this thought... Oh well.

Soon, I find myself standing, facing the Great Hall's large doors. For some reason I do not feel so hungry. I peer inside and again, no students are about. I must be very late. I do need to run off to class. Professor Binns will have started without me. I just know it...

Off I run toward History of Magic class. The heels of my shoes being very noisy as I take each and every step upon the stone floors... Oh well.

Once there, I find the door is open, so I rush in thinking he might not have noticed that I was as late as I am. So I quickly find my seat and listen to his lesson... Taking out my parchment and a bottle of ink and a quill.. I begin to take notes.. a feeling of relief that I had not gotten into trouble... Hmm. Come to think about it.. lately I never do seem to get here on time, nor do I ever get detention for my lateness. That's Professor Binns for you. I giggle quietly to myself.... Ugh... Goblin wars again... Oh well.

Later on in the day. I have a sudden feeling of sadness wash over me. Loneliness. I do miss my friends who get to go home during the summer breaks. I so miss my mum. This being the first year here.. my first summer. I think to myself of days when I was younger, before setting foot in this castle, before I found out what I am... my mum and I would go shopping and she'd take me to the lake each summer. Hey, I'll bet that would cheer me up a bit. So, I head on down to the lake. It's not the same as the one near my home.. but it will do... Oh well.

Oddly enough, the wind is not blowing... all is so still, calm, quiet. The skies are very overcast to the point not a speck of blue nor the sun could be seen. Not such a fun summer, I think to myself... Oh well.

I drag my feet attempting to splash about.. but something odd. All of this seems so familiar to me for some reason... like a reoccurring dream. I wonder, why?.. Soon, I find myself standing upon a large stone boulder. A very familiar boulder. Next I curl my feet up beneath me, as I sit there alone, looking out across the lake. I feel so cold. Come to think about it.. this chill has been with me all day long. Hmm, Odd for a summer day?... Oh well.

I decide to place my feet into the water, so I remove my shoes and wiggle my toes. I giggle as I smile thinking of how silly this is. So, I slide down to where I can reach the water's surface. Odd... I shiver violently for just a second, only just before I touch the water. This causes me to pull back quickly. Why? Why do I have a deep fear? I have always loved the water. What has caused me to react like this?... Looking down, I try to shrug it off... Oh well.

Suddenly, a voice I hear... a vision of a beautiful young man.. a memory comes to mind.

"Elizabeth Kelly?"

"Oh, hello there," I said with a smile. "Want to go for a swim? I don't think they will mind."

He stands there so stiff and unmoving. He holds his hands behind his back. On his face is a smile that makes my blood run cold. Yet this usually was the reaction this particular young man gives me. I shrugged it off.

"No thank you" he said in reply to my offer.

"Come on... Seeing that you and I are the only Slytherins here this summer... no one will be there to tell on us if we don't make curfew." I give a little giggle trying to relax the situation. He begins to pace the shores edge in silence. I shrug.

"Oh well." I said as I sat down and began to remove my shoes.

"You are Muggle born, am I correct?" I look up to notice he had made his way upon the rock I was now sitting. He had stopped, standing tall behind me. Looking directly into eyes waiting for my answer.

Taken aback by this sudden sharp tone in his cold voice, I swallowed before answering.

'Yes. I am the first in my family to find out that I'm a witch" I said with pride.

"I was so glad to hear about this. It made sense of so many things...." Suddenly, I stopped as I noticed the look he was giving me. I dropped my second shoe. I tilted my head trying to make out his reaction. Shaking my head, I quietly turned my back, then slowly slid down the rock, trying to reach the water with my bare toes. As I faced the water, I see his reflection behind me, over me. I see he had his wand pointed right at me while wearing an expression that was unmistakably one of pure joy. I shout....

"TOM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" My voice echoes in my mind, as I see a flash of the color green.

Today I.... died.

I woke up this morning in my four poster... The colors of my velvet bed spread are so relaxing to me. Dark Forest green with a hint of light greens speckled in there that resemble to me hints of grass.

[Duddahs]

That was a great Short Story Miss Charlotte... I look forward to reading more from everyone.. This is a super thread!

Thanks Erin for bringing it our way! The Harry Potter Way!

[Duddahs]

Cornelius,

I must tell you, this position has turned out to be far worse and much more difficult than I had anticipated.

I am getting absolutely no co-operation from the staff members and the students themselves have proven to be nothing more than a bunch of nasty brats.

I must at this time ask, no I must say demand that I be awarded additional powers above and beyond the position to which you have placed me in.

In order that I may better serve the students of Hogwarts and the Ministry, it is with the utmost importance that my personal liberties be extended to include the powers to discipline those youths that I find to be repeat offenders as to how and which punishment I choose. We must for once and for all, not only wash out the mouths of these juvenile delinquents but we must also wash out their minds as well. The filth and grime that seems to have accumulated through the years of these children shows no promise for future success by these youngsters. They appear to be basically lost causes. But we must begin today, putting in place, practices that are proven and have accepted by those of extreme conservative minds for hundreds of years. I have assigned one Argus Filch to be my direct assistant to assist me upon weeding out the worst of these bad seeds that seem to have grown into a garden of weeds.

Also, I must have the extension to my limited abilities as Undersecretary to the Ministry of Magic that my title(s) become somewhat more appropriate to my stature as both the direct liaison to the Minister of Magic and the Ministry itself.

I must also require the ability to remove any teacher whom I deem to be of less than quality abilities. We must insure that the future of our world is not to be sullied by a long line of idiots, oafs and half-wits to be allowed to turn the brains of perfectly good young witches and wizards into mush as has been allowed to occur under the direction of Albus Dumbledore.

Also, I ask at this time if you would please forward to me that cute little pink cushion upon which I can rest my weary bones.. It is presently located on the chair at my Ministry Desk. I find that the conditions under which I am expected to concentrate and to steer this school through the storm on which it has found itself to be floundering to be of horrid conditions. I find my personals to have suffered greatly.

Thank you for your prompt attention to these matters.

Cordially,

Delores Jane Umbridge.
Deputy Undersecretary to the Minister of Magic

[grandpalovegood]

Ooo she's scarey.



