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Originally Posted by
Luna_Midnight Nice chapter!
Thanks! Quote:
Originally Posted by
Luna_Midnight AND WHATTTTTTTTTT?!!!!! Oliver and Penelope... Did not expect that one!!!
No, no one did! Bad Penelope! Bad Oliver! Quote:
Originally Posted by
Luna_midnight anyways PAMS like always cant wait for more!!
Coming right up!
After lunch, Secret made her way down to Care Of Magical Creatures, having managed to evade Percy. She was already feeling tired about the whole thing. She had hoped this year to totally avoid him and get her feelings in check, but alas, whatever God was up there decided that it just wasn't going to happen. Adjusting the trilby she had on her head - a late present from Andy - she managed to get her way, but it was only when she saw the back of Malfoy's head, did she groan - so they were having lessons with the Slytherins.
Hagrid was waiting for his class at the door of his hut. He stood in his moleskin overcoat, with Fang the boarhound at his heels, looking impatient to start.
'C'mon, now, get a move on!' he called as the class approached. 'Got a real treat for yeh today! A great lesson! Follow me!"
For one horrible moment, Secret thought that Hagrid was going to lead them into the forest; she had never been in, but hearing Ron and Harry's stories about what was in there was enough for her.
However, Hagrid strolled off around the edge of the trees, and five minutes later, they found themselves outside a kind of paddock. There was nothing in there.
'Right you lot, less chattering, form a group ever there. And open your book to page 49!' Hagrid said.
'How exactly do we do that?' Malfoy asked sarcastically.
'Just stroke the spine, of course. Goodness me.' Hagrid muttered as he walked off.
Secret pulled her book from her bag, where it had one of Ashley's thick leather belts binding it shut. Running a finger down the spine, she felt it give what could almost be classed as a content purr, and unbuckled it, allowing it to fall open docility in her hands. She gave a crooked smile, only to whip her head round as Neville's copy attempted to attack him.
'I think they're funny.' said Hermione, as Secret placed her bag, book and robe jacket down, before rolling her sleeves up - for a breezy, September afternoon, it was quite warm.
'Oh yeah, terribly funny. Really witty.'
'Oh Merlin, here we go.' she thought.
'God this place has gone to the dogs. Wait until my father hears that Dumbledore had got this oaf teaching classes.' Malfoy laughed.
'Dumstrang is that way Draco, no one is stopping you.' Secret snapped. 'Oh wait, except your mommy wanted her precious Drakkie-poo to stay close to home.'
The Gryffindor’s burst into laughter as Malfoy's pale face flamed.
'At least I have a mother still, Black.' He sneered.
Secret was taken aback as the Slytherin's jeered, but quickly regained her composition. 'I have 5 uncles. I don't need a mother to molly-coddle me. Maybe that's why I don't always go running to daddy whenever someone upsets me.'
'No, because you’re father is a
murderer.'
'Shut up Malfoy.' Harry had stepped in, much to Secret's displeasure – she had been looking for a good excuse to punch the slick git, and had just found one.
Malfoy smirked, and stepped forward. He suddenly looked up, and terror crossed his face.
'Dementor! Dementor!'
The whole of Gryffindor spun to look, leaving all the Slytherin's to laugh. when the house had turned back round, Malfoy, Crabbe, Goyle and Pansy had put their robes over their head in cruise impressions.
'Good look for you Pansy.' Secret retorted as Hermione dragged Harry away.
'Da da da daaa!'
Secret looked, and her jaw dropped.
Walking towards them, was, quite possibly, one of the most beautiful creatures she had ever seen.
'Isn't he beautiful? Say hello, to Buckbeak!'
'Hagrid, exactly what is that?' asked Ron.
'That, Ron, is a Hippogriff! First thing you wanna know about Hippogriffs, is that they've very proud creatures. Very, easily offended. You do not want to insult a Hippogriff. It may just be the last thing you ever do. Now!' Hagrid clapped his hands together. 'Who'd like to come say hello?'
The entire class stepped back, except for Harry - Neville even ducked behind a rock.
Hagrid turned back around. 'Well done Harry, well done.'
Secret tipped her hat back as Ron pushed Harry forward slightly, wary herself.
'Now, you have to let him make the first move; it's only polite. So, step up, give him a nice bow, then you wait and see if he bows back. If he does, you can go touch him. If not... well, we'll get to that later.'
She could see how nervous he was, and bit her bottom lip. She was nervous and she was back here.
Harry walked up, and stopped.
'Righ', now, make your bow. Nice and low.'
Harry did as he was told, and then glanced up.
Buckbeak wasn't bowing. Instead, he gave a indignant cry.
'Back off Harry, back off!' Harry took several hurried steps back, before stepping loudly on a twig and breaking it.
'Keep still. Just keep still...'
It was then Secret saw Buckbeak take a step forward and sink into was unmistakably a bow. She breathed out - she didn't even realise she had been holding it in.
'Well done Harry, well done. And you, yeh big brute...' Hagrid threw a dead ferret to Buckbeak.