(Thanks Duddah, I know I too am glad that she posted this thread for us to share. Thanks Erin. I just thought with this being Halloween I'd post a story for this season.. Looks like you did as well. LOL! )

[Duddahs]

A Giant Wish

Dad, you shoulda seen em. He is just gorgeous. I'm telling you if you were here today, you woulda been so proud of him.

He took off like a Dragon in matin season he did.. Not one single spell hit em. Sometimz, I juss caint understan why so many of the kidz her is scared of em anyway. Juss got to be a missunderstandin that someone wrote down in one of those dag fangled text.

See, Headmaster Dippet ain't too happy with me anyway. Specially since he found those firecrabs that I had in that box under my bed.. How was I to know that those curtains were so flammable, huh?

Professor Dumbledore, yuz remember me tellin you bout him, he is the head of our house. Gryffindor.. Great Wizard dat Dumbledore. Calmed down old Dippet and splained how he had lit fire to his curtains back when he wuz a student. Seems Dippet was not muzed but took Dumbledores word for it.

I spoze it happened jus like he sayz otherwise he wouldn av sayz it anyway. Great man dat Dumbledore, I tell you. Without him, I woulda been out scroungin round Nockturn Alley ages ago.

See, I think I know whaz been goin on here but no one but Dumbledore seems ta wanna hear wha eyz got ter say. See, I spect this guy Tom, Tom Riddle who juz so happens ter be tha moz popular kid in Hogwarts and he seemz to have Professor Slughorn and Headmaster Dippet wrapped roun his pinky finger.

Let me tell ya something. I don trusts him. Nope not one bit do I. He sneaked up on me and Aragog laz night down in the Dungeons. I was in a Broom Closet, the same one that I hid those Venemous Tentacula at that time afor theyz all up and dies. Yeah, forgot thems plants need sunlight.. Not much light down in those Dungeons.. Some kina green light comeing through the winders but I think we are somewhere under the lake.. Smells like fish terme and I think I saw the squid pressin his back side gainst one of those winders once while Professor Slughorn wuz goin on bout some potion or the other..

Makes no senz ter me that one. Nice enough, juz kinda borin. Wish I could just take Magical Creatures and Defense against the Dark Artz and get over tha rest. But Professor Dumbledore keeps on tellin me, how I got to make something of myself cause he feelz I am goin ter need to know this stuff even if I can basically do anything with my own 2 hanz.. Who needs a growin charm when I can dig in the durt and getem ter grow. An all the animals like to come an visit me whilz I'm diggin out there.. Ya shuda seen the Bowtruckle juz walked up ter me and gave me some wood for steaks.. Din even hav ter bribem. Nope, not at all.

Well Dad, you got to know how I miss you.. I am gonna put this in my trunk with the otherz juz in case we happen to meet again soon. Then youz can see how good I turned out.. I will make you proud. Ya juz watcher an see.

Your Son,

Hagrid.

[grandpalovegood]

Wow that looked like it had to be hard to write.. But I loved thinking of him writing him... sharing with him what is going on with his life. Good story Duddah

[rin68nyr]

Hey! I go away for one weekend...and there are 3 really good stories! Excellent job on all of them!

Erin

PS I'm glad I got this thread going, too....good reading here!

[Duddahs]

Ma-ma,

So what? What do I care if that Harry Potter does not want to be my friend. IDIOT! His loss. He would have been embraced by all the right people and my father would have made sure that he had everything that he ever dreamed of.

Idiot! Does he not notice that I am the one that is surrounded by the creme' de la creme' of the wizarding world? That I Draco Malfoy have teachers already fawning all over me as if I were the Honey to their busy little bee like buzzing round Hogwarts?

That Old idiot, Albus Dumbledore and his oaf servant, Hagrid think they are better than me. We know all about those traitors. My father and my connections have filled me in over the years to watch out for these losers. How they will go out of their way for every stray cat or dog that comes down the pike.

Speaking of stray dogs, you should see this absurd thing that has latched itself onto Potter. This filthy mudblood. No better than the dirt under my feet. Honestly, I would throw my own shoes in the trash and them if I ever stepped in the stink that they named, what is her name? Oh yes, Granger. We have to do a little digging and find out if she stole her powers or if someone has put a spell on some bit of filth that washed up out of the gutter and sent it here to Hogwarts.

Hogwarts, BAH! Why did I even have to come here? It is not as if our family does not have more wizarding knowledge than all of these rag tag losers have.

You should see the loser that Dumbledore has appointed as Defense against the Dark Arts Professors. This half-wit wears a towel on his head as if he had a head on collision with one of our house elves. Filthy thing too, wreaks of garlic as if her were one of those Spaghetti benders that you once employed in your travels.

Then, would you believe it? That idiot Weasley that has been causing you so much trouble at home. Well, seems that they can not figure out how to stop at enough. Another one of those Blood Traitor Gingers also latched onto Potter. Yeah, I am sure of it. Dirt on his face, hand me down sewn robes that surely go back to time of the Goblin Wars.

So, why is it that I have been banished to this desolate place. Devoid of any real wizarding pride. You should see it.. Merlin knows that if it had been this bad when you attended that there would be no way possible that you would have sent me here.

Ma-ma, your own sister should have been proof enough of what kind of disgusting and filthy wanna be's. Why, oh why would you do this to your own son? Your own flesh and blood, pure as I might be, even I can not seem to get the stink of this place off myself.

Crabbe and Goyle are idiots but they are there for my purposes. I will use them to my furthering myself until I one day become the most important Wizard to have ever gone to this lowly run down school.

Why could I have not gone to Durmstrang the way Uncle Miroslav did.. He tells such fantastic tales of learning and wizarding comradeship. I tell you this, if I can figure out a way to transfer to Durmstrang, do not be surprised if I pull every single trick in the book to get myself out of this dump.

I expect that both Pa-pa and you will be expecting my return at Christmas. I expect that things will be made to accommodate some of my devoted followers as I am going to be bringing some visitors to show them why and how we Wizards really should be living. Some of these others, even in the Slytherin House seem to have grown up on the wrong side of the tracks..

Oh and by the way, what is up with this Snape guy? Seems he has been sniffing around my business and keeping me as his personal pet. I am not comfortable with anyone getting into my business. Please Owl me asap and let me know if he is a legit Pure Wizard or is he one of those flunkies that Dumbledore has placed in our way to brain wash us.