Harry straightened up.
'Righ', I think ya can go pat him now.' Harry shot a look at Hagrid. 'Go on, don't be shy.'
Harry took a few nervous steps, but she lost the rest of her view as Malfoy pushed past, eating an apple.
'Watch it drake-poo.' she muttered.
'Shut it Black.'
She looked between Ron and Hermione's head - a difficult feat considering both were taller than her - and saw him to be much closer.
'Nice and slow now, nice and slow... woah, not so fast Harry.'
Buckbeak had made a snap. Secret saw Hermione grasp Ron's hand, before both realised and broke off. Secret inwardly grinned.
'Slow down Harry, that’s it. Nice and slow. Now, let him come to you.'
Harry stopped, and Buckbeak took a few steps forward. He sniffed the air round Harry's hand, much like a cat, before placing his head in the boy's palm, allowing him to pet him.
'Well done! Well done Harry.' Hagrid clapped.
Secret applauded with him, relieved.
'I reckon he may let yeh ride him now.'
'What?! Hey, hey hey hey hey hey!' Harry didn't get much of a say as Hagrid picked him up and sat him on Buckbeak's back.
'Over here, just below the wing joint. Now don't pull out any of his feather, cause he wont thank yeh for that!'
Hagrid slapped the rear of the Hippogriff, who reared up, Harry clinging for dear life, before taking a run, and spreading his wings, taking off.
'Woah!' was the last thing Secret heard before he vanished.
She watched him go, and then sat on a rock, twirling her wand between her fingertips, and debating just how much trouble she would be in if she hexed Malfoy into next year.
'Secret?' she looked up to see Hermione.
'Ciao bella.' she mumbled.
'Secret, don't think too much over what Draco said. He's just a nobody.' Hermione soothed, sitting next to her. 'And the answer to what you're think is, a lot of trouble, even if Snape is your father.'
'I dunno, you reckon I could make it look like an accident?' she smiled.
'Even then.'
They were brought back by the thudding of hooves, and looked to see Harry and Buckbeak had landed.
'Well done Harry! And well done Buckbeak!' Hagrid said.
'Oh please.' Draco got up and began to push his way through.
'Yeah, you're not dangerous at all, are you?! You great ugly brute!'
'Malfoy!'
Buckbeak reared up, and Secret found herself running towards the blonde boy.
'
Malfoy you idiot!' She screamed, pushing him out the way as Buckbeak brought his talons down.
She felt white-hot pain run through her arm, and she landed on the ground, clutching it to her. She could hear scream and yells, and Hagrid attempting to calm the Hippogriff.
'Secret!' Draco was by her side, tilting her face towards him.
'You. Are. An. Idiot.' she said simply.
'Yeah yeah, are you ok - ow!' He looked at her arm. She glanced down, to see blood oozing out three very deep cuts.
'Just a scratch.' she dismissed.
'Hagrid! She has to go to the hospital wing!' Hermione called.
'I'm the teacher, I'll do it!’ Hagrid’s arm’s scooped her up and she was carried from the class and up the grounds, Draco having vanished. Secret was almost worried as to what he was up to.
He arrived at the wing, and Madam Pomfrey looked up from where she was dealing with a babbling second-year, who had injured his leg and was currently chattering away, holding his camera to his chest.
‘Oh my dearie! It’s her again? What on earth have you done this time, Ms Snape?’
‘Accusational much?’ Secret joked as Hagrid sat her on the bed.
‘It were an accident…’ Hagrid started.
‘Just a scratch.’ Secret stated cheerfully.
‘These are some deep cuts Ms Snape. What was it that did this to you?’
‘Oh, nothing of any danger, really. It’s not poisoned or anything.’ She dismissed.
‘Hmm…’
Draco suddenly appeared at her side, making her jump from her skin.
‘Secret’ I’ve informed my father. He’s on his way now, and he’s furious.’ He said, thinking it would reassure her.
However, Secret was horrified. ‘Draco! There is no need to make such a fuss, it is just a few scratches, really…’
‘Where is she?! Where is my niece?!’
‘Goddammit.’ Secret muttered as Lucius came striding in.
‘Mr Malfoy, please! I am trying to attend to my patient!’ said Madam Pomfrey sternly, bringing a cloth to Secret’s arms and wiping the wounds. The solution stung and she winced, hissing softly.
‘Secret, Draco told me you were attacked by a Hippogriff. Is this true?’
‘Well, yeah, but only because…’
‘There is no need to try and defend the half-breed. He cannot hurt you.’
‘But, seriously…’
‘Secret, just relax I shall sort this out. Just get better.’ With that, he turned and walked from the Wing, presumably in the direction of Dumbledore’s office.
‘What in the name of Merlin?!’ she exclaimed. ‘Draco, did you forget to say that you were the reason?’
‘I may have omitted that…’ he mumbled.
‘
YOU. FREAKING. MORON!’