Your Son,
Draco

[grandpalovegood]

Oh I was going to create a poem telling the tale I'm about to tell. But I think my rhyme is gone out of me tonight... But still, I have to say this now before it's too late.. OH and this is not anything from my imagination... I really wish I could claim it.

See, the other night, I looked forward to watching the history of Halloween on the History channel. I just LOVE jack o lanterns and pumpkins, and still, in all of my life I had not heard the entire story about how they came to be.

Turns out in ancient folk lore... I can't remember if they said it was Irish or Scottish or English... No matter... just to say it was lore is pleanty good enough. In this story they said there was this man named Jack OLantern, who was so evil... so awful that he was kicked out of (watch your language) by Satan himself... Then Satan took pity on him. When he cast him back the the world we live in he also took a part of the fires of (watch your language) in rock form and shot it out with Jack, to light Jack O lantern's way through the darkness here on Earth. WHen he did Jack O Lantern took a turnip and hollowed it out and inserted the firery rock inside of it.

As time went on, the tradition traveled across the sea to the United States. There, when it was harvest time for pumpkins, children would carve a creepy face and place a lighted candle inside. They would then take some sort of stick and place a white sheet over it then topping it off with the Jack o lantern on top. They would then creep up outside someone's house then suddenly poke the Jack o lantern up as if it was peeking in through the people's window scaring the dickens outta those who lived there. Now I thought this sounds like something I would have done as a child.. It sounds like fun.

OK... I'm asleep already.. Hopefully tomorrow I'll be able to fix the errors I've made... I think I forgot part of the story as it is.

got to go... Love you all.

[Duddahs]

She sat there, the moonlight pouring in through the wavy glass panes of the leaded window. It was barely 3am and she had already been as busy as anyone has a right to be on such a stunning wintry night.

The sky outside was absolutely crisp and clear. The full moon shown through a few stray clouds that just happened to pass by. It almost smelled as if snow was in the air..

Still there was this ring which hung around the full moon as if it had just been married to the darkened sky which surrounded it. The tiny twinklings of light surrounding its brilliant reflective light seemed just mere imitations to its own lustre.

Yet she sat there, the ledge upon which she huddled was a bit cold to the touch but it did not seem to bother her. She raised her head, opened her mouth and yawned. She stretched out her limbs and with a quick shudder went back to just gazing out of that ancient leaded window.

The light sounds of breathing came from all directions behind her. A sudden gasping of air as one snoring sound tore through the near quiet of the round stone lined room.

The ancient wooden floor below was scrubbed clean by a House Elf unbeknown to the occupants of the room in which they all existed. A quick shuffle beneath one of the blankets and a soft fluffing of a pillow and another head lay buried in softness as dreams of a dance run through the minds eye. Not unlike a movie projecting a romantic image upon a silvery screen..

The minds of all, drifted in and out of rem while the memories of what appeared at the moment to be true life were quickly forgotten. A small lingering feeling left in its place. Unexplainable, unknown memories, the flickering of the scene unfolding before the minds eye now forgotten forever.

Her eyes were wide and dark at the center but the white was as white as the freshly driven snow. It almost appeared that tiny liquid diamonds gathered at the bottom lid, and in a blink they were sparkling and then suddenly replenished with hundreds of other tiny diamonds, all of which reflected the light of that full moon.

The heater in the center of the room had been recently stocked full of coal by the house elf's assistant. Not a single sound was made as the contents were removed and fresh fuel added in its place.

The metal shell of the heater glowed a deep reddish amber. The metal clearly having been heated to such a level that it brought itself to life not unlike a beating human heart with life and warmth being given off as its gift.

Waves of heat radiated from the object which was so conveniently located in the very center of the round room. Not one of its occupants having been left to a disadvantage to its life giving warmth.

Even the ancient scrubbed floor reflected the warmth which the heater so graciously spread forth. Only so far could the heat radiate though, as the very toes of the slippers, all tucked so carefully at the edge of each bed was warmed while the heals were left so much cooler.

The underside of the beds in which the dreamers all lay also had a layer of cool air captured withing the lengths of the Red Crushed Velvet draperies which hung in sheets from the very canopy's of the beds where they forcefully reached upward in an attempt to touch the ceiling itself.

Something catches her eye and her head moves swiftly. The very thought of anything being so bold as to cross her moonlit lawns. The lawns of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry which become hers and hers alone by the nocturnal timings of the universe.

The opened leaded glass window is quickly moved wider and she takes a leap from the ledge. Her body falling, falling, falling towards her moonlit lawns.

With the force of one far larger than she and with the grace of a fish swimming in the open seas, she flaps her mighty wings. The sudden sound of wind beating upon the underside of her extended feathers and then silence as she soared on the winds themselves.

It is too late, she has seen her prey. In a dive that would cause the bravest of Quidditch Players to come to an abrupt faint, she heads directly at the ground below her. Her eyes are now larger than the full moon itself. Her sites are fixed and in but one brief moment her talons reach out, the latch onto the prey and upward they both fly into the ink black and light dotted sky.

She comes to rest in a large old Oak which is located just on the outskirts of the forbidden forest.

So proud of herself, she fluffs her feathers and puffs up her chest. She opens her mouth but nothing comes out, for she is mute as are all of her kind. She is but the only one of her kind to reside here at Hogwarts. She does not have to speak with a voice for she has those Betty Davis Eyes....

Hedwig settles for her little early morning snack and partakes of its bounty.. She is satisfied and quickly turns her head from side to side. Her neck retracts and her head settles upon her shoulder blades and a soft sound escapes her. Not a hoot, just a soft release of tension and breath..

She is contented.

The reflected light of the full moon finds its way up the trunk of the tree where she sits in the crotch of the two largest branches. Her mind races as her eyes flash quickly from right to left. Still her lids are closed but her mind see's her in the air. Flying along side her beloved Harry. Nothing between them but love and respect... He turns to her, she to him and then somewhere in the corner of her mind she see's movement.....

[rallem]

Snape’s Army
2
By Swyzzlestyx

Severus Snape sat upon his borrowed broom with a grimaced face flying low and fast over the cold North Sea. Severus was never thrilled with riding brooms, but for this mission it was the only way to travel, so he endured because with him flew a large group of Death Eaters in formation. The pack of Death Eaters was on its way to Azkaban, to release their confined comrades. Spirits were high in the attacker’s ranks, for they knew that the feared Dementors were gone, and it was only other wizards now in their way.

The formation flew very close to small rock islets that jutted from the ocean at a close proximity with each other to prevent any Muggle ships from getting too close to a slightly larger island near their center. That island with no life growing on it was their target. “This is going too easily,” heckled Bellatrix Lestrange.

Severus glanced in her direction with contempt in his eye and yelled back, “Now that we’ve neared Azkaban without authorization, we should soon be facing the first of its defenses.” As they flew closer to the island fortress, the few Death Eaters at the front of the formation fell off their brooms abruptly from an invisible wall that protected the perimeter. So this wall is the first line of defense, thought Snape and continued, this was suspected, and for this reason, we put the least important and most expendable Death Eaters to the front. A half grin formed on Severus’ face as he halted his broom just short of where the wall stood, pulled his wand out of his robes, pointed it towards the invisible barrier and muttered a few unintelligible words. The few riders that hit the invisible wall just a few moments ago had remounted their brooms and dried their robes with a quick wave of their wands. Snape motioned for them to try again. They did as instructed, and this time the first made it, but the others were again rebounded. Snape paused a moment, recast his previous spell, and again motioned the group to try the wall. None passed this time.

Severus looked around, and mentioned, “It would seem… this caster has talent.” He rubbed his smooth chin as he thought about this for a moment, and then he pointed the wand at himself and non-verbally cast the bubblehead charm on himself. Severus plunged his broom into the water and came out on the other side of the wall. He flew to the lone Death Eater that hovered on defender’s side and motioned for the others to follow. After all of the Death Eaters had successfully gotten to the other side of the wall, Snape gave a quick snipe, “Well, that’s a waste of perfectly good talent.” The Death Eaters sniggered.

The group of attackers reformed and again headed toward their target. As they neared the giant gloomy ramparts of the prison, beams of red light hit the attacking group as they froze and fell into the cold murky ocean. Three of the assaulting forces number fell as the rest of the Death Eaters sped up their attack on the wall, focusing all of their attention on one position to overrun it with their vast numbers.

The defenders from the one embattled strongpoint put up a rather valiant battle as they stunned two more of the Death Eaters, but the attacker’s vast numbers and their willingness to use curses that were more potent proved too much for them. As the Death Eaters entered the prison through this one strongpoint, they stepped over the bodies of the wizards who staffed this fortification, and quickly broke up into squads so they could perform their assigned tasks.

Narcissa and Draco wanted to be there to free Lucius, but were assigned ambush duty to prevent the other prison guards from entering this section. The mother and son team joined Snape as they entered the prison, and the trio marched to a strategic intersection to take up their positions.

The three sat patiently at their assigned position, listening attentively for the sounds of battle between the cut off guards in this block and the Death Eaters. The trio also listened for guards in their assigned hallways coming to assist their comrades. Soon Severus, Narcissa, and Draco heard the sounds of running guards coming their way. Draco was the first to say anything, “they’re coming!”

The first of four guards turned around the corner, and Severus exclaimed “Expelliarmus,” causing the wand of the front guard to fly from his hand as he flew into the air against the furthest wall. Draco gave a quick look at Severus as if he just recognized something important, causing Severus to give a dour expression back at Draco, and say “Focus Malfoy.”

The second guard to turn the corner was a witch, so Narcissa yelled “Petrificus Totalus,” causing her victim to stiffen up and fall flat on the floor. The two remaining guards took up positions on the near side of their hallway as one began firing blindly at the ambushers as the second pulled the two downed guards to safety.

The three ambushers and their two remaining targets took sniping shots at each other until the trio heard their comrades yelling, “We’ve got them, fall back! Fall back!”

Severus who usually was not worried with chivalry said, “You two, go join Lucius, and I’ll hold off these guards.” When Severus Snape’s two charges finally joined the others, he cast a spell that shortly stunned the two remaining guards, and then headed towards his companions.

The group of Death Eaters mounted their brooms to fly to an area where they could apperate back to their base of operations. “Narcissa, Draco you two take the point,” yelled Bellatrix. Both Narcissa and Draco looked at each other with worried expressions, because they knew what that meant, and they really wanted to be close to Lucius, but the other Death Eaters weren’t going to let that happen. The band left the prison with Narcissa and Draco in the lead, minus three of the five fallen comrades, but no one paid them any mind since all of the fallen were acting under the Imperius Curse.

As the Death Eaters flew away from the island fortress, the remaining angered guards flew high above them in swarms that swooped down for their attacks. The guards stood no chance against the departing Death Eaters, because the escaping party moved too quickly and they were casting an impervious barrage of magic to keep the guards at bay. Severus cast mass stunning curses on his targets, while Bellatrix and most of the others cast their various unforgivable curses. Bellatrix noticed the curses that Severus was casting and made the snide remark “What’s the matter Snape… Don’t have the stomach to cast real curses?”

“Shut your mouth you stupid cow…” replied Severus, and then added, “It was I who killed Dumbledore.” Severus took a few moments to cast some more mass stunning curses, and then continued “I am making better use of my spells by knocking several guards off of their brooms at once… While you just kill one per cast… Besides they will probably die in the cold dark waters…”

Bellatrix fumed at the tongue-lashing she just received, but did not dare reply since Severus was clearly the Dark Lord’s new favorite. The rest of the group began using mass stunning curses, until they again got to where the invisible wall where the victorious formation just dived into the ocean without casting any charms for protection, and when they got to the other side, they all gathered and began apperating for home base without bothering to dry off.

Back at their home base, the spirit of the Death Eaters was high, since they completed another successful mission, and swelled their ranks again. Not many more of these missions, they knew, and they would be able to overcome their enemies by their vastness, which made them anxious to see their Dark Lord, for they knew he would be pleased.

Narcissa and Draco were a little puzzled by this mission. Draco pulled Narcissa away from earshot and asked “Mother… Why weren’t we allowed to be with Father?”

“I don’t know… isn’t it odd? What really bothers me is why your father hadn’t looked for us the whole time?” replied Narcissa.