‘Ms Snape! Please calm down or I shall have to call your father!’ exclaimed Madam Pomfrey, as she banaged her arm and placed it in a sling.
‘Do! I’d love a reason to have a word with him right now! He’s not on my good list either!’ Secret felt perfectly furious.
‘Well, I am right here.’ Her face drained of colour and she whipped her head to see him striding up the wing.
‘If I may have a moment with my daughter.’ He said in a low voice.
‘Professor I need to tend to her.’
‘It will be only a minute.’
Madam Pomfrey looked to be on the verge of disagreement, but she sighed. ‘Come along Mr Malfoy.’
Draco followed her out, casting a glance at her. As soon as the doors had closed, Snape had engulfed her tightly in a hug.
‘Merlin’s sake Dad!’ she exclaimed.
‘Oh word Secret, are you ok?’ he pulled back and tilted her head in his hands, checking her.
‘I’m fine! It was just a Hippogriff!’ she dismissed.
‘I meant with Sirius Black! I saw him, with you!’
‘Erm… how exactly?’ she asked sarcastically.
Snape’s face paled as he realized he head let slip.
‘I trusted you. Only to find you had been watching me.’ She spat, wrenching her face from his hands. ‘Thanks a bunch Dad.’
‘Secret… I was just worried...’ he mumbled.
‘Since when does that make it right to watch me?’ she snapped.
‘I didn’t want anything to happen to you!’
‘Dad, what could of happened to me? I was at school!
‘That’s not really been reassuring of late!’
Secret couldn’t take any more. Swinging her legs from the bed, she picked her bag up with her good arm, and slung it over the shoulder, before grabbing her guitar case and marching from the Wing.
‘Miss Snape! Where are you going?’ asked Madam Pomfrey.
‘Anywhere he’s not.’ She muttered, heading down that stairs and towards Muggle Music, tears pooling in her eyes.
Arriving, she pushed the door open, only to discover she had cut Andy off mid-stream and now had the whole class staring at her.
‘Sorry Professor. I was at the Hospital Wing.’ She mumbled.
Andy sighed, glancing at her arm worriedly and her red eyes. ‘Take a seat please Miss Snape.’
She moved to take a seat – unfortunately the only one was next to Pansy. An awards silence settled between the two girls as Andy went on - last time they were in this close proximity, Pansy had gained a red cheek and broken noise, and Secret a busted lip and black eye
‘Thank you.’ Secret’s head snapped to look at Pansy as the girl spoke.
‘For what you did for Draco. Thank you.’ She mumbled.
‘You’re… You’re welcome.’ Secret mumbled.
‘Are you ok? You look like you want to cry.’
‘Just, I had an argument with my dad.’ Secret sighed.
‘About what?’ Both girls turned to see Jinxx there, looking at her with concern written all over his face.
‘Just something Jinxxie. It don’t matter.’ Secret whispered.
‘Jinxxie?’ Pansy looked confused.
‘Well, ya see… Professor Biersack, he’s my Uncle. And the guys, they’re pretty much Uncle’s too.’ Said Secret.
Pansy nodded slowly. ‘I get it.’
‘So, what you got then Miss Parkinson?’ asked Jinxx.
Pansy pulled out a small case, which Secret hadn’t really noticed, and placed it on her lap, opening it. Secret gasped.
Inside, was a beautiful, wooden, honey coloured violin, looking to be in the most pristine condition ever – it looked like it was tenderly polished and looked after everyday.
‘The violin?’ asked Jinxx, surprised.
Pansy nodded shyly. ‘Yeah… my parent’s don’t know I play. They wouldn’t approve of me playing with Muggle things. They don’t even know I’m taking this.’
‘Let’s here.’ Said Secret, curious.
Giving a nervous cough, Pansy picked it up and rested it under her chin, placing the bow on the strings before beginning to play. Even though the classroom was full of basses, and guitars, and vocals, and the heavy, soothing rhythm of bass drums playing - even a Ukulele somewhere amongst the noise - Secret heard every single note, every whisper of the strings as they entwined in perfect harmony with the bow. It sent chills coursing through her body from the pure beauty.
As the violin slowly faded and the spell broken, Secret could only stare, open jawed at Pansy, who had an unusual red colouring spreading over her cheeks.
‘That was amazing Pansy.’ Secret whispered.
‘You-You really thought so?’ Pansy asked, surprised.
‘Yeah! That was so enchanting, like the notes were being woven into a blanket of music…’
‘Secret, have you ever considered writing something muggle’s call “Fan-fiction”?’ Pansy laughed.
Secret grinned. Maybe Pansy wasn’t so bad.
‘Secret!’ Andy had suddenly rushed over, having gained a free moment. ‘What in the name of Merlin happened?’
‘She saved Draco from getting injured.’ Pansy said suddenly. ‘And took it herself.’
‘It’s a few scratches.’ Secret mumbled.
‘Percy is going to have a fit when he sees this.’ Jinxx smirked.
‘Oh god.’ Secret groaned, face palming with her good hand.