The door to the throne room opened showing the throng a cavernous room where tapestries of various dark wizards and witches performed evil acts on their victims lined the walls and a throne of what looked like it was made of golden human skulls on the far side. On the throne sat the Dark Lord Voldemort with Bellatrix Lestrange standing at his right.

While the throng entered, Narcissa and Draco tried fervently to push their way to Lucius, but the mass of Death Eaters kept the pair to the rear. When the entire group of Death Eaters entered the room, Lord Voldemort examined them, and then said, “My friends take your positions.” The entire group moved forward to join Lord Voldemort with Bellatrix Lestrange forming a Circle of Death. Two guards in ceremonial death masks and red robes that were stationed in the room by either side of the door held Narcissa and Draco back. The mother and son had no idea what was happening and shot glances of concern towards each other.

Lord Voldemort looked around the circle of Death Eaters with the closest expression he could muster to mimic a smile, and said, “My friends, you have done well today, and I am pleased.” The Dark Lord let his words sink in, as the circle of Death began to murmur, and then he added “As you can plainly see our group has grown considerably since the last time we formed, so I will now recognize each of you so my new members can understand how invincible were truly are.”

The Dark Lord looked to the first masked clad member of the circle, and said “Alecto Carrow, you were instrumental in the success we had in Hogwarts.”

Lord Voldemort turned his head a little to the right, and said “Amycus Carrow, you too were instrumental in the success at Hogwarts.”

Again the Dark Lord turned his head slightly, and said “Avery, you have just been freed from prison. Welcome back to the fold.”

The Dark Lord Voldemort continued with this practice naming twelve more Death Eaters in alphabetical order, and mentioning either their latest victory or whether they were in prison. Narcissa and Draco both noticed that not only were they denied their rightful place in the circle, the Dark Lord had failed to mention their names, so they looked at each other grief struck. Severus Snape constantly made quick glances towards his two charges from the prison, to see how they were holding up, but he could not look for long, since occlumency would be useless if his expressions gave him away.

The Dark Lord Looked at Severus, and said after a brief pause “Severus Snape, the one Death Eater who killed Albus Dumbledore. You are my favorite Death Eater at this time… Welcome back to my circle.” Severus turned his head toward the Dark Lord as he spoke those words, and when the Dark Lord had finished, Severus gave a respectful bow. The Dark lord turned his head slightly to the right once more seeing a short and stout figure in a death mask. “Dolores Umbrage, my new spy into the Ministry of Magic. Welcome to my Circle.”

After the Dark Lord finished introducing his members, and then he called “Lucius Malfoy, come join me at my left side.” Lucius did as requested. Lord Voldemort glowered at Draco for a moment, and then called out “Draco Malfoy, come join us in the center of this Circle of Death.” Draco shot a fearful glance at his mother while he walked towards the circle. Draco entered the circle through the spot just vacated by his father a moment before, and walked to the center. He stood in the center of the circle rather meekly as he looked towards the disapproving glances of his father and Lord Voldemort.

Lord Voldemort whipped out his wand, pointed it towards Draco and yelled “Crucio!” Draco doubled over in pain. Narcissa wished to aid her beloved son, but she was restrained. Draco was lying in the center of the circle of Death Eaters, writhing around in pain unable to do anything else. After a few moments of this unbearable agony, Lord Voldemort let up on the pain, and looked to Lucius. “Lucius Malfoy, you have failed me again in the Ministry of Magic, and for your punishment I let you sit in Azkaban until I was ready to forgive you. Now before us lays your son for failing me as well. Are you Malfoys incapable of simple tasks?”

For a brief moment, some of the circle’s members shifted around uncomfortably. Lucius answered nervously “Yes we can my Lord, and I apologize profusely for any failures I may have made in the past.” The Dark Lord let a moment of silence pass for effect.

“You have already been punished and forgiven Lucius, it is your son who has failed me now, and I will give you a choice,” said Lord Voldemort. “Crucio!” shouted Lord Voldemort, as Draco re-doubled over in pain. While Draco withered around in agony, Lord Voldemort turned to Lucius, and added, “Your son failed in the most important mission to date, and someone has to pay dearly… Your choice is between your son and your Lord. If you choose your son, I will let him go and punish you in his place, but if you choose me, I will kill your son, and we can go on as if nothing has changed.”

Lucius looked down unemotionally to his son who was writhing in pain, then glanced to his wife, and saw the tears in her eyes. Lucius looked back toward his son, and then to Lord Voldemort, and said “My Lord has there ever been any doubt that I wouldn’t choose you?”

“No Lucius, but you are aware that your son will die?” asked Lord Voldemort. Lucius looked towards his son still writhing around in agony.

“Nooo, father, please save meeee,” cried Draco.

Lucius looked back toward Lord Voldemort, and said, “I can always make another son My Lord, but there can only be one you.”

Lord Voldemort’s face made another attempt at mimicking a smile as he tortured Draco some more. Narcissa felt all the air in her body leave her, when her husband doomed her beloved son, and tears began to flow from her eyes more freely.

After three more minutes of the Cruciatus Curse, Lord Voldemort stopped the spell and said, “Get up boy, you’ve failed me, but you were the only one of my Death Eaters who could get my forces into Hogwarts, and for that you may live today. Never fail me again…”

Draco stood up very slowly as he cried in front of the circle’s members. The pain from the Cruciatus Curse was immense, but the pain from his father’s abandonment was worse. Narcissa looked towards her husband who was staring at his Lord adoringly, and then towards Lord Voldemort who sat there smugly from his victory. All of the abuse Narcissa endured for the many years she was married to Lucius rushed forward in her mind; she always assumed their lives would get better when the Dark Lord returned, and that the abuse she endured was a part of the humiliation Lucius faced from his downfall, but now she realized there was no hope. Narcissa then silently vowed, I solemnly swear that I will make you two pay dearly. Severus Snape stood at his place in the circle, looking at Narcissa with a cold and unemotional stare, and she returned his glance. Severus held her stare for just a brief moment, and then looked towards Draco as he stood in the center weeping, trying to regain his composure. Lord Voldemort then released the Circle of Death, and clapped his hands to make green banners bearing the Dark Mark unfurl all along the walls of the room. The Death Eaters began to celebrate their daily victory.

The vast majority of Death Eaters mingled among themselves boasting of their many victories, and congratulating others of theirs. They all waited patiently for their turn to have an audience with the Dark Lord. Another smaller group of celebrants had a couple of middle-aged muggles restrained, and was torturing them with various curses.

Dolores Umbridge was among the group that was mingling, and though she wanted to mingle with her new family, as well as have a moment of her Dark Lord’s time, she knew that was impossible for the Ministry might notice her gone, so with Lord Voldemort’s permission she left the celebration, via broomstick.

As the majority of Death Eaters strolled around and mingled, they purposely avoided Draco and Narcissa Malfoy. Narcissa walked towards her son who was still in the middle of the room, enduring all of the unfavorable stares the Death Eaters could muster, but she did not care, and only wanted to get to her beloved son to ease his pain.

Narcissa guided Draco away from the room into a deserted hallway and then hugged him. “Get off of me woman,” wept Draco, “You’ll get both of us killed.”

“No Dear… and you’ll never talk to me like that again. Am I clear?” replied Narcissa.

“Yes Mother!” sobbed Draco. “What are we going to do? Now that father…” asked Draco, but was unable to finish his question, because the full weight of his Fathers betrayal now fully hit him. Draco gave his mother a cold, but determined stare, as he straightened out his posture to show her that he could cope.

“I don’t know, but I have my suspicions,” was the response his mother gave as she peered over her shoulder. “Stay here,” said Narcissa as she left to re-enter the room and look around for Severus Snape. Severus looked back towards Narcissa and realized that she needed to speak to him. Severus subtly made a muggle sign with his right hand tapping his left wrist. Narcissa only caught the signal because she was looking for it, and had no idea what that meant, but then thought, Wait don’t Muggles wear mechanical devices on their wrists to tell time? Oh! Severus is saying now isn’t the time. Narcissa left the room.

After the celebration had ceased, Narcissa and Draco stayed around the Headquarters’ front doors, and stood speaking to each other about nothing in general, because nobody else would. Many of the Death Eaters gave Narcissa and Draco evil looks as if they should be going home now, but no one said anything because they did not know if the two stayed per Voldemort’s orders, and did not want to over step their bounds.

Severus Snape knew that being seen near Narcissa or Draco at this time could be extremely risky now that they‘ve fallen out of favor to the Dark Lord, but Severus thought, with great risk comes great reward.

Severus left the room through the doors, which Draco and Narcissa loitered by, and strolled down a quiet and dark hallway with purpose in his stride, and for that reason, no one paid him any attention. The Dark Lord Voldemort was too busy being fawned over by his cronies to notice, and Severus knew that Narcissa would soon follow. He also knew that she could prevent the Dark Lord from penetrating her thoughts, but was a little worried that Draco with his limited training might come, and not be up to par. There was no real need to worry, for Narcissa soon came alone. “Where… is Draco?” asked Snape.

“I left him around the corner to give a signal if anyone approached,” said Narcissa.

“Good,” said Severus, as he looked around for any traps to spring on him.

“He is to apperate home in five minutes,” added Narcissa.

“Marvelous…” said Snape, and then asked, “What can I do for you Narcissa?”

Narcissa paused for a moment, not sure how to proceed, but then blatantly said, “I’m not sure what you’re up to here Severus, but I’m willing to bet it isn’t good for the Dark Lord, and I want in.”

Severus Snape looked at Narcissa for several moments, trying to determine her sincerity, and then he answered, “I have no idea what you’re talking about Narcissa.”

“It’s just that I saw you in the prison… You were holding back on those guards, and then again on our escape,” replied Narcissa.

“Really, Narcissa… That kind of talk could get us both killed…,” said Snape looking around again.

“I don’t care!” responded Narcissa, then added “I made a vow to make the Dark Lord and Lucius pay dearly.”

Severus stood there a few moments taking turns to look into each of Narcissa’s eyes trying to discover if she told the truth. “Are you trying to use magic on me?” asked Narcissa.

“No. There are easier and better Muggle ways of telling the truth,” replied Severus.

“Am I lying?”

“No, I think not…” said Severus, and then asked, “What about Draco?”

“He is with me, especially after his father sold him out,” replied Narcissa.

“We cannot talk anymore, here or now. When the time is right, I’ll let you know how to proceed,” whispered Snape. Narcissa nodded, and then apperated home, to join her son, and tell him the good news. Severus waited a minute to go home, then gave a slight smile, because he now had the beginnings of an army, and then with a whoosh left for Spinner’s End.

[rallem]

Snape's Circle
By Swyzzlestyx

Severus Snape stood in the cold bland hallway besides a set of huge bronze doors waiting to see the Dark Lord. Currently Voldemort was on the other side of those doors, talking to Draco Malfoy. Snape had no idea what he would witness when it was his turn, and for the first time in a long time Severus was scared.

The bronze doors creaked open, so Severus turned his head to look for a clue to what awaited him. Two masked Death Eaters carried the limp barely conscious body of Draco Malfoy. As the trio walked past the next person to face Voldemort’s wrath, the masked pair looked to him, and Draco tried to say something to him, it only came out as babble.

“Next!” exclaimed the feared voice on the other side of those doors. Severus breathed deeply in through his nose, and out through his mouth, checked his robe and then turned to enter. Severus entered the vaulted room, where he saw the Dark Lord sitting in a white throne made of human skulls with his Death Eaters standing in a circle of death before him. Severus walked purposefully into the center of the circle while his stomach rumbled with fear.

“Severus Snape, it has been a long time since you have attended one of these circles, hasn’t it?” asked Voldemort.

“Yes my Lord it has,” replied Snape as he bowed his head in submission.

The Dark Lord sat studying the long lost Death Eater. “This is a very awkward way for you to return here from Hogwarts, where I placed you all those years ago.” The Dark Lord studied the former teacher of Hogwarts some more and then added, “This not how I wanted you to return to my circle. I wanted the boy to kill Dumbledore, so you could remain a spy for me.”

“My apologizes my Lord, but it was obvious to me that Draco lacked the killer instinct needed, and I wanted the other Death Eaters to not disobey your direct orders, so I took the honor.” Severus stood in the center of the circle with his shoulders slightly slumped to show subservience, and he purposefully breathed in through his nose and out of his mouth as he tried to calm his rapidly beating heart.

Voldemort studied the former Dark Arts Professor, and a palpable stress filled the air from the other Death Eaters. “So you knew that I wanted Draco to kill the Headmaster, but you went ahead and did it anyway?”

Severus closed his eyes because he believed his answer would cause him pain, “Yes my Lord, I felt that it was important to leave with Albus Dumbledore dead if Draco were to fail.” No pain came.

Severus opened his eyes and looked to the Dark Lord. It looked as if he could actually see pleasure in those reptilian eyes, and he pondered his situation. “So you took the initiative?” asked Voldemort.

“Yes my lord I did.”

The anger returned to the Dark Lord’s reptilian face as he looked around to the other Death Eaters. “Here is a Death Eater who understands his Lord’s intent and took the initiative.”

Severus looked for the first time around to see the other Death Eaters, and he could quite clearly see, that they too like Draco had been victims of the Dark Lord’s wrath. Severus quickly returned his gaze toward Voldemort.

“Yes, even though the mission was a complete success, my Death Eaters failed me. I would’ve killed Draco myself, except he was the only Death Eater to get my people into Hogwarts, so I let him live, but only after I was satisfied.”

Severus sagged his shoulders some more, but this time out of relief. Severus knew there was no way he could prevent his student’s pain, and he honestly felt sorry for that, but he believed that he could prevent the boy’s death by killing Dumbledore. Actually Snape believed he would too face the horrible Crucio Curse, and was willing to accept it to save the child of the woman he loved. Severus was pleasantly surprised though the plan was moving forward.

[rallem]

Snape’s Seduction
By Swyzzlestyx

Severus sat on the bench. Snape was home from school for Easter Vacation. Most of the students preferred to stay at Hogwarts for this vacation, because the staff held many holiday festivals, but being around such jovialness made Severus as sick as being with his father. The park at Spinners End, if you can call it that did not have lush flora like most. The crabgrass was un-mowed and had turn brown years ago from neglect. In the center of the park sat a black pond. No life could survive there since it became clogged with litter from the careless passerby and vandals. While at home, Severus liked to spend time out here, because people left him alone. To them he was that strange kid whose dad had to send to St. Brutus’s Center for Incurably Criminal Boys.

The only times Severus went into the house was when he had to study, and just before bedtime. At all other times, his father sat in his recliner watching that horrible television, and if Severus were inside Tobias would beat him. Ever since the Plants closed at Spinners End, work was a difficult thing to find around here, especially if you sat around the house all day. Tobias was the reason Severus was sorted into Slytherin, because the boy refused to turn out like him. Severus had ambition. He’d love to take his schoolwork out here to study, so he could spend less time inside, but if anyone happened to see what he was really studying, there would be trouble with the Ministry.

While on the bench, Severus liked to read his Mother’s Romance Novels, because while romance wasn’t exactly his thing, the books helped him keep his mind from becoming lax. Sometimes Severus liked to imagine himself in the storylines with his true love, though. Hands slipped over Snape’s eyes, “Guess who?” asked a sultry voice.

“Narcissa?”

“Oh you’re no fun. You could’ve tried to be wrong,” complained his girlfriend jokingly as she moved to sit next to Snape.

“I’m sorry dear; I’ll try to guess Lily next time.”

“What is it with you two anyways? She’s obviously in love with that creep James Potter.”

“Please don’t say that name around me,” requested Severus, “She’s talented in my favorite subject of potions, and we work well together.” Severus looked at his true love and realized that her expression was becoming sour. “There’s nothing else between us. I swear!”

“I know. It’s just that I just have some bad news. My father is forcing me to marry Lucius Malfoy. He won’t let me marry you, because you’re not a full blood,” informed Narcissa.

Severus looked forward, down towards the dead pond, and uttered, “I swear Narcissa, you’ll be mine someday.”

“There’s a way Severus. You’re equally talented in Dark Arts, perhaps that could be your favorite subject, and then you could join the Knights of Walpurgis. Nobody will care of your heritage there, because it’ll be forgotten.

[fangsfan1]

Great to see you here and to read your stories Rallem.

[rallem]

Thank you Fang. As you can see in my version of book seven Snape was not in love with Lily as everyone thought, and she was only a dear friend with whom he shared lots of secrets, but his real love was with Narcissa.

[rallem]

This is a short story I just wrote but really haven't proof read yet.

Snape’s Slippers
By Swyzzlestyx

Severus sat on his bed in the dorm brushing his pink bunny slippers making sure each received an equal amount of grooming and attention. Vincent Crabbe sat on his bed as well, but he simply watched Snape with an amused expression on his face. “What in the world are you doing, Severus? It’s bad enough that you have to wear those things all day, but do you really have to groom and pet your slippers,” asked Vincent with incredulity.

Severus finished taking care of his footwear and carefully placed them in a basket under his bed. Severus looked over to Vincent with an annoyed expression and replied, “Of course I must.” Severus paused a moment and then continued before Crabbe could ask his next question, “I have to care for and groom each slipper with equal attention so they don’t become jealous and start acting up during the day,” Severus paused again before continuing, “I especially don’t need them acting up when I need their protection.”

Vincent thought of asking what type of protection Snape’s pink bunny slippers could possibly afford him, but then he remembered that in the magical world footwear was a personal matter, and he said, “Oh.”

Severus crawled between his sheets and began to snuggle down to go to sleep, but then he looked at Vincent and asked, “Aren’t you going to ask what type of protection my slippers provide?”

Vincent looked back at Severus after he too got between his sheets and replied, “I am a bit curious, but I didn’t want to pry.” Vincent shrugged his shoulders and added, “My Dad always told me a Witches or Wizards footwear is a personal thing not to be meddled with.”

Severus nodded his head in appreciation and then revealed, “I got these slippers in a muggle shop as a gift from my father, and while I’m certain they were meant to humiliate me, the slippers are the only gift my Dad ever gave me, so I added a few magical spells so they can protect and save me.” Severus looked up into the canopy of his bed for a moment as if to study something in there, and then added, “I figured since they were bunny slippers they should be able to help me run very fast and to jump incredible distances.”

Vincent looked up into his own canopy and answered, “Nice.”

Severus looked back to Crabbe, raised his eyebrows and exclaimed, “Let me tell you having footwear which can get you out of trouble quickly has been a real life saver for me, but my adding these abilities have also given my slippers their own personality, so I have to treat them with love equally or they tend to get jealous. Once when some Gryffindors decided to play rough with me and there were simply too many for me to take on, so I tried to escape, but my slippers decided to play games and each ran in different directions. As a result Potter hoisted me up by my feet revealing my underwear to everyone, so now I pay extra special attention to both of my slippers.”

Crabbe looked back to Severus and asked, “So every time someone enchants an object a personality is formed?”

Severus answered, “Yes, and in this case my slippers gave themselves names. My left slipper calls itself Snugglebunny, and my right is Cuddlycottontail.”

Just as Severus finished talking, Lucius Malfoy and Gregory Goyle entered the dorm crawled into their beds and the four of them turned out their lights.

[Duddahs]

Some very interesting stories you posted Rallem. I am glad that we have more members not afraid to share their works here.

Welcome again.

[Duddahs]

My hairs stood upon end. It was so very cold again in the halls of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry tonight.. Much colder than I can last remember..

The very soles of my feet seem to be radiating the cold to the very tips of my ears which are turning blue as I manage my way around in the dark.

The sudden crash of the suit of armor falling to the floor and scattering yards in every direction caused such a ruckus that the portraits that hung upon the drapery covered walls all began to moan and mumble..

Obscenities were thrown around as if they had all been awakened on purpose.. On purpose, why in Merlin's name would I want to draw more attention to my self in the darkness that shrouded me.. The dark protects me and gives me a blanket of security that I might not have any where else in the light of day.

The worst thing about getting older is that cataracts have begun to cloud my vision... It makes it much more difficult for me to maneuver in the dark.. It makes it more difficult in the light of day as well but I find that I can hide away during the blaze of the suns ever relentless coming and goings.

As I try to avoid yet another bunched up pile of one of those foolish carpets that litter the floors of the hallways, I do my very best to keep myself on my toes...

Why did they ever put those foolish things in the hallways in the first place? What was Armondo Dippet thinking when he proclaimed that the halls required these coverings.. All they do is possess the ability to trip the unsuspecting student at the whim of a wrinkle in the carpet..

What makes this whole darned wrinkled carpet situation worse is that bothersome poltergeist Peeves.. What I would not do to that thing, what ever he is. It has been on more than one occasion that he has nearly gotten me exposed to a Prefect of Professor as they walked the halls to insure the security of the charges that are supposed to be tucked away in their dorms.

And once and for all, I have to say that, that disappearing stair is not only a nuisance, it is a potential death trap!

It was one such cold as a Witches Witt night that I was running down that very staircase and for but the briefest of moments, it slipped my mind to worry about that step.. That darned step..

Once I was on it, I was in it... It took hours of frigid cold trying to escape from that blasted thing.. If it were not for my being covered up by the stair itself, I might have been discovered and then where would we all be? Where would I be on my plan to escape this place and get to where I can be of most use.. If I don't get out of here soon, I fear that I will myself become the sole target for destruction by Vvvvvvvvlldddd,,,,,Vvvvvvvvvlllddd,,,,,He who must not be named.

What? What was that? As I passed that floor to ceiling mirrow, which I normally scurry past in my haste every night, this time, I caught my own reflection..

How the years have taken their toll on me. Once the shoulder lenght golden hair that hung in silken strands and reflected the suns own brilliance as if the light were being generated from my hair itself.. Look at that! Patches,,, skin, scabbing. I am a MESS!

There, THERE, there is a door opening. Maybe this is my chance. Maybe this time someone is going to leave an exit from this place that I have haunted for so many years that I can barely remember when I first came here. Oh please MERLIN, let this be the night.. Let this person be that one idiot foolish enough to allow me to slip out unseen.. Oh PLEASE!

TRELAWNEY! It is her! Oh and with a bundle of bottles tucked under her arm... Look at that fool as she staggers toward the front doors of the castle... Oh please Merlin, make her, make her please.

CLICK.

I first felt the extreme cold that entered the Great Entrance Hallway.. The blast of near frigid air rushed over the few patches of hair that I still had... Every measure of my body tingled with both the chill of air and the anticipation of what was finally happening. This is it. It has finally come after so many years of trying.

I ran, fast as the wind which blew its way into the Castle and I find I am now outside.. The moon shining upon my bald patches. Reflecting its light as if it generated at the barren skins patch to begin with.

My toes touch the snow covered grass and the very last thing I could hear from the castle itself was a loud belch and the crash of Sherrie bottles. Then the slamming of the massive oak doors. SILENCE!

Freedom! Freedom! I am finally free of that idiot. No longer to have to play to fool for his idiotic purposes.. No longer to be something that I am not! I will finally be able to create my own destiny. His destiny! All of our Destiny!

My own shadow, being cast before me on the white blanket of freshly fallen snow. The moon did not lie. It showed my figure, hunched over on all fours. My head drooped low. I began to walk ever quicker toward my own shadow but it clearly had the edge on me. Always one step ahead of me.

I watched the snow covered pathway as my shadow began to change. Longer, wider and longer it grew. More erect, larger and larger, a giant amongst giant shadows. I can now see my arms swinging as the shadows arms swung in time.

My naked form begging for coverage. There in the distance.. That oaf Hagrid's Hut.. But, the lights are still on and smoke is still coming from its chimney.

There, cloths! How fortuitous, cloths on a rope line just outside the hut.. Just what I need. Who cares if they are not of the fashion of the day.. Who cares if they do not fit... WHO CARES! They are CLOTHS and I will be FREE for good.

OOOOF! OOOOF! OOOOF! OOOOF!

That blasted borehound... and then I hear the dreaded voice of Hagrid, that oaf..

"Aw rih, yer dozy dog.... Out wif yah!"

I snap my head too the left, to the right. No where, there is absolutely nothing for me to hide my nakedness behind.... NOW! I must NOW!

I see my shadow once again shrinking, my back arching, on all fours once again in the hopes that I will be overlooked.. Then I realize that those same patches of shiny skin are reflecting that blasted moon beams just as bold as brass.

"Wah tha?, Whos dat? Scabbers? Wah ya doin out here in da Snow?"

Those filthy rough hands wrapped themselves around me like a straight jacket... I squirmed, bit, chewed but it was obvious that Hagrid's callous were far denser than the own of those ham like hands.